A New Beginning (Attn: MoN)

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

The Wheel of Time turns and the Ages come and pass, leaving memories that fade into legend.  Legend turns to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave birth to it comes to pass once more.  In an age, called the Third Age by some, an Age long past, an Age yet to be, a great wind rose and blew through Tar Valon, moaning through its streets, even infiltring into the White Tower.  It blew across the plains and rivers, hills and valleys.

 

It also blew through a group of 5 people

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

Cloak ruffling, Wilemi sat comfortably on her horse, a relatively calm and placcid version of the stallion that Nenen was riding on, and controlling with some difficulty.  Her calm face, pale that it was almost white, was framed by long golden ahir that was streaming back in waves due to the wind that was roaring across the plains.  Her eyes a piercing sky-blue, roved unceasingly, taking in all and forgetting nothing.  Only the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her nervousness and excitement.

 

Her grandmother, Estean, rode forward.  "The White Tower awaits, daughters.  You know you have talents that must be used, and it would be a waste if you were unable to do so.  As for your worries Nenen," she said, her eyes settling on Nenen, who scowled slightly, "you will be able to retake or relearn how to use a staff as a weapon when you become Aes Sedai."

 

As they crossed the bridge and entered the city, Wilemi gazed in awe at the White Tower itself.  It seemed almost to reach to the heavens above, nearly touching the clouds, narrowing to a point to small to see.  Looking back at Nesyer and Seyneru, she saw that their eyes were wide with awe.  Seeing twin emotions in them unsettled her somewhat, for they were the least excitable amongst them all.  Even including Estean herself.

 

Wilemi Kailadel

Elatedly nervous

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

Nesyer rode over the bridges, sitting on her horse and hating every minute of it.  Horses always seemed to want to buck her off.  She shuddered as she looked at Nenen's stallion.  Horrible untamed animal.

 

In front of the doors leading to the White Tower, the group dismounted and were led through the doors while their horses were taken to the stables in the Tower itself.  Glad to be off her horse, Nesyer chatted animatedly whilte Seyneru, her brother, provided a listening ear and talked back.  Estean led the way, ignoring the stares that followed them.  It seemed, to Nesyer, that five people, all carrying staffs, and tramping around the Tower wasn't a common sight.  Nesyer however, was distracted sometimes by flares of Power that she detected from the rooms beside her.  Those flares, she concluded, meant that someone was channeling the female half of the True Source, Saidar

 

And this was what she was going to be learning in the years to come, what she had given up being a healer for.

 

She remembered what Estean and the strange Aes Sedai at the Palace of Caemlyn, had done after Namell was defeated.  Shielded and stilled on the spot.  Then, Estean had healed Nesyer's wounds without so much as a trace of a scar.  Nesyer had rubbed that spot in wonder.  The herbs she used had not worked half so effectively.

 

But, Nesyer decided, now walking up a flight of stairs, trailing behind the group somewhat, that she would not be overly dependent or reliant on usage of the One Power.  She would elarn as much as she could about Healing, and more besides.  But she would not be overly dependent on it. That promise she made to herself

 

Nesyer Yoshan

Determined and resolute

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

When Nenen had first glimpsed Tar Valon, she had been impressed at the immensity of the city, and especially at how high the White Tower seemed to reach.  It literally seemed to reach the sky, its top narrowing to a fine line.  But now, striding into the Tower, she considered her situation.  She ahd not wanted to come to Tar Valon, for, she had argued, she fighting and the One Power just did not mix.

 

But Estean had obliterated any such notions on Nenen's part.

 

Estean had stretched out her hand there and then, and Nenen had not been able to so much a twitch a muscle.  Lifted up into the air, Nenen had struggled furiously but had been unable to free herself.  Instinct told her to stop struggling then, and wait for her situation to improve.

 

Then, fire wrapped around her, so close that she could feel her hair crackling away from it.  Her skin dried up, her lips parched.  She could not make a sound.  Then, she was released, and the fire vanished with a puff of smoke.

