.:~Light Illuminate~:. {{Begins, Rated M}} LSUs/NPCs Accepted!

[Asilynne]

For new characters/NPCs, discussing the RPG, or questions check out the Lounge Topic, White Tower Courtyard.

Mistriss Mirajane waited at the top of the wide marble steps which led to the grand door of the White Tower for the new novices which would be arriving. As the Mistriss of Novices, it was her duty to instruct the new charges in what they needed to know while living and working within these hallowed walls. Among them, she knew, were a couple of wilders, such unpredictable channelers especially needed her guidance, for if they began channeling without supervision they could cause harm to themselves or others. But all novices were valuable, this she also knew. The White Tower's population was not what it once was in days long past, and though Aes Sedai did not speak of age, she could remember days when many more novices dwelled within the Novice Wing.

But now was not the time for such reminiscing, the novices were arriving, and so she greeted each one with a smile.

Ren Da'shain, the Tinker wilder, wide eyed and innocent, though more curious than afraid.

Kienna Li'alla, a Domani, a pretty young lady but with an inner core of strength.

And Talia Arien, a very petit Tairen, neutrally inspecting the White Tower's grounds as she walked with a measured step.

Such a varied group, wearing different styles of dress, though that would change soon. Mirajane gave a soft smile as she remembered her own rebellion to the novice white oh so many years ago. They would adjust. As the small group gathered around her she gave them a kindly smile.

"Welcome to the White Tower." Reactions ranging from intimidated to excited flitted across their faces. Extending her hand, she touched each novice briefly, testing their ability to channel through Delving. The Novices would feel only a slight chill as the Power was used on them, they wouldnt know what she had done, though of course it would not hurt them. 'Yes', Mirajane thought. 'Their abilities are not slight, they can be taught.' With a decisive nod, she introduced herself. "I am Mistriss Mirajane, the Mistriss of Novices. You will address me as Mirajane-Sedai, with a respectable curtsy, as you will be expected to show all full Sisters this same respect. This way please."
The novices were led into a small room with a closet and a few leather chairs around the fireplace, which had been lit to warm the room. Mirajane opened the closet to reveal a plain but clean woolen dress for each of them. "You will now be required to change out of your clothes into the Novice White. You will be provided these white dresses, and it will be your responsibility to ensure they stay clean. Dirty novices will be sent to me for punishment." Nervousness could be sensed from the novices, but Mirajane smiled slightly to reassure them. "Yes, as the Mistriss of Novices I am responsible for giving punishments if you break any rules, however, I am also here to be a guide and counsulor should you need one. You may find Novice life hard, but every Aes Sedai has gone through it, myself included. You will survive, if being an Aes Sedai is what you truely desire." She handed a white dress to each of them, instructing them to change, which they did, if a bit halfheartedly (save for Talia, who did so with utmost confidence).
She then instructed each novice to gather up their discarded clothes. "Now, its time to bid goodbye to your old life, for you are beginning a new one as an initiate to the White Tower." She knew they would not like what came next, she saw how at least two of them took pride in their sense of dress. "Throw your old life into the fire and stand before me a blank slate, ready to learn the ways of the Aes Sedai." She heard a slight squeak from Kienna, and saw the look of trepedation cross the innocent features of Ren, but one by one, led by Talia, the three new novices did as they were told.
Mirajane wove a thread of Air to guide the billowing smoke of the burning clothes up the chimney as she led the novices out of the room. "You may have noticed I channeled just now to clear the air. As a novice you are not permitted to channel unless specifically asked to by an Aes Sedai. Anyone caught channeling without permission will be promptly sent to my office for more than just a chat." She gave the novices a firm look before smiling once again. "Lets move along shall we?"

They walked the marble corridors of the White Tower, the tiles in the center swirling with the colors of every ajah, Novices and Accepted curtsying the Aes Sedai as she led her small group onward. Other Aes Sedai of various Ajahs also nodded their greeting, some gazing upon the novices with unreadable faces, perhaps trying to decide how well they would fare, and if they would make a welcome addition to their particular ajah. Seeing one particularly trustworthy girl wearing the banded white dress of an Accepted, Mirajane called out to the girl. "Esyllt Teardhrin, would you come here please?"
The young Accepted nodded and hurried over, curtseying with a smile. "Yes, Mirajane-Sedai?" Mirajane smiled, Esyllt had always proven herself to be helpful and of even temper, and so she trusted her as a messenger whenever it was necissary. "May you please fetch Chimera-Sedai and ask her to wait in my office? After giving these girls the tour I would ask her to begin their training immediately, and also show them their quarters."
Esyllt curtsied again. "Of course Mirajane-Sedai," she spoke before hurrying off to locate the Aes Sedai in question. As the girl left Mirajane couldnt help but give a smirk. She knew that Chimera-Sedai was less than fond of teaching novices and other mundane tasks such as that, but it was part of her new duties now, and while none other than Chimera and the Amyrlin Seat knew for certain if Chimera were here for penance, it seemed most likely, for what other reason would she choose to stay? Speaking of the Amrylin Seat....
"Every Aes Sedai must be shown respect, but you must show even higher respect for the Amyrlin Seat and her Keeper. These are the Leaders of all the Aes Sedai in the Tower, and those who dwell and travel outside in the world. She can have you banished, or stilled with a word.....but such a thing almost never occurs with Novices. Still, be sure you keep to the rules. No channeling without permission, never be late to an Aes Sedai's class, keep yourself, your clothes and your room neat and tidy, do your chores without complaint, do not leave the tower without express permission, show the proper respect to all Aes Sedai..."
She trailed off briefly as she reached the next part of the tour. Resting one hand on the door to one of the inner courtyards, she turned to give the group a serious look. "Be sure you also never come here without an Aes Sedai's express permission." Pushing open the door she revealed a beautiful garden, which also happened to, at that very moment, look like a training barracks. Men fought with swords against straw dummies and each other, as the occasional Aes Sedai looked on. Spotting one particular Aes Sedai close by, she gave the Green a greeting. "Ah, Li'Lendra, I see Mr. Sumen is training a few of the new Apprentices. How are they doing?"
The other Aes Sedai gave a playful smirk. "Many of them have...potential." She said, leaving the statement deliberately open. Aes Sedai could not lie, but what you heard may not always be what she meant, this was widely known. And Greens had a reputation for seeing "potential" in men. The Green went on, not noticing or not caring (the latter was more likely) how her statement had sounded. The woman gestured to each man as she mentioned them. "Kiren Tursch, quiet and shy but with great passion for one so young. His strength could be worked on but he seems to do well at the Forms." The forms were of course the art of swordplay, each movement flowing into the other almost like a dance. A tactical dance, beautiful to watch but deadly. She gestured to another of the young men. "Wystan Tate....now hes an unusual one. Decent with the sword, but his true talent is archery. I swear the boy has quite the eye for targets, moving or otherwise." Her eyes travelled over the rest of the apprentices, before putting a finger to her lips in thought, nodding towards a gangley young man sitting on a boulder, studying his sword carefully as if trying to figure out what he was doing with it. "Vitch Nyora," she paused, frowning a bit. "To be honest Im not quite sure why hes here. He's passable, if barely, but hes only been here a week, and if anyone can make a fighter out of him its my Eldar." She gave her Warder a proud smile as he stood across the room, arms crossed and watching the apprentices spar.
Mirajane nodded to her collegue before turning to her young novices. "As you may or may not have heard, every Aes Sedai, with the exception of most, if not all the Reds, have a Warder, a male swordsman who is bonded to her through the Power. There is a special weave which bonds him to her, so they both can feel each others emotions and physical health and beings, as well as knowing where each other are at all times. However," she reguarded them sternly and seriously. "ONLY Aes Sedai may bond a man to her, and novices and Accepted alike are banned from even learning the weave let alone weaving it. The punishment for breaking this rule is very severe."
At her words the novices turned away from watching the men, feeling the seriousness of their entrance to the tower settling upon them. Mirajane gestured for her charges to follow her back inside and down the wide marble corridors of the Tower once again. For a long while they walked in silence, not daring to whisper even to each other lest they break some rule they did not yet know, until they came to one of the large wooden doors which lined the halls. Opening it, she revealed a room of novices sitting behind small wooden desks, their attention riveted upon a tall, black haired young woman in a banded Accepted's dress. Sitting next to her, looking very disinterested in the class was, of all things, a man! The Accepted stopped talking at the Aes Sedai's entrance, before Mirajane waved her hand and spoke. "Please do not let me interrupt Na'Wynth, I am only showing these new Novices what they may expect." She seemed about to speak to the novices when a novice within the class attracted her attention. "Elya Daneiri! I will be seeing you in my office after lunch once again today, fix your skirt this instant, we do not wear our novice white in such a shameful manner." The novice in question hid a small smirk as she unpinned her skirt, letting it fall below her knee as was proper.
Sniffing with annoyance, Mirajane turned to her novices just in time to hear Ren whisper to Talia. "Is that man her Warder? I thought Accepted---" But before even Mirajane could correct her, Na'Wynth spoke up loudly, fire flashing in her eyes. "Most certainly not! I plan on being a Red! Hes only here because I----" Her face flushed red as she cut herself off, even before Mirajane corrected her behavior quietly. After the Accepted had calmed, Mirajane turned to answer Ren's question.
"Tahl'Atri is an Apprentice Warder, like the ones in the Courtyard. Accepted are not permitted to bond a Warder, and Apprentice Warders may not be bonded unless they have been deemed ready by at least three Warders." Mirajane gave the young Tinker a somewhat stern look. "From now on do not speak unless spoken to." She nodded towards Na'Wynth. "I apologise for interrupting your class, Miss De Luun."

Carefully closing the door behind her and the group, the Mistress of Novices set a brisk pace down the hall. "Now, your tour is complete and you will be shown to my office, where Chimera-Sedai will lead you to your quarters and begin your intruction." She paused beside the door to her office. "If you have further questions you may come to me as you need, its my duty to help you through this difficult transition, and not merely give out punishments." Pushing the door open she guided the new Novices inside, effectively beginning their life on the road to becoming a full Aes Sedai.

And so begins the RPG. This post tells you where you are and also who is around you, so you have some free character interaction to build on to start ^-^ Your welcome! lol

Besides the rules the Novices must go by, here are a few of the rules of this rpg:
~No 'waiting on someone else to post'. The beauty of how I set this up is, if you feel stuck on your character and dont know what to post, you may either make up an npc or use one of the provided ones to post with as if it were your own. So you have no excuses lol
~You CAN double post, but not as the same character. I know generally you wouldnt be allowed to double post but in this rpg I realise it may be necissary (or you may have a really good idea that cant wait) thats fine with me ^-^
~You will be rewarded for posting. What this means is, when you make a post that has either great character development, interaction with other people, interesting plotlines, new NPCs etc, you will be rewarded with new weaves, secret information, important missions etc. The more you put into it the more you and your character will get out of it.
~Your character may end up as an NPC. The opposite of the previous, if you have a very noticeable absence, unless you post about it in the Lounge Topic beforehand, your character may go into the pool of NPCs. All this means is you will be kept in the story, but others may post as your character as well. Should you return and post actively again your character will come out of the NPC pool and be a player character once again.
~Talk with your fellow roleplayers! ^-^ Not only is it fun but you can also plan interesting plotline or scene ideas with each other. You are encouraged to use the Lounge Topic for this, as well as PM's, MSN or whatever instant message service you want. We're all working together in this story <3

Thats all for now. Feel free to begin posting, and Welcome to the White Tower!

[Dominus]

Antara Chimera
______________________________________

Antara's booted feet clicked against the fine tile as she approached Mirajane-Sedai's office, to continue her 'penance' for her 'misbehavior'. She was well aware of the wide eyed looks of random novices an accepted as they saw her, not only did she have a reputation, they were also focused at her hip, where she wore her sword. Generally a taboo idea or thought by those politicking fools who also bore the title of Aes Sedai. They didn't truly understand loss, their homes... they'd either forgotten them, or were still there, even though they would likely never return. What would they do if they encountered a threat that could shield them from the Source? A rogue wilder, or, Light forbid, a Dreadlord? She shook her head to herself, dispelling her reverie, as she opened the door to the office, and nodded, a polite greeting to Mirajane-Sedai.

"I see you got them coralled well enough." she told her with a tad bit of mirth as she surveyed the three girls, if word was right, all three were strong in the Power, a good thing, all things considered, though potentially troublesome if they tried to stretch their wings too much. She nodded at them, before turning to lead the way, "See to it that you keep up. I have little enough time for wet eared novices, let alone ones getting lost." she stated, before clicking off towards the Novice's quarters.

When she got there, she led them to their respective rooms, where she frowned, the Da'shain girl had been staring at her the whole time, seemingly in fear. She turned to look at her, "What IS it, child?" she asked, a tad exasperated. She jumped at the question, before pointing at her sword.

"Wh-why are you wearing that?" she asked, pointing to Antara's sword, causing realization to dawn on Antara, this was the Tinker girl.

"I will explain that, and a bit of history, when we begin your classes, now that you've been shown where you will be staying, I will be leading you to where our first lesson shall begin." she told them, turning quickly on her heels, and leading the way back into the tower, and, after a few hallways, into an unused classroom, where she motioned for them to take seats, and she began.

"We'll begin with some introduction, I am Antara Chimera, but you will refer to me as Chimera-Sedai, I wear this sword because I am a Blademaster, and I am from the nation of Malkier." She began, "Before you ask, Malkier was a nation of the Borderlands that got swallowed by the Blight, which is a foul corruption of the land caused by The Dark One and his minions. Miss Da'shain, while the Tinkers share a wonderful dream, the truth of reality is that without the armies and forces up at the Borderlands, chances are, all of mankind would be dead."

She nodded, before saying, "Now, feel free to introduce yourselves."

[Outlaw JT]

Elya Daneiri
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elya looked back at the Mistress of Novices with a sly grin on hearing her name. It was a constant thorn, the refusal of many of the full sisters to accept common fashion. Not only was the pinning of her skirt a proper every day fashion. It was a way to assert herself as an individual, which in her eyes was a good thing. Not all of the sisters agreed with her opinion that they should be individuals, however. Despite all of the full sisters taking full advantage of their individuality. Such an archaic double standard.

As the Mistress left she took note of the girls following in her wake. New arrivals. She would have to make sure to arrange a proper welcome later. Every new arrival needed a proper lesson in what was and was not acceptable to attempt to get away with. There was a delicate balance of mischief here. One person stepping too far over the line (one person without her more than exceptional gift for it, anyway) could spoil the fun for everyone.

For the moment, she put it out of mind. She was in class, after all. Boring though it could be you never knew when you might actually learn something you hadn't already figured out yourself. She was good at that, figuring weaves out on her own. Every once in a while, though, she caught a new weave in class she hadn't thought to try.

Tahl'Atri
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He sat there in the classroom somewhat awkwardly. He hadn't been there very long. Two long months. It was all still very new to him and it showed. He'd never really been around women before so that made him uncomfortable. He'd never really been around more than a couple people before that he could remember so that made him uncomfortable as well. He'd never spent more than two nights in anything approaching civilization so staying in a tower crowded with more people than he'd ever seen in one place in one of the largest cities in the world with more people than he'd ever thought there were made him incredibly uncomfortable. He couldn't help fidget in his seat just a little. Why he had been chosen to sit in on the class instead of one of the others eluded him. It was obvious to anyone else they were trying to help him grow accustomed to both women and civilization but he hadn't quite grasped it yet. He wasn't used to people enough to read their motivations. He only had his well groomed suspicious nature to go on.

As the lesson went on he looked about nervously. There wasn't really anything for him to do here. He couldn't channel and thank goodness for that. He couldn't train while he was in the classroom. He couldn't work on his reading much with all the goings on in a class about channeling making it hard to concentrate.

Run with us, brother. he suddenly caught in his mind, a mixture of emotion and image. He looked about nervously as if for it's source but he knew as always he wouldn't find it. This came to him every once in a while. Especially when he felt out of place or uncomfortable. He'd long dismissed it as his mind trying to keep him company in the absence of Daelin, his adoptive father. Sometimes it felt like more but he never admitted that to himself. Especially not here. He was different enough already here.

[Mystic_clown]

Vitch Nyora
--------------------------

The scrawny young man sat on a boulder quietly, inspecting his sword. Or rather, simply sitting there looking at it. Why was he even here? He wasn't a fighter. He really wasn't anything to be honest. Anyone who expected him to protect them were going to be very disappointed...and probably dead as well.

His ears perked up when he heard voices. He looked up shyly to see the Mistress of Novices, along with some of the novices, talking to Li'Lendra, who was assisting in their training. She was pointing out some of the apprentices, and much to his surprise, pointed him out as well.

"To be honest, I'm not sure why he's even here. He's passable, if barely..."

Vitch hung his head even lower, not listening to the rest. Great, just tell them he was useless. None of them would want him as a Warder now. He was relieved when they left, though this was short lived.

"Vitch!"

The scrawny man jumped and looked back to see Eldar, his instructer.

"Y-yes sir?"

"It's been a while since you've sparred with anyone. How do you expect to get stronger?"

"I-I..."

Eldar said nothing, but simply pointed to the sparring ring, a stern look on his face. Vitch sighed in defeat and slid off the boulder. He stepped into the sparring ring, looking up at his opponent, his sword trembling in his hands.


Anyone want to kick his ass? Go right ahead.

[Crystal Tears]

Wynth

She hated inside this place.

It was dull, perhaps not in the ‘oh, everything is grey’ idea. But it was downright boring to be cooped up in a place like this so often. Wynth felt the edges of her lips tug downwards, almost forming a frown. She couldn’t hide it any longer, when more novices poured into her little class.

Oh joyous be, more people to accidentally blow things up.

“Who sent you?” Wynth snapped, catching the immediate attention. She was lumped back in her chair now, watching as the novices she had before formed one of the elements (of their choosing) into a perfect sphere. “Or are ya lost? Bad way to start your years here if the latter is the case.”

“We’re not lost Miss…”

Miss? How bleedin’ old do I look?

“Oh, then you’re here on purpose. Fantastic.”

The class snickered, causing the three new ones to frown. Wynth shot most of them a glare, watching as their spheres began to wobble and fall out of shape.

“Chimera-sedai sent us.” Another chimed in. It was so good they all seemed to relay on each other to cover their own tracks.

“Did she now?” The Accepted bit her tongue before any insult flew from her mouth. She really did hate this place and all the rules and regulations. Worst of all were the slippers, as soon as she was able these things would be off her feet and burned. “Well, I suppose if she sent ya, the lot of you can stay.”

They sort of stood there, quiet.

“Well, don’t just stand there like statues, tell me your name and I’ll begin being a little more instructor-like.”

Introductions were made again, as Wynth distantly remembered that the Mistress of Novices had paraded through here not to long ago. Oh yes, and the correcting. How much did Na’Wynth hate that woman and her enforcement of rules. Why on this blasted plane did the Accepted ever travel to this tower again? She could’ve been out in the wilds, burning things down and teaching herself.

Apparently, that thought hadn’t occurred to her until after so much time.

“Right, everyone up.” She watched the novices stand quickly, the weavings they were practicing fading away. “Outside we go, no need to be cooped up here.”

The Tinkier was quiet, though her curious glances were as subtly as blowing up the dormitory.

“Oh for the love of Luun, what is it?” Wynth frowned, motioning to Elya to lead the way to the doors. “I’m not that Mistress, if you have a question damn well speak.”

“What does it mean?” Ren gestured to the tattoo on Wynth’s hand.

“eh,” The woman frowned at it. “Would you believe me if I said I slayed a dragon?”

