03/27/2001


Lecture Hall, White Tower, Tar Valon

The smells of chalk and ink mingle to create a heavy smell. Desks march
from the front of the room to the back, from those near the thick
blackboard and podium dominating the front of the room to those near the
door where the ones who only wish to escape from the class being taught, or
the latecomers, tend to sit. The spaces between the desk are wide enough to
easily walk through and this room looks as if it would easily seat fourty
or so, though there are hardly ever so many about.

Notes from some previous class are scrawled about the board. A fine layer
of chalkdust has taken up its thick, snowy residence about the bottom of
the board, seeping into the hardwood floors as if it intends to stay there.
A box full of objects and class supplies sits in the corner, providing
nearly anything an instructor needs to keep a lesson going.



The Lecture hall has been a little transformed today for this special
lecture. Namely... the boards are covered up with cloth and all the books
are hidden from sight. Neelkan doesn't like books enough and he certainly
isn't going to be writing anything on the boards. He's ploped down on a
chair, sitting in it backwards with his arms resting on the back of it, his
chin perched on his arms. He looks like a kid sitting up there. Of course,
he /is/ only nineteen. Very young for a Gaidin, much less the Master
Gaidin. He waits for people to get seated.

Tarmeil comes in slowly, nad his cane taapping on an empty chair, he pats
it and sits down, waiting.

Delila walks into the lecture room with a definative smirk on her face.
What was this all about anyway...? Gaidin...well she could stand to listen
about that. She hardly knew any as it were and a mind is a terrible thing
to waste. Besides, it detracted from chores.

Aidou walks in and arches an eyebrow at her brother. She doesn't take a
seat in the audience. Instead she walks over to him and just.. looks at the
way he's sitting. It really wouldn't be nice of her to scold him in front
of his own class but he's just leaving himself wide open for it! At least
she has the sense to whisper, "our mother taught you better than that,
Shun'u." And since her back is to the seats, the log she carries at all
times tucked at the small of her back into the belt around her waist is
visible. Yes, that's where she keeps it. She still has the tessen tucked in
at the front, but she'll probably give him that today, if he's a good boy.
:P

Jakeb laughs as he and a group of trainees file in. "Yeah, did you see how
that one guy didn't dodge and got a fist in the nose?" He winces then,
"That had to hurt!" Turning and seeing he's in the Lecture Hall, Jakeb bows
to the master gaidin and moves to a group of chairs where the whole group
takes a seat. "I'd watch out for falling logs." He says a little loudly to
his 'group'.

Neelkan raises his head enough to stick his tongue out at his big sister
childishly, but he stands up from the chair and looks around to see who's
all shown up so far. "Go sit down, 'dou. Yer part of the reason I'm doin'
'is, so sit back 'n enjoy it." He notices the tessen, and refrains
(somehow) from reaching out to grab it.

Because if he grabbed it she'd smack him upside the head. "Oh alright."
Aidou's objective is achieved though and she smiles, actually kissing her
brother on the cheek before she walks over and plops down right in the
midst of those trainees, right next to Jakeb. "You should." She grins at
him wickedly. See what snide comments get you?

Delila takes a seat in the farthest, most shadowy corner. She didn't really
know anybody well enough to call a friend, and the novice was indifferent
to that fact as it were. However she watched and listened as she often did,
with half amusement plastered on her face.

Jakeb smiles sweetly to the Aes Sedai. "Of course, m'lady Aes Sedai. One
never gives warning without heeding it himself." Jakeb then turns sideways
in his chair to keep an eye on Aidou.

Neelkan makes a face at the kiss and rubs at his cheek as if in an attempt
to get the germs of his big sister off him. Then he looks around. It seems
most the people are sitting now. There's still a few spaces, but he won't
kill anyone who comes in late (he's an easy-going guy). "A'right, e'eryone,
I'm gonna start. Uh, 'case ya don't know, I'm Neelkan. The Master Gaidin.
In charge of the Gaidin program?" Yeah, they all know you, Neel. He rubs a
hand through his white streaked red hair and smiles as he notices Denn
arrive. Hopefully she isn't still mad at him. Anyway... "I'm basically
goin' talk 'bout the Gaidin t'day, 'n ya can ask questions 'n stuff." Some
might wonder what a young boy who spent less then two years in the program
would /possibly/ know about being a Gaidin...

