A Soldier's Troubles --- &RPaward

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Expand view Topic review: A Soldier's Troubles --- &RPaward

Re: A Soldier's Troubles

by Ominas » Fri Oct 08, 2021 1:09 am

Wow guys. This is genuinely good. Thanks for sharing. I’m happily surprised by Arjuna. You should put yourself out there more man. Nice work

Re: A Soldier's Troubles

by arjuna » Sun Sep 26, 2021 10:22 pm

Arjuna couldn't sleep.

He rolled over and sat up in bed.

Muttering something inaudible, he reached into a small purse at the side of his cot and withdrew a sheet of paper, a quill, and a small bottle of ink.

He lit a candle off the dying fire in the hearth and placed it in a brass candelabra on his Under-Lieutenant's desk. He arranged his gifts from the Yellow Ajah before him, let his eyes slide closed, and took a deep breath in through the nostrils. He felt his awareness expand, from a tiny point in his chest that grew to encompass his body, then the room, then all of the barracks, the inner-city, Caemlyn in its entirety, then Andor, and on and on, like a child blowing a bubble, and the bubble was his sense of self, his general awareness. The bubble swelled and expanded until it was stretched too thin, and then it popped. He exhaled.

Arjuna felt tension ebbing out of his body as the small muscles in his face relaxed. He opened his eyes, and took another deep breath in through the nostrils. He felt his awareness expanding again, his sense of self swelling not only through space, but through time, like some rapid memory.

Arjuna saw himself in the Borderlands, dagger in hand, approaching a Dreadlord and his deformed trolloc escort. Blood ran freely from a wound in his leg that he had tried to bind up by cutting a strip of fabric from his bearskin tunic. With a trembling hand, he drank a thin yellow fluid from a glass vial. His hand steadied. Then the trolloc spotted him...

Arjuna exhaled. Eyes open now, lad. Breathe regular. He picked up the quill, dipped it in the ink, and slowly, he began to write...

A Soldier's Troubles --- &RPaward

by Jenda » Sun Sep 26, 2021 6:47 pm

Ely edit 22 Pct 2021:

1-6 qps, depending on length and quality.

Rplizer +1 qps : x
Extra meticulous edit +1 qps : xx
Length bonus +1-2 qps : x

Summary: +1 qps : x

Total: 9 qps, Eldrenia and Arjuna also awarded

****************************************************

Summary: Arjuna had previously been infected by the Shadow's disease afflicted with nightmares and battle trauma. Subsquently acting out in a violent manner. Through mail, Jenda advised him to come see the Yellow Ajah to ensure he is of sound body and mind to face the repercussions of his actions. With Eldrenia, the two Yellow Ajah Aes Sedai treated Arjuna's physical and mental traumas.

Point of view: Jenda, then Eldrenia
Main character: Jenda
Main character: Eldrenia
Main Character: Arjuna

---------------------------------------
Tar Valon Square


Arjuna has arrived from the west, riding a dust-colored gelding.

Arjuna sheathes a sharp, red stone dagger into a camouflaged hood.

Arjuna looks around slowly, as if something is hidden in the room.

Arjuna stops riding a dust-colored gelding.

Jenda looks at Arjuna

Arjuna says 'Thank you for agreeing to see me, Aes Sedai.'

Jenda says, 'Good day, Arjuna.. I am happy that you sought me out. '

Jenda says, 'We shall wait for my companion, Eldrenia Sedai and then see to you in our quarters. '

Jenda says, 'How have you been feeling since your encounter with the shadow? '

Arjuna shrugs helplessly.

Arjuna mutters to himself in complete disgust.

A hunter for the horn leaves east.

Arjuna says 'Not quite myself, if you must know.'

Arjuna says 'I haven't had the inclination to leave the barracks much of late'

Arjuna says 'and the nightmares...'

Arjuna shrugs helplessly.

Jenda says, 'Tell me more of your dreams.. but in private. '

Arjuna says 'But everyone has nightmares. I don't know that talking about these things is helpful'

Jenda says, 'I do know. '

Eldrenia has arrived from the south, riding a gray palfrey.

