Chapter Sixteen: Lessons
Alessia didn't remember passing out as she sat up in her bed rubbing her head. She had a massive headache. Rubbing her temples before sighing. Dawn was now in sight as Alessia groaned. There were heavy bags under her eyes as they were dark. She slept for maybe an hour or two. She sat up and staggered a little. This broken bond was going to be the death of her. Why didn't she just re-bond with Moiraine? She shook her head at the thoughts. As much as she loved that woman, she could not stand the secrets being held from her. A woman in red flooded her thoughts as well. 'Is it possible?' Alessia asked herself. She shook her head and took a deep breath. She was all sweaty and gross. Taking the time she had before chores and leaving to the washroom. It was small, not that she cared. She had a change of clothes. The white dress and her sheet towel. She filled the tub with water and looked around. No one was in sight. She weaved the Heat into the water and smiled. It was a little hotter than she expected but it was warm. She stripped and climbed in. Letting out a breath as her body relaxed against the hot water. She stayed like that for a few moments before she began to wash up. Washing her long black hair as well. Hearing voices as a couple other Novices came in to bathe as well. Alessia quickly got out once she was finished and dried quickly and changed. She left the washroom. Once she had put her things up, she ran into Egwene.
"Hey!" Alessia beamed at her friend and then frowned. Egwene must have been up all night crying again. "Oh Egwene." Alessia frowned and hugged her tightly.
"You look like shit." Egwene spoke as Alessia chuckled at her friend's choice of words.
"You are the one to talk to." She spoke as they linked arms. Wondering where Nynaeve had gone off to because she was not in her room.
"Let's get you to see a healer and see if they can do anything?" Alessia asked as Egwene nodded. With that, they made their way to the yellow floor.
Alessia was the first to enter the room as the girl from the previous day was still there. She frowned again at the sight of the girl.
"Back again?" A voice spoke. Alessia turned and bowed to the woman in yellow.
"Sorry, it's my friend." Alessia spoke as Egwene sat down on the bed.
"I am Chesmal." The woman spoke as Alessia bowed to her.
"Pleasure to meet you Chesmal Sedai." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"There is not much I can do with a broken heart. Time will have to heal it." Chesmal spoke as Alessia nodded. She frowned while looking down. Her heart was broken as well. She knew the pain Egwene was going through but she didn't want to show it. Her friend needed her more. Alessia's eyes went back to the girl who was now passed out in the bed.
"Depression." Chesmal whispered to her. Alessia frowned at this.
"Certainly there is a weave for that?" She asked as the woman in yellow shook her head. She frowned again.
"It happens unfortunately." Chesmal spoke as Alessia nodded. She felt the woman touch her forehead and she jerked back a little. "Just trying to fix your headache." Chesmal spoke with a chuckle. Alessia nodded and allowed the woman to get rid of her headache before linking her arms with Egwene. Leading her friend back downstairs to the kitchen. Nynaeve was already there washing her dishes. They locked eyes as Egwene sighed. Going to her spot and began to wash her dishes.
"What happened?" Nynaeve asked Alessia.
"Heart broken." Was all Alessia spoke as she nodded her head. Alessia grabbed a bucket of soap and a scrub brush the size of her hand and left the kitchen. She made her way to the stairs and began to scrub them. On her hands and knees as it made the knee area of her white dress dirty. Not having a care in the floor as she scrubbed the edges. Making the steps clean as she went up the stairs. Hearing footsteps, she ignored them.
"Missed a spot!" A blue ajah spoke as she spat on the steps. Alessia sighed and scrubbed the spot. Hearing a laugh as she looked up. It was a blonde woman in blue. She shook her head and went back. It seemed lunch had come and gone as Alessia finally finished the stairs. Heading back down to the kitchens and sighed. Wiping her forehead from the sweat she now had.
"Come on. Alanna is teaching another weave!" A girl spoke. Alessia had yet to get their names. She was too caught up in her own world with her friends when they had arrived. They made their way out to the gardens and sat down on a bench. There were other colored ajah's circling around the Novices. Alessia saw Tarna watching her with a smirk. The woman had her hands behind her back. Liandrin had come up to watch as well. Tarna whispered something into Liandrin's ear and caught Alessia's eyes. She blushed and quickly looked away. Alanna was waiting until everyone was paying attention to her. Seeing the woman grab a bowl of water and dump it on herself. There were some giggles but Alessia sat up straighter. Seeing Alanna simply weave the water from her clothes. Alessia smiled at this.
