A Simple training Exercise??

[Asfaloth]

  In near darkness Anwashawn Ellasser waited outside the stables for the rest of his party to arrive.  Blaze stamped his foot, impatient to leave, and Shawn reached an arm under his neck to lean in and whisper comfort in his ears.  As usual Shawn was ready much earlier than needed and Blaze was going to have to learn patience.  Today he would be leading a group of twenty trainees on a trip outside the Tower to teach them some basic survival skills and see how their training had progressed.  His good friend Visar had gotten permission from his Aes Sedai to join him and together they had chosen to head northeast from Tar Valon for a few days and then work the trainees through some group fighting tactics to see how they did.

  Shawn's supplies were loaded in his saddlebags and his bow secured to Blaze's saddle.  His knives and swords he wore as always and the hood of his red cloak was pulled up to ward off the pre-dawn chill.  One by one the trainees arrived and each one received a nod and a gesture pointing them into the stables.  Some had horses of their own and some would be borrowing from the Tower, but there were plenty of stable-boys awake to assist the less experienced with their tack.

  Soon they started filing back out, leading their horses and lining up in front of Shawn.  When Visar arrived, leading not only his own horse but an extra packed with food from the kitchens, Shawn smiled at his friend and then mounted.  When all the others were mounted as well Shawn looked them over.  They were a rag-tag group ranging from the newly arrived to a few that were close to joining the Guard.  He knew very few of them personally but this would be a great opportunity to remedy that.

  "Ok, over the next two weeks you belong to me.  I am responsible for your health and safety and so I expect you to obey every instruction I or my comrade Visar choose to give you."  There was so much more he could say, more that they probably wished to hear, but Shawn wasn't one to talk beyond what was needed and already felt that he'd given a long enough speech.  "Alright, let's move out."  Shawn and Visar led the way out the main gates of the Yard, through Tar Valon, and across the bridge, starting their journey in relative peace.

[Visar Falmaien]

Visar was up very early, preparing for his anticipated training trip with Anwashawn.  He was thankful that he had managed to get a couple weeks off, though it seemed to work out, since Rasheta Sedai and Dante had wanted to go riding in the country around the same time.  Visar trusted Dante enough to know that he would do the Warder job quite well enough.

 

Packing his saddlebags tightly and economically, Visar noted that the most bulky things his horse would carry were his lance and his helmet.  He'd wear his mail hauberk of course.  It was almost like a second skin to him now.  He packed his fancloth cloak with him, just in case it would come in handy, but since he was not 'on duty', he preferred to wear a simple, woolen green cloak.

 

But packing for himself wasn't just what he had to do.  Walking with a quick step, Visar went to the kitchens with extra baggage to collect some extra provisions for the journey.  While living off the land was an option, one could never be too careful where food and water were concerned.  Better to have too much than too little.  Stuffing bags full of water skins, hard tack, cheese, nuts and dried fruits, and salted strips of bacon, Visar staggered out of the kitchens with his heavy burden.  Loading the pack horse and making sure every strap was tightly fastened, Visar quickly tended to his own horse, checking and double checking.  Satisfied, he went to join Shawn and the trainees at the departure point.

 

He gave an equally friendly nod to Shawn.  He listened to Shawn's blissfully short instructions, and nodded to those trainees he knew.  Visar was fairly certain Shawn knew everything he needed to know to run this by himself, but Visar would help where he could.  Leading the way with Shawn, they left the city by the northeast bridge (?) for a couple weeks of potentially fun training in the wilderness.  Visar could feel the excitement coming off some of the trainees, and he could not help but smile.  They had a lot to learn, but even he could learn something by their enthusiastic spirit alone.

[Kit]

The numbers for Anwashawn Gaidin's wilderness survival course had filled up rapidly. It was a break from the daily backbreaking drudgery of exercises and sparring and a rare opportunity to get away from the Warders' Yard. Using some mysterious decision-making process of their own, Visar and Shawn had selected twenty trainees of all levels for the trip. Kit had been among them.

