An Education

[Guest Arie Ronshor]

WS 0 - 1 - Thread One

 

 

“Move it dammit!”

 

Pointing up ahead, Aran barely pulled the ball back in time to save it from a sliding tackle. Rolling it to his right, Aran booted it clear as it sailed through the air to bounce of Raymond’s chest only for him to have his legs hacked out from beneath him by Marie. Cursing, Aran found himself running backwards to defend as the entire field shifted.

 

It was their newest hobby this, a simple ball game which was rough enough to keep them on their toes and got enough running out of them that they could put off using the track. It was a lot more fun, and it gave Aran perfect opportunities to run into Marie which he proceeded to do quite literally as he dropped his shoulder as he rammed into her.

 

Knocking her over, Aran managed to clear the ball before Marie could get to her feet which made him untouchable for the most part. Still, the moment he got his hands on the ball, she’d no doubt take her revenge then. Shooting a grin at her even as she raised a backhand at him to let him know there would be pain for his trouble, he set off up the field again.

 

A wasted effort, the ball was put in the hole up that end giving them another point before he even got close. Running his hands through his hair as he cheered, Aran wiped the sweat off his chest and back with a quick run of his hands before heading to the middle of the field where they would start again. Marie of course followed him closely, fully intent on getting her revenge. Aran was going to have to be light on his feet.

 

?Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

 

She watched the display of tactics and enthusiasm with a watchful eye and a smile enjoyment on her face. If there was one thing that she prided herself on was that even as an Aes Sedai, she believed in the need for a good honest game to lighten the spirit and a laugh for good health. It was only a shame she had to be here for a different reason and would be the one to interrupt the game for a little one-on-one. The man with the bare chest had her attention, as did many although probably for the same reason she did. The boy had odd talent to attract people without being 'attractive'. But after spending a grueling amount of time touring around in search of an elusively annoying false dragon, she learned first hand the arrogance and creativity that just drew people in. ..like ta'veren..

 

He looked over to her and with the recognition in his eyes Maegan bowed a greeting to him with a raised eyebrow, indicating for his attention. As he crossed over she passed him a note from Ginae that indicated their new relationship, ignoring the heat and the smell of his sweat as he came close.

 

"It would seem like I have the torture of your company for the next while, Aran. I do hope you plan to wear a shirt for at least part of it. You can really be an eye-sore." She tease with a smile and a hand on her hips. She was going to enjoy her time with him. He was always entertaining in some sort of fashion.

 

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

 

Catching sight of an Aes Sedai he had not seen for sometime, Aran was going to wave when she bowed to him. That had to be one of the odder things that an Aes Sedai had decided to do, not the oddest but it was up there. Aes Sedai had curtseying drilled into them to begin with from their earlier years, what was going on. That wasn’t a question he was going to have answered just by standing there though.

 

Approaching her, before he could greet her he had a letter thrust into his hands. Frowning as he opened it, that frown was quickly replaced with a resigned smile on his face. He couldn’t say no, but he could certainly do something to Ginae later and now he had a justification to give him the semblance of moral high ground. Ginae would be expecting it of course, but that was part of the fun of it. The training on the otherhand was not.

 

It was Maegan’s words that turned his smile into an outright grin. She’d played the role of his sister in Murandy, and they’d gotten to know each other at least a little during that time. She hadn’t forgotten it, a good sign because she was going to be going back to taking his orders. Speaking of which, the rules for channeling students had to be laid down. He was fairly oblivious to the one power for the most part, though truth be told he was a little leery about fire weaves having had his crotch set alight once before.

 

“Shirt?” Laughing, Aran reached over and poked her in the stomach. “First day and I’m already getting lip, typical man hating Red. I liked you better when you were my nice, submissive and quiet sister.”

 

Grinning, Aran continued. “Seeing as I am going to be your master and the only important thing in your life from this point onward, a couple of rules to remember. First of all, no channeling without permission, not even holding the power. The other thing is if you’re told to do something, do it. As long as we’ve got those two downpat, we should be fine.”

 

Smiling pleasantly, Aran considered his words for a moment before winding up. “So, what weapon skills does my little Red have?”

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

She measured him meeting him eye for eye knowing full well that she was in for an interesting training session. She watched his finger as it poked her and she only smiled a little wider as she listened to his 'rules'. Like he would ever know if or when she channeled.

 

"I'll have you know that I can take orders as easily as giving them," Maegan paused for a moment rethinking over his rules knowing full well that he could play the House of Games better than anyone she knew. A subtle art he had others play his game, and she had no intention of falling for any of his follies, "I came here to learn to fight when I can not channel, so that one is easy to follow. You of course know of my own disabilities and will help me find a way to compensate. I also will follow any order you give me so long as it is for me to improve my own ability with the Sword or whatever weapon I find desirable, not your own fanciful ideas or pranks." She poked him in the stomach for each point, gently of course.

 

Making a motion of wiping off the sweat from his chest on her breeches, she continued, "I can fiddle okay with daggers and parring knives. I most likely could not throw a dagger at a target and hit my mark, but I won't stab myself with it in a fit of clumsiness."

 

Her face grew serious and the teasing completely vanished from her face, "I need to learn to use a weapon larger than just a dagger, but small enough that is light and quick and fairly easy to conceal or carry. I have no desire to be placed into a situation where my ability and authority is challenged, nor one that I am defenseless as I had been before. It is not a place the I enjoy."

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

 

Smirking as Maegan laid her own interpretation of his rules down, Aran couldn’t help but note that the woman was going to be interesting to keep in line. But she was upfront which was good, and certainly what he preferred. Not that he had any intention of giving her that much latitude, his students did what they were told regardless. It was all part of the learning process after all. Then again, there were some lessons Maegan would have already undoubtedly learned herself, at least Aran hoped so.

 

His smirk fading to a slight smile as she spoke of being defenceless, Aran nodded and clapped her on the shoulder before speaking. “Well have no fear my little wench, that is something we shall remedy. And as counter intuitive as it feels after just having called you a wench, howabout we go to the armoury and find you a weapon? Come on.”

 

A grin on his face, Aran led the way to the armoury. Entering through the main doorway, the heat from the nearby forges even reached into there. Racks upon racks of weaponry and armour lined the walls and divided the room. Maces and axes were out from the first moment, Aran doubted she would ever have the figure and strength for such weapons.

 

Daggers were an easy one to answer, and it didn’t take long for Aran to locate a couple of small but well balanced blades for her to use. He also had the best idea for training her to throw them, but that would be for a different time. Of course, she would need another weapon that would suit her…

 

“A lighter weapon will suit you I think. There are some blades that would be good for you, rapier in particular may be handy as its light and you can pair it with one of your daggers. Rapiers aren’t good for hacking at someone, they’re light and made for running people through. You could hide one in a cane. Another option would be a stave, they’re common enough. Both would seem to be aids as you are seemingly blind, people won’t question their presence.”

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

A stave was indeed a good choice, and she had done a bit of studying on weapons prior, although had not played as close attention to the details as she probably should have. Of course that was back in her Novice days and it is getting a little hazy with the years. She took a step in and looked over the weapons in the room, making note of sizes and possible weights, calculating it all in her mind. With his experience, Aran had simply picked out the most appropriate weapon, while Maegan was busy doing the math calculations in a nearly the same amount of time.

 

"Well daggers are a simple option, easy to hide, light to throw and requires proficiency with aim and leverage. Not something that I would have to be particularly strong to achieve. The black handled ones to your right will be fine. The second set with a pearl-like finish. The look like they will glide well in the air with the least amount of friction." She moved over to to the swords, touching a few of the rapiers, pulling out two of similar length. Flipping it around in her hand, and switching it to the other, she felt their weight. "This will do.. " She spoke, more to herself than to Aran and than placed the shorter of the two back on the rack.

 

She walked by the whips, shields and to the quarterstaff, staves and spears pausing at the staves. Quickly calculating the math in her head she pulled out one quaterstave about the same height as her. Turning to Aran nodded, "I think that will be it. Where will we go from here?"

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

 

Watching as Maegan wound her way through the racks to choose the items she wanted, Aran couldn’t help but be aware of the way she was weighing up her choices. Not the how of it as such, but she was very calculating as if she were weighing every single weapon that was before her. There was an intensity to it that Aran was surprised yet glad to see in Maegan as she did so.

