The Grey Tower

Tia couldn't help the giggle that escaped when Mia admitted to having a temper. It was a trait not uncommon in the family, along with being passionate about those things one believed in. Tia knew a little about the different Ajahs, though was more familiar with the Green and Yellow, given her Memma, and Father. She was still so young to understand the idea of being her own person, and so desired to follow in family footsteps, though the idea of healing others did not have such appeal to her. She knew her father was special in his desire and talent to heal the sick and injured.

The reason Tia hoped to follow in her Mother's footsteps was she was a girl of action, and if her path was now altered, then perhaps she could follow in Mia's footsteps instead. "Do you think I could fit the Green?" It felt odd talking about such things, the concept still so very new to her, but the idea of perhaps belonging to the Battle Ajah? It was tantalizing for young Tia.

The girl's eagerness did warm her. Several of the Sha'hal line had followed in her footsteps by entering the Tower's life: Ryne, Sadira, Derren, Riahana, Haeden...but none had specifically followed in hers. All but Sadie and Derren had entered the Warder Yards, and those who were channelers followed into the Blue and the Grey. This did not upset her, but she was not displeased at Tia's potential interest.

Not that she didn't believe it possible, and even likely, that her opinions would change...but it was a pleasant feeling for the moment.

"You could," Mia said easily. "Your desire to have been a Gaidar could translate into being a Green, but I wouldn't sell yourself on any idea or Ajah just yet. Begin to learn and then see where your strengths lie. Learn more about all of the Ajahs and see if any of them appeal to you."

Patience was not one of Tia's strengths, but then what teenager was patient? Ok, Einion, her twin brother, was incredibly patient, but perhaps he was the lone patient teenager. She wondered about him, and if he'd be able to channel. . .knowing he'd have to be tested now that it was known that she could. She kind of hoped he would be able to so she wouldn't go through the learning ranks alone. Brother though he was, Einion was also her closest friend.

"I won't rush to a decision on Ajahs," Tia replied, making it sound like a promise. "Once I've joined the ranks of Novices, will I be able to visit and talk to you? I've heard things can be a bit. . .strict."

"You will," her kin assured her. "Your time will not be as free as it is now, but you will not be kept manacled in some corner of the Tower. You will have some free time in which you can visit and spend time with who you wish." Mia's tone was sincere and warmly reassuring.

Tia still felt uncertain about her new path, and likely would be for some time. She'd only just discovered she could channel mere minutes ago, after all. She knew a lot was about to change in the very near future. She lived in her family quarters in the wing of the Yellow Ajah, but soon, she'd be living with other Novices and the learning ranks. The idea of not living with her family was scary, but knowing she could visit Mia helped her relax a bit.

The young Tomason smiled warmly with the idea, then realized they still had to break the news to her parents. Taking a deep breath, she wrinkled her nose, "Do you think perhaps we should go find Mother and Father, and let them know. . .before we go talk to the Mistress of Novices?"

The Green wished that she had more she could say that would ease the girl's mind, but she knew that words could only go so far, especially when it came to her own kin. They were a people of action, and only moving forward and having the experiences would ease Tia's mind, so Miahala did not push with more words that would do no real good.

"I don't believe there is anything that says we can't," she assured her in response to the question instead. "Would you like me to go with you?"

Tia was, for the most part, anything but shy. She also knew her parents would take the news of her new found abilities in stride. Despite knowing her parents would be supportive, she was quite nervous about breaking the news to them. When Miahala offers to go with her, Tia felt a wave of relief and rewarded her Memma with an uncharacteristicly shy smile, "I would...if you wouldn't mind, Memma. It seems appropriate since you broke the news to me."

((OOC: want to wrap it up?))

With another warm smile, Mia rose to her feet and gestured for Tia to follow suit. "I would be glad to," she said. Many who came to the Grey Tower had to leave their families and all that they knew behind them, but it would not be the case for this girl and in that, she was lucky; but she would also learn that it might chafe at times. Mia's children had experienced it much the same, but Mia felt sure her kin would give their child the space she might crave as time passed.

"Come," she said and began to walk, letting the younger fall in step. "It is daunting now, but I promise, for all that may come with it, you're setting foot on the path to a remarkable life."
The Sha'hal Legacy Continues...