 

Now he dressed himself in the predawn darkness of his room. For the first time since he had joined the trainees, he donned his sombre black Amadician coat and threw his hooded brown travelling cloak. They had kept off the rain, mud and dust of the long road to Tar Valon, they were worn but made of sturdy cloth. Kit hesitated, then buckled on his swordbelt over the coat. Trainees were not permitted to wear swords on the Tower grounds, though Kit still religiously cleaned and polished his own weapon every week. His longsword was plain, its brass hilt worn smooth by decades of use. Nothing about it would have drawn any attention, except for a device inscribed on the pommel -a flaring sunburst. Not a popular symbol, here in Tar Valon, and not a weapon that anybody who was not very sure of himself would wear about the city.

 

Outside, waiting for him in the hallway, were two other trainees. Kit had had little time to make friends in the Yard so far, but these two were among the closest he had to friends. One was Miyas, an Arafellan boy a couple of years ahead, who usually maintained an impassive silence. He was known to be highly ranked as a swordsman among the trainees, and it was rumoured that he had even qualified for the advanced courses in strategy, taught by Aes Sedai of the Green and Brown Ajahs. It was not quite clear why he had attached himself to Kit even to the slight extent he had, but Kit had been grateful for the company. The other was Shannis, a blonde-haired Andoran girl who was as talkative as Miyas was silent. Shannis had become a trainee only a day before Kit. She was warmhearted and friendly towards everyone, but she and Kit had formed a special bond after running twenty laps of the grounds together as punishment for some minor infraction.

 

"Ready to go, Whitecloak?", Shannis asked with a grin. Shannis was the only person who was allowed to use that particular nickname around Kit. He returned her smile, nodding silently.

 

The trio made their way to the stables, where Visar and Shawn were silently waiting. Kit saddled up his own horse, a reliable bay gelding called Sunrise and fell into place with his friends at the rear of the procession.

[Lavinya]

It was strange, leaving after only recently returning to Tar Valon. Dorian had diligently practised the forms during his absence, but the Mistress of Trainees had decreed he must be rusty, therefore needed to join the others on the training mission. He could only agree with her wisdom, even if it chafed a little after being on the verge of accepting the red cloak of the guard. No matter, he would prove himself worthy again on this trip, and slide back into the life he had dedicated himself too. There was no need for revenge any more, his future was now focused on standing with the Aes Sedai to keep the shadow at bay.

 

His preparations in the early dawn were swift. Dressing in a simple beige shirt, tucked into dark brown pants which were in turn tucked into the tops of his well-worn boots. Belting his sword at his waist, Dorian ran hasty fingers through his short cropped dark hair, not really concerned about his appearance but habitually ensuring he was tidy at least. Some had called him handsome, with his clear blue eyes, but Dorian held no vanity, and little enough time for simpering girls anyway. Aes Sedai were the only women who would concern him now, and certainly not for a pinch or stolen kiss.

 

Dorian swung his pack onto his back. It contained his necessities and nothing more. Yrean had been a good teacher, drumming home the import of packing light and ensuring speed and stealth. His coat he gathered last, a dark green with no embroidery, which he slung over one shoulder before leaving his room. Though the hour was early, already there was stirring among the yards as trainees and guards alike rose to begin training for the day. The smells of fresh bread cooking caught Dorian's attention briefly, but he walked on past the mess hall. Part of his training was to make him tough, skipping breakfast today would not hurt him. Besides, if the Mistress of Trainees was anything to go by he was somewhat soft, though Dorian didn't see it. Maybe she had been teasing? Dorian could never tell, bloody women were always so confusing!

 

One of the first to arrive at the stables, Dorian greeted Anwashawn with a nod before going about readying his mount, a hardy gray stallion he'd named Jim. Not a name most people associated with a horse, but on the long, lonely days with nought but his mount, Dorian had taken to conversing with the animal, and to him it seemed less crazy if his horse had a regular name. Not that it mattered what anyone else thought, it was his horse to name as he wished. Soon enough he was ready, his pack secured behind the saddle and the reins in his hands as he stood waiting with the rest of the party. They were all strangers to him, save Shawn who he had only known from a distance. So much had changed, so many different faces, and one obviously missing in Dorian's mind - Yrean.

 

Dorian Ayerell

hairs breadth away from being tower guard

[Eqwina]

Adela frowned at Adamin as he pulled the covers back up over his head. She admitted that it was early, but he should be more than used to it by now. He simply did not want a repeat of their last survival class. It had not gone well for her twin; though both their skill levels had grown immensely since then. Especially her own. The time spent with Lone learning the ‘dance’ had done wonders for her physique and for her balance and poise. She was more than ready to face what would come.

