Some things can not be learned from books

[nori]

Summary: Accepted Nori braves the den of the Brown's with a special guest of a Blue before finding herself in the hall later that evening to be raised to Tower Accepted.

POV: Nori
Characters: Chloro Sedai, Kitiara Sedai, Aelrena Sedai, Catisune Sedai

RP-lizer and light editing
------------------------------

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.
A large desk made of fine, thick wood stands across the room from here.
Aelrena is sitting here, upon the window sill.
Lady Chloro Arovni, Aes Sedai is standing here.
Catisune Sedai is standing here.
A Brown Sister is here, frowning pensively.
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.

Nori curtseys to her audience.

Chloro embraces saidar unraveling the ward around the room. "Good evening Accepted."

Nori says 'good evening Aes Sedai.'

Nori says 'I believe someone dropped a book in the main wing.'

Nori gives a dust-covered book to Catisune.

Nori says 'although dusty, it did appear used at one time.'

Catisune sits in the plush chair she typically favors near the Ajah study windows. Chloro Sedai sits
in the plush chair opposite Catisune, and Aelrena Sedai perches in the window.

Nori says 'I couldn't help but try and return it.'

Catisune says 'Not only have you tried, you have succeeded.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Nori allows a curt smile to flit across her face before folding into a light blushing of her
cheeks.

Aelrena says 'I can think of worse reasons to come to the study than returning a book.'

Catisune says 'Please join us, Accepted . . .'

Catisune acts as though the Accepted's name were on the tip of her tongue, though she could use a
little help.

Nori says 'oh, of course. Do you mind if I have a seat?'

Nori motions towards some particularly comfortable looking chairs and a beautiful chase lounge.

Nori says 'I'm Nori, Nori Almoran.'

Catisune says 'Join us, won't you, Nori?'

Nori says 'I'm but, a Journey Accepted, apprenticed to Sarinda Sedai.'

Nori says 'I would love that.'

Catisune indicates the least comfortable looking chair among the cadre of comfortable looking
chairs.

Nori folds into a beautiful chair of fine mahogany, noticing a slight tilt in one of the old legs.

Chloro sips her spiced wine, exotic gray eyes seeming the pierce through the Accepted. "My Red
sisters do seem to attract many students these days."

Catisune's smile nearly touches her eyes as she watches Nori assume her seat.

Aelrena says 'It is good to see you, Accepted. It's been long.'

Aelrena nods at Nori.

Nori says 'it has been some time, yes Aelrena Sedai.'

Catisune says 'A Red apprentice? How droll. I am happy for this company.'

Nori says 'It's much like everything else, dedication, time, and perseverance. '

Nori says 'I'm quite happy be amongst so many Aes Sedai this evening, I don't get to spend much time
with the Brown Ajah.'

Catisune says 'Now that you have us properly cornered, what would you ask?'

Aelrena chuckles politely.

Nori says 'we share the love of books.'

Nori says 'I was hoping you could provide me something I haven't read yet, preferably about male
channelers.'

Catisune leans in only very slightly 'And if you ask why I chose my Ajah, I will rescind your
invitation and never speak to you again.'

Catisune blinks her large, watery eyes.

Aelrena ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Chloro says 'I have a suggestion.'

Catisune says 'I have several.'

Catisune stands without preamble.

Catisune opens the carveddoor.

Catisune leaves south.

The carveddoor closes quietly.

Aelrena says 'I have nothing at hand.'

Aelrena shrugs helplessly.

Nori leans back in her seat, clearly interested at what novel Catisune Sedai will return with, or
perhaps a box full.

Nori says 'news reached Valon this morning that a known dreadlord fizzled out into a firey ball of
flames.'

Aelrena turns her attention to her skirts, where a rather large bug has slowly begun crawling it's
way up the fabric.

Chloro smiles her eyes taking on a predatory gaze to make Alosia proud. "Have you read through the
Collection of Biographys of the false dragons?"

Nori says 'those that saw it happen described what sounds much like incineration gone foul.'

Nori turns her eyes to Chloro Sedai.

Nori says 'I don't think I've made it through many of the biographies. Who are the notable
channelers?'

The carveddoor is opened from the other side.

Catisune has arrived from the south.

Catisune closes the carveddoor.

Chloro says 'I would ask the historians in our presence child.'

Catisune totters in with a large stack of books nearly occluding her pointed nose from view.

Aelrena responds absently, "A dreadlord incinerated, quite interesting to some I'm sure."

Catisune approaches those clustered in conversation and begins piling books in Nori's lap without
preamble.

Catisune gives you a book on the insidious nature of saidin.

Catisune gives you a book on the efficacy of slicing weaves.

