Chapter Twenty-Four: Tensions
(Enjoy the surprise!)
"Because I am a Dark Friend." Liandrin confided her darkest secret to Alessia. Their eyes were still looking into each other. Alessia still had both hands cupping Liandrin's cheeks. "Did you hear me, my flower?" Liandrin asked as Alessia nodded and caressed her cheek. "Say something." Liandrin spoke. Alessia smiled and kissed her nose before pulling back. Splashing Liandrin with the water.
"I already know." Alessia spoke while heating the water up with her weave.
"How?" Liandrin was confused. Alessia leaned back against Liandrin.
"Well, the walls weren't exactly sound proof when I was a kid." Alessia explained. Liandrin only chuckled at this.
"This doesn't bother you?" Liandrin spoke with worry. She turned and cupped the older woman's cheek again.
"My love. We all have light and darkness inside of us. What we choose to do with that in the end is what matters the most." Alessia spoke.
"I don't deserve you." Liandrin spoke as Alessia could feel her heart swell a little from Liandrin.
"We all deserve love. Especially you. I want to be the one for you. I want you to feel the love I have for you." Alessia spoke softly. She could feel Liandrin pull her close. Alessia was straddling Liandrin's waist and leaned in to kiss her softly.
"Your secret is safe with me, my love. I do have a question." Alessia spoke while brushing Liandrin's hair back with her fingers.
"What's that?" The older woman asked.
"Was my father a Dark Friend as well?" Alessia asked. Liandrin nodded her head. Alessia let out a soft sigh.
"I guess Machin Shin was right about one thing." Alessia frowned.
"You heard the Black Wind?" Liandrin asked as Alessia nodded and frowned. "Tell me exactly what it said to you." Alessia shook her head with a frown.
"It said a few things. It stuck in my head for a while." Alessia spoke. Feeling the older woman cup her cheek so they continued looking into each other's eyes.
"Tell me." Liandrin demanded.
"You will never become an Aes Sedai. They'll never love you. They only want to use you. You are born of the darkness. You are weak. You cannot protect anyone. You are unworthy of love." Alessia spoke. She frowned and looked away. Feeling a kiss on her forehead.
"You are worthy of love. You have the most love to give. How you love Moiraine and myself is beyond me but I am glad you love me." Liandrin spoke softly. "Especially since I have gone my whole life thinking I was undeserving of love until I met you." The older woman spoke. Alessia smiled again. "Come. Let's get you cleaned. I want you to meet him. You're still covered in blood." Liandrin said. Alessia felt her heart race as the woman chuckled. She knew Liandrin could feel her as she could in return. She leaned back to allow the woman to wash her hair as she finished washing her skin herself. This felt nice. Being next to one of the women she loves.
Alessia was in a new Accepted dress while putting her cloak on. She tucked her coin purse into the pocket of the cloak. Liandrin had finished her hair and Alessia's after she had dressed. Liandrin's hair was in a smooth, simple and single French braid as hers had several smaller braids. The red clothes. 'They would look good on me.' Alessia was in deep thought while staring at Liandrin and didn't even notice until she was caught receiving a kiss. Alessia blinked a couple times as a chuckle came from Liandrin. She smiled at the older woman.
"Sorry. Got lost in thought." Alessia blushed with embarrassment.
"It's alright to stare. It's yours to do so." Liandrin cooed in her ear that sent shivers up her spine before following her out of the room. They made their way downstairs to the ground floor. They did not stop there however. Continued on through the door that led to a secret passage that she had found following her lover. She felt Liandrin grab her hand and intertwine their fingers. For some reason, this had sent butterflies flying in her stomach. She looked at Liandrin and smiled. Leaning against the woman as they walked. They entered the city as Liandrin covered Alessia with a black cloak as well. She put the hood up as well. Keeping her from being seen as they made their way down the streets. She took a deep breath before entering a building. It was small inside as Liandrin put a small cooking pot onto the fire to heat up water for tea. Alessia's eyes were on the man laying in the bed.
