Fanfic:Riahana Gaidin
| Author(s) | |
|---|---|
| Character(s) |
|
This is a piece of fanfiction. Only the original author(s) or Librarian(s) should make content changes to this page. |
Archery and horseback riding were as much a passion for Riahana as they were a skill she used as a Ji'dar. While she never neglected her unarmed skill, or skill with a sword, Ria tended to turn her focus to her skill as an archer, both on the ground and on horse back. On the cold, crisp morning, the Ji' was on the archery obstical course with a quiver full of arrows, relishing the quiesence of the empty course, and intending to take full advantage. She stretched her shoulders and back before stringing her bow, and preparing to fire a couple of warm-up shots when a deep voice rumbled behind her.
"Riahana Ferria Ji'dar?"
Turning to face the familiar voice, Riahana was face to face with Gaidin Acreth Baal. She had sparred with him in the passed, both with sword and in unarmed, and he let it be known she had work to do if she was ever to best him. He was a serious man, which suited Ria's own mindset just fine. Today, his face was a mask as he handed her a note before turning and walking away.
The Ji' arched a brow as she looked from Baal to the note, which bore the seal of the Master of Arms, and her Great Grandfather-in-law. Opening the note, Ria read the simple message. "Your presence is required at the south edge of the Training Yards. Be prompt." Ria recognized Master Ive's hand writing, despite not seeing his signature. The Master of Arms' seal, plus the note sparked a suspicion in the very back of Ria's mind.
Could this possibly be the day? Could I be facing my final raising test to earn my fancloak? the Ji' wondered as she folded the note, and made her way to the armory, where she turned in her quiver of arrows. More than likely, I will find myself asked to provide an escort to some dignitary who is visiting the Tower. It is, after all, my assigned duty, this week. Ria's mind mulled the note and request over in her mind. Since the bow was hers, and not one provided by the quarter master, she kept hold of it, but did make a point to unstring the weapon before heading to the appointed meeting. I am being too hopeful to think that this could possibly be my raising test.
Riahana's years in the yard gave the Ji' discipline, and taught her well enough the value of being on time, thus she was prompt for the unexpected meeting, where she found Gaidar Umbara's stoney gaze resting on her.
As was proper, Riahana greated the Gaidar and bowed, but the Gaidar ignored the gesture as she barked "Follow, Ji'dar." She didn't even wait to see if Ria followed, but of course the Ji'dar did.
The Captain General's Great Granddaughter was quite confused over the events thus far, and a chacophony of thoughts ran through the woman's mind. She knew with a fair amount of certainty that she was not in trouble, for Riahana was as disciplined as they came. . .so much so that some of her fellow Ji' teased her, though it was all in good fun.
Ria's confusion grew as Umbara lead her into the Channeling Yards. Riahana had never stepped foot in the Channeling Yards, and for good reason. Where is this Warder leading me? she wondered as she followed the Gaidar. The Ji' couldn't help but wonder, once again, if perhaps she was about to face her final test, but surely she wouldn't be lead to the Channeling Yards. . .right?
As the Gaidar and Ji'dar enter the Channeling Yards, Riahana noticed an Aes Sedai standing in the middle. Ageless as her Great Grandmother, the woman from the Blue Ajah looked as if she were concentrating. She didn't pay the newest arrivals any attention, and a moment later, it was clear why. The Channeler opened a gateway.
Ria was no Aes Sedai, so it wasn't always easy for her to school her expressions. While the woman did not go slack jawed, her brows shot up. She'd seen a gateway formed before, but it was still an amazing site to behold. In her moment of being awestruck, Ria did not realize Gaidar Umbara stepped behind her, and without hesitation, pushed the Ji' through the gateway, which closed the moment Ria was through.
"Light!" Ria protested as she spun about, only to find the gateway closed, and her in a very cold antechamber with one very solid, and very locked wooden door. At first, Ria thought the room was empty, but when she turned again, she saw a wooden table. On the table, sat the Ji'dar's armor, sword and a quiver full of arrows. Draped next to her gear, sat Riahana's woolen cloak.
