PERSONAGES:

Raemira
A rather prominent and defined woman stands before you, looking proud. Raemira reaches nearly 5'7" being about average height for a woman. She has long auburn hair that hangs loosely down her back in soft, wavy curls, framing her heart-shaped face. She has emerald green eyes, that seem to speak out a certain wisdom by just looking into them. Her face appears to be wrinkle free, with an ageless look about it, as if the woman had captured the secret to staying young. Her cheeks appear to be rounded and soft, giving a warm presence to her dignified demeanor.
Raemira is wearing a long, brocaded silk forest green gown. The gown is highlighed with ribbons that are a shade lighter in color, carefully placed around the waist and hems of the of the gown. The ribbon around the waist ties in the back, to form a neat bow. The sleeves have fine lace around the ends. Intricate golden embroidery in tiny designs of roses trace up the sleeves and near the bottom hem of the gown. Tiny roses, decorated in gold, can be seen across the bodice, perfectily accenting the dress. Around her neck, is a small golden necklace with a tiny golden lion on the end. You almost miss the golden ring on the third finger of her left hand, appearing to be a Great Serpent eatting it's tail.

Micana Vicayle stands average height at about 5'4" and is slender. Vivid red curly hair shimmers with golden highlights and tumbles around her shoulders. Slanted green eyes with thich lashes give her an exotic look. Her conplexion is pale and smooth, a hint of pink in her cheeks. Micana has a bow shaped mouth that curves slightly giving the faint illusion of a smile even when one is not present. Dimples pop out when she truely smiles. If Micana's nose, lightly dusted with freckles, was a fraction bigger it would be be of the overly-large typical Saldaen size. Micanna's waist seems to small for the rounded curves of her figure. Her hands are expressive and fingers are long and slim. Micana speaks in a melodic tone that is almost without an accent. At times it is louder than conversational level usually used in the manner of the hard of hearing. Her movements are deft and efficient with an inate grace. A soft dress of pale green scraped linen which is almost transparent has delicate embroidery of pastel flowers and deeper green leaves in a scattered pattern which becomes thicker toward the hem. An underskirt and bodice lining of deeper green keeps the dress modest enough to survive scrutiny by the most discerning prude though it certainly 'hints' enough to make them look long and hard. A solid border of the same flowers edges the deeply scoooped neckline and covers the center of a sash used like a belt. The dress is sleeveless and lightweight for the summer heat. The style is elegant and has a classic flare but is the latest being worn in Mayene. Deep green slippers peek out from the hem. A lace edged hankerchief is tucked into the sash. Decorative enamel hair combs which resembles the flowers on the frock pulls her hair back from her temples to expose ear lobes with tiny matching earings. Around Micana's shoulders is draped the green fringed shawl of the Green Ajah. On the left ring finger is a thick gold band in the shape of a serpant biting its own tail.

Lanta Sedai is a tall woman with an athletic figure. Her dark, straight brown hair is short--chin length, falling forward to frame her face (young-looking but not ageless as she hasn't been Aes Sedai that long), making her look fierce and lion-like. Her large brown eyes assess the world from behind the spectacles perched on the end of her nose. Her complexion is olive but not really all that dark; her features calm, composed, almost stern, her neck long. She wears a simple dress of dark blue with divided skirts, high neck, made of sturdy light wool. Simple brown boots poke out from beneath the hems, a brown belt encircles her waist. On the ring finger of her right hand she wears a Great Serpant ring.

Analee
A pretty young brunette who looks to be in her early twenties. Her hair cascades to her waist and matches her dark eyes. Her lashes are long and dark and her lips a sweet pink. She stands nearly five and a half feet. She wears a dress of white, banded in seven colors at the edges. On the ring finger of her left hand, she wears a golden serpent ring. Analee smiles sweetly and her bright eyes sparkle.

