A Night for New Stars [attn Trads - Green Ajah Political RP]

[Sirayn]

Ooc: 999 NE, post Dumai’s Wells, covering the resignation of our previous Ajah Head & the beginning of the resulting political conflict. Present at this initial meeting should be Tiassale Sedai, Halvie Sedai & (with permission) Alyria al’Vire as Alyria Sedai.

 

: : : : The stars had not yet begun their nightly procession across skies of black velvet & only the subtlest sheen of twilight still remained across halls now marble quiet and empty when the news came. It started first as a whisper on the still air; a sense of stirring excitement; even from the solitary confines of their own quarters a wakeful sister might have heard a scatter of steps upon the flag stones outside, a murmur in hushed tones, as the message spread like wild fire across those grand halls. For those watchful folk who had long sensed currents about them perhaps this was only the confirmation of long held suspicion. For others, at a single stroke all the foundations they depended on were cut away beneath them leaving only an uncertain future. Little did any of them suspect the response which had been plotted for just this circumstance many months in advance & which only now was coming to pass.

 

: : : : Outwardly the dark door was much like others along the same hall but a sister with good contacts might suspect that behind it in those severe quarters lay a great deal more knowledge than its occupant admitted to having. It was from here, as from the centre of a spider’s great web, that plans had been laid; here one might come for information … should one be daring enough to disturb its peace … although for all of those who asked there was a price. Tonight more than ever this dark door held its usual imposing look and few of those who crossed these white corridors, in increasing numbers now, dared to linger there. Still only whispers stirred beneath the serene light of rising stars & the smallest look or word between two sisters in public, on this night fraught with significance, sparked further speculation.

 

: : : : It was a matter of great frustration to Sirayn Sedai once she recognised that the tumult she had been waiting for these past weeks had finally come to pass; that at first despite the pivotal role she planned to play later on all she could do was wait and listen for confirmation. Being held to silence chafed at her. Long in advance she had prepared certain of those properly placed in the chain of intrigue to report to her, in the event of this occurring, and even in this first hour so much could go wrong that she burned for solid information; just a note, that was all she needed, to distort the reality that she had been ready for this long ago & make it look more as if she was as stunned as anyone else; then and only then could she begin to place her pawns about the board where they were most needed.

 

: : : : Finally came scuffling steps, the long awaited knock on her door. Quickly she rose and went to greet her caller; notes passing hands, a swift exchange of words; then closing herself back into her quarters. Now everything could be put into motion that she had imagined all those weeks ago. Summoned to her side were those few friends and supporters whom she trusted to be part of her machinations: just a handful of names but each rich with meaning for her. About her she had gathered the subtlest and most cunning of her generation and the ones below it. It was these folk more than anyone on whom she depended for support. Let them be true this night. Even the smallest hesitation could mean failure … and failure, for those engaged in this task, could have severe consequences.

 

Sirayn Sedai

Sister of the Battle Ajah

 

Andular brought her the note, sealed with a green wax so dark it was nearly black. With barely a glance at the parchment he pushed open the door to her study but Tiassale was deeply engrossed in yet another massive tome she’d wheedled out of the Brown Sisters and did not hear him approach.

 

He tucked the letter in his belt and struck flint to steel and lit several candles scattered amidst the books and parchments of her desk. She glanced up then, blinking owlishly.

 

“You’ll ruin your eyes reading in the dark,†he teased and handed her the missive.

 

She studied it for a moment before sliding a nail beneath the wax. Freshly sealed by the smell and written in Sirayn Sedai’s hand. Wistfully she glanced at the book again and sighed. Behind her the fireplace, empty and cold a moment before suddenly flared to life and she tossed the note to the flames and stood. The book could not be left unattended. Carefully she wrapped it in a length of wool, hissing slightly as an edge crumbled a bit. As tenderly as if she were carrying a babe she placed it in the false bottom of her desk drawer and for extra precaution added a rather nasty ward.

 

“You know who sent the note.†It was not a question and he did not answer, only grunted and followed her into the bedchamber where she rummaged amidst her gowns for her shawl. Normally such affectations were beyond her notice, in point of fact she never wore her formal shawl unless….Unless one is summoned before the Captain General.

 

Andular sprawled on the bed, watching as she fussed with the shawl and debated changing, dismissing the idea almost immediately. The shawl would have to do.