The girl chuckled, but shook her head.

“Troll?”

Another giggle.

“Griffin? Unicorn? … Chimera?”

That time most, if not all of them laughed.

“Oi, that’s not what I meant! And Elya, if you insist on taking us the long way around could you at least walk a bit faster?”

~ * ~

I tag Asi and JT, we’re going outside to some place cuz Wynth hates the interior of the tower. Lol. Sorry if I got anyone’s char wrong. It’s a bit after they ran into Antara, if anyone’s wondering how the new people got there. Sorry if anything is wrong.

[Asilynne]

~~Ren Da'Shain~~
Far from all she once knew...

It was all very overwhelming.

The tower itself was enormous and unlike everything Id ever seen before. It had so many rooms, and polished stone, statues and sea folk porcelin and tapestries were abundant. Each step clicked and echoed down the wide and long hallways.
There were so many rules, so much was now different from what Ive always known, my head was swimming. I wasnt sure how I would get by in this strange place. Glancing over at my fellow new novices, I tried to gauge their reactions. Kienna seemed excited, her eyes glowing with the possibilities she saw for herself here, whereas Talia seemed to take in every detail neutrally, analyzing it as she would a puzzle. Though there was some awe evidenced in them, neither showed the fear and discomfort that was starting to grow within me.
The Aes Sedai themselves were awe inspiriring to behold as well, strong and seeming to be warm and yet unapproachable at the same time, they glided down the halls in various colored gowns and shawls, ageless faces serene yet almost as though they were wearing a mask for all the emotion they showed. Even their smiles seemed a disguise. Will I one day be as these women are?

No...I shook my head. I couldnt, it was just so foreign. When I was an Aes Sedai I would go back to my people. I will be a healer for them and together we would find The Song. But Aes Sedai had Warders....men with swords. Swords.....one would not be welcome among my people, even if they were there to protect. Well, then I wouldnt have one of those either...
A small part of me knew, though I didnt want to admit it, that I may never see my family again.
I was brought back to the present by Chimera-Sedai's instructions. "Now then, young Novices..." she began, sounding rather bored of all things. "The first thing a novice must learn is how to embrace the source. Once you hold saidar, only then can you weave the 5 flows of the Power. Close your eyes..."

My eyes closed, nervousness flaring up in me. This was my first lesson, although I was told Ive done this before without meaning to. My song didnt heal my brother, they said, I had woven the One Power to heal him. But it had been an accident, a glorious accident, yes, but I wasnt sure if Id be able to do it again. Chimera-Sedai's voice continued.

"Imagine a rosebud in your minds, closed tight perhaps. The sun is shining, you can feel its warmth and light. The Rosebud is you. The Sun is the Power. Let the rosebud open up to the sun, open yourself slowly to the Power and let it embrace you."
I could feel the other two girls doing as she said, and somehow I knew they were holding the power. I tried to focus to do the same, but it kept slipping away. I could feel it, almost like the sun, warm, just out of reach, but I just couldnt grasp it. It was right there and yet it felt as though it might as well be miles away. I sighed. I could grasp it with my flute, I knew this, but in Chimera-Sedai's class it had been forbidden. She had been instructed to try and break down the block, and so I kept trying, my face burning with the shame and embarrassment as I knew they could feel my lack of the Power just as I could feel them holding it.

"Ok thats enough. Da'Shain, you will report to me for extra practice sessions after your chores every day." I wished I could crawl into a hole, but I nodded, my cheeks burning. Finally she dismissed us, and sent us to the Accepted with the not-quite-Warder's class.

~~~~
~~~~

Miss De Luun, or Wynth as she would rather be called, seemed a bit scary at first, but there was an inner warmth in her I could sense that many of the Aes Sedai seemed to lack. I knew I didnt want to make her angry, but I felt as though I could like her. And she was taking us outside, which made my soul soar. I wasnt used to these stone walls, I was used to the grass, the sun, and the colorful wagons of my people. So going outside was like balm.

Elya opened the door to the outside and led us down a path, before the group stopped short at Wynth's displeasure. "Elya Daneiri! You know we arent supposed to be in the Warder's courtyard!!! And you know very well how much I hate these men..." The last bit I barely heard her mutter as Elya hitched one side of her skirt up again and grinned. "I thought this way Tahl'Atri can get some practice in while we practice as well, Miss De Luun." Her tone was sweet as she swaggered over to a patch of grass under a tree on the opposite side of the warder training area, but Wynth glared daggars at her. Finally she ordered the class to sit with Elya so we could begin the lesson.

Holding my flute close to me, I inwardly vowed that I would do my best to redeem myself in this class.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Im going to post for an npc a bit later, but heres Ren's first post ^-^

[Mystic_clown]

Vitch Nyora
-----------------------------------

Vitch looked around nervously, wondering which of the other apprentices was going to fight him. Some of them felt that fighting him with beneath him. After all, what was the challenge in beating the feeble guy?

It seemed Elder knew this fact as well, as he turned to the group.

“Winston!” he called out, “Step into the ring.”

Vitch watched as another apprentice, Winston Tate, stepped into the ring. Winston wasn’t one of the top students in the class, but at least he was competent with a blade, unlike Vitch. The two stared at each other for a moment in silence.

“Begin!” Elder bellowed out. Winston then shot towards Vitch, aiming for a vertical slash. The scrawny man could only yelp as he dodged to the side, quickly getting behind him and putting distance between him and Winston. Winston turned and went for another attack, this time a vertical strike. Vitch tried to duck and back away, but ended up stumbled to the ground.

“Come on Vitch!” Elder called out, “You have a sword! Use it!”

Vitch responded by swinging without thinking, batting Winston’s sword to the side as he got back to his feet. Winston backed up a bit, but then returned onto the attack. This time, Vitch at least tried to use his blade to defend the attacks. But he still stumbled as he blow hit.

Winston then swung hard, knocking the sword from Vitch’s hands before giving a sharp kick to his mid section, causing the scrawny man to stumble and fall out of the ring. The match was over. Winston won.

Granted though, it wasn’t really much of a win. It was Vitch after all. Sprawled on the ground, Vitch could noticed Elder shaking his head in disappointment. Vitch groaned sadly.

Still a failure.

[Outlaw JT]

Tahl'Atri
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He sighed relief when he realized where they were being led. He felt uncomfortable deep inside the White Tower. Deep inside any building, really. The fact that half the girls seemed to either feel awkward around him or outright dislike him (though only the couple that seemed to dislike all men). When he saw the sun and heard the other apprentices practicing his heart almost sang.

When the class found a place and settled down for their lesson he found a place a few steps off. He took up his training sword and fell into a stance. He was duty-bound to stay close to hand for the Aes Sedai's class. That meant he couldn't join his group truly. He could at least, however, practice on his own in the open courtyard.

His stance was unlike any of the others there. It had some resemblance to the ones being taught but it was different somehow. It was lower, the feet at a different angle. He held the blade lower than the others.

As he began to move, his motion seemed fluid. Everything he did was one seamless motion. Slash into slash into thrust into reverse. He move with rhythm, balance, and grace and as he moved those in the class closest to him could hear him hum. As he moved, as he hummed, he was as water. Never broken, ever moving, gliding through the air and the grass body and blade as one. For Ren, there was something almost familiar in the tune in his throat and the way he swayed with his sword.

[Nayia Waterflower aka starmie44]