Catisune gives you a book on the complete poems of the false dragon.

Catisune gives you a book on a brief history of the breaking.

Nori grunts under the weight of several large books, some leather bound, some bound by dust and
age alone.

Aelrena's eyes remain on the bug upon her skirts, its slow march unrelenting.

Nori says 'this is perfect.'

Nori grimaces as she shifts a particularly boney book off of her right thigh ever so slightly.

Catisune resumes her seat in the plush chair she typically favors by the Ajah study windows.

Nori begins stacking the books quietly next to where she's seated, examining each as she goes.

Catisune says 'We may speak later on any of these topics, Nori. I have read them all, of course, but
I assume you shall bring a new perspective.'

Catisune looks at Nori.

Nori says 'we were just discussing the collection of biographies of some very well known male
channelers.'

Catisune says 'Do not read their biographies, I say. Read their poems. Their diaries.'

Nori says 'I have not read those just yet, and was curious as to what the collection of the biographies were written about?'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Catisune says 'I myself have several of Guaire Amalasan's private journals. Kumira is quite pressed
that I will not release them to the library.'

Nori pauses for a moment, considering a mad man's inner most thoughts preserved for the world to
read to their content.

Chloro says 'Not on the subject of male channelers, one book anyone seeking to attain the shawl
should read "The Biography of Amyrlin Serenia Latar"'

Aelrena places a hand over the bug before leaning forward to glance at the book titles, "Did you get
her anything about Yurian Stonebow, sister?"

Nori eyes a chalice of brilliantly cherried Murandian red wine.

Catisune squints at the stack of books as she indicates with a spindly finger 'His poems are in .. that one!'

Aelrena nods at Catisune.

Nori holds a thick sturdy leather bound book with the title, 'Yurian Stonebow, a mad man's last
ripture'.

Catisune fidgets with the earring in her left ear for the briefest of moments.

Aelrena says 'Good, good. Important for her education, surely.'

Nori makes a mental note before resting the large book on her lap, her arms folded neatly across
the top.

Nori says 'your ear ring is beautiful, Catisune Sedai.'

Nori says 'where is it from?'

Aelrena leans back into her seat, scooping the hand on her skirts into her free hand as she hums
quietly.

Nori peers up at Catisune with admiration, curious as to what legendary supplier might have
crafted such a jewel fit for an Aes Sedai.

Catisune's hand drifts unconsciously to the earring before she returns it to her lap 'Oh, a gift
from a friend, dear. It is good to have friends, especially here.'

Nori nods quietly.

Catisune says 'Have you made many?'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Nori says 'friends, Aes Sedai?'

Nori tilts her head just ever so slightly, weighing the concept.

Chloro chuckles and winks to Aelrena listening to Catisune's topic change.

Aelrena hums quietly under her breath.

Nori says 'I would say a few, mostly those close to my current studies.'

Catisune nods earnestly enough that the bun atop her head looks as though it might escape its
binding.

Nori stops following Sraeyn.

Nori says 'Isela is a formidable student and we share the same apprenticeship currently.'

Catisune says 'That name sounds familiar. Aelrena, do I know Isela?'

Nori says 'I've been meaning to spend some time with a young girl by the name of Amarea. She seems
very studious, and polite.'

Nori says 'I'd like to offer her any help I have, when I do find her.'

Nori places a finger to her lips, clearly in deep thought and the act of recall.

Nori says 'naughty..'

Catisune leans forward 'Oh, I like naughty.'

Nori says 'who was it the other day that let goats into the the White Tower..'

Catisune taps her lip thoughtfully.

Nori stares at the beautiful piazza's ceiling, adorned with fine art seeking a sign from above.

Nori says 'yes..'

Chloro arches her left eyebrow at th word Goats."That is no way to speak of your elders child.
Regardless of which Ajah they are.."

Nori says 'no, no..'

Nori says 'not .. no not like that.'

Nori says 'actual goats.'

Catisune looks as though she has indigestion or is suppressing a laugh at Chloro's remark.

Aelrena frowns.

Nori says 'one of the novices and I can not remember her name for the life of me.. was studying animal
husbandry as one of her studies and for whatever reason, allowed a goat into the novice rooms.'

Nori says 'as a result, it ate the buttons off of many other girl's dresses among other things I could
find before they managed to corral it and remove it.'

Nori scowlss darkly, recalling the yelling that ensued.

Catisune says 'I hope she named him Button..'

Chloro says 'Then i suppose Mistress Laras will have curry on the table before long. '

Nori says 'were we this naughty when we were novices?'

Nori looks to Aelrena for confirmation.

