05/16/2000 Infirmary, White Tower, Tar Valon Square in shape, this room is most often abuzz with activity. It contains the normal implements of a teaching infirmary, in fact, it is extremely well stocked with all manner of things: cots, jars, bottles, syringes, bandages, cloths, cabinets, shelves, books and tables along with plenty of hot water. The air has that sterile smell associated with the constant use of redwort, tinged with the unpleasant prickle of witchhazel. While most of the Healing is done via the One Power at the Tower, there are many minor medical situations that are dealt with the old fashioned way. There are several areas curtained off, for patients' privacy as well as for instructional usages. This is a teaching infirmary for the Yellow Ajah, after all. Beds in cheerful colors are lined up in neat rows, providing a comfortable place to sleep after a Healer's tender ministrations. Windows are kept wide open to all for light and fresh air. Denn'ryiel is over by her cot, organizing all of her belongings. She finally got an opportunity to change out of those silly plain dresses they keep for patients, and is wearing her old rose dress again. Well, not the old one; that one has bloodstains and tears all over it. Coming in from the outside, Neelkan looks to be in a rather good mood this time. He has a book folded under one arm and actually smiles and waves at the first Yellow sister he sees. Eh? What's up with him? Did someone slip a happy pill in his drink? Well, he heads towards his usual bed, and spots Denn and waves even more happily, "Hey Denn!" Denn'ryiel looks up as she finishes packing her wicker basket. "Oh, Hello Neelkan," she says, with a smile and a wave. "You look like you're floating... something good happen?" she asks. Redd is walking around his bed. He seems fine now, after taking forever recovering. He looks up at Neelkan and smiles, but returns to his laps around his bed. Hmmm? "Oh, no! I'm just... well... it's kinda a long and borin' story!" And embarassing, so Neelkan isn't going to tell it. So bleh. But he's in a good mood anyway, let's not ruin it with stories. "Hey 'ere, Redd! Good t' see ya up 'n 'round." Passing his bed, he drops the book that was under his arm down onto the matress and heads towards his friend. The one that happens to be a girl (or woman, whichever). "'n looks like ya got 'nother dress too!" Denn'ryiel blushes and looks down. "Er, yes... I guess I had to buy another sooner than I had expected." She brushes that annoying lock of hair again before taking a seat next to her basket. She gives Redd a smile and nod, before asking Neel, "So, have you made a decision about training?" Redd looks at the book curiously, picking it up and holding it so he can see it better. Well, the book is a public information book from the Tower Library on training in the Gaidin program within the White Tower. Looks like Neelkan decided to do a little research on the subject and actually had to *gasp* go to the library. Reading isn't exactly his perfered hobbie. But either way, he continues to smile, then nods, "Well, I'm sorry ya got hurt! Just glad I was able t' find Aliana intime t' help ya. Never would've forgiven m'self if ya hadn't gotten healed!" Hmm. Seems a little more free to speaking today as well. "'n ya, I'm gonna tell 'im 'at I'll join up. So looks like ya'll're stuck with m'!" He says that loudly enough for the whole infirmary to hear and look over. Denn'ryiel chuckles, and doesn't look upset at all at this news turn. "That's great, Neelkan... but don't apologize. You weren't responsible for having everyone go nuts like that. In any case, you must be looking forward to having a room of your own here." Redd blinks. Not at the fact that Neelkan was reading this, or reading period for that matter, but at the fact that the one thing he's been trying to find out about just literally fell right onto his lap. Well, not literally, but close enough. Redd opens it and starts to search for important information. Things have a way of falling into people's laps around here. Neelkan grins and nods, "Can't wait! I'll actually be able t' have some flamin' privacy!" Uh... "No offense!" he calls out the the closest Yellow sister. Yup. He seems in a good mood. "'n I know I couldn't control the crowd 'r nothin', but I did invite ya t' sit down next t' m' 'n all, so I sorta was responsable f'r ya." Somewhat... In a weird honor-bound sort of way. Denn'ryiel laughs softly. "Well, if you look at it that way, then finding Aliana for me more than made up for it, and probably puts me in your debt." Of course, they settled this yesterday, didn't they? Redd glances up at Neelkan... Flaming? That's new... he sets his mind to remember that and returns to the book. All's good so far. "Yer not in m' debt, Denn. Like I said, I'd d' it f'r anyone who was m' friend!" So enough with the debt stuff, before Neelkan gets embarassed. He's in a good mood. he glances over to find where Redd ran off to and finds him reading his book. Heeeeey. How rude. Didn't even ask! Neel doesn't seem to care though, he