Chapter Seventeen: Dance and Letters

The day had been long after finishing her chores. Alessia found herself in the dining room eating lunch with Egwene and Nynaeve. Ever since the fight a few days ago, they had been closer again. Eating her bread in silence as she looked around. There were only a few Accepted eating with them. Most of them usually preferred eating somewhere else or with their mentors. She was just happy to have her two friends eating with her. They had finished and quickly made their way to the kitchens to finish the dishes before their afternoon classes. She stopped in the center of the walkway outside and leaned her head back. Soaking in the sun. It was warm to the touch against her skin. She felt someone nudge her as she was brought back to reality.
"Come on. Don't want to be late." Egwene spoke as she nodded. Following her friend to their class. Her bond that was broken was easing on her now since that night when she passed out in Liandrin's room. She hadn't seen the red ajah all day and it worried her. She saw Tarna who kept giving her smirks whenever they saw each other. Moiraine had written to her. The letter was laying on her desk in her room. She had not read it yet. She was afraid to. Knowing or she had a feeling that Moiraine was angry with her or something had happened. Either way, she was afraid to read the letter. Her heart kept telling her to do so. They had entered the empty classroom before an Accepted came into the room. They gave each other confused looks.
"It's normal for an Accepted to teach classes." Alessia explained as they nodded their heads. They took out a book from the shelf in the room before taking their seats. It was history they were in now.
"Who can tell me about the Breaking of the World?" The woman asked as she turned to face them. "Okay…what about the Age of Legends?" She asked this time. No one answered. Alessia wanted to answer. She knew about them. Though, her peers hated how she was already full of knowledge about it. She felt a nudge as Nynaeve nodded her head at her. Alessia raised her hand.
"Breaking of the World is when the last Dragon Reborn fell to the dark side and nearly caused the destruction of the world to simply put." Alessia spoke.
"That is partially correct, yes. As you said, to simply put. Age of Legends?" The woman asked.
"It was the time about three thousand years ago where the Aes Sedai were able to live a lot longer. There was no sickness. People lived longer as well. The Source was strong and there were many channelers. Men included." Alessia spoke. Only half reciting the book Moiraine had given her.
"That is also correct. Now, since the Dragon Reborn broke the world." She droned on as Alessia was looking out the door. The Tower was going on normally. Like nothing was going on. She wondered what it would be like once the world was finally at peace. No wars or fights going on. She felt a nudge from Egwene this time as she looked up front to see the woman looking at her. Alessia blinked a few times.
"I ask again. What were the two Sources of Power called?" She asked while crossing her arms at Alessia.
"Oh, Saidar, the female half, and Saidin, the male half." Alessia replied.
"You have an odd way of paying attention. Try to focus better please." The woman spoke as Alessia nodded.

