A/N: All these plot bunnies are killing me/keeping from writing my NaNoWriMo. Whatev. They make me happy.
I wubs you guys. And stuff. Now, the happiness.
"And so Anla's name became legend, and all told tales of his journey to the moon in the belly of an eagle made of fire."
The child applauded enthusiastically, red curls bouncing as she swung her feet back and forth off the edge of her bed. "Tell me another one, Mama," she demanded. "Another story. Tell me about the…Karaethon Cycle. Is that right? Did I say it right?"
She glanced at the child in surprise. "Who told you about that?"
"Daddy. He was talking to me, and –"
"Sometimes your Daddy talks too much," she grumbled.
"Well, can I hear it?"
"No. It's time to sleep now, dear. Maybe later. Close your eyes now. I'll sing you to sleep." The child swung her legs up and wriggled under the covers, but she didn't close her eyes.
"Mama, why is Daddy so serious? He hardly ever smiles."
"Your father is a brave man," she sighed. "A very brave man."
"That doesn't really answer my question."
"No, it doesn't. Hush. Now, close your eyes." Obediently, the child's eyes closed. She hummed softly, soothingly. A muddled murmur from the girl broke her concentration. "What was that, dear?"
"I love you, Mama."
"I know. I love you too, Tigraine. Good night."
But the girl was already asleep.
Elayne pulled the covers up to cover her slumbering daughter. She was a sweet child. She got up slowly and left the room, slipping back into the adjacent bedchamber. "I love you, Rand," she murmured, but he was as asleep as their daughter. With one last glance at her sleeping husband, she slipped out as quietly as she had come, wondering if Aviendha and Min were still awake.