The music began and even though he would have prefered to take Sahra upstairs, he wasn't about to ruin whatever expectation she had for him for the night.  He smiled as she began the dance and shook his head, wondering if there would ever be a time when Sahra wasn't so strongheaded.  He didn't think so and he could hope not.  He cared for her far more than he allowed himself to admit and he knew he'd have to face up to his emotions sooner than later, but Sahra was who she was and seeing her wait for his move made him smile in response to her challenge.  He walked calmly to her side, and without preamble, pulled her hard against him, moving them both with the music.

The reason why Sahra liked the Saldaean dances was because you moved more together than just one of you lead. And women had their own steps and bends and swirls; in fact, they moved more than the men. It suited very well the idea Saldaeans had of a relationship too: because the women were strong, the men had to be at least as strong, or the woman would have to restrict herself. That suited her idea of a relationship as well and Sana fulfilled the requirement more than well. He certainly didn't back down from a quarrel. She wasn't quite as sure how she felt about the Saldaean idea that women enjoyed getting spanked from time to time. On the other hand it could be... interesting.

Her thoughts were likely reflected on her face from the way he grinned back at her. She gave him a smoky look and leaned to nip his ear lobe hard. "What do you think I am thinking?", she whispered.

It was hard to keep himself at a respectable distance, even for a Saldean dance, when Sahra was so close to him now.  Close enough that if he tried, he could probably throw himself over his shoulder and sweep her upstairs if he wanted.  He didn't think she'd ever fight him on it from the looks she was giving him, but he wasn't entirely willing to bet the night on it.

She nipped his ear and his grin grew larger, her words adding to it.  "Hopefully that this dance leads out of this room at the end."

They did a fast swirl that drew some admiring cheers from the nearby tables and Sahra focused on his eyes to keep her head from spinning. The smouldering look wasn't much help and her stomach constricted with desire and anticipation. "That's a given", she replied with a husky voice. "But what I was really thinking were Saldaeans and their ideas of relationship. Would you dare to try and spank me and what would I have to do to provoke it?" Her mischievous look promised that she would likely go for it. "And how much would you enjoy it... if you could catch me?"

Sana threw his head back and laughed as they danced.  There were some things that had become off limits between him and Sahra over the years, some things that only recently had been brought out again, and some things that had been painfully teased about over the course of her training.  With the end of her training came an end to that torture.  Or the beginning of an all new set, he thought with a smile.  "When I catch you, I will most certainly enjoy it.  And so will you." He added as she began to spin out of his grasp.

He followed her movements, appreciating her form in the dance as he had never truly appreciated it before.  When she came back to his arms again, he held her tightly.  "And as for what you could do to provoke me, everything you do provokes me." His lips touched lightly on her ear.  "It always has."

Her laughter echoed his just out of the pure pleasure of being with him like this again. Sahra had missed it so much but it had been all her fault. Something that she wasn't going to think at all tonight. He was so right, she would enjoy it and she would make sure that he did too, more than he had ever before. But she wasn't going to think his women either. From now on there would be just one for him or she would have to kill him. Her eyes widened at his sweet words and she pressed her cheek against his and squeezed him tight. "Oh Sana", she murmured. "You have that effect on me too."

Pulling apart, she winked at him. "Catch me if you can. Two minutes lead and I will get us a room." She sauntered off to the innkeeper, dropped him some coins and got keys in return. She gave Sana one last look before running upstairs.

And she was out of his arms again before he could stop her.  One thing the last few years working with Sahra had taught him was that she was more slippery than a lionfish out of water but normally when she had something up her sleeve it was enjoyable.

He took a last drink and waited a moment before following to the good natured jibes of the people who had watched the two dance together.  The innkeeper told him which room he would find her in and he barely managed to keep from sprinting up the stairs.  Reaching the top, he went to the right door and knocked lightly.  He didn't want to ruin whatever she had planned by busting through the door if she wasn't ready.

Two minutes was a surprisingly long time when you were waiting for someone and suddenly Sahra found herself very nervous. She wanted him and he wanted her and she had had all kind of ideas for how it would go. But now when it was actually happening, the plans were eluding her and she felt clumsy. Should she undress or let him to do it? And should she be laying on the bed or sitting or standing? She had been supposed to give him a chase but she hadn't meant it quite literally. Then he was knocking already and she just stood there in middle of the room. "Umm... come in", she finally called. The awkwardness was over when she saw him. She stepped into his arms and simply kissed him.

