Where's That Book!

[Hedwig]

Thread Roulette Ravell picked up her pen and started tapping the bridge of her nose with its end. She had been at this for two hours and still could not understand any of it. Haekar Fu'tal's and Kenzi's theories on the One Power made absolutely no sense when combined together, but each standing on it's own was perfectly sensible?

Well she was not about to ask an Aes Sedai for help. She had a feeling each one would have a different answer for her that would leave her more confused than she had been in the beginning. Obviously, not everyone had the same understanding of the One Power, but these women must have built their own views through years of experience. She wanted to do so as well. To create her own theory relating to the One Power and the True Source. Unfortunately, she knew she had to do a lot of studying.

The librarian had been helpful enough to give her old, handwritten notebooks filled with philosophy. After the fourth notebook, Ravell had realized that although they all spoke of the same subject, they were missing something important that should connect them to each other that she simply could not put her finger on. Without it they felt completely illogical, and her brain was itching to find the answer.

She flipped another page and quickly scanned the words. The scribbled footnote made her pause. This ideal is further explained in Laina' book, Whirlpools of the Pattern. Making up her mind, seeing that continuing to read this would only frustrate her even more, she picked up her notebook, blew out the candleshe was using and headed out of her room.

Several novices smiled at her as they hurried past her towards their chores. Most of the girls here were nice. She still found the way they walk, though, incredibly amusing. She did not bother herself with trying to imitate a useless glide. What was the point of walking elegantly when you needed to be somewhere quickly? She allowed a small smile to stretch her lips as she strode purposefully until she was at her destination.

The library was fairly empty and the librarian seemed rather surprised -as much as an Aes Sedai could look surprised- to see her standing there in front of her. And when she asked where she could find the book the woman's eyebrows soared up her forehead. It seems this book isn't popular with the novices. Not that that mattered to her. She wanted to read that book or her head might just explode. Actually, the librarian's reaction made her want to read it all the more.

She made her way quietly towards the shelves the Aes Sedai had told her the book should be in. After searching half a dozen times, though, the book was no where to be found. Could someone have taken it to their rooms? No, the librarian would have told her the book was not currently in the library. Where's was it then?

She began looking around. Maybe someone had left it on a table somewhere. Her steps became quicker with every passing second until she feared she was making too much noise and slowed down. It's a bloody book. Where in light's name can it be?

At the next turn she froze. There it was, in the hands of a dark-haired woman sitting at the end of the table. The title was so large on the cover she could clearly read it from where she stood at the other end. What was she going to do? Not only was the book in use, a full Aes Sedai was using it. Perhaps she could go back to her rooms and study something else and wait for- No, no, no! She would not be able to think of anything else before she read that one, and she knew it.

One full minute went by as she tried to think what to do. Then, taking a deep breath she made her way to the Aes Sedai and curtsied. "Aes Sedai, sorry to disturb you, but are you done with that book?"

[Carra]

Maegan Ryanne The former-Red had not yet found her barrings in this new Tower and despite the return of the One Power, Maegan Ryanne was not yet read to commit to an Ajah. Perhaps it was because her former had burned her so badly in secret, but at the core of truth Maegan found a new peace in this freedom. It was euphoric. And like any good potential Brown, the former Aes Sedai of the White Tower was avoiding the Amyrlin Seat by hiding away in the closest Library.

After spending the first two days reading up on the Gray Tower's history; which really had not taken her long, Maegan found her eye's wandering to an old topic that she favored. Finding a copy of Whirlpools of the Pattern was both noteworthy and interesting to her, since this was referenced by a few of her other works that were in the White Tower, or in Caemlyn, but never could she get her hands on a copy. Maegan had assumed it was lost, or never completed. It was not an old book and it wasn't uncommon for newer authors to have uncompleted works.