 

A rapier and a stave, why choose when you could have both seemed to be the idea and Aran couldn’t say he disagreed. The more weapons one worked with, the better as far as he was concerned. It took a bit of instruction running Maegan over the details of taking care of one’s weapons from there. The use of a whetstone to work off chips on the edge of the blade, oil and rag to give it some sheen, handy ways to wear the equipment.

 

It was only awhile before Maegan had it under control and had a basic understanding of the ways to deal with her weaponry. What to do from there was something he’d been wanting to do to the next Aes Sedai student he had. Taking her to Faith, he gestured for the woman to smack the tree as he spoke. “I want you to take a swing at this tree with your stave, this is lesson one.”

 

The stave bounced out of Maegan’s hands as it connected, disarming Maegan in the process. Aran in the meanwhile had a grin on his face. “You now know how to fight, we’re done!” Beginning to walk away, Aran laughed as he caught the face Maegan gave him. “But if you want to learn how to fight well, that I can do. Tomorrow and here in the morning. We’ll meet then and get you started. Be sure to keep your weapons in your room unless they are actually required. If the weapons and yourself aren’t in condition, then you’ll be busy.making sure they are to our satisfaction. Bring the weapons, and get a swordbelt while you’re at it.”

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

 

It took Maegan a little while longer to get a decent understanding of how to care for the weapons. Theory was one thing, but actually doing it was an entirely different matter on its own. She made herself a small mental list of things she would need to look up prior to her next lesson, it had been simply too long since she had read up on anything beyond her current projects. Not that she didn't mind the small hiatus from her current projects. They were becoming far more time consuming and she had to get a few other priorities straight before she disappeared completely from the Towers Radar. Especially now that she stood as the Highest.

 

“I want you to take a swing at this tree with your stave, this is lesson one.”

 

The stave bounced out of Maegan’s hands as it connected, disarming Maegan in the process. Aran in the meanwhile had a grin on his face. “You now know how to fight, we’re done!”

 

Maegan looked at him with an incredulous look, and shook her head. The boy was quick, and she suspected that she was not the only one that he pulled that on.

 

“But if you want to learn how to fight well, that I can do. Tomorrow and here in the morning. We’ll meet then and get you started. Be sure to keep your weapons in your room unless they are actually required. If the weapons and yourself aren’t in condition, then you’ll be busy.making sure they are to our satisfaction. Bring the weapons, and get a swordbelt while you’re at it.”

 

She gave a mocking salute and headed back to the Tower to put away her Stave. Thinking partially on what Aran said, she could not help but chuckle. His 'Lesson' had a point, and she wondered if he did it to teach or to tease. Whichever his intentions were, she knew it would never be easy to figure the boy out. Picking her way back to the Tower she had a small smile on her face. She would need to take a trip into Tar Valon and visit the Leather Smith to design a few belts and straps for her daggers and rapier. Taking her leave, she continued on her way, leaving her Red Shawl on its place on her desk.

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

[Guest Arie Ronshor]

WS 1 - 2 - Thread Two

 

 

To say it was an ungodly hour of the morning, and that not even the morning birds had woken up would be nearly the time that Maegan worked her way through the sparse halls of the White Tower and through one of the many side entrances out to the Yard. The sun was barely peaking over Dragonmount and yet the Yard was not so empty as the Tower Halls. Young gaidin and the like were already practicing, training their bodies and minds. She was first to arrive, and already had her Rapier and Stave with her. However the daggers were in a pouch, properly wrapped as the Leather Smith had to custom make a few belts for them. It had only been her luck that he had none left. But that just meant that she could have them done is soft red leather and the Tower Tear symbol placed into the leather. If she had to buy them, she might as well have nice ones.

 

Leaning against a fence, she watched a trainee follow the moves of his Mentor, waiting for Aran to arrive. The boy better not sleep in... she'd hate to wake him unpleasantly.

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

 

While the barracks was awash with activity from the more bright eyed and bushy tailed inhabitants, there was one Tower Guard in particular who was engaged in a rather peaceful and oblivious slumber. This was for the most part alcohol induced and blessed by liquor, a rather long night on his part where he had returned late and even had a giggle at the person who was doing his duty for him before returning to bed. Marie had thought to beat him with the knives several days earlier, and Aran had won a couple of duties out of her as a result.

 

Not that it hadn’t stopped him from getting smacked for his effort, but that was how they spoke to each other anyway. It was almost like sibling love, except that Aran wasn’t quite certain about what that was because he had no siblings… Not in the normal sense anyway. But that didn’t stop him from feeling that it was close enough to sibling love not to matter.

 

So that was why his head was rested on a pair of pillows, one of which he had his arms wrapped around. He easily had a couple of hours before he had to be up, and he felt safe and secure where he was. Of course, he might have been more safe if he had remembered to lock the door, more secure if he’d remembered to put the bottle behind the said door to warn him of anyone visiting. But even the most diligent could, on the odd occasion, slip.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

 

The hour slipped away and the chill of the morning air passed with the rising of the sun and there was no sign of her 'beloved brother'. She didn't expect Aran to be one of those mentors that would be up early, but she didn't' tolerate tardiness. After requesting directions from a passing Tower Guard and receiving a few smiles and quizzical looks that Maegan suspected was in relation to Aran more than any other Tower Guard. Notorious.

 

Heading into the Barracks, she moved through the halls, as Tower Guards watched her pass. It wasn't too odd to see an Aes Sedai walking through the Barracks in search of someone, by Maegan wasn't completely annoyed yet and her facial features reflected calm and more curiosity that irritation. Turning down a few corridors and then turning to one door, she tested the handle to find it open surprisingly easy. And nothing jumped out at her. She put her hand on the door and pushed it forward and smiled to herself.

 

Stupid boy.

 

Embracing just a touch of Saidar, she weaved a simple illusion around Aran's bed, and flicked threads of fire on his skin, more on his feet and below his torso than above giving him the feeling that the end of his bed was on fire. She stood in the doorway and just watched with a bit of a smirk on her face.

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

 

Burning.

 

Opening his eyes, Aran yelled as he threw himself from the bed with a speed that was at odds with the usual way he crawled out of bed. Patting himself down and finding he wasn’t roasted like a pig on a stick, Aran sighed with relief. Turning to the door where he planned to go get water, he frowned as he saw that there was someone there he shouldn’t have been. And the fire was no longer there.

 

Oh how very clever.

 

The smile she wore reeked of amusement, in fact he was fairly certain that inwardly she was laughing at the fright she’d given him. Adopting one of his easy grins, he had to admit she had gotten him. Of course, for every action there was a reaction, for every gain there was a price. Walking over to her, he stopped but a couple of inches short as he looked down at her, one of the few people his diminutive stature allowed him to do so with.

 

“Very well.”

 

Recovering his clothing, he took his time as he garbed himself. Now was far too early to be up, but that was what he was stuck with now that the Aes Sedai had seen fit to help herself to his room. The bottle wasn’t to be found, and he doubted she knew how to pick a lock so clearly he’d made a slip. It would be something he’d have to make sure not to do again, it was a mistake that could have been far more costly if anyone had realised.

 

Not that Maegan had left the room, she’d stayed there the entire time. Grinning at her, Aran was all class as usual as he spoke. “Normally I’d charge for a show like that, you get that one for free though.” Looking about, Aran saw his daggers and frowned, he wouldn’t be needing them.

 

It was when he looked to Maegan that he realised that there was something wrong, something that caused him to frown and then grin. “I forgot something yesterday, apart from defining what can be appropriately considered morning. After you?” Gesturing to the door, Aran was sure to close and lock it behind them before leading her out of the barracks.

 

Supplies were where they were headed, something very important had been missed out on. It hadn’t taken Aran long to find what was needed either, namely; A long strip of cloth, a white tunic and black breeches. Picking them so they would be snug, Aran wore a sweet smile as he handed the items to Maegan as he found them. The last item in her hands, he showed her to a spare change room where she could, well, change.

 

It took a bit, but she emerged soon enough much to Aran’s satisfaction. It would be a learning experience for Maegan as while she had worn breeches during their mission, that had been to play a role whereas here it would be everyday she trained. For Aran it would be a learning experience to see if the woman was self conscious at all. The snugness of the clothing made at least a couple of prominent statements.

 

“Marvellous.” Smiling, he took the dress from her and rolled it up as he gestured with a nod to her weapons she’d left on the ground. “Take those up, lets get moving.”

