A Lesson in Willpower and Arrogance

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Elghin
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Oct 05, 2021 8:34 am

A Lesson in Willpower and Arrogance

Post by Elghin » Mon Nov 01, 2021 10:02 pm

Starring:
Jenda, Elghin

Later Appearances:
Eldrenia, Verne, Tolza, Annabelle, and Callesa

Special Guest Appearance: Kathala

POV: Elghin

TL;DR: Elghin and a few Accepted get a hard lesson on why having a strong will is good, and why arrogance is bad.
TL;DR of the TL;DR: How a simple tea service *shouldn't* go.

Personal note: All non-essential narrates, room descriptions, tells, and OOC comments have been truncated. Simple spelling and grammar issues have also been corrected in the editing.
Edited with: RPlizer, Google Docs, and Notepad respectively. *Additional edits for some missed bits.*

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Elghin knocks on the door to the Solarium

The door is opened from the other side.

Added command (s) to queue.
Solarium of the Yellow Ajah
Room name (Solarium of the Yellow Ajah) captured.
Tall, arched windows offer a view of the island of Tar Valon and the
confluence of the river Erinin beyond Southharbor, as the river starts on
its journey to Tear. Pots and plants dot the balcony outside the windows.
Chairs have been drawn up near the windows and vases containing bouquets of
of yellow flowers have been placed nearby. Several desks and clusters of
chairs have been distributed around the room, allowing for informal
discussion of Yellow Sisters' research and studies.
[ obvious exits: N ]
Room exits ( n ) captured.
Removed command (s) from queue.

Zone: White Tower Upper Floors
Door north: door
A large desk made of fine, thick wood stands across the room from here.
A chair made of red oak rests next to the table. [2]
Jenda Sharaad is standing here.
A Yellow Sister glides past.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
Corele Hovian stands here with concern in her eyes.

Jenda gestures at the door with her hand.

Jenda looks at Elghin.

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

Jenda measures you with dark, tilted eyes.

Elghin dips into an awkward curtsey. "Excuse the intrusion, but would you like some tea brought up?"

Jenda blinks her eyes innocently.

Jenda says 'Why, Novice, that is very kind of you. Yes.. I would as a matter of fact. '

Jenda says 'Although I suspect your motives. '

Jenda says 'I like the cloudberry. '

Jenda gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Elghin inclines her head and dips back out of the room. Not without her mouth moving in a silent
mutter though.

***Cut to fetching the tea from the kitchens and returning.***

Elghin knocks on the door to the Solarium.

The door is opened from the other side.

Added command (s) to queue.
Solarium of the Yellow Ajah
Room name (Solarium of the Yellow Ajah) captured.
Tall, arched windows offer a view of the island of Tar Valon and the
confluence of the river Erinin beyond Southharbor, as the river starts on
its journey to Tear. Pots and plants dot the balcony outside the windows.
Chairs have been drawn up near the windows and vases containing bouquets of
of yellow flowers have been placed nearby. Several desks and clusters of
chairs have been distributed around the room, allowing for informal
discussion of Yellow Sisters' research and studies.
[ obvious exits: N ]
Room exits ( n ) captured.
Removed command (s) from queue.

Zone: White Tower Upper Floors
Door north: door
A large desk made of fine, thick wood stands across the room from here.
A chair made of red oak rests next to the table. [2]
Jenda Sharaad is standing here.
A Yellow Sister glides past.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
Corele Hovian stands here with concern in her eyes.

Jenda gestures at the door with her hand.

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

Jenda grins at Elghin.

Elghin dips into an even *more* awkward curtsey carrying the tray of tea and sugar before
approaching the desk and finding an open place to set it down. "What motives do you think I have,
Jenda Sedai?"

Elghin gives a cup of mint and cloudberry tea to Jenda.

Jenda laughs softly.

Jenda sips from the cup.

Jenda says 'This is nice.. Thank you, novice. '

Jenda says 'So you either are very compassionate and considerate.. or you want something from me,
child. Am I incorrect to lean towards assuming the latter? '

Jenda says 'Most novices find a dearth of nerve and gall, for that matter.. to approach a Sitter.
Let alone request to serve tea. '

Elghin stiffens slightly before straightening herself and finding that little bit of spine. "I
desire the respect I was denied when you brought me here. If that means playing by your rules, so
be it."

