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DRAGONMOUNT

A WHEEL OF TIME COMMUNITY

Wilderness Survival (attn any trainee's who want to join)


Eqwina

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Thera was sitting on the floor in the middle of her bedroom getting in a last game of dolls with Lyss before she had to go. She’d tried to interest the child in any number of toy weapons or music, but for now she was content with her small wooden bunny from Jasine and her plethora of dolls. 

 

“Well now my little bunny.” A nickname the child had gained in the last weeks. “I have to go, just like we talked about remember? But I will be back.” A pout painted her angelic face, but despite the tugging at her heart Thera only smiled and kissed the top of her head. “None of that now my little princess. I know how much you love your Marria.” Kissing her curls one last time Thera grabbed her cloak and overstuffed saddle bags and sprinted from her rooms before she could change her mind. 

 

Teaching this Survival Class, which took her away from the Tower for a week or more was a way to prove to Mia and others that her new ‘child’ was taking away from her duties. Though if anything, they had to admit it had made Thera better at her job since the little one had improved her mood.

 

Saddling Caramel herself Thera made soothing noises as the mare balked and struggled. She was two and not yet fully broken, a task Thera intended to remedy. She had purchased the horse as a gift for Lyss, to begin teaching her to ride in a few years. Tying the reins, instead of just dropping them as she could have with BlueRose, her usual mount Thera went to wait on the bench outside the stables for her students to arrive.

 

She pulled a small miniature out of her pocket and studied the faces that stared up at her. She’d had the two of them painted and they were just finished a week ago. One rested with her and the other with Lyss, next to her bed. Running her thumb across the tiny face she smiled. The two looked nothing alike, With Thera’s red hair and Lyss’ brown. Her Blue eyes and Thera’s brown. The only similarity was the curl to their hair, but you would have to be blind to miss the motherly affection in her eyes; or the adoration in the child’s.

 

Thera made a mental note to send the artist a thank you with a little something extra in it. He’d truly captured their likeness perfectly.

 

Tucking the tiny treasure away before she could be seen studying it so fondly, she had a reputation to maintain after all, she looked up in time to see Davel approaching.

 

She had been shocked to see his name on the list, given his compunction to stay as close to the child as possible, but she welcomed him all the same. She had some hope that time away from the Tower would help to further the separation between him and his sister. His letting go would only make his life easier and his training progress faster. Which she still could not decide if that would be a benefit or not. Would he try and take her child once his training was complete?

 

Smiling at him inspite of her sudden worry she scooted over to make room on the bench. “You are early Davel, that speaks well of you. We will begin your first lesson once the others arrive.”

 

OOC: The next lesson will go up in a week. After that joining is closed

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When Davel had first seen the notice in the barracks for an upcoming wilderness survival training class, he had initially dismissed it.  He had his days full with other aspects of training, not to mention daily sessions with the armory master and fletcher, and didn't think he would be able to find time.  Then he had noticed the posted dates, right after the punishment set by Visar would end, and the instructor. 

 

He hadn't seen Thera around the Yards much.  The odd moment in passing here and there, with a casual greeting given and then quickly moving on, was about the extent of it.  Even when he managed to find time to escape and visit Lyss, it had usually been Marria caring for her, as Thera had many responsibilities and Jasine was still away from the Tower.  Then he saw she was offering this survival class, and he had only hesitated a moment before signing up. 

 

He would miss Lyss, without a doubt.  The occasional visit every few days still felt like too little, but it was better than nothing, and now he faced a full week without seeing her.  His only comfort was the fact that Lyss seemed to be adjusting well.  She was thriving under Thera's care, the maternal love the woman gave her showing in the young girls bright eyes and overall cheer.  Even Thera herself was a new woman, from what he had heard.  His fellow trainee's and the guardsmen in the Yard told him she had been a hard taskmistress, before.  While most of them didn't know what it was that made such a difference, all of those under her command seemed grateful at the mysterious change.  Still, as good as it was for Thera and Lyss, Davel often felt the lack of his sisters presence.  He fought hard against the hardening of is heart, but often fell short.  The episodes with the twins, and Visar, were evidence enough of that.

