Mirazhe wandered the hallways, looking for a place to go. It would have to be a place where she would be comfortable, although ‘comfortable’ meant a place of peace and quiet, and there was little peace or quiet to be found in the Tower. Mirazhe mulled over her options as she went along. She wasn’t hungry, and the dining area was the loudest place in the Tower, so she wouldn’t go there. The gardens seemed like a nice idea. Mirazhe loved flowers and it had seemed like a nice place when she had passed by. Then she remembered the weather outside. The weather wasn’t necessarily bad, but it was definitely overcast, and it wasn’t warm outside. Which shouldn’t have bothered her. She’d grown up in Arafel, where it was pretty much cold all year round, but she had gotten used to warmth and comfort lately, being in the Tower. Not that the small beds in her room were comfortable. But it was warm, and that was better than nothing. She didn't feel like going to the Aes Sedai halls, for several reasons. She wasn't sure if she was allowed there, and she didn't what she would do there anyway. Besides, she was too shy to actually talk to an Aes Sedai, and they made her a bit nervous. That left only the library. Mirazhe brightened at the thought. She hadn’t read many books, books being scarce where she had lived. It would be glorious to get to read a new book. She quickened her pace.

When she finally reached the doors and looked inside, she nearly gasped aloud. Shelves lined the walls and on each shelf were crammed as many books as the shelf could fit. Books ranged from huge historical texts to small novels. Many were new, and many more were worn with use. Several novices sat on chairs reading, and more people were browsing the shelves, looking for books. Mirazhe walked in reverently, trying to absorb as much as she could. It was almost like heaven for her, all these books, not to mention the fact that the room was quiet. She smiled wryly. Her idea of heaven was probably vastly different from other peoples. The people in here were probably the quiet, bookish types who kept to themselves. Just like her. Mirazhe felt a twinge of sadness at the thought. She didn’t want to be shy. It was her greatest downfall, and she hated it. It made it hard to make friends, and she desperately wanted a friend. The people she’d met so far hadn’t been very nice, and they had made her feel small and insignificant, though she hadn’t let them know that. With a sigh, she headed for the nearest shelf, hoping that she might find an interesting book. With luck, it would banish her gloomy thoughts.

Freyja walked to the library, feeling instantly at ease. The library was her second favourite place in the whole Tower, the Infirmary having the place of the first. For a while she had thought of choosing the Brown Ajah instead of the Yellow, but Healing was her Talent, her responsibility, her life. She had never regretted choosing the Yellow, but she still had some Brownish characters. Her lust for knowledge, and the library holding a special place in her heart for example.

She closed her eyes for a while, concentrating on the silence broken only by the rustling of paper and the light steps of Brown sisters. Smiling, she opened her eyes and admired the view. She had seen it many times before during her years as an Aes Sedai, but it still kept fascinating Freyja. The rows and rows of shelves filled with different books as far as the eye could see. Freyja knew that the vast library that was open to everyone did not hold everything, there were a what seemed to be a countless number of storage rooms that held the books that were decided better to keep away from the public. Only Aes Sedai and Asha'man could enter them, and even then some rooms were restricted from all but Brown sisters, and even ones that only the Amyrlin Seat or the M'hael could enter. But the library held so much books that few had time to grieve the deprivation.

Freyja didn't know exactly what she was looking for, she was in the library to relax, not to study for a change. Maybe a nice harmless novel would let Freyja escape the reality for a single moment. Before she could decide what to read, she saw a novice in a nearby shelf, looking for a book. There were no Brown sisters to be seen near, which was quite unusual, so Freyja thought that she might be the best person to help the girl. She had always been one who liked to help, and especially novices needed every bit of help they could get on their way to Aes Sedai. So Freyja walked to the girl and asked gently: "Are you looking for something special?"

Miakoda walked down the halls of the Tower, she was so unsued to a novice bowing at her that she would stop several times and think about it. Than she would smile at them and laugh to herself as she walked a way. She knew that they must of though that she was loosing her mind, and in a way she just might be. It was a slight chill to the tower, and Miakoda could only wish for one thing, the days to get warm again. she loved the idea to sit outside and listen to the birds chirp and read a book, or rewrite her notes. She had spent so many hours doing that all ready that she wanted or more like had to leave her room. She didn't know were she was going at first, just letting her feet lead the way. It was the best thing to do after all.

Before she knew it Miakoda was in front of the libary doors. She smiled, she loved the libary. It was no wonder that she would be of the Brown Ajah one day. Sooner or later, one day she would be brown and her sholders will hold the Brown shawl. Just thinking that brought a smile to her face. She opned the doors and the smell of old books drifted through the air. It was the best smell of them all. she steped in quickly and shut the door behind her trying to make it as quite as she could. The one thing that really got to her was someone just walking into the libary and letting the door slam shut. The quick note taking and turing of the pages was the only noise that you could really hear. Once a while there were sevel people in small groups whispering and a sneeze here and there and maybe a cough, but other than that it was just so peaceful in here.

