Sparring Ring of Blood

[tismeb4u]

Seiaman stepped away from the announcement boards - having reviewed her newly changed Tower Guard duties. The increase of her work hours ensured that she didn't dwell too much on memories of times past. She was now allowed to join the City Guard in patrolling Tar Valon - something that she would learn to enjoy as it took her away from the Yards. She glanced up at the sky, dark clouds still hung low and the cold wind threatened to blow down weak trees. With a shake of her head, she walked towards the sparring ring to see if there were any interesting fights occuring. The new generation of Tower Guards were now more verbal and daring in their moves; she had to admit it was better than watching a tavern brawl these days. She passed a small ceremony nearby, an Aes Sedai bonding her choice of Tower Guard - the faint words were carried over by the wind but Seiaman could not give it much attention. The mere mention of a bond was enough to foul her mood, even when it was already pretty grim. But you have to admit that opening yourself to bond another may help heal your wounds, Seiaman. With a sigh, she pushed the thought out of her head - she was not ready yet.

 

A drop of rain fell onto her face, sliding underneath her eye patch as she came to the sparring ring. It was quiet but there were small groups nearby - training with each other and practicing their moves. Oh, you might as well, Seiaman. She stepped into the ring, unclasping her cloak and letting it hang on a nearby branch as she pulled out her pole staff, ensuring that the leather caps were firmly attached. It would not do to have them go loose - the pewter spikes underneath may cause unnecessary harm to those who did not deserve it. And she did not want another meeting with the Commander of Tower Guards about her excessive sparring behavior.

 

The sparring ring floor was muddy - worn out by its frequent use. But it was still suitable, battlefields almost never had sure footing - soaked with blood and guts. Seiaman settled into her own custom guard stance, waiting to see if any would see her challenge and step in for a spar.

 

~ Seiaman Kera

 

ooc: Seiaman's WS is 15 - Path is Knowledge with the discpline of speed (closest to Me'Arearth as I can find!) Her weapons: Pole Staff, small axes/daggers, and hand to hand combat. There has been times Seia was beaten by a small group of TG with lesser WS than her. Aes Sedai with a WS and knowledge to battle with the forms combined with the OP are welcome.

 

 

 

Dark steel gray sky’s held watch over Tar Valon; moisture heavy in their shape and scent as Corin made his way back toward the Tower Wall. There had been a cool breeze when he had departed that morning but now an ominous stillness held the threatening sky’s in place. The foreboding feeling’s it brought forth instilled the image of a short woman who’s hard gaze many had fallen under. He still had not worked out how someone so gifted in the great game could not seem to ascertain the simplest concept of his continued presence. As it stood she seemed to take painstakingly precise steps to infuriate, separate, and dominate his control. Appearing more then once to not even realize she was at it in the first place.

 

He had begun to collect snippets and rumors on the wind of the few things that became some what public about her comings and goings; which was no small task with her. Everything kept closely guarded and veiled regardless of importance or lack there of. The fact only added to the infuriating confusion she stoked in him like a constantly fueled furnace. Why she effected him so was a mystery that further provoked frustration in him. He could feel the familiar tension building in his neck again at the continued unanswered questions plaguing him, including why he could not just make him self walk away.

 

The sounds of wood meeting wood with a purpose; steel ringing on steel with intent drifted to him as he entered the yard once more. The clatter seemed soothing to his nerves; mind already adopting the beginnings of his meditative state. After all his time here, the yard felt more like home to him then he ever remembered any place else; the ranks and trainees his family for better or worse. As if the very thought had conjured up the darkness it self, his eyes caught sight of a form he had come to silently loath.

 

Seiaman stood in the center of one of the spar rings; her stance spoke of challenge, something many of the trainee’s eyed from the corner of sight hoping not to be directly invited in. Rumors of her treatment of sparing partners had begun to circulate around the lower ranks and worked well to keep the foolish inline. White knuckled he watched her stand silent and ready, emotion not even a distant friend to the blank mask she wore. She was the cause of most of Corin’s recent misdealings with Sirayn; least that was how he saw it.

 

His mind had already begun to empty, accepting the void’s company almost with longing; dangerous to allow feeling there. His feet moved, carrying him closer to the ring with each beat of his heart; anger building to furry battering at the void relentlessly. Muscles twitched and flexed as they prepared for use; a hand pulling a lathe free from the hand of a trainee working forms. “You need more foot work and balance before you have the right to this,†voice harsh and cold as he focused on the form still in the center of the ring. A fools intent must have been written plain on his face as trainees began to step back worried his wrath might be directed at them; reason from deep in his mind called for control, remembrance of training.

 

Somewhere in the dark those never wavering gray eyes looked in and judged him again, stilling his feet; angers wrath muted in sudden consideration. He knew entering the ring like this would only result in brutal and bitter defeat. Clarity of mind and soul was need in battle not emotion; it was the way he had trained since his arrival. He drew a deep breath trying to bring emotion back to the flame and into smoke; rising from the center until only the calm soothing darkness of the void existed.

 

Reaching up he unclasped the red cloak he wore and gently placed it over a post around the ring. Her head never moved but he knew she could sense if not see him. Unbuckling the belt for his sword he added that to the same post and then stepped carefully into the ring. A drop hitting his forehead as if the sky it’s self tried to warn him before it slide down into his brow. “You look lonely Seiaman, what no Sedia to torment today.†His voice held no life, no mirth; a blank expression, eyes cold with the slightest hint of the furry he held against this woman.

 

Softly the wooden lathe created a whirling sound in the air as his wrist set the lathe in a circular motion at his side; moving to stand opposite her stance near the center of the ring. Slowly the yard near them began to silence as more eyes turned toward the fool challenging one with such a reputation. “Perhaps I can entertain you for a spell unless you have a certain woman to hold.†The lathe came to a stop in front of him his left hand grasping the hilt behind his right. Slipping into the ready stance Reikan and drilled into his core, Corin watched his unwavering opponent hoping to see his words draw reaction.