 

“You look as if your armoring for a battle, Tia.†His tone was light but his eyes were not.

 

“Perchance I may be, at the least a council of war, so to speak†she leaned across him and kissed him lightly on an unshaven cheek, “I shall be back before dawn I would hope.â€

 

“An escort perhaps?â€

 

She shook her head, “I believe I can find my way to the end of the hall, love.â€

 

Which lay empty save for servants scurrying up and down the corridor, dipping and curtsying as she passed. Sirayn’s apartments were not far but Tiassale walked slowly, giving herself time to marshal her thoughts. And her arguments. When she finally knocked upon Sirayn’s door her face and eyes were expressionless.

 

Tiassale Sedai

Battle Sister

Bonded to Andular Rojvas

 

Alyria had been walking the tower grounds as of late. Sleeping had become quite an issue for her: her thoughts kept rolling back to where she was. She was uneasy about something but could not put her finger on it. Walking through the garden late at night, often helped her to solve most of her problems. The evening dew was just starting to settle on the flowers as she wandered through them. She found herself stilling her fingers from tapping lightly on her lips: it was a habit she was trying to break, but without much avail.

 

She headed back to her chambers, feeling refreshed from the cool night air. How long had it been since she felt at ease with her surroundings? She felt that slow itch start between her shoulder blades, the one that meant she was restless and needed a small change about herself. When she had been a novice, it was easy enough to get rid of: she could act like a child and get into some sort of trouble.

 

As she arrived at her chambers, forehead furrowed in thought, she realized there was a person standing at her door waiting. She felt the itch suddenly stop as the messenger handed her a piece of parchment and took off down the hall. Alyria slipped the missive quickly into her pocket and entered her room, locking the door behind her.

 

She took off her green silk cloak, laying it gently on the bed. Walking over to her sitting room, she lit a fire and sat in the chair to read. Turning the note over, she saw that it had been freshly sealed in the darkest green imaginable. Alyria smiled, she knew exactly who this was from.

 

Sliding her nail under the wax, she read the missive, first once, and then again. She dropped the note into the flames of the fire as she walked into her room ro change quickly. Dressing in a light lavender gown, accented with small green flowers, Alyria donned her shawl, quickly combed through her hair, and headed down the hallway.

 

She moved quickly, gliding down the hall. She smoothed the furrows of thought out of her forehead as she reached Sirayn Sedai's door. Giving a quick but firm knock, she made her face as blank as she could, looking down into Sira's eyes when she opened the door. She saw Tiassale was already in the room and began to wonder what would unfold from this meeting.

 

Alyria Sedai

Battle Sister

 

Ooc: Catch up when you’re up for it Halvie. No pressure. :)

 

Half a hundred candles placed about the room cast a soft and guttering light across her quarters; softening harsh planes, colouring severe shades to warmth, lit through with red and gold. By the time sisters started arriving everything had been pushed back to the walls leaving only an assortment of chairs before the great stone hearth. Many thousands of years past their distant ancestors had gathered in much the same way seated about a clear space where anyone daring enough might prove themselves … as those with some idea of history might recognise. Before the leaded glass window lit by a delicate flow of starlight she presented an image of composure as the fire burned behind her and time inched onward.

 

By the time the candle had burned down a quarter mark the first tap at her door heralded an arrival. Quickest on the scene proved to be her old mentee Tiassale for whom she had such illustrious plans. If she judged correctly, and the coming days would show clear enough whether her assessment of the situation was as sharp as she liked to think it was, it might be that Tiassale could serve them in a far greater capacity. Dismissing all such concerns for a moment Sirayn greeted the other woman warmly and welcomed her in; a brief enough show considering their long and shared history but telling from one so cold. Idly she observed the woman she and her sister had mentored together imagining her as Ajah Head, as their new and fabled leader, guided only by herself. It was a tempting image. Tiassale had wits and the determination to make a success of the job. Backed by the faction she herself intended to assemble, the Far Madding woman would make a formidable Captain General.

 

But those matters would be reserved for later when all had gone successfully tonight. Soon one by one those sisters whom she had made part of her coalition gathered to her summons. Close observation had permitted her to select the most promising from younger generations and bind them to her … should they be willing, of course … should they have judged that her service meant better opportunities for them, more skills to learn, sights to see that outweighed the danger and inconvenience of working with her. The brightest stars among these Sirayn knew as thoroughly as the battered books stacked around her quarters. Tiassale Sedai, already named; the devious Halvie from whom she expected so much; young Alyria al’Vire, so strong willed and so cunning. From these links she intended to forge a great chain.

