Brown cloth swept a sheen of perspiration from the dirty skin.  A bell tolled the early hour in the faint morning air.The thick, beaten fingers that gripped it tightly pulled it back, roughly, across the flesh again, then let it drop.  The dawn was breaking, and the work of Tower Guard Sovald Rul was barely begun.  Rolling his eyes back and dusting his hands, he squatted to take a bundled lathes, tossing it back and forth.

Standing tall again, his back cracked as he straightened and eyed the rising sun that put out enough rays to glance brilliantly off his skin.  Considering, then applying, a thin layer of black around his eyes, then he took his steps forward into the ring.  The other man grinned widely and matched the formal bow as all went to black.  The Flame burned in Sovald as he poured himself into it, encompassing the instant, stretching himself into the world, the lathes, the ground.  His body flowed into the Leaf Floating on the Breeze, and then the first strike.

The clash of wood sounded, feet padding and skin slapping sounded in the yard.  Sovald met the Kingfisher takes a Silverback turning to his left, bringing his lathe up into Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose, pulling the blow to slash down for the stomach instad.  Batted away, he retreated a step.  Back and forth the fights went, minor touches here and there as the two danced, matches being won and lost on accidents.  The two men acquired again the glow of sweat about them as more and more activity began around them.  Another match, they sipped a quick drink, then went back to work, moving faster, more determined now.  Five, then ten, then fifteen, and not a proper blow struck.  The bell rang.  A few watched on amusedly, mostly trainees resting from their morning chores.  Click-clack-click, the two men absorbed totally in each other and infinitely aware.  A woman's shawl appeared off to the side at some point, words being passed to others who pointed at the two fighting men, and she turned to watch.  A brief part of Sovald's mind wondered at what brought Sedai down this early, and yet had her with enough time to watch a fight, but that was driven out by Ribbon in the Air changing to Kissing the Adder, forcing Sovald back even more, nearly stumbling.  Was that another bell toning?  A red welt appeared on his ribs and a sharp sound rang out when he overextended with The Boar Rushes Downhill against a feint.  Another welt on the other side grew red when he parried too weakly.  His wrist burned from the lathes sliding together.  A kick at his ankle made it throb.

The sun burned, and while many people had come and gone, that woman was still there.  Strange.  Or portentous.  The men were evidentally tiring, although the Void managed to keep Sovald from some of it -- still, it was a strain.  Then, as he performed Low Wind Rising, his opponent blocked cleanly downward, and Sovald swept out The Grapevine Twines, twisting fast and hard.  Too hard.  Neither blade flew off, but Sovald saw his droop, and heard something.  Something loud.  A crack.  He tried to drop the lathe, his fingers unresponsive.  Concentrating, it fell, his left hand catching it in time to block lightly and retreat.  He could barely move his right hand, but there was no time for that.  The advances came quicker, the attack more relentless.  Further and further back he fell, slipping in a slash here, a Soft Rain at Sunset being parried off, and he saw Kissing the Adder heading for him, left widew open from the thrust, Sovald couldn't recover his blade back to guard quickly enough.  A touch of wood that swept forward and cracked into him, his attempt to turn away in a dodge fruitless, a killing blow with any true blade.  Sovald hit the ground achingly, rose slowly to grasp the forearm of his opponent and bow.  "Thank you."  He winked at the man, and hobbled off, practice complete for now.

Sovald collapsed on a bench, taking a long drag from the water, grabbing the cloth to wipe some of the sweat off.  As he released the Void, he felt the ache of his ribs, the numbness in his ankle, and the pain of his right wrist.  A long sigh, and he wiped some blood away from his stomach.  And noticed the woman.  Still standing there.  Drinking his fill, he turned to her, still probing at his wrist.  Very painful.  Aes Sedai.  Sovald chuckled a little, wincing at his ribs from the movement immediately after.  If her hair was a little lighter, with those freckles she'd look like little Elvira.  Well, she wasn't quite so little anymore, but he still remembered her and her brother from before he had come to the Tower the first time.  What was his name?  He shook his head, embracing the pain, and made an attempt to stand.  She was watching him, and quite particularly him.  No hope she was just an observer now, or that she was looking for his opponent.  His bow was shallow, partly because of his bleeding and welted stomach.  "Guard Rul, how may I serve, Aes Sedai?"  He concentrated on avoiding biting his lip from the spear of agony from his wrist.

Sovald Rul, Tower Guard, reporting late as usual.

- - - - - Sovald lay restless in bed. The events of the day did not lend themselves to sleep. But he had to sleep. A sloppy and unalert Guard could become disaster. He could hear, through the walls, the sounds of Dawn asleep... what to do, what to do. He finally managed to settle into a shallow sleep... a sleep that was awoken by a shriek... of terror.. He was already on his feet and out his door before the sound died, and ehe entered her room with trepidation, speaking her name softly. She was on her knees on the floor, clad in smallclothes... and shivering. He could think of nothing to do.. but his body could. He moved without speaking, his arms gentle and comforting. As she shuddered, there were only two words that could come out of her lips. "A dream." A dream. Some nightmare to send an Aes Sedai into this state... But there was little he could do, but hold her. Gently she rocked, her sobs gradually growing quieter, until she fell asleep, no doubt from exhaustion. He lifted her... she was so fragile like this, sound asleep, so light in his arms. Gently setting her in the bed, he crouched down, He would not leave her side, not now. Absentmindedly, he noticed his shoulder was wet... the tears of Aes Sedai. His mouth quirked. What could... he would ask no questions. That had been terror in the shriek. So he sat, waiting the dawn... and the Dawn.

