08/24/2000

Denn'ryiel's Room, White Tower, Tar Valon

        Denn'ryiel's room is rather large for a servant's. A feather bed is
against the west wall, facing the east window in order to catch the sun's
morning rays. Plants of all variety grow in pots throughout the room. Some
of them don't appear to be indoor plants, and a few flowers look completely
unique. They all combine to give a rather fragrant aroma, that becomes
apparent the moment anyone crosses the threshold into the room. A hearth
against the north wall provides warmth during the cold seasons. There's one
half-filled book shelf, but nothing else that would interest a Brown Sedai.
An oaken drawer with images of leaves carved into it sits next to the
window and holds her clothing. The only other furniture in the room are a
couple of birch chairs, a changing screen in one corner of the room, and a
well made Saferi rug covering the floor near the chairs and door.


Denn'ryiel's new room is larger than her old one, but looks about the same.
More space for more plants within. The only significant difference is the
large number of books scattered about the room as well. Denn'ryiel sits at
her table with one now, and a cup of tea.

After having to get permission, and no doubt an escourt of some kind,
Neelkan knocks on the door lightly from the outside. Even though it's far
too much trouble then he'd like to come up and visit his friend, he's in a
rather good mood right now. The source of his good mood? The pair of hooped
earrings in his ears. He hasn't been able to wear them since he came to the
Tower. It's great to have them back. Even if they did come with strings
attatched. Not literally though.

Denn'ryiel smiles as the door opens, and turns in her seat. "Neelkan, come
in, please." An apprehensive look then follows, since the trainee has been
waiting to speak to her. "Can I get you something to drink?" she asks,
playing host.

Shaking his head a little, which causes his hair to ruffle up slightly,
Neelkan moves a little bit further in the room after closing the door and
shooing the escourt away. Light. You'd think they didn't trust him,
wouldn't you? "Nah. I'm not that thirsty. But go head 'n help yerself." He
offers a friendly grin, looking around the room at the flowers.

Denn'ryiel smiles at her work but pushes her teacup away as she stands up
and walks towards the door. Her eyes then focus on the young trainee's
ears. "What are those things sticking out of your lobes?" she asks, trying
to hide her amusement. Unsuccessfully, of course.

Hrmpt. Neelkan reaches up and touches his earrings. His ears aren't quite
used to the extra wait again, and he had to do a little repierceing due to
all the healing he went through while they were out, so they're a little
sore, but he's rather glad to have them back, "'ey're m' earrin's. The ones
'at I've been tryin' t' get back since I got 'ere. Wyn gave 'em back t' m'
t'day. Turns out 'ey're ter'angreal, 'n 'at's why the Yellows didn't give
'em back." He shrugs his shoulders, smirking over at her.

Denn'ryiel ahs, and her smile turns more gentle. "I'm glad you got them
back... they obviously meant quite a bit to you," she says, stating the
obvious again. "I'll have to thank Wyntere when I see her next." She
gestures to a chair nearby Neelkan, in case he wishes to sit.

After a few moments of smirking at his Aes Sedai friend, Neelkan chuckles
and moves over to sit down. "'ey're somethin' important, ye'h. I kinda
wonder if 'ey knew 'ey were ter'angreal. The bandits I mean." That is where
he got them after all. "'n I'm supposed t' use 'em 'wisely'." He says with
a laugh.

Denn'ryiel's eyebrows raise a bit. "They trusted you to do something
wisely?" she asks in a teasingly shocked voice. Yes, Denn's in a pretty
good mood herself today. "Congratulations on getting them back, at least."
Her chuckle begins to turn sour though, as she remembers the reason Neelkan
was staying in the first place."

Neelkan laughs a moment as well, "Ye'h. 'parantly. Though I don't know
'xactly how I can use 'em 'wisely.'" He reaches up and fingers one of them
again lightly, reaching up far enough to touch the engraving in the hoop
near the lobe. He has an idea what it is that they do. "So how--" he trails
off and pauses for a moment at the sourness that the chuckle takes. What's
up? "--'re ya?" he finishes after the pause.

Denn'ryiel gives a troubled smile in return. "I'm... I'm well, I guess.
So... now that you have your earringsback, I guess you're thinking about
going again?" she asks, trying to sound indifferent.

"Hmm?" Leaving? Neelkan blinks for a few moments as if that's the first
time he's had the idea laid out before him. "Leavin'?" He pauses again for
a moment, bites down on his lip, then shrugs slightly. "I dunno really."

Worry crosses her face openly as the thought seems acceptable to the
trainee. "I... I hope you will consider staying, though. We can always use
more trainees, and you have a lot of friends here." That second part seems
to have a second message hidden in it.