"My dear boy. There is someone I want you to meet. Someone who is very dear to me. Who holds my heart like you do. Remember me telling you about Alessia? My flower I have met so long ago?" Liandrin spoke softly as she sat down on the edge of the bed. Holding the man's hand as he was holding her hand. Alessia couldn't help but smile at this. He was smiling as his eyes went to meet hers.
"His name is Aludran." Liandrin spoke as Alessia sat down and smiled at him. His eyes were on her.
"It is an honor to meet you." Alessia spoke softly with a smile. She felt something touch her hand. She looked down as his hand touched hers. She took it gently and smiled. She felt a light squeeze. He was trying and this made Alessia smile even more.
"He looks like you." Alessia spoke while looking at Liandrin. This made Liandrin smile genuinely while making the tea now. Once she was done, she lifted Aludran's head for him to drink the tea. Seeing it spilled. Alessia grabbed a nearby cloth and cleaned it up. She sat back down and watched the two. Her heart was swelling at the sight. This was another side she saw of this woman. Of course, Alessia already knew Liandrin had a heart. She just only showed it to those she wanted.
"He is the only thing that I have that is truly mine." Liandrin then spoke softly. Alessia touched her shoulder.
"He is not. Every life has death, my love." Alessia frowned.
"I am tired of seeing those I loved and cared about age and die before me. Being an Aes Sedai has a curse. To age a lot less than others." Liandrin frowned. Alessia could feel the pain in her chest coming from Liandrin.
"Not everyone." Alessia spoke softly. The woman in red looked up at her.
"You will be the first one that I truly love that will outlive me." Liandrin chuckled lightly.
"Assuming I become an Aes Sedai." Alessia added. Raising a brow as her hand was taken again by Aludran.
"You will become one. I don't care what it takes." Liandrin spoke. She meant it and Alessia knew this. Her eyes went to her son and then to Alessia. "He likes you." She added. This made Alessia smile again
.
They spent a few hours talking and laughing as Liandrin had told her stories about Aludran as a child and that he would always ask about her travels and adventures. Much like Alessia did. It seemed like night had fallen.
"We should go soon." Liandrin spoke as Alessia frowned.
"But I'm getting to know your son." Alessia then smiled. She squeezed Aludran's hand gently before leaning up and kissed his forehead. Hearing a soft groan. He smiled. Alessia felt a swirl of emotions hitting her as she looked over. Liandrin had tears in her eyes. Alessia moved over and knelt in front of the woman.
"Hey. Talk to me, love." Alessia spoke while taking Liandrin's hands into her own and kissed them. Their eyes met again as Liandrin smiled. Alessia reached up and gently wiped away the tears before kissing both of her cheeks.
"He is the last one that is truly mine." Liandrin repeated herself.
"Is he though?" Alessia asked as Liandrin nodded her head. Alessia felt her heart ache at this. She felt her chin lifted as their eyes met yet again.
"Why does your heart ache, my flower?" Liandrin asked as Alessia shook her head. "Come." Liandrin spoke as they held hands again as they left the room. Alessia had said her goodbye before following. "Talk to me, my flower." Liandrin whispered as she pressed Alessia against a wall.
"Am I not yours?" Alessia asked softly.
"Of course you are." Liandrin spoke. "Why do you ask?"
"I want to be yours in every way possible." Alessia spoke softly, confessing.
"What are you saying? Are you proposing to me or something?" Liandrin asked with a small smirk.
"I uh what do you mean?" Alessia asked as she was getting flustered by this.
"Wait here. I will be right back in a few minutes." Liandrin spoke. Giving Alessia a soft kiss before quickly leaving. Alessia could feel her heart racing again. Or was it hers?
She didn't know how long she was waiting before hearing footsteps again. Liandrin had come back and grabbed her hand. Pulling her hood back over.
"What is it that you need?" Tarna's voice came from the other cloaked figure.
"Tarna Sedai?" Alessia asked with a confused look.
