"Don't... don't turn me over to the... the guards, please! Anything but that! Please!"Lavinya watched disgustedly as the girl slumped against the invisible bonds, the fight gone as quickly as it had come. She had achieved her goal of intimidation, yes, but she hadn't expected it to be so easy.

Lowering the girl, she released the bonds from around her, though she did not release her hold on Saidar. She eyed the sobbing mess silently for a moment, her lips compressed in a thin line. With a loud sigh, she pulled a white handkerchief from her pocket and thrust it into Janine's hand. "Here, pull yourself together child." She said in clipped tones.

What in the light was she going to do with the chit now? Her face remained smooth, impassive, as she waited for Janine to stop her snivelling. She had broken her false bravado, but now what? She was indeed a trespasser. Should she turn her out all the same? Or send her off with a warning not to return? What a bother.

Tapping her foot, Lavinya folded her arms beneath her breasts. "Well child, you still have not given me any idea what to do with you." She raised a brow at the handkerchief Janine offered her, making no move to take the sodden cloth. "Keep it." She managed, with a scornful look as the girl obediently tucked it away.

"Perhaps I will just send you on your way, past the guards...it would certainly be less bother on my part..." Lavinya mused, as though to herself, though she didn't miss the stiffening of the spine before her. "Unless you can come up with a suitable alternatice?" Once more her brow rose in question.

Countless times Faerzyne Grigory had glanced at the sun already, and before the day had ended, countless more times would be added to that. She sighed softly, and inclined her head a little, causing the little bells attached to her braids to tingle softly. Yet even the bells sounded a bit weary, as if they too suffered from a lack of sleep. The Mistress of Novices stifled a yawn, and turned her attention on the book of Novices again. Everything was recorded in there, after all. Everything that mattered at least. Last night another Accepted had ventured into the rings, and passed through them free of everything she had been before she became who she was now. In her fine handwriting Faerzyne made a note of the raising in the book of Novices. Today the girl would choose her Ajah, and her fate would become truly entwined with that of the Tower. Her choice was no secret to Faerzyne, the way very little that happened among the novices and accepted of the White Tower was a secret to her.

She closed the big book after she was done. The book looked a little old, but the preservation wards that were set on it worked well. It seemed as though it would never get full. Faerzyne had once paged through it, and found her own name, as well as that of the Mistress of Novices before her. It was interesting to learn how long some of her sisters had been here, and how long they had taken to get themselves raised. Wistfully Faerzyne peered at the sun again, only to find that it hadn’t moved a bit. The day was still young, and she would be tired and aching by the time it was done. Not that the work of the Mistress of Novices ever truly ended. There were wards on the door to the office that told her people were waiting in front of it. The wards would wake her, even if someone tried to sneak in when the night was at it’s darkest.

Just as she thought of the wards, a tingling sensation crept over her skin, telling her that someone was about to knock on her door. Soon enough the sound of knocking followed. The sound of a knock often told her a lot about who wished to enter. This was the hesitant knock of someome who came to her with a request. Faerzyne took a moment to school her expression into something a little less depressing than the look of fatigue she had had. “Enter.†She said, her voice calm and low as usual. The door opened as she channelled a thread of air to it. To whomever entered it might seem as magic. The young woman was dressed in clothing that suggested she was not of the Tower. Yet. Things might change soon. “My name is Faerzyne Sedai. I am the Mistress of Novices at the White Tower. How may I help you?â€

~Faerzyne Grigory

Mistress of Novices

*takes it as a Mother to Be* Thanks Gimp :)

Name: Andreil Shakishna

-Place of Origin: Arafel

-Physical Description: Andreil has waist long black hair kept in several braids, like most Arafellins, and very pale skin which burns very easily, and makes her blush crazily whenever she is embarrassed. Her eyes are tilted and dark (a trait she inherited from a distant Saldaean relative). She is fairly tall, but doesn’t like the fact and wishes that she was shorter.

-A History of your Character: Andreil was born in Arafel, in a small village to a carpenter father and a seamstress mother. Her family was very large; she was the second of 7 children, and she was especial friends with her older brother, Phyllon (he was two years older than her), and her youngest brother, Osrec (she was 11 years older than him). She was always a tomboy, and even though her mother wanted her to learn sewing, it was her father’s trade of wood working that she picked up. It was a good life, until, when Andreil was 14, everything changed.

In the middle of the night, Trollocs swarmed over the Blight, in more numbers than anyone had ever seen before in living memory. Her older brother, Phyllon, woke her up to a burning house; they took Osrec, and were forced to flee for their lives. They had just made it out of the village and into the woods, when a pair of Trollocs found them. Phyllon shoved Andreil, who was carrying Osrec, away and told her to run while he covered their escape. Blinded by tears, Andreil did so- she would never have left him if it had been just her, but she needed to save Osrec too, and knew that she could save him, even if she couldn’t save Phyllon.

About a week later, they wandered into the capital city of Arafel, and were fortunate enough to be taken in by a minor elderly nobleman who had no children or heirs of his own. Although Osrec soon regained health, and a happy childhood, Dareil could barely eat or sleep. She rarely spoke and never smiled. Through her mind were passing the faces of the family she had abandoned to die. Her father. Her mother. Phyllon. The old nobleman, who really acted more like a grandfather to them than a man just being charitable, finally became concerned enough that he forced her to come to the king’s court and see the Yellow Sister who advised the king there.

The Yellow Sister said that she would see if she could help Andreil out of her depression on the condition that, should Andreil be able to Channel, or even to learn to Channel, she would go to the White Tower to become a novice. He, of course, agreed, and so when Andreil was tested and it was found that she could indeed learn to Channel, although not strongly, she left her brother and adoptive grandfather for a new life in the White Tower at the age of 15.

*steals Estel's promised* Not as much as I do! :D

"Very well, let's get you to the Commander then, Follow me please."Kiarma pulled a face at the man's back. She had receive no reaction whatsoever to her announcement. Strange. He wasn't even wearing the uniform of the army, well what she'd heard of it, anyway. He bloody well better know where he was taking her.

Silently she kneed her gelding after the strange man, paying more attention to the site of the walls through the trees than the the one leading her. He said he would take her to the commander...he better come through on that, or she'd give him the what for!

Soon enough they neared the gates, and Kiarma noticed the guards gave the stranger as many odd looks as she, though the did not prevent her entrance. Dismounting, she walked beside the chestnut horse as she led it, a grin crossing her features as she took in her surroundings. A real army. All around her soldiers headed about their business, some pausing to look at her, others ignoring her presence completely.

Suddenly the man in front of her stopped, and Kiarma very nearly ran into the back of him, shooting him a frown as though it were his fault. Her eyes shifted to why they had stopped, and she blinked as she found herself face to face with a man in a black cloak and hat, and what appeared a nasty looking claymore poking out from beneath the cloak. "What the..." She hastily shut her mouth with a click. This was the commander? Bah, no doubt he only looked tough. He didn't intimidate her.

Straightening her spine, Kiarma was still forced to bend her neck back to look up at him, the grin on her face faltering as she took in the scar marring his face. With a mental shake her smile steadied. She was scared of no one! Not even giants dressed in black!

"Pleasure to meet you sir, the name is Kiarma Speren, and I've come to join the ranks." She stretched out a hand for him to shake, wondering belatedly if that was what one did when they met a commander. Should she salute? Bow? A to hell with it, a handshake never hurt no one, though her grin faded to a small smile as she nodded at him seriously. He was formidable looking, to be sure, but she was willing to wager anything she could drink him under the table.

"So," She began, tugging her black braid absently. "What do I do now...uh, sir?" She asked, free hand once more idly toying with her sword hilt. Real training - she could wait!

"Very well, I'll humor you for the time being, Aes Sedai."Lavinya bristled at the girls' tone. It had been a long time since anyone had even dared address her so...rudely. And those few who had dared had lived to regret it, as would this chit, regarldess who she was.

Lavinya barely held her anger in check as Janine continued, insulting the guards and the beautifully kept gardens. That, she could live with, but the insult to herself very nearly pushed her over the edge of her self control, her jaw clenching, on the verge of inflicting pain. She very much wanted to show Janine just why she was so feared among the novices and Accepted, why her name was often associated with a good tongue lashing, but instead, she retained her hold on the source and channelled thick threads of air, ensnaring the wretched girl firmly.

Her eyes were so dark they were almost black as she glared at the girl, her threads finding their mark and pinning the child's arms to her side, before another thread lifted her from the ground, shock clear on her face. Taking a small amount of satisfaction in the expression on Janine's face, Lavinya's words were like ice, the complete opposite of the fire that raged in her eyes. "You may have gotten away with such impertinence at home child, but here you are out of your element.

