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claireducky

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Posts posted by claireducky

  1. Posted

    Handle: Lavinya

    Number of Characters in this Div: This is #2

    Pia Tovisen

    Ajah: Gray

    Age: Pia is 220 years old during the main plot line.

    Place of Birth: Illian, Illian.

    Physical Description: Pia is average height, around 5′7″, with a muscular build. Not overly curvaceous, she still has a feminine appearance, if that of a strong woman. Her cheekbones and nose are quite sharp and angular, her skin quite bronzed from hours in the sun. Her long hair is a rich brown, almost black, and while it is long she always keeps it contained in a braid or a bun. Her eyes are also a rich, dark brown.

     

    Character History (Before the Tower): Pia was raised in Illian, daughter to a fisherman and his wife, the middle child of 5 daughters. While her father would have preferred sons to help on his ship, he loved his daughters dearly, and encouraged them all to join in his work. Pia was a relatively quiet girl, enjoying books, particularly poetry, but she found something soothing about sailing with her father, not even bothered by the sights and smells of fish, nor concerned when she herself would return home filthy. When given a task, she seldom complained, but instead threw herself into it holeheartedly.

     

    It was chance that led her across the path of an Aes Sedai, herself and her sister, elder by a year, both being tested and found to possess the ability to learn to channel. Neither thrilled nor worried, Pia accompanied Leena and the Aes Sedai to Tar Valon, with their parent’s blessing, where they were enrolled as novices.

     

    Novice & Accepted: Pia through herself into her studies, like she did with every task. She soon came to the realisation that she would not be leaving anytime soon, and determined to make the best of it, having a great love for learning and for the impressive library in the Tower. She mainly kept to herself, though she did make some friends, aside from her sister. Mainly she kept out of trouble, being a meek girl, though she was known to participate in the odd prank or trip to the warders yard, resulting in a few visits to the Mistress of Novices, though these were few and far between.

     

    As both she and Leena worked hard, it came as no surprise that after only 6 years her sister was called to undertake her testing for Accepted. Thrilled for her sibling, Pia waited in anticipation for the return of Leena in her banded dress, only to be greeted by a hard eyed Aes Sedai, who told her in an emotionless voice that her sister had not returned from her second arch. The news devastated Pia, causing her to become withdrawn and isolate herself. She seldom smiled anymore, instead trying to lose herself in her studies, escaping reality in books, histories of other lands.

     

    Still she worked hard, though now there was a hard, unyielding quality about her. She still behaved respectfully, keeping quiet, though she became an observer, silently watching the play between others, learning what she could by listening. Her intellect was keen, and her mind shrewd, her silence often leading others into revealing much.

     

    Refusing her first chance to be tested, Pia found the idea too horrifying, knowing her sister had never come out, her sister who had shown so much promise. Still, she couldn’t remain a novice forever, so the next time the test was offered, she accepted, determined to carve a future for herself and not suffer her sister’s fate.

     

    As an Accepted, Pia slowly became more assertive, while still more often silent than not, she began to form opinions, and a strong enjoyment of politics. A gray sister took her under their wing, teaching her about the world and about the game of houses, things she could not learn in books, and Pia found her calling. She showed an astuteness and perception beyond her years, and was slowly guided towards the Gray Ajah, learning diplomacy and politics, and proving adept at giving her opinion in a non obtrusive way.

     

    An Accepted for a further 7 years, Pia had found a passion for life in her studies, loving engaging anyone who would participate in friendly debates on politics and history, as she came out of her shell. Still not one to be disrespectful, Pia learned how to be subtle and tactful, while still sharing her opinion, and being open enough to accept other arguments. Passing the test for the shawl, there was no surprise when Pia made her decision to join the Gray Ajah.

     

    Aes Sedai: Pia’s hard working attitude never changed as she grew in her chosen Ajah, her quiet, non-obtrusive manner meaning she flourished quickly under the guidance of her older Sisters. Over the years, her reputation as being agreeable while also having great insight led to her gradually becoming esteemed by her elders, and respected by the younger generations. She was never a sister who was harsh to Accepted or Novices, though her manner was always brisk.

     

    Eventually she was placed in charge of the Gray Ajah eyes and ears, filtering through the information, as alert as any hawk. She never saw need to keep anything from her Ajah Head, trusting her opinion, though she would not proffer her own conclusions drawn unless asked.

