Watching Corinne as she left, Darienna knew that this was more than likely going to come back to haunt her at some point.  Having said that, she would deal with it when the time came, for now the Blue Sister Estel Liones was going to be the focal point of her attention.  The woman who had just entered, closing the door behind her sharply and addressing her in a tone that communicated a good deal of fury.  Well, at least she wasn't a husk, better angry than a husk, that meant there was still that spark within her.  All it needed was the right encouragement.

Gesturing to one of the seats on the other side of the table as she took the pipe out of her mouth, Darienna smothered it herself as she spoke.  "Please, sit down.  Sorry for smell, give me a moment to deal with it."

As the woman sat, Darienna stood and walked to the window.  Quick to lift the latch and throw the window open, Darienna used a slight breeze to help carry the worst of the smell out.  As she did so, she held the pipe upside down and tapped it on the edge of the windowframe, emptying the pipe as best she could as she spoke.  "I normally don't smoke this tabac unless I have disagreeable company, and just between us, Corinne is viper that needs a good slap across the chops."

Turning about with a slight smile on her face, it felt good to be able to say that openly, Darienna took a seat once more and laid her pipe aside as she regarded Estel.  "I'm going to be blunt.  Its been two weeks, its too long to be by yourself and you've been nursing your self loathing for a long time now.  I think it is dangerous to leave you be, and I am not going to sit idle while you hide away and tear yourself to pieces."

"Don't mistake me, I'm not going to say I know your pain and that I understand it all, I don't.  Anyone who says they do is an idiot.  What I do understand is that you are 'in' pain, and while people have different ways of dealing with it, I am not going to leave you alone to suffer and possibly hurt yourself.  As of today, you'll be moving into my personal apartment.  You're also going to be my assistant with my duties as the Mistress of Novices."

"I'm sure you have questions, so ask away."

Darienna Ceradin

Mistress of Novices

Listening to the ravings of the Blue Sitter before her, Darienna could have taken the woman by the scruff of the neck and put her through the wall.  It was exactly this sort of raving that revealed why the Blues never succeeded in helping Estel.  Once the first few decided she was a lost cause, the idea was contagious.  Whoever then tried was expected to fail, Estel was expected to fail, and the vicious cycle continued and continued until Estel needed no assistance at all.  Even with no one to put her down, she was perfectly capable of doing that to herself.

But there was a difference this time, this time Estel wasn't just beaten down, she was thoroughly destroyed.  That which was tangled was ridiculously difficult to straighten, that which was completely leveled was much easier to build upon anew.  All that needed to be done was for the base, the foundation to be made strong.  Something that would take a good deal more than simply making Estel her assistant, but making Estel her assistant was only the beginning.  The fact that Corinne didn't truly perceive that only added to Darienna's contempt for the woman.

By the time Corinne was done, she seemed to have difficulty breathing from the way she was panting.  The vindictive pleasure she indulged was that every deep breath was giving her another great lungful of smoke, speaking of which, Darienna took another long draw to send in the woman's direction before she spoke.  "That attitude is exactly why you could never help her.  You treat her like a mark of shame, like a joke, like an impossible task.  The only shame is the one that you should bear for being too proud and not having the compassion necessary to treat Estel as she should be."

"As for my ego, I'm perfectly confident in my abilities and talent and that I am perfectly suited for my role.  I do not need to cling to my title and remind others of it, as if it might simply vanish without being mentioned every couple of minutes.  Seriously, do you ever listen to yourself?  I'm surprised your sisters aren't laughing in their sleeves at you."

"And althought your presence here has been somewhat amusing, I am done with you and you may go.  Run along back to your quarters where you may gnaw on your liver over a mere Mistress of Novices half your age daring to speak to you in such a fashion.  Find a drink, find a man, find a woman, find a wall and smack your head against it repeatedly until you pass out for all I care."

"And send in Estel if she is waiting outside.  She, at least, is worth my time."

Darienna Ceradin

Mistress of Novices

Grinding her pipe slightly with her teeth as a very simple weave of air smothered the flame within her pipe, Darienna was not amused.  She had never been appreciative of a weave being made an inch or two infront of her face, in particular by someone who was trying to get under her skin.  Corinne was becoming suitably incensed, there weren't many younger sisters that challenged their elders but Darienna was amongst them.  She had a job to do, a woman whose claim to authority was that they had been two hundred years a fool didn't make them any less a fool.

Embracing saidar once more, Darienna lit the tabac once more but this time she didn't release the power.  If Corinne was foolish enough to try her trick again, she'd shield that woman and perhaps even drag her through the halls to the Amyrlin herself.  She would not be stood over by anyone, she had enough years of experience to hold her own and she didn't wield an authority derived from strength or age, hers was based entirely on competence.

"Childish."  Letting that sink in as she enjoyed another puff, Darienna continued.  "Just about everyone who tries to help Estel is too quick with the rod and not so ready with the carrot.  From what I have seen, she's been successively beaten down and now her self loathing justifies itself to the point that she sabotages herself to keep it intact because she doesn't know anything else.  Meanwhile, you and your sisters don't have the patience or the willingness to devote the energy necessary to helping her properly.  And I doubt Sirayn lifted a finger for Estel without sinking a dozen barbs in first."

"Quite frankly, you're a bunch of amateurs whereas I've been doing this for years."  Not necessary, but definitely satisfying as far as Darienna was concerned.  That and it probably was necessary.  "She has never pulled through, Estel simply alternates between drowning and reaching the bottom of the lake.  Not one of you has managed to haul her up onto her own two feet.  Leaving her in her room when she's incredibly depressed and possibly suicidal is the last straw.  There will be no melodramatic oaths of vendetta, no posturing, I said that if you oppose me on this, I will bury you and I meant it."

