OOC: Combined intro post for Sylvistri and myself.

 

IC:

 

Jorn was relieved to be sitting in an Inn after the journey from Lugard. He had several reasons but the foremost was it meant a break in his non-stop training, followed by a chance to think. He had been training so hard that it left room for nothing else, not even time to think.

 

Now that he had a chance, he ordered a drink of cider and sat at a back table where he could see the door and the stairs. Warder training is already making me constantly watch my back! He chuckled a little and then took a long drink of his cider. I want to be a Warder but I dress and bear the name of an Amadician. Hm, what had the Aes Sedai said, Warders were often called Gaidan? Yes, that's it. I will change my name to Gaidan, but what about a last name? He listened to the voices around and pushed everything but names out of his mind. After a few moments he chose a few syllables out and pieced them together, Ha-tor-ri, Hatori, yes that would do nicely. Gaidan Hatori, he would have to remember to tell the Lady and her Warder.

 

-----

 

A couple of minutes after Jorn-- err, Hatori had decided on a new name, Melenis came walking into the Inn. A brief glance through the room told her it wasn't too crowded, and from the looks of it there were enough bouncers present to take care of a fight before it broke out. Good.

 

Making her way to the bar, she ordered a drink and waited for it to be served before walking with it to one of the free tables. The bun on the back of her head would tell those familiar with Far Madding fashion that she would most likely be from there, though the rather uncommon weapon slung across her back appeared to attract some looks -- mostly from the aforementioned bouncers.

 

-----

 

Jor...Gaidan sat there sipping his cider and casually watching the crowd. He missed his father and brothers but didn't regret his choice to leave. It had been necessary, both for their protection and his honor. Shaking his head ruefully, he thought Everyone has honor.

 

Gaidan's attention was caught by a young woman entering the Inn, well it wasn't so much her but her weapon that caught his eyes and held them. It was similar to a spear but with a full blade on one end, like a sword. Fascinated, as he had never seen one, he stood up after she sat down and approached her slowly. He wasn't scared but he was careful not to startle or offend her as he approached. Giving her enough time to see and judge him as friendly he politely asked with only a slight hint of his Amadician accent, not that his clothes wouldn't give him away.

 

" Hello, I'm Gaidan Hatori." and after she looked at him, he continued, " I'm sorry to bother you. I couldn't help but notice your weapon. I must admit I have never seen it's like and would be honored if you could explain it to me. I myself am just learning the sword but hope to learn about many weapons. May I sit?" As he asked his question he adjusted the sword strap across his chest. It was a simple and well worn sword that was common on warriors of any land. It had been a gift from his current teacher. He did his best to look a picture of a calm and patient man, but couldn't quite still his nerves and face from showing his eagerness.

 

-----

 

From the calmness of the Void, Melenis had felt Gaidan approach, though she gave no sign that she had noticed. Hearing te man's introduction, she looked to the side to take in his appearance. Though looking a few years younger than she was, they were of the same height, and judging by the way his clothes looked he had seen quite a bit of travel thus far. She didn't recognise the accent, but then again she never really had been out of Far Madding much during her life.

 

- "I'm not sure what it's called, though my grandfather called it an ashandarei when i asked."

 

She glanced at his sword, noticing the signs of wear on the sheath. Given that he admitted he still had much to learn as well as his barely suppressed nerves, she guessed it had been a gift of someone he knew. Taking another sip of water, she motioned to one of the free chairs at her table.

 

- "I don't own this Inn, help yourself."

 

She saw no need in haste, still having a fair share of road ahead of her. Thus, she could allow the young man to ask his questions for a while, at least until she finished her drink.

 

-----

 

He noticed her calm and seeming indifferent manner, but rather then be offended by it he tried to imitate it. So as he took the chair opposite her he cleared his mind and assumed the mental state know as the Flame and the Void. Letting insubtantial thoughts enter the flame he picked out what she had called her weapon and asked,

 

" Ashandarei, how does it work? My brothers occasionally used staffs, is it like that?"

 

He noticed more about her now that he was in the Void. She also seemed to have been travelling. She also wore colorful clothes cut like a mans. Simple and well fitting to allow any movement while fighting. Then a thought slipped across the outer edges of his mind and it brought another question.

