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 Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 11:08 pm
Lady Zeara nearly laughed out loud at the mention of Cadsuane. There was another woman that Zeara could not stand in the least. She may have done amazing things once, but to the Green, she was a washed out has-been. Just because the woman is talented does not make her any better than myself! she thought smugly. Wherever the woman was, she hoped she stayed there forever out of Zeara`s way. I don`t need any more obstacles to hurdle on my way to the top!
Clearing her throat, she tried to match stares with the Keeper. There was a sharp edge to the woman, which the Green respected. "What the Tower needs in these dark days is a strong Amyrlin, a strong leader to lead the Tower and the world to victory. With all the happenings of late, the Dark One is on our doorsteps. With our Amyrlin taken ill, she certainly cannot do such a thing." she sighed, as though the thought actually troubled her. What I propose is that you, Mercury Sedai, in all your power, take the Amyrlin Seat yourself, if only until the Amyrlin is feeling well enough to lead. And in the process, make me your Keeper. In the final battle, the Green Ajah will take the lead anyway, so why not start now."
She paused only long enough to catch her breath before continuing. "Now I know law dictates this be decided by the Hall, but with your position comes...authority and sway. Think about it! Yourself as Amyrlin! The most powerful woman on Earth! Greater even than queens!"
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Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 12:45 pm
Mercury had to fight down a look of disbelief. Well, she certainly does set her mark high, I must say. But Keeper? Ha! People like you never settle for second, Zeara. No doubt there's a scheme in your mind for getting the Amyrlin's Stole round those shoulders of yours... Another slow sip of tea.
She kept her face effortlessly blank, and mulled over the prospect. The obvious choice would be to decline. But there would no doubt be an alternate plan in the other Green's mind. Taking the Amyrlin's place temporarily as she was sick-well that was a double edged sword. There would be those that would agree, those that would dissent. But worse than that, given their current position, would be anyone demanding to see or take care of the Mother until she recovered. How could that be managed?
And what of Zeara herself. Giving a woman like that so much authority...access to the secret wing of the Library, to the ang'real room...it was inconceivable. If things went awry, there was only so much that even an Amyrlin could do to stop her. It was not without reason that people advised an Amyrlin Seat to choose her Keeper wisely.
"What is a queen, in the end, but a servant of her people? Tyrants do not persist long, and therefore, no option is left but to serve. The proposition is...original. However, I don't see the need for such public lengths. Informally, so far as Tower law and the Mother ordain, I am her vassal, as much as you. And until she recovers, her powers are vested in me.
It is not absolute power-I agree, but with absolute strength comes absolute responsibility. Being accountable to others, for others. It is not something suited to my tastes, such strings of cumbersome duty. Nor is it a burden I should like to bear, lest it can be avoided. In any case, whatever my feelings on the matter, the Sitters of the Hall would not stand for it. You graciously over-estimate their opinions of me. Forced respect would not entail any sort of feelings likely to earn me a vote for de-throning the Amyrlin Seat.
We will take the lead in Tar'mon Gaidon. Of that you can be assured." The Keeper's eyes flashed dangerously at that remark, but the flash was momentary-one of the few things that marked her as a previous Green.
"I thank you for the offer, but I do not feel that I am...the correct choice for the seven striped stole. Unless there is no alternative of course. The fate of the world, and the Pattern itself, is not a thing to be taken lightly.
I will convey your wishes for the Mother's recovery to her."
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Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 12:46 pm
((Ok....well looks like I'm puppeting Hawky dearest...otherwise we'll never find out anything about scary warder man!!))
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Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 12:55 pm
Hawk personally felt that he did not need the bond to guess his Aes Sedai's feelings. His own pale steely eyes had turned icy at the proposition. No doubt Merc was as surprised as he was. Zeara had to know that what she spoke could be contrived as treason.
His pale blue eyes took in the room, the surroundings. They lingered on the entrance to the office, as the novices exited. He saw Mairyela standing just beyond the threshold. Her face was a mask, but she had not troubled to hide her body language. And it indicated she was not pleased. Following her gaze, he traced it back to the man Aiken.
In his opinion, Boron was barely a concern. Looking at the man, it was plain he would stand against Hawk. Even if he per chance bested Hawk with the blade, Saidin would bring him his death. Few had been misfortunate enough to require his use of the One Power on them. Though he was more than willing to add Aiken to the list.
Something about the man was...off. Tall, fearsome, a rather grim air about him. Nothing particularly unusual for a man who was a trained Gaidin. But the eyes. And why was he watching Mairyela? His duty should be to guard Zeara, not worry about the Mistress of Novices. It's not as if she's going to cause any commotion; if anything one would think he would be more worried about me. If anything goes wrong, I will be his opponent. He has to know as well as I that Boron does not figure into the fight.What does he think of himself...or what does he know that I don't?
