[pfsb]

[acrookedpath]

It is well past wǔ hour -- nearly noon, by the inn's reckoning -- when Wei Wuxian wakes back up to shuffle downstairs.

His robes are rumpled. He's secured his hair back in a simple, untidy ponytail, strands of hair ecaping from all sides. Muffling a yawn against the back of his hand, he bows to Madam Bar and asks for the strongest pot of tea she can provide -- he cannot sleep the whole day, after all, and he certainly must be awake for whenever Lan Zhan returns.

Not only does Madam Bar give him a pot of tea almost as big as his head, but it's accompanied by a hefty ceramic cup as large as two fists stacked together. Bold reds, greens, and golds swirl across one side to form an elegant wall of text: RISE AND SHINE, BITCHES.

He is still tired enough to find this absolutely hilarious, if his snickering is anything to go by.

Comments

[blue_ajah]

She has watched in silence the entire time, dark eyes intent and interest focused.

When he speaks, it is almost a surprise - but it is the last thing he says that is the most unexpected, as it happens.

"This is more than I had thought to hope for," she says. "Given our previous conversation. Thank you, Master Wei."

A beat.

"What should I be looking for, or expect to see?"

[acrookedpath]

"Don't thank me," he says shortly. "I still don't trust you. I trust my work, and I am curious to see what will happen if it is used elsewhere."

Besides, even if he does not trust Moiraine, squabbles ought to be put aside when an influx of angry ghosts is causing serious harm.

"These will send a wave of energy inward. If there has been any attempt at suppression, it will break over it as water on a rock. Tell me the shape, the color, any cracks in the suppression you might see -- it will only be brief and the the talismans will work only once, so commit it to memory quickly."

[blue_ajah]

"Very well," she says, evidently unruffled. Whatever thoughts or opinions she may have about his distrust - or the fact that he is providing aid despite it - she keeps hidden.

(It is possible that this could be a trap, she knows; that he could have constructed something that might send her to her death. She does not think it very likely, however, and some risks are work taking.)

"And if there has not been an attempt at suppression?"

She picks up the pile of talismans, taking care to ensure they remain in the same order he has placed them in, and begins to neatly stack them.

"I ask because if there is a chance that the wave of energy you describe might disturb or awaken that which lies within the pool, it would be best for all if I were properly prepared for it."

[acrookedpath]

If there has not been an attempt at suppression, he doesn't say, then you have much bigger things to worry about. Instead he scratches the back of his head with the pen, eyeing the blank talisman paper.

"This," he says, and recommences drawing: two talismans this time, nearly identical. He hands the first to Moiraine. "Place this in a safe haven." And the second: "Keep this one close. If the resentful energy stirs, activate it, and you will return to the place of the first talisman."

[blue_ajah]

Somewhere in the northwestern United States, there is an ominous rumble of thunder.

Since it is not in Milliways, however, it does not disturb this particular conversation. Moiraine nods and takes both talismans, careful to keep them separate and distinct.

She places her hand on the bartop and murmurs a soft request. Two redwell folders with overlapping covers appear, and she starts putting the talismans away, one set for each.

“Teleportation or portal transfer?” she asks, as she works. “Portals are within my weaving, in general, but it is not an instantaneous matter.”

[acrookedpath]

"Portals."

Trying to walk the line between taking care of the ghosts and not giving Moiraine too much information to use against him -- it is a delicate process. And it means Wei Wuxian is biting his tongue far harder than he normally would.

(Lan Zhan will probably get four hours straight of Wei Wuxian talking his ear off about theoretical talismans tonight, just to make up for it.)

[blue_ajah]

“I see,” she murmurs.

There are many more questions she would like to ask, but for now, it is enough. As a beginning, this is a fragile one... but it is a beginning all the same.

The Wheel weaves.

“I shall not trouble you further this day, Master Wei. There is much I need to do, it seems, and preparations to be made before I make the attempt.”

Including a call to Dale, at the very least. Moiraine suspects it would not be advisable to enter the grove without some negotiation with the Bookhouse Boys, and before that, an explanation is likely to be needed.

“I appreciate your assistance, and will look for you again on my return.”

[acrookedpath]

He inclines his head without taking his eyes off her, expression unreadable.

"Moiraine?" he says as she begins to rise.

[blue_ajah]

“Yes?” she replies.

[acrookedpath]

"Do not use my friends against me as you did."

Very readable now: a tight, simmering fury that has never been too far away throughout this conversation.

"Ever again."

[blue_ajah]

The Aes Sedai studies his expression, then inclines her head to him, very slightly.

“I understand.”

Hopefully it will not be necessary in the future, she thinks.

[acrookedpath]

Which, he knows, is not the same as a yes for someone oath-bound to speak the truth.

Well. Lan Zhan is already not fond of Moiraine after what Wei Wuxian told him. If she wishes to approach him and find out just how much they both dislike her --

Well.

He turns back to his tea without another word.

[blue_ajah]

She slips from the barstool and gathers up the folders, then nods to him in farewell and glides gracefully away, across the room toward the table she had left vacant before.

It does not take her long to collect her things. Very soon afterward, the front door closes behind her with a soft 'click.'