Jenda grins at Elghin.

Jenda says 'It does.. indeed it does. It is learning to be in discomfort and still act with poise
and grace. Did you know that Aes Sedai do not feel the cold .. or heat? '

Jenda says 'This is no matter of the One Power. '

Jenda says 'Emotional discomfort.. physical discomfort. we learn to ignore this and act the part we
must play to achieve our objectives. Do you understand? '

Elghin inclines her head. "Aiel Wise Ones have a similar trick, Jenda Sedai."
Jenda says 'How much about this have you learned from your Wise Ones? '

Elghin says 'From them? None. I came into the One Power here in the Wetlands and wasn't instructed to
return to the Three-Fold Lands for training.'

Jenda says 'How do you know what you think you know in that case? '

Jenda says 'This is regarding your statement. I am curious. '

Elghin shrugs and thinks for a moment.

Jenda says 'Child to be Aes Sedai first you must learn. and then you must learn to question. To see
beyond that which you are simply told. Have you ever seen a Wise One be very cold? '

Elghin says 'They say it's a thing of will. Choosing whether or not you feel the sun beating on your
back or the cold sucking the warmth from your fingers.'

Jenda says 'That is true. It is a thing of Will. '

Elghin furrows her brow and folds her arms across the small of her back. "It's not something most
Aiel have to think about. Heat, we must all endure. Cold, we have fires and Holds. The Three-Fold
Lands demand that the strong survive," she finishes with a shrug. "You would demonstrate this trick
of the will, Jenda Sedai?"

Jenda nods in agreement.

Jenda nods in agreement.

Jenda says 'I will tell you I am from a place that grows so cold the sap freezes and the splitting
of trees clap like lightning strikes. '

Someone knocks on the door from the other side.

Jenda says 'Both are valuable to learn to ignore. '

Jenda gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Tolza has arrived from the north.

Tolza closes the door.

Tolza spread her dress with colored bands, in a precise curtsy.


Tolza nods at Elghin.

Jenda says 'Good evening, Accepted. Have you met this Novice? '

Tolza says 'I have, I believe I owe her a log.'

Jenda frowns.

Elghin inclines her head toward Tolza, though her eyes hold the faintest traces of bitterness to
them.

Tolza nods at Jenda.

Jenda says 'Perhaps this girl can recount the themes of our conversation so far and you can join in.

Jenda settles her unreadable gaze upon the Aiel girl.

Elghin 's eye twitches at being called a 'girl,' but doesn't react otherwise. "Jenda Sedai asked why
I would risk approaching a Sitter to ask if she would like tea served, and we moved into talking
about the trick of not feeling heat or cold."

Jenda laughs softly.

Jenda says 'and also more apt.. Will. and how this serves us to ignore discomfort of emotional and
physical kinds. to accomplish your objectives and missions. '

Jenda says 'Willpower is the bread and butter of Aes Sedai and .. Wise One alike. for warriors and
generals. for leaders of men. '

Jenda says 'Tolza do you have any thoughts to weigh in on the matter of Will? '

Tolza ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Tolza says 'drive, determination, self-discipline, self-control, self-regulation, effortful control'

Jenda says 'And what about them, Accepted? you simply listed a series of words apropos to the topic.

Tolza says 'Willpower can be described in many ways.'

Jenda nods in agreement.

Tolza says 'I suppose the true question would be,'

Tolza says 'what category ignoring discomfort this falls under.'

Jenda says 'When we began we discussed the similarities between ignoring mental and physical
discomfort. and how this was a matter of Willpower. '

Jenda says 'So the segue turned to the broader topic of Willpower in general. so you are free to choose
your area of focus, of course. '

Jenda smiles at Elghin.

Elghin flicks her gaze to Tolza. "Willpower like facing down an armed Aiel and convincing her she is
gai'shain to Aes Sedai."

Someone knocks on the door from the other side.

Jenda gestures with her hand.

Jenda says 'Exactly'

The door smoothly swings open.

Eldrenia has arrived from the north.

Jenda grins at Elghin.

Eldrenia greets Jenda with a light kiss on her cheek.

Tolza spread her dress with colored bands, in a precise curtsy.

