Chapter Nine: Bandit attack
(Sorry for slow burn chapter! Enjoy some mush! Also warning. Some mature conversations!)
Alessia was outside the gates of the town by herself. She was slowly weaving the threads around her body. The white streams of air were swirling as she moved with it. Closing her eyes as she inhaled deeply. Stepping one foot behind the other as she took a stance. Opening her eyes as she looked at a target dummy. She had her dagger on the ground. Waving her hand as the weave surrounded the dagger. Flicking her wrist across front of her as the dagger went flying. Hit the straight center of her target. Smirking at it before releasing her weave.
"Where did you learn that?" Moiraine's voice spoke as Alessia jumped a little. How could she not sense the blue ajah sneak up on her. Looking at the woman in blue.
"From you." Alessia spoke.
"I don't remember teaching you that." Moiraine spoke calmly. It did not seem like she was upset or anything.
"Actually. You didn't but did. I saw you do it back when the Trollocs attacked." Alessia spoke when she remembered watching Moiraine weave a sword at a Trolloc. Alessia kept her eyes upon the blue ajah before holding her breath a little.
"I remember that. Did not expect you to remember that weave. Not that I've watched you with the One's Power. You can remember the weave after one time. I think you will do well in the Tower." Moiraine spoke with a smile. Alessia sighed a relief as the woman in blue pulled her into a hug. She accepted the hug without hesitation. Smiling at the woman as she rested her head upon the woman's shoulder. Feeling her back rub slowly and gently.
"Come. Let's head back to the tavern. Everyone is ready to go. We are only days away from the Tower." Moiraine spoke. Alessia got excited.
"I am honestly looking forward to it. You'll be there right?" Alessia asked. She took Moiraine's hand into her own and held it. She saw the woman smile at her. This made Alessia blush and look away quickly. Feeling her cheek cupped as she was forced to look at Moiraine in the eyes. More blue eyes.
"I shall be at the Tower but as a blue ajah I have my duties to do as well." The woman spoke calmly. Alessia could only mumble in return. "My dear, you are adorable when you are flustered." Moiraine chuckled. She leaned in and pressed a kiss upon Alessia's cheek. Again, not fast nor a long one. She…enjoyed it? Her heart was racing at this as she quickly moved back.
"Did I offend you?" Moiraine asked with a worried look.
"No! I um. No." Alessia spoke before turning her heels and quickly dashed away.
She was brushing Spot to make sure he was ready for the trip today. She looked around and walked over to help Tarna load up the cart. The false Dragon was still in the cage. He was staring at her with a smirk. It was making her uncomfortable.
"You left early this morning." Tarna's voice made her turn away from Logain.
"Yeah. I went to practice weaving." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"Well, Liandrin was a little sad. Don't tell her I said that." Her friend smirked at her before taking her leave. Alessia huffed a little as her face was a bit red. She turned back around to come face to face with Liandrin.
"Oh! Sorry. I didn't want to wake you earlier." Alessia stumbled over her words. The woman in red only smiled at her with a nod of her head. Her hand reached out to rub Alessia's arm then squeezed it before taking her leave. Alessia felt her heart pounding rather fast again. Sighing lightly as she rubbed her forehead. She saw Alanna and made her way over to the woman in green. Her eyes caught Moiraine's as she approached Alanna. Watching the two exchange words before a small laugh. Then Alessia froze as they both looked at her.
"Hello Alessia!" Alanna spoke.
"Hi Alanna Sedai." Alessia smiled and gave the woman a small bow.
"Everything alright?" The woman in green had asked. Alessia's eyes caught Moiraine's who was smiling at her.
"Uh I uh. Yes!" She spoke and slowly backed away before returning to her horse. Watching others mount up.
'God you're so stupid." Alessia spoke to herself and sighed. Slapping her forehead as she did.
"You okay?" Nynaeve's voice made her jump.
"Yes! I'm good! You?" Alessia spoke while mounting Spot. Her eyes looked around as they followed in the back of the line. She looked at her friend who had her eyes on someone. Her line of sight was on Lan. Alessia smiled at her friend before humming softly.
