07/15/2000


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.


Sunan gallops, yes gallops, out of the practice Yard, eyes scanning and
immediately locking on an older Fledgling near the White Tower end of the
Courtyard. He heads over and speaks to him for a moeent, andte trainee
*flees* into the direction of the Practice Yard, looking like he wants to
go the other way.

Coming out of the gardens, (Yes, you read that right, Gardens) Neelkan has
a little dirt in his hands and is dusting it off as he walks, grumbling
something about a 'stupid woman' and 'cruel punishment' and 'not a bloody
gardener!'. Looks like someone gave him the oh so fun task of helping them
in the garden. Grump. He catches sight of the... activity with the trainees
and peers under long spikey bangs of white streaked red hair, wondering
what's going on, and why his newest adopted little brother (Mr.
Question-Man Himself) is involved. Which is why he starts in that
direction.

Espiria is presently seated on one of the benches of the courtyard. She has
a thick book opened and she seems very intent on what is before her.

Espiria is presently seated on one of the benches of the courtyard. She has
a thick book opened and she seems very intent on what is before
her.(repose)

Sunan spots Neelkan too, and hurries over to him, "Hi Neelkan! I've been
wanting to talk to you. Can I ask you some questions." He's talking in that
weird monotone he always uses.

Questions? Arg. Neelkan glances up towards the sky in a moment of
despleasure and glances around to find something to avoid the horrible fate
(no offense, he just doesn't like answering questions, doesn't have the
patience). Ooooh and his blue-green eyes spot a certain Accepted (out of
the Infirmary, thank the Light). He reaches over and pats the young kid on
the shoulder and says, "I'd rather not answer questions," Honesty! "but I
guess it wouldn't kill m'. I'd kinda like t' check on Espi though. Haven't
seen 'er since I got this flamin' punishment." That he's still doing.

Sunan nods as he follows his brother, "Yannick Gaidin and Sirralene Sedai
told me about how men and women fit together and everything. PLus coming of
age, but I still have a few questions. Does the hair between your legs itch
you? It's itchy for me, I don't like it.

Varcel enters the courtyard quietly from citywards.

Espiria flips the page of the book, hearing voices move her direction but
not looking up for the moment. She's got to find out her focuses...got to
do it before they are picked for her. She rubs her chin lightly, sighing.

Just watch as Neelkan stares at the young kid in front of him. He really
needs to learn patience if he's going to spend a lot of time around this
kid. Unfortunately, patience is not his strong suit. Though, what the kid
has said the young man finds rather funny, and he starts to chuckle. And
the chuckling gets louder. "Get used t' it. 'n it doesn't bother m' all
that much." he actually answers after he can calm down. He wishes he'd been
there when the kid asked the Sedai and Gaidin those questions. Hehehehe.
Ahem. "I can't answer all yer questions though, cause we're two totally
different people 'ere, kiddo. Ya'll just have t' learn things f'r yerself."
And that's probably the closest to wise (ok, partly wise and evasive at the
same time) that the boy can get. He aims a light punch at the kid's
shoulder again, "Come on, let's go see how Espi's doin'. 'n... ya might
wanna refrain from talkin' 'bout 'is 'round 'er. Girl's are sensitive
sometimes." And it would embarass him! Then he moves towards the place
where Espi's reading.

Sunan follows Neelkan, "Okay. I will. But first when did it stop itching?
And is it supposed to smell like that? Does yours? And how much will grow?"
His tone is actually sounding lie he's asing questions now. "Where does it
grow? Just around, or on the genitals too?"

Espiria hums softly, to herself. Her face forms into a perplexed scowl and
she looks up to see what all the racket is all about. She blinks, breaking
into a smile for both Sunan and Neel, but doesn't see Varcel since the two
others are blocking her view. "Hello you two. Hmm..Sunan, are you asking
alot of questions again?" She sighs, seeing the look on Neel's face. "You
really need to lighten up a bit...."

Varcel starts to walk towards Espiria and sees the crowd approaching. He
deicdes to keep in the background, heading towards the Practice yard.

