Chapter Seven: False Dragon (Pt.2)
Alessia was curled up under the blankets on a bed. She did not remember falling asleep in the red ajah's arms as she was woken up by gentle fingers tracing her jawline. She blinked a few times before leaning up and yawned lightly.
"Sleep well?" The familiar voice of Liandrin spoke. Alessia smiled lightly and nodded her head.
"I actually slept well for once." She spoke quietly. Looking around as the sun was barely touching the sky. It was the first light. She frowned.
"What is it?" Liandrin had asked. Alessia scooted back towards the woman in red and snuggled up.
"Five more minutes?" She asked while grumbling. She heard a chuckle.
"Come, sit up." The woman spoke as Alessia did. She was looking into the blue eyes before watching Liandrin close her eyes. Seeing a few silver streams surrounding Liandrin before circling her as the woman in red moved her hands slowly. Weaving something towards her. She felt some warmth filling her inside as it made her blush. She then suddenly felt a small connection to the Red Ajah. Alessia raised a brow at the woman before seeing the blue eyes meet hers again.
"What was that?" She asked the older woman who only smiled at her before getting out of bed. She looked away as the woman began to change in front of her. Blushing as she wanted to give her privacy.
"I have the first watch. Don't go far from camp." Liandrin spoke. Alessia nodded and hugged her knees. Watching the woman fix her hair before taking her leave. She looked around. She was alone in the red tent now. Deciding to get up herself and change into her former clothes now that it was clean. Smelling the air as it carried the scent of food. Her mouth was watering as she left the tent. Seeing the others awake as well.
"Come help me with the firewood?" Nynaeve asked as Alessia smiled at her friend. Nodding her head as she followed the Wisdom into the wooded area.
"She's a snake you know." Nynaeve's first words to her when they were out of earshot. Alessia raised a brow at her friend.
"What do you mean?" She asked, confused.
"She asked me questions about home and what not. I advise you not to tell her. Moiraine told us not to say anything to anyone." Nynaeve spoke.
"She didn't tell me that." Alessia frowned. She must have missed a conversation somewhere.
"She said it last night to Lan and I. You were somewhere else." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia nodded her head. Knowing full well that Moiraine was going to find her and tell her the same thing. She didn't want to tell Nynaeve that she shared a bed with Liandrin since her friend already hated the woman. She was walking around slowly while picking up the sticks. Once they both had arm full while carrying with both arms, they made their way back to the camp. Setting the wood down near the fire but not close enough. Brushing the dirt off of her clothes while looking around. Her eyes caught Tarna's who nodded at her then motioned her head. Alessia took the hint.
"I'll be right back." She spoke as Nynaeve nodded and sat next to Lan.
"Hurry. Food will get cold." Lan spoke as Alessia nodded and waved. She made her way up the slope of the cliff as she spotted Tarna leaning against a tree with her arms crossed.
"Tarna Sedai." Alessia smiled and bowed.
"Just Tarna. You're not a Novice." Tarna spoke.
"Alright. Tarna." Alessia smiled while looking at the woman. She had short pale yellow hair and blue eyes as well.
"Just wanted to get to know you." Tarna spoke as Alessia smiled.
"What would you like to know?" She asked.
"How did you come to know Liandrin?" Tarna asked. 'Oh.' Alessia thought. Wondering if this woman was attached or something.
"She knew me when I was younger. Through my father." Alessia spoke. Feeling something inside of her warm up. The thought of Liandrin was making her blush. She looked to the side to avoid the obvious.
"I'm not attracted to her if that is what you are worried about. I like men." Tarna spoke as Alessia waved her hand and laughed nervously.
"I thought the Reds don't like men?" Alessia asked while changing the subject.
"Well, most of us don't. There are a few of us who do." Tarna spoke as her eyes moved. Keeping watch around the place. "I hope you really do channel. I'd like to become friends if that's alright?" The woman in red spoke as Alessia nodded.
"I'd like that!" Alessia beamed as Tarna nodded. "I'm going to go eat now. I can join you on watch when I'm done." Alessia spoke as her new friend smiled and nodded her head.
She made her way down the slope and walked over to the campfire. Picking up her plate of food and sat down across from Nynaeve.
