Philosophy of the Mind [Attn: Craig] COMPLETE

[Jenny]

After dinner, Mirin went to the Library, where she usually spent her evenings. It was her favorite place in the Tower. Every time she stepped between the ornate set of double doors, she felt a sense of awe that never faded. Books, thousands of books, filled with knowledge. Mirin had not been well-read when she first arrived the Tower, though her mother had taught her to read so she could help take down notes and write messages for customers. But Mirin had always admired knowledge, because knowledge was power. She also had a quick mind and a desperate, burning desire to learn.

And so, for the last four years, she had spent most of her time studying in the Library. She walked up to the librarian at the counter. “Do you know where I can find Essays of Willim of Maneches?” she asked.

The librarian looked in her records. “It has been checked out by Ravak Darrow.”

“Ravak Darrow?”

“Yes. He is a Drin’far’ji. Reddish hair, average height. Shienaran,” said the librarian. Mirin shook her head. She would never be able to find the man.

The librarian continued, “Oh, and he is always sitting in the back right corner. I think he might be there now. I saw him pass by an hour ago.”

Why couldn’t the woman had said so in the first place? Mirin barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes. Instead, she politely thanked the librarian and went in search for Ravak. She found him sitting in a comfortable chair in the back right corner of the Library, just as the librarian had described. Surprisingly, she recognized the man. She had seen him with a novice, Aikaterine Riatin, a few days ago.

“Ravak? I need to study the Essays of Willim of Maneches for a class tomorrow. The librarian told me that you have it. May I borrow it for tonight?”

She tapped her lip thoughtfully. “By the way, I saw A History of the High King sitting on the table when I last saw you here in the Library. Were you the one reading it, or was it Aikaterine?” she asked. Her grey eyes sparkled with curiosity.

[Craig]

Ravak Darrow

Ravak winced as he straightened his shirt, brushing an accumulation of white onto the ground. Beneath his uniform was an assemblage of throbbing pains that would turn his torso black and yellow come the morrow. He had earlier trained with a fellow Drin who didn't grasp that spars were about refining your technique, as opposed to pummelling your sparring partner until he was numb. Well, it hadn't quite been that bad, but the Kandori was better trained in forms, and had made several illustrations of that fact on the Shienaran's body.

He had skipped dinner after that particular session, and came instead to the library for some much needed rest. Pulling three or four books out, he settled in his favourite seat in the Tower's library, the seat in which he had first met Katrie. His blue-grey eyes twinkled thinking on her, but the rest of his visage was the dour glare he often wore. He had started the evening on King Aemon al Caar al Thorin, an unpleasant read about the fall of the kingdom of Manetheren during the Trolloc Wars. How he thumbed through a biography on Jearom. Every Drin knew the name of the greatest swordsman woven into the Pattern. Somewhere in this second-hand account, he hoped to learn more about ko'di, and about different forms. Of the other two books, one was Essays of Willim of Maneches. Rav was tenaciously working through the texts, but some of them were impenetrable to understand.

Lost in thought, Ravak barely had time to register the Accepted that stood before him before she spoke in a distinct Cairhienian accent. Gazing up from the page, he was a little taken aback from who the woman was. She was short, and wore that aloof expression that most Cairhienian did. He cared nothing for Daes Dae'mar - the Game of Houses - considering it a foolish inconvenience at best. Cairhienian nobles played that game as if their lives depended on it, and Rav knew that in some exceptional cases, lives did depend on playing the game well. The Light shelter me, and pray I never have to go to Cairhein. Considering the Accepted, he reluctantly had to admit that she had an arresting quality, although he couldn't put a finger on why.

When she asked for Essays, Rav pulled it out from beneath the other works before thinking. Holding it now in his left hand, he patted it against his other palm, wondering how he could get the woman's hackles to rise before handing her the book. It was juvenile, wanting to get back at her for the upbraiding she had given to Katrie - and myself too. With a heavy heart, he stretched out his arm and placed the book on her side of the table.

Tapping her lip in a reflective manner, the Cairhienian surprised Ravak by having more to say. "I saw A History of the High King sitting on the table when I last saw you here in the Library. Were you the one reading it, or was it Aikaterine?"

Ravak drew himself up straighter in his chair, the only reaction he allowed to show from the Accepted's insult. Her name is Katrie. That was what he wanted to say, but he chose completely different words instead. "I was the one reading it, Accepted." It galled him slightly how compliant he was being, but he wouldn't have been much of a Shienaran if he didn't respect the Great Serpent ring she wore on her finger. "I was curious about the Seanchan, and I thought that book may have held some answers." He pulled his ring off his finger, and began to roll it about in his left hand below the table, irritably. He just wanted some peace and quiet to himself, not to get drawn into discussing Katrie. I'm guessing this is some Daes Dae'mar idiocy she about to prod me into.

