Posted: 15 Nov 2005 09:27 pm Post subject: Just Another Morning? (Attn: Sira)

 

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Thrusting one dagger up her sleeve and the other into a knee high leather boot, Serena looked around her skeptically. Tilted emerald eyes flashed like fire as they grazed over the Tower Grounds. A soft breeze ruffled her raven pixie like hair, and she wrinkled her nose. The air smelled of burning woods, something that reminded her of a trip into Arad Doman not too long ago. The thought brought back memories of chaos and disorder in lands that had always seemed to be at war with eachother, though this time, it had come to practically burning down the world. Not quite, but riding into that fiery storm, it had felt that way.

 

Standing and buttoning up her long tight fitted coat, she dusted off the embroidered flame of Tar Valon that was stitched in white surrounded by blue. She had two embroidered pieces on that coat, both were the same. One was on the back and larger, the other flame was smaller and stitched over her heart. The wind blew through her coat and made it billow out behind her, however, cold was not something that Aes Sedai let themselves feel.

 

Looking up towards the sky, the Blue Sister wondered which direction the fire was coming from, she hoped that the farmers had it under control. If not, she was sure some of her Sisters would be called to aid them wth dousing it. Clenching and unclenching her fist in frustration, Serena was itching to leave the White Tower. It had been quite some time since she had last left, atleast that's what if felt like. Clouds and smoke intermingled in the sky to the point where one could not even tell which was cloud and which was smoke. Shrugging and turning around, dismissing her thoughts, the small Aes Sedai began to make her way up the steps of the Tower. Each one she took, she took as if she were walking up them for the first time.

 

Being that mindful was something that she had to focus on, however, she had learned that mindfulness was a good thing for Aes Sedai to learn, useful as well. It was then that she noticed the petitioners huddled outside and the Accepted speaking to them, trying to calm their nerves most likely. She wondered silently if any of the townspeople were there to complain about the farmers burning their fields, or getting carried away with the flames. Hopefully, that would not turn into a problem today.

 

Making her way past the petitioners, Serena caught site of someone that she had not seen in almost as long as it had been since she had left the Tower. The dimuntive Green Sister was walking towards her, it seemed. Her eyes were certainly fixed on Serena. One could not make that mistake with Sirayn Sedai, when the woman had her gaze held on you, you knew it. However, unlike plenty of her other Sisters, Serena had always looked up to Sirayn. In fact, the woman may have had something to do with her almost choosing the Green Ajah. Upon entering speaking range with the Aes Sedai, Serena nodded and addressed Sirayn.

 

"Good morning, Sister. May the Light favour you."

 

 

Serena Morrigan

Blue Ajah

Bonded to Thera

_________________

Serena Morrigan- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah~Bonded to Thera Trakelyn

Onyx Drakor~Dedicated

Erin~Damane of Ariana-ADL of SC

 

 

 

 

leelu

DM Member

 

 

Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 140

 

Posted: 22 Nov 2005 12:51 am Post subject:

 

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*bump*

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Serena Morrigan- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah~Bonded to Thera Trakelyn

Onyx Drakor~Dedicated

Erin~Damane of Ariana-ADL of SC

 

 

 

 

Sirayn

DM Member

 

 

Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 258

Location: England

Posted: 04 Dec 2005 10:36 pm Post subject:

 

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: : : : Smoke whispered across the vast skies carrying a sharp scent of ash and char. She lifted her dark head, looked toward the sky with eyes the same flint grey, and contemplated for a moment the swirling patterns made by smoke across the clouded and lowering skies; a subtly different hue, less purple, a shade darker so that a keen gaze could just tell the two apart. Gusting wind brought a patchwork sound of cries far distant from this place. One lean hand tightened on the book in her grasp until the leather binding creaked; for she had her own memories of fire, from that ruin once played out across the scorched and burning fields of a foreign plain, to a fresher tragedy … but no more would she dwell on loss and burning, nor the grave which lay so quietly distant from here. Some times of despair did not bear recalling only to work their old and bleak magic again.