Chiara
This slender young woman who seems to be in her early twenties looks very ordinary though fairly pretty. With her barely 4.7 feet high body it's very easy to look over her, especially as her body is in one word 'petite'. Her small white face is encircled by soft dark curls which fall loosely to her shoulders. The features of her face are very delicate, from the slightly slant cheekbones around the small nose which turns a bit upwards to the perfectly shaped mouth. All of that falls into nothingness though in comparison with her very big eyes. Big deep pouls of gray, which change from the darkness of clouds when there's thunder in the air to the silvergray when the sun breaks through them afterwards. On the rare occasions that she looks up into people's faces they will notice that they draw in the depths of these eyes, and most likely won't even mind to do so. But normally she just looks shyly and thoughtfully away into the air or in the book which she carries most of the time with her. The dress she wears is made of a simple white wool, very decently cut like all Novice's dresses are. The bodice falls wide around her petite form, from the slender high neck it widens to the smallish but well proportioned breasts and then back to her small middle which can easily be encircled by any man's hands. From there it drapes in a gracefull sweep to the her ankles where it touches her little black shoes. She walks with a easy pass, gracefully but for the rest normal. She doesn't seem to notice this though and just looks around to study her surroundings, shyly but completely at ease with it, except when there is a man around, then she stiffens visibly and her eyes get a fearfull glance. When she speaks it's in low soft tones, very clear though. The strangest thing about it is her Amadician accent, in combination with her novice outfit.

Trelaine Demaran is a small, delicate figure. Her tiny form is a few inches shy of reaching five feet in height, and her frame is so frail in appears, it seems a strong gust of wind would break her in twain. Her pale, milk-white skin is offset by her long, deep dark brown hair, as it tumbles down from her head to her waits. For the most part it is straight and fine, shimmering, glinting in the light, yet there is a natural wave to it, which keeps it from laying flat as it trails down. Most striking though, are Trelaine's overly large, yet vibrant, nearly glowing, rich blue eyes. In them innocence, and a stubborn willingness to live and thrive shine, as they are framed by lush dark lashes.
Trelaine wears the plain, yet brilliantly white dress of an Aes Sedai Novice. What seems almost frightening is the her skin is nearly the same color, making her look all the more frail for it. She wears a white belt around her waits, from which dangels a white belt pouch, filled to the brim with writing supplies. Holding back her hair is a single white ribbon tied at the base of her neck. Though most of her hair is held back by it, she sometimes pushes a few dark locks out of her face and tucks them behind her ear.

Arwen
Ebon hair, touched with a hint of reddish auburn along the edges is shorn short, framing a thin, delicate face which borders upon gaunt. Slightly tilted gaze posesses an emerald hue, slipping to the side as if to hide their appraisal from the world in general. Limber, lithe, with a certain wiry strength, he is shorter than average, his body svelte as an acrobat. Tanned darkly from exposure outside, his face posesses even still a hint of innocence, almost hidden by the hesitant air he always wears.
Simple cotton weave takes root upon his wiry frame, the pale tans and browns giving little to lend to the bright sparkle of his gaze. Tucked loosely into a matching pair of trous of tight weave, the outfit is one of complete comfort, with no bright or touch of decoration. Rising to his knee, a pair of scuffed and worn boots cover him, laced tightly.

Setting: Library: White Tower, Tar Valon

Arwen nods his head at Trelaine, and shrugs a moment, "You should like that, though it's gota lot harder type of language than the previous...take you a while to finish it, I think..."

Chiara enters the library, nose buried in her books while her curls are a bit wet placked against her cheekbones. Curtseying automatically to the sisters she heads over to a table and begins a soft confersation with a Brown Sister concerning some books.

Trelaine nods to Arwen as she looks over the book. "It should be interesting." She smiles. "I do so like poetry. Thank you for pointing it out to me!"

Arwen nods his head and grins, "That's what I'm here for." He shrugs, and nods at Chiara as he spots her, stretching as he walks over to a table.

Trelaine blinks at Arwen's nod and turns around, smiling and nodding to Chiara, too, but then she goes to looking at the ground. She takes a few steps and frowns and looks at the table Arwen was giving his lesson at, then heads for it. Keep your head up and you won't run into things.

Trelaine stands and walks way back among the shelves from the Dimly lit corner.

Arwen stands and walks way back among the shelves from the Dimly lit corner.

Chiara inclines with a gracefull gesture her head to the old Sister and then heads of smiling happily to the corner of the library Arwen and Trelaine are where she begins searching through a closet in order to find some books on Ogier. Wide eyes travel to Trelaine and she returns the smile but furrows her brows wondering when she sees when they leave but shrugs it off.

Trelaine makes it to the table and smiles proudly at herself. Now, if only everyone else could have seen her watching where she was going. Looking around and sighing at the lack of people in the library, Trelaine plops into a seat, setting the book on the table. Absently she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.

Trelaine sits down at Reception desk.

Arwen asks Chiara politely, "How're you?" He sits down as well, shrugging at Trelaine as he comments, "And I'll be asking you your interpretation of the first two poems in there tomorrow, so be sure to read them, ok?"