Long distance to Nathael: Neelkan makes a face at the kiss and rubs at his
cheek as if in an attempt to get the germs of his big sister off him. Then
he looks around. It seems most the people are sitting now. There's still a
few spaces, but he won't kill anyone who comes in late (he's an easy-going
guy). "A'right, e'eryone, I'm gonna start. Uh, 'case ya don't know, I'm
Neelkan. The Master Gaidin. In charge of the Gaidin program?" Yeah, they
all know you, Neel. He rubs a hand through his white streaked red hair and
smiles as he notices Denn arrive. Hopefully she isn't still mad at him.
Anyway... "I'm basically goin' talk 'bout the Gaidin t'day, 'n ya can ask
questions 'n stuff." Some might wonder what a young boy who spent less then
two years in the program would /possibly/ know about being a Gaidin... (my
only important pose so far)

Aidou just grins softly and watches her brother. Yes she's keeping an eye
on Jakeb too. But she'll keep her mouth shut for the moment and just
listen. Is she *gasp* exhibiting signs of an open mind??

Denn'ryiel enters the room quietly during Neelkan's opening, and pauses for
a moment to smile fondly at the lecturer, before locating a seat near the
back. The Sedai has always been a bit unkempt with the time she spends in
the gardens, but it seems like she's moreso now.

Jakeb turns and looks forward towards Neelkan. Though seeing Denn walk in,
Jakeb gets a little white and swallows hard. His green eyes try not to look
back at her. That'd make her nervous, maybe. OR at least that is what he
thinks.

Nathael tries not to interrupt too many people as he takes a seat late. Not
an impressive way to begin a career here. Still, he looks attentive to the
Master Gaidin.

Delila eyes Nathael and quirks a grin at his tactfulness. Of course, he
would really have to look to see her in the back corner and slightly out of
the light. Her ears were still attentive though, to the rather young Master
Gaidin speaking.

"I, uh.. I know what most of ya are thinkin'. What could a kid like m'
possibly know 'bout 'is?" Neelkan suddenly starts to play with his hair a
little, then stops himself. He's not good at this public speaking thing.
"'n know most of ya've heard 'bout how I hate women. 'n I do." Yeah right.
"On a general level, 'ey're self-fish and unfair, 'n stiff-headed.
Opinionated. Stubborn. Self-superior. Uh.. unfair." You already said that.
Doh. "I'm from Eharon though, so I grew up 'round some pretty extreme
examples." He looks towards his sister for a moment. Ahem. "The point is,
I'm prolly not what a lot of ya think an ideal Gaidin should b'. I'm loud.
Obnoixious. I don't have a very good control of m' emotions. 'n I hate
women." Yup. Doesn't sound like a typical Gaidin. Is that the right way to
start a speech?

Aidou coughs into her hand as -Shun'u- talks about some extreme examples.
Who? Her?? Extreme? She just goes around throwing logs at men's heads when
they misbehave. What could possibly be extreme about that? She is the very
picture of innocence as she smiles back at her brother. She has to agree
with the loud, obnoxious and lack of emotional control parts though and she
nods her head, continuing to listen.

Denn'ryiel tries not to chuckle out loud, and succeeds in just laughing
with the Gaidin silently. Sounded like a good solid, Neelkan-style opening
to her. She doesn't seem to have spotted Jakeb in the audience yet.

If Nathael could applaud, he would. Not that he thinks all women are
horrible, but there are exceptions, and those are the ones that usually
stand out. At least to this fellow Eharonian it seems that way.

Delila didn't get the joke. She wasn't going to sit here and listen about
how terrible women were. The novice taps her fingers on the desk
impatiently and scoots her chair out...already half up and out, and looking
at the door considering.

Tarmeil is just listening and doing what he's been doing for a while
now:Assimilating he people in the room. 1)Public Speaker Master Gaidin.
Check. 2)Bunch of guys who sound like street-fighters. Check 3) Sweet Lady
who sounds threatenig (Aidou). Check. He knows there are other, but he
doesn't know enough for an opinion, so hejust sits back and listens.

"Uh... I don't mean to disagree, but most women I've met aren't worth the
time of day. And then I came here." Jakeb speaks up to get conversation
going. Maybe he's trying to help Neelkan relax? "And the ones I met here
are pretty, kind, and some of them deserve us being nice to them. I don't
know about you, but I wouldn't be here if it weren't for a couple of them."
namely, Denn and Kyleigh. "But I've never been to Eharon."

"Yer right, Jake." Neelkan grins, looking pleased. He always liked that
boy. "But we'll get t' 'at in a second." Neelkan goes back over to the
chair and plops down on it. At least not backwards, sideways this time,
twisting the chair so he's facing them, an arm resting on the back, "Ya
see, women aren't the only ones who're like 'is. Men 'r like 'is too. When
I grew up, most the men I knew were cowed b' 'ey're wives 'n daughters. 'ey
weren't really good examples of men. 'en I left home" Ran away... "I found
some pretty bad examples of men. Men are just as bad as women. Perhaps, ya
could say in honesty, I hate just 'bout e'eryone. 'cept the ones 'at really
shine. 'n most of 'ose 'at d' are right 'ere in this Tower. I'm sure 'ere's
others, but the brightest ones I've seen 're 'ere." He glances at Denn for
a brief moment, then goes back to looking over the group.

