This is a log of (ang)Harad's appearance in the Tower. Just another boy wishing to join the Tower's Training Program. Well, almost. Note: A few OOC comments was left in due to their almost hilarious nature. :)

Harad is quietly leaning against a tree near the practice yard.

The moment Rayche comes into view, he boy(bows) to the Aes Sedai without a word. Rayche arches a slim eyebrow at the lounging shape, walking over towards him. "Good day. I am Rayche Sedai. How may the Tower be of assistance to you?" she asks in the formal greeting.

Harad swallows deeply all of the sudden. Brown eyes glance about the courtyard in hopes of an escape, perhaps. Clearing his throat, Harad bows again. "I am awaiting a Gaidin, Aes WSedai," he comments in a gruff voice thick with the Two Rivers accent. "I am applying to enter the Warder Training Progam."

Rayche nods slowly, looking the boy over. "What is your name?" Harad licks his lips then nods. "A... Harad Colven, Aes Sedai."

Rayche nods slowly. "Have you spoken to one of the Gaidin already?"

Harad shakes his head. "Not in depth, A1es Sedai`. Just in passing. My timing is not the best, it seems, for catching Gaidin when they are unoccupied."

"No, the Gaidin are usually quite busy. You are aware that the Tower's training problem is very strict? And harsh?" says Rayche.

Harad stands up straight. "I am not unnacustomed to hard work and rules, Aes Sedai."

Rayche chortles. "Well, we shall see. Good luck, nonetheless. You may move freely within the courtyard, but you may not enter the Tower nor the Training yard without an escort. Have you eaten?"

Harad reaches up, scracthing at his ear, just below his hat. "Nay, not yet, Aes Sedai."

Rayche hums. "Well then. Join me, if you want to. There is always food in the dining hall."

Harad blinks a couple of times, shaking his head. "Oh, nay, Aes Sedai. I couldn't join you. You're... you're Aes Sedai, and I'm just a farmboy."

Rayche snorts. "Swollop. You can't sit around here all day and starve. Come along now." she says, cool green eyes boring into you, leaving little room for discussion.

Harad gulps loudly. "Um, Ye..." he says in a high pitched voice before clearing his throat again. "Um, Yes, as you say, Aes Sedai." Harad reaches up, giving a slight tug on the brim of his hat, he appears uneasy. But then, what man -wouldn't- be uneasy when an Aes Sedai was around?

Rayche grunts, leading the way towards the Tower. Yet another mishapful couple of novices get in her way, and she has no intent of deviating her path. "Don't you have chores to do?" she says in a low tone, folding her arms under her breasts. The Novices disappear, faster than you would think possible.

Harad works his jaw back and forth nervously. In fact, he looks a little pale. Perhaps he is more starved than he lets on. A sympathetic glance is given to the ground, perhaps meant for the novices, perhaps meant for himself. Who truely knows what goes on in Harad's mind, yet he follows, dutifully.

Rayche walks into the Tower, stopping inside and waiting for you. The Tower is bustling with activity. Petitioners, novices, Accepted and Aes Sedai alike walk to and fro, a few Novices scrubbing away on the marble floor. Rayche watches you carefully, taking in your reaction to the view.

Harad is very careful not to stare like the country bumpkin he is. But then, he's short enough not to see over most people, and he is also continually bowing to the Aes Sedai that pass by. He knows that much. One hand tugs on his tunic nervously while the other keeps his hat firmly on his add. Odd young man, isn't he?

Rayche gives a slight smile. "If you would follow me." she says, leading the way towards the Common wing.

Harad tugs on his vest as he enters the room, trying to subtlely glance around from under his hat. Mustn't give the Aes Sedai a bad impression. Still, Harad cannot help but nervously shuffle his feet back and forth in between bows to one or two Aes Sedai.