Drein drein,
Ta'an veren
Keymari sorbe
Kutyalot druna tirast
Alessia began to sing in the Old Tongue as she felt eyes on her. She stopped quickly and cleared her throat.
"I didn't know you could sing." Alanna's voice came as Alessia noticed the green ajah was riding her horse by her.
"I um. Normally I don't." Alessia spoke softly. She usually sang when no one was around. So, she had no idea how she sounded to others.
"Well, I do have a small choir class at the Tower. If you are interested once you become a Novice, come find me." Alanna winked at Alessia before she started to head back to the front of the line.
"Oh, Alanna Sedai?" Alessia asked as the woman turned back to look at her with that smile.
"Yes?" The green ajah had asked.
"I was wondering if um. I could talk to you about something?" She had asked. She could feel another pair of blue eyes on her. Nynaeve had moved up front towards Lan.
"Of course dear. What's bothering you?" Alanna had asked. She could feel Liandrin near her.
"There are things that are, well, confusing to me and." Alessia started.
"Let me stop you there dear. I know what you are going to ask. Once we settle for camp soon, come find me alright?" Alanna smiled and squeezed Alessia's shoulder who nodded at her. She smiled as the woman in green went back to the front. She clicked her tongue as Spot moved quicker. Picking up the rear as they came to a clearing into the wooded area. She tied Spot onto a post that Lan had made. Feeling her shoulder touched as she looked over. Seeing Moiraine smiling at her.
"Alanna is asking for you. Nynaeve already made her way to the tent." The woman in blue spoke as Alessia nodded. She followed the blue ajah into the large green tent. Seeing her friend sitting on a pillow as she joined as well. Sitting on her knees. Taking the green pillow next to Nynaeve. Moiraine took a seat next to her as Alanna was eating some fruit.
"Alright. Now, what's your question Alessia?" Alanna had asked. Alessia felt her face heat up a little again.
"Well. How do you know if you have. Well. Feelings for someone?" She asked. Hearing a chuckle from Alanna.
"Well, it depends on the body language. If you are comfortable around them as they are with you. Also, that they are constantly in your mind." Alanna spoke softly. Her eyes were on Nynaeve who was silent. Alessia could feel eyes on her as well.
"Why do you ask? If I may pry a bit." Alanna asked.
"Well. Feelings are confusing for me. I'm not used to it." Alessia spoke. Biting her own lip as she folded her hands in her lap.
"I am going to assume you are talking about someone. Do they make you uncomfortable?" The green ajah asked. Alessia shook her head. "Does your heart race when they are near you? Or does your breath shorten?" Alanna asked. Her brown eyes were watching Alessia who nodded her head again.
"These are positive feelings. They can lead well to um. More pleasurable feelings if you allow them to flow more." Alanna spoke.
"What do you mean?" Nynaeve had finally asked.
"Well, I know you have eyes for Lan. Why not bed him?" Alanna asked. Nynaeve's eyes met Moiraine's who only smiled.
"Doesn't he belong to you though?" Nynaeve asked.
"A warder doesn't belong to an Aes Sedai anymore than a child does to parents. They can develop a romantic relationship with each other." Alanna was smiling at this as Alessia noticed how close she was to her two warders.
"No. Lan does not belong to me. He is more of a protector. My friend." Moiraine was trying to explain.
"In other words. Bed him Nynaeve." Alanna had this look in her eyes as Alessia was getting slightly uncomfortable.
"I um. Not sure if that is appropriate." Nynaeve spoke as she was too uncomfortable as well. Alessia was kind of feeling bad for her.
"We see the way you look at him dear." Alanna laughed as Moiraine chuckled a little. "And you Alessia. Any warders have caught you eye?" Alanna had asked.
"I um. I don't like men." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"Ah. Any Aes Sedai catch your eye then?" The woman in green asked.
"I am not sure how I feel. That's the thing." She spoke. Touching her chin while she was in thought.
"Well have you tried rubbing one out?" Alanna asked as Alessia looked at her. Brow raised.
