Cast:
Genifyr Belyn-A new novice
Sionil- Mistress of Novices

Genifyr's Description: A young Andoran girl of perhaps 16 or 17, Genifyr stands about 5'10, with long golden hair which is slightly wavy, reaching down to her mid-chest. Her green eyes often seem to be staring off into space, and her thin eyelashes do not compliment them very well. Her mouth is just a tad too large for her face. She wears a blue Andoran dress with a high neckline, suitable for someone of middling wealth.

Sionil's Description
Sionil is a young looking woman, of the appearance to be in her middle twenties. She stands a good five foot four, and has locks of dark brown hair. Some of it is straight but it appears that she has set certain locks of it to curl. The general shape of her face would say she is from Andor, but there are other portions to her, such as her deeply green shaded eyes, that make her appear to be of mixed heritage and not just from Andor. Upon her ears are a pair of short dangling earrings, with a bright red ruby centered upon the gold. One interesting observation about this woman is she shows no sign of sweating nor any effect from the outside temperature.

The woman is wearing a dark green dress, matching exactly the shade of her eyes. The dress is a silken crushed velvet, of a moderate cut and style. The square neckline reaches several inches down, banded in blue fringe and running up to cover her shoulders. About her wrists and bottom the dress is hemmed in the same blue fabric. Tied about her waist is a twisted rope colored of the same matching blue. Covering her shoulders is a shawl of wool, the fringe of it is banded in a midshaded grey, showing the Ajah of this Aes Sedai. Centered upon the back lies the teardropped flame symbol of the Aes Sedai. Also, upon the third finger of her right hand is a golden ring, it is composed of a serpent, the Great Serpent, intertwined upon itself as it bites its own t

Location:Courtyard: White Tower, Tar Valon Before you stands a magnificent palace made of delicately sculpted marble, rather than blocks. Gently arching walls and bulging domes rise high into the sky, seemingly just barely touching the clouds with its delicately crafted spires, topping off the breathtaking sight before you. Looking about, one can see a small garden off to the side, with a small winding path down it's center that leads into a maze of bushes where one might get lost if not too careful.

All around one can see bare trees and shrubs, as if the winter cold has taken the life from the plants. Snow softly blankets the ground and the benches in the yard, however there is a cleared path so that one may walk about the grounds. The sky seems to brighten as the sun rises from the horizon beyond, bringing the start of a new day. All around you can see residents of the White Tower milling about as Novices and Accepted start to their early morning chores.

A broad stairway, made of pristine white marble, enters into the White Tower, marked by a massive pair of doors decorated with delicate carvings of intricate workmanship. A tall, white wall cascades around the yard, its entrances and exits marked by high gates leading to the street, watched by the Tower Guard. Somewhere in the courtyard you can see buildings for the barracks and the stables. You can also see an entrance to the practice yard, marked of by a row of high hedges.

Genifyr walks into the Courtyard, hesitates and heads over to Sionil. "Excuse me Aes Sedai. I'm looking for Sionil, the Mistress of Novices, about enrolling as a novice."

Sionil looks over the girl, almost examining her "Sionil _Sedai_? Well, you've come to the right source. I know where she is. What is your name, child?"

Genifyr says "Genifyr Belyn. Dal Sedai had told me to come and enroll. I spoke to her yesterday."

Sionil nods a touch, a small grin to her face, though no explanation why it's there, "And why do you feel you should become a novice?"

Genifyr says "Because it is the belief of Dal Sedai that I can channel. I do not wish to be a danger to myself and others."

Sionil nods a little "I see, Okay, lets go up and check the Mistress of Novices Office for her. Follow me, Genifyr."

Genifyr nods and follows.

Sionil continues up, receiving slightly more curtsies then other Sedai's besides the Amyrlin or Keeper.

Genifyr follows along. Sionil opens up the MoN's office and goes in, without even a knock. Who could this Sedai be?

Location: Mistress of Novices' Office: White Tower, Tar Valon

Sionil ponders "Well, The room was empty when I came in, why don't you have a seat anyway."

Genifyr sits down.

Sionil moves to the desk and looks it over "Well, this doesn't look to tough. I suppose I could give it a try."

