POV: Kaelyn, Fledgling Novice
Main characters: Kalyn, and Sarinda Sedai
Date: Not recorded / Early February, 2026
Location: Our scene opens in the training quarters, proceeding to the Den of the Red Ajah, and visiting various places in the White Tower before returning to the Red Den.
------
Standing in the room:
Artorias Gaidin, Kaelyn the fledgling novice
Kaelyn says 'Good evening Sarinda Sedai'
Sarinda says 'Child, if you have time, I wish to meet with you in the Red Ajah's den.'
Artorias says 'Don't do it Kaelyn.' 'It's a trap. She will tell you us men are weird.'
Kaelyn says 'well.. it would be funny if I hadn't already been trapped in the
Red Ajah's Den once before!'
Artorias says 'You kidnapping Novices now Sarinda?'
Artorias says 'Kaelyn make sure you take a friend with you! Buddy system!'
Sarinda says 'You are welcome to request to sign your name into the book of novices if you wish to find out, Gaidin.'
Kaelyn says 'Yes, of course I will attend you Sarinda Sedai'
Artorias says 'Oh I don't need to sign a book to let you kidnap me'
Artorias says 'I'll show you how us shorebound men really differ! Have fun.'
Kaelyn says 'A pleasure Artorias! '
The scribe says 'Sarinda Sedai requests your presence in the Red Ajah's chambers, Kaelyn.'
Kaelyn makes her way to the Red Ajah Den, where Sarinda Sedai welcome her and invites her sit.
Sarinda says 'Last night, you said you wanted to share something about your history?'
Kaelyn says 'ah yes! I trust you slept well? I appreciate you spending time
with me so late into the evening. Or morning, if you rather!'
Sarinda says 'Yes, I did sleep well.'
Kaelyn says 'I had simply wanted to clarify. I know I have heard about the pull
of the Ta'va ern.. if I'm spelling that properly. I must have been under the
influence of one! I’d mentioned to some Aes Sedai that I was from Tear when I first arrived. '
Kaelyn says 'but if that were so, it much have been for a different turning of
the wheel. I wonder if maybe I has having memories that aren’t from this time! I am not sure if I’d mentioned this to you, and I simply wanted to correct myself! For this spinning of the wheel at least, I grew up in Mayene. I know we are meant to leave our past behind us so I’m not sure how much I should share, if it matters, but then it was one of the first questions I was asked when I arrived. I felt I needed to correct this with those I spoke with. Are our backgrounds relevant to our work, assuming we're honoured by gaining the shall? '
Sarinda says 'I will leave it to a Brown or a White sister to discuss the topic at greater length, should you find it interesting. But, philosophers believe that every person's life is woven into a grand design by the Creator, referred to as the Pattern of the Age, or the Age Lace.'
Kaelyn says 'Yes, I think I will speak with them. I've enjoyed getting to know different Aes Sedai, it's nice to have a reason to reach out. '
Sarinda says 'It is believed that many events are predetermined, but that there is room for variation and deviation from the Pattern.'
Kaelyn says 'those Ogier we helped last evening. What is known of their ailment? How did they become sick? '
Sarinda says 'You asked about ta'veren. It is believed that within the Pattern, there are threads that have a greater impact on the Pattern, that influence more lives and events around them in powerful ways. It is believed that the Wheel of Time uses these ta'veren to correct the Age Lace when it drifts too
far from the Pattern. You very well may have been caught in the pull of a ta'veren,
if coming here is something that in hindsight you would never have done. Or
perhaps you would have come here under rare circumstances, and something shifted
to cause those exact circumstances to be more common. Both could be a sign that
you were caught up in the thread of a ta'veren.'
Kaelyn says 'Sarinda Sedai I sure do wish we could get concrete answers! Or see the
overall tapestry. '
Sarinda says 'Now, bringing this back to your original question. When you sign your name into the novice book, you are swearing off all existing allegiances and loyalties. By swearing to leave your
old life behind, you are not forgetting or ignoring your past, but you are signifying that you will identify as a member of the White Tower first and foremost.
