Lets get the party started (Open)

[Arette]

OOC: Because of timeline snags, it would be difficult for N&A and Trainees to participate this thread. So Andular has kindly given his blessing that you can RP being full ranked in this thread. Please don't abuse the right :) Have fun!

 

 

IC:

 

Finally Annais was free of the mass of people who all wanted to congratulate her. It had been quite heart warming the twenty first times but she had lost count since how many hands she had shaken and blessings given. She was approaching her first party destination, the Amyrlin's Glory, with her small party and she sincerely hoped that the place wouldn't be packed yet. The innkeepers had been told to reserve space for ten people and keep a count on how many people they let in at a time but you never knew even with the Civil Watch and poor Tower Guards who had been unlucky enough to get duty for tonight. But Commander Ryota had arranged something else for them for the next day and she would do her best to be able to make an appearance if she just had time.

 

Speaking of the good Commander, he and his Captains and a few other Tower Guards were accompanying her and she was quite certain that one of them would be acting as her body guard tonight. She was naturally also flanked by Aramina and few other Sisters who had tagged along. Annais and Aramina had left the symbols of their new positions back in the Tower and she was certain that some stiff backed rules lawyer would be in a huff about it but surely everyone would recognise them without the regalia anyway.

 

Mistress Bundry greeted them respectfully herself and received their orders once they had made their way to the table that had been kept free for them. There was more than the anticipated ten of them in the party but they managed to fit more chairs around the table. Annais noticed to her pleasure that there was even small space left for dancing although the music was not very audible where she sat due to the hum of conversation. Watching the happy bustle and sipping her wine, she could finally relax a bit. She listened with half the ear the banter of the people in her table but she let her gaze roam and take in the rest of the celebrants. She was looking for something specific, someone who caught her attention and once her glass was empty, she had made up her mind.

 

Making her excuses to her companions, she headed toward the young man. Pointing at him, she got an astonished look that made her smile wryly. "Yes, I mean exactly you unless you have a twin brother who is an exact replica of you. What is your name and even more importantly, do you care to dance?"

 

Annais Nevell

The Amyrlin Seat

[Lih-Lyh]

Grace favoured them all. He knew not what others did to survive; he knew only that the desire to free his spirit equaled the desire to die, and although it might be emancipating, empowering to declare, “I am the master of my fate! I am the captain of my soul!”, he was not that boy. That boy had passed into the trodden, passed from the bitterness, the chastening rods, the dogged days when hope miscarried.

 

He, the newborn, knew he neither looked nor felt a Guard, but ever since the raising he had become such a man, a man of the Tower and this meant he noticed the Sister before she caught sight of him, glancing furtively from the edges. Peripheral vision was useful, and at these times he was grateful for the Creator who bestowed him with sight upon born, unlike the less fortunate Dorian, with whom he carefully avoided any associations. He had known of the other, but the beginning served as an end, not the means for contact.

 

He did not so much ignore anybody, not really. Ashley was raised to be polite on the road, and although most of his adult life was spent off the beaten trail he felt somehow less… settled, the flavour of discontent with his ties, as if the tales of a settler, of a city-dweller tasted different, limited and watered-down from the real travelers, who would shout at Ashley in their impeccable broken tongue, and be understood, be natural as his mind shifted the nuances, and learned from what it was shown. Somehow in the educated, formality of the Tower speech such clarity was difficult to achieve, and he often had to listen, and think very hard, critically. He never got involved in the Game, a sport akin to hunting, both he had not cared for, but he was certain they would drag him in if they could; anybody was a target. Unlike some Guards he found the general policy of liberalism too tolerant, too accepting of every change without fighting, or even judging. From afar Ashley judged, and found the life lacking as he attempted to comprehend its newfound complications. 

 

If there was one fact that held more truth than an Aes Sedai’s Oath, it would be that human nature remained constant, in its capacity for surprise. Sisters were unpredictable to a woman, and this one turned unpredictable in the right direction, for once. That was, had the Tower Guard not been half intoxicated on the atmosphere already. It was with unsuppressed ennui that Ashley lounged, the stand-offish stance insisting anywhere, even another post on the battlements, was better than here. Parties like these, one could lean by the keg for a few hours and nobody would notice, not even the Mistress manning the inn, Bundry, did he catch her name?

