Wheel of Time Messageboard: Re: Ahhh... ok, that's a little better. So, I wonder why Verin expected to return, then? by JasonD

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Re: Ahhh... ok, that's a little better. So, I wonder why Verin expected to return, then? JasonD Send a noteboard - 25/02/2010 08:36:39 PM

Verin originally wanted Mat to wait ten days, then read her message. She eventually bargained Mat to either that, or burn her message and wait 30 days...

Ooh, not quite. He has to wait thirty days OR open it in ten (and follow the instructions). He was not asked, nor expected, to burn the message.

I'd say this implies one of two things:

1. She honestly expected to return to Caemlyn within the month. Since her apparent suicide with Egwene seemed a planned, deliberate action, there must be something we don't know.

OR

2. She is certain that something will happen to Mat in Caemlyn. Maybe it's neccessary for him to stay for the 20/30 days, and the message sets him on a task that will take that long. Maybe it's only neccessary that he be in Caemlyn in 10 days, and the 20/30 thing was just a smokescreen.

Regarding Verin, she told Egwene:

"I will admit that the poison was a backup plan. I am not eager for death; there are still things I need to do."

So I think, from her perspective, she simply got unluck with the Mat situation and that's not going to get taken care of. Too bad, this was more important.

But now regarding Mat:

He's being set up. Oh, so obviously-- not by Verin, really, but by the author.

It's been established time and again that Mat keeps his word. Unsurprisingly, then, he flat refuses Verin's first condition that he follow instructions without knowing what they are. A person of different scruples might just say "okay" and then, if the instructions are unreasonable, renege on the bargain.

Mat won't.

Which means he should have burned the message, like you suggested. Or gave it back to Verin. Or agreed to wait thirty days, period, without the 10-day-note-caveat.

But...

Verin: "You can wait thirty days, or you can open the letter after ten days and do what it says. One of the two, Matrim. I have your word?"
Mat: "You do."

So I predict, with a great deal of certainty, that Mat will try to wait thirty days, but something earth-shattering will come up. Somebody will need his help, or he'll need to fulfill another promise, or something. At any rate, he'll have to open the letter.

Cheers.

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So... what was up with that lady and the thing? With the food? Ya know? beetnemesis - 30/10/2009 07:24:44 PM 1104 Views

Re: So... what was up with that lady and the thing? With the food? Ya know? fionwe1987 - 30/10/2009 09:31:07 PM 736 Views

Ahhh... ok, that's a little better. So, I wonder why Verin expected to return, then? beetnemesis - 30/10/2009 10:04:18 PM 676 Views

My advice... read the book again... fionwe1987 - 30/10/2009 10:42:23 PM 673 Views

Re: My advice... read the book again... itsjustme - 30/10/2009 11:59:21 PM 652 Views

LOL, Mat likes reading letters from... Great Lord of Chaos - 31/10/2009 12:23:32 AM 617 Views

Well Moiraine isn't dead TheCrownless - 31/10/2009 12:27:47 AM 563 Views

the wording has potential to make for some hilarity Deadsy - 31/10/2009 12:31:36 AM 627 Views

Re: Ahhh... ok, that's a little better. So, I wonder why Verin expected to return, then? JasonD - 25/02/2010 08:36:39 PM 498 Views

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<quote id="84239">
<quote id="41263">Verin originally wanted Mat to wait ten days, then read her message. She eventually bargained Mat to either that, or burn her message and wait 30 days...</quote>

Ooh, not quite.  He has to wait thirty days OR open it in ten (and follow the instructions).  He was not asked, nor expected, to burn the message.

<quote id="41263">I'd say this implies one of two things:

1. She honestly expected to return to Caemlyn within the month.  Since her apparent suicide with Egwene seemed a planned, deliberate action, there must be something we don't know.

2. She is certain that something will happen to Mat in Caemlyn. Maybe it's neccessary for him to stay for the 20/30 days, and the message sets him on a task that will take that long. Maybe it's only neccessary that he be in Caemlyn in 10 days, and the 20/30 thing was just a smokescreen.</quote>

Regarding Verin, she told Egwene:

"I will admit that the poison was a backup plan. I am not eager for death; there are still things I need to do."

So I think, from her perspective, she simply got unluck with the Mat situation and that's not going to get taken care of. Too bad, this was more important.

But now regarding Mat:

He's being set up.  Oh, so obviously-- not by Verin, really, but by the author.

It's been established time and again that Mat keeps his word.  Unsurprisingly, then, he flat refuses Verin's first condition that he follow instructions without knowing what they are.  A person of different scruples might just say "okay" and then, if the instructions are unreasonable, renege on the bargain.

Mat won't.

Which means he should have burned the message, like you suggested. Or gave it back to Verin. Or agreed to wait thirty days, period, without the 10-day-note-caveat.

But...

Verin: "You can wait thirty days, or you can open the letter after ten days and do what it says. One of the two, Matrim. I have your word?"
Mat: "You do."

So I predict, with a great deal of certainty, that Mat will try to wait thirty days, but something earth-shattering will come up. Somebody will need his help, or he'll need to fulfill another promise, or something. At any rate, he'll have to open the letter.

Cheers.
</quote>

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