"But, since I'm magnanimous, there are two ways this can go.  Firstly, you can go complain to everyone you can, go to your sisters, stir up a ruckus, do whatever it is you do when you feel thwarted.  You do that, I will make it publically known that you and your sisters did little to nothing to help Estel since her return.  I will let everyone know that she was so neglected that her room was filthy as an animal's den.  I will let everyone know that she was so disturbed that when I found her, she actually went so far as to create a club of air to menace me with.  I will lay all of this at your feet because you interfered with an attempt to help her."

"The sitters of the other Ajahs won't help you, so don't expect the Hall to intervene.  They aren't threatened, they have no need to feel so, and if you think they'd object to seeing you humbled when they don't have to do a thing, you're sorely mistaken.  My success as Mistress of Novices means you've got nothing on me, so I'll still be sitting in this office when you're barely holding onto your position as Sitter by the skin of your teeth."

"Or we can take the other alternative."  Darienna took a long draw of her pipe and slowly released the smoke before continuing.  "You agree to stay out of my way and otherwise not try to satisfy a petty need for revenge for your wounded pride.  You leave this office and I take Estel under my wing and begin to get her back on her feet.  As far as everyone else is concerned, you came here to remonstrate me about maybe being a little excessive with the door but in the interests of Estel's well being agreed to work with me by letting her be put in my charge."

"You get to be a concerned humanitarian without having to lift a single finger, I assume full risk and responsibility, and you get to have credit for having the idea to let this proceed.  Everyone appreciates your shrewd tact in taking action and making use of the skills and experience of the Mistress of Novices to approach the issue from a completely new angle.  Everyone wins and life goes on."

"I only make this offer once, Corinne.  Take the smart option, take the credit and be known amongst the sisters of your Ajah as the one who succeeded where the others failed.  This will be the only opportunity you get and it is the only happy ending you're going to get out of this."

Darienna Ceradin

Mistress of Novices

Darienna wasn't exactly looking forward to the confrontation that was going to ensue when her and Corinne reached her office.  At the same time, she had not expected to be able to do what she had without repercussion, and that she had Corinne to deal with who had a reputation for shrewdness was forseeable.  Having said that, if the woman though that she was going to have any luck with her, Darienna was going to have to remedy the other woman's ignorance and re-educate her.  She had waited long enough for someone to do something and no one had, she was not going to wear someone elses ire because she had taken action when it was sorely needed.

She'd just closed the door behind them when the woman finally revealed what had been lurking behind the sickly pleasant suggestion that they go and have a chat.  Standing still as she simply watched the woman, the only visible reaction to the words that Darienna betrayed were a slight tightening of the jaws and an even slighter narrowing of the eyes.  She'd put Corinne in her place, but she would take her own time about it rather than dancing to the tune that the Blue was trying to play.

Strolling to her desk, it didn't take long for the woman to throw more imprecations her way.  More about her lack of respect for privacy, of boundaries, of having crossed a line, of not respecting her elders, of meddling in Blue Ajah business.  Darienna simply took her pipe from a draw as well as the foulest bit of tabac that she could find that she proceeded to stuff into her pipe and light with but a tiny spark of saidar.  Taking a nice long puff of it to give herself a touch of calm, as well as to spread its aroma which would be foul to someone who didn't smoke often, Darienna seated herself and made herself comfortable before she spoke with a level tone.

"I'm going to be blunt, Corinne.  Don't make threats that you can't follow through on.  You're just a Sitter, you spend your time politicking and trying to get this or that which suits you and playing games in the Hall.  I, on the otherhand, am the Mistress of Novices and actually work for a living and earn my stipend.  Your will against mine, you will lose."

Tempted to take another puff, Darienna refrained for the moment as she decided to deal with the topic promptly.  "Estel has had consistent problems, since her return she has been completely shattered.  That is the Blue Ajah business I presume you speak of?  Well, let me be the first to congratulate you on doing such a fantastic job, seeing as she was still locked in her room and seeing no one.  Not to mention the fact that she almost looks like a shambling skeleton.  Bravo, Corinne."

"You and your sisters have had two weeks to do something since her return.  Before that, you've had how many decades to help her?  Six?  Seven?  Smashing success there.  Now that she is deep in the pit of despair, I am not going to allow it to continue any further.  I will be taking her under my wing, I will help her get back on her feet and help her put the pieces back together.  If you want to assist, I will allow it but if you so much as think of interfering to salve that pathetic pride of yours, I will bury you."

"Do we understand each other?  Or do I need to speak more slowly?"  Darienna smiled slightly though there wasn't a hint of warmth to it as she pointed to one of the two chairs before her desk.

"You may sit."

Darienna Ceradin

Mistress of Novices

Darienna could be a patient woman, but she had no intention of waiting outside or playing any games back and forth through the door today.  Taking a step back, saidar filled her as she took the door in hands of air and ripped it solidly off its hinges.  Levitating it a foot away, she let it fall to the floor as she stepped over it, weaving a ward against eavesdropping.  It was a good thing she did so as the aroma that washed over her made her release the power as quickly as she could, holding the power it made her nauseous and even with the power released she struggled with it.  Still, she had found Estel who was now sitting up in her chair and Darienna addressed her tersely.  "This has gone on long enough, Estel.  Get up."

She had made Corrine yell and pound at the door before the First Selector entered.  Rossa had only gotten in because she had left the door open.  Everyone else she had ignored.  Never had anyone gone to such lengths as to actually rip the door off its hinges.  Estel might have been amused had she not been in such a dismal mood, but situation as it was, the Blue unleashed her infamous fury.