It was the only thing that mattered to him, as he entered the room.  She was there and all the things that had come between them over the years were gone.  She was in his arms and he wrapped her tightly there, not planning on letting go.  Until he realized that he was going to have to because there were far too many clothes in the way.  He kissed her passionately, but just as she leaned into him, he pushed her back gently.  "You have too many clothes on." He teased lightly.

There was electricity when he touched her and she could feel the chemistry between them as their tongues dueled in perfect rhythm. She breathed him deeply and couldn't have enough of him. But as her hands begun to roam his shoulder and back, he separated them. She moaned in disappointment yet his words made her to smile. She pulled her shirt off her pants and directed his hands to cup her breasts underneath. "Mmm, maybe you should help me then." Grabbing the hem of the shirt, she jerked it over her head in one quick motion to give him a free access and view to her upper body. There was its own seduction in undressing slowly but she had always been an impatient one. She wanted to be under his touch so badly. She needed him and not just physically; they had waited for so long.

Sana & Sahra

Welcome to the White Tower :) If you need any help, you can always PM me.

I recommend that you post to this thread so that Andrea can add you to the WT User Group. Then you can see alot more WT boards, including the N&A discussions.

And like Andrea said, you have been just excited in a good way. It's always heart warming to see.

Maegan begun to list the things that she was going to do, and Annais admired again how precise and collected she was so early in the morning. The mention of going to see the Three Arches certainly made her eyebrows rise. It was a ter'angreal and Mae had a Talent of being able to make them, but why was it urgent right now? And she was going to give Annais a ter'angreal? Most interesting. And dealing with Estel... her recovery was important but sadly Annais didn't have time for it right then. She would have to go and meet the Blue Sister again soon. She wasn't very much looking forward to the talks about the Reds and Asha'man and the Black Ajah but it was necessary.

Maybe it was a coward's way to start with the easiest topics but she didn't want to think anything too complicated until she had downed a few more mugs of tea. "Tell me about the ter'angreal then, please. And changes? What kind of changes? What do they have to do with the Arches and Estel?"

"Ter'Angreals." Maegan nodded her head as if confirming a half thought in her own head. "Very well. It came to my attention by that of one of my former Sisters that there is more than one use of the Three Rings that we use to test Novices that wish to gain acceptance. Although I have not stepped through the rings myself - as I do not have the need or desire to go through that again - a number of Sisters have." The surprise in Annais' face was evident. It lightened Maegan's heart that Annais was not schooling her face like most other Gray sisters. "Before there was a need to test those that gained the shawl the Arches were used for Healing. Not physically healing, but Mental Healing. Those that stepped through the Arches were able to confront their fears and various other challenges in a safe environment."

Maegan took a moment to refill her tea cup after sipping the last sweet drop from it. Scooping sugar into the dark liquid, Maegan continued, "The weave to active this particular use is different than the one that we use currently It still requires more than one sister to activate it, although with linking only one Sister needs to channel into it." She waited for a moment to let Annais catch her idea. Unless it was still that earily for the woman and she needed to be spoon fed the idea. Maegan hoped it wasn't so. She did not fee like spoon feeding anyone let alone the Amyrlin Seat.

It was alot to chew, especially so very early, but it was a fascinating knowledge. And annoying too. Why hadn't these foundings been published? Bloody Aes Sedai secretiveness. Maybe the fact that the Sisters had used it to cure themselves. They wouldn't want that to be known. And maybe it hadn't worked quite so well. But then Mae wouldn't be suggesting it. She had to know more, though. And safe environment... did that mean no risk of loosing patients? "Is it safe? And does it always work? I don't want to loose even one full Sister to an experiment. Can you give me more information about this previous use? Was there someone else with a Talent like yours who kept it hidden or how did they discover this?"

Maegan paused, the spoon in her cup also without movement as she thought. "All I know is that the former Red Sister Telcia Sedai, the Brown Sister Kitsune and two other unnamed were part of this experiement. It was not recommended to have one go in more than 3 times, and they all returned. Publication disappeared as well as the knowledge of who were involved." Picking up her cup, she settled back into her seat, re-stirring the sugared tea. She did not sip from it. "Telcia Sedai was rather adamant about its use and not yet sharing it with the Tower for fear of rebuke or other consequences. Each Aes Sedai set their own penance for their experimentations. Why, I do not know. Telcia Sedai said little more on the subject. An educated guess may say that there was an incident of near failure involved during the exprimenting. As a scholar of such objects it is not uncommon for there to be mistakes before a solution is found."

