05/13/2000


Courtyard, The White Tower, Tar Valon

Marble tiles gleam from a straight path which leads from the Gates of the
Tower to the wide double doors which announce its entry point. Soft grass
and well planned patches of flowers can be found to either side, with the
occasional shady tree. Accepted and novices sit on stone benches, some
practicing their Power to the dismay of uneasy petitioners passing through.
To the side there is a stable, near the fenced entrance to the clearly
visible yard where shirtless boys go through sword forms through the day.

Guards take the weapons of those wanting to enter, though the Gaidin spread
about the courtyard, seemingly about their leisure, look ready to pounce on
any men who "forgot" a dagger at the gates. Aes Sedai pass through on
various errands, some nodding to acknowledge bows or curtsies. The
atmosphere is busy, but calm.


Espiria tips her eyes to the Gaidin, smiling shakily. "I..am as well as can
be expected. But I stay busy....." She chuckles softly, "And then I don't
think so much about things." She shakes her head, glancing over to Tiau
with a smile. "They worked on me as well. Dalloria Sedai worked on me
mostly so when I got back, all I needed was rest."

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr. Someone is not having a good day. And that someone is
Neelkan. His white-streaked red hair is even more ruffled and disordered
then usual, looking like it's been whipped around, and his shirt is torn in
more then one place. He's also got his teeth clinched down and his lips
peeled up and he's literally growling as he stomps in one of the gates
after being stopped and growling at the guards somemore. He looks as if he
might hit something.

Tiau nods.. "Wonderful." She looks very uneasy around this place. "I am
glad you are well..." She pauses. "I don't know your name.."

"Of course, it is the duty of every Novice, and Trainee, to stay busy,"
Jessian notes with a smile. "Good day, ladies." The large Gaidin starts
down his path once more, his feet scuffing the tile as he moves towards the
gate Neelkan happens to be passing through.

Espiria jumps a bit as she hears Neel enter. Boy he sure is ticked off
about something. She blinks for a moment, watching the Gaidin head that way
and she hopes no trouble will start because of the way neel seems to be
feeling. She finally glances back to Tiau, chuckling softly. "I'm Espiria."
She tips her head in curiousity as to the woman's name.

Tinkerish eyes turn towards the man leaving and she moves to follow him
after smiling towards Espi. "Tiau is my name.. if you will, give Christabel
my best.."

Grumbling softly through his teeth, Neelkan can be heard to be saying,
"IhatewomenIhatewomenIhatewomen," over and over in a soft growl. It would
probably be a pretty safe bet that whatever has him upset today has to do
with a woman. Right now he only has one goal. To get to the Infirmary and
hope no one noticed he had not returned last night like the Amyrlin told
him to. Ye'h right. How could they miss his loudmouthed glaring self? He
doesn't notice the warder, or Espi. Or the Tinker woman either.

Espiria smiles and nods, watching the woman leave. "It..was umm..nice
meeting you, Tiau." She tips her eyes back to Neel again, eyes widening
slightly as she listens to what he says. Utoh. He's in an even fouler mood
than he usually is. if that's possible. She blinks, watching to see what
will happen next.

Hopefully he notices the big Warder when he sets himself directly in the
path of the grumbling young man. Jessian, arms crossed over his chest, foot
tapping on the marble tiles as Neelkan approaches. Jess hasn't even met the
boy, but he has heard a lot about him, part of that being exactly what he
looks like.

Arg. There's something in the way. Neelkan looks up at the taller man and
narrows his blue-green eyes in a harsh glare, but his little mantra on his
feelings towards women is cut off. Glare. Glare. "Wud ya mind gettin' outta
the way!?" He growls in his usual louder then normal conversation voice,
what some would consider a yell, but it's not even close to what he can
sound like when he's really yelling.

Espiria widens her eyes, standing up now. He's going to get his lights
punched out. She crosses her arms over her chest, slipping to one side in
the event that Neel needs some calming down. Bad part is that she's
female..and he may just not like /any/ female and not remember who's a
friend and who isn't. She sighs, leaning on one leg before she grabs her
teacup and takes a long sip this time. Got to stay calm. Maybe he'll get
over it?

Jessian is a kind man. A gentle giant, some would call him. Even despite
his massive size and strength, he has fortunatly enough, not had to put it
to harsh use very often. Some battles here or there, special missions, or
breaking up fights, but that's basicly it. He's not a man to bust heads
unless it is the last option. However, at this young man's tone and
attitude, Jessian's normal smile quirks into a very deep frown. A well
muscled arm raises and his forefinger extends to point to a brick wall
thirty or so paces away. "Would you mind having your head through that
wall?" he asks back, mildly even, despite his frown. "If so, Master
Neelkan, talk to me like that again."

Espiria blinks moving a bit move from the bench and wincing. He means that
too, Neel. Come on! Surely you just want to get inside right? Not loose
your head too? She sighs, pacing a bit back and forth anf though she'd love
to get between you both, she'd be a fool to do it. That would get Master
Michael on her..Wyntere Sedai on her....even Mother on her for interfering.
She rubs her chins sighing and biting her lower lip too in worry.

