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| At the Ball; OTA | |
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| Topic Started: Feb 4 2009, 02:47 PM (335 Views) | |
| Gwen Laurel | Feb 4 2009, 02:47 PM Post #1 |
Heir-Presumptive to the High Kingdom
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Gwen paced impatiently, her new dress swirling around her heels. She definitely didn't like this; she felt like a prize horse on display. But it was necessary. A lot had happened to her in the two weeks since she had arrived in Tar Valon. She had recognized by her father and made his legal heir, been introduced to the Amyrlin Seat herself and gotten herself accepted into the Tower Guard. Her father had been her his military aide-de-camp, which was only prudent because you used family for those things that required utmost discreation. She had also become, much against her will, an object of public curiosity. Gwen thought that she perhaps had been naive when she thought that she could just slip in without any notice. But anything that involved her father and her aunt, as prominent as they were, was automatically public knowledge. The fact that her family was among the richest in Tar Valon, and that she was now heiress to one of the largest fortunes in the Westlands, only added spice to the mix. So her aunt Erin had insisted on her giving an interview to the local newspapers. There had been several at the meeting, all from the City. The reporters had peppered her and her aunt and her father with questions. Most of them ignorant, a few of them not. They had managed to keep the names of Gwen's mother and stepfather out of it, but she supposed and any newsgatherer who wanted to do a little work could find out. And now this. Her aunt Erin had insisted that there had to be a coming out party. A ball, in other words. She insisted that it was necessary, that she had to be properly introduced to society. Gwen had balked. Erin insisted. So did her father, the traitor. And the Amyrlin had not helped by offering up the White Tower's own Grand Ballroom for the affair. At that point Gwen had given up and submitted. Gwen looked at herself in the mirror. Actually, the new dress was quite nice. Blue in gold trim: house colors. It was sleeveless and backless and showed off quite an impressive bosom. It also showed off the musculature she had developed over the years of weapons practice. In truth, she towered over most of the men here, but then that was true everywhere. There weren't just that many men who were taller than her. The door opened, revealing her aunt Erin. "Ah good, you're ready. All the guests are here and now it's time." Gwen grimaced, then resigned herself. She followed her aunt out the door, took her father's arm, and entered the Grand Ballroom. |
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Gwen Laurel Heir-Presumptive to the High Kingdom Gwen's biography | |
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| Robert Laurel | Feb 8 2009, 05:44 PM Post #2 |
High King
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A fanfare sounded as Robert led his daughter out into the Grand Ballroom. Erin really did this up right, he thought to himself as they moved forward into the center of the floor. In truth, she had performed miracles to get this ready in just two weeks. They halted there to form a receiving line for their guests: Gwen at the front, then Robert, then Erin and finally Sapphira, who was serving as hostess. There were a huge number of guests in attendance. After all, it was not every day that the child of the Haran al-Tari was introduced to Tar Valon society. There were a horde of eligible young men present, most in the uniform of the Guard, but some not. The latter were made up of the usual assortment of noble wastrels and ne-er-do-wells who hoped to marry their way into money, and whose only skills were flattery and seduction. He had no worries about Gwen on that score. Robert wondered how many of the latter would be put off by the broad, muscled shoulders and the callused hands from the daily weapons practice. Plus there was the fact that she was taller than most. She was almost as tall as her father, and he loomed above six feet in height. Edited by Robert Laurel, Feb 8 2009, 05:46 PM.
