Cool, calm and collected... Or Cold? [Attn: Mon]

[Cleopatra Narisse]

The observant, calm and collected Satin felt her world shift, in a monumental way, as she and Anzel Sedai of the Blues and Rowena Sedai of the Grays, turned their horses towards the road that would lead her to the White Tower.

 

She wanted to turn and look back at her house, to weep for leaving her father there, asleep without so much as a goodbye or to tell him how much she loved his teachings, but she knew the moment would be wrecked, if she did. The lone, proudly smiling woman that handed her off without a single second thought, without a word, the figure of her mother would invoke rage, if she were to look. She yanked her out of her warm bed in the bare morning light, unaware of what was to happen when she reached the parlor.

 

This woman, who she never really trusted, never really could find an ounce of intimacy with, who ignored her most of her life, had maneuvered her into leaving for the Tower long before she was 6 years old. Plans were struck, deep in the basement of that cruel woman, Deerdra's home. The whisperings between her mother and many meetings with two women that obviously were Aes Sedai had set this in motion before one inkling had occurred to Satin. The ever observant Satin, was so abashed that she didn't see something like this coming was silently brow beating herself.

 

No, she would not look back to see her or acknowledge her excitement... she would hope that the loveless woman  found a quick and certain death and let her father move on in his life to find real love.

 

Thoughts of complete surrender were not Satin's way of seeing the world. She would go willingly and forward. She had always accepted change easily and thought of it as a new chance for something. This was an opportunity for her. Her mother was not a consideration in her future.

 

The trip from Mayene to the Tower would take them several days at this pace. She was not complaining... just measuring and being observant of the two Aes Sedai. Her accumulation of information would be a beginning of a long list of things to remember. Her memory was exceptional. Her father taught her how to keep things in your memory and recall them.

 

The Travel was unconventional to say the least. The two women didn't care for the roads, much. But when night fell, they were sure to have a room before they closed their eyes. They used several aliases at Inn's and when talking to other strangers. Satin was, Badra outside of Tear, Phage, near Far Madding and a string of others before they reach Caemlyn. She was mildly impress with each new city they entered. Making mental notes of the Inns they preferred and the people they met.

 

Though she never showed much expression except for a smile here and there, she was completely happy to be in the woods where she could listen to small birds as they called out. Birds were a fascination of hers. She believed they delivered to her, pure joy. Some sang the most lovely music. She noted them, one and all. Two in particular were Larks. Each sang high pitched and warbled.

 

After Caemlyn, the first conversation towards her began with, "Come here child." Satin had disposed herself into thinking all conversations would be about her, not to her, as they had been this whole trip.

 

She sat with the Gray, who seemed to have two personalities... Rowena Sedai, spoke of what was to come at the Tower. What behaviors were expected and how she would be too busy to think of anything else. Then, as quick as a flash of light she yanked her arm. "Do you hear me girl?" Satin only nodded her head and said, "Yes, Aes Sedai." The Blue smirked at the Gray; completely intending for the Gray to see it.

 

She would endure more instructions further on down the road. Satin's way of looking at things, life... was to find a reason for it at. Puzzle it out and keep in her memory for any uses in the future. Satin had an extensive language but felt no need to express it to these women.

 

But the time they smoothly peaked the crest of the hill, Satin eyes were following the Tower's as they seemed to grow bigger as they advanced. She couldn't help but to feel some sort of awe at what was ahead of her, even though many girls had heard of Tar Valon, the stories did not equal the vision.

 

The impression of the Fore-gate an all the people was that of a busy metropolis. Import, exports, hockers and unsavory business in the alley's as they went past them. She was familiar with most of what she saw on her way to the Tower Gates. As the Trio arrived to the gate, Satin was well versed in the customs of the Tower life per her two teachers. They were not talkative to her though, when there were no lessons. They did a lot of whisperings and that too, she was familiar with.

 

Satin had come to know them more intimately than they would ever suspect though. She was a great student of humanity.

