Tell me I'm not crazy (Attn: Nani)

[Leala]

Meriana watched as Aureli walked away to be treated by others. Her problem was different than Meri’s. The other woman knew exactly what the problem was, and likely knew exactly how to treat it. The young Saldaean woman felt proud and sad at the same time. She had saved the other woman’s life, and now she was able to move forward. At the same time, she felt like she was drifting away from a friend. The two weren’t incredibly close, but Meri felt there had been an ease between them that otherwise wouldn’t have been there.

“Is there something we can help you with as well, Miss?”

Meri turned and saw a small woman in a white dress, banded in eight colors. She had golden hair and a patient smile on her face. The Infirmary buzzed with new patients and supplies rattling around. Even now, she could still feel the wolves. They were fewer in number, and away from the city, but she could still feel them. “Well, my problem may be more mental than my friend’s…”

The girl in front of her blinked a few times. “Oh, I see,” she said finally. She looked Meri up and down, and frowned at her empty sword belt. It almost looked like she was… sad. …Was she a Tinker? She had run into a group of them during her small stint outside of her family’s farm. They had all seemed quietly disappointed about her sword. It was just a little infuriating, and she didn’t stick around them for very long. “Come with me, please.”

Meri glanced behind her one more time to see Aureli, but she was already gone. She wondered if she would ever see that outfit again. Probably. Once the Tairen was Aes Sedai again, she’d have no need of that old thing. Following the white-clad woman, Meri was shown into a private room. She sat in a chair and almost immediately regretted it. It was cheery in here, but in a very polite way. It was strange. The Tinker sat in front of her and smiled. “My name is Naiya, and I am an Accepted here. May I ask your name?”

“Meriana Rayere,” she answered stiffly. She wasn’t used to all this politeness and manners.

“Light shine on you, Meriana. What brings you here today?” The Accepted pulled out a small notebook and leaned forward, smiling a little more.

And that’s when Meri hesitated. The whole encounter in saving Aureli was bad enough. It was the first time she had really understood that she was sensing something besides what was normal. She had questioned her sanity the whole time she went about saving the other woman. The wolves had run to help, the wolves had sent images to explain where they were going. The wolves… did nothing when she joined their number. Light, she even joined in to help them dig, like she was one of them! The whole thing made her feel crazy, and even though they ended up saving Aureli in the end… she still felt like it wasn’t something that could just be brushed aside.

She cleared her throat and made eye contact with Naiya. “I believe I can sense the presence of wolves,” she said. It sounded so plain. Like it was something you would mention if you were trying to find work. But, she was trying to sound sane. “And, I also believe that they can communicate with me… through images in my mind.” She scratched her head in thought. She felt so out of her element in this bloody room! “My friend that came with me said that she had heard of something like it, but… It all just sounds like I’m losing my mind,” Meri admitted finally.

Naiya tapped her chin with her forefinger thoughtfully. “I have also heard of this, but I do not know much about it.” Meri began to look around nervously. Light, she had something so wrong with her that Aes Sedai didn’t know what it was… “But, I think I know someone who does. If you will, please wait here, and I will see if I can find her.” Without waiting for Meri to answer, the Accepted stood and walked gracefully out of the room.

Now by herself with a room of politely potted flowers, Meriana tried to calm herself. She had to change her way of thinking. If she was questioning this, didn’t that mean that she was of sound enough mind to still function? Well, that wasn’t entirely comforting, but it helped. She would have to think of this as another challenge. Leaving home was a challenge, so was rescuing Aureli. This would just be her new challenge. Whatever it was.

[Nani]

Angelique al'Chan

The day started out as normal as any other. She was up before dawn, stretching and working out her muscles, tight from sleep and various other issues insomuch as that her mattress seemed to have a few lumps. And while she could possibly request another one, she knew that it was better she didn't. It would build character, she was sure. Her red hair was up in a braided bun, only a few strands left to hang free around her face. Breakfast and a couple classes soon had her taking a short break, where she consolidated her notes, and prepared herself for an infirmary shift.

She thanked her lucky stars that it was to be a slow day that day and she did her job, careful to clean all injuries well and then replace the bandages. Her hands were soft and gentle and her caring manner was boasted amongst those who were treated by her, and she was always smiling and kind. And so it was of a surprise to her when she was asked if she would come talk to a young lady whom was having mental issues she didn't know what to do with. A tilt to her head and she carefully regarded the Accepted who walked up to her and spoke. "You say she can talk to wolves Naiya?" She asked to clarify that she had heard correctly.

"Yes Angelique, but I fear I do not know much about what she is. Wasn't your mother's Warder one of them?" For a brief moment she nearly blew their cover by correcting the Accepted but instead just smiled graciously and nodded. "Yes Garren Brighteyes is a Wolfkin. Where is the young woman?" Niaya gestured back to the entrance and Angelique followed cleaning her hands on a rag while she walked. "What's her name?" Angelique asked, as they walked. "Meriana I believe she said. However, I can't rightly remember." She said as she entered the room where she had left Meriana. Angelique entered after her with a smile on her face as she stepped in. "Meriana?" Angelique asked, as she moved over to lean against the desk in the room.