 

" If you don't mind my asking, what is your name? I have already given mine so what else can I say about myself? Where I'm from I'd rather forget, but I left to protect not to run. I have travelling companions, two, a Warrior and a Lady. I owe the Lady very much and so I go with her to train as a Warrior myself. I would give her anything for the kindness she has shown me but all she asked is that I go train to be a Warrior and help others when I'm ready. I have only the knowledge of the sword as I have learned while travelling in the past weeks. I was a simple village boy before that. Not much else to say then that."

 

Realizing he was rambling and trying to get her to like him for who he was becoming, he smiled at her a little sheepishly and took another drink from his mug. Realizing his was empty he motioned to the serving girl to bring more for his companion and himself.

 

-----

 

- "It is similar to a staff, yes. The shape of the weapon allows me the offensive abilities of a sword or spear and the defensive capabilities of a staff."

 

Melenis listened to Gaidan as he talked, finishing her drink when he signaled a serving maid for refills. He had a point about asking for an introduction though, even though he had been the one to approach her. There was no harm in doing so anyway.

 

- "I am Melenis Stormgate, from Far Madding. I've never left my hometown up until now, but i have good reasons to. Personal reasons."

 

Though still sounding fairly emotionless from within the Void, the tone at which she said that last part sounded quite final. She would not give hers, and in return she would not ask about his. Still, it wasn't everyday that a village boy decided to drop everything to follow a Lady, and rarer still for a Lady to recruit untrained village boys as warriors, and she figured there was something Gaidan was holding back. She had promised herself not to pry for his reasons, but there were of course workarounds to that.

 

- "A Warrior and a Lady, you said? Might i ask where you are all headed?"

 

There was something, a lone thought tickling in the back of her mind. If what she suspected was right, there might be more to this nameless Lady than what was apparent at first sight. While Aes Sedai didn't enjoy going into Far Madding, the stories about them were far less reluctant to enter.

 

-----

 

There was something about the way she asked that tickled his mind and voiced caution. He realized he might have said too much, It is not for me to say what the Lady is, it is her choice. Thinking quickly he replied in a way that wouldn't be a lie but it wouldn't be the whole truth either. He also kept his voice low enough to where she was the only one how could hear him.

 

" I am going to Tar Valen to learn fighting from the best warriors, while my companions are escorting me and helping me by starting my training. Where they go after that I have not asked. I know they cannot stay with me there. They helped me when no one else would so I shall follow their advice and learn to be the best swordsman I can be and then help others as best I can. I hope that answers your question, so how about you? Where are you heading?"

 

I hope that answers her question. He noticed he was again without cider, and remembering the Lady's permission to eat and drink to his hearts content, he ordered another round. He needed to be catious about his words but he liked this woman who was a warrior. She reminded him of his tolerent older brothers whenever he pestered them about something. Of course she seemed to be smarter then they were so he would have to be sly about how he worded things. He hoped he wouldn't always have to be this guarded with his words.

 

-----

 

Melenis gave herself a small nod as Gaidan confirmed her suspicions. Hearing the words Tar Valon was all she needed as a confirmation, after the boy had said 'Warrior' as opposed to 'guards'. Still, despite her confidence that she could probably drag that information out of him, there was no purpose in stepping on his toes, so she let the matter rest.

 

- "Then you travel for the same reasons i do, and with the same destination. Given that traveling in a group is safer than traveling alone, i would like to join you on the way there. Agreed?"

 

She looked at him then, the slightly tilted look she was giving him perhaps the first sign of visible emotion she had shown since entering the Inn. While she never placed much value in the 'will of the Wheel', believing then to be the excuses of the lazy and the weak-willed, this was an opportunity that would benefit her personal safety on the roads. And that in itself was a good reason as any until she got some practical skill with her weapon.

 

-----

 

Could it be fate? he thought surprised. Well he liked her well enough as a fellow warrior, but he couldn't help but thinking it was more then simple coincidence. He was about to answer when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Warder approaching their table. It gave him confidence and a course of action.

 

" I would be glad of the extra company but you would also need to ask my teacher and the Lady."

 

He looked at the Warder then knowing he had heard and in explaination he told him thus.

 

" Sir, this is Melenis Stormgate from Far Madding. She says she is heading to my destination and wishes to travel with us. No offense sir but I could use a sparring partner who is closer to my skill level and it would free you up to watch and correct me."

 

The last came out almost pleadingly, but he had many bruises under his clothes from the Warder's tutelage. He really felt he could use the change of partner.

 

The Warder glanced at first Melenis and then Gaidan with a calculating look in his expressionless face. After a moment he sat down and motioned for a drink from the serving girl. He waited in silence until he got his drink and then he replied.