"What do you mean?" Her friend had asked before she did.
"Oh my dears. How innocent you both are!" Alanna was laughing again before sighing with a smile. "It's when you explore yourself. Take the time alone and feel yourself. See what pleasures you as your hand travels down." Alanna started.
"Okay! My cue to leave!" Alessia spoke as she stood up and quickly left the green tent while Alanna chuckled as she did.
Alessia could feel her body being frustrated as she helped unpack the wagon with Tarna who kept eyeing her.
"What's got you in a knot?" Tarna asked as Alessia sighed and shrugged her shoulders.
"It's nothing really." She spoke while she grabbed the wooden pole and pulled it up as the red fabric was attached. Helping raise the red tent for the red ajah. She smiled at their handiwork before Alessia left to help with the blue tent. Lan was on the other side fumbling with the fabric.
"Alright there Lan?" Alessia asked as he laughed a little.
"Yes. Just trying to untangle this. Little help?" He asked. Alessia smiled and inhaled deeply as she moved her arms fluidly as she untangled the ropes that were on the fabric.
"You're getting better. Looks like you'll be ahead of the other Novices that join you." Lan spoke. Alessia couldn't help but feel a bit of pride.
"She can remember a weave after seeing it once." Moiraine's voice came. Alessia smiled at the woman before helping Lan raise the tent. "Join me tonight in bed?" Moiraine asked Alessia once Lan was out of sight.
"I uh. I am going to sleep alone tonight." Alessia spoke softly. She saw the hurt in Moiraine's eyes. She frowned. She didn't like that. She leaned in and gave the woman in blue a tight hug. Feeling Moiraine's fingers trace up her spine. Sending shivers across her body. Alessia had just realized her hands were upon Moiraine's hips and pulled back quickly.
"Have a goodnight Moiraine." Alessia gave the woman a bow before she turned to head to the tent she and Nynaeve were staying in. She looked over her shoulder in time to see Moiraine watching her with a smile. Arms crossed. Alessia stumbled a little as she entered her tent. Seeing Liandrin inside alone. Sitting on her bed.
"Liandrin Sedai." Alessia spoke as the woman in red smiled at her.
"Tarna said you were frustrated earlier today. Anything I can do to help?" The older woman asked while standing up. Her hands were folding in front of her.
"I am just struggling with a weave, is all." Alessia lied.
"You? Struggling with a weave? That's a lie." Liandrin smirked at her. Her heart had raced at this. 'Do they make your heart race?' Alanna's voice echoed in her head. 'No. Liandrin is someone who I look up to and greatly respect!' Alessia told herself.
"You're right. I just have my mind on other things." Alessia spoke as she set her bag down by her bed.
"Well, let me know if I can do anything." Liandrin spoke. Alessia felt the older woman moved hair behind her ear with her gentle fingers. She turned and smiled at the red ajah and nodded.
"Of course. Thank you. I really appreciate it and you." Alessia smiled and took Liandrin's hand into her own and squeezed it. She could feel the older woman move closer to her. Sharing the same air with her. Alessia's head started to feel a bit heavy.
"Come share my bed." Liandrin asked in a whisper into Alessia's ear.
"Of course." Alessia smiled. Seeing the woman in red smile before taking her leave.
"Oh crap." She sighed and sat on her bed. She told Moiraine no and Liandrin yes. 'What is wrong with you?' She yelled at herself.
"Hey Alessia?" Tarna's voice came from outside. Alessia stood up and fixed herself before exiting the tent. "I'm going on a watch. Want to join?" Her new friend asked. She nodded her head with a smile. She tucked her dagger into her belt as she put her hands behind her back. Following Tarna by her side as they made their way to the edge of the camp. Looking around as some people were eating dinner as others were chatting away. She could feel her hair flowing a little behind as they moved across the camp and to the edge. Taking a post by the cliff.