Trelaine blinks at Arwen. "Tomorrow? Oh my!" And immediately she opens up the book and starts reading.

Trelaine licks her lips and looks over the poem, then turns the book around, towards Arwen, pointing at a word. "What's this one again?"

Arwen blinks at Trelaine's startlement, a trifle started in return, and shrugs, looking over. "Ahh...that means 'death'...as you can tell, that's a rather sad poem..."

Chiara blinks on hearing Arwen and turns around quickly, clapping her book against her body. "Wha...what?" she asks confused and then sighs relieved, seeing it's only? this Trainee. "I am fine, just studying my favourite subject." she replies quickly looking down at the ground and moves over to Trelaine glad to have a distraction, "It means more than death actually it means death unexpected, torn out of life would be better."

Lanta enters the Library from its massive wooden door

Trelaine blinks and nods, frowning at it. She shakes her head slightly and pulls the book back towards herself.

Lanta steps into the library, these hallowed halls which she nearly never enters. Her eyes scan the room to rest upon Chiara, scrutinizing her calmly, unblinking eyes seeming to reach down and assess her very soul.

Trelaine looks at the book, looks at Arwen, then looks up at Chiara. "Really? Hmmm."

Arwen nods after a moment, shrugging and pointing to the book in question, "You can tell from the contraction used, Trel..." He shrugs after a minute, rising as he spots Atalanta and bowing politely as he rises. "Aes Sedai."

Lanta inclines her head to Arwen, somehow managing to acknowledge him while never taking her eyes off of Chiara.

Trelaine looks back the book, just missing Lanta's entrace. She frowns, pondering. Then she blinks as Arwen says Aes Sedai. Quickly she stands up, knocking another book onto the floor. She blinks at it, blushes, curtsies, then bends down to pick it up.

Chiara looks over Trelaine's shoulder to a book while she claps a book against her. She nods smiling, "Yes, it is..it is a beatitfull poem is you know every meaning of the word." She feels suddenly somebody looking at her and she turns around and drops in a fluid curtsey, eyes on the ground... and then she raises them and looks the Misstress in the eyes as well.

Lanta 's eyes give the barest flicker of acknowledgement to Trelaine, then return to Chiara. "Novice Chiara," she says. Her voice is soft but her words carry to nearly fill the library--much to the dismay of the Browns. "come with me, please."

Trelaine glances between Lanta Sedai and Chiara curiously, then she looks over to Arwen, wondering if he has any reason for the scrutiny. Then Lanta Sedai speaks. She's off the hook for a little while more! Hurrah. Maybe they'll just forget about the hole in the hedge. Then she blinks again, something seeming to fall into place about the Aes Sedai's actions and tone of voice. She curtsies again to Lanta Sedai and smiles at Chiara, then plops into her seat quickly.

Lanta glances at Trelaine. "This afternoon in my office, child. You and I have a few things to discuss."

Trelaine blinks and pales quickly, nodding to Lanta. "Ye... yes, Lanta Sedai," she says shakily.

Chiara merely nods but blinks and pales a bit, "I will come Lanta Sedai." she replies softly anmd quick and hurries off.

Lanta turns, her hair whipping behind her like a rich brown banner of things to come.

Lanta passes through the massive wooden door leading into the Learning Center.

Arwen quirks a brow curiously; after a minute, he shrugs hisshoulders, and sits back down as well, moving to point at the book. "The next one is better, not as depressing, so when you're done with this one, it should be ok..."

Arwen sits down at Reception desk.

Trelaine calls out quickly. "Good luck!"

Chiara passes through the massive wooden door leading into the Learning Center.

[Scene change to the Tower Office Wing: White Tower, Tar Valon]

Micana glnaces up at Lanta and smiles faintly. She extends the smile to include Chiara.

Lanta pauses in her escorting of Chiara to give the Keeper a signifigant glance, smiling slightly as well.

Chiara follows Lanta Sedai quickly out wonder in her great gray eyes, she curtseys to the Keeper and then blinks on spotting Analee but curtseys to her as well.

Analee turns and curtsies to Lanta Sedai.

Analee grins at Chiara. She turns back to Micana. "Yes, Keeper, I am informed."

Lanta lifts a single eyebrow, curiously, but does not intrude on the Keeper's business.

Chiara smiles hesitatingly to Analee and then turns her gase back on the Mistress, waiting and wondering.

Lanta 's eyes twinkle humerously as she whispers to Micana.

