Had Adena had more energy, she would have all but jogged into the mess hall to make sure she got lunch today. However, she was exhausted, and at the moment could barely bring herself to keep up a steady, normal walking speed. Light, was it possible that she had thought she had had a lot of chores before she earned this punishment? That was nothing, now she had a lot of chores. She scrubbed and dusted and cleaned and shoveled- everything from snow to horse manure -and there was always something waiting. She could not remember a time in the past few weeks that she had not had a list of at least three or four more chores waiting on her when she finished the one she was working on. Every time she thought she was getting close to finishing, that is, she had less than four more on her list, some novice or servant or someone came to her with news of another task to add to her list. Right now she knew that as soon as she finished her lunch, which would have to be very quick, she had to do laundry for a Gray sister, scrub pots in the kitchens for the Light only knew how long, and help the stable hands clean the horse stalls out. If she had had the energy, she would have been indignant, they had no right to make her do all that, she was still a lady deep down, even if right now she felt anything but. Something Cayana said suddenly popped into her mind, the witch had put the idea into Adena's head that she was not a lady anymore, that by running away from home she had given up that rank and could never get it back. She had told Adena that she was no higher up than anyone else, not because the Towers said so, but because she had chosen to leave her home. That thought had haunted Adena for quite a while, had she really given up her rank? No, she finally decided, she had done what was necessary. She had left to protect her family and her people, that was what any lady should do, right? Which, of course, meant that at some point Adena would be able to be a real lady again, perhaps not in Amadicia, but somewhere.

She took a deep breath and sighed as she collected a bowl of thick stew and a slice of bread from the kitchens. She turned around to look for a place to sit, somewhere not too near anyone else, she had no desire to talk to anyone just now. Not that she ever really wanted to talk to the people here, she had found that very very few of them had anything to say that Adena wanted to hear. They all told her that she should just give up, change her way of thinking about this place and basically let the witches brainwash her. Well, she would not do that, that was certain. She had to follow their rules outwardly, that much she knew now, but they could not change the way she thought. The idea of channeling still upset her and she still hated that she was cursed with the ability to do so. She found a table off to the side a little ways, it was not completely empty but she sat on the end opposite the other person. She wanted nothing more than to put her head on the table here and fall asleep. Adena could not remember the last time she had had a real night's sleep. She was up past curfew each night working and was up well before any other novice had to get up, which was quite early enough as it was. With only the shortest of breaks in between, how could she manage five more months of this? But Adena did not dare do anything to get herself out of the punishment, running away would only make it worse, that was sure, and she was afraid to put a toe out of line for fear that it would add onto her punishment. Light, but when she got here she would never have thought that the normal novice workload would seem almost light and easy, but compared to what she was now subject to it did, she honestly envied the novices who were not in trouble, or real trouble anyway. A little punishment for a prank was nothing, six months of extra chores was cruel, there was no way around that. But Adena supposed the witches realized they could not brainwash her, so they added on extra chores in attempt to break her. Adena was not sure they were failing, that was the worst part.

She took a quick glance around the mess hall, wondering how the other people here could not see that the Towers were evil. How did they not understand? Channeling was the work of the Dark One and Aes Sedai and Asha'man were his loyal minions. Of course, Adena had seen no actual evidence of that in her time in the Towers, but she knew it was true. After all, how could they teach her that in Amadicia, believing it so strongly if it was not? Let the witches say whatever they wanted, Adena knew they were lying, they had to be. She picked up her spoon and began to eat. The food here was not so bad, it was nothing compared to what was served in her father's house, but on her trip here Adena had eaten worse. Toward the end of that journey she had begun to run low on funds and had been forced to frequent inns that were rather below her stature. It was food though, and Adena was hungry, all the chores they had her doing gave her very little time to get enough to eat, and she worked it all off quickly, so she was almost never full. Shortened mealtimes and a heavy workload had made Adena concider sneaking in here at other times for a snack, but she knew if she was caught by someone who knew she was supposed to be somewhere else she would have more punishment to look forward to. Besides, when could she get here? If she was not in chores she was in either block breaking sessions- which were still continually failing -or in some other sort of class. She did not have many academic classes or even channeling classes right now, nearly all her time was spent working, so much so that she even looked forward to channeling lessons in an odd way, not for the channeling, that part still upset her, but for the break from the backbreaking work she was always swamped in. Adena sighed again as she took a bite of her stew, wishing that lunch could last forever.

