Wheel of Time MUD

Summary: Part three of my Whitebook series. Amilesa interviews Aelrena Sedai of the Brown Ajah. Aelrena covers the formative years of her childhood and the path she took to the Shawl. Sheencouraged Amilesa's work on the interview and offered other potential benefits she could get out of them.

POV: Amilesa
Main: Amilesa and Aelrena



Study of the Brown Ajah
Tall, arched windows in the northern wall open to a balcony, providing a
choice view of the Erinin as it flows south from the Borderlands. Half the
seating in the room is drawn up around the windows, showing that the
occupants appreciate the panorama. The remaining seats are drawn up in
circles of six to eight, allowing Brown Sisters to discuss the furtherance
of knowledge, or new theories in an informal atmosphere. Colorful wall
hangings depicting still lifes decorate the pale white walls.
[ obvious exits: S ] [ S: carveddoor ]
A large desk made of fine, thick wood stands across the room from here.
Aelrena Solyan is standing here.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Brown Sister is here, frowning pensively.
Danelle Sedai, sitter for the Brown Ajah stands here deep in thought.

Amilesa senses Aelrena connecting to the True Source.
Aelrena gestures at the door with her hand.
The door silently swings shut and lock with a soft *click*.

Amilesa curtseys before Aelrena.

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Amilesa looks about the room for a moment before taking a step further into the Study.

Aelrena settles into one of the armchairs by the window, steepling her fingers as she considers the Accepted.

Aelrena says 'It is a pleasure to see you dear, was there something in particular you were wishing to speak about?'

Amilesa says 'Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, Aes Sedai. May I pull out my notes?'

Amilesa nods a few times in affirmative.

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'Be my guest.'

Amilesa rummages through her bag and pulls out a rather large White covered book.

Aelrena gestures for the girl to take a seat toward a rather plain, uncushioned chair beside her own.

Amilesa takes a seat in a plain chair usually occupied by Accepted and Novices.

Amilesa searches for a moment for a clear spot to place the book before deciding to balance it in her knees.

Amilesa licks her finger and uses the now-slick digit to open to the next clean page, somewhat near the beginning of the notebook.

Amilesa looks up at the Aes Sedai over the pages of her book.

Aelrena peers over her steepled fingers, one eyebrow raised as she watches and waits.

Amilesa begins by saying 'I was hoping to take this time to ask you some questions about yourself, Aelrena Sedai.'

Amilesa says 'I've been filling out my White Book so I can learn more about others in the Tower. Maybe find the similarities and commonalities to myself. As a sort of snapshot to those who walk the halls.'

Amilesa says 'So far I believe I only have entries for Ashlynn and Fyra Sedais.'

Aelrena motions for the Accepted to carry on, "Of course, it does well for you to seek understanding in how you relate and differ from others."

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Amilesa says 'If you'll give me a moment, let me find the template I prepared...'

Amilesa spends some time rummaging through her bookbag.

Aelrena nods, taking the time to peer closely at the child, her umber eyes like twin pits of darkness.

Amilesa makes a rather loud "Ah Ha!" exclamation in victory.

Amilesa smiles sheepishly at Aelrena at the outburst.

Aelrena blinks slowly, her facial expression remaining unchanged.

Amilesa brandishes a rather crumpled sheet of paper with both hands, placing it precariously on the blank edge of her notebook.

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Aelrena says 'I would suggest you take better care of your notes child, especially if you're going to be dependent upon them. '

Aelrena says 'It's better to memorize such things, for the circumstance they become damaged or lost.'

Amilesa says 'Of course, Aes Sedai. On the other hand, any well-used template becomes rote memory if applied appropriately.'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Amilesa smiles sheepishly once before saying 'But I am not at that stage, yet.'

Aelrena tuts quietly, "True true."

Amilesa says 'To give a little bit of information on how I would like to handle these interviews.'

Aelrena nods at Amilesa.

Amilesa says 'I will ask a series of questions intent on getting to know you more. When answering please say whatever comes to mind that you feel is appropriate.'

Amilesa clucks her tongue before continuing.

