Chapter Ten: The White Tower
Feeling her jawline traced by a pair of fingers, Alessia opened her eyes from her sleep. Seeing the red ajah already awake but sitting in the bed. Alessia leaned up and looked around. They were alone in the tent.
"Sleep alright?" Liandrin's voice spoke quietly. She nodded her head and laid back down. She was now facing the woman in red. Who was also laying down. The blues eyes looking into her own.
"We should arrive at the Tower later today if we keep the pace up." She spoke. Alessia's eyes went wide with a smile.
"Oh! I'm excited!" She was beaming at this. They had been traveling a month now since they ran into the camp with the False Dragon. Alessia was practically bouncing now before the older woman pulled her close to get her to stop.
"Sorry." She mumbled lightly.
"It's alright. I am happy to be home soon as well, my flower." Liandrin spoke. This made Alessia happy when she heard that nickname. Her eyes trailed down to the red ajah's neck and saw the necklace she gave her when she was younger. She gently grabbed the necklace and traced her finger over it. Smiling while looking at it.
"I've missed you, you know." Alessia spoke lightly. Still looking at the necklace before Liandrin's hand grabbed hers gently as she let go of the silver flower necklace.
"There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think about you." The older woman replied. This made Alessia smile even bigger now. "I am glad you still have my present." She added before leaning up. Watching the older woman stretch before getting out of bed. Alessia frowned at the lack of warmth from the body. In reality, she was debating whether to cuddle the woman or not and decided the better of it.
"Come. People will want breakfast soon." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded and got up. She quickly changed in the privacy of a corner before heading out of the tent.
Once outside, she took a deep breath of the fresh air. It seemed like it had rained a little bit last night. She decided to walk down a pathway by herself. Collecting dry firewood that she could find. Hearing the wind whisper as she peeked from behind a tree. She saw the woman in blue. Moiraine was weaving around her body. Alessia stared in awe. The woman was so beautiful when she weaved. The blue eyes of Moiraine's caught Alessia as she jumped behind the tree again to hide. Feeling her heart race as she quickly went back to the camp. Setting the firewood down near the fire. Brushing her hands off to get rid of the dirt as a couple of the green ajah were cooking.
"Anyone see Moiraine?" Lan had asked. Alessia nodded her head. "Can you go grab her for breakfast?" He asked. Alessia nodded her head again. She turned back to where she came from in the wooded area. She stopped by the tree again but this time she was noticed.
"Are you going to keep watching or will you join?" Moiraine's voice spoke. Alessia blushed at this. The woman in blue was still weaving. As if she was practicing for something. Alessia walked over and watched for a moment. Picking up the weave as she took a stance. Closing her eyes as she took a deep breath and released it. Moving her arms as she opened her eyes again. Her movements were matching Moiraine's as she felt something warm wake up inside of her. She was weaving air for some reason.
"Let the weave go." Moiraine instructed as Alessia did. Letting her hands fall to her sides as the effect took place. Watching the leaves and flower petals swirl around in circles. Around them. It was a beautiful sight. The many colors of leaves and flowers dancing around in the wind. The smell was amazing. The scent of the fresh rain mixed with the scent of flowers flowing in the wind they had created. 'So that is what the weave was for!' Alessia thought. She felt someone hug her from behind. She leaned back while watching the scene of the flowers dancing before falling down to the ground.
"That was beautiful!" Alessia beamed as she turned around to face the woman in blue. She didn't have a chance to react as Moiraine cupped her cheeks and rested their foreheads together. Alessia felt her heart pounding against her chest. Resting her hands on Moiraine's sides. Closing her eyes while soaking in the moment. Suddenly, her heart had slowed down as if it was the blue ajah doing. She felt completely relaxed again. She leaned in and kissed the older woman's cheek before pulling back.
"Lan is looking for you. Breakfast is ready." Alessia managed to speak. The smile Moiraine had just given her made her melt. Blushing at this before taking her leave from the small clearing that was now covered in leaves and flower petals.
She had made it back in time as the final plates were being served. She took one and sat next to Nynaeve.
"You alright? You look like someone walked in on you bathing." Her friend spoke. Alessia choked on her food and laughed. Shaking her head no.
