Lessons on Customs and Honesty

[Lexiane]

Summary: Lexiane was summoned to the Den of the Red Ajah by Sarinda Sedai, where she finds Accepted Mariah and the Aes Sedai waiting. Sarinda and Lexiane discuss Lexiane's time as a novice, as well as Lexiane's interactions with Mariah in the past and engage in a thought experiment on how to treat others. Mariah explains her role in past interactions.

Main characters: Lexiane, Sarinda
Heavily involved character: Mariah

Rp-lizer and light editing

Continuing Down the Hall
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Zone: White Tower Upper Floors
Door north: woodendoor
Door south: thickdoor
Door west: door

Lexiane knocks on a carveddoor.

An intricate system of locks begin to move releasing the heavy wooden door.

The carveddoor is opened from the other side.

Sarinda's voice can be heard through the door, 'Release the One Power and enter.'

Den of the Red Ajah
This room reflects the cool nature of the Red Ajah, the furnishings just as
severe as the rest of the room. A gilded chair rests near the center of the
room, accompanied by an equally elaborate dark wooden desk. Chairs have
been drawn up to the tall, arched windows, which look over the western side
of Tar Valon, the western bank of the Erinin and Dragonmount beyond,
serving as a constant reminder of the purpose of the Red Ajah.
[ obvious exits: E ]
Zone: White Tower Upper Floors
Door east: door
A chair made of red oak rests next to the table. [2]
A large desk made of fine, thick wood stands across the room from here.
Mariah the Tower Accepted is standing here.
Sarinda the Elder Sister is resting here on a stout oaken chair.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Red Sister stares down here nose here.
Galina Casban completely ignores you.

Lexiane delivers a precise curtsey.

Lexiane says 'You summoned me, Sarinda Sedai.'

Sarinda says to Mariah, 'I look forward to hearing this technique in action, and reading the report.'

Sarinda nods at Lexiane.

Sarinda says 'I did, child.'

Sarinda looks at Lexiane.

Lexiane senses Sarinda connecting to the True Source.

Lexiane looks down and awaits her turn.

Sarinda gestures and the door creaks and closes slowly.

Mariah inclines her head in obedience.

Sarinda sits down and rests on a stout oaken chair.

Sarinda smiles knowingly.

Sarinda says 'If it pleases the Light, it is good to meet you, Lexiane.'

Lexiane blushes.

Lexiane says 'It is good to meet you, Sarinda Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I enjoy meeting all of the Aes Sedai.'

Mariah moves over to the refreshment cart, pours a glass of water, and offers it to Sarinda Sedai.

Sarinda says 'Why do you think I summoned you here, child?'

Lexiane says 'I do not know, Aes Sedai. To check in on my learning? That is why most Aes Sedai summon me.'

Sarinda's ageless face is stoic.

Sarinda shifts her red fringed shawl on her shoulders. 'If it pleases the Light, is there anything you wish to tell me?'

Mariah stands still over by the refreshment cart, looking into the room.


Lexiane says 'Only that I would wish to learn more about being an Aes Sedai, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda smiles knowingly.

Lexiane says 'Is there something else I was supposed to tell you, Aes Sedai?'

Sarinda says 'Perhaps. I have heard some interesting rumors in the White Tower lately. It seems the novices have been rather busy.'

Sarinda chuckles politely.

Lexiane looks at her shoes demurely.

Sarinda says 'How have you found your time in the White Tower to be so far?'

Mariah presses her lips together into a tight line.

Lexiane chews her lip a moment, then visibly stops herself.

Lexiane says 'It has been both good and bad, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I have been frustrated and upset at times, Aes Sedai. There has not been much direction at times, and I found the rules confusing.'

Sarinda nods. 'That is understandable. The adjustment can be hard for some, and harder for others.'

Lexiane says 'There are rules that aren't in the Handbook, Aes Sedai. And some rules only apply some of the time.'

Lexiane says 'And other rules get announced as you are being punished for breaking them, Aes Sedai.'

Mariah lets out an exacerbated sigh.

Lexiane says 'I have also found that some people do not like being told the truth about their rules, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane pointedly does not look at the Accepted.

Mariah glances around quickly, then regains her composure.

Sarinda chuckles politely.

Lexiane says 'But I have found Aes Sedai to be very helpful.'

Lexiane says 'When they have the time, they have helped me quite a bit.'

Lexiane says 'And some Accepted have been very kind to me and have helped me learn as well.'

Lexiane says 'Accepted Prya showed me the library. She accused me of lying, but she was still helpful.'

