I have a proposal. I have a BT Dedi that needs an Inter Div RP for raising reqs, I would love to have a couple NPC Ashies along with me headed to get accustomed to the band so to speak, have one Ashie snap and kill the other one, leaving poor tai in a panic to help take him down. Here is what Arath (Storm Leader at the BT) has to offer as inspiration. Let me know what you think.

okay, the crazy and Tai are sent to the band for 'training' reasons we can come up with later, they are to relieve the Asha'man who is already there he's going around, showing them a patrol path, and where wards are set, etc. then crazy (we'll call him bob) snaps and kills the other guy. Tai runs off and hides (so to speak) and right about that time, the band patrol happens by,

Something to that affect anyway. Pm me if you are interested in any of it, or none of it. I just want in  ;D

OOC: He was definitely ANGRY not Heartbroken when he left  :D. However he is fussy so... Hot Pink it is!  ;D

IC:

Tai stomped out the door and down the hall to his room, barely avoiding the slippery floor. The bloody woman was completely insufferable! His anger wilted when he remembered what he had been thinking.

"She thought that someone like her could threaten him?! He was powerful and mighty! How dare she threaten him? He could incinerate this insolent wench where she-"

The thought echoed through his head and he shuddered. Those weren't the voice's thoughts, those had come from him. He had come close to.. Roughly he shoved the thought away and slammed the door to his room behind him. Light but he was scared, and angry enough to bite something. He felt Arath channeling but was too tired to ponder why. Let him do what he wanted.

As he finished hanging his coat in the closet he noted the cool air on his bare chest. It was getting cooler of late. Suddenly he heard a female cry out in the hallway. Confusion painted his face briefly. That had to be Michelle, was Arath hurting her? It made no sense. Seizing Saidin, he prepared a couple of binding weaves just in case and thrust his head out the door. Light spilled from Arath's door and in its dim pool lay Michelle clutching her arm and weeping. Arath was crouched over her with a look that said it was his fault.

What under the Light?! He thought increduously.

Arath had no reason to harm her, but there she was lying on the floor weeping. From the way she clutched her arm it might be broken. There way no time to think however, Arath saw him and yelled for him to go get a healer. Tai had been told by a few that he would be moderately good at healing but he had only had enough training to learn how not to kill. Releasing the binding weaves, he strode to her quickly. The woman was insufferable, made him want to scream. But she was in pain and needed help.

He knelt, mumbling to himself angrily, ignoring Arath's look of shock. Lightly placing a hand on her shoulder and one on her arm so as not to hurt her, Tai wove Air, Spirit, and Water. Focusing on the task at hand he hardly heard Arath murmuring to himself. Suppressing a gasp as he felt, felt the bone mend, he finished with a satisfied nod. It would do. She would be tired and hungry, but the pain should be gone now. Slowly he stood and stepped back looking at Arath accusingly. Feeling the body mend itself was interesting. Suddenly he realized he was bare to the waist and was glad for the darkness to hide his blush.

"I'd rather you didn't burn yourself out at all.  But truth be told, I would rather you die in the last battle, fulfilling your purpose as an Asha'man, rather than pointlessly destroying yourself in a secluded part of the woods."

Tai was taken aback, this was not what he expected to hear. The man's face grew harder and increasingly heated as he spoke. Tai blinked as the remainder of the tirade washed over him.

"So what is it?  What is it that I won't understand?  What are you afraid of?  What personal demon is so horrifying that you push yourself to the brink of destruction to escape it?"

Letting go of the Void, Tai became aware of doing something he had not done for years. Silent tears streaked paths down his cheeks from the corners of his eyes. Tai simply sat and looked at the man for a long while. The rough words had struck home. Ignoring the fresh tears that burned trails down his face he whispered.

"I am going mad Arath. I am losing my mind to the Taint." Tai paused briefly, and drew a shuddering breath. "I have in my head a voice that tells me things Arath. Things about killing people, about doing things to women that apall me and make me blush all at once." Tai knew how that must sound, he was one of the more proper men at the Tower. He was always kind and respectful, especially of women. That had earned him a few jokes at his expense as a soldier and Arath knew it.

"Some of the time," Tai hesitated, finishing with a sigh. "some of the time it makes sense, a kind of horrible, dark, uncaring sense. And it terrifies me."

Tai stood and walked to the window, scrubbing his face roughly with the sleeve of his black velvet coat. "Last night when i was full of Saidin," He knew the other man would have seen him full of the Power. "I started thinking things about michelle, things that I would not think. These were thoughts that sounded like the voice in my head. I think that is what frightens me most. That my own thoughts have become those which belong to someone else." Fresh tears started down his cheeks as he turned to Arath, his voice matching the pleading in his eyes. "You will bury me in that little clearing soutwest of the Farm wont you? The one i go to?" His throat constricted and he could not speak more. Instead he contented himself to wait for the answer he was sure would follow.

