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[blue_ajah]

*It is early, yet, and Moiraine is not tired, but she has no wish to be downstairs. She sits at the writing table in her room, reviewing her journal and attempting to refresh her memory.*

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[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

Rand sits up, giving a stretch and walking over to the water basin next to the bed. With a few splashes on his face, he already feels more awake.

Sleeping and otherwise resting in his room for four days has given him a lot of time to think. On Lewis Therin. On the final battle. On who he is, and what he must become to survive.

Tugging on his breeches and donning a light shirt, he channels a small amout of spirit, and leaves his room. Following the guide, he finds himself outside of another door. Moiraine's door.

He knocks lightly.

[blue_ajah]

*She turns to look at the door speculatively, then calls out.*

Come in. It is not locked.

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

Rand takes a breath and lets it out, then opens the door partially and sticks his head in, briefly looking about the room before stepping in entirely and closing the door behind him.

"Good evening, Moiraine."

[blue_ajah]

*She rises to her feet and stands facing him for a moment, then gracefully offers a small curtsey.*

Good evening, Rand. Please, make yourself comfortable.

*She gestures to one of the two chairs the room contains, and seats herself again in the other, studying him.*

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

He waves away the curtsey, gesturing to a chair. "Please, don't stand on my account. Though it is good to see you standing and about." He takes the empty chair and sits down in it, watching quietly.

[blue_ajah]

*She smiles, slightly, and it is a touch wry.*

It is good to be standing and about, for that matter. I have you to thank for that, in very large part, as I understand

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

He nods, a little self-consciously. "Thank Dream. He was rather...motivated to see you back and safe. And others helped; Mat, Will, Bran, Inigo, Tom..." he lists off, as though feeling a bit strange receiving any praise.

[blue_ajah]

I have spoken to some of them already, and intend to talk with the rest soon.

*She pauses, considering him.*

Mat tells me that the Tower is no more, now. Also that you received an answer of the Aelfinn before all was said and done.

*A tiny shiver may be visible as she speaks of these things, but it is quickly controlled.*

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

His smile quickly fades, and he looks at Moiraine with a serious gaze.

"Yes. As far as I know, the weave of condensed fire should have been enough to burn the place to the ground. As for the answer..."

He hesitates but a moment, then continues.

"You must already know what I had asked. And the answer I received. 'You must work together to become one.' It has been on my mind while I rested and recovered."

[blue_ajah]

*She nods at the confirmation of the Tower's probable destruction, but says nothing. Moiraine is turning her attention to the question at hand, now, and looks grave.*

I am not surprised to hear that it has been much on your mind. I am given to understand that you had some difficulty upon our return.

*Something seems to strike her, suddenly, and an awareness dawns in her eyes.*

It is not the first time.

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

Rand seems a bit nervous, but trudges ahead.

"No, it isn't. Lewis Therin has tugged control from me before. He's also helped me before; guided me in the weaves that needed to be done."

Uncomfortable, he stands and slowly paces about the small room.

"Peter was able to talk with him, to calm him. It's the first time anyone besides me has actually talked to him and done so in a kind manner. I think that there must be some way..."

He trails off into thought.

[blue_ajah]

*Moiraine looks distant, as though she is trying to see something that happened elsewhere. Her voice is slightly hesitant, but quickly gains strength as she manages to recall.*

He brought you here, before. He saved you from the Forsaken, I believe.

Dream spoke with him, then, but I am not certain that it was in a friendly manner.

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

Rand stops, and looks at Moiraine.

Even as he asks, he knows.

"Is this true?"

yes answers Lews Therin, plain and simple.

[blue_ajah]

*She frowns.*

I can speak no word that is not true, Rand, and you know this...

*Moiraine trails off, looking at him intently.*

You were not speaking to me, were you?

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

He sighs and shakes his head, sitting down again and leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.

"No. I...he is a seperate entity in my mind right now. Sometimes there, sometimes not. And somehow we're supposed to become one..."

He chuckles wryly.

"I never asked for a madman in my head."

[blue_ajah]

*Her voice is quiet.*

You never asked for many things that you found yourself facing, at that.

I will help you in this as well, if it can be done. *She hesitates, but only for a moment.* Both of you, come to that, if by doing so this harmony can be found, somehow.

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

Rand simply nods in thanks.

"Somehow. If we can get Lews Therin to cooperate. He--" cooperate why would i do that with an aes sedai witch who will take me and burn me burn us burn all...

Rand winces. "He doesn't always like those around him."

[blue_ajah]

*She notices the wince. Moiraine looks thoughtful for a moment, as though sorting through something. At length, she speaks.*

I think you have mentioned this before, Rand. Did you not tell me that he wanted me dead?

Is it only me, or is it Aes Sedai in general that he would like to destroy?

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

"It seems to be those that he feels are a threat to him; thus, Aes Sedai. And you in particular, due to your more personal nature with me."

Rand dry washes his hands, considering.

"Perhaps if you tried talking to him sometime, he might be more kindly. I think he's...lonely."

Looking at Moiraine as if daring her to declare him mad, he continues.

"I've talked with him...sometimes. He's rarely lucid, but when he is, he's...wise."

[blue_ajah]

I see. That is very intriguing, actually.

*Clouded mind or no, Moiraine knows a challenge when she hears one, even if Rand had not intended it to be so. She hesitates for a long moment, considering, weighing the situation. She does not appear unnerved.*

Would you like for me to speak with him now?

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

"I...do not think that I am ready for that yet, Moiraine. It is strange to have someone holding a conversation with a voice in your head while you pass the words that they say."

"That, and I do not think that I am of strength yet should he be roused enough to try to take hold of Saidin."

[blue_ajah]

*She pales slightly.*

That might be unfortunate indeed, I think. Best to wait for a little while, then, at least.

I would also prefer to be of clearer mind before having this conversation, as it happens. *Moiraine sighs.*

But yes. When you wish, then.

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

"I just need to get more used to the idea. And get more rest. Speaking of which, I was going to get something to eat. Can I get you something as well?"

[blue_ajah]

Rest would be good, I think. There is too much at stake for you to be tired or in uncertain health, if it can at all be avoided.

*She hesitates, then smiles.*

That is a kind offer, Rand, and I shall accept it, if it is no trouble for you. Thank you.

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

He nods and turns to the door, then stops. "What would you like to eat, Moiraine-sedai?"