4 Twilight

At twilight, Rand returns to his quarters under the Roof of the Maidens in Rhuidean, enduring the Maidens’ mothering as he seeks privacy. In his sparse room, he reflects on friction with Moiraine, Asmodean’s limited teaching, and the hope of cleansing saidin, resolving to be cautious while pursuing his plans to unite the Aiel.

Aviendha arrives with blankets, bristling over ji’e’toh and the Wise Ones’ displeasure at Rand blocking dreamwalkers. She throws the blankets, insists on his lighting a fire, and produces a dragon-shaped belt buckle made from her surrendered weapons, meant to cancel any debt after his earlier bracelet gift. When Rand asks if he is among those she hates, Aviendha admits she hates him yet must continue teaching him and watching him for her near-sister Elayne.

Isendre then enters, nearly naked and bearing wine. Aviendha confronts her for prior theft from the Maidens and attempted seductions. Rand tries to defuse the moment but yields to Aiel justice when Aviendha orders Isendre to report her offense. He refuses the wine, recognizing the danger.

Alone, Rand considers the deeper snare: Isendre, Kadere, and likely the merchant’s men are Darkfriends, but exposing them would bring Moiraine’s scrutiny and reveal Asmodean’s presence. To keep his teacher and avoid bloodshed, he maintains the pretense while the Aiel watch Kadere.

As cold settles, Rand wards his dreams, broods over prophecy and his unhealed wound, and finally sleeps. His protected dreams circle Elayne, Min, and Aviendha—comforting, except for a brief nightmare of Isendre—underlining conflicted loyalties and looming burdens.