Of Warders and Channelers [Attn: Taesh/Kenneth]

[Roan]

Riahana Ferria

The Void and Flame, or K’odi, was an old friend to Riahana, but she’d taken it for granted. In a time when she needed focus most of all, the Void slipped through her grasp as water dripping between a thirsty man’s fingers after a trek through arid lands. With the horror of the attack behind them, and rebuilding efforts under way, the Mistress of Arms thought it best to refocus herself and her efforts. Sebrina Gaidar’s words were not lost on Ria. . .use those emotions against the enemy, but letting such a fire guide one’s blade was a double edged sword, so to speak.

Pulling the Void about her was not a challenge now, as her family were safe, though her reasons for refocusing her efforts were not just to reacquaint herself with the quiescence found in the Void. Spending time in quiet contemplation, without the distractions of the Yards, petitioners or learning ranks could be a challenge for the Mistress of Arms. She found refuge in a quiet corner of the Gardens, under a majestic oak with branches that welcomed any and all who might want to take shelter from the sun within the shade its canopy.

The Heron marked blade lay across Ria’s thighs as she sat cross legged under the tree. Eyes closed, Ria silently went through her mantra, Courage is fear when it has said its prayers. The mantra given to her by Caden Ives, her predecessor, and Memma’s former Warder. Was she half the Warder he’d been? Did she live up to the shadow and expectations left by the man who was a walking legend when he held the role of Master of Arms?

Few within the Yards would know or begin to guess the little splinters of self-doubt that sometimes found their way to the fore-front of Ria’s mind. She was Mistress of Arms, and Warder to Gareth Tomosan, and she was a Blademaster, but. . .

. . .but she was also human. None who walked the earth were perfect, despite what some might think of themselves or those they put on their pedestals. Ria knew better than to think herself to be more than she was. . .she was human, and fallible despite the titles she bore.

The Void helped see the truth through the haze of self doubt. Fallible, sure, but she was very good at what she did, and none could take away the work and talent she had. The self-doubt helped keep her grounded. . .helped keep her focused on continually improving. Within those moments of self-doubt came moments of clarity: I am the Mistress of Arms, Gaidin to Gareth Tomosan, and Blademaster. More importantly, I am the wife of Gareth Tomosan, and mother to Tia and Einion Tomosan. They are my truth.

With the moment of clarity realized, the Mistress of Arms opened her eyes and took one more deep breath as she stood. Sword in hand, she Folded the Fan to sheath her weapon. As she went to take a step, she paused, realizing someone had approached in the last moment or two. She turned to face the newcomer and offered a warm, but subtle smile, “Good day, Dedicated.”

[Kenneth]

Taesh

Taesh was standing near the entrance of the Gardens, and had been for a few moments. He had come here to think somethings over, relax, and unwind, after hours spent in the Channeling Yards. After all that had happened, the Atha'an Miere Dedicated had become more resolved to eventually join the ranks of the Grey Ajah and usher in peace to all nations; but the attack had driven home one important fact. Even when peace was won, it could be threatened, and so must be protected. So he had begun learning different ways to use saidin in a more offensive and defensive manor. Nothing like the battle weaves that Greens and Reds were adept at, but ways that Air could be wrought as weapon and shield.

Still there was another force that the Tower provided that could be used for protection, and it was one that Seafolk channeler was not too familiar with. The Warders of the Grey Tower. He had seen them around of course, even had some limited interaction with some of the aspiring Warders of the Tower when an injured to'raken had crashed into the Tower grounds. Still he did not know much about Warders, why they came to the Tower, or how their partners were chosen. Taesh had come to the Gardens to contemplate exactly that, but it seemed that the Pattern preferred a more direct approach.

Sitting under the exact tree that the Dedicated liked to lounge beneath was the Warder of Warders here in the Tower, the Mistress of Arms. She was to the Gaidan and those aspiring to the rank, what the Amyrlin and M'Hael were to the channelers of the Tower. Taesh had never met the woman, but he had seen her in the halls of the Tower and the few times he had been to the Warder Yards. He approached her slowly, not wanting to break her reverie or seem rude. She might not be a member of the channeling ranks of the Tower, but he was just a Dedicated and he was not the slightest bit interested in finding out what penance the Master of Soldiers could think up for disrespecting the Mistress of Arms. The Atha'an Miere also didn't think it would be the best idea to be on the bad side of the leader of those adept with all sorts of weapons.

