The Wheel of Kin: A Daughter's Journey

The Hills of Tanchico

❃

The sun had barely crested the canyon walls, casting golden light across the Aiel Waste. In the small stone room, Elara stood barefoot on the rug, pulling her hair into a quick braid while packing the last of her things into a canvas satchel. Her expression was focused, but there was a subtle buzz in her movements—anticipation tinged with worry.

A fresh tunic, her warding stones, two apples, and a blade tucked into her boot. Everything she needed for a quick trip to Tanchico and back.

Across the room, Moiraine lay stretched across her bedroll, half-covered in a light blanket. She had fought sleep most of the night and was only now beginning to let herself rest. Her face was paler than usual, the shadows beneath her eyes darker.

Elara glanced over at her, worry flickering behind her stern brow. "You're tired."

Moiraine didn't open her eyes. "I'm fine."

Elara walked to her side and crouched down beside the bed. "I can stay with you while you sleep for a little while. Maybe it's time I helped shield your dreams, for a change."

A small, tired smile played on Moiraine's lips. She reached out and gently squeezed Elara's hand. "I'll be alright love. I don't think I'll sleep much anyway... knowing you're going to Tanchico."

Elara rolled her eyes softly, but the affection in her voice was unmistakable. "I'll be fine, Mum. Hopefully, they haven't gotten themselves into too much trouble already."

Moiraine raised an eyebrow, cracking one eye open. "That sounds dangerously like famous last words."

Elara grinned faintly. "Probably."

Moiraine's fingers tightened slightly. "How long will you be gone?"

"Not long," Elara said as she stood, slinging the bag over her shoulder. "Just for the day. I should be back by nightfall."

Moiraine sat up a little, resting her weight on her elbows. "See that you are."

Elara stepped closer again and bent down to press a soft kiss to her mother's cheek. "Love you too."

Moiraine smiled faintly, brushing her fingers through Elara's braid. "Stay safe, little bird."

Elara huffed with exaggerated exasperation. "You and Mother with the pet names—when will it ever stop?"

Moiraine's voice was soft but firm. "You'll always be my little bird. Whether you like it or not."

Elara paused at the door, the corner of her mouth lifting. She looked back, locking eyes with her mother for just a moment—long enough for the unspoken weight between them to pass silently in the space between.

Then she turned, raised her hand, and channeled.

A portal shimmered open—blue and gold edged with glimmering air—and she stepped through.

The portal sealed behind her with a sigh, and Moiraine was alone.

She lay back down, her hand still resting on the blanket where Elara had just been.

For a long time, she stared at the ceiling, thinking of rivers and rings and the little girl who used to fall asleep with her head on her lap.

Eventually, the weight of exhaustion pulled her under.

She opened her eyes to the scent of brine and the whisper of wind across jagged stone. The sky above was slate-gray. The waves crashed gently against the rocky shoreline, spraying cool mist into the air.