Dressing for Destiny~ Attention Ellinielle

[Shaneevae]

Spring had arrived and Shaneevae had to admit the warming weather did a tremendous amount for her flagging mood of late. Birds sang a song of tinkling bells and a slight breeze lifted her golden brown hair from her shoulders. A new season called for a new wardrobe or at least that’s what she told herself when she made the decision to spend way too many coin. The Brown Sister was rather stingy with the coin the White Tower paid her, which left her with a hefty nest egg to spend on whatever she wanted, not that she ever did. The life of a scientist had little use for coin and why should it? Everything she needed to study nature provided in abundance.

 

Having been in mourning for far too long, Shaneevae headed into the seamstress’ shop. Ryan was out of her life now and it was time for her to move on. She couldn’t very well live like a hermit for the rest of her life and a very poorly dressed one at that. Oh her gowns were fine if a little out of date and a little worn, but a new dress could always cheer a girl up even one as old as she. With the ringing of a bell, Miss Potter came tottering out. The woman was getting up in years and the age showed heavily on her lined face, but she was still the best the city had to offer. Finer work Shaneevae had never seen.

 

Miss Potter’s face lit up at the sight of her and rushed forward to embrace her, “Why Sedai, it has been so long and look at you.†The plump woman fussed at Shaneevae’s skirts and tsked her displeasure. “You are far too lovely to be mucking around in such poor attire.â€

 

Shaneevae blushed and kissed the woman briefly on each cheek before giving her a quick hug in return. “Yes, Miss Potter I have let my work distract me from some of the finer things in life, but I am here to remedy that today by the finest seamstress in all of Tar Valon.†She said giving the woman a confident smile.

 

“Oh you flatter me Shaneevae Sedai, but I’m afraid to say that these old eyes are starting to fail me and these crooked fingers are not as nimble as they used to be.†She said as she embarrassingly wrung her hands. “But I had the good fortune of finding a lovely young lady to help me out and I can guarantee that her work is as good as mine.â€

 

Turning around, Miss Potter called out in her motherly voice towards the back, “Ellinielle! Come out child. I have a very special customer for you.â€

 

No more than a few seconds passed when a pretty, young woman with olive skin and bright blue eyes came from behind the curtain. Shaneevae smiled welcomingly as the young woman headed in their direction. “Hello there. I hear that you are an exceptional seamstress and as luck would have it I’m in need of some exceptional gowns.â€

[ajd]

“Ellinielle! Come out child. I have a very special customer for you.†Ellinielle Iridin nearly dropped the needle she was using when the voice called her. She recognized the voice to be Miss Potter’s, and suppressed an urge to curse the woman for breaking the calm silence that had filled the room not a minute earlier. She also wanted to curse herself for losing the grip on the sewing needle. If she had dropped it, it might have pricked or cut her. ‘What could she want, and what kind of special customer could it be?’ Ellinielle thought to herself. All of these thoughts passed through her head in little more than a few seconds, and she quickly put down what she had been working on and got up to attend to Miss Potter. She walked to the doorway leading to the main part of the shop, pushed away the curtain very carefully for she didn’t want to make it fall, and gaped in astonishment at the woman standing next to Miss Potter.

 

All Ellinielle could do was stare in astonishment and walk towards the pair of women. Towards the “special†customer actually-she was completely unaware of the other seamstress right now. The customer had such a…presence…and an important air about her. There was no doubt in Ellinielle’s mind why that was; the woman was obviously Aes Sedai! “Hello there. I hear that you are an exceptional seamstress and as luck would have it I’m in need of some exceptional gowns.†As the Aes Sedai spoke, the only things going through Ellinielle’s mind were excitement and fear. Fear was definitely the prominent emotion…what if she displeased the Aes Sedai?

 

Realizing the Aes Sedai was awaiting an answer, Ellinielle forced herself to forget her fear…for the time being, at least. She curtsied as best she could manage, which was very impressive for someone who had been born quite poor. She suppressed a shudder as her memories of her childhood in the Rahad came into her mind. Forcing the memories out of her head, she decided it would be best to say something. ‘Best to keep it plain and simple’, she thought. Even having lived and worked in Tar Valon for a while now, she did not have much experience dealing with Aes Sedai, as none had ever come to the shop looking for clothes before. She hoped she was doing it right! “Most pleased to meet you, Aes Sedai. I…am Ellinielle…I would be honored if you would allow me to sew you a gown.†She realized that her natural, always-there smile had disappeared in pure astonishment when she had seen the Aes Sedai. She quickly made it return, and tried to make it as pleasant as she could. Remembering that Miss Potter was there, she offered a meek “oh…hello Miss Potter,†and turned back towards her special customer. Light, what if she displeased the Aes Sedai!

