Ilia stood mouth agape as Shadow went on another tirade. What could she possibly have said to set him off? Nothing came to mind as she racked her brain. Ilia could feel tears begin to well in her eyes. No! She would not let herself cry. Especially over a<span style="font-style: italic">boy</span>. She was an Aes Sadai, well almost, and she needed to show she could possess an Aes Sedai's calm, but when he stormed off Ilia couldn't help but spin around and sit facing the lake, her arms wrapped around her knees and her head down. Surely shedding a<span style="font-style: italic">few</span>tears would do no harm.<br/><br/>"You know, most women think men are simple, but the experienced know otherwise." Ilia jumped at the voice, spinning to find Luna Sedai looking at her thoughtfully. The older woman reached out and wiped some of the tears off of Ilia's face. "It's alright to cry every now and then as long as they don't see you." She offered a kind smile,  which Ilia tried to return before the woman left. Had she heard their entire conversation?! The thought alarmed Ilia. That meant Luna Sedai knew Shadow could talk. Even though they had just had their first spat, she was still worried for him. She could only wonder about Luna Sedai's intentions as she watched the woman leave the gardens.<br/><br/>Gaining some control of her emotions, Ilia dusted her skirts, cleaned her face in the small pond, and straightened her hair: and not too soon for a novice met her as she headed for her chambers. "Sheriam Sedai would like to see you in her study." Ilia's heart seemed to fall into her stomach. This was it, she was sure of it. Ilia thanked the novice before heading towards the Mistress of Novice's study. Ilia tried to keep herself calm, but it was hard for her to even just focus on keeping her breathing steady and she felt a little lightheaded as she knocked on the door to Sheriam's study. "Enter." Sucking in a deep breath, Ilia held it for a moment before releasing it and opening the door.<br/><br/>Down in the basements of the Tower, Ilia was led to a large room containing an enormous ring. Along the edges, she spotted not only the Armyrlin, but also ker keeper and 6 different woman,all representing a different Ajah. The only ones Ilia recognized were Luna Sedai and Sheriam Sedai, who would take her place after the beginning of the ritual.<br/><br/>"Attend... You come in ignorance Ilia Anon. How will you depart?"<br/>"In knowledge of myself."<br/>"For what reason have you been summoned here?"<br/>"To be tried."<br/>"For what reason should you be tried?"<br/>"To see if I am worthy."<br/>"And... for what would you be found worthy?"<br/>"To wear the shawl and become Aes Sedai"<br/><br/>Ilia listened as Sheriam gave her instructions before undressing. It wasn't the first time she had to undress before sisters, in fact, to become accepted she had to, and this was no different. Ilia stood with confidence as she waited and when instructed, she entered the ring.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">Midnight</span><br/><br/>Ilia sat, cross legged, upon her bed. She had passed and in the morning she would be moved to her own chambers amongst the green. She knew she was supposed to be meditating, but she was just so...elated! Ilia wanted to shout for joy! Run through the halls and tell everyone she had gained the shawl. Most importantly she wanted to tell Shadow. Even if he had been a mule earlier. In her excitement, Ilia had all but forgotten the tears she had shed because of his words. She wanted to share her accomplishment with him: but, it would have to wait. She had to get through the night and tomorrow first. So, she calmed herself and closed her eyes, stilling her heart and mind.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">The Next Day: Afternoon</span><br/><br/>Ilia's day had started off busy and still hadn't slowed by the afternoon. Her morning had consisted of visitors coming to her chamber and introducing themselves, most of them bringing gifts such as books, or articles of clothing: a few going to far as to bring smaller pieces of furniture. By the end of the morning, Ilia had 4 new dresses, a beautifully tufted purple stool, a small rug, an entire bookshelf of book, a few pieces of jewelry, and a gorgeous lamp, the shade all kinds of colors. Trying on her gowns, Ilia couldn't help but marvel at their make. She had never owned anything to finely made. Knowing she needed a few more simpler dresses for everyday wear and some shifts, Ilia put on the most simple dress she had been given. It was a beautiful forest green silk gown with golden embroidery along the bodice and cuffs of her long sleeves. The skirts hugged her nicely. Pairing it with her own fine woolen cloak and slippers, Ilia made her way into town to see what she could find.<br/><br/>Coming upon the stocks, Ilia saw some poor fellow stuck. Coming from behind, she did not see his face, but her own flushed as she noticed he had a nice backside. Why was she blushing? She had passed her test. She could allow herself to think of such things. However, upon rounding the platform the stocks stood on, Ilia froze. It was<span style="font-style: italic">Shadow</span>! Why in the light was he in the stocks?! Her eyes met his and his words came back to her. Ilia thought she had been over it, but she wasn't. After she was sure he had seen her, Ilia walked away towards town. There. Hopefully that would teach him to talk to her that way! Of course, she felt a little guilty. How long had he been in there?<br/><br/>Ilia's thoughts kept drifting back to Shadow as she shopped. Her worry made her shopping less and less enjoyable and Ilia cut her trip well short because of it. Before returning. ilia stopped and picked up a few honey rolls and some cheese before walking back across the courtyard, spotting Shadow again, and finding and confronting Cadre Caulen.<br/><br/>"How long has Shadow been in the stocks?" Caulen was sitting at his desk when Ilia walked in.<br/>"Oh..erm roughly midnight."<br/>"I'd like him released."<br/>"I'm sorry...um.. "<br/>"Ilia. "<br/>"Ilia Sedai, but he must be made an example of."<br/>"An example of what?"<br/>"They fell through my ceiling on their way to go carousing."<br/><br/>It was then that Ilia noticed the gaping hole above her. She colored lightly. That was something she should have noticed.<br/><br/>"They?"<br/>"Moe was with him."<br/>"Well, I don't recall seeing Moe out there with him. Don't you think 12 plus hours in the stock is enough time to learn a lesson?"<br/>"Well...I suppose Ilia Sedai"<br/><br/>Ilia didn't give the man anymore time to reply, she simply turned and left. She came to a halt in front of Shadow and set her basket of food at her feet. "Carousing?" Ilia crossed her arms beneath her breast and looked at him, a single brow raised. "Tell me, why should I let you out?" Perhaps this was cruel, but a part of Ilia wanted to let him suffer just a little while longer. Perhaps it would make him think twice the next time he wanted to speak to her the way he did.