As white as snow

[Shareyn Terashima]

Last night she had dreamed of snow. Dazzling, sparkling snow, whiter than her own dress, it did not fall from the big Gap above but instead seeped from somewhere beneath the ground, pooling at her feet. It had kept piling up for hours yet it never really seemed to touch more than her ankles. Her slippers had gone missing and she had to brave the freezing needles that poked at her feet as she walked through the weak blizzard spiraling from the road ahead to the Tower. How she had found herself at the edge of the grounds, she did not remember but she knew she had to go back. There was something reeling her in, something stronger than the girl’s own will, a feeling of urgency that was pulling her at the edges. Step by step, the cold had slowly drained all sense from her feet, lighting her pale skin on fire. As the Tower drew nearer and nearer, a faint humming started emanating from somewhere below the ground. Was it the ground itself? Pouring out countless snowflakes it pulsated with a strange rhythm. She stopped and lunged one hand forwards as it to find the source of the out. Her breath came out in tiny puffy circles, as her frozen fingers dug through the white sparkling blanket. The dirt was rough and coarse and the snow cold. And then suddenly her fingertips brushed up against something warm. A hand!


She gasped.

Like snow, fine white dust filled the air around her and then quickly settled. Finely milled, thin sugary clouds slowly started dissolving on top the strawberry cannoli filled with vanilla cream. To her own surprise Shareyn rather enjoyed baking, despite how much the other Novices shunned it as a gruesome chore. Gruesome, of course, was not so much the baking itself but how they saw the newly appointed Dessertress, as they called her, whose sharp eyes sometimes almost gave pause even to the Mistress of Kitchens. A stern woman whose temper was the exact opposite of sweet, she had been put in charge of the Tower’s baked goods and desserts roughly two years ago but since then the whole dessert and bread menu had greatly expanded. A baking artisan from Bandar Eban, the coppery haired woman introduced new unique dishes such as her infamous crunchy pastries with goldenberry fillings and lavender glazes; Tar Valon’s flame-shaped chocolate tarts with black tea cream toppings; twisted spinach and cheese tartes; strawberry-dough cannoli filled with custard cream; black cherry puff pastries with rose jams or wheat breads with herbs and melted butter. The Mistress of Kitchens would have never admitted it but if someone was to check the amount of the bread and dessert orders since the Dessertress has arrived at the Tower, they would notice a sizable spike in demand of baked goods and sweets. Nevertheless, freshly baked pastries for breakfast meant that kitchen servants and some unlucky Novices had to be in the kitchen kneading, shaping, glazing and whisking eggs long before Early. The first several days after the Dessertress arrived, most of the girls thought they can afford to sluggishly drag their feet while working on the dessert station, openly showing their unwillingness to put any effort into any baking tasks, especially before dawn. Of course, such foolish whims and notions were quickly rooted out as anyone who dared slack somehow always ended up being assigned to all the morning baking shifts for the rest of the month. As a result, all Novices learned better not to get on the Dessertress bad side, which nonetheless didn't exactly stop them from secretly scoffing at her almost scandalous dresses, which despite following all Tower rules, were visibly clinging almost too tight at certain parts of her body.

On the other hand, Shareyn loved every second of her baking chores. Mixing, pinching, kneading and measuring the ingredients appeared very similar to putting together clock mechanisms. Put enough egg here and the flaky bread with salmon and mint leaves immediately got better crunch to it. Or, add two grams less milk to an apricot eclair and it achieved the perfect balance between fresh and sweet. See, just like the clocks! All they needed was a bit of tinkering. Smile on her face, her fingers kept fluttering in the air, now busy sprinkling chunky sea salt from the last delivery straight from the Atha‘an Miere. As the last pinch of salt crystals rolled out from between her fingers, a tall shadow towered over some of the croissants with goat cheese and rosemary, forcing her to look up. Mistress Analyn. Had she done something wrong? A chill shot down the Novices' spine but she quickly dropped in a respectful courtesy, the very act of it ingrained in her being. The Dessertress‘ pursed lips meant nothing good, nor did her furrowed eyebrow. Shareyn took a deep breath. What did I do wrong? Instead of snapping her fingers - a sure sign the batch is to be thrown away, the slender Domani scoffed quietly as she carefully inspected the savory croissants laid on the table before her. It was safe. The Novice's face lit up as this was the closest to a compliment anyone would get from the stern cook.

