Quote: "You must be my aunt's Warder." (Barthanes)

When you wish to sleep but can't because the daughter of the night is after you. Moiraine deals with her lack of sleep by going down memory lane.

Moiraine remembers a moment from her past when she and Lan searched for the Dragon Reborn near Tear.

Exhausted, Moiraine dropped her tunic on the ground. It had been such a long day. It was hard to believe she just arrived yesterday morning in Cairhien. Had it truly been yesterday? In a way, the Cairhien woman felt like she had returned weeks ago. But it had only been a day. One day, and I'm already in trouble. I tried to kill a Forsaken, I had to save the Dragon Reborn from one of the most dangerous Forsaken, and Lanfear won't give up until Rand is back with her. Light, what a day!

A headache started to build up slowly, and the Aes Sedai pressed her fingers against her temple. She would love to get her hands on a cup of tea. Perhaps Jhonas could bring her one.

You must be my aunt's Warder.

Moiraine had wanted to scream at Barthanes' words. Rand, being her Warder! I have a Warder! Maybe the heron-marked blade on his back had made Barthanes believe the young boy could be a Warder. The last time she had visited her family in Cairhien, Moiraine had already been an Aes Sedai but hadn't bonded Lan. And she never wrote Anvaere about the uncrowned king of Malkier.

Of course, it was no secret that Aes Sedai liked to bond a man if they didn't belong to the Red Ajah. But Rand? At that moment, Moiraine had wished Lan would enter the kitchen. She would have liked to introduce him to her family. Her family should know that she was taken care of. That she had an incredible man by her side who kept her safe.

But you handed him over to Alanna so he could be with Nynaeve. Lan isn't your Warder anymore, you fool.

The truth tasted terrible on her tongue. Lan was gone, and she was alone. She had no right to long for his presence after everything she had done to him. Would he ever forgive her for what she had done?

When she lowered her hand, Moiraine's eyes fell on her bed, and she sighed. The bed practically invited her to jump in. It looked soft and comfy and promised a peaceful night.

The woman of the Blue Ajah almost laughed out loud. A peaceful night. With Lanfear being after Rand and herself, there was no way of thinking about a peaceful night. That woman had been a master of Tel'aranrhiod, and Moiraine had pissed her off twice by cutting her throat and stealing her lover! And without Saidar, she couldn't…

Moiraine grimaced, remembering how much easier things had been when she still had the One Power at her fingertips. She wouldn't have to worry about going to sleep.

How long would she be able to go without sleep? She was already exhausted. Going through another day was possible but after that?

Suddenly, the Aes Sedai remembered when she hadn't slept after two exhausting days and nearly collapsed the following day. Lan had laid in such a bed – terribly sick – and Moiraine had been unable to help him.

Before she could stop it, the Cairhien woman was pulled back to that moment.

Moiraine and Lan entered a small village outside Tear, and a shiver ran over the Cairhien woman's back. Siuan had told her countless stories about the people in the big city and how much they disliked channelers. So, Lan had insisted his bondholder hid her ring, even though they hadn't reached the actual city. She wore it now on a golden necklace around her neck hidden underneath her tunic.

The villagers eyed the strangers warily. They probably didn't get many visitors. Suddenly, a man who clearly liked to eat left a building resembling a tavern and aimed for the two riders who dismounted their horses.

Lan took Arrow's reins while Moiraine forced a smile on her lips. "Forgive us our intrusion, good man. We're travelers and hope to find a good meal if you have something to spare."

"Travelers, hm?" The man's eyes took in Moiraine and then Lan.

"Yes. We've been on the road for months, and our last real meal was weeks ago."

Slowly, the man looked at Moiraine again, his eyes observing her hands carefully before he seemed satisfied. "Do you have money?"

"Of course." Moiraine placed her hand on her money bag, tied around her belt. "We would be thankful for anything warm your kitchen can offer."

Finally, the man nodded. "Theom will show your friend where he can put your horses during your stay."

A young man who had a remarkable resemblance with the speaker stepped forward and motioned for Lan to follow him.

The Malkieri threw a glance at the Cairhien woman, daring her to enter one of the buildings without him. He wasn't convinced about their friendly hospitality.

Moiraine sent him soothing feelings through the bond to assure him that she would wait for his return.