Arath frowned, and suddenly it was that much harder to hold back the tears. The genuine concern mixed with hard determination on the man's face was hard to see. Arath sat and thoughtfully looked at him, making him almost uncomfortable.

Like a bird studying a worm. He thought absently.

"Training.  Tai, you know what I've said about over extending yourself.  You're given more freedom to study what you want as a Dedicated, but that doesn't mean that you should push yourself that much harder.  Light, the death rate among trainee's is already high enough without people intentionally pushing themselves over their limits."

~So the man presumes to treat you like a child does he?~

"Give over" Tai's lips barely moved when he realized he was very nearly responding out loud to the voice.

Light! He thought, terror flooding his thoughts. Here I am terrified to speak of the maddness to my closest friend and all but betray myself! His lips had barely twitched, there was no real forming of words. If Arath noticed, he would likely think it a simple facial expression. Light send it was so. His thoughts snapped back to reality as he realized Arath was speaking again.

"There are acceptable losses here at the Black Tower, and there are unacceptable losses.  Acceptable losses, or perhaps inevitable losses, are those that we can't control.  The soldier who goes mad after his first brush with Saidin, or the man who burns himself out through the regular training regiment.  Unacceptable losses are the fools who try so hard to become the best or the strongest at the Tower, and kill themselves or others in pushing themselves too far.  I spend a great deal of time trying to stamp out the later of the two." 

So Arath feared he was one of those fools did he? Afraid that Tai simply wanted to become the best or the strongest? To show up those around him? Tai met Arath's gaze as he vied not to allow him to be one of those, and then turned to stare back out the window as he spoke.

"You simply do not understand." It was a struggle to keep the emotion out of his voice. Mechanically and without thinking he assumed the Void. His voice emotionless and flat, he continued. "Not that I should expect you to. You are your own person with your own personal demons." He looked at the man once again, studying his face. "How far do you count our friendship Arath?" Before the man could answer Tai chuckled resignedly and shook his head continuing. "No do not answer that. I do not think you should have to answer. I respect you too much, and your actions have told me enough."

Arath had taken him in as a pupil, true it was his job; but he had done so as a friend. He had taken him into his home and aided him in his training. Tai's gaze took on a far away look as he voice grew more faint. It was almost as if he were talking to himself but in the small room Arath would not have to strain to hear him.

"You speak sense Arath. You are a good man and just. I do push myself hard. Harder than even you." Tai felt a slight smile touch his lips briefly, but it was as if it belonged on someone elses face. "Perhaps i push myself too hard. Perhaps. But tell me this. Would you rather have me burn myself out, possibly destroy everything around me for yards in my clearing, well away from everyone else? Or in the middle of the Last Battle, taking many of my comrades with me?"

Tai gazed challengingly at Arath and his voice grew in volume and heat. "When I first came to the tower, I had a vauge, fanciful notion of aiding in the fight against the Shadow. In nearly the year since, I have seen men i knew slaughtered by Fades, Trollocs, Dreadlords, and even Forsaken." His mouth twisted at the word. "I now have a more.." Tai paused considering the right word. "Vivid... idea of what it means to aid in the destruction of the Shadow. I mean to aid in that destruction by preparing myself, or die trying.I do not mean to throw my life away, but I will not risk others."

Light! he was doing just that by hiding the maddness from his mentor. Tai frowned briefly as the thought flickered across the Void. Silently his eyes focused on Arath once more, waiting for what he said to sink in. Waiting to see what the man would say. The tears still threatened, but peculiarly, outside the Void. He wanted nothing more than to tell Arath, tell him and have him tell him it would be alright. The more he pushed himself with the Power the more he defiled his mind with the Taint. It was a race against time, and Tai was not sure if he could win. He would not give up without trying.

There was only one man in the whole world besides himself that knew of the voice. Sereth. The man had all but dragged it out of him, ok so not quite like that, but he had told him and still stood alive. Tai wondered if Arath could let him remain so with that knowledge. He looked at the man consideringly and waited.

Tai knocked softly and poked his head into the door. Arath noticed him and waved him in. He took a seat, chewing his underlip nervously. What could the man want? Now was no time to wonder, what was done was done.

"Wanna tell me why you came in so late?  And looking as though you had rolled through a mud puddle?"

That was all? Tai paused a moment before answering, thinking that there must be more. But Arath seemed content to wait for a reply.

"I was out training and I sat by the river to read. I must have been fairly tired as I fell asleep while reading. I did not wake until evening and by then it was full dark." Tai gazed at Arath for a moment before gazing out the window.