Delila says "Isn't this lecture about the Gaidin program?' sort of
just...blurting it out. Delila always liked to get right the point and she
wasn't so fond of judging others the way this seemed to be going. Good or
bad, it just felt odd to her. Suddenly she realizes what she said and turns
red, then smiles nervously."

Aidou rolls her eyes slightly and inspects her nails and nods agreement
with the novice. "Get to the point Shun'u. What does any of this have to be
with being Gaidin?" Does she sound a touch... hurt? Yes, she does, but
she's clearly trying to hide it with a large round of indifference. "Women
are superior to men. That's a simple fact, and the sooner you realize it
and learn to love it the happier you'll be."

Tarmeil nods in approval,but says nothing. He smiles encouragingly,
inviting the no-too-long-ago-shy Neelkan to continue. At Aidou's words,
though, he smirks slightly, this time in disapproval.

Speaking of men Neelkan hates, Vermillion come stalking into the room. he
moves very quietly for one so large. All the same, there are a number of
people who look his way as he situates himself in a seat. 2 tower guards
follow along behind him asl always. **For the record, I'm just doing a
little time warping and assuming this lecture comes before Verm has his
mishap** :)

Denn'ryiel turns as she hears Jakeb's voice, and turns a little paler.
Later, though. She needs to have a talk with him as well. Turning back to
the conversation unfolding, she suddenly sees Neelkan's smile, and a smile
of her own blossoms on her face.

Jakeb frowns at Aidou. "Will you just let him talk, Aes Sedai? He's getting
there and besides, I want to hear his thoughts." Green eyes glance back to
Neelkan now and to what the master gaidin is saying. It's amazing that
gaidin likes him after the Luv effect stuff. "Go on, Gaidin Neelkan. It was
a good idea to have these lovely ladies give examples of what you are
saying."

Nathael looks up to see where Delila's voice came from, and chuckles
slightly at her forthrightness. Not many students would have had the
courage to interrupt the Master Gaidin, even if she is blushing now. He
returns his attention to the man on stage so that there's one less pair of
eyes troubling her.

Sigh! Neelkan was expecting this, but he laughs a moment, "A'right,
a'right. Blood 'n ashes." He makes a motion at Aidou as if to say silently
to the men 'look at what I had to put up with my whole bloody life?* He
hears Jakeb and grins widely, winking at the young man. Yup, he likes him.
"The point is, I've heard some people say I'm pretty good at bein' a
Gaidin, 'n a trainee 'en I was one, 'n f'r a long time I didn't agree. I
mean, come on. What're 'ey talkin' 'bout? I'm awful! I curse a lot! I don't
bow! I talk back t' the people." He smiles at Del, winking again just for
her to show he doesn't mind being interupted. "I had no idea what 'ey were
talkin' 'bout! I thought 'ey were crazy! 'n I only really found out right
after I 'came Gaidin. The day I 'greed to become a trainee, I swore m' life
t' the Tower. I didn't quite realized it 'en, but I did. M' life belongs
completely t' the Tower. 'n I would die in a second t' protect any one of
the women in 'is Tower. Aes Sedai, Accepted, Novice, e'en the servents. The
reason why I would go 'is far f'r 'em is a lil' hard t' 'xplain, but I
realize now 'at 'at's what makes a Gaidin different from just any ol'
fighter." He glances at Verm and then his eyes narrow, a slight glare.
Ahem. This isn't the time to glare at creepy Night Bringer guy.

Vermillion looks right back at the lecturer. Would you die for him Neelkan?
Wether he likes it or not, he's part of the tower now. So far Vermillion is
not impressed. The lecture is young though.

Denn'ryiel begins to shift her attention to the students, to see how they
are reacting to the instructor's unorthodox style. Her smile falters a bit
when she sees the other Sedai, but that's a patch to be tended later, she
supposes. All in all, she's fairly impressed.

Nathael nods, and relaxes more in his chair. This is obviously more of an
'absorb the ideas,' rather than 'take copious notes' kindof class.

