A step forward followed by two steps back ---&RPaward
Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2022 2:33 pm
Ely edit 9 June 2022:
1-6 qps, depending on length and quality.
Rplizer +1 qps : x
Extra meticulous edit +1 qps : x
Length bonus +1-2 qps : o
Summary: +1 qps : o
Total: 4 qps, Karyn awarded as well.
****************************************************
She grew tired of sitting in the classroom and moved to the square to stretch her legs. Maybe the crier would have some news or there would be a gleeman show. She needed a distraction of the monotony of studying and doing chores.
Tower Square
This side of the square is the southern section of the Tower Square.
In the center is the walled off White Tower. To the south a large
boulevard opens up leading to the Southharbor. To the north you see
the southern gate of the Tower grounds. The square continues east
and west.
A large banner rests here, depicting a map of Tar Valon.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
A marble bench, flecked with gold and bronze, adorns the floor.
An oil lamp, set in a steel cage, hangs from a high wooden pole.
An elaborately sculpted marble fountain splashes merrily.
A stout wooden barrel stands nearby.
A Tower Guard watches for signs of trouble.
A draft horse is here.
A Tower Guard watches for signs of trouble.
The Tar Valon town crier stands here, spreading the news.
Karyn has arrived from the north.
You curtsey to your audience.
You smile at her.
Karyn says 'Hello. child.'
Karyn smiles at you.
You say 'Hello Aes Sedai'
You ponder life, the universe, and everything.
Karyn says 'How are your studies progressing?'
You say 'Or should I call you Karyn Sedai? That feels a little informal'
You sigh.
You say 'My chores are completed but I have had very little instruction.'
Karyn nods her head in thought.
Karyn says 'Would you like to speak of it somewhere more private?'
You say 'I recently completed a writing assignment for Tolza Sedai that she said would be key to my advancement.'
You smile happily.
Karyn smiles at you.
You now follow Karyn.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
Tarlomen's Gate
Wide enough for fifteen men abreast, the gates allowing access to the Tower
grounds are iron bound. The gilded Flames of Tar Valon set high up in the
thick timber have been polished to a shine that a Tinker would find
satisfactory. A cool river breeze wafts through the gate, making the trees
and bushes in the grounds to the north rustle and sway. The pale shaft of
the White Tower lies to the north, reaching a hundred spans into the air.
[ obvious exits: N S ]
An embossed leather water flask lies forgotten here. [2]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A guard stands here monitoring the people entering the Tower grounds.
A middle-aged officer is here controlling his subordinates.
A guard stands here monitoring the people entering the Tower grounds.
A guard stands here monitoring the people entering the Tower grounds.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
Before the White Tower
The White Tower looms to the north, rising over a hundred spans into the
sky. Trees and bushes, both short and tall, are sprinkled around the path
and throughout the Tower grounds. The path is covered by pieces of small
white gravel and bordered by white bricks. White steps, at least a pace
deep and slightly arched in the middle, lead up to the White Tower.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A quiet servant awaits instructions from his master.
A Tower Guard watches for signs of trouble.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Yurikan narrates 'I was being fine until they brought more!'
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
A Large Round Entry Hall
Two intricately carved doors, wide enough for fifteen men abreast lie to
the south, allowing entry into this large, round entry hall. Archways in
the walls of stonework the color of bleached bone allow for passage deeper
into the White Tower. This hall is used to receive petitioners who seek
council from an Aes Sedai. The marble floor has been inlaid with a mosaic
of a spiral of blue, brown, gray, green, red, white and yellow, which
converges in the center of the large, domed hall.
[ obvious exits: N S ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A Tower Guard watches for signs of trouble.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
In the Wide Hallway
Walls of stonework the color of bleached bone contrast sharply with the
floors of brightly colored tiles in all seven colors of the Ajahs. Golden
stand lamps are spaced evenly along the corridor, spreading pools of warm,
flickering light both day and night. Niches containing statuettes or
expensive Sea Folk vases break the monotony of the white walls.
[ obvious exits: N S W U ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves up.
You follow Karyn.
Wide Hallway off the Stairwell
This marble-clad landing lies just off a marble lined narrow stairwell. Lit
by gilded stand lamps, a seven-colored runner cushions footfalls in this
oft traversed area. An portrait of a woman holding a pair of scales in the
one hand and a small image of the White Tower in the other hangs on the
northern wall, depicting Edarna Noregovna.
