Setting: Aes Sedai Living Quarters: White Tower, Tar Valon

Characters:
Ashlynn - Aes Sedai, Green Ajah
Jaesena - Novice
Melli - Novice, to be Accepted
Raemira - Amyrlin Seat
Puppets:
Merinna - Aes Sedai

Jaesena is in there sweeping away, stopping to curtsey once, graceful finally in her efforts.

Melli pauses...notes clutched under her arm.. SHe quickly curtseys, then looks atAshlynn questioningly.. wise enough not to voice her question, though. She walks towards the Aes Sedai..

Ashlynn nods to Melli, then starts down the ramp, her expression, if anything, becoming more solemn.

Ashlynn padss down the carpeted ramp and enters the Tower Office Wing.

Melli pads down the carpeted ramp and enters the Tower Office Wing.

[During the journey to the Testing Chamber]

Ashlynn leads Melli toward the common wing.

Merinna nods in passing to the green sister as she breezes by.

Melli begins to worry a little.. everyone's so quiet! She curtseys to Ashlynn.. her demeanor tugging at somehtig in her memory.

Testing Chamber: White Tower, Tar Valon

Ashlynn walks in with Melli not far behind her. Her eyes cast a solemn glow. She nods to those present, pursing her lips slightly, then steps away from the Novice.

Raemira stands by the podium as usual, her eyes carefully observing those there. One by one does Raemira nod her head to those sisters entering the chamber. Three move toward the arches and take up positions there, ready to power them when there is need.

Melli finds herself not able to breath all that well.. but she tries to keep her nervoisness from her face as she looks once again on the arches, the Aes Sedai, and Mother. She dips into a deep curtsey, thankful for the chance to look away from everything.

Merinna settles herself quietly at the intersection of two arches, her iron-like demeanor not changing in the slightest as she watches the Novice file in. Silvery-grey skirts spread about her as she prepares herself, much like the warm glow that envelops her as she takes hold of the Source.

[Glance at Merinna]Dressed in long, flowing silk in varying shades of grey, this seemingly ageless woman looks as though she could stop an army with only one sharp, blue-eyed glance. Honey-blond curls drape heavily over her brow and are swept back into a clasp at the nape of her neck. A little heavy of frame, this Aes Sedai nevertheless holds herself in a statuesque manner -- she could put royalty to shame.

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

[Glance at Ashlynn]This seemingly ageless young woman appears to be only within her twenties, though if you knew her personally you might know better. She has soft dark hair that shines out like the blackest night, making it almost the color of a raven's dark wings. Her eyes are a startling blue color, contrasting that of her hair and giving her a bit of depth as they shine out in an admiring manner. She has a heartshaped face that appears almost angelic and innocent, though something behind her eyes denotes that she is anything but. She holds herself with a carefree, regal aura, though she almost appears bubbling in nature. She moves with a slight grace that only befits a woman, as if she enjoys being such.
You notice that today Ashlynn is wearing a long, silk gown fashioned in a emerald green coloring, perhaps showing off what ajah she belongs to in a rather proud fashion, something of a trademark with this woman since she does not hide who she is and how many Gaidin she carries behind her. The dress is long in the sleeves and the fabric appears brocaded in a floral pattern, each curve fitting her snuggly, showing off her womanly vestiges in an almost alluring manner. There are slashes in the skirts of her dress, which show off silver streaks each time she moves about, and her feet are decorated with a pair of green slippers to match the dress.
On the third finger of her right hand you'll notice a ring depicting a Great Serpent eatting it's tail, perhaps letting you know she's within the service of the White Tower. A small black cord dangles about Ashlynn's neck, bearing a beautiful feminine ring. Ashlynn appears to be waring an intricately carved wedding ring on the third finger of her left hand.

Ashlynn turns toward Melli after a silent look from Raemira. She offers the girl what 'appears' to be an encouraging smile, then starts to speak, her voice very serious and her smile fading. Her eyes take on a far away look, perhaps remembering her own Raising. She shakes that off as she begins, ""You are about to be offered the opportunity to take the test for Raising to Accepted for the second time. Before we go any farther, you must search your heart and decide if you are truly ready for this. You may refuse now, and once more, without shame. Upon the last refusal you will be given a bag of silver and kindly be put out of the Tower, never to return. Do you understand?"

