(no subject)

[we_bring_hell]

You would need an advanced degree in Nonagesamics to realize that Harrowhark is ecstatically happy this morning, but even the layman can tell that her usual spikes are retracted somewhat. Not the spikes on her boots--Gideon liked these boots, and she has no intention of wearing anything else for a while. But the metaphorical spikes.

Aside from her boots she is back in her standard habit--black trousers, black long-sleeve shirt with the high collar. No gloves. Her hair is freshly cropped back to her scalp. Her face is painted with exceptional care, in what Harrow considers the sexiest pattern, because Harrowhark has opinions about things like that. This one is called The Chain and has considerable, immodest flourishes. She has edged the perimeter of the painted skull with midnight purples and deep blood reds, an even greater departure from propriety.

She is writing in her journal, and since she writes in code there is no way anyone can tell she has doodled One Flesh One End approximately one hundred times. She has been eating oatmeal, and by God she even ate the raisins.

Things are good. For now, for once, things are good.

Comments

[herald_ingress]

Ingress is relieved to see that Harrow is upright, not leaking blood sweat, and seemingly fine. Whether she will, without an advanced degree in Nonagesamics, notice the level of happiness her friend is experiencing remains to be seen, but she'll take well and whole.

"Hi, Harrow."

Wait, is that a bowl of oatmeal... that's been finished?

[we_bring_hell]

"Greetings, Lady Ingress," she says, inclining her head. "How do I find you?"

[herald_ingress]

"You find me well. How do you I find you? Aside from gorgeously made up - that purple and red work so well."

[we_bring_hell]

Her smile widens; which is to say, there was already a smile there. Her ears redden. "It is called The Chain."

"I am very well. My cavalier is here."

[herald_ingress]

"Oh, yes, I met Gideon! We had an incredible sparring bout out by the lake. She's really good."

She regards Harrow's widened smile a moment, picking up on her much less prickly than usual mood.

"I'm glad she's here, and I'm delighted you're very well."

[we_bring_hell]

She nods. "She is exceptional; perhaps the best cavalier to come out of the Ninth House in a thousand years," she says, with a not particularly hidden tinge of pride. "I am very fortunate."

"I am pleased the two of you were well-met."

[herald_ingress]

"She didn't like hearing that I put you in danger in London Below, but she didn't run me through with her rapier in the end, so I think it was all right."

[we_bring_hell]

"I assure you that her frustration was reserved for me," she says, wincing faintly. "For going into an unknown situation without her and then overextending myself."

"In truth, she was quite right." This is obviously not an easy thing for Harrow to admit. "I have every confidence in your ability, but I should not do such a thing without her again."

[herald_ingress]

"I completely agree. I had no idea what I was getting into when I brought a necromancer to a necropolis. How about if we include her on any future excursions, so that I don't inadvertently kill myself by letting you get damaged."

[we_bring_hell]

"That would be for the best," she says.

She wishes Gideon was here to hear how mature she's being. Maybe she could keep that in mind the next time she gets it into her head to tear off and protect beautiful dying maidens.

"None of her skills will be diminished on a living planet, and I shall be the safest creature in the Underside between the two of you."

[herald_ingress]

"Damn right, you will. She's skilled in keeping you from... 'collapsing under bones', I believe is what she called it?"

[we_bring_hell]

"I was resting," Harrow protests. "And very foresightedly encased myself in a protective sarcophagus of osseus material."

"Griddle panicked." Just because she hadn't come home in three days.

[herald_ingress]

"I thought she might be Griddle," she says, and her smile is kind. "You called me by that name when you were at your wooziest. I did wonder. Um. Listen."

She scrunches up her nose a little before continuing. "I kissed you on the temple because I tend to be overly emotional and demonstrative with people I care about, and I was really worried about you. I hope that didn't offend you."

[blue_ajah]

The Aes Sedai descends from upstairs, where she has spent the previous evening and overnight immured in her old study, planning things.

She pauses at the base of the steps, studying Harrow and taking in every nuance of her appearance, and then glides across the floor to her table.

"Harrow," she says. "Light illumine. How are matters with you?"

[we_bring_hell]

"Quite well," she says. "Quite well indeed. And yourself?"

[blue_ajah]

"I am pleased to hear it," she says, with a small, gentle smile.

"I myself am not unwell. I am considering reestablishing my study here."

[we_bring_hell]

She nods. "We have discussed its value as a retreat before."

"Gideon Nav has arrived at the bar," she says quietly. "I understand she made your acquaintance?"

[blue_ajah]

"Indeed," she agrees, to both statements.

"I suspect she does not know quite what to make of me, at least not yet, but I was glad - if surprised - to meet her here."

[we_bring_hell]

"As was I," she admits. "When she first arrived here we were not synchronized in time and it was..." She ponders the correct word, and settles on. "Unsupportable."

Even through the morning-after haze, guilt for the Fourth can still bite down hard.

[blue_ajah]

Dark eyes narrow slightly, at this, and Moiraine seats herself at Harrow's table without waiting for an invitation.

"When she first arrived," she repeats. "And now?"

[we_bring_hell]

"Now we are," she says, her smile obvious even through the paint. "And I have told her all."

And is, despite all expectations, still alive. "We are sworn to one another. One flesh, one end."

[blue_ajah]

"Harrow."

Moiraine is smiling, now.

"Light be praised. I am very happy for you both."

[we_bring_hell]

"I was certain she would kill me," she confesses. "Had convinced myself of it. I had no plan for... forgiveness."

[blue_ajah]

"It is sometimes easier to prepare for the worst than to allow oneself to believe in the best," she murmurs.

[we_bring_hell]

"We have agreed to remain here for some little while," she says. "I cannot deny myself the time to explore the information Palamedes shared, and to take advantage of the other lessons available; and for her part there is much she would like to learn from the warriors who frequent this place."

"Matters in Canaan House still stand on a knife's edge. We must be prepared." But it's we, now.