Beginning Anew (Open)

[Andrej]

Lewin sat atop his horse, allowing the animal to plod along slowly with the pace of the crowd he was surrounded in. The fine Ogier architecture rose around him on each side of the broad avenue, but a single massive building dominated his line of sight. The White Tower. He swallowed gently, feeling that familiar lump of nervous forming within his throat the closer he drew to his destination. Lewin let out a breath, ignoring the mist that rose from his lips from the early morning chill. The Tower rose high above the marvelous city, silhouetted by the rising sun that was creeping up above the Spine of the World. He had finally arrived in Tar Valon after weeks of travel.

 

Thankfully Lewin had saved enough coin after his last two years of employment to make the travel somewhat comfortable. He had slept in a bed most nights, whenever the distance between villages was close enough to allow him to. Others, he'd slept underneath a hedge with his horse hitched to a low branch nearby. Arriving in Tar Valon the night before, he'd stayed at an inn just outside the western bridge and was able to clean his travel worn clothing and shave the layer of scraggely fuzz from his cheeks. He didn't want to show up looking like some haggard begger. He gripped the reins firmly, an affect of his nerves, and with each step made by the horse the small bells at the end of each of his braids jingled lightly. His gaze held the Tower and he found himself thinking back to a few short months ago just before he had made the decision to come to the White Tower with the aspiration of becoming a fabled Warder.

 

************

Lewin sighed to himself, uncrossing his arms and recrossing them over his chest as he glanced off to the side where the other guard stood. "This work is boring, you know.." Lewin said, giving a small shake of his head which in turn made his bells chime. The older man, named Uled, smirked and turned his grizzled gaze towards Lewin. "Not quite what you imagined, lad?" he asked in a friendly tone, his smile somewhat gruesome in appearance due to the scar that streaked down his cheek. Lewin didn't know how the man had gotten it and had never asked. Lewin rolled his eyes but didn't answer, instead he turned his gaze back onto the passerbys. Uled was right, in a way. Lewin had left his childhood home and came to Shol Arbela hoping for adventure. Instead, he stood guard duty outside of a merchant's shop. The pay was decent, at least, and he'd been given a sword and horse to use whenever he and the rest of the small group of guards escorted a train outside of the city.

 

Lewin pulled his cloak a little closer around his shoulders as a gust of wind whipped by, blowing his braids back for a moment before the weight of his hair allowed them to fall back in place. He was looking towards the center of the city, where most of the commerce took place before scanning back towards the city's south gate. He noticed nonchalantly a pair of riders entering the arch and dismissed them at first glance. Something drew his eyes back, however, and he found himself unable to look away. He stood a little straighter, rising up onto the toes of his boots for a better view. Riders inside the city weren't an odd sight, but this pair stood out to him for some unknown reason. The woman rode atop a sleek brown mare, her dress and cloak as fine as he'd ever seen. Something about her stood out to him, but he was unable to put his finger on it. She must be a lady... but the man. Who was that hard faced fellow riding beside her? He frowned, watching the stern-faced escort as he sat atop his saddle. He was unarmed, as the law in any Borderland city dictated, and yet he still seemed deadly. He appeared uncaring, even bored, as he rode and yet Lewin could tell the man was well aware of everything going around him despite the commotion. "Who..?" he trailed off quietly, drawing Uled's attention so that the older man peered down in the direction Lewin stared and then made a soft sound in his throat. "Ah, lad... one of those Tar Valon women and her Warder. Dangerous man, him." Uled said simply, his focus already turning elsewhere.

 

***********

 

So lost in his thoughts, Lewin hadn't realized that he'd drifted so far into the city. Instead of the Tower being a looming mass off in the distance, it suddenly reared up in front of him; gleaming white in the sunlight. His breath nearly caught in wonder as he stared up at it, his horse stomping a foot impatiently and tossing its head. He idly patted the mount's neck, noticing finally that a man had come to stand beside him dressed in a uniform. "State your business." He said simply, eyeing Lewin from underneath his helmet. Lewin grinned, despite himself, feeling a childlike giddiness suddenly surge through him. "My good man, my business here is to join the ranks of the Tower! I've come to train with the Warders." Lewin dismounted smoothly, holding onto the animal's reins as the guard regarded him once more. He nodded in the general direction of the Tower. "Go that way, to the next guard post and tell them your name. They'll see to you." The guard told Lewin before waving a hand to allow him through, his gaze already shifting to the next person in line to enter the Tower grounds.