- - - - - When finally Dawn awoke, he arose as politely as possible, bowing low, and leaving her for only a moment while she dressed. As soon as she was done, he was back, watching over her as protectively as possible. How could he have let.... whatever happen to someone that he was assigned to guard? And this person, of all of them. One... that he had, perhaps, gotten too close to. He stayed quiet, just being there... for her, and for him too. She could not embrace the Source, as she called it. The Power. The word that used to make his spine tingle... But it was not there.

- - - - - He did what he could through the day, without leaving her too alone. That might have been her fear... and it might have been his. Either way, he had to sit through a boring meeting that was supposedly negotiations, although nothing about it made sense to him. It didn't have to though. He was here to guard those who understood these ways. And love them?, the cynical part of his mind said. If it was love. Or even like – such emotions simply got in the way. But the day was done with.. mostly. Slow was their walk back to the inn. Slow, and there was a heaviness in the air, a feeling of something hanging over them. He felt softness, silk in his hand, hers and his together. Forbidden, in his mind, but happening right there. “It’s getting late, I should go to sleep soon, but…†He squeezed her hand. Nightmares... that emptied one. He couldn't imagine what had happened. He was here now though, and nothing... He saw motion, and turned. Nothing, some animal or a begg... a sharp pain in his side, and a weight hit him as he turned. Dawn's hand left his... and he hit the ground hard, and slipped. He reached for the Void, and missed. A split second, but one of shock. A Guard these years, and he had not missed since his days as a trainee. Again, and he embraced it in all fullness. The knife in his side was a minor wound, the man on him to be thrown off. He moved, one with the earth, snapping the man's arm easily, turning on his knee.. And a woman's voice, calling his name. Dawn. There stood a man... the real threat. And a glint. A knife. She was down. There was a flash of light in Sovald's eyes. Reflection.. or maybe not. He was on his feet, charging, carefully aimed to deflect the blade from another strike. But he knew.. the blood on her. She had already been hit, more than once. A dodge, and he grabbed the arm and pulled. The man would not get away with this. The man made another move, but Sovald was a big and trained Guard, and could feel the move. A sweep move sent the man off-balance, stumbling back, and it was a simple matter to render him unconcious. Only then could Sovald drop the Flame, turning and kneeling. Dawn lay, raspy breathing, blood stains... A million thoughts raced through his head. How to help her. Keep pressure on the wound. Call for help. Why today?! Make sure she is safe before moving. Keep her attention. Why today?!! How bad is it? Why today?! Why today?!! It was... it was all his fault. He might as well have stabbed her himself... He had failed, because he had let himself fall. He gently lifted her blood-soaked form as she moaned something. He had to find another Sister, they could help. There must be one, somewhere in the city He took one look at the men, unconscious on the ground. Justice could wait. He saw only blood. He saw only blood.. on his hands.

- - - - - Sovald stepped forward and took the hilt of the katana in one hand, pulling it up and out of its sheath. The cold steel whipped through the air in a clean slice. Turning it over in his hand, it gleamed in the light, the blade shining back at the boy. Sovald took the sheath and replaced the sword. "Very well. If this is the blade you will aspire to carry, so be it. It is the hope of these Yards that you will survive long enough to carry it into battle, and perhaps not end up on another's sword when you do." Sovald carried the sword out the doors, the boy reluctantly following. He had walked about a hundred paces when he turned. "Unfortunatly, boy, the Yards say that we are to give you some... time to settle in. The rest of the day is yours. Training starts tomorrow, half an bell from sunrise. And be ready." With that, Sovald turned back and strode off.

- - - - - After doing his own morning exercises, Sovald stood around impatiently waited. He still was taking a drink of water when the boy finally showed up. Late, too, it appeared. Extra work that. Sovald stood from the bench, looking him over. "When I give you a time, I mean that time, not five or ten minutes later!" He shook his head. "Come along boy. Let us see what you have." He walked paces out into the middle of a sparring ring, where there lay two staves on the ground, one long, one somewhat shorter. Sovald picked up one, then nodded to the other one. "You say you've foughten with a staff, boy. Try, try and attack me. At least you won't be able to cut off your fingers with a piece of wood.." He stood back, waiting and guarding."

OOC: Day one is over, and you're just getting started. Oh, and next time, feel free to send a reminder ;) After finals, and moving, I went a week without remembering to search for posts with my name, then noticing that I missed one :p Go ahead and try to attack me. Just try to hit me ;) He'll just be defending, testing you.

