Chapter One: Aes Sedai
They say the world broke thousands of years ago. A man called the Dragon Reborn had sent the people thousands of years back. They speak of a Wheel that turns. All life comes and goes. That there was no beginning nor ending but there was a beginning. The third age that was yet to come. There was a prophecy that was spoken several years ago. That the Dragon Reborn would return to make or break the world again. It was not the only prophecy that was spoken as there was another mentioned. Four channelers powerful as they come. To stand with the Dragon Reborn as the allies. There they would be the closest friends of the Dragon as the Last Battle approaches. The prophecy had another part to it, as one channeler would forever change the minds of how love should be. One that will change the hearts of many. The young channeler would be from a fallen house that would forever be gone. Gone, but not forgotten.
The sun was high in the sky. A cold brisk breeze was felt across the city through old buildings. Stone roads breaking apart. A field of flowers just outside the gates. A young girl was giggling while spinning around in the field. Falling over while laughing.
"Alessia! Come on dear! Time to go!" A man's voice shouted.
"Coming papa!" The girl shouted. She picked a flower and placed it into her long black hair before standing up. Brushing the dirt off of her long brown skirt. Her white shirt was stained from swimming in the nearby pond. Pushing her hair back before running towards a man who had his arms spread out. She jumped into the man's arms while laughing.
"You are a dirty young one! Let us get you cleaned before we leave." He spoke as Alessia giggled lightly while nodding her head. The small house was not far from them as they walked along the dirt path.
"Papa, why must we leave Tarabon?" Alessia asked as she entered the house. The man was silent for a moment before speaking.
"We are wanted in Andor. The royal family wishes to have all Houses living in the city." He spoke.
"We have a house!" Alessia nearly shouted as a woman poured hot water into a larger looking bucket. The young girl got undressed and hopped into the water. Splashing nearby servants. She apologized with a small laugh.
"You misunderstand my dear. Our name is well respected among the people. Our name goes back through history several years before I was born." The man was trying to explain to the young girl who was more focused on playing with her wet hair than to listen to a history lesson.
"I'll miss it here. The farms. The flowers. People are nice here." She spoke with a frown. The openness was something she would miss as well. The fields that seemed to spread miles as far as the eyes could see. The animals that were in pens and barns. It was going to be a rather large change in life for her. Maybe it was for the best?
"I know you will. Come daughter. We need to leave now." The man spoke as the young girl nodded and stood up. Putting on her clean clothes before grabbing her father's hand and leaving the house. She was hoisted up into a wagon. Looking at the house one last time while waving at the other kids as they came to say their goodbyes.
"Bye everyone!" Alessia shouted while waving. The wagon jerked as it started to move. Watching Tarabon slowly disappear down the road.
It had been a few weeks on the road as Alessia grumbled and rolled over onto her stomach while flipping through pages of a book. She could barely understand what the book had on its pages. The words seemed to be a bit too hard for her. She is only five years old. She had a woman who was teaching her how to read and write before they left. Maybe she would be getting a new teacher? Her mother wasn't there to teach her anything. The woman had passed away when she was born. Her father was devastated from it but had vowed to keep going on for their daughter.
"Father. What's a channeler?" Alessia asked while moving to the front of the wagon where her father was leading the horses on the reigns.
"A channeler is a woman who can use power. One who can touch the One's Power." Her father explained. She had always wondered why she had never seen them but heard about them. They came in many different shapes and colors. Shrugging as she pushed the thought to the side while flipping through the book again.
"There should be a picture book there for you." He spoke as she shook her head. She was trying to read the book she already had. She had given up and looked around. They had crossed fields, farms, and villages. The journey seemed to be never ending as she sighed and laid back against the wall of the wagon.
"Don't worry dear. We will be there soon." He spoke as she nodded. She was laying on her back now while staring up in the sky. The stars were starting to show. The sun set in the sky to let the world know it would be time to rest. Her father however wanted to keep going. So, they did. The stars were dancing now. Or it was because they were moving as the night moved in the opposite way. She was slowly drifting off to sleep. Trying to force herself to stay awake. She had failed. Turning on her side while holding a doll made of hay and fabric.
"Alessia. Wake up dear. We are here." The man spoke as she felt a small shake. She mumbled nonsense while leaning up. Sure enough, there was a city in view.
"Welcome to Andor." her father added. Her eyes were glued to the sight of the buildings and lion banners everywhere.
