A Lesson on Art History

[Amarea]

Summary:
Amarea was tasked by Kitiara Sedai to find a room on the island of Tar Valon with a curious statue of a man and a woman pair, and to discuss her findings. The novice meets with the Blue sister to discuss the statue, which appears to be some kind of ter'angreal, and some of the possible interpretations of what this item is and why it responds the way it does. Aelrena briefly makes an appearance to check in on the lesson and the wilder novice. Amarea further reflects on what she knows, and her burgeoning understanding of all the things in this world that she really doesn't know at all.

POV: Amarea
Main characters: Amarea, Kitiara
Guest character: Aelrena

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Conservatory of the Blue Ajah
During daytime, bright light floods in from tall, arched windows set in the
eastern wall, which offer a view of the many spires of Tar Valon as well as
the eastern bank of the Erinin. On clear days, the peaks of the Dragonwall
can be seen, far away to the east. Bookshelves, tables, maps and charts are
all present as the Blue sisters prepare for whatever tasks currently occupy
them or as they plan business away from the Tower. On one wall hang two
large portraits of Ciel Sedai and Adaire Sedai, with white ribbons of
mourning tied into the latticework of the frames.
[ obvious exits: W ]
A chair made of red oak rests next to the table. [2]
A large desk made of fine, thick wood stands across the room from here.
Lady Kitiara Sedai is standing here.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Blue Sister is here, planning her next journey.
Anaiya Sedai of the Blue Ajah stands here.

Amarea is carrying:
[2] a goblet of robust red wine
[2] a cup of strong black tea
a loaf of crusty fresh bread
a bread filled with raisins and nuts
a loaf of crusty fresh bread
a bread filled with raisins and nuts

Kitiara looks up as the door closes and smiles warmly, 'Ah novice, have you found the statue?'

Amarea enters the room with a cart of food, including freshly baked bread, goblets of wine, and tea.

Kitiara blinks her eyes innocently.

Amarea 's eyes light up at the mention of the statue. 'Oh, yes, Aes Sedai, I think I did. Or at least, if it's not the right one, finding it was still very exciting.'

Amarea is carrying:
[2] a goblet of robust red wine
[2] a cup of strong black tea
a loaf of crusty fresh bread
a bread filled with raisins and nuts
a loaf of crusty fresh bread
a bread filled with raisins and nuts

Kitiara says 'Perhaps a bit less food next time, one would not want to grow too large.'

Kitiara says 'Please describe it to me.'

Amarea says 'My ma always taught me that it's rude to show up to a meeting without food. Beggin' your pardon, Aes Sedai, would you like some tea, or red wine? Both are on the stronger side, it seems.'

Amarea blushes furiously.

Kitiara says 'No thank you dear, though I do appreciate the gesture. '

Amarea quickly but meticulously sets the food down on an open spot on the desk, then wipes her hands on her apron.

Amarea blushes furiously as she realizes there isn't an open spot on the desk.

Amarea says 'Yes, the statue.'

Amarea closes her eyes a moment, visualizing it.

Amarea nods. 'The one I found was really more like a pair of statues, Kitiara Sedai, on the northeast side of the island, hidden in a cave underneath the river bank.'

Kitiara makes no move to clear the stacks of papers.

Kitiara smiles and nods, motioning for the Novice to continue.

Amarea says 'It was at the end of a cavern with lots of stalactites. I honestly was worried about cutting myself. But there were some uncut gemstones along the walls, and some sandstone that looks like it could be harvested.'

Amarea says 'The statue was...beautiful.'

Amarea says 'There was a woman, made of alabaster, and a man, made of a jet black rock of some kind.'

Kitiara nods along.

Amarea says 'It seemed to be some kind of fountain, almost, which seems odd for the location. Or maybe it wasn't always under the river shores.'

Amarea frowns.

Amarea says 'I noticed that there was no wild life around it. There were some vines, and some moss, all around the area. But not on the statue. Sort of like there was an...aura or something warding off the growth.'

Kitiara says 'Interesting yes? Did you notice anything else peculiar? '

Amarea says 'It seemed like the woman was...holding her hands over his eyes?'

