(no subject)

[blue_ajah]

The visit to the library had led to curiosity; and curiosity, in turn, to research. Research had led to questions, and then to a thoughtful conversation with Pete Martell, and finally to a decision.

It is, perhaps, more of a relief than she will admit to have a new direction, and something of new purpose.

A slight smile curves her lips as she steps into Milliways for the first time in weeks, and Moiraine glides briskly toward the bar with the intention of first obtaining a cup of tea and then figuring out the rate of exchange between the finances in her account and the currency used in Twin Peaks.

What she receives first is a note; and when she reads it, the Aes Sedai goes pale with shock.

Tarmon Gai'don is over. The battle is won.

Nynaeve and I are returning now to Shayol Ghul, and al'Thor, and the duty that waits. I will hope to see you again.

Lan

One hand clutches at the bar for balance as she sways on her feet; the paper, utterly forgotten, crumples in her grasp.

Moiraine looks deathly ill, and very much on the verge of fainting.

Comments

[creator_raven]

"It is, I think, mostly better not to fall down, yes?"

There was no quiet thump, this time.

Just Raven's hand on Moiraine's elbow, sure and swift.

Sometimes these things happen. So.

[blue_ajah]

"Raven."

Her words are soft, too soft, and something about her tone is shocked and small.

"It has happened."

[creator_raven]

"I know."

He does not wrinkle his nose, just tugs gently on her arm.

"It is, I think, easier if you are sitting. So."

[blue_ajah]

She does not resist, but lets herself be led.

"After so long without daring -- without aught but the merest spoonful of hope--"

[creator_raven]

"Possibly it is good you do not need to eat this, yes? Or drink."

He settles her in a booth, dropping down next to her and tucking her against his side.

It is not very difficult.

"That way you will not so much be sick."

[blue_ajah]

"Do not be so sure of that so soon," she manages, with a flash of tartness, but does not attempt to pull away.





"They survived."

[wheatencrown]

Demeter is at her elbow to support her,

"Oh child, what is bothering you?"

[blue_ajah]

For once the Aes Sedai accepts another's aid without thought for how it may appear to show weakness, for in truth, she needs it very badly.

"I cannot believe ..."

[wheatencrown]

"Shh, let me hold you."

Her grip is strong and Demeter herself smells of Summer as she holds Moiraine.

[blue_ajah]

For some reason, the memory of Siuan Sanche -- now lost to her, of course, save for those memories -- flashes across her thoughts, and for an instant or two, Moiraine simply allows herself to be held.

In the next instant, belated awareness begins to sink in, and she tries to pull back.

"I do not know you--"

[wheatencrown]

"I'm Demeter, you cannot stand on your own, please sit if I can't hold you."

The worry is clear in Demeter's face but she won't press that is not her right.

[blue_ajah]

"It is merely the shock; it will pass, I think--"

Still, she makes no move to leave the support of the bar, not yet.

[stilljustandrew]

"-- Moiraine?"

The tone of Andrew's voice veers wildly between syllables, from recognition to pleased surprise to startled concern, and he hurries closer.

"What's happened?"

[blue_ajah]

Two words, and two words only; they seem to be all she is currently capable of.

"Tarmon Gai'don."

[stilljustandrew]

He turns pale.

"It's started?"

[blue_ajah]

She shakes her head.

"It has ended."

[stilljustandrew]

"..."

Oh god.

"Ended?"

He swallows.

"Who won?"

[blue_ajah]

She shakes her head again, helplessly, as if unable to find the words.

After a moment, Moiraine seems to recall the existence of the note in her hand, and holds it out to him.

[yinyangwizard.livejournal.com]

[OOC: Unfortunately I must go to bed now, but may I tag later?]

[blue_ajah]

[OOC: Absolutely yes! In the meantime, sleep well.]

[yinyangwizard.livejournal.com]

"Ai ya," says a man coming up the stairs, pretty much meeting Moiraine halfway. "This would be a particularly bad place to fall down, miss." If she does, he'll be forced to try and catch her without offending her dignity, which is always a rather tricky situation.

[blue_ajah]

"Yes," she says, almost absently. Her knuckles whiten with the strength of her grip on the bar's wood.

"Yes. It would."

[yinyangwizard.livejournal.com]

"Then may I suggest that you not do so." He backs down the stairs, beckoning for her to follow. "Take your time, now."

[blue_ajah]

She darts a look at him, one eyebrow arched. Moiraine is still pale with shock, but he has clearly gained her attention.

"I shall be sure to consider it," she replies, with the faintest touch of dryness to her tone. "In any case... thank you."

[yinyangwizard.livejournal.com]

Seimei eyebrow-arches right back. "I hope you will forgive me, miss, but I have no idea what caused your upset or how serious it is."