The Ji'dar realized her initial suspicions were likely right. She was about to face her last, and biggest hurdle in gaining her Fancloak. None of the fully raised Warders talked about the last trial all Warders-to-be had to overcome. The test and subsequent ceremony were shrouded in secrecy. Riahana had heard rumors, but there was little merit to them.
One by one, the Ji'dar pulled on her armor, strapped her sword at her side, and donned her cloak. She wasn't sure how soon she might need her bow, so left it unstrung for the time being. Once in full leather armor, and as ready as she could be, all Ria could do was wait.
Eventually, the only door into the room opened, and an unknown Gaidin tucked his head in, "This way, Ji'dar." His tone was gruff, and he gave no other outward emotion towards Riahana.
Following the man, Riahana stepped into a large courtyard. As she looked around, she realized she was now at the Citadel. She'd only been to the Citadel a couple of times since she began her training at the Grey Tower so many years ago. Her previous exursions to the Citadel had been relatively uneventful, consisting of guard duty during some of the coldest months Ria could remember.
The figures in the center of the courtyard brought Ria's attention back to the task on hand. The four members of the Warder Council stood and watched Ria, as if they were appraising her. Her Great Grandfather, Master Ives, looked on her as he did any other Warder-in-training, and, as was his usual, did not give her anything other than his measured gaze. Gaidin Captain Garren Brighteyes stood next to Master Ives, and next to him stood Gaidin Jip, the Master of Training. To their right stood another familiar figure., a Yellow Aes Sedai who looked not at all interested in the proceedings.
Always respectful, Riahana bowed before the Warder Council and the Aes Sedai.
It was Garren Brighteyes who spoke first, "Who comes before the Warder Council?"
Riahana furrowed her brows, confused at the question, and wondering, just for a split moment, who the Gaidin Captain was addressing. Realization struck not long after, thus the Ji' replied, "I, Riahana Ferria, Ji'dar of the Grey Tower come before the Council." A simple reply, but the implications were huge.
The other three Warders nodded, and after a heart stopping few seconds, Gaidin Jip stepped forward. Between the Master of Training and the Master of Arms, Riahana had two solid Warders watching her, molding her as a warrior as she trained at the Tower. As Jip stepped forward, Riahana couldn't help but think it appropriate that he, as Master of Training, would assign her the final test in her quest to become fully raised and wear the Fancloak.
Whether pausing for affect, or letting the moment truly sink in, Jip waited a moment or two before he spoke, "You have trained in our ranks, and been deemed worthy of a final assignment, Ji'dar." He gestured towards her, "You are called to prove yourself worthy of the fancloak in the wilds of the Blightborder. You have three chances to approach this task. If you choose to step down today, you may come before us twice more." He paused for a moment, "Once you accept your test, you must complete it, or you will be put out of the Tower permanently. Do you wish to continue?"
Five simple words: Do you wish to contniue?
As simple as the one question was, Riahana knew what would happen if she answered negatively. Was she ready? Every ounce of her being screamed yes, but she was not one to rush to judgement, or rush into anything. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin, and intoned in a confident voice, "I do." As she answered, Ria felt her heart pounding in her chest, and could hear it in her ears, but all else was silent, or seemingly so.
"You are called to protect this Aes Sedai the symbol of your desired duty. Return with some token of your struggle. Do not return to this fortress until you can bring some proof of your protection before this Council," Jip instructed. "If you return without such proof, or you fail in your protection of this Aes Sedai. . .if she falls under your defense, you will be put out of the Tower permanently."
The task before Riahana was set, and the weight of that task bore down on her shoulders. She was determined not to fail, not only so that she would succeed in her goal to become a Warder, but also to protect someone she'd grown fond of, and considered a close friend. She nodded solemly to Jip and the rest of the Warder Council.
"Light guide your sword, and may your test be one of enduring strength," Jip finished.
