Caraline Maravine's Story

Everinn opened her eyes slowly, yawning. She was tired still; the sunlight danced through an open window, a sweet breeze rolled through the door carrying the smell of berries and flowers. A soft gust washed through the room, and she inhaled deeply, smiling into the open air.

"May the winds forever blow."

She stretched her arms above her head, hearing her shoulders and back crack. It was slightly painful, but she leaned forward to bend over her stomach, reaching for her feet. This was what it took to get her out of bed; stretching to no end, to where she could flex comfortably and get herself into that god awful dress and shawl.

She loved what it stood for; the Tower itself was something Everinn would always revere. For herself, she personally hated the dresses more than anything. She was raised on the country side, with horses running everywhere and chicken underfoot. It was a nice life, she remembered - and she missed the feel of good wool underneath herself.

Everinn pushed her legs over the edge of the bed, and jumped up, standing with her arms stretched above her head once more. Her shift clung to her, drenched with sweat. Another bad dream. That's it. There's nothing wrong... That was all she ever told herself, it was just another bad dream, though she knew something was wrong.

Nothing was ever right, it seemed. If everything was right, the Wheel would be broken, would it not? And then, where would they stand?

She wandered her room in search of a dress. "Something is wrong, someone is coming, and nothing is okay." She frowned, feeling the words roll off her tongue; now that they did, there was certainly a truth within them.

The Sunlight warmed Maiuri's face as she wrote the last line of, signed, folded, and addressed the letter she'd been working on, knowing that the wording was perfect. Before she stood from her desk, she wove the most complex web of weaves she could to protect the contents from unfriendly eyes, also mixing in some nasty but simple surprises for anyone who tried to tamper with it using the One Power. The only person who would be able to read the letter was herself, and the one to whom the letter was addressed. One could never be too careful with these things.

She stood just as there was a knock on her chamber door. Now what could that be? And this early in the morning?

She looked around her room, seeing her shaw neatly folded on her bed. A simple, but nice piece of furniture, like everything else in the room. She made her way to the bed, picking up her shaw and turning to her mirror as she put it on and straightened it over her red dress with golden linings. She nodded at her appearance before walking over to and opening her door. She looked down to see one of the newer novices who made an uncomfortable curtsy. She waited.

"Well? Get on with it, girl. I haven't got all day to stand her with you in my door." Her voice perfectly cool as always. The novice jumped a bit before replying, "Y-yes, Aes Sedai. Th-the Amyrlin has s-summoned you." Maiuri sighed, shaking her head, "Don't stutter, girl, it's unseemly." She looked the novice over carefully. This one has potential to be strong in the One Power. I'll have to see how well she can weave at some point.

"Y-yes, Aes Sedai."

But she can't keep stuttering like that. "I said stuttering is unseemly, did I not? Don't let me hear it again. Go back to your duties, girl."

The novice curtsied again, keeping her eyes on the ground and being silent for a moment before saying, "Yes, Aes Sedai!" and scurrying off. By the way the girl stepped, Maiuri could tell she'd recently been to the mistress of novices and was reminded of her own time as a novice. Unlike this girl, she'd been a little too strong willed as a novice and had had plenty of unpleasant visits with the mistress of novices. A smile cut her face at the memories before it returned to the always cold mask she wore.

Closing and locking her door behind her, Maiuri made her way through the tower to the Amyrlin's chamber, purposefully failing to acknowledge anyone she passed by on the way.

"Ah! There it is." Everinn smiled, pleased, as she pulled her shawl over her shoulders. It fit snugly, and she let it pass over her mind as she bustled towards the door. She knew that someone would be standing there when she opened it - whoever it was, she hoped they would withstand her wrath of the morning.

The door swung open, and she cleared her face of any emotions. A novice was waiting; a quiet girl, shying beneath the dress she wore. It was not her fault, and she deserved none of what Everinn was feeling. She curtsied deeply, hem of the dress folding onto the floor. She held for a few moments, and Everinn began to tap her fingers against her palm impatiently.

"Come now, child, speak. I will have none of this." She brushed past her light hair over her shoulder, eyes flicking over the serpent ring curled upon her finger. She looked back to the novice standing before her, who seemed to scurry farther into the hallway.

