Winter leaving

[tismeb4u]

A cold and blustery north east wind blew down out of Dragonmount and across the short expanse of land to lay siege on Tar Valon. It's icy edge bit through clothes, tore at flags and swirled the freshly fallen snow in white twisting funnels. Lead window casements that had rattled most of the night still danced to the winds guidance as Corin sat at the writing desk in his room. Today would be a very new experience for some of the trainees that would be venturing out on his little training exercise. For others it would be a reminder that they did not know as much as they had once believed. Winter survival training was not a preferred course Corin wanted to teach. But it meant that he would be able to escape the tower and certain occupants for a brief time; a time he desperately needed to try and find a reason to the madness that had consumed his life.

 

 

Dreams still keep restful slumber at bay some days, though its anyone's guess which one will occupy my minds stage. With luck the change of bed and time outside these walls will help to bring back that elusive prey I hunt fruitlessly for in the dark. To sleep as I once did before coming to Tar Valon and it's blessed White Tower will be a grand and glorious day. But for now I will settle with the simpler things; a hearty winter storm and a gaggle of wet nose trainees to keep my mind occupied. May the Creator watch over these young souls as we depart, for it is only in his hand through the wheels weaving shall we return without lose.

 

 

Carefully he cleaned the quill and sanded the writing he had added to his journal, blotting the ink carefully to ensure it was dry before the pages were closed. A habit he had taken up during his correspondence lessons with Sirayn. He kept the journal safe from eyes and knowledge of others. But even so anything of great importance to him was either never added to the book or encrypted in such a manner a hundred meaning could be conceived from the words.

 

His pack sat on the end of his bed; the flickering flame of his desk candle cast a floating light over it's dark oiled surface. He had packed it hours ago when he had first risen to prepare for the day's travel and the beginning of a new adventure for those he would be taking with him. He had gone over the plan several times with the Tower Guard who was accompanying him with this rag tag group of trainees. It was a comfort to know one of his own would be at his side during this trial. Shawn had proven his worth several times and Corin trusted him with his life. The winter storm brewing outside would help to make this more real to the trainees, but could easily become that if they were not careful. All the more reason it was good to have added hands along. Corin looked over the roster one last time to ensure he had memorized every name on the list. He would be responsible for those souls shortly and wanted to ensure he knew them; conversations on the trip would fill in their pasts.

 

Stuffing the journal deep into an inner pocket of his pack Corin took a moment to take one last look around his quarters to ensure that he had everything he was going to need. Moistening his finger tips he put out the flame on the top of the tallow candle plunging the room into darkness. Why is it that darkness seems to offer such comfort? Stepping out Corin was forced to keep a strong hold of the door while the wind worked to slam it open and fill the room with a dusting of snow. Reaching into his fur lined tunic he drew out a pair of gloves and pulled them in place as he began to walk out into the open yard to await his traveling party. He did not have to stand there long with the wind whipping the end of his winter cloak around as if to tear it from his body before his second in command of this expedition arrived.

 

Shawn also looked dressed for the trip and lightly packed. It took more energy for even the simplest things in the deep cold of winter. Those that did not pack correctly would fine fatigue grabbing hold earlier. Corin offered Shawn a smile as the man moved to stand next to him facing the space where a group of trainees would soon stand. There was no need for words, simple looks spoke what was needed as they stood in the open dark yard and waited. Weather still tried to bury anything that did not move in a drift of snow. A faint twinging of light should be painting the eastern horizon my now but the storm held that weak light at bay; drove snow across the eyes of the two lone figures in the yard as the wind bit into bare flesh. Come children it's time to play.

[TaeaDawn]

Light, how he hated the cold. Really, what had he been thinking when he signed up for a winter survival class? He'd been thinking if he ever did need to survive he needed to know more. And considering what it was he was undertaking, it was starting to look more and more likely that some day he would actually make it into a battle and into the World in hostile situations. It was time to start learning everything he could.

 

A part of him wondered how much he would already know. He had spent his whole life travelling and the winter was no stop to trade. In fact in the winter was where they were needed the most. They had travelled on through storm and snow, hail, rain, and slush, always reaching the place they had promised they would. His father had always said storms were bad for trade, but a broken word was even worse. But that travel had always been with the caravan and they had been bogged down with winter gear. How would he fare on his own, with only what he had packed and what he could forage?

 

It was something he was determined to find out today. He would do what he could and learn as much as possible. He walked out of the barracks to where he had been told to meet the others. He smiled warmly at one of the Guards. Shawn had been one of the first he had met in the Training Yards and had made him feel welcome when he had still been feeling abandoned by his family. The other he knew only by reputation so he nodded his head deeply in way of greeting.

