The Wheel of Kin: A Daughter's Journey

The Beginning of the Ways

Tears welled in Moiraine's eyes as the weight of her recent judgment lingered, but duty compelled her to press forward. Mounted on her horse, she led the group through the wilderness until they reached a clearing dominated by a large structure.

Loial, the Ogier, emerged with Perrin and Egwene, while Lan, Mat, Rand, and Nynaeve approached from another direction. The Two Rivers Five exchanged smiles and hugs, joyous to be reunited. However, the absence of Elara did not go unnoticed.

Moiraine and Lan exchanged a knowing look, deciding not to divulge the fate of Elara. Instead, they explained that she was needed at the White Tower. Moiraine, her voice carrying a hint of sorrow, added, "It was out of my hands."

The group embraced the moment, with Rand and Perrin, Egwene and Mat, and Nynaeve and Perrin sharing heartfelt reunions. Laughter and smiles permeated the air, momentarily pushing aside the shadows of uncertainty.

Moiraine intervened, signaling the need to move forward.

"There will be time for every story as we travel," she assured them.

Despite the joyous atmosphere, Moiraine, once again, cut the reunion short.

"Go on," she whispered as the horses galloped away, leaving the group in the clearing.

"What are you doing?" Mat questioned, his uncertainty palpable.

"They would not survive the Ways," Loial explained.

"Egwene and I told them what the Amyrlin said. But none of us will follow you blindly. Not without answers to our questions," Nynaeve stated firmly.

"We've all heard of the Ways in stories, but none of us know what they are," Rand admitted.

"Ancient pathways, out of time and space. One step in the Ways could be a hundred miles in our world. One breath the equivalent--" Loial began to explain.

"It's the fastest road to the Eye of the World," Moiraine interrupted.

"And what's there, at the Eye?" Egwene inquired.

"The Dark One's prison. Where he was trapped by the last Dragon at the cost of almost everything. And now one of you will finish the job you started in your previous life," Moiraine revealed.

"But you don't know who the Dragon is," Rand observed.

Moiraine couldn't promise them certainty.

"When we left the Two Rivers, I told you nothing because I couldn't trust you. But now I know you and I... Let me speak clearly. If we turn back here, if we do not stop the Dark One now while he is still weak, the whole world will turn to darkness. Armies of Trollocs and Fades a million strong will wash across the land, killing and eating every person they find. What they did to your village is nothing compared to what they will do. The earth itself will burn. And when a new Age comes, it will be built upon the ashes of the places and people we love," Moiraine explained passionately.

"And what about whoever's not the Dragon? What happens to them?" Egwene pressed.

"... We cannot know for certain until that moment comes," Moiraine admitted.

Approaching the Waygate, Moiraine channeled the One Power, weaving open the door to the Ways. Darkness, stone, and lightning greeted them.

"There's no turning back. Whatever happens now is beyond our control. The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills," she declared.

She stepped forward into the Ways, and the others followed. Lan and Loial led the way, Moiraine's voice echoing in the darkness.

"Light the torches," she instructed.

As the group moved forward, the gate began to close, leaving Mat on the other side.

"Wait. Mat!"

"Mat!"

"What are you doing? Come on, Mat!"

"The gate's closing!"

"Mat!"

Rand, Egwene, Nynaeve, and Perrin called out to him, but the gate closed on them.

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In the depths of the White Tower, Elara emerged from the silver arches, her form drenched in blood, a testament to the sacrifice she had made within the enigmatic confines. Memories flooded her consciousness, echoes of Ishamael's seductive promises lingering in her mind like haunting whispers.
"The Dark offers power, certainty, and freedom from the burdens that shackle you. Embrace it, and you shall be free...The only way you leave here is with the promise of your cooperation..." his words echoed within her, a chilling reminder of the choice she had made.

A pact with the forces she once opposed, a sacrifice for the greater good of the world and the people she held dear. The weight of her decision settled on her shoulders, and Elara, covered in blood, stood alone in the chamber, grappling with the consequences.

As realization dawned, she whispered to herself in an attempt to anchor her thoughts, "I must warn the others... I must tell them." The urgency of her revelation spurred her into action, but footsteps approached the chamber. With quick thinking, Elara channeled the One Power, teleporting herself into her private bedroom chambers, leaving behind only a puddle of blood where she had stood.

Meanwhile, the Amyrlin Seat, Siuan Sanche burst through the doors of the chamber, her expression a mix of concern and determination. The sight of blood and the absence of her daughter left Siuan with a sense of foreboding. Unbeknownst to her, Elara, having escaped the immediate scrutiny, quietly moved within her room. She washed off the blood from her skin and swiftly packed a small satchel with essential belongings.

Elara moved with purpose, navigating the White Tower discreetly. Her destination: the Amyrlin Seat's study. In the quietude of the study, she consulted the maps of the Waygates, noting crucial details for her journey to the Eye of the World. Time was of the essence, and Elara was determined to catch up with the others before it was too late. The fate of the world rested on their shoulders, and she bore the burden of knowledge that could tip the scales in their favor. With resolute determination, Elara pressed forward, her path intertwined with destiny and the unfolding tapestry of the Pattern.