"The Amyrlin has summoned you, Aes Sedai!" she squeaked, and Everinn hid a laugh.

She nodded her thanks. "Thank you. Be it best you were off to your duties, yes?" The novice was gone in a moment, and Everinn smiled, brushing her skirts off as she left her apartments. They were hidden nicely, and not too far away from the Amyrlin's corners - though more walking than she had the patience for.

The stairs she passed over slowly, trotting along at a solemn pace. She smiled to the passing Sisters, speaking her thanks to those of the Blue. She still retained the decency to nod to the Red; as much as she wanted to be within their Ajah, her hatred of them was the same.

"There we are! The Amyrlin's Chambers, and none too soon." She paused to fix her shawl. What did the Amyrlin wish with her?

Maiuri Sedai

Maiuri arrived outside the Amyrlin's Study, coolly acknowledging the Blue that seemed to have been summoned here as well with a slight nod of the head. In the past, this younger Aes Sedai had interested her, and it seemed she would have made a great asset to the Red, but the girl had chosen the Blue when raised to the shaw. The bloody Blue of all things! The second most unpleasant of the Ajhas, right after the Green. A bunch of silly farm girls they were, with their Warders and all. Some even had three! She couldn't see how they could even stand to have one getting in their way, but three? Fools to rely on a man.

A Brown left the Study, an airheaded smile on her lips. Mairuri shook her head as the woman past.

"Enter."

At the sound of the Amyrlin's voice, the Red Sister wasted no time. Whatever this was about, she wanted to get it over with already. After all, she had her own plans to see to. She glided forward, entering the Study with no hesitation, and with a bit of a cold and impassive air about her. The Amyrlin was sitting behind her desk, giving away nothing as always. It grieved her to admit it, but this former blue made what she believed to be a decent Amyrlin. At least she was consistent in her ways, unlike the head of her Ajha. Now that woman infurriated her. One day, Maiuri would take her place at the head of her Ajha, that she swore. The corner of her lips raised the tiniest bit as she thought, "And Aes Sedai never lie." The Red gave a curtsy, being sure to make it just deep enough not to be offensive, but no more than that.

Everinn had hardly noticed the Red Sister, until she saw her head bow. She in turn gave a curtsy, just low enough to avoid offending her. She was not sure, but she felt as if the Sister had grown to hate her in some way. She let her pass by her mind, and looked the other way, patiently awaiting the Amyrlin's call.

"Enter."

A Brown Sister passed by, and Everinn nodded her greeting. She passed behind Maiuri slowly, her dress trailing just over the ground as she entered the study. The Amyrlin was at her desk - solemn and silent. Everinn reminded herself silently that she was here to listen to what she had to say; hopefully it would be of use to her.

She had not fancied her as an Amyrlin Seat, though she had no say in the matter as a simple member of her Ajah. That was all they shared - an Ajah. Nothing more than a word, for she had a deep hatred of the way Caraline handled her position.

Pausing a moment, she dipped into a curtsy besides Maiuri. Everinn would wait until the Amyrlin spoke to say her part.



Tuomas had woken up earlier than usual to spar with the others. They had decided that, since they had all become bored of the childish play they were pushed through for a while, they were to spar for as long as they could. It had been a quick decision, light-hearted over a lack of sleep.

He had won the morning's fight, pushing through quickly. His father had taught him as well as he could, and Tuomas believed he would be as close as possible to one of the best fighters. A shame, he thought, that it go to waste so easily; he preferred the easily life of a Rogue, not having to listen to any one.

But here he was, stuck in the Tower training. Hopefully he would be out soon, and bonded to some poor Aes Sedai who he could deal with. If he could not, then that would be his own matter to deal with. Maybe he would let himself be killed somewhere if he got tired of it.

"Hey, Tuom. Come on, another shot?" Calvadarin was leaning over the swords to speak to Tuomas. He looked up from the book he was reading, and bit back a snarl. He was reading a nice book, perfectly comfortable on this sack of beans, and then someone had to come along and ruin it.

Very well, give him as he asks, I will... "Fine, Calv. Let's have at it." He bent the page idly, putting it at his side as he stood up. "Normal spot?"

