In the Borderlands

05 June 2002 (7:37am)

The traveling party was small, but it was clear who they where. Three Warders, with a soldier who looked to be training with the Warders, and Three Aes Sedai. Each of them had tale-tale signs of who they were even with their normal accessories stored in their packs.

It had taken them weeks to reach the Borderlands. They’d avoided as many towns and inns as possible and the Sedai were probably grateful to be in a town just outside of Fal Dara. Alendencia was eagerly searching out men who would make worthy Warders. Matalina accompanied her once and a while while she talked with various men. But Matalina’s presence wasn’t always welcome in the talks and she decided to remain at the inn they were staying at. She spoke with Raeyn on many occassions. It was good to have someone she knew a little at this time, granted they’d only begun to speak regularly.

Alendacia was off searching for Warders and Matalina was speaking with Raeyn in the common room as they ate a mid-day meal.

Matalina

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06 June 2002 (3:28pm)

Hawkin had had an exciting trip on the way North. He hadn’t know that reading would be so hard, yet so intriguing. He yearned to be able to just pick up a book and read, but he wasn’t very good at deciphering the symbols yet. They all seemed to be just little signs on a piece of parchment. According to Verina he had been making progress, but he had to stop a while because everything seemed to be running together. He said he was going for a walk to clear his mind and stepped outside.

Looking at the sky, Hawkin could tell it was around mid-day so he decided to head back to the inn and see how Verina was doing with her notes. Hawkin couldn’t read it yet, so he wasn’t much help, but if he had to die trying, he would learn how to read. Walking back into the inn, Hawkin nodded to Matalina Gaidin and Raeyn Sedai as he knocked on the door that led to the private room Verina had been in when he had left. He heard no reply and opened the door, looking around he wondered where Verina had gotten to. “Blood and bloody ashes!” He grumbled to himself as he ran outside and looked around. Seeing her no where, Hawkin ran back into the inn and shot straight up the steps. Running down the hall he came to her room, he had no idea if she was in there, he slept in the stables, for their were no vacant rooms and he respected Verina’s privacy. Not thinking, Hawkin opened the door and strode straight in………………………………

Hawkin Gaidin

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06 June 2002 (4:25pm)

To pick Fal Dara of all places in the borderlands must be some kind of fate, or something like that. Not too far away was where Herman’s farm was located. Herman went over to Matalina and told her that he was going to leave for a little while. He didn’t know how long it was going to take him, but he was going home.

When all of the others were putting their things away, Herman went off to find his home. It only took about a days travel to get there. On his way there he felt butterflies in his stomach. It had been a long time. Herman didn’t even know if they were still there. As he approached the farm from a short distance, Herman felt as if something was wrong. From the time of the day, which was early morning, Herman remembered that the animals should have been out in the field grazing. His father should have been cutting wood, plowing the fields, or some other chore outside. Trinda, his mother should have been out by the gardens tending them.

Before Herman realized what he was doing, he was already through the door screaming out “MOM, DAD!” Running into the back where his father Philip used to smoke his pipe by the fireplace, Herman yelled out, “DAD!” There was no answer. Herman ran upstairs and checked the bedrooms. There was no one there. The farmhouse looked like as if it had not been occupied for a long time. Suppresing a lump in his throat, Herman ran outside to the back. When he got there, he stopped dead in his tracks. There in the ground were two graves. There were weads covering the graves. In front of both graves, was one huge headstone. It was hard to make out the words on the stone. The only words that he thought was written on it were, “Here lies Philip and Trinda ……..” The rest was illegible. Most of it was defaced rendering it unreadeable. Right away, Herman callapsed crying on top of both graves. He cried there most of the day.

When no more tears were flowwing down Herman’s cheeks, it was already night time. It was late and Herman needed to sleep. Herman went inside, lit the fireplace and sat in his father’s chair. He just sat there trying to remember the days before he left to Tar Valon.

The next day, Herman awoke to find himself sleeping in his fathers chair. He realized that he must have fell asleep there. What had happened, Herman had no clue. His parents were dead and as far as he knew, he had no relatives that were alive. There was nothing that he could do about things except for to move on. Herman stayed there for another day. The next morning, Herman surveyed the farmhouse and tried to remember what it looked like. When he was satisfied, Herman headed back to Fal Dara.

Herman

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06 June 2002 (6:24pm)

Settling back into the comfy padded chair, Raeyn ate her meal, glad for a much needed break. The trip from Tar Valon had been long, and far from fun. It had been nice to be able to spend time with her sister Verina, and even more so with Matalina Gaidin. And once again, Raeyn found herself alone with the other women deep in conversation.

“Do you ever think back to when you were really little, Matalina?” Raeyn said softly as she mused over her food, “Even though I have been in part of the Tower for some several decades, even now and then I still think back to when I was a little girl on the farm…. and of course, I always wonder what’s going to happen in the future…”she trailed off, frowning at a heel of bread, and with a headshake continued, “Although my life is far from dull, how can we not wonder when the next big event will happen in one’s life.” Raeyn shook her head with a rueful smile, “Bah.. I’m starting to sound like a White.”

She finished her meal, tossing questions and answers back and forth with the other woman. It was definetly one of the more pleasant aspects of the trip, as Matalina had a thorough understanding of the Brown Sister. After the meal, Raeyn turned to Matalina, “Was there anything that you wished to do today?”

Raeyn Sedai

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07 June 2002 (7:12am)

“Do you ever think back to when you were really little, Matalina? Even though I have been in part of the Tower for some several decades, even now and then I still think back to when I was a little girl on the farm…. and of course, I always wonder what’s going to happen in the future… Although my life is far from dull, how can we not wonder when the next big event will happen in one’s life. Bah.. I’m starting to sound like a White.”

Matalina grinned at Raeyn, “Nothing wrong with the Whites other than analyzing things too much. I don’t normally think about what it was to be a child. For most of my time in the tower it was blocked out” Matalina paused unsure of whether to continue or not, “Lately I’ve come to terms with the past. We’ve come to an agreement of sorts.”

Matalina could feel Alendecia outsomewhere, something didn’t feel right. Was there anything that you wished to do today?” Matalina frowned. “No there was nothing in mind today. There is something wrong. I think we should go find Alendecia, now. You don’t have to accompany me, but you are more than welcome to come and we can chat as we hunt her down.”

Matalina waited for the answer, but there was little time for the answer to come. Matalina felt Alendecia’s senses and knew trollocs were in the area. “Trollocs!” Matalina hurriedly got up but as she pushed the chair back something snapped. Matalina felt a blade through her heart or was it hers. Kayla was screaming at the feeling. The next thing that happened Matalina was unaware of. As the feeling of claws ripping thru her body Matalina screamed and passed out. The bond had broken and rendered Matalina unconsious and Kayla crying in the back of her mind, unwilling to try to get up. She was afraid and there was no one to comfort her. Matalina’s mind was blank and there was nothing there.

Mat

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08 June 2002 (12:30am)

Hawkin was still dazed from pouncing in on Verina, but that was all shattered when he heard, “Trollocs!” He shook his head and then looked down the hall as he heard something crash in the common room. Looking back at Verina he growled in his throat and rushed out the door, slamming it shut behind him. They would not even get past the stairs if he had anything to do with it.

Reaching the end of the hall and starting down the stairs, Hawkin’s sword was in his hand in an instant. As he rushed off the stairs, he was met by a big beast wielding a big spear looking thing. Hawkin’s instinct and Ren’Shai training took over instantly as he began to dance…….

Hawkin Gaidin

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08 June 2002 (1:59am)

As Raeyn opened her mouth to agree to accompany Matalina, the woman stood up, then immediatly started to fall, looking to be in much pain. “ Oh Light…” Raeyn breathed as she dropped down by the other woman to check for a pulse.

Outside the noises of the other Warders crying the word “Trollocs!” and noises of battle were barely noticabe as Raeyn reached to feel Matalina’s wrist. she could feel the blood rushing through her veins faster than normal, but otherwise the woman sprawled out on the floor appeared to only be unconsious.

Drawing on saidar, Raeyn wove flows of Air around Matalina and lifted her a foot off the ground and started floating the woman along, above the floor, and carefully up the stairs to Matalina’s room. As she gently lowered the Warder onto the bed, the innkeeper poked his head up the stairs.

“Is there anything I can do for you, good mistress?” he said, unconciously drywashing his hands.
Turning towards the door, Raeyn Sedai replied, “Make sure that none disturbs us!” She waited until he had turned around before shutting the door.

She pulled up a chair alongside the bed, and carefully Delved into the other woman, only to find nothing wrong with her. Perplexed, Raeyn sat back, and waited for Matalina to awake.

Raeyn Sedai

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08 June 2002 (11:01am)

Vanair heard shouting coming from the common room. Trollocs!! he heard. Quickly he drew his sword and rushed out through the common room. Now this was something he knew about. He had been posted on the border of the blight when he was in the army. He saw several Trollocs most of them split apart to where he could fight them one or at the most two at a time. He let out a war cry and attacked the nearest Trolloc…….

Vanair

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10 June 2002 (7:46am)

Matalina’s mind lay quiet and unconsious. Kayla hid in a lighted corner as she watched a barrier break inside of Matalina head. Matalina had locked many doors in her mind and in the instant the bond broke the locks on the doors shattered and the thoughts, feelings and the darkness drifted out slowly. Kayla tried with fever to wake Matalina, but the pain of yet another bond breaking and Matalina’s failure keep her mind quiet. The contents from the doors began to form another entity inside Matalina’s head. Kayla began to cry. The feelings eminating from the enity wreaked of evil, of desire and of things that Matalina had blocked out for her purpose and her duty.

Had Matalina been awake thoughts of her first bond holders true Identity would have come forward. Tari. A darkfriend. As if the last words were some final jesture in a ritual the entity became real. In Matalina’s mind-eye a woman dressed in the most provacative clothes Kayla had ever seen stood before her. Kayla huddled against the fallen warder.

*What is this?* Kayla didn’t answer, she didn’t know anymore than the new voice. *Child answer me.* Kayla studdered and eventually answered clearly but her voice was filled with fear -I don’t know.- The smile on the new personality was only what could be considered evil. *Who are you?* -K. K. Kay… la- *And her?* -Matalina.- The smile even grew more evil if you could be more than evil. *And we are one?* Kayla nodded. *What do we do?* -W. W. Warder.- *To whom?* Kayla shook her head knowing what had happened. *We failed?* Kayla nodded. *And no one is in control right now?* -I’m not strong enough to wake her.- The new voice kicked Matalina in the side. Kayla screamed and even though Matalina’s mind was not there in the present she out of reflexed knocked the new entity down. She feel in the mind and was knocked out. Kayla sat and cried huddled against the fallen warder as if it were the only hope left.

**hours later**

Kayla had fallen asleep and the new voice had awakened. *Time to move, my friend.* She was unware of things but she tried with her might to make the body move, but things were not there. Thoughts came to her and she tried to speak, words came out in mumblings to the outside word. Words like serving, the great lord and soul floated incoherently to the surface. *Oh great lord, let me wake, please…* “I will sure you faithfully great lord”. She knew not of what she had just done, but the soul jerked and the words had been spoken. The lightfools in her mind were doomed. *I am Marosa, stronger of the three and will serve my lord despite them*

Matalina

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10 June 2002 (8:19pm)

Raeyn had sat by Matalina’s side for hours now. The woman on the bed hadn’t moved or said a word, when suddenly a distorted mumble reached through her lips. Leaning over Matalina to try and distinguish the mumbles, the warder’s body jerked, and understandable words finally passed her practically immobile lips.

“I will serve you faithfully great lord”.

Raeyn blinked… this was.. unexpected, to say the very least. She sat back, and waited to see if Matalina said anything else, or moved. There was nothing she could do now besides wait.

Raeyn Sedai

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11 June 2002 (11:55am)

Marosa had tried for many many hours to wake the body up. Kayla had woken up to the sounds of the woman’s yelling and screaming. Kayla had only watched her try to make body parts work. -You can’t do anything with Matalina unconscious.- *How do you know?* -I’ve tried when she was sleeping. She’s hurt and she won’t wake up till she’s ready.- *Oh do be quiet child.* Kayla shrugged her shoulders and let Marosa try to get up.

