(no subject)

[blue_ajah]

She has delayed her return for an evening, knowing that Vandene will likely have laid tricks and traps around the area of her departure, and that the other Aes Sedai will be monitoring the isolated area for any irregularities.

Therefore, Moiraine is present in Milliways again tonight, gliding gracefully across the room toward her usual table.

Comments

[gonna_live]

There's a be-earphoned mechanic wrapped up in a giant fleece duster sitting in an armchair by the fireplace.

Whether or not this is cause for pause -- who can say?

[blue_ajah]

It is cause enough. Moiraine halts nearby, poised and watching.

After a moment, "Good evening, Kaylee. You are well, I hope?"

[gonna_live]

The music is quiet enough for Kaylee to hear Moiraine. She turns her head -- and looks wary.

She pauses it, and takes out the earbuds. "Ni hao. Can't complain." Pause. "Hope everything's all right with you?"

Ah, pleasantries.

[blue_ajah]

"As well as may be expected," comes the serene response. A pause. "Which is rather well, at present."

The Aes Sedai has not missed the wary glance.

"I do not wish to disturb you." A flicker of her gaze, to the iPod.

[gonna_live]

Or, you know. Make Kaylee cry again.

"Not up to anything important." A weak smile. "Just -- sittin'. And thinkin'. Nice to get a change of scenery sometimes."

[blue_ajah]

Or that, perhaps.

"It is, at that," Moiraine says calmly. "Certainly it is more comfortable here than many other places, I should think."

A beat, and a searching glance.

"Might I join you?"

[gonna_live]

Yep. Wary's back.

"...shi a. If you want."

[blue_ajah]

She does not miss the expression, and it is with an inward sigh that Moiraine takes a seat across from her.

"How are matters with you, and yours?" Calmly inquired.

[gonna_live]

"Everybody's okay."

Kaylee knows Moiraine isn't going to hurt her.

But Moiraine...still has an interest. Or an Interest.

Once burned, twice shy, as they say.

[blue_ajah]

There are interests and interests, and the Aes Sedai would not deny the many levels of hers.

Serenely, "I am glad to hear it."

[gonna_live]

The book Kaylee has is slim, and good for running nervous fingers over.

Awkwardness.

And silence.

[blue_ajah]

Idly, Moiraine glances away, so that she is not watching Kaylee.

"Have you seen my lord Dream of late?"

[gonna_live]

Kaylee shakes her head. "No. Is he -- how's he doin'?"

[blue_ajah]

"He is well enough, I think."

As well as can be, perhaps. "The presence of others whom he values is a help, of course."

A beat. "Whom he cares for," she amends.

[gonna_live]

Kaylee's not sure if Moiraine's trying to make a point, or just come up with something to say, or...something else.

She nods. "Tends to be for most folks."

[blue_ajah]

"It might be so," she muses, "but for Dream it is ... different." Her smile is very slightly wry.

"He is still becoming more accustomed to the simplicities of closeness to mortals, I think."

[gonna_live]

"How does it make it different?"

[blue_ajah]

The Aes Sedai hesitates for several long moments, considering -- but she has already made her decision, in fact.

"It is harder to lose someone, when there are few that you are close to."

[gonna_live]

Kaylee's silent for a long moment.

And then she nods.

[blue_ajah]

Moiraine smiles serenely at her, and is quiet as well.