Gai'shain

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Gai’shain, meaning “pledged to peace in battle,” according to the Old Tongue, refers to those taken alive in battle. Gai’shain have toh towards their captors, and must serve them for one year and one day. Gai’shain must complete any task given to them humbly and obediently, without complaint. They must also refrain from any violence, and touch no weapons. They wear white robes, so that they are clearly discernible to those around them. Since being meek is not an Aiel trait, and the idea of serving others is laughed at, having to perform both is the acceptable way for an Aiel to regain his or her honour (TSR, Ch. 23; TFoH, Ch. 46).

Gai’shain normally do not run away, as this increases the amount of ji lost, and their time as gai’shain must begin anew. It has been said that if this occurs, first-siblings have also been known to offer themselves as gai’shain, to try to restore the amount of ji lost by the sept, sometimes more than one, if the loss of ji is felt great enough. A warrior who has been touched while armed may ask to be made gai’shain so as to reduce his enemy’s honour, and minimize his own loss. Wise Ones, blacksmiths, children under the age of fifteen, mothers who have children under the age of ten and pregnant women are exempt from being made gai’shain (TSR, Ch. 23).