A servant comes in curtseying to the aes sedai present before approaching aelrena and whispering
something in Aelrena Sedai's ear.

Aelrena says 'I was never a problem child.'

Aelrena says 'Now, it seems I'm needed elsewhere.'

Aelrena clambers to her feet.

Nori curtseys before her.

Chloro sharply turns to Aelrena but holds her tongue and sips her wine bemusedly.

Aelrena says 'It was great seeing you both, and you, Nori.'

Nori says 'good evening then, it was well to see you.'

Aelrena's lips twitch up slightly at the corners.

Catisune looks as though she may rise to bid Aelrena farewell but then thinks better of it. She
mutters something under her breath as she resumes her seat.

Aelrena opens the carveddoor.

Aelrena leaves south.

Nori takes her seat amongst a stack of books that almost appears to be growing.

The carveddoor closes quietly.

Chloro Returns her focus to the Accepted."Tell me child."

Chloro says 'Why Red?'

Catisune retrieves an embroidery hoop from the tawny bag of sewing trinkets resting at her feet.

Nori pauses briefly before answering.

Nori says 'I don't fancy the idea of a warder. I actually feel quite the opposite and find myself
enjoying my time mostly in the company of..'

Nori gestures about her chair at the pile of books.

Catisune begins working her hoop with sure, even stitches as she watches Nori answer Chloro's
questions.

Nori says 'books, studies, manuscripts, and training.. anything but boys at this time I'm afraid.'

Nori looks down into her lap, slightly embarrassed by such a statement.

Nori says 'a warder is just not on my list, at this time.'

Nori says 'the books that I do read, and the studies I seem to be attracted to the most ironically..
are about male channelers.'

Nori says 'so for me, I just followed my passion and interest to the doors of the Red Ajah.'

Chloro looks to Catisune and then back to the Novice. "Child you are aware that bonding is the least
of your concerns, and secondly not all sisters of any Ajah bond a warder."

Nori says 'of course, Aes Sedai.'

Chloro breaths deep the redoubles her mind firmly acknowledging the Accepted. The events of of late
were starting to take their toll.

Nori says 'mostly I just find the topic of male channelers, the history of said beings, and how we
handle these threats truly interesting above all other topics.'

Chloro says 'As have many Grays, Browns, Blues, and Yellows.'

Nori says 'it is my passion to hunt them, and bring them to the White Tower in addition to learning
about them.'

Catisune says 'The Red Ajah is a perilous and essential calling, Child.'

Nori nods quietly in agreeance.

Catisune says 'What would you do if you discovered the Dragon Reborn?'

Catisune cants her head to one side like a bird.

Nori says 'they would have to take the stone, Aes Sedai.'

Nori says 'or else they're just another false prophet like the rest.'

Catisune says 'Then you are familiar with the Karaethon Cycle.'

Catisune nods approvingly, just.

Nori says 'yes, Aes Sedai.'

Nori says 'the five heroes, the dragon reborn, the seals, and of course.. Tarmon Gai'don.'

Chloro adds to her sisters line of questioning. "There are many ways the dragon can be proclaimed,
even in the cycle. The real question is, what would you do if you found him?"

Nori says 'what I have learned from the White Ajah would be to observe and assess before acting.'

Nori pauses, her clear green eyes stalled in deep thought.

Catisune does not smirk 'Logically.'

Nori says 'if I am to discover the Dragon Reborn.. before the Dragon knows that they themselves are in
fact the Dragon Reborn..'

Nori says 'I would bring that individual to the White Tower, and protect them at all cost.'

Nori contemplates her next move, a delicate finger tapping ever so slightly on an exposed pursed
lip.

Nori says 'I'm torn to send messengers in advance on my way to the White Tower, but for fear of being
discovered or having messages intercepted I'll choose to opt out of them. '

Chloro says 'I know what the books tell you child, but you are under no oath no. What would you do
personally?.'

Nori says 'I would protect them with my life, if it were truly them.'

Chloro says 'Do you think that would be in line with the Red Ajah?'

Nori says 'it's complex, if it's truly the Dragon Reborn then we will need their help. If it is a
false prophet then it makes the decision much easier.'

Catisune looks up from her hoop with a vague smile.

Nori says 'at least for me.'

Catisune says 'For the Light.'

Catisune says 'False Dragons seek to unravel the pattern.'

Catisune amends 'Wittingly or not.'

Someone knocks on the carveddoor from the other side.

Catisune gestures with her hand.

The doors smoothly swing open.

Catisune glances at the door and calls, 'You may enter.'

Nori eyes Catisune's sewing hoop momentarily as the doors swing open.

The carveddoor is opened from the other side.

Kitiara has arrived from the south.

