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[blue_ajah]

It has taken painstaking calculation -- several months or more, by the way days are counted in the bar -- to ensure that the passage of time between their worlds is reckoned in the way that they all need it to be.

Moiraine has exchanged more than one carefully coded message with Nynaeve, by now, and is certain of their alignment. Soon, very soon, it will be time to act.

Tonight, however, her errand is a much simpler one. The Aes Sedai glides into Milliways and, upon making a murmured inquiry of the bar, receives a small pack. She glances inside, and a satisfied smile curves her lips.

Moiraine collects the pack and makes her way through the room. Soon after, she is settled at a nearby table with a pot of tea.

Comments

[creator_raven]

Something small and black-feathered attempts to steal the pack from her hands.

Or maybe he just dips his beak into her teacup and drinks.

A lot.

So much tea.

Possibly all of the tea. It is a thing.

[blue_ajah]

Although her hand clenches tightly on the pack, Moiraine gives no other sign of concern - save for a very small sigh.

"Raven. A good evening to you, brother."

The sigh is belied by the slight smile that curves her lips.

[creator_raven]

"It is not so bad, perhaps."

He will allow this.

For now.

"Better with cookies, yes?"

[blue_ajah]

"I might be surprised would you indicate otherwise."

A subtle signal with her hand, and Holly runs up with a plate of chocolate chip cookies in her paws. She squeaks imperiously at Raven.

Moiraine's smile is more pronounced, now.

[creator_raven]

Raven devours them almost before Holly has made it back to the kitchen.

Because he is good at that.

Food is great.

Then he drops into a seat next to Moiraine, human-shaped if also too skinny, and tucks her under his arm.

Comfortably.

"Possibly it is best not to suggest I do not surprise you often enough, little sister. Yes?"

[blue_ajah]

"Perhaps it is only that I am paying close attention this evening," she counters.

Moiraine does not resist being drawn, instead resting her head briefly against his shoulder.

"Might I also not wish to surprise you, from time to time?"

[creator_raven]

Raven laughs.

At least he also forbears ruffling her hair?

"This is, perhaps, also true. Less 'might', though, I think."

[blue_ajah]

"Mmm," she replies - if one could call such a neutral sound a reply.

[creator_raven]

He blows a raspberry at her.

Because he can.

[blue_ajah]

The Aes Sedai sighs, and smiles at him.

"How are matters with you?"

[creator_raven]

"Mostly not so boring, I am thinking. Many worlds are for having gods that are dicks, so."

He helps make them less like that! Sometimes permanently!

[blue_ajah]

She arches an eyebrow at him.

"And you find this entertaining?"

[creator_raven]

He grins.

"Some people are very funny, yes? When they learn how to be afraid."

[stilljustandrew]

And someone familiar passes near her table on his way toward the bar, trying to furl a wet umbrella without dripping too much on the floor. It's not working too well.

[blue_ajah]

A slight smile touches her lips. Moiraine makes a very small movement with one hand, and a weave of glowing blue-white light touches Andrew's umbrella -- which becomes suddenly dry.

[stilljustandrew]

He blinks at the blue glow, shakes the umbrella once as though to confirm that there's no longer any water on it -- and looks up with dawning surmise that turns into a delighted beam.

"Moiraine!"

[blue_ajah]

The glow vanishes, but her smile does not.

"Light illumine, Andrew. How are matters with you?"

[stilljustandrew]

"Light illumine," he says, "I'm good -- how have you been?"

He finishes furling the umbrella, fastens it shut, and tilts his head at the chair opposite her with an eyebrow-lift that says may I?

[blue_ajah]

She inclines her head in assent, and gestures toward an unused teacup in a silent inquiry of her own.

"I am pleased to hear it. I myself have been well, all things considered."

[stilljustandrew]

"Good," he says, settling himself and leaning the umbrella against the edge of his chair, "that's good. What've you been up to?"

And then glances up. "Uh, to whatever degree that isn't classified?"

[blue_ajah]

The corners of her lips curve in a slight smile at his clarification.

"Preparing to accomplish certain tasks in a place other than this," she says, simply.

[stilljustandrew]

He gives a low whistle. "Judging by the vagueness factor, that's pretty classified."

Flippant as the words are, there's a look of concern on his face.

[blue_ajah]

"It is unexpected, perhaps," she murmurs.

[stilljustandrew]

"A little bit, yeah." He studies her face for a moment. "Anything you might need a hand with?"

[blue_ajah]

"It is certain," the Aes Sedai replies.

"For I do not think that this is something that I will be able to accomplish alone. Then or now."