Command begins in the trench (Attn Bella)

[Bella]

"Learn all that you can," Mia said simply, but with a small smile. "If you feel sure in your calling, then pursue all that you are able to in pursuit of not just following the path but understanding it. Learn of what you are good at and seek to build upon that. Learn what you are not good at, and try to improve or learn what needs to be to done to work around it.

"And there will be many things to learn--from books, from your fellows and your elders, with the One Power, with weapons. You are still young and have much to learn about yourself first of all, and doing so will set you upon the path to everything else." She paused, her blue-green eyes glancing at her desktop pensively.

She kept them from looking where it would make things too obvious and after that moment, met the Soldier's eyes again. "However, never forget that there are reasons we must fight and prepare. There is always something worth fighting for. So never get so long in that learning that you forget that."

[Damon]

Olin

"Learn all that you can," Miahala said simply, "There is always something worth fighting for. So never get so lost in that learning that you forget that."

As Olin listened to the advice of a woman who had not only been through attacks and struggles he could hardly fathom, but had survived and kept others alive through those struggles as well, he realized that perhaps he had been too certain in his understanding of his dream. Maybe making the choice to step onto the path alone did not grant success, but would still be a tipping point. It was no small thing to decide that becoming a weapon was a calling he felt, but he was relieved to here her speak of reasons for fighting and other purer motives for defending the Grey Tower.

Olin glanced over at the Gaidin as he sat upon the couch, and realized that the respect and strength of such men would be hard won, Olin hoped the man did not think him a wool head. No doubt anyone who knew Miahala Sedai knew enough about the world to understand the pressure of dreaming.

"Thank you for the advice Captain General, I realize now I had put the cart before the horse so to speak. I would say that I do feel like it's a calling, and as my father said you can't build a fence without first digging holes, I would ask you're leave to either attend the Citadel for duty shifts, or perhaps begin training with the Tower Guard. I do not have a nobleman's understanding of household troops, but I hope to remedy that," Olin said to the woman as she watched him pensively.

Turning Olin then addressed the Gaidin seated upon the couch, coughing to get the mans attention from his book, "I would ask you sir what weapon you recommend learning for a beginner. I've completed unarmed with Dax Gaidin which helped me shed my extra pounds and build stamina, but again I do not have a noble's experience or tutoring with a blade. At home we held a rope, or a spade not a sword."

[Craig]

[font=Bubblegum+Sans name=Bubblegum Sans] Ravak [/font]

The Gaidin Captain raised an intrigued eyebrow as he was addressed. He had been happy just being another decoration in the room, even if this piece of furniture did have eyes and ears. Ravak lowered the book onto his lap as he met the soldier's eyes.

"There's nothing wrong with a spade," Rav genuinely stated. "A sturdy length of wood is as good a weapon as any. If you've trained with Dax then you know the foundations for a number of different weapons. Footwork for fighting with your fists is much the same when it comes to polearms or swords or daggers."

He scratched the bottom of his chin through his ginger beard. "It's up to you what you wish to learn. We have some of the finest teachers here, including Blademaster Dax. And anything can become a weapon with the correct training. The Mistress of Arms or myself can teach you swordsmanship. Lysira Gaidin is the finest hand with a bow. Terric Gaidin is a natural with a spear, but-" and the Gaidin grinned "-he'll train you hard. The Aiel never earned their reputation from being layabouts."

Ravak's face quietly grew serious once again. "Learn what you feel most comfortable with. Whether your intention is to join the Green Ajah and find yourself on the battlefield whenever possible, or if fate means that you become one of the Brown Ajah's most scholarly researchers deep in the heart of the Tower, know that you'll need to learn how to defend yourself. So learn what fits you best. No point in me telling you how to wield an Altaran dagger if a Shienaran greatsword would make you more at home. You'll learn better if you find something you're passionate in."

The Gaidin gave his bondmate a fleeting glance. 'How did I do?' was the unvoiced question, although it was a stupid one to ask. After all, Ravak had been training at the Tower for almost two decades now. What he said was both true and accurate. His own forays into using a bow or throwing dagger never lasted, because he preferred a good sword in his hands.

Ravak ended his spiel with a smile. "I hope that answers your question."

[Damon]

Olin Olin found himself nodding along as he considered the words of the Gaidin. He had never considered that unarmed fighting, along with the footwork he had learned under Dax Gaidin’s tutelage would provide a foundation.

And he had of course seen the Warder trainees fighting with all sorts of weapons, it had just never occurred to him that Soldiers would be afforded the same freedoms. “Thank you sir Gaidin, I had not considered that so much of fighting would come down to the heart of the person wielding the blade. Although considering the zeal I have witnessed as I passed the Warder Yard I should have. I will take your advice and sample the lessons available,” Olin said returning the Gaidin’s smile as he had finally relaxed under the tutelage of two of the Grey Towers finest.

“Miahala Sedia, I would appreciate if we could perhaps keep the Dreams I spoke of quiet until I have had a chance to stretch my skills there also. I am hoping my tutelage in the world of dreams aids me, but I do swear by the Light I will speak to no one in the Learning Ranks of the danger I’ve seen,” said Olin as he realized that if he had been less discrete he might have sent other Soldiers into a panic as well.

With a bow, he took his leave of the pair heading into the hallway before allowing a smile to once more touch his face. He had taken a risk coming to the office of the Captain General unannounced, but Olin felt a weight lift from his mind. He knew what lay ahead, and for now he hoped that would quiet the dreams.