Astraea Joins the White Tower

[Vala]

The 1st of Nesan, year 1572
(May 25, 2024)

Tolza Sedai summons Accepted Vala to Tower Square to meet Astraea, who recently arrived seeking aid for a sudden and mysterious illness.

Point of view: Vala Galanis, Tower Accepted
Main character: Astraea sur Sikudar, Fledgling Novice
Major participant: Lady Tolza the Honored Sister


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Tower Square:

Vala curtseys before Tolza.

Tolza says 'Care to scribe for me Vala?'

Vala gets a fine quill pen from an oilskin bag.
Vala grabs a fine quill pen.

Tolza nods in agreement.
Tolza says 'Vala this young lady is Astraea, she traveled from... '
Tolza strokes her moustache thoughtfully.
Tolza says 'I do not believe you said where child.'

Astraea says 'I am from Mayene.'
Astraea shifts a bit on her feet, feeling nervous.

Tolza says 'As I was saying she came to the Tower because...'
Tolza strokes her moustache thoughtfully.
Tolza says 'Well light blind me, did you say why?'

Astraea says 'An Aes Sedai wearing Red told me that I may have the talent, and arranged an escort to bring me here.. though that escort seems to have disappeared once we passed through the gates.'

Vala nods in agreement.

Tolza says 'Ah, yes a Red in Mayene, very good. I did not receive any notice of your coming, can you shed some light as to why she sent you to us?'
Tolza gives Astraea a reassuring smile.

Astraea says 'I was performing one of my duties when she walked by, and I collapsed. I felt dizziness and chills. She pressed me for a lot of information about what had happened for the past few days, and then told me it would be in my best interest to come here.'

Tolza says 'I see.'
Tolza exchanges a knowing glance with the Accepted.

Astraea says '...am I sick?'
Astraea looks very nervous and afraid.

Vala comforts Astraea.

Tolza says 'What are your thoughts Accepted Vala?'

Vala says 'Technically yes, you're sick, but you've come to the right place.'

Astraea blanches at being told she's sick, and clinging to hope that she has indeed come to the right place.

Vala says 'You can channel, that's what made you sick. We can show you how to use the One Power safely and you'll feel better after learning to control it.’

Tolza says 'Perhaps we should test her, to be sure of it.'
Tolza beckons everyone to follow her.


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Study of the Brown Ajah:

Tolza gestures at the door with her hand.
The door silently swings shut and lock with a soft *click*.
Tolza says 'Can you walk us thorough the rose bud exercise Accepted?'

Vala says 'I'll try, though that's not how I learned I could channel. Astraea, close your eyes.'

Astraea takes a deep breath, then closes her eyes as instructed.

Vala says 'Clear your mind and envision a budding rose, or any flower you like.'

Tolza pushes her spectacles up and closes her eyes.

Vala says 'The sun is shining, feel its warmth on the flower.'

Astraea attempts to do as told, envisioning a sunflower soaking up the sun's warmth.

Vala says 'Imagine the flower opening up to the sun. As the flower basks in the sun, we can embrace the Source. Open yourself to it.'

Astraea feels the sun's warmth spreading over her, enveloping her.

Vala senses Astraea connecting to the True Source.
Vala says 'Good, that should feel more natural than before.'

Astraea smiles, basking in the warmth and radiance within.

Tolza makes a check mark in her book and snaps it shut.
Tolza says 'Very good.'

Vala says 'Be careful not to draw too much at once, only gently.'

Astraea says 'H-how do I stop?'

Tolza nods at Vala.

Vala says 'Gently let go of it, imagine the sun is obscured by clouds. Maybe it's not as warm now, but still there.'

Astraea does as instructed, finding this to be harder than embracing.
Astraea seems to be struggling, beads of sweat on her forehead forming.

Tolza says 'Do we have a past record of Astraea?'
Tolza says 'Vala could you please explain the boundaries of a Novice while I puzzle some thing out?'

Vala says 'Yes Tolza Sedai'

Tolza opens the carveddoor.
Tolza leaves south.

