08/08/2000

Ogier Grove

Trees so big around that it would take nine men holding hands to encircle
them raise their branches to the sky as if in prayer. Sunlight only pierces
the leaf canopy occasionally, coating this entire haven from the city in a
pleasant semi-shadow. Here and there, however, the trees part ways to allow
the sunshine through,a bright spot for those who enjoy the sun on their
back. One cannot view any other part of the city from here, for even the
Tower is blocked from view. Soft moss and patches of grass form natural
reclining spots. Save for the wide wall encompassing the Grove,there is not
a single man-made structure to be seen: no paths,no benches, no fountains.
The lack seems only good and right.Even the wall disappears from view in
just a few steps.

At the very back of the Grove one might view Tar Valon's worst-kept secret.
Near a portion of the wall covered over with stonework --leaves and vines
and other such things, things that the Ogier are well known to be able to
do but generally avoid for their own pleasure -- are a group of three or
four Aes Sedai and no less than twelve Gaidin doing a poor job of
pretending to picnic. The pretense is kept up daily -- a basket here, a
bottle of wine there, a frisbee or a ball that a couple of the Gaidin toss
back and forth. The faces change constantly, but they are always here, even
at night, when they pretend to cuddle and look at stars. The youngest child
knows that there is Something Special about that wall; scholars and old men
say that it must really be a Waygate. In fact, there are times when they
glare so that the normal citizens find other parts of the Grove to visit,
times when, local wisdom says, someone is either coming in,or going out.


Neelkan appears to have beaten you here again. He leans against a different
tree this time, facing the direction that you will come from most likely so
he won't scare you. And instead of being fairly silent, this time he's...
singing again. Perhaps it was seeing the Ogier singing in the Grove that
has him on this singing kick lately. Normally he would hide the fact he can
sing from people, but he doesn't much care the last couple of days. He
almost offered to sing to Denn. And yup, he certainly can sing... But then
you already know that. You've heard him sing before. It's not loud enough
to really draw attention, but once someone gets close enough they would be
able to make out the fact that it's not some jaunty drinking tune like he
would probably be expected to sing. This one's actually somewhat of a
story, though he'll cut it off once you get within range, so you likely
wouldn't hear enough to know what story.

Espiria hurries to the grove, scowling slightly as she looks around for
Neel. Ah..there he is. She smiles and raises her hand in your direction,
hearing the soft sound of the tune. True..she may not know which one it is,
but it makes her smile to hear you sing at all. Just..brightens her day.
She hurries over to you, chuckling. "Sorry about that. One of the Aes Sedai
stopped me in the hallway and just had to tell me the 12 steps to being a
good Red. And I'm not even going to be Red." She widens her eyes and
chuckles as she brings the fan out from her belt. "Okay...now what would
you like me to do first of all."

The song cuts off quickly and Neelkan pushes away from the tree, stepping
closer as you come up to him. He grins and nods his head lightly, "Well,
glad t' 'ear ya aren't plannin' on goin' Red. Red may be m' favorite color,
but it certainly ain't m' favorite Ajah!" They tend to hate men! ...
They're the exact opposite of him sometimes... He hates women. They hate
men. And he's a Red Peacock! Or Blooded Peacock. Or Crimson Peacock... Or
whichever translation one wants. And it's a butchered pronounciation too.
He looks at the fan, then pulls his own, which was at his waist and says,
"We'll work on yer defenses t'day. I'm gonna actually attack ya t' make
sure ya got 'em right, but don't worry, I'll be careful not t' hurt ya." He
makes a motion, "Go 'head 'n get int' a defensive stance like the ones I
was showin' ya 'fore."

Espiria chuckles, tipping her head to one side. "I could never hate men,
Neel. Regardless of the reasons they say it's okay to hate them. I love my
Da too much." She grins, blushing brightly as she listens to you. She nods
and takes a deep breath to get herself in a serious frame of mind and then
gets into the stance you taught her. Yup, she has that down at least and
she waits to see what you will do next. It's obvious that she's nervous,
since she's never harmed anything..or anyone in her life, but she also
knows that at some point in her life it may come down to her or the other.
And she's certainly not going to just lay down and say it'll be her.