     

    By now, Pia was a prominent and respected Aes Sedai, not just in her own Ajah, but in the tower as a whole. Her Illianer accent was basically trained out of her, though it returns on occassion, when she is particularly overwraught, a clear indicator at times of her emotions, where her features reveal nothing.

     

  2. I agree with Lav, I thought the ranges outline are the max range, period.

     

    If you added up the elemental strength scores for a woman that are max for the element before they start costing extra points, you would have

    Fire 5 Earth 5 Spirit 6 Air 8 Water 8 = 32 str.

     

    This is a fairly balanced character in all elements, but still significantly weaker in fire and earth.

     

    To end up with a str of 34 (the female max) after distribution, we would be giving our women rolls of as high as 36.  A woman with a 36 could distribute their elements into

    Fire 6 Earth 6 Spirit 6 Air 8 Water 8= 34 str (36 rolled), which to me is MUCH too powerful and even across the board.  It begins to defeat the purpose of having a give and take in your score distribution and becomes strong in all five elements.

     

    According to the table of Forsaken we have (http://blacktowerdiv.wordpress.com/the-one-power/), Moggy had a strength of 36.  I don't think that we should have any initiates within striking distance of her, period.  Those sort of scores should be reserved for the main plotline characters.

     

    To end up with a str of 38 (the male max) after distribution, you would be giving your BT boys rolls of up to 44 means they could have

    Fire 8 Earth 8 Spirit 8 Air 7 Water 7= 38 str (44 rolled).  Again, much too powerful and even across the board in my view.  A male channeler with this strength would be stronger than Moggy, Asmo, tied with Graendal, and within striking distance of Mesanna and Semirhage.

     

    So yeah, I think the ranges listed on strength 22-34 for women and 26-38 for men should be the max buying points you can have.

  3. OOC:  Cetaile's Bio is here if you want it!  FYI Cetaile is even shorter than you are, she is 4'10".  She dresses in a sultry manner, but is not purposefully seductive.  It is just how she is most comfortable, and she has an effortless rumpled look to her most of the time that is attractive and disconcerting to many. 

     

    Cetaile was running from her clan as they pursued her down a wharf in Ebou Dar.  It seemed every time she looked over her shoulder, they were closer; yelling at her to remember her duty.  She held a crystal bowl in her arms; she didn't know how it had gotten there, but she meant to keep it from her clan until the right time.  She tripped over a loose cobblestone in the road and the bowl went flying out of her arms.  The Atha'an Miere Gray let out a scream of frustration as it landed on the road; shattering into countless pieces.  She sank to her knees and felt an unfriendly hand upon her shoulder.  She knew that grip; it was her mother.  She heard the anger in her sultry voice.  "What have you done, Cetaile?  You have destroyed our heritage forever..."

     

    She sat up with a start in her bed, a fine sheen of sweat covering her body under the silken sheets. 

     

    What an odd dream...what could it mean?  What did my mother mean about destroying our heritage?  How could a bowl be so important?

     

    Cetaile shook her head, pushing thoughts of it aside for now.  It was a wild dream in the heat of the morning, nothing more.  She got out of bed and yawned, stretching in the steamy air of her quarters.  The heat was oppressive today; it had muddled her thoughts and the nap hadn't helped as she had hoped. At least now that she was awake she could ignore the heat, that would put an end to the sweating. She was forgetting something, she thought.  But what could it be? 

     

    She absently pulled a comb through her cropped caramel-colored hair and went in search of something to wear.  Being an Atha'an Miere, Cetaile never was a modest type.  To her, "normal" dress was was loose silk trousers and no blouse.  At least she could still sleep that way.  Most of her gowns were in muted colors, despite her personal preference for bold jewel tones.

     

    Cetaile rifled through her wardrobe and chose a pale green belted gown.  The green was so light it looked almost white; it reminded her of whitecaps on the Aryth Ocean during summer.  It was of thin silk that clung to her figure, like many of her dresses.  She knew she had a lithe body and was not afraid to show it, and besides, the thin silk was comfortable in this heat.  A diving neckline showed off the top of her small bosoms, and golden sandals laced around her ankles at the hemline.

