Back Home (Attn: Anyone)

[Trent]

The sun was nearing the end of its travels for the day, its light turning slightly amber in the sky. It gave a beautiful glow to the waterfall in the Gardens. Durent sat in his old spot on the hill overlooking the falls, a spot that had once been a favorite of his. Eyes closed, he let the sound of the water relax him as he sensed the nearby weather patterns. His talents in Cloud Dancing and Listening had always granted him an intimate relationship with the weather and his latent talent manifested itself whether he wanted it to or not. He knew that it would continue to be a clear, warm evening and a star-filled sky tonight.

When he had first arrived at the Tower so many years ago, this spot was his retreat from all the changes. He'd lived years traveling and in the wild, so nature always calmed him, even decades later. He was happy to know that this could still be a refuge for him even after all that had happened. All the fighting, all the death and violence... the friends and lovers lost and all the seemingly pointless politicking and maneuvering. He tried to let the sound of the water wash it all away in his mind, clearing it away to a relaxed nothing. Saidin was always nearby in this meditative state, due to its similarity of assuming the void, but he let it stay away.

Allowing his recently cleared mind to organize itself and go over his goals and plans, he made a few mental notes. His few days since returning had been quiet. He'd met only with the M'Hael and had assumed small, empty quarters in the Green Halls. He would soon need to meet others and get reacquainted. He'd heard rumors that Miahala was back also, something that had truly shocked him. He missed his former Captain-General and friend. Hopefully they could respark their friendship.

He also had been giving thoughts to training once again in the Warder Yards and perhaps volunteering to teach unarmed combat to some recruits. He had done his training alone for the last few years, it would be good to have a sparring partner.

He heard someone hesitantly approaching across the grass towards him. They stopped a distance off, seemingly unsure of whether to approach. He opened his eyes to see who it was while saying, “Don’t worry, come on over and say hello.”

[Carra]

Ooc: TAGG!!
Maegan Ryanne The woman had not yet settled well into the Grey Tower, but the life she was starting to connect to here felt more stable to her than it ever had in the White Tower. Still, without an Ajah yet to call home Maegan struggled to find a place to even start working on rebuilding her research and settling in. Having found an old friend in the Brown Ajah that she visited frequently, Maegan spent an equal amount of time wandering the Gardens of the Tower. Never having a green thumb, she always appreciated the colors and work that went into maintaining such a vast garden like this. It truly was a testament to the work that both Asha'men and Aes Sedai could do together. Asha'men that she avoided just on principle and habit.

It was foolish of her to act the way she did but they also gave her wide enough berth as was their right. She would not likely shake her Red Ajah roots easily given the seeds of horror her sisters had sewn in decades past. Politics that she personally had little to do with, Maegan had never been a hateful creature, but she could not fix it simply by a kind smile or even being accepted into an Ajah she might petition. She was not entirely sure if she needed to petition or simple declare. While she was sure where she might go, Maegan wanted to court and be courted in return. Politics, she disliked them greatly.

Maegan was quick to notice that she was not alone in the gardens. She may be mostly blind by sight but sounds and movements of fabric and breathing made it difficult to still sneak up on her without training or desire to. However, she smiled when the invitation was spoken. Male and older meant an Asha'man. Spectacles on her nose small and unadorned, she could see hints of green but some youth to his face. Agelessness was now very much settled into his appearance while hers was now completely gone.

"Asha'man." She said with a kind greeting. Not bothering to fix her brown skirts or settle her hair that seemed to wisp around in the light breeze, escaping what looked like a nest of brown hair that was pinned to the nape of her neck. Intelligent and old eyes watching the Asha'man carefully but with intention or judgement. It was hard to know how they might react, most were cold yet cordial at best. "Do you mind if I take a seat. I would not be offended if you wish I moved on. Many do." Maegan spoke kindly, but respectfully. Everyone seemed to know who she was... rumors moved fast in these parts.