- - - - - Krelsa tossed his topknot, and stepped out into the sun. It reflected brightly off his armor, enough to make him squint for a moment. It seemed that every day that there was a ceremony, it had to be so unbearably hot. And he had to war all this armor too... He thought half musingly of running off to cool himself off in a river or some such instead of bothering. But no. Today was a special day. Another Guard to join the ranks, another to protect and serve. He sighed and headed for the Grove. Another Green to deal with this day as well. He had enough trouble with them taking some of the better Guards he had. Oh, they still served the Tower, but it just wasn't the same. Forces dwindled, and the hour grew late. He could feel the weight of the sword upon his back.

- - - - - He entered the grove first, watching as the participants filed in, him greeting each with a respectful bow. Corin of the Guard. A good man, steady with a sword, if not quite having the dedication Krelsa would like. The Guard was supposed to be dedicated whole-heartedly to the protection of the Tower, not to be distracted by politics... or women. But alas, there were few who could be like that. Corin might be leaving their ranks. Or perhaps not. And Christine Sedai, raised into the Green. One of the younger sisters, although what that meant in the ages of Aes Sedai, he wasn't entirely sure. He served them, not questioned them. Anawashawn. Trainee of the Tower, raised, and ready. They were all there. He nodded to Corin and Christine, and took his place.

I knew I had been forgetting something amid finals... My annual LoA begins May 12th this year, a little earlier that what had been, but that's the way it is. Should be back around September or so. Don't kill everyone I knew, now, and I expect there to still be a Guard when I get back too!

- - - - - He listened with one ear as the boy went on about his past. He was still panting between words, but it was coherent. Little experience with weapons? Unfortunatly was the matter the boy felt himself a fast learner -- that would be crushed quickly, but it might be a tad painful. Pain was learning, and experience. His face twitched slightly as he motioned the boy forward. "Very well." The two of them, deathly quiet, strode down the path. It was time to begin. "We will get you settled in, first of all. As a trainee in the Yards, you are expected to behave, both here and in the city, if you should be allowed that far ever. No commotions. If you have a problem with another trainee, resolve it as you will. Just make sure that the resolution does not attract the Guard. Absolutely hands-off on the women -- personally, if you are stupid enough to toy with those who would be Sedai, you deserve to get burned, but alas, we still must try and punch it through your thick skulls. Not that it works, but at least we warned you." He nodded to himself. "You will be up early every morning for training. Every morning, a short little job like you had today, and I'll tell you more after that. Right now, you are a piece of rock, and ingot of iron, not worth much of anything. This will help to melt you, so that you may be shaped. For now, before I let you out to your room, you are first to come with me to the armory." Sovald held up a hand. "Yes, you will get to pick a weapon. For now, you will not be handling it though. Think of it as a goal to work towards. One that you might well not achieve. Ve that as it may, you still get the privelege of access to some of the finest craftsmenship around." They turned a corner, passing by the walls that contained a blazing forge that Sovald himself had often worked over, and to the large, locked doors. Producing a black key, finely worked for the lock, Sovald pushed the massive wood aside, and heard the boy gasp. They all did, confronted with this spectacle. Walls of weapons, sharpened. Dozens of everything. Armor, shields, pikes, bows, quivers upon quivers of arrows... it was all here. Dozens of staves hung on the wall, different sizes. Crossbows, two-handed swords, even some one-of-a-kind dagger sets designed by some of the old Guards that had served. If it was a weapon, it was here. The small door in the back to the smithy was nearly hidden beneath it all.

- - - - - Turning back to Ursana, he saw the boy's mouth still open. "The armory of the Tower. For each Guard needs a weapon, and if you should make Guard, you will be needing it. It will be your friend through blood and death, if you should make it that far. But look around, see what there is. This is to be your arm, your hand, something that there will be no true replacement for. Think carefully. Look carefully. And don't touch too much. The last thing we need is to clean another foolish trainee's blood off these floors..."

OOC: Go ahead, primary weapon time :) Oh, and sorry about that :S Teach me to 'remember' to post what I write during finals :p

- - - - - She was beautiful, that much he had to admit. As they strode the streets, arm-in-arm, little different from others in the city... except they were, both bound to the Tower by different oaths. Greenery shone faintly as they passed, and Dawn turned to him. “I think it’s men like you.†Her smile and a wink made that statement go a little further. As she spoke, her expression changed... turning to happier thoughts, it seemed, before she looked back up at Sovald. "It is not just that I can make a light dance over my hands, it is also that I get to study centuries of knowledge written up by those who went before me and help those who need me." Her available hand she held out before her, as a light sprung forth, momentarily ruining Sovald's vision. He listened to her almost musical voice, as she told him about her familly. How had he gotten to the point where an Aes Sedai was telling her all about her past? A past dead by a hundred years and more, no doubt, but something that was still beyond anything he had known before of them. That she thought of being a mother of ten... that had him staring. He had not thought of Aes Sedai as wanting a family... They turned down the street, and there the inn was. She looked up, taking his eyes into hers again. “I think I like you so much because you remind me of someone..." He could barely hear beyond that, lost in the eyes. How could he perform his duty like this? Her hand slipped in his as she stood on the tips of her toes, lightly brushing her lips on his cheek. What had everything come to, taking kisses from Aes Sedai? Was he a tame dog? He pushed the door open for her, his hand tight on hers. Had he put it there? No, no, of course not... But it was. They went up the steps, hand in hand, not making a sound. What if someone stepped out, some other people? What would they see? Did it really matter to Sovald? Stopping in front of the door to Dawn's room, their fingers remained intertwined for a few moments. Could he find it in himself to lean down and.. Just as he was, Dawn smiled at him and tugged on his hand. "Won't you come in for some tea? It was... chilly out there." Her eyes were dancing now as her door cracked open, the faint firelight reflecting off of them.

