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Adelina Sur Paendrag Tanreall Profile: Adelina is a rather tall young woman bearing striking features that are buried deep beneath the weight of a ruthless upbringing. Her hair is sleek silk tinted a buttery brown, well sustained as befits one of her position and now held loose and free below her shoulders. Her eyes are striking to those who behold her, deeply radiant emerald-green… and yet these gems have been sharpened into harsh edges. For those who say that eyes are a window into the soul of another, there is coldness in Adelina’s eyes, coldness and a sadness born of the tragic suffering that has thus far been her life. Adelina is a girl who has now matured into a young blushing bud with healthy colour in her cheeks and a bosom and hips that are beginning to swell. She is now ready to embrace womanhood. The personality of all men and women is shaped by a combination of our choices, as well as the surroundings or environment that we are faced with. The same is true of Adelina. She has been forced to mature long before other girls her own age, faced not only with the political manoeuvrings of the royal court in Mayene but also the inexcusable neglect of a mother and father who had never bothered to study the delicate arts of parenthood. She has already undergone direct practical experience of the Great Game and the delicate rivalries between the distinguished Houses of Mayene. Adelina could potentially show a fair aptitude for the refined subtleties of Daes Daemar though it does not currently interest her. The choices this young woman has made have directed her towards stoking a fine intellect. She scrutinizes novels and historical manuscripts hungrily, immersing herself in the wisdom and teachings of the famous writers. She has taken a particular interest in the workings of the Pattern and the Wheel of Time, as well as the way in which threads of the pattern can be said to be free yet also beholden to the designs of the Wheel. She is also fascinated by theological discourses on transcendent subjects that touch on the very essence and nature of the Creator and the Dark One, the Light and Shadow itself. A word of warning to those who might be intrigued enough to befriend Adelina: she is an unstable personality. It is not that she is wholly incapable of friendship and even kindness but she has been hardened by a rearing that not one of us would envy. Vindictiveness and cruelty are fundamental aspects of her personality and she is capable of causing a good deal of harm to those around her. Perhaps Adelina could make for a grave enemy yet she could equally be a remarkably dangerous friend. Be wary. Biography: Adelina studied herself in the gold-edged mirror, polished glass reflecting the girl’s severe features clearly back at her. Well perhaps not severe… Lady Elenya had remarked that she was growing into a stunning young woman. Lady Elenya is a vixen who would slit my throat if I allowed her an inch of room. Nonetheless the compliment had certainly caused Adelina to reappraise her own features; not severe but perhaps coldly beautiful, a deep lake in amongst vast mountains, water frozen hard by vicious frosts and laced by numerous flecks of snow, broken shards of jagged diamond adorning a bed of motionless blue. Adelina blinked and surfaced from her reverie, returning her consciousness to a less forgiving reality. She was the Lady Adelina and vanity was simply not becoming of a young noble or so her mother often told her in rather harsher terms. Daughter of Darek Sur Paendrag Tanreall, a Second of Mayene, Adelina was already an influential figure in the city-state. She was cousin to Berelain through her father’s blood and more importantly, twelfth in line to the throne. Not that father had any machinations to usurp the First of Mayene’s authority of course; Berelain was a stunningly beautiful woman so he said, and Adelina not nigh pretty enough to merit ruling their fine nation. Yet he finds my flavours pleasing enough when it suits him she reminded herself bitterly as vicious hatred marred those smooth pale cheeks. Behind her the door swung open. "You are wanted child." Cold and inflexible, her mother’s affectionless tones spoiled what small happiness Adelina might have allowed herself on this fair summer’s morning. Velanya was a short sharp-featured woman who enjoyed none of the ardent beauty of her young daughter. Thin cruel lips sneered at Adelina as the woman marched herself firmly into the room. She straightened the stiff velvet collar of her navy coat and smoothed out the tastefully cut brown silk of skirts that reached decently past her ankles. It was whispered amongst the servants that Velanya scorned those thrifty ladies who manipulated others with effeminate sighs and wilted wrists. Adelina, subjected to similarly rigid standards, knew all too well that the true reason for Velanya’s asceticism was her mother’s realisation that she could never rival the beauty of the women around her. "My Lady Velanya," Adelina spoke, rising smoothly from her seat and sweeping the woman a deep, graceful curtsy. Bitterness suffused her painfully. The young Mayener had been taught from a very young age that it was simply improper to refer to such an influential noble as simply "mother" and a weeping child had had all future notions