Edited June 24, 2013 by Andrej

[Rekinu Alasayaar]

Rekinu was walking down to the entrance to the walls of the Tower grounds, intent on buying a trinket for his bonded, she had seemed more moody as of late, and was hoping to get something to make her smile.

 

However, coming toward him was a young man, perhaps a few years younger than him, leading a horse and with a sword.  The man looked to be happy with himself, and his eyes spoke of mischievousness, despite the fact that they were at the moment darting side to side, trying not to miss a thing.  The thing that caught Rekinu's attention more than anything else was the bells he could hear attached to his braids behind his head.  Rekinu had several in his room that he only wore for special occasions these days, Taia didn't seem to care for them much otherwise, and he suspected she just tolerated them the times he did wear them because HE was the one wearing them.

 

Interruping the young man, Rekinu introduced himself, "Good afternoon young sir, are you perhaps from Shol Arbela, my home town?"

 

 

-Always likes making new friends

Rekinu Alasayaar

[Andrej]

Lewin's eyes must have looked as if they were going to fall out of his skull, they were so wide, attempting to take every little detail he could absorb in and store it away for future reminiscing. His head would turn occassionally, the two thick braids hanging down his back whipping slightly with the motion as they were free from the confines of his cloak's hood. He was a from a Borderland nation, and it was illegal for a person to where their hood up inside a city's walls. The law was so ingrained in his personality that he didn't even think twice to leave it hanging down his back after entering a city. The small bells at the end of them rang with the motion and flashed when the sunlight caught them at the right moment.

 

The crunch of boots on the gravel path pulled Lewin's attention away from his sight-seeing and to the man that had stopped before him. He appeared to be at ease, going about his business as usual but at the same time possessed that cognizance of being dangerous. Lewin smiled in a welcoming way and instantly recognized the stranger's dialect. The particular question he was asked only strengthed Lewin's suspicions. "It is a pleasure to have crossed paths with you, brother Arafellin. My name is Lewin Kell." Lewin inclined his head politely, causing his braids to fall forward and drape over his shoulders. "I am not from Shol Arbela, originally, but that is where I have come from to make it here. I grew up two days outside the city, at a lord's manor." He normally wouldn't have been so open with a stranger, but knowing this man was from his home nation gave Lewin a sense of familiarity and trust.

 

Behind him, the stubborn gray nudged his shoulder with its snout. Lewin smiled to himself and reached back absently to stroke the beast between the eyes to ease her, although her tail continued to swish impatiently.

[Rekinu Alasayaar]

The newcomer's name was Lewin, and though he HAD lived in Shol Arbela, was from just outside it.  Well, they could always use more of the Arafellin blood to keep people straight around here.

 

"I hail from the slums, I suppose, of Shol Arbela."  He hitched his shoulder feeling his sword hanging on his back, he still felt obligated to reclaim his families honor, but aside from serving his Aes Sedai against the shadow, had not known how to do it.  All for having an unwed mother... Well, it wasn't him to question what was right and wrong, just to right the wrong.  "I too joined a merchant train, and worked there a year before I came here, there was a guardsman that... I persuaded to let me tag along, and when we got to Tar Valon he just told me to go, and I have not looked back since.  It is like a forges fire here.  I'm not saying you are expectin' it to be easy, just don't think it will... There will never be as hard of masters as you will find the trainers to be, nor as demanding a job.  However, the reward, knowing you help to fight the shadow till your last breath, that is the best reward any honorable man can hope for.  We all do it in our own way, some fighting, some planting, some fixing harnesses, but I have learned, every life lived in the Light is lived fighting the Shadow in one way or another."

