12/13/2000 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. Wyntere turns to Johiah when he tickles her. "Warder of mine." Those words are enough to say 'let's act like good boys and girls in public'. I need some dignity in public if I am to run this tower. Any one hear Kaomi's voice there, or just me? The Asha'Toh tilts her head to Espiria. Hmm.. since when were you the expert about the trainee program? Wyntere simply says, "I don't think Zaidah appreciates us all questioning her thoughts. She has Raeth Gaidin to answer to about this and he is capable of it just fine." No, Wyntere isn't going to torment the girl more than necessary. She does smile to Zaidah. "If you would like, I'll go with you into the city. Perhaps I can help you find something that suits you and accomplishes your task. I know a very good tailor." She'll help you find something and if it meets the Asha'toh's tastes, it'll meet Raeth's. Right, Gaidin to the Flame of Tar Valon? Johiah didn't really think this was of such a serious nature that it would be inapropriate to crack a smile. And if Wyntere thought it was, all the more need for her to simle. He looks at Raeth and wonders what is going through his head. This as the look of something that will be humorous for all but those involved. "Wyntere really does have good taste in clothing," He says to Zaidah, "and I am sure she can find you something that you won't mind too much, and you can handle the blow to your pride can't you?" He adds in a way that says I know you can, but I'm going to doubt it just to make it worse if you cannot. Raeth nods to Zai, "I might just do that; have all the trainees wear dresses. Perhaps I'll have the trainee gather around and tell them that you suggested just that. I'm sure they will be more than happy with your suggestion. And let me _remind_ you Zaidah that you are NOT a trainee. We have spoken of this before, have we not? It is against Tower custom to have women trainees." But he his tone says he doesn't agree with that. "Hence, you are under my wing and under my supervision. Remember that, girl. If I say you are to were a dress, you ask what color, how tight and how much cleavage. Is that completly understood, or do I have to pull you away and dunk you in that hole and have the trainees fill it in while you think about it?" His tone melts away from an icy whip to his usual emotionless one as he turns to Wyntere, "Thank you, Asha'Toh, for the offer. I am sure she will glady accepted it." Then to Espiria, "Yes, I would like to have a word with you if I may. But, if it pleases you, perhaps a bit later in the afternoon after I handle some... business." He says the last throwing a quick gaze to Zaidah. A rather well dressed looking Manetheran Gentleman makes his way into the courtyard. He is stopped by the guards and checked for weapons. Once they understand his business he is allowed to pass. He has been in Tar valon before and thusly is not over awed by the tower as many tend to be. Now where oh where would Espiria be hiding? This is just too much. Too much I say! Why is he picking on me like this?? No Raeth, please don't do that, that would be more cruel than she could possibly imagine because half those trainees already hate her and would love any excuse to... well, can we say hazing? She stiffens, bringing herself up to her full, meager height. Yes, she's going to be stubborn about this. "If I am to be stuffed into a dress, I would like to know why. I see no point to it other than to satisfy your own desire to torment me." No wait, this is another test, a test of obedience isn't it? Well she doesn't care. He's already humiliated her more than anyone else on the face of the planet, nothing he could do at this point could be worse, could it? Sorry Espiria, but I doubt you were ever -this- willfull. ;) A very soft humming floats in from the background. Something soft and musical, low, but with a consistant and beautiful tune to it. It's a rather slow song by the sound of it, something that at least one person in this immediate area would recongize, as she at least has heard it before. The source of the song is the same as it was originally. A young man with red hair streaked with white. And you know, he was content to keep on humming as he wanders through the Courtyard... until he catches some of the conversation. The humming cuts off with a choke at the words 'have all the trainees wear dresses' and Neelkan has to cough a few times as if something got stuck in his throat. He falters in his steps and tries to get a baring on what is going on exactly... but whatever it is, he can tell he doesn't much care for it. Probably