Jenda gestures at the door with her hand.

Jenda greets Eldrenia with a light kiss on her cheek.

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

Eldrenia sits down on a stout oaken chair.

Eldrenia says 'Hello.'

Tolza smirks.

Jenda says 'that is a minor thing, to be sure, child. You are not a king or prince. but a girl
lost. A dangerous Aiel you are not. '

Jenda looks at Elghin.

Elghin curtseys awkwardly to Eldrenia, arms crossed behind her back as though trying to both stand
at military attention while showing a modicum of the respect due an Aes Sedai

Tolza mutters 'With the temper of a sand snake.'

Eldrenia says 'You need to work on that curtsey child. I would say 100 curtseys in the mirror before
bed should work that out in no time at all.'

Jenda whispers something to Eldrenia.

Elghin stands a little more proudly with Tolza's comment about her temper.

Jenda's mouth curves in a faint shadow of amusement.

Eldrenia whispers something to Jenda.

The flows holding the light ball have dissipated.
Eldrenia winks at Jenda.

Jenda says 'Do you notice the struggle of Will to maintain decorum, Elghin? '

Jenda says 'You must *know* that you are capable of whatever fight is thrown your way.. the push and
pull of power and pride must be like the cat's cradle game in your hands that you played as a girl.

Jenda says 'If you must curtsey 100 times to achieve your objective.. do so with aplomb. '

Jenda says 'And when you must not... show your teeth. '

Elghin shakes her head. "I recognize my refusal to be broken by your Tower. Broken tools do no one
any good."

Elghin inclines her head respectfully, eyes locked on Jenda's. "Jenda Sedai."

Eldrenia frowns.

Jenda returns the look levelly, ' We do not break anyone, child. that is not our style though it
may be that of the Wise Ones in your Waste. You will bend.. but not break. Learn, and not forget.’

Jenda says 'we add to your tool set. we do not break tools that are useful. '

Eldrenia says 'You are missing the lessons if you think we are attempting to break you, child. If I
wanted to break you I would not be so lenient. We are trying to push you to your potential but to
reach it, you must master your emotions.'

Jenda nods at Eldrenia.

Jenda says 'I must say I am amused at the arrogance of this little thing to assume two Yellow Ajah
Sitters have time to do what she assumes Sheriam is concerned with. '

Jenda laughs softly.

Tolza disappears into the void.

Tolza has returned.

Jenda says 'Misplaced Willpower... we see this in such organizations as the Whitecloaks. '


Elghin furrows her brow.

Tolza says 'That is a very good example.'

Jenda says 'Fighting against the natural order and sensible nature of the Weaving. '

Eldrenia says 'Arrogance she has in abundance. We will forge that into willpower, the Creator
willing.'

Jenda nods at Eldrenia.

Jenda says 'Absolutely, Sister. '

Jenda says 'Tolza do you have thoughts on my example?'

Tolza says 'I would add that it is like swimming upstream, but the analogy would be lost on our
young novice here.'

Someone knocks on the door from the other side.

Jenda says 'Do try. Unless you do not have the will to do so. '

Jenda ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Jenda gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.
Eldrenia gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.
Callesa has arrived from the north.

Tolza spread her dress with colored bands, in a precise curtsy.
Jenda says 'An esteemed visitor. '

Callesa says 'Good evening, Sisters.'

Jenda greets Callesa with a light kiss on her cheek.

Callesa says 'And to you, students'

Eldrenia gestures at the door with her hand.

The door silently swings shut and lock with a soft *click*.
Jenda gestures at the door with her hand.

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

Eldrenia clambers to her feet.

Jenda nods to Tolza to continue.

Eldrenia greets Callesa with a light kiss on her cheek.
Callesa beams a smile at Jenda.

Eldrenia sits down on a stout oaken chair.

Callesa beams a smile at Eldrenia.

Callesa looks at Jenda.

Elghin curtseys awkwardly toward Callesa.

Tolza says 'I do not.'

Jenda says 'as a courtesy, Accepted.. do give a run down to the Brown Sister. '

Jenda grins at Tolza.

Jenda says 'Work on that. '

Tolza says 'Yes of course.'

Eldrenia narrates 'Verne do your studies have you occupied?'

