WOT Adv 299 - More Discussions on Vaid

(This follows the WOT Adv 295 post)

Back at the Silver Carp, Fiznak, Maeslyn, Eliesanna and Maer remained in discussion, though the Aiel only offered small grunts and long silences to much of what was said.

"So, do we just let him go?" Eliesanna finally asked. She seemed torn. Relieved that Maeslyn wouldn't hunt him down.

"I think we must," Maeslyn said quietly, fingering her tower ring. "He left for his own reasons, and judging from what you've all told me, we can surmise what those were. I believe he left partially because he fears me and what I--or the tower at any rate--might do to him. But a more compelling reason is that he likely fears of what he may do to us. And most especially to you." She looked directly at Eliesanna.

"Me?" The young woman asked, confused.

"Do you think me blind, girl? I've seen the way he looks at you. Oh, he's cautious in those looks, but I'm a good judge of human character and intention. Surely, you're not blind to the effects you have on men."

Eliesanna looked uncomfortable.

"You're a beautiful girl and he's a man."

"But I don't-- I didn't do anything to--"

"What? You think you have to do something, child? Every man you pass stares at you as if you were--" She shook her head and leaned back, studying the young woman. "I've even seen my own Fiznak looking at you." Maeslyn said somewhat ruefully.

Fiznak squirmed a little and started to make some comment about seeing to his armor. Maer flashed a set of white teeth at that and nodded enthusiastically.

"Surely it's not too difficult to think that Vaid cares for you?" Maeslyn continued.

"But Lady Maeslyn," Eliesanna said, struggling. "It's Master Vaid. He... well, he cares for all of us, not just me. I mean, he's the one who helped Sabira."

Maeslyn smiled. "So, he's a good man at heart too." She merely looked at the girl until Eliesanna's eyes dropped.

"He cares enough for you to leave us all in peace. Let us pray he leaves the world in peace as well; for should the Tower ever get wind of him, not only would the reds be after him to gentle him or worse, but if the Tower knew I let him out of my sight--I'd be scrubbing pots in Novice white for the next decade!"

She stood. "Now, let us to bed. It is late."