Jenda nods in agreement.

Eldrenia smiles happily.

Eldrenia stops riding a gray palfrey.

Jenda beckons everyone to follow her

Eldrenia starts following Jenda

Arjuna starts following Jenda

..........................................

Solarium of the Yellow Ajah
[ obvious exits: N ]
A large desk made of fine, thick wood stands across the room from here.
A chair made of red oak rests next to the table. [2]
Arjuna al'Cor'vron, Royal Assassin of Andor is standing here.
Jenda Sharaad is standing here.
A Yellow Sister sits here.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
Corele Hovian stands here with concern in her eyes.

Eldrenia senses Jenda connecting to the True Source.

Jenda gestures at the door with her hand.

The door silently swings shut and lock with a soft *click*.

Jenda says 'Please sit, friend. '

Jenda says 'Thiefbane, yes? '

Eldrenia says 'Queen's Guard, sister.'

Jenda whispers to you, 'this man has come into contact with the shadow's toxins and complains of bad dreams, depression. '

Jenda says 'Ah'

Jenda looks at Arjuna.

Eldrenia looks at Arjuna.

Jenda comforts Arjuna.

Arjuna says 'Forgive me, I sometimes have these...spells, of late'

Arjuna mutters to himself in complete disgust.

Jenda says 'Please sit and make yourself comfortable. Tell us about your dreams and the encounter with the Shadow's toxins. '

Eldrenia points to the red oak chair.

Eldrenia says 'It will help if you are relaxed for use to help.'

Arjuna mutters, 'If I'd known what I know now when first I enlisted in the Guard...'

Arjuna sits down and rests on a stout oaken chair.

Arjuna says 'Thank you, Sedai'

Jenda touches the man on his forehead and weaves the flows for Delving as he talks.

Arjuna says 'Quite a comfortable chair, and yet...'

Arjuna says 'What is that sensation?'

Eldrenia says 'This wont hurt. She is seeing if there is anything detectable.'

Eldrenia says 'Please go on.'

Eldrenia has a welcoming look on her ugly face as she sits next to Arjuna.

Eldrenia sit down on a stout oaken chair.

Jenda says 'I feel that he has indeed been afflicted by the same toxins but these have faded. He is left with only a .. trauma in his mind. '

Jenda nods in agreement.

Arjuna says 'No, this isn't just in my mind'

Arjuna says 'Just dressing myself and leaving the barracks is now a monumental task'

Arjuna says 'It's as if something is leeching away at my energy'

Jenda narrows her tilted brown eyes in thought.

Arjuna says 'I'm reminded of an inky black cloak I once took from a fade corpse'

Someone knocks on the door from the other side.

Arjuna says 'Draining, and draining, and draining...'

Jenda gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Marshall has arrived from the north.

Jenda gestures at the door with her hand.

The door silently swings shut and lock with a soft *click*.

Arjuna says 'Everything is...exhaust--hello, Gaidin'

Arjuna looks around slowly, as if something is hidden in the room.

Eldrenia says 'Don't mind Marshall. You words are safe here.'

Arjuna says 'Anyways.'

Jenda says 'These symptoms appear to be more of the Shadow than I felt initially. '

Arjuna eyes the Warder suspiciously, and returns to his formerly taciturn manner.

Jenda frowns. .'Guardsman, my warder is my confidant. Please do not mind his presence here. '

Eldrenia says 'Arjuna, do you get tightens of breath, do you get sweety, do you maybe feel the walls are closing in around you when this happens?'

A Shienaran scout narrates 'Call the banners! Shadowspawn sighted at Eastern Borderlands!'

Jenda lightly touches the forehead of Marshall.

Arjuna says 'Yes, it's as if I were in combat and I suddenly froze'

Arjuna says 'Which, oddly enough, has never happened to me in combat'

Arjuna says 'but I have seen the paralysis in others'

Eldrenia says 'I want to try something if you are open?'

