User:Travis
From Portalstones.com
Name: Travis Johnston
Gender: Male
Occupation:
Place of Birth: Caemlyn
Marital Status: Single
Age: 23
Hair Color: Shoulder length light brown.
Eye Color: Sky Blue
Height: 5' 11"
Build: Medium, athletic
Weapons of Choice:
Classic Medieval Sword with Scabbard. This sword design is based off the classic Spanish example of edged weaponry circa 14th century. Swords of this type were used heavily during the Crusades for close combat. This large sword is 48 inches overall, with a 35 inch blade. The blade is composed of zinc, which will not rust and never needs to be oiled. The handle is polished metal with an ornate, curved handguard. This sword comes complete with a black leatherette scabbard.
Kestrel Dagger This dagger is designed after the Agincourt swords which commemorate the battle between the English and French. This dagger is 15 inches in overall length with a 10 inch 440 stainless steel blade. The English style dagger has a wire gripped handle and are known for their clean, graceful lines.
Classic BowThe typical idea of a bow is to bend a length of wood by connecting its two ends with a string. This would bow the wood and cause the string to be very tense. A projectile (arrow) could then be pulled against the string and fired.
Allegiance:
Family:
Father-Ross Johnston 60yrs Mother-Carolyn Johnston 56yrs
Sibling
Nicole-Older sister 38yrs
Casey-Older brother 37yrs
Dallas-Older brother 27yrs
Alexandria-Younger sister-17yrs
Ranina-Younger sister-14yrs
Mia-Younger sister-8yrs
Mount: Appaloosa. Achilles is his name.
Weapon Skills:
Sword: 8
Dagger: 6
Bow: 6
Crossbow: 5
Mount: 10
APPLE BLOSSOMS IN THE WIND The key to this form is to stay loose and to move slowly and confidently. The blade is held at chest height while in a guard stance and can be used in many different strikes. This is a very versatile technique and is very effective against multiple opponents or in the event of an ambush. Pivoting to the strong side of your opponent, you pull your sword down and through using your shoulders and arms for power. This downward strike to any open area is a deadly blow if not blocked.
ARK OF THE MOON A simple slash, meant to take off an opponent's head. Begins at midbody level and arcs to neck, then ends back at guard stance. From the ground, a low crouch or on one knee, The blade will move from the strong side in an upwards arching angle, to the week side of the opponent. The intention is to sever the opponents stomach or lower chest area. This is also effective against opponents that are on horseback.
THE BOAR RUSHES DOWN THE MOUNTAIN A verticle slash, but one that can quickly alter course in midswing. Starts high and ends low. Used with two hands on the hilt, and the blade is brought down with all the power of the back and arms. Good technique to combine with Tower of Morning.
BUNDLING STRAWThis is only performed when both opponents are in a basic stance. Several quick thrusts to chest level, followed by a forward snap of the wrist moving the blade towards the opponents head, followed by a guarded arching motion back into a guard stance. This is an excellent technique against a quarterstaff opponent.
CAT CROSSING THE COURTYARD More of a way to walk and move rather than an official Form. Extreme care in how to move and the placement of footing and body position.
THE CAT DANCES ON THE WALL This is a intricate collection of twists and blade movements. You must have good wrist dexterity and quick feet for this one. Only one hand is on the sword as the free hand will be used to counter balance and to pull the opponent off balance if need be. Used for buying time it is a series of short thrusts, slashes and parry's. A feinting type move. Starting from a low guard stance, a pivot is executed to the weak side of your opponent while spinning the blade in an upwards arch to their exposed area, and then with a twisting of the wrist coming down on their strong side at an angle.
CAT ON HOT SAND This is faster paced version of The Cat Dances On The Wall and is a better choice for multiple opponents. This is a great form to combine with Apple Blossoms in the wind. Using good positioning, the feet are shifted from left foot forward to right foot forward, then pivoting away while thrusting the blade down at the opponents strong side and then followed with a horizontal slash.
THE COURTIER TAPS HIS FAN This is a good move to have in your bag of repetoire! Excecuting a very fast and powerfull over hand downward slash it is meant to split the head of an opponent. Is most commonly used with Bundling Straw.
THE CREEPER EMBRACES THE OAK While moving in a slow circular motion to the opponents strong side, you probe with short thrusts. The blade goes from high to low to constantly offer threats to be forced to guard against. This works well with The Falling Leaf, and Lightning of the Three Prongs.
THE FALCON STOOPS A very Quick overhand thrust, returning to the guard position just as quickly followed by a single hand diagonal strike from high to low to the opponents strong side, using a reverse grip.This is a shortened version of the Kingfisher Takes a Silverback.
