Coraman stood a few paces from the pearly gates of the White Tower - her gaze upwards towards the peaks daring the sky to break them. Her hands trembled and her stomach churned its contents. Tears threatened to break through her hold - tears of sadness and anger towards Seiaman and her abandonment. If she had known this would've happened, her bed back at the Inn would've been empty before the second day came. But Coraman refused to believe what Seiaman does - the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills. She didn't believe in fate or luck, the mere idea of her future in the hands of some unknown superior being made her feel as if she was a puppet. After that old hag whom controlled most of her childhood, Coraman would never let that happen again. She wanted to do it willingly, to be asked and given the option to decline.

 

She let out a long sigh. It was still not too late; Coraman could disappear into the cities of Tar Valon with the money she had saved since Seiaman had adopted her. But she had nowhere to go and surely the money would disappear before long. There were no developed skills that could help her land a job. She could return to the Inn and take over her foster-mother's duties but Brandy made it obvious she did not approve of Coraman's presence. If she guessed right, the woman would've sold her off as soon as Seiaman turned her back. Her fists clenched tightly until they turned white. I will not be made a slave.

 

A movement caught her eye and she looked just in time to see a glare of silver and a boy of her height with an outstretched hand. Her foot instantly went out, tripping him over and Coraman grabbed his shirt - pounding her fists into his face and neck. "Stop! Stop!" She kicked the boy in the stomach and pushed him away as he tried to get up. She knew what he was trying to get - the medallion that hung from her neck but foolishly, she didn't tuck it in her shirt. "Bloody dead goat of a mother!" The boy ran away, looking over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't being chased. Checking her few possessions, the boy made off with nothing. Her hand clasped around the low-hanging medallion that Seiaman had given her a few days past - it was silver with engravings of two dragons that were encased in a circle; each were chasing the other, the tail so close to being chomped off. Seiaman said it belonged to her father who had gotten it from his father and so on. Kei was his name - he said it was a symbol of protection and felt that Seiaman needed it more than her siblings when she left Ebou Dar to go to the White Tower.

 

Thinking of Seiaman nearly brought the torrent of tears but she held fast. She's leaving. Nothing you can do. She tucked the medallion underneath her shirt when movement ahead brought her attention back to the present. A person was walking straight for her and instinctively, Coraman took a few steps back until her back was pressed against a building wall. She knew the person was coming because of what she just did. I'm going to jail. The person came closer and Coraman looked for an escape.

Ooc: i'm so excited i'm all tingly!!

 

Song of the day : "The Doom Song" - Invader Zim

My Bio : http://www.gaidin.org/displaybio.php?rank=3&id=10

 

Ic:

 

 

Shifting through her trunk, there were very little possessions that really caught her eye. Daemon had suggested for her to take up a hobby outside of the tower. She wrinkled her nose. No, his exact wording was to get out of the tower and make friends. If she wasn't tryng to improve her forms and speed with the massive practice lathes, she spent time in solitude and without thought.

 

Maybe that was a bad thing. She would never protect an Aes Sedai if she never talked to one.

 

Allowing the lid to her trunk to slam shut, Cairma decided it was time for her to head into town to 'find' a hobby. Maybe pick up a book. No needle work or silly things like that. It would make her mother laugh if she were to pick up one of those thngs.

 

"Don't run off into the woods, it is time for dancing. Don't pick up the bow, pick up a needle." She mimicked her mothers voice with slight bitterness at the things that she was always told never to do. Why could she never understand that she never wanted any of those things. Even her brothers mocked her...

 

Cairma pulled on the void, pushing away the voices that threatened her otherwise peaceful state of mind. Taking slow breaths she walked out of the room, unconciously lifting her sword and attaching the custom made sheath to her back , and then through the Barracks and towards the Tower Gates.

 

The bustle and noise of the city was a strange welcome as she walked into the city. People moving out of he way as she gracefully stepped past market carts and displays. Although there were bolts of silk and jewelery to make a woman melt, they did nothing for her. Moving through, one simple movement caught her eye only one street over, through an ally way.