"Hey, I am just as confused as you are." Tarna spoke. Liandrin however was the only one smirking. This made her question everything that was going on. They entered what seemed to be a chapel. Alessia looked around as they followed Liandrin.
"Wait here." She instructed as they nodded. The woman in red took a leave to another room. There were some hushed voices as she came back.
"It needs to be political if not nobility." A man spoke as they came into view. He looked at them as Alessia removed her head and bowed to the man.
"My Lady! It is an honor to meet you." The man spoke and shook Alessia's hand. She raised a brow at him.
"I understand now. Let me get my book." He spoke as he quickly hurried off to grab a book from the shelf and came back. "Do both parties consent to this?" He asked.
"We do." Liandrin spoke as Alessia looked at Tarna before returning to the man.
"Witness?" He asked.
"Tarna Sedai of the Aes Sedai." Liandrin spoke.
"All seems in order. Face each other." He instructed. Alessia felt her hands taken as she looked at Liandrin. Her blue eyes pierced her soul yet again. Then it clicked. Alessia felt her heart soar and swell. It was overwhelming.
"I call the witness to come forward and stand nearby. I call the Light to bless this union. That they may walk the path together. Who wants to start?" The man asked.
"I will." Alessia spoke as Liandrin raised a brow at her.
"I, Alessia Solstice, do pledge to you my love, Liandrin Guirale, for as long as I live and more. For long as I live and after. What I possess in this world I give to you. My house and my powers. I give you life, my love. I will keep and hold you. Succor, tend to you, protect and shelter you for all the days of my life and beyond. I am yours always and forever. Your pain is my pain. Your happiness is my happiness. Your love is my love." Alessia spoke. She felt her tears as Liandrin wiped it away for her.
"Well spoken and beautiful my dear. And you Liandrin." The man spoke.
"I, Liandrin Guirale do pledge to you my love, Alessia Solstice, for as long as I live and beyond. For long as I live and after. What I possess in this world I give to you. My powers. It is not much but all I have. And my love. I give you life, my love. I will keep and hold you. Succor, tend to you. Protect and shelter you for all the days of my life and also beyond. I am yours always and forever." Liandrin spoke as Alessia could feel the overwhelming love from Liandrin.
"You have rings?" He asked. Alessia frowned at this but Liandrin seemed prepared. She pulled out two silver thin bands. Alessia gasped as Liandrin slipped a ring onto her finger. Alessia grabbed the other one and slipped it onto Liandrin's finger.
"By the power invested in me by Light. I now pronounce you wife and wife. You now may kiss." The man spoke as Alessia smiled and leaned in. Her lips crashed against Liandrin's as she kissed her deeply and lovingly. Putting all her love for this woman into the kiss. It felt as if time stopped. Liandrin was the only one there with her. In her arms. Holding her close as she kissed every bit of Liandrin's lips before pulling back. Her head was spinning at what happened.
"Now, you both need to sign these. Three copies. One for each of us. Tarna Sedai needs to sign as a witness. Which last name are we using?" The man asked as Tarna signed the papers.
"Mine." Liandrin and Alessia said at the same time. They both chuckled. Alessia could have sworn she heard Liandrin speak to her in her mind. They both nodded in agreement to which one they would use and then signed the papers.
"Now for payment." The man spoke.
"You never mentioned that." Liandrin spoke.
"No worries my love." Alessia spoke as both women looked at her. Alessia pulled out her coin purse and handed it to the man.
"Hope that's more than enough." Alessia smiled as the man nodded. It seemed more than enough as he handed it back to her.
"May the Light bless you and keep you." He spoke before closing his book.
Alessia's head was spinning still at what happened.
"So…you just eloped." Tarna spoke as Alessia let out a laugh. Liandrin was holding Alessia closely by her waist. "How does that feel?" Her friend asked as Alessia was smiling widely.
"Perfect." Was all Alessia could say.
"I agree with my wife." Liandrin spoke. 'Wife.' Those words made her heart swell again. She slid her arm around Liandrin as well.
"Normally people are supposed to court for a while." Tarna spoke. "Or at least have known each other for a while." Her friend added.
