That's what I always figured - Kari Al'Thor became a Darkfriend (probably why she died so young). We have seen decent people turn to the dark out of despair (Ingtar) or blackmail (Verin), without becoming evil necessarily. I suspect she was told that her son would be safe if she turned.



I don't think so. Initially we see Egwene (and Elayne?) in that scene too. When Rand claims it's not real, their images disappear, but Kari remains, and both she and Ba'alzamon indicate she is now his. Rand destroys her with what appears to be balefire, so I assume he manages to free her soul from the Dark in this way, especially as she then thanks him.