thoroughly beaten out of her. "I am summoned?" she questioned, suppressing an inappropriate level of curiosity. It was passing unusual for the Lady of House Laramay to deliver such a summons directly. "Has the First returned to Mayene then?" "Be silent girl!" Velanya hissed, dark eyes penetrating those of her daughter’s. By force of habit Adelina flinched back from that cruel gaze, remembering all too vividly the contemptuous words flung in her face time after time, the cold slaps and beatings that had passed for discipline. Father’s consolations… you must be silent child… all will be well… that caress… oh Light. Adelina was too old now to allow herself the luxury of a tremor and stood serenely waiting for a tirade that, for a wonder, would never come. "You know of the embassy that was sent here from the Grey Tower. You know also that the First is beholden to the Dragon. We are signing a pact of goodwill with the Tower and they have come to seek out women and… and men… who can be trained." The dark-haired young woman well understood her mother’s hesitation, for bile was creeping its way up her own throat as well. All the lands well knew of these claims that the taint was now Healed by the Dragon yet considerably more than a handful were unwilling to accept the validity of these claims. What mere mortal could undo what the Dark One had created? "Jiranna Sedai has already Tested me and I will not be joining her on the journey back to the Grey Tower." That sounded quite evidently like a sigh of relief. "In any case, she is Testing every noble and servant in the palace in the second Meeting Hall and she… Jiranna Sedai requested that I fetch you now." And of course that would set the woman’s teeth grinding as boulders on the face of the mountain’s edge! "You will present yourself to Jiranna. You will ingratiate yourself to the woman. And when this foolish business is concluded, you and I will discuss how to extend our influence with Lord Paeron." A peremptory click of long pale fingers passed for dismissal and Adelina swept Velanya another graceful curtsy, her plainly embroidered cream skirts splaying across the cold surface of a finely carved marble floor. None of the rage that flailed and burned in the wounded depths of her heart was visible in those icy green eyes that were lowered decently to the floor in diffidence to the Lady Paendrag Tanreall. In visions conjured by her very essence, her mother was tied down to the rack and wailed as iron pincers pierced her flesh. Her consciousness observed the helpless wretch begging her daughter for mercy… and Adelina laughed. No! she berated herself, irritated that her mind had wandered so frivolously from its purpose. She must remember Bertam’s thesis on The Subjection of the Passions. Deep breaths; in and out, in and out… a cold stream passing through barren plains in the heart of an icy winter… her emotions diminishing as a chill wind thrashed at all these flimsy sentiments… they were dissipating. Bertam’s thesis. For the mourners shall weep and be crushed, the joyous shall be bowled over by their foolish glee. The wise shall inherit… those who recognise emotions as merely a convenient tool to acquire a desired purpose. Passion must be ruled by one’s consciousness. It is for the weak to be bridled and saddled for a mule by the treacherous rider that represents the forces of all the many feelings of humanity… joy and fear… happiness and love. Adelina glided serenely down the magnificent corridors of the Royal Palace, her soul a void as was surely proper. The terror… misery that came of a tragically long-acquainted suffering, it was all a distant thread separated from her awareness now. The young noble allowed an aesthetic appreciation of her surroundings to wash coldly over her, the slender marble pillars and sweeping halls a fitting compliment to Adelina’s subjection of her passions. Small as it might be, Mayene was a wealthy city-state and the grandeur of its palace was more than enough demonstration of this. Allowing herself to be diverted, the Mayener passed through the Grand Hall, golden frescoes adorning every available inch of a ceiling that reached many spans above the heads of its attendants. There were soldiers marching proudly, silvery armour gleaning in the potent illumination of a flaring sun, each detail adeptly fashioned so that those who gazed upon it were rightly consumed in an undying moment of deceptive reality. A stern bearded man adorned in gold and crowned with diamonds observed as scores of men and women knelt by the very force of his commands. And in the centre a babe that exuded purity, large brown eyes staring innocently out as Lords and Ladies wept joyous tears; a white light bathed the child, the very heavens opening at his coming. Hawkwing. Many thousands of precious gems had been allocated solely for the making of this mural that was surely the defining glory of the Hall. There was a radiance to those paintings, an aura that was humbling, clear signifier of the devotion and pride that had inspired its architect. At the very head of the chamber was a silver pedestal, the finest gold crafted on its surface to depict a hawk taking flight; and atop that pedestal was the Throne of Mayene, expertly crafted, there was a sword of diamonds emblazoned in its middle, Hawkwing’s much famed blade of Justice. Adelina’s