Historical Event: The Tale of Two Towers (111 FA)

[Sariska Atwahar]

This was a monumental day! Historic! Was it any wonder anyone who had an excuse to be present found themselves waiting? You’d be hard-pressed to find a tower window without someone peering out it-especially as the arrival time drew closer. Sisters of every ajah were present, many accompanied by a sharp-eyed warder. More servants then required and a handful of lucky Accepted… so many people! It felt like half the tower was here, making the grand space seem small.

Social situations were not Sariska’s strong suit. She did best with books. They were far easier to fathom. Even objects of power with all their mystery and edge of danger were preferable-an enjoyable mystery! When her companions mentioned going to check on something (truthfully Sariska was only half listening) she shook her head. Content to stay put while they fluttered about like eager birds. Large dark brown eyes watched them meld into the crowd only a moment before her gaze swept away. There was no real focus of her attention, the sister's mind tracing back to dozens of other grand moments in the history of the white tower. History was more comfortable than the present. Memorized lines of dates less unsettling then socializing.

Easily lost in her own thoughts Sariska didn't notice anyone approach. Why would they? There was much to do and the brown sister was not foolish enough to think she held any significant role in today's affairs. She wouldn't even be doing much more than overseeing the moving of the Ter'angreal and answering any questions about them. Not a terribly urgent task with their guests still arriving. It meant that hearing her name startled the young sister from her own thoughts. Blinking she turned toward the speaker, surprised anew to see Zamira. Head of the Green Ajah! Even dense as she was Sariska could appreciate the elegant force that was the head of the green sisters. A woman with so much presence she reminded Sariska of an obsidian Ter'angreal they’d been studying a few weeks past. The disk was thick but small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Its exact use was unknown but when air was channeled into it Sariska had the unmistakable feeling of standing in a lightning storm… maybe it was just her internal anxiety but with Zamira Dagaron standing near her, she felt the same charge in the air. And-oh stars she was still speaking! Pay attention!

Mentally slamming her own mental monologue shut like a book the brown smiled back at the other sister and actually tried to pay attention. Thankfully Zamira had not picked some painful topics like dresses or the food or how tall these gentlemen might be. What possible effect could their height have on political discourse? She’d have to ask someone later if she remembered. No, it was by the creator's grace that the ajah head mentioned knowledge. Sariska perked up like a feline who had just heard a bird outside the window. She met the other woman's gaze with naked excitement.

“Oh yes, Zamira Sedai! Even if their collections merely confirm what we already suspected it will be a huge historical benefit-and with cooperation between the Towers we could finally discover the uses behind some of the objects we keep. There is a theory that many of the Ter'angreal and Sa’angreal need sadin to be properly used. Having access to it would speed up our research considerably” too many objects with unknown uses gathered dust and did them no good. How many of those treasures were meant for a male channeler? How many required a touch of the male half of the power? Or a combination of men and women working together! There had been a time when keeping those items of power hidden away had been prudent but now? Well, many would argue it was still best to keep those objects hidden! That was someone else's worry. Sariska was simply interested in the answers, not the implications they might cause. If working with Asha’man meant they could discover more answers then every effort had to be made!

As if there wasn't enough commotion already a fresh wave of murmuring and activity took the hall. For a moment the brown sister's eyes flickered towards the moving crowd before turning back to Zamira. “I am so glad you appreciate the academic significance, it's far more important than how tall anyone is” the brown added almost absently. Earlier she’d heard two of her usually studious sisters debating facial hair of all things. How many samples of Ogier writing the black tower might possess was apparently secondary to moustaches!

She missed her books already.

[Katreine din Ziago]

The roiling sea of Tower initiates and retainers was beginning to thin. Katreine watched impassively as the welcoming committee assembled and departed for the main gates of the Tower grounds. Attendants hurried to finalize their tasks and withdrew. The few stragglers left on the floor were Aes Sedai and their attending novices or Accepted; women with no role in today’s ceremonies who wished to witness history unfold. It was nearly time.

