Theoryland Chronicles

Members :Eclipse : Berelain's Secret Heritage

I've already come up with a doozy on Berelain and why she behaves the way she does (as of her reappearance in Cairhien as regent for the Dragon Reborn). This one will be a semi-doozy, reexamination of already given facts in order to present a more believable solution to her odd behavior.

As another pointed out at the White Tower boards, he just could not allow himself to believe the Ber is Moi, and for the rest of you that agree with that, I see your point. So I then said to myself, what other possibility could account for her shift in character, and I of course reexamined all the details of the Ber is Moi to find a solution. Here's what I come up with.

Berelain is a channeling half-Aiel (at least half, and this is the part that I can't get straight… which half; the way they relate to each other is too confusing…by half). If one of her parents was an Aiel, then it would explain her "relative" calm around the Aiel from the start. Our first scene with Berelain is her boldly walking into a room with Rhuarc, Mat, Moiraine, Egwene and I think Nynaeve, and hitting on Rhuarc (tDR pg. 674). The rest of the time we see her around the Aiel in the Stone, she is just as calm (even though she tells Rand in his chambers they frighten her).

Her "transformation" into the woman she becomes in Cairhien may have actually begun in the Stone in book four, tSR. I say that may have been the beginning, but I can find no proof of it. Most of my evidence comes from after her "comeback" in Cairhien, but her first real interaction with the Aiel society (that we know of) is the time they all spent in the Stone. What I'll do now is go down my facts in the Ber is Moi, take what I need, and give it a twist to follow this theory in stead of my original.

First, foreshadowing:

The Dragon Reborn

Pg. 124 "I already have a Warder, Perrin." Her lips quirked almost into a smile. This is Perrin asking for dream protection by Moiraine like Lan. Then he thinks, "Light! Bound to an Aes Sedai for the rest of my life? That's as bad as the wolves." This is just one of many hints that I think indicate Berelain can channel. It makes me think of Egwene and her decision that all channeling women will in some way be connected to the Tower. Egwene herself was studying to be an Aes Sedai, but then switched over to being a WO's apprentice, so we have precedence for AS/WO mutual inclusion. What all of this hints at is that Faile, who can not channel, will die, and Berelaine, who can, will take her place as Perrin's paramour, and Aes Sedai Queen. The next reference adds to this one.

Pg. 404 "Every queen of Manetheren was an Aes Sedai, and the king the Warder bound to her." Faile explaining about Manetheren to Perrin on the boat to Illian. This is a solid bit of foreshadowing. I see it pointing again to Perrin ending up first king of new Manetheren with his Aes Sedai wife, Berelain.

Lord of Chaos

I didn't note the page (sorry), but I think everyone remembers when Faile told Perrin that, should she die, she expects him to mourn a suitable time, and then move on to another, whom she expects she would approve. Faile is so dead.

Winter's Heart

Missed the page again. Faile was upset that Berelain (that trull) was the one to escape. She thinks she could actually have liked Berelain if not for Perrin being between them. Not only is Faile so dead, but Berelain is the one who will replace her. Also, as we see with Bain and Chiad, Faile has a natural affinity with Aiel women, and as she says, she would have liked Berelain if not for Perrin being between them.

Now the rest of the story:

The Dragon Reborn (mentioned above)

Pg. 674 The original Berelain comes into the room and first flirts with Rhuarc, then tells the women and Mat that she will be having dinner with the Dragon. This is very different behavior from what we see later, particularly from what we read about later in Cairhien and with Perrin in Winter's Heart. She is not used to the Aiel way, but after being surrounded by the Aiel for a bit of time, she starts to take on a more noble bearing and less of a tramp.

The Shadow Rising

Pg. 79 Berelain is in Rand's room, and as she touched his face it seemed as if sparks "leapt from her fingers," before he shoved her back with the OP. I think she can channel, and I think she is keeping it a secret for the very same reason she is keeping it a secret that she has an AS advisor. Mayene, if it is to even attempt to get along with Tear, can not appear to have the favor and/or dalliance of the Tower in the running of politics. We can see that she shows age, so she is not a full sister, but merely a secret apprentice (maybe an Accepted) of Annoura's. Also, she lied to get into Rand's room, so she's definitely not under the Oaths.