 

 

Corin Danveer

 

OOC: WS10, ouch

 

 

 

ooc: just a WS10? *grins* well, this will still be quite the spar. In case you didn't know, am timing this spar after Seia and Sirayn return from the trip.

 

Seiaman watched the boy as he walked closer - she knew the ending result would not be good for either him or for herself. You know that Sirayn will chase you down, Seiaman. "You need more footwork and balance before you have the right to this." Her warning fell on deaf ears and she watched as he prepared himself to enter the ring. "You look lonely Seiaman, what no Sedai to torment today." Seiaman kept her features cool and blank - after being bonded to Sirayn for nearly 15 years, she was used to being attacked about her treatment towards her Sedai. The surrounding environment slowly faded away, she knew the spar would draw attention. "Perhaps I can entertain you for a spell unless you have a certain woman to hold." And the boy settled into his ready stance. "I advise you to walk away." He didn't move. She didn't know why she was warning the boy, a part of her wanted to viciously murder him for the lies he told Sirayn.

 

She started to circle him, he moved to counter her. "Last warning, child. You're not ready." She spun the staff as her mind raced - she had to decide whether to let him get off easy ... or to make him swallow his pride. She knew Sirayn would not approve of this - and if Seiaman nearly killed the boy, she knew it'd be the end of her chances to win her former bondmate's heart. She spun the staff to cross her chest diagonally and watched his reaction - none came. So he wants me to take up the offense. His hand positions told her that he was ambidextrous and she didn't see a second weapon - she knew that meant he could switch hands in mid-battle. Well, there's a simple remedy for that.

 

Low Wind Rising suddenly attacked Corin, the staff spinning during the diagonal slash - and the form kept repeating as she forced him on the defense - she spun the staff diagonally-forward, bringing it to the other side and back. She didn't go to her full speed potential as she needed to test out the boy and find his weaknesses. The form abruptly changed into The River Undercuts the Bank, forcing Corin to jump back to avoid the end of her staff but he found himself facing Bundling Straw with the guard stance omitted. Right as he blocked a thrust, Seiaman leapt forward with the staff spinned into a simple horizontal slash across his face. And she gave the spin a twist - and it accelerated as the other end smacked into his cheek before he could react. If the spikes were not sheathed, he would find himself with a deep cut. She stepped back as he fell to the ground with the surprising force of the blow and settled into her ready stance, the staff resting diagonally across her back. "Has she ever seen you fight before?" Corin jumped back up to his feet, he knew who 'she' was. She let a small smirk creep up on her lips, "You might want to practice your forms a bit more instead spending it lusting after her." Now let's see who will react.

 

~ Seia

 

ooc: Playing it easy right now Tease and play. *snickers*

 

 

 

The side of his face exploded in dull pain as the force of the blow carried his body over his feet and into the soft muddied ground below. His mind reeling in what had just happened, trying to analyze the steps leading up to his now bruised cheek; a dark red mark staining his face where her blow had landed with solid contact. Control Corin, you must gain control of your emotions if you are to challenge. Coldly his eyes sought her’s as the taunting words met his ears. She plays at your game do not give in .. rage, like a coiled snake ready to strike was thrust to the flame in the void; calmness returning. He rose knocking some of the soften dirt from his shoulder, “You draw first mark.†His voice was hollow and even, a façade of control as he settled once more into the ready position for the ensuing dance; once again his left rising up to grasp the bottom of the hilt below his right. Hands twisting slightly on the grip looking for comfort; familiarity in his hand.

 

The pole still remained casually across the back of her shoulders; his mind already planning out the next sequence of possibilities. Side stepping lightly he began to circle her again, the soft whirling sound of the pole once more in motion; eyes following it’s center. Boar Rushes Down the Mountain twisted into Lighting of Three Prongs. The loud crack of wood contacting wood echoed in his head; the two training weapons sliding and dancing off each other with purpose. His lathe’s blade raced down the poll toward her hand, not knowing if he caught it before she pulled back; but he counted it in his mind as a strike. Ducking low he heard the end whistle softly above his head, who said you can’t learn the though welcome yet distracting. Stepping back, the lathe in a constant circular motion in front of him while he looked for another avenue. She had attacked hard the first time, yet now she seemed confident to let him set the pace; caution, probing. Arc of the Moon became The Swallow Takes Flight without the slash as he dropped to a knee, the ends of the pole sweeping a clearing path where he had stood. Pushing off he rolled over a shoulder and back to his feet; an end of the pole spraying dirt at it’s point of contact where he had once been.

 

Dropping the lathe tip low he deflected her rising blow from that same tip. Only to feel the sting as his leg left him hovering in mid air for less then a breath. That breath bursting from his lung’s as his back hit the ground with his full weight. Only training kept his body moving, rolling over and pushing himself back to his feet as once again the ground sprayed out from contact. Quickly he retreated back, watching her cautiously as he began to wonder on his ability to meet her here. An opening …. Find it or make it ….. words. River Under Cuts the Banks was proceeded by quiet words only her ears would catch. “Still stealing kisses in the dark with Jaydena.†He pressed hard not waiting to see if his words had any effect on her expression. Leaf Floating in the Breeze, his hands working to keep the pole from touching him again. The motion seemed to create and opening at her head; The Falcon Stoops darted the tip toward the opening as his breath left him, crumpling to the ground at her feet; the end of the pole still in his middle.

 

Slowly his breath came back to him and he pushed himself back to his feet. She will pay for this one way or another she will pay. the silent vow echoed in his head; he did not give up that easy no matter who she believed she was. He stretched his tender stomach briefly and then had the lathe in motion once more; seeking an opportunity to find the softness of flesh.