"The most powerful nation is Andor." Her father spoke as they entered the gates. She hopped out to grab her father's hand and walked with him. She was still looking around. There were so many people! More than she had ever seen in her life!
"They say it is tradition for a woman to rule. A queen. She bears the Rose Crown. That her eldest daughter known as the Daughter-Heir would take over. Sent to Tar Valon to study." He explained.
"That's where the White Tower is!" Alessia spoke with a smile as her father nodded.
"Very good. You are so smart for your age!" He poked her nose as she scrunched it with a giggle and held her nose before moving to the side to allow the other people to pass her by. There was so much for her to learn! She was excited. They had passed several buildings and people. Alessia raised her brow as some of them were bowing to her father.
"Why are they doing that?" She asked while looking around again. There were many shops and carts outside in the streets.
"Remember what I told you? We come from a House that is well respected from a long line in history." He spoke. She nodded her head again.
"Here we are." He said They were standing in front of a large building that was white in marble. Stone almost white as snow. "Welcome home." He spoke while opening the door. It was huge inside! She stepped inside to look around. It was already furnished. There were also people inside. Servants were there already.
"Come my lady. Let's get you changed." A woman spoke while grabbing her hand gently.
"But I'm tired!" She spoke with a frown.
"It was a long journey, yes but we need to go to the markets." Her father spoke. "Get her dressed nicely. We are attending a dinner party." He added.
"Yes my Lord." The woman spoke while leading Alessia away. She was groaning and whining the whole time. She came into a rather large room full of different colors. There were toys in a chest by the window. There was also a seating area built into the window. There was a door in the back of the room. A small patio with black metal like railings.
"Would you like to wear a blue or red dress today my lady?" The woman asked. Alessia turned to see awful frilly dresses. She scrunched her nose at the looks of them.
"What are those?" She asked while putting her hands on her hips.
"Dresses my lady. Do you prefer blouses and slacks?" The woman asked as she nodded her head. "Alright. No dresses for now." The woman added.
"What's your name?" Alessia asked.
"You can call me Musin." The woman spoke as she gave Alessia a bow.
"Nice to meet you Musin." Alessia spoke as she changed out of her farm clothes and was dressed into a button up sleeveless blouse that had a silky feeling to it. Long blue slacks to fit with blue dress shoes.
"My my! Those slacks bring out your ocean blue eyes!" Musin spoke with a smile. She guided Alessia to a chair as she began to brush it with her long black hair. Pulling the flower out of it. "Do you like flowers?" Musin asked as Alessia nodded her head. Her hair was being braided in ways she did not know was possible. Seeing the woman twist and turn to style her hair. Looking in the mirror, she smiled.
"Thank you Musin!" Alessia smiled and bowed to the woman who dressed.
"No need to bow, my little lady." Musin spoke while returning the bow.
"Are we ready?" Her father came into the room and smiled. "You look beautiful." He spoke while looking at Alessia. She smiled and went to hug him tightly.
"Musin, can you take her out to the shops? I have business happening in a few moments." Her father spoke.
"Yes my Lord." Musin bowed as she was given a coin purse. Leading Alessia out of her room while being given a shawl to wrap around her shoulders to keep her from getting cold.
The two of them made their way outside to the streets. It was loud as the people were chattering among themselves. Laughing and gossiping. Alessia's eyes were traveling around the place. Her eyes caught someone's. A woman standing tall in blue. She had brown hair that fell past her shoulders a little. Blue eyes watching her. A man with a small bun in his hair was standing next to her. He had a sword in place on his back. Alessia kept her eyes upon the woman before jumping as a hand touched her shoulder.
"Lady Alessia, please keep up. Don't want to lose you to the crowd." Musin spoke as Alessia took the woman's hand. Looking over her shoulder, the woman in blue was gone.
"There was a pretty lady in blue." Alessia spoke while humming. She was hopping in her steps as she was giving the woman a hard time.
"Come on my lady. We need to get this done before the dinner party." Musin spoke. Alessia frowned and nodded.
"I sorry Musin." She spoke softly. Feeling her shoulder rubbed.
"It's alright dear. Now wait right here while I go into this shop." Musin spoke as she nodded her head. Once her maid was gone, Alessia looked around again. The place was huge! It would be easy to get lost in. Hearing small laughter from kids her age, she smiled and slowly walked over to them. Hiding behind a stall as she watched them kick a brown ball between each other. The ball was then kicked a bit too far. It was next to her.
