This is a placeholder for the continuing thread of "Magnus' Meanderings", GMed by Glantri.  :)

Bogar follows your lead and warning, and follows you in a similar manner. He doesn't move to inspect any of the bodies, electing to put all his attention towards watching for an ambush.

When you get close to Galad and the others, you see they are all breathing by the movement of their chest. They appear by all external observations to be completely unharmed despite being covered in blood.

You then try shaking Galad. He doesn't stir other than shifting slightly afterwards. He appears to still be asleep. I assume you try shaking him harder, which gets him to mumble incoherently before falling back into a deep sleep. At no point does he open his eyes.

I'll shake him as hard as I can without hurting him.

I assume that doesn't work.

I mutter to myself
"Exhaustion? No that would have woke him...sleeping drugs?... no the dosage would be too precise. Magic?...maybe..."

I stand up and look around to try to spot who did this.

You're assumption is correct, he doesn't wake up regardless of how hard you shake him.

Bogar does interject at your mumbling, "there are stories about people being put to sleep using the one power, but I've also seen poultices that would knock a man out for hours. The court herbalist back home would... Well sometimes people had to be detained in non violent manners. It would knock them out so much that they could be relocated to the dungeon. It seldomly lasted more than 6 hours however."

When you stand up and look around you fail to find anybody other than the Galad and the two with him, Bogar and yourself.

You do see apparent trail marks where the white cloaks must have made their way in from the road. Upon further investigation you find one very well concealed set of tracks heading out in the same direction. They're masked to look as if they are all a part of the tracks coming in, and done well enough that you think you were lucky to even spot them.

"I wish I knew why someone would leave them here unconscious with all these dead Whitecloaks. My first guess is it's some sort of setup to get the Whitecloaks to think we are some sort of Darkfiends... We would need to move them even if I am wrong. The question is how...I know away each of us can carry one but that leaves one...Do you have any ideas? The best I've came up with is for two of us to carry two of them for a while, then stop to rest while one of up goes back to get the other one. Making our way back to our camp."

"A setup seems most likely, though whitecloaks already consider anyone involved in the affairs of the white tower to be a darkfriend. They inherently distrust anything to do with the one power. But I agree, this does reek of a setup.

As to moving the three, we could each carry one as you said, and just walk as far as line of sight before one of us doubles back for the other. It'll take a lot of time to get back to camp that way though... Probably would be after sunrise and we'd both be in terrible condition weariness wise if anything happened that we had to react to. We could always try and find the other two, and have them help us. But that would require making noise to get their attention or hoping to be lucky enough to stumble upon them. Or that they stumble upon this. Those are the only things that come to mind for me."

"Looks like we have no choice. We'll go with that plan."

I'll pick Galad up into a fireman carry.(I.E. with his weight distributed evenly over my shoulders while using one of their arms and legs to keep them steady.)

Then we'll go as far as we can while maintaining visual contact with the other one. Then I'll set Galad down and go get the other guy. Repeat until we get to our camp.

The next hour and a half are an excruciatingly tiring process. You and Bogar are taking as few breaks as possible, and are making decent time all things considered, but every muscle is beginning to hurt.

It's at that time that you hear a rustling in the trees behind you, and when you spin around to see you are relieved to see Gawyn and Darien coming out from behind a nearby tree.

Gawyn's face looks solemn when he sees Galad and the others being carried before he realizes they aren't dead. His face lightens then and he simply says "Thank you Eli. I can not ever begin to repay you for tonight, but thank you."

Gawyn takes Galad and Darian takes one of the other two, leaving you and Bogar swapping off the third. Your time picks up considerably with this, and after another hour manage to get back to the cave where Lod and Rory have kept the fire going, but have built a shield of bark in front of it to keep it less visible from afar.

Once back in the camp, Gawyn asks "What happened? We didn't see anything out the way we went, and were lucky to hear the two of you while heading back to camp."

Lod and Rory are both moving about getting everyone water, having identified the toll the night has put on you all.

I smile when we meet Gawyn. "There is no need for repayment. He's my friend too."

After we carry them back to the camp and Gawyn asks us that question.

"We searched the way Galad and the others went this morning. After two hours of searching we came across a body of a dead Whitecloak scout or crossbowman in a pool of his own blood. There was signs of a struggle around him along with two paths leading away. We examined the body and found this."

I pull out the piece of paper wrapped in cloth, cut open the cloth and read the paper with the Light of the fire.

"We followed the path north but it lead into a clearing and we lost  where it goes. when we returned the body was gone and the other tracks where harder to find. But we found them again and followed them for 45 minutes and found another clearing where a massacre had occurred. Whitecloaks and horses dead. There we found Galad and the others unconscious. We thought this smelled like a setup so we decided to move them to our camp. After An hour and a half of moving them we met you. We still don't know where Dahvin is."

The letter reads:

"You are charged with tracking Eli Bumbalough, a current person of interest. It is currently unknown whether he is a Darkfriend, so tread cautiously. Under no circumstances are you to engage him or his companions, stay silent and at a distance. Report back to me should he undertake any odd travel patterns or three days past the next new moon."

Then there is a charcoal sketch of your resemblance, in far better and more accurate detail than seems reasonable. After which it is signed:
"Forever walk in the light,
Lord Captain Bornholdt"

At the end of everything everyone seems a little shocked.
Gawyn speaks up first, "... I'm not sure I fully understand. These men had specific orders not to engage... and for some reason were tasked with following you? Not to mention they are camping at a border between Andor and the White Tower, neither of which are hospitable to Whitecloaks. Though I suppose they could get an overpriced inn some places of Andor... But if they didn't engage, and I know Galad wouldn't have engaged unprovoked... None of this makes any sense."

"I'm curious as to how they got that sketch of me or how they know my name. They shouldn't have been in a position to see me or hear my name...

Maybe a third party provoked a confrontation? We won't know until Galad and the others wake up. I also have quite a few questions for Dahvin."

Gawyn says, "The whitecloaks are rumored to have an extensive spy network. I hope it's that at least. The other option I can think of is they found out through the use of their Inquisitors. They use particularly nasty methods to get people to tell them things... of course they always claim to simply be asking questions, and only use such methods on those who do not walk in the light... There is a reason that nobility tends to dislike them operating in their lands.

As to a third party, that would make sense. How many whitecloaks did you say were left dead? I don't see any wounds on any of our own... and while we're pretty good, we're no warders yet and even if we were... I'd estimate 3 or 4 warders could take on maybe twice their numbers and if they got lucky not have any wounds. It's just bizarre to get through any combat with no cuts to ones body."

"There was about a dozen Whitecloaks and horses.

...Yeah It is weird to go though a battle without getting hurt.

I have head about their Interrogation Methods...I hope no one suffered because of me..."

There is an awkward silence for a moment as no one has anything to add on the topic of torture when it is thankfully broken by Galad beginning to toss and mumble. It's incoherent at first but then becomes
"Huh... Wh... What happened? How did we get back here?"

The other two are not stirring yet, and Galad seems confused but coming to his senses.

"You didn't come back to camp, so we looked for you. We found you in a field with a dozen slaughtered Whitecloaks. What can you remember from when you headed out to hunt this morning? "

"We were out tracking boar marks, when we stopped to drink some water. Dahvin had thought ahead and brought one of the water skins and we all drank and rested for a few... I then vaguely remember trying to stand and then my vision went black. Next thing I knew, I was asleep and unable to open my eyelids when I heard the distant murmurings and finally was able to rouse myself."

"... That's not good. Not good at all..."

I rub my forehead in concentration.

"I thought it was odd that Dahvin was so good at making stone tools. I suspended something when we found you three whith him nowhere to be found.

So he gave you three drugs that made you sleep, then he killed a dozen Whitecloaks and set it up to make it look like you three killed them.

The question is 'Why' now. Why did he do this?"

Galad looks confused for a moment,
"Dahvin... Dahvin killed twelve whitecloaks? He's not a bad fighter, but I don't see any way he could pull off such a feat. I couldn't manage that, and he's never bested me in a fight.

As to why, I can see a few possible reasons. Whoever is orchestrating this may want the White Tower and the Whitecloaks to be at each others throat more than normal, perhaps trying to push for a formal war. Or trying to angle to wrest political control of Andor away from Tar Valon, claiming war crimes...

Then it could also be more individually targetted. Perhaps one of us being framed to mark us on the whitecloaks lists? Such a mark would certainly make traveling certain parts of the world more difficult.

Figuring out why is going to be mostly a guessing game though. What I don't understand is how. Whitecloaks are military men, they have training. And warfare is largely determined by the numbers. Perhaps a rare blademaster would be able to confidently take out a dozen men, but nothing short of that."

"I don't know. Maybe he had help. Maybe he only took out a few at a time and dragged them to that field.

What you said is likely though. Some Whitecloak Scouts where order to observe me. Here is a letter I got off one of them."

I'll show Galad the Letter.

He takes the letter and reads it a few times.
"This is quite an oddity Eli. I question whether it's accurate or was placed for you to find... but that may just be suspicion that is heightened from Dahvins apparent betrayal.

Should we assume it is real, it makes a fight with them even stranger. If these were a scouting patrol tasked with shadowing they would never have attacked us, and finding them when they didn't want to be found would be a task in and of itself. I wonder how long you have been followed by a member of this scouting party however. If they only just arrived their death will take longer to detect inside the whitecloaks organization. If they had been sending back regular reports though they will know soon.

But that's not the point I was getting to. Dahvin would have needed to know where these men were well enough to drug us at the right time, find a group of scouts who specifically are trying to stay unseen and unconfrontational, kill twelve men, and extricate himself before anyone arrived.

I'm sorry Eli, but this seems like a puzzle to me and one that I don't have a great idea on solving yet. I will continue to think on it."

"You are correct. We just need to get the Answers out of Dehvin instead of speculating uselessly. I have my speculations but I don't have any evidence to back it up.

What shall we do now? Dahvin isn't likely to show himself now."

"We have to juggle it with our task. We still are in training, and leaving early violates that. But the tower should know immediately. Further, the authorities should be alerted to Dahvins suspected crimes if possible.

So there is the dilemma. We are tasked to both stay here and return to the tower. We can not do both. Perhaps splitting us up and sending some back to return, though that risks ambush on the way if the path is being watched."

"I guess I should be the one to report back to the White Tower so that I am the only one that fails. Although I don't like the idea of leaving you alone against Dahvin or other Whitecloaks.

He is still a better woodsman than us. Be careful and watch out for traps."

"It's less about who fails I suspect. How we handle a task is part of the evaluation and training. The choice is ultimately yours though. Did you want us to try and move the bodies while you're away, or leave them for your return? And be careful, It seems you may be the target of some of this for whatever reason."

Are you taking any supplies with you on your trip back and when do you plan to leave. It's past midnight, and your exhaustion is becoming  severe. Is there anything you want to accomplish before heading back?

"... I wouldn't move the bodies if I was you. It would cause more conflict with the Whitecloaks if they saw you moving the bodies.

Anyway, lets rest for now. How are we going to arrange the watchs?"

I guess I'll leave after we eat in the morning. We got here after a days travel on horse back. So it'll probably take me two or three days to get back. I'll see if the other will let me carry enough of those berries to keep me going during the trip.

Lod speaks up, "Rory and I will take watch until morning. We are by far the least tired and can sleep in the cave during the day."  He sounds much more assertive than you've ever heard him before. Assuming you don't object and go to sleep I'll move on. Otherwise just say so and we can rewind.

You fall asleep quickly once you lay down, weariness sinking into your bones.

You find yourself on an unfamiliar hill, overlooking a coastal city. There are signs of battle at the city walls, and the beginnings of a strong storm are pressing in from the sea.

No, I wouldn't object to that.

Well, First thing first. Let's check if I am in the dream world.

I'll pinch the skin on my arm to see if I feel pain.

You pinch your arm and feel the familiar sting you would expect. It's a little distant as if you only partially exist here currently though.

Ok. I'm going to try to explore this. But I need to be careful. First thing. Form Armor. Second thing Form Weapon. ... That shroud protected me from that explosion but it was only made of Dreamstuff... So it was my will holding it together? So Technically I could do it without an Item to focus on. But Magic feathers help. Therefor I should pick something That I know will protect me.

Well. I would just make a suit of magic armor. But instead I'll form a suit of Power armor over myself. Styled after Samus Aran's Fully upgraded suit from the Metroid Series. I'll alter it so that it is optimized for melee instead of ranged.(I.E No arm cannon. And the pauldrons are a manageable size that won't obstruct my view.)

Next I'll form an Oricalcum Daiklave. This is from Exalted.A Daiklave is a sword used by the Exalted. A standard one is between 4 and 6 feet long and about 6 inches wide. They are generally made of magical materials(Like oricalcum,) that make them practically indestructible. Normally they would be too big and clumsy to use. But By attuning to the user's essence they are lightened for the user such that they can be used like a standard straight sword... But they are still swinging a hundred pound piece of sharpened metal around. As quickly as they can use a normal sword. The physics on normal human bodies isn't pretty.

After I form those things, I'll do a quick test with them to see how they preform.

Then I'll head into the town.

OOC: Do I need to detail the capabilities of the suit and sword? They are fairly ridiculous. But not as ridiculous as turning into Archer

OOC)Not for now at least. Only thing I need to know is if you are including the helmet in the modified Samus outfit, or is your face exposed.

You summon your armor and sword. Summoning them is easy, but you find keeping them summoned is not. Whenever you let your mind wander to other topics one or both shimmer and shift, replaced by standard clothing, or other weapons, or similar but not the same armor. It takes an active effort to keep them in place.

You test them by going through several motions and they both perform exactly as you would expect.

You head into town and as you get closer you can make out what looked like signs of battle from afar. There are tents and campfires set up outside the city perimeter and buildings have scorch marks in some places. The marks seem to appear and then fade back to an unmarried structure however, which gives the illusion of an active battle from afar.

The tents you find look empty of life from the outside, and the town gives you chills and destinctly reminds you of a ghost town, showing no sign of life.

In the distance you see the sea and various large vessels with reinforced hulls and slim profiles. The ships are nearly pitch black in color, and almost shine. In the opposite direction are the hills you came from, which just kind of roll on for as far as you can see.

OOC: I did form a helmet with the suit. Since headshots are still a thing. But the helmet does have a clear faceplate so they can see my face from the front. Well at least my eyes and nose.

I'll head in the direction that my gut instinct tells me to go in.

Do I see any signs in the city telling me it's name or other information?

Do I recognized the kind of ships out in the ocean?

I assume that the level of concentration need to maintain them can be maintained in combat. Is that correct?

You think the level of concentration would work in battle, though it is an added aspect to control. It's hard to say exactly how easy or difficult it will be until you try it in a real battle.

You don't recognize the ships as being from any nation or anything more specific about them.

Your instincts take you into the city to explore for some sign of where this might be. You find that everything is stonework from the road, to the houses and even the dockyard. Very little is labeled with a sign among what you find, except for one building labeled "The Three Plum Blossoms" inn.

As you get near the Three Plums, the hair on the back of your neck stands on end and you get the distinct feeling you are being watched. When you spin around to look however you don't see anyone.

I call out, "I can sense you here. Show Yourselves!"
I'll amplify my voise with the suit so that it is really loud.

If no one shows up, I'll call out
"If you do now show yourselves, I'll be forced to destroy the entire area."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:03, Sun 13 Nov 2016.

No one comes out when you call out. The sense of being watched was fleeting however, and has subsided.

You wait a few minutes and then issue your second claim, booming loudly enough that anyone within half a mile should be able to hear.
And you wait,

And wait,

And wait.

It's been several more minutes and no one has come forward,though the fleeting feeling of being watched also hasn't returned. The chill feeling is lingering slightly though.

...Damn it.

I'll explore the inn too see what I can find. after that I'll go to the docks to get a closer look at those ships. does one look like a Flagship?

You enter the inn and see what could pass as any inn in the world, including many you have danced at with Susan. There is a stage for a gleeman to perform at, 8 tables with 4 chairs each and a bar with a set of tools. There is clearly a table in the corner that from experience you expect is often the dicing table.

There is no one in there however, and  the tables are empty. You don't find any hanging maps, or signage that mentions nationality. The decoration is of a seafaring nature, but you already knew it was a coastal city.

As to the ships, you get closer and see they aren't painted black but rather use a black shiny tar for waterproofing the hull. None strike you as a flagship, in fact they all seem to be built for speed, much like you would expect in a scouting troop.

Each one you estimate could hold 30 men, but could be crewed with as few as 10. It's got both a sail and rowing positions.

You do find signage at the docks however, reading "Port of Falme"

I'll jump over to one of the ships and see what I can find in it.

The jump should be easy since I don't have to follow the laws of physics here.

You jump over to the ship, clearing 100 feet of water without breaking a sweat, and land lightly.

Up close now you can see there are 5 rows of oars, a set of stairs down, a door into an area at the back of the boat, and a wheel up on a secondary level.

What are you looking for? Anything in particular?

I'm looking for any writing or anything to suggest where this ship is from.

After that I'll follow my gut instincts to... where I need to go? I'm basically exploitating my nature as a Ta'veren to point myself where I need to go. Based on Luck/intuition.

Your instincts lead you into the back room on the ship, which you discover to be the captains room.

You find a stack of letters in there, but they appear and disappear seemingly at random, and never stay long enough to read. What does stay long enough however is the tactical map on the central table. It appears and stays for a few minutes before fading away again. You manage to make out several key features during it.

First is that the map shows lands that aren't on any map you've seen in this world. The coastline of a distant land is portrayed and labeled Seandar. It appears to be across the Aryth Ocean, which is labeled. The lands you're used to seeing on maps are still there though the names aren't what you expect.

This room has your instincts buzzing, but not any particular aspect of it in general. When you concentrate on your Ta'veren nature however you have a momentary swimming sensation as your world rocks slightly and you have a flash of Rand, Perrin and Matt riding after the horn and dagger.

Well. That didn't work as planed. But it is good to know they are still ok.

I'll wander around to figure out where I need to go.

Sorry it took a bit to reply to this. I think we are on different wave lengths, as I thought what evidence you found was fairly close to what you wanted but I think in hindsight I missed that mark. Hopefully this clarifies a bit.

Your ta'veren nature will sometimes strongly assert certain paths as being pivotal to the pattern being spun, and prophecy fulfilled. You've largely been told that from the limited amount the Aes Sedai know and are willing to share.

You've experienced one time where the world felt like it was at a crucial juncture, and your Ta'veren nature resonated strongly for a while (at the eye of the world). The pattern has more fully integrated you into it now though, and you are feeling resonances of important times and places. There is a certain fundamental understanding that your character has of this deep down, even if the mechanics of it are foreign.

Your soul is resonating with thee distinct and disparate events currently. Concentrating on your Ta'veren nature brings forth the import of your connection with the three other Ta'veren, and when done at the right time offers you a glimpse of their location or a sense of which direction they are in.

Unconsciously, your mind is being brought to the town of Falme, with the inn and the ships you found.

And in your waking hours you sense a level of importance in the white tower. Not only from a personal gain perspective but from the Ta'veren perspective.

You get the feeling that all three are approaching an event of cataclysmic import, and the presence or abcense of a single Ta'veren may tip the scales at any given one. But how many Ta'veren are needed is a an unknown.

You finish exploring the ship, and find a series of barracks like rooms that don't draw particular attention. What does draw attention is a secondary set of barracks with the only difference being each room has a single peg with most having a silver collar with a 5 foot chain attached. For whatever reason it gives you the chills.

Right around that time you realize that you are starting to wake up, despite it feeling like you have been here less than an hour. You think you have time to investigate one more ship, or scry on the other Ta'veren briefly, or any other reasonably brief task before you will wake from this world.


OOC)hope that was better than the previous post.

OOC: Sorry, I wasn't very clear ether. But that did help.
Basically before I was trying to exploit my Ta'veren luck to get me going where I needed to be. This makes sense to me because The heroine of one of my favorite series has something similar. Reimu Hakurei of the Touhou Series has such good 'intuition' that she can fly in a random direction and then run into someone that can point her in the direction needed to solve the current incident.


I'm about to wake up. I need to find out what those collar things are.
I don't have time to transform into EMIYA. So I'll just have to try Structural Anylyse myself.


I touch the silver collar and take a little bit of mana that I generate and put it into the collar picking up it's history, How it was made, What its is made of, what is is used for. Then I'll take the mana back in to me to process the information withing it.

(Basically preforming retrocognation on it along with an analyse of it's materials.)

I forgot to mention the collar has a bracelet at the other end of the chain it's attached to.

-------
You touch the collar in order to send a little mana into it and your brain feels like it's being poked by superheated needles. Your vision swims and you release the collar. The mana was sent however, and after a few seconds it returns to you, educating you on the design on the bracelet and collar pair.

The item is called an A'dam, a flash of hearing someone refer to it appearing in your head as the mana returns to you. It's a Ter'angreal. It is used to subjugate a woman who can channel and force her to the users will.

That's all the brief exposure and small bit of mana was able to glean however before you wake up, sweating and exhausted. You stare up and see that dawn is upon you yet you feel like you haven't slept more than a handful of minutes. Some of the others are beginning to get up and move about already, but look to be avoiding where you lay.

Sweet that worked!... I mean of course it worked.

I get up.
"Sigh. Of course I didn't rest well... Good morning."

I'll get ready to start heading to the White Tower.

Lod comes over, bringing you water. "Morning Eli. We mostly gathered as much. You mumbled on your sleep most the night and began thrashing about at the end there... are you feeling ok? Are you sure you want to make this trip alone instead of taking at least one of us with you?"

