Chapter Twelve: Exiled
It felt odd. Having the top half of her shirt ripped from having the switch on her back and she wasn't even a Novice yet! She sighed a relief as the Yellow Ajah healed the wounds on her shoulder and back.
"They will leave scars. I apologize." The woman spoke.
"Thank you. Ryma Sedai." Liandrin spoke as she squeezed Alessia's shoulder again before standing.
"Anything for our future, Aes Sedai." Ryma spoke with a smile. The woman was kind. She had a long yellow dress and yellow belt in the center. Alessia didn't get a good look at the woman before she left. She stood up and followed the Red Ajah out of the room and down the stairs.
"I assume you are still staying in the Warders quarters still?" Liandrin had asked.
"Yes." Alessia spoke softly. Constantly fidgeting with her ripped sleeve. It felt odd still.
"Tomorrow, I'll take you to sign the book of Novice." Liandrin smiled at Alessia before gently touching her shoulder. "Come find me in the morning, mm?" The woman in red asked. She could feel the gentle finger trace her jawline as Alessia kept her eyes upon the older woman before giving her a bow.
"Come no. No need for that. You're not a Novice just yet." Liandrin spoke as she pulled Alessia into a hug. How she loved these hugs. She had missed them ever since she was taken when she was younger. Now, hopefully she will be getting them more. She closed her eyes and inhaled Liandrin's scent as she hid her face against the older woman's neck. It felt like a long time before they pulled away from each other.
"Thank you, Liandrin." Alessia spoke. She only received a smile as the woman in red cupped Alessia's cheek. Without thinking, Alessia closed her eyes and leaned into the touch. Covering Liandrin's hand with her own. She felt a thumb caressing her cheek before the woman cleared her throat. Alessia took a step back before smiling. She turned her heels and left. Heading down the hall lightly humming. She was smiling stupidly again for some reason.
Alessia was sitting in the library again. She had no idea why her feet had carried her this way. She was humming softly while sitting in a chair that was cushioned. She felt comfortable. She felt at home. The White Tower is where she belonged.
"Find everything alright?" A voice came. Alessia looked up to see a woman in brown as she stood up and bowed at her.
"Yes, thank you….er sorry?" Alessia frowned.
"I am Adeleas." The woman spoke kindly with a smile.
"Pleasure to meet you, Adeleas Sedai." Alessia bowed again.
"And you, dear. Welcome to the Tower's library. Try not to stay out too late. There is curfew." The woman in brown spoke before taking her leave. Alessia smiled and went back to her book. She was learning more about the Tower and she was enjoying it. Hearing a voice as she looked up. There were three reds. Tarna, Liandrin and another she hadn't met yet.
"I am telling you. She is the one. She's perfect for red." Liandrin's voice spoke.
"You can confirm?" Another voice spoke.
"I can. She watches a weave once and she has it down." Tarna's voice spoke. Alessia slowly moved from her chair and sat at the table. Laying her head down to pretend she was asleep.
"We need strong reds. Alessia is the perfect one to join, Tsutama Sedai." Tarna's voice spoke.
"I agree. I am taking her to sign the book tomorrow." Liandrin added.
"If what you two say is true, do everything you can do to get her to join us. Including the other girl." Tsutama spoke.
"That won't be a problem with Alessia. She's red at heart." Liandrin spoke knowing full well Alessia could imagine a smirk on her favorite Sedai's face.
"That's because you're head over." Tarna's voice was taunting her.
"Enough you two!" Tsutama interrupted with a snap. Alessia felt her heart race with the voices.
"She hates men. Always have ever since she was a little girl. I have no doubt in my mind she will join us." Tarna added.
"Be quiet. There's a girl asleep on the table." Tsutama spoke in a hushed voice. Alessia yawned and closed her eyes. She could hear footsteps and the familiar hand touch her face.
"This is Alessia." Liandrin's voice spoke softly and calmly.
"She's a beauty." Tsutama whispered. "I hope she is strong as you say because looks can be deceiving." The woman added.
"Wait until you see her in action then." Tarna spoke. Alessia mumbled lightly as all three of the women held their breaths.
"What is she reading?" Tsutama asked. Alessia felt the book moved as she held onto it tightly.