"No." She spoke while quickly eating her food. Camp was already almost packed up. They still had a while before they would make it to the Tower.
"We should be arriving at the Tower later today." Alessia spoke as Nynaeve sighed. "Hey, they might already be there." Alessia added. This seemed to have made her friend smile. They had gotten a lot closer since they joined the other Aes Sedai on traveling. Nynaeve didn't spend any time training or learning new weaves; instead, she was sparring with Lan and Stepin on swords. Alessia however had memorized several weaves already and was able to use a bit more Power without burning out. She felt proud of herself at this. It was thanks to two of her favorite Sedais. She had gotten closer to both of them. Though, they still made her head spin with confusion. She carried her plate over to the wash bucket and washed the rest of the dishes before packing them up. Hearing a voice from her friend as her shoulder was tapped rather roughly. She turned and saw Tarna.
"It's Spot." She spoke. She didn't need to say anything else as she ran over to the horses. Seeing her black horse on the ground.
"Spot!" She shouted while running to him and knelt down. Petting his neck. She closed her eyes and felt her weave coming. Slowly crawling over her horse as the spirit came from her. Trying to heal her horse. He was old after all. She frowned as she failed. Hearing the slow breaths of her horse. She was frowning at this. She hadn't had him that long and she was already attached to him. She could feel a presence behind her. Grabbing her arm to pull her up.
"No stop. I can heal him." She spoke. Her voice cracked a little at this.
"You cannot heal old age." Moiraine's voice was in her ear. Hearing a sword drawn as she looked over and saw Lan with his sword out and walking over to Spot.
"No!" She shouted. Hearing a slice as Spot let out a small pained noise before going silent. She couldn't believe what she had just seen! Lan had put Spot out of his misery. Alessia let out a low pained groan as she felt her knees give out. Fighting back the tears she had as she was pulled into a tight hug. Moiraine pulled her into a tight hug. Alessia felt a tear fall as she wiped it away and pushed back from Moiraine.
"You let him do it!" She shouted. Her eyes were full of hurt before moving from the woman in blue as she tried to grab Alessia again. She didn't want to be near the blue ajah. She turned her heels and quickly moved away. Her things were put on the wagon now since she had no horse. She would be going on foot now. She felt a shiver as she sighed. Her breath catching. Feeling an arm wrapped around her shoulder. She could make out the red.
"You can ride with me if you want." It was Liandrin's voice. Alessia nodded her head without looking up from the ground.
"Let's move out everyone! Let's go home!" Alanna's voice carried over the crowd as they cheered. Seeing everyone mount up. Alessia's eyes caught the woman in blue before seeing a hand catch her attention. Grabbing Liandrin's hand as she mounted up the white horse behind her. Wrapping her arms around the woman in red's middle as they went on. In the front of the line. Alessia was silent. Listening to the others talk as her heart pained from the loss of her horse. Still looking down as she let go. They weren't moving fast so she was able to stay up from the strength of her own legs.
Hours had passed as they crossed a plain and another forest before coming alongside a mountain. She saw a stone with markings on it.
"Not long now Alessia." Liandrin's voice spoke as it brought her out of her thoughts. They had stopped to let the rest of the line catch up. A sight caught Alessia's eyes. She gasped and dismounted the horse. Quickly walking over as she was looking off into the distance.
"Ah yes. Tar Valon." Liandrin's voice spoke. She was behind Alessia with her white horse. There Alessia saw the great city. Her mouth was opened while taking in the sight. There was a great mountain behind it. It was a volcano but that wasn't what caught her eyes. It was the White Tower. It was massive! She couldn't take her eyes off it!
"There it is." Alessia spoke while still staring at it.
"We'll never get there if you keep standing there." The woman in red's voice chuckled.
"Right!" Alessia spoke as she turned and mounted the horse again. It was trotting back to the front as she looked around. Seeing her friend.
"Nynaeve! Did you see it?" She asked her friend who nodded.
"I have to admit. It is beautiful." Her friend spoke. Alessia nodded her head in agreement. It was a very beautiful tower that had stood for over three thousand years. They had reached the gate entrance as Liandrin stopped.