Chiara sighs a bit and shifts to Analee, a question in her eyes.

Analee grins at Chiara, looks carefully at the Aes Sedai, and leans over to whisper to her. She mutters to Chiara, "... this crazy?... where... you..."

Chiara senses Analee grins at Chiara, looks carefully at the Aes Sedai, and leans over to whisper to her. "Isn't this crazy? So where are you going?"

Lanta glances at Analee and lifts a warning eyebrow.

Chiara just nods and shrugs to Analee, her face twists nervously.

Lanta glances at Chiara. "The wheel waits for no woman, child, come."

Lanta pads down the carpeted ramp, disappearing around a turn.

Chiara walks down the carpeted ramp and towards the Entrance Hall.

[Moving on to the Common Wing: White Tower, Tar Valon

Lanta glances back at Chiara and says, "Do not speak from this point until given permission."

Chiara looks around and feels a bit awfull, guessing what she will get now and nods, not speaking

Lanta places her hand on the handrail and walks down the stairs.

Chiara places her hand on the handrail and walks down the stairs.

[Ultimately, the Testing Chamber: White Tower, Tar Valon]

Chiara silently emerges into the testing chamber and her eyes immediately go to the arch into the room and they widen to an enormous space, she curtseys to the sisters present and then goes standing behind Lanta. Hands tucked together in front of her but not showing anything else that shows fear.

Lanta is silent and grave, and seems to be wwaiting on something, not even looking at the Novice any more.

Micana stands at the intersection of two of the arches. Sisters from other Ajah stand at the other two points. The floor of the room is polished and reflects lamplight in cold gleams. It may be noted that the expressions of of all the Aes Sedai are formal and set in expressionless masks which give nothing of their feelings away. The eyes of each rests on the novice for a few moments assessingly. They do not break the silence.

Raemira enters the Testing Chamber from the hallway of the basement.

Chiara swallows very noticably on the grave expressions of the Aes Sedai, her eyebrows furrow and her mouth gets a stubborn expression, but her eyes stay this impossibly large and shift quickly from misty to silvergray, unknowing what to do right now. Leaning once on her right then on her left foot she awaits..... This is quickly stopped on noticing the Ayrlin entering and bringing her hands to her skirts she curtseys deeply, the hands stay on her skirt on rising crumbling it.

Raemira walks into the chamber all calmness, despite the fact that she's more than a little late. She moves over to the podium, glancing between Lanta and Micana, then to Chiara. She pauses a moment, then turns to Lanta, "Have you started yet?"

Lanta shakes her head. "No Mother." Taking that as tacit invitation to begin, she turns tooface the novice, her voice strong, clear and calm. "You are to be tested for Raising to Accepted. Before you undergo the test, you must search yourself and decide wihether or not you are truly ready. You may refuse now, and twice again, without shame. The third refusal, and you will be put out of the Tower for good. Do you understand?"

Chiara settles her eyes on the Arches, though still wideopened she manages to study it for a moment. She hesitates to this and then nods quickly, "Yes I understand." her voice sounds soft, but clearly, strife is visuable on her face but then she shakes her head and makes a stern expression, "I am willing to undergo the test now Mistress Lanta."

Raemira nods and casually moves to her place by the podium, turning her eyes to Chiara. A faint sympathetic glance is cast in her direction, then winks away after but a few brief seconds, replaced by a placid, emotionless mask.

Raemira stands behind the Podium.

Lanta says "Then remove your clothing, Novice, that you may enter the testing unfettered."

Chiara's eyes drop down and she shivers at the symphatatic glace of the Amyrlin, not liking such a thing in the least. Slowly her fingers go up and she undresses, stepping out of her cloths around her feet she moves a bit closer to the Arches, eyes fixed on them.

Lanta looks to Chiara. "Now I will tell you two things that no woman hears before she stands in this chamber. The first: once you begin you must continue through, to the end. Refuse at any point, and you will be put out of the Tower just as if you had refused to begin for the third time."

Lanta waits for Chiara to think about those words, then continues. "The second: to seek, to strive, is to know danger. You must know that some women have entered and /never...come...out/. When the ter'angreal were allowed to grow quiet, they were /not/ there. And they were never seen again. If you will survive, you must remember this: to be steadfast. Falter, fail, and..." She allows her words to trail off in a meaningful way.

Lanta looks at the Novice, awaiting some response.

