**Two Novices are called to task by the Mistress of Novices.**

Ygraine has arrived from the north.

Ygraine spreads her skirts and sinks into a deep curtsey before you.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices looks up and nods.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Close the door child.'

The Mistress of Novice's Study 
The room is warmly decorated with a thick rug patterned in muted
greens,
yellows and blues on the floor and a wide desk set facing away from
the
fireplace in the western wall.  There are two chairs set before the
desk and a
cushioned armchair behind it.  The walls are decorated with
tapestries and
paintings.  On the desktop there is a large, bound book holding many
pages.  
In the corner by the fireplace, a rather wicked looking willow
switch leans
against the wall.    
[ Exits n ]
A supple willow switch leans against the wall.
A writing desk dominates the center of the room, facing the entrance.
A patterned rug lies upon the floor.
Carrying an armload of laundry, a servant stops to adjust her load.
Ygraine Beauvier is standing here.
A woman swabs at the floor with a mop.

Ygraine lightly clears her throat, pushing her braid over her
shoulder. "Aye, Mistress Merean."

Ygraine closes the door.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'I have a copy of your
report.'

You give a thick scroll to Ygraine.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'it is very well done.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'I spoke with Sapphira
yesterday about it as well.'

Ygraine glances at the scroll before taking it, her head canting a
bit to the side. "It was long enough, Mistress Merean?" She trails
off at the mention of Sapphira, lowering her gaze.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Yes, I understand
Arleve told you it need be only one page.  I like your enthusiasm,
yours and the other girl, Sapphira.  You two appear to have the same
sort of zeal.'

Ygraine offers a faint curtsey, turning the scroll in her hands
before murmuring a quiet thank you. "I could see no way to
satisfactorily cover the topic in one page..."

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices pulls a chair closer to
herself.

You sit down.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices gestures to another chair,
'Sit down child.'

Ygraine blinks owlishly, not quite expecting that. She does however,
slip closer, sinking into the chair. Glancing up, a flicker of worry
darts through her eyes before she swallows quietly and waits.

Ygraine sits down.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Tell me child..'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'I saw you tense when
I mentioned Sapphira.  '

Ygraine fiddles with the scroll in her lap, working very hard to
keep her gaze firmly on the toes of her slippers. "I am sorry,
Mistress Merean. It's truly nothing of consequence." Blue eyes
flicker a glance up from beneath her lashes, her expression wan. "Diff

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, 'Different personalities, is
all.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'I'm going to solve
this right now.'

The door is opened from the other side.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices calls for a servant and
sends for Novices Sapphira and Sorcha.

Sapphira has arrived from the north.

Sapphira pads in, scrubbing her hands slowly.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You may stand now,
Ygraine.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'i'll not have anyone
thinking I favored anyone over anyone else.'

Sorcha has arrived from the north.

Sorcha scampers in with a little smile.

Ygraine bites her lip, drawing in a slow breath as she glances at
the door. Nodding faintly, she glances back at the Mistress of
Novices before getting to her feet. "Yes, Mistress Merean."

Ygraine clambers to her feet.

Sorcha closes the door.

Sorcha turns from the closed door with a low curtsey

Sorcha spreads her skirts and sinks into a deep curtsey before you.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Good. Sorcha, my
purpose for you being here is just to observe. Stand over there
please.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices points to the corner of the
room.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices's eyes move from you to the
other Novice standing in front of her desk and back again as she
softly clucks her tongue.

Sorcha moves swiftly to the corner of the room and begins to watch
with keen attention.

Sapphira cups her hands together, sighing softly.

Ygraine, speak the truth.  It is not your place to deny me answers.
I don't care what you think is important.

Ygraine remains still and silent, but for the scroll she's turning
in her hands.

You say, 'Now, I want to know what is going on between the two of
you and I want to know right now.  Ygraine, speak the truth.  It is
not your place to deny me answers. I don't care what you think is
important.'

Ygraine licks her lips, tensing considerable before finally nodding
once. "As you prefer, Mistress Merean. Sapphira and I do not get
along. I do not care for her attitude. Nor do I appreciate being
treated as though I am somehow less because I do not possess the
ability to channel that others do.'


Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices frowns slightly as her eyes
swivel back to Sapphira, 'Is that the way of it then child?'

Sapphira frowns lightly, drawing her fingernails over the top of her
other hand.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'No Mistress.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices nods with impatience, 'Go on
then, out with it. What is the problem.'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'I truly don't know Mistress, I'd
say only Ygraine knows that. I hold no negative feelings for her or
anyone else in the Tower.'