Aidou turns and lets her hazel gaze rest on Jakeb. She is not upset. She is
not going to yell. She is not going to beat him over the head with a log.
"Shun'u has never had a problem expression his thoughts not matter what I
or anyone else say. The point of a lecture such as this is for students as
well as teachers to speak and make their thoughts known so that as a whole
everyone can grow and learn. And an example is precisely what I am here for
my young friend. Like it or not I helped create him by being who I am. So
maybe you should think about that before telling me to sit down and shut
up?" She doesn't raise her voice once during the whole speech. Instead she
is as calm and cool as a cucumber. Then she turns back towards Neelkan. She
doens't say anything to him. She's enjoying this opportunity to get inside
his head, even if she did have to retaliate a little for the barbs to her
pride. She follows the glare towards Verm and arches an eyebrow. She's
saving her words to reply to the inevitable Jakeb retort.

Delila relaxes herself, but she isn't smiling at anything. She simply
listens for now... She does spare a look to Vermillion though, whom she
didn't think would even be here.

As for the bickering between the others...Delila merely rolls her eyes.

Aidou wasn't bickering. She was setting the record straight.

Jakeb just turns to Aidou, "I don't believe I told you to sit down and shut
up. Just that I wanted to her what the man had to say." He's leaning back
and relaxed. Yes, too many women like this Aes Sedai right here. She is
-not- why Jakeb is here. One accepted believes in him and he's not going to
let her down.

Vermillion actually got permission from the Amyrlin to be at this lecture
if you can believe it. He's curious about how the tower trains its warriors
and technically, that is what this lecture is about. So there he sits,
quietly in the back of the room listening to every word this very very
young master gaidin has to say. He's not here to interrupt. He's here to
listen. So far this class...is not what he is used to, but then, nothing in
this tower is.

Cor'shae stands by the door and watches the interactions in the hall. He
raises an eyebrow at it not being what he expected. He glances at
Vermillion and nods to the large man, then looks for a seat and plants
himself down and listens.

The lecturer makes no move to stop his sis, but he does sigh a little. He
continues, in the same tone, "Ya see, in the end, m' sis is right. T' a
point." Neelkan adds quickly, before she dies of shock. "The women of the
Tower are superior t' m', in the grand scheme of things. /'ey/ are the ones
who make the important decisions. 'ey're the ones who fight off the
Dreadlords and the hoards of Shadowspawn. We have important uses, 'n I can
kill some Fades, but I would not want t' fight a Dreadlord. I've been
prisoner in 'at bloody fort, so I've been 'round some of 'em. I couldn't
fight one. I wouldn't have a chance. Aes Sedai are far more important 'an
me. But 'at isn't why I would die f'r 'em. It's a logical reason, 'n anyone
who knows me knows 'at I am 'bout as /far/ from logical as ya can get!" So
why would he die for them, hmm? Maybe he's pausing to see what people have
to say there (or maybe the pose was getting too big)

Delila did not like what she was hearing. She did not want to make the
generalization between men and women of simply...who is better. It didn't
sit well with her and at least it showed in her eyes. Delila wasn't about
to say anything because she didn't want to cause a big argument about it.
Even if it wasn't true, if the majority of the people believed it to be
true, then it simply was.... So, she just folds her arms and stares at the
young man.

Vermillion certainly can't argue. Any Night bringer who suggested they were
important in the grand scheme of things would be all but committing
blasphemy. They all know exactly who is important. That would be Graedal.
They're just...well people designed to make her life easier. Just like the
gaidin.

Nathael is a big fan of the theory that the right person at the right spot
at the right time is the most important. Certainly, with the gifts the
women here at the Tower have, they are more likely than not going to be
that person. But that doesn't mean that they are always the better, more
important people. The Wheel doesn't play favorites, after all. Of course,
none of this wisdom or lack thereof is shared out loud as he continues to
watch.

Denn'ryiel understands the reasoning behind Neelkan's lecture, even if she
doesn't agree with it. This is his moment though, so she continues studying
the students.

Tarmeil closes his eyes, apparently dosing off, but he leans forward, the
better to listen.

A man comes into the lecture hall, quietly entering. The advisor of the
Army stays in the shadows in the back, listening to what has to be said. He
takes no seat, but rather stands there in silence.

Aidou almost did die of shock! And it's pretty clear on her face too. At
least he tempers it with the 'to a point'. She gets a very bemused look on
her face as she listens to her brother. -Shun'u- is saying these things?
She might have to die from shock anyway... She murmurs quietly to Jakeb.
"Not an exact quote, but I expect a trainee to have enough creativity to
read between the lines of words."

Jakeb whispers back. "I would expect an Aes Sedai to have enough sense to
know that a trainee would never say something like that." But he glances
down to neelkan and continues on with the lecture, "So you protect them for
what reason?"

