inbox | eastbound

[downswing]

lan wangji
missives | encounters

Comments

voice ► un: bluebird

[cairhien]

I request your assistance.

1/2

[downswing]

( To what end? What cost? Whereabout? What hurdle )

[downswing]

Yours.

[cairhien]

Our hosts are gracious enough to permit us to travel with them, though I find myself curious as to their travels.

[downswing]

Better venture sword-armed. ( His hand on the blade. Done. ) Where shall we have start?

[cairhien]

The Captain. He may not speak with us but we may still hear.

[downswing]

Your... ( His most delicate voice: ) Sorcery?

[cairhien]

Yes.

[downswing]

You have recovered at sea?

[cairhien]

Will you assist me?

[downswing]

( With the patience of a man who has, in fact, raised a son: )

You have recovered?

[cairhien]

I have.

[downswing]

Would you deceive me?

( Him, above all. Beneath all. )

[cairhien]

I cannot lie.

All I needed was rest and that I have done.

( she's not perfectly rested but moiraine never is )

[downswing]

( Wait. )

...you cannot.

[cairhien]

No Aes Sedai can.

[downswing]

Custom, prohibition of the sect, or inability?

[cairhien]

Oaths that we are bound by. I cannot tell a lie.

[downswing]

Duty and choice.

[cairhien]

Not choice.

To become Aes Sedai the final thing is to swear three oaths, oaths that cannot be broken. You are sealed to them.

[downswing]

'Aes Sedai.' ( Slow murmur, rasped. It's wrenched of him. ) Order or profession?

[cairhien]

Can it not be both?

[downswing]

Is it? ( Riddle tongues. No better than profanity. )

[cairhien]

It is what I am.

[downswing]

A sorceress. That is 'Aes Sedai'?