"Oi! Toss it will ya?" A boy a little older than her asked. Alessia nodded and tossed it back. It didn't make it to the boy. Hearing them laugh and point at her.
"You mean." Alessia spoke and crossed her arms.
"Can't speak properly can ye?" Another boy taller than her spoke while laughing. She felt a push.
"Hey! Stop!" Alessia protested.
"Or what?" The first boy asked. He pushed her again as she stumbled backwards.
"I mean it! Stop!" She shouted. Feeling her eyes water. All three of the boys raised their hands up to grab her. She staggered backwards and turned her heels and made a run for it.
"After her!" The boys shouted. Alessia didn't know what to do. She was scared! She didn't know her way around the city and here she was. Being chased by other kids her age. They definitely did not like her.
"Leave me alone!" Alessia shouted as the boys were gaining on her. She looked over her shoulders. Smack! She had crashed into someone. Her arm hit the ground badly. As if the ground had something against her. Her arm was cut and now bleeding. She looked up and saw the woman in blue again.
"I'm sorry! So sorry!" Alessia shouted while she was on the ground.
"What ales you, child?" The woman spoke. Alessia stood up while the boys caught up. Alessia gasped and hid behind the woman in blue. Peeking over the woman's arm.
"It's an Aes Sedai! Run!" The boys turned and ran. Alessia was confused.
"Are you alright child?" The woman asked as she turned to look down at Alessia. She nodded her head while holding her arm.
"Thank you." She spoke. The woman in blue had knelt down. She moved her hands in an elegant way. Seeing white silver streams following her hand movements as she placed a hand above Alessia's wound. The hand had a gold snake-like ring upon her middle finger with a blue stone. She watched as her cut had stopped bleeding and closed itself. A small scar was all that was left of the wound.
"Whoa!" Alessia was amazed at this! Her wound was healed! So fast right before her eyes!
"Thank you thank you!" Alessia spoke while giving the woman a bow.
"What is your name child?" The woman asked. The man she saw earlier today wasn't in sight.
"I'm Alessia." She spoke softly.
"Solstice?" The woman asked as Alessia nodded.
"My dear. Where is your maid?" The woman asked. Alessia frowned and looked down. "Come. We will find her together." The woman in blue took Alessia's hand and led her the way back to the markets.
"My lady!" Musin's voice was heard over the crowd. Her eyes caught the blue ones as she sighed in relief.
"Thank you Aes Sedai!" Musin spoke as she bowed to the woman in blue.
"Please, just call me Moiraine." The woman in blue spoke softly. Her words were rich in a way she pronounced them. "Why is this child out here alone?" Moiraine had asked.
"She was told to stay put." Musin spoke while crossing her arms.
"I'm sorry. I heard other kids playing and I went to go look." Alessia spoke while bowing her head.
"She's humble." Moiraine spoke as Alessia raised a brow.
"She's from Tarabon. She lived on a farm before here. She only just arrived, Moiraine Sedai." Musin spoke as she bowed again.
"See that she gets home safely." Moiraine spoke before turning her heels and left. The woman had elegance about her and Alessia was trying to put a finger on it but pushed it in the back of her mind.
They had arrived back as Alessia just realized she was covered in dirt.
"Did you find everything on the list?" Her father came into view and Musin nodded. Handing the basket to another woman before taking her leave.
"Alessia. What happened to your clothes?" Her father asked as he walked over and brushed the dirt off of her slacks.
"Sorry papa. Boys are mean." She huffed and crossed her arms. Hearing a chuckle from her father as he shook his head.
"It's alright dear. Now, we will be having guests arriving soon. Behave yourself alright?" He asked as she nodded. Her eyes found something on the nearby table.
"Flowers!" She shouted and ran over to them. They were red roses. She smiled while putting one out of the vase and smelled it. Smiling as she closed her eyes. Remembering the time she was spinning around in the field of flowers back on the farm. Hearing a knock on the door brought her back to reality. She looked around the room. No one was there. There was another knock on the door. Alessia hummed while walking over to the door and opened it. There stood a woman in red. She stood tall with confidence. Long honey blond hair with braids that twisted and turned in ways like her own. The woman was looking at her. Piercing her soul with the blue eyes. Alessia smiled at the woman.
"Papa! There's a pretty lady in red at the door!" Alessia shouted as her father was already making his way to them.
"Ah! Liandrin Sedai! Welcome! My daughter Alessia." Her father spoke while introducing them.