"Your foolish prattling may lead some to believe you are tough, but I have no doubt a coward lurks behind your bravado." Lavinya raised a brow, taking in the faint pallor of Janine's skin, evidence of her shock, a result of being unable to move, likely. "It is little wonder you were going to be kicked out of home. Indeed, I'd be surprised if your brothers didn't also want to teach you a lesson in manners. Perhaps I should turn you over to them?" Lavinya smiled wolfishly at her prey, though the action did nothing to soften her features.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't turn you over to your family by the ear. Or perhaps I should turn you over to the guard instead. My treatment of you would be considered mild by their standards, if they were to find out you were trespassing and showing such disprespect to an Aes Sedai." Slowly she tempered her anger, smugness replacing the tension in her jaw. She was very much in control of the situation, just as she preferred it.

Kiarma fingered the short sword at her side with barely contained excitement as she walked her mount closer to the Citadel. Perhaps someone would teach her thoroughly here! And if all the stories she'd ever heard about drunken soldiers were true, she was in for a great time. Not once did it occur to her that she may be turned away, and denied admittance to their ranks. Her excitement clouded all else.

Idly she wondered if her father or brothers had discovered her note yet. No doubt her father would be horrified, and her brothers thrilled. They had not been the best influence on her, to say the least, which tended to explain her choice of dress, baggy, worn breeches and a light shirt, though the boots she wore were sturdy. Good boots never let her down.

Lifting her hand, she pushed her jet black braid back over her shoulder to her back once more, before returning it to her sword hilt. It had been so long since she'd enjoyed a good spar, perhaps here she would find that also. More often than not her brothers refused, claiming they found her so humerous it was distracting. Bah, more likely they were too drunk to see straight and didn't want to be beaten by their little sister.

The walls loomed ever nearer, and Kiarma straightened in her saddle somewhat, suddenly startled when a body loomed near her. "Mothers milk in a cup you startled me!" She burst before she could stop herself. Her father constantly berated her for her unladylike language, but this was a soldier, obviously. No doubt the could teach her a thing or two about decent curses. Excellent.

"The name's Kiarma, and I've come to join the band!" She announced proudly to the stranger blocking her way.

OOC: Who ever wants to grab her first, feel free!

Dorian mumbled incoherently in protest as Yrean nudged him with his boot. Surely it wasn't morning already? The night had been long, full of hard work, and Dorian was very reluctant to leave the warmth of the cot. Squinting, he noticed that the sun had barely shown itself above the horizon. Not only was he being rudely awakened, but darned early too!

“I’ll be making a hot drink while you be composing yourself.â€The chuckle that disappeared with Yrean's footsteps made him scowl. Light, the man seemed to find much amusement in torturing his student. Still, he would find no peace now, so with a long sufferring sigh, he dragged himself from the warmth of the bed. Scrubbing at his eyes with his yands he yawned and stretched, before dressing quickly and carelessly, still half asleep when he decended to find the promised drink.

All too soon the tea was gone, and Yrean was herding Dorian out, though by now thankfully Dorian was showing more signs of consciousness. He breathed deeply as they began their run, enjoying the fresh morning air. As reluctant as he was to leave his bed, he always enjoyed this time of morning, the steady pounding of their boots mixing with the early morning sounds.

After the run, Dorian tucked into a hearty breakfast, before changing. At least this time he took some care with his appearance, pausing to wash his face and comb his hair. The sun was finally fully in the sky as he waited for Yrean to meet him, idly toying with the handle of his scimitar, firmly tucked into the scabbard at his waist. He had no idea what his day would entail, he had been training at the Yards now for quite some time, but burn him if he knew everything that happened when you were a tower guard. It would not surprise him to find out Yrean had some sort of interesting surprise waiting for him, that would cause his mentor no end of amusement, and leave poor Dorian plotting more pranks for him.

Soon enough he was joined by Yrean, and they made their way up onto the stone walls that surrounded the White Tower. Dorian took a few moments to enjoy the view as they headed to the guardhouse, a garden filled with white-clothed novices holding his gaze for a few minutes before Yrean slapped him on the back with a chuckle and ushered him to hang his weapon on the rack. Almost reluctantly, Dorian followed suit, nodding greetings to the guards on duty.

"Tell me Yrean, are the rumours I've heard true? Do you tower guards spend most of your time here gambling and drinking? Or just ogling the women?" Dorian grinned at his mentor, the quiet chuckles from the other guards making his smile all the broader. "Unless of course I'm mistaken" He shrugged with a playful smile. "So what is the main thing you look out for? Where does most of your trouble come from?"

Lavinya's shrewd eye roved over the two young novices before her, kneeling before the garden they tended. Finding the pair in the warders yards had provided her with opportunity to avoid more mundane tasks indoors as she oversaw the two at their chore. No doubt all three of them had a similar intent, to find suitable viewings, but Lavinya was Aes Sedai, and freer than the two children in white before her.

While the task she had set allowed her to bask in the day's warm sunlight, boredom quickly became a problem. Idly she pluck a rose from the bench beside her, her long pale fingers caressing the scarlet petals. Embracing the source, Lavinya sighed softly, as the familiar thrill flooded her, her senses suddenly sharper, colours brighter, scents clearer. Catching something on the breeze, she whirled her head in that direction, all thoughts of the keeping weave she was going to weave forgotton. Was that tabacc she could smell?

Taking a step forward she nodded to herself. Indeed it was. Perhaps a Tower Guard or a warder was taking some leisure time in the garden. Perhaps it was even one of those she favoured. Perhaps her boredom could be assuaged after all. "I will return to check on you soon. I trust you shan't slacken off." One haughty glare towards the novices, and Lavinya was following the faint scent of smoke on the breeze.

A small smile curved her lips as she contemplated who it could be, excitement causing her to increase her pace slightly as one hand patted her fiery red curls, ensuring they were still pinned elegantly at her nape, the other hand smoothing her silver skirts. Abruptly she halted, frowning. There was no man to be seen, instead a girl took her leasure by the wall. A wayward novice? Indeed, no novices were foolish enough to be seen in anything other than novice white.

Irritation furrowed her brow, at finding there was no man with which to entertain herself, and doubled that the girl she had come across was some waif-like outsider. Channelling Saidar, she reached out with a thread of air and quickly snatched the glowing pipe from her hand and guided it to her own as the girl's head quickly snapped up towards her. Lavinya fixed her with a cold glare, the very picture of an Aes Sedai in her expensively embroidered gown, her features smooth and stony.

"I sincerely hope, for your sake child, that you are merely lost." Lavinya's words were clipped, as she stressed the word child. This chit was in her domain now. "Though how you would manage to become so lost you make it past the guards at the gate is a mystery to me." Sarcasm threaded through her tone as she lifted a delicately arched brow, putting out the pipe with a thread of water, before pocketing it. She could use it herself later.

"I am in the mood for a tale - why don't you tell me who you are and why you are in the Tower Gardens? Make it interesting and perhaps I won't turn you over to the guard?" Lifting her chin, Lavinya gazed at the girl and waited for a response to her demand.

Faerzyne lifted her head as the door was opened and Maegan Sedai swept into the room. Sparing her with a nod that was fitting for her status, she waved towards Tay. "Maegan Sedai, this is Tay Maorre. She is our newest novice. I trust you will take her under her wing, and ensure she learns all that she needs to know?" It may have been worded as a question, though Maegan could hardly refuse her.

"Good." The bells in her braids tinkled softly as she nodded again, turning her attention back to her work. "Good day Maegan Sedai, Child." Without looking back up Faerzyne collected her pen once more, a clear dismissal issued to those in front of her desk. The door clicked softly behind them as they took their leave, and Faerzyne allowed herself a small sigh, before diving back into her paper work. It certainly wasn't going to complete itself.

Latest person who took leave of their senses and made a bander, arriving for duty! :D

damn....I need to adjust my siggie now....

anyways, Kiarma was just CC'd, so howdy

I had to get out before it did to me what it did to you

Glad to see that 'getting' me is such a thrill *shouts the band to a round of bandweiser*

Faerzyne looked down at the girl almost cowering before her desk. She was told to come. So the girl had already been tested. This meant she had to know, somewhere deep down inside of herself that she would be accepted within the White Tower. That she would learn to channel, to the best of her abilities. Still the girl shifted in her seat, as if she couldn’t quite believe that she would be asked to stay. Faerzyne decided to relieve her from the tension that was building. Retrieving the Book of Novices from her drawer, she opened it and smoothed her hand over the paper. “So you’ve been tested already. How fortunate.†She picked up her pen, and prepared to write. “Let’s see about making your stay here a bit more permanent then, shall we?â€

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

Favouring Tay with a smile, she scrawled a note to the girl's mentor, which she handed to a passing servant to deliver post haste, before collecting two white dresses from her cabinet, which she handed to Tay before returning to her seat once more. "Your mentor shall join us soon, in the meantime, let us discuss some of the rules, yes?" Tay nodded hesitatingly in return. "Those dresses are what you will wear now. You are to keep them clean, and well mended at all time." She began, before continuing with the rules, outlining the curfew, classes, and generally what would be expected of her.

Just as she finished her spiel, a shiver passed her moments before a knock sounded on her door. "Enter." She called.

Ooc: rp your char’s reaction to being written down in the novice book, and the rules.