"Try a little over ten years." Alessia spoke. Then it clicked in her head. She had known this woman for over ten years. The longest she had known anyone else except from her small group of friends from the Two Rivers.
"That's true." Tarna spoke. Hearing a soft chuckle from Liandrin. "I think this causes for a small celebration." Tarna spoke as Alessia raised a brow.
"Hey, two of my friends who are madly in love finally did it." Tarna spoke as she led the way back into the Tower. "Need to keep it hushed until raised to the shawl." Tarna added as Alessia nodded her head again. They silently made their way up to the red floor as Alessia took the black cloak off and gave it back to Liandrin. They entered the room as Alessia took her white cloak off with her boots and hopped onto the bed and sat up. Watching her two favorite red ajah pouring glasses of wine. Alessia was handed one as she drank it. The dryness made her cough from it.
"Acquired taste." Liandrin chuckled. Alessia nodded and set the glass down.
"Now let's talk." Tarna spoke as she sat on the edge of the bed. Liandrin however sat behind Alessia and pulled her close again. She leaned back and smiled.
"What are your goals?" Tarna asked.
"Well, I want to become an Aes Sedai. The one thing I have always wanted when I was a kid." Alessia spoke as Liandrin nodded her head.
"What last name did you choose?" Tarna spoke. Alessia looked at Liandrin and smiled. They both shook their heads. "Keeping it a secret huh?" They nodded. "I am happy for you two, really. I should head to bed. Don't stay up too long." Tarna warned while taking her leave. Once their friend was gone, Liandrin started giving Alessia kisses up and down her neck. Feeling the chills run down her spine as she shivered. Turning to face the woman in red before kissing her deeply.
"I leave tomorrow." Alessia spoke softly.
"Then, let's make the best of the time we have." Liandrin spoke as Alessia giggled. Seeing Liandrin raise a brow at her.
"Sorry. I got excited." Alessia blushed with embarrassment.
"Are you going to tell Moiraine?" Liandrin asked as Alessia shrugged.
"She'll find out anyway. She's blue, remember?" Alessia asked as Liandrin nodded. "I don't know how she will take it." Alessia confessed. She felt Liandrin squeeze her lovingly in her arms. She watched Liandrin lean over the side table and back. She felt a necklace around her neck again. She smiled as it was the red flower pendant.
"I think you left this with Tarna. Never take it off again." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded.
"I won't. Except for the last time before the shawl." Alessia spoke as Liandrin nodded her head. Giving her a soft kiss again.
"Whatever happens between you and Moiraine, I will support you. Even though I still do not like that woman. Just know that you are mine as well." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She gently pinned Liandrin down and straddled her. She received a questioning look from her.
"I want to spend this time making love to my wife." Alessia spoke in a sultry like voice into Liandrin's ear.
"Mmm. No complaints there, my love." Liandrin smirked as Alessia leaned in and started her kisses against the soft skin on Liandrin's neck. Hearing a soft moan as she slowly and a little roughly grinding against her wife's waist.
Morning came quickly. Alessia was already up. She was in Liandrin's lap. Both of them naked and holding each other while sitting up. Their foreheads pressed together as Alessia was giving Liandrin soft kisses here and there.
"Looks like we stayed up." Alessia spoke softly with a chuckle. Liandrin only nodded with a smile. Giving her a loving kiss before and hugged her tightly. Alessia then got out of bed and grabbed her clean Accepted dress to put it on.
"Long ride ahead today." Alessia sighed. Feeling arms snake around her waist. She leaned back with her eyes closed. Enjoying every moment she was having.
"Did my wife enjoy herself last night?" Alessia asked with a smile.
"Hmm. I can never tire of hearing that." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head in agreement. She turned and cupped Liandrin's cheeks before kissing her again.
"As much as I want to stay my love. I really have to pack." Alessia frowned at this. Liandrin nodded and took her hand to lead her to her room to pack. It didn't take much or long. She had her books turned in just in case. She didn't have much since most of her stuff was burned. Hearing a knock on her door.
