I'm kinda confused here. If Andrea was her second, then why isn't there a clear line of promotion?

Regardless, I'm sad to be losing Muir. :(  Hopefully she'll come back to us someday.

What does it mean to follow the Way of the Leaf?

See the leaf on the tree. The leaf lives it's appointed time on the branch, fighting neither wind, rain, or cold, and does not resist when the time comes to fall from the branch. So we should live our lives. We do no violence against another, because to do violence causes hurt not only to the target, but to teh one who does the violence.  You take a nice sharp ax and you chop a tree down.  the tree is damaged and falls, and the ax is unharmed. That's how most see it, but it is not true.  The wood and sap dull the blade, even corrode it with time, damage that causes the blade to have to be cleaned and sharpened. So it is if a person does violence, though the damage may only be to the sole.

If a person come up to yuo and punches you, do not punch them back. Instead ask them why they did it, as only through seeking answers can we find peace and understanding. If they punch you again, then run away. Better to run away then to keep letting your attacker harm themselves as well as you.  The same if they threaten you with the sword. Better to run away, or except the end of your life, then to harm another. And hope that in harming you he is not harmed too much himself.

Accept what comes as the will of the Creator and the Pattern, and know that all things happen for a reason. Accept your place in the Pattern willingly, and do not struggle against where the Weaving takes you.

OOC: No problem hon. :)  This is Ata's thread anyway, we're just spectators, and she doesn't post anywhere near as fast as I do, because she has far more going on. :)

IC: Raylin looked up from her study of the stranger to see Jena enter the common room and she smiled brightly as a tension she hadn't even known was there left her shoulders. Her grin widened even more as Jena walked up, noting her dress was an almost exact match in color to her own, although the yellow petticoats made her blink for a moment.

She stood up and Jena approached her with a smile.  Reaching out she caught Jena's hands in her own and pulled her close. She gazed down into Jena's eyes, losing herself in them for moment, before bending down to kiss her.

"Hello there beautiful," she said when the kiss finally ended.  "I love the dress.  It's very becoming. Do you like mine?  A Domani friend of mine gave it to me as a gift for my last birthday, but you're the first one I've ever worn it for."

Dre thought for a moment about Estel's instructions. She'd had nightmares all night about this.  All the fear and worry had bubbled up in her mind in the night and she kept seeing herself burnt out, or dying in some horrible surge of the power that tore her apart.

"I'm afraid, but I know I can't let that stop me.  I'll do my best Estel."

Closing her eyes she pictured the rosebud quickly and let the Power fill her. She opened her eyes for the first time while holding the Power and almost gasped aloud at how incredible the world looked with the Power flowing through her. She found herself wishing for more, and unconsciously she began to draw in more and more of the power, letting it fill her.  She felt the power prickling inside of her, a headache beginning to throb as the sweetness began to turn the pain.

She realized something was wrong and began to try as Estel has instructed, trying to push the Power away from her.

"Estel," she mumbled, barely able to form the worlds. "I think there... something...  Help!"

Bragen scowled as the Aiel refused to rise to his taunts. He knew it would be that way, but it was still one of the things that annoyed him the most about the savages. They were emotionless bastards.

His attack foiled by the Aiel's quickness he turned aside a return spear thrust and dropped back into a defensive stance, considering his options.  The Aiel he'd fought before now had been easy pickings, but this one was tough. He could almost respect him for it.

He felt himself tiring. He wasn't used to fighting for this long, but the Aiel didn't seem to be showing any signs of fatigue. This needed to end quickly, or he was dead.

Low Wind Rising, his sword starting low and arcing up toward his opponent's chest. The Aiel parried the stroke easily, as he knew he would. He changed stroke in midswing, launching into Wind and Rain, a series of short jabs and overhand overhand blows, trying to catch an opening in the Aile's guard. The accursed savage was too quick though.

The moment of truth came.  As he attempted to launch into Whirlwind on the Mountain, his blade seeking the savage's neck, he realized he'd made a fatal mistake. As his blade flowed toward it's target his foot found a loose cobble and he stumbled. That was all the opening the Aiel needed.

Swiveling to the side, the spear sliced up and took Bragen's hand off at the wrist. The Aiel quickly followed through, the spear twisting in mid stroke to slice open Bragen's throat.

Clasping his remaining hand to his throat, Bragen gurgled as blood began to flow down his chest. He staggered, his mouth moving in one final attempted insult toward the savage. He staggered again, and fell face first to the ground. Blood quickly pooled around him, and he didn't move again.

