Moiraine (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
blue_ajah) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
ways_back_room2004-11-06 10:32 pm
blue_ajah) wrote in ways_back_room2004-11-06 10:32 pm
Summary: Composure Classes
There are a few things at Milliways that are probably generally recognized. One is that there are several "formerly evil" people around the bar who are on the reformation and redemption path. Another is that Moiraine is serenely and implacably devoted to opposing Shadow and evil, and to helping others in doing so. The combination of these things has led to a plotline in which a few members of the "Reformed Villains Club" (tm: Joe-mun) are undergoing training in composure and self-control from the Aes Sedai...
Studying with the Aes Sedai: Tom, Anakin, and Peter.
This all started shortly after Tom encounters the Black Rider and comes to talk to Moiraine about it. She confirms that yes, Aphelise is Very Evil; Tom is annoyed at having underestimated him, and Moiraine points out that the Rider is old and clever and was hoping to provoke Tom into returning to his formerly evil ways through anger. Tom agrees that he is arrogant and has a temper, and Moiraine surprises him with the admission that she does, as well, but learned to control it through Aes Sedai training in the White Tower.
Tom is very interested in this idea and wants to know if she uses magic to do it; Moiraine tells him that it wasn't magic, but that such things can be taught. And learned. Tom decides this might be something he should do, and Moiraine agrees to teach him, with the warning that he may not find it "easy or pleasant."
Soon after, Moiraine and Anakin also talk about the Rider, as she wants to know exactly what happened to cause Anakin's brief fall from grace, previously (summarized elsewhere, I hope, but I don't have the link). In the process they end up discussing Anakin's previous history with the Jedi and some of the problems that he has with them and their training. Moiraine observes that Aes Sedai methods are different, and Anakin asks her to teach him. She agrees, but gives him the same warning that she gave Tom previously.
The next evening, Moiraine and Tom reconfirm his interest in and commitment to training, and then shortly afterward Anakin and Peter arrive. They tell her about Peter's first lightsabre lesson, and then Anakin asks her when their own series of lessons are to begin. Peter is curious about this, and Moiraine explains what Anakin will be studying. Peter agrees that it's a good idea... and decides it might not be a bad idea for himself, as well, although for different reasons. Moiraine reiterates her warning, and Anakin reconfirms his own commitment, so they set a time to begin. Anakin leaves, and Peter promptly asks Moiraine for lessons of his own. She cautions him as well, but he is also determined, and so Moiraine agrees that they will begin soon.
(They can't say that she didn't warn them...)
Moiraine thinks everything through in her room later that night, recognizing that there are risks involved, but that the potential gain is worth it.
Halloween arrives, and Moiraine, clothed in red, speaks first with Anakin, who is noticeably upset at an encounter he had with Remus. In the course of the discussion, it becomes clear that Anakin despises feeling powerless... and that this leads to a variety of things that are bad for him. Moiraine leads him through the reasoning, then suggests that he think this over before they start formal training.
A bit later, Peter arrives, dressed like young Anakin. In the course of their conversation, he reveals that he lost control earlier that evening, and Moiraine very pointedly suggests that they do something about it. And thusly, Peter becomes the first one to experience a lesson with the Aes Sedai.
They end up in the Shrieking Shack, where Moiraine first tells Peter to concentrate on a study exercise. He selects the Patronus Charm to practice, and begins. The Aes Sedai then proceeds to attempt to break him, and his concentration, through a series of very ruthless observations playing on his fears... all exacerbated by the fact that she can speak no word that is not true. This goes on for a while with varying degrees of success, but finally Peter manages to complete the spell, albeit unsuccessfully. Here endeth the first lesson.
Moiraine is not concerned with danger to herself in training Peter, but she is aware that teaching Anakin and Tom-- both of whom have touchy tempers-- may be a more difficult situation. As a result, she takes the precaution of talking with Dream in advance, in hopes of making sure that there will be no Grave Consequences if things get problematic. (Moiraine knows that Dream is somewhat protective.) He makes it clear that he won't stop her, but exacts a promise from her that she will call him if she needs him.
