The city of Tar Valon was much different from Tear, and it was apparent especially from two stories up in the darkest part of the night. The alabaster Tower stood in the middle of the city silently; a monolith that was meant to stand for everything decent in the known world. Light knew appearances were deceiving and though it would be disputed time and time again, the truth was that despite their insistence otherwise, Aes Sedai were human to the core. They, as well as the underlings within the city were not without fault; not unable to make mistakes or submit to temptation. It could make a man smirk upon thinking it. Why would they have such a problem quelling the Black Ajah rumors if there wasn't truth behind it?

As Sarek sat upon the roof of the Gholam Inn lazily, he smirked at his own thoughts. He was bound to struggle with the women that controlled the city until one of them finally gave up and left. Light knew that would be a long period away, because if Rose was in Tar Valon, so would he. Still, it was laughable to think that they claimed omnipotence. He knew better. Shaking his head, he decided to move on from the sisters and reflect more upon his life.

As the vision of his brother being dragged away popped in his head, Sarek snarled at the night air. Why would that be forever associated with his past? Why did he have such a hard time moving away from that image? Glowering at the roof at his feet, he couldn't summon up an answer to any of his internal inquisitions. It was as if there was a force out there, never allowing him to forget what happened. Sarek's frown deepened. Something told him that despite the fact that he watched his brother dragged away, it wouldn't be the end of the story. Sarek sighed to himself as he gave in to the vision, allowing it to once again replay within his own mind. Light, he was feeling ill.

As a man walked under his nose and into the raucous Inn, Sarek couldn't help but feel like he looked familiar. He smirked. Thanks to his cover as Fenril the Gleeman, he was doomed to interact with the people closer than he was used to. Not to say that it was all bad. Certain people were actually rather pleasant. Of course, there was a plethora more who were less pleasant, but he wasn't exactly there to make friends. Still, he knew he shouldn't get too close to anyone. Though Rose wasn't exactly the type to hire Sarek for what he was trained for, that may one day change. Light burn him, but he was afraid he was beginning to forget how to use his throwing knives. Of course, that bridge would be crossed when he came to it.

And, as the subject of Rose popped in his mind, he couldn't help but think on her. Though they were within a few months of their relationship, he felt like he might actually know her all too well. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, she was his family, and he had to learn to trust her. Light knew she'd proven to him time and time again that she was one of the smartest and most capable women he'd ever met, which made him even happier over the fact that she had come into his life. As he sat there alone in his thoughts, it began to dawn on him.

It may have actually happened. Though the idea of it scared him, he felt a lump in his chest that just would not go away as he thought upon the woman who literally forced herself into his life. It couldn't be that feeling that he was told time and time again by the man who haphazardly raised him was a faux. Love. Impossible. There was no such sensation; no such grandiose gesture. It was but a story.

Snorting out his displeasure, he frowned slightly. Besides, even if it were real, why in the Light would he be allowed to feel as such? He was a bad person; he'd done wicked things, things he was beyond ashamed of doing for something as simple as coin. No, he shouldn't be allowed to feel this way. Emotions this pure were reserved for men who were more deserved; pristine men who rescued damsels from the clutches of Shadowspawn and would bend over backwards to help his fellow man, not for a selfish assassin.

And yet, he couldn't shake it off. All he could do was envision Rose's face in his own mind, and it hurt him as he thought of doing anything that she would disapprove of. For some reason, letting her down would be like stabbing himself in the chest with one of his ebony daggers. He bit his lower lip as his green eyes danced about, looking to the city and the roof he sat upon for an answer. What cruel acts were being performed upon his conscience? It could be only one thing. As it finally dawned upon him, he could feel it changing him; feel the emotion overwhelming his once steadfast and rock solid enforcements.

He was in love. Light burn that woman for doing this to him. He barely knew her, yet he knew every facet of her being. His mind raced; he didn't want to admit it. A part of him wanted to run away, as if his thoughts and emotions wouldn't follow if he ran far enough. Light, this meant he'd be tied down for an eternity and be forced to be a good person. His stomach wretched at the thought. Settling down, having children, letting people know his real name and having friends - yes, he was definitely feeling ill.

As his head began floating and he could feel darkness begin to wrap around him, a beacon stood out in his mind. Something told him that being in love with the woman would change him, but he was ready for it. Perhaps this would turn over a new leaf for the young man and change his ways entirely. Sarek smirked slightly. That probably wouldn't happen. Still, it changed him (even if subtly) and something told the thin man that he would never be the same. Standing from his position, he opted to go to the source, and perhaps tell her of his new lease on life.