 

A girl nearly robbed.

 

The boy ran past her after a slight trumping by the girl. A quick kick to the stomach was enough to change the boys mind, and Cairma had half a mind to stop him by placing Beast in front of him, like a wall. But since the girl seemed to be okay..

 

Wide eyes stared back at her, athough not seeing her at all. Frowning Cairma headed towards her. There was something ferel about hte girl, but the look in her eyes screamed something more. Something she recognized but could not quite put her finger on it. Not taking the time to think on it, she headed down the allyway towards the girl. She obviously say here and started to take a few steps back. Unhesidently Cairma continued as the girl looked both ways, trying to find a place to run.

 

"Wait." Cairma called. "There is no need to run. Are you Okay? That boy, he didn't hurt you at all, did he?" There was a slight air of distictive inner rage as she say 'boy. She stopped a proper distance away, giving the girl ample room to run if she wished, distance to keep the girl comfortable, but close enough to make it clear that Cairma was there to talk to her. She knew the street laws. Although it had been year and years ago she had learned them.

 

"My name is Cairma and I'm a Tower Guard. if there is anything that i can help you with.. "

 

 

 

Cairma Vishnu

TG

Coraman eyed the blonde who stopped a few paces before her and saw that she had an escape route. But the woman didn't seem threatening. She watched the woman warily as she spoke, eyeing the hilt of the sword strapped to her back. But the one thing that proved her words true was the Tower Guard cloak that she had seen others wear. Most of the time, they were drunk and easily to pickpocket but Coraman supposed that this one was not a drinker.

 

But she had to wonder why the one called Cairma came to help. No one came to help a street urchin. Then she realized that her attire was not one that spoke of a child that lived on the streets but a middleclass girl. She raised her chin and frowned at the other woman, "I'm fine." Would the Warders accept one that was known to be a street urchin? Or did this one really want to help her.

 

"I was going to the W...." Coraman couldn't say the name of the largest building in Tar Valon. "I was going to see if I could join the Tower Guards." Her eyes darted towards the gates which wasn't that far. But she had no idea where she needed to go or who she needed to see. She looked back at Cairma with narrowed eyes. "Could you tell me who I need to see?"

Cairma took a moment to drink in a little more of the girl ahead of her. it was obvious that the Dark haired girl did not trust her. With the look in the girls eyes, Cairma would probably not be able to guess as to why until the girl would say so.

 

"The person you would need tot alk to would be Ginae. She is the mistress of Trainee's. i will take you there." Cairma paused for a moment, almost as if she were forgetting something, and then she looked the small girl over.

 

"But why would a girl your age wish to become part of the White Tower guard? Do you not have family or a place to stay?" There was a tick in the girls eyes, and she knew that she had said the exactly wrong thing. --burn me-- Tucking a strand of her short blonde hair behind her ear, she quickly corrected herself. "Not that it matters. Come this way, and i will take you to Mistress Ginae."

 

Knowign that it was the girls choice to follow, and not her's to force her, Cairma turned back town the ally way to the busier part of the street. A walk way for a new life. A choice. Run now and don't come back. Follow and there will be no way of going back. It was her choice. The light Weaves it's own Will and there was a reason they met. She only hoped that the girl would be placed under someone that could teach her strength of spirit. A strand of concern still tugging at her for an unknown reason.

 

 

Cairma

Coraman eyed the woman as she walked away - she didn't need her help, all she needed to do was enter where the Tower Guards trained and ask around for Ginae. But the thought of approaching strangers and making herself known did not sit well with her. She pushed herself forward and started to follow the woman named Cairma - watching her shoulders in case the woman was truly a thief and imposter; meaning to kill Coraman just for the few precious belongings she held. Her fingers wrapped around the hilt of the dragon dagger hidden within her sleeve - she had no idea how to use it and Seiaman had said that she would eventually learn. Until she met this Ginae, she wouldn't put it past the Cairma to betray her.

