[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

[bialy_wilk]

"So far, anyway." He smiles back, slight, and sits up to retrieve his wine. "But the night's young."

[blue_ajah]

"I suppose it is, at that." It is, of course, a true statement. "I admit to some curiosity. Why do you say that sorceresses normally find witchers objectionable?"

[bialy_wilk]

He shrugs, a little. "Mostly seems to come down to being boorish. Mannerless."

[blue_ajah]

She makes a noncommittal sound and reaches for her glass. "I suppose most worlds have their version of Daes Dae'mar; the Great Game, the Game of Houses."

[bialy_wilk]

He watches her with restrained curiosity. "Yeah? Why, what's the game entail?"

[blue_ajah]

"Observation, for one," the Aes Sedai tells him. "Drawing conclusions from the way someone behaves, or does not behave. Assigning meaning and significance accordingly, and basing one's own reactions and response on what is concluded, which may well be the opposite of what is overtly indicated. It is very often seen in court settings."

[bialy_wilk]

He lifts his shoulders at that, his glance keen. "Isn't that just normal interactions with somebody?"

When was the last time he could take what someone said at face value?

[blue_ajah]

Moiraine smiles very slightly as she sets her wine glass down again. "For some. For others, less so. Remember the young man I mentioned before, the one who grew up herding sheep? He set the entire court of Cairhien on its ear in his first visit, without intending to do so, by burning every invitation he received."

[bialy_wilk]

"Sounds like a good method of dealing with court invitations to me," he says, dry. "Kindling's the best use for most of them."

[blue_ajah]

"It was very effective, as it happens," she agrees.

[bialy_wilk]

His smile twitches again, crooked.

"Effective, but in which way?"

[blue_ajah]

"Both," Moiraine tells him. "No one else was certain why he felt himself both confident and safe enough to do so, and so any number of stratagems against him were delayed or abandoned. And when it turned out he needed access to a particular manor, he was able to secure an invitation. None of which he sought to accomplish by his actions, mind you. The Wheel weaves."

[bialy_wilk]

"Hm." It's almost a huff of laughter. "Can someone accidentally be good at this game of yours, or does a natural talent throw the whole thing into shambles?"

[blue_ajah]

"It is certainly possible. At least to a point."

Min's visions had proven true in the context of the Dragon's Peace, after all.

[bialy_wilk]

"Which?"

Or maybe both, depending on the scenario at hand.

[blue_ajah]

She gives a small, delicate shrug. "Both, I believe."

[bialy_wilk]

He hums, low and deep in his chest. "Reminds me of why I always hated going to all their formal functions. Everyone there playing that damned game."

[blue_ajah]

She cannot say that she is surprised - either that they would participate in the Great Game or that he would dislike it, given the things that he has mentioned before.

“Were you often in attendance at such events?”

[bialy_wilk]

"Not very often. Never could stand wearing a doublet."

He reaches for the carafe and tops off his wine once more, then reaches for the glass for a sip. "Now and then, though... yeah. Went to a few."

[blue_ajah]

She assesses his attire in a single glance and nods. “One would likely suit you, but I can see that you might wear your armor more easily and comfortably than current court fashions.”

It is as matter of fact as if she were remarking on the direction of the sunrise.

[bialy_wilk]

"Might suit me, huh?"

Sorceresses. They all like a doublet, it seems. "But you're right about the armor. The lighter stuff, anyway. Heavy plate was never my style."

[blue_ajah]

She inclines her head in assent.

“Besides which, such armor might draw lightning or weight one to drowning in a river.”

[bialy_wilk]

"Both situations I try to avoid," he agrees. "Monster hunting is hard enough without drowning or getting electrocuted."

[blue_ajah]

“Wise of you,” she murmurs. “One might think the monsters would be danger enough.”

[bialy_wilk]

"More than, most of the time. And some of them are pretty fond of drowning anyone nearby, so."

He studies her with those steady yellow eyes over his glass. "Guess you've probably had your share of formal occasions, too."