Genifyr's eyebrow raises. She's either the Mistress of Novices or a very strange Aes Sedai.

Sionil pulls out a paper or two "Why don't you tell me about yourself, Genifyr. Where are you from?"

You say "My name is Genifyr Belyn. I was born in Cold Springs, a village between Caemlyn and Aringill. My father is a merchant, and I travel with him.

Sionil nods "What about your mother?"

Genifyr voice waivers a bit. "I would rather not discuss that."

Sionil looks and after a moment "Okay. What brought you to come to Tar Valon?"

Genifyr says. "My father was up here trading."

Sionil asks "Does he know if you become a student that you won't be permitted to rejoin him"

Genifyr says. "He knows."

Sionil nods "Good. Just so you know, we are not so cold hearted that you will never see him again, you will be able to write to him regularly and when he is in Tar Valon, have him visit you."

Genifyr nods.

Sionil says "You said your father was a Merchant, I suppose you spent much time learning his business and wares?"

Genifyr says "I know a little. I'm much more interested in reading though. Even if he does restrict my access sometimes.

Sionil says "What types of things did he sell?"

Genifyr says "He sells all sorts of things. He'll buy things and sell them where they are not available or in demand. Like say, Taraboner dyes in Illian. Things like that.

Sionil nods "I see. How old are you? Sixteen or so?

Genifyr says "Seventeen."

Sionil nods "Not too old. Excellent"

Genifyr says "What do you mean by that, if I may ask?"

Sionil says "When girls get to a certain age, they become too old to be able to take the discipline that their studies require."

Genifyr says "I do not mean to be disrespectful, but that seems to me as to be too much of a generalization.

Sionil shrugs "I cannot really explain it any better. The training we give is not simple and only a very few of the girls that start with us become Aes Sedai."

Genifyr nods. "Do you have any other questions?"

Sionil grins "Would you like some tea? You may want it for the lecture I'm about to give you before you are officially instated as a novice."

Genifyr nods. "Yes please."

Sionil moves to the side, this Sedai definitely is more then appears to be, she goes to a small tea set and pours two cups out, handing one to Genifyr she moves to sit again.

Genifyr says "Thank you." and waits for Sionil to proceed.

"During this orientation you may speak freely. I am not one for punishing those who merely are curious. There are quite a few things you need to be informed about before you begin your formal training as a novice."

"When you have the ability to channel as you do, you will eventually use it whether you want to or not. Only one in four who is not found by the Tower survives if left untaught. And she may not survive with the ability intact. You must remain at the tower until you have gained enough knowledge of the One Power as not to be a threat to yourself or others. If you have the strength and the correct attitude and personality that may be until you become Aes Sedai and then you will not want to leave in all probability.

Genifyr nods.

"The first thing that you need to know is that despite what many think, there will be no test to see if you can channel. You have the ability. I can sense it in you. Because of this you will be required to stay at the Tower until your training is finished. We have close to a 100 return rate for runaways. I do not suggest that you had considered it, but it will be worse for you if you do."

"Without the proper training there is a good chance you would die or at the very least burn the ability out of yourself which usually also leads to death. This is because without training, you do not know how much power to draw on, how long to hold it, or even which power with which you are working."

You say "Which power? I thought it was the One Power."

Sionil smiles "There are five components of the One Power, Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Spirit."

Genifyr nods.

"As a novice you will be required to do what most would consider very unpleasant. You will have daily lessons in history and the One Power, but you will also be required to do chores. You will have very little free time and if you are seen lounging about there is a good chance you will be assigned extra chores to fill your time. This is what helps teach the obedience and self discipline to become Aes Sedai, which means servant to all."

Genifyr nods, adding Aes Sedai to her mental Old Tongue definition list. She is looking forward to history lessons. She thinks to herself that The White Tower has the greatest library in the world, not knowing she spoke aloud.

"The direction of your studies as a novice are chosen for you. Your role is not to question but to obey. "You will be expected to show proper respect to everyone in the White Tower. You will curtsy to all accepted, Aes Sedai, and Gaidin. You must remember to never speak to an Aes Sedai unless you are spoken to first. Some will allow it but many will not."

