Kitchen Garden: White Tower, Tar Valon

You are in a large, open garden with very little shade except for a small cluster of fruit trees in the center of the garden. Beneath the trees sit two low benches made of grey stone worn smooth with use. Wide vegetable beds border the garden, each row labelled clearly by a small wooden sign.

The garden is surrounded by a sturdy fence of stacked stones. Several trellises densely entwined with vines lean on the Tower's wall. A narrow grey stone pathway wends its way among the garden beds.

Most of the plants and vines have been harvested of their produce except for a few rows of squash, and the herb garden still bears green leaves. The leaves of the apple trees have turned bright orange and yellow during the cool autumn nights. The garden is bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun.

There are entrances to the garden from both the kitchen and the courtyard.

Shienlyn, Meeko

Shienlyn enters the kitchen garden from the courtyard.

Meeko sits on a bench in the Kitchen garden, she seems lost in though as her guard is nearby looking bored.

Shienlyn shuffles into the garden, a rake in one hand, a stoic look on her face. She glances around and notices the lady sitting on the bench, then curtsies to her. She mechaniclly begins to rake some fallen leaves.

Meeko nods to the novice, yep Meeko is more alert than one would think, she watches the young woman for a bit before noticing the bruises on her face "Novice what has happened to you?". Meeko is always concerned when something is amiss around her.

Shienlyn bows and blushes, "Mistress, I had a nasty fall. Is there anythingthat I can help you with?" She glances around and continues to rake, not wanting to get caught not doing anything.

Meeko shows a bit of concern in her eyes "Fall? What type of fall would cause such bruising?" she is a bit suspicious with all the stories she hears of the treatment of the Novices. "I am fine for now thank you....... What is your name? I am Meeko the Ambassador of Tar Valon.

Shienlyn curtsies again, "I am Shienlyn, Mistress Meeko." She frowns for a second, then shakes her head, "Truely Mistress, I did not fall, as much as I ran away, and while out in the streets, met up with some who were anxious to accquire my necklace, amoung other things."She grimaces, "But they got neither, thanks to the timely arrival of the guard, Mistreess.

Meeko shudders "Yet another victom of the unrest, when will it end." she grins now "So a little runaway and they are still allowing you to wear that necklace here?

Shienlyn frowns and tucks it back into her dress, "It's mine, and no one will take it from me." She makes herself smile at the lady, then adds, "Mistress." A long sigh escapes her, then she continues her raking, her eyes filling with a faraway look.

Meeko chuckles "I would suggest hiding it Shienlyn, I hear some of the Sedai can be tough on a disobiedent Novice." she watches you work for a bit before speaking again "Do you know Wyntere?

A slight smile crosses Shienlyn's face, "Yes Mistress, I have had the pleasure. She was at the gate when I was brought in. Quite a smart young lass, I must say. She's got her head on straight." The thought brings a slightly broadersmile to her face.

Meeko grins "yes she does and she is learning the merits of not running from here, they took her hawk and fortunately I was able to keep the bird for her." she looks at her guard then back "I can fully understand how you must want to leave this place, I do not like it here either but must remain till some business is complete, but it will not be long before you are free to roam the city in a safe manner.

Shienlyn sighs softly then nods, "Aye, I suppose that is true Mistress. Right now, there is nothing left for me, other than the hope that one day I will be free of here, and I may leave this place forever." Slowly her words become angrier until the last is nearly a shout. She glances around and hurridly continues to rake. She looks at Meeko, "But you didn't hear that from me. You know, they had the gall to walk me over here like a marionette? just walked me in here like some child's toy." Sighs, "One day...

Meeko rises and walks over to you "I assure you that what we speak of does not go beyond that. Now please continue, it will do you good to get it out." Meeko figures she might as well tell the young one who she really is "I am also the Sage in town and help many with problems." her voice again is light "I am also a wilder but was to old, fortunately, to be brought here.

Shienlyn starts and looks at Meeko with wonder, "You are also a Wilder?" Tears begin to stream down her face, "How do you handle it all on your own?

Meeko reachs out with open arms offering you comfort "I have learned, over the years, that there is little use fighting what is in my life. I am gifted with healing and use that to help others. I have always talked to the creatures of  the forest and heard them, only to later be told it is another gift. I do dislike not having control but I would not trad my life for any amount of  training here.

Shienlyn sobs and clings to Meeko, "I can't tell you how much this means to me.   This necklace, my love gave it to me. It was to be a wedding present, but he died! What good is channeling if I couldn't save him? It's worse for me now, knowing I had the ability to save him, if not the knowledge.

Meeko holds you for a few moments and lets you get it all out "I can only say at the time you did not know, you had no way to stop what was ment, but if  you remain here and learn all you can you will not only be able to be free of  this place quickly you will be able to aid others with your skills." she looks to you "Have they learned what gifts you have?

Shienlyn shakes her head, "they told me I could heal, but I haven't been here long enought for them to tell me much of anything, yet.

Meeko nods "I see, another healer, we could sure use one in town right now." she grins "I feel you will find a means to control your gift and so many will benefit." she looks at your necklace "Have you asked if you may wear that chain? I would suggest you get permission otherwise wear it in a pouch pinned to your smallcloths so no one can see it but it will remain close to your heart.

Shienlyn blinks several time and wipes the tears from her eyes. She thinks for a while then nods, "I think I will do that Mistress Meeko. I will put it in a pouch, I don't want to ask them for any favors.

Meeko reaches into her cape pocket, as she does a small mouse can be seen peaking out. She pulls out here hand after making a comment mentally to the mouse and holds it out to you. It is a small, soft leather pouch of light brown, a bit of beading has been added to the front for decoration. "hers Shienlyn, use this to keep it safe.

Shienlyn gasps and her eyes are locked on the little mousey. She smiles with wonder and then notices the pouch, "I thank you very much Mistress Meeko. If  there is ever anything that I can do for you, please let me know." She glances back at the mouse, "hello there you little cutie," she whispers.

Meeko smiles "I will remember that, maybe the Tower will put you on the program I have for helping feed the town, different novices are allowed to come to the shop to assemble food packages for those in need." she grins and clicks her tongue as she holds out her hand to Misty. Misty hops on Meekos hand and she holds it out to you "her name is Misty, she and animals in general, are my block so to be sure I can use my gift in time of need I carry her with me.

Shienlyn extends her hand and smiles at Mistress Meeko's ingenuity, "That's very cleveer of you Mistress Meeko." She carefully takes Misty and lightly rubs the top of her head with the tip of one finger, "You are a cute little mousy, aren't you?

Meeko watches and smiles "she likes you Shienlyn, she said you are a nice one and she would love you to pet her more.

Shienlyn giggles and hands Misty back to Meeko, "I thank you very much for letting me pet her. There isn't much time around here to play with animals." She glances around and picks up the rake again. She begins to rake as if she never stopped.

Meeko steps back a bit after returning Misty to her place "I can understand that, but I hear there is a pigeon loft here somewhere and I am sure many creatures are in the gardens. I know if I were stuck here I would relish the chores in the garden.

Shienlyn chuckles softly, "Yes, this is one of the very few joys I have found here.

Meeko looks around quickly and speaks softly "then do not let on you enjoy it or they may have you scrubbing floors instead.

Shienlyn frowns then nods, "You are right, of course. I am very happy to have met you, Mistress Meeko. I think that I might have found a friend in you.

Meeko blushes lightly "Thank you Shienlyn, I try to be here to make others lives easier. I will be at the Tower for a little longer but if you need me feel free to come to or send message to my apothecary and I will come by.