(no subject)

[blue_ajah]

Her restlessness has been growing.

("In a sense, it feels as though almost all my life ahead of this day has become uncertain."

"Moiraine, you dwell in this place... a woman out of your own world and out of your time."

"My devotion to the mysteries of this world transcends any single law enforcement agency... it's my responsibility to go where I can do some good."

"I hope you find your answers, whatever they may be.")

Moiraine has her suspicions, if at present barely more than that, as to what the source of her growing unease may be, but as yet she cannot confirm them.

(And if she is to undertake what comes after if she is correct in this, then she must, she must be absolutely certain, without doubt or question.)

Thus it happens that the Aes Sedai may be found on this particular afternoon within the walls of Milliways, a gently-steaming pot of tea near at hand, and her attention focused on studying one of the books that Tom Riddle had so graciously retrieved for her some time ago.

There are not many here these days who would recognize the Karaethon Cycle for what it is, and perhaps fewer still who might grasp the significance of her interest in it now. Still, she makes no attempt to conceal what it is that she is reading.

Unusual, that.


[ooc: open until it scrolls.]

Comments

[52_dropoff]

"A tea drinker. I don't see that here much, even among the Brits." So says the man in the t-shirt and sweatpants.

[blue_ajah]

"It has long been a preference of mine," she replies, looking up at him.

"Is it so very unusual, then?"

[52_dropoff]

"Everyone prefers coffee. Caffeine. Which is not ideal." He can't remember the last time he had it, in fact.

[blue_ajah]

A hint of amusement dances in the dark eyes.

"I myself am acquainted with several people who are quite fond of coffee," she tells him. "I have tried it myself on occasion, but as it happens, I still prefer tea."

She indicates a seat at her table.

"Would you care to join me for a cup?"

[52_dropoff]

He sits. "What sort of tea is it?"

[blue_ajah]

"Ceylon black," she tells him, "with hints of spice and citrus; cinnamon and orange, I believe."

The Aes Sedai smiles.

"I have been visiting here for long enough that certain of my preferences are known, but upon occasion I allow the servers to offer a surprise."

[52_dropoff]

"I can't say most of the Bar's surprises thrill me. But tea should be safe." Especially if the woman's already drinking it. "Where are you from?"

[blue_ajah]

"Safe enough, perhaps," she murmurs, and reaches to pour a cup for him. "In any case, Holly has never yet done me disservice."

She sets the cup in front of him and tilts her head, considering him.

"Most recently, or originally?" she counters, with a small smile, and takes a sip of her own tea.

"But perhaps we might begin with introductions. I am Moiraine Sedai."

[52_dropoff]

"Holly? I didn't know the bar has a name." Why not?

"Charlie. Sometimes Vic Sage, in another life." Literally. "Earth."

[blue_ajah]

"Holly is not the Bar herself," Moiraine tells him. "She is one of the servers here."

"I am pleased to meet you, Charlie. I myself currently dwell on Earth, in fact, in the region known as the Pacific Northwest."

[52_dropoff]

"But you're not native, right." There is something just a bit different. Alien? Not quite. But different.

"I haven't been out that way in ages. Seattle is a good place to visit."

[blue_ajah]

"To there? No," she concedes. "Although I would not disagree with you about Seattle."

"The land where I was born is called Cairhien, if you have heard of it."

[52_dropoff]

"My knowledge of non-earths is pretty bad. And my timeline had first contact years back.

"But it's always nice to meet new people from new places."

Even the Pacific Northwest.

[blue_ajah]

"First contact?" she inquires, eyebrows raised.

"I am pleased to meet you as well. Where on Earth is it that you are from, Charlie?"

[52_dropoff]

"First meeting with alien races. We've actually dealt with quite a few. I really should have kept track.

"But I am from a charming little city called Hub City." He clearly doesn't miss it.

[blue_ajah]

"Alien races."

There is something ever so slightly wry about her tone.

"I see. I do not believe I am acquainted with Hub City, however."

[52_dropoff]

Charlie picks up on the wryness but leaves it alone.

"It's in the Midwest, near St. Louis. About 160,000 people. It was a pretty bad place when I last lived there. I hear it got better. But for a while it was a national joke.

"At least in my timeline."

[blue_ajah]

"Saint Louis I am familiar with, at least from maps."

"Where is it that you dwell now, if not Hub City?"

[52_dropoff]

"No, I currently live here. My world is cut off to me.

"Long story." Sort of.

[blue_ajah]

"I see," she murmurs, and indeed, there is something in her tone that hints at a deeper truth underlying her words.

"Through death, or for another reason?"

[52_dropoff]

"Death. But strange as it seems, that was reversed.

"But I'm still cut off. My time out there is over." There is a tiny hint of sadness.

[blue_ajah]

"It is difficult sometimes to be an exile from one's home, even if the reasons are good ones," Moiraine replies, gently.

[52_dropoff]

"How did you come to live on Earth?" Does she think of herself as an exile?

[blue_ajah]

The Aes Sedai smiles.

"I was invited, as it happens."

[52_dropoff]

"And I suspect you didn't have to pass through immigration or customs.

"Did your sponsor help you get the appropriate paperwork?" Hard not to think about such prosaic things. Especially since, if ever finds a new timeline, he'll need such items.