The Road from Caemlyn: A Torch Flickers (Intro Thread, Open to WY and WT)

[JainFarstrider]

OOC: Arrival near Tar Valon, join in if you desire. Hope you like it.

 

 

IC:

The town of Alindaer sat at the foot of the bridge to Tar Valon, a road leading south to Caemlyn. It was on that road that a pitiful looking figure trudged wearily.

 

Elyan was exhausted, he had not eaten in days, and his face looked gaunt. His hair was uncombed and, like his clothes, was still damp from the evening storm. Caked on mud seemed to be the only thing holding his ragged and worn clothes together. The rain had been a blessing, he was able to fill his water-skin and wash off some of the sweat from the journey. Then that wagon driver nearly ran him over, and he had to dive off the road into grass, where the dirt was soft from the rain. None of that mattered now, he had made it, the sun setting to his left really made the walls of Tar Valon live up to their name, as they did seem to shine. He thought about stopping at the Inn that resided in this small town, but he had no money to speak of, and he feared that if he sat down, there would be no getting up again. So, he continued to focus on just keeping himself moving, one foot after the other, he moved his leaden feet. Except for the burning in his legs, his whole body felt numb, and cotton filled his head. He tried to ignore the people of the town staring at him from their brick houses. Parents herding children into their homes as he passed. He had eyes only for the tower, shining like a beacon of hope over the city, and the look of fear and distaste would have filled him with shame once, but it was no longer a stranger to him. He slowly approached the bridge of woven stone that traversed the river which raged hundreds of feet below it. There were ten men standing in shining metal, the flame of tar valon emblazoned on their chest. They looked at him through the slits in their helmets. He could not see their eyes, but felt the glare. Lowering their pikes as he came closer, they blocked his way. One of the men, he assumed the leader, walked forward, removing his helm to better examine Elyan.

 

“What’s your business in Tar Valon?” Said the older man, the fierceness of his eyes, contrasting with his graying hair.

 

“I have come to join the Warders.” Spoke Elyan, with a look of pride, somehow finding the strength to stand up straight.

 

The soldier looked shocked for a moment, then he tilted his head back and roared with laughter.

 

“I see we have a comedian, you should get going before I am forced to….”

 

The rest of the words fell on deaf ears. Elyan was stunned, his posture wavering from exhausting and shock, all this time he had convinced himself that he just had to make it here, and then everything would work out fine. Now he was being denied entrance to the city, and mocked by the men who stole his dream. What was he to do, he had no food, no money, no spare clothes. Determination welled up within him, he would not be stopped. He was going to become a warder, what did these men know anyway.

 

“… for thieves is not taken lightly.” Said the officer, then he turned to say something to one of the other soldiers gesturing with his hand.

 

It was now or never, thought Elyan, while he wasn’t looking at him. He dropped into a crouch, then exploded forwards, straining his legs to move faster. He was just past the officer, approaching the line of guards that stood between him and the city, if he could just make it through. Elyan was fast, but the officer moved like lightning. He felt more than saw the spear haft coming towards him in an overhead swing, there was nothing he could do. The haft connected with his head, with a sharp jolt of pain. He lost control of his feet, starting to fall. The ground approached him quickly, but the world went black before he felt it.

 

 

[Sieve]

Perivar was lost in thought as he and Kabria made their way from the city.  Kabria looked like a queen and he looked...well odd was how he looked for he wore his fancloth cloak.  The way the color shifting cloak was draped only parts of him and his warhorse would be visible.  Perivar disliked excessive ceremony though it was their duty.  An Aes Sedai and her Warder traveling through the city and beyond was a comfort to many people.  They were a symbol of hope to some, proof of the Light's refusal to give into the Shadow. 

 

The sound of their warhorses's hooves rang on the power wrought bridge that crossed the Alindrelle Erinin connecting the small village of Alindaer to the city of Tar Valon.  The soft clip clop and the creak of their saddle leather mixed with the sounds of a number of carts, carriages, and barrows traveling to or from the city.  They were leaving the city again passing through Alindaer as they made their way west.  Perivar did not like going west, both times he had done so had not gone well for him.

 

His thoughts were interrupted by the commotion up ahead.  Perivar watched the action unfold with a look of distaste the spurred Nightdancer to a gallop as the man fell limply to the ground.  Perivar vaulted from the saddle to stand between the man and the guards while Kabria dismounted to kneel over the man.  Perivar had a few sharp words for the Bannerman in charge of this post while Kabria tended to the downed man.  He could sense her frustration then her concern until it changed to pure focus as she healed the man. 

 

Perivar studied the man lying on the ground as the Bannerman tried to offer excuses for his actions.  The man was more mud than anything.  "He looks like a vagrant, no good reason for him to be inside the city."  Perivar could sense Kabria's irritation though she was content to let him handle it while she saw to the man.  "Do you have proof that he is up to no good, have you witnessed an infraction of the laws of Tar Valon?"  "But..." The Bannerman said then stopped when Perivar held up a hand to stall him.  But look at him was what the man was going to say. "Did you bother to ask his reason for entering the city?"  The Bannerman nodded though reluctantly. 

 

"Well what was his answer?"  Perivar's voice was cold and distant.  He felt Kabria studying him, he had no tolerance for fools and in the void his voice was as cold as winter in the Borderlands.  He was inside the void now pushing all emotion into the flame till he was one with his surroundings, his words belonged to another man.  "He wants to be a Warder!" The Bannerman scoffed and two of the guards chuckled.  Perivar was happy he was in the void otherwise he may have struck both guardsmen and the Bannerman.  Instead he fixed them with a glare that silenced them, the two guardsmen gulping under the weight of his stare, the Bannerman was made of sterner stuff.  Kabria was...amused of all things.

 

"Is that true?" Perivar directed the question to the man on the ground.  The man nodded saying "It is" in a voice that said its owner was parched.  For a moment Perivar's large dark eyes weighed the man.  "Your name?"  When he gave it Perivar offered him an arm up.  "Well Elyan, you look more like a blacksmith but Mistress Thera will determine your worth.  She is the Mistress of Trainees, you will find her in the Warder Yard.  One day I hope I get the pleasure of calling you Gaidin."  None but Perivar would understand the significance of the reference to the Blacksmith.  His father had told him he was the son of a blacksmith often as a youth as he was much wider than his father or his brother.  The man was of a size with him though he was a few inches shorter.

 

Perivar produced a leather purse from his pouch then pressed it into the man's hand.  Despite his protests the man final conceded when Perivar insisted.  "Mind your training for I will inquire as to your progress the next time I see Mistress Thera."

