Of Poetry & Pedants: Catisune Sedai speaks with Mariah

[Catisune]

If the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills, why don't more Aes Sedai take up handicrafts? I ask you . . .

Catisune Sedai interviews Mariah.

point of view: Catisune.
main character: Mariah.

***

Catisune seems nearly startled at the presence of Mariah within the Brown Ajah study, though she manages to imbue her shock with trademark Aes Sedai aplomb.

Mariah says 'Excuse me, Aes Sedai, I was just delivering these maps that were requested.'

Catisune nods rather vaguely, the bun atop her head swaying.

Catisune peers closely at Mariah, trying to figure her out.


Mariah gestures to a fairly large number of maps stacked one atop the other.

Catisune says 'Mariah, is it?'

Mariah curtseys before Catisune.

Mariah says 'Yes, Aes Sedai, I am Accepted Mariah. Nevirha Sedai is my mentor.'

Catisune crosses quickly to the plush chair she typically favors, situated as it is to observe the River Erinin out the window.

Mariah says 'Did I hear you wished some refreshments?'

Catisune says 'The wine can wait, I suppose.'

Mariah moves over to a wooden cart near a wall-map, with several bottles of brown and red liquid.

Catisune manages to deliver this with implacable Aes Sedai serenity, though her large, watery eyes twinkle with mischief.

Catisune situates her tawny bag of sewing trinkets at her feet. She rummages through it, dislodging several loose sheafs of paper. They begin to collect on the floor around her.

Catisune says 'You requested an audience, Accepted?'

Mariah says 'Ah, yes, Aes Sedai. I was hoping we could have the chance to meet.'

Mariah smooths her dress with one hand.

Catisune finally finds the paper for which she quested, skimming it with narrowed eyes.

A well-written letter lies in your queue for the day. The Novice aiding you for your day's administrative duty opens it and puts it in the "Accepted Audience Requests" before going on to triage the next piece of mail. The writing is thin, with a firm script that marks the paper with black ink. The letter was folded once with care, leaving only a single crease on the otherwise un-blemished letterhead.

-----------------------------------------------

Dear Catisune Sedai,

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to you, as I have not had the pleasure to meet with you within the Tower. My name is Accepted Mariah sur Paendrag Paeron, and I am currently Apprenticed to Lady Nevirha Sedai of the Gray Ajah. While my studies are on topics related to the Gray Ajah, I have noticed that research practices learned by studies with the Sisters of the Brown Ajah have benefited me in completing several assignments of the Gray Ajah. It was specifically apparent when I had to review a Treaty and provide constructive feedback.

While I do not have a specific topic to discuss, I would be pleased to meet with you if you would like. My mentor recommended that I meet with and learn from other Aes Sedai, and you were recommended highly by some fellow Tower Accepted, if I may be so bold as to comment.

Thank you for your time, Aes Sedai.

Yours in the Light, Always,
Accepted Mariah sur Paendrag Paeron

Catisune gestures to the plush chair opposite her. 'Sit then, dear, and let us become acquainted.'

Mariah walks closer to the desk and accepts one of the proferred chairs gladly.

Mariah gathers her dress about her, careful to not cause any wrinkles or seams.

Catisune produces an embroidery hoop from that bag at her feet, though she regards Mariah over steepled fingers.

Mariah says 'Are you working on any specific research projects currently, Aes Sedai?'

Mariah stops herself right before resting an elbow on the desk, noticing that a bit of dust had gathered on the surface.

Catisune nods, the censorious bun atop her head swaying, 'Why, in fact, I am, dear. I am collecting the poetry of Anasai of Rydingwood, among other pursuits.'

Catisune says 'Are you familiar with the poetry of Shienar?'

Mariah says 'I am not, Aes Sedai. I read the musings of the court poets in Mayene when I was growing up, but that was quite a while ago.'

Catisune clucks as a bird might.

