On Leadership and Failures

[Aelrena]

Summary: Callesa finds Aelrena within the Brown Study and questions her upon what the Accepted has been studying, leading into a discussion of Amyrlins, Hawkwing, and the events of his era.
POV: Aelrena
Characters: Callesa, Aelrena, and perhaps Danelle
Location: The Brown Study within the White Tower

Callesa has arrived from the south.

Callesa arches an eyebrow.

Callesa says 'Accepted?'

Aelrena darts up from the window where she has spread out a series of papers and dropsinto a curtsy before the Aes Sedai.

Callesa says 'Danelle, I didn't wish to disturb your lesson.'

Callesa frowns.

Callesa frowns as Danelle is disturbed from her reading and blurts out: "what lesson? what
Accepted?"

Callesa says 'Child, this is the study of the Brown Ajah. Our door is almost always open to
Accepteds, but not for your self study. You have several rooms in the Library for that.'

Aelrena says 'Apologies Aes Sedai, I've found writing in here helps with my concentration, and I was told it wouldn't be a bother should I come to the Study occasionally. '

Callesa peers closely at Danelle Sedai, trying to figure her out.

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'Apologies Callesa Sedai, I will see myself out.'

Callesa mutters to Danelle: "careful with your words, Sister"

Callesa says 'Stay, as you are already here.'

Callesa says 'What have you been studying?'

Callesa takes one of the papers an tries to decipher your writing.

Aelrena says 'Currently I'm taking a deep dive into the different leaders who have been successful
throughout the history of the White Tower, and what traits helped them to move further.'

A Brown Sister has arrived from the south.
Callesa arches an eyebrow.



Callesa says 'An ambitious one, I see.'

Callesa sits in one of the armchairs and poits at a simple three legged stool.

Aelrena emote: Aelrena continues on, her expression bright as she begins talking about her studies,
"Further, I'm looking at the different Amyrlins that we've had throughout history to get a more
complete understanding of what it means to not just be a servant of All, but first among them.

You emote: Aelrena gathers the rest of her papers into a sheaf and moves to sit upon the three
legged stool, folding one leg underneath her as she sits.

Aelrena ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Callesa says 'And tell me, which Amyrlin is your hero, Accepted? '

Callesa smiles amusedly.

Aelrena says 'Less that I hope to lead as a whole, Callesa Sedai. But I've found that some of the other initiates don't consider History as important as I feel they should, so I've been trying to make it more... palatable for those who don't care for it.'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Callesa nods at Aelrena.

Callesa says 'A praiseable effort indeed. But you didn't answer my question.'

Aelrena says 'I would have to say Deane Aryman, Callesa Sedai. I believe that the way she maneuvered the world and cleaned up the mess that Bonwhin created of the Era shows a cleverness as well as a willingness to see what others try to ignore.'

Callesa nods in agreement.

Callesa says 'Yes, young, Blue, strong willed, and a solid leader of the Tower.'

Callesa ponders life, the universe, and everything.

A Brown Sister leaves south. vv

Aelrena's lips quirk up at the corners for a moment, "Apologies, I was considering
ther I considered Deane to be my hero or Balladare Arandaille.

Callesa laughs quietly.


Aelrena says '"The Amyrlins understands the most complex of creeds and debates, yet in the end, she is the servant to all, even the lowest of laborers."'

Aelrena shakes her head.

Callesa says 'Don't feel pressured to name a Brown, Child. We do not expect to be everyone's heroes, and we do not expect every Accepted to dream of a place among us.'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Callesa says 'Frankly speaaking, I am sometimes relieved to see some women petition a different Ajah.'

Aelrena says 'With respect, I feel no pressure to name of Brown.'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

An Aes Sedai has arrived from the south.

Callesa says 'While we keep insisting on well rounded candidates, not everyone is suited for every Ajah. '

Aelrena says 'I merely believe that Balladare's creed of believing in Service and explanation is
important for what the White Tower stands for.'

Callesa says 'I would make a terrible Red, in spite of my highest respect for their mission and many Sisters.'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Callesa gestures at the door with her hand.

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

Aelrena nods at her.

Callesa says 'Who is your mentor, child?'

Aelrena says 'Catisune Sedai, Callesa Sedai.'

Callesa arches an eyebrow.

Callesa says 'Oh, you don't wish to petition the Brown, yet you are one of our students.'

Aelrena emote: Aelrena shifts on the stool, folding her hands across the sheaf of papers she has now laid upon her lap.

Callesa says 'A peculiar choice.'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Aelrena says 'I believe it was your words about a petition, Callesa Sedai, not my own. I merely said that I felt no pressure to name a Brown as my hero.'

Callesa nods in agreement.

Callesa says 'Good to hear this cleared up.'

Callesa ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Callesa says 'Has Catisune already given you a research project?'

Aelrena says 'Not as of yet, we've been speaking recently about what kind of research project would be the best direction to go for my interests, though we haven't created any solid ideas.'

Callesa says 'It should be something you are passionate in. Something with a solid theoretical
background, but some field work included.'