anymore then Zaidah does. He's so distracted by Zai and Raeth, that it takes him all of a few seconds to realizes Espi's there (not to even mention Wyn and Joh). But you can't really blame him. The mention of all the trainees being made to wear a dress is pretty attention grabbing. Especially when you happen to be a trainee. Now would probably be a good time to bow? Well, he seems to have forgotten that little bit of ettiqute. His blue-green eyes shift from Zai, to Raeth, to Espi. He's seems to decide silence is a best bet right now. Along with no sudden movements. Espiria nods gently to Raeth, "Certainly, Gaidin Raeth." She smiles gently, tipping her head to one side as she sees someone walk in and chat with the guards for a moment. "I should go see what that man needs." She smiles, rising from her seat before giving Wynt a curtsey and the rest nods. Neel though..he gets a very wide smile and a chuckle as she adjusts her shawl. "Oh..Neel..It's good to see you again." She smiles, "We really need to chat at some time soon. I've missed those.." She chuckles, turning to face the person at the gate who seems to be looking for someone before heading that way again. Wyntere says "Zaidah, don't worry. We'll find you something. I promise." Now the Asha'toh is going to stop this nonsense. "And I would suggest you tell the Gaidin, yes sir, before he puts more stipulations on this dress. You are a lady and should have at least one dress to look like one." Wyntere is trying her hardest to keep this simple. "Raeth Gaidin, I don't see the need for the trainees to wear dresses. And don't worry, I'll find Zaidah a dress that fits your standards. We'll have a great time looking for one too, right, Zaidah?" Wyntere glances over to the girl trying to get her to close her mouth." The man makes his way into the yard. He could go searching around or he could ask this nice lady that seems to be moving his way. The man bows his head respectfully to Espiria. Seems he knows who he needs to be respectful to. "Aes Sedai. I am wondering if you could help me. I am looking for Espiria Sedai." Sheesh talk about a coincidence right? Or did he know it was her and is just asking by way of telling her what he wants? Johiah chuckles at Raeth's making all the trainees wear dresses, now that would be a sight. "At least that way all the trainees would feel as rediculous as you Zaidah." He continues to chuckle. "I think it would be hilarious, unless of course I was a trainee. But it would certainly give them a lesson on moving under restrictions." Ok, so maybee it would have a few other undesirable effects on say the reputation of the program, that would be a most interesting rumor to listen too. "I'm sorry Asha'Toh, but I have certain reasons for this. Please excuse me for just one moment." In a lightning quick move, Raeth grabs Zaidah's arm and pulls her away from the group, his voice clearly hearable yet he doesn't want to exactly do this in front of them. "Listen here girl. I have had enough of this foolishness!" His voice is a harsh whisper, "Do you know what you are doing? You are digging you're own grave. You said you were equal to those trainees. That you could prove the tower wrong. Well, you're doing _exactly_ the opposite!" Raeth pulls her around to face the white tower, "You see that? There's a room in there call the sitters hall. One day, which I doubt will ever come considering your foolish behaviour, they will discuss whether women can be trainees. And you see those two women, "He points to the Asha'Toh and Espiria, "One of them has a lot of weight in that hall the other may very will one day be a sitter or even more. Do you think with all your blabbing about and all your crying and whinning will convince them that women wanting to become trainees have enough discipline to go through with the trainee program?! No!!" Raeth pulls on her arm once more and points to Neelkan, "You see him. _That's_ a trainee. You know why? Because he has discpline, he knows how to obey. He doesn't ask questions. And you know why? Because he knows that for everything I tell him to do, no matter how silly or how stupid it might be, there's a reason for it. I am gaidin and teacher for a reason. I don't go around humiliating people. Apparently you have the wrong idea and I was right. You don't have what it takes." Raeth finally lets her go. "I'm through with you. You're on your own." His cold gaze melts into disappointment as he looks at her and that's probably worse than his harsh words. "And all of this over a stupid dress. I never even said for how long you were going to wear it or that you would even wear it in the tower." He shakes