((Aww, no one wants to play with me? :pout: I promise Adena won't bite anyone!))

I'm going to do something with an NPC, just give a day or two...

Erin paused at the door to the Mess Hall, looking to have a quick lunch before heading back to teach another class. It was full, but not too so. She was dressed appropriate to her station, but not ostentatiously so. She didn't like to flaunt her wealth. Erin quickly loaded a tray with food before going to look for a place to sit. She normally brought something from home on the days she taught classes, but she had been in a hurry today, and didn't want to send a servant back to the town mansion on such a trival errand as that. Her eyes scanned the area, and then settled on a table with only a lonely Novice at it. I wonder what she did that everyonne is avoiding her? Erin thought to herself, as she went towards the table, tray firmly held in both hands against the press of bodies hurrying back and forth. Then she recognized the girl sitting there, so alone.

Adena.

Erin mentally cursed herself for not havng recognized the girl earlier. She was getting to be a problem with her bad attitude and willfulness. Then Erin sighed to herself. The poor girl was only mirroring what she had been taught all her life. The Children of the Light were strong still in Amadacia, and they had everyone convinced that Aes Sedai and their minions were heartless, irredeemable servants of the Dark One.

Plus there was another reason for the girl to hate her. Her brother Robert, in one of his last battles before coming to Tar Valon, had thoroughly thrashed the Whitecloaks and killed their Lord Captain Commander in personal combat. He hated the Chldren with a passion, not least because they burned books they didn't like and of condemning and executing people they considered Darkfriends without even the pretense of a trial. Robert had been quite happy to take the coin of the Queen of Andor in order to take the Whitecloaks down a peg. He despised her, but in this one instance they shared the same goals. She was sure that Amadacia had a price on his head, as well as hers and Elaine's and Robert's senior officers as well.

In truth, Elaine thought that if she could get the girl out from under the constant chores, and just get her to listen, that she might have a change of heart. She remembered other Novices who had been just as headstrong and weighed down with misinformation about the Towers who had changed their minds. Sometimes it had taken a while, but it had happened. And in truth, Elaine did need a helping hand in preparation for the classes she taught, there were so many students.

Soonest begun is soonest done, Erin thought to herself as she approached. "May I sit," she asked. At the girl's nod, she seated herself. "My name is Erin Laurel."

Adena sat quickly eating her lunch, wishing that she could just stay in here until her six months of chores were over. Of course, that was not that great a wish, since there were plenty of chores to do in the mess halls and kitchens, Adena was sure that if she stayed in here for five more months, she would have at least as many chores as if she left. Light, there was no escape! She was going to lose her mind before she found a way out of this punishment, but that was what the witches wanted, was it not? She knew that they had every intention of changing her mind, by breaking her will, it seemed to Adena, but what use to the world was a broken Aes Sedai? To her knowledge, they were all headstrong, strongwilled and powerful. So why did they want the novices to be so meek and humble? It did not seem like a good way to train for future generations of sisters. But, that was not what Adena was worried about, since she planned on never becoming one of them anyway, their future did not matter to her, whether her training now made sense or not. Adena was interrupted from her thoughts by a female voice, who asked if she could sit. Adena looked up, and recognized the woman as someone she had seen around the Towers once or twice before. Big as the Towers were, it was quite possible to never see someone more than once or twice. Even so, she knew this woman ranked above her, Adena thought she must have been a Gaidar, but she was not sure. Well, there went all her hopes of staying alone for this meal. She suppressed a scowl as she nodded, the last thing she needed was to be sent for punishment for disrespect, and one could never know how touchy these people were, she knew very well that sometimes a scowl would be enough.