"The reason I would die f'r 'em is 'cause I fell f'r each 'n e'ery one of
'em. Each in 'er own way of course, I'm not talkin' romantic love. E'en ya,
Aidou." He's trying to give her another white streak it seems! "I honestly
hadn't the bloodiest idea what it was. I mean, come on! Me? Love? Bleh.
Disgustin'. But I realized 'at ya don't have t' like someone t' love 'em.
'n in m' own way, I love each 'n e'ery one of ya." Neelkan glances over all
the women present and keeps himself from blushing /somehow/. That sounds so
strange after a few moments ago he was saying how much he hated them...
"I'm not saying that all Gaidin 'r trainees need t' love all the women in
the Tower, though I certainly hope 'ey adore the women 'ey bond t' in some
way! I can't tell ya how t' b', 'r how not t' b' 'r how t' feel. Yer the
only one who can 'cide 'at f'r yerself." Real big fan of individualism
here, "All trainees don't have t' hold 'em 'bove yerself. I don't care what
yer reasons f'r protectin' 'em. The deal is, Gaidin aren't just 'ere t'
fight. We're not just trainin' f'r 'at. Ya wanna fight, ya should join the
army. Ya'll fight just as much 'ere. Ya wanna d' somethin' more, 'en 'is is
the right place f'r ya."

The advisor in the back crosses his arms and almost supresses a chuckle.

Vermillion just listens. Very likely his words would not be appreciated one
bit in this particular arena.

Jakeb gets silent all of a sudden. He wants to marry one of these women or
darn close to it. And heck no, he ain't gonna bond them or any of that
other stuff. He just wants one to be his. But they might not like to hear
that. especially since he was close to having Denn. Anyway... Jakeb's green
eyes glance around the room quietly looking for someone to disagree.

Nathael blinks, not expecting this turn. He's been here far too short to
make that sort of jump yet. This is certainly one of his more interesting
classes.

"Trainees will attempt to insinuate many things to an Aes Sedai, Jakeb.
Just because the don't say something out right doesn't mean they don't say
it at all." Aidou stops though at her brothers' next words and stares at
him. Neelkan might be able to keep from blushing but Aidou certainly can't.
He just- No, no, no. Gah! The Blue Sister -almost- has to excuse herself
and run out of the room. Sorry, she... doesn't handle love very well, even
(or rather especially) brotherly love. Heck, she hasn't even told -Tamon-
she loves him yet. Instead of running out though she leaps to her feet.
"You're crazy Shun'u! How can you say you're in love with every woman in
the Tower?!" Especially me! Even if it isn't romantic! that's just- just-
Gaaaaah!

Corlam smiles from the shadows at this display of...love. He lightly shakes
his head and turns for the exit.

Denn'ryiel continues to listen warmly to the Gaidin go on. He certainly
seems to be in his element tonight. (OOC: Sorry for the short pose)

Neelkan puts a hand to his forehead and sighs, "Shut up and sit down,
Aidou. If ya got somethin' constructive t' add, 'en add it." Oh, he has
nothing against saying that. That's a little more like it. "It doesn't
matter, a'right? I feel how I feel, so if ya got a problem with it, go
drink some milk." There. That's more like him. Though the milk insult will
be lost to most. "Now, ya know why /I'm/ a Gaidin, 'n why I dedicate m'
life t' protectin' 'em, I really am not sayin' 'is is how 'ey, ya have t'
b', I don't want ya t' b' like m'. This was supposed t' be on the trainin'
of Gaidin, 'n it is. I'm the one who's in charge of trainin' 'em. 'n I d'
what t' focus on protectin' the women of the Tower more 'en anythin' else.
'n not just 'em, but life in general. It's what sets us apart from the
Dark. I don't want to de-humanize ya, 'n I'm not gonna make ya match a
certain mold. I want 'em all t' be different, but with the same basic goal.
T' protect Aes Sedai so 'ey can d' their jobs. 'en Kaomi asked m' t' take
o'er, 'at's the only thing I want t' accomplish. 'n the reason I called
this lecture, is t' see if anyone thinks it's possible." So this is the
time when people can tell him he's a complete idiot.

Vermillion hmms. Interesting question. He'll have to ponder it. It's been
his experience that men do best when they are focused ona s ingle
objective. Certainly it makes training easier. Life in general, that seems
a little lofty to him. Still, he's listening. Namely to the reaction he
expects to the students now.

Nathael smiles a little bit at the mention of not wanting to de-humanize
everyone. He looks about to his seniors in the audience. He's had no
problems thus far, but that really hasn't accounted for much time.
Certainly others would be better suited to judge than he.