"I'm Angelique al'Chan, and I hear you have some....questions or concerns. I hope that I can help you to the greatest of my ability." The Yellow aspiring Accepted gestured to the door. "We'll move to another room for privacy so that you know that your questions are not overheard, and so that Naiya may have her office area back." Angelique moved to the door and waited for Meriana to proceed her out the doorway. Once they were out in the hallway, Angelique led the way to one of the in take rooms and sat down on one of the various chairs with a small table. She pulled out a quill and ink as well as some parchment.

"Now Meriana, what seems to be your concerns?"

[Leala]

Meriana's eyes flitted around the little room as she waited for someone to come back. Light, you leave your home for a little adventure, and now you're waiting to be seen by someone in the Grey Tower. Even with this unsteady feeling she had, it was nothing compared to the absurdity of what had happened the night she rescued Aureli. Even if she had happened upon the scene without the help of wolves, that night would have been an absurd one. She remembered what she told the Aes Sedai, though. The Pattern had woven their threads together, and now they were both at the Grey Tower. It all had to add up to something.

A red-haired woman in the same banded dress opened the door and asked if she was Meriana. She nodded and gave the young woman a smile. The other woman introduced herself as Angelique al'Chan, then offered to move her out of the room. This was Naiya's office? That certainly explained why it seemed a little too cheery. She followed Angelique to another room, this one meant for more than one person at a time. She settled herself into a chair, then looked at the woman across from her, who calmly asked her what her concerns were. Concerns? My concern is that I'm going insane.

No. Meri wasn't going to accost this woman who was trying to help. But, how under the Light was she going to explain this without sounding like she was already insane? Well, maybe there wasn't a way. "I think I can feel the presence of wolves in my mind," she explained. "And, once, I believe they sent me some kind of message in the form of an image. I...was hoping it was a fluke, but I can still feel them. Even now, just far away." She paused. That sounded like she was completely fine with it. "My concern is that..." No. No more dancing around. The door was closed, and this woman was supposed to know about what was plaguing her. "Light, it all sounds crazy!" she exclaimed, throwing her hands to the side. She felt like she was coming back to herself. She had been around an Aes Sedai for too long. "I've never heard of anything like this before! I've been told that it's something...but I don't know what!"

Meri took a moment to collect herself, then crossed her legs and her arms. Clearing her throat, she looked at the Accepted again. "I mean...this obviously isn't going away. Is there something to cure it? If I'm stuck with it...oh, Light. Just...tell me what's in my head."

[Nani]

Angelique al'Chan

Angelique tucked her hair behind her ear, and smiled softly at the young woman. Her face never changed from the calming and welcoming expression she held it in. The Accepted jotted down notes, taking note of the young woman's eyes, and that there were now showing gold flecks in them. Unsure if this was normal, Angelique jotted it down as a question to ask later. "Oh Meriana, yes it is in your head. And unfortunately there is no cure. However, you are not going crazy. At least, not yet." She replied softly. "It's not crazy in the slightest however. My...mother's former Warder is a Wolfkin. Which, my dear, is what you are." Angelique informed the girl with a soft smile. The red haired Accepted leaned forward and rested a hand on the other girl's knee in comfort. "It will seem strange, however, you can control this. From all accounts I've heard, and we've had a few here in the Tower, the Wolfkin tend to bond with a specific wolf pack, or set of wolves." Sitting back, and removing her hand, she took a deep breath and let it exhale slowly.

"I apologize. That was quite a bit of information and it was rather jumbled. You are, as best to my determination a Wolfkin. This allows you to communicate with the Wolves of the surrounding countryside. And as such, there is a solid chance that you will be interacting with wolves more and more. Do no fight this, and just allow it to happen. It does however, come with benefits and detriments. You will receive improved hearing, seeing, and smell. However, with it comes the risk that you may succumb to a feral like madness." She paused here, before jotting down a name on another piece of paper for the girl. Her green eyes glanced up at the girl and smiled again. "However, our resident Wolfkin has been a wolfkin since he joined the tower more then 20 years ago. And he has yet to succumb, and he isn't likely to." She folded the paper and held it forth for her. "This is his name, and he is a Gaidan. It would be in your interest to seek him out. But if you do not feel comfortable talking to him, and more comfortable asking your questions of me, then I will make sure to get you the answers that you desire. He is very close to my family, having been my mother's warder."

Once that paper was out of her hand, she sat back. "You must forgive me, I rather enjoy Wolfkins as they are, to my experience some of the most honest people. As well...my mother has benefited from the Wolfkin's abilities through the bond. Now please I'm sorry, I've rambled on. Are there any more questions about your abilities? I want to give you the best and most viable of the information."