THE FALLING LEAF Starts in a high guard stance sweeping the blade back and forth slashing in diagonal motions from low to high and high to low. Is a great way to parry against multiple opponents, and even better against just one. Go immediately into The River undercuts the bank and you have a great combination that is extremely hard to defend against. A more exaggerated and slower version of The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain.
FOLDING THE FANThe sword sheathing technique. The blade is smoothly swung around from guard stance and sheathed, all in one motion.
THE GRAPEVINE TWINESA circular motion when blades are locked, used to disarm an opponent. This form is used to attack and defend.
THE HERON SPREADS ITS WINGS A more functional version of Heron Wading in the Rushes. A tighter cut, concentrated in one sector of the arc of the sword. Moving from a high guard stance to the opponents weak side, lower the blade and step into an upward slash going from low to high.
General Skills: Tracking and hunting. Variety of Instruments
Weaknesses: Kind hearted and believes that there is good in everyone no matter how evil they are. To trust worthy to all people even those that try to kill him. Will fight to defend no matter where it might end up.
Appearance: A young hansom man with shoulder length hair. A small scar across his left eye. Left from a blade that got to close for comfort This heavy two-piece garment consists of a corduroy undershirt with padded and studded sleeves and a quilted sleeveless gambeson. Both pieces are manufactured of a dark tree leaf green corduroy. The comfortable pants have the same period style and feel as the Gambeson. Made of a durable heavy cotton, the pants have an elastic waistline, allowing for a easy fit.From the early B.C. Celts to well past the Renaissance, warriors figured out that a double wrap belt was a more comfortable way to carry a sword. But it was in Medieval times that the practice really flourished. When the extra length of belt wraps around a body the second time, both hips then support the weight of the sword. Besides the balanced suspension, this belt presents a swashbuckling appearance Finishing the outfit is this wonderful pair of suede, calf-high boots. This footwear is heroic in style, while at the same time, warm and comfortable. The lace-up front allows for a good solid fit. A hard sole has been added for long all-day.Dark Brown Traveler's Cloak. Traverse the countryside in the traveler’s full length durable cloak. The full-length cloak is midweight, unlined and is made from a single layer 100% cotton Twill. Ties at the neck.
HISTORY
OCC: A little rushed and not fully finished and long but I hope you enjoy
BIO Gaidin camp out of Tar Valon Age-21yrs
Reaching out his hand Travis caught the fluffy white snow flake as it came down upon their camp on the outskirts of Tar Valon. "You have not lived till you have visited Tar Valon"... or so the Tower would claim. Home of the White Tower, Valon and Warders, Trollocs fear this city above every other, and raids are few and far between. Well that’s what the Sister’s of the Tower have always claimed. He sometimes wondered about that considering the place had been around longer than most people could actually remember. There is decent hunting in the area around them so no one ever went hungry when out on these stupid training sessions they had started. He glanced over the tents scattered. They had not said it would snow heavy on the first night out here. Still he was sure they had planned it that way so they could get a good laugh out of the Gaidin.
Gaidin? He wasn’t even sure he wanted to be a Warder for those foolish women in the Tower. Why fight for women that hide in that Tower like mice while the rest of the world kills itself in war. They say that most wars are ended by those women. Yet that had not stopped the army that had destroyed his village. An Aes Sedai had not been there with their words to stop those men cut down his friends and family. Where they were when the women cried out as men carried them away to their camp. Where were they when the men of his village were cut down on the streets while only trying to protect their family and land?
He had been in the Tower for four years now training to be a Warder. He wondered how long it would take him before he reached it what he had set out to reach all those years ago. He had done it because he had wanted to protect the people that were close to him, still he knew in a way he had done it for her as well. He didn’t know how she had done it but she had stolen his heart before he knew it, foolishness a Gaidin and Aes Sedai in love? What would the Tower do if they knew he had shared the bed of an Aes Sedai? He still didn’t know when it happened that he fell for her but it had happened without him noticing. Still she was gone now from the Tower and to where he didn’t even know, she had just left him a letter saying that she would return for him when the time was right. That had been three years ago, he hadn’t even received a letter from her saying she was alive still. Still thinking about her brought back memories he didn’t want to remember.
Location-Village in Andor near Caemlyn
Age-14yrs
“Barr that door now!!!” Men of the village slammed up against what usually know as the entrance to the largest building in the village. ‘The Queen’ the inn in the middle of the village that people passing through would stay at for the night. Not that many people ever stayed to long in a small village near Caemlyn. Still the people here loved there small village they took great pride in it and having Caemlyn close help it thrive very well “Where doom!! Where all going to die here!!! They can’t hold that for long and there is no back entrance to this place!!! It’s our grave!!!” A fist landed on the chubby little Mayor’s face placing him on his bottom on the hard wooden floors.