Pg. 244 "I will keep him as a pet... you can have him when I'm finished." This is Berelain to Faile and it reminds me of the conversation between Melaine and Nynaeve in Tel'aran'rhiod in tFoH, I think. Melaine said something really cold to Nynaeve about Lan, and Nynaeve accused her of fighting unfairly. Melaine said, "Do we fight? Well know then, in fighting, there is only winning and losing. Rules against harming one another are for children," or something like that. Berelain is showing her Aiel side and fighting rather fiercely. Note: I didn't get the page number (just thought of it really) but whatever Berelain may be, I don't think she's without honor. She tells Faile she WILL get Perrin, Ogier's Oath on it. Somehow, she knows it's a done deal, and right now, the only solution I can come up with is that she knows of the ter'angreal doorway in the Stone, and has gone through it. The *Finns are never straight forward, so I guess that one of the answers she got had to do with her ending up with a very unique blacksmith. Another option for her knowing this is the ter'angreal in Rhuidean, and if she had been privileged enough to walk through that one, she would not have been allowed back to Mayene, and the Aiel would know of her already (the WO at least). One more option for her knowing this is that she may be a Dreamer/Dreamwalker, which would explain even more the new behavior in Cairhien, the time she spends with Amys, and the special behavior Amys shows her.

Another note "after the fact," as we see the fight scene between Faile and Berelain in the Stone, Berelain casually dismisses her unarmed combat skills as she takes Faile's knife away. She says that the Firsts are always hounded by assassins. Possibly her mother was a Maiden who gave up the spear to be with her Westland husband in Mayene, and passed on some Maiden fighting technique.

Lord of Chaos

Pg. 404 "She seems a different woman altogether," Rand thinks to himself of Berelain as she discussed the business side of Cairhien. By this time, Berelain has either been with the WO, or with Rhuarc, day in and day out. Not only that, but the Lord Dragon Reborn has given her a mighty charge (although I see the Aiel themselves as the major contributor to her transformation). It's almost like being a land soldier for 20 years, and then being tossed into the ocean, with no boat. Sink or swim. I see Berelain as the kind to learn to swim really well, really fast.

Pg. 419 Wise Ones "treated her as a woman of sense and respect," and for no reason Egwene could think of. This is funny, in a way. They seem to be following the same path, but Egwene can't see it in the other woman. Of course, Berelain is probably doing what she is doing in secret, with the help of the WO.

Pg. 430 According to Rand, "She (Berelain) might as well have been a Wise One." The one thing about this is how quickly Berelain gained acceptance and favor from the upper Wise Ones. At most, she can only be a prospective apprentice, but the way she is treated, as compared to Egwene, is like the difference between officer and enlisted. There is one other solution to this. The BWB says all women Aiel who can channel are WO, but not all WO can channel. So, if Berelain is determined to be Aiel, then if she CAN channel, she will have to be a WO. However, if she can not channel (which most readers believe anyway), then the answer is based on her station. The only other station an Aiel woman can maintain with nearly the same reverence/respect as a WO, is Roofmistress, which is essentially what Berelain is of "Cairhien Hold." It may be that Berelain can not channel, and that she holds the station of Roofmistress of Cairhien among the Aiel. That would explain a lot (but offer no support to the foreshadow of Berelain being an Aes Sedai marrying Perrin, and them becoming the King and Queen of New Manetheren)

Pg. 495, 496 Amys kisses Berelain's forehead and both cheeks as she would a daughter. Berelain says Rhuarc reminds her of her father too much some times and grimaces. This is where the relationships confound me. I think this is Berelain applying to Amys to be her first-mother, or some-such. However, from the very beginning, it may be that one of her parents was already first-brother to Rhuarc, or first-sister to Amys, or some other closely recognized relationship.

"Berelain said in a carefully neutral voice, 'I would appreciate it if you did not tell Rhuarc.'" The WO agree not to tell. What they agree not to tell, I believe, is that Amys has accepted Berelain's petition, and that Rhuarc will become a "step-father" to her of sorts. I think Rhuarc has noticed the new feelings growing in Berelain towards her new family because there are a few times when they are in a scene together that Rhuarc seems pensive over Berelain, like he's trying to figure something out. It's possible she is behaving more and more like a dutiful daughter towards him and he's wondering why. She could be the daughter of a Maiden, and the only people who know about those children are the WO (qualifier: IFF the Maiden gave the daughter up, which is also possible).

Pg. 624 Berelain seems to have gone into hiding and only bothers to see those she must. Rhuarc even started taking her to task, but it doesn't do any good. I think this is Berelain preparing for some ceremony or fulfilling tasks in secret to complete her petition to Amys. First we see Berelain is doing really well at her duties, then she has a secret meeting with Amys where Amys treats her as a daughter, and Rhuarc starts to ponder her new behaviors, and then she all the sudden starts ignoring her duties as regent for something she considers even more important, to the point of disregarding Rhuarc's mounting ire. She is taking on Aiel heritage with gusto, and to the best of her abilities.

Pg. 885 A man in white will make her fall head over heels; Min's viewing. When Faile dies, Perrin will put on white, which is the customary color of mourning in Two Rivers. Nynaeve reveals this (off screen actually), and Elayne picks it up when Nynaeve and Elayne are going to Mat to apologize for mistreating him in aCoS. Berelain will then fall in love. This goes with 1) Berelain can channel, and so 2) Perrin will marry an Aes Sedai and make her Queen of New Manetheren. She will also probably be a WO too. Another qualifier: her becoming a WO does not mean that for however long, she could not hold the station of Roofmistress. The Car'a'carn made her Roofmistress of Cairhien, and so the Aiel were required to give her due courtesy for her station. But she may have also been in training to a WO too.