Night fell and Matalina’s body never stirred. *Why won’t she wake up?* -She’s failed.- *So?* -Her duty was to protect, and not only did she fail, she lost yet another bond. Do you know what that feels like?- Marosa shook her head. -I do, now. It’s like part of your soul is being ripped from your body. Shearing pain shooting through your mind and dropping your body. Add the sense of failure on top of it and you’ll be lucky if she wakes up at all.- *She’ll wake up if I have to force her too.* -It won’t work but try all you like, you’ll have to learn sooner or later.-

Marosa tried throughout the night and the next following morning, but she was only able to mutter a few more words. Matalina mind began to awake to the yelling of their new companion. What’s going on? -I don’t know.- *Finally, wake up you fool, we’ve a great lord to serve.* I serve no lord. Marosa smiled in the most wicked way possible, *You do now!* -What do you mean?- *We are a servant of the Great Lord himself, the Dark one’s hands while he’s in his prision.* Matalina didn’t know what was going on but the statement itself had startled her into the conscious stream. Matalina let out a loud gasp and almost jumped out of the bed, or that’s what it felt like. She lay there looking at the ceiling thinking. I will not serve the Dark one. Matalina unsheathed her daggers hidden in her sleeve. “I may have failed but I will not serve the dark one.” Matalina began the motion to plundge the dagger into her heart. *NOOOO!* Kayla began a prayer for a savior, but she knew none would come.

Matalina

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11 June 2002 (6:44pm)

Raeyn shakily put down her cup of tea. She had sat up here for the better part of two or so days now, and wasn’t terribly concious. She had about jumped out of her skin the first few times that Matalina had mumbled something legible, and started to think she was going crazy at the occasional arm twitch or such. For the hundreth or so time, Raeyn Delved the woman, still to find noting wrong.

She started to settle back, when Matalina’s eyes popped open, accompianied by a loud gasp as the woman fell off the bed. Opening herself to the One Power, Raeyn leaned over as Matalina spoke and begin to draw something from her sleeves, “I may have failed but I will not serve the Dark One.”

Raeyn’s eyes grew large as she saw the daggers. She wove a thick band of Air around the hands clutching the dagger, thereby preventing it from getting closer to the woman’s chest…. “Matalina… trying to kill herself… the closest thing to a friend that I’ve had in a while…” At this point Raeyn wove a flow of Air around the dagger itself and flung it across the room, “and fighting within herself over being in the Great Lord’s service.”

Pulling Matalina into a kneeling position with flows of Air, Raeyn straightened into a standing position next to the other woman. Placing her hand upon the other woman’s forehead, Raeyn began an intricate of Spirit between the two woman. She released the flows of the One Power as she stepped away from the other woman, and turned to her mind. It felt.. it felt like there were three other people there! Shaking her head, Raeyn turned towards Matalina and offered a hand.

Aiding the other woman in standing up, Raeyn looked at Matalina questioningly. “Perhaps you’d like to explain? It’s.. strange… like there is more than just myself and you in my head….” shaking her head, she sat back down and waited for her Gaidin to answer.. her Gaidin now, the Dark help us all.

Raeyn Sedai

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11 June 2002 (7:16pm)

Matalina didn’t know there was someone in the room with her and when the weave of air had wrapped around her she almost dropped the daggers.

*What is that?* -An Aes Sedai.-

Matalina and Raeyn wrestled with the dagger for a while before the blade flew across the room. Matalina glared up at Raeyn but said nothing as she was forcebly made to kneel.

Raeyn stood above her and Matalina felt the weaves of bonding begin to set into her.

*What in the world is that?* A bond. Matalina bowed her head and let the bond flow, it was against her will, but Matalina didn’t care at the moment, it’s not like being bonded to Raeyn would be bad but Matalina wondered why she was bonding her. -Black Ajah?- Maybe. *Speak clearly!* Both Matalina and Kayla ignored the new voice.

“Perhaps you’d like to explain? It’s.. strange… like there is more than just myself and you in my head….”

Matalina grinned, but not a friendly one it was more or less one that was meant to scare the opponent away. Raeyn wasn’t an opponent but Matalina wasn’t sure if she wanted to reveal all to her. She knew something was wrong but not what. Matalina took a seat back on the bed she’d fallen off of and tried to think of how to explain.

Matalina bowed her head, “It’s hard to explain.” Kayla, tell her you are here. -huh?- Matalina pushed Kayla to the forefront. Matalina’s outward posture changed and her voice was shaky, “I don’t know what to say.” That’s fine. Matalina forced Marosa up front. “What is the big idea?” Everything about Matalina changed, her posture, her voice. Matalina knew Raeyn would be confused and took the body back.

“Two broken bonds do things to people. Kayla is my past, Marosa is my opposite.”

Matalina

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11 June 2002 (7:53pm)

Raeyn watched as Mat sat back down on the edge of the bed, and with every sentence from her mouth, her posture and attitude changed. After a moment, Matalina looked up at Raeyn,

“Two broken bonds do things to people. Kayla is my past, Marosa is my opposite.”

Raeyn blinked. No wonder it felt like there were so many other people in her head.. they were all a part of Matalina! “What a fine pickling kettle,” Raeyn muttered under her breath, then out loud,

“And this is why you were trying to kill yourself? Because you now have some sort of… evil twin living in your mind with yourself, and your child self?”

A confirming nod.

Raeyn mused for a moment before speaking again, “Either way, you are too valuable a person to let die, especially by their own hands…” she trailed off, her mind contemplating the ramifications of the situation at hand.

“Perhaps for now, we should get you something to eat, and myself some sleep… I barely got any sleep the two days that you were unconscious… I was.. concerned.”

Raeyn Sedai

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12 June 2002 (7:07am)

“Either way, you are too valuable a person to let die, especially by their own hands…” Raeyn looked to be in deep thought. “Perhaps for now, we should get you something to eat, and myself some sleep… I barely got any sleep the two days that you were unconsious… I was.. concerned.”

Matalina bowed her head. “The concern is appreciated, but I do not think you have choosen your Warder wisely. You are not a Green and I am now your Warder.”

*What do you mean we are again a Warder?* Matalina looked inwardly and frowned. Oh do shut up. *I’d like to see you make me.* -I’ll take over you two fight.- Matalina let Kayla have control as she and the new voice would get to fight.

Matalina’s body was weak and Kayla didn’t have the mental capacity to fight with Raeyn’s suggestion, her stomach rumbled, “I do suppose that I will eat though. The others are having an arguement. Matalina says we will watch over you while you sleep, it is our duty. She also said something about fuzzing the bond so you can sleep peacefully.” Kayla smiled, “It’s not going to be peaceful for a while. They don’t like each other.” Her smile was innocent, childlike and very unlike the Matalina most knew.

Matalina

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12 June 2002 (1:19pm)

Verina had got bored on her own, in the private room. Rae had been inand they had chatted about old times but she had disappeared upstairs a while back.

As she looked at her notes on angreals, she remembered she had packed that book, Jules had given her on her birthday. She knew there must have been a reason she had been compelled to bring it.

She gathered up her things and and headed back to her room. She wondered where Hawkin had got to. She thought he might like her to teach him to read, though light, the man was stubborn.

She was avidly reading through the book when Hawkin threw himself into the room. Before she could unleash the appropriate outburst upon him, she heard the words “TROLLOCS!” and before she knew it, hawkin ruishe back out of the room as quickly as he had arrived.

Light, she wondered what went through his mind at all. Rushing around wouldn’t get you anywhere. Though weighing up the situation in a calm and collected manner would. She peered out of the window to see trollocs trying to get into the Inn. A couple of words in the right manner would soon sort them out, as she made a deep breath and embraced the One Power……

Verina al’Merrin
Sister of the Brown Ajah
Bonded to Hawkin, the brave

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12 June 2002 (8:54pm)

Raeyn blinked as Matalina took on a more.. innocent.. innocent would be the word.. appearance.

“I do suppose that I will eat though. The others are having an arguement. Matalina says we will watch over you while you sleep, it is our duty. She also said something about fuzzing the bond so you can sleep peacefully.” Matalina smiled, “It’s not going to be peaceful for a while. They don’t like each other.”

And Raeyn blinked again. “First off, let me send for a meal, then we can discuss at leisure.” She stood up, and went downstairs to find the innkeeper. After a few minutes, she returned with a servant bearing plates and pitchers. After giving the servant a minute to set everything up, Raeyn waved the servant out.

She sat down at the table, and motioned for Matalina to join her. After they were settled in, Raeyn spoke, “So, let me see if I understand this.. really understand this… there are three voices in your head currently. I take it that the child.. Kayla, you said the name was?” The Warder nodded as she ate ,”is running the body now, whilst the other two are .. fighting?!” Another nod. Raeyn shook her head, as if the actuality of this situation couldn’t enter her mind. It was.. odd, at best.

Pushing herself away from the table, Raeyn stood up. “For now, I think that I am in need of sleep. Do you think that Matalina, and the other voice are going to kill each other if I rest for a few hours?” Shaking her head and lowering herself onto the bed with a yawned, “IS it possible for them to internally kill each other?! If so, this is too interesting to allow to happen…” At this point Raeyn was curling up on the bed, too tired to really notice her actions, or care that she was still dressed. Still mumbling, she was asleep before she could even realize it.

Raeyn Sedai

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13 June 2002 (7:14am)

Matalina and Marosa continued their internal fight. Matalina was stronger by far both mentally and physically. She was the prodominate personality, but Marosa was more powerful than Kayla had been, perhaps it was because Kayla didn’t really desire to be in control.

Kayla sat with Raeyn and listened to her as she spoke. She reassured Raeyn, “Matalina will not kill her. She’s purpose for the moment, and killing mentally would probably kill us all, or so she’s muttering to me inbetween the verbal stepping on.” Kayla smiled -Glad I’m not the one getting yelled at.- Kayla sat and ate and pretended to be the Warder over the sleeping Sedai. She would have to watch Matalina more carefully next time, she wanted to be a good warder.

Matalina

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13 June 2002 (3:16pm)

Hawkin had rushed outside the inn to confront the Trollocs and everything just seemed to stop time. It was always like this when he was excited and rushed into something. There were lots of Trollocs and he suffered a few small cuts and scrapes that he would have to get looked at, but nothing major. The whole while he was outside he could feel the bond and Verina’s anger, which he knew was directed towards him.

******************

A few days had gone by and Hawkin had heard about Matalina Gaidin. He worried for her, but there was nothing he could do, it was out of his hands. He tried to read and waited for his wounds to heal. He had never had them looked at because Verina was busy and so were the other Sedai and he didn’t know how well they could heal. He had been applying treatment to them, but it wasn’t working. He knew how this stuff was. They would probably get infected. He looked around noticing Verina wasn’t there and took off his shirt. They looked like they were getting worse and was still oozing blood and other gunk. He found some salve, but just then the door burst open and Verina came in, he saw her face and felt the bond as she saw the wounds. He wouldn’t hear the end of this for a while………………

Hawkin Gaidin
Bonded to Verina the Beautiful

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The rest of this thread is not currently available.


Leavetaking (To the Borderlands we go)

31 May 2002 (7:01am)

Three hours before the sun rose Matalina was up and about. She made her way through her training exercises that she’d been doing for the last few years under the Me’Arearth Discipline Master. Stretch, run, cool down. It was the same thing on most mornings. Matalina had let Kayla have control of the cool down session. The sword forms were relaxing and Matalina taught and corrected Kayla in her mind. It was too early for most to be up. She’d been up this early since she’d come to the tower. Old habits are hard to break.

The air was cool and crisp, but nothing could be felt between the void and the forms. Matalina noticed the activity of her new bondholder’s mind began to awaken. It would be getting close to time to leave for the Borderlands. Matalina missed Yveva’s voice in her mind. Alendacia’s was so much different. Matalina didn’t remember what it was like at first after Tari’s bond broke and there was nothing. Matalina had other things to content with at the time. -Hey I resent that.- Nothing wrong with that, Kayla. Matalina and Kayla spoke to each other much more calmly then they had before. Souvan’s help was greatly appreciated. The night before she had slipped a note under his door, telling him of the events and that she would be leaving for a while. Matalina aslo told Vanair that they would be going to the Borderlands and he was to pack.

In the far reaches of Matalina mind she was eager to go. Lost without Yveva, but eager to go. Things would be different now. The bond was not something either of them thought was a trinket, but yet it had passed between hands now. A third Sedai in my mind. How many more afterwards?