Kaelyn says 'I would hope and assume we are still allowed to visit our families? '
Sarinda says 'Of course, child, as long as you stay within the bounds of your travel restrictions.'
Kaelyn says 'I can't imagine the tower would be well regarded if not. '
Sarinda says 'You are also allowed visitors, as long as you do not allow them to detract from your primary purpose of being here.'
Sarinda says 'Elane Trakand, the Daughter-Heir of Andor, is a novice in these very halls. As we speak, she is probably in the Tower library, shelving books or dusting hallways. Do you think the Aes Sedai would expect her to pretend her past is null and void? Or dare to refuse Queen Morgase the chance to visit
with her daughter when she is in the city?'
Kaelyn says 'Ah! Of course, that is a very clear example, thank you. One thing that led me to realize I might be abel to embrace the source was helping my Aunt with her business, we sold infused oil, I now suspect I was doing something to make the oils, well, I don't mean to brag, but we couldnt' keep them in stock. I am hoping Ill be able to return once a year to help my aunt for the harvest. May I ask, what do you feel is something in general that all novices and accepted should know? '
Sarinda says 'If you have not already spoken with Chloro Sedai, you will some day hear her explain to you her assertion that all initiates of the Tower belong to the full Tower, and must have instruction from each of the Ajahs. They each help raise her and prepare her for the journey to the shawl.'
Kaelyn says 'Yes, this makes sense. I have had some instruction from each Ajah.
Galina Casban says 'You are not Red Ajah.'
Kaelyn gives Galine Sedai a curious look and says 'Why no Galina Sedai, I am but a Novice, which I guess you’ve posited from my white dress. '
Kaelyn says 'I do feel I'd be in rather a great deal of trouble were I to claim any Ajah affiliation!'
Sarinda says 'As a member of the Red Ajah, I would wish to see every novice and Accepted trained in how to defend herself - from someone wielding the One Power in particular, but really to be able to escape or even fight back in general against any Shadowspawn or threat.'
Kaelyn says 'I appreciate this! And last evening was a wonderful lesson! I do still need to practice blinding shadowspawn. I was just thinking back to my lessons. '
Sarinda says 'So far, I have focused on discussing and assessing your most basic skills and competencies, and you have shown capacity to learn and apply that knowledge when offered to you.'
Kaelyn says 'You know, learning from the different Ajahs hasn’t really helped
with choosing one, if I dare say that. They are all so interesting . On the topic of studies, may I ask for your suggestions on what I should focus on next? '
Sarinda says 'Do you still have those practice sessions waiting for Sheriam Sedai?'
Kaelyn says 'Yes I do have some. I am hoping to advance my studies in earth weaves and afterwards, I may have some left'
Sarinda says 'The most critical weaves I would expect all Tower students to learn would be some fast damage weave like Flame Strike or Hailstorm, some longer and more damaging one such as Ice Spikes or Fireball, Armor, possibly Light Ball, and Refresh.' Refresh will become more useful once you reach the station of Accepted and need to move around the world.' Also, some kind of Healing is really quite recommended, either the Cure Light variation, or the Heal weave.'
Sarinda says 'If you think you might have the Talent for Healing, you may find the Delve and Heal weaves come more naturally to you and may invest more time in mastering them. If you have a high degree of skill in both, your ability to use those weaves changes significantly. I would ask Ashlynn or Maddy or another Yellow sister if you wish to learn more, I have minimal skill in Healing.'
Kaelyn says 'indeed! I look forward to fighting the shadow, and helping to heal those I fight alongside. I'm not sure healing is my primary calling, but I do want to have some capacity in it. '
Sarinda says 'There are other utility weaves you may find valuable. Locate Life and Locate Object are both very useful, especially with some of the tasks you will complete for Sheriam Sedai and the Ajah heads.'
Sarinda says 'If you dedicate to it significantly, you can learn the Travel weave, which requires use of a Locate weave to truly master.'
Kaelyn says 'yes indeed! I have done some work practicing locating objects. This is why I'm hoping to improve my earth weaves, so that I can understand weaves for locating live. I've been considering travel, though I'm not ready to make a decision on it just yet. '
Sarinda says 'Honestly, Traveling is fairly useless to you so far, as you are not permitted to leave the island.'