 

It wasn’t until they were by the running track that Aran decided to speak, tossing her things on the ground as he did so. “Leave your weapons with those. Steel is only as strong as the one who wields it. So as of today, we begin your physical training. While strength is handy, the most important thing is stamina and speed. Both of these things you’ll improve with running.”

“Follow me and you may fall behind no farther than ten feet. We stop when you are no longer able to keep up. Come along.” Smiling, Aran gestured for her to follow as he set off at an easy job.

 

?Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

 

The boys reaction was priceless, and the sudden serious look on his face caught her attention more than the amusement of his awakening. The way he quickly observed his room caused Maegan to pause long enough while he wasn't looking to observe the rest of her room through her spectacles. Returning her gaze to Aran she watched him change with a curiosity that picked at her to itch. But she refrained with the patience of her age, and instead unsuccessful in unnerving Aran as he dressed in front of her with the door wide open. There were names and titles for people like Aran, and 'Simple' or 'Modest' were not one of them.

 

“Normally I’d charge for a show like that, you get that one for free though.” She chuckled and gave the slightest of shrugs as if to pass it by without anouther thought. She had no doubt that he would no longer sleep in, and if he did she had no plans to hunt him down unless she was in need of him to show her something new. It was his responsibility to show up to the Yard, not hers to hunt him down. She was there for the training, not the babysitting.

 

It was when he looked to Maegan that he realised that there was something wrong, something that caused him to frown and then grin. “I forgot something yesterday, apart from defining what can be appropriately considered morning. After you?” Stepping out and allowing Aran to close and lock the door, funny how people lock their rooms knowing that even a simple lock picking set would tack care of the door. and she couldn't help but wonder if there was something he kept in there, but Maegan knew full well that it was to keep out revenge pranksters. .. the boy seems to have that sort of reputation. Or so Ginae said as much.

 

Moving to the broom closet, Aran handed her a handful of clothing that looked too familiar. The smile on his face was enough for her to smile sweetly back at him, knowing full well that he passed her something that wouldn't fit. Would it be the shirt to show of her bosom (which she inconveniently forgot too bind.. how foolish of her!) or the breeches. Taking the clothes Maegan found a safe place to change. Tugging on the shirt, she found it to be tight enough to compensate for the lack of binding, and than reached for the breeches. Frowning she studied the stitching, noting the fraying. Tugging them on, she found them nearly too snug, but she was moving without them ripping. But Maegan was not one to let a youths prank out do her or get under her nerves and headed out the door, completely ignoring Aran's hidden smile, picking up her weapons.

 

It wasn’t until they were by the running track that Aran decided to speak, tossing her things on the ground as he did so. “Leave your weapons with those. Steel is only as strong as the one who wields it. So as of today, we begin your physical training. While strength is handy, the most important thing is stamina and speed. Both of these things you’ll improve with running.” Maegan nodded.

 

“Follow me and you may fall behind no farther than ten feet. We stop when you are no longer able to keep up. Come along.” [/i]

 

Aran set the pace, and Maegan followed, finding a comfortable gate after a few steps. It was rare for her to run, and the feeling was rather different. It was neither fun nor boring, but fundamentally work for her body that it was not used to. And only halfway around the Yard she was already out of breath, although not necessarily tired.

 

"Light.. " she gasped as she paused. "I thought i was in better shape than this.. Or am i just doing something wrong?!"

 

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

 

 

Grinning as he heard Maegan speak, Aran turned around as he jogged on the spot. If for no other reason than to annoy Maegan that was, this was going to be even better than he had hoped. Shaking his head at her suggestion she was doing something wrong, Aran gestured to the track as he spoke.

 

“You don’t get out and do much, have to work all the laziness out of your system. You’ll feel really bad at first, then the feeling will pass when your body gets used to you actually using it. Just focus on keeping your breathing steady as best you can and keeping the rhythm of your run constant. You’re not slacking off until I get at least a few laps out of you.”

 

“Come on now, get moving, I’ll follow from behind and you’ll get a not too gentle prod everytime you slack. Go on, move.” Clapping his hands, that was enough to get her moving again. Following behind a few feet, Aran’s grin was broad as he followed easily enough. All it would take was time, if he’d picked the right pair at least and he trusted himself. They’d see about him being woken up in that manner, and it was only appropriate that he welcome her into the game she had stumbled into.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

She tilted her head a little at his comment about her laziness. She was far from lazy and was indeed very active on foot and horseback. Running was an entirely different matter and not something she was used to. She studied him for a moment while contemplating any further distractions that might occur over the duress of her new training regime. It would seem that Aran's usual friendly banter was now directed straight at her in hopes of a reaction.

 

A challenge...

 

She smiled sweetly at him and than turned around and started running again, letting him be the one that follows her. She set the pace as a similar tread as before, and this time concentrating on her breathing, Two steps breath in, two steps breath out... Looking straight ahead they took anouther turn around the bend without her slowing. She could feel the Breeches tightening around her knee's and inner thighs as she pushed herself forward.

 

One ... Two, in... One... Two, out.. One..

 

Riiiii-ip

 

The seams of the breeches on the outer side of her thighs decided to to tear apart as she had started to straighten out, and rip completely down the outside of her legs. The fabric old from wear and age also tore inwards to a point of nearly showing off her undergarment.

 

The first rip was like a signal, a clarion call for other threads that barely held together Maegan's breeches to give way and sure enough her breeches were flapping about at every step. Laughing, Aran was tasting sweet victory as his plan had worked. A laugh that continued even as she came to a stop, in fact Aran needed to sit down he was laughing so violently. She might not be squealing like an Accepted, but either way he'd gotten one up on her.

 

She gave a soft smile as she paused in mid run. She refused to look back at him and give him any satisfaction for his stunt, and instead reached down to the bottom of the breeches and ripped what was still attached around her ankles, and than moved around to her thighs. With a sharp tug she tore off the flaps of her 'breeches' revealing instead a pair of shapely legs, and a lot of skin.

 

She turned and tossed the torn fabric back at Aran she called back. "If you wanted to see some skin you could have just asked. Get moving." And than she picked up her feet and started back around, leaving Aran behind.

 

 

Maegan

Highest

 

 

 

Catching the scraps of Maegan’s breeches while he tried to get his laughter under control, he tossed them aside and got to his feet as she gave her speech. My, she’d recovered well from that but Aran knew that underneath it he’d managed to prick her. In some ways it was even more satisfying than a screaming fit, as lazy as he was it was always more fun when it took more effort to unbalance a person.

 

Catching up to her as he still chuckled, his grin could be heard as he delivered his riposte. “Its always more fun to skin the cat. Hurry up woman, you’re moving like you’re three hundred.” That didn’t get an answer, but it didn’t bother Aran in the slightest, he was going to run her into the ground now. It was one thing to maintain her calm and cool while she was still fresh, but it would be a different matter when she was exhausted.

 

Another lap and Maegan was flagging badly, but he got an extra half lap out of her before letting her off the track. There was something to be said for the way she was breathing so heavily, but then Aran made that observation about every woman he saw on the track. It was one of the few things that made the track worthwhile after all. “Not bad, though by the time you’re done you’ll be doing a lot more laps than that. Just remember to push more every day or two, don’t allow yourself to get too comfortable. If you’re comfortable you’re slacking off.”

 

“But, gather your things and come along dear, we’ve got more fun things to do.” Grinning at her, he waited until her things were gathered before leading her off to his tree. Disdaining Faith for the moment, Aran instead fell forward onto his hands and looked up at Maegan. “Now watch carefully, this is something you’ve most likely never done before. Its called a push up.”

 

Lowering himself just short of the ground and pushing up a few times, Aran rolled onto his back. “This is a sit up.” Putting his hands behind his head, Aran sat up as he contract several times. “Always make sure to keep your back straight, don’t rush it either. Come on.” Patting on the ground next to him, Aran grinned as he shoved over to the tree where he could sit back and relax as he watched Maegan work her guts out. “No slacking off.”

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

So that's how it was going to be. She looked to Aran as she went down on her knees to do a few 'push-ups'. That wool-headed rascal was going to try anything to un-nerve her AND not lift a finger doing so. She started on her push ups, still feeling the strain from the running, and winded by it. She had to be honest with herself and admit that she had expected a little more from Aran, but his reputation preceded him, and there was no denying it. The boy needed to be taught a lesson in humility. But instead of letting it get to her, which it didn't, Maegan pushed herself through the 'push-ups' and 'crunches' while mentally going over various counting systems until she could do them no more.