Melli nods her head very slightly, fully indicating that she does understand. Her eyes betray her fear, but also contain a certain amount of determination.

Raemira watches quietly, her eyes narrowing slightly at Ashlynn. There is no look of malice there, though there is an air that suggests the Amyrlin would much rather have someone else performing this particular ceremony. Her eyes then turn to Melli, looking her over rather carefully, as if searching her soul.

Ashlynn nods her head curtly, continuing, ""Very well, then. I will now tell you two things that no woman hears before she enters this room." Ashlynn pauses then continues, "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..." She lets her words trail off, her eyes hardening slightly for effect.

Merinna watches quietly, her cool blue eyes fixed on Melli. The other Aes Sedai at the arches sit just as motionlessly, legs crossed, hands resting on knees.

Raemira carefully folds her hands before her, waiting and watching, assessing. She tilts her head from one side to another, pursing her lips a bit.

Melli swallows and nods, the words sounding no less frightening than the first time she heard them. She nods again, in a way lending herself a little strength. "I... will not fail" are the words she mouths to herself..

At that, Ashlynn appears to crack a smile slightly, though it does not touch her features. She gives another nod to Melli, crossing her arms before her, "This is your last chance, child. You may turn back now, right now, and you will have only two marks against you. It is no shame to refuse. Many do. And many have to wait until the third and final chance to pass through." She waits patiently for Melli's answer.

Melli shakes her head, raising her chin up as if to defy any who feel she doesn't belong here. "I am ready, Aes Sedai..." she says. Too bad her voice cracking at the end ruins the effect a little.

Ashlynn mouths 'good', then continues. "Then remove your clothing, child, and set your things aside, so that you may enter the arches unfettered."

Raemira chances a glance at Merinna, a questioning brow raising at the other woman for a moment or two before going back to Melli. She nods at the answers being given, waiting still yet, silent.

Melli lets her breath out, takes in another deep breath, then does as told. She strips out of her novice clothes, hampered only be her slightly shaking fingers. Setting them in a pile, along with her notes, she steps away, then looks around again, trying oh so much to appear as strong as the women around her.

Ashlynn gives a short nod to herself, carefully watching the young woman before her. She then moves forward, and gently leads Melli toward Raemira.

"Whom do you bring with you, Daughter?" The Amyrlin starts to speak in a rich, monotone voice.

Ashlynn speaks in a formal tone, "One who comes as a candidate for Acceptance, Mother." Her eyes flicker back, perhaps eminating some of the same emotions the Amyrlin felt toward her before. This is no time to let petty differences to get between the two however.

A brow lifts at Ashlynn's glance, although Raemira continues onward, "Is she ready?" Her eyes flicker toward Melli, looking her over doubtfully.

Ashlynn calls out to the Amyrlin, "She is ready to leave behind what she was, and, passing through her fears, gain Acceptance" Yes, she said fears.

Melli straightens her shoulders and clenches her teeth... nothing will sway her from her goal.

Raemira gives a curt nod of her head, though still eyes Melli doubtfully, "Does she know her fears?" She raises a hand to tuck a tuft of auburn hair behind her ears; emerald eyes glistening within the firelight of the room.

Gentle flows of the power, ever so delicate, are formed by Merinna and the other two Aes Sedai that sit at the intersections of the large silver arches. As the Aes Sedai feed the flows, the arches begin to glow and hum gently, almost taking on a life of their own.

Ashlynn's eyes move sideways a moment to the arches, considering, but not hesitating, "She has never faced them, but is now willing." Her gaze goes back to the Amyrlin, her body straightening somewhat as she looks toward her.

"Then let her face her fears." There is a note of finality to Raemira's voice, as if the point of no return has already passed. Her eyes become more than impassive, except for that faint glimmer of sympathy directed at Melli briefly before disappearing.