 

Turning to the Bannerman Perivar tossed him some coins.  "Tell off two of your men and see him to the nearest inn.  See that he gets a hot meal and some rest.  Kabria Sedai will be very angry if you let anything happen to a man that she just healed.  He is under my protection, if anything happens to him then I am holding you responsible."  The man flinched though he replied "As you command Gaidin."  Perivar had a few quiet words reminded him of their purpose.  Reminding him that people down on their luck need a place to turn for salvation.  If they could not find it in Tar Valon then it could not be found.

 

Perivar held Kabria's stirrup as she mounted blade.  She touched his hand and gave him such a warm smile that sent a tingle through his body.  Love and pride flowed through the bond in waves.  Perivar smiled back ath her before mounting Nightdancer.  With that matter settled they made their way west.

 

(( OOC Edit:  If that doesn't work for you then just let me know.  I figured it left it open for you to encounter other if you wish or speed your way right to Mistress Thera after a meal and some rest ;)  ))

[JainFarstrider]

OCC: No, it's perfect, i really liked the way that you played that out.

 

IC:

The two soldiers had begun to lead the way over the bridge, but Elyan stood gazing at the two mounted figures riding west, an Aes Sedai and her Warder, special in their own right, but more so for him. They had done something few people had done in his whole life, shown him kindness. Elyan hoped he could one day be like that man…. What was his name… he must not have given it, or maybe Elyan still couldn’t get his head cleared. Stern and strict yet compassionate, they were the idols that had brought him to Tar Valon He would strive to show the Warder that his compassion was no wasted, and looked forward to the day when he could return the favor. He wondered what the man had meant by blacksmith, was that supposed to have some significance, whatever it was, Elyan didn’t grasp it.

 

Turning on his heel, Elyan noticed that the guards had not waited for him, and rushed to catch up to them. They did not speak to him, which was fine by him. The walk was spent staring in awe at the Shining Walls, and guard towers that loomed far over their heads. At the buildings that were crashing waves, flocks of birds, even plants come to life. He had heard of the majesty that was Tar Valon, but to see it with his own eyes was truly amazing.

 

They arrived at an Inn near the south side of the city, the place had badger in the name, the other words difficult to make out on the faded sign.

 

The guards finally turned to him, speaking in tones that mocked him, “Here you are sir,” gesturing towards the Inn, “Now if you don’t require anything else, we will be on our way, important stuff to do.” Then turning without waiting for a response and walking back the way they had come, mumbling something about noblemen thieves being important, and laughing to one another.

 

Elyan watched them go, then he stood alone in the street. He bounced the leather pouch the Warder had given him off his palm, wondering what he should do now. He should be able to find the training ground easy enough, the White Tower was a beacon that called to him, and that was where he wanted to go. Still, he was hungry and the inn was right here. Stepping back, and looking westerly, Elyan was able to measure the distance the sun had yet to travel before reaching the horizon. A good two hours before dusk settled on the land. He thought about what the Warder had suggested, getting a hot meal would do him some good, he probably shouldn’t show up to the training grounds half starved.

 

“Alright,” he decided, “but only a quick bite”. Tucking the pouch in to his sleeve, he had seen too many purses cut to not be cautious, and then he walked through the door into the establishment.

 

Noisy and crowded was his first impression, it had been along time since he had been inside of an inn. Now that he was here, he wasn’t sure if he should stay. When he was considering turning around and leaving, a scrawny young woman with light brown hair and showing more of herself than he thought appropriate, as she walked up polishing a dirty glass on the front of her shirt, he kept his eyes elsewhere, and wondered what kind of place this was, that the people walked around half dressed.

 

“If yer lookin for some grub, ye can have a seat over thur and I’ll get ye something from the kitchen, alright?” she said turning towards the bar, “that is if you can pay.” He nodded in response, which did not soften the glare she gave him, before she turned away.

 

Elyan found a table near the back, where he could see everything else that happened in the inn. Living on the floor of alleyways had taught him to watch his back. Finding a spot that was empty, he sat and wondered if he shouldn’t just walk out. A growl from his stomach ended that train of thought, so he just sat there scanning the crowd. Sat and waited.

 

[Eqwina]

A small smile played on Kabria’s lips as she watched Perivar handling the guards. Swells of pride mixed with her amusement as he put them in their place. There had been no real need of her, other than for the healing, so she stayed a few steps back and observed. Looking at the young man he hardly looked grand enough to be a Warder, but then you could say the same of anyone covered head to toe in mud.

 

As Perivar held her stirrup Kabria beamed at him, showing outwardly all the love that was in her heart; but as they began their journey she couldn’t help but look back at the Tower and Tar Valon. Not even a mile out she reined in Blade and turned back to stare.  “It is beautiful isn’t it” Perivar had stopped his own mount and rode close enough for their knee’s to touch.

 

“Hmm? Oh yes, beautiful. But it’s not that. Something about that child….” Her hands twitched on her reins and she shifted in her saddle. “We did more for him than most would have. So, why do I feel like it wasn’t enough?” The new life he would find in the Tower would be like nothing he’d ever known, and they’d sent him off like a beggar. “He can’t arrive at the Tower looking like that, Thera will eat him alive. I….” The rich booming chuckle that filled the air made Kabria stop and turn to fix her lover with a very level stare. “Do I amuse you Gaidin?” This time no amount of iciness in her blue eyes or firmness to her tone could make Perivar relent. Soon she found herself laughing along with him, still unsure as too the cause. A comment was thrown out about helping every stray they come across and this time it was Kabria who laughed. There had been a time in her life when she wouldn’t have stopped to even help the boy, but with her new Green shawl had come a new type of wisdom. And with her love for Perivar had come a compassion like she’d never known; a renewed sense of the importance of each human life.

 

Not waiting to see if he would follow….he always would; Kabria booted Blade to a gallop and didn’t even pause at the confused looks given to her by the gate guards. The healing had left a sense of Elyan with her, but there had been little to heal and already it was fading. Once inside the walls she rode up and down several streets and had Perivar enter several Inn’s to see if he was there. Outside of the Bagger’s Leap, one of Tar Valon’s less expensive Inn’s there was no need to check. She  knew without a doubt he was inside. Taking off her gloves and tucking them behind her belt she entered with all the grace of a queen.

 

The place had probably never been graced with Aes Sedai custom, for when eyes turned to see her ring and ageless face the room fell silent. Not bothering to answer the dirty woman, she left Perivar to handle their affairs, having eyes only for the mud covered young man at the back.

