Sharpening The Mind

[Chloro]

Annika and Navani receive a lesson from Chloro Sedai on being prepared and the need to sharpen their mental skills as training progresses


View of: Chloro
Participants: Chloro, Navani, Annika

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 ]
Zone: White Tower Upper Floors
Door east: 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 young girl in a plain white dress stands here.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Gray Sister walks here, considering her options.
Annoura Larisen is here, weighing your words.

Chloro looks up from her spot at the table to the growing number of white bound folders with colored corners. So many potential new sisters and so little time to prepare them. "Annoura, I believe the signs are ever present, the Last battle may come in the lifetime of the next generation of Aes Sedai. I pray they are ready."

Chloro narrate's 'All Accepted to the Office of the Gray Ajah, come smartly girls!'

Someone knocks on the carveddoor from the other side.

The carveddoor is opened from the other side.

Annika has arrived from the east.

Annika curtseys gracefully.

Navani has arrived from the east.

Navani curtsies to all the Aes Sedai.

Annika looks at you.

Annika looks at Navani.

Navani beams a smile at Annika.

Navani stops using a crystal lightstick.

Annika inclines her head in greeting to Navani.

Chloro nods from her seat at the sw corner of the table back straight holding a silver chalice of spiced wine, decked out in full regalia as if sitting in the hall or a high court. Gray eyes piercing as she looks at the two girls before her. "Find a seat children."

Chloro gestures at the doors with her hand.

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

Navani sits at the large, backed chair.

Annika sits down on a stout oaken chair.

Chloro takes a sip of her wine face serene, eyes cool and appearing to seem to be looking through the girls. "Introduce yourselves to each other."

Navani nods at you.

Annika bows slightly to Navani.

Navani says 'Hello Accepted Annika, I am Navani of Illian.'

Navani says 'Nice to meet you.'

Annika drawls 'and you.'

Navani looks at Annika.

Annika drawls 'I am Annika Locke, a Journey Accepted recently returned.'

Navani takes a second glance at the empty socket in her left eye.

Annika blinks? Winks?

Navani says 'My that must have been painful?'

Annika nods curtly.

Annika drawls 'I am afraid it was.'

Annika rubs the empty socket with the ball of her thumb.

Navani says 'Did a Green sister do that to you for looking at her warder the wrong way?'

Navani blinks her eyes innocently.

Chloro nods and places her chalice down allowing the clank to note silence from the girls." You were both called to the ring, yet only the wheel and time will tell if you are worthy of bearing the burden of the shawl. Navani, my sisters tell me you have begun training with the Blue Ajah, I hope your wits are ready for it. Their training is not for the faint of heart or squeamish. Have you made any decision Annika?"

Annika bows her head slightly.

Annika drawls 'I hope to train under the White Ajah Aes Sedai.'

Annika casts an appraising eye at the Blue aspirant.

Navani nods to Chloro Sedai and says 'Yes I have chosen to seek out the Blue Ajah myself and have been taken under their... supervision.

Chloro says 'Ah, so you have had time to decide then. Though you may not seek to become Gray, you belong to all Ajahs as initiates until either a shawl graces your shoulders, or you are removed from the tower.'

Navani says 'Yes Chloro Sedai, we live to serve.'

Navani clambers to her feet.

Navani curtseys gracefully.

Navani sits down on a stout oaken chair.

Annika nods in agreement.

Chloro says 'Annika, I will send word to my white sisters you are looking to learn from them. You should also send word (forum mail the White Ajah).'

Chloro says 'Now, for today’s lesson.'

Annika drawls 'Thank you Aes Sedai I shall. It is rare to see them in the streets it seems.'

Romin arrives from a flash of bright white light.

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 ]
Zone: White Tower Upper Floors
Door east: 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.
Romin the Historian is standing here.
Navani La'Mera Tower Accepted is sitting here on a stout oaken chair.
Annika Locke, Journey Accepted is sitting here on a stout oaken chair.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Gray Sister walks here, considering her options.
Annoura Larisen is here, weighing your words.

Annoura Larisen shouts 'The Tower must put down the false dragon, Romin!'