Ashlynn nods slowly, turning toward Melli. She gently guides her to the first arch, murmuring to her, "The first time is for what was. The way back will come but once. Be steadfast."

Melli's breath would prbably catch in her throat right now, at this moment of truth.. for some reason it doesn't. But her heart can probably be heard.... th-thump..th-thump..ththump.. Glancing once up at Ashlynn, she closes her eyes... then plunges through.

-------------------------------

As you step through the first arch, your life at the Tower seems but a distant memory, fading to black as if it never existed. You find yourself outside riding with your sister, Marisa. The horses appear on edge for some reason or another, one of them snorts. It seems there is something nearby that they do not like. You both are having a hard time controlling them, before the one that Marisa is riding takes off without any apparent reason. She is struggling hard to keep control, but is unable to do so. You, however, do get your own horse under control. Marisa lets out a startled yelp down the road.

Melli widens her eyes a fraction.. but there is really no hesitation as she spurs (figuratively) her barely under control mount after her sister.. "Marisa! Hold on!" she calls, hugging her horse close as she tries to close the gap between her and her twin..

The horse continues to careen down the path. From behind a wild boar emerches from the bushes, intent on going after Marisa and her mount. It seems there's something wrong with it, that it's not entirely.... 'right'.

Melli's eyes widen even more.. a boar?!?! Her grip in the reins of her horse tightens.. but she has no choice. Maybe she can run the boar down, if she has to....

A grunting sound can be heard coming from the boar. Is it you, or is that little thing gaining speed on the horse?!? Can't be... boars are not that fast, are they? Well, in any case, this one seems to be charging down at a considerable pace. Marisa glances over her shoulder, eyes wide with fright, "Melli... no, stay back..." She appears to be more concerned for her sister than herself, or maybe it is both of them she's concerned about. Afterall, no need for two to get hurt instead of one. The horse Marisa rides suddenly stops and rears. She struggles to stay on and with the grace of light she does. It skids around toward the boar, whites showing with terror, but again... there's a look that's not right there. Something must be terribly, terribly wrong, or this is all one horrid dream.

Steadfast
  Steadfast
   Steadfast 
    Steadfast
Once

 The way back 
 comes but once.
 Once. 

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

The crazed horse, for that is the only thing that can describe it, rears once more. Marisa continues to hang on for her life, once more, though barely, holding onto her seat. The boar continues charging, catching up rather quickly. The horse starts to bounce about, as if trying to kill a snake under it's feet, pawing at the beast. Somehow, this time, Marisa gets flung from her mount, and lands none too easily on the ground.

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

Marisa does not appear to be moving.... in fact if one can really see her leg appears to be twisted out of place... oddly shaped. It appears Marisa has landed all wrong when she was thrown. The boar, seeing a new improved quarry flung away from the horse, starts to charge Marisa, a wild, fevered look within it's eyes.

That tears it. If the boar wants a new target, then a new target it will have... Praying to the creator that her horse listens to her, Melli tries, at least, to charge after the boar.. at least to give it somehting to think about.

The horse, thinking that Melli is crazy, stops dead. It's not about to go near that thing, nope, no way. It absolutely refuses to move, snorting at both Melli and the boar, eyes once again flaring and rolling. Ears are laid back tightly against its head, showing displeasure as well. The other horse, however, goes after the boar, intent on its own attack. It seems Marisa is safe, for now, but light knows how much longer.

The arch echos with a hum that is more felt than heard, flickering with the sound of the boar's angry screams. The way comes but once. Be steadfast.

Melli turns to look at the arch.. at once becoming angry. "No! You can't make me leave her.. not like this!" she shouts accusingly. When the horse refuses to move, she bites down on her lip, and slips off of the saddle, trying to tug her horse around to where Amrisa lays, also trying to keep her animal between her and the boar..

The horse absolutely refuses to move, tugging back on the reigns. It even flicks its head upwards, to take them back from her. They can be quite stubborn when they want to be, can they not? It snorts at Melli, eyes rolling back with fright. If anything, instead of moving forward it starts to back up, very quickly, away from the commotion. Meanwhile the boar and other horse are still going at it. Marisa starts to stir, letting out a scream of pain as she notices her broken leg.

