An Hour of Free Time (Attn: Taylin)

[Steven]

Keiran smiled at the questions about Kaci. It wasn't hard to see that someone could make the conclusion that they were lovers, not siblings. It was an odd thought, but they were extremely close. Keiran sometimes thought that even if he were to find a romantic interest, he still wouldn't be as close to them as he would with Kaci. Or at least, not in the same way.

"Kaci is my twin sister. She calls me little brother, but was only born a minute earlier than I was. She came to Hama Valon to continue our charity work with orphans while I train here." Keiran sighed, allowing his smile to fade in sadness. "I haven't seen her since I wrote my name in the book. I miss her so much. We have so much to talk about when I get to see her again."

Keiran forced himself to change the subject, to a topic that peaked his curiousity not fueled his longing for Kaci. "Linking Saidar and Saidin, is it forbidden? You are Accepted, why haven't they not taught it to you?" Keiran really was curious. Another Accepted had lectured him on the differences between the two halves of the Power after he mistakenly asked if she was seizing Saidar. He had gotten better at being more aware of those channeling around him, the whisper of Power from a man wielding Saidin and the gooseflesh from a woman opening herself to Saidar. Despite the embarassment, he had learned a valuable lesson that day.

[Kevin]

Taylin mentally filed away the information about the man's sister. With both at the Tower, their House Seat would be vulnerable in Caemlyn. Perhaps one day she could use that to gain an ally, or a favor. Still, she felt bad for the man. Training here took years, and the twins would both change much in that time, especially him.

She turned to face him with her head, without moving her body. "I know how to link, that is what we call it when joining multiple channelers power together. Bringing a man into it, would be different though. Saidar is peace, and life, and every joyous moment you can think of. What we are told of saidin is dangerous, hard to control, and failure if you loose your dominion of it. The differences may not sound much in theory, but in action...well, I'd rather be sure we aren't hurt, or burnt out.

It is not forbidden, except of course to Novices and Soldiers. But the Indigo would be the best choice to go to if you wanted to know more about it."

Taylin embraced the Power, the trees stirred for a moment, before dropping a large white flower. She let the source go, smelling the flora, and smiling as she watched for any sign of his skin getting chills. She wanted to know exactly how men felt, and looked, when they realized a woman was channeling. What was the range of it?

[Steven]

Keiran definitely wanted to know more about linking. He made a mental note to find an Indigo Asha'man who might be willing to instruct him on the subject. It did make sense though, that there was some amount of danger associated with bringing the two halves of the Power together. Silently, he wondered what sort of amazing feats Taylin mentioned could be performed by linking. Keiran suspected the Tower, being created with the One Power, was one such feat.

The mental list Keiran was keeping of all the things to find out about, whether on his own or with the help of others, was becoming almost too much to handle. Before long, he would need to write everything down in a small book to be kept in his belt pouch. In fact, that wasn't such a bad idea. He added another mental note to find such a book as soon as possible.

The Sun had reached the top of the battlements, causing new shadows to dance across the Garden green. There wasn't much more time before night fell, but since Keiran had cut his supper short to come to the Gardens, and he had managed to get ahead on his classwork, there was still plenty of time left to enjoy the fresh air.

He stood, stretching out his legs and back, and grabbed the Lute leaning against the tree he had been sitting in earlier. As his hand wrapped around the neck, the feeling of gooseflesh began at the base of his next, expanding out around his neck and down his chest, down his arms and back. It wasn't the same as if a chill wind had swept down from Dragonmount and tore through his thin clothes, instead more like a tingle meant for warning. As he turned, he saw Taylin eyeing him curiously, her head cocked a little to the side, a knowing smile on her face.

"That was you?" It sounded like a question, but was meant as more of a statement. "It's the oddest feeling. I've gotten better at noticing it, but I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it. It's even more strange when someone seizes Saidin. It's almost like I can feel a phantom of the Power through them, with the same might and awe as when I seize it for myself, yet muted and dim. What does it feel like for you?" He sat back down in front of her, his legs crossed, strumming a few quiet notes on the Lute.