She looked around the front half of the libary to see if there was anyone in here that she knew, but because she spent so much time to herself in this room everyone was new to her, except Freyja Sedai, her lovley mentor. She was so lucky to have her as her mentor. She was to kind, or at least that was Miakoda thought. Though every Aes Sedai had there bad days, it just seemed to her that Freyja Sedai didn't. She smiled and walked towards her. Giving a quick low bow she said "Hello Freyja Sedai, it is good to see you." Just than Miakoda was able to see that Freyja Sedai was helping someone. As fast as she could Miakoda told the Aes Sedai that she was very sorry for intruping her. She smiled at the novice behind her, than again at her mentor. She waited to see what would happen.

Faced with so many books in front of her, she had no idea where to start. There were books on every topic imaginable, and even more. It would take her ten lifetimes just to read everything. This was definitely heaven. She browsed through the titles, taking them all in. Customs of the Aiel, History of Shienar, The Rulers of the Sun Throne… Judging from the titles, this seemed to be a reference shelf. History was fine with Mirazhe, though only when it pertained to something that interested her. Hmmm. Maybe she could find a history on Arafel somewhere. It would be nice to know about her home country. The knowledge she had on Arafel was small, limited to where it was and what the weather was like. She could tell all her roommates about it. Farina had seemed interested. She browsed some more.

Suddenly Mirazhe heard a voice behind her asking, “Are you looking for something special?” She spun around, startled, to find a kind-looking Aes Sedai watching her. She was about to answer when a woman several years older herself walked up to them. Her dress was white, but had bands of color on the hem. An Accepted, then, girls who were one step higher than novices, but one step lower than Aes Sedai. The Accepted smiled at both her and the Aes Sedai, whose name was Freyja. Mirazhe smiled shyly back and wondered if she should curtsy to the Aes Sedai and Accepted. She did, deciding it was best to be polite, and said to Freyja Sedai, “No, not really. I’m just browsing the shelves. This is my first visit to the library, and I’m amazed by how many books there are. I don’t know where to start.” She really was amazed. She had never seen this many books in one place in her life. Then again, she had grown up in a small village where books were rare, and it was unlikely for one family to have more than 3 books.

“Actually, I was looking for a book on the history of Arafel. Would it be possible for you to help me find one?” The Aes Sedai seemed nice; surely she wouldn’t mind helping an errant novice find a book. Although, with so many shelves, it might take a while to find the book she was looking for. Mirazhe hoped it wouldn’t take too long. She didn’t want to cause too much trouble. While she waited for the Aes Sedai to reply, she took a good look at the Accepted. She seemed to be uncomfortable in her Accepted dress. Maybe she was a newly raised Accepted? Mirazhe had heard something about a girl who had just been raised, but she didn’t remember the name.

The novice didn't have time to answer before Miakoda came to them, giving Freyja a bow and saying: "Hello Freyja Sedai, it is good to see you." Freyja smiled at the girl, it was good to see her too. She liked her very much, she had proved to be a hard-working mentee, always trying her best. That was all she waited for a mentee, that she tried her best. And Freyja couldn't help missing that the girl's hard work had finally been rewarded, the bands of colour on the hem marked her as an Accepted. That made Freyja feel proud, after all she had trained her to this point. She will make a good Aes Sedai one day, I know it. She didn't hesitate for a second thinking that Miakoda would finish her training in the Tower with a shawl, even though most of the girls didn't make it to that point.

Before she could congratulate Miakoda, the novice curtsied and answered Freyja's question. “No, not really. I’m just browsing the shelves. This is my first visit to the library, and I’m amazed by how many books there are. I don’t know where to start.” Freyja smiled, she knew the feeling. She could remember her own excitement when she had entered the library for the first time. It really was vast, and full of wonderful books. She hadn't known where to start either. “Actually, I was looking for a book on the history of Arafel," the novice continued. "Would it be possible for you to help me find one?”

Freyja smiled again. "Of course I can help you." They were already in the history section, it was only a question of knowing the titles. She walked a bit to the right and took a book titled The Ages of Arafel. She handed the book to the novice, and after a moment, she handed her another, titled The Rulers of Arafel. She searched for a while, and finally found the book she had been looking for, The History of Arafel, a book that she thought was more useful than the two she had given the girl already. "This is a good one to start with," she said, handing the book to the novice. "But if you want more information, I can give you a list of books that are useful, or you can ask any Brown sister here. They would be happy to help you." But before the novice had time to response, she moved to Miakoda and gave her a brief hug. "Congratulations, daughter!"