Vermillion does decide he should speak up. No he's not going to disagree
with the Master Gaidin in front of his students. He does feel the need to
note something for the record. "Do not make the mistake of assuming too
much gaidin. You don't know how your opposite numbers train their
soldiers." Vermillion does have some clue. "I fear they may be due more
credit then you give them."

Jakeb blinks and turns to Vermillion. "he didn't say anything about how the
others trained. just what he thinks and how he wants to train." Then jakeb
glances to neelkan as he stands up. "I think it's possible. But we do need
one goal that sets us apart and something to achieve. If it's training to
protect these women, even the ones that read too much into words," green
eyes look to Aidou and back to the Gaidin, "then I think that's wonderful."
He's got this wonderful lady to protect from a nasty bad cuss word.

Denn'ryiel frowns slightly at the sudden silence in the room. She gives the
Gaidin support visually with a smile, but has little else to offer. She
knows next to nothing about the Gaidin program here, after all.

"I don't take away credit from them, they're different from us. They're
methods are different." Neelkan sighs a moment, and decides to make a small
confession, "In fact, I didn't learn much here, quite honestly. Besides
what I've already discussed." Ahem, how to love. x.x; "I came here with the
skills in weapons that I have now. I wasn't trained by an army. I was
trained by all the dueling in Eharon, and when I left home, I was trained
by some fairly... immoral men." He doesn't /exactly/ say bandits. And did
his accent die for a few minutes? "You can fight with any method of
training, I just want to focus on this one.." He nods to Jakeb. "Thanks. At
least I'm not 'lone in 'is." There it is! "If no one has anythin' else t'
say, ya can leave." He doesn't seem discouraged, but he certainly isn't in
a good mood. Though, he's no more grumpy then usual.

Vermillion seems amused by the manner in which the young gaidin's accent
comes and goes. He just looks at the guy not sure what to say to that. He's
never heard a teacher tell his students that he didn't learn a damn thing
in school. If people don't learn a damn thing here...well you all are in
absolutely the deepest...err...nevermind

Strange that Aidou's presence here seems even less welcome than
Vermillion's. She can live with that though. People have been hating her
ever since she came to the Tower. In fact they've been hating her all her
life, but she can't help being who she is. She does shut up, but she
doesn't sit down, and she doesn't leave even though they've been
'dismissed'. Or perhaps she doesn't leave -because- they've been dismissed.
Besides, she still has something to give him, even though he's royally
pissed her off (and no, it's not a log to the head, much as her fingers
might be twitching for that). For once in her life though, she has
absolutely nothing to say.

Jakeb takes a deep breath and then nods to the master gaidin at the
dismissal. he bows to him and the Aes Sedai in the room before heading to
the door. He might need to invest in a helmet.

Nathael straightens back up and stands up, having nothing to say. He nods
to the other students as he files out with them out the door.

Denn'ryiel smiles a bit weakly and nods her head back to Jakeb. She
definately has to talk to him, sometime, but she's been putting off her
talk with Neelkan longer. First things first as the Sedai remains seated.

Neelkan stays seated near the front, just watching those that are leaving.
He doesn't notice those remaining right now, his eyes on the door.

Vermillion doesn't seem to be in a big hurry to leave either. Not in a rush
to be thrown off the roof I guess.

Seeing Denn'ryiel's nod, Jakeb moves to pass her on the way out. He doesn't
really know what to say to her so he just says, "Denn'ryiel Sedai, um,
thank you, but...well, no hard feelings here and if you wish to watch a
glass of ale" The lad rubs the back of his neck a moment, "and need
company, just let me know. I...have someone that I um, well, you
understand?" His geen eyes look to her with a tiny bit of hope that he
isn't going to upset her.

Aidou takes a deep breath and walks over to her brother. She pulls the
tessen out of her sash and hands it to him handle first. She doesn't say
anything, but her eyes are hard and cold, the same eyes that she had when
she came out of her Aes Sedai test with the shawl around her shoulders. She
wanted to give it to him... with a smile on her face and with a lot of fan
fare... but at this point she just wants to get rid of the burned thing and
be done with it.

Denn'ryiel blushes as the trainee stops by her, but nods back, with
understanding in her eyes. "There are no hard feelings here either, Jakeb.
You did help me through a bad time, and I thank you for that. I hope for
the best between you and your friend."

Neelkan takes the tessen and stands up, doing something quite odd, but not
many are here to watch. He wraps his arms heavily around his sister,
hugging her against him tightly. Softly, under his breath, he says, "I told
you I would never hate ya. Ye'h, I know it's a shock, but don't worry, I
love ma 'n the others t'. 'n just so ya know... I a'ways loved ya. E'en
when ya threw 'ose bloody logs at m'." He presses a kiss against her cheek
and lets her go. Boy, that love leave really messed him up.