 

“Elyan, sit please.” Gingerly she sat down on the hard wooden bench, and light as she was small motes of dust sprang up around them. “We were never properly introduced. I am Kabria Delondre of the Green Ajah.” Showing him one of her rare smiles she tried to put him more at ease. “Truly you must have had a long and trying journey to end up in this condition, half starved and filthy.” Perivar sat down on the other side of the boy and pressed a small bundle of clothes across the table. “They may not be a perfect fit, but they will be better than what you’ve got on. I would very much enjoy if you would share some of your story with us while we eat.”

Mugs of wine and large platters of food had been lain out on the table before Elyan spoke.

 

[JainFarstrider]

OOC: Boorah ROOM

 

IC:

From his spot at the back of the inn, Elyan was able to casually watch the entrance, he liked to keep an eye on who was entering the tavern. His jaw almost hit the table at seeing the sun-darkened Aes Sedai, and her warder that stalked into the room like a hunting cat. The shock was gone quickly, replaced immediately by fear. He should not be here, he should have gone straight to the tower, that was what they meant for him to do. He cursed his stomach for having an influence on his decision, he had gone without food before, and he would again, why could he not have resisted temptation just this once. He tried to make himself appear small and inconspicuous, maybe if he could sneak out and make it to the tower, they would think he was there the whole time. It was no use, she looked straight at him upon entering the inn. Making her way to his table, ignoring the maid that had tried to offer her services and making a sad attempt of a curtsy, almost hitting the floor in the attempt. No one laughed, the inn was dead quite since she had entered.  He was still hoping she might pass him when she neared his table, but scrambled up to attempt a bow when he realized she would not.

 

“Elyan, sit please.”

 

She said, gingerly seating herself. He sat down warily, half wanting to just make a dash for the door. Seeing the warder approaching and remembering what happened last time quieted that notion. He had wondered what the punishment for disobeying an Aes Sedai was, but now that it might be his punishment he had no wish to find out.

“We were never properly introduced. I am Kabria Delondre of the Green Ajah.”

 

She said smiling, which did little to ease his feeling of impending doom. He had thoughts of the Aes Sedai wanting the people to know what happened when people crossed her.

 

“Elyan… I’m Elyan Ma….Keladirn…” He must be really off balance to almost make a mistake like saying his actual name. He did not want to lie to the Aes Sedai, but he would protect the woman that raised him, even if it cost him the wrath of an Aes Sedai. “…Mistress Sedai” He stammered, not knowing  the proper title to address an Aes Sedai.

 

“Truly you must have had a long and trying journey to end up in this condition, half starved and filthy.”

 

He got a feeling this meant that his hardships were not quite over, as the warder sat on the other side of him setting a small bundle on the table and cutting off his escape.

 

“They may not be a perfect fit, but they will be better than what you’ve got on. I would very much enjoy if you would share some of your story with us while we eat.”

 

He was scared, why were they being nice, they knew that he had no way out, did they think to lull him into false security.  Not that it mattered, he would have answered the Aes Sedai if he lay on the rocks at Shayol Ghul stripped of clothing a facing death filled with torture, their position commanded it. He tried to work the tension of fear out of his jaw. Food layered the table before he was able to speak again.

 

He told her everything, how he worked in the house of a noble, about him being thrown out to save his own life, living on the streets constantly watching the shadows with possible danger lurking down every alley. He talked of how he hunted for rats in the city for food, and many times being unsuccessful having to starve. He told how he had fought men that had attacked him, thinking that he had money to take. He conveyed how he had seen the Aes Sedai and her warder, that they were like beacons to him, mirrors that shined the light of the creator into the dark crevices of the world. That he might be able to join them, to make a difference in the world, and give purpose to his own being.  Then, he finished with his pursuit from the city, and the battle against time to make it to Tar Valon.

 

During his story he looked only at his hands resting on the table. The Aes Sedai’s blue piecing gaze bored into his soul exposing every flaw, every transgression he had made, he could not look at it, else he would lose his tongue. He didn’t look at the food either, it reminded him of his stomach, and he did not deserve to eat when he had failed the Aes Sedai that now wanted to hear his story.

 

He finished the story, still too afraid to look up, what was to become of him. He hoped they might accept the money back with his apology, then he would not be able to pay for the food, would be accused of thievery and be punished accordingly. What had he expected to happen, if he was ever more than a thief that time had long passed.

 

He pondered his position, then reached for the leather pouch in his sleeve.

[Eqwina]

His sad story tugged at Kabria’s heart and she longed to comfort him, to make the memories go away. Sadly even with Saidar some things were still impossible.  Through the bond she felt unwavering support, and the shining veins of gold that glowed bright enough to drown out the sun. It was always so when she showed her softer side. 

 

“There are better days ahead Elyan, I will assure you of that. “ Pressing her hand on top of his she held it firm. “No, you keep that. Every man needs his own coin.” Looking across the room she sought out the Innkeeper and ordered that more food be brought. The food was bad enough, she was not going to suffer the boy to eat what the Power had reheated. “Now, you are going to eat this time Elyan, or I will have Perivar hold you down while I spoon feed you like a babe. Once I heal a man I do not sit idly by and let himself undo all the work I have done.”   Sliding the plate across the table she handed him his fork with an expectant look.

 

The way the child’s hand shook as he raised food to his mouth made Kabria grimace. She’d done all she could to put him at ease and no doubt only succeeded in making him more afraid. “When you are done eating I am sure the good Innkeeper will allow you a room for a few moments to change into new clothes. Tomorrow, or the first chance you have you go to a seamstress. I will leave you the name of the one I use and you tell her you were sent by me. She will make you a new set of clothes just like that. And don't think I won't inquire to see that its done.”

 

She snapped and half the common you jumped as if to obey, shaking her head she shooed the innkeeper away. “Did you get enough to eat? Healing makes a man hungry?”

 

[JainFarstrider]

“There are better days ahead Elyan, I will assure you of that. “ She said reaching out and firmly stopping him from removing the money purse. “No, you keep that. Every man needs his own coin.”

 

Elyan was unsure how to respond, but he placed both hands on the table, leaving the pouch where it was, and continued examining his hands. Wondering what he should do.

 

The Aes Sedai examined the now cold food with a look of disgust, then calling to the Innkeeper to bring more, who hurried to comply.

 

“Now, you are going to eat this time Elyan, or I will have Perivar hold you down while I spoon feed you like a babe. Once I heal a man I do not sit idly by and let himself undo all the work I have done.”  She said when the food arrived. Sliding the plate across the table she handed him his fork with an expectant look.

 

Elyan glanced at the Aes Sedai, then at the warder, pondering whether or not she might go through with her threat, normally he would have found the idea humorous, but the look she wore said she was serious. Not that he had much of a choice. He had heard little about Aes Sedai, only that they normally got what they wanted. Besides, his stomach had been growling for some time. He started trying to eat the food, which wasn’t good even by his standards. He had trouble stilling his hands from shaking with a mixture of fear and exhaustion. The Aes Sedai was content to do the talking while he cleaned food from his plate.

