Honestly, all that really stuck with me was the amazing people and writers. I remember you, Arie, and I'm also glad to see a familiar face.

I'll probably skulk around for a bit and see where I might belong, and get a feel for what's going on. If that's alright. I'm still so amazed that things have hung on all of this time, even if things are quiet.

Thank you so much!

Heya!

So, it's been years since I've been here. Like... YEARS; but, DM was my life back 16 years ago and I still talk about my time here. I RP'D for a few years as Serena Morrigan of the Blue Ajah and a couple of other characters as well

I just finished watching the show, and started another re-read of the books and was just really reminiscing my time here and thought I'd reach out. So, hi!

I don't expect people to remember me, but I do recognize some names that I can see on a few of the threads. 

I'm interested in writing again, even if it's not my life like it once was.

What are things like these days?

Ok, Thanks Rasheta. 

I have been planning for N'Daye to go Red, since I created her, unless of course someone thinks they can deter her. Haha

Shhh!!!

It is quiet in here!

*taps lips in thought*

So, what's going on in the BT these days?

Ok, thanks! Well, once my stuff goes through, and any changes that need to be made with my characters, I take care of, I hope I can help around here. We used to have some great stuff going on, and I'd love to see that return. Wait! Are there no Reds active?

Thanks guys! I'm excited to be back. I miss it a lot. 

Sherp: That is all yet to be determined. I'd obviously be glad to take it on, but I'm sure they want to watch and see how I do, first. *Shifty eyes* :P And, really, I'd just be happy to start RPing Serena again

Rasheta: I remember you as well, and thanks!

Kat: Thank you! I appreciate it! 

 I have a question, after reading the links you gave me. Are all of the Sitters and Heads of Ajah's (ICly and OOCly) active? I hope so, or at least somewhat. Is the IC MoN and NSW? I would assume so, because they are Retro RP's with Novices and Accepted, or does the MoN just RP Retro as well? 

Heya Lav! *pounce*

*waves* Hey Everyone.

So, I posted earlier as Car'en, because I did not think that this account even existed, so I will delete Car'en. I am thinking of returning definitely with my novice, and I am thinking of returning with Serena of the Blue. I think I have caused a great deal of confusion, so I am trying to remedy that, I am just not sure how. I have been scouring the boards for a good while now, but it seems that some of the people who held positions are not the ones holding those positions any more? If that makes any sense. The boards list someone as Bio Checker (Owen, sorry for sending you PM's) and he is no longer the bio Checker. I am slightly confused as to whom I should contact now about my returns.

I have missed RPing greatly, and hope that after I fulfill the requirements, that I am able to return with you guys. Thank you, and again I apologize for the craziness.

Thanks guys,

Brightest Blessings,

Serena

Blue Ajah

1) RP's done by Ajah characters during July

   To Determine Their Fate-http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,50440.0.html -Serena and Thera back together agaain...ish.

Weight of the World- http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,59024.0.html-Blue Ajah Head, meets Red.

Cast a Shadow http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,59033.0.html-Serena playing with an Accepted.

Blue Ajah Class

http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,59582.0.html- Self explanitory?

2) Handle and character name(s) of members and when last RPed as that character, split into Active and Inactive

Active

SerenaMorrigan- Serena Morrigan (July 27th, 2010)

Inactive

Miya- Miya Kiyoshi- March 1st, 2010

Addibeth-Estel Liones- I believe her to be on LoA, I'm not sure if she's coming back. She went on a trip across the world for a year or so. I'll check it out.

3) RP plans / ideas

~Serena will be joining in the Ajah Head RP and perhaps heading an internal Tower "split" in the process. (Don't be scared of that word  )

~I have some other ideas, but I'd like some more Ajah members to play with.

~Serena needs to lose an eye!! (still)

4) Interaction with N&A

~Manipulating Kathleen in the Library. ^_~

~Just led and finished a Blue Ajah Class

5) Problems, ideas, etc

~Lack of members...

Elgee edit: changed Serena's last active date to June 22nd, not July 22nd  )

Woohoo! Congrats, can't wait to have another Blue on board.

Serena had arrived to the classroom early, and had chosen to sit behind the large mahogany desk with her feet up on a chair opposite her. She relaxed and waited for her students to arrive. Once again she had been incredibly pleased with the work Kathleen and Regalia had done. This class had been written specifically for Accepted and was NOT an easy one. Serena wasn't normally huge on homework, but this class was designed to help the girls think on their Ajah choices, whether they were to choose the Blue or not; although, it definately was directed towards..perhaps...molding them in the right direction. She smirked at her thought. All Aes Sedai did it, especially when they found innitiates that they thought had the drive that fit with their Ajah.

As the young women walked into the classroom, Serena nodded to each one, and slowly removed her boots from the chair they'd been resting on. A mischievous thought cross her mind, and let her mouth quirk slightly in one corner. Her eyes sparkled as she stood and began to pace in front of her students. "Girls, for that is what you are," Her tone was sharp and almost condiscending. " I had thought that this class would have made you learn something, made you think, made you strive towards a final goal of becoming Aes Sedai." She removed her eyes from glaring straight forward, and turned to fix them on each Accepted. Pausing, she placed her hands on her hips and seemed to invoke anger from nowhere.

"Clearly, you have much more to learn. If homework, field experience, and lecture are not enough, I do not know what is. In fact, there is so much more for you to learn that I have decided..." She clenched her teeth to show the ferocity behind her words, and her cheeks actually flushed as if her anger were rushing towards them in a blood pounding rage. And then....it stopped. "....Class is dismissed. You both did extraordinary work, and I am glad to have been the one to teach you in this lesson." She grinned.

"As we spoke of earlier, we all know here, that once we have taken the Oaths that bind us, that we cannot lie; however, I did not lie when I spoke those words. There really is a lot more for you both to learn. Honestly, I am not done learning. One thing someone once said to me was, 'Remain teachable', and that is to help in keeping one humble. What I have done here, was using the art of deception."

"Congratulations, Accepted."

OOC: Class is done! I've already spoken with Lavinya and you guys have both far exceded the word count. Well done!  ;D

*claps* Fantastic! Congratulations!

