Chapter Two: Two Rivers

Few years had passed since the move from Tarabon to Andor. Alessia was sitting at a small table reading a book. Her hair was half way up. The top half was braided into a bun. Her blue eyes had bags under them due to late night reading from staying up when she was told to go to bed. She wrapped her cloak around her tightly as she moved from the table to go outside on the patio. It was late afternoon while watching the people go about their busy days on the streets. She sighed softly as she wished she was allowed to leave the house whenever she wanted. Her father wouldn't allow it. She leaned on the rail while inhaling a deep breath of fresh air. She heard voices whispering softly as she looked around. There was no one. She frowned at this. It felt weird. Maybe it was just inside of her head? Shrugging at the thought before she went back inside her bedroom. Setting the book aside while yawning lightly. She undressed her nightgown and put on a gray tunic, black slacks and black boots. Pulling on her cloak-like jacket that she had gotten a few years ago. Wondering how it could still fit. She walked out of her bedroom into the sitting room. Seeing her father there reading some papers.
"Father, I wish to go to the library." Alessia spoke lightly. Her father looked up from his papers and sighed.
"No. It's not safe." He replied. Alessia frowned and sat down. She was sitting up straight like a lady. Her hands on her lap. Her head held high.
"I don't understand father. I will be ten years old tomorrow. I should be allowed to." She spoke softly. Her speech had improved along with her vocabulary.
"I am sorry dear. You have a big day tomorrow and I cannot risk anything happening. You will have guests coming over to see you tomorrow." He added. She looked down to the side. She didn't know these guests that her father spoke of. They were friends of his. The only person she had come to like was the Red Sedai. Even though she only seen the woman a few times over the years from a distance. Alessia had always wanted to run up and hug the woman in red and ask about her adventures but it would never happen due to the woman constantly on the move. She shook her head while standing back up. Walking over to the kitchen area to grab an apple to eat.
"Forgive me my dear. I must head out. I shall be back by dinner time." Her father spoke. With that, he had left. Alessia was alone now in the house. Except for Musin who was her personal maid. Her teacher had already left for the day. Usually girls her age who wanted an education would be taken to Tar Valor. However, her father being over protective as he is of her, hired a private tutor for her. She went back to her room to finish her apple while going back on the patio. She heard laughter from the boys as she watched them run about. She felt a pang of jealousy as children her age got to have fun while she remained in the house like some prisoner. Seeing the boys catch sight of her, they jeered at her while throwing rocks. She dodged them by moving backwards. Once they were done, she used her feet to push the rocks off her patio. Watching the boys laugh and run away. She huffed a little. Feeling her cheeks heat up from anger. Then, she felt eyes upon her. She looked around and spotted it. The woman in blue again. Their eyes locked for a few moments. 'Moiraine.' Alessia thought. The woman hadn't aged a single day. She gave the woman a small curtsy of a bow before going back inside.

Hours later, her father had not yet come home. Dinner was now set on the table. She took her usual spot as she always did. Ignoring her table manners as she set her elbow on the table and rested her cheek upon it. Picking at her food.
"Come now dear. That's no way to sit properly at the table." One of the servants spoke and pinched her elbow.
"Ouch! That was rude!" Alessia spoke while rubbing her elbow.
"Table manners my lady." The woman snapped before taking her leave. Alessia frowned again and pushed her plate away. She wasn't hungry anymore. She got up and left the dining room. Back into her own bedroom. The sun was already down. The moon was up and shining. Her room was lowly lit and dimmed from the single lantern that was on her table. She got out of her day clothes and went into the bathroom that was part of her room. Getting into the large tub as the hot water soothed her skin. Relaxing a little before hugging her knees. Hearing the voice of the woman earlier come in.
"Let's get you cleaned up for tomorrow." She spoke.
"Get away from me." Alessia glared at the woman. Not forgetting the pinch from earlier. Besides, she can bathe herself. "I can do it myself." She added.
"Look at you my lady. All grown up." She spoke in a taunting like voice. Alessia rolled her eyes as the woman left. She took the sponge and began. Sighing softly again while scrubbing her arms and legs. Making sure she got everywhere before washing her hair. She dipped under the water to rinse it out. Coming back up for air and yawning lightly. Getting out she grabbed a sheet towel to dry off before putting on her nightgown. Her father still hadn't come back. She was frowning again while putting on a cloak. She had decided to leave and go to the library. She put on sandals and waited for a few minutes. Seeing the servants leave the area, she silently snuck through the house. Making sure she was on her tiptoes. Halfway hiding the lantern so she wasn't spotted. Sneaking through the rooms and finally made it out the door. She closed it slowly. Hoping to not get caught. Feeling the freedom giving her a burst of energy, Alessia made a dash down the stone street to the other side of the block. Seeing the library in sight, she let herself in. Since it was public, it was always unlocked. She wondered if the keeper of the library was worried about books getting stolen, then again, who would even steal books?

