The guarded look of resignation as she fell in beside him raced a thrill of exhilaration deep within. There was hope she may yet come around but he was going to be cautious none the less. So far there was nothing she could pick out of his words that could be held against him and indicate what he might be planning. The time would come when he would have to reveal that little tidbit but it was not time yet. With her silently at his side he moved off down the street intended on two stops before he lead her back to the Tower.

 

Bits and oddities skittered across the cobblestones; given life to move by the touch of a gentle breeze as Corin made his way along a side street with his silent white partner sweeping along at his side; eyes still down cast. A tangible thread of chivalry tried several time to come to her aid; remind him of the child she was. But hard cold determination shredded the honorable thought with ruthless precision. Turning down a dim and dirty alleyway he noted the hesitation of his companion, “stay if you want but I’m going back to the Tower with or without you. The choice is yours.†He continued on, his steps the only sound in the alleyway for several moments before the rushed sounds of swishing skirts behind him and then her rhythm matched his own as she continued to follow. The grin that split his face offered many insights into his thoughts but with her behind him there was little chance it would show his hand.

 

As they stepped back out on to another side street the grin dissipated like smoke from his face. Slowing slightly his glanced flicked to the girl clad in white once more at his side, so little one which way will we place this? Looking down the street ahead of him a genuine smile curved the edges of his mouth as a familiar Inn came into view. “We will stop briefly here so you can cleanup and look more the part of a student of the Tower. Then perhaps we can collect a fresh sample of herbs for your basket. I do believe I know a lady with just the right item along the way back.†He offered a warm smile as he looked down at her once more, “it’s the least a guard can do for a lost child of the tower. Wouldn’t you agree?†His hand swept toward the Inn at his right awaiting her movement toward it’s door and the companion inside he knew he could trust. Savannah would never assist him if she knew his true intent. But if he presented the lost child and played the part of trying to keep her from greater trouble she would be more then accommodating. Arriving at the door he held it opened and ushered the girl in quickly though she seemed a bit reluctant. “Savannah,†he smiled genuinely to the redhead he knew well. “Can you please escort this lost child of the Tower to where she might clean up a bit. Savannah will take good care of you.†Turning he left Faile in her care and went to the bar to talk to the owner; her white apron spotted.

 

After a brief but enjoyable conversation with the proprietor Faile and Savannah returned. “Excellent work Savannah, perhaps we can turn the floor again later tonight,†he winked quickly at her and laughed at the scowl he received. “come little one let’s see about those herbs now. We don’t want the Yellow waiting to long now do we.†Stepping back out on the street he headed done yet another alley with the girl in tow. He could have easily had her back to the main gates along some of the more regular routes but that would not allow him to set the hook he needed this girl on. “So Faile of the Tower, tell me what brought you to the great city of Tar Valon and the White Tower?â€

Corin watched in mild interest as Ginae began on the boy; stopping him cold before he could begin a defense. His eyes flicked occasionally to Lavinya to see if his words had registered anything in the spirited redhead he knew. â€Corin, you will have to watch your student better, and you will teach him the rules we have here, and why. I had expected you’d already done so by now.†Ginae’s cool tones brought his attention back to the Mistress of Trainees in sharp focus. Not only had the boy succeeded in getting himself into trouble, getting caught by a Aes Sedai; Lavinya no less, he had also brought the less then excited side of Ginae on him. Training kept his eyes on the Mistress of Trainees and his face relaxed as he tipped his head in acknowledgement of her comments. "Yes Mistress Ginae," his voice, threaded thinly with servitude, hid the underlying edge of annoyance bottled inside. Oh yes mistress, I will be keeping an eye on this one. He will find little time for life when I get my hands on him later. He straightened and listened to the boys sentence; felt the glance of Lavinya; could that be satisfaction I sense.

 

The sudden tenseness Dorian's body took at the shout from Ginae almost edged a smile from him as he watched the boy bow and wheel to leave the room. He was not about to let the boy off quite so easy for casting him in poor light in the Mistress of Trainee's eyes. As the boy moved past him he collected his arm in a firm grasp and tipped his head close. "You will wait outside for me before you return to your rooms, we are not done here yet." His voice now held cold authority in very low hushed tones meant only for the boy. Releasing him he straightened once more, eyes slowly making their way back to Ginae's. "As you have assigned Master Halwin to the boy's punishment I will endeavor to reinforce the rules of the yard. If there is nothing further you need of me Mistress Ginae," he nodded a slight bow to her. "I will be off to my quarters." Waiting for Ginae to acknowledge and release him, Corin turned to Lavinya "I am sorry for the trouble my mentee my have caused you Lavinya Sedai. I will try to ensure he understands the rules and the way they work," the slight emphasis on way should have gone un noticed for the most part. Rising from a formal bow he paused a moment longer then turned sharply on heel and stepped out into the cool darkness again.

 

Collecting the boy from where he was standing just back from the pool of light that spilled from the open door Corin headed further out toward the yard; outside listening distance of Ginae's office. Feeling comfortable that he was not going to be heard by the Mistress of Trainees he rounded on the boy hard and cold as ice. "If I ever catch you pulling a stunt like that a visit to Mistress Ginae's office will be like picking flowers compared to what I will do with you. Foolish boy, you know you are not to be anywhere near a girl in White. Don't even try," stopping the boy as he once again began to attempt to voice something. "I don't want to hear your excuse right now. You have 10 minutes to have everything you own in a pack and on your back. Every weapon you own or have assigned to you strapped on your person and back out here before me. We are going on a little run; for every minute you are late you will be demonstrating 10 pushups. Do I make my self clear," a dangerous edge had taken his voice now as he let emotion take hold more then he expected.

Her eyes flashed with an unspoken anger; posture taking on a more pronounced and upright state. Good …. Good there is a spirit in this one I can work with. He suppressed a smug smile that yearned to make a home on his face. Watched as she set her self on the forefront, heat and edges dancing in her voice. First the weakness then the strong back, she would not go down easy. But she also had no skills at Daes Dae’mar it appeared. Which in the end would help make this little task all the easier. When it came to bringing people under thumb without the sword he was still a fledgling in comparison to the master he trained under. She would have had this one eating out of hand by now he was sure. But he was patient and with her being the one in need it made the length all the more to his advantage.

 

He chuckled lightly at the matter of fact tone in her voice demanding his name. “Corin Danveer of the Tower Guard miss al’Rahien,†he mocked her with a flourishing bow. A little push here and a little poke there. Even the cagiest bears will only put up with so much before they surrender or attack. Either way they become easier prey while off balance. Come little one ….. come. The dark thought brought a strange exhilaration; a sensation he did not expect and tucked away for meditation at a later time. For now his wits and metal alert was needed on the task at hand. “As for the Yellow; unless you have been tasked by a very lenient sister. I would say haste now would make little difference in the quality they found your collection in.â€

 

He watched as anger gave way to fury that smoldered hot in dark eyes. Each step brought her closer to a state he could work with. He was too far in now to stop; would collect this one for his purpose or see that she never served here again. Thoughts of what words he would put to paper in a forged hand should the need arise to see her removed as a threat. Sirayn had to be watched and with her confounded mule headed idea of keeping him banished to the yard this was the only way it could happen. A great cost for an even greater prize; his career as a guard in service to the tower was worth the risk to see her life continue. How had she tied him up so deeply in her net? Still to this day he could not answer that question; could not complete that puzzle. But regardless of how she had done it; his life and heart was her’s whether she believed it or not. Regardless of whether she wanted him, accepted him or refused him; he would see her life extended.

 

The momentary sideline his mind had taken worked to achieve the result he wanted. A cold anger surged just below the surface and he held it down keeping it from touching face or voice until the time was right. “You look a sad state I must say, not very much the representative of the Tower you seek to reach. But never the less you are one of it’s children. Let’s get you cleaned up and perhaps some fresh herbs. I would hate to have to be witness to your strapping when the Yellow report your utter failure at such a simple task.†The words he had kept light and non-threatening in tone and manner though he added a very slight emphasis to the word child in each use. It added to the definite meaning under those words that he was sure she would pick out. With a warm relaxed grin he waited on her reaction; knew she would react. Come little one let us dance …. Let us dance.

The small feminine frame before him stood motionless; eyes wide in what he could only believe were surprise at there meeting. Her mouth hung slightly open as if perhaps words were attempting to make passage but no sound emitted. For long moments neither moved as Corin continued to study the prey before him. She was obviously lost in thought about something close to her. Whether that something was good or bad was unknown to him. But with the training he had received over the years in quiet council, he had come to learn a good deal of reading expressions; if not so good as his teacher it was still adequate. This being the case he was willing to lay a silver against a copper that her memories were not of pleasure or happiness.

 

His heart tried to plead a case to his mind over the girl. How much the boy he had been had changed in this place. The boy who would have done anything in his powers to see the lost found and the wrong righted. Now instead of softness to her plight and an ingrained sense to help her he saw a scared child weak and open for persuasion and tying. How much would his mother disown him if she seen him now; knew the thoughts that roamed his mind. A cat idly playing with a mouse. Or his roommate and the sense of honor he held so deep to his heart. All these were mere wisps of smoke compared to the overwhelming need to see Sirayn safe and protected. A curse beginning to form in his mind evaporated as color leapt to the girls face; eyes darting to the ground.

 

â€um…my name is Faile al’Rahien†The words coming out broken as if dragged by great force to fall from a tongue unwilling to move. Stuttering softness and downcast eyes, another good sign supporting his original thought. This one had secrets and fear; two very highly sought opening in which to pry his own needs from. The war inside him continued as the girl shuffled her feet before him; heart and history wanting him to depart from the dark path he continued down. To give the girl aid without strings; be whom he would have; might have been before this place. How is it Sirayn does this with such simple separation and ease, the though interrupted as Faile spoke once more. “… again…†the word could not have carried more weight; more opportunity. If lost before then warning at least she had been through; from her appearance more then warnings for sure.

 

A corner of his mouth quirked slightly in it’s smile; attempted to draw out it’s warm edge and show the sinister thoughts behind the calm eyes that held her submissive form. There was a great opportunity here if he reached and seized it. Perhaps this would be the one he could use; could help ease his mind if only the smallest measure. Green eyes roved over her; seeking any further advantage that might be gained. “Faile al’Rahien,†his voice wrapped the dark intensions in warm and inviting tones; masking the true threat that existed. “From the dress I would say a Novice of the Tower unless you are taken to similar fashion?†He pause momentarily awaiting her affirmation but was greeted with only silence her eyes still downcast. “Yes, I thought not. So a Novice outside the Tower walls,†his eyes glanced around them once more. “Being lost I would guess you are not being escorted by a Sister either. Hmmmm, I’m sure Misstress Faerzyne Sedai will be most upset to find you out alone.â€

 

His hands fell back to his sides, a slight sigh escaping him for effect. “I suppose it is not your fault entirely, from the basket I would assume you have been sent to town for those herbs.†His hand brushed over them, “Though the one who sent you will not be please at the rate they are beginning to wilt.â€

A bright full moon cast long sloped shadows across the dark white town of Tar Valon as Corin’s eyes scanned the streets below one final time. It had been a quite night and his replacement was already making his way along the passage; silver slivers reflecting moonlight off the white stones smooth surface. A hand rose to stifle a yarn before the man appeared before him. It took only a moment to update the boy and turn the watch over to him. It really did seem the new guards were getting younger, Had he really been that young when he was raised? Surely older and more wiser, not a simple wide eyed child. He turned and glanced back once more before shaking his head in disbelief and stepping down the stairs toward the yard below.

 

Taking the time to stretch once while hidden in the dark pooling shadows at the base of the wall Corin began to welcome sleeps embrace as the weight of the day began to make him feel sluggish; shoulders heavy and a bed welcome. It seemed some days that his life was more of a routine then a life. Everything happened to a schedule and nothing really went awry. Sure there was nothing routine about a certain Green, but other then that his life was a schedule of regulated events. Surely there was more to life as a guard then this, his sigh echoed softly off the stone walls of the out buildings in the yard as he made his way toward the barracks and another night spent in dead slumber.

 

Voices drifted along an almost unnoticed breeze; grass blades bowing ever so slightly to it’s passing. Light spilled out from the Mistress of Trainee’s office; a strange sight at this time of night. Curiosity would have moved him in it’s direction of it’s own but a familiar voice tickled his ear and brought memories in bold contrast to his mind. Some of those memories were best left in the past; others had been the basis were they now stood. “Lavinya,†his lips mouthed the name silently and stopped as a name rolled out of the room in her musical voice he had never expected. Dorian? What in bloody ashes has the boy gotten up to with her? He moved swiftly and silently to the door’s edge taking the conversation in as he approached. Shoulders that had once been heavy now felt tight with frustration and disappointment. His mentee in less then a respectable position, the boy had obviously not learned from the last time Corin had punished him for disobedience. Corin had strongly believed his brother would be a bit of a handful, but not this one. How quickly the wolf is discovered under the sheep’s clothing.

 

He watched, as Lavinya seemed to take great pleasure in the boy’s situation. So quickly she seems to have forgotten, and yet I the boy is deserving. “It seems none of us are strangers to being in places we should not with people we should not.†His voice was soft and light yet in the silence it seemed to take over the room, three sets of eyes swung to his presence in the door way. “Lavinya Sedai,†he addressed her with a respectable bow, eyes holding hers momentarily before sweeping to Ginae. “Please excuse the interruption Mistress Ginae, I was returning from wall duty when I heard the boy’s name,†his eyes flicked to the boy; an edge of hardness touching them before he could school it back to normal. “I though I might save another guard his sleep and stop so you would not have to send for me or dispatch correspondence in the morning. I hope you don’t mind.†His eyes flicked back to Lavinya trying to read the expression that had been there a moment ago.

Do to hectic RL and lack of sleep please ignore this space. It is for Rent ;)

 

Sorry Christine. :(

The day had started like so many before it since Corin’s arrival to the yards many years ago. With the light of day now only a ghost like touch on the horizon; deep black filled with pin pricks of scattered lights twinkling above crept slowly over the tingeing of blue where those same stars began to wash from vision. Balance had come full circle to Corin here in these yards; a discipline and a way of life that he held to deeply and measure so much of what he did against it. The elements changed from day to day and year to year though there strategies remained the same. Even days Corin would work to increase and maintain his strength; add power to his movements. Odd days he would work with his speed and reaction times; seeking to enhance and hone them to a fine trait. Never one more then the other. Always seeking the perfect balance between the two to match his skills and abilities.

 

Meditation had become an integral part of life and existence for him. Tonight, unlike other nights, he sat in solitude not far from the falls to worked at enhancing his focus and understanding of the possibilities Lonrick had introduced him too so long ago; early in his trainee days. It was a glimpse through that window and the possibilities within it that held Corin’s interest with an iron fist of challenge. Every year Corin was able to open another small and amazing part of that world as he advanced his skills toward Lonrick’s. It was in this place of peace, the falls a roar in the distance, that Corin experienced how odd this day truly was to be. In a semi secluded corner where the path happened to bend away and around an Apple Blossom tree; Corin sat in silence surrounded by the forests vegetation and a few wild roses. Wrapped in the void and deep in his meditation cycle he could feel the waning kiss of day as it slipped into the darkness behind the western wall; it’s profile low on the horizon.