 

Admittedly, there was not much cause for celebrations of late. Rumours more than news had bombarded the keep, the wind carried words with little intelligence throughout the courtyard, where he had stood with his fellow Guards, trained to huddle in the morning chill and peer out at the city like small-brained primates. Get-togethers in duty fared better in his reality than soirées off-duty, for he had little business here, and what’s more, he knew it.

 

This was not to say he had not ogled the patrons, the décor of the Amyrlin’s Glory appreciatively when he first entered at high, colours laced in elegant, shapely curves and concaves, giving the common room quite the soft, cozy feel without the impression of too many squashed into one average sized inn. A potential hazard, his inner voice tucked this thought small before his brain reacted with its usual, quasi-peaceful shut down, and he sashayed toward the tap, near the entrance.

 

Having left his red cloak back in his quarters, he did not have the costume of a Tower Guard. It was hard to dress up for something one had little expectation of ever holding a lass’s hand, much less do a jig without having to nod his head incessantly, while she talked at him, incessantly. Still, the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills, and he was but a Guard who knew none here, was not expecting to meet up with an acquaintance – for he had few friends – and was dreading a great deal of pestilences. He knew, also how the evening was to end; he would stumble out into the very streets he had patrolled, and will patrol again in the morning, grumpier than a bear with a toothache.

 

What it boiled down to: there was no true connexion, not that he sought after such a friend deliberately. Friends he got drunk, made merry with to tease, spar and have fun, but never had he volunteered his thoughts those selected individuals. Frustrating that none would ever go above and beyond the façade, the mundane everyday this and that of meaningless, rote as proxy conversations, he knew as he caught the Amyrlin’s eye that he was a man, a very, very lonely man.

 

He recognised her of course; if the ageless face minted on the coins had not given away her identity then surely her entourage and groupies would have. The Amyrlin Seat herself was not light incardinate, but to the denizens of Tar Valon she was close, what with her curls and large wise eyes, and those fortunate enough to be in her presence, to share her company were truly blessed.

 

People worshipped power, after all.

 

On the other hand it was also considered by many that if the Amyrlin Seat spoke to a person that person better be running faster than his feet could carry him. He gaped, feeling defected, demented as he was asked his name and for, could his ears be correct, a dance? What he had done to earn her personal attention he knew not, he understood only the sharpness of her tone, and comprehended her brisk, business voice perfectly. Shivering he drew the heat generated into the Spring, then an awful impulsiveness, a roadside quip to an elderly matron being escorted by the merchant train rose, unsuppressed.

 

“Twin brother? Alas. But the twin, she’ll be coming around any minute now, by then I hope to be an ell away, maybe four, that’ll take me to the river.” A cracked smile that receded swiftly as he realised his sarcasm. Sarcasm was simply not done around the Amyrlin, the Amyrlin for Light’s sake, and he was sure she would have much more urgent tasks, such as dealing with the Hall, shadowspawn, war, royalty, and in that order too.

 

She probably knew him for the stupidest man, ever.

 

He ought to apologise, and admit he did not know well the dances outside of the community he had came from. If his refusal ever reached Seshir, he was sure his Mentor would perish from the shame. Nerome Gaidin was the proper Cairhienian whose conduct was engrained into his very bones; his bondmate, his love, Rossa Sedai shared similar notions (so funny, these settled nobles) concerning honour despite being Altaran. What would 'Rome do? Ashley truly didn't know the other dances, besides the basic ones he had learned in his childhood before abandoning the road. The grace of the Tiganza, he hadn’t the faintest idea how the women folk were able to heat the blood for a small boy, but any notion of the Amyrlin dancing in the provocative, seductive steps, thrusts, rolls of the Tinkers was, well, absurd. Aes Sedai do not know the tiganza, do they? 

 

Talk about being exposed, displaced outside one’s own comfort zone. Talk about growing. What about that outburst back there, the twins remark? It was true, he knew a set of twins, one in particular, whom he had not cared for. Shivering visibly at the thought that she would be here, he looked everywhere but at the newly raised Amyrlin. Was he blushing before? Fine, this made him blush even harder, and he was saved from answering after “Ashley Wilkes; your service, Mother” when the music struck up, a loud tangy tempo.

