a ending and a new beginning.

[amegakure]

Junoku stared up a the towers that loomed above him in the distance. He saw a multitude of people hustling about on the way to different destinations. He couldn't help but nootice how unguarded they were with their possesions. He stayed his hand for he didn't think it would be good to irk the Aes Sedai and her warder.

 

He marveled at the stonework in the buildings with detail that was superior to any he had seen before. The white tower stood before him and the woman and the man dismounted. She turned and said. "I must leave now, you will find hospitality her we can mmake a new man out of you. Go to the warder yard and find the Mistress of Novicess. She will help you from here on out." With that her and the warder went on their way into the tower.

 

Junoku was puzzled but not helpless so seeing some men who he was sure were warders he asked which way to the yard. The pointed it out and he made his way to it. What he saw was a mass of men fighting in a form he could only call a dance he was astounded. A man approached and in a gruff voice said. " what's your business here boy!" Turning to look at the man he saw someone who expected obidence. He replied. "I was told to ask for the mistress of novicess."

[devon]

Jasen's practice sword clashed against his partner's, sending vibrations up into his arm which settled deep within his muscles. Wrapped in the Void, Jasen was able to ignore this, but he knew that once practice was over his muscles would ache fiercely. But that was the case with every practice session, and in his experience nothing a pipe and and a cold ale couldn't cure later. His bundle of lathes hovered in front of him, waiting for his opponent to strike. The man was younger, faster, and stronger than Jasen was, but he wasn't patient. As he lunged forward, Jasen flowed around him, delivering a sharp blow across his back and knocking him to the ground. The relatively new Tower Guard hit the dirt with a thud and a cloud of dust and the match ended.

 

After helping the lad up, Jasen looked over the other pairs working the forms and dueling in the Yards. He was supposed to be teaching this lesson, but these men and women had long since ceased to need constant attention, instead only needing pointers from a well trained eye. But looking over the group he noticed a young man staring at the practicing Guards with a sense of wonder written upon his face. It was obvious that he had never been to the Yards before, and since he was in charge of this lesson, Jasen decided to go and see just what he wanted. Walking up to the fellow, he noticed that the boy's eyes never remained still, but instead bounced around trying to follow everything at once. Like a soldier on patrol or a thief in a market. I wonder where this one comes from. "What do you want here, boy?" Jasen asked, his voice as rough as he felt now that he had released the Void. The boy turned around, and looked Jasen straight in the eyes. "I was told to ask for the Mistress of Novices." Jasen laughed. "So you want to see Thera then, do you lad. Well, I think we can help you out with that wish. Might regret meeting her later on, but I'll take you to her."

 

Jasen motioned for the new arrival to fall in behind him and the two of them began walking down a path. "So boy, do you have a real name or should I just keep calling you boy? Either way is fine with me, but I figured I would ask. What brings your sorry rump to the Yards and why are you so interested in signing up?" Jasen looked over to the nameless young man as they walked, waiting for a response.

[amegakure]

Junoku fell into step at an angle from the man, who seemed pleasent enough, but had a air of death about him. This trouble him abit their were a few Junoku had met that had that, and they well best not thought of. The man asked him for his name and his story.

 

"The name is junoku, and im not even sure what this is, as for my story. Its messy but it ended with a failed assasination attempt." Wallkinng forward some more he soaked in the scene as it laid out before him. He figured this was the military force behind the white tower which he had always just believed to be make believe.

 

He guessed that the man was referring to signing up as a warder but he thought it best not to let on how much he knew. He kept the slightly astounded look on his face even though he barely let hiss eyes rest one the sparring. He was looking for escape routes and hiding places. He did not yet know the intention of this white tower as a whole and this warder thing seemed a bit foolish.

 

There was also the matter with his uncle that took a portion of his thoughts. He wonder what he would do about that. Or if their was much to do. It seemed that the sucession had been sucessfull and he doubted they would follow him out here. Looking around he noticed they had entered the tower and had finally approached their destination.