Esyllt Teardhrin ~ Accepted

~~~~~~~~~~

Esyllt glided down the hallway, her banded white dress fluttering at her feet as she moved back towards her original destination. She had made a detour to run an errand for Mirajane-Sedai, who at the time was leading three new girls down the halls of the White Tower. She didn’t mind completing extra tasks for the motherly Mistress of Novices and was probably one of the few girls of accepted level or lower who wouldn’t even flinch at the idea of baring a message to Chimera-Sedai.

When Esyllt was in her first year at the White Tower, she had originally thought that her Ajah was sure to be blue. Studying the Blue Aes Sedai and how they wish to better the world seemed like an honorable life to lead. Even though her life was now that of becoming a Aes Sedai, she was raised as a kind noblewoman and having a cause like helping those who couldn’t help themselves and standing up for what she believed in was bred into her.
Yet homesickness was setting in as her first year at the tower came to a close. Though she was proud and happy to be here and like most girls she did miss her family, she also felt as if there was something missing in her life. She wasn’t sure want it was, yet meeting Chimera-Sedai who was one of the two women who helped her along that path.

Chimera-Sedai arrived just a year ago, at the beginning of Esyllt’s second year at the tower. While most of the girls who had yet to become a full Sister of the Aes Sedai felt at the very least uncomfortable in Chimera-Sedai’s presence, Esyllt couldn’t help but feel respect for such a woman. Stories of Antara Chimera were whispered between the accepted and novice upon hearing that she was returning to the White Tower and as Esyllt saw this proud woman baring war scars for the first time, something in the pit of her stomach moved.

That feeling continued to grow as if she was with child, getting bigger little by little as she attended the classes Chimera-Sedai held. Those stories whispered in the corridors were nothing compared to what this veteran spoke of in classes. The horrors of the battlefield, the pain of not only losing the men at her side, but the powerful bonds she had with them, and even the loss of her homeland, something that she could never comprehend but was sure if it happened to her, a part of Esyllt’s heart would surely be lost. This woman was truly not only a warrior, but the strongest person Esyllt has ever met.

Esyllt’s thoughts on Chimera-Sedai wavered as her eyes caught sight of her destination, one of the inner courtyards doors. A smile graced her lips as she stepped up to it, placing her hands on the handle of the door and pushing it opened. She stood in the doorway, her eyes traveled across the garden till she caught sight of the second woman who has helped her.

Li’Lendra-Sedai stood out among the Aes Sedai in the gardens, being that of noble bearing or the Shienar as well as a warrior. Esyllt first meet the woman during her second year as well, having been sent to these very gardens by Mirajane-Sedai to deliver a message to Li’Lendra-Sedai. The Battle Ajah had been sparring with the recruits at the time and as Esyllt waited at the sidelines for the end of the match, her eyes never left the woman. She wasn’t sure if it was just an air about Li’Lendra-Sedai, but that feeling she felt around Chimera-Sedai brewed in her as she took in the woman’s movements, the clash of the blades and the expression on her face.

Esyllt may have been raised a noblewoman, but her family had always been a strong supporter of the military and so she was trained in the art of swordplay at a young age as well. The feeling in her stomach seemed to travel like energy up her body towards her hands. As she felt her fingers unwillingly twitch she continued to watch Li’Lendra-Sedai’s match and came to realize what she had starting missing. It was such things like training with her older brother Cael in the woods, sparring with the soldiers under her father’s charge, even just the weight of the blade in her hand and the movement of her body as she wield it in that deadly dance that felt like second nature to her.

It was then that the idea of being that of the Green Ajah came to mind. She was talented with a sword and could even wield two, something that her mother had shown her. Her father had said that it was the art of wielding two swords that had caught his eye and cause her mother to first meet him. ‘The grace and beauty of the style can truly be captured by a woman, like a flower blooming in the wind,’ is what her father told her. It may have seemed silly, but she fell in love with the style because of those words. That passion for the art was still there in her very being, so why not continue to use it to

Li’Lendra must have noticed something in Esyllt’s eyes as she delivered the Mistress of Novice’s message after the sparring section and asked Esyllt her thoughts. Of course she spoke the truth of what she was feeling and Li’Lendra listened with what looked like understanding in her eyes. It was then that the Sedai gave her permission to come to the training grounds as she please when Esyllt was on her free time.

Esyllt was thrilled to get to come to the gardens and watch the wardens but whenever Li’Lendra offered Esyllt a chance to spar she would always politely decline, not wishing to overstep her bounds. She would just sit and watch, her eyes examining the training drills and sparring matches. The wardens have gotten use to her presence, realizing that the intensity of her eyes was not something to be wary of and trying their best to show off their strengths in front of the beautiful accepted.

Esyllt chuckled at those thoughts, moving away from the doorway into the gardens. She caught sight of a class of novice and accepted with her friends Wynth and Elya in the mist, Elya’s pinned up skirt not easily missed. A little ways off from the group was Tahl’Atri, moving his sword in such a way it was like water dancing magical in the air. She never did get to watch the man train much so she moved towards the group of girls, planning to introduce herself to the new arrivals and sit in on the class.

[Asilynne]

----Wystan Tate----
{{{NPC by Gav}}}

At first Wystan was offended.

Sure, he looked like a kid, everyone always thought he was much younger than he was. As a result, many of the other Apprentice Warders thought he would be easy to beat. Indeed, he tended to daydream and conjure up ideas more than he used the blade, but he wasnt totally worthless. So when he was called up to fight Vitch, he glared at the young man, knowing full well what Eldar was planning.

Everyone has seen Vitch fight, he rarely, if ever wins. Eldar probably thinks Im weak, well, Ill show him Im not! Wystan gulped as he saw a group of novices across the courtyard, practicing their weaves. I cant lose in front of the future Aes Sedai....

And so he gripped his sword, eyeing Vitch and waiting for the signal to begin. It was a rather short fight, Wystan resisting the urge to crow with triumph as Vitch fell out of the ring. He had won, he wouldnt be ridiculed now, he showed them all he wasnt just a kid....

But a little bit of the pride leeked out of Wystan as he saw Vitch's face, sitting up slightly and dusting off his clothes with a scrawny hand. It was a look of misery almost, a look of shame. Misery at feeling useless once again, the shame of failure. He didnt seem to want to fight at all, he was horrible at it. Why was he here? It was no triumph to beat this man, Wystan decided. Vitch had already defeated himself the minute he stepped in the ring, for he had already believed he would lose.

It was then Wystan decided. He would help Vitch become better, no matter how long it took. They were all in this together after all, and he knew what it felt like to feel useless. "Here," Wystan spoke, stepping forward to help the thin man up. "Good match."

"For you..." Vitch spoke quietly, beginning to turn away, but Wystan caught his arm.

"If you want, we could do some extra practicing every day. I could...help you get better." Wystan gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder and a grin. "After all, we've got to protect the girls one day dont we?"

"You will address them as Aes Sedai, Mr.Tate." Eldar spoke gruffly. "Now, let me see two other spar."

Wystan jogged out of the ring, motioning over to Vitch. "Come on, while we wait for our turn again let me show you what you did wrong...."
---------------------

Hope I played Vitch ok Ben ^-^ Ill post again for my char a bit later.

[Outlaw JT]

Elya Daneiri
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today did not seem like one of those days she would catch something new in class. They were cycling through weaves she'd mastered to a passable level a couple months ago. It wasn't really a review class. She'd just figured a couple of them out on her own as a matter of necessity during her escapades. The ability to manipulate light and blend with shadow were indispensable tools in the arsenal of a talented misfit such as herself. Not that the latter was the intention of the third weave being taught but applied just so it was a pleasant side effect.

In her boredom, two things caught her attention. The first was how cute a few of the boys looked in their wonderfully fitted training outfits. Were she back in Ebou Dar she would no doubt had elicited a date from at least two of them by now. Dating was, to say the least, discouraged among the novices and accepted. The Aes Sedai tended to look the other way when affections were between novices or accepteds but heavens forbid there be a boy involved.

The second thing to catch her attention, and the one far less likely to get her in some form of trouble she couldn't get herself out of, was the approach of Esyllt. She was on excellent terms with most of the accepted with her ability to procure things from outside the tower but she was only truly friends with a couple. She counted Esyllt in that small group. So, to pass her boredom she began crafting a whisper weave so she could talk to Esyllt without anyone else hearing. She also turned her head to try and hide the movement of her lips from the teacher.

"You picked a poor day to sit in unless you're here to boy-watch. Everything this class will be pretty much a retread for you. Heck, it's a retread for me," she whispered through the weave so her voice sounded as if it was quietly inside the accepted's ear.

[Crystal Tears]

Wynth De Luun

It's not that she minded one chatting when they were in her class, gods know she rather hated teaching. But there was one defined thing that a novice may not do, ever, without express permission. And that was channeling, such was that the one noted for apparently being sneaky was now glowing as she attempted to whisper silently to her friend.

Oh. An idiot. Yay.

Her eyes narrowing a tad, Elya suddenly found her mouth clamped firmly shut. Wynth smirked, watching as the girl tried to talk or exclaim something, but it failed.

“Apparently Elya has forgotten the first lesson,” Wynth spoke with such a rigid, instructing tone that everyone went tense. “Can someone please tell me, what can a novice never do, without express permission?”

“Channel.” Talia spoke.

“Right.” Wynth's tone turned darker, but her instructor-like impersonation faded away. “So, let me point out two flaws in your scheme Elya. One: turnin' ya head away when everyone else is lookin' at me, bad idea. Two: you glow when your channelin'. Ever seen a spark-drake in the middle of a dark field? Can't miss it. Kinda like your not so subtle attempt at magic.”

Still her mouth hadn't been freed from the binding, which the teacher found all to amusing. The others were beginning snicker as Wynth smiled at the trapped novice.

“I don't care if you think you're too good for the class, if that's the case, keep quiet and fail. I don't much mind tellin' the mistress you flunked. I imagine you'd get a good beating for that, it's an amusing image really. What I do mind, is that you used magic. I let you pull that skirt up only cuz this tower's dress code is horrible.” Wynth clicked her tongue in annoyance, instinctively her toes shuffled inside her slippers. “So, now you owe me. Bad thing that is. Mistress asked me to have a couple of ya wash the floors of all the non-restricted sections of the tower. You can all thank Elya, she'll volunteered to do it all by herself.”

A couple of mouths dropped open in surprise, still Elya's couldn't.

“Oh, and just for me. Wash all the windows while you're at it? Non-restricted, just like the floors. I want it done by tomorrow.”

Oh, the look the sneak gave the wilder was priceless. Wynth found herself grinning. The binding spell let go of the girl's voice and she coughed, her face turning red with embarrassment and anger.

Hate me all you want, I don't got no sympathy for ya.

“You do anything like that again, and you'll weed all the gardens too.” There was a pause, an afterthought came to the accepted then. “Oh, you should have plenty of time to think of how you're too bleedin' good for the class while doin' that, don'cha think?”

Esyllt looked like she between amusement and worry, Wynth's punishment was harsh. But it was needed, she wasn't one to stick to rules, but she didn't like it when novices dared to insult her either. Respect was something she had earned through her trials here, and she'd be damned if some cocky-too-good novice was going to treat her like dirt. Esyllt gave Wynth a concerned look.

“You don't think thats too harsh?”

“Honestly I should punish you too. Steppin' into my class and inspirin' channeling without permission. What sort of example are you setting?”

She laughed, and Wynth just rolled her eyes and went back to teaching.

“Right then, let's try a new weave. Somethin' that's a little more fun then orbs.” The woman frowned, thinking to herself before beginning a weave.

In her mind she could see a small fire burning at the root of a tree. She knew exactly what it was, it was her power. In a flash her mental image changed so the entire tree was engulfed. A smirk tugged at her lips, fire always excited her.

For a split second, spots of air around her wavered before a small spark ignited. Fluttering around her now were golden and red butterflies, as their wings beat white smoke would escape them.

“Right then, weaves as simple as the orb really. Don't get intimidated by the movements of them.” A few of them were fluttering around the novices, making them smile as the butterflies would fade away when they tried to swipe at them and reappear afterwards. “More spirit though, you're giving life to something. Get a hold of your power now.”

Though some struggled at first, they succeeded. Wynth noted how Ren played her flute playfully and softly.

“Now I chose fire, but any element will do. No choosing spirit through, ghost butterflies don't have the same effect.”

The look of concentration on their faces amused De Luun, but she knew better then to laugh. It could throw them all off, wondering who found it so funny. The first to get the spell, which was even a surprise to the accepted, was Ren. There were water bubble bursts around her before two butterflies emerged. Their wings were icy and their bodies fluid like water, and when they moved, mist followed them.

Her eyes opened excitedly, and the smile on her face seemed to banish whatever was bothering her before. One of little insects landed on the tip of her nose, flapping it's wings every so often to keep balance. She kept playing, even as there were a series of other butterflies joining the sort of dance she inspired.

Definite potential, poor girl shouldn't be ashamed of her block.

“I'm impressed you all can summon something that's living.” Wynth noted, watching as her five fiery butterflies stayed by her, some landing on her shoulders while one perched on the tip of her finger.

The novices had all summoned one or two creatures, though they all seemed to discover that it took a lot of effort to keep the insects in line. Ren's were dancing, only because she was enjoying her music. But past that there was no control from any of them, the butterflies could go wherever they wanted.

“Alright, that's enough for today. I'm sick of all of ya.” The accepted smirked, watching as a few were caught off guard by the remark. With their concentration broke, half of the insects vanished. “Next time, we practice control. Now bugger off and follow Esyllt or something that doesn't involve your presence near me... OH. If I catch any of ya helpin' Elya, you'll get a worse punishment then her.”

~ * ~

My class is over, you can summon a butterfly but not control it very well. Ren doesn't have much control either, so everyone is on even footing.

Note: Don't try to hide your channeling from an accepted who is also your teacher. It never works out well.

Tag anyone who wants to stick around to bug my char. *shrug*

Very, very sorry for any outstanding mistakes, I'm not using my computer and this one doesn't have word... D:

[Crazy Elf Boy]

Name: Reens Aden
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Rank: Apprentice Warder
Appearance: Reens is slightly more built then someone of his background should be, standing at 6’2” has short blond hair with dark hazel eyes. His skin is slightly tanned and covered in a numerous amounts of cuts and scars from accidents gone wrong. He normally wears his apprentice warder attire but sometimes he likes to slip into clothes of his own making. These clothes usually make him blend into his surroundings as to make him unnoticed. These clothes are a light grey colour making them very unimpressive but effective at their job.
Personality: Reens is a kind man but is subjected to small fits of rage which go against his heritage (or do they?) But besides these he is normally a calm and collected person, quiet maybe. But this silence was a product of his childhood. These fits of rage usually only come out when someone he believes is important to him is in danger.
History: Reens comes from what you could call a fractured childhood this mostly due to the fact his father was a warrior from Saldea, while his mother is one of the Tuatha'an. This opposing dichotomy of heritages has almost torn Reens apart and has caused him many problems throughout his childhood. Even though he has never met his father he knows that from him he inherited his bloodlust. As a child Reens used to play with the other Tuatha'an children but one day his rage got the better of him and during this rage he punched one of the other children. This event sparked much argument over wether he should be allowed to stay within the confines of the caravan he belonged to, how could such violence be permitted among the Tuatha'an. After much talk among the others it was finally decided that he would be allowed to stay but his contact with others would be quite limited. This led him into a slight depression, he was only a kid and the rest of the people around him saw him as a beast. During the rest of his childhood his solitude gave him a chance to become better at his trade, he learned how to repair things and even build some of his own. He managed to craft a wooden sword of his own wanting to learn how to control his inner rage. Through years of silently sneaking away from the caravan for brief moments he managed to teach himself slowly how to wield a sword. Then when he heard of the White Tower and what opportunities it could hold for him, he left his caravan under the cover of darkness and eventually found himself at the gates of the tower. Thinking that he could use his rage for the powers of good rather then evil and for something or someone to cure his loneliness.
Relationships: Open
Other: Solitude used to be his only friend, now it has become his mortal enemy. (In other words he doesn’t like being alone even though he is drawn to it.)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Reens heard the clash of steel against steel as he sat quietly watching the other apprentice warders sparring with one another. He looked up from his stooping position at the two new combatants fighting it out in the makeshift ring of other warders.

One of them was Vitch Nyora, Reens had seen him around the tower every now and again. But Vitch really didn’t have any qualities which impressed themselves upon others, well except that he was not the best swordsman there ever was. He seemed to have been coerced into this particular sparring match against Winston. Winston seemed to be on the same level of blade skill as Reens, but putting him against Vitch was like putting a Great Dane against a Chihuahua in a grudge match.

“Begin” shouted Elder as he commenced the sparring match. Both of the fighters started circling one another like lions eying one another off. Winston got in quick with a few quick slashes which Vitch could only feebly dodge trying not to make him self look to bad.

“Come on Vitch!” Elder shouted again, “You have a sword! Use it!”

This order seemed to trigger something in Vitch’s mind as he swung his sword knocking Winston’s sword to one side. This didn’t mind Winston too much as he kept on swinging his sword at Vitch, who still could only manage to block and not launch any attacks. But before long Vitch was taken down with a parrying move, flinging his sword out of his hands and onto the ground before being dealt a swift kick in the gut knocking him back

Being the gentlemen that he was Winston held out his arm to help Vitch and picks him off the ground and onto his feet before leading him out of the ring and begins to tell him what he had done wrong.

"Now, let me see two other spar." Yelled Elder

“I’ll do it” said Reens as he motioning his hand into the air slightly in a half asking half ordering sort of tone.

“Fair enough, anyone else?” came the response from Elder. Another apprentice stepped forward ready to take on the challenge. This new challenger looked a great deal stronger then Reens was. But then again size has never stopped Reens from backing down from a fight before.

“I’ll take you on” Reens muttered as he rolled his shoulders and cracking his neck getting his body limber. Sort of half jogging Reens charged at his opponent and slashed his sword violently at the other warder with fierce intensity. His foe was taken back by this a bit, Reens’s fighting style didn’t seem to adhere to any style of sword play that they had learnt in class. Though this rag tag sort of fighting didn’t distract him for too long as he just dodged the incoming attacks before parrying one driving Reens’ sword into the ground.

“You’re finished now mate” said Reens’s foe with an evil look on his face, as he menacingly walked over to the disarmed Reens.

“Crap” thought Reens eyes quickly darting around the field trying to think of a way out of his situation. Then suddenly something clicked in his head and his primal emotions took over. “NO” his conscious mind thought, but his instincts didn’t listen at all and soon he was wildly swinging his fists at his opponent causing him to take a few paces back. The fight between Primal Instinct and Conscious mind raged on, Reens desperately trying to beat out this genetic predisposition to war. Just as quickly as it came, the bloodlust seem to disappear as if Reens had one the inner war. There was a brief moment of clarity as he seemed to regain control over his body once again.

“Heh” smirked Reens’s opponent. “You’re finished” with that he brought the hilt of his sword onto Reens’s back winding him severely, and dropping him onto the ground beneath gasping for air.

“Ouch” winced Reens, still trying to get his breath back.

“Get up Reens!” exclaimed Elder as he sort of softly kicked Reens in the ribs almost knocking the winded apprentice off balance. Reens finally managed to get onto his feet, his chest throbbing with pain and took in a deep breath. Looking back Reens saw another two warders fighting one another as the one who had beaten Reens looked quite satisfied with him self quietly whispering to the warder standing next to him and pointing at Reens. Reens faced forward and the sight of Vitch and Winston talking to one another caught his eye.

Reens slowly limped over to the two and presented an open hand “Hey, I am Reens” he stuttered slightly still feeling the after effects of the blow he had just been dealt.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tag Ben

[ChobiChibi]

The White Tower.

The symbol of all that was wrong with this world.

A nightmare that was soon to become her reality.

Jalini La'Kallan (Saril)
Windfinder

She sat between two strong looking men. Normally, she would quite enjoy this, especially if they had joined her, but these weren't the right circumstances. They sat in a small horse drawn cart, the men squishing her in place between their broad shoulders. She wasn't bound, but there was no reason for her to be, because these land dwellers would easily catch her if she ran. She knew because she'd tried.

She'd also tried to bribe them into letting her go, but running her leg along his didn't work. Stroking his chest didn't work, nor biting her lip suggestively, not even the cleavage shot she gave them worked. So she'd given up.

The problem was, she wasn't entirely sure where they were going. The road was dry and bumpy, but the field surrounding it was green and healthy, full of wild flowers she'd never seen before. She didn't like it, though, since occasionally the beautiful smells would tickle her nose and she'd sneeze.

“Excuse me, land dwellers...” She spoke up, mostly to try and get the attention of the driver of the cart, who seemed to be the one in charge. “I'd really quite like a drink, is there any chance we could stop?”

“We're nearly there.” The driver called back. There was a smugness to his tone of voice that she didn't like.

The problem was, she couldn't see where she was going. The cart's seat faced backwards, it was probably more for transport of goods rather than people, so she could only see the things they'd just past, rather than what was up ahead.

The two well built men seemed to relax as she wriggled from their hold to turn around. She knelt on the seat, holding onto the back so she didn't fall. She stared wide-eyed at the view in front of her, her body visibly tensing.

The White Tower.

Jalini faltered, turning to leap from the cart, but her guards were were on the ball, grabbing hold of her arms. She squirmed, kicking and flailing at the men that had captured her.

“I am NOT being trained by the Aes Sedai!” She screamed, managing to elbow one of the two in the face.

Although one arm was free, it wasn't enough. It was soon grabbed again, followed by her ankles by the guy who now had blood pouring from his nose. She continued to struggle, but to no avail. The gates grew closer and the tower that overlooked them looked more daunting with every meter they got closer. It was taunting her, telling her that she would be trapped there for a very long time.

Why did she get off the ship? Why did she want to trust the land? She'd do anything to be home now...

So she struggled and screamed until her muscles ached.

“Shut her up, would you?” The driver shouted. “She's giving me a headache.”

Her screams were soon silenced by the man's large hand. Jalini's body finally gave up, letting itself rest, even though she still felt tense. Now only able to see the sky above her and the shadows cast by the city, she closed her eyes.

It was quiet, which she found odd. She heard the rustling of the wind through the leaves, like a dull wind chime, with the clicking of hooves on stone and the trundling wheels. But then, as the tower cast a shadow over them, she heard something else.

Water.

Her escape.

All this time she'd tried to convince the men that she wielded none of the One Power, but now was not the time. She opened her eyes, shifting her body as they still held her, noticing a bridge ahead. She waited, and as the cart got onto the bridge, she began to weave.

Her body glowed a soft blue colour as a wall of water rose from the river and crashed onto the bridge. The cart tipped on its side, washing the driver over the wall and the two other men somewhere she didn't care to look. Now on her feet and unrestrained, she began to run.

But in her daze and disorientation, she went the wrong way.

She crashed into an Aes Sedai, knocking her to the floor. Jalini was first to her feet, taking a moment to glance around. Apparently she'd attracted some attention to herself; a large number of the girls headed towards her, and she prayed that none of them were Aes Sedai.

Noting the older lady was getting to her feet, she tried to find a new route of escape. But the girls were coming from all angles, she hadn't realised they'd got into the grounds of the White Tower.

“L-leave me alone!” She shouted, slowly walking backwards, a small current of air swirling around her wrists. “I don't belong here!”

“Young Lady, it's okay.” The Aes Sedai began, her gaze somewhat gentle. This Jalini could hardly believe, she'd just knocked her off her feet. “My name is Mirajane-Sedai, I will help you ease into your life here, you have chosen the right path.”

“I refuse to train! I will not become a Sedai!”

“What is your name?” Mirajane-Sedai was still calm, despite the air current around the girl getting stronger.

“My name is of no importance to you!”

“Please come inside, we can begin your new life-”

“I am a Windfinder!” Jalini cried as her back hit the wall of the grounds. “I will guide my people's ships like my mother, and like her mother before her...”

“Please, Young Lady, calm down.” Mirajane tried to reason. “I do not want to have to punish you...”

She'd managed to attract the attention of the young men that were training in the distance, some of them curious enough to head over to where they were, perhaps to aid the Mistress in an attempt to prove their worth.

“Punish me?” She laughed, for a moment letting a little bit of confidence come through her terrified exterior. “I'm not part of your stupid little school system, you can't punish me!”

This was where she was wrong.

The wind that was once in her control turned on her, knocking her off her feat and binding her limbs together. Unlike the hold of the men that had taken her here, this was far stronger. She couldn't move at all and it kinda hurt...

“Now...” The woman stood over her, still smiling. “What did you say your name was?”

Jalini stared at the woman's plain white shoes. “Saril...”

Saril got the impression that this woman wasn't stupid, she was likely to know about her people's way of naming their children, but she didn't seem to care that she got the shorter of the two. “Well, Saril, welcome to the White Tower.”

Hope this is okay! ^^;

[Asilynne]

Bex that was way better than simply 'ok' ^-^ And welcome too Elf nice post ^v^

~~Ren Da'Shain~~
Water flows, like the pure innocent notes of the flute...

The tower was proving to have its hidden dangers. After seeing a fellow novice get a rather unpleasent punishment, I was a bit scared to break any rules. There was still much I didnt know, I hoped I wouldnt break one by accident that I wasnt aware of. So when we began to channel for my first real lesson, I had extra incentive to do my very best.

The Accepted hadnt told me I was not allowed to use my flute for this class, and so I put it to my lips as the other students reached for the Source. So easy it was for them, so free without the tool that I needed just to do the simplest of things. But now was not the time to have pity for myself.

But before I even produced one note I paused, hearing a song that tugged at my memory. It was being hummed by the not-quite-Warder that had been in the classroom with us, as he moved gracefully with the sword. I stared at him for a moment, as I recognise what the song was. It was an Evening Campfire song, played to soothe young and old as the sun went down and the camp settled in. But here this man with the sword knew it, which was very strange.

I tore my eyes quickly away however, not wanting to receive a punishment as well. I began to play, that very same song he was humming, as I could feel the Source open up to me. In my mind, I saw a clear brook, the pure, clean water filling my hands as I played, the power flowing with my notes. Having seen the weaves Wynth had created to make hers, I instinctively copied them, using mainly Water, with some Air and Spirit. The Weaves shivered lightly, then suddenly snapped into place, and as I opened my eyes I almost lost control with the joy of seeing my weave a success. Two butterflies danced around, beautiful shimmering blue. I created these...or my song did... I thought as I kept playing.

I could see a few other students create some of their own, different colors and types, some had more than me, but I didnt care. I did it, maybe this place wouldnt be so bad. Maybe I really could learn to be a great healer and could help my people. Maybe....

But then class was over. Wynth dismissed everyone with a warning not to help clean the floors with the punished novice. Im pretty sure I had another class, or perhaps some chores to do, but I was feeling a bit lost, clutching my flute and watching the dispersing novices. Suddenly I heard Miss Wynth speak directly to me.

"Ey, Ren was it? Fine job, you caught on pretty quick." She gestured to the flute. "Wilder, eh?"
I was, to say the least, a bit intimidated. "Y-yes...its what they say anyway. I....I thought my playing had healed my brother...but they said it was the Power." Wynth snorted and gestured off towards the Tower.
" 'They' say a lot of things...'The truth an Aes Sedai tells is not always the truth you hear' so they say, s'truth." She shook her head and seemed to want to say more, but then her features relaxed. "Listen 'ere. Dont you worry bout yer block, youll be fine. You have potential." I blushed and nodded in thanks, momentarily speechless.

Just then we both heard some yelling, and some of the men ran over to the Tower side of the courtyard. The yelling was quickly cut off by a large amount of channeling, which also shone in the same direction. Something was happening. Running over, following Wynth as she ran, we stopped short to see the Mistress of Novices weaving a binding of Air around this strange looking girl. She was darkly tanned, with tattoos on her hands not unlike Wynths but of a different style. She had a lot of jewelry, bangles and earrings, very exotic. Was she a criminal? What was she doing here?

No...it quickly turned out she was a Novice, but one very much against her will. It hurt inside my heart to see harm done to anyone or anything, and while the Weave of Air wasnt deadly, it was obvious she was very uncomfortable. And you could call it what you wanted, it was obvious she was a prisoner here.

With a start I realised in a way I was too. Novices couldnt leave, you would be hunted down and punished if you tried to escape. The Tower had me now, and it would never let go, not until it was done with me. Maybe never.

The fear filled me just as the Power had earlier in class. I took a few steps back, then ran from the sight of the exotic girl bound by the Power. Tears flowed out of my eyes, like the notes from my flute. I couldnt stop the thoughts bubbling in my head. They have me now...I belong to the Tower. Not my people any longer....the Tower has me. I had dreams that one day I would learn to control this, for the good of my people. And while I knew it was necissary, for I might end up breaking the Way of the Leaf by accident if I didnt, I also knew now that I may never see them again. The moment I channeled for the first time, I no longer belonged among the Tinkers. Where did I really belong?

Finally, I stopped to rest behind a tree, out of sight and earshot of the unfortunate new Novice. Panting, I sunk to my knees, clutching my flute to me like a tree in a windstorm. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself to calm down. The Aes Sedai that found me said I would be afraid and homesick at first, but this was a feeling I had not expected. I was in a place which housed men with swords, with women that used the Power, the very thing that drew me here, to restrain and possibly harm others. I was afraid, not just from the newness, but because my very way of life was being threatened.

And there was nothing I could do about it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope I played everyone alright ^-^

[Mystic_clown]

Vitch Nyora
-------------------------

The second match hadn't gone much better for Vitch. Winston still managed to beat him, though at least this time Vitch lasted a little longer. Though granted this was because of him flailing his blade around.

"You really need to keep a level head," Winston expained to him, "If you keep panicing like you do, you'll keep making mistakes."

That wasn't going to be easy for Vitch. He effectively ran on adrenaline in tight situations. His feeble frame meant that in terms of raw power, he'd be outclassed by anyone. Heck, the girls could beat him, and they weren't studying combat training.

“Hey, I am Reens”, came a voice, causing Vitch to jump lightly. It was another of the apprentices. Winston took his open hand, shaking it with a smile.

"I'm Winston, and this is Vitch," he replied, introducing the two. Vitch only gave a shy nod of acknowledgement.

"I saw your match earlier. Not bad," Reens spoke up, trying to make small talk with the two warders. Winston merely shrugged.

"I guess. Though Vitch here could really use some more practise. Hmm, maybe the two of you could spar."

After two matches, Vitch really wasn't feeling up to getting his butt kicked a third time. Thankfully, salvation came in the form of someone shouting.

“I refuse to train! I will not become a Sedai!”

They could hear Mistress Marijane trying to reason with the girl, but from what they could see, the girl in question wasn't too happy to be here.

"What's going on there?" Winston murmured as he and Reen slowly walked off to see what the commotion was. Meanwhile, Vitch took the opportunity to sneak off. He felt he needed some time alone.

He travelled to the outskirts of the garden, slumping down by the trunk of a large tree and sighed sadly. He was never going to be good at this.

He didn't even notice the girl hiding behind the exact same tree. A girl who's head was slowly peeking out to see who it was. She stared at the scrawny boy sitting by the tree before slowly speaking up.

"Hello."

What happened next could be seen as hilarious. Vitch yelped and jumped away from the tree, spinning around to see who it was. Upon seeing it was a novice, he covered his eyes and scrambled back, running into another tree. The rules were strict about novice/warder interaction.

"I'm sorry Miss novice," he spluttered, "I-I didn't know this was your tree, I-I'll move to another one!"

The girl couldn't help but giggle at the silly display. She slowly appraoched him.

"Trying to hide too?"

Vitch slowly peeked through his fingers to see the novice smiling, offering her hand.

"I'm Ren." Vitch was quiet for a moment before replying.

"I-I'm Vitch."

[Nayia Waterflower aka starmie44]

Esyllt Teardhrin ~ Accepted

~~~~~~~~~~

Esyllt sat quietly and watched the others as they went through the weave Wynth had instructed them to do, wishing to cause no more troubles for her friend. She had voiced her thoughts on the unsympathetic punishment and truthfully that was all she could do considering how they were restricted from helping Elya with the floors and windows. Wynth was a fellow accepted and she would never go against the girl and how she went about teaching her classes. She would have to find other ways of making it up to Elya, like cheering her up, bringing her food or keeping her company during this ordeal.