Caught off guard by the flutter of nerves in her belly, Kat laced her dark fingers together and gently pressed her hands against the loose fabric of her white tunic. Calm yourself, woman, you’ve navigated more treacherous waters than these. There was always something more that could have been done to better prepare, but at some point you had to pull up anchor and cast out to sea, so she rolled her shoulders and raised her chin, the golden beads in her long, dark braids clacking against each other gently. She strode forward to her mark on the floor.

Of course there was no actual mark, but in Kat’s mind she could see X’s where she and the others would stand to officially welcome the men of the Black Tower to Tar Valon under a banner of peace for the first time in over a century. There had been plenty of squabbling over that particular detail. The Amyrlin Seat waiting for a man and greeting him as an equal! The mere thought of if had been enough to cause tantrums among the Sitters. They would never call them that, of course, but Kat had been strung up in the riggings as a deckgirl for far less. She had been left with no choice but to put her foot down and stand her ground.

The rift between the Towers had been caused by the hubris of both and starting off expecting Jadin al’Vyron to come to her on his knees was not going to heal any wounds. As Amyrlin, Kat represented all Ajahs, not just the Yellow she had been raised from, but she was a healer to her core. She would do no harm if she could help it. That had been the reason they wanted her in the first place though now many found it inconvenient.

Her fellow Aes Sedai took note and moved to the sides of the hall or arranged themselves behind her. Her Keeper stood a pace beside and behind Kat’s right side. She grounded her staff a bit loudly and Kat glanced over her shoulder in annoyance. The woman at least had the wherewithal to look abashed. Good, there was no room for petulance today.

The great double doors at the far end of the room swung open. The White Tower initiates standing on the other side entered and took up their places as the M’Hael and his entourage filed in and took up their own stations. They made an impressive sight, Kat admitted to herself, in their all black uniforms with gleaming pins adorning their lapels. She preferred the individuality afforded to Aes Sedai, but there was something to be said for these men who appeared to be such a cohesive unit. Katreine waited until the shuffling in the hall died down before she advanced halfway down the hall to greet the Asha’man leader.

[Jadin al'Vyron]

As they neared the White Tower's west entrance, Jadin slowed his horse and brought his company to a halt. Before they were surrounded by Aes Sedai, he wanted to ensure that his men knew precisely what he expected of them going forward.

“Gentleman, before we enter the White Tower, let me remind you of the utmost importance that this Delegation is a success. Therefore, I expect each one of you to act with decorum. The Aes Sedai are our equals and will be treated as such, otherwise, punishment will befall any that do not uphold this.”

The sitters of the White Tower greeted Jadin and his men when they entered through the Sunset Gate. He led his men inside before dismounting his trusty stead Firebolt, signaling for his men to do the same. He then collected the package full of herbs and medicines from his pack. A slight smirk spread across his lips as he observed one of the Yellow Sitters hug Terron. It wasn't too difficult to guess this Aes Sedai was an immediate relation by their similar features. He gave them a moment to greet one another while the rest of his men were still falling into place. Once they were all ready, Jadin signaled for his men to take up behind him, as the Sitters lead them into the Great Hall.

With the opening of the great double doors, a magnificent scene of lavish decorations, pristine pillars, intricately sculpted arches, and countless Aes Sedai in colorful gowns was laid out before him. It was truly a sight to behold and far more resplendent than he'd expected. Katreine and the Aes Sedai had quite outdone themselves. Even as he and his men approached, Jadin found himself in awe of their regal postures as if every one of them were a queen. He could only pray that his men would act with equal propriety whilst the proceedings took place.

Once the shuffling in the hall died down, Katreine met Jadin halfway. She was far lovelier than he'd envisioned her to be. Possessing skin of chocolate which had been kissed by the golden sun, hair spun of a deep cinnamon brown, and eyes so deep that a man could easily fall into them until the breaking of the wheel. A pair of full, beautiful lips opened to greet him and he found himself almost hypnotized by them. Yet he managed to maintain his composure as he greeted her in return.

