Greandal leads the Seanchan

[Abraxas77]

This is one of my less debatable theories, but still, I think it is worth mentioning. At least, I have not seen it mentioned before. The theory is simple. I have only a few agruements to support it though.

First off is the likeness of Suroth's and Greandal's servants. They both wear "transparent robes." The following two quotations prove that.
A description of Suroth's servants:Four men and four women knelt against one wall, all young and more than good-looking, all wearing.... She jerked her eyes away. Those long white robes were very nearly transparent! (aCoS--"The Irrevocable Words")A description of Greandal's servants:...almost as beautiful in their multicolored flitting as her two pets in transparent robes... (tPoD--page 260)These descriptions are strikingly similar (a hint?). Both are said to be beautiful and wearing the same thing.

Now, we know Suroth is not a Forsaken (read tSR--"Seeds of Shadow"), but she is a darkfriend (admitted in tGH). I think Suroth is manipulated by Greandal, hence the imitations. So where does that put Greandal?

I believe she uses two covers. One is a noble in the east (Alliandre? She is intoduced rather suddenly), the other... a Seanchan of the blood. Possibly even the Emperor herself. Scary. One thing I do know is that Greandal wears an angreal. Check out this little bitty:Standing, she forced the plain band of gold down against the ruby ring on her smallest finger and embraced saidar through it... (tPoD--page 262)Who wears this ring (and another pieces of plain gold jewlery?) must be Greandal, keep an eye out. Later, though, she is collected by Moridin. This must mean that Moridin will have a third cour'sourva. Perhaps we should also look signs of women shivering from Moridin's touch on the mindtrap.

[aaryna]

I don't remember where it says, but somewhere it says that Graendal is not in Seanchan but on some noble estate in one of the northwestern countries (Arad Doman, I think).

But I think Semirhage is leading the Seanchan. There's pretty good evidence that Tuon's Truthsayer, Anath, is at the very least a Darkfriend. And there are pretty good theories out there that Anath is Semirhage.

[Abraxas77]

Originally posted by Abraxas77
I believe she uses two covers. One is a noble in the east (Alliandre? She is intoduced rather suddenly), the other... a Seanchan of the blood

Perhaps her and Semirhage lead the Seanchan. How do you explain the "transparrent robe thing?"

[aaryna]

The transparent robe of the Seanchan is just plain fabric-- silk or whatever material.

However, there are two materials dating back to the age of legends-- fancloth, used in Warders' cloaks, and streith, which Graendal wears. Streith is a colour-changing fabric that alters according to the person's mood. At times, it goes semi-transparent according to Graendal's thoughts at the time.

[Abraxas77]

When did her robe go transparent? I believe it was when she was thinking of a man. Are you saying Greandal's servants/pets are constantly horney? I wouldn't doubt it too much, with her use Compulsion on them, they do admire her. But I'm not sure they're always thinking about f*cking her.

[aaryna]

I can't remember when exactly her dress went transparent. :-/ I'm not sure she was actually thinking about sex or a guy at the time-- she might've been just happy.

But because the robes seem completely different (one just normal, the other is Age of Legends cloth whose making has been lost), I don't think Graendal can be connected to the Seanchan (da'covale) by that argument.

[Abraxas77]

hmmmmmmmm....I think some quotations would help. I'll keep and eye out.

[archely]

If you are using the transparent robes as an argument for a Seanchan being Graendal, then the High Lord Turak can be Graendal too. Of course, Rand killed him, but that doesn't change the fact that he had servants with transparent robes. I think it is made pretty clear that all such servants wear transparent robes in Seanchan. Just because more than one person likes their servants nearly naked doesn't mean that they are the same person. It seems that this argument is based on weak correlations rather than strong facts.

[Abraxas77]

Point well taken, but remember this is a story, not real life. I don't think RJ would waste writting such descriptions of Greandal's servants if they were, in fact, in no way related to the Seanchan servants. Furthermore, by stating the two descriptions in near identical words, I believe RJ is using a form of foreshadowing.

Not to mention the prophecy that says the Last Battle will be between the North and East verses the South and West. Where are the Seanchan? In the West and South. It makes sense to say there are Forsaken among the Seanchan. The servant's robes thing points to the High Blood.

[Karitas]

So where does that leave Mat if Grendie is the daughter of the nine moons?

Man that will be a hell of a wedding....

[lunger]

I like the idea of Graendal controlling Suroth. While not controlling the seanchan, Suroth is definately in controll of the Forerunners. Controlling them would be a definate way to spread chaos, as the DO commanded the forsaken.

What is the relationship between Graendal and Semhirage? I can't remember offhand any meetings where we've seen those two together. One note of interest is something i found in WH..

"what a veil hides" chapter
(after hearing Tuon say that Suroth must be commended)

"Peeved at the change of subject, Anath drew herself up, lips compressing. Her eyes glittered. 'I am sure Suroth has only the best interests of the Empire for ambition,' she said curtyly."

Now, assuming Anath is Semhirage, why would she respond like that? If her and Graendal are working together, then she could be deflecting suspicion away from Suroth, which would lead to Graendal. If they aren't working together, I'd bet Sem knows that Graendal is controlling Suroth, and is irritated at the indirect mention of her rival. Any thoughts?