"What did she want?" Nynaeve asked as Moiraine was now in sight.
"Just wanted to know how I know Liandrin." Alessia spoke while eating her food. It was cold but she didn't care. She was hungry.
"I'm taking over for Kerene." Moiraine spoke as Lan nodded. Alessia's eyes caught Moiraine's. The woman in blue smiled kindly at Alessia before walking away towards the cave that had the False Dragon inside it.
"How do you know Liandrin?" Lan had asked this time.
"My father. I think they were friends. I met her when we moved to Andor. Same time I met you and Moiraine." Alessia spoke while finishing her food. Lan nodded his head and put his dishes up in a nearby bucket. Alessia had finished as well.
"I can do the dishes." She spoke to the nearby green ajah who smiled at her and bowed.
"Come, let's get some water." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia stood up and grabbed a bucket as did her friend. They stumbled a little down towards the river. Nynaeve set her bucket down and took her boots off. Alessia did the same. The water felt good against her feet. She was absorbing the moisture in the air as she closed her eyes. Enjoying every moment of nature that surrendered her. The trees, the wind, the smell of the lush green that was along the river. Then suddenly she felt something cold and wet hit her. Her eyes flung open as she gasped. Her nose scrunched up as she heard a giggle. Looking over to her friend who was staring at her while laughing.
"That was cheap!" Alessia shouted. She kicked her foot up to fling water back at Nynaeve who gasped this time. They glared at each other for a moment before busting out laughing. Alessia leaned over and splashed water towards her friend again who protested while giggling.
"That's cold! Stop it!" Alessia giggled this time. Still splashing water at Nynaeve who was in turn, splashing her back.
"No you stop!" The Wisdom shouted back while laughing. She could feel eyes on her as her heart began to race. Ignoring the feeling as Nynaeve waded over to her and grabbed Alessia's arms. Alessia grabbed her friend's as they wrestled a little bit. Both trying to put the other into the water.
"No! Stop!" Alessia shouted while laughing. For the first time in a long time, they were having fun. Nynaeve must have slipped since she went down. Bringing Alessia along with her.
"Cold! Cold! Cold!" Nynaeve shouted while standing up. Alessia was laughing too hard to care as she stood up as well. Her stomach was starting to hurt as she held onto it.
"Having fun ladies?" A voice spoke. Alessia watched Nynaeve go from full on beaming to an angry face. Alessia looked over to the voice and it was Liandrin. She blushed at the sight of the woman.
"None of your business. Come Alessia. We need to get these back." Nynaeve spoke as she put her boots back on quickly and filled her bucket. Alessia followed suit. Her boots on and bucket filled. Following the path back to the camp. Her eyes caught Liandrin's and smiled at the woman.
She felt a hand on her lower back as she was guided back to the camp. It was not like she didn't know the way, she did enjoy some sort of touch from the red ajah. She was smiling non stop while setting the bucket down. Liandrin had only come into camp to exchange words with Tarna who looked at Alessia before coming back to Liandrin.
"Told you. Snake." Nynaeve spoke as Alessia rolled her eyes at her friend's comment. She went over to a wooden table and began to wash the dishes. The green ajah had joined them. Smiling before leaving again. She was one of the green ajah to have more than one warder. Humming softly as Liandrin grabbed a plate of food and quickly ate before leaving. Giving Alessia a wink before disappearing. Raising a brow at the action before brushing it off. Lan was off to the side sparring with another warder again. She walked around the campfire and sat down. Enjoying the warmth of it while watching the others. She had wondered why there were so many Aes Sedai here. 'One day. If I do channel, I want to become a strong Aes Sedai.' Alessia thought to herself while keeping her eyes on Lan. Watching his movements.
"Hey, walk with me?" Tarna's voice caught Alessia's attention. Her new friend was looking at her. She nodded her head and followed. Once they were out of ear shot, the red ajah turned to look at her. Making sure they weren't followed.
"Liandrin has been going around talking to the other Aes Sedai." Tarna began.
"Should you be telling me? I'm not even a Novice." Alessia asked. Tarna only smiled.
"She wanted me to tell you. It seems like she has a lot of confidence in you. Anyways. She was speaking to the others. Trying to gain a crowd to support her. She wants to gentle the False Dragon. What is your input on it?" Tarna asked.