The next night, Moiraine finds an unhappy Anakin in the bar, once again feeling helpless, frustrated, and angry. They discuss events briefly, and Anakin shows himself to be even more upset. Moiraine pointedly reminds him of their agreement, in light of the fact that he obviously needs it now, and they set off for their own lesson. Once again, the Shrieking Shack is used, and once again exercises in concentration are begun, this time by Anakin, while Moiraine tries to distract him. Her efforts do not go as well as she had hoped they might, due in large part to her lack of specific knowledge combined with Anakin's skill in general and at using the Force to counteract her, but eventually she is able to score a direct hit -- and the Jedi loses his temper. No harm is done, however, and they reflect on what has been learned and then return to the bar.
Having previously reminded Tom of his commitment, Moiraine and he have scheduled their first lesson for Friday evening. She comes downstairs early and sits in the bar practicing. Will notices, and comes over to find out what is going on. Moiraine tells him about the training; Will is not sure this is the safest idea, but offers to help anyway. Moiraine takes him up on his offer. At this point Tom arrives, and after a short discussion as to why another person is now involved, they depart for the House of Arch.
Will settles into a chair to Watch. As with her other students, Moiraine instructs Tom to concentrate on a magical exercise, and warns him that she will try to distract him from it, and not to let her. Tom selects a series of conjurations and vanishments of increasingly-more-complex glass orbs, held in midair, and begins. Moiraine immediately lashes out both with Power and with words, and startles everyone rather a lot. They begin again, and the pattern continues, with the Aes Sedai becoming more evocative and cruel in her provocation. (Read the thread. I'm not going to link every different thing. ;) Finally, however, she says the wrong thing, and Tom loses his temper. Dramatically. With a curse.
The Aes Sedai is knocked into the wall by the force of it, and keeps her promise as she falls to the ground. Will throws himself between Moiraine and Tom and goes very much into Old One mode, which when combined with Tom's horror might have been enough -- but then, a displeased Dream appears as well.
Tom is completely devastated at what he's done and apologizes, saying it'll never happen again; Dream is implacable and refuses to allow him to quit training, since he obviously needs it. Will, meanwhile, helps Moiraine up and towards the group, where she points out that she knew this was a risk and that some things have been learned. Tom, after receiving permission, heals her as best he can, and then everyone departs for the evening -- Moiraine and Morpheus to the Dreaming, Will to his home, and Tom to his room to think. Alone.
Studying with the Aes Sedai: Tom, Anakin, and Peter.
This all started shortly after Tom encounters the Black Rider and comes to talk to Moiraine about it. She confirms that yes, Aphelise is Very Evil; Tom is annoyed at having underestimated him, and Moiraine points out that the Rider is old and clever and was hoping to provoke Tom into returning to his formerly evil ways through anger. Tom agrees that he is arrogant and has a temper, and Moiraine surprises him with the admission that she does, as well, but learned to control it through Aes Sedai training in the White Tower.
Tom is very interested in this idea and wants to know if she uses magic to do it; Moiraine tells him that it wasn't magic, but that such things can be taught. And learned. Tom decides this might be something he should do, and Moiraine agrees to teach him, with the warning that he may not find it "easy or pleasant."
Soon after, Moiraine and Anakin also talk about the Rider, as she wants to know exactly what happened to cause Anakin's brief fall from grace, previously (summarized elsewhere, I hope, but I don't have the link). In the process they end up discussing Anakin's previous history with the Jedi and some of the problems that he has with them and their training. Moiraine observes that Aes Sedai methods are different, and Anakin asks her to teach him. She agrees, but gives him the same warning that she gave Tom previously.
The next evening, Moiraine and Tom reconfirm his interest in and commitment to training, and then shortly afterward Anakin and Peter arrive. They tell her about Peter's first lightsabre lesson, and then Anakin asks her when their own series of lessons are to begin. Peter is curious about this, and Moiraine explains what Anakin will be studying. Peter agrees that it's a good idea... and decides it might not be a bad idea for himself, as well, although for different reasons. Moiraine reiterates her warning, and Anakin reconfirms his own commitment, so they set a time to begin. Anakin leaves, and Peter promptly asks Moiraine for lessons of his own. She cautions him as well, but he is also determined, and so Moiraine agrees that they will begin soon.