"Pleasure to meet you." Liandrin spoke as she held her hand out to Alessia. Alessia only blushed and giggled before hiding behind her father. Grabbing her father's arm while watching the woman in red from behind him.
"Did I offend her?" Liandrin asked with a worried look.
"No. She likes you. She acts shy around those she likes. It's pretty rare actually." Her father spoke.
"Ah. I see." Liandrin spoke with a curt nod of her head. Alessia couldn't stop looking at the woman in red. She was another Aes Sedai. She had never heard of them before until now. She had met two. She would have to ask her father about them later on.
"If you would follow me, Liandrin Sedai." Her father spoke. Alessia quickly moved to the side to allow them to pass. Her eyes caught Liandrin's as the woman winked at her before leaving the room where Alessia was left alone in.
It had been a few hours. Alessia was in her room again. Writing on a piece of paper. Well, she was trying to write. Hearing her door open and close. She looked up to see Musin smiling at her. Holding out a nicer looking black dress. She smiled and nodded. Standing up to pull the clothes off that were still dirty from earlier. She slipped into the black dress. It was not frilly. Black tights and small dress shoes.
"Here. It's a necklace that was found in this room." Musin spoke while placing a necklace around Alessia's neck. She looked at it. It was a simple silver looking flower on a silver chain. She smiled and gave Musin a hug.
"Thank you." Alessia spoke.
"Come. It's dinner time." Musin spoke as Alessia nodded. Her stomach had growled. She was hungry after all. She followed her maid into the dining room. There were several guests there. They were all in black. Only the maids and servants were wearing gray and white clothes. A flash of red made her blush. 'Huh?' Alessia asked herself. She was confused as to why her face was acting like that. Shrugging it off as she sat in a chair next to the woman in red.
"You look cute tonight my lady." Liandrin's voice spoke. Alessia looked at the woman and smiled. Bowing her head.
"Tank you. You too!" Alessia spoke as there was a clinking on a glass cup. Alessia's eyes were removed from the woman in red as she looked at her father. He rose up with a smile.
"To our master! And may the Dragon Reborn come to us soon!" He raised his cup as the others followed before taking a drink. Alessia was so confused at this. 'What's a Dragon Reborn?' She asked herself. Her mind went elsewhere as the food came out.
"Roasted pig." The servant spoke as she nodded her head. Her plate was filled with food. It felt odd. She had never had this much food before on her plate. Let alone the table. She looked around as she saw the guests all eating. Chattering and laughing as they exchanged stories. She felt eyes upon her and turned to catch the blue eyes watching her. She blushed and looked away to her plate. Slowly picking at her food with her fork.
"A young lady should eat. It'll help you grow and be strong." Liandrin's voice spoke on her left side. Alessia nodded her head and began to eat. It was delicious! She never had roasted pig before. She worked on the mashed potatoes first before finishing. The guests were escorted out of the house as the dinner party was over. Alessia made her way to the sitting room. She sat down on the couch while watching the birds fly about on the patio.
"Lovely evening." Liandrin's voice made her jump. She nodded her head quickly. The woman in red sat down near her. Patting the spot next to her. Alessia moved closer as she felt an arm wrapped around her shoulder. She took Liandrin's left hand into her own while looking at the ring with a red stone in it. She was lightly tracing her finger around the snake while listening to the woman speak.
"Tell me. Do you enjoy living here in the city?" She asked as Alessia shook her head. "Why not?"
"Boys are mean. I hate them." Alessia crossed her arms. She heard a chuckle. She scrunched her nose again while looking at the woman.
"I don't like them either. Hence why I am a red ajah." Liandrin spoke.
"What's dat?" Alessia asked. She was curious again.
"Well, the Aes Sedai are separate in different colors based on beliefs and what not. My color, we don't like men. In fact, we protect the world from men who channel magic. They make it filthy. It drives them mad. So, my job is to find them and gentle them." Liandrin spoke. Alessia nodded as her eyes went wide.
"You must be really strong!" She piped up while hearing another chuckle. "I wanna be strong too!" She jumped up before jumping around in a circle.
"Alright. It's time to go to bed Alessia." Her father spoke.
"Awe! Few more minutes?" Alessia frowned. She sat back down on the couch.
"No dear. Bedtime. Liandrin is leaving anyway." Her father added. She nodded and slid off the couch. Giving the woman a bow.
"Oh! Wait right here." Alessia spoke. She dashed out and then back after a minute. She handed Liandrin the rose she picked earlier. "A pretty red flower for the pretty lady in red!" Alessia spoke. Liandrin smiled softly while taking the flower from her.