Melli hears the cry of pain.... then shouts at the horse "Fine! Go! Run away, you ungrateful beast!" Then she whirls about, eyes seeking her sister... then she tries to get around the beast war, always keeping one eye on the boar, the othe ron her sister.. "Mari? Mari, I'm coming!"

Marisa appears to be crying now, the pain too much for her to bear. When the boar notices Melli coming closer, it starts to charge her instead, once again attempting to leave the horse. Even injured it appears to be pushing onward, not at all there, like a mindless drone.

The humming of the Arch seems to demand attention as it fades and regains strength, though each returning glimmer seems fainter than the one before.

     Once
     Once
     The way back
     comes but 
        once once     o n c e...
  Be steadfast.

-------------------------------

Merinna lets out a barely imperceptible exhalation of breath as Melli emerges, quickly exchanging looks with one of the other Aes Sedai powering the arches.

As soon as Melli comes out of the Arches, Raemira is there pouring water over her head with the first silver chalice, "You are washed clean of what sin you may have done, and of those done against you." She pauses her words a moment, then continues, "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."

Ashlynn too, lets out a faint sigh, though she attempts to keep the others from seeing it. She has a special place for this particular one, her eyes glued to Melli as she exits the arch.

Melli stumbles out, sobbing (But that was likely expected, yes?).. not totally hearing Mother's words she she tries to turn her head to look at the arch.. "Did.. is she safe?" she half cries, half whispers..

Ashlynn moves forward toward Melli, "Hush child... let us continue on..." Her words are meant to be soft and soothing as she guides Melli to the second arch. "The second is for what is. Be steadfast." She gives Melli's arm a soft squeeze, attempting to guide her forward.

Melli's breathing quickens, as she stares at the arch, at the Aes Sedai's, even at Mother, then finally at Ashlynn through her soaked hair... as though to ask, 'Are you mad?'.. but she doesn't say this, of course, rather she seems to hold on to some memory, somehting said not too long ago... Then she steadies herself, then pushes through

-------------------------------

Once again you find yourself going through the arches, this time for the second. The present situation in the Tower and the past arch appears to disappear from your mind, or rather lock away deep within so you cannot remember. You find yourself outside the Tower gates.... wearing normal clothing. Odd, that, for some reason that comes to your mind. On your left hand, however, you notice a ring.... the great serpent. Relief appears to wash over you. A group of men pass by, you find yourself sticking to the Tower walls. Why were you even chosen to go out to look for this woman? This... Galina. She's obviously imporant, this one. You find yourself making your way down the street when you hear a scream behind you. Did that sound like Analee? A sense of urging resounds inside, and quite possibly fear.

Melli cocks her ear... loathe to delay her mission, but... If a Sister is in trouble... especially Analee... then she has to remember her priorities. Memorizing the street she's on, she makes a subtle change of direction and heads back, trying to be inconspicious about it..

When you make your way toward the scream, you notice two men hovering over Analee. She appears to be unconcious upon the ground. One of them speaks, "What are we to do with her?"

The other shrugs, "He just said bring her to him, he did not say where or how, or even why...."
The first grunts, "Just like him. First he fakes his death, then he kidnaps the one who he faked it for."
The second snorts back, "I still donno how..." He lowers his voice, "-It- got broken."
The first lifts a brow, shaking his head as he grabs at Analee's feet. Who in the bloody light are they talking about?!?

That's what Melli'd like to know. Silently, she looks for a decent path where she can follow and listen .. just barely touching the source in case she needs it quickly.. though honestly, she does not know what she would do if it came to that..

The gruffer of the two, short and fat, pulls at Analee's arms. "Well, we can't just sit here all day. Lets get on with it Bailor."
The one called Bailor smirks, "Careful with this naming business.... Jalar."
Jalar lifts a brow in turn, smirking himself. "Well, lets just get on with it, will ya. Kaleb has not got all day. He said he wants her by the time he leaves, so I suspect we're to take her to the bloody docks. He's got no bloody idea what in the Dark One's name he's asking though"
Bailor chuckles darkly, "Just stuff her in one of dem there sacks. Make them think she's nothing but potatos or something."
Jalar nods, moving from her arms to go get one of the sacks, "Good thinking. Hope she don'no get sea sick though, and he's got them herbs he was told to give her too."

