...what would Tuon gain from an alliance with Egwene, or maybe even more importantly, why would she need Egwene's help in reaching the top of the metaphorical cliff? If Tuon were the one leading the assault on the WT, I would think she'd be the one with the upper hand, not the one extending her hand for Eg's support. Clearly Eg will find common cause with some Seanchan woman, but who and why are the big questions.

I really do like the sword-as-gift idea. It would go a long way in explaining why Tuon or a Seanchan woman other than Ageannen would be lugging a sword around.