Looks good. CC'd.

This is meant to be a convenient way to see where things stand as far as our major RP's are concerned.  Mostly for my own benefit.  :P

No# 1  **BIG RP** (Open) - Answering the Call (Blight RP with Congress of the Shadow) (*Complete*)

This one has been sorted out and is currently underway. We kill shadowspawn, the Forsaken turn up and we run

No# 2  **Small RP** (Closed) - Recognising the need (Arath and Covai talk)  (*Complete*)

After retreating from battle and licking their wounds, Covai and Arath talk. Neither are pleased about the outcome of the battle, and how severely the Black Tower was beaten. After some serious hesitation, one of them voices the possible need to combine forces with the White Tower, as the battle must have involved linked circles of Dark Channelers. Whilst not wanting to admit the possibility, the two realise not to do so is pointless, and worse, dangerous. Individual channelers stand no chance against a circle.

No # 3 **Small RP** (Closed - Open though Signups) - Approaching the Boss (*Complete*)

They proceed to inform Brent as M'hael, and also meet with Jarron to inform him, and broach the topic of creating circles of Asha'man and Aes Sedai. Jarron (after thinking seriously about it, already being aware of the Events in the Watchers RP) orders the Black Tower to make peace and do what they can to make such a collaboration possible, as it would present the only means of countering the Dreadlords/ladies in the future. (Aka: If the shadow can band together, than we can to)

(Brent in the mean time bitches, swears, and refuses the idea )

No #4 **Big RP* (Open for arrival, then Closed) - The Dragon inspects his troops (*Complete*)

Jarron visits the Black Tower and calls the M'hael and all Storm/Attack Leaders together. In light of the failure in Shienar, and from the suggestion from Covai/Arath, Jarron declares that we must form a pact with the White Tower so the Light can once again create circles and channel on a scale not seen since the Age of Legends.

Brent and his inner circle flaty reject this idea, and Jarron tells them to shut up and do it. After Jarron leaves the Black Tower, the Storm Leaders hold their own discussion about what/where/how this is all to happen, with many voicing their distrust of Aes Sedai. After stronge debate, considering the prospect of reaching new heights not seen since the Age of Legends (and wanting serious pay back next time they fight the Shadow) the Storm and Attack Leaders agree to follow Jarron's orders.

**No# 5 **Really, REALLY Big RP** (Open, but only at a safe distance) - Fate Decided (*Complete*)

Brent and his inner circle however refuse to bow to the consensus. Storming out of the room in anger and disgust with the rest of us. Later that day, as Covai is just about to leave to visit the White Tower, he is stopped by Brent, flanked by two of his supporters. Brent orders Covai to stand down and forbids him to go to the tower. Covai dismounts his horse and motions Arath (who has been talking with him on the way to the travelling ground) back. The situation has already attracted the attention of all thos nearby.

Covai goes toe to toe with Brent, refusing to obey, as not only do his orders come directly from the Dragon Reborn, he understands and believes in them without hesitation. He verbally blast Brent, reminding him that Asha'man are Guardians, they are to stand against the Shadow in Tai'Mon'Gaidon, not to play powermonger for their egos. He reminds them of their defeat at Sheinar, having been the one who lead their forces there at Brent's command. Covai states that he refuses to let another man's ego and refusal to accept the truth be responsible to the deaths of anymore men.

This attack infront of the entire Tower enfuriates Brent, who as Covai walks past him to continue to the travelling ground, attacks him from behind. Covai, who fortunately had enough time and distance between them erects a wall of earth to deflect the blow. The two leaders then face of in a battle to determine not only who leads the tower (as far as Brent is concerned), but the future meaning and existance of the Asha'man (as far was Covai is concerned).

As this is going on, Arath has barked at all soldiers and Asha'man to stand back from the fight, knowing any who get involved will most likely be killed. It is also Arath (along with the rest of the Storm Leaders who had been drawn by the commotion of the arguement) who take down the two Storm Leaders with Brent, as well as the third who comes rushing in late. They evacuate the surround area, following Arath's lead, and leave Covai and Brent to fight it out.