Knuckles turn white as Neelkan's fists clench tightly. He continues to
glare and growl softly through his teeth... but then he backs down, even
taking a step backwards. His fists and jaw don't unclench though, and he
says, "Ya could try, but ya'd just end up with m' stayin' 'ere e'en longer,
ya know." Cause he'd have to heal yet -again-. "But I got nothin' 'gainst
ya, if ya'd kindly get the blo...get outta m' way." He cut off his swear at
least. But is he almost shaking with anger here? Maybe hitting the wall
would be a good thing. Might calm him down a little.

Jessian doesn't budge a single inch. Nope, he continues to watch the young
man with clear blue eyes over a dissapointed frown. "That's better, but not
damn near good enough. Try this: 'Good day, Jessian Gaidin. How are you
today, Jessian Gaidin? My, isn't today a beautiful day, Jessian Gaidin?' I
think, once we get some respect into you, you won't be half bad. I think
that is what you are lacking right now. And frankly, Neelkan, I don't
flaming care how long you are in the Tower, or in Tar Valon, or even right
here. You are going to stay right there until you address me properly."
Ooooooh. Jessian is swearing. He must be -really- mad. Jessian never
swears.

Oi. Neelkan's breath quickens a little and somehow he looks even more
angry. What, did he just kill some Light blessed animal yesterday and been
cursed ever since!? "Look, Master whoever ya are. I don't know ya, so I
don't need t' give yer title, 'r whate'er. Ya want respect outta m' ya
gotta show m' 'at's it's worth givin', not order m' t' do it. An yer not
'xactly doin' the best job of it now." He's having a -really- bad day, and
isn't really in the mood for being dropped down a notch.

Jessian's hands dart out at that, grabbing the man in front of him by the
lapels of his shirt, and hefting him off the ground. The Gaidin is rather
large, and Neelkan not so much, so it isn't much of a strain on the big man
to do such a thing. He even does it quickly, which might surprise some
people thinking such an action would be slow from Jess. Lifting Neel to eye
level with himself, Jessian pulls him forward so they are almost nose to
nose. "You w don't have to give me a title. I don't flaming care if you
called me Master Jessian, Gaidin Jessian, or even flaming moron Jessian.
You give respect to people not because you think they deserve it. You give
it to them because not doing such makes you less a man. I don't care if the
Dark One himself was right here. You'd show him some semblance of respect
because quality people do that. It is because I am a human being, just like
you, that I command respect. And you know how that comes by?" Jessian gives
Neel a little shake here before continuing, "By saying, 'could you please
move out of my way, sir, so I can continue along.' That is all it would
have took."

Ack! Neelkan finds himself lifted up into the air and he squirms, hoping
his shirt doesn't tear apart even more then it already is... That might not
feel very good falling on his back side yet again. If he heard any of that,
he gives no incidation as he flails about like a child, kicking his legs
and flailing his arms. He waits til the man is apparently finished speaking
before he starts yelling though, "Put m' down ya big oaf!!! Blood and
ashes!!" Grrrrrrrrr. "Lemme go!! D' I got some flamin' sign on m' forehead
sayin' 'Push m' 'round t'day' 'r something'!?" It would be a safe bet that
what was said didn't get absorbed.

Jessian lets out a definate martyr's sigh. But he doesn't let Neel go. No,
Jess' grip only tightens as he shakes Neelkan again. And then again. "Are
you going to be quiet so I can talk to you?!" he bellows while shaking.
"Look. I'll go buy you an ale, and we'll talk, okay? If I set you down,
you're going to smile and remember that at, any moment, I may just decide
to rip your head off." Awwwwwwww. Jessian says that so nicely.

If anything the mention of ale does stop him from flailing, but not with
the desired response. Neelkan's face contorts in a flinch, and he looks
like someone just said 'I'll take you horse back riding' the day the guy
fell off a horse and got his head cracked open. He looks, well, pained
would probably be the best word. He shakes his head quickly, his hair
whiping around in a blur and he says in a -much- softer voice, "I just
wanna go t' the infirmary 'n... 'n..." Sleep? Forget this day and the night
before ever happened? Let the Yellows put him out of his misery? Any of the
above would do nicely...

Jessian sets the kid down at that. Well, Jess really isn't much older then
Neel, but he thinks of him as a kid anyways for some reason or another.
"You'll get your chance to sleep..." he murmers, but then doesn't press the
ale issue after that reaction. "I've been meaning to catch up with you,
Neelkan... Oh, by the way, I am Jessian Soulvien, a Gaidin her at the
Tower." Delayed greeting, that's for sure, but that's Jessian. "Anyways,
I've had various report come back to me, and some of the other Gaidin,
about your time here at the Tower. Seems that your
reputation..really..isn't among the best. However, I'm willing to give you
a chance. This war against the Dark can always use another warm body, and I
think that a Gaidin's cloak might fit you nicely."