 

Once everyone had gathered the firelight and shadow drew them close together on this tumultuous night. Rare was the occasion on which she spoke as bluntly as she meant to do tonight and it was an opportunity to make the most of. Brief words passed between them and the youngest sister present, as protocol instructed, warded them away from all listeners. She looked between their composed faces, the Battle Ajah’s best soldiers, soon to be the heart of a new executive if she played her cards right, and the equal determination she read in them solved any fears she might have had.

 

Possibly they staked their careers on this gamble. She herself knew beyond conviction that whoever stood against her would be exiled from the white city; not a hint of dissension would she permit in the new regime she intended to raise. Caution therefore dictated that their opponents would not hesitate to do the same to them … or more likely, just her. And this was a game so new to her that it was frightening; the only one in which she could hold her own crippled and battered as she was. Yet for all this, Sirayn held a fragile certainty that the small council she had assembled would prove true. “Thank you all for attending me this evening.†She kept her tones cool betraying no hint of feeling; at no point could she be seen to be anything less than decided. “Many of you have known for some time that this summons would come. Let me confirm the rumours you may have heard. Taya Gille has announced her resignation as Captain General. The Battle Ajah is leaderless tonight.â€

 

Any fear that might have been shown at the news that they were now a lost ship, with no captain to guide them, among the shifting seas of this dark year came and went without comment. For once she kept her grey gaze steady and did not note the most minute changes in those about her; in a troubled hour they all deserved their secrets. “Let no woman here be in doubt. This is a moment we have been preparing toward for some months. Sisters, you are attending a council of war! Make no mistake, though we shall not raise a hand against our sisters for they are not our enemy, we cannot hesitate to seize our chance; for we are the only ones who can guide this Tower through the Last Battle and beyond.

 

“No more will we be a power in waiting, known only in intrigue and conspiracy, where a whisper is all we dare make. In this room we have enough wit, cunning and ambition to take control of this Ajah openly at last. This month we raise an Ajah Head of our choosing from among our number here today and we will see them become great. And when Tarmon Gai’don takes us all by storm, we will be on the front lines, and we will lead the defence of the Tower … and the Light.â€

 

Sirayn Símeone-Damodred

Sister of the Battle Ajah

 

“Thank you all for attending me this evening. Many of you have known for some time that this summons would come. Let me confirm the rumours you may have heard. Taya Gille has announced her resignation as Captain General. The Battle Ajah is leaderless tonight.†Sirayn said calmly.

 

Alyria felt the breathe catch in her throat. She did not make a sound, her face remain the perfect picture of composure. She felt eyes upon her as Sirayn looked them all over, no doubt looking for any signs of weakness. Alyria tried hard to remain still and unchanged by her news, but knew she would find something to pick up on. 'Leaderless at a time like this? How can she walk away like that?' Alyria turned her attention back to the woman speaking.

 

“Let no woman here be in doubt. This is a moment we have been preparing toward for some months. Sisters, you are attending a council of war! Make no mistake, though we shall not raise a hand against our sisters for they are not our enemy, we cannot hesitate to seize our chance; for we are the only ones who can guide this Tower through the Last Battle and beyond. Alyria felt the conviction of Sira's words deep in her bones. She was right; the Green Ajah was the only one who could lead the tower through whole. They would stand beside the Dragon, in his defense and support, fighting side by side with him when the day came. Alyria watched the others out of the corner of her eyes, seeing the response there.

 

“No more will we be a power in waiting, known only in intrigue and conspiracy, where a whisper is all we dare make. In this room we have enough wit, cunning and ambition to take control of this Ajah openly at last. This month we raise an Ajah Head of our choosing from among our number here today and we will see them become great. And when Tarmon Gai’don takes us all by storm, we will be on the front lines, and we will lead the defence of the Tower … and the Light.†Alyria gave a small nod at the woman, knowing they were on the same page. She sat there for a moment, letting what Sira was proposing sink in. She felt excitement take over her eyes when she realized she was speaking out loud.

