Crossroads of Twilight: Chapter 13
<< Previous Chapter | Next Chapter>>
Author: Kiana A'Jadein
Chapter Icon: The Lion of Andor
Point of View: Elayne
Setting: The Royal Palace, Caemlyn, Andor
Characters: Elayne, Aviendha, Birgitte, Dyelin, Perival, Catalyn, Branlet, Conail
Outline
Elayne meets with four High Seats who chose to follow her just to find out they are little more than children.
Summary
After the departure of the Atha'an Miere, Elayne reprimands her guard, only to feel the embarrassment through the bond. She returns to find her bath cold and, regrettably, begins allowing her servants to choose her clothing and to dress her. While watching a parade of dresses, Elayne muses on how little her dress choice means now, due to the fact that no merchants come to the palace for fear of angering Arymilla if Elayne loses the Succession.
Midway through the grooming, Birgitte walks in to announce that Dyelin had returned with four High Seats to meet with Elayne. Quickly, Elayne changes into a formal gown and jewellery and teases Aviendha into doing the same.
Upon entering the formal sitting room, Elayne is introduced to the High Seats that have chosen to follow her, only to feel her spirits drop when realizing the four before her are little more than children with no advisers present.
Elayne fields questions and barely concealed insults from the group while being vague about subjects like the Kin and introducing them to her sister, Aviendha.
After the four leave, Birgitte and Aviendha both barrage Dyelin with questions and comments on children leading, to which Dyelin speaks of taking her place as High Seat at fifteen due to her father's and her brothers' deaths. She then berates Birgitte for her language and suggestive dressing habits.
Elayne calmly explains the respect due to a High Seat, regardless of age or of experience, and reluctantly, Birgitte and Aviendha are forced to agree. Elayne then turns to Dyelin, upset and concerned at the lack of guardians and appoints her to take care of any angry Houses that claim she had the four kidnapped.
The discussion is ended by the announcement of the entrance of the First Maid and the First Clerk.