Reports? People have been reporting on him? Great... Neelkan reaches up and
rubs at his chest a little, trying to straighten his already torn shirt,
and not looking at the Gaidin anymore. His reputation isn't among the best?
Well good. Wasn't like he was trying to be thought of as a willy little
wimp who'll squable at the every command of a person who's older or
whatever... A Gaidin's cloak...? He seems to stare off for a little while
before he asks in a soft mutter, "Who'd 'ese reports come from?" He doesn't
sound angry anymore. Just... wounded. Guess something about the ale comment
really hit home.

"People who've been watching you. It would be naive of you, Neelkan, to
believe that there isn't someone watching every visitor to the Tower at all
hours of the day, every day of the week. It could be anyone. In times like
these, not even a girl of twelve summers old can be trusted completely."
Jessian refolds his arms accross his chest. "So, you don't like women? I
can understand that. They are very confusing creatures, at times. Though I
think you take your own qualms a bit overboard, that isn't my place to say
whether it is right or wrong. I think you are a fool for being that way in
a Tower full of women, but even here a man is entitled to his own thoughts
and opinions. And I'd use that, if you want to train to be a Warder. I'd
take it upon myself to see you through, until you got one of these." Jess
picks up a corner of his own cloak, before yet again folding his arms.
"What else would you do with your life? Mope around and protest your hate
for women? Or actually do something constructive to help with this bloody
war with the Dark? You say someone needs to earn respect. I'm giving you a
chance to earn some for yourself."

Well, Neelkan's just going to stare at nothing again for another long while
through all those words. Some... respect for himself? Someone offering to
'stick by' him, so to say... even if not quite in those words. He takes in
a slow breath, then reaches up to ruffle his hair slightly. If only this
hadn't been dropped on him today... "Can... can I think 'bout it?"

Jessian does one, slow, but firm nod. "You may. I'll give you two days from
not to give me your decision. Just ask around; somebody is bound to have
seen me. If not, I'll be in Katelynn Sedai's room. All you have to is
knock, and we'll talk about your decision. And I hope that it is the right
one." Jess' tone indicates that he thinks that the only right decision is
for Neel to train under his t guidance. Which might be somewhat strange as
Jessian has only just met the kid, but what Neel might not know is that the
Gaidin has had his eye on him for awhile now. "You'd make a fine Gaidin,
Neelkan. Keep that in mind when weighing in your options."

A fine Gaidin...? Neelkan scratches at his hair for a moment, as if he
doesn't exactly think the same way. But what would he know. He's never even
talked to a Gaidin before today! He had been considering... the posibility
of training, because the Gaidin he had seen walking around looked pretty
impressive! And impressive men always make him pay attention. But not in a
weird way or anything!! He just grew up around a bunch of cowed men who let
women boss them around all the time and didn't very often stand up for
anything or let their opinions be known... and he swore he'd never be like
that. Course he kind of took it a little far... "Eh... a'right. I'll...
have m' answer in two days..." If the Yellows let him survive disappearing
for a night...

"In two days then." Jessian sticks out his hand. "Oh, and, uhhhh... sorry
for shaking you like that. Sometimes I don't know my own strength, I
guess." The Gaiding smiles warmly at that, all traces of past aggression
gone, almost like it had never even been there.

Catching the hand in the corner of his vision, Neelkan's head moves around
to look at it for a moment, then reaches out and takes it, a small smirk
quirking up one side of his lips. "Ye'h, well, sorry I yelled at ya, 'n
all. Didn't catch m' at a very good time..." Not a very good time at all.
He just recently got rolled over by a carriage (not literally) and needs to
go lick his wounds. Mostly wounds to his ego...

Jessian is all too familiar with ego wounds, and he knows full well how
badly they can sting as well. It is probably for that same reason he
doesn't tell Neelkan that there are more to come, if he excepts the offer.
Of course, there is all the good stuff too, like weapons and training and
stealth and all that good stuff as well. Hopefully Neel just focuses on
that portion of the training when making his decision. Light, Jess hopes
the kid takes the offer and runs with it. "I understand. I look forward to
seeing you in the practice yard, Neelkan. Light shine."

"Ye'h... Light shine. Uh... Jessian." Neelkan says softly, still not adding
a title. He usually only adds titles when something really bad is
happening. Like at the Parade when everything went so awful. He called
Aliana 'Sedai' then. And under similar circumstances he'd do it again. And
call a Gaidin 'Gaidin'. But... he's not very good with titles either way.
So unless it's something life and death or important... he'll likely
forget. After retrieving his hand, he smirks a little wider and adds, "Now
could ya move outta the way, please?" Ah-hah. Please.

Jessian smiles a bit, and then moves to the side to let Neel pass. However,
without even waiting for Neel to finish that, Jessian picks up his own feet
and walk over to the oter side of the yard, and he dissapears through it
after about a minute or so of talking to the Guard.

There's a bed with his name on it up there. Or there was before he vanished
for a day after being let out by the Amyrlin herself... Oi. Neelkan shakes
his head and starts towards the Tower, pondering over this new... offer.
And trying to forget the events of the last half-day or so. He just wants
to lay down and sleep. Probably the first time, in a -very- long time, that
he actually -wants- to sleep...