[devon]

"An assassination attempt, eh? What are you, some kind of Prince? No matter, if you have titles outside the Tower they don't really matter here. In fact, most here won't give a lick about your past here in the Guard. We have farmer's leading companies and Lords digging ditches. We care about who you are and not what you were. So as long as you walk in the Light, you'll find a warm welcome here." Jasen led the young man forward, out of the Yards and into one of the barracks that dotted the place. This one was much quieter than most of them, for it held the offices of the commanders. No one in their right mind would voluntarily want to come here, for not only could you find yourself face to face with officers, a situation that usually ended in disaster, but this particular barracks connected to the Tower, so there was alway the off chance that you could bump into an Aes Sedai. Jasen wasn't afraid of Aes Sedai, far from it, but like everyone in the Guard he knew it was always a wise idea to keep your head down when near them. Things...happened near Aes Sedai, and if Jasen had learned anything in his years soldering it was that the key to long life was to avoid excitement as much as possible.

 

The two of them walked through the halls for a few minutes, passing unmarked doors and unlighted torches in their holders. There were no tapestries or rugs in the barracks, just gray stone, and so your journey often seemed more ominous then it truly was. But it was wasn't long until they reached the right door, with the black iron handle. Jasen rapped on the door with his knuckles and looked over at Junoku and motioned for him to listen. "when you go in there, be respectful. The Mistress doesn't like rudeness. Tell her name and your purpose here at the Tower and answer any questions she has truthfully. She will know if your lying. Don't know how she does it but she will know. Other than that, good luck lad." banging on the door again, Jasen shouted out "Mistress! We got another one for you." The door slid open slowly, and a strong voice came out. "Send him in."

[amegakure]

Junoku listened to the man as he spoke of breaking off all alliances and starting at the bottem of the totem pole. He didn't say anything as he spoke just let it drift in. He guessed he could use his own talents for this new agenda until the time came and he would advenge his uncle. He still remember what he had seen out in the yard. The gliding forms of the men that was a dance of death. The way the sun glimmered on the steel blades and the continous clang being the only sounds interupting the silence.

 

He saw the door open of his own accord moments after the sergeant hammer his massive hands against the wood. He inbedded this accorance into his mind, thinking it wise to know the full extent of these marvelous women. For unlike most dark societies his uncle incouragged women who handle the darkness to participate in underworld activities.

 

So Junoku had great respect for women who deserved it. He heard the voice echo out of the room. "Send Him in." Walkin in he heared the door swing shut. The women studied him for a few moments, eyes like a hawk, strong and unyielding. Kneeling he lowed his hood and bbowed his head, which was custom, he waited for here to speak first and ask him his buisness. To his surprise she told him to stand in a cool, raspy voice.

 

"What is your name child, and why have you come." Standing, slightly unsure of himself, he told her his name and the story that had transpired. Knowing she unlike the guard would be interested in knowing the background of a new man who walk her yards. He waited glad that he had been taught the trick to keep the heat from his mind. He's eyes traveled to each shadow as if waiting soldiers who wanted his execution made would spring forth. It seemed like hours before she spoke but she ffinaly did.

[devon]

Arms beneath her breasts, Thera stared down the prospective Trainee. She had heard hundreds of stories in her time, but this was by far one of the most outlandish ones. But...she didn't think the young man was lying to her, at least not about all of it. She watched as his eyes flew all over the room, never resting on one spot form ore than a few seconds. This one has seen some things if his nerves are racing this much here. I'm going to have to keep my eyes on him, make sure there isn't something darker lurking within. Standing up, she pushed the Trainee ledger towards him. "Well, that sure is an interesting story Junoku. When you are ready to tell me the entire truth of the matter, you know where to find me. But in the meantime, if you want to join up, make your mark in the book and let's get started." The young man grabbed the pen nearest to him and scribbled something on the paper in front of him. Thera couldn't tell if he could actually write or was just making some scratches, but she didn't really care. While some Browns would argue with her, in Thera's experience the sword was always mightier than the pen.

 

Grabbing her sword belt, she put it on as she moved around the desk. "Grab your things trainee, I don't have all day to deal with you. It's time we get you outfitted and ready to work." she quick marched out of the room, causing Junoku to have to catch up with her. They moved through the halls, arriving outside the stone barracks and once more into the sunlight. Thera shaded her eyes against the harsh light, looking over her domain. Trainees to her right were working the forms with instructors and to her left more advanced students dueled with one another. To her eyes, there was nothing quite as perfect as the sight of youth going through the process of becoming adults. But there was one trainee who was not working with the others, slinking off on the sides, avoiding work. She didn't even have to see his face to know exactly who was ruining her vision of a perfect Yard. "Tristan! Report here on the double!" the young man jumped and sprinted over. "Avoiding our lessons, are we Tristan? Don't answer that. You will fall in with us to help out our newest recruit Junoku. Follow us to the armory."

