Chapter Fourteen: Dream
"We are bonded my love." Moiraine spoke. Alessia felt her head spin all at once as she lost her balance. "Steady." The woman in blue spoke as she held onto Alessia's waist to keep her from falling over. Then it hit her. She began to panic. Her breaths were short and rapid.
"My love, you are going to be the death of me. I can feel you panic." Moiraine spoke while cupping Alessia's cheek. Their eyes locked. "Do you regret this? With me?" Moiraine asked. There was hurt in her voice. Alessia shook her head.
"No. I wasn't expecting a bond." Alessia spoke softly. She then felt something warm and fuzzy inside her chest and stomach. That was not coming from her but from the woman in blue. 'So, she truly does care for you.' Alessia thought.
"It happens when two people love each other deeply when they share an intimate connection. Sometimes it's more than one person." Moiraine explained. Alessia nodded her head. She felt dizzy. She felt the older woman led her back to the bed. "Get some rest my love. We still have some time before we leave." Moiraine spoke softly as Alessia felt her eyes get heavy again.
"Can we hear each other's thoughts?" Alessia asked as the woman shook her head.
"No. Just feel what each other is feeling." Moiraine replied. "Get some sleep." She added.
"But I'm not tired." Alessia spoke as Moiraine only kissed her softly and with that, Alessia ended up hitting her head upon the pillow. Passing out. She could feel the warmth of Moiraine pressed against her back. The woman held her close while pulling the blankets back over them. Though, that did not last long.
Alessia leaned up and looked around. She began to panic again. Moiraine was not in the room. In fact her stuff was still there but where was she? She stood up and looked around the room and the washroom. The woman in blue was nowhere to be found. She felt something warm tug in her chest. It somehow calmed her down. It was Moiraine's doing. She sighed in relief before leaving the room. She pondered down the hallways until she came into the room they were in last night. Alessia was ready for the journey to the Eye of the World. Instead, Moiraine was nowhere to be found. She frowned at this. Where on earth did the woman go? She turned around and decided to go find her friends. She saw Egwene enter Nynaeve's room. Alessia quickly moved. Seeing her friend sit on the bed. Nynaeve soon came in from behind.
"Where have you been?" Egwene smiled at her friend.
"No where." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia raised a brow at her friend.
"Wasn't in your room?" Alessia asked while crossing her arms. Smirking at Nynaeve.
"I couldn't sleep." Nynaeve spoke lightly, looking between the two of them. Egwene shrugged her shoulders with a small smile on the corner of her lips. There it was. Nynaeve then finally smiled. Alessia let out a small chuckle.
"I didn't mean to stir anything up." Nynaeve spoke as she apologized to Egwene who nodded her head. Another pair of footsteps. Alessia looked over her shoulder and saw Perrin enter the room. Closing the door behind him. She dropped her arms at the sight of the face he was making.
"Well, what did you decide?" Nynaeve asked. There was uncomfortable silence now. Egwene stood up while straightening out her skirt. She then nodded her head. Alessia did as well. Perrin nodded. Nynaeve was the only one who stayed quiet.
"Where's Rand?" Egwene had asked.
"Thought he was with you?" Perrin asked. Alessia frowned.
"What is it?" Nynaeve asked.
"Moiraine is nowhere to be found." Alessia answered. There was a knock on the door as Nynaeve answered it. It was Lan.
"What happened?" Nynaeve asked.
"Moiraine masked our bond." Lan spoke.
"But I can still feel her?" Alessia asked with a confused look.
"You have a lover's bond. Yours isn't strong yet. Not a warder's. I could locate her but she masked it." Lan replied while looking at her. Alessia felt heat rise in her cheeks as her friends began giving her questioning looks.
" I don't understand." Nynaeve spoke while looking to the side.
"She left." Lan spoke. Alessia felt anger rise inside of her. The first time she had felt this much before. It was her anger. She knew Moiraine could feel it as there was tugging in her chest.
"Rand." Was all Egwene had said. Rand and Moiraine had left them behind. 'Was Rand the Dragon Reborn?' Alessia had asked herself. She walked over to the window and she could see in the distance. The Blight. Where the Eye of the World was located.
Egwene had run off from the bedroom. Alessia followed her with a frown. Watching her friend pack her things.
"Don't be a fool Egwene!" Alessia shouted at her friend. It had given her a glare.
"We can't go! You know this!" Alessia added. Crossing her arms. Perrin had entered the room as well.
"We'll die in the Blight." Perrin spoke. Egwene had tears in her eyes. Alessia sat down and pulled Egwene into a hug. Hearing her cry a little before sniffling.
"I love him." Egwene spoke. Alessia squeezed her friend's shoulder in her arm.