"We should be on alert. Bandits are common around here." Tarna spoke as Alessia nodded. Her eyes trailed over the camp as the sun was now setting on the horizon. The animals were already settled for the night. Her eyes caught her favorite Sedai and smiled. She loved being around that woman for some reason. Maybe it was because she was someone she knew her whole life basically? A claw at her side started moving and she felt her cheeks flushed. Shaking her head as she looked away quickly. Hearing a twig snap as Alessia quickly went alert while scanning the woods.
"Did you hear that?" Alessia asked.
"Sh." Tarna spoke. She raised her hand as Alessia knelt down. Hearing movements from the trees, Alessia turned and whistled. Seeing the red ajah look in her direction soon as an arrow went flying past her face. Her eyes went wide as a horn sounded.
"Bandits!" Tarna shouted. Alessia stood up tall and weaved her arms. Creating an air shield to block more arrows from hitting them or entering the camp. Her energy was draining rather quickly.
"Hold it Alessia! Don't falter!" Tarna's voice shouted. She was looking at her friend and nodded. Watching her weave a fireball. Throwing it in the direction the arrows came. The green ajah had finally come. Alessia had faltered. Her shield fell as she was holding her knees. Catching her breath. Trying to put her shield back up. Feeling her cheeks starting to burn a little. Grunting as she pushed her shield up more. She didn't want to risk burning out as she let the weave fall.
"Watch out!" A voice shouted. An arrow shot her in the shoulder right below the bone. Causing her to stagger backwards. Her foot slipped off the edge as she had fallen over the cliff. It felt like the world went into slow motion. Her arms raised upwards as her back was towards the ground. Hearing a loud crack as she hit the ground. Grunting as she hit. The pain searing in her arm from the arrow. She was coughing while holding her arm. Wincing from the pain.
"They are falling back! Move!" Alanna's voice shouted. Alessia felt her vision darken.
"Stay with me Alessia." Moiraine's voice spoke. She could see the woman in blue lean over her. The gentle hands touching her forehead and her shoulder. Feeling a warm sensation as she passed out from the pain.
"She was shot. I thought her shield was up!" Tarna's voice was loud and clear. Alessia blinked a few times. She was in a green tent on a cozy bed. Her vision was still blurry. Her arm was not hurting anymore.
"She doesn't have enough practice for her to hold up a shield that long." Alanna's voice spoke.
"She was burning out. You should have never put her in that position." Moiraine's voice sounded harsh.
"We were even lucky she could make a shield that powerful." Liandrin's voice came in. "She was willing to risk burning herself out to protect us." The woman in red added.
"That should have never happened to begin with." Moiraine added. Alessia sat up so quickly it made her head spin.
"Why is the room spinning?" Alessia asked as she rubbed her head. She blinked a few times and saw all four of the Aes Sedai looking at her.
"Do I have something on my head?" She asked while touching her head. Hearing a chuckle from Alanna.
"You gave us a scare." Alanna spoke. Alessia sighed and looked down.
"I apologize for that Alanna Sedai." Alessia spoke softly.
"No need to. We are glad you are alright." The woman in green spoke before taking her leave. Alessia stood up and stretched her arm a little before bowing to the remaining three and took her leave. Seeing it was now dark out. Night had fallen as Alessia made her way over to her tent with Nynaeve. She entered to see Lan leaving just in time. Alessia raised her brow at her friend.
"Nothing happened if that is what you are thinking." Nynaeve spoke while rolling her eyes.
"Right." Alessia spoke as she sat on her bed.
"How are you? I saw what happened. That was a scary fall." Nynaeve spoke as she sat next to Alessia. Wrapping an arm around her shoulder. She leaned into her friend's hug.
"I am alright. Just glad there were others there at the time." Alessia spoke. Seeing Moiraine had entered their tent.
"I guess I will take my leave." Nynaeve spoke as she was glaring at the woman in blue. Her friend stood up and left. Alessia frowned when she did.
"Are you alright?" Moiraine asked while cupping both of Alessia's cheeks with her hands. She nodded her head lightly.
"I am. Thank you." Alessia smiled lightly at the woman.
"Also, I heard you were burning yourself out." The older woman spoke as she sat down next to Alessia. Pulling her close.