 

Sinking slowly deeper, past the emptiness of the void he opened himself to feel around him. Emotion he still held outside the darkness but sensations, movements, sounds. These he reached out to; tried to grasp them around him and make sense of them. A bird rustled in a tree above him and off to the left, nesting perhaps. The sound of the waterfall off in the distance rumbled over him as the water did over the rocks in it’s bed. All was well and right, harmony existed around him and he soaked in it’s tranquility seeking more; wanting to feel deeper sensations like that which Lonrick had spoken of. Suddenly there was a sensation; cold, dark, a sensation out of place to the harmony that had existed only moments ago. Faint sounds carried in the crashing sounds of the falls filtered into the darkness that surrounded him. Sounds that also did not match the tranquility of night thus far.

 

Straining Corin sought to separate the additions from the waterfalls voice; isolate that which seemed wrong. Confusion welled up as he struggled to make sense of the sensations. Something told him they were wrong; not of this place, but he could not isolate the sounds to recognition. The sweet smell of wild roses over whelmed his nose; distracted him from the sounds for a moment before he could push them back. His focus was on the sounds; what was wrong with them? Like a Blacksmiths puzzle, as one piece moved to make way for another Corin pulled at each sound to set it into a pattern. As the pattern began to take shape, his mind added pictures to give it life and meaning. The clang of metal against something hard; rustle of vines and leaves; shouts to faint to make words of but the urgency in them held. Something was wrong; a pin prick of pain crashed against the void demanding his attention.

 

His eyes opened and looked to his arm; a small droplet of blood was beginning to form from the puncture on the surface. How in the light did I get that … the though interrupted as another bloomed on his other arm; a rose bush vine laying over it. Where did that come from? As he watched the vine seemed to move; seemed to slowly curl around his arm. He watched in disbelief, there had to be a novice or accepted near by playing this trick. His eyes began to scan the area in search of the white offender. He would see her strapped with that slipper until she sobbed herself silly for ruining his night; he had gotten so close in his meditation.

 

The vine suddenly tightened on his arm as if grabbing him; needles burying into his skin. His teeth clenched through the sudden sharp pain, “When I find you, you are so going to wish you were out at that farm girl†he growled. He reached down to grab the vine wrapped around his arm and felt another move over his shoulder, turning as if to wrap around his throat. A dagger flashed from a sleeve and severed the vine at throat and arm in quick fashion before a blow of thorns met his back hard. Rolling away from were he had been sitting he turned, gaining his feet; his jaw dropped open in bewilderment as the rose bushes seemed to rise up from the undergrowth; vines moving like tentacles.

 

His gasp lasted only seconds before he had his sword in hand, Parting silk removing two vines that reached to collect him. This is madness; I must be asleep. He ducked and moved to the left as two more stretched out to swat at him with their needles. Already his one arm felt on fire from the bushes earlier embrace. Turning he severed several more vines but more seemed to follow. With each flowing movement he worked though the forms in a dance with sweet smelling roses. Sweat formed quickly over him in the pail moonlight as more pin pricks began to form under his clothes were the vine’s strikes had landed before he could sever them. Fire raged in his arm; made it feel heavy and tingly. Glancing down at it while his blade moved through Arc of the Moon he saw green and black discoloration spreading slowly from the puncture points.

 

Pain and blood bloomed on his cheek as a vine whipped across it renting small shallow furrows down it’s surface from below eye to jaw. He drove on through the movements, his blade a blur of glinting metal dripping with the rose plants life flow. Only this should not be happening. Inside he wanted to laugh, so long he had wanted to guard Sirayn. To keep her safe from any harm and here he was about to die by the hand of a rose bush. Irony mingled with the fire that continued to bloom over his body with each new touch from the vines. Desperation and the loss of hope in his own future fueled his exhausted body on toward the plants center. He would welcome the earths embrace after he was sure this plant would never claim the life he had hope to protect.

 

He tried to call out but his voice only came in a horse wheezing sound. He new it would only be a matter of time now before the plant filled him with enough of it’s poison to finish this fight. A tear slide form his eye, mixed with the blood on his cheek; the salt sting not even noticeable amongst the burning sensation of the plants poison. “I have failed you Sirayn ……. Forgive me.†He lunged forward to reach the plants center as the plant shuddered and became still once more. Crashing to his knees in front of the plant his sword tip buried in the dirt near its base a grin slowly touched the corners of his mouth. It was over, the killing strike had not landed but it was over. His hands slipped from the hilt and fell to his sides. Around him lay the strew remains of vines, leaves, and flowers. His left side crashed into the ground as he fell over, his body felt so heavy, breathing felt so hard. The sweet smell of a rose bloom next to him on the ground assaulted his remaining senses. “I’m sorry Sirayn …. I’m sorry.â€

 

Darkness closed in around his vision; blooms and vines, trees and grass all darkening and blending into nothing. “Forgive me mother ….†He floated in the blackness of an abyss; accusations and plots judging him in the darkness of unconsciousness. Outwardly his body lie limp on the tundra floor; irregular shallow breaths maintained life as his body waged it’s own war with the invading toxins. He never heard the shout of another guard or felt the sensation of being carried away toward the infirmary. Only the taunting accusations that kept him company in the dark where grey eyes floated in silent judgment.

Silently Corin waited in the back room with the other Tower Guards, cloaks of Red draped over their backs and the sides thrown over shoulders to allow quick and easy access to weapons. They stood in grim silence with an accompaniment of Red sisters and one lone man in the middle. A circle of heightened awareness surrounding a monster; no one wanted to see a reply of the reason they were all here. Disbelief still swarmed his mind at the happenings resulting in this trial; though a well placed bow could have saved them all this. He worked to keep the scowl from his face as his eyes passed over Caladesh. The man had brought the butchers bill into the tower, to the very halls within the gleaming White structure and reeked havoc. Many sisters and responding guards had fallen that day; some never to see the sun again only mother earth’s embrace. The guard had lost friends that day and silently it wanted blood in repayment.

 

But the man’s fate rested in the hands of Aes Sedai, his job was to watch and wait. The likely hood that the man would ever be able to replay that day with the number of Red sisters surrounding him and the awareness of every other Aes Sedai in the tower was very unlikely. Still the guard had a place in this it would not release easily. There had been no shortage of hands when the detail was posted. Everyone in the tower who wore theRred cloak had tried to get on the assigned guard. Even now, those who had not been drawn would most likely be in the audience if they were not posted to the wall or the added sentry at the entrances to the Tower it’s self. It was sought after as much as a position on the honor guard that would lead the sisters and their fallen leaders funeral procession. The most skilled and experienced swords in the Yard held the inner circle watch over the man and the remaining, like himself, held an outer one. No one would get to this man and this man would not move more then a foot without the Red sisters approval before he found his heart stilled.

 

Voices rang out in clear tones from the other side of the door indicating the beginning of the trial. He could feel the tension build, thick around the group of men and women who surrounded the cause of such heart ache and destruction in the heart of the Tower. He looked nothing special; no different then an average man. But he touched something seething with evil; brought death and destruction to quiet safe places. No man who could touch the One Power could be left to live long unless gentled by the sisters so that society remained protected. The command came through to bring the prisoner forward and the group moved in unison; pouring through the entry with Caladesh remaining in the middle the whole time. Corin had never seen so many gathered formally before, but his eyes swept quickly over the room before he moved to take his place. His eyes seemed to take in everything at once, but his true focus remained the man in the middle.

 

Justice would be served this day, one way or another there would be justice for the women who died. A Red was called forward as the prosecutor and internally Corin nodded approval. Who else to convict and condemn a monster then the Ajah that spent their whole existence on finding and removing one of the greatest threats during his age; men that could channel. History had already proved the danger they held for the world, only a properly controlled man under the guidance and direction of a group of sisters had any chance of being of use. Though even that though was questioned by many. He only wondered who they had roped into defending the man.

Corin watched as Dorian moved through the forms again. He was progressing but at a slower pace then Corin had thought. The first time he had shown him the forms the boy had been awkward and off balance. The look on his face had spoken of pride and a though of accomplishment. Something Corin did not want to trample to quickly or harshly. He believed in building the boy up as much as correcting with discipline. Everything in life moved in a balance of harmony; that was his belief and following. It was with which he drew his teaching from.

 

But as the days became weeks and the weeks became months Corin’s grasp of that balance was beginning to dull a little. He was obviously not going about this the right way; training the body in the correct style. It could be the only reason for his continued looseness in the forms; that or the boy really had no desire to complete them correctly. His lathe shot out smoothly under the pattern of Dorian’s and striked hard at his ankle sending the boy to the ground again. “Can’t you do better then that?†As fast at as the words where out of his moth he already regretted them. But once given life there was no way to take them back so he pressed the boy on. “Fluently ……. Like the motion of water. You have to make the movement one continuous motion. Now try again,†silently Corin moved off to the boy’s left and watched as he work his way through them again.

 

Occasionally he would step forward, lathe crashing into lathe to test the boy. Corin was pleased to see that only on a few occasions did the sudden contact take Dorian off guard and stumble his movements. The boy was improving if not to the speed Corin was hoping for. Perhaps if he talked with Orion again he could gain some insight as to how to help the boy progress fast; better. After several more correction through out the morning it was time to rest the boy. He was here to teach him and build him into the warrior the Tower could use, not break him and turn him to something hateful; feeding off anger. That only made for an easier target the Father of Lies could use. He would not be one to hand over a child to that evil monster. “Enough!†his voice rang out clear and commanding, the last though adding heat to his voice he had not intended. “You have done well so far, take a few moments to drink and rest. We will begin again shortly.â€

 

With that he moved over to the shade of the trees and sat down, watching the boy gulp down his water skin and then rise and wonder off. It was the same ritual as always with the boy. He would go off to find his brother and then return. Funny, I never see his brother come over here. He let the thought dissipate into smoke and then black emptiness as he closed his eyes and slipped back into the meditation practice he sought during these breaks. Here he worked to become one with his surroundings; to feel the movements and passages of others as Lonrick had demonstrated during his lessons in the void. From within his meditation the world surrounding him changed and for a moment he glimpsed what Dorian and Orion might live. Then he slipped even deeper into the meditation and stretched out to feel the minute movements of leaves and grass as they displaced the air around them in such minimalistic movements. Lonrick had mention they were there, Corin just had to find them.

 

He was unsure how long he had been there reaching; seeking the tiny movements he desired to feel. In the deep sense of openness that he sat the sudden commotion and clutter that registered in the nearing distance seemed as though a person had hit an anvil with a blacksmiths hammer right next to his head. Slowly he let his eyes open as he sought out the source of the annoyance that had ended another attempt at a prey that continued to elude him. In the distance he saw his mentee Dorian stumbling at a hurried pace toward the general direction they had been working in. Something in the boys face spoke of great concern and anger. If only I could read the boy’s blasted eyes, he pushed the thought away as he rose and called out to Dorian to give him a direction to continue on.

Searing heat met his lips; twined in desire and need. He let himself fall into the embrace, pulled her arms closer with it’s initial touch before his hands broke their grip and slipped around her to hold her close. The welcome pressure of her warm body against his made the surrender in his mind complete. Fingers danced on his scalp, snaked through his hair; each movement setting his already heightened nerves on end. She had drawn him in and made him want to surrender to her; give himself to her with out strings, without the need for control. Yet even as passion in her arms took him; her scent filling his every breath with reminders of the woman that was intertwined with him. A distant part of his mind stood in the shadows and accused him of failure and cast remorse and guilt down on him. But the urging nature of the contact between Lavinya and himself held the distant though in the dark; a muted buzz.

 

The tree over them blended away with the garden and the Tower spires into a distant blend of colors and indistinct sounds as they shared their souls in a kiss who’s intensity could only be shared between lovers. He had know her less then a full morning and already he was lost in an embrace that should not have existed. Confusion tried to worm into his mind as her fingers continued their dance in his hair. He forced the though back venomously; intensity and surrender renewed in the pressure and wanton movement of their lips. He forced his mind to accept that they were simply man and woman, nothing else existed; needed to exist; just that single solitary thought.

 

Sudden coolness broke over his face; leeched the heat from his lips as she separated from their embrace. Puzzlement and shock raced through him which cast his eyes open with confusion. What had he done to offend her? He had been controlled, as best he could; remained properly resigned in their embrace. What had caused her to break something he had so deeply accepted? â€I’m sorry†the words washed over the heat they had shared like a dam let loose on a fire. Sorry, the words echoed in the confused quagmire that had become his once sharp and keen mind. Something had changed and he fought to find its source.

 

Could it be the Aes Sedai had returned and cast the woman I had finally met out from this magical place. Perhaps it was best, even this welcomed sweetness could not change the future he had tied to another. But was there a way the wheel could weave both? As if summoned from his own guilty conscience that had been so tightly tucked away in a dark corner of his mind Grey eyes flickered. He watched them accusingly as he felt Lavinya shuffle her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry;†the heat from her breath still setting his skin on edge at its touch along his neck. His arms remained wrapped around her not wanting to release the warmth of her closely pressed body. He needed no one except the one older sister he could not keep from his mind. Yet here he sat beneath the oak entwined in the youthful curves of Lavinya; a women he hardly knew. What was real and what was not?

 

For long moments he let the silence hang between them as he sought the words to comfort her. “Lavinya, you have nothing to be sorry for.†His mind turned the puzzle over and over, searching for a solution but in the end resignation won and he begrudgingly eased his hold on her. “We are what we have become. Try as we might, we will never truly know the life that may have been for any of us.†He wanted to curse himself as the words fell from his mouth. Why must he deny the simplest of life’s sweet offerings; duty and honor becoming a hated mirror reflecting what he refused to accept. He leaned back slightly, one arm remaining around her; longing to keep the contact. His free hand rose to lift her face gently from his shoulder and bring her eyes to his own. An ache took him involuntarily as he saw the tears making their passage over her smooth skin.

 

He was sworn to protect them at all cost and here he had cause the pain this one felt; Grey eyes flashed with intensity only emphasizing the accusations. Perhaps it would be better if he left; reality continued to crash over him though he fought to deny it. His fingers brushed at tears still fresh on her cheek, “I am sorry to have caused so much turmoil and hurt in you Lavinya. My intension was never to cause you distress; to place you in such a position as this.†His eyes continue to search hers, seeking a sign of understanding; acceptance. “You make me forget all of this; forget who I have become and for that short moment it brought happiness unfelt in years, if ever.†The last coming almost to soft for her to hear. “But reality can not be held back long; I see that now.†His other hand swept up her back to collect her head between both hands and gently tilt it down so he could place a soft kiss on her forehead. “I will always remember the women behind the Tower’s purpose. Thank you for letting me know her if ever so brief a time. I pray that she is never completely lost or forgotten behind the shawl and ring of the Towers purpose.â€

 

His hands slipped from her head as he began to rise; he needed to escape. Confusion and accusations lay siege to his mind; threatened to break emotional barriers best left whole. This Red-haired woman next to him had asked so little and he in turn caused her such pain. Is this what I have become? Has she placed the game so entwined in me that I no longer recognize when it takes me? Somehow he knew it must be his fault; he must have been the cause of her hurt though he could not see how. He fought against the urge to drawn in the void; to hide from his emotion and hurt in its safe, emotionless, cold walls. Light pressure stilled him in mid movement as her hand closed around his forearm. A touch he had hoped would be there but knew it would never be the same again.