 

They walked past the Guards and through the White Tower gates - and instead of walking straight to the Great Hall; Cairma turned and headed for another section of the Tower. Men and women were practicing with wooden swords; others were commanding younger ones to run or complete an obstacle. The mere sight was overwhelming - they were all bigger than her. Taller too. At this point, a doubt creeped into her mind that she wouldn't be a good Tower Guard because of her physical limitations - or that she may be shunned from enlisting. The fear started to grow inside her and she quickened her steps, lowering her eyes to watch Cairma's boots; her shoulders hunched, trying to make herself as small as possible so no one would see her.

 

Cairma stopped and she nearly skidded to a halt to avoid colliding with the taller woman. But she didn't move from behind; she wanted the ground to open up and drown her. Never good with attentions, she avoided eye contact even when Cairma had turned around.

Ooc: i should have a post up for you tomorrow or so.. I've done so much writing the past 48 hours my brain has imploded.. :P ^^

 

C.

Ooc: sorry about the wait.. RL and all that.

If you need to get a hold of me or anything, i did add you to MSN so we can plan RP's. Anything you want. You've been throught he raising system once before, i'll bet it was the old system along with me, soo... *smiles* I guess this is a little new for all of us!

 

arie_designs[at]hotmail.com or icq 122171604

 

Ic:

 

Ginae was not hard to find. She was discussing things with another guard in a different company. Someone Cairma had yet to meet. No surprise, of course. And judging by the face on the woman, Cairma could bet that a certain TG names Aran was causing a few more pranks. Why he didn't shape up Cairma would never know. Cairma then frowned. The little Git.

 

Turning around Cairma halted and faced the girl.

 

"I will introduce you, but you must remember this. She is a hard woman and will put up with no nonsense. Hold your head up high, but remember to respect her. Cower and you will be sent away without admittance." She looked to the girl, the girls bright blue eyes unnerving. Cairma's eyes cold in response. "Is that clear?"

 

There was an obvious change in the girls composure. Defiance in a way. Good. She will need that.

 

Turning around she walked up to Ginae.

 

"Good morning, Mistress of Trainee's." Cairma bowed as her station would demand. "I bring out one that wishes to join our Ranks." Stepping aside, she motioned for the girl to move forward. It was then that she made the first realization and mistake. She did not know the girls name. She mentally scolded herself. Names made people real. If they had no name, they did not exist to her. For one young to join their ranks, it is always a better idea to have a name than just a face. not like it mattered, since Cairma doubted that the she would be seeing the girl anytime soon.

 

 

Cairma

TG

Proud soon to be Mentor of Coraman

Though her time had been limited ever since she took the job of Mistress of Trainees, Ginae had always tried her best to keep up with her training. One didn’t reach her level by slacking off in the first place, and one didn’t keep it by wasting time on less important matters. While she enjoyed the contact with Trainees her new job gave her, she sometimes regretted having to spend such a significant amount of time behind her desk. She had limited that time as much as possible, but that still meant that she spent at least two hours a day studying reports and listening to mentors and trainees. People always had something they wished to discus with her, even when she was in the middle of a spar.

 

Today had been no different. The young woman she had sparred with had backed away respectfully when one of Ralleigh’s lieutenants walked up to them. With a sigh Ginae had sheathed both her swords in the scabbards on her back, knowing quite well that the spar was cancelled now. The lieutenant looked as though he had a lot to discus. “You’re dismissed, Marie.†She said to the young Tower Guard she had been sparring with. “Perhaps we can continue this some other time.†With a nod and a slight bow the woman disappeared, leaving Ginae to deal with the lieutenant. If only she could remember his name.

 

The better part of a hour and a firm discussion about the application of trainee forces in mock battles later, Ginae had given up on trying to figure out his time. Instead she had dubbed him ‘Stocky’ in her mind, a name that only referred to his posture. She was about to send him away, irritated with his narrow-minded point of views when the arrival of another Tower Guard saved her from having to do so. “If you’ll excuse me, I have business to attend to.†She told ‘Stocky’. With a grunt the man turned and stalked off. “I honestly don’t see how Ralleigh puts up with such a man. Or why, for that matter.†She mused before turning to look at the Tower Guard in question.

