The Gray Parlour
A large fireplace dominates this room, resting it its
southwestern half. The floor is covered by a large black
rug that is covered by abstract white designs. Dark wood
chairs, covered with gray cushions, surround a large dark
wood table. Pale golden wood panels the walls.
[ Exits: n e ]


Sitting at the large round table, smoothing out her dark silk skirts, is Rayenia.  On the table, arranged prettily on a tray, is a tea service and a covered dish.  Ooh!  I wonder what's in the covered dish?  The Gray seems to be waiting for someone.  [Rayenia]

Acelyn walked into the parlour, this was were Rayenia Sedai told her to meet for the next round of lessons in channeling the One Power. Prepared, Acelyn had her raven hair pulled back in braids off of her face. In her hands was a large tome from the Tower Library titled 'Theories on the One Power', she knew that Saidar was a powerful tool and was eager to learn how to manipulate the flows. She curtsied to the Aes Sedai, "Hello Aes Sedai.."

"Welcome Acelyn," wait.. she called the girl by her name instead of the cold Novice title that all Sisters seem so fond of.  Gesturing to the table and the empty chair in turn Rayenia continues, "please, have a seat.  Today we are going to work with saidar," she pauses her words as she moves the teapot from the tray and places it on the table between herself and the chair she'd intended for Acelyn, "actually weaving flows."  [Rayenia]

Acelyn inclined her head at the Aes Sedai for a brief moment at being called by her first name, that was a true rarity here in the Tower. She gave the Sister a smile and took her seat, wedging the book between her thigh and the side of the chair. "Alright Rayenia Sedai, I've been reading up on the flows a bit, I hope you don't mind."
 
Rayenia shakes her head slightly, a pleased smile upon her face.  "Independant study is encouraged, and rare as a Novice I should add."  The Gray sits back in her chair, crossing her legs at the knee and smoothing down her dark skirts.  "Tell me, what have you learned about the flow of water?"

 The haunted figure has been wandering the halls, her thoughts in a not so distant past. An internal dialogue is murmured under her breath, her lips moving faintly but no sound to accompany them. Jezz's hands twist around the verdent silk scarf in her hand, a twin to the one tied snuggly around her neck. The sound of voices draws her out of her reverie when she realizes where she has wandered. "Oh, pardon me, Sister."  [Jezz]

Acelyn grinned "Well I learned it can be used in many applications, both offensive and defensive and in other tasks. For instance if one is near a body of water it can be manipulated to cause havoc on persons wishing you harm. But alternatively its also used in hea..." Acelyn's rambling trailed off as she heard the other Aes Sedai enter the rooms.

Rayenia motions to Jezz, "Please, join us."  Even while greeting her Green Sister she is able to follow Acelyn's report.  "Alternatively it is also used.." she gently prompts the Novice to continue.

Subduing her hands to stillness, Jezz offers a smile to both sister and the novice. "I could not intrude on a lesson. A new one?" She asks, glancing to the young woman who had just rambled off Water uses. She does glance over the furnishings, looking for a chair near, but not intrusive.   [Jezz]

The sound of boots can be heard echoing along the tiled hallway. A young man slowly walks past the door to the room. He is looking around in puzzlement and wonder. He turns his head and sees the people sitting inside the parlour and seems about to say something, perhaps ask a question, but chokes up at the last second.  [Kaden]

Acelyn resumed her statement. "Its a necessary flow needed for Healing." She grinned, seemingly proud of herself "You can also use it, obviously, to douse fires."
 
Seemingly pleased with Acelyn's response Rayenia nods.  "Yes, water is very versitile, and it is one of the flows that is typically stronger in women."  Spotting a new arrival at the edge of her vision the Gray looks towards the door, specifically the young man who has arrived.  She nods to him in greeting and silently gestures to the empty chairs in the room before turning her attention back to her student.  "We will practice weaving water."  [Rayenia]

Having not sat down, Jezz turns toward the door to the young man looking a little lost, "Can I help you?" She turns to look him over with a critical eye, having not noticed the beckoning by Rayenia. She waits patiently for him to respond.  [Jezz]

Rayenia removes the lid from the teapot and turns the pot upside down showing that it is indeed empty.  Now that the preliminary show is complete she sets the teapot down infront of Acelyn.  The soft glow of saidar surrounds the Gray.  "Now, as you have been taught, embrace saidar."