Serena was very proud of her students, both Katherine and Regalia were very promising Accepted, and the White Tower would be a better place with the two of them instilled as Servants of All. Gently, she pressed down the buttons of the front of her coat with the palm of her hand. Her eyes twinkling with the anticipation of what was in store for the young women, in their years to come.

"Good afternoon ladies. Today we’ll be addressing the tools of the trade for the Blue Sister of the White Tower.”

“As many of you are well aware, the Blue Ajah is often considered to be a group whose expertise coined the phrase, the truth you hear an Aes Sedai speak …” Serena smiled. “Blues have been accused of being ambulatory lexicons, women whose tongues are as golden as the rings we wear on our fingers. While the people of Cairhien are masters of the great game…we invented it.”

“Truly the most powerful weapon any woman has is her good sharp wit but all the more so for a blue. The ability to convey messages unseen and unheard, despite scrutiny, is a fine art usable by even the lowliest of servant or novice of the Tower. Imagine being able to convey to a fellow Novice or Accepted about a secret rendezvous that would occur late that night or a prank, right in front of those you meant to avoid knowing! I will advise all of you to take the class, Basic Daes Daemar regardless of which Ajah seems attractive to you but ESPECIALLY if you are wanting to go with the Blue Ajah once raised. In fact, if you’re considering the Blue Ajah… consider taking all three Game of House courses offered here at the Tower.”

“Again, the Blue Ajah is considered powerful because of our connection to the outside world… our ‘eyes and ears’ as it is sometimes referred to by the Sisters of the Tower. This connection is like the veins in a body… without them the body of our Ajah would not function, our purpose in the Tower… might as well be defunct. While other Ajahs have networks of eyes and ears, it is the blues who spend decades cultivating and nurturing their relationships with their fellow men and women of the world, to ensure a lasting connection. Sometimes families will work for lifetimes, far beyond anyone’s remembrance in the family, for the White Tower simply because a good relationship was established by the initial Aes Sedai and up kept by younger ones over the years.”

“True enough this is a large portion of what young blues do, traveling the world keeping in touch with Eyes and Ears at the instruction of their sitters and ajah head. These young women represent the Tower, renew bonds with their contacts, and more importantly serve the practical purpose of being the first on scene for problems. This, as you might have guess, often puts them in the position to make or break the image of the White Tower and it is a trial by fire to be certain.”

“What sometimes starts out as a simple trip through the borderlands to make contact with eyes and ears often turns into some of the grandest adventures of the gleeman’s tales.” For a moment Serena seemed excited, like she herself would rather be out right now chasing down adventures with her warder but then she suppressed the excitement and resumed Aes Sedai calm.

“Sometimes, when out in the field a Sister finds herself caught between the most difficult choices… often for a Blue it is the conflict of duty to the Tower and duty to her cause. For some their Cause is the Tower or in a fashion an idea the Tower stands by… but even for those lucky Sisters, fate finds interesting ways to weave the pattern in such a way that we’re forced to make hard choices.”

“It is in these tough decisions that the character of a Sister is tested truly. Sometimes, as you will discover in time, two things can be very right… and very wrong all at once. Deciding between the lesser of two evils or the better of two rights… is no easy task but the Blue is prepared for these things by her training and her ability to think outside the box.”

“What I mean by this is non-conventional thinking. Coming up with original solutions to unusual problems. More than once a blue has disproven the old adage ‘ you can’t have your cake and eat it too.’ The trick is knowing what you want and what others want… and how to employ the help of those around you even if they don’t realize or want it.” Serena smiled mischievously.

“Okay girls here is what I’d like you to do for homework tonight…” Serena began to hand out homework assignments.

Ooc: No ic homework. Instead write up a paragraph or three about an rp you could do as a blue sister. With tweaking it could be usable after you’re raised (whether you go blue or not!) It doesn’t have to be a magnum opus but show us something that doesn’t deal with the main plotline (of the books) elements which could realistically occur in randland PRIOR to the timeline which Jordan deals with, as this will be the timeline you’re rp’ing in as new aes sedai.

Consider things like politics, traveling to touch base with eyes and ears and what could happen along the way to see them, things eyes and ears might tell you are going on in their cities (think common problems from crime to sickness… drought to disputes between citizens) anything works, there is no wrong answer here. Try to employ at least one of the thoughts of the three elements which Blues use: Wits, Eyes and Ears, & the Great Game.

Good luck!

Congrats!!

OOC: Sorry, guys, I had finals and papers due this week, so I got behind on my RPing. Won't happen again.

IC:

Lesson 3

Serena walked into the classroom and smiled at the students there. She’d greatly enjoyed watching them in the past lesson and reading their thoughts from their reports. Each of them showed a great deal of the beginnings of what it took to be a member of the Blue Ajah.

Today however, she was going to break a little further into the depths of what it meant to be a Blue… the Cause.

“Good afternoon, Students.” She chirped brightly as she came to stand before the large chalk board. Taking up her chalk she wrote on the board in big bold lettering: “What is a Cause?”

Looking back at the students she waited to read their reactions. “A cause,” she began. “is anything which is worth fighting for, sacrificing for, or working at until its completion, even if that means working til your very death knowing that it may not be you who completes the task but another who will one day benefit from the study of your triumphs and failures.”

“Causes come in all sizes. They are sometimes grand and legendary, so big that Ajahs have been formed around them, such as protecting the world from the threat of male channelers… the unending war against the Shadow and the eventual triumph of the Light’s forces at Tarmon Gaidon. But these are not the only causes to follow and a Blue Sister recognizes the idea that commiting the vast majority of your life to any one… while respectable… isn’t always realistic or fair to the many other causes which we as Aes Sedai could work with in a life span the likes of which an Aes Sedai has.”

“Smaller Causes, by the mind set of the average man on the street, are taken up all the time by the Blue Ajah. Some of these causes are ones that are resolved and set right in a day or weeks time… but others are ongoing favorite projects of which the Sister toils at the whole of her life; doing what she can, where she can. I have several Causes, the main one being the Cause of the Light, which I will go into more detail letter on in the lesson." Serena's emerald eyes flicked towards Katherine, as she was aware of Serena's other Cause.

"I chose this particular Cause, because of something that occured before I came to the White Tower. Granted, I could have chosen the Green Ajah, and fought Shadowspawn with steal and Saidar. However, my interests lay on the side of Justice and not steel” Serena would not reveal her other major Cause to students of the White Tower. Only a select few of her Sisters actually knew that Cleansing Saidin was a primary purpose of Serena's.

