Awesome, thanks Arlow, I know a few of us have a lot of training to catch up on.

ok sending mine

I pm'd it to Visar and others in the RP for review, I wasn't submitting the bio yet.

Grisham had seen death, seen men cut down before him. He had seen men hang voiding their bowels and kicking 'til death finally took them. He had even killed men but never had he seen slaughter like this. Slaughter of innocent women and children, it made his heart wrench. Who or what would do such a thing? Grisham wanted to draw his sword though to what end? There was no foe to fight, nobody to take his anger out on.

Quickly he summoned the void and reveled in the lack of emotion it brought. His mount danced sensing the mood of his party, sensing the death around them. Grisham reined him in becoming one with his mount. He looked to the others who were senior to him. Edana was down among the corpses, Visar Gaidin and Guardsman Jasen visually assessing the scene. He was not close enough to hear their comments as he took turns watching them then their surrounding as if there was a chance that whoever did this would return. He continued to do so waiting on orders from those in charge.

Grisham Elmaren

Tower Guard

PM'd the TTPC bios for review, once i get the nod I'll submit them.

Awesome, this will help tremendously. I was wondering how we were going to approach this and it seems like a great reason for animosity between the lord and lady as well as a reason for the son and daughter to have met.

Here are names at least:

Lord - Daemon Hargrave

Son - Jac Hargrave

I'll get their bios done asap.

I have to get going on those bios!

always good to have another, welcome...back

On the outskirts of Tifan's Well, both Kabria and Perivar dropped the hoods of their rain soaked cloaks as borderland custom dictated. Only a fool would wish to be taken for a Myrddraal. Myrddraal were a reality here, not just something from a gleeman's tale. It still amazed him that the majority of southlanders thought of them so. The absurdity of him made him shake his head. No doubt the townsfolk had noticed their arrival, most would already be armed and ready to dispatch any shadowspawn or bandits that threatened their town. You would not live long in the borderlands if you failed to remain vigilant. Tifan's Well was a small farming town deep in the grasslands of Arafel though it was not exempt from raiding.

The small borderland town was comprised of buildings with strong constitutions and steep tiled roofs. The former was so it could withstand a raid and provide a defensible position for the townsfolk, the later was to repel the snow that fell during the harsh borderland winters.

Kabria's mood perked up a bit as they made their way to the stables forcing him to release some of the tension he had been holding. His mood was foul enough to match the weather. Perivar grabbed their saddle bags as Kabria gave the groom strict instructions regarding the care of their mounts. Her voice was probably sharper than she intended, a result of being soaked to the bone. The cold rain had her near to shivering. The groom took it in stride as he eyed Perivar's color shifting cloak and Kabria's seemingly ageless face. Their was no hiding what they were from borderlanders. The coins she handed the groom brought a smile to his face followed by a stammer of thanks.

Ascending the wooden stairs they entered the common room of the only inn in town called the Broken Plow. Tifan's Well was off the beaten path therefore they did not see many travelers. As a result the inn was more quiet than they were used to. A few patrons spoke over a mug of ale or mulled wine and a meal while others played at dice or stones. One woman danced, the bells in her hair keeping time with the music from a flute which was played by a man in farmer's clothes. Candle light flickered about the room while whisps of pipe smoke wove their way around objects in the room 'til they dissipated.

The patrons barely noticed their arrival though the rotund innkeeper hurried over to the soaked newcomers. His bulk jiggled along with the bells in his braids as he half skidded to a stop making a bow that threatened to tip him over all while offering a formal greeting. He looked them over listening intently as Perivar made his requests. "As you wish, my very best rooms. It may not be as big or lavish as you are used to but it is clean and well kept." Perivar assured the man it would be fine. "Right this way if you please." He insisted on carrying their belongings though Perivar indicated that he would see to them. The innkeeper relented when he realized that Perivar would not be swayed. "As you wish, this way" he said then showed them to their rooms before leaving to make preparations for their baths and a meal to follow. The man appeared to be a one man show.