Freyja Sedai smiled and said, “Of course I can help you.” She turned to the shelves and started plucking books off. They were all large books and all of them were on the history of Arafel. First was The Ages of Arafel. It still had a bit of dust on it, as if it hadn’t been read in a long while. Mirazhe didn’t mind. As long as it wasn’t too horribly boring, she would read it. Then was a book called The Rulers of Arafel. Mirazhe thought she would like this one. She didn’t know the names of any of the past rulers, and knew that she should know at least some. She decided to read it the moment she got back. After a bit of searching, Freyja Sedai handed her a book called The History of Arafel. “This is a good one to start with, but if you want more information, I can give you a list of books that are useful, or you can ask any Brown sister here. They would be happy to help you." With that, she turned to the Accepted and exclaimed, “Congratulations daughter!”

Mirazhe had been right then. This was the novice who had been newly raised. Mirazhe felt happy for her, even though she didn’t know the Accepted. “Congratulations,” she murmured, giving the best curtsy she could manage with three heavy books. She nearly lost her balance, but regained it at the last minute. She wondered how long it took to become an Accepted. It took hard work and dedication just to get that far, and it was an achievement to be proud of. I hope I’ll become an Accepted one day. But first, she had to learn how to channel. She couldn’t even touch the Source yet, and it would be a while until she could channel. Then she would have to slowly learn different weaves and hone her strength. She would also have to continue taking classes and learning more about the Source. That would take many years. Then after becoming an Accepted, it would take many more years until she could be Aes Sedai. If she ever even got that far. It wasn’t exactly the most heartening of thoughts, but it was true.

Mirazhe realized she had forgotten to thank the Aes Sedai. It would never do to not to thank Freyja Sedai. She had been so helpful. “Oh, and thank you, Freyja Sedai, was it? I think these books will last me quite a while.”

“ No, not really. I’m just browsing the shelves. This is my first visit to the library, and I’m amazed by how many books there are. I don’t know where to start." She looked a little bit unsure weather she was in the right spot or not, but the novice really didn't know how close she was. Pulling down on her dress she tried to act if she was ready to be in this dress, but it was hard. The colour on her hem always made her think that she had gotton something on it. She would spend hours trying to clean it out until she would relaize that she was just raised. It was rather silly of her, but still it was hard for her to understand that this is were she was. Before Miakoda had a chance to ask her what kind of books that she was looking for she had answered."Actually, I was looking for a book on the history of Arafel. Would it be possible for you to help me find one?”

Still standing a few inches a way Miakoda was able to tell that the Novice was looking at Freyja Sedai in a kind way. It was true that Her mentor was very kind and was able to help you when you needed it, but the Novice should learn now that not all Aes Sedai were like that. Infact most of them were quite mean, but you would later learn that it was for her own good. She didn't think that Freyja Sedai was able to raise her voice, cause all Aes Sedai were able to do that, you just didn't want to be on the end that was getting it. Miakoda was going to jump in and tell her that she was so close to the books that she needed, but Freyja Sedai had beat her to the task. She walked over a little ways still in the same row and looked throw a row of books, pulling one out than another. She looked throw the books again and handed it to the white dress girl. Telling her that it would be best to start of with the last one that was handed to her. [/I]

Before the Novice had time to say anything Freyja Sedai gave her a hug and said Congratulations, daughter!". Those words rang in her head. Just the thought that one day she will become a full sister one day with the rest of the Aes Sedai in the tower. It was hard to think of that now, but one day it will happen. She blushed and turned to her mentor and smiled. Giveing a low bow she spoke in low words.
"Thank you Freyja Sedai. Though I could of not made it this far with out your teaching. And I thank you now." She kept her eyes close. She didn't open her eyes until the Novice had mummbled her Congratulations to Miakoda as well. She turned to her with a smile. "Thank you. I'm sorry but I think I missed your name. I'm Miakoda."

"Thank you Freyja Sedai. Though I could of not made it this far with out your teaching. And I thank you now." Freyja smiled at the Accepted's words. Miakoda seemed quite touched. Freyja knew how most Aes Sedai didn't show emotion, but Freyja thought it was unnecessary. She could keep her face smooth when she wanted to, but she preferred other ways. A smile made girls so much more comfortable than the usual serene face.

Miakoda would still have a long way before she could earn the shawl, but she was a lot closer than before. Freyja knew what it was like. She remembered her own raising, a memory that still brought distant pain, and she remembered her first week as an Accepted. It was like a nightmare, but she never gave up. And she knew that Miakoda wouldn't give up either. The novice mumbled her congratulations as well. Freyja studied the two young women, one just starting her training as the other had just earned the Great Serpent ring. And then there was herself, an Aes Sedai. She knew how large the gaps were between ranks, but right now she didn't want to think about that.

