"Now we get you out of those clothes and into a hot bath! Excuse me for saying but you do need one just a wee bit." Aislyn wrinkled her nose and grinned to take the sting out of the words. She rose and took the now empty tray off Rahien and asked him to follow her. She led him through a doorway and down a long corridor, stopping briefly to take the tray into the kitchen and to show Rahien where he might find everything should he fancy a snack or something to drink later on.

"You can help yourself to what you like, all we ask is that you leave everything tidy after you've finished and also if you use up something leave a note so we know to replace it." Aislyn nodded to the girls washing up and indicated to Rahien that he should follow her again. They re-entered the corridor and, a few doors down, came to the room he'd be staying in for a while.

"Here we are" Aislyn said as she opened the door revealing a small, clean but plain room containing a bed, closet, a comfy chair, a shelf of books and a set of drawers. "This will be your room for a while. There are clothes in the closet and drawers, just rummage until you find something that fits. But...." she said as Rahien went to step into the room. "first a bath..."

She led the way further down the corridor, pointing out her room on the way and telling him that he can call on her if he needed anything, and down some stairs into the basement where there was a small changing room with a communal bathroom leading off it. One of the baths was full of steaming water. "Off you go, leave your clothes outside the door and we'll wash them and return them to you in the morning. There are clean robes on the wall over there and clean towels in that cupboard. Don't worry, there's no-one in the infirmary at present, saving myself and a few trainees, so you'll be undisturbed. Take as long as you like."  She paused and grinned. "Tomorrow I'll find you a mentor. They will help you in your training, but for now, the bath!"

Floating the Gem in between them with a flow of Air, Larindrha began to speak in a low, calm, steady voice. "Now Kharal, focus on the Gem in front of you, let nothing distract you. Keep your eyes and concentration on the Gem." She kept a low monologue going and was soon rewarded with a small flash of light in the Gem. Lowering it to the desk she smiled at Kharal. "You can learn to Channel, child. Congratulations!" After putting the gem back in the drawer, Larindhra wrote a brief description next to Kharal's name in the book.

"Where do you hail from and how old are you?" She asked and wrote down the offered information. "We need to get you in Whites. Follow me."  Larindhra led Kharal to a small side room where she sorted out a few dresses that looked they might fit her. "Try some of these on and find one that fits then rejoin me in the office and I'll take you through the rules and find you a mentor." Leaving Kharal in the anteroom, Larindhra returned to her office to see who she could pair the novice up with.

"Excellent, Child." Larindhra said whilst wondering what it was about Domani woman that meant that they could make anything they wear look elegant, even if it was a very worn Novice dress.

Smoothing her skirts she sat at her desk once more. "Let's get you assigned to a mentor. They are there to answer any questions you may have and to help you wherever and whenever necessary." Larindhra opened a small book containing lists of names. Flicking through the pages she came across a name that would suffice. "Your mentor will be an Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, Gianna su Riatin. When you leave here, someone will show you to your assigned room and then you are to visit Gianna Sedai. I will pen a note to her and let her know of your arrival. Ask any Novice or Accepted and they will be able to point you to the Blue quarters." Dipping her quill in the ink, Larindhra entered Nina's name next to Gianna's and blotted the ink carefully. Next she outlined the rules to Nina and made sure that she was taking them on board.

"Now then, off you go. Tell Ariena, the Accepted outside that you are to be taken to the Novice Quarters and shown your room."

OOC: One more post from you and you're home and dry! Welcome to the Tower! :D

Alaya shivered in the cold. She'd relaxed a lot since her arrival but she still couldn't shake off the feeling that she should go home, despite Miryana's repeated gentle explanations that she couldn't. Still, Alaya looked forward to this class. Anything she was given to learn she would in the hope it would bring forward the time that she could return home.

She listened to Owen's explanation about how their heightened senses were a blessing and frowned despite herself. A blessing was hardly the word she would use to describe something that had turned her life upside down and alienated her from all she'd ever known and loved. But still, she could grudgingly see how some would see it so, even if she did not agree, so she smoothed the frown from her face and concentrated on the lesson at hand. When bidden, she rose with the others and took a blindfold off the pile and put it on almost eagerly. If she could pass this lesson then maybe she could finally go home.

She sat still and let the sounds and the smells of her surroundings become clear. She took a few deep breaths and tried to focus on the smells and sounds at the edges of her senses, ignoring those closer for the time being.