Sarinda says 'But in the grand scheme of things, it is highly useful for quickly traversing the world.'
Sarinda says 'Before we speak further about your specific weave training
lessons, if it pleases the Light, I wish to hear more about your knowledge about the Tower itself.'
Sarinda says 'Tell me, Kaelyn. What are the Three Oaths?'
Kaelyn says 'I've been looking at some books in the library, and I'm interested in the accounts of using travel windows for battle. '
Kaelyn says 'ah! Yes!' To make no weapon that will allow anyone to kill another person. Apologies!'
The first oath is to speak no word that is not truth, this is so that we will be trusted. The second oath is to make no weapon with which one person may kill another, this is so that again, we are trusted to not harm, or not enable harm. And the third oath is to never to use the One Power as a weapon, unless it is to save your own life, the life of your warder, or the life of another sister Aes Sedai. '
Kaelyn says I humbly assume that also applies to novices and accepted. '
Sarinda says 'Your statements are not factually incorrect, although some of your statements may be oversimplified.
Kaelyn says 'Again, I believe it is about trust from the people, to help them accept those with the ability for channeling.
Sarinda says I would advise you to memorize the -exact- wording and commit them to memory.'
Kaelyn says 'Yes Sarinda Sedai, I will do so!'
Sarinda says 'The precise wording is critical to the Oaths, because some day, if you are found worthy of being raised to the shawl, you will swear these on the Oath Road, a ter'angreal that will make them binding. And slight variation of the oath could have significant implications for how it is interpreted and
followed.
Kaelyn says 'Yes, I see the sense of this.
Sarinda says 'Now, if it pleases the Light, I would like you to bring me to a few places in the White Tower.'
Kaelyn says Where shall we go? 'Shall I make you tea in the kitchens?
Sarinda says 'Bring me to the Strategy Room of the Green Ajah, if it pleases the Light.
Kaelyn leads Sarinda Sedai through the halls to the Green Aajah quarters. She nervously tries to remember which room is which, and makes a lucky guess, making a mental note to pay more attention to the various rooms and locations from now on!
Kaelyn nervously says 'If I'm being honest, while I have been in all these rooms, I never did think I'd need to remember which was which. Here we are!
There is a Green Ajah sister in the battle room.
Kaelyn says 'Pardon us Aes Sedai, I am simply showing what knowledge I have of
the tower, I am sorry for any disturbance. Sarinda Sedai, where would you like to see next? '
Kaelyn says 'Perhaps you would like a tea afterall?
'Sarinda says 'So in each Ajah chambers, you will find in rooms like this an influential sister of the Ajah.'
Sarinda says 'These are all Sitters as well, and meet with the Hall of the Tower when it is in session.'
Sarinda says 'How many Sitters does each Ajah have?'
Kaelyn says 'Three Sarinda Sedai'
Sarinda says 'Correct. Bring us to the hallway outside the Hall of the Tower.'
Kaelyn leads the way to the area of the hallway, as requested, though isn’t quite sure which room it is, seeing as she never uses the room.
Sarinda says 'This is the antechamber of the Amyrlin Seat, whose office is just south of us., not the Hall of the Tower '
Kaelyn proceeds down the hall, looking for the right room.
Sarinda says 'Getting slightly colder.'
Kaelyn finally locates the correct room.
Sarinda says 'This is the Hall of the Tower, the chamber where the Sitters such as myself meet when the Hall is gathered.'
Alyssa Sedai appears from the other end of the hallway and approaches.
Kaelyn curtsies, and says 'Good evening Alyssa Sedai'
Sarinda says 'Alyssa Sedai is our official scribe, who attends to documentation and various administrative tasks to help us stay on task.'
Kaelyn looks around the hall and says 'It is beautiful here. I must admit I've avoided it before now.
Sarinda says 'I have been growing hungry, and find myself without any extra food. If it pleases the Light, bring us to the kitchens.'
Kaelyn says 'Yes! A wonderful choice
'Kaelyn confidently leads the way to the kitchens, and says 'I would be happy to make you a meal'
Sarinda says 'First, do you know how to wash the dishes here?'
