The Roots of Alliance

[Tolza]

Tolza sat alone in her private study, the dim glow from a single candle casting long shadows across the room. Before her lay a crumpled, blood-smeared parchment—a hastily forged agreement with Elder Frey Aren'Dai, the Voice of the Woods. She let her fingers drift over the rough, hurried script, feeling the weight of the decision that lay ahead.

The ink, darkened and smudged, bore witness to the urgency of the alliance. Too often, she reflected, the White Tower had faltered, its agreements undermined by sisters who lacked the discipline and commitment required to maintain such alliances. Her lips pressed into a firm line, hiding her frustration. This treaty could not be allowed to fall into neglect.

A route connecting the city-state of Tar Valon with the Great Forest had the potential to redefine trade and security across the region, binding the Tower with a partner whose skills and knowledge might prove invaluable. The Great Forest was no mere wilderness; it was an ancient realm, teeming with resources and secrets. The Foresters, masters of tracking, hunting, and woodcraft, held dominion over these lands, moving through dense thickets and towering trees with reverence for the old ways. Their deep respect for the forest and their ancient customs set them apart from other allies.

Through this alliance, Tar Valon would gain more than timber and game. The pathway to an Ogier Stedding, guarded closely by the Foresters, held the potential to reveal ancient wisdom and lost lore. The secrets of craftsmanship, architecture, and history found in the Stedding could deepen the Tower’s understanding of the world lost to the breaking. It was a connection that would bolster the Tower’s strength without direct confrontation, allowing Tar Valon to build influence through shared respect and mutual need.

As Tolza considered these possibilities, her thoughts shifted to Maddy, an Accepted of the Gray Ajah, sharp and driven. Maddy’s ambition to earn the shawl would push her to handle this task with the diligence her sisters had lacked. A faint smile tugged at Tolza’s lips as she resolved to entrust Maddy with the final steps of the treaty. She reached for the bell pull and summoned the young Accepted to her study.

When Maddy entered, Tolza regarded her with a measured look, gesturing for her to sit as she picked up the blood-marked parchment. “I, Tolza Sedai, pledge myself to aid the Foresters in retrieving insignias from the cityheads during the event beginning on the 18th of October,” she read aloud, her tone calm and deliberate. “Additionally, I will encourage my fellow Tower members to offer their assistance throughout its duration.”

Maddy inclined her head in understanding, her expression focused and intent. “Yes, we did that.”

Tolza continued, watching the young woman closely. “In exchange for these services, should the Foresters be awarded the bonus for turning in the most insignias, they will fund a coach route connecting the Great Forest Barracks with Tar Valon Barracks until we finalize a new treaty. Elder Frey Aren'Dai, the Voice of the Woods, stands ready as our ally.”

“Well done, Tolza Sedai,” Maddy replied, her voice steady with approval.

“Perhaps you already know that the Foresters were awarded the prize for the most insignias,” Tolza said, raising an eyebrow.

Maddy nodded, the faintest flicker of curiosity in her eyes. “Yes, I am aware. What would you have me do?”

Tolza took a deep breath, weighing her words. “I will be away from the Tower for the coming week. I ask that you carry this agreement forward in my absence.”

The young Accepted met her gaze with a spark of determination. “Is the agreement finalized, then, and only awaits signatures and witness?”

“Only the final steps remain,” Tolza replied, her tone encouraging. “Use the resources available to you. Consider this a chance to demonstrate your skills to your Ajah.” Maddy’s expression hardened with resolve as she nodded, ready to shoulder the duty.

“Remember,” Tolza added, her voice softening just slightly, “don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed. Your resources are as vital as your own skill.”

With a respectful curtsy, Maddy stepped back, her resolve evident as she prepared to fulfill her orders. Tolza watched her go, a sense of cautious optimism settling in her chest. “Then go, Maddy,” she murmured to herself. “May you prove worthy of the task.”

OOC: I will be away from the MUD for a week, possibly longer, and felt that delegating this task would give Maddy a great opportunity to flex her RP muscles. I know this approach is a bit unorthodox, but I encourage everyone to roleplay it out. I’m excited to see how this unfolds when I return!