Kaden winces as both of the Aes Sedai turn on him. He squares his shoulders and walks into the room putting on a smile and speaking to Jezz. "Pardon Aes Sedai. I was just a little lost." He moves toward the chair indicated by Rayenia.

Acelyn glanced over to the new man arriving in the room, then quickly dismissed his presence simple not to be rude to the Aes Sedai that was taking the time to teach her. She then took a deep breath, envisioning the rose in her minds eye with her actual eyes open, soon enough the golden aura surrounded the Novice, an obvious sign that she was successful in embracing Saidar. She held onto it as one would hold onto a handful of sand, gently so it didn't slip through her fingers.

"Very good," Rayenia's attention is now fully in the lesson as the Power is now in play.  She continues her Instruction, "Fill the teapot so that there is enough for our guests to join us in tea."  [Rayenia]

"Then you have found what you are looking for?" Jezz asks him, turning her head and then her body as he walks past. Her gaze sweeps past Kaden to touch on the new novice, watching the golden nimbus around the young women, a hint of a smile gracing her lips.   [Jezz]

Kaden mutters under his breath, "If you say so." then covers it with a small cough as he sits. "Tea? Thank you Aes Sedai." he says nervously. Kaden sits in the chair, uncomfortably glancing first at one woman and then another.

Acelyn nodded then cast her eyes to the teapot, focusing intently on it as she produced a thin strand of water, it shimmered blue in front of the Aes Sedai, her hand moved in her lap in a slow circle like one turning a doorknob, the shimmering flow of water formed into a spiralling cone as it funneled like a mini water tornado into the teapot. Acelyn dropped the weave once the pot was full to about an inch of the top of the rim. Once complete she beamed like a child given chocolate.

Frowning, Jezz glances to Rayenia then back to Kaden, shrugging, she moves over toward one of the vacant chairs to sit down, pulling up one of her booted heels and sliding it under her. Jezz drags the pad stuffed in her belt out from behind her and pulls out a charcoal pencil from one of her pouches. She flips through the pages, looking over the pictorals with only a passing glance before the page is turned.  [Jezz]
 
Rayenia's smile reaches her eyes.  "Very good."  She places the lid back upon the teapot before retaking her seat.  "Now, tell me what you have learned about Fire."  As she awaits the novice's report the Gray takes the tin of tea and opens it.  She then takes up the teaette and fills the small metal mesh egg with fragrant tea leaves before placing the lid back on the tin.  The teapot's lid lifts yet again in her hands as she places the teaette inside, the lid resumes its usual position.  

Kaden watches the water swirl into the teapot, his mouth dropping open in surprise. With a visible effort he composes himself but his eyes still shift around as if even moving a finger would draw the attention of one of the Aes Sedai.

Acelyn glanced at Kaden a moment. "Well fire is used to light candles, creating campfires, etc. You can also use it with other flows to do some pretty interesting things.. or so I read." She absently touched the book at her side. "I did read that fire could be the most dangerous to wield. That women have burned themselves alive while working with it.."

Glancing over the page toward the guest in their midst and his reaction to a woman channeling, a small tight smile spreading across her lips. Turning to an empty page, the Green sister sets charcoal pencil to page and begins to sketch, her verdant eyes glancing intermittently up at those in the room.  [Jezz]

Rayenia nods to Acelyn's words. "Yes, Fire is one of the more difficult flows for us," she briefly glances to Kaden and then Jezz guaging their distance before turning her attention back to the novice, "however, with training and practice the danger will lessen and your ability to work with the flow will become easier."  Still holding saidar, the Gray prepares a flow of spirit to use as a shield should the fire weaving become... disasterous.  "Now, this may be more difficult, I want for you to heat the water in the teapot."

Kaden licks his lips nervously, he seems about to say something but changes his mind. His eyes, while still seeming to try to keep an eye on everyone in the room at once, seem drawn to the work of the pencil of one of the Aes Sedai. It appears his curiosity is undaunted by his situation.

Acelyn frowned looking concerned, fire was her weakest flow. She channeled the tiniest amount of Saidar creating a thin strand of fire that shimmered red in the air. She twitched her left hand, as if scalded. The strand was thinner than embrodiery floss, Acelyn really was straining to keep it in check. She curled the thread around the outside of the teapot. Taking great care not to touch anything else with the thread. Her brow furrowed and persperation glinted off of her forehead as she channeled, long moments passed as she heated the tea, finally stopping when there was steam evidently coming from inside the pot. She dropped the thread and sighed, wiping at her forehead. "That was more strenuous than weaving the water was Aes Sedai."