Sorcha coughs softly as she regards the two younger Novices with a
penetrating gaze from behind.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices chuckles, 'So each would
have me believe it is the other then.'

Ygraine frowns hard, blue eyes narrowing at her shoes. She remains
silent, however, biting her lip hard in order not to respond.

Sapphira gives a light smile, reaching up to brush her hair back.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'I speak only of what I know myself
Mistress.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices leans back in her chair,
druming her fingers on the desk, considering.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Arleve gave you that
assignment, the well written assignment about the coming together of
the White Tower in the hopes of teaching you unity.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Since the Breaking,
the Aes Sedai have worked to guide the world in setting it against
the darkness, against the Shadow.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You two have been
offered a unique priveledge.  Each of you, if you work hard enough
will one day walk it's halls as Aes Sedai.'

A soft sigh can be heard coming from the back of the room in the
direction of Sorcha.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'And you squander it.'

Ygraine looks up, clearing her throat before pressing her lips more
tightly closed.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You two will come to
realize someday that your lives may depend on the other.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices tilts her head to the side,
'But that day is far off yet.  For now, it shall be your comfort.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Sorcha, fetch the
switch and give it to Ygraine.'

Sorcha blinks with a gasp as she pauses for only a moment before
nodding, 'Y-Yes... Mistress.'

Sorcha gets a willow switch.

Sorcha steps lightly over to Ygraine and hands her the switch with a
shaking hand.

Sorcha gives a willow switch to Ygraine.

Sapphira straightens her arms out downwards, stretching them a bit
as she watches...

Sorcha scampers back to the door, eager to be away from the switch.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices looks to the two novices in
front of her desk, 'Oh cheer up girls. At least now you know whether
the rumors about being sent to my study are true or not.'

Ygraine glances at Sorcha's face, not so much as blinking as she
takes the switch and looks back at the Mistress of Novices. She
doesn't smile, she doesn't frown, she simply watches.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Ygraine, you will
give Sapphira ten lashes with the switch. She will then return the
favor.  Sapphira, you will tell me if you think she is going light. 
Ygraine, now you will have to depend on Sapphira's judgement.'

Sapphira nods quickly, sinking into a deep curtsey.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'Yes Mistress.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Lower your dress
Sapphira.'

Ygraine shakes her head, stepping forward and setting the switch on
the desk. "With all due respect, Mistress Merean. No. I will not harm
another person, whether I like them or not. Nor will I argue the
truth of my statments earlier. I am sorry, I will not."

Sorcha slightly turns to avert her eyes.

Sorcha gasps aloud and swirls back to stare openly at Ygraine with
mouth agape.

Sapphira reaches up and tugs the top of her dress down to her waist,
looking straight ahead with as little expession as possible, just
waiting.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices arches a brow, speaking in a
dangerously calm voice, 'Child, you do not say no to Aes Sedai, not
if you hope to be Accepted, much less wear the Shawl yourself one
day. More, it will speak to your guilt here.'

Ygraine folds her hands before her, her expression calm and
resolved. "I know the truth of what has occured, Mistress Merean. I
know what I have given and received in return. I know what I have
done and not done. I know the value of my work and my beliefs. If o

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, 'I will not harm another to
prove my own innocence, regardless of the cost.'

Sorcha makes sputtering sounds as she slowly closes her mouth and
clasps her hands together.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'But you said she did
those things to you..acted a child, did you not?'

Ygraine dips her chin in a slow nod. "I did, Mistress Merean. I
could prove my truths, but would it serve? Would she like me any
more? Or would it cause more harm in the long run? There are times
that is better to accept that things are as they are. I will take

Sapphira shivers lightly, rubbing her arm a bit to warm up as she
continues to wait.

Sorcha can be heard nervously shifting from foot to foot behind you
by the doors.

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, 'I will take what you choose
to give me for my choice, but I will not harm another.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'A spanking is not
harm child. You've no doubt received much the same when you acted the
fool, did you not?  If she acted as a child would act, if that's what
you would have me believe, than you must be willing to do what needs
to be done to remedy the problem.  That's what Aes Sedai do.  So if
she acted a child, you will spank her.  If she did not...'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices spreads her hands.