- - - - - This was crazy. Having tea with an Aes Sedai in the middle of the night... but he let himself be tugged inside. She went for a teapot, as he squatted and prodded the fire to life. It blazed around, throwing off sparks, as Sovald straightened. The teapot grew to a whistle quickly... the Power, it must have been. It was odd getting used to having the power around him. Working in the Yards, it wasn't something that was often around, certainly not as much as some people might think. Dawn slid a chair next to hers at the small table, and Sovald lowered his body into it. She did the pouring, extending the cup to him... and that brief contact as their skin touched again sent shivers up his back.

- - - - - He glanced over at Dawn as they walked, wandering aimlessly about the city. Sovald was not very familiar with the city, so it was Dawn who truly knew where they were going. Sovald didn't mind being led, not by her, not in this fashion, at least. He entertained himself admiring both the city and the woman next to him. The building that she stopped at, staring up with a... wistful smile, memories no doubt flowing back to her as she breathed deeply of the night air. Her soft voice echoed in the ears as she told him about the building -- a courthouse. She turned her head to him, her beautiful eyes washing over him -- he could feel them, yet he had not embraced the Oneness. “I would not like to leave a place like this, so majestic, a place where you can actually do something and see the effects on it directly. Is that how life in the Yards is for you? You see the effects of your training, of your work every day?†She turned back away then, giving Sovald time to think about it. Was it? Or was it something deeper, something more? An interesting question. For often, while the day to day improvement of the trainees existed, it was only over a long-term that a significant change could be seen -- the shaping and grinding of a weapon. Their pace slowed even more, then finally stopped, as Dawn turned her head this way and that, staring up into the sky. “Silly of me to want to have a walk this late at night, but it sometimes helps to clear my head...†A faint bit of color was in her cheeks, not from the air, but something else. She was certainly beautiful. Her tender hand reached out gently touching his face -- Sovald was unsure -- this was an Aes Sedai! There was little he could do though, even if he wanted to, and that was questionable... They just stared at each other for a few moments, her eyes, her whole face dimly illuminated. Sovald felt himself leaning over as her hands gently guided his face down to hers. A soft touch on his lips, as she brushed hers past... He was kissing an Aes Sedai?! Was he crazy? His mind raged, but he simply let his body float there, until the sweetness of her lips left his, and she was again gazing deeply at him, her dark eyes pools to him.

- - - - - Even as he looked into her eyes, he felt the urge to put his lips against hers again. It was insanity of course, not to mention horribly wrong. He was a Guard, she a Sedai. Not to mention the complications, and the problem with... with... having that sort of feeling for someone he had to protect. It had been bliss. And forbidden. He must remind himself of that, something extremely hard while looking into her eyes, a gaze that he truly did not want to break. How could the night go on, after something like that? Was it possible? It took a mountain of will to turn away from that moment. Her fingers traced over his face, lingering as if memorizing every contour. He took his arm, but the feeling was different. What could he say after that? "Every day is an adventure... Dawn." The voice was light on the tounge. "That sort of feeling is what inspires me every day.... Sometimes I see results, and those times are extremely gratifying, but... I cannot rely on things like that. But to look forward to it, and wait for it, that is truly a good feeling, one that can drive a person day to day." He felt the warmth of her at his side, a.. comfort. Strange that he should need such a thing. They walked in silence for a bit longer, Sovald's head churning. "What about you Dawn? You live as a servant, but do you have that day-to-day gratification? What keeps a woman like you strong?" His voice was soft and harsh against the silence of the night. "What would you do, what would you have been...." He stopped for a moment. "If you were... could not channel?"

- - - - - He was not one to take anything in life lightly, living a life of war and blood. Dawn... she was certainly different. Something about her. He wasn't sure what it was -- his meeting of her had not been at all on good terms -- being dressed down as a Guard -- and then the trip to Aringill. It was there... There that he had, he guessed, began to see her as such. She was a Gray, not the Ajah that Sovald normally identified with, but again, she was different. And, he had to admit, she was quite pretty as well. To say the least, her flaxe.... Not that path. She was a woman, and an Aes Sedai, whom he was sworn to protect with his very life. It had still been a bit of surprise for her to invite him with her on this trip, but... he had to admit, it had been good for him. He had come to the Tower a quiet recluse, and lived on his own, staying away from having any real close contacts. Trust, people, committment to fragile things was dangerous. Especially to Aes Sedai. For Dawn Sedai, though, that had began to change, if only a little. But it was a little, and more than anyone else had got out of him. She had even found some way to get his attention when he was off-duty -- truth be told, he wasn't sure what to think. Gray she may be, but even Gray tie the strings that the Greens were famous for. Once he had been requested to come... the way here had been pleasant, albeit filled with silences and spurts of talking, and strange moments that made Sovald realize he would never understand women. Her blushes, the almost... shy look that she got on her face. Distracting, entertaining... so many different things. He shook his head, and turned his attention back to the book, his eyelids growing steadily heavier.

