Characters:
Micana - Keeper of the Chronicles
Marelain - Novice
Raemira - Amyrlin

Micana passes through the archway, heading into the upstairs hallway.

Marelain blinks slowly, swallows once and sets her things down, following behind with notable apprehension.

Micana continues to lead the way wordlessly.

[You enter through a hidden passage, entering a strange chamber. Testing Chamber: White Tower, Tar Valon]

Marelain takes in a sharp breath. She'd expected this is what was happening, but the details were unknown..

Micana leads the way into the chamber with Marelain in tow. She nods to the three Aes Sedai who each stand at one intersection of the ter'angreal's three arches and curtseys to Raemira before turning back to study Marelain for a long moment.

Raemira stands near a podium within the chamber. Her eyes go to the grouping that enters, turning directly to Marelain without thought. Her gaze appears searching, as if looking into the depths of Marelain's soul. After a moment or two she nods to Micana, as if to begin.

Marelain's steps slow as she looks all about the chamber with a wide-eyed awed expression. She curtseys to the Amyrlin, and Aes Sedai, fumbling with it in nervousness.

Micana glances at Raemira and finally turns to face the Marelain. She continues to study her while she speaks, her voice slow and measured, "You are to be tested for Raising to Accepted. Before you undergo the test, you must search yourself and decide whether or not you are truly ready." Her expression is quite serious, "You may refuse now, and once again, without shame. The third refusal and you will be put out of the Tower for good. Do you understand?"

Marelain turns from her examination of the room to face the Keeper. She takes a deep breath and nods. "I understand, Aes Sedai." Her voice is quiet, perhaps a bit meek, but its clarity speaks for her sincerity.

Micana nods slightly. "Then remove your clothing, all of it, that you may enter the testing unfetered."

Marelain looks blankly at the Keeper for a few moments, then lifts slightly trembling hands up to remove her dress. She wraps her arms about herself as she stands naked, though not from a physical chill.

Micana watches Marelain without change of expression. When the girl is finally ready, the expressionless Keeper begins. "says "Now I will tell you two things that no woman hears before she stands in this chamber." "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."

Marelain nods slowly, eyes darting from the Keeper to the Amyrlin and back again. Her voice catches at the beginning, but she responds, "I understand, Aes Sedai." She clings to the stock response.

Raemira continues to watch Marelain, her gaze not moving from the girl. It can be quite unsettling, if one takes notice of it for a moment too long.

Micana says "The second is that to seek, to strive, is to know danger. You must know that some women have entered and never come out." The word 'never' is unmistakably emphasized by a tone in Micana's voice. "When the ter'angreal finally was allowed to grow quiet, they -were not- there. And they were never seen again." "If you will survive, you must remember to be steadfast. Falter, fail, and. . ." She trails off in a meaningful way." She watches the novice without hint of expression on her face while awaiting her response and giving her another chance to decline.

Marelain mouths the word 'never' to herself as if hardly believing what she's told. She shivers again, closes her eyes slowly and nods once. Again the catch in her voice, more serious this time, "I understand. Aes Sedai."

The three Aes Sedai at the arches watch Marelain without blinking, their expressions devoid of emotion.

Micana offers a final chance to refuse. "Then if you are _sure_, we will begin." She turns toward Raemira, her features becoming even more set than they were before.

Raemira crosses her arms, an onimously, sypmathetic? expressoin crossing her feastures. How can be something ominously sympathetic? No one knows. Her eyes, however, show no emotion. Her voices takes on a monolithic sound as she starts to intone, "Whom do you bring with you, Daughter?"

Marelain takes a deep breath, her eyes opening again. She lets out a slow sigh and turns to the Amyrlin. Her face sets into a stubbornness, a veil that barely covers her apprehension.

Micana answers, in a toneless voice, "One who comes as a candidate for Acceptance."

Raemira's eyes flick momentarily between Micana and Marelian before settling on Marelina once more. "Is she ready....?" Her voice seems to inquire, even with the intonation.