"Tower politics." Liandrin spoke as the book was closed. It had a small snap as Alessia jumped up. Rubbing her eyes before looking up.
"Oh. I am sorry!" She jumped up and grabbed her book and bowed to the three women. "I did not realize how late it was." She spoke while her face flushed with embarrassment.
"No worries dear. Best you head to bed." Tsutama spoke with a gentle smile.
"Thank you um. I'm sorry, your name?" Alessia asked.
"Tsutama Sedai." Tsutama replied.
"Pleasure to meet you." Alessia bowed. Her eyes caught Liandrin who was smirking at her? That was new. She smiled at Tarna who returned it before taking her leave from the library. Touching her chest as she felt her heart beating very fast. She played it cool as she quickly left back to the bedroom she was staying in. She went inside and saw Nynaeve hadn't come back yet. It felt odd. They were the talk of the Tower now. The reds were after her. Not that she minded that. She did after all wanted to join the red ajah. Was it truly her heart's calling though?
Alessia felt her shoulders shake as she leaned up. Looking around and saw no one there. 'Weird.' She thought she must have imagined it. It was daylight outside. She stood up and got dressed. A blue blouse this time and her first pair of black slacks before putting on her black boots. She brushed her hair before giving up. She decided that she would go see Alanna. She made sure her bag was packed before leaving the room. It seemed Nynaeve hadn't slept in the room last night. She was pondering down the hall as she came upon her friend Tarna.
"Good morning." Alessia spoke as the woman jumped. Looking at Alessia like she saw a ghost.
"Don't scare me like that Alessia." Tarna laughed lightly.
"Hmm." Was all Alessia could say with a smile before leaning against the rail.
"Where are you off to?" Tarna asked. Alessia was watching the warders spar in the center again.
"I was looking for Alanna Sedai." Alessia spoke as she looked back at her friend who was eating an apple for breakfast.
"Are you hungry?" Tarna asked as Alessia shook her head in time for her stomach to growl. She hadn't eaten in two days. This had gotten her a raised brow from her friend.
"Betrayed by my body." Alessia sighed as Tarna roared with laughter before linking their arms. She was being led away. They were on the red ajah's floor as they entered a room. It went silent.
"So, that's the famous Alessia?" One of the reds asked. There were many of the red ajahs in the room.
"Shame she's not a Novice." Another spoke. Alessia raised a brow at the voice.
"Oh back off Melinda." Tarna spoke as some of them chuckled.
"You missed Liandrin. She left downstairs. Getting her punishment." A third spoke.
"What she did was right. If she hadn't gentled Logain, who knew who else would lose their lives!" Alessia snapped.
"Ooh this one is feisty! No wonder Liandrin wants her in red." Melinda spoke as there was some laughing going on.
"Spoke like a true red ajah." Tsutama's voice came.
"Still trying to convert me?" Alessia crossed her arms to look at her friend.
"Hey, blue ain't your color, alright?" Tarna held her hands up in defense. Alessia only smiled as she was handed a plate of food.
"Oh, I can't take this. I don't want to take something I didn't work for or earned." Alessia frowned.
"Nonsense dear. Just think of it as a token of appreciation." Tsutama spoke with a smile.
"Ah. I see everyone has met Alessia." Liandrin's voice came into the room. Alessia blushed and looked down at her feet.
"Yes. Where did you find her Liandrin Sedai?" Melinda had asked.
"Well, it's a long story but Moiraine Sedai brought her here." Liandrin spoke as Alessia could feel her shoulder touched by Liandrin's. "Giving her the warm welcome?" The older woman asked as the other reds nodded before going back to their conversations.
"Sorry to interrupt. Alessia is requested to be seen by the Amyrlin Seat." A yellow ajah spoke as heads turned to look at Alessia. She could feel her favorite blue eyes pierce her. To look into her soul again. Alessia felt her heart race again. Wondering what the Amyrlin Seat wanted with her. She nodded and set the plate down before leaving.
"You haven't eaten yet!" Tarna's voice shouted at her as Alessia looked back and shrugged her shoulders.
She made her way to the Tower floor and found Nynaeve who was waiting for her with Moiraine who was watching her.
"Blue looks good on you." Moiraine spoke. Alessia replied with a smile. Feeling a hug from her friend Nynaeve.