The novice thanked Freyja for the books and Miakoda introduced herself to the novice. Well, I know when I'm not needed anymore, she thought with a smile. The girls would manage very well together. And besides, she wanted to read. "I'll leave you two now so you can get to know each other. I hope you have a good day." With a last smile she left the two girls and went farther to the library to find herself a good book.

In response to Freyja Sedai's congratulations, the Accepted blushed and bowed, saying, "Thank you Freyja Sedai. Though I could of not made it this far with out your teaching. And I thank you now." So Freyja Sedai was her mentor. That made sense. The two seemed comfortable with each other. Maybe Mirazhe would get to that level with her mentor, Lyla Sedai. She was still a little nervous and stiff every time she had her training lesson. It was getting better though. And the lessons themselves were getting a bit easier each time. Then she turned to Mirazhe and smiled again, introducing herself as Miakoda. Right then, Freyja Sedai told them that she was about to go, and hoped that the two girls would get to know each other. That was a good idea. She could tell that the Aes Sedai wanted to get some reading done, but didn’t want to make a rude exit. Saying goodbye, Mirazhe watched the Aes Sedai walking away. Such a nice woman. Maybe they would meet again. Mirazhe certainly hoped so.

Mirazhe smiled back. "It's nice to meet you, Accepted Miakoda. I'm Mirazhe Tomai. I'm a new novice at the White Tower. Congratulations again on becoming Accepted. I’m told that it takes a lot of hard work and determination to become an Accepted.” She hoped that she could become an Accepted too. But that would be a long time, several years before she could even think about it. Then many more years to becoming Aes Sedai. That was a long time, and the thought of leaving her mother alone for that long made her sad. But there was no changing what she had done, and it was time to make the best of things. Maybe Miakoda could give her some tips and general things to look out for. While she waited for the Accepted to reply, she shifted the books around in her arms. They were getting quite heavy and Mirazhe wanted to put them down. But it might seem that she was weak if she wasn’t able to carry a few paltry books. Well, they were quite large. She shifted them around several times, but couldn’t find a comfortable position to hold them in. Finally, she gave up, and with a quickly spoken, “Excuse me” she put the stack of books on the ground. Ah, that was better. She smiled and turned back to Miakoda. “I’m sorry about that. My arms were getting sore.” She gave an rueful smile. “Go ahead.”

It had been a long time since Naridin had a book to read, so he looked forward to going to the library. His purpose was not to dilly-dally, however, but to find something that might tell him how to break his block. His hands in his pockets and his eyes lidded, Naridin shuffled to the said room, somehow feeling less bothered by the peculiar glances from passing novices. When he finally opened the door to the library, however, his eyes grew wide with astonishment.

The library was huge, with high shelves everywhere he looked, all stacked with books. Some shelves even reached the ceiling! The Aiel quickly steered his face into its usual look of apathy, but could not help but look around. Light! How could so many books be in one room? Books were not printed in the Three-fold Land, therefore Naridin hadn't seen a shelf as high as his waist. His old collection was nothing compared to the library of the Towers! Turning his head here and there, he walked along the line of shelves, thankful that the girls reading were too busy to stare at him and his height. He couldn't quite tell where to start looking, though, and simply turned into a random aisle, glancing at the titles on the books.

"The Karaethon Cycle: An Analogy...The Aiel War..." His eyes rose at the sight of the book. It was quite old, the edges peeling. He took the book out, browsed through it, frowned and put it back. He already knew of the Aiel War. The book wasn't so accurate. Naridin supposed the author was Cairhienen. He continued along the aisle, dissapointed that not one mentioned something about blocks. Another book caught his attention, however. It was large, covered in green, and seemed very fragile. What caught his attention was the author's name, written in crimson beneath the title. It was the name of an Ogier, followed by a name of a stedding. Naridin carefully pulled it from the shelf. It was a diary of some sorts, and the author mentioned being with the Dragon Reborn before he dissapeared. Already interested, the Aiel leaned on a shelf and read on, and was soon enthralled by it. After a few minutes, he sat on the floor instead and continued reading in his quiet little corner of the library, already forgetting about books on blocks.

OOC: Eeep! Sorry it's so horribly bad. :unsure:
----

So many books. Freyja Sedai had been quite generous when she had handed the books to here. Mirazhe thought she would be quite occupied for the next three months, what with her chores and classes and training, and now these. The only problem was, she couldn't see where she was going. The stack of books obscured her vision, and she had to twist her head into an uncomfortable angle to see. She hoped that there wasn't anyone in front of her, otherwise, she was sure to run into them.

