Chapter 28
"Well, I plan on visiting a place known for their dislike of male channelers, and being one myself means I need to use a certain finesse. With you guys here, that makes things harder," Levi said. "So we're a burden to you?" Mat asked, and Levi chuckled. "Exactly. Plus, I feel like with you guys with me, exploring certain places would be close to impossible, so I have a better chance on my own," he explained. They understood where he was coming from—plus, he could shapeshift, so sneaking into places wouldn't be difficult unless he was accompanied by an entire cohort.
"Where are you planning on visiting?" Lan asked uncharacteristically. Levi politely replied, "Well, first there's Tar Valon and the White Tower, then Fal Dara. Oh, and I also want to visit the Aiel Waste and Rhuidean—that's going to be fun." The places he listed made Moiraine raise an eyebrow. "Are you really planning on visiting all those places?" she asked. Levi nodded. Moiraine smiled and said, "Well, good luck, Levi. I hope our paths cross again." Levi smiled in return. "I hope so, too. Goodbye, everyone. And goodbye, grabby river lady," he said to Egwene, who nearly fell off her horse. "Why does he keep calling you that?" Rand asked, but Egwene didn't answer as they watched Levi take the form of an eagle and fly off.
-scene change-
Levi, as expected, arrived at Tar Valon way earlier than the cohort, given his speed, but he had to land before entering the city and assume an insect form, which was an experience and a half. After arriving at the city, Levi was enamored — even though he had lived in the 21st century, there was something about seeing an ancient city that made people smile. Tar Valon, often hailed as the most beautiful city in the world, is situated on an island in the River Erinin, just south of the towering Dragonmount. The island's diamond-like shape stretches approximately ten miles from north to south and spans three to four miles at its widest point, covering nearly fifty square miles.
The city's architecture is renowned for its organic and harmonious designs. Buildings gracefully curve and flow, creating an aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. The structures, primarily constructed from gleaming white stone, exude an aura of purity and elegance.
Surrounded by dual concentric walls reinforced with the One Power, Tar Valon is designed to be virtually impregnable. The outer wall encloses the entire island, housing the majority of the city's populace, while the inner wall encircles the White Tower and its associated edifices. Access to the city is facilitated by six gracefully arching bridges connecting Tar Valon to the mainland. Each bridge leads to a neighboring village: Jualdhe, Darein, Alindaer, Luagde, Daghain, and Osenrein, serving as gateways for commerce and travel.
Beyond its architectural splendor, Tar Valon thrives as a bustling hub of trade and culture. Levi was currently in one of the city's inns, singing — and if the happy expression on his face was anything to go by, then he was enjoying this, especially since he had the whole inn's attention all to himself.
Levi stood in the middle of the lively inn, the warm glow of the hearth casting flickering shadows across the wooden beams and rough stone walls. The place was packed — tables crowded with boisterous patrons, tankards raised high, and the air thick with the scent of roasted meat and spiced ale. Yet despite the noise, all eyes were on him. He strummed his guitar with practiced ease, fingers dancing over the strings as his voice rose above the clamor — smooth, rich, and soulful. The melody poured out of him like honeyed wine, wrapping around the crowd and quieting them bit by bit until the only sounds were his music and the soft crackle of the fire.
"I've been in love with a heartbreaker
I know that everything dies later
That's when they tell me I'm falling deep
I've never landed straight on my feet…"
The words hung in the air, weaving a spell over the room. A hush fell over the patrons — even the most drunken among them seemed captivated. Some swayed in their seats, mugs forgotten as they listened, while others tapped their fingers in time with the beat. Levi's voice dipped low and rose high, his expression intense and raw, the emotion in his song palpable. He moved through the inn, weaving between tables with his guitar, his presence magnetic. The flickering lanterns overhead cast golden highlights on his face and the gleam of his instrument. A few patrons reached out, pressing coins into his hand or tossing them onto the tray of a passing serving maid.
"Drunk on these feelings with no chaser
I could walk out and it won't faze her
She doesn't know that I'm on my knees
That I'd let her walk all over me…"
A group near the hearth started singing along, their voices rough and off-key but full of spirit. Laughter rippled through the crowd as one particularly drunk man stood on his chair, sloshing ale over his shirt as he waved his arms dramatically. Levi grinned, spinning around as he played, the rhythm never faltering. The inn's serving maids flitted through the crowd with practiced ease, delivering frothing mugs and hearty plates, but even they stole glances his way, their smiles soft as they listened. One of them — a red-haired woman with a dimpled grin — set a tankard of ale on the nearest table and blew Levi a playful kiss before hurrying off.
"Oh, even if you don't need me around
Could I stay for a while, stay for a while? Yeah
Now my secondhand heart has been found
Could I stay for a while, stay for a while?"
Coins clinked against the wooden floor as more people tossed their appreciation his way. Levi caught one midair without missing a note, winking at the thrower and sending the crowd into fresh cheers. The atmosphere was electric — the combination of music, drink, and joy turning the inn into a haven of warmth and celebration. Levi let himself get lost in the song, his voice soaring, his fingers flying over the strings, the world narrowing to the music and the crowd hanging on his every word.
"I'd give anything to hold ya
Even if it's over, we could call it closure
I don't mind (I don't mind), I don't mind (I don't mind)
You could walk over my chest
And take and take and take, until there's nothing left…"
As the song reached its climax, Levi slowed, his voice softening into a near whisper. The crowd leaned in, spellbound. Even the rowdiest drinkers held their breath, eyes fixed on him as he poured every ounce of emotion into the final words. When the last note faded into silence, there was a beat of stillness — then the room exploded in applause and cheers. Tankards were raised, feet stamped, and a few enthusiastic patrons whistled and called for more. Levi took a sweeping bow, grinning wide, his heart pounding with exhilaration.
The red-haired serving maid appeared at his side, pressing a fresh mug of ale into his hand with a teasing smile. "That was something else, traveler," she said, her eyes twinkling. Levi raised the mug in thanks, the taste of victory and ale mingling on his tongue. Tonight, Tar Valon was his stage, and the night was still young.