A faint sound of chopping wood came on the breeze, bringing with it the smell of fresh cut pine. She inhaled deeply through her nose. A jumble of scents told her that a pack of wolves were not too far away, they seemed to be sitting, watching, for some reason that didn't disturb her as much as it used to. A crackle of twigs and a scent of a squirrel became apparent, so too did the smell of fresh laundry and the flap of clothes on the line. Alaya smiled, Miryana was getting the other apprentices to do the laundry today and, thanks to this class, Alaya had been excused.

She started when a hand touched her shoulder, she had been so intent on the things at the edge of her perception that she had completely blocked out the smells and sounds of those in her immediate surroundings. She heard the soft timbre of Owen's voice and relaxed. Taking a deep breath she told him what she had smelled and heard and then listened to what he had to say in return. Taking his advice to heart, Alaya concentrated on discovering what the others had managed to detect and she hadn't, she also suppressed a small amount of pride when some of the others hadn't smelled or heard something she had.

Soon Owen called a halt and led them all inside for a hot meal, much to Alaya's relief, she felt half frozen. She tucked in to the hot food eagerly, Light she was sure she'd never been so cold! Sipping her hot tea she was pleased to hear that the second half of the lesson was to be conducted indoors. Following everyone to the seats that had been set up for the purpose, she watched as Owen called Rhya to stand by him. When Owen asked for them to pair up she looked around wondering who she could pair up with, so she missed the first part of Owen's speech. Her attention was brought back to Owen with a rush when he raised his voice and positively reeked of anger. Poor Rhya didn't seem to know where to look or what to do and Alaya's eyes opened wide and shot from Owen to Rhya and back again in ever growing alarm.

After what seemed like an Age, Owen smiled and the anger dissipated. Alaya released a breath she wasn't even aware she'd been holding and listened in wonder as Owen explained that it was a mask of sorts and told them to pair up and try it. It seemed that Winterwinds and Rahien wanted to pair up and Owen was continuing the lesson with Rhya so that left Myra. Alaya turned to her and smiled tentatively.

"Do you want to go first or shall I?"

Aislyn laughed. "That's a lot of questions! Ok, where to begin.." she mused as he ate. "Firstly let me reassure you that you'll get your clothes back - they will be cleaned and pressed and mended is all." She paused, watching in amusement as Rahien polished the plate clean.

"Life here is good, it's peaceful and quiet, though that's not to say there isn't fun and excitement at times. Most people are really friendly, once you to get to know them. The training depends on who's available to teach. We don't have as rigorous training schedule, it's more flexible than that, although you will be expected to complete your training before you can leave the Stedding. We want to ensure that you can take care of yourself, you see. Once you've completed your training you can leave the Stedding, indeed some leave for months on end, but they always come back to visit. Some people, like myself, haven't left the Stedding since they arrived because they love it here so much. " She stopped with a smile.

"Now, what have I forgotten to answer...oh yes. Who is in charge here? There is no 'one' person in charge. We have a Head of the Rangers, a Head of the Trackers, a Head of the Watchers and even a Head of the Sages. They all rule, if such a term is the right one, together in a council. Have you any more questions? And would you prefer seconds or a slice of pie?" Aislyn asked, looking in open amusement at the empty plate.

Rahien's wariness was not lost on Aislyn, his body all but screamed tension. Aislyn was used to the initial mistrust and fear that wanderers exhibited though and so she kept a warm smile on her face as she sat down in the chair opposite Rahien. She ensured her body language was as open and friendly as possible, she knew that little things like that went a long way to making people feel at ease.

"Well, once we've got you fed and warm, we'll find you a place to stay and get you a hot bath and some new clothes." Aislyn answered his question in a warm and friendly tone. "Tomorrow we'll introduce you to some of the others in the Stedding and see about getting you settled in." She paused and studied the young man in front of her.

"Are you not hungry? There's plenty more where that came from and some fresh baked apple pie for pudding. Come and eat, and if you've any questions you can ask me whilst you are eating and I'll answer them to the best of my ability."

Larindhra studied the young woman stood before her, noting the way she stood and the way she met her gaze matter-of-factly. Larindhra had seen a lot of young women, through the years, who had stood in that same spot and demanded that they become Aes Sedai. Some had made it, most hadn't, despite their determination and ambition. Tower life was hard and 'demanding' was an understatement.

She nodded nonetheless and indicated that the woman take a seat at her desk.