 

Arriving at the stables she saddled Drayen, and went to take her place with all the others. Her cheeks flushed when she saw Visar and she quickly looked away. During their time spent together learning weapons she’d developed a small crush on the man and was deathly afraid to let anyone know. She had worked out in her mind that she had minor feeling for him because he’d helped her take her first steps to being fully committed to the Tower and to the Guards. Before choosing her weapons she’d been able to hold on to associations from her past, but now she was ready to face her future.

 

All the faces around her were unfamiliar, but that didn’t both Del as it once would have. Letting her reins drop she strapped on her saddle bags and checked her girth straps another time. If this was anything like the other class she’d taken there would be little time for mistakes. Or little tolerance either. Running her fingers through her hair Del thanked the Light that this trip did not involve the Mistress of Trainee’s.

 

Dressed in her usually outfit, of her own strange creation, she stood out a little from the crowd and a small space spread out around her as the other trainee’s gathered. Moving up to give them more room she found herself closer to Visar and gave the Warder a small nod. He was a wonderful teacher. As they mounted and exited the city Adela felt a small tug in her chest. This would be the first time she and Adamin would truly be apart for any length of time.

 

[Lord of 13]

Consec was awakened by the sounds of his fellow trainees rising from their beds. His body moved while his mind slowly stirred, a practice retained from his time in the Baerlon guard. He donned clean, efficient black leathers and a his favorite cloak, drawing the dark hood over his face. Gathering the bag he had packed yesterday, he strode purposefully but quitly through the door, stealthily follwing Kit. While Kit went to the stables with Shannis, Consec took a detour to the kitchen to gather some fresh read, cheese, and a kind of mashed fruit, called jam for his breakfast. Talking quietly with a assistant cook, he was also able to procure six more meals worth of food; one of the things he had learned from the Baerlon Guard was that there was no such thing as too much food.

Next, Consec jogged to the armory, refreshing both his muscles and his mind with the brisk pace. He requested a utilarian staff, much like the glaive he favored, but without the blade. Carefully wrapping it in leather cord, he attached it to the satchel he had slung over his back. Shouldering the bag again, he proceeded to the stables in a run, where the Gaidin and other students no doubt waited.

Regardless of his haste, Consec slowed down when he entered the stables. Only a fool risked death by unnerving the horses inside. His own mount, a stallion named Kluion, was prepared, as was his saddle. Checking over his horse quickly, Consec attached his bag to the saddle and walked Kluion out of the stables.

When Consec arrived, the procession was just leaving. He queitly joined them, grateful when no one commented on his puntuality, or, more accurately, lack thereof.

[Kit]

Kit waved as Consec joined the procession, motioning for the blacksmith's son to join him and Shannis. Consec had joined a week or so after Kit, and although he had been given the room opposite, Kit had not had much time to get to know him. He had seen him practising in the Yard, working a staff or a blunted glaive against a dummy or sparring partner with slow, deliberate strokes, or lifting weights in one of the rooms off the Yard. In his time at the Yard, Kit had already observed that there were several different types of student. Some were naturally gifted but lazy; some had to use burn vast amounts of energy just to keep pace with their peers; some, like Consec, set a calm and realistic pace for themselves and maintained it.

 

"Looking forward to some time away, Consec?", Kit asked. Shannis was grinning.

 

"A fellow Andoran. Perfect! We have this crowbait, sourfaced Amadician Whitecloak covered if he starts anything, don't we, Consec?"

 

As usual, Kit gave no reaction to Shannis' teasing, even when, tossing her closecropped blonde hair, she reached over to elbow him in the ribs. Miyas, ahead of them, was studying his fellow trainees with interest. There was Dorian, darkhaired and dressed in brown. He was something of an enigma to the other trainees, having only recently returned to the White Tower after a mysterious absence. Known to be on the verge of acceptance into the Tower Guard, he spent little time with the other trainees. Kit had sometimes seen him practising the swordforms by himself until late evening in some remote corner of the Yard. Another instantly recognisable figure was that of Adela, sitting close by Visar. Kit had shared a few classes and training exercises with Adela, although he could never recall seeing her without her brother before. He gave her a friendly nod, before returning his attention to Consec and Shannis as the procession passed out through the city.