Marelain nods, even if the question was not directed to her. Her hands fall to her sides, awaiting whatever lies ahead with resignation? Perhaps not quite that fatalistic.

The three Aes Sedai at the arches lower themselves to pillows awaiting them. Skirts whisper and rustle as the fabric spreads out in colorful circles surrounding the upright trunks of the women whose faces show no more expression than being very somber. Each begins to channel into the intesection before her and the terangreal shimmers and begins to emit a hum which is more felt than heard. The gaps between the arches glows and becomes opaque. Micana replies, "She is ready to leave behind what she was, and passing through her fears, gain Acceptance."

Marelain can't help but look toward the arches now. All emotion has drained from her face.

"Does she know her fears?" Raemira counters within her intoned voice, her eyes steadily watching Marelain, assessing her, looking for signs of turning back.

Micana keeps her attention focused unwaveringly on Marelain and the arches "She has never faced them, but is now willing."

Then, as if the final card is played, "Then let her face her fears." The Amyrlin speaks, sealing Marelain's fate, even if the point of no return had already been passed.

Micana reaches out to let her fingertips rest on Marelain's upper arm as she leads the novice toward the first arch. "The first time is for what was. The way back will come but once. Be steadfast." She releases the arm and steps back, letting Marelain take the final steps on her own.

Marelain swallows once, straightens her posture and walks toward the first arch. She pauses just before entering, looking more closely as if to see what awaits her. Not finding any help, she steps through.

You enter the first Arch.

You pass through the first arch and the memories of the Tower and your life represented there flit away, as if nothing but a dream, not even a distant memory. You find yourself standing in a room in a house. You recognize it as your room. There are nick-knacks, dolls, things of a natural child-hood life before you, given to you by both your mother and father. Warm thoughts of their love and laughter fill your mind. Downstairs, there are smells of fresh baked pie and bread warming on the stove. You hear your mother's voice.... yes, your mother, the woman who loves you and brought you into the world, "Come on Marelain..." It is full of life and laughter, "Before the pie grows cold. You know your father will not stand for that...." A joke teasingly mentioned, as he always manages to finish the pie before it gets too cold, no matter how much is left of it.

Marelain blinks slowly, trying to clear some odd sort of cloud from her mind. This is real? It must be... that -is- her mother calling. Her mother! Light, she thinks, I'm going to be late. She darts down the stairs, a wide grin on her face, taking the steps several at a time.

Your mother stands at the bottom of the stairs, her features radiant and loving, somehow right. "There you are, Mara...." A name she's always called you since childhood, "I was beginning to think I'd have to fight your father to keep some pie for you." She flashes a warm, special smile for her daughter.

Marelain grins and moves quickly forward to hug her mother tightly, "Oh, mama... you know he'd leave us both some." She sniffs the air lightly... apple. Her favorite. "Can I help with anything?"

A gentle squeeze about Marelain's waise returns the hug given. Your mother shakes her head, her warm brown eyes looking at you in a proud manner, unlike... well, that's not important as the thought slips back into the recesses of your mind. 'Not that I can think of... unless you want to go make a salad." She murmurs. Just at that moment a tall, handsome fellow moves through the doors, "Well, well, well, does that pie smell awfully good. Hey there beautiful..." He addresses you.... your father, with that same look of love within his eyes as your mother holds for you, "Did you get finished everything you were supposed to do for your mother today?" He makes idle chatter.

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

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

"Good..." The man quirks a wry grin, moving to ruffle Marelain's hair playful, "There are illuminators in the city tonight doing a display. I thought we might all go in and take a look, what do you say?" He speaks as he makes his own way to the kitchen, no doubt to get a piece of that pie.

Marelain's jaw drops slowly, "Illuminators?" Her eyes take on a faraway look as she imagines nightflowers blossoming in the sky. "Oh, papa... can we?" Her voice drips with wistfulness.

The man emits a hearty laughter, "Of course Mara..." He too calls you by the nick-name, a fondless within his expression, "And we'll see about picking up your brother from his job at the smithy. I hear he's been working pretty hard since he's been apprenticed out there as well..." No, your ears did not deceive you, a brother was indeed mentioned.

