Setting: Testing Chamber: White Tower, Tar Valon

Players:
Raemira - Amyrlin Seat
Micana - Keeper of the Chronicles
Lanta - Mistress of Novices
Elise - Novice turning Accepted

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

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

Elise looks around trying hard to maintain her composure, but mostly failing. She looks scared. She does curtsy though.

Standing quietly by the podium is the Amyrlin herself, with three chalices of water neatly placed there, next to a few lumps of cloth. She stands ready and waiting for the events, eyes moving over the Novice, as if to appraise her worth.

Micana stands beside an intersection of the three arches forming the ter'angreal. Her expression is formally devoid of emotion and she calmly studies the novice who enters.

Elise takes a deep breath which she lets out slowly. She forces the tensions, in her body at least, to pour out of her body like liquid from a pitcher. She meets the eyes of the Aes Sedai, still fearful, but with courage.

Lanta turns to Elise. "You are about to be offered the opportunity to take the test for Raising to Accepted. Before we go any farther, you must search your heart and decide if you are truly ready for this. You may refuse now, and twice more, without shame. Upon the third refusal you will be given a bag of silver and kindly be put out of the Tower, never to return. Do you understand?"

Elise takes another breath as she thinks seriously about this questions. Time stretches so that what is only a minute or two seem to her like an hour. Finally she says in a steady voice, "I understand and I stand ready."

Micana continues to wait silently and expectantly. Aes Sedai at the other two intersections mirror her demeanor.

Raemira continues to watch quietly, her features a mask of contrived indifference as she folds her hands before her.

"Very well, then. I will now tell you two things that no woman hears before she enters this room. The first is this. Once you begin you must continue through, till the end. Refuse to go on, and you will be put out, just as if you had refused to take the test for the third time. The second is this: to seek, to strive, is to know danger. You will know danger here. Some women have entered those rings and /never come out/. When the rings were allowed to grow quiet, they /were not there/. If you will survive, you must be steadfast. Falter, fail, and..." Atalanta allows her words to trail off, meaningfully.

Some of the fear re-enters Elise's face, but there is a toughness beneath it, a toughness that was there when she came to the Tower and that has grown as she has grown. She doesn't pretend to understand the implications of what was said and merely takes it at face value. She nods.

Lanta says sternly, "This is your last chance, child. You may turn back now, right now, and you will have only one makr against you. It is no shame to refuse. Many do."

Elise gets that all-too-common stubborn look she has for the first few months she was at the Tower, all pretense and control thrown away in the tension of the moment. She has nothing to hide from these women after all. "I understand and still stand ready." She obviously feels a little differently about whether there would be shame in refusing.

Micana turns with the other Aes Sedai and moves to sit on a cushion before the joining of two arches. Skirts rustle as they pool around the Aes Sedai like petals surround the heart of a flower. Slight movement beneath the folds of material are visible as they arrange their legs and place hands on knees or in laps, serenely staring straight ahead and waiting.

Lanta nods and ushers Elise further into the chamber, bringing her before Raemira.

Elise moves further into the chamber, a little numb and still a little scared. She curtsies again out of habit as she approaches the Amyrlin.

Lanta looks at Elise and says, "Remove your clothing, Novice."

Elise has too many other emotions and thoughts spinning around inside her to even think of being modest at a time like this. She carefully removes her dress and small clothes, dropping them unceremoniously on the floor.

Raemira turns her eyes to Lanta now, no expression within the, all emotion gone. "Whom do you bring with you, Daughter?" Raemira enchants as her eyes roam about the Novice in that oh so appraising manner.

"One who comes as a candidate for Acceptance, Mother," Atalanta replies, just as formally.

Elise stands straighter as she feels eyes on her, seeming much more like a confident young woman than the stubborn and tactless girl who came to the Tower.

"Is she ready?" speaks the Amyrlin, in an monotone voice.