“Blue Aspirants do not simply wake up one day and say to themselves, 'Self, I think I’ll spend my life working towards educating the poor.' And go out into the world and do it once raised. I believe that misconception is what keeps a lot of able bodied women from looking more closely at the Blue Ajah and I find that very funny as that is exactly what the aspirant of any other Ajah does. Wakes up one day, is tested and tried and commits herself to a single but important Cause under the banner of another Ajah for the whole of her life.”

“Think about that for a moment… do you believe that even in the course of 20 years its fair to say you know what you’d want to do with perhaps the next 300 years of your life? Because that’s exactly how long you could live. Some Aes Sedai lived to legendary ages far exceeding that and there are two within our Tower right now whom I suspect are such… though it is rude to speak of such things so I shall say no more on that topic.”

“The Blue Aspirant or newly raised Blue is often passionate about something and sees that as her cause but as she interacts with the world outside the Tower with the shawl on her shoulders… those ideals often change. Perhaps its happenstance or just the idea that after 20 years removed from society she finds the world different than she left it; but I like to think that it is a growth process. The difference between seeing the world with the eyes of a young idealistic woman who is new to power and the idea of what she might do with such a thing… and one who comes into her own and realizes even power can not solve all the wrongs of the world.”

“In another writing about the Blue Ajah it is said that, ‘Blues sought to right wrongs, which was not always the same as seeking justice, like Greens and Grays.’ And this is so very true. As I said, loosely I term my own Cause as Justice but, in truth, I have fought even against the will of local governments which I thought unjust … something that a Gray working within the ranks of Justice of a city; just might not do. A Gray, such as my good friend and Sister Dawn, might work to change the government… while my good friend Eadon, a Green, might seek to right the immediate problem possibly with violence. I, on the other hand… might use more subtle methods which we will discuss further in the next lesson.” Serena smiled a mischievous grin.

“Let’s take a look at some of the causes we’ve seen Sisters take up in the past. Justice, again not always the same from Sister to Sister and while this could have you working very closely to some Grays and Greens… that’s not always the case. Many a Blue Sister who worked for ‘justice’ was considered a bit of a maverick and very untraditional even for an Aes Sedai.”

”Freedom. This is one that is close to a lot of Sister’s hearts. Freedom means so very much and can have a Sister fighting all manner of things from the enslavement of men which has occurred in the past to the rights of women and men within given societies that they might be seen as equals.”

”Which brings us to …Equality. Whether among sexes, people of different countries, races… such as the Ogier, the Aiel, or those of us from the West Lands among the Aiel and Seafolk… and of course the ever popular Channelers in Amadicia and Tear… all of these are important.”

”Peace, again very open to interpretation. Peace could have you working as an advisor in Arad Doman trying to keep things quiet between them and Tarabon or maybe take you to the borderlands to fight beside the men of that area to protect the peace of the Southern Countries of our world.”

“Which brings me to the Light, which is how I prefer to think about it rather than just limiting it to the war against the Shadow. Darkness, it is said by the Whites, lurks every where but no more strongly than in the hearts of men. Fighting for the Cause of the Light could take you to battle the Shadow’s big bad minions, dealing with small stuff like weeding out dark friends, but it also could have you working for understanding, kindness and other such noble ideas within towns all around the world. Every day is an adventure when your cause entitles so much… it’s a Cause you’ll work your whole life at and never see the end of… but I know that no Cause is so satisfying because everyday you personally can experience the joy which the Light brings.” Serena's eyes shone as she spoke of her own Cause

”The Children of the Light and trying to bridge the gap with them. Now I have known few Sisters who have gotten very far with this and I tell you from personal experience its not from lack of desire. However the force for good which the Children of the Light represent should NOT be underestimated and the Sister who bridges that gap and makes us allies will NEVER be forgotten. Truly it’s a sword we can ill afford to chase… but one which is as likely to strike us as it is to let us wield it.”

”Then there is, Education. Many a Blue and Brown have traveled the world together helping make sure everyone they come across has a chance to get a standard education if they desire it, trying to improve the standards of education in the world by starting schools and educating people to be teachers in their own communities and so on.”

”Ending Hunger and other large scale causes of death within our world has been the cause of a few Blues in history. Maybe you’re trying to find new and better ways to farm, or using Saidar to discover new ways to provide food like they did in the Age of Legends; but no matter how you do it one can not argue the worth of such a cause and purpose in life.”

”With that said there is also the Sisters who take up the cause of trying to restore the Age of Legends. Another noble ideal but one that is unlikely to be done by any one Sister alone. This cause is VERY broad and involves many I’ve already stated and includes others as well. Seeking out items of power, lost secrets, preservation of the Old Tongue, and finding remnants of cities lost to time and the breaking… they are all ways of trying to return the world to what it was long ago.”

”In the end, what makes a good cause is your passion to put behind it. There is no wrong cause… all things which you do for the world are good causes to have and your cause can change day to day with your experiences… a mistake many make about us Blues. Unlike the Sisters of the Ajahs, we prefer to remain true to the roots of the Aes Sedai and embrace the versatility and necessity of change from time to time. As the world and people change so too must we. Without that ability we would be lost to the world as surely as all unchanging things.”

“Now, I want each of you to write a small paper tonight about a Cause you could take up realistically based on your life experiences right now… if you were to be an Aes Sedai out in the world. Assume you have all the Tower resources at your command and all the things which make an Aes Sedai an Aes Sedai… both weaknesses and strengths. Tell us about why you’d choose it… if you were a blue that is.”

“Class Dismissed.”

ooc Homework: You are to come up with a cause (that doesn’t involve the dragon reborn, ashaman, seanchan, etc as they wouldn’t be around in the time their characters would have been raised in the Tower) and tell us a bit about why your character might choose it… if you were to go blue.

Try to think outside the box a little and realize that originality in rp is the spice of life! While its easy to take up Moraine’s cause from the books or even simply state “justice” as a cause; know that there is a lot more to any thing you pick. I could find three sisters who choose “justice" and each could easily have different views of what they are fighting for so help me to understand what it is you’re really wanting to do.

