The Grey Tower

Danos noticed the coolness in Mirin Sedai's response.

Gently placing his teacup down he sat forward to apologize for his question when Mirin Sedai launched into a detailed explanation of the Blue Ajah and the Red as she saw it.

Danos knew she was likely biased but as he listened to her articulate points he found himself seeing a divide that could loom as large as a canyon.

The Red Ajah sound almost like the Whitecloaks to me. They storm in , dispense justice and I wonder how they view opposition. I suppose the greater good calls for more grey than black. Light these women weigh nations the way I inspected coppice wood, Danos thought to himself as he was sobered by the reality of what serving the Grey Tower could mean.

"I could well imagine that had you viewed their work another way, we would not sit where we do know Mirin Sedai. I misspoke earlier in my comment and thank you for your candor," Danos said as politely as he knew how.

Speaking with Mirin Sedai truly had given him an idea of the various wheels in motion in the Grey Tower.

"As a proud citizen of Andor I can attest to the benefit of law and a strong ruler. The Queen's Guard kept Jornhill safe and we never took that for granted as we heard tales of war and conquest abroad. As such I suspect my views would lean to the Blue Ajah's work," Danos said simply as he examined his thoughts and experience.

Mirin smiled crookedly. "I accept your flattery, but the Blue Ajah is not without its flaws," she said. But she did not delve into that, choosing instead to clasp her hands together and stand.

"It has been a pleasure speaking with you, Danos," she said. "I find your interest in the different Ajahs to be refreshing. Too many of our trainees only think to seek out Greens for bondmates, I think. There are also many subtle differences between the Ajahs that are not apparent at first glance - differences that you will only learn about when you find a bondmate. And it is also important to keep in mind that each Ajah is a pillar of the Tower. We are intended to complement and support one another. Not to oppose."

Hah! she thought. Perhaps that was the intention. The reality, however...

She continued. "Although I would love to continue our conversation, I have a class that I need to tend to soon. Do you have any other questions that you would like me to answer before I must leave?"

Danos stood quickly as Mirin Sedai clasped her hands together and rose from her chair. She moved with a grace that Danos noted as he carefully extracted his large frame from the cushioned chair. I can see where women like these would make Avyra feel awkard and coltish Danos thought as he recalled his conversation with the young Novice in the Gardens.

"I would express my thanks to you as well Mirin Sedai. I enjoyed our conversation, and thank you for your time. I am sure the knowledge and insight you've given me today will lead to questions, but none come to mind right now. I will take my leave, and not hold you from your class," Danos said as he sketched an awkward bow to the woman.

After clearing the teacups and placing them on the tray for a servant, he headed out the door and down the hallways to his next class. As he walked he noticed the tiling, the colour of the Blue Ajah a common theme throughout the hallway. It truly is a badge they were for the rest of their lives, Danos mused to himself as he recalled the accents and décor of Mirin Sedai's quarters.

Clearly there is a lot to consider when choosing ones bondmate, Danos mused as he walked down the hallway, pausing only to dip his head in greeting to the Sisters as they walked by. He knew a Ji'alantin in the Ajah Quarters was probably unusual and so he kept his manners and ensure it would not be commented on anymore than necessary.

Joining with an Aes Sedai, requires the bond between you, but it also could mean sharing her goals and safety with other warders, Danos said to himself with no hint of jealousy. He supposed that in many ways a Warders duties would be easier if shared with other Gaidin or Gaidar, as long as romantic entanglements were kept free of the pairings.

But more importantly, it means aligning your actions and allegiance to a cause or philosophy that could well demand you act contrary to your nature. Especially if you were to bond with someone who's Ajah was ill suited to you. I could hardly see myself bonded to a Grey, being a diplomat's aide or guard and attending meeting after meeting holds little interest for me. No, whoever I bond with has to respect what I have skills in, and have goals I can respect. It will be easier giving my life to protect and nuture an Aes Sedai, if I truly believe her work is vital to the Grey Tower, Danos continued, so lost in thought that he was standing in the pathway outside the Ajah Quarter's for many moments.

Finally the ringing of the bells caught his attention, and with a curse Danos dashed off to his next duty.