The Grey Tower

Ria listened as Avalon explained her background and how she came to stand before the Mistress of Training’s desk. The potential Drin’s tale wasn’t any different to any number of recruits that came before Ria and any other Mistress or Master of Training. “You won’t be the first Wolfkin to join our ranks, and likely not the last.

“Your heightened senses and sharpened instincts will certainly give you an advantage as you go through training. I won’t sugar coat things, though. . .training won’t be easy. You will spend a significant part of your day working on your physical conditioning and the rest will be dedicated to learning tactics, strategy, the history of the Tower as well as learning your numbers and letters,” Ria paused and tilted her head slightly. “Do you know how to read? I don’t like to assume given the wide range of backgrounds our recruits tend to come from,” she asked and explained.

Avalan nodded when the Mistress of Training told her that her training would not be easy. She was looking forward to it, actually. Not only pushing herself to her limits, but having someone push her beyond them. She was eager to learn...that part anyway.

She groaned inwardly when she heard that her lessons would also consist of history of the Tower, math, and writing. Not that she didn't want to know those things, just the opposite. She wanted to know more about this place, and about the world in general, and math was a necessary skill in many areas, and she liked writing, often did it in her free time even. But the thought of sitting in a classroom or in a library for hours on end made her want to pull her hair. She made sure not to let this show, however, and merely nodded politely.

"I do know how to read and write, and I'm decent at math. I helped my parents with the books both on the farm and on my father's ship. And I was taught to write at a young age, and enjoy writing for myself from time to time. I find that it's a good way to clear the mind and stay out of trouble.

"I'd also mention that I know how to hold a knife and sword, though I'm no expert by any means, so I'd definitely like to train with those weapons before I take on new ones. I've never been in any serious fights. Just a...brawl here in there on a ship or in the odd tavern. I'm sure you know what happens when a bunch of rough men get together in one place and have too much to drink." Avalan felt herself blush a little and looked down at her hands. Light! What possessed me to share that? She forced her gaze back to the woman's cool blue ones.

The Mistress of Training nodded as she opened a large book that was sitting to her left and turned it to face Avalan, but didn’t yet push it towards her, “Knowing how to hold a dagger and a sword is one thing, but knowing how to use them is something else entirely, as I’m sure you can appreciate.

“You will be able to continue training with sword and dagger, but all Drin must take unarmed combat. Many of the skills learned there are transferable to other fighting styles. . .namely how to move your feet, and awareness of your center of gravity. I would suggest you start there before progressing too much with sword, and definitely before progressing with dagger,” the Mistress of Training suggested.

The woman tilted her head slightly, her blue eyes taking in the young woman before her, “We are not so close to the forests around Hama Valon, which means you will be quite a distance from the wolves you might commune with. Some Wolfkin who’ve come before you struggled with that distance, as it made training that much more of a challenge. As much as I wish I could help in lessening the distance between you and the pack, I cannot. I respect wolves and know their value, but many humans do not, as I am sure you know. You are going to have to find a way to deal with the distance. I don’t want to see any of your pack come to harm due to the ignorance of man.” There was no question, but it was a concern Ria had, and one she felt she needed to voice.

Avalan nodded thoughtfully. It was a lot to take in. She hadn't thought much about unarmed combat yet, but it made sense. One couldn't expect to always have weapons to hand. And she appreciated the Gaidin's understanding of her connection to the wolves. She was already aware of the distance, but so far, it wasn't a problem. But she'd been here less than 24 hours, that might very well change.

She considered this. She'd be here for several years, and only having the wolves nearby when one happened to come close enough, or if she left the grounds...could she handle that? She'd grown quite fond of them already. Well, she'd have to. And if Sundancer came nearby again, she'd have to tell him to stay away more. She needed to learn to do things on her own, and the last thing she wanted was for him to get hurt because some farmer thought the wolf was after his sheep.