"A'right, now I'm gonna aim 'n attack t' yer right shoulder." Neelkan
flicks something on his fan to keep it closed so that it almost resembles a
knife... with no pointed edge. It has a sharp edge, but it isn't pointed at
all. That alone would make people wonder exactly what he's fighting with.
He explains carefully, "Keep yer fan closed. I want ya t' aim t' block m'
attack by movin' yer fan in the path of mine. Snap yer arm, 'n don't f'rget
t' move yer waist a little so yer moving out of the way even if the
deflection misses. The attacker'll most likely o'er extend 'im'self in 'at
direction. 'en 'is right side'll be open. 'en ya do 'is in battle ya should
follow up with some kind of attack 'at the open side. A kick t' the knee,
'r a punch, if yer holding the fan with one hand. F'r now, hold it with
both. Until ya get familar with it. Ready?" He waits for some kind of nod,
then he aims something that would be considered a slash if he had a knife
or sword at her right shoulder, just as he said, and even if she doesn't
deflect it, he's ready to pull it before it hits. And him and Espi are
standing off in the Grove, in a small clearing of trees... apparently
fighting. Hmmm...

Espi only has a moment to react with that nod before she sees Neel come at
her with the weapon raised. She tries to keep her mind clear though, biting
her lower lip as she moves as she was instructed just moments before. Her
arm moves to block the shot that Neel is sending, making her face scrunch
up slightly as she tries to sidestep the blow. But she's not knowing too
well on how to do that and her foot slides out from under her. 'Thump' she
hits the ground and sits there for a moment, rubbing her hip. That must
have hurt.

Varcel walks into the Grove about this time, andis a bit taken aback by the
scene before him. If he hadn't been spending so much time in training
himself, he might not realize what was going on. However, he's able enough
to read the body language to see there's no genuine hostility. So instead
of interfereing, he just approaches, quietly but not stealthy, and proceeds
to watch.

Sigh. Neelkan pulls his hit back just as Espiria falls to her doom and he
looks down at her rubbing on her hip there and frowns slightly, "Maybe we
should work on yer mobility first." In his hands is something that looks...
similar to a knife, but it doesn't go into an edge. It's a rather thick,
rectanglar thing that almost seems to have multiple layers to the 'blade'
part that also has a handle. All metal. He snaps his wrist so that it's not
held in an attack position anymore and bends his knee to offer a hand down
to the girl. He doesn't notice Varcel just yet, even if he isn't trying to
be stealthy.

Wincing as she gets back to her feet, Espi sighs softly taking her fan from
the ground as she brushes her dress off. "I would have had it..if my foot
hadn't slipped. That move I should know though, right?" She frowns deeply,
shaking her head as she makes the motion in the air again of blocking
something coming at her. "Did I at least get the motion right?" She frowns,
glancing at Neel as she evidently tries to get advice on blocking? "Like
this...right?" She makes the motions again, angling downward with her hand
with the fan set like it were a knife of some kind. She scowls, hand going
to her lip to rub it a moment. "Yeah..I guess you're right though. I just
don't know how to hold my feet and it seems like ages since Da tried to
teach me how to fight."

Varcel reaches a spot close enough that he can watch, but not in the way of
the apparent lesson. He stands calmly, hands behind his back, and just
waits to be noticed. He's sure there's a good reason for this.

Coming into the Grove, not too close to where Neel and Espiria are. Savren
walks along casually, enjoying his time off a lot more than he ever had, as
he gets so little of it lately. He moves steadily along, however. It will
not be long until he runs across Neel and Espi.

"Ya had it right, Espi. We work on yer mobility later though. Wish I could
assure ya 'at ya'd only have perfect, nice ground t' fight on, but I think
we both now 'at isn't true." Neelkan pauses for a moment, then says, "We'll
try it 'gain, 'n 'e---eh..." That's as far as he gets when he gets that
itchy feeling of someone watching him... and spots that someone. And that
someone definately makes him stop talking. Varcel. He frowns for a moment,
looking at the other trainee, something... well... it's pretty obvious that
there's some tension going on inside the red head. But he doesn't say
anything, instead he lifts up the knife-like thing in his hand and points
it towards Varcel, mentioning to Espi, "We got an audience. If I'd known, I
would've charged for admission." He's kidding, but unfortunately the
jesting look and sounds isn't there.

