A Grand Affair

[Nesrin Aziz]

"Lady Eisheth"

Tucked in the periphery, Lilis’s discreet gaze saw everything without seeming to pay too much attention. The best way to weave a web of lies was to not stray too far from the truth, and her mask as Eisheth was a comfortable one to maintain. She had always been the sort of woman that eyes slid over unacknowledged.

As far as parties went it was sedate and gracious, rife with the usual politics and the usual games. Lilis listened and stored away the things she needed to know for her role here, but little of it truly interested her. In some ways life changed barely at all even between the rolling of the Ages, only its set dressing. But there was a sombre thread beneath the celebrations too, probably exemplified by the little eddies Leodon left in his wake. This was not the north, where life and death were both honoured fiercely and in vivacious colour. Andoran men were softer creatures. If they dressed it all up in pomp and ceremony and patronage, they were still afraid.

Notably tonight, amidst all the highly lauded guests there were no Sisters present – unusual indeed for Tar Valon’s greatest political ally and the city of its Aes Sedai queen. The Sisters who usually resided within the palace had been called back to the White Tower, including the Green who oversaw the Royal Library and the Blue who formally advised the Queen. There was no overt sense of urgency in the shift, and none even remarked upon the absence, yet Lilis did not think it could be coincidence. She knew Ellomai had counselled sending the contingent, while Kamion had been more reserved, keeping in line with the Tower’s careless dismissal of the Lady Armendariz. But neither would be going north. In fact no Sister would be joining them at all, it seemed. It suited Lilis well enough.

But absence was not the only unusual thing in circulation around the ballroom. Lilis was not surprised to see the Asha’man in their midst, though by the raised hands and whispers many were; he had been in Caemlyn only a few days after a great leave of absence, and the family who hosted him had been closed-lipped about their guest. Once, Auden Thayn had been the very face of Black Tower charm and civility across nations. It seemed he’d been dusted off and sent to make reparations for the waves created by his brother-in-arms. She glanced discreetly to where Winther entertained his own little court, but while she did not think he could be unaware, he neither gave it his attention.

She smiled in genuine welcome when Nicole finally approached. Leodon had taken a risk pulling her aside like that, but the rumours already fermented viciously, so if it might add some spice to the evening’s gossip, the damage itself was already irreparably done. It was why the woman was being sent away.

"Thank you." Lilis took no apparent offence at the tone, and followed the line of Nicole’s gaze to the young couple in question. Vanditera once levied serious charges against House Winther after the loss of its heir. The accusations were quickly dropped, and it was years past now, but she presumed Nicole was more than aware of the scandal. Even without it, Pathor would be marrying beneath his station. Yet he was Matias’s youngest, and it afforded him freedoms barred from firstborns – who might be permitted to sew their wild oats away from the life of the court, but would not be permitted to marry them. She imagined Nicole might find sympathy for the plight of love across such a divide. Indeed, both Pathor and Oshara seemed very much in fascination with each other.

“It takes me back,” she said. There was a wistful cast to her tone that was not feigned, and though her voice was low – necessarily so given the discretion she shared – she did not try to hide the brief stirring of emotion from her companion. Lies and truth went hand in hand, one indistinguishable from the other at times, and it was such a blending that made Lilis so skilled at what she did. Garovin had been a good husband for many reasons. But it wasn't what she was thinking of. Her smile softened, but it was a warmth without resentment for her own losses. Nor, by the way she looked at Nicole then, for the precipice of another on a similar epiphany. Albeit one without the same happy ending in its future.

"How do you feel about the journey? I will admit to some nerves, myself."