[Jenny]

Ravak had been reading the book? Mirin felt a faint sense of surprise... and respect. A History of the High King was not an easy read. But then again, neither was Essays of Willim of Maneches. The Essays were usually assigned to Accepted or Dedicated, not Drin’far’ji. There was more to the Shienaran than first met the eye.

Perhaps here was someone with whom she could discuss one of her favorite topics. She spoke quietly, respecting the near-silence in the Library, but her excitement was obvious. “I find A History to be such a fascinating look at Aes Sedai influence. But it’s always important to remember that history rewrites itself. For example, Bonwhin Meraighdin was deposed and stilled because her attempts at manipulating Hawkwing caused harm to the Tower.

“But really, were her sins so great to deserve stilling? After all, the manipulations of Aes Sedai can be seen scattered everywhere throughout history, and not all of them were good. And yet Bonwhin suffered the most severe consequences.”

She suddenly realized how long she had been blathering and abruptly cut herself off. “Have you finished it yet, Ravak? What did you think of it?”

[Craig]

Ravak Darrow

Ravak noted how Mirin's tone switched suddenly, no doubt becoming aware of who she was talking to. This library, comprehensive as it was, seemed to have at least one noticeable gap in its records. When he was younger, Rav could remember reading a book of his father's on Artur Hawkwing. 'It was Andoran', his father had said, 'and that means it tells the truth'. At the time, he had just assumed that his father implied that it was an accurate history of the events that had occurred. Having spent a few days looking through various histories on Hawkwing, all of the books seemed to omit an event that had seared itself in the young Shienaran's memory. Artur Hawkwing had camped within sight of the Shining Walls of Tar Valon. That event had somehow led to Bonwhin Meraighdin's stilling in FY 992, although that book - and every other he had read - never explained the true reasons why. And now this Accepted just blurts it out? He kept rolling the ring in his hand, considering what words to use in response to Mirin's questions.

"Yes Accepted, I've finished reading it. I thought it was a near thorough account of the events that had unfolded during the High King's reign." If this was somehow a test, the Shienaran intended to pass it. "There's little detail of the events that occurred during the Free Years 963 to 986, revolts aside. Would you be able to recommend a source?" There, he thought, how do you like my test?

OOC: Finally needed to pull out my copy of The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time for that one. Edit: Rav actually knows Mirin's name, so I substituted some instances of Mirin in.

[Jenny]

Mirin's eyes gleamed. Oh, she loved discussing Hawkwing! He was such a brilliant man. She moved to sit in the seat next to his, stepping over the white flakes on the ground in slight distaste. Briefly, she wondered if the man had a skin condition or if he simply needed better shampoo. Then, she took a deep breath, focusing on the conversation at hand.

"The Free Years 963 to 986. Very interesting times, I must say. The Free Year 963 marked the end of the Consolidation with the surrender of King Joal Ramedar of Aldeshar. The following years were termed the Peaceful Years. Many books skip over these years - after all, peacetime is boring - but in Free Year 975, Hawkwing laid siege to Tar Valon. If you search, not among histories of Hawkwing's conquests, but instead in the records of Bonwhin Meraighdin, there are dozens of accounts of this siege and the circumstances leading to it. That should cover these years quite thoroughly."

She paused, assessing Ravak's reaction, and then continued.

"I applaud you for your curiosity, Ravak. The time period that you asked about, well, few are interested in how well Hawking governed. Instead, they're more interested in Hawkwing as a conqueror. But Hawkwing's legacy wouldn't be possible if he didn't perform both functions well. Not only did he possess a great military mind, but he was also a fantastic ruler. He took care of his people. This makes his sudden death in Free Year 994 all the more distressing. And I know that there's some speculation among the common folk that Darkfriends, or perhaps Aes Sedai, were responsible."

Her questions were sudden, and sharp. "Ravak, as a Drin, what do you think about the manipulative nature of Aes Sedai? If you become a Warder, would you chafe under that yolk? Would you be able to keep silent, even if the one who bonded you turned out to be another Bonwhin?"

OOC: I would love to respond to Ravak's private thoughts in the first paragraph but Mirin can't read minds haha. And your book must be very handy. My info is all coming from Google lol! >.<

[Craig]

Ravak Darrow

Ravak was fascinated by the questions. He would have possibly expected this from Katrie, as well as from Betrys, but not from Mirin. Admittedly, he knew very little about this Accepted compared to what he knew of the other women.

A very Shienaran answer rolled off Rav's tongue in response to Mirin's last words. "If I was bonded to an Amyrlin Seat, the Light illumine her, it would be my honour to serve without question." He wasn't going to let any doubts about his loyalty get in the way of things. "Although, I would be a little astonished to find myself bonded with a Red." He didn't feel the need to clarify which version of Red he meant with that.