 

" Well seeing as we are travelling to the same place I see no reason not to. However I must ask why or at least where you are going to in Tar Valon?"

 

The Warder's voice was low but steady and calm while he spoke. Almost like a mist setling on the ground, he words just seemed to flow and settle on the two sharing the table.

 

-----

 

Even from within the Void, Melenis couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the Warder's sudden appearance. She hadn't heard him enter or sensed him nearby, proving to her that she was right to pick Tar Valon as a place for training.

 

- "To my knowledge I am not able to channel, nor am I inclined to. What I seek is to train my skill with the weapon I hold, though I am told i would still end up at the White Tower either way."

 

Taking another sip, she placed her mug down on the table, looking at the Warder as she awaited his answer. She wasn't intending in the least to start groveling and begging to join them; she'd reach the White Tower with their group, or join up with a merchant caravan and arrive without them a day or two later. The offer of being trained along the way, potentially wasting less time made joining up with Gaidan the better alternative of the two, that was all.

 

-----

 

Gaidan's jaw would have dropped had he not been in the Void, as it was he his eyes widened a little and he went perfectly still for a moment as she remained calm and rather then beg or ask real nicely, she made a simple response without any demands or questions to go with them. That act alone put her firmly in his small list of people he had high respect for. He held his tongue however as it was no longer his choice.

 

The Warder looked at her a moment with his calm, yet piercing stare before he responded in a matter of fact voice.

 

" I will see to it that you are allowed to accompany us. Know that I do this because there is more to you then you let on and I respect that." Turning back to Gaidan he said, " The Lady will be fine with it, now quit staring like a village boy. We leave at dawn."

 

Then he nodded to them both and drained his mug in one shot. Standing he moved quietly through the crowd and disappeared up the stairs.

 

Gaidan visibly took control of himself, while thinking, That was an order to go to bed if I ever heard one! Finishing his cider, he stood and said in a mostly calm voice,

 

" Well I'm off to bed. G'night and I'll see you at dawn."

 

-----

 

- "Good. My apologies for the inconvenience to your travel plans."

 

Melenis gave the Warder a slight bow. Being one to favor organisation and planning herself, she could understand how some people would be annoyed at having someone join up with them. There would be extra travel supplies that would need to be bought, the training would most likely end up being revised as well... She really did feel somewhat bad about it, given that these sort of situations generally ended up annoying her as well when they happened to her.

 

She gave Gaidan a nod as he finished her cider, standing up after finishing a drink of her own. She motioned one of the waitresses to come closer, counting out a handful of copper on the table to pay for the drinks. She may not have had much in the way of money to spend, but she didn't want to appear as a leech either this soon after having joined their group. Bidding the Warder goodnight, she asked for a pallet to be prepared in one of the cheaper rooms. It was all her budget could afford, and it was all she'd ask for.

 

-----

 

The next morning they set out after the Lady was introduced to Melenis. By the time the morning sun's light reached them clearly they were well out of Caemlyn on the road to Tar Valon.

 

They made good pace, travelling quickly now as everyone seemed to be set on reaching the fabled city. They only stopped to eat midday meals and to make camp at night. Travelling in that manner they reached Tar Valon in four days.

 

During the nightly stops, which were a few hours before nightfall, they set camp quickly. After which the Warder taught them some basic forms and then watched them practice the forms whie correcting when needed. At least they wouldn't accidently cut themselve or anyone else. Gaidan noticed that Melenis had more knowledge the he did and so pushed himself harder.

 

When they arrived in the city, Gaidan couldn't help but stare at the towers and walkways. He had heard rumors of this fabled place, but hadn't really expected it to be so grand. So he rode through the town allowing the horse to follow the other horses while he was in a daze trying to take in all the sites and sounds.

 

Upon reaching the White Tower the Warder lead Melenis and him to the Warders Yard and showed them what was where briefly before leaving them before the Mistress of Trainees' door.

 

Gaidan stared in awe at all the Warders and Trainees as the went about various tasks. The whole of the entire Yard amazed him with its military look and feel. Surprisingly he felt like he had finally come home. Here he wouldn't be a runt for his size and he could train in styles or disciplines that matched his size. He smiled braodly before controlling his features and assuming the Void. Then he prepared to knock on the door before him.