After several minutes of sucessfully navigating her way through the shelves, she let down her guard and began to relax. However, that turned out to be a mistake. Her foot hit something hard, and with a muffled shriek, she tripped and fell, sending books flying everywhere.

She landed on the ground with a very unladylike grunt, and winced when she saw the books strewn around her. Oops...., she thought, cheeks flushing bright pink. Looking around for what tripped her, she saw two long legs. Oh no... Following the legs, she saw a body with two long arms, and then a head. A person. She'd tripped over a person. Mirazhe didn't think she had ever been this mortified in her life. Well, she probably had, but right now, things seemed pretty bad.

Swallowing nervously, she managed to squeak out, "Oh dear, I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there!" Quickly, she scampered around and picked up her books and set them on the ground near her.

"I really am sorry. I couldn't see with the books in front of me. Are you hurt?"

((OOC-- :huh: What's so horrible about it? :) Anyway, I just dropped by the computer lab during break; if this turns out too short...ah, well. It didn't anyway. :)))

Naridin was comfortably reading an account of a battle. The author mentioned Aiel in it, and that interested him. Prophecies of the car'a'carn mentioned Aiel being led by him, but the chief of chiefs wasn't the 'hero' in that part of the book. He was at a part where Trollocs were about to attack a town...

The Aiel felt something abruptly bump his outstretched legs. His eyes tore from the page and turned above him, where a girl was losing her balance. He moved to catch her, his leg hardly hurting, but it was too late. The girl fell to the floor with a small scream and a grunt, sending books flying everywhere. Naridin blinked. Then, he began to chuckle. This girl tripped on me? he thought, the hilarity causing him to laugh. He never became an Aiel warrior and he never will, but he was supposed to hear someone approaching him. And this girl was able to approach him and he only noticed her when she tripped on him. She might have been good, but it didn't seem like she knew he was there either.

The girl did not get the joke, though. She was blushing a bright pink, but it did not look like she was going to laugh. Swallowing nervously, she managed to squeak out, "Oh dear, I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there!" He thought so. She didn't notice him starting to laugh, so she quickly scampered around, picked up her books and set them on the ground near her. Naridin was still laughing at the good joke, but was struggling to compose himself by helping her gather her books. He managed to pick up two when she turned back to him. His shoulders shook a little, but he wasn't laughing out loud anymore.

"I really am sorry. I couldn't see with the books in front of me. Are you hurt?" she asked.

Naridin nearly laughed again at this. "No. Are you?" It looked like a painful fall, and she was worried about him? He stood up, brushing dust from his coat (the little commotion caused dust from the shelves to fill the air) and still stiffled a chortle. "Here." he handed her books, glancing at the titles. One was on the history of Arafel, another was...Naridin was suddenly reminded of the books he was supposed to find.

He turned from her for a moment to pick up his book from the floor. The soldier carefully placed it between his palms--the thing seemed ready to turn into dust. Interesting, but I have neglected work to do. Straightening, he then replaced it on the shelf. He turned back to the girl, who seemed to have realized he was laughing at her just a moment ago, and was blushing. In anger, perhaps. Naridin had forgotten wetlanders did not like being laughed at when they fall. He guffawed (and banged his fists on the floor) once when Sehluile tripped on her own skirts and he got a hard stare for it.

"I am sorry. I shouldn't have laughed when you do not get the joke." he muttered, smiling. He hoped that was enough to soothe her--it was enough for Sehluile. If it wasn't, he wasn't going to waste his time trying to do so. "I am called Naridin. You...do not happen to know where I can find books about blocks, do you?" All those books she had...she looked to be more familiar with the library, but if she wasn't...well, it was worth asking. Besides, he had wasted enough time already.

OOC: You call that short?? *sighs*
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Mirazhe was so busy picking up books that she didn't realize that the man had gotten up and had started to laugh. It was only after she had turned back to him that she noticed a wide grin on his face. She blinked. The grin didn't go away. In fact, the man started laughing again, of all things! Was he laughing at her? Could he be laughing at her? He was! He...it...that.....Ugh! Men! Her shyness seemed to evaporate, and she stood there, glaring at him. Well, if he was going to be rude, she could be rude right back. It served him right for sitting right in the middle of the corridor. Well, it wasn't exactly the middle, since he had been leaning against one of the bookshelves, but that wasn't important right now.

Eventually, his laughter died away. His smile remained on his face, but he seemed to realize that she DID NOT appreciate being laughed at. Then again, who did? Him, apparently.

"I am sorry. I shouldn't have laughed when you do not get the joke." Joke? What joke? Her tripping over him was not a joke. At least not to her. Maybe he was one of those odd male creatures who laughed at anything and everything. Taking a good look at him, it finally hit her that she was craning her head up to look at him, and that he seemed familiar. OHHH. He was that Aiel man, the one who could channel. Her blush came back with full force.

