Lan listened to Nynaeve's breathing, as she slept, the rhythm even and natural. It reassured him that Nynaeve was recovering from cleansing saidin. She still slept more than usual and she was ignoring whatever weakness she still felt during the day. It would been more convenient to sense her condition, but he was her Warder in every way but the bond. That linked him to Myrelle who was fortunately very far away. The passage of months had accustomed him to her presence, but only because he could not change the situation.

Perhaps Moiraine had said it best "You are not a man to wear a leash easily." He needed the freedom to disagree and have that advice be heard if not heeded. More, he needed to be asked the traditional question: did he agree to be bonded? He had not, had protested when Moiraine had explained what she had done. Something in that strange conversation tickled at his brain, but would not come clear.