Arath returned her smile, slowly rising from the desk.  "Absolutely.  Any excuse to be away from ... this."  She giggled softly as he waved his hand over the papers that were piling on his desk.  Light, he must be an awfully important man.  "There isn't a whole lot to see, but it's better than staring at the walls all day."

He walked up beside her and offered his arm to her.  She took it as she pulled up her hood, and they set out the front door.  As they walked, he pointed out different areas, with buildings and stables and houses.  It looked like a city, not a farm that he had called it.  "This area is all houses for Asha'man and their families.  Not a lot of families ... but enough.”  Families… that meant other women.  She would certainly have to go find other women to talk to about getting more fabric. 

“Barrack for the lower ranks are over their.  You'll probably want to avoid that area for now."  She looked at him in surprise.  “They aren’t safe?  Are they… crazy?”  The last word was practically a whisper.  Arath just looked away, like he didn’t want to talk about it.  He won’t become one of those men, I know it!

Suddenly, the rain that was dripping down on them was gone.  She let her hood fall back onto her shoulders, letting her hair be loose.  Light, I need to brush this mess so bad.  I am totally asking Arath for a hot bath after this!  "Over here we have the inn.  The best food in the Black Tower and pretty much the center of social life here.  Everyone comes here to unwind after a long day.  My friend Covai runs the place."

An inn with food… that’s money.  Michelle had been doing it for so long, working on food had become second nature.  She could cook, clean, serve, and pour ale all day and night.  "I don't think you really want to be visiting the inn right now, all things considered.  Where can I take you?  What do you want to see?"

Michelle almost spoke to go to the inn anyways, to ask about the job.  But, if this owner, Covai, was friends with Arath, then she saw no point in worrying about it now.  Then out of the corner of her eye, she noticed two men, dueling.  She walked towards it slowly, and Arath led her that way.

The rain had increased, but the men had not stopped, going back and forth.  It was amazing to watch.  She had seen men fight before, but that was a bar brawl, using fists and knives to prove a point.  There was something graceful about it, this wild dance that the two men were doing with their swords.  Turning excitedly to Arath, she giggled, smiling. “I want to do that!  Can you teach me how to do that?  Please Arath?”

He laughed, and before he could speak, she added something on. “And fabric!  That’s where I want to go.  Is there anywhere around here that has fabric or furniture or anything?  No offense, but I could use a chair and mirror in my room, as well as some curtains for privacy and a thicker blanket.”   Getting excited, she couldn’t stop.

“And dresses!  Arath, I haven’t had a pretty dress since before I came here.  I only have the dress on my back and another that is slightly nicer.  Can I have a dress? And shoes?  And something actually pretty?  Please, please, I will do anything!  Anything you could want, I will do it!”   Oh Light, she was free again.  It had been years since she had felt so free and alive.  And Arath had given her back her freedom.

Michelle Linwood

“I see no reason why you cannot keep your possessions in your room … as long as you behave.  You will not be allowed to wear the sword, you understand?” Mel smiled, almost giddy with delight.  She could keep her sword, as well as her real clothes. This is almost too good to be true. For all their pomp and extravagance, Aes Sedai were rather stupid.

The honey pot rose into the air and landed beside her tea cup.  She had to resist shuddering – she still wasn’t used to all this crazy stuff flying through the air, including herself.  “That brew can be a bit bitter; a bit of honey might help.” Being polite, Mel put a little honey in her cup and sipped again.  Well, it was slightly better, but tea was still a disgusting thing created only for punishment.

“You will be assigned a Mentor to instruct and guide you, but let me see … do you know what the name Aes Sedai means? No? It is Old Tongue for Servants of All. That is what we try to be. There are different ways of doing this, which is why there are seven Ajah’s, each with their own specific mission. For instance, the Yellow Ajah are the Healers, the Greens are the Battle Ajah, and we Reds try to prevent another Breaking. You might find the Greens particularly interesting; most of them have seen more battles than any ten Warders combined. But it will be years yet before you have to decide which Ajah suits you best, and many things you will have to learn first.“

Hmm… Greens didn’t sound so bad.  Battle Ajah means wars… Wait, did she say years?  YEARS to be an Aes Sedai? That’s it, I knew it, they are all absolutely bloody insane!   “I am getting ahead of myself. First let us get you officially signed up.” A large book was suddenly before the Aes Sedai, and she dipped her quill in the ink. “Is Melainia Mosagina your full name? Where were you born and how old are you?”

Mel had to think for a moment.  How old was she?  It had never really mattered before.  “Yes, Aes Sedai.  I prefer to go by Mel, however.  I was born in Shienar, and I am 18 or 19.”   This received an eyebrow raise from the Aes Sedai.  “I don’t honestly know.  It just wasn’t all that important to me.” Mel was suddenly embarrassed, and looked down at her hands.  She tried another sip of the tea, coughing on it as she took too big of a swallow.

Regaining her composure, she brushed the strands of hair that had fallen in her face back and looked at the Aes Sedai, who was back to shifting around papers.  “You said something about a Mentor?  And you never mentioned your name, Ma’am, although I have guessed you are an Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah.”   Wow that was a stupid comment.

Melainia “MEL” Mosagina

Michelle awoke, laying on a simple cot in a strange new home.  She had fallen asleep as soon as she had laid down, and was feeling somewhat rested.  Going over to the bucket that Arath had brought for her, she dipped a hand in, feeling it was still slightly warm.  How had he warmed it? She was going to have to get used to his powers.  It all still seemed a little strange, and if she wasn’t in this new home, she would have thought it all to be a dream.