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Robert Laurel -- High King. Warder to Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai, High Queen and Chancellor of the High Kingdom Robert's biography | |
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| Sapphira Calren | Feb 9 2009, 02:05 PM Post #3 |
High Queen & Chancellor
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Sapphira glanced down at her elegant red silk gown with its white embroidery and smiled very slightly. If someone had told her a few weeks before that today she would be hosting a coming out ball for Robert's adult daughter, Sapphira would not have believed it. Yet here she was, in a dress bought specifically for the occasion, and Robert did have an adult daughter. That fact did not bother Sapphira, plenty of men fathered children, but she had to admit she had not been expecting a grown woman to show up out of the blue. Still, Robert had taken to fatherhood quickly, and although Sapphira did not know Gwen well, she liked the girl so far. Sapphira was hosting this ball, but she had played only a cursory roll in the planning. That had been Erin, though the Light knew the woman probably had other things she could have been doing. If Gwen had arrived a few years before, Sapphira could have taken a hand and helped with the planning, but there was simply too much going on right now. Too much for her to excuse more than a couple of hours at this party, really. Yet at the same time, Sapphira relished the idea of being able to spend a few hours not worrying about the war and the world. She enjoyed parties and balls. She had been a very social girl in Cairhien, but she had forgotten most of that as a Red. It had come back in her years as Amyrlin. The setting and finery did not matter so much to Sapphira, but she did enjoy maintaining as much of a social life as she could. It was difficult, but Gwen's coming out was exactly what Sapphira had needed. She made her way to the ballroom with Gwen, Robert, and Erin, thoroughly impressed by what she saw. Erin had worked hard to set all this up so quickly, but truly it looked as if it had been a year in the planning. Sapphira stood at the end of the receiving line, as befit the hostess, and greeted guests along with the members of House Laurel. Sapphira wondered how Gwen felt about all this. Sapphira had certainly never had such a party thrown in her honor, not until she was raised Amyrlin at least. Neither commoners in Cairhien nor novices were the guests of honor at grand balls- nor did they even attend them, really, except perhaps to serve. Soldiers were more common at grand festivities, but still Sapphira wondered how Robert's young daughter was feeling. She had known that her father was an influential Cairhienin noble, but had she expected all this to happen so quickly after she announced herself? Most likely, Sapphira would never find out, unless Robert decided to tell her. She could ask the girl what she thought about all this, but likely all she would get in reply would be gracious thanks for hosting, some sort of compliment, and something about not being used to such treatment. Sapphira would ask the question all the same, it would be expected, but the answer would tell her nothing about how the newest Laurel really felt. Robert may choose to let Sapphira in on how his daughter was really feeling, but Sapphira did not count on it. It was family business and although she and Robert were friends, she did not think he would see any need to go into great detail about how his daughter felt about her first time in Tar Valon society. Letting her mind wander idlly, Sapphira greeted the guests that came to speak to the guest of honor and her family. She gave a nod and a smile, speaking a few simple words where appropriate. She did not need to concentrate very hard to accept compliments on how nice the ballroom looked, or how gracious it was of her to play hostess for the Haran al'Tari's daughter. Later, once the more formal greetings were over, she would have to put a little more mind on what she was doing, and she knew she would be rewarded for it by an enjoyable evening. Yes, Sapphira was very glad to take her mind off the world's worries, if only for a few hours. Hopefully, after an evening of relaxation, she could return to her duties the next day with renewed vigor and fresh eyes. |
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| Amore | Feb 9 2009, 06:45 PM Post #4 |
Head of the Blue Ajah
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Amore was dressed formally for the first time in weeks. Her rich silk blue ball gown was form fitting and beveled out from her knees into a foot and a half of train. Her hair was done up in an up do she had woven using strands of Air and bobby pins. Her earrings were medium sized droplet effect diamonds and went from one large to a second medium, and the third final dangling at the bottom was just large enough to catch the light. She wore her formal shawl draped between her elbows as she stood next to Androus in his formal wear. The two had been inseparable for the past few days, sense the meeting where Amore had asked him to allow her to bond him. The two were getting to know each other quickly, already reading each others expressions. Amore smiled warmly at him as Robert led his daughter down the stairs she stood among the crowd and waited for the Line to start, the Amyrlin and M'hael first, as should be and the other Aes Sedai and Asha'man filled in behind. Amore waited towards the front of the line, she could see Sarcer one person ahead. Her age dictating her place, diplomacy giving those in front of her their spot. Androus stood behind her, the quietly observant man that he was. Amore found herself liking him more and more, and his appearance didn't hurt matters at all. The line moved at a steady pace, the Aes Sedai slightly bowing there heads and the family curtsying in response. Each Sister to pass blessed the maiden of honor quietly before moving on. Soon it was Amore's turn and she followed the Sister's before her. She Blessed the girl, "May the Light shelter and guide his child" and moved on, Androus shaking each man's hand and bowing to each woman before following Amore to a place near the dance floor. Soon the music would play and dancing would begin. Edited by Amore, Feb 9 2009, 06:52 PM.