"Liquids manipulation." Alanna spoke as they clapped at the weave Alanna showed them. "Now, I won't be dumping water on you nor will you on yourselves. To put it simply, you can attract or repel liquids with this weave." Alanna spoke as she weaved again. Repelling the water from her. "Now, I want each of you to try." Alanna spoke as each of them received a small bucket of water. "Do not fret if you do not get it on the first try. It is a little trickier." Alanna spoke as Egwene managed to splash Alessia who grumbled. Hearing a laugh from Alanna. Alessia weaved her hands and expelled the water from her the first try.
"Huh. First try again. Seems like we have a model student here." Alanna spoke as Alessia blushed with embarrassment. Seeing her peers shake their heads at her as she sighed. Looking down.
"Hey. Do not fret. Everyone learns differently and can or cannot catch on quickly." Alanna explained as Egwene managed to get it done by her third try. She and Alessia had high fived each other with a smile. Looking around, Nynaeve had left.
"Alessia, a word. Rest of you leave." Alanna spoke as the others bowed and left. Egwene gave her a curious look. Alessia told her she would tell her later. Once her friend was gone she found herself alone with Alanna.
"You have beauty about you." Alanna spoke as she began to circle Alessia. She felt her cheeks turn a slight pink. Wondering what the woman was doing.
"I think you are more of a fast weaver Alessia." Alanna added. She raised a brow. "That air shield you have down. Try weaving it fast." Alanna spoke as she nodded. Taking a step back and calling onto the Power. She weaved her arms fast. She managed a weak shield that stayed up for a second. "Not bad. Try again." Alanna instructed as Alessia nodded. She could feel the other colored ajah watching her. Liandrin included. She weaved again. Going fast. She managed to hold her shield.
"Good! Now hold." Alanna spoke as she shot a wind of air at her. It made her stagger but held her ground. "Good! I'll make a battle ajah out of you yet!" Alanna laughed. She had a large smile upon her face. Alessia let go of the weave and smiled at her. She motioned her head to have to follow.
"Where are we going, Alanna Sedai?" Alessia asked as she followed the woman in green.
"Somewhere without prying eyes." Alanna spoke. She knew what the woman meant. She was being stared at by the other Aes Sedai. She wondered if her friends were getting the same attention as she was. They stopped in another part of the Tower. Alessia was making a mental map in her mind on where everything was. Alanna looked around and saw no one around them. Alessia stepped back and watched the woman in green as there were silver streams flowing around her body. Then Alanna danced. She was dancing with the weaves she created. Alessia's mouth was opened as she watched.
"Using the One Power isn't just about making it do things for you. You can use it to make beauty as well. Dance with it as well." Alanna spoke as she did a twirl. Alessia was still smiling with her mouth open. The woman was graceful in her movements. She kept her eyes on the older woman as she danced again. She was watching every movement she made with her weaves.
"Come. Try it. By looking at you, I believe you are agile as well." Alanna explained as she began to show Alessia the movements. Within the hour, Alessia had the movements down. Now she needed to put them together and try dancing. She had only danced around in random movements when she was younger. As a child. She inhaled as she weaved as the wind began to flow around her. Then she danced. It was easier than she thought. How she missed the feeling of being free. The Power made her feel even more like herself. She was now one with the Power. She did a twirl as did Alanna. She was almost in sync with the green ajah. They continued as Alanna taught her a new section of the dance. She followed the green ajah in the movements as someone had found them. Alanna was distracted as Alessia caught the blue eyes of the woman in red. She did a jump with Alanna, not paying attention that Liandrin was watching her with a look on her face. It was not anger or anything negative. It was a different look Alessia had never seen before. Liandrin had left to let them continue the lesson. The free feeling she had filled her up as they did the dance together in sync this time. She was standing now to catch her breath. The thoughts of a certain red ajah filled her mind as she stopped and blushed. She had butterflies in her stomach. It was new. This feeling was new.
"You did good! I am impressed!" Alanna spoke as Alessia bowed to her.
