milliways_bar | (no subject)

As the air parts, she simply appears near her preferred table. Moiraine is carrying an anthology of poetry again this evening, and has a small notebook as well.

The Aes Sedai settles at her table and opens her books, with an idle glance around the bar.

[Summary: Elaine brings tea at Dream's request and is convinced to take a short break, in which she and Moiraine discuss Elaine's family and background, with great canon similarity identified, and then move into feminism and finally discussion of their worlds. Morpheus appears, and Moiraine thanks him for his consideration, and then they are simply cute together for a while. Later, she and Roland discuss Cort's arrival and whether or not Roland should tell him things about the future; at some point later, Peter Pevensie asks her to Heal Caspian (although the healing is rejected in Caspian's thread). Afterwards, she returns to her table and is joined by Bran, who discusses poetry with her-- and is stunned by a plotty revelation. Meg drops by and tells Moiraine that she'll be joining the ranks-of-pseudo-immortal-mortals after her own death, and this is still under discussion, as the thread is slowtimed. Finally, Nita Callahan introduces herself and asks for help with a problem that concerns Asmodean, which immediately gets Moiraine's full attention... (Say it with me, folks: slowtimed.)]

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Moiraine nods back.

"Among the powers accessible to those who can channel there are five: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Spirit. It has been the case that men have more facility with powers such as Fire and Earth, which some have thought stronger. But there is a saying: is there a fire so strong that water cannot quench it, or wind snuff it out, or a rock so strong that wind cannot weather it, or water wear it away?"

Elaine lets this saying wash over her, and she thinks. And then she smiles. "That is a very true saying, is it not?"

She plans to write this in her journal tonight. She wants to think about it more.

"I may speak no word that is not true, Elaine." Moiraine smiles at her. "It is one of the Oaths by which I am bound."

"Ah. A very good oath, to be sure. I know that I try never to lie, myself. I've never been particularly good at it." Elaine smiles back and sips her tea.

"It is a skill that takes some time to acquire, I will admit; but as the binding enforces it, such development does occur."

"Are you Bound, here?" Elaine is suddenly curious about that. "Where are you from, originally?"

"I am not, any longer," Moiraine tells her calmly. "And although I live here now, I previously called the White Tower home, in Tar Valon."

"Another world than mine, I am sure. Can you tell me a little about it?"

"It is a different world, I feel certain."

Moiraine studies her for a moment.

"Is there anything in particular that you would wish to know?"

"What does the land look like? My home was fair and green, with woods and a great river running by our estate." It will do for a start. Elaine has great curiosity.

"It depends on the region, to a degree." Moiraine looks thoughtful, remembering.

"There are areas as you describe; there are lands with plains, more harsh than lush; there are vast mountain ranges, as well."

She takes a sip of tea, then continues, "And there are cities of stone that appears to almost have been grown, as wood would grow. Tar Valon is one such; it is perhaps the most beautiful city in all the lands. The 'Shining Walls' surround it, and the White Tower stands at its heart."

"It sounds quite beautiful, Moraine. Do you...miss it?" Elaine sips her tea. "I know I miss my home quite often."

There is a distinct pause before she nods slightly.

"I find that I do, upon occasion. But I suspect that there have been many ... changes ... since I have been gone, and I shall return when it is appropriate."

Elaine nods. "I wish I could go back, sometimes. But my family are all gone now, and I'd have nothing to go back to, really."

Moiraine nods again. "The Wheel weaves. And you are not unhappy here, then?"

"No. I have many friends here and I have found love. I can complain of nothing, and have much to be thankful for." Elaine smiles softly.

"Similarities, indeed." Moiraine smiles serenely and sips her tea, then glances around at the growing number of patrons present in the bar.

"I have enjoyed speaking with you, Elaine; but I shall not keep you longer, if you must return to your duties."

"I've enjoyed speaking to you, as well. Thank you." Elaine rises from the table and beams at Moraine. "Have a most pleasant evening, Moraine."

And then she goes off to find other patrons to serve.