Course she would bring a book or something with her in case anyone asked way she was there, even quiz Elya on basic information so she wouldn’t get behind on her studies while cleaning. She was sure Elya would feel that would be adding to her punishment, but it would be a good cover up if she truly needed one at the time.

Esyllt turned to watch Elya’s butterflies scorch the air, fueled by Elya’s embarrassment and anger at the situation she was now in. They seemed to be circling about the girl’s head like dark clouds, ready to strike bolts of lightning down on those who crossed the line now.

“Don’t take it to heart,” Esyllt spoke this quietly, not wishing to disturb the novices around her from their weaving. It seemed to work since they were too busy trying to keep the butterflies under control to care about anything else, “Like you said, this class is a retread for you. It just your luck that tends to put you at a disadvantage in classes compared to outside them.”

Esyllt caught the soft snort and the smirk Elya let out, her friend understanding that she was referring to how she was rarely ever exposed for her mischievous ways. Elya is an expert at covering her own tracks for the pranks she plays so even if you knew it was her, there was never any proof to her acts. Really, knowing Elya, she would make good with her punishment and find some way to set up a new prank.

“As for ‘boy-watching’, it’s more the study of swordplay than the boys who wield them.” Esyllt smiled softly back at Elya who just gave her a skeptical look in return, the direction of the chat seeming to cool Elya’s rage a bit.

“Now that’s a cover-up if I ever heard one,” Elya shook her head, amusement clear in her voice. “Come now, no girl who comes in here is just looking at the swords when what wields them is more appealing.”

Elya sent a sly look her way causing Esyllt to look away from her friend coyly, finding the butterflies in the air more interesting.

“The flowers are nice too,” Esyllt added innocently.

Elya made a noise in her throat, probably her holding back a laugh so not to catch Wynth’s attention, “Really? It’s hard to take notice of that when there’s a group of sweaty, built men stomping on them.”

“Elya, really!” Esyllt hissed softly, covering her mouth to aid in keeping her own laugher at bay. Obviously trying to beat around the bush with this wasn’t going to cut it, her friend would just tease it out of her. “Fine, I do sometimes take notice of them, but I’m permitted to come here for my studies and that’s what I focus on.” Speaking of focus, she really hoped that Tahl’Atri’s focus was on his swordplay. It would be too embarrassing if a man overheard their whispers.

“And if your focus tends to sway on a boring day…” Elya teased, practically singing the words.

Esyllt kept her eyes on the butterflies dancing in the air, the serious look on her face not giving way to the playfulness in her voice, “Then yes, the scenery becomes more appealing.”

Esyllt swore at that moment that Elya looked like the cat that caught the canary. This chat was indeed improving the girl’s spirits, something Esyllt was glad for even if such talk was a bit embarrassing.

“So,” Elya stopped here weave, letting the butterflies disappear as Wynth called an end to the class in her own special way which caused Esyllt to chuckle quietly. Esyllt turned her focus to Elya as Wynth moved to speak with one of the three new novices she saw with Mirajane-Sedai earlier. “Is there any guy that catches your eye?”

Esyllt blinked, raising a questioning eyebrow, “As my future Warder?”

Elya grinned back, the glint in her eyes making it clear that wasn’t what she meant, “That, or as something more. Really, you’re going Green so you can have more than one if you choose.”

Esyllt was sure she was blushing, that was something she couldn’t hide. She swore if her brother was present to hear such things that blood would be spilled if she even glanced at a male at that moment.

Yelling from the Tower side of the courtyard caught everyone’s attention causing some of the men to run over there. As the yelling was replaced by a light from someone channeling, everyone in the class seemed to head towards that direction until we reached where the Mistress of Novices stood. Esyllt watched quietly as Mirajane-Sedai used a weave to get the new arrival to stop her struggles.

There was times like this when girls were taking to the White Tower against their will, yet Esyllt had witness very little of this during her two years at the tower. She knew it was necessary to protect the girls from those who hated the Power because they didn’t understand it as well as to protect the people around those girls from being harmed or killed because of their lack of knowledge and training with weaving the Power. Still, it wasn’t any easier to watch someone be forced into a life they didn’t choose.

‘At least those of us that choose to come here did so willingly, not beaten and dragged here.’ Esyllt thought, her face passive of her feelings. She truly wished there was another way to deal with such situations. At least the Mistress of Novice could calm the girl in a less brutal way compared to bashing the poor girl’s head in like the men who brought her here seem to have done.