It was the voice the broke through her reading that caused her to look up. Being called Aes Sedai was more than familiar, but after spending time to look in the mirror and see perhaps a daughter looking back at her, Maegan felt odd to correct her even though it was untrue. She was Aes Sedai in spirit but she no longer held oaths engraven on her bones. Nor did she call an Ajah home. But that was her burden to bare and not this child.

"No, I am not." Maegan said, although there was a certain scholarly calmness that neither talked down to the girl nor a tone that could make her feel small. "I started it just yesterday but I should be done tomorrow. Did you need it for a class? Or some kind of research?" She looked the Novice over. "This is quite heavy reading, why are you interested in it? Do you like studying the Pattern?"

[Hedwig]

Lucky me, Ravell thought grimly. Would the woman consider it rude if she offered to duel her for the book? What am I saying! She'd probably send me straight to the Mistress of Novices if I uttered the words. Then again, she might be one of the amiable Aes Sedai, meaning she would simply accept her offer but make it a duel of words, not of blades. You really never could tell with these women. They all looked like serenity incarnate, but say the wrong word to the wrong one and you might as well forget about chairs for the rest of the week.

No, a duel would not do. 'Never challenge a foreigner to a fight,' her father once told her, 'they might take it the wrong way.' Besides, this might be interpreted as a childish action, and if one more person called her child, she was going to- She sighed. There was nothing to be done about that. Not for now, at least.

Perhaps she could convince her to give the book over. But how? She did not need the book for class, and somehow, she did not see the woman giving her book just by saying 'I want to know if this contains what I'm looking for, which even I don't know what that might be...' You've nothing to lose, though, she told herself. Give it a try.

"I'm rather interested in finding out how things work, Aes Sedai, and I've discovered that to learn how the One Power works, I have to understand its origins. The True Source is of the Pattern. To understand the first I need to learn more about the second. I found this title in a reference in Kenzi's journal and I think it would help me to better understand his theories." She hesitated, holding her notebook tightly against her middle. "I don't always get free time to spend as I wish, what with all my chores and classes, so I can't be sure when I'll be able to continue studying the subject. Today could be my last chance to read this book, at least until -if- I am raised to Accepted." Ravell wondered whether she had overstepped her boundaries. But it was true. What if this was her last chance to read it?

[Carra]

Maegan Ryanne A new novice! Maegan could not help but warm her smile, she always had a soft spot for novices. The well intentioned ones, anyway. "I sense an Ebou Dar accent?" Accents were about as common place as a writers lips in penmenship. It spoke a lot of where one came from even if it held no bearing on where they were going. Certainly not at the White Tower.

Grey. Maegan mentally scolded herself. It would take a long time to break her of speaking of the White Tower as if she had any connection to it anymore. This was the Grey Tower, and it was muchly different. "Did you learn to spar with swords or daggers? There was a novice once, many years back, that used to boast of her skill in the sword. Turned out she was better with the daggers and hid that secret well for many years. Nearly a generation, I suppose." Meagan pondered.

"If you would like the book, I don't see why you can't read it. But I would like it back sooner than later." She snapped the book shut, and handed it over, the page number memorized and stored away for its return. "There is lots to learn about the One Power, Saidar and the Pattern. I have not finished the book myself, but I doubt it will have all the answers. But if you like, perhaps I could help teach you." She had way more free time then she used to, and until she found a home in the Grey Tower Maegan no longer had a place to even begin starting her workshop up all over again. Perhaps teaching will help her find a new path in life, even if the Academy was not that far away if she needed it. "What is your name, child?"

[Hedwig]

Ravell instantly felt lighter as the woman smiled at her. "Yes, Aes Sedai, I'm Ebou Dari. My name is Ravell Dimas." Should she ask for her name? Or would that be considered impolite? She might not want to give her name to a novice. She did anyway. "I'm afraid I don't know your name." There! It wasn't a direct question, and it was humble enough. Before the pause could grow longer she continued, "And yes, everyone knows how to use daggers in Altara, but I prefer quarterstaffs."