     Once...
       Once...
         Once...

     The way back
     Comes but once.
         Be steadfast.

Words trickle into Melli's mind, seemingly out of nowhere.

Bailor appears to 'freeze' as the bonds of air are wrapped about him. "Um... Jalar... we've got company." He murmurs under his breath, only loud enough for the one man to hear."
Jalar looks up slowly, seeing no one he goes back to his work. He mumbles back, "How can you tell..."
Bailor continues quietly, "I cant bloody -move- that's why." He grumbles. "Are you -sure- you knocked 'er out good and clean?"
Jalar growls, "Of course I did you nitwited trolloc-brain."
Bailor appears to growl, "Well, knock 'er about again, jes in case!" He still keeps his voice low, but.... his agitation can be seen.
Jalar simply nods, giving Analee a good, swift kick to make certain she stays unconcious.
A groan appears to come from Analee, her only protest. Jalar proceeds to place the bag over her head and pick her up.
Bailor remarks, "Continue on as planned..." He gets a nod in return and Jalar starts to move off with Analee.... He's not beyond leaving his 'friend' behind. He's got a job to do.

A silvery arch appears in the entrance to an alleyway, not far from the two thugs. For all the allure of its humming, the two men don't seem to notice it at all.

     The way back comes but once.
     Be steadfast.

As soon as the flows are tied around Jalar, Analee goes falling to the ground from his shoulders, since his hands were not that far wrapped about her for safety. He was carrying her exactly as he would a sack of potatoes. A grimace forms on his features and his eyes look about, "Lookee..." He speaks, "Another one."
Bailor just smirks, eyes dark with hatred. "Let us go now, and yer life'll be spared." He seems so smug and sure of himself.
Melli shakes her head... nothin doin. "I hardly think you are in a position to be bargaining.. " She steps over to the sack, tying off her flows about Bailor, trying not to show these two even a hint of the strain it's putting on her.. or the shame she feels in handling this particular apprehension poorly.

Suddenly, as if a wind has swept through the area, the weaves that hold the two dissipate, as if cleanly cut, putting a small damper on things
Bailor appears to smirk gleefully at his new release, "Like I said, -miss-. If you go now, yer life'll be spared." His eyes glint like steel.
Jalar shoots Melli a glare, his eyes hardening, "We could always use another one, why spare her?" He chuckles darkly under his voice.

Glints of silver flash off the nearby arch, almost calling to you with the reverberation of its hum.

     Once
     The way back
     comes but once. 
       Be steadfast.

Jalar speaks with his own smugness now, "Yes." His eyes cast a sideways glance at something hidden deep within the receesses of the shadows.
A dark chuckle receeds about the area, "Girl, I'd stop meddling if I were you." The voice sounds as cold as ice, and has more than a hint of darkness to it. "There are plans for that one that can just as well include you. Walk away now... and I'll make certain you live." Is that voice familiar? Nah, could not be. Although another weave, this time recognized as a spirit knife, moves forward to attempt at Melli's shield. At the same time.... a thin coil of air attempts to wind it self about Analee's sack to pull it away from Melli. Two at once, impressive and no doubt hard as anything.

Melli's eyes go dark.. she lets her shield go, not bothering to see if it will hold up against the attack. She in turn slashes at the coil with her own spirit knife, eyeing the approach of the goons, then staring into the shadows, trying to penetrate the darkness. "You!... " she bluffs.. "You will not get her.. " Her mind frantically tries to formulate a plan.. A dark cackle comes from the shadows. "Then we will get you. Do not think we are without resources.... -child-."
Jalar takes up a large stick within his hands and starts forward toward Melli, "Ye were warned girl... Gets away. I don't likes hurtin' people but I wills. I gots me a job to do and do it am gonna do!"
Bailor just smirks, shaking her head, "Someone just shoot her with a crossbow and get it over with. We dont -need- this."
There is rustling within the background, as if someone is moving. The air weaves dissipate before the 'knife' gets to them however.

