Auriona rolls her eyes at Lexiane.

[Lexiane]

Summary: Lexiane interviews Auriona about what it is the Yellow Ajah seeks to foster in Accepted

Characters: Lexiane, Auriona

rp-lizer and light editing

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Solarium of the Yellow Ajah
[ obvious exits: N ]
Zone: White Tower Upper Floors
Door north: door
Sumptuously upholstered, a gold brocade chaise lounge with gilded legs rests nearby.
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]
Lady Auriona din Nerisi Two Moons 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.

Lexiane curtseys before Auriona.

Auriona gestures at the door with her hand.

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

Auriona looks up from a sheaf of papers.

Lexiane sweats visibly, panting.

Auriona says 'Yes, Accepted?'

Lexiane says 'Hello, Auriona Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'My name is Lexiane and I am a journey accepted here in the Tower.'

Lexiane pants.

Auriona says 'Why are you so moist...'

Lexiane says 'I ran here to see you, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I have a task from Raeza Sedai and I hoped I might be able to speak with you, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'Ran? Child that's unseemly'

Auriona says 'And strange.'

Lexiane wipes sweat from her forehead.

Lexiane says 'I find running is good for thinking, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'What could possibly warrant running? What a beastly occupation.'

Lexiane says 'Also for your health, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Well I wanted to catch you, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I have had trouble finding Aes Sedai of late...'

Lexiane blushes.

Lexiane takes a deep, loud breath.

Auriona says 'I've seen the letters.'

Auriona looks down at her fingernails.

Auriona picks up an implement and files one to her liking.

Auriona says 'About what would you like to speak, Accepted?'

Lexiane adopts an attempt at Aes Sedai neutrality.

Lexiane says 'I would speak with you about what the Yellow Ajah seeks to foster in the Accepted who apprentice to them, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'And why I would be a bad fit for the Ajah, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'If you would permit me to interview you?'

Auriona snorts audibly and looks at you over a pair of spectacles.

Lexiane looks at Auriona hopefully.

Auriona says 'Do pour some tea first.'

Auriona waves dismissively.

Lexiane nods eagerly.

Lexiane rushes over to the stand holding Sea Folk porcelain.

Lexiane carefully measures out a spoonful of tea and places it inside the pot.

Auriona takes a long look out the window.

Lexiane pours slightly more than is necessary of warm water from a stone crock into a pitcher.

Lexiane feels the flows of saidar coursing through her body.

Lexiane weaves a fine thread of fire into the water in the pitcher.

Auriona slides a paper across the desk and regards it.

Lexiane waits patiently, watching the water closely.

Auriona opens a desk drawer and removes a signet ring.

Lexiane releases the Source once the water boils.

Lexiane takes up the pitcher and pours it into the teapot.

Auriona rolls a ball of golden wax between her fingers, warming it with her hand and the glow of Saidar.

Lexiane pours the remaining water into the Sea Folk porcelain teacups, warming them.

Auriona presses a seal onto the paper and holds it.

Auriona looks up at you.

Lexiane audibly gulps as she realizes the milk pitcher is empty.

Lexiane begins searching for a crock of milk.

Auriona says 'I do not take milk, a bit of fortune for you.'

Lexiane opens drawers, for some reason.

Auriona says 'Sit down.'

Lexiane sighs loudly.

Lexiane says 'It appears you are out of milk, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane dumps the water from the tea cups back into the crock.

Lexiane hurriedly lifts the tray with tea pot, cups, and saucers and brings it to Auriona.

Auriona says 'It distresses my stomach. I don't know that we're made to drink the milk of cows.'

Lexiane sets the tray on the desk.

Lexiane says 'I suspect that some people have adapted to it, Aes Sedai, while others have not.'

Lexiane says 'Perhaps it has to do with whether or not our ancestors raised cattle, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'There weren't many cows at sea, certainly.'

Lexiane says 'I always preferred sheep's milk, Aes Sedai. They have sheep on boats, Aes Sedai. So I have heard.'

Auriona wrinkles her nose to set her ornaments jingling.

Lexiane busies herself pouring tea into a cup and saucer, then offering it to Auriona.

Lexiane says 'Of course you could tell me, Auriona Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'About what they do at sea, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona reaches for the offered cup and cups it in her hand.

Lexiane runs a hand over her head, staring at Auriona's own shorn hair.

Auriona says 'Maybe on a day in which you do are not fixed on the task at hand, eh?'