[ obvious exits: E W U D ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from below.
Karyn leaves up.
You follow Karyn.
In the Hallway
A well-lit marble stairwell lies off this landing, where glossy white tiles
coming in from the west meet and mingle with yellow and gold tiles coming
in from the east. A portrait of a woman wearing a seven-striped stole hangs
on the wall opposite the stairs, flanked by two lamps.
[ obvious exits: E W D ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from below.
Karyn leaves west.
You follow Karyn.
Entrance to the White Wing
A multitude of different dwarf leaves adorns the finely carved frieze at
the top of the wall. Tiny bonsai fig, feathery eastern maple and cherry
leaves and their blossoms have been minutely carved from the stone. The
hallway is otherwise stark and undecorated, as the colorful tiles entering
from the ramp to the north gradually fade and leave only white. Two
polished double doors with brass handles lie to the south, forming the
entrance to the wing which houses the White Ajah.
[ obvious exits: N E S ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from the east.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
Juncture on the Ramp
Two perpendicular hallways branch off from the spiralling corridor under a
vaulted ceiling with ribs that have been masterfully decorated with a
plethora of different leaves. The blue, brown, gray, green, red, white and
yellow floor tiles of the ramp continue into the hallways, but slowly shift
towards pure white to the south and a deep red towards the west.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves west.
You follow Karyn.
Entrance to the Red Wing
Seven-colored bands of floor tiles enclosing white floor slabs peter out,
leaving only red tiles in hues including vermillion, crimson and scarlet. A
frieze of prickly leaves of holly as well as their flowers and berries has
been meticulously carved from the pale white stone. Two polished double
doors with brass handles offer entry to the Red Ajah wing.
[ obvious exits: N E W ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A woman with an ageless face stands here.
A puppy has arrived from the east.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
In the Corridor
Floor tiles in various hues of red meet and mingle with their gray
counterparts in this corridor with adjacent stairwell. While the stairwell
is lit by hanging lanterns, gilded stand lamps illuminate the corridor. A
portrait of a woman holding an olive branch in the one hand and a dove in
the other decorates the wall opposite the stairwell.
[ obvious exits: N S D ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A young girl in a plain white dress stands here.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
Entrance to the Gray Wing
Smooth, glossy floor tiles in hues of pewter, slate and dove gray form a
monochrome mosaic. The top of the pale white stone walls that give the
White Tower its name have been adorned with a frieze of Ogier stonework,
depicting olive branches, leaves and fruit that seem so lifelike they seem
ready to flutter a breeze. Two large, polished double doors with brass
handles offer entry to the Gray Ajah wing.
[ obvious exits: E S W ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves west.
You follow Karyn.
A Long, Portrait-Lined Hallway
Floor tiles in various hues of gray, such as pewter, dove and slate cover
the floor of the hallway, interspersed with pure white floor tiles marked
with a gray Flame of Tar Valon. A number of large portraits line the
corridor. Each image shows a woman with an ageless face wearing a
seven-striped stole. These are all sisters who were raised to Amyrlin from
the Gray Ajah. A frieze depicting olive branches, their blossoms and fruits
decorates the uppermost part of the pale, white stone wall.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from the east.
Karyn leaves west.
You follow Karyn.
Your skin tingles all over as you pass through.
Karyn opens the carveddoor.
Karyn leaves west.
You follow Karyn.
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 ]
A large round table built from black oak dominates the center of the room.
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Gray Sister walks here, considering her options.
Annoura Larisen is here, weighing your words.
Karyn gestures at the doors with her hand.
The door silently swings shut and lock with a soft *click*.
Karyn says 'Please, sit child.'
She sat down in a nearby chair.
Karyn sits down in a chair at the table.
Karyn says 'I see you are a fledgling novice here at the Tower.'
You nod in agreement.
Karyn says 'Are you having difficulty settling in or is something holding you back from advancement?'
You say 'It is challenging being away from home but also I find my day is filled with chores rather than learning about my ability.'
You say 'Every conversation with an Aes Sedai has been short and rushed.'
Karyn nods solemnly.
You say 'The Aes Sedai that inducted me did not even mention a Novice Orientation and I am only finding out about it because of a separate task assigned by a different Aes Sedai.'
Karyn says 'Sometimes sisters get called away unexpectedly, which is unavoidable. The impact on your induction is unfortunate, though.'
Karyn says 'As you know, the White Tower is now your home. But tell me, where were you raised?'
