Beron
Beron had failed to notice when Bastian arrived, as he had been laying out the tableware in the manner he was most used to. As a result, the poor Ji'val had been standing with two small forks that to his mind served no purpose. Scratching his head, Beron turned when he heard Andraste Sedai address another and he was relieved to see Bastian. Though he had only spent the one afternoon of ax instruction with the large man, there was a simple directness to Bastian that Beron appreciated. I suppose it's the Borderlander in me. A simple meal, well made with lot to enjoy is much better than whatever requires three different forks, thought Beron with a shake of his head.
It also didn't help that the other man was staring like he had been stationed on a watchtower with nothing but ugly veterans to enjoy looking at. Although as she spoke and moved through her room with an undeniable grace, Beron had to admit Andraste was beautiful.
"Welcome to you both," she said easily. "I'm sure you're very curious about this lesson.
"Well, it is fairly simple. An Aes Sedai or Asha'man might be called upon to attend any number of functions in formal settings. Their warder will need to go with them, ready to defend them as needed but also able to blend in to the situation. So, to assure you are able to do so when raised and bonded, we will be having...a lesson in decorum, shall we say."
At the words decorum and functions, Beron could feel his heart droop. He had only had the occasion to attend a truly formal function once; a reward for a particularly timely save of his captain with news that had prevented a major blunder. The tide of lace and scents haunted him to this day, and he felt red faced as he recalled standing there watching women wave fans at each other; and somehow knowing all the while it was about the smell of horse he had carried everywhere as a scout.
"Today, we will simply discuss it and share a meal, but I will be attending a formal event in the near future and the both of you will be going with me." She smiled. "Any questions so far?"
"I have to admit I have no questions Aes Sedai, although to be honest I feel like I should have a hundred," Beron replied truthfully as he sat down heavily on the chair he pulled out. Belatedly, he realized that Andraste had been standing there, and with a mutter apology he stood and pulled her chair out for her as she sat. A pleasant perfume washed over his nose, and he grew even more red faced when he realized he had smelled her hair almost by accident. "Oh by the Light, I am sorry Aes Sedai. I honestly feel like this might be a mistake," Beron said with an apology as he waved his hand at the silverware he had simply piled on the tablecloth.
"I have learned a lot since arriving here, and with my new rank I know bonding and serving as a Gaidin is my goal; I just can't help but feel like a Saldaean colt brought into the dress shop. But if there is enough time, and with your patience I will try to not stab myself with these extra forks," Beron said stiffly as he wrapped himself in the ko'di to help control his nerves and embarrassment.