Hearing someone gasping for breath, Esyllt looked beside her to see one of the Novice from the class staring at the scene in front of them, not taking the reality of the situation too well. Esyllt warped a comforting arm around the startled girl but stayed quiet. The Mistress of Novice was taking control of the situation and would soon be instructing the people around her on what needed to be done.

~~~~~

OMG, I'm hungry >.< So just realized that ^^;

[Crystal Tears]

Wynth

Rescue

Hope you don’t plan on escapin’ your new fate deary. Wynth shot a wicked look over at the Mistress. She didn’t let the thoughts escape her though, instead just watched the scene unfold. Tower has you now; don’t have a tongue anymore, as far as they’re concerned.

There was no thank you uttered from the girl, her wary gaze just shifted momentarily from the mage that had her bound to Wynth, to the rest of the crowd and finally to the looming tower. The accepted snorted, catching the attention of some around her as she pressed forward. The Mistress gave her warm smile, something that the gyspy returned with a half-smile that was almost completely fake.

“Miss De Luun, how are you?”

“Oh just peachy Mistress, far better then the girl you got bound.”

“She was becoming upset.”

Right and bindin’ the girl to the ground with her own element is the damndest way to make her feel better.

“Aye, I saw that.” Wynth commented, crossing her arms.

“Where’s your class?”

“Eh, told them to bugger off. I taught them enough, they can go bother someone else for a while.”

The Mistress chuckled, and her gaze fell back on the trapped girl. The spell suddenly vanished, allowing the girl to relax and unsteadily get back to her feet.

“Perhaps you’d like to show her around? She could use a companion right now.”

“Oh…” Wynth glanced sideways at the woman. “I um…”

No excuses. Ah Sol damn the witch to hell.

“Sure, why not?” The accepted conceded. “You get her all dressed up in these robes an’ I’ll give the tour.”

“Too kind of you.”

Oh go straight to hell woman, if I had a choice, I wouldn’t be here.

~ * ~

Time had passed a bit by the time the girl emerged, in full novice gear. She looked less then pleased by the clothing she was forced to wear. Wynth couldn’t help but smirk; she was sitting on the ledge before the stairs, leaning back against the wall behind her. These ledges weren’t meant to be benches but that never stopped anyone from using them as such. Wynth stood up, looking at the girl with narrowed eyes.

“Don’t give me that sour look puss, I ain’t got nothin’ to do with why you’re here.”

“You’re all the same…” Saril murmured, glaring off to the side. “Bunch of land-dwellers.”

Wynth felt her eye twitch at that remark. She turned to the girl, arms crossed and face changing into a scowl.

“’Cuse me? You got somethin’ to say, better speak up. I don’t care for mutterers.”

The girl didn’t back down from the challenge, she puffed herself up. Looking angry and miserable. “I said; you’re all the same. Nothing but a bunch of land-dwellers.”

“Aye, and you’re nothin’ but a fish on land. Useless, compared to us land-dwellers. Bet you don’t even know how to pick apples.”

Saril fell quiet, eyes downcast. That anger subsided and all that remained was sorrow and misery. She didn’t want the tower-life, and unlike Wynth, who had somehow found her way here, she had been dragged here. The accepted clicked her tongue, her own expression softening at the girl’s despair.

“Hey, don’t go getting upset about it.” Wynth gestured for Saril to follow. “I’ll give ya the tour then I’ll take you somewhere you’d like.”

The girl’s eyes lit up a smidge, curiosity in them. “Where?”

“That’d ruin the surprise.”

~ * ~

The tour was complete, Saril had noted a few things that Wynth had stressed she should remember. To be honest, the accepted knew little of the sea-people, only that they were out there for most of the time, enjoying the waters. She was tempted to ask about it, but she had a feeling the girl wouldn’t appreciate remembering it at the moment.

Instead they wandered on the grounds, warders were training, and she couldn’t help but notice Saril’s eyes drift on one of them.

“So, you like the quiet ones?”

Saril jumped, staring at Wynth. “Pardon?”

“Boy you’re admirin’. He’s name’s Sil or something along those lines. He’s quiet, doesn’t talk to anyone.”

“I wasn’t…” The girl frowned. “He moves different from the rest.”

“Sure.” Wynth chuckled, rolling her eyes. “Come on then, it’s this way.” She paused, frowning she looked over her shoulder.

“Oi! Sil!”

The man stopped, looking over at the two curiously.

“You needed for anything? Or you just practicing?”

He shrugged.

“Right then, come with us.”


“I thought novices weren’t allowed near warders or warders in training?” Saril blinked, glancing back at the blond following them. “Doesn’t this break the rules?”

“Aye, it does. If….” Wynth trailed off, not wanting to go into details. “It’s an exception, only if I’m around see.”

“Oh… Okay.” Saril had another comment on the rise, but she stopped. There before her was a river, not nearly as grand as the ocean she was used too, but none the less a volume of water larger then a puddle. She almost smiled, it was halfway there, her eyes gleaming as she saw it.

“Not quite your fancy ocean, but it’s a lot more water then you’ll see in the tower.” Wynth sat down on a rock next to it, watching the girl take it in. “You okay Puss?”

She looked at Wynth. “Puss?”

“Aye, it’s a nickname. Think it suits you, if you don’t like it, then too bad.”

The girl blinked and turned to see Sil begin practicing. She sat down on the grass with a frown, staring out at the water.

“Have you ever seen the ocean?”

Wynth shrug. “Nah, seen lakes. Big enough for me. My tribe never made it to the coast… So, what magic you good at? Gotta forgive me, if it suits you, I don’t know much about sea-people.”

~ + - + ~

Tag Becki, blates.

Bredan is an NPC, changed my mind. :3

[Asilynne]

~~Ren Da'Shain~~
An unexpected comfort in the form of a sword...

My people, despite what Ive heard from some others in the short time I had been away from home, do not believe that crying is a weakness. And so thats what I did, behind my lonely tree on the edge of the Warder's Courtyard. I didnt want to be around the others at all, their strange ways and sometimes violent tendencies, it was all so foreign. I had been here hardly a day and already I wanted to go home. I wanted everything to be like it used to be, before my flute had drawn the Aes Sedai....

And yet I knew, if it werent for this Power within me, my brother would be dead. Each of us had our own path, my Father always said. Our paths would take us where the Pattern willed us to be, and perhaps my path was here. Maybe some good would one day come from this, even if I could not see it at the moment.

Then suddenly I realised I wasnt alone.

A sigh of relief sounded from the other side of the tree, freezing me with surprise as I quickly wiped my tears. Slowly and carefully I peeked behind the tree. A thin blond man about my age was there, looking like he had just escaped a very trying experience. My heart clenched with a small bit of fear as he noticed me, and we stared at each other for a moment that seemed to last forever, until I finally found it appropriate to try and break the ice.

"H-hello."

If I thought I was afraid it soon became apparent I wasnt the only one. He leapt away from the tree, stuttering and apologising, and this unexpected display chased the rest of my tears away, as I giggled for the first time since leaving home. It turned out his name was Vitch, and he was an Apprentice Warder here. So he had a sword...

"Um...Mr. Vitch, where is your sword? Men like you have swords dont you?" I studied him carefully. He wasnt like the other men here, they seemed to walk with grace and confidence, and Vitch....well, he just seemed lost and afraid. "Are you here against your will like....like that girl...?" I gulped, remembering the horrible sight, but trying not to start crying again.

Vitch shrugged nervously, looking away and rubbing his arm for a moment. It seemed like he really didnt want to talk about it, and he did look embarrassed about something. Looking him over a bit closer I noticed he had a few scrapes and bruises, and without thinking I put my flute to my lips and began to play. The Power shone within me, though this man could not see it, and I could see my weaves swirl around him gently, seeing him jolt at the feeling of ice water running through his veins as I wove a Healing weave and laid it upon him. They were minor injuries, as my Delving saw, but now he wouldnt be in pain. More than anything, I wanted to ease the pain of others....and I supposed, in a way, that my path had led me here for that very reason.

He looked himself over in surprise as I stopped playing, my weaving finished. "You...you did something to me...you Healed me?" I shied away from his gaze and nodded, a little embarrassed. "Thank you..." He smiled slightly, an occurance that I got the impression was very rare indeed.

I smiled too. The tears were banished, and I felt a bit stronger inside. Even in this strange place good things could happen, like a sprout blooming after a fire. And though I knew I probably wouldnt see this man very often if at all, it felt good to know I wasnt the only one who was afraid.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ah, young awkward moments lol

[Outlaw JT]

Elya Daneiri
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Esyllt sometimes had a way of calming her temper. Never completely, and never without it coming at some minor personal expense to Esyllt, but still. This time the expense had been the tiniest reveal of the accepted's interest in one of the apprentice Warders. Which one she was unable to determine, however, as a distraction pulled everyone away.

Her temper somewhat cooled, though not completely, she quickly amended her plans regarding the most disagreeable Wynth. She supposed the woman's entire personal wardrobe didn't have to suffer a case of spontaneous combustion the next time she opened her dresser. Maybe just a pair of shoes or one of her dresses from back home. She'd make a decision when she got a look for herself at the distasteful accepted's wardrobe. For now, there was commotion and that usually meant something interesting that she wasn't supposed to see was going on.

Elya being herself, she couldn't resist for a second and with all the ruckus no one thought to steer the novices away from the scene. She observed it from the back of the crowd, not wanting to draw any undo attention to herself.

The scene was decidedly unsettling. Some poor girl, close to her own age she wagered, was being dragged to the White Tower quite by force. She secretly shot daggers with her eyes at the Mistress of Novices the way she bound the poor frightened thing. Aes Sedai, adamant though they were about 'encouraging' all women who can channel to join them was still supposed to be a choice. All the women here she knew had made that choice, though in some instances it seemed less of a choice than others. This girl had clearly not chosen this path in any way. If she heard correctly, the girl truly had no business being here at all. She knew about windfinders from living in Ebou Dar. The sea people traded there frequently. If she was a Windfinder as she claimed her being here was an affront and a political fiasco. The willful kidnapping of another civilization's citizen. One of the few not associated with the White Tower at that. If the girl was speaking the truth, she wondered how the Mistress of Novices could treat her so. Elya would definitely need to investigate the matter more thoroughly when she could do so unseen.

In the meantime, she had more work than four girls could complete without the power to do before bed tonight....... perhaps the whole wardrobe after all........ she'd have to decide when she got a better look. She turned and started on her way but paused as something caught her attention. Off to the side of the courtyard nearest her exit she saw one of the new novices sitting by a tree with one of the apprentice warders. Fraternizing with them was a breaking of the rules of itself without considering what happened next. The girl channeled to heal wounds that at worst would have mended themselves completely inside a week. And just after hearing the severity of punishment for channeling without permission. Opportunity always seemed to knock just at the right moment for her.

"Lovely day. Sorry, mister apprentice but we have our duties to be about," Elya said cheerfully as she swooped in and locked arms with the bewildered girl.

Before she could even mumble a sentence Elya was dragging her away into the Tower. The girl did manage to wave and get out a swift farewell before they were out of sight and moving through corridors. Elya dragged her along carefully. She wasn't rough or hard in her handling of the clearly startled girl but neither was she lenient enough to allow room for the girl to slip away. As soon as they were sufficiently out of range for any form of observation she stopped and turned to the poor girl.

"I am Elya Daneiri. You're one of the new girls, yes?" she said cheerfully.

"Yes. M-my name is Ren. Ren Da'Shain," the girl answered hesitantly, looking about as if for some relief or escape from this intense young novice.

"Well Ren, you don't learn very fast, do you. Not an hour ago you saw Wynth hand down four days work to be completed in one for channeling without permission and already you set about it yourself. And in a courtyard filled with a couple of Aes Sedai, a handful of Warders and over a dozen accepted and novices in it. Not to mention chatting up one of the boys. We're not normally even supposed to see them, let alone talk to them. Your first day and already you're looking to set the record for getting in trouble," Elya said directly with a tone as though she was politely dressing down the girl for her discretions.

"But.... h-he was hurt. I was just mending his wounds," Ren tried to object but she clearly felt cornered.

"Wounds that would've healed on their own accord inside a week. Wounds that are meant to be part of the lesson for those boys so they don't repeat their mistakes," Elya said almost sternly.

For a moment she stood there over poor Ren with eyes not unlike those Wynth had shot her. She held the look just long enough to ensure Ren felt how much trouble she was in and then Elya's expression broke. It lightened instantly and she smiled a sort of warm smile that also held a bit of mischief. A smile that said she wasn't really going to turn the girl in but she did have something in mind.

"Well, you're lucky day I was the one that saw you. Since Wynth issued more punishment than an Accepted is supposed to be allowed to I think it appropriate to measure it out more evenly. Instead of you turning in for your own punishment and there being eight times the work for two girls to do in one day, we can simply split mine so there's only two times the work for two girls in one day. And, unless someone notices you cleaning your record stays crystal clear and untarnished with the Mistress of Novices. Something I assure you you want dearly," Elya said with a quiet cheerful mischievousness. "So, what do you say? Oh, and if you say yes and someone does catch you at your half of the cleaning you just answer with the truth just as an Aes Sedai would. They ask why you're cleaning you say 'It's punishment for channeling without permission' word for word and not a syllable more. Something you learn real quick here, for women who can't physically tell a lie Aes Sedai are the best liars in the whole Pattern."

[Mystic_clown]

Vitch Nyora
--------------------------------------

It felt strange for him, having the weave performed on him for the first time. He shyly looked up at the novice, Ren. She seemed very nice. She wasn’t looking down on him or anything. Something about her made him feel at ease, at least a little.

“You got those injuries from training…right?” Ren spoke up. Vitch blushed lightly.

“Um…yeah.” He replied quietly, “I-I’m not really that good at it.” Ren could seem to tell that Vitch didn’t really like speaking about his training and wisely steered away from the subject. But what were two people who barely knew eachother going to talk about?

“So, um…” She was then cut off by another voice.

"Lovely day. Sorry, mister apprentice but we have our duties to be about,"

Vitch blinked as another woman swooped in and promptly dragged Ren away, leaving the bewildered apprentice behind.

“Um…bye?” he murmured. That was a little strange.

“Hehe, way to go Casanova.’

Vitch yelped and jumped back to see none other than Winston and Reens, grinning as they leaned against a tree.

“H-how long have you two been standing there?” he spluttered, his face going bright red.

“Long enough to see your little ‘conversation’ with the novice,” Reens pointed out. Vitch suddenly felt very, VERY embarrassed. Winston laughed and patted Vitch on the back.

“Don’t worry about it. We wont say anything. Who knows, you might even end up becoming HER warder.”

That made Vitch’s blush worsen, which made the other two apprentices laugh.

“Come on, we’d better get back to training before Eldar finds out we’re gone.”

[Asilynne]

~~Ren Da'Shain~~
Covering a broken rule by breaking another...

I wished that I could crawl inside myself and disappear.

This whole first day at the tower was nothing but shock and uncertainty, made worse by the pangs of homesickness. Was there no one I could turn to? It seemed everyone here at the Tower had their own agenda, deceit and maliciousness being woven just as much as the Power. Elya was a novice like me, she had seemed nice, but now with her dragging me away, giving me that look...I was scared. And even when she smiled again, the smile never reached her eyes. I could feel that inner slyness, the snake was still coiled and ready to strike.

"I know I shouldnt have channeled...I know not to talk to the men...but I was hiding and he..." Talking about the young man Vitch made me think of him, and my thoughts trailed off. HE at least seemed honest, he seemed like me in a way, we were both here by obligation, we both didnt seem to belong. He seemed nice...

....and as I drew my eyes upward to look at Elya's it amazed me how strikingly different the two were. She was smiling, she spoke sweetly, but she was not nice. Not at all.

"It doesnt feel right Elya." Elya furrowed her eyebrows and gave me a hard look, that almost seemed to stab me.
"Oh? And breaking rules feels right to you? Getting punished by the Mistress of Novices seems right? This way you are helping yourself and a fellow Novice after receiving such an unfair punishment. Im doing you a favor since you're new, and I expected a bit more gratitude."

I shook my head. "Um....no, Ive already broken two rules. I think we would both get into trouble if I broke another one." Part of me wanted to wither under the burning gaze she now gave me, seeming to grow more angry and uncomfortable with every word I said. Part of me wanted to scurry like a mouse and do as she said. But despite what the rest of the world thought, my people did not survive this long without strength. Yes, if Elya were to hit me, I would run away, or take the beating without hitting back. But I could not and would not allow my will to be dominated, not when her 'request' went against my core values. Trying to draw myself up to look into her eyes, I spoke to her in a voice that was not without a slight quiver. "I will be punished no matter what I do....but I would rather accept it straight away than hide from it only to be punished anyway. 'The Way of the Leaf is not only to do no violence,' " I took a deep breath, "'but to accept what comes. The leaf falls in its proper time, uncomplaining.' And so I must also do."

I strode away from her as she sputtered angrily, starting after me as I spotted an Aes Sedai which had wandered into this section of the Tower that Elya had dragged me. Before she could ask us any questions I stood before her and spoke, feeling close to tears but willing myself to be brave and keep my voice relatively normal. "Miss Sedai...I have broken a rule...well, two I suppose..."

The Aes Sedai shifted her yellow shawl on her shoulders and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what would that be child?"
Her gaze was stern but lacking the malice that still simmered under the surface of Elya's neutral expression. Even so I was scared. This was a full Aes Sedai, and if an Accepted could give such a harsh punishment to Elya, what could a full Sister do? "I...met with and Healed a Warder Apprentice with...without permission. I....I know it was against the rules but he was in pain and---"
The Aes Sedai silenced me with a wave of her hand. "You...Healed did you?" Her lips tightened as my flute caught her eye. "The Tinker wilder I see...Well, your first day is a very bad time to begin the bad habit of breaking rules child. Elya, have you been setting a bad example?"

Elya's eyes almost bugged out of her head. "W-what?!" she sputtered briefly before controlling herself once again. "No, Buania-Sedai, I was merely instructing this Novice in the proper rules and customs of the Tower, after catching her in the Warder's Courtyard."
A slight smile tugged at Buania-Sedai's lips. "Oh? And what were you also doing in the Warder's Courtyard?"
Elya's face went red, but before she could answer the Yellow dismissed her, guiding me along down the corridor. "Meeting with the men and Channeling without permission are two very serious rules that should not be broken, especially on one's first day here child." I gulped, knowing that I had gotten myself into big trouble but knowing also that most likely it was better than the alternative. "However, it IS your first day and having come from such....interesting beginnings, one cannot expect you to get everything right straight away. You will learn that good intentions dont always lead to the right path." She stopped me in front of what I recognised as the Mistress of Novices door, a feeling of dismay coming over me. She gave my back a pat, adjusting the Yellow shawl once more as she spoke. "You will be punished, most likely a strapping and a heavy dose of chores. But I have an extra task for you. No matter how tired and sore you are after your inevitable punishments, you must come to the Yellow Ajah quarters an hour before lights out every day for tutoring with me. You will not get much sleep for awhile, Miss Da'Shain."

The Aes Sedai smiled, not unkindly, as she instructed me to wait for the Mistress to return and deliver my punishment. I sighed, trembling a bit from the fear and uncertainty which I was now in, and knowing that no matter what, I had already one enemy within the White Tower. But, thinking back to the young Warder-in-Training Vitch, and the Yellow Ajah Buania-Sedai, I may have gained two friends, tentative as they may be.

And that made all the strappings in the world worth it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whew! Im going to write an NPC profile for Buania-Sedai sometime later ^-^
credit for the text within ' ' =Robert Jordan

[ChobiChibi]

Saril - Windfinder

A magic display, eh? This idea made Saril smile, brushing herself off as she stood up. She didn't really like this robe... It was too long for her liking. It hid too much skin. She'd never maintain her dark complexion if she had to wear this every day...

“Well, we sea-people spend most of our time at sea, obviously...” Saril began, rolling up her sleeves. She noticed that Wynth seemed to be admiring the patterns on her arms. She would explain them later, it was like she already had a lecture formed inside her mind. “We have a system a bit like the tower, actually, with ranks... All the girls aim to become Windfinders, obviously they only succeed if they possess the Power...”

“So that would make you a Windfinder.” Although she was paying utmost attention to Saril, Wynth's eyes were still on the tattoos.

“We have ranks within that, the highest position being the Windfinder to the Mistress of the Ships.” Saril walked a little closer to the water, picking up a stick from the ground. “That's what my mother does.” There was obvious pride in her voice, although the small smile on her face faded for the briefest of moments before returning.

“I guess that makes you a semi-important person...”

“I was quite high up in the ranks, yes. Windfinders weave to control the ocean and the wind, to make the safest and fastest routes. Watch the stick when I throw it in the river...” She turned to face it, but quickly turned back. “I'm not going to get in trouble for this, am I?”

“Nah...” Wynth waved her hand dismissively. “Only if ya were to weave without permission.”

“And this counts as permission?”

“To me it does.” Wynth shrugged. “Now hurry up before I change my mind.”

“Watch the stick...” Saril threw it in the water, waiting until it started going before showing off her talents. She glowed a soft blue as she weaved, the water in the river coming to a complete standstill, the stick just floating there, perfectly still.

“So you can stop the flow of water... Big deal...”

This comment annoyed Saril a little. This took years of practise to be able to get right first time. Holding her concentration, she replied. “It's a river... It... Flows in the same direction... From the mountains, I guess... It's... hard to stop...”

“Struggling a little, are we?”

“Watch it go backwards.”

She concentrated harder, within a matter of a few moments, the water began to flow uphill. Saril noticed, out of the corner of her eye, that Sil stopped his sword waving for a moment to watch. Although he didn't say anything, he seemed silently impressed.

The instant she stopped weaving, the water crashed back down the way it was supposed to go. “Windfinders train to communicate with the fish and mammals of the water, predict the weather, change the weather...” She plonked herself back down next to Wynth on the ground, her anklets chiming. “The others on the ship used to say that it rained whenever I was upset...” She chuckled nervously. “Very cliché, but if it rains tonight, you'll know why.”

She looked up at Sil, who had gone back to his training. It was odd, did he really have nothing at all to say on the subject? Or was he just being cautious around someone new... She'd never really seen a guy like him before, nor with this personality... She was used to men with minds for trading, that were well built from their duties aboard the ship, not ones potentially training for battles, or even war...

Wynth interrupted her thoughts on the man. “You should just get on with it, Puss. Make the most of things while you're here, y'know?”

“Reeeally?” She elongated her vowels to show just how unimpressed she was. “I was doing just fine back home...”

Wynth frowned at her, folding her arms. “Look.” She seemed a little irritated. Saril guessed she wasn't going to like what she heard next. “Whether you like it or not, you're stuck here. Yes I know you didn't choose to come here, and the ocean is probably all great and mystical and wonderful... But face it, Puss. Unless you miraculously escape, which is highly unlikely, or someone comes to rescue you, which is also unlikely because your folk find the land to be scary and unworthy of their feet...” She paused for a moment, trying to get back from her little tangent. “You're stuck here. Bye bye old life, hello new life as a Novice.”

“You don't like to sugar-coat things, do you?” Saril stared out at the water, rubbing her eyes.

“Upset?”

“No...” She turned back to her, forcing a little smile. “Just got itchy eyes...”

“I'll teach ya something new, yeah?” Wynth got to her feet, stretching a little. It was odd. The tone in her voice had changed slightly, but she couldn't put her finger on why...

She felt guilty? Pfft, no, they'd not known each other long enough for that. At least, Wynth didn't give the impression that she would show guilt if she felt it.

But soon, that half hearted smile on Saril's face turned to a grin as she attempted to light things on fire. It was pretty much the polar opposite to what she was used to, but it was actually quite hilarious watching little puffs of smoke wisp in the grass around them.

[Crazy Elf Boy]

~*~*~* Reens Aden *~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“I refuse to train, I will not become a Sedai” came a shout from a girl from across the courtyard.

“What’s going on over there?” asked Winston

“Lets check it out” replied Reens as they walked on over towards the commotion. Winston and Reens hid behind a tree poking their heads out to see what had caused all the fuss. They noticed a very tanned young girl was arguing with Mirajane Sedai.

“This isn’t going to go well for her isn’t it” sighed Reens as he looked at Winston. His fellow warder nodded in agreement as the continued to watch the scene unfold. The young girl managed to put up a bit of a fight but before long she was quashed by Mirajane Sedai and led into the White tower.

“Hmmm wonder what happened there?” asked Winston as he and Reens walked back to the training area.

“Not sure” replied Reens “She was pretty cute though, don’t you think Vitch?” Reens asked as he turned around expecting to see Vitch follow behind them. “Ah, Winston. Where has Vitch gone?”

“Over there” responded Winston as he pointed a finger to a tree not across the other side of the garden. Vitch seemed to be slumped under a tree; a young novice walked over to him and offered him a hand.

“This should be good” laughed Reens in a slightly evil tone. As both he and Winston crept quietly over to a tree behind them to watch the scene unfold. Both Vitch and the Novice seem to coyly dance around one another with their words before she noticed one of his injuries from the sparring match earlier. She sat him down and began weaving mystical threads of energy over the wound magically fixing it.

“Cool” muttered Winston. After it was finished Vitch swung his arm around a little as if he was trying to test it out. This quiet calm however was quickly broken as an older woman appeared behind the pair, grabbed the novice by the ear and dragged her back into the tower.

“Hehe, way to go Casanova.’ Laughed Winston as he and Reens jumped out of their cover much to the embarrassment of Vitch

“H-how long have you two been standing there?” Vitch asked in a weak tone, his entire face turning a bright red tomato colour.

“Long enough to see your little conversation with the novice” replied Reens

“Don’t worry about it. We won’t say anything. Who knows, you might even end up becoming HER warder.” said Winston as he put his shoulders on top of Vitch in a half comforting manner.

“Come on, we’d better get back to training before Eldar finds out we’re gone.” added Reens with a hurried tone looking back over to the group of warders still in the middle of training. The trio pottered back across the courtyard and blended into the mess of other warders gathered around watching other sparing fights.

“See no harm, no foul” whispered Winston as he tried to concentrate on the fighting going on before them.

“These two guys aren’t too bad” commented Reens watching the warders in the ring duking it out with one another. The warders seem to dance around one another before one of the managed to kick other down and stood up straight, an expression of victory pasted across his face.

“Yeh” replied Vitch, his tone of voice trailing off as if he has something else on his mind (probably that novice) “One thing puzzles me though”

“What’s that?” asked Winston as he directed his attention to Vitch.

“Where has Eldar gone?”

“Hmm, that is a good question” added Reens as he tried to look above the crowd of warders trying to see their teacher. Suddenly a large shadow crept over the trio of warders as if a group of clouds was blocking out the sunlight.

“Oh” sighed Winston “It looks like its going to rai…..” but something seems to have cut him of mid sentence.

“What is it Winsto….” Asked Vitch as he turned around the same silence beginning to affect him as well.

“What is it guys?” questioned Reens as he began to turn around. “Why did you sto….” Reens finally realised why his two friends hadn’t responded, Eldar was standing right behind them. The warder towering over the trio with his massive statue and a look of anger on his face. “Ah Hello” that was all Reens managed to get out before he was interrupted.

“Reens, Vitch, Winston. You three see me after training” boomed Eldar’s loud voice. The three of them gulped and nodded before turning back around with a slight look of fear on their faces. Once they had turned back around they could see the rest of the novice warders looking at them, some laughing amongst them selves. All Reens could muster though was a feeling of guilt as his head hung low.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hope thats all peachy, Tag Ben I guess.

[Mystic_clown]

Vitch Nyora
-------------------------------------

Vitch almost whimpered pitifully as he Winston, and Reens were led by Eldar. He had heard rumours of the harsh punishments that were given out in the tower, not that the training here was a walk in the park anyway. The other apprentices had gone off to rest after training, leaving the three of them wondering what their trainer had in store for them.

The four of them reached a door. Eldar instructed the three to stay put while he went inside.

“Thanks a lot Vitch,” Reens muttured.

“Why are you blaming me for this?” Vitch spluttered.

“You were the one who went off and hit on the novice.”

Vitch’s face went bright red. “I-I did not “hit on her”! and besides, you two didn’t have to follow me!”

“He’s got you there,” Winston replied. Before they could continue, Eldar stepped out of the room. He pointed to Winston and Reens.

“You two, since you decided to skip out on training, you two will be pulling a all nighter tonight.”

Winston and Reens groaned as Eldar led them away. At that point, another woman, an Aes Sedai, stepped out of the room.

“So, Mr. Nyora,” she spoke up, “You think it’s appropriate to break the rules and fraternize with the novices.”

“I-I wasn’t fraternizing, I was just talking!”

“Well, either way, it was against the rules.” She replied, her eyes boring into him. “Now, for your punishment, we have decided that for the next few days, you will not attend training. Instead, you will attend Wynth's weaving class.”

Vitch was a little confused. She wanted her to attend her weaving class? She wanted him to be around all the novices?

He blushed brightly at the thought, causing the woman to smile.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” she said, turning back into her room. Vitch was still confused. Sure, he was shy around women, but how exactly was this a punishment?

Still pondering this, he went to his room to sleep.

-----*~*-----

Tomorrow came a bit too soon for Vitch's liking. As the other apprentices went out to train, Vitch was quietly led through the tower towards the room where the lesson would take place. As they walked through the halls, all the girls they passed couldn't help but stare at him. It was unusual for an apprentice to be here, and to be honest, it was making Vitch uncomfortable. The woman on the other hand seemed delighted in Vitch's discomfort.

Finally, the two reached the door. Without even giving the poor boy a chance to prepare, she opened the door and pulled him in. Almost instantly, every set of eyes focused on him. As he stood there, the woman approached the teacher, Wynth.

"This is the apprentice here for his punishment," she said. Wynth nodded.

"Ok. Just leave him to me." The woman nodded and left, leaving Vitch with every woman staring at him.

Vitch felt really, really small right now.


TAG to anyone in the class.

[Nayia Waterflower aka starmie44]

Esyllt Teardhrin ~ Accepted

~~~~~~~~~~

As Wynth moved towards the Mistress of Novice, Esyllt called softly to the class that Wynth had just dismissed a few moments ago. “All novices, please come with me,” she turned, her arm still wrapped around one of the shocked girls and made her way across the courtyard with the group of unsure novices following behind her.

“Do you girls have a class to attend now?” Esyllt asked the group as they walked. Most girls stayed silence, still unsure about their feelings from what they just saw, but a few replied with a shake of their heads. Nodding her understanding, Esyllt lend them to the door that would lead them back inside the tower.

Before opening the door for the girls, she turned to face the group behind her, “Please get some rest tonight. If you have and questions or concerns about what just happened, feel free to see the Mistress of Novice tomorrow. Sometimes it is best to sleep on such things before taking action.” She smiled kindly at the girls then opened the door, holding it for them as they passed through.

As the last girl passed through, Esyllt made to go through herself yet paused as she heard her name called. Turning back to the courtyard, she spotted Li’Lendra-Sedai waving her over to the training grounds. Signaling that she heard with a nod, Esyllt closed the door to the tower and made her way across the field to Sedai’s side.

“Yes, Li’Lendra-Sedai?” Esyllt greeted with a smile, flowing through the mandatory curtsey with grace.

The Green Sedai returned the smile, her eyes returning to the field to keep an eye on the men training. “I would like you to come here tomorrow morning.”

Esyllt was tempted to ask why the Sedai wished her to pacifically come to the training ground tomorrow morning. Usually the Sedai was content to let she come and go on her free time to watch the men train, so such an order was a bit strange to the accepted.
She was about to speak her mind when a shout from the other end of the field caused her to jump up in surprise.

“Reens, Vitch, Winston! You three see me after training,” Eldar’s booming voice was clear across the training field. Esyllt watched as the three young men stood stiff before Li’Lendra’s Warder, nodding their understanding to the older man before turning to face the field. The men around her seemed to be laughing about the trio getting in trouble.

“So I’ll see you tomorrow morning then Esyllt.” Li’Lendra continued as if there wasn’t a disturbance, a playful smile on her lips as her eyes moved back to Esyllt. Had the Sedai knew that Eldar was about to caught the trio? Esyllt looked back at the trio as Li’Lendra-Sedai watched her. “Oh, and before I forget. You have been given permission to speak with any apprentice warder so long as you have a Sedai in your company.”

Esyllt’s eyes widen in surprise, turning to look back at up at the Green Sedai. “Li’Lendra-Sedai?”

Li’Lendra-Sedai laughed, causing a few men to look our way. “You are aspiring to be of the Green Ajah. Do you really think such a thing can be achieved by sitting pretty on the sidelines?” When Esyllt just continued to stare up at the Sedai in shock, Li’Lendra carry on, “The apprentice warders will be made aware of this exception to the rule after training today. Now I suggest you take your leave and get some rest tonight. You’ll need it for tomorrow.”

Esyllt blinked, letting the dismissal sink in her mind as she curtseyed. “Of course, thank you Li’Lendra-Sedai.” Esyllt turned her back to the field, crossing over to the door that would lead her back into the tower. Her mind wandered the rest of the evening as she tried to study her text in her room, wondering what the Sedai had in store for her the next morning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tag to anyone on the training ground the next morning

[Crystal Tears]

Wynth

Boys.

Wynth clicked her tongue, eyes boring into the boy standing before her. She found herself frowning; he certainly didn’t have the same confident aura the other did from the day before. He stood there, obviously lost on what to do in such a class; she almost smirked, finding his cowardice amusing.

“So, you’re trainin’ to be warder…” Her eyebrow rose just a little.

They must be gettin’ desperate…

“Y-yes…”

Oh ho ho… No confidence?

A couple of the girls snickered. Wynth’s eyes sparkled devilishly.

“And how’s that goin’ for ya?”

“O-oh… Um…”

The accepted didn’t know that men could physically shrink, there were male creatures it the world that could do it. The coast-lemurs, they had the uncanny ability to curl into a tight ball that resembled a coconut. They could stay like that for days until the threat past.

This boy reminded her of those lemurs.

“Not that good I take it.”