You say 'Murandy originally but I left home and have spent most of my life around Fal Dara which feels more like a home.'
You smile happily.
You ponder life, the universe, and everything.
Karyn smiles happily.
You say 'It is tough to consider a place your home when it is often empty and you are constantly being given busy work.'
Karyn says 'I was raised near Fal Dara. It is a beautiful place and was a wonderful home.'
You sigh.
You say 'I struggle to think of Tar Valon as my home'
Karyn nods solemnly.
Karyn says 'Tar Valon is quite different and it takes some novices quite some time to settle in.'
You say 'I understand Aes Sedai are very busy but I would have thought I would have received more instruction in the year I have been here.'
You say 'Most of my learning has come from reading notes left behind in the class room or my own assumptions in studying art in the library.'
Your cheeks are burning.
Karyn nods solemnly.
You say 'Did you ever look at the mural in the library? The one with surf, fire, clouds, boulders, and the rainbow.'
Karyn says 'I see. I will need to see about organizing more regular classes. We can't have our novices doing nothing but chores with no formal instruction.'
You say 'I feel like this was meant to represent the five key elements and that the rainbow as spirit was tying all the elements together.'
Karyn smiles happily.
Karyn says 'That's quite insightful of you, child.'
You smile happily.
Karyn says 'I assume in your time here, you've managed to earn enough merits to advance?'
You nod in agreement.
You say 'I have the 30 merits required to advance to accepted.'
Karyn arches an eyebrow.
Karyn says 'Very impressive, Lynera.'
You smile happily.
Karyn says 'Though your studies have been self-directed, you have accomplished much.'
You say 'It does not feel that way though'
Karyn nods in agreement.
You say 'My accomplishments are tied to shelving books and washing dishes, not tied to my ability.'
Karyn says 'That's fair.'
Karyn says 'I think you'll find once you've been accepted by the Tower that you will have more free reign to explore your abilities.'
You nod in agreement.
Karyn says 'And you will be able to explore the lands again, and accompany Aes Sedai on their travels as well.'
You say 'I am fearful of using fire without instruction, I was once called untrained and warned of the dangers.'
You sigh.
Karyn nods solemnly.
You say 'As Accepted will I have the opportunity to observe or learn more about fire weaves?'
Karyn says 'Most certainly. If you have an affinity for Fire, then appropriate instruction will have to take place.'
Karyn says 'Your safety in learning is paramount.'
You nod in agreement.
You say 'And the safety of those around me, I take it there have been bad accidents caused by those that are untrained.'
You nod in agreement.
Karyn nods sadly.
Karyn says 'Luckily, we have Yellow sisters available to assist when things go unexpectedly poorly.'
Karyn says 'I must admit, I've been away from the halls of the Tower for quite some time. But the last time I returned, it was a simple thing to acknowledge the merits of a novice.'
Karyn says 'Do you wish to continue your studies and advance in the Tower?'
You say 'Yes, I do.'
You say 'Does this mean I am ready to be advanced to Accepted?'
Karyn says 'I'm pleased to hear it.'
Karyn says 'I have not taken a novice to the arches in quite some time. I would need to consult my notes before leading you to that trial.'
Karyn says 'Sister, let us recognise Novice Lynera.'
Annoura Larisen says 'It is done.'
You smile happily.
Karyn says 'Congratulations, child. It has been a pleasure speaking with you.'
You say 'Thank you Aes Sedai.'
Karyn says 'Do you have any further questions of me?'
You say 'I am so happy I could give you a hug but the last Aes Sedai frowned at me when I did that.'
Your cheeks are burning.
Karyn hugs you.
Karyn says 'I find some informality can help sometimes.'
Karyn winks suggestively at you.
You say 'Can we speak again soon on my advancement to Accepted? After you have had a chance to review your notes I mean.'
You hug her.
You smile happily.
Karyn says 'Of course, child. And feel free to reach out to me if you see me.'
Karyn gestures with her hand.
The door smoothly swings open.
You say 'Thank you so much.'
You curtsey to your audience.
Finally, progress! She was so happy, this Aes Sedai understood where she was coming from and gave her hope going forward. She felt like soon she would be promoted to an Accepted, she was glad she had taken a break from the classroom and moved to the square. Traveling outside the city and seeing others weave would be beneficial to her learning. She could hardly wait for this day, hopefully she would get to speak with Karyn Sedai again soon.