"So do we." Perrin replied. She nodded her head in agreement. She did care for Rand just like anyone else.
"Come. We need to eat something. We need to keep our strength up just in case." She spoke as they both nodded. Alessia gently linked her arm with Egwene's before following Perrin out of the room. Alessia sent a warm feeling towards Moiraine through their bond. Hoping it would somehow bring comfort to the woman in blue to know she was being thought of. It was not long as they found themselves at a table with plates filled with food. Eggs, bacon, toast. It seemed Alessia's stomach growled. She hadn't eaten properly so, without hesitation, she began to eat. As did her friends. Nynaeve was nowhere to be found. Probably talking to Lan. Alessia would have to ask Lan what he meant about her bond not being strong yet.
"Where is Nynaeve?" Alessia asked once she was finished and the servants had taken their plates.
"Probably in her room again?" Perrin asked. Alessia and Egwene looked at each before standing up to find her. She ran into Lan as he was packing.
"Lan?" Alessia asked as Egwene had moved on to the bedroom of Nynaeve's. Lan looked at her in silence.
"I know we didn't get off on the best foot but I have a question." Alessia frowned. Lan only smiled at her. This made her sigh with relief.
"She loves you, you know?" Lan asked as Alessia nodded her head.
"I do know that now." Alessia smiled weakly and looked down. "Did you? Last night?" Alessia asked.
"No. She masked me for that reason. Besides, I spent my night with Nynaeve. She did not want us to feel each other's emotions when we both had a lover to share the night with." Lan spoke while squeezing Alessia's arm gently.
"So, when you said that, My bond wasn't as strong, what did you mean?" Alessia asked her question.
"You both just bonded last night, correct?" He asked as she nodded. "The longer you two spend time together while being bonded, the stronger it gets and over time, not only will you feel her feelings, her thoughts, and know where she is. No matter how long the distance." Lan explained as Alessia smiled. She gave him a bow.
"Thank you. It's different from a warder's bond?" Alessia had asked.
"It's very similar. A Warder's bond is no closer than any other bond out there. A lover's bond can only be between two Aes Sedai. It's very rare." Lan added. He packed his sword behind her back and nodded once. "I am to be off. I need to find Moiraine." He spoke.
"Bring her back. Both of them." Alessia spoke softly. She gave Lan a hug for the first time. He was tense but returned it. It made him smile as he left his room. Alessia was standing alone in the room before taking her leave to find her friends.
She found Egwene and Nynaeve standing outside on the patio. Listening to the wind. Alessia came up from behind and sighed a little.
"Lan left." Alessia spoke as Nynaeve looked at her with a nod. Egwene however was listening to the wind. She was startled and gasped.
"What is it?" Nynaeve asked as Alessia placed a hand upon her friend's shoulder.
Same thing we heard on Bel Tine. Something is wrong. But if that was a whisper, this is a scream." Egwene replied. Alessia felt fear rise in her as a small panic hit her. Nynaeve looked between the two of them as the three of them looked ahead towards the Blight.
"Come on! There's someone we should talk to." Alessia spoke as she gently hit both of her friends shoulders before turning her heels to leave. She led the way out of the palace building and onto the streets. She weaved through the streets of people, moving in and out of the way of the commoners that walked the streets. She found what she was looking for. The tavern from the other night. She opened the door and found the woman she was looking for. Egwene followed her inside. Loial then Nynaeve and finally Perrin.
"We need some answers." Egwene spoke while walking up to the woman Moiraine had spoken to the night before.
"Fancy a drink?" The woman asked.
"Your name?" Alessia asked her.
"Min." Min replied.
"It's not even noon yet." Perrin spoke. Loial was saying excuse me since he was trying to get through the crowd.
"You're the one in the bar." Min replied back to him. She made a point there.
"What did you tell Moiraine about Rand?" Egwene went straight to it.
"People's secrets are this business, no one else's." Min spoke.
"Great." Alessia sighed. She felt the anger again. She was angry at Moiraine now.
"Can't you at least tell us if he is going to be okay?" Egwene asked. She could hear the pain in her friend's voice.
"Not how it works, I'm sorry." Min spoke softly. It was hard to hear over the chattering of the drunks. "Everything I've seen. The best and worst, they've all come true eventually." Min spoke. Her eyes stopped moving as they were on Nynaeve and then to Egwene. Alessia raised a brow as Min then looked at her.
"What do you see?" Alessia asked.
"You three. Burning. People are screaming." Min replied.
"What is it?" Nynaeve asked as a horn sounded all across the bastion. A bell began to clang loudly as people were rushing around the tavern. Most had left. Assuming they were soldiers. Alessia ran out of the tavern to look around. She was asking random people running by about the horn.