 

As she followed through the halls, behind the two Sisters, she began to feel the vastness of the White Tower. There were people bustling everywhere! They would practically fall on their faces to get where they were going if not for the curtsies and bows made to the Sisters. Satin felt the excitement in the air that was known as the Dinner Hour in the Tower. She could smell the roasting meats rising up through the staircases, the fresh cooked breads... her stomach growled causing a Blue sister to peer over her shoulder.

 

"The dinner hour approaches, Child... I expect your meal will be quite late. Maybe an apple to hold you over?" The Gray sister said.  She pulled the fruit from her pouch and handed it back to her. "Be sure you are finished before you get to the Mistress of Novices' office." The walk there, allowed her ample time to finish.

 

She felt as though she has walked across an entire city by the time they halted in front of a door that apparently was her destination. Both sisters smoothed their riding skirts and primped their hair, at the same time they both noticed the other, was doing the same thing, they seemed to pull their hands to their sides. Odd, those two, she thought. Little did she know that the strange habits they displayed would be common between the Ajah's and even between women of the same Ajah's.

 

The Gray rapped on the door, while walking through. The Mistress of Novices sat at a large desk with most of the paperwork pushed to one side. Her head was bent as she wrote. Satin stood behind the both as she seemed to take in the room and its contents, including the Mistress of Novices.

 

The Blue sister, Anzel Sedai, cleared her throat as a gesture to draw her attention. "Not too busy I hope, to receive this girl?" She drew herself up to stand a bit taller after she spoke. Rowena Sedai reached back and grabbed her forearm and pulled her forward, "I don't have all day for this, my Ajah has need of my report as much as you have need to write them, Larindhra Sedai." She took her time raising her head as she signed off on whatever she was writing, not letting these two seem to shake her up.

 

She was directed to sit in a wooden chair as the two Sisters seemed hurried and huffy to leave. "Thank you Rowena Sedai and Anzel Sedai. I know your journey was long and tiring... " That was all she would say. Her two escorts turned and left without on glance back to her.

 

The MoN came around the desk meeting her eye to eye as she walked. She waited as patient as ever... for what was to come.

 

 

Satin sur Amoura

Ready for a new life

[Elgee]

Larindhra hated writing reports – they took away time she could have spent shaping novices and Accepted into what the White Tower required them to be. This report was for the Amyrlin, though, and she had been rather pointedly reminded by the Keeper that it was slightly overdue. Obviously, the Mother was waiting with baited breath to hear if the novices had enough blankets.

 

Mentally berating herself for being facetious, she bent her head to the task again. Everyone was concerned about the dwindling numbers of women coming to the Tower, the Mother surely too. Even less spoken of, but surely of equal concern was the … lack of strength in the One Power of most of the girls. At least she had some good news on that front to report. Esther seemed to be shaping up nicely, despite their concerns at the beginning that the girl was too self-effacing.

 

She almost growled in annoyance when her door opened, preparing herself to blast the novice she had instructed not to allow anyone entrance for the next candlemark. She swallowed her curse as two Aes Sedai entered, with a young girl in tow. Still, they could have knocked and waited for permission; Larindhra made a point of rewarding rude behaviour pointedly, so she ignored them whilst she finished writing the last paragraph. Only once that was done did she sit back and regard the trio in front of her, directing the girl to take a seat.

 

“I presume the girl has been tested? Yes? Then I will not detain you any further. Thank you, Rowena, Anzel.” The Aes Sedai left even faster than they had entered, not even giving the girl a chance to thank them properly. At least she had tried, and using the proper terms of address too. Larindhra rose and walked around her desk to get a better look at the girl.

 

“Welcome to the Tower, child. My name is Larindhra Reyne, and I am the Mistress of Novices. Tell me about yourself.”

 

 

Larindhra Reyne

Mistress of Novices

 

[Cleopatra Narisse]

“I presume the girl has been tested? Yes? Then I will not detain you any further. Thank you, Rowena, Anzel.” The Aes Sedai left even faster than they had entered, not even giving the girl a chance to thank them properly. At least she had tried, and using the proper terms of address too. Larindhra rose and walked around her desk to get a better look at the girl.

 

Satin was not lost on Larindhra Sedai's, terse attitude towards the two obnoxious Aes Sedai. Not that they didn't fully deserve it. The days spent with them, gave her an inside view to the wide ranges of odd behaviors and personalities of these two departing Sisters.

