Chapter Three: Women's Circle
A few years had passed since the incident of the blast in Andor. Alessia stood up straight and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Her hair was past her waist now. She kept her hair in a simple pony. She wasn't allowed to braid it since it was traditional for women of age to have braided hair. She hated that but she respected it. It would only be a couple more years before she could put her hair in a braid. Her face was thinner now. She was skinny. Underfed now. Not that it bothered her. She sighed softly while filling her bucket of water before slowly making her way back to the village. She huffed lightly as the heat had bared down on her. She was only able to carry one full bucket by herself with both hands. The boys were washing the sheep in the river before they were sheared. Wool seemed to be in demand this year. It was good due to the fact there were so many sheep this year. There was a small baby boom among the sheep. The women in the village had said they were brought good fortune this year due to it.
"Alright there?" Egwene's voice spoke as Alessia smiled and nodded at her. Egwene was only a year younger than her. Watching the younger girl move ahead of her. Alessia then frowned. Her heart had ached again. There had been many nights where she would cry herself to sleep. Not letting anyone hear her. Following the path downwards towards the village. She stopped to take in the sight. People were nicer to her here. She felt like they had pitied her. Egwene's mother had taken her in those years ago. They had become close. Alessia however wasn't much of a talker anymore. The villagers would ask her questions and she would reply with as little as possible. They had always asked her if she came from a well known house on how she walked, sat, and ate. Marin would always tell them she was taught manners at a young age. The dirt crunched under her boots as she made her way into the village. Asking anyone who wanted some water. Most of the men usually took the most since they were working on the farms and tending to the animals. The sun was past noon now as she finished doing her water rounds. Setting the bucket near the tavern before taking her leave. Usually found in the field not far from the village. It was where she would find peace and quiet.
Small flowers were starting to bloom. Alessia was walking slowly around in the field. Her right hand was stretched out as she was feeling the top of the flowers as she moved. Her head was held high as she stood tall and proudly. Smiling softly at the flowers. She then frowned. Her memories flooding back to her about that day. How she missed her favorite Aes Sedai. She missed her father greatly as well. Inhaling a deep breath before sitting down on the dirt. She didn't care if her clothes were dirty. Closing her eyes as she tilted her head back. Feeling the last of the sun's heat beating down on her face. Listening to the wind as it whispered its secrets to her. She could no longer hear the voices of others. Ever since that fateful night, she could not feel the One's Power. It was as if she never channeled to begin with. There were several nights that she had debated with herself if she should leave and go to the White Tower. She always thought against it. 'Why bother if I cannot channel.' She had always told herself. There was no need to anymore. Touching the red pendant flower she had gotten so long ago and smiled weakly. She couldn't remember what the hugs from her felt like anymore. Frowning at the thought as a tear escaped her eye. She wiped it away quickly before standing up and turned to head back to the village. Where Marin had called for the girls to head back for dinner. Alessia had always taken the least of everything. No matter how much Marin had fussed over her. Egwene's father had always said she was the most humble lady he had ever seen in his life.
'I'm no longer a lady. My house had fallen. I'm just Alessia now.' She would always tell him. He would only smile and pat her shoulder. She never accepted hugs because it made her feel uneasy. Especially from the men and boys in the village.
'She'll marry Mat. They are a lot alike.' Marin would always say. Now the whole village would say the same thing even though Alessia hated it. 'One day. I'll leave and see the world.' Alessia would always tell herself. Egwene had told her once that she and Rand would one day run away and see the world. It made her smile slightly at the thought of that.
"Alright dear?" Marin's voice brought her back out of her thoughts. She nodded her head lightly and took a seat.
"I got us a rabbit for beef stew tonight." Egwene's father spoke. In other words, there was not much food to go around the family tonight. Marin frowned as there were only enough for the seven of them. Alessia would make eight.
"That's alright. No need to worry. I am not hungry anyways." Alessia smiled and squeezed Marin's arm gently.
"Dear, you need to eat. It's been over a day." Marin frowned as Alessia shook her head.
"No. It's alright. Don't fret." Alessia spoke as the woman nodded. She had excused herself as she left the house again to take her usual evening walks.
"Hey. Going for a walk?" The voice of Mat came. Alessia sighed and rolled her eyes. "Come on. Let me walk you." He added.