his head and walks away from her. To the Asha'Toh and Johiah he says, "I'm sorry about that." Espiria smiles at the man, raising a slim brow as she tugs her shawls over her shoulders a bit more. "Well..it seems that you have found her. Waht is it that I can help you with, Sir?" She smiles gently, face open and friendly to him since he obvious went looking for awhile to find her. "I assure you..that if I can help you in some way I will do so." Zaidah blinks at something, and cocks her ear as if straining her ears for something, or listening to something that no one else can hear. Has she gone mad?? Well, whatever it is she blinks a couple more times and shakes it off, but then Raeth is grabbing her, and... she's being dragged. She spits a stream of rather vile curses at him, calling him everything from a son of a pig, to a swallop eater. Her curses trail off as he starts talking and she swallows that last one (which really must have left a bad taste in her mouth from the very sour expression on her face), her lips are thin, almost white line on her face from being pressed so tightly together in anger, but at least she's quiet. Wherever he points her eyes follow, whether it be to the Tower, or Wyntere and Espi, or Neelkan. She -almost- mutters that she doubts even Neelkan would obey as meekly as Raeth seems to think if told he had to put on a dress. His words though... they drain all the color from her face, and she actually starts trembling. Burn it, burn it all to ash. She's not going to cry, she won't give him the satisfaction. She reaches out for him with a trembling hand as he walks away from her, "Raeth... Raeth Gaidin... no, please.... On my Honor, I swear I'll obey you from now on! I'm sorry. I'll wear whatever you want, please..." The man smiles. "I work for your Uncle Aes Sedai. he asks that you parden him for not coming himself, but this place...bothers him. He has sent me to request your presence for dinner." Wyntere watche the Raeth and Zaidah from afar. But after hearing the news of her not being trained any longer, Wyntere takes a deep breath and shakes her head. She looks to Raeth as he walks back over and gives him a nod. "That's quite alright, Raeth. There are many a time I have done that with students. Some are tougher than others." Then at Zaidah coming back over, Wyntere gets silent. She can't help the girl in this situation. It's in the sole hands of Raeth. What will that Gaidin do? The smile flashed at Neelkan immediately makes him blink out of his stand and stare mode and he returns it, though is he a little flushed? Nawh. Maybe that's just the sun. Yup. He nods to her in response before she walks away, eyes following her the whole way. After she's already over there, and speaking with whoever that person is, he gives his head a quick shake and looks back at the others. What were they talking about again? Oh yeah. Trainees in dresses. And... What was Raeth saying? Huh? Using /Neelkan/ as an example of a good trainee? Is this a fluke? Did he wake up with someone else's face this morning? He reaches up and rubs at his face as if to test that out. Nope. Feels like his face alright. He watches Raeth for a few moments, and then sighs softly and moves over to where Zaidah is and reaches for the wrist of her outstretched hand. "I don't claim t' know whate'er he's thinkin' right now, but I doubt you beggin' is what he wants. Why don't ya ask what color dress he likes best?" He offers a small grin with this, and an encouraging one. Espiria lifts a brow and chuckles. "Oh?" She smiles, "He has..Hmm...well I suppose I certainly can't turn that sort of request down. Where might I find him then?" She smiles gently, tipping her head to one side as she partially keeps track of the conversation behind her. Jeeze..talk about someone being put thru the wringer. Makes her life not look so bad at the moment. The man is quick to respond. "Tomorrow evening. I believe you have your uncle's residence written on the card." Therefor you should know where to find him Espiria lifts a brow, smiling as she nods. "Ah...then I shall be happy to attend." She chuckles softly, "Please relay my regards to him and let him know that I would be happy to join him for dinner." She remains where she is. Raeth turns around slowly, his gaze as heavy as rocks. He looks at Neelkan for a second, silently agreeing with him. "I don't need you to swear, and I don't need you to do this..." He's not going to say begging. To him begging just sounds awful. No one needs to beg him anything. "Do what you have to do." That's all he says to her, the terrible look of disappointment still lingers on his face. The man