just grins, "Enjoyin' the book, lil' buddy?" Denn'ryiel chuckles and straightens up her cot before hoisting the basket onto her shoulders. She sways a little bit since she hasn't gotten all of her strength back, but she's in no danger of dropping it. She turns towards the other two and smiles when she sees the title on the book in Redd's lap. "Another future trainee?" she asks, with a kind smile. Redd darts his eyes up when he realizes the others are watching him. He closes the book quickly and sets it down on the bed. "I... I was only... looking Neel, Miss..." The Miss is obviously directed at Denn. Denn'ryiel chuckles and straightens up her cot before hoisting the basket onto her shoulders. She sways a little bit since she hasn't gotten all of her strength back, but she's in no danger of dropping it. She turns towards the other two and smiles when she sees the title on the book in Redd's lap. "Another future trainee?" she asks, with a kind smile. Redd darts his eyes up when he realizes the others are watching him. He closes the book quickly and sets it down on the bed. "I... I was only... looking Neel, Miss..." The Miss is obviously directed at Denn. Certainly hope the Miss is directed at Denn. If it was directed at Neelkan the young boy might learn what a shiner is. Glare. But he doesn't seem to think anything odd and just grins, showing off his teeth, "Oh, well, if ya do decide t' join up, we could train t'gether! yer closer t' the age 'ey perfer boys start in after all." Denn'ryiel blinks, and chuckles lightly to Redd. "We didn't catch your hand in the honey jar... you're not in trouble." She takes a seat on a closer cot, setting her basket down. "My name is Denn, by the way." Redd smiles a little. "Everyone calls me Redd, Miss." He sets the book down next to him. He looks to Neelkan, "I do want to join... I want to know if I can before I ask..." "Sure ya can. 'ey wanted m' didn't 'ey!" Neelkan says, ploping down on his cot, but letting the book remain where it was and not crowding the boy any. "'n if ya want t' join, 'en just do it! Don't let anyone stop ya." Denn'ryiel doesn't look like she's in as much agreement over that then Neel. Afterall, the boy's mother should have some say, she thinks. "You might want to hold off for a little while, until Neelkan can tell you about it first hand," she advises. A shake of his head is all Redd gives. "All I remember of my past, Miss, is failing to protect my family... I promised someone to protect them." He seems as if he may get up and go ask right now to join. "Redd, ya didn't fail. Yer a kid, ya know. Ya did the only thing ya could. The only thing yer family would've wanted ya t' do." Neelkan's mood drops down a few knotches, and he just seems to be repeating something. "Ya survived. 'at's what 'ey would've wanted, hm? 'n ya can protect someone without bein' a trainee! I protect all'a m'friends!" But the training would likely help. Denn'ryiel nods once, solemnly. "You're too young to bury yourself with guilt, Redd. It wasn't you that killed them. Remember that." She tries to smile, to lighten the mood in the room again. She nods in agreement to Neelkan. "You've done a good job thus far." "I don't remember who they are." Redd starts suddenly. He seems intent on being guilt stricken. "I don't know who I am, Miss. I can't remember where they died... I don't remember where I lived... Miss, it isn't fair..." Siiiiiiiigh. Good mood down the drain. Neelkan tilts his head upwards and looks towards the cieling for a second from where he sits on his cot. Aw man. "Reeeeeeedd. Ya can't change the past any more 'en ya can remember it very well right now. Ya'll remember someday, but ya can't dwell on what ya don't know, and what 'might've' happened and a dozen other bloody things, kay?" Denn'ryiel smiles and nods along with Neelkan. "If you spend all your time worrying about not remembering the past, you won't do anything worth remembering in the present." Redd frowns and looks at Neelkan. "What else is there?" He looks to Denn, about to repeat the question, but his mouth pauses half-opened, then he closes it. He looks back to Neelkan with a 'look' in his eye, half there by accident, half on purpose. "'ere's lotsa things, Redd! I mean, ya got friends, right?" Neelkan says, upping his mood a little as he reaches over and ruffles the boy's hair. "Me, 'n Espi. 'n Wyn's yer friend too, right? I know she's a lil old, but she's not too bad! 'n I'm sure Denn would be yer friend too..." Pause... Neelkan frowns slightly as he catches a.. look. Huh? His eyes go from the boy to his friend, think he blinks. Oh. Uh. He'll ask later. Denn'ryiel, on the other hand, has no clue what the inside looks are about, so a veneer of confusion appears on her face. "I'd be more than happy to be your friend, Redd, but I'll leave that up to you. If you've got Espi and Wyntere Sedai as friends though, I'd be in good company." Redd frowns at the mention of Espi. Oh yes, another failed attempt to protect someone... twice. The whole reason behind him wanting to join the Trainees rests within her. "I can't get away from it..." 