"You'll have to go ahead with Moiraine Sedai." The woman spoke as Alessia frowned. "You can come find me once we come in." The woman in red added. She nodded as she dismounted the horse. Feeling the presence of the blue ajah, Alessia took the woman's hand to mount her horse before heading into the White City. She looked behind her to see Liandrin watching her before turning her attention to Logain.
"The Aes Sedai! They're back from the fight!" Several voices were shouting.
"Who are the new people?" Another had asked.
"New Novices?" A girl's voice spoke. The sun was setting as they had reached the Tower. Alessia quickly hopped off and was basically bouncing. She was itching to get inside and explore. Knowing Moiraine, that was not going to happen tonight.
"Come along." Moiraine's voice spoke calmly. Nynaeve and Alessia looked at each other before following the woman in blue. Alessia grabbed her bag and her cloak as they followed her into the other side of the tower. Alessia was looking around at everything. Trying to memorize as they went. There were statues of male guardians in a hallway. The floor was white as were the walls. It seemed Nynaeve was interested as well. Seeing her friend was looking at everything.
"This is the warders quarters." Lan spoke as he opened the door. They entered. Alessia frowned. She didn't want to stay here.
"It's the safest place in the Tower." Moiraine spoke. "To stay away from the sisters we traveled with." She added.
"When the Amyrlin seat arrives." Moiraine began to speak.
"I don't care about the Amyrlin seat." Nynaeve interrupted. "Or your Tower politics." She spoke as Alessia set her things down while looking around the room in silence. Her friend was being stubborn towards Moiraine again.
"I care about my people. Where are they?" Nynaeve asked.
"I have eyes and ears at every gate and wall in the city. If they arrive, I'll know." Moiraine spoke.
"Will you tell me?" Her friend asked. Moiraine only replied with silence. This made Alessia uneasy. 'Typical blue ajah.' Alessia thought with a frown. How could she trust Moiraine if the woman didn't answer their questions?
"Maybe I'll have a look around myself." Nynaeve spoke. She was serious.
"Do not underestimate the women in this Tower." Moiraine spoke with a firm voice. This made Alessia look at the woman in blue. "Each of them has their own goal, agenda, own pride and ambition. As powerful as you ladies are, these women have spent decades honing their strength and masking their weaknesses. And when news spreads of your presence, and it will. They will expect you both to become Novices. If you are not careful of those Tower politics, they will eat you alive." Moiraine warned them.
"I want to become a Novice." Alessia finally spoke. Moiraine's eyes met hers. There was a look on the woman's face she did not know.
"No. Not yet." She spoke. Alessia scoffed at this.
"Maybe if we are as powerful as you say we are, maybe it's you Aes Sedai who shouldn't underestimate us." Nynaeve spoke as she moved towards Moiraine. 'Whoa what?' Alessia thought as she looked at her friend. There was now silence. Moiraine and Lan only gave each other a look as Lan had left the room.
"It's alright to be afraid." Moiraine spoke calmly this time. Hearing Moiraine speak about them touching the Power for the first time and how small they were compared to what they have seen. Alessia looked down at her feet. Folding her hands in front of her. The blue ajah wasn't wrong.
"And you are wondering how you go back to what you were before. The answer is you don't. I know because I have been there." Moiraine spoke. Alessia felt the humbleness coming from the older woman's voice. "You'll never be the same." She added. "It's time you saw that gift.
"Now stay here, don't talk to anyone and I will try and protect you both to the best way I can." Moiraine spoke softly. She turned to leave at the door before facing them again.
"And when I find your friends. I will bring them to you." She spoke before taking her leave. Alessia let out a sigh of relief. She and Nynaeve exchanged a few looks before Alessia went to the door.
"Where are you going?" She asked as Alessia looked at her.
"I'm not staying here. I want to look around." She spoke before leaving.
Alessia was basically almost running as she turned a corner and skidded to a halt.
"Alessia! There you are!" Tarna's voice spoke. "Where are you staying?" Her friend in red had asked.
"I uh. Forgot." Alessia frowned. Moiraine's words echoing in her head. "I thought you were helping parade the false Dragon?" Alessia asked as her friend shook her head.
"No. It's just Liandrin Sedai and the green ajah." Tarna spoke as she took Alessia's arm into her own as she led the way.