 

Corin

 

ooc: likewise, but I think I'm taking the raw end of the deal *chuckles*

 

 

 

Corin charged ahead and he met with Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind - she knew it wouldn't scratch him but it'd be a surprise. Striking the Spark followed, pushing him on the defense once more. Give him an opening, Seiaman. She brought the pole staff higher, to make the arcs longer and more powerful which rendered her lower body vulnerable. There was a number of ways for someone to take advantage of the opening and she watched Corin. He suddenly dropped to his knees, rolling to one side while she was mid-form and she immediately loosened her grip on her pole staff, allowing it to slide out more. She pivoted on a heel to spin outside of the range of his lathe - Parting the Silk came from his end and he leaned forward to have at least the tip graze her thigh. She felt the tip, it wouldn't have crippled her but when he saw her outstretched pole staff heading straight for his head, it was too late. It smacked soundly into his skull. But she didn't repeat her pattern of stepping back and letting him rise. She advanced quickly, a downward thrust come straight for his chest. Seiaman, no. And at the last moment, he spun away and Seiaman stopped her advance towards his chest. She stepped away further from him, settling in her customary stance. Sirayn. If not for the Aes Sedai and the protective shroud she wrapped around the boy - she would've ended this spar a lot quicker and a lot more painful for him.

 

The boy slowly rose up to his feet and Seiaman watched. "Walk away. You can end this now." A flash of something passed through his eyes and she shook her head softly. Corin started to circle her and Seiaman met his pace, looking into his empty eyes. "Don't say I didn't warn you." Wind and Rain came from her sudden advance, the staff in a continuous spin and she got her opening with The Grapevine Twines ensnaring his lathe in a circular motion. And she simply thrusted the pole staff into his upper chest as her staff came on top of his lathe. Corin stepped back then advanced with The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain. Seiaman quickly sidestepped his advance and caught his wrist as it started to come down - and she gave it a hard twist until she heard a resounding snap of bone breaking. Releasing her pole staff as she brought her hand up, she slammed her fist into Corin's face and brought it back into a hook, pummeling the side of his ribs until she felt the bone giving way underneath his skin. With another twist of his broken wrist, she twisted his body through the air and watched as he fell to the ground.

 

Without a second thought, she straddled his chest and wrapped her hands around his neck, tightening her hold. She pressed her thighs against his chest - pressing her elbow against the bruised ribs. Leaning over, she started to whisper in his ear, "It's obvious you hate me, boy. I don't care." She tightened her grip a little bit more, "But if you ever tell her another lie about me - you will regret it. You leave me alone. I'll leave you alone. Simple." She released her grip and pushed herself away from Corin. Picking up her staff, she stepped away and was about to call the spar to an end.

 

~ Seia

 

ooc: Want to bring in your friends at this point? Figured it'd be a good cover for them to distract Seia while Corin gathers his wits.

 

 

 

After finishing a rather large lunch Anwashawn had made his way out to the practice yards to watch the others train. He often learned more from observing others than he did in his own exercises. Sitting beneath a tree, enjoying the shade and digesting his food, his thoughts drifted. His time here with the Tower Guards had been rewarding so far, training him to be an effective protector of the residents within.

 

His over large meal, combined with the gently falling rain, was putting him to sleep. Knowing that he wasn't to meet with Corin until later that afternoon he decided to let himself go and have the nap that was threatening to take over whatever he thought.

 

Not long after he'd surrendered to sleep he was awakened by the sound of wood crashing against wood, the familiar sounds of sparring. Not an uncommon sound here in the Yards, he was snapped out of sleep by the proximity and ferocity with which it was occurring. Opening his eyes he saw Corin involved in a rather heated fight with a woman he didn't know. Corin had a practice lathe and the woman a polearm without blade, signs that this was a friendly sparring match. But, walking closer Shawn could see that there was more to it than that. This was an out and out fight, with insults thrown in between attacks.

 

Shawn watched with interest. This was the first time he'd seen his mentor spar with someone without holding back. His respect for the man grew as he watched him go through the forms, seeming to dance with his opponent. It quickly became evident, even to Shawn's untrained eye, that the woman was better. She could have ended the fight several times already but she seemed to be dragging it out just to torture him.

 

Then Shawn heard a loud crack and knew Corin's wrist had been broken. The woman had him on his back and was straddling his cheat and choking him. She was going to kill him. This wasn't right. It wasn't fair. They were both part of the Tower. If a spar got out of hand it was up to the straonger, more skilled combatant to end it. Only, instead of ending the fight it seemed that she meant to hurt him.

 

Shawn didn't even know he had moved until he heard himself speak. He was in the ring, behind them, and had a lathe in each hand. The woman was getting up when he spoke. "Leave him be! The fight is obviously over, there's no need for torture!" He knew he didn't have a chance if his mentor had been beaten so easily, but he had to do something. The least he could do is give Corin the chance to get away before she killed him.

_________________

Anwashawn Ellasser

Tower Trainee

Blue Team Captain

~mentee to Corin Danveer

Burrich Fallstar(Mountain Fury)

Wolfkin Wanderer

~mentee to John Dunbar

Storm Hunter

~Wolf Companion

Nakor Zorrander

Dedicated of the Black Tower

 

 

 

 

"Leave him be! The fight is obviously over, there's no need for torture!" Seiaman turned to the speaker and faced a boy slightly taller than her but with a slimmer build. Her face was blank at his heroic attempt to save the other. A friend? A mentee? She glanced over at Corin, he rolled over to his side, his arm with the broken wrist in a protective embrace against his chest. But he was starting to push himself off the ground. The speaker moved to stand between Corin and herself and Seiaman faced him. "You think that is torture?" Her voice was quiet - like the calm before a storm. "It's child play compared to what the Dark One's minions would do to us." She gave him a look-over and surmised that he was not a Tower Guard yet. He didn't have a firm guard stance and his face looked as innocent as a newborn pup. But his blue eyes spoke volumes of confidence. Do not destroy that. It is not your place.