[Maddy]

Back in her room, Maddy absently put her cloak on the hook as she mulled over Tolza Sedai’s request. Perplexed, she sat at her desk, pulling out pen and paper. Tapping her pen on the desk, her face tight in concentration, ‘There is something odd about this request. Tolza Sedai, a woman of the Brown Ajah, doing the Gray Ajah’s work? Perhaps this is common, after all many other Sisters spoke with and to Mayene officials when the Ban was on. The Dreamspike was not just for the Brown Ajah to figure out, many Sisters got involved in the research.’

Decisively she dipped her pen in the ink, blotting it carefully as she started writing. Once satisfied, she slapped her pen down with a thwack, crisply folded, then sealed the letter with the bold outlines of House Mantear crest firmly pressed in the wax. As an afterthought, she grabbed her scented oil and sprinkled a few drops on the note.

With that she tread lightly up the stairs, carefully slipping it under the door of Rebeka Sedai’s private quarters.

Good Afternoon Rebeka Sedai,

I hope this letter finds you well. To update you, I have been working on classes, working with Novices and Accepted as well as reading diligently about other nations in our library, as tasked.

I am specifically writing you today as Tolza Sedai has set me a task and I was hoping to get direction from you on how to approach it. I have some idea's, but don't want to assume its the correct direction to take.

Yours

Maddy Mantear, Tower Accepted.

Dumping her load of books on the bottom of the bed, she flopped on it in exhaustion. Some days were just more draining than others. Lying quietly for a moment, she relished the thought of doing nothing for a few decadent hours.

Contemplating a nap to compliment her much deserved leisure, she rolled over, her gaze falling on a letter by the door. Reluctantly she pushed herself up and grabbed the note, ripping the familiar seal open with a crack.

Maddy,

I've reviewed your notes on the first class you sent, see what i notated in there. As for this deal Tolza suggested, I am unaware of any interaction by the Hall on this matter. Usually the Hall of Sitters needs to authorize the maintenance and logistics of a new coach line, let alone a whole treaty.

However, I also understand Tolza has been working closely with them and timing is definitely something to consider. You may meet with them and see what it is they wish to propose as a treaty and bring it either Chloro or I. Along with your own impressions of them and the treaty they want, I'm sure something can be brought to the Hall for voting and ratifying it if it's as good as Tolza hopes.

Thank you for your diligence and efforts,

Rebeka Nerida, Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah

With renewed vigor, she moved to her desk, the books on the bed tumbled unnoticed to the floor in her haste. Her mind blazing with thoughts and plans, the afternoon in bed, quite forgotten. Giving her chin a few thoughtful taps with the pen, she then proceeded.

Dear Elder Frey

First, Congratulations on winning the City Head Event and collecting the very well deserved rewards. It was my pleasure to personally assist in many of these ventures. I am very happy the Forresters, a clan very close to the Tower, won.

I have been tasked by Tolza Sedai, and it's been approved by the Gray Ajah, for me to meet with you and discuss the Forresters needs regarding a coach and perhaps a more formal Agreement between the Tower and Forresters, as you had discussed with Tolza Sedai.

Please let me know if you have any time to spare me in the near future so we can meet to discuss your needs and how I can help.

Yours

Maddy Mantear, Tower Accepted.

Sealing and scenting the letter, she grabbed her cloak and moved to the square to commission a pigeon to send her request to Elder Frey.

[Maddy]

Frey has arrived from the south, riding a warhorse.
A green woodsman has arrived from the south.
Nyle has arrived from the south, riding a wild stallion.

Nyle smiles happily.

Nyle says 'Hello, Accepted Maddie'

Maddy smiles happily.

Frey says 'Ah yes, ogling the warders at training, just as I expected.'

Frey nods to himself, he must need reassurance.

Maddy says 'Hello.'

Nyle chuckles politely.

Nyle says 'Predictable.'

Frey chuckles politely.

Frey says 'Maddy!'

A wild stallion cocks its head up sharply.

Maddy says 'Yes I do enjoy watching them.'

grin frey
Maddy grins at him.

Frey says 'Good morning.'

Nyle looks at Maddy.

Maddy says 'Good Morning.'

Maddy says 'Welcome to Tar Valon!'

Frey says 'I was just remarking to Nyle about how magnificent the stonework is.'

Nyle says 'Thank you, Accepted Maddie.'