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, 'It does not strike me as a
particularly unifiying action, Mistress. Granted, I am young and
perhaps a fool, but I cannot see how harming Sapphira will bring us
to learning to work together. Aes Sedai also speak the truth. I will
hope she learns that,'

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, 'in the course of her time
here. I know that I have given you truth.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You read too much
into it Novice.  If she acted a child, she needs to be punished for
doing so. Are you telling me that though your words might get her in
trouble for uttering them...'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You are unwilling to
take care of the matter and will only leave the dirty work to me?'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'That doesn't sound
very honorable Ygraine.'

Ygraine shakes her head slowly. "No, Mistress Merean. I am saying
that I do not, in all honesty, believe that this punishment will
serve the goal intended. I have nothing but respect for you and all
the women who have suceeded in these halls. I will simply beg 

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, '...you to reconsider.'

Sorcha draws a deep breath from the back of the room as she can be
heard moving slowly to stand at the other side of the door.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices gives you a flat look,
'Child, if you learn nothing else in your time as a novice, learn
this.  Your words are greater weapons than any weapon, any weave, any
army. If you would speak something, you must be willing to pay for
those words, no matter

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices continues...'what they are.
Now, are you asking me for permission to reconsider your words?'

Sapphira glances down at her shoulder while running a hand through
the hair, straightening it out.

Ygraine nods slowly. "And I am, Mistress Merean. If you feel that I
need to be beaten, so be it. You asked me a question, I gave you
truth. If that truth is found lacking I can do nothing for that."
Glancing at Sapphira, she frowns faintly before straightening 

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, 'The truth is that I would
dearly love to throttle her... But, I see no point. It will not
change.'

Sorcha looks at Sapphira's still naked back and then back to the
Mistress.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Then some other
punishment?  You decide.  Shall I remove notes of merit for her
actions?  If you say she does wrong, than you must be willing to pay
for the words.  Now what shall it be?'

Ygraine sighs. "I said we did not get along, Mistress. I answered
you truthfully. I am not the only one who finds her manner hurtful."
Closing her eyes, her face tightens after a moment, brows pulling up
to prevent tears. "It is my fault. I will take the blame.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices shakes her head slightly,
'No, you said that she treated you badly because you are weaker in
the power.  If that is the case, she should be punished but you'll
not put it at my feet. You spoke the words.'

Sorcha makes a soft sigh from behind you, its tone one of sorrow and
compassion.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'I'll not argue all
day child. You either answer the consequences for your words or
you'll agree they were incorrect and we'll move on.'

Ygraine shakes her head, drawing in a slow breath before glancing
down at the scroll in her hands. For a long moment she remains
silent, tears leaking onto her cheeks. "I would ask to be allowed to
retract my statement, then."

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices nods.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Good.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Give the switch to
Sapphira.'

Ygraine gathers up the switch from Mistress Merean's desk and hands
it to Sapphira without a word.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Sapphira, you may
dress.'

Sorcha makes a strangled sound as she sputters softly under her
breath from behind you by the doors.

Sapphira stretches out and grips it gently, setting it resting
against the wall while she reaches to tug her dress up again.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Now Sapphira, this
woman stands next to you and you've had trouble with her. Arleve
tells me you said she is not nice to you and shuns you.  Ten healthy
lashes should do the trick.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices glances at Ygraine, 'Remove
your dress child.'

Sapphira sinks into a deep curtsey, wrapping her hand around the
switch again as she rises.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'If the Mistress commands it.'

Sorcha makes angry 'MMMmmmmMMMMMMmmmm' sounds as she fumes through
her nose, watching the sham of justice play out before her shocked
eyes.

Ygraine sinks down, setting the scroll carefully on the floor.
Keeping her gaze straight ahead, she draws her braid over her
shoulders and slips her dress off without so much as blinking.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'It was your complaint
child. If you think she deserves it, than proceed. '

Sapphira arches an eyebrow slightly, tapping her fingers against the
wood.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'I never desired for this Mistress.
I have no wish to lash Ygraine.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices frowns, 'Must I go over this
with you as well?  You were in the room moments ago, yes?  Your words
carry weight, they carry consequences. If you would speak them, you
will pay for them.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Or do you believe you
misspoke when you complained about this girl?'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'I do not deny my words Mistress,
but she is not deserving of a lashing, nor did I ever think she was.'

