What One Wears

[Mariah]

During Chloro Sedai's class, several Aes Sedai call attention to the newly inducted Novice, Hypatia, wearing the insectoid helmet of a Seanchan invader. Unsure what offense she made, Novice Hypatia accepts the criticism and later a lesson from Accepted Mariah on why the Aes Sedai reacted the way they did. They covered the relevant section of the Novice Handbook, which the Novice had not yet been given a copy. Novice Tigiria, ever ready to learn more in this new world that is the White Tower, came along and provided reinforcement and support to her fellow Novice.

For context, this is broken up into three parts. The first two parts are the beginning and end of the class, where the concern for Novice Hypatia's equipment was brought up. These participants will be covered in Chloro Sedai's class log. The third part is Accepted Mariah's lesson with the Novices.

Point of view: Mariah
Main characters: Mariah, Hypatia, Tigiria

-------------------------

In the Classroom
A board of black slate hangs on the wall near the door, suggesting this
room is used as a classroom. The room is plain and windowless and has
enough place to seat thirty students. A dais with a desk sits at the front
of the room, where the Aes Sedai or Accepted teaching the class can sit.
[ obvious exits: W ] [ W: door ]
Lady Relena ni Arbela is standing here.
Jenda Sharaad is standing here.
Tigiria al'Raln, Wearied Novice is standing here.
Hypatia the Fledgling Novice is standing here.
Lady Raeza Dovoros is standing here.
Chloro Avroni, the Elder Sister is standing here.
A haughty young woman strides by practicing Aes Sedai serenity.

Jenda looks at Hypatia.


Relena nods, bells jingling.

Jenda combs her hair, what a dashing specimen!

Raeza sits down.

Relena beams a radiant smile at you.

Hypatia looks around the room, wide-eyed.

Relena sits down.

Chloro says 'Sisters while we wait. This is our newest charge Hypatia.'

Relena looks at Hypatia.

A haughty young woman sighs and erases the blackboard from the last class ( Mariah )

Relena arches an eyebrow.

Jenda turns her tilted eyes towards the novice.

Relena says 'Interesting attire, child.'

Tigiria looks at Hypatia.

Tigiria whispers something to Hypatia.

Jenda says 'That helmet.'

Tigiria says 'It looks like a beetle.'

Jenda says 'That is the attire of those tho chain our kind. and subject them to slavery.'

Jenda says 'That is a symbol of abomination. '

Jenda sniffs and smooths her hair.

Hypatia says 'I apologise. I have yet to change clothes since I arrived.'

Raeza looks at Hypatia.

Hypatia stops using a strange, insectoid helm.

Jenda says 'You should not have those ' clothes'. '

Chloro says 'Mariah, after class please Assist Hypatia with changing.'

Mariah says 'As you wish, Aes Sedai.'

Hypatia says 'My mother is a bit of a mother hen - thinking I needed all this armor to travel from Alindaer'

Raeza examines Hypatia with an odd expression.

Jenda says 'We will have a lesson later, Novice... on clothing and fashion and what it means to wear what you *choose* to wear.'

Relena gives a thick helmet of supple leather to Hypatia.

-----------------------

In the Classroom
A board of black slate hangs on the wall near the door, suggesting this
room is used as a classroom. The room is plain and windowless and has
enough place to seat thirty students. A dais with a desk sits at the front
of the room, where the Aes Sedai or Accepted teaching the class can sit.
[ obvious exits: W ] [ W: door ]
A Tower guard is here protecting the peace.
Lady Relena ni Arbela is standing here.
Jenda Sharaad is standing here.
Tigiria al'Raln, Wearied Novice is standing here.
Hypatia the Fledgling Novice is sitting here.
Lady Raeza Dovoros is standing here.
Chloro Avroni, the Elder Sister is standing here.
A haughty young woman strides by practicing Aes Sedai serenity.

Jenda says 'I might find time to teach a class on attire and intentions some time soon. '

A haughty Accepted nods at Hypatia.

Jenda glares at Hypatia.

Mariah beckons Hypatia to follow her.

Chloro says 'We would all benefit from that I think.'