Matalina was in the stables long before Alendacia was but not before Raeyn. Matalina nodded to the Brown and spoke quietly and softly about being ready to go. The night before Matalina had readied Sammy, her clothes and food that would last the trip. Matalin began to ready Tain Cor, her jet black horse, who was as eager if not more so than Matalina to get out and about. Again Matalina let Kayla have control, she loved the horse and Tain Cor could tell the difference. He was much more gentile with Kayla than with Matalina, not that he was rough with Matalina to begin with. Matalina readied Tain Cor and waited for Alendacia to make her way to the stables.

Matalina

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01 June 2002 (9:19am)

Hawkin had got up early that morning and had seen to a few chores he had to get done and then headed towards the stables. He would find Matalina somewhere around there and he wanted to get Verina’s horse ready. She thought that this trip would be good and would provide some information on different objects she had been studied. Hawkin wanted to make sure it was still ok if they went because he hadn’t given Matalina an answer when she had mentioned it. Dawn would come in a couple of hours as Hawkin looked at the sky. He entered the stables and found Jerome, his horse. He then found Matalina and walked up to her, “Matalina, is it ok if we still go along with you. Verina thinks this would be a good oppurtunity to collect different information on objects.” Hawkin waited for her to answer.

Hawkin

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01 June 2002 (10:16am)

Vanair had packed his things the night before and set his gear next to the door of his room. He awoke about two hours before dawn and got up he dressed in his Sheinarian army officer’s uniform and strapped his sword across his back. He grabbed his gear as he left his room and walked to the stables. He stopped for a moment to take in the peace and quite of the early morning. He saw the sun begining to rise and hurried the rest of the way to the stables. He saddled his horse and waited for Matalina Gaidan. He saw Matalina approach. “I am here as you requested Matalina Gaidan.”

Vanair Sharkan

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01 June 2002 (3:10pm)

Matalina saw Hawkin approaching. Word spreads quickly of trips. -It does, but you mentioned it to a few, it’s possible to be overheard.- Oh well.

Matalina nodded at hawkin’s question. “You two are welcome to come. She can teach you to read on the way. The trip is long and boring.”

Vanair had shown up on time and Matalina nodded at him. “All ready?”

Matalina

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01 June 2002 (6:28pm)

Raeyn talked quietly with Matalina as they waited for everyone to gather. She turned back to her horse to double check all her things while Matalina spoke with Hawkin and others. Satisfied that everything was in place, she stood and waited, holding her horse’s reins in hand.

Raeyn Sedai

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02 June 2002 (1:34pm)

Verina was on the last minute as usual. She had been tied up trying to get one of the other sisters to look after Hedwig, and struggled to get her care instructions across to the other brown.

As she ran (well as sedately as she coudl muster), she saw the other travellers waiting in the yard. She recognised some, especially the other Brown sister, Rae. She had known her for years.

She found her faithful horse, Sevannah, and thanked the stable boy for getting her ready and packed up. It had been a long time since she and Hawkin had been on a trip together. Though that time, they were not bonded and he had saved her from a fate worse than death. They had fled that awful town fearing for their lives. She wondered if he remembered?

She mounted Sevannah and trotted over to the rest of the group.

Verina al’Merrin

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03 June 2002 (7:02am)

Matalina felt Alendecia approaching. It would be an uneventful trip she hoped to the borderlands and back. Matalina had no clue how long this would take, but hopfully not too long. Raeyn and Matalina talked until her new bond holder approached. Matalina had already saddle her horse and waited for Alendecia to finish her packing then they both mounted their horses. Tain Cor was ready to go and danced the stable yards as he waited for the others to mount. Alendecia took the lead and off they set through Tar Valon.

Matalina

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03 June 2002 (5:13pm)

To stay in one place for a long time can sometimes have a bad effect on a person. The last time Herman had left Tar Valon was a while ago. He went with other Tower Gaurds and Warders to save an Aes Sedai that was captured by thieves. They chased the thieves all the way to Caemlyn. While Herman was on an errand for an Aes Sedai, he overheard someone say that they were going to the bordelands.

While Herman had no clue about what it was all about, he wanted to go. He was from a farm to the north of Shienar, maybe they would go near it. It would make it possible for Herman to see his parents again. It had been along time since he last saw them.

Herman got dressed for the trip and packed a couple of key things. With the scimitar and quarterstaff, Herman headed over to the stables to saddle his horse Gaicaba, which means battle horse. Gaicaba was a warhorse trained for battle, that is why he was named so. Herman mounted Gaicaba and headed out of the stables. Following a trail of horses, Herman tracked down the people he hoped were going to the borderlands.

When he caught up to some people, Herman recognized a couple of them. Since Matalina was the one who was the highest ranking of the people that he knew, he went over to her and said, “I heard that a group of people were going off to the borderlands. If you are going there, I was hoping that I may join you.” Herman waited for Matalina to say something. It sure would be great to see his farm again.

Herman

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04 June 2002 (6:32am)

Matalina smiled at the new arrival. Word does travel fast.

“You are welcome to join us.”

Matalina

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04 June 2002 (4:03pm)

Herman thanked Matalina for allowing him to join. It would be good to see how things are going in other places. To see is a lot different than to just hear what is going on.

His horse Gaicaba was well trained. Eventhough he only had the horse for four months, he knew that it would follow the other horses. Herman had in mind to continue a certain part of self training that he had started before. Without summoning the void, Herman closed his eyes and tried to pay attention to his surroundings. The eyes can sometimes fool a person, so therefore the rest of ones senses can be better off. This trip he was going to try to focus on the sense of hearing.

During their trip, Herman listened to his surroundings. Listened to the sounds of the horses, the voices of all of the people in the group, the sound of the wind and all of the animals that were in their area. Sometimes Herman would also do this while he was in the void. With the void, everything was clearer. Herman was able to point (Not saying that he did) exactly to a person that was in the group and be able to who it was. He would be able to tell what kind of bird was singing and where it was located. Herman did this for most of the trip.

Herman

Hall RP

23 May 2002 (11:21am CST)

Zanthia walked towards the Hall, her dress was a soft yellow and her shawl was around her shoulders. She was among the last to arrive, the air was chilly and the silk, which her dress was made of, cooled down. The Yellow sister walked to her chair and sat down. The Keeper frowned a bit and slammed her staff to the floor three times.

Sarelein saw that Zanthia finally arrived. That woman is always late… Waiting till the Aes Sedai had taken her seat The Keeper hit the floor with the end of her staff three times. “This meeting is now set, the purpose is to elect a successor to our late Amyrlin, Kathana. The Sitter who wishes to speak first stand up and you will be given the attention of the Hall.”

One sister stood up almost hastily, and waited. Sarelein had a difficulty keeping her thoughts in order; the grief was beginning to catch up with her. “Speak sitter, the attention is yours.”

Zanthia looked over the different people in the Hall, she rarely said much at meetings but this time she felt that it was going to be different somehow, she didn’t know why. She just knew.

Zanthia, Sitter of the Yellow Ajah / Sarelein, Keeper of the Chronicles

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26 May 2002 (3:58am CST)

Deanne stood, she was not really in any rush, but breaking the ice on this sort of topic could be hairy at best. “Speak sitter, the attention is yours.” Deanne nodded in gratitude. “Thank you, Serelein.”

Deanne stepped away from the chair, more for show than any annoyance at the seat. “Sisters, first I would like to express my grief at Kathana’s passing. She will be missed by all and the Tower is a duller place without her in it.” Some sisters nodded sadly, other’s remained calm and neutral.

“I think we all know why we are here. Whilst it is indeed a time of grief and mourning, there is no time to be restful, to indulge in these feelings. Another Amyrlin must take her place before us. In these troubled times, for make no mistake, my sisters, they are troubled, we need to be united under the living banner of the Amyrlin. The Tower cannot show even a scrap of weakness or we can expect to feel the teeth of our predators in our soft underbelly.”

“So the question before us, sisters, is who do we bless and curse with the Seat of the Amyrlin? What do we want in our leader? And where can we find these qualities?” She knew she was stating the obvious, but someone needed to herd thoughts in the right direction.

Deanne
Sitter for the Grey

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26 May 2002 (6:36am CST)

Cyndrid listened to the grey, she was obviously trying to get the ball rolling and Cyndrid was grateful for it; she wanted the discussion to start as soon as possible, so ajahs had as little time to scheme as possible. She wanted to listen to other sides before she made her thoughts clear. It was best to find out where peoples’ allegiances lay first. Caution was paramount…

Cyndrid
Blue Sitter

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03 June 2002 (6:59pm CST)

Raeyn watched as old Sitters stated their points on the raising of a new Amyrlin Seat. She kept her face carefully neutral, and without turning her head, let her eyes wander across the room to double check for the presence of her… darker sisters. Sure enough, all were in place, and all pretended a mix of outward calmness up to somewhat frayed nerves.

Looking down at her lap, Raeyn suprised herself with the tight grip she held on her skirts. “ Well, I guess there is some reason for nerves,” she mused to herself as she made herself relax her grip on her skirts, “ Whoever rises to the Amyrlin Seat will affect everyone, and we all must be very careful..” The thought trailed off in her head, and she turned back to the Hall, and listened.

Raeyn Sedai
Brown Sitter

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05 June 2002 (4:31pm CST)

Egwainne slowly stood, enjoying the quickly masked looks of surprise on some of the Sitters. Egwainne wasn’t the one to start the discussion. She always waited, patiently listening to other Sitters’ remarks, searching for the currents and undercurrents. At first the Hall thought that a sign of weakness, of intimidation on the part of a young Sitter. They learned better. It was a real shame the Hall had meet so soon. There was no time to feel out the Sitters outside the Hall. No point in whishing for something that was impossible to get. She will have to do with what she was given.

Egwainne nodded to the Keeper. “Yes, these are indeed troubled time. Any times in which there is an actual need for the Red are troubled times.” Egwainne loved making pokes at her rival Ajah. This one was maybe a bit too blunt, but it didn’t matter. She continued. “The World needs a strong leader. The world has a strong leader. The world has the White Tower. But it does not stop there. The Tower also needs a strong leader. What does make a strong leader? Wisdom, of course, the patience to examine the matter from all sides, but also the nimbleness to react quickly on the pressing concerns.”

She paused for a second. Scanning the room she saw nods of approval and smiled inside her mind – so far, she has said absolutely nothing. So far…

“The Tower already has such a leader.” That brought some startled looks. “The Tower is led by the Hall, as it should be. No one woman can be wise enough, strong enough for the Amyrlin Seat. Therefore, I suggest the Hall to find someone gullible. Someone… …young.” Egwainne couldn’t help but smile at the irony.

“The Amyrlin needs to be guided by the Hall. These are not times for endless bickering between the Hall and the Amyrlin. Choose wisely. Do not weaken the Tower.”

And back to her seat it was. Now she would wait, listen and note. She will make sure the power stays with the Hall.

Egwainne

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05 June 2002 (5:24pm CST)

Cordelia glanced around the Hall with flickering, green eyes. She felt nothing. Death gnawed around the edges of her mind with knife-like teeth, but she pushed it out with cool, collected composure. She would not let grief mar her decisions. Despite her efforts, she shifted in her chair, trying to make herself comfortable in the cold room. She gave a fleeting look to the person next to her, Ayrlin. The Aes Sedai sat, calm and unruffled beside her. Lia turned her focus back to the woman speaking. Egwainne Sedai looked around the room.

”The Tower already has such a leader. The Tower is led by the Hall, as it should be. No one woman can be wise enough, strong enough for the Amyrlin Seat. Therefore, I suggest the Hall to find someone gullible. Someone … young.”

Cordelia smiled faintly at the biting wit. A slight curve of her lips.

”The Amyrlin needs to be guided by the Hall. These are not times for endless bickering between the Hall and the Amyrlin. Choose wisely. Do not weaken the Tower.”

She raised her hand in a swift, light motion, before rising. ”If I may speak, Sitter?” Egwainne nodded. ”I agree with what was just said,” she commented, as she gave those in the room a rapid perusal. ”Although I myself am not of many years, it would suit the Hall best should our Amyrlin be younger. Here,” she remarked, gesturing around her, ”here we have some of the most knowledgeable, gifted, and intelligent people in the world as it is known. It is here that the real power is generated, and should continue to erupt from the Hall, however quietly and unnoticed. That is why I believe someone susceptible, and young would be the best candidate. Someone who does not understand the burden before taking it upon themself, who will rely on the Hall for -help- with the most important decisions.” Her smile was cruel, and most unlike her.