For a moment darknness swirrls in Chiara's eyes and she hesitatingly brings up a hand to wave away the curls which are placked against her face because of the Heat earlier today and now because of this. A long pause is set in which her eyes narrow thoughtfully then she nods, she's willing to take this risk and if too dangerous will leave the Tower, either way it will go fine for her...she thinks. Clearly her now lightgray eyes turn to Lanta Sedai, "I will remember your warnings and do the Test."

Lanta 's voice is soft but seems to ring through the chamber. "Then ready yourself. For there will be no turning back." She turns her attention to Raemira so the ritual may proceed.

Raemira inclines her head to Lanta, turning her eyes on Chiara, though speaking to the Mistress as she talks, "Whom have you brought with you, Daughter?" She intones, her voice more than slightly monotone in nature.

Lanta replies in the same monotone, "One who comes as a candidate for Acceptance."

Micana and the two Aes Sedai at the intersection of the arches turn their attention to the Ter'angreal before them and sit cross-legged, hands folding in a position of repose in their laps. Each grasps the source and holds ready.

"Is she ready?" Raemira responds, her eyes seemingly studying Chiara with a stark scrutiny, yet with eyes that cannot seem to hide abject sympathy.

"She is ready to leave behind what she was," Atalanta intones, in a clear, steady tone, "and passing through her fears, gain Acceptance."

Raemira seems to nods her head at that, pausing a moment "Does she know her fears?" The voice answers in it's monotone expression, emotion devoid from her face once more, seemingly an everchanging sea. "She is ready to leave behind what she was," Atalanta intones, "and passing through her fears, gain Acceptance."

The arches emit a humm that is more felt than heard as each of the Aes Sedai seated around it channel into it. The pure clean power sets the arches to shining silvery as they frame a glowing entry beyond which nothing may be seen.

Lanta says "She has never faced them, but now is willing."

Chiara looks with stretched neck to the rather large Amyrlin in her eyes from her tiny figure and smiles a bit weakly as she feels thhis woman has symphaty for this though it also makes her swallow.

"Then let her face her fears." Raemira calls out, the sound of her voice reverberating about the room, seemingly casting a forboding effect.

Lanta guides Chiara towards the first arch. "The first time is for what was. The way back will come but once. Be steadfast."

Chiara swallows but nots and goes over to the first Arch, eyes locked on what's inside she doesn't hesitate but quickly steps in, wanting to get over it right away.

Chiara enters the Arch One.

Your memory of the Tower and the arches winks away, leaving you with an odd tingling senseation. You are at home, or what you currently call home, in one of the many Amadician Libraries with your father and mother doing research. There is a feeling of peace and rightness for now. All she tries to see her father thtough the smookscream.

The smoke gets thicker and thicker, making it harder and harder to breath. The flames now lick at your own clothing, having run through them, and your father is now totally obscured from your sight, "GO, Mashiara!" Love he says, "GO now before you are caught here. Save yourself!" His voice continues to plead though almost barely heard over the roar of the fire.

Amid the thickening smoke a silvery arch flickers in the periphery of vision.
Light from the flames glints on the rising arc.
Be steadfast
The way back comes but once.

"NOO!!!!! Chiara's voice calls out on these words, not wanting to give her father up though he seems to know that's what she has to do. When a part of a burning woodshelf suddenly falls for her feet Chiara jumps back despite herself and suddenly sees the silver arch. Shaking her head she turns back, not wanting to go, knowing it must be darkfriends.... Then a thought crosses her, dumm people are saying such things on things they don't understand, it's been told by her father and earlier too by herself. Blinking she steps back and after one long look filled with tears and pain she goes through the arch, leaving behind the world in which her father would have lived if she could have saved him.

Chiara leaves the Arch One.

Chiara stumbles crying into the room, weaving the smoke away from her face and then blinks on seeing her white hand, no smoke.

As soon as Chiara comes out of the arches she is drenched with a chalice of water. No smoke is visible in the room, left behind by the arch, "You are washed clean of what sin you may have done, and those done against you. You are washed clean of what crime you may have committed," Raemira intones, her voice holding no sympathy, "and of those done against you. You come to us washed clean and pure, in heart and soul."

Chiara shivers on the cold water but keeps crying and bringing her hands through her short curls as she doesn't loose the memory and thoughts of this terrible. Shaking her head on what Raemira said she shivers, knowing she did just a crime in their order.

Lanta steps forward to guide the girl towards the second arch, placing her hand firmly on the novice's shoulder, no compassion at all visible on her normally warm features. "The second time. For what is. The way back will come but once. Be steadfast."

