A Journey of Discovery begins

[melosa]

Summary

Accepted Melosa seeks permission from her mentor Asandra Sedai to embark on a fact-finding mission across the world.

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Strategy Room of the Green Ajah
[ obvious exits: W ]
Zone: White Tower Upper Floors
Door west: door
A chair made of red oak rests next to the table. [3]
A long wooden table offers room for patrons.
Lady Asandra the Honored Sister is resting here on a stout oaken chair.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Green Sister struts about the halls.
Alanna Mosvani, a tall, slenderly beautiful woman with dark, penetrating eyes stands here.

Asandra smiles happily.


Asandra gestures with her hand.

The door swings silently and shuts with a click.

Asandra sits down and rests on a stout oaken chair.

Asandra motions for one of the other chairs.

Asandra says 'Take a seat, apprentice Melosa.'

Asandra says 'I was expecting you.'

Melosa says 'Thank you Asandra Sedai.'

Melosa sits down on a stout oaken chair.

Asandra says 'I heard you have a proposition to discuss.'

Asandra says 'Let me know the details.'

Asandra smiles happily.

Melosa shifts herself and leans forward, eager to share more.

Melosa says 'Yes, Asandra Sedai.'

Melosa says 'I have been spending more time in the Great Library recently.'

Asandra says 'Ah, it is a great place of knowledge.'

Asandra says 'Sadly, the actual gems are often hard to find, it seems to me.'

Asandra says 'But do carry on, what did you research?'

Melosa says 'Amongst other sections, I've spent some time in the Restricted sections.'

Asandra says 'You did get permission for this, I assume?'

Melosa says 'Yes, I did have a permission slip for that section.'

Asandra smiles happily.

Asandra says 'Good, good.'

Melosa says 'I came across a bookshelf in which the so-called Karatheon Cycle or the Prophecies of the Dragon had been stored. I've often heard from Verin Sedai that this was a collection of Foretellings that supposedly talks about the Last Battle.'

Asandra says 'The Dragon.'

Asandra shivers uncomfortably.

Melosa feels an unnatural chill even though it is midsummer.

Asandra says 'It's a nasty subject, especially given what has happened in previous years with the False Dragons.'

Asandra says 'Did you find something the Browns might have missed? Though I am not sure if anyone has been able to read all of it, or all of it has ever even been read once.'

Melosa says 'I am certain the Brown Ajah has gone through those records extensively over the years.'

Asandra motions for the tea, as she takes a sip of it herself.

Melosa says 'What interested me however, was this particular line from a Foretelling in 898NE by an unnamed Aes Sedai.'

Melosa leans forward, tea forgotten.

Melosa recites from memory, 'Like the unfettered dawn shall he blind us, and burn us, yet shall the Dragon Reborn confront the Shadow at the Last Battle'

Asandra says 'I've heard a variation on that line, but this seems to be the original wording then?'

Melosa says 'Leaving aside the Dragon for the moment, that did get me thinking about how truly prepared is the world for Tarmon Gai'don, even as the Battle Ajah stands ready each day.'

Melosa continues firmly 'And so I wanted to speak to you about this.To get permission to speak to some of the men and women stationed in the nations across the world.'

Asandra says 'I am glad you did come.'

Asandra says 'It is an important part of not only the Green Ajah to work, but for all the leaders.'

Asandra says 'Formal and informal.'

Asandra says 'So what are the places you feel are worth visiting?'

Melosa twists her Great Serpent ring around her finger as she thinks carefully.

Melosa says 'Saldaea and Kandor for certain - them being so close to the Blight Border and will undoubtedly face the brunt of Shadowspawn attacks, similar to the Trolloc Wars.'

Asandra nods in agreement.

Asandra says 'Those are places we have a lot of sisters at all times.'

Melosa says 'Cairhien is another possibility.'

Asandra says 'Cairhien has been a long standing ally of ours.'

Melosa pauses briefly and continues, 'These three for now. Lexica Sedai had previously brought me to visit a battlefield of the Trolloc Wars just outside Far Madding and I do wonder if there is any value in visiting that nation.'

Asandra says 'I give you permission to visit all of these places, except for Far Madding.'

Asandra says 'If you want to deal with Far Madding, please do so together with one of the Aes Sedai. Do not, under any circumstance, start any official talks with Far Madding officials.''

Melosa says 'As you say, Asandra Sedai.'

Asandra seems lost in thought for a second.

Asandra says 'It's always good to learn more stuff, as knowledge is Power.'