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 Ward Weaving, Shield StretchingPower Strength 86 (Strong)Bonded to Gaidin Androus MordinMinister of Health and Education
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| Androus Mordin | Feb 9 2009, 07:06 PM Post #5 |
Gaidin
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Androus stood near Amore, watching the crowd around them as well as his companion. He had been with her from the time she was dressed and opened her door to admit it, to the time she retired to her chambers at night. At first the Sister's of the Blue had questioned his prescience in the Hall, but after seeing the note it was as if they saw him in a new light. Most half hid a smile and pointed him to his direction, but others were resepctful, to the pointed he wondered who Amore was, for her Ajah to treat her so. He would stand outside of her door waiting, and the Sister's seemed to find this funny, he could imagine there thoughts on what the relationship between himself and the Aes Sedai might be. He would always smile ruefully at them and take back to leaning against the wall or sitting in the floor playing jacks, which he kept in his pocket. Tonight Amore had walked out of her rooms, and Androus had been forced to take a second look. She was beautiful, and he knew few would rival her. His heart beat fast at sight of her, and when she neared him, to give him a hug in greeting, the rosy perfume on her skin had set his senses ablaze. He was dressed in a suit, his shirt tucked in and trouser fitted. He looked a gentleman and handsome, but he knew which of the two caught the eye, and that was fine by him. Now they stood at the Ball. They took there spots in line, Androus feeling odd about cutting infront of so many channelers. Again, what was it that gave Amore her power? Why did her own Sisters react to her in such ways? Either way, he was soon greeting the guests of honor, and moving on, He stood behind Amore again, offering her a drink and getting one for himself. Smiling at her in their own private way, he sipped his drink, waiting for the line to end and dancing begin. Edited by Androus Mordin, Feb 9 2009, 07:10 PM.
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 Bonded to Amore Sedai +Quarter Staff +Martail Arts +Piano +The Great Game
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| Amore | Feb 17 2009, 09:32 PM Post #6 |
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Head of the Blue Ajah
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Amore smiled as she took Androus' larger hand, his made her's look fragile, something she did not associate when identifying her own person. She followed him to the dance floor, his hand guiding hers, The guest of honor had her dance with her father first, as was customary, and then the Amyrlin and M'hael opened the floor. Now the band set up on a stage to the back wall, the ball began. Amore danced, her palm to Androus', him leading the movements of the pair; his style clean and fluid, making her grin as she glided. They transferred smoothly into a slower closer dance, one she was glad to hear. This would give them an opportunity to talk, and she had a few things to tell him. One hand in his, the other on his shoulder, his on her waist, they danced; the music swimming through the crowd. Amore saw a few women she knew, and a few she didn't. Men seemed to abound, drinking and enjoying the time off. In normal situations she would have stayed long enough to be polite, and then left, but tonight she couldn't picture anywhere else she'd rather be. "I have to tell you a few things that I think you should think over before you decide what your answer will be." Amore's voice was soft, not easy to overhear, but she leaned into him anyway, whispering into his shoulder. "I am Aes Sedai, that you know. I have been for a long time. I have had three previous Warders, and I loved each man for a different reason. I want you to understand, they may still hold pieces of my heart, it does not mean they own the whole thing. I find you to my liking, to a deeper degree than the friendship we have formed. I know these feelings to be natural, I do feel I should tell you something that no Aes Sedai has to tell anyone. I am over two hundred years old, and I do not grow younger. In your lifetime I will begin to gray, who knows when my time will be. I warn you because the bond could be horrid for you if such a thing happened. Although it would be unlikely, I feel you deserve to know. " Amore wasn't sure how he would take that, perhaps it would cost her the deal, but if she knew him like she hoped, he wouldn't mind to much. Amore listened as the song changed, a quicker livelier tune. They danced almost four dances before rejoining in another slow song. Edited by Amore, Feb 17 2009, 09:40 PM.
