Never Coming Home

(A/N: lyrics are by Sting)

"...you can't take it any more..."

There was hurt inside Moiraine, but it was overshadowed by her anger. She had given him twenty years of her life and two children besides. Yet he threw her aside like so much garbage after his affair had been uncovered. Life became so unbearable, she packed a chest of clothes and moved her and the children into a local inn.

"...And in your imagination you're a thousand miles away. Because too many of his promises got broken on the way..."

She had left him a letter explaining how she felt, but not before she sent a few to bankers detailing her plans to dissolve their marriage. She didn't trust Cormanes to have his children's best interest at heart, let alone her's. She had yet to hear from him, which wasn't all too surprising. His mistress - who's name she refused to learn - was a want-to-be spy. Moiraine had spotted her a few times trying to follow her while shopping for the children. She almost pitied the girl. Almost.

"...I'm going to live my life... I'm going to live my life in my own way..."

Moiraine was starting to hate this song; it struck too close to home. The singer wasn't even a gleeman, but a solider from Far Madding. His only drink had been water, so he wasn't drunk, and although she was far from an expert, to her ears his voice sounded clear and pleasant. Or maybe you just think he's cute. He was attractive. Taller than Cormanes, his olive complexion was complimented by his mahogany eyes and dark hair. She must have been staring harder than she realized, for by the end of his song he was staring back. Blushing, she gave a weak smile and quickly looked away.

"Excuse me, I don't mean to bother you, but you were the only patron to notice my singing."

Light, why should his voice send shivers through her? "I...that song...I've never heard it before."

His smile made her blush deeper. "It is a song my grandfather used to sing. And to be honest, the only one I know how to sing."

"It is very nice," Moiraine couldn't recall the last time a conversation had been so difficult for her."Do you care to join me for some wine?" Now she sounded like a tavern wench!

"It would be my honor...?"

"Moiraine."

"Moiraine. I am Aris Baylor. It is a pleasure," at the last word, he gave a soft kiss to her hand.

She felt like a tomato. "You are a solider? From Far Madding?" He nodded. "Then what brings you here, General Baylor?"

It was now his turn to blush. "I wish to be a general no longer, my lady. I've seen enough men maimed, women raped, children killed, to last me five lifetimes. What about you? I don't believe I've ever seen a noblewoman and her children living in an inn." She must have looked as startled as she felt, for he added, "I've been staying here for a fortnight. I've...seen you around."

It was awkward at first, but after two bottles of wine Aris and Moiraine were laughing and joking like old friends. By the end of the night, Moiraine joined him on stage to sing a duet. She hadn't sang since she was in the nursery, but she was drunk, and didn't care.

"In his imagination she's a universe away. Too many of his promises got broken on the way. So she wrote him in a letter all the things she couldn't say. And she told him she was never coming home..."

By the end of the song they were breathless and flushed. Aris walked her back to her room, to where her sleeping children lay.

"Your voice is lovely, Moiraine." And with that, he kissed her.

The following morning was the first time in years she had awoken with a smile on her face. Her good mood seemed contagious. Jadyn and Raidon were dancing around the room, making it difficult to get them dressed. She was almost tempted to let them roam free. Humming a tune, they walked down to try and find some breakfast. Moiraine could admit, at least to herself, that she was happy to see Aris waiting for them at table in the back.

Her joy was short lived. No more than two feet away from him was that blonde. As if laying on eyes on the wench wasn't enough, she approached Moiraine with a king's arrogance.

"I saw you last night. If you think Cormanes will let that man raise his children, you are wrong."

Moiraine didn't remember hitting the girl, or trying to scratch her eyes out, but apparently she did just that. Someone was holding her back, while Aris tried to control the children. They seemed determined to mimic their mother and had joined the fight. Jadyn decided her doll was best as a weapon, whereas Raidon kicked anything that moved. The sight was so ridiculous, a laugh ripped out of Moiraine throat, and soon the rest of the common room followed. The poor thing had to run out of the inn bloodied and tearful.

Moiraine's mirth didn't last long; Cormanes was going to try and take her babies. As if he could read her thoughts, Aris whispered, "He won't take them. I won't let him hurt you."