Telcia of the Red Ajah... with what had happened to her husband and the incident while she was Acceped, her mental health had come to question. The Brown was not known for instability so she had likely been there to observe. She definately was curious about the two unnamed ones and wondered if Mae knew who they were but just didn't tell. "And has the solution been found? If we do not know what went wrong that time, we don't know how to avoid it in the future. How certain are you about this, Mae?"

"We can't." It was a simple answer. "Only by testing it myself would I know for certain the risks, if there were any. Telcia Sedai warned for a test not to be taken lightly, nor for it to be done needlessly." A small scowl formed on Maegans face as she brought the tea cup to her lips. No Aes Sedai would willingly admit an unsound mind. It was simply not done. It placed a small damper on her own experimenting.

An honest answer and very much what Annais had feared for. "You are the last person that I want to loose, Mae", she said softly. "Maybe it could work if Estel knew the risk and decided to try it still. But does she want to admit that she has a problem? I would rather use a more traditional method."

"If traditional works for Estel than I would say that is ideal." There was a hesitant tone in her voice, "But Estel Sedai's issues are far more deeper than just that of the Black Tower. No, don't ask, I swore I would not speak of it. Although it was not an oath, it was still a promise given in hope of trust." A hand was held up to keep Annais from interrupting. After seeing Estel Sedai on the bed after learning of her loves death and that she was with child, Estel never became of sound mind. General knowledge through Carise Sedai suggested that there was some sanity left, but the Blue Aes Sedai held very little love for others, even less for herself. "But if you feel the need to simply talk it out than I will not push the issue. Just keep it in mind if you find little headway."

"I do not know Estel that well so I trust your judgement on that. But I am also not a Yellow Sister and neither are you. I do not know about problems of the mind. But do you know any Yellow Sister who she might trust? And would she go willingly to the Arches? Will she admit that she needs help and would she accept it?"

Spending time before hand thinking on the subject, Maegan did not pause. "I believe she will accept it. If anything she wishes to prove her self worth and this trip to the Black Tower had been but one way to do so. The failure probably grates hardest on her, more so because of this. I can not be to certain as it is just an observation." Maegan gaze turned hazy as she tought on Annais' other question. "I do not know of a Yellow that is on close terms to Estel. As you know I have spent time with the Yellow Sisters when I can, but no name comes to mind. Estel keeps to herself more and more each passing year."

Stirring her tea Maegan sipped it for a moment and then looked to Annais, conviction deeply set in her eyes. "If there is one thing that I am certain of, for experience to that I will attest, when failure occurs to the extent that it has with Estel a sense of purpose needs to be reestablished." She stressed the word need. "I would wager my life and my Ter'Angreals that Estel is not Black Ajah. Perhaps that is something worth not only the Arches but a more private audience if she were to go through them?"

Annais nodded slightly but looked still doubtful. "I agree with you about her needing a purpose. But to involve her with Black Ajah... you didn't see her when she came back from the Black Tower. She tried to kill herself. I could see her going on a foolhardy mission trying to take few of them with her when she goes. Maybe if the healing of the Arches worked it could be considered. It is just unbelievable to me that a ter'angreal could undo something like that. The women who went inside were much more functional and had the will to Heal... But if we did it, how would you suggest that we proceed?"

Maegan chuckled, "Like we always do. Lances bare and charging."

Annais smiled at that and downed some of her tea. She would like to say that usually they planned better but last night was certainly proved that they didn't. However, they should. "And what exactly does that mean?"

Maegan shrugged, "I would recomend playing it by ear. If Estel is as predicatable as I know her we may have to try about 50 different tactics and about 2 other sisters on hand to shield her should she knock one of us on the head with a nearby vase. However, I'd like to think that she is not as volitile as she was when you last saw her. Light pray she isn't." The last was more for her own benefit than Annais'.

"I certainly hope that she isn't either. Well, like I said, I trust your judgement. Since you are going to go and speak with her anyway, you can bring up this possibility up with her or act in what ever way you feel is necessary. I... I just pray that nothing happens to Estel. I don't want to loose even one Sister and be responsible for making the decision that got her killed. But that is always the downside of being the poor sod named to be the leader. And this wasn't even the only thing to speak about. There were the ter'angreals you had made. What kind of ter'angreals and how did you decide to create them?"

Annais & Maegan

It had been a wonderful evening full of laughter, stories and banter but Sahra had been able to participate only with half attention. The other half had been spinning delicious images of the naughty things she and Sana would be doing that night. And just been so bloody aware of him and how he moderated his drinking. Soon. The others were getting somewhat wasted already so she could get herself a real drink too. It might ease her nerves a bit.