Verne narrates 'not occupied enough to neglect an Aes Sedai, I can continue them another time'

Tolza says 'We are having a discussion on willpower'

Someone knocks on the door from the other side.

Jenda laughs softly.

Jenda gestures with her hand.

Eldrenia narrates 'If you are free, come join us in the Solarium. I believe you would benefit from
this talk.'

Jenda says 'Seems we have a party. '

The door smoothly swings open.

Verne has arrived from the north.

Verne curtseys gracefully.

Verne closes the door.

Jenda gestures at the door with her hand.

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

Verne smiles happily.

Eldrenia narrates 'Annabelle you as well if you are not busy.'

Jenda beams a smile at Verne.

Tolza says 'How it can serve to ignore discomfort of emotional and physical kinds to accomplish
objectives.'

Jenda nods at Tolza.

Callesa nods slowly

Jenda says 'Some examples being? '

Callesa says 'Indeed. A worthy subject of discussion.'

Annabelle narrates 'on my way Eldrenia Sedai.'

Tolza says 'As well as the opposite effect '

Jenda nods at Tolza.
Jenda winks suggestively at Elghin.

Eldrenia tries to open the door, but can't.

Eldrenia gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.
Jenda gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Annabelle has arrived from the north.

Jenda beams a smile at Annabelle.

Annabelle curtseys gracefully.

Eldrenia gestures at the door with her hand.

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

Eldrenia says 'Okay, one more time Tolza to get everyone on the same page.'

Elghin moves aside as a measure of courtesy to give the other standing newcomers their own personal
bubble of space.

Tolza says 'We are having a discussion on willpower'

Tolza says 'How it can serve to ignore discomfort of emotional and physical kinds to accomplish
objectives.'

Tolza says 'As well as the opposite effect '

Eldrenia says 'Why is this important to one who can channel?'

Tolza says 'I.E. misdirect a will can be a barrier to your goal'

Elghin mutters something in response to Eldrenia's question.

Tolza looks at Elghin.

Eldrenia says 'Speak up child.'

Callesa smiles slightly, observing the crowd of Accepteds

Eldrenia folds her arms across her lap and looks directly at Elghin.

Elghin says 'Because willpower is knowing what *is* possible and pushing within those boundaries,
while arrogance is assuming *anything* is possible.'

Callesa observes Elghin carefully, while she answers.

Callesa says 'And where would pushing one's boundaries fall, child?'

Jenda says 'Indeed. And the willpower to do what is *right* at all costs is what we develop here. We
go beyond our own personal objectives. Beyond Ajah and Nation and State.. for the long term. This is
why Novices listen and learn and Accepted practice and develop. '

Eldrenia says 'Interesting perspective. Does anyone have a counter argument?'

Verne raises her hand to answer Callesa Sedai's question unless it is directed specifically to

Callesa nods at Verne.

Jenda winks suggestively at Elghin.

Jenda whispers something to Eldrenia.

Verne says 'Pushing one's boundaries would fall under expanding what you know to be possible, so that
you can do more with your will rather than act blindly in arrogance'

Jenda whispers something to Eldrenia.

Eldrenia whispers something to Jenda.

Elghin blinks and starts bouncing on the balls of her feet uncomfortably.

Callesa nods in agreement.

Jenda nods at Verne.

Jenda says 'Wise. '

Annabelle nods in agreement.

Verne says 'some things may be possible, but if you do now have the knowledge that it IS possible
than you are acting in arrogance, and but if you have tested then you are exercising will even with
the same action'

Jenda looks pointedly at the aiel girl, "and that is why you girls are here.. to learn from those
have lived centuries and politics with kings and queens."

Eldrenia says 'Are you not just falling to your own bias' on assuming what can and cannot be
possible?'

Jenda says 'There are times when Will is necessary to.. stand down. and to appear humble. '

Jenda says 'Not to *bow* down but rather to use the arrogance of another for the benefit of the
world. perhaps. Can someone find an example? '

Callesa says 'Yes, staying within the boundaries, whether self imposed or external, is often not
sufficient. But knowing when to push them, and when to not run against the wall, that is art learnt
our whole lives.'

Jenda nods at Callesa.