Vala says 'It's fairly simple, Novices are not to leave the island of Tar Valon. That includes crossing any bridge or leaving the harbor in a boat. There are some areas to the northeast and southeast we can use for hunting and such.’

Astraea nods in acceptance, burning the limitations in her mind.


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The Mistress of Novices' Study:

Tolza closes the woodendoor.

Vala says 'If there's anything you need that you forgot to bring, one of us can help you get it.'

Astraea blushes brightly, looking down before she speaks. "I have nothing else to bring."

Vala says 'That's very common, and no shame in it. I found that I had forgotten a favorite book, but fortunately the library had a copy.'

Tolza says 'I will give you some time to collect times from the inn before I enter you in to our books. Once entered you will not be permitted to leave the Tower until you are Accepted. Do you need to gather your things or settle any business outside of the Tower?'

Astraea's blush burns brighter before speaking, "That won't be necessary Aes Sedai. What belongings I have are either on me or in this sack I carry."

Tolza nods at Astraea.
Tolza says 'Sheriam Sedai, please add Astraea to the Book of Novices.'

Astraea is scrutinized carefully as Sheriam the Mistress of Novices eyes her up and down.

Sheriam the Mistress of Novices says 'Hello Astraea, I understand you can touch the True Source. Well, you will not go off on your own anymore. Henceforth you will be trained in the tower as a Novice.'

Sheriam the Mistress of Novices takes a breath before continuing.

Sheriam the Mistress of Novices says 'You will obey your elders and instructors. You will stay here in the Novice quarters when not in the world. You may not leave the island of Tar Valon at any time, while a Novice.''

Sheriam the Mistress of Novices says 'You will read the notices in the White Tower Forum often and heed them. You may practice here freely, and ask me for a task appropriate to a Novice. Now then,'

Sheriam the Mistress of Novices gives a plain white dress to Astraea.

Sheriam the Mistress of Novices says 'You will wear this for as long as you are noviced. There is no excuse for not wearing one.'

Sheriam the Mistress of Novices nods her head slightly.

Sheriam the Mistress of Novices says 'In addition I will form a weave about you. Should you leave us before we are done with you, you will not only forget all that you have learned You will also be rendered a threat to none, by a block set upon you. Stand still while I weave the flows.'

Vala senses Sheriam connecting to the True Source.
Vala senses Sheriam is channeling saidar.

Sheriam the Mistress of Novices gestures briefly at Astraea who winces in pain.
Sheriam the Mistress of Novices nods grimly.
Sheriam the Mistress of Novices makes some notes in a book on her desk.

Sheriam the Mistress of Novices says 'I will let you begin your new duties Astraea. You may go now, use care when venturing out of the Tower.'

Sheriam the Mistress of Novices opens the woodendoor.
Sheriam the Mistress of Novices nods dismissively.

Tolza nods in agreement.

Astraea stares at the white dress, the dull throb in her head diminishing slowly.

Tolza gives you a toothy grin.

Astraea stops using a bright red robe.
Astraea wears a plain white dress about her body.

Vala says 'It's a lot to take in at once, but you'll be fine.'


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The Kitchens:

Tolza says 'This is Mistress Laras, please come here once a day. '
Tolza says 'Vala do you have time to give her a tour?'

Vala says 'Of course Tolza Sedai.

Tolza nods in agreement.

Astraea stops following Tolza.

Tolza says ''Mistress Laras, Astraea will help you clean today.'

Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens looks around her and frowns at the sight of all the dust.
Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens says 'Yes, the Tower could use a good clean-up, Tolza.'

Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens says 'These are the dustballs that should be gathered.'
Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens stops using a large wooden spoon.
Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens grabs a dust ball.

Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens says 'Here child, gather all the dust balls you can find in this and then give it back to me.'
Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens gives a dustpan to Astraea.

Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens says 'The stairway a little west and north from here is a good place to start from. The Tower is built around it, and all the corridors branches out from there. This is the first floor. Do try not to break anything, child.'

Tolza says 'How about her orientation do you know how to do that?'