- It has been requested that two plum jelly tarts, - her voice was calm and melodic, almost like a song- three gâteau basques with black cherry jam and a plate of mini apricot eclairs are to be brought to Moranna Sedai’s chambers as soon as they are out of the oven.

Each sister had a servant in waiting, ready to answer to any of their requests, including bringing food to their private quarters whenever they felt like it but it was not unheard a Novice to fill out such a demand as well. Shareyn had done it only once before and it was because one of the Accepted who didn’t like her had been raised to the shawl and the young woman wanted to make the Kandori girl feel jealous, perhaps? As a matter of fact, the Novice was not quite sure what the other woman’s goal should have been. She still struggled to understand how someone's raising should stir such a negative emotion. For one, she was happy for the newly appointed sister and tried expressing it as politely as she could, but the other one had received it as sarcasm which earned the doe-eyed girl several extra shifts cleaning chamber pots.

- It has also been requested that steaming milk with honey and honeydew melon slices as well as a fruit platter are to be delivered together with the rest of the order. – the Dessertress continued, her face void of any emotion. Was she an Aes Sedai too? –  Since you are the only one who is finished with her baking, you are to deliver them to Moranna Sedai. I trust that you can do that for me, right girl?

Everyone was “girl” to the Domani, who once almost addressed the Mistress of the Kitchens the same way.

- Yes, Mistress Analyn.
- Good. Chop, chop, girl, you can’t afford to be late.

White skirts swirling around, Shareyn quickly but gently put down the rest of the salt and scrubbed her hands. A golden tray filled with the requested food was laid out near the Kitchen’s entrance, ready to be whisked away to the White Ajah’s sector. Embossed patterns of oak leaves swirled across the gold surface, connected in the middle by the Flame of Tar Valon. The exquisite plates positioned on top of the reflective surface were made from porcelain brought from the ships of the Atha’an Miere. Shareyn wondered whether it had something to do with the Amyrlin being a from the Sea Folk herself. Does that mean that she has a fish form too? I bet she would be that animal called dolphin from Nedara Sedai’s class. Of course, for most of the sisters the Taraboner porcelain embossed with the Flame had to suffice but the Dessertress made sure that all the plates sent to Moranna Sedai’s chambers were from the more rare and expensive porcelain. Shareyn was not sure why but never questioned it. In her mind the whitest porcelain was befitting for the White Ajah. Somehow more distanced than the Book Ajah and secretive than the Good skies Akah, the White was very intriguing to the girl's mind. She, herslef had been nearby the White sisters’ section of the Tower only once, sweeping the stairs leading to their chambers but she hadn’t even dared look their direction lest someone sees her and punishes her for gawking. It had happened before. For all her inability to understand power structures like royal families and aristocrats, she understood the dynamic between her and Idir and Jailyn very well. She was the one learning and the sisters were those who teach. Whatever they said was law to her. Even before she came to the Tower her true-mothers have made sure that she understands that sisters are to be trusted and treated with respect. Which she did and didn't plan on stop doing.

