Alanna and her Warders have found Moiraine and Lan. But why are they in Cairhien?
Anvaere narrowed her eyes warily at the intruder when she heard she was searching for her sister. Suddenly, she was glad Moiraine was still out in the village with Lan. "Who are you?"
Eliza hissed at Anvaere's sharp words, but the stranger smiled politely. "That was rude of me. My name is Alanna Sedai, Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah."
"It is an honor to have you here, Alanna Sedai," Eliza said, taking another bow, but Alanna's eyes were locked with Anvaere's. "My name is Eliza, and this is Anvaere."
The oldest Damodred sister had still not bowed like it was expected, and Alanna did notice the arrogant look in the other woman's eyes.
"Is that what they teach in Tar Valon? – To break into someone's house? Because I can't remember putting up a sign, inviting strangers into my house by promising them I'd have rooms to rent."
Eliza looked like she wanted to rip Anvaere's head off. How could she be so stupid? It was dangerous to anger an Aes Sedai.
Alanna's smile started to sway. "The front door stood open. If you don't want any strangers entering your house, keep it closed. I'm sure your husband would agree."
"My husband?" The Cairhien woman snorted. "This is my house, and I can be very persuasive when it comes to throwing out unwanted guests."
Suddenly, Alanna's smile vanished from her lips, and she stepped into the room. "Throwing out unwanted guests? Does that include me?" Her fingers moved restlessly, which didn't go unnoticed by Eliza.
The older woman couldn't see the Green Sister weaving Saidar but knew what the powerful woman before her could do to them. When Anvaere opened her mouth – no doubt to tell the Aes Sedai to leave her house – Eliza stepped beside her friend and squeezed her arm to keep her from talking. "Of course not. Forgive her, Alanna Sedai. It had been a horrible night for us, and she didn't get much sleep."
Alanna took a deep breath, then nodded. Her fingers came to a halt. "We all have bad days. I forgive you."
"Thank you, Aes Sedai."
"I don't mean to keep you occupied. I came here because I was told Moiraine Sedai would be living here. So, if you could tell me where I can find my sister, I will-"
"She is not your sister!" Anvaere shot daggers at the Aes Sedai. How did this woman dare call Moiraine her sister?! They were both Aes Sedai, and that was it! They weren't related by blood! They weren't a family!
Two men entered the common room – where had they been coming from?! – both wearing a color-shifting cloak. They couldn't be more different. The one on the right had white skin and blonde hair, while the one on the left had dark skin and no hair.
The blonde man opened his mouth, but Alanna silenced him by lifting her hand. She studied Anvaere curiously. "You're a Damodred."
"My name is Anvaere Damodred! And Moiraine is NOT your sister!"
The man with the dark skin clicked angrily with his tongue. He didn't seem to like Anvaere's tone. But Alanna didn't care anymore. She finally understood where Anvaere's anger was coming from, and her face softened. "I apologize. I didn't mean to…." Alanna saw that an apology wouldn't help. This woman before her was furious, and not even the other older woman seemed able to calm her. Sighing, the woman of the Green Ajah said, "We'll leave your house. But I would appreciate it if you could give Moiraine a message from me. We made camp in the forest, and-"
"Alanna?"
The two men swirled around, facing the voice behind them, then relaxed when they recognized Moiraine and Lan standing at the door.
"Moiraine!" Alanna threw herself in Moiraine's arms, hugging her tightly.
The woman of the Blue Ajah hissed when a wave of pain rolled through her body, but her arms wrapped themselves around her friend. She felt Lan's hand on her back to steady her, which he quickly moved to her hips when he remembered the bruises.
"What are you doing here?"
"I missed you."
"Alanna, you shouldn't be talking to me."
Finally, Alanna released Moiraine, raising an eyebrow at her. "Do you see another sis…?" At this moment, the Green Sister remembered Anvaere being in the room behind her and how the woman had reacted to her calling Moiraine her sister. "… another Aes Sedai around? I don't. So, who would call me out for it?"
A smile appeared on Moiraine's lips, which grew until she chuckled at the mischief in her friend's eyes. She remembered all too well the pranks they had played in their times as Novices and Accepted. Alanna liked to bend the rules.
Before Moiraine knew what she was doing, she pulled the Green Sister in for another hug. Alanna laughed at her reaction and returned the hug. It felt so good!