Jenda gestures, offering Callesa her choice from the Yellow teapots and Yellow cups.

Callesa thanks Jenda heartily.

Jenda beams a smile at Callesa.

Callesa takes one of the cups and pours herself warm tea

Jenda says 'My query remains unanswered. '

Callesa says 'You may pick either a contemporary, or historical example girls. There are plenty.'
Verne says 'apologies, I was trying to keep up with the different lines of conversation while still
thinking of an answer'

Verne thinks hard.

Elghin clears her throat. "Likewise."

Callesa sips her tea, warming her hands with the cup

Jenda says 'Or even an event in your own lives. '

Tolza says 'Will and boundaries'

Verne says 'ah I have an answer, it actually involved Eldrenia Sedai'

Callesa arches an eyebrow.

Eldrenia looks around slowly, as if something is hidden in the room.

Jenda says 'When can you use Willpower to stay your own pride. to bend the will of another using his
or her arrogance against them. '

Verne says 'it was when Faiz (then not widely known as a darkfriend) had been trying to enter
baerlon, and Eldrenia Sedai did not want to let him into the city'

Jenda narrows her tilted brown eyes in thought.

Eldrenia's face seems to darken at the name of a darkfriend.

Elghin says 'This... Lesson is an example.'

Jenda nods at Elghin.

Verne says 'afterwards when questioned, she did not go off on him and tarnish relations with the
Rising Sun, but held everything in check until the matter exposed itself'

Elghin turns her gaze toward Jenda and Eldrenia. "You use your will to turn my arrogance into
something useful."

Jenda grins at Elghin.

Callesa laughs quietly

Elghin bounces on her feet a little more uncomfortably, clearly not enjoying being the example of
this particular lesson.

Verne says 'she did not pander to him either, but neither did she use arrogance and escalate the
matter into the political sphere'

Callesa nods at Verne.

Jenda says 'Yes Verne. That is right. Eldlrenia *could* have ended her right then but chose to
refrain. using Willpower. to do the right thing for *all*. '

Jenda turns to Eldrenia with an amused arc to her brow.

Eldrenia says 'That situation developed into a political incident with the Queen's Guard.'

Eldrenia says 'But again I held my tongue and let Faiz...'

Eldrenia spits over her shoulder.

Eldrenia says 'Talk himself into seeming a fool.'

Jenda says 'Another example would involve some Accepted accidentally drowning some Thiefbane. And
how she handled it so well. '

Verne says 'that he did'

Verne grins evilly.

Tolza stifled a vexed sound.

Jenda winks at Tolza.

Jenda says 'Would she like to share? '

Verne comforts Tolza.

Eldrenia looks towards Tolza.

Tolza says 'Oh yes I have a good example to share.'

Annabelle says 'I can use my self as a example of arrogance I have had a lot of moment with that
which has cost me alot.'

Eldrenia glances at Elghin, fix me a cup of tea child.

Tolza says 'A historical example is Beidomon creating the bore. Now be that his will to access a
new source of the Power, or pride..... '

Jenda says 'After Tolza, Annabelle. if you would. '

Jenda beams a smile at Annabelle.

Callesa says 'That is an interesting perspective, Annabelle. It takes courage to admit one's
mistakes.'

Annabelle says 'I have been here a long time but my arrogance has gotten in the way a few times.'

Callesa nods at Annabelle.

Callesa says 'Through will, we improve.'

Jenda says 'How so, Annabelle? '

Jenda nods at Callesa.

Annabelle says 'sometimes thinking I was better then some and really I should have just watched and
learned.'

Jenda says 'I suffered from this affliction myself, dear. '

Jenda pulls the high collar of her gown to the side, revealing twisted marks, 'And have the scars to
prove it."

Jenda says 'Self preservation in the face of our own arrogance and power.. that takes Will and
thoughtfulness. '


Callesa says 'Telling those two apart can indeed be tricky.'

Jenda nods at Callesa.

Callesa says 'It's important to keep the fragile balance between relying on your own experience and
common sense, and receiving feedback.'

Callesa says 'I would like to use Tolza's example, as it is a historical one.'

Jenda says 'Quite so... consider the experience of those who have come before you. But do not rely
on it in place of your own Will and Instinct. '

Callesa says 'Sometimes, it is hard to judge whether an action is based on arrogance or will and
good intentions.'