The Aes Sedai at the Arches concentrate, expressions somber. The Ter'angreal begins to emit an inaudible hum which is more 'felt' than heard. The space inside each of the three arches begins to glow and shimmer forming an opaque veil as the bend of ter'angreal surrounding it glows silver.

"She is ready to leave behind what she was, and, passing through her fears, gain Acceptance," Atalanta says.

Raemira pauses a moment, eyes moving over the young Novice quietly, studying her with a bit of sympathy before it winks away, "Does she know her fears?"

"She has," Atalanta intones, "never faced them, but now is willing."

Elise shivers, though not from the cold, as she glances at the Arches of the Ter'angreal and feels.. something.. her looks goes back to the Amyrlin, and finds strength in the flicker of sympathy there.

"Then let her face her fears." Raemira speaks, her eyes matching her voice, emotionless and cold.

Lanta looks at Elise and then puts a hand on her shoulder, guiding her towards the first arch. "The first time is for what was. The way back will come but once. Be steadfast."

Elise moves toward the arch, briefly closing her eyes before stepping through. The words "Be steadfast" seem to echo in her ears and she wonders what they mean.

Elise enters the Arch One.

The Tower seems but a distant memory as you pass through the Arches. You find yourself home, about 15 or 16 now. Everything seems right, as it always should. You are with your Mother in the market square, looking over bolts of silk to make a new dress with, "So Elise, which do you like better, the blue or the burgundy?"

Elise hesitates, something not seeming right, but she looks around and everything seems exactly as it should. She looks over the fabric her mother(?) is showing her, smiling. "I like them both mother, though I think the blue might look better.. if it doesn't cost too much."

Elise has an almost irresistable urge to hug her mother, and does, absorbing her warmth and smell, enjoying the secure feeling she gets from being with her.

Your mother nods silently, a warm, loving smile touching her lips, "I thought so as well." She speaks softly, reaching out to place the burgundy silks back, "We'll take this one, Master Ladrin" The merchant nods, and places the silk in the back, barganing for the price until it is satisfactory. Your mother seems to smile then walks down to the next stall, "You know your father is very proud of you Elise, having accepted the offer in marriage that you did." Her voice comes softly, "Are you certain you want to marry though, you are still so young..." Worry enters your mother's voice, almost as if she feels you are not ready for such things.

Elise wonders at the worry, knowing her mother almost always trusts her. "But mother, he's such a nice young man." She blushes at the thought of his arms around her, "And it certainly won't hurt to be allied with his family." She pauses, finally saying the important thing, "And I love him." She laughs, "and after all I am 15, older than some of my married friends."

"Perhaps..." Your mother answers in return, pausing her words, "Perhaps you are right. I am just being overprotective, dear..." She offers another warm smile then stops, her eyes tightening slightly as she places a hand to her head. Something triggers within your mind at this. Another headache. She's been getting them more often than not lately, which has been the cause of some great concern to the healer, who does not know how they happen to come and go.

Steadfast
  Steadfast
    Steadfast
      Steadfast
Once
  The way back
    comes but once.
          Once.

Thoughts not of Elise's own making tiptoe through her mind. 

Elise takes her mother's arm, in case she becomes unsteady on her feet as she sometimes does during her 'spells'. She'd never say it, or even think it, but this worries her greatly. She shakes her head as some seemingly foreign thoughts pass through her mind, ignoring them. "Are you alright mother? Shall I take you home now?" She takes the packages from her before once more taking her arm.

Elise feels almost physically the word "Steadfast" as it echoes again and again. She feels she should know what it means, but can't quite remember.

The woman who is your mother continues to hold her hand to her head, "I am fine... just... a little... dizzy." She tries to clear her head, and her thoughts, grateful that that you have the packages, though something strange seems to happen.... the sky begins to grow a little darker in the area that you are standing in, no where else.... almost as if a storm was called just here and here alone.

A silvery arch flickers in the periphery of vision, light glinting on the
rising arc.
        Be steadfast
        the way back comes but once.