"Where were you last night?" Alessia began to start a conversation.
"Wait here." Moiraine spoke as she left for a moment. Alessia heard the doors open as Moiraine was smiling.
"Come." Moiraine spoke as they nodded. They had entered the Tower. Alessia gasped. It was beautiful!
"Egwene!" Alessia shouted as she saw her friend. Running to the girl and hugging her tightly.
"Alessia! Nynaeve!" Egwene looked as if she was about to cry.
"I thought you were dead!" Egwene spoke while cupping Nynaeve's cheeks. Alessia had her hands folded against her lips while watching her friend. Her eyes were stinging with tears as the sight of her friend.
"So did the Trolloc that took me!" Nynaeve spoke as all three of them laughed. Moiraine then spoke.
"Welcome to the Hall of the Tower." Moiraine spoke as she walked into a circle around the room. Alessia was taking in every detail! There were colors on the floor that indicated each color of the Aes Sedai. There were many seats that would fit three of each color. Alessia knew these were the seats of the Sitters of the Hall.
"There's a lot to catch up on but the Amyrlin's expecting us." Moiraine spoke.
"She can wait." Nynaeve spoke while still hugging Egwene who pulled Alessia into the hug that was now a three way hug.
"Siuan Sanche waits for only one woman, and that is not you." Moiraine spoke as Alessia raised a brow as the woman in blue turned on her heels to lead the way. Alessia broke away from the hug and followed Moiraine.
There was a knock on the door as Moiraine opened it. Leading the three of them inside.
"Come." A gentle voice spoke. Alessia was the last to enter the room as Egwene, Nynaeve, and Alessia were standing closely together. Egwene linked all three of their arms together while looking at the woman in the robes. She was sitting down, completely relaxed. Alessia saw the woman had nice dark skin and hair. Her chocolate eyes were a sight. She smiled weakly at the woman. She could feel Nynaeve did not like her.
"Closer." The woman spoke. They exchanged looks as Alessia was the first to take a step closer to the woman.
"Soo.. these are your three Moiraine?" Siuan asked as Moiraine bowed to the woman. Alessia then bowed as well as Egwene. Nynaeve however did not.
"Welcome to the White Tower." Siuan spoke. Alessia smiled at this. She loved it here. "I'm the Amyrlin Seat." Her voice matched to the one from yesterday in the Hall. "But today, you call me Siuan." She added. They remained quiet as the woman scratched her nose with a confused look at them.
"Am I not what you expected?" Siuan had asked. Alessia looked at her friends as Nynaeve's face was unchanging and Egwene looked as well. Alessia looked at Moiraine who was smiling at her.
"I've been told you two are the most powerful channelers we've seen in a thousand years." She spoke. Egwene held her chest up a little with pride as Alessia looked down to her feet. "Nynaeve al'Meara and Alessia Solstice." Siuan spoke. Alessia frowned as she heard her last name spoken. She could feel Egwene's pride crushed a little as she looked at her friends.
"Then you must have very low standards." Nynaeve spoke. This made Moiraine and Siuan laugh. Alessia managed a weak smile from this.
"And you. Egwene al 'Vere. Your bravery and spark brought the Great Serpent Rings of my fallen daughters home. I thank you." Siuan spoke softly. Alessia squeezed her friend's arm in that. She was proud of her friend.
"Now that you've blown smoke up our ass, why don't you tell us what you want?" Nynaeve asked.
"Nynaeve." Alessia spoke while looking at her friend. She could feel the tension in the air now. She watched Siuan stand up and walk up towards them. Alessia felt her heart pounding. Not knowing what was going to happen next.
"I know what it is to feel that you deserve something different than what life gives you. To wonder why you couldn't just stay home. Love the people you love, grow old with them." Siuan spoke as Alessia frowned at this. She was looking down again as her heart was now aching at this. She missed her father. Musin. Her maid that she had grown to like. Now, she was here in the Tower with her best friend and her two favorite Sedai. Alessia could feel that Moiraine was listening to every word Siuan was saying.
"Protect them, support them. Threads weaving in and out of the pattern, without consequence." Siuan spoke while looking at the three of them. Her blue eyes met the brown eyes and she inhaled at her words.