"I'm in no rush t' leave right 'way." Neelkan says with a shrug, reaching
over and fingering a nearby plant for a few moments. "I mean yer right. I
got friends 'ere." He pulls his hand back, then glances over and adds, "'n
ya too." He shrugs as if trying to make the whole 'friend thing' less of a
big deal. Though it hardly is to him.

Denn'ryiel nods her head again, and seems to want to cross an invisible
barrier that is holding her back. "You said you thought we should talk,
once the trial is over." she says, trying to think of something to say.

"Ye'h." Neelkan sits up slightly in his chair. "I mean, we didn't get t'
talk all 'at much due t' things 'at were goin' on 'n all. I just thought we
needed t'. When it was all o'er..." Did he have something specific he
wanted to say? ... "I would've talked t' ya right after the trial... but I
think 'at ya 'n Wyn pro'ly needed t' talk 'n all." He trails off, a little
flustered.

Denn'ryiel doesn't look like she's having any more luck voicing her
thoughts. She finally crosses to a chair next to Neelkan's, and sits down.
"I think we do need it," she agrees, laying her hands nervously in her lap.
After a long pause, "I... I guess it's obvious I have... feelings for you,
Neelkan." That looks like it was torture to get out.

Neelkan clears his throat for a moment, then nods lightly, "Ye'h, I did
kinda notice 'at." He glances away again, looking over at that plant once
more. "'n I..umm.. feel the same way." Not easy for him to get out either.
But he's able to keep his face from blushing at least. He just looks a
little nervous and shifts around in his seat and avoiding eye contact.
"But.. uh.."

Denn'ryiel drops her eyes then, and looks down at her hands before her. She
keeps them locked there, as she waits to hear what this 'But' might lead.
Unconsciously, she holds her breath in.

"It's just 'at... well..." Neelkan grumbles for a moment at himself then
just says it plainly, and rather quickly at that. "I also care a lot about
Espi. But it's different, 'cause she's got Varcel 'n all 'at, 'n I know
she'd ne'er think of m' as more 'en a friend, so I'm not really worryin'
'bout it. 'n I'd rather she not know 'at, cause it might make things a lil'
awkward." He saw how awkward confessed feelings made this friendship
sometimes. "I just thought it was better 'at ya know at least. So ya
didn't..." he trails off now and shrugs.

Denn'ryiel nods her head hesitantly, looking a little troubled. "I promise,
I won't mention anything to her," she says, looking back up to Neelkan. Not
that that addresses everything. "I... I'd be foolish to expect you to have
feelings for no one else, when our relationship hasn't gone very far yet,"
she says, half to herself. "I may not like it, but it's true. And after
all, I was kindof encouraging you to pursue her before," she says with an
odd smile, as she is brutally honest with herself.

Glancing over and managing a small smile, Neelkan looks relieved that she
isn't too upset at least. That was one thing he was worried about,
especially after that silly little boy Aed decided to ask out of nowhere if
he was in love with Espi. If the kid got it into his head that he was, he
was a little worried that others might, and it would end up hurting a
certain Aes Sedai. He nods after a moment, "'at's all I really needed t'
tell ya..."

Denn'ryiel nods her head hesitantly, wondering what to say now that it is
her turn to speak. "How do you think we should proceed?" she finally asks,
looking up at him. There is open curiousity in her eyes.

"I dunno. I mean yer 'n Aes Sedai now 'n all." Neelkan shrugs lightly. "I
know 'at relationships with Novices 'n Accepted are not allowed t' m', but
I don't remember 'em sayin' anythin' 'bout Aes Sedai. Not 'at I really
care, I mean it's a silly rule.."

Denn'ryiel chuckles a bit and nods, leaning back a little bit. "I think
enough of the Tower knows we have some sort of relationship for us to hide
that anyways," she says, glancing at the door. "I don't suppose now that
I'm a Sedai, you'd dance if I told you to dance, would you?" she asks with
a larger smile. It's obvious she's making an attempt to move lighten the
conversation.

"Dance!?" Neelkan coughs a little and sits up somemore, "Um, well... I
don't d' what I'm told very well. E'en by Aes Sedai." Especially by Aes
Sedai... But he won't add that he wouldn't know how to dance even if she
did get him to. Unless one counts the silly dances that young men do when
they are drunk and there's a dance going on in the common room of the
tavern.

Denn'ryiel blushes slightly and chuckles. "Nevermind... I didn't think you
would. I had to know though," she says, letting out a small, regretful
sigh. She's still smiling though. "I guess whenever I want something I'll
have to ask."

"Ye'h. Askin's a good way t' go." Neelkan pushes himself out of the chair
and stretches a little, moving over towards a plant that's right next to
where she is sitting and pretending to be interested in it. "So besides
'dancin', is 'ere anythin' else ya were interested in tellin' m' t' d',
'xactly?" He's got that mischevious gleam in his eyes...

