The Grey Tower

"It can be difficult to learn to rely on anyone," Mia said easily, and from experience. "We Sha'hal women are...fiercely, many might say foolishly, independent and stubborn. We don't like having to ask for help, nor do we like anyone thinking we need it." She laughed softly, more just like an exchange of breath between the air in her lungs and the air outside it.

Taking a slow breath, she looked around her gardens. She had spent much of her life here at the Tower in this place. When she was young, she used to draw here. It has been years since you took up paper and charcoal, she mused.

Mia continued after a moment, "However, these are traits that are flaws in us as much as they are virtues. Never undervalue the power of independence and stubbornness, it can save your life, but never let it take over either. We all need help sometimes, and we all need our families. And you are fortunate, as much as you are unfortunate, to have much family here."

Sha’hal women, it seemed, had a reputation, and while her mother had spoken about her family with pride in the past, Tia was too young to appreciate the storied Riahana shared. Since coming to the Tower, and especially since joining the learning ranks, though, Tia was beginning to understand the dynasty she came from. Time spent working with her Aunt Sadira helped drive the point home, as did the current conversation she was having with her Memma. Tia had always been proud of her family, though it was an unconditional pride. More recently, though, she realized there were reasons to be proud of her heritage.

“I would say more fortunate than unfortunate, especially these days,” Tia replied with a small smile. “And perhaps I’ve just learned what my next lesson should be. . .how to ask for help, or when to know to ask for help, and hopefully, it will not take a lifetime to learn,” she added, forgetting, at least for the moment, the extended lifespan of an Aes Sedai.

Turning her gaze back towards the willow, Tia took in a deep breath and let it go as a long sigh, “Given my brother put you on my case, I should track him down, and put him at ease.” She looked in the direction of one of the guards before looking to Mia, “Now that I am Accepted, and have a bit more time available, perhaps we can arrange to go on morning rides together each week? Give you a break from being the Amyrlin Seat, and me a chance to get back on horseback?”

Mia smiled and inclined her head. "I would enjoy that," she said. In truth, she always desired to make time for riding. Her occasional jaunts from the Tower, which continued to put her personal guard into a state of apoplexy, aided that. Something more casual, and less conniption-inducing for her guard, would likely be just as nice.

"I would say, yes, you should go find your brother," she continued, rising to her feet. She had oft been told, and could see, that she looked like a statue of ivory stone. It was a wonder that her movements were not accompanied by the sound of rocks grating against each other, but no, she still moved like the dancer she had once been. Too long ago...

She moved forward and kissed her kin on the cheek. "Go, ease your poor brother's mind. And remember that your family is strong here, and you are loved. No matter what. Don't hesitate to seek that out." With another small bow of her head, the Amyrlin Seat--guard in tow--departed the garden sanctuary.