 

He needed this training enough to warrant a short absence, though.  First a sea-farer, and then dwelling in a city, Davel would be the first to admit he had no knowledge of surviving in the wilderness.  It was with that thought foremost in his mind that Davel approached the designated meeting area this morning, where he could already see Thera waiting on a wooden bench, her horse tied up nearby.

 

The woman was toying with a small object, hidden in her hands, and as Davel came nearer she tucked it away and made room for him to join her.

 

“You are early, Davel, that speaks well of you.  We will begin the first lesson once the others arrive.”  Thera's words were friendly, her tone welcoming, but for a moment he thought he had seen something in her eyes.  Had it been worry, with a tinge of resentment?  Dismissing what he had seen as imagination, he took the offered seat next to the red-haired Mistress of Trainee's

 

“I had thought I might arrive before you,” Davel said in response to her statement.  “I was awake early this morning, and saw no point in waiting.”  He looked over to where Thera's horse was tied, and worry crossed his face.  “I hope I didn't need to bring a mount.  I don't have a horse of my own.”  He left out the fact that he didn't know the first thing about riding.  He had been around a fair number of horses, but found them untrustworthy beasts.  He didn't feel comfortable with the idea of something with a mind of it's own controlling where he went.  He would be glad to settle for a ship, which went where it was pointed, or his own two feet.  He hoped the lack of a horse wouldn't cause problems.  There had been no mention of needing one on the notice in the barracks.  He decided he wouldn't worry until he saw whether or not the other trainees brought horses, when they arrived.

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Del was up before Ada yet again, but as she crawled from her top bunk with her blankets pulled around her tight she noticed that their other roommate was already gone. A secret she had managed to keep from her brother and from Davel was that she found him man charming. It hardly seemed likely with his sour attitude and the fight he’d tried to start, but she couldn’t seem to resist. After nearly 18 years without looking at man, 18 years with her twin brother as the flirt and Del was staring to come out of her shell.

 

She was convinced that it was the uniforms she was surrounded by day after day. There could be no other explanation for her finding ever half way decent looking man attractive. It was almost strange enough that she was considering trying to get in to see a Yellow Aes Sedai. After all people did not just wake up one day completely changed.

 

Del was proud of the fact the she managed to hide her feelings and live life as normal. She had a slightly better understanding of what Ada had been going through all these years, chasing after woman, but she was not about to let him know it. Just as she was not about to act of her feelings as he alwaysdid

 

She got dressed and had both of their saddle bags by the door, and Ada was still lounging in bed. Near a month in the Tower had not made him any better at rising early. Walking over to the bed she shoved it with her boot and ripped his covers back. “Put on some clothes you ugly mule. I am not waiting for you today. I will not be late again and listen to another lecture from Mistress Thera.” True to her word Del grabbed her bags and was out the door with time to spare. Adamin was lagging behind trying to button his shirt and carry all his gear while eating a honey cake. Even with all that he still managed to look debonair and give the few female trainees a wink. She would not be the least bit surprised to see him start flirting with the Aes Sedai next.

 

Muttering about him slowing her down she ran the last few yards to where Thera was already waiting with Davel. Ducking into the stable she returned with her horse and stood waiting for Ada to finish and waiting for Thera to begin class. Her eyes cut to Davel, but he seemed to be in another of his moods so she said nothing beyond a friendly hello.

 

Adela (Del)

Twin Number 1

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Thera shook her head as Adela and Adamin sauntered up. When they first arrived she had been sure that allowing them to stay together would further their training, but she was beginning to doubt her own decision. If it was not one it was the other getting in trouble, and they never did anything alone. Still, she was afraid she might lose them if she pushed them apart too hard. Time would do her job for her in the end.