Looking around the room, she got a feeling for it.  It was very empty and plain, but that was alright with her.  He had said she could redecorate, and she was thinking it would be nice.  Perhaps a nice tapestry on one wall, and then a few candelabra around the room for lighting.  Curtains on the window for a bit of privacy would be nice, and then new bedding – this bed only had a simple blanket on it.    Then perhaps a small wardrobe and a mirror, and it would feel like a completely new room.

Going to her bag, she pulled out the few items.  The clothes she set in the chest, as well as her boots.  She pulled off her apron and set that in there.  Her cook books and sewing items went on the desk.  The quilt she set upon the lid of the closed chest.  She looked at the bag, and saw a few coins in the bottom of it, along with a few coins from her apron.  Sighing, she felt like dirt.  Here she was, in a new home, broke.  She had never thought that life would get as hard as it had.

She set the coins inside the desk drawer, knowing that it was so little, no one would steal it.  The bag she set on the desk.  All she had left was her cloak.  She pulled it over her back and fastened it in the front.  Dipping her hands in the bucket that Arath had left, she quickly washed her face and hands.  Drying them on her skirts, she went to the door and opened it slowly.

Looking outside into the hallway, she saw that it was as empty as her room.  There were a few more doors down, and glancing inside of them, they were all as empty as her room.  She went down the stairwell that was to the left of her room, and found herself in what seemed to be the front room.  Beside it was the kitchen.  She could see a closed door and a slightly opened door.  Guessing the closed door to be the basement, she glanced inside the slightly opened door.  Inside, she could see Arath sitting at a desk, and a door to his room behind him.

Leaning against the door post, she watched him flip through a few papers. “Hello there,” she said, smiling as he looked up. “I looked around the house, but any chance I can get a grand tour of this Tower of yours?”

Michelle Linwood

"This is about the safest way in the world to travel.  So long as you don't touch the edges of the gateways.  And we're going directly to my home.  We should come out in my guest room.  The house is at a place we call the Black Tower.  Kind of misleading since there isn't an actual tower there, but it's fitting since we're the balance to the Aes Sedai and the White Tower.” Ok then.  Not much to worry about.  She would be safe in this big mass of darkness. 

"As far as the other men go… Honestly, men go mad there on a daily basis.  But no sane man will give you trouble on my command.  And I will protect you from any insane man that you come across."   Insane?  She stiffened at that.  At least Arath wouldn’t go insane… would he?

The silvery blue circle appeared again and he let her step through.  It was awkward, and she felt a little nauteous, but feeling solid ground beneath her feet and the circle disappearing settled her. She rested her hand on her stomach, and realized she was still wearing her apron.  Light… what had she just done?  Oh Hell, next time I need to think before I do things like this.  I am broke with basically nothing in a new place!

"Well, this is it.  My home.  And ... yours.  For as long as you want.  This will be your room."   She looked around, seeing a simple bed with a small desk in the room.  There was also a wash stand to one side and a chest at the foot of the bed.  Otherwise, it was empty. Wow, Arath has no sense of style! "Feel free to redecorate it however you want.  I only finished building the place a few months back, and decorating hasn't been high on my priority list."

She smiled, looking around for a moment, and took a glance out the window.  It was a bright midmorning outside, and not the same dull and dreary Caemlyn they had left.  She turned back to Arath, suddenly very proud.  “Arath, I have to say, I am impressed.  You are clean and dressed.  You have your own house.  You have yourself together.  And you aren’t pinching purses anymore.  Really and truly, I’m proud.”

They had a tender moment, and he looked a little embarrassed at her praising, and she set down her bag on the desk.  The nausea had left her with a headache, and she sat down on the bed.  “Arath… this is a little overwhelming.  Can I just sleep for a bit?  And get clean?  I totally want the Grand Tour of your house and this tour, but I’m just so tired…”   Just a few hours back she had been a dirt poor waitress in a dirty inn in Caemlyn.  Now she was Light know where in a house that was opened to her with not a care in the world.

Michelle Linwood

"Michelle, there are over a thousand of us ... men like me ... at that place.  Are you sure-" She slapped his cheek lightly, ready to see something new.  She was sick of this place.  She was sick of being here.  It was time for something new, and time for a real adventure.  She was sick of this place and was determined to make something of her life.  She didn’t care where this took her – it was better than where she was now.

He glared at her for a moment, and she had a cheeky smile go across her face as he grabbed her hand and pulled her to him.  A blue flash appeared and she saw a dark circle appear.  He stepped onto it, then offered out a hand to pull her inside with him.  "If you're ready then ..." And she was.  She took his hand and stepped onto the platform with him, holding her bag tight to her and clinging tight to him.

Pure blackness came around them, and he wrapped his arms around her as she clung to him.  She felt the air escape from her lungs as she gasped, not knowing what to think.  She buried her head in his chest, not wanting to look around her.  She was half scared to death, and half in awe of what was going on.  He soothed her, holding her against him, and after a few minutes, she got the courage to look around. 

There was nothing to see.  It was dark and empty.  She couldn’t see anything other than him.  “How long will we be in here, and where are we going?  What exactly is going to be on the other end?  And is this safe?  And I will be safe from the men you mentioned, right?” The questions escaped her lips as fast as she could speak them, the nerves still shaking her.

