A dance of Air and Fire (open)

When channelers need to channel and don't want to risk breaking the Tower into a million pieces, this is where they go.
Damon
"The Shadow Rising"
Posts: 195
Joined: January 25th, 2017, 5:14 pm

A dance of Air and Fire (open)

Post by Damon » March 18th, 2017, 5:05 am

Olin Trakson Olin stood upon the sands of the Channeling yard, watching as the early evening sun began to fall behind the Grey Tower’s many buildings. As the shadows stretched over the sands, he knew that many of the residents would be attending meals, or perhaps enjoying a stroll through the cool air and foliage of the Gardens.

But for tonight, Olin had a different agenda, one he hoped would help to ease the pressure he had felt simmering each time he closed his eyes and dreamed. He was growing tired of the constant images of battle and strife, but hiding amongst the flowers and beauty of the Gardens would do little to ease his mind. And so he finished his night’s unarmed practice, the anticipation of his upcoming test spar floating unnoticed across the Void.

Once done, he seized Saidin and revelled in the glory and strength of the One Power as it coursed through him. As always it was a never ending tide of fire and ice, currents that seeked to melt his bones, while other threatened to drag him down. Grabbing threads of Air, Olin did his best to shape them into a blade like weave, gouging a quick circle in the sand to denote the area he was claiming for his own practice.

A part of his mind noticed the jagged edges, and the lopsided shape of the circle he had carved in the sand; but the critique faded quickly into the Void that surrounded him and kept him buffered from the storm of Saidin.

Taking a steadying breath, Olin separated out threads of Air, spinning their weft and warp until they had formed a column of twisting Air. Next he grabbed threads of Fire, and wove a similar column near the one of Air, and smiled when a bolt of white hot lightning flashed from a clear sky. He had heard the weaves discussed in class, and as he knew he was strongest in both Air and Fire had hoped it would prove simple enough. Grinning he spun two more columns of Air and Fire, closing his eyes for a moment to shield them from the resulting lightning.

After that, Olin condensed flows of Air and Fire together into a tightly bound ball, using a final weave of air to launch the mass of threads towards the edge of the circle before allowing it all to snap into place. At first he felt only a rush of heat or air as his balance between the two elements was off. But again working with his two strongest elements, he was at last able to launch a small fireball to the edge of his circle. It struck the wards surrounding the Channeling yard, and he was glad to see the fire sizzle out as the wards prevented any harmful weaves to escape.

Panting with the strain of having forced so many weaves together in a relatively short time, Olin powered through, determined to practice pushing himself and began to weave threads of Air into a tightly packed wall before him. He had heard a teacher discuss ways that Air could be used to snap objects out the air, and he did his best to practice forming a shield of Air as quickly as he could.

Wondering if there was a way for a more active defense, Olin tried to surround himself with a weave of Fire and Air, hoping to have the ring expand outwards in a rush of flame, but each time he attempted the weave behind him, if grew too unbalanced and wouldnt settle into place properly. He knew he simply needed to find the proper shape for both elements but it continued to elude him. Finally his frustration and fatigue grew too much for the Void to ignore, so he released Saidin and leaned against the fence railing.

"Light there has to be a way to make that weave work," he muttered to himself, chewing on some food he had grabbed from the kitchens to help ease the headache and fatigue.
"Every man is the hero of his own song," Tad Williams.

Elan
"Lord of Chaos"
Posts: 450
Joined: December 6th, 2016, 10:29 am
PC: Jaren Marle, Asha'man
SC: Mael Akashi, Asha'man
TC: Delaine Taborwin, Novice
QC: Valentin Akashi, Soldier
Location: Finland
Contact:

Re: A dance of Air and Fire (open)

Post by Elan » March 18th, 2017, 7:46 pm

Jaren Marle, the Laundry Dedicated
Being stuck doing chores with Soldiers meant interacting with Soldiers in an environment where nobody could stalk off slamming doors behind them. It had been almost an hour and Jaren still couldn’t decide if that had, in this instance, been a good or bad thing. On one hand, yes, he’d really wanted to talk to Tristram ever since the ball and had barely seen a glimpse of the man until today; on the other hand, the response to his attempts at communication had been less than warm.

If there was anything worse than doing laundry, he reflected, it was doing laundry with someone you liked and respected — and were more than a little attracted to, but that was not important — when that person evidently wanted nothing to do with you.

Jaren had already felt guilty about just leaving him like that — at the ball, he had to remind himself; the other thing hadn’t actually happened — but now it seemed that Tristram had taken it even worse than he’d ever imagined. So now he was still feeling guilty, but also a little annoyed; he was no mind reader, for Light’s sake! If he’d known, he’d never have gone waltzing off with Jaryd like that. Maybe. He liked to think he wouldn’t have.