1-6 qps, depending on length and quality.
Rplizer +1 qps : x
Extra meticulous edit +1 qps : x
Length bonus +1-2 qps : o
Summary: +1 qps : o
Total: 4 qps, Karyn awarded as well.
****************************************************
She grew tired of sitting in the classroom and moved to the square to stretch her legs. Maybe the crier would have some news or there would be a gleeman show. She needed a distraction of the monotony of studying and doing chores.
Tower Square
This side of the square is the southern section of the Tower Square.
In the center is the walled off White Tower. To the south a large
boulevard opens up leading to the Southharbor. To the north you see
the southern gate of the Tower grounds. The square continues east
and west.
A large banner rests here, depicting a map of Tar Valon.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
A marble bench, flecked with gold and bronze, adorns the floor.
An oil lamp, set in a steel cage, hangs from a high wooden pole.
An elaborately sculpted marble fountain splashes merrily.
A stout wooden barrel stands nearby.
A Tower Guard watches for signs of trouble.
A draft horse is here.
A Tower Guard watches for signs of trouble.
The Tar Valon town crier stands here, spreading the news.
Karyn has arrived from the north.
You curtsey to your audience.
You smile at her.
Karyn says 'Hello. child.'
Karyn smiles at you.
You say 'Hello Aes Sedai'
You ponder life, the universe, and everything.
Karyn says 'How are your studies progressing?'
You say 'Or should I call you Karyn Sedai? That feels a little informal'
You sigh.
You say 'My chores are completed but I have had very little instruction.'
Karyn nods her head in thought.
Karyn says 'Would you like to speak of it somewhere more private?'
You say 'I recently completed a writing assignment for Tolza Sedai that she said would be key to my advancement.'
You smile happily.
Karyn smiles at you.
You now follow Karyn.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
Tarlomen's Gate
Wide enough for fifteen men abreast, the gates allowing access to the Tower
grounds are iron bound. The gilded Flames of Tar Valon set high up in the
thick timber have been polished to a shine that a Tinker would find
satisfactory. A cool river breeze wafts through the gate, making the trees
and bushes in the grounds to the north rustle and sway. The pale shaft of
the White Tower lies to the north, reaching a hundred spans into the air.
[ obvious exits: N S ]
An embossed leather water flask lies forgotten here. [2]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A guard stands here monitoring the people entering the Tower grounds.
A middle-aged officer is here controlling his subordinates.
A guard stands here monitoring the people entering the Tower grounds.
A guard stands here monitoring the people entering the Tower grounds.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
Before the White Tower
The White Tower looms to the north, rising over a hundred spans into the
sky. Trees and bushes, both short and tall, are sprinkled around the path
and throughout the Tower grounds. The path is covered by pieces of small
white gravel and bordered by white bricks. White steps, at least a pace
deep and slightly arched in the middle, lead up to the White Tower.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A quiet servant awaits instructions from his master.
A Tower Guard watches for signs of trouble.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Yurikan narrates 'I was being fine until they brought more!'
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
A Large Round Entry Hall
Two intricately carved doors, wide enough for fifteen men abreast lie to
the south, allowing entry into this large, round entry hall. Archways in
the walls of stonework the color of bleached bone allow for passage deeper
into the White Tower. This hall is used to receive petitioners who seek
council from an Aes Sedai. The marble floor has been inlaid with a mosaic
of a spiral of blue, brown, gray, green, red, white and yellow, which
converges in the center of the large, domed hall.
[ obvious exits: N S ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A Tower Guard watches for signs of trouble.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
In the Wide Hallway
Walls of stonework the color of bleached bone contrast sharply with the
floors of brightly colored tiles in all seven colors of the Ajahs. Golden
stand lamps are spaced evenly along the corridor, spreading pools of warm,
flickering light both day and night. Niches containing statuettes or
expensive Sea Folk vases break the monotony of the white walls.
[ obvious exits: N S W U ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves up.
You follow Karyn.
Wide Hallway off the Stairwell
This marble-clad landing lies just off a marble lined narrow stairwell. Lit
by gilded stand lamps, a seven-colored runner cushions footfalls in this
oft traversed area. An portrait of a woman holding a pair of scales in the
one hand and a small image of the White Tower in the other hangs on the
northern wall, depicting Edarna Noregovna.
[ obvious exits: E W U D ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from below.
Karyn leaves up.
You follow Karyn.
