The Future is What you make it..

[Lona]

Novice Lona and Aelrena Sedai discuss her settling in and nightmares that have been plaguing the escaped Damane.

PoV: Lona
Participants: Lona, Aelrena

Lower Corridor
This plain corridor lies on the ground floor of the Tower, near the
Kitchens. Although there is another kitchen and accompanying dining halls
on the second floor, they have not been in use in centuries. This kitchen is
conveniently placed on the ground floor, so supplies to feed the many
mouths in the Tower can easily be brought in.
[ obvious exits: E S U ]
Zone: White Tower Ground Floor
Aelrena Solyan is standing here.
A quiet servant awaits instructions from his master.

Aelrena smirks.

Lona lowers into a curtsy with head bowed.

Aelrena nods at you.

Aelrena says 'I was just coming to check on you.’

Aelrena says 'I was just coming to check on you.’

Lona says 'Light shine on you Aes Sedai.'

Aelrena says 'And yourself, child.'

Lona clasps her dish pan hands at her waist. "Can I be of service?"

Aelrena says 'I noticed you were on the roster for kitchen duty, and thought I would come check in.'

Aelrena cocks her head to the side, "Are you adjusting well?"

Lona nods and smiles lightly, "Yes Aes Sedai, it is very different, to what I can remember of the west."

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Lona says 'Aes Sedai, may I ask a question?'

Aelrena says 'I can certainly imagine so.'

Aelrena says 'Of course you may child, I would not begrudge you asking questions.'

Aelrena beckons everyone to follow her.

Lona now follows Aelrena.

The Kitchens
The smells of food fills this large, high ceilinged room, the scent of
meats mingling with those of fruits and vegetables. A long stone fireplace
with spits lies in the center of the eastern wall, the roasting spits being
turned by spit dogs running in their wicker baskets. Iron stoves and ovens
have been placed along other walls. Three large pairs of doors flank the
kitchen and a glimpse reveals they are large dining halls. Gray tiles cover
the floor and a large sink occupies a corner of the room.
[ obvious exits: E W ]
Zone: White Tower Ground Floor
A giant sink sits here, filled with many dirty dishes.
You notice a slim roll of paper is hidden here.
Aelrena Solyan is standing here.
A quiet servant awaits instructions from his master.
A Tower Guard watches for signs of trouble.
A large man eyes the surroundings warily, every movement fluid.
A rudely confident woman with an ageless face walks by.
An Accepted stands here, ready to fulfill any Aes Sedai request.
Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens is here directing the kitchen workers.

Aelrena says 'Laras, I'll be taking this novice, I will ensure that any time remaining in her duties will be covered another day.'

Aelrena nods at Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens.

**Traveling to the Upper Levels**

Study of the Brown Ajah
Tall, arched windows in the northern wall open to a balcony, providing a
choice view of the Erinin as it flows south from the Borderlands. Half the
seating in the room is drawn up around the windows, showing that the
occupants appreciate the panorama. The remaining seats are drawn up in
circles of six to eight, allowing Brown Sisters to discuss the furtherance
of knowledge, or new theories in an informal atmosphere. Colorful wall
hangings depicting still lifes decorate the pale white walls.
[ obvious exits: S ]
Zone: White Tower Upper Floors
Door south: door
A large desk made of fine, thick wood stands across the room from here.
Aelrena Solyan is standing here.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Brown Sister is here, frowning pensively.
Danelle Sedai, sitter for the Brown Ajah stands here deep in thought.

Lona lowers into a curtsy with head bowed.

You sense Aelrena connecting to the True Source.

Aelrena gestures at the door with her hand.

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

Aelrena moves to the window and sets upon the windowsill, her back against the glass as she gazes at the novice.

Lona shivers slightly feeling the Aes Sedai embrace and fights the urge to do the same.

Aelrena says 'Now, what did you wish to ask child?'

Lona takes a shallow breath and points her eyes down. "I was told that I am washed clean. When I put on the whites, that what I may have done in the past is forgotten. What if I cannot forget it?"

Aelrena tuts quietly under her breath.

Aelrena says 'And what is it that you've found to be so hard to forget child?'

You sense Aelrena connecting to the True Source.

Aelrena gestures with one hand, a flow of air stretching out to bring a plain wooden chair to rest in front of her perch at the window.

Lona maintains her lowered gaze and shakes ever so slightly before speaking. "You have no idea what they do, not only to you but force you to do to others. I... I cannot escape it in my dreams."

Aelrena says 'Sit child, and you needn't look down. So long as you speak with the proper respect due an Aes Sedai, you've no need to fear the sharper side of my tongue.'

Lona nods and moves to find the stiffest chair possible and sits it in front of the Aes Sedai. Trying to be as quiet as possible she sits and lifts her head slightly. "Yes Aes Sedai."

Aelrena says 'I see. If your dreams trouble you, there are ways to ensure they do not. In the meantime, perhaps it would help to speak about it.'