 

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

 

Aran’s training had been rather harsh, probably one of the reasons that he had never quite pursued it with the same vigour that the men and women of the yards did. He had also made it quite clear on many occasions that he disliked training others, there were other ways he preferred to spend his time. But on this occasion, it was a real pleasure to push Maegan to her limits. Till her arms wobbled and she could push herself up no more, until she felt sick from the sit ups, and from the running until her legs wobbled.

 

Not because he fed off her pain. Well, there was a small bit of pleasure from seeing her struggle with it, she was getting a glimpse into what training was like for the rest of them. But more to the point, Aran found it a pleasure because he knew full well it would wear her down, she would not be used to this. Putting people outside their comfort zone always spoke a great deal about them.

 

Letting her just sit back and breath for a couple of minutes to cool down, Aran grinned as he got to his feet. The way he was training Maegan he’d copied from the way Rosheen taught hers, so it seemed appropriate to nudge Maegan with his foot. “Up you get, we’re not done yet.” Offering his hand with a smile, he hoisted her on her feet. Stepping back a bit, Aran settled into an easy stance.

 

“Now you need to learn how to hold yourself, observe how I have my knees bent? Some people make the mistake of leaning forward on the balls of their feet, but you should try and centre your balance. Lead with...” Thinking to which hand Maegan had offered him, Aran switched his stance and continued. “Right leg. Bow your head down a bit, it offers a smaller target. Don’t hunch forward with your shoulders, remember, balance.”

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

Her breath was growing very ragged, and for a brief moment she just wanted to die. But as Aran prodded her with his foot she refused to give in. Her body protesting, she took his hand and he pulled her to her feet. Dusting herself off a little bit she readjusted her spectacles and followed Aran to where he stood. “Now you need to learn how to hold yourself, observe how I have my knees bent? Some people make the mistake of leaning forward on the balls of their feet, but you should try and centre your balance. Lead with...Right leg. Bow your head down a bit, it offers a smaller target. Don’t hunch forward with your shoulders, remember, balance.”

 

Nodding her head, she fought with the screaming muscles in her body and took her stance, leading with her right leg, opposite to her dominant hand. After a few adjustments by Aran's suggestion, she found herself in a surprisingly comfortable position. After more instructions Maegan worked her way through a series of foot work exercises until her foot work started to grow sluggish. As much as she hated to admit it, she was tired.

 

Aran was rather pleased with the day's work. Maegan was well and truly feeling the exercise now as she became less and less focused and both her enthusiasm and energy withered away. Pleased with himself, there was of course a way for them to cap the day off. "Stop, time for you to take a break." The relieved look on her face was about to be shattered as Aran's grin grew even wider. "Break done, we're running now. Back to the track, go!" Aran gave her a prod in the right direction to get her going.

 

Maegan had expected that type of response out of him and only gave him the Aes Sedai look that was shielded in ice. She had been clearly warned about the boys antics, and knew very well what sort of game he ran. She had no intention of letting her oaths hold her to something that he could use to his advantage. She would not put it past Aran to cheat and use it to his advantage and it was not just because he was Cairhien but because she knew Aran. She saw him in Murandy.

 

Finishing anouther lap around the yard, her muscles screaming at her to stop she found herself given a little mercy of whatever he might have had, and probably only for that one day, and sent her back to the tower. Picking up her weapons, which she had not used at all, she did her best not to drag her feet to the Infirmary for some fatigue healing. She would need her strength, and wits about her if she was going to have to work with Aran on a daily basis. She had grown sluggish in her research and had not been in quite a spar of verbal and physical abuse. Although she had no inclination of losing or wining, she wasn't about to fall to a Tower Guard’s childish antics without a bit of fun of her own. After all, what was life without a few spouts of laughter and harmless fun?

 

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

[Guest Arie Ronshor]

WS 2 - 3 - Thread Three

 

 

Aran had always had a certain dislike for horses. It wasn’t that they weren’t useful, far from it they were immensely valuable for their ability to eat up the miles. But horses were useful for outside of settlements and while Aran was more then capable of living off the land, he had no desire to do so. If it couldn’t be solved with loaded dice or a dagger toss then Aran’s interest tended to be somewhat diminished.

 

This trip was for Maegan’s benefit, the woman who was riding next to him. Not an ordinary woman, she had an ageless face after all, but also because she had actually managed to keep up with him somewhat. There had been a number of incidents over the past few months where one had pranked the other and it had gotten to the point where it was much like a game of tag, except one didn’t know when they were in the immediate danger of being tagged.

 

Of course, he was the one that had been tagged now. He had made it quite clear that the moment they left Tar Valon to the moment they returned was one great lesson so she wouldn’t be able to channel at all without permission. Of course, she had then loosened the straps on his saddle in the middle of the street just before they reached the gate to the Osenrein bridge. With everyone around of course, most of which got a laugh except for the few he’d almost fallen on who proceeded to curse him. Quietly of course due to Maegan’s presence, but all the same.

 

Oh, how she reeked of amusement. It wasn’t that she kept commenting on it, indeed it was as if it had never happened and had nothing to do with her. Yet it was that air surrounding her that betrayed the fact that she was quite self-satisfied about it all. Of course, that meant it was his turn to get her next, and now she didn’t have the one power. Of course, if she was a good enough student she would learn well enough to handle herself.

 

The better part of the day had passed when they reached the wood that Aran had been searching for. It ran for about a day and a half’s ride north, almost reaching the road that ran from Daghain. Here was where they would amuse themselves for the next week or so, and hopefully not end up too badly hurt in the process. As they rode, there was one thing Aran was hoping they didn’t have to go through. He wouldn’t have to pray for the required examples to make themselves readily available.

 

“How much do you know about herbs? And different plants you can eat from the wild? They give you a bit of an education up in the Tower don’t they?”

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

 

 

The ride through Tar Valon was far too quick, although amusing to see Aran fall on his backside off his horse. She found that the game of tag a far more pleasant game of wit than the Great Game had ever been to her. Although she did resort on occasion to one power weaves, the unsuspecting knot traps that found the boy hanging from a tree for a while before he found his way down were one of many ways she caught him off guard. He expected the use of the One Power from an Aes Sedai. But she had never been simply an Aes Sedai. Scientist was more of a suitable title for her. But even that was still one of many activities she was knowledge and actively versed in. But as they crossed the bridges and left Tar Valon behind them, Maegan's mind turned to other things as she raked her exquisitely accurate memory on survival and all other things that she had read.

 

She had even been wise enough to pack a few things on her person and not just in her pack, previously shielded to prevent Aran from taking liberties with it. An easy prank could be set if left unguarded, and if he tried a very firm shock would have awaited him and left what ever limb used rather numb for hours. Whether he has tried or not remained to be concluded as the boy gripped the reigns on his horse with an unshaken hand.

 

They paused along their journey at a place in the woods where Aran turned to her and spoke of herbs. Every word the boy spoke of was always dripped in insolence or sarcasm.

 

"I'm familiar with herbs." She simply said. She had no need to reveal how much she knew. Nor that the could make a simple poultice with merely two stones if needed, or a far more complex one given time. Her time as an Accepted was well used and without her full range of sight, she knew most plants no only by colour but also by touch, smell, and the season that it grows. Raised a good 10 years later than most Accepted she spent her time studying anything that she could get her hands on, making the most of her time prior to being thrown into the politics and duties of a full Sister. Some of which had only multiplied in her acceptance as the Highest. Light, she missed Perine and her other sisters that had left her. Although she rarely was in the vicinity of any of her sisters rooms, she still missed knowing they were there. But, as she had to bury so many of her family, she moved on. And she waited for Aran to continue on.

 

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

 

There was that certain something about Maegan, that desire of hers to be vague whenever possible. She seemed to delight in giving him answers that were Aes Sedai in form and delivery. Something at odds with their tag game, but he supposed she liked to keep in practice. After all, if he lived in a Tower with a thousand women he’d probably be vague as well. In fact, he’d be so vague he’d forget where he was most of the time and not know what he was doing at any current moment. Switching was all well and good the first few times but when you couldn’t walk properly it was going a bit far.