 

Lewin's horse nosed Lewin's shoulder, stopping Rekinu, and he changed directions. "Well, your horse looks impatient, haha, lets get him taken care of with some oats and rubbed down.  I assume you are here to join the ranks of the Tower Guard?"  He paused for a moment, just long enough to see the mix of excitement in his eyes, and the nod causing the jangle of the bell, light, it was good to hear the familiar jangle all the time!

 

"Right then, after we drop off your horse we will go find the master at arms.... be prepared for that one, if you think you have seen someone who could cause a saddle to fall off a horse by just looking at it, she can make it wither up into flames if she wanted to I think!"  He laughed, and led the way to the stables.

[Andrej]

Lewin listened intently to Rekinu's words. He already felt a measure of respect for the fellow Arafellin and felt that any knowledge he could pass on would be valuable. After all, he was a resident here. He had been through the training, the forge's fire as Rekinu had named it, and survived. Lewin took a small breath as he soaked in the advice. He hadn't known what to expect by coming here, but his instinct told him that not everyone was cut out to serve the force which most opposed the Shadow. The training must be grueling to weed out those without the resolve. He smiled slightly at Rekinu's mention of honor, something the man must've known would strike Lewin. Hailing from a Borderland nation he posessed a strong since of honor and duty. He inclined his head again, reaching back over his right shoulder to touch the hilt of the broadsword he wore strapped to his back. It was a crude weapon, and he was no master, but he carried it with some measure of ability. "I have come to serve, Master Rekinu. And my sword will be a tool of the Tower."

 

The horse's interruption brought some leviety to the serious conversation, and he allowed himself to laugh and give the mare a fond pat on the neck as he turned to follow Rekinu. "She's restless from travel. I've been pushing her hard the last few weeks to get here quickly, I think a good rub down and some oats are in order." Lewin grinned as the horse's ears flickered at the mention, as if understading what he had said. He had grown up around horses, tending to them, although they had been his master's animals. He was fond of the creatures.

 

Leading his gray by the reins, he fell into step beside Rekinu and glanced at his new acquaintance as he started to speak again. Surely, he must be exaggerating somewhat about the Master-At-Arms. He'd known a few tough women in his life, at least in his childhood. The head mistress of the kitchens was a stern woman, and Lewin had met her ladle on more than one occasion in his attempts to snag a pie or other treat. Based on Rekinu's description, Lewin began to picture some massive woman with an arm stronger than a bear's. For one to rise to the head rank of the guards, they must be a mighty foe. He gulped and gave a soft laugh to hide his apprehension. "I... look forward to meeting her, then."

[Rekinu Alasayaar]

After having walked for a small amount, and just arriving at the stables, Lewin spoke; "I... look forward to meeting her, then.".  Rekinu laughed out loud for a good while.  They took care of some of the initial care of the horse, Rekinu rubbing down one side and Lewin the other, before leaving her with the stable hands.  Rekinu didn't much like riding, preferring his own legs to ANY kind of travel, but it was better than a boat, and the animals were quite smart, well, most anyways.

 

After they were done, Rekinu inspected Lewin, insuring his fellow Arafaelin was presentable, pointing to a few straws dangling on a sleeve, before nodding to himself.  The rest was up to him.

 

He led off to the training grounds.  Walking bruisqely, motioning for Lewin to follow.  "It is time you met the Master At Arms.  Come, she should be back in her office at this time, and wanting to be back out in the yards.  She might have you spar with someone else to see where you start, but she might spar with you herself.  Mind you, its just with training lathes, but I will let you know, they hurt a lot.  Do not hold back, no matter who you fight, and don't worry, we are in the WT, so if they break a bone, they can have someone heal it... not a pleasant experiance I can tell you that, but not a permanent injury, they keep some Yellow Ajah near-by for emergencies, though" He grinned for a moment, "Even the Yellow Ajah like to watch some of the lads practicing... bit unnerving at first, being watched, but you get used to it."  He shrugged before continuing.  "You will see what i mean up here in a bit."