They all help you get ready either way, but concern is apparent in each persons eyes, though a mask of weariness covers sea lot of it.

Are you trying to make the best time towards Tar Valon on your way back? Do you plan to sleep along the edge of the road, or try and find inns or buildings you can sleep in?

"I'm sill tired. But I should be ok.
Someone coming to watch my back would be good now that I think about it. Who wants to come with me?"

I'm going to go as fast as we can maintain. Since I want to get to Tar Valon as soon as possible. We'll probably sleep on the side of the road or an inn when we need to. Although we'll have to figure out how to pay the inn.

Galad steps forward, "we have discussed already that should you accept a second that I shall travel with you. Let us be off then."

You travel hard that first day and make it to the road and within sight of an inn. When you mention not knowing how to pay for an inn when the conversation gets to it, Galad says:
"If we are not concerned about making some noise and drawing attention I can get us a night at an inn and horses for tomorrow. I would have to announce myself and claim birthright however. I'm unsure whether you intended to mask our trail, which that would surely not do."

"That... would work. I would like to avoid drawing attention if possible. But that would get us to Tar Valon faster... Let's look at our other options first. We could ask for a room in exchange for a performance. Then the question is what we could perform... Can you play a musical instrument? That would depend if they had one... Maybe I could improvise a sword dance...I don't know if it would be any good. The Royal family will pay them for the horses and such, Correct? I guess your idea is the best option. Go ahead."

"Playing at an inn would draw as much attention. I may be able to go unnoticed when trying to stay out of others attention, but we are still in lands under Andors rule. Someone would be bound to know my face.

And yes, the horses would be paid for and the rooms compensated, from a fund normally reserved for when my mother travels. But it's the right thing to do in this case."

Are you going up to talk with the inn owner with Galad or waiting outside the inn? It occurs to you that he will be the focus of attention while inside, and while information is valuable your likeness was known by at least one group of white cloaks.

"That is true. Too bad I didn't think to bring my money. Oh well.

Anyway. That's good then. I'll leave the talking to you."

I'll go in close enough to listen in, But otherwise don't act to draw attention to myself.

The inn is small but abuzz of conversation. Galad enters and moments later you hear an audible shift in the level of conversation. You listen in to the conversation:
"Greetings Innkeep, I am Galadedrid Damodred of House Trakand. I regret having to ask this of you, but I must invoke birthright. A companion and I are traveling and are in need of a room for the night and two horses."
There is a moment of silence before
"Ah yes, of course Prince Damodred. It is an honor to serve the house of Trakand." And there is a rustling of keys. "A serving girl will be up with dinner in an hours time."

You hear the sound of someone walking up the stairs then and the inn slowly returns to its previous level of chatter

I'll quietly follow Galad upstairs to our room.

You enter the inn, and make your way up the stairs without anyone paying any apparent attention. There are about a dozen men and women at various tables, and the innkeep who id a grey haired man possibly in his late 50s.

When you get to the top of the stairs Galad is motioning, and then enters a room. When you enter you see him rearranging furniture. After you enter he closes the door and begins barricading the door.

"It may be paranoia, but i would rather not be caught off guard. The innkeep seemed off to me, and he did not follow the customs I had expected. All the same, we need rest and this is safer than on the road. And we really could use those horses."

"How was what he did different from what you where expecting? And what are we going to do about the servant girl when she comes up?"

"We could send her away, or set this up to be in position to barricade at will. That would raise less suspicion I suppose.

As to what was different, he should have given an oath of fealty when I mentioned the Queen. And I saw no ensignia of loyalty in the inn. I may just be paranoid, due to the unrest in Caemlyn when I last left."

"It is possible that they are loyal to the Children of the Light instead. I doubt they would assault you though. I would be careful though. Sleeping Drought or worse would be easy to slip in to the food they give us.

So we set up the door to barricade at will, accept the food to not appear odd, and only eat a little bit to see how the food affects us."

"I imagine it's going to depend on who all saw me down there. But loyalty to the whitecloaks has been an issue that's accelerating faster than I would expect. I wouldn't rule out assault, though I think it's unlikely."

Your barricade is set up with both of you helping easily enough, and arranged that you can knock out a supporting chair to cause a desk to crash and barricade the door quickly if need be. Or if given more time slide it over quietly.

Shortly after the serving girl, a late teens girl with raven black hair and blue eyes, delivers a tray of two generous portions of roast pig, seasonal berries, and two goblets of a deep red wine.

After she leaves, Galad moves to start barricading the door immediately, but quietly. "So I'm thinking we should try and eat some of the meat, as it's harder to dose than the liquid and we need energy for tomorrow. The berries are too much of a risk, and while the wine is risky... we do need something to drink."

Do we have any water left?



"That makes sense. We could just drink the wine a little at a time to see if it affects us."

I'll enter the Flame and the Void variant that intensifies my senses.
I'll eat a bit of the roast and drink some of the wine to see if anything tastes odd.

You have about a quarter of the waterskin left. You don't think there is any chance you would die of thirst on your travels even if that waterskin was all the two of you drank, but it would do a number on your body and not leave you in the best fighting condition if such a thing is required.

You enter the flame and the void and take a small bite of the pig roast and wait a few minutes. It tastes fine, if poorly seasoned. It strikes you that it's particularly low grade to serve high royalty. Even a high merchant might take offense.

You move on to the wine while Galad is still processing his bite of pig roast. You sip it and taste a rich grape taste. In contrast to the pig roast this is an incredible wine. It has several subtle notes of flavor and a refreshing cedar overtone. It's only your heightened awareness that lets you realize there is a secondary note there, masked by its similarity to the cedar overtone of the wine.

"... The roast isn't that good. I'm surprised that they gave this to you. Hold on for a bit on the wine. I taste something masked by the cedar overtone of the wine."

I monitor how I feel to note the effect of what ever I tasted.

You feel your senses trying to dull after about 15 minutes. It almost feels like the void is trying to collapse in on itself. You suspect you would be in severe danger of being incapacitated had you drank more or if the void didn't shelter you partially.

Even still your limbs feel slightly sluggish.

"Yeah... The wine was drugged. My senses are getting dull from the little bit I drank. and I feel sluggish. We should be getting company. This was meant to incapacitate if we drank it all. Should we try to escape?"

Galad curses, a sight you don't see often, and then says
"We could run, but it's the end of a day that was already long, and if you're not able to move quickly from the wine to begin with... if we need to run we'll need horses. I see no other way of staying ahead of whoever is trying to incapacitate us. Or for that matter if the poison isnt something that in a larger dose would kill after incapacitation. We might be able to get out of the window and to the stables before anyone could see us. Either that or just try and sneak out of town, if we get far enough before they notice we're gone our speed may not matter."

"Sneaking out the window and getting the horses sounds like a solid plan. Let's do that."

I'll follow him out the window to the stables.

Are you eating or bringing any of the roast pig with you?

The two of you sneak out the window and walk carefully along the roof in the full dark of the night.

You make it over to the section of the roof above the stables and see a stable hand leaving, hopefully for the night.

Galad climbs down first, and checks that all is clear before you follow, much less acrobatically than you are accustomed to, but without falling or making a lot of noise.

The stables have 6 pens, 5 of which have horses in them. There is one war horse, two riding horses, and 2 carriage horses. It appears the war horse was only recently put in the the stables as he is the only one awake and staring at you and Galad. He hasn't moved to winnie yet, but also doesn't look calm.

I'll see if we have anything to wrap the roast pig in and take it with us. The bedsheets might work.

I'll comment to Galad about the warhorse.
"That warhorse doesn't like us. We better hurry up with those riding horses before it makes a scene."

You wrap the meat in the blanket easily enough.

------
You try and quickly get the the riding horses without further disturbing the war horse when the world turns chaotic.

In the course of only a handful of seconds several things happen. You see that the war horses bridal bears the white sunburst of the whitecloaks, which wasn't visible from your original vantage. At the same time as you see that you hear a man in armor coming. You and Galad manage to mount the riding horses however and tear out of the stables.

The war horse has started to neigh loudly, and there are shouts from behind you of "I demand you stop"etc.

Are you making a path to the forest which parralella the road, or straight down the road towards Tar Valon?

I would go down the road as fast as possible.  Unless Galad lead us off the road.

I would continue for as long as the horses could keep up the pace.

Galad is behind you slightly and following your lead. You both push your horses to the fastest sprint they can manage. They are apparently fine breeds, as they manage to ride the several hours remaining to get to the bridge to Tar Valon.

You see the warhorse and rider follow doggedly but fail to gain ground on you and Galad. When the bridge of Tar Valon comes into sight he finally rears his horse and falls back.

As you get to the bridge, your horse is visibly flagging. You suspect if you don't let it rest soon it will break a leg or otherwise injure itself. Meanwhile your own exhaustion and the drug that you imbibed are pressing in on you. The void you formed is shaking in your mind, threatening collapse at any moment. You arent sure what effect it snapping from exhaustion will have, but you feel that you need to sleep soon.

Galad looks tired as well, but no where near as much as you feel.

I'll Dismount my horse after we get past the Bridge and lead it to the White Tower.

"One can almost admire their tenacity if they weren't planning on doing something really unpleasant to get their version of the truth out of you.

One I lose the Flame and the Void, The fatigue and that drug are going to hit me hard, I rather not pass out and fall off a horse.

Let's get to the Tower. They need to know the information we have."

You tell Galad your plans and he starts to say something as you feel the void pop, and everything it was keeping out,the fatigue, the hunger,the pain, all come rushing in like the waters of a broken dam. Your vision swims and then goes black as you barely hear Galad say something that is unintelligible at that point.

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

You open your eyes and see a very tired looking Shemerin Sedai looking down at you. You can see out of a window off the side that it's still dark, though dawn is threatening to arrive. Your fatigue is gone and you don't sense any remnant of poison, though you are ravenously hungry.

Verin speaks from just off to the side, "Galad here indicated that there was a conflict, and that you were poisoned. Good thing he mentioned that too, as you wouldn't have woken up otherwise.

Now that this is taken care of, what were you running from so much that you abandoned your fellow trainees and drove yourself near to death in exhaustion?"

I flinch when she mentions abandoning them.

"We weren't planning on rushing here like this.

Yesterday things where going well with our survival training. We split into three groups. Galad led a group in hunting. Gawyn lead a group in foraging. And the last two stayed at our camp to keep the fire going and make the tools we needed. Later that day Gawyn's group had returned to camp but Galad and his group where still out.

We formed two search parties to go and look for Galad and the others. Myself and Bogar where one Gawyn and Darian where the other one.

Bogar and I when in the direction that Galad when in the morning. We found a dead Whitecloak scout with this letter. There where signs of a struggle between at least four people in that area."

I pull out the Letter and give it to Verin

"Apparently the Whitecloaks are watching me. Anyway, There where two trails We followed one and it lead to a field that I couldn't follow it in. When we returned the Whitecloak's body was gone and the other trail had been hidden better. We managed to find it again and it lead to another field. But this one contain the bodies of a dozen Whitecloaks and their horses.

But we found Most of Galad's group. Only Dahvin was missing. We determined that Galad and the others hadf been hit with a sleeping drought that left them unconscious. We then worked to carry Galad and the others back to camp. Carrying three people when you only have two guys is very hard. But we found Gawyn's search party and they helped us carry them back to the camp.

We got back and disscussed what was going onwith the Whitecloaks and Dahvin. at this point Galad woke up and we got was happened. Dahvin prepared the waterskin that morning. As they where hunting, they got thirsty and Dahvin offered it to them. But it contained a sleeping drought. Which knocked them out.

We don';t have an explanation of how those Whitecloaks died. Maybe Dahvin killed them all. Maybe he had help. Ether way something is going on and the White Tower needed to know about it.
So I decided to set off in the morning. After a terrible night's sleep and a weird dream, I thought someone to watch my back would be a good idea. Galad volunteered.

We walked most of the day back to Tar Valon. and decided to rest at an in using Galad's status... Things where off. The inn keeper didn't do the proper oath of fealty to the queen and there was no ensignia of loyalty in the inn.

When went up to the room and set up a barricade at the door. They brought us food and wine. The roast pig was poor. I tried a little of the wine to test for poisons... It was poisoned. I managed to taste it by using the Flame and the Void. That alerted us to the need to get out of there.

We escaped out the window as the effects of the poision started hitting me.
By the way could you teel what kind of poison it was with the One Power?
Anyway, we went to the stables. Apparantly they called the Whitecloaks because one of their horses where there. We took two riding horses and the Whitecloak chased us on his warhorse. All the way to Tar Valon. There he backed off at the bridge.

One can almost admire their tenacity if they weren't planning on doing something really unpleasant to get their version of the truth out of you.


I dismounted at this point and then My Flame and the Void Collapsed and I passed out"

Shemerin speaks up first, "I believe the poison was a type of eldroot extract. You're very lucky to be alive. It's a favored poison among assassins in the south, as it's effects are delayed from initial ingestion. But once one falls asleep from it, it begins working on the bodies vital organs. The number of cases where I've seen people wake from it without healing are quite small."

Verin then begins, "So it sounds that Dahvin is a traitor, but we don't know for who. It seems unlikely he's a traitor for the whitecloaks, or why would a group that large end up dead. Further, it is concerning there is a scouting party of that size so close to Tar Valon. Andor has traditionally been aligned with the White Tower and the whitecloaks find little shelter in travel there. Not that they are turned away, but extra courtesies are not paid.

We need to get the other trainees out of there however, I'll accompany Thomas myself, and see if a green sister will accompany me. Are the two of you fit to travel? I don't want to waste time searching for them if I don't need to."

Other than feeling ravenously hungry, you don't feel injured or tired. Galad looks far more tired than you actually, though you suspect he could ride another day or so without much problem, though fighting would be hard.

OOC)Sorry for the long delay, I needed the notes on my computer for this one, and haven't gotten much of a chance to sit down at it in the past few days

"I am lucky to be alive then.

I should be good as long as I get something to eat. Galad looks tired though. Shemerin Sedai, could you please take care of his Fatigue?

I guess I should go with you to talk to the Green Aes Sedai."

Shemerin let's out an exhausted sigh but nods. "It is important that you all be off immediately..."

She puts her hand to Galads head and after an abnormally long moment takes her hand back. Galad thanks her and you Galad and Verin make your way to the green hall. On the way Verin asks Galad to run and find Thomas, and meet you all at the gate.

Once Galad has set off she mentions,
"You mentioned odd dreams again, are they like last time?"

"Yes, In that I could take control of them. I believe I am going to Tel'aran'rhiod on my own. Because Even after you warded me I had a dream that I could take control of... That one didn't last long because I followed your instructions and forced myself awake.

Anyway, Is there a Port of the west coast called Falme that is made primarily of stonework and has an inn called The Three Plum Blossoms Inn? Does Tel'aran'rhiod reflect the waking world?"

I'll let her answer that.

She pauses for a moment before saying,
"Interesting... I am unfamiliar with all of the inns on Almoth Plain, but Falme is a port city bordering the Aeryth Ocean. As to what Tel'aran'rhoid reflects, keep in mind we haven't had a dreamer in a long time... and now possibly two, and one male... But as best as we know, the dream world reflects the waking world, to a degree."

"I see. If I hazard a guess, I would say that It reflects things that stay in place for a long time...

Then that city is probably under attack or conquered when I slept yesterday morning.
I saw an unfamiliar port city in my dream. The First thing I did was to test if I was in Tel'aran'rhiod by pinching myself. I felt pain from that so I decided to protect myself by forming weapons and armor...It's was hard keeping them in place. I had to concentrate to maintain them. Anyway I walked to the city.

When I was exploring the city there where blast marks and scorch marks that appeared and disappeared giving me the impression of a active battle. There where tents outside the perimeter of the city. And I saw black ships in an unfamiliar design anchored out in the ocean.

I explored inside the city but didn't find much. I found the The Three Plum Blossoms Inn and then the hair on the back of my neck stood on end and I felt like I was being watched. I told them that I sensed them and to show themselves. Apparently that scared them off.

I explored the inn for a bit and didn't find anything. So I decided to try the ships...
The ships where black due to the Tar used to make them waterproof. The Ships where build for speed like scouting ships. they look to be crewed by about 30 but could sail with only 10. They have oars and sails.

I explored the ship and found the captain's room. There was a stack of letters. but I couldn't read them because they appeared and disappeared too fast. I did Find a map and it stayed long enough for me to study it. It showed a land called Seandar across the Aryth Ocean. I would guess the ships are from there. Then I looked in the barracks and found a secondary barracks. They had silver collars that had a 5 foot silver chain attached to a silver bracelet. They had quite a few of these things hanging on pegs in the secondary barracks. and for some reason these things give me the chills.

At this point I senses that I was about to wake up. So I decided to find out all I can about these things before I woke up.

I drew it's history out of it and got an impression of what it is used for. It is called an A'dam. It is something called an Ter'angreal... It is use to subjugate a female channeler and force them to do the user's will.

I'm fairly certain that this information is accurate. Those two Old Tongue words. I've never heard them before. What ever I did, I think I got the item's history from it's dream world self.

Who ever these people from Seandar are. They are dangerous. They can enslave the White Tower with those collars."

Verin listens intently as you tell your story,

"Thats... very concerning. I don't disbelieve you Eli, some of it is just hard to accept. I would suggest not mentioning this to other sisters. For what I can tell you in these regards...

Almoth Plain is in a perpetual state of war, so that in and of itself wouldn't be surprising. After the country of Almoth fell apart there have always been warring factions.

That said, these boats you speak of, I haven't read anything like that, nor have I ever heard of this Seandar. But we will need to investigate for sure.

As to the Ter'angreal... it's hard to believe such a thing exists, though there is much from the age of legends that was lost and we know little of now. This may be one of those things resurfacing. As to the words themselves, Ter'angreal simply means an object which can harness the one power. They are uncommon but a variety exist. It is of the White tower's interest to know of and collect those that do exist obviously. A'dam... let's see, if I recall right that is 'leash' in the old tongue.

This is all quite... a lot. I suspect there are things of importance at work, and the wheel is making it's will known. It's curious how these things manifest for Ta'veren. Anyway, is there anything else you can tell me about this? I'll need to speak with the Amyrlin when we get back from retrieving the other trainees, and I don't know I'll have time to speak with you alone again."

My eye's widen a bit at her mentioning Ta'veren then I school my face back to inpassive.

"What makes you think I'm Ta'veren?"

I have more to say but I need to hear how she knows.

Without missing a beat,

"Oh, it just makes sense. You find yourself traveling with those three other ta'veren, and then Moiraine goes out of her way to avoid mentioning who you are or why you were traveling with them. Don't worry, I don't imagine many here know. It's hardly the most dangerous secret between the four of you anyway."

I facepalm.
"Ok. How do you know the other three are Ta'veren?
There was one bit I didn't mention. I discovered that I can scry on the other Ta'veren in the Dream World by concentrating on my Ta'veren nature.

 I'm also getting a feeling that three places are at a tipping point for events of cataclysmic import. My unconscous was drawn to the port of Falme. The other three are chasing after the horn. And The White Tower draws Near an important event. The presence or absence of a Ta'veren at any of those points will change the course of history.

What can you tell me about Ta'veren? Any bit of lore can help me know what to expect."

"The fact that the other three are Ta'veren is well know through the tower. It's the reason that everyone is being allowed to believe that the Amyrlin wished to see the three of them before leaving Fal'dara. You and I both know the real reason however, I suspect."

It's at this point you realize, the air around the two of you has that odd pressure you've experienced once or twice before. When Moiraine didn't want anyone listening in.

"The ability to see where the other three are... is both useful and dangerous. How easily can you see them? Can you do it at any time?

And three points of interest in the weaving... Hmmm.

As to Ta'veren, well little is known about them. They are exceedingly rare. The pattern warps around them however, or rather warps to guide them where it needs them. It's said the most strongly Ta'veren have an overwhelming presence when you stand in front of them. It's not so much a conscious attribute, as the world both requiring a great deal of you and in return warping itself to make what you need to do possible. I'm not sure that made sense... It's a tough subject."

"... I don't know. I'll have to experiment with it. I just discovered that I could do that.

I see. I had a feeling that it worked something like that.

I assume we are going to Alanna Sedai?"

"Alanna and her warders are on the short list of those I'm looking for. I mostly am interested in someone who can set out immediately with us however.

As to experimenting, can you try it now? As I said, our opportunities to speak privately may be limited and it would be useful information to have."

"I'll Try. Give me a few minutes to get myself into the proper mindset."

I close my eyes and nod my head in concentration. I enter the Flame and the Void to clear my mind like I've done so many times before. In the dream world I scried by concentrating on my Ta'veren nature. I put my singular focus into that one aspect. How the Wheel is weaving me and the others into the events of cataclysmic importance. I'll focus on the Weaves of the others and their fates. I'll try to see what they are currently doing. My joke from when I got here was surprisingly accurate. The local equivalent of the Loom of Fate and the Patten spiders are LITERALLY looking out for me. I'll try to leverage this insight into the Wheel of Time to change my viewpoint to where it is currently weaving the Three other Ta'veren.

OOC:Welp. I'm trying something new. OOC I know enough about vanilla magic and psionics to know that I'm going to have a bad day if you count that as magic.