Lexiane says 'Do you cut your hair close at sea, Aes Sedai, because it gets in the way?'

Lexiane blushes.

Auriona chuckles mirthfully.

Lexiane says 'I apologize, Aes Sedai. I get carried away, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'I prefer to feel the wind moving over my scalp.'

Lexiane pours herself a cup of tea and then stand, cup and saucer in hand.

Lexiane runs a hand over her bald head.

Lexiane says 'Yes, I like that as well, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane nods eagerly.

Auriona says 'And my own hair requires quite a bit of upkeep.'

Auriona says 'So today, short is easiest.'

Lexiane nods her shaved head.

Lexiane says 'That is exactly how I feel, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'Why did you choose to cut yours?'

Lexiane says 'Well, at first it was a matter of necessity, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'A fellow novice burned off half of my hair, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona arches her eyebrow and smiles slightly.

Auriona says 'I hope you did her just as well.'

Lexiane says 'And at one point it didn't make sense to try and save it, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane hides a smile behind her hand.

Lexiane says 'No, Aes Sedai. I did not want to burn anyone, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'But I did decide to keep it shaved, Aes Sedai, because it was easiest.'

Lexiane stops following Raeza.

Lexiane says 'Shaving it takes five minutes once a week, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona nods in agreement.

Lexiane says 'As opposed as fifteen or more minutes every day caring for it.'

Auriona says 'How efficient, aye?'

Auriona lifts the cup of tea to her lips.

Lexiane says 'Exactly! It is a matter of efficiency, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane gulps at her own tea, reminded of its existence by Auriona.

Auriona takes a sip.

Lexiane says 'But Aes Sedai, would you be interested in being interviewed by me?'

Auriona says 'You sit here because you'd like me to tell you why you'd be a bad fit for the Ajah.'

Lexiane says 'Among other things, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'Proceed.'

Lexiane smiles happily.

Lexiane gets a sheet of paper from a belt pack.

Auriona sets the cup of tea down.

Lexiane licks the tip of the quill and dips it into the inkwell attached to her belt.

Lexiane grabs a fine quill pen.

Lexiane takes on a professional drone and says, 'Do you consent to be interviewed and for your responses to be recorded in my notes, Aes Sedai?'

Auriona leans back in her chair and rests her cheek in her hand.

Auriona offers a bemused nod.

Lexiane says 'Now, the purpose of this interview is to better understand what the Yellow Ajah looks for in Accepted and what qualities the Yellow Ajah seeks to foster in Accepted that apprentice to them.'

Lexiane continues in her overly formal tone, 'First question, Aes Sedai. What qualities do you seek to foster in Accepted?

Lexiane turns her brown, doe eyes to Auriona and studies her intently.

Auriona holds up her palm, and then a single finger.

Lexiane holds her quill over the parchment before her, tea forgotten on the seat of a chair nearby.

Auriona says 'First, child, perhaps you can tell me what you know of the Yellow Ajah.'

Lexiane frowns.

Auriona narrows her eyes and offers an exaggerated smirk.

Lexiane says 'Well, that's not how interviews work, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Interviews are when one person asks another person questions and that person answers them, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'You don't think I'd be able to more efficiently answer your question if I knew what you already knew, Accepted?'

Lexiane frowns.

Lexiane says 'I am the interviewer and you the interviewee in this arrangement, Aes Sedai. There are rules to how this interaction goes, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I do not think I am supposed to be interviewed by the Yellow Ajah, Aes Sedai. For this task I mean, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona bursts out in a laugh.

Lexiane says 'Of course there may be different rules because you are in a position of power and I am not, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'That may circumvent the traditional interviewer and interviewee rules, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'How, dearest Accepted, would you surmise if those different rules were in place?'

Lexiane cocks her head.

Lexiane says 'Well, you are asking me questions when I am supposed to ask questions, Aes Sedai. That is good evidence of the differnet rules, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'And what's the most pragmatic way to approach a new and shifting set of rules, an unspoken quid pro quo perhaps.'

Lexiane nods her shaved head vigorously.

Lexiane says 'I will answer your questions to the best of my ability and hope that you will answer mine, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'Very well.'

Auriona says 'Proceed.'

Lexiane says 'Well, then. What I know of the purpose of the Yellow Ajah is that the Yellow Ajah is dedicated to Healing through the use of the One Power.'

Lexiane says 'The Yellow Ajah exists to heal people, to fix things, and to make people well.'