Tai wondered briefly what the man would make of the "training" comment. Whether Arath thought he meant sword or Saidin, the man never let on. Tai wanted desperately to tell the man, about the voice, about his fear. They were friends after all. But even friends did what they must. If he confided in Arath about the madness he very well might have poison in his wine by sundown.

~They will NEVER take us!~ Tai ignored the voice.

Tai had been in the tower close to a year now, he had seen it happen to others. The unlucky ones who did not fare so well with the madness were quietly slipped something in their wine before they could be a danger to the others. Tai wondered what it was like, if the death was quick or not, and fought the urge to cry. Surely Arath was friend enough to bury him in his clearing at least. The one place here besides his home that he had come to feel safe in. He had to be friend enough for that if nothing else. Blinking back tears before they could form he focused on Arath once more.

Tai woke up and glanced up at the window noting the faint light from outside. So he hadn't slept much. After last night he didn't expect to. What was Arath thinking bringing that woman into their home? She seemed to be a friend. Tai searched the events of last night, trying to find where he had heard it. He thought back through the whole thing again. The bucket, the sword, Michelle scrambling through Arath's door, the confrontation. Tai winced as he recalled his mentor's words.

Sighing, he rose and scrubbed his teeth with salt and ran a hand through his hair. Tai glanced at his reflection and a shiver ran through him. Who was he becoming? the madness had affected him there was no doubt. He heard a voice in his head dark and vile. These were points he could not argue but last night... Last night, wrapped in Saidin he had started thinking like that voice. Most of his teachers cautioned him that he pushed himself too hard, did too much. But he had learned a great deal and come very far in the power. It came at a price though, he had Channeled Saidin so much during his time here over the last year that the Taint had started to affect him greatly as well. But he wanted more, wanted to be the best. To be strong for the Last Battle.

~The truth is you are afraid you will die.~ Whispered the voice. ~You are terrified of what will happen when you face a Fade, or worse.~

Disgustedly Tai shoved away the thought. He walked to closet, quickly shedding his small clothes in the cold morning air. Changing into a fresh pair and donning his black velvet coat he sighed and paused, resting his hand on the closet door. What could Arath want? That he was in "trouble" Tai did not doubt. His behaviour last night was flat rude and uncalled for. The woman had gotten under his skin when he should have had more civility and control than to let her.

~Light you apologized boy! You apologized and she blew up quicker than a hen under a bucket of water!~

Tai sighed again and slammed the closet door shut. He was very nearly ready for Asha'man, Arath had said so himself. Tai was concerned that his episode last night was a prelude to a further lack of control. It scared him half to death that he may be go mad any day, but it was the only way to become ready for what was to become. Talk about being stuck between a wall and a rock! Frustrated, Tai slipped his out his door cautiously. He peered outside into the hall and stepped out feeling foolish when he realized he was checking for michelle. There was nothing for it now but to go down to Arath's office and face what was coming. Arath would be down there waiting if he knew the man.

~They say that the Dark one will give you protection from the taint~ The voice whispered. Tai shuddered and angrily shoved the voice away. Desperately he hoped that there was some way under the Light that he could survive. Survive long enough to be of some good against the Shadow. Slowly, Tai walked down the stairs to Arath's study with a heavy heart.

*looks at Pm sent a day or two ago*

Darn, Thats what I though. Thanks  ;D

Who is the DL so I can get approval?!

“Well, at least I started you on getting that bath.  How about you try and finish that?”

Tai blinked and resisted the urge to seize Saidin to teach this woman a lesson. One glance at Arath glaring at her told him that was wise. Instead he seized Saidin briefly to pull the water from himself and then released it with a sigh. The woman stomped over to Arath angrily.

“Gee, thanks for filling me in.  Arath, next time I think someone is breaking in, I will sleep and let them steal everything.”

Light! Tai thought grumpily. She acts like a spoiled child, angry that someone denied her a sweet! Tai's eyes widened as she spun back to Arath on her way out, attempting to slap him. Anger bubbled up in him at her insolence and without thinking he seized Saidin. The power boiled in him, a raging current of liquid light. Arath caught her hand easily and she tore her hand away nearly pouting.

If you were going to scare me to death, you should have left me in that hell hole.” She turned to Tai and scowled at him, hands on hips.

“You are just lucky I didn’t have a real weapon.” Tai heard a low chuckle escape his lips. It held no mirth and sounded too mocking for his liking. He didn't care, he was wrapped in the Power. She thought that someone like her could threaten him?! He was powerful and mighty! How dare she threaten him? He could incinerate this insolent wench where she- Tai stopped and realized what was happening. Hastily he released Saidin and shuddered. Those thoughts sounded too close to the voice in his head. Inner struggle warred openly on his face, Tai felt sick.