"Thank you, my lady." The woman in red spoke softly. She gave the woman a hug before giggling and dashed away. Hearing her father talk.
"I've never seen her take a liking to someone this much." He spoke.
"Well. I hope she doesn't get attached. You know how the Aes Sedai ages. Her heart would break." Liandrin's voice carried.
Wondering what she had meant. Alessia was already in her night gown while laying in her bed. The day's events were replaying in her mind. She tossed and turned in her bed. She had so many questions running through her mind. It felt like her brain was going to burst! She then decided she would dedicate herself to learning as much as she could. If only there was a library nearby? There wasn't one where she used to live but since now they were in the city. Maybe there was one? She yawned lightly as she drifted off to sleep.
The sun was rising as she felt a gentle hand touch her shoulder and shake her lightly. Alessia yawned while stretching her arms. Mumbling nonsense as she crawled out of her bed. Musin was already brushing her hair. Putting it into a simple half way up and half way down. She was wearing black pants, white blouse and a red jacket. Red. She liked the color now. Smiling while she followed Musin to the dining room as she took a seat. Eating her breakfast as her father was in his study. There was someone in there. Alessia peeked in to hope in seeing the woman again but frowned when she saw a man.
"Come my lady. Let's take a walk." Musin spoke as Alessia nodded. She followed her maid outside. Hearing laughter from the people that were all already up for the day. She smiled while inhaling the fresh air. She looked around. There were several women in yellow. They all entered a building together. She was gently pushed forward while several guards rushed past them. Alessia scrunched her nose at this before following Musin into another building. Her eyes went wide as she gasped. They were in a library! She smiled while looking around.
"Ah builder. Can you keep an eye on her while I get some things?" Musin asked.
"Of course. It would be my honor." A tall man spoke. Alessia's eyes went wide at the sight. She had never seen a man like him before. She watched Musin leave her in the custody of the library before leaving.
"What would you like to read today?" The man asked as Alessia shrugged her shoulders. Hearing a shuffle of feet, Alessia looked over her shoulders in time to see a blue cloak disappear. The man with the bun followed.
"What's an Aes Sedai?" Alessia asked as she sat down in a chair. Opening a book and flipped through the pages.
"They are the women in the White Tower who can channel One's Power. Also known as Servants of All in the Old tongue." The tall man spoke. Alessia looked up at him.
"I wanna be one." She spoke softly.
"Maybe you will someday if you can feel the One's Power." The man spoke before taking his leave. She frowned. She had many more questions. She sighed and slumped in her chair. Frowning. She wanted to learn more about things. She rested her chin on her hand while opening to a page in the book that was in front of her. Something caught her eyes. The book had a picture. It had several women in a circle. They looked like they were channeling something. There was a man in the center. It looked like he was having something taken from him. Her eyes went wide as she flipped the pages while looking at the pictures.
"That man in the picture. The Red ajah is gentling him." The man spoke as she came back.
"Gentle?" She asked. Wondering if there was another meaning that she did not know.
"To gentle a man is a nice way of saying that he is having his power being taken away from him. Before he does harm. Men cannot and should not touch the One's Power. It drives them insane. Killing the ones he loves first." The man spoke before leaving again. 'Why does he keep leaving?' She asked before closing the book. She looked around again. It was silent. It felt odd. Being in a large building full of books. 'So only women could possess this power.' She thought. Her head was starting to hurt. She had learned only a few things today. It seems like her mind wasn't ready to comprehend this kind of knowledge. 'Maybe someday.' She thought while she stood up and saw Musin waving at her. She smiled at Musin and walked over to her maid. It seemed the woman was done doing whatever she was doing and decided to lead her back home. Hearing laughter again as she saw the boys who chased her yesterday. Seeing them stick their tongues out at her. Alessia scoffed and rolled her eyes at them. Boys. Men. They were all the same to her. Unable to possess amazing power that only women could. There she had made her choice, if she ever were able to touch One's Power, she would gladly take the red. Men seemed to make or take something beautiful and make it ugly. She followed Musin back to her home. Holding her head up high.
-Notes-
Hello all! This is going to be a AU Wheel of Time! I will be taking my time with this fanfic! I do hope you enjoy! I will be using my original character's name: Alessia Solstice as the main character in this story. There will be a love interest and relationship. I am going to keep that quiet! You will have to read to find out! Enjoy!