"Thank you for everything Alanna Sedai. I mean it." Alessia spoke as she received a hug from the woman in green.
Alessia found herself back into doing her chores. She was outside tending to the garden again. Egwene was on stair duty to scrub them. Nynaeve was still nowhere to be found again. Though she knew her friend was doing her chores somewhere. She was sweeping the sidewalk pathway as some of the Grays came through. She bowed to them as they were talking in hushed voices. She ignored them and continued on. Sighing softly while looking around. She began to hum softly while the dance was playing in her head again. She smiled at it. It was a new feeling and she loved it. The free feeling she had when she danced. She definitely would have to do it more often. Hearing a bell ring, it was time for dinner. She was sad the day had gone so fast. She took the broom back to the utility closet and made her way down to the dining room. Avoiding the Aes Sedai as she bowed to them before grabbing her plate and sat down. She looked around and saw Egwene. She waved at her friend as she made her way over. They ate in silence and quickly. Alessia looked around to see if Nynaeve was there. She was not. Sighing a little before they finished and left. Heading back to the kitchen as Nynaeve was there washing the dishes again.
"Where have you been all day?" Egwene quickly asked. Nynaeve looked up at them before going back to the bucket.
"I was in the healing quarters. A yellow was giving me some training on healing." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia raised a brow. Her friend didn't tell them about that.
"I see the reds took a liking to you, Alessia." Nynaeve rounded on her. Alessia raised her hands up in defense.
"I have no idea why." Alessia spoke.
"Probably trying to convert you over. Alanna Sedai has been on me a lot as well." Egwene spoke with a smile. Alessia smiled at this. She was happy her friends had found a color ajah to take them in.
"Shame Liandrin can't train you." Nynaeve spoke while looking at Alessia who gave her a confused look.
"What do you mean?" Alessia asked. She wondered for a moment and then realized it. It was Tarna who was training her.
"Heard a Novice died under her mentoring." Nynaeve spoke as Alessia's eyes widened. "You should stay away from the reds. Especially her. She's bad news." Nynaeve spoke as Egwene nodded her head. Alessia frowned at this. The amount of frowning she was doing today was starting to irritate her now. Alessia did not know that had happened.
"The One's Power is dangerous to use. People have died from it. We have seen it first hand." Alessia spoke. Nynaeve glared at her. She had nearly died from burning out from the attack from the Trollocs at Fal Dara.
"Don't need a remind from you oh great Lady." Nynaeve snapped. Alessia was taken aback at her friend's sudden hostility.
"Nynaeve what's gotten into you?" Egwene asked with a frown.
"Her! That's what! Acting like she's better than everyone because she is a lady of a house!" Nynaeve shouted. The other Novices had left the kitchen and it was now the three of them. Alessia was only silent. Staring at her friend with disbelief.
"Come on Alessia. We all know you aren't from the Two Rivers like the rest of us." Nynaeve added. Alessia set her bucket under the table and left. Nynaeve was on her tail. "That's right! Walk away like the coward you are! Just like you did as a child!" Nynaeve shouted after her. Alessia spun around on the spot.
"You know nothing of my past Nynaeve!" Alessia finally shouted. "Nothing!"
"You walk around here like you are all high and mighty! Just because you can channel better than the rest of us doesn't mean you can rub it in our faces!" Nynaeve snapped.
"Our past is supposed to be left behind as soon as we sign the book!" Alessia spoke with anger. There were people gathering around now. Nynaeve glared at her and summoned the Power. It was swirling around her before it disappeared.
"It's not my fault you are scared to use the One Power!" Alessia added. Her arms were now crossed.
"What in the light is going on here?!" Liandrin spoke as she came into view. "Bickering like children? You are grown women! Act like it!" Liandrin snapped while looking at the two of them. Alessia frowned as her arms dropped to her sides. Sheriam had come in between them.
"Both of you to my office. Now!" She barked. Nynaeve turned her heels and left. Alessia's eyes caught Liandrin before storming past her. Following the woman in blue to her office. They had climbed the stairs in silence as Alessia had her thoughts racing. Hearing a door unlock and open.
"Inside! Now!" The woman yelled as they did. Nynaeve still had her arms crossed as Alessia was looking down to the ground as Sheriam was now on the other side of her desk.