After an intense fight, Covai finally manages to kill Brent, leaving himself exhausted by doing so. The remaining five Storm Leaders, who along with Arath have taken care of the 3 Storm Leaders who sided with Brent, carry Covai back to his quarters and form a protective guard while he recovers. In the mean time, the Attack Leaders (none of whom sided with Brent) are in damage control mode, having to get the rest of the BLack Tower moving again, and try to clean up the destruction left from the battle.

**Everyone is welcome to post opinions and viewpoints throughout the arguement, duel, and aftermath. No one below Attack Leader however is to be involed in combat. Asha'man and below are free to be pushed back by Arath and the Storm Leaders (even offer a little resistance if they like), but thats it, otherwise they're most likely to wind up dead**

No # 6 **Small RP** (Closed, then open) - A New Black?? (*Complete*)

Once Covai has recovered, he and the fellow Storm Leaders discuss the battle with Brent. The Storm Leaders throw their support behind Covai, not only beacuse of the Dragon's orders, or the fact he defeated Brent, but because they can see that Covai knew what the right thing to do was. Covai calls for Arath to join this discussion, feeling he has shown himself true to the Black Tower's ideals, as promotes him to Storm Leader with the other's backing.

The Storm Leaders suggest Covai becomes the new M'hael, but Covai turns the idea down, hating the idea of the position, saying that putting only one man above the others is only asking for trouble. He instead suggests a council of Storm Leaders be formed, which with seven members, covers enough of an area to handle things, and the odd number prevents them become deadlocked in a debate.

After reaching agreemnt, Covai and the new Storm Leader Council address the whole of the Black Tower, informing them of the Dragon's orders, Brent's Death, and the new Council of Guardians (I like the name  ) that would govern the Black Tower from now on. They are also informed of the Dragon's orders to collaborate with the White Tower to create circles of Guardians and Servants to protect the Light from the Shadow. Covai announces his plans to visit the White Tower and speak with the Amrylin and Hall at this point, where they will offer Asha'man and bondmates to Aes Sedai, to ensure that both Towers are able to access the same ability to create a circle.

**This is where everyone gets to go 'oooh' and 'aahhhh' and "Light Burn you woolheaded fool!!!"

No # 7 (Small RP) - Open (Through sign ups) - Realisation (*Complete*)

Covai opens a gateway to the White Tower. Unfortunately he happens to open it into a courtyard with Red Ajah members inside. Unable to close the gateway before they are spotted (Those shiny pins are a giveaway), Covai and his party  travel through and inform the Aes Sedai of why they are there, and ask to speak to the Amrylin.

Some of the Aes Sedai leave to report (both to the Amrylin and Ajah) whilst the others stay behind to watch over the crazies

**This RP will basically involve Covai and others rocking up and waiting around, admiring the sights of the White Tower from the courtyard. This RP will focus mostly on the Aes Sedai returning with the news and Covai's offer of collaboration. The WT can do what they like with this, and BT involvement will be confined to commenting how pretty the flower beds look, and how someone could at least bring them some food whilst they wait. Oh, and the funny looks on Novice faces have having a bunch of Asha'man standing around looking scary  )

No # 8 **Big RP** (Closed) - The Guardians and The Servants of All. *Complete*

Covai is taken to see the Amrylin. (with the moral support from the others who have come along and don't have to say anything --- thanks guys) Covai starts to inform the Amyrlin of what has happened, but before he gets far the Amrylin sends for some other AS by name. The Red Sitters and Zarinen have already arrived and get escorted in, followed by the others with Covai (to even out the numbers),

In front of the assembled Aes Sedai, Covai informs them of all that has happened, from the Fall of Sheiner, to the Fight with Brent to the Dragon's orders, to the fact the Shadow has male and female channlers working in unison. Covai holds nothing back, even about how badly the Black Tower was beaten.

Covai then proposes collaboration between the two towers, not as a political move, but as one that needs to happen. He reminds them not only of the needs to be able to combat full circles of channelers, but of the true meanings of Asha'man and Aes Sedai. He pleads with to Tower not just to think of what is, but what they are meant to be, Servants of All, and Guardians of All.

They Amyrlin admits what a fine idea it would be to work together, but that Covai must understand that for 3000 years AS have been very wary of men who can channel, blah blah. Of course, the Red Ajah have more experience with such men than any of the other Ajahs. Reds might consider … oh … bonding members of the BT. That would help form better relationships. The Reds ARE the largest Ajah, so plenty of them around to help expand circles and such.

