Triple Raising

[Eqwina]

Three weeks, that was 30 days, or 720 hours since she had done more than glimpse Jasine from afar. Kynwric had left no room for doubts about the punishments they had suffered, but in an hour all that would be at an end.  They could put the past behind them and move forward with their lives.

 

Today was the raising ceremony and tonight there would be a party. Thera had planned the party herself; reserving the entire common room of the Wise Woman’s Nest and a few rooms upstairs. The Inn Keeper was used to their sort, and had played host to more than one Tower Guard party over the years. There would be wine and ale aplenty with a great selection of foods and dancing if anyone so desired. She had put the word out among other Tower Guards, though she did not expect many beyond her fantastic four and Loraine and Kynwric of course.

 

It was strange to think that after today they would not longer be her responsibility. She was going to miss them terribly, but could only hope that with time they could become friends. One certainty in her mind was that Jasine would forever be in her life. She had planned another surprise she had yet to mention to anyone. In the boredom and pain that had wracked her last weeks she’d needed something more than her trainees to occupy the hours. There was a small house out back of her offices, really only big enough for one, but it had been gathering dust unoccupied for years. Thera had taken her aggressions out on the filth and had managed to move in a few new furniture pieces. Among them a new feather mattress big enough for two; she planned to reveal her surprise tonight, when the party was over.

 

Gathering her coat from the rack by the door she checked her appearance one last time. Her golden curls had been brushed until they shown and she’d made sure her uniform was pristine, even the buttons reflected in the lamp light. Buckling on her sword she stepped out into the sun and shut her office door with a bang. It felt like closing the door on a chapter in her life, and perhaps in a way it was. The remaining three trainees that would be raised today had bared witness and been a part of a change that had occurred within her. A change that she hoped she could hold onto for a lifetime.

 

Walking into the trainee barracks without knocking she went into the first room and found Melenis waiting on her bed. “It’s time” was all Thera said, the weight of the moment already weighing down on them both. She found the two boys waiting just outside the door, weaponless and looking pensive. Smiling at them both she led them across the yards and to the entrance of the Glade. It was there that she stood with her back straight and her eyes locked forward. The ceremony would not begin until she led them deeper into the Glade, but she feared if she did not assume the Void now she may never make it through.

 

Studying the faces before her she thought back over the last two years and all they had been through. In them she had found a strength and support that she had been unable to find in herself. Losing Serena had left a void in her that she’d needed to fill. Because of these 3 she was able to begin rebuilding; taking lessons from Jasine’s love, Perivar’s strength, and Melenis determination. Drawing in a deep breath she made a motion for them to follow and turned to lead them on their final walk as Trainee’s.

 

[Sieve]

The day had finally arrived.  On their way back to Tar Valon Mistress Thera had begun going over the Ceremony with the three of them.  Jasine, Melenis, and Perivar had listened to her instructions as she told them exactly what they had to say and when.  They were all excited as the looked forward to the day.  They were finally graduating to the ranks of the Tower Guards.

 

For Perivar this day was special though in a way it was another day of sadness for him.  It meant that he was one step closer to being a Warder, her Warder though he had yet to see his love since returning from their expedition.  Granted it had only been a few days though it felt like a lifetime to him.  While he was away he had spent ever spare moment thinking of her, his dear sweet Kabria who had the heart of a lioness and a beauty that made everything else pale by comparison.  When he returned he expected to find her waiting yet all he had received was a note saying that she loved him and missed him.  He was nearly out of his mind at the loss he felt deep in his heart. 

 

On a day that should have been so special he was as somber as he had ever been.  Perivar woke early like any other day though it seemed like he was just going through the paces.  He had been bitter and snapish ever since returning to Tar Valon.  The sun did not seem to shine as bright, all colors seemed dulled.  Perivar donned his armor methodically as he had done so often before.  He stared at his sword in its sheath where it would remain for today.  They must attend the ceremony unarmed.

 

Mistress Thera came to the barracks to escort them to the Glade of Remembrance where the ceremony was to take place.  He offered her a salute then calmly waited for her to move them along.  It should have been one of the most important days of his life.  One step closer to becoming a Warder though he could not shake himself from the gloomy feeling that gripped his heart and mind.

 

Mistress Thera led them through the Glade of Remembrance.  Perivar followed her was if he were in a trance.  Oaks and conifers were abundant though he did not take any notice to them.  With the sunlight piercing the cover of the trees the place would have seemed magical had he not been lost in thought. 

 

Perivar's thoughts drifted back to the night in Caemlyn at the Badger and Lioness.  It seemed as if it were yesterday.  It was the night when he killed the Whitecloak, not out of duty but because the shame he felt at failure, the despair he felt at being away from his love.  Blinded by rage as he picked up the fallen man's sword and threw it in front of the man's companions.  Challenging them, insulting them until even the meekest man would have accepted out of honor.  Finally one accepted, the man who had barred his way, he had hoped it would be him.  He blamed him for his failure. 

 

Perivar pursposely refusing to assume the ko'di because he wanted to feel the range of emotions coursing through his veins.  Shame, anger, rage, despair, he soaked it all in like he had as a child until he was to the point of bursting.  Like a fool he let it course through him threatening to tear him apart.  He had almost not returned to his love because he was a light blinded fool.  Perivar allowed himself to feel every wound soaking in the pain.  The man's dagger piercing his leg as Perivar blocked the man's sword.  That could have been it for him, his leg giving out sending him to his knee.  From there he would have been at a serious disadvantage.

 

As he dropped to his knee he flowed into The Swallow takes Flight the diagonal cut slicing open the mans abdomen spilling out his innards.  Finishing the form thrusting his sword into the mans torso using it as leverage to lift himself as he drove it deeper and deeper.  Kneeling over the dead man's body shaking with from the onslaught of emotions.  Fighting back the desire to hack the dead man to pieces.

 

There he sat drinking it in until hoping it would wash away the shame he felt, the despair at being away from his love but it didn't.  It was Loraine Sedai who had reached him first, “It's over” she said though at first the voice seemed so distant that he could not tell who it was that had spoken to him.  He felt the pain from the cuts and the dagger in his leg though it paled in comparison to the shame he felt.  With his head hung low he whispered "I failed you..."  He said it softly but it was meant for all of them, Loraine Sedai, his companions, his family, and most of all his love.  He failed his duty and it cut him deep.  She fingered the cuts in his clothes to check his wounds.  He had asked her to leave him alone.  He still thought there was a chance that the flood of emotions could wash away his pain but it couldn't.  It was her soothing voice tinged with a hint of command and authority that had set him straight, the look on her face, the tears in her eyes as she forced him to look at her.  He struggled to force the thoughts from his mind though the ones that came next were no better. 

 

On this day that was supposed to be so special all he could feel was the loss.  The love that had been denied him.  He had not seen Kabria since his return and it was tearing him apart inside.  Granted it was only a few days yet it felt like a lifetime. 