History class had ended as they made their way outside to the garden. Sitting on the bench and looking around.
"Your birthday is coming up." Nynaeve spoke as Alessia was looking up at the dark blue sky. She felt a nudge.
"Huh What?" Alessia asked while looking at her friend as Egwene was laughing at her. She smiled at her friend. She was getting better by the day.
"Your birthday. Want to do anything?" Nynaeve then asked. Alessia shrugged.
"Do they even celebrate name days?" Alessia asked as they shrugged. They didn't know.
"We do. Just not in the way you expect." Tarna's voice came up from behind them.
"How do you celebrate them, Tarna Sedai?" Egwene asked as the woman in red crossed her arms and smirked. That damn smirk.
"Well, the birthday person is given a special treat and a day off from chores and classes. Though only if they aren't behind or slacking. They can also spend time with their favorite Aes Sedai if they have one. Special privilege of channeling without supervision if one is a Novice." Tarna spoke as Alessia smiled at this.
"Sounds like fun." Alessia spoke. Her friends all nodded in agreement.
"Well, I best be off. I have a mission to do." Tarna spoke.
"Light be with you Tarna Sedai!" Alessia spoke as she stood up and bowed to the woman in red who nodded her head at her. Watching her walk away before sitting down again.
"I hate to say it but I feel like something is off around her." Nynaeve spoke as Alessia rolled her eyes at this.
"All Aes Sedai are off around you." Alessia spoke as Egwene chuckled. "Oh Alessia! Show us that dance Alanna Sedai taught you?" Egwene added as Alessia waved her hands and shook her head.
"I can't. You're supposed to channel while performing it." Alessia spoke as they frowned.
"I was curious about it." Nynaeve spoke. "Most dances are a ritual of some form. Especially around Bel Tine." She added. Alessia could remember the pole dance they had when they all had ribbons to wrap around the pole. It was fun. They had honey cakes that were made fresh. Honey cakes. Alessia had forgotten what they taste like. The last one she had was on her tenth name day. She looked at her hands which were folded in her lap now. Listening to Nynaeve and Egwene talk about the dances and games they had during Bel Tine in the Two Rivers. Memories flooded her mind as she remembered dancing as well. Egwene had taught her that day. Her first Bel Tine with them. She had never taken part in one before. She always watched when she was a kid. The music, the laughter. People dancing, playing. Chattering. Drinking to their heart's content. Her eyes were staring at the flowers that had recently bloomed. They were yellow like the sun. She smiled at them before realizing that Egwene was poking her shoulder. She looked at her friend and smiled again.
"Where did you go?" Egwene asked as Alessia chuckled.
"Sorry. I took a trip down memory lane." Alessia spoke. "Our first Bel Tine together. You remember? You taught me the dance." She added as her friend nodded.
"It went something like this!" Egwene spoke as she took a step back and did a twirl. Nynaeve and Alessia laughed at her before joining in. They tossed their arms in the air and did their twirls. The claps at the right time before pairing up with each other before going in a circle. Their hands in the center before doing another spin as they landed on the ground. Laughing together. As if there was no care left in the world.

Alessia found herself back in her room after they finished their chores after dinner. She was sitting on her bed while staring at the letter she had gotten. Alanna had given it to her days ago. The woman in green kept pestering her if she had read it yet to reply back. Of course, she hadn't yet. Her heart was pounding. Not sure whether she should read it or not. She was afraid to. Why was she so afraid to read the letter? Maybe it had words she did not want to read? Or maybe it had words that she needed to read. Either way, it was not helping her with her anxiety. She stood up and began to pace a little. Folding her hands into the front of her. Taking a couple deep breaths. 'Where was Liandrin when she needed her?' She thought. She closed her eyes and inhaled. What was the point of being afraid if she was to become an Aes Sedai? She needed to face her fears. She grabbed the letter and opened it. Sitting on her bed as she began to read.

My dearest Lessy,

I write to you wondering how you are. I have sleepless nights thinking about you. The one who had stolen my heart many years ago. The young girl who ran into me. When those boys chased you. There was not a day that went by that I hadn't thought about you since that fateful night. The Wheel had brought us together many times before as it did again now. You are where you are meant to be because of the Wheel. I hope you can forgive me for the pain I've caused you. It was never my intention to do so. The pain has almost subsided for me as I hope it has for you. You were never meant to go through that pain. I will say this; I do not regret the bond we had. I do wish we still had it. I wonder for days how you are feeling. Days I wish you could still feel my love for you. For I still cannot tell you what had happened that day but what I can tell you is that I still love you my beautiful Lessy. Please write to me?
All my love, Moiraine.