To their surprise Covai accepts the bonding of Asha'man as warders with little hesitation. To their ire however he also demands that Aes Sedai are bonded to Asha'man as well, so that the power isn't held purely by one side of the tower.

No #9 **Big RP** (Open) - The Age of Legends Reborn *Underway*

After the Aes Sedai discuss/argue about Covai and the Black Tower's offer, it is eventually agreed that some Asha'man will join the Aes Sedai as Warders, and some Aes Sedai will join the black tower. As the two sides reach an agreement, for the first time in memory, Male and Female channelers are treated as equals.

Speaking of which, when is Kain gonna get his butt in gear and build the forge?  Arath already showed up to help ... or heckle ... I'm not sure which ...

And welcome!  Get back to me with your OP scores for Mathis and start the RPing madness.

DM Handle: Tai'Dashan

Character count: 2

Name: Fanten Do'Abrynn

Age: 42

Home: Maradon, Saldaea

Physical Description:  6' 1" and 194 lbs. Long, thick, black curly hair tied back at the nape of his neck with a cord or silver clasp. Dark tilted eyes, and a hatchet of a nose that splits the hard planes of his face,  the man has a rough, hard look to him and wears a perpetual frown. He has a quick temper and frequently has issues controlling an easily stoked rage. He does not wear the traditional Saldaean mustaches and prefers a clean face for which he gets disapproving looks from his fellows.

Character Backround: Fanten was born in Saldea to the Lord and Lady Do'Abrynn. Nobles of a minor standing. He was never very comfortable with the bowing and scraping that the servants did and spent a good deal of time getting into trouble and escaping to run around in the local villages. Growing up he suffered through his lessons in the Old Tongue and politics. He was also trained in the Sword which he took to rather well. He enjoyed the lessons most of all and applied himself with a fervent zeal. Once he was old enough he used his experience with horse and sword to defend his home, riding in patrols along the blight and riding out against frequent trolloc raids. As an adult his Father prepared him to one day take over the family estates. Fanten resented this as he did not truly desire to be a Noble, just to ride and fight. Those were the things he was good at. Leading and Politics felt like too much show and playing at something he was not, however he did his duty to make his father proud. In his late 30's Fanten rode out on a Campaign into the Blight. When he returned home he found his family slaughtered, his estates burned and the lands ravaged. Many had fled and few remained of those loyal to house Do'Abrynn.

Reason For Coming To The Tower: At the age of 42, with his family dead, his lands ravaged and his titles all but lost, Fanten was free to do as he pleased. Seeing the increase in activity in the Blight, coupled with rumours, Fanten was not one to deny the approach of Tar'mon Gaidon. It was an easy descision to become Hunter for the Horn. On his travels for the Horn of Valere, he heard of the dragon's amnesty from a peddler and decided to extend his search to the group of madmen. He decided that the horn will be found among greatness, and what better than where the Dragon himself has changed the world with a decree. He has faced trollocs and other shadowspawn in the blight repeated times and holds no fear of a man channeling. This is partly pride in his own strength and partly what he has seen in the blight blunting his terror.

Character Name: Mathis Trakelyn

DM Handle: Eqwina

Email: Fatallyyours00@gmail.com

Age: 29

Eyes:Green

Hair: Red

Height: 5'10

Weight: 180 lbs.

Family Tree:

Mother and Father: Annoura ni' Casther t' Trakelyn and Matrim Trakelyn

Matrim was a minor noble with a manor house outside of Caemlyn, but no houses with in, the taxes were too great. He got a great deal of money with his marriage to Annoura (who was from Saldea) but refused to spend a dime of it.

Three Brothers: Thad (36) Arden (34) Devrom (30)

All three are members of the Queen's Guard and Thad is on his way to making Captain.

One Sister: Thera (28)

Thera is in Tar Valon and is the Mistress of Trainee's in the White Tower, formerly bond the Serena Morrigan of the Blue Ajah, married to Jasine al'Thorin

Physical Description: Like his sister Thera, Mathis had curly red hair that was always falling down into his bright green eyes. His strong jaw was the only masculine feature about his face, the rest, right down to his olive skin made him almost too pretty for a man. His always scruffy beard did add something of a rugged appearance, but it also enhanced his delicate features. He is of medium build, with lean muscles, but is not as strong as he appears.