“Shut your mouth Todhes!!! We can’t just give up and die!!!”
Father had always been the backbone to the Mayor’s influence in the Village. He stood in the background never getting involved in too much except when it involved the livelihood of the Village “This is our home. I will not let all go just because you’re a coward” the Mayor just sat whimpering on the floor in front of that was in the inn. Not all had been that lucky to make it here. The screams still rung out of people being taken or killed. All tried to ignore it as if it wasn’t going on.
There were only a handful of them able to make it to the Inn. Todhes and his Wife Mabriden were two of them. She was a strong women he had always been scared of her even though she had one of the kindest hearts in the village. She just had this aura of a warrior. Then there was the four men barring the door to the inn shut Laebyn, Sowinder two brothers they bought looked like bears to him they were that hairy still they both hardworking family men, sadly neither of their family’s were here. Laebyn the oldest had lost his wife last winter but had left him two girls a couple years younger than himself. While Sowinder had only married two’s years ago and his wife had given birth only months ago. Fuan was one of few guards who had been posted here by Caemlyn he had been here longer than most he long grey beard proved that. Sudraar was his offsider that had been posted here to replace Fuan. He was not one of the smartest men but father had told him he was gifted with a blade if only he could get his head out of the clouds “Then what do you suggest we do Mr Johnston. Hide under the blankest and hope they forget we are here. You should be out there helping fight off those rebels’s” father glanced back at Moiruneldinen with no expression on his face the women fell quite quickly for she knew that was a death sentence. Moiruneldinen was the healer of the village and very acknowledgeable women if there was any.
It had been her quick thinking that had brought the strugglers here “Then what do we do darling. Surely someone managed to escape to warn Caemlyn about this” Mother hers eyes told him that she herself didn’t believe her own words “By the time they come it will be all over. There will be nothing left but charred remains” all fell silent as he spoke those words “We can’t hold them much longer!!” Fuan cried out “Travis. You remember the hidden passage out the back” he the fear as his father’s hands grip his arms so tightly that he thought they were going to snap “The one we spoke of I remember” father had not just told him but shown him a passage out the back of the Inn a few weeks ago. Why he had known at the time but had father known something like this would happen.
“Take your mother and sister’s to Tar Valon. Your sister’s and brother’s reside there”
Nicole and Alexandra had been in the Tower of Aes Sedai for a few years now. While his brothers ran a wealthy Inn there “You know the Inn. Tell them what has happen” Tar Valon? Why travel there wouldn’t have been safer to head to Caemlyn “Honey I will not leave your side. Til death do us part” mother gripped his shirt “Take the Moiruneldinen, Mayor and his wife with you” the Mayor started to laugh out loud “A secret passage? There’s one in this Inn and I wasn’t informed about this” Father lifted the Mayor to his feet with anger “Follow my son out of here and we will talk about it later” the Mayor was not about to argue with father the way he was at the moment.
“Lead the way boy” Moiruneldinen spoke up “Here they come!!!” the door’s were smashed down the four men went for their blades cutting men as they came through “Go now!!!” father pushed him towards the route to the hidden passage as he pulled his sword out. He had not even said a word he was to full of fear to even beginning so he motioned them to follow. They moved as quickly as they could throw the Inn as they could. Until he lead them to a room at the back used for storage “In there under a barrel. It’s just bigger enough to let people go one at a time” the Mayor quickly shoved passes him and entered the room the other’s followed after. Looking back he could hear screams coming with the sound of sword fighting mixed in with it.
“Come on brother. Mother and father will be fine Ranina tugged at his shirt sleeve “Where’s Mia” Ranina smiled at him “With Mrs. Mabriden. She told she would carry her for us” she was only three years old and she would never know her parents. Wiping his eyes he nodded and followed her into the room. The Mayor had already found the latch door. He was watching as his wife climbed down with Mia clutch in her arms so the man had morals after all “I’m sorry my boy for before” as the words left his mouth the door slammed into him. As he hit the floor his eyes fell on two soldiers with bloodied swords in their hands “Found them” trying to get to his feet in a daze he watched as the men moved towards Moiruneldinen with Ranina holding tightly onto her waist.
“Come here women. You and your little friend are needed outside” Travis stumbled towards them half falling over as he tackled one man to the floor the blade leaving his hands as they crashed to the floor. The rolled along until he came on top of the man before he noticed he was punching into the man’s face “Hey boy” Travis turned and felt a pain like nothing he had felt before in his shoulder. His friend had reacted quickly to the attack. His sword was through his shoulder with blood pouring out. He felt weak in his body as if it was going num “Don’t kill him yet” the one he wrestled pushed him off laughing as he did “Now you will know the meaning of pain boy” he said as his friend pulled his blade from his shoulder he fell against the wall like a rag.