Jenda nods at Chloro.

Relena says 'Yes, I agree'

Jenda says 'Might have a bit of white in me on this one.'

Raeza strokes her immaculate white gown.

Jenda laughs softly.

Jenda says 'Want to collaborate, Raeza?'

Relena says 'Yellow sands of the waste are bleeched white with time.'

Jenda says 'That was beautiful, Relena. '

Raeza says 'Collaborate on dress?'

Relena says 'I have spent too much time with the Sheinarans.'

Chloro says 'Like sands through the hour glass. These are the fashions of our lives.'

Jenda says 'On the theory behind intention of dress! '

Hypatia says 'I do apologise for the Helm, if I have done something wrong.'

Raeza perks up at theory.

Jenda grins at Chloro.

Relena says 'Is no wrong to err and learn, Hypatia'

Hypatia says 'my I turn it into the storage or somewhere, as I have no urther need of it.'

Raeza says 'That sounds much more interesting than just... dress.'

Mariah says 'Come with me, and I will cover the portions of the Handbook that teaches that.'

Raeza offers a slight smile.

Tigiria says 'Those helms are fancied by the Seanchan, friend. They are strange people who do not pay performers well.'

Jenda says 'After all whether we choose to wear certain items or refrain from choosing it is all a choice isn't it. and chose who we want to present to the world. '

Tigiria says 'Also they keep women on leashes.'

Jenda says 'Those worn out boots... they send a message. '

Raeza says 'Yes, I suppose dress can be as much a message as what we speak.'

Mariah curtseys to her audience.

Chloro says 'Mariah Perhaps a lesson on Damane is in order while you change?'

Jenda nods at Raeza.

Tigiria looks down at her boots.

Jenda says 'I would love to chat with you about it and perhaps we can arrange a class together. '

Raeza nods in agreement.

Chloro motions for Hypatia to follow Mariah.

Raeza says 'Yes, that sounds a good idea.'

Jenda says 'of course it is sister. '

Hypatia looks at Tigiria.

Jenda says 'I'll be in touch. '

Raeza nods in agreement.

Tigiria nudges Hypatia towards Mariah.


Hypatia says 'Thank you Aes Sedai'

Tigiria says 'That's her, I'm Tigiria'

Chloro says 'Hypatia follow Accepted Mariah please.'

Hypatia starts following Mariah.

Tigiria says 'Nice to meet you.'

Chloro nods in agreement.

Hypatia says 'Yes Aes Sedai'

Mariah says 'Novice Tigiria, you are welcome to listen. It won't be a lecture like this, no need to take written notes.'

Hypatia says 'nice to meet you'

Hypatia is now a member of your group.

Tigiria says 'I cannot write yet, Accepted, so this makes me glad.'

Tigiria starts following Mariah.

Mariah says 'Chloro Sedai, may we use the Meeting Room of the Gray Ajah?'

Tigiria is now a member of your group.

As you watch Draz seems to melt into the background, vanishing.

Hypatia says 'do we all learn to write in the twer?'

Chloro says 'You may.'

Mariah says 'If you do not know how to write, you are instucted those as rudimentary lessons.'

Mariah says 'Typically from the clerks and scribes of the Tower.'

Tigiria says 'Elmitsu and Lexiane are teaching me, you'll meet them soon!'

Tigiria says 'They're my friends.'

Chloro says 'Off you go girls '

Hypatia looks confused. "So much to learn."

Mariah says 'We'll be on our way, I'll try not to keep you from your studies long.'

-----------------------------------------------------



Meeting Room of the Gray Ajah
Large, leaded glass windows surround the room on all sides, save the
southern where a large doorway leads out into a antechamber. The room
itself is dominated by a large wooden table around which sits at least
fifty matching chairs, something close to a record for the White Tower. In
the middle of the table are an assortment of unused parchments, quill pens
and stoppered ink jars. A small stand off to one side of the room holds a
large number of glass cups and a large pitcher of chilled water. An
inscription in fine lettering is etched upon the windows.
[ obvious exits: E ] [ E: door ]
A chair made of red oak rests next to the table. [4]
A large round table built from black oak dominates the center of the room.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Gray Sister walks here, considering her options.
Annoura Larisen is here, weighing your words.
Tigiria has arrived from the east.
Hypatia has arrived from the east.

close carveddoor

Hypatia curtseys before a silver-haired Aes Sedai.