The Arches showed otherwise, or did you forget already?

Jaren scowled at nothing and kicked a pebble. That was different.

Yes, different in that you knew how bad leaving would be, and you left anyway.

He stopped in his tracks. “Different,” he muttered, not caring who heard, “because it wasn’t real.” He looked around to see a pair of Novices ducking out of his path as he started walking again. Well, this was just bloody great. He might as well just earn a reputation not only as the Laundry Dedicated, but the Lunatic Laundry Dedicated while he was at it.

He knew he was missing dinner, but instead of the dining hall his feet took him to the Channelling Yards. There weren’t a lot of people at this hour — actually only one that he could see, a man in black weaving Fire in large quantities but with no particular finesse. Jaren wondered a little about that; surely anyone with the permission to blow things up unsupervised should have more control than that. Curious, he ventured closer — after weaving a Ward to protect himself from any misfires. It was not a particularly impressive Ward, but it would keep a stray fireball or some such from frying him where he stood. From the looks of it, he might need it.

The other man’s collar bore neither the Sword nor the Dragon pin, Jaren saw as he got closer. And more than that, he recognised him as Tristram’s roommate; though he couldn’t recall the kid’s name, it was clear that he was Soldier, not a Dedicated and certainly not Asha’man.

As he approached, the man quit channelling but didn’t appear to have seen him yet. Jaren spoke up, his voice emotionless from the Void and he made no effort to change that. “Soldier. You are aware you’re not allowed to channel unsupervised.” A rhetorical question; everybody knew that. “What have you to say for yourself?”

Damon
"The Shadow Rising"
Posts: 195
Joined: January 25th, 2017, 5:14 pm

Re: A dance of Air and Fire (open)

Post by Damon » April 7th, 2017, 6:37 pm

Olin

Olin finished channeling with a sigh, letting Saidin go as he tried to review the weaves he had formed. Before he had a chance to critique his own work however, he heard the crunch of boots upon the sand.

Turning, Olin was glad for the Void as it helped him hide his panic at having been caught so blatantly breaking the rule regarding channeling. Light, and it's not even as if I was simply making air twirl or plants grow. I was clearly practicing an attack routine, thought Olin to himself as the other man dressed him down for breaking a rule as well known as that preventing Novices and Soldiers from becoming intimate.

Still there was no sense in lying or trying to get out of it, Olin realized as the silence dragged out into moments. And so he took a steadying breath and replied, "I had waited till no one else was liable to be present, that way I risked only myself Dedicated. As for defending myself, I knew the rule and chose to break it as I couldn't shake the feeling that I need to be ready. The risk seemed to be worth the demand, I need to be strong, I can't explain it but the fork demands strength," Olin finished as he recalled the dream of the path and crumbling bridge that had been plaguing him.

(OOC: sorry for the delay in this reply.)
"Every man is the hero of his own song," Tad Williams.

Elan
"Lord of Chaos"
Posts: 450
Joined: December 6th, 2016, 10:29 am
PC: Jaren Marle, Asha'man
SC: Mael Akashi, Asha'man
TC: Delaine Taborwin, Novice
QC: Valentin Akashi, Soldier
Location: Finland
Contact:

Re: A dance of Air and Fire (open)

Post by Elan » April 9th, 2017, 8:09 pm

Jaren
Listening to the Soldier speak, Jaren took a deep breath and a figurative step back. He was annoyed with Tristram and himself; there was no call to take it out on the unfortunate individual before him. Breaking the rule against unsupervised channelling was a severe offence, one that should have earned a Soldier a trip to the Master of Soldiers’ office… And Jaren was tempted to escort the Soldier there himself, very tempted, but he’d be doing it primarily for an excuse to see Jaryd, and that made him decide against it.

He crossed his arms as the Soldier finished speaking. Half the things he’d said made no sense to Jaren. Maybe he should take the kid to Jaryd after all? Or Maever; if he suffered from delusions, maybe the Yellows could do something? The Soldier didn’t appear unhinged, though. Restless, a little anxious perhaps and — from what Jaren could tell — not just from getting caught breaking the rules, but perfectly sane.

“I suppose it is commendable that you had the sense to avoid endangering others, at least,” he said in a level voice. He didn’t drop the Void, though he’d released saidin for now. “But risking yourself like that is not much better. The rules are in place for a reason, Soldier,” and he was a fine one to lecture anybody about rules, “and there are those who could teach you in a safe, controlled manner. More productive to your learning process, and less likely to cost the Tower a Soldier.” He gave the words a moment to sink in before continuing. “Now tell me, what’s your name, and why do you think you need to be ready for battle before even reaching the rank of Dedicated?”
OOC: No worries~!

