The Game and the Yards. . .[Attn: Avram/Jiggity]

[Roan]

Riahana studied the man in front of her for a few seconds before she answered, "I originally came to the Tower to be tested for the spark since a number of women and men in my family have gone on to be Aes Sedai and Asha'man. I didn't have the ability to channel, but I wanted to be a part of the Tower. . .to make a difference in the world. Having said that, every single person who signs the Roster for the Yards have their own reasons. Not all wish to make a difference. Some may be running from their past, others may come to us because they have nothing else, and others still are driven to fight the Shadow in whatever manner they can.

"It is not uncommon for the Drin' that come to us to wonder if they'll measure up to our standards, but I can guarantee you that Master Darrow would have words with you if he thought you were not measuring up. To be honest, I doubt he'd let it come to something as harsh as that, as his job is to guide your training and see that you are on the best path forward to prepare you to be raised to Ji'. If you are ever in doubt about your worth, speak to him about your progress, " she explained. "Don't just look for what you are doing well at, but look too at what areas you can focus on to become a better Drin', and ultimately, a better Gaidin.

"Self doubt is a demon we all fight at all times, but it is better you face it here, and gain the skill needed to provide you with true confidence," with this she smirked slightly, "Confidence. . .not bravado. It is also important to know the difference. Bravado can get you killed. Confidence and the skill to back it up can save your life."

[Jiggity]

Avram

Avram stood, listening intently for her to finish. Coming to make a difference resonated with him; he had wanted to make a difference, and if his motives had been more selfish than hers... Well, no one needed to know that did they? But it was also a relief to know that not everyone had come here as a shining paladin of the Light, wanting to bring truth and justice to all corners of the world. He had sort of already known that, but it was still a relief to hear. Frankly, he'd like to keep as far away from the Shadow as possible. People are bad enough to deal with, thank you very much.

"Thank you for reassuring me." He said, once she had finished. "I thought Master Darrow would have told me if I was doing very badly, but it is still good to hear it from someone else. I know I still have much to improve. Both with weapons and with people. For the rest... Bravado is when people think you're good. Confidence is being good. I had to manage the first for a bit. I'm here to get the second." He flashed a quick smile. "I'll keep doubting myself so long as it keeps me getting better though. I'm sure I'll always be able to get a little better than I am."

The moment of relaxation vanished once more. The tide of doubt in his head flowed back in, and he realized that he had been standing here talking like a cotton-headed oaf to the Mistress of bloody Arms and panicked slightly. Well, slightly enough that he was able to compensate by locking his hands together behind his back and frantically reviewing what he had learned through the conversation to be able to write it down later.

[Roan]

"Master Darrow will be one of the first to inform you if you are doing poorly, of that, there is no doubt. It is his job as Master of Training to make sure all Drin' and Ji' progress in their training," Riahana replied. She rested her left hand on the hilt of her sword while her right casually gripped her sword belt.

The morning sun cast a pink-ish orange glow across the Yards, and activity around the pair seemed to pick up. A bell tolled, sounding the top of the hour, and Ria looked towards the direction of the sounding bell, "The bell means it is time for me to retire to my office and attend to my duties. I believe it also means the start of classes for you, Drin'far'ji. You are still fairly new to these Yards. Confidence will come over time. Be patient with yourself, and if you are unsure of how you are progressing, then arrange to speak with Master Darrow. He should be able to help identify your strengths and weaknesses, and help you come up with a plan to work on those weaknesses."

With a slight nod to Avram, Ria finished their conversation. "Enjoy the rest of the day, Drin'far'ji. Do not be tardy for class." She offered a small smile before turning on her heal and making her way to the Warder Hall, and ultimately, her office.

OOC: Sorry it is short and sweet, but it seemed the thread was coming to an end, so I wrapped it up.