Kitiara closes the carveddoor.

Nori curtseys before her.

Nori says 'greetings, Kitiara Sedai.'

Kitiara says 'It has been quite some time since I climbed the stairs to this wing.'

Catisune displaces her embroidery hoop so that she might rise to greet Kitiara.

Nori says 'would you like a seat? I can give you mine if it pleases you.'

Catisune says 'And you are always a welcome sight here, Sister.'

Chloro nods smiling warmly at the new arrival. "Ah two old friend finally returned and not in the
hall. This is a treat."

Catisune says 'Do not be cheeky, Nori. You will keep -that- seat.'

Catisune gestures to the seat with the rickety leg that Nori offered Kitiara.

Kitiara grins wryly.

Nori stifles a grin as she takes her seat back in the slightly off kilter chair.

Nori places one of the smaller books under the unstable leg to provide a bit less rocking
sensation.

Kitiara says 'Up to anything in particular Sisters?'

Catisune guides Kitiara to the plush chair next to her own near the Ajah study windows.

Catisune says 'We are only shaking Nori to see what comes out. I have assigned her much reading.'

Chloro says 'Grilling yet another child that is called towards the Reds.'

Kitiara allows herself to be guided but sits rather stiffly in the deep cushion.

Nori motions to her stack of books surrounding her chair whose seen better days.

Kitiara sits down.

Catisune gestures to the pile of books that accompanies the Accepted. It appears to swell even now
as a servant returns with another tome and places it upon the stack.

Nori says 'well. I did show quite some interest in the Blues to be honest.'

Nori says 'and the Greens.'

Nori muses over the two options.

Nori says 'for the amount of reading I do I should have been a Brown.'

Catisune says 'Another missed opportunity.'

Kitiara says 'Well there is still time Accepted, Im sure the library could use another pair of
eyes.'

Nori says 'hindsight is often times crystal clear.'

Kitiara blinks her eyes innocently.

Catisune does not smile wryly, but the corners of her eyes do crinkle.

Chloro smiles as the mental crack begins to show its self. "There is still time to change your mind
child. You are not to far gone to the Reds that you could not belong to another."

Nori says 'well, that is a topic that would require much deeper consideration.'

Nori smiles politely.

Kitiara says 'Well with the Dreadlords out and about these days the Reds could use some new blood.'

Catisune says 'A potential Red who has read the Karaethon Cycle? I think you might be right where
you need to be, Nori.'

Catisune tries to pause so that she does not step on Kitiara's words.

Chloro says 'Or close to it, the white wing is a few paces from the red..'

Nori says 'I just hope I make everyone proud.'

Kitiara looks to a nearby plate and digs in.

Kitiara gets a plate of yellow peppers and pork.

Kitiara says 'Oh that is not a good hope dear, there are far too many to make them all proud.'

Kitiara says 'Choose a couple that matter, aim to live up to the work they put into you.'

Catisune says 'A White would tell you its statistically impossible.'

Nori says 'I just strive to be better than I was the day before.'

Nori says 'Sarinda Sedai has been putting me through the paces as of late.'

Chloro says 'Even politicians can not please everyone. Be yourself.'

Nori says 'it's not uncommon to engage in combat practice rounds several times in an evening.'

Catisune's large, watery eyes twinkle 'Then you will be better for it, I am certain.'

Kitiara says 'Especially politicians cannot please everyone...'

Catisune admonishes with a spindly finger 'But do not neglect your reading!'

Kitiara looks at Nori.

Nori says 'I would never Aes Sedai.'

Catisune whispers something to Kitiara.

Chloro shoots Kitiara a look of (How dare) before returning to the discussion.

Kitiara grins at Chloro.

Nori says 'I do believe I have an entire weeks worth of books I must be on with.'

Kitiara says 'Have you been beating Sarinda?'

Catisune says 'Before you go. Just a moment.'

Nori says 'may I return to my corridors for the evening and begin catching up on my new assignments,
Aes Sedai?'

Nori shakes her head at her.

Nori says 'some close ones, but Sarinda is quite skilled in this art.'

Kitiara says 'Well perhaps we have a go of it.'

Nori says 'I would welcome that. I only ask you provide me quality feedback in the end.'

Nori is carrying:
a book on the insidious nature of saidin
a book on a brief history of the breaking
a book on the complete poems of the false dragon
a book on the efficacy of slicing weaves

Catisune says 'Have a plate, dear. Aelrena catered.'

Nori says 'oh.. why thank you.'

Nori gets a plate of yellow peppers and pork.

Chloro leans back a little in her chair, enjoying for the moment to be around her sisters, and the
young initiate.