Arjuna says 'Paralysis, that is the word for it'
Jenda nods slowly.

Arjuna says 'and yes, there's a tightness in the chest'

Arjuna says 'How do you know these things?'

Jenda says 'We are Healers, friend. '

Eldrenia says 'I am not going to channel, but I would like you to take my hand.'

Eldrenia holds out her hand.

Jenda says 'Healing will help this man, I believe. But I am curious what you have in mind, Sister. '

Arjuna shoots a dark glance to the Warder in the corner, mutters something incomprehensible under his breath, then jerkily offers his hand to Eldrenia.

Marshall rolls his eyes...sheesh!..

Jenda massages Marshall's shoulders.

Eldrenia gentaly take Arjuna's hand.

Eldrenia says 'I want you to close your eyes.'

Eldrenia says 'Don't worry, you are safe here.'

Arjuna takes a slow, deep breath, and closes his eyes...

Jenda crosses her arms, observing.

Arjuna whispers, 'But it's as if not all of me IS here...'

Eldrenia says 'If anything gets to intense tighten your grip on my hand and open your eyes.'

Jenda arches an eyebrow.

Arjuna nods in agreement.

Eldrenia says 'I want you to describe the last time your fought the shadow and pick up one of these cloaks.'

Argle the Roleplay

Eldrenia says 'Any detail you can think of.'

Arjuna says 'I was on patrol with several others, soldiers who had come to Fal Dara from all over the world to defend Shienar from the Shadow'

Eldrenia listens closely.

Arjuna says 'We had been engaged in a long battle that ranged from the Blighted Orchard to the Dusty Road, and back again'

Arjuna says 'Fiddler the Myrddraal and Kilgore the Dreadlord led a horde of trollocs'

Jenda’s eyes narrow fiercely, fire flaring in their depths.

Eldrenia says 'Take me through your senses, what did you hear, smell, see, feel?'

Arjuna says 'I remember...'

Arjuna shivers uncomfortably.

Arjuna says 'I remember the smell of the burning trees'

Arjuna says 'Magnificent, ancient trees'

Arjuna says 'in the borderlands northwest of Fal Dara'

Arjuna says 'going up like smoke'

Marshall stops resting, and clambers on his feet.

Jenda nods slowly.

Arjuna says 'and the smell'

Arjuna says 'of delicious, roasting meat'

Arjuna says 'We hadn't eaten for days'

Arjuna says 'and I thought I was hallucinating'

Marshall looks at Arjuna.

Jenda gestures with her hand.
Marshall puts a crystal lightstick in a belt pack.

Marshall eats a loaf of bread.

The door smoothly swings open.

Jenda hugs Marshall.

Arjuna says 'it wasn't until the next day we came upon the burnt out corpses of the Shienaran patrol'

Marshall gives a loaf of bread to Jenda.

Marshall bows deeply.

Marshall nods at Arjuna.

Marshall leaves north.

Jenda gestures at the door with her hand.

The door silently swings shut and lock with a soft *click*.

Arjuna says 'and realized that was the delicious aroma we had smelled the day before'

Eldrenia says 'How did that make you feel?'

Arjuna says 'Many men vomited then and there, on empty stomachs'

Arjuna says 'Me?'

Eldrenia says 'Yes, Arjuna.'

Arjuna opens his eyes, then presses them closed again.

Jenda massages Arjuna's shoulders.

Arjuna says 'I've been trained not to feel much in these circumstances.'

Jenda comments, 'Compartmentalization.'

Eldrenia says 'That is understandable. You mind is protecting is self, but those emotions are there if ignored. '

Eldrenia says 'How does it make you feel now.'

Arjuna says 'I don't see what this has to do with the...issues I've been having'

Arjuna says 'I'

Arjuna mutters to himself in complete disgust.

Jenda says 'She will care for your mind. I will Heal your body. '
Eldrenia says 'That is okay, child. We will get to the current issues, just indulge me.'

Jenda nods at Eldrenia.

