Mirlishea sat sullenly on Kiserai, after being scolded for the tenth time by the Aes Sedai for having interrupted her when she was trying to speak. She refused to believe she could channel. "This is just not possible. I cannot...." her words trailed off, as she found herself staring at the White Tower.

 

This might not be so bad, she thought, as she gapped in awe at the structure towering higher than she could have ever dreamed. The horses were being taken to the stables, and she had to hurry, half stumbling, up the stairs to catch up to the woman already opening the door to the tower. The Aes Sedai turned and lead the way through the halls at a steady pace. Mirlishea did her best to keep up with the woman, not wanting to get an eleventh scolding for lagging behind.

 

Finally, what seemed like ages later, the Aes Sedai stopped. "Stay here, child." the woman said, and giving Mirlishea a stern look, disappeared through a door.

 

Mirlishea stood there, staring in wonderment at the tapestries hanging on the opposite wall. She couldn't help but feel a bubble of excitement, wondering what was going to happen, even though she was sure she'd be sent home from the White Tower. Convinced the Aes Sedai had made a mistake. 

The Mistress of Novices placed her quill down neatly upon her desk and smiled obligingly when the Aes Sedai entered her study. One of the many things one adapted to as Mistress of Novices was constant interruptions, or priority changes. Darienna had learned to be patient and flexible; she could outlast a stone.

 

Ah, so it was a new recruit then. “Would you mind,” Darienna said, “bringing her in for me? Thank you.” As the Aes Sedai left to bring her the young charge, Darienna inspected her study; busied herself with a last moment clean up. There was no need at all to make a less than sterling impression; she was the Mistress of Novices.

 

The ‘supplicant’ was ushered into her study and Darienna gave her most reassuring look. Delicate business, this, some girls were not brought to her by their own choice and tended to require a more delicate hand than others.

 

“Greetings, my name is Darienna Sedai; what is yours? Have you travelled far to get here?” Darienna nodded enthusiastically as the young girl answered. Inspecting and prodding at her to make sure she was not obviously ill or damaged. A farmer would do similar when looking to buy a cow; she seemed healthy enough.