Drabbles of life after

Day 20 SISTER

WoTtober 2023 #20 SISTER

"Where are we going first?" Thom asked her several days ago, when they were leaving the city of Cairhien and Moiraine barely answered.

They haven't left Cairhien and he doubted they were supposed to during this trip. They rode west, stopping at various inns, but Moiraine was dragging. If she kept going slower, they would stop altogether before they reached the border. He felt her get more and more apprehensive until one day she stopped in front of a wooden gate seemingly in the middle of a dense forest. He was just following by now.

"Maybe you should come in."

Moraine tensed at the sound of a woman's voice. It was a small short lady on a beautiful horse that managed to surprise them from behind.

"I wasn't sure if you were home." Thorn had to smile at the twisted words. "And it seems I was right to worry."

The woman snorted and rode inside. "Now that you know, just follow me. I guess you might have forgotten the layout. You've failed to visit in the last decade."

"I was busy."

"Oh, I've heard a lot lately. Seems like you were really busy a year ago, then nothing. Where, pray, have you been after maiming your own city?"

"We can just go," Thom said, resisting the urge to growl. "There was an inn close by."

"Do not be ridiculous," the woman scoffed. "You're here already and that inn is far below any standard. You might as well sleep with the horses. Or pigs."

"We'll stay here." Moraine managed to say that before Thom bristled. She was cold and closed off and he longed for a moment alone to gather her into his arms. "Thank you, Anvaere, for your hospitality."

"You've presented me already to your companion," the woman said after they reached the small yard and dismounted, leaving the horses to stableboys. "You would extend me the courtesy of informing, who I will be housing under my roof? Doesn't look like a warder, really, so..."

Moiraine shook her head a little, just for his benefit. "This is Thorn Merrilin, sister. My husband and, yes, wander. Whatever he looks like, whatever whoever thinks..."

"Morgase's court bard?" Anvaere asked incuriously. "This is supposed to be the great bard of Andor? And even if... Couldn't you have chosen anyone less suitable than... him?"

The last word stung, Thom had to admit, but Moiraine put a hand on his arm before he could react. Then it hit him that she called him her husband first. He couldn't stop grinning and those feelings bounced to Moiraine and back. They walked behind Anveare, who was grumbling while giving orders to her, frankly meagre, staff.

"So..." he whispered, "this is your sister."

"One of them! Moraine grumbled. "Just don't let her get to you. Her bark is much worse than her bite. But don't underestimate her also. For she does bite occasionally."

"I'll remember."

Thankfully he and Anveare seemed to be of one mind who to protect.