In the Hallway
A well-lit marble stairwell lies off this landing, where glossy white tiles
coming in from the west meet and mingle with yellow and gold tiles coming
in from the east. A portrait of a woman wearing a seven-striped stole hangs
on the wall opposite the stairs, flanked by two lamps.
[ obvious exits: E W D ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from below.
Karyn leaves west.
You follow Karyn.
Entrance to the White Wing
A multitude of different dwarf leaves adorns the finely carved frieze at
the top of the wall. Tiny bonsai fig, feathery eastern maple and cherry
leaves and their blossoms have been minutely carved from the stone. The
hallway is otherwise stark and undecorated, as the colorful tiles entering
from the ramp to the north gradually fade and leave only white. Two
polished double doors with brass handles lie to the south, forming the
entrance to the wing which houses the White Ajah.
[ obvious exits: N E S ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from the east.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
Juncture on the Ramp
Two perpendicular hallways branch off from the spiralling corridor under a
vaulted ceiling with ribs that have been masterfully decorated with a
plethora of different leaves. The blue, brown, gray, green, red, white and
yellow floor tiles of the ramp continue into the hallways, but slowly shift
towards pure white to the south and a deep red towards the west.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves west.
You follow Karyn.
Entrance to the Red Wing
Seven-colored bands of floor tiles enclosing white floor slabs peter out,
leaving only red tiles in hues including vermillion, crimson and scarlet. A
frieze of prickly leaves of holly as well as their flowers and berries has
been meticulously carved from the pale white stone. Two polished double
doors with brass handles offer entry to the Red Ajah wing.
[ obvious exits: N E W ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A woman with an ageless face stands here.
A puppy has arrived from the east.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
In the Corridor
Floor tiles in various hues of red meet and mingle with their gray
counterparts in this corridor with adjacent stairwell. While the stairwell
is lit by hanging lanterns, gilded stand lamps illuminate the corridor. A
portrait of a woman holding an olive branch in the one hand and a dove in
the other decorates the wall opposite the stairwell.
[ obvious exits: N S D ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A young girl in a plain white dress stands here.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves north.
You follow Karyn.
Entrance to the Gray Wing
Smooth, glossy floor tiles in hues of pewter, slate and dove gray form a
monochrome mosaic. The top of the pale white stone walls that give the
White Tower its name have been adorned with a frieze of Ogier stonework,
depicting olive branches, leaves and fruit that seem so lifelike they seem
ready to flutter a breeze. Two large, polished double doors with brass
handles offer entry to the Gray Ajah wing.
[ obvious exits: E S W ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from the south.
Karyn leaves west.
You follow Karyn.
A Long, Portrait-Lined Hallway
Floor tiles in various hues of gray, such as pewter, dove and slate cover
the floor of the hallway, interspersed with pure white floor tiles marked
with a gray Flame of Tar Valon. A number of large portraits line the
corridor. Each image shows a woman with an ageless face wearing a
seven-striped stole. These are all sisters who were raised to Amyrlin from
the Gray Ajah. A frieze depicting olive branches, their blossoms and fruits
decorates the uppermost part of the pale, white stone wall.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A puppy has arrived from the east.
Karyn leaves west.
You follow Karyn.
Your skin tingles all over as you pass through.
Karyn opens the carveddoor.
Karyn leaves west.
You follow Karyn.
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 ]
A large round table built from black oak dominates the center of the room.
Karyn the Elder Sister is standing here.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Gray Sister walks here, considering her options.
Annoura Larisen is here, weighing your words.
Karyn gestures at the doors with her hand.
The door silently swings shut and lock with a soft *click*.
Karyn says 'Please, sit child.'
She sat down in a nearby chair.
Karyn sits down in a chair at the table.
Karyn says 'I see you are a fledgling novice here at the Tower.'
You nod in agreement.
Karyn says 'Are you having difficulty settling in or is something holding you back from advancement?'
You say 'It is challenging being away from home but also I find my day is filled with chores rather than learning about my ability.'
You say 'Every conversation with an Aes Sedai has been short and rushed.'
Karyn nods solemnly.
You say 'The Aes Sedai that inducted me did not even mention a Novice Orientation and I am only finding out about it because of a separate task assigned by a different Aes Sedai.'
Karyn says 'Sometimes sisters get called away unexpectedly, which is unavoidable. The impact on your induction is unfortunate, though.'
Karyn says 'As you know, the White Tower is now your home. But tell me, where were you raised?'