Chiara now hesitates, just one moment, then she nods wanting to become accepted, she owns it to Esthi's promise and not a quiter after all, this time it couldn't be as worse as this time. Nodding she steps into the arch.

Chiara enters the Arch Two.

All thoughts of the previous experience wink away, the memories of what happened to your father gone, for now. You find yourself in the Ogier Grove, walking along as if it were another day, wearing the Accepted's dress that you've just adorned. Before you, you see something that must surely be a hallucination, or an illusion. Esthi laying there in the green grass, not dead, at least not yet. Though she lays at an odd angle, as if moving is hard for her to do. Upon closer inspection you notice that she is rather deeply injured, and blood is running down her leg. She seems awake, but not entirely so. Her breathing is also labored.

Micana sits impassively, totally focused on the ter'angreal before her as are the other two Aes Sedai.

Stopping abruptly from the quick pace she has in order to get where she wants to be, that tree to study the birds from the top, Chiara runs screaming, "Esthi!" over to the girl and falls on her knees in the grass, looking at the girls's face and she shakes her head, "Esthi, please?" she whispers and carefully lets her finger trail the girls's blooding figures, "What happened." Shaking her head fiercely she thinks, "What should happen now." and she turns around, not one person is around but suddenly a sparrow flings up and she smiles, remembering her newly found Talent Animal Communicating, considering she couls send for help. Glancing back at her wounded friend she shakes her head and stands, running towards a place where herbs grow, knowing she could stop the pain and slow down the bleeding.

A moan escapes from Esthi's lips, though that is all. It is apparent that she's been here for quite sometime, though whether by self inflicted pain, or a product of a brutal beating, you can't be certain, "Chiara?" Her voice calls out weakly, as she strains to get up. A loud scream can be heard and she settles down in pain again, breating becoming more labored.

 The way back
 The way back
         Once
         Once
         once
   The way back comes but once.
           Steadfast
         Steadfast
     Steadfast
   Be Steadfast
 Words echo in memory, bare whispers in Chiara's mind. 

Chiara quickly runs back, in her hands bundles of herbs but not nearly enough. Dropping down she lays them on her friend's tongue and on some of the more severly bleeding wounds. "Don't talk, I will send for help." she whispers and turns her head up, ready to embraze the Source but is stopped by these words and blinks, somehow remembering them from her memory....but also from sometime else. Thinking this over seriously she forgets Esthi for a moment whose breathing suddenly stops. Quickly pressing on Esthi's chest she succeeds to get the breath again and with wide pained eyes in panic looks at her face, knowing should she stop now her friend would stop breathing again.

Along the towering trees in the grove rises a shimmering silvery structure which certainly is foreign to this place yet seems somehow to 'belong' Silver glints along the curving surface which beacons by its very presence.
The way back comes but once.
Be steadfast.

Chiara looks up and blinks on seeing the Arch 'impossible' it flashes through her head but then those other thoughts come and she blinks confused, looking down on her friend and shaking her head fiercely, bending down and preparing to embrase, "I am here to take care of you." she whispers but then Esthi's eyes widen and she shakes her head, "YOU have..promised," again the head falls aside and the breathing stops, Chiara is willing to help and stay but her eyes are drawn to the arch and slowly she moves over to it again crying her heart out while she steps out of it.

Chiara leaves the Arch Two.

Cold water splashes over Chiara once more as she exits the second Arch. Raemira intones in a loud voice for all to hear, "You are washed clean of false pride. You are washed clean of false ambitiion. You come to use washed clean, in heart and soul." There is no shred of sympathy there, though several of the Aes Sedai in the chamber seem to let out breaths of air they did not recall holding, almost in unison.

Micana continues to power the Ter'angreal with her two Sisters. The attention of each remains on the intersection before them.

Chiara shivers and clasps her arms around her body, "NO, no!" she cries and looks down to the floor, 'I left her to die' are the words ringing to her head, "Tell me it isn't true?" she asks softly, shaking her head

Raemira does not seem to answer as she casts a glance in Lanta's direction, cueing the last arch.

Lanta doesn't give the girl much time to react before she is there again, calmly steering her towards the third arch. "It is customary not to speak of one's fears." Her voice softens as she murmurs, "And none know for sure if it is true or not. The arches weave traps for you from your own mind. I'm sure every woman who has come through here has asked much the same." Stern once more she says, "The third time is for what will be. The way back will come but once. Be steadfast."