"The manipulative nature of Aes Sedai? May I speak freely?" He wasn't going to allow himself to say something objectionable without some assurance of leniency. The Cairheinian nodded. "I think most people try their hand at manipulation, to different degrees. Even a child will lie to their parent about something bad they did, and that's a scheme of sorts. I'm not going to tar every Aes Sedai and Asha'man with the same brush and label them all as manipulators. Despite the First Oath, some will be more honest and plain-spoken than others. I'm sure there are non-channelling players of Daes Dae'mar who are more canny than certain channellers." He watched for any sign that she was trying to play Daes Dae'mar with him. "As I said, I'm not going to brandish the Aes Sedai with a simple word, and say they are all manipulative."

"As for chafing under an Aes Sedai, I would like to think I'll be able to use my own good judgement not to fall into any traps. I imagine a good number of Novices and Accepted will be full sisters by the time I earn my cloak, and I intend to learn as much about each of them as I can before them. Learn about the woman, before they become another manipulative Aes Sedai." He smirked when saying those last three words. "Which brings me to a question, Accepted. You seem to know my name, but I don't know yours?" That was a lie, but he had failed to introduce herself. Maybe she was destined for the Brown, her nose caught in a book more often than not, blissfully unaware of the events going around her. Rav didn't think that he would chafe under a Brown sister's bond.

OOC: It's a good book, and written from an in-universe point of view. I've got a full list of the Amyrlins from Bonwhin to Siuan.

[Jenny]

"If I was bonded to an Amyrlin Seat, the Light illumine her, it would be my honor to serve without question."

Mirin fought back laughter. The corners of her mouth twitched. Oh, what a wonderful answer!

She noticed his eyes scan her carefully when he mentioned Daes Dae'mar. Internally, she smirked. She had been taught that Daes Dae'mar was always being played, even if you thought it wasn't. If Ravak was waiting for a sign of Daes Dae'mar from her - well, that was already a mistake. Even though she had not grown up as well-bred as a certain Cairhienin novice, Mirin knew the Great Game quite well and had played the commoners' version as a girl in Cairhien.

"My name is Mirin Ronaile," she said primly. "I learned your name from the librarian. It's a pleasure to meet you." She smiled, a rare genuine smile.

Then, she smoothed her skirts. There had been an idea that had been lurking at the back of her mind for some time, now. However, she hadn't found anyone to work with. After all, she had very strict requirements. First, her subject had to be unable to sense saidar. Second, he or she would have to be discreet. Third, he or she had to be able to disappear for long periods of time without being missed. And fourth, surprisingly the most difficult criteria of all - the subject had to be intelligent.

Ravak had all of these qualities.

Her voice dropped in volume. She reached for saidar and wove a ward of silence. She did not want to risk being overheard. "Speaking of manipulation, I've been working on a special weave. And I've been looking for a partner to explore it with. If you would like to learn more about the One Power, especially saidar, this would be a great opportunity."

She picked up the Essays of Willim of Maneches. As she did so, she began weaving an intricate web of Spirit, Water, and Air. Her eyes remained coldly on him. She did not think that he would refuse, but it didn't hurt to be prepared in case he did. "I will answer as many of your questions as I am able, Ravak. There is... a small chance of danger as the weave is experimental. But I am confident in my ability, as confident as I can be. And I promise that I will be careful. Will you work with me, Ravak?"

[Craig]

Ravak Darrow

It seemed to the red-haired man to be a very odd request. She going to use the One Power, and she's going to try to answer my questions? But it's also something to do with manipulation? He was undeniably curious, but he hadn't a clue what she was planning to do. Taking it on face value, it seemed reasonable; questions for answers. Well, reasonable aside from the small chance of danger.

"I'll work with you," Ravak replied. He was too curious to say no. That and Mirin would be an Aes Sedai some day, and he wanted to know as much about all of the future Aes Sedai as possible.

She looked at Rav with a gaze that could have been his own, stony grey eyes boring into his skull. He returned the glare without a scowl, finding it a little amusing to see what he looked like to others.

"So, how does this work? I can ask any question, and... you have to answer honestly, or?"

[Jenny]

With the Power filling her, Mirin could sense much more than ordinary. She could see the details in the way he moved, as though in slight pain - perhaps from his training in the Warder Yards. She could hear his heart thumping in his chest, slow and steady. She could see the flakes peeling from his scalp, and the red, irritated skin underneath. And she could sense his curiosity, nearly hidden under that glare. Yes, she had chosen well.

Even after his agreement, however, she did not release the weave. The web of saidar hung in the air, ready to strike and erase his memory. After all, he had not yet asked what "working with her" would entail. Perhaps he would change his mind after she answered his questions. She would not take risks.

Mirin replied simply. "Yes. Any questions. Ask carefully, Ravak, before you commit yourself."

[Craig]

Ravak Darrow

Ravak shifted uneasily. That last sounded a little like a threat, and there was a stillness to her. He didn't feel threatened, but he did feel a little on edge. Tread softly.

"I guess," he started warily, "my first question is when did you learn that you could channel? I never knew anyone growing up who had the gift of channelling."