"Good morning Nadia."

 

"Good morning Lillian Sedai."

 

Nodding in acknowledgement, Lillian smiled at the Accepted who had a smile on her face in turn as they passed one another in one of the corridors of the Accepted quarters.  While it wasn't common for most Aes Sedai to spend time in those quarters save to visit their particular mentees, Lillian made it a practice of hers to visit them and the Novices at least once every couple of days whenever she was in Tar Valon for any longer than a week.  While she traveled so often that she taught no classes of her own, she would substitute for others from time to time and during her visits she would help students with their work.

 

Some would have accused her of trying to curry favour, to steal more students and convince them to aspire to the White Ajah, but truth be told that wasn't it at all.  Since her own years as an Accepted, Lillian had firmly believed that the new generation was something that needed a lot of attention.  Not only was it important to assist them in their learning where possible, but to give them a positive example to follow.  That wasn't to say that her sisters were in error, each had their own teaching style and approach to the Novices and Accepted, but this was her own and she felt it the best course for her to pursue.

 

One thing in particular that concerned Lillian was that she felt that the students of the Tower needed more exposure in the world.  Day trips into the city to accomplish various tasks was one thing, but one thing Lillian did like to do was take Accepted that were in the later years of their study out into the world to give them hands on experience in not only their own aspiration, but how to interact with the world in general.  By giving them an example of what could be, not only did she want to inspire Accepted, but also help them determine whether their aspiration was the right one for them, yet also learn to appreciate what other Ajahs did (or could do) in the world.

 

So, today she was looking for a particular Accepted, and since she had been told that the Accepted had free time, she decided to try her room first where, knowing Dulcinea Velasques, she would be there working or at least taking a break.  She'd been an impossible girl during her years as a Novice, her airs and her previous standing an impediment to her developing character and substance.

 

That had changed with the Arches, Lillian had noticed the difference immediately when she had returned from a trip and found Dulcinea had been raised.  Quieter, wiser, a bit more considerate of those around her and more focused on what she was attempting to become.  Not a kind lesson, and one Lillian still disagreed with, there were other ways to achieve such a thing without the Arches, but they had done their work and given their scars and nightmares to Dulcinea the same as they had to everyone else that had passed through them...  and returned.

 

Standing before Dulcinea's door, Lillian knocked and waited for a response.

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Sister of the White Ajah

Dulcinea concentrated on the tangle in front of her; she had been studying the weaves in the test for the shawl.  This one was a right mess.  A multitude of fine threads of all five elements went into it, and each had to be placed just so.  She tugged a strand of Spirit taut, and the whole collapsed into a more compact, and slightly neater...mess.  Well, at least it was something.  She pulled on a strand of Earth and an opposite one of Water and her grip on the entire thing slipped when there was a knock at the door.  She jumped, at the clap of thunder that followed the weave's utter decay into entropy.  Releasing the whole thing she sighed, untucked her legs from underneath herself, and slipped off the bed.  The small area rug that covered most of the small floor had a tairen maze border, which after so long she still found comforting.  The original one that had been in the room was Illianer work.  She had traded kitched duties with another Accepted who could be charmed into swapping rugs.  All the furnishings in one Accepted room were much like that in any other. 

 

She hurriedly found her slippers and slid in her feet; you never knew who would be knocking, and it wouldn't do to meet one of the Aes Sedai while in her stockings.  Opening the door, she was glad that she had done so.  Outside stood Lillian Sedai, who was well known to Dulcinea, although the two had only a passing acquaintance.  Lillien had been a new sister when Dulcinea had entered the Tower, and had been friendly toward her.  She had seen the Sister several times since then, but not often, and not for long, because of her nearly constant travels.  However, whatever else Lillian may have done, at Beltine she always made sure to return with a small gift for each of the girls currently in white.  That alone would have made her well recognized and well liked in the initiates' quarters. 

 

Dulcinea dropped a deep curtsey.  "To what do I owe this visit, Lillian Sedai?" she asked politely.

 

-Dulcinea Velasques

Accepted

Smiling at the curtsey and the manners, Lillian said.  "I'm actually looking for a bit of assistance and I feel that you might be the right person.  If I could come in?  Its a bit more complicated than a simple chore."

 

"Of course, Aes Sedai," Dulcinea said, holding the door open as the Aes Sedai entered.  "What can I do for you?"