"I was just trying to protect everyone here. I failed." Alessia sighed lightly. Looking down. Feeling fingers run through her hair gently. Moiraine was caressing her hair while looking at her.
"You did well. For someone who just started using the One's Power." Moiraine spoke. There was a hint of pride in the woman's voice. Alessia smiled and leaned against the older woman. There was a calmness that she felt with this woman. She felt her cheek touched again by the blue ajah's hand. Alessia leaned into the hand and covered it with hers. Her heart was pounding again. Her eyes were closed before she felt Moiraine kiss her cheek again. Alessia smiled and stood up. Moving away from Moiraine since her thoughts were racing again.
"Have a goodnight Alessia." Moiraine spoke as Alessia bowed. Giving the woman another hug before watching the woman leave the tent.
She waited for a moment. Peeking out to see Moiraine enter her own tent. Alessia then left her tent and made her way over to the red one. Once entering it, Tarna and Liandrin had stopped speaking and looked at her.
"Oh. I am sorry. I can take my leave." She pointed her thumb behind her as she slowly backed up.
"Nonsense. Come in." The older woman spoke as Tarna smirked at her before taking her leave. "How are you feeling?" Liandrin asked while looking over a scroll. Alessia sat down in a chair and watched the woman before speaking.
"I'm alright." Alessia spoke. Her voice is unchanging. It had gotten her a raised brow from the woman in red.
"Yet you don't sound it." The red ajah spoke. Alessia nodded her head.
"I should have done more. Instead, I got weak and hit." Alessia spoke. Her eyes were staring at a cup on the table.
"You were burning yourself out." Liandrin spoke. The woman had crossed her arms while staring Alessia down.
"I'd rather burn than fail." Alessia frowned. She hated how she was feeling right now. A burning sensation in her stomach that made her feel sick. Hearing footsteps stop in front of her as the scruff of her tunic as she was raised off the chair.
"I'd rather you fall over a cliff from an arrow than burn yourself." Liandrin spoke. There was anger in her eyes. Alessia frowned at this.
"An Aes Sedai is always willing to stand up and sacrifice herself to protect others. Especially for her sisters." Alessia spoke softly back.
"You are not an Aes Sedai yet." Liandrin spoke as she let Alessia go. She only stood there. Watching the woman in red. She had never seen Liandrin act like that before.
"I may not be an Aes Sedai but I will not stand and do nothing." Alessia added. She had a serious tone as the older woman's eyes met hers again.
"Spoke like a true Aes Sedai. I am glad we have you on our side Alessia." Liandrin spoke. The woman had her hands behind her back. Her long blonde hair was braided and in a low pony. The way the woman in red spoke her name made her heart swell. She fought against her cheeks but failed as they heated up a little.
"I hope I can make you all proud someday." Alessia spoke softly. Liandrin smiled softly at this.
"You already do." The older woman spoke. Alessia felt her eyes sting as she looked away to avoid eye contact. "Your father would have been so proud to see you today." Liandrin added. Taking Alessia's hand into her own. Squeezing it. Alessia smiled. Her heart was racing again.
"Um. Liandrin." Alessia spoke softly.
"Hmm?" The woman asked. She had a half smile upon her lips. "I would like, if you are alright with it. Sleep in my own bed tonight." Alessia spoke. She felt her hand was let go. She looked up and saw the red ajah eye's as well.
"Yes, that's alright." Liandrin spoke. Alessia frowned and moved without thinking. She was hugging the woman tightly. She wasn't surprised when her hug was returned tightly. She hid her face against Liandrin's neck. Inhaling the woman's scent without relaxing it. Her head was now spinning. The older woman's hands were upon her hips. Digging her nails into her hip bones. Alessia fought back every urge and new feelings she was feeling and pulled away. Giving her a bow before quickly heading back to her own tent. Nynaeve wasn't there yet. Alessia quickly got into her bed and sighed a little.