Sorcha suddenly becomes perfectly silent, creating a cone of
stillness.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'She may dislike or hate me if she
wishes, it is none of my concern.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'That's true child. We
cannot force people to like or dislike us. However, her being rude to
you as you implied is not. I am telling you that will not be
tolerated, that is in opposition to my rules. Thus, by your claim,
rules were broken.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Consequences child.'

Sapphira flicks her tounge out over her lips, wetting them quickly.


Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'I truly don't see the use
Mistress. As I said, I hold no grudge on her, and if she wishes to
endanger herself as you say, by not being close to me, then so be her
own choice, yes?'

Paw bounds out of the room, looking elsewhere for excitement.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'It's not open for
debate. If, by your words, she broke the rules than she's to be
punished. But you'll not put it at my feet. I'll not do your dirty
work. It was your mouth, it will be your hand. Unless you wish to
reconsider your words.'

Sapphira steps forward, giving a light smile as she puts the switch
on Mereans' desk.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'Then I break the rules and refuse,
and I will be lashed instead, Yes Mistress?'

Sorcha seems to breath a deep sigh as the switch touches the desk.
Yet at the sound of Sapphira's bold words, there is a sudden pause
and a quick intake as if a gasp of shock.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'How very brave.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'So what you are
saying to me as that while yes, you believe she did you wrong, you're
not ready to back up that claim and handle it as an adult. You are
not willing to pay the consequences for your words.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You would speak them,
but you will not claim them as your own or own them as yours.'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'I already said those were my words
Mistress, but in saying them, I was merely expressing what I felt. I
meant no harm to come by them.'

Ygraine shakes her head, braid swaying as she covers her face with
her hand. For a long moment, she fights back tears, trying very hard
to keep herself silent. Finally, she drops her hand, not caring if
she cries or not. "I cannot take this.... Just -do- it, Sa

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Keep silent Ygraine.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Sapphira, I am well
aware of the fact that you meant no harm.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'And that's my point. 
Your words carry weight.  You two children speak without thinking. If
something is important enough to worry about, if it's important
enough to be said, even whispered, than you must be willing to accept
what comes of it being heard.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'heard'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'If you cannot do
that, than you should reconsider opening your mouth, yes?'

Sapphira clasps her hands together, straightening her back out
slowly....

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, '....Yes Mistress.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices arches a brow at Ygraine,
'Answer me child.'

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, 'It will be as you prefer,
Mistress Merean.'

>From the back of the room by the doors comes a soft sniff and the
sound of someone clearing their throat. You can only assume it is
Sorcha.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices chuckles dryly, 'Don't be
ridiculous, of course it will. That was not what I asked you silly
girl. Do you understand my point?'

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, 'I do, Mistress Merean. I can,
in all honesty, say that point is most clear.'

Shawnyve disappears as she steps into a new weaving of the wheel.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices gives a short nod with a
sigh, 'Good. That means that I'll not hear one word of
this..trouble...again, from anyone. And if you think I don't know
about whisperings to the other Novices, think again.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices gives a pointed glance at
Ygraine.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'One more whisper
negatively about the other from either of you, and you'll wish your
mother had accidentally dropped you down a well.  Am I clear?'

Ygraine meets Mistress Merean's gaze directly. "I assure you,
Mistress Merean. You will hear nothing from me."

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices nods at her.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'And you Sapphira?'

Sapphira rasps a fingernail up along her arm, giving a quick nod.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Good.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Now, to the matter of
disobeying my orders.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You Ygraine will
receive no reward for your work on that report, no matter how well
written and you Sapphira will lose what you gained. You will work
together on a new report. It shall be another historical I think...'

Shawnyve appears as she steps out of a pattern in the wheel.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Yes.  I want a one
page essay on the importance of words used in the past and their
consequences. I want references as well.  Understood?'

Ygraine's mouth drops open, anger flashing in her eyes. Rather then
speak, she tenses her jaw, remaining silent.

Sapphira rolls hands hands together into fists, holding them by her
side while biting together.

Ygraine stops using a novice's white dress.

Sorcha gasps so loudly one might think the window would rattle.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices glances at Ygraine, 'Calm
down child and get dressed.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Don't be ridiculous
and make a decision which you might regret later.'

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, 'I spent hours on that report,
Mistress Merean. Hours.'

Ygraine wears a novice's white dress on her body.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices nods grimly, 'And it doesn't
make me feel better not rewarding such an effort.  But you understand
that a Novice cannot tell an Aes Sedai NO, without consequences. It's
critical to the relationship between teacher and student.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Understand also..'

