The first time we know Mesaana is in the Tower is in Lord of Chaos chapter 6. We have a Graendal POV that at a meeting Mesaana was mad Semirhage missed a meeting and in Mesaana's anger let it slip she was in the Tower.

My timeline still works. Mesaana uses Alviarin and the Black Ajah to bring down Siuan, and split the tower. Elaida brings back Toveine and Tsutsama/Mesaana.



You are right Mesaana could be some obscure sister. However, that doesn't prove Mesaana couldn't be Tsutsama. As a powerful Ajah Head and with the divided Tower Tsutsama could avoid or divert any conversation that might tip off another Aes Sedai there might be something wrong with Tsutsama. With suspicions running deep in the Tower a sister might believe that any inconsitency with Tsutsama's behavior might be due to the divisions of the Tower

If Mesaana is one of those sisters who has few friends, no friends, and lives is some isolated corner of the Brown Ajah; she has no power base now. The Black Ajah is gone and it would be very difficult to influence events in the Tower as an obscure Brown tucked away in a corner.



I guess it is how you look at it. You are right if Tsutsama/Mesaana had sent 3 new Sitters to the Hall to vote against Egwene it could ensure Egwene's reign would be filled with trouble from the Reds. In that event at least the Red's would have had a vote.

If the Red Sitters don't vote the same result could occur. Tsutsama/Mesaana can say to the Red Ajah that Egwene's election was flawed. The Reds are the only Ajah not to get a voice in the selection of the Amrylin. I could see that building up resentment in the Red Ajah.

I also don't see Mesaana wanting to draw attention to herself at this time. With the mood of the Tower right now and the means to prove whether you are or are not a Darkfriend I would expect Mesaana to very much stay in character.

I guess we will have to agree to disagree. One thing I love about WOT is the number of interpretations to events people can have. I have probably read hundreds of posts on Verin. Was she Black Ajah, Purple/pink Ajah, or Brown Ajah. Did she follow the Light. It turned out she was Black, Brown and followed the Light. RJ/BS will have the final say and we will find out in the next book or two.