The doors into the Dining hall open before Rayche, though she doesn't herself touch them as she walks into the now nearly empty dining hall. A few Aes Sedai and Accepted sit around on diverse tables, but otherwise the hall is empty and still. She walks over towards a large table holding a variety of foodstuffs. "Take your pick freely, child. There is enough for all." she says, grabbing a plate and loading it up herself.

Harad twitches a smile at Rayche. "Uh, thank you, Aes Sedai." Now, what was it Momma said about taking gifts from Witches? Harad shakes his head, rolling his eyes, perhaps in disbelief that he is here, or in disbelief of the Aes Sedai's ... kind behaviour. But, none the less, Harad makes his way and fills his plate with a good portion of food, but hardly would you would expect a growing young man to eat.

A slight frown makes creases on Rayche's forehead, but she shakes it of, moving over to a table.

Harad glances around the room again. Where to sit? Sit with the Aes Sedai that invited him, or find a table empty and safe. Safe sounds good. Harad starts to wander off to an empty table carrying his plate of food with him.

"Child," says the Aes Sedai (He) "Do you intend to have me eat in solitude? Or perhaps you do not appreciate my hospitality?"

Harad freezes midstride. A mortified look flashes across Harad's face before her turns around. A glance is given the empty table over his shoulder, then his plate. Inhaling deeply, Harad makes his way towards Rayche. "I'm sorry, Aes Sedai.. I guess I didn't think." That sounded good.

"You may call me Rayche Sedai." says Rayche, digging into her food. "Now, why do you wish to join the Trainee program?"

Harad plops into a seat, blinking blankly at the Aes Sedai for a moment. "Uh, well, Aes... Rayche Sedai, I decided farmin' tabacc wasn't for me. And I didn't want to be a burden to my two brothers in the Queen's Guard. So I thought I would come here, train, then perhaps work in Cairhien as a bodygaurd or somehing."

Rayche nods slowly. She looks at her food, frowning. A moment later, a salt dispenser floating over to her. "What if an Aes Sedai asks to bond you after you have finished your training?" she asks, giving a small smile.

Harad stares at the salt dispenser gulping. Then he shakes his head and looks back at Rayche. "I don't plan on that happening, A... Rayche Sedai. I'll make it known when I start the program I don't plan on bonding an Aes Sedai."

Rayche gives a slight chuckle. "So, tell me. What horror stories have you heard of Aes Sedai? Do we eat children? Or do we all serve the Dark One?"

Harad blinks again at Rayche. "Uh, well none of those, actually. Just that you ... meddle. Stuff like that. Make men do what you would have them...do strange witchcraft." Then Harad points to the salt shaker. "Like that." Oh, yes, Harad is very uneasy as he just continues to stare at the salt shaker.

"Have you heard of the Three Oaths?" asks Rayche.

Harad never lets his eyes move from the salt shaker. "I've heard the term, but not what they are." Harad hasn't even bothered to touch his food as he licks his lips nervously.

Rayche nods slowly. "When we gain the Shawl, or become full Aes Sedai, we must speak three oaths that we cannot break. The first, is to never tell a lie. The second, not to make any weapon of the Power, and the third not to use the One Power as a weapon against anyone but those of the Dark, or in protection of self, Gaidin or another sister."

Harad gives Rayche an obviously forced smile. "Uh... well... heh."

Rayche chuckles. "You do not believe me?"

Harad starts to reach up, and tucks some hair behind his ear. "I... I don't now you, really. In Devon Ride we've always been a bit uneasy about strangers. 'Tis nothing personal, Rayche Sedai."

Rayche chuckles again. "If you want to join the Trainees, child, you have to stop jumping when you see an Aes Sedai, not less one channeling."

Harad puts his hands in his lap, the sound of them rubbing against each other is audible above the conversation. "I'm trying, Ae... Rayche Sedai." Glancing around, Harad sighs, then shakes his head, suddenly straightening his back. "I'm just here to learn to use a sword properly. I don't have to get -that- used to it, do I Rayche Sedai?"

Rayche shrugs. "Perhaps, perhaps not. But the One Power isn't something to fear. It is a gift, not a curse."

