(no subject)

[tibetanmethod]

He'd suggested a game of chess.

Their cups -- tea and coffee -- sit by the pieces they've taken. Moiraine has more. Cooper's mind isn't really on the game.

Comments

[tibetanmethod]

"Yes." He's silent for a moment. Then: "When you've settled in more. And when you have a better grip on the town's fault lines."

[blue_ajah]

"Perhaps," she allows.

[tibetanmethod]

Another moment's silence.

Quiet:

"And if you want to."

[blue_ajah]

"Dale."

Although quiet, each word is clear, and her gaze is steady on his.

"Have you not yet realized that I would not be here if-- if I did not wish-- ?"

[tibetanmethod]

"No, I know." He's nodding again. "But it's hard to break patterns. And habits. Especially habits that your safety's often depended on, in the past."

[blue_ajah]

She inclines her head to him.

"Precisely. And that of others, as well, of course."

[tibetanmethod]

"And as you can imagine -- "

His tone gets a little wry.

"I hope that will change as well."

[blue_ajah]

"I have gathered something of that impression, yes," the Aes Sedai observes, dryly.