"I can walk by myself thank you. Please go away." Alessia spoke calmly. Mat nodded and left. She sighed a relief while watching him leave. She frowned again. Mat was someone she didn't want a relationship with. He made her uncomfortable. In fact, all the men did in the village. Her heart longed for someone else. Pushing the thoughts aside while she took a pathway into the woods this time. The smell of fresh rain on the ground in the forest made her smile. She loved how it made her feel to feel the nature surrounding her. She often spent nights in the forest alone. Finding her usual small clearing that way off the pathway. She set a blanket down with a pillow. She laid down and closed her eyes. Listening to the birds calling to each other. The trees dancing against the wind. Singing songs of the old. Grounding herself as she sat back up. Crossing her legs as she rested her hands upon her knees. Closing her eyes as she inhaled a few times. She had started meditating only a few years ago. It was the only thing where she could clear her mind of any memories or of any feelings she had. Hearing her stomach growl as she sighed. Opening her eyes again before laying back down. Turning on her side. Seeing a rabbit pop out of its hole. She smiled at it. Picking a leaf from the ground and holding it out. The small brown and white rabbit hopped slowly and cautiously towards her. Sniffling the leaf before eating it. She smiled at this. Wanting to pet it but decided against it as it hopped away back to its home. Humming softly before putting her hands behind her head as she looked into the sky. Watching the stars that she could see past the treetops. The moon was rising. Egwene's mother had stopped looking for where she went long ago only to find Alessia safe the next morning. She closed her eyes as her mind drifted off. She had finally fallen asleep outside on her blanket.
Time Skip. Twenty Years old.
"Wake up Alessia! Special day!" Marin's voice spoke as Alessia smiled. She leaned up from the bed and yawned lightly. She stretched her arms and stood up. Touching her necklace before taking a deep breath. She changed into her long gray colored dress that looked white in the sunlight. Black boots to protect her feet as she was make a journey back to the village by herself. She brushed her hair and was excited to be joining the other women up the mountain for the ceremony. She had become a resident of the village years back when she was brought here. Hearing Marin speak to Egwene who had already had her ceremony and would be accompanying her since Marin had to tend to the tavern. Once Alessia was done changing, she left the house and saw Nynaeve, the village's Wisdom, with a smile. Giving the woman a small hug before following her out of the village. She was familiar with this path. Hearing Egwene talk to Alessia on how it was a wonderful feeling to become part of the Women's Circle. She was the first to join that was underage. Alessia however wanted to join when she became of age. Watching her step as they climbed up hills and into a wooded area. They came upon the top of a waterfall. Nynaeve stopped and turned. Raising a hand for Alessia to grab it. She took it gently and sat down on the edge. Hearing a soft hum as her hair was taken down and brushed. She eyed Egwene who smiled at her. Her attention went back to the Wisdom.
"In this world, a woman must be all things. Be strong as trees. Strong as the earth itself. Use wisdom to do good. Have patience as the world passes by you. For as a woman has the power to give life and take it. May this braid remind you we are a part of you as you are of us. To be alone and never alone. When Dark surrounds you as you see no Light, let this braid remind you that we stand before you and with you. As the Wisdom of the Two Rivers, it is my honor to welcome you to the women's circle." Nynaeve spoke as Alessia stood up. Her long hair that was past her waist was now braided into a single one.
"Trust the rivers." Was the last thing she heard before being pushed off the edge over the waterfall.
Hearing the water roar in her ears as she struggled. Trying to catch her breath. The water was pushing her and shoving her. Pushing and pulling her. As if it was a test for her to see if she would survive or not. It was an odd test to be put through once reaching a mature age to join the women's circle.
"Trust the rivers." The voice echoed in her ears. Alessia closed her eyes and forced her body to relax. To her surprise, her body was now floating. She closed her eyes and smiled. It felt like the water was making her fly as she floated down the river. It felt as if time had passed or not passed at all. Time stopped and time was rushed. Was there even time at all? She felt the bottom of the river touch her back as she arrived at the shore. She stood up coughing while slowly making her way to the side of the river. Her body was soaked as she shivered against the wind. There was a cut on her leg as she sat down and inspected it. It wasn't deep but it was deep enough for stitches. Sighing softly as she squeezed the excess water from her clothes and hair. Feeling the braid her hair was in now and smiled. It felt nice to belong somewhere even though it did not feel like it. She still had gotten hushed whispers from the villagers.
'Do I belong anywhere at all at least?' She asked herself with a frown. She stood back up and stretched a little before taking the long walk back to the village. Her dress sticking to her body. She hated dresses. They always made her feel odd to wear them. Yes they were good to move freely in but it provided no protection. Humming softly as she went. The trees seemed to be in harmony with the wind today. She smiled softly as her thoughts brought back memories. When she was younger. Dancing in the flower fields. How she missed carelessly dancing. Not worrying about a single thing in the world at that time. It seemed the Two Rivers had no contact with the outside world and it worried her. Shrugging at the thought while climbing down the hill after she left the forest. Seeing the village in sight, she smiled and kept going.