Michelle Linwood

He returned her smile, half heartedly, and she knew that he was just upset as she was.  "I'm sorry.  Really, I was gone from the city ten minutes after I ran into the Asha'man.  I thought about you a lot afterward.  By the time I was free to come back I assumed you'd be gone."   They both had.  She had always thought that she would make something of herself within a year or two.  Now she was going on three years and she was still in hell.

Then, the worst sound possible was heard in the hallway.  It was Mirenna, looking for the long-missing Michelle.  She could hear the woman yelling, and Michelle had to groan.  Either she was going to lose her job, or the next few weeks would be hell while Mirenna made her wish she had.  This was going to be terrible, she just knew it. 

"I can help get you out of here.  Wherever you want to go, from Saldea to Tear, I can have you there within the hour."   “WHAT?” she exclaimed, then heard a bang at the door.  She jumped, startled. "Or sooner if you wish." WHAT?!?!  She just stared at him for a moment in shock, her mind realing.  She couldn’t leave, this was all she had.  But really, she didn’t have anything.  She didn’t even have a home to go to that night.

Another banging came from the door, and she knew what she wanted.  “Stay right here,” she said.  Going to the door, she unlocked it, seeing a furious Mirenna there.  Not a single word escaped the woman’s mouth before Michelle decked her, watching the fat hag go flying back, and hitting the floor.  “Shut up, you old witch!”  DAMN that felt good!

Running down the stairs, she rushed through a filled dining room and back into a kitchen.  Reaching her hand under the cupboard, she grabbed her one bag.  Inside was another dress, a pair of breeches and shirt, boots, two cooking books, her sewing items, quilt, cloak, and cosmetic items.  Running back up the stairs, she stepped over Mirenna and slammed the door behind her, rushing to a surprised Arath.

“You say you will take me anywhere?”   He nodded.  “Then take me with you!  Take me to this new place you are at!  I want to see it!  And I don’t want to lose my best friend again…”

Michelle Linwood

She felt him stiffen beside her as she begged again, and she could tell he would finally let her in.  He always struggled to keep the truth to himself about things, but had a weakness when she begged.  He rose from where he was sitting and stepped across the room, and she knew it was bad.  He looked away, almost embarrassed – or upset.  Michelle was really worried, then he finally spoke. "I told you.  I cut the wrong purse and wasn't really given a choice in the matter.  Have you ever heard of the Asha'man?"

An Asha’man?  What the hell is that?  She shook her head, wondering where this was leading.  He frowned and kicked at the table leg to the desk, his eyes glancing away from her.  It was like he was scared to maintain direct eyesight with her.  This scared her more than anything else. "We're a group of men who ... we ... It's easier to show you I guess."   Show me what?

A ball of light appeared above Arath’s hand, and Michelle stared at his hand in shock.  It was there for a moment, then disappeared.  "I had to go.  They knew I could channel, and I couldn't stay."   Channel.  CHANNEL?  “Holy Blasted Light…”  She rose from where she was sitting and walked over to the window, staring out of it for a minute.  He moved towards her, and she turned, taking a few steps to slap him.  She stopped her hand a hair from his cheek.

She couldn’t do it.  He looked so upset, and she was so upset too.  He wouldn’t lie to her about this.  He always had this turn of his lips when he was lieing, and he hadn’t done it.  She sunk back against the wall, and slid down to the floor, her head falling into her hands.  “This cannot be happening…” she whispered.  He could channel.  She had heard of men like this.  They were all locked up and killed. 

“We have to… there has to be… something?” She looked up at him, and he just crossed his arms across his chest, staring at his feet.  She felt the tears rolling down her cheeks and she wiped them away.  Rising to her feet, she didn’t know what to say, and he opened up his arms, letting her take a step forward and go back into a hug.  He was still the same Arath.  He wasn’t some crazy man.

“Well…” she said, trying to choose her words carefully. “Ok then.  What are you going to do now then?” He looked at her with an odd look on his face, and she stared back up at him, trying to be strong. “So you can channel.  Ok then.  Any other surprises for me?  I think I can handle the channeling…” 

He stared down at her for a moment, and she laughed, caressing his cheek for a moment before pulling away. “You are still the same Arath, and you are still my best friend.  I just wish you had said good bye.  You really worried me.”

Michelle Linwood

"It's fine.  I've had worse, believe me.  If I recall correctly, you've sewn up worse on me before." She smiled, her face feeling as if it had lit up.  He was still the same man that had been her friend a few years back.  "What I do now is ... it's a bit hard to describe.  I don't live very far away actually.  About a day's ride.  But with what I do it's a bit hard to get away.  I'm kind of a soldier, but that's not really it.  More of a ... Guardian.  A special protector.  I can't really explain it well." 

Did he honestly think that she would let him get away with it? "We can talk about that some other time.  Now that I know where you are."   If he HONESTLY thought she would let him just avoid the subject… "You said your home burnt down last night?  Where are you staying now?"  Ok… maybe I will let him avoid the subject for now…

She sighed, letting her head fall back onto his shoulder.  “I… don’t know.  I was hoping to make enough today to try and get a room… somewhere.  And if all else failed, I…” she couldn’t bring herself to say it.  No woman, at least with her morals, would want to say she was going to sell her body. “I have nothing else to sell.  And all the money I have is pretty much gone.”