Soon after she sat, the woman introduced herself as Erin Laurel. Adena kept her face in her bowl as she said that, and was soon glad she had. Laurel was a name she recognized, Robert Laurel was a name known and loathed in Amadicia. He had been a well known general years ago, not so long that Adena could not remember it, but long enough that it was no longer discussed often. He had, with his army behind him, soundly defeated the Children of the Light, and had personally killed the Lord Captain Commander. Anyone who could give information of him to the Children now would be heavily rewarded. Erin Laurel was a name that sounded familiar, but that did not carry the same weight. Likely the sister, and from the looks of her, she had the ability to have been involved as well. She certainly was not a sister, and Adena could not imagine anyone but a sister, Asha'man or Gaidin- or someone in training to become one of them -in this mess hall. That meant that she could fight, most certainly. All this flashed quickly through Adena's mind, and a moment after Erin had spoken, she took a breath and looked up. She knew that, as far as loyalties went, she was honor-bound to turn this woman in, as well as her brother, and if Adena had any way of doing that, she most certainly would. Oh, she knew some women tried to write letters home, but Adena seriously doubted if any of them ever made it, the Towers did not like initiates writing home, and as Adena had learned firsthand, when the Towers did not want something done, it did not happen. No, she would not be able to reveal that Robert Laurel's sister was in the White Tower. Not yet, at any rate, when she got out of this Light-forsaken place she was sure she would be able to send word, and that was the first thing she would do.

"I am Adena Moren," she replied quietly. She wanted to add "Gaidar" onto the end of that statement, but she was not sure of the woman's rank. Doubtless if she was Gaidar, Adena could get into trouble for disrespect, but if she were not, then it would just lead to an embarassing conversation that Adena had no desire for right now. She took a few more bites of her stew, wishing that the kitchens served larger portions, and she slowed down. She knew she should not risk that, since she did have to be somewhere after the lunch she did not really have time for. But certainly it would result in more punishment to simply stand up and walk away from a Gaidar who had spoken to her before being dismissed. Light, Adena was in trouble both ways, she either had to be late for her chores, which was never acceptable, or she had to disrespect a woman she thought was Gaidar, which was also unacceptable. If this Erin decided to talk for long enough, she may have to end up doing both, which would be intolerable for the Mistress of Novices. She had to think of some way to get out of here, should the need arise, some way that would not be seen as disrespectful. Right now, she had time to think, she was not worried about it yet. She would cross that bridge if it came to it, and not before. The Light knew she did not need yet another thing to worry over, even such a trifle as this meant more punishment, and Adena was simply not sure she could handle that.

Erin looked at Adena closely. The girl blanched at the mention of Erin's name, and had not been able to hide her expression of dismay. Oh dear, Erin thought, she no doubt thinks that Robert breathes dragon fire and eats babies for breakfast, and that I'm just as bad. Still, Erin had asked for help, and this Novice with her background would be just as apt as any. Plus Erin had never agreed that Novices had to be broken. It was might hallowed tradition, but on more than one occasion tradition had been proven to be wrong. From her background Erin thought the girl could be of good use.

"I am looking for somene to help me with my classes," Erin began. "I teach classes here in the manners and customs of the nobility to new members of the Guard, Novices and Soldiers. My brother, who is the commander-in-chief of all the military forces of Tar Valon, has the belief that anyone officially connected to Tar Valon should be able to handle themselves in any social situation, from on a farm to a royal palace. Since you are of the nobility, you can help. Contrary to what someone may have told you, you do not lose your noble rank once you come here. It's just, let us say, suspended, until you finish your training. For instance, Moiraine Damodred always kept her estates in Cairhien, but was not allowed to receive the revenues again until she became Aes Sedai. I also teach classes in estate management and financial management. I ran my own estates in Cairhien for a number of years until I moved here, and, as the head of my House, I still oversee the family finances from trading ventures and other such forays. I can speak to your mentor right after we finish with our meal, and you can be assigned to work with me. It will be better than doing endless chores!"

She sat back and waited for the girl's answer.