Eeeeeep! Not in public! ;.; Aidou freezes as her brother -hugs- her. She
might have been able to handle it if they were alone, like in TAR or
something but there are still students here! She just stares at him, her
mouth falling open, and then she sighs softly, just... surrendering. She
actually... smiles a little but don't ask her why! "I give up. You win.
Just... don't tell me to drink milk again, ok?" The smile turns grimacy for
a moment. Not that she has anything against milk, she just knows that with
his feelings about it that's about the worst thing he can tell someone to
go do. And it hurt her, and she doesn't like admitting that. And don't
expect her to say any lovey dovey stuff back! That would actually be
talking about her feelings, and she's just not to that point yet. Maybe she
-should- have been affected by the love weaves. ;) It might have done her
some good.

Jakeb smiles softly and then takes Denn's hand to kiss the back of it.
"Thank you. Though, um... I don't think anything will come of my hopes, but
maybe friends. She's... she doesn't kiss boys." He shrugs softly not really
bothered by it. He'll just wait and be patient. Besides, they are only
friends. He told her that and doesn't expect nothing more.

She kisses girls?

Denn'ryiel shakes her head. "Don't get too down, Jakeb. If you are as much
a gentleman to her as you were to me, I'm sure the possibility exists that
things could change. You'd be surprised what kind of odd things happen
around here." Then again, you were here for the love weave, so maybe you
wouldn't be.

Neelkan backs away from his sis, raising his eyebrow at the mention of him
winning, then nods, "A'right, a'right. No more milk-drinkin' f'r ya." He
winks, then starts to go to clean up the stuff he had set up.

Aidou makes a rather hasty departure after that. She has a lot to think
about.

Jakeb nods to Denn and then gives her a deep bow. "Until another time, then
m'Lady Denn'ryiel. If you need me, the practice yard or the stables are
good places to look. Or ask the master Gaidin." He nods her farewell and
then heads out of the room.

Denn'ryiel smiles as Jakeb leaves, watching her once-future Gaidin depart.
One thing to be said for those times, they were certainly simpler. She
turns back to Neelkan now, surprised slightly that they are alone, save for
Vermillion.

Neelkan pulls some blankets off the boards and things off to the side,
wrapping them up silently. He turns around to begin piling them and notices
Denn is still there. He immediately pauses and looks alittle sheepish. She
was smiling at him, so... does that mean she doesn't hate him anymore?

Vermillion decides to leave as well. He's said what he felt he needed to
say. Nevermind that the gaidin had little to say in response.

Denn'ryiel is smiling again, if a bit weakly. She rises from her seat and
walks down towards the bottom of the lecture hall. "You gave a good lecture
tonight," she starts off, going with something safe.

Neelkan scratches his hair with his free hand and drops the blankets into a
small pile next to the chair, "Um, 'anks. I don't really know how it went.
I think 'ey all fell asleep." He looks a little sheepish and shrugs, moving
to go get a few of the others, occupy his attention a little. It isn't that
he's afraid of Denn really, but he isn't sure how she's going to be to him,
especially after the last time they spoke. "I'm glad ya came." he adds,
glancing back to smile.

Denn'ryiel nods her head, and looks down for a moment, probably trying to
gain strength. "Neelkan, about what I said to you earlier... This weave was
an easy excuse; I don't think it covered everything. I had no right to say
everything that I did, and I'm sorry."

"It's a'right. I deserved it." Neelkan seems to think he did, shrugging
again. He folds another blanket and tosses it down in the pile, then offers
the seat. "Why don't ya sit down. Ya don't need t' stand 'ere." He grins.
"'n I'm sorry t'. E'en with the weave... I shouldn't've let Kaomi bond m'
without tellin' ya first. I should've at least told ya 'fore I did. Ya
shouldn't've found out 'at way."

Denn'ryiel nods her head, and sits down in the impromptu chair. "I guess
the two cancel each other out a bit," she smiles, trying to find humor in
the situation. "It's alright with me, Neelkan. It's over and done with. I
think it's time we had a talk about where to go from here."

There's a long pause and Neelkan doesn't look at her. "I.. Denn.." He
trails off. Whatever it is he wants to say, doesn't seem to want to come
out. He rubs a hand through his hair and kneels down to get the blankets
folded better (though it isn't really needed).