DM Handle: Quibby

E-mail: quibby[at]dragonmount[dot]com

Name: Janine Alastarn

Age: 16

Origin: small village in northeast Andor

Division: White Tower

Description: Janine Alastarn is of an average build, standing 5 feet, six inches tall and weighing about 135 pounds. Her hair is brown in color and cut at about shoulder length. It frames a pretty, though not beautiful, face set with brilliant green eyes. Before she came to the Tower, Janine dressed in baggy breeches and shirts. Among other character flaws, Janine is arrogant, she swears, and she smokes and drinks. These two activities normally require her to steal what she needs in order to enjoy these activities.

History: "Damn, caught again," Janine muttered as she heard the barn door slam open with the angry cries of the village Wisdom. Hastily, she tapped the remaining tabac out of Master Kien’s pipe, which she had stolen earlier that day, and slipped the pipe up her sleeve as deftly as she had when stealing it in the first place. As the woman made her way up into the loft, Janine took one last mouthful of Farmer Taryn’s brandy and stuffed it into the straw. Too late! She felt a rough hand seize onto her ear and heave her from her comfortable spot in the straw. Angrily, Janine yelled, "Get your flaming hands off me, you goat-kissing wench!"

That was probably not the best way to handle that, Janine thought as the Wisdom’s hand slapped across her face, leaving her head ringing. As soon as she could stand steady again, Janine returned the slap... with interest. If there was one thing that her father and brothers had taught her, it was to never be less than what she was. As the slaps passed between the two, people began appearing, falling all over themselves with amusement at the sight. Two men were finally forced to separate the two before someone was seriously injured; the way it was going, it would probably have been the Wisdom doing the injuring.

As she was dragged out of the barn by her brothers, Janine reflected on just how amusing her situation was. Her father was actually well-along in years, his first wife long gone. She had lost her mind or something, and she had taken their newborn son and run off to who-knows-where. Janine was the second of three children born to the second wife, the only girl. Her mother had died in childbirth, leaving her to be raised by a man alongside two brothers. Needless to say, there was no ‘woman’s touch’ in her raising, and Janine learned the same things as her brothers did, dressed the same way, and fought alongside them. Eventually, Janine’s habit of following her brothers around got her into trouble. When they began experimenting with forgotten pipes and abandoned liquor, she was right there with the rest of them.

Her arrival home was marked by a shouting match with her father. The juicy details of Janine’s spat with the Wisdom had already made it to him. The fight led to Janine stomping up the stairs and throwing her few belongings into a shoulder bag. A few choice words for her father, and Janine was out the door and headed north. Her brothers would be after her before she got too far. "Hmmm... I think the stories mention women taking sanctuary in the White Tower. Maybe I’ll go there. Who knows, maybe they’ll say that I can be an Aes Sedai!" she said, the last coming out sarcastically.

Fate, it seems, has a sense of humor...

Wow that's going to be one hell of a troubled trainee...I pity her mentor!

Approved!

Faerzyne shuffled through the pile of papers on her desk with a resigned sigh. The day had only just begun, yet already she could tell it was going to be a tedious one, if the volume of work awaiting her attention counted for anything. Still, it would only continue to wait if she did not make a start on it, the bells entwined in her braids tinkling softly as she reached over to dip her pen in the inkwell positioned on her desk.

A slight shiver from the ward guarding her door notified her of the presence behind it just moments before a knock sounded on the wood. Faerzyne looked at the door with a faint frown, torn between relief at the distraction and annoyance at the interruption. The knock had the timid sound of one who wanted something of her. With a resigned shake of her head, Faerzyne lowered her pen and beckoned the petitioner to enter. At the same time she channelled air briefly and opened the door, so to the untrained eye it appeared to open of it's own accord.

The sight that greeted her was of a young woman, dressed in clothing of an outsider. With a brief wave Faerzyne beckoned her in and waved to one of the hard wooden chairs in front of her desk, a second weave of air closing the door behind the startled looking girl. "My name is Faerzyne Grigory, and I am the mistress of novices here at the White Tower. How may I help you?" She enquired politely, one disparaging look given to her pile of work before she once again turned on the newcomer before her.

~ Faerzyne Grigory

Gray/Black Sister

Mistress of Novices

Lavinya smiled in return as Orion placed the two drinks on his tab. "It is a wonderful place to meet beautiful women, though tonight it seems one had found me. The hunter has become the hunted."Self-satisfied smile in place, Lavinya remained silent and took a sip of her own wine. He considered himself a hunter, did he? Lavinya's skills were finely honed after years of practice and teaching. Her Domani heritage remained with her. At least the fox seemed to be enjoying the hunt as much as the hunter.

"And what about yourself miss? I would hope that you had come alone beacuse I would hate to have to compete for you, but if that is the price then so be it." Once again her tinkling laughter spilled forth, well and truly enjoying her part in this charade, and impressed to see Orion entering into it so fully also. Surprising really. She could have sworn he had been connected with a Blue sister, though his behaviour indicated otherwise, and Lavinya was inclined to take advantage of the situation.

"It appears you are in luck sir, for indeed I did come alone. You have my complete and utter attention." Her dark eyes twinkled as she again took another swig of wine, her gaze roving over Orion's features, his raven black hair a striking contrast to her own fire red curls. He was taller than she also, though most were taller than Lavinya - she had not been gifted with the customary Domani height. All in all he made a handsome picture, his evidently toned physique undisguised by his clothing, and though he could not see, it appeared his wits were as sharp as ever. A combination she was unable to resist.

She shuffled her chair sideways slightly, leaning in to better speak with Orion over the din of the crowded room. "So now that you have my attention, what are you going to do with it?" Lavinya asked with a cheeky grin as she again reached for her wine, relishing the warming affect it had. Indeed, she was already feeling decidedly carefree and adventurous, likely because it had been quite some time since she had indulged herself so with drink. Watching Orion drink from his cup also, she smiled to herself, glad to have a companion on what was proving to be a most entertaining encounter.

Lavinya shuffled the pile of notes on her desk. She was changing the class structure for one of her students, and was now coordinating the notes she had made. They all needed to be rewritten, and Lavinya dreaded the task. She hadn't even begun yet, and already an ache was beginning to tighten at her temples. Not to mention the ink stains. Ugh, so undignified. While cleaning them was easy with the one power, Lavinya hated the idea of blemishing her perfect appearance at all.

With a sigh, Lavinya checked the order of her papers once more, and moved the inkwell on her desk. She was procrastinating, and well she knew it. She did have a fine hand, it just seemed such a trivial task, something far beneath her importance. She should not have to copy it herself, was more the point. She clicked her fingers as she had an epiphany, surprised she hadn't thought of it earlier. She used novices and accepted's often enough to do her chores, why not have one do the copying for her? Perfect.

Lavinya rose from her desk, smoothing her emerald green skirts, slashed with silver. She glided from the room with the swishing of silk, and through the twisting corridors of the White Tower. Long familiarity guided her steps, as she headed towards the novice dining hall. Most of the girls would most likely be breaking their fast by now, if not already taken with chores or classes. She doubted many would be in their rooms.

A din greeted her as she entered the hall, though it became muted as the girls noted a sister in the room, those nearest to her dropping curtsies as they scurried past. Lavinya cast a cold eye about the room. She was becoming quite notorious as an Aes Sedai who did not give novices an easy time at their chores, though it had been some time since she had come in hunt of one. Her lips quirked slightly in amusement as the girls tried to avoid her gaze. An Aes Sedai in the novice dining hall did not bode well for novices, reputation or no.

One girl caught Lavinya's gaze, as she curtsied and made to step past. She did not have the haste of a girl with a chore or a class to go to. Lavinya whirled to face her. "You child, I have need of your assistance." She waited for the young woman in white to stop. "Your name?" She nodded at the answer, the name vaguely familiar, though she did not recognise her from any classes she had taught. "I am Lavinya Sedai, and I have need of you, unless you have other urgent priorities?" She raised a brow. "No? Good, follow me child." With that, Lavinya turned on her heel, skirts swishing about her legs softly as she strode from the room, leading Vera towards her apartments, in the Grey Ajah quarters.

_________________

Lavinya Morganen - Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah, Mentor to Elyna and Kilivia

Lavinya was alone in her room, practising the weaves that she would have to perform in the test. Each of the hundred weaves had to be performed correctly, and in order. So far she had only succeeded in successfully completing them once. Her room mate Evaida, one of her only true friends in the tower, had helped her, doing whatever she could to distract her as she channelled. She sighed, as she fumbled a weave, and released the source. She was never going to pass the testing. Light, she didn’t think she would be able to bear the humiliation of being sent from the tower, not good enough to become an Aes Sedai. She shuddered. She MUST get this right. Chewing her lip, she embraced the source, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door.

Rising, she opened the door, to be greeted by her mentor, Elyssa. A brief flash of panic overcame her, as Elyssa led her to the basement for her testing. Light, she was not ready, she could not do it! As though sensing her unease, Elyssa shot her a reassuring look, and Lavinya firmed her resolve. She had worked too long and hard for this moment, she would not turn back now, and she would not fail. She would have her power and position, as an Aes Sedai.