“Greeting Katreine Din Ziago, what an honorable pleasure it is to finally meet you in person. I thank you for allowing my men and me access to your Great Hall for this momentous occasion. As a gift of my appreciation and as a sign of friendship, I bring you a small collection of herbs and medicines. I hope that they will be of use to you.” Jadin presented her the package he'd fetched earlier from his saddlebag and once she accepted it, the M'Hael continued. “Let us now commence with the Delegation.” Jadin offered the Amyrlin his arm and then gestured towards the private room they'd be using for the business end of things, “Shall we?!”

[Jenaroni]

After Jadin and Katreine officially meet, the assigned members of the two Towers head into a private chamber in order to conduct the proceedings. Those that were not allowed to take part remained within the Hall. Those parties had expectations to mingle as well as to be on their best behaviors. Within the chamber itself, many motions were laid out. Just as anyone would expect, there were motions that passed, motions that were overruled, and a few that stirred a bit of drama. For the most part, the Delegation is considered a success in which strides forward to restrengthen the bond between the two Towers were achieved. Despite this, an unforeseen raid occurs and during the chaos a ter’angreal is stolen. The raid is a distraction so that said Ter’angreal can be snatched, though this fact is known only to the party responsible for the theft, even the raiders do not know of the theft and were misled. This event will be expertly handled by the Tower Guards.

Here are the motions in which were discussed, details pertaining to said motions were arranged and whether they were passed or overruled.

1. An exchange program between the Towers
-It will be a year-long program to exchange Accepted/Dedicated between the White and Black Tower to foster goodwill.
-Living quarters for students and teachers will be constructed at both towers.
-Channelers will attend the same classes, these classes will NOT pertain to channeling save for how to form circles.
-The attendants will learn about forming circles with opposite sex channelers, the responsibilities of each Ajah/Legion, will be assigned group projects, given history lessons on both Towers, taught about bonding, and how they can be effective servants of the Light together.

2. Discontinuing bonding between Asha'man and Aes Sedai
-This motion will be suggested by Neserin, a Red Sitter.
-This motion is handily rejected by a majority of those present, led by Sana, who instead proposes the motion that Katreine and Jadin should double bond.

3. A meeting to be held after the Bonding Ceremony between the Red Ajah and Fire Asha'man
-The purpose of this meeting is for the two factions to find a way to work together in a cohesive manner.
-Calina and an NPC Earth Captain(unless someone really wants to do it) will volunteer to serve as the mediators.
-They will be responsible for setting up a secure, neutral location within Andor to conduct the meeting.
-Both mediators will be able to choose an assistant for additional help.
-Gareth Trakand will serve as the Captain's assistant. This decision will be made when the preparations begin, which occur shortly after the Bonding Ceremony.

4. Having the Asha'man tested for the taint
-This hot button topic is brought forth by a White Sitter.
-This motion will be heavily rejected.

5. The double bonding of the M'hael and Amyrlin
-An agreement will be made to hold the Ceremony in one year.
-All the arrangement preparations, including security measures and safety precautions, are made here.
-A guest list of the important nobilities, channelers, and high ranks that are allowed to attend.

This thread is now closed.

All the above-mentioned information is now CANON and any new threads pertaining to this event MUST acknowledge as much/CANNOT include any information which contradicts the above as facts. The reason this thread is being concluded in this manner is mainly due to the fact it is far grander than any of us anticipated but also to relieve pressure from a few of the players involved. It is acceptable to start threads that occur during The Delegation between attending characters who still wish to playout the event. Please note that if you do so, do not drag any characters into said threads without the permission of their respected writer. Secondly, do not include anything that would make a considerable impact on the overall event without express permission from the Admins. If you would like your character to have played a significant part in the raid, for example, clear that with the Admins first. Otherwise, the task will, in large, be handled by NPC Tower Guards.