Gliding through the crisp morning air, Shareyn’s eyes quickly adjusted to the dimmed light seeping through the windows in the halls. In contrast the kitchen with its brightly lit furnaces offered both light and warmth but outside, the cold stone emanated a certain chill that made the Novice involuntarily shake as she climbed the numerous stairs. I wonder if the Tower pierces the Gap above? It looks sharp enough and tall enough to me. The White Tower was the tallest building she had ever seen and the first time Idir brought her to the gates, the girl had sat on the ground, her mind refusing to comprehend how tall the Tower is. It seemed like it had no end! How could things that have no end exist?! Even after so many years, Shareyn was convinced that indeed, the Tower touched the Gap above, as she called the sky, and could even let people walk into it. For now though, such hypothesizes had to remain unexplored, as she had another, much more imminent task. Studying. And delivering Moranna Sedai's breakfast. Walking up the stairs for the past good ten minutes had made her slow down – a gift in disguise as she did not pass the levels where the White Ajah’s sector was located. Here it is! Toes curled up from the cold inside the thin slippers, the girl stepped forward and almost dropped the food tray. The Space here was quiet, unadorned and somehow serene. Certain sense of power was floating in the air, but that power stood still, unbothered by the need to show or prove itself. Corridors leading further into the quarters of the Ajah sprung before her and the Novice hesitated for a second. Was it the third to the left and then the second to the right or the other way around? A shiver ran down her spine and it was not only because of the seemingly constant breeze inside the Tower. What if she was late? Time waits for no one, she reminded herself. Without dwelling further on the consequences of her lateness, the Kandori shifted and took the third corridor to the right. Still warm, the freshly baked pastries made her mouth water. Moranna Sedai seemed to be an early bird. Did it mean that the sister was in fact a bird tho? Maybe Queen was a very specific type of bird that turned into beautiful, powerful women. Shareyn had heard many stories among the other Novices who secretly dreamed and wished they could be her or her daughter. Or her granddaughter. Somehow to them the title of „Princess“ or „Queen“ seemed more important than the one of an „Aes Sedai“. But what were titles anyway? She was still unsure how one thing became another without being the first thing to begin with! Broken clock arms, she thought sadly and continued down the second corridor on the left. A pair of wide brown eyes stalked the walls for anyone speaking the language of Time and soon enough, a big clock made out of white birch entered her eyesight. Its voice was old, very old indeed, but somewhat familiar. Did my grandpa Paran make you? Thank you friend, I will definitely come back for you!, she whispered treading carefully the patterns spiraling the simple yet expensive carpet. One of the servant girls had told her that Moranna Sedai‘s chambers were no more than 20 feet down the corridor where the big white clock stood. Couple of minutes later, the Novice stood in front of the private chambers of the White sister. Contemplating for a second whether to leave the tray on the ground or to try and balance it with one hand so she can knock and open the door, she decided to take the safer route and place it on the ground. Her knees had not even bent when suddenly the massive door opened slowly and Shareyn felt someone embracing saidar nearby.

- Thank you so much, Moranna Sedai! – she chirped gratefully and walked it with a huge smile on her face, completely oblivious to the implications (and troubles) such a sentence might have created.

For one, she had not been addressed by the sister and every girl wearing the white knew intimately well that unless spoken to by an Aes Sedai, one should try and keep their lips shut tighter than a Arafeli merchant keeps their coin purse. Shareyn still had some moments, granted rare ones but existing nevertheless, where words poured out of her mouth before she could stop them, and today seemed like one of those days. The girl froze in her step, realizing her mistake and looked around in fear. The Queen was not in sight yet but the girl she would soon be. Suddenly a feeling of quiet fear washed over her and she lowered her head.

[Moranna Trakand]

Moranna rose in the earliest hours of the morning, as she had always done. It made sense to her that as the sun rose, so should she. Feet swung over the side of the bed and sunk in to the thick, warm plushness of the fine woven rug that kept the chill of the marble floors beneath at bay. She pulled a velvet dressing robe over her thin silk shift and walked to the east facing window, drawing back silver trimmed white curtains. The sun had risen less than half way above the horizon, but on this cloudless morning it’s light spread far and wide. Fresh born sunbeams poured into Moranna’s bed chamber, painting the austere monochromatic white room a glowing, golden hue.

She pushed open the window itself and felt a light spring breeze tug at the iconic red-gold curls of her family. Bird song rose up in a chorus to greet her ears. Robins, larks, pigeons and jays all lent their cries to the morning salutation. Over them all, the cry of a hawk from somewhere above, and all fell silent in fear for two, three, long breaths before the cacophony resumed. The corners of Moranna’s mouth twitched in the smallest fraction of a smile. Avyanna would be up as well, feeding her hawks, dangerous and beautiful as she.