Everything went into high speed after Jip's last words, as two horses, Riahana's bay roan she'd grown so fond of during training for mounted archery, and another chestnut geldint, were brought into the courtyard. Not long after she and the Aes Sedai mounted, they made their way out of the courtyard and beyond the battlements of the Citadel. The solid oaken doors swung shut behind the pair in a resonating thud. They were pushed into the Blightborder, Riahana's raising test begun and in full swing. She looked to her ward, and offered a small smile, "You have the luxury of knowing my name, Aes Sedai, and the task before us. I hope you can put your trust in me to watch your back as we travel the Blightborder. Are you here for a specific purpose?"
As with all Aes Sedai, the woman looked ageless. She gave nothing away through any expression on her face, but turned a seemingly cool look towards the Ji’dar. “You may address me as Aes Sedai, Ji’dar, but if you must know, I am Brynian Toransor Aes Sedai of the Yellow. As for my purpose, I am in search of a rare herb that is known to grow wild out here. We return to the Citadel only after I’ve found it.”
It was hard to think anything useful grew in the Blight, especially something like medicinal herbs. The Ji looked towards her Ward, "The herb must be quite valuable for you to hunt for it out here. What is it used for?"
The woman didn’t even bother to look at Ria as she answered, “Never you mind what it is used for. Your task is to protect me whilst we are out here. My task is to find the herb, and the quicker we accomplish my goal, the quicker we can return to the Citadel, and I can ultimately return to the Tower.”
Riahana did her best to school her own expression, and managed not to frown. The Aes Sedai temperment was as cool as the look on her face. Unfortunately for Ria, the woman’s task meant they might be out in the Blight for several days. . .not an appealing prospect. The pair traveled in silence for the next several hours. As the sun approached the horizon, Ria looked to her temporary Ward, "We should find a suitable place to make camp. . .preferably somewhere with natural defenses."
The pair had wandered deeper into the Blight in hunt of the herbs, but as their shadows grew longer, Riahana lead them closer to the Blightborder, knowing it was a little less hostile than the depths of the Blight itself. The pair approached what appeared to be ruins of some sort of building on the crest of a small hill. All that was left was a couple of low walls, but it was better than being out in the open. Dusk was upon them as Ria dismounted, "This will provide us a little cover. I would say it would shelter us from the wind, but a wind would be welcome given the heat and humidity of this place."
The Ji'dar was about to loosen the girth on her saddle when the horse shied sideways. Having grown up around horses, and worked on her family farm until she left for the Tower, Ria knew better than to move quickly and spook a mount. Something made the horse skittish. She looked to the Aes Sedai's mount, which had gone wide-eyed, "Something's spooking our mounts. We may be due for company. I've not heard or seen anything following us, but I give more weight towards how the horses are behaving."
Because they were riding in the Blight and along the Blightborder, the Ji'dar kept her bow strung so that she was ready to act without any hesitation. She pulled a handful of arrows from the quiver she had strapped to her calf, and placed all but one in her left hand, which was already holding her bow. Her Saldean eyes scanned the horizon, wondering if they'd been found by a band of Trollocs. Something moved in the corner of her eye, and as Ria turned to look, she saw something flying over head, towards the pair of them.
As the unknown beast grew closer, Riahana realized what it was by its size. . .a Draghkar. Instantly, the Ji'dar pulled the Void around herself as she nocked her arrow and raised her bow to aim. She sighted along the arrow and waited until the winged beast was within range. She knew she'd have a small window with which to react. It wasn't the talons on the Draghkar she feared, but the creature's luring voice. Ria had to wonder if it had seen the Asha'man and her given it hadn't started singing, but part of her knew better.
It didn't take long for the Draghkar to come within range of Riahana's arrows. She took careful aim, aware of the world around her, but focusing her attention on the winged beast. With one smooth motion, she drew back her bow, and released. In the blink of an eye, she had another arrow in her right hand, nocked, and was taking aim as she watched her first shot sink into the beast's chest. It screamed as the impact pushed it back, but fought to remain in the air. Riahana aimed, drew and fired her second arrow, and in the next instant, had a third arrow nocked at the ready.