"Wherever you hail from," Tai began roughly. Half for the voice and half for the woman. "You can go back and flaming leave me alone." The heated curse surprised him, it was not like him and showed how close he was to a breaking point. Unnerved he turned to go, he wanted a bed and the blessed, escape of sleep.

Name: Eric

Counrty: USA (GMT)

MSN: ethomefone13@ msn.com

Division/Posistion: Black Tower Asha'man, BT: Dedicated, WY: Trainee, SG: Initiate dl.

I am usually on about every day, my email notifies me of most things, posts, pm's etc. Hit me up with a pm, email or on msn (although 8a-5p GMT i'm working. as Sereth and a few others know that doesn't really stop me  :-[) and i should get it!

Tai hesitated when the woman screamed for Arath, reached for, and scrambled through his door. Tai's sword dipped slightly and he followed after her. She didn't sound like a thief. She sounded as if she knew Arath.

~You fool!~ Howled the voice. ~Just because the wench knows his name doesn't mean she wont kill you as soon as you step around a blind corner!~

Tai kept his sword up as he moved to the doorway. Suddenly Saidin vanished, wrenched away as if the world had dropped out from underneath him suddenly. Feeling his sword pried from his hands he clamored anxiously for Saidin. His attempts met the shield and the voice screamed in fury and terror.

~Light! Oh Light!~ It babbled. Ignoring it, Tai focused back on the woman, startled he found her wrapped in flows of Air and realized all at once what was going on. This was Arath's doing! Glancing at the man in confusion he heard him speak.

"Michelle, this is Tai'Dashan, my student.  He might look dirty and crazy, but he will NOT," he paused and looked pointedly at Tai, "harm you.  Tai, Michelle here is an old friend of mine, and my guest.  She's much tougher than she looks, so for your own safety, try not to scare her anymore."

Tai didn't know whether to laugh or scowl. Dirty?! Well, he supposed he had slept in the dirt. Much tougher than she looks? Tai bit off his own disbelief of that as he saw the fear fading from the woman, Michelle's, face to be replaced by something more stern. Was she angry? She had surprised him in his own home and she was angry?! Light women were strange.

Tai glanced at Arath meaningfully and grinned sheepishly to show it was all a mistake. He desperately wanted to shiver and lick his lips. Fear had taken place of the void. It was Arath, his mentor and friend who held him shielded. Even so, Tai was terrified. He stood there, without Saidin. It made him feel naked and hollow. To be stripped of life itself. He had worn saidin like his small clothes, kept close to him for the last year or so. To be without it now was hard to bear. Scrubbing his hand through his hair similarly to the gesture Arath had made earlier, he grinned at Michelle.

"Honest mistake. Middle of the night, strange person in your home... tends to put you off. Sorry." She was pretty, he thought to himself. Maybe it would be nice to have her around if he hadn't started off on too wrong of a foot. He supposed almost killing her was pretty much the wrong foot.

Stopping to consider that thought, Tai stood at the top of the stairs. It mad sense. Listening to the voice was like accepting he was mad. But in a twisted way, made sense. Tai sighed and scrubbed a hand through his hair. He was too tired, he would think on it tomorrow. Sighing he turned to head to his room. Suddenly he was drenched in cool water and heard a female voice scream something. Seizing Saidin he whirled, blade leaping into his hands. Dimly he noticed a bucket bouncing down the stairs. In the dim light he could make out the form of a female standing close to Arath's room.

A thief coming to steal their possessions! He thought incredulously. Tai had to suppress a chuckle. This thief had chosen the wrong place. Advancing slowly he held his sword out, point seeking any movement. With Saidin filling him he had a much more powerful weapon than this sword, but he was not about to let this thief know that. 'Any advantage could mean your life' Arath had taught.

Kill her you fool! Screamed the voice. Burn her to a cinder for daring to encroach upon your home! KILL THE WHELP!

Growling in disgust he nearly spat at the fool. "Get out. Get out while you still live."

Tai yawned as he walked through the trees, cursing himself for falling asleep. As he walked, the moon danced in and out of the branches, already high in the sky. He had been out all day. He had left at sunup and started training in the clearing. He had been weaving Earth and had pushed himself farther than he thought. He had sat with his back against the rock to read and shortly after fallen promptly to sleep. He held Saidin, his Power-Enhanced vision picked his way through the forest easily. Suddenly the voice flickered in his head.

~You can save them from the Shadow.~ Tai blinked and stopped dead in his tracks. Normally the voice was a mad, raving, homicidal lunatic. Now it was suggesting he save people? Tentatively he thought:

Save who?Tai felt ridiculous talking to a voice in his head as if it were another person altogether.