Vala says 'In the classroom right?'

Tolza nods in agreement.
Tolza says 'Do you know how to start it?'

Vala says 'Ask for... M something… Maighan? Yes that's it, Accepted Maighan'

Astraea shifts from foot to foot, watching the two women talk.

Tolza nods at Vala.

Astraea starts following Vala.

Vala says 'Tolza Sedai if there's nothing else we'll go see her for the orientation.'

Tolza says 'Do you have this Vala?'

Vala says 'Yes Tolza Sedai'

Tolza says 'Good, I enjoy delegating.'
Tolza nods to herself, she must need reassurance.

Vala grins at Tolza.

Tolza says 'Send me a log when you are done.'
Tolza waves.
Tolza leaves west.

Vala says 'While it's on my mind, the first mistake I made here was in washing dishes. Don't do this...'
Vala gets a stack of dirty dishes from a large sink.

The wet dishes slip in Vala’s hands!
Vala drops a stack of dirty dishes.
There is an ear splitting crash as a stack of dishes hits the floor.

Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens bellows 'Vala, watch what you are doing!'
Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens glares icily at Vala, she feels cold to her bones.

Draz bellows 'lol'

Astraea nearly jumps at the sound of the crash, and the yelling that follows.

Vala says 'Mistress Laras gets mad and it costs a merit. Instead, wash the dishes, don't get them.'
Vala scrubs the dishes in the sink.

Astraea nods dutifully.

Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens takes clean dishes from the drainboard and puts them in a
cupboard.

Vala says 'That's all there is to that. Now we'll see about the orientation and have a tour.'


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In the Classroom:

Vala says 'I am here for Accepted Maighan'

An Accepted enters, carrying the White Tower Handbook.
An Accepted places the Handbook on the table.
An Accepted looks around the room and smiles.
An Accepted says 'I am Accepted Maighan.'

Accepted Maighan says 'If you are here to attend Novice Orientation, say you will listen to my class.

Astraea says 'I will listen to your class, Accepted Maighan.'

Accepted Maighan beams a smile at Astraea.

Accepted Maighan says 'Welcome to Novice Orientation, where some of the rules of the White Tower will be explained. This class does not attempt to cover everything written in the Handbook. This class seeks to clarify the gray areas.'

Accepted Maighan says 'You are responsible for reading and knowing the rules listed in the Handbook. Be sure to read announcements regularly to make sure you haven't missed an update.'

Accepted Maighan says 'Remember, there are no stupid questions. If you do not know something, do not be ashamed. You are here to learn. If I'm not clear in my class, be sure to ask one of the Wearied Novices, Accepted or Aes Sedai.'

Accepted Maighan says 'Very well, on to part two of this class: the Three Oaths.'

Accepted Maighan points towards the blackboard and beckons you to read the blackboard.
Accepted Maighan says 'Please tell me what the First Oath is.'

Astraea says 'To speak no word that is not true.'

Accepted Maighan nods at Astraea.
Accepted Maighan says 'To speak no word that is not true is the First Oath.'

Accepted Maighan says 'This Oath means that anyone can ask an Aes Sedai to speak plainly, and they will know she cannot lie. This Oath, also forces us to hold ourselves to a higher standard in stark contrast to the Father of Lies and his minions. All of us, from the newest Novice to the most experienced Aes Sedai has to live by the Oaths.

Accepted Maighan says 'Aes Sedai swear them on the Oath Rod, making it impossible for them to tell an outright lie. However, Novices and Accepted will have to thoroughly consider all their words and actions, and judge whether they are in line with the Oaths.'

Accepted Maighan moves around the table.
Accepted Maighan says 'This Oath does leave some wiggle room, however. Depending on the Aes Sedai, there is still room for sarcasm, for example.'

Accepted Maighan says 'Also, when prompted to tell one's name, saying "You may call me Alys" would not be a lie, it would merely be an instruction on how someone may call you. However, saying "My name is Alys" would be a lie for those of us who who were named differently.'