Denn'ryiel purses her lips, and decides to speak first. "I've spoken to
Kaomi already. If it helps, there's no bad blood between us over this." She
pauses to let that little bit of good news sink in. "There are three
options I guess. Kaomi could retain your bond, though I guess you'd have to
talk to her about that. She can dissolve it. Or... or she could... pass it
to someone else."

Lowering his head, Neelkan presses his face into his hand, forehead resting
on the pad. "Denn, I really don't.. I mean.. I need t' think 'bout 'is. I
don't.. know what t' do 'xactly. I know 'at ya wanted t' bond m', but I had
no idea what 'is bond would mean. It's... not like I thought at all."

Denn'ryiel nods her head, with a small sigh. She fails to keep her
disappointment completely hidden. "Whatever you may have heard, I never
Bonded Jakeb." She pauses once again. "It's good, since it's one less
uncomfortable loose end to tie up, but... in a way I almost envy you. I
still have no idea what Bonding will be like. Regardless, though, I don't
want to force you. If you're not ready, then you're not ready. You're worth
wwaiting for," she concludes, with a small smile to try and lighten
Neelkan's mood.

"I didn't hear anythin' 'bout 'at, but I heard Jakeb was... helpin' ya."
Neelkan smiles, lifting his head to look at her, "I'm glad he helped ya."
He's glad she had someone to talk to, believe it or not, even with Kaomi
sitting in the back of his head, he had no one. He wouldn't burden Kaomi
with it. She had many other things to worry about. "I'll give it a lot of
thought, 'n I'll talk t' Kaomi, 'n see what she thinks."

Denn'ryiel nods but frowns slightly. "There's a little more you should
know, though," she says. "It's secret, but the Amrylin doesn't mind you
knowing. Have you heard of the buildup occuring in Jaramaide?"

"A lil'. Just what e'eryone else has heard." Neelkan seems to be a little
more comfortable about the change of subject, "What about it? Is 'is
somethin' I should be lookin' int', 'r ya gonna tell m' 'bout it now?"

Denn'ryiel shakes her head. "The Amyrlin believes they have about 350,000
troops, and outnumber us channeller-wise two to one. However, we don't
really have any troops up near the border, so it's hard to tell."

"Hmmm. Well we should prolly get someone up 'ere t' find out." Neelkan
shrugs, it only sounds reasonable to him. "It'll be pretty bad if 'ey have
all 'ose people." He stands up, moving over to look at her where she is.

Denn'ryiel nods, and looks down at the blankets she's sitting on. She
smooths out a wrinkle caused by her weight before she answers. "Kaomi
agrees with your logic. That's why she's sending me."

Neelkan blinks. "But.. ya.." He sighs. He isn't one to protest with what
she's going to go do. He thinks she can do it, it isn't that, he's just
worried about her. He worries a lot. Like he said, he's in love (in his own
strange way) with every woman in the Tower. And Denn is one of the ones
that's more loved than most. "I'm sure ya'll d' fine, but is Kaomi gonna
send anyone with ya?"

Denn'ryiel sighs, and feels a weight suddenly fall in her chest. She
juggled this badly, and now has no way of answering that question in
complete honesty. "You were the only other one she suggested. A scouting
mission shouldn't have a large party anyways."

Neelkan stays silent for a while, then says, "I could prolly go. I mean..
ya'll need someone t' watch yer back, 'n ya a'ready know how I feel 'bout
ya, 'n all the 'Sedai at 'at." But her especially. "If ya want m' t' go,
'en I'll go."

Denn'ryiel nods her head. "I'd apprieciate it. But you also have a lot of
work here, now that you're Master Gaidin. And I am proud of you; I wasn't
lying before when I said I knew you were capable of it." She pauses before
continuing. "Whichever you feel is best, I leave the decision up to you. I
won't lay any guilt on you regardless of your choice."

"I just need t' raise a couple students, 'en I'll be able t' go." Neelkan
smiles at her, "The program won't fall 'part in a few weeks while I'm gone.
I'm sure the others'll keep the slack up. 'ey won't be as good as me of
course...!" He winks, he's kidding, "But 'en 'gain, I don't think I'd trust
anyone else t' keep an eye on ya." He reaches over and pinches her nose.

Denn'ryiel chuckles back, and looks back up into Neelkan's face. Her smile
has returned, partway at least. "Thank you, Neelkan. It... means a lot to
me. I've missed you, even when my mind was clouded."

"I hope ya didn't miss m' too much. I hate t' think 'at it might've been
difficult on ya." Neelkan smiles and plants a quick kiss on her cheek while
he can, "E'en if we don't bond, ya can a'ways consider m' yer Warder." Of
course, he considers himself to be the Warder of every woman in the Tower
right now.