~Everyone around you.~ The voice was almost..hesitant? Tai felt himself shudder uneasily.

How can i save them? What are you raving about? Tai cursed himself for a fool out loud as he continued towards the Farm.

~You can save them all, all it will take is to remove their thread from the pattern boy! Just think of it...let them die in the Light before they have a chance to turn to the Shadow. You have the power boy! Kill them! Kill them ALL!~ Suddenly the voice was babbling in his head and screaming for him to kill those around him. Quickly he shoved the voice roughly away and cursed himself again for being fool enough to listen.

Ahead the trees thinned and moonshadows played across the ground as his long strides ate the distance. Already he was upset at himself. Upset at the voice. Upset at...what? He wasn't sure what but he was mad enough to bite something. Quickly he strode to the house, his angry strides bringing him to his home before he had completely calmed down. At least he was simply irritated now. Quietly he pulled open the door to the kitchen and slipped inside, sliding it closed just as quietly so as not to wake Arath. Letting go of Saidin was difficult but there was no use to hold it now. As the Power drained from him he realized how sleepy he was. His jaws cracked in a yawn, which he hid behind his hand before scrubbing it through his hair. Slowly he climbed the stairs. He was surprised to find he was fingering his sword hilt. He didn't stop when he noticed however. Something about the house felt different. He had an itch behind his shoulders that told him to be cautious. He couldn't put his finger on it but something felt off. As he topped the stairs, his mind started to slip back to what the voice had said. As much as he hated to admit it, killing people before they had turned to the Shadow might be considered mercy...

Run Tai!!!!!

*realizes what he has done*  ;) AHHHH!

*Runs away to hide until some other Aes Sedai can find him and offer bonding*  ;D

Absolutely! I think that would be great! Especially since Tai is looking to learn more of the sword as well, common interest you know! lol. Add me on MSN and we can work out the details. I will probably be able to post around 12.30p MST today (my lunch break :P) so I can get a thread started then if you want. If not then i should have sometime once i get home tonight.

Figured i better get posted since im gearing up for this  ;D

Character Name: Tai'Dashan

Rank: Dedicated (Asha'man at time of RP)

Would you like to hold the bond, be bonded, or are you willing to do either? *taps finger against his lip in thought* I think i would be open to both but more so to be bonded. Although Tai is somewhat headstrong, i would see him the bondee rather than the bonder...i could make either work however.

If you are bonded, would you be willing to be bonded to an Aes Sedai who holds bonds to other BT Chars?I don't see how that would be a problem..especially if the other bonded Ashie was Arath  ;D Seriously though. That could be potentially fun so i would say yes im willing.

If you are holding the bond, are you willing to bond more than one Aes Sedai?Hmmm *thinks about bonding more than one and jumps* No no no, One is enough for me thank you. *hurriedly shudders and runs away*  ;D In all seriousness, I don't think poor Tai could handle more than one. He has a deep respect for Aes Sedai...more so now that he knows how to channel.

Look here for info on Tai, you know...character summary, get to know him! See if he fits! If you have any questions please feel free to PM me or use MSN to contact me and work out the deatails!

* In way of notice i will have an Ashie by the time this happnes (only need my inter div and a duel) *

Character Name: Tai'Dashan

Rank: Dedicated (Asha'man at time of RP)

Would you like to hold the bond, be bonded, or are you willing to do either? *taps finger against his lip in thought* I think i would be open to both but more so to be bonded. Although Tai is somewhat headstrong, i would see him the bondee rather than the bonder...i could make either work however.

If you are bonded, would you be willing to be bonded to an Aes Sedai who holds bonds to other BT Chars?I don't see how that would be a problem..especially if the other bonded Ashie was Arath  ;D Seriously though. That could be potentially fun so i would say yes im willing.

If you are holding the bond, are you willing to bond more than one Aes Sedai?Hmmm *thinks about bonding more than one and jumps* No no no, One is enough for me thank you. *hurriedly shudders and runs away*  ;D

Hiya Banders!

I have a Dedicated of the Black Tower named Tai'Dashan who is very close to being raised Asha'man. He likes long walks on the bea- oh wait...sorry.

Ok joking aside, I need an Inter Div RP (minimum 8 posts) to do before i can be raised. I know that Asha'man are stationed within the Band from time to time so I figured it wouldn't be too difficult to find myself there. However once there I need someone to RP with! I am fairly open for suggestions...Ok, so as long as it doesn't kill him I'm pretty much up for anything! I post at least once a day (when my threads have responses to post to :P)and so am very active on the forums. The other day I completed an 8 Post RP within 3 hours with someone that was online the same time as I was!

