Drabbles of life after 2 (Wheel of Time fanfiction)

WoTtober 2024 #20 SANCTUARY

Moiraine entered the patio with a grateful sigh. This was a balm on her weary person after a full day. She knew Thom would join her eventually, but give her ample time in privacy first.

She had taken to sitting in the deserted part of the palace some time ago. It needed a lot of work, but was hardly a priority with more important sections needed to be taken care of first, for expedient functioning of the country. There were still vines everywhere – ones that had taken over almost the whole place at some point. There were still some signs of the Blight that receded some time ago. It was relaxing for her coming to clean the patio, by hand, from the remaining dark, oily vines to make ample space for the green, lively ones.

When the Aiel brought the chora tree seedling, Moiraine started taking her bracelet off for the time of sitting there. It seemed fitting and she had to admit she felt much better that way. She really started to feel at home when the tree grew bigger and stronger. She remembered all the still stress-free days from her youth spent in the shade of Avendoraldera before Laman became king and some part of her body seemed to remember its state from that time. Even Thom remarked at how it made her feel different, pleasantly so.

There was also something changing within her, she could feel, the longer she spent by the tree. She had no idea what it was, but she liked it nonetheless.

Others seemed to recognize this patio as almost her private garden and as such not many people entered the place. The royal gardener made sure to leave a barrel of water close, but it was Moiraine who watered the chora.

The location of the patio was a curious one. It offered plenty of light streaming through the single opening in the walls of other towers. Perfectly planned by the original architect, no doubt. A spark of genius, as admitted even by the ogier delegation.

And while Loial and Erith were pouring over what plans and blueprints of the original designer could be found to revitalise the place, Moiraine was happy to enjoy peace and tranquillity that she gained by just being there every day.