Marelain pauses only briefly, then nods quickly. "I haven't seen him in weeks, papa. Do you think they'll let him come?"

The older man nods slightly, "I've already talked to them and him. They've agreed and he seems rather eager about the prospect." Your mother stands by quietly, listening, watching with her warm brown eyes. After a few moments she breaks away and goes over to the table and sits, pouring herself a cup of tea. "How is Katherine....?" Your mother askes about one of your close friends, "I hear she is getting married soon."

 Against the wall of the friendly kitchen a silvery arch flickers in the
 periphery of vision, light glinting on the rising arc. 
         Be steadfast
         the way back comes but once. 

Your mother gives off a warm chuckle, "It is good to see you happy." She raises a hand and pushes a wisp of hair behind her ears, a familiar gesture. She exchanges a look with her husband before glancing back at Marelain again, "We will be going on a trip soon..." She starts to explain, "To see-...." A knocking at the door resounds into the house.

Marelain turns even more excited at the prospect of a trip. "To see who, mama?" She seems to ignore the knocking at the door for the time being. She wants to know about the trip. Your mother exchanges glances with your father once more, then rises, "In a moment..." She murmurs, moving toward the door, a curious expression within her eyes.

Marelain frowns now. It's not like her mother to not answer a question. She catches the look between her parents and sighs, sinking into a chair at the table. Perhaps not totally intentionally, she sits near to where the arch had appeared earlier.

 A hum which is more felt than heard intrudes persistently in awareness and
 calls attention to the curve of the waiting arch.
          The way back
         Comes
         But
         Once
         Be steadfast. 

Your father glances down at you in some concern, "She will tell you, never fear, beautiful." He casts a smile at Marelain, reassuringly. Voices can be heard within the hallway, echoing toward the Kitchen. "I ... sorry. You ... ... the wrong home." That is distinctly of your mother's voice. There is a pause, "I do not think so..." This comes out clearly and a little too loudly, yet somehow the voice appears to catch your father by surprise. Color drains from his features.

Marelain stands up now, staring at her father in surprise. She asks quietly, "Papa... what's wrong? Who's at the door? Somebody tell me what's wrong, please?" Her voice turns a little desperate toward the end, feeling the tension rise.

"I am sorry, but you are mistaken sir...." There is no doubt that the voice is your mother's this time, spoken more clearly than before, "I will have to ask you to leave, and now." She seems stern in manner. Without answering his daughter, Marelain's father starts to move down the hallway, his voice rather forceful, "And I will have to insist upon it as well.

The voice outside appears to insist, "You do not know what it is that you are doing. Let me in to speak with her...." Her who? You are the only other female in the house, are you not.

 The hum fades and the silver seems to lose some of its shine as if it is
 starting to fade. 
         Be steadfast. 
          The way back comes but once. 

Your parents do not seem to hear you or see you, perhaps too frightened by what it is that's at the door at the moment. One thing is clear, they do not see the archway. "She will not be speaking to you..." Your father insists. "We have told you that time and again..." What could they be talking about?'

Marelain stumbles toward the arch, clamping her eyes shut. She takes one last glance about the room as if absorbing every detail and takes the fateful leap through the arch.

You leave the first Arch.

Marelain hangs her head, silent tears leaking down her face unabated. She whispers, "How... they died. They both died..."

As soon as Marelain makes her way out of the first arch, a silver chalice of water is poured over her head. The Amrylin's voice calls out into the large, cavernous chamber, enough to bring anyone back to reality. "You are washed clean of what sin you may have done," The cold water pours over Marelain in a slow, meticulous manner, "and of those done against you. You are washed clean of what crime you have committed, and of those committed against you. You come to us washed clean and pure, in heart and soul."

Marelain gasps sharply as the water hits her, bringing her back to the world at hand. Her face is drawn as she looks between Micana and Raemira with something close to hatred. And she doesn't even care.