 

 

[Visar Falmaien]

Visar nodded back to both Adela and Katran.  They were coming along in their training well, and it was good to have them on the trip.  Visar noticed several other trainees that he didn't know well, but promised himself he would make their acquaintance by the end of the journey at least.

 

For now, he enjoyed the ride, not minding at all that Adela rode right next to him.  He breathed in and out, enjoying the fresh, cool breeze coming off the river. They would ride for a few hours until midday or so, following the river going in a northerly direction, and then break for lunch.

 

As the sun came up, Visar was glad to see that it would be a pleasant day.  Some clouds in the sky but sunny for the most part.  As they rode north (ish), Visar couldn't help himself and started whistling.

 

At first, he was merely imitating the birds chirping their joyous songs all around them in the trees.  But later, songs came to mind.  After going through a few tunes he knew, he stuck on a tune perhaps appropriate for the journey.  As they marched their horses in a fairly steady pace, the hooves clicking the rhythm, Visar found himself whistling the fairly well-known tune 'Jak o' the Shadows.'  He knew that the verses varied widely depending where you were from, but couldn't help but grin as he heard a few trainees whistle with him or mumble the words.

 

While going to dance with Jak o the Shadows was hardly the most pleasant sounding tune or the most uplifting verses, Visar rather liked its attitude of nonchalance to the dark unknown.  Enjoy every day you had, for it might be the last, he thought the song was sort of saying.

 

Laughing at himself, Visar stopped whistling that tune and moved on to something more cheerful. He didn't want to lower anyone's mood, and today seemed like nothing remotely bad could happen.  He kept a sharp eye and ear out as a habit, but focused mainly on enjoying the ride.

 

As the minutes passed into hours, Visar started to wonder if it was time to break for lunch yet.  While he had plenty of provisions with him, some of them within arm's reach, he kept himself from snacking.  While munching on an apple was tempting, he didn't need anything to eat yet, and one could never be too stingy with a limited supply of food.

 

That was not to say he expected others to follow, however.  In fact, remaining aloof and distant from those he trained with was hardly his style.  He wasn't much older than most of these young men and women anyway; why separate oneself when he could still have some fun? Grinning mischievously at an idea, he fumbled in one of the packs for a ripe, red apple and tossed it at Adela.

 

"Think fast!" he said loudly just before letting it fly, testing her reaction speed.

[Asfaloth]

  With the appearance of the first apple the quiet of the ride quickly dissolved into laughter and gaiety.  Shawn felt torn between his desire to play along and his sense of duty compelling him to be watchful on this his first time leading such a large group.  It was nice that Visar had offered to accompany him, but Visar was a Warder and outside the lines of authority.  Shawn was the only Tower Guard on this trip, so the trainees were his responsibility.  His carefree personality soon won out though and he was playing right along with the rest, tossing apples and other fruits back and forth from horseback.  Then, while throwing one apple to his left another flew in from the right and only his quick reflexes stopped it from hitting him the face.  This benefited them all though as it allowed him to inhale the scent of the ripe fruit, reminding him how hungry he was.

  Shawn then led the group of the road aways and they all dismounted to eat lunch.  The joviality and merriment continued during their break and Shawn leaned up against a tree to watch the young trainees enjoying themselves.  It was good that they were enjoying themselves now, a close bond developed while trainees could be a valuable asset as Tower Guards and even Warders.  After almost an hour Shawn stood up and called out to them all, "Alright, its time we got going again.  Gather 'round now."

  Once they were assembled in front of him Shawn locked eyes with two of the older trainees he knew were near to graduating to the Guard.  "Dorian and Harper, you two will each be responsible for a squad of nine of your comrades."

  Seeing the nod of confident assent from each of them Shawn continued, "The squads were selected at random by myself and the stableboys when they snuck some extra equipment into each of your packs, on my orders.  Half of you were each given a two-man tent and the other half a shovel.

  "As any good soldier knows, a defensible position is the first priority when camping, whether by yourself or with a group.  So, when we stop to make camp tonight I expect you to get right to work without orders or prompting from me or Visar.  First, each one is to unsaddle and rub down your horse and work together to secure them to two picket lines, one per squad.  Lay your tack and other gear by your mount's head and move on to your next task.