You close your eyes and begin shifting your focus to Rand, Matt and Perrin. Suddenly colors are swirling about your vision and you get a glimpse of Rand, Loial and a man you saw but did not meet in Fal'dara. They seem to be alone and traversing an oddly barren landscape. It doesn't look like where you saw Rand as recently as last night. You get an immediate feedback of great danger before your vision snaps to that of Matt and Perrin, in the searching party for the horn. Of note, Perrin looks to be out front guiding the party, golden eyes shining intently. It's then that you notice that the landscape is similar to that of where you saw Rand, but much more lively. Small trees and sparse vegetation are about, where you saw none around Rand. With that the vision snaps shut and you open your eyes, realizing yourself to be much more tired than moments ago. Not anything dangerous but as if you'd just finished two hours exercise instead of having just been healed of fatigue.

Verin is looking on intently, intellectual curiosity apparent.

Ooc) You can push it further into magic if you like, but what you described still falls within the inherent Ta'veren link.

"... it worked...  I saw Rand in a barren land with Lorial and someone I've seen before at Fal'dara. I sensed that they are in grave danger. It the Shifted to Perrin and Mat. They where in a area with a bit more greenery but still looks similar to where Rand was.


...That was tiring. I feel like I just exercised for two hours"

"Fascinating. One has to wonder whether all Ta'veren are instrinsically linked or whether the four of you are a special case even for Ta'veren. I really must take notes of this when we stop next, who knows how long it will be until someone can record 4 linked Ta'veren again.

I digress though, you mention danger but I assume only in a vague sense, without a face to put to it. Were you able to tell if the group has located the horn yet?"

As she's talking you feel your weariness fade. It's not abrupt, and your still tired, but the wave of weariness has passed slightly in the brief moments of conversation.

"Yes, Danger only in the general sense. Only a feeling that he is in danger. I couldn't see the Horn. I only got to view a brief moment... How long was I concentrating?"

"Oh, maybe 15 seconds or so? It wasn't terribly long."

Are there any questions you want to resolve before we progress with finding a green sister and setting out? Or any preparations before leaving the white tower again?

"I see... I don't think I have any other questions for now. And All I have to do is get something to eat and talk to Susan for a bit."

"You should run off and do that now then, as soon as I have a green sister with me I want to be on the road."

Assuming you split ways, you make your way to Susan's rooms, who answers and looks surprised to see you. She's also clearly just woken up a few minutes ago.

"Eli. I was told you would be gone for days yet. "

"Things happened Susan. Like they always do. Can we go into your room. I have a lot I need to tell you."

I'll go into her room.

"Ok, I have a lot to go over. We where sent off to learn how to survive in the wilderness.It was going ok until about two days ago. Galad's group when out to hunt but didn't return by sundown. Gawyn and Darien along with Bogar and I went out to search for them in two groups of two. Bogar and I when in the direction that Galad when in the morning. We found a dead Whitecloak scout with this letter. There where signs of a struggle between at least four people in that area."

I'll pull out the letter and hand it to Susan

"Apparently the Whitecloaks are watching me. Anyway, There where two trails We followed one and it lead to a field that I couldn't follow it in. When we returned the Whitecloak's body was gone and the other trail had been hidden better. We managed to find it again and it lead to another field. But this one contain the bodies of a dozen Whitecloaks and their horses.

But we found Most of Galad's group. Only Dahvin was missing. We determined that Galad and the others had been hit with a sleeping drought that left them unconscious. We then worked to carry Galad and the others back to camp. Carrying three people when you only have two guys is very hard. But we found Gawyn's search party and they helped us carry them back to the camp.

We got back and discussed what was going on with the Whitecloaks and Dahvin. at this point Galad woke up and we got was happened. Dahvin prepared the water-skin that morning. As they where hunting, they got thirsty and Dahvin offered it to them. But it contained a sleeping drought. Which knocked them out.

We don't have an explanation of how those Whitecloaks died. Maybe Dahvin killed them all. Maybe he had help. Ether way something is going on and the White Tower needed to know about it.
So I decided to set off in the morning.

That night I visited Tel'aran'rhoid. I was looking down on a Port city next to the Aeryth Ocean. I found out later it was called Falme. I outfitted myself with advance armor and a magic weapon. I walked into the City. It looked like it was in the middle of an active battle with scorch marks appearing and disappearing on the walls of the building. There was an military encampment surrounding the city. There was also Black ships out in the ocean.
I wandered into the city and found the Three Plum Blossoms Inn. At this point I Sensed that someone was watching me so I called out for them to show themselves. But no one came out. I didn't find anything in the inn. So I decided to check the Ships.

So I jumped to one of them. They are covered in tar and are of a design that I haven't seen before. They had both sails and oars. They looked like they could use a crew of 30 but could get by with only ten. I found the Captain's room. There was a stack of letters but they appeard and disappeared too fast to read. There was a Map though that showed a land across the Aeryth Ocean. The land was called Seandar. Then I focused on my Ta'veren nature to try to get a sense of where I need to go next. Instead I got a vision of Rand, Mat, Perrin and Lorial searching for the horn.

Then I wandered to the back and found a secondary Barracks. There was these Silver Collars with a silver chain to a bracelet resting on wooden pegs. These things gave me the chills.
I sensed I was about to wake up, So I resolved to find out as much as I could about these strange Leashes. I performed structural grasp on then and found out this. It's a type of Ter'angreal called an A'dam. According to Verin A'dam means Leash in the Old Tongue. It is used to enslave a female channeler to another's will... At this point I woke up.

I also got an impression that there are three importan places in the weave. Where Rand and the others are; This City next to the Aeryth Ocean; And The White Tower. I feel like all of them are at tipping points of cataclysmic importance."

I'll pause there for a bit to let Susan Comment.

She begins nodding when you talk about being away for survival training, but her face blanches as you go on. She shivers when you mention the purpose of the A'dam but doesn't immediately comment on it.

When you break for a moment she starts talking, and then stops, several times, before getting words together.
"That's... Really a lot to have happened in less than a week. It's hard to imagine Dahvin betraying the tower, he's always seemed like able enough. But traitors can be deceptive, it's practically required for them to be. But so many whitecloaks... Not that I mourn their death, but such a skirmish doesn't happen quietly...

But more importantly, you can visit Tel'aran'riod on purpose now? And control it? How? I thought that only Aes Sedai could do that, and I'm told Egwene is the first in generations. And even Egwene has been struggling with the task without a ter'angreal."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Mon 05 Dec 2016.

"Visiting Tel'aran'riod is probably not the right word for it. I haven't learned to control whether or not I go there. Although I have figured out how to tell if I'm there. If I can take lucid control of a dream, I'll Pinch myself. If I feel pain from that, I'm in Tel'aran'riod.

Speaking of which. Something odd happened when I touched the A'dam to use Structural Grasp on it. It felt like red hot needles where pricking my brain. Which is really something now that I think about it. The brain doesn't have any nerves to feel pain within it. Is channeling painful like that?

As for controlling it. It's still a dream... A possibly lethal dream, But a dream none the less.  If one is aware that they are in a dream, You can change it at will. Limited only by your imagination and willpower. Belief also probably helps. When I transformed into Counter Guardian EMIYA, His holy shroud protected me from the explosion. My unconscious belief in it probably helped with that.

So Egwene is the dreamer... Is she having trouble directing herself into Tel'aran'riod or is she having trouble controlling the dream when she get's there?

Yeah, That many White cloaks dying wont go unnoticed. We are going back to get the other trainees...Honestly, I should have brought them with us. I can be so stupid at times..."

After we are done with that subject, i'll continue with my story.

"I woke up feeling tired. You never get proper rest when you go to Tel'aran'riod. Galad decided to accompany my back to the tower. We walked all day and came to an inn. Galad decided to use his position as prince to get us a room for the night and horses to ride. Something was off about the inn and innkeeper. The Innkeeper didn't do the proper oaths of fealty to the queen and there was no ensignia of loyalty in the inn. So we barricaded the room when we got up there. They brought us food and wine. We didn't trust it but we really needed to eat. So I embraced the Flame and the Void and tasted them. The roast hog wasn't as good as you would expect to be feed to a prince. Then I tried the wine and detected something odd about it. We waited a bit and I began to feel the effects of the poison. It made me feel sluggish. We escaped though a window and sneak over to the stables. There was a Whitecloak warhorse there. We took two ridding horses and the Whitecloak chase us All The Way to Tar Valon. And then stopped at the edge of the bridge. I should actually thank him. Because that poison would have actually killed me.

According to Shemerin Sedai, It was a type of eldroot extract. She said I'm very lucky to be alive. It's a favored poison among assassins in the south, as it's effects are delayed from initial ingestion. But once one falls asleep from it, it begins working on the bodies vital organs.

Anyway at this point the Flame and the Void I've been embracing to keep myself active collapsed and I passed out. Galad carried me to the Tower and Shemerin Sedai healed me. Verin Sedai was also there. I told her most of the story. And then told her the rest about Tel'aran'riod when we separated from the others. She also knows that I am a Ta'veren. Apparently she figured it out on her own. She also knows that Rand, Mat and Perrin are also Ta'veren."

"Ah. That does make more sense now. Egwene is having trouble willfully utilizing the dream world. She can reach it using the Ted'angreal but so can Nyneave and Elayne. I'm supposed to be allowed to try tomorrow evening with them. Once there, leveraging anything that would be called control on the surroundings... well it's just not even what they are trying. Just being able to observe the dream world and stay there for a time is taking work. This is all second hand though, I may have more to tell you in a few days on the topic.

As to channeling, there is no pain. It's a warm, ecstasy filling experience as Saidar fills you with life and power. The embrace requires proper handling, but it's a true pleasure. Honestly learning the discipline to let go of the source has been one the hardest lessons. The sense of loss as you release the connection is palpable.

And for what it's worth, I've never thought you stupid. Brave, confidant, but not stupid."

---------

She gasps when you mention the betrayal done by the innkeeper. "That's unheard of in Andor. To be so aligned with the whitecloaks alone would be worthy of comment and close inspection. But to betray the Prince? More so, to try and murder him? Why would the whitecloaks even want such a thing? A war with Andor would be catastrophic. Garyth Brin is one of the greatest commanders this age may see, his presiding over Andors military coupled with Queen Morgaises wisdom have always guaranteed a stable realm."
(She interjected this bit before you got a chance to say the last paragraph but then let's you finish.)

------

"Eli, I am concerned over what she may know if she has deduced that much. What Moiraine knew she worked backwards from the prophecy and I suspect Ta'veren nature. Do you think Verin knows anything more?"

"... I might know something that will help them. Learning to Lucid dream sounds like it would aid all of you a lot. Basically it's learning to recognize that you are in a dream. When you are aware you are in a dream, you can change things with your force of will. What you learn with that applies directly to the Dream world.

You did say it was taking work to stay in Tel'aran'riod...I really don't know what to tell you on that. Once I'm there I have no problem staying there until I wake up... Maybe it's because I'm not thinking about it. You can end a lucid dream early by focusing too hard on it. Just let it come and don't focus on staying there.
Anyway, So that pain was probably something else...
Thank you Susan."

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

I nod to Susan's interjection.

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

"...I guessing she knows a lot. She stated that the fact I'm a Ta'veren isn't the most dangerous secret between the four of us. I suspect that she knows Rand's secret. She says that the fact that the other three are Ta'veren is well known among the Tower because the Amyrlin wished to see them before leaving Fal'dara. She says that she figured out that I was one too because Moiraine went out of her way to not mention me.

... She also knows that I can Scry on the other Ta'veren. Even in the Waking world..."

"That is an interesting concept Eli, and in some ways parallels the embrace of Saidar. One must surrender to it, and let it flow through you. Try to hard and it will refuse to come at all or just slip away. I will mention it to the others."

------

"It hadn't occurred to me that the Ta'veren news had spread so widely in the tower but I suppose it makes sense. I haven't talked with the issue with anyone, since I didn't know who knows what and I didn't want to draw attention.

It's... concerning, that another potentially knows. Though she doesn't seem to have taken any action. That could mean good things, but it's dangerous either way. Walk carefully there Eli. Please.

But what do you mean by scrying? Like you can voluntarily throw your vision to where they are at? I've never heard of such a thing being done."

Now that I think about it. I want you to try something when you are in Tel'aran'riod. I want you to try to summon me to your side. Juat to see if it works.

Oh. If you find something dangerous in Tel'aran'riod one can return to the waking work just by focusing on it. I have a feeling that when people fight in Tel'aran'riod it will be Will against Will.

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

"I'll be careful.

Basically yes. Scrying refers to viewing things that your physical senses are not presently at."

"I will try. Tomorrow night hopefully."

-------

"I wonder whether the others can do the same of you. You should ask them when you see them next, I'd be interested. I've been trying to read up on Ta'veren and there is so little information. There's documentation of the most Ta'veren people in history, but woefully little that I've found so far on it's appreciable affect. Egwene teases me that if I keep at the histories so much the brown ajah won't accept anything other than me joining them."

"I Know I'll see you tonight. Because you are the Girl of my dreams."
I say the cheesy line with a straight face then crack a smile.

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

"I believe that we'll have a lot to talk about when we meet up again. I'll mention this to them because It could be useful for all of us.

Verin said that there is very little that is known for sure about Ta'veren. She said that the Pattern warps around us because it expects great things from us. So it warps to allow us to pull the things that need to be done off...I see some parallels with the fiction of my homeworld... Unfortunately I'm not seeing any new insights to get from that. Well at least ones that are immediately relevant. When We have more time you should tell me about the other Ta'veren you read about.

Verin has probably found a green sister by now. I need to get something to eat and get going."

She smiles and kisses you after the cheesy line, before letting you continue.

----

"I will tell you as much as I know when I see you in the dream world."

After which she rustles around in a small cupboard and pulls out a wrapped loaf of bread. "I try to keep something here for mornings when I am running too late. It's not much but if you are in a rush it will save you time."

You soon find Verin and Alanna in the hall, walking towards the stairs down. Verin says, "ah, good. Are you all ready then? Our warders are preparing horses as we speak."

Alanna smiles warmly at you, "I hear you have been excelling among the young trainees. Let's go get the rest of your group before the Whitecloaks know what happened."

"Thank you so much Susan. That helps me out a lot. See you later tonight."

I'll hug her and then get the bread from her. I'll head out while chomping on the bread.

I'll stop eating when I meet the Aes Sedai.
"Yes, I am ready. Thank you for your help Alanna Sedai."

I'll continue eating while heading towards the horses.

The three of you walk briskly through the mostly empty halls, most having only started their morning routines and thus not in your way.

When you get to the stables you see Orwein, Tomas, and Ihvan have prepared horses for all of you. You notice none have the flame of Tar Valon on their bridles, nor are any easily identifiable ensignia on Verin, Alanna or the warders.

On the way there Tomas says "when we get to the forest you are responsible for our path. Assuming the group of you have any woodsman skills, it'll be faster than overturning enough rocks to find the lot.  Are there any surprises we should be aware of?"

Is Galad coming with us or is he staying at the Tower?

When Tomas talks to me I'll reply
"I'll lead us to the cave where we've been staying. There shouldn't be traps for man size targets unless Gawyn and the others have been really busy. I Assume everyone has been briefed about the current situation by Verin Sedai."

When we get to the forest, I'll lead them to the cave using the mental map of landmarks I've built up from staying there for a few days.

Is the Galad question to me as the gm, or something you're asking out loud. You do not see him with you.

The wardens set a fast pace, not enough that it would draw immediate attention but faster than normal travel. You guess it's just shy of what would tire the horses quickly.

Soon after you arrive at the edge of the woods. Verin and Tomas mention they will stay and watch the horses, just inside the cover of the woods, while you fetch the others. On the way in you see various traps for animals set up, but none designed for human or horse.

When you eventually get to the cave Gawyn is standing sentry, and you see some shapes from deep within. Of note, the cave entrance has been covered with a thatchwork of branches and leaves. Even knowing where to look it takes you a bit.

Gawyn says "thank the light you are here. a few hours ago Lod saw a patrol of whitecloaks when he was out gathering from the traps. They look to be combing the woods."

OOC: I was asking the GM. Because I can see good reasons for him to go and good reasons for him to stay.

"I'm glad to see you are well Gawyn. Are all tje others within the cave or are some of them out gathering food? If we have everyone,we're going to make a tactical withdrawal from here."

"Everyone's in the cave. The whitecloaks were too close to risk any more trips through the woods than need be.  We were just formulating an exit strategy, and packing what berries and consumables we could, let me go get them and we can be on our way."

Once everyone is out, Tomas says "we'll be splitting up while going through the forest, a group this size would be far too easy to track. Half of you will come with Verin and I, the rest will go with Alanna. Hopefully we will meet at the forest edge, if not make for the road, and don't stop until you reach tar Valon. Remember we would prefer not to draw attention if we can avoid it."

Do you have a preference on which group? And any specific goals during the retreat, or just best time while not leaving an obvious trail?

OOC: I thought that Verin and Tomas where going to stay at the edge of the forest and watch the horses.

I would probably head with the group that Gawyn was with.

Yes, my goal is the best time without leaving a obvious trail. I also hope that we don't encounter any Whitecloaks although it wouldn't surprise me if we did encounter them.

OOC) my apologies. You're right. I've been a little scattered, life has been abnormally busy. I'll do my best to not keeping making mistakes like that.

The two groups end up being Alanna and Ihvan leading half the trainees, and Orwein leading the other half. You and Gawyn are in Orwein's group.

You make decent time, and it's a tense atmosphere as every branch snap makes you think the whitecloaks are upon you. But you make it through and rendezvous with Verin and Tomas without drawing whitecloak attention. The other group shows up less than five minutes afterwards. Silently, everyone mounts up, doubling up on horses. The first hour is a hard ride, before Verin brings the pace down to a trot and instructs everyone to dismount and walk, leading the horses.

I'm glade to be out of the forest with out incident.

I'll continue walking for the rest of the day. I'm Embracing the flame and the Void and keeping an eye out for Whitecloaks.

When we stop and rest for the night. I'll request 1st watch

OOC: Don't worry about it. Every GM makes mistakes like that. If the Player doesn't notice it, Let it slide and just update your notes. If they do notice, just say opps and revise what you said to the correct thing. Recon things as appropriate. as long as both you and the player are cool with it, There is no harm with it.

Everyone is instructed to mount up after an hours walking, with the horses having gotten some rest. I assume you don't object to that.

Alternating one hour walking one hour riding, you end up at the bridge into Tar Valon in the late afternoon. You almost feel the atmosphere ease as you cross into the sanctuary the white tower holds.

You have several hours before night fall, and you're free for the time being as Verin asks to speak with the other trainees.

I guess I'll get something to eat. Then I'll see what Susan is doing.

You stop in the kitchen and are able to pick out a meal to your tastes and then head on to look for Susan.

When you get to her room and knock there is no answer however. After a few moments though you hear a burst of laughter a few doors down in Egwene's room. It's hard to tell but you think Susan's is intermixed with the laughter.

My eyebrows arc a bit and I decide to go ahead and talk to them.
I go over to Egwene's room and knock on the door.

Who else is in her room?

You knock and the room goes quiet, a moment after which the door opens with Egwene standing there. She has a slight flush to her face, as if she was just embarrassed and it's just fading now.

"Oh, it's you Eli. How have you been?"

You see Nynaeve, Egwene, Susan, a woman Egwenes age with blue eyes and blonde hair with a hint of red in it, and a woman you recognize from where you and Susan used to go dancing before setting off on this adventure, but unlike the others in the room she is wearing a mans shirt and trousers. It doesn't hide the fact that she's a woman, but it's very uncommon from what you've seen in this world.

This last woman speaks up in a teasing tone, "Ah, the proof that Egwene here is not alone in being moon eyed. I've heard much about you Eli, and I see there is much yet to pass. Has Rand plucked you from your home as well and swept you into this vortex?"

Susan's face now resembles what Egwenes was when she opened the door.

My eyebrow raises when this woman talks and Susan's reaction to her words.
"You see there is much yet to pass? Are you some sort of Prophetess?
...At the moment I can't answer your question. What do you mean by Vortex and Moon eyed?"

She laughs, "Prophetess. Ha. Nothing so noble sounding. I just see some things, it's why I'm being kept here. They don't understand how it happens. I can tell your Ta'veren though, nobody that's not has that many images dancing around their head.

As to moon eyed..." she chuckles and smirks at Susan "... I think I'll let Susan explain that one to you. As to the vortex, I just meant the effect Rand Al'Thor has had on all our lives. He sweeps in and the whole world falls out from under you, and you follow the fool shepherd regardless of what logic tells you. I can tell your fate and his are only growing closer tied"

"...Images? What do you see around my head?"

I'll Let her answer. Then turn to Susan.
"ummm... I haven't heard the term Moon Eyed before... What Does it mean? Something to do with Dreaming?

As to the vortex... I'm not so sure that that's quite accurate. The appearance of Moiraine Sedai, Rand and the others certainly sent us on our way. But I suspect that the Wheel would have weaved me into events regardless of what I will.  Oh well. The Wheel apparently needs me. So I'll follow this path."

"There are really too many to name, and I don't know the meaning of any but one. I do know they are soft images, possibilities but not certainties. The most dominant of which is an image of a man guarding against darkness with his blade. Even that one isn't firm however, just a strong possibility. but I can tell Rand has left his mark on you, you feel the pull as strongly as I do you not?"

Susan blushes deeply when you ask about moon eyed and says "I'll tell you later Eli. They are really just teasing. "

Min continues then,
"Ah, but does the wheel whisk you on your way because of its own motives or because of how strongly Ta'veren Rand is? We have all been displaced by natural events, which could be attributed to the wheel, but is it not odd that so many of us are displaced with Rands passing? Everyone in this room could say as such."