Micana steps forward to guide the girl to the second arch. Beads of water sparkle on Marelain and drop to the outstretched hand of Micana. She looks at Marelain completely lacking in any sort of compassion, and steers her toward the second arch. "The second time is for what is. The way back will come but once. Be steadfast."

A glance at Marelain brings another look of sympathy from Raemira. It's almost as if she expected the glances of hatred, of accusation and whatever else comes her way, however she seems stark and stoic as well, removed from the situation.

Marelain clenches her jaw tightly, but slowly allows herself to be led toward the second arch. She whispers harshly, "How could it be real?"

Raemira continues to watch in a steady manner, not answering the question, just watching.

Marelain stands before the second arch, thoughtfully. The curious stubbornness doesn't fade from her eyes, and she steps through with an audible growl.

You enter the second Arch.

The events that occured just moments before, within the Testing Chamber and the first arch, pass out of your mind with the bright flash of light that appears when you enter the second arch. Disoriented for a few brief moments, you take your time to gather your thoughts. Looking about you find yourself in your 'Accepted' dress, the seven bands of color about your ankles. Futher more, you are away from the Tower. It was a nice day and a walk to the Grove was in order. Along the way nothing particularly interesting happens, until... you sense a dark presence behind you, something ominous and forboding. You then hear a loud scream that sounds.... familiar? Or maybe it's just your ears deceving you.

Marelain spins quickly at the sound, hair fanning out behind her. Her eyebrows narrow down as she looks about to find the source of the scream.

The scream appears to have gone down a long, narrow alley nearby... and indeed it did sound familiar, almost close... a friend perhaps....?

Marelain bites down on her lower lip, a habit she's never broken from the early days as a Novice. She steps quickly to the opening of the alleyway and looks down it before moving in slowly, eyes darting around suspiciously.

There is a dark figure, wearing all black, standing before Ellorin. It has its hand on her arm, "We are agreed, then, yes....?" Ellorin slowly nods her head, not noticing Marelain at the moment. "Y... yes..." She seems to stammer. There is a pure look of fright upon her features, as if she'd agree to anything asked at this particular time just to remain alive. That dark figure eminates an equally dark, ominous presence.

Marelain sets her jaw and stands ready to embrace the Source if necessary. In a calm voice, she says, "What are we agreed to?" Her steps are slow in moving toward the figure and her friend, but she adds, "What is going on, Elly? Who is this?"

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

Words? Who needs them. Marelain's attention is focused on her friend. "It's nothing important, Elly? With you standing there looking like a ghost?" She moves forward to take her friend's arm, now that the danger seems past. She is more forceful now, "You were screaming, weren't you?"

"I... was merely startled, that's all...." Ellorin attempts to explain her scream away, smiling weakly,however the color remains drained as if she's -seen- something worse than a ghost, "Come, lets go back to the Tower...." She attempts to brush the subject aside, still quite nervous about something.

Marelain drops her hand slowly, blinking in confusion at Ellorin's response. "It's not like you to avoid the question, Elly." She glances down to the front of the alley, "I was going to the Grove, actually. Why don't you come with me?"

 Gradually coming into vies in the alley is something which is out of
 place, a silver arch. It seems to frame part of the scene that is
 occurring and is close enough to the man for the movement of his arm to
 bump it, however, his arm seems to pass through it and he is unaware of
 the structure.
          The way back
          Comes but once. 
          Be Steadfast. 

Marelain glances at the arch a moment, then puts it out of her mind for the time being. She shakes her head and follows behind Ellorin instead. "Then I'll go with you. We can go to the Grove later." She puts on a smile, forced. The concern is clearly in her eyes. "Why won't you talk to me about this, Elly? You always said talking about it helps, remember? My grandfather, the dreams? Remember?"

Ellorin pauses in her steps, difficult as they are with her limp, "It's not something you want to get involved with Marelain." With the serious look within her eyes, and the edge to her voice, it might be enough to put you on alert.. There is also a meaningful tone, "Lets just go back, alright?"