 

Stepping inside, Lillian noted that it was much like the rooms of the other Accepted.  Simple furnishings, nothing too out of place to draw attention to it, though the Tairen rug was certainly a stand out.  Something of her homeland perhaps if her looks and name were anything to go by.  Taking the nearby seat even as she gestured for Dulcinea to sit at the bed, Lillian folded her hands in her lap as she spoke.  "It has come to my attention that you have been an Accepted for some time now Dulcinea, have you ever given any thought about what you would do in the outside world once you became Aes Sedai?"

 

Dulcinea made herself comfortable on the bed, wishing she could tuck up her feet again.  But that would be unseemly in front of a Sister.  Too bad.  Lillian Sedai's question was to the point, a rarity in the White Tower, and it caught her off guard.  "I...I have given some thought.  I would like to dedicate my time to helping others, to protecting those who cannot fight for themselves.  In my... well, we're told not to speak of it," she ducked her head slightly, remembering.  "Suffice to say that I saw...things...that have helped to lead me to this decision.  There are other groups outside these walls that I believe mean harm to people, to a great many people, and the Tower should be a shield against such injustices."  She could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks, realizing how foolish this all sounded from one who was still in the banded hem of an Accepted.

 

Lillian simply nodded at what was said.  The arches changed people, those that survived them, and that Dulcinea had chosen to dedicate herself in such a way wasn't something worthy of castigating her for.  If anything, it was commendable, especially considering her manner as a Novice.  "It is good to hear such a sentiment from you, Dulcinea.  Especially because of why I have come here today.  If you are not aware, I tend to spend a lot of my time outside of the Tower, there are a lot of things that need doing and it tends to keep me rather occupied."

 

"On occasion, there is a situation where I feel I could use the assistance of an Accepted.  Not only to help me, but also to give them a taste of what it is like out in the world, using their abilities and their wits for the common good.  I was wondering if you would care to be that Accepted, Dulcinea.  I need to travel to Altara to help resolve a particular dispute though no doubt, being Altara we will encounter more while we are there.  Along the way we will be doing what we can to assist the people there.  You would be gone from the Tower for a number of months away from your friends, but you will get an opportunity that doesn't come often for Accepted and you may find that the experience helps give new perspective to your studies when you return."

 

"What do you think?  Undoubtedly you have questions?  By all means, ask."  Lillian simply sat and waited, allowing Dulcinea to have time to think about her offer.

Dulcinea was shocked at Lillian Sedai's offer.  She had given some thought to what she would do when she attained the shawl, and going out into the world to provide meaningful service had certainly been part of it.  But she had thought it would be several years yet before those sort of plans would have to be made.  Lillian Sedai was offering it now.  As an assistant, yes, but it was better than nothing at all.  She would be able to leave Tar Valon.  She hadn't set foot outside the city in twenty years.  "I would be honored to accompany you, Aes Sedai.

 

"To Altara?  What is the nature of the dispute? What is it that you wish for me to do?  When will we leave?"  She stopped, realizing that she was giving Lillian Sedai no time to respond to her barrage of questions.  "I apologize, Aes Sedai," she said with a laugh, "I am quite excited about the prospect for a journey outside the city."

 

-Dulcinea Velasques

Accepted

 

Laughing freely, Lillian shook her head as she reached over and squeezed Dulcinea's hand.  "There is no need to apologise, Dulcinea.  I'm just glad that you have decided to come with me, having your company on the trip will be most welcome.  Besides, a curious mind that asks questions is something to be encouraged."  She was glad that the formality between them was breaking down already, on the road she would have little time for it.  Such things would only be necessary before those of the Tower, Dulcinea was close enough to her shawl that Lillian felt it was time to begin treating her as a sister and giving her responsibility, albeit a younger sister who would be venturing into the world for the first time since she had arrived.

 

Releasing Dulcinea's hand, Lillian smiled as she answered the questions put to her.  "At the moment, there is a dispute between the House Palanda, a middling power in northern Altara on the border with Murandy, and the Nemir Cartel which is a merchant conglomerate from Murandy.  Murandian mauraders over the past year have caused so much trouble for House Palanda that they shut access to their valley to all Murandian merchants.  The Nemir Cartel is dependent on that route because any other takes twice as long, meaning they cannot be competitive with their counterparts from Altara and because they own no land, they cannot respond with a similar embargo."