 

But, at least he wouldn’t need to instruct her on herbs. Not only was it boring, but he wasn’t sure he’d care for Maegan to know the depth of his knowledge on the matter. Aran smiled to himself, and he accused her of being vague. Still, it was true, he just had the sense not to say anything at all, which was unfortunately what he was sure she did with half the things he might have otherwise learned from someone else. Still, it meant he could keep poking and prodding.

 

“Here is good, off the horse.” Clicking his fingers at her, the look he got just caused him to smirk as he dismounted. It was still his turn to tag her, so she’d have to wait until he’d done something. “You know how to make a fire without the power don’t you? Get one started would you? And while you’re at it, I want to see if yo- No, just do that first actually, don’t want to tax you overly. And no flint with the fire either.”

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

 

“You know how to make a fire without the power don’t you? Get one started would you? And while you’re at it, I want to see if yo- No, just do that first actually, don’t want to tax you overly. And no flint with the fire either.”

 

She forced herself not to frown at the boy, not just for snapping at her like a common serving wench but also for his instructions. It may be his turn to tag back at her, but to build a fire without a flint? It just felt a little unconventional, as she would have to rely on more than just what she knew from basic instructions prior to leaving Tar Valon, but a little more practical knowledge of the things around her. Instead of letting the little man decide at the beginning of their journey that she would fail at the first test, Maegan did what came easiest to her. She took it in strides, first tying up her horse in a series of good knots with enough slack that it could eat easily from the ground around it. Making a mental map of the area, she took a few strides along the 'camp site' looking for any remnants of any previously built fires. Finding scant nothing, she then started to pick up pieces of woods, sticks, anything that looked and felt dry tot he touch. She mentally calculated the properties of wood and how each, based on the thickness and such would react to basic friction.

 

While listening to Aran as she worked, she slowly started to build herself a little pile near where she had previously left her shielded pack. Settling on the earth she arranged the smaller sticks with pieces of moss and dried bark that would be easy to catch, she pulled out a small knife to put a notch into a stick that was already hollowed out and broken along the side. It was similar to a trowel with it's inward curve, and she considered it a very useful and good find. Sitting there rubbing two sticks together would work, but also it too forever to created the necessary friction to create a desired spark. Instead, she created what was similar to a flint only it worked with wood. However, it took still too long for her to build the fire. It was a good hour (if not more) that her moss started to smoke and the flames started to softly lick along the twigs. She beamed at her work.

 

"Well, my fire is made, where is yours?"

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

 

Watching Maegan work on the fire was only amusing for the first five or so minutes, at which point his mind began to quickly wander. He was making sure she made the fire the longest and most difficult way possible, but if she could do it this way then she would have no problems when she had a flint on her. There was something about the way she worked as well, she was far too detached from it he had noticed. Analysing everything about her, she’d been terribly picky as she’d picked what wood to use, as if it had to be just right. Perfectionist.

 

Still, she knew what she was doing and soon enough a flame stirred under her ministrations. She was proud of her work, and to be honest Aran was as well. Not to mention rather glad that he hadn’t had to instruct her. Something that made him wonder whether the trip out here to instruct her was wasted or not. Of course, he had just made her spend an hour trying to make a flame without power or flint, so it wasn’t entirely wasted. Plus there were other things he could get her to do without his supervision no doubt. Speaking of which…

 

“You’re sitting next to it.” Grinning, Aran didn’t even bother to get up as he shifted across to the fire and began to build it up while he spoke. “You know how to make traps don’t you?” Getting an affirmative, he turned to her with an even bigger grin plastered on his face. “Excellent. In that case, why don’t you go get us some food, woman? Go set some snares, come back here and then after a few hours we’ll go and check them and we’ll see how well you can build them and if we’re eating meat tonight.”

 

“Well? You don’t need me to hold your hand do you?”

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

There was an incredible, albeit childish, desire to kick dirt into the fire making it die so that Aran could not enjoy the fruit of her labour while she sought out food for the two of them. However, like all of his verbal nudges, she stored it away in her mind for anouther day and went to her pack, giving Aran a look daring him to deny her even the basics of tools for trap-making. He said nothing as she pulled out simple twine, a small leather pouch that looked to hold either water or a dead carcass and even a small roll of fisherman's line that was made with string and wax. Far stronger than it looked, it was fairly discreet and often unseen by even a watchful eye. Lastly, tucking a small sling into her side pouch in one of her many skirts layered over the nearly destroyed Breeches form her first day. To train with them in the Yard was one thing, but to leave the Tower without wearing what would be properly suited for an Aes Sedai, well.. her sisters would be no more amused with her than her other regular disappearances.

 

Leaving without a word from Aran Maegan started picking her way slowly through the forest, stepping lightly as she did so. Taking into account the lessons that she took from Daemon Gaidin and Tower Guard Cairma, marking her trail was she moved deeper into the under bush. It was beautiful where she walked with rich greens that hid dark browns and the sky above her. It was not too long that she found the stream and started setting her first trap. Taking her time as she constructed it, finding the precise methods for optimal achievement she moved on to the next trap and the next, finding more ways to create the traps she had learned from books faster.

 

On her return, only two of her traps had snagged anything. The first she caught a fallen branch, which made her laugh, and the second a fairly good sized rabbit. She inwardly pouted to herself, not really wishing to kill the animal, but instead grabbed the stick she 'caught' hit it over the head and then used the stick to snap it's neck. The bone breaking sound made her shutter. Next one she was going to let go. One rabbit was enough meat for the two of them. With her resolve, Maegan worked her way back past her traps, picking berries and such and putting them into the pouch that she already had on her person. After a few hors she worked her way back to camp, wondering if Aran was nice enough to keep her fire going.

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

It was quite sometime before Maegan returned, Aran would have been slightly annoyed with her for the fact that she hadn’t come and gotten him so he could examine her traps, but the rabbit spoke for itself and she’d been smart enough to gather what else she could while she was at it. Seeing no reason to get up and check with results like that and a student with such an anal attentiveness to detail, Aran simply gestured to the fire. He’d already gotten water and he was fairly certain she knew how, if she could do everything else she could do that.

 

Cooking also seemed to be a skill she’d picked up, and while she wasn’t nearly as well practiced as himself or others who had spent a lot of time on the road with no one else to cook, he was fairly happy with the results. That was to say, they were edible and even had a bit of flavour to them. He was kind enough to give her a few pointers for future reference because he was that sort of guy, always willing to give some help.

 

After which, there was a little talk before they went to sleep. Before they could do that, Aran showed her how to find shelter or in their case make it. Spring branches and foliage were all that was required and soon enough they had a place to lie down in. While the fire was all well and good, a windbreak was more important and their shelter cut the worst of it out. Laying their bedrolls down, they laid down reverse to one another and beyond Aran cracking a few jokes, everything was peaceful and they soon drifted off to sleep.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

[Guest Arie Ronshor]

WS 3 - 4 - Thread Four

 

 

It was relatively bright and lacking in cloud cover when the pair got up for the day. Spending the better half of the day going over the finer points of making traps and other details like getting water when there seemed to be none available, it was mid-afternoon when Aran decided to change things. Maegan was proving to be quite capable when it came to taking care of herself so he wasn’t going to go over every little detail and waste his time. And hers as well he supposed, though time spent with him was never a waste.

 

Leading them back to the camp, he stopped her from sitting down as he went to their things and withdrew a pair of lathes. One was of a simple design, nondescript and generally recognisable in most lands as the staple blade of any warrior. The other was shaped and weighted to match a scimitar. A lighter one as that was Maegan’s chosen blade, and it would do for the beginning of these exercises. They could always take up the stave work later.

 

Standing before Maegan, he grinned as he waved the scimitar lathe at her. No reaction of course, but he was pretty sure that deep down she would have to be at least a little excited at what it meant. Something which wasn’t running to begin with, and that was appealing in itself. “Today, we may begin with sword forms. But, we have a problem. Your mentor hasn’t had his fill of compliments and praise today so its up to you to make things right so he can go ahead and teach you aforesaid sword forms. What could work, hmm…. Lets go with, ‘Aran is all that is wonderful and I wish I was more like him’.”

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

"Aran is all that is scandalous and deviously wretched and I thank the light every day that I am not like him. Now give me my lathe." Her voice was scolding in a playful sense, knowing full well that he was not going to settle for her response and would most likely demand a 'better' response. However, she could not let the opportunity pass to mock him. Especially with a demand such as that.