     

    Dressed and mostly presentable, the Gray wandered back to her sitting area.  She still wasn't sure what she was forgetting, and her mind worried over it the way a tongue worries a hole where a tooth was recently lost.  Her eyes cast upon a small table by the door, and she saw the opened letter there.  The letter from Larindhra! Oh Light, I'm supposed to be meeting some blasted Novice she assigned me today!

     

    She looked up at the golden barrel clock upon her mantel; it was thirty minutes past the appointed time.  Grabbing her belt pouch, she slipped it on the sash of her gown and slipped out the door. 

     

    It took Cetaile ten minutes to reach the courtyard where she was to meet this Daraniea.  Why the Mistress of Novices had to choose a meeting place as far from the Gray quarters as you could get was beyond her.  Bloody arrogant Reds...never thinking beyond the nose on their face.

     

    Cetaile swept into the courtyard, casting a cursory glance around her.  A pasty-faced Cairhienin girl was fidgeting and perspiring in the shade of a tree.  The few other girls in the courtyard were somewhat recognizable to Cetaile, so the Cairhienin girl must be the Novice she was here to meet. 

     

    She sized the girl up as she walked towards her.  Daraniea stood to curtsy and Cetaile wanted to click her tongue in dismay.  She had hoped she would at least be taller than this girl, for she knew that Cairhienin tended to the small side.  Alas, she was a good handspan shorter than the Novice.  Ah well, her personality had always been enough to cow most initiates; it would be so again with this one.

     

    The Gray cut the formality of the girl's curtsy short with a nod.  She eyed the girl-- She's had a soft life, this one... and made a brusque introduction. 

     

    "Well.  You must be Daraniea.  You may call me Cetaile Sedai.  That was a fine curtsy, appropriate for the Royal Court of Cairhien, but I have little patience for things that take more time than they should.  A quick dip of the knees will suffice for me, Daraniea."

     

    She noted with amusement the way the girl's almond-shaped eyes widened; few knew how to react when confronted with Cetaile's quick manner and clipped speech for the first time.  Cetaile was gruff, but not unkindly; she just didn't know squat about teaching Novices and felt like it was something best left to those who enjoyed it.  Like that ancient Brown, Claire...I wonder if I could pawn this one off on her.  Something to consider.   Her eyes sharpened as she focused on the Novice in front of her again.

     

    "You look positively miserable in those white woolens of yours; I am sure they must be sweltering.  Come.  I will take you to a place that I favored greatly during the summer months when I was your age."

     

    Cetaile turned abruptly and glided out of the courtyard, not looking to see if the girl was following.  If Daraniea couldn't keep up with the Gray's short stride, she would be surprised.  They descended past the Kitchens to a ground level storeroom near the river.  Stacked everywhere on pallets were large blocks of ice.  Some were mined from frozen rivers in the Borderlands and maintained with a Keeping until needed by the Kitchens, others were created by Accepted practicing weaves that froze water.  Either way, it made for a nice refuge, with mild breezes flowing through windows facing the river.  The cooling effect they produced when blowing over the blocks was palpable and a relief from the heat.

     

    She took a seat on a bench near the windows and gestured for Daraniea to sit upon a rickety stool close at hand.  When they were settled, the Gray turned her intense brown eyes upon the Novice once more.

     

    "Much better, yes?  Good.  Well, if I am to effectively 'mentor' you, it would be best if I learned some more about you.  So tell me a bit of your history, child.  And speak up, I can't abide mumbling."

     

     

  4. Her final words, "...severing is forever." rang through the classroom like a death knell.  Many of the girls looked positively stricken, and Claire almost regretted using such force in her words.  As any Aes Sedai knew, tone and inflection of speech can subtly influence a weak-willed individual.  With initiates of the Tower, one assumes that they might be of stronger stuff and resistant to such influence.  Claire took no chances and the tone she had used was like a bludgeon upon the girls' emotional responses.

     

    Only two girls seemed relatively unaffected by her statement.  Daraniea had the look of a Cairhienin, so Claire suspected she had honed some emotional defenses in that country's tangled web of intrigues.  The other was Devrion.  Again, the girl perplexed and disturbed her, she seemed devoid of emotion.  As her newest mentee, she would have to keep a close eye on her.  She would not lose another initiate, whatever the reason.

     

    Rochel broke the silence with a question, and the sighs of relief that cut through the room when she spoke were very audible.  However the feeling didn't last long when they heard the question.

