Egwene Al'Vere
from the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
.........." 'I'm the Amyrlin but...Elayne, Sheriam doesn't have to think very hard to recall a novice named Egwene, staring goggle-eyed at everything and being sent to rake the New Garden walks for eating apples after bedtime. She means to lead me by the hand, or maybe push me by the scruff of my neck.' "
" 'I am in command until this threat passes. You will call me Mother.' "
" 'I am Aes Sedai by virtue of having been raised to the Amyrlin Seat,' Egwene replied calmly...'I can cite the relevant passages in the law, if you wish.' "
..........
(No huge spoilers here - the series is 13 (14?) books long and I haven't finished them yet.)
Egwene is just a small-town girl, living in a lonely world... (sorry, couldn't help it) until fate brings mysterious visitors to their village with a knowledge of magic, called the One Power. It turns out that not only does she have the spark and can "channel" magic as well, but she is one of the strongest in history. She joins the group of women who do magic called Aes Sedai and becomes involved with a rebel faction as corruption and evil break their ranks apart. Though she's still a novice, she's chosen as their figurehead and leader, the Amyrlin - mostly so that she can be controlled by others who are older and wiser, and also so that if they fail in their mission, she will take the brunt of the punishment. Egwene turns all this on its head by actually being a good leader and taking her position quite seriously, to their dismay.
If you enjoyed the Lord of the Rings series and you have a lot of reading time, give the Wheel of Time series a try. Egwene is only one of many characters, but I love her resilience and loyalty. She is always striving to take care of those around her and to better herself. Sounds like a mother indeed.
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