What to teach?

[Aleera]

Summary: Aleera is called in to discuss some of her work on developing a lesson for the classroom, which turned in to ideas for five different classes. The discussion is interrupted by some excitement in the White Tower (a body!). Later, Aleera returns to Aelrena Sedai to conclude their discussion and set a course of action for Aleera's first formal class.

Main Characters: Aelrena, Aleera

Guest Appearance: Elmitsu, Divina

POV: Aleera

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.

Aelrena has arrived from the south.

Aelrena says 'Apologies child, I got distracted briefly.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aleera steps in as knocking on the door led it to open. She turns about quickly and curtseys.

Aelrena says 'Let's take a walk while we talk.'

Aleera says 'Of course, Aelrena Sedai.'

Aelrena leads the girl back out of the study, her pace a sedate glide.

Aelrena leads Aleera on a walk about the White Tower grounds and beyond, speaking as they stroll.

Aelrena says 'Now, tell me how your studies have been going.'

Aleera shares, "Reasonably well, although I believe I am going to ask Sheriam Sedai for some help in refocusing some of my efforts."

Aelrena says 'Good, good. Is there anything in particular you're wishing to refocus into?'

Aleera says 'I've not been focusing on my talent in Weaving the Winds of late, but ... I don't know if it is the right way to put it, but it feels a bit off maybe even empty, with my focus having shifted away from that. I also received some well-intentioned but incorrect guidance on a healing weave that I plan to rectify.'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'While talents are important, they do not have to be something in which you put all your focus.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'As for incorrect healing advice... I suspect there's more than a touch of that flying about the Well, I would suggest you speak to the Yellow Ajah in specific about it, or those of us with a talent for healing.'

Aelrena moves to settle upon one of the benches along the path, patting the bench beside her for the Accepted.

Aelrena sits down.

Aleera nods and shares, "I had spoken with Accepted Lona, who is apprenticing with the Yellow. I'd previously been led to believe that the lighter weave was much more efficient, contrary to what I was able to glean from the library, and which was also noted by Accepted Lona." She settles down on to the bench beside Aelrena Sedai.

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aleera says, "From both Accepted Lona, and the research in the library, refocusing on more serious wounds would seem to be more efficient. Has that been your finding as well?"

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'I believe that is true yes. It depends upon how much focus you're intending to put into healing, if I recall properly. I myself am primarly focused upon providing support, and have instead practiced with curing critical wounds.'

Aelrena says 'Something to remember is that higher severities require longer times to weave, which can at times be critical if you're in the middle of a fight.'

Aleera nods in agreement.

Aelrena embraces the One Power, a brilliant glow surrounding her as she sets three orbs of light twirling about her head.

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'But I believe most tend to prefer curious serious wounds.'

Aleera says 'Yes, that was my understanding from the library and some calculations I then made. The focus on the critical is even more efficient than serious, but would take longer.'

Aelrena nods at Aleera.

Aleera says 'Light is very fast, but very draining to do.'

Aelrena says 'Which can be... critical...", gives a small amused smirk before continuing, "But if there are healers with the lesser versions nearby it can be effecient."'

Aelrena nods at Aleera.

Aleera smiles in return. "Quite so."

Aelrena says 'What of your lessons? Have you given them any more thought?'

Aleera 's head bobs once. "Yes, absolutely," she begins, "I have a handful of ideas. Honestly, I'd love to expand on all, but it is a matter of priorities and what you might think could best help others in the Tower as well as myself to grow."

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena moves to stand again and resume the walk about the Tower grounds, beckoning the Accepted to follow along.

Aelrena clambers to her feet.

Aleera rises up as well, brushing her dress down.

Aelrena says 'Well, tell me about them then. We shall see if we can land on something together.'

Aelrena glides toward the east, the Accepted in tow.

Aleera nods and begins describing each as they walk. "One thought was to help with a meditation technique. There are many, but I can help provide some guidance on one, with references to others that might better suit some temperaments. And, although that has its own direct benefits to aid with self-reflection; the real lesson that day would be in doing some reflection. With a quiet mind and heart, what calls to a Novice, or Accepted? I've led Novices on such discussions before, but without the meditation."

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aleera adds, "It is something I struggled with and so can empathize in others. If I can help ease that, then I would."

Aelrena says 'Not a bad idea, anything that aids initiates in determining their path would be helpful, certainly.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aleera then shares, "A different idea was an exploration of the new initiate. Sisters of the Tower with measured frequency, ask Novices what it means to be a Novice. I think every girl needs to be able to come to that answer on her own, but some guidance and prompting can help with understanding."

Aelrena nods to the guards as the duo move toward the gate.

Aleera continues, "One route I thought was an examination of the commonalities of all initiates. The rosebud exercise. The white robes. The labors and tasks. Why?"

Aleera says 'These _shared_ experiences help create a bond between new girls. They engage all as equals. They engage mind and body. These experiences persist across .. generations.'