Sionil smirks a little.

"The next topic deals with the One Power and channeling itself. We will work you hard and press you. We know how much is too much, but as a novice you cannot know. Therefore it is imperative that you NEVER channel without the supervision of either an Aes Sedai or an Accepted. Channeling too much of the One Power is dangerous to both yourself and to others who may be affected by uncontrolled channeling."

"We allow no fraternization between novices and men or Gaidin. What that means is any private or excessive social contact. We strictly forbid /any/ romantic interaction. Social interaction is allowed as long as there is supervision. You are permitted visitors only in the public areas, never private rooms. All visitors must behave, act respectfully and not interfere with your studies. Anyone inside the tower who is not of the tower must be escorted. If you find someone who is not, you are responsible for helping uphold tower security by politely asking their business and seeing that the appropriate person is made aware of their presence."

Genifyr nods. "When Dal tried to get me to go through a flower exercise, the light never filled me.

Sionil ahhs "Well, you will have further time to practice."

Genifyr asks "What are angreal, sa'angreal, and ter'angreal?

Sionil responds "Well, the first two augment the strength of a channeler's power. The third is a special object that has a specific job to perform, it could work for either channelers only or even a non-channeler depending on the ter'angreal."

Sionil nods "They can be dangerous."

"Now novice, it is time for something very special. You must put your past life behind you in becoming part of the tower." She rises and goes to a cabinet, looking from the novice to some clothing within and back before finally selecting a long simple unadorned white dress in the novices size.

"Remove all of your clothing and all your valuables. Place your valuables, any money, jewelry, or personal items in an envelope in the far cabinet. You may get them back when you leave the tower or become Aes Sedai. Nothing personal is permitted here to be worn, and your novice dress must remain perfectly simple without embellishment as you see here. Your clothing we burn before you as a symbol of your leaving your past behind you."

Genifyr does as asked, putting money in the envelope and changing into the dress. "I don't think it makes sense to bur clothing. I'm sure other people could make use of it.

Sionil doesn't respond to the comment but ceremoniously moves to the fireplace and places the dress in.

Genifyr says "Do I begin my classes now?"

Sionil smiles "You are in a class now. We are only halfway done however. There are many people and things in the tower that you should be aware of.

Genifyr nods.

The Mistress of Novices is one of the Aes Sedai you will see the most. She is responsible for overseeing your training. Her word is to be immediately obeyed without question unless she gives you permission to discuss. She does not have to tell you why something needs to be done unless she feels like it. Disobey her or any of the rules, the Accepteds, Aes Sedai or Gaidin, and you will find there will be a stiff price to pay. If you have a problem, she is also the person to be approached and will refer you to someone else if necessary. She reports to the Keeper and the Amyrlin Seat. Address her as Sionil Sedai.

Genifyr says "Yes Sionil Sedai." Her toes twitch with excitement.

Sionil smirks perhaps this girl is smart enough.

"The Amyrlin Seat is the head of the Tower and those within, representing all Aes Sedai and all Ajahs. She makes laws regarding both Tar Valon and the Tower, however leaves most of the day to day business to others and works in conjunction with the Mayor of Tar Valon. Her position is that equal to any ruler or nation, however appears to be more respected. She is to be addressed as either 'Mother' or 'Amyrlin' formally, or Raemira Sedai informally. She is recognized by her shawl that holds the colors of all seven Ajahs. She acts as judge and jury to crimes and holds regular court sessions.

Micana Sedai, the Keeper of the Chronicles, helps the Amyrlin with her duties and is seldom not seen by her side. She, like the Amyrlin, represents all Aes Sedai and all Ajahs, though she is allowed to keep the shawl of her Ajah. She carries a staff with a gilded flame, at most times, to represent her position. She is addressed in a few ways, either Micana Sedai, Keeper Micana, Keeper Micana Sedai or Micana Keeper.

Genifyr asks, "What are the seven Ajahs? I know only of the Red, Gray, and Yellow."