Laras the Mistress of the Kitchens says 'You must WASH THE DISHES.' Iwouldn't advise picking them up, they're very slippery. When they're clean I'll put them away.'
Kaelyn says 'Oh yes!' I have emptied the sink entirely a time or two now. I can’t imagine where all these plates come from, I rarely see anyone else in here! Though I’ve been trying to leave some prepared food in the training room for any that need it, so that must count for some of them.
Sarinda says 'I will remind you that you are not solely responsible for these tasks. It is not your sole requirement to clear every single dish.'
Sarinda says 'But I do recommend that you start your day here, and end it here, and loiter here when little else is going on.'
Kaelyn says 'indeed!'
Sarinda says 'Let us go to the pantry and make some food.'
Kaelyn says 'Do you feel like anything in particular? '
Sarinda says 'Just a plate of food, if it pleases the Light.'
Sarinda says 'Some light dinner would be nice.'
Kaelyn says 'If I'd known we would be coming down here, I would have set up a
chair and table for you. '
Sarinda says 'Do you know the steps to restock the pantry if needed?'
Kaelyn says 'Yes, I have done so a number of times. I’ve even had to visit the merchants a few times to see about deliveries.
Sarinda says 'Good.'
Sarinda says 'If it pleases the Light, take me to Sheriam Sedai next.'
Kaelyn prepares a plate of sausage and hands it to Sarinda Sedai.
Kaelyn says 'I do hope that is to your liking, one must work with what the pantry provides!'
After Sarinda Sedai finishes her meal, Kaelyen puts the dish in the skin – to be washed later, and proceeds to lead the way to Sheriam Sedai’s office. She shudders at the thought of the straps she’s seen there.
Kaelyn says 'Good evening Sheriam Sedai' 'I am playing host and tour guide this evening. I do hope you don't mind!'
Sarinda says 'Tell me, child, what are the precise practice levels of each weave you have studied so far?'And your relative level of training in each of the Elements.'
Kaelyn gives a detailed breakdown of her lessons thus far in the elements and specific weaves.
Sarinda says 'For the elements, can you give those again in precise levels?' Not the percentages, but Level , Level , and so on. And how many spare sessions left?' Generally speaking, I recommend bringing most of your weaves to between -%, stopping once you get to that level. The ones that you would
rarely need to use quickly, such as Armor, Light Ball, Create Food/Water, or Strength, usually -% would suffice but you will find that % is low enough to be very inconvenient.'
(OOC: The percentages and all numbers were lost when cleaning my notes of timestamps)
Sarinda says 'It seems you have a good breadth of weaves trained, well done.
Kaelyn says 'I have noticed I can be atrociously poor at creating water and light of all things. '
And thank you! I have put a lot of effort into my studies in my time here thus far! Also Ashlynn Sedai had some advice for me on which weaves to focus on. It is certainly motivating at the thought of being able to be of more use, once I am permitted off the island!' While I have been sure to attend to my chores multiple times a day, respectfully, I understand that my progress is
recorded and tracked. Might you have some though as to where I am lacking in my studies?
I look forward to a day where I hope to be more useful, beyond taking down an overgrowth of trees. '
Sarinda says 'With regards to your weave training, I would prioritize immediately bringing up all of the weaves you know to more useful levels. Aim for + for Armor, Strength, Create Water/Food, and Light Ball, if you wish to continue to learn them all. - for Blind, Cure Light Wounds, and Locate Object.
And then adding Refresh would be helpful.'
Sarinda says 'I would do that before expanding your known weaves, but you should be able to do that with most of the sessions you have remaining.'
Sarinda says 'Do you know how to issue pine trees at the lumberjack?'
Kaelyn says 'Refresh is not in my options to practice. '
Kaelyn says 'Might that be because I am not skilled enough yet in spirit? '
Sarinda says 'That is because it requires Spirit , yes.'
Kaelyn says 'Is refresh something I'll be able to use on myself? '
Sarinda says 'Once you can master weaving three threads of Spirit at once, you should find it no problem to learn.'
