The Moendivells, being lesser lords, were largely spared the wrath visited upon the Vanderodes when their ambitions cast them down low. In time, as Lady Saralleine was able to gather the tatters of her prestige back into some semblance of respectability, she was deemed a suitable chaperone for the young members of the house for the social seasons in Tar Valon. It is also believed that Lady Ellisaene and Lord Rolaen had secret directions from their grandfather to learn all they could while under Saralleine's roof so that they could further use it to their advantage should Vanderode seem ripe for the picking.

While in Tar Valon, Ellisaene has partaken of the famed season of balls and promenades, and has also thrown herself into her studies, as her tutors and instructors have had her take excellent advantage of unsurpassed White Tower library. Ellisaene maintains a quiet, somewhat timid posture, preferring passive activities including reading fine literature and doing intricate embroidery, yet she is highly intelligent and mentally records all she observes, and maintains a coded correspondence with her wily grandfather, reporting an all of Lady Saralleine's activities.

Ellisaene has been the object, however, of some romantic predators, including Rhun Mayew, the roguish treasure seeker and adventurer, and the unscupulous Lord Andraenes of House Rhiaghan, for all that Lady Saralleine tried to forbid such encounters. Ellisaene has made a life-long friend in a similarly reserved young Tarabonner noblewoman, Lady Mariya ibn Mohamaar.

Ellisaene is cautious distant from her Vanderode cousins, of course, as they seek to supplant each other, and prefers to remain close to her brother Rolaen.