Bloody ashes, woman. This isn't a metaphor for anything! It's just boots.
In "Towers of Midnight," Robert Jordan presents a vivid image through the character's exclamation, emphasizing that certain events or items should not be overanalyzed or seen as symbolic. The phrase "Bloody ashes, woman" conveys a sense of frustration or urgency, suggesting that the speaker is facing a straightforward situation that should not be confusing. It's a call to focus on the literal meaning rather than getting lost in metaphors.
The statement that "It's just boots" reinforces the idea that sometimes the simplest explanations are the most valid. This can reflect the way characters deal with their immediate realities, highlighting the importance of practical concerns over abstract interpretations. In this instance, the boots represent an object of concern, yet the speaker urges the listener to acknowledge its basic, tangible nature without deeper philosophical implications.