She got up all right, she got up and stormed towards the Mistress of Novices holding the One Power and brandishing a club of Air in front of her.  “Get out!” she screamed straight into Darienna’s face.  “I’m not your bloody charity case, so get out and leave me alone!”

Frowning at the display of the one power that was made before her, there was no hesitation on Darienna's part as she embraced the source once more.  Ignoring the smell that would otherwise make her gag, Darienna's knew the weave that she wanted even as it shaped itself within a second.  No second thoughts as she slammed the shield into place over Estel, Estel's weakened state made it no challenge and the club of air the woman was wielding disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.  "Now that that is settled, I'm going to give you a simple choice.  You get into your bath and scrub up right now, or so help me I will drag you in there, strip and scrub you myself."

The unfortunate thing about starving oneself, keeping oneself from sleeping and being on self-imposed bed-rest is the nasty side-effect of not being nearly as strong as one normally is—not that Estel was particularly strong to begin with.  The feeling of that Shield slipping so easily into place was as much of a painful blow as nearly falling and knocking her hip against the desk.  Eyes watering and face still purple from rage, Estel snarled back at Darienna.  “Didn’t you hear me!  I don’t want you here and I’m not yours to fix!  Why does everyone seem so intent to break their teeth on me!  I can take care of myself!”

"Clearly."  The sarcastic edge on that comment spoke volumes.  Striding towards Estel, had to jump back from the first swing but after a couple of attempts to take her head off, Darienna closed and grabbed Estel by the arm and the neck of her dress and began to haul her towards the bathroom, giving her a shake everytime the woman tried to kick her or throw another punch.  Estel might have been taller than her by a few inches, but the woman had lost more than enough weight to leave her bone thin and it wasn't the first time that Darienna had been required to manhandle someone.  Estel's chances of escape were as strong as a snowflake's chance in the Aiel Waste.

Estel did not appreciate the sarcasm, she especially did not appreciate being manhandled.  However, the unfortunate thing about Estel defending herself was that Estel was generally beaten; this was a recurring theme, Rosheen and Sirayn were painful examples that popped to mind and now Darienna sought to join their esteemed company.  By the time she had been dragged to the bathroom like a petulant child, she had come to the realisation that Darienna would, in fact, strip and scrub her.  Seeking to avoid further embarrassment, the Blue straightened herself as much as possible in the Mistress’ firm grip and muttered “I’ll do it myself thank you very much.”

"You had better."  Releasing the woman, Darienna took a step back and was glad that Estel wasn't foolish enough to take another swing.  The bathroom was basic, only the bare essentials and the tub was empty.  Drawing water from the air to fill it, Darienna began to heat it up as she spoke to her sister with a calm tone.  "You are going to clean yourself up, put on a clean dress and make yourself presentable.  I will see you in my office within half an hour, do we understand one another?"

Estel snarled at the woman and nearly slammed the door in her face with a sarcastic “Yes mother.”  She stripped off the thin shift she’d been wearing and eased herself into the blessedly hot water.  For a few minutes she contemplated just drowning herself in her own bathtub, even going so far as to dunk her head under the water and keep it there.  However, the same point came up as it did every time so thought about killing herself: did she really want to die the failure who’s sunk so low as to drown herself in her own bathtub.

Pulling her head back out of the water, and resembling a drowned rat, Estel went back to brooding above water.

Door closing before her, Darienna turned and let herself out while releasing the one power, thankful for the reduced aroma.  It only threatened to clog her nose and pores now as opposed to the very fibre of her being.  The moment she stepped outside, she was immediately aware of a presence due to the blue that lurked just out of the corner of her right.  Turning, Darienna recognised the sister that was glaring at her and Darienna didn't hesitate to take a step towards the Blue Sitter as she uttered a single word.  "Yes?"

Listening as the girl spoke of her background, Darienna managed to suppress a twitch at the mention of Malkier.  Malkieri sisters that she had known in the past and knew now could be a handful of trouble.  While sisters cut ties with all nations, most of the Malkieri sisters had proven they hadn't done so entirely with the fall of that nation.  Every second one of them with a hair brained scheme to take back that which was already lost and unwilling to let go of the matter, it had been the cause of enough trouble within the Tower and now they would be taking on another.  But, that was a problem only if it happened, there was little point in inventing trouble.

The mention of the siege of Tar Valon by the forces of the High King was not an expected topic.  Most children, especially of modest background and the girl's clothing and bearing suggested such, did not have much in the way of a depth of knowledge on the subject.  This was primarily because most sources of such information were only to be found in the great libraries of the nations, and they were not open to simply anyone.  Not books beyond the most basic substance at least, except maybe for a few scattered copies carried by traveling scholars.

The proposition made by Daenerys that a river blockade would have resulted in the victory of the High King's forces was a common one.  It was little wonder that Marian Sedai had refuted it, it was the mistake of many to make assumptions about what had been by what was.  It was also a common misconception to underestimate what Aes Sedai could do that did not contravene their oaths, and how much the Aes Sedai had held back despite the threat against their home.  The earlier Aes Sedai of the age were wise in that respect, just because someone held the power to make a thing happen, that did not mean that it should be used.

"I think to say that a river blockade would have won the siege is a simple answer to a complex problem.  As a friend of mine is wont to say, each problem is a question and the best answer is not always the easiest.  At the same time, one should never make a simple problem a complex one, the wisdom is in being able to correctly discern which is which."

