Despite her intentions not to, Arienna couldn't help but roll her eyes at what she heard. While she had first noticed the change in her irises only a couple of months ago, Maric had his personal physician check her health, but the man hadn't found anything actually wrong with her. Now hearing that this change marked her -- a born and bred city girl! -- as part of a group of people whose senses would sharpen to the point of absurdity, all the while following wolves -- wolves! -- around, and it would be easy to understand why Arienna was feeling more than a little skepticism.

- "Well, always good to know i won't be turning into a Trolloc then."

Skepticism triggered annoyance, which in turn was fueling her temper. Folding her arms in front of her chest, she leaned back, an annoyed grunt leaving no doubts as to what her feelings were. Still, Erik had proven to be helpful enough in shaking off her pursuers, and even if he was a little odd she supposed it was only fair that she'd keep her temper in check...

- "Sorry, but i'm still a little skeptic. I still can't remember why i was here, just that i've just ran from a group of people chasing me, together with someone who claims to 'run with wolves' and take me to 'others like us'."

She shook her head, picking some twigs that had gotten stuck in her hair out before looking Erik directly into his eyes, clearly trying to keep her temper in check -- and barely succeeding, proof of which being the somewhat sarcastic undertone in her voice.

- "Now, unfortunately for you i'm not a sucker for a cute pair of eyes -- no offense -- and although i'm grateful for the help, it'd still be a little too early for me to drop everything and elope to another country with someone i've met ten minutes ago."

Heh, nice work on moving the forums and subforums. I'll need to get used to this, but it shouldn't be taking longer than a couple of hours or so at most.

Nice update ^_^

Saira bit her lip, trying not to let the man provoke her. Though he was careful to hide it, he did admit she had gotten the question right. Unfortunately, he had also noticed that she wasn't all that secure as she appeared to be.

She watched as one of the recruits stepped forward, and went through some fighting forms. Watching his movements, she tried to recall how her own father and brothers moved when they sparred, hoping to find some kind of common ground she wouldn't trip over her own feet on. Shooting Elynde a look asking her to wish her luck, she walked forward once Danus stepped back again.

The forms she went through weren't so much as forms. She kept her stance low, her blade raised in front of her. She went through a couple of sidestepping manoevers, moving the hilt of the weapon to block and parry attacks from the sides while keeping the tip fixed on an imaginary opponent in front of her. After one such sidestep, she lunged forwards, pausing for a second before rising up again to give Ronas a small bow.

While it was true that she seemed to have copied a lot off of Danus' forms, and felt as if she had been using the short sword as a long dagger, she still had a feeling she hadn't done that bad of a job. The low stance had helped in keeping her balance, as well as reduce the amount of potential openings -- and with her level of skill, there were bound to be a lot of them -- her form let through.

Taking a deep breath, she looked at Elynde again, silently wishing her luck as it was now her turn to show her moves... And hopefully not get chewed out about them too bad at the end of them.

Chipping in for a bit:

Because the Seanchan are similar to the Samurai in terms of what they were based on, not the ninja. Samurai held the ninja ways in contempt, and a samurai that was found to learn the art of ninjutsu would more often than not become a ronin... Which usually meant ritual suicide on their behalf.

Still, that was real life, and the Seanchan are just based on them. In the Wheel of Time series however, all are fiercely loyal to the Empress in hopes to be raised to the Blood: Daes Dae'mar does not exist there, as the Houses wouldn't move a muscle against another without proper authorisation, or they'd be overstepping themselves and fall out of favor.

The Empress takes care of promotions -- and demotions -- of the nobility, and all they need to do if they want to know something is send a Seeker of Truth to find out. Even with them being the property of the Blood, they still outrank everyone not of the Blood by far.

This (somewhat long) post explains why Ninja don't exist in the Wheel of Time. There is no infighting, no assassination amonngst nobles unless the Empress wishes it so. There is simply no reason for them to exist in the first place.

