<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/50/BlueAjah.jpg)</div><strong>Character name:</strong>Aleana Schiller (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=234819.msg11575159#msg11575159)<br/><strong>Position:</strong>Keeper of the Chronicles, Blue Ajah<br/><strong>Bondmate:</strong>None (As yet!)<br/><strong>Tag:</strong>Ardan | Closed<br/><strong>Time:</strong>Evening | Saven 5 | 990NE<br/><strong>Place:</strong>Aleana’s Room<br/><strong>Warning:</strong><br/><hr/>Though it was nearly imperceptible behind her composed expression, the skin around Aleana’s eyes tightened at the initial reaction and she watched with growing inward concern as the blood drained from Ardan’s face.  Though she hadn’t been sure what to expect from her offer, she had hoped that it wouldn’t quite cause what almost seemed like fear.  Perhaps he had been interested in that eager Yellow sister and didn’t quite know how to tell her no?  Perhaps he wasn’t interested in being bound to her but was concerned about ramifications?  He had just shared something private and, at the Tower, something that could lead to him being poked and prodded by the Red and Brown ajah’s.  She hoped he knew her well enough to know that she wouldn’t betray his trust for such a reason but he might not as she was not overtly open.<br/><br/>Her thoughts were swirling, her mind conjuring dozens of possibilities but, before she knew it, he was kneeling before her.  Brows rising at the seemingly sudden gesture, the rush of conjecture in her mind stopped immediately, focused on the man in front of her instead.  Her tan eyes widened in surprise as he spoke and a strange mixture of serious pleasure filled her.  She could almost feel the strength of the oath he spoke from his heart and it warmed every part of her.  She both wished to laugh in relief and happiness that he had agreed but knew it was inappropriate and wanted to answer his oath with one of her own.  That too wasn’t appropriate but for entirely different reasons.  She was an Aes Sedai and while there would never be anyone closer to her than her Gaidin, she couldn’t make the same kind of promises he had made though she wished to.<br/><br/>Straightening in her chair, her gaze never wavering from the man that just agreed to become her Warder, she took a subtle deep breath, letting the air leave her lungs slowly.  It was an incredible moment for her – for them – and she wanted it to be just right.  “I do not have words to express just how grateful I am that you have chosen to accept my bond, Gaidin Ardan Taliesin.  Your dedication to the Tower over these years has been extraordinary and your help beforehand has never been forgotten.”  She said, inwardly pleased that her words came out clearly and strong through her own nerves.  Pausing for a moment, she licked her dried lips and shook her head, letting herself be more open with him even though he had already agreed.  “I wish you to know that I had wanted you as my Gaidin from that first meeting.  Your generosity, courage and strength in our time of need meant much to me and spoke volumes of your character.  I waited as long as I have only to be sure that this was the life you wished for yourself.”  She explained, presuming he would understand.  The Tower and the Aes Sedai that occupied it were… difficult… to put it mildly.  It was certainly not the life for everyone and the Gaidin had it harder than most.  Dedicating their lives to an Aes Sedai completely was not something to be taken lightly – by either party.  She had wanted to give him the chance to see what he was getting himself into and the chance to determine if that was truly what he wanted.<br/><br/>Opening herself to Saidar, Aleana let the female half of the One Power fill her slowly, carefully.  Though she had never bonded a Warder, the weave was taught to the women of the Tower and she began constructing it with great care.  It was not a weave she wished to make any errors with as she had no idea what the effects would be and, even more importantly, she wanted it to be powerful.  If they were going to be bound together forever, she would put her best work into it.  “Gaidin Ardan Taliesin, from this day forward, we will be bound together; our very lives entwined until death.  I am honored and delighted to call you my Gaidin, my Warder.”  Allowing herself to show her pleasure, she beamed a smile at him as she finished the weave, the bond connecting with him as she finished speaking, branding both of them for the rest of their very lives.