It was still a few minutes till they reached the Tower Grounds.  "Is there anything else you would ask?"

Darienna Ceradin

Mistress of Novices

There was something about the new assignment that she had been presented that Mia found herself questioning.  Braxton had been the butt of one of the single most cruelest, yet outrageous pranks she had ever heard of during her time at the Yards.  In a place where many things happened, convincing a man that he was pregnant and managing to do so for months until he was ready to 'give birth' made her lips twitch everytime at the thought.  It was hard to even think of it without being amused, but she would have to control herself and restrain the quips that came to mind.

It was a simple enough task.  Evaluate Braxton, see whether he was salvagable as a future Tower Guard, and determine whether he was even worth salvaging.  Not only was his physical state an issue, the boy had become fat and weak through a complete and utter avoidance of the training, it was also his mental state.  Braxton was gullible beyond all measure, indulged constantly in acts of complete stupidity with his pregnancy being his crowning achievement.  Only so much patience could be extended, but the truth was that the Tower Guard would never accept someone who would be a liability.  If it wasn't fixable, then Braxton would have to be put out and left to lead another life that he would be better suited for.

It didn't take long to find him, under the shade of a tree attempting to lift himself with a simple push up.  Observing out of sight, Mia watched as he tried to heave himself up, straining with everything he had.  His body shaking, his arms looked like they were going to pop they swayed with such violence.  He even managed to clear an inch of the ground, to his credit, before he fell back down.  The sound that emerged from his throat was one of frustrated humiliation before he tried again, once more throwing himself at the impossible task.

It was a couple of minutes before Mia decided to speak.  "Braxton, desist."

It took the lad a moment to roll over onto his back, but he did so.  Mia crooked a finger at him.  "Up you get, you'll achieve nothing with that.  Walk with me, we have some things to discuss."

Mia Stavros

Tower Guard

Thats South, Andrea :D

The pause was heavy as a single word hung in the air.

Reaching over and taking one of Annais' hands, Mia squeezed it gently before she smiled.

"Yes."

Mia Stavros

Tower Guard

There it was.

The question.

Mia had thought that the woman would not ask, she had tried to be so insistent on those little points.  Well, they were little to her, not so little to the woman in the striped stole before her, but they had not been great enough to stop Annais from asking the question.  A question that had almost been asked by an Amyrlin once before, something that Mia had yearned and then never been granted.  She had been cast aside, she hadn't been there when that woman had needed her and she'd been stilled, she could have been there.  But she was not, years had passed by since then and now the opportunity was being offered once more.

To be a Warder, for some it was so appealing just to be able to claim one of the fancloaks.  Such prestigous items, such practical items, the cloak was still only a tiny material thing compared to what the bond granted.  She would know where Annais was at all times, their feelings would be open to one another, the pain that one experienced would be felt keenly by the other.  She would be a bulwark, a rock to hold Annais steady and to shelter her if need be, to constantly discipline herself and her feelings so that they would complement Annais' when they were needed most.

She would have the duty of protecting Annais in all ways.  Not just the dangers of blades and poisons and those who tread quietly in the night.  She would protect Annais from bad counsel, she would know what Annais knew and be someone that Annais could speak to without fear of ever being betrayed, that what was said to Mia would stay with her.  In private to be honest and open with her counsel, to not shield it in the slightest and to pierce any veil of deception she saw.

To always watch over Annais.  The bond would give her the strength to do so, she would need little sleep and gain much in stamina and even strength could be drawn from what they could hold.  If need be, she could sacrifice herself so that Annais would live, for the greatest shame that a Warder could bear was to outlive their charge.  The sole duty and point of her life from the moment the bond was laid upon her and the piece of Annais seated itself in the back of her mind would be the woman who was sitting on the ground with her.

All of that filled Mia's awareness, everything that would be expected of her, and in that moment she gave an answer.

"No."

Mia Stavros

Tower Guard

Tick, tock, tick, tock . . .

Her finger tapping on the arm of her chair in time with the clock that sat next to the door, Darienna rarely entertained such an absurd habit but it was helping her keep her focus.  Lillian had just come by and told her the latest news on Estel.  Still refusing to come out of her room, two weeks now and she still refused to emerge or speak to anyone.  Two weeks and she was still holed up in her room, allowed to simply languish there in her own misery with no one able to get through to her.  Little wonder, the blistering words she'd heaped on Lillian would have been enough to drive just about anyone away.

But not her.

Enough was enough.

Getting to her feet, Darienna put out her pipe and sat it on the table before looking herself over.  Comfortable slippers and one of her favourite dresses that she wore as the Mistress of Novices.  A simple dress of gray cotton with a high neck, its only adornment was the rich purple cuffs.  A gift from Lillian, it was simple yet the purple would be sure to irritate those who knew of the link it had to Lillian.  That in itself made it a perfectly good dress to wear, but it was also modest and temperance was important.  That and it was fine enough to wear while in the Blue Ajah Quarters, her destination as she left her office.

Exchanging greetings with the few sisters that she saw in the halls, her entrance into the Blue Ajah Quarter was otherwise uninterrupted as she preferred.  After all, she knew that what was going to follow wouldn't be pretty and it definitely would not need an audience.  Stopping before the door, there was only a slight moment of hesitation before Darienna knocked on the door as she spoke.

"Estel?  It is Darienna, I would like to speak with you.  Would you please open the door?"

Darienna Ceradin

Mistress of Novices

Closing the door behind her, Lillian surveyed the simple hut that she had been provided with.  In the poorer district of Caemlyn, it was really nothing more than a shack with a bed, a table and a couple of chairs.  None too clean, but she supposed that it served to play to the expectations of the one who would soon be visiting.  After all, after a week of effort on her part, she didn't saw anything wrong with rewarding herself by indulging a moment of drama, especially after what the last week had consisted of.