Romin tries to pierce Annoura Larisen, but she deflects the blow.
A Gray Sister joins Annoura Larisen's fight!
Annoura Larisen shouts 'The Tower must put down the false dragon, Romin!'
Annoura Larisen hits Romin's head.

Annika clambers to her feet.

Chloro feel's the flows of saidar coursing through your body.

hannel 'fireball']
You begin to weave the appropriate flows...
-
A Gray Sister barely strikes Romin's body.
Romin tries to pierce Annoura Larisen, but she deflects the blow.
Annoura Larisen hits Romin's left foot.
=+**+=-
Romin tries to open the carveddoor, but can't.
-=+
A Gray Sister barely strikes Romin's right arm.
Romin tries to pierce Annoura Larisen, but she parries successfully.
Annoura Larisen hits Romin's body.
Ok.
Fire coalesces into a ball at your hands, which you launch at Romin.

cfb romin
* HP:Healthy SP:Strong MV:Fresh - Annoura Larisen: Healthy - Romin: Wounded >
[channel 'fireball']
You begin to weave the appropriate flows...
Romin says 'exit'
-=+**+=-
A Gray Sister barely strikes Romin's body.
Annoura Larisen shouts 'The Tower must put down the false dragon, Romin!'
Romin tries to pierce Annoura Larisen, but she deflects the blow.
Annoura Larisen hits Romin's left arm.
Romin panics, and attempts to flee!
-=+
Annoura Larisen shouts 'The Tower must put down the false dragon, Romin!'
Ok.
Romin panics, and attempts to flee!
Fire coalesces into a ball at your hands, which you launch at Romin.
Navani clambers to her feet.

* HP:Healthy SP:Strong MV:Fresh - Annoura Larisen: Healthy - Romin: Beaten >
cfb romin
[channel 'fireball']
You begin to weave the appropriate flows...
Romin tries to open the carveddoor, but can't.
-=
A Gray Sister barely strikes Romin's head.
Romin panics, and attempts to flee!
Romin tries to pierce Annoura Larisen, but she parries successfully.
Annoura Larisen hits Romin's body.
Romin panics, and attempts to flee!
+
Romin panics, and attempts to flee!
**+=
Navani strikes Romin's left leg.
Romin panics, and attempts to flee!
- -=+
Ok.
You feel the Weave of the Wheel tighten around you.
Your first time! Was it good for you too?
Your fireball blasts into Romin, dropping his charred corpse to the ground.
Romin is dead! R.I.P.
Your blood freezes as you hear Romin's death cry.

-
[release ]
Ok.

Chloro lean's over and sever the bloody head from the corpse of Romin.

Annika steps over the corpse and retakes her seat.

Chloro sighs and embraces weaving flows of fire and air waving her hand as the corpse ignites ash.

Navani says 'Well that was exciting.'

Annika's nostrils flair at the momentary smell of burned meat, her single eye gleaming.

Chloro says 'This is our lesson, to be prepared. The wheel is ever turning and with the shadow stirring. Trollocs raid ever further south, Fal dara is under constant attack, and the Seanchan renew their invasion.'

Annika's lips twitch slightly at the mention of Seanchan.

Chloro retakes her seat and sips her wine. "Now Children, what is being prepared as far as the White Tower is considered?"

Navani wipes her brow as a bead of sweat sneaks down the side of her face.

Chloro says 'Quickly now.'

Navani says 'Always being alert and conscious of our surroundings. Even when we are safe in our quarters, we must be prepared as you were there.'

Annika drawls 'Being ready to respond to any eventuality in a manner that will strengthen the Light for the Last battle.'

Navani says 'We need to be training any chance we get, for the last battle is not too far away.'

Chloro says 'Is that all?'

Navani says 'Developing relationships and trust with others is very important to be prepared.'

Annika drawls 'The question is so broad that to provide further specificity seems to dilute the answer without adding usefully Aes Sedai.'

Navani says 'We must always look out for one another.'

Annika drawls 'seems so broad rather.'

Annika bows her head slightly in unspoken apology.

Navani nods at you.

Chloro says 'I asked a specific question child. What does the White Tower view as being prepared. I both notated the location and circumstance. Now think carefully.'

emote: Chloro raises her finger for the girls to pause.

