(Untitled)

[blue_ajah]

She glides downstairs, head high and poise around her like armor. Moiraine crosses the room to the bar in order to request tea, which she receives -- along with two letters.

One finger taps the bar's surface thoughtfully, and then the Aes Sedai takes the letters and the cup of tea to her usual table.

Comments

[_hear_no_evil]

The notes catch Nick's attention more than anything else, and he looks over at the woman a little uneasily, wondering for the first time where his own letters to the Bar had gone, once they had faded into the marble countertop.

So he watches her, a scrawny, scruffy, silent young man with the kind of gauntness to his facet hat suggests he has not been eating well for a week or so.

[blue_ajah]

She herself is observing the room, looking for a few particular people as well as taking note of those who are present.

Therefore it is not a surprise that her glance should fall on him. Dark eyes meet his, and Moiraine inclines her head in serene greeting.

[_hear_no_evil]

He nods back, young-old eyes surveying her curiously.

Frannie would tell him to go say "hi," that being shy never got anyone anywhere. Tommy would have already sat himself down and introduced the pretty lady to his various Tonka trucks and cars and people.

Neither Fran nor Tom is here, but Nick remembers them, and offers her a small smile.

Because that's what they would both have done first.

[blue_ajah]

She smiles serenely back. "Good evening."

With a graceful gesture, she indicates a seat at her table in clear invitation.

"I do not believe that we have met before; are you new to this place?"

[kitchen_maid]

Amy doesn't have a usual table. She tends to sit wherever the mood strikes her. So she reaches the table at about the same time as Moiraine, with her own cup of tea, and starts to pull out a chair, then realizes the other woman is doing the same thing.

"Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't realize anyone was sitting here."

[blue_ajah]

"I am not, quite yet," Moiraine tells her serenely, still standing by her chair. "But perhaps you would wish to join me?"

[kitchen_maid]

"I think that would be lovely, thank you," says Amy, setting her tea on the table, and offering her hand before she sits down.

"I'm Amy."

[blue_ajah]

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Amy," she answers, meeting the younger woman's hand with her own. "I am Moiraine Sedai."

[a_lioness]

*It has been an eventful day, of that there is no doubt. Perhaps this is why Alanna simply smiles at Moiraine as she passes, yawning. However, she stops a few feet away and turns around, eyes falling to the letters in the other woman's hand. Biting her lip, she slowly walks over.*

Good evening, my Lady.

[blue_ajah]

"Alanna. Good evening." The serene tone is eminently calm, and Moiraine gestures to a seat across from her.

"Join me, if you would?"

[a_lioness]

*Smiling a bit, Alanna nods and thinks to herself how utterly nice it is to hear a voice so serene and calm.*

I would, thank you. *She slides into the seat and clasps her hands on the table.* We've missed you as of late.

[blue_ajah]

"Matters in my own world have required my attention, I am afraid," she replies.

One finger taps the note before her.

"I received your message this evening, and not while I was away."

[balletrat]

*Meg glances up, as the Aes Sedai passes the bar.

Her eyes widen a little, and then she hops off her chair.*

Moiraine! *she calls.*

[blue_ajah]

She turns, swiftly, and smiles serenely at her niece.

"Meg. Good evening."

[balletrat]

*Meg's grin back at Moiraine has nothing serene about it - but then, that's not news.*

How are you? - I haven't seen you in ages, but I don't know whether that's because you haven't been here or I've just missed you or what -

[blue_ajah]

"I have been away for some time," she answers. "Fifteen days, as I understand; I returned only last evening."

Her lips tighten slightly at the memory of her arrival.

"How are mattes with you?"

[saionjisenpai]

Saionji enters the bar from the back door; his cheeks and nose are bright red. His denim jacket is much defense against the cold. He's carrying a split bamboo shinai.

He takes the practice sword over to the Bar, trading it for a cup of coffee, and for a moment drinks it standing there. When he sees Moiraine, he approaches.

"Ma'am? I apologize for leaving in such a hurry yesterday--I had to catch my subway. I hope you were able to find a doctor to treat your shoulder? "

[blue_ajah]

"It is all right," she answers, smiling serenely at him. "And you must call me Moiraine, not ma'am."

A pause, and she puts her hand on the injured shoulder with no sign of pain. "I encountered a healer soon afterwards, as it happens, and received further aid; although I shall thank you again for your assistance."

[saionjisenpai]

It must have been a very good doctor, he thinks. "There isn't really a need to thank me. It was... something anyone would've done." He fidgets with his signet ring with his right thumb.

[blue_ajah]

"Perhaps not anyone," she counters serenely, "or where did you think I received the injury in the first place?"

A beat, as her glance falls to the ring. "You are fond of roses?"