by Tolza » Mon Nov 04, 2024 3:32 pm
Tolza sat alone in her private study, the dim glow from a single candle casting long shadows across the room. Before her lay a crumpled, blood-smeared parchment—a hastily forged agreement with Elder Frey Aren'Dai, the Voice of the Woods. She let her fingers drift over the rough, hurried script, feeling the weight of the decision that lay ahead.
The ink, darkened and smudged, bore witness to the urgency of the alliance. Too often, she reflected, the White Tower had faltered, its agreements undermined by sisters who lacked the discipline and commitment required to maintain such alliances. Her lips pressed into a firm line, hiding her frustration. This treaty could not be allowed to fall into neglect.
A route connecting the city-state of Tar Valon with the Great Forest had the potential to redefine trade and security across the region, binding the Tower with a partner whose skills and knowledge might prove invaluable. The Great Forest was no mere wilderness; it was an ancient realm, teeming with resources and secrets. The Foresters, masters of tracking, hunting, and woodcraft, held dominion over these lands, moving through dense thickets and towering trees with reverence for the old ways. Their deep respect for the forest and their ancient customs set them apart from other allies.
Through this alliance, Tar Valon would gain more than timber and game. The pathway to an Ogier Stedding, guarded closely by the Foresters, held the potential to reveal ancient wisdom and lost lore. The secrets of craftsmanship, architecture, and history found in the Stedding could deepen the Tower’s understanding of the world lost to the breaking. It was a connection that would bolster the Tower’s strength without direct confrontation, allowing Tar Valon to build influence through shared respect and mutual need.
As Tolza considered these possibilities, her thoughts shifted to Maddy, an Accepted of the Gray Ajah, sharp and driven. Maddy’s ambition to earn the shawl would push her to handle this task with the diligence her sisters had lacked. A faint smile tugged at Tolza’s lips as she resolved to entrust Maddy with the final steps of the treaty. She reached for the bell pull and summoned the young Accepted to her study.
When Maddy entered, Tolza regarded her with a measured look, gesturing for her to sit as she picked up the blood-marked parchment. “I, Tolza Sedai, pledge myself to aid the Foresters in retrieving insignias from the cityheads during the event beginning on the 18th of October,” she read aloud, her tone calm and deliberate. “Additionally, I will encourage my fellow Tower members to offer their assistance throughout its duration.”
Maddy inclined her head in understanding, her expression focused and intent. “Yes, we did that.”
Tolza continued, watching the young woman closely. “In exchange for these services, should the Foresters be awarded the bonus for turning in the most insignias, they will fund a coach route connecting the Great Forest Barracks with Tar Valon Barracks until we finalize a new treaty. Elder Frey Aren'Dai, the Voice of the Woods, stands ready as our ally.”
“Well done, Tolza Sedai,” Maddy replied, her voice steady with approval.
“Perhaps you already know that the Foresters were awarded the prize for the most insignias,” Tolza said, raising an eyebrow.
Maddy nodded, the faintest flicker of curiosity in her eyes. “Yes, I am aware. What would you have me do?”
Tolza took a deep breath, weighing her words. “I will be away from the Tower for the coming week. I ask that you carry this agreement forward in my absence.”
The young Accepted met her gaze with a spark of determination. “Is the agreement finalized, then, and only awaits signatures and witness?”
“Only the final steps remain,” Tolza replied, her tone encouraging. “Use the resources available to you. Consider this a chance to demonstrate your skills to your Ajah.” Maddy’s expression hardened with resolve as she nodded, ready to shoulder the duty.
“Remember,” Tolza added, her voice softening just slightly, “don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed. Your resources are as vital as your own skill.”
With a respectful curtsy, Maddy stepped back, her resolve evident as she prepared to fulfill her orders. Tolza watched her go, a sense of cautious optimism settling in her chest. “Then go, Maddy,” she murmured to herself. “May you prove worthy of the task.”
OOC: I will be away from the MUD for a week, possibly longer, and felt that delegating this task would give Maddy a great opportunity to flex her RP muscles. I know this approach is a bit unorthodox, but I encourage everyone to roleplay it out. I’m excited to see how this unfolds when I return!
