Contents
Chapter 149: Tangled
Overview
Kvothe debriefs with Simmon and Fela about his unsettled day with Denna, triggering Simmon’s jealousy and Fela’s frank assessment that Kvothe seems distant and unlikely to stay. Later, Kvothe consults Elodin about a girl who keeps changing names, prompting alarm, then theories. Kvothe recounts calling the wind in Tarbean, and Elodin teases a possible ring of air.
Summary
Kvothe joins Simmon and Fela at Anker’s after an unsatisfying day with Denna. Pressed for details, Kvothe shares only the outline, admitting Denna confuses him. Fela praises Kvothe’s attentive gaze, which briefly sparks Simmon’s jealousy before Fela reassures him of her commitment and frames harmless flirting as affirming rather than threatening.
Turning to Kvothe’s romantic pattern, Fela reports what women say: he is charming, polite, and non-grabby, yet easy to win—and distant. She believes he would eventually move on to something “more important.” Kvothe bristles, denies being in love, and claims he cannot love what he does not understand. Simmon laughs, calling love blind, effectively ending the debate.
Later, Kvothe seeks Master Elodin in a garden and asks what it means when a girl keeps changing her own name. Elodin panics, fearing a student has meddled with true names, then relaxes on learning it’s only assumed names. He offers possibilities: restlessness, self-dislike, changeable nature, or hope to become someone else—answers Kvothe finds unsatisfyingly broad.
Kvothe then recounts calling the wind in Tarbean. Elodin is delighted by the control and subtlety, noting it as Kvothe’s third time this term. He asks when Kvothe will make a ring of air. Kvothe deadpans that he might already be wearing one, leaving Elodin uncertain whether to take him seriously.
Who Appears
- KvotheProtagonist; discusses Denna with friends, is labeled distant, consults Elodin about changing names, and recounts calling the wind in Tarbean.
- FelaOffers candid insight into Kvothe’s effect on women and his perceived distance; reassures Sim of her devotion.
- SimmonJealous at first over Fela’s praise of Kvothe, then soothed; argues that love is blind and supports Kvothe.
- Master ElodinAlarmed by mention of changing one’s name; provides theories; praises Kvothe’s windcalling and jokes about a ring of air.
- LaurelServer at Anker’s who brings Kvothe bread and potato soup.