Pg. 925 Berelain brings Rand's sword to Perrin's rooms and everyone realizes he's been taken. Here is where I decided Berelain had to be at least part Aiel, studying to BE Aiel. Berelain brought the sword wrapped in a blanket. Why? This is the exact same way Aviendha brought the sword to Rand (tFoH Pg 387-388), because an Aiel won't touch a sword.

A Crown of Swords

Pg. 412 Berelain is furious about Rand sending her back to Mayene. He wonders why she desperately wants the thankless job of running Cairhien. Actually, Berelain just wants to stay close to the Wise Ones and Rhuarc. Going back to Mayene will effectively terminate her Aiel induction (or put it on serious hold).

Pg. 417 "My Lord Dragon, I will serve you wherever and however you desire." Berelain to Rand as Cadsuane asks her to leave the room. That reeks of the Aiel and their claims to follow He Who Comes With The Dawn without question in "the dance of spears." (see the part where Rand BFs the Darkhounds at Mat's door in Rhuidean for the Maiden conversation I'm referring to. They confess to obey absolutely when it is important, in other words. tFoH, pg. 164)

Path of Daggers

Pg 170, 663, we see Berelain wearing conservative clothing, even dresses that come up to her chin. The only women known for ignoring the heat like that are AS, and Aiel. This also goes along with a very similar scene in Winter's Heart, excepting that it's cold then.

Winter's Heart

This is mentioned in PoD and WH, so no page number. Berelain was the only one to escape the Aiel when they took Faile. Berelain was not the ONLY one on a horse, but for some reason, she WAS the only one to escape. This wouldn't be too difficult for a channeler taught the Mask of Mirrors (and who can say what she's been taught with the OP from the WO, who learned from Moiraine, or what she's taught herself), and then add to that (or use it by itself) that she's part Aiel, and her chances go up considerably. Moiraine says in tDR the reason they can not catch up to Rand (not even Lan) is because he has the blood of long walkers in him, meaning, the blood of the Aiel is strong, and so too the offspring.

Pg. 145 When Perrin was in Tel'aran'rhiod searching for Faile, he was there overlong and too "deeply," for lack of a better word. Berelain says that he felt like he was already dead, soulless. Annoura had confirmed this with a previous touch. A rather interesting talent for the First of Mayene. Sounds more like teachings from both AS (Annoura) and the WO. It does not require channeling, but still a sort of tutoring in sensory development.

Pg. 146 "She would do what she promised, but like an AS, for her own reasons, and the things she had made no promises about could stab you in the back." Perrin thinking to himself about Berelain. Whatever reason Perrin had to think this, Jordan had a good reason to print it. Once more, training from both WO (ji'e'toh) and AS (the oaths).

Pg. 146 She said firmly, "You can't just ignore Aes Sedai. You are not Rand al'Thor, as they will prove to you sooner or later." Notice the full name and lack of any/all title. Maybe a bit of a slip of the tongue. She has been around the WO for so long (and there are a few in Perrin's camp too that she can learn from) that she is taking on their "phraseology," if that's even the right word.

Pg. 147 "But she left the tent, letting in a swirl of cold air. In her displeasure, she did not even bother to take a cloak." Again, Jordan is printing this for a good reason, and it's not to tell us that Berelain is really upset. AS and Aiel ignore the weather, not soft Firsts of Mayene who don't even know what cold is (it doesn't even snow that far south).

OK, that's it. In conclusion, Berelain got around the Aiel in the Stone, decided she really had a desire to get in touch with her Aiel nature (from her mother's side, I believe), and did so. When she made it up to Cairhien, she was surrounded by WO and began a training of sorts, and this pleased the WO who are able to claim another has come back from the Westlands, a daughter of a Maiden this time possibly. Maybe Berelain can channel, and maybe she can't, but I lean towards can, only that it's kept a secret for a good reasons… not upsetting Tear is a big one. The Car'a'carn made her Roofmistress of Cairhien, so even if she can channel and has a destiny of WO ahead of her, she is in a position that demands respect from all Aiel, including WO. Whether or not she can channel, she has not been to Rhuidean, and so can not yet be a true apprentice (Egwene is not an Aiel and is/was a special case). I think only the WO know of her heritage for now, but soon enough, the rest of them will know too. I think she has applied to Amys to be her first-mother, and if it has become a done deal we can only guess, however, Rhuarc is constantly in a state of quandary over Berelain's behavior around him. Like I said, I think Berelain can channel, and she will end up married to Perrin, and she will become the Aes Sedai Queen of Manetheren (and a WO to boot) with Perrin as her Warder King.