Feeling proud of herself and accomplished, she started to browse the books. Hearing soft whispers as she peeked over the end of the shelf and saw her. Moiraine Sedai with her warder. They were speaking in hushed voices.
"He will be of age in ten years time. I still haven't found a trace of him." Moiraine spoke.
"Perhaps we should look elsewhere?" The man spoke.
"Lan. It's not the only prophecy we should be worried about. It also mentions four powerful channelers. We need to find them as well." The woman in blue added.
"What about that girl? Alessia?" Lan had asked.
"I haven't felt anything from her. She's too young right now to feel the spark if she can channel." Moiraine spoke. "Speaking of. Shouldn't you be in bed?" The woman asked. Lan looked confused before his eyes caught the sight of Alessia. She jumped and moved back a little into the shadows.
"I'm sorry. I did not mean to listen in." Alessia spoke softly. She felt a gentle hand upon her shoulder and guided her into the light where they were sitting at. Alessia took a seat while looking down to the side.
"I am not mad. Just know that eavesdropping is frowned upon." Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded her head. "Can you read this?" She asked while moving a piece of parchment in front of her. Alessia looked confused.
"It's in Old Tongue." Lan explained.
"Oh. I'm only just recently learning how to learn it. No. I cannot." Alessia spoke softly.
"Why are you here? Where is your father?" Moiraine asked as Alessia shrugged her shoulders.
"He has been pretty much all day. He won't let me outside the house. I snuck out to come here." Alessia spoke softly. She heard a voice speaking again. It sounded like nonsense. She jumped up and looked around. She felt something tug at her soul. Her eyes locked with Moiraine's as the woman gave Alessia a small smile from the corner of her lips.
"You heard that?" The woman asked as Alessia nodded. "You may be a channel yet." Moiraine spoke before handing Alessia a book before leaving. Lan following. Confused as Alessia sat down again in the silence. She looked at the book Moiraine had given her. It was a book about the history of the White Tower. Her eyes widened as she flipped through the pages. There was an outdated list of the Aes Sedai. Lists of the colors and what they meant. What the Novices jobs were before becoming Accepted. She closed the book and tucked it under her cloak before standing up. Bringing her lantern with her as she walked along the shelves of books again. Hearing footsteps of the Builder, she quickly left on tiptoes again. Not wanting to be caught again. Wondering why the Aes Sedai didn't scorn her for being out so late at night. There were voices again. Looking around as she was outside. There was not a single soul in sight. She turned to look around in the dark. The streets were dark. No lamp posts were lit. 'Odd.' Alessia thought before she turned back again to head towards her home. The lights were off inside as Alessia made her way into her bedroom. Setting the book on the small table as she turned the lantern off before crawling into bed. Not caring that she still had her cloak on. She was tired. Looking at the stars through her opened curtains. They made different shapes and patterns. Maybe one day she would learn about them.