Harad sniffs slightly. She mutters to herself, "... if... gone... what I..."

Rayche arches an eyebrow. "What was that, child?"

Harad blinks and looks up. "Uh, did I say that outloud? Eh.. I was just sayin' you haven't been raised as I have." Gulp. Close enough.

"You know what an Ajah is?" asks Rayche, a half-amused smile on her face.

Harad licks his lips, nearly sighing in relief before shaking his head. "Nay, Rayche Sedai. I don't."

Rayche nods slowly. "There are eight different Ajahs. I am of what is called the Red Ajah. You do not know our purpose, then? Of the Red Ajah."

Harad shakes his head again. "Ah, I don't, Rayche Sedai."

"The Red Ajah dedicate themselves to finding men who can Channel, and capturing them for trial by the Tower." says Rayche, watching the boy carefully for a reaction.

Harad blinks at Rayche, not quite certain how to take this nugget of information. Then, something seems to sink in and Harad's jaw drops. Carefully the lad closes it. "Uh.. an important job then, eh?"

Rayche shakes her head. "There are not too many men who find their Spark. Many men might have the ability to Channel, but not many manage to Touch the Source by themselves. /You/ might have the ability to channel latent in you, but you would most likely never come close to touching it."

Harad :'s jaw drops again, his face isas white as a sheet. Licking his lips, Harad pushes his still full plate to the middle of the table. "Uh, I should check and see if any Gaidin are available, methinks, Rayche Sedai."

Rayche gives a slight smile. "I did not intend to scare you, child."

Harad gives a frown, a spark of Two Rivers famous stubborness showing. "That may be so, but you did, Rayche Sedai." Harad stands up and starts to leave the dining hall.

"Child, stop." says Rayche, standing. "Remove your hat, please."

Harad stops, frozen, really. He turns around, blinking at Rayche, then shakes his head. "My hair is an awful sight, Rayche Sedai, I'd prefer not to."

Rayche bores her green eyes into you. "Do as I say, /girl/."

Harad jumps, and yelps, backing away. Brown eyes dart around the room. "I think I've worn out my welcome here." He bows, "Rayche Sedai... I can't, I'm sorry."

Rayche weaves a shield of Air to block your way. Rayche shakes her head. "Calm yourself. Return to your seat, please."

Melli pushes her way into the Dining Hall, through the large door.

Harad takes another step backwards, only to be stopped by an invisible wall. Harad turns around and blinks as nothing is there, then he turns to Rayche. "You can't keep me here as a prisoner. I've done nothing wrong..." Harad seems to be getting desperate.

Rayche shakes her head. "No, you haven't, yet. Come, sit down."

Harad stares wide-eyed at Rayche. "I'd like to leave, Aes Sedai."

Melli enters the dining hall... intent on the kitchens to grab herself somethign to eat. 'Course, with what's happening, she pauses in bewilderment.. and tries to keep from frowning.

"I don't think you can, child." she says, the invisible barrier pushing you closer. "Sit down. Please. No harm will come to you."

Harad struggles, ineffectually of course, against the invisible barrier. "I don't bloody care. I don't want to stay here. Let me go you witch!"

Rayche voice hardens, standing. "Child, you will sit down. Now." she states, her voice holding a sharp edge.

Harad yelps again, but sets her jaw at Rayche. Pale and afraid, and desperate...still, Harad sits down, stiffly, and defiantly.

Rayche nods, seating herself as well. "Has anything strange ever happened around you, child? Things that you weren't able to explain?" Rayche looks over at Lynna, waving her closer.

Harad gulps, and licks her lips. Rayche couldn't -possibly- know, therefore a little fib couldn't hurt, could it. "Strange? Um... not that I recall...."

Rayche shakes her head. "Do not lie to me, child. It will bring you no good."

Harad blinks at Rayche. "If you know so much... why don't you tell me?"