Amilesa says 'Answer the question in a way that makes sense to you, rather than how I strictly word it. The value is in the response rather than the questions.'

Aelrena's lips thin marginally as she listens, though she gestures for Amilesa to continue.

Amilesa glances back down at her notes.

Amilesa says 'If there is anything you tell me that you do not want me to publish in the notebook (Tower RP Forum), please let me know and I will not write it down.'

Aelrena nods at Amilesa.

Aelrena says 'Quite, though I'm not certain there's anything I would say here that I wouldn't be willing to share with the Tower as a whole, I shall keep it in mind.'

Amilesa wipes her hands against each other silently.

Amilesa says 'With the housekeeping out of the way, do you have any questions for me before we proceed?'

Amilesa tucks the template behind her notebook so only a question peeks out over the top.

Aelrena says 'Not at the moment, please proceed.'

Amilesa looks around frantically for a moment before diving back into her bookbag.

Aelrena arches an eyebrow.

Aelrena says 'What have you forgotten now, Child?'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Amilesa straightens back up into her seat holding a quill pen.

Amilesa says 'One might say this is important for taking notes.'

Aelrena says 'Ah, yes. Quite important if you intend to actually record my answers, I suppose.'

Amilesa says 'Now...'

Amilesa says 'Where where you born and where did you grow up?'

Amilesa absently places the end of the pen in her mouth.

Aelrena says 'I was born in a small village near the border of Andor and Cairhien that I suspect you've never heard of. I spent the vast majority of my childhood, however, within the safety and comfort of Caemlyn.'

Aelrena leans backward in the chair, relaxing her hands from the steepled position to one folded at her waist.

Amilesa says 'What can you tell me about your life in Caemlyn, if that is where you spent your formative years?'

Aelrena nods at Amilesa.

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'Growing up my mother ran a small herbalists shop, selling remedies for those who might need them in the streets, so I spent many of my earlier years learning herb lore, and helping to care for my younger siblings.'

Amilesa 'hmms' softely to herself.

Aelrena continues, her tone a touch absent when she says 'My Father on the other hand, was a member of the Queen's Guard, it wasn't uncommon for him to be gone from the city for weeks at a time growing up.'

Aelrena says 'Does that answer to your satisfaction, Amilesa?'

Amilesa taps her pen against her cheek before speaking.

Amilesa says 'It does, Aes Sedai. Herbal lore sounds like a great skill to have developed so long. Do you find your studies as a Brown are influenced by your childhood focuses?'

Aelrena ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Aelrena says 'For the most part, I do not. Some of my earlier studies as an Accepted were focused upon the blended use of herb lore, along with healing with the One Power. However, much of my research as a Brown has been focused upon discovering the uses of different Ter'angreal, and Angreal or upon the histories of the past, and how they're perceived.'

Amilesa pulls the sheet a little further out from behind her notebook.

Amilesa moves her mouth in a form of a silent whistle.

Aelrena pauses for a moment, her head cocking to one side, "I would agree, however, that herbal lore is a fantastic skill to learn."

Aelrena waits quietly for the Accepted's next question.

Amilesa says 'Is there anything else you wish to mention about your family? Any siblings or favorite Aunties?'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Amilesa adjusts the quill in her hand.

Aelrena says 'My Father was an only child, so I'm afraid that I had no aunties from him and my Mother... never spoke of her family. I've never been certain why.'

Amilesa nods alongs, moving the sheet up by one more quest.

Aelrena says 'However, I will always have a fondness in my heart for the twins in particular. Niesa and Aldrea were both more mischevious than I could have ever imagined.'

Aelrena says 'It wasn't uncommon for pies to go missing from the table when those two were involved.'

Amilesa chuckles softly at the antics.

Aelrena laughs quietly, covering her mouth with her hand, mirth clear upon her face.

Aelrena nods at Amilesa.

Amilesa says 'Your childhood does not sound boring, Aes Sedai. Very full of life.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'I remember much of my childhood fondly, though I'm certain my little siblings barely remember me anymore.'

Amilesa says 'How did you find your way to the Tower?'