Aelrena says 'I believe that most recently we spoke upon expanding the research that I'm currently doing for this class, and expanding it to speak about leaders of the past, and drawing common themes between the different leaders of nations such as Mantheren, Andor and Shandalle.'

Callesa says 'See, even a history research should require you to get your hands on a shovel or show up some skill in getting information out of people.'

Callesa nods at Aelrena.

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Callesa says 'Yes, that is indeed a very rich subject. But a hard one to add anything new to.'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'Which is one of the reasons we were leaning against it, truth be told. As much as it would peak my interest, it wouldn't be something that could easily create a font of new information.'



Callesa says 'Teaching known facts in a class is needed. But it is not enough to make a research project out of.'

Callesa nods in agreement.

Callesa says 'Unless you wanted to investigate someone currently on a throne, but that might be more of a mission for a Gray or even a Blue.'

Aelrena ponders life, the universe, and everything.
.
Aelrena says 'History is made in the present as well though.'

Callesa says 'And to say it rather bluntly but clearly, all your chosen topics of studies that I've
seen now show a lot of ambition.'

Aelrena stifles a laugh behind her hand.

Aelrena's cheeks are burning.

Aelrena nods at her.

Callesa says 'Nothing wrong about wanting to lead, but it is important to base this desire on the
right reasons. And to not appear power hungry.'

Callesa says 'Just looking at the Amyrlins, which you chose to study the lives of. Those desiring
the power, respect, and advantages, those usually failed terribly in their main mission.'

Callesa says 'When you gather information for your class, you'll see many examples as well. Perhaps you could even teach a whole class on the tragedies caused by ambition and greed of those in power.'

Callesa laughs quietly.

Aelrena says 'I don't believe that I am fit to lead, Callesa Sedai. But my hope is to serve and help
someone who is meant to lead, that going to the future we as a Tower might stand in ways we failed to in the past.'

Aelrena mutters "are meant to lead" under her breath.

Aelrena nods at her.



Callesa says 'Some are immediate, such as all the failures of Tetsuan. Some bring the rotten fruits after hundreds of years, such as some ideas of Artur Hawkwing. Just have a look at the Seanchan. It all could have been different, had Artur accepted support from the Tower.'

Aelrena glances up at the Aes Sedai, then looks back down at the mention of Hawkwing.

Aelrena says 'With respect Calessa Sedai, the Tower bungled Hawkwing entirely.'

Callesa says 'I am not judging whether you are fit or meant to lead, girl. I just know that
Accepteds need to understand how leading must be a Service to All.'

Callesa nods at Aelrena.

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Callesa says 'Oh, do you see the main part of the guilt on the Tower's side? Interesting. Explain,
please.'

Callesa smiles at Aelrena.

Callesa calls in a servant and asks her to bring some tea.

Aelrena says 'I do. I've read the histories, and I believe the largest part of the blame falls to
Bohnwin, and how heavy-handed she was with her manipulations of Hawkwing.'

Aelrena shakes her head.

Callesa nods at Aelrena.

Aelrena says 'Bohnwin is the greatest example I can immediately think of for exactly what you yourself just mentioned, Callesa Sedai. Her ambitions of greatness and of controlling Hawkwing, with his ability as general, caused her to fail in her duty of service.'

Callesa says 'Yes, a part of the guilt is indeed on the Tower, especially that woman, but can you
see no other suspects in the whole story?'

Callesa nods at Aelrena.

Callesa says 'I absolutely agree, Aelrena. But what else was there?'

Aelrena says 'There was many things which had an effect on the era of course.'

Aelrena says 'There was stress upon the Tower to capture Guaire Amalasan, both a man who can channel as well as a False Dragon.'

Callesa nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'Of course, the plague in the years before which wreaked havoc upon the east, and which ultimately is what gave Hawkwing his throne.'

Aelrena shakes her head.

Callesa says 'Yes, the choices made were not easy. Especially imagining the world through the eyes of Kings and Queens of that era. A false dragon, or the possibility of a Dragon Reborn and the last battle, those were terrifying options.'

Callesa nods at Aelrena.

Callesa says 'But Hawkwing himself didn't get all the ideas out of his head. He had advisors.'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'You speak of Jalwin Moerad?'

Aelrena arches an eyebrow.

Callesa says 'Some sources mention him as the creator of some of the laws put in place by the High King.'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Callesa says 'Curiously, we have no idea about where he came from. What had he been? What experience had formed him?'

Callesa says 'We cannot know.'

Aelrena says 'It's an interesting question, though there's no way to know in any clarity.'

Aelrena nods at her.

Callesa says 'And how did the High King, with all the problems at home, come with the stupid idea to send out not just one, but two huge fleets with two of his heirs at command?'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Aelrena says 'I suppose men being men isn't the answer you're hoping for.'

Aelrena's lips turn up slightly at the corners.

Callesa chuckles politely.

Callesa says 'I told you I'd have made a terrible Red, I believe most men should be expected to show some basic common sense.'

Aelrena stifles a laugh behind her hand.

Aelrena says 'Should be expected, I'll agree. But I've found most men perform most properly when there's a strong woman at their sides.'