Espiria blinks, listening to Neel for a moment as she smiles, "Yeah...I
know. No sense in fooling myself there. I need to be able to fight on
whatever ground that I'll be on...." She sighs, looking at Neel for a
moment before she hears his words. Her brows lift and she blinks, looking
where he points and widening her eyes. "Varcel...I..umm...Neel was just
trying to teach me some fighting." She smiles, looking quite guilty about
the whole thing. It's not only that she's learning fighting, but the fact
that she asked Neel and not Varcel that makes her feel that way. But
hey..he's got enough to worry about and besides, if they see Varcel and
Espi together they may start thinking......

Varcel ahhhs, softly, nodding expressionlessly. "So it would seem. I trust
you've chosen a good teacher." Left unsaid is the fact that *he*'s not the
teacher. "I also trust this is permitted for Accepteds? I imagine it would
make a most unique elective."

"Call it an 'outta Tower activity', Var." Neelkan says, barely able to keep
his voice neutral. No... he will not snap. He will not get angry. He will
not be jealous........ Alright. He can be a little angry. The guy might
just ruin it, and get him in trouble! Not that the ex-bandit cares all that
much about getting in trouble though. "'n I'm good 'nough a teacher. 'anks
f'r wonderin'."

Espiria blinks at both men, raising her brows at the way they seem to be
speaking to each other. "Varcel....Neel has been very kind to offer to
teach me. I..couldn't very well go to Wyntere Sedai and ask her for
something like this and well, Neel isn't one to follow rules most times
anyway." She chuckles, patting him gently on the arm. "Neel..I'm sure that
Varcel is just...concerned about my wellfare, just as you are. And no
Varcel..it's not part of what we get to learn, but I've heard a few rumors
that say so long as you don't make it public or are found on Tower grounds
learning it..then they generally don't say anything. The Grove was the only
place i could think of that was safe enough to practice in."

Savren slows in his walk along the path, having heard the interaction
between Varcel and Neelkan. Now he hears what Espiria has to say. He
continues on his way up the path, but slowly, quietly. The beginnings of a
frown begins to touch at his mouth. He had told Kirra this was likely to
happen.

Varcel turns back to Espiria, looking from her to Neelkan an dback again.
Interesting, the rules she is and is not willing to try and follow, but
that's for another day. He simply nods again, his face still an impassive
mask, even beyond his normal seriousness. "As you say then," and this is
addressed to both. "I will leave you to your...'out of tower activity'." He
enunciates it with the exquisite precision of one trained to public speech,
and then turns to leave. He doesn't get very far however, for after only
his first step, he all but walks into Savren.

"Ye'h, ya do 'at." Neelkan says flately as Varcel seems to want to dismiss
himself. He probably will get berated later for the tone of voice by Espi,
but... a guy can only hide his emotions so long! And this guy's the type
who usually ends up screaming whatever he's feeling without words with just
his expressions. He does however blink a few times at the sight of Savren
showing up and... oh Light. This is /not/ good. He keeps his... weapon in
hand, but twists it so it's pressed against the inside of his wrist, nearly
hidden behind his arm. He doesn't bow. He doesn't say a word. In fact...
all he does his glare. That can not be the best approach to this
situation...

Widening her eyes slightly, Espi listens to both Varcel and Neel go at it.
Oh they aren't shouting, but what they say seems to hurt her more than how
it was said. She never wanted Varcel to think anything other than she
wanted to take some pressure off of everyone she's around. If she knew how
to do /something/ to protect herself, maybe they wouldn't be worried for
her all the time. Adn the fact that Neel is the one she asked...Well, if
anyone can keep a secret, Neel can. She sighs, shaking her head as she
almost reaches out to stop Varcel from leaving, but then she sees the other
person in the Grove and her eyes nearly bug out. Oh...Oh Light! Neel's
right when he said this isn't good. Umm..what to say? She can't say
anything. from as close as Sav is, he probably heard it all. Her eyes drop
to the ground as she bobs a curtsey to him. Might as well not compound the
error by not doing that too...

Looking only slightly displeased over all with the whole situation, Savren
speaks very softly, almost soft enough for Neel and Espi to possible miss,
though unlikely, "I'm afraid you're not going to be leaving them so soon,
Varcel." He shakes his head, "Neelkan...come here." He gestures for the boy
to step forward. He says nothing to Espiria, yet.

Varcel takes a step back, not to leave, but only so he's not in Savren's
face, and bows formally. "As you say, Savren Gaidin." He sternly resists
the urge to say more. He also keeps his gaze on the Gaidin, and not on the
other trainee...or Accepted.