Arjuna says 'I wonder what it was all for'

Arjuna says 'The things I've seen men do'

Arjuna says 'And the things I've seen trollocs do'

Arjuna shrugs helplessly.

Eldrenia sighs.

Arjuna says 'There's supposed to be a line there, right?'

Arjuna says 'A line between Light and Shadow'

Arjuna says 'but there's not'

Eldrenia says 'Sadly, the Shadow sees no line of morality.'

Arjuna says 'it's...porous'

Jenda frowns.

A horse trader narrates 'Shadowspawn in Fal Dara! Rally to me!'

Eldrenia says 'We all have aspects of the Light and Shadow within us.'

Arjuna says 'Porous at the border...'

Arjuna shrugs helplessly.

Jenda says 'The Shadow comes at us in endless waves. We all must do our duty to protect the people from that. And now allow the darkness within ourselves to take hold. '

Eldrenia says 'Well, I can tell you what I think is ailing you. '

Arjuna has a distant sound to his voice. His eyes are now loosely lidded, and he seems far away.

Arjuna says 'Why...does it have to hurt?'

Jenda looks on the man with sadness and compassion in her eyes.

Arjuna says 'I feel like it's not supposed to hurt this much'

Arjuna says 'Something is wrong with me'

Jenda says gently, 'We will take your pain away, soldier.'

Eldrenia says 'Pain is the body and minds way of telling you there is something wrong. Hurting is healthy, ignoring it and not treating the issues is not.'

Eldrenia says 'First, there is nothing wrong with you.'

Eldrenia says 'You are a brave and honorable warrior of the Light who is suffering from battle trauma.'

Arjuna mutters something foul under his breath.

Eldrenia says 'Your mind is trying to deal with the horrors it has seen and this results in you reliving these moments when you do not want to.'

Eldrenia says 'I cannot take this pain away with the One Power and there is no easy "fix". It will take work from you to over come this.'

Jenda says 'The physical ailments we will Heal with the One Power. but as my Sister has said, the rest will be between us, work. '

Eldrenia says 'In the most basic terms, when you are reliving these situations you are having physical reactions as if you where in the fight again.'

Arjuna strokes his chin thoughtfully.

Eldrenia says 'What you must do is work towards reducing your physical reaction to these events. '

Arjuna says 'It sounds absurd, and yet...'

Arjuna says 'it fits.'

Eldrenia says 'I can prescribe a serious of excersises to assist you with this. '

Arjuna says 'Here is what I am skeptical of'

Jenda arches an eyebrow.

Arjuna says 'Are you sure this is not a result of the myrddraal's poison?'

Arjuna says 'That it is not festering within me, still?'

Jenda says 'I will Heal you momentarily to eonsure you are not still poisoned by this fade's sword. '

Arjuna says 'I snuck up behind him, close enough to plunge my blade into his back.'

Eldrenia says 'I believe the poison exasterbated the situation, but it did not in itself cause the battle trauma.'

Arjuna says 'And when I did, he let out the most horrible...'

Arjuna shivers uncomfortably.

Arjuna says 'It wasn't really a sound'

Arjuna says 'so much as a...'

Arjuna says 'I don't know the word for it'

Jenda lies a comforting hand on Arjuna's shoulder.

Jenda says 'A hiss? '

Arjuna says 'A vibration, maybe'

Arjuna says 'like a hiss, sure'

Arjuna says 'but not like a snake hisses'

Jenda nods grimly.

Arjuna says 'And then'

Eldrenia says 'This is the reaction we want to reduce'

Arjuna says 'as the lurk died'

Jenda tilts her head in question.

Eldrenia says 'Do you feel your heart beat increasing, your adreline pumping?'

Arjuna says 'I felt it run through me like the breath of a storm'

Arjuna says 'the...purposelessness of it all'

Jenda nods in agreement.

Arjuna says 'if the Light triumphs over the Shadow, or the Shadow over the Light, or if it all just...hangs in the balance, forever, over and over and over again'

A Shienaran scout narrates 'Call the banners! Shadowspawn sighted at Borderlands North of Fal Dara!'