 

Satin stood as Larindhra rounded her desk, with a perfect curtsy, holding the dip for longer than necessary. This was her inward way of getting her feel for the Mistress of Novices.

 

When she finally stood, she stood tall but not as to tower over the MoN. Knowing your place and known when you could challenge was taught to her, long ago.

 

“Welcome to the Tower, child. My name is Larindhra Reyne, and I am the Mistress of Novices. Tell me about yourself.”

 

Speaking in a clear as a bell voice, "Thank you Liandhra Sedai for your... invitation to come to the Tower. I was ill prepared for the suddeness of the journey I confess.

 

I am the only child of the Constable Circle's, Barrister. A well educated man who bestowed upon me all his knowlege. Which I am grateful." her head dipped a little signaling her feelings. "I am not very talkative, but very attentive and accepting of most individuals.... I do like to study people. Perhaps to their own irritations at time, but I shall try not to be too intense, Aes Sedai."

 

Satin sur Amoura

Novice of the White Towerr

[Elgee]

Larindhra regarded the very composed girl standing in front of her. Despite her quiet demeanour, there was a touch of pride about the set of her chin and the cool look in her eye. Her voice when she spoke about her father and the learning he bestowed upon her only emphasised that. This amount of self-possession would be a good quality in an Aes Sedai, should she one day reach the shawl. For now, it might land her in hot water should a Sister take that amiss; or more likely, an Accepted. Accepted were much more likely to see disrespect in what was actually mere pride of self. A word of warning might not go amiss, though, that here it did not matter who or what her father was, but who she as a person was.

 

“Studying people is a very good trait, child. Just be very discreet, yes? And a word to the wise: all initiates of the Tower are equal, whether they be born in a palace or a hovel. Some arrive here not even able to read and write, others as well if not better educated than you. Whatever you don’t know, will be taught to you here. Do you know the Old Tongue? If so, you might be called on to teach, or at least help, some of your fellow novices. Just remember: tomorrow, that same person might be teaching you,” she added with a warning smile.

 

“But enough chit chat. Let me write your details in the novice book. So you are the child of a Barrister, you said?  Would you be so kind as to give me your name?” Larindhra could be very dry, whilst keeping a perfectly even and friendly tone. “Also your age and place of birth?”

 

 

Larindhra Reyne

Mistress of Novices

 

[Cleopatra Narisse]

True to form, she listened very closely and regarded Larindhra Sedai with the utmost respect to her position.

She was sure that the Mistress of Novices could be trusted, to the extent that one could trust any

Aes Sedai. That last thought sort of slapped her back into reality... was she not there to become one if not to be one of the best in whichever Ajah she would choose? Perhaps...

 

"Yes, discretion most wise, Aes Sedai. It is second nature to me to observe. I shall not accost

anyone sense of well being. Observation needs finesse, something of which I have tried to perfect

during my young years. I shall abide of course, Aes Sedai." With a small nod to Larindhra Sedai,

she then met her eye to eye again to answer the rest of her questions. Still standing she answered

assuredly.

 

"Yes, I am the daughter of the Barrister, in the capitol city of Mayene. My full name is Satin sur Amoura and I am 17 years old, born as a Mayener. I am the only child to my parents."

 

Her face began to slightly redden as she realized she very nearly was about to tell her whole life's

story and had to stop herself. She hadn't had a decent conversation with anyone for days and was

longing for it in some sense. The two Aes Sedai who brought her here were not the kindest nor the

best conversationists.

 

 

Satin sur Amoura

Novice to the White Tower

[Elgee]

Larindhra wrote Satin’s details down in the novice book, then carefully blotted the ink before moving the book out of the way. She looked up and smiled at Satin, then moved to the little storeroom. “Let me get you a set of clothing; you can try these on once you get to your rooms, and let the seamstresses know if they need adjustment. They will provide you with a second set once they have your correct measurements. Come over here a moment, child.”