Nyle says 'It's like it was crafted by Ogier or something...'

Maddy says 'Yes it's what brought me to visit the city in the first place.'

Frey says 'No doubt their handiwork.'

Frey smiles happily.

Maddy says 'I had read about it but wanted to see it myself.'

Frey says 'I thought I heard tell once that Tar Valon tends an Ogier grove. Is that still true?'

Frey smiles happily.

Nyle stops using a water skin.

Nyle drinks water from a water skin.

Nyle drinks water from a water skin.

Nyle puts a water skin on his belt.

Maddy says 'Now I am constantly amazed I get to live in this beautiful city.'

Nyle stops using a water skin.

Nyle gently fills a water skin from a fountain.

Nyle puts a water skin on his belt.

Frey says 'it is quite fine, as far as cities go. I could see living in a place where the roots are so deep.'

Maddy says 'It may be out to the east, but I have not had much time to explore.'

The sky starts to get cloudy.

smile frey
Maddy smiles at him.

Frey says 'I personally prefer the forest, but this city would be second to that.'

Frey nods in agreement.

Nyle sighs, Nothing quite beats the forest.

Maddy says 'I do like my forest time as well.'

Frey gives a green woodsman an order.
A green woodsman says 'It sure is a fine place, Elder!'

Maddy says 'It regenerates me and gives me time to gather my thoughts.'

Frey nods at a green woodsman.

Nyle nods at a green woodsman.

Maddy says 'I call i t forest bathing.'

Frey chuckles politely.

Frey says 'Well put.'

Frey says 'On a matter of business... I did receive your letter and wanted to reply to you.'

Frey says 'I believe you were wondering about our laws?'

Maddy says 'Oh yes regarding any laws we should respect and record in our Library.'

Frey thinks hard.

Frey says 'Well, we as a people, the Foresters, tend to keep out of politics and affairs of other nations.'

Maddy says 'We do want to be teaching the correct customs laws and preferences of each nation to our Novices.'

nod frey
Maddy nods at him.

Frey says 'I think our real only hard and fast law is to 'Respect the peace of the Forest.''

Nyle says 'We tend to be neutral on fronts regarding humans.'

Maddy says 'I love that.'

Frey says 'All are welcome.'

Maddy says 'Do you have anything we should note if we enter your wonderful city.'

Nyle says 'Our Stedding?'

Maddy nods in agreement.

Nyle says 'Or Treetop City?'

Maddy says 'I have visited and it's lovely.'

Maddy says 'Yes Treetop City.'

The White Tower's spire gleams softly in the first light of a new day.

Nyle says 'We usually ask that people leave Woody a good tip. He is a good bartender....'

Frey says 'I would say if you are in active conflict with another party that is not shadowspawn, that our home should not be used as a refuge.'

Maddy says 'Unfortunately that is many for us in the Tower.'

Maddy says 'As a matter of fact, it's a task the White Ajah sends us on.'

nod frey
Maddy nods at him.

Nyle whispers something to Frey.

Frey says 'But if you have the requisite training in knowing your surroundings (search), then any may enter the trunk of the Treetop City. But all should stay out of the upper levels.'

The day has begun.
The clouds disappear.

Maddy says 'Is anyone ever banned from entering Treetop City.'

Maddy nods in agreement.

Nyle nods at Frey.

Frey says 'I don't know of any currently banned.'

Nyle says 'I will say, it is very hard to find.'

Maddy nods in agreement.

Frey nods at Nyle.

Maddy says 'Are we allowed to use our weaves in the vicinity?'

Maddy says 'I know we can't within the Stedding but is it acceptable outside.'

Frey says 'I don't see why not. Although that would be difficult in the Stedding itself.'

Frey smiles happily.

Maddy nods in agreement.

Nyle smirks.

Nyle says 'I know of no restrictions regarding weaves in Treetop City.'

Maddy says 'Glad to hear that as I have ported on Ryoz to visit.'

grin
Maddy grins evilly.

Frey says 'I did notice that we do have a treaty with the White Tower, if that is of significance.'

Maddy says 'Would it be possible to have a copy.'

Frey nods to the woodsman beside him. 'I picked up this young man from your barracks here.'

Maddy says 'I have searched high and low in the library.'