Arjuna says 'And I felt the pattern tug at me, as the fade died'

A Shienaran scout narrates 'Call the banners! Shadowspawn sighted at Borderlands North of Fal Dara!'

Arjuna says 'but its tugging didn't seem...benevolent, as it sometimes had it in the past'

Arjuna says 'It tightened around me, like a noose'

Eldrenia says 'I believe we have found your trigger.'

A Shienaran scout narrates 'Call the banners! Shadowspawn sighted at Borderlands North of Fal Dara!'

Jenda says 'It may feel futile to you now. but until Tarmon Gaidon we must be vigilant and dutiful. over and over. The Wheel Weaves as the Wheel wills. '

A Shienaran scout narrates 'Call the banners! Shadowspawn sighted at Borderlands North of Fal Dara!'

Arjuna shivers uncomfortably.

Arjuna says 'What was I saying...'

The Wheel of Time turns towards the Dark...

Jenda frowns.

Jenda shivers uncomfortably.

Arjuna says 'ooc dealing with baby irl, sorry if this is getting clunky, down to 1 hand :P'

Jenda whispers to you, 'i'll heal him now k? '

Jenda says 'ooc no worries! '

Eldrenia whispers to Jenda 'k'

Jenda says 'Lie back, Arjuna. I will Heal you now and feed you. Then you can tell us more about your dreams. '

Eldrenia senses Jenda connecting to the True Source.

Eldrenia senses Jenda is channeling saidar.

Jenda weaves her hands, creating a hearty meal in the process.

Eldrenia senses Jenda is channeling saidar.

Jenda weaves her hands, creating a hearty meal in the process.

Jenda gives a strange fruit to Arjuna.

Jenda gives a strange fruit to Arjuna.

Eldrenia says 'There a few things you will need to do, first there is to be no self medicating. No alcohol or herbs from a wisdom.'

Arjuna glances up at you with a sudden trust in his eye, then, like a curtain falling, his stone-eyed look returns.

Arjuna eats a strange fruit.

Jenda says 'the Healing weave removes all physical ailments in the Talented hands of the Yellow Ajah. All but Death can be Healed. '

Arjuna tastes a little bit of a strange fruit.

Arjuna lies down, as you requested, a bit more complacently than he'd sat in the chair, earlier.

Eldrenia says 'Second, I want you to meditate at least once a day. Find a quiet peaceful spot and just let your mind float.'

Eldrenia says 'Focus on your breathing and keeping it even and slow.'

Arjuna chuckles politely.

Jenda weaves the flows of Healing, placing her hands on Arjuna's temples near his forehead, sending icy tendrils of Saidar into his body.

Arjuna says 'Like when I'm waiting for a target...'

Eldrenia says 'No.'

Eldrenia says 'This must be away from combat.'

Eldrenia says 'Do not associate it with waiting for a target.'

Arjuna says 'Then like...'

Arjuna says 'When I'm stalking a deer'

Arjuna says 'Or, nothing violent?'

Arjuna chuckles politely.

Eldrenia says 'No, nothing violent.'

Arjuna says 'Sedai, you know me not'

Arjuna says 'Oh, here's once'

Eldrenia says 'I said it would take work, did I not?'

Arjuna says 'How about'

Arjuna says 'when throwing darts'

Arjuna says 'There's a type of focus'

Arjuna says 'that happens'

Eldrenia says 'That would work.'

Arjuna says 'a relaxation, and yet focus, simultaneously, as you said'

Jenda says 'Men often seek the flame and void to focus on various things. '
Eldrenia says 'But no drinking while you do it.'

Arjuna says 'usually aided by some strong ale, eh Sedai?'

Arjuna chuckles politely.

Eldrenia says 'I will be writing to Mhaliah and Adael on the no drinking.'

Arjuna nods in agreement.

Eldrenia says 'I would be very... displeased if I hear you turn to the cup.'

Arjuna says 'But surely herbs are permitted?'

Arjuna says 'Didn't you say that?'

Eldrenia says 'I said no herbs.'