"Want a tour?" Tarna asked as Alessia nodded her head. They began to chat while Alessia was looking around. There were more Aes Sedai in the Tower than she had ever seen in her life.
"Sounds like the process is now happening! Come on!" Tarna spoke while pulling Alessia with her. They were near the entrance of the Tower now. Alessia's eyes caught Moiraine's who looked angry now at her and Alessia quickly hid behind Tarna who gave her a confused look. There was loud drumming now echoing across the streets.
"Hiding." She spoke as her friend nodded. Her attention was back to the streets. Hearing the jeers from the people who were throwing food at the False Dragon. Liandrin and Alanna were sitting in the chair as the platform was being pulled by horses to the Tower. Hearing gasps as Stepin's horse came into view. The boots of the fallen Aes Sedai had shown everyone she had fallen in battle. Logain was laughing again as he was looking up. His eyes caught Alessia's as he pointed at her and laughed as well. Alessia felt uneasy at this and moved away a bit from the crowd.
"What was that about?" Tarna had asked as Alessia shrugged her shoulders. They made their way back into the Tower and took their separate ways. Alessia quickly left back down the hall. Looking over her shoulder to make sure she wasn't followed. She found Nynaeve standing in a hallway. She went over and joined her. Seeing her friend was looking at the details of the statues. Alessia was interested as well. The details were amazing.
"I'm amazed at how long these have stood." Alessia spoke.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"This Tower is over three thousand years old." Alessia spoke. Nynaeve's eyes went wide a little before looking back at the statue. It seemed her friend was now amazed though she still seemed a bit down.
"An Aes Sedai cannot lie, Nynaeve." Alessia spoke softly. Touching her friend's shoulder. "What Moiraine says is true. She'll bring them to us." She spoke softly as Nynaeve nodded her head. It seemed that she had to keep reminding her friend about the 'Do not speak words that are untrue.'
Hearing voices, they quickly hid as the warders all gathered into two separate lines as Stepin came into view. He was wearing all white as he was still very sad. Alessia could feel the pain coming off of him. She grabbed Nynaeve's arm and pulled her away. They left and went into another hall with more statues. Alessia was amazed at the creations here! Alessia pondered around the hall they were in now. Her mind was drifting around as the woman in blue invaded her mind. 'Wait. No.' Alessia shook her head and huffed a little. Crossing her arms.
"You alright?" Nynaeve asked. She nodded her head quickly and gave her friend a weak smile. All of sudden Moiraine was in her mind now just as much as Liandrin's. 'Why? Have I come to greatly respect Moiraine now?' She asked herself. She was now wondering if Egwene and the others were alright now. It had been over a month since the separation from the others. A whole month that she had spent with the two Aes Sedai she had known since childhood. Her friend the Wisdom, now closer friends with her. It seemed the Wheel was weaving something to put them all together for some reason. Whatever it was, it was now giving her goosebumps at the thought of it.
"Let's go back." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia nodded her head as they made their way back. Once in their room. Alessia sat down while going through her bag. Touching her necklace as she stopped. A knock. Alessia looked at her friend who gave her a confused look as well. She stood up and answered it.
"Stepin." Alessia spoke as she stepped to the side as Nynaeve came into view for him.
"I was wondering if you had any more of that goat's tongue." He had asked. Alessia could smell the alcohol on him. 'Poor man.' She thought. "It's not really a goat's tongue is it?" he asked. Alessia let out a small chuckle and shook her head.
"It's a plant." Nynaeve explained as she went through her herb bag and handed the closed envelope to Stepin. Hearing the two talk about sleep and pain. Alessia was frowning at this.
"Thank you." He spoke while taking his leave. They both stood there for a moment before closing the door as they left the room again. Slowly making their way back to the hallway they were just in.
"Escaped, did you?" Liandrin's voice came. She had found them. 'But how?' Alessia thought. Her eyes met the woman in red as her friend looked away. Crossing her arms. Watching the woman come up to them as she stood on Alessia's other side. Wrapping her arm around her shoulders. Alessia couldn't take her eyes off the woman.
"They're almost as old as the Tower itself." Liandrin spoke. Starting conversation.
"So said Alessia." Nynaeve spoke harshly. She flinched a little at this.
"She's right. Should listen to her more. She's smart." The praise had caught her off guard.