When she declared her intention, she got demands to bring them all drinks, as if she still was the little bar wench she had been before becoming a Trainee. Glowering at them with mostly feigned annoyance, she stormed off to the bar keep. Half way strong arms caught her waist and she didn't even have to look to see who it was. Turning, she entwined her hands behind his neck and began to sway softly. "I hadn't forgotten." As if that was possible. It just had to be done properly and one thing was missing.

He leaned closer and was about to pull her tighter against him when she squirmed free and gave him a teasing grin. "I have a song request. Guess which?" They hadn't danced this particular tango since their first meeting as it had been reserved for this moment. When the guitar and violin begun to play, she pivoted back to him and strode to meet him, every step issuing a challenge.

Sahra Covenry

Tower Guard

OOC: The tango is this (but replace the accordion with violin in your mind):

Andrea stated that it would be about the characters and the title says IC too, so I will go by that :)

^  Saline got Raised at the same day than Rory, her mentee and lover.

< I usually listen to music from youtube. It can be a specific song that suits the mood of me (the writer) or the scene. For example today when I wrote a post for Sana and Sahra, I listened to a certain tango song that plays on the background ICly.

V What is the greatest dream and fear of your character?

*hugs* Take care of yourself and the baby. I hope that everything will go well and the placenta moves.

You weren't ranting at all :) Cool ideas. I am a bit doubtful of the history RP, though. Such threads end too often school like and resembling lectures. Also we don't really know that much about the Gray Ajah history or even the history of Randland from the books. Mainly just the names of the Amyrlins and some wars. Likely the Gray Sisters would have had some effect in helping to end them.

I don't have a constructive alternative suggestion right now but I will think on it.

A World of Gray would make very interesting RPs but it requires alot of proactivity from the player. Because there are practically no FL PCs residing in Tar Valon, the RP would need some NPCs. But of course it would be good to have the option existing nonetheless.

Take your time to make the decision, Mrija :)

Welcome back, Halvie :) It is great to see you writing here again.

Heh, how badly would Carnhain hurt an 18 old fresh recruit for sleeping with Jatasha? :P

If he would live but be just badly injured, I'll join the competition.

Yes! I second the RP recommendations :)

I nominate Mrija to play the Ajah Head. By me she can choose to make Vera the AH or create a NSW bio for it.

Your suggestions sound pretty good to me, Crista :)

I would offer them all as options and add Peace keeping, i.e. the character needs to settle a dispute between two characters or NPCs.

Welcome back hun :)

*cheers to that* :)

Many returns and may this year be a good one!

Haha, I am a bit greedy and want to hear more about all of those :)

If I would have to choose just one, I would pick the Ajahs. As I am not privy to all Ajahs' boards, it would be fun to see more of their scheming. Having to put something up bi-monthly or so would also maybe encourage to plot more. It would be a good tool of recruitment.

The next most I want to hear about the RPers as I don't know especially the newer members of the Divs as well as I'd like to and I don't have time to chat with everyone.

More tidbits about characters is always good. Especially stuff that would normally be boring to post about. Maybe interviews in women's magazine's style :P

Lastly the other Divs. Since I have access to the Staff board and I can see the monthly reports plus I talk frequently with many AGLs, I don't need this information so much. I also don't feel like it should be the WT's sole duty to provide this info. The general Staff should get better with this.

Nope, I didn't give Darin a score :) Sorry about that. So you need to give him one, Crista.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the great pleasure to announce DM's very first A.L.I.N Awards. In this show the stars are not little green men from the outer space but our characters.

There are many different ways how one can shine and this year's categories are as follows.

1) Loftiest Light Lover (Character & RP portraying how goodie two shoes they are)

2) The Darkest Deeds (Character & RP showing their efilness)

3) Sweetest/Hottest Romance (A couple and RP drawing spontaneous aww or mmm)

4) Dramatic Drama (RP that makes your heart go out for the characters... or kinda want to slap them all)

5) Bench-gripping Action (RP where both guns blaze and no ground is given)

6) Creepy Horror (You wouldn't want to read this thread alone in the dark)

7) Mad Adventure (Don't try this at home)

8) Hilarious Fun (Thread that makes you laugh out loud)

9) Most Impressive Storyline (Just frigging fantastic)

10) Oh Woe Is Me (Character most likely to have to audience sigh in relief when they jump off the nearest bridge + link)

11) Life Is All Rainbows and Fluffy Bunnies (Character most likely to be killed just to see if they finally stop smiling + link)

How can I nominate?

Please send your nominations to lupaecainis [at] gmail [dot] com and include word 'Alin Awards' to the title.