"What's going on?" Alessia shouted. No one had answered. She heard roaring. She looked over to the Gap. She couldn't make it out by her eyes but her gut hit her. Fear rose as did panic. It wasn't hers. It was Moiraine. Sending her a warning.
"Trollocs!" Alessia shouted at her friends as they all gave her a horror look.
They were running back to the palace to find out how they would be able to help. Loial and Perrin, she wasn't sure. Her friend adopted the Way of the Leaf. Looking around as all the men were gone to the Gap. It seemed only the women were left to defend the city. She stopped as she felt a sharp pain.
"Ah!" Alessia screamed as she fell to her knees. Her hand clutching her chest. Her heart felt like it was squeezed by magic. Her eyes stung with tears as they fell. Looking up at her friend with a frown.
"What happened?!" Egwene asked as she grabbed Alessia's arm. Helping her up.
"Moiraine. I can't feel her anymore." Alessia spoke with a frown. Their bond. It was gone. Something happened to Moiraine and she felt a new fear.
"Look, we have a bigger thing to deal with instead of your love life." Nynaeve spoke.
"Moiraine was the one who warned me about the Trollocs!" Alessia snapped at her friend who frowned. Then nodded her head once.
"I'm sorry. If that didn't happen, we wouldn't be preparing." Nynaeve spoke as she hugged Alessia. "Come. We need to find out how we can help." She spoke while taking the lead.
"We have to get out of here!" Nynaeve then spoke as they made their way to the gates.
"To where? Rand? We don't even know where he is! We don't even know where Moiraine is as well." Egwene spoke as Alessia followed in silence. They were panicking and she did not blame them.
"They're closing the gates then we are trapped here!" Nynaeve spoke.
"We can't just leave them!" Perrin spoke up this time. Loial then appeared with a frown.
"What? What is it?" Egwene asked.
"They are calling for all women who can channel." Loial spoke. "To help defend the city."
"I left the Two Rivers to bring the five of you home." Nynaeve spoke. "I've already lost Mat and Rand. I can't lose you three as well." The pain Alessia was feeling today was off the scales. She frowned at Nynaeve's words.
"We may just be simple people from the village but we are called to a greater purpose." Alessia spoke as they looked at her. "It's time to show the world who we are." She added as Egwene and Nynaeve spoke.
"Then let us go help." Nynaeve spoke as they nodded. Perrin and Loial left as the three of them went outside the gates towards the three women that were already there.
A horn was blown in the distance as they approached.
"Moiraine's three." The woman spoke. "I wouldn't be surprised."
"We're no one's but our own." Nynaeve spoke back. Alessia's eyes caught the other women's eyes and nodded at them.
"How did we get into this mess?" Egwene has asked.
"The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills." Alessia replied.
"You are starting to sound a lot like Moiraine." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia frowned at this and touched her chest over her heart and looked down. Feeling her shoulder squeezed as she looked at Egwene who reassured her by a simple look. 'Moiraine isn't dead.' Alessia told herself and took a deep breath. Roaring was sounded in the distance to let them know the fight would be starting soon. They were silent while looking up ahead at the Gap. Hoping the fight would not come to them. Alessia was trying to keep her breathing normal. She did not expect herself to be fighting in a war so soon. 'Maybe now is your chance. Even if you are not an Aes Sedai, you can still help.' Alessia told herself. Trusting the voice in her head as the sun was setting. It would be getting dark real quick. They were now in formation.
"Light help you brother." The woman in charge spoke.
"Light help us all." Alessia spoke. They could hear the roaring getting louder when the Gap was now under attack. The sun was gone. The only light was from the city and from the moon. There was another horn as Alessia felt shivers up her spine as the torches were now seen on the other side.
"They're through!" The woman in the lead spoke.
"There must be ten thousand. Twenty." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia gasped. There were so many Trollocs. More than she had ever dared to know. The three friends looked at each other.
"Does this mean Rand, did he fail?" Egwene asked. Alessia frowned. She had hoped he didn't.
"I need you to open yourselves to me." The woman spoke.
"Yes Amalisa." One of the other ladies spoke.
"When I reach out to you with the One Power, accept it. Let me in." Amalisa spoke. She wanted them to link with her. To increase her Power. "Are you ready?" She asked. Alessia closed her eyes and inhaled. The Trollocs are now gaining ground towards them. Alessia opened her eyes as the One's Power was swirling around her body. She could feel the Power at her fingertips. She felt a tug at her chest as Amalisa took control of her power.
"By the light. The Power!" Amalisa spoke as they were all groaning. Alessia's head went back as her arms were raised. She was grunting as the woman was taking power from her.
She looked at her two friends as they were grunting as well. Their bodies were shaking as Amalisa was drawing more power. She could feel it. This woman did not care if their lives were going to be sacrificed.
