HAHAHA

*falls off his chair laughing*

a man after my own heart!

I'm at work currently but will get you a post up when i get a moment.. ;)

Rahien awoke to Snow jumping down from where she had slept and stretching. They had taken to sleeping on the same bed much to Aislyn's chagrin.

~Time to go Brother. Do not keep White Fang waiting.~

"I know, i know." He muttered against his pillow. Getting to his feet he stretched in the cool morning air. The fire had died down over the night. Today was to be his weapons training, to help him defend himself apparently.

Tossing on some trousers and a loose shirt, he glanced around the room and took a deep breath. Why did he feel like he wouldn't be back? Brushing off the odd feeling he pulled on a wool jacket and held the door for Snow. She bounded out and into the cold sunshine, urging him playfully to follow. He laughed at her and chased her for a bit in the light dusting of snow that covered the ground.

Owen was a tough man, enough to put some off. Rahien liked him though, and not just because of Rhya's stories of him over stew. Today he would be training him in the use of weapons and Rahien was grateful for that training. Laughing as Snow suddenly burst from the snow in front of him, he realized that he had approached the Ranger Barracks.

"Race ya Snow." He said cheerfully and they both set off and a run. Snow, of course, made it to the door first. She waited patiently, tongue lolling to one side, her breath misting into the air in front of her. Rahien waved and made his way inside, promising to play with her later. Knocking lightly once he made his way to Owen's office he peeked his head in.

"Come in Rahien, i will not be long i just need to look over these reports and then we can start. Have a seat" Owen said, glancing over a few pieces of parchment. That done and a letter sent off, Owen centered his gaze on Rahien. "Now today we will be going to the Armoury, there you will be able to see all the weapons we have and can choose anything you like, just one mind you. Before we go though I would like to learn something of your past, where you lived, if you have family that sort of thing..." Rahien considered briefly before speaking.

"Well you see," He began, somewhat hesitantly. "I was born to my family in a small cottage, a day or two's journey north of Baerlon. I had multiple younger siblings, all died." He said flatly, staring at an ornamental piece on Owen's desk. "I spent a lot of time alone in the woods after that, learning how to live off the land and make use of the things it gave me. Hunting and things took my mind off it. Finally my family moved away without so much as a note to tell me where they were going. " His voice was soft and he stared through the desk, to a time long past. He did not notice the man up and moving about until he pushed a cup towards him.

"Thank you for that Rahien, if there are any questions you have then please ask them and I will answer as fully as I can." Rahien asked a few questions about the Stedding and what they were about to do, but the conversation was brief. Owen handed him a key and told him about the Armory. Taking key in hand he set off to look over the store of weaponry.

Owen motioned for him to go down the steps and enter the Armory alone. Putting the heavy brass key into the Armory door he turned it until it clicked and he heard the lock release. Pulling the heavy door open, he ducked inside. Light from high windows filtered down and lit the soft wood shelves and racks. He soon forgot Owen was waiting for him. Lost among the weaponry he looked over the pieces ranging from old and plain to ornate. Fingering a sword with a wolfhead on the pommel he moved on to a rack of bows. He had hunted with bow and sling for some time in the forest, and a bow felt comfortable.

He touched many bows and tested their weight and strength required to draw it. One stood out as both beautiful and powerful. Picking up the bow he examined it closely. It was a mid sized bow that would go at least a hundred paces. The wood was white, almost a silvery white, carved with howling wolf heads on either end of the grip. The strong, supple wood stretched upward in a gentle curve. It curved back at the ends slightly, carved over with vines, rocks and leaves. Taking a fresh bowstring from its waxed paper he strung the bow. Swinging it up and over his head he grabbed a quiver of arrows to go with it and headed back to Owen.

D'Ashan grabbed his things and headed for Thera's office. He had been having a little difficulty with some of the classes and expressed concern to a couple of his Instructors. Apparently this filtered back to the Mistress of Trainee's and she had decided to help.

A couple of the Trainee's who had landed on her rough side attempted to warn him in the spirit of camaraderie, while others who had met her a bit more recently smiled and treated him like he had won some kind of honor. Truth be told, it was an honor. He had seen Thera Gaidir fighting Shadowspawn in the dark of the Blightborder. The memory of her courage and skill would never leave him.