Morning had come quickly as night left. Feeling the sun hit her face as she leaned up in bed. Yawning lightly while stretching her arms. She hopped out of bed and smiled. Today she was finally ten years old. She decided to put on her favorite outfit. Dark blue slacks, white button up blouse that had no sleeves and black boots. Her hand touched her flower necklace and smiled at it before brushing her hair. Hearing a voice as Musin came in.
"Happy name day my lady!" Musin spoke while giving Alessia a hug. She was tense. She didn't like uninvited hugs. Shrugging at it as Musin began to do her hair. Braiding the top half and the bottom half was put into a low pony. She loved this hair style. She had learned to do it herself but it took longer to do.
"Your father has a party dinner planned for you." Musin spoke as Alessia smiled with a single nod of her head. She hopped out of her room while looking around. The dining room and sitting room were decorated with flowers all over. She smiled while picking another red rose to smell it. It was her favorite flower now. She was humming while looking around. Her lessons were canceled for today since she would be celebrating. Seeing the guests arrive as her heart was pounding. There was only one person she wanted to see. She frowned as the adults were gathering around to pat her back, shoulder or give her head kisses. She was getting uncomfortable while squirming away from them. She sat down in the sitting room and sighed. Leaning back on the couch became bored. She then stood up and went outside to the patio. Leaning against the railing while hearing voices again. She looked around and saw the boys under her. They were laughing and having fun. She frowned. She didn't like them. Ever since she had moved here, they teased and taunted her. Rolling her eyes as they were throwing a ball between them before taking off. Resting her head on her hand again as her elbow was on the rail. Humming again before looking over her shoulder.
"Does my lady not enjoy the guests?" Musin spoke while standing next to her.
"I hope for someone to come. Someone I had only seen a few times over the years." Alessia spoke with a frown. "Why did father not come home for dinner yesterday?" Alessia had asked. Musin seemed to be in thought before answering.
"He was out for a meeting. It must have held him up. They do that sometimes." Musin spoke before leaving. Alessia sighed with a frown before returning back to the sitting room. All the guests seemed to have gone to the dining room to drink and exchange stories. She didn't care for them nor to listen to their stories. Hearing the door open and close again before Alessia leaned back again.
"It seems little lady is not having fun." A voice she knew so well already. Her heart leaped as she turned while jumping off the couch.

"Liandrin Sedai! You came!" She nearly shouted. She ran to the woman in red. Jump hugging Liandrin with a smile. Hearing a chuckle from the woman while receiving a hug back in return. It was a tight hug that she had longed for.
"I didn't think you would be this happy to see me little lady." Liandrin smiled. How Alessia loved seeing this woman was beyond her. The high cheekbones. The thin red lips, beautiful blue eyes and her hair was in several braids like her own. All in all, this woman was beautiful and Alessia loved looking at her before grabbing Sedai's hand and leading her to the sitting room. Once they were in the room, Alessia handed Liandrin the red rose she had picked earlier.
"I am going to start calling you my little flower." The woman chuckled. Alessia nodded her head while nearly bouncing.
"I'm so glad you're here! Have you gentled any men on your journeys? Tell me!" Alessia smiled while sitting down. Feeling an arm wrapped around her shoulder. She leaned against Liandrin while smiling non stop.
"Well. There have been a few over the years. It seems to be getting more and more. I'd have to say, we'll be needing help in the future." Liandrin began as Alessia was hanging on every word she was saying.
"There was one man. He wasn't very strong but he was fast on his feet. Took us weeks to track the bugger down. Our mission was to bring him back to the Tower for trial. I did, however, have the honor to gentle him." The woman in red spoke. Alessia's eyes were wide as she listened to the tale.
"How did you feel? When you took his power?" Alessia asked. She wanted to know everything about her favorite Sedai's journey.
"It felt good. I felt powerful. Knowing that I had protected innocent lives from this man before he did harm." Liandrin spoke as another voice came.
"Ah. Liandrin Sedai. So glad you could make it. I see Alessia already found you. Your room is prepared for you." Her father spoke as Alessia smiled.
"You're staying the night?" Alessia asked while smiling non stop.
"Yes, though I have to leave early in the morning. You'll still be asleep." The woman in red spoke as Alessia frowned. "Though, I do get to spend time with my favorite little flower!" Liandrin spoke while tickling Alessia.
"No! Stop! I can't!" She was giggling non stop before rolling over on the other side of the couch and got away from the red ajah's grip.
"Dinner is ready." Her father added before taking his leave. Alessia followed Liandrin out of the living room to the dining room. She took her spot next to the woman in red with a smile. Hearing soft talking among the guests as Alessia watched her plate being filled with food. She was still not used to having everything done for her. Which was why at times, she was stubborn to do things herself. She only finished half of her plate as she became full. Hearing her father tap his glass cup before raising it.
"To Lady Alessia. Happy name day dear!" He spoke with a smile as others raised their glasses as well.
"Happy name day!" They said in unison before taking a drink. She felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment before taking a drink herself. It was water. She wasn't fond of anything else. Seeing the table clear up as the guests began to leave. She quickly left to her room to change out of her day clothes into her gown. It was a black gown this time. She took out her hair and brushed it before leaving her room.