That glare stays where it is for a few moments, then slowly fades out.
Neelkan is angry. Extremely angry. But... he takes a few steps towards the
Gaidin and bows his body slightly, though keeps his eyes on the man as he
does. He still doesn't say anything, his jaw clenched slightly so that
tension shows plainly on his face, and his fist, the left one, without a
weapon half-hidden behind his arm, is clenched tightly. He does left his
eyes drift towards Espi. Once. And for an extremely brief moment.

Espiria shivers a bit, biting her lip as she tries not to be upset over
being found doing..umm..what she probably shouldn't be doing. She's not
looking up, though she does glance over to Varcel with sad eyes before
doing the same thing for Neel. Oh..to be sure she's kicking herself about
this and will probably keep kicking herself till it's forgotten..which
won't be for a very long time.

Nodding as Neel approaches and bows, Savren says, "Now..." towards Neel,
"You are not wrong for what you were doing, Neelkan. You may have just
saved Espiria's life. So...I will not be punishing you. If you wish to give
lessons to those who seek them, /outside/ Tower grounds. You may. You may
not, however, give these lessons to someone who is not affiliated with the
Tower. I do not expect an explanation, and I do not want to hear one. It
would be a waste of time, isince I am not punishing you." He turns to
Varcel now, "I do not know why you are so upset with the fact that Neelkan
is teaching Espiria how to fight, and I do not want to know why, for I am
not punishing you either...but, if it what I think it is, you will be
digging latrines big enough for every trainee in the Tower to swim in, and
I just may make you do /that/ as well. /Don't/ let me catch you...if this
is true." He looks at Espiria, "Espiria...I would prefer you learn to fight
from Gaidin, although Neelkan is skilled and can teach most of his fellows,
I believe they would be a better choice. Whether you are allowed or not is
not a concern of mine. Everyone should learn to defend themselves, and if
they should do it against their superiors' wishes, they may face
consequences...you'll deal with that. My boys will not be punished for
saving lives, which a single combat lesson may do. Do be cautious around
the Gaidin from now on. Wyntere and I have talked and Trainees are subject
to punishment from Aes Sedai, as female students are from Gaidin."

Varcel nods to Savren, half-bowing in acknowledgment of the instruction,
and grateful that no response seems needed, for he doesn't quite know how
to respond.

Neelkan is not exactly glad that no explaination is required. Oddly enough,
he wants to give one anyway. It shows in his eyes. He wants to jump up and
down and explain everything... but he clenches his fist and jaw and stops
himself from saying a word, instead dropping his head slightly in a nod-bow
of agreement.

Espi stands there and listens to the words spoken, taking a deep breath and
letting it out to keep her nerves calm. Oh she would say something, but of
course, Sav would rather not hear it at the moment. her eyes dart over to
Varcel and there seems to be a moisture glistening in her eyes as she does.
No..she will not cry. She's no baby and she's not going to act like one.
She sighs, looking back upwards to meet the Gaidin's face before she can
bring herself to speak, "I understand, Master Gaidin."

Nodding, Savren says, "Good..." He looks to the boys, "It will be even
worse than Varcel would get for /both/ of you if I ever see an episode like
this again. You two are fellows. If you want to let empotions run
high...whether you show them or not, and get angry with each other, you
will be fellow ex-trainees. Raeth and I have made it abundantly clear what
we think of conflicts in the program. Clear your head, get your priorities
straight, and forget your differences. You may have to save each others'
life one day. Remember one thing above all...if you're not a member of the
Tower, you may only visit if you have important issues. I know that both of
you have friends here...do not throw it all away for what truly does not
matter. Get your training over with first, then worry about the little
stuff. You can even swear to have a spar with each other as soon as both
are raised. Just /do not/ let me catch you doing so before your training is
complete. I /will/ expell you from the program and there are no second
chances." He looks between both, "Am I understood?"

Varcel nods to the warder. "Yes, Gaidin," is his only response. *He*
certainly didn't think his emotions were running high, but he's certainly
not going to mention it. Hardly angry at all. More like crushed, but that's
another story.

Neelkan was the emotionally high person today. But then he's emotionally
high every day... He grumbles softly, then nods his head again. Even if he
does get kicked out of the training program, he has a /really/ good reason
to stay in the Tower. But he's not going to play that hand unless he has
to. But he certainly isn't worried about getting thrown out of the program.
He more wants to stay in to prove to all those people who don't think him
able that he can finish.

