Birds and the Bees and the Flowers and the Trees: Lillian

[Shaneevae]

Leaning against the cool wall, Shaneevae grinned up at Javic as his eyes casually grazed the exposed portion of her bosom. Tilting her chin up, she smiled, drawing her shoulders in to deepen the valley between her breasts, rewarded with a flash of his eyes and the dilation of his pupils, a clear sign of his attraction. A faint blush spread across her cheeks, a calculated move that always served her well when dealing with the opposite sex. They were like putty when those two tricks were used, malleable and pliant to her every whim with only a few exceptions, hard nosed men with not an ounce of passion could normally resist for a brief time. It was a good thing that the wall was behind her for it served two purposes, one being that it kept her knees from buckling under his heated attention and the second being that it cooled at least one side of her body.

 

This did happen to be one of her more favored past times though a past time she did not indulge in as often as she once did. Cocking an elegantly arched brow and touching his chest tentatively, she purred, �How is it I�ve not had the pleasure of your acquaintance before today, Javic.� His name was a mere whisper upon her lips; she cozened in as he placed one hand to the right of her head and leaned in nonchalantly so that his breath brushed her ear.

 

�Umm�I�m not sure, Aes Sedai, but today is a blessed day, indeed.� He murmured in a deep, resonating voice as he traced his finger across her shoulder.

 

A smirk enveloped her mouth as she dropped her eyes only to look back up at him beneath heavy, sable lashes. �It seems I have caught a bold one. I dare say that you are all bark and no bite, Javic. Is that true? Are you afraid to bite a Sedai?� Shaneevae let out a husky laugh as she saw the pulse quicken in his neck. Just as he was about to respond they both heard someone entering the hallway too late not to be caught in this compromising position. Shaneevae straightened and stepped from beneath the handsome guards arm and looked at the novice directly. Nodding sternly at the child indicating for her to remain where she stood, she turned gracing Javic with a sly wink �We shall continue this discussion later, good sir. For now, it seems I have something of importance to attend.�

 

With her distraction dismissed, she turned her attention back to the novice who was attempting to still the mischief in her large emerald eyes. Crooking a finger, she beckoned the child to follow her into her office. Circling around the large pale oak desk, she hummed a little tune as she sat delicately upon her chair. Retrieving a document from her desk, she surveyed it for a few minutes before returning her gaze to the woman-child. �Have a seat, child. I fear we have a few things to discuss.�

 

 

Shaneevae

 

Quietly making her ways through the halls, Lillian Tremina kept her eyes downcast as she made her way to her next task. She was to meet with a Shaneevae Sedai of the Brown Ajah, to speak about the Brown Ajah and to gain a better perspective of it. Though the stereotype of the Brown sister being unworldly was often passed about, and there were a few who truly gave the stereotype credit, Lillian was wary of buying into such so easily. As much as some of them did seem unaware of what was going on, she'd seen more than one Brown sister during her years at the White Tower also prove that appearances could be deceiving.

 

Rounding the corner, Lillian had already taken a few steps down the corridor before she realised what was going on. Quickly averting her eyes down, she began to turn away as she reined back a smile when the Aes Sedai caught sight of her. Stopping where she was and fighting down the urge to laugh as best she could, she waited until she was beckoned to follow. Realising that while the Aes Sedai might have been friendly with the Tower Guard that there was no reason for the Aes Sedai to be towards her, she quickly grapsed regained her decorum and sensibility as she followed the Aes Sedai into the office.

 

It was a well ordered affair, to a degree at least. There was nothing on the floor, and the desk was tidy, but the bookcases in the room were packed to the brim. Maybe there was some of the stereotype to the Aes Sedai that told her to sit. That in turn was at odds with what she had seen out in the hallway, but people were always more than what others believed them to be. Or maybe she gave too much credit, but either way she was certain she would discover what the case was soon enough.

 

"Thank you, Shaneevae Sedai."

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower

_________________

 

Silence filled the room once the child was seated and Shaneevae used that time wisely studying the face of the woman-child that sat across the expanse of the desk. Irritatingly, the copper-skinned beauty didn�t reveal as much as the Brown sister would have liked, which was typical of a Domani. They could sell you a rooster claming it was a hen without batting an eye and damned if you did not believe every word that passed their lips. The girl was most certainly Domani, it could not be denied in her carriage and demeanor or the sultry way she held her mouth or the heaviness of her eyes. It was admirable how the Domani raised their girl children, intelligent, business savvy and not afraid to use their feminine wiles to make things happen to their benefit.

 

At least the child was smart enough to keep her eyes downcast as Shaneevae studied her. Many with her upbringing would brazenly look upon a sister, no matter the distinct hierarchy that existed in the Tower. Shaneevae smiled with the thought and briefly wondered if the conversation she was about to have was even necessary. She was a Domani woman-child, after all.

 

Clearing her throat, she waited for the girl�s green eyes to rise and meet her own green tinged gaze, �Child. I would like to speak with you about what you just observed.� The novice�s eyes widened suddenly with recognition and a hint of uncertainty. Perhaps she was not as well versed as Shaneevae had first thought. Using her firm yet non threatening voice, the one she used in her classes, she continued, �You see, sometimes men and women engage in discussions of a jovial nature,���. lighthearted and noncommittal, as a way to���pass the day.� Eyebrows drawn together, Shaneevae let out an exasperated sigh. This was not going how she had planned. How far did she need to go with the explanation and did this child deserve an explanation. Being no fool, she knew that novices and accepted talked and she really did not want her reputation to be smirked by once incident. So, maybe there had been other incidents, but it had been years, practically ages.