Melli all at once remembers she ought to curtsey.. then she picks her way around the tables towards the gesturing Sedai.

Rayche shakes her head. "I do not read your mind, child.But speaking lies is against the three oaths, something you ought do to well to put to mind." What on earth is she talking about?!

Harad stiffens and starts to grind her teeth. "Then we've got nothing to talk about. Let me go."

Rayche shakes her head slowly, a bit of sympathy even entering her voice. "I cannot allow you to leave, Harad... Or whatever your name is?" She forms it as a question, lifting the hat away.

As the hat is lifted away, a long braid tumbles down to Harad's waist, eliciting a gasp of surprise for the obviously girl. A frown forms on her face. "Angharad..."

[Channeling] Rayche embraces, forming the weave that is usually used for testing.

Melli widens her eyes... then gives herself a silent repremand.. of course. She glances at the Aes Sedai.. who seems to have already known.. Of course, she knows. Aes Sedai Know All. Or so it seems at least.

"Please answer my question now. Has anything strange ever happen around you? Unexplainable things? Wounds healing rapidly instead of being fatal? Danger being averted? "

Angharad licks her lips.. "Ah wolf tripped once in front of my father..." We won't mention the ... other little things.

Rayche shakes her head again. "Child, I can see plainly that you aren't telling me everything. This is important."

Angharad frowns at Rayche. "What do you want me to say. Wolves don't tripi.

" Melli looks at Angharad with mixed feelings.. as if torn between trying to help Rayche, or by telling the girl to flee as fast as she can.

Rayche shrugs slightly. "Suit yourself. Concentrate on this globe." she says, holding a hand under the spinning globe. "Deeply. Reach out for it with your mind."

Angharad blinks and tilts her head to the side, looking at the globe. "Why?" she asks, curiously. a headache. "Just do as I say, Angharad. I am trying to show you something." says Rayche. Her voice holds a bit of compassion, really.

Angharad licks her lips, then shrugs. She doesn't have much of a choice, so Angharad looks at the globe, practically trying to throw her mind at it, if that were possible. Nothing.

Rayche nods slowly, the globe disappearing. "You can Channel,child." she states.

Angharad yelps and leaps backwards. "Light! How do I make it so I can't?"

Melli sighs. If only that were possible, she thinks to herself.

Rayche shakes her head. "You cannot. You began channeling on your own, and once the gift has awakened, it cannot be made to go away."

Angharad blinks at Rayche, shaking her head, the long braid swinging back and forth, as if trying to free Angharad of this curse. "No..." says the Two Rivers woman in a soft voice. "There... there's got to be a way..."

"There is none, child." says Rayche, the usual grumble in the stout woman's voice lessened at least, if not gone. "You will have to stay here, and learn to control your ability. If we were to let you go, you most probably would either kill yourself by Channeling too much, or fall waste to the Disease."

Angharad looks around frantically, then back at Rayche, "Better that then being branded a witch..."

Melli never did like that word.. as the two rivers girl utters that infamous 'witch' word, she glances down at the hem of her dress.

A dangerous gleam appears in Rayche's eyes, and they are fully turned on Angharad. "Child, you would be wise not to speak those words again."

Angharad clenthces her fists, the knuckles whitening. "Why not? I've been branded a with in Devon Ride! I can never go home again. I ... all I wanted was to find a job, and support myself. Now people will fear me wherever I go!"

"Child, calm yourself." Says Rayche, settling back on the bench. "You don't have to fear that anymore. Your work is cut out for you now. The Creator has given you a gift that you cannot possibly comprehend yet. Believe me, in time all will be clear for you. The Tower cares for its kind." she says softly.

Angharad shakes her head, unable to calm herself." Your kind.." she says in a sneering voice. "Oh, wonderful."

Rayche looks over to Melli. "Accepted Melli, how did you come to the Tower?"

Melli glances at the Sedai. "I.. came because I had to, Aes Sedai. My sister and I."