He blushed and lightly shrugged

“Maybe he should sit near Ren…” Elya snickered, causing Ren to blush and the others to laugh.

That blush Vitch had deepened, he gulped when Wynth glanced at the now embarrassed girl.

“Oh, are you the trainee she got in trouble for speakin’ too?”

“Uh…” He simply nodded.

“Tis amazing to me that the gods gave you a tongue, seein’ as you never use it.” She turned from him then, gesturing for him to sit his sorry butt down in the far corner. The girls in the class watched him until Wynth plopped down on the desk at the head of the room.

“Right then, what did I say I was gonna teach ya this class?”

“Controlling butterflies.” Elya spoke, slumping a tad.

She looked tired.

“And how did cleaning go for ya?”

The girl stopped and looked a little miffed. “Fine.”

“Didn’t get it done did ya?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because it was an impossible task, not without channeling or aid from others.”

“And ya didn’t channel?”

“No.” Elya’s expression worsened from irritation to frustration. “I didn’t.”

“Good.” Wynth smirked, “guess you learned then.”

“You’re not going to report me?”

“Nah,” the instructor stretched, wiggling her toes in her slippers. “Just fun to see your face.”

The girl didn’t look angry anymore, she looked sort of surprised. With that she seemed to settle down, but not before hiking up her skirt to what she considered a better level. Wynth scanned the rest of the class, most looked either bored or interested, Saril in particular, looked miserable and Ren kept glancing at the trainee in the corner.

The woman rolled her eyes, and slunk up to the table. She rapped her fingers on the desk, causing the tinkerer to jump and look up at her, startled.

“Sorry, did I interrupt you’re boy-gazin’ time?”

Oh, the look on her face made Wynth smile devilishly. Ren looked mortified she had been caught.

“Should I move him to the back of the class? Where you can’t see him?”

“N-no!” Ren gulped, her eyes downcast, she covered up her arms. Or tried too, Wynth could see the bruises and marks, apparently the Mistress hadn’t approved of her spending time with the boy. “I.. I…”

Oh, she beat ya a bit for your eyes wanderin’? Better get over it. If you act like a leaf here, you’re likely to get torn up by hail.

Wynth ignored her, and looked back to the class. “Right, all of you remember how to summon butterflies?”

Most nodded, even Saril. She had taught the girl after they were done trying to light a bush on fire yesterday. Ren murmured a ‘yes’, her eyes still downcast.

“Prove it then, if you’re all so able. But I only wanna see one.”

There were brief flashes of light, a light pop of air pressure changing, or water bursting before the room was filled with butterflies. It also now had the tune of the flute fluttering, and once again Ren’s insect had begun to twirl about her, inspiring the other fluttering bugs to follow.

“Alright, I want y’all to stop your bugs from followin’ Ren’s. Close your eyes, and start thinking ‘stop’.” Wynth watched; arms crossing as she leant up against the bookshelf at the front of the class.

Slowly but surely all but Ren’s butterfly stopped, they just hovered where they were.

“Kay Ren, now you.”

The butterfly slowed, but didn’t stop. Wynth kept quiet, noting how the girl’s face seemed to be deep in thought. The insect didn’t seem to want to stop its enchanting dance; it kept going until finally, after a couple of minutes of intense concentrating, the butterfly fluttered in one spot.

“Good. Work on your control Ren, I don’t want you losin’ control of somethin’ bigger.”

There was a brief moment of determination from Wynth before a ‘caw’ rang through the room. A couple of novices looked up, watching with interest peaked as a rather large black bird swooped down from the ceiling and landed on the desk. Its eyes shined and watched them all intensively, before it hopped over to its summoner, who petted it gently.

“Some of you know Volt, he’s my crow. Very intuitive, don’t piss ‘im off, I’m not likely to stop him from peckin’ your brains out.” She smirked as a few looked worried. “One at a time, I want you to concentrate and tell yer bugs to land on Volt’s beak. Don’t rush it, if you startle ‘im, he’ll eat your summon and you gotta try again.”

The class looked nervous. No one opted to go first.

“Right, Saril can go first then. Bunch of cowards.”

The girl looked rather confident in her abilities, despite her misery. Her focus seemed to home-in on the crow, and slowly her butterfly (made of a beautiful mix between wind and water) began its way towards the bird. It halted once it was about a foot away, turning what appeared to be cautious before attempting to land.

The landing was too sudden for Volt though, who let out a call before snapping the butterfly’s left wing right off as he turned translucent. The insect spiraled helpless to the ground before it vanished in a puff of mist.

“Don’t get too confident,” Wynth spoke. “Sure you can control it, but sometimes it takes a gentle touch to complete a task.”

Saril nodded and frowned as she began to summon another.

“Elya, you’re next.”

Narrowing her eyes, her butterfly crackled with electricity as it meandered over. Volt looked at it cautiously, his eyes gleaming as another sharp bolt of static flew between the butterflies crazed wings. It almost seemed to glide down, landing perfectly on the tip of the crow’s beak.

“Nearly perfect, only ya may of put a little to much of ya own personality in your bug. Lots of energy.”

Elya nodded, and with another concentrated look, her butterfly fluttered back to her.

“Ren, you’re next.”

The watery insect fluttered over, weaving in the air before coming to a halt before Volt. The crow didn’t look at all impressed; such movements inspired him to act accordingly. He wanted to snap at the insect, and any other sharp movements would cause him to do so. Wynth smirked, watching as the butterfly fluttered down and loosely landed on top of the bird’s head.

“Oi, Ren. You missed, I said the beak.”

Ren looked a bit flustered, her cheeks turning red from making the mistake. The butterfly almost seemed to hop, from Volt’s head to his beak. The bird didn’t look impressed, but didn’t snap.

“Right, I suppose that’ll do. Learn to aim, I hear it’s a good trick unless you fancy lighting your warder on fire.”

There was a sputter of something along the lines of ‘look out’ and then a crash. Wynth gritted her teeth, watching as all but Saril’s and Elya’s butterflies disappear in a massive scene of mini-explosions. The accepted growled, narrowing her eyes as Volt took to the air. The crow landed on the table nearest Vitch, cawing loudly and flapping his wings.

Some how, the boy had managed to knock over an entire shelf of books. They were thrown across the floor and one poor desk had broken under the weight of the solid oak shelving-unit. Wynth didn’t at all look happy, her expression turning to irritation.

“Tell me, what was ya name?”

“V-Vitch…”

“Vitch?” Not much for a name. “Fine, Vitch, tell me, what exactly happened?”

“I um… Well…”

Volt kept cawing, fluttering his wings. He seemed to be distracting the boy, Wynth growled.

“Oi, kiddo. I’m talkin’ to ya. Not the bird.” She drew his attention back onto her. She stepped closer, watching him shrink again. “What did the shelf do? Actually…” Her sharp, usually cool eyes turned to daggers. “What did the desk do, ya killed it.”

The class snickered.

“I-It was a-an accident…”

“I bet the desk feels different…” Someone snickered, causing more chuckling.

“Miss De Luun…”

Oh, for the love of Sol, who the hell insists on calling me-

Wynth’s thoughts halted and Volt’s sounds immediately stopped as her eyes fell upon the Aes Sedai standing in the doorway. It was Li’Lendra, one of the few here that Wynth had any respect for. Of course, such respect was earned because the woman had this outstanding ability for being completely appropriate for the occasion. Her eyes were fixed on the accepted, though they briefly flicked to the bird.

“I see Volt is here.”

“Aye, Lendra-Sedai…” Wynth bowed her head quickly. “I’m sorry if he disturbed you.”

“He did not.” The woman replied, stepping into the room with an aura of complete authority. “The loud crash, on the other hand, did.”

“That….” Wynth shot her eyes over to Vitch, who looked ready to drop-dead from a heart attack.

“Ah, this is one of the new warders-in-training?”

“Aye, miss. That is he; he’s quite the warrior. He felled a table usin’ a bookshelf. Awfully cunning.”

She smiled lightly. “So he’s already made a good impression on you, has he?”

“Oh yes,” Wynth clicked her tongue as Volt landed on her shoulder. “Quite the impression…”

“And Volt approves.”

The bird gave the dirtiest of looks to the trainee, before flying off to land on top of the fallen bookshelf.

“Besides that, I’m here to deliver a pass for you. For one day, and it’s only for one time use Miss De Luun, don’t forget that.” She handed Wynth a small card with the symbol of Tar Valon. Though she didn’t express it on her features, the woman’s grey-green eyes lit up excitedly.

“Thank you Lendra-Sedai,” she bowed her head, trying not to smile.

“Don’t get to excited Na’Wynth, it’s for errands. Though I suppose you could pick things up for yourself if you wished.”

Oh! Luun smiles down upon me!

Li’Lendra’s eyes fell back on Vitch. “I trust you’ll clean up your accident apprentice?”

“Y-Yes Lendra-Sedai… I-I’m v-very sorry…”

“Don’t apologize to me, apologize to Miss De Luun, it’s her class you interrupted with your foolishness.”

~ + - + ~

Tag people in my class.

[ChobiChibi]

Saril -Windfinder

To be perfectly honest, Saril wasn't quite sure what to make of the drama that had just occurred in class. She'd never pictured such occurrences to happen in the Tower. To her it was supposed to be some perfect place, where all the little novices practised the same thing over and over again, all stood in rows, like they were choreographing a piece of dance. But no, this was much more fun.

She liked Volt. She didn't even really care that the bird pulled the wing off of her little butterfly summon. But after all this commotion, there her new butterfly was, resting on her head. Hers and that other girl's, Elya she thought her name was. Elya's butterfly wasn't so still, it was fluttering around her head playfully, but she seemed to be concentrating on controlling it. Perhaps it was flying in paths that she intended?

Her interest perked up when she realised that this pass that Wynth had been given meant that she was able to leave the Tower. Was it easy to gain favour? She wanted to know what she'd done... Perhaps demonstrated more advanced skills? She didn't understand how she'd obtained it, but either way, Saril was green with jealousy.

I want one... The girl frowned, her butterfly's wings seeming to be beating faster, even as it was resting there quietly. Perhaps if I impress Li'Lendra-Sedai...

Since Vitch was now apologising to Wynth, she decided it was the perfect time to practise again. Her butterfly took off from on top of her head, fluttering steadily toward Volt.

The bird sort of glared at it as it approached, landing swiftly, but gently, on the his beak. Volt remained still, as though the butterfly was staring back at him. He shifted a little, but the butterfly stayed where it was.

Nobody saw... Li'Lendra had left the room without Saril noticing, Vitch was busy straightening out the room, trembling as he picked up the books, and Wynth's focus was on her ticket to momentary freedom...

Her pride shattered, the butterfly disappeared.

“Bugger off.” Wynth addressed the class suddenly, the girls looking utterly confused. It was way too early for this class to be ending, it seemed like it had only just begun. “Now!”

Most scurried towards the door, but a few lingered for a while.

“I saw what you did.”

Saril turned to the direction of the voice, finding it to be Ren. She smiled sheepishly, before continuing. “H-how did you do it? I-I was way off...”

“I just... Did it.” Saril shrugged, unable to keep the little smile appearing on her face. She was feeling better now, even if only one girl noticed her improvements, it meant that someday everyone would know how good she was...

Not that she wanted to do well. No. She wanted to do whatever she could to get one of those day passes and just run.

“Ren...” Saril waited for the girl to turn around, she was just heading out the room. “Do you think she'd take me with her?”

“W-what?”

“Miss De Luun...” She nodded towards Wynth, who was showing her pass to Volt, but then quickly put it away out of sight. “Do you think she'd take me to the city with her?”

“I'm pretty sure it's against the rules...” Ren replied, shuffling nervously. “Y-you don't want to get p-punished...”

“I could always ask though, right?” Saril was more pondering to herself than asking Ren, but she still replied.

“It could be risky...”

“I know you probably know my name from class, but I'm Saril.” She introduced herself as they headed out of the classroom, finding this was probably the best way to attempt to make some friends. “Just wanted to introduce myself formally, y'know?”

“I'm Ren...” For a moment, the girl's gaze met the floor, as if she was embarrassed. “You're the girl that got dragged here yesterday, aren't you?”

“Yeah... About that...”

“What happened? Why'd they bring you here?”

“Well-”

“Oi, you two!” Wynth thankfully interrupted. Saril didn't feel like story telling. “What are ya still doing here? Scram!”

Now was her chance to ask. “Miss De-”

Saril was shot the sharpest glare she'd ever received, so stopped talking very quickly and tried again. “Na'Wy-”

Her eyes narrowed further. Saril gulped, unsure of what exactly she was doing wrong. “Wynth?”

Wynth's expression lightened. This was a relief, she wasn't sure if the girl could possibly make her eyes any narrower. “What?”

“I was wondering if it was possible to accompany you on your trip into the city? It's just-”

“No.”

“- I've never really been to a land city before and-”

“No.”

“- I'd like to see what-”

“No.”

“Saril...” Ren said quietly, nervous.

“-it's like...”

“For the last time, no.”

“I-I told you, it's against the rules.” Ren piped up.

The windfinder sighed. “It was worth a try...”

“Like you'd stay with me even if ya were allowed.” Wynth smirked, folding her arms.

Damn... She saw straight through me... Saril thought, but to be honest she wasn't surprized. After her display of protest the day before, nobody in their right mind would trust her.

“Nevermind...” Saril shrugged, defeated. “I'll get to go one day.” She turned to leave. “Although... You could get me something.”

“What?!” Wynth laughed, obviously not believing her ears. “Are ya serious?”

“Yeah... I want to learn about the city, you could bring me something from it.” Saril reasoned, pouting a little.

“B-but that's not allowed either!” Ren protested. “They took everything away from us when we entered the Tower...”

“Really?” Saril smirked, wriggling her foot. The bangles jingled as she tucked her hair behind her ear, revealing many earrings. “I wasn't gonna let them touch this, shows my rank.”

Ren looked a little confused. It was then Saril realised that none of the people in this damned Tower knew anything about her culture, much like she knew nothing about them. Nor did she feel like explaining.

“Aye, I'll get ya somethin'.” Wynth nodded. “But ya owe me...”

Saril blinked in surprise. “Y-yeah! It's a deal!”

“But dear Sol, if anyone finds out-”

“I know...” Well no, she didn't know. But she assumed that bad things would come her way if she disappointed Wynth.

“An' you.” She pointed at Ren. “Not a word to anyone.”

~~

My last post before I go away, look after her for me :3

[Weasel Overlord]

blah post is blah.

Aethar Rendhrian Kallessan
forza del destino

Aethar clucked his tongue in his curious fashion and Dhriedh whickered a greeting from the farrier's stall. He trod softly so as to not startle the other horses in the stable, making nary a rustle on the spread straw as he went. He held out his hand to Dhriedh, who stretched his neck gladly to meet it. Velvet met skin and Aethar sighed at the reunion.

Though it had only been a day since they were last together, the time always felt like it stretched out for eternity. But that was in the past now, and they were together again, and Dhriedh was new-shod like the first day they went riding together.

Aethar had made certain that this farrier was the best he could find, and he had paid the man handsomely for his time and efforts, something which always paid off. A farrier who was grateful for your service was a farrier who would repeat a good job time and time again.

The familiar ritual of saddling and walking and leading and finally mounting soothed Aethar, and they cantered through the city with a will to leave, hardly noting the scenery around them. It had been a full two days since they had left for this errand; the ride to the city was the best part of a day at their pacing – Dhriedh's stride was long – and Aethar was looking forward to the ride back, which would take up the remainder of his leave.

When they broke the bounds of the city, Aethar glanced upwards at the sky. The gathering clouds brought gloom with them, and he sighed; only glad that he had thought to bring a thick cloak and a floppy travelling hat with him. He fastened the string of the hat under his chin and gathered the cloak about him just as the first spats of rain hit his bared skin. He leant forward and whispered a word to Dhriedh, who put on a burst of speed – not enough to tire, but enough that they would make good time.

The feeling of Dhriedh's muscles flowing underneath Aethar lulled him near as much as the sound of the rain did and the distance flashed by with the lightning. Aethar did not fear lightning, just as he did not fear thunder. For a Kallessan, there were worse things to fear. The laming of your mount, the failure of your skill in battle, the shame of defeat. Mere noise and light were nothing compared to these.

- - -

They pulled up outside the Tower just as the sun was setting. The sky was an ominous shade of greened grey, and the tall white gates were closed. Dhriedh pulled a flashy rear and danced on his heels, and Aethar hollered through his cupped hands.

The gates swung open in answer, and they cantered inside. A ride like that was not enough to make Dhriedh completely footsore, but he was grateful to come to a halt in the courtyard. Aethar dismounted, and they walked to the stables. He was supposed to report that he was back, but the care of his mount came first, and he did not care who knew it. At this point in his tenure, most of the higher ups knew this anyway, and they allowed him some scant leeway in punctuality when it came to taking care of Dhriedh.

His back was turned, and Aethar did not see who it was stood by the door. The first he knew of another's presence was a pointed cough.

tag random person #257

[Crystal Tears]

Wynth

Not-Quite-A-Knight

She had abruptly ended her class due to the discovery she could, even if it was temporary, escape this hellhole. Wynth had seen right through Saril’s not-so-clever plan, and instead the girl had vouched for something. At the moment, the accepted wasn’t leaving the grounds; instead she was wandering about them. Something was bothering her, but for the life of her she couldn’t figure out what it was.

Maybe the notion you can enter the damned city, but not leave? Oh, that got her to frown. She snorted, shooting a sideways glance at one of the new apprentice warders before she leaned on the wooden fence of the paddock. A few horses were in the field, grazing away.

Horses had been one of the most expensive and respected things within her tribe. Her family had been blessed to own one, and thus they had been rather well respected. Wynth had never really been taken with the beasts until the incident that started the chain of events that inevitably lead to this bloody tower. Now she enjoyed watching them, remembering the animal she used to ignore.

“Just a horse, ya don’t even ride it.”

“Just a horse? Na’Wynth have you no respect for tradition at all?”

“I got respect for tradition, not silly superstitions.”

That hadn’t gone over well with her father. He had never really been pleased with her, she had picked up on her mother’s undeniable accent and attitude, though as Wynth had grown that attitude had just festered and grown more ugly. Not that the woman had cared, if people didn’t like it, they could bite her.

With a hint of nostalgia, Wynth concentrated. Secretly thankful for the two warders near-by; who were discussing random things. There was a short whinny and standing in front of the woman was a pony. Much smaller then any of the horses here, it had a shiny, chocolate-brown coat with an overgrown, messy brown and blond mane. The creature looked up at her, snorting.

“Oh, well…” She glanced at the horses. “I guess I coulda tried to make ya taller, aye?”

It made a sound that Wynth supposed was agreement, before it turned and clip-clopped into the stable. The gypsy frowned, stomping after it.

“Oi! Get back here ya good for nothing….” She trailed off her order as both she and the miniature-horse came to a halt. Before them was a man and his stallion, he looked as if he had just arrived, unpacking his horse and beginning to brush its coat. The pony glanced back at Wynth, dark eyes shining deviously before it began to trot towards the man.

Oh… Wynth grumbled, concentrating. Stop. NOW.

The pony faltered, standing perfectly still. In it’s mouth was a piece of the bridle the man had removed. It looked back at Na’Wynth waiting for it’s next command.

Sensational, the mini-horse is a bloody thief. Wynth quietly began to move closer. Give it back.

The pony didn’t budge.

Oh for the love of Luun, give the damn thing back to him!

Nope. The woman made note to write down how difficult a pony was to control before heading towards it. Clicking her tongue, she took the contraption and the paused. It wasn’t in her nature to hesitate, but this man looked like a full-blown knight (or at least some uppity soldier). She had only seen a few, all clad in armour and prancing around on their fancy horses.

