Getting Enrolled (Attn MoNster & Mentor)

[Lyanna]

It had taken them quite a while to reach Tar Valon, but since Estel and Nyssa Sedai both were at the end of their recruiting missions, Irina was the only novice-to-be they brought along, which sped their way. Irina had watched jealously each night how one of the sisters would light the campfire with what seemed like a twiddle of their thumbs. No matter how much she pleaded, neither of them were prepared to go further than to say she could learn how to channel. Learn - sure - but during the trip to the White Tower, no learning had been in question.

 

It probably was a matter of etiquette - she had not been officially initiated or enrolled yet - but still the desire to start burned heavily in Irina. The display of power both Aes Sedai had put on before Tala and Corlean, and the way both merchants had actually been afraid of her - of Irina! - when it turned out she could channel had set a spark in Irina which she had known was there, but hadn't known was so fierce. She wanted to learn, to soak it all up, and to use it to her own advantage. This time it was all about her, about "taking care of me". No one had in the past, no one would in the future, so Irina had made it her business to look out for herself in any possible way.

 

And the first step would be to see this Mistress of Novices as they called her.

 

Their horses had been stabled safely, and her measly belongings had been taken by a servant and brought somewhere, when Nyssa Sedai ushered her inside what seemed the biggest building Irina had ever seen. It was snow white, and the entrance hall was nothing short of amazing. The domed high ceiling seemed to be leagues up, and it was filled with girls in white or banded dresses, elegantly gliding figures that must be Aes Sedai and the ragtag of people she'd seen in Tar Valon's streets also: Tearan, which she would recognize anywhere, but also large paleskinned, lighthaired people which must be of Andoran stock, and other, even more exotically dressed people from Kandor, Shienar, and which ever place there really existed in the world.

 

One of the passageways out of the entrance hall wound up and up and up, there seemed to be no end of it. The floors were inlaid with marble flagstones, the walls decorated with tapestries, there were niches with valuable porcelain, statues, trinkets .. Irina's merchant eyes appraised it all and concluded that the White Tower harbored a fortune in items and trinkets alone.

 

The door in front of which they eventually halted was nicely carved and quite large. Nyssa Sedai knocked, then turned away with a nod for Irina and walked down the hallway a little. So. Alone again it was. Apparently they expected novices to be independent, and Irina liked it fine that way.

 

A voice from behind the door rung out "Enter!" and so Irina did, with a straight back and what she hoped was a composed look on her face. She clasped her hands in front of her to keep them from fidgeting, and nodded at the woman behind the desk in front of her.

 

"Good afternoon Aes Sedai. I am here to be enrolled in the Novice Book."

[Lavinya]

The pile of papers on her desk brought a sigh from Faerzyne's lips. She enjoyed her role as Mistress of Novices, yet the seemingly never-ending paperwork quickly grew tiresome. The small bells in her braids tinkled softly as she leant forward to dip her pen in the inkwell, before once more applying herself to the task at hand, the words she penned meticulously stretching neatly across the page.

 

A knock at the door drew her away from the task, even if momentarily, though the respite was welcome. Faerzyne much preferred dealing with people face to face, rather than through penned correspondance. "Enter." She called, loud enough to be heard. The door opened, and Faerzyne found herself face to face with a girl, one who held herself proudly. And alone.

 

"Good afternoon Aes Sedai. I am here to be enrolled in the Novice Book."The merest lifting of a brow was the only expression shown on Faerzyne's face, as she waved the bold girl to a chair. She allowed a smile to paint her features as she pushed aside her paper, clasping her hands in front of her on the desk.

 

"Very well child. I am Faerzyne Grigory, Mistress of Novices. I imagine you have been tested? Or was it a whim of fate that lead you to my door?" Her smile was warm as she addressed the girl before her, as she waited for a response, already mentally sizing her up for novice white.

[Lyanna]

They apparently do not take very well to frankness here, Irina thought when she saw the quizzical look on the woman's face along with the arched eyebrow. Strange though, because it seemed the Aes Sedai were the epitome of independence. Irina had expected them to encourage boldness, to applaud it even. But apparently, she was wrong. What was it they wanted of her? Strict obedience? Irina was prepared to go far for what she wanted, and obedience was not such a problem if it had to do with learning your lessons and working hard. But she was not about to change her nature just because these women had a hard time handling her.