 

Wilemi, Nenen, Nesyer and Seyneru had stared at Estean, who then proceeded to shoot lightning into the sky, summon winds strong enough to flatten her against the wall, and then did many other feats that Nenen had deemed impossible.  After which, she turned to ask Nenen whether she still thought that the One Power was useless as a weapon.

 

Nenen considered this memory.  While Estean had demonstrated this, Nenen had learnt that Estean had possessed a side that was unknown to anyone currently surviving in the family.  Estean was a channeler of strength enough to become a considerable Aes Sedai, and she was much older than at first glance, over a hundred and fifty years of age.  But she barely looked as though she was forty.  They had not known that Estean was a channeler untilthat fateful day that Namell had confronted Estean.  Even more was it reinforced whjen Estean had demonstrated usage of the One Power.

 

Perhaps she would be able to last several years before unable to resist taking up weapons training again.

 

But her musing was interrupted by the sound of Estean knocking on the door, and entering.  They apparently had arrived at their destination.  As they filed into the room, they saw an Aes Sedai at the desk, presumably the Mistress of Novices that Estean had said that they would be taken to.

 

"Girls."  Estean said, just a touch sharply.  Spreading out her skirts, Estean then curtsied deep.  "Larindha Sedai,"  she said, "It is good to see you again."  Wilemi, Nesyer and Nenen curtsied as well, while Seyneru bowed deep.  "I am Estean, and I have brought my granddaughters here to become Novices.  An Aes Sedai has tested them and found the potential to channel in them."

 

Nenen Kailadel

Unusually thoughtful

[Elgee]

“Enter!” Larindhra was so engrossed in her ledgers, it took her a few moments to realise that it was not the novice she had sent to fetch her supper who had entered. Glancing up, she was surprised to see three young girls, a boy, and a woman who looked and sounded vaguely familiar, trooping in. She leaned back in her chair and studied the woman with her eagle-eyed gaze. She looked to be in her mid thirties, but something in her eyes suggested this woman was much older. Her granddaughters? Larindhra’s eyes swept over the girls, then back to the woman.

 

“Estean … “ Only many years of practice kept the shock from her face. If she recalled correctly, the woman had been put out of the Tower for failing her Test for the Shawl more than one hundred years ago! Light, this is awkward!

 

“Welcome back to the Tower, Estean,” she eventually managed to say in a reasonably controlled voice. “Sit down … you, boy – go fetch some more chairs from that room.” Larindhra pointed to the storeroom leading out of her office. She pointed Estean to one of the two chairs arranged in front of her desk, letting the rest of them decide who sat and who waited for more chairs. Once everyone was settled, she directed a question at the three girls. “Es … your grandmother says you can learn to channel. What do you know of Aes Sedai, and why do you want to become one?”

 

 

Larindhra Reyne

Mistress of Novices

 

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

After Seyneru returned bringing chairs from the storeroom in the direction of hand of the Aes Sedai, he threw a wry glance at Nesyer, who had taken one of the two chairs offered to them, while Estean had taken the other, he arranged the other three chairs he had brought in neatly in one semicirle around the desk of the Mistress of Novices.  Estean was in the centre, Wilemi and Nenen to one side, and Nesyer and Seyneru on the other.

 

Nesyer arched an eyebrow back at him, slightly indignant.  She was the eldest among them, and it was her right to sit first after Estean herself, or at least, that was the way that Estean had arranged matters back home before it had been blown up so unceromiously by that idiot dreadlord grandfather of hers.  Settling back down on her chair, and ignoring him pointedly, she paid attention to what the Aes Sedai was saying.  “Es … your grandmother says you can learn to channel. What do you know of Aes Sedai, and why do you want to become one?”

 

Nesyer thought for a moment, sifting through her thoughts, and spoke out first, her voice soft, yet somehow conveying a confidence beleying her youth.  "I am Nesyer Yoshan.  What I learnt of Aes Sedai, I have heard from others.  However, it has been only recently that Estean had told me of what she knows of Aes Sedai.  I was a healer back in Caemlyn, potentially one of the best healers.  But even the skills and herbs I have, they cannot compare to the healing that the Aes Sedai use, that I myself have experienced.  I want to become Aes Sedai so that I can heal and help the people when and where I can."