Erik had set a hard pace, one Arienna had trouble keeping up with. Long hems weren't made for running through bushes with. Still, she had her eyes fixed on the back of the mnan she was following, determined not to let him out of her sight or forcing him to backtrack to look for her.

She let out a relieved sigh despite her intentions not to as the forest broke. Though they would be in the open in case their pursuers were keeping up with them, it also made it far easier for her to move, and the increase in pace meant they'd likely get a good lead on them due to her leaving behind less tracks to follow.

As they approached a small outcropping, Erik stopped, and she sat down shortly after he did. While she had always considered herself to have good stamina, she wasn't used to running on uneven terrain, much less wearing her maid uniform. Thank the Light for good boots though. At Erik's question, she made a gesture to tell him she needed a bit of time to catch her breath, and when she did, she leaned out from behind the tree she had been leaning against to check for her pursuers. Seeing nothing, she turned back to Erik.

- "Answers, please. Now, much as i regret to say this, but i can't help but wonder just how... convenient our meeting back there was. Especially considering i was being followed, and you camping less than twenty feet away from where i hit my head. So... Mind telling me how you knew i was there?"

She wasn't intending to waste time trying to find out what was going on. As much as she'd like to trust Erik, especially after he had led her to (at least temporary) safety, this was all just a bit too coincidental to her liking. She wasn't ta'veren as far as she knew, and blaming all of this on either fate or luck would feel like an insult to both their intelligence.

Anyway, I'd like to try and come back if I could.  I'd have to join a thread that wasnt dependant on my char helping move things forward.

 

*sits back and drinks his Bandwiser*

Well, there's the 'Avoid the Pointy End' thread, which basically has us starting characters recieve training from Quib's WS 17 drill sergeant.

You could drop by there if you'd like, and poke some fun at the blundering recruits while you're there XD

Saira remained silent during the explanation the sergeant had given them all. She didn't much enjoy the way it was being told, but a hint of annoyance in the man's voice told her that he had given this lesson more often than he had cared to count, and more than likely had been giving them since before she was born.

Still, she wasn't going to complain either way. She had come here believing she had a job to do, and Kandor, though free, wouldn't be safe if the Borderlands were still in turmoil. She had a need, she had a purpose, she had a goal... And it'd take more than being treated like an ignorant brat to make her back down. Gathering her resolve, she answered in a clear and steady tone.

- "There are none. You fight, people die, and assuming they won't do something to stay alive is something you can't afford to do."

At least, she believed she overheard her father say that once. Though backing up her words would most likely take far more effort than just speaking them right then, she wasn't planning to back down from trying to either.

Sharina smiled as the door opened, yet took a step back when she saw who opened it, blinking in surprise at seeing Roudal. She had taken the correct route, hadn't she? Then again, she did have to ask several people, so she just assumed she took a couple of wrong turns or someting. Nodding at Roudal as he passed her, she walked into the office.

- "Umm... Quartermaster? I'm Sharina Val'Danath, from Sienda. I've just enrolled, and i was told by the person who was just in here a moment ago to report to you for a room."

She figured she'd play it safe, naming the woman by her title given that she didn't know what else she was supposed to call her. Though the army was indeed called the Children of the Light, it still seemed somewhat... derogatory to her to call what were now effectively her superior officer a child. Still, mustering her courage, she looked around and asked a couple of questions.

- "Also... What am i supposed to call everyone here? So far i've been winging it, but i want to be sure i don't mess up with the wrong people. Ma'm."

Looking around again, she decided against asking a map of the place. A small tour wouldn't hurt, but she decided against asking, feeling she'd be wasting someone's time if she did. Regardless of what the answer was. She bit her lip nervously as she looked at Emmanuella, trying to guess how she'd respond to her questions.

Hmm... I'll go for Me’Arearth then. She'll incorporate other styles into it as she gets better (yes Daegus, Ren'Shai too *sighs*) but at it's base it'd still be Me’Arearth.

Speaking of... Is it okay if i add a Discipline and Path into my bio, or is it something i'd have to work for ICly?