You say 'Murandy originally but I left home and have spent most of my life around Fal Dara which feels more like a home.'
You smile happily.
You ponder life, the universe, and everything.
Karyn smiles happily.
You say 'It is tough to consider a place your home when it is often empty and you are constantly being given busy work.'
Karyn says 'I was raised near Fal Dara. It is a beautiful place and was a wonderful home.'
You sigh.
You say 'I struggle to think of Tar Valon as my home'
Karyn nods solemnly.
Karyn says 'Tar Valon is quite different and it takes some novices quite some time to settle in.'
You say 'I understand Aes Sedai are very busy but I would have thought I would have received more instruction in the year I have been here.'
You say 'Most of my learning has come from reading notes left behind in the class room or my own assumptions in studying art in the library.'
Your cheeks are burning.
Karyn nods solemnly.
You say 'Did you ever look at the mural in the library? The one with surf, fire, clouds, boulders, and the rainbow.'
Karyn says 'I see. I will need to see about organizing more regular classes. We can't have our novices doing nothing but chores with no formal instruction.'
You say 'I feel like this was meant to represent the five key elements and that the rainbow as spirit was tying all the elements together.'
Karyn smiles happily.
Karyn says 'That's quite insightful of you, child.'
You smile happily.
Karyn says 'I assume in your time here, you've managed to earn enough merits to advance?'
You nod in agreement.
You say 'I have the 30 merits required to advance to accepted.'
Karyn arches an eyebrow.
Karyn says 'Very impressive, Lynera.'
You smile happily.
Karyn says 'Though your studies have been self-directed, you have accomplished much.'
You say 'It does not feel that way though'
Karyn nods in agreement.
You say 'My accomplishments are tied to shelving books and washing dishes, not tied to my ability.'
Karyn says 'That's fair.'
Karyn says 'I think you'll find once you've been accepted by the Tower that you will have more free reign to explore your abilities.'
You nod in agreement.
Karyn says 'And you will be able to explore the lands again, and accompany Aes Sedai on their travels as well.'
You say 'I am fearful of using fire without instruction, I was once called untrained and warned of the dangers.'
You sigh.
Karyn nods solemnly.
You say 'As Accepted will I have the opportunity to observe or learn more about fire weaves?'
Karyn says 'Most certainly. If you have an affinity for Fire, then appropriate instruction will have to take place.'
Karyn says 'Your safety in learning is paramount.'
You nod in agreement.
You say 'And the safety of those around me, I take it there have been bad accidents caused by those that are untrained.'
You nod in agreement.
Karyn nods sadly.
Karyn says 'Luckily, we have Yellow sisters available to assist when things go unexpectedly poorly.'
Karyn says 'I must admit, I've been away from the halls of the Tower for quite some time. But the last time I returned, it was a simple thing to acknowledge the merits of a novice.'
Karyn says 'Do you wish to continue your studies and advance in the Tower?'
You say 'Yes, I do.'
You say 'Does this mean I am ready to be advanced to Accepted?'
Karyn says 'I'm pleased to hear it.'
Karyn says 'I have not taken a novice to the arches in quite some time. I would need to consult my notes before leading you to that trial.'
Karyn says 'Sister, let us recognise Novice Lynera.'
Annoura Larisen says 'It is done.'
You smile happily.
Karyn says 'Congratulations, child. It has been a pleasure speaking with you.'
You say 'Thank you Aes Sedai.'
Karyn says 'Do you have any further questions of me?'
You say 'I am so happy I could give you a hug but the last Aes Sedai frowned at me when I did that.'
Your cheeks are burning.
Karyn hugs you.
Karyn says 'I find some informality can help sometimes.'
Karyn winks suggestively at you.
You say 'Can we speak again soon on my advancement to Accepted? After you have had a chance to review your notes I mean.'
You hug her.
You smile happily.
Karyn says 'Of course, child. And feel free to reach out to me if you see me.'
Karyn gestures with her hand.
The door smoothly swings open.
You say 'Thank you so much.'
You curtsey to your audience.
Finally, progress! She was so happy, this Aes Sedai understood where she was coming from and gave her hope going forward. She felt like soon she would be promoted to an Accepted, she was glad she had taken a break from the classroom and moved to the square. Traveling outside the city and seeing others weave would be beneficial to her learning. She could hardly wait for this day, hopefully she would get to speak with Karyn Sedai again soon.