Finally, the woman of the Blue Ajah pulled back, but before she could say a word, Anvaere stepped in. The oldest Damodred sister had run out of patience. "You saw her! Now leave my house like you promised!"
"How dare you talk to her like that?" Maksim said, taking a threatening step toward the older woman.
"Maksim, don't!" Lan hissed. "This is her house!"
Alanna sighed heavily, then told Moiraine, "We made camp in the forest. Will you and Lan Gaidin join us?"
The Cairhien woman studied Anvaere, who shot daggers at Maksim for threatening her. Her sister seemed more angrier than ever. But what was the reason for it? "We'll meet you outside."
Alanna nodded, then turned to Anvaere one last time. "Again, I apologize for intruding your home. Maksim? Ihvon?"
The two Warders hesitated for a heartbeat, then followed their Aes Sedai outside.
Moiraine watched them leave, then stepped into the common room. "What was that all about?"
Anvaere freed herself from Eliza's grip and stormed to her sister. "You won't go with them!"
"Anvaere, what-?!"
"I don't care if you know them! They will leave us, and you stay here!"
Angry, Moiraine stepped forward. "You don't tell me what I have to do, sister. Alanna is a friend of mine – a friend I haven't seen in a while."
"She thinks you are her sister!"
The Aes Sedai furrowed her forehead. Was that the reason why Anvaere was so upset? Because Alanna had called Moiraine her sister? "All Aes Sedai are my sister, Anvaere," Moiraine explained calmly. "It's a term the women of the White Tower use to describe the other women who became Aes Sedai."
"You have two sisters, Moiraine! Or do I and Innloine embarrass you that much?! Were you in need of new sisters?! – Sisters, who were more like you?!"
"Shut up!" The Aes Sedai felt the strong urge to shake her sister but knew it was useless. No matter what she said, it wouldn't calm Anvaere's temper. No, it was better to leave that task to Eliza. "You know nothing about my life in the White Tower! And now, I will leave to spend time with my friend! Lan?"
A pulsing vein on Anvaere's temple was visible while the woman pressed her lips into a thin line. She didn't like Moiraine's answer. But her sister was done arguing. Without another word, Moiraine turned around, leaving the house, and Lan followed her immediately.
Alanna, Maksim, and Ihvon waited outside as they promised. Moiraine didn't know how much they had heard and decided she didn't care. She didn't want to think about Anvaere anymore.
But she saw Alanna raising her eyebrows when Moiraine stepped outside. The woman of the Blue Ajah didn't need a mirror to know she looked terrible. Although she didn't try to show it – she didn't want Lan to worry too much – every step she took and every movement she did was accompanied by pain since she got out of bed. The last night had taken its toll on her, and she felt exhausted.
"Oh, Moiraine." The Green Sister cupped her friend's face gently. "I thought it was a trickery of the light since there was barely light in the house, but… light, you look horrible. What happened?"
Smiling, Moiraine pulled Alanna's hands off her face. "It was a long night. Maybe we can go to your camp first before we talk?"
"Of course. Come. It's not far."
Moiraine's eyes moved on to Alanna's Warders. Their eyes were locked on Lan, and the three men communicated through hand motions. Apparently, the Warders had a way of communicating in secret with each other. It wasn't much. Only a few gestures – gestures they probably used when they planned to attack someone or were scouting the area.
There was no doubt that Alanna's Warders had asked Lan about what had happened. Was Lan telling them about the Myrddraals? Well, whatever he told them, Maksim nor Ihvon looked happy about it. Both their faces showed anger and disgust.
"Do you guys need another moment, or can we go?" Moiraine interrupted their silent conversation.
"Apologies, Moiraine Sedai," Maksim said, bowing.
"Please, follow us."
Alanna's Warders took the lead while the two Aes Sedai and Lan followed in silence.
It didn't take long to reach the camp in the forest. Everything was prepared to start a fire, and Ihvon went immediately into action by starting it while Maksim and Lan grabbed blankets for the women.
Two big logs were meant for sitting around the fire, and Alanna pulled her sister to it. Moiraine sighed, relieved when she could sit down.
"May I offer healing?" The Green Sister had heard Moiraine's sigh and hadn't forgotten about her pale skin color.
"I would appreciate that."
Alanna lifted her hands, then hesitated. "Can I delve you first? I would like to know where exactly the healing is necessary."