Reaching up, Neelkan has to cover his mouth with his hand to keep from
laughing loud enough to be heard on the top of the Tower. One thing's for
sure, having Sunan around keeps things funny, but the young man doesn't
know how much longer he can stand it before he's gonna sock him one. He
shakes his head, cutting off his laughter after a moment and leaning in to
speak with Sunan, "Kiddo, I'm not gonna talk t' ya 'bout 'is stuff."
'specially in front of a girl! Grmpt. Then he grins at Espi, face a little
flushed, perhaps from the laughter or the boy's choice of questions, "'ey,
Espi. Nice t' see ya outta 'at bed. Guess I didn't get t' slave o'er ya
after all, eh?" He was too busy slaving over all the Sedai and Gaidin...

Sunan protests, "Please? I want to know. And you're supposed to be my big
brother." He looks at Espiria, "You don't mind if he explaind to me all
about the hair between boy's and men's legs, do you?" His face is
completely innocent.

Espiria gasps and coughes on what she was about to say. Her face goes
bright red and her eyes bug out of her head. "I..umm...I...think I better
go somewhere else to read." She looks at Sunan, nervously, shaking her head
several times. She picks up her book and makes ready to leave. Of all the
things to talk about! He /would/ have to pick that topic...

Varcel glances over, curious. His face darkens a bit.

Grump. Neelkan reaches over and aims another light punch at the young man's
shoulder, "Ye'h, I'm yer 'big brother'. Means I get t' beat ya 'round
whene'er I want!" Well, ok, so that's how his older siblings treated him,
but it's the truth as far as he knows. "Now we'll talk later. See? I told
ya girl's're senstive." Then he moves after Espi, "'ey, Espi, hold up a
moment. Least tell m' if yer feelin' a'right."

Sunan looks very confused when he sees Espiria's reaction, and his brow
wrinkles. When Neelkan directs him, he's still confused, but to his credit,
he obeys. "Yes Neelkan. I'll obey everything you say, I promise." He's
almost treating him like a Gaidin. Throw in a bow... He moves with Neelkan
to Espiria, "What's wrong Espiria? Are you sick? Your face is red and your
eyes are widening.

Espiria shakes her head slightly, looking at Neel with a seriously upset
glance. "I'm...umm..fine, Neel. All healed up actually. They have me back
to work so I try not to think about it much." She smiles, blushing crimson
as she shakes her head. "You...you just don't talk about things like that
in mixed company, Sunan." She frowns deeply, shaking her head. "It's a good
way to get slapped... I need to go...and I'd rather not be here when
you..umm..continue your chat." She scowls sadly, picking up her book
turning to head away.

Double grump. "Espi..." Neelkan trails off in a sigh and glances at the
kid, leaning down to explain, "I think next time ya ask m' questions, ask
'bout what ya shouldn't talk 'bout 'round women. 'ey really are senstive
'bout 'ese thin's. 'n when 'ey aren't, ya should b' worried." Cause those
are the women that ... Neelkan tends to avoid. "Espi, we aren't gonna talk
'bout it now! I promise. Ya don't gotta run off!"

Sunan follows his brother, quiet this time. He listsnes and stores
Neelkan's vast wisdom.

Espiria sighs softly, turning back to Neel with a smirk. "You're sure?" She
scowls at Sunan again, eyes darting back to Neel with worry. "You're sure
that I...won't have to sit thru that discussion?" She gets an 'eew' face on
as though even thinking about some things made her feel kinda queezy
thinking about it. "Umm..Not that I mind questions..just the type
that...well, is inappropriate." She chuckles, shaking her head.
"Alright..I'll stay, but one word about..umm..things like that and I'm
heading back inside." She looks worriedly at Sunan, just wondering if he
will spout another off question.

Varcel had taken a step towards Espiria when it seemed she might depart. As
it is, though, he decides to continue on his way.