Cordelia

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06 June 2002 (2:50pm CST)

Cyndrid listened carefully to her ajah head and Cordelia, the white. She disagreed but didn’t know whether it was wise to counter her own head and knew she should follow her lead.

If the hall had the influence it wouldn’t be the whole hall just the odd few strongest or most supported; so it could lead to more problems say 2 or 3 amyrlins! When what they needed in these crucial times was a strong, wise leader who could act decisevely without bickering or conferring. The choice they needed to make was the most suitable to this position or within the ajah who could be manouvered to the blues will.

Cyndrid hoped someone would stand up to go against this option so she could agree, until then she’d have to wait so as not to show a broken ajah front to the other sitters…

Cyndrid

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10 June 2002 (11:06am CST)

Eleanor listened to the statements of Egwainne and Cordelia Sedai. She was a bit dubios about their idea to have an Amyrlin under control of the Hall. On one hand the Tower needed experience, but on the other hand an Tower led by the entire Hall would complicate things needlessly.

She did agree though that the Tower needed someone young, an Amyrlin who would die in a decade or so would weaken the Tower at a time when strenght was needed. Elle thought about standing up and express her feelings, but she decided not to do so right away. She was the youngest and newest Sitter of the Hall so she wanted to hear the oppinions of the other Ajahs first.

Eleanor al’Raim
Green Sitter

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12 June 2002 (12:54pm CST)

Marce barely contained a small smile as the third sitter sat down. Of course they would clammer for a young Amyrlin. The Hall itself was fairly young. The image in her head was of a pack of ducklings trying to learn to fly from each other when none of them really knew what they were doing. Without an experienced leader, the ducklings and the White Tower would be easy prey for the wolves.

Marce gazed around the room uneasily. For every woman over 60 in the hall, there were two under that age. It did not bode well for an older Amyrlin unless some of the younger Sitters recognized the logic in flying your strongest in front.

The room had been silent for a time after the White had returned to her seat. Marce feared that the silence was a form of agreement from the rest of the Sitters. She could no longer hold back and wait to hear what others had to say. She couldn’t trust that her opinion would be aired by one of the others. She quietly took a deep breath in and carefully released it without sighing before she slowly stood.

“I have two points I would like to address. First, Kathana’s situation is not the norm for Aes Sedai. While she was significantly older than most of us in this room, she should have had many more years of vibrant life. Older sisters with more experiences should not be rejected by the Hall because some fear a repeat of very unusual circumstances.

“Second, there are times an Amyrlin will have no choice but to make decisions on her own. What will a younger Amyrlin do when she lacks the Hall’s subtle whispers in her ear? She may attempt to guess what we would have her do, but then her reactions will only be as good as she is intelligent. If she is highly intelligent, we run the risk of her deciding she doesn’t need our suggestions and veering off in her own directions. Younger Aes Sedai do not posess the experience required to make good decisions, taking into account all the factors their decisions would affect. They do not have the advantage of years of hearing and perhaps participating in Hall business that would lend them insight. They would be more likely to fall prey to the power of the office of the Amyrlin Seat rather than recognizing and respecting the responsibilites that come with the position.

“One final thought before I give others a chance to speak. Perhaps an older Amyrlin would exert her authority more, but I personally would rather be led by a woman of wisdom and experience than by a child mimicking her elders.”

It was done. She slowly took her seat, adjusting her gray skirts and straightening her shawl. She didn’t like that she had been forced to express her opinion so early, but her words were spoken and she couldn’t take them back. Perhaps speaking early was the better course. She hadn’t had the opportunity to speak with the other two Grays before the Hall was summoned. Perhaps her words had given them an idea of which candidates they should support and which they should discount. She could only hope that they would follow her lead if in doubt. The Grays should be unified on this decision, particularly considering it was very unlikely that the new Amyrlin would come from within their ranks.

Marce

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12 June 2002 (9:04pm CST)

As the Gray Sitter Marce sat down, Raeyn slowly began to stand up. She adjusted her dark purple skirt briefly before speaking.

“My fellow Sitters, I would have to agree with Marce Sedai on this issue. At this time, the Tower is without a leader when we need to be the strongest. If we were to elect a younger woman as the Amyrlin Seat at this time, who can say if she will be able to stand up and be decisive when needed, or will be the mockery of the world?” Raeyn looked around the chamber at the other Sitters briefly before continuing, “The world has become a more dangerous place in the past few years, and we need someone who will be strong, and not a tool. A more experienced woman is what we need right now… someone that knows how to be in charge. Beyond that, there isn’t much I can trully say.” Looking around the chamber once more, she fixed the sisters from her true ajah with a very brief glance before settling back down in her seat. Her part for now was done.

Raeyn Sedai

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13 June 2002 (2:55pm CST)

Cyndrid nodded slightly, relieved that two people shared her point of view. As Raeyn sat down she slowly stood up and fixed her gaze on different sitters in turn. Then calmly she said ” Sisters, I’m sure we all have a view on this – whether for our future Amyrlin to be weak or strong, young or old. But until we have examples of who each ajah or sitter, unto herself, is proposing and backing, we can’t possibly say which we’d support. So I ask you now sitters, as I’m sure this will be a lengthy buisness, we need to get straight to the point, share your ideal choices with the hall, and do so without fear.. we are all working towards the same end, the good of the tower and, as such, the world.”

Smoothing her skirts she sat down again, letting out a slow breath. There, she had moved the subject away from people choosing a puppet without openly disagreeing with Eggwaine. She hoped it would be enough to start people thinking of serious, possible candidates.

Cyndrid

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14 June 2002 (3:22am CST)

Sitting quietly she adjusted the Green shawl that hung at her shoulders. There were only a few here older then she, oh they’d ask her her age, but all they’d get is a sweet smile, and the comment that it was rude to ask a woman about her age. Mandi watched as she usually did to see what was going on. Her blue eyes watched as each of her Sisters stood and stated what everyone already knew.

They needed a leader, whether she was old, or young. Mandi preferred the former. Younger Sedai wanted someone they could relate to while the older ones wanted someone who was more expericanced. There was only one person she knew that would be able to handle the job. Standing she absently smoothed her blue dress.

Holding her head high, she spoke. “I’d like to nominate Karana.” A hushed mumble came over the crowd, but Mandi held her hand up, to silence the Hall. There had always been a tension between the Browns and the Greens, but now was the time to put differences aside, and choose wisely. Adjusting her shawl again she sat.

Mandi

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18 June 2002 (9:45am CST)

Karana was shocked to hear Mandi Sedai, a Green no less, put forth her name to be the Amyrlin. She had expected to be nominated… and considered herself a good candidate.

But what did it mean, to be put forth first? Was that good or bad? And by a Green?! Numerous thoughts and scenarios flew through her head… which tack should she take? A wrong move here could ruin it all for her, and the Browns… and with what she had learned at the Ogier Stedding, possibly the world. She had never been a master of the politics of the Tower. As a young Aes Sedai she had been out and travelling all the time, hunting the items of Power she loved to study. As she got older and travelled less, she counted on her age and strength to just intimidate most other Sisters. When she didn’t just want to be left alone, that is.

What to do? She looked at Raeyn and the other Brown Sitter. Raeyn appeared to be deep in thought, but she caught Karana’s eye and gave her a small approving smile and an encouraging nod.

Karana slowly stood, fighting the urge to smooth her dress or her hair. “Well,” she said. “I can’t say this comes as a total surprise, but the source is a bit shocking.” A ripple of laughter spread quickly through the Hall and was silenced almost as quickly.

“I accept your nomination, Mandi Mubrylla Aes Sedai. I myself have not had a chance to contemplate the choices and have no counter nomination to make at this time. The death of Kathana has left a hole that the White Tower will struggle to fill, and I hope that we all think seriously about our choices as we put forth names for consideration.”

She sat down slowly and waited for the next person to suggest another candidate.

Karana Majin
Brown Ajah

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18 June 2002 (1:00pm CST)

Myriam sat back as deeply in her chair as her current state would allow her. It was very important to at least appear completely in controle of things around her now. Myriam knew that her voice would not have gone amiss in this counsel. As the youngest of the current Sitters she was never sure of how much the women around her trusted what she thought and spoke. And her faith had already been formed in Raeyn Sedai, to care for her interests. Her fellow sister’s look had assured her beyond the need for words, and Myriam managed to relax a bit more.

She ran her finger slowly down the side of her simple gray skirt. Simplicity was also something she tried to keep public. The bit of plainness that was nothing but approachable, her face had assumed the agelessness that bore no mark of her relative youth. A factor that worked in her favor at times.

Noting her pleasure at the words that had been spoken thus far, Myriam noticed her thoughts drifted for a moment, only to be recalled by the voice of Mandi Sedai, of the Green. The feeling against her fingers was forgotten, and Myriam inadvertantly sat forward in her chair a bit. Her eyes first found Marce, and shared a small but warm smile. It was a decision that they at least would be in agreement of. Her eyes next went to Raeyn. The woman was watching Karana as she stood and addressed the assembled Hall of the Tower. But Myriam didnt’ detect anything distressing. She addressed her own feelings at the announcement.

Kathana was gone. The reasons for that were simple enough to those that knew. Knowledge was power, but could be the end of anyone when wrongly known. Even an Amyrlin. She did not know Karana well. Not yet. A Brown… that gave a moment of pause. Knowledge. Understanding. But Raeyn would know if Karana was a threat or not, they had worked together for years. Myriam put her trust there, settled back in her chair again, and watched the Hall dance.

Myriam

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18 June 2002 (2:11pm CST)

Jagen tried to suppress all her feelings until Mandi suggested that yet another Brown was to take the Amyrlin Seat. In her opinion, it would not be so. She didn’t have anything against Karana at all- barely knew her!- but all Jagen needed to know was that the one nominated wasn’t a Red. A White would have been better! At least the Blues have fairly kept to themselves, she thought with a small smile.

When everyone quieted she stood up. And she ignored her fellow Sitters, especially the Domani, Muirenn. “An interesting nomination,” she said in her Taraboner accent. “A second Brown in a row, that would be. I know for us, for the Hall, it is not commonplace to sit to elect another Amyrlin except rarely, but of course we all know what must be.” She arranged her shawl.

“The Amyrlin, she must be a strong willed woman who knows what she is about. She must have great skill on politics,”- the Grays seem to agree- “she must be able to manipulate people when she wills, emotionally heal in time of need and most importantly, be an excellent leader.” She sat down and waited, not daring to look at Muirenn.

Jagen

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18 June 2002 (4:14pm CST)

Raising an eyebrow at the Red, Mandi sniffed. The woman was a fool, she nominated herself. Mandi wondered if the Red knew that if she wasn’t elected as Mother, that she’d be banished from the Tower, and sent to the penance farm. Shrugging, Mandi kept her mouth shut if the woman wanted to sign her own death warrant.. that was her problem.

Mandi

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19 June 2002 (12:35pm CST)

Zanthia had a hard time listening to the various sitters who spoke, there were surprisingly few who did. But do not think that she did not pay attention she did and she exchanged eye signals with her fellow sisters, her sisters. She was Ajah head and they had agreed to let her speak first. However Zanthia was shocked when Jagen Sedai of the Red Ajah suggested the qualities needed in a candidate, How could she? Surely she did not do what I just thought she did? Drawing her attention back to her thoughts Zanthia looked for a moment at the Keeper, she seemed tired of all this and looked like she wanted it to end as quick as possible. But this was just Zanthia’s speculation it could also be the sorrow from the loss of Kathana.
But she could not come over her astonishment that she agreed with a Red Sister.

Looking around the Hall Zanthia saw that many were doing the same, trying to find whom they would support or find weaknesses or simply enjoying the view. The view, yes… I must really get out of the Tower soon. After Kathana’s burial perhaps? The meeting had taken an interesting turn when Jagen had suggested the qualities she looked for. Zanthia stood up from her chair; the feeling of not sitting was a welcome change.

“Jagen Sedai, Sitter of the Red Ajah. I applaud your words, and I must agree with them even though the Yellow Ajah does not agree with the Red often. Now, there seems to be a lack of candidates and Karana is the only one suggested so far. I propose we vote over Karana, she has accepted the nomination and I see no need for us to sit here and stare at each other like we do now.” Zanthia sat down again, she did not catch the reactions of the Hall over what she said but she reckoned it was not schock.