 

Laughing, Aran wasn't going to let go quite so easily. "The wind just blew and muffled my hearing, didn't catch what you said. Perhaps you should try again now that you have my full attention."

 

Without raising her voice, if anything dropping it a little, and dipping it a touch of sarcasm, "Aran is all that is wickedly sinful, and I wish I could learn what it is like to have him touch me the way he does other women."

 

"Really?" Dropping the lathes aside, Aran grinned as he walked over and taking one of Maegan's hands he twirled her about. As he did so, he slipped that hand behind her back the much the same gentle ease he would have in the middle of a dance and following that line of thought he dipped her back in a classic flourish. With the only thing holding her up being him, he couldn't quite keep the amusement out of his voice as he adopted a luridly seductive tone. "My little blossom, my honey bunny, my darling, why did you not tell me this sooner?"

 

Even Maegan had to admit that he caught her off guard, however she was not surprised by the response. It was Aran. And she did proposition him, in a way. Mimicking his sickeningly sweet tone she smiled at him while batting her eyelashes. "Oh Aran!" She giggled an awfully cute girlish giggle, "So wonderful to know that your hearing has not fled along with your other senses. Now, release me and hand me my lathe before I feel the urge to test your other senses." She batted her eyelashes at him a look of triumph in her eyes as she continued to smile sweetly. He would have to take these tricks of his up several notches to even scratch her calm.

 

He couldn't help but laugh, Maegan could hold her own easily enough but she still had a phrase to say. Besides, they were having fun so why spoil the moment. Lifting her up and twirling her about again, the hand he held he used to lead while his other one slipped around her waist. If they couldn't practice then at least they could dance. "I would my dearest, but wait, I'm having a foretelling... A sister red with a guard too, wished to learn the blade for true. For this there were words to be spoken, so that her fair guard from his love be awoken... Wow, the feeling just passed really quickly, what did I say? Did you need to do something?"

 

Fascinating game the boy was playing. It was his game, and she could bet that most would loose to it either out of challenge or out of weakness. The man had a way with words, that Maegan had no doubt in, however with a pout on her face matched her downtrodden tone. "Forgot my words already, my dearest Aran? The pain you strike at my heart. It cuts ever so deeply." Her tone changed to that of a mock and her pout to a smile. "And how is dancing any part of learning how to handle a sword. Unless you have misled me to believe that that is what I will be learning?"

 

"Who has time for learning the sword when we have our love? Indeed we have a life to build together, the pair of us." Twirling her about before returning her to his lead, he noted that she was quick enough on her feet. Partly his training, but she also knew the steps which was interesting to note. He held her a little closer this time and the pace was slightly quickened, see if that got under her skin any. His voice was was now eager, if slightly retarded as he continued. "Indeed we must fly away from this place, fly from our duties and woes. We shall go to Mayene and build a life anew for ourselves, I shall become a smith and you shall bear my twenty children. Our household shall be filled with joy and laughter and we need never look back."

 

"Twenty children? That does not leave us a lot of time to do so. I am an older woman with many years already past and I only have so many child bearing years." Her eyes were wide with a sort of innocent look as she looked 'deep' into his eyes. Inside she was laughing at his tone and greatly enjoying the banter. Dare an Aes Sedai have fun? Yes. Even if it was innocent. So to speak.

 

Stopping, Aran's face was a visage of shock that then become the happiest yet most empty headed smile as he came to a realization. "You know, you're absolutely right!" Releasing her hand, he used that to reach behind her legs as he scooped her up. She was easy enough to hold in his arms and it would be interesting to see if she could keep her facade going now. Making his way towards the shelter where their bedrolls were, his new accent overflowed with the words as they hurriedly poured out. "Between your remaining childbearing years and my own limited years, we'll need to get started right now if we're going to get all twenty. As it is we'll have to have them in two's and three's. We'll need time for our children to bear us grand children after all."

 

Aran was full of fanciful words but Maegan stuck to her 'role' and wished wishfully with a 'loving' smile at Aran. "Grandchildren!" She practically swooned while wrapping her arms gently around his neck "Could you imagine? Twenty little Aran and Maegan's darting round with their wooden swords and books screaming for attention! All of them growing up so beautifully only to make more little Aran and Maegan's." She sighed happily and moved her face up close to his nearly touching her lips with his, her speechless with happiness. "They will be such beautiful children!"

 

"Each more beautiful than the last!" Just a whisper away, the temptation was strong and she would surely have to give in at that point. Or was her breaking point further down the line where she would give in? He was willing to keep playing if she was, after all he hadn't gotten the words he was after yet. They would come, they would have to come sooner or later. "But none of them would ever be as beautiful as you are my red rose amidst a sea of daisies. My muffin." Either she wanted him to, or she was expecting him to, but either way when he went for the kiss he got a response and that was just fine with him.

 

It was no simple kiss and she gave him the credit where it was due. The man could kiss. Unfortunately for him, he kissed the wrong woman if he wanted a reaction. She responded in kind to the kiss but did not feel any effects of it, and was not even dazed except by the breath lost from the lack of fresh oxygen to her lungs. It was merely an equation of a scientific end with a simple answer. He pulled away from her to see clear brown eyes staring up at him. "Oh Aran! You are all that is wonderful!" And she left it hanging, tempting him with either an end or even more bait.

 

Smiling, he nodded at her with a vapid expression on his face. "I know." She was deliberately trying to see if she could bait him. Well, it had worked, she hadn't said all of it and as far as he was concerned he could keep going and going until she was ready to say it all. Kneeling down as he reached their shelter, he laid her gently onto her bedroll as he leaned over her. He had words to say as he stroked her hair gently, and say them he did in a tone that abandoned the retarded hue for one that was more... happily dumb. "You are the source of my strength, my hopes, you are my sun and my stars, the moon that lights the path in the darkest night. Your every word an inspiration, capable of setting me free or making the chains that are my captivity of love all the harder to break free."

 

The touch of his hands along her hair had her closing her eyes to the feeling. A deliberate sigh escaped her lips for the intended purpose of the game. Maegan knew that he would go for the bait and push it one step farther, just as he had with kissing her. However, how far was she willing to go, and how far did she care to let him take it. It was a line that Maegan had never pushed before and with no doubts Aran had played and possibly won more times than not. However, It was clear the boy focused more with one head over the other and if she continued to test her own lines, not necessarily her comfort line, but her tolerance line, she had the suspicion that they would not be doing Sword Forms until far later in the day if not the next. She had qualms about this, however, not with their game. And she had not expected them to be sharing a bed roll at some point that day when she awoke that morning. "And this is how you will teach me sword forms, my dearest? By prancing away in bed when we have a whole field to play in?"

 

There she was, playing the game as best she could. The game was beginning to teeter towards a place where he wasn't quite sure he wanted to go with Maegan. That wasn't to say that the alternative wasn't tempting, Maegan was an attractive woman and he was sure there would be fun to be had. At the same time, she was... If there was more to it than a simple game then he would easily go for it, but if it was only a game then he wouldn't be the one to go too far. As much as it... No, he wasn't losing, he was doing the right thing and setting himself above such childishness. Light, that sounded weak. "You are right my little crumpet, perhaps I have been remiss." Getting to his feet, he offered his hand to her to help her up and although there was a smile on his face there was a discernible difference from the earlier vapidness, the game was over it seemed.

 

Taking his hand gracefully, she allowed him to pull her up as if finishing a role in a play. Her spirits lighter Maegan followed Aran to where he had dropped the lathes and accepting the one he handed her. She watched him with a quick succession of thoughts to their small play. How far was she willing to allow such a forward attitude? It was not that the boy would take advantage of her, more so the opposite. However, it was clear that the boy did have a conscience. A very small one, but it was there. She had no doubt that if she had been anyone else he may not have stopped, or survived the kiss. A kiss that she had already forgotten.

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

Taking a ready stance, Aran smiled as Maegan quickly imitated. Stance she was more than capable at, he had drilled that into her as she had worked on her movement, making her more mobile. She knew the basics, now it was time to furnish them with the forms. Personally, Aran didn’t like them, they were too structured for him and he preferred knife work anyway. But, he knew them and she needed to learn so that was the end of that.