"Your husband?" The man asked sharply. He must have seen the glance.

"Does that make a difference?" Moiraine didn't like the man's tone, yet tried her best to keep the smile on her lips.

Again, the man let his eyes wander over her body while he seemed to chew on his words. The Aes Sedai felt the sudden urge to cross her arms before her chest but fought it down. Finally, the man shook his head. "I guess not."

Hopefully, Lan would return soon. She didn't like how the man looked at her. "Do you have-?"

A scream interrupted Moiraine's question, followed by a loud crash. The villagers forgot about Moiraine and gathered around a big tree until the Aes Sedai's dialogue partner joined them and demanded some space.

Curious, the woman of the Blue Ajah followed him, and the crowd moved to give her some room. A young boy sat on the ground, crying while he held his left leg.

"He climbed onto the tree," a young girl explained. "He wanted a better look at the two strangers. But one of the branches broke."

Carefully, the fat man checked on the foot of the young boy, who cried louder when it was moved. He had to be in terrible pain, and the injury didn't look healthy.

"Call for the Wise Woman, but I'm afraid it's broken."

Every idiot with a bit of brain could see that the boy had broken his leg. A simple Wise Woman could lessen his pain, but he would still be damned to live with that injury. No, the boy needed the help of an Aes Sedai.

Carefully, Moiraine kneeled beside the crying boy. "I can help." Her hands moved without thinking, and she opened herself to Saidar.

A sister from the Yellow Ajah would be more efficient, but her skills would be enough for the boy to walk again.

A scream escaped his lips when his bones moved back into the correct position, then he lost consciousness. It was done.

"Moiraine!"

The Cairhien woman heard the anger in the Malkieri's voice. What had happened?

"Witch!"

As soon as the word left the man's lips, Moiraine realized her mistake and understood Lan's anger. She had channeled! – In front of countless villagers who didn't like channelers!

In the next second, the man's hand connected painfully with her cheek. Her head was thrown aside, and she landed on the ground, leaning on one arm.

Blood and ashes! How could she be so stupid?! How could she forget that they were close to Tear?! Foolish! She was a foolish woman!

Before the Cairhien woman had time to explain herself, a foot hit her back painfully and sent her completely to the ground.

Aching, she tried to push herself into a sitting position only to receive the next foot in her back. Light, those people weren't in the least thankful for what she had done!

"Get away from her!"

Moiraine heard Lan's voice, but the hits didn't stop. And then it seemed like the feet weren't enough any longer. The Aes Sedai didn't know what hit her head, but it was hard and hurt pretty badly. Quickly, she covered her head while the villagers kept kicking and hitting her poor body. There was nothing else she could do. In that position, it was impossible for her to touch Saidar again.

"Stop it!"

Although the villagers didn't listen, the woman of the Blue Ajah admired Lan's attempts to help her. Had she heard him drawing his sword? Would that impress those people? Or would they try to attack her Warder?

While the torture continued, the villagers kept insulting the woman on the ground. Moiraine felt bad for Siuan growing up around such people. The Sun Palace had been a terrible place. Still, at least her family had been happy about the discovery of her abilities – even though it had mainly been because they hoped it would help them rise above the other noble families. How horrible must it have been for Siuan to hide her abilities from their neighbors because everyone could wish for her death if they had known.

"Stand up!"

A hand grabbed Moiraine's arm harshly and pulled her to her feet. Every muscle in her body was in pain. The Cairhien woman didn't know if there was even a single place on her body that wasn't hurting.

Lan's strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close against him. How had he been able to reach her? His sword shimmered in his hand.

"The horses," the uncrowned king of Malkier whispered. "Mount Arrow and ride. They won't give up easily."

Moiraine didn't like the sound of that. She couldn't leave Lan behind! – Not with those violent people! "Lan, I-"

But the Malkieri already guided her toward the horses. The Caihrien woman dared to look for her attackers. Some of the villagers lay on the ground. Cursing and panting. Some of them held on to a leg or arm, and Moiraine saw blood running between their fingers.

Other villagers had been too scared to deal with Lan's sword and brought some distance between them. But was it enough for them to escape?

Lan sheathed his sword, then helped Moiraine's aching body into the saddle. Her legs and hands were shaking. How should she ride Arrow like that? The poor mare already felt her bad condition and danced nervously.