 

Setting her face solidly followed by a twitch of her mouth, she tilted her head, �Perhaps you should tell me what you think you just saw?� She asked raising her eyebrows in question. �At least that would give me some indication of your prior knowledge on the ways of men and women, which would prevent me from floundering around like a fish out of water.�

 

 

 

Shaneevae Sedai

Brown Sister

[Shaneevae]

Leaning against the cool wall, Shaneevae grinned up at Javic as his eyes casually grazed the exposed portion of her bosom. Tilting her chin up, she smiled, drawing her shoulders in to deepen the valley between her breasts, rewarded with a flash of his eyes and the dilation of his pupils, a clear sign of his attraction. A faint blush spread across her cheeks, a calculated move that always served her well when dealing with the opposite sex. They were like putty when those two tricks were used, malleable and pliant to her every whim with only a few exceptions, hard nosed men with not an ounce of passion could normally resist for a brief time. It was a good thing that the wall was behind her for it served two purposes, one being that it kept her knees from buckling under his heated attention and the second being that it cooled at least one side of her body.

 

This did happen to be one of her more favored past times though a past time she did not indulge in as often as she once did. Cocking an elegantly arched brow and touching his chest tentatively, she purred, �How is it I�ve not had the pleasure of your acquaintance before today, Javic.� His name was a mere whisper upon her lips; she cozened in as he placed one hand to the right of her head and leaned in nonchalantly so that his breath brushed her ear.

 

�Umm�I�m not sure, Aes Sedai, but today is a blessed day, indeed.� He murmured in a deep, resonating voice as he traced his finger across her shoulder.

 

A smirk enveloped her mouth as she dropped her eyes only to look back up at him beneath heavy, sable lashes. �It seems I have caught a bold one. I dare say that you are all bark and no bite, Javic. Is that true? Are you afraid to bite a Sedai?� Shaneevae let out a husky laugh as she saw the pulse quicken in his neck. Just as he was about to respond they both heard someone entering the hallway too late not to be caught in this compromising position. Shaneevae straightened and stepped from beneath the handsome guards arm and looked at the novice directly. Nodding sternly at the child indicating for her to remain where she stood, she turned gracing Javic with a sly wink �We shall continue this discussion later, good sir. For now, it seems I have something of importance to attend.�

 

With her distraction dismissed, she turned her attention back to the novice who was attempting to still the mischief in her large emerald eyes. Crooking a finger, she beckoned the child to follow her into her office. Circling around the large pale oak desk, she hummed a little tune as she sat delicately upon her chair. Retrieving a document from her desk, she surveyed it for a few minutes before returning her gaze to the woman-child. �Have a seat, child. I fear we have a few things to discuss.�

 

 

Shaneevae

 

Quietly making her ways through the halls, Lillian Tremina kept her eyes downcast as she made her way to her next task. She was to meet with a Shaneevae Sedai of the Brown Ajah, to speak about the Brown Ajah and to gain a better perspective of it. Though the stereotype of the Brown sister being unworldly was often passed about, and there were a few who truly gave the stereotype credit, Lillian was wary of buying into such so easily. As much as some of them did seem unaware of what was going on, she'd seen more than one Brown sister during her years at the White Tower also prove that appearances could be deceiving.

 

Rounding the corner, Lillian had already taken a few steps down the corridor before she realised what was going on. Quickly averting her eyes down, she began to turn away as she reined back a smile when the Aes Sedai caught sight of her. Stopping where she was and fighting down the urge to laugh as best she could, she waited until she was beckoned to follow. Realising that while the Aes Sedai might have been friendly with the Tower Guard that there was no reason for the Aes Sedai to be towards her, she quickly grapsed regained her decorum and sensibility as she followed the Aes Sedai into the office.

 

It was a well ordered affair, to a degree at least. There was nothing on the floor, and the desk was tidy, but the bookcases in the room were packed to the brim. Maybe there was some of the stereotype to the Aes Sedai that told her to sit. That in turn was at odds with what she had seen out in the hallway, but people were always more than what others believed them to be. Or maybe she gave too much credit, but either way she was certain she would discover what the case was soon enough.

 

"Thank you, Shaneevae Sedai."

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower

_________________

 

Silence filled the room once the child was seated and Shaneevae used that time wisely studying the face of the woman-child that sat across the expanse of the desk. Irritatingly, the copper-skinned beauty didn�t reveal as much as the Brown sister would have liked, which was typical of a Domani. They could sell you a rooster claming it was a hen without batting an eye and damned if you did not believe every word that passed their lips. The girl was most certainly Domani, it could not be denied in her carriage and demeanor or the sultry way she held her mouth or the heaviness of her eyes. It was admirable how the Domani raised their girl children, intelligent, business savvy and not afraid to use their feminine wiles to make things happen to their benefit.

 

At least the child was smart enough to keep her eyes downcast as Shaneevae studied her. Many with her upbringing would brazenly look upon a sister, no matter the distinct hierarchy that existed in the Tower. Shaneevae smiled with the thought and briefly wondered if the conversation she was about to have was even necessary. She was a Domani woman-child, after all.