It had been a silly mistake to begin with, trying to do Halvie the favour she had.  Well, it had been the right thing, but it had been wrong to think that it would make a whit of difference after all the years that had passed.  You could lead a horse to water but you couldn't make them drink, and she shouldn't have made the mistake of keeping alive that particular dream.  It was a bottomless pit that simply drained her of time, energy, hope, and there while hope was a good, misguided hope served no one in the end.  It had been wasted, but she had taken time to see whether it would do any good anyway.

After Halvie ambushing her in the ruins of her old home, Lillian had learned exactly how little what she had done had meant.  A stupid mistake to reach out, there was nothing to take hold of or to meet her, and she'd left that place.  Returning to her inn within Caemlyn, she'd then been stabbed in the back by a mystery assailant and a wisdom had barely kept her hanging on.  Long enough for Halvie to appear while she was unconscious, heal her and then leave without a word.

That had been the clue, when Lillian had better recovered, that there was something askew.  Halvie would never have left, she would have waited until she awoke simply so she could grill Lillian for details about who might have been the attacker and why someone would have been motivated to do so.  Not out of personal concern, but because an Aes Sedai had been attacked and that was an attack against all Aes Sedai.  No, something had not been right in the way that Halvie had behaved, disappearing as suddenly as she had appeared.

It had only taken Lillian a day to realise that it would be a wasted effort trying to find Halvie.  False trails appeared and she had no choice but to follow them or let on that she had been fooled.  All the while she had made her on investigation into who had arranged for her stabbing.  She did not have the same years of experience that Halvie had, but she'd had other means that had more than bridged the gulf and within seven days, she had the man who had arranged it at swordpoint and the answers she had wanted.

Halvie had been behind it all along.  Halvie was the one who found the contact and hired the murderer, she was the one who had arranged to have a dagger planted in Lillian's back.  It had been little wonder she had fled the scene of the crime, she had been afraid because she was the one responsible for the attack to begin with.  Afraid that Lillian would find out, hence why she said nothing and avoided her.  But that would all change now.

Lillian had made the contact message Halvie to arrange this meeting.  Halvie would believe she was meeting the contact, or walking into an ambush of the contact's design.  Either way, she would not be prepared for the sight of her sitting in the hut waiting for her, the woman that her mentor had been avoiding all week.  There would be no excusing herself or running away at that point, and Lillian was going to have Halvie tell her everything.

But for now, she simply folded her hands in the lap of her rough dress of grey dyed wool and meditated.  It would be slightly satisfying to see the woman balk at her new appearance if nothing else, the skull cap hiding her hair and looking a good deal more feminine than she had in her guise as the flashy sellsword.

When she arrived.

Lillian Tremina

Sister of the White Ajah

Almost laughing as the girl got the answer then quickly tried to calm herself, the abrupt change was amusing.  The spontaneity was more heartening though, she sometimes wished that Sial was a touch more like that, maybe she would be happier for it.  But Sial was who she was, thinking over everything that she could to the point of no return, and that didn't make her any less dear to Lillian.  The way she ticked over in that way made her wonder if her student might be destined for the White Ajah, but it was too early to put such things to her.  It was better to let her have her time as a Novice first, those days would never come twice.

The riddle that was asked of Lillian simply made her smile.  "A river."  It was an easier one, but that was the best way to start.  They could then build up from there, and as Lillian considered another one to ask, she said.  "Riddles and puzzles and problems are all useful for training the mind, a sharp mind is a useful thing.  Your mother did right by you and your brother to pose you such challenges, that and they do help the time pass.  Even when they are maddening."

By that time they were ascending the Tower steps, and Lillian knew what riddle she was going to ask next.  A little harder, but perhaps not hard enough for Miya, they would see.  "I am infront of you, I am behind you, you move through me yet you do not see me.  What am I?"

Lillian Tremina

Sister of the White Ajah

You could.

Or you could just walk between rooms. :)

Catching the blow, Anton was already expecting the shove that came.  Reading footwork and shoulders was as important as hands and blades.  Letting himself stumble back as the inevitable push came, the follow up was easily caught and shoved aside.  While the lad was probably a touch stronger, leverage was far more important and as long as he denied Raithgar the ability to follow up his blows, then it was something he didn't need to worry about.  It was good to see the lad was thinking though, trying different things, some fighters were quick to believe that thinking simply slowed them down in battle.  It was true if it distracted or caused doubt, but no thought was simply reaction and that could just as easily get you killed by someone who wasn't overwhelmed.

It was a bit before Anton began to fight back, but it was enough to throw the lad and the pressure that Anton created was telling.  The pace of the spar changed, and now there was uncertainty, something that grew as Anton began to increase the intensity of his attacks.  More and more he would intensify until Raithgar was left with no choice but to defend.  A few blows slipped by him, but Anton pulled them so they only touched or perhaps stung at most.  He was testing his student, not trying to pummel the lad into the ground.

Launching one last attack that would have been blistering for his student to handle, Anton stepped away and dipped his staff low to show that he was done.  Not that Raithgar was, there was a new skill for him to learn.  "You do well enough, but there is a lot more for you to learn.  First of all, bring up your guard.  Thats right, now I'm going to attack high and I want you to defend yourself."

Bringing his staff down at Raithgar's head, the lad's lathe caught the blow squarely, much as he had during the entire fight.  "All well and good, but now I want you to do the same to me.  Let me just take a step back, alright, come."