Aelrena says 'And I think that's a major part of the failing of the Tower in the Era.'

Callesa says 'The Tower didn't have much power over those decisions, unless we consider its
continuous existence as a strong motivator to show the whole world that Hawkwing was stronger and more powerful than Amyrlin herself.'

Callesa nods at Aelrena.

Callesa says 'The Tower tried, after deposing Tetsuan.'

Callesa says 'The Tower was trying hard, even though the sources accessible to Accepteds may not mention all the actions taken.'

Aelrena says 'Having all of the Aes Sedai advisors of Hawkwing's Empire dismissed forced the Tower to have to act in a more secret manner, rather than out in the open with an explanation of action, as is suggested in the common quote by Balladare.'

Callesa says 'But it all ended with the price on our heads.'

Callesa says 'Even secret actions are rather limited, when majority of the continent is after you,
Accepted.'

Aelrena says 'THat's what I mean, Callesa Sedai. The Tower never should have been forced to solely use secret actions.'

Callesa ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Aelrena says 'I think by naming Bohnwin to the Amyrlin Seat, a woman of personal ambition, the Tower failed to manuever itself in a way to best serve.'

Callesa says 'Yes, but it was not just the Tower's fault. One Amyrlin's faults could have been
fixed, had the opposition been less strong. The attempts failed, even though the Tower had a lot to offer and was trying to make amends.'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Callesa says 'Yes, but naming Bohnwin was one thing. You cannot expect no mistakes to ever happen.

Aelrena says 'You need to be always ready to fix new ones arising.'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Callesa says 'The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills. And you cannot just sit there and cry over some already weaved threads. '

Aelrena says 'The next mistakes were made by not reigning in the Amyrlin, keeping an eye on the actions that she was taking in relation to the rules of the time.'

Aelrena says 'rulers, that is.'

Callesa nods in agreement.


Aelrena says 'While you cannot cry about threads that have already been woven, is it not important to do what damage control CAN be done, Callesa Sedai?'

Callesa says 'Nevertheless, the most important one was Hawkwing. Noone else had much of a control. Except for that advisor, who came out of nowhere and then returned to it, leaving no trace.'

Callesa nods in agreement.

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'Ta'veren are notably difficult to deal with, I think history has a few examples of such.'

Callesa nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'I merely mean to say, that I believe the White Tower failed, and that figuring out where and why is important for being able to move forward as a stronger, more whole Tower.'


Callesa says 'That is an interesting thought. Hawkwing was a ta'veren. How influenceable was he really? And was his advisor one too? '

Aelrena dips her head to the Aes Sedai, the tail at the back of her head bouncing.

Callesa says 'It failed, that much is undeniable. But it failed not only through its own faults.'

Callesa says 'No matter how much we think of ourselves, the fate of the world does not depend
solely on our wins and losses.'

Aelrena says 'I believe that's a question that I myself don't have the answers to, having never faced a Ta'veren. '

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Callesa nods at Aelrena.

Aelrena says 'Not merely through its own faults, but many mistakes were made, because there were many decisions made from a place of pride.'

Callesa nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'Which relates back to the reason I've been doing my research.'

Callesa says 'And from a place of power. Some public, like the High King and the Amyrlin. Some more discreet, from a mere advisor, or an average Aes Sedai.'

Aelrena nods at her.

Aelrena says 'No advisor is mere, nor any Aes Sedai average.'

Aelrena shakes her head.

Callesa chuckles politely.

Callesa says 'Good to see you realizing that.'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Aelrena says 'Any position of input can be used to maneuever, even a servant.'

Callesa nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'Daes Dae'mar is an excellent example of such.'

Callesa says 'To wrap this interesting discussion up. It is good to see such strong interest in
history in a Brown Apprentice.'

Aelrena nods at her.

Callesa says 'But I still expect any candidate to not just sit in the books, but also approach any
kind of research actively.'

Aelrena nods at her.

Aelrena ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Callesa says 'Some Sisters may disagree, but we are not meant to bury ourselves in the Library, no matter how much I love it.'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'There's more knowledge than can be found solely in our library.'

Callesa says 'Yes, but we should all strive to bring it all there.'

Callesa laughs quietly.

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'Quite, though that means uncovering things long lost as well'

Aelrena's lips turn up slightly at the corners.

Callesa nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'Thank you for humoring my discussion, Callesa Sedai.'

Callesa says 'Digging deep with a real or metaphorical shovel, whichever is needed.'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Aelrena says 'Likely both.'

Callesa says 'Oh, it was a pleasure. But I won't keep you from your other duties.'

Callesa gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

An Aes Sedai leaves south. vv

Aelrena pulls the sheaf from her lap and drops into a curtsy toward the Aes Sedai.

Callesa nods at Aelrena.

Aelrena ducks out of the Brown Study.

[Sarinda]

Rplizer: +1
Extra meticulous edit: +0
Length bonus: +2
Summary: +1
Holidaze RP bonus: x2

Total:
Aelrena: 5 x 2 = 10 RPQPs
Callesa: 3 x 2 = 6 RPQPs