The figure who dang ol’ popped out from the bush is some really hot Aiel woman who looks like she could be Rand’s cousin, which eventually endears Egwene to her. At first, though, she’s on guard knowing that women can be absolute cunts about town. The woman is named Aviendha, an Aiel woman, a Maiden of the Spear. She recognizes the three young women as Aes Sedai by their rings.

Two more Aiel pop out of nowhere: Bain and Chiad. They have all approached the Aes Sedai to help Heal one of their wounded. Nynaeve says she’ll help, but she’ll make no promises. The Aiel lead the way. Elayne introduces herself as an Andoran, which Egwene is like “shut… up…” about because of the Aiel War, but Aviendha doesn’t seem to care.

There’s a whole bunch of shit about first-sisters (regular sisters) and second-sisters (cousins) and Aiel clans and how Maidens of the Spear don’t wed unless they wanna but not really and how Egwene and Elayne can share the same man if they want (Rand) and none of this seems important.

They arrive at the location of the hurt Aiel named Dailin. She is watched over by one named Jolien. Dailin got shivved by a sword from a guy who thought the Aielwomen were bandits. Nynaeve collects her assortment of healing herbs and spices and starts her work, muttering to herself and getting all mad about the swording. After a lot of yelling and snapping, the Aiel are guarded and ask if Nynaeve is angry. Elayne and Egwene tell them that Angry Nynaeve is the Best Nynaeve. After making a liquid for Dailin to drink, Nynaeve does some incredibly complicated Aes Sedai magic and Heals the absolutely Fuck out of her. Egwene describes what she saw as “weaving four carpets at once while blindfolded”. There is no wound, not even a scar. Nynaeve urges Dailin’s friends to get her some food.

Speaking of food, there’s a box of Cheez-Its calling my name!