“But before we kill you you’ll watch as we.....argh” a blade appeared from the man’s friends stomach “What the?” he only had time to turn when his own blade sliced his stomach open letting fall to the floor with his friend screaming. His vision was blurry yet he was sure it was the Mayor lifting him down the ladder into the entrance. He passed out as he was sure it was the Mayor carrying him.
Aringill-Inn four weeks after the attack
Intriguingly, the nation of Andor does not include much land on the west bank of River Erinin. Cairhien holds most of both banks to the north (except the very north where Andor controls a small portion of both banks). The southern half of Andor's eastern border is some miles inland, thus in this area the Erinin actually falls outside national boundaries. Here is located the large city Aringill on the west bank, the small and unwalled town of Maerone on the east bank, and several villages nearby. There is much speculation as to why Andor chooses not to annex Aringill. The question is all the more striking since the Andoran presence is pronounced, extending to the garrisoning of a considerable number of the Queen's Guard---apparently at the invitation of Aringill.
Aringill is a fairly new city, having been either unoccupied or no larger than a small town as recently as 800 NE. Well that was what the Aes Sedai had told him when they had spoken alone. Well he had been that nerves around the women that he had found himself asking about the city they were staying at. The women had gone along with his foolishness for some reason he had not work out. Still if she had not been staying in the Inn he may not be here to tell the story of their great escape from their village. The escape he didn’t remember after the blade had gone into his shoulder. Still it was gone as if it had not been there at all “Travis” he turned from his book about Andor history. Ranina stood there with a smile on her face as if she had been given a bowl of candy or something “Why do you look so happy?” the girl may only be nine yet she spoke much like mother that it sent a chill down his back every time she spoke directly to him. Somehow she had gotten over the loss of their village and parents as it were nothing; either that or she didn’t fully understand what had happen.
“Brother is here to take us back to Tar Valon” to Tar Valon. All he wanted to do was return to their village even if nothing remained there. He had to know what had happen to Mother, Father and everyone else. He could not just leave that alone “It’s been awhile Travis. You have grown since I last laid eyes on you” Casey had been his oldest brother. Exactly fourteen years older than him, he had not seen him since he left for Tar Valon ten years ago. How could Ranina be happy to meet someone she didn’t even know mother had given birth to her a few weeks after he had left.
“It’s been exactly ten years. A lot has changed since then” Casey stepped into the room with a smile on his face “I guess you’re right. Well I have come to collect the three of you. We leave straight away” the man didn’t even ask about their parents. How cold could his heart really be “To Tar Valon” he laid a leather bag down on the floor “Yes? We will also have some interesting company with us on the way back” Interesting company? “Who?” who on earth would be interesting company but then it hit him, who else did they know here besides an Aes Sedai “You mean that Aes Sedai from the Tower?” he nodded to his response with a smile that was irritating “Yes she requested that her and her Warder company us all back to the Tower. I got the impression that she knew father and father? Somehow yet not sure how?” Mother and Father? How would an Aes Sedai know such lowly farmers of a small village? “Any how get ready we leave soon. Ranina come let him get dressed” he left the room with Ranina tailing after him. The man was sure full of himself.
CAIRHIEN-Two weeks later
Cairhien is located in the east central part of the Westland’s, on the east it borders with the Spine of the World. The sign of Cairhien is a golden sun rising on a field of deep blue. The capital of Cairhien is a city of the same name. Cairhienin are usually short in stature and of rather pale complexion. They are also, outwardly at least, a very reserved people. Their love of order and control is best illustrated by the perfect grid of their capital's streets. It is said that when Cairhienin reserve breaks, it can do so to a surprising degree. A good example is Cairhien during the Feast of Lights. During this two day celebration, all social barriers fall, and any man may kiss any woman, and any woman may kiss any man; nobles and commoners alike can be seen in the streets in various states of undress. After the two days are over, life proceeds as if nothing had occurred.
A knock came at the door making him place the book on his dressing table “Come” Jamraia Noanutamarlin of the Blue Ajah entered his room followed by Jurail Tolvarlomior her Warder. They entered the room with such glance as if they glided across the room without touching the floor. Jamraia had been the one that had healed him that night which had saved his life. The woman was very kind in her words as well as her actions, yet he had a feeling the women thought he knew something that he was hiding from them. She stood in front of him with a smile, the women about the same height as him. While her Warder took his place beside the door guarding his Aes Sedai with hawk eyes.