"Gentle him. He is too dangerous. I'd do it myself but I cannot channel." Alessia spoke without hesitation. This earned her a smirk.
"It seems her faith is not misplaced. You'd make a great red ajah." Her new friend spoke while patting her shoulder. Taking her leave back to the camp. Alessia had followed. Looking around as the reds were together. Talking among each other before going around speaking to certain greens.
Alessia was looking for Nynaeve as she gave up. The Wisdom was nowhere to be found at the moment. Neither was Lan. She raised a brow at this before sitting down near the fire again. Moiraine however was in her tent.
"Alessia?" Alanna's voice spoke as Alessia jumped a little. "Didn't mean to scare you dear. Moiraine wants a word." The green ajah spoke. Alessia nodded her head. 'Great.' Was all she thought before following Alanna to the green tent. She had entered it to see Moiraine eating some fruit.
"Thank you Alanna Sedai." Moiraine spoke softly as Alanna had left. Alessia looked around the tent. It was much different than the reds. More pillows for some reason.
"Come. Sit with me." Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded her head. Taking a seat near the woman in blue. Moiraine had pulled Alessia close and smiled.
"I wanted to talk to you. I could not find you last night. Assuming you were in the red tent." Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded. "Does not surprise me. They have meals together and are good company at times. Anyways. I wanted to tell you to speak not a word of why you or the other four are being brought to the Tower. Not a word about the Dragon Reborn or it being either five of you." Moiraine spoke. Alessia nodded her head lightly at this.
"Of course Moiraine Sedai." Alessia spoke softly.
"Just Moiraine dear." The woman in blue smiled.
"Is that all?" Alessia asked as she nodded. She stood up as the woman in blue did. Feeling Moiraine cup her cheek again and smiled into her eyes. Alessia was still trying to figure out why this woman was doing this. Then it dawned on her. She felt her cheeks blush a slight bit.
"There she is." Moiraine spoke softly. Alessia raised a brow before she knew it, the woman in blue had leaned in and kissed her cheek. It was a short quick one, but not a long one. Alessia stumbled along her words before quickly leaving the tent. Her chest felt like it was about to burst as her heart was pounding rather hard against it. 'What was it with Moiraine?' She had thought while looking around. She had no feelings for anyone. At least that she didn't know of.
Alessia felt something inside of her made her alert. Blinking at the confusion before looking around. Hearing shouting not far from them. Alessia felt a panic starting to rise in her. Looking around as the green ajah were gathering around.
"What's going on?" Alessia had asked a couple of them. Everyone was gathering around and near. Alessia spotted Lan and Nynaeve as Alanna made an appearance.
"Logain's army is here." A man spoke. Alessia's eyes had widened at this.
"How many?" Lan had asked while pulling his sword out.
"Don't worry, I'll save you some." The man spoke. Alessia would have to get his name sometimes. She saw Nynaeve hand her a dagger. It was a simple one but it was something. She nodded her thanks to her friend as she stayed by her side.
"There!" Alessia shouted while pointing at the direction the arrows came. They stopped in midair as Alessia turned and saw Alanna holding her weave up. She was in awe of the woman! Hearing shouting again as the army finally made an entrance. Alessia then grunted in pain a little. It was a small sting. Wondering where that had come from.
"Logain! We need to get to the cave!" The man spoke.
"To the Dragon!" A man shouted. Alessia looked over and saw it was the King. With a flick of her wrist, Alanna moved the arrows and shot them down onto the men in front.
"Let's move!" Alanna shouted as everyone had obeyed her. Alessia didn't need to be told twice! They retreated while heading towards the cave. The green and red ajah were now in battle positions. Alessia held her dagger tightly while looking around. Her back against Nynaeve's. Her eyes fell onto Alanna. The Aes Sedai was moving fluidly as she caused explosions. Sending the enemy flying away from them. Hearing her friend grunt as a man tried to attack her. One man managed to knock her friend down. Alessia ran over and pulled his head back and stabbed his side. Causing him to grunt and turn his attention onto her. She was backing up a little as Lan came and finished him off. There was so much happening at once as the explosions were deafening their ears. She saw Lan take her friend's hand and led them to the direction of the cave. Her feet were pounding against the hard cold earth as she was running and looking around as well. She was on full alert now and trying to stay alive.