Amarea says 'It was a curious choice of a pose, I think.'

Kitiara says 'And why do you think she was doing that?'

Kitiara says 'or is either, i suppose she hasnt moved.'

Amarea chuckles politely.

Amarea says 'Well, I spent a lot of time just sitting there, enjoying the quiet, between cleaning dishes. And I thought about that for a while.'

Kitiara nods.

Amarea says 'I'm not much of an artist, beggin' your pardon, so I could be off. But the odd placement of the statue, and its warding off the chainvines, had me think that maybe it was from before the Breaking. From the Age of Legends.'

Amarea says the name of the Age reverently as her eyes glow with curiosity.

Amarea says 'From what Pevara Sedai told me, back then, before the Breaking, men and women could do some amazing thing together with the One Power.'

Amarea says 'So, I had the thought that maybe it was to symbolize the men and women of that time, needing to rely on each other.'

Kitiara says 'It is possible I suppose, did you try and channel near it?'

Amarea blushes and shakes her head. 'No, Aes Sedai. When I found it, it was before Aelrena Sedai and I had figured out what my block was.'

Kitiara nods in understanding.

Kitiara says 'Well it is good not to channel around strange objects, particualarly old strange objects. But no matter, follow me please.'

Amarea nods in agreement.

Kitiara gets a wealth of copper pennies from a small purse.

Kitiara drops a copper penny.

Amarea senses Kitiara connecting to the True Source.

Amarea now follows Kitiara.

Amarea nods in agreement.

Amarea is now a member of Kitiara's group.

Amarea senses Kitiara is channeling saidar.

Amarea says 'Do you...want some of that bread? Or anything to drink, Aes Sedai?'

A bright slash of light dilates into a gateway to another place.
A copper penny is destroyed by the light.

Kitiara drops a copper penny.

Kitiara steps through the gateway.
Amarea follows Kitiara through the gateway.


REDACTED ROOM NAME
Verdant trunks of alder and paperbark surround a statue carved from glossy
stone. A muscular, bearded youth, stripped to the waist and chiselled from
rock of the deepest jet pours water from a jar onto the ground. Behind him,
a maiden in flowing robes carved of the purest alabaster holds graceful
fingers over his eyes. Strands of chainvine curl across the ground,
withering to nothing as they approach the statue, which remains unspoiled
by the incessant passage of time, untouched by moss or strangling vine.
[ obvious exits: REDACTED ]
Amarea feels an odd disturbance in the Pattern here.
A glowing portal hovers here forming a gateway to another place.
Lady Kitiara Sedai is standing here.

Kitiara nods in agreement.

Amarea gasps in astonishment.

Kitiara says 'Never stepped through a gate Novice?'

Amarea nearly drops the food in surprise.

Amarea says 'No. I mean, yes, I have. It's just such a fascinating weave.'

Amarea says 'And I wasn't able to see the flows formed before, due to the block.'

Amarea gets a wooden bucket from a backpack.

Amarea smiles sheepishly as she points to the giant bucket of water she is lugging around.

Amarea says 'Actually, I have only just started to see the flows at all. It's just fascinating.'

Kitiara smiles warmly.

Amarea blushes furiously.

Kitiara says 'It is indeed... '

Amarea nervously eats some bread to quiet herself.

Kitiara says 'Which weaves have you been practicing? A Light Ball perhaps?'

Amarea blushes and shakes her head. 'No, Aes Sedai, not that one. Although, I have found myself drawn to some of the weaves that help me find connections between things. The books in the library say it has to do with...ley lines?'

Kitiara blinks her eyes innocently.

Kitiara says 'Well is there a non violent weave you could demostrate?'

Amarea nods in agreement.

Amarea feels the flows of saidar coursing through her body.

Kitiara grins wryly.

channel 'strength' Kitiara
You begin to weave the appropriate flows...
-=+**
A man's baritone chuckle rings in your mind like the tolling of copper bells.
+=- -=+*
Amarea lost control of Saidar!

Amarea gasps in astonishment.

Amarea peers around into the shadows.

Kitiara says 'No need to complete the weave, I take it you heard him?'

Amarea accidentally fails to form the flows out of shock.

