So Verin is Black Ajah. Let's be honest, this topic has been in the back of our minds ever since she supposedly lied to Mat about being sent by Moiraine. I was devastated when she finally said she's from the Black, but not too surprised. She's always been one of the more amusing and useful Aes Sedai.

So, some points I want to make...

1. Her philosophy on the Dark One seems to be that of Ishamael's, and he's always been unique in this regard. I found it refreshing to have a darkfriend who wasn't after immortality or power, but was considering the nature of evil as dispassionately as someone who's analyzing a chess board.

2. In my mind, she's part of a group of people who are darkfriends, but are so bad at being evil they might as well not be. The other example is Ingtar, maybe Sheriam too. Verin was faced with the choice of joining them or being executed. She made a human decision which was wrong but understandable. I don't really condemn people who break from fear, and few people who say that they'll die for their beliefs have the stomach to go through it - especially facing someone like Galina or Katerine. Verin is therefore also like a forced turning to me.

3. She sacrificed herself to destroy them - she had to, to circumvent the Oath. I always find this to be the sign of a person filled with remorse, and someone who should be forgiven - like Ingtar.

She's therefore still a favourite character of mine... tarnished a little, but still a fond memory with her ink smudge on her nose.