The Wheel of Kin: A Daughter's Journey

Unspoken Comfort

 In the dimly lit room, Moiraine lay fast asleep, her features softened in slumber. Elara, her thoughts heavy with the weight of secrets and nightmares, gently eased herself out of her mother's embrace.

She moved silently through the room, her bare feet barely making a sound on the stone floor. The door opened with a soft creak, and Elara stepped into the corridor, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. Her destination was clear - the figure of al'Lan Mandragoran, standing sentinel outside their door.

Lan turned to her as she approached, concern etched into the lines of his face. "You should be resting, little one," he said softly, his voice a comforting rumble.

Elara's eyes met his, filled with a mixture of exhaustion and unease. "I cannot sleep."

Lan furrowed his brow, his gaze never leaving her. "And why is that?"

Elara hesitated, her throat tightening with unspoken fears. "Maybe it's the price for escaping the dream realm. Or for holding so many secrets."

As she spoke, Elara felt a swell of emotion building within her, threatening to spill over. She had tried to stay strong, to keep her tears at bay, but she couldn't hold them back any longer. The first tear fell, quickly followed by others, and soon she was crying, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

Lan wasted no time in wrapping his strong arms around her, pulling her close. He held her gently but firmly, offering the kind of comfort only a Warder could provide. "Shh, little one," he whispered soothingly. "It's alright. you are safe now."

Elara cried, her tears a release of the pent-up emotions that had haunted her. She cried for the nightmares that had tormented her, for the secrets that weighed heavily on her heart, and for the uncertainty of the future. In Lan's arms, she found solace, a safe haven where she could allow herself to be vulnerable.

As the minutes passed, Elara's sobs began to subside, replaced by a sense of calm. She rested in Lan's embrace, her breathing slowing as she regained her composure.

The next morning, Moiraine awoke with a start, her heart racing as she realized that Elara was not in her arms. Panic surged through her, and she rushed to the door of their room, throwing it open.

Her eyes immediately fell upon the sight that greeted her - Elara, nestled in Lan's arms, their faces bathed in the soft light of dawn. Moiraine and Lan exchanged a knowing look, understanding the unspoken bond they shared in their love and protection of Elara.

Moiraine stepped closer, her voice filled with both relief and gratitude. "What happened?"

Lan's gaze remained steady as he explained, "She couldn't sleep. She is holding onto too much guilt and secrets. I have never seen her so upset."

Moiraine's worry for her daughter was evident, but she nodded in understanding. She knew that Elara had been through a traumatic experience, one that had left her with scars both seen and unseen.

Gently, Moiraine reached out to stroke Elara's hair, a gesture of motherly affection and reassurance. "It's going to be alright, my love," she whispered, her words meant for both Elara and Lan.

As the morning sun bathed the room in warmth and hope, the three of them shared a silent understanding - their bond was unbreakable, and they would face whatever challenges lay ahead as a family, united by love and duty.