"Right, let's start with the basics. I first need to know whether you've been Tested to see if you can Channel. If you have then we can get you entered into the Novice book right now and get you assigned to a Mentor, if you haven't then I shall test you. What's your name, child? " As she spoke, in a crisp, no nonsense voice, she readied the Novice book and lifted the gem she used for testing out of a drawer with a flow of Air. 

Larindhra

Mistress of Novices

Aislyn entered the room, leaving the door open behind her. The young man standing there seemed tense and ill at ease so Aislyn determined to make him more comfortable.

"Welcome to the Stedding, Rahien. My name is Aislyn and I am what's known here as a Sage. I cater to the physical and mental well-being of those here in the Stedding." She paused with a friendly smile and continued in a warm tone. "Please won't you join me and sit? Hot food and drink is being prepared as we speak, I'm sure you must be hungry." As she spoke she indicated through the door she had left open, through which soft comfortable easy chairs could be seen.

"I've heard you've travelled a long way, I'm sure you want to get out of those clothes and have a hot bath too, but we'll get to that once you've something hot inside you." She kept her tone light but warm, ready to gauge his reactions at every step so she could adjust accordingly. Everyone had a different reaction to their arrival at the Stedding and Aislyn had seen and dealt with a good many of them so she was reasonably confident that she could deal with whatever this young man threw at her.

Just as she was stepping through the doorway, the door on the opposite side of the room opened and a trainee entered bearing a tray laden with a steaming bowl of beef stew and hunks of fresh bread. Aislyn indicated that she should set it on the table and turned to see the reaction of the new arrival to the food.

Excellent song - cool pics :)

Aislyn was in her infirmary checking the stocks and listing what was running low. The trainee sages would have be getting a lecture this afternoon it seemed. They'd let some salves run shamefully low and some of the medicines had obviously not been stored correctly and fresh ones would need to be made. Tutting to herself quietly, she added a note about one of her trainee's awful handwriting. What's the point of having labels if it can't be read?

She turned and faced the door a moment before Winifred entered. "Hello, Winifred. What brings you here today, a new arrival or a personal visit?" she queried with a pleasant smile.

Aislyn

Oblivious to what's in store...

"It's beyond most of us" Aislyn replied gently, taking no offence at the irritated tone. "Some people don't like those that are different, they fear change and fear often turns otherwise rational people, into, well..."she paused trying to find the right word or phrase "into an angry and violent mob." She studied the young girl in front of her, the food forgotten for the moment. "No-one is implying that you were 'run out of where you lived with torches and pitchforks', I'm merely mentioning that because others here were." Aislyn paused for a moment.

"I'm sure you feel fine, and indeed you are a picture of health, but I'm equally certain that you've noticed other changes, aside from your eye colour? Maybe you've not admitted to it to anyone, maybe not even to yourself, but they are there nonetheless. You've found your hearing is much sharper than anyone else's, you can see much farther and clearer in the dark than your peers. Your sense of smell is more acute than others....Am I right?" Aislyn didn't want to mention the dreams and the other things that came part and parcel with the Howling, at least, not yet.

Aislyn

Trying to explain...

Larindhra's face remained impassive as the child told her story - or what little of it she could bring herself to mention. She'd heard many stories of similar content before and once again it tugged at her heartstrings.

"Well you're here now and safe in the Tower." She spoke gently and warmly. "What's done is done and you must put it behind you and concentrate on becoming Aes Sedai." Larindhra smiled and continued. "You are now officially enrolled in the White Tower. We must get you into novice whites and then we can sort out who is to be your mentor. Follow me please."

Rising from her chair she led the way to a small anteroom and found out a few novice dresses that looked to be the same size as Nina. "Try these on for size, find one that fits and join me again in my office." Larindhra said and left Nina to try the dresses on.

Some Domani found it difficult to adjust to the plain and oft-worn clothing and Larindhra wondered if Nina would be no exception.

Larindrha wrote down the details into the book and sighed inwardly at the amount of girls that forgot the name of their testing Aes Sedai. The child's biting tone did not pass her by either, nor her standing and going to leave.

With a sharp tone Larindrha commanded the child to sit until she was dismissed. "You will also speak with more respect and humility, child, or else you will see this office far more than you would like, believe me. We've had everyone from Queens to paupers here and all learn to speak to Aes Sedai with the respect due and I expect you to be no different." She carefully blotted the ink and shut the book and raised her eyes to the child to see the effect her words had on her.