The tall White stretched arms far above her head, reaching for the ceiling, taking slow, deep inhalations for several minutes. Then she bent over at the waist, fingertips brushing the smooth, cool grey veined white stone of the floor. Such things were good for the body and sharpened the mind. Her morning ritual concluded, she dressed in white silk and brocaded organza, everything of superb cut and material, but not overly adorned. Her hair fell in a tumbling burnished gold waterfall to her waist. For adornments, only the Great Serpent coiled around her finger, biting its own tail. The servant who had come to tend to the room and Moranna’s necessities bowed out of the room with orders for a decadent breakfast tea.

Avy would join her, as she did most mornings she was not otherwise engaged, and the Mistress of Novices had always had a bit of a sweet tooth. She was drawn to the finer things in life: satin and silks, sugar and cream, a once Queen in her bed.

Moranna’s pulse quickened a fraction and not for the first time, she marveled at the warmth that spread though her chest and outward when she thought of Avyanna. Love went against all logic, and yet, what she felt could only be described as such. The bond she had had with her mother, her brother, even her daughter, Talana, could be explained by their shared blood and dependency upon one another in formidable years, but Avy… Avy defied all explanation. Moranna felt a rueful smile tickle her lips. She would expect nothing less.

While she waited for their meal and her guest to arrive, Moranna studied a stones board. She had been playing the same game against herself for some weeks now. The puzzle soothed the disquiet pondering upon emotions always stirred up within her. There was a deep, deep well of buried anguish that must not be disturbed for fear of losing herself completely. Focused as she was on her game, she could not mistake the sound of a tray clattering outside her door. Embracing saidar for a moment, she wove a thread of Air and pulled the door to.

A wide-eyed Kandori girl in Novice white bounced into the room with a “Thank you so much, Moranna Sedai!” reminding Moranna of a sparrow. The girl had an odd, quizzical look, as if she were seeing things for the very first time, which only heightened the comparison. Eyebrows rose at the surprise of being addressed so by a Novice. The young woman seemed to realize her own misstep shortly after and froze, eyes down cast, fearing retribution.

It was this sudden bouncing from one emotion to the next that recalled her to memory. Avy had mentioned the girl who had been locked away from the world. Who knew next to nothing about societal norms. Who had no lifelong ingrained fear of the Shadow and the Great Lord. And the Great Lord had power over the grave, power to grant her deepest desire. Logic dictated, then, that she do all in her grasp to curry the favor of his Chosen, and in turn the Great Lord himself.

A warm smile was not in Moranna’s repertoire, but still she softened her expression as much as she could without forcing something unnatural and flowed out to meet her quarry.

“Thank you, child. Shareyn if I’m not mistaken, isn’t it? You can place the tray there.” She motioned to a polished table between two comfortable looking arm chairs. “Pour us both some tea, won’t you?”

Moranna took the proffered cup and saucer, inhaling the steam as it rose from the honey brown liquid. She sat straight backed in one chair and motioned for Shareyn to take the second cup and chair for herself.

“You’re settling in well I trust, child? Tower life is an adjustment for most, certainly some more than others.” Moranna was not adept at being nurturing or warm, but she hoped interest in the odd Kandori would serve as well for her purpose. She watched the child over the rim of her porcelain cup, worked in white roses she noticed now, silently filing away anything of potential future use.

Moranna's Dress Inspiration

[Shareyn Terashima]

“Thank you, child. Shareyn if I’m not mistaken, isn’t it? You can place the tray there. Pour us both some tea, won’t you?”

Shareyn blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the generous suggestion and the other woman’s beauty. Moranna Sedai was more dazzling than the other Novices had made her out to be. No, dazzling and beautiful were too weak of a word to describe Moranna Sedai. To Shareyn’s eyes she was the Sun itself, who had come down from the Gap above. Her very presence was akin to sunlight on a cold winter day, filling up the room with promise for warmth. Is she really the Sun? The Novice couldn't help but think to herself, as she carefully moved forward to leave the tray on the small table. Not impossible, considering how the Tower poked the Gap above. Maybe Moranna Sedai had crossed some time ago and people had forgotten about it. If everyone up there was like her, then Shareyn had no problem of letting them all come visit.

