(no subject)

[blue_ajah]

It has been two weeks since Dream had left her standing on a beach made of diamonds and stars, by an ocean of tears. In that time, she has seen him once, and spoken to him not at all.

She is walking outside, this morning. Faith and Max's wedding is to be on Antar today, and she and Dream were to have attended.

Although there is time yet, her own temper is not the best, now. And so she walks -- a discreet distance from the lake, in order to not attract ed'Rashtekaresket's attention -- and muses upon things, and attempts to figure an approach to what is quickly becoming an untenable situation.

Comments

[destruction1_0]

Maybe she's not attracting Ed's attention.

But behind an outcropping of rocks:

An easel, and a really bad landscape.




And your friendly neighborhood Endless.

"Sister-in-law Moiraine Sedai." He gives her a cheerful nod. (His shirt has flecks of paint spattered over it.) "It's been some time."

[blue_ajah]

She has seen him before, with a gathering of the Family across the bar and at her wedding, as well, but they have never spoken in any depth.

"Destruction."

Her tone is very carefully serene.

"I shall wish you a pleasant day."

[destruction1_0]

"And I," he says, putting his palate and brush down, carefully, "wish you exactly the same as you wish me." He looks up. "Nice day."

[blue_ajah]

"The weather is particularly fine, for the season, it might be said."

She glances with evident interest at the canvas.

[destruction1_0]

"It'll be hot out here, soon -- and then the early morning and the evening will be the best times to be out here." He runs one huge hand through his hair.

[blue_ajah]

"I expect that there will be less quiet out here, then," she murmurs, "once people begin to hold celebrations by the water once more."

A pause, in which dark eyes meet his steadily.

"Shall we continue speaking of pleasantries? I have not had much of an opportunity to converse with you before, as it happens."

[destruction1_0]

Destruction grins.

Widely.

"I think I'll let you set the topic of conversation. That's not one of the skills I have."

And judging by what's on the easel, neither is painting.

[blue_ajah]

She gestures to a green expanse of grass nearby.

"Then shall we sit, perhaps? There are several things we might discuss, I think." A beat, and a serene smile. "Although I do not propose to talk of cabbages, or necessarily kings."

[destruction1_0]

"I have passing acquaintance," he says, as he sits, "with boiling-hot seas. But not winged pigs -- except in folk art."

[blue_ajah]

With his coming are the dread fires born again. The hills burn, and the land turns sere. The tides of men run out, and the hours dwindle... there is no salvation without destruction, no hope this side of death.

She thinks of the Karatheon Prophecies and murmurs dryly, "So I understand."

Moiraine spreads her skirt out over the grass as she settles gracefully to the ground, and then clasps her hands in her lap and looks at him.

"There is a question that it has been suggested I ask of you, Destruction."

[destruction1_0]

"Mm." He leans back on his hands. "I could think of a few people who might refer you to me. And I could think of a few questions you might want to ask. But I think our purposes would be better served if you filled me in, if that's all right."

[blue_ajah]

"I would not disagree, as it happens." Slightly dry, but still serene. There is no need to belabor the point, as she is wise enough to know that they are both well aware of certain matters, as well as of certain relationships.

"In this instance, however... I understand that you and Dream had a conversation recently that touched on something of a sensitive topic."

The understatement is self-evident, even if not accented by her tone.

[destruction1_0]

Destruction gives her a remarkably direct look.

"Is there any such thing as a conversation with my brother that doesn't touch on a sensitive topic?"

[blue_ajah]

"I am certain it is possible," she replies calmly. "I also suspect you may well know the discussion of which I speak."

[destruction1_0]

"The one where he attempted to justify interfering with Kitty's personal life?"

[blue_ajah]

She inclines her head in assent, watching him.

"I should not like to think that this may lead to a lasting difficulty between you." Her tone turns dry, almost matter-of-fact.

"Such issues between siblings in your Family are ... problematic."

[destruction1_0]

"I'm not Desire, Moiraine." Amused.

[blue_ajah]

Even more dryly, she responds,

"I am well aware of that."

[destruction1_0]

"So."

He rolls his head around.

A series of sharp cracks.

"Was it my brother who sent you here?"

[blue_ajah]

"Sent?" She arches an eyebrow at him. "Dream suggested I speak with you about certain matters, that I will grant, but I do not consider that I have been sent by him."

Her words are carefully chosen. There is another brother, of course, but as she doubts this situation touches on the nature of their agreement, Moiraine does not see fit to mention it.

[destruction1_0]

"Would you have come to find me if he hadn't?"

[blue_ajah]

"After hearing of this discussion?"

Her gaze meets his directly.

"I suspect that I would have, yes." A beat. "Not that you are all that easy to find, here."

[destruction1_0]

A grin. "I hear I make people nervous. And -- " He looks around. "If I want to paint landscapes, I might as well go to the real Scotland."

[blue_ajah]

"Perhaps," she allows. Moiraine tilts her head, studying him.

"Why is it that you are here today, then?"

[destruction1_0]

"There aren't very many art supply houses in the equivalent part of Scotland, and I was running low on cadmium red."

Matter-of-fact.