OC [Spoilers New Spring] It's the little moments that really make Jordan stand out as a writer

(Originally posted on /r/wot)

Reading New Spring for the first time, and just came across this section. In one brief moment you get so much character and world building:

Scaffolding surrounded one of the Ogier-made structures, obscuring its form so that all she could make out was green and white stone and the fact that it seemed all curves, and Ogier stonemasons moved on the wooden platforms

...

They were not often seen, though. One of them was standing in the street, at the foot of the broad ladder leading up to the first platform, in a long dark coat that flared out above his boot tops, with a thick roll of paper under one arm. Plans, no doubt. He could have been taken for human, if you squinted. And ignored the fact that his huge eyes were on a level with Moiraine’s as she drew abreast of him. That and the long, tufted ears that stuck up through his hair, a nose nearly as wide as his face, and a mouth that all but cut that face in two. His eyebrows dangled onto his cheeks like mustaches. She offered him a formal bow from her saddle, and he returned it with equal gravity, stroking the narrow beard that hung down his chest. But his ears twitched, and she thought she saw a grin as he turned to begin climbing the ladder. Any Ogier who came to Tar Valon would know an Accepted’s dress when he saw one.

Flushing, she glanced from the corner of her eye to see whether Siuan had seen.

In this one paragraph we get:

• Ogier Architecture
• Some insight into the Ogier (rarely seen)
• Tar Valon History
• An insight into the relationship between Ogier and Aes Sedai (mutual respect)
• That Ogier are polite (he bows)
• That Ogier can have a good natured and wry sense of humor (smiling at the Accepted playing Aes Sedai).
• That Ogier are perceptive and either share or understand some human sensibilities.
• A really great insight into the relationship between Accepted and Aes Sedai, as well as their relative social standing.
• Ogier physicality in how he emotes.
• How Moraine wants to be perceived (regal, noble, worldly)
• That it bothers and embarrasses her when people see through that act.

So much packed into one little section. It's the little twist of the scene where the Ogier is politely amused with her that transforms it from being a very straightforward history and exposition piece to a great little character moment. in a few short sentences not only do we learn more about Moraine, but get this nicely drawn Ogier character who feels a fully fledged person instead of just scenery. Jordan even works in Moiraine's relationship with Siuan right at the end.

It really brings the scene to life and The Wheel of Time is filled with moments like this which make it such a joy to read.