 

"The Nemir Cartel along with other merchants have been told by House Palanda that access will be restored if the attacks ceased.  However, the Nemir Cartel does not see this as their problem and being Murandians, naturally they are a bit suspicious of foreigners to begin with.  Having their trade route shut down and being forced into a position where they must either comply with an outsider or resort to a different route that would make them uncompetitive leaves them a third possibility if they are foolish enough to take it, joining the Mauraders and breaking House Palanda's strength so their way through House Palanda's lands is assured.  Foolish, I know, but it wouldn't be the first time something like this has happened."

 

"So, you and me will be going there to resolve the dispute, give any assistance we can to shutting down these Mauraders and helping House Palanda rebuild from the damage of the attacks.  As it is, several villages have been displaced because House Palanda cannot protect all of them which have then subsequently been looted and burned to the ground.  And unless the Wheel decides to spin favourably, I have no doubt things will be as bad or worse by the time we get there."

 

"Actually, something just occured to me, would you stand for a moment?"  Getting to her feet as Dulcinea did, Lillian looked her over, asked her to turn so she could see her from her side, then nodded as she told Dulcinea to turn back.  "We'll be traveling incognito part of the way, I'll make sure to locate some suitable dresses.  We will be leaving within the week, I will inform the Mistress of Novices that you agreed and make the other necessary arrangements.  I'll get a message to you the day before we leave so you know."

 

Patting Dulcinea on the arm, Lillian turned and headed towards the door but stopped as she opened it to look about.  "Also, when we are in private we may drop the title.  We'll be together for a few months and you'll also have to get used to it when we are masquerading as something other than Aes Sedai and Accepted.  That and it will just plain wear after the first week, I remember that much."  Grinning, Lillian closed the door behind her.

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Sister of the White Ajah

 

OOC:  Rightio, take us forward to departure :)

Dulcinea nodded slowly as Lillian Sedai laid out the crux of the dispute in Altara, but she understood little.  Her strengths lay in communication and relationships, true, but she had undertaken little study of geography, nor of law, nor of the cultures they were visiting.  So this dispute over trade routes meant little to her.  She could see that it was important to transport goods as quickly as possible, and that having their trade route shut down would make any group justifiably upset.  Beyond that, she would have to visit the library before they left. 

 

She was puzzled when the Sister asked her to stand, and then shocked when she was told that she would not be wearing her Accepted's dress on the journey.  It would be wonderful to wear something else for a while!  She had been so happy to exchange novice white for the banded hem, but that was ten years ago.  She would be just as happy to never have to wear white again!

 

After Lillian Sedai left, Dulcinea made the trip to the library she had promised herself, and pulled out books on Altaran and Murandian culture, as well as the economics and law of both countries.  She wanted to be well prepared, or as well as she was able.  She did make a decent effort at it, but the books were just so hard to get through.  Maybe a few more days would do the trick...

 

She recieved Lillian Sedai's message four days after their brief meeting, and was informed that there was little she needed to bring with her.  Apparently, the Aes Sedai had meant it when she had said that she would be finding suitable clothing for her.  She was to arrive at the stables two hours before High, and be prepared for an absence of several months, which was exactly what Lillian Sedai had told her before.  Unable to keep her excitement in check any longer, she whooped, and began stuffing her few personal possessions in a satchel.

 

The next morning, Dulcinea arrived well ahead of the scheduled time, and was only a bit surprised not to see any horses waiting.  She was early, after all.  But she grew a bit more anxious as the time approached and any sort of transportation did not.  She most certainly did not want to walk to Altara!  Finally, she saw Lillian Sedai approaching, with several workmen in tow who were carrying several parcels.  But still no horses.  She waited patiently for whatever explanation the Aes Sedai cared to offer.

 

-Dulcinea Velasques

Accepted

Seeing Dulcinea, Lillian smiled as she gestured for the girl to follow.  She didn't need to tell the men as they fell in line and they walked into the stables, they'd been with her for the past hour after all in the city as they played their part as porters.  She was fairly sure that her young friend was going to appreciate what she would find in those parcels.