Alessia read the letter over a few times. Wiping away the tears that were forming from her eyes. Moiraine wasn't mad at her. She had accepted the pain she caused and apologized for it. Alessia sighed a relief and leaned back against the wall. She sighed. Thinking if she should write back to Moiraine. Hearing a knock on her door as she tucking the letter into her desk drawer before answering her door. There stood Alanna.
"Alanna Sedai. What do I owe the pleasure for?" Alessia asked as she bowed. The woman in green grabbed her hand and pulled her out. "Isn't there a curfew?" Alessia asked as Alanna chuckled a little.
"Not when you are with an Aes Sedai." Alanna spoke. "Come! The moon is full! Perfect for a little performance, yes?" Alanna asked as Alessia raised her brow. "You do remember coming into that small class singing, correct?" Alanna asked as Alessia nodded her head. "Well, they wanted to put on a little performance for the sisters. Novices don't attend these." Alanna spoke as they came back into the gardens. Alessia gasped at the sight. The garden was beautiful against the bright moonlight that shone down across the clearing and pathways. There were several of the different colored Aes Sedai surrounding in a circle. A few people in the center.
"Why am I the only Novice attending?" Alessia asked.
"Because I taught you the dance." Alanna replied. It hit Alessia like a wagon hitting her. Alanna had used her for a performance. She rolled her eyes with a smile. There she saw her. Liandrin was standing next to Tarna as Alanna dragged Alessia to the center. Their eyes locked. Liandrin was giving her a confused look.
"Everyone ready?" Alanna asked as the smaller group in the center nodded their heads. Alanna sang a tune as they matched hers.

Then it hit her again. This time there was a pure warm sensation that rose inside of her. Alessia blushed at her own body's reaction to the music as it began. They began to sing in Old Tongue. It was as if the music was guiding her. The One's Power was flowing through her. The white streams flowing around her body. It was in the perfect matching color of her dress. Then she began to dance. The one Alanna had taught her. She was fluid in her movements. Graceful like she was taught by the battle ajah. She smiled and closed her eyes. She was trusting the Source completely. She heard a few gasps here and there from the effects of her weaving. Flower petals were dancing everywhere in the wind created by her weave. Then Alanna joined in the dance as the singers continued without her. She could feel the brown eyes watching her steps as she danced gracefully with her. Then it came. The dance part that she remembered now. It was the one Moiraine had taught her. As leaves and petals began dancing again in the wind. Flowing everywhere and around everyone. She felt pure freedom now in the dance. Her heart swelling at the feeling of the wind blowing through her hair. She did not know the White Tower did events such as these. This is what she loved to do. She enjoyed the feeling. Not having a care in the world who was watching. In her heart, she was weaving her emotions in the dance. She did her turns gracefully as did Alanna. The moonlight danced with them. Giving them a glow against their black hair as it shined against the moonlight. She stopped just as the singers stopped. She felt her chest moving as she was catching her breath. She was smiling non stop while looking at Alanna. There was pride on the woman's face. The Aes Sedai that were watching had applauded them.

Liandrin's POV

The woman in red sighed while rubbing her temples. She had just gone on a mission to bring back a girl who ran from the Tower. She wasn't weak. Only ran because she enjoyed pleasure more than she should have. Sneaking off to the Warder's quarters as these young women were forbidden to engage in intimacy acts with the opposite sex. Liandrin herself preferred women instead. One woman actually. It had been many years since she felt this way. She pushed the thoughts in the back of her mind as she found the girl in the village over.
"You can't make me come back!" The girl shouted at her. She dismounted her horse and weaved a shield onto the girl so she could not fight back.
"Girl, you are bound to the Tower as soon as you write your name in the book of Novices!" Liandrin snapped at her. Her blue eyes glared daggers at the young woman in front of her. She was on her knees. 'Hmm, you'd like a certain woman on her knees.' Liandrin grumbled at herself to fight off those thoughts. 'Shut up! I need to focus!' Liandrin spoke to her mind before grabbing the girl's arm and pulled her forward.
"You are coming back and will face the consequences!" Liandrin spoke as she hoisted the girl onto another horse. She mounted her horse again before taking both reins and made her way back to the White City.
"I cannot help how I feel." The girl was daring to start a conversation with her? She ignored the girl who was huffing several times.
"Can you knock that off? It's annoying!" Liandrin snapped.
"Sheesh! Maybe you need to get laid! No wonder all the Novices and Accepted avoid you!" The girl retorted back. Liandrin rolled her eyes. That may be true but there was one who wanted to learn from her. One that she wanted to mentor badly.
"You are downright just evil! You know that?!" The girl spat.
"Or so I've been told. Just doing my job!" Liandrin spoke back. Her tone was icy. It made the girl shut up.