History:

When Mathis was 10 and is younger sister, and best friend, Thera was 9 they took a week trip into Caemlyn with their father. These trips were a common thing in the Trakelyn family, but not common enough that they didn't delight the younger children. Mathis and Thera always jumped at the chance to visit the city, and stay at an Inn. In truth it wasn't too different from their life at the manor at home. Except when they went into the city the children's wet nurses stayed home, which meant more freedom to cause trouble. Almost every time the pair went, they rode home with sore bottoms.  This particular trip was no different, except for the fact that this time mother decided to stay home. She'd been feeling ill and a trip to the city, all that way, would do her no good.

That seemingly small decision ended up changing their lives forever. In the week they were gone there was a drought, and when the rambling wood manor house caught fire there was little that could stop it. The servants tried to put out the blaze, even Annoura handled the buckets to save her family home, but in the end the building was lost, as well as the barn. Two days after the fire Annoura died of a cough, suspected to have been caused by breathing all the smoke. Mathis and the children came home to find their lives destroyed, and everything they loved in ash.

Even now Mathis could still smell the charred wood, and when he closed his eyes he could see the wooden cross marking his mother's grave. Opening his eyes Mathis scrubbed the sleep from his face and pulled on his boots. Donning his red coat he washed and headed down the back stairs into the kitchen. A pretty eyed maid names Tari, that he'd been seeing for going on three years gave him a sly wink that had Mathis looking around to make sure her mother wasn't near. If the old bat suspected even half of what he and Tari had been up to he would find himself hung by his ankles and skinned alive. Stealing a quick kiss he grabbed a loaf of bread and cheese and made his way through the halls to the practice yards. As expected his brother was there, showing all the younger men how to use their swords. Nodding to Thad and hurrying on Mathis found a quiet spot to eat before his day began. Not that there was ever much for him to do, the only reason he still wore the coat of the Guard was his brothers doing. Thad, Arden, and Devrom were all fine swordsmen, and from what he'd been able to hear about his Sister she could put them all to shame.

Mathis had never possessed his families' faculties with weapons, he was lucky that he knew which end of the sword to hold. Even after near 12 years of training he was only passable with his weapon, and had he been anyone but who he was he'd have been kicked out long since. He'd thought about leaving many times, but the pay was good and the work easy, plus the girls seemed to fall at his feet when he was wearing his coat.

Buckling on his sword Mathis went to meet Devrom at the main gates, that was his assignment most days, to guard the main gates. Really, it was done for show and ceremony, most people entered the palace other ways, but if it got him a paycheck and place to sleep Mathis was willing to oblige.

A week! A full 10 days! How could he be so lucky! Strutting back to his rooms with a smile on his face and a whistle on his lap Mathis began packing his things. A few coats and extra shirts and all the money he had; it came out to be a tidy sum since his room, food and clothes were provided. "And there are men who say soldiering isn't worth it" he said to no one in particular. Saddling his horse he left through the same gate in which he always guarded, nodding to the poor saps stuck at work. His plan was to ride by his old family manor and then on to Four Kings. It was a rougher sort of town, well as rough as you could find where the Queen's writ still held,  and anyway he was in the mood for a gamble and drinks.

Three days in the town and his life took another drastic change; the largest since his mother's death. Two men appeared in town in Black coats, talking up the Dragon's glory. They almost had him convinced to go, but Mathis delayed; still unable to leave his cushy job in Caemlyn. Still when his week was up he turned his horse for Tar Valon, intent on finding Thera again. Maybe if he saw Thera he would get up the courage to leave the Guard and make his own lot in life, his sister had always had enough courage for 10.

He'd been right, in part. Thera still had enough courage for them both, but he couldn't bring himself to ask her about those men. He stayed a week, long enough to insure that his job in the Guards was gone and set off at a slow pace back for him. Somehow, Mathis found himself on the road for the feared Black Tower…still unsure he road up to the gates. Intent on making his own life.

... i know that we got a female Dot9M

That's good.  I'd hate to be the therapist for a MALE daughter of the nine moons.  Fated to marry our Mat ...