She heard voices again while following it to the sitting room. She sat down next to Liandrin again while listening to her father talk. Alessia raised a brow and looked behind her.
"Everything alright dear?" Her father asked as she turned and shrugged.
"There's a man at the door." She spoke. Her father gave her a confused look before leaving. Hearing a shout not long after then a slam from the door. She jumped from the sudden noise.
"He didn't knock or anything. How did you hear him?" Her father asked.
"I heard him saying something odd. You didn't hear it?" Alessia asked with a confused look.
"No." Her father spoke before taking his leave from the room.
"Am I going crazy?" Alessia asked with a frown. It wasn't the first time this had happened.
"When did it start? Your hearing." Liandrin asked.
"A few days ago. Why?" She asked, looking at the woman.
"Well, I would say but yet you're too young. Might just be an early sign." Liandrin spoke. Alessia was getting impatient for answers.
"You have really good hearing is what I am saying." The woman spoke as Alessia nodded. Her father had come back with a plate.
"Honey cakes!" He spoke. Alessia gasped and grabbed on. Handing it to Liandrin before grabbing herself one. Eating it slowly while savoring the taste of the cake. It was her favorite food ever since she was introduced to it a few years ago.
"Only one tonight dear. You need to head to bed." Her father spoke. Alessia frowned. She wanted to stay up and talk about more adventures. She nodded and gave her father a hug as well as Liandrin.
"Sleep well alright?" The woman asked as Alessia nodded. She moved out of the room to her bedroom. There, she waited. The walls apparently seemed to be thin. She could hear the conversation her father was having.
"Well? What news?" She asked.
"Talks of the Dragon Reborn has traveled far. Men falsely claiming the title already. My sisters and I are growing tired of the nonsense." Liandrin spoke. Alessia raised a brow. She was confused.
"How do we know they are false?" Her father asked.
"The Dragon Reborn is of Alessia's age. Once of age, the Dragon is going to be hunted down by everyone of power." The woman spoke.
"I see. Thank you. I must retire. Keep me updated." Her father spoke. With that, it was silent again.

Alessia opened her door and peeked out. It was dark in the house. One room was lit across the hall from her. She snuck out of her room on tip toes while seeing the door was cracked. She smiled weakly while letting herself enter and closed the door behind her.
"You should knock you know." The woman's spoke as it caught her off guard. She felt her cheeks flush. "I'm not mad. May I ask why you are here?" Liandrin asked as Alessia walked over and hopped onto the bed. Seeing the woman in a white nightgown while in bed. Covers over her lap.
"I meant it when I said I wanted to know everything about your journeys." Alessia spoke. Hearing a soft chuckle. Alessia couldn't help but smile at her favorite Sedai. She moved over and leaned against the woman. Feeling the woman wrap her arm around her shoulder again.
"Have you ever seen a Trolloc?" Alessia asked. Liandrin nodded her head.
"I have. Gnarly beasts they are. You do not want to cross paths with them." The woman spoke.
"What do they look like?" She asked. She was focused on the woman's face as she began to explain.
"Very tall. About six feet or taller. Mouths like boars. Very hairy, gross. Horns on their head. They smell as well." The woman spoke. Alessia could put a picture in her mind and it was not pretty. She made a disgusted face before yawning lightly.
"You should head to bed." Liandrin spoke.
"But I want to stay and talk. I love hearing about your adventures. Plus. when will I see you again?" Alessia frowned.
"I will be around. Watching you from afar. I will be back when you come of age or if you possess the spark." Liandrin spoke as Alessia frowned. Feeling her face lifted by a single touch of the woman's finger.
"Don't frown my little flower. I have a present for you." She spoke while reaching over to the side table and pulled out a small box. Alessia raised a brown. She had never gotten a gift on her name day before. This was the first time.
"Go on. Open it." The woman spoke as Alessia took the small box. Opening to reveal a silver chained necklace. A red stone pendant in the shape of a flower. She smiled and took off her flower necklace to put the stone pendant on.
"I love it! Thank you!" She hugged Liandrin again. Feeling her back rubbed and she pulled back. Grabbing her silver flower necklace and placed it around Liandrin's neck. Smiling softly.
"I cannot accept this." The woman spoke.
"Why not? Tis a gift for you." Alessia smiled. "So you can remember me." She added. Liandrin nodded with a soft smile.
"Then I gladly accept. Thank you my little flower." Liandrin spoke. She leaned against the red ajah woman again. Listening to her stories from her adventures before falling asleep in her arms. Her hand on her pendant as well.
"Have you seen?" A knock was heard on the door. Alessia's father had opened it to see Alessia fast asleep. "Ah. Seems like she is attached to you." Her father spoke.
"It seems to be mutual. I have grown very fond of her." Liandrin spoke with a sigh. The woman was not used to getting close to anyone. Let alone someone who didn't possess the One's Power. The young girl seemed to have grabbed a hold of the woman's heart.
"Her heart will break as will mine." Liandrin spoke with a small frown on the corner of her lips as the man picked up Alessia.
"Time will heal." He spoke while carrying Alessia out of the room to her own bedroom.