"Ride!" Lan hissed, then rushed to Cat Dancer. They couldn't wait for the villagers to regain their strength.

"Witch! I won't let you leave!"

Moiraine threw a glance behind her. Her earlier dialogue partner was back on his feet, though he was bleeding from a cut to his thigh. In his hands, he held a bow and nocked in an arrow. His eyes shone with murder. The man was clearly out for blood.

"You will regret the day you came to our village!"

"Moiraine!"

Lan sat in his saddle, and this time, the Aes Sedai didn't hesitate. Arrow obeyed happily when she told her to run. Moiraine's body screamed at the movement, but she wouldn't wait until the arrow would find a home in her or Lan's body. As quick as possible, they fled from that place.

Some of the younger men followed the Aes Sedai and Warder for a while, though Moiraine didn't know how they had been able to saddle the horses that quickly. Luckily, Arrow and Cat Dancer were well-trained and used to running from danger.

Moiraine wanted to slow down once the men stopped following them, but Lan urged them to continue. After all, their retreat could be a trick to make them believe they were safe.

After another hour, Tear appeared before them. The Carihien woman thought about turning around. She didn't want to deal with the Tairens any time soon, but her body wouldn't survive a night on the hard ground. The villagers had treated her thoroughly, and Moiraine simply wanted to sink into a soft bed.

They found a tavern which seemed fine. The innkeeper was a strong woman who gave Moiraine and Lan a hard, scrutinizing look before she nodded, agreeing. "You can stay here. My stable boys will take care of your horses."

Aching, the Cairhien woman dismounted Arrow. She wanted a hot bath, a hot meal, and a… The sound of a body dropping to the ground pulled Moiraine out of her thoughts.

"My lady!" One of the stable boys shouted with big eyes. "Your companion! He…!"

Shocked, Moiraine rushed to Lan's side. The uncrowned king of Malkier lay on the ground, trying to push himself back up.

"Lan!"

In her panic, the Aes Sedai forgot to use their travel names. What was wrong with her Warder? He never had fallen off Cat Dancer's back before. "What happened?"

The poor man was sweating, and his arms were trembling. His strength was gone!

"I need a break," the Malkieri mumbled, but something didn't sound right.

Moiraine placed a hand on his sweaty forehead and winced. Blood and ashes! Lan was burning up! When did that happen?!

"Your companion doesn't look well, my lady," the innkeeper announced when she stepped beside the Cairhien woman. "Is he sick?"

The woman of the Blue Ajah helped her Warder into a sitting position, which wasn't easy. Lan wasn't a small man. All those muscles were heavier than they looked like. Moiraine would never be able to get him on his feet, let alone inside the building.

"Please," the Cairhien woman begged. Do you know anyone who could help me get him inside? I can't carry him, and he is too weak to walk by himself."

The innkeeper checked out Lan, then turned to one of the stable boys. "Go to the kitchen and tell Seram I need his help out here. Then go and find a Wise Woman. Our guest obviously needs some help. Go, boy!"

The other boy held on to Arrow and Cat Dancer's reins and seemed uneasy about what to do next. Luckily, the innkeeper had a task for him, too.

"Bring the horses inside the stable, then carry the bags of our guests upstairs."

Sighing, the woman turned back to Moiraine and Lan. The Aes Sedai had wrapped her arms around the panting Warder, afraid of him collapsing if she let go of him.

"Let's get your friend back on his feet, my lady."

"I don't need help," Lan mumbled, not convincing anyone around him.

"Of course not." The innkeeper rolled her eyes at Moiraine. "Men. Always too proud to accept any help even if they can't keep going. Come on, strong man. The ground isn't very comfortable to stay there."

Moiraine's body protested when she worked with the innkeeper to pull Lan on his feet, but she gritted her teeth and ignored it. No matter how bad she felt, Lan was in a worse condition.

He protested during the process yet almost collapsed again once he was back on his feet. It was only thanks to the Aes Sedai and innkeeper that he kept standing because they threw his arms around their shoulders.

What had happened to him?

I realized that I have 17 more chapters left for the other episodes, and even if I start uploading every week, I won't finish until Season 3 airs.
So, since it's Christmas time, I try uploading a new chapter daily. I don't know how successful I will be, but I will try.