Mariah says 'Welcome to the Meeting Room of the Gray Ajah, in case you have not had a reason to be here yet.'

Mariah says 'Here, have a seat. We'll all sit on this side of the desk.'

Hypatia says 'Are you training to be a Gray sister?'

Tigiria says 'That chair may have my impression upon it permanently, now.'

Tigiria sits in said chair.

Mariah gestures to a chair on each side of her.

Hypatia sits down on a stout oaken chair.

Hypatia stops using a water skin.

Hypatia drinks water from a water skin.

Hypatia drinks water from a water skin.

Hypatia puts a water skin on her belt.

Mariah says 'I am. Nevirha Sedai of the Gray Ajah is my mentor. That is a formal program where a Sister of the Ajah you petition to train with takes you under their wing.'

Mariah says 'I hear you just joined us, Novice Hypatia? Welcome to the Tower. If you have any questions please reach out to an Accepted. We are here to help guide you.'

Mariah says 'You have been given a copy of the Tower Handbook by now, I trust?'

Hypatia says 'I will. there is so much to learn. All these years I lived just miles from the gates, but never knew what happened inside the Tower.'

Mariah glances over at Tigiria, checking on how she is doing.

Hypatia says 'OOC i have to set up login to the forums I guess?'

Tigiria looks up at Mariah and nods.

Mariah gets a book out of her pack.

Mariah says '(one second, please).'

Mariah opens the book, nods, and puts it back.

Hypatia says 'I just set up discord.'

Mariah says '(Yes, you'll need to get a forum account to see it. Any character on the mud with a forum account can view the White Tower Initiate forum)'

Mariah says 'That is a wonderful place to stay connected.'

Mariah says 'Until you get a copy of the Novice Handbook, I need to cover a few of the passages that came to light in the classroom.'

Mariah gives Hypatia a reassuring look.

Mariah says 'Don't worry, you'll learn and not make the same mistake again. That is all we ask, that you learn.'

Hypatia says 'thank you'

Mariah says 'One of our rules is not to wear the equipment of other clans, or the equipment of our enemies, the Seanchan invaders or the Dark Side.'

Mariah says 'In your case, the helm is that of the Seanchan invaders. Who, if successful, would see each of us Initiates and Aes Sedai controlled by one of their vile leashes.'

Hypatia says 'that would be terrifying.'

Hypatia says 'that makes sense I guess. That seeing the Helm might make people think of such a horrible fate.'

Tigiria nods in agreement.

Tigiria says 'I think that some of the people here may have escaped from occupied lands, too.'

Mariah says 'Some of the women here have intimate experience with those invaders and captors, so a visible token of theirs in the safety of the White Tower can cause some concern.'

Mariah pats Novice Tigiria's shoulder, indicating she is right.

Hypatia says 'there are escaped damane here?'

Tigiria says 'We don't call people that here.'

Mariah nods solemnly to Novice Hypatia.

Tigiria says 'They are initiates, now.'

Hypatia says 'people who have escaped their leashes?'

Hypatia says 'that is wonderful'

Hypatia says 'how do we say it, so as not to offend?'

Tigiria says 'I think we just call people by their titles?'

Mariah says 'You may not know all of the equipment that follows under that law. It might make a nice research project for an Aspiring Accepted. But the important part with any of our rules is to be receptive of learning and fixing.'

Hypatia nods in agreement.

Tigiria says 'Oh, they told me that our pasts do not matter as much here, so we just leave it be and look ahead.'

Tigiria nods to herself.

Hypatia clambers to her feet.

Hypatia shows a strange, insectoid helm to Tigiria.

Hypatia shows a strange, insectoid helm to you.
It is a strange, insectoid helm.
It is in pristine condition.

Tigiria says 'It is a very pretty helmet. I bet the person who wore it before you died before losing it.'