- - - - - When, after some time he had drifted off, his ears heard a knocking, and he sat upright, nearly dropping his book. Shaking his head and rubbing his eyes, he got out of bed and padded over to the door carefully, hand at the ready. Opening it cautiously, he relaxed when he saw it was only Dawn. Or just Dawn. She smiled at him, a beautiful smile that gleamed by the light of... whatever that was in her hand. "I was wondering if you’d accompany me on a late night stroll, Master Rul?†He blinked twice, still hearing the question, then focused his eyes.

- - - - - "If you would give me but a moment, Aes Sedai.." Undecided for a moment between the rudeness and safety concerns of leaving her in the hall, and letting her in... he pulled the door open wider for her, turning to slip a few more knives on and pull a cloak down to go over his shoulders. Smiling briefly, he bowed to her, and she went as far as to offer him her arm. His smile twinkled for a moment, unsure, then he took it, and their steps made a faint sound on the stairs as they slipped out the door into the starlit night, where the air had just a touch of crispness to it. Her hair hung down over her shoulder, glowing by the moonlight... A silent night, for the city, but there was something in the air, something... somber. He could almost taste it.

Clans were... yeah. Families. While not necessarily one big family, each generation was usually simply a growing of a certain clan -- your kids and grandkids were of that clan.

- - - - - Another blade for the Guard, another cloak of crimson to stain with the blood. Krelsa fastened his own cloak about his neck, his breastplate gleaming. The rituals of pomp and ceremony. A special day, for one young child. He turned on his heel from the mirror crisply, slowly putting on his sword. As he stepped out of his quarters, his boots rang against the hard stone. Once a child, fashioned as a weapon, and would now be honed against the stone that was life in the Guard. And it was always good to have another sister -- women were not all of the gentle types, he had learned from the Aiel especially.

- - - - - The Glade was lush with greenery, comforting and soft. Krelsa wore his traditional smile, a slight turning of the corners of his lips. These here were his people, his Guard, his children, so to speak, no matter how old they might be. The first arrival was the Sedai, one Sirayn of the Green. Regal, confident, and the epitome of a Sedai, perhaps. Highly political, highly selfish. Not his to comment on. He tilted his head and made a half-bow to her -- he served the Tower, not any one Sedai. The Guard in the ceremony, he who would present Deneira to Krelsa for induction was next, wearing the cloak about his shoulders, and, typical of Aran, looking like he felt it to be more of a noose. The sun pushed across the sky as Sirayn and Aran bantered lightly, Krelsa pushing them out of his mind for the moment. That must be Deneira now... a few moments late, perhaps, but no matter of it. Krelsa raised his voice as the girl approached. "Are you ready, Deneira L'Spada, to present yourself?" He nodded to the other to, as they assumed their positions for what was to come.

- - - - - Sovald watched the boy's form carefully. The foolish boy hadn't even bothered to stretch, that would get him a firm lecture -- but his form was fine. A bit off-center... he watched carefully, noting the lack of... drive in his step. But still, the boy ran, and he certainly was better than most of what Sovald had seen recently. He still wasn't entirely sure what to make of the boy. He did not tire too quickly -- some of those city boys would be panting and staggering after the first several laps. When, finally, Ursana collapsed at the end of the run, Sovald brought the water. "Drink. You'll need your energy." Sovald shook his head. "No cramping? Always remember to stretch before running -- your body will make you pay far worse than I can if you don't." He watched Ursana gulp down the water thirstily. When the boy could, at last, look up from his drinking for long enough to breathe and stand, Sovald nodded at him. "Come boy, we're going for a slightly more... leisurely walk." Ursana fell in step alongside of Sovald, as Sovald set a brisk pace. "How much do you know of war and weapons boy? Has your time taught you anything about such things as you think you want to dedicate your life to? For that matter, what makes you think that you want to do this? The Tower takes your lefe -- what reason have you to give yourself as such?"

Oh, we kill Trollocs every day. Why not some of those desert scorpions getting caught in the bubble, and getting... bigger. Or the sweat tent decides to seal us in? :P Or maybe some Fades come out of the Wise One's tents...