They arrived back to the Tower as she grabbed the girl's arm to guide her into the Tower. Night had fallen now.
"I can walk fine, you know!" The girl snapped and jerked her arm away.
"On no. You are going straight to the Mistress of Novices for your punishment, girl!" Liandrin raised her voice. Anger rose inside of her as she grabbed the girl's arm again. She will drag her if she has to. Pushing her forward to make her walk up the stairs. The girl was taking her sweet time as she sighed. She stopped and sat down.
"I twisted my ankle. Looks like I can't go!" The girl sang.
"Don't be so dramatic! I will carry you if I have to!" Liandrin warned. The girl huffed and crossed her arms before storming up the stairs. How she hated brats. The girl showed no respect whatsoever to the life of an Aes Sedai. She was going to learn today. Sheriam Sedai had the perfect punishment planned out for the girl. Coming onto the blue's floor as she knocked upon the door.
"Come in." Sheriam's voice spoke. Liandrin opened the door and pushed the girl inside. Giving the woman in blue a bow.
"Thank you Liandrin Sedai. As always, I can count on you to do your job." The woman was praising her. She hated the praise.
"Thank you Sheriam Sedai." Liandrin spoke. With that, she left the girl under the woman in blue's care. She made her way down the stairs and found Tarna who was leaning against a pillar.
"Any news from today?" Liandrin asked as the woman looked at her. "Wipe that smirk off your face." Liandrin crossed her arms.
"Alanna is putting on a performance. You'll be happy to see who she picked to dance." Tarna spoke as she nodded towards the center of the garden. Liandrin followed her line of sigh and gasped. It was Alessia. Her flower. Their eyes met as Liandrin felt her heart stop and her breath gone. This young woman had such an effect on her the whole time she knew her.

The music began as Liandrin leaned against the rail while not taking her eyes off of her flower. Her beautiful flower. 'Just claim her already!' Her thoughts began as she was trying hard to focus on watching her dance. The moonlight caught the perfect curves of the younger woman's body. Liandrin could feel it in her mind. Her hands slowly trailing up the younger woman's sides. Digger her nails into her hips to hold her close. She could kiss down her soft neck and mark her. Pressing her own body against Alessia's. Make Alessia hers and only hers. 'Shut up!' Liandrin shouted at herself. The way her flower danced. She was graceful and beautiful in her movements. Liandrin gripped the rail tightly with both of her hands as a flame ignited down in her stomach. She crossed her legs tightly while watching her. Alessia was so beautiful. An innocent. Moiraine had already bonded with her. She didn't care. She wanted her flower. She told herself she would not push her feelings onto the younger woman unless she felt the same in return. Though, she did not mind dropping hints to her. She cherished any touch she would receive from her. Her heart was swelling at the sight of the dance. She could not put it into words on how beautiful it was. She would have to give it to Alanna to bring that side of her out. She felt a nudge and jumped.
"Try not to let others know you are drooling over their favorite Novice." Tarna spoke as Liandrin rolled her eyes as they ended the singing. Seeing Alessia heading back to the Novice quarters, Liandrin was making her way towards her before she was stopped by Sheriam.
"Liandrin. Collect Alessia. Meet in the basement. It's time." Sheriam spoke before leaving. 'Fuck!' Was all Liandrin said in her mind. Was her flower ready? Yes, she had to be. She is strong. Stronger than anyone she had ever seen and she was going to do everything she could to raise Alessia up to be the best Aes Sedai. She did not want to admit it but Alessia's power aroused her in ways she thought not possible. It was not the only thing that attracted her to the younger woman. There were many things about her. Pushing the thoughts back as she left the area to the Novice quarters.