 

The musicians started fiddling, and he tapped his feet along, relieved that it would not be a slow song. Jigs he could manage, and perhaps even excel at, as the footwork was quite similar to the styles back in the caravan where the close-knitted Tuatha'an community would dance the night away. Should he be concerned that the Aes Sedai, no, the Amyrlin would not have the stamina, and sit out for a proper waltz?

 

With luck they would be dancing in groups, a whirl around the thankfully small floor then switching partners and he would grab the first lass he exchanged the Amyrlin for, be she buxomly or pox-stricken, and kiss her soundly. Non-smiling, he hoped it would not be one of the few ladies he knew. That would be just his luck.

 

OOC: Shall we? This lad's got a face like death.  :D

[bcxanth]

Kopair entered on the heels of Veria as they walked into the Glory. In the back of his mind he noted the corner of the large common room where he and Veria had once shared an evening together back when they were both still in training. He couldn't help but grin at how they'd almost been caught sneaking back in after curfew.  He noticed as some of the guests of the party that weren't from the Tower frowned at his sword strapped at his side. However those of the Guard who frowned at first whiped the look off their face when they saw the fancloth cloak swirling about Kopair. They knew that it was the Gaidin's right to bare arms even in the Amyrlin's presence.

 

He escorted Veria farther into the common room and smiled again as he saw she was leading them toward that same table he'd been thinking of himself.  He signaled so a passing waiter to bring them two glasses of wine and then joined Veria at the table. No sooner had they settled themselves when the Amyrlin and her escort entered. He studied the Guard accompanying the group and frowned slightly as one of the younger ones actually acted as if he was going to say something about Kopair being armed before thinking better of it.  Maybe some of the things Shoar mumbled about lack of respect for Gaidin was true.

 

"So, Veria, it seems the Amyrlin has found herself a dance partnet." Getting to his feet he held his hand out to her. "It's been much too long since I was able to dance with you. Will you do me the honor?"

[Guest nephitess]

IC: Walking into the Glory behind the Mother. Veria waited for Kopair to follow. The memories that this Inn brought to Veria were sweet. It was sitting at the table in the corner that she realized that she wanted Kopair for her Gaidin. It was also in that corner they had their first kiss. With a smile she let Kopair led her to their table.

 

Sipping the wine that Kopair had ordered she sighed and relaxed. Watching the group around the Mother she saw that they were happy and talking animatedly. Suddenly the Mother stood and left the group. She approached a young man sitting at the bar. They exchanged a few words and then moved to the dance floor. With a raised eyebrow Veria looked at her bond mate, he just shrugged his shoulders. With another swig of his wine Kopair stood and…

 

“So, Veria, it seems the Amyrlin has found herself a dance partner. It's been much too long since I was able to dance with you. Will you do me the honor?"

 

Finishing her wine in one gulp Veria stood and said…

 

“I would love to.” Touching his chin she patted his chin and led him to the dance floor.

 

They dance the whole night in each others arms and did not notice the time. 

 

[TaeaDawn]

Without the stole Aramina felt a little lighter, but her mind was still troubled with her own affairs.  Or rather, one ended affair.  That it had been going on discreetly for some years now made her heart heavier than the loss of the stole could relieve.  The Amyrlin's Glory was a good choice and the music was entertaining as they stepped in to take their place among the crowd.  Her warder was there, watching as always, but it made her feel better to know that someone cared enough to watch her back. 

 

The green silk dress she wore was embroidered in silver intertwining threads and knots was chosen because it was the closest she had to anything with gray on it.  She had seen Annais notice it before and it had made her glad she had put the extra effort into it.  A small way to acknowledge such things, but it was there none the less.  It was, she realized, a perfectly good dress for dancing, though the doubted anyone there would offer.  Aramina was known as.. how had he said it when they first met... a cold fish?  The perception of her hadn't changed over the years, except for a handful of people.  The idea that she might spend the night without a dance was a painful one considering everything else.  Still, she wasn't able to reach out and ask for a dance the way Annais had.  It wasn't in her to do something like that, not yet.  Oh, she'd approached Aran first, true enough, but that had been, ironically, to keep her out of trouble.  She had even asked Duram.. Be'lal she corrected in her head... but she had thought herself about to die at that point and a last dance hadn't seemed that much to ask for. 