 

: : : : The scraping protest of leather stressed beyond its tolerance drew back her attention. Gently she eased her grasp on the book, smoothed its cover. The grey light gleamed briefly along its title, a concise word, naming a certain city close to her heart; that haunt of intrigue and deception where the darker half of her heritage lay. It would still take a better intellect than hers to match the complexity and the layering of trickery which these common folk went about daily, but for one raised in a farming place far removed from all courts and even from the basic laws of literacy and trade, she was learning hard and fast. Experience was a rough tutor but a necessary one. No longer would she count herself a poor second to those who had spent all their lives in convoluted courts, nor accept their dominance over her, when her goals were set so high and herself as sharp witted as any of them. Nor could she. There was no more time to let long held lack of faith hold her back.

 

: : : : Half a hundred different schemes still lay in her thoughts regarding the distant future and all the trials they faced. Not the least of which concerned that most precious of commodities … people. And speaking of people, a watchful glance across the street far below her vantage point, proved that somebody of great interest was now passing by just beneath her. A flash of blue, dark hair, a straight bearing. For this precise reason she had chosen to take herself and her book up to the lofty wall top; once she had found herself a corner where she would not be disturbed, not that anyone would trouble a sister even in the white city, it was a simple practice to observe the workings of the city below her. Lazily rising from her seat Sirayn slid the book into the plain scrip she carried and bent her steps toward the nearest stone stairs down onto the street.

 

: : : : A few minutes later, the picture of serenity, Sirayn crossed toward her errant sister. Today she was looking casual in bronze skirts, a plain white coat, but this was an artless semblance meant to ease the fears of those who approached her. There were days for summoning every ounce of dignity which came with her age and standing, days for intimidation, cunning and grimness … and there were days when a gentler approach might work better. All the same, anyone who looked upon her hard and ageless face could not have doubted that this was not a woman who ordinarily cared how she came across. “The Light shine upon you, Serena Sedai.†The greeting was civil to a fault, as she fell in step with the northerner woman, feigning unconcern. “I would distract you a moment, if I may. I have some matters to discuss which may be,†a sardonic and fractional lift of her brow told anyone watching closely enough that there was still a mordant wit beneath this mask of composure, “of interest to you.â€

 

Sirayn Sedai

Sister of the Battle Ajah

Bonded to Seiaman Gaidin

Before Dumai’s Wells

 

 

 

 

leelu

DM Member

 

 

Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 140

 

Posted: 12 Dec 2005 12:59 am Post subject:

 

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Serena arched her own dark eyebrow to match her Sisters. "Distract me, Sister?" It was not easy to distract any Aes Sedai, however, a Blue was always determined to look between the lines and search beneath the surface. Just gazing at Sirayn Sedai, Serena had already noted the unusual bronze skirts that adorned the Green Sister. The hard woman had been known for wearing breeches and boots, not dresses. Which mentioned something to the Blue all in itself. Had Sirayn been searching her out since she had dressed that morning? Was the dress that she wore a tactic to calm whomever the woman approached with her distractions, this day?

 

Nodding, Serena stepped in beside Sirayn and they stepped off to the side. It was not a move they honestly had to make, most of the Accepted, novices and Petitioners stepped out of their way after giving proper courtesies. However, it was purely for concentration that Serena stepped aside. She would have to listen to every word the woman said, and watch her every move. Aes Sedai were all great players of Daes Dae'mar, better practiced than the best player in Cairhien, surely.

 

Sirayn Simeone had said she had matters to discuss with her that may be of interest to her, than she must. Racking her brain for reasons in which the Green would have to persue her in such a way, garbed the way she was, made Serena curious. However, the woman could ALSO not be using her dress to do anything at all. Such was the way of the Great Game of Houses. Eyes glittering, Serena responded. "I am all ears, Sirayn. Shall we move into a better place to speak, or shall I make us private?" In Tower Politics, it would usually have been Sirayn to ask that question, however, it was the elder Aes Sedai who had sought her out in the first place. Let the Green think on it and devise her own answer for Serena not going along with the way things should be run, according to strengths in the One Power. The Green may not be strong as some, except for her affinty with Earth, which was practically legend to some Novices and Accepted.

 

The same went for the other Sisters that would be watching the two converse. If Serena and Sirayn simply wove a Ward against Eavesdropping around themselves, the other Aes Sedai would take note and wonder what they were up to. Perhaps another room would be more appropriate. Prying eyes and ears were not unknown in the cool corridors of the White Tower, Serena could not say she had not delved into others conversations without proper motives. It was known that it would happen, even if it was not spoken of outright. Pursing her lips and biting the inside of her cheek, the Saldaean Blue cast her eyes about the corridor wondering which decision Sirayn would make.