Glowing with respect he approached her office. She had set a standard for him even if she did not know it. A standard of what it was to be Gaidin, to serve the Servants of All, and he would live up to that standard no matter the cost. He knocked at the door and entered when he heard her bid him come.

He bowed briefly before speaking. "You asked that I come today so you could instruct me in some long forgotten technique?" He barely suppressed a grin. He knew the humor would not be lost on her and was proven correct in her reply. In short order they were striding off to a lightly wooded section of the Yards where people occasionally went for training. Settling in among the trees he leaned against one casually, waiting for Thera Gaidir to impart her knowledge.

D'Ashan's eyebrows raised as Edana stepped in to counter the other man's brutal display. Belig was it? She shot a look at D'Ashan as well.

"I pity the Aes Sedai who trusts her safety to the pair of you, truly."

D'Ashan's eyes darkened angrily. Now that wasn't fair, the comment stung and was uncalled for. It was meant to only be fun and games. The blindfolded man was clearly the better and could handle the two of them. It was not as dishonorable as Edana made it sound. Anger burned in D'Ashan in response to Edana's unfair words.

Suddenly the blinded man was there, trapping his foot and on the attack. It caught D'Ashan off gaurd, brooding as he was. The man's elbow caught him below the eye and the Katana deflected just in time to pass harmlessly to one side. Taking the given oppurtunity, he grasped the blindfold and shoved the man hard. The man was in too close and off balance. The black cloth came free and the man fell backward to land on his rear. Tossing the cloth to Saline he threw his training lathes to the ground and stalked off.

"Sneaky Uncle'd" He muttered darkly, just loud enough for her to hear, as he stalked off toward the mess hall. Sure he was being a bit childish, sure he was reacting a little heatedly. However, he was hungry and Edana's words had hurt. Besides, the blow to the face still stung and he was sure he would have a deep bruise. Let them play their little game alone...

The praise was noted and taken for value, but the next comment was what he truly heard. "If you lose your concentration on what is important during a battle, you will be dead and no use to your Sedai." He nodded, recognizing the truth in her words.

Suddenly she shifted to the balls of her feet. Before he could wonder what she was up to the training dagger was headed for her throat and he backed up in surprise. what in the Light...? he thought. She turned on her heel and walked back to where she had been training previously. He stood their considering her retreating form. She was gruff, with a sense of humor. Seemingly hard as nails, yet willing to give praise. Truth be told, she fascinated him.

"Well?  Are you just going to stand their gawking, or are you going to come give me a bit of a challenge?"

He gave a small start. She wanted to spar? He had not watched her long enough with Horace to gauge her ability beyond knowing she knew which end went in the bad guy. He had grown up learning knives with the beggar Old Onetooth, he felt confident. Calmly walking to the rack he hefted a few of the hardwood training daggers before finally selecting a pair. If it was a spar she wanted, he would be more than happy to oblige.

Briefly he closed his eyes, felling the knives in his palms. Shifting his grip he opened his eyes and ran through the mental exercise known as the Spring. Dropping into a ready stance he shifted his weight to the ball of his lead foot, keeping his off foot light on the ground.

"Ready when you are..." He said with a slight grin.

Evanen forgot herself for a moment until Rochel bounded up. She got to her feet as well, cursing herself for a fool. She had been so worried that it was an Aes Sedai coming through the door, that she had forgotten that they were required to curtsy. It simply would not do to hear an Aes Sedai hear you calling her...stuffy.

Entering the room there were 3 beds. One on the right hand side that Rochel occupied. The bed Evanen had taken, pushed perpendicular to Rochel's against the far wall, and then against the other wall an empty bed. The girl set her saddlebags on the ground to the left of the door and announced she was to be their roommate. She stood there as if waiting for something so Evanen stood and smiled at her.

"My name is Evanen, I just got here today too!" She motioned to Rochel. "You can thank her for the spotless condition of our room." Feeling rather awkward she sat back down on her bed with her hands in her lap and grinned warmly at the girl again.

Evanen Phaedrein

Novice of the White Tower

Waiting...

Anything for our Tay  ;)

Be back tonight guys! Yay!

D'Ashan Watched as the man training the Aes Sedai walked away, Horace was it? The Sister stretched languorously for the sky, working muscles that must be tired from exertion. The light wind was starting to feel bitingly cold on his skin, now cooled from lack of motion. He considered replacing his shirt in a moment of consternation as the Sister smoothed her hair. He almost grinned to himself smugly, missing her scowl. It wouldn't be the first time a Sister had admired his muscled frame. He stood up straight, opting to leave the shirt off for the moment, before the Sister came over to him.