 

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she pondered on the name of the blonde woman standing in front of her. “Cairma.†She finally stated, smiling at the Tower Guard. Her eyes wandered to the girl standing behind Cairma. She looked feisty, and quite ready to kick up a fuss. Not a trainee yet, that was certain. Ginae would have known her if she was. Still, she liked the fierce look on the face of the young woman. Her hopes that the girl sought to join them were soon realised by Cairma’s words. “Well, that’s just lovely.†She said, grinning at both of them. “Let’s get you signed up then.†She suggested, her eyes still firmly on the girl. She glanced over to Cairma, and then back to the girl again repeatedly. “Cairma, why don’t you follow us to my office?†it sounded suspiciously like a question, and yet there were very few who would mistake it for anything but a direct order.

 

~Ginae Auvriani

Mistress of Trainees

 

Ooc: onwards to the office with you two ;)

Coraman stopped as soon as the taller woman did, her appearance unwavering at her hard voice. "I will introduce you, but you must remember this. She is a hard woman and will put up with no nonsense. Hold your head up high, but remember to respect her. Cower and you will be sent away without admittance. Is that clear?" She kept her mouth closed, her eyes narrowed and she raised her chin in challenge. She would not believe what this woman said about others - it was common practice from street living to see it with your own eyes. It was easy to lie to others; it was even easier to spot a lie by uncovering the obvious truth.

 

She followed Cairma a little further until she stopped - Cora stepped to the side slightly and saw a woman quietly discussing a matter with a man. She was tall; she knew she'd develop a crink in the neck if she looked up at the woman all the time. Her hair was pitch black and until the woman glanced at Cairma, she got a good view of the woman's appearance. Her nose and shaped-eyes strongly reminded her of a northerner that she had spied on. The woman moved away from the man and moved closer to Cairma, her gaze moving from her to Coraman. She met it with wariness. The ice blue color of the one called Mistress of Trainees' unnerved her - it was reminscient of the newly-built pond that laid beside Seiaman's tavern.

 

Coraman pushed the memory aside; her hands balled into fists as she listened to the woman carefully. No, there were no hidden malice in the words - no harmful intent. Light, the woman even smiled which propelled her to believe that Ginae was no hard woman. Hard people did not smile; they smirked or leered. Her eyes narrowed as she gestured for them both to follow - Cairma did not hesitate but she was not so sure about this anymore. The last question - the voice tone was elaborate but there was something in her eyes that revealed more. With a quiet sigh, she pushed herself forward to follow the two older women.

 

They came up to a large door which Ginae opened it without effort which surprised Cora. The door looked heavy; she probably would've had to push it with her body in order to open it by an inch. She hid that from her expressions; maintaining the wary and angry look as if she did not want to be there. The Mistress moved around a desk and sat down; Cairma moved to behind a chair, still standing. While Coraman carefully looked around the room for anything out-of-place. There were always traps. It reminded her of this innocent storekeeper who had lured Coraman into his basement with foods and a warm bed - only she found herself trapped in a cage. It was a moment of pride of how she got out.

 

Again, she shook the memory out and moved silently to the other chair - sitting without being invited. She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back, meeting Ginae's eyes.

Ginae smiled at the attitude the girl was displaying. She didn’t seem particularly trusting, or eager to accept just about anything Ginae would say. That was good. Naivety got you nowhere in this world. The girl looked as though her parents at least had had enough money to spend to dress their child decently at least, but the girl’s attitude spoke of a weariness no child who grew up in a safe place would have. To say that Ginae was intrigued was an understatement. Then again, all trainees were interesting as far as she was concerned. Everyone had a different reason to be there, and not one of them was actually lesser than the other.

 

She gestured to the other seat, indicating that Cairma should take a seat as well. “So you’re here to become a trainee, eh?†Ginae stated, looking at the young woman sitting in front of her desk. She took a book from the shelf behind her and opened it, ready to write the girls name down in it. “Well, I’m Ginae Auvriani, the Mistress of Trainees, as you may have guessed already. What’s your name?†she asked, scribbling it down in the book as it was given. “And why do you want to become a trainee here?†Ginae gave her a look that meant the answer would be important. Glory seekers often got assigned to Tower Guards who would get that nasty trait out of them soon enough. Something told her this girl wasn’t here for her own glory though.