The third arrow wasn't needed, though, as the second arrow sunk into the beast's eye. Its lifeless husk tumbled out of the sky, falling only thirty feet from Riahana and the Aes Sedai. Turning to the channeler, Ria spoke with authority, "Stay here and keep an eye on the horses. I intend to make sure the beast is dead." And collect evidence of the beast's demise, she thought.
Riahana's tactical mind was in overdrive as she closed the distance on the dead-still Draghkar. She kept her bow at the ready, arrow aimed at the beast's head, waiting to see if it twitched, or moved at all. When it didn't, she un-nocked the arrow, and placed it, and the others she still held into the quiver she still wore on her calf. Pulling out her sword, the Ji' used it to sever the hand from the dead Draghkar, but was careful to pick it up by the canvas sack she intended to use to hold her proof for the Warder council.
With the chore done, Ria headed back to what would become their make-shift camp for the night, her mind working as fast as it could. There was no evidence that Trollocs followed the Draghkar, but Ria doubted its presence was just pure chance. As she reached the ruins, and her ward, Riahana took out a cloth from one of her saddle bags, wiped the blade of her sword, and sheathed it, "I suspect our winged friend back there is a portent of things to come. I fear we may not get much sleep this night, Aes Sedai. We should see to it that we and the horses are fed. I do not want remove their tack, in case we must get away with speed."
Impassive as always, the Aes Sedai gave away little as she set up what was to be her ‘bed,’ and waited for Riahana to see to things like feeding the horses, and feeding the pair of them. She’s not happy to be out here, escorted by a lowly Ji’ seeking the Fancloak. I’m not sure I can blame her Ria thought.
Ria took her time feeding the horses and make sure they were secure. She would have liked a fire, since such a simple thing does a great deal to boost moral, but she knew it would be nothing more than a signal to any Shadowspawn in the area. She and the Aes Sedai would have to settle for salted meat, bread and hard cheese for a meal. Truth be told, Ria'd had worse, and figured the sacrifice would be worth it if she managed to pass this, her final test.
As the pair were eating, the bay mare started to get antsy. Riahana didn't have the ability to detect Shadowspawn yet. . .not until she bonded with a channeler, so she took what signals she could. She knew horses, and knew they could pick up on things easier than humans. Dusk was upon them, so she'd have just enough light to see any approaching threat. "Something has the horses' attention," Ria spoke softly after she washed down the last of her simple meal. "I'll take a careful look around our cover, such as it may be," she added, referring to the crumbling walls.
The Aes Sedai looked as if she could have cared less abotu Ria’s assesment, but she did watch the Ji’dar with interest as Ria moved towards the edge of the wall. She suspected things were about to get quite interesting for the pair of them, and just hoped she would not have to use the One Power to save the Ji’s arse if she got herself hurt.
Cautiously, and quietly, Riahana moved so she could look around the wall. Her bow was in hand, and quiver was at the ready. The Ji'dar's heart pounded in her chest, and she forced herself to breath slowly so that her imagination wouldn't get the best of her. Carefully looking around the wall, Riahana went wide-eyed. She knew what Trollocs were, and saw five of the beasts approaching. They were closing fast, but there was still enough distance for her to use her bow, and even out the odds for her and her ward.
Looking over to the Aes Sedao she whispered, "Five Trollocs. Closing fast." She would have to act fast if she wanted to keep advantage. Taking a handful of arrows from her quiver and holding them in her left hand, Ria shifted so that she was kneeling, ready to spring up in an instant. She grabbed one more arrow and nocked it as she pushed herself to stand, grasping the Void as she did so. The portion of the wall before her was low enough that she could take aim and fire while being afforded some amount of cover. In one fluid motion, as she stood, Riahana raised her bow, took aim, drew and released.
The first arrow sunk into the eye of one unfortunate trolloc. The beast, not knowing its days were numbered, convulsed as it tried to carry on, but the convulsion lasted only a moment before it fell and was then stock still. Riahana paid no attention, though, as she had a second arrow nocked, took aim and released. She hit her second Trolloc square in the chest, and followed up with a second shot, which delivered the killing blow.