"Well, That image is fairly obvious considering where I've been training. When you get the time, I'd like you to tell me what else you see."

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

I continue to look at Susan after she responds. I tip my head to the side in confusion as to why she is blushing so deeply.
"Ok, Susan. I'll ask you later."

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

"Hmmm... That is possible. But I don't think we'll know for certain. In either case. I believe that we are going to have an interesting destiny. "

She coughs slightly and says "Eli, I do not see images dance above the head of every warder. But it makes sense it is the most certain, based on where you are."

--------

"Interesting is guareenteed, though I would wish for more boring days."

"I'm sure I'll learn to enjoy both...Anyway. Susan, did you talk to the others about what to do differently in the dream world?"

Susan replies quickly, "I hadn't gotten a chance to tell them yet actually. We were just recounting our day before you came in."

At the mention of the dreamworld though, you have every woman's attention in the room. Nynaeve asks, quite intently, "what could you tell us of the dreamworld? And how?"

Due to my nature as a Ta'veren I sometimes end up in Tel'aran'rhiod when I sleep. Drawn to where the Wheel is weaving important things... I don't know what triggers it. But I can stay there until I wake up and manipulate Tel'aran'rhiod like a Lucid Dream. I might also have some other insights into Tel'aran'rhiod due to coming from it at a odd angle.

From what I heard from Susan. You, Egwene and the Princess Elayne Trakand are having troble staying in Tel'aran'rhiod. I believe that your problem is that you are focusing on staying there. Just like a Lucid Dream, if you focus on staying there you just end up forcing yourself. out."

Egwene's face scrunches in thought. "Some of what I overheard the Aes Sedai saying makes more sense now. They spoke of things that I hadn't experienced. It never would have occurred to me it was a man, I thought they were simply talking about readings from the ancient histories or hypothesis. How does one move without focusing however? It does me no good to just exist in the dream world. I just know Rand is in terrible danger, and it's the only way I have of checking to make sure he's ok. Or to figure out what the wool head has gotten himself into now."

"I can tell you that Rand is with Lorial and someone else from Fal'dara. I felt the terrible danger too.

As for your other question. How do you move in the real world? I doubt that you focus on every movement that you preform. Things like Walking,Running, Jumping or striking with a sword... Any moment can be performed without a thought if repeated enough. In the dream it is similar. If you want to walk, you will walk. But if you focus on walking,...eh. There are thing that would be better to focus on."

I Rub my chin in thought.

"... I suppose that the Aes Sedai have already imparted the shear danger of Tel'aran'rhiod. So I had a though about what would happen if you came across someone hostile in Tel'aran'rhiod.
Anyone that understood how Tel'aran'rhiod works can do terrible terrible things to you that will make you wish you where dead.
Do any of you know what a Lucid Dream is?"

Worry paints Egwene's face when you mention terrible danger, despite her having just mentioned the same. Nynaeve also looks attentive and almost protective while Elayne and Min both look like they are pained not to be moving. No one presses the topic though.

When you are done and ask about lucid dreaming everyone shakes their heads.
Egwene says "I've not even heard of lucid dreaming. What is it? And as to walking, i keep remembering that I am sleeping whenever I try that and then need to focus to keep everything sharp. Not that I've been able to enter the dream world without help, and with help it's a pale imitation."

She looks very frustrated while talking about the subject.

"... You Worry about him a lot. You must care about him deeply. It was explained to me that the Wheel expects great things from Ta'veren. Things that most would consider impossible to pull off. But The Wheel warps the threads the treads around the Ta'veren allowing those impossible things to be possible. I think that Includes Ta'veren having more luck than any man has a right to. Rand and the others will get though this. The Wheel is doing it's best to make that the only possibility. They might only make it by the Skin of their teeth. But I believe they will make it. Just have Faith."

-----------

"... A lucid dream is basically a dream where you are aware that you are in a dream. It is distinct from going to Tel'aran'rhiod in that you are still in a normal dream so there is no danger. Although I would suspect that if you push it hard enough you can enter Tel'aran'rhiod.

Anyway the knowledge that you are in a dream allows you to have control over it. Anything you can imagine clearly and believe that you can do is possible for you in a Lucid dream. Flying, Creating things out of thin air, Teleporting. You are only limited by your imagination and willpower.

Tel'aran'rhiod Allows for the same warping of reality there. With the exception that anything that happens to your body there is reflected on your physical body.
I nearly killed myself when a explosion that I produced when out of control. Inflicting third degree burns to my expose flesh.
If you figure out how to Lucid Dream, You can train in a setting that won't kill you if you mess up."

They all nod slightly, although Nynaeve seems stubborn about it. She comments, "you sound more an Aes Sedai than some in training Eli. You show wisdom rare for a man, but I thank you for speaking sense into this lot." She clearly is purposefully glossing over her own worry in such.

---------

Egwene says, "that is an interesting idea Eli. I will have to try it next time I am aware of myself in a dream."

Anything else you were hoping to achieve? Not rushing you, just want to make sure I'm not dragging the conversation out past what you want, but also don't want to cut you off from one of your main sources of information early.

I nod solemnly.
"There is no point in worrying about things you can't change. Focus on the things you can change."

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

"That is the trick. Realizing that you are in a dream. Most don't focus on it and let the dreams play out as they will. Learning the signs that you are in a dream is difficult because most forget about the dream after they wake up for a bit. Here is what I want you to do.

First each one of you needs to get a blank book to serve as your Dream Journal. Every time you sleep and dream without using that Ter'angreal to enter Tel'aran'rhiod. When you wake up, I want you to write down what you remember from your dream last night. Do this for a while. Read though your Journal on occasion. This will solidify the signs you are dreaming in your mind. Allowing you to recognize you are in a dream.
When you do recognize you are a dream. Pinch yourself. If you feel pain, you are in Tel'aran'rhiod. Tread accordingly. If you don't feel pain, Congratulations you are now Lucid Dreaming. Have fun. And play around with what you can do.

Any questions?"

They all nod, with the exception of Min, and Egwene comments, "that first part will be easy. They have me recording any dreams I can remember already, so they can analyze whether they are portents or simply normal dreams over missing Rand. Most nights by far I don't remember dreams... and those that I do remember anymore shouldn't be written down. I've been skipping them in my journal, but I've had several involving a man with burning fire for eyes."

She looks almost startled that she mentioned the last bit.

"... I can see why you didn't mention that. The Aes Sedai wouldn't like to hear that.

Still your normal dreams are actually important for learning how to do this. When you wake up, write down anything you remember. Even if it is only bits and pieces of the previous night's dream.

If the rest of you plan on going to Tel'aran'rhiod. It would be wise to learn to Lucid Dream. Simply to protect yourselves and manipulate the Dream World better.

I hear that you four are going to Tel'aran'rhiod tonight. When you go, don't focus on staying there. Don't focus on walking. Your focusing on those things is forcing you out of Tel'aran'rhiod... You just need to accept you are dreaming in Tel'aran'rhiod. Your body's actions will flow naturally from your will. In a normal dream you move without even thinking of it. It needs to be the same way in Tel'aran'rhiod.

Susan noticed some parallels with this and how women channel the One Power. Embracing and accepting it. And how it simply doesn't work if you force it.

Anyway my point is that You just need to let the Dream in Tel'aran'rhiod come. Trying to force it will wake you up.

Oh. If you find danger there you can't handle, you can generally force yourself awake. This is one thing you do want to force. The more will you bring to bare, the faster you will wake up."

Egwene says "Only one of us enters in a night, sometimes. There is only one ter'angreal for it, and the person who's turn it is doesn't always manage. But I will try as you say, within reason."

"All I can ask is that you listen to my advice.

...There would be a lot more I could show in person in Tel'aran'rhiod. If you feel up to it, try summoning me."

I think for a bit.

"Susan, was there anything else I needed to tell them?"

Susan reponds, "Not that you mentioned before, It'll give everyone a starting point, and as with all things only so much instruction is valuable until a certain level of experience is reached. I think we'll need to see the results ourselves before we know what questions to ask.

I am concerned about jumping to trying to summon another in the dreamworld, when we're just learning to walk and observe. But if I feel comfortable enough I will try."

"That is all I can ask...

I don't believe that I caught the name of these two."
I gesture to the two I don't know.

Susan says "Oh, I apologize Eli, I spend so much time with this group that I forgot my manners."

She gestures to the woman in shirt and trousers, "This is Min Farshaw, she's from Baerlon as well."
Min gives a small smirk, or maybe it's a smile.

Then she gestures to the other woman, "and this is Elayne Trakand."

Elayne does a beautiful curtsy, and says "It's nice to have met you Eli. My brother speaks highly of you, both your honor and prowess with the blade."

My eyebrow raises when I am introduced to the Princess of Andor the next in line to the throne

I smirk to Susan as I flourish my own bow
"It is a pleasure to meet you Mistress Min Farshaw And Princess Elayne Trakand.
I am Eli Ray Bumbalough, Future Warder of Susan Eila"
I say the last bit with absolute conviction in my voice, I am set in my course.
I also get to watch the fireworks from that bombshell I dropped.

I'll let that settle down before I continue.
I Smile to Elayne Trakand
"Your brother is a good man, Elayne. He will be a great and wise advisor to you when you Asend to the Throne. He will be a fierce protector. Like all Brothers should be to their Sisters..."

a melancholy look comes over my face as I inadvertently think of my sister and family
I can no longer do that. I am literally universes away. I know my Sister will be fine intellectually. She found a good and loving Man. My Mother would take it harder... My Father would be sad but he would endure it. I can't change it. I am needed here...

I Return to a sad smile.
"I'm glad Gawyn thinks so highly of me. It has finally struck me how unusual my life is as a Ta'veren."

Susan turns bright red again, although she doesn't object to your title. Min giggles slightly and Elayne smiles.

Nynaeve however interjects, "you be careful that you don't let a sister overhear you giving yourself that title. It could get both you and Susan in trouble, you for suggesting the warder chooses his Aes Sedai as opposed to the other way around, and Susan for courting a warder before sisterhood."

She looks stern when saying this, but in a motherly way.

------

Elayne says, "Thank you Eli, it is well to hear another who trains with him have such a high opinion. When the time comes, light let it be far in the future, I know I will have a wise voice, and strong arm to protect my interests."

After which Min laughs saying, "You ta'veren make all of our lives more interesting. Unusual indeed. Although I wouldn't mind a nice calm day with a book by a river once and a while, instead of all this ta'veren interesting you four bring about."

Something I'm not sure I made clear, when I was stating Min's wardrobe, it's significant not just for being different than the worldly norm, but in that all novices wear the same novice white dresses, and all accepted have a similar dress with colored trim. Min is either not a novice or accepted, or she is ignoring the rules of the tower.

Egwene, Susan, and Elayne are all in novice white dresses, while Nynaeve is in an accepteds dress.

OOC:You said that Nynaeve looked about 25, Correct?

I reply dryly. Internally amused that someone that looks a bit younger than me is scolding me in a motherly fashion.

"I must really look the fool if Nynaeve is lecturing me. She only does that to those Fool Boys as she puts it.
But your point is noted. That is the reason That I did it in this private room... That And Watching Susan blush so Cutely."

I comment playfully. Digging my own grave.

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

I'm aware of the differences. Min Already stated the Aes Sedai don't understand how her ability works. If it was based on using the One Power, The Aes Sedai would have already unraveled it. Therefore, Min probably didn't use the One Power and didn't need to wear that white dress.

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

I nod to Elayne
"Your Welcome. I'm sure you will be a wise Queen when the time comes.

Yes, Interesting times. Who would have thought that we would become friends with the Royal family of Andor when we set out a few months before..."

My mood turns pensive as I consider how things like this goes in stories. Luck Like the Protagonists in stories... It's weird thinking like that. Seeing the hand of Fate.

"I have a Feeling that That will become important later. For now it is sort of quiet. But things are still in motion. We are being given an opportunity to Train and prepare ourselves for even greater things to come...

Susan, Do you think I should tell them about the Last time I was in Tel'aran'rhiod?"

OOC) That is correct.

Elayne laughs, "Nynaeve is more than happy to lecture people outside those three. I can't count the number of times she's lectured me to be more careful."

Nynaeve replies "I only lecture those who need it, if one does not play the fool they don't require such lessons." The last bit is obviously pointedly towards Elayne. "Eli here, has by and large, shown more wisdom than most men on the council of elders in Edmunds Field do, not that that bar is high mind you."

Meanwhile, Susan covers her face with one hand and jabs you in the ribs with the other.

---------

Awesome, I just like to make sure sometimes that what I'm meaning to come across as obvious is.

---------

Susan half jokingly says, "I would if I were you. I'm not sure how you would get out of the room without telling them, after mentioning that much."

She laughs, but the others are intently listening to you now.

I do an exaggerated grimace is response to her hitting my ribs. I comment
"Worth it."
Making it clear I'm still just playing around.

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

I joke back
"That's true. I need to work on this whole subtle thing.

Anyway, When I went to sleep about two days ago, I was drawn into Tel'aran'rhiod again.

I was on the hills overlooking a port city and the ocean.

I later found out that this was the port of Falme next to the Aeryth Ocean on the Almoth Plains

There was a military camp outside the city and a fleet of sleek black ships on the Ocean.

I decided to explore the city and see what I can find out.

To protect myself, I formed a weapon and armor. Some of the best I can imagine. An indestructible Daiklave and Power Armor. That requires concentration to maintain them. If you let your concentration slip they chance into something else similar or turn into something mundane.

I walked into the city. The buildings where made from stonework. Blast marks appeared and disappeared on the buildings. Giving me the impression of an active battle.

I explored and found The Three Plum Blossoms Inn. I sensed that Someone is watching me. So I called out to them to show themselves. And when they didn't I threatened to blow up the entire area.

They didn't show but I felt there was no point in following though with my threat.
I explored the inn and didn't find anything.

So I walked to thr dock and jumped to one of the ships. I havent seen a design like this before. They are ships build for speed with rows of oars and sails. They look like they are crewed 30 but could work with only 10.

I wandered to the Captain's room. There where letters there but they appeared and disappeared too fast to read. There was a map that I got to study. It showed a land across the Aryth Ocean called Seandar.

Then I focused on my Ta'veren nature to point me in the right direction. I got a vision of Rand and the others searching for the Horn. I also got the impression that there are three points of interest currently in the Weaving of the Wheel.
Whete Rand and the others are currently; The Port of Falme and finally right here at the White Tower.

Then I found an odd set of barracks behind another barracks...

There where these Silver Collars with a siver chain and silver bracelet. I had a bad feeling about them. I also sensed that I was about to wake up.

So I decided to find out as much as I can about the Collars. So I touched the collar and tried to read it's history.
It felt like my brain was being stabbed by red hot needles. But I read it's history anyway.  I found out that it is called an A'dam, meaning Leash in the Old Tongue. It is a Ter'angreal used to enslave a female channeler to another's will.

At this point I woke up."

Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve all pale at hearing about the A'dam, as does Min and Susan, though to a lesser extent. You surmise Susan was bracing herself for that part of the story, and Min is removed somewhat from the purpose of them.

After a moments stunned silence Nynaeve asks, "I trust you have told the right people in the tower, though how to tell them without raising questions on how you can do this, I don't envy you the position.

As to the locations of importance, the search for the horn both makes sense from prophecy standpoint as well as the presence of three ta'veren. But you say the white tower and Falme are also crux's? I admit that these invaders are unheard of, but what would set them off as of particular significance, to the wheel that is. And what machinations have we gotten into in the tower, such that it's a focal point. Sometimes I wish Aes Sedai were more plain with their words, and less shrouded in mystery. I have no doubt that's what's causing this mess."

"I've told Verin Sedai and Alanna Sedai about my ability to go into Tel'aran'rhiod. They are researching how I am doing that. Verin know about the A'dam and the rest of that dream... oh. I need to tell Alanna. Who else could I tell..."

I shrug

"I have no clue. Maybe these invaders are needed by the Wheel. they crossed an Ocean to get here. That requires some technology and knowledge.  We'll find out when we need to. As for the Aes Sedai tendency to veil their meaning... I can see the reason for it. Hard to manipulate the world into the proper direction if you are as upfront with your thoughts as I am. Even though it causes Aes Sedai to be mistrusted by most the people of the world...

You mentioned prophecy. I'm sure that you've been researching it as quietly as you can...It not something I would be able to research without drawing the Aes Sedai down on my head. Could you tell me what you know about these Prophecies? "

Nynaeve says "As to crossing the ocean, that isn't something unique to these invaders. The Atha'an Miere are said to cross the Aeryth Ocean during trade, but they are close-mouthed as a general practice.

As to prophecy, I was referencing the Karaethon Cycle. It's known well enough to most council elders and Wisdoms, enough so that we know to stop the tales from being spread. I... I don't know my opinion on it fully, but I do know enough of it to identify when it is being told by a passing gleeman. Let's see... The part I was referencing about the hunt for the horn relating to prophecies is with regards to Tarmon Gai'Don, the last battle.

There is a verse that reads something like,
'When the Wolf King carries the hammer, thus are the final days known.
When the Fox marries the raven, and the trumpets of battle are blown.'

That last part is widely known and presumed to mean the horn of valere. It's why everyone believes it being found signals the last battle is nigh.

Let's see, what other parts of the Karaethon Cycle do I remember..."

Elayne interjects here,
"I've read some of it, there's a copy in the royal archives. I had to recite it to a royal tutor at one point, I should still know some.

It starts...
'And it shall come to pass that what men made shall be shattered,
and the Shadow shall lie across the Pattern of the Age,
and the Dark One shall once more lay his hand upon the world of man.'
... I forget a few lines here I think, but it continues...
'The Shadow shall rise across the world, and darken every land, even to the smallest corner, and there shall be neither Light nor safety.
And he who shall be born of the Dawn, born of Maiden, according to Prophecy.
he shall stretch forth his hands to catch the Shadow,
and the world shall scream in the pain of salvation.
All glory be to the Creator, and to the Light, and to he who shall be born again. May the Light save us from him.

Yet one shall be born to face the Shadow,
born once more as he was born before,
and shall be born again, time without end.
The Dragon shall be Reborn,
and there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth at his rebirth.
In sackcloth and ashes shall he clothe the people,
and he shall break the world again by his coming,
tearing apart all ties that bind.
Like the unfettered dawn shall he blind us, and burn us,
yet shall the Dragon Reborn confront the Shadow at the Last Battle,
and his blood shall give us the Light.
Let tears flow, O ye people of the world.
Weep for your salvation.

On the slopes of Dragonmount shall he be born,
born of a maiden wedded to no man.
He will be of the ancient blood, and raised by the old blood.
When the winds fo Tarmon Gai'don scour the earth,
he will face the Shadow and bring forth Light again in the world.
For he shall come like the breaking dawn,
and shatter the world again with his coming, and make it anew.

Twice and twice shall he be marked,
twice to live, and twice to die.
Once the heron to set his path.
Twice the heron, to name him true.
Once the Dragon, for remembrance lost.
Twice the Dragon, for the price he must pay.

... and I don't remember the rest. It's been years since I was last made recite it. Borderlanders know sections of it by heart, which is why it is so important for royalty to know. It's sacred tpo them, and as such must be respected."

Nynaeve nods, "I had never realized Andoran royalty had an official teaching of the Prophecies of the Dragon. In western Andor most gleeman would be driven out for telling half of what you just did."

"...I see. Good old prophecy. Vague enough that you can't tell what is going to happen until after it happens. Still if one studies it enough one might be able to make some guesses.

Still It seems like the major thing of the first part is the Dragon Reborn. That line about the Wolf King..."

Well, Perrin is a Wolfbrother and a Ta'veren, It wouldn't surprise me is he was the one being refereed to there. I have no clue about the Fox marries the Raven though.

"Never mind That is a ways off...Probably. There appears that there is no references to me. That can be a good thing or a bad thing... It could mean that I'm a wild card that causes it to turn out better than Prophesied... Or I could me that I can mess up and make things much much worse. Unfortanatly We won't know until it's all over and done with."

Elayne says "the majority of the whole thing is about the dragon reborn. That or the efforts of the shadow. The last line, the ones that Nynaeve remembered are the only that are thought to reference anyone other than the shadow and the dragon reborn.

As to those of us not mentioned in prophecy, Ta'veren or otherwise, it is said by some that it is our responsibility to the Light to do what we can to ensure the right outcomes happen. Just because it is prophecy doesn't mean it will happen. I never understood that part, a full sister, especially a brown would be better at explaining the subtleties of prophecy. Because on one hand, what is said will pass will pass, but then we're encouraged to make sure it does. Anyway... I'm sure the wheel has a role for you, even if there are no prophecies known that reference you. Artur Pendraeg conquered half the world, and as far as we know had no prophecies to announce his coming.

The coming of the dragon reborn is simply of severe significance to the world, it heralds dark days and only one salvation."

"Probably something to do with free will. I'd imagine that the Light wants us all to have free will. But this is the only way we will not die."

I present a rather cynical possibility before continuing.

"Oh well. All I can do is continue on. With only my gut feeling from the wheel to guide me.
Susan. You told me before you where researching other Ta'veren in History. What can you tell me about them?"

Susan says, "Ah, well I did find out a little more. For one, I found it said that part of the reason why ta'veren aren't documented is that they don't always stay ta'veren. Once the wheel has used them to it's purpose, they are released to live out their lives as normal. Those ta'veren are rare enough, and not really recorded in the histories. I suspect because by the time people think to confirm they are ta'veren, they no longer are.