"I am called Naridin. You...do not happen to know where I can find books about blocks, do you?"

So. His name was Naridin and he was looking for books about blocks. Did that mean he had a block, or that he was just curious? She didn't know where the books about blocks were, but then again, she really had no clue where anything was in the library. She voiced that fact out loud.

"I don't know where the books about blocks are. I don't really know where anything is. I haven't been here long. But if you would like, I can try and help you find them. Oh, and my name is Mirazhe Tomai."

((OOC: No, that wasn't short, was it? This is short. :lol: ))

Naridin nearly bit his lip; he had slipped there. He seemed to be doing that a lot these days. He hoped she wouldn’t ask why he needed books on blocks. "I don't know where the books about blocks are. I don't really know where anything is. I haven't been here long. But if you would like, I can try and help you find them. Oh, and my name is Mirazhe Tomai." Returning his eyes to their lidded appearance, he considered what she had said. So she was new to the library as well. A blind man guiding another doesn’t sound good, but it’s better than having no help at all.

“I would appreciate your help, Mirazhe Tomai.” he replied. “Perhaps we both can learn more of this large place.”

He nodded and made to go ahead, but realized that she seemed to be having trouble carrying all her books. Not only did they look heavy, but she was having difficulty stacking them in her arms. They were the reason she tripped over him, after all. Perhaps she wouldn’t mind if he carried them for her.

“Let me…” He took the books from her and was relieved that she consented, then stacked them neatly and carrying them in front of him. The pile was high enough to cover his face. Naridin stared at his own burden. So many books… “I hope I am not keeping you from your work.” He shifted as the top book threatened to fall, then tilted his pale head to see her from behind the pile. “You seem to have a lot of reading to do.”

OOC: I have nothing against you in this post, I’m just exploring Mira’s character. :P

“I would appreciate your help, Mirazhe Tomai. Perhaps we both can learn more of this large place.”

At least the man wasn’t laughing at her anymore and had decided to be polite now. Nonetheless, she kept the glare on her face as she rearranged the books in her arms. Her shyness seemed to have completely disappeared now, but she wasn’t aware of that. All she was aware of was how annoyed she was. Men. They were all the same; rude, arrogant, overbearing… She tried to think of something insulting, but couldn’t find something offensive enough to suit her.

Of course, if he really wanted to be polite, he could offer to carry her books for her. Her arms were starting to get sore now, and she had to keep shifting her arms to a new position so they wouldn’t hurt as much. It was done discreetly of course, since Mirazhe had no wish to have the towering man in front of her think she was a weakling. She was quite capable of carrying several books by herself; it was only when each book weighed about 10 pounds each that she started to have a bit of trouble.

It took her a few minutes to get the books settled in a comfortable position in her arms, and by then, Naridin was already striding off to a different part of the library. Well, that was just fine and dandy, wasn’t it? Leave the girl alone with 30 pounds worth of books to carry and just go off on your own. Humph. Muttering silently to herself, she staggered along after him, cursing men for all she was worth. She’d only gone a few steps before Naridin, having realized that she wasn’t right behind like he thought she was, turned around and came striding right back. With nothing more than a “Let me”, he plucked the books out of her arms. Mirazhe stared at him a while before muttering her thanks.

What a strange man. She hadn’t met many males in her short lifetime, but the ones she had met were either like her father, kind and cheerful, or terrifying and creepy, like Asha’man Edeleas. Naridin, however… she didn’t know where he fit in. Although, maybe he didn’t fit any category since he was an Aiel. He had to be, with his height and his pale skin. Aielmen were known to be strange people. A voice broke her out of her musings.

“I hope I am not keeping you from your work. You seem to have a lot of reading to do.” She had to crane her head up to look at him – Light, he was tall! – and looked at him for several seconds before replying.

“No, it’s fine. These aren’t for any of my classes, if that’s what you mean. The books are for me to read when I have the time. I don’t know much about the country I’m from, and I thought it would be a good idea to do some reading up on it. I’m not very well educated, though my mother did teach me to read and write.” She’d been here a month now, but that didn’t mean she missed her mother any less than she had when she’d first arrived. Mirazhe hoped her mother was doing all right without her. Ever since her father had died, it had just been the two of them, and they had settled into a comfortable rhythm together. But now she was here, and her mother… Shaking off the quickly descending gloom, she quickly said, “But enough about me. What about you?” Nodding towards the book he had been reading, she asked, “Are you reading about blocks for a reason?”

"My mentor--one of my mentors--needed help on some research," he answered, in his own suprise, in a conversational tone. "It's needed for a block breaking, and he asked me to help."

Not entirely true, but not a lie either. That'll have to do. Atleast it isn't a straight-out lie. He was not about to tell her one of his weaknesses, whoever she was.