 

She reached up towards her eyepatch and the boy watched her warily. Slowly removing it, she let him stare at the void of her eye socket - a horrid patch of skin with blotched red marks, once burn marks from a hot poker. "Take a good look." Corin was on his knees now. The fury that came with the memory of torture was slowly rising from within. "The Yards are meant to teach you the basics of torture, so you can withstand the torture of the Dark One." Sirayn's face flashed inside her mind and she gave the polestaff a quick diagonal spin. The boy moved to block her attack, the sound of wood on wood echoed through the yards - when she suddenly stopped her staff and slashed it the other way. The end of her staff slammed into his side and Seiaman gave a sudden thrust, the butt of the staff making contact with his abdomen area. "Do not step into a fight until you know what you are facing." Corin was rising to his feet with his lathe in his good hand. "It's courageous - but stupid."

 

~ Seia

 

ooc: I didn't have the heart to beat you badly. It's not really in Seiaman's caliber to do something of the sort when the boy is just trying to help Corin. *grins* Shawn, feel free to stay in the fight to team up with Corin if you'd like.

 

 

 

“You leave me alone. I'll leave you alone. Simple," the whisper harsh in his ear as pain radiated through his mind, the void long shattered, each breath a struggle under the pressure of her hands. As blackness moved for him he felt the sudden rush of air; eyes closed, the pressure on his bruised and battered side released. More pain threaded through what little awareness he had left. His mind screamed at him to rise, get up from the vulnerable ground he was sprawled on.

 

Teeth grit together, grinding threw the pain that radiated up is arm; a hot poker in his shoulder. He rolled to his stomach and pushed up to his knee’s, the useless right hand at his chest in a protective posture. In the haze of the pain; brilliant red behind closed eyes flashing like that of an illuminators display he heard another’s voice. Something seemed familiar about the voice, yet his mind was too occupied on the pain and the growing ball of cold fury that held him.

 

Slowly the ring came back to him as his eyes opened and sought out the lathe; left hand closing around the hilt as he forced himself to his feet. Wood meeting wood echoed in his head as he rose to full height. Cold sweat ran slowly down his face; stung his eyes and fell from his chin. Eyes, ice green, flashing with fury eyed the women from under his brows. A form that he seemed to recognise crumpled at her feet; a grotesque empty eye socket staring down at the heap.

 

He slowly began to circle around her, his lathe spinning in a quick vertical circle at his side as his hand worked the hilt for comfort. Slowly the void began to return to him; like shattered glass glued back into proper form yet not complete. His voice took on a distant hollow tone, desperation like that of a trapped animal threaded thinly throughout. He would find away to make her pay at Sirayn’s feet one way or another; reason blinded by purpose. “Stupid like the lack of discretion you’ve shown? We are not done yet.†He was now opposite the boy she had dropped as once more that empty gaze turned to meet him. He twisted on the balls of his feet, setting himself in a solid stance with firm footing. “Do they also teach you to be so lenient, I would have thought you would know better Seiaman.†He twisted her name as he spoke it, dripping with sarcasm.

 

The boy had once more gained his feet, if a bit shaky and was setting into his stance again. Corin nodded approval of the other for not giving up so easily, who ever he was his mentor should be proud at his courage; though it was foolishly placed. A true warrior new when to fight and when to back down, and yet you continue this lunacy, who is the fool now Corin, who. He stamped out the voice in his head violently; he would see his desire met. Moving closer he kept the woman between himself and the boy, perhaps now he could land a mark that would make a difference.

 

He watched as the boy thrust forward, Seiaman’s staff spinning to catch his advance. Without pause he dropped to a knee the lathe flashing out as if to strike at her middle, but he let the motion carry him through a roll. The pain from broken ribs and wrist lashed feverously at the void spidering across it’s surface, but it held. Completing the roll back up his left arm drew a solid arc that connected with the back of her leg. Had it been a true blade he would have hamstrung her, though if they where real blades he would have been dead long ago. His roll left him to far forward to correctly defend his open flank; the pull pain that radiated from the small of his back confirming her capitalization of his opening, before he could recover back to a protective stance; right arm still uselessly held to his middle. Stepping back slightly he watched as the boy continued to probe; she seemed to paid him little more attention then that of a bee.

 

Corin

 

OOC: thanx for joining Shawn, as you can see Corin needs the help. Nicely done Seia

 

 

 

Seiaman cursed under her breath - the boy had sneaked into her blind spot and managed to slice his lathe across her hamstring. The younger one was a good distraction, But enough is enough. A quick glance proved that Corin had stepped back and perhaps contemplating his next move. If she was him, she would've attacked mercilessly. But you are not him. The trainee was doing a quick diagonal slash with both blades, Seiaman quickly stepped to one side and hit his stomach with the side of her polestaff. Then a quick spin went above her head as she hit his head with a resounding crack of wood on bone. The boy fell forward but not down. Another quick glance proved that Corin was again taking advantage of her wayward attentions. Come, little mouse. Come to the trap. She quickly bent her knees and swept the pole staff around the trainee, who was starting to turn around. He jumped but she was quicker - adjusting her pole staff until she caught his legs. As he fell, Seiaman lunged forward and her fist contacted with his face.

 

Seiaman heard a whoosh of air and she fell to the ground with the lathe slicing the air where her head was. With a spin of her body and the polestaff outstretched, she made contact with Corin's legs. He too fell to the floor and she heard a grunt of pain. But he spun away before Seiaman could pin him down. They both rose quickly and he circled her again. A parting of the crowd proved that authority was coming through. Corin advanced and Seiaman met his advance - his Parting the Silk was parried away their bodies with her staff as her other hand came crashing into the side of his face. He stumbled backwards and Seiaman stepped away with a shake of her head. "This spar is over."

 

She turned away from him and instantly found herself faced with the Master of Arms and the Mistress of Trainees staring at her. Here we go.