He was about to say something, when she turned to him, anger back in her. “Quit changing the subject!  You have to tell me where you are and what happened!  I thought you were dead!”   She started laughing when she tried to wear a cross face, and her laughter quickly turned into tears again.  “I thought you had been caught and were dead… I didn’t know what to do!”

He wiped her tears off her cheeks and she hugged him again. “Tell me what happened, please.”   She knew that Mirenna was probably calling for her by now, but she didn’t care.  This was her best and only friend in the world.  She had probably lost her job already today, so she it didn’t matter anymore.

Michelle Linwood

"I ... it's a long story.  Let's just say I tried to cut the wrong purse.  I had the choice between dying in an alley, or being taken elsewhere to learn to- ... to learn some special skills.  I didn't mean to leave you without a word."  Michelle couldn’t stop her hand as she slapped him again.  He deserved it, but her hand was starting to feel a little numb from the slapping.  Hmm I wonder if I can find something else to hit him with around here… "I've always wondered what happened with you.  I never thought you'd be ... here."

Michelle had to laugh, bitterly, at that.  Still here, in this dump?  She knew exactly what he meant.  She sunk down onto the bed, sighing. “You know I have too much pride for my own good,” she said, resting her head on the banister of the bed. “I couldn’t go home, and after you left… things just kept getting worse.  No one would hire me, and I had to work these low jobs.”

He sunk onto the bed beside her, and she moved to rest her head on his shoulder.  It was nice to finally have someone she could actually TALK to without being yelled at or having to flirt.  “And the place I was staying burned down last night, and I sold my pretty horse.  Do you remember?  She was so beautiful and the only horse I have ever owned.”

“Well, I am now to my last few coin.  I don’t have much, but I am still surviving.”   She didn’t want to think about her issues.  In fact, she didn’t even want to think about five minutes into the future, because eventually, she would crash into tonight and not even having somewhere to sleep… unless she hid somewhere in the kitchen.

Wiping off her tears, she sat up and turned to Arath, smiling. “So tell me, where did you go?  Special skills?  Come now, what happened to you?” She could see a small mark rising up on his cheek and she tenderly touched it, feeling a little bad.   “Oh Arath, I am so sorry for the mark!”

Michelle Linwood

"Michelle?" Oh my God… Oh my God… What in the hell happened to him… She couldn’t think.   "What are you ... Why ... Hi," Hi.  Hi?  That’s all he can say?   She slapped him across the face as hard as she could.  He had left her without even saying goodbye!  She had needed him, and he had left her!  “YOU LEFT ME!” she yelled, furious at him.  And then she fell into the chair beside him, hugging him tight.  “Oh my God, I thought you were dead.”

He seemed in as much shock as she was, and she looked around the empty room.  The other men had somehow disappeared, and she pointed at Arath.  “STAY THERE! If you move, I swear to the Creator I will hunt you down and kill you myself.” He nodded, in shock, and she dashed over to grab the things off the other table and rushed them into the kitchen.  Mirenna tried to say something about cleaning, but Michelle ignored her, rushing back out of the kitchen.

Back on the dining floor, she slid back over to the table where Arath now stood, his face half shock and half confused.  She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the dining room and, grabbing the keys off the hook behind the front desk, ran up the stairs, her skirts swirling, and pulled Arath into the first room she got to, opening the door with her keys, and shutting it and locking it.  As soon as she got in there, she had to pace for a moment, in shock, thinking. 

What in the hell had happened to him?   She had honestly thought he was dead.  Why did he leave her like that?  He had been her only friend and left her.  She looked back at him, standing in the doorway, a sad look on his face.  He was the same Arath, although a lot cleaner.  He had the same messy brown hair and the crazy green eyes.  She couldn’t help but hug him again, noticing that he was a lot stronger and healthier than he used to be.  She didn’t even care that she got wet from his damp clothes.

He held her tight for a moment before she pulled back, slapping him again.  “You left me!” she said, ready to cry.  “What happened to you?  I ended up in this rat hole, and have been struggling to get by, and you disappeared on me and just randomly show up looking all… clean!”   She hugged him again, in shock, but so furious.

Michelle Linwood

“Oh, and Michelle, don’t forget to wipe off all the tables.  I don’t want to see you back in this kitchen until all of those tables are spotless!”  Oh, shut up you old hag.  They are spotless.  Sorry you can see things that no one else can!   Michelle just had to roll her eyes and sigh, moving her skirts out of the kitchen and onto the dining floor as her boss, the evil Innkeeper Mirenna, continued to yell in the back.  The woman over-worked her, under-paid her, and over-stressed her.  Couldn’t Michelle just get a moment’s break?

She quickly tossed on a smile as she served a bowl of soup to two men and gave them both new mugs of ale.  They returned her smile and one slid his hand around her waste, joking around with her.  His words went in one ear and out the other as she just giggled and flirted for a moment, praying that a good tip was left on the table.  Light help me if I have to sleep on the streets tonight.

Hearing Mirenna’s words still ringing in her ear, she quickly grabbed a wet rag and began wiping down all the other tables.  It was midmorning and, while most people were just setting up shop, she couldn’t help but wish that more people would come into the inn.  She did not want a busy day, but needed the gold desperately.