 

By now they could hear the practice lathes clacking as different people practiced forms, or trained against opponents, student or teacher.  Rekinu held his tongue, letting the new guy take in the sights as they walked through the training grounds to the Tower Guard building where the office of the Master At Arms was located.

[Andrej]

Lewin was grateful that he was standing on the opposite side of the mare as Rekinu when the other men began to laugh at him. Rekinu must've heard the hesistance in his voice when he answered about meeting the Master-At-Arms. He supposed, however, that Rekinu must understand that was why he found it some humorous. Surely, he must've had similar feelings as Lewin did when he first arrived at the Tower. Lewin felt at ease as he brushed down the mare, smiling as she wickered in appreciation although the noise was muffled by the feedbag strapped around her head. Grooming horses acted sort of as a release for Lewin, where he could just be peaceful and allow his thoughts to collect. He didn't mind the silence coming from the other man, if anything the lack of conversation helped Lewin feel more comfortable.

 

Confident after the quick look over, Lewin followed Rekinu back out of the stables and across the grounds, his stride matching the pace of the other man easily. Lewin was of moderate height, but he looked all-limbs so his long legs covered the ground quickly. He felt himself growing excited as he heard the noise of the practice swords cracking against one another. Lewin had to steady himself so that he didn't quicken his pace anxiously to finally get his first glimpse at the training yard. He thought back to the first time he'd held a real sword, the one he wore across his back, when Uled had showed him how to draw and sheathe the weapon without impaling himself along with a simple lesson on how to grip the short hilt. His hand nearly itched now to pull the blade free, but he resisted. Lewin made a sound of amusement as Rekinu explained how they kept Yellow sisters close at hand for emergencies, although he didn't fully understand the scope of training he was about to undergo.

 

Rounding a bend, Lewin was graced with the sight he had been waiting for. His eyes widened and despite himself, he grinned. The bells at the end of each braid chimed as he shook his head in quiet wonder while looking across the expansive training grounds. There were several small buildings, gear sheds Lewin guessed, and small open yards where students practiced forms or sparred with one another and teachers alike. He envied them, slightly, eager to throw himself into the fray and truly begin to learn. But first, he reminded himself, he needed to meet the person in charge of all of this. He skirted the yards with Rekinu, unable to pull his eyes away from the clusters of students as he was led to a large building which stood just outside the grounds. It was broad and squat, simple in design but carried a look of business. Lewin sighed, feeling his stomach twisting into knots as he peered up at the building while ascending the steps beside Rekinu.

 

"So, this is it huh?" he questioned as Rekinu finally stopped outside of a unremarkable door. He gave a faint smile, attempting to hide his nervousness but he felt he'd be insane if he weren't a little apprehensive to meet the lady Rekinu had described as being able to incinerate saddles. After a moment under Rekinu's quiet gaze, Lewin closed his eyes and took a deep breath before reopening them and giving the man a quick nod, sending his bells ringing again. "I'm ready. And thank you for the help Master Rekinu. I will look forward to see you again." Lewin bowed slightly, placing his right hand over his heart and muttered gently. "For the Roses."

 

He stood again, steeling his resolve and turning to face the door as Rekinu rapped on the wood firmly a few times.

 

OOC: Thanks for the tour Reki!

[seiakera]

Kilrin scanned the document before her, it was a report from one of her commanders responsible for the east wall and apparently, there were a few deserters in the past week and he was requesting for a fresh supply of guards. She let out a sigh and scribbled her response when a knock resounded through her office.

 

"Enter!" She folded the parchment and rolled the wax stick over the candle flame. As the door opened, she glanced up and saw a new face enter the room. Rekinu nodded his head in acknowledgement which she returned before he turned away. Pressing the melted tip of the wax stick to her letter, she spoke without looking up, "State your business."