Accepted Maighan moves back to the blackboard.
Accepted Maighan says 'And what is the Second Oath?'

Astraea says 'To make no weapon with which one man may kill another.'

Accepted Maighan beams a smile at Astraea.
Accepted Maighan says 'This is the only Oath that was added later, after the War of Power.'

Accepted Maighan says 'During this war many weapons were used or made with the One Power. Some of these caused massive destruction and an unacceptable cost of lives. Of course, if you win the fight against the Shadow at the cost of too many human lives, does that make us any better than the Shadow?'

Accepted Maighan looks at Astraea.

Accepted Maighan says 'Before this Oath was added, Aes Sedai altered some heron mark blades by the One Power, so they never go dull. The White Tower isn't about conquering nations, but instead about encouraging justice and peace. We do not take sides in any conflict between nations. We are Aes Sedai, which means Servants of All in the Old Tongue.'

Accepted Maighan says 'Onwards to the Third Oath. What is it?'

Astraea says 'The third oath is to not use the One Power as a weapon except against Shadowspawn, or in the last defense of my life, the life of my Warder, or that of another Sister.'

Accepted Maighan says 'Well done, Astraea, that is correct. This is possibly the most important of the Three Oaths. Once again, this is to instill trust. With this Oath, the people can be sure that we will not assault them with the One Power.'

Accepted Maighan says 'You can consider your life in danger should Shadowspawn, Seanchan, a Tower Wanted, a Male Channeler, or hidden person be in your room. You do not need to wait for them to attack you first before you can defend yourself.'

Accepted Maighan pins you down with a stern look.

Accepted Maighan says 'Now as a note, any weaves can be considered a weapon to some people. As such you need to ask before you heal someone unless you have a working relationship with them and know they accept you weaving Heal, refresh, etc. on them. You can imagine a Child of Light would consider you even Healing them to be an attack.'

Accepted Maighan says 'We will continue with the rules for Novices, if you say so.'

Astraea says 'Please tell me the rules for Novices.'

Accepted Maighan says 'As a Novice, you may not leave the island of Tar Valon. However, you may hunt on the eastern edges of the island, outside the eastern gates of the city. Be careful though, you may not cross any of the bridges.'

Accepted Maighan says 'You must rent in the White Tower.'

Accepted Maighan says 'When someone attacks you, you may defend yourself, but you can only weave on them to beat them back. You may not pursue your attacker, even if they are near death, but you must instead stand your ground or move to a safer place. You must judge the situation to see what is safest.'

Accepted Maighan looks at the White Tower Handbook.
Accepted Maighan says 'During your time in the White Tower, until the moment you shawl, you must always be cognito, showing you are a member of the White Tower.'

Accepted Maighan says 'As a Novice, you must always wear your Novice dress. Sometimes Accepted Dian has a few spares, otherwise you can issue one at Sheriam Sedai.'

Accepted Maighan says 'You may not wear any items of the Shadow.'
Accepted Maighan looks at Astraea.

Accepted Maighan says 'You are not allowed to associate with known male channelers or fraternize with criminals of Tar Valon. Any romantic relationship with men is also strictly forbidden. You are not here to find a husband. Please note that some of these regulations also apply to Accepted.'

Accepted Maighan says 'When you find an angreal, you must turn it in to an Aes Sedai.'

Accepted Maighan says 'Do not channel into any objects, because that may cause you to be Stilled, unable to touch the One Power ever again. The same goes for channeling at portal stones, holding the Source for too long, or overchanneling (the 'o' and 'ov' etc. command).'

Accepted Maighan says 'I also have some information on tasks and punishment.'

Astraea says 'Please tell me about tasks and punishment.'

Accepted Maighan nods at Astraea.
Accepted Maighan says 'As a Novice, you can ask Sheriam Sedai for tasks for Novices. You may only complete a task once, unless specified otherwise. Not following this rule may result in docking 3 times what you gained.'

Accepted Maighan takes on a grim look.
Accepted Maighan says 'Punishment can take the form of a docking of merits, a chore, a revocation of rights, or being put on the Farm. When you are put on the Farm, that is your last chance. You either shape up, or are put out of the Tower.'