End of POV

Alessia wiped the sweat off of her forehead as she entered her bedroom. She laid on her bed for a moment and smiled. She felt amazing! The dance felt amazing. That was something she would love to do more often. She could remember feeling the eyes watching her as she danced. She wanted to tell Liandrin about it but she was there. The only person who wasn't there was Moiraine. She wanted to tell the blue ajah about it. 'No. Not yet.' Alessia thought while she finally caught her breath as she heard a knock on her door. She raised a brow wondering who it could be at this time of night. She opened the door and saw none other, Liandrin.
"Liandrin Sedai!" Alessia smiled with a bow before hugging her tightly. Feeling the arms hold her close tightly in return. "Where have you been all day? I was worried!" Alessia asked as she pulled back.
"You were worried about me?" Liandrin asked as Alessia nodded. "Well, I was out on a mission. I need you to come with me." Liandrin spoke as Alessia raised a brow before nodding her head. She closed her door and followed the woman in red. Alessia couldn't help but stare at Liandrin's backside. She blushed and shook her head. Putting any thoughts away for now.
"When my sisters ask. You must say yes." Liandrin spoke. Alessia was still confused about what was going on. She trusted Liandrin, so she didn't ask questions. She took the woman in red's hand into her own and intertwined their fingers. Squeezing them gently. This made Liandrin look at her and smile. Alessia could feel the blush upon her cheeks rising before looking down to the side again. Letting Liandrin guide her. They made their way down the stairs. It was getting a little colder as they arrived at the bottom floor. The basement area of the Tower was massive.

They walked in silence down the halls. She really enjoyed the older woman's company. She felt more confident and better when she was around. In general, Liandrin made Alessia the best version of herself. No idea why but she took it. Then Liandrin stopped. Facing Alessia as she gave the woman in red a confused look.
"You can do this. You are strong." Liandrin spoke while grabbing both of Alessia's arms while looking at her. "You were so beautiful out there tonight. Though, your night is only beginning." Liandrin whispered. Alessia blushed at this before looking away again only for her cheeks to get cupped by a hand. Liandrin leaned in and kissed her cheek. Alessia returned it upon Liandrin's before holding her cheek with her own hand. Her cheek pressed against Liandrin's. Closing her eyes while inhaling her scent and hugged her tightly again. Feeling arms snake around her waist and held her. Alessia could feel a light swaying motion while they were embraced. This made her have butterflies in her stomach again.
"Come. We cannot keep them waiting." Liandrin spoke in a whisper again. Alessia nodded and took her favorite Sedai's hand again before following her. They were silent again. Alessia felt her heart racing. They came at the end of the hall. She saw Alanna smiling at her and winked. Alessia smiled. Leane and Sheriam were there as well. Alessia bowed to them as Sheriam opened the door and entered. Alessia was the last to enter and looked ahead in the large circular room. There stood three tall archways. The Ter'angreal.
"Oh." Was all Alessia could say.

Moiraine's POV

The sun was beating down with its heat as she pulled up a bucket of water from the well. Moiraine carried two buckets up a hill where she was staying for a while as she figured out her next move. Lan was still pestering her about what happened at the Eye of the World. Her mission. He already knew. Make sure the Dragon Reborn succeeds at all costs. She reached the house and went inside. Pouring the water into the tub. There was a cauldron boiling water over the fire as she grabbed it. Slowly adding the hot water. Once she set it down, she stripped off her clothes before slowly getting into the water. Sighing a relief as it touched her skin. Leaning back to relax. She hugged her knees while running her right hand fingers through her hair. Her mind kept drifting off towards Alessia. She could still feel the fear the woman had felt before it happened. A tear had fallen off her cheek as she wiped it away. She had written her a letter and hadn't heard back. Her fear kept rising in her as she felt like Alessia was angry with her. Alanna was sending her updates on the progress of the three women she had brought to the Tower. Alessia was excelling like she knew she would. Egwene was as well. Nynaeve however was refusing to touch the Source. Siuan had also written to her as well. Siuan. The other love of her life. She had told the Amyrlin everything that had happened except for her channeling. It seemed Siuan was very accepting of the bond she created with Alessia before it disappeared.
"She's a dancer." Alanna had told her in her last letter. She could imagine the younger woman dancing around and it brought a smile to her face. Slowly rubbing the sponge across her arms as she was deep in thought. Hearing footsteps, she looked up and smiled. Seeing a woman in brown setting her down a set of clean clothes.
"Thank you Verin Sedai." Moiraine spoke softly.
"Of course. We are having afternoon tea soon. You should join us." Verin spoke as Moiraine nodded her head. Watching the brown ajah leave before she sank lower into the water. Going under to take care of her hair.
She found herself chuckling as Adeleas was checking out Lan as he dumped a bucket of water over his head. Moiraine was smiling at this before drinking her tea.

