Siuan was not frightened by the rustle in the bushes. By the light, fast footsteps she estimated that it would be a companion of hers.
'What are you doing?'
Siuan turned to look at her intruder.
'Fishing. You can join me but you need to keep quiet.'
Moirane sat and watched. It didn't seem very interesting. But Moiraine was learning about patience and how to keep still when needed, conserving energy and giving some time over to thought. Untangling problems worked best with a clear head. She watched Siuan do some untangling of her own. With each motion, she seemed to be releasing all sorts of sparks, igniting the frosty air around them with radiance. She was frowning but didn't seem unduly anxious. Moiraine watched fascinated as unsaid thoughts spun around Siuan's fingers, entwining through the coarse ropes of the fishing net. She wondered if anyone else could see the sparks. Maybe Siuan thought nothing of it? Moiraine studied those nimble hands intently. She would attend a fishing if she could watch Siuan.
Companiable silence reigned as Siuan released the nets and started her task. Moiraine stared out to the horizon and gave herself over to her private thoughts. There was an easy familiarity with Siuan. She had long realised that this was not a common experience. But Moiraine was not the easiest of people to get on with herself. Too intense, mostly, too earnest at times. Siuan was far too aloof for everyone to befriend. She hid her heartfelt soul under so many layers. Somehow the camaraderie made sense.
'I have never eaten fish' Moiraine announced.
Siuan turned to her, eyebrows raised.
'I don't believe you.'
'I've never seen a fishing either.'
Siuan turned back to her net, now feeling the tug of the catch.
'I will cook it for you.'
Moiraine didn't ask how. She trusted Siuan. She watched and waited. She hadn't known then that she would spend the whole of her life anticipating those rare moments when it was just the two of them.
The simplest of meals. In all her life, Moiraine was never to enjoy a meal as much as this. Because Siuan was there, highlighted by the palest of pink sunsets, coaxing the flames for their supper, crushing citrus in her strong palm, making it sizzle, delicately tearing the flesh to shreds with deft fingers and popping it into Moiraine's mouth. Siuan's gentle smile, dark eyes reflecting words she would not say, not then.
Moiraine would remember that in her most trying moments. Every time she had the opportunity to stretch out in a hot bath, she tried to relax and indulge in the most precious thing she owned.
It wasn't what she wanted. But it had to be enough.