I've started saying, "Oh, Light!" and "Burn me!" a lot.

Yeah, reading about Mat is great in contrast with Rand and Perrin. The latter two are always so focused on doing what's right and being responsible, but not Mat - he just wants to gamble and fondle with equal delight. It's always fun seeing responsibility trying to settle itself on Mat's shoulders :D.

Well, Mat's fondling days better be over because his wife would make him sing soprano if she caught being a philanderer. :D

 

Faile's little captivity I think will have humbled her and make her less suspicious about Berelain, who seems to have come to respect Perrin and may now leave him alone in spite of the Ogier oath she took in Tear. Perrin's learned a lot and even managed to get some Seanchan alliances (albeit temporary) that will certainly play a role later. Faile is bringing her own group with her, forged from their common adversity.

 

I'm just glad the whole Faile in captivity story is done. If it had lasted into another book I would have screamed.

Ha, I suspect the balance between Tuon and Mat doesn't lie as heavily on Tuon's side as she thinks it does. Granted, Mat's a bit off-balance at the moment, and like most new husbands, will probably spend a lot of time doing whatever his wife wants. But that usually lasts a couple of months, and eventually the power struggle will begin. I say begin - I mean continue (he's been trying to be the "dominant" one in their relationship for quite some time, and we all know how much he wants to be the one in control). Out of all the three lads, though, I reckon Mat's relationship will be the most interesting to see a conclusion to.

 

I completely agree about Faile's capitivity arc. That went on for too long, and it was only one book. I think I dislike it because I don't really like Faile all that much... she's far too unreasonable as a person (and almost as prickly as Nynaeve, whom I dislike for similar reasons).

Yeah, I thought he was a good choice for Lord of the Two Rivers. And his chasing of Faile was pretty good, I thought - I liked the interplay there lol. Particularly when he finally did something about her stubbornness (although admittedly he tackled the situation a little differently than I would have lol).

 

I think, post-LoC, the story line I've enjoyed the most has been Mat's. He's definitely my favourite out of our three ta'veren heroes.

He was a good choice for the Two Rivers even if he's to stubborn to know it haha. Yeah I don't know if he handled Faile really well, but I still liked that he actually stood up for himself instead of sitting there and taking all her crap. Reminded me of when Lan first met Moiraine in New Spring haha.

 

I agree I love reading about Mat, he's good comic relief in the series. I always enjoyed reading his POVs.

Yeah, reading about Mat is great in contrast with Rand and Perrin. The latter two are always so focused on doing what's right and being responsible, but not Mat - he just wants to gamble and fondle with equal delight. It's always fun seeing responsibility trying to settle itself on Mat's shoulders :D.

Haha it is, he always freaks out like "What in the world am I doing?!" It's funt to read haha.

It certainly is! :)

 

But back to the topic, Perrin's storyline, I guess, might not be as entertaining as Mat's because it's pretty much the same thing for two whole books - I must find Faile, I must find Faile! - whereas Mat's got tons to deal with in trying to escape Seanchan detection as he flees Altara; wondering why in the hell he was fated to marry Tuon and, at the same time, trying to keep all the womenfolk in his happy little camp from killing each other. It's a merry juggle!

Yeah, I thought he was a good choice for Lord of the Two Rivers. And his chasing of Faile was pretty good, I thought - I liked the interplay there lol. Particularly when he finally did something about her stubbornness (although admittedly he tackled the situation a little differently than I would have lol).

 

I think, post-LoC, the story line I've enjoyed the most has been Mat's. He's definitely my favourite out of our three ta'veren heroes.

He was a good choice for the Two Rivers even if he's to stubborn to know it haha. Yeah I don't know if he handled Faile really well, but I still liked that he actually stood up for himself instead of sitting there and taking all her crap. Reminded me of when Lan first met Moiraine in New Spring haha.

 

I agree I love reading about Mat, he's good comic relief in the series. I always enjoyed reading his POVs.

Yeah, reading about Mat is great in contrast with Rand and Perrin. The latter two are always so focused on doing what's right and being responsible, but not Mat - he just wants to gamble and fondle with equal delight. It's always fun seeing responsibility trying to settle itself on Mat's shoulders :D.

Not really. I didn't care for him chasing after Faile the first time I read the series, but then the second time I read through the series I had no problem getting through it. Not sure if it's because I was prepared for it or not. He's certainly more entertaining than Elayne or Min or Nynaeve in my opinion.

 

How about you? Did you like Perrin's storyline?

