The Wheel of Kin: A Daughter's Journey

Caged

The Aes Sedai camp was bustling with activity. Aes Sedai and their warders moved through the camp, tending to their various duties. Lan crossed the camp with his saddlebags, his eyes scanning the area until he spotted Nynaeve standing alone on a hill. There was a tension between them, unspoken words hanging in the air. Lan hesitated for a moment but decided to continue to where Moiraine Sedai and Elara were engaged in conversation with Kerene Sedai.

Kerene Sedai addressed Elara, her tone measured. "The Amyrlin Seat has requested your return to the White Tower, Elara."

Elara let out a bitter laugh. "More like summoned, as if I have a choice." She knew the Amyrlin Seat wouldn't be pleased with her actions during their journey.

Moiraine was slightly bothered by the information but decided to table it for later, interjected to change the subject. "We appreciate your assistance, Kerene Sedai. We wish to meet the man who is calling himself the Dragon Reborn."

Kerene nodded, her eyes lingering on Elara for a moment. "Logain has amassed an army of followers. He's so strong we have been shielding him in pairs."

They make their way into the cave where Liandrin Sedai and Alanna Sedai are shielding Logain.

Liandrin Sedai was quick to voice her opinion. "We should gentle him immediately. It's the only way to ensure the safety of the world."

Moiraine raised an eyebrow, her objections clear. "That's a grave decision, and it should be made by the Amyrlin Seat, not by us."

Elara, however, was determined to assist. "I can lend my strength as well. It's the least I can do."

Moiraine turned to her, her voice firm. "Elara, it is not safe for you to be anywhere near Logain. The risks are too great."

Kerene, Liandrin, and Alanna all voiced their agreement with varying levels of insistence. Elara's pleas and protests fell on deaf ears as they threatened her to leave the cave where they were holding Logain. The Aes Sedai were resolute, unwilling to change their stance.

As Elara left the cave, her disappointment was palpable. She couldn't believe the Aes Sedai were so insistent on keeping her away from Logain, especially when she believed her ability to dream walk would be of great use. With heavy steps, she sought out Lan, her heart still heavy with the tension that had unfolded.

She found him outside the cave, working on sword forms with Stepin, Kerene's Warder. Their conversation was seemingly casual, but Elara could sense the undertone of men pressing each other for knowledge. Stepin commented on Nynaeve, noticing the tension that had grown between her and Lan. Elara now settled behind a tree, couldn't help but eavesdrop on the conversation.

Lan, ever vigilant, noticed her eavesdropping and decided to have some fun. He cleared his throat, and Elara jumped slightly, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink.

"Uh-hm," Lan began, a ghost of a smirk playing on his lips.

Elara tried to save face with a sheepish smile. "I was just taking a quick nap, you know, us dream walkers, we can never have enough sleep."

Lan raised an eyebrow, his amusement showing in his eyes. "Alright, then. Come, let's find you a quiet place to rest."

Elara quickly jumped to her feet. "Actually, I think I am fully rested. I'm going to go for a walk," she said, casting a playful glance at Stepin. "Nice swordwork, Stepin! Lan here needs the practice." She patted Lan's chest before walking away, leaving the two men with raised eyebrows and amused expressions.

Inside the cave, the dim light cast deep shadows across the rugged walls. Moiraine and Alanna maintained their focus on the One Power shield that imprisoned Logain. It was a challenging task, for they could not see the intricate weaves as they formed around the self-proclaimed Dragon Reborn. "I mean, I always knew women couldn't see men's weaves, but the experience itself, it's..." both chuckling "It's like holding a cat in the bath."

It was during this quiet but intense effort that they engaged in a conversation about the unique intricacies of their roles as Aes Sedai. "I presume Kerene has asked you to use our friendship to get information out of me," Moiraine suggests. "Not for a day or two still. When you're expecting it less." Moiraine smiles, "Subtle. You could have easily been Blue Ajah." Alanna laughs. "Please. One Warder would never do." 

 "When I chose Green, I thought it was so heroic. It is said that the Battle Ajah stands ever prepared for the Last Battle. I've always believed that I'll live to see the end of this Age. I can feel it approaching."

Moiraine nodded, recognizing her friend's unyielding commitment to the Green Ajah's purpose. "I'm glad we'll have your strength on our side." Alanna interjects with worry "I know the last one broke this world, and we can't let that happen again, but what if the Dragon is supposed to be there with us, but we've let the Reds gentle him?" Moiraine nodded in agreement.

Alanna turned the conversation towards Elara, her curiosity piqued.

"So, Moiraine, how is it to have a teenager in your old age?" Alanna inquired with a wry smile. Moiraine chuckled softly. "An adventure every day. "

While they talked, Logain made a desperate attempt to break his shield. A glowing cage of light expanded, but Moiraine and Alanna combined their efforts to force it back inside him, reinforcing the shield. His futile struggle served as a reminder of the threat he posed and the importance of keeping him cut off from the One Power.

Moiraine couldn't help but express her concern about Elara. "I'm worried she might try to enter Logain's dreams while she sleeps. She's that persistent."

Alanna reassured her, "Don't worry, Moiraine. Our shield is tight. Nothing will come in or out."

Moiraine's gaze remained fixed on the shielded man. "But you know how persistent she can be. If she sets her mind to it, I fear she might find a way."