- - - - - Now where was that book? Sovald tried to concentrate his mind on the bookshelves. Why was she staring at him like that?! She got up, and Sovald lost sight of her. He sighed to himself. Women were a mystery, Aes Sedai a total enigma, but this one... He had no idea what she was. Lightskirt, fool, noble... all three? Maybe it was on the next row over... he walked down the aisle, scanning the books, reaching for a likely cover... and Dawn reached in the same direction, her hand beating his. His hand lightly touched hers, grazing over that skin that felt like silk. She pulled her hand back as he slowly picked up the book, smiling at him. “You take that, I have this whole Library to go through yet.†A rich smile. What was with her? She turned, going down the columns of books, her hands running over them. Sovald thought it... odd. He remembered doing the same thing in the library of the White Tower, surrounded by some many volumes, many untouched for years except by someone dusting. “So, you came here to find anything in particular?†Her voice was light and music, even more than he had ever noticed before. He centered his mind. She wanted to be like that? “Maybe some light reading on a good military strike force, before bedtime?†Sovald had to chuckle at that, a harsh sound against the soft sound that was her voice.

- - - - - "Perhaps, Aes Sedai. Perhaps. Even we of the Guard cannot let our minds go to waste. We must study, learn, observe. Only by this can we continue to keep the Tower safe." If she wanted to be warm and.... warm!, then he would try to make her think it wasn't working. Because it wasn't. "Beyond that, reading is quite fun. Perhaps a military book." A smirk grew on his face. "I, for one, do not read too much on... diplomacy, in whatever form it may take. I leave that to those best suited for it." A title caught his eye. The Ghost Watch. If he remembered right... He carefully pulled the book out, brushing the dust off with his hand, brushing it over the embossing on the cover. This was an old book, and brought a smile to his face. "History, on the other hand, can be quite entertaining, and teaches more often than not. He stepped out into the light, examining it. He blew on it once more, then flipped the pages open. She turned the aisle, and he looked up. Her soft eyes were on his.... inquiring. He didn't know what she did, but it was disconcerting. He raised the book almost like a shield. "The Ghost Watch. A little known group of elite warriors, assembled from every land known. They came from the north and the south, the east and the west... bastions against the Shadow. I do not recall any Aiel among them, but Sharans, Atha'an Miere... They came to the Border, the best of them." Sovald smiled. "A rare event, indeed, and a most fascinating history of what they accomplished..." He stepped back towards a chair, to better get the light. "And you? Investigating diplomatic manuvering, Aes Sedai?"

- - - - - The sweat gleaned on Sovald's body under the harsh sunlight. His arms strained against the sandbags as he lifted it, finally raising them to drop on the top of the wall. Then, he stepped back, to look at it. A good couple hours labor. He grabbed a towel, wiping himslef down... He had a trainee to find. Bothersome trainees. But then again, someone had to break them in. Most of them were far too soft... Shaking his head, he headed towards the track, trying to remember. Ursana. Brother to Rosheen, bonded of the White Tower. Born on the Border. Very interesting... He'd have to see how tough this one thought he was. Sovald would find someway to break the boy down, he was sure. But maybe this boy would actually know something before he came to the Tower. Or maybe he just was following his sister, and was as empty as the rest of the Trainees that came here. As the crowd parted for him, he spied the boy. He was watching the Yards, where a Guard was sparring with a trainee, lathes clicking as he slowly cornered the trainee, executing a perfect Grapevine Twines to toss the lathe across the Yard. Shaking his head, the Guard motioned for the boy to go retrieve the lathe. Sovald raised his voice. "Ursana Than Sakhr, to attention!" By the way the boy's back stiffened at the voice, Sovald could see this one would need some discipline. Disappointing. Sovald smiled, coming around to in front of the boy. "I am Sovald Rul, and for the next years of your life, I will be your Mentor here in the Yards. When I tell you to do something, you do it. Period. You are a tool, unfashioned and crude. It is my job to shape you, to grind you down as far as I can, to make you sharp and cutting." His smile grew across his face. "You like to spar? That's too bad. You'll have none fo that. Do you even know how to run boy?" Without stopping, Sovald motioned to the track. "Twenty laps, around the track."

OOC: General impressions of the city, the Tower... Then go ahead and get running.

- - - - - Sovald looked around the courtyard. Bustle. He shook his head ruefully. A whole herd of these people to manage... It would be a slow trip, he had no doubt. Patting Jeade'en, he swung up easily into the saddle, and off they trotted. He had everything he would need in his bag -- not much, he had learned long ago. The bag nearly always stayed packed, ready to go. A bedroll, a few extra things here and there. Nothing heavy. His sword, of course. A light cuirass he wore, and his cloak of blood-red, emblazened with the Flame of Tar Valon. He sat waiting -- there were a few people already there, most of whom he didn't recognize. Of course, the man in the regalia, with the breastplate with the Flame shining bright... Krelsa Vedrig. The newly appointed Commander. And a Shienaran. His long topknot hung back as he looked around, constantly watching everyone and everything at the same time, a skill Sovald greatly admired.

- - - - - As more and more people flooded in, Guards and even some trainees come to compete, Sovald began to edge closer to the front. He didn't like crowds. At all, really. Especially not this tight. Of course, they were all going to be at the races and such... but that was different. He shifted his pack, and Jeade'en edged forward. Who were all these people? Surely they weren't all competing...