 

Before he new it he had reached the stone.  He had been so lost in thought that he did not see any of the people arranged before them.  Mindlessly he knelt before the stone along with Jasine and Melenis waiting for the ceremony to begin.

 

[Jehaine]

Melenis arrived at the clearing, having a bit of a double feeling. On one side, she was happy to see all she had worked for these past couple of years, everything she had endured in her life finally bear results. No longer a Trainee, after the ceremony would be over she was to be considered a Tower Guard, only a small step away from becoming an actual Warder.

 

On the other... there was a nagging feeling in her mind that there was no one else but her left alive that she was going through all of this for. Her grandfather was dead -- admitting that still hurt, even after all this time -- and so were her parents. If she had any living kin aside from them, she never heard of it. There had been no one to restore the family honor but her, no one else that could have helped clear her name of her father's sins. Just her.

 

There was also the fact that weapons were not allowed by tradition of the ceremony, forcing her to leave her ashandarei behind. She had all but slept with it for years, and the lack of the familiar weight hanging on her back made her feel uncomfortable, as if part of her was missing. And if one were to mention it using those exact words, she'd be inclined to agree. Having to leave it behind felt like no longer having her grandfather watch over her, and that feeling, of him not being there at what was to be an important day for her, made her feel insecure and sad.

 

She was wearing the same clothes she had worn during the trip to Caemlyn, she had had them cleaned especially for the occasion. Looking at her fellow soon-to-be Tower Guards, she noticed both Jasine and Perivar were equally lost in thought, no doubt contemplating what had had them ultimately end up in this ceremony alongside her. Light, but what i wouldn't give for my ashandarei right now.

 

Taking a deep breath, she set about pushing down her emotions, preparing for the ceremony that would be starting soon. She had memorised the words she needed to say days ago, and there was no doubt in her mind that she was prepared. She tried to decide whether to assume the Void and finish the ceremony as planned or go on without it and let it all sink in before choosing the latter option. If necessary, she could always assume the Void later on anyway.

 

 

Melenis

Confidently insecure

[Quisalas Selene]

He stirred from his quiet talk with Perivar as Thera arrived.  Light, but she was beautiful.  He remembered Loraine's words, about how much it had meant to her when she'd been reunited with Kynwric after he had been gone for months.  It had only been three weeks, Light, only? and already his heart ached and sng when he saw her step back out of Melenis's room and gather them up without a word.  They'd known this was coming, and in their discussions, the three of them had chosen to make this step together, as they had made so many before.  He gave Perivar a brightly encouraging smile that the boy seemed not to see, and followed after the well shaped behind of his mistress and their Mistress.  In a short time she would no longer be either, just his friend, confidante, and fiancée.

 

He knew this was a serious occasion, although he couldn't make himself feel serious through the pure jubilation he felt at being close to Thera again, and before they were halfway to the Glade he made himself form the void and push away the emotions, letting the flame take them nd make him distant, just so he could keep the goofy smile off of his face.

 

There were so many reasons for him to look forward to this day, to this step in his life.  He felt like everything in his life had been pushing him forward to this moment - as he would likely feel about several moments in the future.  He would gain the esteem of his peers, Tower Guard Jasine instead of Trainee Jasine.  He might always be thought of as the little boy who had a crush on the Mistress of Trainees, but finally they would be able to let the world know that it wasn't one-sided, and it wasn't just a crush.  He'd have new responsibilities, a new value and worth to the Tower, and a new life living as Thera's husband.

 

He tried to keep his eyes from indecently following Thera's well-formed backside, and did a lot of looking up into the trees and at his fellow trainees.  His fellow former trainees.  He wondered how long it would take before his didn't think of himself as "one of the trainees" and instead began to think of himself as one of the proud men and women who helped to teach trainees how to hone their body into a weapon and use their armament to safe lives and protect the Tower.

 

It didn't take long for the solemnity of the event to overcome his own giddiness, and by the time they entered the Glade of Remembrance, he had dropped the Void and let himself experience all the awe and wonder of this great day.

[Eqwina]

In a small room with very little ornamentation Kabria Sedai sat on the edge of her bed fingering a few notes tired with a green piece of ribbon. Each day now for 36 days she had pulled out those notes to read them, the pages becoming creased and worn. It had been almost a month since she had received a letter and she was beginning to think that he’d forgotten about her. Then again his last letters had be addressed to Kabria Delondre Accepted would any addressed so find their way to her? She had been raised while he was away and there had been no time to explain. She had orders not to speak with him..not yet.

 

Late last evening while she’d been undressing for bed Loraine had slipped into her rooms and informed her of the good new. Today her beloved would be raised to Tower Guard and it would be her that accepted his oath. If the sweet words he’d written still held true she had his heart, but would be still accept her bond. Experiences like his could change a man and she was deathly afraid he’d changed his mind.

 

The weave of bonding had been taught to her almost immediately, but she’d been made to promise not to use it until they deemed her ready. They had even almost tried to keep her from today, but it had been Lor’s words that swayed the vote.

 

Like all new Aes Sedai there was no doubt as to Kabria’s Ajah. Kiwi Green silk draped her body from head to toe and soft velvet slippers peeked out from under her golden embroidered hem. A few emeralds, borrowed from one of her Sisters completed the look.

 

TAP  TAP TAP

 

Dropping the notes onto the bed the leapt to her feet, forgetting Aes Sedai calm. “Loraine Sed…Thank the Light! I was beginning to think they’d changed their minds about letting me attend.” The reflex to curtsy had faded but with her current status among the Green it was often hard to remember that she too was Aes Sedai. Placing her shawl proudly on her shoulders she fell into step with her Ajah Sister.

 

Kabria had never been to the Glade though she had heard of the fabled place where boys and girls went to become warriors. Her nerves were on edge but she quickly formed the image of the river contained within its banks and was outwardly serene. Master Kynwric fell into step with them as they crossed into the yards. She could not help but study his deadly grace with interest; and wonder if Perivar would move in that way.

 

Kabria Delondre

Green Ajah Aes Sedai

[Talavin]

OOC: Sorry, I didn't realize that I was supposed to post yet :P Oh, and I'm a little confused. Isn't this supposed to be before they go on the trip to Caemlyn/Amadacia?

 

IC: Today was a big day for Arath. Well, it wasn't nearly as big of a day as it was for his three friends, but it was still a pretty big day. Today was the day that his three comrades would finally join him in the ranks of the Tower Guard. He hadn't been a Tower Guard for very long, but he was being alowed to participate in this Ceremony. He was glad for the honor, because he had spent most of his trainee years with these other men (and woman). He had started his training before Jasine and Perivar, and it had taken him a little bit longer than average to finish up his training. Arath only regretted that he couldn't be taking his oaths with his friends, but at least he was allowed to do what he could.

