Missing and extended scenes of Wheel of Time - TV series

3x05 - Story C - Dinner at Cold Rock's Hold

Moiraine and the others eat with Rhuarc and his family.

Moiraine stood outside of Rhuarc's second wife's home, watching the Aiel. In Cold Rock's Hold, all Aiel lived in small caves, but Moiraine had noticed that Lian's home looked extremely comfortable. The Aiel woman and Rhuarc had shown Moiraine their home, while Bair had left with Egwene.

Also, Lan had left with Melindhra. Moiraine wondered how far away his cave would be from the Aiel woman. Since they had met Melindhra in that sweat tent, it was hard to see Lan without her. Did the woman know that Lan's heart was already taken by Nynaeve? Or did she hope Lan would change his mind and choose her?

And where was Rand? The last time, he had chased after Alsera, Rhuarc's great-daughter. Was he still playing with the children? Aviendha was probably already searching for him. Since Rhuidean, the former maiden of the spear had stayed close to the Dragon Reborn. Moiraine had no idea why the Aiel wanted her to be around him, but didn't dare to ask.

"Moiraine Sedai?"

Lian appeared beside Moiraine, placing a gentle hand on the Cairhien woman's back. The Aes Sedai couldn't stop herself from flinching, which didn't go unnoticed. Rhuarc's second wife removed her hand, but the smile stayed on her lips.

"You have nothing to worry about."

"What makes you think I'm worried?"

Moiraine cursed herself inwardly. Had she not been careful enough? Had she allowed her face to show her emotions?

Luckily, Lian wasn't offended. "Rhuarc told me that some of our people had some... trouble accepting you in the Three-Fold Land."

Moiraine's eyes moved to the entrance of the cave. Rhuarc had told his wife about his people recognizing her as a Cairhienen? What else did he tell her?

"Bair handled the situation. No one mentioned it since then."

Lian tilted her head questioningly. "Yet, here you are, looking bothered. If it's not our people, then what is on your mind?"

The woman of the Blue Ajah didn't believe Lian was trying to find out some secrets. She had been extremely friendly, welcoming Moiraine in her home. But Moiraine had never been good at talking to others. Even Lan got excluded from her inner thoughts sometimes. And right now... Moiraine had a lot to think about.

"There is always something on my mind." A movement caught Moiraine's attention. Rhuarc appeared with a carpet and some pillows. "What is he doing?"

Lian chuckled. "Well, you traveled a lot to come here. And we rarely have some guests here – especially Wetlanders. We'd like to invite you and your companions to a joint lunch. Aren't you hungry?"

Moiraine wasn't hungry. But it would be hard to explain to Lian that she was never a big eater. Besides, she didn't wish to insult their hosts.

"That's very thoughtful of you. Perhaps I should inform my companions about the invite."

But the roofmistress waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that. I got it all handled. Someone is already informing everyone as we speak."

So much for Moiraine's attempt to escape the situation. She smiled politely. "Wonderful."

Rand and Aviendha were the first ones to return. The Dragon Reborn looked like he wanted to strangle the redhead, who kept talking and talking. He threw a look at Moiraine, clearly begging her to save him, but Aviendha pulled him toward Lian. She introduced the sheepherder, who awkwardly tried to use the correct greeting movement. Since Aviendha grimaced behind his back, Moiraine assumed that Rand didn't get it right.