“You want something my Lady?” they always wanted something he had worked that out very quickly “I came to speak to you about joining us for dinner tonight downstairs” the women’s smile had such gentleness in it yet he was sure the women was putting a show on until she had what she wanted from him. From what he had read about Aes Sedai they were not this kind to people without wanting something in return “Dinner my lady? That sounds like something I can manage I think?” the Warders eyes didn’t move from him. Did the man trust him or just not like him “Don’t worry about Jurail, he thinks I’m a little too trusting with people” the women gave out a small laugh. This woman was sure strange?
“Then I shall see you at sundown. I look forward to speaking with you once more” the women glided out as quickly as she had come in with her Warder trailing behind her. Once they were gone he picked his book up about Cairhien History, he wanted to know all he could find out before he got to Tar Valon.
As he entered the common room of the Inn his eyes fell on the Aes Sedai sitting at a table playing with Ranina, her Warder nowhere to be seen. Had she came alone to speak with him or was he hiding somewhere ready to pounce at the moment of danger for his Aes Sedai “Take a seat young Travis, I was just talking to your little sister about your two sisters in the Tower” she knew them both. Why did an Aes Sedai know a Novice and Accepted so well that she could speak of them “You know them well” the women laughed “Yes I do. As I knew your mother and father when they were in the Tower” he almost fell out of his chair as the words came out of her mouth, she knew their parents from when they were in the Tower.
“You knew them?” Jamraia whispered something to Ranina and she ran off with a large smile “I should. Your mother Temiin was my best friend within the Tower. She reached Aes Sedai before me as well” as the words left the women’s mouth he wasn’t sure what to say to it. He had never expected anything like that to come from her. She was mother’s best friend? Mother was Aes Sedai? He didn’t even know where to start he just stared at her “Your mother was once Green Ajah. Your father was her Warder. Well respected within the Tower as well. Your mother was a Sitter of the Green Ajah before your oldest sister Nicole was born. When she was born all your mother wanted was to be a mother” he didn’t know what to say this was so much to take in at once. They had never said a word about it.
“If you’re wondering they had very good reasons why the hid it from you all. They acquired something that none one deserved to carry as a burden. Yet they chose to for the better of the Tower. So they left the Tower and went into hiding” The women got up from her chair “Follow me to my room while Jurail is out on an errand for me” the women pulled him from his chair he was sure if she hadn’t he would not have been able to move. He followed her upstairs to a room to the back where she was staying. As they entered she was surprised as much as he was when Jurail laying across the floor blood coming from parts of his body. While a women was sitting on the bed with Ranina across her lap “When did you suspect Jamraia? How long have you known about me” he felt a blade point in his back “In boy” a man pushed them both into the room in front of the other room. Jamraia knelt down to Jurail’s body with tears in her eyes “Jurail why? You betrayed me for what?” the other women started to laugh out loud “Who are you?” as the words left his mouth he regretted them “I am Remeriin, Aes Sedai of the Tower. Red Ajah” she glanced down at Jamraia for a moment “Not like these useless Blue’s or Green’s. I am here to retrieve something your mother and father stole from me” stole from her? Was she talking about the artefact Jamraia was talking about “Well there dead. The secret of that died with them” the women laughed out loud once more “You foolish boy. This foolish Blue here has it with her. Don’t you Jamraia?” the women looked up from Jurail’s bloody body.
“You will never control it Remeriin. It’s too powerful for any Aes Sedai” the women continued to laugh once more “It’s not for me women. My master requires it” the women had a Master but she was Aes Sedai “Travis duck!!” a blade came from Jamraia’s hand like lighting, skimming his cheek hitting the man behind him between the eyes. The man dropped instantly to the floor without a sound except hitting the floor “Well that was foolish Jamraia. You should have killed me you would of gotten the One Power back” Jamraia lifted from the floor like a rag doll “I was fond of that man, he had perfect body” Jamraia spun upside down.
Having no weapon of his own Travis ran at the women. Yet before he knew it he was in the air beside Jamraia “I wonder? Jamraia this boy looks a lot like his father? Are you in love with him as well as you were his father before Temiin stole his heart from you” she was in love with his father. Jamraia just stayed silent with tears flowing from her eyes “Oh well he is mine now” the women began to laugh out loud once more. Travis watched as Ranina lay there on her lap. What did she plan on doing with his sister?
Then from nowhere an arrow point appeared from the women chest. The woman was amazed at the arrow point coming from her that she started to laugh. They came crashing to the floor beside each other “Jamraia are you alright” he helped the women to her feet. She clung to him like a child. He stared at the women lying dead on the bed with a large smile on her face. An arrow straight threw her heart but from who? Who was watching from outside, he sat Jamraia beside her dead Warder weeping over him once more. Looking out the window there was a building close enough to do this but why and who?