 

“Adela, Adamin I am so glad you decided to join us today. Barely on time as always. “ Noticing that they were lacking one horse she motioned to Davel. “Go tell the groom to let you use BlueRose.” Giving an inexperienced rider a warhorse was not the smartest course of action, but BlueRose would be gentle enough with her there to take the lead.

 

When Davel returned Thera gave him a small smile and waited until she was back in line with his roommates to begin. “I did not give you a complete packing list on purpose. I wanted to see how much common sense you had. If you would, please empty your packs on the ground and I will inspect what you have brought along.”

 

Thera Trakelyn

 

OOC: Make sure to include a list of things you brought somewhere in the RP

 

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Adamin struggled with rising out of his bed, mumbling something derogatory in response to his sister’s comment. It would forever remain a mystery exactly what it was. Still, once awake he managed to get through his morning fairly well, despite his sister's bickering that he was slowing her down. Of course he was moving slower; there were women in the hall and a man wasn't to appear to be rushed in front of such company!

 

The thought brought a rueful smile to his lips, which was hidden by a simply extraordinary honey cake. Del tried to hide it, but he knew his sister, they knew each other better than either would admit. He noticed the changes, the slight hesitation, the bit of a lingering stare. True, to the outside observer these might very well appear to be her typical attitude; that being putting men as far from herself as possible. Ada knew better, he just kept the knowledge from her. It'd make for great teasing when ever she brought up some past incident.

 

The male twin arrived at the assigned meeting place, with a grin on his lips. He never tried flirting with Thera, he knew better, and actually respected the woman. She was far more than any woman he had ever met, with the possible exception of his sister. Still, that didn't mean he couldn't joke. "Sorry Mistress Thera, it takes a moment to look this good." He chuckled slightly, expecting fully to pay for that comment later.

 

As ordered, he emptied his pack and saddle bag. He had spent a year on the road, often without money and being forced to live on the land. Something that he had been taught to do. As such, he unloaded several strings for traps, a small packet of wax paper that contained extra bow strings, parcels of dried meat, and cold weather clothing. He packed light, knowing full well that energy was a prime comity in the wild, and carrying to much was a good way to waste it. His saddle bags were a bit more heavily packed, carrying more clothing and dried food, as well as some waxed rope and various hooks. He'd picked most of it up along the way to Tar Valon, but used a bit of his first bit of coin to obtain more gear. Ada was a flirt, and often appeared to be a fool, but he was far from ignorant.

 

He waited expectantly for his sister to unpack, smiling at the look of surprise in his eyes. He'd packed the night before after she had fallen asleep. True, it was a couple hours that he could have spent resting... but this look was worth the time.

 

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Del nudged Ada in the ribs, but had to hide a laugh behind her hand at her brother’s quip. “If that is what you call looking good you may need to have one of the Aes Sedai look at your eyes, you goat-kissing milk drinker.” She bent to whisper in his ear as they started unloading their packs. When she straightened Mistress Thera was standing over her and Adela groaned. Apparently they would both being paying for their comments.

 

On the ground in front of her was everything she thought she would need…… A flint and steel, twine for snares, extra bow string, emergency rations, a sewing kit, a change of clothes, rope ,and an extra warmer coat. Adela knew that it may not be everything that Thera was expecting, but she could survive on it if she needed to. Glancing down at Ada’s stuff she was a little surprised to see that he’d packed various hooks and even more food. Deciding that she could con some out of him if things got that rough she began to repack her items at a nod from Thera. Perhaps her comment had gone unnoticed?

 

Feeling a little smug about pulling one over on the Mistress, Del watched with interest as Davel was still unpacking. It was the perfect opportunity to stare..her brother was still repacking his things, Davel was still unpacking, and Thera was doing her inspection. Her own inspection was going unnoticed.

 

Del

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D'ashan rolled out of bed with a groan as he unceremoniously thumped to the floor, nearly breaking an arm or rib in the process. He still was not used to sleeping in a bed that was stacked on top of another.

