Chapter 35 - Stedding Tsofu

Summary

The group rides into Stedding Tsofu, experiencing a sense of restoration, where they are greeted by the Ogier Erith and later confronted by three veiled Aiel Maidens of the Spear who withdraw upon being reminded of the Pact by the Ogier Juin. While waiting for an audience with the Elders, Loial reveals his anxiety over potential arranged marriage, and the group discusses their resemblance to Aiel before being summoned to the Elders.

Characters

• Rand / Lord Rand — Rides into the stedding feeling a chill and refreshment, then seeks the void as Aiel approach. He argues with Mat and Perrin about being an Aiel while Loial explains Ogier marriage customs, then remains to talk with his friends while Verin is led to the Elders.
• Ingtar — Grides while riding but obeys Verin's orders, remaining mounted as Aiel appear. He loosens his sword in its scabbard and draws it when the Aiel advance. He sheathes his weapon after Juin intervenes and later expresses surprise that the Aiel ceased their charge, noting they would likely have been as unstoppable as an avalanche had they continued.
• Verin — Presses for speed into the stedding and orders Ingtar to reduce the armed guard. She shouts for the fighting to stop when Aiel advance, then bows to Ogier Juin before being led away to the Elders.
• Loial — Explain the Longing to Perrin and Mat, and acts flustered by Ogier women interested in him. He huddles in a chair with a book while his mother might arrange his marriage, then accompanies the group to the Elders.
• Mat — Expresses eagerness to enter the stedding and mocks Loial's interest in Erith. He refuses to stay during the Aiel confrontation, then jokes with Rand and Perrin about Rand being an Aiel while waiting for the Elders.
• Perrin — Rides silently into the stedding and asks Loial about the Longing. He holds his axe during the Aiel standoff, then joins the discussion about Rand's identity and waits for the Elders.
• Uno — Is ordered by Ingtar to leave some men outside the stedding. He whispers in awe upon entering the stedding and follows Erith and Ingtar deeper into the town.
• Erith (Ogier girl) — Greet the group as daughter of Iva, asks them to leave armed men outside, and leads them to the Elders. She explains that Maidens of the Spear came for sung wood and shows the humans their guest quarters.
• Rhian — One of three veiled Maidens of the Spear who advance on the group with spears. She has reddish hair and is described as mature. She uncovers her face, apologizes to Ogier Juin for forgetting the Pact, and departs with her companions after being reminded of the stedding's safety.
• Juin (Treebrother) — Ogier who intervenes between the Aiel and the humans, demanding they put up weapons. He reminds Rhian of the Pact, bows to Verin, and leads her away to speak with the Elders.