(no subject)

[blue_ajah]

Upon her return from Milliways -- without difficulty, as it happens -- Moiraine makes use of the telephone a second time without delay.

One ring.

Two.

Comments

[tibetanmethod]

Cooper's eyes stay on the letter.

"Certainly." The word is distant. "Moiraine, I'd like to ask you a question, and I'd ask knowing that it's taking a risk."

[blue_ajah]

Surprise flickers in the dark eyes, but there is no hesitation before she replies,

"Of course. You may ask me anything, as it happens; what is it that you would know?"

Whether or not she will answer fully is another matter entirely.

[tibetanmethod]

"Don't you think you've done enough?"

[blue_ajah]

Silence descends, and in the tension-filled quiet, Moiraine shuts her eyes.

"I... it does not matter, Dale." A breath. "Not in this."

She opens her eyes again, and looks at him without any attempt at evasion.

"I gave him my word, some time ago, and with it the right to call upon me for aid in a time of need. A favor for a favor, as it happens."

[tibetanmethod]

It is completely -- completely -- absurd that he should feel hurt. At least it manifests as incredulity. "Moiraine, are you currently physically capable of providing the aid he's going to need against a threat of this kind?"

[blue_ajah]

This time, the pause is slightly longer.

When she finally speaks, there is an odd timbre to her voice, a thread of uncertainty.

"... I do not know," the Aes Sedai confesses.

A beat.

"But I must make the attempt, all the same."

[tibetanmethod]

With very precise movements he refolds the letter and hands it back to Moiraine.

With similarly precise language -- because what use is it going to be to protest? And isn't finding something to do better than not? -- he asks, with formal courtesy, "Will you allow me to accompany you?"

[blue_ajah]

Dark eyes widen once more, and she studies him with careful attentiveness for several seconds.

"... yes," she says, finally. "I shall, if you are certain that you wish to."

[tibetanmethod]

"I'm certain." His tone doesn't shift. "Thank you, Moiraine."

There's a shooting gallery in the basement of the sheriff's station.