[Leala]

Meri was not the fainting type. She was quite the opposite. However, at hearing the first part of the Accepted's information, that what was in her head was incurable, she felt the world spin. She was used to being able to take on new challenges and figure them out along the way, but wolves living in her head? But, she listened to the rest of what Angelique had to say. There was a way to live with this, there was someone in the Grey Tower that could give advice, at the very least, and... "Wait..." she said, narrowing her eyes. She thought back to recent events. At the time, Meri had thought that she was imagining that she could see things that others couldn't. The farmgirl had attributed it to her guessing well at what was ahead. But, she had heard other things, too. She had heard whispers at her and Aureli's arrival in Hama Valon that her companion hadn't heard, but she had thought that the other woman was simply ignoring them. And smells... Why, even just sitting here, she could smell herbs and medical supplies from the rest of the Infirmary.

"That does explain quite a lot." Meri took in a deep breath and let it out. "At least I still have a chance to get a grip on this. Never thought of myself as connected to wolves, but...I suppose I don't have much say in the matter." She shrugged and gave the Accepted a wide grin. "That makes me feel a lot better. I'll see about getting in touch with uh..." Glancing down at the paper, she read the other Wolfkin's name. "Garren... Brighteyes. That's an odd name." She paused again. Again, the thought had been that she had been imagining the change, but... "Are my eyes going to turn...yellow? I thought the light was reflecting badly on my eyes, but if this other Wolfkin fellow has a name like Brighteyes..."

[Nani]

Angelique al'Chan

Angelique smiled softly and shook her head. "Garren Brighteyes is a very important person to me. I've known him for nearly my whole life, and he will treat you with the respect you need and deserve. I promise you that." She replied, before tilting her head slightly. "Yes your eyes will slowly change to golden in colour. However, they have already started to do so." Angelique reached over and grabbed a small mirror and showed it to her, to allow her to see the change that was happening to her eyes. "You may find that your hair is a little more...unruly as well. But rest assured you shouldn't start to grow hair on your chest." She gave a small giggle, before she leaned back and settled into her chair.

"And of course, if you ever run into issues you can come here and ask for me. If I'm not here someone will either come get me, or direct you to where you can find me. Aside from an actual Wolfkin, I've probably got the greatest knowledge of your kind, and am best equipped to help you." The Accepted glanced at the Drin in front of her, and smiled again. "Are there any physical issues you'd like me to look you over for? We can do a full medical exam, and make sure everything is okay." Angelique offered.

ooc: sorry this is short, wasn't sure where else you wanted to go with this.

[Leala]

The more Meriana heard about her condition - well, it was really more of an ability, wasn't it? - the more she began to understand just how much her life was going to change. This wasn't something she could just avoid. Those vague presences that she could feel outside the city weren't just a weird feeling...they were wolves. Wolves that she could bond with. She tried not to remember that some Trollocs had wolves' faces. Her instinct was to think of this as something from the Shadow, because of that. But...if it was something as drastic as that, wouldn't the Accepted have told her that? Angelique chatted about the Wolfkin like they were old friends of hers.

Looking in the mirror the other woman handed her, she looked at her irises. They really were changing. It was a subtle change. Her eyes were brown, but they weren't deep brown. She had assumed that the gold in her eyes was just her imagination. But, now that she looked more closely in the mirror, the farmgirl could tell that there really was a change in her eye color. Light, this is a strange challenge, she thought to herself. Living in a rural town in Saldaea, Meri was no stranger to hardship. She remembered long winters in fear that on top of low crop production, they might very well be attacked. But this...she couldn't just accept this and move on. This was something she'd have to take on and master.

Thinking of what had led her to this place, she thought perhaps she couldn't have avoided it. Meri had found and rescued a woman who wanted to be Aes Sedai again so badly that she was bound and determined to come here, even without her if necessary. She couldn't have just let Aureli come here by herself. The thing that led the girl to her was the reason she sat in this room now. And here, there was someone she could come to for advice. Maybe. She didn't know anything about this Garren Brighteyes, but hopefully he would be willing to hear her out. It wasn't her intention, but...maybe the reason she was here went beyond just her Wolfkin nature.

Blinking, she realized that the other woman had asked a question. "Oh. No, I feel fine. It's just that this encounter rattled me a bit," she said with a smile. Absent-mindedly, she touched the blue flowers in her hair. Maybe if her hair was unruly, it would have a bit more character to it. "Accepted..." Meriana said, pulling the mirror away. She could have sworn she saw women wearing color-shifting cloaks, too. Aureli had said that this place was one of cooperation between men and women. She thought of her sword, too. She had always wanted to expand her training. "Where do I go to enroll here to train as a Warder?" she asked. "Light, no, I just arrived. I don't even know anything about this place. Um...I suppose I should ask, do you know anything about how the training to become a Warder works?"

((OOC: Meri's not a Drin yet, actually. lol If you could prod her in that way of thinking, that would be awesome!))