"You must have a lot of time on your hands to have all these books," he commented quickly to avoid questions, "or you simply like to read. I enjoy reading myself, but I hardly ever find time lately." Which meant that he did not sneak away from classes anymore just to read somewhere--that was something he had left in the Three-fold Land, atleast for now.

He gazed at her, waiting, as he started to walk. It suddenly occured to him that she wasn't staring at him--atleast not because he was tall or whatever silly reason those novices did. He had a feeling it was his actions or words that made her stare sometimes, and that was normal. Sehliule found him strange as well and stared occasionally. It was a great relief to find someone who didn't gawk; but then, he wasn't exactly looking, was he? He hadn't talked with any novices for more than ten seconds before.

"My mentor--one of my mentors--needed help on some research. It's needed for a block breaking, and he asked me to help." Naridin replied in a light tone of voice, but something in it said he didn’t want to spend any more time on the subject so Mirazhe didn’t press him any further. Everybody had a right to keep secrets, and whether his was a secret or not, she wasn’t about to push him on it. He’d probably get snappy at her if she asked, and who knew what he would do after that. It was never smart to provoke a man who could channel. Mirazhe knew from first-hand experience, and she would be content if she never had to go through it again.

Naridin was speaking again. "You must have a lot of time on your hands to have all these books, or you simply like to read. I enjoy reading myself, but I hardly ever find time lately." A lot of time on her hands? Mirazhe was pretty sure he went through the same schedule that she did. If he did, he must know that nobody had a lot of time on their hands in the Tower. There was always something to keep yourself occupied with, whether it chores or class or training. When all was said and done, there was barely enough time for her to fall into bed and sleep. Though she could see how he assumed she had a bit of spare time. She had gotten enough books to keep her busy for several weeks at least. Now that she thought about it, she probably should’ve gotten fewer books, since there was no way she could finish all these.

She gave Naridin a rueful smile as she looked at all books he was carrying. “Well, I don’t really have that much free time. I do like to read – you were right about that - and I like learning about things. But I don’t think I’ll be able to finish all these. I shouldn’t have borrowed them all. Then I wouldn’t have fallen over you and you wouldn’t be carrying those now. You really don’t have to. Carry the books, I mean. I can carry them. They are my books after all.”

“Well, I don’t really have that much free time. I do like to read – you were right about that - and I like learning about things. But I don’t think I’ll be able to finish all these. I shouldn’t have borrowed them all. Then I wouldn’t have fallen over you and you wouldn’t be carrying those now. You really don’t have to. Carry the books, I mean. I can carry them. They are my books after all.”

He tilted his head--a mannerism when confused. She was certainly not joking, from the look of her face.Then what did she mean? She looked like she was having a hard time when she carried them. And like she said, she tripped over him because she carried them. Why would she want to carry them? Naridin had encountered people who refused help before (they called it being polite), but he simply did not understand why they did, when it did not dishonor them to receive help. Or was she feeling insulted, that she seemed to weak to carry her own burdens?

Naridin considered his last thought in a panic--he did not want dishonor anyone--and turned to her. "Oh. I did not mean to take them. I just assumed you were having a hard time--not that you didn't seem able to carry them--that is..." The Aiel stopped himself. He was blabbing. This was a wetlander he was in front of, not an Aiel. She was probably being polite, by her rueful look. What reason was that again? He sighed and continued more calmly (if that is possible for an Aiel). "But I am not bothering myself by carrying them. You are helping me to find my books, so I could atleast do you a favor." Light, his tongue flapped a lot. He would have to remind himself not to talk-ever again-unless he thought. His bloody mouth was making him look foolish.

OOC: We sound like a right pair of idiots. :P

Naridin seemed confused by her last words. Mirazhe didn’t think she’d said anything confusing, but then again, she could barely remember what she just said. What did she say? Oh yes, something about him not having to carry her books. Now that she actually thought about it, she probably shouldn’t have said that since she was secretly relieved that he was carrying them. Her arms weren’t hurting anymore, and she felt wonderfully light without all her books. Peeking sidelong at him, she noted a bit enviously that he didn’t seem to be having any problems carrying both her and his books combined. She’d never had to worry about being seen as ‘weak’ since the only people she saw on a daily basis were her family. But now that she was in the White Tower, a completely different place far from home, she supposed that she’d better not make a show of being weak. Was she weak? She didn’t think she was weak. Oh, Light. Here she was, actually walking and talking with someone else and not being shy, for once, and all she could think about was whether she was weak or not. Light. She really needed to get some fresh air.