bows his head. "I shall relay your message." That said he heads back out the way he came. Espiria smiles and watches the man leave before she turns to head back over to the group. She doesn't rejoin them though since the conversation has taken the turn that it has. She's not sure she should intrude now...with the way feelings are at the moment. So, she remains where she is, watching silently. Zaidah just kind of stares at the hand on her wrist. If it were any other moment she'd likely bite the hand off, but... Her gaze flicks back to Raeth and she gently, but firmly removes it from the -good Trainee's- grip. Yes, you can bet she'll be a little bitter about that for a while. She swallows, hard, and bows deeply to Wyntere, "Would you accompany me shopping Aes Sedai? I am in need of a," she swallows again, "dress." She's blushing again. Raeth seems to be the only man in the world capable of doing that to her, and that is not a good thing! But there is nothing silly, or schoolgirlish about it. It is pure, unadulterated shame. It's taking all her stubborness not to start crying right now, so thankfully she has a lot of it because that would be even more shaming. Vorsha comes walking out of the tower, ajusting the stole about her neck. She should stop wearing it but... people need to be reminded that /she/ is the Senior Sitter for the Brown, thankyouverymuch. She strides towards Raeth and his grouping. A woman trainee, what a novel concept. Almost like a woman Gaidin. Leaning closer to the girl after letting her have her wrist back and after she asks for the help in finding the dress, Neelkan mutters softly, "Look at it 'is way. Ya walk in 'ere with a dress 'n half the trainees'll fall o'er 'n stare. Myself not included." Yes, he understands she'll probably dislike him for a while, but he can't help but snicker about how they'll no doubt respond. He glances as Espiria returns and smiles at her again. Then glances at the fringe on that shawl. Why'd she have to choose Yellow? Not his favorite Ajah. (Does he have one?) Wyntere turns to Raeth and then back to Zaidah and smiles softly to her. Those smokey blue eyes are just Wyntere's normal kind ones. "Of course, Zaidah. It would please me very much to help you find a dress. Let's see if I'm correct, Raeth Gaidin, Zaidah needs a dress that is suiting for a lady and covers her. Am I correct in your simpulations?" Blue eyes turn to meet cold blue eyes for an answer. She doesn't notice Vorsha walking up. Raeth bows at the arrive sedai, Vorsha. Hmmm, where the heck has he been. He's out for a moment and before he knows it everyone's a sedai. He must be getting old. "Yes, Asha'Toh. That is correct. A simple dress. Nothing too fancy, if you please. Thank you." Raeth spares Zaidah another glances, but this one is totally incomprehensible. He not pleased at all, and he's going to be needing a lot of convincing, and to think he thought he should trust her with something important. Hmmm. Vorsha looks over at Raeth and blinks. "A dress?" She looks back to Zaidah. "Pardon me, Gaidin, I do hate to intrude but..." She points to Zaidah. "Isn't she a Gaidin Trainee?" Raeth shakes his head, "No Sedai. She is not a trainee. Tower custom forbids it. And even if it was allowed, I don't see any problem with her wearing a dress. I never said she would be wearing it _always_. Besides, she is a women. There are certain things that must be addressed." Normally, she would at least grin and retort with something about him already having gotten enough of eyefull that he doesn't have to stare anymore, but then again, the same goes for half the rest of the trainees, everyone who was at that ill fated fight. She stares back at Raeth, but is jumpy enough to bow to Vorsha, but only because of that blessed shawl. If she hadn't caught that out of the corner of her eye she likely wouldn't have noticed. "What color would you like, Raeth Gaidin?" He's not pleased?? He's not pleased?? Does he have any idea how much she HATES this? Not only is she agreeing to wear a dress but... submissive just is NOT her style, much less to a MAN. Any displeasure Raeth might be having can be NOTHING compared to what Zaidah is feeling. Vorsha looks over at Zaidah again. "She is not capable of fighting? Of protecting an Aes Sedai? You'll have to pardon me for a moment, Raeth Gaidin, I am not a White. My logic may be... flawed." She looks over at him with completely innocent big blue eyes and smiles. Just a touch. She is, after all, protected by a woman. A crazy, Aridholan woman, but a woman not the less. Espiria remains standing quietly for the time being, watching the exchange. Wyntere glances to Raeth