I haven't managed to find any examples of Ta'veren who stay as such past what I mentioned before. There is Artur Hawkwing, perhaps the most well known to be ta'veren. Actually not that's just entirely false. I only found two to be noted in the histories as Ta'veren, and the other I imagine was more so than Hawkwing. Although from long enough ago that record it difficult. The other noted ta'veren is Lews Therin Telamon, Kinslayer, or as you may have heard of him, The Dragon. I haven't found anything of his ta'veren nature other than statement that he was. But I do suspect it was even more than Hawkwing.

As to Hawkwing, I found some references that said that people in a room with hawkwing could feel the pattern rearranging itself to fit his desire. Or found themselves talking about things they would otherwise kept secret. I know it's not much, especially considering the amount of work I put in to find that much out, but I don't think there is enough known about Ta'veren. Every time I cautiously talk about it with a brown sister they lament how much information was lost in the Breaking, and how much more they knew in the Age of Legends."

"I see. That is why People help me... I'm glad I always find a way to repay them, Since they really didn't have a choice in the matter..."

I realize that I might need to elaborate for their benefit.

"Sometime when I really need something I found someone willing to help me. Often they don't think to ask much of anything from me. I needed to get to a city and I found two fishermen willing to carry me on their boat. And let me stay in their house for the night. And directed me to Master Rogosh Al'Ron the Blacksmith. Who needed an apprentice. Later to pay him back I gave him a silver mark for fishing lessons and let him keep most of what I caught. I also gave him a gift of some good fishing hooks I made. There was also that Time we where lost and I asked directions from a farmer. Despite it being late and I was interrupting his dinner, He told me exactly what I needed to know. I offered to help him with something but he declined. So I gave him a Silver Mark and told him to get something nice with it for his family..."

I finish my explanation and then Note that Elayne and Min are there...
"Opps... I'm really not good at this Subtle thing. I guess you already gathered that I'm not a Noble..."

I shrug.

"Oh. There is no weave that would allow you to view the past, Correct? Otherwise the Brown sisters would know everything there is to know about it... You all might be the key to find out all sorts of things. And making them known to the Brown Sisters. Once you get comfortable in the Dream World. You can read the history of an Item."

They all smile as you tell them the story of you repaying the favors. They all obviously approve.

Elayne and Min both chuckle, but Min is the one to say, "and Rand Al'Thor is but a simple shepherd. Ta'veren and their wild claims. You may be able to convince people of more than normal because you are ta'veren, but some things are too ridiculous even for that to cover it."

They both share a smile, as if exchanging a private joke.

Susan says "You may be right Eli, regardless learning this is important, whether it be for knowledge or to prevent one from harming themselves."

I look at both Elayne and Min.
"...ok. We can go with that."

"I'm actually a bit surprised that there isn't a weave to view the past. I would figure that the Brown Sisters would be stumbling over themselves to develop it. Or some other type of divination...Eh, oh well. what do I know of the limits of the One Power."

Egwene replies,
"It would be profoundly dangerous to know some of the things from the age of legends. There are many things from that time that could be done safely that could not be done today, or so we are told.

It is perhaps for the best that some practices lay lost to the passing of the wheel."

"Sorry the lost of any knowledge is sad in my opinion. The thing that makes Humanity great is Knowledge and the means to apply it to shaping the world around us. Losing any knowledge weakens us overall. although... I suppose that One Power could make some dangerous things. I wounder what ter'angreal can be made?"

Egwene shrugs, she seems vaguely uncomfortable with the direction the conversation is taking but isn't quite stonewalling the topic.

"Now? None so far as I've been told. It's one of the techniques that was lost in the Breaking."

"Well. Once you master Tel'aran'riod. Read the history of the ter'angreal here to relearn how to make them. It might be one of the things we'll need in the days to come."

She nods, though you can tell she is reluctant, but you think she intends to try, if not with all her effort.

Anything else you were planning here? You had mentioned wanting to talk with Min alone at some point, I wasn't sure if you wanted to handle that now or at some other time.

I let the conversation die in silence for a bit.
But I think of another thing I wanted to ask.
"Min, You mention seeing other fainter things around me in addition to the Man fighting the Darkness with his sword. What where some of the other things?"

Min seemed to have wandering thoughts and your question snaps her out of it,
"What, oh yes. There are more but as I said they aren't definitive. Are... are you sure you want me reading your auras with everyone here?"

She looks very nervous for some reason.

"...? Why are you nervous? Should I wait for later? I don't really mind, Unless there is something embarrassing for someone else."

"It's not embarrassing, or well... maybe. I just don't want to get anyone hurt. Would you trust every single one of us with your life?"

I look around the room. Admittedly Loosing my life isn't as big a deal to me as it was before. But if I die, I lose Susan...sill these are important to the wheel. And firmly on the Light


I nod.
"I believe I would. What do you see?"

Min takes a deep breath before continuing,
"I lied earlier when I said I only knew one of the visions. Well I lied about a couple of things, warders do all tend to have visions but nothing like this.

Let me start with one thing, which I thing may persuade the others of the importance that this never leave the room. Also, Nynaeve, would you mind if Elayne or Egwene warded the room from eavesdropping? They are allowed to under your tutelage."

Nynaeve nods, and after a minute or so Egwene nods for Min to continue.

"First, one thing I know is that Rand's life will rely on an action you take. I don't know how, and I don't know why, but you will be in a position at some point to either save Rand, and thus us all, or to let him fall.

That was the second meaning to the initial vision I mentioned."

She takes another deep breathe,

"The other, the one I did not mention, is actually two. I see you, frail and decrepit, with your face rotting away. It's not a certainty, but a faint haze. It's fighting with another image of you. That image has you in a black robe, wearing two pins at your collar that are too faint for me to make out. But you are surrounded by a golden aura. In one hand you hold your sword, in the other a flame.

Eli... These images fight for control of you. The common point is that you will channel. There will come a time that you must channel to protect someone. If that someone dies, Rand will die. I do not know why, or how, or who, but I know this. I also know that should you channel too soon, you will die of madness, and before you must do all that you can. I am truly sorry to put this burden on you Eli.

The last image I saw, is of a wheel, broken at the perimeter, to let you in, and mended once you're here. The wheel did not expect you, whatever that means, but it makes use of what it has. There will be a seperate decision, one of the light or of the shadow, and your choice will have a ripple effect through the ages."

She has great sadness in her eyes and looks down.
"I'm sorry Eli, it's truly more a curse to know the future. That is all I have to tell though."

"I see. Well Before I told you things that would get me killed by the Red Sisters. If I trusted you with those secrets, there is no reason to hold back my other ones. So I guess I'll Tell you.

I'm not from this world. Literally speaking. I am a being called a verser. When we die we are forced into another Dimension alive and well. I've already died twice Once in a car Crash, and once being shot shot by a laser in the gut...a laser is a beam of light that burns like fire. Anyway. I originally came from a world very different from yours. No Magic or supernatural things for one difference. With many thing you would find amazing all done without a shred of the One Power.

After I got here and started my journey. I suspected that I could learn many strange things. But I held myself Back, Because Learning those strange things seems to be dangerous. and risks The Red Sisters calling me Shadowspawn or Darkfriend. I tried to learn to communicate with the wolfs but messed up horrible and caused them terrible pain. Heh. One of them saw my true nature. Curiosity is my reason for being. To stop being curious would be like death to me.

At the Eye of the World we faced Forsaken. One was chasing Rand to the Eye and I chased him. I tried Drawing from the eye to help me fight the forsaken."

I put on a grim Smile.
"It didn't work But I caused him to turn around to stop me. In that I was an Excellent Distraction. allowing Rand to kill him.

I knew I could learn after that. But I stopped myself. Because I knew that That way will lead to madness...
But That information helps me I know that my curiosity will eventually be satified."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Tue 20 Dec 2016.

Everyone besides Susan and Min seem stunned at the revalations that Min recounted.

Even Min looks stunned when you explain what that last vision meant.

Min starts to say something, and then stops several times, clearly not being able to put thoughts to words.

Eventually Nynaeve speaks up,
"Your secret is safe with us Eli. I suggest you keep both a close secret, letting the sisters know the second might be more painful in the long run than the first. I do not claim to understand, but I do know that what Min sees is true. At least when she knows it is. And that if Rand's life will rely on you, you have our support."

You see what looks similar to sadness in Nynaeves eyes, maybe regret. You can tell your story has struck home with her.

"Well at least I know not to channel until the time is right... But it doesn't help that I don't have a clue how men channel...

Thank you for all of your support. Especially you Susan I don't know where I would be without you.

The funny thing is that death itself doesn't seem so bad. But I would probably go mad from loosing Susan and condemning the Wheel.So I still have to be careful. "

Susan smiles at you and kisses you, "I appreciate that Eli, I would be lost without you."

OOC)Just to be clear, you have as much time with this group as you want, but when you're done and want to progress on towards your next goal just let me know. You have a few hours to burn, and it's the novice's free day.

I'll kiss her back and hug her.
"Your welcome."

I'll sit and relax and let them talk for awhile

OOC: I'm pretty much done unless something interesting comes up.

They largely are just having small talk, talking about the frustrations of cleaning pots and pans, and what good does it do for learning the one power. Bemoaning the arduous nature of novicehood etc.

Nynaeve mostly stays quiet, thinking to herself and Min doesn't complain about novicehood but rather the unfairness of her having to be there in general, and of the annoying habits of Aes Sedai.

Eventually Gawyn knocks on the door, and when Egwene answers it he says,
"Ah, Egwene. I was..." and he sees you in the room, "Ah yes, I was sent to find Eli, and a novice mentioned seeing him near here. Verin would like to speak with you Eli, if you would come with me."

Assuming you do, he walks you to Verin, who is in her chambers.

Verin motions for you to sit before she begins speaking.

"Eli, I thought you should know that I must be leaving the tower for some time. I regret not being able to study you further, but I am needed elsewhere.

For the time being, Alanna will have to set the wards on you, to protect your dreams. If you still require them. I may be away a long time."

I'll go with him to Verin.

"I understand.  I assume that it has something to do with keeping the wheel on the right course... or studying else you find interesting.  Who knows, it might be both.

I don't think the ward worked anyway.  Since I went to the Dream World when it was active. I believe that I'll be ok in the Dream World. I'll talk to Alanna Sedai later."

"The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills. I simply ride it's currents like the rest of the world. Take care Eli."

With the formal dismissal you still have considerable amounts of daytime left, and nothing scheduled. You suspect most of your training group is going to be getting extra sleep, or otherwise be non-mobile.

OOC)Approaching another point where we can handle a week or two at a time, unless you had something you wanted to take care of or set up.

I'll go talk to Alanna about my latest trip to the Dream World. I'll check to see if she is in her room. If she's not there, I'll check with her Warders to see if they know where she is

You go out and try and find Alanna, and find she's not in her room.

After an hour or so of looking for Ihvan or Orwein, you come across a novice who mentions seeing them ride out west some time ago.

I'll ask the Novice
"Did you see them ride out this morning or did they ride out more recently than that?"

"Oh, I'd say about an hour ago? Maybe two?"

"I see. Thank you. Have a good day."

I'll probably relax in the garden. And see what Susan is doing later.

We can skip ahead a week or two if you like.

A little while later you see Susan come out to spend some time in the gardens and you meet up with her. You have a nice late lunch/early dinnner outside.

Just before dusk, when you and Susan are about to head in you see Alanna and her two warders riding through the gates to the White Tower. She looks tired, even from a distance. You doubt others would notice, but you've spent a decent amount of time interacting with her, she walks differently when she's either pensive or exhausted, and she's walking that way now.

OOC)We're approaching when we'll skip ahead, just wanted to give a heads up on it and double check whether you had specific tasks or goals during that time.

I'll play around with Susan and ask
"So what does Moon Eyed mean?"

 I'll let the lunch continue after that.

When I notice Alanna I'll walk up to her and ask.
"Are you doing well Alanna Sedai?"

My goals during the time skip would be to continue training with the waters and at night work on Lucid dreaming and going to the Dream World

She blushes when you mention it and says,
"I was hoping you might forget about that part. We all tease Egwene because she gets a slightly distant expression when she gets distracted by thoughts of Galad, it just means being obsessed with someone. It's based on looking on someone with wide eyed adoration. The wide eyes being 'moon eyes'"

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

Alanna looks up as you approach, and after your question answers, "As well as can be expected I imagine. It's been a long day. And you Eli, are you well?"

"I see. Obviously they mean that I am Moon Eyed for you."

-----------

"A Long day indeed with two rides for you... I am doing well. Well, as well as can be expected after our training trip got cut short. Did Verin Sedai inform you about my latest strange dream?"

She smiles fondly at you, and her blush somewhats subsides. She looks simply happy now.

--------

Alanna replies,
"I can not say, as without knowing what your last dream was, or when it was, it's impossible to know whether I know it already.

I do know that Verin asked I set wards on your dreams, if you so wish it."

I smile back at Susan.
Embarrassment adverted.
--------------

"The dream was two days ago about the Port of Falme. I guess we should go to your room to talk about it."

"That does not ring a bell, we can find a meeting room to discuss this in. I will need to call other meetings after so that would be most convenient."

She leads you, with her two warders, to what looks very similar to the war room you saw in Faldara. There is a large map on the one wall and a table large enough to sprawl supplementary maps onto.

"So Eli, you wish to tell me of this dream of yours? Of Falme?"

She has not dismissed her warders, for what that's worth.

I nod to her

"Yes, I trusted you with the strangeness of my first dream.

Anyway, When I went to sleep about two days ago Before Galad and I made our return trip to the Tower, I was drawn into Tel'aran'rhiod again. Or maybe I'm going there on my own unconsciously. Verin Sedai's ward didn't keep me out before.

I was on the hills overlooking a port city and the ocean.

I found out later that this was the port of Falme next to the Aeryth Ocean on the Almoth Plains

There was a military camp outside the city and a fleet of sleek black ships on the Ocean.

I decided to explore the city and see what I can find out.

To protect myself, I formed a weapon and armor. They required concentration to maintain them. When my concentration slipped they changed into something else similar.

I walked into the city. The buildings where made from stonework. Blast marks appeared and disappeared on the buildings. Giving me the impression of an active battle.

I explored and found The Three Plum Blossoms Inn. I sensed that Someone is watching me. So I called out to them to show themselves. They didn't show.
I explored the inn and didn't find anything.

So I walked to the dock and jumped to one of the ships. I haven't seen a design like this before. They are ships build for speed with rows of oars and sails. They look like they are crewed 30 but could work with only 10.

I wandered to the Captain's room. There where letters there but they appeared and disappeared too fast to read. There was a map that I got to study. It showed a land across the Aryth Ocean called Seandar."

I show about where it is using the map in the room.


"Then I found an odd set of barracks behind another barracks...

There where these Silver Collars with a siver chain and silver bracelet. I had a bad feeling about them. I also sensed that I was about to wake up.

So I decided to find out as much as I can about the Collars. So I touched the collar and tried to read it's history.
It felt like my brain was being stabbed by red hot needles. But I read it's history anyway.  I found out that it is called an A'dam, meaning Leash in the Old Tongue. It is a Ter'angreal used to enslave a female channeler to another's will.

At this point I woke up.

These... People from Seandar, They are extremely dangerous for the Tower. I don't know how to warn the Tower without bringing very uncomfortable questions down on my head."

The map ends with the Aryth Ocean as a border, but you can use it for relative placement well enough.

She listens, and thinks for a few moments before responding,
"I will see what can be done with regards to letting the others know of danger, without raising questions about how you can do this. Though I am personally curious how...

Either way, I suspect you don't want to delve into that and it can wait for another time when I am less tired. Rest assured the Green Ajah stands vigilant against threats, whether they come from this land or the other side of the Aryth. I appreciate the warning however of this A'dam and these invaders. Knowing what we expect to face may save lives should we need to.

As to the dreamworld, I know little about it compared to Verin Sedai, but as mentioned I can place another ward on you, should you wish it."

"I'm planning on exploring Tel'aran'rhiod. If I can recover useful information, the danger will be worth it."

"Just be careful Eli, there may be dangers worse than death there. And while I would regret losing a promising potential warder for the tower, I would be furious if it interfered with a promising future green sister.

I am unsure however, what you wish of me in this. It sounds like you now wish not to have your dreams warded, so you can be pulled into them. Is this the case? In which case, I assume you are looking for something else?" It is a topic you probably want to avoid too many knowing about, while i don't believe you are channeling to enter the dream, some red sisters are... zealous let us say. And just because one is innocent does not always prevent problems."

That last part she says warily. She is being very careful not to say certain things.

"I've heard some about the Red Sisters and Elyas.
I plan on keeping this as quiet as I can.
But It would be sort of useless to go to Tel'aran'rhiod if I don't tell anyone about what I found. So I want to talk to you when I find something important. So you can make sure the right people in the White Tower know about what I find.
I do not wish for any harm to come to an Aes Sedai. Therefor I want them to know all I can tell them about what we face."

She narrows her eyes slightly, "how, and what, do you know of Elyas?"

"I mentioned meeting him during my trip from Baerlon to Tar Valon. Lan Mandraggaran also told me about him. Apparently Eylas was a warder and Lan Mandraggaran's instructor before Eylas's eyes turned gold. He is a Wolfbrother which gives him a spiritual connection to wolfs.

The Red Sisters accused him of having a connection to the Shadow. He was forced to Escape, killing warders on his way out. Causing most Aes Sedai to not be sympathetic to him.

Lan Mandraggaran says that wolf-brothers are not of the shadow. And I believe him."

I don't have that in my notes, nor could I find it when I looked back at when you explained your initial dream injuries to Alanna. Now it easily could be missing from my notes and I could be looking at the wrong conversation, but wanted to clear it up. If your just trying to bluff past Alanna, convincing her she just didn't remember that's fine too, but suspected it was more a case of us being on different pages.

I mentioned it during my second conversation with Verin and Alanna. Where I told them what I could about my trip from Baerlon to Tar Valon.

Ooc) Ah, I see where my mistake was. I missed the part where Alanna was in the room for that (I had searched for when Elyas was mentioned)

Her face relaxes slightly, "Ah, I had forgotten about that with the stresses of today. It's truly tragic what happened there, though the killing of a warder is a grave offense, even if it was for the foolish actions of the red.

As best I know, no one in the tower really knows how his connection with the wolves works, but rational sisters don't believe it was ever connected to the shadow."

She takes a breath and composes herself,

"It's been a long day however. You are welcome to seek me out when you have news, and I will handle the dissemination of the information past that. Did you wish not to have that ward set on you then? "

"Yes, it was tragic. I'll hold off on the ward for now. Thank you for your help."

She wishes you well, and then goes back to a large brown book she was reading when you came in.

Did you have anything else in mind for the day or were you heading to sleep?

Are you planning to try and go into the dreamworld, or waiting until you get pulled in or enter naturally?

I have nothing in particular in mind for the rest of the day.

I'm going to try to induce a Lucid Dream. To see if I can or if all lucid dreams occurs in the Dreamworld.

So when you try and induce lucid dreams, do you try and form a dream before you go to sleep and then dream of that? Or does it require you to realize your in a dream and then seize control?

Also do you find that you dream every night, or sporadically?

I can only lucid dream when I recognize I'm in dream and take control of it.

I happens only sporadically when I recognized a dream I had before or that I am in a dream.

This night I'll hold a focus akin to the Flame and the Void. I'll remain in a relaxed awareness. I'll go to sleep trying to maintain that state. Hopefully I'll be more aware in my dream so that I recognized I am in a dream and take it over.

That night you drift asleep in a heightened awareness. It takes you a lot longer than normal to fall asleep this way, but sleep eventually comes.

You find yourself amidst a dream of battle. You are fighting alongside Archer, as an unending wave of shadowy figures approach. You've just realized this is a dream and have taken control.

I pinch myself quickly to test if I am in Tel'aran'rhiod.

I'll do the first thing to comes to mind.
 I have a book on runes with me. I sometimes study it in my free time since it is one of the few books that came with me

Quickly I'll trace Sowilō in the air as a glowing rune


The most common meanings for it is Sun and Victory. I'll charge the glowing rune with mana and send it off into the horde and make it explode into solar essence. Damaging these shadowy things by being their elemental opposite.

Then I'll form a copy of my sword along with a paired wakizashi analog. Then I'll fill my body with mana and reinforced myself so that I am as strong, fast and tough as a Heroic Spirit.

 I'll get into my balanced stance as I enter the Flame and the Void.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:00, Tue 14 May 2019.

You pinch yourself and it hurts, although it's a somewhat hollow pain, similar to when you are embracing the void and have that as a buffer. But it's definitely pain that you feel.

You charge your rune however, and unleash it upon the hordes of shadow creatures. It shoots forth from your hand and expands when it reaches your target, growing many times in size before exploding in a brilliant light.

To your horror, you see the faces of loved ones and friends among the shadowed creatures, only visible from the explosion. You see Susan, and Egwene, Rand, Perrin, Matt and many others you've met through your travels. They all scream in anguish before crumbling to dust. But their spots are quickly filled by untold ranks from behind.

Meanwhile from behind you you here a constant snap of bowstring followed by explosion. Time after time.

You successfully form your sword and reinforce yourself.

I'm in Tel'aran'rhiod. Time to get serious.