 

Arath slowly and methodicly strapped on his armor. He had recently started his training as a practitioner of Sara'an Deib and so he wore only light armors. He buckled his sword to his belt and finally strapped on his blood red coat. Doing such brought back memories of Eqwina, or when his own Cereomony had occured. He remembered how Eqwina had leaned over and clad him in this very cloak. Arath snapped himself out of his memories and tried to focus only on the future and not the past. It would be odd, standing on the other side of the stone, but he had practiced his lines. It would be worse to mess up this Ceremony than to mess up his own.

 

He ran through his lines in his head- he would be speaking for Jasine. Arath didn't know why Thera wasn't speaking for Jasine, for she was definately... very close to him. He wasn't about to question that- the fact that he wasn't supposed to know about them didn't help matters at all. Still, Arath supposed that if Thera could not speak for Jasine, he would be the second best choice for a Tower Guard. Of course, it was no longer just "Jasine and Arath are friends", the four of them had become equally close, but he was the only one who had become Tower Guard. For the next few hours, at least. Arath was going to give Jasine the Dagger, the symbol of the Tower's trust in him, and then he, Perivar, and Melenis would join him in the ranks of the Tower Guard.

 

Arath couldn't supress the feeling of nostalgia as he walked through the conifers and oaks surrounding the Glade of Remembrance. When he had exited this place he had never imagined that he would be revisiting it so soon. Arath passed a spot that he imagined he himself had walked before, and stopped when he reached the clearing. This place truely was timeless, looking exactly the way it had a little while ago during Arath's own Raising. The stone still shimmered in the light of midday, and this time when Arath walked to it, he took his place on the side. He nodded to Kynwric, who was already waiting it seemed, as well as Loraine Sedai and... Kabria? Arath's eyes widened as he saw the woman clad in the dress of an Aes' Sedai. Light, it had been a few weeks since he had spoken to her, but he had never imagined that she had been Raised!

 

Arath wanted to chat with her and ask her all about her Raising, but held himself in check. He was here for a purpose, and that purpose was not to chat with his friend. He exchanged meaningful glances with the Accep- Aes' Sedai (Light!) that conveyed his desire to speak to her some time. He knew that there was a period where they all would leave but the newly raised Tower Guards would remain. Perhaps he could speak to her then. Arath had just resumed his relaxed position next to Kynwric when he heard the tell-tale crunching of feet on the ground. The three almost-Tower-Guards had arrived.

 

OOC: Sorry, not the best but it's posted at least.

[Jehaine]

OOC: Actually, no. Timeline-wise, this is right after we get back from the trip to Caemlyn (and the follow-up thread in Amadicia). We'd have heard we were ready to become Tower Guards in the Caemlyn Palace, and this is the first opportunity after that to make it official ^^;

[U4ea]

Loraine dressed slowly, tilting her head to check her reflection. She couldn't really see herself, though, as memories drifted in and out of her thoughts. Memories of the night she'd met these trainees, the ale and wine flowing and loosening their tongues. How stiff and formal they'd been until she started making jokes. The class about bonding and their serious approach to it. The trip they'd just returned from and how that innocent flare had disappeared from their eyes before they'd come home. Kabria's eager grin as she'd come to discuss her Ajah choice and the same grin that had lightened her whole face when Lor knocked on her door and told her the news last night. Perivar's distressed expression as he worried over his duties and his love. She marvelled at how much they'd grown in the little time she'd known them and caught the reflection of her motherly smile in the mirror. Yes, she'd grown accustomed to that and had come to terms with it. They'd become like her children and just like the day her sons had left home to start their own lives, she felt the need to cry welling up inside her.

 

She pushed those thoughts away and reached for her formal shawl, the emerald green silk sliding through her fingers and the moderately long fringe dragging the floor. Her fingers ran over the stitching of the flame blazened across the center of the shawl and the little Aes Sedai symbols and swords that were sewn along the hem. So long ago...

 

She shook her head and walked out of her room, pulling her shawl around her shoulders as she pulled the door shut and moving to Kabria's room. She knocked on the door and it was barely a moment later when it was pulled open and Kabria was bounding out. She smiled at Kabria, nodding to her greeting. "That habit will disappear with time, too, believe me." She lifted her hand, motioning down the hall. "Shall we?"

 

They strolled into the Glade and Loraine realized she'd never been here. In all her years in the Tower, she'd never once been a part of this ceremony. How very fitting that it was her children, her friends, that drew her here, now. She didn't bother hiding her joy at the prospect and she noted that Kabria kept pace with her easily. They took up their place, quietly out of sight, waiting for their part in this ceremony to begin.

[Quisalas Selene]

Jasine dropped down into a kneeling position as was required of him. Here before the stone, with the noon sun filtering through the great old trees above him, he thought he would have knelt even if it hadn't been part of the ceremony.  Awe was all that he felt for a long moment as he stared at the stone and thought about how many countless Warders and great warriors had done just as he was doing now - taking this all-important step away from childhood. 

 

His voice was husky and full of emotion as he found the words he knew he had to say. "We come here unarmed, offering to give ourselves to the defense of those who serve all."  Jasine let his eyes play across the people gathered who would speak for them.  Thera's passion and care, Kynwric's wisdom and experience, Loraine's compassion, Kabria's challengingly direct questions, and Arath's friendship.  He felt blessed to have experienced this group of wonderful people and only wished that somehow, his sister could have been here to see it.

 

 

His eyes were riveted to Commander Mia as the woman spoke, "Who would speak for you, Jasine?"  His gaze turned from Commander Mia to Kynwric and then Thera, and then settled on Arath.  It was odd to have your best friend in a position of power above you, but he valued Arath's approval and was touched when the man spoke.

 

"I would speak for him, he is fit."  Master Arath would know better than most whether or not Jasine was fit.  He'd seen the boy in times of jests and time of turmoil, and from the very first day the man had known Jasine had feelings for Thera he shouldn't have.  He'd thought it was just a crush, one that Thera would have done well to squash at the first chance.  Jasine had known it was much more and hearing Arath speak for him now was like hearing acceptance, if not approval, of his relationship with Thera.

 

Again the Commander spoke "Who would speak for you, Melenis?"

 

As Thera replied "I would speak for her, she is fit." Jasine let his gaze fall upon her and stay there.  Each of these three ranked Tower Guards meant so much to him, but of them all, she was highest.  He wondered if Melenis felt as touched by her words as he would have if she had spoken for him.  By Kynwric's order, she hadn't been allowed to, and maybe Kynwric was right in making Jasine seek approval from someone other than his love.

 

Once more Commander Mia spoke "Who would speak for you, Perivar?"

 

Jasine went still as Master Kynwric replied "I would speak for him, he is fit."  Probably above all the people Jasine had met in his short time in the yards, Kynwric Gaidin has earned his respect and admiration.  The man had wisdom, kindness, strength both of character and body, and something more that so few people seemed to have.  He seemed to genuinely care about the trainees in the Yard.  Above all else, Jasine longed to be a man of as much worth as Kyn.