 

~ Seia

 

ooc: sira - the MoT and MoA is gonna get their hands on Seia first before Sirayn can.

 

 

 

 

Borac sat in a plush leather chair across the desk from the new Mistress of Trainees Ginae. The younger woman had recently been raised to the position and this was the first time the Master at Arms had found the time to visit her office. Sunlight filtered through the window bathing the reams of paper on her desk in a soft light. Chuckling Borac knew the tedious nature of paper work. His own desk was equally as cluttered and he had been looking for any excuse to avoid going through the reports.

 

The two seemed to get along nicely which please Borac since there would be many times when they would be required to work together. The hour they spent in conversation had been pleasant but that paperwork was not getting any smaller. With a sigh he sat his teacup on the desk resigned to go labor through the reports and stood.

 

“It has been nice talking with you Ginae we will have to talk shop over an ale in town soon.†The dark haired woman smiled and rose shaking his hand. Suddenly a frantic knocking at the door caused them both to turn. “Come in.†Ginae commanded and the door opened revealing a young female trainee with a practice lathe in hand.

 

“Pardon the interruption.†She bowed. “I have been sent to summon you Mistress and you two Master Borac.†The nervousness in the young woman’s voice was obvious and Ginae urged her to get to the point.

 

“Seiaman is sparring in the yards and….and………and ……..I have been told to report to you that she is using excessive force. She has attacked a trainee as well.â€

 

Borac and Ginae exchanged a glance and together pushed past the trainee and quickly walked toward the yard. The crowd gathered in the yard drew their attention and they strode toward it with purpose. The crowd parted at their approach, no tower guard or trainee wanted to draw their attention on the best of days.

 

Seiaman stood with her back toward them her two opponents across from her bloody and bruised on the receiving end of the staff the woman held. Turning to face them Seia did not seem startled her face holding no expression.

 

Crossing his arms Borac gave her an icy stare. “Explain yourself Seiaman! A spar is one thing but this looks like a beating you have administered.â€

 

Borac

MaA

 

 

 

 

Time had passed swiftly ever since she had taken on the position that Lyv Tylin had left vacant. At first Ginae had been far too busy trying to get a hang of things, and figuring out just what to do to notice the way things had changed. The paperwork was a nuisance to some, but it was a nice distraction for Ginae. As long as she kept herself busy, either training people or working on the reports that required her attention, she didn’t have the time to wonder just what in the name of the Light she was doing, sitting in the office of the Mistress of Novices. Responding when people called for the Mistress of Novices. It was all still a little awkward.

 

Fortunately those around her did their best to make the transition run as smooth as possible. Trainees walked on their toes, either frightened by the hard woman that had taken the place of the younger and perhaps slightly less intimidating Master of the Path of Water, or just uncertain about what they could get away with. Ginae might not have spent her trainee years at the yards, the way most trainees had, but she knew how youngsters thought and acted. She smiled at the Master of Arms, sitting in front of her. Borac. She would be forced to remember his name now. She would be forced to remember a lot of names now. Just as Borac got ready to leave her to her daily business, a young woman stormed into her office. The story she told was erratic, but the few words that were clear spelled trouble. Ginae was on her feet before the last word had left the girls mouth, storming out of her office. Borac was right there with her.

 

They arrived at the scene of the trainee abuse soon enough. Ginae frowned as she took in the situation. Names and faces of trainees flashed before her minds eye as she identified the trainee and the Tower Guard that had been wounded. A bleeding nose, a broken arm. Nothing that couldn’t been healed. She let go of a breath she didn’t know she had been holding, just in time to hear Borac ask for an explanation. Good. Let him deal with the elder Tower Guard. “I’ll deal with the boys.†She whispered, barely loud enough to be heard by Borac. The pair was just crawling to their feet. Ginae walked past Seiaman, her eyes on the woman the entire time. She knew she could handle the woman if the Tower Guard did decide to attack her, but she wouldn’t risk being surprised. Ginae had faced dangerous creatures before, and Seiaman looked the part of the dangerous creature.

 

When she passed the other woman she focussed on the boys. Corin. Anwashawn. Promising students, if she remembered correctly. One the mentor of the other. She raised an eyebrow at them. “Well?†she started. “Care to tell me your side of the story, before I come up with something plausible myself?†Whatever they said, it didn't look good. The Tower Guard had a good name, and a reputation to uphold. Mentors drawing trainees into spars they could not win didn't look good on anyone. Lyv might have been the one to assign the trainee to Corin, but if his actions proved him unfit for mentoring, Ginae would be the one who was left with the mess.

 

~Ginae Auvriani

Mistress of Trainees

_________________

WT - Nyssa Deschain, Gray & Black sister

WY – Rosheen Than Sakhr, TG & Ginae Auvriani, MoT

SG - Nona Doronas, DF

FL – Suraya

 

 

 

Seiaman kept silent as the Mistress of Trainees walked past her, keeping her gaze on the Master of Arms. She assessed their appearances. A borderlander. And a seafolk. She recognized the features known amongst the Northerners. But had only heard of the Seafolk from the native stories of Ebou Dar and what traversed through the lands she traveled. Their tattoos were legendary, as it goes, as well as their tendency to be fight well. Seiaman did not know of these specific two, only heard of them. As soon as the woman knelt down to give attention to the boys, Seiaman properly latched her polestaff to her back and put her eyepatch back over the ruined eye. She gave a curt nod to the Master of Arms and spoke calmly yet with confidence. "I came to the empty spar ring and posed a challenge to any who wished to spar. Corin Danveer came in - I warned him thrice to leave the ring, that he was not ready. I thought it'd be apparent that I would not be in the mood for a light spar. He did not step away."