Accepted Maighan says 'There are several ways one can be put out of the Tower: failure to pass the Arches test, failure to pass the shawling test, insubordination, committing a crime against Tower Law, consistent breaking of Tower Rules.'

Accepted Maighan says 'And finally on personal request, although you will then be considered a Runaway.'

Accepted Maighan gives an attendance sheet to Astraea.
Accepted Maighan says 'If you haven't attended this class yet, give this sheet to Sheriam Sedai. Remember, if you have any questions, the Accepted or Aes Sedai will be glad to clarify.'

Accepted Maighan picks up her book.
Accepted Maighan nods at Astraea.
Accepted Maighan says 'Welcome to the White Tower, Astraea.'

Accepted Maighan leaves the classroom.

Vala nods in agreement.
Vala says 'Most of the classes we have are held here as well.'

Astraea nods in agreement.


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Accepted Vala spends some time showing Novice Astraea around the island. They visit their quarters, give the attendance sheet to Sheriam Sedai, and meet the lumberjack outside the walls. Vala also explains some quirks of the library that cause problems while shelving books, and shows Astraea how to quickly find the Aes Sedai from each Ajah who give lessons.


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The Warders' Practice Yard:

Vala says 'This is one of the safer rooms here in the Tower, excluding the Well (rent). Head here if you feel you're in danger, or to your quarters.'

Astraea nods, keeping her eyes firmly on Vala and not the sweaty and smelly men.

Vala says 'I'll probably think of a dozen things later that I should've pointed out.'

Astraea smiles happily.
Astraea says 'Your tour has been very informative and helpful.'

Vala says 'Sheriam Sedai can also issue a mare, I think, but there are usually palfreys around.'


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The Kitchens:

Vala says 'You've probably used ovens before. This one costs moves and needs restocking though.'

Astraea nods in agreement.

Vala tries to prepare a dish.
The pantry is empty. You need to restock the pantry first.

Vala says 'Oh it's empty.'
Vala notifies a servant that the pantry needs to be restocked.

The servant says 'Apologies, Vala. The larder is empty. I hope Eliyana Sedai has been told and that we'll be re-supplied soon. Perhaps try informing her?

Vala says 'It's really empty!'


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Mistress of Logistics' Office:

Vala says 'Eliyana Sedai here takes care of all the logistics.'

Astraea nods in agreement.

Vala tells Astraea 'let her know the larder is empty'

Astraea says 'Eliyana Sedai, the larder is empty.'

Eliyana Sedai looks up from her papers, arching an eyebrow.
Eliyana Sedai retrieves the appropriate records from the bookshelf.
Eliyana Sedai flips through the weighty tome, pausing to tap several pages with her finger.

Eliyana Sedai sighs loudly.
Eliyana Sedai says 'Yes, it seems the White Tower has been quite abuzz this month. An unusual peak of activity in our halls. Our next scheduled shipments are in the city, but have not yet been delivered.'

Eliyana Sedai draws a shipping manifest from a desk drawer.
Eliyana Sedai gives a prepaid White Tower shipment manifest to Astraea.

Eliyana Sedai says 'Take this to the merchants in the harbors, and arrange for delivery of our goods. There are five shipping merchants you will need to visit: grains, produce, meats, dairy, and the tea and spice importer.'

Eliyana Sedai says 'Return the manifest to me when you are done. Off with you now.'
Eliyana Sedai waves you away.

Vala says 'Sometimes this goes smoothly, sometimes there are hiccups. Drunken laborers, rats and such.'

Astraea thinks hard.
Astraea whispers to Vala, 'I need to rent, I'm very sorry.'

Vala replies to Astraea 'no problem, catch me or anyone else later if you need anything'

Astraea thanks Vala heartily.
Astraea says 'Thank you for your time!'

Vala says 'Of course!'

Astraea curtseys gracefully.
Astraea leaves north.

[Chloro]

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

Vala 2
Astraea 1
Tolza 1