First Steps on a Journey

A forum to leave your non-sensitive roleplay logs, stories and other roleplay contributions that deal with Tar Valon affairs.
Lexiane
Posts: 23
Joined: Wed Jul 27, 2022 10:40 pm

First Steps on a Journey

Post by Lexiane » Fri Aug 05, 2022 6:22 pm

Summary: New-Accepted Lexiane approaches Raeza Sedai with a plan for her future, but is redirected. Confusion briefly follows

Main characters: Lexiane, Raeza

Rp-lizer and lightly edited

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Hall of Inferences of the White Ajah
The oval room is entirely filled by a single immense table, ornately
carved chairs with white leather cushions placed around it at equidistant
intervals. Behind each chair sits a large blackboard, smeared with chalk
dust accumulated over many years. Slender soaring windows pierce the high
walls, stretching to the distant ceiling. A large arch to the north leads
out of the chamber, heavy wooden doors swinging on cast-iron hinges.
[ obvious exits: N ]
Zone: White Tower Upper Floors
Door north: door
A chair made of red oak rests next to the table. [2]
Lady Raeza Dovoros is standing here.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A White Sister walks by, deep in thought.
Carlinya Sedai stands here, pale of skin and cold of manner as the white fringe on her shawl.

Lexiane says 'Hello, Raeza Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Do you have a moment to speak with me?'

Raeza says 'Good day, child. I do.'

Lexiane runs a hand over her shaved head, clearly a nervous habit.

Lexiane stands up straighter.

Raeza motions towards the chairs.

Raeza says 'Have a seat.'

Raeza sits down on a stout oaken chair.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane moves over to the chairs a bit stiffly.

Lexiane sit down on a stout oaken chair.

Raeza says 'What brings you the White quarters today, Accepted?'

Lexiane says 'I have been enjoying my time as an Accepted, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'As brief as it has been.'

Raeza nods in agreement.

Lexiane says 'The freedom is exhilarating.'

Lexiane blushes.

Raeza says 'I am glad to see that you have made it through the arches.'

Raeza says 'Not that I had any doubts, of course.'

Lexiane frowns at the memory.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'It was... unpleasant.'

Raeza nods slowly.

Lexiane rapidly blinks her large doe eyes several times.

Raeza says 'Yes, it is not meant to be a pleasant experience.'

Lexiane clears her throat.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai. I thought I was prepared for that.'

Raeza says 'Joyful when it is over, after some recovery, but not during.'

Lexiane nods her shaved head.

Lexiane says 'Yes.'

Lexiane says 'Well, I have been enjoying my time as an Accepted.'

Lexiane says 'Though I miss the Mistress of the Kitchens.'

Lexiane smiles ruefully.

Raeza says 'Tell me what you have chosen to do in your first days of controlling your own studies.'

Lexiane nods in agreement.

Raeza sits back in her chair slightly.

Lexiane says 'Well, I spent some time completing tasks for the Ajahs.'

Lexiane says 'I traveled to Cairhien, it was the first time I had seen the topless towers!'

Lexiane is clearly excited about sharing her travels.

Lexiane says 'I went to the Spine of the World as well, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I helped Heal a man there who was injured.'

Raeza nods in agreement.

Lexiane says 'I was not good at it, but it did the trick I think.'

Lexiane says 'Then I visited with a man who was focused on riddles in Caemlyn.'

Lexiane says 'For the White Ajah, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I had never been to Caemlyn, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I am from Andor but had never been to the city.'

Lexiane's face flushes with excitement.

Raeza raises her eyebrows at that, slightly surprised.

Lexiane says 'It was so big! I had assumed it would be smaller than Tar Valon.'

Raeza nods in agreement.

Lexiane says 'But it is very big and almost as beauitful.'

Raeza says 'It is. I was raised in Caemlyn, if you did not know.'

Lexiane says 'Oh, I did not know!'

Lexiane says 'How did you come to the Tower?'

Lexiane says 'I quite liked Caemlyn, it would have been hard to leave.'