 

She wouldn't mention that they held grudges against each other. That was something they needed to settle between the two of them. The two authority figures would surely dole out harsher punishments if they learned that the spar was over a personal matter. Over an Aes Sedai. "The younger boy stepped in after I broke Corin's wrist and gave my third warning - he felt that I was inflicting torture." Surely these two would know what torture really meant. Everyone of the Yards needed to learn how to fight those who were better and faster. Even while they were being tortured. "As admirable it is to protect a fellow," she gave a slight shrug, "he stepped in without knowing what he was getting himself into. Not my place but I'd call it a lesson of bruises." The crowd surrounding them murmered a mixture of objections and agreements. She watched as the seafolk's eyes glanced over to the borderlander. She would not say anything more unless a rat of the Yards decided to share more about what the spar. And I wouldn't be surprised if that rat would be the one and only Corin. He had a lot to gain by placing Seiaman in the hot seat, making himself out to be the traumatized victim.

 

But the overall truth, Seiaman didn't care much what anyone had to say. If they doled out punishment, she'd accept it and complete it without another word. If they believed her words or not - it wouldn't matter. And Sirayn? A mental sigh came through the Spring. She won't be pleased, that's for sure.

 

~ Seiaman Kera

 

 

 

Corin staggered back from the solid blow; pin pricks of red and black slowly growing. They tried to blot out his vision of the world before him as it slowly spun. The copper taste of blood filtered in through the haze of thoughts; slow and thick with a lack of coherency. Seiaman had her back to him, something, words had tried to filter through. His mind work to make sense of the disjointed pattern everything seemed to be; why were things swaying. He shook his head as if to clear the cotton that stuffed his mind and impeded rational process. Her back, something about over and her back still faced him. He tried to raise the lathe in his left; catch her off guard and punish her. But his body seemed to react like he was in a giant vat of honey, commands of his body obeyed at agonizing slowness.

 

The crowd seemed to part near the rings edge drawing his attention as two figures entered the ring. A groan escaping his lips at the realization of the Master at Arms and the Mistress of Trainees. Two people in the yard he would have preferred least to meet with he could not think of. There presence could only mean a long and arduous task would be in his future. “Care to tell me your side of the story, before I come up with something plausible myself?â€. For the first time true thought broke free of the fog in his head and he turned to see his mentee bruised and bloodied, but in one piece; he offered up a quick prayer to the creator in thanks that his mentee had faired so well. The Mistress of Trainees tended to be less then amused when it came to unnecessary harm to one of her fold.

 

His eyes returned to Ginae’s as he fought to find the words to explain all of this and not dig a deeper hole. “Just a friendly competition that got a little carried away. Nothing too serious I can assure you.†His eyes slipped from hers and tried to read Borac’s mood from the expression on his face as he talked to Seiaman. The outcome of this untimely visit did not look very promising for him as he returned his eyes to met Ginae’s again. He could see a cold fury building in them that offered little comfort to the pain that continued to throb in his side and arm; breath still coming in short gasps. His knuckles whitened slightly as his grip tightened on the hilt of the lath; eyes flicking to the back of Seiaman’s head. “Seiaman did not believe me ready to try her, it appears she may have been right,†a tinge of emotion, frustration mixed with loathing, touched the very edge of his voice before he could bring control back. “Shawn thought I was in trouble and tried to help, I don’t believe he is use to seeing a spar of such intensity.†He would not allow the secret hated between Seiaman and himself be know as the cause of this misfortune. As much as he would love to she Seiaman punished harshly for anything, the debit between them had to be paid in private. One way or another Seiaman, I will see you pay. His eyes flat and void of emotion continued to bore into the back of her head as voices begun to rise from the gathered crowd.

_________________

Corin Danveer

White Tower Guard

Promised to Sirayn Sedai

 

Linten al'Dracain

BT Trainee, Lost mentee of Isha

 

"Life is wonderful. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that we trouble over." - Isaac Asimov

 

 

 

 

Shawn was dazed from the blow to the head the woman had given him. He guessed that he probably had a concussion. If that wasn't bad enough it felt like he had some broken ribs as well, if the pain he felt with each breath was any indication. Something had gone terribly wrong. All he'd wanted to do was help his mentor out of a jam. It seemed that he wasn't even capable of that. He was weak and barely half-trained and that just wouldn't do.

 

Gradually the noise of the crowd dimmed and shawn squinted to see why. the Master at Arms and Mistress of Trainees had come. Whatever trouble he may or may not have gotten into by getting involved in this had just escalated by their presence. Ginae, the new Mistress asked he and Corin for an explantion and Shawn listened to his mentor's answer. It was truth and yet it wasn't. There was obviously more to it than what he was admitting now. The words and blows exchanged were much more hostile than a simple spar would have one believe. Whatever the case it was also vident that Corin wanted the matter kept private from Ginae.

 

Well, though he did not agree he would respect Corin's unspoken wishes. Something needed to be done though or Corin would see himself killed over this matter. For that matter, Shawn now had a personal reason to talk further with Seiaman, as Corin had named her. It was apparent though, that nothing more would be settled with the authority figures still present. They needed to be free of them soon so they could work out their problems on their own.

 

"Ma'am, what he says is true. I saw what looked to me to be a fight, not a spar, and I came to help. The truth is I rushed in where I wasn't needed, and probably not even wanted, simply because I haven't yet learned to mind my own business. I came here to train so that I could protect others and sometimes I attempt to do that even when it would be better not to."

_________________

Anwashawn Ellasser

Tower Trainee

Blue Team Captain

~mentee to Corin Danveer

Burrich Fallstar(Mountain Fury)

Wolfkin Wanderer

~mentee to John Dunbar

Storm Hunter

~Wolf Companion

Nakor Zorrander

Dedicated of the Black Tower

[tismeb4u]

Borac studied Seiaman’s stoic face for several moments as he weighed her words and those of the other two who were addressing Ginae. There was obviously more to this that was being told though the animosity between Seia and Corin was obvious. Scratching his head the Master at Arms waited until Ginae was finished with her questioning and joined him.