Within half an hour they were both neck deep in their copper tubs. As he laid there Perivar felt the stress leaving both their bodies though a remnant still remained. An Aes Sedai was never completely free of stress, therefore neither was her warder. Perivar enjoyed the momentary silence knowing it would soon be broken. Kabria's wheels were always turning, like a merhcant's wagon that never reached its destination.

you have another TG if you need him

*tackles* mine, mine, mine...hmm reminds me of finding nemo.

welcome back!

There are actually a handful of active aiel now both warriors and wise ones/apprenctices. There has been a recent revival of old characters as well as the addition of some new ones as well so you should have no problem finding people to rp with.

Sounds interesting. I'll pm you.

“Thank you for helping dispose of these miscreants,” The Aes Sedai said with a nod to Grisham. “The front two are alive, but unconscious. I will need to take them back to the Tower. I would imagine they have a lot to say once they wake up.” Her smile sharpened into something resembling a feral cat momentarily, before fading into the serene guise of an Aes Sedai. Was that a trick of the mind he wondered as the Aes Sedai focused on the other man who had come to her aid. “Stranger,” she said to the young man at her feet, “you needn’t kneel to me. Tell me, what is your name so that I may thank you properly?” The man appeared to have taken a nasty wound, blood pooled from his cupped hands. Words passed between them then the Aes Sedai knelt focusing her attention on the man.

Grisham couldn't do anything to help the man so he turned his attention to the unconscious bandits as the Aes Sedai tended to the other man that had cometo her aid. Grisham finally wiped the dark red blood from his blade then sheathed it. A crowd had gathered at the mouth of the alley. Moments later a few members of the Tower Guard pushed through the crowd. One of them recognized Grisham, surveying the dead and wounded the guardsman asked what had happened. "Later Jared," he pointed to the unconscious bandits "The Aes Sedai" He felt foolish as he never learned her name "wants those two brought back to the Tower for questioning." Jared glanced at the downed bandits. "They attacked her Jared!" Grisham spoke. Jared whistled "Blood and bloody ashes Grisham!" He met his eyes "They attacked an Aes Sedai in Tar Valon of all places? Darkfriends in Tar Valon" a look of horror on his face and Grisham nodded then he looked thoughtful. These weren't ordinary bandits, not in Tar Valon. They must be darkfriends, who else would attack an Aes Sedai and here of all places?

Grisham looked at Jared as the man shook himself from his thoughts, the incredulous look on Jared's face fading to a look of dutiful purpose as he yelled orders to the other guardsmen. Grisham kept his eye on the prisoners as Jared studied the fallen bandits closer to the mouth of the alley. He could tell the difference in the wounds between those made by sword and those made by dagger. "Two Grisham?" He nodded in reply, was that jealousy or respect? "They ripped my favorite tunic Jared!" Grisham said with all the mirth he could muster as he fingered the bloody rips in his tunic getting a laugh out of the guardsman. Luckily his wounds were minor, he would have them stitched later. Women liked scars and he liked women...

Shortly thereafter guardsmen and Tower servants appeared with blankets for the dead and litters to transport the prisoners back to the Tower. They strapped the bandits to the litters and waited patiently for the Aes Sedai to give the order to return to the White Tower.

Grisham Elmaren

Tower Guard

Braelin's shame weighed heavy upon his soul like a giant boulder pressing on his chest making it difficult to breathe. His mind would not let him move on, nothing he did would serve as a distraction from his thoughts. He remembered laughing and playing with Farin, wrestling and learning the spear together. Chiding each other about how each would be the other's clan chief. Boasting about how many trollocs and shadowspawn they would kill. Swearing to fight side by side vowing to spit in Sightblinder's eye on the Last Day. His mind reeled...

The words resonated in his mind, Braelin had sang the dirge over and over as he returned from the Blight though it did not diminish his shame. It did not wash away the hurt. All Aiel knew they would wake from the dream, they embraced death. He knew one day one of them would wake yet Farin's waking had been premature. Braelin could not help feeling that he was mostly to blame.

Braelin stopped just short of the Wise One's tent that had been pointed out to him as the one he sought. The Wise One stood nearby speaking to a gai'shain. A day ago upon returning to the old, he had asked for the aid of a Wise One in meeting his toh, he had toh and it had to be met. Farin had no family, they had already woken from the dream. He was instructed to return today and seek out the Wise One named Rixan therefore he patiently waited for the Wise One to finish giving instructions to a gai'shain.