[Shaneevae]

A bright smile broke out across her face at the child’s perfect curtsy and polite greeting even if the pretty youth looked a little taken back by her presence. “Fantastic!†She said clapping her hands. Shall we get started?â€

 

With that, the youth turned for Shaneevae to follow her behind the curtains. Immediately her eyes and hands darted toward the luxurious fabrics that lined a multitude of shelves. How on Earth would she ever choose only two? Maybe she would have to splurge a tad further with such a rich selection from which to choose. Her small hands traced a myriad of patterns, textures and colors. Her eyes were wide and her mind scrambling with effort to form a quick decision. It had been so long since she had allowed herself the luxury of a new gown or two….maybe even three that she no longer knew what was in style or even what colors flattered her earthy, freckled complexion.

 

She, of course, knew that the Cairhein or Andoran styles would make her buxom figure look frumpy rather than voluptuous, but that only left a few styles. Tairen had always been her choice. The neckline draping from the shoulders and the slim fit had always flattered her nicely, but she desperately wanted something new. Maybe simply adding a few more embellishments, which she normally stayed away from would do the trick.

 

Having been lost in thought, she turned making a brief apology, “I’m sorry child. I’m easily distracted.†Shaneevae let out a throaty laugh. “Perhaps you could recommend something for me? If you would be so kind.â€

 

 

Shaneevae el'Edware

Head of the Brown Ajah

 

OOC: You did a wonderful job! I figure on my next post I will ask you if you'd like to be tested or you could bring it up in your next post. Shaneevae is very busty and is a curvaceous handful. She is considered pretty with freckles and blue-green eyes. I've always imagined her very earthy in appearance. Please forgive my terrible RPing..I've been out of practice for awhile. *winks*

[ajd]

“Fantastic!†Ellinielle let out a sigh of relief she had been holding in when the Aes Sedai clapped her hands and spoke that word. She was handling herself pretty well so far, she thought. The woman in front of her had seemed very powerful at first…more important than Ellinielle. Perhaps it was just the knowledge that she was Aes Sedai, that had made Ellinielle very nervous and intimidated. Now, however, she was starting to see a different side of the woman. All the Aes Sedai she had ever seen had been very…demanding. This one seemed to be nicer. A lot nicer. Ellinielle began to feel more relaxed.

 

Turning around, she started towards the curtains, beckoning for the Aes Sedai to follow. As they pushed away the curtains, Ellinielle leading her new customer, pure indecision covered the woman’s face as she gazed upon all the materials resting on the shelves. Ellinielle wturned to face her, and stopped what she was going to say when she realized the Aes Sedai was lost in thought. Best to wait for her customer to speak first. Moving her eyes around the room while she waited, Ellinielle realized that Miss Potter had stayed in the other room instead of following, and her heart sank. 'Oh light, now I have to do this by myself!’ The worry lasted only a second until she thought about it. This was no different than having any other customer. The retired seamstress’ presence would have been a comfort though.

 

“I’m sorry child. I’m easily distracted. Perhaps you could recommend something for me? If you would be so kind.†The Aes Sedai let out a laugh as she spoke. Ellinielle immediately turned to face the woman, forgetting all about Miss Potter for the moment. “That is quite alright, Aes Sedai,†she said, making her voice as pleasant as she could. “If I may say, I would suggest something in the Tairen fashion for you,†she thought it would fit the woman’s form nicely. “It would be lovely, I think.†She waited for the other woman’s nod before she continued. “If you would pick out some colours?†she said, leading the Aes Sedai over to the shelves holding some fabrics.

 

The woman started looking through the fabrics. As Ellinielle watched her, a memory popped into her head of another time she had seen an Aes Sedai. She had been only 10 years old, her mother was still alive, and she lived in the Rahad, in Ebou Dar. She shuddered at that last.

 

Ellinielle ran down the crowded street of Ebou Dar, followed by her friend, Daeria. She was racing to get back home, for it was getting late, and her mother would be worried. She had ventured out of the Rahad today, for a little escape from the grungy, dirty streets. And for a little adventure. She didn’t get away from there very much, and she had enjoyed the past few hours. Now, the sun was setting, and she new it would be dark soon.

 

As she turned a corner, she came to a less crowded street, and stopped dead where she stood. Daeria bumped into her, and they toppled onto the road. They quickly recovered, so as not to get run over by a cart. Ellinielle took Daeria’s hand and led her down the street at a run. Her friend kept shouting “where are we going, Elli?†but all she could do in answer was say “just try to keep up.†Elli’s full attention was on the small crowd of people on the street. She was searching for what she thought she had seen. Where did they go?