Lona let out a relieved sigh, she had not yet come to know beatings would not be daily. "IF you say so Aes Sedai." Reaches up pushing her hair back to reveal the collar mark on her neck. "I can still feel it at times."

Aelrena reaches out her left hand, gently tilting the novice's face up to look her in the eyes. "You are no longer collared and shall not be wearing their collar again."

Lona looks into Aelrena Sedai's eyes as a tear rolls down her left cheek. "I fear not having it Aes Sedai, there are times I cannot control Saidar, it scares me more than the beatings we had."

Aelrena gives the novice a soft smile, the expression briefly transforming her entire demeanor, "While I cannot promise you won't be seeing the Mistress of Novices, should you step out of line. I CAN say that the purpose of your training with us is, in part, to help you learn to control Saidar."

Aelrena says 'Though, I suppose it might be more accurate to say we teach you to surrender control in order to gain control.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'Is that all that is bothering you child? You will learn to control the One Power in time, we will see to that.'

Lona lowers her hand letting her hair fall. "No, Aes Sedai, I do not know what my birth name was. Lona was given to me by the network that freed me. I cannot remember anything before the day I was.. Taken."

Aelrena nods at you.

Aelrena says 'Names are important things. But perhaps the name you were given at birth is one that no longer fits you. '

Aelrena says 'For all that the past has left you with heavy scars, you have left that life behind. You are no longer damane, and you are free. '

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Lona considers the woman’s words for a moment then slightly shakes her head. "I cannot say that, for I do not remember what it was. I know I am from Tabaron, the Sul'dam said it many times."

Aelrena says 'If you do not remember, then you are already no longer the same girl you once were child.'

Lona casts her eyes down. "No one who goes into the building is ever the same. I saw an Aes Sedai hauled in once. I can remember her howls at night."

Aelrena pauses for a moment, her gaze darting to the great serpent ring upon her hand before she continues, "Put that out of your mind, child. You are Lona, a girl free of the Sul'dam, a girl free of the a'dam. A novice of the White Tower."

Aelrena says 'Perhaps you do not remember your past, but this is your chance to create a new future.'

Lona looks up for a moment not quite meeting the Aes Sedai's gaze, but close enough. "I would like that Aes Sedai."

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Lona says 'May I ask?'

Aelrena says 'I am gladdened to hear you say it. It will not be easy, but I believe you are more than capable.'

Aelrena's eyebrows lift fractionally, but she gestures for the novice to proceed with her question.

Lona says 'How did you come to the tower? I have heard many versions of how girls came here from other novices. '

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'I came as a girl seeking refuge from events which haunted her. One who hoped to find a new life, or at least refuge from the one that drove her away.'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Aelrena says 'I fled Caemlyn, with only the barest warning to my family. I believe my mother was rather... displeased with me for it.'

Aelrena says 'Does that answer your question child?'

Lona says 'It does Aes Sedai.'

Lona says 'Different reasons, but we both fled here for new life.'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'That is true.'

Aelrena says 'Was there anything else you wished to speak about while you're with me child?'

Lona says 'I think I have taken up enough of your time Aes Sedai, but you said we could prevent bad dreams?'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'I'll ensure some herbs make it to your rooms for a tea at night, at least for a time. I expect you to continue speaking about your past and troubles however, because dreamless sleep will not fix everything.'

Lona says 'How is that done Aes Sedai?'

Lona says 'Do the herbs make you sleep more soundly?'

Aelrena says 'I will speak to Sheriam about what you've told me and ensure that you have the space to express what you may in order to heal.'

Aelrena nods at you.

Aelrena says 'These would, yes. They'll allow you to sleep without any troublesome dreams.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Lona nods hearing the Aes Sedai's words. "Thank you Aelrena Sedai, what can I do to repay you for this kindness?"

Aelrena stifles a laugh behind her hand.

Aelrena says 'You have no need to repay me, child. But if you feel you must, then work hard at your studies. Prove to the world, and yourself that your past has not broken you.'

Lona says 'I will try my hardest Aelrena Sedai. If you ever need help though, please let me know.'

Aelrena says 'You are not broken because of the treatment you received at the Seanchan.'

Aelrena nods at you.

Aelrena says 'I will keep you in mind, child.'

Aelrena says 'Now, I believe it's time for dinner. I take you know your way to the dining hall from here?'

Lona says 'Thank you Aes Sedai. I know my way and hope Mistress Lara's has crusty bread today, it tastes so good.'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

You sense Aelrena connecting to the True Source.

Aelrena gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Aelrena says 'Then you are dismissed, Lona.'

Lona stands trying to remain as quiet as possible and Curtsey’s before heading out the door. "Light Shine on you Aes Sedai."

[Callesa]

A very pleasant read!

Awarding:

2 qps, depending on length and quality.

Rplizer +1 qps : 1
Extra meticulous edit +1 qps : 0
Length bonus +1-2 qps : 0
Summary: +1 qps : 1

Total:
Lona 4 RPqps
Aelrena 2 RPqps