The hold seemed to be overflowing. The Wise One's seemed to be short of roofs as several tents were apparently being used in place of buildings. Maybe these Wise Ones were newly raised and did not have a roof builtfor them yet? The hold did seem busier than it had been in years or maybe he had not been paying attention to this area of the hold.

Rixan's attention turned to Braelin "I see you" she spoke. She had an aura about her of authority as most Wise One's did. He nodded respectfully to the Wise One then spoke "I see you Wise One." SHe studied him a moment, "Come" she spoke before entering her tent. The tent flap shut behind her, he asked permission to enter her tent as was appropriate or so he thought even though she had already told him come. The Wise One granted permission and he entered the tent. She had already sat on the cushioned floor and made herself comfortable. "Sit" she spoke so he did adjusting the cushions making himself comfortable. "Water and shade are yours" She spoke, Braelin nodded in thanks. Wise One's were respected and revered, he felt awestruck in her presence and had no idea what to say so he took a sip of water while he waited for her to speak.

I'm really interested in moving that one along, actually.

me too Quibbs!

How are things on your end?

Hey Jain! Welcome to the freelanders. Looking forward to seeing more aiel characters around. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

After getting groped and prodded by the tailor's assistants he was as tense as a compressed spring. Geirrin did not trust himself to speak civilly therefore he followed Larindhra in silence. His annoyance and frustration seemed to amuse her. From what he felt through the bond she seemed giddy, as if on the verge of laughter. Light blast the wretched woman!

As they entered the tower grounds Larindhra broke the once glorious silence. "Tell me, boy, can you dance?" she said glancing at him. Light he wanted to scream! Remain civil he thought to himself...though his boyish immaturity took over. "Aye, I can dance." Lanrindhra's eyes seemed to light up at the prospect of a proper dance. A mischievous smile formed on his face as he rotated his hips then thrust them forward suggestively. "Not sure if that is the kind of dance you meant but the young ladies love it!"

The words barely left his mouth before he felt goosebumps on his skin followed immediately by a blow across his backside. The angered Aes Sedai grabbed his ear in a firm grip dragging him through the grounds into the White Tower. His face was bright red with embarassment as all eyes were drawn to him. Some laughed openly or chuckled quietly covering their mouth with a hand. Others shook their heads obviously thinking he was getting his just due. What a spectacle they made. "No sense of humor" he muttered softly as he was dragged through the tower towards the Red Ajah quarters. By what he felt through the bond she was going to flay him alive when they reached the confines of their room.

Well we got a new DL and a January roll-call, what are we planning for the future? I believe we have a few rp's that are incomplete, the most important one being the Daughter of the Nine Moons RP. Anyone still around who is interested in moving these along?

Congrats and good luck with the new job! We'll wait for you to bash some bandits. ;)

Grisham's rest seemed all to short as he rubbed his sleepy eyes. Perhaps it was due to too many games of dice before grudgingly laying on his bedroll and closing his eyes. The noise of the busy camp might make it difficult for most to sleep though Grisham had no problem nodding off. His snoring was legendary amongst the men and women that shared his barracks. He hastily threw on his boots then donned his swordbelt and guardsmen tabard. Ready for service he went to find Visar Gaidin whom he was to replace on roving patrol.

After a few stressful minutes he found the warder. Most likely it was the warder that had found Grisham. Hearing the challenge word Grisham quickly replied "Flame!" in his deep gruff voice. He strode towards the warder then saluted,fist thumping his thick chest. He also nodded as a further sign of respect to the familiar warder who seemed to have trained most of those enrolled for training at the yards. The warder's skill with weapons was far superior to his own and he was a valued source of information especially in matters relating to warders and their Aes Sedai. Visar Gaidin was well aware of Grisham's quest to become a warder. Grisham listened intently as the warder gave his instructions then bid the man a good night.

After the warder retired Grisham began his circuits of the camp. Every so often he would stop and listen though all he heard were sounds of small animals and birds mixed with the occasional rustle of leaves due to the slightly westerly wind. The camp was quiet now, most of those not on guard duty had gone to sleep. It was so quiet that he could ocassionally hear the crackling of the camp fires. Grisham looked to the dark night sky trying to gauge the time though it was too overcast to do so. It was as if the clouds were mocking him refusing to show the star filled sky above. It always amazed him how time seemed to fly when you were resting though when you were on duty it seemed to crawl.