Undaunted by the guest staring at her, or rather her hand as it scrawls something on the page, the Murandian continues to sketch with light scratching noises. At some point, Jezz slips the pencil back into the pouch, digging for one with a finer point. Her concentration visible on her brow, the sketch takes on more detail. Though she is watching the lesson, she isnt paying as much mind to it then say, the instructor giving it. Leaning back, she peers at it with a critical eye. Satisfied, she looks directly at Kaden and motions for him to approach.   [Jezz]

Rayenia's preparatory weave of spirit turns out to not be needed and is thus released.  "You did well, Acelyn, with practice and time you will be able to weave fire with more ease.  You may release now."  The Gray sits forward in her seat and slides the tray closer to herself and the novice.  "You pour the tea and I'll prepare our treat."  The Saldaean Sedai loves her sweets, she's clearly been blessed to be able to eat them and not gain much weight.  Taking the covered dish from the tray the flame-haired woman prepares fine threads of fire while moving the lid, revealing honey buns.  Honey buns!!!!  With practiced ease the Gray lowers the delicate threads of fire down and through the sweet bread on the plate, gesturing with her right hand as if she was lightly brushing the dust from a book's spine.

Kaden smiles nervously at the Aes Sedai and Novice as he again stands to approach Jezz. He tries to this quietly and unobtrusively so as not to disturb the channeling lesson that is evidently going on in front of him. Stepping softly he walks the short distance, "Yes Aes Sedai?" Kaden seems not to know what to do wit his hands so he forces them to his sides as he awaits her answer.

Acelyn nodded and let go of Saidar, resisting the soft sigh of loss. She set each one of the teacups on a saucer and carefully picked up the warmed teapot. Acelyn poured out four even cups of tea, sliding one across to the Aes Sedai teaching her and two over to Jezz and Kaden with a slight smile. The scent of honeybuns rose to her nostrils and she nearly started to salivate. "Oh! Its been ages since I've smelled a honey bun, let alone tasted one Aes Sedai, where did you find such a treat?"

Turning the page she had been sketching on, the scene laid out is one that she had been looking at from her vantage, the lesson between Grey sister and her novice pupil both with smudges around them indicating the aura of Saidar, and the young guest watching on in nervous awe. "Fairly acceptable rendention, yes?" She asks the young man, waiting for his reply.   [Jezz]

Kaden looks from the picture, back to the Aes Sedai and then back to the picture. "Y-Yes Aes Sedai," he stammers, "It looks very nice." Kaden forces a smile, "I have never been very good at drawing." Kaden winces slightly at the admission though it is unclear if it is for admitting a failing, or for engaging in a conversation with an Aes Sedai. Either way Kaden looks back over his shoulder at the lesson before looking back toward Jezz.
 
Placing her left hand over the rolls, feeling for the ambient warmth from the sweets.  She nods, clearly pleased with the temperature of their midday snack, and releases the flows of fire with practiced ease.  A heart beat later the golden nimbus of saidar fades away as she releases saidar.  "I know of a bakery that is nearby, however these," she begins to plate up the warm, sticky honey buns, "were made here in our own Kitchens."  Protocol first, you'd expect as much from a Gray.  She serves Jezz first, then the young man (Kaden), Acelyn, and then herself.  Upon the tray are spoons for those who take cream and sugar as well as fresh napkins.  Before sitting back in her chair the Gray takes a napkin from the tray.  [Rayenia] 

Acelyn grinned, "Well they smell delicious Aes Sedai" She grabbed a napkin and spread it out over her novice white dress. Last thing she wanted was to spill the warm pastry or the tea all over her dress then have to wash it extra. "Mistress Laras is a wonderful cook.."

Accepting the honey bun graciously, Jezz sets it to table to the side of her, where the cup and saucer was placed after the novice had served the tea. "It's a creative habit that falls to ash and dust if not exercised regularly. Sit, enjoy your tea and honey bread." Sliding the charcoal pencil back into place, she closes the artist's pad and sets it beside her, taking up her own suggestion to enjoy the mid day snack.   [Jezz]
 
"Indeed she is."  Rayenia takes up her teacup and saucer after having arranged her napkin in her lap and set her treat plate near, before taking a sip of the tea she looks directly to Kaden.  "Forgive my lack of greeting earlier," she takes a preliminary sip, "and thank you for not interupting our lesson."    [Rayenia]

Kaden nods and hurries to retake his seat. He carefully picks up his teacup and takes a sip, stifling a gasp as he swallows the bitter tea, he had forgotten to put any sugar in it. He carefully sets it back down as he speaks to Rayenia, "I didn't mean to intrude Aes Sedai. I was just looking around and got lost." He sneaks a look toward Acelyn, "I didn't know you were having a lesson."