 

-----

 

Melenis had been looking around Tar Valon as they were being led through it by the Aes Sedai and her Warder, but rather than marvel at the buildings her eye was more attuned to the practical. She memorised the location of markets, streets and Inns, figuring them to be more important than sightseeing. As such, she had a decent idea of what the layout of the city was by the time they headed onto the White Tower Grounds where the Warders trained.

 

As amazed as Gaidan had been on seeing the city, so too was Melenis surprised at the amount of weapon training going on. Or rather, the level of skill at which said training was taking place. During the sparring sessions with Gaidan, she turned out slightly more skilled than he had been, but the visible gap between herself and some... no, most of the others on the Grounds still managed to impress her.

 

Noticing the boy's smile, she softly cleared her throat, the Void aiding her in bringing her attention back to te present. With a brief nod sent at Gaidan to inform him she was ready, she waited for a reply after he had knocked on the door...

OOC: Great intro and share post :)

 

Thera sat at her desk with her left hand tangled in her curls, while the other scribbled furiously on the parchment. The last few months had brought her more trainee’s than she knew what to do with and her stock of suitable teachers seemed to be growing less and less. She had hopes that her strongly worded letter to the Master at Arms would produce results; no amount of arguing had thus far.

 

Tossing down the pen after she scrawled her name Thera stomped to the small table by the window and poured herself a drink. Oh, she was in foul temper today; more so than normal that is. Not only was she buried in paper work, but she was teaching more classes in the span of a day than she ever had before.

 

Time, if her anger was not because of the insufferable woman who held her bond, it was fueled by a lack of time. Finishing the wine quickly, she upended the pitcher and refilled her glass. One small comfort in her busy world was that the next few hours were all her own. As Thera finished her second mug of wine and started on a third she idly thought about finding a bath. But all thoughts of relaxation and comfort flew from her head at the sound of a timid knock on her door.

 

It took all of her years of training not to scream, instead she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I swear if this is some fool trainee in trouble I will give them a lashing he or she will never forget” Thera muttered under her breath as she took a seat at her paper piled desk.

 

“Enter! And pray to the light your business is important or you’ll be cleaning the privy’s the rest of your life!” What shuffled into her room was nothing like she expected.

 

Gaidan looked at Melenis with his brow raised high and mouthed, Clean the privy's? Then he shrugged his shoulders and opened the door as he resettled his face. Even being in the Void, he almost stepped back and shut the door. The Mistress of Trainees was an imposing figure. It wasn't her height or weight, it was the glare and how she carried herself. It made him want to flinch, even detached as he was!

 

Gathering his courage, and his stomach, he approached to within five paces of her desk. He put fist to chest in a salute, while annoucing with a little stammering, " G-Gaidan Hatori re-reporting for training mam!"

 

After a pause, he remembered his real name and the Warder telling him that honesty was very important. Regretting not telling Melenis his birth name but not wanting to not tell this scary woman in front of him, he spoke up while looking straight ahead at the wall behind the Mistress of Trainees, " Mam, my original name is Jorn Smithson, but like my past I wish to leave it behind to protect my kin. I made a promise to come here and train and I have come, but I can't put my family at risk by keeping that name mam" He knew he could be in trouble for saying it that way but he wouldn't, no he couldn't back down from this. Back erect and his face smooth it would have been an effort to notice the defiance, unless one saw his eyes were hard as stone while his fists were clenched white at his sides. The only thing to do was wait and hope his honesty took the sting out of reprimading his defiance.

Melenis simply nodded at Thera in reply to her threat. There was no reason for her to be afraid of it, given that to her, the business she had come to the Grounds for was important. And since it was, there simply was no reason for her to be assigned to cleaning duty, much less be afraid of it.

 

If it weren't for the Void however, she wouldn't have been able to suppress a small shake of her head as Gaidan stammered his greeting. The boy had been so full of enthousiasm, plans and ideas during the trip, that it was almost painful to see him choke up now. Still, there was her own greeting to take care of next, and it might help to calm down Gaidan a bit by taking (part of) Thera's attention away from him. With a simple salute, her voice was as composed as if she had just been asked about the weather.

 

- "Melenis Stormgate ma'm, from Far Madding. I have a weapon with which i have a promise to fulfill, and i came here to learn how to use it."