The tables were wiped down, hastily, and she went back to check on the men.  There was no one else in the dining room, so she figured it was better to amuse herself out here and maybe make a few extra coin than go back into the kitchen and hear that old woman yell.  She heard the door open and close, the annoying bell ringing as a patron stepped inside.  “MICHELLE!” she heard yelled from the kitchen, and she had to simply wave her hand towards the patron. 

“Take a seat wherever you please, and I’ll be back in a moment.”   She hastily flashed a smile to the two men, who needed more ale, and she dashed back to the kitchen.  Mirenna was fussing about her bags, which she had stored under a cabinet.  “How many times do I have to tell you; you don’t live in this kitchen!”  Michelle had to glance away, wincing, remembering that just the evening before, her only home and apartment had burned down.  All she had in the world was stored in those bags, and she didn’t even know where she would sleep tonight.

“I have to get back out there,” she said, grabbing three mugs of ale, and dashing out of the kitchen before the old woman could say anything more.  Two mugs went to her men that were almost done, and she saw them both shifting for a few coins from their fat purses.  Her fingers ached to steal a few extra coins, but she held back, knowing that she would feel so guilty later on.  Damn my conscience.

Going over to the patron, she saw his head bowed low, and a dark cloak over his shoulders.  She had seen a few men like this before.  They wore all black, and she had an unfortunate feeling they were a part of some devious organization that could break her in half with just a glance.  Well, doesn’t hurt to try and be flirtatious.

Setting down the mug of ale, she leaned down towards him, smiling.  He was bent over, looking at something in his lap.  “Hi there!  What can I get for you?” she asked, wearing her best smile and batting her eyes.  He looked up, and she thought she would pass out.  This was a face she had never thought would be seen again.  “ARATH!”

Michelle Linwood

ok, so YAY! I am going to swiftly move this thread from "help me write a bio" to "anyone wanna rp?"

http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,36620.0.html

The bio has been CCd and approved.  Arath and I have to do a thread to bring her cutie patootie to the Tower, then she will be arriving! 

She is gonna work in the inn if you want any ideas on how to meet her.  Warning, read the personality - she is not butterflies and sunshine!

And, just to clarify, EVENTUALLY, like a few months down the road, she is gonna do the laundry and deserts thing!  Not like immediately! *giggles at Covai who was confused*

So yeah, anyone wanna RP getting told off? :D

EDIT: Forgot to mention, who do I ask about possibly learning WS?  I know that Civies used to be able to have a WS, but is that still the possibility?  I think we used to have to go through Freelanders WS, because we were a bit of each, but what is the policy now?  If anyone can point me in the right direction of who to ask / policies, would love to know, as it would give me something to do (IC and OOC) with her.

Grrr, I love her being 13.  She is so cute!  And she is funny!  (hello, she whiped her boogers on miryana's skirt!)  Is there any way that I can have her just hanging around the stedding for two years till they feel she is old enough to handle the training?

And the reason I was asking about self teaching is because I know yall are sooo busy!  I was hoping to just do it myself until yall are unbusy with Real Life, so that yall dont have to worry about it!

(Edited because I realised that it was giving a tone I didnt intend, aka I posted when I first woke up and my brain wasnt functioning yet)

The woman before her sat back, and stared for a moment, before leaning forward slightly.  Her eyes went to the teapot on her desk, and Mel looked there as well.  She saw the teapot slowly rise up off the table and pour two cups of tea.  Her eyes could not leave it as it slowly rested back on the desk.  The Aes Sedai seemed so calm, but Mel thought she would pass out or her heart would fly from her chest.  That was not normal!  Things do not just fly off of a table into mid air!  This has to be some type of trick!

“Child, I might not regret allowing you to fritter away your ability, but you certainly will.”  Ugh, ability?  She calls being an Aes Sedai ability?  It was a curse more than anything!  All freedom was lost upon having this special ‘ability’.  “Why use that,” Mel saw her point at her sword, and she almost whimpered in her chair.  They would not take her sword from her.  “when you can do this?”

A sword was formed before her.  What in the blasted light?  She had created a sword in mid air. “In fact, why use that, when there are so many other options available to you?”  And suddenly the sword was gone, and instead Mel was trapped in her chair.  She was too upset and shocked to struggle, and stayed still, not moving as the chair went up in the air and then back down.  Oh Light, they are going to torture me!

“So, why not give channeling a chance?” Mel sat back in the chair, her head spinning.  She saw the teacup that had been poured for her and, in order to avoid passing out AGAIN, she reached for it and took a slow sip, centering her attention on it.  She shifted in her chair slightly, then set the tea cup back down, wincing at the bitter taste.  No wonder she had stuck to Ale and Water all this time.

“Ok.  I can channel.  And I will give it a chance.  But I have to know a few things first.”   The Aes Sedai nodded as if she could continue.  “Alright.  First, I need to know if I can keep my things.  I have some things from my family that… I treasure them, and would be grateful to keep them.”  The Aes Sedai sat back in her chair, as if considering the matter, so Mel went on.

“Also, you may be able to create that sword, but this sword-“ and she indicated the one at her side “-has been with me for a long time.  I would like to keep it with me.  I would never use it against someone, but it is…” She didn’t want to call it a security blanket, although at the moment, that was exactly how she felt.  “I would just like to keep it.”