Raeza says 'Born in Illian, but moved to Caemlyn as a small child.'

Lexiane says 'Wow that's a long way to go!'

Lexiane says 'I never went much off the farm until I was brought here.'

Raeza says 'My once peaceful childhood became... somewhat erratic shall we say. When I discovered I had the spark, I left for the Tower.'

Lexiane nods her shaved head.

Lexiane says 'Well, nothing erratic happened on the farm. Unless you count whenever the pigs got loose and we had to find them.'

Lexiane says 'Once they were in the chicken coop!'

Lexiane says 'We don't know how they got in, but da had to cut a hole to get them out.'

Lexiane rolls her eyes exaggeratedly.

Raeza chuckles politely.

Lexiane says 'Pigs! Smarter than the Dark One but also dumber than a bag of rocks.'

Lexiane smiles happily, then suddenly brushes a deep crimson.

Lexiane says 'I apologize, Aes Sedai, I did not mean to go on.'

Raeza says 'Do you miss you days at the farm, child?'

Lexiane says 'No, Aes Sedai. I miss my da at times, but I much prefer it here.'

Lexiane says 'That is, I think, what I came to talk to you about, in a way.'

Lexiane runs a hand over her bald head.

Lexiane says 'I have enjoyed my time traveling, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza nods in agreement.

Lexiane says 'And while the world is big and interesting, I still often found myself thinking of the things I do here.'

Lexiane says 'The books I read, the ideas I meditate on.'

Lexiane says 'While I am not interested in abandoning the world and locking myself in a room forever, I do find that I would prefer to spend most of my time here.'

Lexiane says 'In study, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane looks up at Raeza sheepishly.

Lexiane fidgets with her banded dress.

Raeza says 'So you enjoy travel, but you do not enjoy travel too much.'

Raeza offers a slightly amused smile.

Lexiane says in a rush of words, 'I know that I am knew to the dress and ring, Aes Sedai, and I know I have been willful in the past. But I wondered if I might begin an apprenticeship under the White Ajah, Aes Sedai? I promise to study hard, Aes Sedai, and work at it every day, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane snaps her mouth shut with a click and studies Raeza closely.

Raeza shifts in her chair and studies Lexiane intently for a moment.

Lexiane tries to adopt an Aes Sedai's mask of neutrality, but fails miserably.

Raeza says 'Well, I cannot lie and I will not try to mislead you either, child, in saying that I am pleased to hear your interest in the White.'

Lexiane absolutely beams.

Raeza says 'That being said...'

Lexiane wilts a bit, waiting for the but.

Raeza says 'You are only just out of the arches. I bet your banded dress is still stiff to the touch.'

Lexiane blushes furiously.

Raeza makes a motion to feel the dress, but then stops.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai. But I have the merits, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I have done the work, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'And I understand I won't reach the shawl tomorrow, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'But I just think I would rather begin my journey, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'There is no other path for me, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane looks at Raeza pleadingly.

Raeza says 'Merits are only the smallest part of prepares a girl for advancement at this point, Lexiane. We are not known for our impatience in the White.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai. I understand, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I just thought, perhaps if I began focusing now...'

Raeza says 'And while I believe you that you feel that the White is the right path for you, I would not be doing my duty if I did not ask you to take just a bit of time to explore other subjects and other Ajahs a bit before making such a momentous decision.'

Lexiane makes another attempt at putting on the air of Aes Sedai neutrality.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'You are of course right, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza says 'Here in the White quarters, we do not make important decisions on a whim. We spend a lot of time in reflection, working through the options to figure out what is truly optimal.'

Raeza says 'And I would urge you to do the same.'

Raeza sits forward, closer to Lexiane.

Lexiane frowns a bit at the words.

Lexiane says 'I did not make this decision on a whim, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'But I understand if you would rather me go somewhere else, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza says 'But do not take this in any way as hesitation to have you apprenticed to the White in principle, child.'

Lexiane perks up at that.