"So, tell us about the Novices you found." Verin asked while drinking her tea. Moiraine only smiled as she poured herself another cup.
"She bonded with one of them." Lan spoke while sitting down. He had a smirk on his face.
"Moiraine Sedai!" Verin chuckled. Her eyes on the woman in blue. "Which one?" She asked. Again, Moiraine was only silent as she watched the woman in brown.
"Alessia." Lan had answered for her.
"Wait, Alessia Solstice? I've met her." Adeleas spoke while she took interest in the conversation now instead of eyeing Lan. Moiraine nodded her head lightly.
"Did you now?" She asked as Adeleas nodded.
"Yes. So sweet that young lady. Very eager to learn as well. They say she is going to be the next fast weaver after Siuan." Adeleas spoke while she finished her tea.
"A fast weaver? This girl must have talent." Verin spoke. "I want to meet her."
"Careful. Moiraine is very protective of her." Lan warned with a chuckle. This made Moiraine smile. He was not wrong. She was very protective of her.
"Heard around the Tower she is your prodigy?" Verin asked. Again, Moiraine nodded her head. "Shame. If she is, she should be following you around. Training her as well." Verin added. Moiraine frowned at this. She wanted to train Alessia more. Now that she couldn't channel, she would have to figure something out. She still had time to find out what exactly happened. Alessia shouldn't be taking her Acceptance test for a long time.
"She won't be allowed to leave the Tower for a while as a Novice." Moiraine finally spoke. The other nodded.
"This is true. If she just started, she might be an Accepted in a few years." Adeleas spoke as a rider came into view. Lan stood up and walked over to him. Moiraine kept her eyes on her warder while sipping her tea. Lan shook hands with the ride before it left. Lan walked back slowly and handed Moiraine the letter.
"It's from Alanna." Moiraine spoke. She opened the letter. There were only a few words and it made her stomach turn.
Alessia is facing the Ter'angreal on the night you receive this. -Alanna

Moiraine stood up and left the area. She went into the library and started to pace. Her hands on her hips while taking deep breaths. She was facing the Ter'angreal already?! She was still pacing as the door opened and closed. Feeling someone gently grab her arm to stop her from pacing. Her blue eyes met brown. It was Lan.
"What is it?" He asked. Moiraine handed him the letter as she sat down. Setting a book aside that she was reading. Putting her face into her hands as Lan was silent for a moment.
"Moiraine. She's strong. She can do it." Lan spoke as he got on one knee to see at eye level with her.
"I only taught her a handful of things." Moiraine sighed as she rubbed her cheeks before looking at him.
"She's strong. You know this. She can pass." Lan was reassuring her. Moiraine still felt a pang of guilt in her stomach. She nodded her head with a small sigh. Feeling Lan take her hands into his own as she looked into his eyes again.
"You miss her, don't you?" He asked. She felt the familiar pain in her heart again and nodded.
"I love her, Lan. Of course I miss her." Moiraine spoke softly as her eyes stung. She sniffled and wiped her eyes before taking a deep breath.
"She'll come around." He added.
"Not if I keep secrets from her." Moiraine spoke while pulling out some paper to write on. "She hasn't even replied to my letter. I hope she got it." She added. Feeling Lan touch her hand to stop her from writing.
"I am sure she did. Give her time. If she truly loves you like you said, she will come around. Maybe don't keep secrets from her. You can trust her. I do. Siuan said so herself." Lan spoke. Maybe he was right about that?
"Would it be too late by then?" Moiraine asked while folding the letter into a square. Tying twine around it. She handed it to Lan to give to the rider that would be arriving soon.
"What do you mean?" Lan asked with a questioning look.
"Does she still love me like I do for her?" Moiraine asked as her blue eyes watered again.

End of POV