[Kevin]

Taylin thought the man looked ready to leave, when he returned to his seat. His question puzzled her a bit, but she supposed it was only fair he ask, she had wanted to know about saidin. She seemed to think for a moment, trying to pick her words carefully.

"Yes, it was me channeling; I wished to see how you react to it, what it feels like. As for the Power." She paused, before continuing on in an ordinary manner.

"When we learn to channel, we must first surrender ourselves to the Power, and know that it is greater than us. Then we must learn to guide this power to do as we wish, never forcing it. As the term suggests, we embrace saidar, welcome it's power, and then direct it. To fight it, or try and control it would be suicide.

But how it feels? That is beyond words, but I can try. It;s seeing the world in living color for the first time, every time. Every fiber from my hair to my feet tingles with exhilaration and euphoria. It is something that makes a horrible day, seem better. But it comes with a price as always. The more you use, and the longer, the more wear on your body. I think that is the same for men too though, is it? And of course, the downfall of releasing it."

Talin too noticed the setting sun; however, soon the garden braziers would be lit along with the candles in the courtyard. She enjoyed it out here, and surprisingly enough, was enjoying her conversation with this musician.

[Steven]

Keiran almost laughed when she mentioned the wear the One Power took on your body. His first experience with Saidin was a constant reminder of that. "When I first learned to seize Saidin, it took hours to clear my mind. When I finally succeeded, I let the Power fill me for almost as long. My teacher said I held too much for too long. When I finally let go, I hit the floor. I was out for a whole day before I woke. Then, we continued right where we left off."

Smiling, "I don't think I'll be doing that again. I learned my lesson." He chuckled at himself like he was making fun, "I do love the feeling of holding Saidin though. It's a little different for me. Almost like...it takes away my breath at the sheer force and enormity of it. This vast ocean of unending Power. Maintaining control feels like trying to stand tall while waist deep in the torrential current of the River Manetherendrelle. Somehow though, it can be done, and it's...glorious." He beamed with a sense of pride.

"Do you ever wonder if the ability to channel is just random? Like being born with blue or brown eyes, or if maybe there is more to it? Perhaps channelers could be chosen by the Creator?" It was a thought Keiran liked to entertain. Chosen by the Creator seemed a better theory than blind luck. Although some might call channeling a bad stroke of luck at that.

[Kevin]

Taylin looked at Keiran. Saidin didn't sound...glorious. It sounded frightening. And tempting. She left it alone for the time being, as she could do nothing else about it. "We begin to get a burning sensation, as if our soul and bodies are catching fire when we draw too heavily, it is a warning. I suppose some could have passed out from ignoring the signs."

At his question of the origin of why they of all people were chosen, she had but a sigh for him. Theory, reason, logic; these were her methods. To think a Creator planned all of them individually was insane, but to be woven into the Pattern to serve a purpose, was understandable. But this wasn't her case.

"Apparantly it has been a long time, but another of my female ancestors was Aes Sedai, and one long before then. And now, here I am. Maybe it's in our blood, maybe it's something we can't help, like our eye color or hair. I don't know the answer, I am not sure anyone does. A Brown might try." She laughed at the last part.

[Steven]

Keiran pursed his lips in thought. He had considered the Brown Ajah. Admittedly, he knew very little about each, and had met only a few in total. Kaci and his shared love of history, and writing in general, seemed like a perfect fit for the Brown Ajah. But, they also had a sense of duty to bring Justice to everyone they could. It was a need instilled by their lineage. Those in positions of power were always expected to keep the peace, doling out justice with swift finality. It was overwhelming really, the pressure to decide which Ajah he would dedicate his life towards. Luckily, the day he would be asked to take the final test to become Asha'man was far in the future yet.