Alessia saw the man who was speaking earlier had stopped in the middle of the battle. She then felt anger inside of her. It came from nowhere. Not knowing exactly what it was. She didn't have any anger herself. It was fear but this was something else. Pushing it past her thoughts as she leaned against a tree. Hiding from the flying arrows that were aiming for her head. Lan was still fighting. Alessia saw Tarna fighting several men at once.
"Go! Get to Logain!" Alanna shouted. Alessia nodded as did Lan and Nynaeve. "We'll hold the army!" She added
"Come on!" Lan shouted while grabbing Nynaeve as he led the way. Alessia turned to look over her shoulder in time for Alanna causing an explosion in five different areas at once. She turned back around as they made it to the cave. The anger was getting stronger as she finally caught up. Seeing Liandrin starting to burn.
"No!" She screamed as the man shouted. Running towards Logain. His weapons hitting the shield the Aes Sedai were trying to put on him. It was only Moiraine and Liandrin. Kerene was on the ground on her right. She frowned before her eyes caught just in time. The weapons had shattered. She screamed as did Nynaeve. She ducked as the shards of the weapons went flying. Piercing anything in its path. Hearing several gasps and chokes as many were hit by the flying shards. She leaned back up and looked around.
"Moiraine!" She gasped as Moiraine was coughing. She had the wooden handle in her stomach. Her shoulder was hurting as she saw Liandrin hit as well. She ran over to Liandrin and knelt down. Putting her hand over the wound to apply pressure. It may have been a stab but she would bleed out. Alessia kept her hands upon the red ajah. Her eyes caught Liandrin's, she looked like she was in great pain before hearing an ear splitting scream and a sonic boom. She looked over as her friend Nynaeve had an orb of white light around her. Spreading all across the cave. When it flashes over her own body she gasps. Seeing the wounds heal themselves as Alessia felt a surge of energy rising from her. Seeing the others sit up with confusion.
"Like a raging sun." Logain whispered as he was watching them.
"You're channeling." Liandrin's voice brought her eyes back to the blue. Alessia looked at herself. There she saw it. Silver streams swirling all around her body. She felt the One's Power! She was touching it! She slowly stood up as Liandrin began to weave.
"Link with me! Now!" She shouted as Moiraine did so. "Lend me your strength!" The woman in red shouted at Alessia. She nodded her head. Feeling something pull from her as she gasped. Her chest rose as the Power was being drawn from her.
All the red ajah had linked without question or hesitation. As did the green. Alessia watched as they were all now linked onto Liandrin. Her eyes now focused on Logain. A thicker stream of light had left Liandrin's hand and hit Logain.
"Let the hand of the Tower fall on you Logain Ablar, and take back that which nature itself does not wish you to hold!" Liandrin shouted as everyone's hands moved in unison. The stream had ripped away from Logain as Alessia watched the scene play before her eyes. It felt as if time itself had slowed down. She could feel the power from the other Aes Sedai when they had linked together. Seeing the black streams of the Power leave Logain's body. Seeing a few tears fall from his eyes. Alessia could not help but feel pride inside of her. Was it her pride that she was feeling? The man had fallen to the ground as Alessia grunted lightly. Feeling the link disappear. There was now a pained silence among them. She had just witnessed the gentling of the False Dragon. It felt good. She felt powerful. She kept her silence as she looked at the others. Lan was touching his neck as Moiraine was staring at Nynaeve. Alessia's eyes caught Liandrin who nodded at her once.
"Cage him. He is no longer a threat." Liandrin had ordered as the warders of the other Aes Sedai grabbed Logain and carried him out.
The camp was silent. They had lost a sister. Alessia could feel the sadness in the air. She looked around as the others were picking up the dead from the small fight.