Mariah says 'Mayener poems at the time where more about metered rhyme, in story-telling form, rather than abstract symbolism or emparting emotion.'

Catisune says 'Of course prosodic technique can often imbue poetry with much emotion, but, in fact, you are correct.'

Catisune says 'Anasai wrote mostly elegies, I'm afraid--perhaps it is difficult for a daughter of the Borderlands to contemplate anything else.'

Catisune says 'But poetry is what compels me. Today I'm more interested in what compels you.'

Mariah says 'Often times when I have encountered elegies they were in the form of cautionary tales or laments. Does Anasi follow in that form?'

Mariah nods in understanding.

Catisune says 'Most elegy is lament, but Anasai favored lyrical symbolism over traditional storytelling methods.'

Catisune leans forward over her hoop, 'My favorite of hers was published with a caveat--that it not be read until the time was right.'

Catisune amends, 'I wonder if we shall ever find it.'

Mariah says 'I think there are two main components to how I describe or demonstrate what compels me. How I do something, and why I do something.'

Catisune nods, the bun atop her head swaying, 'Important distinctions.'

Mariah purses her lips in thought, 'That sounds an aweful like prophecy or foresight."

Mariah says 'I am interested in contributing to the fight against the Shadow like any other. I just think that some tools are more effective in the long run than others.'

Mariah says 'While one Sister is formidable as countless soldiers, she must be in a position where she can fight securely and confidently.'

Mariah gestures with her hand as she attempts to make her point.

Mariah says 'That is a long way of saying that I am compelled to work with other nations to shape and form their supports and actions in ways that best situate ourselves in our fight.'

Mariah says 'As far as how I accomplish this, I have a very action-oriented mindset. If we have a certain goal, we should decide on and work towards actions to that purpose.'

Mariah reaches over to the beverage cart and pours a glass of water for both Catisune and herself.

Mariah takes a sip of water from her glass.

Catisune 's large, watery eyes narrow. 'And you consider diplomacy to be the tool by which we shall defeat the Shadow?'

Mariah says 'Any army has an armory where there are many types of weapons.'

Catisune says 'And diplomacy is one of these weapons?'

Mariah says 'I think that diplomacy is like the pike or pole in this analogy.'

Mariah says 'Used alongside a line of swordsmen, it can push back or thin the line of combatants to a manageable amount.'

Mariah says 'Or it can be reformed into a formation that is tailored to defend against a sort of attack, such as Calvary.'

Catisune fetches several writing implements from the tawny bag at her feet: a stoppered vial of ink, another of blotting sand, and a delicate pen. She balances all of these with more grace than her bumbling presentation might suggest as she begins taking notes.

Catisune says 'Do you have a mind for battle too, Accepted?'

Mariah says 'I try to have a breadth of studies and experiences, but I am not often confused for an Apprentice of the Green Ajah.'

Catisune taps her nose knowingly.

Mariah gets a rather sturdy handkerchief from her bag and absently wipes the dust off the corner of the desk nearest her.

Catisune says 'And which of my sisters in the Brown have you studied with?'

Mariah says 'I have had a discussion with Liia Sedai, where the majority of the discussion was on the practical matter of map-making, and comparing various styles of maps together.'

Catisune says 'Maps may be of particular use to one of your vocation.'

Mariah says 'I've had a few excursions with Tolza Sedai, one where I attempted to try a few different techniques on smobbing, but we were mainly just concentrating on hunting the petty criminals.'

Catisune says 'I am more compelled by the history of maps, the stories they tell and who is left to write those stories.'

Mariah says 'Aye, but even maps that seem cut and dry with lines and landmarks have a Gray element to it. Because lines on a map demarking ownership must be accepted and agreed upon.'

Catisune says 'Must they?'

Catisune says 'Could not there be two maps of the same land? I imagine the Seanchan maps of this continent quite different than ours.'

Mariah says 'And mine, the story it tells in compromise. Why borders follow a certain path. It is a river, a road, or was it a reliably strong Noble's presence in the area?'