'It' seems connected to the 'look', so it appears the topic has been changed. Neelkan frowns slightly again, looking back at Denn with a sideways glance. But... but... the kid brought it up first. "'It'? Did ya.. uh... uh..." How to ask what he saw without making him feel like he has to tell? Bwah. Neelkan sucks at this stuff. So he just trails off there and puts his hands on his knees. Denn'ryiel is starting to look a little bit affected by these sideways glances. "Um, if it's a sensitive subject, I can back up. I was going to return my stuff to my room anyways..." Redd looks down at the book quietly. He hates secrets, too many people can feel hurt for being left out, but a secret like this is dangerous to let out to just anyone. Redd gives Neelkan a 'help me decide' look, remaining silent. Arg!! Neelkan looks from one friend to the other, then lets his shoulders slump. How can he help the kid decide when he hasn't told either of them his biggest secret... Siiiiigh. But finally he says, "Denn, don't leave. Um. Ya can trust 'er, Redd. If ya want t' at least." Denn'ryiel blinks, and looks even more confused, but she sits back down. She looks to Redd uncertainly, since it is his decision. "I'll stay, if you want... I'm in no hurry." "Vines... thorny, some... there are others... with flowers... beautiful." Redd speaks for Neelkan and Denn only. He then looks to Denn'ryiel, speaking oh so quietly. "I see pictures around people... they tell me what is going to happen to them... I don't always understand..." "Thorny vines, some with flowers, hmm? Well, least he didn't think nothin' bad was gonna happen t' ya, Denn." Neelkan says with a shrug, his voice softer then usual, trying not to sound freaked out by this whole thing. He's a little freaked out, but he doesn't want to show it. Denn'ryiel nods, looking a little introspective. "I... I see... Thank you, Redd..." She turns back to Neelkan. Obviously she trusts that Redd is telling the truth as he sees it, but... "I take it he has told you of other visions he has seen?" Redd has been sitting on his bed for a long time now, in deep thought. After a while, he nods, and slides off his bed. The decision has been made, he will do it. He starts for the door now, cautiously. He may be getting better, but the Yellows still tell him he isn't good enough to leave yet. Wyntere walks in the door at the time Redd is headed that direction. SHe stos by the desk there as always to breifly exchange words with the accepted on duty. Nope, not getting past her if you aren't smart. Sitting with his legs folded up on his bed, Neelkan is reading that book Redd borrowed briefly a short while ago. He's nearly finished with it even. He's going through the book quickly, only reading chapters which look important. He doesn't notice Redd just yet. Redd steps away from Wyntere, far enough to be just out of her sight (assuming she is facing a 90 degree angle with the door) and walks, quietly, around her, waiting for her to turn if he makes it to the wall in time before going for the door. Wyntere is always watching the room and her surroundings. After her past, she's prepared /anywhere/ for someone to try to capture her. She smiles to Redd as she sees him. "Peace favor you, Redd." She nods towards him and then looks back at the Accepted. "Keep up the good work. I'll see you on the way out." With that, she's ready to go visit with those stuck here. Still reading his book, Neelkan furrows his brow at a big word he doesn't understand and looks a little perplexed. He even tries sounding it out in a very soft whisper. Nope. Doesn't process. Hrm. Then... is that Wyn's voice? He glances up and looks towards the voice. Wyn!! "Hey Wyn!" he yells out over most other voices, which of course will likely earn a glare from the Yellows. People are trying to sleep here. Redd freezes, caught, but she never said return to his bed, so... "Light Shine Ae..." Neelkan's yell causes him to pause. Now he /knows/ Neel knows he can't leave yet, so he starts out the door instantly. Wyntere heads turns to where Neelkan's bed is. Yep, only one calls her Wyn and gets away with it. A soft smile crosses her face as her yellow sisters frown at Neelkan. Don't they know kids will be kids? She moves over to the young man's bedside. "Greetings, Neel." Redd not forgotten, but he looked like he knew where he was going. She doesn't run this place. In a kind voice with blue eyes twinkling, "You know, you might not want to yell while others are sleeping. If I was sleeping and you woke me up like that, I wouldn't be a very nice Aes Sedai." She looks to the book and motions. "What are you reading?" Though Wyntere forgot Redd, the accepted sitting at the desk didn't. "Redd..." her voice is one that warns that she sees him. Why do you think the desk is by the door? Heeeeeey. Isn't that Redd trying to sneak out the door? Neelkan raises his eyebrows, but doesn't call out, because he'd love to have snuck out when he was told to stay in here.... But the Accepted seems to catch the poor boy. Oi. "Oh. Sorry!" Neel