 

“It would seem to me that these two have a problem behaving like ambassadors of the White Tower Ginae.†The Mistress of Trainees nodded the frown on her face clearly showed her disapproval.

 

“I don’t know what action you would like to take with the trainee but I have an idea of these two.†The crowd had quickly dissipated at their arrival and the five of them were all that remained.

 

“Seiaman I want you to help Corin to the infirmary and see a Yellow Sister takes care of his wounds.†The disgust on Seia’s face was barely masked as her mouth tightened. Satisfied that the woman held her composure Borac continued.

 

“After you are healed Corin you and Seiaman shall serve a penance together. The two of you shall report to one Master Luon Markat on the south harbor docks. There under his supervision you will unload supplies from the barges moored there.â€

 

A slight groan escaped Corin and the Master at Arms frowned.

 

“No doubt you two would prefer a physical punishment rather than one in which you have to interact. You will work together in this and if I hear different from Markat you will wish the Dark One had you instead of me. When you have finished with your days task you will report to my office where I will wait with Sirayn Sedai who you will both explain yourselves too.â€

 

A hint of surprise flashed across Seia’s face. Borac smiled in satisfaction, he knew of their connections to the Aes Sedai and the last thing either would want to do is for the her to know of their foolishness.

 

Borca

Maser at Arms

 

 

 

Ginae’s face was blank as she heard Shawn’s defence, and listened to the punishment Borac dealt out. She nodded slightly, agreeing with the terms. She pointed at Shawn then. “You. Infirmary. Now. Next time I see you near Seiaman, I’ll make sure that you don’t get out of the infirmary for a month.†The look on her face was menacing now. It was her war face, and it had scared a few trollocs back in the day. “As soon as the attending yellow sister there releases you, you report to the stablemaster. You will work for him until he thinks you’ve learnt that a stubborn streak is not something to have in battle.â€

 

Then she turns to Corin. If possible the look on her face was even darker. “And you…†her voice was low now. It was the voice that meant death. She had to admit to herself that she was tempted to beat some sense into his head. He obviously lacked it. “You will report to my office as soon as Borac and Sirayn are through with you. There we will discus the responsibilities that come with being a mentor. You obviously lack any form of it now. If I am not satisfied with out talk, you will be put under the supervision of your Grandmaster. Perhaps that will remind you of what it means to be an instructor.â€

 

She stalked forward. Grasping Anwashawn’s arm, and giving him a shove toward to infirmary. “Move. And remember my words.â€

_________________

WT - Nyssa Deschain, Gray & Black sister

WY – Rosheen Than Sakhr, TG & Ginae Auvriani, MoT

SG - Nona Doronas, DF

FL – Suraya

 

 

 

Shawn tried to guess Ginae's reaction to his defense but was unable to. She was completey impassive, her face a solid blank. He winced when he heard the punishment that Borac handed out, and made a mental note not to cross the man without a really good reason in the future.

 

Then Ginae pointed to him and he held his breath to hear his punishment. "You. Infirmary. Now. Next time I see you near Seiaman, I’ll make sure that you don’t get out of the infirmary for a month." From the look on her face that was no empty threat. On the contrary, from all he'd heard of the woman who'd taken over when Lyv left, she was a very hard woman. Rumors held that if she didn't think a trainee was worked hard enough she'd do it herself. As to staying away from the woman who'd beaten him, that would be easy enough...for now. Shawn wasn't stupid enough to get in a fight with someone unless he had a good chance of winning, he'd only done it this time to distract her. For now he'd be content to bide his time and refocus on his training.

 

"As soon as the attending yellow sister there releases you, you report to the stablemaster. You will work for him until he thinks you’ve learnt that a stubborn streak is not something to have in battle." Well, that didn't seem that bad after all. He'd mucked out many a stall in his short life so far, and though it was exhausting work it wasn't that bad. Besides, this would give him another chance to talk to the man about the care and breeding of the horses.

 

Shawn counted himself lucky that he'd gotten off so easily, especially when he heard Corin's further punishment. Hearing it, he almost regretted getting involved. If he hadn't been there Corin wouldn't be receiving this extra punishment. Well, he'd make it up to him by training harder and proving himself that way.

 

Then, with a shove and a barked command from Ginae Shawn went to see the attending yellow in the infirmary.

 

It turned out that Shawn had three broken ribs, one of which had pierced his lung. After receiving his healing, something he'd done before after a training incident but still wasn't comfortable with, he felt so drained all he wanted to do was sleep. This must have been a part of the punishment though, to work through the exhaustion.

*************************************************************************************

It was nearly midnight before Shawn crawled back to his room and into his bed. The stablemaster took it seriously when the Mistress of Trainees told him to teach a trainee a lesson, and never mind that he'd become friends with that trainee. If anything he may have even worked Shawn harder to make sure he learned his lesson, as he didn't want to see Shawn hrt anymore.

_________________

Anwashawn Ellasser

Tower Trainee

Blue Team Captain

~mentee to Corin Danveer

Burrich Fallstar(Mountain Fury)

Wolfkin Wanderer

~mentee to John Dunbar

Storm Hunter

~Wolf Companion

Nakor Zorrander

Dedicated of the Black Tower

[Seiaman]

The Master of Arms walked off - the Mistress of Trainees nudged the trainee away; leaving herself and Corin alone in the sparring ring. Help the boy. With a sigh, she turned to Corin who was standing not too far from her. "Let's go." She sheathed her staff and started to head towards the infimary - Corin started off behind her, a few steps behind. Her ears listened for any sudden sheathing or the change of the footfalls but they neared the infimary and a Yellow sister raised from a flowerbed with a frown on her face. "I was ordered to escort the boy here, Aes Sedai. And to ensure that you'd care for his wounds." The Yellow Sister nodded, unaware that it was her who had inflicted the wounds themselves and Seiaman bowed slightly. She turned and met Corin's gaze but said nothing. "If you could, Aes Sedai, send notice when the boy is excused from the Infirmary as we have a .. task to complete in Tar Valon." The Sister nodded again as she quickly ushered Corin into the infimary.