"The distance from the wolves will be an adjustment for sure, but that's how it is. I'm going to tell them to stay away, both for my sake and theirs." She eyed the book on the desk, then lifted her gaze back to the woman's. "I'm young and inexperienced, but I'm a hard worker and enjoy physical activities. I'm eager to learn, and hope to be a student the Grey Tower can be proud of. My reasons for coming here might be partly selfish, but I suspect I'm not the first who's come here because their old life was...not fulfilling enough."

“Wanting to be a part of something bigger than yourself is not selfish, Avalan,” Ria replied, offering the young woman a warm smile. She pushed the large book across the desk, followed by the inkwell that currently held Ria’s quill, “When you sign this book, you will start on your path to earning a Fancloak. You will start your day before dawn, and likely end it after sunset. You are welcome to go to Hama Valon, but we request you go with a mid-rank. . .a Ji’val from the Yards, or an Accepted or Dedicated if they are channelers.

“Relationships amongst the learning ranks are not allowed. If you are caught breaking this rule, you will get sent to the farm for a time before returning to continue your training,” Ria explained. “You will start off as a Drin and Novices and Soldiers are the same level as you as far as female and male channelers are concerned. Orders given to you by Gaidin, Aes Sedai and Asha’man should be followed, but so too should those given to you by mid-rank.”

The Gaidin paused, realizing she was throwing a lot at the soon-to-be Drin, “If you have any trouble with classes, or any trouble of any sort, my door is always open to you. I am the Mistress of Training. You are my responsibility until you earn your Fancloak. Any questions so far? If not, then feel free to sign the book to make it official.”

Avalan felt herself relax a little more as the Gaidin offered her a warm smile. The book was pushed across the desk, and Avalan listended to her explain some of the rules. Her days were going to be long and filled with hard work. She was mildly surprised when she heard that relationships were forbidden, but she had no such plans, so it didn't make a difference to her.

'Being sent to the farm' had an ominous sound to it, in spite of the fact that she'd grown up on one. She wasn't in any hurry to find out what a visit to the farm entailed. Avalan listening intently as the Gaidin explained that she was to follow orders of all ranking above her, and she nodded.

"No questions, Riahana Gaidin," she replied. Then, she leaned forward, picked up the quill, and signed the book. Leaning back, she took a deep breath. This was it. She was now a Drin of the Grey Tower, for better or worse. She allowed herself a small smile. "I'm ready to get settled in and start earning that Fancloak."

Ria watched as the woman signed, then stood up and held out a hand, “Welcome to the ranks of the Warder Yards, Drin.” Once they’d shaken hands, Ria moved around to the front of her desk and motioned towards the door of her office, “It’s time I show you where the Quartermaster and our armory are so that you can get your uniform. Once we’ve done with that, I will show you to your room, which you will share with another Drin.”

The Mistress of Training waited for Avalan to step outside of her office, and followed before leading the way towards the armory, “You will have two days to get settled in before your training starts in earnest. I suggest you use the two days to your advantage as you will not get much downtime after that.”

Not even five minutes later, the pair were standing in front of the armory. There was a large window with a large shelf on it. On the other side of the window was a very large man with a very thick beard, “Ah Riahana Gaidin. Are ye bringing me a new recruit?”

“I am Red,” she replied before looking to Avalan, “Drin Avalan, this is Master Adonis. He will get you kitted out, and he and his assistants are the ones who will check out practice weapons for training, or the real thing when the time calls for it.”

Avalan smiled and shook the Gaidin's hand, then followed her from the office, towards the armory. She listened in silence, making a mental note of the two days to settle in. She'd likely use that get to know the place, and probably send a letter home. She hadn't written her parents in well over a week.

She tucked her hands behind her back as they stopped in front of the armory. She nodded at Master Adonis, who proceeded to explain the procedure for checking out weapons, as explained under no conditions was she take weapons without permission or off the grounds. She voiced her understanding, and after confirming her size, handed her her uniforms.

Riahana Gaidin then showed her to her rooms. Avalan thanked her, then turned to enter her rooms. Her mind was spinning with all the new information that had been dumped upon her today, and she still felt filthy and travel worn. She'd sleep well tonight.