"Alessia! Time to go!" Alanna's voice came as she opened the door. The brown eyes met with Liandrin's. "Oh! I am sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt!" The woman in green giggled before stepping out again. Alessia had face palmed as Liandrin laughed.
"Come along." Liandrin spoke as Alessia did.
"You can ride with us if you want Liandrin Sedai." Alanna spoke as she ate a passionfruit. 'My goddess this woman!' Alessia smiled as Liandrin nodded her head.
"I would like that." Liandrin spoke.
"Pack some clothes. We'll stay two nights there before coming back." Alanna spoke. Alessia felt her heart race and it was not from her. She followed Liandrin back to her room as she watched the woman in red pack some clothes before kissing Alessia's forehead as they made their way down the stairs to the stables. It was Alanna and her two warders, Owein and Ihvon, Liandrin, and herself. It was not much of a party but she enjoyed the company. Alessia mounted her brown horse and smiled. She still missed Spot, her black horse from several months ago.
"Alright! Long ride. Let's get going!" Alanna spoke. She was giving Alessia a smile before taking the lead. Her warders behind her as Liandrin and Alessia were following from behind.
Their eyes kept meeting with a smile as Alessia would blush once in a while before taking a deep breath. They had been riding for several hours now.
"You know. Sometimes I wish horses could survive the Ways." Alessia spoke up as they slowed down. They were in a desert-like area.
"Me too dear. Me too." Alanna spoke as there was a house up a hill in the distance. It was already getting dark.
"Adeleas Sedai!" Alanna shouted as a woman in brown peeked from a window.
"Alanna! Ahhh!" The woman shouted. Alessia felt her cheeks heat up as she rode her horse up the hill. It seemed like everyone was happy to see each other. They dismounted and stabled the horses as Alessia grabbed her bag. Her heart was racing again as the two brown ajah came into view.
"Alessia dear! Good to see you!" Adeleas spoke as Alessia bowed to the woman who pulled her into a hug. "My sister, Verin." She introduced.
"Pleasure to meet you, Verin Sedai!" Alessia spoke with a bow.
"Ah yes! The prodigy that I heard so much about!" Verin smiled and hugged Alessia as well. The woman was plump and had a beautiful smile. Her hair was brown and short and curved in a way that showed off her white streak. Seeing Alanna give hugs to them as well as Alessia standing next to Linadrin.
"Ah, Liandrin Sedai. I am surprised to see you here." Verin spoke as Liandrin only smiled and bowed.
"She wanted to come and see off her favorite Accepted. I mean, I wanted to as well." Alanna chuckled.
"Come. Let me show you to your rooms." Adeleas spoke as Alessia followed. Liandrin is not far behind her. She was looking around to get familiar with her surroundings.
"Here you are dear. I am sure you don't mind sharing with Liandrin until she and Alanna leave? Tea is being served in a few moments. Come join us." Adeleas asked as Alessia shook her head. Seeing the woman in brown leaves as Alessia set her bag down by a desk. It was a simple small room. There was a bookshelf full of books. Liandrin was watching her closely as she smiled at her wife.
"Tea time?" Alessia asked as the woman in red nodded her head. They left the room to find the others outside on a patio. Talking and laughing.
"Ah! Alessia and Liandrin! Come sit!" Alanna shouted as Alessia chuckled. She was looking around and spotted Lan. Moiraine was here! Somewhere though.
"Lan! Grab Moiraine and tell her the guests have arrived!" Adeleas shouted. Lan's eyes caught Alessia's and smiled with a nod. She took a seat as Liandrin took one next to her. Taking her hand under the table to hold it. She was smiling again.
"You are going to have to tell us about your adventures!" Verin spoke as Alessia only remained silent as she took a sip.
"She did good. Mother was impressed she weaved on horseback." Liandrin bragged.
"What?! On horseback?!" Adeleas shouted as Alessia jumped.