A few minutes later, Arath made his way back to the table where Michelle was scraping clean her third bowl.  Dropping the small package of food the cook had given him on the table he asked, "Are you ready to go, or do you want some more?"  She only hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. "Alright then.  Lets go borrow some suitable horses from the stables.  We better get going before the weather turns on us."

A few minutes later they reached the stables where Tai was waiting for them.  A scowl crossed the dedicateds face as he saw Michelle, but he quickly replaced it with an indifferent look.  Choosing to ignore this, Arath spoke cheerfully, "Ready for an exciting shopping trip Tai?"  It was hard not to laugh at the disbelieving expression.  "Go pick a horse," he said to Michelle, nudging her toward the doors.  When she was safely out of earshot he closed in on Tai with a grin on his face.  "What?  You think I was going to suffer through this alone?  Think of it as a penance for scaring her last night."

Arath thought carefully over the instructions Covai had laid out for them.  Any element at all ... the Storm Leader hadn't excluded fire this time.  A quick glance around quickly showed him that this fact had eluded the rest of the group.  He knew it wasn't terribly original, but Arath quickly decided on his strategy.  First, he wrapped a tiny thread of fire around the wick.  Experimentally he blew on it causing the the tiny flame to dance around.  But the weave sustained it, no matter how hard he blew on it.

Satisfied, he formed a simple movable platform of air and placed the candle on top of it.  With that he set off at a brisk pace.  The candle flame danced wildly, but never flickered low or threatened to go out at all.

Along the way he saw the efforts of some of the other contestants.  One distraught looking dedicated had tried to use earth to transport the candle.  His candle had fallen over and been ground into the dirt when his weave had rolled over the top of it.  A soldier was drenched in sweat as he tried to carry the candle and shield it with air.  He looked exhausted before he'd made it half way.

It wasn't long before Arath made it to the tree line.  He arrived second, after Tai'Dashan.  He wasn't sure if the gateway had been legal, but it was a good interpretation of the rules.  Carefully setting his candle down, Arath waited for the rest to arrive, eager to see what Covai had in store for them next.

Handle: Tigara

Number of Chars: 2

Contact: tigara@live.com

Name: Mercury "Myrrh" al'Thorin

Age: 20

Nationality: Andoran/Murandian

Height: 6'1"

Build: Burly

Weight: 210 lbs

Hair: Dark red.

Eyes: Bright blue

Skin: Ruddy, but usually quite tanned

Voice: Baritone

Personality: Myrrh is a very manly man, or at least tries very hard to be. He thinks his name is feminine, so he would work hard to be masculine, tough, and brutish. It takes very little to arouse his rather violent temper and a lot to quell it. Whatever he decides to do with his life, he goes full throttle into it and nothing can change his mind. He is stubborn like a mule and strong like an ox. If he gets into a fight, he refuses to give up or surrender as long as he can still move.

History:

Mercury is the son of Lelanna al'Thorin and Kinaird ni Sarora. Lelanna is from Four Kings, the daughter of the retired Wisdom and Kinaird is a healer of sorts from Murandy. Kinaird is a few slices short of a loaf and has some very strange opinions. Some say he was in contact with some strange herbs, but no one knows for sure. Lelanna fell in love with him and they married. Kinaird is of the opinion that the husband should be in charge of everything, so he took full authority to name the first child. His first son was named Mercury. Kinaird didn't bother with gender when choosing a name. Whatever name he liked, the kid got. This is the reason why his other sons are named Dandelion, Face, and Mindy, while his daughters are Murandy, Wallflower, Cornelius, and Ogier.

As Mercury got older, he began to realize that his name was somewhat girlish. Often, he would make a specific point of being manly. When he turned 16, he left his family, shortened his name to "Myrrh" and went to Caemlyn. The streets of Caemlyn forced him to get tough or die and he took the former. He quickly grew in size and was a well-respected street tough, frequently asked to guard inns and shops for money.