Upon entering the basement, Lavinya noticed that one sister from each Ajah was there, forming a ring around the room. Nynaeve’s voice rang out, loud and clear. “Attend.†All the sisters gathered together, and the ceremony began.

"You come in ignorance Lavinya Morganen, how would you depart?" Lavinya swallowed, before replying. She had been through this many times, and knew how to respond, and what was expected of her.

"In Knowledge of Myself." She was somewhat disgusted to hear how much her voice shook. She straightened her spine. She could do this.

"For what reason have you been summoned here?"

"To be tried"

"For what reason should you be tried?"

"So that I may learn whether I am worthy."

"For what would you be found worthy?" Lavinya lifted her chin and steeled her resolve.

"To wear the shawl." Her voice rang with a confidence she tried to feel.

She then proceeded to strip, leaving behind her banded Accepted dress and underclothes, and her Great Serpent Ring, which she carefully laid on top. The sister’s present activated the ter’angreal. She was instructed to complete the 101 weaves, no matter what happened, and to be strong. Elyssa nodded slightly, and Lavinya took courage from her mentor. She could do this.

Slowly she stepped forward, into the blinding light of the ter’angreal. Blinking, she found herself in a dim hallway, lit only by a few scattered wall sconces, which cast eerie shadows across the tiled floor. Looking down, she discovered with shock that she was naked. Picturing a sheer emerald gown, she grinned when it appeared. It had been so long since she was able to wear her native Domani clothes, rather than the suffocating white of novice and Accepted. Accepted. That word caused a flicker of recognition, of why she was there. She stepped forward along the corridor, towards the faint light at the end. Emerging into the sunlight, she raised a hand against the harsh light. Across a meadow was a pointed star. Remembering what it was she must to, she stepped on it and began to weave without a second thought.

Carefully she wove together a jumble of air, fire and spirit, chewing her lower lip as she concentrated. Something in her peripheral caught her attention and she turned, drawing in a surprised gasp. A large wolf was approaching, eyeing her hungrily. It snarled, vicious white teeth flashing. Forcing down her panic, Lavinya finished the weave, and saw the second star, behind the animal. It crouched, as though to leap, and she hurriedly wove air, stilling the beast in mid air with invisible bonds. Without a second thought she rushed past the animal to the second star.

Once on it she began the next weave, an intricate web of water and spirit, with earth twined between. She jumped when she felt the first bite between her shoulder blades and whirled, almost dropping the weave. Light, it was only her second! She could see nothing, and continued, only to feel a sharp sting on her shoulder, followed by more, all over her body. Looking down, she realised she was covered with ants, biting her constantly. Gritting her teeth she kept channelling, until the weave finally fell into place. With a sigh she moved on, rubbing at the welts covering her body.

Soon the pain was a distant memory, as she began the next weave, channelling with a dedication she never knew she possessed. Weave after weave was completed, despite the whipping, the stones from the angry mob, and a most embarrassing incident where she was naked in the middle of the warder’s yard, while the trainees pointed and laughed. Her face suffused with heat at the last. There was no reason to laugh, she was attractive! She yelled at them as the weave fell into place, and she ran from the laughing crowd.

Stepping to the next star, Lavinya wiped the sweat from her brow and began the next weave. She was over two thirds finished. Her body was numb with pain, and she’d suffered so much pain, in so many different ways. Tears stained her cheeks, and her body shuddered with the effort of continuous channelling. Still she persevered. She must remain strong, and she would.

Ninety-seven weaves completed, she moved on, looking for the star. It appeared beneath some trees, and she stepped onto it to begin the complex weave, spirit, air and earth threading together into a huge tangle. A voice she knew and loved called to her, and she paused, faltering slightly. Light, not this! Steeling her resolve, she added another thread. Sweat broke out on her brow again, but she continued. “Please!†Begged the voice. Water was added to the weave, and thick strands of fire. Lavinya desperately tried to ignore the screams from behind her, and her knees shook from the effort. Out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of Elyna, her sweet mentee, bound and suspended over a bubbling cook pot. Lavinya whimpered, almost dropping the weave. Falling to her knees, she gritted her teeth against her sobs and added earth to the tangle. Trollocs appeared around the novice, and Elyna screamed. Lavinya sobbed, echoing the scream as she continued, her heart breaking at the sight and sound of the sweet girl, who had come to mean so much to her, suffering. Without thinking fire launched from her hands towards the Trollocs, but more soon came to replace the ones she struck. Over and over she threw the fire balls, while still maintaining the required web, barely.

There were so many of the creatures, too many. Elyna’s piercing screams filled the air, and Lavinya’s chest heaved from her heartfelt sobs. “I’m so sorry Elily†she cried, and the weave fell into place. Lavinya wept into her hands. On unsteady legs, she slowly stood, turning her back on the heart-wrenching sight, and headed for the next star. She knew the sound of Elyna’s bloodcurdling screams would haunt her for the rest of her days.

Lavinya completed the next few weaves, her mind and body numb. The tears kept flowing, but she never stopped, never lost sight of her goal. The final weave fell into place, and she dropped to her knees once more, letting the emotion flow from her. Looking up from beneath her bedraggled hair, she realised she was back in the basement, slowly being helped to her feet by Elyssa. She blinked a few times before she understood, and wiped away her tears. She was wet from sweat and her tears, but her skin was unharmed. She tried to straighten her spine. She should feel some sense of victory. She had passed the test. Instead she felt strangely hollow. She allowed Elyssa to help her dress, and headed for the quiet solitude of her room, for her contemplation.

__

OOC: Night of contemplation (I use the term loosely in Lavinya's case ) is on a separate thread

IC:

Lavinya tried to hide all evidence of her tearful night, frowning at herself in the mirror as she applied her various creams and powders. It would not do to look overly dishevelled on the first day she was named an Aes Sedai. Her heart was still aching from her encounter with Nuitari, but she tried to push the painful thoughts aside, and focus on what must happen today. Finally believing her appearance to be acceptable, Lavinya confidently strode from the room, silently saying goodbye to her days as an Accepted.

Complete silence greeted her entrance, though all the sitters for the Hall of the Tower were present. The Amyrlin and the Keeper stood, silently and serene before her. Lavinya straightened her stance and adopted the Aes Sedai calm she had practised since her raising to Accepted. The silence was deafening, and Lavinya could feel all eyes burning into her. Tilting her chin, she faced the Amyrlin as the ceremony began.

“Who comes here?†The Amyrlin’s voice rang loud and clear across the hall. Lavinya silently cleared her throat, before answering confidently.

“Lavinya Morganen.â€

“For what reason do you come?â€

â€To swear the three oaths and thereby claim the shawl of an Aes Sedai.â€

“By what right do you claim this burden?â€

“By right of having made the passage, submitting myself to the will of the White Tower.â€

“Then enter, if you dare, and bind yourself to the White Tower.†Lavinya nodded, just a tiny inclination of her head. Forcing her feet to move, she stepped forward, through the ter’angreal. She had come too far to flounder now, had endured too much. A shiver ran down her spine as she stepped through the ter’angreal, as she recalled the scenes she had met inside. Stepping closer to the Amyrlin, she waited for what she knew was to come. Three oaths, that would bind her to the tower for the rest of her days. Three oaths that could not be broken. Lifting up her hands, she accepted the smooth rod, before uttering her oaths.

“Under the light and by my hope of salvation and rebirth, I vow that I will speak no word that is not true.†She flinched, as the oath was bound to her bones, her skin feeling as though it had shrunk. Light, but it was painful.

â€Under the light and by my hope of salvation and rebirth, I vow that I will make no weapon for one man to kill another.†The tightening sensation increased. Lavinya forced her face to remain calm and impassive, to ignore the pain.

“Under the light and by my hope of salvation and rebirth, I vow that I will never use the One Power as a weapon except against shadowspawn, or in the last extreme of defending my life, or that of my warder, or another sister.†The last oath was uttered, and she let out a small breath she hadn’t realised she held. Her skin felt as though it was too small, from her scalp to the soles of her feet, and the sensation was highly painful. Yet, looking around the room, she knew that she was far from the first to experience the oaths. If the Aes Sedai could handle the discomfort, so would she.

"It is half done, and the White Tower graven on your bones. Rise now Aes Sedai and choose your Ajah and all will be done that may be done under the Light." Handing back the oath rod, Lavinya stepped forward, to the representatives of the Grey Ajah, one sister standing in front with a Grey Shawl.

“I choose the Grey Ajah.†At last it was done. She was an Aes Sedai, of the Grey Ajah, should they accept her. She allowed the tiniest spark of a smile to cross her features as she faced her new sisters.