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:56 am
((this is getting intense...AWESOME))
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 12:00 pm
The pretty girl glared at him, her arms still folded across her chest, and Aram began to wonder how to react. Had she found some fault with his disguise? Or was he supposed to know her? Was she the sister? A romantic interest? Their investigation had been superficial at best, upon learning that Hawk was not particularly a social man.
"Well? Aren't you going to say something? Explain yourself!" she demanded. Aram was surprised to be adressed that way, after all the treatment he had been receiving.
All he could manage was a few words. "What do you want me to say?"
This only seemed to anger the girl more. A look of anger came into her blue eyes.
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 12:08 pm
After their first round of sparring, Markis and Jaim had halted for a moment. Jaim went to have some water and upon returning, idly commented.
"You aren't half bad. Just as I would expect. Not perfect, but you will more than hold your own. Of course, the matter of how long will remain to be judged by the opponent and other circumstances.
You know, I hadn't known that Zeara had another Warder. Odd that I would not recall. I've heard she demands much of people, she does. I thought it unusual that she would settle for someone like Boron. Mayhaps he's more willing to obey, and less likely to question. But I always thought she would take someone like yourself...in skill I mean. Or perhaps it was because she didn't find anyone of the skill she wanted that was available?
In any case...I would assume that if she took another Warder, that he would have to be skilled. She may have settled for Boron, but women like that don't often settle for what they consider two burdens."
His words set Markis thinking; was Aiken truly a Gaidin of the Tower? Or was he perhaps an outsider, brought in under Zeara's protection?
White Hare...whatever is afoot, be wary. Mercury seems quite astounded about something. Also, do you think perhaps Aiken may not be a Gaidin, but an outsider? Haim is saying some things, which I think may be worth considering. He quickly relayed all that Haim had said, in wolf images, to her.
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 7:37 pm
((Wow, Merc! You`ve been busy! Lol, so much to read, but it will be a good read. And I agree! Things are heating up razz ))
Zeara smirked. It was certainly what she had expected the famed Mercury Sedai to answer. It was a good feeling, knowing such a strong woman came from the same Ajah as she.
"Ah, true, a Queen is a servant of the people. But what really is a Sister of the Tower? We protect the people, yes I suppose. But we are also those who wield the greatest strength the Light has ever conceived. The Power is something to respect, and also to be feared. Thus those at the top should not only be powerful, but also know when to wield their strengths and how far to push. That is the only way that those below them can be controlled. If the most powerful are not on top, then all may fall into chaos when those below choose to go their own way. And Aes Sedai are nothing if famous for going their own way." She paused again, the smirk never leaving her face. "What I am saying is that there are those in the Tower, those spreading word of the Mother`s illness, that may choose chaos rather than the law of the Tower. Remember, the Tower has broken once already due to an Amyrlin that some saw as weak. A person`s perception is a powerful thing."
She sighed, feigning exhaustion. "The Tower must be strong during these times and we both know the Green`s are by far the most powerful."
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 8:06 pm
As Markis relayed what Haim had told him, she was more than surprised. An outsider, perhaps? From where is what she wanted to know. She had never encountered another quite like himself. She nodded as she rubbed down the goosebumps climbing her arms.
That certainly is worth considering, Bristle Fur. Haim is correct that she is a highly demanding individual. Perhaps Boron was not up to her standards and she took Aiken? Or maybe it`s due to another factor. I will continue to be on guard, and once I can, I will do some research through my files. Perhaps you could check the history logs on the Warders. There must be something in there about Boron, and if Aiken is not a Gaidin, then the records should prove it.
She didn`t think there would be anything in the Mistresses files, but perhaps she could get more information on the Lady Zeara as well. There must have been something recorded on the woman, and she would have it if she was ever an Accepted. It may add some insight.
((Also, if you want me to RP anyone, let me know. I may have to start RPing Skiiy...))
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Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:12 am
((So far its ok...Hawk is just off and on, and easy enough. Wolf just poofs for long periods, but he's not doing anything outside my capabilities...
I do wonder where Raz vanished to though...Made up that whole plot line just for him..))
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Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:05 pm
Mercury hated to admit it, but Zeara's words were true. There were already rumors around the Tower that the Amyrlin would be sick for too long a period of time, and that they would have to place someone in her stead.
"Of course, there is truth to what you say." She was careful not to clarify to which part of Zeara's reply she was affirming. But why was the other woman taking the matter so personally.
"May I ask Zeara, why you would like to be Keeper?" Running around the issue was not going to get her any closer the matter. She was not afraid of Zeara, and had no reason to be. And in her opinion, anyone who wanted to be Keeper so badly could bother to answer a few questions. Not as if she was asking Zeara to swear life fealty and servitude. "Hawk, please call the novice. My cup has gone dry." She waited until the girl had come, refilled her cup, and gone before continuing.
"You are not lacking in any quality for leadership." Except perhaps kindness that is. A fearsome leader you would be indeed, and not always in the best sense of the word. she thought to herself dryly.