"They represent the tens of thousands of men who bonded themselves to my sisters. Standing guard outside the Hall. In death as they did in life." Liandrin added. Feeling like they were getting a history lesson. If this woman was willing to tell them about the Tower, Alessia was all ears. Hearing a chuckle come from the woman in red.
"Reds don't have warders." Nynaeve spoke quietly.
"No. Never." Liandrin spoke. Alessia could feel the tension between the two of them.
"Because you hate men." Her friend added. Another chuckle. This time it was quieter.
"Is that a question or a statement?" Liandrin had asked. Alessia looked into the blue eyes before looking at her friend.
"Some reds do." Alessia spoke. Remembering what Tarna had told her.
"But men still control much of this world." the red ajah spoke. This made Alessia scrunch up her nose. Liandrin noticed this and smiled at her. "And they are rarely kind to girls who show a spark of being greater than they are." There was seriousness in the tone coming from Liandrin before she smiled and looked up at the statue. Alessia however was staring at the ground. She had absorbed every word the woman in red had just said. 'Did men really do bad things to girls who felt the spark?' This had made her feel a bit sick to her stomach. She did not like the sound of that.
"Now that you both escaped Moiraine's cage, you should enjoy your freedom. Hmm?" The woman in red asked. The two were now facing each other. Alessia felt like the one stuck in the center, keeping the peace.
"That way is the library." Liandrin turned to point. "Then onto the gardens." There was a soft gasp from the older woman as Alessia looked at her. "The persimmons are in season. Hmm." She let out a small chuckle before turning to take her leave. Alessia frowned at this as their eyes caught each other. The woman in red motioned her head for Alessia to follow her.
"Alessia, let's go to the library." Nynaeve spoke as she grabbed Alessia by her arm and literally dragged her away from the red ajah. Alessia frowned while looking at Liandrin who looked hurt now before turning to leave. She wanted nothing more than to run and hug the older woman tightly. She sighed a little as they followed the directions the woman in red had told them about. It was now dark outside.
"Who might you two be?" A voice spoke as Alessia jumped. It was an Ogier!
"I am Nynaeve. This is Alessia." Her friend introduced them.
"I am Loial. Your names sing in my ears." He bowed and his eyes caught Alessia's as she came into the light. He gasped.
"It cannot be. Lady Alessia of House Solstice?" He asked as he bowed to her again.
"I uh. Just Alessia please." She raised her hand for him to not bow.
"I am sorry to hear about your father and your House. Such a powerful house with a long line of history." He spoke. "Also, do you two know a boy by the name Rand?" Loial had asked. They both gasped. "Come. Follow me." He spoke as they did. Leaving the Tower to enter another house. The Ogier had pounded on a door. He had let himself in.
"Rand al'Thor. Did you know that the Ogier had access to the White Tower's grounds? I went there and found the women you spoke of." The Ogier spoke as Nynaeve pushed her way past him as did Alessia. There she saw Rand and Mat!
"Rand!" She shouted. Nynaeve was the first to hug him and then Alessia hugged him.
"We thought you were dead!" Rand spoke as Loial was still speaking.
"Where's Egwene? And Perrin?" Nynaeve asked.
"On their way I think." Rand had replied. Mat was groaning from the bed. Alessia's eyes went over to the sound and saw Mat. He looked awful.
"What happened to him?" Nynaeve asked as she touched his forehead. Alessia kept a small distance from him.
"Nynaeve?" Mat asked as he looked up to her.
"Who else could it have been?" Nynaeve asked with a smile. Mat's eyes caught Alessia's.
"I'm glad you are both alright." He spoke. Alessia nodded at him.
"So are you. Barley. Show me your tongue." Nynaeve spoke as she touched Mat's chin.
"Don't touch me!" Mat shouted and grabbed Nynaeve's arm. Alessia quickly weaved an air shield before her friend.
"By the Light Alessia! You can channel?" Rand had asked as Alessia let the weave drop as Mat relaxed.
"I'm sorry." Mat spoke.
"Sleep Mat. You need to rest." Nynaeve spoke. Pulling the covers up to his shoulder. They were now outside where it was out of reach.
"I think he can channel." Rand spoke. He was sitting on the bench that was right outside the door.