I'll trace Sowilō in the air again with my sword and put mana into it. Instead of the huge explosion from before, I am enhancing my swords with the power of the sun. So that their nature will directly oppose these shadows that wear the faces of those I know.

I could try something bigger and more grand. But that didn't turn out well for me before when I mimicked Archer. For now I'll defeat them conventionally instead of trying to erase them from existence.

I'll move to support Archer and keep them off of him. I'll maintain some effort in reserve for Defending myself. I should be able to move fast enough to cut them down in droves

I'll call out to him.
"What can you tell me about these creatures Archer EMIYA? I'm going to hold them off so that you can use your bigger attacks that require more prep work."

If he deploys his Reality Marble. He could kill all of them by making it rain swords on them.

He replies, "They are nightmare creatures. I sense that they wish to create a hook for their master to get a hold of, to subvert thy will. Do not let them touch you. "

You know Archer EMIYA far better than I do. What's important for now is what you expect him to do. Whatever it is, he will begin doing, so feel free to describe what you'd like him to do. (I was trying to research Archer enough for this, but kept feeling I was falling short. And for in your dreamworld it makes sense for him to follow your expectations.)

For your own efforts you enhance your blades with the power of the sun until they start flowing. You then charge and take out shadows by the score. They shy away from the light alone, and vanish at each swordstroke.

As you fight on your feel like the world is sliding, it's an uneasy feeling and you can't tell exactly what is causing it.

OOC: It is hard to get a feel for a character from just the wiki pages. I'll get you some links later if you would like to use more Nasuverse stuff later.

As I start cutting down the Nightmares around him, Archer starts using the heavy artillery.
Firing Broken Phantasms of Caladbolg II into the crowd to reduce their numbers.
Again and again he fires the Broken Phantasm But the Nightmares still come.

I sense the world trying to shift and have a flash of insight.

"The Guy controlling the Nightmares in near Here! He's about to turn the terrain against us. Deploy Your Reality Marble so he doesn't get the chance!"

I continue to defend, holding off the horde as Archer prepares his spell

"My body is made out of swords."

At first it is quiet. Almost too quiet for me to hear while clashing steel against Nightmare flesh.

"My blood is of iron and my heart of glass."

I am glad to be able to see this in person.

"I have overcome countless battlefields."

To rewrite the world to ones own alien perception of Reality.

"Not even once retreating,
 Not even once being understood."

And manifest your Soul for all to see.

"He was always alone, intoxicated with victory in a hill of swords."

Briefly, I wonder what My soul is actually like.

"Thus, his life has no meaning."

I always liked swords. I've always liked Archers Reality Marble. But That doesn't mean I'll get something as cool. When I finally channel the closest I'll get is to weave a sword out of Earth.

"That body was certainly made out of swords."

I release the resistance I was putting into preventing the world from changing and let Archer deploy his inner world.

A circle of heatless fire surrounds Archer with the final Line of his chant. Before spreading rapidly to everything in the area and temporary blinding everyone.

When their vision clears, The world is changed.
We find ourselves on an open barren desert with countless swords planted point first into the ground. Like an untold multitude of graves. Smog and embers raise from the ground producing a haze that obscures the horizon. Monolithic black gears gyrate in the sky. Turning at impossible angles to run an unseen Machine. That produces All the materials and sorceries needed to make the weapons in this world

His Final Resting place. After being betrayed by everything including his Ideal.

Archer Smirk in his usual smug manner, Lifts his hand up and snaps his fingers.
The sound echos though out the world And the World responds to his will. Then it starts Raining Steel around us. A torrential downpour of swords cutting into the Nightmares.(And hopefully the one that was calling them.)

OOC) I would like that, though finding time to read or watch enough of it will be tough, my schedule has been packed recently.  Maybe with the holidays cooling down though.

Archer's downpour of swords cuts into shadow creatures left and right. You have to dodge tight situations multiple times, but at the end of the downpour you see a field of swords sticking out of the ground with black whisps of smoke curling upwards in the air. You see Archer with his smug smirk surveying the carnage.

You notice too late that the shadowy whisps converged above Archer. They strike down, going from slow drifts of what you thought were the remnants of the shadows to faster than your eye can track. Archer dodges most of it but takes a long gash along his face before jumping backwards. You almost think you can see from here a discoloration in his face, small black lines reaching outwards from the cut.

A deep primal sense of fear has started taking root in your soul, as despair begins to set in. Thoughts of giving up and dying keep cropping up.

Wait a minute. I didn't get hit. But Archer did with that Nightmare mist. These feeling are not natural. That Archer is a part of me somehow. I Refuse to let ether of us become corrupted!

My voice shouts out a command that I force the world to obey.
"Archer! Return to me"
I'll absorb him and his corruption but I wont let it effect me.

I raise my hand to the sky and shout
"TAIIIYOOO!!!"

The haze and gears part to reveal The Sun shining at high noon. Bathing everything in purifying sunlight and destroying the last wisps of the Nightmares outside my body.
I continue to shout and burn the Magic circle into the ground and summon the Piledriver With the solar collectors ready to go.

I'm going to Purify myself in the Piledriver and burn the taint of the Nightmare from me.
Django Survived being purified before. I'll believe that I will come out of this fine. I'll accept the essence of the Sun coursing though me and burning the darkness within.

The world darkens as you try absorbing Archer. The surrounding darkness that had faded for a moment after Archer's rain of steel redoubles itself, pressing in further and with it the looming sense of dread you feel.

Archer does however wink out, into a bright red orb speckled with dark black veins and shoots towards you. Absorbing the orb feels vile, and you feel your soul wrench, but you grit your teeth and continue.

You shout towards the sky, and see a tiny sliver of sunlight pierce the darkness, but whenever a piledriver begins forming swirling masses of blackness consume it within the minute.

The nightmare creatures seem to be growing in strength, as does the feeling of utter despair and hopelessness. The thin beam of sunlight is only about ten feet away, but there is a swarming oppressive darkness between you and it.

I'm getting angry at this unnatural feeling of hopelessness. I am Myself and No One can Change me.

I'm to invoke the trope <a href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ThemeMusicPowerUp">Theme Music Power Up</a> with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGaneyDfyls">This Music</a> by forcing it to play. Invoking a memetic association within myself that says when that song plays, Hopelessness and Despair is going to get beat.

I draw Sowilō focusing on it meaning as Sun and though that Perfection and Completion.
Followed by Mannaz meaning Man or The Self. I'm focusing on the second meaning of The Self.
Therefor taken together their purpose it to perfect and purify the Self.



(Sigh. couldn't get them the same size.)

I'll pour mana into the combination of runes to purify myself. While drawing down the power of the Sun to aid me.

You pull on the power of the sun, focusing it through your Sigils and aligning it to bring you closer to a perfect self.

In a flash your magics take effect and you feel a burning scouring sensation course through you, and focus for a time on an alien presence you have secreted away, one you know to be Archer and the corruption.

After minutes of agony your vision clears and you sense the corruption still exists, but concentrated and isolated in the far reaches of your soul. Unfortunately you feel Archer is also trapped behind that veil.

Of note, your music still plays, but with discordant notes that send pain through your system, resonating with that concentrated node of shadow. You can also tell the shadows are moving to cut off what light you brought into this terror field.

The realization hits me.

I cannot win here. This Servant of The Dark One holds too much of an advantage on me. For all my will and belief, I am still a novice at manipulating this world. I'm going to have to retreat. To give myself time to examine myself and return to the real world.

I Focus my will on myself and teleport to Baerlon and send out false connections to other places to mask where I really teleported. I'll teleport a few times around Baerlon. Again sending out false connections to places around the city to throw him off my trail. Then I'll move to another place in the city on foot then teleport to Four Kings.

That should buy me aome time. First examine myself.

Archer still exists within me so I should be able to communicate with him.

I direct my thoughts to him.

Archer, can you hear me? What can you tell me about what I did to you and where you are at within my soul?

I'm going to try a variant of structural analyst on myself. Instead of analyzing the physical part myself I'm going to try to analyze the spiritual parts of myself.

I'm going to fill myself and my soul with mana. Let it gather information about myself. Then absorb it to learn about myself and what I just did.

At this point I'm probably going to try to retreat to the real world by Waking up. Unless I think I could separate from Archer without harm to him.

You focus and teleport and feel yourself shunted off towards Baerlon. In transit you feel the world spin on its head, before it snaps, leaving you at the epicenter of the swirling mass of darkness. Your instincts scream in frustration, and you somehow know that there is a barrier separating this pocket and the rest of the dreamworld.

The shadows don't seem to  realize what has happened though, and are shifting and coalescing near the far extreme of the area, near where you tried to pass through and on to Baerlon, so it still buys you a little breathing time to examine yourself.

When you talk internally you sense that nothing is heard, or that it isn't understood. You then probe your spiritual aura to discern what's going on, which indicates that you didn't exactly absorb Archer. You shifted your soul, and superimposed his condensed essence in the spot that you cleared away. Now that you know where to look you can sense that he is unconscious, and while the poison of darkness is held at bay it bears close to his vitals.

Some of that didn't go as planned, are you still trying to wake up? If so how exactly? Shear force of will or anything in particular?

I will form a knife and cut my hand with it. I'll then focus on the pain and force myself awake.

You form a knife and cut into your hand, focusing on the pain and will to wake up. At first it doesn't work, but you cut a little deeper, and your vision swims and fades to black.

Suddenly you are aware of yourself, in your bed which is drenched with sweat. Your hand is in pain, yet seems minor in comparison to your aching skull. It feels like a baseball team took turns using your head as batting practice. More over, you feel more exhausted by far now than when you set down for sleep and you can see the sun is starting to rise.

I'll get up, get dressed, wrap my hand with a rag and then go to Alanna's room.

I'll wait until after sunrise to knock on her door.
"I'm sorry for doing this again. Can we talk in your room?"

Both getting dressed and wrapping your hand take more time than normal, as there is a scab across the palm that breaks loose periodically.

That takes up enough time though that you don't have to wait long for it to be a reasonable hour, and you make your way to Alanna's quarters. You knock with your good hand, and after a few minutes the door opens slightly, with Alanna looking annoyed. She looks at you grumbles something but motions for you to enter before saying, "Ihvan, put a shirt on and go get breakfast."

She turns to you when he leaves, "so what is it that has you at my door so early in the morning? You may imagine how tired I am."

I bow deeply to her.

"I am deeply sorry for this. I was a fool to refuse your ward.
Because last night I walked into an ambush by a Servant of the Dark One.

I dreamed of a battle between a Hero and a horde of shadowy Nightmare creatures.
I asked the Hero what he knew about the creatures.
He said that he senses that they wish to create a hook within me for their master to get a hold of and subvert me to his will.

At first we did ok and beat back the horde but when defeated the creatures formed a shadowy mist. suddenly the Mist attacked the Hero and cut him across his face. I saw his skin star to get discolored. And I started feeling a growing sense of despair and hopelessness.

I thought that the Hero represented some part of me that I brought in or he was really that Hero. Ether way I decided that I wasn't going to abandon him. So I somehow took him within my soul. Then I tried to Purify myself from the Shadowy Hopelessness with Sunlight. I struggled. But I realized that I couldn't win this. So I tried to escape and buy myself time to wake up.
I tried to teleport to a city but something messed up. and I found myself in a swirling mass of darkness but it didn't notice me. Then I cut my hand to wake Myself up...

I feel like I didn't sleep at all. But I can deal with that and get though the day.

What I need your help with is that Hero is probably still in my soul and he has been poisoned with darkness. I felt it was near his vitals. Is there a way to heal something like that?"

" Eli, there is much I do not know about the dreamworld. Doubtless there is much more that I don't know than what I do.

That said, I do not know how you would have stored... Someone... In your soul. Much less, how To go about healing them. I could attempt to delve you, and see whether I sense anything out of the ordinary. That may allow me a better idea of what is going on."

Assuming you do not object, she places her hand on your forehead and you feel a chill feeling wash over you. Not healing, much smaller of a chill than that, but what you now realize happens every time before healing. Her face is fixed in concentration.

"I sense nothing amiss Eli. You are clearly in great pain, and you exhaustion will likely force you to go easy today, but I sense no extra personage holed away nor do I sense any darkness or poison."

"...I see. Then I got you up for no reason... What would you like me to do to make it up to you?"

She shakes her head,
"I would not say it is no reason, you informed me that something or someone has found you again in the dreams, and has sought to kill you perhaps.

Also,I suspect asking you to do anything today would only leave you miserable and the asker disappointed. You do not have the look of one who can run hard tasks. Rest Eli."

Her temper has flipped from the initial annoyance at the door back to warmth you have seen in her more regularly.

"... It looks like I owe you another favor.
This looks like it is going to be a long day...

Do you have any questions for me?"

"Only whether you have changed your mind about that ward, other than that I would like to eat breakfast and get more sleep."

"Yes, I was a fool to refuse it before. I was overconfident in my ability and nearly got myself killed or worse..."

"You survived and learned. That is better than some."

She walks over and puts her hand to your head, and you feel an odd sensation, a chilling pattern swirling on your scalp before settling in. It's not subtle like the ones Moiraine or Verin have put on you, but she nods when she is done.

"Thank you Alanna Sedai."

After I am dismissed, I'll go see Susan.

You catch her as she's heading out her door, she looks startled when she looks up from a sack of books and sees you.

"Eli! What are you doing here? You look terrible, and don't you normally have morning training?"

"Yeah I do have practice today. Today is going to be long...
Can we talk in your room?"

if she lets me in I'll tell her
"Well. All this can be traced back to my overconfidence. I thought I knew the dreamworld well enough to explore it and take on anything there. So I didn't get a ward last night to give myself more opportunities to explore it.

I walked right into an Ambush by a Servant of the Dark One. Archer EMIYA was facing a horde of Nightmare Creatures. I moved in to support him and Asked him what he knew about them. He said that they want to but hooks into me to subvert me to their master's will.

We performed big attacks and destroyed a lot of them. They formed a fog or mist of darkness. Suddenly it took form and slashed Archer across his face. I could see the skin around it start to discolor. I also felt a mounting feeling of dread and hopelessness.

At this I though. Ether this Archer was some part of my self that I brought in or it was somehow him. Ether way I wasn't going to abandon him. So I somehow drew him into my soul.

At this point I called down Sunlight to purify us from this darkness and hopelessness. That actually hurt a bit. I could feel it scouring the darkness from me. But it didn't help Archer.

It also didn't completely work due to the fact the entity causing it was still attacking me.
I realized that I couldn't win this. This Servant of the Dark one had too much of an advantage on me. So I tried to escape by teleporting out of there. something messed up and I ended up in some swirling mass of darkness. But it didn't notice me. So I cut my hand and used the pain to help wake me up.

I though Archer was still in my soul somehow. Actually I shoved my soul to the side a bit and stored him there. Anyway before I woke up I sensed that he was still poisoned by the darkness somehow. Alanna scanned me but didn't find anything out of the ordinary though."

She looks torn,
"Is it urgent Eli? I will be late for class if I delay long. I suppose I might have a minute to spare... "

You can tell she's willing to hear you out if need be but would not like to get unneeded punishment. You have heard that being late for any meeting is enough for a novice to be disciplined by the Mistress of Novices, which you know includes anything from being tasked with scrubbing pots to a switching.

"I can wait. I was ambushed in the Dreamworld. I'll tell you about it when we are not running late. See you later."

I'll go about the rest of the day as best I can.

She hugs you and kisses you, "I'm glad you're ok then. Meet me back here at noon if you can, and you can tell me over lunch? If not at the end of the day."

She rushes off then, clearly in a hurry.

You arrive late, but not by enough to get you in trouble. Orwein is directing the class is sword forms, and doesn't mention anything as you take your position. Practicing the forms, what is normally trivial to you, takes all of your effort. Even still you falter multiple times in the transitions from one form to the next. You think you may have had the worst forms today, when normally only Galad or sometimes Gawyn match or exceed your technique.

Forms take up the entire morning, before you are dismissed to get lunch shortly before noon, and are expected back to review survival tactics in an hour and a half.

I hug and kiss her back.

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

I'll get lunch for Susan and Myself. Then take it to her room.

When she gets there I'll tell her my story.

"Here is what happened.

Well. All this can be traced back to my overconfidence. I thought I knew the dreamworld well enough to explore it and take on anything there. So I didn't get a ward last night to give myself more opportunities to explore it.

I walked right into an Ambush by a Servant of the Dark One. Archer EMIYA was facing a horde of Nightmare Creatures. I moved in to support him and Asked him what he knew about them. He said that they want to but hooks into me to subvert me to their master's will.

We performed big attacks and destroyed a lot of them. They formed a fog or mist of darkness. Suddenly it took form and slashed Archer across his face. I could see the skin around it start to discolor. I also felt a mounting feeling of dread and hopelessness.

At this I though. Ether this Archer was some part of my self that I brought in or it was somehow him. Ether way I wasn't going to abandon him. So I somehow drew him into my soul.

At this point I called down Sunlight to purify us from this darkness and hopelessness. That actually hurt a bit. I could feel it scouring the darkness from me. But it didn't help Archer.

It also didn't completely work due to the fact the entity causing it was still attacking me.
I realized that I couldn't win this. This Servant of the Dark one had too much of an advantage on me. So I tried to escape by teleporting out of there. something messed up and I ended up in some swirling mass of darkness. But it didn't notice me. So I cut my hand and used the pain to help wake me up.

I though Archer was still in my soul somehow. Actually I shoved my soul to the side a bit and stored him there. Anyway before I woke up I sensed that he was still poisoned by the darkness somehow. Alanna scanned me but didn't find anything out of the ordinary though."

She stops eating half way through and stares at you in horror, before hugging you tight at the end of there story.

"Please be careful Eli. I don't know what I would do without you, and no information is worth losing you."

She looks terrified, and feel her shaking slightly as she holds you close.

I'll hold her and comfort her.
"I was a fool for being so reckless. What I need is a teacher for there... I don't know who could teach me though...Archer seemed to know a thing or too. If I go to the dream world tonight. I'll have to purify the darkness that attacked him... then maybe I can get some answers..."

"A teacher... that would be difficult. Anaya Sedai looks to guide Egwene, but Anaya isn't a dreamer herself, but just knows some of the old stories. Not to mention it would involve another knowing more than is comfortable to get her involved.

As to Archer.,, and purifying, you're going back tonight? I thought you had that wars placed on you? And are you sure this Archer was real? I thought he was a fictional character from your world?"

"I did have a Ward placed on me. But I still go there on my own unconsciously. I think I might have an idea on how to trigger it...

That is what I am curious about. Whether he was real or not. He wasn't real in my world. But that doesn't preclude him being real in other worlds. We... actually had a theory about the possibly of other worlds...how to explain this...There are probably countless to an infinite number of other worlds besides this one and my home world. Some people hypothesized that some worlds might resemble our fiction through shear happenstance. "

She looks rather confused as you explain the concept of infinite worlds, but she nods slowly, "I suppose that is possible, but why would he be in this one? I might not be understanding the concept though.

What you're planning to do to enter, it's not dangerous is it?"
She's looking at you worriedly now.

I don't know ether. Maybe Tel'aran'rhiod has something to do with spirits. I'll just have to figure it out. Carefully of course.

It's a meditation exercise that my homeworld uses to promote lucid dreams. Tel'aran'rhiod acts in many ways like a lucid dream. So I guess it might work.

It works by maintaining a relaxed awareness as you are going to sleep. You are more likely to notice you are in a dream that way."

She looks thoughtful for a moment, then begins, "but isn't the ward to prevent others from pulling you into the dreams against your will? If you are going there voluntarily, you could be walking into a trap."

"The ward does prevent me from being pulled in. It does nothing to stop me from going in on my own.

If they pull me in, They know where I am coming out in Tel'aran'rhiod. Allowing them to set a trap for me.

If I go in under my own power, Who knows where I going to come out. I'm more than likely to appear out in the middle of nowhere.

Besides. If I think I'm in another trap, I'll retreat back to the real world."

"That, that makes sense. Do be careful though."

She looks worried, but trusts your judgement. She starts eating lunch, realizing that good amount of your lunchtime has passed and you will both have to report to class or training soon.

I'll hurry up and finish my lunch and then hug her before I go.
"I will be careful. You depend on me. I wont let myself die."

After I am done talking to her, I'll go to where I am expected for training.

You go down to the training yard, where you were told to, and find several trap configurations laid out. Varying form small animal traps, to pit falls, to many different sizes of snares.

Orwein begins by explaining the basics of trapping, and uses of each. It's somewhat boring and takes quite a while. Most of the afternoons practice is learning the types of knots. You stumble through it, your hands refusing the dexterity required to tie them quickly, and tightly.

It occurs to you that Orwein chose two topics for today's training, that while part of what you learn routinely are more academic and less strenuous than the norm. Even with that, after you are dismissed for the evening after nearly five hours of knotting, mixed with some pit digging and filling ( that part is done in one of the gardens, where new trees are being planted.), you are barely able to stand on your feet.

Gawyn approaches you,
"Eli, are you alright? You.... You did not act as yourself today. Have you caught ill?"

"Hello Gawyn. I knew I couldn't hide my fatigue today... Not ill, But I didn't get a good rest at all last night. It sometimes happen to me. Hopefully my rest is better tonight. I hate it when I am not able to give my best.

Thank you for your concern Gawyn."

He looks at you skeptically, but says, "As you say Eli, fatigue. Well make sure to be in better shape tomorrow, I hear rumors we're going to be joining the larger pool of trainees under Master Coulin. He's returning with the 40 or so trainees that were experienced enough to go on a training mission in the southern provinces.