Auriona gets a package of iron rations from a soft leather pouch.

Lexiane says 'That is what I understand the purpose of the Yellow Ajah to be, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona unwraps a ration and nibbles on it.

Auriona eats a package of iron rations.

Auriona nods in agreement.

Auriona says 'The Yellow Ajah looks for those with a talent in healing and a strong compulsion to help others, dear. '

Lexiane nods, vigorously writing on the parchment before her.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'And what do you seek to foster in those who apprentice to the Yellow Ajah?'

Auriona says 'The qualities I would seek out, were I to consider apprenticing someone, would be humility, communicativeness, openness, and said desire to aid others.'

Auriona says 'We would hope to offer the practical skills required to allow someone to express their desire to help with the utmost skill.'

Lexiane says 'Thank you, Aes Sedai. Humility in all things, Aes Sedai?'

Auriona says 'Which would include a grounding in ethics, a knowledge of the world, and a myriad of survival skills.'

Auriona says 'If one wishes to serve all, don't you think, Accepted?'

Lexiane says 'Well, Aes Sedai, it sounds like if your goal is to equip women with the skills to go into the world and Heal people in different places, that would make sense to equip them with.'

Auriona says 'Ah, I only meant your question about humility.'

Auriona says 'For my last comment.'

Lexiane says 'Though I think that you may wish to also teach women to have what is sometimes called, 'a good bedside manner,' Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane nods in agreement.

Lexiane says 'I am not sure if a good bedside manner would fit there, Aes Sedai, but perhaps it would.'

Auriona performs a slight shrug.

Auriona says 'I think that any who aspires to the shawl should have the proper amount of decorum that would be considered as "bedside manner".'

Auriona says 'And not show her backside to the world too often.'

Lexiane blushes.

Auriona says 'I understand that many of our initiates are young, so there's a bit of a curve to learn there.'

Auriona says 'Being young and as powerful as you --'

Auriona points at Lexiane.

Auriona says 'Are and will be.'

Lexiane blushes.

Lexiane says 'I try very hard not to show my backside, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'It is known, Accepted.'

Lexiane says 'It can be difficult coming out of the bath, Aes Sedai, but I try to bring my clean clothes in with me, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I only forgot them and my towel once, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'And I had been reading a particularly interesting treatise about the nature of morality, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona rolls her eyes at Lexiane.

Lexiane says 'I was told I was only wandering naked in the quarters for no more than a half an hour, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'No time at all, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Barely any time, anyway, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane blushes.

Auriona says 'Aye, a relative blink, eh?'

Lexiane says 'I am sure very few people saw my backside, Aes Sedai. As it were.'

Auriona says 'But imagine all of the people who have the image of your ass imprinted in their brain for all of their eternity.'

Lexiane blushes.

Lexiane says 'Hopefully it is relatively few, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'A charming, literal world you live in, Accepted.'

Auriona says 'Please, ask another question.'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane blushes again, red creeping up to her hairline.

Lexiane says 'Well, perhaps the follow up is what do you mean by openness, Aes Sedai?'

Auriona takes the spoon from her tepid tea and begins to balance it on her fingertip.

Auriona says 'I have found that --'

Auriona flips the spoon with her finger, catches it, and sets it down.

Lexiane watches the spoon, forgetting her notes.

Lexiane says 'Ah, very close, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'People who have a great desire to "help others" often do so as a way to protect themselves from some form of perceived scrutiny.'

Lexiane says 'Ah. Interesting, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane scribbles notes.

Auriona says 'And so I would hope that those who aspire to this Ajah would be open to feedback and critique and willing to take it into consideration, not just stand behind a mission.'

Auriona says 'But I may be alone in this opinion.'

Auriona says 'For some, the desire to help is sufficient.'

Lexiane says 'Ah interesting, Aes Sedai. So perhaps it could be said that Yellow Ajah apprentices must be willing to change?'

Auriona says 'I would say they must be willing to grow, but I think there's only a subtle difference in frame, there.'

Auriona says 'I would again hope that anyone who aspires to the Shawl would display a desire to grow.'

Lexiane nods her shaved head.

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai. I certainly desire to grow, Aes Sedai. I know most Accepted do, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'And what of your desire for communicativeness, Aes Sedai?'

Auriona quirks her brow.

Lexiane says 'Among apprentices, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'To foster them, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane continues, sputtering now.

