(no subject)

[theravenboy]

[An hour or two after this:]

Bran has found a plain chamber on the ground floor of the castle, with a window that faces a long descending hillside and then the wide blueness of the sea. He rests his hands on the cool stone of the wall, but otherwise he stands straight, unthinkingly regal, as he thinks through the speech he must give this evening.

A white and gold scabbard, holding the crystal sword Eirias, is belted to Bran's trousers.

When the Summer Country murmurs into his mind that someone has entered the land, Bran startles, but he realises it is Moiraine and relaxes almost at once.

Comments

[blue_ajah]

Strangely, Moiraine hesitates, then shakes her head.

"I did not say it was not your choice to make, Bran-- although there are some few whose choices are more constrained by the Pattern than others, as it weaves around them. But I am certain that there is a reason for it, all the same."

[theravenboy]

"We could not last much longer as we were," Bran answers slowly. "Neither I nor the Old Ones. If I am meant to hold the kingdom for the long term..." He turns to the window to look out upon the (his?) land.

[blue_ajah]

"Or at the very least, a longer term than you may once have expected," she amends, smoothly.

There is no sign of her racing thoughts visible in her outward composure.

"This change-- although unexpected, as you have said-- is something of a strength, where strength is greatly needed."

[theravenboy]

"We do need it," Bran agrees, "but I will have to pay later."

He shivers, fighting off sudden exhaustion. It occurs to Bran, belatedly, that he hasn't slept in more than a day, and since yesterday morning he encountered a wolf, planned defences for the Castle, and removed Eirias from its resting place.

[blue_ajah]

The Aes Sedai's eyes narrow as she studies him.

"And the more so, I think, if you do not rest now," Moiraine informs him. "Can you do so unaided?"

[theravenboy]

"Yes, I can manage that much." Bran's lip twitches. "I suppose that if I do not go willingly, you will take stronger measures?"

[blue_ajah]

"I would prefer that it not be necessary," she replies.

It is a clear answer, as it happens. Clear enough. Quietly, Moiraine adds,

"Light illumine and protect you, Bran. Rest. I shall do what I may here, then seek answers where they might be found."

[theravenboy]

Bran says, "Thank you, Moiraine," and goes to find his neglected bed.