Moiraine chuckled when she thought about every inch of her body being in need of healing. "That's easy. I don't think you find a place on my body that doesn't need healing."
The eyes of the Green Sister widened at Moiraine's words. "What happened to you?"
"Can you heal me first?"
"Yes." Alanna took the head of her sister in her hands and started to delve her.
The woman of the Blue Ajah grimaced when she felt the weave moving through her body. She had forgotten how nasty that weave was. It had been a while since another Aes Sedai had delved her. Yet, it was a relief when the pain slowly started to subside. Especially when her shoulder and her back were free of pain.
It felt like hours before Alanna was finally done, and both women swayed dangerously when the Green Sister lowered her hands. Healing all injuries had been exhausting and pulled on both of their strengths.
Luckily, Maksim and Lan were already waiting for them to finish. Both had assumed this could happen and caught their Aes Sedai before they could fall off the log they were sitting on.
Moiraine was breathing heavily, and her head sank against Lan's shoulder. All the pain was gone, but now she was terribly tired. She was thankful for her Warder keeping her upright.
"Thank you for healing her, Alanna Sedai," Lan said while draping the blanket over Moiraine to keep her warm.
Alanna nodded while Maksim placed his blanket around her shoulders. "I just didn't expect her injuries to be so… severe. What happened to her?"
Moiraine's head rolled aside until her forehead touched Lan's jawline, and her tired eyes closed. It was hard to focus on her friends' conversation since the tiredness pulled at her. Light, she had no strength left!
She felt Lan's gentle hand stroking her hair gently, and her body melted against him. He was so warm, and all she wanted was for him to hold her, letting her cuddle him.
"Please, give her a moment to regain her strength."
That was Lan again. Right – Alanna waited for an answer. But Moiraine's tongue felt swollen and heavy. She couldn't speak.
"I'll prepare tea. That will lift our spirits." Maksim. The Cairhien woman heard him leave. Was the campfire already burning?
Suddenly, another hand stroked Moiraine's hair gently, and the soft skin of a woman caressed her skin. Alanna!
"Oh, Moiraine. What have you gotten yourself into?"
The group felt silent. Alanna rubbed her temples – obviously fighting a headache – and Moiraine had lost the fight against sleep while Lan held her, watching over her sleep.
It was Maksim who brought two cups of tea once the water was heated – one for his Aes Sedai and one for Moiraine.
Lan took the cup and held it under Moiraine's nose. Hopefully, the smell of the herbs would wake her.
And it worked. The Aes Sedai groaned and furrowed her forehead.
"Moiraine," Lan said softly. "Wake up."
It was cute how she sniffed at the tea, opening her eyes fluttering. She obviously fought against sleep. But when the uncrowned king of Malkier placed the cup against her lips, the Cairhien woman pulled back with a wary look in her eyes. Apparently, she remembered the last cup of tea Lan had given to her.
Chuckling, Lan pulled back the cup. "Silly one."
Moiraine growled at him, then hid her face in the crook of his neck. This way, he couldn't reach her lips.
"I just woke you to drink something instead of letting you sleep. So, it wouldn't make sense to give you tea, which helps you to sleep, does it?"
The Warder saw Alanna furrowing her forehead from the corner of his eyes but didn't bother. His attention was on the woman snuggled up against him. Moiraine seemed to think about his words, then turned her head again.
Carefully, Lan allowed her to sniff the tea again before he placed the cup against her lips and let her take a sip. The uncrowned king of Malkier tried not to smile when the Cairhien woman tried to determine if the tea was safe to drink. When she came to a decision, she reached for the cup, pulling it close to her mouth and drinking eagerly.
Lan chuckled at her reaction, still holding on to the cup since he wasn't certain how awake she was. "Should I feel offended because you seem to like this tea way more than what I make for you?"
Moiraine stopped gulping, then raised an eyebrow at him. The message was clear, Don't be an idiot. Her Warder smiled, then let her finish the cup.
Once the woman of the Blue Ajah was done, she put down the cup and licked her lips. "Can I have another cup?"
"I wouldn't recommend it, Moiraine Sedai," Ihvon said. "Not unless you don't want to stay up all night. These herbs strengthen you for a while, but you shouldn't drink too much."
Lan took the cup out of Moiraine's hands before she could ask again. "No more tea." He was rewarded with an angry glare from his Aes Sedai, so he raised an eyebrow. "Or do you wish to drink the tea I made last night when you want to go to bed?"
