After entering the Mistress of Novice's study, Ilia expected a pattling, but it didn't come. Of course, that could have been due to the fact that an Accepted started a fire within the hallways outside Sheriam's study. Ilia had merely been told not to repeat her actions and was sent on her way as Sheriam pulled a young girl into the room, tears staining her freckled face. Ilia felt sorry for the girl, who had newly been raised to Accepted. Of course, Sheriam wouldn't let her use that as an excuse.<br/><br/>Arriving to lunch, Ilia forgot all about the young accepted as the smell of of the kitchens filled her nose. With a rumbling stomach, Ilia got in line. Keeping to herself, Ilia's ears picked up the conversation around her. Many of the girls were talking about either the fire, or Shadow. The later brought color to Ilia's cheeks as she thought about their interactions. She had only met him twice, but she felt a connection, especially now that she knew of his past. Accepting the tray handed to her, Ilia thanked Laras, the head cook. Laras seemed to have a soft spot for Ilia, often giving the girl praises for her manners or kept appearance. Today she only smiled at the thanks before nodding the girl off to the tables.<br/><br/>Sitting on one of the long benches, Ilia took up the roll that sat beside her peaches and salted meat. She picked at it, popping small pieces of bread into her mouth and watching as other accepted fetched trays: either for themselves or Aes Sedai. She was drawn from her people watching as Mari sat with a huff. There was obviously something wrong with her and Ilia felt like she should ask, so she did. As if anticipating the question, Mari spoke of how Shadow placed a flower in her hair and how Tabetha, the jealous dolt, practically slapped it from her hair and set it on fire. Mari didn't believe there was ever a spider, why would Shadow do such a thing, and simply chalked it to Tabetha's obvious jealousy. Ilia could have guessed the truth and a little smile pulled up the corners of her lips. She felt that Mari chose to ignore the truth. Everyone knew Shadow had taken the flag from atop it's mast, why would it be so unbelievable that he'd put a spider is Mari's hair.<br/><br/>"Oh, I put your basket and hoop in your room. It seems you had forgotten it on your way to Sheriam Sedai's study." Ilia thanked Mari with a smile. It would be unfortunate to lose that. "What did Sheriam Sedai want?? I thought it would be to raise you! Why else would Moiraine Sedai be here?"<br/><br/>Confused, Ilia furrowed her brow. "Why would my raising prompt her return?" Ilia was nothing special and everyone knew that Moiraine was one of those Aes Sedai that rarely spent time in the Tower. It had to be something else and a coincidence that she was there. Mari rolled her eyes and dug into her peaches before explaining to Ilia that very few Accepted had ever been raised after only 3 years and Moiraine was one of them. Ilia dismissed Mari's theory, however. It, honestly, held no weight, and even if it did the thought would only place unneeded pressure upon Ilia's shoulders.<br/><br/>After lunch, Ilia made her way to her room, what was she to do with the rest of her day? Smiling at those she passed, her thoughts wondered. Perhaps there was merit to Mari's speculation? No..of course there wasn't. It was silly. Surely Moiraine Sedai had more important matters besides the raising of an Accepted. With as little as she spent within the Tower, she had too. Banishing the thoughts from her mind, Ilia entered her room, spotting her basket and hoop upon the small dresser. A smile pulled at her lips as she noticed the handkerchief was gone. Had Shadow taken it? Apart of her had hoped so.<br/><br/>The following day, Ilia, along with most of the Accepted, Novices, and a fair count of Aes Sedai, attended the Green Ajah's tournament. It was a day long event, with breaks in between for food and a few festivities. Ilia had been enjoying herself. She had spent the day spending time with friends and hiding her frustration when an Aes Sedai asked her to run an errand. Which was exactly what happened as the first round of the last match started.<br/><br/>A newly raised Aes Sedai spotted Ilia laughing with her friends, perhaps from jealousy, perhaps a power trip, she sent Ilia to fetch her a scone from one of the tented venders set up for the tournament. Not one to disobey an Aes Sedai, Ilia curtsied quickly and tried her best to finish her task as quickly as possible. Surprisingly Moe, of all cadets, had made it to the final match, and Ilia didn't want to miss it. She did, however.<br/><br/>It was on her way back that Ilia spotted Gallad waving her handkerchief in front of Moe, taunting him. Why did Moe have her- no. Not Moe. Shadow. Ilia's face heated. He had her handkerchief. He had had it around his sword, as a token, for her. Absentmindedly handing the Aes Sedai her scone, Ilia watched, mouth open in disbelief, as Shadow beat Gallad and dashed for the nearby tents, and Moe leaving in his place. Around her the crowd cheered for the unexpected winner. No one seemed to know the truth, but Ilia did and her heart seemed to beat faster for it.