 

Looking back at Estean, she met her grandmother's gaze, and there was approval in it.

 

Nesyer Yoshan

Healer of the Five

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

Wilemi waited patiently behind Nenen as Seyneru carried chairs back from the storeroom next to the one they were standing in.  As he put it down and arranged them, she studied the room, her blue eyes going to the mirror on the wall, and the slipper, strap and switch lying on top of the cupboard, just barely in sight.  Well, Estean did mention that Novice life was hard.  She thought, sighing.  But at least I'm prepared for it, and I will try not to make any trouble to shame my grandmother.

 

She listened as Larindha asked why she would want to become Aes Sedai, and also to Nesyer's response.  For Wilemi, the answer came easily.  She wanted to learn, to experience.  She wanted to face the unknown, to know the unknown.  She liked intellectual challenges.

 

Listening to Nesyer's response however, she felt slightly ashamed of herself.  All she wanted to do was to gain knowledge, and what for?  Her own benefit?  To be Aes Sedai meant that she would have to serve the common people.  She knew enough of the Old Tongue, for Estean had taught her, to know what Aes Sedai meant.  Servants of All, she thought.  I hope I can live up to that name.

 

Then it occured to her, that she would become Aes Sedai in her own way, not by definition of what others had done.  "I would like to become Aes Sedai,"  she said, after Nesyer had finished.  "Because I want to learn.  I want to face the unknown, and know the unknown.  And in doing so, help better the world in whatever way I choose."

 

Wilemi Kailadel

Scholar of the Five

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

Nenen squirmed slightly, a bit impatient at how slow that things were progressing, then after Estean gave her a sharp glance that conveyed meaning, Nenen tried to settle down, but it wasn't easy, especially since she was used to taking action rather than sitting around a table and waiting for things to happen.  But it seemed as though this was what she was going to be doing for the rest of her life.  Estean had mentioned that she was going to have to learn patience if she was to go far in the White Tower, and now seemed a good time to start practicing it.

 

So, despite her inclinations and feelings, Nenen breathed in and breathed out, calming herself down from her usual brisk and hurried manner.

 

Listening to both Wilemi and Nesyer speak as to why they wanted to become Aes Sedai, Nenen considered her own feelings.  Finally, when Wilemi had finished, she spoke, with authority and compassion.

 

"I am good with wielding a weapon, and I would like to learn how to become Aes Sedai so that I can help fight the Shadow."  She remembered what Grandfather Yoshan had done to the family, and her heart tightened with both anger and sorrow.  "When the Last Battle comes, there will certainly be dreadlords who will wield the Power for the ends of the Shadow.  I mean to defend the Light and protect it against these channelers."

 

Nenen Kailadel

Fighter of the Five

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

Estean sat on one of the chairs that Larindha offered, and Nesyer sat next to her, while Seyneru brought chairs for the rest of them in the room.  When he returned, he arranged them in a half-circle around the desk.  Wilemi and Nenen sat on the other side of Estean, while Seyenru sat on the other side of Nesyer.  Estean sat and listened as Larindha Sedai asked her granddaughters questions.

 

It was good to be back in a place that had shaped her life greatly.  How she had wished that she had not faltered her test to become Aes Sedai sometimes.  But she would also not have some joys that just simply did not mix with Aes Sedai, like children.  Her grandchildren would not be here for one thing, and the White Tower would not have three new Novices to train.  It was something she had noticed that was different from nearly 100 years back.

 

Before she had left, there were many Novices still in the White Tower.  She remembered there being somewhere around 200.  Not nearly as many as at first, just after the Breaking and the founding of the White Tower, but still a considerable amount.  Now there were only 30 Novices or so.  Almost less than a tenth of the number she had remembered.  It was saddening, to say the least, that Aes Sedai numbers had dwindled so rapidly.  Now there were fewer than 1000 left.

 

Estean Aravell

Wise of the Five

[Elgee]

Larindhra watched the girls carefully as each gave her answer. It seemed that Estean had taught them at least a few rudiments, which could be a good thing … or a bad thing. The woman had not made it to the Shawl, after all. The first order of business would be to break this group apart. Each had to grow in her own way, which they would not do if they had their grandmother and brother around. That part would be easy; keeping the three girls apart from each other would be a more difficult task.