Alessia had hopped up out of bed as soon as the sun was up in the sky. She dashed out of her room to look into the other bedroom. Seeing a servant making the bed. She left and ran through the other rooms of the house and frowned. Not seeing the red Aes Sedai anywhere.
"She left early this morning, my lady." Musin spoke as Alessia sat in the living room and sighed. She didn't get to say her goodbye. She felt her eyes sting and water.
"She did say she wanted to say goodbye but was in a hurry." Musin added. Alessia shrugged her shoulders. She had no idea why she was feeling this way. Her heart was hurting. She wouldn't see Liandrin again for years. Maybe if she was lucky, maybe from afar. She hated that. She hated how she was feeling right now. It felt like she had lost someone close to her. Sighing as her tutor had come into the sitting room with books.
"Time for your lessons my lady." The woman spoke. Alessia nodded her head. Opening the books while listening to the woman teach. Showing her the map of locations. She began to day dream.

Standing in a field of flowers. Her arms are moving in a circular motion. Like she was weaving. She was much older. Her hair is longer. Her face thinner as her ocean blue eyes were wide and focused on something. She was wearing red. Her hair was flowing in the wind as a man was cowering below her. Her mouth was moving as no sound came out. Instead, there was a silver stream of the magic circling her body. Nothing seemed to break her focus from the man who was shouting curses at her. She felt a small smirk form from the corner of her mouth. Raising her arms as the man was lifted into the air. Seeing the black streams of the One's Power leave his body before he fell to the ground. Laughing like an insane man.
"Alessia." A voice spoke as her shoulder was touched.

She jumped as her teacher was giving her a stern look.
"Sorry, I was distracted." She frowned and looked down.
"I see that. Maybe I should cancel for the rest of the day. I want you to study the other houses with their banners as your homework." The woman spoke before taking her leave. Looking outside as the sun was already starting to set. She got up and took a seat on the patio. Hearing laughter of the other kids her age running around in the streets with not a care in the world. Her father was in his study as she went to her bedroom. She wanted some peace and quiet. She stepped outside to her patio and leaned against the rails again. Looking around outside while the chattering of the people were starting to die down as the sun was set now when night was finally here. She looked across as her eyes met those blue ones she had come to know. 'Moiraine.' Alessia spoke in her mind. She smiled weakly at the woman who nodded and smiled back at her. Alessia touched her new necklace and frowned. She turned and walked back inside to her room. Sitting on her bed while holding the book the blue ajah had given her. It was now silent in the house as she looked around her room. Her lantern had burned out from oil. The rest of the house was silent. Curious, she opened the door slightly and looked around. There was not a single soul in the house. Hearing a loud crash of glass shattering. Thudding and then silence.
"Father?" Alessia had called out. No answer. She called out again. Nothing. Frowning as she gripped the book tightly while opening the door to her father's study. Seeing him laying face down on his desk.
"Father?" Alessia asked again as she made her way over to him. The sight was now revealed. A dagger plunged in his back. His veins turned black. Blood dripped from his mouth.
"Father! Father!" Alessia shouted while shaking her father's shoulder. Tears started streaming down her face. He was all she had left of her family. "Please wake up! Please!" She shouted. He did not budge. She started to scream. Hugging his arm tightly. Her eyes closed tightly.
"Please don't leave me!" She screamed while she sobbed. Her eyes were blurry from the tears. Her head tilted backwards as she screamed so loudly as it carried across blocks of the city. She felt energy pulsate through her body as a sonic boom was heard. She had let out a blast of energy from her body. It was a bright silver light that had caused the building to shake and started crumbling around her. She was crying too much to notice.