And his horse was definitely fancy.

Rich soldier? Or a half-dressed Knight? Doesn’t matter.

So he was a tad intimidating because he was probably skilled at killing people. Wynth was rather good at slaying people, so if worse came to worse, she’d die via a sword to her neck and he’d die by fire. At least they’d be even.

She coughed, catching his attention.

“This is yours.” Wynth comment dryly, holding up the bit of the bridle and leather strapping.

“I…” He glanced at where he had been placing his tack. “How did you…?”

“Him.” Wynth gestured next to her, and the knight (or soldier) looked. He blinked, before his eyes slowly cast down to the tiny pony that was gazing up at him, fascinated. “Don’t take it to heart, the thing finds anything shiny fascinatin’. You’re all clad in your armour, ya look like a bleedin’ treasure chest to ‘im.”

“Ah, then I apologize for causing you or your pony any sort of trouble.”

Na’Wynth raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. The pony mimicked her attitude, seemingly suddenly suspicious. “You talk like one of them knights from outside this place, are you here on some royal decree?”

Whoever he was, seemed taken aback by her words. He shook his head. “No, I am no knight milady.”

Milady? And he’s not a knight?

“No?” Wynth moved to the side of him, looking him up and down importantly. Even his horse had an aura of ‘better’ around it. “Ya sure seem like one, what are ya then?
Some returnin’ Warder?”

That seemed to add to the man’s embarrassment, the faint blush on his cheeks turned more prominent. “I’m afraid not milady, I’m only an apprentice.”

The woman blinked, now it was her turn to look lost. “Just an apprentice?”

“Yes madam.”

Na’Wynth’s eye twitched irritably. “Oh what’s with the titles? I’m Wynth; I’m surprised some other apprentices haven’t complained about me.” She clicked her tongue. “Who are you then? Or shall I just call you the not-quite-a-knight man?”

He chuckled, bowing his head. “I am Aethar Rendhrian Kallessan.”

“Wow,” She smirked. “And you remember all that? I’m just gonna call ya Knight.”

He smiled at her, and Wynth found herself a little flustered. “Right, who’s this?” She gestured to the stallion.

“Oh, forgive me.” He gently patted the beast on the neck. “This is Dhriedh, my closest and most trusted friend.”

Oh so he talks to animals…

“Ah.” Wynth gave them a look over once again. “You sure ya ain’t a knight?”

“Positive mi-.. Wynth.” His eyes fell to the small pony that was inspecting Dhriedh. “And this is?”

“Oh, uh…” She frowned at the little monster. “He don’t got a name, not yet. Kinda just… Appeared.”

“Appeared?”

Wynth gritted her teeth a little. “He’s a summon, ya know? A weave? He ain’t a normal… Pony.”

“I was under the impression that a weaved animal, wasn’t an animal.” Aethar stated, he didn’t sound rude or condescending about it. But that very sense of thinking infuriated Wynth, what made her creatures any less real then ones born from a womb on this world? Apparently, her emotions showed through, because the man was quick to apologize. “I’m sorry if I offended you, it wasn’t my intention.”

“It’s not you.” Wynth growled, releasing her summon. The pony vanished, turning into white smoke before it faded. “Just them who teach that way of thought.”

“You don’t agree with them,” he half smiled.

“Ya got a lot to learn Knight,” Wynth countered, paying her nail some attention before she looked at him with slightly narrowed eyes. “Where are you comin’ from anyways?”

~ + - - + ~

Tag Kirst? Or anyone who wants to intrude? O.o Yeah, I decided not to use Bredan... I like Wynth too much. :3

[Asilynne]

~~Ren Da'Shain~~
Consequences are all part of the Pattern...

Last night was my first night here, and would have been hard enough without the events of the day. But as it was, it was even harder. The strapping left me sore, bruising my body and my soul with the violence, and when that was done I was sent off to do harsh chores in the kitchens, scrubbing pots and the like. And after body and soul were both weary, my face streaked with soot and tears, I had just enough time to wash with a washcloth my face and hands before grabbing my flute to visit the Yellow sister which had summoned me earlier that day. We trained a few hours into the night, as I learned a few healing weaves, and attempted to break through my block which was very frustrating and unsuccessful.

When I finally was released back to my small room in the novices quarters, it was well past lights out and I was given a candle to make my way in the dark. Once in my room I donned my shift and laid forward on my bed, wincing at the bruises. Weary and drained, I cried myself to sleep.

The next day in class I was very nervous. I didnt want to break anymore rules, and so I vowed I would do my best to deal with this new society I found myself in. Which meant that even though Vitch had seemed like a nice person and a friend, I would most likely never be allowed to see him again. But to my surprise, the door to class had opened and Vitch entered, equally as nervous as me it seemed to be in there. My eyes involuntarily locked on him, as if clinging to a branch during a hurricane. In this strange place, he had been a kindness, a calm prescence. And then I realised I had been staring as Wynth brought attention to it to the whole class.

Needless to say I was a bit nervous and as a result my focus was a bit off. I didnt preform as well as I had the day before, possibly due to exhastion but most likely to my emotional turmoil. It didnt seem fair to me that the boys and us had to remain seperate, when we would one day have to work together. There were just so many rules, and though I wished I could talk to him. I stayed good, even though I gave him glances every now and then. It seemed like he noticed how weary and upset I was, and as I kept glancing at him, he made small Warder-like poses, smiling slightly. A smile tugged at my lips, and I tried to pay attention to everyone elses weaves but it tickled me that he was trying to cheer me up. As their butterflies traveled across the room, he made a butterfly motion with his hands, casting a small shadow that looked just like one on the wall he was near.

But then it was my turn, and I put my flute to my lips, and concentrated. I put Vitch and his playful actions out of my mind for the moment and tried hard, though I felt a bit better. I still missed, and was about to give it another try when the class was soundly interrupted by a crash. My eyes went to where Vitch was, my concentration broken, as I saw the cause of the crash. A shelving unit had fallen, breaking the desk it was under in two, and Vitch looked as though he was a poor stray dog about to be whipped. I gave him a sympathetic look but I was glad that he wasnt physically hurt.

And soon Wynths wrath was soothed by the Aes Sedai which had entered, as she was given a Day Pass to the city. I overheard her and Saril talking, and noticed it seemed that she wanted to leave the tower for good. Of course I wouldnt tell....I didnt want to get anyone in trouble including myself. And to tell the truth part of me was wanting to leave too. But I didnt see how I would be able to, after seeing what Saril had been through. I was sure I would be free once I had become an Aes Sedai....I just had to make it through the hardships until then. Such were the ways of my people.

Wynth dismissed the class early, giving us all about a half hour of free time before our next class or bout of chores. She and the Aes Sedai left shortly afterward, giving a final set of instructions to the class to remember the rules of no channeling without permission and the like. Briefly I wondered if I should try and talk to Vitch, but the pain and the bruises from the strappings the day before reminded me that may not be a good idea, because what if someone told on me? Nervously, I hung near Saril instead, glancing over at the Warder in training and wishing it was possible to heal ones self.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sorry for the shitty ending to this post but Im getting sleepy x.x Tag Bex and Ben and anyone else still in the class ;D any ideas for what to do with this half hour break in responsibility ;D

[Mystic_clown]

Vitch Nyora
---------------------------------

Vitch sat there quietly, feeling like a complete idiot with himself. How the hell did he manage to knock over a freakin bookshelf and crush a desk? He couldn’t fight to save his life, and yet when it came to furniture, he destroyed everything he touched. Thank god that woman came when she did. He was scared of what Wynth might do to him.

Right now, he was sitting quietly, trying to avoid everyone. He had made himself look like a complete idiot in front of everyone, including the girl he was trying to cheer up. Some warder he’d make. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Ren glancing over at him, standing next to another girl. He wanted to talk to her, to see if he had cheered her up or anything. But in the end, he knew it was a bad idea. He got into this mess talking to her before. And with all these people around, it would only result in more trouble for the two of them. A warder was supposed to keep their charge OUT of trouble.

The rest of the break went by quietly, with Vitch keeping quiet and making sure not to do anything…ever. The rest of the day went by in a similar matter. Vitch was a little relieved to be able to go back to the rest of the warders after the classes were over. At least now he wouldn’t make an idiot of himself.

Oh how wrong he was…

He was greeted with the smiling faces of Winston and Reens.

“So, how were the classes today?” Reens asked. Vitch merely gave a sigh as he moved over to where he slept. His two friends followed him.

“The other apprentices had been talking about it. How you were allowed to spend a whole day with the novices while we trained.”

Vitch merely muttered in response.

“Yeah, they couldn’t believe it,” Reens added with a chuckle, “Vitch Nyoras, one of the scrawniest guys here, a total ladies man. Never say it coming.”

Vitch merely grunted in response. There was a complete silence for a few moments before Vitch suddenly shot upright on his bed.

“What did you just say!?”

As the sun set on this day, Vitch knew that things were going to get worse for him.

Why does everything bad always happen to him?

[Weasel Overlord]

Aethar Rendhrian Kallessan
red moon

“I am originally from Saldaea,” Aethar said, inclining his head politely in the fashion of his people. “But as you may be able to tell from my accent, I've been at the Tower for quite some time now.”

“Nah, I couldn't tell so much, Knight. An' anyway, I meant where've ya been hiding? Not seen ya around much before, see.”

“I took Dhriedh to be re-shod.” Dhriedh ducked his head and whickered in Aethar's ear at the sound of his name, and Aethar reached up to stroke his silken nose. “But before that? I am dedicated to my training. I do not allow myself much in the way of time off. Er.”

“'Ceptin' for drinkin', eh? I know your type.” Wynth grinned.

Aethar ducked his head and shuffled from foot to foot. She was an observant one, no matter whether she'd seen him in the barracks or not. “What can I say, I like the company in the barracks.”

“Not much for women, are ya?”

“It's not that.”

“Ah. Didn't mean to offend ya, Knight, don't get all stuffy on me.”

“You didn't. Er. It's just. Oh never mind.”

Wynth looked at him curiously. “Yer an intriguing one, you are.”

Aethar inclined his head. “So many have said. But I hope you will forgive me, Wynth, but I have to report my return to the Warders.”

“Duty calls an' all that, eh? No worries Knight.” Wynth clapped him on the shoulder and winced as her fingers collided with the greened surface of his pauldron. “Ow,” she said, sucking her fingers.

“I apologise,” Aethar said, and bowed. He turned to Dhriedh, who extended his nose in farewell. Aethar dropped his head so that the bridge of his nose rested against his muzzle for a few seconds and murmured something under his breath. He lifted his head, looked Dhriedh in the eye and then turned to leave.

“I like ya, Knight.” Wynth proclaimed, as he reached the door. “Or at least, I don't dislike ya as much as the rest of yer useless sex.”

“You flatter me,” Aethar replied, his hand on the stable door. “Perhaps you would honour me with a drink sometime.”

Wynth raised her eyebrow and looked so immediately disapproving that Aethar felt as if he had just shrunk to half of his size.

“Er, not that sort of drink,” he said hastily.

She just looked at him.

“I mean, we don't have to. Oh shit. Forget it, then. I must go.” He pushed open the door and stalked outside.

---

Reporting to Warder Eldar took the usual amount of joy out of his day, and Aethar was glad when it was over. He resisted going back to the stable – Dhriedh would not thank him for interrupting his alone-time, and if he was completely honest with himself, he really fancied a drink. The barracks, then.

The squat building almost took away the glory of the White Tower. It was serviceable, and nothing particularly special-looking, but to Aethar, it was almost as good as home, though nothing could ever quite live up to that standard. The walls were as white as the Tower itself, but something about the air of it made them seem more of a redder shade. Aethar had always supposed that it was because of all the Apprentices inside, turning the air red with their cursing and bloodthirstiness, but he suspected that was nothing but a fancy. Didn't stop him being faintly amused by the thought, though.

Inside, he went straight over to the massive cauldron with the direction and tenacity of a homing pigeon. The cooks always kept a homely stew bubbling away, and there were welcome stacks of rough bread scattered around the long tables with pats of butter to go with them. He picked himself a wooden bowl from the side, and scooped out a hefty serving of the stew. Seating himself on the farthest edge of a table, he pulled over some bread and tucked in with the appetite of one who had spent much of the day ahorse.

A pointed “hey!” from the doorway broke him out of his concentration, and his brow creased in a smile. “That's the second time you've accosted me from a doorway today, Wynth. Anyone would think you were afraid of buildings.”

“Shut ya mouth, Knight.”

“Well, don't mind me if I shut my mouth with food, eh? Long ride today, you know.” He winked at her, and she glowered in return. Although, and he wasn't certain on this, it looked like a lesser glower than before. Perhaps she was warming to him.

Aethar shuffled over on the bench and gestured towards Wynth with his bread. “Don't just stand around like an ornament, then. Or are Accepted not allowed to sit next to men, either?”

She didn't deign to answer; only sat herself down and took a breadroll. She bit into it with relish. “I got a day pass, ya know,” she said around her mouthful.

“Mm?” Aethar tried to sound noncommital, but it was hard to tell the nuances of replies when one was speaking them through a mouthful of stewed meat.

“S'pose I could give ya permission ta come.”

“Hm,” he replied, swallowing his stew. “And when would this elusive event take place?”

“T'morrow,” Wynth said, stealing some gravy out of his bowl with the end of her bread.

“Interesting,” Aethar said. “What's the catch?”


Er sorry I didn't interact with anyone else. I figured the rest of the apprentices were in their rooms, and I wasn't sure about any of the other novices.
SIE I hope I did Wynth okay~ <3

[Asilynne]

~~Ren Da'Shain~~
An Almost-Bond for an Almost-Warder...

Without truely knowing why, I kept thinking about Wynth's day pass, and Saril's desire to have one. Of course I wouldnt tell, not about her wanting to escape, though that was something that was widely known as it was. I wouldnt tell either about her request to get something from town, surely there was no harm in that anyway. Against the rules, yes, but despite my wanting to float like a leaf, and my strong desire to not be punished again, there were a few rules I could do without.

One being the rule banning Warders and Novices from seeing each other. I had no inkling of becoming a Green one day, not in the least, but I thought perhaps it would have been a good idea to get to know some of the men who would eventually be in charge of defending your life. Likewise, shouldnt these men get to know the women they would one day be required to defend with their lives? Being a warder as far as I understood it was a lifetime service to the Aes Sedai, a bond which only death could break...or so Ive heard. And who would want to be life bonded to a stranger?

But of course, I did feel a bit guilty, because despite all the good reasons I could come up with, as I had lots of time doing chores to think of, the main reason why I hated that rule was because I was lonely. This was a strange and often unfriendly place, my body, mind and soul were stressed and pushed to the limit on a daily basis, and it would have been nice to be able to talk to someone besides the one who also delivered the lashings. The Mistriss of Novices wasnt all that bad of a person, but I still had no desire to confide in her, after that first night I was here.

And so thoughout the day's chores and lessons, my mind continually drifted back to the two subjects of day passes and warders, until my last lesson of the day, the private lesson with the Yellow sister. After an hour of trying to break through my block, which included playing an imaginary flute and trying to channel (and failing), my instructor gave a frustrated sigh.

"Your block is stubborn indeed child. It seems itll take more than a few days to break through, which may be months or even years." I began to feel dispair, how would I even become an Aes Sedai and leave the tower if I couldnt even channel without a simple flute? But then I noticed Buania-Sedai looking thoughtful, as she fingered the yellow fringe of her shawl. "Yes, perhaps that would be best..." she said finally, as if coming to a decision after an inner debate. "Pay close attention child, Im about to teach you a weave which will be very important to you until this block is broken."

She wove a complex net of Spirit, and gently laid it onto a metal ring she had taken off her finger and laid upon the table. "This weave is a Finder weave. It can be laid onto a non metal object, however a metal one will never fade, whereas anything else may fade over time. Use this weave on your flute, so you will always know its exact location afterwards. This way," the Yellow Sister smiled kindly, patting my shoulder. "You will never be helpless, or unable to complete a lesson should your flute ever become 'misplaced'."

I nodded, and after a couple tries, finally got the weave to lay properly on my metal flute. Suddenly I became...aware of it. It wasnt like a Warder bond of course, the metal had no emotions or feelings. But I knew it was there, without looking at it, and I could find it in the dark or blindfolded no matter where it was. It was amazing. "Thank you...." I whispered, holding my flute close to me and giving Buania-Sedai a shy smile.

She nodded and decided to dismiss our session, sending me with a candle once again back to the novice quarters. As I lay in my small bed, drawing the sheets close around me to try and cut the drafty chill, my thoughts returned once again to Wynth's day trip. How I wish I could go...

How I wish she could bring me something....

How I wish...

Suddenly I sat bolt upright in my bed as the features of the day seemed to click together. Of course! Thats what I could do! But I would need to get up extra early to catch Wynth before she left in the morning. I could barely sleep that night as a mix between fear and excitement kept me awake.

I mustve drifted off however as I awoke sometime later to see the milky twilight of dawn beginning to melt into the starry sky outside my small windows. Quickly donning my Novice's dress and grabbing my flute I hurried out to Wynth's classroom, hoping any passing Aes Sedai would assume I was on some sort of errand. Finally reaching the door I saw her dressed in colorful clothes, ready to go out into town, and gathering some of her last minute belongings. "Aye, Tinker, your up early. Ya know ya cant come along dontcha? I already told Puss she couldnt come."

I half-curtsied before I remembered she didnt like that, straightening and nodding to her softly. "I..I know Wynth. I was just wondering..."

She stared at me as I trailed off, almost afraid to ask, dreading being told no. After a moment she raised her eyebrow. "Did a raven steal yer voice, Tink? Come out with it, Ive got to go soon, he...er...I cant keep my escort waiting..."

"Um, well...I would like something from town if ...if you can." I gulped and took a deep breath, hoping she wouldnt ask too many questions about what it was for and why I needed such an unusual request.

"I need a ring...it has to be metal, and not too small. Please Wynth?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


hehheehhehe ;D I had this idea at work and I cant pass it up! Notice to everyone btw, once Wynths day pass is up there is going to be a surprise in this rpg so if you wanted to do something now would be the time mwahaha

[Mystic_clown]

Vitch Nyora
------------------------------------

Today was not seeming any better than it was last night. Word had gotten around about his ‘class’ with the novices and all of a sudden every apprentice was treating him like he was some kind of ladies man. HIM. The guy who could barely fight! Man, people must have some very overactive imaginations.

Now they were standing around in the training grounds, waiting for their trainer. They had been told something special for their training was being planned.

Their trainer came in, a small smirk on his face.

‘Alright boys. Guess what we’ve got planned for you?”

The novices murmured amongst themselves, trying to figure out what was planned. Vitch was starting to get a bad feeling. Whenever he smirked, it was never good for him.

”At the moment, we are setting up a large obstacle course around the tower grounds. It will be a race to see who can get through it all the fastest.”

His smirk widened.

“And for extra encouragement, the novices and accepted will be watching.”

Vitch groaned as he felt many eyes turn to him. Great. Now he was going to look pathetic in front of the entire tower. As if he needed more of that.

“Also,” the trainer spoke up, “I have been informed to tell you, that if you see any suspicious strangers on the tower grounds, you are to report it to myself or any of the other teachers immediately.”

There was some more murmuring amongst the apprentices.

“Has something happened?” one asked.

“I’m afraid I can’t tell you,” he replied, “Now, all of you, get ready for the course.”

Feeling they shouldn’t ask more, but still curious, the apprentices dispersed, limbering themselves up for the course.