From the corner of his vision the rose she taped lightly against his lips became an item of envy. He remembered the soft warm embrace of them and his yearned to join hers once more; ignoring the inner protests that tried to speak of reason and a following he was already to far into. Her voice tickled at his ear, soft musical tones designed to make a man weak in the knees wormed their way into his mind. A bench under a large oak came near to them in their travel and she slipped on to it’s surface; hand patting the seat next to her in invitation. Coolness crept over him with out the warmth of her pressed to his side. He had not noticed before their separation how much he was relishing the warm curves of her body next to his.

 

Looking back once more to the Tower rising high and white over them as if in judgement; many eyes that never ceased in their watching. Somewhere among those eyes was a grey pair he would lay his life down for. Stepping next to the bench the tree’s foliage obscured his view of the tower and his eyes once more flicked to the inviting deep brown pools of Lavinya’s. So simply the women wove a spell over him; flashes of the challenges he had faced in the past and succeeded with little fault. How was it this simple Grey sister, the grey fringe shawl once more looped laxly over her elbows, could melt his defences with a simple look.

 

It had only been a few hours now that he had know this intriguing and enticing women yet he felt a need to know more about her. No longer did the game control his need of information on her. Somewhere between hello and the joining of their lips she had changed all that. Something about her felt comfortable to him; a missing part that he needed to balance himself, make himself whole. But what was the reason behind this madness. How could he genuinely care about her past and her future? Question upon questions piled up in his mind as he listened to her reply; the sweetness of her voice dancing over his bones and making his skin want to pebble.

 

Corin watched as her fingers played over the rose’s delicate pedals; mind bringing vision to how they would feel playing over his skin softly. He watched in curiosity as her hands lifted the rose; focus so intent on it’s peddles that he did not notice her watching him. In a cascade of sensations his skin could no longer take. The path the rose played over the back of his hand left his skin tingled and pebbled; eyes slightly widening in shock at the ease in which his skin betrayed him and how much he wished for more. How quickly she had remembered the position he had put her in earlier. Pulse quickening, his eyes caught the movement of her hand and watched as it climbed toward his brow. Fought as a shiver took him slightly at the touch of fingertips as they brushed a crossed him. His vision lock to her eyes intent once more with promise as explosions of the illuminators trade blossomed along his check from her hand as it swept down; breath caught as if even the thought of breathing would dispel the moment they were sharing.

 

A confusing sense of loss crashed down on him like a cold north wind off Dragonmount as her eyes broke their embrace, hand returning to her lap. What had he done to offend her; had she not seen the intent he wanted to share with her in his eyes. The heat she had so easily stoked in him that wanted to meld with the same heat that had flashed in her eyes. What had drawn her so easily away from him, duty to the shawl, resistance to just be the women he saw next to him, afraid to give in to a simple guard. The soft almost remembering tone her voice took on as she talked about her conviction to remain through all to reach the shawl she now wore only furthered the confusion he tried to muddle through. Some how it appeared that perhaps she would never really forget that she was Aes Sedai and he a simple tool of the Tower; yet the edge in her tone spoke almost of remorse. A puzzle lay before him and for the first time since he had begun his training with Sirayn he was not sure he could face it. She was the first puzzle he was afraid to work as if it might tear his own heart out in the process. But why did he feel that, this was ludicrous, his emotions played games his mind could not sort out. How could someone be so devoted to one and yet yearn for another? They were still as different as night and day but even with that difference something drew him to both in different yet strong ways.

 

Watching her silhouette as she studied something he did not follow his hand rose and settled on his lap several times as if seeking to draw her back but afraid of the reaction. “My all I have given to the tower and it’s purpose, but even I wonder if anyone will ever see the man the boy could have been without the Red cloak.†The words floated up from deeply held thoughts he had tried to keep tucked in to the safety of those dark recesses in his mind. Yet here they found life from his tongue and floated softly to her ear. “Will we ever know a life free of duty? If even for the briefest of spells.†His words trailed of to a breathy existence as his eyes looked out over the garden path. He had worked to earn the cloak, worked to earn a place in her service, still worked to earn her trust. But somehow this shapely redhead had taken all of that and made it seem …. Made him feel as if he had missed out on life somewhere along the journey and now, as the warmth from her body next to his ebbed into him, made him cave life.

 

Gently he placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward him again; green eyes drinking her in. Hope and surrender seemed to dance in her’s and his body screamed for him to join her in surrendering. “Would it be such a tragedy to want to know; to be just two simple people. Not titles or duties, but a man and a woman. Not a Tower, or a castle, or a city, but a forest isolated from everything and everyone.†He felt himself leaning forward, his head tilting down toward her as his hands slipped from her shoulders to her arms. “To know what others know, simple thoughts and desires, no games, no motives save that of two people alone.†His voice little more then a whisper as his face neared her’s; breath hot against his face.

 

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

Searching for a meaning

Stepping out of the dark alley Corin made his way through the throng that clogged the street in a wriggling mass of people. His mood was still fowl as he jostled through the crowd and turned down a side street. For the 5th day in a row he had met with a few of those who watched and listened for him; resisted the urge to approach others that may have been swayed from her. The risk was too great for that right now. Perhaps later if the time was right, but for now he would settle for what he had acquired on his own. Only that was not working for him. Really, how hard could it be to find a little something he could use on one of the Novice or Accepted that frequented the town. He mumbled a curse to himself and glared at a young man that looked back from stacking tinware on a display.

 

It was really beginning to get to him that he could not watch over her the way he felt she needed watching. Why can’t the bloody woman see the right side of reason, a thought he had several times a day it seemed of late. Inside he was torn between a promise given and a need felt. Some how if he was not to be near her he had to find a way to ensure he knew exactly what Siryan bloody Sedai was up to and that harm was not in any way, shape, or form, going to touch her. A fat lot of good his watchers were to him for this. Those who were not outright afraid of the woman were of only limited help as they could only watch her on occasions that she actually came in to Tar Valon city itself. Even then there was only so much the few he knew could observe without completely giving themselves away. After all she had a far greater network to draw on, even if he had skewed the odds to his favor with the knowledge he had gained from those years with her.

 

The problem that puzzled him now was how to acquire the necessary observation inside the tower. The guard he would trust with his life and those of his family in a heart beat, so much confidence he had in them. But he did not trust anyone with her life no matter how well guarded the Tower was. Things still happened in its walls that left him weary for her life and safety. This was a very slippery slope that he would have to walk with great care; knowledge of what he was doing would be a very unfortunate incident for him; never mind what she would do if she figured it out. Still if he could just find a way to corner and manipulate a Novice he might just have the fly he needed to help ease his mind. With a jarring stop he found himself face to face with a girl clad in white. Apparently she too had been lost in thought or preoccupation with something so that neither had seen the other until they collided.

 

The bloom of deep crimson in her cheeks and the awkward curtsy she offered before speaking spoke of a girl relieved and yet unsure of her self; a pleasing vision to the darker thought in his mind. “I apologize for running into you like that. But can you tell me how I get back to the White Tower? I somehow seem to have lost my way and...†A smile pulled at his face and he forced warmth into something that was born of sinister intentions. How the game and her teachings had changed him from the boy he had been. Before him stood a flustered and embarrassed child of the Tower; one he was sworn to protect. Orion would have his throat at the thoughts that passed through his mind while he listened to her. An opponent off balance was halfway to defeat, he just had to find the other half. He pushed the disappointed expression of his friend back into the dark corners of his mind.

 

Folding his hands in front of him he looked at the silent figure with the look of a father who had caught his child with their fingers in the cookie jar again. “What is your name young lady?†His voice was light and calm; something to help easy her mind and lower her suspicions and defenses until he had her positioned were he wanted her. His eyes focused on her own in a measuring gaze; studying for the opening he needed; he would create.

Corin watched Dorian with interest as the boy’s face began to relax and take on a blank appearance. Could he know the void already, But his though was broken as the lathe in the boy’s hand suddenly struck out toward him. Reaction honed from years in the yard had him moving before his mind had finished registering the boy’s movement. Lathe rising fast he deflected the hard strike from the boy with surprise skating over the surface of the void that enveloped him. Concentrated determination was the only saving grace that stood between the boy and the lathe in Corin’s hand. Already it was in movement; The Courtier Taps his Fan, stopped just short of the boys head.

 

Stepping back he drew a cleansing breath; the boy was perhaps more capable then he had first suspected. â€I might be blind, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know where you are.†The boy’s lathe slipped through the air again seeking him out only to be met with his own as the blow glanced off and away. The boy does seem to have a good starting weight but its delivery is slow. With no immediate vision speed could be a problem, it will be interesting to see what discipline he chooses as he works toward the cloak. Reversing the slow circle they had been making Corin stepped quickly inside the lathe tip’s range. As Dorian came around through an arc meant for his head he grabbed the boy’s forearm and brought the hilt of his own lathe down firmly on his wrist.

 

The lathe dropped from Dorian’s hand to the grass below as Corin stepped back; the lathe still ready should it be needed. “That was an interesting display, but perhaps you miss understood me.†The void left his voice cold and hollow though he did not intend it to be so. “I would like you to display the knowledge you just spoke of to me. I do not wish to have you challenge me at this point in time. Once I see how you move we can arrange your training.†He held the void while he watched the boy warily. He would not be surprised by his movements again; even if his own nature wished to add softer words of encouragement to the boy after the change in his expression. The guarded training would not let that part of him through the void now that he held it. How is this going to work? They survived together ... Perhaps ... could there be something there in that bond between twins that aid’s the other?†His eyes watched carefully as the boy’s hand closed around the hilt of his lathe once more. Stepping back he watched the boy rise from the ground and bring the lathe back up into a semblance of a ready position.

Corin watched Dorian’s face with unveiled interest; watched as a mosaic of emotions floated across it while he began his explanation. Another boy who looks so young to have to experience this. A smile broke slightly on Corin’s face as he recognized relief begin to find a home on the boy’s face though his body still remained tight. This was going to take time to sort out how to best bring the boy to an ease he could work with. But he had made it this far which, if nothing else, spoke of tenacity, it was at least something of a start.

 

Dorian’s tongue seemed to take over as worlds and the boys past spilled from him in a never ceasing cascade of history. It was good to know the boy was feeling more at easy with him then when they had met. His eyes watched the slow movement of Dorian’s hand to the hilt of his sword and the way he gripped it. Knuckles almost taking on a white coloring during his disclosures of the trial and attempts on their lives they had already met and passed. It was a part of life and the great game Corin still had trouble comprehending. He had not been raised to a noble family or the great oddities that took them. But to attempt to assassinate some one so young, and at an obvious disadvantage turned at his stomach. Only a coward could find satisfaction in that.

 

The sudden silence from the boy bought Corin’s thoughts back to the present as he noted the pink warming Dorian’s cheeks. Indeed you most certainly will do your best. the though was some what cold when placed against the vision of the boy before him but it was a reality that could not be avoided with out the loss of lives. That was something Corin would not allow willingly. No mater the situation; he would not pass a student not worthy of the responsibility that would be paced on their shoulders once the red cloak was theirs. Too many lives were at risk for him to allow compassion to over rule judgment; no matter how harsh the thought seemed.

 

Already his face had schooled back to the blank mask he wore when the situation called for it. The boy would not see the difference on his face but it was now ingrained in him. “Yes I assure you Dorian, you will show and give me your very best or I will pull it from you make no mistake about that. What we do here affects lives in the future and I will not put them unnecessarily in harms way,†his tone was flat and authoritive but it did not have a harsh edge to it. His goal was not to scare or upset the boy; but he believed in making sure they were both on the same page. To ensure that Corin was going to make certain the boy knew his expectations.

 

“Your hand seems familiar with that hilt,†he watched as the boy’s hand twisted slightly on it as if testing its hold. “Not always will your own blade be the closest at hand. Besides, to start you will work with wood as all others before you and those that follow in your steps.†Rising from the ground he collected the two lathes from where he had leaned them against the tree. “You can remove the Katana and leave it there. Let’s will see how well you move,†he held one lathe out to the boy waiting for him to take its end while his eyes scanned the yard. It was busy, but there was room on the track for after this demonstration. It would give him a chance to see how fit the boy was. Only then did he remember that Dorian could not see hence the reason he had not collected the lathe from him.

 

Looking back at him he shook his head slightly, how was this going to work? He had to remember to verbalize everything; light how was he to test the boy’s endurance if he couldn’t see the track he had to run. With a held sigh he pushed the hilt of the lathe to the boy’s hand that had earlier gripped the Katana’s hilt. “Take it, it is the hilt of the lathe you will use for training. You will be responsible for bringing this with you when ever you are out training is that understood.†He waited for the boy to nod before he stepped out into the full caress of the sun. “Turn to your right and move out 5 paces so you have room to work. Now let’s see you demonstrate some of what you have spoken of.â€

 

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

Green eyes stared back from a face reflected in the mirror. Time and the stress of finding common ground with her had begun to take its toll on him. He could see the distant hardness that now held his eyes far too often. If she would only see what he saw; the potential they could have. For now he would have to rely on the eyes he had set to watch her; how long had it been now since they returned from the cabin?

 

He brought his hands up to straighten the collar on the tan shirt he wore. Today would be the first time he would return to the Glade of Remembrance since his raising. This time his mentee, his first mentee, was to be raised to the order. Gravity pulled his arms back down as his muscles relaxed. Had so much time truly passed already. The boy had passed all of the levels needed to make the Tower Guard and receive the cloak. But Shawn still seemed so young; had he still been like that on his raising day? It felt almost a life time ago now.

 

Plucking a bit of lint from the collar, he turned and slipped out the door and into the yard once more. Stopping for a moment to survey the activity; pictures and times came back to him in a flood of images. Shawn's arrival and their subsequent walk from that alleyway to the MOT's office. Training sessions and trials; contests and routines. He had tried to instill everything he had been taught into the boy; but had he succeeded without crushing who he was. Shawn was ready, he had stated so to the Commander and MOT himself, but still now that he was about to release him to the Guard questions and second guesses welled up.

 

He was the first boy Corin had trained. Had he remember to teach him the forms correctly? How to administer aid when a Yellow was not around; the skills needed to survive in the heat of battle. He instructed Shawn on all of this, yet his knowledge came from lessons learned not real life; not all. Was it enough to see him through was the nagging issue that still plagued his mind as he continued toward the glade.

 

He spotted Shawn from a distance dressed in blue, the color of the team he would leave behind. So young still but that was the way it was here; the Red cloak on his shoulders taking on a weighted feeling. He paused next to the boy; patting him on the shoulder and offering words of encouragement in warm tones from an easy smile that rested on his face. "Embrace the memories and feelings as they come to you. This will be like nothing you have experienced before. You are ready, enjoy the moment. I look forward to welcoming you to the guard."With one last squeeze of his shoulder Corin stepped forward again and made his way around the stone to stand next to the Commanders position as Rosheen had done for him.