Thankfully, Erin did not wait long before getting right to business, although Adena was rather surprised that there was business. Generally, eating near someone was just chance, but this woman seemed to already know who Adena was, and had a plan for her. She said that she taught classes on the customs of nobility to new initiates. Well, Adena had never been in such a class, but she did not doubt it existed, there were dozens of classes held every day, after all. Anyway, why would they send someone with her background to that sort of class? Even if they said rank meant nothing here, they had to recognize that Adena would already know about customs of nobles, she had grown up learning them inside and out. She went on to say something else, but Adena stopped listening when she said that her brother was the commander-in-chief here in Tar Valon. Surely that brother would have to be Robert. Light, Adena knew where one of the most wanted men in Amadicia was, and would likely not be leaving for good any time soon, but she had no way of getting news to anyone back in Amadicia. Besides, even if she did, there was no gaurantee that they would believe her, since she would doubtless have to tell them that she was training here. Light, why could her life not just be simple and easy for once? Adena focused back in on Erin at what she concidered the perfect moment. She heard the woman say that rank really did not cease to mean anything when you arrived here. She could not help but feel hopeful, except Erin went on to qualify that it really was suspended during training. Well, what good did that do her? If she was still expected to act equal to these peasants, it did her no good whatsoever. Erin also gave an example of some Moiraine Damodred who received revenues after she was raised Aes Sedai. Well, that did not do Adena any good either, since she would not be able to receive revenues from Amadicia after running away without a word- and if they ever found out that she had run away here they would kill her!

Adena suppressed a sigh, there was no way around it, the Towers were ruining her life, but she had walked into it herself. Adena thought that Erin was possibly trying to make her feel better about being here, but really all she had done was made Adena realize, yet again, that coming here was the worst mistake she had ever made. And now the woman wanted her to help teach a class? Light, Adena had never taught anything in her life! How could she teach ignorant peasants about the ways of nobility? They would never understand, it was not something that could be taught in a classroom really, it had to be learned through experience, and any peasant who had grown up in a farmhouse could never have the necessary experience to really get along well among lords and ladies. Oh, they might do a fair play at it, but they would never have the instincts or the understanding that someone who was surrounded by it from childhood would have. Those were not taught, they were learned for survival in some places. Oh, her home had not been that bad, but it had been necessary for Adena to learn the Great Game and manners and such things if she wanted to keep herself entirely safe. How else could she have hidden something as horrible as channeling from everyone for six years? Still, Erin finished with a good point. It would be far better than endless chores. Of course, there was no gaurantee that they would actually let her help with the class, or perhaps she would be allowed, but would have to do an extra three weeks of punishment in return. That would be unbearable, if there was any way out of it, she would take it, if that turned out to be the case.

As it was, however, there was still the possibility that she could still finish her punishment after six months and no more, and still have the opportunity for a break each day for a little while to help with this class. Of course, there was little chance that this class would last five months, but a few weeks with one or two fewer chores each day would be a wonderful break. She took a few more bites, thinking over her options, not that Erin had really given her any, the woman had made no indication that she could turn it down if she wished. The only thing that she had even insinuated was that it was up to the decision of a witch as to whether or not she would be aiding in this class or not. "I should think it would be much better than endless chores. However, if I may make a suggestion," she said, in what she hoped was a meek enough tone, "you should probably speak to the Mistress of Novices instead. She is the one who assigned me my punishment, and may not take kindly to another sister giving me leave to not perform my chores." It made her almost sick to be so polite for so long to someone who was not only a minion of the Towers, but had also been in league with Robert Laurel against the Children of the Light. But the woman was a Cairhienin noble, and that meant that even though she was far from her homeland now, that she had a good knowledge of the Great Game, and would be very good at reading faces and tones. Adena would have to be polite to this one if she wanted to avoid more punishment. Light, but that was no different than with anyone else in this Light-forsaken place, why should it matter that Erin was Cairhienin? Every sister in this place was exactly the same, and although she had little experience with Asha'man and Gaidin, she assumed that they were the same. She suppressed a sigh at the hopelessness of that thought, and took a few more bites as she waited to see what Erin thought of her suggestion.