Denn'ryiel chuckles again as she starts to stand up out of her chair.
"Well, I know I can't tell you to keep out of trouble," she replies with a
twinkle in her eye. "I suppose after a dance or two I would have told you
to kiss me... if you hadn't taken the initiative by then."

Neelkan chuckles softly. "A kiss hmm?" He shakes his head slightly, finding
that a little amusing, "Well, seein' as I asked what it would be 'xactly
'at ya'd tell m' t' d', I can... spoil ya just 'is once. Don't start
getting the mind 'at ya can tell m' whate'er ya want though." He corrects
after a moment, though not too seriously before moving a little bit closer
and reaching up to cup her cheeks a little and lean down the small distance
of hieght between them (which is all of an inch or two) and start with a
few light kisses. He's kissing an Aes Sedai! What would his mother say.
Tsk.

Denn'ryiel flushes slightly. What was he expecting her to answer, she
wonders with some amusement. She makes a note not to tell him anymore.
She'll just "ask" in a manner that leaves but one course of action; hers.
Her eyes close slowly as the kissing starts, and she reaches up to touch
her hand lightly to Neelkan's shoulder.

After letting the kiss go on a little while, Neelkan pulls back with a
small flustered blush and says, "Um. A'right. Next time 'ere's a dance, 'r
somethin' 'ere 'ere's dancin', will ya dance with m'?" He's not going to
let her ask apparently, but he's going to feel a little flustered when he
ends up tripping over his feet and stepping over her toes...

Denn'ryiel nods her head almost immediately, before she realizes what she
is doing. "I would apprieciate that, a lot," she says, looking into the
Trainee's eyes. "But what would I have to do to solicit such a favor from
you?"

Raising his eyebrows, Neelkan seems a little confused at that, but then
grins and reaches down to poke lightly at the neckline of her dress, "How
'bout wears somethin' a lil' more colorful." He winks he eye closed.
"Though honestly, ya do look just fine in gray. It just doesn't... do ya
justice." Those talks with Vorsha paid off a little.

Denn'ryiel looks down and blushes, nodding. "Alright..." she says though.
"I'll see if I can't find something a little brighter. I don't suppose
you'd want to come help me look for dresses?" she asks jokingly, with a
mischievious smile. She's pretty sure what the answer will be.

Look for dresses!? Neelkan's eyes widen a little bit, then he shakes his
head a few good times, "No, no.. I think ya know dresses better 'en I d'."
He certainly has never worn one, nor does he plan to! And he'd rather not
go shoping with a woman for one. His sisters never even talked him into
that sort of thing. Of course, they wouldn't want their brother to come
looking for dresses, and most of theirs were homemade.

Denn'ryiel giggles a bit, expecting something just along those lines. "I
was joking, of course Neelkan. I wouldn't find any more pleasure than you
would in boring you out of your mind. If you have any quick suggestions on
styles though... not necessarily names, but things you've seen maybe."

"Suggestions, eh?" Neelkan ponders that for a few moments, "Well, dresses
in Eharon 'r a'right, 'n 'ose Saferi dresses a'ways had an... appeal t'
'em, but I think it's a lil' cold right now f'r 'ose." He's also kidding.
He would be a /little/ distracted if she were wearing either of those. "I
dunno. Just go f'r whate'er it is ya like." With color, perferably.

Denn'ryiel blushes for a moment before she realizes with relief that he is
joking, and laughs herself. "Alright then, I'll try and do that," she says.
"So I wear new dresses, and you dance with me at the next dance. That was
the agreement?"

Pausing for a moment, Neelkan looks reluctent to agree once again to the
dancing, something he doesn't know how to do really, then nods, "Ye'h.
Sounds like a good way t' go t' me." He reaches up and runs fingers through
his hair, then glances around the room a little. Maybe he should hit
someone up for dance lessons. Maybe Wyn knows how to dance...

Denn'ryiel follows Neelkan's eyes around the room. "We could practice in
here if you wanted, if I could move all these books out of the way. Does
she have the ability to read minds? "That is, if you think it wouldn't be
inappropriate."

Ducking his head down a little, Neelkan flushes slightly while he's
glancing away. Is he that obvious? "Um.. well.. uh.. Practice? Blood 'n
ashes. I don't need t' practice." What? Admit he can't do something?
Never... unless of course it's something he can do that he would rather not
admit to doing. But that is a different thing all together.

Denn'ryiel flushes also. "Sorry... I didn't mean to imply that you did.
Though I guess it sounded that way." She turns away towards one of the
plants that you gave her in the room. After a moment, she looks back. "I
look forward to the dance then," she says with a small smile.

There's a brief moment while Neelkan chews on the inside of his cheek. Then
he opens his mouth to say something, and closes it shut again a second or
two later. Hrm. Whatever it was he wanted to say doesn't seem to want to
come out all the way, so he just says something else, "Ye'h, I look forward
t' it too." Or he will if he suceeds in /not/ making a fool out of himself.