 

 

Serena

Blue Ajah

Bonded to Thera

 

OOC: This post wins for the most boring post EVER! *accepts award glumly*

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Serena Morrigan- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah~Bonded to Thera Trakelyn

Onyx Drakor~Dedicated

Erin~Damane of Ariana-ADL of SC

 

 

 

 

Sirayn

DM Member

 

 

Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 258

Location: England

Posted: 28 Dec 2005 10:47 pm Post subject:

 

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So devious, this one, like all her Blue Ajah kindred; a skilled observer might pick out only hints of tension about her, in the straight set of her shoulders and lying beneath the cool composure all their sisters kept about them. Accomplished though she was, it would take a better watcher than her to pick out any significance in the direction of those occasional glances. In place of understanding she smoothed her skirts with a careless gesture which any passer by might take to be idle; but which a Blue Sister and expert in Daes Dae’mar ought to recognise as a subtle sign that their attention had been noted. Let the other woman wonder what she was thinking beneath this impenetrable mask; let her recall all those years of expertise and experience which the northerner herself lacked; and let her know disquiet.

 

It did not take an expert to note that some import lay in Serena’s offer, a slight diversion from the ordinary rules of protocol, which would have instructed that she herself make this decision with as little input from the other as she required. However, the younger woman kept properly within the bounds of her authority. Had she gone so far as to place the ward without first asking permission, for example, that would have merited a sharp remark and perhaps more had Sirayn been inclined to press it. Even the newest sister knew better than that. And, she reflected drily on all her meetings with their like, one could always trust a Blue Sister to know their limits.

 

Idly she let her gaze wander among the crowds stirring around them as though considering the matter at hand; it was merely a light shade of a pretence, she was not overly concerned should Serena discern that she had already laid plans for this, or better measures would have been put in place to appear spontaneous. “You are most generous to offer, Serena Sedai,†nobody would ever say that she had been less than courteous in public, “but I think we might go for a walk, if this is acceptable to you, of course. The view from the city walls at this hour is most agreeable.†And there was less chance of their council being interrupted. Nobody would hear their discussion at such a height above the ground, and should anybody attempt to listen in by less ordinary means, they would sense that channelling before the threat became immediate. All this she left unspoken; a Blue Sister should understand such layers of meaning in an instant, and any comment along those lines might draw unwanted attention.

 

At this hour people choked the streets like insects swarming. Striped awnings fluttered above shop doors and the wind was a jangle of shouts and clashing din. The clamour unsettled her somehow. She liked the quiet and the silence better, when she did not have to watch every moment who she let get close to her. The shadow still waited. Even a moment’s carelessness could lead to blood on the streets of this white city, and should she survive an organised assault, it would be tricky to explain yet another attempt on her life to the authorities. Instead she drew Serena away from the crowds with little more than an inclination of her head, a subtle movement in her stance, signalling rather than anything else. No touching, of course. There had been days when she sometimes wished touching had never been invented.

 

Up on top of the wall ash still lay faintly on the breeze and above their heads smoke coiled lazily across the iron grey heavens. Nevertheless, it was cool and silent; the commotion of the city lay far beneath them, and as they paced out the length of one wall, only the sound of their steps rose quietly around them. “You Blue Ajah folk are the adventuring sort, or so I’m told, and players in our beloved game at that,†Sirayn began in seeming idle tones; deceptive, they hid the true significance behind her words. “You are in fighting form just now, I trust? You are ready to bring steel and saidar to the Tower’s foes?†Lazily she leaned against the cold stone wall. “To tell the truth, it’s your head that interests me more than your hands … and from what I’ve seen of you, that head interests me a lot. Yes, I have a proposal for you. That’s if you should be willing to hear it.†She looked out over the white city, feigning lack of concern, and waited for her response.

 

Sirayn Sedai

Sister of the Battle Ajah

Schemer

 

 

 

 

leelu

DM Member

 

 

Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 140

 

Posted: 03 Feb 2006 10:41 pm Post subject:

 

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The two Sisters moved out into the bustling crowds of the City. Hawkers called their wares and peddlers flashed their delightful items in the marketplaces as they passed. If it had been a different time, a time when she was still in the banded hems of the Accepteds dress, Serena would have stopped to spend hours just looking at all of the crafts and devices brought from all over the world. Now, there were much more important duties at hand. The Blue was not one to be dazzled by jewels and pottery. They would be noted and filed away in her head for later use, but never something she would buy. Unless her Gaidin wished to have such things. Perhaps if Thera wanted a necklace or a ring she would buy one for the woman, but nothing for herself. Finances could be spent on matters of much more importance.