The last three Trollocs sensed a bit of urgency, and picked up their pace. Ria didn't have as much time to set up her fourth shot, and only managed to catch a third Trolloc in its leg. She managed to slow it down, but the other two closed the distance, and she had to discard her bow for her sword. Fully expecting to face two Trollocs at once, Riahana took a deep centering breath. With the Void pulled close around her, everything seemed to move in slow motion. She could feel her heart pound in her chest, and could count each beat if she had the desire.
Colors typically dull and muted in the Blight, stood out as Ria narrowed her focus by shutting out distractions. She shut them out, but didn't ignore them. She was well aware of the Aes Sedai's presence and placed herself in front of her. Ria was well aware that she was doing her thing as a Channeler, and calling upon the One Power. She was also aware of the heavy footsteps as the Trollocs scrambled their way up the hill. Two crested the hill and the wall, but a blinding flash took one of the two out. The other launched itself for Riahana, and momentum drove both to the ground.
In the split second that Ria saw the trolloc leap, she knew it would land on her, and knew how the two would crumple to the ground. Everything seemed to slow down. The Ji'dar considered her best course of action, and knew she'd have to kick the beast off of her, but away from her ward, and, with luck, the horses. It was a scramble, but one that took place in slow motion. She pulled her knees to her chest, or as close to her chest as she could get and pushed with feet and arms. She didn't realize she'd let out a roar as she did it, but let momentum pull her back onto her feet, sword at the ready.
Riahana got her first good look at the Trolloc as it got to its feet, its own blade at the ready. The beast had the head of a bore, compelte with tusks, and snorted as its eyes narrowed on her. Not known for their fighting skills, but known for their tenacity, Riahana knew better than to under estimate the beast. It would not fight with familiar sword forms, but Ria could use her own skills to her advantage. An undisciplined sword fighter was, typically, a dead one.
Without thinking, Ria went into Lion on the Hill, a defensive stance that would force her opponent to strike first, and perhaps give her an opening she could take advantage of. The Trolloc, as expected, struck, but instead of a familiar strike, it moved with abandon. Ria went into The Sapling Trembles followed by Arc of the Moon to counter the wild swings by the beast. As it pressed forward, Ria gave a little ground, but did not want to give too much. She had no desire for the beast to turn its attention to the Aes Sedai.
As it started its next strike, Riahana took a bold move, and stepped forward. The Sapling Trembles once again, to block a swing, then The Hawk Surveys the Plain hoping she had enough advantage with the strong overhead blow. The Trolloc moved to block, but Riahana followed threw and pushed the beast to the ground, disarming it in the process. Once it was on its back, Ria had advantage, and held on to it as she made a swift, fluid arc that beheaded the beast.
Without pause, she turned to the opening in the wall, moving into a middle guard. Riahana was looking for the fifth and, she hoped, final Trolloc. The remains of the beast she slowed were not five feet from the wall, its body grotesquely contorted in its death fall. Glad that the Aes Sedai was on her side, Ria went back to the decapitated Trolloc that now lay in the middle of their would be camp. She wiped her blade on a piece of cloth from the beast's chest as she let the Void slip from her, then set about cutting off the hands of all five thankfully dead beasts.
Riahana knew her test was far from done. They still had to find the herb her ward hunted for, and return safe and sound to the Citatdel. The amount of adrenaline pumping through Ria made it easy for her to stay up on watch that night. She and the Aes Sedai dispatched the bodies of the Trollocs easily enough, and were as comfortable as they could be, given where they were camped.
Morning came none too early for the Ji'dar, and she and the Aes Sedai spoke little as they ate a simple breakfast, washed down with a little water. Ria felt a bit relieved once they were mounted and moving. The pair didn't have to look long that morning for the elusive herb. They came upon a small hill which held a few random shrubs, one of which was the herb the Aes Sedai sought. Bow at the ready, Riahana was on guard as she dismounted and gathered a cutting.
Allowing a very slight smile, Ria gave the woman a simple nod once she mounted, "With your herbs gathered, and my...trophies. I think we can begin our trek back to the Citadel."