Raeza frowns slightly.

Lexiane says 'I think I am not quite understanding, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane runs a hand over her bald head.

Lexiane says 'I think I may have heard more than what you said, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane blushes.

Raeza says 'More than what I said?'

Raeza arches an eyebrow.

Lexiane blushes again at the sight of Raeza's eyebrow.

Lexiane says 'Is it not that you wish to reject me, Aes Sedai, but instead that you do not want me to be making a mistake, Aes Sedai?'

Lexiane says 'I have been working on better understanding what people mean when they say things, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I only thought that you were telling me I was not to be apprenticed to the White Ajah, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza says 'It is not that I wish to reject you, and it is also not that I think you are making a mistake. And certainly not that I think you would be better suited elsewhere. So you can rid your mind of those thoughts.'

Lexiane smiles at Raeza gratefully.

Lexiane says 'I will interview with the other Ajahs, Aes Sedai. I will interview Aes Sedai on their Ajahs and try to best understand where I could fit within each, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza says 'My point is that when a girl is freshly through the arches, she is expected to spend some amount of time exploring the different Ajahs and learning more about them before she decides she wishes to end up.'

Raeza nods in agreement.

Lexiane nods vigorously at Raeza's words, clearly eager now.

Raeza says 'Let me put it to you a slightly different way.'

Lexiane says 'I will collect data for a thought experiment, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza says 'Sometimes that helps to understand.'

Raeza offers a slight smile.

Lexiane manages to shut herself up for a moment.

Raeza says 'To be sure that the White is the best option for you, I would encourage you to meet with my sisters and learn about all the Ajahs. Find reasons why the other Ajahs are not the best place for you.'

Raeza says 'That way, you will be even more sure that you belong in the White.'

Lexiane nods vigorously once more.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai. You are of course right, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Perhaps I should start with interviewing you, Aes Sedai?'

Lexiane says 'Maybe I can ask all the Aes Sedai why they think I would be a bad fit for their Ajahs.'

Lexiane says 'Why do you think I would be a bad fit for the White Ajah, Aes Sedai?'

Raeza says 'I wish well rounded girls to becomes my sisters in the White. I do not want girls having
any regrets on the eve of their test to be raised to the shawl.'

Raeza offers a slight smile.

Raeza ponders the question for a moment.

Lexiane is sitting.

Raeza rubs her chin.

Raeza says 'I would not approach the issue in that way.'

Raeza says 'It is not the role of my sisters to tell you why you are not suited for their Ajah, not really.'

Lexiane says 'Oh. I thought that would get to the heart of the matter, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza says 'Perhaps it is if a girl is set on joining them, but they disagree. But not for girls who are exploring.'

Raeza says 'It is up to you to figure that out for yourself.'

Lexiane says 'Ah. So would you instead ask why one SHOULD join the Ajah, Aes Sedai?'

Raeza says 'Ask them about their missions. Ask them about which types of qualities they wish to foster in girls who want to join their Ajahs.'

Raeza says 'This question can be very informative.'

Lexiane gets a sheet of paper from a belt pack.

Lexiane gets a fine quill pen from a belt pack.

Raeza spreads her hands widely.

Lexiane grabs a fine quill pen.

Lexiane begins scribbling notes.

Lexiane says 'Thank you, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I will ask that exact question.'

Raeza says 'Then you can ask yourself if those are qualities you wish to develop in yourself.'

Raeza says 'If that is the kind of woman you hope to be in 20, 50, 100 years.'

Lexiane nods her head again, still scribbling notes.

Lexiane says 'Thank you, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza says 'Shall I answer the question for the White?'

Lexiane says 'What are the qualities you wish to foster in girls who would join the White Ajah?'

Raeza nods in agreement.

Raeza says 'I was telling Amilya about this just the other day.'

Lexiane says 'I quite like Accepted, I mean Amilya.'

Lexiane smiles happily.

Lexiane blushes at having interrupted and shuts her mouth with a click again.