Marelain nods slowly and falls in step with her friend, though she murmurs, "You ought to let me decide whether to get involved. If it's got you this out of sorts, you probably need the help."

A wry chuckle escapes Ellorin's lips and her features turn toward Marelain once more, "I do not think this something you can help with.... and if you do get involved, there is no turning back..." There is a warning note to Ellorin's voice and she seems almost... not herself.

Marelain blinks at the sudden change in personality. She slows her pace even more, "Elly, what are you talking about? You're not making any sense at all. We always work together."

In the dim rescesses of the alley a stray beam of light reflects off a broken bottle and up against the waiting silver arch. The glimmer dances among dust motes as the inaudible hum calls to the one it awaits. The way back comes but once. Be steadfast.

Marelain looks past Ellorin as the glimmer of light reaches her eyes. The arch calls toward her, and she leans forward as if drawn toward it.

"What I am talking about... Marelain, is something even you would never imagine..." Ellorin begins, almost hesitantly. "If I can, I would rather just not get you involved. If I do, something might... happen to you...." She turns her eyes away from her friend, as if not able to bear that thought.

Marelain shakes her head slowly, "Whatever you're involved with, Ellorin... I don't like what it's done to -you-." She glances down the alley toward where the figure disappeared, "And I certainly don't like whoever it was you were talking to. He gave me the chills something terrible." If direct questions won't work, perhaps she can trick Elly into giving something away.

A distinct frown appears on Ellorin's features as her eyes dart about the shadows "It's not safe to talk here..." She warns, "He might hear. Please, lets get to the Tower..." Again she tries to avoid the situation by walking to the entrance to the alley once more, "I do not want you getting hurt, can't you just leave it at that? Others would not as thoughtful as myself... and just sacrifice their friends for something better...." What in the light is she talking about.... or is it the -light- she's talking about?

Marelain holds up her hands to forestall any more. "All right, Elly... I don't want you getting hurt either though." A thought flickers across her mind, then she shakes her head sharply. No. Not Ellorin. "I ought to be getting back to the Tower anyway..." she says, though it's more to create small talk than anything.

 Shadows in the alley seem to be overcoming the silver arch, infusing it so
 that the color begins to fade away. The hum diminishes and falters then
 returns with a firming of the silver as if something momentarily
 strengthens it.
         Once
         Only once will the way back come. 
         Be steadfast. 

Marelain stops, letting Ellorin take a few steps farther, torn between this life and... and another one? Blood and bloody ashes... the arch. Leaving this behind, again. She begins to walk toward the arch, picking up speed as she goes. "Elly... Elly, I'm sorry. I have to go somewhere else. Stay safe, please? Whatever it is, you have get away. You have to stop!" She says this with certainty, though she still has little idea of what's wrong.

Before you pass through the arch, the outline of a fade appears off to the left, watching, simply watching.

Marelain winces, almost in physical pain as she falls through the arch.

You leave the second Arch.

Marelain turns around almost as soon as she comes through, whispering, "Get away, Elly... it can't be worth it..."

As soon as Marelain steps through the second arch, not even given time to think or breathe, a second silver chalice of cold water is poured over her head, as if waking her up from a dream. With it comes Raemira's voice once more, "You are washed clean of false pride." A brow lifts as she catches snippets of Marelain's voice, but she continues on, "You are washed clean of false ambition. You come to use washed clean, in heart and soul."

The Aes Sedai at the intersections continue to power the arches steadily. Only a slight paling of color shows the strain they are all under as they focus totally on their task.

Marelain doesn't even flinch this time as the water hits her. She raises shaking hands to her face to move the water away. "Why? Why does it have to be this way?" she asks Raemira sharply.

"There is no telling where life will lead us child, nor no telling of what goes on in the arches is real. Are you going to continue, or stop now?" The Amyrlin poses the question to the young girl.

Raemira adds, "Your fears are your own... and yours alone to deal with."

Micana steps closer to Marelain, then moves again to stand in front of the third arch, waiting without any show of impatience for Marelain to follow her. After a moment she speaks as she directs her to the third and final arch. "The third time is for what will be. The way out will come but once. Be steadfast."