_______________

Lavinya Morganen - Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah, Mentor to Elyna and Kilivia

Dorian Ayerell - Tower Trainee, Mentee of Yrean

Satine Whyre - Acrobat in Simon Jornin's travelling Circus

The sun had hid behind a cloud, it was only a few hours after sunrise and Phaedra was up and about, reading through the reports from Andor and sipping her morning tea. She wore a light gray robe over her pale blue nightgown and looked utterly comfortable in the knowledge that she could spend her morning in solitude. Her mind was just waking up and her eyes had gotten over that sleepy look that one had when waking up calmly. She had often enough woken up troubled, after little sleep that had hardly overcome the worry but lately it seemed things were better. Marce was gone for about half a year now and the gossip they had expected had not been as fierce, the story that Freja had come up with had worked. Phaedra had hated how she had come to her position but knew, looking back on things, that it could not have gone any different. Finella had been a great support, she had stayed up many nights with the new Head Clerk to help her organize things and to contact Eyes and Ears hat Marce had had. Her sudden disappearance had left things in a jumble and knowing how the woman had left the Tower, they could not blame it on her for one bit. The Sisters involved had not yet returned from their punishment and would not for another few years. It was not like they were exiled from the Tower, the Trial had been harsh but fair, Phaedra had made sure of that. It had been her first task as Head Clerk to see that the women responsible were punished.

Her mind traveled from the reports, back to Marce and that horrible night she had spoken with Freja and Finella about what had happened. And then it moved on to Ophelia who had stepped up and defended the women on trial, to see that justice was done for them. The Ajah had not blamed her, a defender was needed even for those who had hurt the Ajah down to its core and it was good that she had taken that step. It had shown Phaedra that the woman would not let her heart control her, even if her words were a jumble sometimes. A few months later, the Hall had greeted a new Sitter in the position of the Grays and Ophelia had done a good job at it. Phaedra had taken her under her wing a bit, knowing that the woman needed a guide but felt that Ophelia was growing fast and would soon stand on her own with more ease. Finella liked the other Sitter for they were alike so much, Phaedra could not come between that easy-going feeling the two had, but was glad that two of their Sitters at least had the heart on their tongue. One could easily see what the reason was that the Tower had not started a trial against the Ajah, Ophelia and Finella had worked hard on showing that this was an upstart, something horrible that should never have happened, but that was definitely not supported by the Ajah. A smile of pride pursed through Phaedra’s lips when she heard someone knock and enter.

“Ophelia, what brings you here this morning?†she asked before turning around. The woman had a tendency of seeing her knock as the call to enter all in one go, but it was something that Phaedra had learned to live with. It was a small flaw and Phaedra brushed off her robe to put emphasis on the privacy of her quarters when Ophelia started to blush and said, “I apologize, the news was important and I had to come,†Phaedra nodded slowly. She hoped it was news that Marce had been found, that Freja had been successful in finding her, but something told her that Ophelia would not have stopped talking if that was the case. The Gray stood waiting for Phaedra to nod and give her leave to speak, a little irritated Phaedra did so and Ophelia started to speak of a young woman who had been tested the day before. “Yes, I know, Lavinya, she has worked with the Grays and there is a lot of potential...†Phaedra stopped mid sentence and said, “Is she?†and Ophelia nodded. “She is, she wants to become a Gray,†Ophelia said. Phaedra nodded, smiling and said, “I’ll get ready, have you talked to Finella?†The other Gray nodded, “She said she would like to speak tonight, she apparently has been preparing for this for quite some time already,†Phaedra nodded. She could have known that Finella had been on top of this for years before any of them had even expected this.

When Ophelia left the room, Phaedra started to wash up and brush her dark hair, she let it hang loosely while she picked out a dress for the occasion. It was simple, a black dress with a silver pin on the chest in the shape of the Flame of Tar Valon. Then she placed her low black leather boots on her feet and took the Gray shawl which she placed over her shoulders. Leaving her quarters to get the Shawl that the new Gray would receive she smiled as Finella passed by and gave her a knowing glance. The woman had a talent and Phaedra knew it, she never let it slip passed her that Finella had talent and that she was an asset to the Ajah. As she prepared for the new Gray and asked Nyssa to ready herself for the events to come, Finella returned to the Gray quarters to warn them that the Ceremony was about to begin and they should be going. Phaedra’s eyes went dark and she nodded through a few final comments towards Nyssa, the Youngest would help the Newest get ready. Nyssa had gone through the tradition herself and this would help her to be able to guide Lavinya. They went the three of them with Dawn, Sasra and Nyssa following shortly after. Phaedra pinched Finella’s hand softly and said, “I hear you prepared for this?†and the other Sitter gave her a broad smile, warm and welcoming when she said, “Of course, that is my job,†and Phaedra gave her another soft pinch in her hand nodded.

Seeing Lavinya Morganen take her Oaths warmed Phaedra, she could see how the woman stood fierce, ready for anything as she took the Oaths and looked over the faces of the Ajah representatives. The Grays had not taken the entire Ajah, but enough to stand ready for their triumph. When Lavinya uttered the words that she wanted to join the Grays, Phaedra felt a light burst of butterflies erupt in her stomach. It was not all lost, Marce had left and so had Freja, they had overcome the sour time and now it was time for growth. Fresh blood to enter the Ajah and to make whole what had been torn apart. As the other Ajah representatives left the room, Phaedra took a step forward.

“Be welcome Lavinya Morganen, you have completed your test for Acceptance to become an Aes Sedai with great strength and will power. You will become one of us, it is a task you have accepted that we are willing to give you. You have earned the right to wear the Shawl, to wear the Great Serpent Ring and to call yourself Aes Sedai, come here and show me you have earned the right to become Gray.â€

This was in fact the first step in her trial, only Lavinya had no clue of this. She did not know what was waiting for her later that day, for now it was all a dream for her probably. Being accepted by her Sisters and earning the Shawl after years of hard studies. The woman stepped up and then bowed through her knees into a curtsy, Phaedra placed the Shawl over her shoulders and rested a hand on the woman’s left shoulder, “Strenght,†she mused. Then stepped back and let the other sisters accept the woman in their midst. Nyssa would then take her to her new quarters and prepare her for what was to come. Phaedra studied Lavinya’s face as she was welcomed by the Sitters and by the other Grays, it was not a lie. She was one of them, she had just not earned her place yet. But she would, Phaedra was sure of that and turned around to head back to her quarters. There was much work to be done before Lavinya Sedai could be named Gray.

Phaedra Eskarne

Head Clerk

“Be welcome Lavinya Morganen, you have completed your test for Acceptance to become an Aes Sedai with great strength and will power. You will become one of us, it is a task you have accepted that we are willing to give you. You have earned the right to wear the Shawl, to wear the Great Serpent Ring and to call yourself Aes Sedai, come here and show me you have earned the right to become Gray.†Lavinya obediently stepped forward and curtsied, and the long sought after gray-fringed shawl was draped over her shoulders. She smiled triumphantly. She had worked too hard and too long not to enjoy the moment now.

"Strength." Lavinya wondered over the soft word. She wasn't sure if the Sister was making an observation or not, but she took courage from it. She had come so far, all her dreams were finally being realised.

She looked over the other Gray Ajah representatives, recongising several from various classes she'd undertaken as both novice and Accepted. Now she was one of them. She fingered the shawl at her shoulders, the slight pressure both comforting and awe-inspiring. She once again schooled her features into a calm, composed face befitting an Aes Sedai. It would not do well to appear as a giggling girl on the first day as Aes Sedai.

Lavinya tried to maintain her posture, but the Oaths had taken their toll, leaving her skin feeling unbearably tight. She hoped one of the sisters would offer her healing, else she feared she may end up limping for the rest of her days. She hesitated as the sisters welcomed her, not really sure what was to happen next.

_________________

Lavinya Morganen - Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah, Mentor to Elyna and Kilivia

Dawn pinched Nyssa in her arm as the two of them watched Lavinya Morigen take her Oaths. She remembered so well how proud she had been of her mentee and now a new Gray was to join their Ajah. She beamed up at Lavinya when she heard the woman utter the words that she wanted to join the Gray. As the other Ajah representatives left and the Grays were left to welcome their new member. She smiled and looked almost off in dreams, when Phaedra completed the ritual by handing the woman her Shawl. Dawn clasped her hands together and gave Nyssa a soft nudge. The woman looked a bit tensed up and Dawn smiled at her, “It is your task to help her through this,†she knew that it was not an easy task. She smiled and wanted to add that Nyssa would do a great job, but she had already spoken with her former metnee about the matter and ti would only be emphasis of what the Gray already knew. Nyssa would have to guide the woman to what most Sisters considered the worst thing ever, the ritual the Grays used to make sure their Sisters were worthy.