 

“Hold your lathe at your side like so as if it were sheathed. This is what we call the Leopard in the Tree. This is a readiness stance, and from there we flow into Unfolding the Fan. That’s it, just need a little more power when you draw and swing up. Not only do you free your blade but you strike at your opponent in the same movement. Folding the Fan is just stylised blade sheathing so we won’t go into that just now. Now you see how when I was Unfolding the Fan I only took the blade to shoulder height? That’s because I’ve settled in a guard position, its called the Lion on the Hill. It makes it easy for you to move into a parry, though you may be a little slow off the mark attacking.”

 

“Keeping up so far?” Getting a nod, Aran continued. “Now, lets try Parting the Silk alright? Just a quick slash, this is more for parrying but if you’re close enough you’ll rake your opponent’s abdomen. Or clip a midget’s nose. From there, the Arc of the Moon slips up and over an opponent’s shoulder and beheads him. If that didn’t take his head, we then strike as The Courtier Taps his Fan, despite sounding like a weak wristed fellow the blow is sharp and powerful. Think of him flicking it open and its like that, quick downward blow, straight arc. Got it? Good, now start moving through them, I’ll correct you as you go.”

 

Standing normally, Aran turned and gave Maegan his full attention as she began her basic formwork and pointed out what he could where he could. This would take time, but here they had it at least.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

Her grip was was firm on the lathe as she followed Aran's motions, he took her through he Forms while giving her simple instructions. Repeating them a couple of times, she soon found a 'comfortable' stance where the movements became more natural. With simple corrections from Aran, she brought her arm up a little higher, and her feet a little faster.

 

"Okay, hand them over." Maegan released her stance as she looked to Aran's outstretched hand.

 

"You jest." He shook his head and motioned for her spectacles. Blinking at the now very cloudy world, "Break them and this is no longer training."

 

Picking up her stance, she felt shaky without her spectacles. Had she grown so accustom to them to have lost the balance she had been so proud of in her novice days? Scolding herself for her own foolishness to be even remotely dependent on the things, she worked her way again through each form trying to use her other senses. In a world of hues and hazy images, she had to rely on motion rather than images, and it was proving to be an interesting challenge. Over time and with a bit of (not always) welcome advice from Aran, Maegan easily moved into the forms, adapting the stave to whatever form applied.

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

[Guest Arie Ronshor]

WS 4 - 5 - Thread Five

 

 

Aran had to admit that he was rather curious as to how the day’s events would proceed. He had been training Maegan for sometime now, and as happy as he was with her progress he felt it was time to pit her against someone else to see how well she would go in a fight. It was one thing for Maegan to compete against him, he had years of experience and over time he was someone that she had become used to. A new opponent, one she didn’t know or expect was what was called for.

 

It had also helped that he had heard of Rosheen’s student, Lillian, and the story of what had happened to Nerome during a practice bout to see how well she had progressed. And what Nerome had done after, but all in all he felt that Lillian could handle herself against Maegan. More importantly, he felt that Maegan could handle her. And if she beat Lillian, he could always stir Rosheen about it later. Not that you were meant to do that when it came to students, but that was beside the point.

 

The choice of weaponry would also affect how the fight flowed. Lillian was using a longsword lathe, it was a thinner blade so it was quicker which suited her light build. Maegan in turn was using a stave, while it was a bit heavier it would move easily enough in Maegan’s hands. While the scimitar had received some attention, in particular on ways to use it competently without being able to see well, it was the stave that would serve Maegan best.

 

Speaking of which, Aran had likewise imposed the same limitation on Maegan for this match. No power, no glasses, she had to fight without aids because if she needed to actually use her stave, she most likely would not have the power at her beck and call. Besides which, it taught her to use more than just her eyes, was a weakness in a lot of fighters to become overly dependent on eyesight alone.

 

But, with the pair of them taking their places, there was little time left for musing. Lillian wasn’t even bothering with a guard stance, perhaps trying to tempt Maegan into a hasty act? The lathe hung low in her right hand and to the side, ready to sweep up if need be but otherwise tempting for an opponent to step in. Maegan in turn was leading with her left foot, stave slanted across her body with it starting high on the right and ending low on the left to guard her shin.

 

A scant dozen feet between them, Aran was sure that the next few minutes would keep him fairly entertained. If it went beyond that he’d be fairly surprised. Contrary to gleeman tales, duels of epic proportions lasted no longer than Vasya’s almost mythical good moods. Taking a few steps back and sitting himself down, Aran grinned as he waved a hand at the pair.

 

“Begin.”

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

 

When Aran informed her that she had been scheduled to spar, Maegan could not help but be a little excited. Until he told her that she was pitted against an Accepted. Whether it was her Aes Sedai pride or her Cairhien roots, she could not help but despise Aran a little with his choice in opponents. Maegan was confident enough in her skill, however, if the Accepted was strong-willed enough she would take advantage of an opportunity to win against an Aes Sedai. However, Maegan knew very little of Accepted Lillian and Aran had not given her any time to research to the child. She was going into the fight blind, figuratively and literally speaking. Same limitations as her training Maegan had to leave her spectacles in Aran's hands. Looking back and forth between her rapier and stave Maegan picked up both and headed out to the yards confirming her door was well shut as she left.

 

Arriving well in time for her Spar, she bowed her head in a respectful way to the Accepted. Regardless of their Rank within the Tower and obvious gap in their age, Lillian was still an opponent of suspected even skill and in itself was due some form of respect. Maegan lead with her left foot, stave slanted across her body with it starting high on the right and ending low on the left as opposed to Lillian's arrogant offensive positioning that opposed Maegan's guarded one. Maegan watched the girl for a small moment as her vision blurred. There was a lot that could be said about someone by the way that they approached the fight. Maegan was willing to bet that Lillian would have some sort of trick dice up her sleeve and logged that small note away as she made the first attack against the girl.

 

Achieving the void, Maegan approached the girl with a few swift attacksArc of the Moon was followed by The Falcon Stoops as quick overhand thrust, returning to a guard position just as quickly. Lillian blocked the attacks easily however failed to appear guarded. It could be just the distance between the two of them, But Maegan had a difficulty telling and it pulled at her curiosity. Pushing her thoughts back into the Void, they circled for a short moment before Lillian made her first move.

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

 

When she had learned that she was going to be sparring an Aes Sedai, Lillian had held some mixed feelings about the matter. Maegan Sedai had been one of the sisters that had operated the Arches when she had gone through them, she had seen Lillian broken and remade that night. It was a personal thing, and now to be fighting one of the Aes Sedai who had witnessed that, it was a difficult thing.

 

Maybe that was why she had been picked, because of the difficulties involved. She’d also been told that Maegan Sedai would be fighting half blind, it seemed unfair but at the same time she could understand why. There were times when one could find themselves without the power, defenceless, that was what had spurred her on to learn weapon work, to be able to defend herself.

 

She had actually entertained the thought of throwing the match, if she won she might possibly antagonise Maegan Sedai and Lillian didn’t need enemies. Yet, such thoughts disappeared from her mind as she took her position. It would be taken as a greater insult if she threw it, and besides which she wanted to win. While she might have won her first match with Nerome, the one that had followed left her doubting her skills, she needed to prove it to herself.

 

As they were called to begin, Lillian disdained her guard in favour of tempting Maegan Sedai. A couple of probing attacks were easily parried, but it became clear very quickly as they circled that this was as far as Maegan Sedai was willing to commit. Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind met wood only to become The Falcon Stoops, her lathe sliding against the stave and just shy of clipping Maegan Sedai’s hip.

 

Falling to one knee as The Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose passed overhead, The River Undercuts the Bank was caught by the butt end of the stave in turn. As lathe touched staved, Lillian didn’t bother flowing to another form but instead launched herself up and at Maegan Sedai, her shoulder meeting the raised stave and knocking Maegan Sedai back another step.

 

The Kingfisher Takes a Silverback knocked to one side, Lillian spun as if she were the Whirlwind on the Mountain. Instead of completing the spin to slash, she leaned backward and thrust up at Maegan Sedai’s face, once again forcing her to defend as she knocked the lathe downward. The Swallow Takes Flight wrapped in the stave’s defence, Lillian nevertheless attempted The Swallow Rides the Air and was once again denied contact.

 

Not allowing Maegan Sedai any chance to breath, Lillian continued her offensive. All the while as wary as she could be to counter attack, the stave made it doubly easy for a fighter to turn the tables.