Honestly! What are they teaching children these days? She thought privately to herself.

I'm up for a class!

Congrats Tai!  ;D

Thanks Elgee love - I was just coming to update the latest MoN stuff and you're already ahead of me  :-*

After hearing a knock on the door for what seemed to be the umpteenth time that morning, Larindrha found herself raising her voice rather more that she intended. She shifted the shawl on her shoulders in a rare show of irritation. Really Larindrha, you ought to be used at being disturbed at all hours by now! She berated herself whilst maintaining an expressionless face. An Aes Sedai walked in followed by a young woman who appeared to be a little in awe.

"Yes?" Larindrha asked the Sister.

The Sister practically smirked, obviously amused at Larindrha's short temper. "This is Devrion, she is here to enrol as a Novice. She has already been tested and can learn to Channel." With a nod and a bare scrape of a curtsey, the Sister left, leaving Larindrha glowering at her back.

Snapping back to herself, Larindrha smiled at the young woman and indicated for her to take a seat.

"Well child, lets get you entered into the book." Larindrha said as she pulled the tome towards her. "Full name, age and address please and tell me whether you arrived here on your own. I also need to know the name of the Sister that tested you." she asked, quill poised over the book and studying the child before her.

The poor girl looked lost. Aislyn could practically feel the walls that Arienna had thrown up to protect herself from getting hurt.

"While we eat, I'll tell you more about us shall I? Feel free to ask questions whenever you like." Aislyn said putting as much warmth into her voice as possible. "I know you must be scared and want to go home, Arienna, you're not the first to feel like that. Even I was homesick when I first came here and now there is nowhere else I'd rather be." She smiled warmly at Rhian and Arienna. "No doubt you've noticed that you have senses that are more attuned than most peoples? Well, here everyone is the same. We all arrived here either through a desire to find our own kind, or through persecution and a need for sanctuary." 

"Here is the safest place for all of us. Some people choose to leave, once we've taught them all we can - though most come back for visits." Aislyn leaned forward and cut a slice of freshly baked bread and smeared it with butter as she spoke. "What filling would you like Arienna?"

Aislyn

Offering food and comfort

Larindrha looked up from her work and smiled at the Accepted. "Thank you, Darlyne." The Accepted curtsied and left and Larindrha felt a brief surge of satisfaction, Darlyne was turning out to be a good candidate for the Red Ajah.

Rising from her chair, Larindrha appraised the young girl standing before her. She noted the girl's assessment and her obvious conclusion and an amused smile crossed her lips. "Welcome to the White Tower. My name is Larindrha Sedai, I am the Mistress of Novices and I will see to your testing. Take a seat and we shall begin." She spoke firmly but politely and indicated the chair in front of the desk.

Once she was seated Larindrha reached into her drawer and drew out the gem she used for the Testing.  Raising the gem with a flow of Air she suspended it in between them, and fed a thin trickle of Spirit into it. "Concentrate on the Gem child and relax. Keep your breathing slow and even and you'll be fine." Larindrha kept her voice low and soothing until there was a small flash in the Gem.

"Excellent, child. It seems you have the ability to learn to Channel." Setting the gem back on the desk, Larindrha pulled out the book and readied her quill.

"Now where in Arad Doman are you from, how old are you and did you travel here on your own?" She asked in quick succession.

Character name - Larindrha Reyne

Handle: Kara_J

Link:

Introduction (Shadow Child)

Meet the MoN RP :)

Larindhra looked down at the pile of files on her desk and rubbed her temple wearily. Why is it, when we have the least number of Novices enrolling for years, I manage to have four times as much paperwork? She asked herself grumpily.

A knock on the door was all the excuse she needed to push it to one side and out of her mind. "Enter!" she called clearly.

An Accepted opened the door, ushered a determined-looking young woman in, curtseyed and left without a word.

"Yes?" Larindhra asked, raising an eyebrow.

Larindhra

Mistress of Novices

Unknowingly about to receive more paperwork

I'll try and catch up over the next few days! Sorry, i wasn't aware of anything needing my attention - my fault for not checking by *slaps wrist*

Welcome Taya!  :-* I'm sure Deanne will have fun teaching some classes ;)

Carina's redemption? - Raslyn's mentee

http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,40304.0.html

Saving her mentee's honour.

Are you going to deny the Savior?

http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,39313.0.html

Demanding an explanation from the Highest.

*yawns* Here in body - not sure about spirit yet :P