Drabbles of life after

Day 13 PEACE

WoTtober 2023 #13 PEACE

Peace. Everyone was so flaming happy and relieved despite the overwhelming grief. Conflicting emotions warred within him too, when he looked around. It felt strange thinking about all the nations at peace. Thom didn't doubt the Aiel will have a hard time keeping the status quo as soon as everyone managed to cool down and rebuild a little.

He looked to Moiraine, who felt like nothing like now. She looked peaceful - a perfect Aes Sedai peace and composure on her face. Numb inside. Every fibre of her body tired to the point of collapse. They have spent the last two hours in Mayene, where she drew heavily on her healing talent. He tried to help, carrying linen or refreshments until one of the working sisters asked him to sing. A hint of peace visited Moiraine then before she focused on healing again.

He took her back almost forcefully before she collapsed. A designated sister opened a gateway to Merrilor for them, but a wide eyed young manthere directed them to Cairhien and they just followed. He could read nothing through the bond and knew Moiraine was hanging by a thread – better feeling nothing then overwhelming despair that made itself known several times. Even that she was still able to keep under control most of the time.

Moiraine was perfect, while they were walking the halls to the room Elayne designated for them.

"Sit down," he said, when they were finally left alone, although the lack of response didn't really surprise him.

Before he could push her down, Elayne rushed through the door.

"I'm so happy you're here," she said, hugging first Thom, then taking Moiraine's hands. "I was told you went to help with healing and couldn't... well, I could go back here, but I was worried. I'm glad you made it. It's so good to have you here, aunt Moiraine. I hope you're good in this room, but if you'd prefer any other, you need just ask and..."

Had he no bond, he would have thought Moiraine was happy even. "This one is perfectly lovely, my dear."

Thom's ears perked at that. It was not a casual endearment. A warmth started pooling into Moiraine, filling what was, up till now, a numbness. He couldn't help but smile, feeling peace from her at last, when Elayne moved his beloved's palms to rest on her protruding stomach.

Maybe this peace would last at least until Moraine fell asleep.