The Aes Sedai poured herself another cup of tea, then set back in her chair again.  Maybe if Mel was more open to this idea of ‘channeling’ then she could keep her things.  “And will you please tell me more about this White Tower?  Jaydena Sedai did not explain much to me, and I would like to learn more.  I honestly don’t know much about Aes Sedai either, so I would like to know more…”

After all, she couldn’t run away if this woman had her things…

Melainia Mosagina

ACTUALLY! I talked with Arath earlier and my bio is already up on the bio boards needing a CC! *pokes pokes pokes*

And I have the pattern all laid out now, including the Sign on the back, and I have found the PERFECT lace, remind me to take a picture of it for you.  Now, just waiting to go to VA in two weeks and go to the fabric store to find something better.

And send me that red fabric!  I may use it for my dress.

*hugs tight to Covai* I lurves you Luke!

Anyways, Adawyn was annoying cause she was so.... perfect.  Yeah, eww perfect.

So, I would rather do something from scratch.  Arath and Tai, contact me on msn and we can talk about working on something.

BTW, Im glad I finally got a response.  I was starting to think I stunk or something :(

After I abandoned him....

Anyways.  I used to have a BT Civie.  She was Covai's cousin, and got to come to the tower and hang out and make trouble, and yada yada.  Anyways, after I disappeared, Covai went and got busy *glares* and has no time for my little Adawyn.

So, I guess what I'm saying is, being a BT Civie was fun!  I really enjoyed just hanging out, but I never got to really develop her.  I wanted her to like make a cool little restaurant or something, ya know?  Open up her house to be a laundro mat or something and fix yummy meals.

But, with Covai busy, I can't really continue Adawyn.

So, I am going to create a BT Civie.  But being alone is no fun!

So, does anyone have a sister?  Or a friend?  Or just someone they had back home?  I dont care if you wrote your bio 3 years ago and want to bring someone from back home in, or if you are on your way to the Farm now and pick me up along the way.

Any ideas will be welcome - message me at gamecox5989@hotmail.com on msn or post here or so yeah.  Gonna stop blabbing now.

Christine

Skylar has been moved to 15 now, after running around the Stedding for 2 years making trouble.  (Pretend)Now, I need some teachers!

Dream Lessons 1 & 2

Senses Lesson

Basic Weapon Training

She has not chosen a weapon and is going to be a Sage.  I do not mind writing my own class, but I have not found any formats for classes.  So, what I need is this:

1. Someone to teach me a class.

2. A format for the classes.

3. Even better, a group class for a few of us!

If anyone else out there is also looking to get some of these classes done, then let me know!

Also, if I am gonna have to teach myself the class (Which I dont mind doing) then is there an NPC I can use or do I need to write a bio (dont mind doing at all) or what?

Just looking for details so we can get to leveling up our little wolfpups!

Thanks, Christine

"Melainia Mosagina.  She was tested."

The door slamming shut behind her, Melainia Mosagina jumped, startled, and twisted quickly to see the door shut tight behind Jaydena Sedai.  Turning back around to see the woman before her, Mel took in the sight to see.  There was a large desk before her, stacked with papers and books.  Tall bookshelves were to one side, and a large fireplace on the other.  The walls had beautiful red tapestries, and there were elegant candles with red gems to one side.  A soft, rich red rug was on the floor, and as Mel looked around, there was a warming, graceful red glow to the room. What was it Jaydena Sedai had called herself?  Green Ajah?  Well, whatever an Ajah is, this Aes Sedai must be red.

Turning to her left, she noticed a glass fronted cabinet with a strap and slipper inside.  What in the light is that for?   She then saw a huge mirror against the same wall as the door, and Mel had to turn and look at her reflection.  Her long blonde hair had a film of dust on the long braid that was sitting over her shoulder.  Her pale white skin was slightly darker from the dust as well, but still had a slightly rosy glow.  Her tan breeches hung loosely to her hips and her white shirt clung to the slight glistening sweat that had arisen from the ride in the carriage.  Her new boots were still being broken in and she could feel the blisters on her feet.

Turning back to the Aes Sedai, she shifted her pack from one arm to the other.  Inside, she had one change of clothes and her family’s possessions – a few books from her father and her mother’s few feminine items.  The sword hung at her hip and she placed her hand over the hilt and bowed low before the woman that was slowly rising from her desk.  She was a tall woman, with dark hair and dark skin.  She wore a flowing red dress that was modest yet still fashionable.  She had a motherly face to her, and had a sweet smile that almost made Mel feel welcomed…. Almost.

“As Jaydena Sedai said,” that stupid old witch, “my name is Melainia Mosagina.  She brought me from Shienar, after she told me I could channel.  I have no idea what is going on, but I did see men outside training, and I would much prefer to join them.”  The woman had an odd smirk on her face, and returned to her seat, sitting back in the chair, as if welcoming Mel in.  Mel slid into the chair in front of the desk, and continued her plea.  “All of you ladies seem so prim and proper, and I am just a country girl.  Let me train with my sword, and not with this power that Jaydena Sedai seems to think I posses.  I promise, you will not regret it.”  Oh Light, I don’t like this already…

Melainia Mosagina

Mel laid in bed for the next two days, hoping that she would wake up from this nightmare.  She didn’t want to go to Tar Valon.  She didn’t want to be an Aes Sedai.  And more than anything, she did NOT want to be stuck with Jaydena Sedai any longer.  The site of the woman sickened her.  It was like she had this eternal smug face that she was better than everyone around her.  What this woman deserved was a good kick in the buttox, and as soon as possible.  With those men around her, it was like she was the Queen of Andor or something!  Even Lady Blake bowed down to her like she was the Blessed Mother herself. I swear to the Creator, if she makes me bow down and kiss her toes like everyone else is, I am going to spew all over her perfect little slippers.