"But the truth is, the three of you have been called to greatness. The fate of all of us rests on you now. On the decisions you make in the coming days. On the strength you find within." The older woman spoke.
"Don't talk to me like you know me." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia felt the color drain from her face at her friend's words. They had stung. "We want no part of this." She felt her arm grab as she started to be pulled out of the room. Siuan held up a finger and Alessia gulped at this.
"The Wheel does not care." She was now closer to Nynaeve. "If you are young or afraid, petty, weak. It does not care what you want. The Wheel calls you to this." Alessia now had goosebumps across both of her arms at the older woman's words. "Whether you want it or not. The Last Battle is coming. What any of us want now is meaningless. Only thing that matters is what you do." Siuan spoke.
"So what do we need to do?" Egwene had asked.
Moiraine and Siuan looked at each other when the question was asked. Alessia raised a brow at the two of the older women.
"For now, go and rest." Siuan spoke as they nodded. "Alessia. A word." Siuan spoke as she received looks from Nynaeve and Egwene.
"I'll come find you." She spoke to the two of them as they left. Moiraine waited for them to leave down the hall before closing the door again. Alessia was looking between the two women. Wondering what Siuan wanted.
"Isn't she beautiful?" Moiraine finally broke the silence. She walked behind Alessia and hugged her from behind. One arm around her waist and the other across her chest. She could feel Moiraine's chin resting on her shoulder as their cheeks pressed together. Alessia could feel her face flush again.
"She certainly is. So, this is the famous Alessia." Siuan spoke as Alessia sighed lightly. "What is it?" The older woman asked.
"I'm sorry. It's just I don't want all this attention on me. I came to become a Novice and learn all that I can to become the best Aes Sedai that I can be." Alessia replied.
"She's so modest." Siuan chuckled. Alessia raised a brow at the woman. "You are powerful dear. I am surprised the others hadn't dug their claws into you yet." The Amyrlin spoke as Alessia kept silent. 'Oh but they did and how I love a certain pair of claws.' Alessia thought. She blushed at her own thoughts at this. She looked down at her feet as the two women were exchanging words.
"Learn all that you can from Moiraine." Siuan spoke as Alessia looked up.
"Why?" She asked as she heard a chuckle from Moiraine.
"You are my prodigy my dear." Moiraine spoke softly into Alessia's ears. It felt like Moiraine was laying a claim upon her. She had no idea how she felt about this. How would she be if Moiraine was constantly in and out of the Tower. She however would not be allowed to leave. Maybe they had some sort of plan. Alessia was lost in thought only to be brought back as a kiss was placed upon her cheek from the woman in blue. Alessia stuttered her words before looking away. Her cheeks were red again. How could Moiraine do this to her?
"Come. It is time." Siuan spoke.
"I am ready." Moiraine spoke as Alessia quickly left the room. Moving as fast as her legs would carry her.
She found herself on the green ajah floor. She pondered about the hall while hearing a familiar voice. Alessia knocked on the door.
"Come in." Alanna's voice spoke as Alessia entered." Alessia!" Alanna shouted as she jumped. Hearing a laugh. "Come in! Come sit! What can I do?" Alanna asked as Alessia sat down.
"It's my hair." Alessia frowned as the woman in green only smiled.
"Need a trim?" She asked as Alessia nodded her head lightly. Seeing one of her warders grab a pair of scissors as the woman stood behind her now. There were small snipping sounds as the metal made contact with her hair.
"Your hair is now above your waist. Split ends gone. Still long and beautiful." Alanna spoke while Alessia felt the woman in green putting her hair up like the green ajah. She smiled and gave the woman a bow before she received a hug. It seemed like the Aes Sedai enjoyed giving hugs and what not.
"Thank you. I owe you." Alessia smiled while looking at the woman.
"Nonsense! I am grateful that you trusted me enough to trim and do your hair." Alanna spoke before hearing a voice from the doorway.
"It's time." It was Liandrin's voice. Their eyes locked. Alessia managed a weak smile at her favorite Sedai who returned the smile before taking her leave with Alanna. Alessia left and wandered the halls for now. Her feet seemed to have carried her to the gardens. She sat on the bench and closed her eyes. Soaking up the sun and air. The smell of the persimmon flowers made her smile.