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Ward Weaving, Shield StretchingPower Strength 86 (Strong)Bonded to Gaidin Androus MordinMinister of Health and Education
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| Robert Laurel | Feb 26 2009, 11:40 PM Post #7 |
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High King
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As soon as his duties in the receiving line were done, Robert led his daughter out for the first dance. "I'm still in a daze," she told him. "I never expected anything at all like this!" Robert grinned down at her. "It's not everyday where I acquire a daughter. And besides, your aunt Erin loves to throw parties. And this gave her the excuse to throw the biggest party of the year." After a couple of turns around the dance floor, he handed Gwen off to the first of a long line of young officers who were awaiting their turns. He took his sister out for a dance, and then did several dances with Sapphira. Robert then spent some time with a very large group of young officers by the buffet tables, where an excellent spread had been laid on. He had decreed a free day for the recruits of the garrison for today and tomorrow, so they were out in force, stuffing their faces and having the one glass of wine they were allowed for the evening. The female gaidin had laid aside their uniforms and gone full out for the occasion, with spectacular daring gowns that rivaled anything that the City aristocracy could exhibit. But then most of the women of the Garrison didn't spend their money on drink and fast women the way some of the men tended to. He danced with several of these, complimented them on what they were wearing, and was about to head back to Erin's side when he saw the very enigmatic Amore Sedai, who had just bonded one of his newest officers. He went over and bowed. "May I have this dance, Amore Sedai?" |
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Robert Laurel -- High King. Warder to Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai, High Queen and Chancellor of the High Kingdom Robert's biography | |
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| Amore | Mar 21 2009, 08:49 AM Post #8 |
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Head of the Blue Ajah
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Androus was left to contemplate her words for a long time. He had looked as if we would respond but stopped, his face becoming stone. Their dance stopped, and he bowed to the new member to join them. Sir Robert, how inconvenient your timing, Amore thought as she smiled and bowed her head respectfully. Androus greeted his division leader, bowing at the waist. He smiled at the Master of Arms and bowed his way out of the dance. Amore was left wondering what he had been about to say. She did not dwell on it, instead moving on. "I would be honored to dance with you Sir Laurel, you look very handsome tonight. " Amore placed one hand on Robert's shoulder and the other in his larger hand. They danced to the orchestra lead by a short man and his baton. Androus seemed to almost disappear in the crowd, but Amore did not worry, she knew he'd be back. "Your daughter is a very beautiful woman, it is a shame she could not channel, she will do well here in whatever she does, with mentors as the ones I see surround her tonight." Amore smiled, she spoke looking at him in the eyes, noticing that Robert Laurel was a lot more human than she had ever let herself see. They had respectful distance between them, and Robert led in the dance around the room. Androus was undetectable, but Amore knew he wouldn't go to far, still she wished the bonding was done so she would have the comfort of knowing he had not left the room. She did not think it a good sign she was thinking of him now, instead of what the man before her had come for. The dance pace sped up a bit, into a livelier song and dance. Edited by Amore, Mar 21 2009, 06:03 PM.