The blow came down but rather than meet it squarely, Anton swung his staff upward and slightly to the left, slapping the sword aside as it descended so it passed by his left shoulder and missed him entirely.  Even as the lathe continued its passaged, Anton tapped Raithgar's shoulder with his staff, to show that he was vulnerable.

"You're strong, you use the momentum of your blows but that can easily be turned against you.  A simple slap and your lathe is over there and my staff could easily knocked your head clean off your shoulders without anything to stop it because as I defend, I'm also putting myself in the position to attack.  I don't need to spend time pulling back my weapon to attack because it is already there.  A simple move in itself, but one that can be adapted to many different defences.  You don't need to catch every blow that comes at you to keep yourself safe, it just doesn't have to hit you."

"Now, we will run through a drill, I will keep attacking, slowly at first but building speed.  I will be hacking down at your shoulders, you are to replicate the move I did to knock it aside and have your lathe raised ready to strike at the same time.  Alright?  Well, stand ready, thats it.  Now, lets begin."

Anton Averdal

Farpaw

You know, you can have your cake and eat it too :)  Assume Merilaine moved in with you and Sial, Daenerys and Kirjava if they wanted to share rooms could be in the room opposite or next door.  Or whoever else wants to bunk together, etc etc.  Just because you're not in the same room doesn't mean you can't be close by :)

When I catch Andrea or Jenny on next, I'll hit them up for some details on a few odds and ends about the rooms and get back with those.

A word of advice from the Mistress of Novices. 

Always offer to go with the Ajah that will RP with you the most and offer the most.  You'd be surprised the sorts of benefits you get and chances to RP that come your way all of a sudden.  That and you should always make the sisters work for it, get them motivated and rping too.  ;)

Miya's post about roommates reminded me that once upon a time, it was a practice to foster novices sharing rooms.  I suppose it didn't occur to me because my main sister, Lillian, never actually shared a room with anyone.  From now on, I'm going to be making an active effort to get you lot bunking together. :)

While its not 'required' that you RP together, its usually a good deal of fun and the friendships and enemies made in such situations can carry on to when your characters become Aes Sedai.  Friendships that might be broken with years, or enmities that are overcome, can just as easily be made.  Its worth playing around with, and I think most who have done so can attest to that.

There are a couple of new novices, and I know some of you don't have one because the opportunity was never really advertised strongly enough, this is your chance :)  Remember, you may have up to three novices in a single room.

The new novices have arrived/are arriving on these threads if you want to get an idea of their characters:

Daenerys Stronbow:  http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,25631.0.html

Kirjava Daemora:  http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,25578.0.html

Merilaine Candwin:  http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,25632.0.html

Listening carefully, Darienna knew that her answer to the initial question probably wouldn't sit well with the girl.  But, things were different from when the eldest of the Aes Sedai still living had been students themselves.  Back in that time, everything that a new Novice brought with her, down to the last stitch of clothing, was taken from her and was thrown upon a fire.  The new Novice was then left to watch as everything from their previous life was consumed by flame and reduced to ashes.  It had its purpose, but it had been a practice that had died out and one that Darienna had no intenion of renewing once more.

"Jewelry may not be worn by Novices.  Furthermore, it is not wise to keep things of great value in your room.  Novice rooms are shared, and they also lack locks.  Thieves are a very rare thing, but it has happened on the rare occasion.  For those who have such valuable items, I can hold such items to make sure they are not lost or stolen.  You will not be able to wear them until you are an Accepted.  But, it is your choice."

"But you needn't make it right now.  You can approach me at anytime to do so."  No need to rush the girl, so long as she did not wear her jewelry it was not a problem.  Accepted were different, but then they were not children, they were daughters.  They had earned the right to simple things such as that.  "As for sharing rooms, Novices live in rooms where up to three may sleep.  Our halls are not so full of Novices as they once were, but it is not unusual to share quarters with at least one other."

"As for getting lost, definitely.  Your mentor who I shall take you to now shall show you the basics of the Tower and with time this Tower shall become familiar to you.  As to your room, I haven't decided what room you shall stay in yet, but I will have figured out where to allocate you before dinner and word will be sent to your mentor."

"But, come, it is time to meet your mentor."

Leading Kirjava from her office, they made their way through the Halls of the Tower as they went in search of the girl's mentor, the one who would ensure she was settled in.

Darienna Ceradin

Mistress of Trainees

OOC:  Your mentor will post next. :)  She might be a few days, so in the meantime if you want to get started on any of the req RP's that are listed below, just pm me what you're up for doing or if you just want to do a random RP. :)

http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,25630.0.html

You can always retro your time as a Novice :)

So young, the youth in Miya's voice and manner was enough to bring a warm smile to Lillian's face.  A touch of normality after so long on the road was a beautiful thing, especially from one who seemed so unspoiled, innocent.  Well, perhaps that was a little over-analysed, it was easier to just enjoy the feeling for what it was and leave it at that.  The simple things were best left as that, simple, that was the beauty of its simplicity.

The mention of Darienna was no surprise, but that of Rory was.  When she had last been in the Tower, Rory had yet to be given a single duty when it came to the instruction of Novices and Accepted.  That Darienna was putting her to use was a good thing, and investing the trust in Rory to do so.  It would be good for both Rory and the students that she took under wing, though Lillian had little doubt that the thought had already crossed Darienna's mind.  But then, only a few actually understood what Darienna truly did, but it was only a few who paid enough attention to realise to begin with.

As the girl got up, Lillian did as well as she spoke.  "It is good to know that you are beginning to settle in.  It is difficult to leave a home behind when it is all that you have known.  By the way, do you have a spare bit of paper?  I'd just like to write a note for Sial."