Moving over, Neelkan actually throws an arm around the girl's shoulder and
gives her a slight hug before pulling back. He's getting a little better
with this friendship thing lately... and... other things as well. So it's
probably a good thing Varcel departed before he could see that. "I promise!
'n if he does I'll cover his mouth f'r a while." He grins at Sunan, winking
an eye closed. Considering he is close to the pendant of the kid's it's not
a lie, but it /is/ said as a tease at least... "Now, yer not feelin' bad 'r
nothin' anymore right? E'erythin's just fine, the Sedai fixed ya up nice 'n
good?" He even goes and pokes her lightly around the stomach for a few
seconds as if to test.

Sunan's face becomes indigant for a momemnt before it smoothes. He silently
folloqs Neelkan and Espi.

Espiria chuckles softly, giggling as she is poked in the stomach. "Hey!
That tickles.." She giggles, shaking her head before she punches Neel in
the arm gently. "Nah..I'm okay. I mean..it took me awhile to get my
strength back, but they say I'm fine now. Put me right back to work as soon
as i was well enough too." She chuckles, noting the look on Sunan's face
before she comments. "You can talk Sunan..just no..umm..questions. Just
talk normally. Tell me how your day was...how training is going. It need
not always be questions to be enjoyable."

Ticklish, hmm? Neelkan takes that down in his mental database (which
doesn't hold that much...) and grins lightly, moving back at the punch to
pat the boy nearby on the shoulder, "Ye'h, kiddo. Ya can talk. Just...
refrain from 'ings 'at..." The kid doesn't seem to understand... social
graces very well. Neelkan understands them too well, but then he was raised
by six women. "Um... just... talk 'bout stuff 'at..." What's a word the
kid'll understand? The red head wracks his brain for a few moments, then
gives up and just says, "Just stick t' subjects like trainin'." Which is
what Espi proposed. Anyway, one thing he needs to bring up, "I hope 'at
Sedai didn't scare ya after she told m' t' leave, Espi..." He saw how
scared the girl was getting during the incident after all...

Sunan obeys, answering, "Yes Neelkan." He then stats, "Training's been
good. Darelen Gaidin taught me how to climb a rope recently, and Yannick
Gaidin tried to show me how to loosen up with the sword. I made a friend at
the inn, too. Ehvan. He's on Ambassador Gorynel's staff. He's Essenian.

Espiria glances over to Sunan, smiling. "Essenian? That's facinating,
Sunan. And the member of one of the staff? Wow..." She grins, tipping her
eyes over to Neel before she sighs softly. "Well...umm...she tried to pry
out of me what Mother has sealed me from speaking about." That's definately
the truth. "I...I managed to word it so that I wouldn't offend her, but it
still seems that I did somehow." She shivers, frowning slightly.

Sunan looks to Espiria, "He's right. Tell Amyrlin Kaomi that Aes Sedai is
trying to get you to tell the sealed infirmation. That way Amyrlin Kaomi
can punish her. That's bad to do." It seems to be very simple for Sunan.
"Yes I am Essenia. Tear, actualy. Tear is the capital of Essenia. Have you
ever seen the Stone? It's a *huge* fortress. No ones ever gotten in. It was
made in the Breaking." He scratches his head, "I've heard only the Dragon
can get in there, I don't knowif it's true or not."

Espiria stiffens slightly, feeling a wave of memory try to push her right
over. She bites her lower lip, shaking her head slightly. "I...I will tell
her, Sunan. I will tell her. You're right of course, I..just hate stirring
up trouble and that's all I seem to do lately. I mean..all I want to do is
do my classes and become an Aes Sedai."

"Ne'er been t' Tear, no. But if I hadn't gotten dragged 'ere, prolly
would'a seen the Stone 'ventually." The bandits Neelkan traveled with
probably would have headed that way, sooner or later. They didn't stay in
one place very long. That was until they wandered into the middle of a
battle between dark forces and Tower forces. That was not a good day for
Neelkan. Course it lead to him coming here, and making all sorts of
friends, so maybe it was just the Wheels way of getting him to his fate,
whatever it may be, and it apparently was not to be the Leader of a bunch
of bandits. "'n don't worry 'bout causin' trouble. I'll keep 'em distracted
by causin' m' own!" He winks again lightly, though he isn't lying either.
He does seem to have a nack with getting in trouble lately.