Players
-------
Szyrik of Two Rivers
Andi of Two Rivers
Jael of Two Rivers (Idle) WANTED
Forn of Saldaea
Aelrena Solyan [Brown Ajah]
Etain of Murandy
Sanguine a'Sal
Arjuna al'Cor'vron, Lieutenant, Caemlyn Secret Police
Amilesa the Journey Accepted [White Tower]
Anaedryn of Murandy
Lorrah of Arafel

11 players displayed.

Aelrena says 'I found my way to the Tower when I was just 16, I'd been working in the library of Caemlyn for a year when... unfortunate circumstances in regards to a certain noble led me to seek sanctuary. '

Amilesa frowns slightly, but continues to write what is said.

Aelrena says 'My Mother was firmly against the idea, but I'd gotten it into my head the best place for me was the Tower, at least for a time. Little did I realize that it would be the beginning of a journey I could have never imagined. '

Aelrena nods at Amilesa.

Amilesa says 'Once the White Tower has you in its doors, well...'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Amilesa returns to the topic at hand and turns back to face the Aes Sedai.

Aelrena says 'Quite right, and the world is better for it, I should think.'

Amilesa says 'Do you remember who inducted you into the Novice Book?'

Aelrena says 'Alexis Sedai is the one who gave my the test to determine whether I could channel, and Sheriam Sedai wrote my name in the novice book the same hour.'

Amilesa smiles brightly.

Aelrena stifles a laugh behind her hand.

Amilesa says 'Who were you close to in the Tower, as you worked your way through the dresses?'

Aelrena says 'I dreamed of being Yellow Ajah then, of healing with the One Power. Light, I thought I might be able to figure out how to heal death.'

Amilesa says 'That would certainly change the world.'

Aelrena sighs loudly.

Amilesa dips the pen back into the inkwell before hovering the pen over the next question.

Aelrena's expression darkens as she glances back toward the window, the barest frown touching her features.

Aelrena says 'When I was a novice, I spent much of my early time with Cera Merimon, as well as Prya and Penzei. I was however, never the closest with the other girls. There were times I felt a world apart from them.'

Amilesa starts writing intently in her notebook, the tip of her tongue poking slightly out of the corner of her mouth.

Aelrena says 'It was more common for me to get lost in my studies, buried within the stacks than it was for me to chatter and play pranks.'

Aelrena nods at Amilesa.

Amilesa says 'Do you feel as if that distance from the other girls was a good thing and led to where you are? I only ask because I find it difficult for myself to relate with others as well. It is hard for me to find the words to describe what I mean.'

Amilesa lowers her head slightly as she awaits the response.

Aelrena's frown remains, though she returns her gaze to the Accepted.

whois cera
Cera Merimon, the Butcher of Alindaer is a human, a known Darkfriend.

Aelrena says 'I think that in some ways in shaped me in a manner that I was unprepared for. It allowed me to keep my focus where it needed to be in order to attain the shawl, but I also sometimes wonder what I missed out on.'

Amilesa readjusts herself in her seat a few times.

Aelrena says 'While I would not change a moment, nor where I sit, I would be remiss in saying I don't wonder at times whether I could have been more social with the other girls.'

Aelrena nods at Amilesa.

Amilesa says 'The corollary of the question begs to be asked: Who are you currently close with in the Tower? '

Aelrena stifles a laugh behind her hand.

Amilesa settles into a spot in her seat after some more fidgeting.

Aelrena says 'I would say that I am close with many of my sisters, though the first that come to mind are Catisune, Sarinda and Chloro.'

Amilesa nods along at the list.

Aelrena says 'There are, of course, other sisters that I spend a fair amount of time with and whom I believe are paragons within the Tower, these are perhaps the one you'd find yourself most familiar with.'

Aelrena gestures for the Accepted to proceed to the next question, her frown having given way to an Aes Sedai's tranquility.

Amilesa nods before moving her pen to the next question.

Amilesa says 'You mentioned once considering the Yellow Ajah and the reasoning around it. Were there any other Ajahs you seriously considered?'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'There were. Though the three that I considered most fitting were the Blue, the Brown, and the Yellow.'