 

Her whole reason of existance, compressed into two sentences. She had given it quite a bit of thought on how to choose her words, but had ultimately decided that her usual matter-of-factness would end up being the best way. She did however raise an eyebrow as Gaidan came clean on his real name. In hindsight, there were moments where he hesitated when she called him by his name, as if he were still getting used to it. Still, she figured everyone was entitled to their secrets -- she wouldn't want to have everyone find out about her father, herself. The Mistress of Training would make a decision on it, and that would be that.

Thera stared at the two new arrivals with unblinking eyes and a wry grin. So he wanted to call himself Gaidin did he? This time she barely suppressed and laugh.

 

Walking around her desk she leaned against the edge and crossed her arms beneath her chest.

“I can see that the Light has sent me two more young whelps I will have to watch night and day, in order to make sure they do not cut off their own feet….bloody fantastic” She could see the indignation on there faces, but she paid it no mind. Almost everyone who had come into these yards thought they knew more of the weapon they carried than they really did. These two would be just two more among the many who had to be taught that lesson.

 

“You” Thera pointed at Melenis “Sit over there and wait, I will deal with you one at a time” She gestured to a slightly dusty chair in the corner; then directed her full attention of Gaidin.

 

“Child, you may call yourself anything you wish, blood and bloody ashes you can name your self Queeny and dance around with flowers in your hair…” Her stare became harder and she leaned as if to emphasis her point. “As long as you work hard, never slack on chores and training, and keep your nose in line. Plus, I can fully understand wanting a clean break from the past.” Her eyes drifted left, towards the tower and towards Serena.

 

Thera stalked over to where Melenis sat, and stared down at her. “The last part goes for you too, if you truly want to be worthy of that weapon you so proudly carry.” Looking at her just a moment more she turned on her heel and took at seat behind her desk.

 

“Well what are you waiting for?” Her irritated gaze took in both children “Shut my door and for Light’s sake come have a seat where I can see you”

The two chairs stationed in front of Thera’s desk had seen countless bodies over the years.

 

“Now, to business. I want each of you to tell me separately what it is you think it means to swear your life to the Tower and train in the yards. In different words, mind, or you will both have laps added”

 

While she waited for them to answer Thera rummaged around in her desk and pulled out the roster; flipping it open to the newest page she folded her hands and waited.

 

Melenis winced slightly before she could correct herself. Though she hadn't expected to be welcomed as an old long-lost friend, this open mockery was something she hadn't expected either. Still, when pointed to the chair she sat down on it while Thera dealt with Gaidan. When she turned on her again, Melenis was back in control again, safely wrapped in the Void.

 

After her irritated stare, she stood up, walking over to one of the chairs across the desk the Mistress of Training had leaned against earlier.

 

“Now, to business. I want each of you to tell me separately what it is you think it means to swear your life to the Tower and train in the yards. In different words, mind, or you will both have laps added”

 

She turned at Gaidan again -- better to keep using his second name, just in case -- while assessing his emotions. Judging by his greeting, he had been fairly nervous, and she could imagine how he'd be somewhat hesitant to start. With that in mind, her going first would perhaps bolster his confidence as well.

 

- "Ma'm, i come from Far Madding, and therefore know very little about Aes Sedai. I do know that the Tower can help me master the weapon i carry, as well as actively fight the Shadow. In addition, the local library is rumored to rival that of Cairhien. If there are any downsides to placing my allegiance to the Tower, i have not heard of them."

 

And that was the simple truth. Being born and raised in what was effectively a Stedding, she knew next to nothing about Aes Sedai save for the stories the occasional gleeman told her. Not able to distinguish fact from fiction, she decided it would simply be something she'd have to find out for herself, disregarding obvious exaggerations such as being able to summon Fire at will, or holding people trapped in thin Air.

 

Credibility had its limits after all, and she never considered herself to be gullible.

Gaidan stood flaberghasted before the Mistress of Trainees. He had expected any sort of explosion but the understanding was the last thing he thoought she would do. He simply stood there, wrapped in the Void, completely amazed by her and unsure what to say to the little that registered.

 

When he saw Melenis move to the chairs as the Mistress moved to sit behind her desk, he moved fluidly enough. He wasn't sure but it felt as if he was a soft pudding as he flowed in front of the chair and he sat with such suddeness that it surprised him that he didn't make a thumping sound. He was grateful when Melenis started first as he was still struggling to accept this woman and her complete lack of regard for anything but the rules.

 

Thinking of rules reminded him of his father's number one rule. Always be honest and stand by your convictions. With that thought rolling across the Void he straightened in his chair and as Melenis finished he spoke from his heart.