Sarinda says 'I have been attempting to hunt you down for some time, but it seems that our paths have not crossed until tonight.'

Lexiane says 'Accepted Amilya was very kind and she taught me quite a bit about the Tower.'

Mariah blinks a few times, shaking her head silently.

Lexiane's cheeks are burning.

Lexiane says 'I am sorry I was not awake when you were, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I can try to be awake more often.'

Lexiane says 'I get tired from all of the chores, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda waves a hand dismissively. 'You cannot fault yourself for sleeping, child, and certainly not for my absence during your free time.'

Lexiane says 'Damena Sedai and Chloro Sedai had me kill sixty frogs and fourteen horses, that was also very tiring.'

Sarinda's ageless face is stoic.

Sarinda says 'Were you aware, Lexiane, that there is a technique to capture the frogs without killing them?'

Lexiane says 'But I learned quite a bit about anatomy, which I think was the point of the lesson, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane gawks at Sarinda.

Lexiane says 'What?!'

Lexiane says 'I was told I had to kill them!'

Lexiane takes a shuddering breath and calms herself.

Lexiane says 'I was not aware, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I did not like killing the frogs or horses, Aes Sedai.'

Mariah says 'Aes Sedai, I believe she was told to get rid of them.'

Sarinda says 'I also am struggling to think of any examples from my recent memory of anyone besides a Darkfriend who would kill horses.'

Lexiane says 'I apologize for the outburst, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Well once Damena Sedai explained it to me I stopped killing them, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'Who instructed you to kill the horses, child?'

Lexiane glares icily at Mariah.

Lexiane says 'Damena Sedai told me I had to kill the frogs, Accepted.'

Lexiane turns back to Sarinda.

Mariah stares ahead expressionless.

Sarinda says 'What were her exact words?'

Lexiane says 'Damena Sedai said that I must kill the frogs in this very room, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'It is when she explained I didn't have to kill the horses, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Accepted Mariah thinks she knows everything, but she wasn't here for that conversation.'

Sarinda's face darkens.

Lexiane takes a deep, calming breath.

Lexiane says 'I am sorry, Accepted.'

Lexiane says 'I do not like being called a liar.'

Sarinda says 'Child, you have already had at least one lesson on the difference between the ability to speak the truth, to not speak an untruth, and the ability to refrain from sharing a truth.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Mariah says 'This was not the conversation that we were both a part of, with Accepted Aelrena, in the Brown Study?'

Lexiane says 'It was following that conversation in this room, Accepted.'

Lexiane says 'You were not present.'

Lexiane says 'But I cannot expect you to know what you did not hear, and so I am sorry for being cross with you.'

Lexiane says 'And I am sorry you saw me so upset, Aes Sedai. I have been working on controlling my emotions.'

Sarinda nods thoughtfully.

Lexiane says 'I just have found so many people think I am making things up when it isn't true, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda smiles softly. 'Child, you are allowed to have anger. And I admire your spirit and the fire within you.'

Lexiane says 'I would swear the Three Oaths now just to show everyone I am being honest!'

Lexiane blushes.

Lexiane says 'Thank you, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'But I also counsel you on the importance of comporting yourself as an Aes Sedai would, even without swearing the Oaths yet.'

Lexiane says 'But I am telling the truth, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'You seem to value honesty a great deal, if it pleases the Light.'

Sarinda says 'Who brought frogs into the White Tower?'

Lexiane says 'It was likely me, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'There is a blond novice who asks for them.'

Sarinda tilts her head. 'Likely you?'

Lexiane says 'I thought it a fun prank, Aes Sedai. Until I had to kill them all.'

Lexiane says 'Well, I think other people could have brought frogs in too, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I only give the frogs to the blond novice, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'You mean the golden-haired girl in the restricted section?'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'She has very pretty hair, Aes Sedai.'

Mariah whispers something to Sarinda.

Lexiane runs a hand over her bald head.

Sarinda sighs to Mariah. 'Elayne has been at it again.'

Mariah whispers something to Sarinda.

Lexiane says 'I at first collected the frogs because I liked them, Aes Sedai. And I did not have much to do.'

Lexiane says 'But now I regret it.'

Lexiane frowns at the memory.

Lexiane says 'I understand that I must be punished, Aes Sedai. I am sorry for my behavior.'

Lexiane stands up straighter, doe eyes looking in the middle distance.

Sarinda says 'When Damena asked you to remove the frogs, I believe her exact words were 'I expect you to use your sense to get rid of them.''.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai. I thought the best way was to kill them.'

Lexiane says 'Then she came in here'

Lexiane says 'And told me I had to kill them.'