 

Luckily his roommates were out for the day most likely doing calisthenics or some other fitness training. He had been given leeway to do this Wilderness Survival class, but he was late already. Hurriedly brushing his teeth with salt and soda, he brushed his hands through his hair hastily.

 

He hurriedly grabbed his coat and cloak, pulled on his leggings and tried to lace his shirt one handed while grabbing at his scrip. Muttering an oath he abandoned the scrip and hurriedly laced his shirt. He suddenly stopped and sighed as he realized he hadn't packed what he needed. Last night he had been persuaded to stay up playing a game of stones with his roommates instead of packing like he knew he should have.

 

He gazed into his trunk and tried to conceive of what he would need. He hadn't brought much to the Yards when he had arrived. He had a couple snares, a belt knife, flint and steel, an extra cloak, some dried bread and smoked meat he had stored, and some other small items. Stuffing his selection into his scrip he threw it over his shoulder and jogged down the halls of the Barracks and out into the cold sunlight.

 

Approaching the stables he saw that everyone was already there, and in the process of either emptying or re-packing their belongings. Blushing at Thera's disapproving gaze, and tossing a smile to the twins he emptied his belongings on the ground and looked around waiting for Thera to get to him. He wasn't sure but it looked as if she was inspecting what they had brought. The last time they had met had been when D'Ashan had first arrived and Thera had taken his blades. He was still not happy about that. She had been stern if not unkind.

 

He wondered what the trip would hold today but it would be good to get away from the usual training...

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Davel did his best to keep one eye on the beast he was leading back to where Thera waited with the other trainee's.  He was sure it would bite, or bolt, or simply decide it no longer wanted to go with Davel and start cropping at the grass.  The animal had been fractious and temperamental, as he judged things, while the groom had readied it for Davel.  It seemed to calm a little as Davel came in sight of the small group waiting on him, and he heaved a sigh of relief.  He would never trust horses.

 

He took the horse over to to where the others had their's, simply allowing them to stand as they were, with perhaps the reins looped in a low-lying branch.  Davel was not about to take such a chance with something that didn't even belong to him; he tied BlueRose's rein's to a stout branch, using a double Anchor-Hitch knot, suitable for keeping fifteen-stone anchors attached to a ship from sinking into the sea.  The horse seemed to look at him with reproach, but Davel dismissed it.  Surely a dumb animal wasn't capable of any particular insight.  Satisfied that the horse wasn't going to wander off of it's own volition, Davel returned to where Thera and the trainee's waited.

 

He had been surprised and hesitantly pleased to realize that the twins were going to be joining him for wilderness survival training.  They had become friends of a sort, after their initial spat in barracks, and he had not yet met many other trainee's, so their company would be something of a comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.  Of course, he wasn't sure what to do about Adela.  They got along fairly well, but for some reason he couldn't identify, the more time he spent with her, the more uncomfortable he became.  Even the sound of her slow, even breathing as she slept at night had been keeping him awake recently, when he could hear it over her brothers raucous snoring.  Resolving to make sleeping arrangement as far away from her as possible during the next week, he offered her a crooked smile, and gave her brother a quick nod of greeting, before he took his place in line.

 

The Mistress of Trainee's was inspecting the things that Del and Ada had brought for their trip through the wilderness, so Davel hurriedly unlimbered the large rucksack he had slung over his shoulder.  In truth, he hadn't known what to bring to survive in the wilderness, having never done so, but he hoped he had brought enough.  Looking over what the twins had arrayed on the ground before them, he cringed inwardly.  Perhaps he had under packed.

 

The items laid out before him consisted of mostly edibles.  Dried, jerked, smoked, or salted beef sat next to hard biscuits and leather skins filled with water.  He was well aware of his ignorance in woodcraft, and didn't want to rely on his poor hunting skills in order to eat.  He had brought twine for traps in case he hadn't brought enough food.  If he had to hunt, he had packed string, gut, and feathers for fletching more arrows in case he ran out, as well as extra bow strings and a hunting knife, so he wouldn't have to use his dagger for menial work.  If the opportunity presented itself to do any fishing, he had also included long lengths of waxed string and a variety of small hooks.  Fishing was one thing he felt he was accomplished at, having spent most of his life at sea.  He knew deep-sea fishing was a different sort than fishing in fresh water, but assumed the principles remained the same.  In the unlikely event he ran out of food, and they were near any significant bodies of water, he would not go hungry.