As Phaedra and the other Sitters said their welcome to the new Gray, Dawn stood ready to almost jump her. She smiled warmly when it was her turn and hugged Lavinya tight, “You did good,†she whispered and then took a step back. She watched as the other Grays greeted the new Sister and watched as Lavinya started to glow and smile, realizing she was an Aes Sedai now. Her training was done and Dawn knew she would stand through the test they would give her. She watched Finella, she had heard the Sitter would speak up against Lavinya and knowing the Sitter well, this was not going to be an easy trial for Lavinya. Finella was a warm and kind person and Dawn had not felt any reserve towards the woman, yet she was also very perceptive and she would hit down hard as was asked of her. Dawn adjusted her Shawl, gave a last glance over the new Gray and then smiled at Nyssa who would take her to her new quarters. She had a mentee to see, one who might never stand before her as a future Gray. First her work, before the trial would begin and Lavinya could be accepted into the Gray Ajah.

Dawn Sedai

Gray Ajah

Proud to be Gray

Nyssa found herself running around her quarters, trying to get things in place for the upcoming ceremony. Of course her part wasn’t all that complicated, but it had to be done well none the less. And since this was a once in a lifetime experience, for her and Lavinya both, she wanted to make the most of it. She donned a pale, lavender silk dress which fell smoothly along her body, and wrapped the gray shawl around her shoulders. It was a comforting weight, as it had been since the first moment she had received it. It would be to Lavinya as well, after she had passed the trial, and could call the shawl her own for sure. Nyssa looked herself over in the mirror one last time before looking at the table, which was already set for a dinner for two. Lavinya would probably be hungry by the time they could finally sit down there. Hungry and aching. Freja had waited until after the trial to rid her of the tight sensation that came with the Oaths. Finella had instructed her to wait as well. Apparently the feeling was a part of the trial.

She felt a little sorry for Lavinya as she remembered how uncomfortable she had been during those hours. A knock on her door told her that it was time. She walked out of her room, leaving it ready for when she returned. Outside Finella was waiting for her. “Ready?†the Sitter asked her. Nyssa smiled at the likeable woman. “I’m prepared.†Finella returned her smile. “Good… then let’s welcome our new sister to the fold.†Nyssa walked along side Dawn towards the hall. She could see Finella and Phaedra conversing in front of her. Again she smiled. She had often wondered about the bond between the two. Recently she had decided to let it rest. It was there, and it made them strong, and that was all any sister of the Gray Ajah really needed to know.

Silently they watched as Lavinya took her Oaths. Dawn pinched her when Lavinya uttered the words that would make her a Gray Sister, and Nyssa smiled at her former mentor. It was a special day, when Nyssa would give up her role as the Youngest to Lavinya while she guided her through the last hours of her initiation. Finella shot her a glance that could be perceived as a warning. Nyssa nodded at the Sitter. She understood. Lavinya was not to know about the trial. She waited patiently for the older sisters to welcome Lavinya into the Ajah. As the youngest she would be the last to greet her, and the last to leave her side at the Trial. That was the way things worked. She smiled warmly when Dawn stepped aside to allow her to greet Lavinya. “Welcome sister.†She said as she embraced Lavinya. Then she stepped back, taking Lavinya’s hands in her own. “I know the past hours have been trying for you. Come, I’ll show you to your rooms, and then we can spend some time in mine.†She looped Lavinya’s arm through her own, and followed the procession of her sisters out of the Hall. Today would be the first day of a very special life for the new sister. Nyssa would try very hard to make it special.

~Nyssa Sedai

Gray Ajah

“I know the past hours have been trying for you. Come, I’ll show you to your rooms, and then we can spend some time in mine.†Lavinya gave Nyssa a relieved smile, glad for a friendly, familiar face. Also for the help - now she was Aes Sedai, she was unsure of what came next.

Arm in arm, they followed the other sisters out of the hall, into the twisting corridors beyond. Lavinya had not had much reason to venture into the Gray Ajah quarters as a novice or Accepted, but instantly she felt as though she was coming home.

Nyssa quietly opened the door to her new chambers, and Lavinya paused on the threshold an gasped. This was fit for a queen, after the cramped Accepteds Rooms. A cheerful blaze was flickering in the hearth of her new sitting room. Everything was decorated with silver touches, from the thick rug on the floor, to the elegant satin pillows littered across her large bed. She sighed quite contentedy. "It is wonderful." She breathed, already making mental notes of the slight changes she would make, adding her personal stamp to the room.

After checking to make sure all of her belongings were in order, Lavinya followed Nyssa back out into the hall, towards her rooms. Lavinya was greeted by the delicious smells of a meal waiting for them, and her stomach rumbled hungrily in response. She'd been unable to eat erlier due to her nerves, and someone else she refused to acknowledge, even in her thoughts. Hastily bringing her mind back to present matters, she smiled at Nyssa and took the chair she offered.

_________________

Lavinya Morganen - Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah, Mentor to Elyna and Kilivia

Standing by silently as Lavinya inspected her rooms and her belongings the way she too had done, not that long ago gave Nyssa a sense of joy that was unexpected, but not unwelcome. The broad smile on the younger woman’s face told her enough about how well she liked the rooms, and the exclamation that followed merely confirmed that. Lavinya was home. “I’m glad you like your new rooms.†She said. When she had been raised, Dawn had taken her to her new rooms as well, after which she had asked Nyssa to join her for a quiet dinner for two. They had done that before, as mentor and mentee. Nyssa hadn’t spent quite as much time with Lavinya as she had with Dawn before her raising, but she was still sure that they could fill a few hours with enjoyable conversation. She wanted Lavinya to relax. Her trial would be hard enough even without her imagining all the horrible things that might be said or done.

The trial was always a shock to newly raised sisters, or so Freja had told her. Somehow everyone expected that as soon as they received the shawl, their place within the Ajah was secure. It was, in a way. The outcome of the trial merely determined the duration of your try out period. Nyssa herself had been under Freja’s wing for a year before she was allowed to handle things on her own. She hoped that Lavinya’s trial period would be equally short. After another brief inspection of her rooms, Lavinya was ready to continue. Nyssa imagined that she was quite hungry by now. She had been absolutely famished herself, after she had been unable to eat after her test the night before, and had also skipped breakfast.

The young sedai took her place opposite to her. For a moment they ate in silence, commenting every now and then on how well mistress Larass had prepared things. Some novices and Accepted had a deep loathing for the mistress of the kitchens, having spent many hours in her presence scrubbing pots. Nyssa found that that loathing passed swiftly as soon as they were raised. After all, one of her meals was exactly what a person needed after a hard days work. Nyssa smiled at Lavinya, watching as the young woman enjoyed the wonderful food on her plate. “So…†she started, taking a sip of her wine. “How does it feel to be raised?â€

~Nyssa Sedai

Gray Ajah

Lavinya delicately wiped at the corner of her mouth with a napkin before answerin Nyssa's question. "It is quite a relief, I suppose." She mused aloud. "After all, I have trained long and hard for this day, and now it has finally arrived." She fingered the gray fringed shawl looped around her elbows. "It is like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders." She smiled up at Nyssa, though her thoughts were focused inwards.

She let her thought roam back to her early days in the tower, as they continued eating in relative silence. She had always been an ambitious girl, working and striving hard to complete her lessons as best she could. She had stayed put of trouble for the most part, except for one large error on her part that made her shudder. She'd learned the dire importance of maintaining her self-control that day. She held in a shudder. She would still have her revenge on a certain Green Sister. She had also learnt patience.

Lavinya had always had an inward struggle, partly due to her ambition, and partly with her own weaknesses. She had been told her potential would only be middling at best, and that was something that grated her continuously. She desired power and influence, and had constantly cursed the creator for not blessing her with the strength in the One Power that she believed she deserved. Still, through sheer determination and will power, she had been raised to Accepted after only seven years.

She took a sip of wine and shrugged off the past. She had just acheived one of her biggest goals. She should be looking forward, not back. Last night should have been allocated to reminiscing. A dull ache started in her heart at the thought of what had instead ocurred the previous evening, and she hastily pushed the painful thought aside. She was Aes Sedai now. She didn't need any man, particularly one who rejected her love. She forced herself back to the present, though not without some difficulty, and smiled brightly at Nyssa.

"It is a little daunting though. I have spent to long striving for the shawl, and now that I have it, well, I'm not sure what to do with myself." She grimaced. "I am grateful to not have to scrub anymore pots though." She laughed lightly and sipped her wine again. Suddenly she felt so...free. She didn't know how to take that though. Fifteen years of her life had been dedicated to this day. She wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh or cry.

_________________

Lavinya Morganen - Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah, Mentor to Elyna and Kilivia

Nyssa could almost see Lavinya’s mind race through the years she had spent at the White Tower as both a Novice and an Accepted. She smiled. Lavinya had spent more time in the office of the Mistress of Novices than she had, but that hardly mattered now. Even though she had been rebellious, she had also been determined. In the end it had taken her just as long as Nyssa to be raised. The dark haired woman knew quite well that that took a lot of effort, ambition and determination. Perhaps it was that similarity between them that made her like the younger woman sitting across from her so much.