Sionil smiles "We'll get to that in good time. Patience"

"The Amyrlin's warder serves as the Master Gaidin. He's in charge of overseeing all Gaidin and Trainees. He inducts those that wish to train at the Tower, as well as acts as a counselor to the Amyrlin during a time of warfare. He is addressed as Master Gaidin, Master Kelsyn Gaidin, Master Gaidin Kelsyn or Kelsyn Gaidin.

Owen Gaidin is our Master of Arms. The Master of Arms is in charge of overseeing the instruction of all the trainees, teaching them tactics in warfare and lore on the shadowspawn. He is also in charge of teaching them survival techniques as well as tracking. Aes Sedai sometimes teach trainees some classes as well as outside trainers and graduates of the program.

Genifyr asks "What do Aes Sedai gain from the bonding?"

Sionil says "That is something you learn if you become Aes Sedai."

"Aes Sedai are channelers who have completed their training at the White Tower, fully improving their skills in the use of the One Power. They are divided into seven groups called Ajahs and are preparing for the Last Battle with the Dark Lord. They also perform several other duties that will be explained later. They are addressed as Sedai, Aes Sedai, or Aes Sedai. They often have the ageless look of using the One Power for so long. They are also recognizable by their colored shawls and the Great Serpent ring. You should always remember to curtsey to Aes Sedai. You do not speak to them until given permission to do so, and you await their instructions to sit or to leave.

"When an Accepted is raised to Aes Sedai, she must swear the Three Oaths upon the Oath Rod. The Oath Rod serves to make these oaths binding and permanent. They are: To speak no word that is not true. To make no weapon with which one man may kill another, and to never used the One Power as a weapon except against Shadowspawn, in defense of her own life, that of her Warder or that of another Sister. You are expected, as Novices, to try to live by these oaths, even though you have not sworn them yet. Swearing on the Oath Rod is reserved for the raising to Aes Sedai. Many Novices will never make it that far. Some will be too weak, and some will not have the dedication. The Three Oaths are part of an Aes Sedai. Using it as protection is not necessarily using it as a weapon. An Aes Sedai may shield and protect when not personally in danger. Once in danger, she may strike back but Power does not solve all problems and may cause many. It is better to know words are a stronger weapon than force."

Genifyr asks "How does the Oath Rod work?"

Sionil says "It's a ter'angreal, unfortunately the way they were made has been lost over the years."

"Accepted are those who have completed Novice training. They are to be respected as Aes Sedai at all times, and like Aes Sedai, you need to curtsey to them. After they've completed novice training they are allowed to branch off and chose their own studies. They are also trusted enough at times to hold classes for the Novices. You can tell them from the others by their white dresses with the seven bands of color around the bottom edge, and the Great Serpent ring they wear on the third finger of their left hand. They are addressed as either Accepted or Accepted.

Genifyr asks "How does that particular ter'angreal work?

Sionil says "Holding it and channeling, will make the oaths you say part of your soul."

You say "But how much more is known of how it works?"

Sionil shakes her head "Perhaps in the future, when you are ready you will be able to find out. For now, you need to learn to walk before you can start running."

Genifyr nods. "Will I be able to use the Tower library for study?

Sionil nods "Of course. Though you will be restricted to only using the novice portions."

"Novices are those who are in the first stages of their training within the White Tower. Sometimes however, not all make it to accepted level. Their time is devoted to learning about the One Power and controlling it. They are to follow the rules and guidelines set up by the Accepted and Aes Sedai and answer to the Mistress of Novices should any get into trouble. They are known by the simple white clothing that they wear, and are addressed as either Novice or their name. Novices and Accepteds must live by the three oaths as surely as if they had sworn them.

"There are seven different Ajahs, or factions, within the Tower. Each has it's own purpose or agenda that they follow. Each Ajah is represented by a different color that Aes Sedai often wear in the form of a fringed shawl. The colors of the Ajahs are: Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Brown, White and Gray.

Those of the Red Ajah are known to actively seek out Male Channelers and bring them to the Tower for gentling. This is because the male half of the source, the side that they use, is tainted by the Dark One, and they will eventually go mad and die. Reds never bond Gaidin.

Those of the Yellow Ajah are most devoted to healing, more so with the One Power then with herbal remedies, however their studies do include such things.