 

First things first, though. Rising, Larindhra nodded to Estean. “Thank you for bringing them here, Estean. If they work hard, they will go far. For now, you will have to leave them in my hands though. I will give you a few moments to say your goodbyes.” To give them a bit of privacy, she left her office to speak to the novice on duty. “Sari, please escort the lady and the young man to the Tower Gates when they are ready, then run along to your next class.” She looked the girl up and down. “After you have tidied yourself up a bit, that is,” she added disapprovingly.

 

Judging that she had given the family enough time, she went back into the office, holding open the door for Estean and her grandson. “The light shine on you … daughter. I will take good care of them.” She waited for them to leave, closed the door behind them and seated herself again.  She opened the novice book and dipped her quill in the inkpot. “Now, children, give me your full names, ages, and place of birth.”

 

 

Larindhra Reyne

Mistress of Novices

 

 

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

Estean stood sadly, as Larindha left the room to speak to the novice outside, her eyes revealing her inner feelings.  "Take care daughters.  You can and will be able to do better than I.  Remember that whatever the future holds my thoughts will always go with you.  Never forget that.  Take care of yourselves.  You will probably be seperated.  Keep your mind and wit about you, and you will do well."

 

As Larindha opened the door for them, she curtsied deep as Seyneru bowed beside her.  "It has been an honor Larindha Sedai.  I entrust them to your care."  Then, she left, giving a last look at her granddaughters, as Seyneru walked out past her.

 

Sighing, she turned down the corridor and let the Novice lead the way.  She heard the door close with finality as they strode down the ways to the gates of the White Tower.  It would be very long before she would ever be able to see her granddaughters again.  She could only pray, and hope that they would be able to endure the hardships that were in store for them.

 

Estean Aravell

Wise of the Five

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

Wilemi's eyes burned with tears as she saw that Estean would not be able to stay with them in the Tower.  Estean had told her that she would have to leave once they were enrolled, but that did not make the parting any easier to bear.  Hastily scrubbing away at her eyes with a cloth, she smiled a watery smile at both Nenen and Nesyer, who were looking at her with concern, their features grave and sorrowful.

 

Wilemi then turned to look at Larindha, who had resettled down on the table next to them.  “Now, children, give me your full names, ages, and place of birth.”

 

Wilemi sighed, attempting to calm herself down from her emotions, which were threatening to spill over, and watched as Larindha wrote down her particulars and details.  "I am Wilemi Kailadel, 15 years of age this year, and I was born in Caemlyn, capital of Andor."  She said, though she expected full well that Larindha knew that Caemlyn was the capital of Andor, she wanted to make sure, with no mistakes.

 

Her eyes overflowed again at the mention of Caemlyn.  Burn it!  She swore inwardly.  What is happening to me?  She scrubbed her eyes furiously.  She took out a hankerchief from a pocket at the sides of her dress, and rubbed her eyes until she was sure that they would not leak and betray her weakness, then blew her nose profusely.  "I'm all right," she said in a watery croak to Nenen, who was glancing at her anxiously as she answered Larindha's questions.

 

Wilemi Kailadel

Scholar of the Five

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

Nenen looked at Wilemi with some concern as tears shimmered in Wilemi's eyes.  She understood how Wilemi was feeling very well.  She knew the pain in which Wilemi was going through, for she was feeling it herself.  She wanted to cry, to scream, to shout that Hey!  Why can't she stay?  But she knew better, for Estean would do as duty required, and would expected nothing more, nor less of all three of them.

 

She put a comforting arm around her shoulder as Larindha came in and asked for their names, ages and place of birth.  She waited patiently as Wilemi spoke first this time around.  Then, when Wilemi had finished, she added her own, watching as Larindha scribbled down her details with a Quill and some paper.