Mariah says 'There can be, but my comments were in relation to borders.'

Catisune says 'And when borders are disputed?'

Catisune flips the hoop in her lap over before stuffing it back in the tawny bag resting at her feet.

Mariah says 'When nations-at-large don't recognize a particular claim.'

Mariah says 'While two nations can agree to a certain set of boundaries, when they disagree, it is then up to the influence that other Nations have upon each party.'

Mariah says 'Entities with a lot of clout, such as the White Tower, can recognize a certain nation's claim over the other as being the correct border, bringing more pressure on the consensus.'

Catisune nods as she considers this, her expression rather vague and dreamlike.

Mariah says 'Forgive me, Aes Sedai, I get a little long-winded when speaking of the impact of negotiations and diplomacy.'

Catisune says 'You speak articulately and with passion, Accepted. Do not apologize for that.'

Mariah says 'Of particular interest to me from Liia Sedai's discussion were the comparison of older maps with newer ones, and trying to draw causal effects.'

Mariah says 'There was one I looked at that marked places where you were less likely to be surprised by folk trying to put a dagger in your back.'

Catisune nods, the bun atop her head swaying and in danger of losing its shape completely. She does not seem to notice or care.

Mariah says 'And then Liia Sedai mentioned a very convenient trick when talking about cartography, that I plan to use for a task of Sarinda Sedai's.'

Catisune 's eyebrows arch so slightly that the expression might be imagined, 'Oh?'

Mariah says 'We got to talking about the practical techniques for mapping, and she mentioned how she learned how to differentiate one 'zone' from another.'

Catisune continues juggling the writing implements in her lap, though she has now smudged her cheek.

Mariah says 'Apparently there is a way to mold clay into some form, such as "A piece of clay with the number 1 etched on it", and can increment the numbers appropriately.'

Mariah says 'Then, by placing one in each room along what you expect is a zone's edge, one in a room, and locating object Clay, you'll be able to see which pieces of clay are in your zone, and which are in south or east zones.'

Catisune says 'Never let it be said that Sisters of the Brown are not clever.'

Mariah says 'It is quite an elegant technique. You can then cross reference which pieces of clay were in wich rooms to then know the hidden zone lines.'

Catisune lowers her voice conspiratorially, 'Not all of us are, but--never let it be said.'


Mariah says 'Sarinda Sedai's task that she regularly gives out is to identify all of the no-loc rooms within Tar Valon. Applying Liia Sedai's technique should make it must easier.'

Mariah looks around as if she didn't hear any juicy gossip.

Catisune says 'I shall enjoy reading any report you file on the matter. Please query me as well, dear.'

Mariah says 'I will ensure I scribe a second copy myself and send it your way.'

Catisune nods approvingly.

Mariah offers Catisune Sedai another class of water.

Catisune is surrounded by the nimbus of Saidar as she weaves deft threads of Air to fetch the decanter of wine idling on Danelle's desk.

Catisune senses Mariah connecting to the True Source.

Mariah visibly relaxes as she begins to see the threads of Air attached to the floating decanter.

Catisune says 'So what questions do you have for an esteemed Sitter of the Brown Ajah?'

Catisune says 'Or, failing that, me?'

Catisune winks one of her large, watery eyes.

Mariah raises a glass cut with a square bottom towards her lips and drinks a gulp of water.

Mariah chokes on a bit of water suddenly before correcting herself.

Mariah says 'Ahem, of course you are esteemed, Aes Sedai.'

Mariah says 'My only question for you, Aes Sedai, is if you were able to peruse the transcript of the class I tought on Saturday?'

Catisune cants her head to one side, 'I do not seek your flattery, dear, only your insight.'

Mariah says 'We had a pretty good representation of Aes Sedai, Accepted, and I even had Lady Aira of the Rising Sun as a guest panelist.'

Catisune says 'I have not, but I shall make it a priority after this conversation.'