When Lavinya spoke of feeling a little lost at what to do now she smiled. “All will be well.†It took her some effort to hide the wryness she felt at that. She too had felt a little lost in the beginning. After all, she had reached her goal. What was next? She had wandered into the gray halls with Dawn at her side, not knowing what to expect and what to do next. That had been fixed soon enough, of course. Freja had put her to the test, reminding her of all the things she had done in her life. Then she had thought she was finally accepted fully within the Ajah. And she had been. Freja had taken her under her wing, and forced her to study long and hard, to make her worthy of the Gray Ajah. In the end it was worth it of course, but at the time she had felt much like she had in her Accepted years. She was still running for some Aes Sedai.

She smiled warmly when she thought of Freja now. She hoped that her mentor was well, wherever she was. Lavinya finished her meal. Nyssa rose. “I think it’s time for you to meet all your sisters.†Looping her arm through Lavinya’s she guided the young Aes Sedai to the gray halls, where she would have her trial. Nyssa had never seen Finella at work. She wondered what the woman would be like, with her prey in sight. She couldn’t be worse than Freja… or could she? Nyssa had always wondered what the Sitter was hiding behind all that kindness. She would find out soon enough.

~Nyssa Deschain

Sister of the Gray Ajah

“I think it’s time for you to meet all your sisters.†Lavinya let Nyssa link arms with her, before leading her from the room. She was very grateful to have someone with her to help her settle into her new Ajah. She had met wuite a few of the gray sisters over the years, as teachers in her classes, or even the visits to the Mistress of Novices, but now she would be not meeting them as an inferior, but as a sister, as a fellow Aes Sedai.

They chatted amiably as they walked, Nyssa pointing out which sisters occupied the chambers they passed, and sharing a few tidbits about the sisters she had to meet. She was a little surprised that they didn't stop in to greet any of the sisters as they walked past. She was under the impression she was going to meet the other gray sisters. Perhaps they were waiting somewhere to meet her together?

Lavinya didn't voice her query, happy to let Nyssa guide her through the spidery corridors of the gray quarters. They paused as the reached the Great Hall, where Lavinya had sworn her Oaths that very morning. They were waiting for her here? Silently Nyssa led her inside, and Lavinya found herself face to face with the other sisters from her Ajah. Suddenly Lavinya felt a little wary. There were many serious expressions on the sisters watching her. She looked at Nyssa quizzically. Was that pity in the woman's expression? She clasped her hands in front of her, uncertain of what was to come.

_________________

Lavinya Morganen - Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah, Mentor to Elyna and Kilivia

Nyssa felt the fluttering of butterflies raving through her stomach as she presented Lavinya to the Ajah. It was a very special moment. The faces were all turned to her, some black, some curious or amused, and some filled with a kind of distrust. She could understand that now, a lot better than when she had been the one these looks were meant for. All these women were waiting to see if the most recent addition to the Ajah was worthy, or if she at least had the potential. In the middle of the Hall Finella stood behind the accusers pedestal. It was strange to see the woman there, dressed in a pale gray dress with a high collar. She looked every bit the judge. Nyssa glanced over at Phaedra. She also looked stern, but somehow more forgiving than Finella. It was strange to see how the roles between the two had changed now that Finella was leading the trail of Lavinya.

She straightened her back slightly, and released Lavinya’s arm. With one had on the small of Lavinya’s back she guided her to the accused bench. How becoming it was. How Gray. Nyssa felt a great warmth going out towards her sisters. This was what she loved about them. What she loved about being a sister of the Gray Ajah. She left Lavinya standing in front of the bench, before walking over to Finella. She stood silently next to the Sitter for a moment, as if she had to gether her thoughts. With one small nod to Lavinya, she started the trial. “Good evening, Sisters of the Gray. We are gathered here tonight to bring a new sister into our midst. I would like to offer you Lavinya Morganen. Let us begin her trial.â€

~

Finella nodded at Nyssa, indicating that the youngest could take her place at Dawn’s side. It was time for her to test the newest. Her look was blank, which was quite a change from her regular, warm look. Even her attire was suited for her role as prosecutor. It would be up to Lavinya to defend herself against everything that Finella could throw at her. The Sitter looked down at her papers for a moment, scanning her notes. Yes. There was enough here. She had missed the trials of both the youngest sister, and her predecessor, but that would not matter now. Silence fell in the Gray hall, as everyone seemed to wait for something.

Finella allowed that silence to stretch, before nodding at Phaedra. It was time for the other Sitter to take the shawl from Lavinya’s shoulders. Soon Lavinya would find out that Phaedra was also the Head Clerk of the Gray Ajah. Soon, but not yet. First came the trial, and Finella was eager to see how this promising young lady would do. She almost held her breath when Phaedra rose, and walked towards Lavinya.

~Finella Sedai

Sitter of the Gray Ajah

Her eyes gazed over the leaflet, it was not of any importance but she liked to study it now, as she knew that evening would be occupied by the Trial of the new Sister. Phaedra tapped a pencil over the parchment, made a few notes and then rose to have a light supper at her table. Finella had stopped by an hour before they had discussed the events of that evening and then the Gray had departed to prepare herself. Phaedra had an idea of the kind of things that would be passing by that evening, but as she had not worked closely with Lavinya, she did not know all the finer details. Her stomach was easily filled with the soup and bread and then it was back to work.

The dark gray dress Phaedra had donned on for the Ceremony that morning clung to her skin elegantly, it was a fine cut and she appreciated the shade of gray that made her almost fade off in the shadows. Her hair was tied in a pony tail down her back and she ran her fingers through it before readying herself. Placing the Shawl over her shoulders, Phaedra realized her task. This was to be her first Official task of introducing a new Gray into the Ajah. It was hardest on the new Gray, but there was always a bit of shock and horror that went through the Sisters watching as this trial started.

Finella stood ready, Phaedra gave her a nod and then sat down, along with her Gray Sisters. Ophelia came in just before Nyssa and Lavinya and sat down next to Phaedra. The newest was placed behind the pedestal and then it was time to commence. Finella greeted the young woman and Phaedra studied her face, a soft frown fuzzing her brow. Was the woman truly ready? Once had a young woman screamed and cried when the Shawl was removed from her shoulders. Once the woman had left the Tower, burned up a year after she had felt she failed her Ajah testing. Phaedra shook the thought off and rose at Finella’s nod.

She gazed over Lavinya’s face and then stood in front of the woman, beaming at her and smiling as Phaedra lowered her eyes and stretched out her hands. She felt the weight of the Shawl and then it was gone from Lavinya’s shoulders. She did not say anything, merely nodded at Finella and then walked back to her seat. The Shawl was easily folded and rested in her lap, it was not until she had finished the folding, that she looked up at Lavinya’s horror struck face. Poor child, yet she would manage, she was strong and Phaedra patiently waited for Finella to commence the accusations. To see if Lavinya could deal with her own past and her own mistakes, spilled in front of the Ajah she hoped to join.

Phaedra

Gray Sitter

Ajah Head

Lavinya felt the slight pressure at the small of her back as Nyssa led her over to stand behind a podium. Something twisted in her stomach. This was not at all what she expected. She looked quizically at Nyssa, and received only a small nod in return. “Good evening, Sisters of the Gray. We are gathered here tonight to bring a new sister into our midst. I would like to offer you Lavinya Morganen. Let us begin her trial.†Trial? No one had told her she would be on trial. She straightened her shoulders against the pressure still affecting her after her Oaths. She hadn't even been offered healing. Maybe they couldn't heal the pressure?

Lavinya forced herself to focus. She had come too far. She could handle this trial. She could handle anything that came against her. Phaedra smiled at her, causing Lavinya to feel some small sense of relief. That was until she felt her newly acquired shawl slip from her shoulders. She couldn't hide the shock from her face as Phaedra calmly stepped back, folding the shawl neatly in her lap. Snapping her mouth shut, Lavinya forced herself to remain calm. Obviously that was the first part of the test. She would not be shaken now.

Picturing a river, Lavinya completed a novice exercise, until she regained her calm. She tried to make her face smooth, but her eyes were sharp. She was strong. She proven that to herself countless times. She would not let that strength fail her now. She waited quietly to see what would unfold next, her eyes flicking back to the shawl in Phaedra's lap now and then. She would have that back.

_________________

Lavinya Morganen - Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah, Mentor to Elyna and Kilivia

Character Name: Tay Maorre

E-mail: departuresandarrivalschick@hotmail.com

White Tower

Physical Description: Tay is a medium sized girl with chin length,

light-brown hair. She is about 5'5, 120lbs, and has hazel colored eyes. She

looks fragile but she is truly very strong. Most would say she is pretty.

Place of Birth: Tar Valon

Age: 15

History: Tay has lived in Tar Valon her whole life. Her family is small,

only consisting of her parents and her older brother. Her father runs a wine

buisness and often the White Tower buys wine from him. Tay often helps in

her fathers work because it is usually only her father and her brother and

Tay is strong enough to help. Tay has been to the White Tower a few times

before when her father has brought her to help deliver wine. She's always

loved the Tower. Sometimes she will just sit and watch the Aes Sedai and the

Accepted and the Novices hurry through their daily tasks. She likes to

imagine what it would be like to be able to use te one power and to be one

of these powerful women. Because Tay, you see, meant not much more to her

family then a helping hand if things needed to be done. Otherwise she was

ignored most of the time and Tay spent that time alone. Tay didn't really

mind being alone, too much. She liked to be able to daydream all the time.