Tolza sat alone in her private study, the dim glow from a single candle casting long shadows across the room. Before her lay a crumpled, blood-smeared parchment—a hastily forged agreement with Elder Frey Aren'Dai, the Voice of the Woods. She let her fingers drift over the rough, hurried script, feeling the weight of the decision that lay ahead.
The ink, darkened and smudged, bore witness to the urgency of the alliance. Too often, she reflected, the White Tower had faltered, its agreements undermined by sisters who lacked the discipline and commitment required to maintain such alliances. Her lips pressed into a firm line, hiding her frustration. This treaty could not be allowed to fall into neglect.
A route connecting the city-state of Tar Valon with the Great Forest had the potential to redefine trade and security across the region, binding the Tower with a partner whose skills and knowledge might prove invaluable. The Great Forest was no mere wilderness; it was an ancient realm, teeming with resources and secrets. The Foresters, masters of tracking, hunting, and woodcraft, held dominion over these lands, moving through dense thickets and towering trees with reverence for the old ways. Their deep respect for the forest and their ancient customs set them apart from other allies.
Through this alliance, Tar Valon would gain more than timber and game. The pathway to an Ogier Stedding, guarded closely by the Foresters, held the potential to reveal ancient wisdom and lost lore. The secrets of craftsmanship, architecture, and history found in the Stedding could deepen the Tower’s understanding of the world lost to the breaking. It was a connection that would bolster the Tower’s strength without direct confrontation, allowing Tar Valon to build influence through shared respect and mutual need.
As Tolza considered these possibilities, her thoughts shifted to Maddy, an Accepted of the Gray Ajah, sharp and driven. Maddy’s ambition to earn the shawl would push her to handle this task with the diligence her sisters had lacked. A faint smile tugged at Tolza’s lips as she resolved to entrust Maddy with the final steps of the treaty. She reached for the bell pull and summoned the young Accepted to her study.
When Maddy entered, Tolza regarded her with a measured look, gesturing for her to sit as she picked up the blood-marked parchment. “I, Tolza Sedai, pledge myself to aid the Foresters in retrieving insignias from the cityheads during the event beginning on the 18th of October,” she read aloud, her tone calm and deliberate. “Additionally, I will encourage my fellow Tower members to offer their assistance throughout its duration.”
Maddy inclined her head in understanding, her expression focused and intent. “Yes, we did that.”
Tolza continued, watching the young woman closely. “In exchange for these services, should the Foresters be awarded the bonus for turning in the most insignias, they will fund a coach route connecting the Great Forest Barracks with Tar Valon Barracks until we finalize a new treaty. Elder Frey Aren'Dai, the Voice of the Woods, stands ready as our ally.”
“Well done, Tolza Sedai,” Maddy replied, her voice steady with approval.
“Perhaps you already know that the Foresters were awarded the prize for the most insignias,” Tolza said, raising an eyebrow.
Maddy nodded, the faintest flicker of curiosity in her eyes. “Yes, I am aware. What would you have me do?”
Tolza took a deep breath, weighing her words. “I will be away from the Tower for the coming week. I ask that you carry this agreement forward in my absence.”
The young Accepted met her gaze with a spark of determination. “Is the agreement finalized, then, and only awaits signatures and witness?”
“Only the final steps remain,” Tolza replied, her tone encouraging. “Use the resources available to you. Consider this a chance to demonstrate your skills to your Ajah.” Maddy’s expression hardened with resolve as she nodded, ready to shoulder the duty.
“Remember,” Tolza added, her voice softening just slightly, “don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed. Your resources are as vital as your own skill.”
With a respectful curtsy, Maddy stepped back, her resolve evident as she prepared to fulfill her orders. Tolza watched her go, a sense of cautious optimism settling in her chest. “Then go, Maddy,” she murmured to herself. “May you prove worthy of the task.”
OOC: I will be away from the MUD for a week, possibly longer, and felt that delegating this task would give Maddy a great opportunity to flex her RP muscles. I know this approach is a bit unorthodox, but I encourage everyone to roleplay it out. I’m excited to see how this unfolds when I return!