Aelrena nods at Aleera.

Aelrena says 'Certainly, that is another direction to go. What do you think is the core difference between your guided meditation and this class?'

Aleera says 'Good question. This one is directed at helping to understand the why of these earlier experiences.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aleera says 'Or I should say the why from the vantage of The White Tower. The meditation and inward reflection is for the vantage from the individual girl.'

A raucous group of sailors leaves west.

Aelrena's lips thin ever so slightly as her umber eyes touch upon the group of sailors leaving the square before returning to Aleera.

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'So you would say that it's the difference of a focused, perhaps more subjective approach specific to the girls involved, versus a more objective overall exploration of the roles and purposes of the lower ranks within the Tower.'

Aelrena says 'Are these your only two ideas?'

A sailor has arrived from the west.

Aleera chuckles a little and says, "No, I have three more. I made myself stop at that point."

Aelrena stifles a laugh behind her hand.

Aelrena smiles at a gleeman before beginning the trek toward North Harbor, her gait a steady
glide.

Aleera says, "I am interested in the third, but believe it could result in sensitive discussions. There is currently, shall we say a two-front war being fought. One front to the north; and the other to the west. This is proving difficult to make serious headway on either front; especially with sorties from the north ranging further and further south. The nations and city-states are, unfortunately, quite divided and unaligned and that is certainly contributing poorly. The loss of something like the Compact hurts our responses."

Aelrena says 'Which compact do you mean? The Compact of Ten Nations?'

Aleera says 'Following the War of One Hundred Years, alliances have never truly been rebuilt as they once were.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aleera says 'The real discussion and analysis I both want, and do not want, to have is why. I don't like many of the answers.'

Aelrena says 'I would love to hear your thoughts on why that is, though perhaps now is not the best time for it. '

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aleera nods in agreement, "Yes, this is not a proper place."

Aelrena says 'Though I myself am rather partial to this lesson, I think that it would be an interesting exploration, though if it does not call to you I understand entirely, for obvious reasons.'

Aelrena says 'And you said that you have two more ideas?'

Aleera says 'It does call, and interest, me both. The discussion, however, could easily lead to offense.'

Aelrena's focus returns to the Accepted as she clasps her hands behind her back, her walking speed decreasing a touch.

Aelrena nods at Aleera.

Aelrena says 'I'm certain that it could, yes. It's something which would need to be handled with... a due amount of tact.'

Aleera nods, "I think I would like to consult with some Aes Sedai before proceeding with it." She then pivots, "The fourth is based on a couple of the books you had passed on for my consideration, an exploration of basic tenets of mediation. Such techniques can be useful for conflicts between individuals, but the underlying principles apply much more broadly."

Aelrena idly weaves a fourth ball of light, setting it to float over the Accepted as the pair continue their walk.

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aleera wraps things up by sharing, "And the fifth is an introduction to strategy. Not the tactics of a skirmish, but the strategies of war. Accepted and Aes Sedai are called to aid on the front at times, but an understanding of the broader work is essential to any sort of long-term gains."

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aleera shares, "I believe there are some useful examples from the Aiel War and writings from some of our Great Captains that shed light on successes and failings from there, which might be usefully applied today."

Aelrena nods at Aleera.

Aelrena says 'And you haven't felt a stronger calling in particular to any of these five lessons?'

Aleera says, "I think, some, in terms of building. If I were putting together a coherent curriculum, I would be starting with the White Tower and functions of many things one encounters as a Novice."

Aelrena speeds up the movement and turns toward the Tower as a messenger comes forward and whispers something in her ear

Aleera says 'The meditation exercise would come after that. The complexities of our current strategic situation in a two-front war would be an end cap experience, with other topics in between.'

Aelrena opens the thickdoor.

Aelrena leaves north.
Aleera follows Aelrena.

In the Apartment
A warm fire crackles noisily in a cast iron hearth, the blaze kept well stoked by the White Tower's diligent maids. Plain, well-made furniture sits on expensive Tairen carpets. A delicately lacquered box lies forgotten on a desk of golden oak. A carefully made bed with a blue coverlet lies beneath a canopy of vermillion velvet. A shawl with blue fringes hangs on a peg.
A dismembered corpse is lying here.
Aelrena Solyan is standing here.
Elmitsu the Journey Accepted is standing here.

Aelrena frowns.

Elmitsu is on the other side of the room, crouched near the body. Her breath seems to come in jagged
draws.

Aleera 's eyes widen.

Aelrena says 'Aleera, let us take a short break from this discussion.'


For more details of what happened here, please see: https://forums.wotmud.info/viewtopic.php?f=102&t=18397


Later, after some of the excitement had died down, Aleera returned to finish her discussion with Aelrena Sedai.

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.

Aleera emote: Aleera closes the door behind her and then curtseys.

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'Did she settle down okay?'

Aleera considers her words for a moment. She begins with a nod and then says, "Yes. I think she'd doing
quite alright now. She'll be okay."