Zanthia

————-

Sarelein was now more anxious than ever to retire to a house secluded away from the world and live in ignorant bliss for the rest of her life, she was not surprised when Karana was nominated she would have been more so if she had not been. And she was the only to be nominated also. The Tower has become too young I think, but age will come as will wisdom. If not I fear that the Tower will not survive much longer. The words that came from Zanthia Sedai, was like rain in a desert to the Keeper. After Zanthia had taken her seat Sarelein slammed her staff to the floor and spoke with determination. “Then let us vote! Mandi Aes Sedai, Sitter of the Green Ajah. Summon your candidate before us!”

Sarelein Sedai of the Gray Ajah, Keeper of the Chronicles
——————————————————————————————21 June 2002 (4:57pm CST)
Carrain held her hands in her lap. She listened but knew that it would not be she herself who would speak. It really was a preposterous idea that a young girl be trusted with the seals and all other responsabilties of the Amyrlin seat. It was a relief to have that notion die a short death with the voices of the more exerienced Sedai.

Carra looked to Zan as she really did not want the Yellow to be the last to speak. True the yellow were not know for their politics or the amount of women who occupied the seat from their ajah. Only the red had less Amyrlins. Her world would change little with this change. She only hoped a wise descision would be made. Zan finally stood to speak and Carrain had to hide a smile. She really had opinions so unlike a yellow. Yet it served the Ajah well. To get the vote over soon would serve the Tower well. Her vote was already decided as was the voice of her Ajah’s head.

Carra heard the staff fall and listened as she must. “Then let us vote! Mandi Aes Sedai, Sitter of the Green Ajah. Summon your candidate before us!”

Carrain Aman’dore
Yellow Sitter
—————————————————————————————–21 June 2002 (10:57pm CST)
Jagen gave a nod of approval to Zanthia. Not get along with Yellows? Why, I’d have better luck getting along with a White! Well, she did have a White’s personality at times. But even with the problem between Reds and Blues, Reds and Greens never got along.

Karana was interesting. She didn’t know anything at all about her really; Jagen had been gone until right before Kathana’s death. She decided what to do. It would be best.
JagenRed Ajah
——————————————————————————————22 June 2002 (9:09pm CST)
Had Muirenn not been sitting in the room, she would never have believed the words coming out of Jagen Sedai’s mouth. She would deal with the child later. Some time on the Farm would do her well. Obviously the girl had learned nothing from being locked in her room. The child had sworn to behave in return for being released for this meeting, and this was how she was behaving! This!

Muirenn seethed inwardly as she saw her Ajah lose face on the part of one rash child Aes Sedai. Jagen was not even fit to wear the shawl, much less to claim the title of Sitter. Especially not a Red Sitter! Karana must become the next Amyrlin, those had been her instructions. And Jagen seemed to be doing her best to thwart those plans. The girl would stand for Karana. She would. Or face the wrath of the Highest.

She waited for Mandi Sedai to summon her cantidate. Going over the words she must say. She had them memorized already, in hope that she would be the oldest Sitter in the Hall. She would be the one to speak the words, and she must not make a mistake.

Muirenn Lina Alianin
Highest of the Red Ajah
—————————————————————————————-22 June 2002 (11:44pm CST)
Mandi stood and adjusted her shawl. “Karana Majin Aes Sedai, I summon you to take the place of the late Kathana Justiana Trevallaer, as Watcher of the Seals, the Flame of Tar Valon, The Amyrlin Seat.”

She stood standing, she herself was one of the oldest in the Hall, so she would be one of the first to vote.
MandiCaptain-General of the Green Ajah
——————————————————————————————–(The rest of this thread is not currently available)

Trip to Tar Valon (anyone may join)

08 May 2002 (11:17am)

Matalina and Kayla had been getting along fine, but Kayla’s personality was still that of a child, a child with out a friend. It would be difficult to let Kayla have friends in her age range so they made a compromise.

How about a pet? -Like what?- A dog is too much responsiblity and cats are annoying, something small would be best. -A mouse?- Um, no, let’s not go that small, and not a rat either -Maybe we can go look?- That’s probably the best idea.

Matalina gathered her things and grabbed some money. Before leaving the grounds completely Matalina stopped by Yveva’s study to see if she needed anything. “Ink would be good.” Matalina shook her head about the usual request. Matalina was sure her Brown didn’t write nearly that much to need ink everytime they went to Tar Valon, but Matalina obliged her and would buy yet more ink for her writing.

Matalina and Kayla walked down to Tar Valon where they would look at the various items in the shops lining the streets of Tar Valon. Pets were a rare thing in any city, but there were a few shops available.

Matalina walked into one particularly promising shop and began to look around. Nothing of interest really caught her eye, but something caught Kayla’s -Oooh, that’s cute, small and doesn’t look too troublesome.- Matalina smiled, Well it’s not a rat, or a mouse. It’s your choice, it’s for you. -What is it?- Matalina read the sign, forgetting that Kayla hadn’t learned to read yet. It’s a ferret. -I want it.-

Matalina went up to the shop keep and told her what she wanted. “I’d like the ferret over there.”

“Yes gaidin. Unusual to find one such as your self in here.”

Matalina wondered how he knew she was gaidin, probably the sword gave it away. -No it’s the way you walk. You don’t walk like a girl.- Good! -No it’s not, you are a girl, you should act like one.- I don’t think so, nothing good comes from acting like my sex determines me to. -You are a tom boy.- Proud of it too, and you aren’t much better my dear. -Yeah huh.- No Kayla you are not, you dress like a boy, you like the things boys like. The only thing you have in common with a girl your age is flowers and you don’t like boys. And your flower thing is much different than theirs. -Least I’ve something in common with them, you have nothing.- And I like it that way. -We’ll see, I’ll change you.- Try if you can, I’ve worn one dress in my entire life. The memory of Cairhein and her sister crept into their minds.

The store keep fished out the ferret and suggested other things to buy as well. They bought a cage, some bedding, food and some other small things to test out with the ferret. They left the store. Name the ferret. -Is it a boy or a girl?- I think he said it was male. -Okay, how bout…- Kayla began to think about names, she mumbled some as they walked, but nothing came to mind…

Matalina

——————————————————————————————
09 May 2002(5:33pm)

Looking around for some new cushions for her pretties, Muirenn noticed one of the female Gaidin. She seemed to be picking out a new pet for the girl. She couldn’t help but wonder about a womyn who would choose to be a Warder. Being a Red, she was not completely familiar with this new trend. But anyone who liked animals so much couldn’t be too bad. At least she wasn’t one of those men who thought every problem could be solved with their fists. Those tended to be the size of a mountain and with half the brains! So naturally, she was curious, to say the least. As she searched for what her massive amounts of stray cats and kittens would like, she inched closer and closer. Brushing a lock of white hair behind her ear, she watched at the the womyn chose a ferret, and laugh in delight when the thing twined itself around her and scurried up her arm to snuffle at her hair. Muirenn heard her discussing names, and couldn’t help but interject with a suggestion, “How about Sammy?” she said, smiling warmly. The womyn probably didn’t like the suggestion, as evidenced by her scrunched up face, but then again, it could be because the ferret was tickling her with its whiskers. Muirenn hoped that she would be able to talk more with this womyn who walked like a man.

Muirenn
Highest of the Red Ajah

——————————————————————————————-
13 May 2002 (10:20am)

Matalina and Kayla were discussing names on the ferret. One of the two must have been mumbling out loud because a Sedai Matalina didn’t know approached them, “How about Sammy?” Matalina glaced at the Sedai and made a slight bow, nothing overtly obvious, just a small sign of respect.

-That’s a nice name.- It’s up to you. -Okay, Hi Sammy.- Matalina smiled and repeated what Kayla had said, “That’s a nice name.” Matalina brought the ferret cage up to so she could look at the ferret, “You like Sammy.” The ferret didn’t do much of anything, but it didn’t bite at her. “Well, he doesn’t not like it, so I guess that will do for me.”

Matalina looked back at the Sedai, “Sedai, Ma’am, I don’t beleive we’ve met. My name is Matalina, Gaidin to Yveva Sedai of the Brown Ajah. Might I ask your name?”

As Matalina waited for a response the crowds began to mumble and get antsy. As the wave of noise slowly approached Matalina heard news of a death. By the time the shop keeps and the rest of the citizens around Matalina had wind of the news Matalina was in a state of shock. The Amrylin Seat dead? How can it be? -Did you know her?- Only in passing. -So why so long?- The Amrylin Seat was the most powerful woman in the world, she could call kings to her, that’s how powerful she was. As Kayla and Matalina spoke of the Amrylin the rumors began to fly, from a natural death to a whitecloak sneaking into the tower How absurd!, Darkfriends sneaking into the dead of night, The Black Ajah, no never, they don’t exist…. I hope. Common folks were of very little fact and only spoke what was gossip. Matalina only listened, she’d find the truth out soon enough, but Matalina watched the Sedai before her, there was no way that the news hadn’t reached her ears as of yet.

Matalina

——————————————————————————————-
18 May 2002 (8:25pm)

Pushing her the jostling crowd, Raeyn finally reached the inside of a local pet shop. She didn’t know if she was really in the mood to buy a pet quite yet, but with the shock of the Amyrlin’s death spreading like wildfire through Tar Valon, she had felt the urge to get out and about.

Upon entering, she noted Muirienn Sedai chatting up what appeared to be a female warder…

She looks a little familiar.. perhaps I’ve seen her around the library or something,” Raeyn thought to herself as she walked over towards the other two women.

“Hello Muirienn,” Raeyn greeted the elder sister with a small smile, “and who is your friend?”

Raeyn Sedai

——————————————————————————————–
19 May 2002 (11:05am)

Matalina noted another Sedai approaching. This Sedai Matalina knew. Raeyn Sedai of the Brown Ajah and Mistress of the Library. Or one of them. She spoke to the other Sedai, “”Hello Muirienn, and who is your friend?”

“Sedai, I am Matalina, Gaidin to Yveva Sedai. I’m sure you know her being that you are of the same Ajah.” Matalina gave both Sedai a small smile to keep Kayla quiet. -Thank you.- I suppose you are welcome. It seems that you are growing on me child. -When will you stop calling me that?- When you have grown up.

Trying to keep the internal conversation from showing on her face Matalina asked, “What brings to Sedai down to City. Particularly in times like these?”

Matalina hoped they had heared, and realized that was probably the reason they had come to the city.

Matalina

——————————————————————————————–
19 May 2002 (11:30pm)

Raeyn allowed herself a smile as the Warder woman pointed out who’s Gaidin she was. She vaguely remember the face under the piles of books that Yveva tended to borrow for her research.

Matalina smiled back, and said, “What brings two Sedai down to City. Particularly in times like these?”

Raeyn took a breath before speaking, “Well Matalina Gaidin, with the announcement of the death of the Amyrlin, I needed to get out of the Tower and hope that things would be a little calmer in town, but alas, the townspeople too are so terribly hurt… I wish that there was some way to console them, but alas…” she trailed off, head drooping very slightly. Raeyn shook her head, shaking any traces of her “gloom” away with them. She raised her head, and with a small, quick smile continued, “I figured that maybe a pet would help soothe my nerves. I had a kitten when I was a novice, but she’s been gone and dead for years now. I remember that every time I felt like my world was ending, I would snuggle up with that little purring ball of fur, and somehow everything would be all right.” Raeyn shrugged; a quick raising of the shoulders above outspread hands.

“If you two would like to help me pick out a new pet, I would be most obliged… and perhaps I can find a way to repay your aid,” Raeyn spoke, winking at Muirienn. If anyone would know, Muirienn would know payment was usually lunch at “The Staff and Stole”, or something of the like.

Raeyn Sedai

——————————————————————————————
20 May 2002 (7:22am)

Raeyn spoke calmly “Well Matalina Gaidin, with the announcement of the death of the Amyrlin, I needed to get out of the Tower and hope that things would be a little calmer in town, but alas, the townspeople too are so terribly hurt… I wish that there was some way to console them, but alas…” The Sedai before Matalina was as upset about the loss of her leader as anyone else was. “I figured that maybe a pet would help soothe my nerves. I had a kitten when I was a novice, but she’s been gone and dead for years now. I remember that every time I felt like my world was ending, I would snuggle up with that little purring ball of fur, and somehow everything would be all right.”