Marelain says flatly, "I can hardly stop now, can I? What's the point of going through this only to fail at the end?" She mutters under her breath, almost like a mantra, "I -will- be Aes Sedai."

Raemira inclines her head, then glances to Micana expectantly.

Micana stands in front of the third arch, waiting patiently for Marelain. She nods as the girl steps through.

Marelain is clearly angry now as she steps up to the third arch. She takes a look behind her, then takes a deep breath and steps through.

You enter the third Arch.

A bright light flashes before your eyes as you enter the third arch. As you get your thoughts organized, the previous events wiped from your mind, you find yourself walking down the Streets of Tear. Funny you should find yourself here, as Mother just came back from another diplomatic trip from the area. Of course, there still is that aftermath of what's been surrounding the Savior still to keep everyone busy. In fact, that's why you were sent here... to see if you can find information on those few left of the main group. Unfortunately, someone else appears to have other plans for you, as you soon find out. A hand lays itself upon your shoulder.

Marelain presses her lips together in frustration. Must people always be interrupting? She turns slowly, ready to lay into whoever it is.

Upon seeing the look on Marelain's features as she turns around, the figure visibly winces and with draws her hand. She's a young waif really, small... almost reminds you of someone... someone dear and special. She walks with a limp. "Excuse me, miss....?" She looks hopefully up at Marelain.

Marelain blinks slowly, and the anger fades almost as soon as it appeared. She bends slightly, enough to put her eyes on a level with the young girl's. She smiles pleasantly and responds, "Yes, child?"

The young girl looks about nervously, as if looking for signs of something or someone that might hurt her. She whispers in a low voice, so only Marelain can hear, "Are... are you one of them witches... from Tar Valon..." She gestures to your features, that ageless look has started to set in already. She winces though as she states it, as if half expecting to get hit, though there's an urgency about her as well, as if... well... it's important for her to find out.

Marelain arches an eyebrow, though the smile doesn't fade. "You're an observant girl. Why do you ask?"

The girl glances about again, wringing her hands, "My ma.... ma'am..." There's a worried gaze within her eyes, "And my sister..." She looks down, "They was taken.... and my brother was hurt real bad trying to stop them from taking them, and we couldnt do anything and I cant do anything and the healer wont come help us...." She speaks the rest so fast it's hard to understand,but she is very worried, and very upset. Tears brim along her eyes, "And they said they'd becoming back for me to and I dont want to go with them...."

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

The girl glances down at her hand being taken, almost frightened... She nods slowly, then starts leading Marelain through a myriad of streets and alleys, not letting her obvious limp get in her way in her insistance to hurry. No doubt she's doing more damage to her leg than there already has been with her need to get help. "This way..." She urges, then stops dead when she notices a group of men in all gray uniforms, the color draining from her tiny face.

Marelain straightens to her full height as she sees the men. She grips the girl's hand a little tighter, though not to the point of discomfort. "Stay calm, child. I'll take care of things."

The little girl gulps slightly, nodding a bit. However, if Marelain moves there's a sense that the little girl is running in the opposite direction of the men, hand or not.

One of the men spies the little girl and Marelain, a smirk coming to his features, "Hey Hank.... lookie what I've found. She's over here." The one called Hank pauses looking down an alley and toward the girl, "With a friend too..." It might be you, but there appears to be a leud look on his features. You can feel the girl shivering within your hands, and stepping behind you despite your earlier assurances.

Marelain says calmly, though with the touches of frost in her tone, "I'll thank you to let us through." She glances down a brief moment to the girl, and takes in a slow breath.

The man who addressed Hank before smirks again, "You can go through fine, it's the little thief we want..." He motions toward the young girl behind Marelain, "She's caused more than enough trouble and will be going to the proper authorities."

 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. 

Hank crosses his arms, watching Marelain with a smug expression on his features, "And if we do not?" He emits his own challenge, a look of concentration within his eyes. Is it you, or is the air growing hotter about you? The other man looks toward Hank and grins slightly, turning his eyes back to Marelain, as if waiting. THe young girl continues to cower behind her, shaking even harder now than before. Perhaps she already knows what these men are capable of.