"What exactly are you looking at, young man?  Do you think you can learn how to guard an Aes Sedai just standing around?"

D'Ashan's jaw almost dropped open. He sputtered a little and attempted to cover it by pulling his shirt quickly over his head. He regained his composure without too much lost and bowed deeply to the Sister.

"Forgive me Aes Sedai. Sometimes standing still and observing your surroundings can guard your Aes Sedai better than constant motion." He added, stifling a grin. "My name is D'Ashan, a Tower Guard Trainee. One day I hope to serve the Tower as Gaidin." He wondered to himself silently why he added that last bit.

OOC: Sorry guys, food poisoning is nasty business, this wont be much but it will get you through the weekend.

D'Ashan watched as the once blindfolded man preformed a series of moves and almost wondered what he had gotten himself into. Watching him tie the blindfold loosely onto the handle of his blade he had to suppress a grin. Hefting his two lathes and watching the exchange he waited for the right moment.

The man with the blindfold looked to be better in skill but D'Ashan hoped his two blades would throw him off balance. Whirling he presented one blade on the attack while constantly blocking with the other. Balance was his armor, speed his blade. The katana flashed out repeatedly as D'Ashan took the fight briefly from the shielded man. His opponent blocked slash after slash, thrust after thrust while tossing his own in here and there.

Suddenly launching a large sideways slash with his lead hand, he brought his offhand in too late and caught the man's katana in his gut. Dancing back he nodded to the man. He was good. Glancing at the shielded man he motioned with his head toward their opponent, indicating that they attack together to test his ability.

*crawls in and weakly posts*

Sorry guys, been down with food poisoning... :P I'm still here but scarce as far as posts, should be fine by Monday though.

Rahien - Bow, Sword, Dagger

P.s. Tay you know how to reach me  :)

Evanen marveled at the distance Rochel must have travelled to get to the Tower. She had never been farther than the outlying area's of Whitebridge and Arad Doman seemed very far indeed. She listened as the girl told of her mother's desire to be Aes Sedai and her insistence that Rochel be tested.

"So here I am, more often than not elbows deep in a bucket or a pot, wondering when I'll learn anything useful." Evanen grimaced at that. Laara Sedai had told her that she would be doing chores to build character, but scrubbing pots and floors didn't sound very useful. It sounded more like an excuse for Aes Sedai not to get their hands dirty.

"So what do you think about the Aes Sedai?  Do you like them, hate them ...?" Her question hung in the air for a moment as Evanen considered for a moment, playing with her hair.

"Well," She began hesitantly. She wondered if Aes Sedai could use the One Power to listen in. "I think that wielding the One Power is a little scary but that it could be a good thing and anyone who can use it should have some form of respect..." She sat up, throwing caution to the wind. "But they seem to be too haughty to me. Always acting like they are the creator's gift to man. Larra Sedai was nice enough, but most of the others I have met just seem...well...stuffy." She flopped back onto her bed and sat in silence for a moment.

"Rochel?"

"Hmmm?" came the reply.

"If we ever do become Aes Sedai, lets not be like that ok?" She asked. If Rochel replied it was lost on Evanen as the door opened, startling her.

Evanen Phaedrein

Novice of the White Tower

Startled

OOC: Hope this is ok Vanion, I know you wanted multiple opponents and to be blindfolded.  ;D Either way, good conflict.

D'Ashan dropped from his stealthy crouch with a disapointed slump as the shielded man announced his presence.  "Sir if you'd be so kind as to back away. This fight is between me and him, and I'd hate to thump on you for trying to bend the odds..."

Thump him? His eyebrow rose for a moment as the man struck the blindfolded one, utilizing the distraction. To D'Ashan's dismay the shielded man spouted some drivel and tore the blindfold leaving it to flutter to the ground with D'Ashan's hopes for a free lunch. The sheilded man looked at him while the now unblindfolded man blinked in the sudden light. "You can have him after I'm done." He declared, bending to pick up the cloth. D'Ashan took the chance to slip a leg under the man wrestling him to the ground. Grasping for the cloth and fighting the man for it he got a fist in his ribs and gave one himself. Apparently this was no simple training.