The arch seems to beccon to you, silver glinting reflectively along it. The flickering seems to be coming more often now... or is that your imagination?

     Once
       Back
         The way back comes but once.
         Be steadfast.

The other channeler remains hidden, perhaps through a trick of the light... or rather darkness. It seems the Dark One works in mysterious ways....
Jalar is shoved back by the airshield, a deep umph coming from him, "That flamin' lil' wench. I'm not going to be nice about it now." He does not seem to care he was just tossed about with the power, in fact he appears rather furious. He gets to his feet about the same time Bailor gets knocked to his, a dark growl coming from his lips. He too, gets up. They both start to circle Melli.
The spirit 'knife' once again comes to cut off Melli's flows, this time from behind the girl so she least expects it. There is an opening, clear as day, between the two men to get to the archway if needed or desired.

Melli cries out, her wall of air dissipating like so much wind as the knife slices through it... She looks around, fear definately showing in her eyes now... what to do? Split secon decision... and one that seems to break her up inside, Melli releases her hold on Analee's sack, and uses one last weave... swirling winds, just around her, pick up dust and dirt all around her as she runs for the archway... perhaps she can gather help and return .. at the very least, she can warn the others...

-------------------------------

The three Aes Sedai around the Arches sit as motionlessly now as they did when Melli entered the arches, three pairs of eyes studying the girl as she emerges.

Ashlynn appears to let out a very relieved sigh as Melli exits the arch, her brows knitted in worry. It has been awhile since she's been in there. She flashes Melli a smile of encouragement, which quickly fades, perhaps urging the girl on with her work. Progress, afterall, is progress, no matter how fearful it can be.

As soon as Melli comes out of the second arch, Raemira pours yet another chalice of water on her head, "You are washed clean of false pride. You are washed clean of false ambition. You come to use washed clean, in heart and soul." Her eyes look at Melli with a slightly... only slightly, sympathetic expression, one which does not last long. She still continues to look at the Novice as if delving into her soul. She looks hopeful that the girl will live up to everyone's expectations.

Melli shivers as the water splashes over her on her return... No tears this time, only an obvious sense of.. resignment. Perhaps brining on hopelessness. She Looks up at the Amyrlin, at the penetrating look, and her resolve only hardens as she seeks to steady herself...

Ashlynn calmly moves forward, gently guilding Melli to the third arch. She whispers quietly into her ear, "One more Melli, one more and you are finished. You can do this, you've cone this far." She then speaks a little louder, "The last is for what will be." She moves Melli closer to the arch, giving her arm another gentle squeeze of encouragement, "Be steadfast."

Melli's eyes flicker up to the Green sister... then she smiles.. a wretched smile, really, but a smile nonetheless. Then, to the arch, she gives it an almost 'I dare you to stop me' look as she somehow wrenches control of her resolve away from the fear she feels, and steps through the final arch.

-------------------------------

As you pass through the third and final arch, all the previous things about the other arches float away. You find yourself in within a large city. A name appears to come to mind: Cairhien. It seems 'right' to you, for some reason or another. You are wearing the finery of what suits you the most, either showing that you've made it to become an Aes Sedai or you are on your own as a merchant. Almost instinctively, your hand goes to something floating about your neck. Your serpent ring. Good. It's still there, hidden from sight. There is already enough dissention in Cairhien, being recognized as one of the Tower will not help you now. In the distance you see a figure passing by on a Sedan... the Queen. Not too far away is your prey... her would be assassin, though not an ordinary one. This one... this one you've come to recognize as one of the elite, though only through the powers of your bond did you discover him. He is about to make his move upon the Queen, a dagger raised and about ready to be thrown.

Her bond? Melli has no time to ponder this as she narrows her eyes and embraces, wrapping a flow around the would-be assassin's knife, her intention to merely flip it out of his hand, perhaps bringing the attention of the Queen's guards to him. That's the plan at least. As for her outward appearances, she continues to hold the facade of merely one of the merchants watching the Queen pass by... hurrying forward, to take a better look?