Vitch groaned. This was not going to end well.

[Crystal Tears]

. : + ~ Wynth ~ + : .

What was this? Everyone finds out she’s going out and suddenly everyone wants something? She only had so much coin, and it wasn’t something she usually spent on other people. She frowned at Ren, tempted to tell the girl to piss off and get someone else to be her little ring fetcher. Wynth raised a brow at the suggestion, it was unusual, but seeing how attached this girl had become to that stupid boy from before; she had an inkling of an idea why Ren wanted to ring.

She schemes, cunning little leaf you are.

“Alright, but ya owe me. Got that?” She watched Ren nodded quickly. “Alright, now git. I ain’t coverin’ for ya if some Aes Sedai sees you.”

The smile on Ren’s face reminded Wynth of the children in her village and how innocent (or naive) they could be. The girl scurried off quickly, disappearing back down the halls. She bit her tongue, wondering if the years spent in this god-awful place had softened her a tad before fixing one of her rings.

Probably not, you’ll hold ‘er to ‘er word. She owes ya now. Poor girl.

~ + ~

Leaving the grounds was something Wynth readily enjoyed. She had brought Aethar along, spinning some tale about needed defending or something just in case. There wasn’t one much could do if she was harassed by the locals, not legitimately anyways. Gods forbid you did the smart thing and acted before your opponent, that was a bloody sin.

Reaching one of the many ‘main’ squares of the city, Wynth bolted. Aethar yelped and perhaps called out something of surprise, but Na’Wynth would have none of it. She easily weaved through the crowd, almost dancing around some folk before skillfully sliding underneath an oak table the carpenters were carrying out to the cart to haul it somewhere.

The action hurt her knees, but she didn’t stop. She kept running, bounding over a few bent over people before she could see it.

The gates.

Massive in stature, and almost forbidding. They were grand in all ways, including the way they kept everyone trapped inside. She imagined they opened at points, but right now this entrance was closed. Something in her had hoped it would be open, letting her escape the tower and the clutches of her Aes Sedai masters.

Wasn’t born to be a slave.

People were giving her an odd look now, including a few guards. Her heart pounding she practically slammed into the gates, grasping two white bars of the contraption as she gazed out. Fields and roads were before her, a forest in the distance, and past that a mountain. Wynth’s heart hitched, and she cursed the gate. Why wasn’t it open? Why was it, that no matter how hard she tried she was doomed to remain her.

Make me a bird. She pleaded to Luun, as her knees buckled from exhaustion and she slid down, one hand still helplessly on the bar. Turn me into a damned sparrow; let me fly away from here…

“Wynth,”

It was Aethar’s voice, a little quieter then usual. Wynth smirked, her closed eyes slowly opened to see the cobblestone below her. She chuckled, helplessly. There was nothing more that she could do, just hope that the gods were grant her wish and take her away from here.

How many more souls gotta be lost or condemned before they see the tower’s wrong?

“Do you hate this place so?” He questioned.

“Aye,” She answered with a half-hearted smile. “Freedom isn’t somethin’ they give here. They take it away, one little step at a time.”

Beating after beating, Na’Wynth had endured so much at this tower. She was sure there were sadder tales then her’s, but those people eventually gave up. Their liberty and freedom, everything that made a person whole, taken away by a few mages who imposed themselves on everyone.

“Why can’t I go?”

“You’ll leave in time.”

“I want to leave now, ya know, today.”

That was years ago, time that blurred. Wynth gritted her teeth, feeling heat on her hand from where her accidental weave began to singe the gate. She stared at it, blinking. Slowly she took her hand away and flipped it over, starring at her palm curiously. A quick glance behind show no men around her, and Aethar had wisely chosen to keep his distance.

Too far to let me weave… So…

She tried again, seeing miniscule sparks and smoke escape her palm.

“Aethar,” She questioned, standing up slowly. Wynth looked back at him, brushing one of the braided strands of hair behind her ear. “What would ya do, for freedom?”

He neared, thinking for a moment. “Freedom for one, or many?”

Her mind wandered to Saril, and the countless others who were taken by the tower against their will, and trapped there.

“Many.”

He eyed some of the guards who had lost most of their interest in the duo. He gently took her hand, something Wynth wanted to immediately tear away. His hands were surprisingly soft for a horse-riding, warrior-esque (not definitely not a knight) man. She looked, probably for the first time in a long time, uncertain.

“Such things are not safe to discuss here.” He gestured slightly to the guards. “And it’s not wise to get tangled up in nonsense…” Aethar paused, seeing Wynth’s facial features twitch. “But if it was important enough, I doubt anything could stop me.”

That comforting, Wynth pulled her hand away. It wasn’t any sort of touch she desired; it wasn’t romantic or implying as such. It was comforting, or the giant’s attempt at comforting, she supposed. It didn’t help she never really enjoyed the company of men, but the fact she allowed the contact to continue for his entire answer, showed she had changed.

If the reason was important enough, nothin’ could stop ’im. Wynth bit her tongue in thought. You ‘ave softened, if ya think a couple of lost souls are worthy enough to hate the tower.

“I still have to deliver Yun-Sedai’s parcel.” Na’Wynth broke off the awkwardness. “Come on, then we gotta go huntin’ for things.”

Aethar blinked. “What things?”

“Eh, a metal ring and something for Saril-“

“’Cuse me, Miss Sedai!”

Wynth blinked; jaw dropping a tad as a little girl ran up to her. She wasn’t the cutest kid that was around, her face was a little round and her dress somewhat tattered, but she had that lively spark most children had. Did this child really think she was a Aes Sedai?

“Me?” Wynth asked, dumbfounded.

“Yes!” she grinned, gesturing to Aethar. “He’s your warder right? You’re a Aes Sedai from the tower?”

“You’re mistak-“

“Hush Warder,” Na’Wynth shot a look over at the horseman. He blinked, watching as the woman knelt down to the now confused girl. Wynth glanced around, quickly making sure no guards were around. The weave was quick, unnoticeable to the untrained eyes of the child and some of the others around. A silver mist escaped the woman’s mouth as she spoke. “Of course I’m a Aes Sedai, ya have good eyes.”

The girl took a minute, and the silver mist turned to what looked like faint lace that danced around her head before entering her ears. The girl smiled brightly, eyes sparkling.

“Really?”

Wynth touched her chin. “Definitely, like a sparrow-hawk’s, able to catch fine details.” More silver, and the girl only seemed to accept the lie easier. “What was it ya wanted?”

“I found this,” the girl held up a yellow-bronze medallion on a leather string, it sparkled in the light. “I thought, cuz you use magic and all, you could find out what it does and tell me…” She looked sheepishly.

Wynth took the item tentatively; resting it in the palm of her hand she examined it curiously. It had small etchings and carvings on it. But some were a little too small to tell exactly what they were.

“Where’d ya find it?”

“Over there.” The girl pointed to what looked like some old warehouses. “I was playin’ and I knocked over a box and it fell out.”

Wynth smiled at her, tapping the girl on the nose. “Tell ya what, when I find out how it works, I’ll come runnin’ back ‘ere to tell ya.”

“Yeah!” She beamed, jumping up and down as Wynth pocketed the item. “You promise?”

“Mage’s honour.” She tapped over her heart. “Now go play, might take me a bit.”

“Thank you!”

The accepted looked over at the apprentice accompanying her, who was frowning. He didn’t look all to impressed by the lie she had spun, but she had really only told the girl what she wanted to hear. Even if she had been an Aes Sedai, there was probably some stupid law preventing her from coming back and informing the girl.

“What?” Wynth frowned, pushing past him towards the market.

“You lied,”

“Nah,” She smirked, looking back at him. “I just agreed with ‘er. She assumed I was a Aes Sedai, not my fault if the kid mistakes me for someone more ‘important’.”

“You still lied, to a child.”

“I told ‘er what she wanted to ‘ere.” Wynth shrugged. “No harm done, probably a stupid souvenir someone lost in the warehouses.”

Far too intricate with the details to be a souvenir, or some worthless trinket. No, this little treasure stays with me… Na’Wynth smirked, gently fiddling with the object, now in her pocket.

~ + - _ Tag Kirst, lets go shopping! _ - + ~

[Asilynne]

"Are you certain?"
It was a silly question to ask, and Mistriss Mirajane's face hadn't changed from her neutral look, not showing the feelings of apprehension she must've been feeling. Not a surprise coming from someone who had been an Aes Sedai for a long time. Still, she had asked the question as though it was of no importance, which was far from the truth.

"Yes, we do be quite certain. Mother Vanun, the Amyrlin Seat, she be no longer in the Tower." A'lore-Sedai, the Illianer Brown Sister which had been the Amyrlin's Keeper, spoke calmly, while penning a letter as though she had merely commented on the weather. Yet another Aes Sedai way of coping with what was not understood. "We do no know where she be, or if she did leave of her own accord. The Warders, they did check to see if Mikaer, her Warder, did leave as well. He also did go. Fortune prick me....." The last she muttered, uttering an oath, a sure sign of the stress she wasnt showing.

"I see... were there any notes perhaps left by her? Was she seen at the gates, or were any strangers seen?" Mirajane stopped her deluge of questions before she went too far. She knew the other Sisters were most likely investigating, and harassing the Keeper of the Cronicles wasnt going to help in the least.

A'lore-Sedai put down her quill slowly before meeting the Mistriss of Novices' eyes. "No letter. Investigations do be underway. In the meantime..." She handed the Gray sister the note she had been writing. "You must keep the Novices and Accepted busy. We do no want word getting around about the Amyrlin's disappearance, especially due to the recent arrival of the Atha'an Miere girl. We do no know if there be such a connection yet."

Mirajane-Sedai nodded, realising the importance of such secrecy. "Very well, I shall also keep watch. Good luck Sister." Mirajane gave a polite nod and a small curtsy before leaving the room to prepare summoning all the Novices and Accepted.

A'lore-Sedai tapped her lips thoughtfully, before giving a soft sigh. "Oh Gloris...what did happen..."

~~Ren Da'Shain~~
To defeat any beast, one must remove the head...

The other novices whispered amongst themselves as we were all gathered in the Warder's courtyard. There were about 100 or so Novices, and half again as many Accepted, and it seemed to be a rare treat, all of us freed from class and chores for the day. Though having only been here a few days now, I figured perhaps this was how it went. Whatever the reason, it was nice. Not as nice as a day pass wouldve been, but any excuse to be outside was a good one.

"Happy to see your little Warder friend?" I jumped slightly as Elya sidled up to me, giving me a playful smirk. Instantly I blushed deeply. "Um...well yes he is a nice person and um...." I trailed off, my words failing me as I was caught completely off guard. Elya just laughed, hitching her skirt a little higher as she gave me a tap on the arm. "Relax, Im not going to bite you. Though you do need to learn to lighten up a bit..."

I gave a careful smile before a few other familiar faces came to stand with us, watching the boys stretch and prepare for the obsticle course which had been set up around the tower. I noticed Saril, Esyllt, and Talia Arien among them, and I gave them all a shy wave. Saril breathed deep of the air and sighed. "Its not the air of the salt, but its good to be out of that building for once."

I nodded and allowed myself to smile. It did feel good. There were even butterflies out here. As I watched them I couldnt help but envy them, how free they were, how peaceful. As one of the butterflies floated near Vitch, I caught his eye and gave him a shy wave. But before I could even begin to blush, Talia spoke up. "I believe it is obvious something serious has happened within the Tower."

All of us showed varying degrees of surprise at her statement. The short dark haired girl merely watched the boys coolly, looking for all the world like a full Aes Sedai already in her attitude. "What do you mean?" Esyllt questioned. "Maybe they are giving us the chance to finally see our future Warders in action?"

Talia eyed her coolly before giving a derisive sniff. "And perhaps I will grow wings and eat worms like a sparrow." Wow, that was rude. She continued, ignoring our surprise. "No, I am relatively certain with a very small margin of error that something has happened the Aes Sedai do not want us to know about. It is highly unlikely that the rule against Warder/Novice interaction would be broken on such a wide scale otherwise. I believe it may have something to do with the arrival of you, actually, Saril."
I gasped and looked from Saril to Talia and back, wondering what this could mean for us, and for the Tower itself. Things were so complicated here, I was not equipped to deal with such intrigue. And with my budding friend Saril? I clutched my flute to me protectively, mentally deciding I would help all I could, but hoping against hope my healing powers wouldnt be needed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tag anyone I mentioned! and really anyone else too ;D Talia is an NPC which is listed in the cast list so feel free to use her ^-^ She wants to be a white ajah, thats why shes so cold and logical. If anythings confusing let me know ^-^()

BTW dont mind A'lore-Sedai's accent, shes from illian and they talk like that XD

[ChobiChibi]

Saril - Windfinder

The girl noticed her friend tense up beside her, clutching that flute of hers. Saril really wasn't sure why... What did her arrival mean to this place? She was just a girl... A rare girl to the land, she would admit, but other than her kicking up a massive fuss on arrival, what other significance did she have?

“So, um... Let me get this straight...” Saril began, her foot tapping slowly, making a tiny little jingle noise with every beat of the steady pulse. “I'm the reason this assault course is going on today?”

“Yes, that is exactly what I was implying.” Talia's expression remained neutral.

“Why is that?”

“The Amyrlin Seat is gone.”

A few girls around them gasped, whilst Saril remained blank. Damnit, someone needs to give me a history lesson on this place...

Elya was the next to contribute. “That's a very bold statement, Talia...”

“It is the truth. She must be gone.”

“Ah!” Saril picked up on her wording, literally pointing a finger at her. She put her hand to her side quickly, realising she was being rude. “You said she must be gone. That means you don't know that she's gone.” She looked smug, before turning to Ren. “What is the Amyrlin Seat?”

“She's the one in control of the tower.” Ren began, shuffling nervously. “I-I've never seen her-”

“Not many people do.” Elya interrupted.

“But I heard she's the most powerful Aes Sedai, inside or outside the tower.” Ren finished.

Things still weren't clicking. More questions needed to be asked, but the others around her seemed to know exactly what this stuck up girl was suggesting, which frustrated her further. “What's that got to do with me?”

“You were kidnapped, correct?” Talia wasn't even asking, it was a statement. Perhaps she enjoyed this. “Your people must be devastated...”

“As much as I would love them to come rescue me, my people hate the land. In fact, many are scared of it.” Saril folded her arms, frowning, the tapping of her foot picking up in pace. “Some of us still are scared of it...”

Ren looked mildly sympathetic, but this Talia girl kept a stiff upper lip. “Perhaps they were unable to rescue you.”

“I told you...” Her voice was quiet, her fists clenched as she looked down at the floor. “They wouldn't come.”

“What if they wanted revenge?” Talia really had no idea when to back off, but around about this point would have been the best idea.

“My people aren't the vengeful type!” Saril growled, looking Talia straight in the eye now. “Aren't you listening to me?”

“Saril...” Ren sounded very nervous.

“They kidnapped the Amyrlin Seat!”

Saril's fist flew at Talia, hitting her cheek and nose. She tumbled to the floor, shielding herself. Neither of the girls had noticed, but the wind had picked up and flowed with Saril's punch, slicing across Talia's face and catching some of the girls' robes in the gust.

It was obvious that Ren didn't know what to do with herself. Did she heal Talia or comfort the one that punched her? Thankfully, she made the right choice to gently take hold of Saril's arm, since it was enough to stop her from punching the girl again. That, and Mirajane-Sedai was right behind her.

A firmer hand took hold of Saril's other arm. “Elya, please accompany Talia to the clinic. You too, Ren.”

They nodded, Elya unusually quiet, helping the girl up and leading her away.

“Saril...” Mirajane-Sedai's grip tightened a little. “May I have a word with you?”

Oh... That did not sound good.

[Samchu]

Newbie checking in! *waves *

Arren Leifon

It rose on the horizon with the dawn. The White Tower. More beautiful in reality that it had been in any of my dreams. I sat on the ground and took a roll of bread from my pack. How strange it was, to finally be looking at it. How long had I dreamt of coming to this place? Of the training I would receive from its masters? And now here it was, standing before me, a breath-taking beacon in the first light of the morning. I half expected it to be a dream. Surely, I would get to its gates and find myself awake in my bed. Or perhaps it would fade, faster than any mirage, and leave me in nothingness. I took another bite of bread. That’s the problem with dreams. You never know exactly what to do when they come true. You sleep each night wishing they’ll come true but deep down you’ve resigned yourself to accepting that it’s impossible.

I ate my fill and continued on to the Tower. With every closing footstep I felt my heart tighten. This was it. I was really doing it. I was really going to train, to become a true master of the sword. My fingertips tingled. My hand craved the feel of a hilt within it. It had been way too long since my last battle. Sure, I’d run through the usual warm-up exercises on my journey here, to keep me limber and ready, but it wasn’t the same. Nothing can compare to the rush of a battle; the flurry of moments which can mean life or death. It’s the best feeling in the world. Even if it’s also the most terrifying.

I made it through the gates later that morning. It was quieter than I expected…emptier. Don’t get me wrong, I hadn’t expected any kind of welcoming party but I figured I’d at least see a few people moving back and forth. I was to Caemlyn, to its throbbing crowds, this emptiness was…unsettling.

I heard noise coming from a little ways off and wandered over to investigate. A little ways off I saw three figures move but from so far away I couldn’t make out any more than that. I headed in the direction they had come from and was rewarded for my choice. A crowd had gathered outside and its members seemed to be talking excitedly amongst themselves. Knowing that crowds tended to be a good starting point for anything, I headed over.

“Hey,” I said to one of the nearest people, a black-haired girl in a white robe “what’s going on?”

She looked at me and her green eyes widened. “You’re…you’re an apprentice.”

There was a collective intake of breath and the sensation of an uncomfortable number of eyes staring at me.

“Uh…”

There was the sensation of panic in the air, and the pushing began. I felt it more than I saw it. Someone bumped into my back and instinct forced me into a roll. Of course, trying to roll through a mass of bodies isn’t exactly the easiest thing to try. I probably ended up more kicked than if I’d just stayed standing. So, I resigned myself to my mistake and stopped. I let my head fall back onto the ground and sighed, wondering how I’d managed to created so much commotion.

“I don’t have any idea what’s going on.” I opened my eyes expecting to catch a slither of sky between a crowd of faces. But I didn’t. What I did see, was white, delicate, and surrounded by flesh that I had never seen before. There was a scream, more panic. I knew I should move but for some reason the only thing I could do was lay there, staring straight up, as embarrassment burned hotter and redder on my face.






~~~~~~~~~~~~
tag...everyone who happens to be out there really. and special tag to Asi of course for letting Arren get a peek at Ren's undies.

[Mystic_clown]

Vitch Nyora
------------------------------------

Vitch groaned. Great. He'd be making a full of himself in front of everyone. Just bloody great. Just the thought of that girl seeing him sent a shiver down his spine.

At that point, he heard a scream.

Everyone's attention seemed to turn to something happening in the crowd. Some of the apprentices, including Vitch, ran over to see what was going on. Was one of the novices being attacked?

What they found was actually pretty funny.

A new apprentice had apparently fallen over, and was now laying between the legs of a certain novice, getting a rather good view up her dress.

Ren let out a scream and tried to move away. At the same time, the apprentice tried to move out from under her. This did'n't work as their limbs got tangled and Ren ended up falling. Right on top of his face. Needless to say, both were very embarrassed by this. And this caused a great deal of laughter from those that found it funny. Vitch was not one of them.

And what he did next surprised him.

He ran over, quickly pulled the novice off of him, and then promptly stomped on him. Hard.