Aelrena tuts quietly, "I never held much interest in the Red or the Green, I'm not one who feels she needs to be within the action, you see."

Amilesa asks a follow-on question 'What about the Blue interested you? And why did you ultimately choose the Brown the others?.'

Amilesa nods in understanding towards Aelrena.

Aelrena says 'The Blue interested me in the regard that they to me, have a way of representing every other Ajah within their number. The sisters within their sorority have a vast array of focuses, and the way they've raised the most Amyrlins within the Tower was something that I admired.'

Amilesa flips to the next page in the notebook, ensuring enough room exists for the response.

Amilesa scribbles her notes as she continues to listen to Aelrena.

Aelrena lets her lips for a small smile, "My choice of the Brown, while influenced by my love for knowledge and other factors, was in large part to a meeting I once had with Catisune Sedai."

Amilesa leans forward in her seat, threatening to unsettle her makeshift desk.

Aelrena says 'I recall leaving the meeting and knowing without a doubt I'd just met a women who wouldn't bow before Tar'mon Gaidon itself. Who had a will of cuendillar. '

Amilesa whistles silently.

Aelrena nods at Amilesa.

Amilesa says 'Was she your Mentor that you Apprenticed under, then?'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Aelrena says 'She was, and if I didn't know better I would suspect that she regrets it. I was a touch willful about my lessons and research.'

Aelrena nods at Amilesa.

Amilesa re-shuffles her notebook, template, and pen together in her lap, careful not to mark her dress.

Amilesa dutifully does not ask a follow-on question.

Amilesa moves her pen to the next question on her list.

Aelrena arches an eyebrow.

Aelrena says 'Was there something you wished to ask in regards to that? '

Amilesa looks up a bit startled and says 'Oh no, Aes Sedai, I believe you have covered it...'

Amilesa says 'Except...'

Amilesa says '...How would you say that you were willful in your lessons and research that might have been frustrating to others?'

Aelrena stifles a laugh behind her hand.

Amilesa turns her full attention towards the Brown Aes Sedai.

Aelrena says 'Specifically to Catisune, but I was rather... single-minded. Once I had decided upon something there was little that would move my attention from it until it was completed.'

Aelrena says 'Catisune however, was the one who saw the brunt of my fixation.'

Amilesa nods along, the quill in her hand remaining steady.

Amilesa says 'I see. Thank you, Aes Sedai.'

Amilesa says 'Do you have a particular saying or gesture (emote) that you often use or particularly like?'

Aelrena ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Aelrena says 'I'm rather fond of my smile.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Amilesa smiles at Aelrena's smile.

Aelrena says 'As far as sayings? I have few that I would consider remarkable.'

Aelrena holds up one finger.

Amilesa looks at the proffered finger expectantly.

Aelrena says 'I would be certain to notate however, that just because I do not think I have a particular saying or set of sayings that I am fond toward, that does not mean one should think my words careless.'

Amilesa says 'I would never dream of thinking it, much less writing it down, Aes Sedai.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Aelrena says 'Then you've known wisdom at least once in your life.'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Aelrena gestures for the girl to continue to the next question.

Amilesa says 'It just means you are more judicious in what you say and are not predictable in your speech, perhaps.'

Amilesa looks up and says 'If I could interject, that might be a good saying to pick up.'

Aelrena nods as if to herself though she shares a small smile with the girl, "Perhaps. Though who would wish to predictable?"

Amilesa moves to a different sheet of paper and writes "Then you have known wisdom at least once in your life.

Aelrena says 'Much better to subvert the expectations of those who watch, lest you find yourself at their mercy.'

Amilesa says 'I might think there was a lesson in the for me...'

Aelrena winks suggestively at Amilesa.

Amilesa says 'How do you typically spend your time? What do you enjoy doing?'

Aelrena says 'Much of my time of late has been spent studying the Trolloc Wars, so I suppose that is as good an answer as any. As far as what I enjoy? I've a fondness for baking, which I inherited from my mother, and though I enjoy embroidering I did not inherit her skill.'

Aelrena nods at Amilesa.

Amilesa doodles a tooth off to the side of her notebook.

