milliways_bar | (no subject)

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A line of silver light flickers and then widens into a portal. Beyond it can be seen a stone corridor, dusty with disuse and somehow almost wrong in shape, and sealed at each end.

The illusion of "Syrenne" fades as Moiraine steps through into Milliways, and for a single unguarded moment the Aes Sedai looks unutterably weary.

"Matters worsen, I think, if familiar paths are twisted so," she murmurs under her breath. "Perhaps a space here will grant respite enough, still." Moiraine straightens, then, and glides toward her usual table, signaling to Holly as she passes.

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"Quite well. I've taken a flat in the Staff Wing, and we're much happier there. It's truly like having a home."

Elaine gestures at the seat across from Moiraine, asking silently if she may sit.

She nods to Elaine's unspoken question.

"Please, join me, if you would." A pause. "I was unaware that you had not, before; you have worked here for some time, have you not?"

"Yes, but Ryan and I were fairly content in our room...but when he returned from being out of the bar, we decided to take a flat. We are also taking care of a little boy who wandered in here, as well."

She fairly glows with happiness.

"I see," she says, smiling a little. "Matters appear to be quite well with you and yours then, it would seem."

"I am glad to hear it."

"And how are matters with you, Moiraine? I know you went...back to your world. Are things better?"

There's more than a little concern in her face when she asks.

"Matters progress."

It is simply stated, and the depth of the answer may be clear in the stark clarity of the words, for all their serenity.

"Are you living there now?"

Still with concern, because she wants peace for her friends.

"At the present time, yes," Moiraine says. "Until the war is over, or other events come to pass."

Such as her death.

"I am glad you get to come back, though. I hope that makes things easier instead of harder."

"I find that it does; it is well, I think, and I am content enough to travel between."

It is also useful, but she diplomatically does not mention that, as it borders on the line of business.

"I've learned some magic, of late. From Svava. I'm finding it most interesting."

'Interesting' being an understatement. "I did not know if I had told you of such."

"I do not recall you mentioning such, as it happens." Moiraine's gaze is curious and assessing both.

"Do you find that you have an affinity for it?"

"Aye, I do. It's simple...and yet not so, for the meaning behind the runes must be learnt and learnt well. I...do like it. 'Tis...fascinating and something...well, special."

She smiles softly. It's not about power, really. It's more about knowledge, and being able to help.

"I understand, I think, how such a thing could be."

A touch of amusement in the serene tone, but no more. "And I admit that I am not overly surprised to hear that you have skill at such."

She smiles. "I wasn't entirely sure until I made the fire. Then I knew I could do it."

"In my world, such things -- facility with one Power or another -- are often the first indications of the ability to channel," Moiraine tells her.

"I am pleased, for your sake."

"Thank you." She smiles. "What does 'channeling' mean?"

"Wielding the One Power," she answers. "Saidar, for women; saidin, for men."

"It is some different from Svava's magic, however."

Elaine listens and tilts her head to the side. "How so?"

She frowns, very slightly, considering.

"It is a subtle difference, but... well. Tell me, Elaine, how is it that you made the fire?"

Elaine pauses for a moment, thinking of how to explain. "Well, the one rune, Pertho, means many things, including the female element, hearth and fertility, and the other rune, Ignuz, means the male element, protection and power...combining the two makes the fire, like...lovemaking."

She blushes. That's how she understands it, anyway.

Moiraine nods.

"In my world, saidar is divided into the Five Powers of earth, water, air, fire, and spirit. These are combined and used by means of learned weaves, or may be woven alone."

The difference is subtle, but apparent.

Elaine thinks for a time, matching up differences and similarities between the two forms of power.

"We write the runes in the air, showing people or things the meaning of them, but you weave the power into patterns that give them meaning?"

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