08/04/2000

Practice Yard, White Tower, Tar Valon

Hard packed earth is ringed in by a plain wooden fence. Daily the practice
area is maintained by the pounding of young men's feet, as they are ran
about the yard or set to forms. Towards the left hand side of the yard the
thud of arrows hitting targets can be heard. The right is devoted to racks
full of practice weapons and armor. Throughout the day the harsh voices of
Gaidin urging the boys to work faster, stronger, harder can be heard. At
night the silence is almost eerie as only the cicadas come out to play
their nocturnal commentary.

A three story building is at the end of the hall, providing a place for the
trainees to live. A set of iron stairs up to the door is a favorite meeting
spot for some of the boys, to sit and rest when such things are granted.
Often they can be seen catching a meal there, to avoid wrinkled noses and
sniffs from young ladies unaccustomed to the sweat and grime they daily
generate.


Coming out of the Trainee Living Area, Neelkan rubs fingers through his
hair as he walks into the pratice yard. His hair is a little damp, showing
perhaps that he just recently got finished dunking his head in water or
something of the like, which isn't far from the truth.

Overseeing the shipment of some building materials, and some lumber, Savren
calls out orders. Then he moves to A nearby Gaidin, directing him toward
wher e he was a second ago. He then moves towards the yard, shouting order
at several trainee who are too 'fatigued' to continue training. Turning
away from that matter, after assigning a Gaidin to make sure those trainees
remain busy the rest of the day, Savren spots Neelkan. Nodding to himself,
he heads in the boy's direction.

Neelkan pauses for a few moments, a few steps out of the Living area,
looking over the activity in the Yard. He takes in a few breaths and
ponders getting involved in the going ons. Light knows he needs something
to keep his mind off... other things. But before he comes to a decision
either way he spots the new Master Gaidin heading towards him.

Coming up to Neelkan, Savren greets him, "Hello, Neelkan, as I understand
things, you have not been officially introduced intot he program yet?"
Regardless of an answer, Savren just continues, as he already knows it,
"Now...here, today, you are going to decide whether you want to train to be
a Warder or not. If not, fine, you will be moved to the guest wing of the
Tower, and whatever you're looking for her,e you may or may not receive,
pending the Aes Sedai's decisions. If you choose to train with us, you will
remain where you are staying, and you will be introduced into the
program...And the rules will be applied to you more strictly than I have
heard they already have been."

At this Neelkan looks rather confused. "I joined the Trainee program right
'fore the plague struck the Tower, so 'at prolly has somethin' t' do with
it." And so far his training has consisted of chores, punishments and
little else. He was actually starting to get impatient with it. He really
doesn't get this whole 'more strictly then they have been' thing. As far as
he's concerned he's gotten some pretty strict punishments... Is he saying
it's going to get more strict...? But that doesn't matter. He just looks
confused for a long time, then shrugs, "Whate'er. I don't really need the
trainin' ya know." Insert cocky (yet truthful) moment. Then he shrugs
again, "But I a'ready said I was gonna train, 'n finish the trainin'. So
give m' the bloody Introduction 'en."

Nodding Savren smile softly, "Alright...first off, I'm going to inform you
that language such as that will not be tolerated int he presence of Aes
Sedai, or Gaidin. Unless a Gaidin or Aes Sedai makes it clear to you that
they do not mind, you will need to watch your mouth around them. Second, I
have heard you have taken a liking to a couple of the female students here
at the Tower...is this true?" Everything he says is actually calm and
collected, if a bit firm.

The first part just earns a small sigh and a nod. Neelkan doesn't mind
watching his language really, it's just going to be a tad difficult. He has
been watching it somewhat in fact! He two or three times a sentance
anymore. Well, unless it's under his breath. The second one seems to have
him confused again though, "A couple?" He snorts and shakes his head,
lowering his hand down out of his hair, "No, I've only 'takin' a likin'' t'
one of the 'female students', 'less ya count stoppin' t' talk e'ery so
often. 'n 'far as I heard, bein' friends wasn't 'gainst the rules."

Nodding, Savren seems to be satisfied with that, "Well...I'm not telling
you to stay away from whoever it is you've been eyeing, but if you're
caught, depending on what it is you're doing, the consequences could be
great...you may even be expelled from the program. But...in most cases, it
only results in many many days of extra laps, chores, things like that.
Third...This has to do with the areas of the Tower...I will not be giving
you the grand tour, for you've been here long enough to know most of the
public areas and their purposes. The areas you are restricted from are what
concerns me...You are not to enter any of the residence areas of the Tower,
whether they be Novice, Accepted, or Aes Sedai quarters...The exception to
this rule is if you are summoned by an Aes Sedai or Gaidin. If you are
caught in these areas without permission, you will be punished as if you
were caught in a compromising position with a female student. Understand?"

There's another pause, and he nods slightly. But something in the pause
shows he's hesitant to agree. Neelkan then asks, "What 'bout the servant
residental areas? Can I go 'ere if invited?" He'll agree to the rest, but
he has to know on that one, since it wasn't mentioned.

Shrugging, Savren is about to give him permission, when he pauses, giving
the boy a suspicious look, "Look...I'm going to be forward here...I don't
really restrict the students here from going too many places...But, in
return for myleniancy, I'd like to know, exactly, why the servant wing is
so special to you?"

"'cause 'ats where Denn's room is." Neelkan says with a shrug. glancing
away into the Yard, giving the honest answer for once in his life, when it
might be best not to. "She told m' I could go up 'ere t' talk t' 'er when I
need t'." Well... there. That's why he asked specifically.

Shrugging, Savren nods, "Well...Since I've never restricted any trainee
from the servant wing, I will not restrict you either. Just don't let me
down. Behave yourself..." He knows Neelkan knows exactly what he means, "If
this comes back to bite me, I may have to make an exception on that rule,
and you will regret ever having looked at the girl..." Not really
threatening, but very, very firm, "Now...I'm going to mark you down as
introduced. You're an official trainee now. I suggest, for your sake, not
mine, that you clear up that attitude. Bow to Gaidin and Sedai when they
approach you, and try not to act so indifferent all the time..." He turns
and heads over to the stack of papers, pretty much dismissing Neelkan
altogether.

Raising an eyebrow, Neelkan just watches as he goes before saying clearly,
"I won't e'er regret meetin' Denn, 'n m' attitude is m' own, 'n I'm not
changin' it f'r anyone." So there. He shrugs his shoulders and starts to
head in the direction of the Courtyard.

Yannick strides into the yard before slowing down and glancing around.
Passing a pair of sparring trainees, he stops, gives them a few pointers
before continuing on his way, his path eventually bringing him to the
Master Fop...err, Gaidin ;)

The Master Gaidin is currently marking Neelkan down for his introduction.
He shakes his head at Neelkan's words. Perhaps it's because he's just been
introduced, or maybe Savren understands where he's coming from? In either
case, Savren does not call Neelkan back and issue a punishment for his
arrogance. He does look up as Yannick approaches, giving him a nod,
"Yannick Gaidin...Good to see you again."