The Wheel of Kin: A Daughter's Journey

Fragments of a bond

The night was quiet in the White Tower, its grand halls bathed in moonlight. Little Elara lay nestled beneath her blankets in her bedroom, her dark curls spilling over the pillow. At seven years old, she was a bundle of energy during the day, but her dreams had taken a darker turn tonight. She tossed and turned, her small body restless, her brow furrowed in fear.

Suddenly, she woke with a start, her heart racing from the nightmare that clung to her thoughts like cobwebs. Breathing heavily, she reached for the glass of water on her bedside table, her hands trembling. But in her panic, her fingers fumbled, and the glass slipped from her grasp, crashing to the ground with a loud shatter.

The sound echoed through the room, and Elara's wide eyes filled with fear as she realized what had happened. Tears welled up, and she tried to get out of bed to clean it up before anyone noticed. But as her bare foot touched the floor, she stepped on a shard of glass, the sharp pain cutting through her like a knife.

A sharp cry of pain escaped her lips, and she crumpled to the floor, clutching her foot. Blood smeared across the smooth stone tiles, her tears falling freely now.

In another part of the Tower, Siuan Sanche, stirred in her sleep. The bond she shared with her daughter was strong, and even in her dreams, she felt a sharp tug of pain—Elara's pain. Her eyes flew open, her heart racing with sudden fear.

Beside her, Moiraine stirred, her voice soft and sleepy. "What is wrong?"

Siuan pressed a gentle hand against Moiraine's shoulder, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Go back to sleep, love. I'm just going to check on Elara," she whispered, her voice soothing despite the rising concern in her chest.

Moiraine sighed, her eyes fluttering closed again as she drifted back into sleep. Siuan slipped out of bed, grabbing her blue shawl, and quietly made her way down the halls to Elara's room.

When Siuan pushed open the door to Elara's room, her heart nearly stopped at the sight before her. Elara was sitting on the floor, her little body shaking with sobs with blood staining the ground around her.

"Light, whats happened?" Siuan rushed to her daughter's side, dropping to her knees beside her.

"I-I had a nightmare," Elara sobbed, her small voice trembling. "I dropped my water... I didn't mean to, Mama, I'm sorry."

Siuan's heart broke at the sight of her little girl so distressed. She wrapped her arms around Elara, holding her tightly against her chest. "Shh, it's alright, love. Don't worry about the glass. It's not important."

Elara sniffled, her tears slowing as she clung to her mother. "But my foot... it hurts."

Siuan pulled back just enough to look at Elara's injured foot. "Let me have a look, hmm?" Her voice was gentle, but inside she was frantic, her heart aching as she saw the cut.

She held Elara's foot carefully in her hands, channeling the One Power. The warmth of the weave spread through her fingers, and Elara's wound began to knit itself back together, the pain easing as the healing took hold.

"There," Siuan said softly, kissing Elara's forehead as she finished. "All better now."

Elara blinked up at her, her tear-streaked face relaxing as the pain disappeared. "Thank you, Mama."

Siuan smiled, brushing a few curls away from Elara's face. "You're so brave, love. But next time ask for help if you're hurt, alright? You come get me or mama, and we'll always help you."

Elara nodded, leaning her head against her mother's chest. "I'm sorry for waking you."

Siuan held her close, stroking her back soothingly. "You never have to apologize for needing me, Elara. I am always here for you, no matter what." She gently lifted Elara and carried her back to bed, tucking her beneath the covers.