"To be a Sitter is respectable, but lacks the ultimate authority that these two offices offer; that is plain to anyone. But given the choice, most would prefer to be Amyrlin-as many of the novices, and even sisters dream of becoming-rather than her subordinate.
Historically, few of those who have been raised to the level of Keeper have done so by choice. It has always been a mandate from the Mother, which cannot be ignored.
And it must be said I spend many a day behind desks," She gave a faint smirk; and paused to lightly indicate the papers on her desk, all carefully cloaked with the Power against prying eyes. "Which is not precisely what the blood of a Green yearns for. You understand this, and yet, you still wish to stop a step short of what you yourself said is penultimate authority. Why?
And why myself? There are many Aes Sedai as qualified as myself whom you could approach, some perhaps far more willing to try for the position of Amyrlin. If a Green is what you feel the Tower needs, there are still many who are capable, yourself included."
A single woman she could stop; but if the Hall approached her about the matter of the Amyrlin's health, she would have to answer them.
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Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:22 pm
The training roster was likely to have some information. Markis estimated that Aiken was perhaps somewhere in his fourth decade or so, or third at the earliest. His time of joining would vary however, depending on his skill. It was a waste of his own time however. He wanted to get a good look at this Aiken fellow himself.
"Haim, can I borrow a trainee? Perhaps one who's not practicing his weaponry or what not? I need him to do an errand."
The man nodded, said he knew just the lad. He looked around and spotted a boy sitting down, throwing darts at a target. He was sprightly, but had a cast around his leg. Haim called to him, and the boy hobbled over on crutches. He looked between the Staffmaster and Wolf curiously.
Haim spoke. "Lad, you're to help Master Markis for as long as he needs you. In any case yer not to be on that leg, so perhaps something to fill your time away from training. In any case, sitting is not the position to throw darts in; you'll likely be standing if you are trying to hit a target so close as a dart board's range of ye. But that is for later. Go on then. I have a class to be teaching, so I will meet with you again afterwards Markis."
The Staffmaster left, and left Wolf and the boy alone. The boy looked at Markis's golden eyes curiously. Markis let him look for a moment, before speaking. "You know where the record room is? Find the Brown sister there and ask her for the records of boys joining to be Gaidin.
From thirty to forty years ago. No more. There are two names; one is Boron. The other is Aiken. Both are Gaidin. I need to know when they both joined training. You are not to be on your leg as I see, so i expect this to be your only task until you find the answers, understood? Don't try to slack, for I will find out. Report to me every few hours, and tell no one else of this. Understand?"
He escorted the boy as far as the record room. The Brown was not there at the moment, but they found the correct section and the boy sat a table and began to thumb through the records. Markis turned to go, and then stopped.
"No one is to stop you or tell you to go. Not even an Aes Sedai. Should they try, tell them you're here on my orders. And if they still protest, inform them that it is the request of the Keeper? Understood? If I am not on the training grounds, send a message to the Keeper's office, and I will come meet you. You are in no position to climb stairs. Your health is important if you want to become a Gaidin, and its your responsibility to take care of it and your body."
With that, he left the library, and headed up the stairs.
I've set a young one on the task White Hare. He will find out if they are in the records or not. I am on my way upstairs; I want to meet this Aiken for myself.
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Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:32 pm
Zeara Sedai nodded. It was true that the Seven-striped Stole was her ultimate goal, but she was far from ready. Her father had always ingrained into her that if you truly want something, patience must be your foremost priority.
"Why do I wish for the Keeper`s position? As a Keeper, you are aware of whom Aleis Romlin was. A powerful Green; a powerful Amyrlin. I am a descendant of that same bloodline. It is in my very veins. Of course, one step at a time, correct? I would gladly be stuck behind a desk if it means that the Tower may flourish and become stronger. And there are so many reasons for the Tower to become stronger. Tarmon Gai'don is on our doorstep, Darkfriends are walking everywhere, including in Aes Sedai stoles. I simply seek what I believe is best for the Tower."
In reality, what she truly wanted was power. But what the Keeper didn`t know wouldn`t hurt her. At least, not yet.
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Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:52 pm
Mairyela nodded as Markis relayed his message. She had expected as much from him. For the short while they had known one another, she could tell he was not one to sit in the background. He was one to be at the head of the pack. He would make a great pack leader one day she was sure.
I am still just outside her office. From what I can hear, the conversation is still civil. The smells coming from the room however...I sense wariness from the Keeper - that much you know - but I also sense there is something not right, and it is not only Aiken.
It felt to her as though there were eyes everywhere. Prying, watching, like a snake ready to strike. She learned long ago to always follow instinct, and she moved ever closer to the Keepers door. She knew in a fight she would not be very useful hand to hand, but she would use the Power if needed to protect the Keeper.
((Sorry, small posts! I`m a bit busy, lol. And I was also just looking through the profiles for old times sake, lol. And we have a LOT of inactive members. Makes me sad T.T))
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Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 11:31 am
((It's ok...now to unravel the icy Aiken...or start anyway))
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