Amilesa says 'Do you have any goals you are working towards or current projects?'

Aelrena folds her arms across her chest, her eyes darting down to the drawing before she returns to studying the Accepted's face.

Aelrena says 'I do, though none that I think are appropriate to speak about right now.'

Amilesa says 'Of course, Aes Sedai. We are almost done.'

Aelrena says 'Some answers, I'm afraid, are best left to those who wear the shawl.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Amilesa says 'Are there any other Tower experiences or stories that come to mind that you'd like to share?'

Amilesa nods in an approximation of understanding.

Aelrena says 'Only that some of the lessons I dreaded the most were the most valuable in my path to the Shawl, seldom is a task assigned by an Aes Sedai to an initiate without a solid reason.'

Amilesa writes the sage wisdom near the bottom of the page.

Aelrena says 'That reason is not always apparent, but you'll find when you wear the shawl one day that some of those reasons become clearer.'

Amilesa nods at Aelrena.

Amilesa says 'And now we are onto the last question...'

Aelrena nods at Amilesa.

Amilesa says 'Is there anything else you want to tell me, or do you have any questions for me?'

Aelrena ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Aelrena says 'I admire your goal in gaining insight into other women who live within the Tower.'

Amilesa smiles brightly.

Aelrena says 'I would implore you to consider this on a larger scale than perhaps you do.'

Amilesa pauses in the middle of writing to look up with her full attention.

Aelrena says 'Yes, it is important for you to understand the other initiates, as well as perhaps glean some of what it truly means to be Aes Sedai during these interviews.'

Aelrena says 'But learning to gain insight, to understand other perspectives, to be able to empathize and see the way of things is one of the skills that one needs as a Servant of All.'

Amilesa frowns slightly.

Amilesa says 'Are you bringing this up because you see a deficiency I need to be addressing, Aes Sedai.'

Aelrena says 'I did not say that, Child.'

Aelrena says 'I merely hope that you'll continue to develop this skill as you move closer to your testing.'

Amilesa says 'Thank you, Aes Sedai. I am confident I will. I think introspection is key to personal growth. Hence my question. '

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Aelrena says 'It is good you thought to ask, though I don't think you should worry.'

Amilesa nods respectfully to Aelrena Sedai.

Aelrena says 'Was there any other questions you had for me tonight, Amilesa?'

Amilesa quietly puts away her material.

Amilesa says 'No, Aes Sedai. Thank you for taking the time to speak to me. I learn a lot from each one.'

Aelrena nods in agreement.

Amilesa places her bookbag over her shoulder as she rises from her seat.

Aelrena says 'I would like to assign you a task, before you go.'

Amilesa quickly sets the bookback back down on the floor.

Aelrena says 'You need not spend much time on it, but I believe it will be useful.'

Amilesa says 'I am at your disposal, Aes Sedai.'

Aelrena says 'Consider these interviews you are doing, to understand the women of the Tower. You're stated purpose is looking for the commonalities between women, what I want to hear, is three other purposes these interviews might serve.'

Amilesa says 'I believe I could answer the bulk of that now, if you wish, Aes Sedai. Or would you prefer a report?'

Aelrena says 'Send me a letter (Forum Mail), listing three reasons or purposes they might be put to, and I will see you awarded properly for them.'

Aelrena waves her hand dismissively as she rises to stand and gaze out the window, "A report, if you please. I've business to attend to soon."

Amilesa says 'Thank you for the opportunity, Aes Sedai. I feel like I fully prepared to accomplish this properly.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Amilesa once more picks up her bookbag, but keeps it in her hands for now.

Aelrena says 'I am glad, child.'

Aelrena says 'You are dismissed.'

Amilesa senses Aelrena connecting to the True Source.
Aelrena gestures with her hand.
The door smoothly swings open.

Amilesa curtsies to Aelrena Sedai with her bookbag balanced in her arms.

Rplizer +1 qps : +1
Extra meticulous edit: +1
Length bonus : 0
Summary: +1

Awards:
Amilesa - 5
Aelrena - 3

See any silver-haired Aes Sedai to receive your merits.