A Blue Sister
She felt exhilaration sweep through her as Ava Sedai, her teacher in many things, stepped forward and selected one of the shawls – the blue-fringed one – from the table nearby. She moved over to Rayel and carefully draped the shawl around the new Sister's shoulders. Rayel stood up straight as the shawl settled down upon her shoulders, shivering almost imperceptibly at the feeling of the unfamiliar fabric coming to rest. It felt far lighter than she would have expected.
For one very brief moment she felt dizzy with anxiety about the path that lay ahead. She was a full Sister now, and with that rank came unfathomable responsibility. How long would it take her to settle into her new role – if she ever found it possible to settle in at all? But as soon as the dizziness had claimed her, it left again. She was surefooted and strong, elated and awed, but not cowardly. Never that.
She ignored the little voice somewhere deep inside that suggested she was trying to kid herself, that every woman was cowardly at one point or another, and focused instead on the words Ava Sedai now spoke.
"By the Light, the Blue Ajah accepts and finds her worthy. We welcome Rayel Markhin Aes Sedai to the Blue Ajah. May she serve us long and well."
It is done, Rayel thought in amazement as Ava leaned forward to plant a soft kiss on each of her cheeks. The Aes Sedai then hugged her, and she realised that they were, although definitely not equals, on a far more even footing than they had been previously. She knew then that it would take some time for her to adjust to her newfound status.
"Welcome, Sister," Ava said, stressing the last word undoubtedly mainly for Rayel's benefit, to get the message through.
"Thank you," she whispered back, not only remembering days of old when this woman had instructed her in the ways of saidar but also thinking of future days and what they might hold. "Thank you."