Annika drawls 'As the White Tower is considered could refer to us as initiates, or the Tower generally in the world. In both cases we should be ready to respond with the full force of our skills as wisely and decisively as we are able.'

Chloro says 'Now listen carefully to what I have to say, this lesson will only come but once, be steadfast.'

Annika bows her head slightly.

Chloro looks to each the of the girls, eyes piercing." You are but cubs in banded dresses among tigresses who have spent decades if not centuries traversing not only the politics of the world but also the politics of the Tower. Now I ask again, what does the White Tower view as being prepared?"

Navani says 'There is always more to learn and the more knowledge you have the more prepared you are for everything. It's important we each keep seeking out the growth it takes to become prepared as the White Tower would have us. It is a never-ending journey of experiences with many hardships along the way.'

Chloro takes another sip of wine waiting for each of the girls to answer.

Annika offers a slight shrug.

Annika drawls 'Preparation is always evaluated after the fact. All we can do is prepare ourselves with the time and resources we have to meet any challenge, knowing that there will be challenges we don’t foresee. We may study. We may practice. We may look for any way to gain an advantage that will forward our goals and those of the White Tower.'

Chloro says 'You are thinking too broadly girls. A sharp mind, and the ability to use it. That was what is required to be prepared in the White Tower. We can teach you Saidar, we can teach you math, writing, and politics. We cannot teach you to use them, that is something you must do yourself. We give you the skills, but your choice to use them is yours and yours alone.'

Annika nods slowly.

Navani takes out a book etched in blue marking on the binding and scribbles down notes in it.

Chloro says 'Every woman that wears the shawl is trained on how to notice the small things. Which woman speaks to who, who do they not speak to. Is there a slight snub to someone, does someone receive more praise than others. There is a debate as to if the Great Game started in the White Tower or in Cairhien, the game is played second by second here, minute by minute there.'

Annika ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Chloro says 'Even now, you as Accepted participate in it. You make a choice as to which Ajah to apprentice to. Everyone has a choice, and every choice has a consequence. Have you chosen correctly?'

Navani says 'Only time will tell as the wheel weaves as the wheel wills. We are only but strings in the pattern.'

Annika flashes teeth.

Annika drawls 'avoiding a straight answer?'

Annika drawls 'We cannot know for certain if any choice is correct. We are presupposing that a 'correct' choice even exists.'

Chloro says 'That is very pretty, but it does not answer my question Navani, you are an Accepted debating an Aes Sedai that has devoted her life to web of politics and pulling the strings of it. Best you pick your battles with more care.'

Annika drawls 'I wish to study under the White Ajah because I believe it will give me the tools to understand and control my mind and the world around me. At present I believe it to be the best choice available to me.'

Navani says 'Yes Aes Sedai, of course pardon my ignorance.'

Chloro looks to both girls. "You make the choice based on your own goals and ambitions. Will the choice you made serve those?"

Annika nods in agreement.

Navani nods at Chloro fervently.

Annika drawls 'Mine will, if what I have heard of the White Sister is true. If not I will have to make another choice, and disengage in a way that cost me no political ill will.'

Annika spreads her hands on the desk as though laying out facts baldly.

Chloro says 'Good, it took a few minutes, but we got there, you must begin to hone your minds, your political skills if you seek to ever wear the shawl. '

Annika smiles tautly.

Chloro says 'Annika even a White Sister knows there would be consequence to that. Best you base your facts in reality, not hopeful reality.'

Chloro says 'Now, given that politics go hand in hand with your current station. Please recite the Ajahs you have learned from by sisters individually excluding myself. Navani you may go first.'

Navani says 'Tolza Sedai has been very helpful introducing me to the Brown Ajah..'

Navani tells you 'is that what you mean?'

Navani says 'I have learned of how they admire and cherish their books, studies, and knowledge over all else.'

Chloro says 'Is that all?'

Navani says 'Divina and Callesa Sedai as well'

Navani says 'The Green Ajah I have learned from Lady Lisette Sedai what it looks like to be a fierce warrior who is fearless in the face of shadowspawn.'