Like all tussles in the Yard, it felt like ages but took mere seconds. With the cloth finally wrested from the man, he briefly considered teaming up with the previously blindfolded trainee and teaching the arrogant trainee a lesson. Dismissing that idea with a grin he waved the cloth above his head.

"Me Lady's Token!" He called, Saline merely shook her head though. He knew it wouldn't count since the other man had been the one to remove it. An idea sparked in his head.

"My good sir let me aid you in your fight against a poor defenseless blind man. There is no need to feel embarassed that you need help!" Without waiting for a reaction, he dropped to one knee. Hurrying he retied it somewhat sloppily, jumping back and gesturing grandly to Saline. She looked as if she wanted to laugh.

Wasting no time he danced back a few paces, snatching a couple training lathes from the nearby rack. Dropping easily into a defensive stance he called, "My name is D'Ashan and one on two hardly seems fair, especially since you are currently blindfolded. However, I am hungry so if you would like to continue I am happy to assist."

    D'ashan finished his routine, lowering his weight from the ball of one foot. His muscles, warmed by the hours of exertion working the forms, ached pleasantly. He was pulling his shirt over his head when he heard someone clear their throat bemusedly. Tugging the garment the rest the way on he caught sight of Saline. Grinning he bowed to her and then dipped a second time to replace his practice blades on the rack.

    "Always a pleasure to see you Saline. What brings you to the yards today?"

    “You’re a stinking liar, boy but your nonsense amuses me.” Came the pleasant reply. “I have come to serve my duty to all and freshen up the air around here.”

    He feigned mock mortification, pressing one hand to his mouth in false shock. "I most humbly and deeply apologize if my mortal scent gives offense to a Light-blessed angel like yourself!" He cried, his eyes sparkling with barely suppressed mirth.

    Her answer to that just made him chuckle as he strapped his scimitars onto his back. It had been odd leaving those behind in the Tower Library on the days when Saline and he held their reading lessons. In truth he had, while respectful, lost much of his awe of Aes Sedai since coming to the Yards. First it was Shaneevae, then it was Cetaile. Now Saline helped to paint Aes Sedai as women who, while able to wield the One Power, were just women mortal as any other. He had grown to like Saline's company after they had gotten to know one another. She had taught him much about Stones and a passion for letters alike. The day was getting on into afternoon and he asked Saline if she would like to join him for a bite at the mess.

    "I am sure the Tower has much finer facilities, but I know you like the rougher food from time to time." He shot a wink at her and they began making their way to the Mess Hall. D'Ashan was lost in thought when the Aes Sedai placed a hand lightly on his arm. His grin slipped as he saw one of the Trainees attacking another trainee who was blindfolded. The blindfolded one scored an impressive hit on the other and D'Ashan was forced to re-evaluate him.

    Maybe it was some kind of special training? He thought, spotting Edana nearby watching. He glanced at Saline and gestured to the additional Yard member, who was yelling something he could not catch at the two. She was a Tower Guard, D’ashan was sure he had seen her around somewhere; she looked very familiar. Oh yes, the night with Adamin and Adela at the Inn!

    "Great, trainees fighting meant I might have to actually do something about it." muttered Saline darkly. While confrontations were wonderful challenges, she did not relish having to step on people’s toes, the ones who were in charge of the trainees, including those who do not like interference. Particularly when she had recognized the one attacking . . . Belig, his name was, from Visar’s daggers class had been familiar. One didn’t usually forget anybody grabbing at her wrist so hard the fingers were still dark against her skin . . .

    Picking her feet up softly, Saline was in the very process of executing a quiet sneak for the garden gate, when she perceived that the trainee who was blindfolded had at last decided to apply the hit. And seemed more skilled than Belig. But he was checked by the Tower Guard . . . or so Saline thought.

    “You know her?” pointed Saline.

    “Her? Yeah." Came the soft reply. "She's Edana, a Tower Guard. We’re not close but I know of her, what with her personal affairs being aired through the Yards.”

     Upon seeing the Guard it seemed to Saline that there was no longer any need for the strategic retreat which she had been planning since she would not be stepping in to stop anything if needed. Saline had no real wish to tear herself away unless she had to. There was a fascination about public fights which gripped and made one reluctant to pass the thing up provided personal efforts were steered clear of entirely. She decided, accordingly, to remain, and presently there was the practice weapons clashing as the trainee with the blindfold climbed the platform of success with new fervor.