"Now. You two are supposed to be friends. Sisters. Training to become an Aes Sedai." Sheriam spoke calmly this time. This made her look at the woman in blue.
"She's the one showing off." Nynaeve snapped.
"Talent is encouraged here! We want to push you girls to be the best you can be! Jealousy has no place here at the Tower." Sheriam spoke as Alessia nodded her head lightly. She heard the older woman sigh and sat down. Waving her hand to tell them to sit down as well.
"It does not matter where we come from. We are all different. Ladies of Houses. Poor commoners or beggars on the streets. We come from different backgrounds called to a higher purpose. We are all sisters in the One's Power. The Aes Sedai are getting lower and lower each year. We need to be able to trust each other and push each other to be the best we can be. The Last Battle is coming. I need all my sisters standing together. Not at each other's throats." Sheriam spoke. "You three are the most powerful channelers we have had in a thousand years. We need you to focus and push each other. Can we do that?" The woman in blue asked as Alessia nodded. Nynaeve sighed and then nodded.
"Now, let this be a warning. Bickering among each other is highly frowned upon. Do not do it again or you will face the switch." Sheriam spoke as they both nodded again. "Now, get out of my office." The woman demanded as Alessia jumped up. Gave her a bow and left. Nynaeve was behind her.
"I'm sorry. I just got jealous. You picked everything up so quickly. I'm just here. Scared to touch it. Like I am blocked." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia touched her friend's shoulder and gave her a reassuring look.
They made it back to the kitchen as Egwene was finishing up.
"What happened between you two?" Egwene asked while crossing her arms and glared at them.
"I was just letting my jealousy take over. I apologize." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia gave her a hug as did Egwene. It was another three way hug.
"We need to be there for each other. Remember our promise." Alessia spoke as Nynaeve nodded her head. There was a bell. Warning them curfew was upon them. They put everything up and quickly made their way to their quarters. Giving each other one last hug before turning in. Alessia closed the door behind her and turned to face none other than the red ajah.
"What was that about? I thought you were better than that." Liandrin asked as Alessia sighed.
"Truthfully? I don't know. It just came out of nowhere. Nynaeve admitted her jealousy and apologized." Alessia spoke as she sat down on her bed. Liandrin sat next to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. Pulling her close. "She also told me to stay away from you." Alessia added. This gave her a raised brow from her favorite Sedai.
"Why?" Liandrin asked.
"She said the reason you aren't training me is because you are not allowed to train Novices. She said one died under your training." Alessia spoke. She shifted uncomfortably. She heard a sigh as Liandrin pulled away from her. Alessia frowned at the sudden loss of her touch.
"The Power is dangerous to use. People die from it." Liandrin spoke. Alessia took Liandrin's hand into her own.
"You don't have to explain yourself to me." Alessia spoke. Liandrin's blue eyes met her ocean blue ones. "I know it's dangerous. I've seen it happen." Alessia frowned. "If anything, it makes me want to train harder to become better at this. To become an Accepted so I can push myself more." Alessia added. Liandrin cupped her cheeks with her hands. She was staring into Liandrin's eyes again. How she loved those eyes. The high cheeks. Her jawline. Alessia was absorbing Liandrin's facial features again, she didn't realize Liandrin was closing the gap between them. She felt her heart race as butterflies began again and then it happened; blue flashed her mind again before they even closed the gap. Alessia gasped and groaned. Clutching her chest. 'Not now!' She shouted at herself. This was bad timing.
"What is it? Are you hurting?" Liandrin asked as Alessia let out a scream. Her body was convulsing from the pain.
"Make it stop!" Alessia cried out. Liandrin weaved air around her room to make it sound proof before pulling Alessia into her arms. Holding her tightly.
"I'm here, my flower." Liandrin spoke. Alessia gripped the woman in red's arms tightly as she doubled over then holding her stomach as her heart was hurting. As if she was having a heart attack. The tears began to fall as Moiraine was in her mind again. In her heart again. She was missing the woman in blue so much. She wanted Moiraine. To hug the woman tightly. She wanted Liandrin as well.
"It hurts." Alessia whimpered while holding an arm across her chest.