Yeah, I figured you didn't know, because you're a horribly slow reader. :P

Please, won't some nice friendly Tinkers come save poor Kopair?  He's lost in the woods, cold and all alone. *puppy dog eyes*

Actually hon, I was just reading in Knife of Dreams last night, and there's a bit of info there about the yearly gathering.  From a PoV provided by Mat we learn that the tinkers have spontanious celebrations whenever 3 or more groups meet. However the main celebration happens once a year, on Sunday, but there isn't just one gathering spot. There are "several predetermined meeting spots" that are all used.  The impression given is that the Tinkers all know where those spots are, and they head toward whichever one is closest.

Ok guys, I'm stepping in as part of the FL staff and getting this thread locked down. The bio hass issues, and it's now between Coren and Andraste to resolve them. Until that time this is locked. End of discussion.

Thank you. :D

Bah! You were supposed to be cute and get all offended at me suggesting Veria was a snob. :P

Oh, this is for you hun?  I guess I can't nominate Veria then. ;)

Dre awoke early but habit for her morning chores, the sun not even up yet. She dressed quietly so as not to wake Kirsa in the other bed and slipped out of the door. As she closed the door behind her she noticed two small envelopes on the floor in front of the door, as if dropped there by someone who didn't care to try and deliver them proporly. One bore Kirsa's name, and the other her own. Overcome with curiosity she opened her envelope and inside found an invitation to a tea party with the Greens. Well now, this was lovely. She hadn't thought her ambitions to the Green were public knowledge. Estel must have arranged the invite. Her Mentor knew her too well.

Slipping back into the room she left Kirsa's invite on the small washstand they shared, hoping she wouldn't miss it, and headed down to the kitchens. She hoped she would have time after her lessons to clean up before going to the party. She wanted to make a good impression.

After her lesson she just had time to dash upstairs and clean up, donning a clean dress. The one she'd been wearing had a scorch mark on it because her partner had been a little too eager to make a fireball. she saw that Kirsa's invite had been opened and was tossed now on her bed, but Dre hadn't had the time to speak with Kirsa, but she hoped she'd show up.

Finally she left the room and made her way to the Green Ajah quarters. She felt so nervous as she entered the main hallway, seeing all the Sisters there, looking so regal and powerful. Nearby a pair of Warders practiced hand-to-hand combat while an Aes Sedai smiled at the both of them. Dre couldn't help but sigh. She hoped she'd have a Warder someday.

Following the directions she finally arrived at the tea room. She stood outside the door for a moment, trying to calm her nerves. She was afraid she was going to mess up and then they'd never let her join.  She thought about her brother, and about how she needed to do this for his memory. Steeling herself she opened the door and walked inside.  Her eyes alighted upon all the tapestries and weapons and she stared in awe, not even noticing Aramina at first.

Walking across the room she fingered a large tapestry depicting an Aes Sedai and several men that must have been Warders fighting a large group of Trollocks. Lightnigns fell among the Shadowspawn and the men carved an open circle around the Aes Sedai. It was very well done and it fascinated her.  She was startled though when she heard a soft cough behind her. Spinning around she spotted Aramina, and giving a squeak of fright she fell into a curtsey, her head down, trying to hide her blush.

Raylin arrived in her barracks room and quickly stripped and headed for the baths. She was looking forward to having some fun tonight. Washing she let her mind drift, thinking about Jena with a smile. Finally she went back to her bunk and got out some clothes while she let herself air dry.  Dressing in breeches appealed to her as usual, because she liked the way it showed off her body, but she decided to do something special.

Rummaging through the dresses she had brought, she finally found the one she was looking for. A deep forest dreen, it was of Domani design and clung to her form revealingly. It had a split in the side up to mid thigh and showed off her legs well. Slipping into a pair of black heeled boots she did some magic on her shoulder length hair to make it fall in curls around her face instead of pulled back in her usual pony tail.

Deciding she was ready she left the barracks and made her way to the nearby inn. She had hopes for what tonight would bring, but no guarantee. But even if those hopes proved false, she still intended to have some fun.  Walking through the door she paused and looked around the room.  The person she was looking for wasn't there, and she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Yet perhaps Jena was just running late.

She walked over to the bar and ordered a glass of wine, then leaned back against the bar and watched the room.  Nearby she saw a man she hadn't seen before. He looked freshly scrubbed and was relaxing with a bottle of wine.  She smiled at him and nodded, but said nothing for now. She waited to see how things would play out tonight.

Ok guys, lets all simmer down a bit. :P  It's just a bio after all, we've all seen hundreds of them. No need to get testy. :)

Kopair blinked in surprise as Veria pulled away from him.  He reached out his hand to her, a pleading look on his face, as she backed away. He tried to say something, but he couldn't find the words, as she turned and ran away from him. He cursed himself for a fool as she ran off, and he struggled with himself. Should he let her go, or run after her.