    “D’Ashan?” Asked Saline, a tinge of mischief in her voice.

    “Yes?” said the other, his gold flecked green eyes glimmering with interest.

    “Change of plans,” Saline saw what had to be done and said to the former thief “you get in there and join the fray then we’ll head for lunch“

    “Saline I’m hungry,” he complained, but rather good-naturedly as he was used to Saline’s plans by now. They usually gave good rewards, “what’s in it for me?”

    “I’ll pay for lunch if you can get the blindfold off that trainee.” He considered her proposition for a moment, glancing to her first to make sure she was not joking. The Mess was free, but a good Inn in Tar Valon was not.

    “Sounds good,” he said slowly. "What's the catch?"

    “You have to leave those ugly weapons behind.” she replied, grinning.

    “Am I permitted to at least use practice lathes?” He said, a little thrown off by her condition. Not that he was nervous about facing two fighters without his scimitars. The term had come out off the left field, a bit, was all.

    “Nope, I’ll only pay for lunch if you go in barehanded. Like a sneaky Uncle,” replied Saline, with not even the slightest flush mantling her cheeks when bribing.

    “Really,” he considered, trying mightily not to roar in laughter at the image of him yelling 'You've been Sneaky Uncle'd!' when he managed to retrieve the item “You’ll pay for lunch if I can get it off him?”

    “Yep, like a sneaky Uncle” she repeated, turning away once more to watch the unfolding scene before her.

    “He’ll find himself Sneaky Uncle’d before he can blink twice.” D'Ashan said before stepping quietly towards to two. He motioned to Edana to stay quiet so that she did not give away his position, jerking his thumb over his shoulder to a grinning Saline. Slowly he circled the two men so that he could catch the trainee's eye who held the shield. Surprisingly the man didn't even seem to notice him. They were fairly intent on what was going on. He glanced at Saline once more and gave her a winning grin before returning his attention to the bobbing black cloth.

    Fraught with interest Saline waited for D’ashan to enter the ring and add to the din. Turning to the Guard she waved, playing the student development card just in case the other had thoughts of stepping in and, morever, stopping the fight “hey . . . Edana. I was thinking, maybe we’ll let these three thrash it out for a while and join the next free-for-all. As you know, bonding occurs through crisis as do communication and so forth. So long as there is no fear or real harm done, our role as teachers could be restricted to those of facilitators and supervisors,” she paused, then added, "and so forth."

    D’Ashan & Saline

OOC: He will come in and try to take the blindfold, grab at it and yell 'Sneaky Uncle'd!' and fall on his rear as he misses. Feel free to rough him up a bit afterward.  ;D

Weapons Score 2 to 3: 1 req completed

Name of Req: Challenge

"A Time To "Go"" Complete

Thread

This fun little RP is where D'Ashan meets back up with the Aes Sedai from his Responsibility req thread and is challenged not only to a game of stones, but to learn more about himself.

Fits what has happened between the two very nicely *nods* very well written  ;D *thumbsup*

Whoohoo! If you need anything don't hesitate to bug us.  ;)

Oh and make sure to tell Tay how cute she is, it makes her blush  ;D

*Runs for his life*

If HE isn't around ... you have my permission to run around screaming in panic.

Im ALWAYS around *rolls eyes and grins*

Take it easy Arath and have a good time. Just so everyone one knows. Even if im not on IM you can always, i repeat ALWAYS catch me on my email. (see profile for details restrictions apply, no contest winners under 18 years of age.)  ;D

Rochel paused for a moment, obviously considering, before denying the offer of help. "You'll probably get stuck scrubbing this floor tomorrow, or scrubbing pots in the kitchens.  Or you could be sent doing the Light knows what for any random Aes Sedai you see." She said.

Her tears and blushing under control, she put her comb into her belt pouch safely next to her grandmother's ring. Turning she watched as Rochel finished scrubbing the floors and announced it was 'good enough'. "Now then, Evanen was it?  Where are you from?"

"I'm from Whitebridge, my family begged the Sister to take me away when they found out what I did was channeling the One Power." she said, a touch sadly. "And whats this about building character? It sounds like a good excuse for Aes Sedai to not have to do anything." Evanen said doubtfully, plopping down onto the bed. "Where are you from?" She figured if she was going to room with this girl she might as well get to know her better. Plus, she truly was sorry for thumping her with the door.