Raeza says 'A hallmark of a White sister is a keen mind. And I wish to develop that in any girl who wishes to join the White.'

Lexiane says 'And what does a keen mind mean, Aes Sedai?'

Raeza taps her head.

Raeza says 'Clever.'

Raeza says 'A brilliant thinker.'

Lexiane runs a hand over her bald head.

Raeza says 'Brilliant even.'

Raeza drinks some water from a glass to wet her lips.

Lexiane says 'Well, there are many clever girls in the Tower, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Tigiria could not read before she came here but is now growing at a very quick pace.'

Lexiane says 'I think she could be the cleverest girl, given time.'

Raeza says 'There are. But for girls joining the White, they should be able to make a solid logical argument.'

Lexiane scribbles down more notes.

Raeza says 'And they should be able to pick apart even the smallest flaw in an argument made by someone else.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza says 'The greatest White sisters can pick up on the smallest logical flaws and use it to completely tear down the argument of an opposition in a debate.'

Raeza says 'We also appreciate detail and explicitness.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza says 'To really understand and issue, one must question everything and examine even the smallest details of an issue.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane underlines a word on the page before her with a quick sweep of the quill.

Raeza says 'And finally, a expect a girl to develop an unparalleled ability to control her emotions and remain calm when facing any issue.'

Lexiane blushes at that.

Lexiane says 'I am working on it, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I promise I spend every day meditating on how to better control them, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza nods at Lexiane.

Lexiane says 'I know I am sometimes prone to... outbursts. And excitement.'

Raeza says 'That is a good daily practice.'

Raeza says 'Some think that White sisters have no emotion whatsoever, but that is not true.'

Lexiane runs a hand over her bald head.

Raeza says 'We do still have emotions, of course. We have just trained ourselves to be less touched by them and not to let them cloud our judgment.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai. I did not think so, Aes Sedai. You have been very kind to me, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza tilts her head to the side slightly and offers you a subtle smile.

Raeza says 'So, Accepted, do you have a better idea of what I expect in a girl as she progresses towards joining the White?'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai. I do. Thank you, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane stops using a fine quill pen.

Lexiane puts a fine quill pen in a belt pack.

Raeza nods, pleased.

Lexiane puts a sheet of paper in a belt pack.

Raeza says 'I would suggest you try to discover that from every Ajah.'

Lexiane says 'I will conduct interviews, Aes Sedai, and report back on my findings.'

Lexiane is sitting.

Raeza says 'And that should give you more confidence about how you would, hypothetically, fit in with each.'

Raeza nods in agreement.

Lexiane nods her shaved head.

Raeza says 'Very good. I look forward to hearing what you learn.'

Raeza says 'Oh, and Accepted...'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai?'

Raeza reaches out and grabs Lexiane's arm lightly.

Lexiane positively beams at the gesture.

Raeza says 'I want to reiterate that it pleases me that you are interested in the White. I will be happy to meet with your regularly and be an unofficial mentor during this time when you are exploring and figuring out which path you will take.'

Lexiane smiles even more broadly.

Lexiane says 'Thank you, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane stands up.

Raeza says 'I wanted to say that clearly, so there is no ambiguity.'

Lexiane curtseys before Raeza.

Raeza nods in agreement.

Raeza clambers to her feet.

Lexiane says 'I appreciate that, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I will begin right away, Aes Sedai.'

Raeza says 'Light illumine you, child.'

Lexiane says 'And you, Aes Sedai.'

Catisune
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed Jun 24, 2020 2:18 pm

Re: First Steps on a Journey

Post by Catisune » Fri Aug 12, 2022 9:54 am

RPQPs awarded to Lexiane and Raeza. See any silver-haired Aes Sedai to 'receive them.'

Hypatia
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2022 6:44 am

Re: First Steps on a Journey

Post by Hypatia » Fri Aug 12, 2022 11:45 am

just wanted to post applause for the awesome RP in this thread. just such clear enunciation of what is wanted and accepted, as should be expected from the White...

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