 

Rounding another corner, her friend in tow, Ellinielle found what she was looking for. Two people were walking down the street, a woman and a man. The man seemed to be watching every direction at once, and had a sword strapped to his waist. The woman…she was the one who held Elli’s attention. The woman was all serenity, her ageless face pointing her out in the crowd.From what she had heard, this woman was Aes Sedai! The street was very busy, the people a huge moving mass. Elli tried to move forward, to get a better look at the Aes Sedai, but trying to push her way through the crowd was nearly impossible. She glanced at the Aes Sedai, and noticed the woman’s rich and expensive clothes. Glancing down at her own, Elli sighed in grief when she saw them. They were torn in several places, and made of a really itchy material. Also, the crowd parted around the woman, to let her and her impressive white mare through the crowd.

 

Elli turned to her friend, and they stared at each other for a long moment. Then, Elli whispered something that made her friend gasp. “Someday, Daeria, I want to be Aes Sedai.â€

 

Ellinielle awoke from her daydream, and wondered how long she had been lost in her childhood memory. She stared at the Aes Sedai, and saw that she was still looking at fabrics, so it couldn’t have been that long. As she stared, her long-forgotten aspiration popped into her mind, this time as a possible reality. She wanted to ask it so badly. Finally, she worked up the courage. “Excuse me, Aes Sedai, but I…was just wondering if…maybe…you might be able test me…to see if I can channel?â€

 

 

OOC: You did not do terrible! I thought you were very good. Thank you for helping me with this, btw. this post turned out longer than I expected it to…I had a lot to write about. :D

[Shaneevae]

Colors. That was the problem. There were so many lovely fabrics and patterns, so many from which to choose. Jewel tones, pastels, rich blooded reds, plush velvets and opulent chocolates, how was a girl to choose? Rubbing a dark velvet against her face, she eyed a heavy golden brocade weighing it’s attributes within her mind when the young woman interrupted her thoughts.

 

“Excuse me, Aes Sedai, but I…was just wondering if…maybe…you might be able test me…to see if I can channel?â€

 

Shaneevae’s eyes widened in surprise. A young woman in Tar Valon and she hadn’t been tested yet? It was unheard of and especially when the novice quarters were only a fraction full of what they used to be.

 

Looking at the seamstress intently, she wondered if this young girl had any idea of the sacrifices that would have to be made if it were found that she could channel. Certainly, the benefits of such were astronomical, but sometimes so were the limitations of such a commitment. Sometimes she mourned the loss of motherhood so keenly that she would spend hours watching the children of Tar Valon play before going to her quarters and crying pitifully with a heart full of could have beens and should have beens. Her regret did not stem only from the loss of Ryan and what could have been, but from as far back as her youth. For some women escaping motherhood was a blessing while for others it was a curse and there were days when she could see the positives from both sides.

 

“How long have you been in Tar Valon, child? I’m awed that you could have escaped notice this long without being tested. No matter, we shall remedy that immediately.â€

 

Pulling on a delicate silver chain, she fished an emerald the size of a robin’s egg from between her breasts. Crossing the room, she sat and beckoned for the blue eyed child to sit across from her. Indicating for her to hold out her hands, Shannevae placed the stone in her cupped palms.

 

“Now, I want you to clear your mind of everything except for the stone that is in your hands.†Watching the young woman’s face, she could see the excitement as well as the trepidation. “Now focus, child. Focus only on the stone and leave all other thoughts outside of the room, outside of your mind.â€

 

The young woman’s face became a blank canvas as she stared into the cool jewel. Shaneevae only had to wait for a short time when the emerald flashed with Saidar. Smiling, she leaned forward to gain the girl’s attention. “Congratulations Ellinielle, you have the ability to learn to channel.â€

 

 

 

Shaneevae Sedai

Head of the Brown Ajah

 

OOC: Just reply with how you focused on the emerald and then your reaction to the news. In my next post I will write a note and send you directly to the Mistress of Novices.

[ajd]

Ellinielle felt a pang of fear after she asked the question. The Aes Sedai looked angry. It lasted only a second, though, before it was replaced with anxiety. The Aes Sedai wasn’t angry at all…just a little bit surprised at being asked the question all of a sudden. The Aes Sedai stared at her for a few seconds, though it seemed like hours. Abrubtly the silence was broken by the other woman. Ellinielle felt even more nervous than she had before she asked. All of her emotions changed, however, at the Aes Sedai’s words.

 

“How long have you been in Tar Valon, child? I’m awed that you could have escaped notice this long without being tested. No matter, we shall remedy that immediately.â€

 

She was going to be tested! A feeling of excitement overwhelmed her anxiety, and for a quick second she forgot about the fact that there was a slim chance that she could learn to channel. ‘This is no time for daydreaming’, she thought irritably. How long had she been in Tar Valon, now? It had been a few months, already. Ellinielle cursed herself for not asking an Aes Sedai to be tested earlier.