Moiraine's eyes widened at his words. Gently, the uncrowned king of Malkier placed his hand over hers. "You need sleep, Moiraine."
His touch and soft voice seemed to calm her, then she nodded, agreeing.
"We're still waiting for this explanation of yours," Alanna interrupted her friends. "I want to know who is the reason for your injuries, Moiraine. I'm surprised at how you were able to stand upright, let alone walk. And you even endured my hug in your sister's house. Who did this to you, my friend?"
Moiraine sighed and repositioned herself with Lan's help until she could look at the Green Sister, then started to tell the story of last night.
Alanna, Maksim, and Ihvon listened and shook their heads in disbelief at Moiraine's words. Lan stayed silent, letting his Aes Sedai do the talking. He had informed his brothers earlier about the Myrddraals, though it hadn't been more than, 'Six Myrddraals. All dead.' The secret communication between Warders was mainly meant for battles to inform the others about their enemies. How many would they need to fight? How many are already dead? Who was the enemy? – Shadowspawn, Whitecloaks, or common thieves? It was helpful in battle.
When the Cairhien woman had finished her story, she leaned against the uncrowned king of Malkier, who wrapped his arms around her and buried his nose in her hair.
Their friends had turned silent, thinking about what they had heard. It was never great when a Myrddraal crossed your path – but six at once?!
"Six Myrddraals." Maksim looked pale. "And you didn't see any Trollocs?" His eyes locked with Lan's, who shook his head.
"Not last night or today."
"That's highly unusual." Ihvon stared into the flames. "It's already exhausting to fight against one Myrddraal. I can't believe you killed six."
"Well, my Aes Sedai and her sister weakened one of them, so I barely had anything to do with its death."
Moiraine snorted. Apparently, she didn't believe she had done much in killing the Eyeless. It was hard for her to fight without the One Power.
"You heard our story. Now it's up to you. What are you doing here?" Moiraine asked the Green Sister.
But her friend was caught in her thoughts, her eyes staring into the flames while her hands played with the empty cup in her hands. When Alanna didn't react, Moiraine gently touched her leg with her foot. Startled, Alanna blinked. "What?"
"It's no coincidence you came here to this village."
A heavy sigh crossed the lips of the Green Sister, and she placed her cup on the ground. "No, it's not a coincidence." Alanna turned her head, and there lay a clear apology in her eyes. "I was sent by the Amyrlin."
Moiraine narrowed her eyes warily. "The Amyrlin? What does the Amyrlin want from me? I'm exiled."
"Oh, she hasn't forgotten that. I'm here to inform you that the Amyrlin is coming to Cairhien."
Subconsciously, Moiraine grabbed Lan's arm and dug her fingernails into his skin while her body turned stiff. The Warder didn't move or say anything. Even without the bond, he knew how much that news upset his Aes Sedai. She had told him she didn't believe she would see Siuan ever again. And now the Amyrlin left the White Tower? What was Siuan planning?
"Cairhien?" Moiraine's voice sounded sharp. "What does she want in Cairhien?"
Alanna sighed again. "The official version? She pays King Galldrian a visit."
"She will stay in the Sun Palace?"
"She is the Amyrlin Seat. Of course, she gets a room in the Sun Palace. No king or queen would tell the Amyrlin to take a room in a common tavern."
Lan felt Moiraine trembling. It wasn't much, but he felt it. Light, he missed their bond. He wished he could send her his love and calmness to help her. In the past, she had always drawn from his calm to control her feelings as much as he had drawn from her. Now, all he could do was comfort her by staying close to her.
"What's the unofficial version?" The woman of the Blue Ajah asked quietly. Lan could swear he heard a hint of fear in her voice.
"She wants to talk to you." Alanna was clearly uncomfortable with the situation. "I was sent here to inform you about her arrival. Tomorrow, we'll ride to Cairhien, waiting for her and our sisters. She will send for you once she is there."
"Send for me?" Moiraine chuckled quietly. "I'm assuming you will be the one delivering her message and escorting me to Cairhien?"
The Green Sister smiled sadly. She didn't know the truth about Moiraine and Siuan's relationship. She probably assumed Moiraine was scared to meet the woman who had exiled her. "Isn't it better that it's me than one of the Reds?"
Moiraine opened her mouth, then nodded, agreeing. It would be more pleasant to be escorted by a friend than by someone who hated your guts.