Sunan turns to Neelkan, "You would've? How come? ere you traveliong? Or in
a Menagerie?" He grins, "Is that why they named you the Red Peacock?" He
jokes.

Vorsha comes skipping out of the tower, a bright smile on her face.

Espiria blinks and chuckles, shaking her head as she glances over to Neel,
"They named you the Red Peacock?" She grins, face blushing a tad before she
adds. "Hmm..Well it only sorta fits. I could think of a better one though."

"A Menagerie? Oh Light no!" Neelkan yells loudly enough for half the
courtyard to hear, shaking his head of poofy white streaked hair around
quickly. As if the idea of being a performer just sits wrong. "I was a
ban--eh.. I..." He suddenly glares at the kid's pendant, lucky that he
stopped himself, "Nawh, we did travel lot though. Was named 'at cause've m'
eyes 'n hair 'n stuff." Ahem. He didn't slip there. Really. Grump. He
glances towards Espi, hoping to avoid notice of the slip at all, "What
better one?" he ask with curiousity.

Vorsha twirls at the yell, and smiles. Hey, it's the one who doesn't like
women. Isn't he supposed to be apologizing to them? Let's go find out. She
giggles softly to herself. This could be /fun./ She stops her skipping and
saunters over that way, allowing her hips to swing /just/ right.

Sunan grins, "You do look a bit like one. So what were you?" He goes
through a list of things that start with ban. "A bandit or a bandmaster?"
Suddely he remembers something, and steps back just far enough so that
Neelkan and Espiria are out of the range of his amulet.

Espiria hmms softly, raising a brow. Well, she certainly not going to ask
about Neel's secrets. He asked her about her's, but then..he already knew
about them somehow. She shakes her head slowly, glancing around the pair to
see Vorsha. She smirks just alittle, knowing the firl is up to no good and
she tries not to give away that Vorsha is heading their way. "Hmm...I would
call you, Spike Wolf." She grins, elbowing Neel gently in the ribs as she
giggles.

Arg. Arg. Arg. Thanks Sunan. Catch his slip why don't you. Neelkan tries
not to show any reaction to the... bandit thing, kinda shrugging it off,
chuckling a few times as if it's silly of him to ask such a thing. The
pendant moving out of range helps. He does clear his throat a little, "I
look like one?" Then he glances at Espi, laughing a little at her idea of a
name, "Spike Wolf? Why's 'at if I may ask?" This is when he spots the...
Accepted with the swaying hips approaching. Oh Blood 'n ashes.

Vorsha comes right up to Neelkan and smiles. "Oh, I don't know." she says
in thick, rich tones, even her voice a soft invintation. "I think wolf
describes you well. Wild and tempting, strong and determined." she says.
She doesn't touch him, yet. "You know, I've been hearing many a thing about
you." she says, letting her hips tilt /just/ so to attract a man's eye.

Sunan reapproaches the group. "Hello Vorsha. How is Neelkan tempting? And
what are you doing with your hips?" He seems to have noticed.

Espiria glances at Neel, mout opening to speak. Well, that is until Vorsha
decides she's going to tell Neel why. She giggles, shaking her head before
she glances over to Neel. "Well..I personally think it's because your so
determined to help friends..even if you might think it's impossible to do.
Wolf are known for being fiercely protective of those they care about." She
gasps just a bit as Sunan asks his question, blinking a few times as her
face turns bright red.

Neelkan takes a step backwards, silently thinking that this is the type of
woman that he was trying to warn Sunan about, but he refrains from saying
such. Instead he shrugs his shoulders a little, "Well, ye'h, I guess a wolf
does describe m' better 'en a peacock. I'm certainly not o'er vain like 'at
kinda bird tends t' be thought of as." His cheeks redden a little at the
boy's words as well. He was trying not to notice her hips, thanks!