 

The group made their way to another stone building, just as featureless as the first. Inside however, the place was enormous, like the warehouses you would find near the docks. But instead of grain and other goods, this building bristled with weapons, armor, and uniforms. Thera pointed to the uniforms and sent Tristan to grab several that would fit Junoku. He ran off as Thera looked over to the newest trainee. "All right, Junoku. The single most important thing a Warder or a Tower Guard needs is their weapon. I want you to go through and find yours. Don't ask me how you will know which blade is right for you, because I don't know. For most, they just know when they find it. Go through and the various weapons and come back your blade. We will wait here for you."

[amegakure]

Junoku cursed to himself. How had she know that he had left out his other task in the streets. He hadn't even hinted toward his assasination work. He had no time to think for she was out the door in the blink of in eye. He caught up swiftly and as elequantly as a dancer. Keeping to the shadows as much as possible. They walked out into the yard and the woman survey what stood before her.

 

She barked an order to a man who seemed to not be doing anything and he came over. She told him to accompany them to the armoury and then begin his training. The walked aways and came up to a building of decent size when they enter, junoku grinned. Hopping no one saw his face from within the hood. His white hair covered half his face in the wind so he thought he was good, its best not to let people see your emotions.

 

He couldn't quite believe all the weapons and armour that was laid out before Him. The woman told him to go and find his Blade. He didn't know how to just pick one but he didn't ask about how many he ccould pick. He took all of the knives in his person save for his inhertince dagger. He saw a multitude of knives which he simply put bak into his hidden sheaths. It was the finest workmanship he had ever seen.

 

He went onto the see the shields which he quickly put back not liking how it inhibited his movement. Then he went to the swords, he nvr had much use for a sword for they were not preferred for assasination. But that life was over, brushing his hair bak he pick up a heavy claymore. He swung it a few time but couldn't realistically see himself fighting like with it due to his slender frame. He saw a short sword practically a dagger and instantly felt the need for the sword. But due to it size he would need another weapon. Looking around his breath caught in his throat. He walked towards the wall were hung two black scimitars. With a silver steel edge. Instead of a flat back it was all sharp curves and edges. He new it was an exotic pair of blades due to the style of work. He picked them up noticing the left hand blade was shorter than the right. It was for speed instead of power which the right compensated it.

 

He new he must have them taking them and picking out a dual sheath which fight on his back. He put the dagger strung across his waist. He held the cloak in his arms and went to see what the woman thought of his Choices...

[devon]

Thera watched as Junoku collected his weapons. He stopped at several different blades, some exotic, others not so much. Other military groups told their members what weapons to carry, but the Tower did things a little differently. While the men and the women of the Guard still had to know how to fight conventional battles with swords and shields, they allowed their members the freedom to choose their fighting style. After practicing against everything the world had to offer, you could not find better duelists anywhere else. She watched as Junoku's eyes hovered over a pair of scimitars. Interesting choice. Those will make facing him quite a challenge.

 

Junoku returned to where Thera was standing. She eyed him up and down. "Well now, we shall have to find you a special teacher to wield those blades. Perhaps someone from Arafel, they often use two swords in combat. And those knives, handy in a fight, more so in the shadows. I am sure you will have no trouble mastering them. But enough talk. I need to figure out just how skilled you really are. I doubt you know the forms, so I think we will need to try something different. Tristan, here!" The young man ran over, arms full of clothes. "Both of you, outside, now!"

 

The group went outside, both of the trainees carrying their items. Thera walked over to one of the barrels where training swords. She grabbed three bunches of lathes out. She handed one to Tristan and two of them to Junoku. "The two of you are going to show me what you have. I want you to duel one another until I tell you to stop. Begin!" Thera stood back as the two young men charged and their weapons clashed.

[amegakure]

Junoku felt the gaze of the women linger on him as he selcted his weapons and as he turned she made no to hide her stare. She spoke of finding a teacher for fighting with two weapons, and his choice of knives. Of course there good from the shadows, but the dagger she made no mention of, it in itself was a weapon of death. And the only one he could use to defend agaisnt a sword.