Memory stirred. He saw his father dead in his arms, his family and love gone, and himself powerless. He wouldn't let himself lose another if he could stop it. Jumping to his feet he moves swiftly after her, making far too much noise in his haste. He glimpsed Veria ahead before she vanished into the trees and he knew she must have heard him.

Cursing himself again he stopped and worked for calm.  He wrapped himself in the Spring and let himself become one with the emotions running through him, letting them give him strength and focus. He called on all the skill he'd learned so far and let himself slip into the shadows. He could feel the area around him and knew that Veria had come to a halt, hiding somewhere.

He slipped through the trees silently, thankful that the Grove was so well tended and there wasn't much undergrowth. His dark clothing blended in with the shadows and trees well. He moved through the Grove and soon spotted Veria not far away, her white banded dress standing out easily in the Grove. He moved nearer but did not reveal himself to her. He simply watched and waited.

After a few minutes he saw her begin to calm, straightening her skirts and muttering under her breath as if arguing with herself. Using a trick he'd learned from a friend, he pitched his voice to make it difficult to tell what direction it's coming from.

"Veria, I don't know what's wrong. Obviously I've scared you for some reason, and for that I am truly sorry.  I feel a connection with you that I will not deny. But I don't want to upset you or harm you in any way. Never that." He paused, then decided to take a risk.

Stepping out from his cover he appeared on the path ahead of her, hands raised above him in surrender. He knew it was likely she was holding the Power if she felt threatened, and so had probably spotted him before this, but she hadn't lashed out and so he felt encouraged.

"Veria, I know you can channel. I know that if you wanted to you could end any threat I might pose without breaking a sweat. I know that, and still I stand here making no move to resist you. I've said my peace, and I mean what I say. You can either go now and I swear under the Light, by my hope of Salvation and Rebirth, that I will not follow or hinder you in any way. However I think you feel as I do, and so I trust in that. I hope that you wil not go."

Suddenly he sat down on the side of the path, and crossed his legs beneath him. "You can chose now, but I hope you follow what your heart tells you." Closing his eyes, he waited, straining his ears to catch the sounds that might indicate what Veria does next.

Kopair nodded slightly at her description of embracing saidar. She was right, it did sound a great deal like the Spring. He heard the sadness in her voice though as she talked about what it was like after being stilled and he hugged her tight.

"I'm not sure if it's anything I'd ever actually be able to do anything, but if it's within my power, I'll protect you from that fate. I've lived the past couple of years feeling as if I had no reason to live. That reason was ripped from me just as those I loved were."

He paused for a moment, thinking about his next words.  He wanted to try and explain what was in his mind, but was afraid to say too much.

"You've made me begin to start feeling like it's worth living again, and for that I'm glad."

Kopair paced in his room, tossing his practice blade from hand to hand, thinking about the fight ahead. He still wasn't sure why he'd volunteered for the thing. Maybe he'd done it to try and impress Veria?  He was a fool. There were Warders and Tower Guards in the contest. He was going to get torn up.

He heard the trumpets announce the opening of the tourney and decided he should go watch the match.  Tossing the lathed blade onto his bed he walked out into the Yard and over to the sparring area. He saw a large crowd was already gathered. Slipping to the front of the crowd he found himself standing next to where Aran sat watching. Nodding to the Tower Guard, too nervous about his future match to be able to speak, he turned his attention to the match as it began.

Cairma and Rosheen. The two women were well known around the Yard and he knew they were very skilled with the blade. He was a little surprised to see they planned to fight with real blades, but not much.  It made sense, and somehow felt right in this setting.

"Shall we Dance, Rosheen?" called out Cairma, and Kopair couldn't help but chuckle softly. That was an attitude he could respect.

The two women met, and it looked more like a dance then a battle. Rosheen seemed to be the better fighter, but he didn't think it was a large gap. Cairma managed to do well for herself and Kopair couldn't help but be impressed. He hoped he could show as well for himself if matched against someone better.  Finally the end of the battle came and he watched as Cairma opened herself to Rosheen's attack. He saw a look pass over her face that he thought for a second was imagination, but as Rosheen's blade slid into Cairma's stomach, and Cairma brought Rosheen to the ground and brought her sword to the other woman's neck, Kopair knew it wasn't imagination. She'd known exactly what was going to happen, and welcomed it.

Kopair couldn't help himself.  Shaking his head in wonder he bagan to applaud, though most people seemed to shocked to do anything other then stare. He watched as Aran took off and the Yellow Sisters crowded around Cairma.  Laughing to himself, Kopair walked back to his barracks room. The match gave him much to think of.

Kopair enjoyed his day with Liitha, hunting and going over various wilderness survival skills. It helped to keep his mind focused, learning these new skills.  After dinner he headed out on his own, deciding to explore some of the side paths he'd noticed during the day.