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Ward Weaving, Shield StretchingPower Strength 86 (Strong)Bonded to Gaidin Androus MordinMinister of Health and Education
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| Robert Laurel | Mar 23 2009, 07:08 PM Post #9 |
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High King
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Robert smiled down at the sister as they danced around the floor. "Thank you the compliment. It is interesting to meet one's offspring after they are fully grown, and they've been formed and shaped by the ones who raised them and life experiences. Her mother and stepfather did a very good job with her." He chuckled at her comment about Gwen not being a channeler. "I'm afraid that with her temperatment she would be a most difficult novice! She seems to be far happier where she is." The next dance was somewhat quicker. "Your and your orphanages and schools have done much good in the world, Amore Sedai," he told her. "I hope that the upcoming conflict leaves them undisturbed. If you get the chance I would like to show you the school that the Guard has set up for it's dependents. Well, not just for them. The channelers who have children send them to there also. On your way in to Tar Valon I hoped you noticed that every village and hamlet has a school, no matter small along with a clinic, plus modern roads and access to clean water. That was our idea, Sapphira's and mine. The Guard shows the local how site the wells for best advantage and how to drill them, and they also provide tools and materials for the local to build their schoolhouses and clinics. We also provide schoolbooks free of charge and provide teachers. Where a village doesn't have it's own healer, a Yellow sister drops by every few days to do what she can. A healthy, educated populace with access to the world is a nation's best asset." The dance ended, and he bowed to her. "Now I'll leave you to your future warder. My respect, aes sedai," and he turned and left. |
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Robert Laurel -- High King. Warder to Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai, High Queen and Chancellor of the High Kingdom Robert's biography | |
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| Gwen Laurel | Mar 23 2009, 08:12 PM Post #10 |
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Heir-Presumptive to the High Kingdom
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Gwen was having a wonderful time. She found herself constantly in demand for dances, and when she wasn't on the dance floor she was surrounded by handsome young Guard officers at the buffet tables. She needed a break from the constant press of bodies and moved over to stand by her aunt Erin the the Amyrlin. She noticed a group of matrons glowering at her and at her father. "How are those people she asked her aunt. "Bitches and whores," Erin replied. "They had so hoped to ensnare your father in matrimony, if not for themselves, for their daughters. But then they only look at Robert as a walking sack of gold, rather than as a man. Your arrival here as upset them greatly. They had all hoped to produce a legitimate heir so they could get their hands on all that nice money. And of course they consider themselves the arbiters of fashion and society here in Tar Valon, and they are outraged over your legitimization. But they don't dare say so in public. Some of their daughters they were throwing at your father aren't even out of the schoolroom yet!" "Ick." Gwen said. "That is disgusting." She had run into such women in Caemlyn, but these seemed much more vicious. She looked at Sapphira and wondered what she thought of it all. Indeed, she wondered what the woman thought of her father... |
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Gwen Laurel Heir-Presumptive to the High Kingdom Gwen's biography | |
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| Androus Mordin | Mar 23 2009, 09:55 PM Post #11 |
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Gaidin
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Androus re-approached Amore as his Commander took his leave. They were not bonded yet, he could not deny the man a dance, and by custom, his commander didn't have to ask. Still, as he watched from the wall, he felt jealousy wiggle its way into his emotions. Slowly at first, but like rot it grew, he really did not like it at all. He wasn't mad, not really, simply frustrated that it wasn't him out there. He was talking to another Youngling when the dance changed and he had happened to glance up as Amore stood alone on the floor. Bowing first, he took her back up in his arms; they were like two halves making a single move around the dance floor. Androus was not ignorant or unobservant. He noticed the Lady of the Evening near her aunt and the Amyrlin, looking rather displeased with the under women of society. He had been chased by no few of them at one time or another, but he did not seek the disease they wrought. As he danced he talked, not really looking at the beautiful face below his line of sight. "You are not so old that we would not catch up together. Longevity is a gift you give me, life for me would be long enough to see you grow old, meaning we could do it together. That means more to me than were you to look into my aged and dieing face with the face of youthful angel. Although, even old I will always see the beauty that is in you. I don't want us to have to talk about this all night, let's just enjoy ourselves and see where the night takes us." And with that he smiled and kissed her lightly on the forehead, quickly and discretely. She smelled very nice, clean with a hint of lavender and some spice. Edited by Androus Mordin, Mar 23 2009, 10:05 PM.