 

“When you are done eating I am sure the good Innkeeper will allow you a room for a few moments to change into new clothes. Tomorrow, or the first chance you have you go to a seamstress. I will leave you the name of the one I use and you tell her you were sent by me. She will make you a new set of clothes just like that. And don't think I won't inquire to see that its done.”

 

Elyan did not know how to respond to the offer. He was beginning to believe that the Aes Sedai actually wanted to help him, but he was still unsure why. She was a queen, the warder her general, while he was a simple peasant, what had he done to get this attention from her. He decided that he would take the clothes, but he didn’t want to delay any longer in getting to the tower, especially if it was only to get extra clothes, the ones he had on were usable, he thought examining them, but they did need to be cleaned, and he thought he might have to get a hold of some more thread to mend the rips they had acquired. She had said that he could go when he had time, and he did not know when that would be, once he entered training at the tower.

 

“Did you get enough to eat? Healing makes a man hungry?”

 

Elyan was surprised at himself, he had cleaned the table, eating more than he had ever before in his life, and was still hungry. It must have been the healing, he thought of ordering more, but he was growing increasingly uncomfortable, he could still feel the Aes Sedai’s ice blue eyes boring into him. He was unsure what she expected from him.

 

He stood, fumbling for words and trying to excuse himself for the table.

 

“Thank you… Mistress Sedai, I don’t now how I can ever repay you… I think that I will find a room now.”

 

He attempted a bow and almost tripped over his own feet. Taking the spare clothes he wondered over to the innkeeper still feeling her gaze behind him, asked to use a room to wash up, and paid for the food.

 

He walked upstairs to the room that the innkeeper indicated. It was a small room, lacking any furniture except a wash stand. He stripped off the rags that he was wearing, folded the shirt in half and placed the rest of his clothing inside then tying the ends together, with the sleeve in place as a makeshift strap. Then he quickly washed as much of the mud off as he could using the pitcher of water that was sitting there, it was cold, but he did not have the time to get hot water. He then dressed in what the warder had given him. The fit was good, if only a little loose. He grabbed his bag and then headed down the stairs.

 

OOC: A little shorter than usual, but I wasn’t sure if Kabria waited in the inn.

 

[Eqwina]

OOC: She waited. She is not done with you yet *cackles then coughs*  ;) I;ll post in a bit

[JainFarstrider]

OOC: *Is Terrified*

[Eqwina]

Watching the boy ascend the stairs Kabria’s lips were pursed in thoughtful frown. “I hate to think of anyone with such a hard life, but then I know his story is far from the worst.” Perivar only nodded and slid over to take the seat the boy had vacated. “I am sure Mistress Thera will be able to make good use of him in the Yards. At least after he’s cleaned up and been properly fed for a time.” She was not looking for an answer, though she often wondered what exactly Thera did to ‘shape’ the young men and women who came to the Tower hoping for a life better than what they left. Kabria had a small idea of what their training entailed, no doubt they were harder on those who would protect Aes Sedai than they were the Sister’s themselves.

 

Elyan hardly looked like the same person cleaned up and in clothes that were crisp and clear. She said as much and the child bowed again, almost dropping his bundle. “Stand up straight Elyan, you are not a toad. As fine a head of hair as you have I do not need to spend my time staring at it. I much prefer your face.” Nodding as if that settled the whole matter, she replaced her stern look with a small smile. “You will go get the new clothes Elyan. I know the look in your eye, and those rags you bundled up are more patches than fabric.” Feeling on the eyes in the room on them, she laid a hand on Elyan arm and led him to the street; her vigilant Warder bringing up the rear. They left to the sound of mutters and whispers everyone wondering why an Aes Sedai had taken interest in a poor refuge. No doubt all sorts of rumors would sprout from this, but it was not the first time Kabria had caused such talk. Her strange look alone was usually enough, but pair that with her quicksilver temper, and love affair with Perivar and she was quickly becoming known as a bit of a rebel.

 

“I am afraid we must leave you now, but we will return to check on you. “ Her slightly predatory smile gave her a mysterious look in the dim light of the street. “When you get to the Tower remember to stand straight and be proud of where you came from. Follow the rules and you will do fine, just never forget that you are a man as well. Tell Mistress Thera you were sent by us, it may buy you something. Fair ye’ well Elyan. Until we meet again.” Letting Perivar hold her stirrup she mounted Blade and set a quick pace down the street. She really had delayed too long.

 

[JainFarstrider]

Elyan watched the Aes Sedai and her warder as they rode down the darkening street, until they passed out of sight around a bend in the road. Then he was alone, more alone than he had ever been. It had been a long time since he had been able to talk with anybody. He had always had to guard his emotions, his feelings, even his words, it had been nice, even if he had nothing in common with the Aes Sedai, when talking with her he just felt… safe, he had never known what it was like to trust someone, but it had never been a luxury he could afford. The Aes Sedai was stern, she got her way, but she had been kind to him, he did not know if he could ever repay her.

 

Looking up at the sky, he saw that the sky was quickly darkening as dusk approached. He would have to hurry if he was going to make it to the tower before dark. He scanned the area, catching sight of the tower, it’s height making it easy to spot, he hurried in the direction that he thought might lead him there, hoping to make it before the gates to the tower were closed, he did not want to go into another inn. They were too crowded, with too much noise. He liked the empty quiet of the night streets, even in the new city, he could spot the shadows thieves would hide in to jump unsuspecting citizens. He had many years of practice spotting movement in the deepening shadows, one he had to pick up quickly or become victim to them.

 

He continued his hurried pace, the tower looming high over him, the name of the tailor going through his mind again and again, he was determined to remember it. The walls surrounding the tower grounds came into view, the sun setting behind him reflecting off the white stone. He drew closer, seeing the four guards standing by the gate that stood open allowing glimpses into the restricted grounds.

 

Suddenly his feet were as the stone upon which he walked. The memory of his confrontation with the guards, when trying to get inside the city, was still fresh in his mind. He wasn’t sure he would be allowed into the tower, even with the new change of clothes. Elyan pushed the memory from his mind, solidifying his determination, and began walking slowly towards the gate.

 

[Sangreal]

It was getting late as Sandre waited for this new trainee to come. The Tower cast a large shadow that darkened the entire yard. It may as well have been midnight for all one could see. Guards were doubled up at every entrance and walking in twos or threes as they were every night since recent events. (Still though, only a fool would be without a weapon.) Sandre thought to himself.