 

He also unloaded a few extra changes of clothes, although they weren't necessary, for warmth, as well as flint and steel for starting fires.  He had almost forgotten them at the last, then hastily added them to his pack.  Seeing what the twins had brought, he was glad he did, although he was slightly embarrassed by the amount of food he had brought, as even Ada, who had brought more than his sister, had not brought as much food as he did, although in general Adamin seemed to have come much  more prepared than Davel.

 

When his pack was empty, Davel took a step back, and adjusted the weapons at his hip.  He didn't know what purpose he would have for a cutlass or a quillion dagger out in the forest, but he wasn't about to leave his new weapons behind while he went anywhere.  The short bow he wore slung over his shoulder as he had seen other do, but that was something he was sure he could find use for. 

 

Settling himself in to wait for Thera to come and inspect his belongings, he looked over at Del and Ada to see how they had progressed, and for a moment his gaze locked with Del's.  A flush climbed slowly up her features, as if he had caught her at something, and for some reason he felt his own face heating.  After a long moment, he managed to tear his gaze away when he heard someone else approaching.  As he cast his gaze around looking for who had made the noise, he saw Adamin looking at him, face stony and expressionless.  Looking away quickly, he spotted another trainee approaching, rushing forward to take a place next to Davel. 

 

Davel had seen him around the yard a bit, and thought his name was D'ashan.  Other than that, Davel knew nothing about the boy who stood next to him and began pulling items from his pack and laying them in front of himself on the ground.  He watched D'ashan out of the corner of his eye as he saw Thera approaching, a glint of anger in the woman's eyes.  If he knew the Mistress of Trainee's at all, the latecomer was going to catch the rough side of her tongue for not being on time.  Davel was again thankful he had decided to arrive early.

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Thera’s eyebrows climbed at seeing D’Ashan arrive even later than the twins. He had come just as she was going on leave, and their first meeting had not been the most pleasant. Still she did not get the impression that he was the type to be late. Giving him a stern look she shook her head and continued on with her inspection. He would have to move fast to even be last in line, but she would give him his chance.

 

Placing herself between the troublemaking twins Thera crossed her arms and looked at them each coolly. At hearing Ada’s comment she had to resist the urge to laugh, but still managed a credible frown.  Ignoring the banter exchanged between them she inspected first Adamin’s and then Adela’s items. In the past she had spent time correcting each of their infractions, but quickly realized that all it garnered was more excuses from Adela and smiles from Adamin. They did better if you ignored their smaller remarks, only correcting the worst; and in spite of their pranks and sometimes flippant attitudes they seemed to have a handle on what would be needed to survive. Giving them both a nod of approval she moved on to Davel.

 

She could tell by the way his bags bulged that he’d over packed, but at least he’d been smart in his packing. She could have told him that the cold weather clothes would not be needed, but left it be moving on to D’Ashan. “It’s good for you that you did not hold us up, repack quickly so that you do not start now!” With her arms folded behind her back Thera walked over the stand at Caramel’s stirrup.

 

“This week you will learn all you need to survive in the wilderness. You all come from different backgrounds and different skill levels, but I expect you all to help each other when you struggle. Learning to work together is almost as important, as all the other skills you will learn as a trainee.” Cutting her eyes to Davel she looked at him while she spoke the last. She had heard rumors that he and his roommates had gotten off to a bad start and of a few other transgressions as well. He would need to learn the importance of teamwork if he was going to do well in the Tower. Looking at him inevitable made her thing of Lyss and unconsciously she stroked the small miniature in her belt pouch.

