Page 32 (1/1)

"Is so you?" Elayne asked quietly

Aviendha kept her gaze on the distance "I have failed you," she said finally Her voice was flat, eateway properly, and all saw ht, and behaved worse than foolishly The Atha’an Miere ignoreyapping at their command I pretended I could make the Shadowrunner talk for you, but no Far Dareis Mai is allowed to question prisoners until she has been wed to the spear for twenty years, or even to watch until she has carried it ten I am weak and soft, Elayne I cannot bear to shaain, I will die"

Elayne’sAviendha’s are Aiel could be alht they were She did not really think Aviendha would jump off -- not really -- but she was not about to take any chances At least the other worossed in the to the Atha’an Miere, both hands tight on her braid and her face al, while they listened with conteuarded the Bowl, but Careane was atte to talk with the Kinswo uneasily and licking her lips, but Kirstian stood tre and silent, while Garenia’s eyes were squeezed shut Elayne kept her voice loay; this was none of their business

"You haven’t failed anyone, least of allyou’ve done has ever sha you do ever could" Aviendha blinked at her doubtfully "And you’re about as weak and soft as a stone" That had to be the oddest compliratified "I’ll bet the Sea Folk are scared silly of you, too" Another strange one; it made Aviendha smile, if only faintly Elayne drew a breath "As for Ispan " She did not like even thinking about this "I thought I could do as necessary, too, but just letting my mind dwell on it makes my hands sweat and my stomach roil I’d throw up if I even tried So we share that"

Aviendha n for "You startle h she said it was forbidden Apparently, being nearsisters ere learning to be ed that Except that it did not, really Aviendha seemed to think her explanation had been perfectly clear "I did not mean I could not," she said aloud, "only that I do not kno Likely I would have killed her, trying" Suddenly she shtly touched Elayne’s cheek "We both have weakness in us," she whispered, "but it brings no sha as only o know"

"Yes," Elayne said weakly She just did not kno! "Of course it doesn’t" This wolee the rappedinherhair into Aviendha’s hand "Use this in the circle" Letting the angreal go was not easy She had intended to use it herself, but smiles or no smiles, her friend’s spirits -- her nearsister’s spirits -- needed raising Aviendha turned the sure over in her hands; Elayne could alive it back "Aviendha, you kno it feels when you hold asalmost twice as much Really think of it I want you to use it Please?"

Perhaps Aiel did not show a great deal on their faces, but Aviendha’s green eyes widened They had discussed angreal, considering their search, but she probably never had thought what it would be like to use one before this "Twice as much," she ine This is a very great gift, Elayne" She touched Elayne’s cheek again, pressing her fingertips; that was the Aiel equivalent of a kiss and a hug

Whatever Nynaeve had to say to the Sea Folk, it did not take long She stalked away fro Elayne, she frowned equally at Aviendha and at the edge of the cliff Usually she denied her poor head for heights, but she kept them between herself and the drop "I have to talk to you," shethe hilltop And farther froh fro overheard She drew several deep breaths before beginning, in a low voice, and she did not look at Elayne

"I I’ve been behaving like a fool It’s that bloody ht in front ofelse, and when he is, I can hardly think at all! You you have to tellthe fool I depend on you, Elayne" Her voice stayed low, but her tone became almost a wail "I can’t afford to lose my wits in a man, not now"

Elayne was so shocked, she could not speak for ashe had been a fool? She alreen! "It isn’t Lan’s fault, and you know it, Nynaeve," she said at last She pushed away hts about Rand This was not the saht Tomorrow, Nynaeve would likely try to box her ears if she said Nynaeve was being foolish "Take hold of yourself, Nynaeve Stop behaving like a giddy girl" Definitely not thoughts of Rand! She had not beenover him that badly! "You’re an Aes Sedai, and you are supposed to be leading us Lead! And think!"

Folding her hands at her waist, Nynaeve actually hung her head "I’ll try," she h I I’ue Nynaeve, apologizing on top of the other? Nynaeve, abashed? Maybe she was ill

It did not last, of course Abruptly frowning at the angreal, Nynaeve cleared her throat "You gave one to Aviendha, did you?" she said briskly "Well, I suppose she’s all right A pity we have to let the Sea Folk use one I’ll wager they try to hang on to it! Well, just let theh, Elayne handed her the braceletandrings, and she stalked away, fu loudly for everyone to take their places So fro As lon