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Accepted of the White Tower

 

 

 

Determined. Maegan could chalk the girl up as determined, for whatever may be the girls reason, however most of her actions were blocking the girls fast sword that she could not see. However, Maegan was not guessing, but could tell by the girls foot steps, breaths, and the movements of the forms that they were both taught. The girl knew the forms and could do them well but could the girl counter a non-formed attack? If Maegan had time to smile, she would have as the girl continued to swing her attacks.

 

Lillian lead once more with The Creeper Embraces the Oak that was than followed by The Falling Leaf. But as the girls sword started to fall, Maegan twisted her wrists, catching the girl off balance having her take a step in to regain it. Using her stave as a shield against her sword, Meagan moved in and with her hand that was still holing her stave, punched the girl in the eye and moved away into a defensive stance as Lillian reacted to the punch. Maegan watched her through her blurred vision. The Spar was far from over, but her though was simple. An Aes Sedai did not fight in anger. They guard and defend, and this child was very far from her shawl with a mind set like that. Unless of course the Tower was 'that' desperate for foolish children to fill the Aes Sedai Halls.

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

And your darn straight she punched her. :P

 

 

Staggering away from the blow, Lillian shook her head even as she raised her lathe up before her to guard out of ingrained drill more than anything else. Feeling dizzied by the blow, she couldn’t remember being struck that hard before in the face. Well, maybe Nynaeve Sedai, but that had also been the shock of it. This was… Shaking her head, she circled her opponent as she collected herself, trying to regain her focus. She had only watched for the stave, and in that she realised her fault.

 

She’d made the mistake of underestimating Maegan Sedai. She’d started training later than Lillian, she didn’t even have her full sight and because of that she’d thought to suffocate Maegan Sedai early in the bout. She’d paid for that now, she would not make the same mistake twice. No, she had to win, but victory would not come in one effort, Maegan could receive her attacks but could she fight aggressively? Maybe if she was given the opportunity then she could repay the favour Maegan Sedai had given her.

 

Apple Blossoms in the Wind presented a new front as Lillian ceased to be the aggressor and became the defender and the defender the aggressor. She would be at a disadvantage still, yet at the same time she had gained something out of this. She had gained a much truer measure of her opponent. All that remained to be seen was whether she could make use of that.

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Accepted of the White Tower

 

 

The sudden change in Lillian's tactics was of no immediate surprise to Maegan, in fact, she almost expected it. She had meant to throw the girl off enough to give herself a small advantage, but what advantage has the girl offered her? By moving so far away, enough that she would have to listen for the girls moves by sound than sight? Clenching her jaw in determination, Maegan knew the difference of their fights. Maegan fought for survival, and any way to give herself the advantage was good enough to her. Lillian just wished to win, or that's all she appeared to desire with the way she attacked. However, by backing off and giving Maegan the advance just may give her a better opportunity to learn something about her own ability. Maegan always played defensively. Perhaps it was time to turn the tables a little more.

 

Using the her weapon to her advantage she moved in closer to Lillian to set the girl off balance. It was one thing to attack, but as long as she can block it was not good enough. The child will learn that it is all in the strategy, not the skill. She took notice that after every attack she lowered her arms to rest them and stand guard waiting for the next attack. Pushing forward with Striking the Spark she doubled the attack with both ends of her Stave as she pushed her back further in the circle with the higher attacks and forcing Lillian to keep her arms up and moved into Wind and Rain flawlessly as the attacks on Lillian continued. The girl did not fail Maegan's expectations and blocked the balance nicely, but she could see the concentration of the girls eyes as she tried to look for a gap. As much as Maegan would love to see how far this could go, there was one last lesson. Not all battles would last forever. With sharp change in her foot her stave moved into The Grapevine Twines and her weapon caught onto Lillian's catching it right under her wrist and throwing the girls blade out of reach and towards the girls mentor's feet. Pivoting, she hooked her own foot in front of Lillian and used her staff to push the girl onto her back with the end of her stave at the girls throat.

 

"Game?"

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

 

 

Moving back as she parried, Lillian slashed high and to either side to knock the stave’s attacks to either side of her. She had been hoping for a mistake but she wasn’t given the room to take advantage of one even if it presented itself. The attacks with both ends of the stave kept her lathe busy and moving back as she was, she couldn’t find a moment to move in or move aside. The focus shifted from attacks on high so they came from everywhere, and the greater range took all of Lillian’s attention. But she had to find a way out of it, a way to twist it back on Maegan when she overextended herself, there had to be a wa-

 

Disarmed, and before she could get clear she was knocked on her back and she had a stave hovering just above her throat. Looking across to her lathe, it was sitting at the feet of Rosheen who must have come after the fight had started. How much had she seen? It didn’t matter, the frown on Rosheen’s face said enough, Lillian didn’t want to look at that. Thankfully, Maegan Sedai gave her reason enough to look away but at the same time she wanted to look away from the woman standing over her.

 

Game. Maybe it had been a game for Maegan Sedai, but her disappointment in herself ran far deeper than having lost a simple match. Useless. For all her work, she had only won her first match and that had only been due to taking advantage of her opponent’s fear that he had done some real damage. He’d disabused her of the notion that she could fend for herself the second time they had fought afterward, and now this. It frustrated her to the point where she could have almost cried.

 

Instead, she responded in a small voice. “Yes, congratulations Maegan Sedai.” The stave moving away, Lillian got to her feet and retrieved the lathe. She couldn’t look at Rosheen as she did so, so she kept her eyes averted downward. She put her teacher’s training to shame with the way she had performed, she hadn’t done it the justice it had deserved. Light but she didn’t want to hear of it now, and thankfully she wouldn’t have to just yet. She hadn’t been dismissed.

 

Walking over to Maegan Sedai and her mentor, she stood next to her opponent with her eyes downcast. While the man congratulated Maegan Sedai on how she had fought, Lillian was able to think about what had happened. Mulling the fight over, she could pick out so many things she could have done differently but she had missed every opportunity. Too wary, not fast enough, played into Maegan Sedai’s hands. If it had been a real fight she would have been dead.

 

Just like the rest of her spars.

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Accepted of the White Tower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She knew very little of the girl, Lillian. Although she stood many time to activate the Arches and watch a girl enter and leave a broken woman. Lillian was one of many that she saw remade in a night by the cruelty of the Arches. Maegan personally hated them, but saw the purpose in them. She knew and understood that the Tower demanded it. But as each child walked out in tears, solemn or in hatred Maegan constantly questioned to what end the Tower demanded of them and what the Tower really stood for. Herself and this child were products of it. But to what end would it achieve?

 

Moving back, Maegan watched the girl stand and dust herself off. Lillian hid her disappointment well and Maegan nodded her thanks for the congratulations. She did not need her glasses nor the touch of Saidar to read the girls movements as she stiffly picked up her blade. Lillian could hide her disappointment in her voice but not her body language that spoke volumes. Meagan did not afford the girl sympathy knowing she would only be despised for it, the two of them walked over to Aran and Rosheen, who she had the short pleasure of meeting in their trip to the bandit 'king'.

 

"You did well, Mae." Grinning, Aran was fairly proud of his student. Maegan had managed to not only to defend herself against her opponent but had also been able to attack successfully. Rosheen's student hadn't been a slouch, she'd pushed Maegan but his student had managed to win the day. He couldn't help but notice her reaction to it though, he would have said it was sullen but she had congratulated Maegan well enough. Rosheen wouldn't have expected any less, and neither would Aran for that matter. "You were a little sloppy in a few places, but I'd trust you to twirl that stave and not smack yourself across the face now. You did well too, Lillian, though you focused too much. At anyrate, we are done here, you can both go and do whatever it is that you do, I am going to go take a nap." Grinning, Aran turned and walked away to do exactly that, content that his student had done herself proud.

 

She shook her head almost laughing as Aran left. He could not say a compliment without compensating it with a catch. She was far from perfect but she was proud with her new ability. Maegan had sought out a way to survive if her ability to channel was hindered and her sight, or lack of, hindered her chance to win. But there was more way to read an opponent and she caught on. Smiling inwardly she was actually very proud of herself. She had thought that she had lost touch with her inner senses that had allowed her to survive so many years in the white dress, but today as had all other days of training proved her otherwise. Maegan was proud of her accomplishment.

 

Retrieving her spectacles, she turned to Lillian. "Let me walk you back to the Tower, Lillian." And with a bow of her head to Rosheen, started her way back to the Tower.

 

 

Maegan Ryanne

Highest

 

(Aran

Tower Guard)