Have fun with this. If you’re finding you’re stuck and you’re thinking “I HATE this, I don’t want to pick any one thing…” write about that. It’s a legitimate answser but tell me why. Tell me about what many things you’re thinking of and torn between. Ideally your brain storming here could help you stumble upon something you haven’t thought of yet. Write without thinking… just jot notes down on paper about what your character is interested in… eg: Keeping novices from being picked on without reason … and expand from there. That, for example could easily develop into “Well, I don’t like to see people oppressed by those who are stronger than them or in positions of power.” And that easily becomes the cause, “Stopping oppression” or “Building better leadership in the world governments – both large and small.”

Congrats Arath!

I think this is a great idea. I had spoken to Elgee about it when the thoughts were still ruminating  ;)  I also can see how I could get Serena  and the Blue Ajah involved (a GREAT Cause!!), and believe it might help in the Alliance issue as well. There will definately be Sisters who do not agree, and Sisters who feel that it would be a good idea.

It's still tough for me to think about how the Older Novices will be in Main Plotline, or Retro a couple of years, but it wont take long for my mind to wrap around the idea.

If you need help with anything, let me know!

"Wonderful questions, indeed." Serena pursed her lips and pressed her fingertips together in her lap, so that they formed an arch. The girl had obviously thought a lot about the subject, much as Serena had from the time she was an Accepted. Granted, she could not tell Kathleen all that she knew, and some of it, she did not even know herself.

"At times, I wonder if I would have been better suited as a Yellow, because I have wondered the very same thing about Healing the madness." She smirked at the thought. Her, spending all of that time Healing? No, that was not where her interests lay completely. "Personally, I am not sure how long it takes for it to begin, but I would bet my life on the fact that the more one would use Saidin, the more it would lace itself into their very being. Much like drinking poison. The more you drink of it, the closer you become to death."

Raising her arched fingers to her mouth, she propped her elbows up onto the arm rests of the chair, and pressed her fingers to her lips. "Which makes me wonder if a man could survive if he simply did not touch the True Source. However, personally, it would be incredibly difficult for me not to embrace Saidar once I'd had my first taste of it." Her insides tightened so she would not shudder at the thought. "I mean, could you imagine it? Not reaching out and grasping at the sweetest and most powerful thing you've ever felt?"

She let her eyes be affected by her smile, when she thought of one of the questions Kathleen had, and she let out a light laugh. "As far as I know, since the Dark One's touch had lashed out on the male half of the True Source, that would mean that all men would be affected by it. In history, all of the channeling men that had been caught, caused serious harm to the people about them, and parts of the world as a whole." The Blue nodded her head towards the window, rain still pelted at the glass, and every once in awhile a flash of lightning would silhouette Dragonmount. "We do have proof of that, right outside of our walls. Although," and this where she found it funny. "some of us take it too far at times, I think. There are those in the Tower that might be more than happy to just do away with men altogether. Channeler, or not." She restrained from winking, but her eyes reflected what she was thinking, and hopefully Kathleen would understand which Ajah she was talking about.

"I am sure that the Taint could have been lashed out at Saidar, if things had gone a little differently. Unfortunately, none of us has learned to time travel, so going back is out of the question. Men going mad, is just something that 'is', although that does not mean that we can't wish that it never happenned, or wonder if it could be fixed. Some Aes Sedai would argue that I waste my time pondering such things, and should leave that up to those who are more suited for it: No one, or the Brown Ajah."

"As to your questions about the Dark One," Serena sat up and leaned forward, her face darkened as she spoke. "I study the Shadow and how it works in our people and the world; however, one can only get so close. From my own experience, we know there is an heirarchy, one with Dreadlords somewhere near the top. Of course, the Forsaken would be at the top of that food chain." Emerald eyes darted towards Kathleen, and she wondered if she had spoken of the Forsaken with too much nonchalance. It wasn't that she was not afraid of them, but showing fear and acting out of it would only cause her to be weak.

"Dreadlords are the men that abide by the Dark One's hand, and can channel." Her skin crawled as she thought of her brush with one in Aridhol. Yes, he saved my life, but why? "Anyways, I would assume that the Dark One gives orders to his subjects, and they carry them out. I also believe that there is reason and rhyme for the places that his hand touches. Perhaps, some of it is like waves rippling outwards from the intended target, but for the most part I am sure that the destinations are pre-meditated. Now, just because Darkfriends don't channel, doesn't mean they are any less dangerous. Yes, we can Shield them and hold them with bonds of Air, but it is behind the scenes that they often work. Squirming their way into High Courts, for whatever reason that promises them power."

Serena's face grew even cooler, and her eyes took on a very serious look. She leaned forward and held the Accepted with her gaze. "Kathleen, you spoke of letting your guard down earlier; don't ever fully let your guard down." A draft of cool air swept through the cracks in the walls, making the flame on the candle waver and almost snuff out.

As if she had not assumed such an ominous postion and tone, Serena leaned back against the chair again with ease. The iciness of her face smoothed out, and appeared warmer. "Did I help you with any of your questions? Really, it's almost all speculation and theory, so I probably didn't help you at all; however, I am glad to have someone to throw theories around with."

Serena Morrigan

Running her finger along the printed lines of the book before, Serena pursed her lips and pondered her subject matter. Although her bond to Arath had been broken months ago, she still wondered if there could have been any lasting affects. More than likely, it would be much like the bond between Warder and Aes Sedai. Only, the Taint of the Dark One hadn’t been laced into THAT. She huffed at her sarcastic thought, re-crossed her legs beneath the table, and leaned forward again. Tapping her lips softly as she read, the Blue could have lost herself in her studies, and she would have had she not felt as if she were being watched.

“Good day, Sister. Is that ‘Saidin, the Taint, and Madness’ you have there?”

Biting down on the inside of her lip in frustration, Serena cursed herself for not becoming more aware of her surroundings. Slowly, she let her tilted emerald eyes lift from the page, and she leaned backwards in her chair. Her head tilted to the side in her usual manner as she regarded the pair of women before her, and she began to wonder how she was going to go about this particular interaction. The rose coloured fabric before her gave way to the fringe of a red shawl as her eyes moved upwards. A Red, and Zarinen Sedai, at that. Her inner monologue depicted a tone that was not amused. The beautiful masked woman beside her, Jaydena Mckanthur.

