A Letter From Home

[Lyla]

Summary: Eight years after signing her name in the novice book, Lyla gets a letter from her family in southern Altara. She runs into Accepted Vala in the Novice Quarters, and steals a moment to vent before returning to her chores. Days later, she asks Accepted Isela for advice.

Point of view: Lyla
Main character: Vala
Main character: Isela
Setting:

In the Well
This open-roofed building used to house the initiates of the Tower consists
of nine levels, but only three of them are currently in use. A number of
small, windowless rooms open up to a gallery which surrounds a courtyard,
there is ample fresh air. A fountain with a small garden sits at the bottom
of this well, the sound of falling waters echoing among the towering walls.

Vala smiles at Lyla. 'How are you doing?'

'Well enough,' Lyla says. 'Just got a letter from home that gave me a lot to think about.'

Vala nods in agreement. 'It's hard being away for so long.'

'That's part of it, but also... My sister got married two days before I left for the Tower. She just had her third child.' Lyla snaps her fingers. 'Eight years, just like that. Really puts into perspective the life I'm not living by being here.'

Vala says 'I barely recognized my little brother since he's all grown up now.'

'How old was he when you left?' Lyla asks.

'Almost 12.'

'And from what I know of Aes Sedai,' Lyla says, 'we'll probably outlive our siblings' grandchildren.' Lyla shakes her head. 'Sorry, I'm being morbid.'

'Well it's true,' Vala says. 'That's really strange to think about though.'

'I have to wonder if that's part of the plan,' Lyla says. 'The Creator's, I mean. The One Power means we can't live a normal life, even if we want to.'

Vala nods in agreement.

'I wasn't trying to channel that first time,' Vala says. 'It just happened. It changed everything and I didn't want to believe it at first.'

'How did it happen for you?' Lyla asks. 'I'm sure you've told me, but I can't-- Wait. The stove, right?'

'Yeah,' Vala says. 'I was trying to bake some nice fish when suddenly the oven broke apart.'

'Scary.'

'It was quite a shock. Burned my dress and ruined dinner too.'

'How long until you realized it was the One Power?' Lyla asks.

'I got really sick about a week later and my mother suspected what had happened. We checked with a Wisdom who advised me to come here and get some help.' Vala smiles. 'Besides that, who ever heard of an oven falling apart? Doesn't happen.'

Lyla snickers softly. 'Thank the Light for that. Speaking of ovens,' Lyla says with a sigh, 'I should probably go work on dinner. Thanks for letting me vent.'

Vala smiles at Lyla. 'It gets easier, I'm told.'

'Here's hoping.'


Later, after several days of hunting, restocking the pantry, cooking dinner, and tending to the dishes.


In the Well
This open-roofed building used to house the initiates of the Tower consists
of nine levels, but only three of them are currently in use. A number of
small, windowless rooms open up to a gallery which surrounds a courtyard,
there is ample fresh air. A fountain with a small garden sits at the bottom
of this well, the sound of falling waters echoing among the towering walls.

Isela inclines her head in greeting to Lyla. 'How are you, Novice?'

'Well enough, I suppose. Thanks for the new staff.'

Isela nods.

'Can I ask you a question, if you have time?'

'Always,' Isela says. 'What's on your mind?'

'Did you ever question your place here?'

Isela smirks. 'Almost always. The enterprising mind is quite a thing.'

'That's a relief,' Lyla says with a sigh. 'Everyone else always seems so sure of their path.'

'That's Aes Sedai training for you,' Isela says. 'What are your concerns?'

'I got a letter from my sister last week,' Lyla explains. 'Lately, I've been wondering who I'd be if I never came to the Tower. I believe in what the Aes Sedai teach. But when I imagine my place in it, I always come up blank.'

Isela frowns. 'It's not unreasonable to be apprehensive about the future, child.' Isela whispers something to Kennira, getting a quick whispered response in return. She nods in agreement. 'It seems your aunt was the one who sent you here, correct?'

Lyla nods in agreement. 'That's right.'

'Tell me about the storm.' Isela leans back, folding her hands in front of her.

'It happened completely by accident,' Lyla says. 'Though I... admit to a modicum of ill will toward my sister.'

Isela allows a small smile.

'Her wedding had to be *perfect*, you understand.' Lyla rolls her eyes. 'And I kept thinking how funny it would be if it rained all day. Next thing I knew...' Lyla snaps her fingers. 'Lasted two days. She was furious.'

Isela nods. 'You've advanced in your studies enough to not have that type of accident again, yes?'

'Oh, yes,' Lyla says. 'I still make storms worse, but it's always on purpose now.'

Isela smirks. 'Well, if you have a natural talent for the weather, I doubt the Aes Sedai here will let you go just yet,' Isela says. She taps her finger to her lips in thought. 'It's best to put aside your past life until you've attained the freedom of Acceptance so you can go and visit your sister when necessary. If you'd like, I can have your messages held.'

Lyla spends a long moment considering this idea, but shakes her head. 'I'll keep reading her letters, if that's all right. I'd rather choose the Tower in the full knowledge of what I'm giving up. Not in ignorance.'

Isela nods, a hint of satisfaction in her expression. 'Very well. Just know that the White Tower will brook no bouts of homesickness. If it becomes too much for you, and you leave, we'll come retrieve you.'

'Understood.'

'Novice,' Isela says, 'have you had the opportunity to take one of Tolza Sedai's tests?'

'I had the, umm...' Lyla trails off, choosing her words carefully, '...opportunity to assist her with an important research project a few months ago.'

Isela nods in agreement. 'And Chloro Sedai? Have you taken instruction from her?'

'I took her White Tower 102 class,' Lyla says, 'and also met with her while I was a fledgling novice.' She drops her voice to a low whisper. 'Tolza Sedai's research project was less daunting, all in all.'

Isela nods at Lyla. 'I would encourage you to send word to other Aes Sedai you may have not yet met, seeking instruction. Believe it or not, it was a member of the White Ajah who was most impactful in helping me find my purpose here. If you're having trouble seeing your future in the White Tower, you won't do better than getting the full perspective.'

'I'll do that,' Lyla says. 'Thanks for the advice.'

Isela nods curtly. 'I must go for now, but feel free to seek me out when you see me if you need anything.'

Lyla smiles at her. 'Thanks again. Until next time!'

[Tolza]

Rplizer: +1 QP (1 of 1)
Extra Meticulous Edit: +0 QP (0 of 1)
Length Bonus: +0 QP (0 of 2, less than 10,000 words)
Part of a Series: +0 QP (0 of 1)
Summary: +1 QP (1 of 1)
Total for Lyla: 2 RPQPs

Participants:

Vala: 1 RPQP (Reason: Engaging in meaningful conversation and support)
Isela: 1 RPQP (Reason: Providing guidance and advice)

Please say "RECEIVE" at a silver-haired sedai located in every Ajah wing.

This is a great glimpse into who Lyla is and what her motivations are. This is what I call character development!