Kayla perked up at the thought of choosing another pet. -Oooh. Can I?- I don’t see why not Matalina let Kayla take over, hoping the Sedais before her wouldn’t notice the slight change. “I would be more than happy to help you, but no payment is necessary Sedai.” You are at least using correct titles. -I do pay attention you know.- I know and I’m glad. “What are you looking for? small? big? or does it even matter?”

Matalina

——————————————————————————————–
20 May 2002 (7:32am)

Raeyn smiled weakly at the woman in front of her, “Perhaps another kitten… they do keep the mice down that come out around the Library.” She hoped that she was looking upset enough to not cause the suspicions of the other people in the store, besides Muirienn, who barely spoke a word. Together the three women began to pour over the selection kittens before finding a small tabby.

Holding it up, Raeyn exclaimed, “This little sweetie will be perfect! I can already tell that he’ll grow up to be big and healthy… now, what to name him?”

Raeyn Sedai

——————————————————————————————-
20 May 2002 (12:02pm)

Kayla had began to feel uncomfortable around the Sedai and retreated to the back of their mind. Matalina now had control and had no idea for names of a cat. -Tabby, Tom, Rand..- What kind of name is Rand? -What’s wrong with it?- Rand the cat, No I don’t think so it doesn’t work well. What kinda name is it anyway. -Ask Sammy?- What’s he gonna tell us. We can’t speak to him. -So?-

Matalina took the ferrit out of the cage and asked repeated the names that Kayla had said in her mind. “Tabby…” Sammy did nothing. “Tom…” Again Sammy did nothing. “Rand…” And what do you think Sammy did? Nothing!. He doesn’t care either way. -We’ll it was worth a try.- Whatever!

Matalina looked over at Raeyn and made another suggestion, “Tamon?”

Note: Multiple Personalities
“Voice” -Kayla’s thoughts- Matalina’s thoughts *Marosa’s thoughts*

———————————————————————————————-
20 May 2002 (7:46pm)

Matalina looked over at Raeyn and suggested the name Timon. Raeyn smiled, and looked at the fuzzy little ball of fur. “Timon… ” she mused as the kitten nuzzled her hand and licked her fingers. She giggled, “Perhaps you like that name afterall!”

With the help of Matalina and Muirienn, she gathered up the kitten and an assortment of accessories ranging from pillows to a pretty collar. She smiled as she adjusted her bundle, “Well, I guess that I should go get little Timon settled in… if the two of you want, you are free to come back to the Tower with me and have some tea and brownies…. ”

Raeyn Sedai

——————————————————————————————
21 May 2002 (7:07am)

Matalina looked at Raeyn and nodded slightly. “I’ll escort you back to your quarters, but I will have to refuse the tea.” -Brownies!!!!- Be quiet. I’m not done. “But a brownie does sound wonderful.”

Matalina offered to help carry a few of the things. Sammy was easy to carry, all his stuff was neatly in his cage but Raeyn had alot of things to carry that couldn’t be put in the carrier.

Matalina

The Beginning of the End of an Era (ATTN: Black Ajah)

18 April 2002 (10:42am)

Opening her bag, Siofra pulled out the parchment with her notes for this meeting on them. She hoped that all of the sisters had visited the spot in the Tower with the note about the meeting. The ashes from the parchment that she had written the note on had flitted out the window after she had lit it with a small spark. That had been moments ago as she made her way down to the basement and into one of the rooms that most thought of just a storage room which was when it wasn’t being used for the Black Ajah’s purpose.

Reaching into her bag Siofra pulled out her cape and swung it onto her shoulders fastening it with the clip she had had personally detailed for her in town many years ago. She ran her fingers down the smooth midnight fabric, as a small smile creeped across her face and Siofra took that opportunity to twirl and feel the air swirl up under the cape and make the ends flap and flutter. Composing herself, Siofra set to making sure the chairs were in the exact spots so that the sisters could find their asigned spots so that Siofra only would know who was missing. The girls knew her, but only the Supreme Council knew each other as well and so the capes were worn. Siofra wore hers to make the others feel comfortable.

She heard her ward tone telling her that someone was apporaching and heard the knock as a Sister arrived for the meeting.

Siofra

—————————————————————————————
18 April 2002 (11:44am)

Brisk night air greeted her as she stalked silently through the empty halls of the Tower. There were stairs and halls that few knew of, and even then they avoided them due to the lack of occupancy. She knew almost every twist and turn of this place, since she’d been here as long as she had, moving about during the night to her objectives. The most recent list of hits had been completed the night before, with the death of a trader and an inn keeper, the large man having been planning to sell out names of supposed Black Ajah members. Even if the information had been false, it still would’ve raised unloved rumors about said Sisters, and they couldn’t gamble even a rumor on an actual member of the Ajah. Such was the life of an assassin.

Right hand absently tugging the black gauntlet on the left tighter, she counted the days it had been since she’d taken this path. Cara was asleep back in her room, and wouldn’t wake until well into the morning, and even if she did wake, Tod was there to calm her down. In this disguise, she could end anyone’s life who she happened across on the way to the meeting. She gave the bond a flicker of calmness followed by relaxation, letting Jonas know she’d be fine tonight. She would need him in the near future if never.

It had only been an hour, and she was a bit early, but brushed inside anyways. their leader was already there, and looked at her patiently as the door closed on silent hinges. “I’ll wait here, in case . . . ” she stated calmly to the Head of the Ajah, her voice altered to sound differently. She needed no Weave for the emotionlessness in her voice however. And she had left the sentence unfinished purposefully. In case anyone other than members entered, they’d be dead before they crossed the threshold entirely.

Tania Ramsey

—————————————————————————————-
18 April 2002 (1:12pm)

The dark green hood fell just down to Jileyna’s nose and covered her entire face with fabric and shadow. She hooked the golden clasp at the neck and checked her appearence in the mirror. It was risky, for her to leave her rooms in her true appearence, but her face was invisible and she and Desandre had similar body types.

The Tower itself was huge. Ever since her arrival Jileyna had found that suprising. Hundreds of floors were contained within it, and there were many more below. That was where she was off to, the bowels of the White Tower. As she descended the stairs, she kept a watchful eye out for anyone that just happened to be passing by in the middle of the night. Great Lord if she was caught these foolish children would probably try to STILL HER! The thought made her knees weak.

Finally she reached the floor at which the room where the Black Ajah held their meetings was. It was dark, and dusty, a perfect place for rats or spies, and yet none crawled on the dust covered white floor. She saw the doorway at the end of the hall, a storeroom to anyone else, a meeting room for her. At the door she knocked, the same knock used the previous day on Siofra’s door, and it opened quietly.
Inside, two women, garbed similar to Jileyna stood quietly as if they were waiting for an enemy to burst through any second.

One woman pointed to a seat and then nodded to Jileyna, she supposed she was to sit there. She complied, walking slowly across the room, checking her hood as she did. After taking a seat, she looked at the other women, both had their eyes fixed on the door like hawks stalking their prey.

Jileyna

——————————————————————————————

18 April 2002 (1:51pm)

A gray tabby cat rubbed at Muirenn’s ankles, leaving tiny hairs on the hem of her cloak. She made a tsking noise, the black silk was spotless except for that, and she reveled in neatness. Using a weave of air, she brushed the garment clean again. The feel of saidar was sweet, but she could not use the Power where she was going tonight.

The message had been left in her pocket, where the sender had known she would find it. She shivered to think how it had gotten there, within her room, within wards none should be able to cross. Perhaps it was better not to know. She was summoned, and so would she appear. One did not refuse a summons from the Black Ajah.

She finished her preparations by tucking every last strand of her silver hair into her hood. Not many Aes Sedai had white hair, and she needed no speculation as to her identity. She also made sure her face was hooded and masked to prevent further identification. She stepped outside her rooms into the Halls of the Red Ajah. She knew exactly where each of her sisters should be now. And most of them should be asleep, thanks to a little something extra in their nightly tea. Still, it would not do to be careless.

There were passages here known only to the sisters of the Red. Some known only to her; one learned a lot in two hundred years. She entered a passage near her own quarters by undoing the weave of illusion that made it look like any other part of the wall. She entered the door, heard it click shut behind her, and began her long descent into the uttermost depths of the Tower. After many minutes she emerged in one of the lower basements and made her way to the meeting room. Anyone here at this time of night was either on the same mission as she, or dead.

As she came to the door, she knocked and entered, showing the signs that she was of the Black. The womyn at the door nodded and allowed her to pass. Muirenn looked at the Head of her true Ajah, who indicated where she was to sit. Muirenn nodded and took her place halfway down the table. She was neither first nor last here. She only knew a few of the other Blacks, but cloaked and hooded as they were, there was no way to tell which sister was which. Studying the others closely, she tried to find some indicator of who was hiding beneath those masks, but to no avail. Any Black sister that careless would already be dead. She sat patiently and waited for the rest to arrive. There were important plans to discuss this night.

Muirenn

——————————————————————————————–
18 April 2002 (2:04pm)

Lifting Sebastian out of her lap carefully Myriam murmured an appology to her feline friend. She lifted her cape delicately around her shoulders and settled it over her forhead, sweeping loose strands of her dark red hair under the deep gray cape.

Meetings were nothing new, but there had been an air around Siofra in her room earlier that day… She shook her head and completed her walk through the dark back passageways of the White Tower. A small hallway leading from the quarters of the Gray to a smaller staircase…

Turning the nob slowly Myriam slipped into the room, noting each similarly robed character with a nod before proceeding to her seat. Tania was there already, Myriam occupied a seat beside where she knew her fellow Gray would be, although Tania remained at her post beside the door, not bothering to hide the whip cord tension of her mood.

She always did know her way around an attack… Myriam smiled and took her seat, watching the other women in the room with mild interest from the folds of her hood and cloak.

Myriam

—————————————————————————————–
18 April 2002 (5:37pm)

Peering her head out of her rooms, Raeyn smiled. Once again, she thanked the Great Lord for the Brown sisters, and their inwardly focusing solitude. Closing the door in a manner mindful of her long dark hooded cloak, she started down towards their meeting place. Although many of the occupants in her hallways tended to be up at erratic hours, not a one would ever be more attentive to anything outside than within their own rooms. “I sometimes really think that i could commit murder out here, and not a one of those fools would noticed,” Raeyn thought disparigingly as she turned down a servant’s stairway.

Raeyn paused for a minute to make sure nothing distinguishing was showing. Sure enough, her hair was already thouroughly tucked back, and noone would be able to distinguish the plain silk slippers sticking out from under the edge of the cloak. Taking a breath, Raeyn rounded the corner and finished the rest of the trek to meeting. She nodded a slight greeting to her fellow Council Member before going to her usual seat.

She settled herself, and felt the atmosphere of the room. “Something big is going on,” Raeyn thought to herself.
With a shrug, she resigned herself to waiting…

Raeyn

——————————————————————————————–
19 April 2002 (8:56pm)

Siofra looked over the women seated around the table. These women she trusted. These women trusted her with their lives. She held their lives in the palm of her hand. Siofra shook her head and went to the business at hand.

Covering some basic points about the status of the Ajah and other basic points of interest, Siofra went over her list and marked that all were present. She then moved to what she found to be the most important item. “We have not been finding or receiving enough information about this Dragon Reborn that the prophecies mention. I’ve been scouring the prophecies looking for things I may have missed. I have heard word that there will be a meeting of the Hall in the near future. There may or may not be information there, but from what I know, we shall be well represented by 3 members of our Ajah among the sisters of their former Ajah.

“Are there any comments, tidbits of information, or any other points we need to cover?” Siofra asked scanning the women.

Siofra

——————————————————————————————-
20 April 2002 (6:57pm)

Raeyn looked around the room. Most of the women appeared to be a little nervous under their general calm. This was an issue of serious importance, and Raeyn felt that, perhaps, noone had thought as hard on this issue as all should have…. Noone wants to think about anything that could be their undoing, and the coming of the Dragon Reborn would undo the world.

Straightening in her chair, Raeyn composed her thoughts and spoke, “It has come to my attention through close proximity with the Amyrlin that she might know more about the the Dragon Reborn than she lets on. She has taken me into her… confidences, you might say,” Raeyn said, barely containing a mirthful laugh, “Though I cannot fathom her on personal thoughts, perhaps an interrogation could aid our cause. What is the consensus?”

She sat back, and waited for a reply.