 

The stables were, to the unaccustomed nose, possessed of an overpoweringly strong smell that was produced by the vast number of equine animals contained within.  Housing enough horses for a good number of Sisters and their escorts to depart the Tower at anytime with, people who didn't visit it often were usually quick to forget how much effort it actually took to keep it functioning.  Dozens of stableboys were employed for the task, along with trainees who were put to work while being instructed in the care of the horses so if they ended up ever having to ride one, they'd know how well to treat them.

 

Gesturing to a nearby bench, Lillian asked the porters to leave the parcels there and thanked them for their help.  She'd already paid them, but good manners and appreciation for others was simple decency and it was appreciated in turn by the men who left.  Smiling at Dulcinea, Lillian pointed to the parcels.  "You should open those, I think you'll find some pleasant surprises within.  Be sure to pack what you find in the saddlebags over there."  Lillian pointed to a rack where they hung in a long line.

 

"My things are already packed as well as our provisions.  I'll go saddle our horses and have whats already ready loaded up while you take care of that."  At that, Lillian turned and left Dulcinea to her own devices as she snagged a couple of stableboys for a task.  She would saddle one of the horses, but the boys could handle the other two for her while she did so.  Besides, Dulcinea would appreciate a chance to look over the things she'd purchased for her.  They weren't the finest of things, indeed they were modest, but they were well made for travel and wouldn't get either of them a lecture when they returned to the Tower.

 

 

Lillian Tremina

Sister of the White Ajah

Dulcinea was relieved when Lillian Sedai finally arrived in the company of several men carrying parcels.  She was less pleased when she followed the Aes Sedai into the stables.  The smell alone was enough to ensure that she did not want a return visit.  And that she wanted to get out of there as quickly as was possible.

 

She nodded at Lillian Sedai's instructions, not trusting herself to speak without gagging, and got to work on the parcels.  She was pleasantly surprised to see what the sister had chosen for her.  Wool, true, but that only made sense if they were to be travelling.  And not one of the dresses were white!  Shades of purple dominated, but there was also a set of divided skirts in a deep blue, and one in a dark red.  The duller colors were less likely to show wear, she supposed, but she did hold out hope that she would get the chance to wear something bright at some point during their journey.  Maybe when they met with the noble house.  There was also a practical linen dustcloak, as well as two pairs of riding boots.  In the other set of parcels, Dulcinea found a package of herbs and poultices, a sewing and leather repair kit, a small sheaf of parchment, quills, a stoppered ink bottle, and a small compass.  Unfortunately, she was ignorant in the use of most of these items, the writing tools obviously excluded.  It seemed she would have much to learn on this trip.

 

And it began now.  She had been tasked with packing her own saddlebags, which, she considered, she would likely be responsible for on the trip anyway.  Better get it over with.  She knew from her few excursions outside the Tower how to make every bit of space matter, and she used that knowledge to repack the items from the parcels and her satchel into two saddlebags.  Likely not the most efficient use of space possible, but it would do.

 

Hauling the bags over to Lillian Sedai, they were loaded up on a packhorse.  She was pleased to see that she'd been given a gelding for the journey.  She didn't think that after nearly twenty years (for all practical purposes anyway) out of the saddle she would be up for a the fiery temperment of a stallion, or even the high-strung fickleness of a mare.  A gentle gelding suited her just fine. 

 

After the horses were packed and ready, Lillian Sedai led them out into the yard, but did not mount.  Puzzled, Dulcinea watched as the Aes Sedai embraced saidar and began an unfamiliar weave.  Her jaw dropped as a hole opened in the air, with a platform just beyond that seemed to float in endless darkness.  Even more eerie, the platform looked like a flat disc with a sinuous line seperating one gleaming white half from the other of inky black.  The Flame of Tar Valon and the Dragon's Fang.  The ancient symbol of the Aes Sedai.  She shuddered slightly.  She had heard of this weave before, but had never seen it performed.  She tried to study the weave, but was ushered forward by Lillian Sedai.  She supposed there would be time for that later.

 

Nervously, she stepped onto the platform, which was ringed by a waist-high railing.  It took a bit of coaxing to get the horses onto it, especially with the floating globe of light right in the middle.  They tried to shy away the first time it changed color from yellow to green, but they adjusted quickly. 

 

It was Dulcinea's turn to jump when the portal she had entered through snapped shut and all that was left of the world was this small platform with the glowing green...no blue...light.  For better or for worse, she had left Tar Valon behind.

 

-Dulcinea Velasques

Accepted