Lexiane says 'Her exact words about the frogs then, Aes Sedai, was 'I fear those, you will have to kill.''

Sarinda nods in agreement.

Lexiane says 'I am not lying, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'And what about the horses?'

Lexiane says 'I interpreted one direction correctly and assumed the other meant the same, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Chloro Sedai asked me to 'take care of the frogs and the horses''

Lexiane says 'I assumed that those two things meant the same thing, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I had trouble understanding that the same request meant two different actions, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'Well, then perhaps this can be an example of a lesson on logic.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai. I thought it logical that a compound request would require the same actions.'

Lexiane says 'And I assumed an Aes Sedai knew best.'

Lexiane says 'But I should have clarified, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'And I didn't kill all the horses, Aes Sedai. Once Damena Sedai explained I took them back to the stables.'

Sarinda says 'If it pleases the Light, I am not a member of the White Ajah. But perhaps you can understand that just because something sounds obvious, does not always mean it is true. And ambiguity can create situations in which multiple actions are defensible, logically, but perhaps not -wise.-'

Lexiane says 'Of course, Aes Sedai. I understand now, Aes Sedai. It just I have also been told not to question Aes Sedai, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'And I made a bad mistake, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda smiles knowingly.

Sarinda says 'I expect you to exercise good judgment, but to follow an Aes Sedai's commands. It is your right as an Accepted to question more, to press Aes Sedai more, to challenge yourself to grow and assert yourself.'

Lexiane blushes.

Lexiane says 'I am not an Accepted, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'But I would like to become one!'

Sarinda says 'I know.'

Lexiane looks up, eyes eager.

Lexiane says 'I have the merits and everything, Aes Sedai.'

Mariah continues listening to the exchange, face expressionless.

Lexiane says 'Twenty-one merits more than I need, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda replies bluntly, 'Merits will not protect you from your fears, child, nor safeguard you from the very real dangers in the Arches.'

Lexiane nods in agreement.

Lexiane says 'Of course, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I only meant that I have been working hard, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'Sound judgment, and resiliency, however, will.'

Lexiane says 'I understand that becoming an Accepted is not a right, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane ducks her bald head meekly again.;say I will continue working hard, Aes Sedai.

Lexiane says 'I will continue working hard, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'Lexiane, there are a number of qualities you possess that I find very admirable.'

Lexiane blushes deeply again.

Sarinda says 'You also have a few that could place you in deep trouble.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I am working very hard, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I will keep trying to be more than my mistakes, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'You have studied with a few of the White Sisters, I know, and have shown some fascinating ability to use logic to support your points even in the face of authority.'

Lexiane says 'I quite like thinking things through, Aes Sedai. It helps me understand things more.'

Lexiane says 'Firimei Sedai and I have corresponded about perhaps discussing the nature of rules.'

Sarinda leans forward with a frown. 'But these need to be tempered by more restraint in how to leverage that knowledge and logic, and how to discern how to act upon it with wisdom, and critical thinking.'

Sarinda nods in agreement.

Lexiane nods again.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'If it pleases the Light, I am glad to hear of several White Sisters returning to the Tower recently. Perhaps you can find a home there, some day.'

Sarinda says 'You speak about rules that are unwritten.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai. There are quite a few unwritten rules, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'Firimei, I am sure, can discuss this at greather length than I. But if you have not learned already, the White Tower's history is legendary, and customs lasting longer than an Age carry incredible weight. Breaking customs can result in a penance for an Aes Sedai as much as for a novice.'

Lexiane says 'As I have been learning, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'Have you heard of Daes Dae'mar?'

Lexiane says 'I know of the Game of Houses from my lessons, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda nods in agreement.

Lexiane says 'I met an envory from Murandy the other day, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I thought he might be here to play the Game, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda smirks, 'If it pleases the Light, my people, the Atha'an Miere, have little time for this Game. But as an initiate of the Tower, like you, I once was forced to learn an undercurrent of politics and customs or risk being swept away from shore like a rudderless raft in a squall.'

Lexiane nods in understanding.

Sarinda says 'Let us pretend for a moment that you are Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane's cheeks are burning.

Sarinda says 'A Sitter, even.'

Lexiane says 'I could not imagine pretending to be an Aes Sedai, Aes Sedai.'

Mariah nods in understanding, silently and otherwise still near the edge of the room.

Lexiane's cheeks are burning.

Lexiane says 'A Sitter like you, Aes Sedai?'

Sarinda says 'Then perhaps you could benefit from more lessons with the Whites on meditation, if you have difficulty visualizing, child.'