You can suggest candidates for just few categories and you can nominate more than once. You may nominate your own characters and RPs where you are involved.

You have time until 5th of January.

Voting starts in 6th of January and the Award Gala begins in 19th of January.

Crista's LOA is pretty much over so she will likely be able to post for you in a day or two. I'd recommend that you start the thread and set the stage that Timewalker can then enter.

James could have also RPed picking you up but he is on forced LOA because his screen died.

I'm sorry that you have to wait, Darin. Holidays are a bit problematic time for people who actually have lives and families :P

Also, if you are willing to make assumptions about what happened during your pick up, you could start a post where you are already at the stedding and are adjusting to life there. You could make it an open thread and have anyone who wants to jump in. We do timeline jumping like that all the time :) It can be a bit confusing but I am often so impatient that I want to continue the story even before the earlier phase is completely finished.

Cold in her feet was what woke up Annais. It summoned memories to her sleep-hazy mind of other mornings when Lia had harrassed her and bullied her to get up in an hour that was not decent for any human being. She fumbled blindly for the blankets when memories of the night before surfaced. Knife on her throat, the Black Ajah, threatening her friend and the struggle. Maegan... she had stayed over for the night. Annais reached for the other side of the bed but the spot beside her was empty. What time was it? It was still fairly dark outside but the Red Sister was an early riser.

Likely Mae would soon order them breakfast and that would wake Annais up a bit. Still, she could use some more sleep. Only closing her eyes and curling under the bed covers again didn't help. The Oaths made her skin still uncomfortably tight despite the Healing and the list of undone work and all the duties of the Amyrlin Seat nagged at her. Blood and bloody ashes, she was still dumbfounded that they had made her the leader of the White Tower. But no matter how she wanted more sleep and comfort, the Wheel waited on no woman. There was always the next night and she could rest in the grave. And next night she might not sleep alone but snuggled against strong chest and encircled by muscled arms. No!

Bravely Annais kicked the blankets off and shivered a few times before she could steady her breathing and start ignoring the temperature again. Such thoughts were not allowed and discomfort was the punishment for silliness. Wrapping herself into a silk robe and putting a pair of slippers on, the fresh Amyrlin dragged herself into the sitting room. Her eyes were still squinting and she was quite certain that her hair were wild. Not a most dignified sight but Mae would live. Her cheery tone and words, especially the formal title earned her a glare.

Annais merely grunted in reply and extended her arms before her and made reaching motions toward the tea pot. "Tea", she droned before collapsing on the sofa. Maegan was kind enough to pour for her and Annais managed a 'thank you' before beginning to slurp down her cup. The liquid wasn't as strong as she usually consumed in the mornings but Lia had been nice for Mae's benefit. The tea still had the hoped effect on her and she was starting to slowly feel awake.

"Mornings are not my time of the day as you know. I could be better as no one can take such news lightly as we got last night, but I'll survive. It's going to be a busy day and I can't worry about that today. How about you, Mae Mae? You at least seem awfully chipper and full of energy. What's your plan for today?"

Annais Nevell

Amyrlin Seat

Ashara asked me to let you to know that her net is messed up since some major cable got cut. She doesn't have any access to DM or any site or anything other than skype.

The problem will hopefully get fixed before next week's over (by 6th of Jan), so lets all keep our fingers crossed for her.

It has been a while since we did one of these how are you doing threads, so it is about time :)

I still feel like I am not back to my normal routine as tomorrow I leave at noon to celebrate New Year with friends. I can't remember when I have last seen my family as much as during the holidays even though we live in the same city. Luckily the exposure has come in tolerable doses so everything has gone really well ;)

I obviously was a pretty good girl this year since I got fairly much pressies. Mostly money, girly beauty stuff, books and some home decorations. My favourite gifts would be the handbag my husband gave me or the pretty shoes that I bought with my X-mas money.

How about you?

Oh, and Happy New Year everyone!

*sighs* I owe a post for everyone. But I will be writing tonight and your posts are on top of the list, Andrea.

*stares at Stani* You are speaking Hebrew to me ;) My tech fu is extremely weak. Ask James when he is back.

In James' case I believe that the screen died. But he should be getting his own laptop back soonish.

And Andrea, I hope that you haven't lost too much.

*huggles* It's a shame that you are stepping down, Lie. But at least you are not leaving us entirely. If you need help with brainstorming for any of your characters, I'd be glad to the next time we are on IMs at the same time.

Since the Gray Ajah pretty much has only Mrija and me and Annais cannot become an Ajah Head... well, would you be interested to take the position?