Navani says 'Keshara and Katharine have showed me what it takes to be in the Blue Ajah.'

Navani says 'I'm afraid I have not had any interactions with a sister from the White Ajah.'

Chloro says 'Is it your opinion then, that only the brown, green, and blue ajahs merit your mind?'

Navani says 'No Aes Sedai of course not.'

Navani says 'I was getting to the others.'

Annika watches Navani closely.

Navani says 'The Red Ajah I have learned from Sarinda and Morella Sedai.'

Chloro says 'Child I believe my Blue Sisters are normally of the opinion that short direct answers are in good form. As you wish to train with them, best to adopt it now.'

Navani nods at you.

Navani says 'Eldrenia from the yellow mostly, and I believe Etain Sedai is also of the yellow but she does not speak much'

Navani says 'I have recently seen Ashlynn Sedai in the Tower but she has been very busy.'

Navani says 'I have not had any interaction with Gray sisters other than yourself.'

Chloro nods and cuts off Navani with a hand raised. "Annika?"

Annika drawls 'I have spoken with Erulisse and Tolza Sedai of the Browns, Lys Sedai of the Blue, Nevirha Sedai of the Gray. I sparred with Sarinda Sedai of the Red when she was an Accepted. I have travelled in the company of some others, such as yourself.

Annika says 'And I too have spoken with Etain Sedai, though briefly and in passing'

Chloro says 'Speaking in passing, traveling (also includes smobbing and city head hits) do not count as lessons girls nor do they secure a possible vote when the time comes. You must be smarter with choosing your interactions. Each Ajah is full of women and knowledge, you only need to seek to find. All Aes Sedai have the ability to voice themselves on your worthiness for the shawl, best you meet as many as you can.'

Annoura Larisen glares icily at you, you feel cold to your bones.

Annika nods in agreement.

Chloro says 'Sister is is best they learn now.'

Annika drawls 'May I ask a question Aes Sedai?'

Chloro says 'You may.'

Navani nods at you.

Annika drawls 'As I hope to be courting your vote one day. What are you looking for, beyond demonstration of a sharp mind?'

Annika folds her hands in her lap.

Chloro nods and regards the two girls, "That is for me to hold and you to one day find out. Many things are sealed to the shawl, I will give you the tools to excel, but how you use them is up to you."

Annika grins but without mirth.

Chloro says 'Even Whites can excel in tower politics, Raeza Sedai and Alison Sedai come to mind for that.'

Chloro says 'As for the blue, if you have not had a chance to learn from Reyne Sedai or Kitiara Sedai, you should remedy that.'

Chloro says 'All of my sisters, regardless of Ajah hold to a truth. Every woman who wears the shawl, regardless of Ajah strengthens the Tower. '

Annika considers this.

Annika drawls 'to a truth, not to the same truth by implication.'

Annika questions.

Navani considers Chloro Sedai with a nod as she takes out her book once again and begins jotting down notes.

Chloro says 'Now, I leave you both with 2 tasks. Over the next fortnight, you are both to seek out 2 Aes Sedai you have not learned from before and gain their knowledge, you are also to aid 3 justice clans (smobbing, regearing, questing). Do I make myself clear?'

Annika nods in agreement.

Annika drawls 'Yes Aes Sedai.'

Navani nods at you.

Navani says 'Yes Aes Sedai.'

Chloro says Then you are both dismissed. Remember this always, to be viewed ready for the shawl, Aes Sedai should already be seeing you as among them, taking up as much burden of the shawl as your station allows. I will be watching girls. We will meet again after I hear a report from each of you on progress of your tasks. Should anyone wish to sing your praise, Navani have them send word to the Blue Ajah. Annika, until your training begins with my white sisters if found worthy, have them send missive to me directly.'

Chloro gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Annika nods in agreement.

Annika rise smoothly.

Annika drawls 'Yes Aes Sedai.'

Navani curtseys before you.

Navani leaves east. >>

Annika curtseys gracefully.

Annika leaves east. >>

[Nevirha]

Rplizer +1 qps : X
Summary: +1 qps : X

Navani - 3 qps
Annika - 3 qps
Chloro - 5 qps (3 for the log + 2 bonus)