Sarinda says 'You cannot Refresh your own body, but a majority of the time,
you will either be using it to energize people passing through the city or your own horse.' You can Refresh your mount at will, so you could ride from here all the way across the Westlands in minutes with that weave.'
Sarinda says 'A channeler with Refresh can outrun and outlast a Trolloc in
a foot race.'
Kaelyn says 'I do have a few practices left, however I'd like some time to think on how I might best use them. '
Sarinda says 'Of course, they are your studies, child. You can always spend some coin with the master weaponsmith and retrain as needed.'
Sarinda says 'If it pleases the Light, I have two more things to show you if you have not seen them already.'
Sarinda says 'Bring us just outside this room a moment.'
Sarinda Embraces the sources, and sees to grow in grandeur and stature.
Kaelyn says 'May I ask, which weave did you just use? '
Sarinda says 'That is Armor.' It increases your Dodge Bonus significantly.' Were you aware that you could LOOK at the ROSTER here?'
Kaelyn says 'Yes, and I’ve studies all the courses listed with the different Ajah. The information on the Trollocs taught by Romanda Sedai of the yellow ajah was quite insightful. 'I'd not realized I knew so little of them. '
Sarinda says 'If you have not already, I would attend all of the lessons noted here.'
Sarinda says 'The lesson with Pevara Sedai on the Breaking will help you better appreciate the full mission of the Red Ajah, too.'
Kaelyn says 'I was surprised Romanda Sedai did not speak more on healing, but had some to share on Ogier'
Sarinda says 'If it pleases the Light, bring us up to the Blue Ajah
quarters.'
Kaelyn navigates the way to the Blue Ajah’s quarters. Before them stands a helpful accepted.
Kaelyn says 'Here we are! Blue as the great sky above!'
Sarinda says 'Guidance'
A Tower Accepted says 'I can offer you some guidance on how to rank up in the White Tower.'
A Tower Accepted says 'As I'm not Aes Sedai, I can't tell you what to do to
Shawl, but I can pass on what I have learned over the years. Well, I can tell you about GENERAL BEHAVIOR, RANKS, INTERVIEWS and PROTOCOL.' Note there are different protocols for different
ranks, so be sure to ask me about ACCEPTED PROTOCOL once you are an Accepted!'
And finally, when you feel you are close to being summoned, ask me about the SHAWLING TEST.'
Sarinda says 'Ranks'
A Tower Accepted says 'The Tower is not like any other organization where you just get your merits and get ranked.' You must understand your current role and the one
you aspire to,'and be able to point out the differences. For example, as a Fledgling Novice, you are just
getting acquainted with the Tower.' You may have been used to life as on a farm, or as a
nobleman's daughter.' However, everyone is equal in the Tower, and that
takes some... adjustment.'You have to learn new customs, new rules.' You have to learn the layout of the Tower itself.' No one expects you to be able to best a White Sister
in a discussion.' However, you would be expected to know the contents
of the White Tower Handbook.'Or to find your way in the Tower without someone
leading the way.' To know the Three Oaths.'A Wearied Novice may have been the girl leading the
way when you were new to the Tower.'Or a Wearied Novice may have been answering your
questions on Tower essentials.' This goes for any rank, really.'You will be expected to teach and assist the lower ranks as well as your peers.' Even from just observing your fellow initiates, you
can glean an idea of what will be expected at the next rank.' When you feel ready for more responsibility, contact the correct Aes Sedai.' There is info in the library (forums) about this.'
If you send a letter, be sure to be specific with your information.' Mention if you helped Novice Sally with choosing weaves, or whether you Healed the injured during a Shadowspawn raid on Tar Valon.'
If you spoke to an Aes Sedai, mention that and the subject.'This will help the Sister judge your readiness.'
Sarinda says 'That will do for now. If it pleases the Light, bring us back to the Red Ajah den.'
Kaelyn makes her way back to the den of the red Ajah, repressing a shiver at the memory when she was locked inside just a week ago. They sit themselves inside.
Sarinda says So, child, if it pleases the Light, tell me what you think it would mean to be a Wearied Novice. How would that station be different from your current one?'