I suspect we're also going to be tasked with finding a warder to apprentice under soon, and having a poor showing tomorrow would severely hurt your options.

Don't mention anything though, I'm not technically supposed to know any of that, nor are any of us."
He has a mischievous grin that vaguely reminds you of Matt.

I smile though my fatigue.

"I see. Is it good to know that even though we're not supposed to.

Information can make or break a Country in a war. Make sure you have the relevant information.

I'm going to go straight to sleep. So I should be in top form tomorrow."

----------

As soon as my conversation with Gawyn is done I'm going to bed. I doubt I could gather the focus needed for the meditation exercise.

Gawyn nods,
"Till tomorrow then Eli"


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

You head straight to your quarters, and lie down. The second you do the weight of your fatigue crashes home and you fall asleep.

You wake the next morning several hours before sunrise, when the rest of the tower and the trainees are still asleep. You slept well, though you can't remember dreaming at all, not even normal dreams. It feels somewhat weird, but you are well rested.

You know you're expected at sunrise (which is slightly earlier than the normal starting time) in the practice yard.

... That works. Why didn't Verin do that to me before? oh well.

I'll rest and nap until it is time to get up. Then I'll get dressed and show up in the practice yard.

When you get to the practice yard you see a tall man of stocky build that you haven't seen around the tower before. He's wearing a warders color shifting cloak, and has that air about him that there is no question about what he is. He's currently inspecting the live steel practice weapons and talking with an Aes Sedai you have not seen before.

Over the next several minutes the rest of your group of trainees shows up and there is some whispered gossip talking about who the warder is and where Orwein is. No one mentions his name correctly, if Gawyn was right that is. Some presume he's a warder from the borderlands, or the far south reaches, that seldom visits the tower. Others talk about whether he's a new warder, but one selected from a veteran army.

After several minutes the warder makes his way over to your group and says firmly,
"Who among you knows who I am?"

There is an awkward silence as no one speaks up immediately.

He has penetrating steel blue eyes and looks to be all business.

I'll enter the Flame and the Void to remain calm. I'll let the others answer or let this man introduce himself.

As Gawyn said. We are not supposed to have that information.

No one speaks up, and after what seems like ages of him staring at each of you he shakes his head.
"You all will have a lot to learn. Being a warder is not just about fancy blade work. Though I will teach you that.

Being a warder is a vigil. Against surprise, the unknown plots of the shadow, against anyone who would harm Aes Sedai. It is knowing when you must make sacrifices, and when not.

Now you either do not pay enough attention to uncover even the most lightly kept secrets, or you are too scared to tell me, or you're holding back on me.
The first, I will teach you to be ever vigilant and aware of such secrets.
The second, I will forge you into tougher stock, and teach you to ignore fear.
The third, I will not tolerate. I am  Coulin, the master of arms in the white tower. You are mine until you leave the tower, become a blademaster  or warder.

I've been given reports on each of your progress, but I would like to see for myself. Who will step into the ring with me first?"

I step forward.
"I will Master Coulin.
Are we using the wooden practice weapons or the live steel practice weapons you where examining before?"

Coulin smiles slightly,
"The time of using the wooden practice swords are over, from here on out we will teach you all to respect the weapons, and their edge."

Coulin moves smoothly into the ring, and draws his own sword. He waits patiently for you to take a sword and approach. When you do he shifts his feet slightly and takes a defensive stature and motions with his off hand for you to begin.

I'll walk over to where the live steel practice swords are kept and pick one that is similar to my sword. I'll ask him

"Master Coulin, May I use two swords for this match?"

If he allows it, I'll pick up a short sword that resembles a wakizashi. And then calmly walk into the ring.

If not, I'll calmly walk into the ring.

I'm already in the Flame and the Void. So I'll enter my balanced stance and put a large amount of effort into parrying.

I'll perform some strikes to test his defense.
He is the Master at arms so he should be really good. Probably a Blademaster.

He nods at your question, "Bring what you feel best at."

Coulin makes no aggressive movement and waits for you to begin.

Your probing strikes are turned aside with practiced precision. After each strike, he seems to be in ready position noticeably before you. He still doesn't push the offensive, though.

His skill is definitely impressive, though you note his sword does not bear the heron, the mark of a Blademaster. You know better than you think that precludes it, but it does leave the question unanswered.

Obviously he is better than me. Still, I have to give it my all!

I'll start to mix it up and be tricky.
Feign with one sword and then slash with the other one.
Go in for more than one strike, comboing the slashes.
Feign with one sword and follow though to a real strike.
All the while keeping some effort in reserve for parrying.
Then I'll rush in, Parrying the strike that he should use to ward me off. Or just simply wards off his sword with mine for a bit to get it out of the way. Then I'll engage in a grapple and try to isolate his sword.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:12, Tue 03 Jan 2017.

You mix up your strikes, and force him to delay slightly longer before deciding what to parry. This brings you much closer to even ground, most of the time each of you reaching a readied position at the same time.

I'm having trouble picturing how you're going to start a grapple with a sword in each hand though, even if you deflect his sword. Do you intend to drop your second sword to go in for this?

Yes. I'll drop my second sword when I start the grapple. If I feel like I can isolate his sword with just my left arm and legs, I'll continue until ether he escapes or I get him to the ground.
I'll force us to move so that we don't land on my dropped sword and he doesn't steal it to use against me.
After a bit I'l drop my first sword and focus on grappling him to the ground and Stealing his sword.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Tue 03 Jan 2017.

You move in to engage him in a grapple and slide his sword out to the side smoothly. It doesn't occur to you until a moment too late that it actually moves too freely, when you realize he's released his sword and grabbed your near wrist. You suddenly feel a jolt of pain as his elbow connects with your face, and he spins out of the attempted grapple, grabbing your smaller sword in the process.

When your vision clears after a second you see he has a grin on his face, not condescending, but enjoying the battle. After a moment he says,
"That should be enough, I have a good weigh of your worth. Well fought Eli, I look forward to training you."

He gives you a small bow, before handing your sword over, handle first. You see that you managed to graze him in the grapple exchange, as a small trickle of blood seeps down his sword arm.

I accept the sword and bow back to him.
"It was a pleasure sparing with you. Master Coulin. I look forward to your training."

Then I'll return the practice swords and watch the other matches.

The remaining matches go very quickly. Among the recruits, only Galad and Gawyn perform roughly as well as you. Gawyn manages an offensive that manages to land a small cut as Coulin pommel bashes him, dazing him for a good minute. Galad meanwhile fights to a quasi stalemate. Coulin doesn't take any hits, or even get close, but also doesn't land any before calling it, similar to how he did with you. Galad was much more conservative in his approach, possibly as a strategic adaption after seeing every other fight (Galad went last)

Of note, at no point did Coulin use the sword as a sword. He pommel bashed, backhanded, threw people, and parried, but never slashed.

Coulin addresses everyone, "I would like everyone to take the next hour and to discuss the merits of the strategy you used, and what if anything would have been a better approach. You will not always be the most skilled combatant, but analyzing how to approach a more experienced duellist is critical."

He then moves away and begins talking with a warder who's at the periphery of the practice yard, another that you haven't seen until today. They seem to be appraising each trainee, and chatting.

I address the others.
"Well. What do you think? I can't really see how I could have done better. Maybe if I when last and observed the fights I could have come up with something. As it was My best bet was to try and force the fight into something I have better odds with. As it was. He was obviously more skilled with the sword."

Gawyn suggests, "Perhaps fair battle was not the proper avenue? Tricks such as kicking sand, while dishonorable, are effective."

Galad visibly dislikes this, "I was attempting to wear down his endurance, but he executes his manuevers with little effort. I do not like the idea of resorting to cheap tricks in training however. Perhaps weaponry that exploits his standard sword tactics? It was not an option but a halberd might be of use, though I suspect he would have just closed ranks too quickly."

Lod speaks up, "I think part of what made us lose so badly is our practice not being with live steel. I was afraid of hurting him if I tried to hard, which looking back is a ridiculous fear. It's also something we'll all have to get over."

Just about everyone nods at Lod's statement.

...I assumed that he would deflect whatever I threw at him with minimal injury.

"That Is sort of what I did Gawyn. I was trying to force him into a grappling match insteid of a sword match. Maybe a swordbreaker in my off hand would be good to catch his sword..."

Rory says,
"Yeah, we all avoided even trying grappling after seeing that. If you weren't able to manage it we didn't have a chance."

Galad says "I haven't heard of swordbreakers being used except in the borderlands, and perhaps Tear. I honestly don't properly know how to use one, we might requisition a few for the training yard to be able to practice with..."

"That might be a good Idea Galad. To be fair I haven't used one before ether.

Do we have any other thoughts?"

The others think for a few moments before shaking their heads.

Coulin hasn't returned yet however and still looks to be involved in conversation.

"Well nothing left to do but wait then. My final thought is this. If you are hopelessly outclassed in one respect. The only way you are going to win is to do something completely unexpected and change the match into something you can win."

Then I'll wait for Master Coulin to come back

After several minutes Coulin comes back, and looks at you all,
"Well, what did you all come up with? What tactics would you change were you to have had the benefit of hindsight, and are they reasonable decisions or only ones that make sense having seen the outcome?"

"Well, We had a few thoughts. My major thought is that if you find yourself outclassed in one respect, You need to shift the contest to one where you are more even or better than your opponent. Admittedly that is fairly obvious.

We also thought that the use of a swordbreaker would allow us better odds by trapping your blade. This one might be a reasonable decision beforehand. If you deprive a swordsman of his sword, He'll have to rely on his other skills. Even if he is a skilled unarmed combatant, it is still very dangerous to face an armed opponent while you are unarmed.

And if the need is dire enough to beat one that is more skilled than yourself. One can also resort to every dirty trick in the book. To catch him by surprise or blind him or disable him.
I wouldn't generally like that. But If it means being able to protect the one we swore to protect, Then I would resort to those tactics.
I guess that one can also be applied beforehand.

The others might have further thoughts."

"Well, We had a few thoughts. My major thought is that if you find yourself outclassed in one respect, You need to shift the contest to one where you are more even or better than your opponent. Admittedly that is fairly obvious.

We also thought that the use of a swordbreaker would allow us better odds by trapping your blade. This one might be a reasonable decision beforehand. If you deprive a swordsman of his sword, He'll have to rely on his other skills. Even if he is a skilled unarmed combatant, it is still very dangerous to face an armed opponent while you are unarmed.

And if the need is dire enough to beat one that is more skilled than yourself. One can also resort to every dirty trick in the book. To catch him by surprise or blind him or disable him.
I wouldn't generally like that. But If it means being able to protect the one we swore to protect, Then I would resort to those tactics.
I guess that one can also be applied beforehand.

The others might have further thoughts."

Everyone nods with you summary, while Coulin maintains a stonehard face. When you are done he nods briefly,
"Good. Very good. It appears the notes Ihvan and Thomas left me are roughly accurate.

We will have an hours rest, during which you will all rest and get water. After which we will continue with some form work.

Does anyone have any issues with the expectations I have laid out for you? Now is your only chance to voice them if so."

His eyes remind you of augurs, boring for answers.

I turn my head to the side quizzically.

"Normally I wouldn't have any objections to that course of action. But the fact that you asked indicates that you are not telling us everything and wanted us to pick us on it. So what are we doing special with practicing the forms? Or am I looking too far into things?"

Coulin's eye seem to appraise you for a moment before he responds. You get the distinct feeling of being weighed.

"Discipline. That is good. Were you a soldier before coming to the Tower?

Either way, some things can not be taught. You will learn, you all will. How painful the lesson will be is up to you all."

posting error
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Wed 18 Jan 2017.

"No Master Coulin. I was not a soldier.

I wonder what we need to learn that can't be taught...I will see you in a hour, Master Coulin. Let's go get that water."

I'll go and get the water with the others.

"No Master Coulin. I was not a soldier.

I wonder what we need to learn that can't be taught...I will see you in a hour, Master Coulin. Let's go get that water."

I'll go and get the water with the others.

Everyone goes and gets water with you, though as a whole the group is abnormally quiet and contemplative.

When you get back to the training yard you see roughly 40 men, as young as mid teens up to mid thirties, but most are in the middle somewhere. Everyone is working the forms, to varying degrees of skill. Coulin is up front barking out forms to flow into, and the tempo seems to be building.

I'll get into place and start working on the forms with the group.

You take a position and begin following the pattern of the forms Coulin is calling out. The tempo is just picking us as you start but rapidly becomes faster. He brings it to a constant level that you actually are struggling to maintain. Most of the time he's calling out the next move as you finish the previous, though maybe one in five times you aren't fast enough to execute the remainder of the previous move before having to shift.

It's a grueling work out, and he continues for hours, until the courtyard is lit only by pole lanterns. During the several hours, warders walk through the ranks, examining the students but not saying a word.

At the end Coulin gives a command of:
"Enough, go eat, sleep, and be back at dawn."

He then turns and walks away. Several of your group are panting and holding their knees in exhaustion, with Rory looking like he's having trouble holding down his food. You don't feel an awful lot better.  You notice several have bloodstains where they didn't execute some moves properly.

If it is early enough to reasonably expect Shemerin Sedai to sill be active, I will take the ones with injuries to her. Maybe she is having a class.

Afterward I will go get food, then go to Alanna Sedai for the ward and then go to sleep while doing the meditation exercise to go into the Dream World.

It's a few hours past when the last class would be held. You could lead them to find a healer, but it'll take some time and will be potentially imposing on an Aes Sedais evening hours. It would also shift when you see Alanna from roughy when she would expect to see you to potentially risking her being asleep. So getting healing for everyone is definitely something you can manage, you think, but it may take some time and have some costs in terms of inconvenience.

Well, I've been bothering Alanna at odd hours so I'll just let them find their own Aes Sedai Healing.

I'll Eat, Head to Alanna Sedai Before she goes to bed and get that ward.
Then I'll go to sleep doing the meditation exercise.

You eat, and see Alanna about resetting your ward without a problem.

That night you drift to sleep, meditating to keep your mind active enough to enter the dreamworld. It seems to take longer to fall asleep but you eventual find yourself standing in the middle of the practice yard with no one around.

Well. I should probably explore around and see what I find. But first,lets see if Archer is still within my soul and find out if I can purify him.

I turn my awareness to the inside of my soul like I did before. Is Archer still there? How is he doing?

Is it daylight now in the dream world now?

It is currently mid afternoon in the dream.

You focus inward on your soul and begin pealing back layers carefully until you get to where you shifted everything aside to fit Archer. There seems to be... something. Or perhaps an absence of something. There is indeed a spot hollowed out, but what is contained there seems to be resisting observation. It occurs to you it could also be the lack of anything, a void if you will, that is just confusing your inward sense. What is sure is that the place that you prepared for Archer is still there, regardless of what if anything it contains.

This is probably overkill but it is better to be safe than sorry.

I raise my hand to the sun and shout out "TAAIIYYOO!" And then burn the magic circle to summon the Solar Piledriver.

Then I'll form a silver coffin with the concept of it being blessed by Luna to contain Darkness within it.

Then I'll expell that void within me and force it into the coffin. Then I'll drag the coffin to the center of the magic circle and go to the proper icon to summon the piledrivers with the Shout of "TAAIIIYYOOO!!!"



The Piledrivers are blessed by Sol and Gaea to gather sunlight together and then fire a solar beam into the coffin to purify the being within.

Hopefully I don't have to fight Archer Alter physically. I'm expecting Him to launch swords at me to stop me from purifing him.

Once again I'll form a Daiklave to defend myself and make myself really Strong and Tough. So that I can survive a few hits

You create the coffin, and find keeping it solid takes a great deal of concentration, and even so waivers, fading in and out of existence.

You think you may be able to uphold it through your ritual, but you also get the feeling that the generators would add to the strain substantially.

Just wanted to give the information point before you were far enough into the ritual that you couldn't turn back.

I start thinking, letting the coffin dissolve back into dreamstuff.

Hmmm... The problem is that the things I create have no Ontological Inertia. They stop existing when I stop concentrating on them. So where in fiction have I seen this before?

In OWoD Mage if you didn't put Quintessence into something you made, it would fade soon.
In Exalted, If a Fair Folk didn't use gossamer in making an item, it has no permanence and will unravel in Creation.
In the Nasuverse, Items made with Gradation Air are formed from raw mana, reproducing their materials and structure but fade because the World rejects their existence as a phantasm. Shirou improved the process with his Tracing. By also reproducing the items history he made the reproduced item better and made it last longer.

I could try using the mana I summon here... But it probably only exists as long as I'm thinking about it. Still worth a shot.

I could try making a Fair Folk Grace for myself. This resembles their Shaping combat. Except the things other people shape can kill you permanently. Still this place is technically a dream. And a Grace would make me VERY scary in a dream. But, I would become noticeably inhuman in my outlook if I made one.

I don't have a complete record of a coffin like Shirou does with his swords. In fact I would have to make the item's history up whole-cloth. Still I would be a very poor Roleplayer if I couldn't make up a believable and interesting backstory on short notice.

Ok. I'll Put mana into the coffin as I make it and weave it's story. Hopefully that will give it enough Ontological Inertia to last though the ritual.

So, I'll try and make the coffin again. This time weaving mana and it's story into it as I make it.

The Coffin was made one hundred years ago from Birch wood and Silver. The silver was mined in a mountain sacred to Luna and refined seven times by her priests. The birch was also cut down on the mountain Sacred to Luna. Birch is noted for it's magical purity. so it helps in a purification ritual. The Coffin was made from the birch and then covered with the seven fold purified silver. The silver was then covered with wards and symbols that bind Darkness within it. Then bless by Luna again to strengthen the wards again Darkness.

The coffin was used by Red Ringo, The Greatest vampire hunter of his world. He used it twice in the Purification ritual before he was killed by the Count of Groundsoaking Blood. Then it was used by Django, Ringo's son. He Purified the count in revenge then continued to purify three more Immortals of Darkness.

I'll hold this in my heart and convince myself that it is true. Because somewhere it is true, In the many many worlds of the Multiverse.

OOC)I just wanted to comment that I thought your post was particularly awesome. Getting around to it was simply a combination of I got insanely busy at work and longer posts require me to find time to sit down at my computer at home (something that hasn't happened in the past few weeks).

You begin weaving the image of the coffin, along with it's history into the fabric of the dreamworld. The coffin seems more real to you as you do so, and as you hold the image more firmly in your mind due to the depth of history you have given it.

When you shift your thoughts elsewhere you can tell the coffin still begins to unravel itself. It takes longer however, minutes as opposed to seconds, and the history seems to unravel first, and it's attention to detail next, with the coffin itself last.

You find you can also shift your mind to keep a certain part of it focused on maintaining the coffin, but it's tiring and brings about the beginings of a headache almost immediately.

After I tryvto maintain it to see how tiring it is, I'll carefully observe how the coffin unravels. Maybe I can figure out a way to tie off the metaphorical ends of the weave to prevent it from unravelling as quickly.

My brain is starting to get tied. I'll hold off on the purification ritual till tomorrow night. That way I can get advice tomorrow...if I can't pull off the ritual, I can teleport somewhere then expel it out then wake up.

I'll start exploring the tower and thinking about the history of a sword

You observe the coffin as it disappears and notice that it's most unique traits disappear first. It shifts from an object of crisp defined craftsmanship, to a well made coffin, to being almost as generic as can be. It mostly maintains it's presence for that but once it's become more general it fades into the surrounding, as the dreamworld reasserts what exists in the real world in its place.

You explore the tower, and find it mostly as you expect. The only thing that strikes you as odd is you see a woman in a fancy dress and Aes Sedai shawl for a few seconds before she fades away. You think she looked like one of the novices you've seen around the tower. You don't know her name though.

Are you looking for anything in particular? Or hoping to achieve a specific task with the history of the sword?

What color was that Novice's shawl? did she spot me?

The first thing I would do is check Susan, Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elatne's room to see if they made it into the dream world.

After that I'll go to where I think they keep the ter'angreal. They had a  ter'angreal for Dreamwalking. So they probably have other ter'angreal for other things. Since they are a big powerful magic faction. I'm planning on reading their history with structural analysis to see if I find out anything important.

Basically I'm considering the possible history of a sword and how it would affect the sword. Most of the histories I considered would be excellent against the darkness. I also consider the legendary deeds the sword might have performed and if I could replicate it here.

It was red fringed, and you don't believe so.

You don't find any of the women in their room, either they are elsewhere or didn't make it.

As to finding where the ter'angreal are stored, where are you planning to start? Outside the one Susan told you about, you don't know any that are used or where they are stored. And Susan only mentioned that she had access, not where it is.

Wandering around, you don't see any rooms that are obviously vaults however, if that's what you're looking for.

I think I may have failed to explain the magnitude of the white tower by the way, which is partially why I'm asking where you're starting to look. The tower is suited to hold roughly 3000 Aes Sedai, several hundred women training, and several rooms dedicated to ceremony or other things. It also strikes you that the tower is no where near max capacity in the current age. There are maybe 1000 Aes Sedai, and not all in the tower at any given time. There are also probably about 60 women training as well. Thought that would all help (or maybe not)

I knew the White Tower was big but I didn't know it was that big. Although I do find it odd that there is so few Aes Sedai compared to how many the Tower can hold.

Anyway, If I was building a vault for magical treasure, I would put it into the basement because the vault would be safer down there.

Therefor I'll head down to the basement and look around.