 

"Ursana Tahn Sakhr, reporting as ordered." He added in case the other man didn't know him, and as always, to see if there was a reaction to the name he shared with a Blademaster.

 

[Seiaman]

Coraman looked out of the window, watching the flakes fall from the sky. If it weren't for the howling wind and the shuddering trees, she would've thought winter a peaceful season. She watched night turn into false dawn - it wouldn't be too long before she set out to meet the others for the winter survival course. Cairma felt that she should learn how to survive in the wilderness in the midst of a harsh cold day - but to Coraman, it was no different than the streets. But her mentor insisted that it required entirely different set of skills to survive in the wilderness. Especially in the midst of winter.

 

Her thoughts strayed to Seiaman, the woman had been acting strangely as of late. In her recent visits, which was at least twice a week, the woman gave her foster daughter an extra purse of coins and beckoned her to go off in town and have some fun. On a few nights, she left but then snuck back into her rooms - in a way, to try to piece together the complicated puzzle that consisted of her foste rmother. Words floated through a hole through her floor - that was when she learned of the hole that laid between the hidden library room and her quarters. Sight was void of information but her ears heartily grasped the words that came her way. A strange woman's voice pierced the silence. "So you'll tell everyone that you're going to Ebou Dar?" Something shuffled. "Yes. It is known I have family there and that my father is well beyond his years. Has the arrangements been made?" Silence. "I have not heard from my acquaintances in the area - as soon as we receive the word, you will know it's been done. A question, though. All this for one of them? For a woman who scorned you and burned you?" Coraman kept her gasp quiet but a knock came through the hidden library's door and the conversation was abruptly dead. An instinct within her told her it was time to go. And through the window, she disappeared into the winter's black cloak.

 

A figure crossed the Yards - followed by another shortly afterwards. Cairma had told her it would be Corin Danveer would be overseeing the survival course and she was instantly intrigued as she had heard the story of the spar between him and his foster mother. She wondered if he knew of her relations with Seiaman and at the same time, Cora had to wonder just what was behind the man's eyes. She picked up her sack, packed lightly as advised by her mentor. As a child from the street, she never knew how to dress appropriately in the winter. But Coraman only packed what she thought she'd needed. She stepped out in the frigid cold and headed towards the pair, now standing in wait - she wrapped a scarf around her head, leaving only her eyes seen. "Ursana Tahn Sakhr, reporting as ordered." She could barely hear the other over the wind. A few steps later, she fell into line. "Coraman, reporting as ordered."

[Asfaloth]

The Yard was covered in s layer of snow. Shawn hated it. In Shawn's opinion, winter was the worst possible time of the year to be outside. Having grown up on the Southern coast of the continent he'd never even seen snow until he traveled to Tar Valon. Now, eight years later, he still hated the stuff as much as the first time he saw it. Snow was good for one thing only, and that was being looked at from inside next to a nice warm fire. But he would not be spending the day inside, or the next few days for that matter. Instead he would be out of the city helping Corin teach some trainees a little winter survival course.

 

His former mentor would be in charge of this little expedition but he knew the safety of the trainees would be just as much his responisbility as Corin's. And he knew that he Corin being in charge or not they would both suffer Ginae's wrath equally if anything happened to the youth that be relying on them for this trip. So, as much as he hated the snow he left his room early to be sure everything was in readiness. He was dressed warmly in multiple layers but had packed very little, only the essentials.

 

Corin was already there when Shawn arrived. They exchanged a look that spoke volumes, not speaking as they both knew how much energy that would waster. All was ready for the trip, now they had only to wait for the trainees to arrive. Ursana was the first and Shawn smiled in greeting to reassure him in the face of Corin's impassiveness. Then a girl joined them and introduced herself as Coraman. The group was shaping up and Shawn was curious to see who else would be joining.

[ashara]

Winter Survival Training, the man had called it. Nerome, could only wonder as to what it held for him. Personally, he didn’t mind the winter. After living in under boiling heat and sun for so many months, he even welcomed the wind that was blowing through the Yard, bringing with it little drops of white that made him stare. His thoughts drifted to the one time he’d seen snow before, on a trip his mother had once sent him for along with his cousins. It had been an experience to say the least. A likeable experience, but he had known little of what to do other than revel in the cold hardness of the snow or let his head ache dully as it had sent him signals that he needed more covering. Rising from his chair, he flung his cloak around his shoulders and left. It felt…different. Rosheen had been the one who had told him it would do him good to join Corin Danveer’s training, claiming the man was a good teacher with a sharp mind. And so Nerome had after which Rosheen had warned him with that he had better arrive on time, lest he wished to cause the whole party or worse even, be left behind. Now that would be embarrassing.