 

Now he just had to wait for the Aes Sedai to show up, who ever that was, and they could begin the ceremony. The question was, when did the Aes Sedai decide she wanted to arrive.

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

Proud mentor of Anwashawn

Sunlight and shadow moved in a wavy dance across his face to winds gentle rhythm creating varying tones of brightness and dimness against his closed eyelids. Soon he would face the new challenge the Mistress of Trainees had assigned him. A challenge he had spent much of his time since their first meeting in meditation working at the puzzle on how to train the boy. Dorian was like any other trainee new to the yard; bold and bravery wrapped around the nervousness and apprehension in an attempt to keep it concealed. He had tried to look the part he believed all guards and warders were, but it only added to the newness of the boy. Thoughts and pictures faded in myriad succession as he remembered times from his beginnings here when he wore newness like a second skin and his eyes wide in amazement.

 

But that was the problem that had him here so long before the arrival of his charge. Dorian had a unique handicap he was not sure how he was going to work around. Where many of the boys he seen in the yard had sharp clear eyes; windows that displayed so much of the turmoil and passion they felt. Dorian’s eyes where cloudy; dark windows offering little in the way of a glimpse into the owners purpose and thoughts. How was he to teach a boy who would never see the movements he needed to learn, never follow the footwork basic to the dance of edges.

 

The image of a proud man standing tall and wrapped in the Red cloak of the guard came to being in the middle of his mind. Yes I know, Orion is a solid and strong guard. Grace and skill work in harmony with him, but he had vision while he was still training; time to perfect and lay a solid foundation before … A small shudder raced Corin’s spine as the picture in his mind completed the thought. Perhaps it was time he learnt from his old friend something of the ways that had become an extension to his vision forever darkened.

 

The soft sound of footsteps, soft leather boots in the green flexible grass filtered from his ears into the void in which he meditated. Lonrick’s level of skill in the void was still a mark he sought to match but it was not his to grasp yet. Turning his head he greeted the boy with genuine warmth in his voice. “Good day Dorian welcome to the first day on the journey to your new life.†His left arm swung out and motioned to the ground next to him. “Come sit and let us discus what you know of the dance and it’s companions.†The constant din of wood meeting wood, steel meeting steel, and boys at work improving their bodies swirled around them on the edge of the open yard. Lightless eyes; obscured and cloudy floated across the void and he cursed himself silently; already he had forgotten the boy’s weakness. How was he going to train this lad?

 

Turning his head he opened his eyes slowly taking in the boys frame bathed in the light of the sun. “To your left 10 paces is a tree, I sit below it’s canopy. Please join me.†Ginea had given strict orders not to coddle the boy, but how did she expect Corin to teach him with out it. He was blind; the advantage of sight was as big as the sun it’s self when it came to learning the forms and the intricacies of the dance. He released the breath he had been unconsciously holding at a slow steady rate, trying to release the negative thoughts with it. He was charged with teaching the boy, as long as the boy was here and willing he would have to find a way.

 

 

OOC: Faile, we will work out of this thread as well but we are in a different part of the yard for now. ;)

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

Seeking a balance unlearned.

A sudden wave of liquid ice raced through his veins and shook his body as the weave settled into him. Saidar in the hands of a yellow brought quick healing but the sensation was something he was sure he would never get use to. In a way it almost felt like a violent joining of the bones and tissue as the One Power knit him back together again and left him ravenous, weak, and coated in a cold sweat. The Yellow, one he did not recognize, covered him with the blanket and sent a girl in white to fetch food and drink.

 

The task of healing left him pale and disjointed in thought. He was only to glad to lay back and try to find rest in the blanketed bed as heat slowly began to return to his body. The food would help to, but only after a little rest so he could actually rise up enough to consume it. He was not about to have a Novice or Accepted spoon-feed him like an infant. Well not as long as he could convince the Aes Sedai otherwise. Perhaps if he had only pivoted a fraction sooner he might have been able to have his blow land firmly on that light forsaken woman’s shoulder and had the satisfaction of hearing her bones crunch underneath instead of taking the series of blows in his ribs from her fist which left him breathless and in the care of the Yellow. There had of course been more then just that series of blows that had placed him here. But the satisfaction of having her jolting beside him from the healing would have been most welcome.

 

The room he lay in seemed to buzz with activity; how could the yards keep them so busy? There were training incidents yes, but had the count in the yard grown so large since his arrival that the infirmary would see so many people. Perhaps there was a competition of sorts in the area and that had drawn the additional load. He was not sure, but he was thankful they were here. With any luck he would recover to a level that would satisfy the Yellow enough to release him back to his own quarters, before word of his foolishness reached the wrong ears. He would need all his strength and wit at the ready before he could hope to face her and not be eaten alive in the process. Unfortunately one thing he had come to notice about Sirayn was that she almost always showed up when he least was prepared to face her. Actually it almost seemed to be a pattern that plagued him with almost all women of late.

 

The sudden scurrying of white dresses parted to show a cold separated appearance that spoke of purpose; one he very much wish not to know. With hushed words and the abrupt dismissal of a young Yellow who had stepped into her path she settled herself into a chair next to his bed. His stomach clenched but this time it was not for the food a Novice would bring. Silence fell over him like a heavy dark horse blanket as her penetrating gaze leveled on him; no words left her but her eyes spoke of disappointment and anger to him, to the world they were emotionless. Whether emotion was truly there did not matter, his mind added the pieces he could not see; worked in her favor instead of his own.

 

The ice edge on her words left no room for him to miss their meaning, but still if his wits could hold he might be able to come out unscathed. “Sirayn Sedai, I do not understand what order you are referring to?†His words where slow and broken; the effects of the recent healing still leaving his thoughts some what disjointed. It only took the arch of a single brow to shatter the meager position he was attempting to build and place him a crumbled heap at her will. “Oh …. You mean that order …. about Seiaman … †His voice was still shaky and it agitated him that he could not get command of it. In his present condition he stood no chance at dancing words with her. Perhaps it was time to be completely open with her; but still, not everything need be spoken. He was not sure how much of what they had talked about or even the fact that they had met in the garden and its outcome was know outside the three of them. If his loose tongue offered up information she did not intend know to everyone then she might very well have him skinned alive. He looked quickly around them; eyes darting about looking for an ear too close or an eye that lingered.

 

It was said that the Aes Sedai could do something with Saidar that would allow them to converse without anyone hearing. But he had not seen her do anything; did not feel anything, and he still heard all the noises around him. But then there were several things he had not outwardly seen a sign of when Saidar had been used. Still it was safer to error on the side of caution and ask forgiveness later unless she outright called him too. “I did not seek her out Sirayn Sedai. I was simply passing through the yard and she was standing in the middle of the ring challengingly; asking for someone, anyone to entertain her in a spar. I was simple assisting her in the request she had made as no one else seemed willing to move forward.†Even to his ears the words seemed hollow, and lacking in credibility. But still perhaps to the outside they would carry more reassurance and strength.

 

“I believed it would be a spar as all others held in the yard. A simple chance to exercise lessons learned and demonstrate skills to others in the yard. But …. But she seemed to take it personally.†His eyes flashed to her’s briefly to check for any signs of belief and found the blank mask she always wore so readily held, only an edge of annoyance as when he first noticed her arrival. She had not stopped him yet and he had already stepped out on the branch. Now that he was here there was nowhere to go but onward.

 

Glancing once more at a passing Novice behind her he lowered his voice and let the tremble return to it, hoping to add innocent conviction to his words. “I meant only to face her as one guard to another; the way we all do in the yard. She seemed to take great pleasure in advancing the spar farther then simple contact.†His jeers; worded desires and attempts to pull her down he left off. Not everything would need to be said, only that which might find the greatest favor in his court. He let his eyes drop from her’s to his chest. Most of the hated words they had shared in that ring had been in quiet tones while close; words for the others ears alone. Already hatred tried to worm into him and he worked to hold it back. The thought of that woman’s cold unfeeling hands on Sirayn would light a rage in him if he let it loose. But it would also carry away hope and draw in sad despair at the thought of Sirayn welcoming her touch, her company over his own. Why could she not see that?

 

Silence still hung around her as she sat in judgment over him; a position that seem to suit her far too well. “I …. I apologize Sirayn Sedai,†the words tumbled from his mouth before the thought could even complete it’s formation. There was something about her that he could not shake. Something that made him want to do almost anything he could to please her. “I let foolish youthful pride over come the strict discipline of decision making. An order from … an Aes Sedai is to be followed completely and in that effect I failed you.†He paused only a moment to catch her name and remove it from the sentence that flowed forth. Less information in the open for other ears the better she would feel about this unfortunate incident.

 

“ I will endeavor to improve on my skills at listening and comprehending boundaries set by the orders of Aes Sedai. It was reckless on my part. If you wish it I will present myself to the commander for disciplinary action.†His voice was soft and reserved; he worked to add an inflection of remorse. How could he have let it get this far; how could he separate Seiaman from Sirayn for good. There had to be a way to make Sirayn see how much better off she would be without Seiaman bloody Kera. The slightest widening of his eyes let slip the only knowledge that surprise had taken him. A vision of Sirayn’s face soft and relaxed, no harsh emotionless mask but instead harmony; completeness, open and unguarded filled his mind. Surprise at that thought which had appeared from nowhere. With all the thoughts and planning to separate Seiaman from Sirayn where had that vision just come from?

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

The struggle continues

The speed at which Lyv could cut through the water still amazed him as Corin stole a brief look back over his shoulder. The other team was in the water and working well together, athough the boy did not have half the grace that Lyv displayed as her body seemed to cut effortlessly through the water. But for the time being they were behind Shawn and himself. A place he very much wanted them to remain in.

 

Watching his mentee from the corner of his vision Corin had to admit the boy had grown a lot since he arrived; since that day in the alley outside the wall at the foot Sirayn Sedia. So much had changed since then, the wheel's weave of the pattern never ceased. The frail boy seeking purpose and a place was becoming more then Corin though he would evolve into. It was his first mentee and he was just now beginning to get a glimpse at how much potential these boys who arrived at the yard could reach.

 

So easily it seemed one could forget about the difference the yard's had made in there own when they scrutinized one under their charge. Still he was Corin's first and in a way they were both learning together. The rope appeared before them and a grin broke out on Shawn's face. He was a good climber from what Corin had observed during his training. With the lead they still held they should have no problem finishing before Lyv and Ran; still Corin worked to keep himself from driving Shawn harder. This was his race, his challenge to win or lose not Corin's against Lyv. He still did not completely understand why so deep inside he felt the need to win against her. It had started out as an opportunity to repay a past debit; still he was sure there was more to it. Could it have something to do with the title she once wore?

 

Time seemed to suddenly come to a screeching halt as training and instincts took control of his mind; the void closing in over him. He watched as the boy's hand came free of the rope; Shawn's body crashing against his own and the sudden sensation of falling. Where once the sinew cording of rope had pressed to the palm of his hand only air now caressed it. He had let his mind wander during the race and in the process missed what had happened to cause Shawn to fall; in the process taking him with. With eyes focused sharply in the dark calm that held him internally; eyes found the thin line of hope accelerating along his field of vision. His free untied hand reached out and collected the line; muscles in fingers, palm, and arm working together to grip the rope. It's rough corded surface bit into the calloused surface of his hand and burned at the flesh there as their decent slowed and stopped. A twinging pain filtered on the outside of the void's surface of unseen glass. The tied hand closed on the cord that bound him to Shawn as his body tensed in preparation of the jarring that would soon follow.

 

He felt the twisted surface of the rope slip further in his hand as the cord between them went taunt; muscles and tendons stretched to capacity, the sudden draw felt as if something tried to separate his arm from his torso. An explosion of pain like an illuminator's night flower crashed down on the void but it held. Arms and shoulders seemed ablaze with sharp burning pain as Shawn dangled briefly from the cord. They were not so high up the fall would kill them. But their chance of finishing the race would be greatly diminished if they did.

 

It took Shawn only moments to collect himself and find a firm grip on the rope once more. As he came up to the height Corin still held, he looked as if to address him, but Corin nodded to the boy to continue and began to follow once more; pain radiating from his arm with every movement. Pain only heightened by the caress of disappointment as he watch Lyv and Ran start out on the logs ahead of them. The slip had cost them the lead and perhaps the race.

 

With a look of sheer determination and dedication on his mentee's face Corin lept out onto the first log with Shawn. He was happy to be free from the rope; tentatively nursing his arm as they worked their way across the logs one by one. When Lyv and Ran stumbled elation mixed with concern danced pain around his minds focus as he worked to stay with his mentee and look back at their competitors to ensure they were not injured. Satisfied there was no major damage he returned his attention fully on the task at hand; ignoring the pain that spidered across the smooth surface of the void as he followed Shawn leap for leap across the logs.

 

The arrival of the wall came with a mix of emotions; elation that the end was near, rejoice they maintained the lead still, and anguish at the thought of having to use his arm again. He was sure he was in for a trip back to the infirmary once again. Only perhaps this time he would not have the same bedside company to have to explain his action. He could see no reason why she might take an interest in the events of this race. That said, it meant he had a 50 50 chance she would not take notice. Pain once more bloomed brilliant like another night flower opening in the sky as he slipped over the edge and his arm took his bodies weight. The boy had done well, he would have to compliment him once this was over if he was still conscious.

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

The slow curl of her lips pulled apart the few strands of control he had knitted back together; the warmth of her arm in his, her side against his, as she directed him deeper into the garden served to scatter them like a gentle breeze. The closeness of her soft scent washing away the controversy that waged inside him. He pressed close to her as they walked looking over with a soft smile her head tipped back to the sun’s kiss; red hair bouncing lightly over her shoulders as they walked. A twinge of duty passed across his mind as they passed the place in the stonewall where winter roses grew aloft. It was in that hidden garden on the other side of the wall that he had been introduced to the diversity and depths that was Sirayn Sedai.

 

As if she could read his thoughts her voice touched his ears in gentle tones about duty and it’s burden. He turned his gaze to her as they passed another path that trailed of to the right. The garden was like a maze to someone who did not know it well and he was one of those; taking his lead from her as he met her smile with one of his own. “I can even almost imagine I am just like any other woman, enjoying the company of a rather intriguing man." Indeed she had a similar effect on him; heightened by the soft caress of her fingertips on his forearm. “You are a most interesting woman I assure you Lavinya.†He glanced side long at her briefly to see if she would protest the lack of honorific she had granted him the right to use earlier. With no noticed exception he continued on as the concerns for duty like the Tower itself seemed slightly distant behind him.

 

“To be the simple man I may have become before the Towers influential training is a tempting and dangerous game to play at now. But I do find you set me to ease far more then I would normally allow.†His words played back to him from his own ears and lessons in the dark distant corners of his mind tried to return. A warning on things said and the power they carry when information was so easily offered up fought to gain clarity from the spell Lavinya tried to weave over him with her simple womanly charms. “You would love the forests around Bohanann I think. There are beautiful paths of tranquility that weave among meadows and rivers edge. Not as colourful and manicured as the gardens I admit. But the raw beauty of the area makes up for it in natures touch and sounds.†He turned to her as they paused on the path, his attention focused on her deep brown eyes, his reflection played back to him; the rose still rolling between fingers in his free hand. What was it about this creature that seemed to evade his defences; believe he needed her to slip past them. He brought the rose up to play across her check again, “nature’s raw beauty came be overwhelming.†The grin barely contained as a pale shade of rose touched the edge of notice on her cheeks. The color only seemed to accent the brilliance of her eyes. Eyes that held him captivated and motionless, he could get lost so easy in their clear depths, as they tried to pull him deeper. Memories of her lips; their soft warmth against his own. His head slowly began to dip toward her once more; reason obscured by the fog she created in his mind; banished control and will into its murky existence.