Yeah, I thought he was a good choice for Lord of the Two Rivers. And his chasing of Faile was pretty good, I thought - I liked the interplay there lol. Particularly when he finally did something about her stubbornness (although admittedly he tackled the situation a little differently than I would have lol).

 

I think, post-LoC, the story line I've enjoyed the most has been Mat's. He's definitely my favourite out of our three ta'veren heroes.

No no no I didn't, I was just making sure I wasn't misinterpreting. Ahhhh... the effects of no sleep haha ^.^

Ha, I am well familiar with sleep-deprivation.

 

Do you think Perrin's story-arc is less entertaining than the other characters'?

Eh I'm used to being wrong all the time so I assumed it was me you were talking about.... trust me my husband never let's me live it down when I'm wrong when he thinks I am. The sad thing is he's always right... what a jerk haha. He can't even let me have small victories haha.

Ha, oh no - I specifically quoted Mr. Micawber to avoid such misinterpretations :). I apologise if you felt I was making an unfair comment on your post - I was not.

My guess is that Perrin was interpreting his own actions as something only someone from the Shadow would consider doing. I am, of course, referring specifically to his throwing a tantrum and using his axe in a way none of us ever thought he would. I am guessing that, as with Rand, there's a lot of repressed guilt in him, and he considers his actions as necessary towards attaining his goal - namely, getting Faile back. So, while he hasn't - and would never - make a deal with the Shadow (at least not before exploring other more tenable options), it was his own sense of hyperbole that led him to think that.

 

I don't like the above reasoning, because it seems a bit sketchy - even to me. But, shy of an error by RJ, I can't see any other plausible reason Perrin would consider it. He's no Darkfriend, after all.

Yes I see what you mean by his interpretation. ^.^

 

Let me guess... MY reasoning is sketchy... yes, well I never said I was the brightest crayon in the box. *shrugs*

I beg your pardon? :) I never made a comment about your reasoning - in truth, I was merely replying to Mr. Micawber's queries regarding my post.

 

Your arguments that Perrin is only human and can be expected to slip up now and again seem to complement my ideas pretty well, so perhaps I merely misunderstood what you meant.

I quite liked Perrin's story-arc. It's interesting seeing a man who's devoted to his wife (and I find it hard to understand why people find his obsession to hard to understand - imagine losing the love of your life; most people would do anything to get it back) and just wanting her back, but at the same time has a whole army to be responsible for that he never wanted, hanging around with people he doesn't really like and trying to resist a ludicrously beautiful woman that he doesn't want.

 

But, as others have said, if this were really the case, Perrin - in Stonewall's words - be moving swiftly, striking vigorously and securing all the fruits of victory. Or in this case, his lady.

 

But he doesn't. He dithers, fails to make use of his status as a powerful lord until the battle at Malden, fails to enlist Rand's support - considering how Rand feels about harming women and about his two buddies, I'm pretty sure Rand would have given him half the Black Tower and the sworn Aes Sedai to get Faile back - or the support of Bashere and Bashere's BFF Bael, fails to even use his own super-power well. Instead, he makes LTT look like a paragon of rationality, and then he tortures people for information that his Asha'man and Aiel and wolves could get without *any* trouble, based on how RJ has written their abilities.

 

I agree, however, that I'd rather read Perrin's SL than Elayne's. In fact I'd rather read tax law than Elayne's thoughts.

What you say is absolutely correct - a normal, forward-thinking and logical person may well have done exactly what you suggested. But let's look at things in context:

 

1) Perrin is mad with grief. He's so focused on the "hunt" - it probably never even occurred to him to ask Rand for aid. Or anyone else, for that matter - recall that he's not at ease with being a Lord, and needs lessons from Faile in even the most basic things!

 

2) Don't forget that the last time Perrin was in Rand's presence, Rand hauled him up with the OP and threw him across the room. Hardly the "friendly" relationship you're describing - so, even if the idea did occur to him, he probably would've decided not to. Male pride is still pride.

 

3) Furthermore, Faile is his wife, and therefore his responsibility. Perrin's been painted as this responsible, sensible young man who takes the right things seriously. He's also something of a "lone wolf" (pun sort of intended). That kind of attitude means that when something goes wrong, he's going to try and fix it. Alone.

 

So, yes, there are probably plenty of things he could've done. But don't forget that, as a result of his ignoring the Rand-option as a source for help, he instead managed to forge a working relationship with the Seanchan - something Rand is also trying to achieve - and gained the respect of their commanders.

 

In conclusion - the bigger picture is always made up of smaller, mini-pictures :). When taken contextually, you can probably find a reason for why Perrin did what he did, as I have outlined above! No doubt I have missed many other possible interpretations, but that's how it goes! :)

 

But what I really want to know, and you haven't answered this, is why Perrin is willing to make a deal with the Shadow *but never once thinks about asking his friend*!?