 

Clearing her throat, she waited for the girl�s green eyes to rise and meet her own green tinged gaze, �Child. I would like to speak with you about what you just observed.� The novice�s eyes widened suddenly with recognition and a hint of uncertainty. Perhaps she was not as well versed as Shaneevae had first thought. Using her firm yet non threatening voice, the one she used in her classes, she continued, �You see, sometimes men and women engage in discussions of a jovial nature,���. lighthearted and noncommittal, as a way to���pass the day.� Eyebrows drawn together, Shaneevae let out an exasperated sigh. This was not going how she had planned. How far did she need to go with the explanation and did this child deserve an explanation. Being no fool, she knew that novices and accepted talked and she really did not want her reputation to be smirked by once incident. So, maybe there had been other incidents, but it had been years, practically ages.

 

Setting her face solidly followed by a twitch of her mouth, she tilted her head, �Perhaps you should tell me what you think you just saw?� She asked raising her eyebrows in question. �At least that would give me some indication of your prior knowledge on the ways of men and women, which would prevent me from floundering around like a fish out of water.�

 

 

 

Shaneevae Sedai

Brown Sister

[Shaneevae]

The Aes Sedai seemed to study her for awhile, as if weighing her up. It was a look she had long since become accustomed to so she sat there patiently as she waited for the Aes Sedai to speak. When she chose to speak, she became slightly worried as the topic turned to what she had observed. It had been an accident, and it had been none of her business, and she hardly wanted to be hanged for something that she had nothing to do with. Some Aes Sedai could be quite particular about points of propriety, and certainly wouldn't want rumour spread about who they might favour. Not that Lillian was the sort to spread such things, but then again, the Aes Sedai who sat opposite her knew as little of her as she knew of the Aes Sedai.

 

It was a surprise she barely managed to keep from her face when instead of speaking about silence, the Aes Sedai seemed to be concerned with trying to explain what had been happening in a better light. Did the Aes Sedai believe her a child? Or was this perhaps a test to make her misstep? Halvie Sedai was certainly adept at trying to trick Lillian into making such a mistake and revealing more about herself than she wished to. Besides, it certainly wasn't something to discuss with someone she didn't know.

 

Still, the Aes Sedai had been open with her, rather than trying to maintain a hierarchical distance that other sisters did. Dealing with new Aes Sedai was always a test in itself, not knowing which step was the surest. Blinking, Lillian decided on the middle course and committed to it. "You were speaking to a Tower Guard, Shaneevae Sedai."

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower

 

Dear Creator, this was going to be more difficult than she had thought, the child was clueless. Maintaining her composure was difficult to say the least as she strained to keep the crease from forming across her forehead. Instead, she narrowed her eyes slightly and circled around the room rubbing her temples viciously once she was out of the child’s sight. Smacking her hand to her forehead, her eyes tightened and she furtively searched her brain for something to say. Anything that could explain what the child had just seen or thought she’d seen.

 

But maybe, just maybe the child hadn’t seen anything or the perception of what she’d seen was perfectly innocent. It suddenly occurred to Shaneevae that the more she pressed the subject the more suspicious the white clad girl could become. Perhaps the tone she had taken as respectable was actually patronizing and the young woman knew exactly what had been going on between herself and the Tower Guard. As always, the Brown sister was strangled by her own thoughts. She had never been adept at Daes Damar and shamefully, she was now coming to the quick conclusion that this girl, this child was more of a master at it than she, an Aes Sedai of considerable years. This was humiliating, if this was, indeed what the child was doing. Of course, maybe she was just playing smart. The child knew very well that an Aes Sedai could make her life miserable if she so chose, so better to err on the side of caution.

 

With a better idea of what was going on or so she thought, Shaneevae made her way back to the other side of her desk and promptly took her seat. Studying the young woman’s face, she tilted her head to the side and narrowed her gaze. She may not be very talented when it came to the Great Game, but she recognized that special knowing when she saw it and the young woman before her had it in spades. It practically oozed from her shocking emerald eyes. The Brown would bet a month’s wage that this young Domani before her had come to the Tower knowing how to wrap a man around her little finger and enjoyed every moment of it; much like her at that age.

 

Clasping her hands in front of her she leaned her chin upon her fists her lips thinning in preparation for her next question, “Child, just what business has brought you into the bowels of the Tower where only ghosts and mad scientists dare to venture?â€

 

Shaneevae

 

The Aes Sedai, Shaneevae Sedai, seemed quite unsure of herself as she paced about the room. Lillian couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt, but it was better not to stick her head out to then get the chop. Still, whatever doubts Shaneevae Sedai had to begin with, by the time she had taken her seat again they were gone, or so Lillian was certain of as Shaneevae Sedai looked into her eyes and found the answer to her questions. That out of the way, it seemed that the Aes Sedai was ready to lay the issue aside for more important matters, such as why Lillian was in her room. She couldn't help but think that the turn of phrase in the question was somewhat odd.

 

"Halvie Sedai, my mentor, has over the years had me visit various Aes Sedai from the different Ajah's to learn about each of them from their members. By speaking to Aes Sedai from different Ajah, my mentor believes I will gain a better insight into what each of the Ajahs stand for. To try and gain that understanding, there are several questions I would ask. What it is that the Brown Ajah do, the reasons why, and what makes a sister of the Brown Ajah in your opinion?" As Shaneevae Sedai went still, Lillian wasn't sure what to make of it.