 

A sharp trill drew their attention as a blue crested yellow bird dipped low in flight causing them both to duck reactively. Instinct and training became clear as fine crystal; vision and meaning bold in his head. Corin watched as the bird disappeared over one of the garden walls and chuckled before turning back toward Lavinya. “Seems the little fellow thinks us a threat to something near here, I wonder if he works for Aleanda;†another chuckle seizing him at the thought. The sudden perceived threat had cleared his head of her and brought control back for the moment. “Perhaps we should move on;†he avoided her eyes; focused on the rose in his hand still raised between them. He pressed it to her opposite hand before turning back down the path she had been leading them toward. What am I doing? He struggled against the desires that tried once again to awaken at her presence. How could this woman pull him so far from reason and self-control? His now free hand came up to pat the back of her own still on his forearm as they continued down the path toward the tree line.

 

Her presence near him only heightened his bodies argument to return attention to her form; her softness. His heart belonged to another yet even now his mind reasoned out differences that shouldn’t make this right but with his present company in tow it seemed to. Grey eyes held his heart; had for a time. But how she held it; what he felt and expected in return was as different as she was to Lavinya. Sirayn drew deep respect and caring, a longing to be with just for being, to protect with out request or reason. Lavinya drew deep heated passion and control free emotions. Was it simply youthful lust trying to play back an age lost to training in the yard? To regain that loss with the soft curvy feminine form on his arm? Or was there something more; he had just met her but she confused him like no other. She was Aes Sedai not a common woman to be played with if she allowed. But she didn’t behave the part, in fact she made him forget his station and duty to the Tower; the pressures of service and Daes Dae’mar. She made him forget almost as easily as she did her own station in life; the glint from the great serpent ring on her finger catching the sun as affirmation of it’s existence.

 

Could friendship ever come out of this meeting or was he simply an object of fascination for the span of time he interested her? The tenderness of her hand under his beg his mind to release it’s suspicions and sink into her warmth but he held on to it with a white knuckle grasp. A degree of control had returned and he did not want to lose its presence so quickly again. His voice was light and carefree still, but he kept his eyes forward; resisting the urge to meet the depths of her own. “The Tower relations … That is a very big and broad subject to teach on. Indeed you must be wise beyond your years to know it’s vast tendrils. So many things seem to change and yet underneath it all the tie that binds still exists. In many cases stronger then before. So many nations, you have not traveled. Has this come from teaching before the Tower or after, in it’s careful and guiding walls?†He had not been able to draw his hand from her’s, but his mind was his own again and the game came back to it. Not in barbed and ferreting thoughts and words, but in plans and structures to keep him from falling so close to loss as he had been earlier. He had betrayed nothing and was sure he would never betray the one who taught him. But the ease at which she had pulled him so close to the abyss; he had stood at the edge and wanted to jump. That thought helped to keep the mesmerizing fog at bay once more though it surrounded him still.

 

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

Corin was happy to find he still found pleasure in sparing after the beating he had taken at the hand of Sieaman. Memories of broken ribs and the difficulty to breath flittered across the void as his eyes took in the movements of the women opposite him; lathes crashing together. She was only recently raised but she fought with her heart and mind in the ring. Something that would server her well in the future and the many trials a Tower Guard would find themselves facing. Cross over stepping to circle Deneira, Corin caught sight of Ginae making her way across the yard with three others in tow. Mentally he passed through the progress of his mentee’s and where they were suppose to be. He had already had one very unpleasant run in with the MOT on his care and direction of one of her precious children. He did not want to find himself in a repeat meeting any time soon.

 

Stepping back from Deneira he lowered his lathe and motioned with his head over her shoulder to the approaching party. Returning Ginae’s greeting; his eyes studied the mirrored faces of two boys behind her. Exacting twins he had never before seen in the yard; never even heard of. New mentee ….. she trusts me with another after … the thought was broken off by the quick look in her eyes as she mentioned their treatment and the subtle warning about beatings. So, this is a test then perhaps, he looked Dorian over with a nod as he was introduced. There was something about the boy that didn’t seem right, he eyes were cloudy and he did not seem to look directly at any one person.

 

"I take it there are some new students that have come to the Yards, though I am slightly surprised at one of their teachers." The familiar ring to the man’s voice had a grin splitting his face before he had finished turning. “Orion old friend!!! How have you been?†He smacked the man on his shoulder in a friendly welcome. “I’ll have you know I train two others beside Dorian here. Dorian I would like you to meet an old friend of mine. He trained hard as I will expect from you. But now he has gotten soft in his bondage to another.†A deep laugh rolled out of him with another smack on the arm for Orion. The news of another charge seemed lighter now that he had his old friend around; perhaps they could get together again for a visit, it had been so long since their last.

 

As his laughter died down a frown touched at the edges of his face. Dorian had not moved when Corin had motioned him over to meet Orion. He shot a questioning glance toward Ginae before fixing his attention once more on the boy’s murky eyes. Corin studied the eyes of anyone he talked to or worked with. They were a focal point he used to read emotion and thought; the dimness in the boy’s eyes worried him.

 

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

Trembling fingers of excitement finished the laces of his white shirt; tucked it into wool pants a green so dark it was almost black. With a quick check in the mirror to ensure all was proper he reached for the door and his sword. A habit it had become since his first arrival in these buildings; this yard of growth and transformation. Looking over at the sword and scabbard he drew a deep breath in an attempt to calm nerves that seemed to have his whole body shaking with anticipation. Today he would enter the ranks of the Tower Guard; be one who could make a difference in the world. But to that end he would have to come open and unarmed, with a slight sigh as the breath left him he swept out the door and into the bright sunlight of the day. It took only a moment to transverse the yard like an arrow seeking it’s target toward the path that would lead to the glade.

 

At the glade’s entrance he awaited the others, two chosen to represent at the ceremony; to bear witness to his oaths. A solemn bow greeted Sirayn Sedai as she approached. He worked to hold emotion in check as he avoided a verbal greeting, kept his eyes from contacting her’s less she see the battle he worked inside. The silence was quickly broken by the arrival of the tall mohawked Rosheen, her red cloak floating behind as she approached. A grin leapt to his face momentarily before he schooled it back to calmness at the open sincerity in his friend’s voice. They may not be the closet of friends, but she was one Corin always felt he could trust. Turning on his heels he entered the glade with the others close behind and came to a stop in front of the stone facing Elia. Sirayn and Rosheen made their way around the glinting surface of the stone to stand at the sides of the Commander. As Elia bent to retrieve something Corin could no longer hold back the urge to read Sirayn’s face. Her presence here meant the world to him and he sought to find similar meaning in the glace he spared quickly. But Aes Sedai serenity denied him that answer though he knew that was all he would find anyway.

 

â€Corin?†Elia’s voice touched him softly and he swung his attention back to her considering gaze. She had been talking he thought to Rosheen but her attention was now fully on him. Panic tried to swell up in him as he searched through the chaos of internal emotion to find the bits of the ceremonial process he needed. It all began with him and they stood awaiting his start. With a nod he dropped smoothly on to one knee and then the other; let his head slip forward in a humbling bow. He was here to be accepted; given a right they felt he deserved. Not to take something he felt he wanted.

 

“I come here unarmed, offering to give myself to the defense of those who serve all.†His voice was strong and emotionless but in side he began to feel the first weight of those words are they left his tongue. He knew the words before; practiced them as all trainees did. But now in the solitude of the glade around him the words began to take on a weight; tall strong tree’s seemed to press down on him. “Who would speak for you†the words rang out from the Commander in ceremonial tones. Reverberated off the conifers who had see them repeated many times from many mouths over their lifetime. “I would speak for him, he is fit.†Rosheen’s voice cut through the silence that ensued after Elia’s words and helped to lighten the weigh he had begun to feel; if only the removal of a feather atop the wall that surrounded the Tower Yard. “Who would trust you?†Unconsciously he held his breath as he waited for the touch of vibration that would be her words in his ear. Waited in the silence of a moment; in this place a moment could feel like eternity while under the unblinking watch of tree’s older then the woman who had offered to speak this for him.

 

His eyes itched to climb from the stone he knelt at and read the expression on her face. But sheer will alone forced his head to remain bowed and allowed only his eyes to glance out toward her from the humbled position. The small ring on her delicate hand leapt to life in the shaft of sunlight that fell on the small party assembled. The tiny tree and crown on the ring’s surface for which he had never seen adore her hand that he remembered; though it clearly was of deep sentimental value to her. “I would trust him.†The words carried throughout the glade in a flat ceremonial tone as all the rest had. As they entered his being they became so much more in meaning and purpose. Simple words that wrapped around his heart and brought unusual warmth to him. She would trust him and he would lay his life at the butchers counter to ensure she never felt the cold embrace of death should he be able. A silent vow never given life from his tongue; meant for her alone, a different time, a different place.

 

“Who would accept you?†Elia’s words remained ceremonial in tone but they carried an additional weight to place upon his shoulders. Questions in general became questions of worth and ability in the separation of this glade. No dark thoughts could hide in the brilliance of the blazing sun over head that lit the stone and the souls assembled here. “I would,†nothing different offered in Rosheen’s words but his mind add an edge that bit into his soul. Images of the carefree environment they had shared as trainee’s; memories of antics and the smile that she wore so often. She had been a light of reality to him when the games of this place began to pull and harden him. How distant that part of his life felt now. Would he ever know that feeling again? Could there be laughter and lightheartedness in a future of responsibility?

 

Elia’s voice broke through the memories and questions mounting in his mind. Her voice flat as it intoned once more,“who would witness your oath who’s word is beyond question?†This time there was no perceived pause before the voice of Sirayn carried to him, “I will.†His mind filled in the edges; added emphasis and inflection where none outwardly existed. The weight of the Tower it’s self seemed to settle on him; dry his mouth at the calculating gaze his mind imagined she leveled on him. So much had he done and agreed to with her; but never an oath of such binding. Never had his soul it’s self been offered in words that crossed his lips. A single string he had sought to tie her with; a thick web he found himself ensnared in. A web that over time had changed him in subtle ways into the man that now knelt before them; changed thoughts of adventure and control into the need to see her safe.

 

“Do you understand that once pledged you are forever bound to a rule of defense? Defense of all Aes Sedai, the defense of the White Tower?†“Yes,†his voice came to him foreign and distant in flat monolithic tones. Memorized conditioning carried his tongue while his mind still played at the puzzles. “Do you understand that once pledged you are forever bound to a rule of commitment? Commitment to serving faithfully, commitment despite any adversity? “Yes,†scenes of slaughter he had seen in various strategy books; descriptions of the butchers bill he had read, overwhelmed his mind and battered at the walls of reason. But his resolve held and crushed the thought mercilessly under focused determination. “Then give your oath now.â€

 

For the first time since he had knelt at the beginning of the ceremony his head tipped back from the humbled bow. With back straight and head held high and proud he brought his gaze to Rosheen; locked his eyes to her’s as the words that would forever bind him to the Tower slipped from his mouth. “I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to defend the White Tower and all who call it home.†His voice was strong and collected as he stated the first oath, a slight smile touching Rosheen’s lips as if encouraging him. Her back he would watch with his own life if she requested it. She was one of very few he considered a close and trusted friend. Slowly he brought his gaze to meet that of Commander Elia who he would now server under. “I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to server faithfully for as long as the White Tower requires me.†Acceptance seemed to reflect in clear blue eyes though she held ceremony still on her face. He would serve her commands proudly; held respect for her and the command she held. To follow her command would not be a hard task to accept.

 

The speed at which his eyes moved to lock with Sirayn Sedai’s gaze was neither faster or slower then the others; a steady purposeful rate that offered nothing outwardly to the world. But an intensity that had previously not been now twinkled feverously in eyes that, on the surface, reflected her image back to her. She had introduced him to so much in the way of knowledge and skill, but that knowledge had come with a price. The carefree happy youth had been lost; buried somewhere deep and a hard man had emerged in his place. Already he knew in his most inner core that this scene, him knelt before her in servitude, would play out again in their future. Somehow, someway he would see it come to bear fruit. They had spent a lot of time together in comparison to any other Aes Sedai in the Tower; time that had changed him and his feelings toward her. “I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to fight the shadow and uphold the light until my dying day.â€

 

No noticeable change in expression or appearance marked her, but intent as his focus had been on her he was sure she had understood or at least noticed there had been something more then the regular oath in his words and meaning. She would offer nothing in such a public gathering, as they were, that he knew confidently about her. But perhaps when they met alone again he could explore her thoughts on the matter. He would love to know her feeling but that was asking something far too much of the women at this stage. He was all to happy at this point to accept her simple presence as acceptance of him. If she was as good as he believed, she would find the answer to the question she had asked him in the market in that oath.

 

“We welcome you to the Tower Guard, you that were known once as Corin Danveer of Ghealdan.†His eyes remained fixed to hers as she stepped forward and bent to place the cloak on him. His mind changed the place and time; conjured up differences in ceremony and process. The weight of the cloak was light on his shoulders but it’s meaning and duty weighed heavily on his mind. Silently his heart offered a promise of his life into her hands as the soft click of the clasp seemed to reverberate off the rock in the silence of the glade. Mighty oaks watched down on him from their heights like small tower spires and judged his worth to wear the crimson cloak. His tongue twitched in a mouth firmly closed; wanted to speak an offering to her so near, but his resolve held firm as she stepped away and he brought his eyes resistively from hers to that of the Commander.

 

“We welcome you as Corin Danveer of the Tower Guard, our brother in arms. Rise and stand as one among many.†An energy from within; not known to him before; some might call it pride perhaps. Corin rose strongly, his head still held high, with pride void of conceit. He was one of there order now; accepted as equal among equals and he would prove their trust in him well placed. From the edge of vision he noted Rosheen step forward and turned toward her; small smile playing over his lips as emotions he could contain no longer began to find cracks in the wall of control. “You came to us unarmed, and as a mark of our trust we place this steel in your hand. May you keep it as a symbol of the trust that has been placed in you, and may it serve you well.†Elia’s words floated around him still in ceremony but his focus was on the glint of metal in the hands of a friend. He had not noticed the blade before as hands came up before him with open palms to accept the gift his new sister offered. The cool temperature of the edged metal in his hands brought comfort and a sense of being to him; nodding acceptance to Rosheen for the long dagger.