When he was directly in front of her sitting form, he just stood there, hands behind his back, waiting. He hoped that she would have time to answer some questions, and shed some light on those who felt called to become Gaidin. His mind drifted back to the battle with the to'raken, and the drin'far'ji he met. Muireen had seemed well suited for the role, not just because of her prowess with weapons, but also her leadership skills. She had kept her head through most of the fight, and had been more than vocal in her disapproval of Dedicated Felix's tactics in the battle. The other aspiring Warders had seemed to follow her lead, but still he couldn't figure what made her want to be a Warder as opposed to a mercenary or something.

“Good day, Dedicated.”

Taesh started and looked, so deep in his thoughts that he hadn't even realized that the Mistress of Arms had stood up. Quickly he bowed, flashing a smile that while not as bright as it may have been, was stronger due to the temperance of battle. "Mistress Riahana" Taesh began, belatedly realizing he did not know how to properly address her. "I am Dedicated Taesh Durlaen, and I was hoping to have a few moments to ask you a few questions."

[Roan]

Riahana Ferria

Mistress Riahana. That was a new one for the Mistress of Arms. Gaidar (even Gaidin once), Mistress of Arms, Mistress Ferria, but never Mistress Riahana. It sounded odd, but in an amusing way. Some of the younger female warders-to-be preferred Gaidin over Gaidar, and she could understand why. For her part, Riahana had no real preference. She was a Warder bonded to Gareth Tomosan, and she happened to be Mistress of Arms. Titles held little sway for the woman, as too often people got tangled up in what they thought those very titles should give to them when, in her mind, the title should be earned and worn as a badge of honor, not for any real or imagined perks.

Ria was the first to admit there needed to be a heirarchy, but too often, she found those with titles believed they were more priveleged, or should be more priveleged than those without. Not so much at the Tower as in the towns and cities beyond. There was a reason she did not consider herself a diplomat. She was a weapon, simply put.

Offering the Dedicated a slight smile and incline of her head, Ria replied, “Peace favor you, Dedicated Taesh. I would be happy to speak with you.” She motioned towards a path that lead further into the Gardens, “Would you care to walk with me as we speak?”

[Kenneth]

Taesh

“Peace favor you, Dedicated Taesh. I would be happy to speak with you. Would you care to walk with me as we speak?”

Taesh nodded his acquiescence and began to walk beside the Mistress of Arms. He was happy that she indicated that she would like to walk as they conversed. For some reason that Atha'an Miere always felt that he articulated better when he was moving about. Perhaps it was a vestigial memory from days spent constantly in motion on the Star Song.

"Thank you for allowing me this time Mistress Riahana." Taesh began after taking in a little of the scenery. After all that had happened, the efforts of everyone in the Tower, channeler and non, had been aimed at rebuilding and fixing. The walls and structure of the Tower and the city of Hama Valon had been priority. For his one peace of mind though, Taesh had always made it a point to come to the Gardens and use his own Talent to restore and enhance the beauty here. He knew that many used the verdant ground as a place to unwind and relax, and he thought that would be just as important in the time after the battle. So he took a brief moment to admire some of his handiwork.

"I asked for this time, to inquire somethings of you. I have had very little interaction with the Warders and Warder-to-be's of the Tower, and after all that has happened I find myself curious. There are many choices, I gather, for someone who shows skill with sword or bow. Many routes that ship can take. Why choose the Tower? As far as I can tell, there is no haul of gold for you. And you'd just as soon get a stones thrown as a hero's welcome depending on where you went. Yet I saw men and women, Warders all, fighting like the strongest storm the sea has ever birthed to protect this Tower and those in it. How? How do you know that a Warder is who you were meant to be?" he asked the first of his several questions.

[Roan]

Riahana Ferria

Riahana set a relaxed pace as the pair made their way along the garden path. She listened intently as Taesh explained what it was he wanted to know, and she offered him a warm smile, “Ah, yours is a good question Dedicated, though I will warn you my reasons for coming here are likely vastly different to many of my battle brothers and sisters. My family have a long history of serving the Tower, and in fact, my Great Grandmother is Mother to all here in the Grey Tower.