[Sean]

The remaining day waned as the sun’s fiery gaze at last died down. On one of those extraordinary days that Val found himself unburdened with menial chores or punishments to attend to before supper, he decided his free time was best spent in the Tower gardens. Rumors said that the numerous plants and flowers maintained at the Tower were nourished with the Power. Skeptical at first, Valadin found himself pleasantly surprised as he set upon a wide, dirt path that wound upon itself many times before vanishing into the distance.

Here the heat of the day wasn’t so pervasive and the chirping of birds happily agreed with the scenery. Glad to have only worn a sleeveless tunic and a loose-fitting pair of breeches, Val admired the exotic design of the petals—many of which he’d never seen before. At this time of the day most inhabitants of the Tower were readying for important meetings, meals, or even a final gathering with friends before the day’s end so the paths and benches remained largely empty. Still some Aes Sedai and servants lingered; these Val acknowledged respectfully and hurried along on his way. It didn’t seem right to him that the sanctity of this paradise should be ruined with idle conversation.

Minutes—even hours might have passed before he heard the sound of voices from somewhere unseen. He’d have avoided the interaction entirely except for the fact that he’d lost his way and supper would be served shortly. Soldiers weren’t allowed the privilege of skipping meals or missing curfew regardless of the reason and Valadin had already earned himself a reputation with his constant absenteeism at both events. Not far off the shape of woman came into view. Her back was to Val so her features weren’t visible, but despite the carefree appearance of her hair and her humble adornments she appeared to be Aes Sedai in demeanor.

Val approached cautiously without saying a word, but stopped when the appearance of another startled him. A man who looked in his early thirties sat serenely amongst the grass. One could only guess his actual age, but those eyes held countless years in them and they glittered like tiny emerald stones; pretty, but hard and brittle. Reddening at the thought of intruding on an intimate moment Val moved to back away when heard the smooth, deep baritone of the man’s voice,

“Don’t worry, come on over and say hello.”

For a moment Val’s breath caught in his chest, but the Aes Sedai responded with a greeting of her own. Her voice was as pleasant as the hydrangea blooms that dotted the brushes nearby. The elegance and control of her voice made Val uneasy. Her words cast the sort of spell that muddled the mind and diminished good reason. He was glad not to have made himself known.

Now to get out of here before either of them notice me. Better late for supper and punished for it than stumble upon some romp in the gardens. Which path will take me from here?

OOC: Hope you don't mind my joining.

[Trent]

OOC: Not at all! The more the merrier.

Opening his eyes to not one, but two, visitors surprised Durent a little. He'd really become lost in his thoughts and the feeling of safety at the Tower not to notice being approached by two different individuals. It would appear ‘his spot’ was not quite as secluded as he’d once known. The Wheel weaves and all that, he thought to himself.

He took a moment to take in both of their appearances. The first was an unassumingly pretty Aes Sedai with small spectacles on her nose. She had an interesting air about her. She spoke kindly, but respectfully. Not as guarded as many Aes Sedai might be. Thought the comment about many wanting her to move along instead of joining them was curious to him.

The second visitor was a built, younger man in relaxed attire. Based on his build, shown off by his sleeveless tunic, Durent couldn't place the young man as a soldier or a drin. The young man looked as though he were ready to run at the sight of the Aes Sedai and himself. He couldn't blame the lad, it might be a smart move on his part.

Durent turned to the Aes Sedai and replied, “I wouldn’t mind the company at all.” He turned his head to regard the young man as he stood considering. Duren’t wasn’t sure if the Aes Sedai had even noticed him yet. “You, lad, come have a seat if you want.” Noting the time by the position of the sun, Durent pointed down one of the paths, “The path back is that way, but you’re welcome to stay, I’m sure I can arrange the kitchen to make us some food when we return, and you’ll not be in trouble for missing meal if you’re here at my invitation.”

[Sean]

OOC: Not sure if there’s a post order; if there is one this shall be the only time I’ll break it. Just wanted to keep things rolling.

“You, lad, come have a seat if you want.”

