Tia still wasn’t sure what to think about the title, and wasn’t exactly sure she wanted the responsibility that came with it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t really her choice. Those more senior to her thought she’d be a good fit, and given recent troubles, not many wanted the mantle. It was like everyone but Tia took a giant step back, and she was left looking as if she’d stepped forward.
Looking around the office, the Aes Sedai furrowed her brows. She was told she ‘should make the office her own.’ She didn’t even know where to start. The desk dominated the room. On the wall to either side were book shelves, and opposite the desk were a couple of chairs. Off to one side was a fire place with a little seating area where she could share tea with whomever might visit.
Of course, the office was not new to Tia. She’d seen it when she’d been a Novice and Accepted, though she hadn’t spent much time within its walls. She tended to just get on with things, and avoided pranks when she’d been in the learning ranks. She knew some of her predecessors had doled out harsh punishments for those who stepped out of line. Did she have it in her to be a harsh disciplinarian?
Not likely, Tia thought to herself.
The desk was intimidating, but the Green Sister made herself sit behind it and pull forward the ledger that was in front of her. She’d been given a quick, ‘This is what your role entails’ overview by the former Mistress of Novices, but Velanya Sedai didn’t seem too keen to spend much time with Tia going through what was what.
Just as well, the Green thought. She wasn’t like most of her Sisters that wandered the halls. Truth be told, in her mind too many of them walked along as if they had a whip up their arses for no other reason than they wore the Shawl. Perhaps being a part of the Sha’hal clan meant she knew the Aes Sedai facade for what it was. . . a facade, and nothing more.
Shifting in the chair, Tia tried to get comfortable, but she suddenly felt very small, and the office very large. Oh what would she do to be back on the walls of the Citadel.
Before Tia’s mind could wander much, there was a knock at the door, “Mistress. . .you have a visitor.” The Accepted who stuck her head in did a quick curtsey and waited for Tia to acknowledge.
The Aes Sedai had been told there might be a new Novice joining the Tower today. It would be the first Novice she’d bring into the Tower as Mistress of Novices. Nodding, Tia replied, “Send her in.” She tried to make herself look comfortable in the chair, but it seemed impossible.