"Have you seen it?" Nynaeve had asked. Alessia crossed her arms. She was worried.
"No but he is losing himself." Rand spoke. Alessia frowned. They have to tell Moiraine. If Mat is a channeler, he would be dangerous.
"I know Moiraine said we should come to her at the White Tower. I don't know if we can trust her." He spoke while looking at Nynaeve. Alessia knew that they were in agreement.
"We saw what the Aes Sedai did to the false dragon." Rand added. 'Excuse me what?' Alessia had asked herself. Rand wasn't even there when it happened! He killed a sister! She felt frustrated. Nynaeve sat down next to Rand and grabbed his hand.
"You did well to bring him here." She spoke. "To take care of him. We don't need the Aes Sedai. We're Two Rivers folk. I'll heal what I can. One the other two arrive, we'll sort out the rest." Nynaeve spoke as her eyes caught Alessia who nodded her head. She didn't agree with this.
"I haven't seen her in over a month." Rand spoke. There was hurt in his voice. Of course. He was in love with her as she was with him. It pained Alessia. To love someone you haven't seen in a long time. She knew that feeling very well.
"She's alive." Alessia spoke. Nynaeve then went into a story about the infection Egwene had when she was ten. Alessia knew this story. It was when the fever had taken over many people that one time. It was a painful year. Egwene had survived the bone break fever. Nynaeve believed it was because she was strong and refused to give up.
"She's unbreakable." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia nodded. Their friend was strong.
"Come. We need to head back before we are missed. I could kill for a bath." Alessia suddenly spoke.
"You're right. I didn't think about that. I am tired." Nynaeve spoke. They said their goodbyes as they left back to the Tower.
Alessia had grabbed a nightgown and her new sheet towel. Soap and sponge before making her way down the hall. Hearing two familiar voices talk. Alessia peered over the pillar. It was Liandrin and Moiraine speaking.
"When Nynaeve and Alessia become a Novice. And despite their distressing mistrust of the Aes Sedai, they will become a Novice. You won't be here to guide them." Liandrin spoke. It seemed the woman in red had made sense. Moiraine was, after all, a blue ajah.
"Those girls with raw talent and lack of control will need mentoring." Liandrin spoke.
"And you think they will both choose Red?" Moiraine had asked. The look on her face showed some form of anger. "The Wisdom of the Two Rivers after her first channeling healed the dying?" Moiraine was now speaking about Nynaeve.
"Mm. Our Yellow sister will be desperate to get their hands on her." The Red spoke.
"Hmm." Moiraine spoke in reply.
"And of Alessia. She will be perfect for Red." Liandrin spoke. Looking at Moiraine now.
"Not if the blue wants her. She's strong and not afraid to use the Power." Moiraine spoke. It seemed she was wanted in both colors. Alessia could definitely see Nynaeve as a Yellow. She would be perfect there. Yellow sisters didn't take warders unless they wanted to. Nynaeve was a wonderful healer at that.
"But there is a certain force of will that she cannot hide. Both of them. Sense of the world would be better if everyone obeyed the rules. Their rules." Liandrin spoke. It seemed the two sisters were keeping things civil between the two of them.
"One thing Nynaeve doesn't share is your contempt for men. I suggest you look for converts elsewhere." Moiraine spoke.
"Maybe with Nynaeve, yes. Alessia however." Liandrin spoke.
"You stay away from Alessia." Moiraine spoke. Her voice had risen a little at this. There was a hint of protectiveness in Moiraine's voice. With this, Moiraine had left. Liandrin was standing there with a smile. Hands behind her back. Alessia and slipped away quietly. Trying to find the washroom. She had ran into Tarna and sighed in relief.
"You alright?" Her red friend asked. She nodded.
"Yes, I need a bath." She spoke as Tarna smirked and led the way to a different hall.
"This is the washroom for the red ajah. I know my sisters won't mind. I'll let the others know so you can have privacy." Tarna spoke as she left. Alessia bowed her thanks before turning to fill the large square like tub with water. It was large enough for at least four people. Alessia wondered if the Aes Sedai worried about seeing each other during bath times. She undressed and got into the hot water. Letting out a soft moan as the hot water stung her skin.