Ginae took a book, which prompted Coraman to realize the sheer amount of books the woman had. She kept her eyes on the woman though; she would not allow her awe to creep through the wariness. It was a weakness and she did not know if the woman would attempt to exploit it. "My name is Coraman." She hesitated on giving her new last name; it may cast a shadow and raise expectations that she should grow to be as great as her foster-mother was. The woman frowned slightly, pausing after writing down the first name. She did not want to reveal that she lived her childhood living on the streets of Tar Valon but it seemed that she would have no choice. "My life was spent in the streets." The woman nodded curtly and as she sprinkled sand over the fresh ink, "And why do you want to become a trainee here?" Ginae's eyes met hers; her eyes displayed a sense of expectant and curiousity to the answer but Coraman knew that this answer would decide her future.

 

Coraman kept her face cool and impassionate but in all honest ways; she had no idea other than Seiaman's request. It was not an option to reveal Seiaman's sudden involvement - she had no idea how Ginae would respond to that. "I never had a real purpose in my life; nothing that I've ever done gave me a lasting sense of pride, I never knew what it was like to feel that I've made a difference. The only thing that I've worked hard at was to find food, protect myself, and to earn the few coins that my eyes has seen. I want my life to mean more than that."

 

She tightened her jaw; she had spoken more than she had meant to. Cairma was still beside her; the woman had not moved nor said a word. A few moments passed in silence; she felt a tightening of knots within as if her brief yet long answer was not satisfactory. If it wasn't, she wouldn't return to Seiaman. She'd disappear; perhaps join the ranks of the mercenaries.

Cairma stood silently as she watched the progression, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Her eyes narrowed a little in concern for the girls mind set. As familiar it was, there was no telling how destructive this girl could be outside the Tower. There was no reason to send her to a nonexistent home. She seemed committed enough, although ready to bolt at any sudden movement. Like a powerful colt. Young, Naive, but with so much potential.

 

She watched with silent thoughts at what Ginae would have to say. By this point, Cairma had no doubts the girl would be put under her care. Light help her, but she had her work cut out for her. Considering she had how own issues with dark voices that called her to a different light.

 

 

Cairma

TG

 

Sorry for the short post.. i'm trying to do too many things at once, and james is breaking my brain with this ring around the yard.. :P

Ginae folded her hands in front of her on her desk, listening closely to Coraman, while also glancing at Cairma every now and then. She didn’t know the other Tower Guard all that well. Perhaps this would be as good a time as any to test her character. Coraman seemed to be a wilful young woman. Ginae had seen many of those in her lifetime. In fact, she had been one, when she joined the Tower Guard. Yet for every similarity she saw, she also noticed a difference. Coraman seemed to be wary around her and Cairma, more so than her new employer would deserve. Then again, Ginae had grown up knowing that every day could be the day she met her demise at the hands of shadowspawn. Different enemies made for different characters.

 

After a few moments of silence she sat back in her chair, smiling. “Very well, Coraman. Consider yourself accepted into the ranks of trainees.†She looked at Cairma. “ and since you’re here already, you are to be this young woman’s mentor. Make sure she gets the proper gear, and put her in a room. Having some roommates won’t do her any harm.†Ginae narrowed her eyes at Coraman for a moment. “A new chance at a better life, Coraman, but you would be wrong to think it an easy one. I will keep an eye on your training myself, and if you do not progress enough, I will take action. If I decide you are not suited to become a Tower Guard or a Warder, I will send you away. The White Tower will find a different place for you, for it never abandons those it has accepted. Now go, get a room, meet people, and start your training.â€

ooc: beautiful!!! You'll see why. ;)

 

ic: Coraman held back a sigh of relief when Ginae accepted her petition to join the ranks of the trainees. And her eyes followed the Mistress' towards Cairma, her new mentor. A part of her wanted to remain wary of the woman, staying in the shadows and watching every move but the other part of her was relieved that she wasn't assigned to some unknown who could've been worse. She has been kind since the encounter, she had to give the older woman the benefit of doubt. Ginae spoke again and Cora met the woman's gaze, listening carefully at her words. If the woman did not have a smile on her face and her tone wasn't light - she would think the woman was waiting for her to fail.