Raeyn

——————————————————————————————-
21 April 2002 (12:16pm)

Jileyna, although rather nervous to speak up, did so in a deeper voice than she normally used when disguised as Desandre. “An interrogation of the Amyrlin? Have you gone mad Sister? No, I’m afraid if you want to question the Amyrlin, you’ll have to make sure that is her last interrogation. I agree with you, however, she knows much more than she lets out.”

It was an absurd idea. Killing regular Sisters was troublesome and tedious. THE AMYRLIN! That would surely be a triumph for the Blacks, killing the leader of the White Tower. The idea was so insane that it became possible, or concievable at least. Kathana was getting older, even for Jileyna’s standards.

An uncomfortable tension hung like fog in the room. Jileyna looked around to the other hooded figures, some were fixing their skirts, others dry-washing their hands. Great Lord, one was even biting her nails! Obviously, the idea had struck a nerve in all of them, it was true, to question her would mean killing her. Could they accomplish that without capture. And all of the downfall of problems that came with capture, could they handle that?

Jileyna

—————————————————————————————-
21 April 2002 (5:58pm)

Myriam sat forward in her chair as Raeyn Sedai spoke. Here was a sister she had known for some years, yet her words, although not completely outlandish, struck an odd chord in Myriam’s breast.

In the quiet that followed she found she could hear her fellow sister’s of the dark breathing catch, she pushed her agitation out of her mind and focused on the ideas that made the air in their private storage room meeting thick and chocking, a slow smile spread accross her lips.

Checking herself short of licking her lips outright, Myriam composed herself and addressed the room with a smooth voice, slurring her words slightly.

“The points both merrit further attention. Although perhaps not for those who may be in posession of fainter hearts…” Myriam took a moment to gaze upon her fellow sisters, some of whom seemed more than slightly distressed, though attempting to hide it, years as a gray and one who works close with people had taught her the signs of explicit discomfort. She turned her eyes back to Raeyn, and to the second sister that had spoken, her eyes squinting and idly wishing to herself that she knew the identity of each woman behind her cloak and cape..

“It is very well pointed out that the Amyrlin would not be highly amendable once such an interrogation came to pass. Her condition of hostility would prove to make our motions next to impossible. Her information and then her silence would support our cause to perfection…” Myriam let her slurred voice trail off in a disorderly manner, looking about the room once more, slowly.

A word from Siofra brought her attention to the fore again, and stopped her busy mind. Allowing herself a feeling of satisfaction she shifted back into her seat again, not wanting to look over eager.

Myriam

—————————————————————————————–
21 April 2002 (7:31pm)

Listening to the points and information each sister brought up, Siofra came to a decision. Composing herself as the last sister spoke, Siofra nodded at the sisters and began speaking.

“Yes, I do believe we must interrogate Kathana. She is getting rather old so if we are careful enough things could go just perfectly.” Siofra paused and looked at each woman in turn coming to her conclusion. “If the sisters who’s candle infront of them goes out could please meet me in my room tomorrow after lunch.”

Siofra weaved the thread she had learned when she was a much younger woman and snuffed out the candles in front of Raeyn and Muirenn. “You are all dismissed. I’ll await our meeting tomorrow,” Siofra said nodding at the two sisters she had chosen.

Siofra watched the women file out of the room and returned the room to it’s previous set up. Wandering through the hallways, Siofra stopped in the kitchen for a cup of tea before returning to her quarters to get some rest.

Siofra

—————————————————————————————–
22 April 2002 (5:36pm)

Muirenn watched and listened carefully during the meeting. She knew only one other sister present by face. She recognized the disguises of all but one other womyn from previous meetings, and wondered who the sister in the dark green cloak was.

She was taken aback when one sister suggested the interrogation, and subsequent execution, of the Amyrlin Seat. The silence in the room was palpable, and Muirenn could tell she was not the only one uncomfortable with such a suggestion. It would be difficult, to say the least, to take the Amyrlin away for a while, unnoticed. Kathana was known for her paranoia. Tapping a finger to her lips, she thought of several possible ways to accomplish such a goal. It would not be the first time she had been required to dispose of a prominent personage. She was not surprised when her candle was snuffed out after Siofra finished speaking. She bowed her head to the Head of the Black and hurried back to her rooms. There was much to do.

Muirenn

——————————————————————————————-
22 April 2002 (6:48pm)

As the others began to depart, Jileyna rose and left herself, ascending the long climb to the Green’s Quarters. She was fascinated by the meeting, she hadn’t thought of the Black’s as such a volatile group, and they surely surpassed her expectations. What an addition to the Radiant they would make! Aginor would surely be pleased with her now, Rasputin would most likely be annoyed.

In her quarters she made some notes in a small book of hers and tucked it away beneath the cushions of her over-stuffed sofa. She undressed and burned the dark green velvet dress she’d worn, she didn’t want to risk revealing her identity…yet.

The sun was beginning to rise, and it was time for Jileyna to get some rest. She would rise soon, however, to make sure rumors did not start to spread about how Desandre Sedai was sleeping in her rooms all day long. The White Tower was filled with mouths, large ones at that…
Jileyna

The Arrival of……Me!!! (Attn: anyone who wants to rp a bit)

08 April 2002 (2:15am)

Joseph stopped on the top of the hill. he hadn’t reached the city yet, but he could clarly see Tar Valon and the white tower from where he was. he had never seen it before, and it was an amazing sight. Joseph made his horse go on. he had been riding most of the day, and he wanted to let the horse rest as soon as possible…..but it would have to wait until they were in the city. it would get better food and stuff there.

Joseph walked through the streets. he had never been in Tar Valon before, so after he had found an inn and made sure his horse had been taken care of, he went to look around in the city…..something that hadn’t been such a good idea. he had quickly gotten lost. it wouldn’t be too difficult to find his way back to the inn if he asked for help, but at the moment he didn’t care. he was getting closer to the white tower….that was all he knew. he wanted to get as close as possible and take a look at it.

Joseph stood looking at the white tower, and suddently he wonderd if it had been such a good idea to come to Tar Valon. if anybody there found out that he could channel…..well, it didn’t matter. nobody was gong to find out unless he was stupid enough to tell somebody that he could. Joseph started to walk away, but he was so deep in thought that he didn’t see where he was going, and before he knew what happend, he walked into somebody who fell over. Joseph reached out his arm to help his….”victime” up from the ground.

Joseph

——————————————————————————————–
08 April 2002 (4:09pm)

Muirenn Sedai hurried toward the Staff and Stole, her favorite place to take a meal in the city. She was already late for her lunch appointment with another of her sisters. More importantly, she needed to see the innkeeper. Unknown to most, the innkeeper of the Staff and Stole was also one of the Muirenn’s Eyes and Ears in the city. And the dovecotes there often carried messages for her eyes alone. She was waiting for some important news from the borderlands, hoping one of her hunches would pan out.

She was so preoccupied with her own thoughts that she failed to notice where she was going. It was usually no problem, since the citizens of Tar Valon knew an Aes Sedai by sight and also knew to stay out of the way…especially if that Aes Sedai had white hair. Usually it was no problem…but today as she had almost reached the inn, she was plowed over by a wide-eyed young man. She let out a low growl as she toppled into the mud. Embracing saidar, she almost killed the boy where he stood for sheer impertinence. ~Never kill in anger, Muirenn.~ The voice from her days of training came back to her, it was right. She had never before killed without orders or with passion, and she wouldn’t start now.

She accepted the boy’s hand and stood, using saidar to clean herself off and adjusting her red fringed shawl. She was muttering a bloody men not watching where they were bloody going, and cut off as she could see that the boy was just standing there staring. “Well. In my day we had respect for our elders,” she gave him a quick once over, “And manners as well. Now, the polite thing to do when you knock someone off their heels is to apologize. It is also polite to introduce yourself. Since you don’t seem to be one for introductions, I will begin. My name is Muirenn Aes Sedai, of the Red Ajah.”

Muirenn

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09 April 2002 (2:31am)

“Well. In my day we had respect for our elders and manners as well. Now, the polite thing to do when you knock someone off their heels is to apologize. It is also polite to introduce yourself.” Joseph’s face went red, but it didn’t look like the woman had noticed since she just continued,”Since you don’t seem to be one for introductions, I will begin. My name is Muirenn Aes Sedai, of the Red Ajah.” as that left the woman’s mouth, Joseph could feel color draining from his face. he quickly formed the void to avoid showing it. light! he had to avoid drawing attention from aes sedai, and the first day he was in Tar Valon, he managed to knock one to the ground. just to make it better, she was a red. a red!

“forgive me for knocking you down Aes Sedai……i’m not….used to…cities.” Joseph said. it was the truth. Joseph had almost never been in any cities and the only time he had been in Caemlyn he had managed to kill his steph-father. “my name is Joseph” Joseph was’t sure what more to say, and besides, he had decided it was time to get back to the inn and try to avoid any more…..attention. “since i have already managed to delay you from reaching your destination, do you mind if i delay you a bit more?? i’m…….kind of lost…..”Joseph said and felt that his face was going red again. he had let go of the void as soon as he had been sure that he could be calm without it…..but at the moment he wasn’t sure if it had been such a good idea. he continued without a pause though:”i’m staying at an inn called….the staff and stole…..or something like that. you wouldn’t happen to know where it is, would you???”

Joseph

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09 April 2002 (3:43pm)

Muirenn raised an eyebrow at the mention of the Staff and Stole. All of her agents knew to stay at that inn when traveling through Tar Valon, all the agents of the Red, in fact. But this boy was surely not one of hers. Perhaps he belonged to another sister. Or perhaps his mother, maybe even his grandmother had worked for the Red. In two hundred years, anything was possible. Or perhaps he had just come upon it by chance. Placated by this line of thought, Muirenn let the matter rest. He seemed harmless, in any case.

“You must really have let yourself become disoriented. The Staff and Stole is only two streets from here,” she paused, perhaps there was a way to salvage this day yet. “And since you have already caused me to miss my lunch date, I assume you will not object to sharing a meal with me? I would be interested to find out more about a young man who is–what did you say–unused to cities? Good conversation is the best seasoning to good food.” She barely waited for his assent before giving a curt nod and heading off on her original path, pausing just long enough to make sure he was following before resuming her brisk pace.

Muirenn
Domani Red

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10 April 2002 (12:37pm)

Nynaeve was so happy. It was the first time she got out of the tower by herslef and she decided to walk ALL around Tar -Valon. She realized she wouldn’t be able to do that because of the curfew so for this time three hours of wondering around will have to do. She went through many stores, looking mostly… she liked waatching.

After walking ALOT she came across Staff and Stole. It looked like a nice inn. She went inside to check the price of the food. After seeing the high cost she frowned. “So, will you have something?”, said the innkeeper aloud. He seemed very annoyed by her. She looked at him for a while then sighed. “Just a cup of Ale for me, please”. She sat there quietly sipping from her cup when suddenly she saw an Aes Sedai… named Muirenn she believed… entering with a man… a very cute man.

She watched them and smiled at muirenn as she notice her watching. She smiled at the man too… of courtesy of course and continued drinking….

Nynaeve
Accepted

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11 April 2002 (3:29am)

Joseph followed Muirenn to the inn. he had considerd dissapairing on the way….it would be easy enough to do it, but if he did, Muirenn would perhaps think…..he didn’t know what, but either way, he didn’t want to draw any more attention to himself than he needed to. it would make his job so much harder if he did. Joseph wasn’t afraid of Aes Sedai. even though he didn’t want any attention, he was a bit pleased that he had run into an Aes Sedai. this way he could be able to find out whetever his oppinion about Aes Sedai was correct. well…..it would take more time than just this one time…..after all, not all Aes Sedai was the same. Joseph pushed everything out of his head and decided that he would try to enjoy this as much as possible.

as they walked into the inn, Muirenn semed to see somebody she knew or something. well, that’s wasn’t really surprising. she lived in Tar Valon. of course she would knew some people who lived there. she walked over to a where a woman was sitting and sat down next to her. she motioned for Joseph to do the same. as Joseph sat down he wonderd if he was supposed to introduce himself to this woman. he wasn’t sure, so he said nothing until he had orderd something to eat. he hadn’t eaten much during the day so he was rather hungry.