 

With a wave of her hand and a jingle in her lightbrown braid the woman behind the desk waved her to a chair, so Irina sat down and smoothed her rough dress over her knees. The woman gave her her full attention now, the almond eyes intent on Irina's figure and Irina could not help but admire the regal air the woman emanated. Yet another one who bore herself with such grace that a queen would pale in comparison. Apparently they not only taught you to how to use the One Power here, but also how to conduct yourself. Good. Anything that she could learn to have more sway with the world would be welcome.

 

"Very well child. I am Faerzyne Grigory, Mistress of Novices. I imagine you have been tested? Or was it a whim of fate that lead you to my door?"

 

Irina tilted her head and stared at Faerzyne. Did the woman think she would have barged in here if there was no reason for it? Strange. She might be young, but she was hardly a child and what she did, she did with a purpose.

 

"My name is Irina Mariott, and yes, I have been tested Aes Sedai. I would not presume to take up your valuable time if it had been otherwise." A silence fell, and Irina felt she should continue, elaborate a bit more. "Nyssa and Estel Sedai found me near Tear and tested me with a stone. I am not sure whether I know how it worked or what I did, but they did confirm I have the ability. Nyssa Sedai dropped me off here so I assumed it was only natural I present myself to you. I hope I was not mistaken. Aes Sedai."

[Lavinya]

A slight twitching of the lips was the only change to Faerzyne's expression as she considered the girl on the chair before her desk. It seemed so long ago when she herself had been in that position. She was certain she had been shaking in her boots, so awed was she.

 

"My name is Irina Mariott, and yes, I have been tested Aes Sedai. I would not presume to take up your valuable time if it had been otherwise." Faerzyne chose not to respond straight away. Silence was often very revealing, and something she herself was comfortable with. She found herself wondering just how this girl would fare as a novice. She showed some strength of character, and even a sense of decorum. Yet life at the tower was hard, and the teachers strict.

 

"Nyssa and Estel Sedai found me near Tear and tested me with a stone. I am not sure whether I know how it worked or what I did, but they did confirm I have the ability. Nyssa Sedai dropped me off here so I assumed it was only natural I present myself to you. I hope I was not mistaken. Aes Sedai." The smile across the Gray Sister's face broadened. The girl had some mettle, from the way she spoke, and Faerzyne decided that she would likely see this girl often. Something she would not object to, of course, but something within her hoped the girl would not be broken. Too few women who managed to gain the shawl were whipped until they were entirely too meek, or to a degree that left them twisted and bitter. Faerzyne was not unlike the last herself, she admitted silently. A strong spirit was something well suitable to a woman with the shawl, should Irina prove herself worthy.

 

With a light tinkling of bells, Faerzyne opened a drawer in her desk, pulling from it the impressive tome, the Book of Novices. "Indeed you are not mistaken, Irina. Let us make your stay here a bit more permanent, shall we?" Her smile was genuine as she reached for the pen she had pushed aside before, her free hand opening the volume to the most recent page.

 

She didn’t have to look at the young woman to see that there was a change in the tension that had kept her in it’s thrall. “Can you tell me your full name again?†As the girl replied, she wrote it down in the book. Another life sealed to the Tower, for better and for worse. “And your place of birth and raising?†again she wrote, making Irina‘s stay more certain with every letter, every curved or straight line. “And finally your age.†She finished with a dot behind the age, which felt as heavy and important as any signature from any high lord or lady. “Welcome to the White Tower.â€

 

Pulling a fresh sheet of parchment from another drawer, she scrawled a quick note, summoning the Nyssa Sedai to her office, who would mentor the newest novice, and guide her as she discovered her ability. Having found the girl, it made sense for her to continue with settling her in. Folding the note, Faerzyne rose and glided smoothly to the door. The hall outside her office was always bustling with people, and it was only a moment before the note was handed to a passing novice, with strict instructions to deliver the note post haste.

 

The door closed behind her with a soft click, bells tinkling once more with each step as she made her way back towards the desk, pausing at a cupboard on the way. She pulled from a shelf within two neatly folded novice dresses in white, and passed them to Irina before seating herself once more. “Those are yours to wear during the years you are a novice. You must tend to them well, mend them when they’re torn, wash them when they’re dirty. For the next years, you will not be allowed to wear anything apart from these dresses.â€

 

Once again settled behind her desk, Faerzyne began telling the young woman in front of her a little about the rules novices lived by. She went from the curfew to the restriction on venturing into Tar Valon, to the repercussions that would follow if she chose to venture into the yards without a good reason. “But you look like a sensible young woman, so I’m sure I won’t see too much of you here.†Her eyes twinkled. If you are clever enough to not get caught she added silently.