 

Removing her eyes from the crowd and watching Sirayn meander in and out of the crowd, Serena caught the inclination of the Greens head and took it as a hint to follow her up and out of the crowd. The buzz of the City dwindled as they ascended the Tower Walls, their footsteps echoed on cool stone steps. Believing that the air would be more fresh at this height would be correct, at any other time. The ashes from the fire were more apparent up on the walls. Little flakes that could have been snow collected themselves on Serena's coat. The pair walked for a moment and Serena prepared herself for either a tongue-lashing of sorts or a proposition for a well planned excursion. What she got was a proposition, all right.

 

“You Blue Ajah folk are the adventuring sort, or so I’m told, and players in our beloved game at that,†Serena furrowed her brow slightly in curiosity, knowing there would be more to hear. “You are in fighting form just now, I trust? You are ready to bring steel and saidar to the Tower’s foes?†Placing her hands infront of her and clasping them gently, so Sirayn could see that she was hiding nothing with her hands out in plain view and relaxed. "Ofourse, Sirayn." She nodded.

 

What suprised the Blue was the amount of comfort Sirayn showed next, the Green Sister leaned against the wall, as if she were actually relaxing. Watching intently with her vibrant green eyes, Serena cursed herself silently. Burn the bloody Game of Houses! Just for once she would have liked to have a conversation without all of the added stress of Daes Dae'mar. A slight nod she gave to prod Sirayn on. “To tell the truth, it’s your head that interests me more than your hands … and from what I’ve seen of you, that head interests me a lot. Yes, I have a proposal for you. That’s if you should be willing to hear it.â€

 

Arching a dark eyebrow in question, Serena was quite sure that Sirayn had just complimented her. Not something one received from the Green every day. However interesting the compliment was worded, it was the content that sparked Serena's curiousity. "And if I hear it, Sister, must I be willing to carry out the task before I even agree to hear the proposal?" The Blues eyes shone mysteriously with mischief. Shaking her head, Serena let a smile grace her lips. "I will hear it Sirayn. I would wish to hear it." Sirayn was one of the most trusted Sisters in the White Tower, Serena would hear and adhere to the womans words.

 

 

 

Serena Morrigan

Blue Ajah

_________________

Serena Morrigan- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah~Bonded to Thera Trakelyn

Onyx Drakor~Dedicated

Erin~Damane of Ariana-ADL of SC

 

 

 

 

Sirayn

DM Member

 

 

Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 258

Location: England

Posted: 16 Feb 2006 04:31 pm Post subject:

 

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The brief arch of a brow told many stories should she be inclined to pry them out. Cool and in command though she was, nevertheless Sirayn was briefly stunned by the woman’s next words; perhaps she looked too deply into layers of meaning but it seemed to her that the Blue Sister had just pointed out the flaws in agreeing to do anything she said without first hearing the proposal … then chosen to do it anyway? Either she was misleading herself entirely, not so rare of an occurrence, or Serena Sedai held a lot more faith in her than was merited. For a moment imagination diverted her with all the many mischiefs she could put this sitation toward … but ruthlessly she stamped out those temptations; choosing instead to remain on the path she had decided for herself before this.

 

“You are most gracious.†A spark of irony behind the grey gaze showed no secrets gathering as she was the considerable strength of articulacy; all the chaos which words could wreak lay before her only to be channelled through the walls of her own determination. Though this morning’s meeting was fraught with dangers, a part of her liked the risk singing through her blood recalling most keenly the high stakes she had gambled all her life; revelling in the possibility that one misplaced word might bring all her schemes crashing down about her ears. Only her own will and fortitude could bring this to a successful completion. “Our meeting this morning, as you have I suspect already devised, is no accident. I have sought you out for one purpose and one alone. I shall dispense with the deception; I want you to put your talents to work for me.