*spams randomly while appearing to be on topic*

*thinks*

...Sure, sounds good. Though having read that Ren'shai is probably the most difficult of the three i wanted to master, she'll likely start off with Me’Arearth, learn about Mo’kai’la while in the Tower (most likely from one of your TPC's) at around WS 10-12, then start incorporating (elements of) the Ren’Shai into it at WS 16-18.

The main problem i have with selecting 'None' is that it sounds so... wishy-washy. Sure, she'd learn multiple Disciplines as well and be able to draw on all of them, mixing them into an unique blend, but... yeah. 'None' doesn't really describe it, as she uses those three to support each other.

ARGH! Decisions, decisions, decisions >_<

Okay...

How about taking multiple Discliplines and Paths? I'd start out with one of each, and gain others along the course of the RP (read: as i get better at using my primary weapon). As a tradeoff, i'd forgo having a tertiary weapon, and choose 'hand to hand' as a secondary to show total commitment to that single weapon type.

Just tossing out ideas for a highly specialised Naginata user ^^;

Edit: Umm, figured i might as well mention what i'd be aiming for.

Disciplines: Me’Arearth, Ren’Shai and Mo’kai’la

Paths: Knowledge and Perfection.

She'd likely be stuck in training for the rest of the decade, but yeah... Can't choose between those options ^^;

...Oh, why not.

Yes, apparently the five characters i already have running around tearing the place apart isn't enough, as my Muse is pestering me to create another. A Warder this time. Still, this brings up a couple of questions.

• I have a WT Novice already, which i intend to keep. Would this matter?
  
• Disciplines and Paths. I found what they are on the site, i just can't figure out how many i'm allowed to have.
  
• What's a Philosophy? I've seen two (out of many) bios with one so far, both listing "The Flame and the Void"
  
• Anything else i need to keep in mind, apart from starting out relatively new to weapon combat as a whole and not appearing at the WT in, say, full platemail?
  

...Yes, i'm hopelessly addicted to RPing -_-

Feeling at a loss of something to say, Sharina patiently waited until the man was done rambling. Judging by the glare he shot at one of his assistants just now, that might just have been the right course of action too. Though he seemed a bit odd, she was never one to judge someone based on his feelings, and so tried giving the man a comforting smile as she told him where she was from.

- "Don't worry about it sir, i'm sure it's perfectly normal." ^^;

Returning the man's goodbye, she gave him a small bow before backing out of the room again, closing the door behind -- okay, in front of -- her. Once satisfied Roudal wouldn't be able to hear her, she took a deep relieved breath, before looking around for the Quartermaster's office. A friendly scribe pointed her in the right direction, and she set a fast pace walking towards her next destination, hoping to still be able to make it on time.

A few minutes later -- she was starting to get a feel for the place already! -- she arrived at a small office, next to a long hallway she assumed were the actual... well, quarters. Peering down the corridor, all the doors looked more or less the same to her, but thankfully a helpful nametag and sign pointed out the one Emanuella was in. Tapping on the door in much the same way she had at the Head Clerk, she waited for permission to enter, hoping she'd still be on time.

Jerinia plucked at the clothing she had been given. She had had little problems putting it on, and the Mistress of Novices had made a decent guess at her measurements when she had given her the dress, but still... she couldn't help but feel uncomfortable.

A rap on the door brought her out of her thoughts, and she yelped out a quick "Coming, Aviana Sedai!", resulting in a semi-annoyed grunt from the Accepted at the other end of the door. Not knowing how she was to address an Accepted, she just played it safe and added the 'Sedai' to her name, though she was probably not supposed to be doing that -- oh well.

The door opened a few seconds later, and Aviana wasted little time in bringing her over to where the Sitters had their offices. Stopping at a door bearing the symbol of the Red Ajah, she tapped on the door far more gently than she had back in the Novice quarters, awaiting a reply from the person inside.

Saira had been unable to sleep much the previous night, both her nervousness at meeting an Army she had previously only heard of in rumors, joining said Army and finding out her home coutry had been liberated from the Shadow had taken its toll on her night rest. She wasn't one to complain about it though, the news had been nothing but good.