"I need more!" Amalisa shouted as she pulled more. Hearing the groans and gasping. Alessia felt the power surge through her body as she grunted as well.
"Hold! Hold! Light protect Fal Dara! The city that has never fallen!" Amalisa shouted! The first wave of Trollocs came. She felt her arms fling upwards in sync with the other women as Amalisa called upon the sky. Thunder had boomed loudly across the sky. The lightning crawling across the sky and went down their channel, sending a shockwave of power across the ground in front of them. Many Trollocs had fallen from this. More struck the ground as more Trollocs fell. Alessia turned in time to see a woman burning out.
"No!" Alessia screamed as the woman in purple hit the ground. The shockwave had killed the army of Trollocs. Amalisa was still drawing power from them. Alessia was shouting as the other woman was burning out now before hitting the ground.
"Stop it!" Alessia shouted while looking at Amalisa.
"Enough! We stopped them!" Nynaeve shouted.
"I can't let go!" Amalisa shouted. Alessia grunted as she yanked her arms down. The Power still spinning around her body.
"Nynaeve! Alessia! I'm burning!" Egwene shouted. Alessia turned her attention to her friend. Her sister. Seeing her cheeks turning a light orange as she was burning.
"No!" Alessia screamed.
"Stop! You're gonna kill us!" Nynaeve screamed at Amalisa. Alessia was slowly moving towards Egwene. She was then brought to her knees from the Power. Feeling her own cheeks starting to burn a little.
"I can feel the world." Amalisa spoke. "Every breath, gust, stone, and life. Everything." Egwene was screaming as Nynaeve and Alessia crawled over to her. Feeling intense pain in her cheeks. She grabbed Egwene's hand as did Nynaeve.
"To be a woman. To always be alone and never alone." Nynaeve spoke.
"No no no! Nynaeve what are you doing?" Egwene spoke.
"Feel your braid and know that we stood before you. We stand with you." Alessia added. Nynaeve's eyes were gone and burned. Feeling a rip of tear of the Power, Alessia felt her back arch as she screamed from the pain as did Nynaeve. Amalisa fell down as she was burned out. Alessia grabbed Nynaeve before she hit the ground.
"No!" She screamed. Egwene was crying while pulling Nynaeve into her arms. Alessia felt her eyes sting as teas fell.
"Nynaeve!" Alessia screamed in pain. Holding the woman's hand into her own. Never wanting to let go. Egwene was gently rocking Nynaeve while crying.
"Come back." Egwene spoke. They both leaned over Nynaeve as the Power slowly went to her. Spirit. Hearing a cough, Alessia leaned back. Nynaeve was healed. She didn't care how. She hugged them both. Crying while holding her two friends as if life depended on it.
"Come. Let's go back inside." Alessia spoke. They nodded and gently stood up. Alessia had one of Nynaeve's arms of her own. Helping Nynaeve walk back to the palace.
"What if Moiraine died or if Lan didn't find her?" Nynaeve asked.
"We wait for one day. If they are not back tomorrow night. We go to the White Tower ourselves." Alessia replied. They both nodded as they entered the gates.
Alessia found herself in a tub. Washing the dirt and blood off her body. She scrubbed hard. Her skin was red from scrubbing it raw. The water was boiling hot and she did not care if it burned her. She could no longer feel Moiraine and it worried her. She had come to care about the woman in blue. She had love for her. Now, the bond is gone. She felt tears fall from her cheeks as she rested her face into her hands as she hugged her knees. Hearing a knock as a servant came in. Setting a towel on the table for her before leaving. Alessia stood up and took it. Wrapping herself as she entered the room she stayed in it. It was Moiraine's room. Quickly drying off as she changed into a nightgown that was given to her by Moiraine. She quickly left the room to head to her own. She sat on her bed and sighed. Looking around the dark room. She hadn't eaten since the battle. Hearing another knock as Nynaeve and Egwene came into her room. She had a sad look on her face before looking down. Feeling her two friends pull her into a hug as they sat down on either side of you.
"I won't judge you for whatever you and Moiraine did but I hate seeing you like this." Nynaeve spoke.
"We are here for you." Egwene spoke. Alessia smiled weakly and hugged them both. Her heart was broken at the loss of the bond. She hated this feeling. It was as if her heart was being stabbed over and over again. She had hoped, in time. It would heal.
"Will you two stay with me tonight?" Alessia asked. It was a weird request but they nodded. Sharing her bed with two of her best friends as she curled up and fell asleep. The battle replying in her sleep.