Celes

DM Member

Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 684

OOC: A sidetrack, posted here not to bother the story on the Aringill thread.

A stiffled yawn behind her hand showed that Dawn was not just bored with being in her room, reading a manuscript she had found in the Library, she was bored of being in Aringill. For the last fortnight they had been waiting for the Yellows to find a cure for Derek Hearne’s illness and nothing had come of it. Dawn had asked Nyssa to go out and find a few eligible bachelors to keep the boy occupied with. He was complaining that his match makers should do their job, even if they were Aes Sedai who were sent to help him. They had told him the story of who they really were and what their true mission was the night of their arrival on the estate in Aringill. Derek Hearne had taken it all well, a little too well Dawn believed as she thought about the events that came after. Two days into their stay, Derek Hearne had come up to her room and demand that she find him a good wife to take home. She could not tell a lie and if she was a match maker in Tear, she would be one here. It was quite clear to all the staff and residents on the manor how the Gray Sister felt about his demand and it was safe to say he did not ask for it again soon. Yet, both Nyssa and Dawn knew that they needed some way of masking what they were doing as the Yellows progress was almost non-existent.

Dawn rose from the chair with a sigh and dropped the papers of the manuscript on the desk, stroked of her light blue dress and wandered out into the corridor. A breath of fresh air might do her good, but as she turned to look out a window she noticed a fierce slashing of rain on the windows. Trees and plants were fighting with the wind and showers of rain washed over the grass, leaving large puddles that kept filling and spilling with water. She bit her lip and decided that no cloak would allow her to stand a chance in that and turned to find another way to clear her head. She found the library where she had visited once before they had taken the trip to Tear to get the son of Lord Hearne. For some reason she had not been here since, even though she loved the feel of books around her. The calm serenity the books gave and the facts and ideas written up in them, it was truly a place to find oneself in. She walked over to a shelf and started to browse the books that were on it, realizing soon that this library was built for taller people than Dawn Raelene. She was playing with her curls as they washed over the low cut bodice of her dress and let one slide over the skin of her shoulder. Playing her hands through her hair while her thoughts ran over a way to get to the top shelfs, finally she just decided to try and reach for them.

She reached up and found her hand nearly marking the back of a green leatherbound book that she could only read part of the title of, “Dark theories …†it was interesting and she wanted to know what it was about. Theories on darkfriends maybe? How one was found out to be a darkfriend, what his motives were? Her mind started to race with possibilities when the book suddenly fell into her hand. She stumbled back at the sudden weight on the outstretched palm of her hand and found herself dropping back. It all went very fast from there, the book fell and hit her on the head and Dawn fell straight back. She laid on her back, the book right next to her, the title now more clear in sight, “Dark theories and light seductions,†what was this, a book on young lovers? Dawn rubbed her head and tried to stumble back on her feet when she heard someone coughing behind her. Who in the Light had seen her stumble and fall, over a book that novices hid under their pillows at night. She wanted to hide the book from sight as she realized who had come into the Library when his hand stretched out and he helped her to her feet. Her other hand moved too slowly to get the book away from him and there it was, burning in his hand. Her own cheeks burning suddenly with the idea that he held that book which she had mistakenly tried to reach for. No wonder it was on the top shelf, Dawn berated herself and tried to think of the rain and soothing green patches, calming herself visibly. "Master Rul, thank you for the help," she said and wanted to dismiss him when she caught his eyes as he looked from the book over to her. "It's not mine," she stumbled and cursed herself silently for adding more drama to the whole affair. How did this happen?

Dawn

- - - - - Sovald sighed. It was good to be back in Aringill. There was little to do for him and the other Guards, as the Yellows proceeded about doing... whatever they did. He had been able to keep relatively to himself. As night closed in, he stretched his legs for one last lap around the house, before turning over his shift. The night was still, the only sounds was nature herself waling in the forest. Sovald slowed his pace slightly, taking the opportunity to breath deep and enjoy it. A yawn began to escape his lips. It was soothing, the way the trees moved, and the glimmering of stars above... He should stop by the library again tonight -- he had noticed an interesting looking book earlier, and needed something new to read tonight. Shaking his head to clear it, he looked around, and moved on. Meeting with Aidan, he nodded as the other man set out, and Sovald took one last lingering glance at the trees outside the walls, then headed down the closed hallways, and stuffy corridors. His boots touched softly on the stone floors, as he turned down towards the library. As he turned into the room, he saw a shadow cast about by the lamps.