Amarea nods in agreement.

Kitiara says 'Quite interesting no?'

Kitiara starts to pace around the statue.

Amarea's eyes light up with curiosity.

Amarea steps closer to the statue as well, setting the food down on the ground haphazardly so she has free hands to move closer and inspect the rock.

Kitiara says 'I wondered if a Man channeled would he hear the woman... though of course bringing one here would be far too dangerous'

Aelrena arrives from a flash of bright white light.

Amarea gasps in astonishment.

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Amarea curtseys before Aelrena.

Aelrena greets Kitiara with a light kiss on her cheek.

Aelrena nods at Amarea.

Amarea says 'Oh! Hi Aelrena Sedai!'

Amarea beams a broad smile from ear to ear.

Kitiara greets Aelrena with a light kiss on her cheek.

Amarea shows a wooden bucket to Aelrena.

Kitiara says 'A bit of a surprise Sister.'

Amarea says 'I figured a way to work around my block, Aes Sedai!'

Amarea feels the flows of saidar coursing through her body.

Aelrena says 'I thought it would be apt to check on the child given the status of her block last we met.'

Amarea practically beams.

Aelrena nods at Kitiara.

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Kitiara nods in understanding

Aelrena says 'I'm gladdened to hear that, child.'

Kitiara says 'I was just showing her my favorite statue on the island, have you been here?'

Aelrena says 'and more so to see my sister Kitiara showing you about.'

Amarea turns back to the statue. 'Kitiara Sedai was just talking about this statue, and how it responds to weaves of the One Power.'

Aelrena says 'I have not.'

Kitiara beams a smile at Aelrena.

Amarea says 'May I demonstrate, Kitiara Sedai?'

Aelrena says 'I seldom found my way out of the library even as an Accepted.'

Kitiara says 'It only works for the one weaving dear.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Amarea slowly, intentionally, releases the Source and nods.

Kitiara says 'Sister, I tend to send Novices to search for this, but if you would channel something non violent.'

Aelrena ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Amarea senses Aelrena connecting to the True Source.

Amarea senses Aelrena is channeling saidar.

Kitiara grins wryly.

Aelrena fails to pull together whatever flows she was trying to weave.

Aelrena arches an eyebrow.

Kitiara says 'The weave is not important, I imagine you heard him?'

Aelrena says 'I did, how interesting. '

Amarea peers around at the quiet room. 'But...I didn't hear it that time.'

Aelrena says 'I wonder if it's some type of ter'angreal.'

Amarea says 'Only the channeler can hear the voice?'

Aelrena gazes at the statue in interest.

Amarea's eyes light up with curiosity.

Kitiara says 'Perhaps, usually after I have a Novice find it we talk about what it may represent. '

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Kitiara says 'So Novice, you described it well earlier, A woman blinding a man whose water is perpetually spilling onto he ground... and'yet the water creates no life. '

Amarea walks up to the statue and gingerly places a hand on it, soft hands caressing the carved stone.

Kitiara whispers something to Aelrena.

l woman
The statue's gentle curves of alabaster and jet twine sensuously around
each other. In places, it is hard to tell where dark ends and pale begins,
the lines of each like shadows in the light, blurring and painful to the
eye.

l man
A figure carved from rock as black as ebony pours water from a jar marked
with sinuous lines onto the ground at his feet.

Amarea says 'She seems so graceful.'

Kitiara says 'Oh, and I was saying before you arrived that I have wondered whether a man channeling would hear the woman, but of course bringing a man here would be far too dangerous...'

Aelrena whispers something to Kitiara.

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Amarea's face pales as her eyes widen.

Amarea shivers uncomfortably.

Aelrena says 'I rather had the same thought.'

Aelrena nods at Kitiara.

Amarea says 'I had thought that perhaps this might be an Aes Sedai from the Age of Legends, and her warder.'

Kitiara nods at the Novice, listening.

Amarea says 'Or maybe it was a male channeler of that time.'

Aelrena appears thoughtful as she gazes at the statue, clearly only half listening to the novice's thoughts.

Amarea says 'Has anyone tried to study the item more? Or placed other weaves on it?'