A field of flowers were dancing in the wind. Alessia was humming softly as she was walking down a pathway. Into the woods. She looked around before looking at herself. She was wearing all red. There was a gold ring upon her middle finger on her left hand. A red stone. Her hair was down and flowing in the wind. She had walked away from the camp. Her sisters were speaking in the distance. She could not hear them. Looking over her shoulders as she saw Egwene in green and Nynaeve in yellow. She smiled and waved at them. They waved back. Smiling as well. The world was calm. There was no battle going on. No war. She closed her eyes and inhaled. Opening her eyes as she raised her arms. Silver streams flowing around her body. She began to weave. A weave she learned a long time ago. Slowly moving through the movements as leaves and flower petals began to dance all around her.
"Very good. You remembered." A voice drifted on the wind. She smiled at it.
"I learned from the best." Alessia replied to the voice. It was inside of her head. She closed her eyes and was still smiling.
"Come home." The voice replied. Alessia opened her eyes and nodded. She turned her heels and began her walk back to camp only to stop. A woman was watching her.
"Who are you?" Alessia asked. The woman only smiled at her. She was in purple. She raised a brow at the woman. "Who are you?" Alessia asked again. She took a stance as the woman only waved her hand.
"You are not ready to know who we are yet, my child. In time you will know. For now, the Wheel Weaves as the Wheel Wills. We will meet in time." The woman spoke as if honey was in her voice. It was a pure sound that came from the woman. Alessia only gave the woman a questioning look. She had questions.
"What is your name?" Alessia asked.
"You will know in due time Alessia Sedai." The woman spoke before she disappeared.
"Alessia!" A voice shouted as the ground gave out underneath her.
Alessia jumped up from her sleep as she was sitting up.
"Alessia." Nynaeve was shaking her awake. Alessia looked out the window. The sun was setting.
"How long was I out?" Alessia asked with a frown.
"All day. Come. They are back." Nynaeve spoke as Alessia jumped out of bed. Not caring she was still in her nightwear. She quickly followed Nynaeve into the sitting room where all their rooms were connected. Lan was standing by the fire. He had a blank look upon his face. Alessia felt her heart race as she looked around. Moiraine was not in sight. Her heart fell.
"Rand?" Was all Egwene asked. Alessia crossed her arms. Looking at Lan as did Perrin and Nynaeve.
"He is gone." Lan spoke. He did not move from the fireplace. Hearing knees hit the floor, Alessia rushed over and caught Egwene before she fell. Hearing a loud sob come from her friend. Alessia was rubbing her back gently. Trying to sooth her as she did for her the night before. Alessia could feel her own eyes ting with tears. They had lost their friend.
"What happened?!" Alessia screamed at Lan who was now looking at Nynaeve. His eyes met hers.
"I cannot say. I got there at the end. Rand was gone." Lan spoke.
"And Moiraine?" Alessia asked.
"She's in her room." Lan replied. Alessia held onto Egwene who was crying. Her heart ached for her friend. Nynaeve then took Egwene into her arms.
"Go." Her friend spoke. Alessia stood up and kissed Egwene's forehead before quickly leaving the room. She moved quickly down the hall. Seeing Moiraine's door closed. She opened it and walked inside without knocking. She shut it behind her and looked around. The blue cloak was laying across the floor. She picked it up to set it onto the chair before looking to the washroom. Seeing Moiraine in the water. Alessia moved over to the woman's side and knelt down.
"You're alive." Alessia whispered. Moiraine looked at her. The blue eyes were red. Puffy from crying. "Oh Moiraine." Alessia whispered with a frown. Cupping the older woman's cheek.
"I felt so much pain and fear from you yesterday. What happened?" Moiraine asked as Alessia chuckled nervously and frowned. She wanted to know what happened to Moiraine.
"Let's get you cleaned first." Alessia spoke as she took the sponge from Moiraine. Gently washing her arms before her back.
It was not long as Moiraine and Alessia were sitting on Moiraine's bed against the wall. Cuddling each other. Alessia buried her face into Moiraine's chest.
"Tell me what happened." Moiraine spoke.
"Trollocs came. By the thousands. Amalisa had us connect to her using the One Power. She took much and killed the other two ladies. They burned out from using too much. Nynaeve was burned as well. Egwene and I almost burned out. We healed Nynaeve somehow. She took too much. Amalisa was willing to sacrifice us no matter the cost. We defeated the army of Trollocs." Alessia shivered with a frown. She felt the older woman squeeze her closely in her arms. She looked into Moiraine's eyes as the older woman kissed her softly. Alessia cupped her cheeks to deepen the kiss.
"I couldn't feel you anymore. Moiraine I thought you were dead!" Alessia frowned. Her eyes started to water again as she quickly wiped them away. Feeling her chin lifted.
"I am here. I am alive and safe. You do not have to stress anymore my Lessy. My beautiful love." Moiraine whispered so gently and softly before kissing her again. Alessia soaked in the moment before pulling back.