  "Then, those with shovels will work to secure the perimeter of the camp.  This will just be a quick one-night campsite so it won't require much, but it must be as secure as time allows.  You will dig a two foot wide trench around camp three feet deep.  Pile all the dirt from the trench on the inside as a mound.

  "Meanwhile, the other squad will be working to erect tents and begin meal preparations.  Only after the camp is ready will anyone be allowed to stop and rest.  Visar and I will be available to supervise but I expect you to work together in squads under your new squad leaders.

  "Tomorrow morning you will switch tools.  Those with tents today will get shovels and begin filling the mound of dirt back into the trench while those who today carry shovels will pack up the tents and clean up the camp.  Only then can you saddle your horse.  We will continue switching off each night until we reach our destination, then....well, then you'll get further instruction."

  Looking around Shawn saw comprehension on many faces and blank stares on a few others.  Well, they would understand soon enough.  What was important was Dorian and Harper knowing what to do, and he could tell that they did.  "Alright, let's see how much further we can ride today.  Anyone know a good song we can sing?"

 

OOC: Ok folks, get the first camp set up, have a meal, and take down the camp again the next morning.  You can decide which squad you're in, and you can post the camp activities intermittently or each post it all in a single post, whatever floats your boat ;)

[Eqwina]

Slowly a smile spread on Adela’s face. There was a certain freedom to being without Adamin. She missed her brother and she could almost feel his melancholy over her absence, but for today she was simply herself. She was not one half of a whole, she was a whole all alone. With such a glorious realization she couldn’t help but hum quietly under her breath.

 

For the corner of her eye she could see Visar riding beside her. He was several feet away, but close enough for her to notice. During their time together she’d started to develop a crush on him, and her blushes choose to emerge at all the wrong moments. After their day training together in the rain she had no doubt in her mind that the Warder of her feelings.

 

“Think fast” Was all she heard before an apple slapped hard into her palm. Looking down at it in surprise Adela blinked. She had caught it?! Since when were her reflexes so quick Smiling at Visar she hefted the apple in her hand, but made no move to throw it back. No yet anyway. An instant retaliation would be too obvious.

 

As they rode on Del tried to hit Visar a few times, not giving him the pleasure of a warning, but always he was too fast for her. After one attempt her thrown apple inadvertently hit another trainee and it started something of an apple war. It was childish, but a jovial way to spend the ride. It made the stop for lunch more fun for Del. She didn’t know many of the people on the trip, but with the mood already lightened she felt as if she might make a few friends.

 

After getting their instructions and getting back on the main road Adela thought about their tasks for when making camp. She was in Harpers squad and had shovels for the first night. The prospect of digging holes did not appeal to her, but she knew it would be good practice. When they stopped for the evening Adela immediately dropped her tack and rubbed down her horse. By the time she’d finished the picket line was established. Trudging over to where another of the trainee’s was working, she began to dig.

 

Her training with Viasr had made her stronger and she was able to dig out large chunks of earth, but as the minutes passed her muscles began to strain under the weight and she started making slower progress. It took time even to dig a few feet, and when the small defense was done Adela felt ready for sleep. Her clean outfit was caked with dirt and her arms quivered slightly. Standing in line with her plate to dish up food, she thought about her progress that day.

 

Visar certainly seemed to be taking an interest in her training. She wondered if she’d made him proud? Choosing a spot across the fire from him, she ate in silence listening to the small knots of conversation around her.

 

[Visar Falmaien]

Visar had to keep an eye out for Adela, who seemed keen on trying to catch him unawares with an apple missile.  Somehow he had been able to react quickly enough each time, though this surprised him sometimes.  Laughing as others were hit by flying fruit, Visar was in excellent spirits when they reached where they would practice their "camp."

 

While everyone split up into teams to start working on the camp, Visar decided to take a quick ride around the camp.  Just to make certain to himself that the area was safe.  Indeed, birds were still chirping in the distance, although not close to them since so many people had startled them.  That must mean there were no other unexpected visitors to the woods around here.  But there was something in the air as the wind blew from the north.  Something that felt a little unsettling.  While the air was fresh and invigorating in its chillness, there was something icy and unforgiving about it too.  Visar was reminded of when he trained and fought in the Borderlands.  The scent of the Blight was never too far away.  Visar shook his head.  The sun was shining; the birds were singing.  The Blight was hundreds of miles away still.  They were safe here, he was sure of it.

