One strong finger broke the wax seal and his eyes landed upon the familiar handwriting he knew to belong to the Aes Sedai. His eyes scanned over it paused at the time she had given him to meet her. "Late afternoon?" He asked the walls as he lowered the letter to the floor. She would have to keep me waiting for most of the day." Ronan said with an amused smirk. It seemed that he had much to learn about Sephann, as much as she had to learn about him. He wondered if this sudden streak of stubbornness was something he should expect from here on out.

Of course there was nothing he could do about what time she wished to meet, he would have to respect her wishes so he would go on about his morning as usual. As he finished tucking the white linen shirt into his pants, Ronan secured his sword belt over the pants and pulled on a green woollen jacket. It was plain but well made. He closed the door upon the letter and thoughts of what tonight might possibly bring and focused his attention upon the sword lessons that were at hand. He'd have class after class full of students and couldn't make a fool out of himself by wondering if a woman was going to be stubborn later that night.

The day went well and his classes went as they usually did, a few Siswai sent to run laps under Marshal Gaidin's sever eye while the others went off for their supper. Ronan took the time to enjoy an empty bathhouse, and decently hot water. He washed the dirt and sweat of the day from his body and hair. Nothing made you work up a good sweat like yelling at a bunch of Siswai all day long. The Manshima were only a little better most of the time.

The bells started to toll to say supper was over just as he was pulling on another green coat over a crisp linen shirt. This coat was made of better wool and of a finer cut than the one he used on the practice fields. After securing the sword belt around his waist Ronan tucked the letter that Sephann had sent to him into the inside pocket of the coat as he left his rooms. Luckily he did not have any late lessons with the Black Tower's Soldiers that day. He had changed enough of them over the past few days as it was. Closing the door, Ronan made his way up to the Aes Sedai's rooms and knocked upon the door. His black pants were tucked into turndown black boots and his white linen shirt was a brilliant white.

"Come in, Ronan."

Ronan frowned slightly as he opened the door. Not even Bonded yet and she knew it was him. Sometimes it was alarming how an Aes Sedai knew who was on the other side. Although he had to admit that given the note he had received this morning she had probably made sure she would have no one else to attend his evening. He shut the door behind him and made his way to the chair that he found himself occupying more and more of late. He made a bow before taking a seat.

"Well, at least that's one less thing to break you of."

Her words were soft and sounded amused though she did not look up from the tea cup she was holding. Ronan opened his mouth as if he was about to say something but closed it again. It seemed Sephann had a lot to learn about Borderlander customs, of course he knew he had a lot to learn about the woman in front of him as well. Once again it came to how much they had to learn about one another. Of course he would not point that out to her or she would have another point to argue against the Bond with. And he was stubborn enough to put in that she Bond him until she did. Sephann finally looked up at him, her sky blue eyes meeting his brown.

"You still wish to do this?"

She was still unsure; it came through in her voice. But he was sure, very sure. More sure than he had been when Shalis had asked him. For some reason this Bond that he was going to form felt like the right one. Her question made the left side of his lip quirk up in a half smile but he nodded. "Do you?" He asked wondering if she would give a last argument to why they shouldn't. She sighed and he prepared himself for an argument.

"Let us be clear on one thing; I still do not necessarily think this is a good idea. If I could have my way I'd see to it that you never came within 10 miles of me or them again. However, as you seem determined to thwart that request, I believe the safest option for both of us, is to go through with this."

She was so concerned with his safety, he wondered if it was the same as how he was concerned with hers. It was touching but slightly annoying how she was constantly worrying about his safety. However, Ronan merely chuckled. "You would have a hard time making sure I kept that request, seeing as how we both have to live at the White Tower. But I agree that it is probably by far the safer option." Apparently she knew he was stubborn enough not to head the request without better reason. However she merely took a sip of the tea she had been holding and made a face as if it had offended her.

"You're sure?"

Ronan nodded, she was as hard headed as he was. He would give her that. "I told you I would not change my mind after my request." He had meant it as well. He was surprised she was not arguing but merely making sure he was sure about this Bond. He couldn't blame her given what had happened with Shalis but he was approaching her with the Bond, not the other way around. At his statement she merely nodded and looked thoughtful. Taking the time to adjust his sword so he could sit comfortable, Ronan watched her face as it changed from thoughtful to settled. Ronan knew she had finally made up her mind when she stood, although he could have done without the sigh that accompanied it.

"Rise, Ronan Arovani, and swear by any oath, and in whatever words you wish that you will serve and obey me for so long as we are bonded."

Ronan rose but couldn't help but think she had gone through some trouble to learn his whole name. Or perhaps she used the same source he did, Lacy Sedai. He had learned her last name and a whole host of interesting facts from the Green who was more than happy to talk while knitting baby booties. After he was standing Ronan unsheathed his sword and placed it at her feet, kneeling to one knee. One hand upon his sword hilt the other upon his chest. "I Ronan Arovani, here by swear by the Light and my Hope of Salvation that I will serve and obey you until the Bond is broken or until I die." Her hand rested upon his head.