 

“From here we will head North towards Arafel, but we will make our way away from roads and villages whenever possible. For this week you will forget all the luxuries of civilization and learn to live off the land.” Throwing herself into Caramel’s saddle Thera called her trainee’s to mount and watched to see how they did. The theatric way in which Adamin mounted spoke of many years of riding and while Adela was less showy she sat securely in her seat. D’Ashan seemed to ride just as well, but Davel….

 

It took Davel a few times to mount and even when he managed to find his seat he held the reins in a death grip. Blue Rose shifted and whinnied at the unfamiliar hand and Thera rode over to stroke her nose. Speaking softly for Davel’s ear alone she gave him advice. “BlueRose is my trained war horse, if you calm your nerves she will do as I do and perhaps you will save yourself some embarrassment.”

 

Straightening from calming the horse she motioned the trainee’s to gather round. “ Stay with me as we ride, as soon as we are outside of the bridge town we will move quickly.”

 

“Adamin, Adela. Your roommate is not as comfortable on a horse as you two seem to be. Stay with him and teach him what you can. D’Ashan up with me. I will speak with you about scouting while we ride.”

 

Thera Trakelyn

 

OOC: RP leaving the city and the bridge towns and about leaving the main road. My next RP will pick up on the morning of Day 3 well outside of Tar Valon. The first 2 days Thera will have talked about first aid and finding water but done no demonstration. The real lessons will begin after this round of posts.

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D'Ashan mentally upbraided himself for being late. While he enjoyed occasional mischief or fun like the other trainees. He had a deep sense of honor when it came to duty and being late simply was not his style. Mistress Thera added to his consternation with her sharp words.

 

"It’s good for you that you did not hold us up, repack quickly so that you do not start now!"

 

Determinedly he began packing the few small things into his pack as the Mistress of Trainees explained the need to assist one another. Mentally D'Ashan chuckled, remembering the night at the Inn with the twins. If that had not been working together he didn't know what was. The other trainee with them he was unfamiliar with. He possibly fit the description Adamin had given him of their trouble making roommate, but D'Ashan was not the type to judge on another's words.

 

Mistress Thera mounted and indicated that they do the same. While he did not have the dramatic flair that Adamin possessed, (the one he thought, that would make Adela nearly roll her eyes at him lovingly) D'Ashan was used to riding and mounted with no difficulty. Davel however, he had heard him called by Thera, was struggling. They all sat their waiting as their horses whickered and stamped impatiently. Finally he was able to sit the saddle if not comfortably, and it was time to depart.

 

"...D’Ashan up with me. I will speak with you about scouting while we ride." D'Ashan was not sure if this was to be taken as an honor, or if it was merely a chance to be berated for his lateness. Either way the Mistress of Trainees was to be obeyed. Sighing softly at himself he trotted his mare alongside Thera, and out of the Yards.

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Adela was still staring at Davel’s back when he turned and their eyes met. She was so shocked at being caught that her face flushed and she started back, running into her horse. Hurriedly she put on a stern expression and turned away so that Mistress Thera consumed her view. Light she was going to have to be more careful with her looks or Adamin and Davel would find out her little secret for sure.

 

Del smiled at Ada when Thera spoke of working together; they knew no other way to work. All of their scrapes and trouble had always been thwarted by their twinish ways. She rolled her eyes as her brother mounted with his usual theatrics, but then she saw the slightly  jealous look Davel gave him she made her own mount more spectacular than normal. She still nowhere near matched her brother, but he did give her an approving nod. “You are not the only one with mother’s grace Ada.” Settling in her seat she gathered her reins and waited for Davel to finish his rather ungraceful mount.