"You got it. Theorn and Eora are waiting, we'll just start without you." Calvadarin disappeared through the open door, taking just a moment to sprint the distance.

Tuomas blinked idly, and stood up, grabbing one of the practice swords. As ready as he was to fight with real iron, he would prefer not to lay dead bodies at the foot of the Amyrlin. He tossed the sword over his shoulder, following Calvadarin through the door. The three were sparring in the center, and he leaped forward, sword ready as he dived into the tangle.

The Rose Unfolds met Bundling Straw, and he pushed back a sword that was aiming for his neck. He thought Eora had thrown it, but as soon as he melted into Cat Dances On The Wall he was unsure of what had happened. Calvadarin struck with Leaf On The Breeze - which he countered with Eel Among The Lilypads - and leaned closer to Tuomas.

"Tuom, there are some Aes Sedai over there. Maybe if you look real pretty, she'll bond you."

He let out a scream, and struck over head with Lizard In The Thornbush.

"I have received reports of a disturbing nature from our Eyes and Ears in Amadicia, they suggest that a False Dragon has risen there and is rousing the populace. I am sure I do not have to remind you of the trouble the last False Dragon caused." Everinn kept back a frustrated sigh. Of all the possibilities of the morning, she was to deal with some Darkfriend who had become bored enough to proclaim himself as such. Though, it would be such, and she would do as the Amyrlin wished.

And with a Red, nonetheless! What was she thought as, some doxie? A wool-headed country girl who had nothing better to do than fool around with White Cloaks? She may have been close to choosing the Red, but as a Blue she had learned her side with the other Ajahs.

"Do you have any questions before you leave?"

"When would you like us to leave, mother?" She eyed the Amyrlin coolly. She would have to track down Rahien as she was done here. As much as she would rather to leave him behind, the Amyrlin was right - the situation was dangerous, and stacked against them. She would require her Warder, as he would be the only one they would find between Maiuri and herself.



Tuomas struck overhead with The Boar Rushes Down The Mountain. Calvadarin was all that was left of their group, and as he took the last strike, Calvadarin dropped his sword in defeat - with an open armed gesture. Tuomas dropped his own stick besides it.

"Spar well-done, Calv. The Swallow Takes Air? Almost ended this where it stood!" He gave a friendly smile. Something he only did between his friends. "Now, if you need me, I will be reading i-"

"A Warder approaches, Tuom. Looks like he wants to speak to you."

He used his foot to push the sparring sword into the air - how he missed his old steel, wherever the cat-pommeled sword lay - and turned around to face Davind. As Tuomas saw who it was, he dropped into a bow. Before he walked into the Tower, he would have certainly not done something as that; however, he had learned his humility at the time, as small as it was. And Davind was certainly a Warder of due respect.

Tuomas straightened to a standing position, and dug the sword into the ground. He rested on it, trying to listen to what he was saying, but Tuomas could not find a word he was saying for the life of himself. He did, however, follow the path of his gesture to where the Aes Sedai stood - perhaps he was meant to speak to them?

As soon as Davind was done speaking, he bowed his head respectfully, and dropped the sword back by Calvadarin's. He pulled at the hem of his white shirt; having dropped his fur coat earlier that morning - and the few daggers he had with it, with the idea of protection they offered - to spar, he was left with the shirt. It was unlaced, and comfortable for sparring. The airy feeling.

How... Un-Warder like. Perhaps I should have asked for death. He grimaced, shaking his head. He would never be a true Warder, with the perfection, with the lack of emotions... Everything. It bothered him.

Standing close enough to the Aes Sedai as was acceptable, Tuomas dipped into a bow. He would not smile, not here. "A good morning to you both. What is it that an Aes Sedai would wish of me?"

Maiuri Sedai

Maiuri didn't bat an eye. She'd expected something of this nature, but not of this scale, and definitely not within the boundaries Amadicia. What were the bloody white coats doing? Or not doing? Gah! It didn't matter, they were men, completely useless, and the worst type of man at that... Other than a male using the One Power, that is.

She kept herself from shaking her head, keeping her normally indifferent demeanor. If the Amyrlin was sending them to deal with a false dragon, then why didn't she just send two Reds rather than placing her with a Blue? After all, taking care of these types of men was a specialty of the Red. Besides, this girl, Everinn, she remembered, was much younger than herself. Why send someone so young? Though she admitted once again that the Blue's strength would be a great asset...