 

She was right of course- he knew nothing about what he was to be taught about. He wondered if he’d be able to adapt to it easily, picturing the possible things they might be introduced to during their outing. He had certainly dressed the best he could for it though and when the insidious wind creeped through his clothing and ran down his back, he was glad he had. In fact, most of what he was carrying was on him, his bag held little. It had been a tip from one of the other Trainees in the Yard, Alric who had lived amidst snow and ice for all his life. He would thank him upon his return, he decided.

 

Nerome was curious as to who he would be with. Anyone he knew? He wondered as he scanned the little group for a familiar face. Sana he knew, he thought with a grin. As for the girl…well, it did not take much to find out a name and a smile. The names Corin and Shawn he knew mainly through the words of others. This was going to be interesting.

 

“Nerome Seshir, reporting as ordered.â€

 

OOC: I am so sorry it took so long and I've kept you waiting! I'd completely forgotten about this thread and hadn't bothered to check the Gaidin boards. :oops: Sorry!

[tismeb4u]

The rag tag group was less then he had expected. It seemed not many felt strong enough to take natures challenge head on and concur it. In a way the thought was slightly disturbing, how many will face the harshness of battle when it counts? But these were recruits; all at various levels of their training. He could not fault anyone for their own choices, but these one's had already gained a healthy amount of his approval.

 

“Embrace the weather that heralds your departure it will be with you for awhile,” his voice was strong as he bellowed out to the small group; the wind trying to steal his words before they could hear them. “You are here to learn to survive in this, it is our responsibility to ensure you return here alive; his hand motioned to Shawn. If you have a pulse when your sorry carcass is brought back here then we have fulfilled our requirements. But for you to fulfill your's you will need to work together and learn together. Everyone comes back, how you come back will depend on how well you learn and work together. We will be leaving by boat; take the time to get to know one another. Your life will depend on it.” He took a moment to look over each member standing before him; to study their eyes with intensity as he spoke. They needed to know he was serious about all of this, what they had signed up for could very well be their last tour.

 

“Shawn! Let's get this rag a muffin group on the move shall we.” He glanced briefly at the man who had once been his mentee. He had earned a strong role in the guard, to a degree this was Corin's way to check on and old pupils progress and if he had come into his own for command. Only the Commander could give a rank of true command to another guard. But still Corin felt each pupil he taught reflected back on his teacher. It was always good to know how you might be represented. Nodding to the other man he watched as he moved the group out toward the gate and the harbor beyond. It was time they caught a boat.

[Asfaloth]

"Right! Fall in everybody and stick close so you don't get lost." Shawn slung his pack across his back and walked off, trusting that the others would follow and knowing without looking back that Corin would take up the rear to ensure none got seperated. This ought to be an interesting trip to say the least. Only three trainees for the two of them to watch over but given the weather the past week or so that was probably a good thing.

 

The started falling again as the left the Yards and the wind was blwoing strong. So strong in fact that Shawn could barely see a few feet in front of his face. Before they were halfway to the docks the weather got even worse. The snow was now falling fast in big huge flakes and the wind was blowing it around, keeping it in the air forever and not letting it settle to the ground. Shawn knew he could find his way to the docks without too much difficulty but he worried about the group losing sight of each other and getting seperated.

 

So he stopped and turned to the trainne behind him. "Pass the word back. I want each of you to keep a hand on the shoulder of the one in front of you so you don't get lost."

 

It took a minute for the message to be passed and then Shawn turned around. Waiting until he felt a hand take a firm grip on his shoulder he continued on. He was going slower now than before, but then that could be forgiven since he couldn't see where he was going. Why did Corin have to pick this day to start their trip? Granted, if they were teaching a survival course it would be best done under the worst circumstances the trainees were likely to see, but still. Oh well, it wasn't his choice but he wasn't going to complain either.

 

Eventually they made it to the docks and Corin spoke to one of the captains, purchasing their passage for this part of their journey. Shawn counted heads to make sure all the trainees had made it then got onboard himself. Not knowing how long they'd have to wait to cast off he leaned against the mast and waited.

[TaeaDawn]

Ursana figured the best way to make sure he didn't get lost was to stick to the front of their small group so he walked quickly behind Shawn, his former teammate. When the other man yelled back to keep their hands on the shoulder of the person in front, he looked back and told the next trainee what to do, then did as instructed, a hand on Shawn's shoulder and the other trainee's on his as they started out again.

 

As they made it to the dock, Sana formed a loose knot with his fellow trainees. There were a lot of things to be said about the Tahn Sakhr's but being unsocialble wasn't one of them. He smiled at the others and shouted over the weather. "Nice day for a trip!"