Ygraine bursts into tears. "It isn't fair. I did not lie... I've
worked so hard to do everything any Aes Sedai, Accepted... Even
Gaidin has asked of me. I've written that report. I've studied the
Ta'veren, I've made lists of names...

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices sighs heavily, 'I do not
like having to explain myself child but as this is our first
encounter, I will do so.  After though, you will have to trust in my
judgement.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'If you work together
on your second report and it turns out well, I intended to overlook
the infraction here and reward you both for both the first and the
second.'

Ygraine spins on her heel, staring at Sapphira. "And you are going
to stand there and say nothing? Why am I not surprised."

Sorcha turns a heated gaze on Sapphira with a snort not unlike an
angry bull.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices's brow arches, 'What is
going on here?'

Sorcha turns her emerald stare back to the Mistress before turing
her eyes down to the ground.

Sapphira closes her eyes for a few seconds, opening them against to
look straight ahead.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'What needs to be said?'

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, 'Just tell me this. Who are
lisane Tishar, Mitsora Caal, Karella Fanway, Azille Narof, Saraline
Amerano, Dumera Alman, Salindi Casolan, Catlynde Artein, Biranca
Hasad, Mailaine Harvole, Nemaira Eldros and Lideine Rajan?'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'The Founders of the Tower Ygraine.'

Sapphira tilts her head to the side and gives a weak smile.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'I'll not have you two
arguing. Ygraine, face me. Speak to me. What does she need to add? If
you have something to say, say it. '

Ygraine stares at Sapphira in utter shock. "Even now. In the end it
comes around, Sapphira. In the end, it always comes around." Drawing
herself up slowly, she offers Merean a deep formal curtsey. "I failed
the tower. I should go."

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Freeze Ygraine.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices turns to Sapphira, 'Child,
did you help her in writing this report?'

Sapphira arches an eyebrow, giving yet another quick nod.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'Yes Mistress.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices considers for a moment.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Sapphira, Sorcha,
give us a moment please.'

Sapphira spreads her skirts and sinks into a deep curtsey before you.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'Yes Mistress.'

Sapphira opens the door.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Wait outside the door.'

Sapphira leaves north.

Sorcha spreads her skirts and sinks into a graceful curtsey.

Sorcha turns with a look of quiet comfort to Ygraine before nodding
at the Mistress.

Sorcha spreads her skirts and sinks into a graceful curtsey.

Sorcha says softly, 'Yes, Mistress.'

Sorcha leaves north.

The door is closed from the other side.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices nods.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'The truth child, did
she help with that report?'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'And if not, did you
provide a copy of it to her before or after submission?'

Ygraine shakes her head stiffly. "No, Mistress Merean, she did not.
We met to work on it and argued because she was more concerned with
her practicing then our assignment. When Accepted Arleve inquired
about it, I finished it and turned it in. She was given a c

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, '...a copy when I turned it in.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices gives a quick nod, 'Why did
you not tell Arleve about this?'

Ygraine's face tightens, cheeks pinkening as she lowers her head.
"No, Mistress, I did not. I had hoped it would resolve the matter
between Sapphira and I. I know it was wrong to do, but I could not
not turn it in..."

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices sighs and studies you,
'Ygraine, I sense in you a good heart. But you cannot stand away from
a situation and only look at the ends without looking at the means.'
and pauses before continuing.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You would look at
this from that perch and say that it is not fair that anyone claim
you did something wrong because of your good intentions. While I
might like it to be that way, it cannot work because then we would be
left in chaos where...'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices continues, '..mob justice
ruled and the laws of the lands were no more.'

Ygraine's head dips lower, shoulders rounding as she listens. "I
meant no harm, Mistress Merean. Accepted Arleve was so flustered with
our not getting along. I couldn't continue to upset her. It seemed
the best way to end the matter." Pausing a beat, she sighs

Ygraine stepping forward, she sinks to her knees in front of the
desk, her expression intent. "I know you are angry, I know... And I
am sorry. But, I understand if you have to send me away. I know she's
powerful. I thought, it would be better if she and I just seperated.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices snorts, 'If that was my
decision child, I have no doubt you could find work as a street
mummer somewhere. You seem to have a flare for the dramatic. Now
please stand up. When I am angry, you'll know it. Trust me.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You are every bit as
valuable to us as someone of her strength. Don't let yourself fall
into the trap of comparing that sort of thing. I've seen it before
and nothing good comes of it.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Some of our most
powerful Amyrlins of the past have barely been able to channel a
spark.'