"I love it when you call me that." Alessia whispered with a small blush as Moiraine gave her a weak smile before kissing her again.
"Good. I plan on using it all the time now." Moiraine replied as Alessia then gave her a serious look.
"What happened to our bond?" She asked. Moiraine only remained silent. "Moiraine." Alessia spoke softly. The older woman's name lingered on her lips. Their eyes locked as she was only met with silence.
"What happened?" Alessia asked again. Her heart was hurting again. Silence from the woman in blue again. Alessia scoffed and moved herself from Moiraine who grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. Hugging her tightly from behind.
"Do not leave. Please stay with me tonight." Moiraine whispered into Alessia's ear.
"Tell me what happened. Why can I not feel you?" Alessia asked again. There was a tight squeeze on her waist.
"I cannot tell you." Moiraine replied. Alessia frowned as her heart shattered. Moiraine was willing to keep secrets from her.
"I thought you bonded with me because you loved me." Alessia frowned as she was still looking away from Moiraine.
"Love." Moiraine corrected her. "I still love you. Believe me when I say this because I cannot lie and you know this. I want our bond back. I cannot do that right now. You can create the bond between us." Moiraine spoke. Alessia turned to look at the woman in blue. "Bond with me." Moiraine spoke as their eyes met.
"Only if you tell me what happened at the Eye of the World." Alessia spoke. Moiraine only replied with silence. Alessia removed herself from Moiraine's grasp.
"Alessia, please do not walk away from me!" Moiraine shouted as Alessia moved to the door.
"If you truly love me, Moiraine, you would not hide secrets from me!" Alessia shouted before she left. She had run back to her room, locking the door behind her before crawling into the bed. Curling up as she let the tears fall. She was getting tired of crying. Making herself swear when she got back to the White Tower, she was going to put her attention to training.
Night had come and gone as the morning came. Alessia was packing her things. It was a small bag as she sighed. Brushing her hair as she put it half up and half down. She didn't have the patience to put details into it. She tossed her bag over her shoulders as she left the room. Seeing Perrin look at her with a nod. She hugged him as Nynaeve and Egwene came into the hallway. Alessia went over and hugged them both tightly. Especially she cupped her friend's cheeks with both hands. Looking into her eyes as Lan and Moiraine came into the hallway.
"We are here for you. My dear sister." Alessia spoke as Egwene's eyes went wide at her words. She smiled and hugged Alessia tightly. She rubbed Egwene's back as Nynaeve was smiling at them before sighing. Alessia looked at her before looking at her line of sight. Her eyes caught the blues and frowned. Looking away.
"We need to leave." Perrin's voice spoke.
"Egwene, Nynaeve and I are going to the White Tower." Alessia replied to Perrin who nodded.
"I am going to join some friends I made and travel. The way of the Leaf." Perrin spoke. Alessia hugged him tightly. Her friend was taking his own path now.
"May the light be with you." Alessia spoke. Holding his hold tightly as he nodded.
"And with you. All three of you." He spoke.
"Let us be off then." Moiraine spoke. Her and Lan were taking the three of them through the Ways back to Tar Valon. Though Moiraine would not be allowed back into the city, she would be seeing them off once they reached the other side. They all followed in silence. Egwene was still hurting as she was silently crying. Alessia could feel her pain. Taking Egwene's hand into her own and squeezed it. Alessia's heart still felt like it was being stabbed. She avoided any contact with Moiraine as they made their way to the Gate.
"Alessia." Moiraine spoke as Alessia walked forward. She hesitated from using the One Power before taking a deep breath as it caught in her throat. She felt her arm squeezed by Moiraine as she moved away from her. Feeling the Power inside now as she commanded it. Raising her arms pointing to the gate as her right hand moved forward slowly. The gate had opened. Loial had joined them. He and Perrin would be traveling together. Alessia was the first to enter the gate. It was dark as they lit torches. Moiraine and Loial took the lead. Alessia was in the back as Lan was walking beside her.
"She misses you. I've never seen her this hurt before." Lan spoke as Alessia scoffed. Shaking her head while looking down. "She loves you." Lan added. Alessia didn't want to hear it anymore. She moved away from Lan and linked her arms with Egwene's again. All she wanted right now was to get back to the Tower and put this behind her. Though, it would never truly stay behind her. They crossed the narrow bridge as they knew not to channel inside the Ways. They had learned the last time they came through. This time, it was silent. More silent than her own ears could handle it.
"We rest here for now." Moiraine spoke. They remained silent. Setting the torches in a circle again. Alessia sat down on Egwene's left as Nynaeve on her right.
"I cannot believe he is gone." Egwene spoke so softly as if she never spoke at all. Alessia rubbed her friend's back gently. Trying to comfort her. Nynaeve took Egwene's hands into her own to have their eyes meet.