 

Seiaman barely took a few steps towards the barracks when a figure appeared on the horizon, heading straight for the infimary. She took a few more steps when the figure materialized into Sirayn Simeone, her features expressionless save for her eyes. A twinge of longing rose from the Spring - her emotions seemed to have grown since their return from the North but she knew this incident may strain any chance. Mind your words, Seia. She stopped and bowed slightly as the woman approached, "Aes Sedai." Sirayn's eyes narrowed, did Seiaman dare request for a chance to explain? Or invite the woman to find out how bad Corin was beaten? She kept her lips pursed as the woman stopped before her.

 

~ Seiaman Kera

[Sirayn]

These days, when the wind whispered, it carried words straight to her. Once it became clear that she would not be leaving the white city any time soon she had spent much time and effort constructing her network in Tar Valon; if she had to give up her life as a soldier, among all the steel and song she knew so intensely, she needed to make a success of this new and equally perilous trade. Rank on the field meant next to nothing in the shadowed corners and the bright jewelled courts where her new kindred played their dark games. Hence why she worked so long and so late, even into the darkest hours before dawn, gathering about her all the tools she could fit her hand to before the long winter came.

 

Once people lost their tempers they lost them spectacularly and it took her approximately half an hour to learn the news. Pieces of rumours stitched together to form a disturbing tapestry. In a ring marked in blood her ex Gaidin and her servant had fought bitterly, an uneven contest by anyone’s standards, and an innocent child had been injured in the clash: now more red stained the ground. The news seared her in irritation and set her to frowning concern. Light only knew what the fools were thinking, to pursue such a feud was exasperatingly unwise, but to do so in public and in such a reckless way defied belief. Had they taken leave of their senses entirely? Burn them, she could scarcely trust anyone else to sort out her affairs reliably, though it stung her to be drawn out into the open so easily.

 

Even as she exited her offices at a sedate pace and bent her steps toward the yards fresh news visited her. Corin had been taken to the infirmary immediately … and there was a civil phrase which covered a wealth of uncivil injury … and the Master at Arms and his colleagues even now plotted a suitable punishment for all of them. Ten steps listening to the report put her a league into fury and frustration. Seiaman bloody Kera! After all the harsh times, the treachery and the abandonment Seiaman had started this feud with the boy purely to interfere in her business. She had no idea why or how, given how fiercely Seiaman had argued that she wanted nothing further to do with any of this, but she knew that in her bones.

 

And why the boy had taken up a challenge from one so superior in years and skill she couldn’t imagine. Did he intend to get himself beaten senseless? It taxed her to think of anything he could possibly have gained from the encounter and nobody with an ounce of sense would enter games with nothing to win. Maybe it would do him some good to have some sense rattled into him … a lesson learnt, maybe, not to pick fights with heron-marked blademasters … but somehow Sirayn suspected otherwise. For some reason young men never could learn sense. If the damn woman had hurt him seriously … her inward anger darkened into hatred. Nobody messed with people who belonged to her.

 

Careless strides set her aimed like an arrow straight for the object of her harsh contemplation. She hated all the irrational feelings Seiaman sent coiling through her, although one dominated at the moment, the urge to beat into the ex Warder somehow that Seiaman had crossed a very important line. The bow set her teeth on edge laced as it was with mockery; grey eyes narrowed into a hard stare. “Tower Guard.†Two words demonstrated, with added venom, exactly why she was angry at Seiaman. Only half of this was abot a boy injured for her sake … the other half would always be because Seiaman had ruined her and never cared, maybe never known, and carried on her merry way pursuing wine and women as though it all meant nothing. Seiaman had been what she wanted: Seiaman would never be what she needed.

 

“Don’t tell me this is anything other than a grudge.†She kept her tones iron hard controlled only with an effort. “I’ve no idea what you have against him, he’s just a boy, but I will not tolerate him being hurt. A hand raised against him is raised against me; you injured me most grievously when you injured him. Not long ago you were so eager to tell me that you had changed, that you were a new Seiaman Kera now and wanted nothing to do with me … but this is the old Seiaman Kera I see before me in all her supposed strength, a Seiaman who tortures children, driven by filthy lusts for blood and bedding, and I am disgusted. As you freely chose to be done with me, so I am done with you; and I will not permit you to hurt the boy any more than I will permit anyone else to do so. Now be gone. I will take care of him.â€

[Seiaman]

Seiaman kept her face cool and impassionate. But inside, she was reeling from Sirayn's words. She figured that the woman would be furious with her for injuring the boy - but never had she counted that she would do it so viciously. She let the Spring swallow the hurt and the rage, leaving her as calm as a windless day. This is Sirayn. She can be vicious, cold, heartless, and judgemental. She bowed slightly once the woman was finished with her rant. "As you wish, Aes Sedai." Straightening her stance and meeting Sirayn's gaze, a part of her wanted to tell Sirayn it shall be as she truly wished, that she would simply disappear. More and more of late, she wondered why she continued to make herself suffer like this - pining after a woman who would never invite her a chance to explain, who would always treat her as she deserved to be treated a year past. For now, something inside her was content to leave Sirayn furious and clinging to the fact that Colin was still a boy and that Seiaman had never changed her ways.

 

As if everything that had happened and was said on the trip meant nothing. Seiaman wanted to speak up and point out that she had warned Corin to step away - that she had indeed changed - and that Sirayn was too obsessed with the past; she knew it would be futile. "If you'll excuse me, I must get ready for a previous engagement." Seiaman bowed again and stepped past Sirayn, heading for the barracks for a change of clothes. Why do I do this to myself? Her eyes drifted up to the White Tower and for a moment, she hated everything that it stood for and everyone that resided in it.

 

~ Seiaman Kera

 

ooc: stop her or leave her be, your call.