Aleera adds, "She is with Novice Trajega."

Aelrena says 'Good, good.'

Aelrena appears distracted as she responds to the Accepted's comments, "Now, remind me, we were speaking on your plans for your lessons?"

Aleera nods, perhaps having bitten off an additional thought. "Yes, Aelrena Sedai. I was suggesting something of an order or organization when you'd asked about any of my preferences."

From the other side of the door, Divina calls, "Little pig, little pig, let me in."

Aleera senses Aelrena connecting to the True Source.

Aelrena gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Divina has arrived from the south.

Divina flourishes grandly.

Aelrena greets Divina with a light kiss on her cheek.

Aelrena says 'A pleasure to see you sister.'

Divina says 'Hello all'

Aleera turns and curtseys.

Divina gives a bright red robe to Danelle Sedai.

Danelle Sedai gives a tawny riding cloak emblazoned with a streith flame to Divina.

Divina looks at Aelrena.

Divina gives a tawny riding cloak emblazoned with a streith flame to Aelrena.

Aelrena says 'Aleera, you may continue. You're saying that you'd like to teach all of these classes in a particular order, or that -'

Aelrena says 'Sister, I cannot accept this.'

Divina says 'It is done.'

Aelrena gives a tawny riding cloak emblazoned with a streith flame to Divina.

Divina leaves south.

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'It was done, yes.'

Aelrena says 'And now it is undone.'

Aelrena says 'Where was I?'

Aleera lifts a hand to cover the smile on her lips.

Aelrena says 'Ah yes, that you'd like to teach all of these classes in a particular order, or that there is an order of preference that you have?'

Aelrena gestures at the door with her hand.

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

Aleera nods to Aelrena and says, "If you think it might be okay, to teach all. Eventually. The last only with some additional consultation."

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'Of course, you are welcome to teach as many classes as you like, and in fact, I encourage it'

Aleera says, "If it pleases, I will work on a lesson plan for the first for your review?"

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'I was just about to suggest such.'

Aelrena says 'Do you have any more questions for me tonight?'

Aleera shakes her head and admits, "I'm trying to not think of the other bit and have only been partially successful in putting it to rest even though I know it is in good hands."

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'I understand. You may take my word and know it's true that it has been taken care of.'

Aelrena says 'A pair of warders saw to the body, and the Amyrlin Seat has been informed.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'You are safe.'

Aelrena says 'Now'

Aleera says 'There was no question on my part. It was just troubling, and I feel so for Accepted Elmitsu.'

Aelrena says 'I am uncertain.'

Aelrena says 'Elmitsu is... prone to drama. I have yet to decide whether her actions tonight were genuine.'

Aelrena says 'Either way, an Accepted is meant to know when to hold her tongue. Speaking of such matters in front of novices...?'

Aelrena's expression darkens, her brows furrowing as she considers the dilemma.

Aelrena says 'She and I will speak on it.'

Aleera nods, and the astute observer may recall Aleera's earlier biting of her tongue. She gently concludes, "Accepted Elmitsu recovered quite well."

Aelrena says 'I thought she might.'

Aelrena says 'Now.'

Aelrena says 'Sister, judge the readiness of Aleera to advance in the Tower.'

Danelle Sedai inclines her head, saying 'As you wish, Aelrena Sedai.'

Danelle Sedai says 'I shall consult with Alyssa the scribe on this matter.'

Danelle Sedai leaves for a moment, then returns.

Danelle Sedai says 'aleera has the potential for rank 5.'

Aelrena says 'Sister let us acknowledge Accepted Aleera'

Danelle Sedai says 'It is done.'

Aleera curtseys deeply.

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'You'll find your restrictions are a touch lighter now.'

Aelrena says 'You've earned it child.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'If you've nothing else for me, you may leave as you wish. '

Aleera senses Aelrena connecting to the True Source.

Aelrena gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Aleera says 'I will continue to endeavor to not disappoint. Thank you again for your guidance.'

Aelrena says 'I'll expect your lesson plan on my desk soon.'

Aleera nods, "It will be done, Aelrena Sedai," curtseys once more, then departs.

Aleera begins heading out of the wing of the Brown Ajah.

A Long, Portrait-Lined Hall
Portraits framed in dark wood extend up and down the length of the hall, each separated from the other by several spans and featured in a prominent place in the Brown Ajah wing. Every image portrays an Amyrlin Seat who was raised from the Brown Ajah. White tiles with a brown Flame of Tar Valon cover the length and bredth of the hallway.

Elmitsu has arrived from the south.

Elmitsu whispers to you, 'Congrats. Wish me luck!'

Elmitsu squeezes Aleera's hand in passing.

Aleera whispers back, "Good luck."

Elmitsu leaves north.

[Evaine]

Aleera: 1 qp
Elmitsu: 1 qp
Aelrena: 1 qp
Divina: 1 qp

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