"She has the former False Dragon with her."
This time, even Lan furrowed his forehead. Why should Siuan ride with Logain? The man was no threat anymore since Moiraine and her sister gentled him. Why should she take him to Cairhien?
"The former False Dragon? She has Logain with her? Why?"
"To show King Galldrian how the White Tower deals with False Dragons." Alanna raised an eyebrow. "At least, that's the official version."
"And the real reason?"
The Green Sister released a quiet laugh. "Now, that's something she didn't tell me. I'm as clueless as everyone else."
The sound of breaking branches appeared in their backs, and all three Warders were on their feet within a heartbeat and drew their weapons. The thought of Myrddraals and Trollocs sneaking through the forest crossed their minds, and not one of them was eager to be surprised by the Shadowspawn.
And then Eliza stepped between two trees, holding her skirts up with one hand so they wouldn't get caught in a bush while having a torch in her other hand. When she saw the three men and their weapons, her eyes widened. "Oh. Should I have called to announce myself?"
Moiraine and Alanna chuckled while the Warders sheathed their weapons. Lan walked to the older woman and offered his hand to help her the rest of the way.
"Thank you, Lan."
"Please, don't tell me Anvaere sent you to bring me back," Moiraine sighed, pulling the blanket closer around herself.
"She didn't send me," Eliza responded, smiling. "I actually had to stop her from following you, my lady."
"Following me?"
The older woman smiled at Moiraine but wasn't more explicit about Anvaere's motives. Lan offered her a seat, but she shook her head. "I don't intend to stay. I came to ask you to join us for dinner."
"That reminds me, we should go hunting too," Ihvon sighed. "If we want to eat something tonight."
"You wouldn't let your Aes Sedai starve, right?" Alanna asked him with big eyes.
Her two Warders couldn't stop themselves from smiling, and Ihvon bowed with his hand over his heart. "Wouldn't dream of it, Aes Sedai."
"The invitation includes you and your Warders, Aes Sedai," Eliza explained.
Surprised at the offer, Alanna raised her eyebrows, then remembered her training and pulled her Aes Sedai mask in place. "That's very kind of you. Eliza, wasn't it?" When the older woman nodded, Alanna continued, "But we can take care of ourselves. Besides, I don't think the lady of the house would be thrilled about our company."
"Anvaere will behave."
"That would be a first," Moiraine muttered, and Lan coughed to cover his laughter.
Eliza opened her mouth, then sighed. "Well, I promise to do my best to keep the situation under control. I couldn't convince her to give you a room for the night, but at least she agreed to invite you to dinner."
Alanna threw a glance at Moiraine, but the woman of the Blue Ajah shrugged her shoulders. "Don't look at me. I can't tell you what you should do."
"She is YOUR sister."
"Yet, I don't understand even half of what she is doing." Moiraine stood up, and Lan immediately noticed her struggling. The tea had given her some strength back but slowly wore off.
As inconspicuously as possible, the uncrowned king of Malkier placed his hand under the Cairhien woman's arm to steady her. Moiraine stepped closer to him and gave him a thankful smile.
"I admire you for enduring Anvaere's outbreaks, Eliza," Moiraine said, squeezing the older woman's arm gently. "I don't know how you managed to stay with her for so many years."
Anvaere's friend laughed and pointed at her grey hair. "Do you see that, my lady? Your sister caused me many grey hairs. And since you arrived, you added two or three hairs yourself. You Damodreds are stubborn as mules. You're lucky I have a thick skin." Her eyes moved to Lan's hair. "I bet you're responsible for his grey hair too." With those words, the old woman turned around and disappeared between the two trees. Moiraine watched her leave in disbelief.
"She isn't wrong," the Warder whispered in his Aes Sedai's ear, which earned him a glare.
Smiling, he brought her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss on her knuckles. "Shall we follow her?"
"We shall."
"Moiraine!"
Sighing, the woman of the Blue Ajah faced her Green Sister, who threw her a begging look. "Alanna, I can't tell you what you should do. You heard Eliza. You are invited, but none of us can guarantee that Anvaere will behave."
"At least tell me it's safe to go."
"You know I can't lie. And with my sister being present, everything is possible."
Alanna opened her mouth, but Moiraine took Lan's hand and followed him into the forest.
"Moiraine!"
The next chapter will be uploaded on Wednesday.
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