Espiria continues to look toward the ground, biting her lip gently as she
listens to Sav speak. Oh...she did it now. But..why are they both acting
this way? She just can't fathom it. She is friends with both...even besides
the other thing with Varcel. She sighs softly, gripping the fan tightly in
her hand as she tries to work this out. Varcel is obviously mad about
something. Or..maybe it's hurt? But what did she do? She glances at
Varcel..or rather the back of his head before darting a glance over to
Neel. her eyes are definately sad about everything.

Nodding, Savren says, "Espi and Neel, feel free to continue. Varcel, go
wherever it was you were going, or stay here is you like. I do not care."
He turns on his own heel and walks from the Grove. He is not horribly upset
that his getaway turned into another incident deserving his attention. /He/
ccepted the job.

Varcel waits a hairbeat, to give Savren time to get some distance. He then
turns and bows politely to you two. "Good day to you both." Turning again,
he starts to leave.

Should Neelkan try to stop his 'fellow'? Well, even if he should, he
doesn't move to. He actually relaxes a little as the guy heads to leave. He
glances towards Espiria, his eyebrows raising lightly as if to wait for
whatever move she is going to make in this situation. But he won't be at
all surprised if she goes after him. In fact, he's bracing himself for that
to happen. Because he's pretty sure it will.

Espiria quivers her lip a bit, tears just getting a bit closer to the
surface. She does indeed move after him, "Varcel..please... Don't go.
Please..won't you stay?" She doesn't get that close because she wonders if
he even wants her that close and after all the warning that Sav gave still
rings in her ears. "Please...won't you help me too? I mean..I didn't want
to get you involved in this because they already watch us so closely...but
you're here now and the Master Gaidin even knows and doesn't seem to care.
Please...wn't you stay and help me learn this? Learn something so that I
can defend myself?"

A brightly colored lady walks among the trees of the grove. Today has
been... not the happiest. But hearing the voice of a familiar accepted,
Wyntere heads in that direction. In fact she's behind the accepted when she
finishes her words. "Can't you defend yourself with the One Power? Shall I
start teaching you battleweaves?" No, those blue eyes aren't upset, just
worried and concerned. She gazes to Neelkan and Varcel now. Hmm.. what's
been going on here? Why is Espiria about to cry?

Perhaps it's best that Varcel's answer will never be heard, for as he turns
to answer, the Mistress of Novices comes up, echoing his own thoughts.
Well, a part of them.... Okay, okay, it's a very, very small part of his
thoughts. Curious as to the answer, he stops and turns to face the others,
though without saying anything. He does, however, remember to bow to the
Monster.

Neelkan is standing here, with something in his right hand, maybe a knife,
half hidden against his body because it's pressing against the inside of
his wrist the way he's holding it right now. He glares at Varcel's
retreating back as Espiria goes after him, his teeth baring a little as he
does. Why is Espi almost crying indeed? Why is she offering to let him
stay!? Wasn't this supposed to be... Grrr! He wants so bad to just turn
around and slam his fists into a tree over there. But the warnings of the
Master Gaidin are fresh in his mind. Varcel is a 'fellow'... But he doesn't
have to like someone to fight beside them. Even the appearance of the
Mistress of Novices doesn't smooth his expression though. He looks fit to
beat someone senseless... And Varcel likely sees this when he turns
around...

Espiria sighs softly, taking a few steps closer to Varcel as she was just
about to speak. She hears Wynt though and spins on her heel, eyes widening
a bit before she sighs. "What if I am shielded, Wyntere Sedai. Like I was
before. What is I'm caught off guard for some reason and stopped from using
the One Power. I need to know how to defend myself otherwise. I..I almost
died when I was out with Master Gaidin Michael that time. Trollocs all over
the place and if...well, if I had known something more than what I did, I
might have been able to do more. Neel..well Neel knows something about
fighting with a fan. A fan isn't something that's thought of as a weapon
most times. It's just a pretty frilly thing that's ignored. If I keep that
with me, but know how to use it..wouldn't that be an ace in the whole?
Something that would surprise and give an edge?"

Wyntere glances between the three of them and sighs. "Neel, relax please.
I'm not here to scold any of you. Come let's go over towards that tree and
sit down and talk. "Espiria, you seem to be in the middle of this." then
glancing to Varcel, Wyntere seems very confused. "Varcel, what's wrong?"
Wyntere moves towards a tree expecting the three of them to follow. "The
three of you look like you all have been fighting each other. This is /not/
a good thing. Come on, now. You are friends." Wyntere seems more concerned
with the range of emotions taking place than the actually part of learning
hos to use a weapon.

