(no subject)

[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.*

Comments

[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?"

[blue_ajah]

Something light, I think. Perhaps soup, or fruit. And tea.

*She smiles.*

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

Nodding, he ducks out the door. A short while later, with a knock first, he walks back in, balancing a tray with a bowl of soup, a small bowl of assorted fruit, and a cup of tea. He sets it down, then goes back outside and returns with a second, smaller tray that has what appears to be potatoes and fish, and sets that at the table as well.

"I hope this is to your liking."

[blue_ajah]

It suits very well, Rand. Thank you. Do, please, make yourself comfortable.

*Gracefully, she gestures for him to resume his seat, and then picks up the cup of tea.*

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

He sits down, and busies himself with cutting the potates as he talks.

"There is more that I need to tell you, Moiraine, about what is going on between the White Tower, and the conflict between Andor and Cairhien."

[blue_ajah]

*She nods, evidently composed, but giving him her full attention.*

Yes; we did not have much time to discuss such matters recently, in fact, and you indicated that things have become rather difficult.

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

Sighing frustratedly, he sets down the silverware and sits back in the chair. "That doesn't begin to describe it. Things have finally toned down between Andor and Cairhien, with an end in sight. But the White Tower...already it is beginning to show that there is more happening than even Egwene and Elida suspected.

He leans forward.

"The Black Ajah have been rooted out."

[blue_ajah]

*Moiraine freezes, and carefully sets down her teacup. Dark eyes study Rand intently.*

What can you tell me of this?

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

"Not much, as the fighting was still raging on as we left. But we do know that one of the forsaken has had one of the Black Ajah around her finger, and has been puppeting Elaida all along."

"Needless to say, this has caused a few changes in the Aes Sedai's relations to the rebels."

[blue_ajah]

I imagine so. How do things stand now?

*Moiraine's voice is very even.*

Who was it influencing Elaida, do you know?

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

He shakes his head.

"I do not. Though I suspect Egwene does at this point. I need to ask the Ashaman if they have any more information."

Skewering a slice of potato, he chews on it thoughtfully.

[blue_ajah]

*She takes up a pear and begins to slice it, frowning slightly. Moiraine seems to be concentrating unusually intently-- whether on the task at hand or on something else cannot be precisely determined-- but then her eyes clear a bit, and she looks up at Rand.*

Egwene is captive in the White Tower, you said, and the rebels are attacking. Is there word of her? Or of the battle in general?

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

He swallows and continues.

"There has been no word. I believe that she's the only reason the rebels haven't charged the tower outright. As for the battle...if any Tower Aes Sedai shows her face, she's rather quickly plucked down and shielded."

[blue_ajah]

*She tilts her head and studies him carefully.*

Shielded, Rand, or stilled?

[flame-and-void.livejournal.com]

He looks at Moiraine. "Shielded. No Aes Sedai is stilled by the rebels. All are given a second chance. And the Ashaman have made good progress working alongside the rebels. I'm still surprised that they came to us first."

[blue_ajah]

*She nods, meeting his eyes directly.*

I am glad to hear that. Surely those left in the Tower cannot all be Black Ajah, and every willing hand will be needed against the Shadow, I think.

*Moiraine looks coolly amused and very curious, suddenly.*

Where else did you expect that they would have gone, Rand?