Lexiane says 'That is, your desire for them to be communicative, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Fostered in them during their apprenticeships, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'Largely tied to openness, an ability to identify one's emotions and mental states and be able to express them if necessary.'

Lexiane closes her mouth with a loud *click*.

Auriona says 'Maybe a little bit of spine in there, too.'

Lexiane says 'And how does that relate to Healing, Aes Sedai?'

Auriona says 'How do you think it might relate to healing, Lexiane?'

Lexiane runs a hand over her bald head, face lost in thought.

Lexiane says 'Well, I believe Healing likely requires an ability to make rational decisions, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Given a battlefield you may have to choose who lives and who dies, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona says 'Ah yes, the ability to triage could be tied to this.'

Lexiane says 'A woman able to identify her emotions and biases, assess them, and then make the appropriate choice, would be able to maximize impact.'

Lexiane says 'While one who cannot would instead make an irrational choice based on emotions.'

Auriona says 'A fine answer, I accept. I would add that -- well, actually --'

Lexiane coughs loudly.

Auriona says 'What is your ah'

Lexiane blushes.

Auriona looks at you a moment

Lexiane says 'My ah, Aes Sedai?'

Auriona says 'Definition? How do you explain the phenomenon of empathy?'

Auriona says 'Young philosopher.'

Lexiane says 'Empathy is a person's ability to understand or share the feelings of another person, despite not being in the same circumstance.'

Auriona says 'Requires a bit of imagination, don't you think?'

Lexiane says 'Yes, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona idly cracks the knuckles of her left hand.

Auriona says 'Have I answered your question?'

Lexiane cocks her head.

Lexiane says 'I am not sure, Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'Have I answered yours?'

Auriona says 'Me either. I suppose so.'

Lexiane nods her shaved head.

Lexiane says 'Well, then perhaps one final follow up questions.'

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

Lexiane stands, quill at the ready.

Auriona rolls her fingertips on the desk and considers your question.

Auriona says 'I think you'd be a great fit for the Yellows, Lexiane Accepted.'

Lexiane says 'Ah, interesting.'

Lexiane scribbles more notes.

Lexiane says 'Did I tell you I have no gift for Healing, Aes Sedai?'

Lexiane says 'I had assumed that would be essential but you did not list it, Aes Sedai.'

Auriona holds up her hands and shrugs.

Auriona says 'Rudimentary healing can be taught, as can anything with time.'

Auriona says 'Healing also isn't as simple as waving your hands and knitting flesh.'

Lexiane says 'Would the Yellow welcome those who can only do rudimentary Healing, Aes Sedai?'

Auriona wiggles her fingers and you see a complex array of weaves form and knit together.

Lexiane watches the weaves eagerly.

Auriona says 'It depends on the person, don't you think?'

Auriona says 'Does someone want to work to overcome their lack? Are they talented in other ways that may be adjacent to healing?'

Auriona says 'We are more than just bodies, as you may or may not believe.'

Lexiane says 'Ah, interesting.'

Lexiane says 'I assumed ability to Heal would be an essential component.'

Lexiane says 'Perhaps one last question, Aes Sedai?'

Auriona says 'Healing is a talent, but it can also be practiced and taught.'

Lexiane nods her shaved head.

Auriona says 'Whether someone has the desire to learn, is the thing.'

Auriona says 'Go on.'

Lexiane says 'Is the ability to harm one's self a requirement for a Yellow Ajah apprenticeship? Penzei once stabbed herself in front of me and I have been wondering why for some time now.'

Auriona's face goes completely inscrutable.

Auriona says 'No, that is not a requirement. How Penzei decides to create wounds to fix is entirely up to her discretion.'

Auriona says 'Or lack thereof.'

Lexiane says 'Ah.'

Lexiane scribbles more notes.

Lexiane says 'Well, thank you Aes Sedai.'

Lexiane says 'I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me about the Yellow Ajah, and this concludes our interview.'

Lexiane says 'Should you wish to receive a copy of the transcript, I can have one sent to you in two days time.'

Auriona narrows her eyes at Lexiane.


Lexiane smiles happily as she packs away her papers and quill.

Lexiane puts a sheet of paper in a belt pack.

Lexiane stops using a fine quill pen.

Lexiane puts a fine quill pen in a belt pack.

Auriona gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Lexiane says 'Thank you, Auriona Sedai.'

[Raeza]

Awarded:

Lexiane - 5 rpqps (3 + 2 for editing)
Auriona - 3 rpqps

Please visit a silver-haired sister.