Damon
"The Shadow Rising"
Posts: 195
Joined: January 25th, 2017, 5:14 pm

Re: A dance of Air and Fire (open)

Post by Damon » April 10th, 2017, 6:51 pm

Olin

Olin knew how stiff the punishments could be at the Grey Tower and so he was shocked when the Dedicated did not simply just march him off to the Master of Soldiers office. He would have been well within his rights to do so, and so Olin was caught speechless and off guard when the other man simply asked him to elaborate on his reasons.

To be honest Olin felt like a wool headed fool that he simply had not asked for lessons in weaving both fire and air but he knew he couldn't change the need he had felt to grow strong and to hide his reasons, especially when they seemed so silly by the light of day. "My name is Olin Trakson, and I had not considered that Dedicated, I worried that there would be those who would judge me for choosing to see Saidin as a weapon before learning the other applications of it. My classes have been incredible, but many nights I dream about war and battle and the need to be strong enough to help save the Tower and stem the tide. I know many would say that there is time after learning, but with the Seanchan and other attacks in recent years, we all know that isn't true. As well, I spent many years of my life working alone, or with few others, I suppose I've yet to accept the strength that surrounds me here."
"Every man is the hero of his own song," Tad Williams.

Elan
"Lord of Chaos"
Posts: 450
Joined: December 6th, 2016, 10:29 am
PC: Jaren Marle, Asha'man
SC: Mael Akashi, Asha'man
TC: Delaine Taborwin, Novice
QC: Valentin Akashi, Soldier
Location: Finland
Contact:

Re: A dance of Air and Fire (open)

Post by Elan » April 12th, 2017, 8:32 pm

Jaren
Jaren leaned lightly on the fence, arms still crossed, as he studied the Soldier. The way Olin emphasised the word 'dream' felt significant, but Jaren knew little about Dreaming, other than that it was certainly not a Talent he had, nor did he particularly want to. He preferred sleeping through his nights in relative peace — or he would again, at some point, he hoped.

“You are right that the Tower has been under attack in recent years,” he said eventually, picking his words with care. It would be an insult to the Soldier’s intelligence to deny the facts, especially when there had been fighting in Hama Valon mere weeks ago and rumours about the ball were all over the place though there was no official word about what had gone down. Except the chandelier; that had definitely gone down. “And, on occasion, it happens that people who are not yet fully trained have to fight.” Alric had been out in the city, from what Jaren had heard, and he knew for a fact that Johan had been hurt pretty badly.

“But it will never be up to you alone to defend the Tower,” he went on, holding the Soldier’s gaze steadily. “Not now, and not once you gain the Dragon pin.” He smiled a little. “There is strength here, and not only in numbers but in unity, in trusting our brothers and sisters… And, yes, trusting those who are older and more experienced to have things under control.” He shook his head, the smile turning slightly wry. “Well, I’m sure you get the picture already. Have you talked to anyone else about these dreams? A Dreamer?”

Damon
"The Shadow Rising"
Posts: 195
Joined: January 25th, 2017, 5:14 pm

Re: A dance of Air and Fire (open)

Post by Damon » April 15th, 2017, 4:02 pm

Olin

Olin breathed a sigh of relief when he realized that the Dedicated not only understood his fears, but did not think the driving reason behind them was a flight of fancy, or the result of too much strength.

“To answer your question Dedicated, no I have not. It has been only a short amount of time since the dream began to repeat itself, and there isn’t exactly a class on the subject,” said Olin with a shrug and a self conscious shuffling of his feet.

“But regardless of what my fears and dreams have been telling me, I still should have known better than to feel that I had to be forced to carry the Grey Tower alone. Tell me Dedicated, have you consider an Ajah at all yet? I can’t help but think I will be on the Green Ajah and I wonder what a Soldier can do to prepare. I know my weaves were rough, but I at least have a decent command of Fire and Air,” said Olin with a wave at the rough damage and scorch scars his lightning and fire had left upon the Channeling Yard.

“Is there any suggestions or even skills you can think of that will help me prepare once I bear the Sword Pin? Any help would give me an edge in the tests to come,” said Olin with a grin.
"Every man is the hero of his own song," Tad Williams.

Elan
"Lord of Chaos"
Posts: 450
Joined: December 6th, 2016, 10:29 am
PC: Jaren Marle, Asha'man
SC: Mael Akashi, Asha'man
TC: Delaine Taborwin, Novice
QC: Valentin Akashi, Soldier
Location: Finland
Contact:

Re: A dance of Air and Fire (open)

Post by Elan » April 24th, 2017, 5:14 pm

Jaren
Jaren tried to summon a list of known Dreamers within the Tower from his memory, but couldn’t think of others than Miahala Sha’hal, the Impending Doom in blue silk; he’d never paid much attention to anything to do with Dreaming. Now, of course, he wished he had, if only so he could help the Soldier before him. He’d probably still have to send the kid to Jaryd, if only to make sure the possibility of him being a Dreamer got the attention it deserved. Being alone with unpleasant dreams was bad enough when the dreams were lowercase, non-prophetic, ordinary things.