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Bonded to Amore Sedai +Quarter Staff +Martail Arts +Piano +The Great Game
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| Robert Laurel | Apr 2 2009, 07:59 PM Post #12 |
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High King
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We need some more posts here... |
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Robert Laurel -- High King. Warder to Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai, High Queen and Chancellor of the High Kingdom Robert's biography | |
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| Myara Ahnri | May 12 2009, 11:11 AM Post #13 |
Gaidar
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Myara rested, seemingly content, upon the bed within her spacious quarters, various notes and reports scattered around her and one in her hands that occupied her eyes and attention. Across the room a bit, there was a dress crafted of velvet, trimmed with a bit of lace and silk, it's deep gray color matching her own mood. There was a feeling that made her inwardly restless, even if her appearance wouldn't show it, and a faint voice that seemed to worry at times, and then go relatively silent. The Gaidar had every intention of attending the ball, in honor of her Commander's daughter - the fact that he even HAD one still seeming foreign to her, even if she had met the young woman - and yet she was still reading reports and mulling over the recent events. Unfolding her legs from beneath her, the woman shifted in her place, putting down the set of papers she had been working through, and preparing to pick up the next one when she caught a glance of the gown again. "Oh fine, I really should go, and it would probably be good for a break. I did promise..." A bit of work, some fussing with her hair and face and a change of clothes from her usual leggings and long shirt, and there was much less of a swordswoman in looks, and much more of a proper woman. A quick glance of her reflection almost brought a bit of laughter to the room, which did wonders to erase the sour grapes mood of all the current news. Preparations made, Myara slipped quietly from her quarters, making every attempt to travel from there to the ball without drawing too much attention. Part of her reason for avoiding attendance at the evening's event was her almost obvious discomfort over these things, frills and fluff never were her strong point. Dark curls bounced lightly around her shoulders, trailing freely down her back, her form encased in stormy gray velvet, a black lace wrap resting over her shoulders and arms, her feet clicking ever so lightly against the floor beneath her as she made her way in amongst the gathered partygoers. Looking about a bit, she managed to recognize a few familiar faces, watching as they mingled and danced. |
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Myara Ahnri Warder to Edeleas al'Kuar My Biography | |
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| Robert Laurel | May 14 2009, 04:50 PM Post #14 |
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High King
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"About time you came out into the light!" Robert said as he spotted Myara in the room. He was sitting next to Sapphira, her hand resting lightly upon his arm. Erin and Gwen were both out on the dance floor. He was enjoying a glass of wine in between dances, mostly with the Amyrlin. "You've been spending too much time in that office of yours," Robert chided her gently. "You need to get out and enjoy yourself more. Especially now, since after the midwinter holidays there won't be any time." Myara's eyebrows shot up at that last remark. "I'm ordering full mobilization after the holiday season, with a full training schedule. We need to use what's left of the winter and spring to get those reservists into fighting shape. So everyone is going to busy. Plus I'll have some jobs for you after the ground dries and troops can start moving again." |
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Robert Laurel -- High King. Warder to Sapphira Cairen Aes Sedai, High Queen and Chancellor of the High Kingdom Robert's biography | |
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| Amore | May 20 2009, 07:55 PM Post #15 |
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Head of the Blue Ajah
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Amore danced to the rhythm of the music, following the lead of the Master of Arms. She did not overly care for the man, bu she had to admit he was a good dancer. As they flowed together around the room he spoke at a longer length than she could truly recall hearing from him before. She knew something of the school the Tower itself managed, and while admirable, they were not near enough for the entire populace. She did not seek to better herself, only the lives of those she held dear. "I will give thought to this Master of Arms, but in the coming war, i fear few things will save the schools in some of these cities. I will send word for evacuation, I pray it will not come to late." The dance ended, and Robert walked away. He was soon replaced by Androus, and at this rate Amore would never get a break. They spun to a more lively song, and she found herself forgetting i all, worries and war, anger and politics. She was Amore Le'fay tonight, Lady among the Court. Androus made her senses heavy, and the drink made her hormones rage. When night finally came she slept alone in her over sized room |
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Ward Weaving, Shield StretchingPower Strength 86 (Strong)Bonded to Gaidin Androus MordinMinister of Health and Education
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11:16 AM Nov 27