"I know. It'll pass soon." Liandrin whispered into her ear. Not daring to let her go.
"Liandrin." Alessia managed to weakly say before passing out from the pain.
My flower. Was the last thing she heard before the blackness took over her eyes.
She did not know how long she was out. Mumbling softly while opening her eyes. She looked around the room. It wasn't her room. It was Liandrin's. The woman in red was not there. She leaned up and groaned. Holding her head again from the headache. One thing the older woman was right about. The heartache had gotten worse. The sun was up in the sky and she frowned. 'Did I miss classes?' Alessia asked herself before getting up. There was a change of clothes as she changed. Looking around and saw a vase of the red roses she had given the woman over the course of years. She wasn't paying attention as the door opened and closed. Arms around her waist and pulled her close.
"You're awake." Liandrin spoke. Alessia nodded her head lightly. "You were out for an entire day. Don't worry. Sheriam Sedai knows. Well, she thinks you came down with something." Liandrin spoke. Alessia raised a brow.
"You lied?" She asked as Liandrin shook her head.
"No. All I said was that you were not feeling well. Which in reality, you weren't. You scared me." Liandrin spoke while turning Alessia into her arms. Looking at her face to face now.
"I'm sorry. You shouldn't have been there. It's my punishment and I should bear it." Alessia looked to the side only for Liandrin to grab her chin to force look at her.
"I told you that I do not want you to suffer this alone." The older woman spoke. Alessia smiled weakly and gave Liandrin a kiss on her cheek before moving away from her. She went to crawl back onto her bed and laid down. The pain took a lot out of her and all she wanted to do was rest. She felt a gentle hand on her forehead.
"Anything I can do or get you?" Liandrin asked. Alessia nodded.
"Lay with me?" She asked. The bed shifted as Alessia moved closer and went into Liandrin's arms. Laying her head on the older woman's chest. Hearing her heartbeat. It was a soothing sound to her.
"You are different around me. Why?" Alessia asked. Liandrin was silent for a moment. Alessia assumed she was thinking."
"Well. I mean I've known you, your whole life. Your father was a great friend of mine. Don't tell anyone I said that." Liandrin chuckled as Alessia raised a brow at her. "But you on the other hand. So different. So kind. Pure. bubbly. You never judged me. Accept me as I am. I am not the kind of person anyone gets along with and here you were. That big smile on your face. Wanting to hear my stories. You wanted to hear my stories." Liandrin spoke. Her voice was calming to listen to. Alessia was slowly drifting off.
"You call me your flower." Alessia yawned at this.
"Well, that was your doing. Always giving me on every time I came to see your father. Though, it was you I was wanting to see actually." Liandrin spoke. Alessia nodded her head as she had fallen asleep again. Right into her favorite Sedai's arms.
I love you, my flower.
Alessia sat up quickly and looked around. She was in her own room again. The rough bed gave her a backache. She leaned back to stretch her back. Hearing a pop and groaning a relief as it felt good. She stood up and stretched again. Her hair was already done for some reason. Shrugging off the thought before she changed into new clothes as the sun was coming up. She left her room while wandering the halls down to the kitchen. Seeing Egwene and Nynaeve talking.
"Alessia!" Egwene shouted and ran to her. Hugging her tightly. "We heard you fell ill. Are you alright?" Egwene asked as she nodded her head.
"They wouldn't let us see you." Nynaeve spoke.
"I might have been contagious or something." Alessia spoke. They gave each other looks before nodding.
"What is it?" Alessia asked.
"Well. We aren't sure what exactly happened. The healers should be able to heal pretty much anything." Nynaeve spoke.
"There is a limit to everything. Maybe they can't cure everything?" Alessia asked. They nodded their heads in agreement. Hearing footsteps, Alessia quickly moved to help Egwene wash her dishes. Alanna had made an appearance.
"Ah Alessia!" Alanna shouted as she saw her. "Are you feeling better?" The woman in green asked as she nodded her head.
"Buckets under the table. Get two cups. Keep this one out." Alanna spoke as she dipped a cup into the dirty water.
"What are the five threads of power?" Alanna asked.
"Water, earth, fire, air, and spirit." Alessia answered without hesitation.