She made it into the village as the sun was past noon in the sky. Her clothes were dry as she sat down by Nynaeve who tended to the wound on her leg. She smiled softly at the Wisdom. Her and Egwene had gotten close. She had remembered Egwene telling her how Nynaeve had asked her to become the apprentice. Alessia had told Egwene that it was an honor and that she should go for it. Though, her heart was longing for Rand and Alessia knew that feeling. Some reason, her heart was still longing as she pushed the thoughts and feelings to the side.
"All done. Welcome back Alessia." Nynaeve spoke as Alessia nodded with a small curtsy bow to the Wisdom. She turned her heels and made her way to the tavern. She smiled while opening the door. Hearing the chatter die down as Marin was beaming at her.
"Come dear! Help with the drinkers?" The man asked as she nodded. She didn't feel like drinking tonight. So instead, she went around taking orders and passing out the beer and ales. She was humming softly while going up the stairs. Cleaning out the bedrooms by changing the bedspreads and what not. Making sure each room was cleaned with fresh new candles. There were many candles made recently for Bel Tine that was tomorrow. She smiled while finishing up in time to go back downstairs for a break. Taking a drink of water while watching the villagers laugh, talk, and sing the night away. The moon was high in the night as it began to rain lightly outside. Seeing the village drunk track mud in as Marin scolded him. Alessia chuckled lightly while grabbing a mop to clean the mess up.
"Sorry dear lady. Been a day." The drunk spoke. She only nodded her head before finishing up. She leaned against the far wall while watching the people she had come to know. Rand, Perrin, Mat, and Egwene were sitting at a table. She walked over and joined them.
"How did it go?" Mat asked as Alessia rolled her eyes.
"You won't be able to woo her like that Mat." Rand laughed while teasing Mat.
"I'm not interested in Mat now, not ever." Alessia spoke as Mat nodded.
"Yeah, I prefer a stronger woman anyways." Mat laughed. Alessia scoffed and rolled her eyes. She stood up and leaned against the wall by the fireplace. Bel Tine was tomorrow and she was glad she had finished making the lanterns for the people in the village. It was a small way to make some extra money on the side since she sold them so cheaply. There would be a merchant coming tomorrow to see them as well.
"Ignore him. Light knows what has gotten into him." Egwene spoke while nudging Alessia's shoulder with her own. She nodded at her friend as the door opened. Everyone had gone silent.
A man walked inside slowly. Alessia raised a brow at him. He had a small bun in his hair. Sword in place on his back. She felt her eyes widen a little.
"Who are you strangers?" Nynaeve spoke. Her hand was upon her dagger.
"I am Lan Mandragoran." The man spoke as he stepped to the side. "This is Moiraine Sedai." He added as a woman stepped into the tavern and removed her hood. Alessia felt her heart racing. Moiraine hadn't aged a day. Watching the blue eyes scanned the tavern. They had missed hers as Alessia looked down to the side. She knew exactly who these two were. She even had conversations with them when she was younger.
"We would like to stable our horses and require a room." The woman in blue spoke. Holding her hand up to reveal her ring. The gold serpent ring with a blue stone.
"Of course Moiraine Sedai." Marin spoke. She waved a hand at Alessia.
"This way please." Alessia bowed to Moiraine. Hiding her face still. She led the woman up the stairs to the best room they had.
"You look familiar." Moiraine spoke.
"Just one of those faces." Alessia spoke softly. She went into the room and lit the candles. Keeping her face down. She was stopped by the doorway by Lan.
"What is your name?" The woman in blue asked. Alessia looked up to Lan who gasped. He knew exactly who she was. Alessia was surprised that Lan even remembered at all. She frowned a little and moved to the side as Moiraine touched her chin and forced her eyes to meet Moiraine's.
"Alessia Solstice. So this is where you have been all these years." The woman spoke softly that it sent chills up her spine. "Why are you here and not at the Tower?" She asked. Alessia only shrugged her shoulders before taking her leave rather quickly.
"What's an Aes Sedai doing here?" A man asked.
"We best be glad she is here." Nynaeve spoke.
"I heard there's a war going on." Rand spoke.
"They say an Aes Sedai can turn the tide of a war by oneself." Perrin added. Alessia knew full well why Moiraine was here. She was, after all, a powerful Aes Sedai. When she was a child. She heard whispers of the Dragon Reborn from her father and Liandrin. Liandrin. The red Aes Sedai flooded her mind and memories again. She frowned and touched her chest where her heart was located. It was pounding rather fast. The people here in the village didn't trust the Aes Sedai. Alessia on the other hand did. If Moiraine was here, it was within good reason for her to be. Villagers began to leave the tavern one by one. No one was talking. No singing anymore. Only silence. She had wondered if it was because an Aes Sedai was now in their town in a room upstairs in the tavern. Alessia had taken a room in the tavern to live away from Egwene's family since she didn't want to be a burden anymore. Though, she made enough for sleep each night and food for herself.