Catisune rises smoothly from her plush chair--in fact, with far more grace than she usually
suggests.

Chloro says 'Speaking of Blues, Your apprentice is awake I think sister.'

Catisune remembers to bumble when she gathers her bag of sewing trinkets.

Kitiara sighs loudly.

Catisune says 'A field trip!'

Catisune beckons Nori to follow her.

Kitiara says 'Perhaps I should be running to bed...'

Kitiara blinks her eyes innocently.

Catisune beckons Kitiara to follow her.

Kitiara clambers to her feet.

Catisune beckons Chloro to follow her.

Kitiara now follows Catisune.

Chloro now follows Catisune.

Catisune says 'This is an important day!'

Nori now follows Catisune.

Catisune opens the carveddoor.

Catisune says 'Danelle, guard the wine.'

Catisune leaves south.

Nori follows Catisune.

Continuing Down the Hall
A multitude of doors line both sides of the hallway, each with a richly
decorated carved corniche of redwood leaves and cones above them. A
similarly decorated frieze of redwood leaves, flowers and cones sits just
below the curvature of the arched ceiling. Framed portraits in dark wooden
frames contrast sharply with the white stone walls.

A Long, Portrait-Lined Hall
Portraits framed in dark wood extend up and down the length of the hall,
each separated from the other by several spans and featured in a prominent
place in the Brown Ajah wing. Every image portrays an Amyrlin Seat who was
raised from the Brown Ajah. White tiles with a brown Flame of Tar Valon
cover the length and bredth of the hallway.

Catisune Sedai is standing here.
A young girl in a plain white dress stands here.
Chloro has arrived from the north.
Kitiara has arrived from the north.

Catisune leaves south.
Nori follows Catisune.

Kitiara sneaks away while in transit

Nori follows Catisune.

In the Spiralling Corridor
A ramp curves away out of sight to the west and east, connecting the floors
in the Tower. Leaves of several varieties curl and twine in the stonework
frieze, as well as the ribbing of the vaulted ceiling. The Ogier's work is
so life-like, the blossoms and leaves seem almost ready to flutter in a
breeze and fall to the brightly colored floor tiles. A wall hanging
depicting the fall of the city Londaren Cor during the Trolloc Wars
decorates the wall opposite where a corridor joins the ramp.

... dashing through the halls ...

Catisune opens the doubledoors.

Catisune leaves south.
Nori follows Catisune.

The Hall of the Tower
This grand domed oval room has a ceiling at least thirty paces high. Its
walls of dark wood have been inlaid with the silver Flame of Tar Valon. The
floor has been delicately painted in the colors of all the Ajahs. A raised
platform, fronted by steps, runs around the outside of the room, containing
twenty-one chairs in clusters of three, each painted and cushioned to declare
the Ajah of its inhabitant. A high-backed chair, the Amyrlin Seat, rests at
the far wall on a dais, ornately carved in vines and leaves and painted in
the colors of all the Ajahs. A large rose window opposite the entrance
offers a view of Dragonmount, which looms as a constant reminder.

Catisune Sedai is standing here.
Alyssa, official scribe of the Hall of Sitters, stands patiently nearby.
Chloro has arrived from the north.

Catisune says 'Did I lose Kitiara?'

Catisune says 'Or did she mean to get lost?'

Chloro walks over and greets her sister standing watch in the hall.

Nori says 'it appears so.'

Catisune says 'One can never really tell with a Blue.'

Nori peers around the the large hall.

Nori says 'Alyssa Sedai, it is well to see you.'

Catisune says 'Nori, Sarinda Sedai has taken you as an apprentice to the Red.'

Nori nods quietly.

Catisune says 'She has asked that you not be raised to Tower Accepted until you gained the affection
or appreciation of another Sister.'

Chloro speaks over her shoulder. "I believe she meant to wander off.

Catisune says 'I give that to you today.'

Catisune says 'Alyssa raise Nori to the next rank.'

Alyssa the scribe says 'As you command, Catisune Sedai.'

Nori openly smiles for a brief moment before catching herself.

Nori says 'oh my.'

Nori blushes a deep hue of red.

Nori says 'well, I promise to do my best and make you two proud, even if it be impossible to convince
the masses.'

Catisune shoos Nori off toward the Well 'Off with you then.'

Chloro watches the Accepted blush and rethinks her position."Perhaps you belong with the Reds after
all."

Nori says 'thank you Aes Sedai.'

Nori curtseys to her audience.

[Lys]

awarded 2qps

[Auriona]

2qp for Catisune, Aelrena
1qp for Chloro, Nori
0qp for Kitiara, who makes a delightful cameo but is not otherwise in the log.