"She's in her tent." Tarna spoke as Alessia nodded. She quickly moved away from the others to Liandrin's tent. Seeing the woman was alone inside. Alessia let herself in and moved over to the red ajah. Liandrin was sitting on the edge of her bed. Holding her knees while looking down. Alessia could feel the pain coming from the Sedai. She moved towards Liandrin and knelt in front of her. Covering the older woman's hands with her own. Their eyes met as no words were spoken. They already knew what they were thinking. Liandrin had pulled Alessia into her arms and held her tightly. She did not know Kerene as did the others but she could feel the pain. Their pain. She gently wrapped her arms around Liandrin as the woman's face was hidden against her neck. Alessia could feel the tears falling from the older woman. Against her neck and fell as her tunic absorbed them.
"I'm so sorry." Alessia whispered as Liandrin pulled back and sniffled. She had never seen this woman so vulnerable. Alessia gently cupped Liandrin's cheek to look into the woman's eyes.
"Come. We have a funeral." Liandrin spoke. Alessia nodded as the older woman kissed her forehead. There was a rush of several different emotions going through her at once. She stood up and brushed herself off before taking the Sedai's hand into her own and squeezed it. She let go when they had left the tent. She had stayed behind to follow from the back. Lan and Nynaeve were beside her on each side. Alessia's attention was towards the front. The camp was packed up as they headed out. Looking for a clearing. Alanna was singing a song she did not recognize. They had reached a clearing as the Aes Sedai were together. Holding candles. Kerene's warder, Stepin, was his name. He was barely holding on. She had heard stories about warders going crazy with the death of the bonded Aes Sedai. This was definitely another reason why she didn't want a warder when the time came. The dead were laid in a circle. To represent the Wheel. Stepin carried Kerene's body to her final resting place. She kept her distance with Nynaeve. Seeing Stepin take the ring off of Kerene and place it around his neck. Pulling the white cover over Kerene before standing next to Lan. Moiraine had set the candle on Kerene's body.
"May the last embrace of the Mother welcome you home." Moiraine spoke softly but it rang to everyone's ears. It had stung her. Alessia felt her eyes sting. A single tear had fallen from her eyes. Staining her cheek. She had never felt such pain for someone she never met. Maybe it was the pain she was feeling from the others? She did not know. She looked back up in time to see Liandrin watching her before turning her attention back to the graves. Moiraine and Lan exchanged looks before he walked away from her. She could see the pain in the woman in blue's eyes. The men began to start covering the graves. Nynaeve and Alessia both went to each of them. She listened to Nynaeve bless each one before Alessia repeated the words of the mother embracing them and to see them in the next life. They were the last to leave with Stepin. She had mounted Spot as they followed the rest of the Aes Sedai. They were making the journey to the White Tower in the correct path now that they did not have to take detours. Logain was no longer a threat to them and the Aes Sedai could rest now instead of having to shield him from the One's Power.
"We'll camp here tonight." Moiraine's voice carried over the line. The line stopped as everyone dismounted their horses. Alessia did as well. She was going to lend her hand anywhere it needed. She felt someone gently grab her by the waist and pull her away. It was Moiraine.
"Stay with me tonight?" Moiraine had asked. She wanted to stay with Liandrin but she nodded her head. Alessia felt the woman in blue move a strand of hair behind her ear. Alessia was looking down. Avoiding eye contact as she was guided away. Not knowing Liandrin was watching them from a distance. She was led into the blue tent as Nynaeve and Lan were inside as well. She looked up at them as they all sat down at the table with four chairs. She assumed this for Moiraine and Lan only.
"Well, the False Dragon is no longer a threat." Moiraine spoke to break the silence.
"Yea, at what cost?" Alessia spoke with a frown.
"The Wheel weaves as the wheel wills." Moiraine spoke. Alessia scoffed at this and shook her head.
"What does that mean?" Nynaeve asked. Alessia was surprised at her question.
"It means the Wheel meant for this to happen." Alessia spoke. Crossing her right leg over her left.
"Stepin will make sure the ring gets home to the fire." Lan finally spoke. Moiraine's face was unchanging. Alessia questioned herself if Moiraine even felt anything. A red ajah came in to let them know dinner was ready. Moiraine nodded.
"We'll take our food in here please." The woman in blue spoke.
"Liandrin Sedai is looking for Alessia by the way." The other woman spoke.
