Intro:I have been called upon to examine and observe the mighty Disciplines in the area. There has been talk that these rough and tumble Warders and Warders-to-be have a soft side that shows through. At this point I am sceptical. Observation and interaction are required to determine if these creatures are tame or wild. I will put myself at risk and enter the Warders Guild to determine if the stories are true.

JAN 22, 2010,

My next assignment, in my quest to find a soft spot in the Warders rock hard exterior, leads me to the Ren’Shai. Inside are the Warders and their Aes Sedai. I can hear noises coming from their common room but I would first like to take a look at their fighting grounds. The sword commander Vanion is bringing those who want to aspire, to heel. He has a group of young trainees standing in a line while he is demonstrating the basics of the Ren’Shai battle forms.

Vanion drills into them advance and attack. Advance and attack. Never stop moving. Never let down your guard. Embrace pain and use it to push yourself farther. Becoming a living weapon, is the goal for these young trainees. Rounding all their skills and becoming a warrior that uses all the weapons available to them, is the only way that they will be able to complete the training required for the Ren’Shai.  Their weapons include their swords and knives but also their minds and bodies. All of these items blend together to make the Ren’Shai warrior, in a never-ceasing effort to balance the mind and body.

As I pass Vanion, still trying to work on his trainees, I spy a tavern called Blade’s End. Loud ruckuses and giggling can be heard inside.  The sign on the door has two crossed blades with the name of the establishment on it. I push open the door and walk into the dimly lit tavern.

**Giggle** If you want to know what happens at the Blade’s End Tavern, go see for yourself. This Reporter will not spread rumours.

After a fast detour at the Blade’s End, I get back to my original goal of exploring this Disc. I see a sign that has Man Laws posted on it. While it seems a little strange to me I guess this is a code that most of the Warders and Warders-to-be need to follow. Did you know there are only five times a man is allowed to cry? There is a room where you can see what sword fits you best. I am able to sneak into this room and find out that my best sword is not really a sword at all but a Shuriken. Maybe I need Vanion to teach me some good moves before I cut myself or someone else…

It seems as if there are lots of debates going on in the Ren’Shai areas. Most involve what-if situations and weapons. I am sure, if someone needed to find more information about battle tactics and defence, the Ren’Shai is the place to go, but I am still on the desperate search for the soft side of the Warders. Keep reading to see if we can find it.