Elise looks around, the thought of an approaching storm causing her to shiver not out of fear, or from the cold, but as if she feels an excitement or a kinship with it. She knows this feeling well.. or does she? She knows something's wrong here; knows she must do something. She looks at the flicker, thinking perhaps it's some distant lightning. Before she realizes what she's doing she leaves her mother and stumbles toward that flicker, almost she turns around to help as her mother collapses to the ground behind her. The words are again ringing in her head, louder and louder, "Steadfast.. steadfast.. only once.." She gives a gasp as she lunges toward the arch, knowing she's betraying the woman who loves her most......

Elise leaves the Arch One.

Elise forces herself not to stumble and fall but the tears stream from her face as she steps from the Arch. She uses all the tricks of control that suddenly come back to her to keep herself from blindly lashing out or screaming or anything to get rid of the pain.

Water is poured over Elise's head as she exits the first arch, "You are washed clean of what sin you my have done, and those done against you." Raemira's voice speaks in that intonation used earlier, "You are washed clean of what crime you may have committed, and of those committed against you. You come to us washed clean and pure, in heart and soul."

Micana sits impassively, maintaining full concentration on the silvery joining before her.

And then, Atalanta is there. She shows no hint of relief or sympathy as she moves to guide Elise to arch #2. "You are doing well. Coming back is doing well. Remember what your purpsoe is and you shall continue to do well. The second time is for what is. The way back will come but once. Be steadfast."

Elise almost welcomes the cold water, and there is something much like lightning behind her eyes. The word "steadfast" never seems to leave her mind now, but it feels like a curse. She knows what she has to do though and walks unsteadily toward the second Arch with a quick backward glance at Lanta.

Elise enters the Arch Two.

As you step through the arches, you find yourself outside of the Tower setting, once more. You are on a road, all thoughts of the testing gone from your mind, with several other Aes Sedai. You are in regular dress, but the ring is on the finger which designates you as an Accepted. Several of the Aes Sedai seem to be giving you stern looks. One of them, Myara, a staunch yellow trusted by the Amyrlin, barks, "So, Accepted, just what were you thinking when you snuck beneath our wagons to go help Nata, hmm? Did you not know the -bloody- dangers of what we were doing and were you -not- bloody aware of the edict by the Amyrlin to stay at the tower?" Myara seems to have no qualms wiht using language far away from the Tower to prove her point.

Elise glances around at the Aes Sedai present, looking for even the barest flicker of support from any of them. She curtsies deeply, retaining her composure. "I saw a need Myara Sedai and knew I had to at least try to help. The danger to myself was negligible compared to the danger to my friend and sister Nata." Of the several tactics she has thought of to defend her actions she finally chooses the honest approach. "And as an Accepted I'm more expendable than any full Sister."

"You are a fool child for even bloody thinking that girl." The air seems to shimmer about Myara, who's had her fill of foolishness lately, "Not only have you cost us precious travel time, but you are endangering your life as well. And whoever told you that you were expendable, was even more foolish than you. -All- channelers with any bloody potential are valuable to the Tower, whether you wish to believe it or not, now get you yourself up on your horse and just do as you're told." At that particular point, as Myara is about to stalk off, a lone man comes out into view, with Nata with him. Surprisingly, the Aes Sedai were farther along than expected. The man halts and glances to the others, then barks an order out into the air. Out of nowhere, emerges several men. He keeps a tight grip on Nata's arm, while the others seek to encounter the Aes Sedai. There is an opening for you to get around to Nata and the man should you desire to do so. She appears pretty beat up, very bruised and her hair seems shorter than it was before.

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 Elise's mind.