Mariah says 'Do you have any follow-on questions for me, Aes Sedai? I feel as if I talked a lot.'

Catisune considers this as one might a particularly juicy apple at the cart.

Catisune says 'What do you consider Hawkwing's biggest accomplishment and biggest failure?'

Mariah says 'His biggest accomplishment was unifying the Nations together under a singular purpose and structure. His biggest failure was not solidifying for the future. He was too embroiled in his immediate accomplishments that he let his legacy crumble when he was no longer around.'

Catisune clucks as a bird might.

Catisune says 'I might have noted the Almaline Poems as his chief achievement, but perhaps you are right.'

Catisune smiles, and for a rare moment the gesture touches her large eyes, softening them some.

Mariah says 'There is some who contest if he wrote them, or if he merely Patroned the set, and contributed a verse or two.'

Catisune says 'What's your take?'

Mariah says 'There are Historians who try to diminish particularly well-known figures of lore, either to feel smart of coming up with a counter-point that can not be proven, or because their agenda is strengthened when Hawkwing's legacy is questioned.'

Catisune says 'Politicking even in scholarship? I'm intrigued.'

Mariah says 'In my opinion, I think you must look at the timing. He was between conquests, I believe, and working to consolidate courts. He was in his prime intellectually, as there are many writings quite clearly attributed to him from the same period.'

Catisune says 'I suppose even the map makers have an agenda, yes.'

Mariah says 'I believe the work authentic, as I believe he was intellectually capable, and not yet drawn to some of his more distracting later pursuits.'

Catisune says 'I think you might be right.'

Catisune smiles, the most sparing twist of the lips.

Catisune says 'Wait here a moment, dear?'

Catisune feels the flows of saidar coursing through her body.

Catisune gestures with her hand.

Mariah says 'Of course, Aes Sedai.'

The door smoothly swings open.

Catisune returns with a stack of books nearly obscuring her face. She places some on the desk near Danelle and returns to her seat with three for Mariah.

Mariah rises from her chair and provides a dutiful curtsy.

Catisune waves a hand dismissively toward the curtsey.

Catisune begins stacking books in your hands.

Catisune is carrying:
a book on shienaran poetry
a book on treatises on treaties
a book on ice wines of saldaea

Mariah looks at her hands as books began to multiply before her eyes.

Catisune says 'I would like to discuss them with you, but --'

Catisune wields her slender finger like a knife.

Catisune says 'Do not send a report. Let us only speak later and soon.'

Mariah looks from one book to the other, mouth slightly ajar.

Mariah says 'Ah, yes, of course Aes Sedai.'

Mariah says 'I do want to be mindful of your time, Aes Sedai. And, I, yes, I have these books to see to.'

Catisune nods, her bun swaying as ever -- still intact despite her many vigorous attempts to dislodge it.

Catisune says 'You are of course free to go, Accepted.'

Mariah lifts her arms carrying the bundle, indicating the books.

Catisune says 'But know --'

Catisune wields that finger once more.

Catisune says 'I will be watching. I do not lend out books from my personal collection often, after all.'

Mariah says 'Thank you, Aes Sedai. I will be mindful.'

Catisune says dreamily, 'Danelle -- the wine?'

Danelle Sedai says 'It's a good day for a stiff drink.'

Mariah rises from her chair, deftly balancing the books as she gets to her feet.

Mariah curtseys before Catisune.

Catisune sighs in exasperation as she begins cleaning up the many papers she inadvertently scattered near her chair.

Mariah says 'Thank you for meeting with me, Catisune Sedai.'

Catisune says 'A sincere pleasure. Light illumine you, Accepted.'

Mariah leaves south.

[Nevirha]

1-6 qps, depending on length and quality: 3 qps to each

Rplizer +1 qps : X
Extra meticulous edit +1 qps : X
Length bonus +1-2 qps : O

Summary: +1 qps : O

Total: - qps

5 qps to Catisune
3 qps to Mariah