 

When the Commander moved on to the next part, Jasine found his eyes falling on Loraine Sedai. The Commander asked  "Who would trust you, Jasine?" and it was she who responded "I would trust him."  She'd already proven that she trusted Jasine with her very life itself; he had been there when the white cloak had come after her, and he had helped to keep her safe.  He looks at Loraine Sedai as the ceremony continued, with her giving the same vow of trust for Melenis, and then Kabria doing likewise with Perivar.  He felt the weight of their trust, the tangible existence of it, and the weight of needing to uphold it.

[Jehaine]

Melenis hadn't assumed the Void when entering the Glade, and now, knelt in front of the stone that would make her become what she had aspired to be, she was drinking it all in. Words were spoken, but she was only vaguely aware of them, trying to fight back the urge to cry under the flood of emotions that threatened to sweep her away like a twig in the rapids.

 

"Who would speak for you, Melenis?"

 

"I would speak for her, she is fit."

 

Hearing her own name be mentioned brought her back long enough to hear Thera's voice. Out of all the people in the Yards, only one other aside from herself knew of her condition. Only Thera knew the inner battle she had been locked in during her training to become a Warder. Only Thera knew about the time her determination and perseverence threatened to falter, and had managed to pull her through with calming words. Only Thera knew. How fitting was it, that she would be the one to speak for her at this Ceremony.

 

"Who would trust you, Melenis?"

 

"I would trust her."

 

A second voice broke through, this one belonging to Loraine Sedai. Though she had only known the Aes Sedai for a short time, she still had the feeling she could trust her with whatever would be on her mind, similar in a way to how she felt about Thera. Memories drifted in again, of her grandfather trying to help her with her problems as best he could. Light, if only he was here right now...

 

She shifted her weight slightly, unconsciously feeling for the ashandarei that was still propped against the wall of her room. Clenching her teeth, she tried to make her stand against the onslaught of sadness the memories of how much he had meant to her brought with them, knowing she would never see him again. Everything she was, she had him to thank for... and it stung that she would never be able to thank him for it.

 

 

Melenis

Trying to resist

[_Kynwric_]

Kynwric was standing in the Glade for the Second time in his life, the last time he was here had been his own promotion to Tower Guard... he could scarcely believe where his life had led since then. He looked at Loraine, who was also here to speak on behalf of one of the Trainees about to be promoted, and smiled. He could see Kabria, who was a newly raised Aes Sedai and working on being welcomed into the Green Ajah. Another unfathomable custom that Aes Sedai held, at least the Green ones. He was happy for Jasine and Thera, that their separation would soon be at an end and they could be open about their feelings for one another. Even though he had been the one to force it, he thought it had do them some good. He was certain tonight would be a less than modest celebration.

 

Finally he heard the approaching prospects, Thera leading the trio into the glade and Mia performing the ceremony without a hitch. Kynwric spoke the words he was expected to speak for Perivar, though he could have spoken the same words for any of the three here. He was certain that they would all serve the Tower or an Aes Sedai well. He was proud of them, they had accomplished their training, but more than that. They had been tested and tried in real life, showing that they could translate the skills that had been taught them into good decisions and quick thinking in practical situations. That is something that he had not had the opportunity to do, nor had many of his other bretheren. He thought that their expedition would serve these three well in their future. They had confidence in themselves, which was more important than any confidence he had in them.

[Sieve]

Kneeling before the stone as if in prayer Perivar spoke in unison with the others "We come here unarmed, offering to give ourselves to the defense of those who serve all."

 

He listened half-heartedly as the Commander of the Tower Guard began the ceremony.  In turn he asked the required questions.

 

Again the Commander spoke asking the same question that had been asked for the others.  "Who would speak for you, Perivar?"

 

He heard Master Kynwric reply "I would speak for him, he is fit."  He reflected briefly on the man who spoke for him.  Truly it was an honor for Perivar that he was willing to do so on Perivar's behalf.  The man had been a teacher, a mentor, and dare he say a friend.  He was everything that Perivar hoped to be.  Both Master Kynwric and his bonded, Loraine Sedai had done so much for the three of them.  They could never imagine how lucky they were to have them as an influence and inspiration throughout their training.  Even the pleasant thoughts could not raise his spirits.

 

With that finished the Commander moved on to the next part.   The Commander asked once more "Who would trust you, Perivar?"

 

It was as if time hung on the moment, a torrent of thoughts came crashing in.  He stared at the ground expecting to hear Loraine Sedai's voice though picturing in his mind that it would be Kabria, his love.  He knelt there feeling guilty that he wanted Kabria in place of Loraine Sedai though there was nothing he could do.  Loraine Sedai had been an inspiration and an integral part of his training and his growth yet it was Kabria who governed his heart. 

 

He had been distraught when he returned and did not hear from Kabria.  Perivar continued to write her notes expressing his feelings for her just as he had before he left yet he received no word from her.  Perivar was nearly out of his mind, sick over the thought that maybe she no longer cared for him.  She was firmly planted in his mind and nothing he did could ease the pain.  Over the past month Perivar had crawled back into his shell.  It was a struggle to talk to his friends, they had no idea and he had nowhere else to turn.  He started to slip into a depressed state, just going through the motions of his training.  Nothing he did could get her out of his head.  He could not imagine the thought of becoming another Aes Sedai's Warder.  Perhaps a career in the Tower Guard would do though no matter how he tried to convince himself he new that it would not. 

 

"I would trust him."  He was wishing for it so hard that Loraine Sedai's words sounded as if they had come from Kabria's lips.  Those sweet magical lips, her musical voice was like no other.  Something made him raise his head just a glance, a hope.  To his surprise there she was standing majestically beside Loraine Sedai.  Dressed in Kiwi green silk with golden embroidered hem, adorned with emeralds.  She looked more regal than any Queen he had ever laid eyes on.  There she stood shining brighter than the sun illuminating the area around her as far as the eye could see.  There he knelt in her presence basking in her rays.   The look of shock had to have been plain on his face.   Nothing he could do could make him look away.  It was as if  she had suddenly appeared from out of his dreams.  Ooh how he had dreamed of her, dreams that would make a stone blush.  Her mere presence was uplifting, he felt the tension release in his body.  He had become so numb that he did not realize the toll that it had taken on his body.   But now that was gone, his love, his Aes Sedai was here.

 

The thought struck him like a mallet to his head, a loud gong peeling as his eyes locked on to the Green fringed shawl, only an Aes Sedai could speak for you.  Was he dreaming?  When had she been raised?  The letters all addressed to Kabria Delondre Accepted of the White Tower...perhaps she had not received them.  Did she still love him?  Hope surged through him, would she make him her Warder?  He wanted to wrap her up in his arms like he had done so many times before, feel her body, taste her lips.  Perivar could feel the blood coursing through his veins, he felt alive again. 