Elise quickly sizes up the situation, her intuitive grasp of tactics along ith the huge amount of reading she's done on the subject telling her xactly what she must do. She vaults herself atop Myara Sedai's lean brown Mare, ripping the reigns loose from the branch to which they were tied, and gallops the horse directly toward Nata, knowing that with a little luck she can get there before they can stop her. Perhaps she can even run down the man holding Nata, but if not she knows she can grab her arm and drag her from him. She thinks, briefly, about embracing the Source and using that as an additional weapon, but knows very well her vows.

Something seems to happen and the horses legs buckle beneath it. Nata tries to scream out a warning, though silently do her words come, as if cut off from speaking somehow. It might lead you to believe that someone else is out there channeling, though it is hard to tell with all the Aes Sedai within the area now using the source for some sort of protection. Myara does mutter a dark curse about a foolish child moving before thinking. As the man notices you coming in his direction a dagger flicks to Nata's neck and he starts to drag her off, issuing a blow to her side as she tries to scream to Elise. Helplessly she is dragged toward the forest rim of the road.

Beside the road 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.

Elise never did quite learn to control her temper, or how to hold anything back in an emergency. Although she's never done it she intuitively knows that she can call down lightning on these men. She reaches for the Source, blood running hot, anger starting to well up within her at the treatment Nata has received and the danger she yet faces. She glances at the silvery thing nearby but chooses to ignore it as there are more important things to take care of.

As long as the time takes to create the carefully formed weaves, does it take for the man to move into the forest with Nata, not completely out of sight, yet, but now there is another worry, the first provides cover, but also offers more danger as well, should fires be started. Nata's screams can be heard now, almost as if the gag was lifted from her to taunt others with it. Somewhere deep within the forest something moves, dark and menacing.

An inaudible hum that is felt deep inside and the fleeting drifting thoughts seem to be emitted from the waiting silvery arch.

once
        once
        back
        The way back comes but once.
        Sssteeeaaaaddddffffaaassstttt

Elise glances again at the arch knowing there's something she must do.. something.. the word "Steadfast" rolls around in her mind. She wonders what's going on and knows deep down that she can help Nata if she can get close enough to the forest. She wills herself forward, toward the trees, but instead her body seems to take it's own direction, carrying her toward the arch. She knows that whatever dark thing is waiting in the woods will likely destroy Nata unless she can help.. especially since the Aes Sedai all seem engaged.. but still her body takes leaden steps toward the arch, leaping through it rather than turning back as she reaches it. SHer arms reaching back as if even then she's trying to twist around and return to the rescue.

Elise leaves the Arch Two.

Elise crashes to the hard floor as if in mid-leap. Her shoulder and leg bruising badly. As memory returns she pulls herself to her feet, anger plain on her face. Still, she says nothing, merely looks around at the Aes Sedai giving them all dark and foreboding looks.

Micana continues to sit and power the arches with her Sisters, her eyes flicking briefly to the Novice being tested, then back to the task before her.

The second silver chalace is emptied onto Elise's head as she falls to the floor, "You are washed clean of false. You are washed clean of false ambition." The Amyrlin intones, "You come to use washed clean, in heart and soul."

Lanta lets out the faintest of relieved sighs as she approaches Elise again. "One more to go. The third time is for what will be. The way back will come but once. Be steadfast."

Elise loses at least some of her anger, though it seems replaced with sadness, at the words "washed clean." She takes a breath and glances at the third arch with raw fear. Nevertheless she limps toward it, not completely broken.

Elise enters the Arch Three.

Light sears through you, then the memory of stepping through the arches for a third and final time winks away, until you find yourself standing admist an encampment. Everything is quiet for now, yet the air seems to hold a bit of promise of something foreboding and dark. All around, there are injured or those near dead, and you know that you yourself have on ability to help them, with Healing beyond your strength and scope. Aes Sedai you are now, pushed thick into the brink of a war that has devasted over half of Tear and Illian. No one knows how or why it started, just that.... something is not right. A patrol passes by you, consisting of trainees and Gaidin, each looking tired and weary. A young boy comes to you, "Excuse me Elise Sedai...." His voice is small, and holds awe and wonder, "There is a message for you from Lord Merric." Lord Merric, as you recall, isn't really a lord, but the 'advisor' to some vagabond group that appears to be thickly involved within the war.