He soon found himself on a small animal run through some thick vegetation. Large bushes and more mixed with a thick growth of trees to make for hard going.  He knew he was still heading in the right direction though as he recognized some landmarks nearby through breaks in the trees.

Darkness began to fall though, and as it did the landscape seemed to change. Suddenly he lost all sight of any landmarks, and the thick undergrowth lost in the shadows played tricks on his eyes, causing him to trip several times before he began to get the hang of it.  He still felt he was heading in the right direction though.

Finally he broke out of the trees into a large clearing. Looking around he realized there was nothing within sight that looked remotely familiar. He was lost. Cursing himself for a light blinded fool he scanned the night sky trying to find his direction. He realized soon though that it was a foolish mission. Though he could tell north from south, it didn't help him any. He had no idea where he was in relation to the camp anymore. Everything looked completely different.

Well, it was no use worrying about it. He'd simply pass the night here, and in the morning he was sure he could find his way back. Moving back to the trees he began gathering wood to make a fire.  Suddenly, after a few minutes of gathering, he dropped the wood he'd gathered and cursed again.  He'd forgotten his flint and steel in his saddlebags, which were back with Rascal back at the camp. He'd forgotten to transfer them to the survival bag Liitha had given him.  A few minutes later, as he searched for a spot that looked like it might be out of the wind where he could huddle down, he curse as he realized another thing he'd forgotten. He'd not passed a water source on the trip back, and his water skin was running low.

Taking a sparing drink from the skin, he burrowed into a screen of bushes that provided some shelter and attempted to put himself to sleep. It was going to be a long night.

There's nothing wrong with being corrupt. :D

Dre managed to get herself and Kirsa lost once. She kept forgetting that the tapestry of Lord Wyvers surrendering himself to be gentled from back during the Ten Nations was not the same as the tapestry depicting the fall of a nation none of the people she'd asked had any notion the name of.  Wyvers had been riding a donkey. You'd think she'd remember that.

Finally though she led them to the correct door and knocked.

“Come in please…who is it?”

Dre opened the door and poked her head in.

"It's me Accepted, Dre, and I've brought Kirsa with me like you asked."  Opening the door she let Kirsa in then followed, closing the door behind her. "While we were on our way another Novice found me with a message that you'd gotten my chores for tonight cancelled so that I could help you get Kirsa settled in. Thank you," Dre said with a smile. "It's always good to get time off from chores."

Bragen scowled as his slashed missing taking the head from his opponent. Landing beyond the Aiel, he spun around and fell into the basic guard stance Lion on the Hill. Seeing the Aiel readying to fight he let himself laugh with contempt.

"So savage, you think you can take me? Let's see how fast my sword can find your gut."

The savage said nothing, as Bragen knew he wouldn't. Bloody Aiel never let themselves do anything fun.  With a snarl he leapt at the Aiel, his sword flashing in The Wood Grouse Dances, short, quick thrusts and feints as he tried to feel out this new opponent, feeling for weaknesses.  The Aiel fought well, with a smooth quickness that showed great skill.  Bragen knew he'd finally found himself an even match, and he didn't like it.

Bragen decided his only chance was all out attack.  "CAIRHIEN!" he cried at the top of his lungs, and began with Low Wind Rising, aiming a slash at the aielman's middle that was turned aside by a quick spear block. With a growl on the return swing he launched into a series of powerful overhead thrusts called Striking the Spark as he tried to overwhelm the Aiel.

Kopair nodded and stood up.

"I'll go for as close as four hours as I can make it, then wake you."

Kopair walked into the blackness at the edge of the firelight and stared off into the darkness, letting his eyes adjust to the dark. As he studied the night-shrouded landscape around him his thoughts turned once more Veria waiting for him back in Tar Valon. He knew that no matter how much of a handful she might be in the future, and from what he'd experienced of Aes Sedai already he had no doubt she would be, he knew that wherever he went his home was with her.  He felt the emotions flowing through him and embraced them, wrapping himself in the spring, and bringing himself into sync with the world around him. He could feel the darkness around him. He could feel Liitha behind him preparing for bed.

Deciding this would be a good time to get in some practice.  Putting both hands on the hilt of his sword Kopair assumed the ready position called Leopard in the Tree, then quickly pulled his sword free in a striking maneuver called Unfolding the Fan. From form to form he flowed, losing himself in the fluid movements, like Liitha had taught him. He let his attention float in the waters of the Spring though. His body moved through the forms automatically, but his awareness was focussed on the area around him.

I was going to do my Arches for Dre and then volunteer her as a Mentor, but I doin't have as many slots as Nephie and Andrea. ;)

Nephie, a whip, and Andrea, all in the same room......

I'm just going to be quiet now. ;)