The Grey Tower

Elia itched at her nose with a long fingernail. She hadn't really thought about what she wanted to do with this ability, assuming Zae Sedai was correct about her possessing it. "I guess the possibilities are limitless, but that's sort of the problem. It's a bit like using the One Power. You could do anything, possibly, with the Source, but what then? You produce a globe of light, and think it's a miracle." She shrugged. "Maybe I can do something with Healing? I can do a little, but it's not really my forte. I don't want to be stuck in an infirmary all day, that's doesn't sound pleasant."

The beautiful novice took a seat as Phineas looked out some more books, kicking her feet a little childishly as he waited for him to come back. He was still within eyesight, and Elia cleared her thoughts by admiring his figure. She had already noted his face was conventionally attractive, with a strong chin and cool blue eyes like frozen lakes. And yes, he was built more like a Warder than an Asha'man. A blacksmith - a former blacksmith, she supposed - but he didn't have the surly disposition that accompanied all of the blacksmiths she had known. Maybe because they were attached to the Shienaran army. Who knew? Phineas did lack something, and that was height. He was taller than her, but by less than a hand. Muscles or no, height was up there on things she appreciated in a man. Still, at least he wasn't Cairhienin; they were, generally, tiny.

"So Phineas?" Elia asked in the sweetest, most honeyed tone she could manage, "What else do you like to do, when you're not reading in the Library and bumping into beautiful strangers?"

Elia's malachite green eyes twinkled mischievously. "Why would I want to talk about other things when I do have an ex-blacksmith soldier in front of me, in the Library." She stretched her arms across the table. Not far enough to make contact with Phineas, but close enough if he wanted to take her hands. "But, I suppose, I do quite like the Gardens. Only the hardest trees can grow in the cold, and flowers have to be brought in by merchants and traders. I hadn't seen an hundredth of what the Gardens hold back in Fal Dara." There was also the stream to consider; Elia hadn't seen naturally running water until she was taken to Tar Valon, although the stream didn't compare to the grandeur of the Erinin.

"I also used to enjoy baking, but after being set to scrub out cookpots or wash all of the dishes after mealtime, you don't want to willingly go into the kitchens if it can be avoided." Her smile was soft, tingled with some slight regret. "The same goes with sewing. Aside from fixing my dresses, I haven't stitched an inch for myself in years." She sighed. "I just realised how little free time we get. I spend most of it with my roommate, learning about the Aiel, or with my brother. Quite an interesting culture, the Aiel. Misunderstood, I think, by wetlanders."

Elia smiled at the mention of Sinead. She felt quite blessed to have such a wonderful and interesting roommate. "Are you wanting me to play matchmaker?" she asked with a tone of incredulity, although inside she was laughing. There were so many things that made that question awkward, least of which was the fact that Elia had just been flirting at Phineas. At his look of concern, he grinned warmly. "I tease. I can't speak for her, of course, but you won't miss her. She stands a head taller than most novices, and her hair is even redder than mine.

"You may have to wait until I'm an Aes Sedai before I'll have the time to bake anything," Elia said with a slight wrinkling of her nose. "You will have to be quite patient. And stay in my good books," she added with a grin. "I don't just bake for anyone." Truth be told, her talents for bakery had been meant for her family, a prospect that looked far further off and more unlikely each time she thought about it. Ravak would be the only family she'd have close by for the next several years, and he was just as good a cook, if not better. She wondered if he had the free time to go into the kitchens, or if his work as the Master of Training kept him from such leisurely pursuits. She would have to ask that of him, later.

"Mm." Elia pursed her lips as she did some mental work. "I think it must be close to the bell, soon. I wish there were more windows in this place." She rose smoothly, still smiling. "My next class is on the other side of the Tower, so I should be going. Thank you for the company, Phineas. I hope I was of some assistance."