and then moves over to Zaidah. "Come along, let's go get that dress. Raeth Gaidin looks busy. I'll find a nice color that looks good on you. And Neelkan can come along too. Help carry the clothes back like a good trainee. Besides, Raeth would want me to have protection." She looks to Johiah before he heads in and has him take the Mother's Stole back to the office. No, Wyntere is not a fool when entering the city. "Come along. Both of you." Let's get out of here before this explodes again. Good idea, huh? See, I'm smart. Neelkan takes a breath through his teeth and then chuckles softly, "Oh, Zai, I think some trainees would say 'at was hardly 'nough of a look." He doesn't say that /he/ feels the same way though. Nope. That would sound like flirting, and Neelkan doesn't flirt. Instead he starts to inch away from the two going dress shopping to avoid getting dragged along. Nothing to see here. There's no trainee with white streaks in his red hair. Nope. Move along. Then... Doh! "Uh, Wyn, I uh.. I have.. uh.. I need.. uh..." Is there any way he can get out of shopping? He sends a look towards Espi as if asking for help. Not that he needs it... "Which ever color you'd prefer, Zaidah." Raeth says and he turns back to Vorsha, "Perhaps a bit flawed, but I understand your reasoning. I will explain," Ok, here we go again. "Besides some other reasons I do not wish to explain, her being a women will come upon situation where it might warrent she wear a dress. If perhaps she need to fight, I doubt very much she could strip naked and go about it with her staff. She needs to know how to fight under _any_ circumstances. It is the same reason we try to train our trainees with various weapons. So the can handle almost any situation whether the have a sword at hand, a staff or a flail. In her case, it might be a dress. Excuse me for a moment." He says the last when he hears the Asha'Toh's words. "Neelkan, would you please acompany the Asha'Toh. I know you are very capable of protecting her. Go." He turns his attention back to Vorsha. Zaidah pointedly -doesn't- blush at Neelkan's.. uh... compliment? Stuff like that doesn't even come close to embarassing her. In that regar she's shameless. "Yes! Come with us Neelkan!" If -I- gotta do it -you- gotta do it. "Come on, I don't have my staff or daggers with me so if we're attacked we'll be helpless. How bad would you feel if we were brutally murdered on the streets of Tar Valon because you didn't come with us? You know how horrible I am at unarmed." Ok, she's actually not that bad- Yes! Ok, Raeth, you scored a point in her book, but you're still in the red! She doesn't even really look at him though. At least she's starting to cheer up though. Vorsha blinks. Not what she was expecting. She nods, then turns to Zaidah. "Remind me to introduce you to my bond, young woman. If anyone knows how to fight in a dress, or with a dress if necessary, it would be Tvora." She nods to Raeth and continues on with whatever she was doing. Wyntere smiles to them both and heads out the tower gates. "I'll return Raeth. If something goes wrong, Johiah will come find you." It's bad enough we have the gaurds too. Alright.. a dress. "I know just the place. Come on." It has nice things for Neelkan too. ;) Working his mouth wordlessly for a long moment, Neelkan tries to come up with /something/ to say. A lesson he's supposed to teach... Nope. He can't think of anything. And she really hit a soft spot there. If they did get themselves killed it would be all his fault. Grr. Women!! He kicks at the ground a second, then nods to Raeth, "I'll bring 'em back safely." He glances over at Espi again for a moment, then fingers at the knife his sister gave him for his nameday before moving closer to them again. To try and show he's not upset over this, he adds with a grin, "I think ya'd look best in blue, Zai." Raeth raises a brow at Vorsha, "I didn't know you were the Sedai with the women gaidin. Hmmm, Tvora. I would like to meet her someday, perhaps I can get a tip or two from her." Espiria smiles encouragingly to Neel, sighing softly at the extent that Raeth is going to prove his point. Sheeesh, she's glad she's no trainee. She watches everyone move in the direction they are headed and waits for the time being. Vorsha pauses and looks over her shoulder. "Do you know many Sitters named Vorsha, Gaidin?" She asks with a smile. "However, I really should be seeing to the gardens. They have been neglected for far too long." "Actually, I have met Tvora," Zaidah says to Vorsha before the moves to follow Wyntere. "Why Neelkan, I didn't know you cared," she murmurs wryly. Blue, hmmm? Well we'll see