A moment of Seriousness [ Conor's TG Oaths | Attn Aramina & Lyssa ]

The Glade of Remembrance. A place filled with beautiful coniferous trees that surrounded the a glade in which he stood. But Conor Palfery did not notice the tree's too much. In fact, he was to busy wiping the nervous sweat of his hands on is freshly cleaned and pressed breeches. If he was lucky, he would not loose his grip on any given sword and make a complete fool of himself as he had on countless occasions with Cairma. It was not his bloody fault the woman made him nervous. But as Mahiko pointed out, it was probably because she was the hardest to impress and the only one he wanted to impress. Aside from Sahra, of course. But Sahra had her sights set completely on Ursana who expressed the same once she had reached the Red Cloak but only a week earlier.

 

Taking Mahiko's words to heart, Conor took the time over the past few months not striving for Cairma's standards but working towards his own. It only figured that she also found this agreeable and her words became more suggestive and encouraging than reprimanding and a form of constructive criticism. Looking over the glen he saw the Commander Brand Ryota who was followed by Aramina Sedai of the Green Ajah and Lyssa Simeone who was a Tower Guard that roomed with his mentor Cairma. A little disappointed that it was Lyssa not Cairma, even Conor knew why it was not his own mentor at his raising ceremony. He hand unconsciously went to the bastard sword that would normally sit on his left hip. A jewel-worked sword made to his favored weight, a gift from Cairma, that now laid locked in a chest in his quarters. He knew that he had met with her approval. As tough as she was on him, Conor had to admit he was not the easiest or most dedicated of students. Doubtfully ever will until the need arose.

 

Looking up, Conor did not bother to shield his eyes. Midday.

 

Kneeling in front of the stone slab, Commander Brand stood center with Lyssa to the right and Aramina Sedai to the Left. Light, she was beautiful. Conor was the first to speak. Nervous butterflies were dancing away a circus in his mind and stomach. It took effort not to wince.

 

“I come here unarmed, offering to give myself to the defense of those who serve all.”

 

“Who would speak for you?”

 

“I would speak for him, he is fit.”

 

“Who would trust you?”

 

“I would trust him.”

 

“Who would accept you?”

 

“I would.”

 

“Who would witness your oath whose word is beyond question?”

 

“I will” Aramina's voice and intoned words were a relief as he settled into the ceremony few far fewer butterflies than when it had started.

 

“Do you understand that once pledged you are forever bound to a rule of defence? Defence of all Aes Sedai, the defence of the White Tower?”

“Yes.”

 

“Do you understand that once pledged you are forever bound to a rule of obedience? Obedience to your officers, obedience to all Aes Sedai?”

“Yes.”

 

“Do you understand that once pledged you are forever bound to a rule of commitment? Commitment to serving faithfully, commitment despite any adversity?”

“Yes.”

 

“Then give your oath now.”

 

There was no hesitation in his voice as he spoke each oath with pride.

 

“I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to defend the White Tower and all who call it home. I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to serve faithfully for as long as the White Tower requires me. I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to fight the shadow and uphold the light until my dying day.”

“We welcome you to the Tower Guard, you that were known once as of .” As Brand spoke, Aramina Sedai walked around the stone slab, a red cloak in hand. He snuck a gaze up at her with a wink just before she placed the clock on his shoulders. As serious as he was, even he could not help himself from being just a touch of a flirt. In good fun of course. When Aramina Sedai was standing back behind Brand, Lyssa stepped forward.

 

“We welcome you as of the Tower Guard, our brother in arms. Rise and stand as one among many.” Admittingly Conor was surprised that it had been Lyssa that moved forward his Raising. His suspicions of Cairma's hand in the matter were fairly evident, but he bowed his head respectfully to her. Grateful for her attendance and her trust as well as honor for the appeal. In a way, even now he was at a loss for words. Lyssa presented him with a long dagger that represented his new rank. Useless weapon, but decorative enough for on a wall.

 

“You came to us unarmed, and as our mark of trust we place this steel in your hand. May you keep it as a symbol of the trust that has been placed in you, and may it serve you well.”

 

Brand walked around the stone slab, Aramina Sedai following behind him and Lyssa following her. Pausing for a moment, Brand laid a hand on his shoulder, taking a moment to leave with a few parting words. “Spare a moment for those who have come before you and to who you have become, as shall those who follow you.”

 

And they left.

 

Conor stayed kneeled there for a moment, taking to heart Brands words. Of the few times since his arrival in the Yard, this was a point and a place to where he truly felt the weight of his choices and the path he felt meant to take. Perhaps he had it easy as a Trainee of maybe not, he couldn't know for sure, but a sense of profound wonder started to explore his senses and for the first time in his life felt.. accomplished. He truly had earned his rank not any other, and the cloak, his dagger, the vows, were completely his own.

 

Conor giggled to himself in the low octave that his voice had become. Persevered and managed fairly well, it had been a good run. But what would he do with himself? He would always be welcome in the Yard, and his vows placed him in the hands of the Tower and her Yard. But even Tower Trained left for a time. Was he ready to leave? A thought flickered to Aramina Sedai.

 

No. No, not yet.

 

Standing he gazed over the glade, taking in its beauty for the first and last time. They really were quite beautiful tree's. Conor turned and jogged out of the Glade, a shimmer of red trailing behind him.

 

 

Conor Palfrey

Tower Guard