Marelain clenches her jaw, baring the tips of her teeth as if ready to bite. With hardly a second thought she reaches for the Source. "What you do is an abomination. You risk great harm to yourselves should you continue."

Hank merely smirks at Marelain, "You, woman, are an abomination yourself." His eyes glower, "Now step aside and no one will get hurt, however that -girl- is going back to the proper authorities where she esacped from.

Marelain shakes her head with a sharp motion, "I will -not- step aside, and the girl comes with me," she says flatly, and weaves Spirit like a knife. Her Shield falters though... she doesn't know this weave. But she is Aes Sedai, how could she not? Marelain is caught in a moment of indecision.

The man, Hank, appears more reassured than the woman before him does, "See, you do not even know what it is you are doing." As he speaks, a wind ripples through the alley, as if created by some unknown force. The girl tugs on Marelain's hand, as if attempting to either get her to run or to get away.

 Strange how so many can be so blind to the oddity before them. A silver
 arch standing and humming with power, only seen by its intended user.  Be
 Steadfast.  The way back Comes but Once Once Once. 

The wind appears to grow, harder and harder, until it starts to form into a funnel resembling something close to a top, or small tornado. Laughter appears within the alley, "It will follow you wherever you go witch...." There is a darkness to him, "Destroy you it will and her.... let her go and your problems will be solved, we just want the little waif."

 The arch wavers, the silver fading to a translucent outline as the hum
 fades. It strengthens slightly but does not regain its full strength.  The
 way back comes but once. 
 Be Steadfast. 

You leave the third Arch.

Marelain comes running from the arch and stumbles, falling heavily to hands and knees on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

"You are washed clean of Marelain Teremal from Arad Doman." Raemira intones as she starts pouring water over Marelain's head with the third and final chalice. She lets its cold wetness trickle slowly from the silver construct, "You are washed clean of all ties that bind you to the world. You come to us washed clean, in heart and soul. You are Marelain Teremal, Accepted of the White Tower. Welcome, Daughter." As she speaks the last she leans forward and presses a kiss upon each of Marelain's cheeks, then steps back and away form the area, waiting for Micana to come with a towel and the new dress.

Marelain rises slowly to her feet, mumbling, "Left her behind. Every time." She wipes savagely at her face as if she could stop the tears from flowing sheerly by physical force.

Micana steps forward with a large fluffy warm towel and drapes it around Marelain's shoulders. Then she squeezes that shoulder a few moments before extending the dress to her.

Raemira speaks quietly as the others press forward with their greeting, "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. 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.

Marelain looks down at the dress with something close to loathing. The moment passes, or at least the force of emotion fades, and she reaches for her new attire slowly. She looks from Micana to Raemira slowly.

Marelain frowns slightly at what she perceives as hesitation, then reaches out her left hand.

A goldren ring, carved with the image of the Great Serpent is produced and placed upon Marelain'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" Raemira's 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. "After you are settled you are to report to Mistress of Novice's office to talk with either Atalanta or Morillin about your new classes."

Marelain stares blankly at the ring on her finger for some time, silent to the point that she may have forgotten to respond to the Amyrlin. FInally, without looking up, she says, "Yes, Mother."

Micana watches quietly. The Aes Sedai cease their channeling at the ter'angreal and the glow disipates. They stand to kiss Marelain on the cheek to welcome her, curtsey to Mother and leave.

Marelain can hardly manage to get her dress on, her hands are shaking so bad now. The tears have stopped, replaced by an emotionless mask. Her eyes are haunted, and don't seem to see or even register much of anything.

Raemira watches Marelain quietly for several long moments, then finally nods her head, "You are dismissed to get yourself settled in."

Marelain mumbles something that can't be overheard. She finally gets herself clothed again and begins for the door out. Stopping halfway, she turns again to look at the arches. Tears begin to form again, but before she can let them free, she walks out.