"We are here for you. Let it out. Grieve." Nynaeve spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She was more worried about her friend's pain than her own. Her friend needed her more now. She needed them both. Alessia gently caressed Egwene's head. Running her fingers through her friend's hair. Trying to comfort her. They kept their attention on their friend before they passed out. Resting for now. Alessia took a spot to collect her thoughts before laying her head down on her bag and fell asleep. All she wanted to do was sleep now. She felt someone press against her from behind. She didn't protest. She felt too weak to do so as sleep won her over.
"We need to move." Loial's voice woke her up. Alessia blinked a few times as a familiar scent filled her nostrils. Moiraine was holding her close in her arms. Alessia wanted nothing more than to hold the woman in blue until she remembered. Their eyes locked as Alessia pulled away. She saw the hurt in the older woman's eyes as hurt was in her own eyes. Alessia felt her eyes sting. Rubbing them again as she pretended to rub the sleep out of them before quickly getting up. Grabbing her bag as they made their way again. There was another Guiding stone as Loial smiled.
"We are here." The Builder spoke as Alessia used her weaving to open the gate. She had it down now. Watching the group exit as she was the last to exit. The sun had hit her face. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust. It was a familiar sight but there were people waiting for them. It was the red ajah. Alessia's eyes caught Liandrin's right away. Feeling her heart swell at the sight of the woman. Their eyes locked. Liandrin was smiling at her. Alessia turned around and felt the Power rise again. Moving her hands up, palms facing each other as she closed the gate.
"I'm surprised she can do that." Tarna's voice came. Alessia turned back around only for Moiraine to grab her shoulder. Making her lock eyes with her.
"Write to me. Please." Moiraine spoke. Alessia could only stare at her with a frown. Her eyes showed everything. "Lessy…" Moiraine spoke softly.
"Don't." Alessia spoke as if she growled before moving past Moiraine. Her face was full of hurt.
"This is where we leave you." Perrin spoke as he gave them all hugs. Alessia was last and gave him a tight one.
"Write to us will you?" Alessia asked as Perrin nodded. He smiled at them before taking his leave with Loial.
"Come. You are wanted at the Tower." Liandrin spoke loudly for them all to hear. Alessia nodded her head. There was a loud shout as Egwene started to cry again. Alessia rushed back over to her friend. Catching her again.
"Let it out." Nynaeve spoke as Alessia rubbed her back.
"What happened?" Tarna asked. Alessia looked up to see Moiraine staring at her. There was want and longing in Moiraine's eyes before Alessia helped her friend stand back up.
"Come on. Up you get. We need to go." Alessia spoke.
"I'm sorry." Egwene spoke.
"Don't be." Nynaeve spoke.
"Today!" Tarna shouted. Alessia moved with her bag and grabbed Tarna's hand. Mounting the horse as her friends mounted other horses.
"Where will you go, Moiraine Sedai?" Liandrin asked. Alessia looked at the woman in red before looking at the one in blue.
"I cannot say." Moiraine spoke. With that, they left. Making their way in the opposite direction. Feeling the horse trot back to the White City.
It seemed a faster ride to the City than it did to get to the gate. Alessia looked around as they arrived back into Tar Valon. Seeing the Tower she sighed a little. Her heart was still aching. Though, she had her friends with her. Hopefully it will heal. Time everything. She remembered her father telling her.
"Shall we have them rest in the Warder's quarters?" Tarna asked.
"No. They need to sign and get settled in with their rooms." Liandrin spoke. That voice. How Alessia missed hearing Liandrin's voice. Tarna took the lead as they followed. Alessia felt her hand taken as she was pulled to the back of the line.
"What happened out there my flower?" Liandrin asked in a whisper. All Alessia could do was stare into Liandrin's blue eyes before they watered. She felt the older woman hug her tightly. "My dear flower. Tell me what happened." Liandrin spoke softly.
"You will hate me." Was all Alessia could say. Feeling the woman cup her cheeks as they locked eyes.
"I could never." Liandrin spoke. "Come. Let's get you settled. You can tell me about it later." The woman in red spoke as Alessia nodded. She took off her red cloak and handed it back to Liandrin who took it. Not wanting to burn it. They were led into a large room as a book was upon a stand.
"Signing your name means you are putting your past behind you. You will burn all your clothes and accept the new ones. In all white. Sign your names, you are bound to the White Tower during your time as a Novice. You will not be allowed to leave unless you have permission to do so. You will not practice channeling unless under the supervision of an Accepted or an Aes Sedai. You will bow to all Aes Sedai in the Tower in respect. You will do what you are told by an Aes Sedai who gives you a command or errand. You will attend classes. You will not be late. Meals are taken in silence and quickly as possible. You will wake up at dawn and do your chores. Failure to follow the rules or an Aes Sedai will result in consequences." Sheriam spoke as she opened the book. Setting a bottle of ink and a quill next to it. "Do you dare to start your journey to become an Aes Sedai?" Sheriam had asked. Holding the quill in her hand. Alessia took it without hesitation. Signing her name.