The Novice tried not to lose her focus as she was pouring the ivory-colored liquid from the porcelain pot. To her satisfaction, the overwhelming splendor of the golden-haired Aes Sedai did not break her concentration, and she managed to fulfill her tasks without an unwanted incident. Very carefully and gently, the Kandori girl took one of the porcelain cups and took her place across the Sun.

- You’re settling in well I trust, child? Tower life is an adjustment for most, certainly some more than others.

The question caught her off guard and she failed to hide the surprise that ran through her face. It was unusual to be asked things such as this. Lacing her thin fingers around the steaming cup, her voice spilled quietly across the table:

- I … I like it here. Moranna Sedai, - she hurriedly added the title, - It took some time to … get used to everything but I think I am in the right place ... now.

She shyly took a quick sip from the porcelain cup in order to hide her embarrassment of sounding so crude in her answer to the elegant Aes Sedai who was also a Queen. Are flowers trapped inside of it? The sudden thought forgotten, her gaze trailed off towards the huge window panes, elaborately decorated with delicate woodwork. Splashed in pale orange, the clouds trotted peaceful across the Gap above. For a second her mind followed their movement, diving into her past … into what was before.

It had been subtle but consistent. The flow of Sisters clothed in brown and yellow, and sometimes the occasional white and blue, had found the Kandori girl to be a peculiar case-study for their own theories and research. Before they arrived at the Tower, Idir had explained to her that this might happen but Shareyn was not prepared for what followed. She would spend several hours per day repeating over and over again what she thought had transpired in that house. Then, once each Sister had made sure that her notes were as thorough as possible, she would start throwing other questions at her. And at first the questions did not hurt. They threw them and Shareyn let them hit her, despite knowing it would hurt. She reveled in the attention, albeit coming across as confused and disoriented. As someone who had grown up knowing only two people and then having spent the last three years before the Tower with another two, she did not know how to behave. Afraid that her words might somehow insult the women she admired so much, she would recoil and bounce under the scrutiny of their gaze. That did not stop them, of course.

The meetings took place almost constantly, their intensity and length depending on each Aes Sedai’s personal interest in the case. The Aes Sedai who preferred the company of thinly sliced dead trees, wanted to know what she would do when she was hungry. How would she move. What clothes would she wear? Did she have a washing bassinet? It was the questions of the How. She would reply that adorning her body with the body of the house was fun but they would not understand her, continuing to emphasize on the How. The ladies who were adorned with white would ask about the Why. Why didn’t she try to run? Why did Mother feed her emptiness? They would mostly ponder on why Mother did what she did. Sometimes they would even forget she was in the room and have long conversations between themselves during which Shareyn was forced to listen about what they thought would have been a better or worse case scenario. Lastly, there were those who liked to help and heal. They would ask both of the Brown’s How and the White’s Why.

- They kept poking me like needles. - she looked down at her hands, - Always prodding. Always asking. Always searching. I am not sure what for. It is not of me that they ask. Definitely not me.

It was then when the questions thrown at her started hurting. Because they weren’t really questions about her. They were about other things. What had happened and how did it happen, or why did it happen. How would she behave from now on. Some of the Aes Sedai still observed her but from afar, and she was glad that they did not approach. She wanted them to, of course, but they were different from Avyanna Sedai. The visits to her office were nothing compared to how the others made her feel. Invisible. Idir had warned her, long time ago, about being invisible.

"People, she said, are afraid of truly seeing people. They see and recognize titles and names. They bow to them and serve shackled in their own fear. An Aes Sedai is her shawl, her oaths, her ring… I am Idir Sedai but to the rest of the people I am the Sedai part of myself before being Idir. And that would never change. Idir is what adorns the Aes Sedai. Not the other way around."

A quiet shuffling from across the table made her snap out of her almost trance-like state and turn her big eyes towards Moranna Sedai. How long had she stared out of the window? Embarrassment flushed her cheeks red again and she looked at her feed but added softly:

- They ask of things that were. And things that are, or will be. But never of me. Not really.