 

"I have sent a note to the Aes Sedai who shall mentor you during your stay here. Now, do you have any questions before she arrives?" Her hands were again clasped neatly on the desk top, her hazel eyes intent on the novice seated before her on the not particularly comfortable chair. She did not know what Irina thought of Nyssa, but she was certain her Gray sister would make a perfect guide for this bright young woman, whether they agreed with her musings or not.

[Lyanna]

The book Faerzyne Sedai pulled out of her desk was nothing short but impressive. Irina wondered how many names were in there, and how many of them had risen to Aes Sedai, and how many had not. From the looks of it, she would have to make her mark somehow, stand out of the crowd lest she be passed over. It even heightened her sense of self-awareness. If I want to make this work, I'd better be good or else I will be entirely forgotten, and reduced to just another name in that book.

 

When it came down to writing her name and history in the book, Irina winced a little. Her full name was one, but her heritage was another. She was sure that many around here came from highclass houses, or were maybe even of royal stock. So she reluctantly volunteered that the Tearan streets had been all she knew of home, but that she was able to read and write. At least she had that. And her pride of course.

 

The rest of the interview seemed to fly by. The dresses were nothing new to Irina because she'd seen them already in the entrance hall. That there were only two surprised her a little considering the wealth she'd seen in the rest of the building. Or maybe this was to teach the novices humility and also how to take care of their posessions when there were only little of them? Irina found it hard not to laugh. Considering the fact that she had started out in rags and with no earthly posessions on her, she'd learned that lesson long ago. The wool felt soft underneath her fingers. No rashes anymore from too rough a fabric on her skin, and certainly no lice. Thank the Light for small favors. For some the White Tower might seem spartan and stark but to her it was nothing short of paradise, even considering the fact that she'd spent the last couple of months in the merchant train. Here, she would be working for herself - to accomplish and mold her own future, while there she'd only been a tool.

 

Of course there were rules and regulations, Irina had expected nothing less. It didn't sound too difficult - a curfew, no venturing out into the city alone, no sneaking into the Warders Yards (though the Light knew what that was) without a good reason, obedience and hard work - blahblahblah. She was sure she was bound to break some rules at some point or other, and something in this woman's eyes made her think that she'd seen her share of stray novices. I guess all I can do is try not to get caught. Faerzyne even looks as if she'd actually respect that. We'll see.

 

"I have sent a note to the Aes Sedai who shall mentor you during your stay here. Now, do you have any questions before she arrives?"

 

Irina recapped what she had heard in her mind, trying to find any vacancies. Yes. There was one. "How do I go about raising myself from Novice to Aes Sedai? I am sure there is a training and tests I must endure. How long will that take approximately, Aes Sedai?"

[silhouette]

The water was luxuriously warm as she settled in it, allowing herself to drift off a bit. After months of staying in all kinds of inns, Nyssa was glad to be back within the walls of the White Tower again. Home. The servants had kept her rooms clean, and had aired them regularly as she had requested. It was a relief to find everything was still as it had been before. There was a summons from Freja on her desk. Unopened. Nyssa had better things to do than to report to the old hag right away. She was not a novice anymore, after all. Her time was her own, and if Freja disagreed she could take it up with Marce.

 

A knock on her door disrupted her musings. “Enter.†She said, sighing briefly. No rest for the wicked, not even after the journey she had just made. Even though she was sitting in her bath, with her back to the door she could see the novice enter through her mirror. “What is it?†she asked. The girl curtsied, looking a little nervous. “Ehm… the… Mistress of Novices wanted me to bring you this note, Nyssa Sedai.†The girl stammered. “Well, don’t just stand there… bring it here.†After a few more seconds of hesitation the girl walked into the bathroom and handed her a note. It said that the Novice Irina would be assigned to her. If she would please report to Faerzyne as soon as possible, which in Faerzyne’s terms meant; Right now.