Grisham dutifully continued his circuit of the camp waiting for his turn to be relieved.

Sorry to hear that Myst *hugs* Take care of yourself, we'll be here when you return.

Congrats!

(( OOC: Hope this fits, left everyone else to do their thing I hope. Let me know if something doesnt work for either of you.))

Regardless of spending a little over two years in Tar Valon, Grisham was still enamored by the Ogier built buildings. Their creativity was beyond Grisham's comprehension. Elaborate skybridges two or more stories high connecting the various structures, balconies fashioned into breaking waves, stores and shops shaped like objects of nature. One merchant's shop actually resembled a flight of birds, light how was that possible! Even the newer man-made buildings near south harbor were wondrous to see with their unique architecture, statues set in niches, decorative cornices and friezes. He was not a scholar or intellectual though he could appreciate beauty and good craftsmanship.

The streets bustled with all manner of people. From street vendors hawking their wares to the occasional Aes Sedai and Warder though the latter was less common. There were people of all nationalities as well in Tar Valon. He had even seen some Sea Folk on the docks in south harbor, an interesting lot they were. Grisham was generally fascinated by people; he often stood in the streets of Tar Valon or on the walls on guard duty observing people going about their daily tasks. It was a habit of his since his days as a city guard in Far Madding then again as a merchant's guard. Often he would engage random passersby in conversation, he liked to talk, a lot according to his mother who exclaimed he could talk a gleeman to death if given the opportunity.

Grisham was returning from the weapon crafter’s shop. He had just purchased a new sword to celebrate his graduation from the ranks of trainees in the yards. It was a beautifully crafted two hand sword, more so in its sturdiness and balance rather than decoration. It was a simple looking sword though someone with a trained eye would know its quality. It had cost him half of his savings though what good was coin when most of your necessities were paid for. He only had a few articles of clothing since his uniform was his normal manner of dress. Today he was plainly dressed, a simple tunic and trousers, since uniforms were only for official duty.

It was still hard for Grisham to believe he was a Tower Guard now though his aspirations did not end there. Some sought to make a career and a name for themselves in the Tower Guard, not Grisham. He yearned to be a warder, the ultimate level of service in his opinion for a man in service to the White Tower. A few Aes Sedai had come to watch him train in the yards though no offers had come yet. The warder bond was very personal or so he had been taught, therefore it was very important that the right pairing was found. One would or should not enter lightly into a relationship such as that between a warder and his Aes Sedai though Grisham decided that he would serve any Aes Sedai that needed a warder. In his eyes it was his duty, so an Aes Sedai only need determine that he was the right fit for her.

A woman shouted to him offering him freshly baked meat pies. Grisham nodded then smiled at the woman as he approached her stand. He was not one to skip a meal. Grisham handed her the requisite coins with a smile and a word of thanks as he took the proffered meat pie. Despite the wrapping it was hot to the touch so he stood near the vendor's stand watching the crowd in the streets as he bounced the meat pie from one thick fingered hand to the next waiting for it to cool.

As was typical for him, Grisham struck up a conversation with the vendor who spoke to him in between shouts directed at the crowd for them to sample her wares. Another patron approached the vendor so Grisham continued to scan the crowd. It was amazing all the people going here and there about their business, it was fascinating to watch. He often wondered on the lives of others. Everyone seemed to have a purpose. Without looking down Grisham began unwrapping the meat pie. It had cooled enough to the point where he felt he could take a bite though perhaps his rumbling stomach was getting the better of him. He brought the meat pie to his mouth about to take a bite.

Suddenly Grisham caught a glimpse of a brownish haired man about his height though much slimmer with a drawn knife in his hand. Grisham muttered an oath dropping his meat pie to the ground as he began to run. The street vendor's voice called to him though her words were inaudible as he focused his attention on the man who was entering a nearby alleyway. He muttered apologies as he bumped into others on the street. Grisham thought of calling for the guard though he felt foolish doing so as the man had done nothing yet aside from having his knife drawn. There could be numerous reasons for a man having his knife drawn he thought to himself though none of which seemed plausible here in the streets.

