The Wheel of Kin: A Daughter's Journey

A Question of Crimson

It had been a few days since Moiraine, Rand, and the others had left for the Aiel Waste, leaving Elara and Elayne to the strict routine of the White Tower.

The late afternoon light filtered through the high windows of the novices' quarters, casting long shadows as Elara scrubbed at the stone floor beside Elayne, both of them armed with buckets of soapy water and stiff-bristled brushes. The scent of soap and damp stone filled the air.

Elayne let out an exaggerated sigh, pausing to push a loose strand of hair from her face. "You don't have to help me, you know." She glanced at Elara, who was furiously scrubbing a particularly stubborn stain. "What if you get in trouble?"

Elara huffed, sitting back on her heels for a moment. "I'll be fine. Plus, the quicker we finish, the quicker you're done."

Elayne smirked, flicking a few droplets of water at her. "You're avoiding the inevitable."

Elara grinned. "That too."

They were still laughing when suddenly, the faint murmur of voices echoed down the hall.

Elara lifted a hand, signaling for silence. "Shh."

Both girls froze, straining to listen. The voices were hushed, almost conspiratorial.

Elayne, ever curious, set down her brush and tiptoed to the door. She carefully peeked through the small gap, her breath hitching.

"It's Leane Sharif and Verin Sedai," she whispered.

Elara frowned. "What are they talking about?"

Elayne leaned in a little more, but the words were muffled, barely above a whisper.

A moment later, as if sensing eyes on them, Leane and Verin glanced up—right at Elayne.

Elayne yelped, ducking back into the room. "Hide! They're coming!"

Elara didn't hesitate. She wove a complex pattern of Air and Spirit, wrapping herself in an invisibility weave just as the door opened.

Leane and Verin entered, their expressions unreadable.

Before they could speak, a sudden noise echoed from outside—

Trumpets playing the royal march.
Horses whinnying.

Elara tensed beneath her weave, heart hammering.

Verin's gaze flicked to Elayne. "Huh. Elayne. If I'm not mistaken, that is your mother's coronation song, is it not?"

Elayne quickly grabbed the mop, trying to look casual. "It is, Verin Sedai."

Verin tilted her head. "And do you know what, in the Light's name, Queen Morgase is doing in Tar Valon?"

Elayne forced an innocent look. "I have no idea."

Verin and Leane exchanged glances.

Leane finally said, "Alright then. We'll leave you be."

They turned and left, closing the door behind them.

Elayne exhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her chest. "They're gone."

Elara let the weave unravel, shimmering back into view as she knelt by the bucket once more. "What did you write to your mother?"

Elayne hesitated, suddenly very focused on wringing out the mop. "Nothing! Just that I'm back at the Tower and doing well."

Elara narrowed her eyes. "Then why else would she be here?"

Elayne shifted on her feet. "I... may have also mentioned that you are, alive and well after the arches."