 

"I apologise if my questions are impertinent Shaneevae Sedai. I realise that there are many other things that you could be doing with your time." It was always a good idea to make sure that an Aes Sedai knew you didn't mean to trouble them, or so Lillian had found after a particularly bad encounter with one of the Aes Sedai. If it would save trouble, it was always worth making an attempt at it. Perhaps Lillian really had overstepped her bounds though, or so she thought as the stillness on Shaneevae Sedai's face was replaced with a frown.

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower

[Shaneevae]

The Aes Sedai seemed to study her for awhile, as if weighing her up. It was a look she had long since become accustomed to so she sat there patiently as she waited for the Aes Sedai to speak. When she chose to speak, she became slightly worried as the topic turned to what she had observed. It had been an accident, and it had been none of her business, and she hardly wanted to be hanged for something that she had nothing to do with. Some Aes Sedai could be quite particular about points of propriety, and certainly wouldn't want rumour spread about who they might favour. Not that Lillian was the sort to spread such things, but then again, the Aes Sedai who sat opposite her knew as little of her as she knew of the Aes Sedai.

 

It was a surprise she barely managed to keep from her face when instead of speaking about silence, the Aes Sedai seemed to be concerned with trying to explain what had been happening in a better light. Did the Aes Sedai believe her a child? Or was this perhaps a test to make her misstep? Halvie Sedai was certainly adept at trying to trick Lillian into making such a mistake and revealing more about herself than she wished to. Besides, it certainly wasn't something to discuss with someone she didn't know.

 

Still, the Aes Sedai had been open with her, rather than trying to maintain a hierarchical distance that other sisters did. Dealing with new Aes Sedai was always a test in itself, not knowing which step was the surest. Blinking, Lillian decided on the middle course and committed to it. "You were speaking to a Tower Guard, Shaneevae Sedai."

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower

 

Dear Creator, this was going to be more difficult than she had thought, the child was clueless. Maintaining her composure was difficult to say the least as she strained to keep the crease from forming across her forehead. Instead, she narrowed her eyes slightly and circled around the room rubbing her temples viciously once she was out of the child’s sight. Smacking her hand to her forehead, her eyes tightened and she furtively searched her brain for something to say. Anything that could explain what the child had just seen or thought she’d seen.

 

But maybe, just maybe the child hadn’t seen anything or the perception of what she’d seen was perfectly innocent. It suddenly occurred to Shaneevae that the more she pressed the subject the more suspicious the white clad girl could become. Perhaps the tone she had taken as respectable was actually patronizing and the young woman knew exactly what had been going on between herself and the Tower Guard. As always, the Brown sister was strangled by her own thoughts. She had never been adept at Daes Damar and shamefully, she was now coming to the quick conclusion that this girl, this child was more of a master at it than she, an Aes Sedai of considerable years. This was humiliating, if this was, indeed what the child was doing. Of course, maybe she was just playing smart. The child knew very well that an Aes Sedai could make her life miserable if she so chose, so better to err on the side of caution.

 

With a better idea of what was going on or so she thought, Shaneevae made her way back to the other side of her desk and promptly took her seat. Studying the young woman’s face, she tilted her head to the side and narrowed her gaze. She may not be very talented when it came to the Great Game, but she recognized that special knowing when she saw it and the young woman before her had it in spades. It practically oozed from her shocking emerald eyes. The Brown would bet a month’s wage that this young Domani before her had come to the Tower knowing how to wrap a man around her little finger and enjoyed every moment of it; much like her at that age.

 

Clasping her hands in front of her she leaned her chin upon her fists her lips thinning in preparation for her next question, “Child, just what business has brought you into the bowels of the Tower where only ghosts and mad scientists dare to venture?â€

 

Shaneevae

 

The Aes Sedai, Shaneevae Sedai, seemed quite unsure of herself as she paced about the room. Lillian couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt, but it was better not to stick her head out to then get the chop. Still, whatever doubts Shaneevae Sedai had to begin with, by the time she had taken her seat again they were gone, or so Lillian was certain of as Shaneevae Sedai looked into her eyes and found the answer to her questions. That out of the way, it seemed that the Aes Sedai was ready to lay the issue aside for more important matters, such as why Lillian was in her room. She couldn't help but think that the turn of phrase in the question was somewhat odd.

 

"Halvie Sedai, my mentor, has over the years had me visit various Aes Sedai from the different Ajah's to learn about each of them from their members. By speaking to Aes Sedai from different Ajah, my mentor believes I will gain a better insight into what each of the Ajahs stand for. To try and gain that understanding, there are several questions I would ask. What it is that the Brown Ajah do, the reasons why, and what makes a sister of the Brown Ajah in your opinion?" As Shaneevae Sedai went still, Lillian wasn't sure what to make of it.

 

"I apologise if my questions are impertinent Shaneevae Sedai. I realise that there are many other things that you could be doing with your time." It was always a good idea to make sure that an Aes Sedai knew you didn't mean to trouble them, or so Lillian had found after a particularly bad encounter with one of the Aes Sedai. If it would save trouble, it was always worth making an attempt at it. Perhaps Lillian really had overstepped her bounds though, or so she thought as the stillness on Shaneevae Sedai's face was replaced with a frown.