Her fingers brushed lightly against the silvery shade of the cover. That was a little too easy. She just gave her the book. Ravell knew it would not contain all of her answers; that was the whole point of her research. You picked up several books, sifted through them, then used the information you found like blocks to build a house.

But what about the knowledge in this Aes Sedai's head? She could ask her a few questions now. If the answers were not what she was seeking, then she had merely gained a new perspective to add the growing pile in the back of her mind.

She was about to say, 'If you think you can help me, I'm all ears,' before she remembered where she was and how this woman might react. This isn't your best friend! "I would be grateful if you helped me with my research," she finally said with a smile. "And if it wouldn't be a bother, I do have a few questions."

[Carra]

Maegan Ryanne "Ravell. That is a lovely name." Maegan said with warmth. This was her first real interaction with a young initiate in a long time and the honesty in its innocence was a luxury. "I am Maegan Ryanne. Mae, if you please." She did not specify if she was Aes Sedai or not, it would be confusing to explain to most let alone a Novice.

She could not help the chuckle that escaped her lips as Ravell hesitated in her acceptance to Maegan's offer. So close to trusting yet so hesitant. Maegan could not decide which would benefit her more. Trusting blindly would only lead her to her demise, and yet being willing to trust was so incredibly essential to the survival of the Tower as a whole. Either Tower, really.

"You really must be careful with using the word 'research' in the ears of the Brown Ajah, for they will sweep you up into their arms and never let you leave." There was a twinkle of humor in Maegan's eyes. The looseness of her tongue without the Oaths were quite... euphoric. Not that she spoke a lie, lies served no purpose. "But I would be happy to answer what I can. I have spent many decades dedicated to trying to understand the One Power, Saidar specifically. I have had little contact with Saidin to understand it the way most in the Grey Tower do, but at least I can help you with one half of it." She looked over the novice thoughtfully. Without a permanent set of quarters she would have to find a way to meet up with the girl until Maegan finalized at least one choice. "Do you have any place you need to be, or do you have spar time for a chat and tea?"

[Hedwig]

Ravell had to blink several times to wash away her confusion. Was she an Aes Sedai, or wasn't she? She did look it; she spoke and acted the same. No matter, if she wanted her to call her by just her name, Ravell was not about to make a fuss over it.

Did she mean what she said about the Brown Ajah? She felt slightly panicky. She did not want a Brown hovering over her head for the rest of her stay here. She might like to study, but she most definitely did not want the boring life of a Brown. Why under the light would anyone forsake open air and the sun for a confining room with books? Her eyes darted around, as if to make sure no one else was here listening.

"I have nothing to do for the rest of the day. A chat would be nice. Should we stay here, or do you think the weather allows a stroll in the back gardens?" she asked, gazing wistfully at the window at the far end of the bookcases.

[Carra]

Maegan Ryanne Maegan could not help but catch the girls hesitation and the way she shifted her feet. Maegan adjusted the spectacles on her nose, and looked at the girl more steadily. She might be partially blind but few things rarely passed by her, yet since the girl seemed skittish about something Maegan could only guess and play her timing with the girl carefully not to send her running. odd, she expected Ravell to have more of a backbone, requesting a book from someone not Novice or Accepted.

"Let us get some sun, Ravell." Maegan smiled kindly. Picking herself up from the chair, she smoothed out the odd wrinkle enough to let the soft fabric fall into place, not bothering to fix the more stubborn creases since she barely could see them anyway. A perfect dress was not a priority for her. "I do believe the weather is perfect for a nice walk."

Leading the child out of the Library kept by the Brown Aes Sedai of the Grey Tower, Maegan could not help but relax in the depth of green in the library. She found herself amazed by the Grey Tower in a similar way that she was of the White Tower when she was a little girl. It didn't hold the same ache as the White Tower, instead held marvel and ingenuity that she had never seen in her travels. The glass of her walls.. "Beautiful." Maegan breathed. "I think I could live yet another lifetime and never grow tired of this place." She spoke, in honesty and remembrance. Much of her life was spent not in the White Tower but in her little Academy, the garden there her oasis. But this place just took her breath away.