“-helping me to find my books, so I could at least do you a favor." What? Mirazhe winced as she realized she’d missed most of what Naridin had said. Hopefully, it hadn’t been anything important. And she accused him of being rude when she couldn’t even seem to pay attention to what he was saying. If this was what Tower life was going to be like, she wasn’t sure she wanted to be here anymore. At least back home, she had known what she was doing. Being in the White Tower had completely scrambled her wits.

“Umm, well, if that’s how you see things, then you can carry the books. It’s…very nice of you. Thank you, very much.” She was at a loss for what to say. Words had never come easily to her, and they definitely weren’t coming to her now. How many times had she wished she were like her father, cheery and outgoing, someone people felt comfortable talking to? Instead, she’d turned out more like her mother, quiet and gentle. If she could change anything about herself, that would be it. The silence was starting to stretch awkwardly, so she frantically cast about for something to say. With a hint of desperation in her voice, she asked, “Are we there yet?”

OOC: :lol: LOL, yeah. I went overboard with the Aiel weirdness. Must be from the lack of things to do...

They went on quietly after she thanked him only since Naridin could not think of anything more to say or ask. Why was it conversations seemed to just flow when he was with Sehluile, and yet he didn't have a clue as to what to say right then? The Aiel quickly dismissed the thought of a conversation. He wasn't one to have long ones with people he barely knew, much less a few words. What was the need for friendly conversations, anyway, when they were only there to pass the time? It was a big bother, trying to think of things to say. He let his mind wander instead to other things.

Journeys Through The Waste read one of the books he passed. It suddenly reminded him of home. He might have left it, but he still missed it. He would give anything right then to see even his father again. He even missed that deep frown on his forehead whenever Naridin had skipped sparring practice. Light, he even missed the switch! There was also his mother...always there to tell him to stop being a mule-headed oaf...he missed all the negative aspects as much as the positive ones. If only he could leave Tar Valon, even just for a while...But no. For one thing, the Black Tower would never let their soldiers run free. Another was his parents themselves. How would they react to a son who came back when he was thought to be dead? What more for a son who did not achieve what he was supposed to, never mind being banished out into the Blight? He would be thought to be a weakling, and he would only bring his father shame. The thought of never being able to get back to the Three-fold Land brought a flicker of sadness to his eyes.

“Are we there yet?” Mirahze suddenly asked. Naridin did not know himself, but he quickly glanced around him and read the title of the nearest book. Touching the True Source. That could be connected to blocks, right, since blocks hindered people from touching the Source? "Yes." he answered.

He meant to take the book from the shelf, but since he had books in his arms, he laid them on the floor and then took it out. "A couple more books, I guess, and I'll be done." he said to himself as much as to her as he browsed through the book.

OOC: Sorry this is so short.

Thankfully, they had arrived at their location, for which Mirazhe was entirely grateful. She didn’t think she could have taken any more of the long awkward silence that had stretched between them. Oh, she was shy, that was for sure, and she preferred quiet to the animated chatter of another people, but she didn’t like it when it was quiet and she was with other people. It made her acutely aware of her shyness, and that was a characteristic she preferred not to think about if she could help it.

As Naridin removed books from the shelves, she realized that he was having some difficulties since his arms were full of books. Her books. She was about to go help him when he set the books that he was carrying on the floor. Well. That settled things. She hovered nearby as he plucked books from their places, unsure of what to do. Leaving now would seem rude, but he was occupied with finding books, and she didn’t want to interrupt him and break his concentration. She could have gotten more books, but she didn’t think she would be able to finish them all, let alone carry them. So she stood and waited for him to finish.

When he seemed close to finishing, Mirazhe picked up her books so he wouldn’t have to feel obligated to carry them again. It took her a few moments to carry them, since she’d forgotten how heavy they were. But she settled them into a moderately comfortable position in her arms, and waited until he was finished before saying, “Is there something else you need?”

OOC: No problem. Mine's short too.

Naridin was barely aware of how silent Mirahze was as he took out book after book. Most of them went back to the shelf, but a few formed a steadily growing stack on the floor. After a few minutes, he had gotten enough to equal the girl's own pile. He wasn't really carefully picking them and added a book as soon as he saw the words "hindrance" or "block" on a random page. When the text was too little, the Aiel didn't bother to read it and returned it to the shelf. He glaced at his stack after a while, then blinked in surprise when he found it was tall.

“Is there something else you need?” Mirahze suddenly asked.

Naridin turned to her, then looked away as he thought for a while. "No." he answered. "I suppose I'm done." He would read his books in his room. That meant having to ignore the other men again, but they should be used to his moments of silence by now. He was about to worry about carrying her books as well as his, but seeing as she already had them, he shrugged and took his books.

"I am grateful for your..." Now what was that Sehluile told him once as a dismissal? "...company, Mirahze Tomai. I'd better get started with these books. I will see you." With a nod, Naridin sidestepped her to get out of the aisle and the library.