 

“There will be considerable danger, no small amount of intrigue, and most likely so many laws and rules will be broken that our continuing freedom will rely on your silence. I shall require from you promises that limit your liberty and fill you with frustration. You will come to see shadows in every corner and darkness in the brightest parts of the world. You will know blood and secrecy and loss. You will be tricked and lied to until you cannot trust anyone any more. In the hardest times you will look for support and find none because I will not be your friend, I will be be your leader, and that is a cold job and permits no closeness. Doubtless you will regret your pledge to me.

 

“I can offer you little in return … save advancement; fresh knowledge; and the chance to be part of the greatest schemes this world can offer. I can show you the true identity of the Shadow. I can teach you more than you ever knew existed. If you should so choose, I can protect you from the wrath you will bring on yourself. Make no mistake … I will not make of you a hero, for we do not walk in the bright places where crowds cheer and rain blossoms upon our path; I will require of you determination and courage beyond such people’s understanding and a greater responsibility than they can possibly fathom. And they may call us sinners, but they have that luxury, because we are the shield that keeps them safe.

 

“Already you know more than is perhaps prudent for your own security.†A brief grey glance brought home that impact. “If I were to tell you more, I should require certain promises from you, as I have already laid out. However, should you feel that this is not to your liking … and I could hardly fault you for it given all the truth I have laid before you … only say the word and I shall look elsewhere.â€

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Sirayn Símeone-Damodred

Head of the Green Ajah - 999 NE

White Tower RP Co-ordinator

 

 

 

 

leelu

DM Member

 

 

Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 140

 

Posted: 19 Feb 2006 08:53 pm Post subject:

 

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The crease between her brows revealed itself as Sirayn began to speak of promises and oaths, of silence and danger. Serena's lips parted as if she were going to speak, only to close them again as Sirayn continued with her partial-explaination of what she wanted of Serena. Biting the inside of her cheek, the Blue Sisters eyes attempted to scan the Green before her. In every moment her deductions jumped from one possibility to the next. Surely, Sirayn had not lost her mind... A twitch in the corner of her mouth revealed the beginnings of a smile, yet she held it back. This was no laughing matter, even if her thoughts did distract her, it was no time to let it show.

 

The intrigue Sirayn spoke of had already taken hold of Serena. Her bloody curiosity had gotten the better of her again. As the Green spoke of decpetion, danger and loss, of blood and secrecy, she must have known those words would rope Serena in. Emerald eyes sparkled with the possible outcomes of such a task, of such oaths made and broken. What could Sirayn possible send her off to do? Did it really matter? Wouldn't she jump if the woman said frog? Unfortunately, it was so. If Sirayn clapped and pointed to the Pit of Doom, Serena would swallow her pride, tuck her tail between her legs, go and be loyal about it.

 

Not many women had that power over the Blue Sister. Actually, none that she could think of. How had she let this happen? What made Sirayn so bloody special that Serena would risk her life for? Biting down on her cheek, tasting blood, Serena knew that time was being wasted on asking such rhetorical questions. Things were the way they were, that was that. She could always look into them later.

 

“I can offer you little in return … save advancement; fresh knowledge; and the chance to be part of the greatest schemes this world can offer. I can show you the true identity of the Shadow. I can teach you more than you ever knew existed. If you should so choose, I can protect you from the wrath you will bring on yourself..." The words rang through her soul. The Saldaean Aes Sedai yearned for knowledge of anything really, but being shown the true identity of the Shadow...THAT was what most of her work as an Aes Sedai had been all about. To be involved in such schemes and be offered such knowledge, Serena knew she could not give up this chance. Yes, she had let herself be controlled by a woman that could prove to be one of the most powerful and dangerous women in the White Tower, but she could not let this opportunity slip through her fingers.

 

Nodding, casting her eyes at the horizon to think on her words and not look like she was throwing herself at Sirayns feet, Serena tapped her lips in thought. Silence seemed to echo in her ears before she cleared her throat to answer. Returning her piercing gaze to Sirayns gray eyes, she nodded. "I have heard you and respect you for coming to me like this, Sirayn. I believe I understand the point you are making, the danger and enticing schemes you have lain at my feet and I am sure I will never know their true meaning until I am directly involved in those specific situations. However, I would wish to hear more." Pledges and oaths needed to be made. Was she jumping into this blindly? "I will hear and adhere to you, Sirayn Sedai. What is it you wish of me?" It was too late...Serena had been sucked in.