gaze lingered for bare moments, childhood fancies of herself seated atop the Royal Seat creeping back into her consciousness. She would not allow herself the luxury of foolish dreams and walked coolly onwards, pausing to admire a painting that was a jarring wash of harsh reds and vibrant greens, an iridescent figure wading through that dreamlike scenery. Larame was an artist perfectly synonymous with the high fashions of Mayene and almost two dozen of his rather expensive paintings were spread through the Palace rooms, his illusory style in great favour with the more discerning of the city’s nobles. Appreciation of visual beauty was among the concessions she had made against the total lack of feeling in Bertam’s philosophy. After all, she had also much enjoyed Selanya’s Aesthetics as an Art form. The acclaimed scholar had written long essays on the aesthetic joy as an observer of art formed essential relations with its artist. For art is finally taken to its ultimate peak, reaching towards the untouchable heavens, when it moves its observer into a higher state of awareness, when it revolutionizes the very world itself, inspires the transformation of humanity. Art is the fundamental expression of our almighty freedom! Adelina remembered vividly one of her happiest moments in this palace, when artists all across the lands had been propositioned to display their works in these very halls. She evoked images of marble sculptures, beautiful men and women unsullied in their form and unashamedly naked, gazing timelessly out at their observers. It was a tremendous striving for perfection. There had been a canvas of a gorgeous young boy that she also could not forget, he floated in a sea of darkness, blue eyes twisted in pain… there had been a silver knife clasped in the claws of a blazing red hand, vibrant blood pulsing out of the boy’s side as it sliced… that had shocked the sensibilities of some of the other Lords and Ladies observing it. And Adelina still luxuriated in the memory of that piercing blue gaze, the parallel sensations of wisdom and agony that it conjured in her mind. The second Meeting Hall was attached to the throne room by a corridor and a set of tall bronze doors. Panic rose in her as the realisation dawned that she was keeping the sister waiting and Adelina lifted skirts and began to lope towards the doors with as much dignity as could now be mustered. Her heart raced as she imagined the Aes Sedai’s rage and the scolding that she would surely receive from her mother later. I have avoided another beating for almost a month now and would prefer to keep it so. Grace all but forgotten she sprinted down the passageway and through the bronze-carved entranceway, almost collapsing into what was the considerably smaller Meeting Hall, at least relative to the splendour that she had just then departed from. "Adelina?" the voice called, high and chill. The woman was seated unruffled in a comfortable chair with a single velvet cushion of reds and creams, its feathered interior receding gently beneath her. "I have been waiting nigh to fifteen minutes child. I was almost ready to send my Gaidin to haul you here himself. Well do bring yourself forward girl!" The Aes Sedai had adorned herself in palely blue silks that set off that creamy complexion flawlessly, and her beautiful ageless face was framed by locks of silky dark hair flecked with just the barest trace of white at its roots. Just the calibre of woman that would send her mother’s temper off to the ragged edge. Striding towards the sister, Adelina made brief note of the white shawl wrapped around the woman’s shoulders, clear indication of the formality of her presence here. "My name is Jiranna child. I have been placed here to Test the noble women in the palace… there are three other Aes Sedai for your serving girls, and the Asha’man for the men of course." The woman’s voice did not falter at mention of men who channelled, yet Adelina almost stumbled halfway to Jiranna, the desire to vomit rising powerfully within her at such an unthinkable notion. "It will likely take us two more days to view everybody in the palace so if you will just…" the White trailed off as the Mayener drew close, her rosebud lips quirking ever so slightly. "Well. And how old are you girl?" "My sixteenth naming day will be in five months, Aes Sedai," Adelina replied smoothly, proud that she faltered only slightly beneath the glare of that cutting gaze. Glancing towards the simple wooden stool that had been placed in front of Jiranna Sedai, amusement welled up in her at the thought of mother lowering herself into such humble provisions at this. Well my standards are not quite so conceited as that. "May I…?" "Be silent," the Aes Sedai snapped, whip-like, instantly quelling words already surfacing on the tip of Adelina’s tongue. "Seat yourself child." Well that was precisely what I was going to ask, she thought sullenly, yet decided that the wisest course was not to articulate her objections. Arranging skirts carefully about the stool, Adelina wisely maintained all her focus on the sister observing her. "There is a maturity in your eyes that belies the age you profess." A speculative pause followed this comment, dark eyes scrutinising, perhaps considering whether to elaborate or question further before the woman finally decided on her next line of