 

From behind he felt a hand soft on his shoulder; only the yards training and Sirayn’s guidance kept him from jumping at the sudden contact. Softly Elia’s words came to his ear, warmth of breath against skin as she bent in to address him alone. “Spare a moment for those who have come before you and to who you have become, as shall those who follow you.†Ceremony was no longer there; a voice soft and threaded with perhaps remembrance? The tone seemed almost foreign being carried by her voice. With such smooth distant ceremony in it earlier he almost wanted to turn and have eyes verify his ears belief in the speakers identity. But the light pressure slipped from his left shoulder as his head nodded acknowledgement. Looking back up he found nothing but the stone and the glade before him. While he had dwelt internally on the thread of emotion that seemed to be wrapped around Elia’s words the remaining two had moved from sight. The soft swish of skirt and flutter of cloaks announced the party’s retreat behind him until that too was lost behind the great protective wall of trees.

 

They had stood for years and watched men and women come to this place to swear oaths and seal themselves to the Tower. For years they had protected the new member as memories, purpose, and future crashed over them. Their silent vigil both witnessing and comforting those as they needed it. Emotions true weight now pressed down on him as he sank slowly to knees and then sat, tears of joy making slow tracks down his cheeks and dropping in silence to the stones surface. Since childhood he had dreamed of a day when he could make a difference; be the guardian in the gleeman’s tale. He had come in innocence and the Tower had opened his eyes, now it was time for him to see to the world’s problems. His role was to protect and assist those who would make a difference; she would make a difference.

Grey disembodied eyes floated ever watching over the vision of his family; reunited in joy over his new position in life. The picture so vivid in his mind he reached out briefly with a hand to touch his mother. The hand dropped back to his lap as the feeling of separation claimed him and he held the image of family tight in his mind; fresh tears joining the tracks of previous on his face.

 

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

The Journey Begins

 

OOC: Please feel free to post and comments / thoughts your characters have that you would like added. Thanks so much for helping out with this thread :D

A light breeze brought the cool crisp scents of fall to Corin’s nose as he sat meditating in the garden. How long he had sat there he could not say, still working to gain comfort and confidence in the meditative void. Lonrick had introduced him to the powers and possibilities of the void and meditation that Corin now thirsted to master. Something he had finally begun to have the extra time to deeply explore since completion of his basic training under the Master at Arms Reikan.

 

But with that new found freedom came a decision that he must face that would forever change his course in life and bind him to the Tower as a whole in a way he had almost allowed himself to forget. Reikan had warned him the time would come after he completed basic in which he would have to prove his commitment. That time was now drawing near and he still had to gather the assistance of two who believed and trusted in him.

 

That in part was the reason he had spent so long this morning at meditation trying to come to grips with his purpose and choice in those he would approach and ultimately the names he would give to the Commander as the two to stand for him during the Ceremony to raise him to the status of Tower Guard.

 

Opening his eyes he looked to the sky to check the progress of the sun behind the thin veil of cotton clouds that blanketed the sky from horizon to horizon. Autumn was in full force and it covered the land with it’s blazing colours of orange and red, yellows and browns. All splashed through out the garden and grove, leaving leaves to crunch under foot. Rising he began the first part of a journey that would see him willingly bound to the Tower until the Tower had no use for him or the ground consumed his lifeless body. A shiver shot up his spine at the last and he offered a quick prayer to the creator that his date with death be a distant one.

 

Moving past one of the entrances to the tower he hesitated a moment, pondering if perhaps he should address her first. But his nerves would not allow his feet to make the turn, instead he continued down a pathway that lead back to the yard. He would start with his torturer from the past before addressing the puzzle that enveloped his life since arrival.

 

A quick scan of the yard revealed the lack of her presence and he began the search in earnest for the one he had traded banters and jokes with over his time as a recruit. Though she maintained the upper hand in almost all of their meetings. Passing by the pond he could not help but break out in a full grin as he remembered the mess she had gotten into with the other poor unfortunate souls she had found that day. One of the few times her trouble did not lay it’s hands on him. Ducking low under a branch as he headed toward the water fall; he could not forget how she seemed to find great joy in seeing him hanging from his ankles in the trees more then once in there time as recruits. Perhaps she had changed now that she wore the Red. But then he doubted anything would take that spark of life from Rosheen. Something he envied her for, but also admired in her ability to maintain under all the changes and adversity the Tower’s grasp had on the people here.

 

Shaking off the darkening thoughts that tried to creep back in he surveyed the falls and the stream but there was no sign of her here either. Though he spared a moment to watch those who where training there, it would be something me may have to look at in the future. It would certainly improve his fluidity and perhaps his balance as he watched a women’s silhouetted form at the top of the falls working the forms.

 

After a few moments of revelry he turned and headed back toward the yard still in search for his quarry. The yard was a bustle of activity as usual; mentors and mentees all at training and routine as they prepared themselves and their charges for the future needs of the Tower. But still no tell tail Mohawk in sight. He was beginning to find it rather frustrating not finding the one person he actually wanted to see when an all too familiar feeling crept into his back. Spinning around he found Rosheen leaning against a tree behind him with a smile on her face as usual. Once again he could have became the brunt of some mischievous plan of her’s; only this time he had sensed her presence in time, or did she wait for him to notice her.

 

“Rosheen, just the women I was looking for. Err, I mean just the guard I was looking for.†He offered her a small smile. He had to get his nerves back, this was ridiculous. She was a friend and it was a simple request, nothing complicated. “Rosheen, I was wondering if I could ask a favour of you?â€

 

 

Corin Danveer

Hestitantly begining the journey

 

 

 

To say that life had been good to her ever since she was promoted was a grave understatement. Her mentor had warned her against the high expectations of freedom that some freshly promoted Tower Guards seemed to have. When the time came, she had been ready to give everything to the Tower, her fellow Tower Guards, and her chosen Path and Discipline. Training had been… interesting, to say the very least. New worlds opened themselves to her, and she, being who she was, had always jumped in head first. That had caused her to bump her nose on a few occasions, but she had found that in general it was the best way to approach training, and life in general.

 

Of course the hard training did not mean she no longer had the time to wander around aimlessly, and pull random pranks on people. It just meant that she had to get up a little earlier to achieve her regular daily goals. After an early morning run, and some extensive strength training with one of her trainees, she had chosen to take a few moments to herself. She found herself wandering through the yards, observing the different fighting styles that were displayed, and the different levels of skill. For a moment she stood next to the waterfall, watching her friend Lyv Tylin go through several swordforms while balancing on the top of the fall. Then she moved on, only to find herself staring at a very familiar back.

 

The temptation to sneak up to Corin and startle him the way she had done quite often when they were both trainees was large, but she resisted, leaning against a tree instead. If he didn’t see her within a few moments she’d probably do so anyway, just to remind him that keeping his back guarded was still important, especially with certain people around. After a moment Corin turned, smiling a little meekly. Rosheen waved her finger at him as if to scold him, but there was no malice in her eyes. She noted that Corin was tense, even more so than usual when he realised he was about to get tricked by her.

 

“Rosheen, just the women I was looking for. Err, I mean just the guard I was looking for.†She arched an eyebrow at him. “Looking for me, eh? How many times do I have to tell you that you need to look behind you?†she said, a large grin spreading on her face. Corin still seemed nervous, even after her attempt to joke with him, so she decided that whatever was troubling his mind was worth listening to. She hadn’t seen him this… nervous all that often. “Rosheen, I was wondering if I could ask a favour of you?†With a smile she nodded. It was a silly question, really. Of course she’d help out a friend. “Sure.†She said cheerfully. “What do you need?â€

 

~Rosheen

TG

_________________

WT - Nyssa Deschain, Gray & Black sister

WY – Rosheen Than Sakhr, TG & Ginae Auvriani, MoT

SG - Nona Doronas, DF

FL – Suraya

 

 

 

Her smile helped to ease him yet he still could not force himself to relax, "Well you see. I have finished basic training and ..... well I was told to prepare for the ceremony. In that regard I was hoping that you would stand for me. You have been, among other things," a grin bloomed on his face as he shook his head slightly. Among other things was a long long list, "a friend. It would honor me greatly if you would stand form me at the ceremony in two days time. May I give your name to the Commander?"

 

He waited on her reply anxiously, studying her expression. Next to Orion his old roommate she was the only other trainee he had spent anytime getting to know. Well know and try several times to get even with. That in it's self was no small feet with the tall women. She could be quick at times though she seemed to prefer not to show that side to often. But he would defiantly feel comfortable in a battle if she had his back, he trusted her. Something he found hard to do with those not of the yard's upbringing.

_________________

Corin Danveer

White Tower Guard

Promised to Sirayn Sedai

 

Linten al'Dracain

BT Trainee, Lost mentee of Isha

 

"Life is wonderful. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that we trouble over." - Isaac Asimov

_____________________

 

 

 

Rosheen felt her muscles tense a little when she noticed Corin seemed to be unable to relax. That was just a little too add for her liking. They were talking face to face now, and Corin knew she wouldn’t pull any pranks on him while they were having a conversation. She crossed her arms to keep her hand from wandering to the hilt of her katana. It was hard not to be sensitive to the moods of others at the yards, especially when you knew that each and every one of those training there was capable of killing someone swiftly and efficiently, or was getting there very rapidly. When Corin spoke again she allowed herself to relax a little. She had had a similar conversation a while ago, after all.

 

By the time he was finished talking she was grinning at him, visibly relaxed. She herself had stuttered through the question, afraid that the Tower Guard in question would mock her for it. “Of course you can!†she half shouted. “If the commander will accept that name as a reliable source, of course.†She winked at him. “Reputations are not always a good thing, after all.†She was fairly sure the Commander would have no issues with her presence though. After all, she had been promoted as well. They wouldn’t have promoted her if she wasn’t a suitable Guard. “I’d be honoured.â€

 

“So what Aes Sedai have you bribed into standing for you?†she said jokingly.

_________________

WT - Nyssa Deschain, Gray & Black sister

WY – Rosheen Than Sakhr, TG & Ginae Auvriani, MoT

SG - Nona Doronas, DF

FL – Suraya

 

 

 

With her burst of acceptance Corin relaxed visibly and grinned back at her. He was so relieved that she had accepted and not expected him to prove himself to her or do some errand or such. He even laughed at her comment about the commander accepting her name. It felt so good to laugh again with her. Perhaps he would get more time to catch up with her after he was raised to the guard ranks. But right now the fact that she had accepted elated him, one down and one more to go.

 

“So what Aes Sedai have you bribed into standing for you?†her voice held mirth but it still reminded him to strongly that he had yet to secure that position. "Well you really are the first one I have asked. I do have a certain Green in mind for the task, though I have not asked her. You remember Sirayn Sedia?" Visions of a conversation under a tree with Rosheen about that same Green played back in his mind. But he refused them attachment to his emotions. He had been seeking information and answers about her then, confused, thinking he could control her. But that was then, he was happy now with Rosheen’s acceptance and accepting of his position with Sirayn for the moment.

 

"I still have to find her and secure her acceptance before I report to the Commander. But perhaps if I bring the right trinket she will say yes." he offered Rosheen a wink over his mischievous smile. If Sirayn knew the light he was painting her in for the moment he would probably be on latrine duty. Sedia where usually touch about their image, Sirayn seemed especially so at times. But he was with Rosheen and she was not the type to go shooting her mouth off about the littlest of details. But then she did have a way of getting him into trouble. Well not just him, the first time he had met her was because she and another fellow had been caught by his mentor. He had never run so many laps before in his life, though it was not the last time he found himself running laps.

_________________

Corin Danveer

White Tower Guard

Promised to Sirayn Sedai

 

Linten al'Dracain

BT Trainee, Lost mentee of Isha

 

"Life is wonderful. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that we trouble over." - Isaac Asimov

_____________________

 

 

 

Corin’s mood, which had lightened significantly when she had told him she’d stand for him, darkened a bit again when she mentioned he needed an Aes Sedai. That was often the hard thing to find for guards, as many didn’t interact with Aes Sedai as much as they did with the Accepted that chose to train in the yards, and the Novices who decided that the time spent ogling the trainees and guards was worth the punishment they would receive for it. She found herself grinning again, thinking of the many occasions she had seen novices and accepted drooling over the people she had come to think of as ‘normal’.

 

"Well you really are the first one I have asked. I do have a certain Green in mind for the task, though I have not asked her. You remember Sirayn Sedia?" Rosheen couldn’t quite resist the urge to roll her eyes. “You couldn’t just take the easy road, could you? Isn’t there some young and happy Green sister around who will no doubt be more than happy to help you though your ceremony?†She winced as she thought back on her own meeting with the fierce green Sister. Her opinion of short people had drastically changed on the day she met Sirayn Sedai.

 

“I suppose she’ll do.†She joked. Very few Guards could pride themselves on the personal support of such a legendary green sister. Rosheen smiled at the soon to be Tower Guard. If anyone deserved it. it was Corin, who was always accepted her teasing, and who hadn’t been afraid to get back at her every now and then. "I still have to find her and secure her acceptance before I report to the Commander. But perhaps if I bring the right trinket she will say yes." Rosheen grinned. “Good luck, old boy. I suppose I’ll see you at the ceremony, if you survive your meeting with the Mighty Sirayn Sedai.†She gave him a soft punch on the shoulder, before turning and wandering back towards the barracks.

_________________

WT - Nyssa Deschain, Gray & Black sister

WY – Rosheen Than Sakhr, TG & Ginae Auvriani, MoT

SG - Nona Doronas, DF

FL – Suraya

 

 

 

Laughing Corin remembered the few tangles he had found himself in with some of the up and coming Sedais. More so the fiasco he had reported to Sirayn about that had seen at least one of his close friends mucking out the stalls in full battle armor. No the young seemed to be too fickle to him; The older ones had patterns and expectations clearly laid out, something that could be anticipated and followed. While with the young, it seemed they did not even know what it was they wanted beyond rebelling.

 

Accepting the soft punch with a grin and a nod. “I always did like a challenge I guess, take care Rosh, and thanks again. I will inform the Commander. See you at the Ceremony.†With that he headed out across the yard once more. He had one more to secure, one that he was not sure how he would go about making the request. Where he feared trouble and torment from Rosh; with Sirayn Sedai it was rejection and a sense of worth.

 

His mind worked at the puzzle as he passed through the din of metal and wood colliding and slicing the air. A comforting sound after all his time training, his body yearning to work the forms as his mind worked the puzzle. They had ingrained in him the need and desire to maintain and continually improve on his skills and endurance. But his determination carried his feet across the training area and back to the passageway to the Tower. Here his resolve wavered, purpose and a mired of outcomes dancing in his head; he could not keep his feet moving down that path. The small absent minded though of a new shirt and breeches slowly growing to consume his will. Perhaps the slight diversion was what he needed to calm his nerve.

 

Before he could even begin to create an argument for the continued progression into the Tower in search of his prey he found himself in motion on a path that would see him to one of the gates into Tar Valon. Mentally he could see those gray eyes judging his lack of resolve and ability to see through adversity. The word drawing a distant memory of a conversation with his mentor during his earlier time as a trainee. His mouth began working silently, defending his decision to both phantoms in his mind. How tight the Tower held him it seemed; yet his purpose would only result in even a tighter grasp.