"Tell Liandrin she can wait." Moiraine spoke while waving her hand. Alessia avoided eye contact. Knowing full well her friend was going to bombard her with questions later. Night had fallen as the camp was silent. Then there was singing. It was Alanna. Others had joined in. It sounded like another lament. Alessia frowned at the singing. It was sad and full of hurt. They had eaten their dinner in silence as Alessia sighed a little. She could still feel the power inside of her. Moiraine was right. She is a channeler. It was not how she wanted to become one.
"We should head to bed." Lan spoke. Nynaeve nodded in agreement. Watching the two leave the tent as Alessia stood up. Feeling her hand grabbed. She turned and met Moiraine's eyes with her own blue ones. There she could see it. Moiraine's eyes were watering. Alessia leaned in and hugged Moiraine from behind. Feeling the older woman respond by holding her hand tightly. Her thumb caressing her hand.
"You need to get some rest." Alessia whispered into Moiraine's ear as the woman nodded.
"As do you. I want to start training you right away." She spoke. Alessia nodded her head. It seemed like both of the Sedai wanted to train her. How would Moiraine if she was gone from the Tower often? She was a blue Ajah who had missions. She walked over to the bed and sat down. Taking off her boots as Moiraine handed her one of her own gowns. Alessia raised a brow.
"It's yours for now." The woman in blue spoke. She nodded her head and moved to the other side of the tent to change. Giving Moiraine privacy as well but it didn't seem to bother Moiraine when she felt arms wrapped around her waist and held close. She could feel the older woman's breath against her neck. Her emotions were running all over. She was confused. 'What's going on?' She asked herself before being led to the bed. She took the spot by the tent's wall as Moiraine on the other side. She turned her back to the blue ajah while staring at the wall.
"I care for you Alessia. What happened today should have not happened. Alanna said you were in the middle of the fight." Moiraine spoke as she felt her body pressed against by the older woman. It seemed she wanted closeness.
"You are the one who said the wheel weaves as the wheel wills." Alessia spoke. Moiraine nodded her head.
"That is correct." She spoke. Alessia scoffed and sat up before crawling out of the bed.
"Where are you going?" Moiraine had asked. There was a hint of sadness in her voice.
"I'm getting some fresh air. Don't worry. I'll be right back." She spoke while leaving. In a nightgown. She didn't care. Others were in their nightgowns as well.
She wanted to clear her head. Her heart was racing against her chest. There was too much going on at once as her head was spinning. Moiraine had lost a sister. Someone she knew well. Maybe that is why Moiraine wanted Alessia nearby? She was deep in thought, she didn't know her feet had carried her into the woods. She stopped as something caught her eyes. It was a rosebush. 'Huh? Out here in the wild?" She thought. Picking one of the red roses and smiling. She pulled the thorns off to make holding the flower safe. She knew exactly what she was going to do with it. She turned back towards the camp and saw everyone but Moiraine outside around the campfire. Liandrin was speaking with Tarna on the other side. Alessia found Liandrin's tent and went inside. There was no one there. She walked quickly to the red ajah's bed and laid the rose upon the pillow before taking her leave. Once outside, her eyes caught the red's. Those blue eyes. Light blue ones. Always looking into her soul. Liandrin was making her way towards Alessia before Alessia had turned and left. Going back into the blue tent. She wanted to say goodnight but knowing Moiraine was waiting. Seeing the older woman sitting up.
"I thought you weren't coming back." Moiraine spoke softly. Alessia smiled weakly before crawling into the bed again. Laying on her back as she was lookin at the tent ceiling. Moiraine had rested her arm across Alessia's waist as the woman had finally fallen asleep. Alessia couldn't think much. Her brain kept telling her about the day's events. It played over and over in her head. Feeling the One's Power grew inside of her when she linked with the others. Now she understood about the thirteen in the circle. How it felt when Logain's power was ripped from him. She felt powerful when that had happened. Why, though? Why did that please her so? The questions she kept asking herself since it had happened. Was this how the red ajah felt when they did their job? If so, she would fit in perfectly. Maybe. She still had much to learn. As soon as they reached the White Tower, she was going to start her training as soon as possible. She turned onto her side to face the wall again. Slowly falling asleep as Moiraine was mumbling softly. A woman's name before she felt the back of her neck kissed. Alessia felt her cheeks heat up before drifting off to sleep again.