 

Satisfied, he went back to camp to make himself more useful.  The tents had been set up and he could smell dinner being roasted over the fire.  They seemed to be faring nicely.  The others still labored on the ditch.  Visar frowned slightly at the overturned earth.  As if their digging was intruding upon this place somehow.  But the trainees needed to learn, and their safety through training to save only a few lives was worth a thousand lost trees in his opinion.  Surely the Creator and the Wheel, and whatever other Power ruled the universe viewed people as more important than trees?  Visar thought so, though he was sure there were some out there that would disagree with him.

 

He took a small shovel and took over for someone who appeared rather fatigued from digging.  Not all trainees here were in the best physical shape, and digging a small trench could be taxing on the back of even the most well-muscled man.  He noted with some pleasure that Adela was working hard not too far away.  She would become a good soldier with her enthusiastic attitude, Visar thought.  Not that he was the most veteran soldier in the world, but he couldn't help being proud of how far she had gone with her training in the relatively short time he had known her.  Surely he had not advanced so quickly?  He reminded himself to compliment her on her progress at some point.  Though spoiling the trainees when they had so much to learn could not help too much...Perhaps another time, he decided.

 

Finishing up the earthworks, Visar took off his coat and shirt to shake the dirt from them, and wiped his pants and boots as best as he could.  Putting his shirt back on, he left his coat folded under his arm as he got a bowl of what they were having for dinner.  Nothing like a small loaf of bread, hot camp stew with a good bit of spice in it, and a mug of warm cider.  It was good to be out in the wild, though Visar would always want some comforts of civilization by his side.  Finishing off his food quickly, Visar sat back down at the fire with the mug refilled, and sipped it slowly to not burn his tongue.  He stared into the flames, quietly reflecting on his life.  It was different, and had its own challenges, but he was ultimately glad that he had left Tear.  The Wheel had willed him here, and he liked it too much to want to do anything else with his life.

 

Introducing himself briefly to some of the trainees beside him, Visar noticed Adela on the other side of the fire, similarly quiet.  She was careful not to make eye contact, but Visar thought that she might have been looking at him; listening to what he was saying.  He wondered what she was thinking about.  His curiosity getting the best of him, he gulped down the last bit of cider in his mug and got up, mumbling an excuse at getting another refill.  After carefully filling only half a cup full, he walked back over to where Adela was sitting, slightly spaced apart from the others.

 

"Enjoying the trip?" Visar asked with a friendly smile.  He knew he could be serious and rough in the practice yard, but that was only when he was trying to convey the seriousness of what these people might face one day.  Riding in the wilderness was a different sort of dangerous, full of wonder and amazing things that made it worth the risk.  It was nothing like the pure ugliness and desperation of mortal combat in Visar's mind.

 

"I know it's just supposed to be a training exercise, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun during it too." he added.  "Why did you come?  Don't like being cooped up in a city for long?" he asked, curious as to why Adela had come to the Tower, as well as why she had come on the trip.  He had never really bothered to ask her that before.

[Asfaloth]

OOC:

In an attempt to speed things along I will be adjusting how this rp is run.  From now on if more than a week passes from the time of the last post in the rp I will be posting to move the story along.  If this means we move on from something before you've had a chance to post then it will simply give you more to tell in your next post.  Don't worry, we won't kill off your character if we move on without you Wink and you can still follow this story and reference it in future rps as your character will still be a participant even if you drop out.

 

 

 

So, you have one week from today to post before the story moves forward.

 

**This post will be removed when I post again next week.**

[ConQuest]

"Why'd i have to sleep in today?" Riel asked himself as he ran through the tower grounds with his pack over his shoulder full of suplies and water skins. The early morning air was crisp and made his lungs hurt with the effort of sprinting, but he welcomed the discomfort as punishment for missing the call to get up and get ready.

 

Sliding around a corner Riel dodged around a women who was carring a basket just missing her and causing her to holler after him to slow down before he gets someone killed. Clearing a fence for a small walking path he bolted between what he assumed were two Aes' sedai walking but he couldnt get a look at thier faces to be sure, only having arived a few days ago he hadnt figured out how the ranking system worked and he hadent learned how to spot the sisters from afar as the other trainees seemed to be able to do.