 

" Mistress I am but a simple blacksmith's son with very little training of the Blade and that by the Warder I arrived here with. My reason for coming is simple, I owe my life to the Aes Sedai that Healed me and brought me here. Instead of allowing me to serve her, she said I must train and swear my Oaths to another Sister that would need me when my training was complete. I swore an Oath to train and in turn protect an Aes Sedai like the one that saved me. I will not quail or slack in my duties to train, nor will I accept failure. I will be a Warder one day and protect my own Aes Sedai and until that day I will accept whatever you decree. My skill with a blade is next to none but my resolve shall not break nor sway."

 

It had all come out in a voice full of determination and fierceness only slightly dulled by the Void he was wrapped in. The transformation in him was apparent to both present, he had gone from unsure and a litle akward to a young man full of fire and pride that drove him on his course. He waited patiently, but fiercely, for the Mistress to respond and command him on his first duties.

Thera’s eyebrows raised slightly at mention of Far Madding, but this girl was surely not the first to break free of that retched place. Perhaps the words she spoke were the honest truth, but the statement seemed a touch to reverent; in spite of that Thera only nodded and shifted her hard eyed gaze to Gaidin.

 

She chuckled softly, earning strange looks from both the children. But she did not care it was good to see that the little mouse Gaidin had heart. Who would have thought such fierceness could come from one so….new.

 

“Well, lucky for both of you I accept your stories and they pass muster. I see no reason why you both cannot come and train in the yards. Provided you understand that until the day you are Tower Guards or Warders, if the light wills it, my word is law. I will tell it to you straight, my rules do not always seem fair, but know that everything I do is to prepare you for what you will face in the years to come”

 

Her gaze rested on them a moment more before she broke it to flip open the roster.

 

“This is your last chance to change your mind, once your names are in the book you are mine until I have decided you’ve grown.” Once again Thera chuckled. She could not saw why, but something in these two reminded her so much of herself when she was young.

 

“If you both still want to continue on give me your names and places of birth so we can get on with this”

 

Much as she expected they both choose to stay. Honestly, few who made it into her office ever choose to back away. Whatever their reasons, the fact made Thera very proud.

 

“Now…let me show you around your new home. After the tour there will be a test of sorts and then the rest of the day is yours, so let’s get on with it.”

 

This same tour had been given so many times it required very little thought, so while they toured the grounds Thera was able to at least partially relax.

 

Melenis simply nodded, remaining perfectly calm as the offer to back out was mentioned. There was no reason for her to, nor did she expect other prospective trainees getting cold feet after having come this far, though she figured it was only fair to show all the options available before writing their names in the books.

 

“Now…let me show you around your new home. After the tour there will be a test of sorts and then the rest of the day is yours, so let’s get on with it.”

 

Melenis stood up, readjusting the weapon on her back again. Even though the chair she had sat on had no armrests -- probably because of scabbards getting in the way, she guessed -- the back didn't quite agree with the way she wore her weapon. After it was properly fastened in its clasps again, she turned back to Thera and Gaidan, waiting for the tour to start.

Gaidan was grateful that the Mistress accepted his reasons and that he had not given her anymore reason to lecture or scorn him. His determination however never faltered when given the chance to back down and leave.

 

" Gaidan Hatori," he spared a glance for Melenis but he trusted her by now and spoke his home's name without hesistation, " Willar, Amadicia Mistress."

 

Watchimg his name and town be put in the book brought torn emotions from him. On one hand he was proud that he was going to be allowed to train and the other hand he wished he didn't he didn't have to give the name of his home and jepordize his family should anyone in the wrong position find out. Shaking off his mixed feelings he stood and waited to follow the Mistress around for the tour.

She showed them first the bath house, as that always seem the most important to new recruits followed closely by the kitchen. By the hungry way they both eye’d the food Thera knew she would not hold their full attention much longer. She rushed them through the yards and the training grounds, stopping only a moment for them to watch two of her best trainee’s spare. Thera did not think either would stay long as a Tower Guard before being snatched by one sister or another.

 

As always when she thought of Aes Sedai, her eyes drifted to the tower walls and if you would have bord a hole in the stone Thera would have been looking straight to Serena’s rooms, where no doubt the tiny woman sat pouring over one report or another. Shaking her curls Thera turned back to the new arrivals. “One last stop and then we can see what your really made of”

 

Thera walked them quickly through the halls of the barracks before they emerged back out into the mid day sun.