From what Serena had been privy to hear, Zarinen didn’t not have a particular fond place for the Battle Ajah in her heart, so why was she cavorting about the Tower with her? Serena knew Jaydena Sedai, if only through Sirayn Simeone, and she had also remembered her before she had donned her masks. Still beautiful, mask or no. She regarded.

“Yes, it is.” The corner of her mouth crooked in a mock, half-smile, making Serena appear more fox-like than usual. “A wonderful book, at that. Oh, I’m sorry, were you looking for it?” Honestly, she could care less whether a woman from the Red Ajah wanted something she had; however, her intuition told her they were up to something, and the mischief-maker within her yearned for her to play.

Whatever these ladies were up to, Serena promised herself she’d find out.

Serena Morrigan

Preparing for her lesson that day, Serena reflected over the previous lesson. She had really enjoyed two of her students. Kathleen, she knew from their quiet talks in the library, and the girls curiosity of many of the subjects that Serena, herself, was interested in. It was a pleasure teaching the young woman. Another student had suprised Serena, and she berated herself for not having met with the girl sooner. Regalia was an Aspirant to the Blue Ajah and the Ajah Head herself had not met with the girl personally. Granted, Regalia would not know who Serena was until she was welcomed into the Ajah; but Serena should have extended herself to the Accepted much longer before that.