Lexiane's cheeks are burning.

Lexiane says 'No I can visualize it, Aes Sedai. I am sorry.'

Sarinda smiles knowingly.

Sarinda says 'Now, if it pleases the Light, pretend that you are a Sitter, perhaps of the White Ajah.'

Sarinda flashes a wolfish grin.

Lexiane blushes again, but nods.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'And let us say that I thought you were incompetent, and had reason to believe you had made a clear error of judgment in some task.'

Lexiane nods again, following the thought experiment closely.

Sarinda says 'Even if logically, I had reason to believe it were true, and could speak freely of it despite the First Oath, could you consider some reasons why I might choose to refrain from doing so publicly? Or even privately?'

Lexiane says 'If we had an agreement in the Hall, Aes Sedai. To work together, I mean.'

Sarinda nods decisively.

Lexiane says 'Acknowledging my error would hurt that arrangement, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'It could embarrass me and harm our relationship.'

Sarinda says 'Yes, precisely.'

Lexiane says 'Or perhaps you wished to hold it back as a tool for later, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Expose my error when it would be more beneficial, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'Also a possibility.'

Lexiane blurts out, 'Not that you would, Aes Sedai. But one could.'

Sarinda arches an eyebrow.

Lexiane says 'Or perhaps we were friends and you did not wish to embarrass your friend.'

Lexiane smiles meekly at that.

Lexiane says 'There are many reasons why you may wish to not disclose my error, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'Perhaps I might favor an apprentice and were considering putting her forward for the vote to be tested for the shawl, and I wished to encourage you to vote for her.'

Sarinda nods at Lexiane.

Lexiane nods in agreement.

Lexiane says 'Another good example, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'It is custom, not law, that determines an overwhelming majority of guidelines on how Aes Sedai are to interact with each other, and with initiates of the White Tower.'

Sarinda points at Mariah.

Lexiane looks to the Accepted.

Sarinda says 'This Accepted has been an initiate of the Tower for quite some time. She is an exemplary student, with a sharp mind.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Mariah nods respectfully towards the Aes Sedai at the offered compliment.

Sarinda smiles knowingly.

Sarinda says 'Even if you might disagree, or perhaps take fault with her over a matter, can you see why it might not be wise to name her a liar? Could there perhaps be a more prudent way to resolve a disagreement?'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'Why, specifically?'

Lexiane says 'She may be able to teach me a great many things, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'She is also in a position of authority over me, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda nods in agreement.

Lexiane says 'She could make things more difficult for me if she wished, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'And it is also unkind to call her a liar when she perhaps does not have all of the information, Aes Sedai.'

Mariah folds her hands behind her back.

Sarinda nods decisively.

Lexiane says 'I do not wish to be unkind, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'Mariah, if it pleases the Light, what are some of your greatest interests within the White Tower?'

Mariah says 'Aes Sedai, some of my greatest interests are discovering something new and finding a use for it practically.'

Sarinda nods in agreement.

Mariah smooths her dress as she steps a little further into the room.

Mariah says 'One of my focuses in my studies with the Gray Ajah is how we can foster good will with other nations and their members.'

Sarinda says 'If it pleases the Light, those sound like they might require a touch of logic and collaboration. Something that perhaps Lexiane could learn from you and your mentors.'

Sarinda looks pointedly at the novice.

Mariah says 'I have also been around the White Tower quite a while, and while some Novices many not appreciate the fact, I do enjoy guiding them with my experience.'

Lexiane bows her bald head meekly once more.

Mariah nods her head, acknowledging the end of her talking, noticing the lesson being made.

Sarinda says 'If it pleases the Light, do you understand my point here, Lexiane?'

Lexiane says 'I do, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'And to ensure that we are all in agreement, what, specifically, do you think that point is?'

Lexiane says 'That there is quite a bit for me to learn from Accepted Mariah, and that I alienated her and the people who support her through my actions.'

Lexiane says 'And in doing so also harmed my chance to learn from her and those who care for her, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'And it was not a smart thing to do, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane turns to Mariah.

Lexiane says 'I apologize again, Accepted Mariah, for behaving as I did. I was confused and frustrated at the time, but it is not an excuse.'

Lexiane says 'I hope that you will forgive me, but I understand if you do not.'

Mariah says 'Thank you for the apology. If I may make a quick statement?'

Sarinda nods at Mariah.

Mariah says 'The discussion went very fast in the kitchen. What should have been a quick reminder from an Accepted to a Novice derailed rather quicker, even with Accepted Aerlena there.'

