The chapter does much to show, at the same time both how large the world is, and how small it is. By using the Tinker's songs Jordan shows "here, on the surface the song might seem different, but hey, scratch a little bit, look a little bit deeper and you'll find we're quite the same." During the song scene, I enjoy how Jordan shows Perrin's awkwardness with other cultures and just being in a strange situation. Jordan does this with both Perrin asking for the song "The Tinker Has My Pots" (known to the Tinkers as "Toss the Feathers", and also how Perrin is so unused to the girls and their dancing that he blushes and they get a kick out of it. He also adapts rather quickly, by learning to not look away. So the reader gets to learn about the Tinker world and Perrin gets some exposure to the Tinkers specifically. In general this is his first real experience of culture beyond Two Rivers. I also enjoy how he understands their culture, but stubbornly refuses to adhere to all of it, like when he does not cover his ax, instead proudly displaying it over the cloak he was given.
Of course, Perrin is still receiving the dreams from Ba'alzamon who tells Perrin "You cannot run from me. You cannot hide from me. If you are the one, you are mine." Was anyone who was creeped out by Ba'alzamon actually intrigued by Moridin? I know I was both - but I was also intrigued a little by Ba'alzamon, mostly I think because of the poetic prose he spewed and in part from the fact that he seemed to know almost exactly what was going on (if not who) and no one else had a clue.
Another one off quote that I enjoy, but makes it seem more ominous than it really is (or is it?) - "Trouble never enters the Stedding. But the Ogier are none too open to strangers."
When Elyas decides the trio needs to suddenly leave the wandering Tinkers, on first, and subsequent reads, I never wondered why Egwene didn't once question or ask why or even ask to stay. On this read I sort of question why she didn't, she hadn't exactly been even friendly with Perrin, but after thinking it through some more....maybe she enjoyed herself at the camp because deep inside, somewhere, she knew it was her last chance at a slightly happy go lucky time, or at least she could shove them out of her mind for the moment. Thoughts?
When the trio, suddenly in a hurry, finally leaves the Tinkers, Elyas surprises everyone in their little camp. Not me though, somehow I thought it rather fitting and proper that Elyas not only know the proper Tinker goodbye, but respect it. Anyone else unsurprised?
"You come in peace. Depart now in peace. Always will our fires welcome you, in peace. The Way of the Leaf is peace.
Peace be on you always, and on all the People. I will find the Song or another will find the song, but the Song will be sung, this year or in a year to come. As it once was, so shall it be again, world without end.
World without end. World and time without end.
Peace be on you.
And on you."
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