Kael

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Joined: 01 Jan 1970

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Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 7:48 pm Post subject: Oath of the Gaurds (Attn: All Involved) *Retro*

Orion lounged sitting in one of the open areas used for traing. Meia used it for his own, had for the entire two years he had been at the Tower. It was still early, the sun still barely peeking over the horizon. Orion hated sleeping late, usually waking with the sun for the quiet. The peace and stillness that came with the early morning, before the rest of the world began to function and everyone went through the motions of their day to day lives.

 

Legs crossed and hands resting on his knees he took in his suroundings closely, the tranquil peace of the leavs swaying in the wind in the deafening silence. It would be a mere hour before the Yards sprang to life and his training would again proceed, Meia would see him eventually and continue with what he needed to learn to become a Tower Gaurd, or someday a Warder.

 

Orion rose slowly and brought the twin swords he owned from the ground and drew them slowly from their scabbards. He shifted and started practicing his forms, with two and with one. Left handed and right, he had been getting better at it slowly but was still clumsy. By rote he knew every sword form, he could do most with his eyes closed and they were burned into muscle memory from the months upon months of practice. He knew that he would be able to graduate soon but he would never stop practicing. He hoped one day to be bonded, to culminate his wishes and dedicate his life to protecting an Aes Sedai and for that he would never falter in his practice. And as the Yards began to stir with life Orion had a smile on his face. It felt good to have actual steel in his hands now, not the wooden lathes. He kept a wary on his surounding though, just in case someone did stray to close.

 

 

Orion

_________________

Orion Manteir- Tower Gaurd, Promised to Estel

Kedyn Alastair -Band Scout Sergeant Band DL

Davian- Aiel Seia Doon SL

Rion Anglemar- BT Dedicated

 

devon

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Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 140

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 1:09 am Post subject:

Jasen through his red cloak across his shoulders as he left his room. It fell down behind him and began flying like a flag as he walked down the hallway towards the doors. His armor and boots shone until you could see your reflection in them, a task which had taken him longer then he would have liked the previous night. However, that was only a minor annoyance, the fact that he looked his best today was far more important to him then an extra hour of sleep. As he walked, he reached up and felt the white teardrop on his shoulder; the flame of Tar Valon. As he did, a sense of pride washed over him. That symbol which stood prominent on his shoulder represented everything Jasen stood for in life: protecting others who could not protect themselves, peace for all, and defeating the shadow. And today, Jasen was going to have the honor of passing the symbol onto another young fighter.

 

The sun was a red orb sitting right above the horizon, like a bright red apple hanging off a branch. Jasen could see the dew reflect the pinkish light and shine like little diamonds in the green grass. It was a perfect morning to do what was going to happen today. The yards were empty at first glance, but he knew of at least two people who would be their. His first job was wo meet with a women, who was standing at the Tower entrance to the yards. It only took him a few minutes to reach her, and she was a sight to behold. Dressed exquisetly, the woman who stood in front of Jasen was Aes Sedai to her toes. Pressing hand to heart, Jasen bowed. "Lavinya Sedai, all is ready. All that we must do is to get the canidate and bring him to the Commander." She nodded and the two began walking once more.

 

The sun had risen and was now hanging in the sky full and proper. Others were begining to move about the yards, preparing for instruction or seeing about their own training. The two recieved odd glances, for it was not everyday that a sister and a guard in full dress walked side by side together through the yards. But the discipline of the men and women showed, as they lowered their eyes after a few seconds. It was not their business and they had more important things to worry about. Jasen and Lavinaya walked up to one man who was practicing the forms with twin blades, something Jasen had never really got the knack of. The young man was doing the forms slowly and in perfect control, it seemed almost a dance. Stepping forward, Jasen opened his mouth. "Orion Mantier, you are called today to stand before the light in judgement of your worth. You will come with us unarmed, bringing only your body and your mind. Follow us." The black haired young man sheathed his swords and put them over in a corner and began to follow. The three walked to a part of the yards which most did not go to reguarly; the Glade of Rememberance.

 

Jasen Pontean

_________________

"Let me go on, like a blister in the sun."

 

KristenSedai

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Joined: 05 May 2005

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Location: Brisbane, Australia

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 12:39 am Post subject:

OOC: Sorry for the delay...