 

"I am Nenen Kailadel, 15 years of age since I'm Wilemi's twin, and I was also born in Caemlyn, although I am a mixture of Saldaean and Andoran thanks to my grandmother."  She said, her voice slightly choked with emotion about the life that she had left behind, and the people that she had lost in the process, for Estean's last words still rang in her ears  Remember that whatever the future holds my thoughts will always go with you...

 

Always go with you...

 

Nenen's eyes overflowed as she remembered the happy times that she had had in Caemlyn.  Practicing staff training with her Grandfather and Seren.  Sharing books with Vileyi, her cousin, and killed by Namell.  There was so much that she had done, so much that could have been, so much that was now to be taken away, so much that was now to be lost.  But yet, there was much that was to be gained, much that was to balance her loss.  She straightened herself up and dried her eyes, and waited for Nesyer to reply.

 

Nenen Kailadel

Weapon of the Five

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

(OOC: Proceed with the Burning of Clothes)

 

Nesyer looked at Wilemi with sympathy.  Inside, she was also devastated at the lost that they were going through.  She had already lost many of her family members.  Now they were losing another two.  But Estean's words gave her some comfort, for knowing that someone's thoughts were with you was worth knowing.  She smiled slighty at Wilemi and Nenen, giving them some small comfort.

 

Next, she turned her attention to Larindha, who was asking for their names, ages and place of birth.  She waited with some small impatience as both Wilemi and Nenen went first.  Then, when they both had finished, they sat back and turned to her.  Nesyer to a deep breath, and said, in a voice still full of confidence.

 

"I am Nesyer Yoshan, 17 years of age, and I was also born in Caemlyn and also a mixture of Andoran and Saldaean bloods."  She said, the last few words slightly strained as she struggle to hold on to her serenity, for those last few words brought back memories, both joyful and painful.

 

But that was in the past now.  She looked at Wilemi and Nenen again, for both were crying silently, though trying not to.  She went over and hugged them both simultaneously.  "It will be all right.  They will be fine.  When we are all Aes Sedai, we will all go to visit them together.  They can take care of themselves.  Let us make them proud by making ourselves Aes Sedai."

 

Nesyer Kailadel

Healer of the Five

[Elgee]

Larindhra wrote the girls’ details down in the novice book, then looked up at them, a slight but warm smile on her face. “Now, children, I know it is hard for you to be parted from your family and each other, but there is a whole new world waiting for you. Dry your tears and take comfort from the fact that you three will at least be able to visit with each other on Freedays – very few other novices have that luxury.” Rising, she beckoned them to the storeroom. “Come, let’s get you each a set of novice whites.” She picked three sets of clothing from the racks and handed them to the girls. “Try these on – just leave your old clothes on the floor for now.”

 

Once the girls had clothing that fit them, she told them to bring their old clothes with them and led the way out of her office and down to a secluded courtyard, snagging three other novices on the way. Once there, she ordered the novices to wait inside, the ushered the girls into the courtyard and ordered them to place the clothes in a bundle in the middle.

 

“What I am about to do is a symbolic gesture of the end of your old life. Once this is done, you enter a new life, breaking all bonds with the past. The White Tower is your life, your future.” Her face solemn, Larindhra looked each girl in the eye as she spoke to them. Embracing the Source, she channelled a Weave of Fire at the clothes, setting them alight. Quietly they watched until everything was burned to ashes.

 

She left the girls to compose themselves, whilst she called the novices in from the passage, quietly giving them instructions to take the girls to the novice quarters via separate routes and to make sure they had rooms well separated from each other. Facing the girls again, she spoke formally. “Nesyer, Nenen, Wilemi … welcome to the Tower. These girls will take you to your rooms now. I will assign each of you Mentors to help you adjust to life in the Tower. Go now, in the Light.”

 

 

Larindhra Reyne

Mistress of Novices

 

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

Wilemi had finally managed to dry her tears without new ones springing from her eyes just as Larindha Sedai finished speaking to Nesyer.  She listened to Larindha and managed another watery smile as Larindha gave them the luxury of being able to visit each other during the Freedays.  It seemed that they would all have different schedules at different times, so that they would not be reliant on eeach other.  It made a kind of warped sense.