 

Just as Sandre was starting to wonder if the new trainee had become lost. A young man who looked as though he had seen better days, even if those days did not include as much food as it should have, walked cautiously towards him and the guards to the yard. Sandre smiled and remembered he had made that exact same pace to the yard when he first arrived. The first thing this trainee would need to learn was courage.

 

"Elyan!" Sandre called out with a large grin.

 

Sandre strode towards him with a hurried pace and the trainee stopped in his tracks. His cloak caught a breeze with his pace.

 

"Ive been waiting for you friend what took you? We dont need your first visit in around the Tower to be in the Infirmary with a cold do we?"

 

Sandre walked up and grabbed Elyan's forearm in greeting. Elyan looked stunned to Sandre's eyes but then in this light it could have been any look. Sandre  patted Elyan on the back to encourage him to walk again as he released the young man's forearm.

 

"I am Sandre Kaldun but you can call me Sandre. Im a trainee like you but I have been here awhile so if you need anything or need to learn something let me know."

 

As they passed the Guards the look they gave Elyan was less than pleasant. Sandre glared defiantly back and the Guards turned away as though they never noticed the pair.

 

"Do not mind them Elyan. They are still in mourning. We all are. A few of our own were killed in a horrible fashion due to our and their lack of vigilance." Sandre shook his head.

 

"The killer was good though... trained... theres no way we could have prepared them for it yet they wont see it and see it as a personal injury to their honor."

 

It was starting to get a chill and mist began to roll in. Sandre in one motion removed his cloak draped it over the trainees shoulders.

 

"Here I have another one. I was serious about catching a cold out here. If you get one they will have me cleaning the infirmary sheets for a week so dont argue about the cloak."

 

Sandre did not look to see the Elyan's response. Not everyday that someone handed you a silk cloak as black as night. Though... you couldnt help feeling bad for this guy.

 

"Its freezing... do you want to get something to warm up first? Tea or Broth or something or shall we head straight to the Mistress of Trainees?"

 

[JainFarstrider]

Elyan was making his way steadily to the gates, wary of the guards who were looking at him.

 

"Elyan!"

 

Called someone from somewhere in front of Elyan, he stopped his progress towards the gates. His hand resting on his sleeve where the hidden knife was sheathed, he scanned his surroundings for the man who had shouted for him. Not that he had any skill with a knife, but an armed foe was more of a deterrent than an unarmed one.

 

From behind the gates, a young man strode quickly out to meet him, his cloak catching the breeze.

 

"Ive been waiting for you friend what took you? We dont need your first visit in around the Tower to be in the Infirmary with a cold do we?"

 

The man walked up and grabbed Elyan by the forearm in friendly greeting, his blue eyes catching the failing light.  That he was known to anyone in this city took Elyan by shock, who was this man and why had he been waiting for him. The Aes Sedai may have told the tower somehow, but she had gone the other direction. This train of thought was disrupted as the man tried to push him towards the gate.

 

"I am Sandre Kaldun but you can call me Sandre. Im a trainee like you but I have been here awhile so if you need anything or need to learn something let me know."

 

The guards still eyed him suspiciously, but something that Sandre did made them go back to scanning the shadows.

 

"Do not mind them Elyan. They are still in mourning. We all are. A few of our own were killed in a horrible fashion due to our and their lack of vigilance." Sandre shook his head.

 

"The killer was good though... trained... theres no way we could have prepared them for it yet they wont see it and see it as a personal injury to their honor."

 

Elyan was stunned that there had been murders inside the tower grounds. In the absence of light the lord of shadow’s hold grows, but the tower was a beacon that shined on the world around it. The thought that even this place was not a barrier for evil, caught Elyan by surprise.

 

Then Sandre swung his cloak off and draped it over Elyan, before he had a chance to stop him.

 

"Here I have another one. I was serious about catching a cold out here. If you get one they will have me cleaning the infirmary sheets for a week so dont argue about the cloak."

 

Elyan was about to remove it, but the man had a forceful presence and he had just noticed that the weather had become quite chilly with the setting of the sun. He wanted to say something to Sandre to express his gratitude, but he couldn’t seem to find the words.

 

"Its freezing... do you want to get something to warm up first? Tea or Broth or something or shall we head straight to the Mistress of Trainees?"

 

A hot drink sounded perfect to Elyan, as the cold was seeping deeper into him. Regaining his composure, he shook his head. He needed to go to this Mistress of Trainees, she was the one that he needed to see and there would be no more delays.

 

“No, as nice as that sounds, I am quite anxious to see the Mistress of Trainees.” Elyan said in a quiet voice that slowly gained strength as he tried to stop his words from shaking. “There have been many things that have tried to block my path, and I won’t rest now that she is so close.”

 

Elyan was starting to feel the cold, and readjusted the cloak on his shoulders. It was then that he noticed it was… Silk. Elyan twisted it off as fast as he could, trying not to have it rub or gain any wrinkles in the fabric. Quickly examining it for any dirt that it might have brushed off of him, he tried to hand it back to Sandre, holding it away from his body, so as to not soil it on himself.

 

“I… can’t accept this” he stammered, forcing the words out, “It is too highly a gift, and I have nothing of value to trade for it.”

 

Elyan stood with the clothing in his outstretched hand, waiting for Sandre to take the cloak from him.

 

[Sangreal]

Sandre stared at Elyan as though he had told a joke. He couldnt help but laugh and just hoped he did not insult him.

 

"Elyan you are still thinking with a mentality that you are on your own. That will go with time. It is a little big on you now but perhaps you could trade it for one more your size with someone in the yards. Or wait until you have some muscle and meals to fill it out. With Trainees we dont really keep extra anything. If we have something to spare we give it to a trainee who doesnt."

 

Sandre stopped and with a wave of his hand motioned to the few trainees on the yard.

 

"Had you arrived with no shirt any trainee on the yard would have given you theirs. We live and train in squads here which just adds to the mystique of warders who can work alone. Besides... my roots are both Andor and Shienar, in Shienar it would be an insult to turn down a gift you obviously need."

 

As they approached the Mistress of Trainee's office Sandre took a more serious tone. He wasnt smiling any more and looked more like he was coaching Elyan for a battle. It was a battle in a way. A mental test to be found worthy to be in the yards.

 

"Ok. Keep your head up. Keep your voice steady and calm. Do not give in to emotion either positive or negative or it can be seen as weakness or a future problem. Do not let your face or body language betray your emotions either if you can help it. If you are asked about what you know as far as fighting goes say you know nothing. I dont care if you are a Blade Master. Saying you know nothing shows you are willing to learn which is what they want. Lastly remember you are a man and much of a man's worth is found within. As long as you maintain that you are worthy and do no waiver in your determination to be here no matter how bad it sounds you will do fine. Good luck. I hope to see you starting to fill out that cloak tomorrow."