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower

[Shaneevae]

Cocking a golden brow, Shaneevae studied the novice sitting across from her. This youngster was most adept at playing the innocent with superior manners and more grace than most veteran Aes Sedai could display. This intrigued the Brown sister immensely and there was nothing Shaneevae liked more than a puzzle that needed to be solved. Having always prided herself on reading the intentions of people, the only thing that belied her age, a crease in her forehead when thinking, once again wrinkled up in question. She was certainly no grand player of Daes Daemar, but sometimes she had the uncanny ability to slip inside a person’s skin and discern their motives and this child was full of it. Having spent years just watching had left her with a very useful talent.

 

Relaxing her forehead, Shaneevae tilted her head to the side and shared a friendly grin with the novice. “Why, I would be most pleased to share with you the benefits and purpose of the Brown Ajah.†Running a hand across her bare collarbone, she scratched absently at an imaginary spot above her heart. “Most novices, accepted and even some sisters believe that the Brown Ajah is full of bookish, absentminded women and while we have our fair share of those types we also possess the sharpest minds in the Tower. I’m sure you are familiar with our focus. That being a focus of knowledge and as you know, knowledge is power.â€

 

Stopping, Shaneevae met the young woman’s eyes and held them while she thought. This was no demure novice without worldly experience or a mind of her own. This young woman held experience in abundance and a will to match. She had learned to play the game early and Shaneevae was certain that no matter what she said of the Brown Ajah, Lillian had already made up her mind.

 

Placing her hands beneath her chin, she leaned forward and grinned conspiratorially, “I have a better idea, Lillian. Why don’t you tell me what you know of the Brown Ajah. What are your opinions? I think it would a much more interesting conversation that way. And feel free to speak as you please. You have nothing to fear from me.â€

 

 

Shaneevae

[Shaneevae]

Cocking a golden brow, Shaneevae studied the novice sitting across from her. This youngster was most adept at playing the innocent with superior manners and more grace than most veteran Aes Sedai could display. This intrigued the Brown sister immensely and there was nothing Shaneevae liked more than a puzzle that needed to be solved. Having always prided herself on reading the intentions of people, the only thing that belied her age, a crease in her forehead when thinking, once again wrinkled up in question. She was certainly no grand player of Daes Daemar, but sometimes she had the uncanny ability to slip inside a person’s skin and discern their motives and this child was full of it. Having spent years just watching had left her with a very useful talent.

 

Relaxing her forehead, Shaneevae tilted her head to the side and shared a friendly grin with the novice. “Why, I would be most pleased to share with you the benefits and purpose of the Brown Ajah.†Running a hand across her bare collarbone, she scratched absently at an imaginary spot above her heart. “Most novices, accepted and even some sisters believe that the Brown Ajah is full of bookish, absentminded women and while we have our fair share of those types we also possess the sharpest minds in the Tower. I’m sure you are familiar with our focus. That being a focus of knowledge and as you know, knowledge is power.â€

 

Stopping, Shaneevae met the young woman’s eyes and held them while she thought. This was no demure novice without worldly experience or a mind of her own. This young woman held experience in abundance and a will to match. She had learned to play the game early and Shaneevae was certain that no matter what she said of the Brown Ajah, Lillian had already made up her mind.

 

Placing her hands beneath her chin, she leaned forward and grinned conspiratorially, “I have a better idea, Lillian. Why don’t you tell me what you know of the Brown Ajah. What are your opinions? I think it would a much more interesting conversation that way. And feel free to speak as you please. You have nothing to fear from me.â€

 

 

Shaneevae

[Wayfarer]

Shaneevae Sedai seemed to have been lost in thought at first, yet now she had taken a rather friendly turn. Still, Lillian didn't know enough about Shaneevae Sedai to be certain, and some Aes Sedai were rather mercurial when it came to swings in mood and fancy. Well, that was no different from anyone else, Aes Sedai weren't particular in that, but Aes Sedai did do so all the same.

 

Discarding the thought, Lillian moved on to what Shaneevae Sedai was saying. It seemed she wanted to know what Lillian thought before speaking about the Brown Ajah. That was rather odd, other sisters had always spoken about what they thought their Ajah to be before asking how Lillian's opinion matched it. Was Shaneevae Sedai trying to study her through her interpretation of the Brown Ajah thusfar? Testing how open Lillian would be when invited to do so?

 

Lillian didn't mind laying down all the cards on the table, though she didn't have definite ideas about the Brown Ajah, or any others. She was certain that as she got older and became Accepted, her ideas would change. There was little point trying to make definitive decisions now.

 

"I think the Brown Ajah are... there to support the other Ajahs. The other Ajahs require knowledge; the Green Ajah battle tactics and shadowspawn, the Gray the laws and customs of lands, so on and so forth. The Brown Ajah are a source that all the other Ajahs can draw from, lean on when needed. The Brown Ajah researches new knowledge, and builds on that which the others can draw from."

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower

[Wayfarer]

Shaneevae Sedai seemed to have been lost in thought at first, yet now she had taken a rather friendly turn. Still, Lillian didn't know enough about Shaneevae Sedai to be certain, and some Aes Sedai were rather mercurial when it came to swings in mood and fancy. Well, that was no different from anyone else, Aes Sedai weren't particular in that, but Aes Sedai did do so all the same.

 

Discarding the thought, Lillian moved on to what Shaneevae Sedai was saying. It seemed she wanted to know what Lillian thought before speaking about the Brown Ajah. That was rather odd, other sisters had always spoken about what they thought their Ajah to be before asking how Lillian's opinion matched it. Was Shaneevae Sedai trying to study her through her interpretation of the Brown Ajah thusfar? Testing how open Lillian would be when invited to do so?