"Moiraine! Glad you could join us." Verin spoke as Alessia turned her head. There she was. Moiraine is wearing her blue clothes with a cloak. Their eyes locked. Moiraine smiled at her. Alessia felt her breath get caught as it was stolen. Then she looked past her and saw Liandrin.
"Moiraine Sedai." Liandrin spoke.
"Liandrin Sedai. What are you doing here?" Moiraine asked as she took a seat on Alessia's other side.
"I wanted to make sure my favorite Accepted made it safely." Liandrin spoke as she put a stray of Alessia's hair behind her ear. Alessia took a sip of her tea to hide her blushing.
"I see." Moiraine spoke as she poured herself a cup of tea. There was tension in the air. Alessia could feel everyone's eyes going back and forth between the red and the blue. Alessia felt Moiraine rest a hand upon her thigh under the table.
"Dinner?" Adeleas asked to break the tension.
"I'll help!" Alessia spoke as she stood up.
"Nonsense dear! You had a long journey!" Verin spoke.
"I do not mind helping." Alessia spoke with a smile and bowed before following Adeleas into the house.
"Tonight we are having roasted duck." Adeleas spoke. Alessia hummed with a smile as she helped lit the stove and set a pot on it.
"Peels the potatoes dear." Alessia was handed a knife as she nodded. Grabbing the potatoes and wet them before using the knife to cut the skin off. Her eyes kept looking out the window. Seeing them all talk and laugh. Alessia had finished peeling the potatoes and began to cut them up before setting them in the pot. She sat down at the small table and smiled.
"We have a small library here. I assume you'd want to do your studying there?" Adeleas asked as Alessia nodded her head. "Good! Might make a brown out of you!" Adeleas chuckled as did Alessia.
"Are we eating outside?" Alessia asked as the woman in brown nodded her head. Handing Alessia a stack of plates with utensils.
"Go set the table dear." The woman spoke as Alessia nodded with a bow. She made her way back outside.
"Dinner about ready?" Verin asked as Alessia nodded her head. She was setting the plates down in front of everyone. Eyes were watching her. See looked at Liandrin and smiled. Her eyes caught Moiraine's and smiled at her as well. She wanted to hug the woman in blue so badly right now. Though, she kept her cool.
"Alessia dear!" Adeleas voice called out as Alessia looked up to see the woman waving at her. She took the hint and quickly walked over to her. They were now bringing out the food. Alessia was humming while setting the potatoes down before taking her spot between Liandrin and Moiraine. Feeling both women touch each of her legs under the table. She smiled while filling her plate and then waited. She kept her silence once everyone else started eating.
"My dear. You are not at the Tower. You can eat at the same time and converse." Verin spoke as Alessia nodded with a smile. She began to eat.
"So, on horseback huh?" Verin then started a conversation.
"What about horseback?" Moiraine asked.
"Alessia fought off some White Cloaks from horseback. Using her powers." Liandrin spoke with pride since she was the one who got to see it.
"I'm impressed!" Moiraine spoke as she gently stroked Alessia's check once. "I knew you had such talents." The woman in blue added.
"Speaking of. What is your specialty?" Adeleas asked as Alessia raised a brow.
"Shielding and air shields." Liandrin spoke for her. She nodded her head.
"She'll be a great battle ajah!" Alanna spoke as she raised a glass to Alessia.
"Not if she joins red." Liandrin spoke. "We are the best with shields after all." Alessia looked between the two again.
"With her knowledge in Old Tongue. I think Brown will fight for her." Adeleas added to the debate. Alessia kept her silence while drinking her water. She looked at Moiraine who was watching her. She smiled softly and ran her fingers through Alessia's hair gently. Alessia could feel an uneasiness coming from Liandrin. She sent a loving emotion back to her wife who smiled while eating her food.
Dinner was done as a bonfire was going. Alessia was helping Lan clear the table and brought the leftovers and dishes inside.
"She's really missed you, you know." Lan spoke as Alessia set the dishes into a soapy bucket.