Riahana thought she saw a trace of relief on the woman’s face, but was certain it was her imagination. The Aes Sedai replied, “Indeed we can, though with your skill with bow and sword, Ji’dar, I would be willing to stay out here a week if I must. I can see why the Warder Council called upon you for your final test.” She didn’t smile, nor did she elaborate, but it didn’t matter to Ria. The woman’d given her the biggest complement she could have asked for, and it meant a great deal to Riahana.
“Thank you, Aes Sedai,” Ria replied.
The woman allowed a very slight smile, “You may call me Brynian out here, child.”
The Ji’dar returned the slight smile with a warm one of her own, and replied with respect, “Thank you, Brynian Aes Sedai.”
Their horses were still fresh, which was important, in case anything decided to chase the pair. They had not ridden a straight line from the Citadel the previous day, but Riahana knew it would take much of the rest of the day to reach the Citadel gates. Between now and then, the chance for more Trollocs or other Shadowspawn was high, but the Ji' hoped their return journey would be relatively uneventful. Four hours in, and Ria was beginning to think they'd get her wish. Unfortunately, the Blightborder wanted to test the Ji' one last time.
Riahana and Brynian Aes Sedai had covered a great deal of ground, and could reach the Citadel within the next two hours. As they crested a hill, Ria looked back over her shoulder, and cursed, "Blood and ashes. Two Trollocs. . .and they're on our trail." Just as she said it, the beasts looked up, and one let out a piercing screech. "And they've just spotted us," she announced, likely stating the obvious. She set the reins so that they wouldn't slide down her bay roan mare's neck and grabbed a handful of arrows, placing them in her left hand, with the grip of her bow. "We'll let them chase after us. . .and I'll strike from horseback. Give warning if you need to stop or turn for any reason. Let's get into a canter," Ria instructed her ward.
As she looked back again, she saw that the beasts had covered over half the distance between them. Looking forward again, she gave her horse the proper leg cues, and it, plus Brynian's own mount broke into a steady canter. Sure, they could gallop, but Riahana didn't want to run their steeds into the ground. Setting an arrow, Ria stood in her stirrups, and turned at the waste to look behind her. She and Brynain were now cantering down hill, and she waited for the Trollocs to crest it. When the first one came in sight, she pulled the Void around her, felt each beat of her horse's gate. Everything slowed down once again, and while ultimately, she was aware of everything around her, in that moment, she was focused on her breath, the beats of the horse's gate, and the Trolloc as it screached again. She raised her bow as she aimed, drew and fired.
Once the first arrow was away, Ria had a second set and was already aiming, drew and released. Two arrows knocked the Trolloc to the ground, and it lay still. Ria paid it no attention as she was already taking aim at the second, and fired. Her first arrow pierced its neck, while the second thudded into its chest. Stubborn as it was, Ria had to land a third arrow, this one also in its chest before it fell dead to the ground. With the beasts seamingly subdued, Ria slowed her mount to a trot as she took the reins in her right hand, "I want to make sure there are no more coming after us. I only saw the two when we topped the hill."
Carefully, the Ji' made her way to the crest of the hill again, making sure both Trollocs were indeed dead, and gathering the proof she needed that she'd done her duty and protected the Aes Sedai she rode with. Dismounting before she reached the crest of the hill, she left her mount where it was, and crawled to the top to look over. She'd never admit it, but she was more than a little relieved to see the path clear, and made quick work to mount up. Looking to Brynian, she allowed a small smile, "Let's return to the Citadel."
The last bit of the Ji'dar and Aes Sedai's journey back to the Citadel was thankfully uneventful. The formidable walls of the Citadel offered a sense of sanctuary on the otherwise dreary horizon, and Riahana was more than glad to see the walls rise up against the bleak landscape. Glancing to Brynian Ria offered a small smile, knowing she was about to successfully complete her final test, and accomplish her ultimate goal since stepping foot in the Training Yards of the Grey Tower all those years ago.
