(no subject)

[blue_ajah]

*After the reading of the will, after taking the books to her study in the Dreaming, Moiraine returns to walk by the lake outside the bar.

She stands, for a time, by the spot where the door was, gazing thoughtfully into space.*

Comments

[true_desire]

"Penny for your thoughts," comes the quiet statement, from behind her and to the left: There is little question that she'll recognize the voice, and the noiseless arrival that is the Endless' manner of fading in.

[blue_ajah]

Desire. Good evening. *She does not turn, yet, but her tone is very calm.*

I was remembering some things that Joe had spoken of.

[true_desire]

"I see." And that isn't all the Endless sees, studying the change in her attire -- There are a few quiet moments before Desire speaks again.
Perhaps against type, the androgyne does not say, 'That's a new look for you.'
"My condolences, sister -- I hadn't realized you and he were so close."

[blue_ajah]

It seemed appropriate to mourn his passing.

*Moiraine turns, looking up at the Endless.*

I do not know if I would call us friends, precisely, but we understood each other well, I think, and I valued him greatly.

*And he had reminded her of those of the Borderlands, among other things.*

[true_desire]

Desire merely returns her look: The Endless is dressed as informally as the androgyne ever is, silk shirt and trousers in impeccable condition.

If the Endless mourned for every mortal that Desire considered valuble -- well. Others will come in Joe's place, if River's transformation weren't proof already. The thought isn't meant to be comforting, and Desire (knowing that isn't what's needed now) remains silent.

[blue_ajah]

The Wheel weaves. *Tranquil as the surface of the lake nearby.*

How are matters with you this evening, Desire?

[true_desire]

"Business as usual, Moiraine. Regulus is doing well."

There is a pause: Desire seems uncomfortable with it.

"I have not been visiting Milliways as often, lately."

[blue_ajah]

*She tilts her head, considering the Sibling.*

We have not seen you as much in the bar, no. *A pause.* Is there any particular reason?

[true_desire]

"I have been busy -- My duties seem to be more demanding lately."
And when has Desire let duties stand in the way of fun?

[blue_ajah]

Is it so? *She continues to study the Endless.*

And does it interfere with such for you to be present at Milliways?

[true_desire]

Desire smirks wryly at Moiraine. "My absence would suggest that, wouldn't it?"

[blue_ajah]

It would, yes.

Unless there were to be another reason for your absence as well.

[true_desire]

"Are you suggesting I have reason to avoid Milliways?"

[blue_ajah]

*Dark eyes meet golden ones.*

I would not think so, unless you chose to.

For you are Endless, after all.

[true_desire]

Desire gives Moiraine a long look, searching for traces of mockery. There are none to be found: After all, the Aes Sedai is nothing if not serene.

"I have my reasons -- and Regulus likes my time and attention undivided."

[blue_ajah]

*She inclines her head, assenting silently to hisherits reasons without inquiring further about them.*

Certainly I might understand that, of course. *A pause.* He must be pleased that you are no longer otherwise engaged.

*The double meaning is evident.*

[true_desire]

"Tch," Desire responds, mutinous: The Endless fixes her with a gold-eyed glare. "He knows me well enough to understand that I love him -- and that I am not likely to change anytime soon."

Cigarette, cigarette -- ah, there's the case Regulus gave Desire. The androgyne hastily selects a cigarette and lights up.

"Nor would he ask me to."

[blue_ajah]

Some might say that understanding -- or at least acceptance -- is implicit when one comes to care for another, as Regulus does for you.

*The Aes Sedai's tone is perfectly serene.*

So perhaps it is not surprising that those who care would not demand that you change your nature.

[true_desire]

Desire smirks faintly. "As your husband if he'd have me change my behavior, sometime."

[blue_ajah]

There is a difference, of course, in changing one's behavior and in changing one's nature.

*Very calmly.*