"So, Ravell. What are you most interested in learning? What have you found a challenge in your readings?

[Hedwig]

The moment they stepped into the gardens, she felt as if a hand that had been constricting her had just loosened, though it did not let go. She inhaled deeply the familiar scents of the earth and sky and smiled as she took in all the ravishing colors. She had not been to this particular garden before. It was enchanting. The sparse trees seemed to be connected, their web-like canopy offering both shade and sunlight. The whole thing was an explosion of flowers. The garden was a vivid painting that spoke to her in a language she had lived her childhood surrounded by. Here, she was finally in her element.

The garden was empty but for them and a young man sitting on a stone bench, so engrossed in a thick book in his hands he did not seem to notice their arrival. Seeing that most had free time around this time of day, this place must be rarely used. Perfect. She would come here if she ever felt the need to escape.

An exotic flower caught Ravell's eyes. She had never seen the like. A dark yellow tipped with black, and had only three, rather long petals. Oddly, it gave off no smell of any kind. It was beautiful, though. "What is it called?" she wondered aloud.

Then Mae's question registered and she remembered to answer. "Well, my first question had been that if saidar and saidin both are creations of the pattern and are born of the True Source, why are they so different, but then I realized that that would be the same as asking why are people so different from each other. I tried skipping that, but later as I was reading I got stuck on something related. Why are they opposites? Why don't they simply variate within each other? Logically, I understand why they are opposites, but if you look at it with more care, they're not really opposites. They share too much for that.

"But that's not what I wanted to ask," she chuckled. This was not the first time she had tried to say something and ended up saying another. "What I want to know is, if the One Power is of the pattern, how can it be used to reshape the pattern? If that's what it does, anyway. Reshape it, I mean. I'm still new to all of this and there's so much that I don't know, so excuse me if this is basic knowledge." She grinned. "Your thoughts?"

[Carra]

Maegan Ryanne "What is it called?" Ravall wondered aloud.

Maegan looked over at the flower that the girl was wondering on, a golden thistle, and made a note to herself to pass by the herbology sections of the library to help the girl learn. If she was so interested in learning, sometimes a little research went a long way.

The train of the girl's thought, however was fascinating to Maegan and she listened intently. Ravall had a passion that was rare among the Novices and it spoke to her heart. Knowledge was more than just books, even if so much of it was recorded there.

"At its very core, the One Power is all about Balance. Just how there must always be Light and Dark, so must there be Balance in the use of the One Power. The fascinating thing about the Grey Tower is that it has worked to create a balance between male and female channelers that had been so painfully out of balance when the Dark One tainted Saidin.

"Saidin, from what I am told requires the channeler to grasp and control it while we know that Saidar is about embracing it. They both feel differently even though they come from the same source, the True Source. As you know from your lessons in touching Saidar, right?" Maegan saw Ravall nod her head that she remembered. "As for why it is different, that has been the debate of many scholars. Unlike some, I do put a certain amount of faith in the Creator so what I don't understand is likely something he or she does not want us to understand. He allows a certain influence on the Pattern through Ta'veren, but even still he lets us do things or our own free will. The Dark One takes a more active interest in shifting the balance of the Pattern into his favor, and so reshaping it will likely cause more harm then good."

Maegan gave a thoughtful look, gazing over the edges of the flowers as her mind pulled out thoughts from varied texts. "The Pattern is a precious and nearly untouchable aspect of the world. There is so much that we can understand and derive from it, which is likely where the phrase 'the wheel weaves as it wills' because the Pattern is so far outside of our sphere of understanding. As deep of a topic it is, how do we know we are touching the Pattern? How can we derive from the Pattern and read it to know how to reshape it? And, one of the more important questions that you will need to ask yourself as you further your studies to become Aes Sedai, just because you have the power to touch it, do you dare disturb it? By what right do you have that makes you wiser then the Pattern, which is already woven, to change it?"