Evanen Phaedrein

Novice of the White Tower

Making Friends

"Rochel Dion," The girl muttered. "Did you have a message or ...?"

Evanen's eyes widened as she realized what was implied. "Oh! No, I am your new roommate apparently. You do, um...live here right?" Her heart sank. Here she was meeting her new roommate for the first time and already she had bungled things terribly. "Larindrha Sedai brought me here and told me these were to be my rooms. I didn't know someone already lived here." She blurted in her nervousness. She went to twist her grandmothers ring, a nervous habit of hers, but realized that it wasn't there.

The girl seemed angry, Evanen supposed she would be too if she had been made to scrub the floors like a tavern maid and had some wool-headed lummox slam a door into her. She figured she ought to help the girl finish although the floor looked freshly scrubbed. "Did you do something wrong?" She asked, motioning to the brush and bucket. "I could help you finish, I kind of owe it to you." She added before the woman could answer. Rochel looked at her for a moment without speaking. She looked as if Evanen had said something shocking and funny at the same time. Finally she explained that it was something expected of all Novices.

Evanen's cheeks flushed in embarrassment.To hide her crimson cheeks and the tears threatening to spill down them, she whirled to the empty bed behind her. Tossing her Belt pouch down, she pulled out her Ivory comb attempting to regain her composure. As she pulled it through her blond hair she tried out her voice, finding it surprisingly steady. "I guess I should probably do my part then to help scrub the floors. I really am not doing so well on first impressions am I...I truly am sorry."

Falling silent she continued to pull the comb through her hair, carefully wiping her tears with her sleeve.

Evanen Phaedrein

Novice of the White Tower

Feeling Miserable

We will put you behind again yet! muwahaha!

Im in! If you will have me.. ;D

Evanen swung the door to the room inward and entered a little hesitantly, what if someone were already there? Would they be upset at being intruded on? The door stopped suddenly with a thunk and a loud squawk followed by a splash. A loud squawk? Suddenly Evanen saw the girl behind the door, one hand in the bucket next to her. Her other hand was rubbing the top of her head over a scowl.

Evanen's hands flew to her mouth with a gasp. "Oh I am so sorry!" She cried, wondering whether to run and help the girl up or to stay away since she seemed a little upset. Her desire to help the girl won out however and she dropped her belt pouch to go help. "Here," She said, offering her hand. "Let me help you up. I am such a clumsy fool!"

The girl had obviously been scrubbing the floors, as made apparent by the bucket and brush, when Evanen had rudely hit her with the door. Once to her feet, Evanen stuck out her hand again after wiping the water from it on her white dress. That would surely leave a mark...

"My name is Evanen, Evanen Phaedrein."

Evanen Phaedrein

Novice of the White Tower

Nervous

Rahien walked slowly through the trees towards Owen's office. The cold wind carried smells of winter and the woods in the pale sunlight. He had spent the week reading other members of the Wolfkin when they had a moment. Some had been easier than others and he had run into quite the experience with one female, just the thought of it made him blush. He failed miserably on that one. It had taught him a valuable lesson though.

A lot had happened in the short time he had been at the Stedding he realized. Plainly put, he had found a family. Oh he was not warm and open with everyone like some of the Wanderers, but he had found a few to truly open up to. Rhya chief among them. He thought that partly had to do with her finding and bringing him here.

Soon enough he arrived at the Ranger Barracks. Pushing his way inside he got directions to Owen's office. He knocked on the door and when the man told him to enter he did so. Owen looked at him briefly as he reclined in his desk before sitting up and motioning him in to sit down.

After a bit of explanation of the weeks events, Owen asked Rahien if he was ready. He nodded nervously, refusing to close his eyes. He found that reading people was easier when he closed his eyes, but that it was not the most practical. Owen began, his face giving away nothing. Sharp, jagged anger followed by sweet and soft caring. Quivering, jittery anxiousness followed by smooth, hard as stone determination. Emotions passed through Rahien's nose. Thanks to his practice he succeeded more than not, being easily fooled by Owen's expertise occasionally.

The man patted him on the shoulder when it was all said and done, complimenting his success. He was glad it was over. He thanked Owen and left the Barracks looking for Snow, he had promised her they would hunt today...

