#lady alaine chuliandred

[iviarellereads]

The Great Hunt, Chapter 32 - Dangerous Words

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(Harp icon) In which someone's way, way out of his element.

PERSPECTIVE: Rand dismounts his horse, smooths his coat, and approaches the house, with an escort of ten Shienarans, plus Ingtar, Hurin, Verin, and Loial, with Mat acting as Rand's manservant, since he can feel the dagger when it's close. Rand presents the invitation, and makes introductions of the official major guests he brings with him, and they're all welcomed in.

There's a page of describing the inside of the house, and ongoing commentary about the outfits of the lords and ladies. Shortly, Barthanes himself greets them, then leaves. Loial whispers to Rand that there's a Waygate nearby, then they all separate to mingle for appearances, since they can't leave until Mat and Hurin find the stolen items anyway. Rand keeps walking firmly to avoid making small talk with anyone.

Eventually, Barthanes settles in to walk next to Rand, saying he seems restless. Rand says he just likes to walk, and settles into the arrogant sword practice walk he used that day meeting the Amyrlin. He says Bart has a lot of friends, and Bart says yes, and Rand can tell Galldrian how many and who they are. Rand insists he's never met the king and he doesn't expect to do so.

Bart is skeptical, and says of course, Rand just happened to be in that little village, he wasn't checking up on anything. Rand thinks a moment, then says it's dangerous to meddle with Age of Legends artifacts. Bart perks up and asks if Rand does *not* support Galldrian? Rand repeats that he's never met the King. Bart remarks that he didn't know Andormen played the Great Game so well. It takes all Rand's patience not to yell at him.(1)

Bart makes probing questions about the party, and Rand says they are who they said they were, thinking that that excepts himself. Bart says he's very young to carry a heron-marked blade, and Rand replies automatically that he's less than a year old, in the habit of Borderlanders to state their age by the time they received their swords. Bart latches on to this, an Andorman, but Borderland trained... or Warder trained. He mentions Morgase's only son, Gawyn, saying he must be very like Rand in age. Rand cautiously replies that he's met him. Bart says the royal line of Andor has almost Aiel colouring in their hair and eyes, by reputation.

Rand stumbles on the smooth marble floor and states he's not Aiel, and he's not a royal Andoran. Bart nods and says Rand has given him much to think about, then leaves. Rand prays that Mat and Hurin find something, anything, soon. As he enters another room, there's Thom strumming his harp and reciting a Horn tale.

As Rand makes to leave the room, a young noble lady stops him, stating Rand's name, and asking if it's true he plays the flute. Several other noble women converge on Rand and flirt with varying degrees of subtlety.(2) He sees that Thom has just finished playing and excuses himself from the ladies to go talk to him. Thom nearly chokes on his wine when Rand starts explaining about the women, and then the Game they think he's playing. Thom identifies the ladies, remarks about their plays, then turns back to Rand and says that he said he was clear of Aes Sedai, and now he's shown up with one at his side. Rand says he just needs to see the Horn safe and clear. Thom stops, remarking that Rand sounded like the Horn was safe the other day. Rand says it was stolen, and taken here, and Bart's a Darkfriend.

Thom looks around quickly, saying that's a dangerous accusation to make whether it's true or not. Well, the last time he helped Rand he got a limp out of it, so the boy will have to get out of this cookpot himself. He sounds more like he's trying to convince himself not to help than he's trying to tell Rand no to a question never asked. Rand confirms that he will get himself out, hoping for Hurin to appear.

And, as if summoned, so he does, saying Rand's servant fell and injured himself. Rand calls him a clumsy fool and says he'd better go see how badly, which is apparently the right call. Before he leaves, Thom whispers that Cairhien plays the Great Game, but the White Tower invented it, then goes back to his gleeman-ing. Rand just follows Hurin out.

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(1) Rand has no patience for politicking. Mind, Cairhien takes politicking to a whole different level that might rival the White Tower. Who would have the patience for all that? (2) My husband leaves me all alone in my great big manor, I'd just looooove to have some company~~~