[Andrej]

Lewin heard the order barked from inside and quickly took another breath to calm himself. This was it. Rekinu opened the door and Lewin was greeted with a steely eyed gaze from the woman sitting behind the large desk. She had only regarded him for a brief moment before returning Rekinu's respectful nod as Lewin stepped through the door and attempted not to jump as it closed behind him.

 

Lewin positioned himself a few paces away from the desk. He clasped his hands behind his back in a sign of respect, but also that it would keep him fidgeting too much. He wanted to brush them over the front of his coat, both to wipe off the sweat that was suddenly sprouting up from his palms and to smooth out the wrinkles he self-consciously felt. There were none, of course, but finding himself in the presence of the Master-at-Arms for the first time made him more than a little jumpy. He just hoped it didn't show too much in his expression which he tried to keep calm.

 

Rekinu hadn't been exaggerating about this woman's presence. The head cook be damned, he thought the Master-at-Arms would have broken that ladle Lewin had met so often with just a simple glare. When she spoke, it was to the point, she didn't even look up from her work. "State your business."

 

"I, uh... I.." Not a very good start. Lewin cleared his throat and forced himself to continue and to stop making an idiot of himself. How could he possibly think to attain his goal of joining the ranks of the Tower if he couldn't speak to the woman who would be in charge of him? Speak, you fool! He chastised himself while attempting to ignore the bead of sweat he felt rolling down his spine.

 

"My name is Lewin Kell. And I have come to begin training in order to join the ranks of the White Tower."

 

There. He let out a little breath, feeling a tad more confident now that he'd finally gotten the words out.

[seiakera]

Kilrin finally looked up and assessed the boy in front of her desk. Like all men and women seeking to enlist with the guards, he was nervous. Am I that frightening? She almost smirked at the thought but kept her face cool. His long braids with bells marked his heritage. A borderlander, she was in dire need of more of these warriors because they already had some sort of training which allowed them to progress through the guard ranks much faster.

 

"Peace favor your sword, Lewin Kell." She gave him a nod of respect. "Those from the borderlands are always welcome. At ease." Lewin visibly relaxed as she opened up the enlistment book. She jotted down his name, "Age and homeland?" She eyed his sword. "I assume you came with a horse as well?"

[Andrej]

Lewin stiffened slightly as Kilrin lifted her eyes again to regard him. He felt as if that measuring gaze wouldn't miss even the smallest of detail. No wonder Rekinu had fussed over him so back in the stables before bringing him here. He noticed the way she paid particular attention to his braids and the small silver bells that were attached to each. As she spoke again, Lewin felt his tension nearly melt after being told to stand at ease. He gave a respectful nod in return and released a breath that he hadn't realized he had been holding in. "Thank you and may it favor yours, as well. It is both encouraging and comforting to hear that the Tower is always accepting of my people." Lewin reached up and placed a hand over his heart, inclining his head again. Some might consider him strangely formal, but he often was when first meeting someone, especially a superior.

 

He answered her questions regarding his age and homeland, watching as she quickly jotted them down in her book with a smooth hand. Lewin knew how to write, although not very well. He felt a brief flash of embarrasment as Kilrin eyed his sword which stuck out above his right shoulder. He knew it was a crude weapon, the blade dull and chipped in several places. Someone like her, trained to defend the White Tower, would be familiar with fine weapons. He cleared his throat and nodded again as he answered. "I met Master Rekinu on my way in. He showed me to the stables and saw that my horse was taken care of before bringing me here."

[seiakera]

Kilrin jotted down the information in her enrollment book, nodding. "I'll send a note to the stable master regardless to make sure he's aware of your horse. When you have free time, meet up with him to discuss any special requirements." She stood up and gestured towards the door. "Come with me. Before I can assign your rank, we need to evaluate your sword skills."

 

She grabbed her lathe by the door and stepped out of her office, glancing behind her to ensure Lewin was following. She lead him to a small sparring ring that she or one of her Guards used for these evaluations. Settling in a defensive posture, Kilrin nodded at him. "Begin."

 

ooc: sorry for the wait! go ahead and try your best, it'll be a short evaluation and then we can go from there.