Elise looks around, knowing that she should be Healing, but she nods to the boy and takes the message and quickly unseals and reads it. All the while looking for the worst injured of the fighters around her. She motions the boy to follow in case she should need to send some reply to the 'Lord'.

The boy moves his way through the crowd, at the acknowledgement from the Aes Sedai. He seems to be eager, as if the the prospect of meeting with a possible warlord is the most exciting thing in the world, though to you.... he is more than just warlord. You can't quite put your finger on it though. You come to a small gathering of men just on the outskirts of your own camp. A few of them look at the young 'messenger' and snort, dismissing him as no threat, though at the approaching Aes Sedai, a few put their hands to their hilts. The 'leader', Merric, holds out a hand as if to stay them, "Easy boys, she's here on me request." That does not seem to ease their spirits yet though, as Merric grins crookedly at Elise.

Elise looks sternly at Merric at what she sees as a too-familliar manner. Still, she watches him closely, trying her best to get inside his head and pin down exactly what's bothering you. "I have come Merric, and I hope it's worthwhile as there is much Healing to do here." She intentionally leaves off the word 'Lord', though her method of address accords him some standing above peasant.

Merric gives a mocking bow, "Honor to serve, Aes Sedai" And speaks mocking words. There is something in his eyes that he knows that she does not, and that alone is enough for him, "Aye, I have called ye here." With a slight nod of the head, the men surround the woman and the child, one dangerously close to the overeager boy who stands in awe of all of the warriors, unaware of any possible dangers. "I bring tidings to you from the his Lordship." His eyes twinkle darkly for a moment, "If you agree agree to our terms, and his tidings, he said to spare yoru life." He grins slightly, "If not..." A hint of what is to come shines deep within his eyes, though whatever he is speaking about appears important, and detrimental to the wellbeing of the Tower, or at least that's what tingles in the back of your mind.

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

Anger begins to boil in the back of Elise's mind as she begins to suspect exactly what is going on here and exactly who 'his Lordship' is. She learned as an Accepted to keep her emotions under control, but still her instinct is to strike these men down. Still, this might be the key to the war, and this is more important than her own safety, or even that of the boy. "Speak Merric.

Merric's eyes twinkle slightly, "His Lordship wishes information on the designs of the Tower." Maybe she does not know who 'his Lordship' is afterall. "If you provide those, we will set you free, unharmed, and the child as well" With that the boys eyes seem to widen and one of the men reach down and picks up him as if he was weightless, the motion a blur, placing him upon the saddle before him, "There is no need to ask why, as I am certain, Aes Sedai, you can already figure our for yourself. He plans to march to the Tower next, and if you will not give it, others surely will."

Elise knows she can't lie, but nevertheless feels a tremendous need to protect the Tower, the boy, and herself (in that order) at all cost. "I would request a meeting with.. His Lordship.. then. This is not information I could freely give except to him, and there are certain assurances I will need before revealing any of this." She knows she would never betray the Tower, and that her words are on the edge of a lie, but a few minutes with this Lord may be all that's required to save everything... She nods to Merric, "Go forth and arrange it if you please."

Merric shakes his head, "We speak here, and now, or not at all." He seems quite adament, "You do not realize that you have no choice in the matter. Nor do you realize that the Amyrlin is already dead by this time." His eyes twinkle darkly, "Soon the Tower will fall, and everyone inside with it."

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.

Elise feels an almost physical pain at the thought of the Amyrlin being dead. She shows nothing of course but stares into Merric's eyes, knowing that her stare alone would cow most men. She opens her mouth as if to speak, the slippery words and choices running through her mind like quicksilver. "I can still get us all out of this." She says to herself, "I know I can!" Her certainty makes her bearing even more powerful and adds potency to her deameanor. "You would tell an Aes Sedai that she has no choice Merric?" She turns her gaze into something dangerous, as if she's about to do something to the man and his followers, knowing she risks the boy's life but having a solid plan in mind.