Kitiara says 'I have been coming here for years, I have experimented a bit. All I ever achieve is the laughter. '

Aelrena nods at Kitiara.

Amarea feels the flows of saidar coursing through her body.

Amarea embraces the Source, but does not channel, simply touching the stone as if listening to it.

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Amarea says 'What a fascinating puzzle.'

Aelrena winks at Kitiara.

Amarea senses Aelrena connecting to the True Source.

Amarea senses Aelrena is channeling saidar.

Amarea senses Aelrena is channeling saidar.

Aelrena is enveloped by a flash of bright white light, and disappears.

Amarea says 'I wonder what purpose something like that would have. Why a statue that just laughs the one time when you weave nearby?'

Kitiara says 'Now Novice...'

Kitiara says 'Most statues are built to represent something, or be a monument to something... what do you think this was made for?'

Amarea considers the question thoughtfully, studying the statue.

Amarea says 'Well, I have a guess.'

Amarea says 'A biased one, perhaps. But I wonder if the sculptor was a woman.'

Kitiara says 'Hold that thought dear.'

Amarea senses Kitiara is channeling saidar.

A bright slash of light dilates into a gateway to another place.


(Kitiara Sedai leads the pair back to the Blue Ajah conservatory.)


Conservatory of the Blue Ajah
During daytime, bright light floods in from tall, arched windows set in the
eastern wall, which offer a view of the many spires of Tar Valon as well as
the eastern bank of the Erinin. On clear days, the peaks of the Dragonwall
can be seen, far away to the east. Bookshelves, tables, maps and charts are
all present as the Blue sisters prepare for whatever tasks currently occupy
them or as they plan business away from the Tower. On one wall hang two
large portraits of Ciel Sedai and Adaire Sedai, with white ribbons of
mourning tied into the latticework of the frames.
[ obvious exits: W ]
A shiny copper penny has been left here.
A chair made of red oak rests next to the table. [2]
A large desk made of fine, thick wood stands across the room from here.
Lady Kitiara Sedai is standing here.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Blue Sister is here, planning her next journey.
Anaiya Sedai of the Blue Ajah stands here.

Kitiara gestures with her hand.

Kitiara sits down on a stout oaken chair.

The door swings silently and shuts with a click.

Kitiara says 'please sit, why made by a woman?'

Amarea sit down on a stout oaken chair.

Amarea shifts her pose and is now sitting here, tapping a finger on her lip in thought.

Amarea says 'Well, I was just going to say that if we look at it from that view, and if I'm right about it being from the Age of Legends. Perhaps it's about how women can have an effect on men, and how they are blinded by women.'

Kitiara grins evilly.

Kitiara ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Amarea says 'Figuratively, you know.'

Amarea chuckles politely.

Kitiara says 'A more frivolous meaning, but perhaps if it was from the Age of Legends, such frivolous things were made with the Power. '

Amarea blushes as she realizes what she is proposing. 'It's probably a silly idea. I just come from a city where the boys and girls tease each other about that sort of thing.'

Kitiara says 'What if it were after the Breaking?'

Kitiara leans in listening to the novice.

Amarea frowns. 'Well, Pevara Sedai talked about how the Breaking of the World, and the taint on saidin, really changed how men and women used to work together. And how the male half of the Source was tainted, and women had to step up to save the world.'

Amarea says 'So...maybe both could do great things, but the real power rested with those who could still see the world for what it was.'

Kitiara chuckles lightly, 'More or less I suppose.'

Amarea says 'I don't know why there was water there in the statue.'

Amarea says 'I thought that was a curious choice.'

Kitiara says 'Well, think about it child, what may the water represent?'

Amarea says 'The pouring out of water, endlessly, seemed to be wasteful.'

Amarea says 'So by doing something as simple as covering his eyes, the woman was asserting control.'

Kitiara says 'But what does the water represent?'

Amarea shrugs and replies, 'I'm not really sure, Kitiara Sedai.' She hazards a guess, 'Maybe the passing of time? Or of life itself?'

Kitiara says 'What if, the woman was a representation of Women an Aes Sedai, and the man a representation of Male Aes Sedai, after the breaking.'