 

Lillian didn't mind laying down all the cards on the table, though she didn't have definite ideas about the Brown Ajah, or any others. She was certain that as she got older and became Accepted, her ideas would change. There was little point trying to make definitive decisions now.

 

"I think the Brown Ajah are... there to support the other Ajahs. The other Ajahs require knowledge; the Green Ajah battle tactics and shadowspawn, the Gray the laws and customs of lands, so on and so forth. The Brown Ajah are a source that all the other Ajahs can draw from, lean on when needed. The Brown Ajah researches new knowledge, and builds on that which the others can draw from."

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower

[Shaneevae]

She liked the look that crossed the girl’s face. It was a look of uncertainty, a look of questioning. The child was contemplating whether she could in fact trust an Aes Sedai with her true thoughts. You could practically see the wheels turning behind her pretty green eyes. Shaneevae worked hard at suppressing a grin that was threatening to surface at the most inopportune time. She couldn’t have the novice backing away from exerting her own thoughts and opinions. This world needed more independent thinkers, not yes men and yes women, but innovators and free thinkers. Yes, this girl needed to be encouraged to do so and with that thought, Shaneevae schooled her features to remain open and nonjudgmental.

 

The young woman hesitated only briefly before sharing her thoughts. Shaneevae’s brows flashed unwittingly. To support other Ajahs? Relaxing her features once again, she continued to listen. That was the very reason she could not be a major player in the Game of Houses. She was entirely too expressive.

 

As Lillian finished her recitation, she looked upon the Aes Sedai with a modicum of trepidation wondering just how this Aes Sedai would find her answer. Leaning back into her seat, Shaneevae crossed her arms beneath her breasts and sighed. “While you are correct in what you say, I do want to make it clear that the role of the Brown Ajah is far greater than that of a support Ajah.â€

 

Standing, she stretched slightly and twisted her waist from side to side, rewarded with a crack and a pop of released tension. “Oh make no doubt about it, most Ajahs are dependent upon the Brown to share their knowledge and direct them in their own pursuits, but we also have our own agendas that have nothing to do with aiding another.â€

 

Blue-green eyes searched the shelving on the wall, spotting what she had in mind, she walked quietly over and lifted the graying skull from the shelf. Stroking the smooth contours and ridges, she placed the skull in front of the novice. “Do you know what this is, Lillian and do you know where I found it?â€

 

 

Shaneevae

[Shaneevae]

She liked the look that crossed the girl’s face. It was a look of uncertainty, a look of questioning. The child was contemplating whether she could in fact trust an Aes Sedai with her true thoughts. You could practically see the wheels turning behind her pretty green eyes. Shaneevae worked hard at suppressing a grin that was threatening to surface at the most inopportune time. She couldn’t have the novice backing away from exerting her own thoughts and opinions. This world needed more independent thinkers, not yes men and yes women, but innovators and free thinkers. Yes, this girl needed to be encouraged to do so and with that thought, Shaneevae schooled her features to remain open and nonjudgmental.

 

The young woman hesitated only briefly before sharing her thoughts. Shaneevae’s brows flashed unwittingly. To support other Ajahs? Relaxing her features once again, she continued to listen. That was the very reason she could not be a major player in the Game of Houses. She was entirely too expressive.

 

As Lillian finished her recitation, she looked upon the Aes Sedai with a modicum of trepidation wondering just how this Aes Sedai would find her answer. Leaning back into her seat, Shaneevae crossed her arms beneath her breasts and sighed. “While you are correct in what you say, I do want to make it clear that the role of the Brown Ajah is far greater than that of a support Ajah.â€

 

Standing, she stretched slightly and twisted her waist from side to side, rewarded with a crack and a pop of released tension. “Oh make no doubt about it, most Ajahs are dependent upon the Brown to share their knowledge and direct them in their own pursuits, but we also have our own agendas that have nothing to do with aiding another.â€

 

Blue-green eyes searched the shelving on the wall, spotting what she had in mind, she walked quietly over and lifted the graying skull from the shelf. Stroking the smooth contours and ridges, she placed the skull in front of the novice. “Do you know what this is, Lillian and do you know where I found it?â€

 

 

Shaneevae

[Wayfarer]

It was a rather macabre sight, the skull that revealed its age through its texture. Lillian recoiled slightly from it, she didn't particularly have a fondness for bones to begin with, but this was different. The skull was larger than a normal man's, indeed it wasn't human at all as one could tell from its mishapen features. In particular, the jaw was particularly developed, and from it came two tusks, more than enough to tell Lillian what it had belonged to even if she had never seen its like before.

 

It was a Trolloc's skull.

 

There was the question of why Shaneevae Sedai had decided to pick it out, yet Lillian already had her suspicion. Shaneevae Sedai hadn't been entirely impressed with her description of the Brown Ajah as a support Ajah, even though it gave the Brown Ajah a certain eminence to be a foundation on which the other Ajahs built themselves. Not just that, but also acted as a link between them all, archiving the information of all Ajahs so that all could use it. This was to make the point that the Brown Ajah acted beyond that particular duty of the Brown Ajah then.