 

I get that he's psychotic because she's gotten kidnapped, but this is a gaping hole in the narrative.

 

Btw, I absolutely agree with you about Tylee. I think she's going to be an absolute key for Rand & Co. getting the Seanchan on their side for TG.

 

That's why Perrin's story line is more important than Elayne's every day of the week.

 

But it could have been wrapped up in one and half books with the exact same result, instead of taking up four.

A good question, I reckon. To be honest, I never really considered it, but now that you've asked, I am forced to think about it.

 

My guess is that Perrin was interpreting his own actions as something only someone from the Shadow would consider doing. I am, of course, referring specifically to his throwing a tantrum and using his axe in a way none of us ever thought he would. I am guessing that, as with Rand, there's a lot of repressed guilt in him, and he considers his actions as necessary towards attaining his goal - namely, getting Faile back. So, while he hasn't - and would never - make a deal with the Shadow (at least not before exploring other more tenable options), it was his own sense of hyperbole that led him to think that.

 

I don't like the above reasoning, because it seems a bit sketchy - even to me. But, shy of an error by RJ, I can't see any other plausible reason Perrin would consider it. He's no Darkfriend, after all.

I quite liked Perrin's story-arc. It's interesting seeing a man who's devoted to his wife (and I find it hard to understand why people find his obsession to hard to understand - imagine losing the love of your life; most people would do anything to get it back) and just wanting her back, but at the same time has a whole army to be responsible for that he never wanted, hanging around with people he doesn't really like and trying to resist a ludicrously beautiful woman that he doesn't want.

 

But, as others have said, if this were really the case, Perrin - in Stonewall's words - be moving swiftly, striking vigorously and securing all the fruits of victory. Or in this case, his lady.

 

But he doesn't. He dithers, fails to make use of his status as a powerful lord until the battle at Malden, fails to enlist Rand's support - considering how Rand feels about harming women and about his two buddies, I'm pretty sure Rand would have given him half the Black Tower and the sworn Aes Sedai to get Faile back - or the support of Bashere and Bashere's BFF Bael, fails to even use his own super-power well. Instead, he makes LTT look like a paragon of rationality, and then he tortures people for information that his Asha'man and Aiel and wolves could get without *any* trouble, based on how RJ has written their abilities.

 

I agree, however, that I'd rather read Perrin's SL than Elayne's. In fact I'd rather read tax law than Elayne's thoughts.

What you say is absolutely correct - a normal, forward-thinking and logical person may well have done exactly what you suggested. But let's look at things in context:

 

1) Perrin is mad with grief. He's so focused on the "hunt" - it probably never even occurred to him to ask Rand for aid. Or anyone else, for that matter - recall that he's not at ease with being a Lord, and needs lessons from Faile in even the most basic things!

 

2) Don't forget that the last time Perrin was in Rand's presence, Rand hauled him up with the OP and threw him across the room. Hardly the "friendly" relationship you're describing - so, even if the idea did occur to him, he probably would've decided not to. Male pride is still pride.

 

3) Furthermore, Faile is his wife, and therefore his responsibility. Perrin's been painted as this responsible, sensible young man who takes the right things seriously. He's also something of a "lone wolf" (pun sort of intended). That kind of attitude means that when something goes wrong, he's going to try and fix it. Alone.

 

So, yes, there are probably plenty of things he could've done. But don't forget that, as a result of his ignoring the Rand-option as a source for help, he instead managed to forge a working relationship with the Seanchan - something Rand is also trying to achieve - and gained the respect of their commanders.

 

In conclusion - the bigger picture is always made up of smaller, mini-pictures :). When taken contextually, you can probably find a reason for why Perrin did what he did, as I have outlined above! No doubt I have missed many other possible interpretations, but that's how it goes! :)

I quite liked Perrin's story-arc. It's interesting seeing a man who's devoted to his wife (and I find it hard to understand why people find his obsession to hard to understand - imagine losing the love of your life; most people would do anything to get it back) and just wanting her back, but at the same time has a whole army to be responsible for that he never wanted, hanging around with people he doesn't really like and trying to resist a ludicrously beautiful woman that he doesn't want.

 

Also, I'm quite interested to see where his Wolfbrother abilities lead him! :)

 

Besides, I find reading about Perrin far more entertaining than reading about Elayne or Nynaeve... the former is too girly for my liking, and the latter just annoys me because she's so unreasonable most of the time.