Bet you missed me yesterday!

It has been one wild ride of a week: we had widespread change, intense arguments, unrequited passion, and a fruit tray.  Light, and that was just the Justice Masque '10.

In more general Tower news, we have a new slate of Warder Yard admin: please welcome and congratulate the winners of the election that ended quite early when the votes showed a clear majority.  Of course, with writers this stellar, we were all bound to come out on top no matter who won.

Our new Master of Arms is Caden Ives Gaidin.

Our new Gaidin Captain is Lysira "Mouse" Viathene-Walker.

Jip Gaidin remains our Master of Training.

We are delighted to welcome you to admin (again! as all these players have held Admin positions before.)

Our Library had a slow week, but there was a new and deliciously disturbing effort by Drin'far'ji Jeremiah Fletcher.  I could get used to this.

We've also had a busy week for fresh faces.

Two new Soldiers, one Andoran, one Aiel: Arawn Dedonas (Shawn) and Liam of the Mera'din (the Brotherless.)  Arawn strikes me as headed for the Grey, and my bet is that Senor Liam shall be heavily courted by the Green Ajah.  But then again, *coughs* everyone gets a go at the Green Ajah. We're just touchy-feely battle-hardened kick-ass people. (This, of course, is from a woman with two Greens...but also a Grey and an Indigo!)

We also, strangely, had two new Novices.  Bringing with her a pet duck, Zurie Rania has delved right in.  Rehanne Malfarr, played by returning member Tiffany (of past-Amyrlin fame, but really she just rocks because she's my big sister) is enjoying life as a gorgeous Domani.  And who would not?  I predict an Indigo and another Grey...unless she finds a way to make Greyn an acknowledged Ajah choice.  Oh, and if you should see Sir Quack in the halls...do please return him.  You might just find yourself in the middle of something quirky.

If we welcomed a new Drin'far'ji this week, I am woefully unaware.

We did, however, have the unprecedented fun of raising TWO Ji'alantin in a week:  Thoia lan'Allyn has reached the rank of Ji'dar, and the next day, my husband Bryan (Sylantry Latremaine) did the same thing, 'cept he's a boy.  Contrary to popular belief, I did NOT write his test out for him.  I merely had to pout a week and hint that sometime soon, I'd really like to write with him.  And I would.  Which reminds me...

Novices wishing to be dragged into the wilderness with an angry Aes Sedai and her aging bondmate should mail koifish@comcast.net.  We're calling Sylantry's raising fic "Are We There Yet?" I know Mielli wishes to come, but other than that, we have no other writers aboard.

Thoia's raising fic is quite intense, but has overlying humor, romance, and hey, I was in it, which I definitely found surprising.

What can I say, I am easily entertained?  But it was definitely worth a few readings.

The Green Ajah Hunt is on its second and final portion.  Hunters and huntresses should enjoy the fruits of their labors and attend the feast.

Speaking of feasts, dinner has been served in the Justice Masque '10.  The seating arrangements are always the highlight of this festival, and they're...killer...this year.  For instance, Caddoc Svan, while seated away from his sister Latonia, is also surrounded by an odd case of father-daughter bonding.  And while tables two, nine, ten and eleven seem calm...it's definitely just on the surface.  Table one is already nearly at blows and balefire.

Now ended by the timely (or was it?) intercession of Rienna Daccil Dunn, the "floor show" - better known as the stand-off between the Reaper, the Blue Ajah Zombie, and the Amyrlin and First Selector, is still an entertaining read.

Wait 'til Riven Trimak breaks Oenone's top: that should be some cheap fun.  Also, gratuitous nudity - and you guys said I couldn't possibly get *that* into a sit-down dinner.  Haha!  Go Team Lindblom.

I think that's about all our current news: nothing is in signups save our new class, Advanced Wards, taught by Dedicated Rilyn Naor. Our next scheduled roleplay is Bel Tine in late April.

Combined Mounted Combat took a week off for Katy's (Jip's) busy schedule, and will resume on Tuesday or Wednesday with actual weaponry.

Did I forget anything?  Anyone?  You know my email address!

Hello, ye fellow charming denizens of yonder Tower of Terror!

This was a tense week.  In case you've been basking in the fresh spring sunshine and haven't noticed the big us vs them going on over the topic of godmoding, I give you Sappho Kunvari's fanfic on the pleasures of playing average characters.Rather than indicting anyone, she has made valid points that many of us would do well to consider - and nobody has to feel offended.  Everyone has a few exaggerated points, and that is part of the pleasure of being us.  We get to learn to be better together. So once again, remember that pointing a single finger at someone else points three back at yourself, and nobody is quite immune.

SERMON FINISHED - short version - Nobody's perfekt.  Combine a lot of people writing at different levels and you've just made a new recipe for chaos.  And I think we have quite enough of THAT this week.