Ok, ok....long story short I'm looking for an RP, the more interesting the better.

A little about Tai? He is 26'ish medium build, dark hair blue eyes. Eager to be liked and is very warm and friendly and hates the shadow with a passion. He secretly wants to be a blade master (although he doesn't realize it yet hehe) and loves the sword. (hey maybe you could teach him or something! As all BT members (well most of them) the taint has made him hear voices. Well...one voice, its kind of an alter ego thing. From time to time the darker part of himself intrudes and offends his kind, good-hearted self with rude lascivious and even obscene comments. Maybe that's more than you need to know, maybe its not enough. Feel free to PM me or Post here even, with thoughts or ideas.

*Hovers over keyboard waiting for a response....* ;D

Tai launched himself at Arath with zeal. He would land a hit...even if it was just one. As his blade flew he put all he had into it. He could tell Arath was holding back, not really pressing the advantage.

~You can do it boy! Kill him! He will kill you unless you end his life first! Tear his throat out with your teeth if you have to but KILL HIM!~ The voice screamed at him even inside the Void.

Tai blinked and slowed slightly as the Void slipped and shock flooded in. That was new, the voice had never been so...powerful when he was floating inside the Void. In fact, most of the time...not all but most of the time, it was silenced by the Void. Arath's blocks slowed slightly as well to keep up with him. Pushing all thoughts of the voice aside Tai renewed his attacks. Tai noticed that Arath had not picked up the speed of his blocks and obviously thought he could handle him easily. Tai knew for a fact that if his mentor and friend gave it his all he would handle Tai as easily as a babe.

Well I will show him I am no easy meat!He thought. If he wanted to give it less than his all, Tai would push the advantage and strike. Even if it was just one blow he would be able to rib Arath about it over meals later. Arath was not pressing the attack. In fact he was not attacking at all. Tai thought it likely that he was attempting to show the students how good Tai was. Well he would show the other men and Arath! Paying only half a mind to his defense Tai focused on offense, attempting to strike arath. There! An opening. Tai thrust hard attempting to catch Arath in the chest....and blinked in surprise. Well he would have if he had had time. Arath deftly spun around the seeking point of his blade and struck lightning quick at his wrist. The blade hit the dirt seconds before his knee did from a second strike. Tai didn't even have time to roll away before both of Arath's blades crisscrossed his back in an obvious flourish. As if that were not enough, Arath sat tapping his sword on his head as he lay in the dirt.

Bloody show-off!He thought to himself sulkily. Tai noticed that Arath was addressing the other men. In spite of himself he found himself listening intently to the description of his weakness and chiding himself for it. He got to his feet and Arath nodded, just slightly but it said the job had been done well. Tai suppressed a grin as he returned to stand with the others. It was a fool thing to get excited like a puppy being praised but Arath was his friend. Plus, it didn't hurt that the acknowledgment of a job well done helped to soothe his pride.

"Jakes.  Your turn." Arath said, and they begun. Tai was pleased to see that he handled this man twice as fast as he had Tai. Dirk was next although held his own for longer than Jakes.

"There is no room here anyone who is willing to give less than their all here. No matter your sitation, no matter your weapon, no matter your opponent, you give until theres nothing left to give. If you are up against a dreadlord, or one of the forsaken, anything less than your all is death. They won't hold back for you."Tai found himself nodding. This he was well aware of and ready to give it his all. In truth, Tai always gave everything his all, even when it was too much.

"We may not aspire to glory, to have the bards and gleemen sing about us, but your efforts should always be worthy of a song. Be a legend in your family. And know that if you do give up in the middle of a real battle, if the enemy doesn't kill you, I will. Any questions?" Silence fell on the group of Dedicated as Arath's words hung meaningfully in the air. Tai listened as Arath continued and touched on a subject that had desperately fascinated him from the first time he was shielded.

"So, your final part in this lesson is to break through your shields. But that's too easy. Form up with a new sparring partner and duel. You are to take down your opponent. Disarmed, on the ground, beaten. Hold nothing back. At the same time, you are to break through your shields. First man through gets to channel at the other. So work quickly. Loser's gets to run three Koras laps before lunch."