About four years later, a black-coated man was in the street, asking for those who want to fight for the Dragon Reborn. After thinking for a while, Myrrh decided that's what he wanted to do. It would pay better and would once and for all prove his manliness. He joined the growing clump of men and they marched out of the city. Once outside the walls, the oddest thing happened. A window opened out of nowhere and everyone was herded through. He had heard the rumors of those men who could channel, but this was proof right before his eyes. On the other side of this window, he saw dozens of men in black coats doing other miraculous and amazing feats. Myrrh was wide-eyed. The man who brought them here went and one-by-one, tested all the men for what he called "the ability to channel".  Myrrh was one who had that ability.

Myrrh learned how to channel very quickly, finding great ease with offensive weaves. His sword skills also grew quickly, but still need much refining. Within a few months, he was awarded the Silver Sword pin of the Dedicated.

Arath paused momentarily when he caught the wonderful smell drifting through the house.  Sniffing his way curiously toward the kitchen, he was caught unaware when Aria bounced off of him.  And he was most unprepared for the horrified shriek that she gave when she realized who she'd hit.  What in the light was she on about?  She was acting as though he was the most terrifying thing in the ...

Comprehension dawned on him, and he threw an exasperated glare at Michelle who winced slightly, a guilty expression on her face.  Fifteen minutes ... she couldn't keep it quiet for fifteen minutes ...  Rolling his eyes he tried to figure out how to fix the situation.  What could he possibly do to calm the situation down?

Aria had broken down into sobs now, the screams having died down.  Maybe she was just out of breath.  Arath approached her very slowly, arms outspread and hopefully non threatening.  "I'm sorry you had to find out like that.  I thought it would have been better if Tai told you.  Believe me though, it doesn't change anything.  He's still the same person you knew before.  He's just ... discovered a new skill."

Arath snorted.  "Everything that one does is unusual.  I've never understood half the things a Taraboner does, let alone why.  And he's the worst of the lot."  Finally selecting a suitable coat, one that would fit well but leave some room for the inevitable fleshing out that Simmen would experience, he turned his full attention back to the boy.  It suddenly struck him as odd that he would think of him so, seeing as Simmen could only be two or three years younger than Arath himself.  It was funny how perspectives changed over such a short time.

With a frown, Arath examined Simmen's current atire.  Even at his worst times on the Caemlyn streets he hadn't looked so bad as this.  Or smelt as bad.  With a grimace, he siezed the source.  Channeling air, he pushed open the window.  A careful weave of air and fire sliced the filth ridden shirt off of the startled man and another flow of air carried them to the window.  With a flash of fire, the shirt crumbled into ashes and fell to the mud.  "The least of the tricks you will learn here," Arath said with a grin.  He tossed the coat at Simmen then added,"I'll see to it that you get another coat soon, and some better clothing.  Before you put that on though, you should probably get cleaned up."

Pushing Simmen through the door, Arath led him to his bath room.  Filling the tub from the cistern above, he heated the water with another flow of Saidin.  Steam soon rose pleasantly from the tub, and Arath quickly gathered everything that would be needed.  "When you're done here, I'll take you back to the inn to get something to eat before you start training.  So unless you've got some questions, I'll leave you to it for now."

He listened intently while Tai poured out his story.  Some of it he had heard before, but none of the parts about the girl.  Strangely, the whole story seemed rather familiar.  There were differences in details, but the overall theme paralleled parts of his own life.

When Tai asked permission to channel the mud from his clothing Arath thought for a moment, then consented.  He seemed past the danger point now, though he would have to keep a close watch on him now to make sure that the lapse of control didn't happen again.  While Tai cleaned himself up, Arath took his turn to speak.  "Judging by how hysterical she was when you took off without a word, I think her feelings about you are pretty clear.  She wasn't barely coherent when I left."  Well, she had been calming down already, but a little white lie couldn't hurt. 

"As for what's going to happen ... who can say?  That depends on what you decide.  Being a weapon for the Dragon and loving someone are not mutually exclusive things.  Dozens of Asha'man have families living here.  Light, you ran right past most of them on your way here.  The question is, can you forgive her for leaving you?  And can she accept you for ... what you are now?  I get the feeling that she doesn't know what goes on here, other than some sort of military training."

"Either way you have to make a choice.  Cower in your muddy clearing, or go back and face her."  Arath smirked.  "Me?  I would get back there as quickly as I could, before Michelle finished off whatever good impression's Aria might still have."