Vorsha twists around, letting Neelkan get an even better view of her hips.
Well, as good as these bleeding Accepted dresses can do. No slit, no petty
coats. What she wouldn't do for a free day.... He mouth opens to answer
almost before she thinks of it. "Well..." she closes it. She's never wanted
to be /that/ frank before. "I'm sorry, young man, but I do not think you
are quite old enough to understand either just yet." she says softly.

Sunan insists, "I am. Whisper it if you want." He turns his head and offers
his ear to the hip-twister, getting pretty close to her.

Espiria glances at Sunan and raises both brows at him. Will he never learn?
Or will it take a slap for make him realize that that there is a time and
place for discussions like this...and now's not the time? "Umm...I'm sure
if you two would like to chat with..umm..an Aes Sedai around..I could
arrange it." She giggles, shaking her head. Hopefully, that will stop
Sunan's pushing. "You are too young to be asking women..why they..umm..do
what they do with their hips." By now she's the color of scarlet. Bright
and red like a cherry. "Go..ask a Gaidin if you're so curious..." She
chuckles, nervously, hand gripping the book on her lap as though it were a
lifeline.

Neelkan clears his throat a few times, trying to tone down his embarassment
as best he can. "Sunan..." He grumbles once, trying to warn the young man a
little, as best he can, then sighs as the kid probably wouldn't listen
anyway. He clears his throat again, then finally looks at the two Accepted
and says softly, bowing his head down, "I forgot before, but I should now.
If anythin' I have said 'bout women since I came t' the Tower offended ya,
I'm sorry." Though it was all true, blood 'n ashes!! Ahem.

Vorsha places a soft hand on Sunan's shoulder, but can't help herself and
runs her figner slowly down his chin. "My dear boy." she whispers. "If you
cannot tell from your own impressions, there is little I can say to make
you understand." she says, quite honestly. She turns back to Neelkan. "Are
you now? I don't think you've offended me..." she takes a step forward and
puts a soft, warm hand on his shoulder, in a much more familar way that she
did with Sunan. "However, if you would like to make it up to me, for all
those nasty things you said, I'm sure we can think of something."

Sunan's eyes widen, seeming surprised at the touch. He rubs his chin, and
then moves over to Espiria, "How come yoiu two are red?" He whispers to
her.

Espiria grins and bit, looking down so she doesn't have to watch her friend
Vorsha, put the moves on Neel her other friend. She giggles softly, shaking
her head and knowing that Vorsha plays her games with neel like she does
with everyone. Well, everyone male that catches her eyes. She glances over
to Sunan, shaking her head. "That's..one of those questions Sunan that you
should be asking someone much older than I am. I'm..not the person to
ask..."

Shudder. Blue-green eyes widen under spikey red and white bangs as Neelkan
glances at the young woman. And his cheeks are indeed growing more and more
flushed under the eyes. He raises his hands and gently pulls the Accepted's
hand on his shoulder, "I am glad I did not offend ya, so 'at means I don't
have t' make up f'r anythin'." So she can kindly stop 'pytting the moves'
on him, please.

Vorsha lets her hand fall, a soft, gental sigh escaping her lips. To
Neelkan only, she allows herself to look completly vunerable, open, hurt,
lost. She lets her eyes fall to the ground and her shoulders slump ever so
slightly. "A shame." she says. "That you would see it that way.":

Sunan moves closer to Espiria and tries to talk to her alone. But his voice
carries somewhat, He mutters to Espiria, "You... than... Information I...
making... you do.... don't... it emans... blushes.... or..."  He wonders.

Oh Light. This is why he HATES WOMEN!! They make him feel like a complete
jerk with just a look when he didn't do anything wrong!! No he did not!!
Neelkan shifts around slightly in his stance and feels the urge to
apologize, but restrains himself by pure will. "I.. um.. I need t' get back
t' doin' m' tasks 'round the Tower now, so... I'll just... leave ya'll
'lone now." Watch him slowly back away, then turn and head towards the
Tower. He doesn't care if some Red makes him clean her room from top to
bottom with a brush the side of his pinky, long as he gets away from that
look.