Who is Moiraine from The Eye of the World and what is their importance?

Moiraine was raised in a royal palace and has the countenance of a high-born lady, though she tries to hide or dismiss it. While in Emond's Field, she and her Warder Lan defend the village against a Trolloc and Myrddraal attack. She deduces that the targets of the attack are Rand, Mat and Perrin, three boys of roughly equal age. She convinces the boys to accompany her to Tar Valon where she and her Aes Sedai sisters can learn why the Dark One wants one or all of them. Egwene also asks to leave with them and Moiraine agrees.