 

[ashara]

Nerome followed with ease, walking close to the group, but not close enough to feel suffocated. Embrace the weather? In such gusts of wind? He had had his share of winters in Cairhien, but that had been under the protective arms of flames and fireplaces. Certainly not amidst a small group, with their only gear being clothing, and themselves. When they entered the heart of Tar Valon, Nerome welcomed the crowds, the chatter and bustle. For with large crowds, came warmth. Not much, but enough. They were not the only ones leaving the city of course- people of all colours and walks of life were traversing around them, all solely interested in…themselves.

 

The weather steadily worsened as they continued, ultimately leading to Shawn turning around and instructing they kept good grip. Nodding when Sana passed him the instruction, he turned around and repeated the words to Coraman, practically screaming them over the weather. Turning around, he quickly put his hand on Sana’s back. "Nice day for a trip!" Laughing as he heard the other Trainee, Nerome replied as loudly as he could, for there was little sound that would pass over such winds. “I think the Creator is sending us his best wishes!”

[Mashiara]

Vasilis Dameon ran through the yards to get to where Corin had told him he would be. He was late. Corin had warned him that tardiness would be punished, and he hadn't listened. He hardly noticed the snow or the cold. The cold did not bother him, after all he had been raised in Saldaea. This was nothing after seeing sap in the trees burst from the extreme cold. But the wind was as he rembered. That was what chilled him, not the cold. He hoped he had remembered everything. He had left in a hurry when he realized that he was late.

 

He began to make out the figures of people through the snow. He slid to a stop and slightly out of breath said, "I'm here." Corin glanced at him, and he knew that this would be punished, but after the trip.

 

He heard Corin say, “Shawn! Let's get this rag a muffin group on the move shall we.” Vasilis took his place at the back of the group and he saw a man, turn around the say something to the man behind him. He assumed that the man was Shawn. He saw the two in front of him, say something to each other and share and laugh. Then the man in front of him told him to keep his hand on his shoulder so that he didn't get lost. Vasilis did so and shivered slightly when he did. The cold was not so bad, but the wind was horrible. He was not sure if this outing was a good idea after all.

 

OOC: Sorry about posting late and all...tismeb4u thought it would be a good idea if joined in on this.

[tismeb4u]

The wind pulled hard at the wrapping and layers but little touched Corin’s conscience as he followed the rag tag group that Shawn was leading down to the boat. His latest mentee garnished more thought then the weather as he measure the boy once more. Dorian had proved to be more then a handful and he was not about to let another turn to that level of work. Corin would grant him lenience for his tardiness this time. But he would make sure the boy knew it would not be tolerated.

 

Arriving at the dock Corin moved forward to converse with the captain. He had chosen this shallow keeled vessel several weeks ago especially for this trip. He had even arranged the payment then to ensure the captain would be in harbor when he was needed. After a brief discussion of why they should not be out on the water today and why they would be. Corin motioned to the men to load on while he slipped and additional purse to the Captain in passing. This was costing far too much for a training mission, but he was going to make sure they were trained and useful.

 

The men spread out on the deck trying to find a place were the wind might not bite as deep. But there was little cover anywhere on the boat. It had no lower level and the sides were minimal coverage because of their low walls. Stifling a small smile at the scene of the men milling about looking for cover while his eyes sought out one person in particular. Finding him, Corin moved toward the back of the deck where Shawn had located himself.

 

“Thank you again for offering to help me with this group Shawn. The help is greatly appreciated, especially with the warm reception the weather is giving us.” He chuckled and slapped the man lightly on the shoulder. It was comforting to know that at least one of his mentees had made it to the cloak, and that while knowing his place the whole time he had been a trainee. He was proud of the man standing next to him and knew his future would be a bright one in the ranks of the Tower Guard. “We are heading down river about half a days travel by boat. I have already showed the captain where I want him to make landfall. From there I want to head them into the tree line for about a mile. There we will find a small clearing and we can get them setting up camp so we can start this training. The weather and blowing snow should be enough to confuse them as to the exact location and distance back to the river. But to make sure, while you are leading them there add a few turns and legs to the route. Perhaps vary the step pace and speed a little too if you wouldn’t mind. I want to see how wood wise these boys are,” he gave Shawn a quick wink; grin broad on his face before he looked back over the deck toward the scattered group.

 

The boat lurched as the mooring lines were removed and the oars began to move it toward the harbor mouth and the rapid current of fidget waters that would carry them south. Creator and light, keep a safe eye on these boys. They may need your care before this is down. Completing the little prayer he turned his attention back to the conversation with Shawn, his mind continually playing out options. Training had been drilled in to him deep and his mind settled into the comfortable pattern of plans and alternatives to see his group out and back without loss.