“Me? I’m most likely going to choose Yellow,” Jaren replied to the Soldier’s question. “I’m a Healer, first and foremost, though I don’t want to limit myself only to knowledge of Healing. I want to be able to pull my weight in a battle, as well, should it ever be necessary…” He slipped back into the Void and seized saidin. Three thin blades of Air formed, and — turning slightly away from Olin — with an almost casual flick of his wrist Jaren sent them flying through the air at high speed. There was nothing there for them to hit, of course, and the weaves simply dissolved as they got far enough away from him, but they would cut through flesh if aimed at a person, or a Trolloc.

He released saidin and dropped the Void before speaking again, “But my true strength lies in keeping others alive. Healing, defensive Wards.” He flashed a grin. “And hopefully, some common sense. That’s integral to staying alive.” Maybe he could find some of it somewhere. “It may well be that Green is where you belong. I would suggest you seek out Miahala Sedai, for both that and the Dreams; she is a Dreamer and may be able to help you determine whether anything should be done about your Dreams. As for how to prepare…” Jaren hesitated for a moment. “Learn all you can, but not only about channelling. Learn yourself. Your strengths and weaknesses, your hopes and fears; the better you know yourself, the more prepared you will be to face anything the Tower and the world can throw at you.”

Damon
"The Shadow Rising"
Posts: 195
Joined: January 25th, 2017, 5:14 pm

Re: A dance of Air and Fire (open)

Post by Damon » April 25th, 2017, 2:48 am

Olin Olin was surprised to here the other man openly declaring for the Yellow Ajah. Still he supposed that once one made Dedicated, there was a clearer sense of purpose and a greater knowledge of where your strengths were.

Olin noted with interest the way in which Jaren so easily sent threads of Air through the Channeling Yard, and made a mental not of the weave. He would not practice solo again, not after having been reminded of the folly in it, but perhaps he could find a teacher.

“Thank you Dedicated, I did not realize that Miahala Sedia is a Dreamer. I had planned to speak with her regarding the duties of Guardsmen here at the Tower, and the possibility of joining them to learn more,” Olin said respectfully. He knew a Dedicated of the Grey Tower could have simply bundled him up and thrown him in the Master of Soldiers office, and so he appreciated that Jaren had not chosen to do so.

“Seems like there is still a vast gulf between being ready, and knowing what I know now. But I am eager to learn, and anything you can teach would be a boon,” Olin said hopefully, knowing a Dedicated of the Grey Tower would well have learned more than Olin had managed in his classes so far.
"Every man is the hero of his own song," Tad Williams.

Elan
"Lord of Chaos"
Posts: 450
Joined: December 6th, 2016, 10:29 am
PC: Jaren Marle, Asha'man
SC: Mael Akashi, Asha'man
TC: Delaine Taborwin, Novice
QC: Valentin Akashi, Soldier
Location: Finland
Contact:

Re: A dance of Air and Fire (open)

Post by Elan » May 1st, 2017, 2:56 pm

Jaren
So the Soldier was already planning on speaking to Miahala Sedai; that was good. He’d be in good hands. And while Jaren technically should still send him to the Master of Soldiers for the unsupervised channelling thing, he also figured that Olin had learnt that lesson already, what with a Dedicated showing up like a thundercloud in the middle of his training session. Jaren still felt a little embarrassed for letting his frustration with Tristram affect how he behaved towards others.

“Well, there are those far more qualified than me to teach you battle weaves,” he said with a small smile. “I have my tricks, but mostly it’s just taking what you’re already good at and finding a way to use it as a weapon. Like basically anything with Air, for me. I’m not completely useless with Fire, but it’s usually not worth the effort for me to try to channel it in large enough quantities to be useful in a battle.”

He chuckled, thinking of the unfortunate picnic that had been his only real battle experience so far. It had been pure improvisation with no real plan, at least on his part. Whoever had been responsible for the mist had probably had a better idea… and then there had been Nate with his lightning. That had been spectacular — and it had ended in an equally spectacular fashion, with Nate half fried and in the infirmary.

“If you wanted,” he went on, “we could schedule a lesson—” not for battle weaves, though; maybe Warding if Olin was interested in that, “—but right now it’s getting a little late and we’ve missed dinner already.” He grinned, a little wryly. “Besides, you’ve been doing a lot of channelling already. It’s probably better to call it a day for now.”
OOC: Since Olin's been raised, I figured this can probably be wrapped up. I'd be happy to do another thread with you & Olin as Dedicated if you'd like!

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