"Do you have any questions before you leave?"

Many, but none appropriate to ask at the moment.

"When would you like us to leave, mother?"

She glanced over at the Blue Sister before returning her eyes the the Amyrlin, silent for the time being.


Rahien

Rahien stood under the shade of a tree, within view of where he knew Everinn usually left the Tower, but not too far off from the training grounds. The cool breeze was welcome against his face, calming. He sighed to himself, but otherwise his face was a stone. He really hoped Everinn didn't get herself into any trouble today. If so, that would mean trouble for him as well, but he didn't complain about it now. That was part of the life of a warder. He'd found out rather quickly.

Thankfully, none of the Aes Sedai who past him didn't give him a second look, much less a first. He liked it that way. Before he was bonded to Everinn, the Aes Sedai had payed attention to him more than he would have liked. It always made him uncomfortable when they'd watch him practice, and when a few would call him over to speak to him, but after Everinn bonded him, most of the attention stopped. That, he was grateful for.

He glanced over to the training grounds where he saw just what he'd hated happening to one of the other Gaidin. One who Rahien, himself looked up to and respected. He wondered how it would turn out, but instead of watching turned his head forward, closing his eyes, but not being any less alert.

I will be more than excited to have this done with. Light, I just want to leave already!

"You Everinn are strong yes?" She bowed her head in acknowledgement. The comment would be accepted, for some value, but her hatred would remain. "You too Maiuri but I still feel another strong in the One Power would be an asset. As such I would like you to take Mahira Sedai with you, other than you two she is possibly the strongest in the Tower. I will inform her shortly. I trust there are no objections?"

"No, Mother." Everinn kept her eyes passing over the desk, looking over the room but avoiding looking at the Amyrlin.

A Red, and another Sister. This...Mahira, she had heard of her. Was she not a Green? It seemed right, but the poor child had yet to bond a single Warder. Maybe this is what she needs... She can find some soul to bond. Everinn would have to remember this, when she met with Mahira later on.



Tuomas waited patiently for Mahira to speak. He avoided a smile; she seemed pleasant enough, but nervous. Save a trip to the Pit of Doom, what could she want from him?

"Greetings Tuomas Alfara, I am Mahira Tostanya Sedai. I am currently seeking a Warder and I believe you are the candidate that could suit me very well."

He grimaced. Although he was more than pleased that he would finally have an Aes Sedai to be bonded to, should he accept, he was not sure of Mahira would be the right one. And it was not a decision he would lightly step into - nothing seemed worse than choosing the wrong one. Tuomas would have to think on this one, and find out what he could about Mahira.

A novice stepped up just as he was about to reply. He bit his lip, and bowed his head patiently. He would wait for however long it was necessary, though was slightly frustrated as she seemed to be leaving. Well, then, this will have to wait for another day. Tuomas watched her turn away, and almost left himself, when Davind started to speak.

" You could not do better than Mahira Sedai, she has a kind heart and the courage of a lion. Plus a wanderlust that I doubt will ever be sated."

"I will think on this. My thanks, for your words." Tuomas bowed to both Davind and Mahira. Surprised to see she is still here. "I will have my choice by the sun set."

He turned away from the two, and continued walking back to the spar house. Perhaps speaking to the other Warders and Aes Sedai could help him make his choice, or perhaps he would jump head-first into the pool.

"Yes, Mother." Everinn spread her skirts in a curtsy, and nearly bolted out of the door before Maiuri. As soon as she was out of the door, she trotted through the halls, ignoring each Sister she passed by. She hated to be so ignorant, but she felt the need to, with dark feelings passing over by.

Like storm clouds, except with a certain feel of death.

She found herself in front of her own apartments when she started to realize where she was, and stared uncertainly at the doors. I could enter and be ready, or I could... Well, to the Blight with it! I'll just go find Rahien. Everinn paused a moment to think of where she could find her Warder.