"Have you signed your name yet?" A familiar voice brought a smile to her face. She turned to see Tarna coming up to her and sat down.
"Not yet. Waiting on Liandrin Sedai." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"So, she wants to witness her flower sign the book then?" Tarna asked with a smirk.
"I uh. Guess so?" Alessia raised a brow at her friend only to receive a nudge from her.
"There are some roses by the way." Tarna spoke as Alessia raised a brow before following the line of sight. She smiled and walked up to it. Picking a red one. Smelling the rose before putting it in her hair.
"Red?" Her friend asked.
"My favorite one." Alessia smiled with a reply before she folded her hands. "So, once I become a Novice, will we still be friends?" Alessia asked.
"Yes. Until you take the shawl. Reds don't like having friends outside our color. We have allies with other colors." Tarna explained as Alessia frowned at this. "Don't worry. I'll still train with you if that is what you want." Her friend reassured her with a smile as she nodded her head. "Come. Let's walk." Tarna spoke as she nodded her head. She followed her friend in red as they were chatting about the history of the Tower before they came across a hall that had sisters standing in two lines. Her eyes caught Liandrin who was giving her a firm look. Alessia grabbed Tarna's arm and pulled her away from the hall. There was something going on in the Hall. It gave her an uneasy feeling.
It was quiet as they made their way back to the gardens and sat down back on the bench they had left. Alessia was humming softly as Tarna was reading a book. She enjoyed the presence of her friend. Even if they weren't talking, the company alone was good enough for her. She was looking around while taking in the sights of the other Novices there. There were many Aes Sedai here today. It was probably because the Amyrlin was back in the Tower. Hearing hushed voices and they both looked up. Alessia looked at Tarna who was confused as well. They looked at each other before shrugging.
"Have you eaten yet?" Tarna asked as Alessia laughed nervously. "You are bad at taking care of yourself." Her friend chuckled.
"It's not that. I don't eat much. Never have. Most times I went hungry living back at my home." Alessia spoke.
"There's Liandrin. Come!" Tarna spoke as Alessia jumped up. They were making their way over to the woman in red as they were cut off. Moiraine had stepped in front of her. Blocking her view.
"I call you now, Alessia. Come." Moiraine spoke before taking her leave. Alessia felt her heart sink at this. Her eyes caught Liandrin who was waiting for her with a soft smile.
"I have to go." Alessia spoke to Tarna who was frowning. Alessia turned her heels and followed Moiraine. Hearing a protest from her friend as she sighed softly.
"Get your things packed. We might be gone for a while." Moiraine spoke. Alessia nodded her head. "Meet me at the stables. Hurry. We have no time to waste." With that, the woman in blue had left. Alessia found her small bag and grabbed it. Taking one last look at the room before leaving the Warders quarters. She stopped on the red ajah's floor and found Liandrin's room. She peeked inside, there was no one. She pulled the rose from her hair and placed it upon the pillow on her bed before leaving.
She found Moiraine already saddled up as Alessia arrived. Seeing another horse there for her. It was a brown male. He was pure brown. She mounted the horse and clicked her tongue. Taking one look at the White Tower. Seeing Liandrin watching from the edge with Tarna. There was a look of anger upon her favorite Sedai's face. She frowned at the woman before following Moiraine as they left the White City.
Liandrin's POV
Hearing the judgment in the halls as Moiraine was exiled. She could not help but feel a bit of pride in their Mother's judgment. She had gotten off easy for a few weeks of teaching a class for the Novices or either helping out on a poor man's farm. Liandrin of course chose to stay and teach. She was not however allowed to teach the One's Power to the Novices. Still, it did not bother her. The doors had opened while looking at her sister. Moiraine. How this woman was able to get away with everything was beyond her but now. She was facing the consequences. It did pain her though. She hated seeing sisters leave the Tower now since they were now so few. Liandrin held her head up but could not help but frown as Moiraine was walking past them. She turned her back towards Moiraine as the woman walked away. Sighing with a small smirk, Liandrin turned her heels and left to find someone. Her special someone. That one young woman who made her heart stop at just the right times. Humming as she approached the gardens and smiled. Her flower was sitting there with Tarna. The only other red who truly knew about her. They were the same. Serving the same master. In time, Liandrin would hope Alessia would follow her into serving as well. Though, she would not force her. The woman would have to come willingly. Her master's orders were clear; Make sure the Dragon Reborn succeeds at all cost for the Final Battle. She held her head up as her eyes caught Tarna's.