“I came here from Saldaea as a young girl, hoping to follow in my Memma’s footsteps, but as it turned out, I didn’t have the ability to channel. To me, if I couldn’t serve as Aes Sedai, then I would serve as a Gaidin of the Tower, and Warder to my husband, ultimately,” she explained.

“There are those who come to the Tower looking to channel, like I did, and then there are those who come here for other reasons. On occasion, some come here not by their choice, but they find kinship here, and stay on,” Ria continued, her thoughts turning towards the Drin’ known as Paks. “For some, the training offered here in our Warder Yards surpasses any training they might get with a local militia, city guard or mercenary group. They find their path, and their place. I think if you asked ten different Warders or those in training, you might get ten different answers as to why they initially came here. I don’t know that anyone necessarily knew or know what the Wheel weaves for them, though I suppose some might answer a deeper calling.” Ria looked back to Taesh with a small smile, “I’m not sure I’ve helped answer your question, or perhaps spurred more questions. Does what I’ve said make any sense at all?”

[Kenneth]

Taesh

Taesh listened intently as the Mistress of Arms spoke. At least he tried to, until Riahana casually mentioned that she was the great grandmother to the Amyrlin Seat. Two of the three who rule this Tower are related, by blood. Direct relation no less Taesh said to himself, his tone filled with awe and surprise.

Taesh listened even more closely, once he got control of himself again. He never really thought about differing reasons for someone wanting to become a Warder. As far as he was concerned, if you could channel, you went to a Tower. He wondered briefly if the Grey Tower, though the youngest of the three Towers for channelers, had more Warders than the others. He had heard it said that the Aes Sedai of the White Tower did not allow the Warders there as much authority and rank as the Grey. Taesh could not understand why, it made sense that those who lived to protect the channelers should be on equal footing. Still, what happened at the Tower had little concern for the Dedicated, so the thought quickly left his mind like a swift current.

“I’m not sure I’ve helped answer your question, or perhaps spurred more questions. Does what I’ve said make any sense at all?”

"You have given me more to think about, but I think perhaps I would be better off asking different people that same question. It is obvious not everyone gets to the port the same way, so I'll ask about" Taesh replied. "My next question is this, how does one of the Warders know who they wish to bond too? Not all of the bonds are couple with marriage I'm sure. But if so, I may have to give more thought into Green over Grey" Taesh said jokingly. "I know, at least I hope, that the decision to bond is mutual on both parties, and I can see why one of us would benefit from a Warder. But I am wondering, how does a potential Warder choose their Asha'man or Aes Sedai? Is it a friendship that blooms into more, or something as mundane as being from the same village?"

Taesh had seen bonded pairs that were as different as night and day. He had met an Asha'man of the White who was so stoic Taesh believed the man was part statue. Yet his Gaidar was so cheerful and bubbly, her sunny disposition almost scared the Atha'an Miere Dedicated who considered himself to be of a jovial nature. The pairing just seemed so off to Taesh, at the time he had wanted to ask what had drawn the two together, but thought the better of it. Now, he had an opportunity to at least find out a little information, at least from the Warder side of things.

[Roan]

Riahana

Riahana smiled warmly as she considered the warm, familiar bundle at the back of her mind. Gareth would be busy with his duties in the infirmary at this time of day, though the Mistress of Arms considered paying her husband a visit once she was finished speaking with the Dedicated. “Another good question, Dedicated. First off, let me assure you that the decision to bond should be mutual for both parties, and no, not all bonds are between those with a romantic interest,” she answered.

“For my part, I am bonded to my husband, an Asha’man of the Yellow. We chose to bond each other partly because of our relationship, but also of mutual interest. How a Warder selects who they bond will come down to the individual. There will be those who opt to bond a Green for the promise of battle, while perhaps a more intellectual warder will opt to bond a White, Brown or Grey depending on similar interests.

“Warders are as unique as Channelers when it comes to what motivates them. I’ve been asked why bond a Yellow, especially given my talents with sword and bow. I find it fulfilling to be at Gareth’s side as he utilizes his talents for those who need them,” the Mistress of Arms explained.

