Larelle Tarsi, Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah
—Crossroads of Twilight, Chapter 18
- For other uses of the word "gray," see Gray.
The Gray Ajah of the Aes Sedai are dedicated to politics and mediation. They favor harmony and consensus above all else, and are often conflict mediators or ambassadors. The leader of the Gray Ajah is called the Head Clerk.
Also see List of Gray Ajah sisters.
Size[]
The Gray is the third-largest Ajah, behind the Green and before the Brown[1], with roughly one hundred and forty Sisters just prior to the Last Battle, as it is stated in TWoTC.
In The Gathering Storm it is discovered that there are thirty-one members of the Black Ajah among the Gray sisters,[2] but only the names of six of them are known. In Towers of Midnight the name of the former Gray Sitter Evanellein is added to the list of Blacks infiltrated in this Ajah.
Demographics[]
The breakdown of nationality for named Gray Ajah sisters in recent history is as follows:
- Andor: 5
- Arad Doman, Arafel, Cairhien, Tarabon: 3
- Amadicia, Murandy, Saldaea, Shienar: 1
- Altara, Far Madding, Ghealdan, Illian, Kandor, Mayene, Tear: 0
- Unknown: 15
History[]
Gray Ajah major interests are diplomacy, jurisprudence and justice. Gray sisters are studying constantly all the laws, customs, history, relations of every nation to offer their help as political advisors to the governments. They also offer their ability in writing the law and their diplomatic skills in case of dispute between states.
Gray sisters have been responsible for drawing to a close countless conflicts and wars over the last three thousand years, through their skill in crafting agreements and treaties. It was a Gray sister who was behind the Compact of the Ten Nations. During the Aiel War, it was a Gray sister who represented Tar Valon in the Grand Alliance. After the Aiel War, many Grays attempted to hold together this coalition of nations but they ultimately failed.
The Gray's purpose is not solely to deal with treaties and negotiations between nations; Grays also take on the role of administer the law of the land - the land being that in which they happen to be. This could take the form of being asked by a local noble or magistrate to act as judge or jury. It is noted that Beonin Marinye excels as a detective, and this could also be another aspect of the Gray, finding those responsible for crimes and bringing them to justice. Sometimes the Gray sisters also accept to help or mediate in dispute between common people, as it is proven by the gifts displayed in the rooms of Meidani.
In the last millennium the Gray Ajah was second only to the Blue Ajah in the ability to elect Amyrlin Seat coming from its own ranks, in fact the Blue sisters elected as Amyrlin were eleven and the Gray nine, the Green Ajah was third with seven sisters elected and the Brown fourth with only five.
Recently, the Gray Ajah has also taken up studying and experimenting with Traveling weaves, a project led by Yukiri. Yukiri considered it logical for the Gray Ajah to become experts of Traveling, due to their other purposes.
Characteristics[]
The spirit behind the Gray Ajah's involvement in the realm of politics is a dedication to the "ending of strife."
Grays believe that mediation is the sole territory of the Gray Ajah, and by claiming Gray Ajah prerogative, can exclude all other Ajahs from being involved in talks and negotiations.[3] They are familiar with the laws of every land,[4] and most Grays believe that any problem can be solved if they talk about it for long enough.[5]
Leaders[]
The current Head Clerk of the Gray Ajah is Serancha Colvine. The current Sitters in the Hall of the Tower of the Gray are Andaya Forae, Varilin, and Yukiri.
Among the Rebel Aes Sedai Delana, Kwamesa and Naorisa were elected for a while as Gray Sitters while Beonin was probably the leader of the Rebel Grays. Among the Loyalist there was Evanellein as Sitter to support Elaida along Yukiri and Andaya.
The Head Clerk is advised by a council. Though many Sisters believe the Head Clerk to be the most powerful woman in the Ajah, in truth, she had to depend on gaining consensus among the members of her council.
Method of Electing Sitters[]
The Gray Ajah's method of electing Sitters is discussion until consensus can be met on two or three candidates. These candidates are then voted for by secret ballot, the winner gaining a seat in the Hall of the Tower.[6] However, this was not what occurred when Andaya gained the position - she was personally promoted by Serancha.[6]
Recent developments[]
Just before the Last Battle the Gray Ajah sisters specialized themselves in studying and using the travel weaves. During the Last Battle they organized the White Tower communication and transportation network. Yukiri invented a new weave that created a gateway horizontally rather than vertically. Through a gateway of this kind opened very high in the sky, the Aes Sedai were able to spy the enemy from far above and to study the battle fields.
List of Amyrlin Seats from the Gray Ajah[]
Of the nine known Amyrlins raised from the Gray Ajah, only two proved weak. The others ranged from average strength to strong.
- Dalaine Ndaye (36 NE - 64 NE)
- Medanor Eramandos (142 NE - 171 NE)
- Elise Strang (223 NE - 244 NE)
- Serenia Latar (276 NE - 306 NE)
- Cerilla Marodred (454 NE - 476 NE)
- Gerra Kishar (601 NE - 638 NE)
- Cemaile Sorenthaine (681 NE - 705 NE)
- Parenia Demalle (817 NE - 866 NE)
- Sierin Vayu 18(6) (979 NE - 984 NE)
List of known Gray sisters (with Saidar strength)[]
See also List of Gray Ajah sisters.
External links[]
Gray Ajah 
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