 

The Aes Sedai pulled out a large emerald on a silver chain, and strode toward the other side of the room. Ellinielle followed at the woman’s beckoning, and sat across from her. This was it. This was the moment she had dreamed of her whole life. Elli just hoped it would turn out the way she so desperately wanted it to. ‘I musn’t get my hopes up. Not now’ she told herself. Oh, but how she hoped she could learn to channel. The Aes Sedai told her to hold out both her hands, and when she did, the woman placed the green gem in Elli’s cupped palms. Excitement and apprehension filled her thoughts, and she could think of nothing else.

 

The Aes Sedai looked at her, and told her to clear her mind of everything except the stone in her hands. Light, was that ever hard. Trying to rid herself of her anxiety and anticipation was not very easy. After all, this test would determine her future. The Aes Sedai told her to focus and leave all her other thoughts outside the room. Ellinielle closed her eyes in hopes of making that task easier, considering she was getting nowhere with them open.

 

She tried to suppress every thought that popped into her head. She formed a picture of the emerald in her hands in her mind. The emerald was everything. There was nothing else. She concentrated as hard as she could. Everything else disappeared, and for a brief moment, all of her troubles and bad memories ceased to exist in her mind. She had so many of those, and it was an almost overwhelming relief to be rid of them, if only for an instant. Just the gem. Light, how long would this take? She was concentrating as best as she could, now, and didn’t know how much longer she could hold it for. Finally, her deep focus on the stone was broken by the Aes Sedai’s voice.

 

“Congratulations Ellinielle, you have the ability to learn to channel.â€

 

It was as if all her deepest, most forgotten childhood dreams came floating up from where they had lain hidden in the depths of her mind. She immediately forgot the stone she had been concentrating on so intently a moment before. All she could do was stare. She could learn! She would be able to weave Saidar! Overwhelming joy and excitement was all she felt. A million thoughts raced through her head at once. She was going to be Aes Sedai! She…she was too excited to think clearly, is what she was.

 

Finally, Ellinielle suppressed her emotions just enough to get some words out. She couldn’t control the sound of her voice for lack of any self-control at that moment, and her words came out through her huge smile in a bit of a squeaky voice.

 

“Light! I am so excited! What do I do now, Aes Sedai!?â€

 

 

 

Ellinielle Iridin

Novice of the White Tower

[Shaneevae]

“Light! I am so excited! What do I do now, Aes Sedai!?â€

 

Shaneevae couldn’t help, but smile at the young girl’s excitement as she slipped the emerald back over head. “Well.†She said as she placed her hands on her hips. “You’ll be getting yourself directly to the Mistress of Novices to begin your training, which is unfortunate for Miss Potter and me. She’ll have need of a new apprentice and I’ll have need of a new seamstress.†The child looked almost guilty at Shaneevae’s last words and the Brown sister touched her gently on the shoulder. “No worries child. Tower business certainly comes before my need for a few new dresses.â€

 

Shaneevae started to poke around the room in search of ink and quill and was rewarded when she spotted a small, black jar and quill set on the top shelf. Relaxing her shoulders and mind, the Aes Sedai embraced Saidar bringing her prize down into her grasp on a fine net of Air. Ellinielle’s eyes widened in amazement as she watched the set drift unencumbered through the air to end delicately in Shaneevae’s outstretched palms. “Now for parchment child, do you know where Miss Potter keeps it?â€

 

The future novice scurried over to the far corner of the room and with a few shuffles quickly scurried back with a few pieces of crisp, wrinkled pieces of parchment. “Thank you, child†With tools in hand, Shaneevae began the brief note that would forever change the seamstress’ life, forever weave her into the Pattern.

 

 

Faerzyne Sedai,

 

I have had to grandest fortune while shopping in Tar Valon, a youth who has the ability to be taught. Go out for a new dress, come back with a novice, all in a days work, I say. So, I send her to you and I’m sure you’ll have her in novice whites within the hour.

 

Shaneevae Sedai

 

Folding up the parchment, Shaneevae handed it over to Ellinielle. Pack up your belongings and head to the Tower. At the entrance you’ll be asked your business. Tell them that you’ve been sent to the Mistress of Novices by Shaneevae Sedai. Once you arrive at Faerzyne Sedai’s office, give her this note. She will take care of the rest. Placing her hand under the child’s chin, she lifted it slightly and smiled, “May the Light keep you and bless you.â€

 

With that, Shaneevae left the shop, the door chiming with her exit.

 

Shaneevae Sedai

 

OOC: Now just post your arrival at the White Tower on the White Tower board. Place attention MON in your heading and she'll be along shortly. It was great rping with you, let me know if you need anything else! Good Luck.