"Good. When you touch these threads, you pull at the elements of the world itself." Alanna spoke. "By the end of today, each one of you will drink the water in your glass." Alanna spoke as she dipped a glass into the dirty water. Alessia made a disgusted face at the cup like it offended her.
"Those of you who master this weave will enjoy far more than those who do not." She spoke. Egwene looked disgusted as well. Alanna was looking at Nynaeve now. She was glaring at the woman in green. "Now watch. Draw threads of earth with your right hand, from the stones of this Tower itself. With your left hand, pull threads of water from the moisture in the air or from the glass in front of you." Alanna explained as she weaved her hands. Showing them how to do it. Alessia's eyes were glued onto every little thing Alanna said. "Now weave them together." She showed the weaving in her hands. She picked up the glass and poured it through. It became clear. She held it up and drank the water. There were some excited gasps from the other Novices as Alessia smiled at this. She was already eager to get started.
"Your turn." Alanna spoke as they took out glasses and filled one with the dirty water. "It will take you many tries to get the water perfectly clean." She spoke while slowly walking around them. She corrected a girl on her arm by moving it up more. "You will get better. You have two capable hands. It will be easier to use them." Alanna spoke to Egwene.
"I didn't come here for easy." Egwene replied. Alanna smiled at her before looking at Nynaeve.
"Why are your eyes open? You haven't even embraced the Source." Alanna asked her. Alessia held her breath. Seeing the other Novices still trying to get it down.
So, I can see when you're looming over me." Nynaeve retorted. Alessia bit her tongue at her comment. She wanted to laugh but decided not to. Alanna looked like her like she was done with her shit.
"Picture the bud of a flower in your mind's eye. It's pink." Alanna spoke, trying to help Nynaeve. Alessia raised a brow. Alanna was going in a very odd direction with this. "It's supple. It's ready to."
"It's not working." Nynaeve interrupted.
"Try again." Alanna spoke seriously.
"I did try again." Nynaeve talked back. Alessia's eyes went wide as she kept her facial expressions to herself. Alanna waved her hand to tell the Novices to leave. She felt Alanna grab her arm for her to stay. Alessia nodded her head at the woman.
"In Fal Dara, the three of you saw your true potential. Lady Amalisa flattened an entire army of Trollocs. Using your Power, not hers. Yours. It will take you years of hard work to learn how to do that yourself. But you can." Alanna spoke. Trying to encourage the three of them. She was not wrong. It was powerful what happened that night.
"No one should have that much power." Nynaeve spoke while looking at Alanna.
"You can either embrace what you are or fear it. Egwene is strong. Stronger than most, Alessia is powerful as well. You have ten times that power, Nynaeve, whether you want it or not. You haven't channeled since you got here. Not once. Whatever block is holding you back, it's time to break through it. No one leaves today without drinking their glass of water. Now close your eyes." Alanna told Nynaeve what to do. "Close your eyes." She repeated herself. Nynaeve, being stubborn as she was, picked up her glass and drank it. She drank the dirty water. Alessia gagged at the sight as did Egwene. Nynaeve downed the glass and sat it down.
"You didn't say it had to be clean." With that, she left. Alanna looked at the two of them as Egwene began to channel.
"Alessia." Alanna spoke as she looked at the woman in green. Alessia closed her eyes and began to channel as well. She felt the stones in the Tower and grabbed it. She had earth threads. Feeling the moisture in the air, she weaved threads of water in her left. She weaved them together. It was harder to hold them together. Doing two elements at once was a tad bit harder for her but she pushed through it. Not wanting to fail now. She weaved again. Once she was happy, she took her cup and poured through it. The water was clear. She drank her water after letting the weave fall.
"Moiraine was right about you. You are her prodigy after all." Alanna smiled before leaving. Egwene sighed as she attempted a fourth time. Getting it this time before leaving. Alessia followed suit and stopped. Seeing Alanna speak with Sheriam. Liandrin turned and saw her. Their eyes locked for a moment. Liandrin was smirking at her for some reason. Alessia saw Alanna speak to Sheriam in her ear. The woman in blue's eyes met Alessia's. She nodded at Alanna as Alessia took this cue to leave. Heading back to her room to rest.
–Notes–
Ooh look at that! Two chapters in one day! Enjoy!