     

    "Claire, if most channelers agree that death is preferred over severing, why do you only gentle men who can channel?  Would it not be kinder to kill them instead?"

     

    The Brown sat back, considering a moment before answering.  The girls seemed to expect some sort of half-truth from her about this touchy subject, but Claire was a firm believer in blunt explanation, unless the material was on only a 'need-to-know' basis.  Gentling was a well-known practice, and there was no sense in evading the topic.

     

    "A Red could explain much more eloquently than I, but I think I can help you to understand.  Let me answer your question with a question, Rochel.  In one of the river towns outside of Tar Valon, there is an old woman I know of who suffered a bout of Rheum Fever when she was a child.  If you don't know, this disease is greatly damaging if not caught very early.  It did severe brain damage, irreversible to any Healing we possess.  Her muscles are atrophied from the malady, causing excruciating pain most of her waking hours.  She has lived most of her life a halfwit, being dressed, fed, cleaned and tended to by those around her.  You might ask, why let one such as that live?  Why let her suffer, when it would not be kinder to just give her Crimsonthorn Root and the forever sleep?  Because, child, we don't have the right to make that decision for a person.  Only a murderer would have the arrogance to think they know who should live and die."

     

    She stood up from her chair and paced in front of the desk.  "The taint which takes over a male channeler's mind is another form of disease.  It has been much studied and obsessed over by the Tower over the Ages.  We have tried many different kinds of treatment and Healing, to no avail.  EVERY male channeler eventually succumbs to it, regardless of how long he has been channeling.  Some men who only just manifested the ability will go crazy within days.  Others may stave it off as long as ten years.  But it does come, eventually.  While the Taint is not infectious, it can cause havoc of all sorts.  A male who is Taint-crazed could do vast damage to an entire region.  Even more if he had an angreal.  We cannot run the risk of that happening, yet we would be murderers to kill them outright.  So we gentle them, giving them the chance to live out their years free from the Taint.  It is true that many sicken and die anyway; but some do survive.  Gentling is the only option we have available to us at current, and we must use it or be failures in our duty to protect the world from another Breaking. "

     

    It was a long speech; Claire looked up to see the room in perfect silence, watching her.  Some seemed obviously surprised she had explained so much; but it made no sense to Claire to hold back information from the girls who were the future of the Tower.  A bell echoed through the corridors, which broke the spell.  She nodded and went back to her chair.  "That will be all for today, ladies.  I will see you for your next lesson, don't forget your assignment!"

     

    The Novices rose and filed out, some chattering amongst themselves, others still in contemplation of her words.  She wondered what insights they would take away from today.

     

    OOC: If anybody feels like posting their thoughts about Claire's answer, go for it, but it isn't required.  Lesson Two, coming up!

  5. I got all of the items from the sapphiresantuary site and wtdiv.org, and as far as I know, nothing has been left off or not reapproved from the list.  I think it just looks different cause I have divided them into angreal/ter'angreal and I also made those shiny tables instead of them just being one big ol long list.

     

     

  6. I'll be taking over for Opera since he is MiA right now. 

     

    This is the link to Sam's bio (for my reference!) http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,41081.msg1108905.html#msg1108905

     

    So, singing Tinker with headaches, what shall we do?  I can play any character to fit the situation, so that makes it a bit easier to plan for.  Does he have a point of conflict coming at some point in his near future we can foreshadow?  It's all up to you, I will play along.

  7. Posted

    Basic Information

    Handle : Far Dareis Mai

    Character Count : 1?

    Contact : hsmerdon@gmail.com

     

    Character Information

    Name: Daraniea Rysted

    Age: 17

    Nationality: Cairhienin

     

    Appearance

    Hair: Dark Brown

    Eyes: Brown

    Skin: Pale and creamy

    Height: 5'0

    Voice: Husky and soft, but with a heavy Cairhienin accent

    Other: Daraniea is short, and slim. Her dark brown hair is worn long, and it holds a soft curl. Her features are petite and feminine, except for her large brown eyes, that have a slight slant to them. Her skin is smooth and even; her best feature-in her own opinion. She has little patience for the time it takes to look the proper Cairhienin noble, so she does not fashion the large coiffure most women favor.

     

    Optional

    Special Skills: Basic understanding of the Old Tongue, Master of  "if looks could kill".