 

Sandre waited as Elyan readied himself to go in. Once that door was open and Elyan inside he was determined to be as far away from that place as he could be. His own meeting with Thera those years ago gave him an aversion to that place. Elyan looked small in his cloak though Sandre remembered being just as skinny when he arrived. He did not shake the guy's confidence by saying that should he not be accepted that cloak would easily double as a blanket for him. Or a few meals on the road.

 

When Elyan stepped inside after a few brief words of thanks Sandre walked away feeling as though he had not done enough. He remembered the tongue lashing he got from Thera and years of learning to control his own rage did nothing to stop the anger that boiled over at the thought of this guy getting that tongue lashing as well. Elyan just needed a chance, not to be yelled at by the first person he met here. In a small way, Sandre knew he had done for Elyan exactly what he wished would have been done for him those two years ago. To be accepted as is.

 

There was a training dummy that was much worse for wear when he went to bed that morning.

[JainFarstrider]

Sandre did not move to take the cloak from Elyan, in fact he just stared at him practically shaking with silent laughter. Confusion filled Elyan, he did not know what he had done that could be considered funny.

 

"Elyan you are still thinking with a mentality that you are on your own. That will go with time. It is a little big on you now but perhaps you could trade it for one more your size with someone in the yards. Or wait until you have some muscle and meals to fill it out. With Trainees we dont really keep extra anything. If we have something to spare we give it to a trainee who doesnt."

 

An ideal way of living, Elyan thought, but years of seeing people backstab each other on the street over a few copper coins, made him wary to believe that such a relationship with others was possible. He did not understand how everyone in this group could be so compassionate for their fellows, but he listened intently. There might be something of value in Sandre’s words, something he could use to help stay alive in this very alien world.

 

"Had you arrived with no shirt any trainee on the yard would have given you theirs. We live and train in squads here which just adds to the mystique of warders who can work alone. Besides... my roots are both Andor and Shienar, in Shienar it would be an insult to turn down a gift you obviously need."

 

Elyan tied the cloak around his shoulders, “Thank you,” he whispered quietly, he may not have understood how the trainees lived in the tower grounds, but he had no wish to insult Sandre when he had been so kind to him. If this was really how the people here lived, he did not know if it was for him. He had always relied on his own strength and cunning to get him through each passing day and to see him safely through the night, the thought of needing to rely on others was difficult for him to comprehend. He was not a man that trusted others easily, if at all. The servant woman who raised him was the only one he could think of that he did trust, and only because she had risked her life to see that he kept his. Sandre waved to some trainees in the grounds. Elyan studied them, still deep in thought, he had always tried to be a man of his word, but now that he was forced to examine himself, he was not even sure that he deserved the trust of these men, so how could they see him as someone on which they could rely. Shaking his head, Elyan tried to clear his mind of those types of thoughts, this was a different place, a new world, it was where he wanted to be, and if he had to make changes to himself in order to live here, he was prepared to make them.

 

They arrived at a door in the stone building, and Sandre stopped outside it. He turned to Elyan, his face portrayed seriousness and his voice became stern, Elyan could imagine him at the head of an army, telling them what needed to be done, and expecting no delay in its doing.

 

"Ok. Keep your head up. Keep your voice steady and calm. Do not give in to emotion either positive or negative or it can be seen as weakness or a future problem. Do not let your face or body language betray your emotions either if you can help it. If you are asked about what you know as far as fighting goes say you know nothing. I dont care if you are a Blade Master. Saying you know nothing shows you are willing to learn which is what they want. Lastly remember you are a man and much of a man's worth is found within. As long as you maintain that you are worthy and do no waiver in your determination to be here no matter how bad it sounds you will do fine. Good luck. I hope to see you starting to fill out that cloak tomorrow."

 

Hiding his emotions would not be hard, he thought, he was so raw from the last few weeks, that he did not think he would be angry with Sandre if he stabbed him in the back the moment Elyan turned towards the door. The thing that would be difficult was concealing his fatigue and weakness from whoever sat behind that door. At least he did not have to lie about his combat skills, he had been afraid that it would be reason enough to keep him from staying here. Sandre had given the impression that there was more at work here than appeared to be. For the second time today, Elyan was terrified that he might not be able to fulfill his dream.

 

Elyan gave a grateful nod towards Sandre, words being beyond his grasp, and stood up as straight as he could, head held high. Resolve filled him, he may be walking into his funeral, but was determined to appear as a noble answering a summons by the queen of Andor. Taking a deep breath, he tried to summon the last bit of strength he contained, feeling that he would need every bit of it for what lie ahead, exhaling he approached the door, knocked, then at a command from a voice inside, opened and passed through it.

 

[Sieve]

((OOC: I don't intend all of the posts to be this long just wanted to set the scene.  Most posts will probably be short, a few questions then I'll wait on your reply and we'll take it from there.))

 

Dragar Baras wore his full armor polished bright, a contrast with his tanned Tairen skin and close cropped brown hair. The tabard which named him one of the Tower Guards was draped over his breatplate and belted at the waist.  His crimson Tower Guard's cloak hung on the coat rack in the corner and his shield hung on the wall behind his desk.  Dragar kept his sword strapped to his waist. 

 

His little office was serviceable.  It contained a desk, two chairs for visitors, a small bookcase, and a coat rack.  For decoration the wall had several paintings depicting scenes of trainees, guardsmen, and warders sparring and of battles with shadowspawn.  There was also a window so he could look over part of the training grounds.  Until now the office had seldom been used which was evident by the amount of dust it had collected.  The door to Thera's office was closed as was the small office between hers and his.  The small office was used by one of the liveried clerks when they were assigned here.

 

Dragar sat behind the small desk flipping through the log of trainees thinking on his brief conversation with Thera.  Thera seemed far too worried about these trainees as if they were her own.  Far too worried that he would allow something to happen to them while she was away.  Dragar had not been informed of the reason for her leave of absence though rumor said she was with child.  Perhaps being with child was why she felt responsible for these recruits.  Well he would not let anything happen to them if he could though they would work as hard as they had under her if not harder.  He would not allow them to slack in their training.  They were training to be Tower Guards and Warders after all.

 

Dragar heard the knock and yelled for whoever it was to enter.  The sun was starting to set and the lamps had yet to be lit so he watched as the shadowed shape walked into the foyer almost hesitantly.  "Over here" He shouted from his office.  Well the visitor would have figured it out as the other doors were closed.  Dragar watched the man approach his office and tried to guess the nature of his visit.  Studying him from head to toe he thought that the man had seen better days despite his fine clothes.  Everything the young man wore seemed as if made for another though the man was not thin, there seemed to be muscle hidden under those layers of clothes. 