 

 

[Eqwina]

The Path into the Glade was wide, but the full trees blocked all but the strongest rays of sunlight. They existed in a cool darkness until the trees gave way to the noon sun. Kabria’s lips parted in wonder at her first sight of where Perivar would become a man. Catching the glance from Loraine she schooled her face back to calm.  She was led to her place by the stone and instructed only to stand. There were no words of encouragement. The rest would be up to her. Mia the fiery Commander of the Guard was the next to arrive; bowing equally deep to both her and Loraine. A small smile spread on Kabria’s lips and broke through her apparent calm and for a moment satisfaction replaced her nerves. All time for emotion passed when a few moments later Kabria saw the Mistress of Trainees emerge from the trees.  She was beautiful and deadly and would command any company she kept, but it was the line of trainees that followed and pulled her eyes.

 

Jasine looked beautiful as always, his usual grin replaced with a somber acceptance and you young woman who walked at his side wore ferocity like other women were a dress. Both were a sight to do the Tower proud, but it was the man with belled braids that commanded her gaze. His bells jingled softly in the breeze and the sun glinted off the gauntlets tucked at his belt. He was beautiful and fierce and he was hers. A tingle started in her toes and resonated through out her body, making her cheeks take on a rosy glow. The urge to inch closer as they took their knees made her own ache from the effort of restraint. Still her eyes drank in every inch of him making sure he’d taken no hurt. There had been something in his eyes, a stony calm, and when they passed over her there was not hint of recognition. Did he truly not see? Or had some other matter changed while he way away?

 

Those thoughts brought still others. Why would Loraine have brought her here if there had been a change of heart? Could this be a painful way to teach her some lesson? While she was examining her thoughts the first ceremonial words had been spoken. She could not help but wonder what would happen if she tried to slip away. Loraine Sedai could do as well for him.

 

Suddenly the moment was upon her, as if just thinking them had brought it forth.

 

“Who would trust you?”

 

“I would trust him.” Kabria said in a clear voice; knowing that the words were true. There was no other sword that she would trust with her life. No amount of training could have kept her face smooth when she saw the explosion of love in his eyes. Shifting where she stood Kabria broke custom and smiled wide as his eyes met hers. Quickly she stomped on her happiness, now was not the time!

 

[Eqwina]

In spite of her tension the majesty of the Glade sank into her and Thera began to feel the calm that she was portraying. She nodded to Kynwric and fell in beside Arath; glad to see that he had returned to help his friends take their next steps.

 

Her eyes scanned the three, but always they locked back on her love. Tonight would mark the beginning of their lives together, the beginning of their time as husband as wife. She had so hoped that she would be the one to place the dagger in his hands. Yet again Kynwric harsh punishment would not allow. No amount of shouts or complaints would budge him on the topic and in the end Thera had conceded, knowing that he was right. She had to relearn that duty came before all, even the love of a husband and wife.

 

All too soon her time to speak would come, so Thera pushed Jasine from her mind. Not that he ever retreated too far, but she owed it to Melenis to do her part. In her mind she formed the first images of the girl, proud, willful and stubborn. She still wore her stubborn pride like a badge, but now it was a badge of honor; marking her as one of the great warriors.

 

Who would speak for you, Melenis?"

 

Thera caught Melenis’ eye and held it while she spoke the words. Putting special emphasis on the last.

 

"I would speak for her, she is fit."

 

It was true, she was more than fit. Anyone who could stand up to what she’d faced and pull through would make a fine addition to the Guard and even better as a Warder. She hoped that Melenis had understood the weight behind her words and knew that they were more than just ceremony.

 

[Sieve]

“Who would witness your oath whose word is beyond question?” The question the Commander asked and those before it for the others had been lost on him as he stared into Kabria's sky blue eyes, those beautiful blue eyes that were the gateway to her soul.  He thought he could stare into her eyes for the rest of his days and never want for more.  Suddenly the ceremony meant everything to him because she was there, he was alive again. 

 

“I would.”  The moment was surreal, as if she was professing her love for him all over again though this time for the whole world to see.  Kabria's voice, that magical voice that was like chimes sounding sweetly in a gentle breeze.  The words could not have meant more at that moment.  Light how could he be so blessed to have her speak for him, to have her in his life.  He suddenly thought of being her Warder and was not sure that he was worthy, was any man worthy of her love, was he?  They had so much to discuss, so much to catch up on and he had more training before that could become a reality.  No matter what he would do whatever was required of him, nothing would stand in the way of his love for her.

 

Moving the ceremony along the Commander Mia spoke "Who would accept you three?" For which the

Tower Guards responded "We would."

 

The Commander continued "Who would witness your oaths whose word is beyond question?"

The two Aes Sedai said in unison "We will" and he couldn't help but stare at Kabria, his love who was now an Aes Sedai.  She had done her part now it was time for him to see to his.  Now that she was raised he had to complete the required training of all new Tower Guards before he would be deemed worthy to become Warder.  Very soon my love he thought though he had no way of knowing how wrong he was.   

 

"Do you understand that once pledged you are forever bound to a rule of defense? Defense of all Aes Sedai, the defence of the White Tower?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Do you understand that once pledged you are forever bound to a rule of obedience? Obedience to your officers, obedience to all Aes Sedai?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Do you understand that once pledged you are forever bound to a rule of commitment? Commitment to serving faithfully, commitment despite any adversity?"

 

"Yes."

 

The full weight of the commitment began to hit him.  He was not yet her Warder which meant until that time he was in effect sworn to every Aes Sedai.  Before he met her it would not have been an issue yet now it was different.  In reality the Tower could effectively keep them apart for as long as they wished.   

 

"Then give your oaths now." 

 

Perivar envisioned the flame, pushed all the emotions into the flame.  It took all of his resolve to keep his face smooth.  When he spoke the oaths he stared into Kabria's sky blue eyes as if they were being sworn to her and not to the Tower in general.  By doing so he hoped to ensure her of his commitment to see it through.  Nothing would keep him from becoming her Warder.  There was no doubt that he would abide the oaths until that time though he wanted to bound to her as soon as possible.

 

"I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to defend the White Tower and all who call it home." 

 

"I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to serve faithfully for as long as the White Tower requires me."

 

"I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to fight the shadow and uphold the light until my dying day."

 

His voice seemed distant to him though it was done.  His duties as a Tower Guard would be done to the best of his ability though his focus was the day that he could be hers.

 

"We welcome you to the Tower Guard, you that were known once as Jasine Al'Thorin of Andor."   He was aware of Loraine Sedai stepping forward with the crimson cloak of the Tower Guard in hand .   He watched out of the corner of his eye as she placed it on him, fixing the clasp.-

 

"We welcome you as Jasine Al'Thorin of the Tower Guard, our brother in arms. Rise and stand as one among many." Jasine rose, Arath stepped forward presenting him with the long dagger that signified the oaths and commitment of a Tower Guard.