Mariah says 'But do you remember what you asked me when you first walked into the kitchen? When my sleeves were still damp with the soap and water?'

Lexiane says 'I asked you why you were doing the dishes, Accepted.'

Mariah nods solemnly.

Mariah says 'Yes, that it is. I will answer it now.'

Mariah says 'It was a form of personal solace. I have recently undergone a humbling and impactful experience in my training, and I chose that method as a way to center myself and atone myself of my pride.'

Lexiane says 'Thank you for sharing that with me, Accepted. I am sorry I ruined your solace.'

Mariah says 'You may not know this, but when I first joined the Tower, with a lot more Novices and Accepted around, it was imperative to have the chores done before you left the Tower. Every Novice did this, and all Accepted until they became Tower Accepted and focused on their Ajah studies. There were much fewer Tower Accepted them, I might add.'

Mariah says 'So, it was a way to connect myself back to my roots and re-orient myself and my studies.'

Sarinda smiles knowingly.

Mariah says 'Thank you for the chance to explain my actions.'

Lexiane says 'I am sorry again, Accepted. I had thought you were being mean to me, as some Accepted can be. I was wrong and reacted too quickly.'

Lexiane says 'I did not understand that you were trying to help me.'

Sarinda smiles softly.

Sarinda says 'I hope you two have found this conversation helpful.'

Sarinda says 'If it pleases the Light, I have one final question, Lexiane, and then I must take my leave.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai?'

Sarinda says 'Tell me all of the weaves you have studied with Sheriam since entering the White
Tower.'

Lexiane says 'I have studied Armor, Blind, Change Weather, Create Fog, Locate Life, Sleep, Warding Against Evil, Ice Spikes, Chill, Fear'

Sarinda ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Lexiane says 'Silence, Deafen, Ward Object, Create Phantom Object'

Mariah resists the urge to name the weave Create Frog.

Sarinda nods decisively.

Lexiane says 'And I think that is it, Aes Sedai.'

Sarinda says 'If it pleases the Light, although it is not explicitly written in the Tower Handbook, leaving plates of food and goblets Warded and lying around the White Tower breaches customs regarding appropriate use of the One Power.'

Lexiane blushes.

Lexiane says 'I had thought it kept them fresh, Aes Sedai. Like the wards in the pantries.'

Lexiane says 'It was explained to me that I was wrong.'

Mariah looks toward the Novice.

Lexiane says 'I have not done it since then, Aes Sedai.'

Mariah whispers something to Sarinda.

Sarinda says 'As a matter of fairness to a fellow novice who exercised a similar lapse in judgment, however brief and inconsequential, I must provide a small lesson now that your actions have consequences. Better to learn this lesson sharply as a novice than as a Sister.'

Lexiane curtseys to her audience.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane bows her bald head meekly once again.

Sarinda says 'dock Lexiane 1 qps for poor judgment regarding frogs'

A silver-haired Aes Sedai says 'As you command, Sarinda Sedai. I will now DOCK QPS.'

A silver-haired Aes Sedai says 'It is done.'

Sarinda says 'Beyond that, I am pleased with your responses tonight, and admire your honesty.'

Lexiane says 'Thank you, Aes Sedai, for speaking with me.'

Sarinda says 'Keep at your work, child. The Aes Sedai are watching you.'

Lexiane curtseys to her audience.

Sarinda says 'If you have no other questions, and if Mariah has none for you, you are dismissed.'

Lexiane says 'I have none, Aes Sedai. Thank you.'

Sarinda looks at Mariah.

Lexiane says 'Thank you, Accepted, for speaking with me as well.'

Sarinda nods in agreement.

Mariah indicates that she does not have anything further to add.

Sarinda stops resting, and clambers on her feet.

Sarinda smiles warmly.

Sarinda says 'May the Light illumine you, and see you safe to your journey's end.'

Lexiane senses Sarinda connecting to the True Source.

Sarinda gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Lexiane says 'And you as well, Aes Sedai.'

Mariah curtseys before Sarinda.

Lexiane curtseys to her audience.

[Raeza]

Bold of you to be encouraging novices to think of themselves as a Sitter of my Ajah, sister, but we do appreciate a good thought experiment in the White.

Awarded Lexiane, Sarinda, and Mariah; please 'receive' them at the silver-haired sister.


(Edited to add for transparency/record-keeping:)

Rplizer +1 qps : Y
Extra meticulous edit +1 qps : N
Length bonus +1-2 qps : N
Summary: +1 qps : Y

Total:
Lexiane: 5 rpqps
Sarinda: 3 rpqps
Mariah: 2 rpqps