Arjuna says 'But herbs are the Creator's gift!'

Arjuna says 'I swear I heard that from a Sedai herself once'

Eldrenia arches an eyebrow.

Jenda says 'Consider it a brief sabbatical. '

Arjuna says 'She said gifts from the earth are of the greatest worth'

Arjuna says 'Or maybe it was a gleeman'
Jenda smirks.

Arjuna shrugs helplessly.

Jenda says 'Wise woman nonsense. '

Jenda waves her hand dismissively.

Arjuna has perked up considerably since he first arrived in Tar Valon.

Eldrenia says 'You will not get better if you hide from this and that is what herbs and alcohol are, hiding.'

Jenda says 'How are you feeling now after the Healing, Arjuna? '

Jenda nods at Eldrenia.

Arjuna says 'Oh, I don't know'

Eldrenia says 'And last, I want you to write down one of these encounters in as much detail as you can. After you have written it out, burn the words.'

Arjuna says 'Maybe a little better. Yes, I think a bit better'

Jenda beams a smile at Arjuna.

Arjuna says 'My energy seems...lighter than before'

Eldrenia says 'Try to do this once or twice a week.'

Jenda says 'A journal, yes. That would be helpful, Sister. '

Arjuna nods at Eldrenia.

Jenda says 'Lighter and not darker.. that is good. '

Eldrenia says 'Burning it is important'

Arjuna says 'Paper is expensive, Sedai'

Eldrenia waves that away.

Eldrenia reaching into the desk and pulls out a small stack of unused paper.

Jenda says 'We shall provide you with paper. '

Jenda laughs softly.

Eldrenia passes the stack to Arjuna.

Arjuna mutters to himself in complete disgust.

Jenda says 'You are able to read and write, yes? '

Arjuna says 'Able, yes'

Arjuna says 'And yet, writing is a chore, is it not, Sedai?'

Jenda smirks.

Arjuna says 'Hard work, that'

Eldrenia says 'I did say work.'

Arjuna says 'Easier to kill'

Jenda says 'This will help you deal with the emotions you feel. '

Arjuna shrugs helplessly.

Jenda says 'Make you a more effective soldier. '

Eldrenia senses Jenda is channeling saidar.

Jenda weaves her hands, creating a hearty meal in the process.

Eldrenia says 'I would also like regular updates on how you are doing. Let me know if things get worse, better or stay the same.'

Arjuna nods in agreement.

Arjuna says 'Is all of this necessary, though? I am actually feeling much better n ow'

Arjuna says 'I think whatever that sensation was, when you laid your hands on me...I felt...'
Jenda leans back with her arms crossed, occasionally taking a bite of the fruit.

Eldrenia says 'Now is not later.'

Arjuna says 'I think that did it'

Jenda winks at Arjuna.

Arjuna tastes a little bit of a strange fruit.

Jenda says 'Physical ailments have been relieved but not the mind's pain. '

Arjuna tastes a little bit of a strange fruit.

Arjuna tastes a little bit of a strange fruit.

Arjuna chuckles politely.

Eldrenia says 'You have had a outlet in speaking with us, but getting over trauma takes more then just one talk.'

Arjuna says 'I'm not sure I believe that you can relieve the mind's pain'

Arjuna says 'And, is it right to?'

Eldrenia says 'You have to want to.'

Jenda says 'Follow Eldrenia's recommendations and you will make progress. '

Arjuna says 'When you've watched a man ripped limb from limb and devoured by trollocs, while you hid in the BLOODY bushes'

Arjuna growls menacingly.

Eldrenia says 'Breath'

Jenda lies comforting hands on Arjuna's shoulder.

Arjuna says 'Is someone supposed to feel RIGHT about that?'

Eldrenia says 'Focus on slow steady breaths.'

Arjuna says 'Because let me tell you'

Arjuna says 'He died for. Exactly. Nothing.'

Arjuna begins to breathe heavily.

Eldrenia says 'Slowly.'

Jenda sighs with deep sadness... "Not nothing, my dear. But to defend those who cannot fight."