As the man attemps to fling the dagger toward the queen, he notices quite suddenly that he has no control over it. He lets go of the dagger, eyes widening. He looks about in fear. "The Dark One be possessed." He screams out, pointing at the flung dagger, bringing attention to it rather than himself. The crowd where it is flung to quickly parts to let it fall harmlessly to the ground.

The guards about the sedan stay in place, however other guards bearing the Queen's uniform appear to go toward the dagger, "Assassins!" He calls out, "Seal off the streets, get the queen away from here!" The sedan guards start to quickly get the Queen out of the area while the others start to panic and take flight. No one wants to be accused of being an assassin, much less to the Queen, this makes tracking the man.... hard, but not impossible. He attemps to make his way toward the sedan through the fleeing crowd, barely noticed unless he draws attention to himself.

     Steadfast
        Steadfast
           The way back
         way back...
             ...comes but once.
      Be steadfast.
Words not of Melli's making dance on the edge of her mind.

The 'assassin' continues to move along, his pace slow and steady, though catching up with the even slower sedan that the Queen is one. He attempt to blend in more with the crowd, particularly the nobles, then slips down an alley way out of sight completely. A choice to be made, follow the Queen to make certain she remains safe, or follow the assassin? Decisions, decisions, they are never easy to make, particularly now.

Decisions, decisions indeed... Hoping there is no one around to sense it, Melli leaves a token defense for the queen... a tied off weave of air meant to merely slow anythign passing through (simalar to an invisible mud) around the Queen's sedan.. then sets off into teh alleyway. Curse those assassins..

The alleyway appears to be rather dark and dank. Little light can be seen shedding itself in here. It's perfect for anyone who wishes to remain hidden within the shadows. A faint trail of footsteps can be seen, though just barely, marking the path where the man went. Grime and litter can be seen all over the place. There are voices near the end.
"Well?"
"Didn't happen, something else happened."
An impatient voice answres, "Whaddya mean something else happened?"
"Bloody dagger was flicked from my hand, but it'll go down. She'll not sit there for long."
"Hrmph, like I believe that. His lordship will be quite upset. He's hoping that Cairhien will be in turmoil." The voice pauses, "Will be much easier to defeat if twere so, especially if he takes any losses in tear."

A silvery glint, the echo of a hum... and a large archway comes into view, in the middle of the alley but completely unnoticed. Puddles seem to form at the base of the metallic structure, adding even more realism to the reverberating humm that attracts you so much.

     The way back comes but once.
     Be steadfast.

The first voice, presumably the one of the assassin, "How are things going there? Have the Lords and the Illianer King finally offered support to his cause, or do they continue to resist?"
The second voice appears to snort, "Resist. Fools. They do not know of the greater cause. They think their precious lands need to take back what is now his to rule. They do not understand that they cannot fight and win, no one can."
"And the banner?"
"It flies still, hard and fast, like a serpent out of the night."
"Heh. Pesky Aes Sedai will not like to see that. I hear it has some feathers ruffled."
"Yeah, whatever. What about your job here?"
A small cough can be heard, "I'll get to it, I'll get to it." A promise is made, "But I need more time. Something, I donno what, but something interfereed today. It was perfect, even had someone all picked out to take the bloody flamin' fall.

Melli allows herself a little bit of a smile. Even if it doesn't mean much in the long run, she always enjoys foiling someone elses plans, if only for a moment. It sounds like she's not got much else to learn here.. so she begins creeping back to teh alleyway.. perhaps she can attract some attention once she's out.. and where is that warder? No matter..

"Oh... and another thing..." A voice comes once more
"Yeah?" The assassin answers back.
"He'll be striking within the next week. Either have the Queen dead before then, or be dead yourself, understood?"
"Yeah, I understand. Dead before he gets here. I will not let him or you down, neither one."
"Good. It's your life on the line, not mine"
"Yeah, right. You hired me."
Silence answers for a few moments, "And I can fire you too." There is a deathly cold tone to that voice, "Do not tempt me."
A silent gulp, "Right boss. Will he be moving under the banner, or keeping quiet?"
"The banner. He aims to gain support for his. After Cairhien, the Tower and Tar Valon will be next."