"Think carefully, woman" The look might cow most men, but Merric is not most men, "You are surrounded by a good ten to twelve trained men, which could pierce you with a bloody dagger or an arrow as quickly as you could blink with just a signal from me. And that boy...." He emphasizes, "May not live to see his next sunrise because of you. Do -not- threaten me." There is an even more dangerous note to his voice somehow, and that look of knowing comes to his eyes. Merric is a gambler it seems, and he's calling a bluff. "We have not harmed you yet, and know you cannot do so in turn unless we make the first move. We know that to be true from rumors and information we've gotten from the Tower already." Spies, informants, eyes and ears are everywhere. Just how much does this man know that he needs to grill one Aes Sedai about the designs of the Tower? And why Elise out of all people. Perhaps because of her ambitions? One never knows, "There is more for you if you help us. His Lordship might let you rule along side him." Well, that sinches it, if he were of the Dark, it would have been for him, not with him, wouldn't it? "I hear he's looking for someone to help.... bring about the perfect child." A sickly grin forms upon his features, "Of course, he is a gentleman, so the choice is yours. Give us the information we need and live in power... or watch the child die before yourself." Dagger comes forth to the boy's neck, who's awe has slowly turned to fright. He clings to the seat of the saddle, his fingers white.

Silver shimmers and starts to fade as the hum which is felt recedes then becomes louder. The arch becomes insubstantial, then firms up again.

The way back comes but once.
        once
        once.
            Steadfast.
            Be Steadfast.

Elise can't keep her eyes from the Arch. She knows she should be moving toward it, but not why. And this is far too important a task to leave unattended on a whim. Still, her eyes are drawn to it again as one word echoes in her mind.. "steadfast.. steadfast.." With a sob of regret, knowing that the world as she knows it will likely be pulled down because of her action.. or inaction.. she watches the Arch, turns back to Merric, then decides for certain, stepping through the arch. "The tower will fall because of me" She thinks as the 'real' world comes back into focus.

Elise leaves the Arch Three.

Elise walks unsteadily out of the Arch, her face grim, betrayal written plainly across her features. She can't bring herself to look at any of the Aes Sedai.

Lanta ,for her part, just looks relieved.

Thrice is a chalice of water poured over Elise's head, "You are washed clean of Elise Daendrel from Tar Valon. You are washed clean of all ties that bind you to the world. You come to use washed clean, in heart and soul." Raemira pauses to take a short breath, "You are Elise Daendrel, Accepted of the White Tower." Her eyes roam over the girl now, more seriously appraising than before, as if sizing up her potential, then she speaks in an ominous voice, "You are sealed to us now." With that she lays the chalice on the table next to her and steps foward. She seems to wait until the girl is helped up to here feet.

Several of the Aes Sedai about the room appear to let out deeply held breaths, one of each to represent their Ajah, and more to welcome to the girl.

Lanta fetches a towel and an Accepted's dress.

Elise seems like all the emotion has been drained from her except regret and sadness. Still, there is a spark of anger behind her eyes, and perhaps a determination that wasn't there before enterring the chamber. She can't bring herself to speak, though, or hardly to move. But it's obvious that this is a temporary thing that will pass eventually, even to her.

Lanta wraps the towel gently around the girl. The dress can wait a moment.

Raemira leans forward and kisses Elise on each cheek, "Welcome, Daughter" comes her words, said in an emotionless tone. She then steps back, waiting for Lanta to dry her off and get her clothed, "It is custom at the Tower that you do not speak about what happened in the arches. I trust you will keep with that custom." It is not really a request, but more of an order. "You will have the next two days free of chores and classes, to recooperate, then the next two weeks will you meet with the hardest training you've had within your life. If you thought your Novice years will bad, you will find them a vacation to those of your Accepted years." She pauses then continues, "You may not teach until you've had your spirit class, and been observed by an Aes Sedai for the first time." She then pauses once more, watching quietly as she speaks the words upon the new Accepted, perhaps too much for her to absorb at the moment.