Presented with the paper and the quill straight away, Lillian quickly scribbled the note down and placed it on Sial's bed before leading the way out of the girls quarters.  When Sial returned to her room, she'd hopefully see the note and come and see her immediately.  In the meantime, she would get to know her roommate a touch better, she seemed promising as it was and if she was as she seemed, she would probably do Sial a world of good.  It would certainly explain some things.

"Tell me, Miya, do you do many puzzles?  Perhaps you are familiar with some riddles as well?"

Getting a positive response, Lillian smiled as she spoke.  "Try this riddle.  I live and breath and dance and men welcome my warmth at night, yet none will embrace me for fear of my kiss.  What am I?"

Lillian Tremina

Sister of the White Ajah

Smiling slightly at the mention of what the world would think of them, Rasputin had to admit that the same thought strayed through his mind.  Of course, he knew the answer, they would be horrified.  They were indoctrinated, they had comfortable lies to cling to, but all those lies would be torn away to reveal the truth when Tarmon Gaidon came and the disjunction was healed with the Great Lord's release.  That which was fractured would be made whole once more, the ancient sin would be atoned for and humanity could move forward once more.

But, there was nothing else that Rasputin needed from the man now.  Moreover, they both had things to do and they would be best served by getting to them.  Perhaps another time, Rasputin would learn a bit more of him, maybe making a few inquiries would help as well, but for now it was best to end it.  So Rasputin simply shook his head as he stood.  "Nothing else, Shadow shelter you and may you have success in your endeavour.  Give my regards to your master when you see him."

Accepting the words that were returned with a polite nod, Rasputin waited until the man had left and the door was shut before he sat back down.  He would definitely investigate the man, and have him watched if it were possible while the man was in Illian.  As long as his eyes didn't betray themselves at least, especially now that Damion knew to look for them.  But that which was seamless raised no alarm.  Something to think on before taking any action.

It could wait till the morrow.

Rasputin Felar

M`aeshadar

Watching as the man withdrew his diary and opened it, Rasputin failed to manage to follow the entire sequence.  Not that he was likely to ever need make use of it, but it was interesting to make note of the ability that the man exhibited.  The skill required was quite reasonable, and it was always good to be able to gauge others to better understand their limits and abilities.  It helped to ensure that one was never surprised, and while this one was seemingly nonchalant, Rasputin didn't know him nearly well enough to accept that was simply all there was to the man.

But, the matter at hand was more important.  Arette Sedai and her study of the taint, a stay of only four hours and he expected to have his answers?  It didn't sound plausible, or maybe the man just didn't anticipate how difficult Arette would be to access or to get to talk on a subject.  She was now an advisor to the Queen of Illian, they were knee deep in reconstruction work and he didn't see how Damion was going to get a couple of solid hours.  Not without coercion and Rasputin was not particularly keen on that thought.  There was no need to let the cat out of the bag.

"You will need longer than that to insinuate yourself so you can get your information without causing a disturbance.  The ground rules if you go are a simple.  Do not use threats, do not harm anyone, do not draw attention to yourself.  Duram has probably told you this a thousand times, but this time it isn't only him that could draw attention from this.  As far as anyone is concerned, you were never there and that is all there is to it.  Get what answers you can, but cause no ripples into the pond."

Leaning forward in his seat, Rasputin added.  "Lastly, while you are there, if you make note of any other Darkfriends in the area, I would like you to report them to me when you are done.  A simple price, but the one I ask in return for trusting you to maintain a low profile.  Any Darkfriend, you do not need to discover their allegiances.  I can discover that for myself if need be."

Rasputin Felar

M`aeshadar

Mia couldn't help it, she began laughing as Annais began to cough as her tea went down the wrong way.  There was something eminently comic about her saying that she wasn't going to kick the bucket then the next half drowning herself with her tea.  But Annais misread Mia, to a degree, there was a difference between opportunity and making a decision.  Reaching over and slapping the woman on her back to help her with her cough, she was succinct as she spoke.  "It is not the place of a Tower Guard to ask, so I do not ask.  But if you were to ask, then you would be in your right as an Aes Sedai to do so.  Then I would give my answer."

Usually when someone was coughing, you patted their back and didn't laugh at them. Well, Mia had done both. But since it had been quite stupid, Annais chuckled herself too when she could breath again. She could think of a few ways how to joke about the Bonding but it was something serious and she didn't want to insult Mia. She hadn't seriously considered Bonding and hadn't seen Mia as a potential candidate but now she did. And she really couldn't think of anyone who she would rather have as her Warder. If she ever did get one. There was just the doubt that Mia wouldn't adjust quite so meekly to being directed by her. Oh no, instead she might have another Odelia at her hands who would boss her around and wouldn't take no for an answer. And it would be even worse because Mia would know what she was thinking. And there would be the mirroring and the close mental connection. Both reasons why she had never wanted to Bond beside the bad memories of a Warder. Even now after all these years she could see the man spearing through her father.

Discarding the old unpleasent image, she eyed Mia intently. "I am very honoured if you would consider it. I'm not really asking, not yet at least. But if I did, would you accept?" It would require careful deliberation but to think it, she had to know what Mia would say. Though if she would refuse Annais, she likely would have said so already.

Raising an eyebrow at the look and the words that Annais was giving her, Mia had but a wisp of a smile as her head leaned slightly to the left.  She had not thought that it would need to be spoken of at this point, if she had not considered it then she would not have hinted at it to begin with.  Having said that, she hadn't entirely given herself to the idea, there were issues that came with bonding, for women everything was mirrored and there were some things that she would not abide.  One of those was waking up in the middle of the night to sensations that weren't hers.  But, she still had to answer.  "If you should ask, then I will give you my answer then.  It wouldn't be seemly to do so beforehand."