Eldrenia says 'It feels pointless though and that is a natural feeling.'

Arjuna sighs loudly.

Arjuna says 'Blood and ashes.'

Jenda nods in agreement with Eldrenia.

Arjuna says 'Strange, to be talking about this with two ladies of the Tower'

Jenda says 'It is a strange situation for southerners, to be sure. '

Eldrenia chuckles politely.

Arjuna tastes a little bit of a strange fruit.

Arjuna tastes a little bit of a strange fruit.

Eldrenia says 'You think we have not seen the same?'

Eldrenia says 'Dont let these skirts and shawls fool you.'

Arjuna appraises you thoughtfully.

Eldrenia says 'The Yellow ajah is no stranger to the damages of battle.'

Jenda says 'Our men fight and die on the blight border until Tarmon Gaidon is won and the Shadow is destroyed. '

Jenda nods at Eldrenia.

Arjuna says 'And you Sedai use these...techniques, that you teach?'

Eldrenia says 'I have and do.'

Arjuna says 'And they work, to keep the dreams away?'

Jenda remains silent, narrowing her tilted dark eyes.

Arjuna says 'And the fits?'

Eldrenia says 'They do.'

Eldrenia says 'It will take time'

Arjuna says 'Like a castle wall holds out invaders?'

Eldrenia says 'But you are not in this alone.'

Arjuna says 'What I am most afraid of is'

Eldrenia says 'Even the Stone will one day fall.'

Arjuna says 'What if this happens, in combat'

Arjuna says 'and I freeze'

Arjuna says 'as I do now, in the barracks'

Arjuna shivers uncomfortably.

Eldrenia says 'That is why you must put in the work.'

Jenda says 'This is why you must follow my Sister's advice. so you can be calm and composed when you need it most. '

Eldrenia says 'If not for yourself then for those that rely on you.'

Jenda nods in agreement.

Arjuna strokes his chin thoughtfully.

Jenda says 'You still have yet to share your dreams with us. '

Arjuna says 'Dreams are just wind, are they not?'

Arjuna farts loudly. How rude!

Jenda arches an eyebrow.

Arjuna coughs loudly.

Jenda says 'They reveal much that is deep within your mind. '

Arjuna says 'Are you sure you wish to hear of my dreams?'

Jenda says 'Yes. '

Jenda looks at Arjuna.

Arjuna says 'It is always dark'

Arjuna says 'and I hear the sounds of the night insects'

Arjuna says 'and the beating of my heart'

Arjuna says 'and then, all of a sudden'

Arjuna says 'a great moon rises like wildfire'

Arjuna says 'burning in the heavens'

Arjuna says 'and I see them all around me'

Jenda shoots an unreadable glance towards Eldrena.

Arjuna says 'the dead'

Jenda whispers to you, 'survivor's guilt'

Arjuna says 'Dead men, dead women, dead children, dead trollocs, dead beasts'

Arjuna says 'dead, staring eyes'

Arjuna says 'and I look down'

Arjuna says 'and my hands are the hands of a trolloc'

Arjuna says 'or, sometimes, a myrddraal'

Jenda narrows her tilted brown eyes in thought.

Arjuna says 'or, times again, I am human, but only bone'

Arjuna says 'and I hear the distant rumble of war drums'

Arjuna says 'and realize this will happen again and again and again'

Arjuna says 'For no reason'

Arjuna says 'and then the moon becomes a great wheel of fire'

Arjuna says 'and begins to roll across the landscape, engulfing everything in sight'

Arjuna says 'all is struck down by the strength of the wheel'

Arjuna says 'and I dream this again, and again, and again'

Jenda stares intently at Arjuna, fascinated by the content of his dreams.

Arjuna says 'There are other dreams, too, Sedai.'

Arjuna says 'But I think one is enough for now, no?'

Eldrenia nods in agreement.

Jenda says 'I am fascinated by your dreams, soldier. I think you may have unrevealed feelings of futility and guilt. '

Eldrenia says 'Those dreams is your mind trying to deal with those emotions.'