Frey says 'I did look, but did not find the record in writing.'

Nyle ponders life, the universe, and everything.

Maddy says 'Oh that is good to hear.'

Maddy says 'I know Tolza Sedai had been speaking to you about a coach. Were you interested in one?'

Maddy says 'I have heard it's quite costly.'

Frey says 'Would it be from our home to yours, or from your home to ours?'

Frey says 'Do you know the cost?'

Nyle says 'A coach would make things more convenient.'

Maddy says 'Ten Thousand Crown is what I heard Mayene paid.'

Maddy says 'But.....'

Maddy says 'They have only activated their end.'

Frey says 'We forest folk do not carry hoards of coins.'

Frey thinks hard.

Frey nods at Maddy.

Frey says 'We will have to think about if we could afford such a thing.'

Frey chuckles politely.

Frey says 'Maybe Nyle here has squirreled away some funds for a rainy day.'

Maddy says 'I am sure if Tar Valon were to activate one to the Great Forest, it would go to vote for the Hall of Sitters.'

Nyle checks his pockets for loose change.

Frey gives a green woodsman an order.
A green woodsman says 'Rainy days are so pleasant!'

Maddy says 'Please let me know if you are interested I would love to help you gather the money.'

Frey says 'You seem to have many other means to move long distances. It seems that it would be much more beneficial from our side.'

Frey smiles happily.

Maddy says 'The Foresters are a great asset in the fight against the Dark and getting to Fal Dara quicker would be an asset.'

Frey says 'That it would!'

Frey says 'Nyle here has been itching to fight some shadowspawn.'

Maddy says 'Yes and I am happy to help gather funds and recruit others to help as well.'

Nyle says 'I always wished we had a coach to the Orchard... but alas...'

Frey says 'They've plagued the forest on occasion.'

smile nyle
Maddy smiles at him.

Maddy says 'the Dark Neveah was around a while ago.'

Maddy says 'He came right in the city last night and looked at me , but I froze.'

Maddy shivers uncomfortably.

Nyle shivers uncomfortably.

Frey comforts Maddy.

Frey says 'I hope you survived the encounter.'

Maddy says 'Yes I was fortunate, he looked and left, I suppose I was not worth his effort.'

Nyle says 'Someday he may regret that.'

smile nyle
Maddy smiles at him.

Maddy says 'I am trying to learn but fighting is not my strength.'

Frey says 'It takes many years of training to master I'm sure.'

Maddy nods in agreement.

Nyle says 'Fighting is not my forte either, Maddy. We all have our roles... our place.'

smile nyle
Maddy smiles at him.

Frey says 'It is the Order of things.'

Frey smiles happily.

Nyle nods at Frey.

Frey says 'We all have our Duties.'

Maddy says 'I do want to be well rounded though, so I keep striving to improve.'

Nyle says 'That's all any of us can do.'

Maddy says 'Learning is a lifelong pursuit'

drink fountain
Maddy drinks the water.
Maddy doesn't feel thirsty any more.

Frey smiles happily.

Frey says 'That it is!'

Maddy says 'So I will speak with Tolza Sedai about the need to help gather funds for your coach.'

Frey says 'Excellent.'

Nyle looks at a gray haired weapons master.

Frey says 'Whether coach or no coach, we can trust in our friendship with Tar Valon I believe.'

Frey smiles happily.

Maddy says 'I will also advise Rebeka Sedai that there is a treaty somewhere, but it's lost from both of our libraries.'

Nyle nods at Frey.

The White Tower is bathed in a reddish orange light as the sun sets.

Maddy says 'Yes always. The Foresters and Tar Valon have a long and peaceful history.'

The night has begun.

Frey nods at Nyle.

Frey smiles happily.

smile nyle
Maddy smiles at him.

Frey says 'I wonder if anyone would be interested in a couple heralds in a bit.'

Maddy says 'of course'

Frey says 'I will need to find some lunch to eat first.'

Frey smiles happily.

Maddy says 'Also the laws from other Nations are trickling in, would you like me to let you know when they are in the library?'

Frey says 'Sure!'

smile frey
Maddy smiles at him.

Maddy says 'Ok let me get a horse while you gentlemen prepare.'

Maddy stops resting, and stands up.



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