She wondered. Did Moranna Sedai feel the same way too? Just like Idir? Not only an Aes Sedai but also the Mother Queen of Andor. It seemed a heavy burden for one single person to shoulder.

- Thank you for asking about me, Moranna Sedai … I … I am grateful that you did not ask of things, but of me.

[Avyanna Sarat]

As the Mistress of Novices left her hawks, she felt that she was becoming very close with Elonwy. The Accepted had a chip on her shoulder the size of the Stone of Tear, but she was unpredictable, and that had been a concern for some time. Recruitment was going much slower than Moghedien would like, but the head of the Black Ajah was not about to jeopardize everything she had worked for by rushing. The Dark Mother urged her to do more, but Avyanna could tell that she appreciated the caution as well.

As the tiles under her feet became white in color, she began to glide a touch faster down the halls. Seeing Moranna was always a pleasure, and she relished having her back in the tower where she could enjoy her again.

She heard voices on the other side of the door but entered without knocking. The two had no secrets. Well, Moranna had no secrets from Avyanna. She made certain of that.

It was good to see Shareyn seated comfortably in conversation. Normally, Avyanna wouldn’t approve of that from a Novice, but if anyone could crack the mind of that addled one, her lovely white was the one to do it. The girl was still somewhat of a mystery to her even after five years.

“Good morning, child.” She said. “It is a pleasure to see you, but I believe you must hurry back to the kitchens before you are missed.”

The girl’s startlement as she leapt to obey was amusing and Avyanna grinned over her head to the vision in white still seated, as Shareyn curtsied and made her departure.

Moranna was a lovely sight as always. Her soft and flowing gown hugged and hinted at all Avyanna’s favorite places.

The open window let in a slight breeze and she was disappointed that did not reach the golden halo of her lover. Hair like that should be caressed.

Embracing the source, she wove the thinnest flows of Air and obliged herself, showing the breeze what it had missed. The threads hugged the soft waves of her mane before finding a purpose. She used the Air to tuck some stray strands behind one ear, as she approached the still seated queen. The threads gently stroked the White’s cheek, before slipping down to lift up her chin.

Avyanna was now standing over her and slid her hand in to replace the flows as she released the One Power.

“Good morning, ruler of my heart.” She murmured leaning down for a kiss.

Avyanna's slurred speech always sounded like a purr, and that effect seemed to intensify with pleasure.

(Dress Inspo)

[Moranna Trakand]

Moranna watched the distant look steal over Shareyn’s face as she spoke of the various sisters who had paid her, and her situation, mind since arriving at the Tower. Surprisingly, it seemed she had touched the girl with her inquiry. A malleable young thing then. That was for the good, for her and for the Great Lord. She had no skill at warmth or comforting, so instead she merely inclined her head at the novice’s comment.

And then Avyanna blew into the room like the tradewinds off Ebou Dar. Exotic, simmering heat, with the heady scent of spices and florals entwining her senses. The Mistress of Novices commanded the room with sheer presence. Moranna hardly blamed the child for her swiftness in following her order. She gave a polite nod to the girl as she bustled from the room, promising further talks in the future, but her eyes were full of Avy.

The emerald green of her velvet gown today contrasted spectacularly with golden caramel of her skin, as it was meant to. The woven belt around her waist accentuated the curve of hips that Moranna yeared to grasp and pull to her. The deep neckline framed clavicles and and decolletage she longed to run kisses across, warming her lips against the fire that was her lover. If she was the Winter Queen, Avyanna was Mistress of Flame, melting away her walls of ice and setting her soul on fire with look and touch.

She sat rod straight, outwardly composed as Avy opened herself and embraced the Source, saw the flows of Air as they wound around her, caressing. She thrilled as her warm hand replaced the cool wind and drank in the scent and taste that was Avyanna Sarat as they kissed.

“You,” she murmured in return, a growl in her own throat, “are making me want to return to bed and I’ve only just risen.”