 

"Its a Trolloc skull, maybe a boar breed or such. Kaylan Sedai showed me such things from the Blight before. That would be were I would hazard to say you found it, or in the Borderlands from an attack." Lillian would have added more, but saying where she thought this was leading did nothing. If she was right, she undercut Shaneevae Sedai's point and was presumptuous. If she was wrong, she wasn't particularly acute and was also presumptuous. Either course would be a fool's course, and that wasn't the path she wished to tread, or so she thought to herself as she kept her eyes on the skull, its hollow sockets seemingly gazing back at her.

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower

[Shaneevae]

The child struggled to contain her disgust as she eyed the trolloc skull with guarded interest. The hybrid skull was quite intimidating and even the most seasoned Aes Sedai would still curl her lip in disdain at such a sight. Shaneevae actually found it to have an unnatural beauty with its jutting tusks and massive jaw, but she was more than aware that her fascination would be considered unusual by most and downright morbid by others. It was a label she was more than willing to bear.

 

"Its a Trolloc skull, maybe a boar breed or such. Kaylan Sedai showed me such things from the Blight before. That would be were I would hazard to say you found it, or in the Borderlands from an attack."

 

“Very good, child. It was during a Borderland attack that I came across this specimen. In Saldaea to be exact. Actually, came across would be a far too congenial way of describing the event.†She said grinning. “In order to preserve the specimen I was forced to snap its neck.†Picking up the skull, she looked at it thoughtfully. “Its from the Ko’bal tribe. A hybrid between man and boar though you were perceptive enough to discern that on your own. I’m impressed, childâ€

 

Sitting the skull back onto the shelf, Shaneevae placed her hands on her hips and looked around for her next example. Spotting a small, non- descript dagger, she pulled it from the shelf and dragged the flat of the blade across her skirt before handing it to the young novice handle first.

 

“Now Lillian, tell me what you think the story is behind this little treasure? I’ll give you a couple of hints†Grasping her hands behind her back, she smiled as she walked non-chalantly around the room. It isn’t mine, only an artifact left to me by an elderly Brown sister. It also has nothing to do with the Green Ajah as we’ve already spoken about them. Study it child and tell me what you think.â€

[Wayfarer]

Studying the dagger, Lillian was contemplating three different things. What Shaneevae Sedai had said in regards to the skull, the dagger before her and the nature of the challenges she was being given. Not that she was aware that she was doing all of them at once, it was just something she did. The result was that she wasn't entirely focused on all three, but sort of meandered through each of them in tandem.

 

Shaneevae Sedai said that she picked up the skull in the Borderlands, during a battle or skirmish no less. Saldaea, that was right, and she had killed the trolloc herself, snapping the neck to preserve the trolloc relatively intact. Why she kept the skull she didn't understand, maybe as a reminder of the battle yet it was a rather macabre keepsake.

 

Yet taking this in helped her solve the question of the nature of the challenges it seemed that Shaneevae Sedai would put her through now. The battle on the Borderlands indicated that the Brown was acting outside the White Tower, to say that Brown Sisters fought as well. Yet at the same time, the reason for acquiring the skull to begin with was research, and those who would benefit most from that research were the Green sisters because their first duty was fighting.

 

So, the challenge then was identifying the role that the dagger suggested, where a Brown sister had acted in the stead, or alongside another Ajah in that other Ajah's duty. Shaneevae Sedai said that it had nothing to do with the Green Ajah as they had already been mentioned, which meant she would be able to eliminate Ajahs as they went. It also meant that it wasn't of the Brown Ajah, because they were speaking of other Ajahs.

 

The blade was curved, though the edge looked a little worn. She wasn't even sure if it was steel, the hilt was rather plain and there were no inscriptions in the blade. She could place the blade at least, Domani, she had seen enough of them and indeed had owned one herself for a time as it was her heritage. Yet what would the significance of a Domani blade be?

 

Taking the dagger in hand, she dangled it with the blade pointing downward and with her other hand flicked the blade. The tang it made as it rang confirmed her earlier suspicion, iron. Even though steel and iron were rarely wrought into jewelry, she'd still learnt how to tell the difference. Iron blade, so it didn't belong to anyone of rank.

 

Laying the blade carefully back on the table, Lillian raced through her options. The White Ajah was possible with the blade representing cutting through falsehoods to the truth, yet that was too metaphorical, and it had been another sister's which indicated an experience. A blade was anathema to a Yellow Sister, that couldn't be it. It was doubtfully a Gray's role either, as they favoured peace rather than conflict.

 

That left the Blue and the Red. The Blue Ajah did tend to support causes that were of the common man, so the iron could be a clue. Yet at the same time, Blues didn't favour violence if they could afford it, they would rather influence change than take to a battlefield.

 

"Red."

 

Blushing as she realised she'd leapfrogged a little in her considerations, she turned to Shaneevae Sedai who was studying her though she took care to keep her eyes averted downward slightly so as not to meet her gaze. "A male channeler in Arad Doman? It doesn't seem to fit anyone else."

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower

[Shaneevae]

Shaneevae watched as the child’s eyes mirrored the thoughts running rampant in through head. If you watched closely enough you could almost see the youngster calculate, devise and discard each theory as it occurred to her. It was an impressive sight, but one that this Brown had always found fascinating. The intricacies of the human mind were of great interest to any Aes Sedai if she were to be a proper Aes Sedai, but Shaneevae viewed it slightly differently. How a mind learned and processed information would prove even more valuable when teaching the youth of the Tower. Finding new and creative ways to do so had become one of her newest fascinations. As she watched, she found herself wishing she could delve into the child’s mind and go along for the ride.