conversation. "I am given to understand that an original manuscript of Idmarl Hussarl is present in the palace. What are your thoughts regarding his treatise on the Phenomena of Being?" "Why it is most intriguing, Aes Sedai!" Adelina broke in, a rare warmth and excitement building in her at such an intellectually stimulating topic. "Hussarl is quite convincing when he speaks of the subject’s relation to object. One sweeps away the cultural properties of oneself and sweeps them away in the object… one is left finally with pure thought alone and its relation to the object. It is then possible to recognise its essential properties, colour, shape, extension. Fascinating… though I am not entirely convinced by Hussarl’s ethical dialectics. He speaks of…" breaking off from her enthusiastic diatribe, the young Lady of House Laramay realised the strangeness of the Aes Sedai’s question. "But Jiranna Sedai, why did you…?" "Your mother ranted that you wasted your time on books and so-called intellect when you should have been furthering the influence of your House and Mayene," she answered coldly, waving her hand swiftly as if brushing an inconsequential topic aside. Jiranna seemed unaware or unconcerned for the hurt it might cause. "What are your criticisms of Hussarl’s ethical dialectics girl?" "I…" she wavered again, suppressing a sudden urge to release upon the White all the exquisite rage that she had built up against her mother over these many long years of agony. How dare she dismiss her pain with such contempt! Yet it was foolishness… she could not allow herself these childish fancies. "He speaks of the cohesiveness of an interdependent community, how our freedom is amplified when it is made authentic by the existence of the Human Other. I am not convinced. Other beings are surely a source of opposition; is humankind not locked in eternal rivalry?" "Child…" the sister murmured, and for the first time that icy veneer melted away to reveal… warmth… perhaps compassion? Jiranna’s pale hand reached out and was cupped gently around Adelina’s chin, raising her head up so that the one woman’s consciousness locked itself inextricably into that of the others. "You have not known love. I have seen your mother… heard some little talk of your father. But Hussarl speaks of the Soaring Kinship, does he not? Of people deeply engaged in compassion and devotion to others, concerned for the happiness and enrichment of all lives, ethics that are built on this vital cooperation. But you who have never known…" Jiranna released a long sorrowful sigh and unruffled serenity returned itself to her features. "It is no matter. We will have much more time to discuss these matters on our way to the Grey Tower… and of course when your training begins." "My training?" And now shock was carved all across Adelina’s smooth cheeks, her mouth hanging open, eyes wide as vast desperate oceans. "But I thought there was a Testing… a flame, yes…? You cannot mean…" "You can channel child," the dark-haired Aes Sedai told her gently. "The moment you stepped near me I sensed it and you will be quite strong when you grow to your full ability. It was already inborn in you, which is the reason I did not have to carry out the usual Testing." Jiranna’s eyes studied her again, piercing speculation. "This must be a shocking revelation for you but I must disabuse any notion that you have any alternatives available… most with the spark born in them will die an unpleasant death without training. You are coming to the Grey Tower girl. I imagine you will want to make your farewells now?" "Y… yes, Aes Sedai," she stammered, the shock still fresh in her mind. Yet Jiranna had mistaken her… it was all-encompassing joy that stopped her heart at that very moment. Freedom. She would no longer confront the hate and contempt of her mother nor the lecherous stares from father. Freedom. Escape. Oh Light… father… doubtless he will wish to give me a suitable farewell. The Light protect me. "I… Aes Sedai… you said two days to test everyone. I… it was enjoyable talking with you. Perhaps I could… perhaps you would allow me to share your quarters… we could have more time to discuss Hussarl’s ethical discourse?" Anxiety and pleading surged in the look of her green eyes, the knowledge that this indecent proposal must surely be rejected. The woman simply examined her again, long and hard… and held out salvation freely with her hands. "That will be most suitable," she replied evenly, voice utterly aloof as if she were completely unaware of what kindness she offered to Adelina. "Now do run along girl… fetch me the Lady Colette for her Testing and then you may pass on the pleasant news to your mother. Tonight we will continue our discussions. Go on with you Adelina." Obeying immediately, the girl felt tears of delight welling in her eyes as she ran from the room. Freedom… and she would not be forced to face her father again! Perhaps there was room for genuine happiness in her life after all; and to serve as a culmination of this joyous occasion, she found herself staring into the eyes of the only person in the palace that she had ever really counted as a friend. Madeline, who had served as Adelina’s private attendant for four years, curtsied diffidently at the sight of her lady. The sigil of House Laramay was a golden hawk’s talon reaching towards a single silver