Hypatia says 'I guess that you cant see someone's face under this too...'

Mariah says 'So, if someone mentions you are wearing something you shouldn't, tell them thank you and that you were not aware. Just take it off if it is safe to do so.'

Hypatia says 'do the Seanchan look different to us?'

Hypatia says 'I will take any advice thank you'

Mariah says 'There are records in the Library, I recommend you read up on their culture when you have time away from your chores.'

Tigiria says 'I mean they look like people? They don't have an extra head or arms or anything.'

Hypatia says 'which I guess is good for those who are now initiates. But what if they send spies to Tar Valon?'

Mariah continues And they don't look like trollocs. But their skin color is darker, and their facial structure a little different.

Hypatia giggles at Tigiria's description.

Tigiria says 'They also talk like this!'

Hypatia nods in agreement.

Tigiria drawls in an impression of a Seanchan.

Hypatia chuckles politely.

Tigiria says 'So you'd know them if they opened their mouth!'

Mariah says 'As any Gaidin will tell you in the Practice Yard, be ever vigilant.'

Tigiria says 'Also they pay performers badly, so if you were to perform an act before them they wouldn't give you any money.'

Hypatia says 'That does sound funny.'

Mariah tilts her head at Tigiria's antics.

Hypatia says 'there are other people who pay badly.'

Tigiria says 'That's true you're right.'

Hypatia says 'or are just poor.'

Hypatia says 'but I will keep an eye out.'

Tigiria says 'But if you saw their cities you wouldn't think they were so cheap.'

Tigiria says 'Falme is so clean.'

Hypatia makes as if to peer furtively around the room into tevery nook and cranny.

Mariah says 'Your have been to Falme before, Novice?'

Tigiria nods excitedly.

Tigiria says 'I traveled with a caravan of performers, Accepted.'

Tigiria says 'We went all over the place.'

Hypatia says 'oh my! you were a performer? you got to see the world?'

Tigiria holds her hands up.

Mariah puts a finger in the air, as if popping a bubble.

Tigiria says 'It's not all that you'd think.'

Mariah says 'That is how you would know of their tipping habits.'

Hypatia says 'please tell me Accepted Mariah. Do the Gray Ajah do much travelling, or are they stationed in one kingdom?'

Tigiria nods in agreement.

Mariah says 'My understanding is that there are tours of duty as an Official Ambassador where you go where the Leige goes. But many Gray Sisters are not tied to a throne, and there are many ways to influence a Nation.'

Mariah have gained 1 quest points since your last score command.

Hypatia says 'I havent ever been to another kingdom. or further than Alindaer is from Tar Valon.'

Mariah says 'You still won't have the chance, until you become Accepted. Or an Aes Sedai takes you on field.'

Hypatia looks wistfully at Tigiria. It must have been extraordinary.

Hypatia nods in agreement.

Mariah says 'You must have seen many Kandori Merchants, with their coach being in the heart of your village.'

Hypatia says 'I was told that on joining... I wanted to join the Tower to see the world but I must stay here to learn until it is safe.'

Hypatia says 'I have seen many travellers, and I spoke to any merchants that I could, but I want to see what they describe.'

Mariah says 'It is very prudent that way. And, you'll learn how to write so you can experience the world all the fuller.'

Mariah glances at the Novices, gauging how weary they looked.

Tigiria smiles happily.

Hypatia says 'I would like to learn to read too. Do they teach that as well as writing?'

Tigiria brightens a little.

Mariah says 'They most certainly will'

Tigiria says 'We can help you read a little.'

Tigiria says 'I am learning too.'

Hypatia hugs Tigiria.

Mariah says 'I know you've had a long day, and I do not wish to keep you too long.'

Mariah says 'Do you think you learned the lesson I was giving you about the dress code, Novice Hypatia?'

Hypatia says 'I have, and I will go and get a copy of the handbook immediately.'

Tigiria nods in agreement.

Hypatia says 'though I will have to get someone to read it to me.'

A beam of light comes through the window being tinted different colors as it hits the largewoodendesk( Mariah )

Tigiria says 'I am sorry, Accepted Mariah. I have had a very long day and am a bit weary.'

