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The man was obviously not about to respond, but she was sure he had heard her and that was enough. Kiae nodded at Ethin's suggestion, feeling his distrust through the Bond. She didn't fault him for that, but there was something curious about the old man she would find out eventually. And Light blast Esole if she got in her way.

"All right, Ethin. There are a few places I would like to inspect before we choose a lodging, if that's all right with you," she added calmly, unsure which buildings would still be of use to them. She moved the gelding back closer to Ethin's steed, ignoring Esole's angry looks.

Melthin simply nodded and had his horse follow closely behind Esole. "You would think kindness is a lost talent in these troubling times...." He said quietly under his breath as he rode on. He was far more then I expected but I wonder. There is something about him that intrigues me. Melthin shook off the thought as he plotted his movements carefully. He leaned in and whispered to Esole, trying to make sure that no one in the party heard. "I am to be called Geofram here. The populace sees me as high nobility and I must play my part of the charade which will not be too hard as I am a bit of a shut in too most. To their knowledge I have been away on a hunting expedition. I am glad that they think me a poor hunter so they will not be surprised when I return with nothing." As for Esole, I will need to think of her story as well.

He turned away from her and looked to Kiae with as much humility he could muster in the presence of the Yellow. "If I may ask of you Kiae Sedai, would you please refer to me as Geofram Malkin from this point onward. The locals have come to know me by that name and I would appreciate it if you and Ethin would use it. People would become confused to see a noble called by more then one name." With that he tried to give the most pleading look he could give her, which lasted for 4 seconds before Melthin's face began to ache. I will have to tell Bartello to get into contact with my spies and have them begin digging information out of the gutters again. So much to do and so little time to enjoy my stay here.

Kiae nodded towards Melthin after he finished his request, not even sparing a glance for his poor acting. "Of course I will. Aliases are not surprising to have in any city," she replied, wondering if her attitude would surprise him. "I have a few myself. I have not been to Cairhien in several years, however, and so much has changed I doubt anyone will recognize me," she added.

It was not necessary to ask them to refrain from calling her Sedai. Anyone who know one would know her for it, and anyone who did not would remain ignorant of the fact.

Melthin nodded as he continued thinking, A familiar voice to him pulling him from his thoughts. The man who stood before Melthin and Esole was taller then most and seemed unhealthily thin and frail. His blading head, long eyelashes and white mustache mark his age clearly. He was dressed from head to toe in black finery, something odd for a servant to wear. "Master Malkin. You have returned. Shall I ready the mantle piece Mi'Lord..." He paused for a brief moment and looked over Esole, his face staying nonchalant as he was already deciding where to host her "Or perhaps an extra place setting for the evening meal?"

Melthin smiled at Bartello as he knew the old man was already preparing room arrangements and whatnot for Esole in his mind. "Neither in a sense. I am glad you received my message. I will need an extra pillow in the master bedchamber and I will need to know what has happened between the houses since I have been gone. No doubt they already know I have returned." Bartello nodded and turned guiding himself and his master back as he spoke to him. Melthin motioned for Esole to follow the old man as he gave her a heartfelt smile. It is so good to be back.

Esole nodded in the older gentleman's direction before resuming her place beside Melthin. She had no idea where they were going but decided that she had nowhere else to go and settled for taking up company with Melthin. "He always seemed to be full of surprises so why not?" she thought with a small smile.

She shot a glance back at Ethin and Kiae. Kiae did not look pleased at them for whatever reason. "When is she ever?" she thought with a small chuckle. Whatever the Yellow's problem was, Esole decided it was not important enough to worry about.

There was no one around that seemed to recognize her, or she them, as they made their way down the street, horses keeping them safe from common pickpockets. Either everyone she knew here had died or left, the former highly likely. It didn't bother her much, though, it was how like worked. Especially when you were an Aes Sedai.

"Ethin, I believed I had made it clear. I do not wish to be called that in this city," Kiae said calmly, her tone even. "Kiae will be fine while we're here, remember that."

Marek sighed, deciding that this wasn't getting him anywhere, and stood up. As he strode through the doorway, he looked both ways, before deciding that he should head for the marketplace, that was usually the best place to hear a rumor, or get a lead. Drawing his long cloak around his shoulders and his hood over his head, he started down the road, putting weight that he really didn't need to place onto the staff as he walked, trying to walk akin to a crippled old man.

"My apologies.. Kiae," Ethin said, a slight frown marring his face. It did not feel right calling her by her name without a title. Ethin sighed and dismissed the thought. He was still too much of a nobleman. He knew he would have to adjust if he was to maintain Kiae's company.

"Kiae. May I ask where we are headed? Once we are settled, I was hoping to ask around about Master Geofram. If that does not conflict with your plans of course," Ethin asked lightly.