 

So you can assign me to the kitchens as a slave? She hid the resentment from her face; the thought of imprisionment and slavery created an anger that was still coiled like a snake. Coraman did not look forward to the day when that snake became uncoiled. She raised her chin and stood up at the woman's obvious dismissal. "My thanks, Mistress." She resisted the urge to go off on a tirade about how hard life was on the street, how she was raised by an old hag who did nothing but drink and abuse, and how she never knew if she'd live to see the next day. But she felt it'd be wiser to hold her tongue. Coraman would prove the Mistress wrong, in more ways than one - even with her last breath.

 

She turned towards Cairma, the wariness gone from her presence; in its place was stubborn will. Their gaze met - for the first time as mentor and student. She hoped that her new teacher would be up for the task for she had no idea how far Coraman would go to prove that she could do this. Not only to the Mistress and to Seiaman nor Sirayn - but to herself. I owe myself that much. She would become a Tower Guard.

Something struck the discord within her as she watched Coraman. She knew, as her mentor, she will be the girls first connection of trust in this place. To make her feel at home and teach her the ways in which they all lived. But even her own comfort zone allowed her too much and she could almost see herself in the child's shoes. Only difference, Cairma had lied about her past. Only Aran really knew. Daemon suspected, but she would rather leave it at that.

 

But, calming herself, she pushed her doubts low, and put on a smile. One that was common to those that saw from afar. She motioned for Coraman to step out of the office, and she seemed to gladly take to the freedom of the office. She paused in the doorway, and Ginae looked to her.

 

"Is there anything else, Cairma?" Looking to the woman, Cairma put her own thoughts to rest, for now.

 

"No, Ginae. It is nothing." Ginae stood and patted Cairma's shoulder, just a little, and headed out of the office to return to her own tasks. She followed and turned to look to Coraman.

 

"Coraman." Cairma smiled, "We need to settle you in, but first, let us get you a few weapons. Follow me." She started to head towards where the weapons are. "The next two years of you life will be the Towers, and by the law, under my protection. Your life is mine. Anything you do within and outside these walls will be directly reflected on me. But in turn, if you are in need of anything, a listening ear, a sanctuary, my room will be open to you at anytime of the day or night."

 

They entered the weapon compartment. "Now choose three weapons. One will be your primary, of which we will train you with the most. Then you have your Secondary and Tertiary. Choose carefully. Although, you may change over the next years, it does not look good that you would give up on a weapon that could very be something perfect for you." Unconsciously cairma touched Beast that rested on her back. The sword had developed a bond with her, custom made for her height. She did anything to be able to wield it.

 

 

 

Cairma

Weapons. Coraman's eyes widened as the woman turned around and headed towards a large building. She kept on her heels, not wanting to miss this opportunity. It was a surprise that they would allow her to pick a weapon so soon - it was a symbol of trust that the new recruits would handle them responsibly until they received proper training for their chosen weapon. Cairma spoke, offering to be exactly what she envisioned a mentor should be - caring, wise, and protective. A wave of sadness overcame her, the last person in her life that was like this was Seiaman.

 

But the sadness faded quickly as they stepped into the Armory. She could hear work going on from every corner of the building and steel literally crowded the walls with all kinds of weapons that she couldn't even imagine. Some swords were formed in ways that she thought impossible to bend as so. Others seemed to be boring and blandish - but she knew a weapon always had its secrets.

 

Coraman walked down the aisles between the racks - her mentor was behind her; offering words for the different weapons that she stopped next to. Some were advisably too heavy; others were too long. There was nothing yet that struck a chord with her. It wasn't until a few aisles passing - she stopped before a row of long and slender swords. Some were longer than her, others were as short as her arm. She glanced at Cairma who nodded, "Those are katanas. The longer ones are called No Dachi while the shorter ones are called wakizashi. The much smaller ones are Tanto, I believe." She glanced at the swords again, running her finger down the blade of one katana.