 

"We welcome you to the Tower Guard, you that were known once as Melenis Stormgate of Far Madding."  He watched Loraine Sedai stepping forward with the crimson cloak of the Tower Guard in hand placing it on her, fixing the clasp.-

 

"We welcome you as Melenis Stormgate of the Tower Guard, our sister in arms. Rise and stand as one among many." As Melenis rose, Mistress Thera stepped forward presenting her with the dagger-

 

Perivar felt joy for his friends more so than for himself.  They had come to the White Tower of their own accord.  Perivar had already been sworn to fight the Shadow, this was not as much as a stretch for him as it was for them.  The only difference is that he was now sworn the White Tower and it's area of influence instead of one nation.

 

"We welcome you to the Tower Guard, you that were known once as Perivar Tarigan of Arafel." He watched as Kabria approached with the crimson cloak of the Tower Guard in her hands.  A swirl of emotions tried to form though he tamped them down pushing them into the flame.  In all her splendor she outshone the sun.  He suddenly felt as if he was not worthy.  He resumed the Ko'di, now was not the time for his emotions to take control.  She was so beautiful that it was unsettling, he broke eye contact with her trying to study the ground at her feet as she stood in front of him draping the cloak around him.  As the clasp clicked into place he made eye contact with her again.  He was certain that his eyes held the longing he had for her.  He wanted to wrap her in his arms kissing her and professing his love for her.  They were so close that he could smell her sweet flowery scent though he could not touch her.  Light it was so hard, the longing so strong that he thought the void might shatter around him.  The words of the Commander took away any hope of her touch.

 

"We welcome you as Perivar Tarigan of the Tower Guard, our brother in arms. Rise and stand as one among many."  As Perivar rose, Master Kynwric stepped forward and presented him with the long dagger.  He half smiled to the man that had meant so much to him offering him a respectful nod.

 

"You came to us unarmed, and as our mark of trust we place this steel in your hands. May you keep it as a symbol of the trust that has been placed in you, and may it serve you well."

 

The Commander walked around the stone slab to the right and placed her left hand on Jasine's left shoulder before speaking the words  "Spare a moment for those who have come before you and to who you have become, as shall those who follow you."

 

The same was done to Melenis and then Perivar  "Spare a moment for those who have come before you and to who you have become, as shall those who follow you." 

 

As much as he tried to obey he only had eyes for his love, his love who was walking away from him.  Once again they had been brought together only to be taken away.  Was this to be their fate for all eternity.  He watched as she left, felt his world crash down around him as the void shattered to pieces.  He began to feel his eyes welling up.  Without a word to his friends he walked deeper in the glade to be alone.  He knelt on the ground looking up into the sky though there was no light shining through into the Glade, his sun was gone.  His head dropped forward and his shoulders slumped as the tears ran down his face.     

 

 

[Talavin]

IC: Arath stood solemnly as Thera, Jasine, Melenis, and Perivar each entered the Glade of Remembrance. Today they would all be leaving Tower Guards. He studied each of them as they knelt at the Stone. He felt a sort of sadness because he was not kneeling with them, but at the same time he was glad that he could help them on their path to Tower Guard. It was defiantely a strange experience, standing during the Ceremony instead of kneeling, but he shook off the awkwardness. He stood ready, waiting until the Commander asked who would speak for Jasine.

 

"I would speak for him; he is fit."

 

Arath still remembered Jasine's first day at the Yards, when he made friends with the other trainee and the younger man asked about flirting with Thera. He had fought with and alongside the other man for two years. He had seen Jasine develope from an incompitant village-boy into the warrior that he was today. Arath would gladly trust Jasine with his life, and he knew that his comrade wouldn't let him down. Jasine was ready. The same could be said for Perivar and Melenis- Arath didn't have the same background that he did with Jasine, but he would gladly put his life in their hands. All three of his friends were ready to join him.

 

A little bit later, his next line came. Who would accept him? "I would." He would accept Jasine- as well as Perivar and Melenis- he would accept them into the ranks of the Tower Guard. He would gladly accept his friends with open arms. Arath watched the three swear their oaths, and dedicate their lives to a cause greater than themselves. He listened to the binding words that they spoke- unhesitatingly and surely. When it was time, Arath stepped forward and gave Jasine his dagger, the symbol of trust. He wanted to congratulate his friends, to celebrate with them. He remained utterly silent though- the time for celebration would come soon enough.

 

Arath left the Glade with Kynwric, Thera, Loraine, and Kabria. He observed the timeless woods as he passed, feeling the solemnity of the Ceremony fading with each step. Slowly the sounds of men sparring and trainees chattering reached his ears, and Arath couldn't help but smile fondly. When his friends came out of the Glade, they would no longer be Trainees.

[_Kynwric_]

"I would speak for him, he is fit." Kyn heard the words come out of his mouth, but he was still half listening to the ceremony. He could follow along easily enough as he had this ceremony etched in his memory from his own time here and he knew soon enough he would have to truly be in the moment, for the time of the gifting was approaching. He was still studying each of the trainees, but he had taken to looking at others in the glade as well. Kabria, the new Green and whom had much to learn still before she could finally bond the boy that loved her. Thera, who's once hardened heart at thawed at Jasine's persistance, she too had much to accomplish before they would be truly happy. He knew she and made overtures to Serena Sedai to mend that fence or at least clear things so that she could move on with her life without an Aes Sedai hanging over her head. He wished her the best in her path, for it was to be an arduous one, Aes Sedai were not ones to give up what they considered theirs.

 

Finally the time was coming, he watched as Kabria settled the Crimson around his shoulders and knew that he would not be long for it. Soon enough he would be wearing the shifting colored fan-cloak of a Warder. Kyn stepped forward and handed Perivar the long dagger that symbolized the trust of the Tower in the newly minted Tower Guardsmen, returning the smile and nod from the young man. This was all he had been needed for, but it had been his honor to be so included in the ceremony. He was certain he would see Perivar again in the yards as were few who fought as they did.

 

He heard Mia's admonishment to pay their respects to those who had come before, Kynwric remembered when he had done so those many years ago and also in vigil on every midwinter's night he had spent within the Tower walls and every midwinter's night he was able to while without. It was important to him to remeber the past as it linked them back through the generations to the first Warders, the first warrior-servants of the Aes Sedai whom were taken into just after the breaking. As the trio went to do as they had been bid, Kynwric turned to leave the Glade in the company of the others who had witnessed the ceremony.

[Quisalas Selene]

"Who would accept you three?" The Commander continued the ceremony and Jasine dropped his eyes as the Tower Guards spoke in unison. "I would." Commander Mia continued "Who would witness your oaths whose word is beyond question?"  Loraine Sedai and Kabria Sedai spoke together. "I would."  And just that simply, Jasine had been spoken for and accepted.  He raised his eyes again and stared to the Commander as he swore the oaths.

