Missing and extended scenes of Wheel of Time - TV series

3x04 - Story A - A talk with the Wise Ones

Moiraine and Egwene are invited to eat with the Wise Ones.

Moiraine didn't know what she should have expected when Egwene told her that Bair and Melaine had invited them to their tent, but she had decided to go with it. She doubted Melaine had actually invited her since the woman seemed not to like Moiraine. The Aes Sedai didn't think it was because of her Cairhien nature, but because of not being an Aiel.

Lan had left their tent earlier to train with Rand, and Moiraine felt that they were still working out. She was also certain that the Malkieri enjoyed having someone to train. Those sessions weren't just to gain Rand's trust. Lan needed them just as much, so Moiraine had stopped complaining.

The two Wise Ones were already waiting for them when Moiraine and Egwene arrived. Bair was even smiling while Melaine's face stayed neutral.

"Welcome. Please, sit."

There were two pillows on the ground. Moiraine quickly chose the one opposite of Bair. There was no need to cause more trouble.

Luckily, Egwene didn't protest. She took the pillow next to Melaine. Perhaps she had also noticed that Melaine wasn't a big fan of Moiraine.

Suddenly, an Aiel entered the tent. He wore white robes like the ones that had brought the hot stones to the sweat tent. He brought a plate with food, placing it in the middle of the group.

Bair was the first to break the silence. "Here is water and shade, freely given. All here are welcome as first-sisters are welcome."

Moiraine smiled and nodded. Those two hadn't called her to have dinner with her. She and Egwene were there for a reason, and Moiraine wished to know why. Would the Wise Ones answer her questions now? Or would they send her away if she tried to speak?

"Is it only the Wise Ones who have servants?"

The Cairhien woman almost groaned at Egwene's question. Did she really think that was important? There were more important questions than that.

"They are Gai'shain, not servants," Melaine responded angrily.

Surprised, Moiraine raised an eyebrow. That woman had answered a question! A question Moiraine didn't care about, but it had been an answer! Were the Wise Ones only answering Egwene's questions, or would they allow Moiraine to speak as well?

"In the dance of spears, the most ji is given by touching an armed enemy without killing or harming in any way. Those who are touched become Gai'shain."

Gai'shain. Well, it was nice to have a name for those Aiel who wandered around completely dressed in white, but it was still not something Moiraine cared about. She decided to try her luck. But she had to be careful with her words. She didn't want to offend Bair, who was the one most likely to answer.

"You're very comfortable answering questions we have no interest in the answers to."

"What interests you, Aes Sedai?"

Apparently, Moiraine's words hadn't been as careful as she had thought when she heard Melaine's harsh answer, but at least, the woman hadn't told her to be quiet. It was a start, and Moiraine didn't think about stopping now.

"How you knew we were coming?"

Rhuarc hadn't been willing to tell her how they had known. He had always repeated that it was 'Wise Ones' business. Well, according to what Moiraine had heard by now, Bair and Melaine were Wise Ones. They should be able to give the appropriate answer. Especially, since no one had known about them going to the Aiel Waste. Rand had changed their plans, going to Tear in the last moment.