 

She knew this was the weapon. With the help of Cairma, they went through a variety of different katanas until they found one of right length then scourged some more to find one that felt right. The last katana that was available to her eyes although Cairma reassured her that the Armory had carriage-loads of weapons - she wrapped her hand around the hilt and picked it up. Coraman felt like her arm was extended. There was enough room on the hilt where she could grasp it with two hands and it was nearly three feet long. The blade curved slightly and it wasn't until Cora ran her finger gently on the blunt side of the sword that she felt the grooves. She looked up at Cairma, with a half hopeful half insistent look on her face that this was her chosen weapon. Or more so, she felt as if the weapon had chosen her.

 

The older woman smiled and nodded, gesturing for Coraman to pick out her last two weapons. Her eye caught onto the sword's smaller twin, the one called wakizashi. She picked it up and again, she felt as if the blade's spirit enveloped itself around her. It was an odd feeling, she never felt such an emotion before - but it was an assurance that this WAS her weapon. Having picked out her second weapon - Coraman walked down some more until her eye caught onto the crossbows hanging on the wall. They were of all sizes but the one that stood out was a smaller one - it was as long as the length from her fingertips to her elbow. She hoped it wouldn't be too heavy and was pleasantly surprised when she picked it off the wall - it was a good weight for her. Perfect, actually.

 

She was just about to turn to Cairma with her final three decisions when a shield caught her eye. She walked over to it, which was awkward with all of her newly picked weapons and looked closer at it. It was a simple round shield - small and she ran her finger along the edge - to her surprise, it was sharp. Very sharp. Coraman gently placed down her chosens to pick up the shield, it was again light. The back had a strap - Cairma came over and helped her to tighten it around her hand which balled up into a fist.

 

"If only I had this on the streets." And she blinked, realizing she said that out loud. She gave her mentor a small smile, "Is this considered a weapon?" The woman smiled and shook her head, "No. Shields are defensive for the most part so you can pick that one out as well if you'd like." And for the first time in a while, Coraman smiled a big one. "Are you sure?" Cairma nodded and bent over to help pick up her weapons. "Quite. Although you won't learn the buckler, which it's called, until later in your training - you can take it now."

 

She nodded and helped her mentor to pick up her chosens. "Now what? Can we start training now?"

 

ooc: I double checked the shield as a weapon thing with Ginae - she said it wasn't considered as a weapon. :-D But I could pick it out now but train with it later on. *bounces with glee*

 

ooc part 2: sure you wanna be my mentor? *eg*

Ooc: You make good long posts.. you seealed the deal just with that. *weg* i'm not giving you up that easily.. unless you dont' want me :( but then your just going to have to suffer.. *cackles* Just aquick post to finish this up, i have to head to bed, earily up. I'll leave the roomate thing to you. I'll take you to a room, and then we can start a new thread getting you further on your way. ^-^

 

Ic:

 

Part of her was greatly impressed with the girls knowledge as she moved through each section of weapons. She instinctively knew how to find a good balance and a good length, although she gave a few pointers as well. She was fairly versed in the Katana swords, thanks to her own mentor who weilded that particular weapon, and was starting to gte a little caught up in her new mantie's glee of the weapons.

 

But the whole logic behind it was not just instilling a level of trust, but no one in thier right mind would abuse a weapon in the Towers Yard. Not with so many skilled warriors present. It was signing their own death warrent. EBsides, there was enough insanity running around these yards that even if one was not in thier own mind, there was always something to pay for it. Unless you were chasing a certain prankster, and then all of those unwritten rules flew out of the window.

 

But, through the whole progression that she watched Coraman go through as she sorted each weapon, was the actual weapon she chose. Cairma had her own secret belief that the weapon you use was but an extention or representation of the inner-self. And for someone with edges as rought, and scar that seem to run deep, for her to pick such a regal weapon, Cairma couldn't help but want to eb something more to the girl. Cairma never had a sister. But then, maybe she was just thinking too much now.