Lesson 2

~~~~~~~~~~

Serena entered the class, purposefully late and dressed for travel; blue socks and all, accompanied by three tower guards and her Gaidin Thera Trakelyn dressed in her Fancloak. She waited to see which students would notice her socks and how they would respond. “Ladies, its time to go for a ride into the countryside. Follow me.” Without waiting too long for the girls shock to melt away she turned and expected the group to follow.

The ladies were lead out to the stables, each given a horse and instructed that they’d be taking a day trip to a small village just north of Tar Valon where they could do some ‘hands on’ learning about the Blue Ajah. Each girl was given a pack which included a lunch and various supplies. As they began riding Serena began her instruction.

“What being a blue is all about…” Serena said as she motioned a hand outwards towards the milling people all around her, the life and heartbeat of Tar Valon… the merchants, the beggars, the thieves, and the many transients who had come from countries far and wide to call upon the White Tower. “People. At the heart of it, all our work and deeds must be the people. Some will tell you Justice is our truest purpose and reason for being… but without the concerns of the people near our hearts Justice is an empty thing. What good is law if it does not serve? What good is rule without the people it protects? All people… not just some, from these merchants to those homeless children in rags over there.”

“Now you might argue that these are the concerns of all humanity, of all Aes Sedai, and you would be right but no Ajah more so than the Blues are connected to the heart of these people. They share in one thing that the Sisters of other Ajahs do not and at this end of this lesson, I hope I’ve made that clear to all of you.” The city streamed passed the small entourage, some people smiling and greeting them as they passed… others staring on in awe at even the girls in White. “May the Light bless and keep you, Aes Sedai!” A woman called from across the way and her children waved happily and shouted with joy at Serena and the students as they passed by. In fact, one little girl even pointed at one of the students and called out, “Momma I want to be like her someday and become Aes Sedai too!”

Serena couldn’t help but smile at it all. Truly with the sun shinning down on Tar Valon it was a lovely day for a ride in the country!

“The Blue Ajah believes that each person has a mind and a voice of their own, and each as deserving of basic human rights; rights that cannot be taken away by any man, woman, or King. This is not always a popular opinion in a world where men and women are meant to bow to Kings and Queens and serve as they are told. It is for this reason that Novices and Accepted must learn to live as they do at the White Tower. To be a true servant of all who live in our world a girl must first learn what it is to be like even the most lowly of people in the world. Imagine if when you had come to the Tower we had treated you as Aes Sedai right away. Now perhaps you would have kept your perspective, and more the better for you if you would have, but not all girls would. Most would lose themselves in a lifestyle so vastly different than the ones they came from. Many girls who come from money would never learn what it means to go without and to live as a servant and so… if they had ever met one on the street, what do you suppose such a girl would do? Would she stop and help such a person? Would she ever understand what it means to be her? No. She wouldn’t. But now you will always remember, or so we hope.”

“For a blue, who often lives out of her saddle bag and surrounds herself with the common people of our world… it’s not so hard to remember. There have been many times in which I have found myself sleeping in a cold hard bed, or on the dirty earth… times I’ve gone without meals, let alone sweets… and chores pale beside some of the hard work I’ve done with my bare hands in places where the One Power was dangerous to use or not a viable option. It is for these things we prepare you, to make you strong and able… to know your fellow man and to better know yourself and your own heart.”

“Usually Blues have known exactly what they want to do for their whole lives in one fashion or another. We’re willful women by design and we have a strong sense of self that sometimes develops and grows under the pressures of Novice and Accepted life. We can be opinionated to the point of being bullheaded and perhaps that is one of our greater short comings if we have many at all. But considering the Causes which we become bullheaded about, its hard to say being stubborn is bad.”

“Blue's are worldlier, or if you will… street-smart, because unlike the other Ajahs each blue has her own agenda which she’s working towards as well as the Ajah’s goals. And while those two things might sometimes be the same thing as what other Aes Sedai are doing, they don’t necessarily have to be and usually aren’t. For that reason alone, younger blues rarely stay in the White Tower long and instead prefer stretching their legs and their newfound resources to go back to the world they came from and make a real difference.”

“Other Sisters see the Blue Ajah as so ready to save the world that they lose themselves. I don’t know that this is a fair assessment but I can see why they believe it. Our passions run high about the things which we care for and I can’t blame anyone for saying such a thing about us. According to some Greens a Blue Ajah sister likes men as long as they share her causes and do not get in her way. Perhaps that’s why we chose Gaidin who share a passion for our Causes. That Justice and Mercy must be a balanced working team and our beliefs have lead us to many interesting places together and helped a great deal of people.” Serena smiled briefly at Thera before turning back to her students.

“A Blue can appear to be like a Brown when it comes to researching a subject that has to do with a cause of theirs so do not believe that because a Blue might like to travel that she does not have a love for learning. I’ve spent many an hour preparing for journeys and missions with my nose placed firmly in a book. In fact, there are several blues who have championed the cause of furthering education in the world and more than once there has been talk of the Browns working with us to establish places of learning across the width and breadth of Andor and the Borderlands.”

“For every purpose of every ajah the Blues have at least one Sister who has, in the past, shared their cause. If you’re considering another Ajah think of this first… what prevents a Blue from healing like a yellow and making her cause better health care for all the people of the world? What prevents a Blue from mediating despites and arbitrating laws of countries between kings and queens as advisors, making her cause peace like any Gray? What prevents a Blue from taking up a sword and joining the warriors along the blight border and keeping the Shadowspawn out of the southernlands, and sharing the cause of preparation for Tarmon Gaidon like any Green? What prevents a Blue from researching the degeneration of male channelers, the arts of shielding and detection of the male channeler, thusly taking on the cause of preventing another breaking like any Red? What prevents a Blue from studying philosophies of the past and the theories of the world and its origins and thusly making learning and discovery her cause like any White? What prevents a Blue from opening schools and teaching poor children to read and write, making knowledge and its preservation her cause like any Brown?”

“You see, the purpose for every ajah is simply a specified cause. It is the Blue Ajah alone which leaves it to the individual Sister to find her purpose and follow it and change that purpose when it is no longer necessary or something else comes along. Like our Sisters and Brothers in the Age of Legends the Blue Ajah is versatile doing what is needed today, tomorrow, and in the future.”

As they rode and continued speaking a village came up on the horizon and soon they were entering its tiny dirt packed streets. Dismounting and tying her horse to a tree she turned to the girls and opened a small book from her pocket.

“In the words of a blue sister two generations ago; ‘The Blue Ajah is comprised of women who have a strong sense of justice. Many pursue causes of their own or bend their energies to causes such as seeking out girls who can channel, searching for the Dragon Reborn, bettering the living conditions of villages, involving themselves in trade between Tar Valon and foreign countries and a host of other things. Its primary focus is to champion worthy causes by Aes Sedai standards and to promote justice for all men and women in all areas of the world. They are skilled at political maneuvering and able administrators. In Tower history, and since Artur Hawkwing’s time, it has been found that Blues are better suited as Amyrlins because of this openness and ability to adapt and lead those around them in what they believe in. Thusly the Blue Ajah has produced many most of which have come from very humble beginnings, returning to them for years before coming home to the Tower and working their way to the positions of respect that got them into the lauded position of Amyrlin Seat.’” Closing the book she looked at the girls, each in turn.

“This village is like many others which great women have come from, some have become Queens… some great wisdoms and sages, and even some have gone on to become Amyrlin Seat. But all of them have one thing in common,” Serena paused looking into the eyes of the girls before her. “They all had a moment in which someone helped them and changed the course of their lives. Perhaps that help came in the form of someone assisting them in learning something new, maybe through inspiration, or perhaps just the simple act of being an open ear. Sometimes people don’t know what they most need until they are given it… or worst of all, until they lose it.”