Outside, by the sparring field, perhaps? She brushed at her skirts, though there was no dust, and turned away from her chambers. The halls were empty, though Everinn preferred the closed feeling, and as she was out of her Ajah's corridors others appeared. Novices scurried through the halls, a few Accepted passed by with deep curtsies, and Sisters glided past with nothing more than a nod of her head.

For a moment, Everinn looked around herself, admiring the crystalline beauty. The Tower, in all it's perfection, with not one step out of place... She doubted, if the Tower would ever fall, to darkness or a passing army.

She shook her head, making herself walk forward again. It was impossible, that this place would fall into ruin. It took only a few moments before she was outside. Had she ever walked so fast? It was hard to remember, when she could never pay attention to anything of the sort. But standing outside, with the open sky and vast grounds, it seemed like her perfect moment.

"Now to find Rahien."



(OOC: I'm just going to kind of time-skip for Tuom, since he doesn't have much to wait on. Sorry for the awkward time positioning in this post!)

He had spent most of his day speaking with who he could find in the Tower. That, of course, was close enough to nobody; he was as alone as could be, here, and was content with that. Calv had tried to tell him about Mahira, but from what he heard of his friend, it was completely indifferent to the situation.

He could say yes, he could say no. The only thing that made Tuomas say yes was to be rid of the boring day-to-day of practice. Maybe it would be better, to see more about Mahira - maybe it would even turn out alright.

Tuomas scratched a note on the margin of the book, marking out something he wanted to remember. Calvadarin nudged him with his foot, grinning. "Still reading?"

"Jain Farstrider..."

"A child's book."

"Anything to keep me sane!" He grinned, flipping the book closed. "Have you seen Mahira anywhere?"

"No. But that depends on what you're going to tell her."

"Are all Warders filled with gossip, like you?" Tuomas brushed dirt and hay off his pants, standing to meet Calv again. "Well, I figure since I'm the lucky one here, I'll tell her yes." He shrugged. It didn't mean much to him; he had faced death several times before, and each time he had walked away. The rest of his life would be fine.

"Well, best get looking. Wouldn't keep an Aes Sedai waiting, if I were you." He dropped into a bow, hand clenched in a fest and held over his heart. "May the Light shine on you, Brother. I will see you another day."

Tuomas bowed his head in acknowledgement, and turned away from his friend. He would see him another day; perhaps in one piece, maybe without an arm, possibly in the shadows. There was no guessing. Instead, he focused on looking for Mahira.

Maiuri Sedai

After Everinn made her slightly hurried exit, Maiuri gave her own curtsy, saying, "Yes, Mother," much in the same way the blue had. She stood from her curtsy, leaving the room with a moderate and even pace.

After leaving the Amyrlin's study, the Red Sister made straight for her own quarters to ready herself, ignoring any and everyone she passed. If she had to do this, then, by the Light, it would be done. She made up her mind that she wouldn't allow the two traveling with her to slow down their progress, but also that she would deal with the odd pairing. It irked her horribly how she had hardly any information on their situation, or hardly any on the Sisters she'd be stuck with for the Light knows how long either. With a sigh, the Aes Sedai studied her room. Everything was in place, her important things perfectly hidden from any prying eye that might wander during her absence. She picked up a black purse-like pouch, placing in it what she believed of herself to need, along with a small figurine, none but herself knew she had possession of.

She smiled to herself, "For emergencies, of course," and wondered how long it would take for the other women to be ready.



Rahien

Rahien watched the practice fields with interest before glancing back at the tower, where he saw the very Aes Sedai he was worrying about coming gradually closer in a flowing, blue dress to where he was standing. He pulled himself away from the noise of wooden swords clashing, figuring if she was coming this way, then he'd save her the trouble by meeting her halfway.

He walked in her direction, unable to shake the feeling that something was a little off, that there was something he really wouldn't like hearing. Of course, there was a lot that the warder didn't like hearing, but that fact never stopped him from hearing them.

When he reached Everinn, he gave the appropriate bow, greeting her much more formal than he normally did due to his mood, "I bid a good morning, Aes Sedai." Rahien then stood up straight and glancing about them. There were too many others around for him to question her, but even if he didn't question her, he figured he'd know what was going on soon enough. Besides, in his experience, Everinn didn't like to be questioned, especially by her Warder. However, that usually didn't deter him from doing so.