Tai felt his heart quicken as Dirk locked eyes with him. He was not happy that Tai had beaten him so soundly and was eager to pay him back. With this in mind Tai threw himself at the shield scrabbling wildly for any hint of something. Dirk almost took his head off with that bloody axe before he focused on what he was doing. Desperately he felt at the shield. The whole thing was smooth as...wait...there was a line, or a crack? Tai cursed as the man almost split his skull again. He could see the man was straining at his shield as well, could see it in his eyes. If he got there first...suddenly Tai felt what he had been looking for. Following that crack he found..a point? It was like it all came together in one hard knot. Pressing the advantage he danced in and slashed quickly at Dirk hoping to buy time. Tai pushed at that spot, like a fist through a knothole. It wasn't the most pleasant but he could feel himself pressing into it. The man looked suddenly pleased and Tai surged within that knothole in panic. Almost before he knew what had happened, Tai had seized Saidin. Filled himself with the rotting life and thrown the man back a few paces. Stunned Dirk rose to his feet and Tai quickly threw a small fireball weaving more Air than fire so as to not truly injure the man. Arath had said hold nothing back, but Tai was not about to kill the man. Dirk dodged and was panicking. Tai could see it. Quickly he wove multiple flows of Air. Dirk's Axe floated out of his grip as flows bound his hands to his side, and he fell to the ground unconscious from a club of Air to the back of the head. Tai grinned in triumph until the it was cut short by concern. Could he remember how he had done it? Waiting for the rest to finish up he wove Earth into a short smooth stone to sit on. Glancing at Arath he stabbed his eyes to Dirk and grinned a wide grin.

"I have heard of some men muttering about people in their heads, they gave these people names. To sate my curiosity, does yours have a name other than Chaos Tai'Dashan?

Sereth asked the question easily. Tai was grateful for the lack of hesitation or fear in the other man's voice. It was hard to know who you could trust at the Farm and Tai was glad he had found a friend. He blinked at the question itself though. Name the voice inside his head? It was a part of himself, one he didn't like, but part of him none the less. He said as much before continuing.

"Chaos eh...?" He mused thoughtfully. "I have not given the voice a name at that. Chaos may just be fitting." He trailed off musing at the name.

Slowly talk grew silent as they entered the training grounds. Across from them he could see the lights of the Inn glowing softly in the gathering dark. Tai glanced at Sereth and slowed to a stop.

"Well my friend.." He started quietly. "Do we continue our talk later and go eat a meal? Or do we go our separate ways for now?" He let the question hang in the air softly.

Rank: Dedicated

Name: Tai'Dashan

Learning RP: Saidin Related - Number of Posts: 6, An Interesting Decision

Other Learning - Number of Posts: 5 (Per Arath), Dedicated Weapons Class

Using Saidin: Number of Posts: 8 Posts, The Forge of Saidin

Inter-Divisional RP: Number of Posts: 8, Weakness and Strength

Asha'man Duel: Number of Posts: 5 Time To Test My "Metal"

Tai chuckled at the man's pun and grinned widely. He really liked the man's subtle sense of intellectual humor. He laughed to himself again.

Chaotic...haha!

Tai nodded. "That is how i pictured it." Meaning the rot. "And I would much prefer my current condition to..." He waved his hand in lazy circles motioning to mean 'all of that' "I find your thoughts on cleansing interesting however impossible it may be. I have never thought of using both halves. Men and women have done amazing things together."

And terrible things. He thought to himself slowly. He had heard of the circles present in the borderlands. He had not been there, but Arath had told him.

"Oh and don't worry about getting my hopes up, this is all theory of course." Tai paused and looked at the man, for an instant he had thought he had seen...what? He dismissed the thought and glanced around the clearing. The light had started to fail slowly and it was getting on towards twilight.

"Walk with me to the inn Sereth?" Tai asked motioning to the failing light. He new they could light there discussion easily with Saidin, but needed something to eat. It had been a while and he could use something warm.

Tai rose from his crouch when Arath called for attention. He may be his friend, but this was training and he could expect no softness. Another trait he admired about Arath. He watched silently as the two fool Cairhienen kept on not even noticing Arath's call. Absently he reached out to help Dirk to his feet, noting out of the corner of his eye the man brushing off his coat and eyeing him thoughtfully.

Tai suppressed a laugh at the indignation on the other men's faces. To be fair they weren't that bad. It was humorous to watch them all grumble as they started their lap though. The mirth quickly fled as he heard Arath's order.

"But I-" He started to protest. Tai bit off what he was about to say when he saw the look on Arath's face. There was no way this was going to feel good, Arath was good with the sword. Only Caovai was better. Tai had seen Arath practicing with his blade at home. Shaking his head he thought to himself just how badly this would hurt. Bracing himself as the recruits returned, he stepped out of the group. Might as well get it over with.

"Arath has asked me to explain why my, um...what i do, is useful." He looked at Arath, who nodded. "Well you see i made friends with a town guard in Mayne who showed me a little about-" He cut off nervously scratching the back of is neck uncomfortably. "You see, I have learned a little about the sword." He continued, wanting nothing more than to fade into the dirt.

