The Wheel of Kin: A Daughter's Journey

Farewells and Promises

The mid-morning sun cast long shadows over the city as final goodbyes were exchanged. Hugs were shared, hands clasped in farewell, and lingering glances were passed between those who had traveled so far together.

Mat pressed a drawing into Rand's hand. "Here, this is so my sisters don't forget what I look like."

Rand raised an eyebrow. "Ah."

Mat chuckled. "Yeah, it doesn't do me justice."

Rand smirked as he looked down at the sketch. "You look nothing like this."

Mat scoffed. "Right, well, it's not that bad."

Rand shook his head, then pulled Mat and Perrin into a tight embrace. They stood there for a moment, exhaling together, the weight of all they had endured pressing against them.

"I'm gonna miss you," Rand murmured.

Perrin sighed. "Be safe."

Mat grinned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "You know me."

Rand chuckled. "That's exactly why he said it."

Across the courtyard, the women exchanged their own goodbyes. Elara clasped Aviendha, Bain and Chiad's hands in their customary handshake, only to be surprised when they pressed a finely crafted knife into her palm.

"For safe keeping," Bain said solemnly.

Chiad nodded. "May your hand always be steady."

Elara bowed her head in gratitude. "Thank you. I will use it well."

She caught movement in her peripheral vision—Lan, standing a short distance away. Without hesitation, she walked over.

"I don't think I actually gave you a proper goodbye yesterday," Elara said, her voice soft but firm.

Lan regarded her, his expression unreadable. "You don't need to say goodbye to me, little one."

Elara stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. To her quiet relief, he returned the embrace. She whispered against his shoulder, "Thank you. For everything."

Lan nodded, then reached into his pocket, retrieving a hadori. He wrapped it twice around Elara's wrist and tied it securely.

"A reminder," he said as he adjusted it, "that you are stronger than the shadow."

Elara blinked rapidly, touched beyond words. Lan, ever the reserved warrior, surprised her further by placing a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

"Don't waste any more time with me," he murmured subtly tilted his head toward Moiraine, who stood at a distance, watching the farewells unfold.

Elara glanced toward Moiraine, then back at Lan. She gave him one last grateful smile before softly walking away.

Moiraine stood slightly apart from the others, observing the goodbyes with an unreadable expression. Elara moved to her side and quietly stood next to her. They did not speak at first—there was no need.

But Elara, attuned to the smallest details, noticed the faint shimmer in Moiraine's eyes. No one else would see it, but she did.

Without a word, Moiraine reached over and took Elara's hand, holding it gently in her own. She kept her gaze fixed ahead, unwilling to look at her daughter just yet, lest she lose her composure.

After a moment, Elara finally broke the silence. "For some reason, I thought saying goodbye this time would be easier." Her voice wavered slightly. "I wish we had more time."

Moiraine exhaled slowly and turned to face her. She lifted a hand and gently brushed her thumb over the tear that had slipped down Elara's cheek.

Elara swallowed hard, then leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her mother. Moiraine returned the embrace, holding her tightly.