"Come little lady! We need to get you to safety!" Moiraine's voice was heard from the loud rumbling of the building as it was falling apart all around her.
"No!" She screamed again. She fell to her knees crying. Feeling a strong grip on her arms as Lan had pulled her to her feet.
"No! Don't leave him!" She raised her arm to reach out for her father as she was carried away from the scene. The next thing she knew there were guards everywhere. Flashes of blinding white lights flying everywhere. Alessia wiped her eyes in time to see Moiraine weaving earth to fight for her. The guards were being thrown around like rag dolls. She felt a bag thrown over her head as the last sight she saw was Lan defending Moiraine. She struggled against her kidnapper as she felt her body hid wood. It felt like a wagon.
"We need to go quickly! Before Aes Sedai finds her." A man spoke.
"She has touched the One's Power! We can't hide her from the Sedai!" Another voice spoke.
"Mask her." The first spoke. Alessia felt a wave of heat flowing through her body as they made their way from the city.
"Let me go!" Alessia shouted as she struggled against her binds. She couldn't see anything. She tried kicking her feet and then gave up. She felt weak against the tight ropes that had her bound. Her heart was hurting. She had lost two people she cared about. Both of which she had never said goodbye to. She felt her eyes release tears again as she laid there on the wagon's floor. Feeling each bump and turn as they left further and further away from the comfort she had come to know.

She didn't know how long she was in the wagon. Her body began to ache against the hard cold wood. The sack is still over her head. Hearing a shout as the wagon had finally stopped. Then there was shouting.
"In the name of the Light, leave!" A voice shouted.
"You and what army?" The kidnapper asked. Hearing grunting and groans before she felt the sack whipped from her head. She whimpered and moved away. Seeing the kind face of a woman who untied her hands and feet.
"Thank you." She whispered.
"Come dear. Let's get you to the village." The woman spoke. She was in rags that were dirty but there was kindness to her voice. Alessia trusted the woman right away as she hopped out of the wagon.
"What is your name dear?" The woman asked.
"Alessia Solstice." She spoke softly. She started to cry again.
"Call me Marin. My dear, what happened?" The woman asked while pulling Alessia close.
"My father. I never got to say goodbye!" She sniffled while rubbing her eyes. Her hand was taken as she was led to the village that was not far in sight. It was small but there was a decent amount of people there. "Where are we?" She asked with a frown.
"Welcome to the Two Rivers. Village in the mountains." The woman spoke. Alessia frowned. She was a very long way from home. Her home was now destroyed. Her house was no longer there and she was now no longer a lady of House Solstice. Hearing soft whispering as she was led through the village as the residents were looking at her. Giving her curious looks. Some nodded at her as others walked away to whisper to their friends or family members. Alessia frowned at this as she was led inside a small wooden house.
"Hello my dear. This is Alessia. She only just arrived. She'll be living with us for the time being." The woman spoke. A girl that seemed younger than her smiled and held out her hand. Alessia took it and shook it.
"My name is Egwene." The girl spoke as Alessia nodded. Shaking the other girl's hand lightly.
"I'm Alessia." She spoke softly. Not trying to cry again. She was led to a separate room and was handed a change of clothes. She changed as crawled into the bed.
"Would you join for dinner dear?" Marin had spoke as Alessia shook her head. "Very well. Let me know. For now, rest." With that, the woman had left. Alessia gripped her red stoned pendant tightly and closed her eyes. The tears began to fall again as she cried into her pillow.