 

Then, she undressed and took one of the sets of clothings that Larindha handed out to them.  It was too big.  She then passed it on to Nesyer.  Going over to the rack, she selected a noticably smaller dress of White, and wore it on.  It was a slightly tight fit, but because she was rail thin, it did not really matter that much.

 

But Nenen just had to take that moment to pull the shirt over her head, and give her a slightly larger one.  Wilemi glared at Nenen, who grinned sheepishly.  Taking the shirt Nenen offered, she wore it over, and discovered to her astonishment that it fit her perfectly.  Giving Nenen a grateful look this time, she, Nenen and Nesyer went down into a seemingly secluded courtyard.

 

“What I am about to do is a symbolic gesture of the end of your old life. Once this is done, you enter a new life, breaking all bonds with the past. The White Tower is your life, your future.”  Said Larindhs Sedai solemnly.

 

Then suddenly, Fire roared around the clothes, consuming them.  When all the fuel was consumed and the flames vanished, there were only a few specks that remained of their clothes.  Wilemi's tears suddenly overflowed.

 

There is a priced for everything.

 

“Nesyer, Nenen, Wilemi … welcome to the Tower. These girls will take you to your rooms now. I will assign each of you Mentors to help you adjust to life in the Tower. Go now, in the Light.”

 

Wilemi left as serenly as possible, trying to keep the tears from her face.  And succeeding somewhat as she walked through the corridors to her room.  Nenen and Nesyer seperated from her as soon as they reached the dormitories as they were led to different places

 

Wilemi Kailadel

Scholar of the Five

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

Nenen wiped away her tears and waited as Nesyer finished speaking to Larindha Sedai.  Upon hearing that she would be able to visit Wilemi and Nesyer during the Freedays, she grinned alightly.  At least they had not lost each other as they had so many other people.  The last few months had been trying and troublesome for all five of them.  But listening and thinking about Larindha's last words, she realized that she would be having different schedules from them most of the time.

 

But there was nothing to be done about it

 

Larindha then selected 3 dresses and allowed them to try on the dresses.  Nenen kept an eye on Wilemi, and she herself quickly found a suitable dress that fit her, though slightly loosely.  As she had thought previously, the past few months had been tough going and trying for them all, especially Wilemi.  She then helped Wilemi change to a more suitable white novice dress, and after that, immediately went to a secluded courtyard, where Larindha turned to face them, her eyes serious.

 

“What I am about to do is a symbolic gesture of the end of your old life. Once this is done, you enter a new life, breaking all bonds with the past. The White Tower is your life, your future.”

 

Fire roared around their clothes, buring them all to nothing.  There wasn't even soot left, or much of it anyway.

 

“Nesyer, Nenen, Wilemi … welcome to the Tower. These girls will take you to your rooms now. I will assign each of you Mentors to help you adjust to life in the Tower. Go now, in the Light.”

 

Nenen followed one of the Novices, who then started to lead her along the corridors, into a new place and life.

 

Nenen Kailadel

Weapon of the Five

[Arani Lepenque Aes Sedai]

Nesyer withdrew her hands and looked at the White dresses that Larindha handed to them with some distaste.  She had noticed several girls wearing White, and assumed that they were servants.  Now it seemed that she was mistaken, and that Novices had to do chores.  However, life would not be so bad for them as, with a rush of joy, she realized that she could meet up with Wilemi and Nenen on Freedays.

 

She undressed herself and took the remaining piece of dress that was left to her.  To her surprise, it was rather comfortable, although a bit rougher compared to Estean's weaving.  It also was a too small for her, tall as she was, though quite thin.  Nesyer undressed again, and selected another dress, a bigger version this time.  It fit her quite well, but not perfectly.  But, she supposed, Novice lives were not made to be comfortable.  Which was to be expected.

 

Then, after they had all finished, Larindha then brought them all down to a secluded courtyard, where she proceeded to burn their clothes.  The flames were so hot that Nesyer had to put a hand to cover her face, which was tightening uncomfortably from the heat.  When the burning was finished, not even soot was left, only a few particles here and there.

 

Then, they made their way to their rooms, a new place, and a new life.

 

Nesyer Yoshan

Healer of the Five