"And in return to you I swear under the Light that I will never give you any command with the intent of saving your life at the expense of my own."

Ronan felt mildly surprised that she had given her own oath but quickly forgot the surprise as he felt the bond settled into him. Sephann was now a tight knot in the back of his head. And that knot was a knot of pure fear and nerves, he wondered how she went on about her day without constantly chewing at her nails or doing other nervous habits that women had. The fear seemed to be eating her alive. Ronan looked up in time to see Sephann nod. As she spoke he noted her shaking voice.

"One more thing,"

Ronan stood and sheathed his sword. Now that the oath was over he had no reason to have it out. For now they seemed to be safe. "And what would that be Aes Sedai?" He asked as he felt out the Bond to see what her emotions were. She seemed to be slightly amused as she gave him a weak smile.

"I do not want you to call me Aes Sedai anymore. My name is Sephann, feel free to use it more often."

Ronan opened his mouth to argue but closed it again realizing that she was testing his oaths. There was no way he could argue with such a simple request and not look like a fool. "Of course Sephann." He told her with a slight smile upon his handsome face. This Bond should prove to be interesting. She seemed to be as stubborn as he was. But that was good; she would need to be stubborn to survive the mission she had set herself. The blush the crept across her cheeks matched the slight bit of embarrassment that he felt through the Bond. He was utterly confused why following her order would make her blush. He followed her back to the chairs and sat after she did. He knew it irritated her if he remained standing.

*~*~*~*

Sephann crossed her legs, sipping at her tea, her eyes watching him. It was strange, having that little ball in the back of her mind. She could feel him, every time he moved, the tiniest shift in his emotions, she felt it all. Mostly, though, she just felt concern, and stubbornness. He had a very focused mind, which explained why he was able to defeat her so easily when her logic faltered. Or even when it didn’t for that matter. He was strangely… devoted… too, to a point which she was almost describe as irrational. He’d decided to watch over her and he wasn’t going to take no for an answer; it was a hard stance to take, but at the same time he took it with a certain… gentleness. And she supposed that was why she’d ultimately failed to dissuade him. There were certain emotions that logic could not stand against.

The question remained, what was she going to do with him now?

"There is a room I am not using. If you wish to leave the barracks you may use it; whichever is more preferable." It probably wasn’t the most sensible thing to suggest, especially given how he’d behave so inappropriately the previous day. She was content that he’d apologised and she was ready to forget the incident, but that didn’t mean it was necessarily wise to invite him into her quarters.

But still, Ronan nodded as she spoke. "Which ever would be best for you Sephann. I'd hate to impose upon your privacy if that is what you desire." Sephann sighed setting down her tea. He would choose this moment to stop pressing her with his opinions and support. He would pick this moment to become… uncertain. "Ronan, now that you've forced you way into my head, I'll not have you jumping around being concerned about my privacy. This is an arrangement you asked for, so I will require that some of the terms be defined by you. I am not inviting you into my bedroom, merely a room attached to my quarters that is not in use. Do you want it or not?"

He was amused by her sudden show of nerve and spirit, something that caused her the slightest touch of annoyance. "I would feel more comfortable being closer to you.” He said. “Just in case something untoward should happen, I would be closer at hand and not have to run up fifty flights of stairs."

Sephann nodded, keeping her face blank as a feeling of relief washed over her. Strangely the idea of having him close at hand made her feel more comfortable. Perhaps she needed him more than she cared to admit. "As you wish.” She felt relief coming from him as well. He’d expected her to fight, she realised; after she’d pushed him away so determinedly, perhaps he’d always expect her to fight.

"You'll hardly notice I'm here." He told her, sounding sincere.

Sephann raised an eyebrow a touch of humour leaking into her voice. "I believe I'll reserve judgement on that. Thus far you've been quite noticeable with your presence. I believe that's how all this happened in the first place." That said, she had heard from others that he was rather quiet. She hoped he never found out how much she’d asked after him.

Ronan chuckled and nodded. "Yes. Although I believe that at least one time that noticeable presence has been a good thing. Although in all honesty when you have no need of me I'll spend most of my time doing lessons with the Siswai and Manshima."

Sephann sipped at her cup. "You mean twice, don't you?" It wasn’t just yesterday he’d saved her life.

Ronan shrugged as if it was nothing of consequence. "The first time was what got us into this mess. Although I guess you could see it as positive. Now I know you are not some crazy woman, but had a reason for looking at me as if I had grown a second head."

She allowed herself a small smile. Given her reaction at the time, it was hard to imagine him thinking of her as anything but insane. She must have looked terrified. "It's nice, not to be thought of as crazy."