Erin nodded her head at the Novice's suggestion. "The Mistress of Novices said I could pick any one I thought suitable, but it would be best to get her final approval." Erin quickly finished her own meal, and the two of them rose from the table.

As they left the Mess Hall, a tall man approached: Robert, Erin's brother. His hair was damp and he had on a clean uniform. He apparently had spent all morning riding, and had wanted to wash the stink off before he reentered the Tower. Erin saw his gaze pass over Adena and quickly dismiss her as being insignificant in the scheme of things.

Before they could speak more than a few words to each other, a courier approached and saluted her brother. "Marshal, an urgent dispatch from Tear. I was sent by fast courier boat and only just arrived." Robert returned the salute, dismissed the courier and opened the message. His eyebrows rose as he read it, then passed it to Erin. Her eyebrows rose in return. A Captain General of the Seanchan Deathwatch Guards in Tear? Wanting an audience with Robert and the Amyrlin? She expressed her astonishment to her brother.

"It looks as if I won't be home for dinner," he said, ruefully. "I have to go see Sapphira at once." He turned to an aide. "Find Elaine Treherne and tell her to meet us in the Amyrlin's office." He turned on his heel and left, leaving the two women standing on the wake of his passage.

"Well," Erin said, emphatically. "We still have our own errand to do," as she turned to lead the way to the Mistress of Novices' office.

Erin agreed with Adena quickly, and Adena followed the other woman's lead in standing from the table. She assumed that they would be heading directly to the Mistress of Novices' office now to get the required permission and so she followed Erin out of the mess hall. As they left, a man approached them, not someone Adena recognized on sight, but almost immediately another man approached and handed Robert a piece of parchment. He read it quickly and handed it to Erin, and then said that he would not be home for dinner. Apparently the message was some sort of summons then, and one that would not be quickly finished with. He also that he had to go see Sapphira, the Amyrlin Seat, and sent the messenger to find an Elaine Treherne. Something important, then, if it required getting the Amyrlin involved in. After he had gone, Erin turned to Adena and told her that they still had their business to attend to. Adena nodded slightly, but in her mind she was following the marshal, as he had been titled. She wondered what the message had said, and what was going on to involve a trip away from the Towers and the involvement of the Amyrlin Seat. Adena may not have had much real knowledge of the Towers, but she knew this was bound to be something important. One did not run to a king or queen to inform them of anything less than an urgent message, much less with the Amyrlin Seat. Adena wondered whether it was bad news. Perhaps the Towers had just learned that some major force of theirs had been defeated. Of course, if there was fighting that involved the Towers, Adena would probably know. Oh, they may not tell her, but there would surely be fewer warriors wandering around. That marshal would probably be away, as well as Erin, truth be told.

Adena followed behind Erin, glad for the other woman's presence because she was paying no attention whatsoever to where they were going. She simply turned when the other woman did, and assumed that they would eventually end up at the Mistress of Novices' office. What would happen there, Adena was not completely certain, but she thought that she would be given permission to help with this class. If the Mistress of Novices had said that Erin could have her pick of the novices, then surely she would not go back on her word now, it would be as good as a blatant lie if she did, and Adena would have the witches caught with no way of escape then. She followed silently, letting the thoughts flick through her mind, most often it returned to the man Erin had spoken to. Adena wondered who he was, and what was so important about him. The title marshal meant that he had some sort of power, but given the amount of traffic that the Towers saw every day, it was quite possible that he was some sort of outland visitor, the messenger could have been someone in a party he brought, and it was possible that a powerful army man could get an audience with the Amyrlin even on short notice if he had important enough news. No, there were no difinitive clues in the conversation, other than perhaps the fact that he had known Erin. That meant that he was probably either a member of the Towers, or a Cairhienin. Adena looked at the woman in front of her and thought for a moment. Why did it really matter though? Why try to puzzle it out, it made no difference whatsoever in her life, after all. Unless he was going to have something to do with the destruction of this place, or her escape from it at least, then he was of no use or consequence to her. With that thought, she put him from her mind, and followed more attentively behind Erin.

(Moving the action to the MoN's office.)