“Jamraia, we should inform my brother and the other’s of this. Can you stand?” he picked the women up from the floor and placed her beside Ranina on the bed. He knew it was not wise to leave them here but he had to worn the other’s of what had happen here “Travis” Jamraia final spoke up, she had almost been silent since they had entered the room, what could want from him now “I am sorry. I could not hold back my feeling from the moment I saw you, you look just like him when we first meet” did she mean his father? So she actually had been in love with him at one point “I am a useless Aes Sedai. Look at me I sit here weeping like a child in love. I am sorry” the woman was not herself. Since he had met her she was altogether a little friendly but together.
“What do you want from me?” the women looked up at him wiping the tears from her face. Stood to her feet looking him directly in the eyes. Before he knew it the women was kissing him, he had not thought his first kiss would be like this let alone with an Aes Sedai. This woman was insane she was Aes Sedai and he was not his father “I should go get the others” he pulled away from the Aes Sedai “Can...Can you look after Ranina” the women nodded in silence, with that he headed out the room and towards his brother’s room.
TAR VALON-Two weeks after the attack in Cairhien
Tar Valon is a city located on an island on the River Erinin, within sight of Dragonmount. It is the centre of Aes Sedai power and is also the largest, most populous city in the Westlands. Tar Valon also controls a small amount of territory directly adjacent to it, although it does not have as much land as it did before the War of the Hundred Years. Tar Valon is ruled by the Amyrlin Seat, although the day-to-day bureaucracy is handled by a council of Aes Sedai sisters and civil administrators. The city is notable as the only place where Aes Sedai has wielded officialised administrative power since the War of the Hundred Years. The population of the city in 1000 NE is roughly 500,000. It has remained independent of outside control for its entire existence, although it has suffered several major sieges and even direct assaults.
Tar Valon is a vital trade and transport link between the Borderlands and the more populous, richer southern kingdoms of Andor, Cairhien and Tear. Multiple major roads meet at the city, directly linking it to the cities of Fal Moran, Shol Arbela, Chachin, Maradon, Cairhien and Caemlyn, whilst the River Erinin links the city to Tear, along with many important ports and trading centres along the way (most notably Aringill).
The island of Tar Valon is eight miles long and more than two miles across at its widest point. The city fills the entire island, bar an Ogier grove, which is the only one within a major city still maintained and kept as a garden. The buildings of Tar Valon are noted for being graceful, tall and sometimes linked together by unique 'sky bridges'. The city doesn't just rely on its island location for defence, but also on its walls, which stretch along the full length of the banks of the island. The city is centred on the White Tower and its grounds.
The city is linked to the mainland by six bridges, each one of which is a mighty feat of engineering in its own right. Even the shortest bridge is still almost a mile long and gracefully arches from the island to the shore. Taxation from all the trade means that the White Tower's coffers are extremely rich. Of the great cities of the land, Tar Valon is the greatest and most beautiful, with Caemlyn not far behind.
The Shining Walls of Tar Valon are thought to be impregnable, and it is said that no army has ever breached them, though this is not strictly true. Even discounting the difficulty of taking a city filled with Aes Sedai, only the Stone of Tear can make a similar claim, amongst all the places of the world.
Books were his only comfort at the moment while he sat in the barracks. The barracks are the only forum that is male-specific from Recruit through Gaidin--no women have access to this forum (with the exception of board administrators). Recruits and Soldiers have roommates and share quarters; it's a great way for our male Junior Members to bond. Gaidin come in occasionally, but not as frequently as Junior Members. Recruit, Soldier, and Gaidin user groups have access to this forum.
It was early in the morning he was watching as the other trainee’s awoke from their sleep and preparing for the training ahead. He had been here for one week since they reached the White Tower. Somehow he had let Jamraia into training to be a Warder, did she have some kind of plan bonding him as her Warder. It would be a long time before he reached that status; still he was sure she could wait for him. The women had had distanced herself from him since they had arrived but he had noticed her watching at the training grounds. “Hey come Travis” he glanced up from his thoughts to notice Thaol standing there looking at him “We are going to be late if you don’t stop daydreaming” Thaol had a smile on his face he looked like he was about to laugh at him “I’m coming” he quickly got dressed and they moved with the other trainee’s down to the training grounds.
TAR VALON-3 Years later-training grounds 21 yrs
“APPLE BLOSSOMS IN THE WIND!!!” The key to this form is to stay loose and to move slowly and confidently. The blade is held at chest height while in a guard stance and can be used in many different strikes. This is a very versatile technique and is very effective against multiple opponents or in the event of an ambush. Pivoting to the strong side of your opponent, you pull your sword down and through using your shoulders and arms for power. This downward strike to any open area is a deadly blow if not blocked. Thaol blocked the blow with effectiveness and strike back to quickly for him to be ready to block his attack. As he lay on the floor staring up at Thaol who always had a face of stone when he was training. The man always took his training very seriously, he moved the blade towards his throat “You think too much boy” the Warder who had taken the training today was glaring down at him, the man showed no emotion yet he seemed disappointed that he had lost to Thaol “You need to become one with your blade boy or you will not live very long” yes he knew this he had heard this a million times since the first day he came here.