Amarea frowns, deep in thought.

Amarea says 'Then I would say that this statue paints a not so nice picture about women, in that situation.'

Kitiara says 'Oh?'

Amarea asks sadly, 'Why blind someone who is already suffering?'

Amarea says 'Beggin' your pardon, Kitiara Sedai, but I didn't have much chance to look at art growing up. I enjoyed making things, but I never had lessons on that kind of thing. I know my numbers, and my letters, but not things like this. So maybe I'm thinking about it wrong.'

Amarea blushes furiously.

Kitiara says 'It is quite alright dear, there is not necessarily a correct answer here. All my years knowing about that statue, and no other information on its purpose...'

Amarea nods thoughtfully.

Kitiara says 'Though I do have my own thoughts on the matter...'

Amarea 's eyes light up with curiosity.

Amarea says 'Oh? What do you think about it, Aes Sedai?'

Kitiara grins wrly, 'Well I like to think it was after the Breaking... and that it was meant to represent the futility of women trying to stop men from breaking the world... Try as they might saidin still spilled out of them... killing everything it touched.

Amarea tilts her head curiously, another sad look on her face.

Amarea says 'Oh. Oh, I could see what you mean, then.'

Kitiara says 'She is Saidar, and he Saidin, her light and him black with taint.'

Amarea nods in agreement.

Kitiara says 'There is another possibility... that the statue and the woman are not mere statue... but Aes Sedai, frozen in time... hiding in a cave as she tries to stop him going mad.'

Amarea says 'So she isn't trying to blind him per se, but rather to stop him, to protect against his actions. But...well, it didn't work all the way.'

Kitiara says 'Just my theory... predicated on quite a bit of assumption.'

Kitiara says 'Though you are the first to suggest it was of a more frivolous nature made during the Age of Legends... and I do quite like that story. '

Kitiara says 'Indeed he does... perhaps your idea holds some weight.'

Amarea says 'The man's voice sounded happy. Laughter.'

Kitiara says 'Or perhaps it is the mad laughter of a man gone insane...'

Amarea's face pales as her eyes widen.

Amarea says 'I wonder if our thoughts on it would change if we knew what else it could do, if anything at all. Assuming it as a ter'angreal.'

Amarea says 'Have you tried creating water in the room, Aes Sedai?'

Kitiara says 'I have not, though as long as you do not channel at the statue, It is likely safe enough... remember you must never channel near strange objects... this one I know is safe, but others in the world are less so.'

Amarea nods vigorously. 'Accepted Maighan talked about that in orientation.'

Kitiara says 'Good.'

Kitiara says 'Any more thoughts on the matter?'

Amarea says 'Well, one, Aes Sedai.'

Kitiara motions for the Novice to share.

Amarea says 'You yourself said that you have experimented with this one, and know it to be safe. But how do you know? How do you know when it might be safe to experiment, and in what ways?'

Amarea says 'I find the idea of studying something like this...exciting, but also frightening, if something could happen.'

Kitiara says 'I know it is safe to channel near it, however I do not know if it is safe to channel AT the statue, and you are not to do so either.'

Amarea nods in agreement.

Kitiara says 'I am no so foolish to risk myself for a mere curiousity. '

Amarea nods vigorously at the implied instruction. 'Yes, Aes Sedai, I understand.'

Kitiara nods in agreement.

Kitiara says 'liveaward amarea 2 qps for a new idea for the statues.'

A silver-haired Aes Sedai says 'As you command, Kitiara Sedai. I will now award LIVE QPS.'

A silver-haired Aes Sedai says 'It is done.'

Kitiara nods in agreement.

Amarea blushes furiously.

Amarea says 'Thank you, Aes Sedai.'

Kitiara says 'It is not often I hear new ideas child. Particularly ones that are joyful. I look forward to our next meeting. '

Kitiara says 'you are dimissed. '

Kitiara gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Amarea 's blush deepens and she nods, curtseying again.

Amarea says 'The Light favor you, Kitiara Sedai. Good night.'

[Catisune]

I have awarded Amarea 1 rpqp and Kitiara 1 qp for this log. Please see any silver-haired Aes Sedai to 'receive' your reward.