    Knowledge Weakness: She has little knowledge of things that do not interest her.

    Physical Weakness: She's very tiny, so she's rather wimpy.

    Personality weakness: Stubborn, sassy, willful, slightly arrogant

     

    Personality:

    Daraniea is very much a teenager. She's had to grow up quickly, but at the same time she carries the "I'm invincible" attitude. While she is often stubborn, and thinks much more of herself than she really is, deep down she is very devoted and loyal. Once she sets her mind to do something, she'll see it through. Sometimes she will let her upbringing blind her to the truth of things.

     

    History

    Daraniea Rysted was probably the most unimportant person in the world. Her father Tirith, a miniscule noble in the Cairheinin hierarchy, moved the family into their country home as soon as the city began to have problems. So there she sat. In the middle of practically nowhere, wishing she were somewhere else. Before the move, things were not much better, but at least there was always something to do in the city. Being out here in the country, rumors were few and far between. Her father was completely happy with it. Getting on in age, he was ready to retire from political intrigues. Being an only child, it would be up to Daraniea to become head of House Rysted. That did not say much, unfortunately.

     

    Daraniea longed to be someone. Anyone but what she was. She wants to travel to all the different countries, and if her adventures were to bring fame and prestige to their family name in Cairhien, so much the better. She knew the Game, she was sure she could play it better than most others her age. She just had to figure out a way to get back to the city. She would bring her family the prestige they deserved.

     

    Daraniea glanced down at the one stripe on the bodice of her dress. Yes, things will change.

     

    Three weeks later, some unexpected guests visited the Manor. One was Elrick Romley. Daraniea rolled her eyes. This was the man her father wanted her to wed. Short, portly, and old. Well, not ancient, but a man who could easily make her a widow in 10 years. Most importantly, the man was balding! She did not recognize the others, another man and a woman. Before Daraniea left her rooms, she checked herself in the mirror. She was short, and slim. Her hair was worn long, and it held a soft curl. Her features were petite and feminine, except for her large eyes, that had a slight slant to them. Her skin was smooth and even; her best feature-in her own opinion. She had little patience for the time it took to look the proper Cairhienin noble, so she did not fashion the large coiffure most women favored. Quickly smoothing her dark skirt, she went downstairs to meet their new guests.

     

    Elrick was as old as ever. Daraninea could feel his gaze on her the whole evening. It made her feel uncomfortable. The other guests, however, were much more interesting. The lady was Aes Sedai. The man her Warder. Apparently they were doing business with Elrick, though why an Aes Sedai would want to interact with that man, Daraniea would never know. Introductions were made, and they were to stay for dinner.

     

    Dinner passed amicably. There was little conversation, but that was normal. What wasn’t normal, were the looks that passed between Elrick and Tirith, and then the pointed looks they directed at her. Daraniea knew what was going on. So did the Aes Sedai, it seemed. But the only reaction she gave was a slight raising of the eyebrows. Daraniea could hardly keep her countenance. She needed time to think of a way out. Hopefully, they wouldn’t suspect she realized what was going on.

     

    After dinner the party split up. Then men retired to the study for brandy, and it was up to Daraniea to entertain the Aes Sedai.

     

    They sat in the parlour, and Daraniea proffered tea to the Aes Sedai. She sat back down, and tried to think of a safe subject that she could bring up. She needn’t have worried.

     

    “So, you and Elrick are going to be married?” the Aes Sedai asked.

     

    “Actually, nothing has been set in stone, but I do know that my father greatly favors the match.”

     

    The Aes Sedai smiled knowingly. “Well said child. But do you not wish to marry Lord Elrick? I am sure he has some redeeming qualities.”

     

    Daraniea mentally shuddered. “I am sure he does. But I am quite young yet, I do not wish to make any decisions until I return to the city.”

     

    “That could be a very long time, as I understand it. What will you do until then? You strike me as an ambitious child.”

     

    Daraniea paused. Could Aes Sedai really read people’s minds?

     

    “I suppose I could travel to the city myself. I am sure there is business my father will need to see to eventually.”

     

    “Girl, your father has tied his assets up in such a way as he could live here the rest of his days in comfort, and never show his face in the city again, which is probably what he would prefer to do, unless I miss my guess. Tell me, have you ever considered going to Tar Valon?”