“Good job Thaol, now take your place with the other’s” as he reached his feet Jamraia was off to the distance watching with a smile on her face “She requested you boy” he quickly made his way over to where Jamraia was waiting for him, he was just glad it gave him a rest from training. The women sat down on sitting as he reached her “You requested me My Lady” she smiled at him as the words came from his mouth “Your training seems to be coming along well, fifth in your class. Yet if you just stopped and relaxed I’m sure you could be number one. Yet that will come in experience” that was all the women had to say to him, well she was right he knew it. “If you say my Lady. There is a reason you requested me” the women looked pass him that the Gaidin’s training once more then back to him. She handed him a letter. Then without word she left him standing there like an idiot.
JAMRAIA’S QUARTER’S-That same night
Travis suddenly rose from the bed in a fright, his dream had shown him struggling himself with a smile. What that meant he had no idea, did he hate himself that much at the moment “Are you alright” the smooth touch of her hand ran across his chest that sent a tingle down his back. He rolled over to be facing Jamraia with her beautiful green eyes staring at him; he felt those eyes could swallow him whole. The women seemed more beautiful every time he spent a night in her arms, he never wanted this to end yet he knew in a few hours it would. “Nothing just a dream” Jamraia smiled at him with a childless look to it. The woman was sure beautiful and he was sure he had fallen in love with her since the first time they had spent the night together. Still where was this going he wanted to know that more but what he wanted to know even more was that did she love him or was it that she sure his father when she looked at him. Yet as she kissed him his thoughts were gone and he didn’t care what she thought him as.
The morning came with the sun shining in on his face “Jamraia, I should go soon” as he rolled over there was nothing but a letter sitting where she would usually be lying. He slowly opened the letter, this was weird she had never left him a letter in her own room. As he read the contents tears came from his eyes, the funniest thing was that he really didn’t know why he was crying.
Gaidin camp outside of Tar Valon-22 yrs
“Travis! What are you doing, you’re going to freeze to death” Thaol tossed a blanket over him “Just cause you topped me in the training two weeks ago doesn’t mean your indestructible, so what’s on your mind?” Thaol leaned against a tree as he waited for a reply “Its nothing Thaol just thinking” Thaol just let a small laugh as if he found something funny “What?” he wasn’t really thinking about anything “Its her, its always her Travis. Face it she may never return” he was sure she would. Aes Sedai always returned to the Tower eventually.
“Trolloc’s!!!” they looked in the direction of the yelling, it continued to come from the camp that suddenly went up in blazes. He had never seen a Trolloc but he had read they are able to interbreed with humans, however the offspring are usually stillborn or do not live long. Trollocs are generally bipedal and humanoid, often with both human and animal features: human eyes but an eagle's beak, for instance, or a bear's paws and claws. They are huge in stature and extremely vicious. They are the basic shock troops of the Shadow. They ran stride by stride, swords drawn ready to face the danger that had attacked there camp. When they reached the camp in was on fire and trollocs had overrun the camp, fighting was going on everywhere. Neither of them knew what to do they just stood watching as the other’s fought “Thaol, Travis over here!!!” Gies yelled out to them as he finished off a trolloc. He was from Tear, the same age as them he joined a week or so before them “What’s going on here Gies, trollocs this close to Tar Valon” he didn’t have time to answer as they were attacked by more Trollocs.
As he danced around with the Trolloc he noticed this was his first real battle against shadowspawn, BUNDLING STRAW-This is only performed when both opponents are in a basic stance. Several quick thrusts to chest level, followed by a forward snap of the wrist moving the blade towards the opponents head, followed by a guarded arching motion back into a guard stance. This is an excellent technique against a quarterstaff opponent. Yet he was sure it was enough for a trolloc, he was right as the Trolloc fell to the ground. Gies and Thaol finished them off not long after him “No one knows, the camps been scattered, yet we don’t have time to talk” the moved along the camp picking other’s up as they went along. Until all Gaidin were rounded up together, Paiim was from Arad Domain. Arad Doman is a coastal nation in the north-west of the main continent, lying between the Aryth Ocean on the west and the Mountains of Mist in the east. To the south lies Almoth Plain. To the north is an unclaimed region between Arad Doman and Saldaea. The capital city of Arad Doman is Bandar Eban, a port city at the mouth of the river Dhagon and a major center of trade. Katar (in the disputed Almoth region) is an important mining city in the Mountains of Mist whose nobles are powerful enough that they have to be occasionally reminded that they are subject to Arad Doman.