“Here in this village, today, you will take the objects in your packs and go out to do what a Blue does every day of her life… today, you will take what you have been given: knowledge, caring, and objects of physical being… and strive to find some cause worth spending your time upon. You will labor at that task, no matter what it is… fishing… gathering food with a local towns person, perhaps helping a child to read… maybe cooking for an elderly person… or even comforting someone ill. There is no wrong cause and there is no small cause… only small people who can not realize that the most important things in the world to us are sometimes the smallest things.”

“When the sun sets you will meet me back here at this tree, I’ll be obseriving you from afar and I will not assist you today. If I must step in, it had better be for a very good reason or I will not be pleased. I want to see what you can do on your own. Mischief will be harshly punished today ladies, so I advise you to behave as the representatives of the White Tower that you are. To these people you might as well be wearing shawls… please, behave as such.”

“When the sun has set and you report back, we’ll return home and your homework will be to write a paper telling me why or why not you think the Blue Ajah is something you could consider. Include some of what you’ve learned today, and even a bit about your experience here in this town and how it helped … or didn’t help you to see the point I was trying to make.”

“Oh… yes, and while you’re out and about looking at these people and how they live… compare it in your minds to how the Aes Sedai of the Tower live. I know most of you have seen our rooms and how we are treated in the walls and then ask yourself this; ‘If I were to spend a lifetime in the White Tower and almost never came out to see that the rest of the world lived like they do in this town, and in some places worse, how then could I ever really believe I know the people I claim to serve?’ Regardless of which Ajah you choose in the future ladies… I pray to the Light that the lesson you learn here about that one thing, remains with you always.”

“Now… go forth with your escorts,” she motioned a Tower Guard to follow each girl as a guardian. “… and begin serving all ladies. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

Ooc: Sorry this got longer than I meant it too! LOL

You have two options for your homework.

#1 Write a small essay telling us how your character currently does or does not fit in with what is good and bad about the Blue Ajah and how she does or does not fit in with what the Blues would be looking for in an aspie. This shouldn’t involve your personal choice yet; however show us based on your rp thus far how they would or wouldn’t both; match with the good and bad of the ajah AND how they do or don’t match with what the blues are looking for in potential future sisters.

Ideally this should help the player actually think through the process of “Does my character have more in common with Blues than I thought? Or have I been liking the Blues only because the characters in the book were cool?” AND… “No matter what my character wants, will the Blues realistically try to recruit her?”

#2 Write up a scene in which your character is spending the day in the Town and what she does that day as her “cause” or multitude of “causes.” Let me see her getting her hands dirty with whatever cause she feels is fitting to spend her day on. If you’re a blue aspie this might be a good time to toy with some ideas for a cuase. If you’re not, have some fun with this and consider perhaps this is also a good time to explore the reasons you might aspire to your future ajah. A yellow aspie might find someone sick to help, a brown aspie might help a child with reading, a gray aspie might settle a dispute over a piece of property or animal based on laws of the city, a red aspie might meet someone who had once lost someone to a male channeler or who cared for a now dead male channeler thusly getting some insight into that. A white aspie might spend the day discussing philosophy with an older person in the village and maybe playing stones. A green aspie might meet a traveling borderlander and his family and spend some time talking about the lifestyle of those who always fight the shadow. Be creative and have fun!

Down the long quiet corridors to the Tower which contained the classrooms, came a small curvy form. Pixie like raven hair framed her crème colored skin and tilted emerald eyes; giving her a soft motherly quality… all save her shapely lips which seemed to always hold something of a mischievous smile upon them. Dressed in a simple blue dress, Serena Morrigan had forgone her favored breeches and jacket for today’s attire; for today it was most important she make a good impression. Today she would teach the class the Blue Ajah had asked Espara A'Dautry to write about the Blue Ajah. Today she might cause a young Accepted to consider the very Ajah she’d come to call home, and that made her very glad.

Entering the room she smiled at the students present. “Good afternoon Accepted of the White Tower.” She waited for a response from the young girls as she laid out her notes and book on the desk at the front of the large lecture hall. It had seemed like an odd choice of rooms to pick, being that her class would likely be small, but Serena had always liked to imagine what it might have been like long ago when such a room had been necessary; when great minds had come to the Tower to share their vast knowledge with the future Servants of All.

“This is ‘The Ajahs 101: The Blue Ajah’ and I’ll be your instructor for the duration, Serena Morrigan.” Laying her blue fringed shawl on the table she scanned the room once and then once again to take note of the faces present.

“To understand the past is to understand ourselves. Can anyone tell me who said that?” She walked around her desk and sat on the front edge of it, crossing her ankles and resting her weight on her arms behind her. When she realized the girls were taking notes already and not able to answer, she continued. “I did. Today… here and now.” She waited for the girls to let out their laughter and then continued. “But many have said things just the similar and it is no less true then than it is now. We are the sum total of our experiences and the things we have learned in the course of our lives. So, today we’re going to focus a bit on history and how it applies to what is around us all today.”

Serena walked around her desk to the large slate board on the wall behind the desk. Taking a piece of chalk she began to write, ‘Aes Sedai.’ Turning back to the students she began to pace calmly as she lectured.

“By now most of you know that Aes Sedai, in the Old Tongue, means Servant of All. And, in theory, you likely understand what that means by today’s standards as you’ve all made it through your first trial on your way to earning that title. However, in the Age of Legends, a Servant of All was a woman or man who spent their whole life doing just what the words say… serving all. Based on what we know of that time, we have ascertained that Aes Sedai worked in all manner of fields from Health to Diplomacy, much as they do today… however, it was not unknown for an Aes Sedai to dabble in many things and change from one line of ‘work’ to the next depending upon what was necessary in the course of her journeys.”

“The word ‘ajah’ from the Old Tongue translated means “Sisterhood of Aes Sedai” and defined means; an informal or temporary group of people gathered together for a common purpose or goal, or by a common set of beliefs.” Serena stopped to write the word and definition upon the slate board. “Please note the word ‘temporary’ in this definition. Ajahs, did in fact exist in the Age of Legends. However, they did not exist as we know them now. These groups formed as necessary to serve specific causes and when they were no longer necessary they simply disappeared.”

“When the breaking occurred Aes Sedai were scattered to the four winds trying to survive and to help the world where they could. It was rare that more than two or three Sisters really ever gathered anywhere for more than a short time and so Ajahs faded into nothing more than memories.”

“Of course, individual Sister did design ways of making note of each other and in particular an ajah who had been working together in the latest hours of the Age of Legends, devised a series of connections with the people of the world which would soon grow to be the largest Eyes and Ears network known to the White Tower. Can anyone guess who might head that network today?”

Serena called on a student. “The Blue Ajah, Serena Sedai.”

“Correct. Being that the world was in such chaos as it was at the time, items had to be used to identify women. Now, since this was a time before shawls and rings let me show you what they used.” Reaching under her desk where she’s earlier placed the item she pulled up a large quarter staff. It was made from a strong wood of some sort and the direction of the wood grain could barely be seen, that was how old it was. The staff had carvings of various saying in the old tongue as well as a symbol from long ago that had meant justice. From the top of the staff, which stood some distance above Serena's head, there hung a feather about 3 inches long of a pure blue color that looked almost unreal from some bird of an age long gone the only thing keeping it from fading or falling apart was the keeping weave which hung still upon it.

“Staffs, such as this one, were carried by Aes Sedai to identify them to contacts and friends who would help them, giving them food, shelter, and aid from a myriad of foes that spanned the world hunting Aes Sedai. Not the least of which was their Brother Aes Sedai who had gone mad.”

Serena handed her staff out to the students and let them pass it around the room to look at. “This staff has passed Sister to Sister since the age of legends. The bird feather on its top is not identifiable to us and we believe it died out in the breaking. Each sister, during the course of her life, adds something special and uniquely herself to the staff and once she has returned to the Creator, that staff is given to another so that through our Sisters our causes and the things we believed in live on.”