 

 

At long last the stables came into sight and it seemed that every one was getting geared to leave, Slidding to a stop he bowed to the man who he was told was Anwashawn. He hastily darted into the Stables and mounted his black stalion that his sister had named Star. due ot the white star on his nose. After he was mounted he straped on his sword and walked Star out of the Stables using his knees to control the horse, he may not be good at the sword yet but he was skilled as a rider, he could thank his father for that.

 

The most skilled fighters can be killed with nothing but a horse, Learn how to control a mount at all times and you can have two deadly weapons instead of one"

 

The others had already started moving which made Riel have to Trot to catch up. Shaking his head he berated himself for letting himself sleep in again, then put it behind him to allow his attention to the training sesion. Thankfully the ride was peacful, soon after the sun was up he could hear whistling coming from the man at the front, then the other Trainee's started their own singing, Riel just kept quiet and listend to the others as they went about their buisness.

 

It was the apple that confused him, at first he understood the reason, you have to stay on your toes even when riding in a party of people who you should be able to trust. but the woman who he tossed it at seemed to be just messing around, and shortly latter started throwing it back at the man. She had horrible timing and not the best aim either, for she knocked another student in the back of the head, which caused an all out.. food fight.

 

Riel easily dodged or caught the stray fruit that came his way and soon found himself with quite a few apples. While he sat in the back of the pack he just watched and listend to every one talking and laughing, and soon found himself juggling the fruit he had just to keep his mind foucused. His father taught him how to juggle, at first Riel thought it was wrong for a Lord to Juggle, but soon found out that it took alot of skill to toss and catch those little balls, and he soon applied it to his knife, so al the juggling was, was just a way to make him a better combatant.

 

Soon after the group dismounted for lunch, and Riel was gratefull for he had skipped breakfast due to his tartyness, he soon just fell into the work and finaly sat down to munch on his lunch. Soon after he found himself at the back of the pack again after listing to Anwashawn speak about the roles they were to fill at dusk, of course he found a shovle in his pack, but didnt complain, we needed to do as he was told, and if that ment that he had to dig a stupid hole then he was going to without complaint. He needed to learn how to fight like a warder and this is what they had to do. so he put all thoughts away and just focused on the woods around him.

 

At camp he found that the work was much more taxing than he had led himself to belive, His back ached and his arms were heavier than anything he could imagine. After his share of the hole was dug he climbed over the mound and found that dinner was already in seasion, so he went to his pack and got out his own cup and poured himself some water and sat on a log close to the fire but away from many of the groups that had formed, he found himself an out cast by comparison, he was the newest and he hadent found a spot to fit in yet, he was fine with that, but he hoped that they would be doing some fighting soon or he would have to figure out another way to put down his energy.

 

The work was one thing, but needing to do what you commited youself to doing had to come in a certain time frame before you lost sight of why you were doing it. Looking up away from the fire he could see the sky through the branchs of the trees, the cool air on his face felt good and the stars were twinkling slightly, it would be a cool night. luckily he had put on his good brown cloak before he left. He quietly listned as the others conversed with one another and just allowed himself the one chance to relax.

[Asfaloth]

  The fifth morning out from Tar Valon started the same as the others.  Shawn and Visar led the trainees through their morning workout, then dismissed them to their chores.  The troop was getting much more efficient at working together.  By the time dawn's first rays began to peep over the horizon everyone had eaten, their gear was stowed and horses saddled, and the trench filled in.  Shawn was proud to see that there was hardly any trace of the group having been there at all.

  Before they started off Shawn addressed the group of twenty trainees patiently waiting astride their horses.  "You've learned now how to fortify an overnight camp.  Tonight we will be establishing a longer lasting base camp that we will use for the rest of our time together.  We will be teaching you over the next two weeks how to work together as a cohesive fighting unit and continuing your survival training.

  "There are some ruins of an old stone fortress that we should reach around noon if we push it.  We will be working the rest of the day to fortify it for ourselves and transform it into a home away from home for the duration of our stay.

  "Alright, let's get a move on, we have a lot of ground to cover!"

