A cool breeze stirred and ruffled Eqwina’s papers. It had been such a beautiful day when she awoke she could not imagine meeting her new Novice indoors. The last few months as her life turned around and she reentered the “real” world she was fascinated by all the things she had not seen in so long. A simple walk in the gardens or a meal at an Inn, she had strayed so far….

 

Her thoughts trailed off and she tried again to focus on the task at hand. The stack of papers in front of her seemed endless, but they had to be done. Slowly the stack grew smaller until Eqwina found herself filing the papers away and closing her lap desk. It seemed she would have a few minutes just to sit an enjoy the beautiful day before the child arrived.

 

This time of year the gardens were starting there last blooms, and the nights began to hold more cold than warmth, but the days still blazed hot and bright. Few Sisters milled about, one or two with a Warder close in tow. Most that occupied the garden passed through quickly,a Novice running here, and Accepted walking quickly but trying hard to maintain decorum.The simple daily runnings of the Tower brought a smile to her face.

 

Eqwina had chosen a spot secluded on three sides by scores of trees and bushes, the only outlet faced one of her favorite fountains which bubbled softly; giving off a soothing sound.

 

Bells rang through the garden, High had rung and still no sign of her new novice?! She made a vexed sound, but other than that did not stir. It would take more than that to disturb her today, but if the child did not come soon….

 

OOC: Sorry for the delay..just RP her showing up late and we’ll move on :D

Salandrian Faerhind's stomach felt like a thousand butterflies were flying around in it. Her first full day at the Tower, and so many things to do already! She wondered how the Aes Sedai could seem so calm after living like this for only-the-Creator-knows how many years. It must get easier, she thought to herself. I'll become used to it.

 

Suddenly she realized that she had no idea where to go. Why couldn't she have asked for directions? Blast my shyness! Couldn't I have just sucked it up and asked for directions? Too late for that now. The bells had already rung High, and she should be at the garden now! Oh Light! How poor of an impression to make on her first meeting!

 

Seeing a window with what looked like a garden on the other side, Salandrian looked down and saw a very short Aes Sedai in yellow, sitting next to a fountain. The woman matched the description Salandrian was given perfectly. Running to the door that led to the garden, she barely had time to compose herself before walked hurridly to the fountain.

 

"Please forgive me Aes Sedai," Salandrian said humbly. "I was lost and... I had no idea where I was going..." She trailed off as she felt tears water her eyes.

Eqwina schooled her face, but still a smile quirked her lips. “ Surely child you cannot think I am so old I do not remember the pressures of my first days in the Tower.” She spread her skirts and took a seat leaning casually against the tree. Salandrian stood looking abashed with tears streaming down her cheeks.

 

“Sit child, please.” She attempted to make her voice cheerful. Eqwina was accustom to crying her own tears but rather unpracticed when dealing with other’s “ In case you have not noticed sitting is the only time I feel as tall as most people.” She meant it for a joke but the girl sat with such force Eqwina was not sure she took it for one. “ I was told you were from Ebou Dar, once many many years ago I too resided there, my parents were patrons of an Inn”

 

The girls silence and tears were wearing on her last nerve. Placing her fingers under the girls chin she raised her head forcing the child to stare into her Emerald eyes. “ Now listen girl, tears are for your pillow not for the world to see, you have a hard road ahead of you, the first few days are scary but you better toughen up if you intend to make it a week” She released Salandrain’s chin but held her eye. “Now, tell me a little about yourself” Leaning back against the tree Eqwina picked up three round pebbles and began juggling them in a simple loop while she listened to the girl speak.

“Now, tell me a little about yourself.”

 

Salandrian wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. Stop crying, girl, she kept telling herself over and over in her head. Surely every Novice must go through this. And that fact gave Salandrian much comfort, somehow.

 

She gulped before speaking, "I'm Salandrian Faerhind from Ebou Dar. I love reading history, politics, herbs and philosophy, although I don't feel confident enough to talk about them with anyone who knows anything about them..." When she realized that she had said so much about herself, she turned a bright shade of pink and pretened to find interest in a groove on the bench.

 

"Forgive me Aes Sedai, but what is your name?" Salandrian asked cautiously.

Eqwina smiled. Shy, timid, and meek. Except for appearance this young women could have been her back in her novice years. She found herself wondering idly if the child ever fainted.

 

“ Eqwina al’Caupthn Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah, but Eqwina Sedai will do” Truly they should have began their lesson but Eqwina felt a connection to this child and wanted to make her more comfortable before beginning.

“I was born and spent 11 years in Ebou Dar, the daughter of an Innkeeper. I wish I could say I miss it but many sad memories still haunt that place for me. I hope you have happier memories to help you through the long days ahead” There she had said perhaps more than she should, but only in hopes of helping the child feel at ease.

 

" Tell me Salandrian, why did you come to Tar Valon?"

"I hope you have happier memories to help you through the long days ahead.” Eqwina Sedai's soft and gentle words put touch of a smile on Salandrian's face as she remembered the things she loved most about Ebou Dar, the warm sea air, the politeness of the people, the fountains in Mol Hara square... Oddly, though, she did not feel homesick. She felt safe and secure with Eqwina Sedai, and hoped that there would be more women she would meet who were like her mentor.

 

"Tell me Salandrian, why did you come to Tar Valon?"

 

Salandrian looked up as she heard the question and stared at the branches of a nearby tree while she answered. "I came to Tar Valon to learn more about the world, I think... And I came to learn how to help people... I feel that I have been given a gift that I can use to create tremendous change in the world." She frowned after she said this because she had never really put her thoughts into words.

 

"When will I get to learn to use this power? I know I should be patient, but when?" Salandrian smiled, and looked at Eqwina Sedai, pleading with her eyes.

Eqwina smiled at Salandrian. "Meet me in my room in the Yellow Ajah Quarters as High Rings..and this time take care not to be late"

OoC: are we going to continue this on a seperate thread?

 

IC: Salandrian nodded as she stood up. "Thank you, Aes Sedai." As she turned, she thought about how much more secure she felt after talking to Eqwina Sedai.