Melosa nods.

Asandra says 'If you ever do see another White Ajah sister of mine. Be sure to bring up this subject.'

Melosa says 'Of course, Asandra Sedai'

Asandra smiles inwardly a bit, but it does show.

Melosa says 'I will report back once I have findings to share.'

Asandra says 'Thank you Accepted Melosa.'

Asandra says 'You are dismissed.'

Melosa looks hopeful, 'I hope to find that the nations of the world are in a better state than we believe.'

Melosa stands up, smoothens her skirts and turns to leave.

Asandra says 'Ah, before you go.'

Melosa pauses, 'Asandra Sedai?'

Asandra says 'I just want to congratulate you on your achievements so far. The Green Ajah have been following your progress with great interest.'

Asandra says 'We like what we see so far.'

Asandra gives a definitive nod.

Melosa says 'Thank you for the encouragement, Asandra Sedai. I only seek the emulate the ideals of the Ajah and those who have come before me.'

Melosa curtseys before Asandra.

Melosa curtseys before Alanna.

Asandra gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

[Ashlynn]

Awards
1 QP - Melosa
1 QP - Asandra

[melosa]

Melosa, now shawled, continues her journey and discusses current affairs and the battle state of the Illian Companions.

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Square of Tammaz
The great square is many hides in length. Surrounded by white marble
columns, and bordered by two massive palaces. Both palaces seem made purely
of airy balconies, columned walks and roofs of purple tile. They seem
nearly identical at first glance.
Attached to a post, a map of Illian has been drawn.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Zone: City of Illian
The waters of a blue-veined marble fountain pour forth here.
An oil lamp, set in a steel cage, hangs from a high wooden pole.
A stout wooden barrel stands nearby.
A well-dressed man peals his bell, alerting people to the latest news.
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently, being ridden by you.
The Illian town crier stands here, spreading the news.

Atienne has arrived from the north.

Melosa inclines her head in greeting to Atienne.

Melosa shifts comfortably on her horse and adjusts her green-dyed, ermine-trimmed leather riding gloves.

Atienne says 'Hello there Melosa Sedai. What brings you to our fair city?'

Melosa says 'The Light shine on you, First Captain d'Machtmittel'

Melosa says 'I've been here often in recent days.'

Melosa smiles slightly.

Melosa says 'The robber baron north of here always seem to enjoy waylaying travelers.'

Atienne chuckles lightly as he says, "Which one?"

Melosa laughs.

Melosa says 'That is true.'

Melosa says 'The fortunes of Illian must travel north, one way or another.'

Melosa smiles slightly.

Atienne says 'Brigands and highwaymen, river pirates, regular pirates.'

Atienne counts off each one on his fingers.

Melosa says 'The price of doing business.'

Atienne says 'It could be worse.'

Atienne considers the news he had recently heard.

Melosa says 'Oh?'

Melosa says 'Pray tell.'

Melosa says 'What misfortunes or dangers lie on the horizon for Illian?'

Atienne says 'Is it true what they said? A Defender of the Stone ran amok in Mayene, killing countless guards and slaughtering innocent people?'

Melosa says 'Ah. I have heard of that.'

Melosa says 'Tear has always claimed Mayene and the Drowned Lands as its own.'

Atienne says 'That is true. '

Melosa says 'It is commonly believed that it is Illian, the very place we stand, that pins Tairen ambitions in place.'

Melosa shrugs her slight shoulders, 'But what do I know? I am not as well-versed in politics as some of my sisters.'

Melosa frowns, 'But these are all a... distraction to the greater fight that is against the Shadow.'

Atienne says 'I am sure you know more than you let on. I was not born yesterday. I know of the games you must play to become Aes Sedai. '

Melosa smiles slightly.

Atienne says 'If you are speaking to the might of Illian, I thank you for the compliment. Tear has never defeated us. for we are much too skilled for their bumbling brutes. '

Atienne says 'Mayene, on the other hand, is on their doorstep, small but with a steadfast defense...barely holding on, sometimes. '

Melosa says 'As I said, it is the fight against the Shadow that must take precedence.'

Melosa says 'I've seen Companion Rhydderch in the far north. A valiant fighter.'

Atienne says 'I have seen some reports from him as well. I have not spent as much time up north lately as I did in my youth.'

Atienne says 'I do not think anyone has wrote a song about me, but I have done as much as any great fighter of the Light. '

Melosa says 'One wonders of course.'

Melosa says 'The Trolloc Wars scarred many nations so many years ago.'