"Simmen then."  Finally finding a pen, he quickly added the entry to the log book.  Returning his gaze to the newest recruit, he took a moment to study him.  He was beyond nervous, that much was apparent to anyone.  It was hard to see much else beyond all the grime and filth.  That would need addressing immediately. 

Walking over to the large closet against the wall, Arath began to rummage around for a suitable coat.  "So Simmen, do you have any questions for me?  If you have any, now's the time."

Approved, stamped, signed, sealed, all that good stuff.

Party at Tai's house.  ;D

Still holding the shield, Arath took his time before speaking.  "I need to be sure who it is I'm talking to.  Dedicated Tai'Dashan, or ... Chaos?"  The seething anger in Tai's face slowly melted away into comprehension, then complete shock.  "I'm going to assume that you're Tai again, and I'm going to release the shield.  However, you are NOT to touch the source.  If you do, I will kill you.  Understood?"  The words sounded hard and cold, even for someone wrapped in the emotionless void.  He could tell that Tai didn't doubt his words.  Slowly, almost reluctantly, he released the shield.  But not his own link to Saidin.

For an instant he saw the conflict on Tai's face as he instinctively reached for the source.  It was the reaction of anyone who had recently been shielded.  But he held off.  Arath nodded.  "Now then.  Tell me what's so bloody terrifying about this woman that you have to run halfway across the farm to escape her.  The only reason any half sane man would have for running away from such a looker is bad history."

Of all the reactions Arath had anticipated, this was not one of them.  "~You think to help his pain? You and all the others who pretend to care about him?  You parade around with your fancy titles, acting like you know whats best. You disgust me.~"

Instinct more than anything guided his actions for the next few moments, and probably saved his life.  As the shield came crashing toward him, Arath lashed out with spirit and fire, cutting apart the weave.  The same weave whipped around again to slice the uncomfortably close air bindings.  As Tai began to weave again, Arath retaliated with his own attacks.  A low flying weave of air capable of sweeping the man's legs out from under him was easily deflected, but it was more of a distraction anyway.  Leaping onto the chair he had made earlier, Arath sent a loosely woven shield as another distraction.

Drawing upon his tricks from earlier that day, Arath called lightning out of the stormy sky.  The bolt crashed down only a dozen yards away, sending electricity coursing through the water and mud and into Tai's body.  He shook in a tremendous spasm, then collapsed to the ground twitching.  Gingerly stepping off of his chair, Arath cautiously approached.  It probably wasn't necessary at this point, but he slammed a strong shield into place, cutting the unconscious Dedicated off from the source.

After checking to see if he was still alive, and rolling him over so he wouldn't drown in the mud, Arath settled back on his chair and waited, thinking.  His ... Light, why was he referring to himself like that?  Arath was afraid he knew the answer already, but wasn't sure he wanted to accept it.  This voice that Tai heard, Chaos, must have taken over.  Hopefully it was not a permanent loss of control.  Arath truly didn't relish the thought of going back to tell Michelle and Aria that he had had to kill Tai.

And if Tai woke up as Chaos, that would be exactly what he would have to do.  Cutting him off from the source wouldn't stop him from more mundane means of violence.  Arath cut off the disturbing line of thought as the still smoking man at his feet stirred.  Preparing a flame arrow in his hand, Arath grimly waited for Tai to fully regain consciousness.  Light send he didn't need it.

Arath sighed and scrubbed a hand through his hair.  What a bloody mess.  As Aria collapsed into a weeping pile against the wall, Arath leaned close and whispered to Michelle, "I'm going to go find him.  Try to calm her down a bit."  He glanced down at Aria who was attempting to scrub the tears away with her shirt.  "And don't mention ... what we can do.  She might not know yet, and it's probably best that it come from him."

With a small smile, Arath stepped outside.  Once the door was closed he grasped the source and wove a gateway to the clearing that Tai frequented.  Letting the gateway collapse behind him, Arath took a quick look around.  No sign of Tai yet.  But he would show up, Arath was sure.  It was doubtful that the man had Travelled anywhere, and couldn't have run this far that quickly.  While he waited, Arath pulled a pair of earthen stools from the ground and wove a barrier against moisture.  Taking a seat while he waited, he thought about what he should say.