Callesa says 'Based on the sources available, it is very hard to judge, whether the creator of the
Bore really intended to cause such a tragedy.'

Jenda nods again at the Brown Aes Sedai. 'The Browns are so very careful... it has served them
well."

Jenda grins at Callesa.

Annabelle nods in agreement.

Elghin furrows her brow, recalling something.

Callesa says 'From his point of view, he was probably exercising his willpower, to bring something
wonderful to the world. But we cannot exclude that he was just arrogant and wanted to prove himself
and others something too much.'

Verne says 'to set your pride aside so that you can compare your previous perspective and new input
without bias and decide which is the the proper course of thinking'

Jenda says 'it does take willpower and self reflection, verne. quite so. '

Jenda sips from the cup.

Jenda licks her mouth and smiles.

Eldrenia says 'I think this is a poor example.'

Jenda tilts her head in question.

Eldrenia says 'We are using hindsight to judge that his actions were arrogant.'

Callesa says 'That's why I insist that any such judgement is very hard, we simply don't have enough
resources. It is impossible to be sure.'

Eldrenia says 'But based on the conversation we can determine that he was successful and he achieved
his goal. '

Callesa says 'We cannot exclude either option.'

Jenda says 'In the moment it would simply be his Will to do what he considered right for his
objective.. against yours of the same. '

Jenda nods at Eldrenia.

Callesa says 'Was he, Sister? Are we sure what the goal was?'

Jenda says 'He had a goal. whatever it may have been. that he was set on. otherwise he would not
have gone through such measures. '

Eldrenia says 'I am going off the assumption that the bore was drilled for a new source of power,
which was found.'



Callesa says 'Lack of reliable resources is an everyday source of frustration for a Brown. '

Eldrenia chuckles politely.

Jenda says 'Do you think that he did not have the willpower to go through with actions he saw as
right to achieve the goal he set out for? That was my point. '

Callesa nods at Jenda.

Eldrenia says 'There is never a 100% chance of knowing someone's goal, let alone someone that
lived 3000 years ago.'

Callesa says 'Indeed, Sister. That much we can surely agree on.'

Callesa nods at Eldrenia.

Tolza ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Jenda says 'Of course it could have a chance that he willy nilly opened the bore. '

Callesa says 'No matter how much I'd love that.'

Jenda laughs softly.

Tolza says 'I suppose the take away from Beidom's folly is that the will of an Aes Sedai can cause
great destruction as well as great wonders. '

Elghin raises a hand.

Callesa nods at Tolza.

Callesa says 'Which is one of the reasons why we don't just hand out Shawls the first day people
arrive here.'

Callesa smiles slightly.

Callesa says 'yes, Elghin?'

Jenda comments with a smirk, ' it's gotten easier.'


Elghin says 'Maybe it was arrogance that led him to believe the Bore was necessary, even if it was
willpower that allowed it to be opened?'

Elghin says 'Who says it couldn't be both?'

Verne says 'and that no matter what the intentions were, exercising your will without through
knowledge of what will happen can be very dangerous'

Jenda says 'You both have very good points. '

Verne says 'thorough*'

Tolza nods at Verne.

Callesa says 'Yet, we have no other option, Verne. We cannot predict the future.'

Jenda says 'The fact remains that, aside from the madness in the Breaking, you can move mountains with
enough leverage through Willpower. whatever your motives may be. '

Callesa says 'And those trying to base their decisions on Foretelling and Prophecies are not choosing
an easier path at all. Or clearer.'

Callesa nods at Jenda.

Jenda says 'Esoterics aside.. the motives may be an Illianer general's grudge with Tear. But the
Grey Ajah's will must be firm and greater. '

Jenda says 'For example. .'

Callesa nods at Jenda.

Jenda says 'I would task you all with, when you go to bed... a staring contest. '

Jenda says 'Send records. '

Callesa sips her tea

Verne says 'we cannot predict the future, but we can study a matter, and learn it fully before we
make lasting changes, if you gather information through studying and experiments, to understand a
subject more than you will be better equipped to surmise what the actions will result in'

Elghin arches a brow.

Jenda nods at Verne.