- - - - - Dawn was on her tip-toes, reaching for something on the top shelf. Sovald made to call out, then stopped, watching, amused. She had succeeded in getting the book to the very edge of the shelf. He had to keep from laughing -- the Aes Sedai in a dress stretching up like a child to reach it. It fell down into her hands... and Sovald couldn't move fast enough. She hadn't been ready, and down she toppled, a small mark on her forehead from where the book hit her. At least it was carpeted... Stepping forward, he coughed lightly, reaching to give Dawn a hand up, as she unsteadily got to her feet. He saw her quick glance at the book, and reached down to get it for her. Then he saw the title on the spine. Dark Theories and Light Seductions. His eyes must have visibly showed surprise... interesting reading for an Aes Sedai, especially a Grey. Or maybe not. They were the master diplomats, after all. And with the clothes she wore... he could see it. He looked over the book at her, amused as he made to hand it back. Was she blushing? An Aes Sedai, embarressed? Surely it must be the light... "Master Rul, thank you for the help." He nodded. She looked at him, and stumbled back. What was wrong with her? He didn't smell drink on her... "It's not mine," she said. He realized she was talking about the book. By the grea... Was she embarressed by a simple book? Or was there something else?

- - - - - "Are you alright, Aes Sedai? You look a little faint... Perhaps you need to sit down." Her cheeks were getting even more red... it did look quite nice, against her skin.. He shook his head slightly. Remember who this was he was dealing with. She nodded faintly at him, and stumbled back into a chair. He bowed halfway to her, then went to the bookshelves, browsing in the dim light. He saw, in the corner his vision, Dawn staring at him. What was it about her? He had managed to avoid any of the Aes Sedai since they had gotten back... As he turned back that direction, he flashed a smile at her. What was going through her mind?

- - - - - Sovald looked around, waiting for Ryen. The boy would come -- he wouldn't be late. He was learning, at least. This weapon hadn't shattered -- not yet. Sovald picked up a sword, tossing it lightly. It had been some time. A very long time. But he could still remember standing in the ring, practice sword in hand, watching Andular demonstrate the forms. Of course, he had seen Andular do the forms after that.... quite painfully demonstrating them, actually. And even before that, Daimian. The sword flowing so easily, the man's feet as he demonstrated carefully and fluidly to Sovald exactly what to do. Yes, it had been some time. And there Ryen was now. Sovald dropped himself easily into the void. No need to get sloppy. The sound of feet behind him, and he turned, bringing the sword up easily in a horizontal slash, stopping right short of Ryen's throat. "Boy." Sovald nodded, then moved back. "Today, you will learn." Sovald dropped the sword on the ground. "How to move your feet." He kicked the sword aside. "Then, maybe then, you can dream of carrying one of those." A smile flickered over Sovald's lips. "Observe." He stood out from the boy, picked up the sword, and held his arm comfortably. "This, this is how you hold your sword. It is called Lion on the Hill. It will be the first form you learn -- we can't trust you to take the sword out of its sheathe yet. Now, supposing you were to attack..." Sovald let go with one hand, held out the sword pointing forward, and slowly, so Ryen could see, stepped forward with his leading foot, thrusting the point out. Then pulled back. "That, that is a thrust. You can use it to put your opponent off balance... or to advance. Like so" Pulling back, Sovald led forward with another thrust, bringing his trailing foot up behind him as he brought the sword back to himself. "Easy enough, yes?" Sovald chuckled. "That's what you think now, watching me. A retreat, now." Advance, retreat, crossover. Each one had to be burned into the boy's mind, burned in and then more, so he was so aware of them that he would no longer be aware. And, while it was not nearly that far yet, after the first ten or fifteen times tripping over himself, the boy was looking just that much better. Reluctantly, Sovald handed him the practice sword. "Let me see you thrust with it." When the boy did so, he nearly toppled over. Shaking his head, Sovald adjusted the way he held his arm. "Move forward into the thrust, don't throw your body into it. Again" More changing, postioning of the feet... this would be a long week. And he hadn't even gotten to teaching a bit of slashing yet...

- - - - - The week went by, and the boy began to fall over himself a little less each day. There was a little trouble over how to turn his wrist -- a sprain from trying to slash with the tip wrong... Still they went over everything time and time again, the right positioning of the hands on the hilt, the way to bring the sword down.. Everything mattered. Thrust, parry, retreat. Slash, advance, parry. Over and over. As the night drew on, Sovald looked around. "Good. We're done with this for now." The sun still shone a little, and Ryen's look was puzzled, but he set the sword down all the same. Sovald sat on a bench, and as Ryen toweled off, motioned him to sit across. "You are learning how to hold a sword, how to fight. But you... are not knowing the way for your mind to fight. The Guard learns a conditioning, a mindset. Well, there are two. I may have mentioned them before... There is the Spring, and there is the Flame and Void. The Spring... the Spring is relaxation, passion, everything all together. All the emotion you have, be it love or hate, you take it all and embrace it, let it flow through you, be your creativity, be your hope, be your driving force and the strength that guides your hand.

- - - - - "The Flame and Void is not the agility of the mind, it is the strength. With the Void, you let go of everything that you have and are, turn it loose into the blackness within you, letting it be burned out of exsistence.. You become, instead, one with the world and the sword, seeing everything, untouched by your emotions or disturbed by your senses -- you are the blade, and you see where to strike." Sovald smiled. It had been some time. And maybe this was still a bit over the boy's head. Sovald turned his eyes away from the sunset, pink and orange radiating, and looked at the boy. "What do you think?"

Krelsa Vedrig was here before all them.

And Sovald is here somewhere too...