"I've missed her as well. I'm still waiting to hug her." Alessia confessed. Seeing Lan smile at her with a nudge from him as he finished. Alessia was alone in the kitchen as she did her chores. If she was going to be staying here. She finally finished and made her way outside. Hearing a loud shout that turned into a laugh. Alanna seemed to be enjoying herself. They were all sitting on the logs around the fire. Alessia took a spot on the ground between Moiraine and Liandrin who both seemed to have distance between the two. She was sitting on a blanket. Watching the fire.
"Right Alessia?" Alanna spoke. Alessia looked up with a confused look.
"Huh?" She asked, hearing chuckles from everyone.
"I said, you'll have to show everyone here the dance I taught you." Alanna spoke. Alessia turned pink and pulled the blanket covers up to her face.
"Aw she's shy!" Verin chuckled.
"Oh no she ain't." Liandrin spoke while taking a drink. Hearing more chuckles. Alessia was blushing from under the blanket.
"You are being quiet Alessia." Adeleas spoke as Alessia was staring into the fire.
"Yeah, sorry. Just been busy the last few months. Took a lot of energy." Alessia spoke.
"Yes, a plague hit the city." Alanna spoke as both browns and Moiraine gasped.
"Alessia was training under the yellow at the time. She handled it very well." Liandrin spoke as Alanna nodded.
"Keeping track of her progress have we?" Moiraine asked while looking at Liandrin.
"I have indeed. As have others." Liandrin spoke.
"I helped with my first surgery." Alessia spoke while changing the subject.
"Oh?" Verin asked as she drank from her goblet.
"Yes. A young boy. Had internal bleeding. Had to cut him open and set his ribs right." Alessia spoke. Shivering as she remembered that. "After that, I helped Alanna Sedai set the wards back up." Alessia spoke as Alanna raised her glass to confirm it.
"That we did! She did well!" Alanna praised her.
"That's our Alessia! Can learn a weave after seeing it once." Moiraine spoke.
"Still bragging about that?" Alessia asked as she looked at the woman in blue who nodded her head with a smile.
"Well. I do hate to say it, some weaves are harder than others." Alessia spoke.
"Hear hear." Alanna spoke. Clearly the woman was getting drunk. Alessia giggled at the sight of the green ajah. She could feel both sets of blue eyes on her from her giggle. She listened to the sisters chat and share stories of recent events. Alessia yawned lightly. Feeling her eyes get heavy as she falls to her side. Feeling arms wrap around her as she is lifted off the ground. The arms were familiar.
"Time for bed I guess." Alanna spoke as the others agreed.
The blanket was pulled away from her as her shoes were taken off. She felt the gently rough fingers of her wife. Feeling her dress taken off as Alessia mumbled with a smile. Feeling a kiss against her cheek.
"I love you Liandrin." Alessia spoke softly.
"I love you too, my flower." Liandrin replied while putting a nightgown over Alessia's head. She pulled it down to where it was now snug. Hearing the door open and closed.
"Oh. Are you staying here with her?" It was Moiraine.
"Yes." Liandrin spoke.
"Moiraine!" Alessia spoke with a sleepy smile. She could barely make out the woman in blue. "Come join us." Alessia spoke as she laid down. Her head hitting the pillow.
"I think I will pass." Moiraine spoke.
"Moiraine." Liandrin spoke with a sigh. "Stay on the other side of the bed. On her other side. I will sleep on her right side." Liandrin spoke.
"I'd rather share a bed with the goats." Moiraine spoke. Alessia frowned at this.
"I missed you." Alessia spoke softly. "Please join." Hearing a sigh as movements were made around the room. She felt the familiar gentle touch of Moiraine's hand against her cheek. Feeling a kiss upon her forehead. Moiraine had laid down on her left. The lights went out. Feeling the bed shift as Liandrin laid on her right.
"There. Now I have both of the women I love right here." Alessia mumbled. She could feel the tension in the air between the two. They were silent. Alessia slid an arm around Moiraine's waist and pulled her close. Snuggling up as she felt Liandrin press against her from behind. Holding her as well. She felt complete now. Her heart was purring as she had finally drifted off to sleep.