Jenda says 'Very good Verne. '

Callesa says 'Absolutely, Verne. History teaches us a lot about the possibilities and logical
consequences. Yet, it is still far from knowing the future. At some point, you take all the
information, and take some risk.'

Jenda grins over at Eldrenia, ' I think this Yellow room has darkened to a bit of Brown'

Callesa says 'Oh, we have the numbers, Sister.'

Callesa smiles at the Brown Apprentices.

Eldrenia grins back at Jenda, "We might need to reconsider renaming the Tower itself, but a mix of Brown
and Yellow doesn’t create a pretty color often."

Verne says 'for instance if i see a box on the ground, and I want to know what will happen if i
launch a fireball at it, I can test this through firing off a fireball quickly, or i can open the box,
determine what is inside, use information about the contents and come up with a conclusion on what will
happen based on if it is filled with horseshoes, or illuminators fireworks'

Jenda laughs softly.

Callesa says 'Eldrenia, don't you think there have been enough reconstructions and redecorations in the
recent years? Let the ogier rest a bit.'

Eldrenia says 'But what if you cannot open the box?'

Jenda says 'Move the box to a place where it is safe. '

Callesa says 'Until you can, the object inside is both horseshoes and fireworks.'

Callesa says 'I remember reading works of Sister Schrodinger from the White Ajah about similar
thought experiments'

Jenda rolls her eyes...sheesh!..

Verne says 'then i can test things first by lifting it, by delving, by seeing how it responds to
blasts of air, by smelling it, and anything i can from the outside that will give me clues'

Jenda says 'Silly woman. '

Eldrenia says 'This is the danger of study and advancement. How many Sisters have we lost due to their
study on things they could not test?'

Jenda glares at Verne.

Eldrenia chuckles politely.

Jenda says 'That is not how Delving works, child. '

Eldrenia says 'Clever, but your weaves fail, the box cannot be moved and the lilies are in season and
cannot smell anything of worth.'

Verne says 'ah, i've never been good with healing'

Callesa nods in agreement.

Jenda says 'Lift the box's platform with Earth and move it, of course. '

Verne says 'then i probably wouldn't risk blasting it with fire unless i had a very good reason to'

Verne says 'since with the tools i have now, i can't determine safely what is inside'

Callesa says 'Well, the Whites' thought experiments are at least less dangerous...'

Eldrenia says 'If you blast it with fire, you may save the world, you may kill a city, or you may
burn yourself out.'

Eldrenia says 'What do you do?'

Verne says 'but i can catalogue it for later so that if new methods arise than we can return for
further study'

Jenda says 'Any White within a hand of explosives would be cause for alarm. '

Elghin furrows her brow. "Why consider burning a box if it isn't your own?"

Jenda laughs softly.

Eldrenia sighs loudly.

Jenda says 'Are we talking Ethics now, Elghin? '

Eldrenia says 'Have we not been this whole time?'

Callesa laughs quietly and mutters "such a Brown Answer"

Callesa beams a smile at Verne.

Tolza says 'A paradox of quantum superposition?'

Verne says 'in that situation id save the box until the world needed saving, and use it as a last
resort'

Jenda says 'Not me, Sister. I am confident in my own morality. '

Jenda grins impishly at Eldrenia.

Elghin says 'If it isn't your box, you can't know what's inside. If you know whose box it is, you know
what's likely to *be* inside. If you know the owner, you know whether the box *might* be
dangerous."'

Verne says 'at which point if the world needs saving there's not much to lose if it goes wrong'

Eldrenia nods in agreement.

Callesa says 'A fascinating perspective, Elghin'

Jenda says 'All injured can theoretically be Healed, even from Death. In theory! so blow the box up.

Verne explodes with whistles and cheers.

Jenda grins mischievously.

Eldrenia rolls her eyes...sheesh!..

Callesa says 'A surprising solution.'

Eldrenia says 'Not if you knew her better.'

Jenda opens her arms to the side with a theatrical bow.

Callesa says 'Elghin proposes an alternative. To care only about our boxes, or those presented to us.
Not to poke into unknown boxes.'

Jenda says 'I know a Warder or two with the same perspective. '

Elghin frowns. Was that what she said?

Eldrenia says 'That she did. A very un- Aes Sedai way to look at the world.'