A rare grin bloomed over the rim of her tea cup, a porcelain hand gesturing to the decadent spread of cakes and tarts before them.

“Sit, my love. Break your fast with me and talk of things that will distract my mind from the thought of you. While a day beside you is never wasted, we’ve duties that likely would not appreciate the neglect.”

[Avyanna Sarat]

Avyanna's lips twinged with regret at the end of their contact. Releasing her lover was almost as difficult as releasing the source. However, the regret was immediately replaced by a sultry smile at the other woman's words and she let out a delighted chuckle thinking how inciting going back to bed was for both of them.

“Sit, my love. Break your fast with me and talk of things that will distract my mind from the thought of you. While a day beside you is never wasted, we’ve duties that likely would not appreciate the neglect.”

She swept around the table and took her seat, obedient to her queen. The spread before them looked as inviting as the twinkle in Moranna's eyes and she added a pastry to the empty plate in front of her before pouring herself a cup of tea. 

"No rest for the wicked."

She pretended to pout, stirring in a lump of sugar and a dash of cream.

"I am pleased to see your conversation with young Shareyn seemed to be going well. The girl is strange, but potentially useful. Unfortunately the Great Lord has not been overly pleased of late. The mutual bonding ceremony approaches and he is determined that we must find a way to stop it. My dreams have been - difficult recently."

She shuddered slightly, trying to cover the involuntary movement with a sip of tea. Avyanna had never spoken to the Dark Lord of course, but Moghedien, the dark mother, spoke for him as Nae'blis, and she was very displeased. Though the delegation had created an opportunity to redistribute a few objects of power into the right hands, her punishment for allowing it to occur had still taken place and she wished to avoid a similar or worse fate in the future.

[Moranna Trakand]

Moranna’s eyes followed the fluid movements of her arms, hips, and waist as Avyanna sat across from her. The woman moved like silks in the wind, bright and beautiful. A warm wave of pleasure spread through her as she noted Avy’s choices of pastry, sugar and cream. She’d anticipated her desires accurately and that always brought a flitter of joy to Moranna’s heart. She so rarely read others’ needs accurately, it was a point of pride that she understood at least her lover well.

Her mock pout drew eyes to her lips, which brought a return of the thoughts of laying abed all the hours of the day, but Avyanna’s words soon brought Moranna’s brain back to business. She sipped at her own tea, letting the unsweetened sharpness bring her mind to focus. Golden brows drew together a fraction at the mention of dreams and the unmistaken shiver it sent along her bronzed skin.

“The novice is… unconventional, but it seems that asking after her well being had a profound impact on her. You know as well as I do that I am hardly one to be good with the children, but it pleases me that our Lord will be pleased by her seeming attachment to me. Given her unorthodox upbringing, I don’t believe she has many notions of the Light and the Shadow and, as such, it should not be difficult to argue the virtues of serving the Great Lord. Perhaps I will be to her as your own Dark Mother was to you.”

Rationally, Moranna saw the perfect sense in this arrangement, but the thought still left a slightly sour taste in her mouth. She did not feel jealousy towards the relationship Avy shared with the Spider, she understood their roles as matron and student. Yet, the thought of anyone visiting abuses upon her beloved sparked a flame of anger in her that rivaled the infamous tempers of the Trakand women before her. Another sip of tea to allow a moment for that flame to die under the cool implacable glacier of her logical brain.

“If the Bonding Ceremony is allowed to proceed as planned, it will unify the two Towers better than any diplomatic measures could, this is true. The Mother and M’Hael would have very tangible stakes in continuing peace between them. The Towers unified would present an obstacle to the Shadow that it has not seen since the peace following the Last Battle. Still, allowing it to come near completion, destroying it at the last possible moment, is an opportunity. What better way to turn Sisters against the Asha’man and vice versa than a betrayal of that trust? There are at least as many distrusting of the other faction as there are those who wish to see the unification. Timed correctly, we could light the spark that could burn them both to the ground.”

Moranna sipped again from her tea, cool as the breeze blowing through the open window. For all the world as if she had not just spoken of starting a catastrophic civil war.