Denn'ryiel smiles and nods, but then gradually turns more serious.
"Neelkan... may I ask you... I don't think we've talked about our future
since... since this," she says, touching her shawl.

"Um..." Neelkan half-swallows for a few moments as if just trying to work
some moisture in his mouth is all. He's not nervous! If anything he seems a
little angry at himself for doing that. Then he nods, "I don't think we
have, not really. Um... What is it ya wanted t' ask..?"

Denn'ryiel bites her lip, before continuing. "I... I don't need an answer
immediately, but... I was hoping to, if you were willing, to... make some
sort of commitment to being Bonded."

A bonding commitment? Neelkan shifts a little where he stands again, moving
his weight from one leg to the other, then slowly he nods his head a
little, "I think I would like bein' yer Warder. If ya could put up with m'
at least." He adds with a small laugh.

Denn'ryiel nods her head slowly. "If you really wanted out of the
commitment... I wouldn't force you... I guess it would be for others' use."
She smiles a bit more at Neelkan's answer. "I can try to put up with you, I
think."

Neelkan seems a little confused for a moment, then shakes his head, "Nah, I
don't see any reason why I'd want out of it. I don't think yer gonna be
orderin' m' 'round 'r nothin'. 'n 'ere's no one else 'at I could bond t',
'at I would want t'." Could being the operative word.

Denn'ryiel catches the could, and it sours her mood, but just slightly.
She's still thankful, and she moves over towards the trainee and shyly
kisses him lightly on the cheek. "Thank you... that means a lot to me,
Neelkan."

Grinning lightly at the kiss on his cheek, Neelkan reaches up with a hand
and squeezes her arm lightly before looking over towards the door a moment.
He knows, despite the thanks, that he's soured things a little... But he
doesn't go into that and says, "I'm glad. Guess 'is means I'm gonna have t'
start findin' out what bein' a Warder is really all 'bout. I know it has t'
be more 'en knowin' how t' fight t' it..."

Denn'ryiel chuckles a bit at that. "I should hope there's more to it than
that," she says in return. "But somethings I think you'll be able to do
just by being yourself," she says, semi-crypticly. "How long before your
escort knocks at the door?" she then asks.

Looking over towards the door, Neelkan bites on his lower lip slightly,
then shrugs, "I should prolly head back down now. Get some thin's done. No
need t' leave 'em standing out 'ere all night." Ahem. Not that he would ask
to stay the night... Well... not that he would ask with an escort outside
at least.

Denn'ryiel sighs in disappointment before she can help herself. "I... I
understand. I hope you will come to visit more often, though. No need to
wait until the next dance to meet again."

"Or.. I could tell 'er t' go 'way, 'n 'at ya need m' t' do somethin' f'r ya
most the night..." Neelkan says in a voice that hints towards... things he
probably shouldn't be hinting towards. He's kidding though. If he wasn't
he'd probably be too flustered to get a word out. "But, it'd prolly be best
if I went on down. M' trainers a'ready got a sharp eye on m'. 'specially
after the whole cloak thin'."

Denn'ryiel nods her head. "There's nothing that... needs to be done right
away," she says, trying to joke around the serious subject as well.
"Hopefully they'll understand it was needed. I'm surprised the Amyrlin
hasn't issued a pardon yet," she says with a small smile.

"I think givin' m' back the earrin's was m'... 'reward' f'r m' help in
gettin' Wyn cleared." Neelkan reaches up to finger the golden hoops that
were just returned to him a short while ago. "'n it was the least I could
d'. I mean... I'd d' the same f'r any of m' friends..." He shrugs.

Denn'ryiel smiles and nods her head. "I know you would, Neelkan. That's...
one of the things I like most about you." She looks up at the hoops and
stifles a small chuckle. "Perhaps I should try a matching set."

Laughing a little, Neelkan touches them 'gain, "Ye'h... I dunno though. Ya
might not want to have 'ese things hangin' from yer ears." He winks his eye
closed for a moment then glances towards the door again, "I guess I should
actually start movin' towards the door now..." He takes a few steps in that
direction, not moving fast though.

"Wait..." Denn'ryiel walks over slowly, then moves forward for another
kiss. This time trying for a more sensual one on the lips. Whether it's
given or not, she releases you then. "I guess you can go now," she says,
blushing.

Kiss? Oh, it's given. For the few moments, Neelkan even reaches up to run
fingers through her hair. When he pulls back he grins, then presses his
nose lightly against hers before adding, "Be safe, Denn." Then he turns and
heads out the door, glaring at the escort who no doubt had her ear against
the wall the whole time. Even if there's no sign of such a thing now.