Val stiffened at his discovery. He shifted uncomfortably for a moment when the Asha’man invited him to share in the conversation between him and the Sister. In the past, the notion of being in such close proximity to not one, but two wielders of the One Power would have been enough to send him and any of his mates scurrying for cover. Now the slight discomfort that had initially been born at the thought began to melt away as the strict lessons of the Tower came into fruition; the Dragon pin was to be respected—it was the right way of things.

Bowing his head low and dropping to a knee to both Aes Sedai and Asha’man Val apologized with measured words, “I apologize for the intrusion, Asha’man, Aes Sedai. I was enjoying a day away from duties when I lost my way,” he explained.

Slowly straightening while making certain not to stare directly into the eyes of either he noticed that there a glint of amusement in the eyes of the Sister; in fact the same shimmer lit the harsh greens of the man's as well. A gout of anger flared hot in his chest at the thought of being ridiculed silently, but he remained stoic. Regardless of his growing comfort with channelers those ageless features were still unnerving. Already he could feel his heart begin to race. On instinct his mind reached for the Void as Fodhr had taught him. So many moons seemed to had passed since they’d clashed in the Warder Yards and more so since the time bandits had caught him unawares earning him the epitaph, ‘The Naked Sword’.

Rote memory saw his hand reaching towards his waist to settle on the pommel of a practice sword that wasn’t there. The moment lasted for fleeting breath before the rudeness of his silence and disobedience jarred him from his revere.

“I would be happy to share a few moments—tis not often that I get a chance to be away from the mess halls and the rest of the Soldiers; they can be…lively”

Not waiting for the awkwardness of the joke to draw remarks, Val strode towards where the man lounged comfortably and the view of the waterfall in the distance, the cascading torrents of water glistening a dull red before falling into oblivion; it captured him—spoke to him. “Light…” he breathed, for a moment forgetting his company.

“I can’t imagine what it’d be like to stand right next to something like that….”

[Carra]

Maegan Ryanne Maegan raised an eyebrow at the welcome of the Soldier, wondering for a moment how connected the Asha'man was to the rumors of this Tower. It mattered little now as the invitation was given and she took a seat. She held her silence with a smile and a nod of respect to the older while regarding the wide eyes of the younger. Men, channeling men. Her last experience in such company had been foul and uncomfortable at best, let alone the constant fear of death at the hands of Saidin... No, this entire setting was... unsettling at best.

“I can’t imagine what it’d be like to stand right next to something like that….”

Her smile brightened into a chuckle, "I take it you have not yet learned to channel yet? From what I know of Saidin it is like wrestling such power on a daily bases. Am I correct, Asha'man?" The smile faded momentarily. "Sorry, I am afraid I do not know either of your names. I have not been here long. I am Maegan Ryanne." She did not specify an Ajah or where she had been prior. Her youth was its own illusion and lie to her age and she did not wish to give away more information than she should. As a former Red, she knew of Saidin and its power. How wrestling it was its own challenge to learn. But for the first time she could learn in a non-hostile setting and that was more refreshing then unsettling.

Perhaps this Grey Tower was the right place for her.

[Trent]

Durent allowed a small curl of a smile at the soldier's awe of the waterfall and at Maegan's comments. "You are very correct, Maegan Sedai. Channeling saidin is a very active process. You must seize the raging torrent and completely control it, or it could burn you out and leave nothing but a husk behind. Luckily our instructors here at the Grey Tower have a very high success rate. Once you learn that control, there is nothing like it." He figured there was no reason to mince words, especially in the presence of a soldier. The young man would have to learn soon enough.

Introductions. Now here would be an interesting moment. He always wondered when introducing himself what kind of reputation might precede him. He had, after all, been M'Hael twice. Anyone familiar with Grey Tower history or world events might recognize his name. 'That is, though, somewhat ancient history,' he joked to himself. "Well met, Maegan Ryanne Sedai. I'm Durent Antian Asha'man of the Green Ajah. I've recently returned after some time away from the Tower." His cord gave away his Ajah of course, but he had grown accustomed to introducing himself that way and habits died hard with him. Durent had noted that Maegan hadn't given an Ajah in her introduction. It wasn't uncommon, but she also didn't have a shawl so it left Durent intrigued. He didn't recognize her name either, which also wasn't strange considering he'd been away for so long. There were dozens and dozens of names he wouldn't recognize. He didn't press the issue, there was probably a calculated reason for her not saying it, as it was with most Aes Sedai.