When they finally left for Tar Valon, Mel had completely new clothes.  What was wrong with her old ones?  She was given a new pair of breeches and shirt, as well as a bunch of clean socks and new boots.  They even made her throw out her old items!  And then… the worst of all… she was given a dress.  A dress.  What in the Light am I supposed to do with that?  It was promptly burned in the fire, which then got her a glare from Jaydena and was not replaced.  Thank the Creator THAT insanity is over with.  The day I wear a dress is the day I die.

The ride was spent in a carriage the entire time.  All Mel could taste in her mouth was dust and dirt.  She wanted to ride a horse and feel the wind in her hair and the sun on her face.  When nightfall came, she kicked off her shoes and felt the soft grass underneath her feet and slept under the stars, enjoying the taste of nature.  A city would never be the place for her – out in the woods was simply where she belonged, enjoying the simple country.  Hopefully, Tar Valon would not be too big.

"Well Melainia, welcome to Tar Valon, the greatest city in the world and your new home."  Oh Snap.  This was so not anything like home.

They were led into the city, through winding busy streets, and Mel could smell the fragrance of fresh bred and fruit through the curtains.  Well, maybe city life isn’t so bad.  I wonder how much time we will spend out here.  Then she saw a huge White Tower out of the corner of her eye.  Anything could be placed beside it, and the huge Tower would make it appear a dwarf.  Whoever lived there had to be important.

As they got closer and closer to the tower, Mel realized that was indeed their destination.  They pulled into a yard beside the opening of the tower, and Mel could see men training nearby.  She asked the stablehand, who helped them out of the carriage, who that was.  He answered her that that was the Warders Yard, the men who protected Tar Valon and the Aes Sedai.  Warders Yard?  Mel looked at the men that had traveled with Jaydena Sedai.  Were they Warders as well?  That was certainly something she could do.

Jaydena Sedai whisked her away up stairs and through long halls, till they arrived at an office door.  Jaydena Sedai opened the door and pushed her inside.  There was a woman sitting behind a large desk with many papers on it.  “Melainia Mosagina.  She was tested.” And with that, Jaydena Sedai slammed the door, leaving Mel alone.  Oh My…

Melainia Mosagina

Rurak just stared at her for a moment, almost in shock.  What, had he never seen a woman be polite and flirtatious before?  He motioned her through the door, and she met the Quartermaster.  He took measurements for gear and clothes, and inspected her weapon and the belt she wore it through.  After getting his approval, she was given her duty to report for training the next day in the infirmary, where she would meet everyone she needed to and find out about training.

Growing tired, the Sergeant knew exactly what she needed and rushed her to her new rooms.  He opened the door and set her saddlebags down, welcoming her to her new room.  "Here you go ma'am. I must return to my post, the corporal has been left in charge long enough. However, if you need anything, just send word to the archers, it'll get to me somehow, or of course talk to your own superior officer. I hope you rest well and enjoy your stay here with the band of the red hand."

With that, he turned around and left her standing there.  What an odd man.  The entire time, he seemed to be more scared than welcoming.  What was to be scared of?  She wouldn’t bite him!  Ah well, she would certainly send word through the archers to see him again.  As he was the only person he knew here, she would make sure to keep in touch.

Looking around her new room, she saw a simple bed in the corner.  There was a wash stand beside it with a cupboard over top.  There was a window that was closed beside that, and she opened it, letting the cool, beginning night air flow in.  Along the next wall was a small wardrobe, which was empty.  Then there was a bench, and a weapons rack.    Last but not least was a small desk.  It was simple, but would do.

Shaylor opened up her bags, pulling a few items at a time out of her bags.  Her breeches and spare dress went up in the wardrobe, and then her extra shift.  She took her other shoes and boots and set them under the bench.  Her gladius went on the rack to one side, and then she took off her cloak and set it in the closet.  Opening up the other pack, she pulled out her few books and set them on the desk.  Next came a few personal care items, which she set in the cupboard. 

Sitting down at the desk, she found a scrap of parchment and a pen and ink.  Staring at the paper for a moment, she considered what to write.  How would it be polite to say she wanted to see the Sergeant again, to thank him for his kindness.  Staring at the paper for another few moments, she pushed it aside, kicked off her slippers, slid out of her dress, and fell asleep on her bed, hair unbrushed, skin unwashed, and stomach unfed, happy to have a new home.

"Here, let me get those for you." What a gentleman!  He stepped forward immediately and grabbed her bags.  She smiled and let him take them, enjoying the feeling of blood returning to her hands.  Light, she didn’t have that much, but it was certainly heavy.  As they continued to walk, the Sergeant spoke about the Band, but Shaylor didn’t pay it much attention.  There was so much more to see and look at, she just couldn’t hold her attention to anything for long.

"You know, it was only a few days ago that I was here re-enlisting with the band. I'd been away from it for a while for...personal reasons. I got to see the world but I knew my place was here. Anyhow...here's the recruiter's office."  She realized they were at another building and he opened the door for her, smiling.  He had a pretty smile with his beautiful blue eyes, and she had to return the smile.  There was a man behind a desk that the Sergeant saluted and  then led her to.  "Sir, I have the newest would be recruit for the band. I'll turn her over to you for now."