when we get there. "You're definately a 'red', don't you think Wyntere?" Oh yes, the two of them are going to dress him up right. Muahahahahahahahahah. "With orange and gold embroidery, and.." and yes, she's going to talk clothes the rest of the way, just not.. dresses. Yeech. Raeth smiles inside, "Of course Sedai." He bows respectfully and glances around the the trio walking away towards a shopping spree. The Plaza, Tar Valon A babble of different dialects combines into a swirling cacophany of sound. Hawkers in faded, patched clothes cry out their wares, some of which decrease in quality daily. Refugees huddle in doorways and allyways, cradling their babies on street corners and begging quietly for food. Here and there a well dressed merchant changes a window display in a shop -- for some, who have known nothing but war all of their life, it is merely business as usual. This business district is beautiful, however. Most buildings show the touch of Ogier stonemasonry, rising up side by side as if holding hands against the encroaching ugliness of the outside world. These walls remain white, truly shining, as if an Aes Sedai descends from the dominating spire at the north end of the city daily to scrub the walls clean with their grand Power. Only the newest of the city notice, however, most striding down the cobblestones with eyes straight ahead or cast down, with business to attend to or dreams to pursue. Wyntere turns to Zaidah and then looks Neelkan over. "Let's see, I think I have enough to make Neelkan look like a nice young man too. Hmm.. she glances around the plaza and then motions over to the tailor's shop. "Here. This is where I get my clothes. He has any color you want." She opens the door for you both to go inside. "And Zaidah, I know a great dress for you." There's a gentle smile on her face as if she'd like to see Raeth's face when he catches this dress. Glowering silently, but letting of an angry aura of someone who would rather be anywhere else, Neelkan moves along behind them, flinching when Wyntere mentions making him look like a nice young man too. He looks perfectly fine the way he is, thankyouverymuch! He moves inside, saying nothing, and doesn't seem to have an intention to speaking. He's not here to dress. He's here to protect! That's it. Grr. "Yeah, we couldn't have such a -good Trainee- looking anything less than a gentleman now could we?" Zaidah whispers in his ear as she passes. She flutters her eyelashes, her voice dripping with sarcasm, but she doesn't dwell on it. Sorry, but I -told- you she'd be bitter about that! She looks away as she moves farther into the shop though, and murmurs over her shoulder, "sorry." She's -so- cowed right now it's not even funny. She can't even torment properly for any length of time. Sigh. Well, if she's going to do it she might as well do it right. She takes a deep breath and looks at Wyntere. "What did you have in mind?" Wyntere glances around the shop and then tilts her head. "Well, now, what were the requirements and let's go from there." Moving through the racks, she pulls out a few dresses. "Well, there's your riding dress. It's still a dress, but is kinda like pants. There's your Safaren clothing like I prefer. Um...." She starts glancing around. "What color do you like, Zaidah?" Then she glances to Neelkan. "Red hair.. hmm.. fall colors. Green, Blue, and your Browns... I think I can find a nice vest for you too." Oh this is fun. SOmething she's needed after all that office work. Ow. That stung. "Ya think I like bein' called a 'good trainee' 'at obeys 'n does what he's told? Blood 'n ashes. I must b' doin' somethin' wrong..." Neelkan shrugs his shoulders in frustration. His sister probably would have busted a gut laughing if she had heard him refered to as a good trainee. He blinks as Wyntere starts calling off colors and he mutters softly, "I'd rather ya not buy m' nothin', really. I'm 'ere t' protect ya two, not make ya spend coin on m'." Zaidah sighs and doesn't look at him. "I said I was sorry," she murmurs. "If she wants to spend her coin on you why don't you just let her?" She looks over at Wyntere. "Whatever you think is best, really." Really rose red actually goes very well with her dark complexion and eyes, but that's also overy eye catching and the last thing she wants to do is stand ou-... wait. Hold up you ninny! If you hide your head in the sand now that's it, he's won, and you'll just prove him right that you're not fit to be Gaidin. Come on, it wont' be -that- bad. "Red... or... maybe a very light blue... Just nothing pink, ok?" She looks at what Wyntere is pulling out and looks a little skeptical. "He did