 

"You are proposing that between the 4 of us, we take over the Ajah and lead the Tower through the greatest battle of all time. Raise one of us to the Ajah Head position, and us that as our way of taking over the Ajah. It is a great plan and an even better idea." Alyria looked away from the picture that was holding her attention. She looked into Sira's eyes and continued. "You know as well as I do Sira, the Ajah Head has plenty of say in what goes on within the Ajah itself, and is the most respected position, yet they all have eventually bent to the will of the Ajah itself. How do you propose first of all, that one of us is raised to the position, second, how will we use that position without bending to every nuance of the Ajah itself, and third, lead the Tower itself through the Last Battle? It will not be easy with the fighting that the Ajahs are doing with each other."

 

She watched the expression that was on Sira's face, waiting for it to change with Alyria's words.

_________________

Alyria Al'Vire

Mentee to Tiassale Morobin

Mentor to Taei Mirel

 

“Let no woman here be in doubt. This is a moment we have been preparing toward for some months. Sisters, you are attending a council of war! Make no mistake, though we shall not raise a hand against our sisters for they are not our enemy, we cannot hesitate to seize our chance; for we are the only ones who can guide this Tower through the Last Battle and beyond.

 

“No more will we be a power in waiting, known only in intrigue and conspiracy, where a whisper is all we dare make. In this room we have enough wit, cunning and ambition to take control of this Ajah openly at last. This month we raise an Ajah Head of our choosing from among our number here today and we will see them become great. And when Tarmon Gai’don takes us all by storm, we will be on the front lines, and we will lead the defence of the Tower … and the Light.â€

 

Sirayn’s words seemed to obliterate the room, casting it in shadow and sending it spinning out of control. This is it, Tia thought to herself, heart pounding. What better time for the Shadow to make its move ~ whilst its hardiest opponent lay in shambles searching for a leader.

 

There were very few women who could handle the reigns of the Battle Ajah and steer it in the direction it needed to go. In fact as she ran them through her head Tiassale could count them off on one hand. Kaylan Sedai and Vairine Sedai had been absent from the Tower for several years each, though she would put it past neither of them to show up at the last second and sweep the spot away from any other contenders. Within the Tower that left Jaydena Sedai, Viviane Sedai (who was completely unacceptable in Tia’s view) and perhaps Tiassale herself, though some events in the distant past had set several Sisters at odds with her, not to mention her opposition to the alliance with the Reds. And…..blinking in surprise Tia’s absent gaze finally settled once more on Sirayn….of course….Sirayn Simeone-Damodred.

 

Alyria spoke into the heavy silence that had decended on the room, "You are proposing that between the 4 of us, we take over the Ajah and lead the Tower through the greatest battle of all time. Raise one of us to the Ajah Head position, and us that as our way of taking over the Ajah. It is a great plan and an even better idea. You know as well as I do Sira, the Ajah Head has plenty of say in what goes on within the Ajah itself, and is the most respected position, yet they all have eventually bent to the will of the Ajah itself. How do you propose first of all, that one of us is raised to the position, second, how will we use that position without bending to every nuance of the Ajah itself, and third, lead the Tower itself through the Last Battle? It will not be easy with the fighting that the Ajahs are doing with each other."

 

Tiassale cast Alyria a warning glance, one of us? Though she had soared through her initiation and classes, achieving full Battle status more quickly and efficiently than most Alyria was too young to considered for the post of Captain General..unless. Was Sirayn searching for a puppet whose strings she could pull as she wished? That might explain her own presence at this meeting.

 

She tipped her head, green eyes considering, “I think perhaps Sirayn had a different plan in mind, Alyria. Not one of us so much as one of our choosing, our…values. But you bring up an excellent point.â€

 

She turned to Halvie Sedai beside her, “Why not one of us? In fact why not the one person in this room who might be the final hope for the Battle Ajah, the Light, for humanity itself?â€

 

Her gaze swung back to Sirayn, no longer thoughtful but decided and perhaps a bit calculating. “I propose we throw our support behind Sirayn Simeone-Damodred. It is time, Sirayn. Time for you take your rightful place.â€

 

Tiassale Morobin

Green Sister

Bonded to Andular Rojvas

 

OOC: I apologize if Kyle has tweaked Alyria’s timeline so she isn’t “young†in Tia’s view any longer, I checked and she wasn’t listed – I can edit as needed. When perusing that timeline I couldn't come up with another reason why Kay wouldnt be considered, other than absence - again, willing to edit if needed.