A minute or so later, he heard someone crashing through the trees.  When Tai finally broke through to the clearing he paused, looking tired, dazed, and confused.  Waving the Dedicated over to the other chair, Arath cleared his throat and spoke.  "I've never seen anyone run so hard to get away from a pretty woman.  Is she that dangerous?"

Shaylor?  Just cuz Arath is out of the house doesn't mean that Michelle gets to have a slumber party ... :P

Arath took his time leaving the inn.  It was warm and pleasant within the common room, a fine fire blazing in the hearth.  But duty called, and the deplorable amount of work he had left in his office wasn't going to finish itself.  As he made his way to the door, it sprang open and one of the Asha'man came through.  A foul tempered Taraboner that Arath had sent recruiting.  He man's eyes fell on Arath and his eyes widened for a moment before his perpetual sneer settled back onto his face.  "Attack Leader," he said with an odd mix of disdain and required respect, "Brought some back already.  In your hands now, yes?"

Arath frowned and asked, "That depends.  Did you leave them standing in the snow this time or send them to my office?"  The flash of outrage in the other man's eyes confirmed the worst to Arath.  "I guess you haven't had enough of recruting then.  You're assigned to a party every day for the next week.  See that no more recruits get lost in transit next time."  Leaving the man fuming, Arath pushed past him through the door.

It didn't take long to find the unfortunate victim this time.  A dirty, gangly youth who looked chilled to the bone.  Taking a deep breath, Arath started forward.  "Are you a new recruit?" he asked, not because he needed that fact confirmed, but merely to direct attention toward himself.  When the thin young man nodded, Arath wove spirit into a gateway.  The familiar silvery blue flash appeared and rotated into a portal into his home travelling room.  Grabbing the boy by the arm, Arath pulled him through and let the gateway wink out behind them.  Pushing open the door into the office, Arath motioned for the recruit to take a seat.  Settling himself at his desk, Arath began the introductions.  "I'm Arath, Attack Leader here at the black Tower.  I'll be overseeing your training here and making sure you stay alive."  Opening up the log book, Arath fussed around his desk looking for a pen.  "So, what's your name and where are you from?"

Arath is totally gateing directly to his room to avoid the headache :P

Well tomorrow hasn't arrived yet :P so you can still do it if you want. 

Arath stood against the doorframe, silently wondering what in the light all of this was about.  When Tai took off running in the general direction of his clearing, Arath remained behind.  He knew where his student was likely headed, and he figured that he should probably know a little more of what was going on before going to talk with the Dedicated.

Taking his first good look at this Aria who was looking out into the darkness, Arath wondered exactly what had happened between the two.  And what sick twist of fate had brought her to HIS house.  "So then," he began carefully, directing his words at both Aria and Michelle, "Who wants to tell me what all this is about?"

I see it as a non-elemental element.  I always thought Energy might be a better name, but it doesn't sound right.  Too powerful I guess. 

As far as it's use, I think that Spirit could be added to just about any weave to dampen or enhance the effect.  A buffer of a sort.

Yeah yeah.  Kudos and what not. :P

Shiny pin, applause ... all that jazz.

'bout time too ...

:D Congrats. 

Alrighty, just so we have a good place to keep everything straight.  I want to know what the current bonding situations are.  Who plans to bond with who and what not.  I'll edit as we go.

I would also like to remind everyone that nothing here is written in stone.  Anyone is free to back out at this point if things just don't work out IC or OOC.

Here's what we currently have recorded.  Name, rank, and on which end of the bond they prefer to be

BT Characters - Available:

• Daevis Thelandran - Asha'man - Bonded
  
• Martyn(Tavon) - Bonded
  

WT Characters - Available:

• Jasmyne - Red Sitter? - Bond holder
  
• Raslyn Altearin -Bond holder
  

'Promised' Characters

Bondholder - Bonded(s)

• Larindhra Reyne (Bond holder) - Ikkiliad, Geirrin
   
   
  
• Covai Seriba (Bond holder) - Zarinen Rafaliva
  
• Gianna (Bondholder) - Tai'Dashan
  
• Aslan Waaran (Bondholder) - Jagen
  
• Jaydena Restona Mckanthur (Bondholder)- Arath Faringal
   
  

If you are not on here, post and let me know where you belong.