Varcel actually fidgets a moment, as he tries to figure out if he can
safely disregard the Mistress's...invitation. "We were not fighting,
Mistress." Well it's technically true, at least. "I was about to leave
because I have no experience in the...weapon being taught." That, on the
other hand, is not. But it sounds good. He hopes.

Neelkan watches as Varcel gets out of the 'talk' or whatever Wyntere has
planned, and believe it or not... he actually relaxes. He didn't relax when
Wyn told him too... Yup. It's probably pretty obvious to some what he was
tense about... unfortunately. He gives his head a small shake and moves to
follow towards the tree. And he doesn't look fit to hit it anymore. Won't
the Ogier be happy.

Espiria bites her lip and heads over toward the place that Wynt mentioned.
She sighs deeply, placing her fan back onto her belt and glancing sadly in
the direction that Varcel took. If only he wouldn't have been so stubborn!
Sheesh! She gets angry a bit, but more sad than anything else that he left
as she slips into a seated position to hear Wynt out. Her eyes do dart over
to Neel, single tear falling down her face before she looks back to her
knees.

Moving over to Espiria, Wyntere put s soft hand on her shoulder. "Espiria?"
Now, the Mistress is worried. She looks to Neelkan, "Will you explain to me
what is going on here?" The three sit under a tree and wyntere looks to be
in charge. "Why, if you were teaching Espiria about weapons, she is crying
and Varcel stormed off like he's mad?" Wyntere is having a hard time seeing
what took place here. But she does know that her Espiria is crying and that
bothers her.

Keay wanders into the Ogier Grove, shaking her headand carrying a vacant
look in her eye. She tries to cover it when she sees everyone else here.
After clearing her throat she calls, "light and peace favor!"

In the far side of the Grove, a rustling of a small bush can be seen
followed by a loud *oof*. The poor Ogier looks a bit startled from being
woken from his doze, as he rubs his eyes and looks about for the source of
that noise.

Sighing softly, Neelkan settles down in his seat near the tree, lifting his
arm and dropping a... rather odd looking metal weapon that almost looks
like a knife with no point and many layers... It's actually a folded fan.
Made of metal. He looks at Espiria and grumbles a little, "I dunno why he
was upset." He knows why /he/ was upset, but not why Varcel was... "I'm
sure Espi's just sad cause he was so upset." So it's all /Varcel's/ fault.
Or it is as far as this young man is concerned. He huffs in a grumpy
fashion when the Keeper shows herself, but then this is Neelkan. He usually
seems to be moody when women appear. He doesn't see the Ogier yet, which is
good. He tends to revert back to a babbling kid when he does...

Espiria sighs softly, shaking her head as she looks up to Wynt. "I..think I
upset him when I asked Neel to....show me how to defend myself and not
asked him." She looks over to Keay, eyes brimming with unshed tears. Since
it's Keay, she adds. "I..Just didn't want to get him into trouble. I was
remembering the rule about us..not being together..alone and I was just
trying to follow it." She spreads her hands in a frustrated motion. "I..I
didn't want to get him upset though."

Wyntere moves over to hug the Accepted. "I can talk to him if you like me
to, but I think it's your job. If you need to make it private, come to my
office and I'll weave a soundproof weave over the two of you, but I'll be
there as a safety net to say nothing happened. Okay?" She offers there is
nothing wrong with them being friends. "So were you with neelkan alone
then? That could have been taken wrong too, you know?" Wyntere isn't trying
to scold, just let them see a different prespective.

Keay smiles, "now now dear, everything will be all right." She looks to
Wyntere and nods in agreement with her last comment. The more she's around
the moNster, the more she likes her. She actually has a personality.

Thain brushes himself off best he can, trying to return to his clean
manner. He misses quite a few leaves in his hair, but that doesn't seem to
bother him anyway. He blinks and rubs his eyes a few more times before
spotting his little friends with a grin. He bends down and picks up his axe
before making his way in thier direction with large strides.

Oooooh. Something about what Espiria said just doesn't make Neelkan's mood
much better. He grumps a few times softly and bends a knee closer to his
body, drapping an arm over it and glaring in the direction of nothing.
Safer that way. No one will take offense if he's glaring at a bu---eh...
Ogier? There goes his glare all together and his eyes widen a little (ok, a
lot). Sorry. He's still not used to the sight of an Ogier... Blink. He
pulls his eyes away and looks at Wyntere.