 

“Red.â€

 

The novice had blurted the answer out so suddenly that it took Shaneevae by surprise. It seemed that it had taken the novice by surprise as well as a bright blush spread across her cheeks.

 

"A male channeler in Arad Doman? It doesn't seem to fit anyone else."

 

Unable to contain her excitement, Shaneevae clapped her hands in glee. “Brilliant child! I’m sorely impressed and to place the origin of the dagger as well? Wonderful work.â€

 

Placing herself behind the large oaken desk, Shaneevae leaned forward, her eyes gleaming and a grin still firmly in place. “Tell me child. Tell me exactly how you came to that conclusion.†Lacing her small hands together, she placed them under her chin eager with anticipation. “Do not leave out one detail. Tell me how you discarded all the other Ajahs.â€

[Wayfarer]

Lillian was surprised at how animated Shaneevae Sedai had become all of a sudden. She would have thought if anything that the Aes Sedai might be a little put out by her impertinence. Then again, not every Aes Sedai was Halvie Sedai. Still, it was nice to have some praise for doing well, instead of just being reminded that she could do better, constantly.

 

It took her a moment to reorder her mind though, and a reminder to herself to keep her eyes down. "You said it couldn't be Green Ajah because it had already been named. I thought that you were giving me examples of Brown Sisters acting in the stead of other Ajahs so that eliminated the Brown Ajah. It could have been White Ajah as a metaphor, but it belonged to an older Brown Sister, that indicated it more likely to be a token or trophy."

 

"The dagger is of Domani make, I used to have a similar one myself once. The blade is iron, so the blade is common. That eliminated the Gray Ajah as they deal with nobles, and a weapon would not be a likely keepsake. Likewise, it would never be representative of the Yellow Ajah because it is a weapon."

 

"That left the Blue and Red Ajah. The blade is common, but Blues don't fight battles if they can avoid it. They try to change things without conflict. That left the Red Ajah, and a dagger could be representative of a fight, which the Red Ajah must do often enough when capturing male channelers, the dagger placing the channeler in Arad Doman, or least being of Domani blood."

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower

[Shaneevae]

The top of the novice’s head was becoming a distraction. It wasn’t as if the youth did not have a lovely head of hair, but it was simply not of interest. The eyes were the windows to the soul and the Brown Sister wanted to see if the girl really believed what she spoke. It seemed no matter what she did the child refused to look her in the eyes. Respect was well and good, but she planned to have an adult conversation with this girl and eye contact was a necessity for such an endeavor.

 

“Your thought process is stupendous, child, but the crown of your head is less than stimulating.†With that statement Lillian’s eyes shot up in question. “Yes, I know that most Aes Sedai view that behavior as reverential and respectful, but I am not most Aes Sedai and I am certainly no god worthy of reverence.†Shaneevae’s brows shot high, one higher than another in a perfect golden arch. “Now, I certainly do not want to see you punished by some other power-hungry Aes Sedai for insolent behavior, but if we’re to have this conversation, I require a full, adult participant.†Shaneevae smiled, hoping that would put the girl more at ease. “Do you understand?â€

 

A slight nod was all the response she got, but it was enough. “Just because the Tower views you as a child does not mean that you are and you have more than confirmed it to me. So, from now on when you are in my presence you are to look me in the eye.â€

 

Clapping her hands to signal the end of the conversation and the beginning of a much more important one, Shaneevae focused her attention on exactly what she wanted from the novice.

 

“Lillian, recall how you came to that conclusion and the one prior. Do you think it was more beneficial to examine, compare and discriminate between different theories on where my treasures came from or would you have preferred I just told you and insisted you recall the information at any given moment? Which method of learning was more rewarding?â€

[Wayfarer]

Looking up quickly, Lillian was surprised at the words Shaneevae Sedai chose to use. She wasn't the first Aes Sedai to tell her she wasn't like most Aes Sedai. She was the first Aes Sedai to openly call some of her fellows power-hungry though, words that she had certainly not expected to hear. Not that it was incorrect, indeed with some of the politics she knew of despite her position, she was quite aware that some pushed for position and authority. Never had she been told it by an Aes Sedai though, it would undermine the very image of one.

 

Then again, Shaneevae Sedai didn't seem so concerned with image. Some did say that Brown sisters in their absent mindedness could be rather blunt, perhaps this was one case of it. They had different concerns than the politics after all, even if the Amyrlin and the Keeper themselves were both Brown Ajah. But what if she were trying to draw out an answer that might reveal a less than reverential feeling towards Aes Sedai? Halvie Sedai tested her constantly in one way or another, perhaps another test?

 

Limiting herself to a small nod, she kept eye contact as she was asked, and Shaneevae Sedai's words gave her a bit more hope. Aes Sedai couldn't lie, and if she didn't view Lillian as a child then that was a good thing, it meant she had a little more leeway. Not that Lillian believed herself a child, far from it, but she'd also learnt from a young age that as long as she had her belief, then it mattered little what others thought. That and people were content to see what they wished to see.

 

The question she was given was an easy one to answer in her soft tones, at least in her mind. "The former." When Shaneevae Sedai looked at her to say 'explain', Lillian continued. "The former requires you to think about it, the latter to simply retain. The former makes it easier to remember as well, because you can link it to other things you know... and you make those links by discerning the nature of it. The latter is more isolated, because you don't make those links."

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Novice of the White Tower