 

"Come in, what can I do for you?"       

[JainFarstrider]

Elyan walked cautiously into the entrance hallway of the dimly lit office, unsure of where he was meant to go. He slowly walked passed the unlit lamps, examining the shadows expectantly for unseen foes. All the doors from here were closed, except for one that lay further down the hall, from which a trickle of light was coming from. Elyan paused wondering if this is where he was supposed to go to meet the Mistress of Arms, in order to inquire about enlisting in the tower guard.

 

"Over here", sounded a voice through the open door.

 

Elyan advanced towards the open door, having doubts that he was in the right place. The voice had belonged to a man, maybe the Mistress of Arms did not meet with trainees in person or was otherwise occupied. Elyan reached the door, gazing into the small room that contained little furniture, and had several paintings hanging on the wall, Elyan paid these things little heed. What caught his attention most was the man in full polished armor sitting behind a small desk, he looked every inch a hardened soldier, his short hair not concealing the hardness of his eyes as he examined every inch of Elyan, reminding him of a blacksmith appraising a tool trying to puzzle out it’s use. He was quite intimidating, and it was no small amount of effort to still his legs from turning him around, taking back the way he had come.

 

"Come in, what can I do for you?", said the man.

 

Elyan took a few steps forward, standing in the center of the small room. Now that he was here, he was unsure of how to start. Not knowing if it was appropriate, he made a sort of awkward bow. He stood up as straight as he could, forcing himself to meet the man’s gaze. Then, attempting to choose his words carefully, he began relating why he had come.

 

“I…” He had to force the words out, attempting to keep his voice steady and strong. “I came to Tar Valon wishing to join the Warders. Kabria Sedai, whom I met attempting to get into the city, then again shortly afterwards, directed me here to enlist in the Tower Guard.”

 

Elyan paused, not being sure how much to tell, and deciding that the man probably was not interested in his life story, did not elaborate on how he came to be in Tar Valon. He would save that for the Mistress of Arms, if she asked for it, which he expected she would, needing to determine his worth.

 

“Sir, I was told to see Mistress Thera, is she here, if not could you direct me towards where I might be able to find her? I have traveled no short distance to meet with her.”

 

Elyan waited anxiously for an answer, hoping that this man would be able to help him.

 

[Sieve]

((OOC: So much for short ;)  ))

 

Dragar tried to seem welcoming though truth to tell he was not so sure that he was capable of doing so.  He listened as the younger man spoke and actually managed a small smile when he mentioned that he had caught the interest of an Aes Sedai.  Kabria Sedai the name seemed to ring a bell but he could not say why.  Dragar had many offers for bonding over the years though he politely declined them all.  He had no intention of ever becoming a warder, he could not fathom being bound to one woman, forever doing her bidding.  Not to mention that life as a guardsman left a lot of free time for other activities.

 

"You may have traveled far and wide but you will not find Mistress Thera."  He saw the disappointment in the other man's face, his gaze dropping to the floor.  "She is on leave...but I am her assistant, name's Dragar Baras."  Looking down at the desk, Dragar flipped to the most recent page then left the ledger open in case this young man was actually going to enroll.  "So you want to be a warder?"  He went on not giving the younger man a chance to answer.  "You've already attracted the eye of an Aes Sedai have you?  Well perhaps you will be a warder and maybe a very skilled one at that but first things first, have a seat." 

 

Dragar waited for the younger man to sit then stood and walked the short distance to the window overlooking the yards.  It was dusk though he could see shadowed figures exercising refusing to let the low light conditions stop them.  "You know that the training will not be easy?"  He turned his head as the man answered him.   

 

"If you enroll you will be pushed to the limit, push harder than you can imagine.  You will constantly be judged to determine if you are worthy.  This armor, this dagger, this tabard and that cloak..."  He pointed at the crimson cloak hanging on the rack.  "They all come at a price, they are not free.  We do not hand them out to everyone you understand?"  He waited for the nod of assent.  "If you are found to be worthy of becoming a Tower Guard then you will be raised, from there you can decide whether the life of a warder is for you."  

 

Dragar took a moment then turned to face the younger man.  "If you are sure this is what you want then give me your name and city or country of birth and I will enter you in the rolls."  Dragar walked back to the desk and took a seat waiting for the man to answer before picking up the pen.

[JainFarstrider]

OOC: What's wrong with long posts, i love long posts  ;D

 

"You may have traveled far and wide but you will not find Mistress Thera."

 

Thoughts of failure flowed through Elyan’s mind, the cold and deep river of broken dreams. If he could not enlist, he did not know where to go. His resolve was failing, he thought eyes drifting to the floor, he had lost his will and his way.

 

"She is on leave...but I am her assistant, name's Dragar Baras."

 

Elyan perked up at these words, looking back up at the Dragar, he saw him moving papers on his desk. He might be able to still join, he was going to prove to this man, that the Tower Guard would be a fighting force, if he was a part of it.

 

"So you want to be a warder?"

Continuing before Elyan had a chance to answer. 

"You've already attracted the eye of an Aes Sedai have you?  Well perhaps you will be a warder and maybe a very skilled one at that but first things first, have a seat." 

 

Elyan sat down lightly on one of the two chairs that were not occupied, he did not wish to soil this man’s furniture. He watched Dragar, the man that now carried his dreams, walk across to the window and gaze out at the coming night. Elyan was getting anxious, he still wasn’t even sure if he had a chance of joining the Tower Guard. He was trying to think of ways to prove himself.

 

"You know that the training will not be easy?"  He said, turning his head towards Elyan to hear his response.

 

Elyan thought for a moment, he had known the training would be difficult, but maybe Dragar wanted a particular answer. He racked his brain for what the man might want from him, something to show dedication. Then deciding on what he thought was best.

 

“The thought that it would be never crossed my mind, if you asked me to cross the Blight and assault Shayol Ghul with nothing but an old butter knife, I would ask if you wanted the Dark One’s head on a silver or gold platter.”

 

Elyan stated in stern seriousness, he had heard the expression somewhere, and thought it applied. Obviously the feat was impossible, but if he was bid he would certainly make an attempt. He wanted to prove his perseverance to the man.

 

"If you enroll you will be pushed to the limit, push harder than you can imagine.  You will constantly be judged to determine if you are worthy.  This armor, this dagger, this tabard and that cloak..."   He pointed at the crimson cloak hanging on the rack.  "They all come at a price, they are not free.  We do not hand them out to everyone you understand?" 