You explore for a while, and find a way down into the basement floors. The stairs descend three flights below the first floor. I'll be referring to them as B1, B2 and B3 for convenience. B3 is the deepest.

B1 appears to hold small living quarters and maintenance supplies. You suspect the floor is dedicated for any cooks or servants that elect to live in the tower.

B2 has several jail cell like rooms. From the dreamworld you can't tell if they are inhabited. There are however a large number, you estimate they could hold 100 prisoners easily.  All the cells have irons barrs and doors.

B3 is much deeper than B1 and B2, having several floors worth of descent between B2 and B3. For that it is the smallest room by far. There are 6 stone cells here, carved out of the rock and with incredibly thick iron doors.

I'll scan some of the cell doors in B3 with Structural Analyst. I'll use a bit more mana than I did before to see if I can het more of the history that way.

I'm guessing that this is where they hold the False Dragons and other male channelers until they Gentle them.

Well. That didn't work out. Let's try it from the top.

I'll go back up to ground floor and go outside. Then I'll imagine myself flying up to the top of the Tower on whings of mana and light.

You pour some extra mana into it and feel your connection with the dreamworld attenuate somewhat. Your analysis works however, and you feel the cell's history. They were used for holding people sentenced for stilling or gentling by the hall of the tower, and are perhaps more ceremonial than anything. The true restraints are the two Aes Sedai who are always tasked with overseeing the cell's inhabitant until the day of judgment.

You get the feeling that you went back several hundred years to gain that knowledge, and that the further you go back in time the harder the analysis ends up being. The A'Dam that you examined existed for less than a hundred years, and was far far easier to analyze.

Once you finish you feel your connection with the dream world restrengthen, though not to the same strength you are used to when you first arrive in a night.

------

You go outside and fly up to look at the tower from outside without trouble, and it works as you say. (Going to try and post a picture of what it looks like from far above, give me a bit to figure this out. First time I tried I lost this post and had to retype it.)

Edit:Not figuring out how to imbed the image, I know you mentioned how before and I'll try and look that up. But in the mean time, you get a view similar to this link.


This message was last edited by the player at 17:49, Wed 01 Mar 2017.

Just as I thought. I'll have to explore that connection to the Dreamworld though.
------------
I'll land on top of the tower and start exploring downward. Gust looking around and seeing what I find.

OOC: Sometimes its a bit finicky. Here is the code.
<img src="">
Place the URL in the quotes.  it's somewhat finicky with the case of the code. So make sure you type it like that.

OOC) Awesome. Thank you.

You land on the top of the tower and begin looking around. The roof is clearly designed primarily as a vantage point to survey the surrounding as opposed to defensive in nature. Which when you think of it makes sense with the shear height of the tower.

There is a single trapdoor down, which when you take down leads to a series of corridors similar to many that you've seen at the base level. You start exploring and see that the rooms seem to be residences. It's hard to say whether they are occupied due to the natural empty appearance of the dreamworld.

What are your priorities on how you are exploring? A complete room by room search would take an immeasurable time, way more than you have in a single night before you would naturally wake.

I'm basically taking a quick look into each room to see if I spot anything interesting or that needs investigation. That should be quicker than searching each and every room.

OOC: No problem. I also figured out how to make text based maps so that rpol doesn't mess up the formatting.

You dart through the top floor of the tower and manage to peak inside every room before moving on. The rooms are all largely the same, a pattern of a small receiving area, with a few bookshelves, an occasional portrait, and a bedroom off to the side.

You get about half way through the next floor, with similar rooms. These rooms are all just a bit smaller, tending to have two bookshelves instead of three or four and none having much decoration. They all feel empty, but its hard to tell based on the reflection in the dreamworld.

Around that time you feel yourself waking up, as sunlight is coming in through a window. You feel very tired, having not gotten much rest through the night. It's slightly past when you would normally get up but not quite enough to force you to be late, unless you try and get a little extra rest.

I force myself up and get ready. Then I'll head to where I need to meet Master Coulin.

I need to talk to Susan today for advice. I hope I can talk to her.

You force yourself up and feel your muscles responding slowly. There is a dull ache to them, which fades only slightly after you get started moving.

Master Coulin is waiting when you and several other trainees arrive, and waits in silence a few moments while the majority of the trainees fall in.

"Over the next few days you will all be assigned a warder to follow for one on one training. It is your responsibility to find one willing to accept you as their charge. I expect everyone to have one by weeks end." (Weeks end is 4 days away)

He then motions to the practice yard and begins calling out forms as soon as people take their positions. It starts at a pace you can barely safely hold and is increasing with tempo. Do you intend to try and keep tempo or give up early?

When in your day do you want to find Susan? You have form work for the morning and lessons in the evening, of unknown amount of time. You have an hour for lunch, and know Susan often takes her lunch either in the garden, the dining halls, or in her room or one of her friends rooms. You can also attempt to find her after your evening lessons, though they occasionally run late enough that she is asleep before you are out.

I'll push myself to try to keep up the pace. The warder that I get will depend on who I impress. I need to get the best I can so I will not let Susan down later.

I'll try to see Susan at lunch. If I don't see her I'll try after my lessons.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:18, Sat 18 Mar 2017.

You push yourself hard and the void aids you. In the full embrace of the flame and the void your weariness feels less. You believe you have reached a new peak in centering yourself this way.

With its aid, you flow through the forms nearly as well as you would expect to had you slept well. You think you very well might outshine every other trainee today if it wasn't for your sleep deprivation. As is, only Galad and Gawyn seem to be putting up better results.

Almost as if to affirm your thoughts that you have reached a new level with the flame and the void, you feel a softly glowing light off in the distance of the void. The void normally is cold and empty, yet the light seems to be trying to fill it with radiance. It's not much,  but it is there for a moment. Afterwards it disappears.

Do you have preferences on special skills for the warder who trains you to have? I'll be rolling GE rolls to create a pool for you to choose from, and would like to influence it based on your preference.

When the soft light occurs in the Flame and the Void I can't help but think

What was that? Enlightenment?

I almost chuckle at the pun. I'll examine the feeling as it occurs

OOC: right now I would be aiming for the best I could get. Wich would probably be Master Coulin. Otherwise one with a two weepon style that can improve my two weapon style would be good. Archery and survival would be useful. I would also like some more unusual skills. Like... blocking a blade with your skin. I could discuss it a bit more when I get home.

OOC) that gives me a good starting place.

You probe the glow with an extension of your will and momentarily feel a surge of heat before it seems to slip through your fingers. You get a feeling of vastness at the contact, and of danger.

It seems to ebb and flow in a rhythm and you almost think that it is beckoning you to grab hold of it.

I'm guessing that the glow felt good?
This sounds suspiciously similar to what they described as using the One Power. I'll let the feeling pass without trying to grasp it. I continue with the training aware of the danger I narrowly avoided.

It felt as if it promised everything good in the world, so yes, but it also felt like holding it would make the brush you felt feel like nothing.

Letting the feeling pass is somewhat challenging. You have reached a deeper resonance with the flame and the void,  where this glow subsides. You could purposely synchronize with the flame and the void style less which would make the glow disappear but would also make you not perform as elegantly when flowing through the forms during this practice. Perhaps badly enough that you could falter and hurt yourself or have to stop prematurely (the tempo is very fast by this point, many students having already stopped, but not all.)

Alternatively you could stay at this level of resonance and try to exert enough willpower to ignore the glow, and it's sirens call to grab it. It is very tantalizing though, and tough to imagine ignoring for long.

So it's ether let the glow exist and help me perform these forms. or stop it and have to quit.
I do need to make a good impression to the Warder that I will be assigned to.

I steel my will to ignore the siren call for as long as I can. Once I feel that I can't go on without grasping the power. I'll stop and reduce my resonance to the Flame and the Void.

Hopefully I'll hold out long enough to stop with Galad and Gawyn

(... This is probably a bad idea. The Red sisters can probably sense me touching the One Power.)

You ride the razors edge, gleaning all the advantage you can by skirting as close to the glow as your will allows. You manage to maintain this for what feels like hours. Eventually only you, Galad and Gawyn are continuing (even the other recruits have stopped.)

Coulin calls of a finishing series and bows to the three of you. "You three, go get cleaned up and have the rest of the day to rest. Meet me at dinner time."

He then motions the rest to fall in.

You notice Galad and Gawyn are both drenched in sweat and Gawyn has a small cut across one leg. You are likewise nearly immeasurably tired and sweating. Without the aid of the void, at least the lesser level of it, you feel you might collapse.

I'll let my attunment to the Flame and the Void fall to a lesser level, one without the temptation to grasp the One Power. I'm still maintaining the Flame and the Void to prevent me from falling on my face.

I'll follow Galad and Gawyn to get cleaned up. A long soak to relax sounds like a good idea. But falling asleep in the tub would be a bad idea. Afterwards I'll eat and go see Susan.

Both brothers are wearing fatigues grins, and Gawyn has an aura of pride about him as you all walk to the baths to get cleaned off. No one really speaks, which suits your exhaustion.

After a relaxing soak, where a good deal of will goes to not drifting off you head off to see Susan. You are still sustaining the void, and while it's keeping fatigue away you can feel it building. You suspect they are not dangerous levels of fatigue yet, but you are already dreading letting go of the void.

You find Susan easily when she's picking up her meal and she waves to you and starts heading over.

I smile when I see Susan. Letting that emotion slip past the Flame.

I walk over to met her
"It's good to see you Susan. I have the rest of the day off except for dinner which I have to met with Master Coulin. Let's eat lunch together in your room"

I assume she agrees so I'll get my lunch and met her in her room.

"Sorry about earlier Susan. I'm forced to stay in the Flame and the Void just to keep going through my fatigue. I would probably collapse if I drop it now. Now that I think about it we should have gotten Nynaeve so that you could cast that ward. Actually the others might need to hear this too... this has to do with Min's Reading"

I'll let Susan decide if we should get the others before telling the tell to whoever we gather.

I had another trip to the Dream World last night. I don't rest well at all when I go there. The dream wasn't anything major. I sensed a hole in me where I put Archer Before. I couldn't sense anything in the hole. Thinking that Archer fell to the Nightmare we fought before. I tried to prepare a purification ritual to save him, whatever he is. But the things in the Dream World fade if you don't concentrate on them. So I was forced to conclude that the ritual would split my concentration too many ways. Then I experimented with making things and explored the White tower.

This is my minor concern. That place I made for Archer within my soul stayed around between dreams. My guess is that a fragment of the nightmare is festering there. My plan is, The next time I sleep, I will transport myself in the Dream World to somewhere uninhabited, expel it from me and then kill it. So that it doesn't attack anyone else. If it is too much for me... then I will escape to the waking world. I wanted to hear all your advice on this though."

I'll let the conversation occur for that before continuing.

"Anyway, As I said before. You get terrible sleep if you go to the Dream World. Almost like you haven't slept at all. Therefore this morning I went into training that Tired. Master Coulin said that we had the Weekend to find a warder to train us individually.  Then He tested Us. Faster and faster through the Sword forms. The Warder we would get depends on who we impress. Faster and Faster through the Sword forms. Other Trainees give up. My tiredness makes Me want to give up. But I refused.  Faster and Faster through the Sword forms. I sank deeper into the Flame and the Void than I ever did before. Then a faint light appeared in the Void illuminating it. I feel it. It felt good and promising all the good things in the world. It allowed me to work though my fatigue, allowed me to keep up with Galad and Gawyn despite being so tired. I recognized it for what it was. I did not grasp it despite the temptation. I rode a razors edge letting this light help me but not grasping it. Until only Galad, Gawyn and I where left. Then he told Us to stop. I think we impressed him. If the Red sisters don't get me first, I think he want's us to train with him."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Thu 06 Apr 2017.

Smiling is easy in the void, it's mechanical after all and the void aids your mechanical movement. You suspect the smile came out cold however, it's just not possible to infuse actions with emotions while distancing yourself from any of them so completely. Even your voice has a cold emotionless tinge to it when firmly in the void.

Susan agrees to eat in her room, and leads you off to the nearest stairwell towards the novice quarters. She's quiet and seems nervous on the walk.

------

Once in her room and you begin she breathes a sigh of relief as you mention that you are still holding the void, and immediately tries to cover up her relief as she goes back to listening to you. She nods along but comments,
"Nynaeve, Egwene and Elayne are all doing penance in the kitchen, scrubbing pots. We won't be able to get them until very late tonight and I believe Min is having lunch with a sister who had some questions for her. So perhaps it's best for you to tell me, even if some has to be repeated tonight or another day."

-------

She winces at your tales of the dreamworld and replies "Please do be careful Eli. You are so far past the rest of us there, but you could get in some serious trouble..."

Her eyes are filled with love and concern.

"How is that the small concern though..." and she goes back to listening.

-------

Her eyes go wide when you mention the glowing light and your experience that morning.

"Did you actually embrace it? I suspect you are ok if no one has come down upon you yet, that sort of thing would be reacted to swiftly here I imagine. I don't know exactly how they would tell now that I think of it... I've never heard a sister Say they can sense such things, and they may want the world oblivious to the actual limits. Then again it's not a common conversation piece.

I hope I don't have to mention this, but you need to be careful about it. I wouldn't try exploring it while here, or really until it fulfills Mins viewing... but I don't know how you'll know when that is... you don't believe in living a simple life do you?"

"... I suppose that I wouldn't have minded a quiet life if I was still back at my home world. Doing a job that I nether hated or liked. The only sense of adventure gained from the games I played. Then again I didn't have a choice back then... I must be crazy. I actually like this Ta'veren business. Nothing would be able to convince me to trade it and go back to my home world. For one, I would never have met you back there. For another thing I can actually make a difference here.
I'm sorry I made you worry back there with my cold smile.
The Flame and the Void is apparently a meditation technique like your Flower that grows into the One Power. Or maybe I just got enlightened from using it. I was lucky that you told me about channeling before so that I noticed the parallels. And stop myself from going to far. I think I came close but did not touch the Source. I'll just have to limit my attunment to the flame and the void from now on so that I don't go that deep. I'm going to release the Flame and the Void now. If I pass out, please wake me up."

Then I release the Flame and the Void. Then I try to stay awake though my fatigue. Resting and relaxing without going to sleep.

She nods along and smiles when you mention meeting her, which turns into a slight blush when you mention your cold smile from earlier.

Based on the level of fatigue you are feeling, you don't think there is a question on if you will pass out should you release the void. It's dangerously close at this point to you passing out while holding the void, and whatever would happen if you did that occurring. I wasn't sure if the certainty changes what you say.

To a lesser certainty, your not sure you could be woken reasonably and kept awake if you do pass out. At least not immediately.

It does change my last two sentences.
"...normally I would release the void and relax with you. But I will pass out if I do it now. I need to ask someone to wake me before dinner. Because I am going to need to sleep."

I tilt my head to the side quizzically.
"You blushed before when I mentioned the cold smile. Why is that?"

"I will find time to come and make sure you're awake before dinner. You can't really explain why you are so exhausted to everyone anyway."

When you mention her blush she deflects, "That's not really important, you really should get some rest though before you cause yourself harm."

"... You know that you can tell me anything. It's the least I could do after you listen to all of my problems. But I will drop it if you say so.

Thanks for your help. I don't know what I would do without you."

I'll eat and head to my bed after the conversation.

"I know that Eli. It really is nothing though. Let's stay together forever, so you don't have to find out what you'd do without me." She says this and gives you a beaming smile filled with warmth.

Susan had grabbed enough food to share with you, so I was assuming you were eating while talking. But either way, after you eat you make your way to your bed and lay down. When you release you void fatigue smashes into you like a sledgehammer and an incredible amount of pain floods your body as it realizes exactly what it's been through this morning on next to no rest. You have a few seconds where the pain actually keeps you awake before you pass out.

Are you looking to just get restful sleep or are you making any attempts to enter the dreamworld?

I nod.
"That would be Good Susan. Let's do that."

The point of doing this was to get some actual rest. I'm making no attempt to go to the Dream World.

You sleep a deep and dreamless sleep and are eventually nudged awake by a smiling Susan. "Wake up sleepy. You have half an hour before you have to be at dinner. I have to run now, I barely was able to find time to wake you before I'm supposed to meet with Alanna Sedai for a lesson. Have a good dinner."

And she rushes out of the room.

You're still tired, and wish you could sleep more, but it's now more just how you might feel after a long night out on the town. Your muscles ache from the morning, but don't require the void. And perhaps best of all, there's no sign that red sisters are after you currently based on Susan's cheer.

How would you like to prepare for the dinner? What will you be wearing? Are you bringing your sword? Do you want to meet with Galad and Gawyn before hand or meet them there?

I would wear the nice dress cloths I got from Fal Dara. Since the dress cloths are designed to have it I would wear my sword with them.

Getting dressed is really the only preparation I need. I would generally keep my hair really short. (About a quarter inch all over my head.) One so I don't need to bother with it except for washing it. And two, so nobody can grab my hair in a fight to get an advantage over me.

Anyway, I'll get dressed and met with Galad and Gawyn before dinner. In case they though of something that I forgot.

You meet up with Galad and Gawyn, who are both dressed in their finery and wearing their swords. You note that Galads clothing bears a sigil of a winged silver sword facing downwards and Gawyn bears a charging white boar embroidered into his tunic.

Both smile at you when they see you an wave. Gawyn says "Ah, Eli. Excellent timing. We were just about to head off for dinner. Where have you been hiding all day?" He walks beside you as you walk and talk on your way to meet Coulin.

I'll walk with them to dinner.
"I've been relaxing on my own. I Think Master Coulin was impressed with us."

Galad nods at that, "I suspect that no one was intended to finish that circuit. I've seen warders stop at less. Well not many but the weakest of the lot. Be wary that none of us let it go to our heads however, it would be improper."

------

After a short while you find yourself in one of the private dining rooms. The meal laid out is of good quality, generally what you expect the sisters to be eating more than you expect for the warders or novices or accepted. Along one wall is a large map of the known world. You suspect this room functions as a war room if need be.

Coulin smiles as the three of you enter and gives a small bow or acknowledgement. "I'm glad you all could make it. I would like to get to know the motives the three of you have for being at the tower to train. But no need to hold up the food, it's currently hot."

With that he pulls up a seat and nods for the three of you to do the same.

After a few moments,
"What I want to know is how far each of you plan to take this. Do you plan to be a warder, should a sister choose you? It's a heavy burden and not to be taken lightly. Or perhaps you are here to train to be a swordsmaster. You each have the talent, give me a few years and I could have you ready to wear the heron. 5 at the longest. You would be some of the youngest swordsmasters in history. Or perhaps noble life has just been boring to the three of you and you wanted a challenge?"

He's staring at each of you with a deep penetrating gaze.
"I think I'll hear from you first Eli."

I nod to him
"I'm here for one reason Master Coulin.
I'm training to become the Warder for Susan Eila. I been with her since before she came to Tar Valon to be trained as a Aes Sedai. We love each other... Therefore I am going to become the best Warder that I can possibly be. I would gladly train hard enough to become a Swordmaster for her."

He smiles and nods,
"Love is a noble motivation, but can also be exploited. Always guard against being caught unaware because of it."

He then turns to Galad, who answers,
"I strive to become a blade master, so that I can bring justice to those who need it. I would bear the burden of being a warden for one in need, should the proper situation arises, and I would not want to be ill prepared in such a case."

Coulin nods at Galads comment but doesn't have a comment of his own before turning to Gawyn, who responds fervently,
"I am duty bound to master the sword and protect my sister, Elayne Trakand, daughter heir. It is my duty as first prince of the sword. My blood shed before hers, my death before hers, this I swore."

Coulin seems to think for a moment before replying, "very well. I normally choose the best swordsman of any given class and give them the opportunity to be my pupil. Normally no one passes the test from today however. I have decided to offer my services to the three of you, should you choose to accept. I caution you that I train my pupils hard and will not tolerate idiocy, neither from over confidence or lack of thought. Further, I fear my knowledge is fairly specific. I know the blades, well really all the weapons in the training yard, and several more. I do not know more than the average warder in terms of high diplomacy, wilderness survival or like skills. With me your training will be aimed to have you be the most formidable opponent possible, while also training you in the expectations placed on warders."

I'll respond to his first comment with
"I'll keep that in mind Master Coulin."

I'll respond to Coulin.
"It is a simple choice then. Training with you would make me the most formidable combatant that I can be. If I need to learn Wilderness Survival or diplomacy beyond what you will teach, I can learn them later. I'll accept your offer to be one of your pupils"

Galad simply nods and states his acceptable, "I accept your kind offer Master Coulin."

Gawyn seems to think for a while before responding, "I know that trainees are often sent out of the tower with their mentor for extended periods of time. I however must stay near Elayne to fulfill my duty. Conditional that your tutorage allows for that, within reason, I also accept."

He smiles at the last part and nods, "I stay in the tower more than most, due to being master of arms. I am glad the three of you have all agreed. Please, enjoy the meal. Tomorrow begins a new level of training and I expect nothing short of absolute dedication."

And he resumes eating, though he seems to be contemplating something. He has an aura of someone who is always planning

Ill eat in silence too. Contemplating my own plan.

Next time I now I have a day off, I can dive into the Dream World the night before. Then I'll face that Nightmare... Maybe I can make someone to help... If they have their own mind they can assert that they exist in the Dream World...hmmm...

I don't really have anything planned until I can go into the Dream World again without appearing odd. Although I do need to talk to the others when the opportunity presents itself.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:53, Thu 13 Apr 2017.