     

    “I have considered going to many places Aes Sedai, though as you can see, my father has other plans for me.”

     

    Now it was the Aes Sedai’s turn to pause. “What if I suggested to your father you travel to the White Tower to be tested? I’m sure I would have no problem impressing upon him the importance of your leaving as soon as possible.”

     

    Daraniea knew that Aes Sedai could not lie. She thought over what the Aes Sedai had said. If she spoke true, then she could leave! That would take care of nearly all her problems! If she became Aes Sedai, there was much prestige in that, and she could take over for her father when the time came, or at least find someone to do it. But the only thing she said to the Aes Sedai was, “How soon do I leave?”

     

    When the Aes Sedai left to speak with her father, she went up to pack. She packed simply, knowing that if she needed anything more, she could send for her things at a later date. She did pack a few precious items, though. A small ivory comb for her hair, given to her by her mother before she died, an emerald necklace, a gift for her 16th birthday, and a silk shawl, also passed down by her mother. It was rumored to come from the lands beyond the Aiel Waste. She packed them hurriedly and went back downstairs.

     

    The Aes Sedai could not accompany her, so she wrote a letter and sealed it. Daraniea was under the strictest instructions to go and find the Mistress of Novices, give her the letter, and she would be directed from there. And that was that. Her father was not happy about it, but he was not going to argue with an Aes Sedai. Elrick was furious, but after a quiet conversation with the Aes Sedai that made him pale, he was most gracious in seeing her off.

     

    Daraniea had never felt so free. She was on her way to see the world and live the dream.

  8. The Amyrlin tapped her finger upon the book in thought.  Claire tried not to wince; she knew the inks used in this ancient text were fragile and might smudge, but one did not chastise the Amyrlin Seat.  Finally, Shevara looked up and announced her decision.

     

    "Yes, Claire, I believe you are correct.  An embassy is certainly warranted, and your suggestion of a Gray to lead it is a good one.  I believe Ziya would do well.  She is from Ebou Dar.  You bring up some good thoughts on the Sea Folk as well.  I would very much like to know how it is that they created such a ter'angreal and if there are any unsuspected wilders among them.  The blood can grow quiet for a few generations when there is no one to ignite the spark.  And I don't have to remind you how secretive they are, especially with Aes Sedai."

     

    Ziya...yes, she would serve for this.  She will want to run straight to the queen though.  I'd best talk to Viviane and see if I can get her on this embassy.  She will see the right of things.

     

    Shevara had begun to write on a parchment, quickly and concisely.  Claire noted with approval the clear hand the orders were written in.  The Amyrlin talked as she wrote. "I would have you take this missive to Ziya, and explain to her as you have to me about the Bowl and the Seafolk.  I want this kept as quiet as possible, no need to let the world know that the Aes Sedai are not certain of what it is we are looking for or its location.  I want her to take enough sisters to use the Bowl, if found, but I want them chosen to blend in.  Young sisters without the ageless look, or those who hail from Ebou Dar.  If there is a sister from the Atha'an Miere that can be sent, all the better." 

     

    Claire nodded in agreement.  Sisters that would blend in would be best for this.  She thought there was a young gray Sea Folk sister as well...she would have to ask Ziya.

     

    Shevara held out the parchment to Claire.  She held onto it a moment when Claire reached for it, forcing Claire to pause and look at her in surprise.  "And Claire," she said as she handed the sheet over, "Do be careful when you work with the ter'angreal storerooms, I cannot afford to lose you."

     

    Well.  That was the truth, she supposed.  With all the danger from the darker elements in the Tower, you couldn't be too careful in who you could trust.  Currently, Claire could only trust Shevara and Maegan, as much as it rankled to have to listen to that Red in anything.

     

    "I will be as careful as I can, Mother...in all things.  I sincerely hope you do the same."  Claire said sincerely and quietly.  The positive knowledge that the Tower was NOT in the hands of a Darkfriend was worth more than gold to her.

     

    She took her leave of the Amyrlin, collecting the tome and heading back down the flights of stairs.  It would be a long trek across the Tower to the Gray quarters, but she knew she could not waste a minute.

     

    Claire

     

    OOC:I will start a new thread for Ziya and I as an optional RP if she wishes, as it is not a necessary part of the plot.  Phase Two will begin shortly!