"When up against a big weapon like a hammer or an axe," He paused and chuckled. "ok, any weapon.. it's gonna hurt." He grinned. "So i try to stay out of getting hit as much as possible." He stopped and thought for a minute. "Seriously though." He paused looking over the other men. "Test your opponent, find his weakness and use it against him. Show him the side of you you want him to see and strike when he least expects it." He looked at Arath helplessly. "That's about all.." He trailed off.

Arath nodded in what seemed like satisfaction and instructed the others to go join the rest. Tai almost flinched when Arath announced that it was time to begin. Assuming a ready stance he formed the Void. Arath grinned at him and although it was friendly it was also unnerving. Tai knew that Arath would not be fooled by his little fake out technique. Slowly Tai circled left sword dipping and coming up, dipping and coming up. Arath made a few feints and Tai quickly followed with his blade, never allowing his body to commit until the man passed a certain point. Suddenly dust flew from below his vision threatening his eyes, and Arath was there, whirling with his glowing blades. A brief moment of terror skittered across the surface of the Void and was gone as he barley deflected Arath's attack. Just as quickly as the terror, Arath retreated as well. The bloody man was grinning! Tai tensed up in spite himself, Arath was testing him. Well he would show him what he could do.

"Hey It's the Dragon!" He shouted foolishly and pointing over Arath's shoulder, grinning the whole while. He new Arath wouldn't fall for it, but he was hoping he might loosen up slightly at the joke. Quickly Tai danced in blade flashing to press here, dart there. But Arath was no fool and he had not lightened a bit. Easily he turned aside Tai's blows as if he were moving at half the speed. The two seperated once more and Tai tossed a grin to Arath. "It's been fun but lets stop playing and get it over with." he launched himself at Arath meaning to at least strike somewhere, at least once.

Tai nodded at Sereth's words. That was close to what he had puzzled out himself. He expected the voice to remain constant if not more imposing as time goes on. He shuddered at the "Two Tai'Dashan in one body" comment, it felt too close to home. Tai thought of two additional points and posed them to the man.

"I have been thinking.." He began. "one," he ticked the number off on his first finger. "what is the rot like? What if the madness was deflected long enough for our bodies to rot?" The thought handed most men a queasy stomach and a sour look at Tai. "And two, what if some way the taint was cleansed?" He grinned to show he understood the foolishness of such an idea. "Hypothetically mind you." He added. "Would the madness dissipate? Would the voice disappear? What lasting effects would we suffer?"

He sat back steepling his fingers over his chest and anxiously awaiting Sereth's thoughts. His stomach grumbled loudly and spoiled the moment slightly but Tai only chuckled.

"That doesn't change the fact that you do." Tai stopped himself from seizing the source as Sereth took a deep breath. He doubted the man would try to kill him then and there if he were about to speak. Tai relaxed muscles he hadn't known he was tensing at the others oath. Good, so he could trust the man.

"Light I was worried for a moment Sereth. I like you but..." Tai trailed off leaving the rest unsaid. He assumed the other man was well aware of the rest. Still, in spite of himself he all but flinched outwardly when the other man embraced the source. Tai raised an eyebrow slightly in a gesture of surprise that the man not only was not going to have him killed, but was interested. He had hoped but not dared to expect it. Tai sat for a long moment staring at his stone mug, collecting his thoughts before beginning slowly.

"My mother was killed by darkfriends when i was 16." He barked a short laugh at his comment. "Who hasn't lost something or someone to the Shadow right? The point being," He continued. "Is that I have sworn to be a weapon for the Dragon, a weapon to fight the shadow."

Staring at his mug, no. Through his mug, he spoke. His eyes smoldered with emotion. "I came to the tower to see if i could channel. To be a weapon for the Dragon." He chuckled softly as his eyes came back into focus and he looked sadly up at Sereth. "I may not get that chance if the Taint consumes me first." He said softly. Shaking himself he continued in a much lighter tone. "Oh I do go on sometimes..What I mean to say is that I came here to learn how to channel and so have been touching the source, doing everything save this," His eyes stabbed towards the sword at his hip briefly. "with the power. Even more so than those set to teach me would require. In doing so I have encountered...unpleasant side effects."

Tai glanced at Sereth leaning back in his seat calmly listening and continued when he motioned for him to go on. "It was in my room when i first heard it." Tai chuckled softly at the memory. "I spun around to see who had whispered in my ear." He mused almost to himself. "This wretched voice saying vile and dark things was in my head." he glanced at Sereth again, his mouth twisting with disgust. "It seems that the, shall we say..less civilized part of me was given voice." Tai paused and held Sereth's gaze. Patiently he waited to see what the other man thought. He would say he could call this man friend now, or at least confidant...Tai was eager to hear a fellow thinker such as Sereth's opinion.