 

"Do you understand that once pledged you are forever bound to a rule of defense? Defense of all Aes Sedai, the defense of the White Tower?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Do you understand that once pledged you are forever bound to a rule of obedience? Obedience to your officers, obedience to all Aes Sedai?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Do you understand that once pledged you are forever bound to a rule of commitment? Commitment to serving faithfully, commitment despite any adversity?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Then give your oaths now."

 

He spoke in time with the others, his voice even and unhesitating.  For this, he didn't look to Arath or Kynwric or Thera, or even the Commander.  He cast his eyes up to the light filtering through the leaves, and swore to the Light itself.  "I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to defend the White Tower and all who call it home.  I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to serve faithfully for as long as the White Tower requires me.  I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to fight the shadow and uphold the light until my dying day."

 

"We welcome you to the Tower Guard, you that were known once as Jasine Al'Thorin of Andor." Commander Mia again, and Jasine's eyes turned to Loraine Sedai as she stepped forward.  His eyes started to mist up as he caught sight of the pin in her hands, the shining silver heart that would be used to clasp shut his red cloak.  He dropped his head, bowing to the Aes Sedai, as she placed it on his shoulders and pinned it closed.  With one finger he traced the initials carved into it.  "We welcome you as Jasine Al'Thorin of the Tower Guard, our brother in arms. Rise and stand as one among many."  He rose to his feet as Commander Mia bid him to do so again and turned his attention to Arath.  He couldn't help but smile as he was handed the dagger.  It was all so real now, he was a Tower Guard.

 

Perivar and Melenis both got their cloaks and daggers and then they were standing together in the Glade of Remembrance, forming their own memories and special occasions to remember.  He was pleased they would always look back to this ceremony as being one of the things they shared together.  Judging by the looks between Perivar and Kabria, it might be one of the last things they did together.  He wished his friends happiness together, and seeing the way they felt for each other made him even happier to have Thera in his life.

 

"You came to us unarmed, and as our mark of trust we place this steel in your hands. May you keep it as a symbol of the trust that has been placed in you, and may it serve you well."  He fingered the blade lightly, feeling the tangible representation of the trust and faith they had placed in him today by accepting him as one of their number.

 

The Commander walked around the stone slab to the right and placed her left hand on Jasine's left shoulder and stepped close before speaking.  "Spare a moment for those who have come before you and to who you have become, as shall those who follow you."  Once she had said the same to each of them, she led the procession out of the Glade and left the three of them alone with their thoughts, and each other. 

 

Jasine thought about the oaths he had just taken.  He thought about the oaths he hoped to one day take for an Aes Sedai, and he thought about the vows that he and Thera would swear unto each other.  So many things pulling him in so many different directions, it was hard to know what to prioritize and what to hold closest to his heart.  The good of the many had to come before the good of the few, and he knew in his head that he had to hold his oaths to the Tower highest, until they were replaced by his oaths to a Sister.

 

He forced his thoughts away from himself and did as he was bidden, thinking of the countless men and women who had kneeled in this glade and made the same promises he just had.  He hoped this Glade would be here for a long time, and that there would be countless more to join the ranks as he did today.  Light send that Tarmon Gaidon was far enough away that they would all have a chance to prepare for it properly and defend the Light.

[Sieve]

((OOC: this is actually part of my previous post but it was so long so I broke it up))

 

He must have knelt there for a half an hour battling with his thoughts of seeing her and then having her taken from him again.  He had not seen her for over a month and now he was given just a glimpse of her.  The tears had dried up yet he still felt like they should be running down his face though there was simply nothing left.  His thoughts had finally drifted to the oaths he had taken less than an hour ago, duty.  He was sworn to the White Tower now, no longer Perivar Tarigan of Arafel.  He now belonged to the White Tower, to serve all Aes Sedai until the day she claimed him.  The oaths rang in his head...

 

"I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to defend the White Tower and all who call it home."

 

"I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to serve faithfully for as long as the White Tower requires me."

 

"I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to fight the shadow and uphold the light until my dying day."

 

How many had come before him.  How many had struggled to pass the required training.  How many young boys and girls had come here to become men and women.  How many had served the White Tower faithfully, defending and protecting those who could not defend themselves.  It was men and women much like his friends that had risen to the occasion to do their duty in service to the light.     

 

Perivar knew the that in order to become Kabria's warder he would have to fulfill his duty as a Tower Guard first.  His duty to the White Tower in general, not a specific Aes Sedai.  That thought still hurt, being a Tower Guard was a noble cause and he respected it though it was not his intended path.  He knew his duty to the Tower, he had accepted it and sworn an oath on it.  He would do what was required of him to the best of his ability yet he had sworn an oath to her, he had promised to let no other Aes Sedai bond him.  He felt that he could do more for the cause by serving her.  One day he would do his duty to the Tower by being her Warder.  He could think of no higher purpose than to serve an Aes Sedai, one who was sworn to the fight the shadow with a passion that was unrivaled.  One who had more ability to fight the shadow than a score of Warders.  It would be his job to protect her, to serve her so she could do what must be done to protect the light.

 

[Eqwina]

“Who would accept you?”

 

“I would.” She would! Even if he no longer loved her Kabria would accept him. For the memory of what she’d felt would sustain a lifetime and even then no one would guard her back more surely.

 

“Who would witness your oath whose word is beyond question?”

 

“I would” This time her voice cracked with emotion, but no one seemed to think it strange.

 

Listening to him answer yes, without hesitation only made her trust grow. Anyone who could face those questions without fear could stand toe to toe with a Trolloc. With his last Oath his voice gained strength and passion and she could almost see him trying to kneel straighter. That last promise was perhaps the one fight that bound them together in a fight more sure than any love could ever be. It was for that reason that he would be her warder and her partner, and that she could except no other.

 

"We welcome you to the Tower Guard, you that were known once as Perivar Tarigan of Arafel."

 

That was the time for her to lay the cloak on Perivar’s shoulders and Kabria’s trembled; her slim fingers fumbling with the clasped. She looked up into his eyes just as it fell in place. Stepping back her heart swelled with pride and she shed a tear when Master Kynwric placed the dagger in his hands.

It was done! He was free to be hers..Only she could not be his!

 

"Spare a moment for those who have come before you and to who you have become, as shall those who follow you."

 

It took Loarine’s hand on her arm to start Kabria moving again. Now that she had him in her sights she couldn’t care to let him go. She glanced over her shoulder as she walked and paused by the exit to stare back at the kneeling forms. This was a time for Prayer and contemplation and she would not rob him of that, but she could not help and steal one last look. Once again it was Loraine’s touch that started her moving.

 

Glancing at the Sister she wondered if this was the time to ask about attending the party this evening. No matter what she had vowed to herself that she would attend. Even if she had to beg on belly.