She watched the amazement of the young Accepted as they admired her staff and she smiled. It was good to see so many impressed by this wonderful piece of history. “Of course the Tower was built and established and in time Amyrlins were raised. To this date more Amyrlin Seats have risen from the ranks of Blue Ajah than any other. Part of the reason for this is quite possibly our connections to the outside world, or perhaps that many of our Sisters come from well versed families in the arts of Daes Dae’mar… or the Great Game of Houses.”

“But in truth when it comes to raising an Amyrlin Seat, you’re only as good as the Sisters who will support you and this is where the Blue Ajah has been truly blessed. Now, while the White Tower is a working unit and is certainly not at odds with itself; it’s pompous to assume that a centuries old institution with so many women running it, might not have groups and even factions within itself working for a vast group of goals and ideals. And, one can’t expect that everyone will always agree on just how to accomplish those goals. Now the Blues, while it is known we’ve often been at odds with the Red Ajah for our choice of methodology, have close ties and connections to nearly every other Ajah in the Tower. Practical reasons are the primary reason for this, again our connections with the outside world, but many other ties are forged from experiences that Sisters share in their time in the Tower.”

“Since this is a bit of a hot topic among Novices & Accepted, I’ll take a brief moment to focus upon the Red and Blue Ajah relationship. Often it's said that the Blues hate Red Sisters and vice versa. This is a blanket statement and I assure you that not all Blues hate all Reds or vice versa. You might site the fact that no blue sister wears red or that no red wears blue… well, I can not speak for the Red Ajah in this matter but I can tell you some of the reasons for this tradition on the Blue Ajah side of things.”

“The tradition of not wearing red came from, yes, old feuds. But it has continued as a matter of principal… a sort of silent statement of objection to, as I said before, methodology. The Red Ajah works on a very strict “prevention” sort of policy. Take for example the cause they are most well known for: protecting the world from insane male channelers. In this they are dedicated and well respected, my own mentor was a Red and I can say without doubt I have mountains of respect for this woman. However, she and I don’t agree on how all male channelers should be dealt with. It was not so long ago this topic came up in the Hall of the Tower.”

“Should the Tower study male channelers under shieldings in an effort to try to cleanse the taint of Saidin? A bitter topic let me tell you what! But it brought out the passion that both the Red and Blue Ajah hold in their hearts. Both Ajahs concentrate on their goals with a fire in their souls and the problem is, when it comes time to lay plans in how to deal with the issues before them… they almost never agree. The red wishes to simply end what she fears may be a problem in the future… and the blue sees that the hope of a better future is worth risk, pain, and effort even if its done so in vain for many years. Eventually…” Serena holds up her staff taking it from the last student. “… some sister will be successful. I’m sure that whoever held this during the worst times of the breaking feared the world would never see an organized Aes Sedai government again… and now look.” She smiled brightly.

“I’ll be happy to talk further on that subject with any of you outside of class, feel free to find me in the Blue Ajah Quarters but, I’d like to take some time to go back and focus a bit more on the Blue Ajah traditions and what they’re purposes are.”

Taking up her shawl she passed it out to the class. “Take a look at this shawl and ask yourself, why is it that any random woman couldn’t simply make a shawl like this and play at being Aes Sedai? After all… once the pattern is learned it must be a simple task, if you don’t fear Tower Law catching you.”

“This shawl you’re holding, however, wasn’t made by some seamstress with a pattern. Each Blue Sister’s first shawl is handmade by her fellow Sisters. Each Sister in the Tower before a raising takes time to put a few bits of the stitching into it and when the Blue is raised the youngest Sister in the Tower gives the new Blue her first shawl. This is part of welcoming the new Blue into her family. To show that each of us is part of a greater whole and that with this symbol we are now a part of that unity which is even more tight knit than the Great White Tower itself.”

“Once a Blue is raised a most interesting thing is done which some of you have seen already, no doubt, she is asked if she would like to go light clad save for her shawl through the Tower for all within to greet her. Why, you might wonder, would a Sister do such a thing? Well, some of this has to do with the fact that it is a matter of pride and a tradition which the Tower has nearly forgotten the origins of. The other is to show to all the world that the new Sister, still clad in her wounds and weariness from the final testing, needs only the Light and her shawl… a symbol of her new family… to protect her from anything the world has to offer.”

“When a Sister of the Blue Ajah leaves the White Tower she always wears blue stockings. The reason for this is so that she will remember that no matter where here feet take her… they will always know where home is. In the times of the Breaking when the Aes Sedai had no home all they had was their Sisters. There is a story in a private library I’ve been privileged enough to use which details out a story of a group of Sisters who met in an Inn for a few days before traveling their separate ways in the chaotic world. Each had come weary and without good shoes or socks and so each made socks for the other all of the same look and all in the only color cloth available… blue. This was their way of telling each other that so long as one woman walked the world who was yet Aes Sedai, there was still a place they were at home… still hope… still family.”

Serena let the idea of her story sink in a moment before continuing. “Lastly it is tradition that each Ajah keep certain weaves to themselves… now, I won’t be telling you too much about those today simply that they exist. Again this is to instill a sense of oneness and unity with the Sisterhood of the Ajah. Few things bind us tighter than the Tower but you’ll find that in an Ajah it is vital to the causes it pursues that each member feels they have some place, someone, with whom they can trust and rely on. The Blue Ajah, despite its many varied and differing causes among their sisters, believes that they create this environment for their members.”

“Okay, now for your homework. Based only off what little you know of the Blue Ajah already, since this is your first class about the Blues I can only assume you know very little, and what you’ve heard today I’d like you to write a small essay. The Essay should be titled either: “The importance of the Blue Ajah” or “The false importance of the Blue Ajah.” Neither essay will be wrong based on topic … rather I’m looking to see what you know, what you think you know, and what you can find in the library in one week’s time. Next class we’ll focus on the life of a Blue Sister and what all that entails. Class dismissed.”

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OOC Homework: Based on what the characters have heard in this thread and imagined research time, the characters are writing a paper on the importance (or lack of importance) of the Blue Ajah. No answer is right or wrong but the character is expected to support their argument either way. Simply saying “the blues are cool cause they had a lot of Amyrlin Seats and they do good stuff.” Just won’t cut it; nor would saying, “they are pointless and they suck.”

Ideally this will give the player a chance to examine what they really feel about the history of the Blue Ajah and what their characters might think. This helps form a basis for if the character would or wouldn’t be drawn to the Ajah. I encourage you to check out Blue Ajah websites all over the web and even reference the WOT books. There are a lot of good sources for information or… just write from your character’s biases. Have fun with it!

I know it's long, but the next ones wont be as long. I hope it doesn't bore you

Format for Heads of Ajahs:

Blue Ajah

1) RP's done by Ajah characters during May

   To Determine Their Fate-http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,50440.0.html -Serena and Thera back together agaain...ish.

Weight of the World- http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,59024.0.html-Blue Ajah Head, meets Red.

Cast a Shadow http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,59033.0.html-Serena playing with an Accepted.

2) Handle and character name(s) of members and when last RPed as that character, split into Active and Inactive

Active

SerenaMorrigan- Serena Morrigan (June 22nd, 2010)

Inactive

Miya- Miya Kiyoshi- March 1st, 2010

Addibeth-Estel Liones- I believe her to be on LoA, I'm not sure if she's coming back. She went on a trip across the world for a year or so. I'll check it out.

3) RP plans / ideas

~Serena will be joining in the Ajah Head RP and perhaps heading an internal Tower "split" in the process. (Don't be scared of that word  ;))

~I have some other ideas, but I'd like some more Ajah members to play with.

~Serena needs to lose an eye!!

4) Interaction with N&A

~Manipulating Kathleen in the Library. ^_~

5) Problems, ideas, etc

~Lack of members... hopefully that will change soon.

Elgee edit: changed Serena's last active date to June 22nd, not July 22nd  ;))

I'm waiting on Lavinya. Sorry, guys. It will all come together soon. ;D

Kathleen- Sweet!  ;D

Raeyn- How DARE she sleep while I have questions!  ;)