Owehy was from Murandy is a landlocked nation in the south of the main continent, bordered on the north by Andor, the north-west by Ghealdan, the south-west by Altara, and the south by Illian. To the east, across the River Cary, are the Hills of Kintara, which are part of no nation. The capital city is Lugard, and the present ruler is King Roedran Almaric do Arreloa a'Naloy. The people of Murandy, much like the people of Altara, do not really consider themselves the residents of a nation, owing allegiance instead to a town or to a local lord. As a result, King Roedran has very little effective power, especially outside Lugard. The constant squabbling between noble families and their followers also provides ample opportunities for interference by powerful neighbouring nations, especially Andor. Murandians are, however, capable of overcoming their differences if they face invasion by their neighbours. Murandians are widely regarded as uncouth and undisciplined.
The capital city of Lugard is located in central Murandy, and at a major crossroads. Trade always flourishes there, regardless of whatever political upheaval may be engulfing the city or nation; it is this trade which keeps the city alive. Lugard is one of the few cities in the world which have more inns and stables than houses and shops. The city was once surrounded by a tall stone wall, which has fallen into disrepair. The many thieves who call Lugard home consider any foreigner a fair mark, and the unpaved roads and alleys are dangerous to travel alone.
Musil was from Tar Valon his mother had been a Aes Sedai, no one really knew much about him they just tried to avoid him. “They just keep coming. Also where are the Warder’s and Aes Sedai. Surely they know about this by now” Thaol sat on a rock, blood dripped from his clothing like as if he had been bathing in it “His is right, he have been fighting off these Trolloc’s that seem to continued to appear for a least a hour now” as the words came from Owehy a women appeared before them “You boy’s have done well, much better than I thought. Maybe he was right?” the women seemed to fall into her own thoughts as if they didn’t exist “Who are you, an Aes Sedai it’s about time” Thaol moved towards the women as he spoke yet he started to float in the air.
“Still, I don’t want him to win our little bet” Thoal was flung back onto the grown, as a portal open and the women disappeared into it. Then a horde of trollocs piled out onto them. He was sure they could handle them they had so far until his eyes fell on something he didn’t expect “Myrddraal!!!Prepare yourself” Travis only a minute to yell that before he blocked its blade from sending him through the air. He came crushing to the ground; he lay there in a daze watching as his friends to fight off this nightmare. He then felt a pain he had felt once before as blade go into his shoulder and out the other side, pinning him to the ground. With all his strength to thrust his own sword up into the Trolloc. Blacking out as the large creature fell on top of him “Not again” He didn’t know how many hours had past as he pushed a Trolloc off him, the blade that had pinned him was gone yet the pain had not. He moved to his knee’s using his blade to prompt himself up, if it didn’t hold the weight he was sure he would fall face first. His eyes fell upon battlefield of dead bodies scattered for as far as he could see. Had he really slept through all of this killing, and then he spotted men searching through the death.
The man spotted him before he could yell “I found a survivor!!!” the man rushed to his side, Travis was sure the man was a Warder “Why....di....didn’t you come....ear....earlier?” why was there a Warder here now instead of when they really needed them. The man tended to the wound to his side “Be still boy you’re lucky to be alive at all” luck? Was that what he was calling it “My friends?” the Warder continued to undress him so he could tend to his wound better “My friends, answer me?” the man said nothing to him he just concentrated on his injury.
“Let me see that Warder” a women passed her way pass the man, he was sure she was an Aes Sedai. Of which he was not sure and didn’t really care “My friends” the women laid him back down. “Be still or I may kill you” he felt himself passing out as he was being healed.
Tar Valon Harbour-Two weeks later
Travis was glad to be leaving Tar Valon finally; there had been too much death in his life since he had arrived there. He had lost all that had fought with him that night to the horde of Trollocs and Myrddraal. It had taken the Tower a couple of days to final tell him what had happen to his friends, they had said it was best he just try and get his strength back first. Before they told him that out of the thirty Gaidin that had been in the camp he was all that was left. Even Thaol’s was dead, he had considered him his best friend yet he had never had the courage to tell him that. Now he stood a vessel leaving this blood soak place, he wanted nothing from it anymore he was finished with all of it.
He was going to find that women who had left him here to die, the women he had thought loved him once. Now he didn’t know how he felt about her but he was sure he would find her. She was not going to hide from him forever. He would find her if it took him the rest of his life. Taking a seat he pulled out a book about history in Andor, he cared less about watching Tar Valon and the Tower fade away.