Smiling to the recruiter, she put her hands behind her back and stared back at him.  After a few minutes, it got a little awkward, and the man finally spoke. ""Well...let me know why the band of the red hand should even enlist someone as yourself. From the looks of you, you're not overly familiar with weapons, though you carry that gladius well. What do you have to offer the band? Should you join you will be required to foreswear all previous allegiances and from the looks of you you're nobly born. Are you prepared to give up those ties?" "

“But of course!” Shaylor said, smiling to the man.  “I am well practiced with herbs and medicine and have trained some as a nursemaid.  I would like to serve here as a medic, sir.”   The man nodded and had her sign a few papers before the Sergeant led her out of the building and onto the next one.

As they went to the next door and the Sergeant reached to open it for her, she stopped his hand with hers, reaching out to stop the door from opening.  He looked towards her in shock and she smiled, speaking quickly.  “I just wanted to thank you!  You have been so sweet leading me around.  If there is anything you ever need, well, since I am here now, I guess you can always find me in the infirmary.”

Shaylor Carlisle

"My apologies..." Amazing! There was a man out there with manners!  She hadn’t met anyone so polite in leagues!  And that was including that stupid Aes Sedai.  She flashed him another smile, as if rewarding him.  All men needed to feel they were being rewarded.  It made them want to continue helping her.

"It seems that you might be looking for a stablehand? I can have him take care of your horse for you if you wish while I can get you signed up and settled in, though if you prefer to take care of him yourself, that is understandable. I don't pretend to understand horses. I prefer the ground under my feet, but I've noticed that many in the cavalry prefer to take care of their own horse personally. It's a beautiful animal.. where did you come by it?"

A stable hand walked up as if to take the reins, and Shaylor held tight for a moment.  She studied the boy, who was practically a man, and he nodded his head.  He seemed to know what he was doing, so she followed the man back to the stall that was empty, and would now go to her beloved horse.  “I do believe she could use a good wash down” she told the stable hand, who nodded and dashed off to get the needed items.

Her fingers were quick and nimble as they slid onto the buckles that held the saddle on.  “Well, my father gave her to me when I was a little girl.  I am from a minor house in Ghealden, and have grown up with her.”  She continued to work on the reins and set everything aside.  The stable hand was back, and Shaylor moved aside to let him work. 

She picked up her saddle bags from where she had layed them and open up her coin pouch.  Taking out a few coins, she slid them into the stable hands palm.  “Take good care of my mare, and you shall see more of that,” she said to the man, returning the smile he gave her. 

Picking up the other bag, she noticed how heavy they were.  Would the Lieutenant offer a hand, ask another man to help them or leave her to her struggles?  “Now, where did you want to lead me?” she asked.

Shaylor Carlisle

The handsome man had glanced away as she situated into her proper clothing.  What was he, prehistoric?  Well, at least he hadn’t ogled her like some farm boy that had never seen grace and beauty before.  "I am from here in the Two Rivers and my name is Lieutenant Rurak Gistere."  A Lieutenant?  Well, he had to certainly be important then, and Shaylor flashed him a pretty little smile to say her thanks for him being the one to step out here and greet her.

“You make keep your weapon, you'll find that you won't make it far if you want to cause trouble here. There are plenty of soldiers around to stop that. And I have a few questions for you if you don't mind. What business do you have with the band of the red hand to have come all the way here to the citadel? If you would come this way..."

Taking the reigns of her darling horse, Shaylor followed the man, ready to speak and give her answers.  It wasn’t as if she hadn’t given these answers a hundred times before, but they had to ask, and it was only polite to answer.  After all, he had been so polite so far, she felt rude to give him a tart answer. "Corporal, you have the command here til I return."

Shaylor gave a pretty smile to the man that had been acknowledged by the man.  She waited till they had gone a few steps inside the great walls and she noticed the other men with them were stepping away.  She looked back forward again and let the amazing sight greet her eyes.  There were grand towers and buildings, and it seemed like everything was so uniform but still busy.

“Well, Lieutenant Gister,” she said, using his formal name, “to answer your question, I am in search of my brother, Derek.  He is my age, a bit taller than I, and has dark hair but the same green eyes.”  She looked at him for a moment to show the startling family feature that she shared with her only friend.  “He is an amazing swordmaster, and had run away from our family after…” There was no reason to tell him of what had happened with her husband, nor of what had happened to her lover.

“Anyways, I know that he wanted to join an Army and fight for a cause, so I have searched many a places.  I heard rumors of the Band, as you call it, and decided to test my luck.  Irregardless of him being here or not, I would like to join, or at least stay here.  I have no where else to really go, and I have traveled a long way and am weary of the road, day in and out.”

They had approached a stable, and Shaylor turned to her horse real quick.  Petting her thick soft mane, she kissed her ‘Heart’ on the nose before taking a step towards the stables.  “I am an amazing healer and excel at herbs, if you have any need of medics…”   Glancing around for a stable hand, she turned to the Lieutenant.  “I am sorry to be a bother, but is there any chance I can take care of my horse?  I know she is just as tired as me and needs a good rub down.  After that, I will gladly go anywhere you need to take me.”

Shaylor Carlisle

OOC: SINCE WHEN? this is almost the EXACT SAME post i posted originally!  and she didnt just FIND it, she was looking for it.