Brightly illuminated in this dank alley, the Arch nonetheless seems to blend right in to its surroundings, almost as though it belonged there. It flickers softly with the gentle breeze that floats through here, and the reverberating hum seems fainter. Or does it?

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

-------------------------------

"You are washed clean of Melliane Gellien from Caemlyn." Raemira begins, her eyes hardened slightly, though her features holding relief? Can that be? The answer is yes, considering how few make it through the arches, "You are washed clean of all ties that bind you to the world. "A faint pause occurs, "You come to us washed clean, in heart and soul. You are Melliane Gellien, Accepted of the White Tower. Welcome, Daughter." She leans forward to kiss Melli on each cheek, welcoming the 'sealed' Accepted into the sisterhood briefly, at least.

The three Aes Sedai around the arches release their flows, and as the hum and glow within the huge structures fades away, so too does the glow around the Aes Sedai. Merinna, gently rubbing the back of her neck, glances over to watch the new Accepted.

Melli stiffens as the water dumps over her.. that last session had done /something/ to her.. she had, in fact, been wiling to sacrifice the Queen to learn about those plans, had she not? She maintains her semi-stunned look for a second, then nearly crumples down to the floor.. She works her mouth, but, of course, no words come out, a fresh well of tears seeming to spring to life...

Ashlynn moves forward with a dry towel to help Melli with her rather wet situation. She hushes her quietly, in soothing tones, murmuring nothings in her ear only meant to calm. No one can say Ashlynn does not have a motherly side to her, even if it does not show often.

Raemira watches quietly for several moments, both Sedai and now Accepted. She furrows her brow a bit, then breaks the scene with her voice, "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.

Melli accepts the comfort from Ashlynn readily.... then shivers as Mother's words flow over her. Yet, despite everything, she manages a nod of understanding... or is it one feigning understanding? Realizing that this means the overall test is not over, she can only restate what she said earlier.. "I will not fail..." Very quiet, she is.

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.

Melli complies without really thinking... her fingers quiver for a moment before sheclenches her teeth and wills them to stop..

Raemira speaks as Melli holds out her hand, "When you are settled," The Amyrlin says, "You need to go by Atalanta's office. An Accepted chooses her own studies, but if she fails to do so fast enough, they will be chosen for her by the Mistress of Novices." A goldren ring, carved with the image of the Great Serpent is produced and placed upon Melli'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 then" 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.

Melli lets out a shaky breath and bows her head down.. "I understand.. Mother.... Thank you..."

Raemira inclines her head silently, answering only with this, "You may go get yourself settled when you are ready to leave here."

You paged Jaice with 'oooo you were the puppet sedai?'.

Ashlynn leaves Melli's side a moment to retrieve the new dress. She hands it over to her, eyes carefully watching her. There's a hint of pride there.

Melli stares at her ring, blinking her eyes in an attempt to drop them.. but resists hardly at all as she's taken over to her clothes... Feeling for her dress, she slowly picks it up, then closes her eyes letting a few more tears fall before donning it.. "Is.. that.. it, then, Aes Sedai?" she asks of Ashlynn.

Ashlynn nods her head slowly to Melli, "You are Accepted now, Melli." She murmurs, "And you proved that you could do it, all on your own as well."

Raemira glances between both Accepted and Aes Sedai for a few moments more, then heads toward the exit.

Raemira exits the chamber through the secret doorway.

Melli has to smile at that.. ruined only by a hiccup and a sniffle.. "I did... didn't I... but you were there, Aes Sedai.. I'm so glad you were.."

"I promised, did I not?" She murmurs, her eyes carefully hidden. "Come now, let us get you settled." Ashlynn offers.

Melli nods her headrubbing at her nose as she grabs, at last, her papers, her eyes once more being drawn to the ring.. "Thank you, Aes Sedai... " She repeats, glad to be getting out of here..