The Dedicated attempted the weave under Tai's eye and released it only to produce a resounding boom that the Creator himself must have heard. He had not fully expected the man to weave as well as he had.

He glanced down and noticed his coat had gotten dusty, Arai would- His throat constricted. Aria would do nothing, she was dead. The taste of leaden ashes filled his mouth, and his shoulders sagged. The light of his life had gone out. He felt as if he were drowning in the absence of that light. His chest tightened and he cursed himself for a fool. He had a duty to the man next to him, he had a duty to the Tower, to the Dragon Reborn himself! He would fight the Shadow that threatened to swallow him. He would forge himself in the flames of his grief and the power of Saidin. He would be strong enough.

He had not released Saidin, and the force of the One Power combined with his pain, begged for destruction. Chaos voiced his own twisted version of pain for Aria's death.

~Rend the Earth! Call down the Lightning! Kill them all. Kill them ALL! Turn their blood to molten flame!~ Chaos broke off in fits of mad glee, cackling darkly in the back of his mind. Tai realized he had stood suddenly in response to the inner struggle, heedless of what was going on around him.

A moment too late he attempted a to duck behind the protective wall. A shard of stone, longer than a hand long and sharply pointed at both ends, flew from the explosive weave Vykor had released. With a sickening sound, the shard buried itself halfway into his right shoulder. The impact spun him and he landed on that shoulder, sending a burst of white-hot agony through his body. He braced himself with his left hand so as not to fall on the shard driving it deeper. His breath gasped into the cold dirt below him.

"Bloody fool!" He cursed himself, he hoped the Dedicated did not take Tai to mean him. Vykor had squatted over him, delving him without asking. Good, instinct had thrown caution out the window. In battle if you stopped to ask if someone wanted to be healed, they might be dead before they could answer. Finding that the shard had stopped once it struck the shoulder blade, Vykor rolled Tai on his back. He glanced at Tai briefly, pursing his lips before speaking.

"Sir, this is going to hurt." Was all he said. Grasping the wrist thick shard firmly, he gave it a yank. With a wet sucking noise the shard came free. Immediately Vykor started to weave while holding the wound closed with his hand to staunch the flow of blood. For once Tai half wished that he had learned the weaves without the gestures. Well, he would have thought this had the healing weave not taken all thought from him. Bone deep cold shot through his body and dimly he was aware of himself straining up on his heels and shoulders, his back arched towards the heavens. Collapsing back to the Earth, he lay there shivering and gasping for air.

Vykor crouched by his side for a moment, saying nothing. In a moment of panic, Tai reached for the Source. If he had lost it, lost the one reason to go on living... With a sigh he felt the Power run through him briefly before letting it go. So he had not lost the ability to Channel when he had lost the Void. Weakly Tai attempted to sit up. It was not easy but he made it to a sitting position.

"Help me up Vykor, and thank you. My head just does not seem to be in it today." He clasped the man's hand and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet. "I need to go to the Inn for something warm to drink and a bite to eat to restore my eneregy. Clear the grounds and meet me at the infirmary. We will practice something slightly less dangerous for an absentminded fool like myself." Without turning to see if he was obeyed, he made his way to the Inn.

Ok guys...

As a new member of the Staff here at the BT I have been given a few responsibilities and I need some info from you guys to make my life a little easier.

Looking at the Progress report boards things are looking a little grim... I would like to get things kick started a little.  ;D

Please, if you have a character that is not full rank Asha'man, post your information as shown below. Please use this format removing the space after the first bracket:

[ u][ b]Handle:[/b][/u]

[ u][ b]Character Name:[/b][/u]

[ u][ b]Rank:[/b][/u]

[ u][ b]Link to Progress Thread:[/b][/u] LINK

[ b][ u]Best Form of Contact:

[ b][ u]Remaining Reqs Needed For Advancement:[/u][/b]

Here is an example of what it should look like...

Handle: Tai'Dashan

Character Name: Fanten Do'Abrynn

Rank: Dedicated

Link to Progress Thread: LINK

Best Form of Contact: PM or MSN (see profile for MSN addresses)

Remaining Reqs Needed For Advancement: All of them :P

Please take the time to do this so that I know who is active and who needs help with Reqs. I am willing to do group classes, one on one, whatever you need for your reqs. And please, no spam here just info  ;)