 

She shook her head as she sat quietly, smiling sadly as she sipped her wine, watching Annais win the hearts of the people of Tar Valon.

 

Aramina sur Dulciena

Keeper of the Chronicles

[Arae Selidan]

OOC: This looks as if it's been dead for a while, so please tell me if you're not interested in continuing it - I know everyone is busy with NaNo at the mo :)

 

IC:

 

Megain sat to the side in the Amyrlin's Glory, feeling uncomfortably hot with her shawl around her shoulders, but it had been too short a time since her Raising for her to feel comfortable discarding it. Without the ageless face, and being Accepted such a short time ago that she still had not shaken off the feeling that she should be curtseying to those around her, meant that she needed the shawl to affirm her status both with the other Sisters and herself.

 

She looked around the inn, lost, trying to remember why she'd agreed to come down here. I don't belong in places like this. I belong in my room, away from all these people, this bustle.

 

Eventually she spotted someone who was standing aside like she was - Aramina Sedai, seeming alone despite the presence of her Warder no more than a few steps away, lost in her own thoughts.

 

Time to make conversation...

 

She edged her way through the crowds until she came to where Aramina stood, and stopped beside Aramina, uncertain as to what to do next.

 

"Aramina Sedai?" she said, then winced. Light. A novice, that's what I sound like. Why, after waiting for it for so long, is it so difficult to act as a proper Aes Sedai?

 

She carried on, trying to overcome her embarrassment. "Do you mind if I sit here?" she asked, pointing to a vacated seat next to Aramina.

 

Megain Kestharin

Aes Sedai

[TaeaDawn]

A small voice beside her brought Aramina's attention away from the sight of the dancers.  She looked to see an Aes Sedai and a polite smile came automatically to her face.  The facade that had been her mask for so many years now still came as quickly and strongly as it always had.  "Please, do join me." She said to the young Aes Sedai's question.  She didn't know the Aes Sedai but she remembered the days of wearing the stole just to remind others of who she was. 

 

"The Amyrlin's Glory is a wonderful place for a dance.  And a drink." She said as she waived a serving girl over to them.  "What will you be drinking Sister?" She asked, trying to set the young woman at east.  She had been strong enough to approach the newly raised Keeper of the Chronicles.  The least she could do was to make it an easy conversation.

 

Aramina Sedai

Keeper of the Chronicles

 

(OOC:  Me.. not interested in continuing an RP ??  I'll be found dead before that happens :P )

[Arae Selidan]

Megain gave a smile, out of relief more than anything, as she replied to Aramina. "Wine would be fine, thank you."

 

She wondered what to say next. Maybe congratulate her on her new position? she asked herself dryly. That might just be a suitable thing to say, no?

 

"May I congratulate you on your new position?" she asked. She tried to inject a bit of confidence into her voice - she was strong in the One Power, after all, she really had to get used to being authoritative again - but once again, she went back to sounding like a novice. "The Amyrlin has made a wonderful choice," she continued, well aware of her voice getting more and more hesitant and apologetic.

[TaeaDawn]

Aramina smiled at the Aes Sedai, the polite smile that always graced her face when she didn't feel the smile but knew it was appropriate.  As an Aes Sedai she had worked at it well.  Being the person that she was had perfected it for Aramina.  Only in the last few weeks had she ever felt empty for using her facade.  She laid the blame of that at his feet.  It was easier to leave it there, to move past and find he way through the darkness of her soul.  He had been her light, her humanity and without it she was shuffling to find the ground.  Lillian and Annais were there for her, she knew but only Lillian knew the truth about the man in her life and only from Aramina's words.  She didn't know what Lillian would think of the secret love of the coldest women in the Tower, but she was certain Lillian wouldn't approve of him.  That Aramina loved him would make her give him a chance though. 

 

She pushed the thought of him out of her head.  Just as she pushed the thought of her lost serpent ring or what would happen if he ever brought it back to her.  She didn't know and didn't want to torture herself with what she knew would never happen. 

 

"Thank you.  I can only hope that with time history will record it as such."

 

Aramina sur Dulciena

Keeper of the Chronicles