Melosa says 'Would Illian be ready to stand if the Shadow, Light forbid, were to surge forth once again from the Blight?'

Melosa studies Atienne coolly.

Atienne says 'Illian is in an excellent position. With the majority of the forces of the Tairens in disarray as they are now, there is no doubt that the Companions are ready to defend against the Shadow wherever they are needed '

Melosa says 'It is then perhaps fortunate that the Seanchan seems to have retreated to their stronghold in Falme.'

Atienne says 'Have they? What of the outpost between Tear and Mayene?'

Melosa says 'Insignificant. Although there have been sightings of one of their captive channelers.'

Melosa frowns.

Atienne says 'A disgusting practice. Brutal slavery. '

Melosa 's face darkens.

Melosa says 'There is nothing more savage or cruel.'

Atienne says 'Is it true that some of those poor women have escaped and joined the Tower?'

Melosa says 'I've heard of several novices from the occupied lands but to my recollection, not of Seanchan descent.'

Atienne nods in understanding.

Melosa says 'I do believe others have forsworn their 'Oaths' and chosen to serve in other organizations. Lord Antonio of the Queen's Guards come to mind.'

Atienne says 'Yeri, too.'

Melosa says 'Regardless of their place of birth, to have another warrior of the Light strengthens our fight against the Shadow.'

Melosa sees the Starling docking in the far distance into the busy Illian docks.

Melosa says 'First Captain, I must depart.'

Melosa says 'The Starling waits for no man. Or woman. Even an Aes Sedai.'

Melosa smiles slightly.

Atienne says 'If someone to defend against the Shadow is what you ask, you have come to the right place. '

Melosa says 'I believe so.'

Atienne says 'Just send the word, and we will be ready. '

Melosa says 'It gladdens my heart.'

Melosa nods in agreement.

Melosa says 'May the Light protect you, First Captain.'

Square of Tammaz
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Zone: City of Illian
An oil lamp, set in a steel cage, hangs from a high wooden pole.
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently, being ridden by you.
A black cat meanders to an unknown destination.

Callisidrin Avenue
[ obvious exits: N S ]
Zone: City of Illian
An oil lamp, set in a steel cage, hangs from a high wooden pole.
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently, being ridden by you.

Callisidrin Avenue
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Zone: City of Illian
An oil lamp, set in a steel cage, hangs from a high wooden pole.
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently, being ridden by you.
A shifty looking fellow patrols the streets picking up discarded belongings.

The Bridge of Flowers
[ obvious exits: N S ]
Zone: City of Illian
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently, being ridden by you.

The Bridge of Flowers
[ obvious exits: N S ]
Zone: City of Illian
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently, being ridden by you.
A worker busily earns a day's pay.
A figure stands here, ready to collect unwanted things.

Marsh Road
[ obvious exits: N S W ]
Zone: City of Illian
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently, being ridden by you.
A member of the Illian watch is here, keeping order in the city.

Road Before the Docks
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Zone: City of Illian
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently, being ridden by you.
A member of the Illian watch is here, keeping order in the city.
A rugged outdoorsman looks for supplies before heading back to the woods, riding a black stallion.

Stone Docks of Illian
[ obvious exits: N E W ]
Zone: City of Illian
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently, being ridden by you.
Captain Anderyth Kelsn follows you with restless eyes.
An Illuminator's assistant stands here carrying some colored tubes.

Stone Docks of Illian
[ obvious exits: E ]
Zone: City of Illian
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently, being ridden by you.
A member of the Illian watch is here, keeping order in the city.
A dockmaster is here, working hard.

embark starling

Stone Docks of Illian
The long stone docks of Illian look out over the marsh. Long-legged birds
can be seen wading in the tall marsh grass that all but encircles the
harbor. The air is damp and filled with the scents of fresh fish from the
boats, of old fish and mud from the marsh, and the sour stink of the large
tanning yard that lies on a treeless island in the marsh grass. A faded
sign stands at an angle.
[ obvious exits: E ]
Zone: City of Illian
A warhorse is here, stamping his feet impatiently, being ridden by you.
A member of the Illian watch is here, keeping order in the city.
A dockmaster is here, working hard.

That ship is not here.

Melosa curses loudly.

[Chloro]

Awards:
Rplizer +1 qps : 1
Extra meticulous edit +1 qps : 1
Length bonus +1-2 qps : x
Summary: +1 qps : x


Please say "RECEIVE" at a silver-haired sedai located in every Ajah wing.

Melosa 1