[pfsb] the mirrors of the wheel

[blue_ajah]

The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills, and all things are part of the Pattern. There is little that she can do now but wait, guard against events worsening as best she can, and watch.

As a result, Moiraine is in the bar this evening, musing over her thoughts with a cup of tea at hand and a slender, leather-bound journal open to a blank page before her.

Comments

[blue_ajah]

"And yet all too commonly directed at women who wield power, I often find." Her tone is a perfect match for Yennefer's.

[hunted_hanza]

"Oddly, it often seems to come from the men who ought to have the most respect for that profession," Yennefer muses. "Being in such dire need of help from a member of its ranks. But I digress."

[blue_ajah]

"I have noticed that many times those who are most in need of help are angriest about needing it," the Aes Sedai observes. "In many different types of situations."

[hunted_hanza]

"Mm."

Yennefer takes another sip of tea and sets the cup and saucer down. "And what does an Aes Sedai do, if I may inquire?"

[blue_ajah]

"Many things, depending on our interests. Although," Moiraine relents, "among them is to wield the One Power. Some would call it magic."

[hunted_hanza]

"Really."

Yennefer's violet eyes sharpen just slightly. "Then we are peers, it seems."

[blue_ajah]

"So it would appear." Moiraine considers her with interest. "What does a sorceress do, where you are from?"

[hunted_hanza]

"It varies greatly," Yennefer tells her.

"Some advise kings and queens, some provide potions for villages and manage the weather; some devote themselves to research. Most find themselves doing each at different points in their career; we are quite long-lived."

[blue_ajah]

There is no missing it: Moiraine's interest sharpens.

"Perhaps we are more of peers than I realized," she murmurs.

[hunted_hanza]

Yennefer picks up her cup of tea as idly as she had set it down. "In which respect?" she asks.

"Or is it all of them?"

[blue_ajah]

"All of them, as it happens," Moiraine tells her. She brushes her hand over the blue of her sleeve, deliberately. "Aes Sedai generally choose a branch within the sisterhood to affiliate with, to pursue their particular interests. I am of the Blue Ajah."

[hunted_hanza]

"Sisterhood?" Yen murmurs, not without approval. "Then you are all women?"

She notes the color of the sleeve and the title with interest. "And to what do the Blue Ajah dedicate themselves?"

[blue_ajah]

Moiraine inclines her head in assent.

"Blues pursue causes and have an interest in justice."

[hunted_hanza]

"Dear Philippa would be green with envy," Yennefer muses.

"And what is the cause you have chosen to pursue?"

[blue_ajah]

There is something briefly very wry about the expression on her ageless face. "Currently, or the one I pursued for more than twenty years?"

[hunted_hanza]

"Oh, why limit ourselves?" Yennefer flicks a hand in the air.

"Why not both?"

[blue_ajah]

"Currently, I am spending time studying different types of magic," Moiraine says.

"Previously, I sought to find and protect the Dragon Reborn, that the world and the Wheel of Time itself not be destroyed and lost to the Dark One."

She says both things as though remarking on the weather.

[hunted_hanza]

It's Yennefer's glance which sharpens now.

Verily I say unto you, the era of the sword and axe is nigh –

"And?" she asks, calm despite the volume of her thoughts. "Did you manage it?"

[blue_ajah]

“Yes,” Moiraine says, simply.

[hunted_hanza]

It isn't the same, but Yennefer is pleased nonetheless.

"And your pursuit of the study of magic?" she asks. "How does that fare?"

[blue_ajah]

“Interestingly.” Moiraine smiles at her. “I suspect you might guess what I wish to ask you next.”

[hunted_hanza]

"You might have guessed any of my questions thus far," Yennefer allows. "Allow me to extend the same courtesy and not put my words in your mouth."

[blue_ajah]

"Very well." Moiraine refills her tea cup as she continues, "I should like to hear of how magic operates in the world you are from. Will you indulge me?"

[hunted_hanza]

Remember, she tells Ciri in her memory, magic is Chaos, Art, and Science. It is a curse, a blessing, and progress.

"I would be happy to," she says aloud. "In the world of my birth, magic is everywhere and easily accessible to those who are aware, have the talent, and have been trained to do so. It comes from natural sources: earth, air, water, fire. Magicians may draw from any, but those who delve into fire magic..."

She pauses and shakes her head. "It is extremely dangerous for all but the strongest and most skilled."

[blue_ajah]

"Interesting," the Aes Sedai murmurs, and she truly does look intrigued. "I have not encountered many here who have so similar an experience."

She holds out her right hand, palm upward, as a faint golden glow shimmers into existence around her. "I channel the One Power, drawn from the True Source, which is the very force of creation itself." Thin threads of light in five colors - blue, silver-white, red, golden yellow, and green gleam between her fingers, forming a woven sphere that hovers above her hand.

"We also work with weaves of earth, air, water, and fire -- " As she continues, threads of green, yellow, blue, and red brighten in turn. "--as well as spirit." The silver-white thread brightens, and the sphere begins to rotate.