He was taking a liking to this soldier. His awe of nature was something that struck a familiar chord in himself as well, and he liked that in a person. Durent turned his attention to him, waiting for the young man's introduction. He was curious to see how he would compose himself in the presence of two fully-raised channelers. The lad was already doing better than Durent might have done during his time as a soldier.

[Sean]

The conversation flowed on around him until a distinct pause signaled his place to speak. Turning away from the beautiful scene, Val gave his best smile while inclining his respectfully first in the Sister's direction and the Asha'man's.

"Valadin Manelle, Soldier," he offered candidly.

He felt that there was more he should've said, but his memory being what it was couldn't recall any of the advice that Master Seth or the other men had offered him about respecting his elders. Instead he grinned weakly and found a place to sit in the clearing at respectful distance from the pair. Even during the end hours of the day Val felt the heat pressing close to him a second skin. Despite the urge wipe his face in his tunic he settled back and tried match the poise of the others. Now she was closer Val decided the Sister was indeed pretty enough. The Aes Sedai coolness did make him uneasy, but her features however touched by the One Power were nice enough to look at. Light, can she read my mind? They can do that, can't they? Didn't Geoff say that the other day?

The thought worried him so he scrambled for something to say. Again the man and woman watched him with expressionless faces, but their interest seemed to mask either amusement or relaxation; Val could never tell with women, but even this Durent was a mystery to him. Remembering tidbits from earlier he broke the silence, "I've seized Saidin before...didn't much like though."

Memories of the sickness and the wild impulses to act foolishly in those first days after brushing up against the Power inside him for the first time. One of the Dedicated had said it was normal, but Val didn't like it. Even the feel of it the first time had left him feeling...disoriented.

"Touching the Power that first time...," he paused. He could recall the rage and power that thrashed about inside him. He'd...cried the first time; Master Seth swore he'd tell no one. "It was like standing on the edge of the tallest mountain knowing that the slightest breeze could send you tumbling down into oblivion, but knowing that part of ya is excited by that...you feel more...alive."

When he'd finished speaking he could feel his cheeks reddening and this time couldn't blame the heat. That kind of honesty was something he hadn't expressed since...ever. Wanting to quickly change the subject he asked a question he'd wondered about when he'd first discovered the pair the Gardens, "Forgive me for asking, but are you two...you know, bonded?

[Carra]

Maegan Ryanne She could not help the chuckle. "No. We are not." Maegan gave the boy a gentle smile that showed both patience and humor. "Like you, we only just met. I am new here to the Grey Tower and I am still learning my way around. I believe Asha'man Durent has been here for ... many years?"

[Trent]

OOC: Sean, question about the sickness Sean feels: Is that from the taint, which has by now been cleansed or is it something more personal to your character, such as an aversion to the notion of channeling?

IC:

Durent found himself almost chuckling through his controlled emotions. First at the soldier's unintended humor from innocence and then from Maegan's quip about him being here for many years. He would try not to take it as a jab to his age. "I have been here for quite a long time, indeed, on and off. I've been here more than a century, if you believe it, though originally I hail from Andor." He looked to Maegan, curiously. She was new to the Tower but comported herself very plainly as an Aes Sedai. "Maegan Sedai, do you mind if I ask, and I hope you don't mind me being blunt, did you come to us from the White Tower? I've never met a White Tower Aes Sedai before."

Durent thought back to the first time he had touched the source. It had been invigorating and intoxicating. Everyone's experiences, of course, differed. Valadin had a hard road in front of him with mastering the source. "Valadin, that feeling does not diminish with time. Saidin, and well it does not or one's carelessness might cause you to be on the bad side of it's power. How have your lessons progressed in seizing and holding saidin? Have you been able to create any flows yet?"