Ronan gave her a small smile and nodded. "I'm sure."

A silence fell over them and Sephann rubbed her forehead. Embracing saidar she put a ward around him. There were still a few issues that needed to be addressed away from prying ears. Given the small jokes that had started to pass between them, she didn’t really want to raise the topic of what had brought them together. "The question is going to be asked, so I need to have an answer for them. Are we going to continue to portray you as a lovesick dolt I have under my control, or as someone I've persuaded over to the Shadow, because he was a lovesick dolt."

He paused, considering her question. "I'm prepared to act either way. I would appreciate it if we could come up with another word for dolt though I'm sure the Black Ajah is amused by it. If it makes your life easier I'm prepared to pretend that I have sworn to the Shadow, as long as I do not have to kill a Light sworn innocent to do it."

At his words she felt her heart tighten. She’d realised long ago that the Black Ajah might eventually ask her to kill someone or worse. Her tasks thus far had been meaningless, trivial and she was content to leave them that way, but she knew that would not be the case. Sooner or later someone would place a knife in her hand and she would no longer have a choice. Ronan on the other hand… "I think perhaps you can remain ignorant and under my control for now..."

He nodded. "I'll try to play a very convincing lovesick dolt, although a very proper one." He added a small amused smile, as if trying to cheer her up. It worked.

She kept her face neutral, but there was the slightest touch of amusement to her words. "I expect as much.” Sephann sighed, finishing her tea. "I have a meeting with them tomorrow night." Part of her had wanted to keep it from him, but she knew that was not the agreement. They were supposed to have an open and honest relationship now, which meant she had to give him the trust she expected in return. It was hard, trusting someone after hiding so many parts of herself for so long.

Ronan’s jaw tightened, but he merely nodded. "I take it you'll once again be in the depths of the Tower?"

She could only nod. "It would be better if you were somewhere visible during that time. It's too late to be in the dining hall. Do you ever practice on the fields at night?"

"Actually I have lessons with Asha'man trainees in the evenings on most nights. I've just rescheduled them the past few nights,” he supplied.

Sephann nodded again. "Good, go to them and don't let what you feel concern you. My emotions can become a little... erratic... when I'm dealing with those women." She smiled softly in an effort to reassure him. The last thing she needed was him rushing frantically after her when she was not in danger. "If I need you, you'll know." She hoped she wouldn’t.

"You know I'll be there if I'm needed,” he said with a nod; though she could feel there was more to it than that.

"We usually meet in the same corridor, different rooms. So long as you remember the way down you should be able to find me..." She said, raising her eyes to his.

Ronan nodded again, meeting her gaze. "I remember the way. Trust me; I'll be able to find you using the Bond. Remember, you can use me for emotional support through the Bond."

Sephann smiled weakly. It was strange that he should phrase it so similarly to the way Lacy had. Absently, she wondered if the Green might not have been meddling in matters she ought not to. It was a silly thought of course, probably nothing more than a coincidence. "So long as I know you're safe, that's enough,” she told him and to a certain extent it was true. Simply having a means to know he was safe, did a lot for her peace of mind.

He chuckled, still apparently amused by her concern. "As much as you are concerned with my safety, I think you'll do enough worrying for the both of us. I promise that they'll have a hard time catching me in a trap."

Sephann's face softened, feeling his strength and confidence. Maybe he did know what he was talking about. He had killed two channelers for her, so far. Light only knew what else he was capable of. Light only knew if it would be enough. "I hope you're right."

"I think I have a few tricks up my sleeve. They didn't expect me to scale across the Tower to get onto your balcony to get in,” he said, the confidence in his voice only adding to that in the bond.

Sephann blushed slightly at the idea of him entering her room through the balcony. It was inappropriate, completely so, yet strangely romantic. There was a foolish thought. She pushed it aside as quickly as it formed. He was her warder, and she was not… one of those sisters. She couldn’t really fault his talent though; it had saved her life. "Well... so long as you save that one for emergencies only." She cleared her throat softly, feeling the need to change the subject, in case he got a sudden urge to pursue whatever emotions that might have slipped through. "You should probably get your things."

Ronan nodded, failing to hide a smile. Apparently some of them had escaped, despite her efforts. "I'll go gather them. I promise not to disturb you when I return." With that he stood and gave her a bow before leaving as gracefully as he’d entered.

Sephann watched him go, her eyes lingering on the door long after it had closed behind him. She realised then that letting the mask of the Aes Sedai fall once he was gone would make little difference. He was a part of her now, forever and always. Not forever, you need only release him and it’s done. But she couldn’t release him, she could see that now. So long as he remained true to his oath, she would keep him near. So long as he wanted to protect her, she would watch over him. So long as the Pattern saw fit to keep them together, so would they be.