The Blue Ajah is the one devoted to causes and justice. Most Aes Sedai of this Ajah have their own separate cause away from the Tower agenda, though they would never admit it.

"The Green Ajah is referred to as the Battle Ajah at times. They are known to hold themselves ready for the Last Battle with the Dark One, specially training in battle tactics of the One Power. Greens are known to take more than one warder, unlike the rest of the Ajahs, and are the only Ajah to do so.

The Brown Ajah is dedicated to study and knowledge. The sisters of this Ajah are most likely found at home or in the library researching some special topic that catches their interest. Often times, they busy themselves with research from the Age of Legends, though little can be found.

Those of the White Ajah are dedicated to researching philosophy and truth, seeking more worldly knowledge than the book knowledge of the Browns.

The Gray Ajah is dedicated to being mediators, often called to help harmonize an area by helping to obtain a compromise that works for both sides.

Genifyr smiles as she hears the purpose of the Brown. She asks "What does Gaidin mean in the Old Tongue and why don't Reds bond warders?

Sionil says "Gaidin is old tongue for Warder or protector. Many of the Red Ajah because of the nature of their work find little trust in men, and thus as a tradition will never bond."

Genifyr asks "Oh, and how exactly did the male half get tainted? I've heard the stories, but I don't trust them as reliable information.

Sionil gives a brief answer "All your questions like these will be answered in the future, in future classes you will take, but to answer, the Dark One tainted Saidin as a final counter stroke when the Dragon and his companions sealed him back into Shayol Ghul"

"The One Power is the strength that drives the Wheel of Time. It is divided into two parts, equal and different. Saidar is the feminine side of the One Power, reachable by a woman that can channel. Saidin is the male half. Saidin, we know, is tainted by the Dark One's counterstroke against Lews Theron Telemon and his Hundred Companions. It means that any man channeling will eventually become filled with that taint and go mad. However, the taint has not changed the nature of Saidin. It is still pure but is hidden beneath a scum of evil. It is said that only a woman may channel safely, yet even that carries its own dangers. Each woman can hold a finite amount of the Power. Should she try to hold more than she is able, she can burn the ability to channel out of herself. Or.. it may kill her. This is why you must never channel without an Accepted or an Aes Sedai to watch you. Women can never channel Saidin and men Saidar. It's like teaching a fish how to walk or fly, or a bird to breathe under water.

"This is not a game. Channeling is a wonderful thing, but no matter how wonderful it may seem, you must understand that it is very dangerous as well. There are those women who will touch the Source without training in the world. They have the spark of it. If they are not found, three out of every four women with the spark will die. Channeling is harnessing the One Power, the power which drives the Wheel of Time. A woman who can channel is a conduit.. a vessel that can tap that Source and direct its energies to effect the physical world. It can not be used up. Since you have the ability, and are here at the Tower, you must know that to complete your training here is to become Aes Sedai. There are many preconceptions about Aes Sedai. Most of them are wrong.

"There are five different flows that one can use while working with the One Power, each represented by different elements. Those flows are Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. Women are more attuned to Air and Water, while men are more attuned to Fire and Earth. Both sides share an equal amount of spirit. Each of the flows does separate things. For instance you could create a small fire using different fire flows and weaves, or you can combine different flows with one another to form more complex weaves like healing.

Sionil finally grows silent from her lecturing, but asks "Any final questions before I release you?"

Genifyr asks. "Yes, do Aes Sedai deny the existence of the BlackAjah?"

Sionil's eyes grow somewhat dark, and in a cold voice she responds "If you wish a successful student life here in the tower, you will never bring up that subject. Do you understand me, Novice Genifyr?"

Genifyr nods. "Yes Sionil Sedai." She thinks (It does not make sense, but they do deny it. I better not bring up the subject again.)

Sionil nods "Very well, You may go now."

Genifyr stands up, and hopes the dress is warmer than it seems.

Genifyr asks "Oh, I forgot to ask, is it possible to fly with the One Power?"

Sionil shakes her head "No, no it is not."

Genifyr clicks her tongue and nods. She curtsies and leaves.