<br/><br/>In a daze, Ilia made her way towards her room. Shadow had used<span style="font-style: italic">her</span>kerchief as a token. She felt giddy! No..she couldn't let herself get distracted. Not this close to the shawl. Ilia felt like she had been telling herself that a lot within the past few days. Since she had met Shadow. Steeling herself, Ilia opened the door to her room and came face to face with an Aes Sedai.<br/><br/>Stunned, Ilia could only nod as the much older woman started speaking. It was only after she told Ilia to sit did the girl finally find her words.<br/><span style="font-weight: bold">"Have you ever heard of the ‘The Star of Palllonraeth’?”</span>Surprised at the question, Ilia responded with a meek "I have not, Aes Sedai." For she did not know the woman's name. At the mention of her kerchief, Ilia had her smile by lowering her gaze. Of course that soon would be the talk of the Tower. Her eyes shot back up as the Aes Sedai continued speaking and Shadow's name entered the conversation.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">"I won’t take Moe from you, I am very sorry…”u</span>How had the conversation gotten here? Ilia meant to speak up! To tell the Aes Sedai that she was mistaken, but the woman handed her a small crystal stone while explaining what it did. Ilia smiled, taking it from her. "Thank you, Aes Sedai."<br/><br/>"Please, call me Luna Sedai." The older woman spoke, calm oozing from her voice as Ilia looked at the stone. "Thank you, Luna Sedai." It was a remarkable thing, radiating a comfortable warmth through her fingers as she held it. "May I...say something, Luna Sedai?" The older woman quirked an eyebrow, her back straight as she sat upon the stool in Ilia's room. Calming herself, Ilia cleared her throat, forcing confidence she did not feel. "There seems to be a mistake. I don't have my eye on Moe, but rather Shadow." Luna's mouth crooked into a small smile as Ilia continued. "As an accepted, I can not stop you from bonding him, but I humbly ask you consider it." Although Ilia wasn't sure if she wanted to bond him herself, she didn't like the thought of someone else taking away her chance and she desperately hoped Luna would respect her request.<br/><br/>Luna merely gave a small nod and stood to her feet, Ilia following. "I must be off. I have other things to attend to." Ilia curtsied. "Be prepared, child. I imagine you will be raised very soon. I won't bond your Shadow, should you choose to accompany me on my quest." Pursing her lips, as if thinking on what she had promised the Amerlyn, Luna continued. "There is much I can teach you, out in the field. Please consider it." And Ilia did. She lay awake for most of the night, thinking on Luna Sedai's words.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">-The Next Day-</span><br/><br/>After her necessary lessons and chores Ilia strolled through the gardens. It truly was her favorite place in the Tower. It was the only place that reminded her of her childhood. Perhaps one day she could share it with Shadow. As if thinking of him summoned the would be Warder, Ilia spotted what looked like him enter the gardens. Almost from instinct Ilia hid behind a large flowering tree, a few of the petals falling unnoticed into her hair. Why was she hiding? This was silly. Peaking around the trunk, Ilia watched him meander about the gazebo and toward the pond. Should she approach him? Ilia huffed. She was acting like a girl: she<span style="font-style: italic">was</span>a girl. No. She was an accepted of the Tower and soon to be Aes Sedai. With that in mind, Ilia made her way over to the young man and made herself comfortable beside him.<br/><br/>"I saw my kerchief at the tournament yesterday." She wasn't looking at him. Already her breath was hard to catch, looking at him would only make it worse. "I'm glad." It was almost a whisper. Brushing some of the petals from her hair, Ilia looked up at Shadow. "I was visited by an Aes Sedai yesterday." Ilia recanted her conversation with the Aes Sedai. Of course leaving out the part where she told the woman of her intention to possible bond Shadow.<br/><br/>"Would you..be interested..in coming with me if I decided to go?" It would be a good opportunity to learn more about each other and find out if they would be compatible as Warder and Aes Sedai. Not to mention the experience it would give both of them. Ilia was certain Shadow would go if asked, if only to keep his friend Moe safe. "I don't know if she will ask you to come." Ilia recalled the Aes Sedai's gaze. "Luna Sedai is a bit...unsettling..." Ilia pulled at a golden curl while chewing on her bottom lip. "I'm a little worried about the testing." The last bit was more a spoken thought.