 

Elyan was beginning to think that he might actually be able to train under these men, but he did not want to chance a hope. He thought about the way the man held himself, the tone of his voice when he spoke of these simple things. Any blacksmith on the street could make armor and a dagger, any tailor the tabard or cloak, but the way he said it, indicated these were the only ones he wanted. Elyan spoke his thoughts.

 

“A man can wear in pride, what he has earned.”

 

"If you are found to be worthy of becoming a Tower Guard then you will be raised, from there you can decide whether the life of a warder is for you." 

 

Dragar paused a moment. Elyan sat in silent hope, they meant to give him a chance. He waited, trying to contain his excitement, for the man to continue.

 

"If you are sure this is what you want then give me your name and city or country of birth and I will enter you in the rolls."  He said, walking back to his desk to take his seat.

 

Elyan almost burst with elation, he was going to get his chance, and he made a silent promise to never disappoint this man. A small smile crept onto his face, an unfamiliar expression for him, but he could not contain himself.

 

“Thank you, Sir, thank you…” Babbled Elyan “ You won’t regret this”

 

He said, trying to calm his bubbling joy, seeing a look of slight irritation on the man’s face, as his mouth formed a small frown.

 

“My name is Elyan Marne, from Caemlyn in Andor.” He nearly clamped his mouth in terror at what he had just said, why had he gotten so excited and lost control over his mouth. He reacted quickly, clearing his throat with a small cough. “Elyan Keladirn, I mean, I must have bumped my head harder than I thought to forget my own name”Elyan forced a small reassuring smile, he hated lying to anybody, it made his throat burn and want to tear at himself. Still, this was one lie he had to keep at all costs, he just hoped Dragar would take pity on him and not ask questions.

 

[Sieve]

“My name is Elyan..."  "Blood and Ashes!" he muttered to himself as the ink jar tipped over depositing a generous amount of ink on the desk.  Dragar quickly plucked the handkerchief from his belt pouch to blot up the mess, the rest of the words were lost on him.  He heard the younger man cough then start over.  “Elyan Keladirn, I mean, I must have bumped my head harder than I thought to forget my own name”  What in the Light was he talking about, forgetting his name?  Dragar shook his head then wrote the information in the ledger.

 

Putting the pen down he sprinkled sand on the page.  "Well Elyan, your name has been added to the roster.  You will find a vacant bunk in the trainee barracks across the yards.  The mess hall opens early so make sure you are up in time to catch a meal before your training.  You will begin tomorrow at sunrise so make sure you are punctual.  Believe me when I say that you do not want to be sent to me because you were late for your first class." 

 

Dragar waited to make sure his words registered.  "If you don't have any questions then I suggest you go find a bunk and get some rest."

 

 

[JainFarstrider]

The man did not react to his slip, as he began scribbling with the pen. Placing the pen down, he sprinkled sand on the page.

 

"Well Elyan, your name has been added to the roster.  You will find a vacant bunk in the trainee barracks across the yards.  The mess hall opens early so make sure you are up in time to catch a meal before your training.  You will begin tomorrow at sunrise so make sure you are punctual.  Believe me when I say that you do not want to be sent to me because you were late for your first class."

 

Elyan was filled relief when he mentioned nothing about his name, and also thrilled that he would begin training there on the morrow. He was excited to begin his first lesson, and would make sure to be up before the sun.

 

"If you don't have any questions then I suggest you go find a bunk and get some rest."

 

Elyan had hundreds of questions about what the training would be like, but he decided to wait to see for himself, there was one thing he was curious about. He was loathe to ask something so trivial of the man, but he was afraid of the consequences if he didn’t.

 

“Sir, the Aes Sedai I mentioned earlier… Well, she gave me money to get new clothes at the first chance I get. I don’t want to be an inconvenience, but she said that she would make sure that I did as she asked. I don’t want to disappoint her….. and, well, I guess I just want to know when or if trainees are allowed to enter the city.”

 

Elyan felt like a fool, but he did not want to fail Kabria Sedai. Looking down at his hands, he waited for the answer.

 

OOC: I have a question, I read that there a 4 people to a room, and was curious if I would have roommates or not, and who they would be (PC or NPC). Also, besides finding a bunk, is there anything else I can or should include in the intro thread.

 

[Sieve]

((OOC:As far as roommates go we do not assign them.  You can talk to others in the Div OOC'ly if you want to bunk with them.  As far as intros go you are finished.  You can start your other RP's.  Just find an instructor for whatever class you wish to take and have at it.))

 

Dragar was sure the young man would want to be on his way and was taken by surprise when he asked a question.  He arched an eyebrow then let it relax as Elyan spoke.

 

“Sir, the Aes Sedai I mentioned earlier… Well, she gave me money to get new clothes at the first chance I get. I don’t want to be an inconvenience, but she said that she would make sure that I did as she asked. I don’t want to disappoint her….. and, well, I guess I just want to know when or if trainees are allowed to enter the city.”

 

Dragar desperately needed a drink.  The flask in his desk called to him though he had to wait for the recruit to leave.  "You may enter the city in your free time though take care what you do, do not get yourself in any trouble.  Your actions represent the White Tower now.  Later on int your training you may be allowed outside the city for certain training though you will be accompanied by an instructor.  Now if you don't have any other questions I would advise you to go find a bunk and get some rest." Standing Dragar ushered the recruit out of the office.

 

 

Bannerman Dragar Baras

Assistant to the Mistress of Trainees

 

Desperately in need of a drink!

 

[JainFarstrider]

OOC: Alright, Thanks.

 

IC:

"You may enter the city in your free time though take care what you do, do not get yourself in any trouble.  Your actions represent the White Tower now.  Later on int your training you may be allowed outside the city for certain training though you will be accompanied by an instructor.  Now if you don't have any other questions I would advise you to go find a bunk and get some rest."

 

Then Elyan was ushered hurriedly out of the man’s office.

 

Back out on the grounds, the sun was almost set, torches springing to life trying to replace the light of day. There were still some trainees practicing around the grounds, trying to squeeze every last bit of time out of the remains of the day.

 

An older man of hardened features and muscular frame was trying to teach a boy that was younger than Elyan the basics of grappling, including take downs and joint locks. Elyan no longer felt the weariness that had seeped deep within him during his journey to the tower. He was filled with energy at now being a trainee for the Tower Guard. He did not feel the call to sleep that had loomed over him the past weeks. Knowing that he should probably be rested for tomorrow, he was restless and the two men had caught his interest, finding a seat off to the side, he settled down to watch them for a bit. Maybe learn a few things before his real training started tomorrow.