We've had a lot of Sharas this week: it's been both quiet AND strangely busy around here.  If you have Shara plans, it's always a good idea to put them in early.  Alternatively, if they are unplanned Sharas, I'm happy to pick up your message anywhere you can get it to me from. (No I haven't got a cell phone, LOL, I'm a housewife!)

Spring break is on the way!

This was a slow week for fanfiction.

Drin'far'ji Jurgen Tarol authored my favorite piece this week (other than Bunny's.) It's called Before and Again.  I particularly liked the scene segues.  Very lovely work, Jurgen - it was worth waiting for.

This week also yielded a submission from Mielli Trevalion, Novice: Fencing, Fighting, Torture, Revenge.....It is the sometimes humorous story of what makes one young woman a Novice.

So while a low quantity week, definitely a quality one.

And now on to everyone's favorite bits - the bits about them!

Our new members this week include:

Soldier Calder Selm of Tear, who is a bit attracted to his...darker urges.

Novice Rienna Daccil Dunn, of the Atha'an Miere (by way of Mayene) who seems to be suffering some odd deja vu.  Is she delusional, or is there a reason she might just remember another life?

Promotions!

Drin'far'ji no more, Thoia lan'Allyn is now Ji'dar!  She scored an amazing 99% on her raising test.  And I hear she has her bondmate picked out, too.  Someone's going to be a lucky girl.

Speaking of promotions, the Warder Yard is accepting nominations for all three Warder Yard positions as our Warder Yard renovations begin.

The nominated slate so far:

Master of Arms

• Caden Ives Gaidin

Gaidin Captain

• Garren Brighteyes Gaidin
• Lysira "Mouse" Viathene-Walker

Master of Training

• Jip Gaidin

Remember, if you haven't nominated someone, you should, if you know of someone who should run.  Just don't forget to go through the proper channels.

Oh, and The Council of Youth is convened to their flaming board!  You guys completely missed the last topic.

On Monday I send out emails to you.  Woe betide you if you need one (and you aren't on Shara.)

We had no performed bonds or promises this week that I've been made aware of, so now is a good time to ask: Are You Bondable? Not sure?  Head over to the Bonds and Promises list and have a peek.  There's a handy form if you find you weren't and you wanted to be.

In Other News...

The Hunt rp is moving toward a conclusion, which we are awaiting Durent Antian's final post header to have.  I hear there's a yummy feast...likely featuring bear.

Past the point of no return! The 19th of March is the LAST DAY to sign up for 2010's Justice Masque.  Those following the Grey Tower on Facebook have the chance to see the assortment of costumes headed to the ball: we have a cow, a pirate, some stunning black, white, grey, and black and white gowns.  My favorite so far is Poppy Dren's: she's gonna show knees.  Will that be more disturbing than a Sharan feather dancer?  Soon we'll find out!

Instructions are available on the Justice Masque board.

The Class Roster is changing!  To welcome Spring, you should soon expect a sequel class to Tricks with the One Power, and also, there should be the additions of Poise and Intimidation and Wilderness Survival and Traplore.

The Combined Mounted Combat experiment is a success so far. In light of that, expect an rp-style class every month or so, usually held from topics in the first few benefit tiers that could enrich a large portion of characters.  With some of these topics, the question is who is being entertained - it's obvious I am not this series' author, just a random fangirl, and I don't have the technical acumen in fairyland to make dry facts interesting.  All I have is interactiveness, and that is the spirit I want to bring to classes.  Eventually I'd like to accumulate enough of a store to host most of our classes through interactive means.

If you are interested in aiding in the conversion and wish to teach, you know where I be.

And I really want a shower now, so no more thoughts this week.  Be happy.  Be safe.  Be well.  Do NOT freak out if your six year old is found ninety minutes after school begins swingin' on a swingset.  On second thought, if you don't freak out, you're a better person than I am.  (She was ok and the police gave her a stuffed dog...hope she doesn't do it again today!)

A baby is cuddles and tickles on toes,
The sweet scent of powder, a kiss on the nose.
A baby is teddy bears, rattles, powder, and pins,
Meals at midnight, giggles, and grins.

Trust with dirt on its face,
Beauty with a cut on its finger,
Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair,
and the hope of the future with
A frog in its pocket.

-Author unknown

The Grey Tower was delighted to welcome a very DIFFERENT sort of new addition this week: at eight pounds fifteen ounces, Broderick Hadyn managed to melt every girl's heart and most of the guys too.  C'mon, you know you got a bit soppy.  It was so not just me.   He will soon be known as "that holy terror of Miahala's."  But definitely in the best way possible, and if he got his mama and daddy's creativity, we have a future legend!  Three cheers and warm congratulations to Miahala and former member Darien Jolstraer, who should definitely make arrangements for a sequel.  Kid needs a sister, ya'll.