The morning had come quickly as night left. Alessia was already outside in the cold. She was shivering while helping Nynaeve light the campfire. They would be traveling again today but first, everyone wanted breakfast. Alessia just wanted to be at the White Tower already. Nynaeve was still worried about Egwene and the others. Alessia was as well so she didn't blame her. There was so much touching yesterday, Alessia was avoiding both the red and blue ajah. They confused her and made her head spin. They had finally lit the fire.
"Yes!" Nynaeve spoke as she and Alessia gave each other a high five.
"You could have just used the Power." Lan chuckled.
"Hey now." Alessia pointed at him and shook her finger before laughing as did her friend. Their laughter carried over the camp as others came up to join them for the warmth from the fire. Alessia felt a hand touch her lower back. It was Moiraine. Alessia moved away towards her friend who was standing closely to Lan. Not seeing the protest upon the blue ajah's face. She hummed softly from the song from the day before as food was being prepared.
"Hey, come with me to get water." Alessia spoke to Nynaeve who smiled. Linking arms as they left the camp with their buckets.
"The sooner we get to the Tower, the better." Alessia sighed. She dipped the bucket into the river to collect water.
"I know but I am worried. What if they aren't there?" Nynaeve asked.
"Then we will find them." Alessia spoke while looking at her friend. She was frowning while dipping her bucket as well. The water was freezing so they didn't splash in it today. They made their way back to the camp in silence.
"Don't worry. We will find them." Alessia reassured her friend who nodded in silence. Alessia looked around and saw Liandrin watching her. She bowed to the woman in red before taking her leave back to the campfire. She was handed a plate as she began to eat. She was listening to Nynaeve and Lan talk about sparring with swords. She felt a presence near her again. Alessia turned and moved away. Finishing her plate as she walked over to a green ajah she hadn't spoken to yet. Deciding to help with the dishes. It seemed like Moiraine was trying to start a conversation with her. Now she was speaking with Lan and Nynaeve. Once finished, she helped Alanna pack up the green tent.
"So, you get one out yet?" Alanna asked her. Alessia raised a brow at her question.
"What?" She asked stupidly.
"Rub one out dear." Alanna spoke with a chuckle.
"Oh. I uh no." Alessia spoke.
"Well, if you want to know who tickles your fancy, rub one out and who's name you moan as you feel the pleasure hit is the one." Alanna spoke softly. Her eyes closed as she was smiling. Alessia looked at the woman in green. It seemed like Alanna was remembering a feeling or something.
"Right! I um. I should go help the others." Alessia laughed nervously.
"Alessia Solstice! You cannot deny the feelings!" Alanna shouted while chuckling again. Alessia felt her face flush a beet red as she walked over to Nynaeve who was giving her a confused look.
"It's nothing." She spoke as she mounted Spot. Clicking her tongue as he began to move. Following the others in the middle of the line.
"Well, for what it's worth, Lan and Moiraine said we'll find the others." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia smiled at her friend. Nodding her head in agreement. Moiraine was right. They will find their friends. She could feel eyes on her as she looked over her shoulder. The red ajah had her horse trot up beside her. Their eyes met.
"You've been avoiding me. Why?" Liandrin asked.
"Keeping my mind busy." Alessia spoke. It wasn't a lie. She still felt like she failed but at least she was helping in other ways she could.
"Right. Well, I want to resume your training." Liandrin spoke. Alessia nodded.
"Um, Liandrin. Will you uh." She started to speak and slowed Spot down a little. The woman in red did the same. They were at the end of the line now.
"What is it?" Liandrin asked while watching Alessia. She could still feel like her shirt was grabbed like last night.
"Share my bed tonight?" Alessia asked. Seeing the woman smile.
"Join mine instead. It has more room." Liandrin spoke as she kicked her horse's side as it trotted again. Going to the front of the line. Alessia had a stupid smile on her face before shaking her head. 'Was that a good idea?' She had asked herself before humming softly again. A hand touched her thigh as she looked over. Smiling at the woman in blue before her focus went back to the road. Taking Moiraine's hand into her own and squeezed. Still hoping they would make it to the Tower soon.