Mariah snaps her fingers.

Mariah mutters about still being too wordy.

Mariah says 'Of course, I will drop you off at the Well if neither of you have any other questions?'

Tigiria nods in agreement.

Tigiria says 'I would like to hear more next time.'

Hypatia says 'a thousand, but none that I should ask now.'

Mariah says 'I would be happy to assist.'

Hypatia curtseys before Mariah.

[Mariah Guides the two Novices to the Well]

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.
[ obvious exits: E W ]
Kennira, Caretaker of Novices tends to the boarding of her young charges.
Tigiria has arrived from the east.
Hypatia has arrived from the east.

The chamberdoor closes quietly.

Tigiria stops following Mariah.
Hypatia stops following Mariah.
Mariah have disbanded the group.

Tigiria says 'Let me show you your bunk, Hypatia.'

Mariah says 'It was a pleasure to meet you both. Please do not hesitate to reach out when you see me, or on the Discord.'

Tigiria points out an empty bunk on the north wall.

Tigiria says 'Nice to meet you too Accepted.'

Hypatia says 'thank you. And vry nice to meet you Accepted.'

A novice has arrived from the west.

Hypatia says 'thank you Tigiria.'

Mariah walks over to a chair in the common space, and gets lost in writing in her notebook.

Hypatia says 'is this my bunk while I am an accepted?'

Tigiria says 'I think so, we stay here with them.'

Tigiria lays on her bunk and flips open a book, tracing the text with her finger.

Hypatia nods in agreement.

Hypatia says 'I think I should finally unpack and have some rest too. Thank you too for being so friendly.'

A novice leaves west.

Hypatia stops using a water skin.

Hypatia drinks water from a water skin.

Hypatia drinks water from a water skin.

Hypatia puts a water skin on her belt.

Hypatia says 'exit'

A novice has arrived from the west.

Hypatia knocks on the chamberdoor.

A novice leaves west.

Hypatia says 'open door please'

Hypatia tries to open the chamberdoor, but can't.

Mariah glances up from her book and tells the Novice to use the door west.

Hypatia leaves west.

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.
[ obvious exits: E W ]
Tigiria al'Raln, Wearied Novice is standing here.
Kennira, Caretaker of Novices tends to the boarding of her young charges.

Hypatia has arrived from the west.

Hypatia chuckles politely.

Lord

Hypatia knuckles her forehead, honoring Mariah.

Mariah mentions off-hand 'No, you have different quarters when you become Accepted.

Mariah smiles happily.

Hypatia says 'thank you'

Hypatia leaves west.


Players
-------
Etain a'Conn
Lady Relena ni Arbela [Green Ajah Sitter]
Elder Zygoat the Ranger of the Woods [Forester Council]
Oreille of Two Rivers
Sarinda the Elder Sister [Red Ajah Sitter]
Saedro of Seandar
Aiyhlo Lium, Sun Captain [Rising Sun Council]
Aramal of Murandy
Kjasic of Murandy
Lord Draz the Gaidin Commander [Gaidin Blademaster]
Mariah the Tower Accepted [White Tower]
Kenob the Stoner
Javonte of Two Rivers
Rikkus of Illian
Elmer Fudd, the Wabbit Hunter
Lady Raeza Dovoros [White Ajah]
Eran E'Garen [Thiefbane]
Hypatia the Fledgling Novice [White Tower]
Ariel of Illian
Chloro Avroni, the Elder Sister [Gray Ajah]
Tigiria al'Raln, Wearied Novice [White Tower]
Cadwell of Illian
Lorrah of the Malkieri Diaspora
Rhuuk of the Malkieri Diaspora

24 players displayed.

[Raeza]

It is good to see Hypatia settling in.

I have awarded Mariah, Tigiria, and Hypatia rpqps. Please visit any silver-haired sister and say 'receive' to receive them.


(Edited to add for transparency/record-keeping:)

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

Total:
Mariah: 5 rpqps
Tigiria: 3 rpqps
Hypatia: 3 rpqps