 

She was still staring at him settling on his horse when Thera’s voice cut through her adoration. [color-blue]“Adamin, Adela. Your roommate is not as comfortable on a horse as you two seem to be. Stay with him and teach him what you can. D’Ashan up with me. I will speak with you about scouting while we ride.”[/color]

 

Clearing her throat Del rode to one side of Davel and Adamin went to the other. The way he swayed and bounced in the saddle when they started moving at more than walk they would have to hold him up. “Try to relax Davel, if you can relax your muscles you will bounce with your horse, not into him.” Reaching out the laid a hand on his shoulder and pressed with her fingers. “Your shoulders are too tight, loosen them..it will help.” He chose that moment to look over at her and she pulled her hand back like lightning. This time her face did not flush, but she did grimace at him, earning a strange look from Ada. “Your help would be appreciated Ada, she did tell both of us to keep him in his saddle.”

 

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Adamin laughed at his sister's comment on their mother's grace. "Perhaps dear sister, but your the only one with her hips." He chuckled, knowing her thoughts on Deval, trying to make her conscious of her body. It'd do her good... I'll just have to watch it develop. He had no doubts on his sister's ability to court a man, between her figure and her eyes a man would be a blind not to notice her.

 

Hearing the Mistress' command, he fell in beside his room mate without a word. He watched the small exchange between the two, holding back his knowing grin. "Fine, fine. Davel, riding isn't all that hard. I've only been on a boat a couple times, but when I was, I was given the advice to walk with a bit of a swagger, move with the boat, instead of trying to move on it. It is the same with a horse... Relax, pay attention to her movements, and move with them..."

 

Adamin shot a glance at his sister, "See, look at her. Her legs aren't in a vice around the horse, she knows her foot in the stirrup is enough. She glides along with the horse, her hips moving forward with her..." He droned on for a bit longer, earning a death glare from a seemingly flushed Adela. He was purposefully drawing attention to her body, if for no other reason than his own amusement at his dear sister's discomfort.

 

"It won't be over night, but study us Davel, and you'll be a master rider in no time." He patted the man on his back, and turned his attention back to the road. They were crossing the bridge of Tar Valon, into one of the gate towns. It was a beautiful place, but after seeing Tar Valon, it seemed rather plain. Still, it'll be good to be on the road for a bit... Adamin had adapted well to their traveling life style, and found he missed it. Freedom was something he valued, but, glancing at his sister once more with a smile, family came first.

 

As did their reason for setting out... He refused to think of him as a brother any longer...

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  • 4 weeks later...
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Thera rode ahead with D’Ashan, leaving the twins and Davel to fend for themselves. She had suspicions of what would transpire, but she had a new philosophy of letting people settle matters of the heart for themselves. Aes Sedai may control their lives, but each man and woman controlled their own heart. Her mind flashed briefly to Serena and she rode on with a sad smile.

 

For two days she lectured as they rode; speaking about first aid and nautral remedies that had been proven to work. She also spoke about tracking and finding water. All important skills if you were going to survive in the wilderness.

 

It was on the morning of the third day that she felt them ready for a real lesson. Waking them up well before the sun she gathered them around the dying remains of last night’s fire. “Today we will see how well you have listened. I want you each to find me a different medicine. Adela you will find me something that cures an ill stomach, Adamin the chills. Davel I want you to bring me a remedy for pain, and D’Ashan I want you to find me something for a sore head. At the same time I want you all to find another source of water other than the stream behind me. The catch is each of you must bring me a different answer. We will not eat until you have accomplished this.”

 

 

 

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D'Ashan rode next to Thera, watching her silently out of the corner of his eye. She had not given him the tongue lashing that she thought she might for being late, though obviously displeased. Throughout the next two days she instructed them.

 

One the first day it was about First Aid, Herbs and natural medicines. D'Ashan listened with interest to talk of andilay root, foxtail and marisin. Ground ivy, five-finger and sunburst root. willowbark and Chainleaf, silverleaf and mardroot-oil.

 

One the second day it was mainly talk of ways to track and finding water. She explained how to move so that impact on ones surroundings were limited and it was harder to tell you had passed that way. D'Ashan had known it was important to move silently, but he had never considered moving so that another didn't even know he was there. On the third Morning Thera Gaidin woke them in the dim light of early morning. The sky had not even started to lighten yet. She briefly explained what she wanted of them.