Callesa says 'That is a rational attitude in some situations. However, the world needs the Tower to
deal with the boxes they don't give us, hide from us, or forgot about'

Eldrenia says 'But you are correct, sometimes just leaving the *box* alone is the solution to the
problem.'

Eldrenia says 'This is where Wisdom must be used to balance Will.'

Jenda says 'I still say that we can smash the box within two rocks and deal with the aftermath. '

Annabelle snickers softly.

Jenda says 'It is a matter of triage and collateral response. '

Callesa says 'You sure you haven't taken a wrong Shawl from the laundry today, Sister?'

Callesa grins at Jenda.

Jenda says 'Yellow Ajah is the only Ajah ... '

Jenda says 'For me. '

Jenda grins impishly at Callesa.

Elghin says 'The thread follows if you know a situation well enough to know whether a box is being
hidden... There are examples in the Three-Fold Lands.'

Jenda tilts her head in question.

Jenda says 'Do tell'

Tolza disappears into the void.

Tolza has returned.

Elghin furrows her brow. "How many of you know about the fifth?"

Elghin peers around the faces in the room.

Eldrenia says 'Explain child.'

Verne says 'i had a fifth last night, gave me quite the headache this morning'

Eldrenia frowns.

Eldrenia says 'Accepted should not be drinking.'

Jenda says 'The fifth refers to the .. spoils of war no? that you take from the Cairhien'

Jenda grins at Verne.

Callesa nods in agreement.

Verne says 'in a dream'

***Log snipped because of a mass teleportation incident. Callesa ended up having to duck out before we
could get back on track.***

Eldrenia narrates 'Sleep well, sister.'

Verne narrates 'good night Aes Sedai, thank you for your time'

Elghin clears her throat. "Where was I before... *That* what happened?"

Jenda narrates 'g'night Sister'

Jenda laughs softly.

Annabelle has arrived from the north.

Callesa narrates 'good night. It was really fun, thank you all'

Eldrenia gestures at the door with her hand.

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

Elghin narrates 'Sleep well and wake.'

Jenda narrates 'we will '

Jenda narrows her tilted brown eyes in thought.

Annabelle says 'that was very interesting.'

Jenda says 'I think we were talking about uhm. your time in the Waste. '

Jenda nods at Annabelle.

Elghin says 'The Fifth.'

Elghin nods in agreement.

Elghin senses Jenda connecting to the True Source.

Elghin senses Jenda is channeling saidar.

Jenda leans closer to Eldrenia, who now appears to be feeling better.

Tolza checks under the desk and chairs for a Verne's box.

Jenda arches an eyebrow.

Eldrenia looks around slowly, as if something is hidden in the room.

Tolza nods in agreement.

Eldrenia swats at the air trying to hit Vampa

Jenda looks around slowly, as if something is hidden in the room.

fifth of the wealth as spoils.
Elghin says 'When Aiel clans raid one another or... In the case of Cairhien, the victors are entitled to
a fifth of the wealth as spoils.'

Jenda says 'Ah the fifth! '

Jenda nods slowly.

Jenda says 'And what do we think about this? '

Elghin says 'Wealth can't be established unless the clans know what wealth is available, so raiding
clans take an inventory before the fifth can be taken. The same can be true of your... Box.
Establishing who has how many boxes of what, determining value or danger, and... Taking it or
leaving it. Or in this case, destroying it or sparing it.'

Jenda grins at Elghin.

Someone knocks on the door from the other side.

Jenda says 'I appreciate this way of thinking. '

Jenda gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Kathala has arrived from the north.

Kathala's face gains a chin as she smiles.

Jenda greets Kathala with a light kiss on her cheek.

Kathala says 'Greetings.'

Jenda gestures at the door with her hand.

Annabelle curtseys before Kathala.

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

Elghin shrugs. "Aiel like to fight. We're savage thinkers, not savages.

Tolza spread her dress with colored bands, in a precise curtsy.

Jenda says 'You take triage.. or scouting as it were.. to learn about what is ahead of you. '

Jenda nods at Elghin.

Elghin curtseys awkwardly toward Kathala.

Jenda says 'I appreciate that'

Kathala moves towards the window and sits down in a comfortable chair.