[Visar Falmaien]

After conversing with Adela, Visar joined the first watch for the night.  Unfortunately for the sentries, othing particularly interesting happened, though Visar was glad to have a little time to be alone with his thoughts.  He could feel his Aes Sedai through the bond faintly, and she seemed well, if a little stressed.  She had been busy lately, and Visar was half glad that he was out of the way for now.

 

The trainees were not the most disciplined lot in the world, but they were certainly sincere and enthusiastic, most of them.  After getting perhaps three hours of sleep, Visar was up again before the dawn, and helped everyone get ready to dismantle the camp, quickly break their fast, and get going.

 

Visar remained fairly silent during the ride.  Occasionally he would ride out ahead of the column to help scout their path, and he also went once behind the column to be sure that no one was following them.  Not that he felt paranoid, but the habits he had learned while training in the war-torn borderlands were hard to break.

 

As they neared the fort, Visar rode next to Shawn, and told him he wanted to scout ahead,

"I'm going to ride ahead to inspect the fort and the river.  Shouldn't take more than a few hours.  I'll be back well before the sun sets."

 

Giving a curt nod to Adela and the other trainees she rode with, Visar kicked his heels into his horse and rapidly sped ahead of the group.

 

After going for a while on the road at a near full gallop, Visar slowed his horse down to keep it from tiring too quickly.  Not entirely sure why he felt out of place here, Visar continued to ride, his eyes and ears peeled for any sign of danger.  

 

He reached the fort, an old abandoned keep of Shienaran design he thought, though Visar was hardly any expert judge of these things.  Its gray, stone walls were nothing to be impressed with, a mere four or five paces tall all around (12-15 ft), and were green with moss. The walls' square corners marked it as practically obsolete compared to rounded bastions, and it didn't even have a central tower in the middle.  On the west side the fort's wall had crumbled down in one section, with a pile of debris climbing up to the hole.  Visar rode to this first, and noted that when they got there, they would need to either keep an extra watch on this part or do their best to patch it up with stone and timber.

 

The main entrance would also need to be reinforced, the original wood long since rotted beyond defensibility.  As Visar entered the humble courtyard, stuffed full of overgrown vines and other weeds, he noted that the place was probably not designed to house more than fifty men and their horses.  It would fit their party comfortably enough, with room to spare.  Eying the stables and the barracks with a cursory inspection, Visar noted that the place would need quite a bit of work to make it habitable.  Weeds would need to be cleared out; pine straw and timber would need to be gathered in from the nearby woods; and other things.  At least they had brought most of the tools and supplies they would need to have a good shelter for the night.  Satisfied that the place was ready for their occupation, Visar planted his lance point up in front of the entrance to mark that he had already been there.

 

Then, with the northeasterly winds blowing into his face, Visar rode on to the river.  When he reached the crystal blue waters, rocks and rivergrass visible on the bottom, he saw nothing out of place.  The river was merely a tributary of the Erinen, but it was still wide and had a fast current, and might be too deep to cross here.  He would have to find a more promising ford for their training maneuvers tomorrow.  

 

The wind noticeably switched direction, howling in a brief gust from the north.  It was sharply cool, strong with the scent of pine needles, yet somehow the wind didn't feel quite right.  It was almost as if the faintest hint of rotting decay spoiled the refreshing breeze. Visar did not have a great sense of smell, and wasn't entirely sure if it was his nose that was even sensing this.

 

Visar rode west along the river, finally finding a place that looked shallow enough to cross.  He stopped, and spent a long time scanning the far side of the bank, peering through the copses of trees to see if there was anything out there.  Other than a doe and its child passing idly through the woods, there was nothing.  Nothing but the wind and the birds.  The wind shifted back to blowing southwest, and the faint scent or whatever it was was gone, as if it had never existed.

Probably just a deer carcass or something... Visar thought, now somewhat disgusted with himself for reading too much into it.  He glanced at the afternoon sky, realizing that he had been gone quite a while.  It was time to head back.  Reaching the fort, Visar found Shawn waiting for him, probably feeling that Visar should do his fair share of work on the fortress.  He gave the guardsman an embarrassed smile.

 

"Sorry about that.  Wanted to check out the river for tomorrow.  Found a ford almost a mile to the northwest of here."

 

He didn't mention the strange scent on the wind.  Probably nothing, and it wouldn't do to worry the group needlessly.