Eldrenia says 'You should try to narrow down what you are sensing that is bringing these attacks on.'

Arjuna strokes his chin thoughtfully.

Eldrenia says 'How well lite is the barracks?'

Arjuna says 'Dimly'

Eldrenia says 'See if you can increase the light in them and see if still have the reaction.'

Eldrenia says 'I have a hunch that darkness is triggering you.'

Arjuna says 'Such a project might be costly, Sedai'

Arjuna strokes his chin thoughtfully.

Eldrenia says 'A fades cloak is blacker than night and your mind could be equating darkness to these combat memories.'

Arjuna says 'Though it is true that rats are often found nesting around our barracks'

Eldrenia says 'Lanterns are not that expensive. '

Arjuna says 'True'

Jenda says 'Rats.. shadoweyes. Kill every one you see. Get a good mouser or two. '

Arjuna says 'That will be my reason for brightening the barracks'

Arjuna says 'Otherwise the men would think me craven'

Arjuna says 'Afraid of the dark, and afraid of my dreams'

Arjuna says 'like a young pup'

Arjuna says 'You two may know combat and you may know the Shadow, but you do not know the ways of barracks life'

Arjuna chuckles politely.

Eldrenia says 'Try a night in the Novices quarters'

Eldrenia chuckles politely.

Arjuna says 'Oh, Sedai, that I would love to do'

Arjuna says 'We will have to arrange an evening....or two'

Jenda arches an eyebrow.

Arjuna appears to be feeling much better now, indeed.

Eldrenia says 'But there is no harm in concealing your reasons in lighting the barracks. Men and their pride.'

Jenda says 'You are anything but craven, my dear soldier. '

Eldrenia says 'I doubt that will happen and remember yourself bannerman.'

Eldrenia says 'Pardon me, Under-Lieutenant.'

Arjuna chuckles politely.

Jenda laughs softly.

Jenda says 'We would like for you to keep us abreast of your progress, Arjuna. '

Eldrenia says 'Admonished and demoted... the wrath of an Aes Sedai!'

Jenda grins at Eldrenia.

Arjuna says 'I would be happy to'

Jenda nods in agreement.

Arjuna says 'For all my skepticism about your methods'

Arjuna says 'I must admit, I feel much more myself'

Eldrenia says 'You are expected to, I don't let one of my patients fail.'

Arjuna says 'As if a great weight has been lifted'

Jenda beams a smile at Arjuna.

Arjuna says 'I only wish I had swallowed my pride and come sooner'

Jenda says 'If you are ever in need of Healing again, come see us without hesitation. '

Arjuna says 'I have wasted many days and nights lying in the barracks, feeling ill and yet not'

Arjuna says 'unable to summon the will to rise from my bed'

Arjuna says 'if I was a mere Squadman, it would never be allowed to stand'

Jenda says 'When dark thoughts invade your mind, remember the papers Eldrenia gave to you. '

Jenda stands and helps Arjuna from his chair.

Arjuna tucks the papers into a small purse.

Arjuna stops resting, and clambers on his feet.

Jenda says 'Be well, friend. '

Arjuna says 'Thank you again, Sedai'

Arjuna knuckles his forehead in honor of all within view.

Jenda says 'I will take you to the Square. '

Eldrenia stands up.

Jenda gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Jenda leaves north.
Arjuna leaves north.
Eldrenia follows Jenda.

.......................

Tower Square
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
A marble bench, flecked with gold and bronze, adorns the floor.
A jack-o'-lantern hangs from a high wooden pole.
An elaborately sculpted marble fountain splashes merrily.
A stout wooden barrel stands nearby.
Arjuna al'Cor'vron, Royal Assassin of Andor is standing here.
Jenda Sharaad is standing here.
A shaggy brown mare stands here.
The Tar Valon town crier stands here, spreading the news.

Arjuna looks at Jenda.

Arjuna smiles happily.

Jenda winks suggestively.

Jenda says 'Good bye for now. '

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