 

 

Serena Morrigan

Blue Ajah

_________________

Serena Morrigan- Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah~Bonded to Thera Trakelyn

Onyx Drakor~Dedicated

Erin~Damane of Ariana-ADL of SC

 

 

 

 

Sirayn

DM Member

 

 

Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 258

Location: England

Posted: 05 Mar 2006 09:53 pm Post subject:

 

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Hours seemed to inch past in intensifying silence. The other sister contemplated the distant skies for some time and not a hint of her opinion crossed that smooth face. Drawing an equal composure about her Sirayn waited, clasping the white coat carelessly about her, permitting nothing to stir her outward semblance of calm; only the metal tasting wind whispered between them and stirred the fallen ash about their feet. How long did it take one to decide? Tension coiled tight as wires within her and her thoughts returned as though compelled by magnetism to all the damage she might face should this meeting go astray. She had spoken perhaps more than was prudent already and the younger woman might make her life very difficult should she choose.

 

The briefest of nods eased her worries all at once. Beneath that emerald gaze she refused to let a moment’s hesitation grant the Blue Sister any hold over her, but nevertheless inwardly Sirayn knew an immense relief … and she thanked her hard won skills in argument for smoothing her path immeasurably. And at the same time some foreign feeling rose up in her hard and fast: a strange wild sense of excitement, revelling in her own triumph, a success satisfyingly won by nothing other than her own skills. This morning she had accomplished a remarkable feat. It remained only to secure her grasp on Serena Sedai; long a target of hers, perhaps ever since their first meeting in the library, such a long time ago … she had a penchant for respectful youngsters and the Saldaean with her quick wits and warmth had proven most agreeable company. If she had not understood this game she might have imagined that some day she and Serena could be friends. And it made her a little uncomfortable to be thinking in these terms when she knew better than to place an instant’s trust in anyone.

 

Smoothly she moved in to place the finishing touches to this deal; a pact now agreed in concept at least which might lead to all sorts of failure or glory; something most likely as illicit as the arms trade to Murandy … not that she was likely to mention that in public as boldly as she had spoken of this. “Then kneel to me and swear. Swear that from this day onward, you put no other’s business above my own; that you obey my orders and defend my interests where you can; that you will never speak so much as a word of my business to anyone.†The words rang hard in the stillness yet behind her stony calm waited something far more fragile … a hope that there was somebody at least in whom she could place her faith. Ending on a whisper. “Swear to me that I can trust you.â€

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Sirayn Símeone-Damodred

Head of the Green Ajah - 999 NE

White Tower RP Co-ordinator

Serena watched with interest as Sirayn moved away from the wall. No longer was the other woman feigning a relaxed position. The Green Sister took on a new stance, although slightly shorter than Serena, the Blue still felt as if she were only knee high. Gray eyes took on a more intimidating colour, and Serena waited patiently. She knew that more was coming. The feel of tha air around the two of them seemed to thicken.

 

“Then kneel to me and swear. Swear that from this day onward, you put no other’s business above my own; that you obey my orders and defend my interests where you can; that you will never speak so much as a word of my business to anyone.†The shock of what Sirayn was actually asking struck Serena like a ton of bricks. Shakily, her knees buckled and she was forced to the ground. How appropriate to be in the kneeling position. Silently, the Saldaean sister prayed to the Creator. The Wheel's weaving was more complex than she had ever thought. Had her admiration and determination for Sirayn brought her to this? Would she betray her Ajah to do as Sirayn wished?

 

Warmth flooded into her cheeks in crimson rage. Serena was angry, with herself mostly. However, somewhere inside her mind, in a tiny pocket, she could feel her excitement and her yearning to Serve All in the best way SHE could. Which reiterated what she was about to do. It made everything alright. Serena would be able to Serve the world in the best way that she could, by following Sirayn Simeone. The woman had a knack for being involved with some of the darkest schemes in the White Tower. Being involved in devastating plots like Namandar. Those were only the things that Serena actually new about. Yes, by submitting to this fierce woman, Serena would be a better servant and her Ajah would simply have to deal with that.

 

The secrecy already tugged at the Blue's soul. How would she be able to hide this from her Ajah Sisters. What would she do if Kieryn asked her? Or Espara? Both women she admired almost as much as she admired Sirayn. Biting the inside of her cheek, Serena crossed her right arm over her chest and placed her hand on her heart, the other hand she extended upwards to Sirayn with her palm facing the sky. It was a strange way to make an Oath, however, Serena had only sworn her Three Oaths and had never sworn any other. During the swearing of her Three Oaths over the Oath Rod she had knelt and held the Oath Rod. Now, she had nothing to actually swear on, so she figured a hand on her heart and the other somehow touching Sirayn in a non-affectionate way would be appropriate.

