Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah

My uncle lent me his copy of New Spring (book 0 of the Wheel of Time) in the hopes that I’d find the series interesting. He new I was more likely to enjoy book 0 than book 1, given the main character and central themes in each. I found the first chapter confusing and boring, and it took several attempts over the course of ten years to finally finish just that first chapter. Then chapter 2 captured my attention and I’ve been a huge fan of the series ever since. I read books 0, 1, 2, and half of 3, and then listened to the rest on audiobook. I am now on my second run through the series on audiobook, and my husband is listening in this time. For those who are curious, no, I didn’t find the spoilers in New Spring to in any way diminish my enjoyment of the rest of the series. My uncle was absolutely correct to suggest I start with New Spring; it’s unlikely I’d have gotten into the series otherwise.

If I were able to channel powerfully enough to become an Aes Sedai, I would definitely be in the Brown Ajah. I do very much like to be in a support role and often play a “Healer” (or Buff/Debuff) in video games. So if I had any talent with healing, I would spend a lot of time with the Yellow Ajah.. but I would still be Brown. I’d be the sister in the healing room taking notes on everyone’s ailments and trying to find trends in the data. I’d be out collecting herbs and talking to village wisdoms, documenting knowledge that most Aes Sedai think is beneath someone who can channel. I’d be the kind of Aes Sedai to carry healing herbs in her pouch, just in case someone was suffering but didn’t want to be healed via channeling. I’m a weirdo and that wouldn’t change; a lot of more powerful Aes Sedai would likely think there’s something wrong with me.

Soon after I finished listening to the entire series on audiobook, I discovered that it was being made into a streaming show on Amazon Prime. I was pumped, and I loved the trailer! (See my Reaction Video!) So of course, being the kind of person who will take any excuse to climb into a costume, I decided I needed to put together an outfit appropriate for an Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah. I already owned a lot of random costume pieces as I used to go to the [Tampa] Bay Area Renaissance Festival every year (yes it’s the BARF), and olives and drab greens and browns are the colors that go best with my skin tone. But I also wanted the outfit to feel like it wouldn’t be out of place in the show. I ended up trying several combinations of shirts, skirts, and pants before finding something something I’m happy with. It finally came together once I used my corset for its original purpose: as a structural undergarment rather than a top-layer fashion statement. And without further ado, here is the current state of the costume!