 

 

Lavinya took great care with her appearance that morning. She had been asked to be present at the ceremony, for the young man who was to be raised as the newest Tower Guard. For her, it was not a particularly special occassion, but she knew for Orion, today would be a most memorable day.

 

Lavinya checked her appearance in the mirror once more before leaving. She was dressed in fine silver silk, embroidered with red along the bodice and sleeves. She adjusted her Grey Shawl over her shoulders, and checked to see that her fiery red curls were in place, pinned neatly atop her head. She nodded once, satisfied, before making her way down to the entrance to the Yards, where she was to meet Jasen.

 

The day was still yet young, the sun red as it made its slow climb into the sky, gradually brightening the gardens. Lavinya loved this time of day, when everything still seemed fresh and new. She was not kept waiting long, easily spotting Jasen and his bright Red cloak as he made his way towards her. He bowed formally, and Lavinya gave him a nod in return. "Lavinya Sedai, all is ready. All that we must do is to get the canidate and bring him to the Commander." Lavinya nodded again, all serene Aes Sedai composure, before setting across the yards.

 

She held her chin high as they walked together, a sight to behold in their finery, and formal dress. Out of habit Lavinya made note of those around her, while at the same time disregarding their stares and curious looks. She was used to causing a sensation, and had long stopped paying attention to it. There was little she could do about it, whilever that Domani blood flowed through her veins.

 

Jasen halted before a young man, obviously Orion, carefully working the forms with two blades. Lavinya allowed a slight smile to touch her lips, as he flowed with that unnatural masculine grace. "Orion Mantier, you are called today to stand before the light in judgement of your worth. You will come with us unarmed, bringing only your body and your mind. Follow us." Lavinya stood silently as Jasen spoke to him, watching as the young man sheathed his swords, before setting them aside. His expression was serious, as he fell into step besides them. Lavinya tugged her shawl once more, as the three made their strange procession across the yards.

_________________

Lavinya Morganen - Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah, Mentor to Elyna and Kilivia

Dorian Ayerell - Tower Trainee, Mentee of Yrean

Satine Whyre - Acrobat in Simon Jornin's travelling Circus

 

Kael

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Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 1025

 

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:41 am Post subject:

Orion slowed his forms to almsot a crawl before stopping entirely as he noticed a Tower gaurd and a woman walking towards him. The Tower Gaurd was in full uniform, the red cloak flapping and as the woman got closer he noticed the ageless apereance of her face and shawl wrapped around her. He was concerned about what this might entail for him, for it was not everyday that this happened. Though there was a reason for the two that started a sharp fluttering in Orion's stomach.

 

"Orion Mantier, you are called today to stand before the light in judgement of your worth. You will come with us unarmed, bringing only your body and your mind. Follow us."

 

Orion's mouth twitched into a small smile before he smothered it and put a more serious expression on his face even if he was filled to the brim with excitement. He flipped his grip on his blades and slid them into their sheathes before taking them off and placing them in the nitch of a tree, hoping they would be fine where they were. He turned and fell in beside the Tower Gaurd and Aes Sedai.

 

Orion followed the two away from the worn and beaten path of the Yards, towards the Glade of Rememberance. He knew some of what he was supposed to do for his raising ceremony. Mainly where it was and what the oath he was supposed to say was. Everything else, was a mystery.

 

It was a small grove that they led him to, the trees making a canopy that only allowed for small beams of light to shine through. The light illuminated the stone slab in the center of the glade. The Aes Sedai moved to the left of the slab while the Tower Garud that had come for him to the other side. In there center was the Commander of the Tower Gaurds looking at him with a serious expression.

 

Orion strode and knelt in front of the Commander, saying the simple words to begin the ceremony. "I come here unarmed, offering to give myself to the defence

of those who serve all."