 

She nodded and helped her mentor to pick up her chosens. "Now what? Can we start training now?" [/]

 

Cairma coun't help but smile at the girls enthusiasm, chuckling a little, even. "Well, usually we give about a week to let you settle in, find your way around, but even i couldn't do that when i first arrived. So, i'll tell you what, You will still have the rest of the day to settle in, i'll bring you to your room, let you put your things away, and then i'll let you move on from there."

 

Cairma paused, "But this is the deal, you can decide to start tomorrow, or in a weeks time." Cairma pointed to Faith, the poor poor tree that still held a scar from Beast. "You will meet me there but that tree at first light to morrow morning, or the morning after, and i will wait for you there. If you come, than it is the beginning of your training. DO not think that it is going to be easy. You will spend more than one night in the Aes Sedai infirmary from aches and broken bones. If your lucky, it will not amount to every night, but that depends how hard you push yoruself. I will only push you so far, and how much i think you can take. But if you wnat more, i will not say no, for any reason other than your death." She smiled with a wink. "You are no good to us dead."

 

"Show up without your weapons, but be ready to work hard. You have one weak to prepare yourself, or only tonight. Either way, I have to find you a room. What do you say?"

 

 

 

Cairma V

TG

Coraman felt a mild disappointment that she would have to wait a week before starting on her new-found path. She knew no one around these parts and was not about to go walking around the Yards - lest she stumbles in some forbidden area where trespassers were punished severely if they were caught. Tar Valon had those areas - she could think of hundred of reasons why the Tower would have the same approach. Of course, if I only get caught. The thought was stored for later when Cairma continued to talk about the hardships of training.

 

She spared a glance at the gnarly tree that was pointed at, with instructions to show up on the morrow that she was ready. But she already knew that it would be the next day. Perhaps she could stroll around these parts after she got settled in her new room. Cairma's words made her frown, she had no idea why people were warning her that the training would be so hard. She already had the notion that it'd be the hardest thing that she would ever do in her young life - and that she wouldn't regret making this decision. The katana in her hands seemed to reveberate its agreement, as if it had been following them all along.

 

She realized that Cairma had finished speaking with an inquiry of her thoughts and she instantly nodded her head, "I will be there on the morrow." No need to add the reasons why, just let her new mentor believe that she was eager to begin. Well, that was a honest reason and the main one - but the others did not need to be voiced. No one to be with and no place to go. Coraman followed the older woman to the barracks as the woman explained the three different buildings; one for the trainees, one for the Tower Guards, and one for the Gaidin if they did not sleep in the same quarters as their Aes Sedai. She also pointed out the mess hall and other important buildings that Coraman needed to know about - especially the Infimary.

 

Coraman's stomach clenched at the thought of being touched by the Power and sharing the same quarters with a woman who wielded such power. It unsettled her to believe that these men and women could be so comfortable around an Aes Sedai who supposedly had the ability to extinquish a life without a second thought. She knew it was possible - the stories said as much. The one Aes Sedai that she met certainly looked like she would have no issues doing so. They climbed the steps and Cairma found a room - to her demise, the other three spots were taken by unknown trainees who weren't present. "Here we go, this'll do for now." Coraman clutched her weapons, staring at the last unoccupied bed. But which do you rather? Them or an Aes Sedai?

 

The mere thought was enough to push her to walk to her bed. She put her weapons and shield on the bed and her sack that Seiaman had packed filled with training clothes. Coraman turned towards Cairma who was nodding, "I will see you tomorrow morning, bright and early." The woman had a smile on her face and if Cora knew better, she'd say that it looked mischievious. "Get yourself settled in and rest up, you'll need it." With a nod of her head, the older woman stepped out and closed the door behind her, leaving Coraman by herself. She looked around the room - it was neat by a youth's standards, she wondered who her roommates would be. Her stomach churned, I hope they aren't bullies. If they were, she wouldn't have the merest problem to stand up for herself.

 

ooc: i'll put the post meeting you in the morrow. :)