Daydreaming was exactally what Tay was doing one day while her father was

inside the tower discussing buisness. She was so lost in her dream that she

didn't even notice when the sister had stoped before her. Tay was shocked

when she finally snaped out of her daydream and the sister started to talk

to her. In no time Tay was being tested for the power. She didn't think that

she had it but the sister was just smiling down at her the whole time.

"Congradulations, child. You can channel." And that was the start of Tay's

new life.

Lavinya never responded well when summoned, especially when it arrived in the form of a terse note that brooked no argument. She sighed. She could dislike it all she liked, what was done was done, and now Sirayn was free to pull her strings like a puppeteer, and Lavinya would do nought but obey. Sirayn's promises always forefront in her mind, Lavinya glided smoothly along the twisted halls of the ancient tower as she made to answer the call, entering to find several others arrived before her.

As she waited her eyes flicked over her companions, shrewdly measuring each one from beneath lowered lashes. Were all of them drawn into Sirayn's service with similar promises of power and position? Several she knew to be of the Green Ajah, perhaps indicating that Sirayn's influence in her own Ajah was strong...or perhaps her knowledge of such secrets which could lead a person to swear fealty over exposure was the case. Regardless their reasons, Lavinya knew why she had done what she had. So long she had strived to fulfill her ambitions, to be the powerful woman she believed she was born to be. Sirayn had shown herself capable of assisting, and Lavinya would have been foolish to turn down the offer.

Lavinya listened intently as Sirayn outlined their mission, instantly perking at the thought of leaving the tower, regardless of what they would be doing in Cairhien. Travel sounded pleasant indeed. Lavinya raised a brow, the only outward show of emotion when it became apparant that there were hidden tasks in their mission. Lavinya's fingers tingled, already warming to the task at hand. It had been so long since she had had opportunity to use those skills with which she was gifted before joining thw tower. Negotiating prices was something that was as natural to her as breathing, and she had so little opportunity to flex that particular skill, besides pithy merchants in Tar Valon. Combine that with the chance to flee the shadow of the Tower for a time, Lavinya was positively eager for the experience.

“The party will be led by Aramina Sedai.â€Again her brow lifted, though she was not entirely surprised that Sirayn would entrust the party in the hands of a sitter of her own Ajah. Still, Sirayn was certainly not conventional, surely she could have appointed someone with more skill at negotiating - a Gray perhaps? Herself?! Mentally she chided herself. Her time would come. Sirayn had promised her all that she desired, and she would see it come to pass. Patience was all that she required, and some luck from the Creator to keep Estel's hands from her slender throat. Why Aes Sedai liked to blame Lavinya for their promised's wandering eyes and hands made no sense to Lavinya, though assuredly she was always given the blame.

"I'm intrigued by what dangers you may be referring to, that would not scruple to target Aes Sedai, sister." Lavinya spoke in a thoughtful tone, though her eyes gazed at shrewdly at Sirayn. "Are you inferring that we are likely to run into friends of the dark on our mission?" The question was innocent, but Lavinya was learning fast that Sirayn said little of what went on behind her mask, and burn her if she was going to go into a situation such as the one she believed was waiting for them ill-prepared and unwarned.

Lavinya moved towards where other sisters stood, forming another circle with which to battle the rogue male as he wreaked havock on the Hall, the groanings of the structure sickening as he unleashed careless distruction upon it.

Everything was happening so quickly, debris flying about her, the glow surrounding the female channellers visible all around the room, along with their weaves of attack. It seemed useless, the man was proving to adept and powerful for what appeared pitiful attempts. Still, they would never give up the fight, the Light would prove triumphant. It HAD to, lest they all die by this man's hands.

The groaning of the floor continued as Lavinya scurried, hoping to avoid the notice of the male channeller, when the Amyrlin's voice rang out in warning above the turmoil - the warning proving too late as the floor disintegrated beneath Lavinya's feet. Panic wrested a strangled cry from her throat as the earth beneath her was suddenly no longer, and she fell, crashing to the floor with a force that knocked the air from her lungs.

Fire burned her lungs as she struggled to regain her breathe, when a large piece of debris fell from what was the floor above, pinning her to the floor as she lost her precious grip on Saidar. Moaning in pain, Lavinya struggled vainly against the vice pinning her chest, until she could bear the pain no longer, the darkness slowly drawing her into its quiet depths as the battle continued on in the cellar, unnoticed by her unconscious form.

"Well I'm glad it is so. What is the next step?" The girl revealed some of her annoyance in her crips tone, something Faerzyne would instantly rebuke in any other Novice or Accepted in the tower. Yet Daraniea was new - she would escape chastisement for now, until she learnt proper respect for her place. That would not take long in the tower.

"Next we make your stay a little more permanent." She replied as she reached for the impressive volume on her desk. Opening it to the newest page, she held her pen poised over the paper. "If you could again tell me your name, origins, and age?" Faerzyne wrote with a neat, steady hand as the girl answered. When that was done she wrote a quick summons for a mentor for the child, handing it to a passing novice to deliver post haste. Turning back to the room, she retrieved two white dressed from a cupboard against the wall, and handed them to Daraniea. "These are to be yours, and are to be worn at all times. You will keep them clean and well mended." With a nod, she seated herself behind the desk once more.

As Faerzyne waited for Muirenn to arrive, she gave the newest novice a brief run down of the rules she would have to adhere to - curfew, classes, staying away from the Warders Yards, and chores. Just as she was about to ask if the girl had any questions, a knock sounded on her door, no doubt the arrival of the requested Sedai. "Enter." She called, nodding to the Red Sister as she entered.

"Muirenn Sedai, this is our newest novice, Daraniea. I trust I can leave her in your capable hands, that you will answer any of her queries?" A raised brow in question, before turning back to the work on her desk, a clear dismissal for mentor and mentee to take their leave.

A naughty child? Lavinya bristled inwardly at the remark, but stubbornly refused to let her annoyance show through. She would not give the woman any such satisfaction, nor would she reveal the uncertainty at just what she was being taken to task for. The morning's events were indeed still fresh in her mind, but could Aleanda have spread word of what she had seen so soon? And why should the mornings exquisite happenings reach the ears of Sirayn? Indeed, why would they prove something which the Green believed was enough to berate Lavinya for? She had asked Corin, he was not bonded to anyone, nor had he mentioned even the possibility of a previous attachment...so why?

These questions whirled in her mind, while on the outside she adopted a cooly aloof expression, which quickly changed to barely veiled surprise as the tirade continued. Common lightskirt? Digraced her shawl?! Straightening her spine, Lavinya's dark eyes flashed with a dangerous light, a muscle in her jaw tensing as she struggled to stem the flow of anger which threatened to over flow and spew forth onto the self-righteous sister before her.

"If you want to save yourself the penance you so richly deserve you had better give me some very good reasons for your behaviour this morning.â€As she considered a reply, suddenly things cleared in Lavinya's mind. Corin was not bonded, no, but he had made reference to being 'directed by a Green'. Sirayn was obviously that sister, and for some reason she was threatened by what had transpired between Corin and Lavinya. Interesting indeed.

Anger made way for wry amusement and she lifted her chin, meeting the stone cold grey stare of Sirayn Sedai. "I must say I am intrigued as to why you have taken it upon yourself to chastise me, sister. Clearly I have unwittingly infringed a border set by you. I have my sincerest doubts that you have any true concern with the nature of my activities this morning. Rather, I believe it was my companion that interest, or indeed bothers, you more." Lavinya's eyes flashed once more in silent challenge. She would not cower and simper, regardless of what ties this woman held to her.

It was a dangerous game, nipping the hand that fed you, and while Lavinya had never considered herself a fool, now she found it difficult to rein in her temper. She was a lonely woman at heart, virtually friendless in this tower she called home. Why should she be denied the simple pleasures that can be derived from a pleasant day with a wonderful man? Why was she expected to live a cloistered life, married to duty and the Tower? While she was loyal to her home and her sisters, she was still her own person, a woman who chafed at the shackles that held her bound - propriety and deference. So often she longed for simplicity once more. To be free from prying eyes and duty. She had felt free and enjoyed herself that morning, for the first time in a long time. She would not feel guilty for being a woman, burn her!

"You are a woman who wraps mystery and intrigue about herself like a cloak, Sister." Lavinya toned, a whit of her anger clear in her harsh tone. "Do not be fooled into thinking I will continue to play that game. Tell me why you are so offended over my actions, and I shall deign to see if I cannot explain myself to you in a satisfactory manner." Folding hands in her lap once more, Lavinya levelled a steady gaze at Sirayn, for once weary of the games that seemed ensconsed in the White Tower. She had made what she hoped would be a lasting friendship with an admirable and witty man today - she would not allow that precious and rare tie be taken from her by a jealous Aes Sedai.