 

The to his astonishment she suddenly ordered them to duel. He was bewildered and stunned, he barely had time to dodge the first swing by fallling into a roll. He wiped two knives toward Tristan and watched as they were cut down. But he already thrown another one the grazed the mans arm. It made no difference it seemed, the man swung again, twirling he flung cloak up to wrap up the blade. In the nxt second he brought his dagger across the mans face. Or so he thought. Tristian had his blade in mid swing to intercept the blade. His arm jolted as if it had been stuck into a forged. He hised with pain, and let another dagger fly and swung again. Then with a burst of speed tristan stepped in and brought his blade up disarming him and brought the adge of his blade to his throat.

 

Namo smiled, did he think he would accept defeat. He didn't play fair, they were trying to kill him. With the knive already in his hand he let its precence be known on the mans stomach. He felt the man tense, but in all reality junoku was beaten and this stung his pride. Withdrawing the knive he waited till he heard the women say stop to walk away.

[devon]

"Enough!" Thera yelled, storming over to the now still pair of trainees. Tristan stepped back and Thera grabbed his stave. She approached Junoku, whipping her practice sword and the young man's legs. Junoku collapsed as his knee was hit from behind. "Let this be a lesson to you. Tristan here only recently joined the Yards and even he defeated you easily. Whatever you were before, whatever skills you thought you had, are meaningless now. But that can all change. If you listen to your teachers and don't let old habits stand in the way of your education, I see within you the potential to become a great swordsmen. Your refusal to back down is a trait we cannot teach. Tristan, you may go back to your lessons. Junoku, you will come with me."

 

Thera motioned for Junoku to grab his gear and to fall in. The two walked in silence for several minutes before Thera disturbed the peace. "Junoku, I saw a great deal of potential in you today. You have great balance and appear to already have skill using a weapon with both hands. You could be one of our greatest assets in the years to come. But if I ever see you pull cold steal on another trainee again, I will see you beaten and thrown to the sisters for judgement. There will be a time and a place for getting your hands on real weapons in the future, but until we deem you ready you are only to use practice weapons when dealing with another person. Do I make myself clear?" A quick nod told her that he understood.

 

They eventually arrived at the trainee barracks. Thera led them to a large room filled with several beds and chests. It was cramped, but not uncomfortable, with a window to let in a breeze and a chair for contemplation. She pointed to the bed at the far left, and told Junoku to set down his things. "Your first day is done. Get some food, some sleep and make yourself ready for tomorrow, when your training will officially begin. You belong to us now." With that, Thera swept out of the room, leaving Junoku alone to think about the day.

 

OOC. All right, one last post by you and your Welcome Thread is all complete!

[amegakure]

The back of his legs stung as he walked off. Heavy thoughts weighed on his mind, they soiled the excitement that came from the majestic atmosphere of the White tower. He had never felt guilt on pulling steal on another man. Young in his years he maybe but the edge of his blades had collected many drops of blood. This would be an entirely new experience for him. Life would be different, no more killing, fear, constant vigilance against thieves and rival gangs.. Sighing he made his way to the kitchens, The food would calm his nerves and give him something to fuel his anxious thoughts.

 

Thera had spoken harshly on his actions, but there had been approval and almost pride on a subconscious level. She had noticed beyond his act of violence to the base concept. Perseverance, an idea that few new so young in there years. It was an easy concept for him to wrap his head around, in fact if one did not they would die very young in the streets. There was no justice, mercy, or kindness. Even among comrade there was always the hint of greed and jealousy. This were the imperfections of the human race and only the wisest of men could learn to control them. As such, he had never felt any qualm about sacrificing the needs of others for his own gains. He above most had some morals, but he had buried them to survive.

 

The food gave him a new warmth, filling him up and almost taking the sting away. Almost. Grimacing he stood and went to the yards, he would find someone to train him today... the suns light was still moon high and many hours still lingered. There was so much he had to learn and would be content to just watch the men sparring if none were available. Sleep what a ridiculous notion. This darkness was was not sleeping and neither would he. Training with these two swords was all that would consume his heart. Just looking at them gave him a joy like none he had ever experience. They beckoned to him, inviting him to grasp hold of them silk wrapped handles. They would never fail him as long as he stayed true to them. It was as if they were apart of his soul. He smiled looking up towards the heavons, his uncle was there looking down on him, this sense of peace was knew and it was just a thought but he was sure his uncle would be proud of the man he would become.