replies a little softer, but not much. "Oh, 'is? It's a book on trainin in the Tower in the Warder program." He holds it up. Just a book on public information. Nothing really exciting. Redd freezes again at the Accepteds word. Maybe he should have darted out when Wyntere was talking to her. Too late, he turns and looks, semi-pleadingly to Neel as he heads back. Neel understands why he has to do this... right? Wyntere grins to Neelkan. "Warder training? Are you interested in entering the program?" She pulls over a chair and sits down. "If you need answers to anything, I can try to help." She is her kind willing helpful self. The accepted points back to the bed. "Redd, you aren't dismissed yet. Go on, get back to your bed or you can visit with those here, but you can't leave." "I got 'n offer from a Gaidin t' start trainin'. 'n I'm gonna say yes." Neelkan says as he closes the book and lays it on his lap gently. "'n the book answered most'a m' questions, but 'anks f'r the offer!" He glances over towards Redd... Ah. Poor Redd. Redd frowns and heads to Neel, at least he won't get mad at him. He is the only person here all the time he knows. He nods to Wyntere, not hearing the conversation at all, and says to Neel, but sort of including Wyn at the same time. "I am going to do it. I want to." Wyntere nods to Neelkan. "You're welcome. I'm am pleased to see you staying in the tower for a bit longer. It would have been quiet without you here." Yes, she means that literally, not many yell in the infirmary. Wyntere turns to Redd and nods greeting to him. Then a curiousness enters her eyes. "What are you going to do Redd?" She sounds throughly interested. And nope, she hardly noticed that you were in trouble for trying to slip out. IT's like she never saw it. "Ye'h. Yer all stuck with m' a bit longer!" Neelkan says loudly with all kinds of spunk. He's just that kind of person. Hmm? He glances over at the little boy as he comes over and... well... he has a clue what the boy's talking about. "Are ya sure ya wanna? I mean ya are a lil' young 'n all." At least if they're talking about the same thing... "I can handle it, Neel." Redd seems to show just as much spunk as Neel does, sounding just as loud, not angry, but confident. "I want to join the Trainees, Aes Sedai." Redd sounds just as confident, and with the same energy, just not as loud, with that phrase. Wyntere gets a bit of a surprised look, but a pleased one at that. "How old are you, Redd? Are you old enough yet?" Her only concern, but if he's dead set on being a trainee, then she'll see what she can do for him. Sigh. Neelkan just shrugs and offers a small grin, "I'm sure he'll d' fine!" Yup. He's loud. And spunky still, but he does seem to have lowered down a knotch or two. He just hopes the kid's up for the task. Not that he doubts the kid is... He just... doesn't know for sure. Redd gets that look on his face when asked to remember something he can't. "I... can't remember, Aes Sedai..." The look fades as Neelkan supports him, and he grins. Neel needs to lighten up his influence on the boy. Wyntere tilts her head to Redd and nods. "YOu look about 10. I think you will do fine. IT's hard work, but you'll make it." She looks proud at both of this boys. Hmm... never adopted boys before. Neelkan isn't a boy. Glare. He's seventeen! But he can't read thoughts, thank the Light. "We'll be trainin' t'gether 'en! Least I won't have t' worry 'bout not knowin' anyone in the program!" Yup. He's good at covering up all his doubts. Redd smiles a little bigger. "How do I get in, Aes Sedai?" Wyntere laughs gently, "Well, first you must remember my name. Without calling me by that I could be any other Sister in the tower. And I'm not like all of them." She tilts her head wondering if Redd remembers. Yep, she prefers one using her name with the title. Um... Neelkan sits up a little and whispers over to the kid, "'er name's Wyntere." Just in case the kid forgot, then adds, "'n ya need t' find a Warder t' get ya int' the program. I didn't have t', cause one offered t' get m' in. But ya'll prolly have t'." "Wyn..." Is as far as Redd gets before Neelkan interrupts him. That was as far as Redd was going to go, since Neel calls her Wyn all the time, but he continues with, "Wyntere?" Wyntere smiles to both of them and rises. "Wyn is fine for now, but as soon as you both become trainees, you must call me Wyntere Sedai as stated in the rules." Wyntere thinks a moment. Hmmm... Redd needs a Gaidin to get him in the program. She looks up towards the AS quarters. Then glances to the boys. "I'm proud of you both in your decisions, but I'm afraid that must go." Heh. Rules. What rules? Whoever said Neelkan was going to follow any rules? He just gives a small shrug and sits back a little, then says, "A'right. Bye, Wyn! I'll see ya later!" 'n hopefully he'll be a trainee. And he doesn't plan to stop calling her Wyn. Redd nods slowly. "Thank you, Ae..." This is going to be harder on Redd to break old habits than it will be on Neel. "Wyn..." That felt awkward, but who is to expect differently.