 

She waited for the girl to come closer, then held a dress up to her to check its fit. Shaking her head, she put that one back and tried another. This one seemed much better; she added a matching shift and a pair of white slippers to the pile, then handed them to Satin. “Novice are expected to keep themselves and their clothes neat and tidy at all times.” She looked the girl up and down, then added with a warm smile, “I don’t think you will have a problem with that.”

 

“I will have the novice on duty show you to a free room, where you can wash up and put these on. Dinner hour will be starting soon, so I suggest you don’t dawdle. I’m also assigning you a mentor, who will guide you as to life in the Tower, the rules and regulations, and who will help you with any questions you have.” Larindhra mentally ran through a list of available people who would suite the girl. One possibility made her lips quirk in a brief smile. Maybe this child’s self-possession and grace would rub off on Jerinia? Larindhra almost sighed. Best not to hope for the impossible.

 

“I will send Jerinia to find you. She is an Accepted, but you will obey her almost as readily as if she were an Aes Sedai.” Larindhra glanced sideways at Satin. “Common sense will always stand you in good stead, though.” Hopefully one of the things Satin’s father had taught her was how to read between the lines. This would be a good test to find out, anyway. She opened her study door and motioned for the novice outside to come closer. “Thandra will show you the way, Satin. You will have tomorrow to recuperate from the journey, but the day after your studies will start. May the Light shine on you, child.

 

 

Larindhra Reyne

Mistress of Novices

 

[Cleopatra Narisse]

Satin had lived a life of oness for so long, having to fend for herself without much help from her mother, that she felt odd having the MoN measure her for her Novice dress and accessories. She briefly thought that even her mother had never helped to clothe her after she was 5 years old. She had to do it all herself. Her sense of style was plain but proper during her youth. She needed to care for herself in the most simple way possible, yet maintaining good grooming habits.

 

After a few she was handed her Novice dress and slippers, the Mistress of Novices explained about her Mentor. She assumed that she would be a sort of guide in aspects of Tower life and Proper etiquette.

 

The Mistress of Novices seemed to be a very nice woman indeed and the warm smile she received, was new to her. She felt a small brush of acceptance at that moment. She looked forward to more of the same from other girls from her age. Though, guessing ages from Aes Sedai or anyone who carried the power would not be easy. She grew more and more curious, wondering how much power she really had... what potential she might have.

 

She knew something about Aes Sedai from her mother's association and they doted on her more than she thought they should have... They must have seen it in her, even then.

 

She listened to her instructions about her mentor, getting to the Seamstress if she needed and so forth. Her visit with the Mistress of Novices was at its end and exploring the tower was on her agenda.

"Thank you Larindhra Sedai, I will closely follow the instruction of my Mentor. In all hopes, that our personalities will be a compliment to each other. I am sure we can learn from each other as much as teach."

 

At that moment another wide eyes Novice entered through the door, once she was called by Larindhra Sedai, to tak her to her room. Her stomach began to pinch, reminding her that the dinner hour was as close as the Mistress of Novices has said.

 

Satin inclined her head in deference to the MoN, before she followed the Novice out and to her room. She was eager to wash up after the long journey and her stomach was becoming more and more of a nag to her.

 

She followed the Novice out into the hall and followed her for what seemed like 30 minutes or so. The Tower was grand, no doubt. She saw many white clad novices moving quickly through the halls in small clutches and perhaps an Accepted leading the way, at times.

 

She arrived at her room without conversation, which usually happened. To her surprise, the room was not even a third of what her room size at home was. Bare, plain, and impersonal. The narrow bed had two sheets, a blanket and a feather pillow. The small desk was old and worn as much as the small three legged stool. The closet was no more than a rectangle hole in the wall. The novice cleared her throat reminding her that she wasn't alone.  "I have to leave you now, and attend to my chores. One piece of advice if I may?" Satin gave a slight nod. "Do your chores first off. Never be late to class, or your bottom will pay for it." The novices face reddened and Satin, gave a slow nod in agreement.

 

"Thank you, Thandra. You have my leave to go." She quirked a smallish smile to the novice as she fled.

 

Satin sighed and wondered if any other rooms for Novices were as small as hers?

 

 

Satin sur Amoura

Novice to the White Tower