"Welcome, Alessia Rose Solstice. May the light be with you as you take your journey." Sheriam spoke. Alessia saw Liandrin watching her with a smile. There was pride in the woman's eyes. Nynaeve and Egwene both signed their names as they were led out of the room. They were taken to the Novices quarters and shown their rooms. They were all in a line across from each other. Alessia changed into a white dress and white boots. The socks were white as well. She kept her hair down. She pulled the book Moiraine gave her onto the desk she had. Her coin purse she tucked away into a dresser drawer.
They were led into another room once they were shown their rooms.
"Here you will burn everything you brought with you." Sheriam spoke.
"What?" Nynaeve asked. Her friend frowned and shook her head.
"You come to us wanting to lead a life as Aes Sedai. Here you burn all your brought. To start anew." Sheriam explained. Alessia grabbed her bag full of all her stuff and tossed it into the fire pit that was in the center of the room. "Welcome to your new life." A few voices spoke in unison. They repeated as Nynaeve and Egwene did the same. "Go get some rest. You start at dawn." With that, Sheriam had left. Hearing whispers of voices as Alessia left the room. It seemed the fight from Fal Dara had reached the White Tower. Alessia could see some of the other Novices pointing at her before walking away.
"What's it to them?" Nynaeve asked with a scoff.
"News reached here from Fal Dara." Alessia spoke.
"Great. Just what we need. To be the center of attention at the Tower." Nynaeve spoke. They left and headed back to their rooms. Giving each other a hug before retiring. Alessia closed the door behind her. Finding Liandrin in her room waiting for her. Their eyes locked as Alessia lost it. She nearly fell to her knees as Liandrin caught her. Pulling her close onto her bed.
"Shhh. You're here with me now." Liandrin shushed Alessia. Trying to comfort her. Alessia sniffled and nodded her head. Wrapping her arms around Liandrin's waist. Wanting to hug this woman tightly again. She received her wish as Liandrin held her close. Rubbing her back.
"What happened to my flower?" Liandrin asked.
"Moiraine brought us to Fal Dara. She wouldn't tell us why. Trollocs attacked. We fought them off." Alessia spoke softly. She remembered she was told not to mention the Dragon Reborn.
"Was all that happened?" Liandrin asked. Alessia shook her head and looked away. Feeling the woman in red grab her chin to force them to lock eyes. "What else?" She asked.
"I said you will hate me." Alessia frowned. Liandrin only shook her head. "Moiraine." Alessia spoke softly.
"Did she hurt you?" Liandrin asked.
"Yes and no. I don't think she did it on purpose." Alessia frowned.
"What did she do?" Liandrin asked in a more demanding voice.
"We..we bonded." Alessia frowned.
"You what?!" Liandrin pulled away. Grabbing Alessia's chin tightly. She frowned at the older woman. "Alessia…." She growled. She flinched at this. Feeling her cheek roughly caressed. "Then the bond broke. I don't know what happened. She wouldn't tell me. I refused to re-bond with her." Alessia spoke quietly.
"Good." Liandrin spoke. Alessia frowned at this. She had a questioning look. "I am very angry with you Alessia. Moiraine is a blue ajah. They hide secrets from everyone. You should have known. Your heart break will get worse over the next few days. That will be your punishment. But, I am here for you. I hate to see you suffer this pain alone. I hope you let this be a lesson. Never bond with another Aes Sedai unless you truly love them." Liandrin warned her. Alessia sighed a relief and hugged the woman in red again.
"I thought you would hate me." Alessia spoke.
"I could never hate you, my flower. Part of the reason I am not mad is because you do not belong to me." Liandrin spoke softly at this. Alessia did not know what she meant but right now, all she wanted was Liandrin to hold her.
"Stay with me tonight please?" Alessia asked. Liandrin only nodded. Tightening her grip around Alessia.
"Sleep. I will be here all night with you." Liandrin spoke. Another sigh of relief as she rested her head upon the older woman's shoulder. The familiar scent she inhaled as it made her drift off to sleep. She was now in the White Tower. Where she belonged. Her favorite Aes Sedai there with her. Even though Liandrin was angry with her, she was going to do whatever she could to make it up to her.
-Notes-
Remember this is a fanfiction! More like an Alternate Universe! I am adding my own touches to the story to make it slightly more interesting! This story is following the TV show as a guide since I did not read the books! Enjoy!