 

 

Orion

_________________

Orion Manteir- Tower Gaurd, Promised to Estel

Kedyn Alastair -Band Scout Sergeant Band DL

Davian- Aiel Seia Doon SL

Rion Anglemar- BT Dedicated

 

Kaylan

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Joined: 01 Jan 1970

Posts: 537

Location: Australia

Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 12:53 pm Post subject:

The notes had been sent out with the time and date of the ceremony, and Elia fingered the bundle she would be presenting to the still-trainee upon its completion. A red cloak, a silver clasp, and a long dagger, plain but well made. It was a token weapon, something as a back up should all else fail, but also a part of the ceremony. Orion knew what he was supposed to do, she was told, and so it was all ready to go ahead. It was all rather superfluous, but the ceremony was old and the Glade of Remembrance was a solemn and serious place. She cast her mind back to her own Tower Guard ceremony, her mentor only recently killed, and it should have been him presiding over it. Evan was still close to her heart, and he deserved the tribute she gave to him every time she acted in her official capacity as Commander. Looking up at her clock and realising that the time was near, she gathered the bundle, checked her clothing one last time, and proceeded to the glade.

 

Sunlight filtered through the trees above and played over the only feature in the glade - the large stone slab that few knew the real meaning of - and the ground, spots dancing with the wind as branches shifted overhead. Silently, Elia lay down the bundle behind the stone, taking up her position, and waiting for him to approach. It was his last day as a trainee, after this ceremony, Orion would be protecting the Tower and its inhabitants. He would have two people with him - an Aes Sedai and a Tower Guard, and they would vouch for his suitability for the job. The Commander heard people approaching and took in the faces without words, studying all three of them with a neutral expression but considering very carefully whether they were all gathered for the right reasons. Seeing no reason to delay, Elia watched them take up their places, and waited for him to begin, her face still and calm. There was a peace in the glade that she did not wish to disturb, a peace that she had enjoyed after her ceremony was over, so proud in her new cloak and clasp.

 

She looked at him once more, considering, and nodded. It was time to begin, and the first part was his. With a slight smile, Elia watched him speak, and then let the ceremony flow through words so often repeated, and often contemplated.

 

"I come here unarmed, offering to give myself to the defence of those who serve all."

 

"Who would speak for him?" She spoke quietly, not wanting to disturb the quiet peace of the glade, and looked to Jasen for his answer.

 

~Elia

Commander of the Guard

 

Feel free to just go ahead and NPC the ceremony, or give me a poke if you'd like me to post again. Hopefully this hasn't been too long to wait. I'm trying to catch up with RPs and things are hectic. Apologies if the length is lacking.

Orion stood trying not to shift nervously as the commander looked at him, he could not help but feel nervouse, his stomach fluttering as Jasen answered. "I would speak for him, he is fit."

 

A small smile appeared on Orion's face at the words. It was ceremony to be sure, but the words were spoken e? Obedience to your officers, obedience to all Aes Sedai?"

 

"Yes."

 

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

 

"Yes."

 

"Then give your oath now."

 

Orion swallowed a small lump in his throat as he recalled the words that would bind him to the Tower forever. With these words his path was set and could not be changed. He was bound now. And could not be happier. "I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to defend the White Tower and all who call it home."

 

"I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to serve faithfully for as long as the White Tower requires me." To himself, or death take me.

 

"I swear by the light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, as a Tower Guard to fight the shadow and uphold the light until my dying day." And my last breath spent.

 

With his pledge said Elia took her part one again. "We welcome you to the Tower Guard, you that were known once as Orion Mantier of Shinear." Orion was slightly startled by the feeling of Lavinya's arms reaching around him to settle the red cloak upon his shoulders and secure the clasp that tightened in.

 

"We welcome you as Orion Mantier of the Tower Guard, our brother in arms. Rise and stand as one among many." Orion reahced out his hand and closed it around a dagger that Jasen had brought towards him. He smiled brightly as he felt the covered stell against his palm. He tightned his grip around it as he looked back to Elia.

 

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

 

Orion swallowed anothe rlump in his throat asElia began to move around the stone slab and take a place in front of him. Her hand lighted his shoulder and her tone was quiet as she spoke again. "Spare a moment for those who have come before you and to who you have become, as shall those who follow you."

 

Orion stood in silence, his eyes closed to the world around him. The wieght on his shoulders fet strange but with every second it felt right. He looked down at the dagger he smiled.

 

I hope I have made you proud father. I hope when I enjoy the last embrace of the mother you will be there with a smile on your face. Orion knelt down, the red clakfolding around to encase him. He stayed there for nearly a half hour. Thinking of nothing, simply meditating with a smile on his face.