milliways_bar | (no subject)

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.

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"Shh, you should sit. You don't have to tell me anything but sitting will do you good."

This is one of those moments when Demeter uses her mother voice as she tries to lead Moiraine to a table.

She allows herself to be led.

"You are very kind to one who is but a stranger to you."

"Others have done the same for me so I pass on that hospitality to others."

Soon there is a chair and Demeter turns to her,

"Will tea and bread soothe you or should I ask for something else?"

"Tea alone, perhaps; I do not think I could stomach food at present," she temporizes.

"Thank you."

"Tea is always good to start with. Do you have a type that you prefer?"

Later Demeter will find a way to provide some broth or even some bread.

She shakes her head.

"It does not particularly matter right now, I believe."

That causes Demeter to shift into a hug,

"It hurts that much?"

"It is both pain and incredible, unbelievable, joy," she explains, or tries.

"My world lives. The Last Battle has ended, and my world lives. Light preserve us all, we have won against the Shadow."

"That is life after all and life will always find a way to triumph. Tell me what of it you will."

Demeter orders a simple tea and warm bread for them since Moiraine will need to eat.

"I know little of it," Moiraine demurs. "I myself was not there, not at the last."

Was not able to be, not after the sacrifice she made for the sake of buying time for them all, but she neglects to mention this.

"I have yet to hear more than the mere fact of it, myself."

"Can you learn more? I know how much it hurts to be always asking another."

"I intend to, as soon as may be possible."

For all her shock, for all her joy, the diamond-hard spark of her determined will is clear in this moment.

"But for now, the simple knowledge of the fact will suffice."

"Good. Do you need much to regain your full strength?"

She shakes her head, and finds a faint smile for her would-be benefactor.

"I am not unwell, truly; it was but the shock of something that we had worked toward for so long coming to pass."

"I'm glad to hear it but you should be prepared for the next step."

Her smile fades.

"Oh?"

"If you wait and wait, sometimes knowing what to do when you finally reach your goal can be strange. I always feel as if the world has tipped and righted itself when my Kore returns to me."

For several seconds, she is utterly still, utterly silent, dark eyes fixed on the other woman.

Eventually, Moiraine inclines her head to Demeter in a nod of acknowledgment.

"I cannot disagree."

"Is there anything that I can do for you? I will listen or be here or leave you."

"You are very kind," she says again. "... do I know you? Your name is familiar to me, for some reason..."

"Do you know of the Gods of Olympus for I'm one of their number?"

A faint, somehow bittersweet expression flickers across her face as she nods.

"I am somewhat familiar, in fact. Do you happen to know Dionysus?"

"Oh yes, quite well, we've always gotten along rather well since we both help things grows."

She nods.

"I am pleased to hear that," Moiraine murmurs.

She appears entirely unruffled at holding such conversation with a goddess, in fact.

"I didn't realize he came here but I'm not surprised either."

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