Espiria sighs softly, glancing at Wynt for a moment. "I..I would like to
try, but I don't know if he wants to right now. I mean...his face
was...umm..even more distant that I've ever seen it. I think he..really
wants distance from me. I...I didn't want to hurt him, Wyntere Sedai.
Honestly...I just wanted to keep him out of this if at all possible." She
sighs, dropping her head to her hands for a moment. "I..would like to try
though. If..he will even talk to me."

Why is Wyntere the problem solver today? She moves to wear she can gently
rub espiria's shoulders. "He'll come around Espiria. Just give him time to
think." Wyntere will go talk to him too. Looking to Neelkan and then the
Ogier, she gets a soft smile. "Neelkan go talk to him. Just remember he's a
person too and don't pester him." Like Sunan... The Gray decides it's best
to comfort espiria for now. Hmm.. students learning weapons. She'll have to
think on that one.

Thain shuffles a bit the last leg of the journey over, getting nervous as
he usually does with groups of humans, even if friends. He tries to shake
off the feeling as he walks up to Neel with a grin on his face, asking,"
Teaching another lesson Neel? I cannot believe you did not wake me sooner."
He smiles again at the small fellow, not noticing Wynt's comforting of
Espi.

Neelkan would offer to talk to Varcel... if he wasn't pretty sure it would
come to blows. Most likely starting with him. And after Savren's little
lecture... he doesn't think it would be a good idea. He's never been good
at controlling his emotions. And he's /certainly/ never been good at hiding
them. It's going to be very tough indeed... And he /really/ wants to just
jump over there and hug the girl. But... no... better not. Then Wyn tells
him to talk to the Ogier!? He... he wouldn't know the first thing to say!!
At least his frustrations are lost now and he glances over at the Ogier...
there goes those eyes again. No. Better he not talk to the Ogier. Big...
impressive... tall... strong looking... person... That sings and fidgets
and nearly trips when he walks sometimes... Um... he's talking to him?
Uh... "Uh... ye'h. 'nother lesson... But... I.. uh.. actually... maybe...
it'd be best if I go now." He moves to stand up, picking his metal fan up
and securing it at his waist. "'n don't worry, Espi. Anyone who ...likes ya
couldn't stay 'way too long." He should know...

Espiria sighs softly, biting her lip as she thinks about what's happened
today. So much..and yet nothing that ended good for anyone. She shakes her
head, frowning slightly. "Why...why can't wnything I ever do end up right?
It...seems that no matter how hard I try something always happens to turn
it bad." She looks up to Wynt, tears filling her eyes, but not falling this
time. Nope..she's determined not to cry about this. "I try soo hard,
Wyntere Sedai. I try everyday for something good to happen...and it all
falls apart by the end of the day. Just...when I think things are going
well... Just when I think I will actually be happy...or that i will help,
something always comes along to rip it right out from under me. It's
like...something always pulls the other way when I try to move." She sighs,
shaking her head and rubbing at her eyes. "I..just don't know what to do
anymore."

"Cry." Wyntere says softly in her ear. "Just cry, Espiria. I have a good
shoulder, remember? And Treebrother has a good shoulder too. Even Neelkan."
Wyntere rubs the Accepteds back. "You have done good today, espiria. You
came by to see me and cheered me up some. You are always sunshine to be
around." Alright... Kaomi what do I do with this?? No, this is the Gray's
department. Why can't she just wrap Espiria up and hide her from this hurt?

Thain blinks at Neel. Odd little fellow. He swivels his head down to Epsi
as he hears Wynt and her words. His ears twitch a great deal, thinking how
much Espi brightens his day. He smiles and takes a seat near her, nodding
at Wynt."You do much for me as well. I love to hear perfect Ogier, and so
few here speak it." He grins at Espi, wanting to see if that helps any.

Neelkan feels really bad for going, more then they will likely realize, but
he just can't stay and watch her cry. It'll only end up making things
worse, and he knows that for a change. So he's going to check out while the
time is good. He doesn't say another word and just heads out, moving at a
very quick pace. In fact, as soon as he's out of sight her runs the rest of
the way out of the grove. But his Trainers better not be too surprised if
he's late for his lessons again...