Rayche nods slowly. "You have little choice, /Child/." The emphasis is clear on the word she will be hearing more of in the future. "We cannot let you endanger yourself and others because you cannot control your powers. You are strong, child. One day, you'll most likely be stronger than me. You will learn to accept it, even though it sounds harsh. But the Wheel weaves, and it has decided this for you."

Angharad grumbles. "Child... now I'm a child. Wonderful!" Angharad throws her hands up in frustration and shakes her head. "I suppose you'd call your own mother a child, if she came here, too?"

"If she wore the Whites, yes." Rayche murmurs. "Melli, will you see to that she is given proper attire and taken to the Mistress of Novices for indoctrination?"

Melli quickly wipes the smirk from her face and nods her head. "Of course, Aes Sedai."

Angharad purses her lips. Not a pleasing answer. Then she blinks. "Wait? Proper attire? You mean I have to ... wear a dress?" Angharad screws up her face in utter distaste.

Rayche puts a comforting hand on the new Novice's shoulder, the shield of Air dissipating. "Yes, it does. The same as all Novices wear. Welcome to the Tower, Novice Angharad." she murmurs before standing, looking to Melli.

Angharad would faint, if she weren't from the Two Rivers.

Melli sighs and nods, echoing, "Welcome to the tower. Let's get that dress.. you don't have to put it on right away, not till after you've been talked to by Sionil Sedai."

Angharad frowns at Melli. "Another Aes Sedai." Then she frowns, looking at Melli. "How old are you?" she asks curiously. Melli shrugs. "Nearing my twenty eighth naming day. " She tries to smile at that.. but really.. it only depresses her.

Rayche arches an eyebrow at Angharad., but doesn't comment any further. Rayche is standing together with Melli and Angharad, the latter looking a bit uncomfortable (I believe)

Angharad frowns at the ground, waiting to follow Mellli, not seeing another choice, at the time. She is, of course, oblivious to anyone else entering the room.

Rayche gives a slight nod towards Analee. "Sister." she says softly.

Analee wanders in, perhaps just in time to get herself a spot of lunch before resuming lunch. She cannot help but catch Angharad's words as she enters, and she does a bit of a doubletake. Her path takes her in Rayche's direction with a smile. "Good afternoon, Sister," she says conversationally.

Melli dips into a curtsey for Analee and avoids looking her in the eyes as she leads Angharad onto what the Aes Sedai would have her believe as bigger and better thigns.

"Meet our newest addition." Says Rayche, one hand still on Angharad's shoulder. "She wanted to join the Trainee program. I convinced her otherwise."

Analee smirks slightly. "We call girl Trainees 'Novices' here," she says too sweetly. "And it matters little if you are convinced or not yet. I'll make sure that you are identified as a Novice, and the guards will effectively prevent you from leaving until the Tower is finished training you. Someday, you'll thank us." She turns her eyes to Rayche curiously. "Do you know if she is a Wilder or not?"

Rayche smiles slightly, ignoring Angharad's comment. "I would have been fooled, had I not detected her ability to channel. Quite the clever disguise." Rayche nods to Analee. "Aye, she is. And quite thoroughly blocked as well."

Melli pauses in case Analee wants to say anything.. which she does, of course. Once that's done, she gestures for Angharad to hurry up.

Angharad grumbles backwater sayings as she leaves the room after Melli.

Analee folds her hands before her with an almost devious smile. "Well, we'll be certain to break that block as quickly as possible. What is it, exactly?"

Rayche shakes her head sadly. "She was uncooperative about explaining about her past. I have no idea what her block is, except that it probably involves danger to herself or others." she says, sitting down again by her half-finished plate of food. A full plate still stands where the now-to-be novice sat. "We will find out soon enough. Cavaeya Sedai has a good hand with Blocks, I am told. As are you?"

Analee nods to this as she wanders to the back to fill up a plate for herself. As she returns, she comments with a smile, "Yes, I break blocks fairly well, and illusion of danger is one I have done more than once."