"Why don't you three finish up?" Marin asked as she and her husband left. Egwene, Rand, and Alessia were the last ones downstairs. Everyone else had left for the night. They were washing dishes. Marin had brought hot water up to the Sedai's room for a bath before finally leaving for the night.
"How did the ceremony go?" Rand had asked Egwene.
"You know we can't talk about it." She replied. Egwene had gotten a wound on her arm from it.
"There is something I need to tell you." She added. "Alessia, can you finish here?" She asked. Alessia nodded. Watching the two young lovers leave the tavern. She sighed softly as she finished the dishes. Putting them away while hearing footsteps.
"You've grown so much." The voice of Moiraine spoke. Alessia turned to face the blue ajah and gave her a curtsy like bow.
"What can I do for you Moiraine Sedai?" She asked while the woman took a seat. Keeping her eyes upon her.
"Why wasn't I able to find you after that night?" The woman in blue asked. Alessia only shrugged her shoulders. She didn't know herself. If she really touched the One's Power that night, Moiraine should have had no problems finding her. Something had happened to her that night and she had no idea what it was. Maybe it was for the best?
"I do not know." Alessia replied while pouring Moiraine a cup of wine as Lan sat down to listen as well.
"I am truly sorry for what had happened." Moiraine added while taking a drink of the wine. Alessia sighed softly and nodded her head lightly.
"It's in the past. As they say, pain heals over time." She spoke and sat down across from Moiraine. Their eyes met for a moment before Alessia looked away again. It felt odd. Seeing someone again when she was younger. It felt good in a way as well.
"Yet your heart still aches." The older woman spoke. Alessia froze. 'How did she know?' She asked herself before taking her own drink of water. She still mourned for her father since she never got to say goodbye.
"I'll have a lantern made for you for Bel Tine. I trust you'll join us tomorrow?" Alessia asked as she stood up. Avoiding the conversation entirely. She put her mug into the bucket before taking her leave to her bedroom in the tavern. She could feel eyes on her as she left. It was next door to the one Moiraine was in. She sighed and changed into her nightgown and lit a candle. Laying in her bed. She could hear the two talking on the other side of the wall. The walls in the tavern were after all, thin.
"It could be warmer." Lan spoke.
"I'm surprised they had this at all." Moiraine was soft spoken. Her voice had always seemed to give her the chills. Maybe it was because of her being a Sedai? "It could be warmer." Lan spoke again. It was a few moments before he spoke again. "That's better." Alessia had assumed that the blue ajah had warmed the water in the tub.
"I never thought I would see her again." Moiraine spoke.
"Lady Alessia? I am surprised she has been here all these years. Aren't women like her supposed to be sent to the Tower once they touch the One's Power?" Lan had asked.
"Yes, but for some reason I cannot feel her." Moiraine replied. There was silence. Hearing feet shuffle as she could imagine the two changing for bed. Alessia wondered if the Aes Sedai could feel others when it came to the One's Power. She shifted and then turned onto her side on the bed.
"What about the others? Is it one of them?" Lan asked.
"I don't know. There are five of them, including Alessia. If it comes to it, I will bring Alessia with us. She doesn't belong here. She belongs at the Tower with her sisters." Moiraine added.
"Assuming she wants to become a Novice." Lan added.
"We will figure out what happened to her. Either way, she comes with us." The woman in blue spoke. Alessia frowned. Would she be getting kidnapped again? This time by an Aes Sedai? 'No. You want to go. You know it in your heart. You don't belong here.' Alessia spoke to herself. She had always wanted to be able to touch the One's Power. She had always wanted to become an Aes Sedai. To protect the world from corruption. That fateful night, she had touched the Power. She had to be blocked or something. There was no way one could have the power and then not have it all of sudden. Unless she was stilled, but that didn't happen. She had many thoughts and feelings running through her as she was deep in thought. She didn't want to leave Marin behind as the woman took her in when she was orphaned those years ago. Sighing softly as she closed her eyes. Trying to find some sleep. She had just recently become part of the women's circle. The whole village had wanted her to marry Mat. The thought alone disgusted her. She never liked him in that way. He was hard to get along with. She only did for Rand who in return was sort of courting Egwene. They were close and good friends. Becoming friends with someone was hard and rare for her. Maybe once at the Tower, if she went, she could make friends there? She smiled at the thought of it. She felt her eyes get heavy as she finally drifted off to sleep.