Joseph

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11 April 2002 (11:43am)

Muirenn Sedai came with the man and sat next to her. It surprised Nynaeve a bit since she didn’t know her that good but she looked like a kind women and Nynaeve wanted to use this opportunity to get to know her and that man too. She almost giggled but she contained herself. “Hello Muirenn Sedai”, she said. She wondered if she should get up and curtsey but since the Aes Sedai didn’t show any anger or dissatisfaction she didn’t get up.

She looked for a while at the man and then presented herself. “I’m Nynaeve Maryim, it’s an honor to meet you sir”. She smiled sweetly and waited for his response. From some reason it seemed to her that he didn’t felt comfortable with the Aes Sedai… he seemed… nervous in a way Nynaeve didn’t quite understand. On the other hand it was normal… most people didn’t like being around Aes Sedai as … but still…
she stopped thinking about it. She always exaggerated on things.

Nynaeve Maryim
Accepted

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13 April 2002 (5:59pm)

With neither woman knowning of a good place to eat, the commenced to wander about the streets of Tar Valon conversing. After about half and hour or so, they found themselves in front of an inn by the name of “The Staff and the Stole”. Looking at each other, the two women shrugged, and entered.

As the walked into the common room, they noticed Muirien Sedai, sitting with an odd man and a child of the Tower. Upon recognizing Muir, Raeyn immediatly walked up to the other woman, “Mind if we join you and your companions for a meal?”

Raeyn Sedai

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14 April 2002 (9:39pm)

Muirenn walked into the inn and noticed a wide-eyed Accepted ordering a drink. The child was staring directly at her, and her companion. She allowed herself a slight smile. It was a bit odd for a Sitter for the Red to be going about town with a man. Especially given the stance of most of the Ajah on Warders. Since the child continued to stare, Muirenn decided to give her a reason. She knew the girl from classes, Nynaeve, her name was, and went over to sit with her. The girl had little choice, since she was sitting at Muirenn’s usual table. Why the child had chosen the biggest table in the room was a mystery. It certainly didn’t look like she had been here before.

After they had been seated, and introductions were finished all around, one of the waitresses immediately came up with a goblet of mulled wine and set it in front of Muirenn. “Thank you, Dina,” she said, “I will have whatever Cook’s special is today.” She paused, gesturing to the others, “And whatever these two want. Put it on the monthly tab for the Red.” Dina nodded after taking orders and walked off.

A few minutes passed with not much conversation. Muirenn was patient as to that, an Accepted and a young man would be understandably nervous around a Red Sitter. While the three continued to wait, Raeyn Sedai and Ayrlin Sedai, also Sitters for their Ajahs, Brown and White, came into the Staff and Stole as well. Raeyn made a beeline for their table, and Muirenn welcomed the two warmly. She remembered these two as novices and Accepted, they had both been eager pupils. She and Raeyn also shared a deeper bond, as they were both members of the Black. She noticed the other patrons watching the table warily. A gathering of Sitters from no less than three Ajahs was rare. And to add a man and an Accepted into the mix was ludicrious. Some of those were almost certainly Eyes and Ears of other sisters. No matter, let them wonder, and draw what conclusions they liked.

Dina, prompt as always, came over to deliver drinks and take orders from the two new arrivals. After everyone was settled, Muirenn turned to Joseph and asked, “So what brings you to Tar Valon?”

Muirenn
Domani Red Sitter

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15 April 2002 (2:10am)

Joseph almost stood up and left when yet another pair of Aes Sedai sat down at their table. he wasn’t supposed to draw attention from the white tower….and here he was…..dining with not one, but 3 Aes Sedai. at least Nynaeve wasn’t an Aes Sedai….but that wasn’t much of a comfort. there was nothing Joseph could do about anything at the moment though, so he forced himself to think on something else. for a short time he was left to himself while the sisters talked among themself, so he tried to ignore everything but his own food. he wasn’t left to himself for long though.

“So what brings you to Tar Valon?” Muirenn asked and Joseph choked on his water. he didn’t know why, but it hadn’t occured to him even once that he should have thought of something to say if he was asked that. he didn’t want to lie. he hated to do so, so unless there was no other way he never did so. but he had to say something though.
“forgive me Aes Sedai. it went down the wrong way……”Joseph said,”why i’ve come to Tar Valon?? well, i’ve been traveling around for some time…..i wanted to see some more of the world than the place i grew up. so…..eventually i ended up here. i decided to try and stay here long enough to get a bit more…..used to cities.” it was the truth. well…..it was a part of the truth anyways. Muirenn looked like she though through his words before she asked her next question:
“tell me Joseph, where did you grow up???” Joseph didn’t know why, but for some reason he felt as he was being interrogated. he pushed it the feeling out of his mind though. it was a stupid thought.
“i grew up in Haddon Mirk” Joseph replied.

Joseph

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15 April 2002 (3:12am)

Ayr sat, ordered her food when everyone else did, and otherwise said little. It was not that she was shy of crowds anymore, exactly, just that she would rather listen to what the others said, and think through what she might say, rather than actually say anything. Besides, in this company, she was the lowest in rank. The other two were Sitters, and had been Aes Sedai much longer. Listening to Muirenn’s question and the man’s startled response, she frowned slightly. Perhaps it was just that he was unused to cities, and to be having lunch with three Aes Sedai and an Accepted, but there seemed something very apprehensive in his hesitant response.

Arylin

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17 April 2002 (8:48pm)

Muirenn gave a slight nod at Joseph’s answer. The boy seemed nervous. More than nervous, he had almost jumped out of his skin when the other two sisters came in. Muirenn tapped a finger on her chin as he continued to talk. She supposed he had good reason to be apprehensive. The other two womyn had not revealed their Ajahs. Perhaps he thought himself to be in the company of three Reds! With the stories that circulated, and she should know, she helped spread some of those rumours herself, any man would be twitchy around Red sisters. She let her smile grow slightly. Let him think they would gobble his children. It would keep him polite.

“Why did you choose to come to Tar Valon to learn about cities?” Muirenn asked. “The reputation of Aes Sedai is hardly favorable, especially in the South. I have travelled there, many cannot even recognize the ageless look, much less know what it means. They think Aes Sedai are little more than tricksters and charlatans. Why travel so far from home, Joseph?” Muirenn hoped the other sisters would join in the conversation as well, she didn’t want to come across as being too harsh to the boy.

Muirenn
Domani Red

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18 April 2002 (3:57am)

Joseph started to grow angry. not at the sisters, but at himself. he was never this jumpy. there was nothing to be afraid of. the worst that could happen was that somebody found out what he was and gentled him. he would most likly die afterwards, but for some reason it didn’t worry him. the wheel weaves as the wheel wills. he thought. he considerd the question for some time before he answerd.

“well……as i said i wanted to see more of the world. and even though the wild part of the world intrest me more than cities and stuff i wanted to see this famous white tower that was in Tar Valon. and as for the….not so favorable reputation of the Aes Sedai……well, what can i say. i try not to judge anybody from reputation. i must admit though that i had made an oppinion about Aes Sedai before coming here……and that is one of the reasons that i want to stay for a while. where else can i learn whetever or not my……oppinion is right or not??” Joseph said calmly. he had managed to get a hold of himself. and he had formed the void.

“and what is that oppinion??” one of the other sisters asked. Joseph had expected the question, but he had expected it from Muirenn. the others hadn’t said much while they had been sitting there.
“my oppinion?? well, that is something i’m not going to share with anybody” Joseph said. his voice didn’t carry any feelings whatsoever.

Joseph

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19 April 2002 (3:24pm)

Nynaeve was sitting quietly on the side. She decided it was better she won’t say a word. Muirenn Sedai was doing a full interrogation to this poor guy and she didn’t want to be the next object of conversation.

The man seemed on the verge of a brake down with being asked so many questions and being surrounded with Aes Sedai. Nynaeve had to help him in some way. Give him a breather from them. Nynaeve got up and curtsied. “I am going to get me another drink, why don’t you join me for a moment Joseph? do you wish for something as well, Aes Sedai?”. Since no one nodded she simply got up with Joseph and they both went to the bar in the end of the common room.

Nynaeve
Accepted

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20 April 2002 (8:43pm)

As Raeyn watched the accepted depart, she turned to her two sisters.

Do either of you know that particular lass? I regret to admit that I’m not very familiar with any of the girls training at the Tower anymore..

Raeyn Sedai

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22 April 2002 (1:55am)

Joseph got up and followed Nynaeve to the bar. he was gratefull for a break from the…..questioning. it was a bit strange. of all the people he had been talking to that day, it was only the innkeeper and Nynaeve who wasn’t Aes Sedai. he had done a great job when it came to not attracting the attention of the White Tower. what a mess. he couldn’t see a way out of it anytime soon either unless the sisters grew tired of him. Joseph tried to push it out of his head. “thank you Nynaeve” Joseph said. he didn’t know if she would understand it or not, but it didn’t really matter.
“so, i take it you know those Aes Sedai or something…..” Joseph said, unable to think of anything else to say.

Joseph

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22 April 2002 (12:16pm)

“thank you Nynaeve” Joseph said. Nynaeve nodded. She understood him completely. Even though she was an Aes Sedai to be it was difficult to be around them. It took her a lot of time to get used to them. Their presence seemed to blow you away if you weren’t used to it.

“so, i take it you know those Aes Sedai or something…..” Joseph said. Nynaeve nodded slowly. “I know them a bit. Just saw them around the Tower a lot but nothing more, though they are nice”.

Nynaeve ordered herself a drink and tasted it. “You know if you want to leave you can just go. If you want an excuse for leaving… well i have to get going in a while to the tower. You can escort me if you wish to”. Nynaeve smiled at him and waited for his response.

Nynaeve
Accepted

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22 April 2002 (4:28pm)

Muirenn watched with interest as Nynaeve and Joseph left together. She hoped that the child didn’t have any foolish notions in her head. Men like that were to be tolerated at best. He did not seem dangerous, but Muirenn did not believe his story for a minute. He was too hesitant in some places and too quick in others.

She was lost in her thoughts as she made small talk with the other sisters. After a few minutes, she was interrupted by Dina’s tap on her shoulder. The girl whispered her message to Muirenn, and after waiting for her nod of agreement, went back to the kitchen.

Muirenn excused herself from the table, saying there was a matter that merited her attention. “And Raeyn, I hope to see you later tonight. For a personal matter.” She arched an eyebrow, hoping that Raeyn realized that she was talking about their meeting with the Head of their true Ajah.

-Muirenn
Dark shade of Red

A Letter…

27 May 2001 (8:25am)

Raeyn Sedai sat in her cluttered study, reading over a book about the mayener culture. She had spent a good bit of her time as a sister up to this point learning about the cultures of others, as she couldn’t fortell where her travels would take her.

She was interrupted by a timid knocking on the door. “Enter,” she called. The door creaked open to admit a novice with a roll of parchment in hand. “A letter for you, Raeyn Sedai.” The young woman bent down into a curtsy, proffering the roll to her elder. Raeyn took it, and nodded to the girl. She turned away and immediatly cracked the seal, oblivious to the novice.. who was quietly sneaking back into the hall and out the door.

The parchment read :

My dearest sister Raeyn,
It seems that our father has taken ill, and that his time is short. The goodwives from the nearest couple of towns are trying all that they can, to no avail. I know that of all us children, you were probably the closest to father. I think that the main reason he is holding on so hard is for that last chance to see you. Make haste, my sister, as he is in pain. We all miss you, and welcome your presence.

With the Deepest Affections,
Your sister Niella

Raeyn let the scroll drop from her hand as she fell back into her chair. Since her aging had slowed so, she had almost forgotten that her family wouldn’t live as such. Her parents were old by normal standards, and she had been so busy the past decade or two that she hadn’t done more than send a few hastily scribbled letters to her family every other year or so.

She began to shove things into a bag.. writing supplies, some of her brownies… extra clothing and such. She ran down to the Kitchens and explained her needs. Raeyn almost hugged the bulky Mistress of the Kitchens as the rotund woman began to bark orders at her fleet of novices.

Raeyn returned upstairs and sat down at her desk. She knew that her time to get home was short, but still… love couldn’t be denied. Raeyn wrote out a note explaining what was happening, and slid it under Jade’s door.

As she walked down to the courtyard, she looked back up at the Tower. Her home… strange how home and family don’t quite go together anymore. She didnt’ notice the tears streaming down her face as she mounted her steed, nor hear her own cries as the echoed into an angry wind rushing across the Tar Valon bridge.

Her family was waiting.
Raeyn Sedai
Brown Ajah