She was silent while relaxing. Her head tilted back to rest against the corner of the step and floor. She was inhaling and exhaling. Relaxing herself as she started to wash herself. She was going slow. Enjoying the soap scrub against her skin as she rinsed as well. The water was now a milky color due to the flower petals that were added. Hearing the door open and closed. Alessia hugged her knees as Liandrin had come in.
"How'd you know I was here?" Alessia asked. Face palmed herself as she remembered Tarna.
"Your new friend told me." Liandrin spoke as she got undressed. Alessia turned her back towards the woman in red. Giving her privacy. Feeling the water move against her skin as Liandrin joined her in the bath. Feeling her heart race as her skin came into contact. Feeling arms wrapped around her middle as Liandrin kissed her shoulder. Tracing her fingers up to her shoulder. Across her collar bone. Resting her left hand upon her chest. Alessia's heart was racing.
"I can feel your heart. Do I make you nervous?" Liandrin asked with a gentle chuckle. Alessia didn't answer. She saw the older woman reach over and grabbed her sponge and soap before she felt her back being gently scrubbed. Alessia moved her hair to the side as she was relaxed but still tense a little. Feeling water spilled over her back for a rinse. Alessia turned and took the sponge. The blonde woman turned and moved her own hair. Alessia moved her hand slowly in circles. Making sure she didn't miss a spot when she washed Liandrin's back this time. Moving water to rinse her back before setting her sponge down. She was now face to face with her favorite Sedai. She felt gentle fingers trace her cheek as Alessia was now heavy headed. The closeness was making her slightly dizzy but she fought it. She leaned in and traced Liandrin's jawline this time with her fingertips. Her eyes were not moving. Her blue eyes caught the red ajah's as the older woman leaned in. Closing the gap between then as Alessia felt her lips pressed against the older woman's. Just barely touching as the door opened. Making them both pull away from each other. Alessia was flushing as she looked away. A woman in blue had come in.
"I apologize for the intrusion." The woman spoke.
"Not at all Maigan Sedai." Liandrin spoke with a smile while washing her own hair.
"I came to bring a message to Alessia. Moiraine Sedai wishes you to stay in her room tonight for she knows that you would be out and about without permission." Maigan spoke while looking at her. Alessia Covered herself up as she got out of the bath. She wrapped the sheet towel around her body.
"She knows me so well. Please tell Moiraine Sedai that I will be staying in the cage she put me in tonight." Alessia spoke. Without another word, she left the washroom.
Her heart was racing, she was afraid it was going to burst through her chest. She made it into her room and sighed while leaning against the door when she closed it. Nynaeve wasn't there. She wondered if her friend was bathing somewhere as well. She quickly dried off and sat on the bed she was assigned to. Touching her lips as she could feel the ghost of Liandrin's lips barely touching hers. She wished it was an actual kiss. Blushing at this thought as something new had woken up inside of her. It was a small flame burning. A new sensation was rising in her. She pushed the thoughts back as she dried her hair. Let it stay down to air dry it. She could just weave it dry but she was too tired to do it right now. She looked outside as the moon was high now in the sky. Alessia blew out her candle and crawled into bed. Pulling the covers over her as she sighed. It was going to be a long stay at the Tower. She tossed and turned a few times in her bed while staring at the ceiling. The door opened and closed as Nynaeve had finally come back.
"Alessia? Are you awake?" Her friend had asked.
"Yeah." She replied quietly.
"Sorry. I was speaking to Rand again. Mat doesn't seem to be doing too well. Would you come with me to the market tomorrow to get some herbs and what not?" Nynaeve had asked.
"Yeah, I can do that." She spoke. She didn't want to leave the Tower but after what just happened, she needed a distraction. Her mind kept going back to kissing Liandrin. Oh how she wanted the kiss to complete. Feeling her face heat up from flushing and was thanking the Light that her friend couldn't see in the dark.
"I don't want to stay here. I want to leave." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia frowned. She knew her friend already hated it here. "I know you want to stay. Learn for both of us okay?" Nynaeve asked.
"I will. I'll learn it all or everything that I can." Alessia spoke. Making this promise to her friend.
"Thank you. See you in the morning." Her friend added. Alessia said her goodnight. It was now silent in the room. She turned to face the wall. Closing her eyes as she felt that presence again.