Acelyn sipped at her head, shaking her head in Kaden's direction, indicating that she didn't mind the interruption. After all, channeling lessons were better than being cooped up in the Kitchens or the Laundry. She took a glorious bite out of the honeybun. savoring it.

The Green thinks the Grey is trying to make her get fat, so Jezz only has a couple bites of the honey bread. It's good, and she closes her eyes to savor the bites she does take. Setting the bun to the side, she takes up the cup and saucer, taking a tentative sip to determine its bitterness and heat. Satisified with both, she takes delicate sips in quiet contentment.   [Jezz]
 
The soft *clink* of porcelain meeting its mate can be heard as Rayenia sets the cup and saucer pair upon the table.  "That may be the case, however you waited until you were adressed instead of causing a scene.  That speaks volumes of your character, young man."  She pulls off a bite of her honey bun and places it in her mouth, using her napkin to dab away the sticky remains of the honey on her fingers.  [Rayenia]

Kaden smiles nervously, he hesitates for a moment then says, "Thank you Aes Sedai." He looks back and forth between the two Sisters and the Novice. To have something to do he picks up the pastry and takes a small bite. With his other hand he fumbles for his napkin, belatedly spreading it on his lap.

The Gray isn't trying to fatten up the Green, the Gray just likes to share sweet things.  "And," just as soon as Kaden takes a bite she begins to ask him questions, just like the light blessed serving girls at the Inns in Tar Valon, "what brings you to the White Tower?"  Now Acelyn appears to be out of the hotseat and the young man has just won his turn.  [Rayenia]

Acelyn doesnt take the brief moment of respite of not being the focus of the Sisters attention for granted and stays quiet while she politely chews her delicious sugary treat with the occaisional sip of tea to wash it down.

Kaden gulps down his bite. "I, umm, came to the Tower to learn to be a Warder." He looks between the Aes Sedai, "I still need to have an interview with the person in charge of training though." Kaden absently cleans off his fingers with his napkin.

Jezz politely remains silent, her gaze slipping off towards some corner of the room as she sips her tea. The haunted look moves just under the emerald of her eyes. The conversation brings her back to herself, Jezz turns her attention back to the guest, "And what is it about a warder that so inspires you to be one?" The Green asks quietly, now that she knows what he's there for, her eyes are more critical in her appraisal of him. 

Acelyn watches the three talk as she finishes her pastry and uses the napkin to wipe her hands. After which continuing to nurse her cup of tea.

Kaden looks toward Jezz, "Well, I'm not really sure. I guess I never found anything that really interests me. I mean, nothing except being a warder. My father apprenticed me to lots of different trades but they were all so boring. Once I started thinking about being a Warder I couldn't really think of anything else." Kaden looks a bit embarassed at the admission.

The exchange between Kaden and Jezz seems to slice through her momentary fuzz of sweet enduced bliss by topic alone.  Warders.  "There is a great deal of dedication involved in training at the Tower, even more for the men who train to be Warders." Rayenia sits up a bit more in her seat, this is good information for Acelyn to hear too else she would have shoo'ed her away already.  "Please," she regards Kaden, "do not regard it as merely 'something to do', else you will do a disservice to yourself, those who would train you, and the one you would protect."  [Rayenia]

Rising, Jezz bends down to set the tea cup and saucer beside the honey bun that she didnt finish. Stalking over toward Kaden's chair, she moves behind it and lightly presses her hands into his shoulders, if he doesnt struggle against it, to whisper in his ear. She isnt trying to be silent about it. "Imagine, if you will. Close your eyes if you must. But there is more to being a warder than just standing around and *being* dangerous. They are dangerous. But its more than just the look. He protects his charge with everything he has, every bit of his being goes to protecting his Aes Sedai. He will *die* to protect her, so that she may survive him. If a Green sister chooses him, his life might be much shorter than if a Brown or White sister chose him. I'm not trying to frighten you, lad, many will bond with a Sister that has the same goals they hope to complete - and helping a Sister, helps him in those goals and aspirations." She releases his shoulders and drifts back to where she was sitting.  [Jezz]

Acelyn watched in silence as the Aes Sedai spoke to the hopeful to be Warder. She listened intently to what was being said and filied it away in her head.