 

“Your wish is my command.†She sighed. “You may go now, Child.†She said, watching the girl scurry of as she rose from the bathtub. She’d have to postpone it until later. She dressed swiftly into a deep red silk gown that showed enough of her cleavage to border on being improper. Faerzyne would no doubt disapprove. Minutes later she found herself standing in front of the door to the office of the Mistress of Novices. She had hardly ever been there as a Novice and an Accepted herself. A good girl, or so many thought. Nyssa merely prided herself on the fact that she didn’t get caught often enough to be noticed.

 

After knocking briefly she entered, seeing that Irina still looked the same as she had before, dressed in a worn woollen dress. How the novice dresses would feel like a relief to her. Of course she’d be sick of them before she even made it halfway to her first raising. At least she didn’t start of with the disadvantage of being born in a noble family. That always made life at the White Tower so much harder at the beginning. Irina seemed like she was used to working hard. “We meet again.†She said, before inclining her head to the Mistress of Novices. “Faerzyne Sedai.†Then she turned to look at Irina again. “Are you ready to go? I’m sure you’re eager to get out of your travel worn garb.â€

[Lyanna]

The second Irina had asked her question, there was a rap on the door and it opened without Faerzyne saying anything. The back of the chair pressed uncomfortably in Irina's back when she craned her neck to see who had just come in. First the flash of red attracted her attention, and then she recognized Nyssa Sedai.

 

"We meet again." It was directed at her, and after Nyssa greeted the Mistress of Novices politely. "Faerzyne Sedai." Irina listened attentively. It seemed that even Aes Sedai greeted eachother with the honorific, or would it only be younger Aes Sedai paying their respects to the elder? The ageless face of Faerzyne Sedai did not reveal her age at all, but Nyssa still looked young, not ageless. Would she also appear so over time? Irina didn't have time to ponder and observe long however, for Nyssa turned back to her and addressed her. "Are you ready to go? I’m sure you’re eager to get out of your travel worn garb."

 

Irina rose, with the folded dresses in her hands. She nodded her head politely towards the Mistress of Novices, and resolved she would direct her further questions at Nyssa, who was to be her mentor after all.

 

Out in the hallway, Nyssa glided away in some general direction and Irina could do nothing but follow her and hope she would be able to remember all the corridors and passageways and floors. "So, what is supposed to happen now Nyssa Sedai?"

[silhouette]

In an almost distracted manner Nyssa tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she continued on her path towards the novice halls. Her steps were silent as always, perhaps only a little louder than usual, as she once again had to get used to the way sound resonated through the hallways of the white tower. Irina moved beside her, glancing around as if she wished to memorise the paths she was taking. "So, what is supposed to happen now Nyssa Sedai?" the young woman asked her. Nyssa smiled faintly, recalling her own first eager steps within the Tower. How naïve she had been. Irina certainly wasn’t hindered by that. The young woman was as eager as just about every hopeful young woman who came here of her own accord. Often the noble once were pouty at first, wishing to return to the luxuries of home. Nyssa hadn’t been troubled by that same feeling of remorse. The had immersed herself in her future, eager to learn, eager to find where her strengths were. That same eagerness radiated from the girl at her side.

 

“Now… I shall show you your room. You will no doubt share it with another girl eventually, but don’t let that bother you. Some girls form solid friendships in the years they spend together in one room, and others… do not.†She let those words hang for a moment. Often the worst rivalries also started within the novice halls. Irina would find that out for herself soon enough. “You can change there, and after that I’ll show you around the White Tower a bit. Don’t worry too much about remembering where things are. You will remember soon enough.†A few more hallways now, and they would arrive at the place that Nyssa herself had called home for seven years. Time had flown, and she had hardly realised that by the time she was raised, she would have been considered a mature woman by the standards of those she had known before she came to the White Tower.

 

“When that is also done, I will show you where my quarters are. You may always visit me there, for lessons or for questions, or just because you feel like talking to someone. If you are not too tired, we shall start your lessons there immediately.†That should get Irina’s attention. They rounded another corner, and found themselves in a hall that was bustling with activity. Girl in white dresses froze as they saw Nyssa, suddenly aware of the fact that they weren’t doing anything productive. Nyssa addressed the nearest girl. “Are there any unoccupied rooms here?†the girl nodded, and pointed to the fourth door on the right. “That room, Aes Sedai.†Nyssa waved her off. “It’ll do. Come.†She placed a hand on Irina’s back, and ushered her over to her new room.