(Untitled)

[not_only_wisdom]

[OOM: Just moments before--]

"You will survive, you bloody woolheaded man, if I have to

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[blue_ajah]

From across the room, two figures move slowly toward Nynaeve.

Both should be familiar, although it has been some time indeed since she will have seen the woman clad in blue... and never quite like this.

Despite the wounded shoulder, Moiraine looks serenely composed, standing beside Rand al'Thor.

"Nynaeve. It has been a while; since Cairhien, as I recall."

[not_only_wisdom]

Nynaeve's chin comes up.

"The grooms knew of my departure. I wouldn't have been gone long. Why?"

That last is a very abrupt query.

[flame_and_void]

Running a hand through his hair, Rand sighs.

"This place is a safe haven, Nynaeve. It is somehow outside of the Pattern, away from the influnces of it, though still occasionally touched by it."

He doesn't need to stress the importance of such a place.

[blue_ajah]

It is notable, perhaps, that she does not agree or contradict him.

Moiraine says nothing at all, in fact, and her expression gives no clue as to her thoughts.

[not_only_wisdom]

Nynaeve sniffs again, though there is a momentary softening of her expression.

"It sounds too good to be true. But--"

And she reaches out, touching Rand's arm lightly.

"--I can see how you would value such a place."

Then her gaze snaps back to Moiraine.

"It is so for you, as well?"

[flame_and_void]

"So far as we can tell, it has been. But that is a telling for another time."

Turning, Rand walks to the bar and comes back with three glasses of wine.

"First, we have business to discuss. The upcoming meeting with the Seanchean for one. Yes, Moiraine is up to date with things."

[blue_ajah]

She accepts one of the glasses with a murmured word of thanks, and then says mildly,

"I have a study upstairs, which I have made private against intrusions and those who would overhear."

It is a clear suggestion.

[not_only_wisdom]

Nynaeve grits her teeth as she takes the proffered glass. Moiraine is right, but it hurts to agree.

"It is a good idea. I would be pleased to join you. There are, apparently, many things to talk about."

She shoots another glare at Rand.

Secrets. From her.

Light burn the man.

[flame_and_void]

Rand nods. "It is settled, then. Moiraine, if you could lead the way?"

The three of them weave through the bar and make their way to Moiraine's study.