Ygraine can't help clearing her throat, almost smiling. She does,
however, get to her feet, smoothing her skirts into place. "I know..
I do. I hate that I've disappointed you... I don't envy anyone their
power. I've yet to get to the point where I've stopped be

Novice Ygraine notes in gentle tones, 'being pleased over seeing
Ta'veren.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Good.  I noted six
merits total for the work on that report, divided between the two of
you. '

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'And because of your
defiance earlier, I removed three.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'This is my decision. '

Ygraine lowers her head, hands twisting in her skirts as she listens.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'I will reward you the
other three right now as the work was yours and yours alone. Sapphira
will be assigned that other report to do on her own. As to your lying
to Arleve, I will leave Arleve to handle.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Oh, and there is the
small matter of your rank.'

Ygraine sinks into a low curtsey, keeping her eyes on the floor as
she straightens even more slowly.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You may go child.
Send Sapphira in. '

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'And I meant what I
said about keeping silent. I'll not have anymore whispering. Be sure
you keep to that.'

Ygraine blinks in shock, her eyes widening. "Thank you, Mistress
Merean. I will never disappoint you again."

Ygraine spreads her skirts and sinks into a deep curtsey before you.

Ygraine opens the door.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices nods.

Ygraine leaves north.

Sapphira has arrived from the north.

Sapphira closes the door.

Sapphira spreads her skirts and sinks into a deep curtsey before you.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'Mistress.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Let me come to the
short of it.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Convince me you
helped in writing that report.'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'How would you like me to do that
Mistress?'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Explain to me where
you were when you wrote it, what books you used, the names,
references.  Who say you in the library. If I sent for Phathom Sedai,
our librarian, would she remember you as well as Ygraine..etc. '

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'I did not visit the library myself
while writing the report Mistress, nor did Ygraine as she told me.'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'She went to get the source
material from somewhere else I was told by herself, as the reference
book she gave me was purched.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'I see. And what book
was this?'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, '"Understanding the Age of Legends"
Mistress.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'And where was the
book purchased?'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'As I said, I do not know Mistress.
Ygraine brought it.'

Sapphira gets a book titled 'Understanding the Age of Legends' from
a painted leather scrip.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'This one.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices's eyes glance at the book
and she nods, 'Let me see the book child.'

Sapphira nods.

Sapphira gives you a book titled 'Understanding the Age of Legends'.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'And you worked
together with her, writing this report?'

Sapphira frowns lightly, rubbing her hands together.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'Yes Mistress, we talked about the
Age of Legends and such.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Surely you did more
than talk about it, yes?'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'We discussed the information we
had found out and such Mistress. She was the one writing it down.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'So while you spoke
about it, it was her who formed the actual words and sent it, is that
what you're saying?'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'Not quite Mistress.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'go on'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'What I meant was that we talked
and decided what to write about, wich details and suchlike. Someone
had to write it, yes?'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Yes but that's not
what you said a moment ago.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices holds up a hand for silence.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'What do you mean Mistre-'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'It is now well past
lunch and I have spent the entire morning in here with you. We can do
this two ways. One, you can agree she did the majority of the work,
you misunderstood the assignment and really mostly talked about it.
In which case...'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You'll be assigned a
new report do complete on your own

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Or two, well..we'll
see if you like option one before we bother with the ugliness of two.'

Sapphira softens her face up a bit, sinking into a deep curtsey
before you.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'If the Mistress says so...'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'So one it is?'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'That does seem to be the only
choice I am given Mistress.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'I'm glad we agree
that you misunderstood then.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'I'll expect the new
report as soon as possible.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You may go Sapphira.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'The one I mentioned
earlier.'

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'If the Mistress says so...'

Sapphira spreads her skirts and sinks into a deep curtsey before you.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'And it's to be your
effort alone.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'Also..'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'What I said earlier
stands.  No more complaints about one another unless you're ready to
stand in here and see justice done, by your own hand if need be.'

Sapphira takes another deep curtsey, her jaw set in stone with a
fiery gleam in her eyes.

Novice Sapphira intones stiffly, 'Whatever...the Mistress...Says.'

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices nods.

Merean Redhill, the Mistress of Novices says, 'You may go.'

Sapphira swirls around and steps quite heavily out through the door.

Sapphira opens the door.

Sapphira leaves north.

The door is closed from the other side.