 

"Today we will see how well you have listened...D’Ashan I want you to find me something for a sore head. At the same time I want you all to find another source of water other than the stream behind me. The catch is each of you must bring me a different answer. We will not eat until you have accomplished this."

 

Someone groaned behind him and Thera gave them a sharp look. Setting off to find another source of water he went over Thera Gaidin's instruction two days before. Was it andilay root that helped with heads? No, it must be Chainleaf. No that was for queasy stomachs. Hunting through the underbrush he found some Silverleaf. That was it! Gathering some triumphantly he continued onward to find another source of water. He tried to use the techniques that Thera had told them about to not only make himself hard to track, but to look to see if anyone else had come this way before. Hopefully they would all find seperate things and be able to eat, he was quite hungry.

 

After a short time, without seeing any tracks. D'Ashan found small rivulet of water running from a rock face covered in vines. Carefully he filled his empty waterskin for proof and made his way back to camp. He was quite pleased with himself. Not only had he found Silverleaf and identified it, he had stayed away from the obvious water source at the mouth of the stream. Creeping into camp he noted with pleasure that he was the first one back.

 

Not bad. Not bad at all...

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Adamin groaned at Thera’s instructions and Adela quickly nudged him in the ribs. He was going to get them in trouble if he was not careful. He’d spent the first two days intent on getting her and Davel together, so much so that she’d missed most of the talks on herbs.  Glaring at her twin she stalked away from him as soon as they were dismissed. He missed the talks too and she was willing to bet that Davel would not be too forthcoming with him about those missed items.

 

Briefly she caught a glimpse of D’Ashan ahead and considered asking him for help, but dismissed it as soon as it was thought. She’d never learn if she didn’t do things for herself. She decided to start with finding the water source, there at least she had some experience.

 

It was a good half a mile from their camp that she first saw the signs of water underground. Often times there were springs that just needed a little digging to make them seen. Moving a large rock she found that her suspicions had been correct. Pulling out an empty water skin she filled it and then sat down to rack her brain for what would cure an ill stomach. She’d had to dole out herbs to her brother a time or two, but for some reason the name would not come to her. Nearly an hour had passed with not a glimmer coming to her; it was then that she decided to head back to camp.

 

She felt dejected and she could already see the anger in Thera’s eyes. Adela was so focused inward that she didn’t noticed that she’d wandered into another small clearing, filled with herbs. She looked down and her boots were crushing a patch of Chainleaf. “Of course!” Adela quickly grabbed up the herbs and sprinted the last steps into camp. It appeared as if only D’Ashan had beaten her.

 

Presenting the herbs to Thera she went and sat down next to D’Ashan to wait.

 

Adela Naurel

Feeling Good

 

 

 

 

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Thera was not surprised to see D’Ashan and Adela leading the return.  D’Ashan was by far the furthest along among these trainee’s and when Adela was removed from Adamin she was usually quite intelligent.

 

Giving them her approval she sent them to wait out the others. After all this was about more than just their skills to survive it was about working as a team, it was all for one. It took nearly another half an hour for Davel to come back and another beyond that for Adamin. Somehow the scamp had managed both tasks. Eyeing both boys in turn she wondered if Davel had assisted. With no way to prove her suspicions she quickly moved on to her next lesson.

 

‘You all did well. I once had a trainee who didn’t eat for days because he could not find water. I am glad it was not the same for you. I suppose you are all hungry?” Four sets of eyes looked at her and each set was filled with longing. “Well..” She gestured to the woods around her. “You may eat whatever you can catch and cook.” Smiles wreathed the faces and so Thera through another twist at them. “Of course you cannot use your fishing line or flint and steel to start the fire, and be mindful that you save enough for building shelters. You would not want to spend the night out in the weather that’s coming.” Pulling out a hunk of cheese Thera sat down with a smile and began to eat.

 

Waving the cheese at them she smiled. “Just a little encouragement for you to move faster.”

 

Thera

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