After getting Elise clothed, Atalanta steps back with a single murmured, "Welcome, Accepted."

Elise feels the soft dry warmth of the towel and holds it to her gratefully. "Thank you Lanta Sedai." She says, though her voice almost breaks saying even that small thing. Hearing the Amyrlin's words she pauses to absorb them, a little of the fire and iron coming back into her. She says, more steadily this time, "Yes Mother." Accepting all that she said with that simple statement.

Raemira pulls something out of a tiny pouch at her waist. Her eyes narrow slightly, as if considering something, though she murmurs, "Hold out your left hand please." She waits for the simple action.

"When you are settled," Atalanta says, her voice no more than a low murmur, "you need to come by my office. An Accepted chooses her own studies, but if she fails to do so fast enough, they will be chosen for her."

Three tired looking Aes Sedai cease channeling pure power into the arches and release the source. One by one they rise adn move toward Accepted Elise and kiss her on each cheek to welcome her, then two depart the chamber.

Elise seems for a moment not to understand Raemira's request, then finally holds out her hand, leaving it there and nodding to Atalanta as her words trickle into her spinning brain.

A goldren ring, carved with the image of the Great Serpent is produced and placed upon Elise's ring finger on her left hand, "On this finger, and this hand alone may you wear this ring. Once you are raised to the shawl, may you wear it where you wish, but not until them" Her voice holds a warning note, what is done to those that claim to be Aes Sedai, quite evident to those through the Tower. Her eyes even harden slightly.

Elise whispers to herself, "All my fault!", as anger, and then determination force her to take account of herself. Still whispering to herself she says, "but it won't happen that way, I'll make sure of that." For just a moment raw ambition burns on her face. Then, as if something within her has solidified, she's back in the here and now. "I understand Amyrlin Sedai, and on that finger it will stay until I am raised." There seems to be no doubt in her mind of that day coming.

Lanta watches the girl and sucks in a breath, letting it out through puffed cheeks. Then her face is impassive once more.

Elise turns to Atalanta Sedai, "If it's not too much trouble, Atalanta Sedai, I would meet with you as soon as I'm able to think clearly again." To the other Aes Sedai still in the chamber she curtsies deeply, showing unabashed respect (for a change).

Raemira watches Elise quietly for a few moments longer, then glances to Atalanta, as if the ball is in her court now.

Lanta says gently, "It is not too much trouble. This is what I am here for. Its why they let me live here." She winks at Micana and Raemira.

Micana smiles at Lanta and stands quietly to the side, watching the others complete the orientation of a new Accepted.

Elise reaches for the Accepted dress and begins to put it on, the shaking of her hands betraying how fragile she still is. She almost smiles, not used to jests from Aes Sedai, but can't quite find it within herself. "Perhaps tomorrow then." She attempts a jest of her own, "Unless I sleep the day through."

Lanta chuckles, pushing up her glasses, eyes betraying only a small hint of concern balanced with admiration. She herself was compelled to push herself this hard out of the rings as well and understands the drive...but has also seen people burn themselves out this way.

Lanta glances at Raemira and Micana, silently asking them if they are ready to send the Accepted on.

Elise holds her hand up, looking at the serpent ring for a moment. She winces as she realizes the extent of the bruising on her shoulder and thigh. She watches the assembled Aes Sedai, too, waiting for further instructions.

Lanta glances to Raemira again. Its bad form to dismiss an Accepted with the Amyrlin standing right there.

Lanta senses "Raemira gives a slight nod of the head."

Lanta says softly, "You may go now, Accepted Elise."

Micana nods slightly to Lanta, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.