“Now for the test, relinquish your weapons and anything else that weighs you down.” The two children looked at each other and then back at Thera, making no move. ” Already you choose to disobey me!! Unhand your weapons NOW! Or get out of my yards!” She roared. Once all the weapons, belt knives included were in her possession Thera smiled. “See that was not so hard, and fear not they will all be returned to you. I want you each to do 100 laps around the yard. 100 full laps mind, do not try short cuts or I will make you begin again. Meet me in my office when you finish”

 

Melenis kept her attention on the tour, despite her stomach reminding her that she skipped breakfast in favor of joining earlier. There would be time for that later as well, and Thera didn't look like the kind of person that liked to be kept waiting. She watched one of the sparring matches intently, absorbing what she saw like a sponge as she analysed the moves and countermoves against the techniques the two combatants used against each other.

 

“Now for the test, relinquish your weapons and anything else that weighs you down.”

 

Melenis blinked, looking at Gaidan to see if she had possibly heard her wrong. At her irritated growl, she still hesitated a bit before slowly handing the weapon over as she was told. From the look on her face, it was clear that she had to force herself to let go of the weapon, and despite her reluctance to part with what felt like part of her soul she eventually stepped back again, waiting for Gaidan to do the same.

 

At the mention of running a hundred laps around the yard, she couldn't help but trace the path they would have to follow. Still, she started running, pacing herself to avoid burning out after the first ten laps or so. Though she wouldn't look back, she'd be waiting for Gaidin to catch up to her before setting a slightly faster pace. The sooner she got these laps over with, the faster she'd get her weapon back after all.

Gaidan was fascinated by the size of this place. It was so big with so many rooms that he the awe was plain on his face. Trying to memorize every room and ignore the grumbling of his belly, he almost bumbed into Melenis as they stopped in a courtyard.

 

Being told to relinquish his weapon made him glance quickly at Melenis until the Mistress roaded at them to obey. Handing over his belt knife and sword was no problem as he fought better wih his bare hands, much more so then with the sword he was still learning to use.

 

Hearing that they had to run laps made him grateful that he was in the Void so his disappointment didn't show. Instead he looked at the Mistress and was about to say something when he caught Melenis running off to start from the corner of his eye. Swallowing what he had been going to say he ran after his friend until he caught up. Then he set his pace to match hers.

 

After the running of 100 laps was done he lead the way back through the compound. First he stoppped by the kitchen's and begged some water and a piece of jerky for himself and Melenis. Drinking half the skin of water, he handed the rest to her as he started on his jerky and continued to the Mistress' office.

 

Stopping before her door, he knocked three times and waited for permission to enter.

 

Gaidan Hatori, Warder Trainee

At the end of the hundreth lap, Melenis forced herself to gradually slow down rather than come to a full stop, not wanting to end up injuring herself. Hands on her knees, she was leaning against a wall as Gaidan had gone off to the kitchens. Taking a couple of gulps of air, she vaguely wondered if she would have gotten past this test if it weren't for her grandfather's training, another point which she felt she was indebted to him for.

 

Gaidan returned now, and as she wiped the sweat from her brow he handed her the waterskin he had been drinking from. Despite her desire to swallow the thing whole, she drank carefully, knowing her stomach to be empty. No use in drinking fast and then being forced to throw it all back up again.

 

She followed Gaidan to Thera's office, taking small bites from her jerky to prevent upsetting her stomach. As he knocked, she tried to shake the fatigue from her body again. She'd be sore all over later tonight, but at least it'd keep her from cramping up.

“I see you took it upon yourselves to stop and get food” Her eyes were narrowed but she could not draw up the proper scorn.

 

With a grimace for both Thera regained her seat and motioned them to their’s. She noticed Melenis’ eyes drift to her weapon and she gave a wry grin. “See child, it is unharmed it will be in your position again soon enough.”

 

Folding her hands on top of the desk she stared at the two sweaty children…. they would do. “Since you both will be allowed to stay I will assign you to your rooms then the rest of the night is your own, but don’t stay up too late” Thera waggled her finger and continued on in a grim tone. “The life of a trainee begins before the sun”

 

Assigning them bunks and laying out the rest of the rules took only a few moments, for which Thera was grateful. With them settled the rest of the day would truly be her own. As they gathered their weapons and headed out the door Thera called after them. “Remember!..before the sun!!!”

 

OOC: amazing job you two. :D