But definitely WELL DONE on the 90th percentile baby boy!  He's going to be tall.  And adorable.

We are having a major upheaval in the Warder Yards, as everyone knows...but the discussions appear to be nearing their end on the Hall of Sitters, and those with opinions should make them heard now, as we will soon be coming to vote.  I believe it is also time for those daring young men in their flying machines to consider filling Dwillon Gaidin's recently-vacated but now monster-sized shoes, as it looks like there will be some paralyzing competition to fill the vacant space of Master of Arms.

I suppose you could call it an Arms Race.  Har, har, har.

The positions of Gaidin Captain and Master of Training will also be opened for voting, as the new Warder Yards system was graciously given the chance at a fresh start by those currently in position.  Let us take this chance to show our appreciation of Kailitha d'ra'Din Gaidar, our Gaidin Captain, and Jip, our Master of Training.  Your aid and insight has helped shape quite a few new recruits into Ji'alantin and Gaidin.  Your sacrifice of time and creativity is definitely appreciated.

Soon, we'll be discussing class and Mentor system reform, and our next Hall of Sitter topic (after the elections) is likely to be the Black Ajah.  Spooky!

Just In...(fanfictions I enjoyed this week, written this year.)

1. A Day in the Life... by Drin'far'ji Nesir Aeser (2/27)
2. Cian's Three Arches by Dedicated Cian Bravere (3/01)
3. Elyscia's Great Stair by Elyscia Mordel Aes Sedai (1/16)
4. Infirmary Basics by Accepted Poppy Dren (3/05)
5. Lessons in Daes Dae'mar by Latonia and Caddoc Svan (3/11)
6. Loss by Caitelyn Cabrerin Aes Sedai (1/18)
7. Metamorphosis by Drin'far'ji Jeremiah Fletcher (3/05)
8. Nykkolaia's Three Arches by  Accepted Nykkolaia Zeran (2/26)
9. Tamora's Three Arches by Accepted Tamora al'Galina (2/25)
10. The Aspiring by Accepted Celene al'Meerin
11. Ysolde's Great Stair by Ysolde Sirad Aes Sedai (2/17)

The fanfictions are in alphabetical order, and no, they aren't all included...there are a few lovely ones left in the library for YOU to discover! (Hint: look for Laela and Poppy's Great Stairs, and Poppy's Three Arches...) However, I would fully recommend Metamorphosis to everyone, because it was just delightfully disturbing.  Gave me the shivers!

And now that that is there, and we're up to welcoming our bright and happy new faces!

Our newest Novice is Sappho Kunvari of Far Madding, who is played by our delightful Bunny.  I hear we'll soon be experiencing the raptures of a ninth Ajah...be sure and ask her about that!

Caddoc Svan signed the Soldier book, following in his twin sister's diabolical footsteps.  Then he went outside and set Nesir Aeser on fire.  Will these boys never learn?

We also had a new Drin'far'ji, Taevrin al'Crohn of Amadicia.

Congratulations to the following Freshly Raised Characters! (Get them while they're hot?)

• Ji'dar Amayani do'Ciresh a'Sorene!
• Dedicated Cian Bravere
• Poppy Dren Aes Sedai (Yellow)

Other newsworthy events:

The Hunt RP is well underway with lots of excitement for all.  There's a cataclysmic bear hunt between Tristan Crowling, Novice Sulinn, and Kain Thresher.  More family-friendly (with emphasis on the family) can be found with Tukal Asha'man, Cerawyn Bandevin, Oenone, and Jip as they take Amil on a far cuter illusory "safari." And could there be a budding romance between our own Mother and everyone's favorite nutty reformed Blue brother?  Stay tuned!

A bond was declared between Celene al'Meerin Aes Sedai and Asha'man Sevastien Hvorak.  The two cuties are enjoying their honeymoon aboard their new houseboat - reader beware.

Soon to be Accepted Cerawyn Bandevin is looking for some guiding hands to show her the Ajahs: could we have a class starting soon on the Ajahs?  Interested parties should reply to her Main OOC board post to volunteer themselves as instructors.  I believe she needs White, Yellow, and Green instructors.

Combined Mounted Combat has begun on the Training Board for those interested.  Signups continue until the third lesson is posted - probably around the 21st.

Promises were established between Zarishka Ghirase, the Keeper of the Chronicles, and Sojin Majere Gaidin as well as Soldier  Caddoc Svan and Drin'far'ji Jeremiah Fletcher.  Novice Sulinn Ailyana continued her reign of terror and decimated the male population of the Tower by adding promises to Tristan Crowling and Kain Thresher.  When does this girl find time to study?

Are you a Drin'far'ji in need of a punishing run through the woods?  Dwillon Gaidin's Out of Tower thread has new posts.

Til next time!