(They can't say that she didn't warn them...)
Moiraine thinks everything through in her room later that night, recognizing that there are risks involved, but that the potential gain is worth it.
Halloween arrives, and Moiraine, clothed in red, speaks first with Anakin, who is noticeably upset at an encounter he had with Remus. In the course of the discussion, it becomes clear that Anakin despises feeling powerless... and that this leads to a variety of things that are bad for him. Moiraine leads him through the reasoning, then suggests that he think this over before they start formal training.
A bit later, Peter arrives, dressed like young Anakin. In the course of their conversation, he reveals that he lost control earlier that evening, and Moiraine very pointedly suggests that they do something about it. And thusly, Peter becomes the first one to experience a lesson with the Aes Sedai.
They end up in the Shrieking Shack, where Moiraine first tells Peter to concentrate on a study exercise. He selects the Patronus Charm to practice, and begins. The Aes Sedai then proceeds to attempt to break him, and his concentration, through a series of very ruthless observations playing on his fears... all exacerbated by the fact that she can speak no word that is not true. This goes on for a while with varying degrees of success, but finally Peter manages to complete the spell, albeit unsuccessfully. Here endeth the first lesson.
Moiraine is not concerned with danger to herself in training Peter, but she is aware that teaching Anakin and Tom-- both of whom have touchy tempers-- may be a more difficult situation. As a result, she takes the precaution of talking with Dream in advance, in hopes of making sure that there will be no Grave Consequences if things get problematic. (Moiraine knows that Dream is somewhat protective.) He makes it clear that he won't stop her, but exacts a promise from her that she will call him if she needs him.
The next night, Moiraine finds an unhappy Anakin in the bar, once again feeling helpless, frustrated, and angry. They discuss events briefly, and Anakin shows himself to be even more upset. Moiraine pointedly reminds him of their agreement, in light of the fact that he obviously needs it now, and they set off for their own lesson. Once again, the Shrieking Shack is used, and once again exercises in concentration are begun, this time by Anakin, while Moiraine tries to distract him. Her efforts do not go as well as she had hoped they might, due in large part to her lack of specific knowledge combined with Anakin's skill in general and at using the Force to counteract her, but eventually she is able to score a direct hit -- and the Jedi loses his temper. No harm is done, however, and they reflect on what has been learned and then return to the bar.
Having previously reminded Tom of his commitment, Moiraine and he have scheduled their first lesson for Friday evening. She comes downstairs early and sits in the bar practicing. Will notices, and comes over to find out what is going on. Moiraine tells him about the training; Will is not sure this is the safest idea, but offers to help anyway. Moiraine takes him up on his offer. At this point Tom arrives, and after a short discussion as to why another person is now involved, they depart for the House of Arch.
Will settles into a chair to Watch. As with her other students, Moiraine instructs Tom to concentrate on a magical exercise, and warns him that she will try to distract him from it, and not to let her. Tom selects a series of conjurations and vanishments of increasingly-more-complex glass orbs, held in midair, and begins. Moiraine immediately lashes out both with Power and with words, and startles everyone rather a lot. They begin again, and the pattern continues, with the Aes Sedai becoming more evocative and cruel in her provocation. (Read the thread. I'm not going to link every different thing. ;) Finally, however, she says the wrong thing, and Tom loses his temper. Dramatically. With a curse.
The Aes Sedai is knocked into the wall by the force of it, and keeps her promise as she falls to the ground. Will throws himself between Moiraine and Tom and goes very much into Old One mode, which when combined with Tom's horror might have been enough -- but then, a displeased Dream appears as well.
Tom is completely devastated at what he's done and apologizes, saying it'll never happen again; Dream is implacable and refuses to allow him to quit training, since he obviously needs it. Will, meanwhile, helps Moiraine up and towards the group, where she points out that she knew this was a risk and that some things have been learned. Tom, after receiving permission, heals her as best he can, and then everyone departs for the evening -- Moiraine and Morpheus to the Dreaming, Will to his home, and Tom to his room to think. Alone.
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