"There's Liandrin! Let's go!" Tarna spoke as she watched Alessia catch her eyes. Those ocean blue eyes. Liandrin felt her breath get caught in her throat. She was so breathtaking. That woman who had captured her heart so long ago. Liandrin wanted nothing more than to claim that woman as her own right then and there. 'No. She has to come to you. She must make the first move.' Her thoughts interrupted her. 'Does she even have feelings for you? You are older than her. Moiraine also has taken a liking to her.' Liandrin pushed the thoughts away.
She was smiling at the two friends as she was taking Alessia to get her name signed in the book before someone had cut them off. Moiraine Sedai.
"I call you now, Alessia. Come." Moiraine had spoken before leaving. Catching those ocean blue eyes again as the young woman frowned and left. Following Moiraine. 'That bitch!' Liandrin felt anger rise inside of her. Seeing Tarna stand next to her with a sigh.
"Where are they going?" Liandrin demanded an answer.
"I don't know. She said she had to go." Tarna spoke. She turned her heels and left to the red ajah floor. She had entered her room and stepped onto the edge of the patio. She had no railings on her patio yet. That would change soon. Tarna was standing next to her. Liandrin was glaring at Moiraine. The woman in blue did not see her watching. Alessia appeared. Their eyes caught as Alessia was frowning. Liandrin felt a pang in her heart as anger was showing on her face. She watched the two leave the city before turning around. Walking back into her room.
"How dare she take my flower!" Liandrin shouted. She grabbed a cup and threw it against the wall. It shattered everywhere.
"I am sure she will be back!" Tarna spoke. Her eyes were wide. Liandrin only glared at the woman before sighing. Shaking her head as something caught her eyes. There. On her pillow. A red rose was laying upon it. It softened her heart and her anger. She walked over and picked the flower up. Closing her eyes as she smelled the rose. It made her smile. She walked over to her desk and placed it into a vase. Where there were a few other red roses. They were dead. She had them preserved for her. They were memories she cherished. Every Time she saw Alessia when she visited, she would receive a rose from her. Every time it made her heart swell at it before sighing. She had prayed for years for Alessia to be able to channel and now she found out not long ago. She couldn't be happier to have the young woman with her at the Tower. She wasn't just any normal channeler. She was one of the most powerful ones in a thousand years. She felt proud of her flower because of how much she had already learned from her. Liandrin wanted to teach her more.
"I lost her once, now I lost her again!" Liandrin sighed as she sat on her bed.
"She'll be back. I have a feeling about that." Tarna spoke. She looked at the other woman with a glare.
"That bitch has her claws in my flower!" Liandrin snapped.
"We don't know that for sure." Tarna spoke as she leaned against the wall.
"I just. I just." Liandrin spoke as her eyes were stinging. She fought against it and sighed. Covering her face with her hands.
"You are a rare sight like this Liandrin Sedai." Tarna chuckled.
"This isn't funny!" Liandrin barked back.
"It's alright. Your secret is safe with me."
"Yet you are still trying to tell her."
"We are friends after all. Why keep secrets? Tell her once she gets back." Tarna spoke as she crossed her arms. Liandrin raised her head to look at the other red.
"Tell her? No, she must come to me. She must make the first move." Liandrin sighed and shook her head.
"Liandrin, if you truly love her. Tell her. Don't let Moiraine take her." With that, Tarna had left. Liandrin groaned with frustration. She had never gotten close to anyone let alone fallen for someone and here was Alessia. The one woman who grabbed her heart and stole it. Now, she was going to do everything she could in her power to make sure Alessia chose red. If she came back, she would make sure Alessia was in her life for good. She then got ready for bed. Smiling weakly at the rose she had gotten. Touching the necklace the woman gave her long ago before crawling into her bed. She had gotten used to having the younger woman share a bed with her. Now, she is gone. With Moiraine. Again. It made her angry.
End of POV