lightning bolt, the scene upon a backdrop of vibrant red and green. It was a symbol of House Laramay’s close bloodlines to Hawkwing, and the sigil adorned the bosom of Madeline’s own red and green dress. Yet despite the other woman’s formality, Adelina could not help bounding forward and wrapping her arms tightly about her servant, weeping and laughing into her shoulder. Several years her elder, the woman kept her dark hair short and cropped just above the shoulders, she had been blessed with a striking effeminacy and a mischievous gaze that often set the serving men gawping after her. And Light, how she has comforted me. "I can channel Madeline!" she gasped, almost giggling at the knowledge that still seemed merely a fantasy buried deep within the very most desperate and hopeless depths of her mind. "In two days, I will be travelling to the Grey Tower. Light… you know what this means… I’m free from them! Oh Madeline, I’m going to miss you… I’ll write you every week, I swear it…" "But my Lady Adelina, I have also tested true!" the woman replied, in tones more smooth than her mistress had achieved yet not without its own touch of excitement. "You will not need to write me… we will be travelling to the Grey Tower together." And Adelina wept freely, no longer caring a jot for the dignity that became a noble lady. Madeline and herself would now be free from the tyranny… in two days, they would be travelling to the Grey Tower together. Perhaps I really can find happiness… the Light be blessed…
In large sumptuous apartments, Riyana Sedai of the White Ajah peered again at a note that had just then been delivered to her from Mayene. Jiranna and the rest of her party were riding back to the Grey Tower now, passing up the possibility of Travelling in favour of searching all the towns and cities along the way for more girls who could channel. Jiranna reported that they had discovered twenty-seven women in the palace of Mayene with the ability along with fifteen more along the way… it was hoped that perhaps another ten or a dozen would be discovered on the journey back. It was a most impressive catch yet the sister had passed over all this briefly in favour of an excited scrawl making over one of the children who had the spark inborn… this Adelina. The girl is wilful to be sure, yet she has seen only fifteen naming days and was able to speak with some impressive sophistication on Hussarl’s works. To be sure, her arguments were simplistic for our own understanding and experience of the issues that are raised yet the potential is there and it is my belief that the girl can be shaped and developed into a powerful intellect. Almost as encouraging is her strength in the Power, which will be formidable once she has received suitable training. I hesitate to speak simply in terms of our personal advantage but the added sway that the White Ajah might gain if we are able to raise a strong and mentally adept Aes Sedai is surely worth mentioning. I must also warn you of a cause for concern. A grave one. When discussing Hussarl’s lectures on the Ethical, she spoke to me quite bitterly of the human condition as being one of rivalry and opposition. Her upbringing has of course involved the turmoil of political pressure natural to any royal court but she has also suffered serious abuse from both of her parents; this has forced her to mature at a very young age. We must temper the hostility in her for I would count it as a tragic loss if this child were to be lost to malevolent forces. As a priority, teaching her the values of empathy and human love will be vital to modifying the girl’s disposition. The first years of her training will need to be relatively gentle and patient to demonstrate that there truly are people not brutal and cruel as her mother and father have been. I trust you as a valued friend and associate to aid me in this virtuous cause as we seek to bring another worthy sister into our Ajah and its cause in seeking the betterment of both ourselves and others through wisdom and knowledge. Yours in faith, Jiranna Masiera Aes Sedai of the White Ajah. Riyana smiled fondly down at the message, quirking an eyebrow at her dear friend’s flowery elaborations on the foundations of their Ajah. Nonetheless, this was undeniably excellent news; a girl who showed definite potential as a White sister was an occasion for celebration and all the better for her if she was able to hold discourse on Hussarl at such a tender age. Yet it was Jiranna’s concerns that caught her attention above all else. Perhaps it was irrational but Riyana always felt merriment whenever a new girl entered the White Ajah… nonetheless there were higher causes that must be adhered to. Malevolent forces. The White chuckled to herself. Despite everything, her sister yet lacked the courage to speak of what it was she truly meant. The Great Lord of the Dark will reward me greatly if I am able to bring such a girl into our fold. Oh Jiranna, my dear friend all these years… it is the Black Ajah you cannot speak of… Black Ajah this girl will be. Blowing out her candle, Riyana allowed the darkness to settle about her flesh, taking vast pleasure in the blackness that now surrounded her. She sat in those oppressive shadows and meditated on a child named Adelina. A child who would be Black Ajah.
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