The Ji' and Warders on watch no doubt noticed the approach of the two riders, and just as the pair reached the Citadel walls, the great, heavy gate groaned open, allowing the two riders to enter the safety within. As the pair entered, Riahana noticed the Warder Council once again gathered, forming a semi-circle in front of her and Brynian.
Jip, the Master of Training stepped forward and ordered, "Dismount, Ji'dar."
Once Riahana was off her horse, another Ji' taking the bay roan and leading it to the stables, Jip continued, "Do you come bearing proof of your success?"
"I do," Riahana announced, and opened the sack containing the hands of the Trollocs and one Draghkar before setting it before her, offering her proof of the challenge met and bested. Jip nodded and fell back while another Ji gathered the proof, and a silent servant led Riahana away.
Brynian Aes Sedai, and the Warder Council stayed behind, and Riahana guessed they might want to study and deliberate over the proof she presented, along with what Brynian might report to them. The servant escorted her to a small, but bright room which held a large bath. The room, likely warm on its own, steamed somewhat thanks to the hot water in the bath. Purification ritual Riahana thought as she approached the bath in silence. It did not take her long to lose her armor, weapons and clothes, and climb into the warm, welcoming bath. If it were not for what else she had yet to do, the Ji'dar could have fallen asleep. The hot bath took a great deal of what was left of her energy, but she did not care.
Once clean, Riahana climbed out and dried herself off, at which point she was presented with a white tunic, red robe and black doublet. Each garment contained the seal of the Grey Tower, and Ria took great care as she pulled on each. Once dressed, she was escorted back to the courtyard, where all of the Gaidin and Gaidar of the Citadel had gathered in a wide semicircle. In the center stood Caden Ives, Master of Arms, and Great Grandfather-in-law.
The Freak of the Yards rasped, "Come forward."
Riahana complied and stepped forward so she stood in front of one of her greatest mentors.
"Kneel."
The Ji'dar did so without hesitation, and waited.
Master Ives rasped, "Do you come before your assembled brothers and sisters with a noble and just heart, wishing to join us as a Gaidar of the Tower?"
Riahana took a deep breath, her eyes on Caden's, as she answered with confidence, "I do.
"Do you promise to uphold the Light in all you do, to live a life of duty, truth and goodness?" the Master of Arms rasped.
"I do," Ria replied again.
"Do you swear to serve and guard the Grey Tower faithfully?"
"I do," Ria answered.
Caden's always appraising gaze held hers as he spoke, "And finally, do you vow to devote your life to this cause, to swear yourself to the Light, th Tower and the pursuit of justice?"
Riahana dreamed of the day she could say these words, "Under the Light and by my hope of salvation, I do."
One of the Gaidin handed Master Ives Riahana's sword, the one he'd had made for her so long ago. He took it in both hands, "May the Light bless this blade and its bearer, and may the Light illumine the path of this warrior." With those words said, Caden handed the sword, hilt first, to Riahana, then bid her, "Rise."
As Riahana got to her feet, Caden accepted another bundle from the Warder-Channeler Representative. Ria knew instantly what it was Caden held as the fluid fabric looked weightless in his hands. The Fancloak reflected color and shadow at once, and represented the goal Ria'd been working towards. As Master Ives unfurled the fancloak, he rasped, "I grant you the title of Gaidar. You are a Sister of Battle, and a Warder under the banner of the Grey Tower." The moment was not lost on Ria as her Great Grandfather-in-law draped the cloak around her shoulders, and hooked the clasp at her neck. With the task done, he said, "Welcome."
The surrounding Warders who all wore stoney faces, schooling their expressions as always, seemed to relax as the Warder-Channeler representative stepped forward, "By the power vested in me by the Amyrlin Seat and M'Hael of the Grey Tower, I acknowledge and witness the raising of this Gaidar of the Grey Tower. You are entrusted to protect one Aes Sedai or Asha'man of your choosing to fulfill your destiny."
The ceremony performed by the Master of Arms and sanctioned by the Tower itself finished, Riahana took in a deep breath and let it go. She had done it. . .she was now a Gaidar.