 

[Jehaine]

Keeping her eyes downcast in an effort not to let her emotions get the best of her, she was only vaguely aware of the Ceremony that was going on around her. With the exception of Mia, she knew all of the people here as they had grown to know her, friendship linking them together as good as any Bond would be able to do. Still, she couldn't help but think what would be happening now that their training would be officially complete.

 

She heard Jasine say 'Yes' three times, and brought herself from her thoughts long enough to answer the questions, each of them a sign that she -- as a Trainee -- fully understood what it meant to be a Tower Guard and -- maybe -- a Warder. She prepared herself to say the words, the routine drilled so thoroughly into her mind that she could have memorised them in her sleep.

 

"I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to defend the White Tower and all who call it home. I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to serve faithfully for as long as the White Tower requires me. I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to fight the shadow and uphold the light until my dying day."

 

The last Oath came a little louder than the other two, and it did not come as a surprise. Much like Thera had emphasized the word 'fit' while speaking for her, she had emphasized that last Oath in response, it being something she had sworn to do ever since she was a young girl living in Far Madding. It had been her motivation to join the Warders, pulling her through when times got rough. How fitting that now, she would make the Oath again to mark her future, her destiny as a warrior of the Light.

 

"We welcome you to the Tower Guard, you that were known once as Melenis Stormgate of Far Madding. We welcome you as Melenis Stormgate of the Tower Guard, our sister in arms. Rise and stand as one among many."

 

She rose, watching as the clasp was fastened, feeling the cloth weigh down on her shoulders. More than before, she had the sense that now, something had changed. Within her, within all of them. From the looks Perivar and Kabria were exchanging, she guessed it wouldn't be long until he'd find himself Bonded. Jasine was rumored to be in love as well, which meant the same would go for him. And though she had not gained the attention of an Aes Sedai herself, she doubted it would take long.

 

Looking down at her hands, she noticed a dagger there, and looked up at Mia, only managing to nod as the Commander told her of what it resembled. With the Ceremony now over, the Glade slowly emptied, and she sat down against the large stone she had knelt by only a few minutes ago. Perivar had been quick to leave, and she was close to crying herself, but she still wanted to ask something, mostly to confirm her own thoughts.

 

- "Jasine? ...This is it, isn't it? Perivar's likely going to be Bonded soon, you've got your eye on someone as well... You both are going to be full Warders soon, which means you'll be leaving the Tower with your Aes Sedais. We've hardly seen Talavin ourselves since he was Raised... We're going to be drifting apart from this point, aren't we?"

 

She looked up through the hole in the canopy, noticing a cloud had drifted in front of the sun. How fitting, it seemed, that the weather would match her own mood at that moment...

 

 

Melenis

Tower Guard

[Quisalas Selene]

Jasine had hardly noticed Perivar leaving, but he was stirred from his thoughts by Melenis speaking.  He listened to her and slowly a gentle smile warmed his feature.  He stepped forward and hugged her, briefly but fiercely, and then set his hands on her shoulders as he replied.  "We'll drift.  I don't know when I'll bond an Aes Sedai, there are none that I have taken to so far, but I hope it will happen someday.  But we'll always have each other, we'll always have this."  He releases her with one hand to make a sweeping gesture to the stone, the glace, the trees, the whole grove.  "I'm so happy the three of us, four with Talavin and even seven with Thera and Kyn and Loraine Sedai, could share this moment together."  He didn't intentionally leave Kabria out, but to his knowledge Melenis hadn't befriended the girl the way the boys had.

 

"Life is full of partings, of moving from one stage in your life to another.  You lost your grandfather before you came here." He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, he knew the words would still hurt. "But he is with you always, and you carry him in your Ashandarei and in your heart."  He smiled again and ignored the prickly sensation in his eyes that wanted to cry. "We'll always be there in your heart as well, and in the forms we learned together, in the sight of Caemlyn, and in the eager excitement of every new trainee any one of us may one day teach and guide."

 

He cleared his throat forcefully and stepped back, tucking his hands behind his back beneath the billowing embrace of the red cloak.  His gaze moved from her to a distant spot just above the Stone and he continued.  "We'll probably never be as close as we were when Thera took us up to the Boarderlands and taught us to survive and rely on each other.  But no matter what, we'll never really be apart, either."  He blushed faintly, feeling self-conscious about the grandiose speech he had just made, but he'd spoken from the heart and he felt it to be true. 

 

 

Jasine

Tower Guard

[Jehaine]

Melenis listened to Jasine confirm what she had been thinking as well. Despite it not really being necessary, it still felt good to hear the words come from his mouth as well, making the actual closure a little bit easier on all of them. Though, like Jasine, she hoped that moment would be far off, she knew that the Tower came before the Guard and that moments like this one... were hard to come by.

 

- "Speaking of..."

 

She got up again, wiping away a few tears from her own eyes before smiling weakly.

 

- "...As much as i'd hate to leave you alone like this, i really need to be with my ashandarei right now. I wanted him to... I'll just..."

 

Trying to get something that could pass as an excuse out, she darted off, running as fast as she could heading directly for the dorms. As much as she wanted to talk to Jasine and reminiscence about the past, her mind had been with her grandfather during most of the ceremony, and she no longer wanted to suppress the urge to go back and get it. Slamming the door shut behind her, she sat down on the floor, hugging the weapon tightly as she finally stopped holding back her tears.

 

 

Melenis

Misses her grandfather

[U4ea]

Loraine felt the tears threatening her and forced them aside. The ceremony was a beautiful one, if simple. The words slid through her thoughts and before she knew it the Commander was asking who would trust Jasine. She pondered breaking tradition a moment, then met his eyes. She couldn't do that to him and she vowed her humor would just have to wait until she could let it free. She smiled, saying "I would trust him," in a clear voice, full of pride and happiness.

 

She smiled at Melenis, and when the Commander asked who would trust her, Loraine spoke up again. "I would trust her," she said, her voice still steady and full of pride. I would trust the defender of tavern girls, she murmered softly in her thoughts, letting her eyes show the girl the humor she was feeling.

 

She turned and smiled at Kabria, nodding when the Commander asked who would trust Perivar. The original plan had been that Lor would speak for him, too. She'd been asked to. But she knew who Perivar yearned for trust from. He knew he had hers, it was Kabria's he craved. Hearing Kabria's answer made her smile, but she had to lay a hand on the woman to keep her from going to him. She shook her head slightly, turning back to the ceremony and smiling at Perivar's shocked expression. That had been worth it.

 

When it was time for them to depart, she touched Kabria's arm again, waving slightly to the three who were no longer Trainees, but now Tower Guards. She smiled at the ground below her feet as they made their way back towards the Tower, wondering how long Perivar would remain a Tower Guard...

 

OOC: CONGRATS, YA'LL! *blows smooches*