Chiara swallows heavily and shakes her head, "Please, not" she whispers and then leans down sighing, before entering now she hesiatates much longer and then finally steps in.

Chiara enters the Arch Three.

For the last time you pass through the arches, future unknown, yet past forgotten. You find yourself in a large meeting hall, somewhere outside of the Tower. Why you are there is exactly uncertain, however several prominent members of the Brown Ajah, and their Gaidin, were called away from the Tower. Unfortunately, you seem to be alone for the moment, or as alone as you can be with your Gaidin at your side. Suddenly several people dressed in black, from head to toe, pop out from behind some of the curtains, perhaps coming in from windows, and start to surround you.

Lanta shakes her head slightly as Chiara steps through, then steps back, features showing nothing of her worry.

In a few short moments you can feel pain shooting through the bond, as your Gaidin beside you is hit by a sword. You can feel he is still alive however as he moves into the forms, quickly trying to protect you the best he can.

Chiara's eyelashes flutter in order to get her mind firm here but when the men arrive her eyes widen and she shakes her head on seeing one of them is her uncle Maxuel Shoole, Lord Captain Commander of the Children of the Light. "UNcle No!" she exclaims and she runs to her gaidin, the one she loves and the one who left the Whiteclothes for her, "Please not him!" Maxuel merely smirks, "THis is for those who betray me, the Children and join the Dark one."

Those dressed in black continue to bear at the nameless Gaidin, not heeding Chiara's words at all. Sword meets sword and a clanging can be heard within the air. More and more nicks can be felt through the bond, pain shoothing through it as several men at once gang up on him. Children of Light, also, pour into the room. the Lord Captain Commander marches himself more toward Chiara, eyes showing that he means business.

Chiara is stopped by the black figures and thrown aside, rolling down in pain due to the wounds on Renoir and then stops, being just in front of her uncle who places his sword against her throat, "Sweet Chiara, I do feel some regret." he whispers unheared by his men and then his voice rings out, "This Darkfriend part of my family will soon be extincted, but let's go outside, we will show the world that we won't alllow Darkfriends to enter out places and throw bad reputation on our members."With that he indicates that the 2 captives are to be put outside, "I have bad news for you Chiara, your mother died a month ago, suddenly the house was put into fire." he says sweetly. Chiara shivers and breaks into crying, despite her calm aes sedai appearance usually, knowing he must have given the order to kill his own sister.

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         Back
              Back
 The way back
     Comes but
   once
   once
   once.
         Be Steadfast.
 Fragments of memories not Chiara's own tickle and play in the back of her mind.

The Gaidin does not give up so easlily, still fighting, not necessarily captive just yet. With a few short sword strokes he seems to fell two, three, then four of the men, his training rivaling that if their own. "I'll not give up so easily" He cries out, then rushes to charge Maxuel himself when he has a clear chance. When the Lord Captain Commander is distracted by the onslaught, he yells, "Go Chiara, now, get out of here!" His voice does not seem to plead, but order his Aes Sedai, the void shooting down on his pain, blocking it some from her.

Chiara jerks free from the Child who hold her and then stops and looks in awe at the 2 men who mean most to her in her whole life are fighting together. Knowing she /has/ to do something like that she doesn't do what her Gaiden says and in fact just stands there in a corner shocked also by those words flying bye in the back of her head before shaking her head to get her mind clear, then she considers the small hidden doorway downstairs from here, a way out and then use Concealment to get out of here. Quickly she jerks forward to the men to free her Gaiden by standing with lifted arms between the 2 of them

Slowly something starts to flicker a few paces away. Silver glints in and out of vision as if there and yet not there before it solidifies into a silver arch. An almost imperceptible hum fills the mind and words echo in memory.
The way back
Comes but once.
Be steadfast.

As this happends Chiara turns around in wild fear and her face pales, "NO." she whispers and shakes her ehad, knowing that she has to go through it but why....? she shivers and then looks up at her uncle, challenging, "Kill me with your own sword." He hesitates, just for a second and this allows her to pull her Gaidin out of the reach of his sword and towards the hidden doorway which he knows as well, preparing to get the Source any minute but then stops as her gaze flings to the arch and then back to the now madly approaching Maxuel swaying with his sword. The Gaidin notices this and turns her out of Max's reach while getting his sword. Chiara stumbles to the archway and after one last look she turns to the place and hurries out of there, crying.