As he entered the alleyway he was shocked to see so many others occupying it. It made him pause for the moment as he tried to figure out the scene that lay before him. The man he had followed drew his attention as he suddenly kicked a man pushing him into others throwing them off balance. One man in the pack closest to the vigilante received a knife in his back for his trouble.

Grisham wiped grease from his hands then drew his blade walking lithely forward in a defensive stance as he attempted to discern what was happening. Then he caught a glimpse of her beyond the pack of men. A look of danger in her eyes, it was the Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah from his Tower Guard raising. These men were fools for attacking an Aes Sedai though she was still in danger. Grisham shouted a challenge trying to get to the Aes Sedai whose name he did not know. He could not reach her, there was not enough room in the alleyway to do so and the men who were sent sprawling were now rising to face him. He ignored the man who apparently had gauged the men’s ill intentions and had come to her aid. It seemed he could handle himself and would have to do so if he wished to remain alive, Grisham's duty was to the Aes Sedai, she could not be harmed, he had sworn an oath to protect all Aes Sedai. He could not fail...

"Rouse the Guard!" he shouted in his deep gruff voice to no one in particular as he fought off two of the men. "Tower Guard! To Arms!" He did not know what the outcome would be and the more men on their side the better. He would not let the Aes Sedai be harmed nor would he let these attackers get away. How dare they attack an Aes Sedai, in Tar Valon no less!

Grisham had his hands full with these two; his long sword was a detriment in the tight quarters of the ally. The dagger wielding ruffians had a distinct advantage. In the void he was one with his surroundings. Both the Aes Sedai and the good samaritan lived though that was all he could discern at the moment as he deflected and dodged dagger thrusts and cuts. He could not catch them deflect or dodge them all, some had struck home drawing blood. He fought like a wild beast grunting and bellowing though he was in control drawing on his daily practice of the forms he had been taught in the yards.

His opponents were quick and lucky though eventually as fate would have it their luck ran out. The Falcon Stoops, an overhead thrust took the attacker to his left in the shoulder forcing him to move his dagger to his other hand. Quick thrusts and tight slashes were best in close quarters plus the advantage in weapon length went to Grisham. He feinted low then dropped the other man with The Courtier Taps his Fan. Despite the attempted block with the man's dagger, Grisham's sword easily powered through it deep into the man’s skull. Now he had more room to face the remaining man who looked about for a way to escape though that was not in his cards. In a matter of moments then man was down with a fatal wound to his abdomen courtesy of Parting the Silk. The man writhed on the ground attempting to hold his innards in to no avail. He resisted an urge to spit on the fallen men.

He took in the situation at hand; the Aes Sedai still lived as did the good samaritan who was wiping the blood from his blade on one of the ruffians’ tunics. Interesting he thought, who was this man with impeccable timing? As Grisham had guessed they were of similar height and age though Grisham had roughly a hundred pounds on the other man. Grisham brushed wavy locks of brown hair from his brown eyes nodding to the man as he made his way to the Aes Sedai. He would have to speak to the man after attending the Aes Sedai and properly thank him for intervening. Without his aid he would never have known what was about to happen in this alley that was a short distance from where he had been standing. Without this man Grisham would likely be lying face down in this alley with a dagger in his back.

Grisham bowed to the Aes Sedai, an odd looking gesture with his bulk. He was out of uniform and doubted she would remember him anyway. Breathing heavily he made his introduction "Grisham Elmaren of the Tower Guard, at your service Aes Sedai" as he uttered the words he eyed the battered ruffian kneeling at the Aes Sedai's feet before meeting her gaze. She was serene as can be, as if this was a daily occurrence for her. His deep gruff voice held a hint of mirth as he asked "A friend of yours?" following with a smile to make sure she knew it for a jest. Light her eyes seemed just as penetrating if not more so than the day he was raised. Did she not appreciate his levity? Grisham blushed, in his haste he killed the two men not thinking to keep one alive for questioning. Luckily the Aes Sedai was much wiser and calmer than he was under pressure…

Grisham Elmaren

Tower Guard

((Edit: for spelling and grammar))