Keiran shrugged at Taylin's response, it was never a pleasant feeling to know that the knowledge of something is actually out of reach. "I am guessing that the loss of control I felt right before I let go of Saidin was the warning we get. I was terrified for a moment, like I really was standing in the middle of a raging river and was about to swept away, lost to its waters forever. I opened my eyes to have Asha'man Phillips help me, and when I did my concentration broke and I lost Saidin anyways. It's not a feeling I soon wish to repeat." His tone had taken on a somber note.

Keiran plucked a haunting melody he had written one night by the fire in the Great Hall. His Father was late returning from a hunting excursion. Rumors had been swirling around the countryside of an organized group of Bandits attacking travelers. The Taravin Guards were anything but untrained and unprepared, a well coordinate nighttime ambush... The thoughts had him and Kaci brooding. She paced while Keiran plucked a tune full of dissonant overtones and lingering chords. He played it now out of habit when something was worrying. He was lost in his playing a moment, and realized he was being rude, cutting off his conversation like that.

Clearing his throat, "Taylin, have you given much thought to the Ajahs?"

[Kevin]

Ajahs...what an interesting topic for him to chose. She was being so carefully neutral about the topic, that most Sisters didn't have a clue. She regarded him seriously, but her answer was without a real one.

"The Indigo interested me in what they offer in knowledge of the Power. I know an Aes Sedai of the Indigo who I respect and like a lot. But I also find honor in the Blue, and cause. Something to get behind, goals, and achievements.

The Green is tempting, I will not lie. Strategy in battle is something I would lover to master, but I don't have the personality for a militaristic Ajah. I don't exactly 'conform' well.

In all honesty, I have one in mind, but I am not ready to declare it yet." She smiled and tossed a bit of twigs his way. "What of you, have you already set your sights on one and one alone? Too new to be doing that, so much to learn."

[Steven]

Keiran smirked, that was an Aes Sedai response if he had ever heard one.

"I haven't had enough time to learn about them all, yet. Brown fits my past, reading and gathering information. I love history.

I learned a lot about politics growing up in and around the Royal Palace in Caemlyn. And having Justine Taravin as a Grandmother... Grey would benefit from that.

I learned a great deal of battle strategy through reading, watching the Guards practice, and my sister. My Father did his best to include me in his plans as well, sometimes asking for my input. He is a great strategist, though I've never seen him and the men in action. Green could be a possibility.

Ter'angreal are fascinating, I would love to know more about them. But, I'm not sure I would want devote my life to their study. So I don't think I'll be Indigo.

I have learned so much from Asha'man Phillips. He is a Blue. So I've been told quite a bit about the Blue Ajah. From everything I have been told, I haven't found a single thing I do not agree with."

Keiran shrugged, it was a daunting choice. But, he wouldn't be hasty in his decision. In fact, Keiran intended to postpone his decision as long as possible. Things change though, and maybe with more knowledge he would have a better idea. Keiran hid a yawn behind his coat sleeve. By now, someone had come by and lit candles and great big braziers all around the Gardens. The shadows from each flame danced across the twilight like a million tiny little dancers.

Keiran strummed a more fanciful number, one that his other siblings always requested when they wanted to dance. For the first time in a fortnight, Keiran was invigorated, his exhaustion faded in the relaxation of the space and good company.

[Kevin]

Taylin listened to the song, as the fires were lit and the night sky cleared to reveal the stars above the glow of the city. Candles in reflective mirror holders lined the corridors surrounding the gardens, and braziers of ornate design were given flame to fight the darkness. Taylin bowed to the guard who passed by, lighting the night watch fires.

Twilight was upon them, and the air was warm in a perfect way, with just a hint of rain in the future. She found herself smiling as they were bathed in moon light, the earlier clouds now completely gone.

"You seem sensible enough, and with knowledge of strategy and politics? I would say check into the Grey Ajah; they aren't as boring as you may think. But as you say, you have plenty of time."

Taylin gathered her skirts around her readying herself, before it got dark and people mistook conversation for something more.