say nothing too fancy... didn't he?" Wyntere grins to Zaidah. "Now you are thinking like I am. And please don't ask for pink." Wyntere wouldn't be caught dead in pink. Unless her killer put it on her. "And he said something plain. But... depends on your definition of plain. So, what style? I think a Red would look nice, or maybe an eye catching blue? You are after all a lady, Zaidah." Then she looks to Neelkan and her face lowers a bit. "If you say so, Neelkan, but I would love to see you in something nice. Perhaps just try something on for me?" Neelkan stubbornly sets his jaw and mutters, "I can't very well protect ya if I'm changin' in the other room, now can I?" He shakes his head after a moment and glances around before adding, "I wear what I wear. If ya really want t' get m' some new clothes, 'n I'll pick 'em out f'r m'self. I don't let other people dress m'." He got enough of that when he lived at home. Mother and five older sisters picking what he would wear and no doubt shoving it on him if he refused... Yet another reason he hates women. Present company excluded. Zaidah says "No pink," Zaidah agrees. "Um... I really don't know. I would say Eharonan, but he said no cleavage and they're almost nothing but..." She looks over a very modest Coremandan dress, before passing it up. She may not be able to have as low of a neckline as she would like, but there's no need to have one up against her chin. "I've never really had to wear a dress before..." She glances over at Neelkan and chuckles. "Well then you'd better start looking before we start looking for you." She winks, which makes it difficult to tell whether she's teasing or not." Wyntere glances to Neelkan and then nods. "One day, Neelkan, I'd like to see you in something fancy. But I'll let you have your way today. I know you look handsome in fancy things though." Then she glances back to Zaidah, "You ever thought about Safaren? The material of my clothes are too thick to be considered true Safaren, but then I'm not truely from there. Most of them have a thinner cloth." Wyntere glances over the racks and finds a dress from them. "Here, this one is a nice shade of light blue. I'm sure with time I can find a Red, if you would rather have one. They are floor length dresses and then they have then to the knee with a pair of pants underneath like my outfit. It's up to you." Wyntere looks to see if she's helping or not. "In yer dreams." Neelkan mutters bitterly, though it may sound like he's trying to tell her that that's the only way she'll see him dressed fancy, he actually is intending it to mean that that was how she /did/ see him dressed up like that. Though Zaidah would likely have no idea of that fact. He doesn't go around advertising 'I'm a Dreamer!' after all. He starts to move towards where the males clothes are to look for something to try on, keeping an eye over where they are, since he had said he would protect them. Zaidah pauses and looks at the dress, before picking it up and walking over to the changing area. She emerges a few moments later in the dress and turns around to look at the fit in the mirror. Well, that is hardly modest, what with the clinging and filminess but it definately isn't low cut, that's for sure. She arches an eyebrow at Wyntere, "You realize he'll probably kill me if I come back with this. Or worse, kick me out." She breaks into a slow grin, "but it does meet the qualifications doesn't it..." She turns around to look at it from the back in the mirror. "Neel? What do you think," she calls across the store. Wyntere smiles slightly. "He won't kill you. I'll see to that. Did he not wish to see you looking like a lady?" She tilts her head and is going to enjoy this joke on Raeth. Look, it's a dress. She wouldn't let her students in it, but then.. Zaidah isn't her student. "It meets what he set forth. Just don't get wet. Then you'll fail his standards. Alright?" The Asha'toh is laughing. Oh she'll love this one. She wants to see Raeth's face. Honestly, she'll be the one in trouble. Peeking around a thing of hanging clothes (aparently he wasn't keeping that good an eye on them after all), Neelkan blinks at the dress after a moment before shrugging, as if it had no effect on him what so ever. Well, if it was Espiria in the dress it would probably be much different, but sorry, Zai he only thinks of you as a friend. "Looks good. I pity the poor fool who Raeth puts ya 'gainst 'en ya have t' train in 'at. He'll have t' pick his tongue off the floor 'fore he can 'member t' defend 'imself." Pause. "'ey, maybe 'ose dresses'll give ya an advantage in some of 'ose fights." With that, he goes back to looking.