 

It seemed, according to Serena, that Sirayn hesitated slightly before placing her palm face down on Serena's extended one. The Blue did not clasp the Green's hand or intertwine her fingers in the other womans, they simply touched palm to palm.

 

Breathing in deeply, Serena began. "I swear by my honour and hope of salvation, under the Light and before the Creator, that I will serve you, Sirayn Simeone of the Green Ajah. From this day forward I, Serena Morrigan of the Blue Ajah, will obey your orders and defend your interests where I can. I swear never to speak a word of your business to a soul and above all..." When Sirayn had whispered the last of her orders, that she would be able to trust Serena, it had affected the Saldaean woman more than the other woman could ever know. To be able to trust one in the White Tower was more than anyone could ask, but if Serena wanted to be anything to Sirayn, it would be that the woman could confide and trust in her. "Above all, I swear by my life and my duty as an Aes Sedai that I will be honest with you, and you can trust me."

 

Tears welled in Serena's eyes. She refused to let them fall. Yes, she had done the right thing, she knew she had, but a part of her ached for her Ajah and her duty to them. No longer was she trustworthy to the women she was supposed to feel the closest to. Now, she was on her own.

 

 

Serena Morrigan

Blue Ajah

If anyone had questioned her about the keen excitement creeping through her, the tension which settled imperceptible in her shoulders, she would have been oath bound to admit that this twist of events thrilled her and terrified her as though she were a child again. In truth deep below her Aes Sedai composure she fairly sparkled with exhilaration. Some of the most subtle and powerful schemes she had laid in her lifetime, not to mention the most illegal, were coming to their fulfilment here on this smoke swept wall. This morning she broke Tower Law to a daunting extent; above and beyond that, she took on irrevocably something she had done her best to deny for centuries … a new role, fresh knowledge, a different set of dangers and duties … perhaps, though half of her scorned the thought, something close to destiny.

 

All her life she had sought to prevent the inexorable consequences of her fickle gift. Not saidar, though that was difficult enough, but this other skill … the silver tongue, the conviction, the cut-throat ruthless bargaining; always being just a fraction ahead of the game; playing politics to her fingertips and taking her adversaries down so hard they never got up again. This strange steel she had that brought people to kneel before her had set her into this course long before she knew her own steps into the world of intrigue. These days she played for stakes so colossally high that it would have daunted anyone, employed every ounce of speed and subtlety she had, won games at tables from which she had once learned. Her history, from humble origins to being in some twisted way a saviour for the dark House Damodred, had set this path before her; now she signed and sealed the deal and made herself irrevocably something her younger self would never have recognised.

 

Once upon a time she had been at war with doubts and fears inside herself. That uncertainty she still carried, regrets and shadows, but these days she controlled them. No more would she permit distrust and lack of confidence to hinder her. Light only knew how long and hard she had schemed to bring herself to this point. Standing now beneath the open sky amid ash and smoke and courage, about to accept the oaths of the proud Aes Sedai kneeling at her feet, she understood in her bones that this tale did not end here. Great times lay ahead of her and her bold and illegal following. If her suspicions came true … the sisters she gathered to her now in these times of ice and iron would stand at her shoulder her one day to see the Last Battle begin; and by the Light if that signalled their ending long before their time they would make it a brave one.

 

Steeled and ready now she placed her surviving hand lightly upon Serena’s, calloused palm to calloused palm, and looked down in seeming composure while the Blue Sister made that momentous pledge. Each word distanced her further from the cause she had chosen and bound her tighter to Sirayn herself. And they were great words, strong words, fit to set a blaze in any listener. Honour and salvation, duty, defence and trust: the great beams which ran through the Tower itself and lent it its bright white tint: in whose gallant names she accepted the oaths of her first servant. Life changed here. If it led them straight and true to Tarmon Gai’don … then let the people fear.

 

The light touch turned into a soldier’s grip as she drew Serena Sedai to her feet and entered her into a tradition greater than she had known. Her heart leapt: she controlled her excitement only barely. “Rise and be welcomed. Rise and be true to your vows. Rise … as the first member of the Order of the Rose.â€