I am back to writing. Life has made it extremely difficult to write regularly, but I can assure you I will never abandon any of my stories. Thank you for bearing with me.

Lan watched Moiraine sleep. The gentle rise and fall of her chest, the blanket gently caressing her slender porcelain hands and delicate face. He could feel her pain and her strength leaving her slowly. Part of him wanted to go find a healer and yet another part of him refused to leave her side even for a moment.

She knew there was no cure for the poison in their world or likely in this one either. The chances were so slim...The only way would be to get back to their world quickly and find another Aes Sedai.

Moiraine stirred slightly. "Shh…. I'm here," Lan whispered gently, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand. Severus peered through the door and watched.

"How is she?" Severus asked. Lan didn't bother to look up.

"Growing weaker. We need to get back, but without her at her best, we don't have much of a chance." Lan brushed the hair out of her face as she sank into a deeper sleep, feeling her power ebbing away.

Severus's face grew grim. "You have to leave then?" Lan nodded.

Yes. Thank you for assisting her while I found her. Your services are no longer required unless you have a cure for what ails her.

Severus thought for a moment and then it suddenly dawned on him.

It's a long shot, but bezar stone might work... It's more for common poisons, and it may do nothing as well." Lan looked up at him.

Severus entered the room and returned moments later with a smooth black stone in his fist.

She must swallow it whole.

Lan looked at him as if it were a sick joke. However, Severus was quite serious. Severus placed it on the bedside table for when she awoke and left the room. He was clearly hopeful she would stay. Something told him there was something special about her.

Moiraine woke and attempted to sit up. Lan quickly assisted and sat beside her, holding out the stone. "Your friend said to swallow this. It may help." Moiraine looked at it with wide eyes.

It's quite large. I can try.

Lan nodded and took the object from her, placing it in her mouth and taking the glass of water nearby, swallowing hard a few times before gasping for air.

Lan tried hard to keep a straight face, but Moiraine grinned. "Those are the sort of thoughts that can sully a friendship," she said jokingly. They both chuckled softly. It was good to see her in such good spirits.

Moiraine combed her hair and straightened her clothing before standing. The stone seemed to have worked; she could feel her strength returning. As it turned out, trolloc poison was very simple.

Lan was right behind her. The pair made it to the library and began poring over book after book. There was nothing that they could see that they could find. They pored over history book after history book.

Lan left to get some food from the kitchens and brought it back for them to share. They continued their search, finding nothing about time travel or becoming someone else. There was nothing about someone arriving from another world.

There might have been a stone or gate nearby; it was a long shot, but perhaps Severus could lead her to where she was found. They had to get back to finish their task as soon as possible, and there was no telling how long it would take or how fast time passed for her compared to their world.

Moiraine sighed out of frustration and leaned back in her chair. Lan looked into her eyes and he knew. He could feel her frustration.

"We will get her back," Lan said in a soft voice as he gently placed his hand on hers. Minerva entered the room.

The feast will start soon. The students will arrive shortly. Please come and join us as our guests.

"Oh no," Moiraine started, but Lan placed a hand on her own.

"I insist," Minerva said, stretching out a hand to help her up. Moiraine nodded and took it, allowing Minerva to lead her to the great hall with Lan as a shadow behind her.

They were seated beside Minerva. Moiraine sat beside where she was to sit, and Lan sat beside Moiraine.

When the students entered and sat down, they all seemed quiet. Some stole glances at the pair, while others avoided eye contact, but all were muttering. A sword in school wasn't a normal thing, let alone with someone who seemed to know how to use it.

Lan poured Moiraine some wine as Minerva came in with the students. She conducted the Sorting Hat ceremony and then took her seat while Severus walked up to the podium.

"Before we eat, first and foremost, as the war draws nearer to its conclusion, we must all be extra cautious. No one is to leave the castle without a professor as an escort for any reason. Also, we have two guests joining us. Moiraine and Lan. I expect them to feel welcome here. The crowd of students applauded. Moiraine blushed slightly and gracefully placed her hand in front of her face, partially hiding behind it. With that, let the feast begin."

All sorts of food appeared on the tables in front of them - strange foods Moiraine hadn't seen before. It was a far cry from rabbit stew. Lan gave her a protective look and spooned a little mashed potatoes onto his plate, then a meat pie. He tasted both before nodding for her to do the same.

Moiraine took a bite from the same plate as Lan and savored the warmth filling her senses. She sat back in her chair, relishing the feeling of the warm food sliding down her throat and the taste exploding on her tongue. She sat up and regained her composure, slowly continuing her meal. Lan gave a soft smile at her, finishing his own portion as well.

The students filtered out, and Moiraine and Lan decided to retreat back to the library.

The pair continued to pour over books, looking for any sign in the history of this happening before. So far, they have come up dry. Minerva appeared and put a bony hand on Moiraine's shoulder. Moiraine did not react.

"Yes, Professor?"

It's late. You can stay in my rooms if you need to now; the professors are all here. Lan can stay with Severus." Moiraine looked up at Minerva now.

"I will not be parted with my Warder.". Minerva studied Moiraine's face for a moment before agreeing.

If you're comfortable, you can share the bed, and I can take the couch for a while.

That would be fine, thank you.

"Come this way.". Moiraine and Lan reluctantly left the library to follow Minerva to her Private rooms. Moiraine lay in bed, exhausted, whilst Lan sat himself beside her, watching to ensure her safety. He needed no sleep tonight. He had a duty to his Aes Sedai.

To be continued...