Chiara leaves the Arch Three.

Chiara stumbles out of the arch and seems willing to drop down on the floor and keep sitting there crying

Water is once again poured over Chiara's head, for the third and final time. "You are washed clean...." Raemira intones, her voice holding an uncanny note to it, "of Chiara Maccolla of Amadicia. You are washed clean of all ties that bind you to the world. You come to us washed clean, in heart and soul." A faint pause before she continues, "You are Chiara Maccolla, Accepted of the White Tower." As the last drop falls on Chiara's head you hear her murmur, "You are sealed to us now," as if the girt's fate has been sealed to the Tower.

The humm that is more felt than heard subsides and the glow between the arches enclosures fades. The Aes Sedai at the intersections release the source and rise to their feet to face the Chiara, Amyrlin Seat and Mistress of Novices.

Lanta steps forward, holding a towel and the folded white dress with the bands of the seven ajahs about it, kissing Chiara gently on both cheeks. "Congradulations, Accepted."

Chiara shivers and just keeps her eyes locked on the floor, not willing to acknowledge the fact that she is part of the Tower, and knowing deep in herself that she will always be apart from others in here due to her family. Finally she turns her head up and curtseys, "Yes Amyrlin." she whispers in a strained voice before turning to Lanta and takes the dress hesitatingly, she smiles weakly at Lanta, "thank you, I think." quickly she begins to dress herself.

Raemira pulls a small rign from the pouch at her waist and calmly watches Chiara. It's no doubt that it's one of the Great Serpents Accepted receive after raising. She glances from Lanta to Micana then back to the form upon the ground, seemingly waiting calmly. "Please give hold out your left hand, Daughter." Daughter, not child, she said. Raemira seems to wait for this simple action the right gently caressed between her fingers.

Chiara nods and extends her left hand, it shakes due to fear and also excitement. Great lightsilvergray eyes look up at the Amyrlin's face and for some reason she shivers on being called Daughter, remembering how good a daughter she is.

Raemira presses the golden ring of a serpent onto Chiara's third finger of her left hand. She then leans forward and places a kiss on each cheek, murmuring, "Welcome" Each time, then rises to her full height and murmurs, "You may only wear the ring on that finger. To do elsewise is to impersonate an Aes Sedai." She begins quietly, "You will find that you will be worked hardest in the next two weeks, given more lessons and chores than you'll know how to handle. This is to cull those who somehow passed the test out of our ranks." Her voice is devoid of emotion. "For the next two days, you are obsolved from chores or lessons, and then will be expected to see Atalanta Sedai for your class roster and new chore rotation. You will be allowed to teach, after you have been observed by an Aes Sedai in teaching a class. Understood?"

Chiara only nods to these words, unable to say more and besides, she knows all about it from other accepted, though never this personal and hopefully never again. Turning the rig around her finger her eyes turn thoughtfully away before nodding and curtseying, "I will follow these rules Amyrlin."

Raemira nods slightly, "You are dismissed then, go rest. I know the experience was rather... traumatic." that's all she says, nodding to Chiara once more, then glancing to the others, who've let out a large sigh of relief once it was finished.

Chiara curtseys and then turns around, not running but very quickly stepping to the door wanting to get out of here as fast as possible and to fall on her bed crying.

Micana moves forward to offer a welcoming kiss for Chiara's cheek before she leaves.

Other Aes Sedai present a kiss of welcome before departing. One glows slightly as the puddles of water on the floor slowly disappear and the sound of fluid dropping into a pail to the side is heard.

Chiara just shrugs, feeling a little better with the signs of sympathy but not mcuh, just wanting to go up, lay down on her room and cry over there.

Micana glances toward the others as the room empties. She awaits any instructions.

Chiara leaves the Testing Chamber.

[In the aftermath, Chiara's Room: White Tower, Tar Valon]

Chiara stumbles into her room and without even kicking off her shoes she throws herself on the bed and burries her face in her pillow, crying her heart out and throwing the newly gotten ring from her finger on the floor.

Analee comes into the room.

Analee enters quietly with a grin on her face. "Chiara?"

Chiara is lying crying on her bed, not noticing Analee coming in.

Analee walks in, sits on the edge of the bad and rests her hand on Chiara's back. "Chiara, sweet, it's me, Analee."

Chiara turns slowly her head towards Analee, "It it...: she breaks into crying again and turns around

Analee runs her soft fingers along Chiara's back. "C'mon, babe. You want a shoulder to cry on?"