Kaelyn says 'Well, I feel I would be more helpful! ' From what I've seen, wearied novices have a greater hand in helping those new to the tower. 'I believe they are held to stricter protocols as they must have a better understanding of life in the tower '
Sarinda says 'That is true. The higher you rise, the less forgiving an Aes Sedai will be for breaking Tower law.'
Kaelyn says 'They are expected to have a better grasp on what they are learning to represent. 'And I believe they are expected to work harder in their studies, though it’s not yet clear how'
Sarinda says 'I find your answers satisfactory tonight, Kaelyn. You are clearly learning your way around the Tower, and have shown excellent growth even in the past few weeks.'
Kaelyn says 'and I do hope I've shown that I'm not afraid to put in work. ' Thank you!'
Sarinda says 'First, for your time and effort:'
Sarinda says 'liveaward Kaelyn qps for lesson on novicehood and weave
selection'
A silver-haired Aes Sedai says 'As you command, Sarinda Sedai. I will now award LIVE QPS.'
A silver-haired Aes Sedai says 'It is done.'
Sarinda says 'You could have easily earned more than that in the kitchens
or the library shelving books if I had not taken up your time, but you listened
and attended well.'
Kaelyn says 'thank you. 'I know that adjusting to the way of life in the tower is part of
the path'
Sarinda says 'Sister, judge the readiness of Kaelyn to advance in the halls of the Tower'
Galina Casban says 'I shall consult with Alyssa the scribe on this matter.'
Galina Casban says 'Kaelyn has the potential for rank .'
Sarinda says 'Sister let us recognise novice Kaelyn'
Galina Casban says 'It is done.'
Sarinda says 'Congratulations, child. I have found you worthy of advancement. You are now a Wearied Novice.'
Kaelyn says 'I thank you most humbly Sarinda Sedai!'
Sarinda says 'Now, child, I must impress one thing upon you.'
Sarinda says 'I will not be comfortable risking taking you through the Arches until I know that you are competent in the basic arts of defending yourself.'
Sarinda says 'Minimally, I would expect to see you be able to flee from combat if you were attacked and know how to get yourself to safety as best as possible'
Sarinda says 'Sometime soon, I will offer you some basic lessons on combat
so you can work on defending yourself, fleeing from combat, getting to safe rooms,
and so on.'
Kaelyn says 'ah thanks!'
Sarinda says 'If you eventually reach the position of Tower Accepted, and want to be eligible for the test for the shawl, you will need to complete some standardized tasks. One of them for the Green Ajah will require you to turn in the head (scalp) of a Fade or Dreadlord (from PK).'
Kaelyn says 'well that does sound... as frightful as it does exhilarating!'
Sarinda says 'Even for Aes Sedai of the Ajahs that are more focused on interpersonal skills, diplomacy, or research, we expect every sister to have the most basic competency in combat. So if that is something that intimidates you, if it pleases the Light, start working on building the foundational skills to work
towards that target.'
Sarinda says 'I am going to take my leave for now. Do you have any questions for me?'
Kaelyn says 'ah! No. At some point I would like to work on my blinding skills'
Sarinda says 'If it pleases the Light, I suggest you practice against some of the trees on the island to the southeast.'
Sarinda says 'Do you know how to issue evergreen pines at the lumberjack?'
Kaelyn says 'I do yes. '
Sarinda says 'It is slower going than the scalps, but blind them as you're
able, and then melee or weave upon them, and you can get quite a bit by yourself.
You should group with a spare horse, which you can get from Sheriam Sedai, or
buying a pet in the pet store.'
Kaelyn says 'grouping with a horse! interesting!'
Sarinda says 'I believe I am needed up north protecting the Borderlands from a Shadowspawn raid.'
Kaelyn says 'I thank you for your time sarinda sedai'
Sarinda says 'nod'
Sarinda says 'May the Light illumine you, and see you safe to your journey's end.'
Sarinda says 'You are dismissed for now, child. Rest well.'
Kaelyn walks in a daze back to the kitchens to wash up the dishes from earlier in the evening.
She smiles to herself, and sings a little song of gratitude for Sarinda Sedai’s kindness, and for having gained in merit in the White Tower.