 

The streets where busy with the throngs that seized them daily it seemed. More and more people seem to come to the city to seek shelter or audience with the Sedais. Over the continuous droning din of the people and their conversations hawkers shouts of wares could be heard. Some selling foods like cakes and loaves, some tin work; still others needle or jewelry. Tar Valon, a city that seemed so at peace with everything during the dark hours of night; became the seething mass of cramped confusion during the day. But throughout all that lay the scheming undertow of the Great Game. Daes Dae’mar played out in ribbons that threaded throughout the great city. Subtle words or phrases, there meanings deeply seated in purpose and desire wove an intricate net over the entire city and caught the unaware in there snares; slicing through the resolve and defenses mercilessly of those who thought themselves able to sit at the high stakes table and loose.

 

That was the side of Tar Valon Corin had not know existed until a certain grey eyed creature had wrapped him in her intricate webs and begun to turn him into a puppet; with each twitch of a string he danced. The sudden open space he found himself in rousted him from his revelry and incoherent muttering to look up. Subconsciously he knew there were only a few instances where the milling masses would make way as they did. It was one of those very reasons a cold sweat threatened to breakout on his brow as he searched out the cause and found a silhouetted shape ahead of him looking at the fabric a seamstress had displayed in front of her shop. One gloved hand worked slowly over the fabric inspecting it, turning it. The other, her left lay loose at her side; a measure of lace dangling around it in hopes of disguising it’s true form.

 

He remembered their first meeting; the armory under dark and threatening skies. He had gone to admire a blade he hope to claim after his raising when she had entered with the crashing of thunder; silver flashing through the door opening around her before it sealed them both into the darkness; flickering candle light bathing the room. A sensation shook at his mind as he remembered their meeting like a burning point prodding him, breaking him back to the here and now. His eyes fixed to her’s, she had turned, how long had he been staring at her? How long had their eyes been locked and he lost in a dream? His expression must have changed as one brow rose. How could he be so foolish, she was a games master, how much had he given away while he was lost? How long had he been lost? Trying to keep a sigh of resignation from escaping he moved slowly toward her.

 

How to explain? What to say? His mind bombarded him with question after question as he sought words; bowing before her he moved forward with his original goal; there would be too many questions otherwise. “Good afternoon Sirayn Sedia, I was hoping I might find you.â€

 

 

Corin Danveer

Confused at emotions

 

 

 

Ordered chaos ran riot across the white city in a tumble of colour and sound. Half a hundred cries rose into the clouded sky as opaque as though an iron curtain had been drawn across it, while a cacophony of different hues confused the gaze and clashed with one another much like a band of mismatched musicians. So many distractions that even her sharp senses tracked only half of them; no sooner picking out one possible threat that the next caught her focus in turn. Despite the drab grey overhead all the disarray battered at her insistently until some small part to her wanted nothing more than to creep back to her quarters and hide … she had never been at her best among crowds and since her disastrous meeting with a certain wayward son the sense of massing danger was only heightened.

 

Truly she was losing her wits in her old age. How she still laid claim to a green shawl she could not think. The left hand she no longer possessed wanted to creep toward the dagger she no longer carried; so many old habits beaten into her during a long and chequered career, now made useless, just remnants of what she had lost. The morbid lapses of a sister who had gotten old and bitter while the world turned on around her heedless of her presence … and these thoughts were distracting her too much. Keeping a careless composure around her Sirayn directed her concentration once more toward the display she was meant to be browsing; subtly positioned so that the shop’s leaded glass window, an expensive sign of its wealth, provided a mirror to the street behind her. Distorted shadows lurked in the glass like the doubts and fears that still troubled her now.

 

All the same her thoughts wandered in patterns as cryptic as the silver thread even now dancing before her gaze as it crept across the shimmering fabric; the cloth itself looked like to some sheer veil, but in enough layers it might be decent enough … not something that she would ever do more than look at, not something she would ordinarily even pay interest to. She did not like to show anything more than necessary. Part of it came from her heritage rooted as it was in two conservative peoples … the greater part from knowledge more bitter and immediate than that. It still froze her even to be touched in passing, the briefest contact, and any more than that she didn’t even want to consider.

 

Footsteps and movement interrupted her chain of thought; briefly she sought out stirring in the reflection before her, picked out, among the sweep of veiling fabric … a well known form. Lifting her grey gaze she found the boy standing before her. So bright in his youth and strength that he eerily mirrored some other from not so long ago; green eyes, in a hard, well made face, for once free of all deception and dissembling. And something was mirrored in his expression that she at first stared at, then narrowed her eyes in order to place … some intense feeling to which she could put no name; and maybe it was longing.

 

By the time he recovered his wits Sirayn had gone through disbelieving to thoroughly rattled. More than anything just then she wanted to seize him by the shoulders and shake some sort of sense out of him, out of that lying trickery, and find some truth somewhere; something which she could finally rely on, solid ground beneath her feet. For perhaps the first time in recent years she came to consider this web of lies about them as a burden rather than everything she knew. If she could just trust someone … just for a moment, be certain where their loyalties lay … it was a fool’s hope and her trusting days seemed ever more distant. A frustration which lingered in her sharply.

 

Her face set into stern lines, brows still drawn together a fraction she contemplated the young man now quietly approaching her with a measure of distrust. Hoping he might find her indeed. He had come in search of her or she would be wrong indeed; though how he had tracked her down to this market, to this place, when she had left no word otherwise of her passing she could not think. Maybe his skills were better than she imagined and he could track her through such crowds and such bustle or maybe he was just lucky. “It appears you have found me.†A long, measuring look, before she returned her attention seemingly to the cloth still before her; a shimmer of silk in the grey light. “And what can I do for you, boy?â€

_________________

Sirayn Símeone-Damodred

Head of the Green Ajah - 999 NE

White Tower RP Co-ordinator

 

 

 

His eyes darted from her turned profile to the fabric in her hand, so fine and yet sheer, more then he would have expected her to be interested in. Perhaps a ploy to keep me off guard, mind already at work in the game once more. His tongue darted out to moisten dry lips as his attention came to bare on the profile of her face once more. There were so many things he could learn from her if she would just trust him and open up. The incessant game between them caused him more frustration then he had very know before her.

 

Words that had been so methodically planed and thought out now seemed hard to grasp in her presence. A fine pupil he must be if he could not even control a simple conversation with his teacher; but then nothing was simple or straight forward with Sirayn. Nothing except her stony expression and the harsh tone her eyes carried when she considered actions or words below a level of perfection expected.

 

“As I am sure you are aware, I have completed the requirements of a guard initiate for general training. I am now at a level in their eyes where my services can be of use to the Towers purpose,†and your own if you would just let me prove that. The silent thought pressing to reach his tongue and be forever committed to the air and her ear but his will held it at bay. Remembrance of a talk in the grove about others offering to much information sometimes. Why did it always have to be Daes Dae’mar between them; would there be nothing else?

 

The lingering question haunted him in his sleep and now in his waking, something would have to change; he would make it change if need be. A fool’s ideology echoed in the back of his head as he continued, less emotion and more control returning to his exterior presentation. “Unto that end I too believe I am ready to be a valued member of the guard and wish to join their ranks. For that step I must take the oaths during a ceremony as is required by custom and Tower law. That is what brings me to you Sirayn Sedai,†that and so much more, for you have wrapped me tighter then though it self at times. “I would find great honor if you would represent the Tower at the ceremony. Of the Tower inhabitants I believe you would most understand what I may offer to the Tower in service.†He wanted to thank her and speak of how valuable her training was to him, but again her warning’s echoed in his head and held the words from his tongue. It will change before either of us are in the ground Sirayn, I swear it will change. Hard and cold like steel on a winters morning the thought slide under his words, it’s edge never touching his voice but glinted slightly in the corner of eyes that were distant and flat.

 

“If you are willing to assist me in my oaths to the Tower I would like to offer your name to the Commander in preparation for the ceremony.†His eyes studied every feature of her face looking, seeking out any change or hint she might allow to slip in his presence. Something she had done only once before, though at times he did seem to read some thoughts or emotions in her normally storm gray eyes. The pupil was learning, but the master was still the master no matter how hard he may try. Patience Corin, patience, she has had a life time to perfect a game you are still but and infant at. Best to keep the infants appearance. Inwardly he smiled, thoughts if guarded where still his own and even the master would not know them all.

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

 

 

Suspicion coiling its dark path through her thoughts turned instead to quick interest; intrigued by his message and what it might mean for her. The red cloak came at last for her young apprentice. Had so much trime truly passed since their first meeting? Keenly she remembered the inexperienced boy whom she had first drawn into webs of mystery; an innocence which had long since been beaten out of him and replaced by qualities of better worth to her. Intelligence and cunning his own contributions, but Sirayn liked to credit herself with a key part in making him what he chiefly was … no longer an unknowing pawn in games of Daes Dae’mar but a fledgling player with some formidable skills of his own.

 

His service was already of use to the Tower’s purpose had they but known it; it stood as testament to his discretion that she did not count herself able to tell his masters all the many purposes she had him serving. Frowning she briefly pondered what this ceremony might signify to her … if the Tower Guard might start to call upon his services more than she herself could; if she could perhaps no longer trust him for the greater part of his duty now lay elsewhere; if he might even ask to leave a service he had never officially entered. The benefit of having no contract spoken or otherwise between them was that it could be dissolved swiftly should it be necessary but the ties between them were coming to be well known all the same. Another danger she could have done without.

 

Honoured by her presence? A little bit charmed, a little bit confused, sometimes she suspected that she lived in a separate world to everyone else; one much colder and lit by the bitter light of truth. It was on the tip of her tongue to point out that having a crippled coward present did little justice to his notion of honour, nor to the Tower’s proud old image, but perhaps a crowded market street busy with trade and commerce was not the place to let such comments come to light … nobody knew what shadows might lurk to pass on whispers. No, it could not be for that reason that she had been requested to stand for him in ceremony unless his judgement was not half as good as she had perceived so far.

 

Some other string to bind them together perhaps. Could it be for the cheap prestige of having a sister of her generation and experience present? That might be useful but she had thought better of him than that. Still, regardless of the reason, she could scarcely refuse or do him a great discourtesy. “The red cloak? Not before time.†Ice itself, her tone did not permit any sentiment to be inferred; letting the sleek silken fabric slip from her grasp Sirayn turned carelessly to glance out across the busy city as though by appearing unmoved she might deny the unwelcome importance of this moment.

 

Truly he deserved the red cloak better than anyone she knew … but that would be cold comfort and lend her little aid in his place if it turned out that she lost perhaps her best and most skilled agent today. “Name the time and the place. I will be there. In the mean time you might as well muse on whether you intend to continue working for me … you do, I presume, have a career of your own to address which I may not be able to best serve from now on. So long as you keep your mouth shut regarding anything you may have learned around me I do not intend to be an obstacle to your decision.â€

_________________

Sirayn Símeone-Damodred

Head of the Green Ajah - 999 NE

White Tower RP Co-ordinator

 

 

 

When she had mentioned the Red cloak, almost questioning his right to it his heart had begun to sink; reasons and explanations already beginning to form in his mind. But the overwhelming relief of her acceptance to his offer flooded him in the end; a relieved sigh caught at the top of his throat just before it became born of life. The thread of elation that she, his teacher and purpose, accepted him as ready to take the cloak was almost more joyful then the accomplishment itself. It still confused him why he felt the need to please her, to prove his worth in her eyes; yet it was there as plain as the agelessness of her face. One day he would figure it out, but for now he accepted it slowly; each day with less resistance and questioning. He knew it was only a matter of time before he gave in completely, but that time was not now.

 

"you do, I presume, have a career of your own to address which I may not be able to best serve from now on. So long as you keep your mouth shut regarding anything you may have learned around me I do not intend to be an obstacle to your decision.†The underlying thread of doubt that surfaced with regards to his duties and commitment to her puzzled him somewhat though he refused to let the emotion show on his face. She would have read it in a heart beat; fuel she did not need as far as he was concerned. He was sure he had displayed nothing but open acceptance to her; proven himself true and loyal, but the simple seemingly casual comment left great doubt as to her understanding. Unless she was testing him again, but why now. Foolish Corin … you know Sirayn does everything in a time of her choosing. You will go mad before you understand her workings. Still curiosity bloomed from within; wanting to press the issue with her.

 

He bowed smoothly in front of her, “Thank-you Sirayn Sedai. It is an honor I will not forget, if you will excuse my leave I will inform the Commander. I’m sure she will send a dispatch to you with the day of the ceremony.†Her nod of dismissal was minimal, the cool authoritive air of an Aes Sedai wrapped in thick layers around her. A smirk quivered the corners of his lips as soon as his face past from her sight; happiness welling up from where he had tried to hold it tight. A step light and on the verge of a bounce carried him through the streets of Tar Valon and back toward the tower. He still had a few things to finish in preparation of the ceremony, but he was confident he would be ready. First off he had to inform the Commander of the two people who had accepted to stand for him.

 

Even the lack of the Commanders presence at her office would not dampen his spirits today. It had taken only a moment to secure paper and a quill from the Mistress of Trainees in which to leave a message for the Commander. With the missive that contained the names of Rosheen and Sirayn Sedai tucked under the door he made his way back to his shared barracks for what soon would be the last time. The cloak brought with it new rooms and new responsibilities. I will prove myself worthy of you Sirayn, I don’t know why, but I will make you proud. Chuckling at the confused thought he opened the door to his room and stepped in, preparations still needed completing.

 

OOC: Okay, we are ready to kick off teh ceremony, if you all would not mind posting your arrival to the grove for the ceremony, perhaps converse if you would like that would be great then we can do the actual Ceremony.

_________________

Corin Danveer

White Tower Guard

Promised to Sirayn Sedai

 

Linten al'Dracain

BT Trainee, Lost mentee of Isha

 

"Life is wonderful. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that we trouble over." - Isaac Asimov

_____________________

 

 

 

The notes had been sent out with the time and date of the ceremony, and Elia fingered the bundle she would be presenting to the still-trainee upon its completion. A red cloak, a silver clasp, and a long dagger, plain but well made. It was a token weapon, something as a back up should all else fail, but also a part of the ceremony. The letter to Corin had explained what he should wear and that he should come unarmed, and how he should stand to complete the ceremony. It was all rather superfluous, but the ceremony was old and the Glade of Remembrance was a solemn and serious place. She cast her mind back to her own Tower Guard ceremony, her mentor only recently killed, and it should have been him presiding over it. Evan was still close to her heart, and he deserved the tribute she gave to him every time she acted in her official capacity as Commander. Looking up at her clock and realising that the time was near, she gathered the bundle, checked her clothing one last time, and proceeded to the glade.

 

Sunlight filtered through the trees above and played over the only feature in the glade - the large stone slab that few knew the real meaning of - and the ground, spots dancing with the wind as branches shifted overhead. Silently, Elia lay down the bundle behind the stone, taking up her position, and waiting for him to approach. It was his last day as a trainee, after this ceremony, Corin would be protecting the Tower and its inhabitants. He would have two people with him - an Aes Sedai and a Tower Guard, and they would vouch for his suitability for the job. The Commander heard people approaching and took in the faces without words, studying all three of them with a neutral expression but considering very carefully whether they were all gathered for the right reasons. Seeing no reason to delay, Elia watched them take up their places, and began, her voice quiet and calm. There was a peace in the glade that she did not wish to disturb, a peace that she had enjoyed after her ceremony was over, so proud in her new cloak and clasp.