Still, Jaem mentioned sending a group of scouts and light cavalry into the Borderlands. From what she guessed (though 'hoped' would have been a better description), they probably would be heading into Kandor first to assess the situation there. And so, she was determined to be a part of that group.

Unfortunately, all she knew from sword combat was what she had seen while her brothers and father were sparring, and had little experience in the field herself. Stifling a yawn, she followed another person there, making her way over to the weapons that were set out for trainees to choose from. Her hand hovered above a scimitar, before opting for a lighter blade, a short sword, similar to what the other trainee had picked. Only one for now, she couldn't afford to divide her attention between two hands without making a complete idiot out of herself, knowing she barely had the basic movements under control.

She looked at the Sergeant, not really spotting the signs that he was a veteran fighter, though there were some similarities in the way he and her father were holding themselves. The blade he held looked rather heavy, and she made a mental note not to try and block a full swing. She didn't come here for flying lessons after all, and judging by how the weapon looked it didn't appear forgiving either.

"Off your knees, girl."

Saira's heart was pounding in her chest so hard she felt as if Jaem could hear it from there. She shakily got up, expecting the worst, but what she heard was quite the opposite. Her mouth worked when she heard Kandor had been liberated during her time as a refugee, and it took a moment before she realised just exactly what that meant.

While her home country was freed, she understood quite well what Shienar and Arafel were going through right now. Until the Shadow would be driven out of the Borderlands, so that they could form a solid front again, Kandor would continue to be in danger. However, as part of an Army, she would be able to strengthen them, to protect her beloved Borderlands until that time would come.

- "Ah-- Ye-- Yes sir, i will. Where do i sign? I'm from a merchant's family, so i know my way around supply management, and i have some basic skill with a sword my father taught me, and even though i'm a bit afraid of horses i'm sure i'll get over it in time to--"

She realised she was babbling, and forced the flow of words to stop, tensing the muscles of her jaw to ensure her mouth would stay closed until she managed to regain some of her self control. Taking a deep breath -- which helped against the light-headedness she was feeling from the stress -- she looked at Jaem again.

- "...Where do i sign up, sir?"

Handle: Jehaine

Character: Jerinia Zaralyn - Novice

Bio: http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,27863.0.html

RP's:

MoN thread: http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,28312.0.html

Just an update, but Jerinia has just finished her intro thread with the MoN.

Which means, if there's anyone out there looking for a roomie, there's one in need of a room now ^_^

Jerinia's eyes went wide at hearing Larindhra comment about them not being thieves. Paling slightly, she held her hands against her chest, paling slightly at having given the Mistress of Novices the impression she apparently had.

- "No, no it's not that, Aes Sedai... The earrings are a keepsake from my grandmother, and i'm quite attached to them, that's all."

Taking one last look at her earrings and pendant, she placed them in the box, wincing despite her intentions not to when the lid snapped shut. She accepted the note, murmuring a goodbye before being escorted by Aviana to her new room. She knew her current clothing would be too warm for her this far South, but it'd still feel... odd not to wear her old garb.

Still, it'd only be for a while anyway. After all, how long could getting this shawl thing possibly take?

Look at it from the bright side... Once you start giving birth, you'll have your old figure back in a matter of hours tops ^_^

Kidding aside though, don't worry about getting stuff done over here. First priority is your own health after all, especially now.

Yours

 

(the point is to start your word with the last letter of the previous word - like plank-kingarthur)

*facepalms*

I knew that... Which makes it all the worse that i STILL managed to get it wrong >_<

*ahem*

Rich

lol, amongst my characters are a fiery Novice (knowing her OP scores, in more ways than one ;D), a confident Wolfkin (that knows nothing of wolves) and a deeply religious CotL trainee...

...Ironically, my Novice already is at Lari's with Lillith at the moment XD

Kentucky

Yarr!

(okay, so it was an excuse to post this ;D)