Phaw, Annais wouldn't have expected Mia to withhold an answer like that. But then until the question was asked, it was all ifs and maybes. "Fair enough. But I would like to know why you would consider it." It wouldn't be just so that Mia could make sure Annais didn't bed Brent again but she wanted to hear it. "And what would you expect from it? I mean, the Aes Sedai is supposed to be the one who calls the shots but I think that you might have certain... ahem, strong opinions about what would be good or bad for me. I would rather sort that kind of things out beforehand."

The first question was easy enough to answer.  "Linten.  Even though I found Brent, I had no way of knowing where you were for certain.  You have no concept of how worried I was, and if something happens to you again I want to know exactly where you are so I can come and get you.  I want to be free to do so without other responsibilities and I wish to make it my first priority.  As to what I would expect, if you want someone meek and willing to do what they're told without question, then I am not the Warder you want.  Also, I don't want to wake up in the middle of the night to all sorts of strange feelings flowing through the bond.  By the same token, you wouldn't want to be in the middle of a meeting and become very flustered for no apparent reason."

The Linten event certainly explained something. Mia had been given duty to protect her during the mission and it was gladdening that she wanted to continue it even now. Likely she wouldn't have if she hadn't felt like they would get along. "Meek and obedient are not important really, I don't think that I could respect a Warder like that. I'm just... well, I don't like being bossed around either even if it really was for my own good, so there might be some headbutts about that. And I doubt that you would do anything like that when I am in middle of something important. And I wouldn't have you wake up all surprised into something like that. Or do you mean not at all? Because I am not going to become celibate for the next fifty years. But if you are saying that it could be done if we just... well, worked it out beforehand among each others, that would work. And then there is this trick that Aes Sedai can do to fuzz the bond. So you wouldn't have to feel it all."

"Fuzzing the bond only works when you have enough sense of mind to do so."  Mia replied drily.  It was all well and good to say that would work, but if the company that was kept was pleasing at all, that wasn't a very effective solution.  But it seemed her issue had hit a sore spot, but it wasn't quite so bad as the woman portrayed it.  "As to the other concern, I very much doubt I would last ten years, let alone fifty as your warder.  I'm forty one, Annais, and Tarmon Gaidon is approaching.  Assuming I survive as your Warder for that long, once that is done I doubt there will be a need for me.  Even if there was, I only have a few years left in me as a fighter and once that ability is spent then you would have to release my bond and find another to protect you.  If you were to ask me, you would be asking for my final years, if we even have that long."

Mia didn't really answer her question. Annais wanted to know simple yes or no, or maybe on conditions and what they were, to having a lover. But the Tower Guard continued and what she said made Annie frown with displeasure. The speak about dying didn't bother her so much, even though it was disheartening. She wondered if she herself would live through the Last Battle either. She might be kept away from the fighting but she was one of the prime targets of the Shadow. And even if they won, no, when they would win, the remnants of the enemy would likely see her as an easy way to shake the White Tower. But first they should get there. "You have an interesting view on what being a Warder means, Mia. A Warder is not a tool to be used and discarded when they grow old. It is a work relationship but also much more than that. At least it is for me and I would never even consider it in any other way. It is until death do us part, yours or mine. Can you accept that? And you never said whether lovers were possible."

"I know that the Warder's duty is to guard their Aes Sedai from all harm, that includes my death echoing through the bond.  Don't be so quick to make assumptions about how I view bonding and what it entails."  It remained unsaid how long she had thought about the ramifications of it for, but it was long enough for Mia to have considered as many angles as she could and that was one of them.  Aes Sedai who lost their warders through death were devastated, and it was one thing for that to happen because Mia had died protecting her, another for it to happen simply because Annais had been stupidly wrong headed and refused to let it go. "As to lovers, no, and to be blunt thats a small priority at the moment.  You have Tarmon Gaidon approaching, a mess to clean up and preparations to make so the Tower is ready when the day comes.  If you fail, then we're all dead.  A hug and more at night isn't going to have done us any good by that point."

Listening as the younger man spoke, Rasputin couldn't help but wonder whether all of Duram's followers were quite so flippant.  Well, not all of them were, but perhaps it stood out because it was so similar to the their master's own manner.  Having said that, flippant was better than condescending, which was why Rasputin did not mind so much dealing with Duram as he did others when the occasion demanded it.  In light of what had happened with Aginor, it had certainly been worth cultivating relations, he would need support if he were to hold the Fortress and Duram didn't want it.  He just wanted to make sure no one else had it either, which suited Rasputin perfectly well.

That Duram was polite enough to respect his interests, it was a good gesture.  Not one that Rasputin believed wholeheartedly, he was certain that if the Chosen wanted something badly enough, he would abandon the good grace he entertained, but respect was always good.  The interest in the Brown Sister in Illian was interesting though, there were two sisters there and there was only one that Duram could make the link to.  And only because they had discussed the matter, which made this Damion's interest all the more curious.

"I would like more details before I give your venture any blessing.  Which Brown Sister in particular and what topics?  Also, what is the manner that you shall adopt in order to learn wht you wish to know?  Ja'varan has fallen there and the Queen of Illian is ascendant, there is a lot of activity there currently and I am not particularly avid of the thought of stirring the pot there further.  Also, how long will you be staying for your visit?"

Rasputin Felar

M`aeshadar