Kaden does not flinch as Jezz holds his shoulders and speaks to him.

Jezz settles back into her seat, picks up the cup and saucer and takes another sip as though she never rose to frighten the poor warder aspirant.
 
Rayenia watched the exchange between Jezz and Kaden carefully, as a hawk would watch for food.  The Gray took a final sip of her tea before gently sliding her cup and saucer pair aside, her napkin now rests atop the unfinished bit of her honey bun.  She weighs the silence for a moment before speaking.  "And do you have a name?" she once again looks directly at Kaden.

Kaden looks back to Rayenia, "My name is Kaden Zoss, Aes Sedai." The young man seems to feel like he needs to add something further, "I am from Alindaer."  

Acelyn reached for the still warm pot of tea and gestured to Rayenia Sedai, indicating she was offering the Grey Sister more tea if she wished.
 
Rayenia inclines her head in a nod towards Acelyn, moving her cup so that the Novice can fill it once again. 

Acelyn smiled and poured the Aes Sedai a fresh cup, making the same motion to the Green Sister and then the Warder to be in turn. 

Jezz rises to set the cup and saucer back on the tray, her tea consumed. She sets the partially eaten honey bun also back on the tray. She eats like a bird anyway. "Well met. Novice." She inclines her head to the young woman, "I'll summon you when I'm to instruct you." She glances to the guest, incling her head. "Well met, Kaden Zoss of Alindaer." Smiling to Rayenia, she nods to the Grey, "I'm wanted elsewhere, Sister." Picking up her pad of paper, she slips it behind her, into her belt, and turns to leave.

"A pleasure to meet you, Kaden Zoss," Rayenia looks to Jezz as she speaks, "I understand, Sister.  Thank you for joining us for tea."  [Rayenia]

Acelyn nodded "Yes Aes Sedai" and she set the teapot back down, she then stood and offered the Green a parting curtsy

Kaden nods politely to Jezz as she rises to leave, forcing a smile in her direction, "Nice to meet you too Aes Sedai". He looks back to Rayenia with a bit of nervousness returning to his expression. "Thank you Aes Sedai."

Rayenia takes a sip of her recently warmed tea as she watches her Sister depart.  Another sip embibed as she glances between Acelyn and Kaden.  Is that a halo shining above her head or is that the glint of horns?  "Acelyn," she sets the cup and saucer pair down upon the table, "I have a task for you."

Acelyn straightened her skirts and sat back down in the plush chair. "Gladly Aes Sedai, what do you require?" 

Kaden glances between the two women, probably glad to be back out of the spotlight. He nervously picks up his tea and takes another sip, wincing again because he still hasn't put sugar in it.
 
Rayenia's eyes move from the Novice to the would-be Trainee.  "Acelyn, I wish for you to see young Master Zoss to appropriate guest quarters and show him to the Master of Arms' office.  Once this has been done I wish for you to report back to me."  Light!  She's not only permitting a novice to be around a trainee she's actually sending her off to escort him to his guest room.  Is this some kind of test?
 
Rayenia then looks to Kaden, "If the Master at Arms, Master Beridar, has any thing negative to say about Acelyn escorting you, or you taking tea with Jezz Sedai and myself, please direct him to me."

Acelyn fought to keep her face still but her brow furrowed. She remembered the Mistress of Novices admonishment of being with the Warders in training, but surely if she was told to do so by another Aes Sedai.. her thoughts stopped abruptly as Rayenia Sedai continued to talk. She stood and grabbed her book, offering a deep curtsy to the Gray Sister. "Yes, Aes Sedai, consider it taken care of."

Rayenia rises from her seat and begins to collect up the cups, saucers, and plates.

Kaden nods, "Yes, Aes Sedai." He stands immediately, setting down his cup. "I think you for the assistance Aes Sedai." He hesitates before adding, "I'll do my best to be a good trainee. I swear it."
 
Rayenia looks up from her work, "Let your actions shine Kaden.  We will be watching."
 
Rayenia returns to collecting up her 'mess', humming softly to herself.
 
Acelyn watched a moment, "Aes Sedai, I could take that back to the kitchens for you on my way."
 
Rayenia's humming fades as she looks up to Acelyn.  "Thank you, Acelyn.  That would be nice."  She makes a note to let the Mistress of Novices know about Acelyn's progress and initiative.