Looking to the Dedicated, Ria shrugged, “It could be as simple as taking a budding friendship and letting it grow into something more, or even something else all together that brings two people together to bond. What is important is both people wish to share the bond, and what it brings to the pair. If the pair are not romantically involved, they must be prepared for the level of intimacy that a bond will bring.” How much was she helping the Dedicated with his line of questioning?

[Kenneth]

Taesh listened intently as Riahana informed him of the many varied ways that bondmates could be chosen. He was glad to know that a romantic level of intimacy was not a requirement to find a bondmate. The Atha'an Miere wasn't exactly sure that he had a desire to have his ship moored at one harbor, not just yet anyway; and with the prospect of a long life ahead of him, he was much interested in exploring all options.

"Thank you for answering my questions" he said to the Mistress. "I have been curious about Warders sense everything that happened. I have no desire to be a Green, the song of battle does not sing to me. I prefer calm waters. But I know now, it would be wrong to bring peace and not be able to protect it. So I am wondering, could this be a cause that a Warder to be could dedicate themselves too. My desire is to be Grey, and while they are no Greens with flocks around them, I am beginning to see that perhaps, for me, a Warder could be useful."

Taesh hated the way that sounded, as if the Gaidin were nothing more than tools, it wasn't how he felt but he had no better way to articulate what he meant. He hoped that nothing said would be offensive for the Mistress of Arms, he couldn't see anyone wanting to bond with a channeler who had offended the head of their order. Still, he knew that he would never develop a taste for battle, but if the unification and peace that he would bring as a member of the Grey, if he ever saw the day, was attacked; then it would only be right that he be the one to defend it. The Atha'an Miere understood that intimately now, and he knew that he would be all the more successful in that defense if he had a Warder by his side. His only doubt though was that perhaps, the life of a diplomat would not be appealing to someone steeped in the lore of swords and the art of war.

[Roan]

Riahana

Riahana stopped on the path and turned to face the Dedicated, offering him a warm smile, “I have no doubt there would be Gaidin who would find your cause of bringing about and protecting peace worthy. Our ultimate goal is to serve those we bond. . .to protect them and our home. Warriors who have tasted battle more often seek out peace than war, but we will not hesitate to raise our weapons to defend peace if we must.

“Not all who join the Yards do it to taste the glory of battle, and those who do join for such glory soon learn the hard truth that nothing of battle or war is glorious. Anyone who might say otherwise,” Riahana hesitated. There were always those who reveled in violence, and it was a state of mind she didn’t fully comprehend. “There are those who might prefer war over peace, Dedicated, but then their calling would not be your own.

“I dare say that many in our ranks would see themselves as tools to ensure peace, and I would be one of their number. People are fallible, and often fight over trivial things. Those fights can escalate, and for those who walk the path of peace, to take up the cause of the Grey as you wish, as my Uncle does. . .the rest of the world are indebted to you without realizing it,” she explained. “I trust you will find a bondmate who shares the same goals as you, and while you have been talking with me about Warders, keep in mind it is entirely possible you might bond another Asha’man, or perhaps Aes Sedai.”

OOC: So sorry for the late reply...I got sick last week, and didn't have much energy for writing.

[Kenneth]

Taesh nodded in understanding. Of the few Warders and those in training that he had met, all had seemed to enjoy the thrill of battle in one form or another. The Atha'an Miere Dedicated did not think that for one practicing the art of diplomacy, a hardened war-ready Warder would be the best of fits. Listening to the Mistress of Arms however assuaged some of his doubts that he would find a partner to help obtain his and his intended Ajah's goals.

"... keep in mind it is entirely possible you might bond another Asha’man, or perhaps Aes Sedai.”

That last statement had never really entered into the mind of the dark-skinned channeler. For some reason the thought also did not appeal to him. He did not understand why, but there was something in the back of his mind that did not want to be linked to another channeler. As the Grey Ajah aspiring Dedicated thought more about it, he truly did not know too much about the bond, so he thought it would be wise to ask about that as well.

"Can you tell me, exactly what does each person get from the bond? I know that it doesn't give someone who can not, the ability to channel, but what does a Warder get from the bond?" Taesh asked. His Atha'an Miere need to know the terms of a bargain was showing, he knew there must some sort of give and take from bonding.

Sorry for the short post, I'm still trying to rouse my muse from exhaustion