 

"Corin?" She looked at him once more, considering, and nodded. It was time to begin, and the first part was his. With a slight smile, Elia watched him speak, and then let the ceremony flow through words so often repeated, and often contemplated.

 

~Elia

Commander of the Guard

 

Feel free to just go ahead and NPC the ceremony, or give me a poke if you'd like me to post again. Hopefully this hasn't been too long to wait. I'm trying to catch up with RPs and things are hectic. Apologies if the length is lacking.

 

 

 

How smoothly he turned aside her question. Control she was becoming accustomed to from him, but this lack of response on a topic important to her … and perhaps, though she flattered herself, representing a fraction’s importance to him as well … struck her as ominous. Could it be that he had already decided that his prospects lay elsewhere and simply waited for the correct moment to inform her? Precious little she could do about it if he did, indeed would not want to hold him here if she could no longer count on his loyalty, but the possibility of losing her best agent in the city disturbed her. Too much already she had come to rely on the skills she had so diligently instructed in the boy. If he were to decide now that she served no further purpose for him Sirayn could imagine how swiftly and decisively she might have to move to protect her interests.

 

Similar questions troubled her for the intervening period; by the time she presented herself at the appointed hour in the grade she had already analysed what she hoped was every possible way in which this difficulty could fall out. If only people behaved in such predictable ways according to her calculations she would never be thrown off balance again by the many and strange things which happened around her … but it would take actual violence to make any sort of sense from the boy she intended to see raised a man today. Admittedly she did not exactly keep a crowd of obedient young men to serve her every wish, but she had been acquainted with several during her centuries’ career, and none behaved with such maddening lack of coherent sense. The boy had more wit than she had initially credited him with, that was for certain, but what motivated him? Did he seek coin or glory or maybe something darker? No way of knowing; ignorance frustrated her. Still turning it over she headed to the ceremony’s location.

 

Midday brought bright sun glittering across the busy city. The emerald green shawl draped about her shoulders drew its fair share of stares as she wound her way toward the glade; sisters did not ordinarily wear their shawls so openly save for occasions of heavy ceremony and in her wake half a hundred whispers started. She gave none the satisfaction of a response despite the temptation to tell them that if she wished them to know her business she would inform them immediately. Her sombre dark skirts told no other stories even to a skilled observer, but once trees shrouded her from sight she slipped on the ring commonly worn on a silver chain at her throat; marked most tellingly with a tiny tree and crown. Not a sigil she claimed openly most of the time … but with the world spinning so inexorably onward into darkness, there were few left to contest her right to wear it.

 

Huge dark firs towered about them. High above their heads the sun blazed; a hundred rays of sheer gold fell across them and painted the gathering in serene tones. The stone slab before them gleamed like a small piece of majesty. The silence here intimidated her somewhat. She had been trying to imagine how in all her years she had never attended this ceremony before, perhaps she had never made much of a link with boys so unbecomingly young before, but the fact remained that only an hour’s determined consultation of some old books gave her any idea what lay ahead of them. Let it never be said that the Battle Ajah did not face challenges bravely. Straightening her shawl with a careless gesture she took up position to the left of that slab, sparing only a glance for her companions, and there composed herself to stillness waiting for the ceremony to begin.

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Sirayn Símeone-Damodred

Head of the Green Ajah - 999 NE

White Tower RP Co-ordinator

 

 

 

With a great deal of care Rosheen tended to her appearance on the morning of Corin’s Tower Guard Ceremony. She barely remembered how the Tower Guard that had presented her had looked, but it still felt important. The red cloak felt like a comforting weight on her shoulders. She finished the silver clasp, and looked at herself in the mirrors for a moment, before nodding, and turning towards the door. Every bit the fierce Tower Guard. She had her Katana strapped around her waist, but she left her Naginata standing in her room. This wasn’t battle, after all. Just an important ceremony that told the world that Corin had matured enough to be trusted with the lives of those within the White Tower.

 

As she walked out of the Barracks she vaguely wondered if Corin had managed to convince Sirayn to join them, or if he had chosen a … more approachable Aes Sedai instead. Then again, she had asked the Keeper of the Chronicles to attend her Ceremony, and as promised, Lyanna Sedai had been there. It had meant a lot to Rosheen. She supposed that Sirayn’s presence would have the same significance for Corin as Lyanna’s presence had had for Rosheen. Moments later she arrived at the Glade of Remembrance. Sirayn and Corin were waiting there. Rosheen gave them both a nod. “Ready?†she asked Corin.

 

She found out soon enough, as she and Sirayn followed the young Tower Guard towards the slab. Roshen stood at the Right side of the slab, while Sirayn stood at the left. She bowed her head for Elia for a moment, before accepting the long dagger she was to present to Corin. It was a solid, warm weight in her hands. It was a sign of trust. She had carried her own dagger around for weeks before finally accepting that she couldn’t take it to bed with her without risking a cut or two. After a moment she straightened herself, and waited for Corin to start the ceremony.

 

Ooc: If I’m not mistaken the AS present gives the cloak to Corin, and the TG present gives the dagger. It’s probably best if you NPC me and Sirayn through the ceremony, Corin

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WT - Nyssa Deschain, Gray & Black sister

WY – Rosheen Than Sakhr, TG & Ginae Auvriani, MoT

SG - Nona Doronas, DF

FL – Suraya

The dip of her eyes, slight, and near unnoticeable had he not been focused on them only served to add a smoldering appearance to her face; further eroding the thinly stretch control that remained. His heart screamed at him to flee; to turn and leave while he still could before she pull him further. Her voice in soft musical tones seemed to almost taunt his heart and its inability to help him escape. The motion of her hand seemed to slow time as it swept in a small arch as if removing something from his shirt; skin pebbling under the shirt from the touch. A tingle followed the progress of her fingertips as they flowed over the arm of his shirt and came to rest on his wrist; muscles twitching from the sensation. Blood coursed through his veins as his pulse quickened again at her touch; his bodies continued betrayal of his heart. Her nod of dismissal was cool Aes Sedai serenity; commandment and authority under normal circumstances. But the flick of red locks tossed over a shoulder to draw the eye; linger on the smooth length of her neck and the absence of a retreat from such close proximity reduced that authority to a captors humorous twist. She knew full well the way to play him; offering an out while securing his acceptance to stay in subtle movements. Anyone watching would believe she had released him from her presence.

 

The echoing clash of steel meeting steel; horrific cries from deep inside men who knew they would never know the warm caress of a lover’s touch again or the sweet joy of watching a child at play. The thunderous pounding of hooves as the Calvary plowed through a line of foot soldiers, leaving a strewn mess of disfigured and misshapen bodies in its wake. These could not compare to the war of inner turmoil that waged within Corin from the honeyed words and soft touch she besieged him with. Mind and body filled with a desire for the ripe feminine form Lavinya swayed when she had glided toward him; waged with a heart bound in the steel grip of a women plain in comparison. Unblinking storm grey eyes that saw everything and placed all his actions, words, and emotions on a scale to be measured; recorded for time eternal under the pen of a Brown. Intensions, actions, and conversations dissected under glass like a Brown searching out the innermost reasons for its existence. Battled against sultry brown eyes that invited he in; invited him to get lost in their depths of warm promise. Accepted him as he was asking nothing in return but his presence; his touch.

 

Two worlds so different in there existence as summer was to winter pulled at him from within. Admiration, respect, so many emotions he held for her, should he truly admit to himself; love. What had happened through their years together? Where had the simple thought of adventure and gain through her company turned into the protective nature he now knew, the longing ache deep in a heart that should not want. Somehow in quiet unknowing bits his admiration of her strength and knowledge had turned and magnified to the need to see her safe; have her close. The seeking desire to find acceptance and approval; could it be he wanted her love in return? An expression that never cracked even the smallest corners of an ageless face set in the perpetuating blankness of an Aes Sedai; a blankness that spoke so much, yet love never seemed there. That lost, longing look in the glade when he had found her; a look she had worn for Seiaman after her departure. Was that what he sought? An emotion; a closeness that Sirayn seemed to reserve for the women with winter’s own cold and hollow heart? He had received not the slightest indication Sirayn would reciprocate the threads of emotion now twisted into a steel cord that kept him bound to her.

 

So many differences lie between them as his hand came to brush fingers across her cheek; skin smooth and warm to the touch; copper and bronze tones that pulled at a man to touch and relish in the softness. He had just met Lavinya; had no lasting past or originating purpose in her presence. Deep brown eyes drew him in; offered his mind rest and comfort lost in their depths. She was so easy to talk to and be with; no pressure to seek her approval. He had done nothing more then been himself and she had accepted that; wanted to remain with him for no other reason he could see then because she wanted to. He had found no indication she held a deeper purpose for him, a purpose yes, his thumb slid lightly over lips; their caress and taste still lingering like an evenings waning shadow on his own. Her purpose seemed to speak of mutual benefits; pleasure and escape from the glistening white spires of duty that rose up beside them. Free to be who he was, the boy he had been and the man he could have; not the calculating, suspicious player he was becoming.

 

“The trainee’s ..†his voice was soft with a distance to it as he remained transfixed in her gaze. “The trainee’s need tutelage and guidance if they are to be worthy of the cloak and useful to the Tower and it’s needs.†Something seemed changed in her eyes or around them; seemed to try and draw him deeper. How easy it would be to remain lost in them; swallowed up in the tender embrace of her arms. Her lips moved as if to speak and he pressed two fingers lightly to still them once more. “But they also need time to practice, perhaps ..†An itch bold and piercing broke her hypnotic aura and drew his minds attention to the sensation in the middle of his back. Turning his gaze toward the colonnades above his hand fell to his side once more. Somewhere above, along high walks, balconies and windows, eyes watched. They always watched whether grey or just in service to those demanding grey eyes that held him in scrutiny. You will not welcome me yet I can not escape you Sirayn. Why must you torture my soul so. A fleeting though; she was a thirst he would never quench nor out run.

 

His face had taken on a slight hardness during his pondering and he work to ease it to a relaxed state, “perhaps a walk; less eyes and interruptions.†His thoughts made know to Lavinya as his tongue repeated them in whisper. Already too much he had allowed in the openness of the garden, plainly in sight of the Tower itself. She would hear of this, how much could only be guessed, he only hoped it was minimal and scattered in detail and content. Damage control would have to be contended with and he would see the distant side of her shoulder no doubt. How would he explain this; how could he explain what Aleanda had seen. A shaft of ice drove through his middle at the though of the information she could bring to the wrong ears. He would have to arrange a meet with her; arrange to keep things from being born to life on her lips. But how was a Tower Guard to keep and Aes Sedai quiet. He could not ask her out right, it would offer her to great a position over him.

 

The warm touch of another against his wrist drew him back to her; captivation swarming the game’s play in his mind. Question and puzzlement were on her face and in her eyes as they met once more. “Perhaps, if you are still interested of course, we could take that walk and continue our .. conversation under less observing eyes.†He flicked a quick glance to the Tower again before meeting her gaze. Control and composure had returned outwardly on his face while he was speaking. His heart fought valiantly for control again; to bring back logic and caution. The ache lie in dull heavy tones unnoticed under the trance Lavinya’s nearness had succeeded in keeping him in. His mind yearned with the need to surrender to someone; to just stop and be without guard or concentration. He would lay everything he was at the feet of Sirayn for acceptance; but here and now he wanted to lay down resistance and barriers. He wanted to be lost and comforted; be needed without discipline or decorum; no mind games or ulterior motives. Why won’t Sirayn accept me? The though floated on the edge of recognition as he tried to grasp at the remaining threads of control and knit them back together again.

 

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

On the edge of the Abyss

At first the whole idea of needing to be in a wooden tower near the middle of the field to judge a ring joust seemed odd to Corin. He had never seen a ring joust let alone judged one; he knew the basics of it so he was sure it should be no problem. The tower to him seemed out of place; that was before the competition actually began. It did not take very long for him to realize two very important things. One; he would never have seen the whole course and the riders ability had he not been up there unless he had ridden along the course after the rider. The second was that there was no way he wanted to be anywhere near some of those riders with sharp pointed laces in their hands.

 

His mentee was just such an example. The boy was, if nothing else, a determined individual to experience everything he could about the competitions offered. Whether he had a chance or not; heck whether he had any idea what he was doing or not. The fact that he was able to get the fourteen rings he did before ending up in the air like a goose on a pike was amazing in it's own right. But under that look, as he was lead off the field to uproarious laughter, had to be some pain from the sudden stop. Corin did admit the boy took it in good stride. As did several others, though some of them were far less gracious to their predicament.

 

Other riders showed past skill and training that spoke of years in the saddle with a lance. They held pose and steady skill that only could come from a comfortable familiarity with the process. One rider that impressed Corin in that regard was Rodrik. The boy missed three rings in total but showed a great deal of skill both in his guidance of the mount he rode as well as the steady control he displayed with the lance. The ride had been one of the most fluent in the competition and was warranted of the applause it earned. That boy would go far in a mounted Calvary if he so chose it. Corin made a few more notes on the score sheets before handing them into the head judge and climbing back down out of the observation tower.

 

OOC: Good work you two. :D

 

 

Corin Danveer

Tower guard

Corin pondered on how well the boy would handle the added pressures of the race as the cord bit into his skin slightly. They had trained several times tied as this, but there had been no chasing competitor, no pressure to stay ahead and remain there as they were pursued through the course. This would be the true test; even for him it would be a test of patience with the boy’s present skill level and his desire to see victory over a friend. With the boy’s nod they were off at a quick run toward the first wall. This would set the mood for the remainder of the course. “Steady controlled pace,†he voiced the reminder to the air around them as they found their initial rhythm.

 

Arriving at the wall Corin was almost caught off guard as Shawn attacked the climb aggressively but was able to find a match to his movements once they were away. “Good work, you are focusing well,†he looked back to see the other team arriving at the bottom as his hand grabbed the top. It proved to be a bit tricky under the rush of adrenaline to time their leg swings over the top, but neither fell so he counted the movement a success as they slide down the ropes on the far side to the ground. With good solid earth beneath their feet they set out at a hard pace again trying to create distance between the teams. He had stressed how key this would be with Shawn in there practice, now was not the time to add unneeded pressure to the boy in reminding him just how good a swimmer Lyv was.

 

The cold water of the swim length washed over him as they fell into it. A fluent dive was what they had been striving for but in the heat of the race a mixed splash of arms and legs was the result. Bobbing to the surface he noted Shawn’s determined look and they set out in the rhythm they had planed. It was by no means an aggressive pace; controlled, smooth and steady, something they could both work in. Shawn seemed to be a good swimmer, Corin could hold his own but he would never say he was strong at it. Their competition on the other hand was another story. Lyv he new was a very strong swimmer, the boy he could only guess at. He had a good build and a great teacher so it was possible that he was more then familiar with the water. The lack of concentration on his part broke the rhythm and jarred their arms briefly, before Corin adjusted back to his mentee’s pace and stole a quick backward glance. He had hoped to be at least halfway through the swim part before their competitor’s made waters edge. As it was he gauged them nearing the one-third mark instead. It was going to be interesting to see if they could keep any distance between them now that both teams were into the swimming leg.

 

 

Corin Danveer

Tower Guard

Shawn's Mentor