Chapter Twenty-Six: Calm before a Storm
Books were piled on the desk. It was not just the history of the White Tower or of Andor or Tar Valon. There was history of countries from across the sea. Alessia was more into learning about the Forsaken. She was absorbed into the book, and she was passed out on the desk. Through the night. Feeling a gentle hand on her shoulder as she jumped up. Adeleas was smiling at her.
"Sorry. I passed out reading." Alessia spoke.
"It's alright. At least I know you were studying." Adeleas spoke. "Come. Breakfast is being served." The woman in brown spoke as she left. Alessia frowned. Liandrin and Alanna were leaving today. She felt awful she didn't spend the night with her wife. She sighed and closed the book before taking her leave from the library. Hearing soft laughing and voices as she came outside onto the patio. Not realizing she hadn't brushed her hair.
"Alessia!" Alanna shouted as Alessia bowed to the woman in green who walked up to her and cupped her cheeks. "Come with me dear." Alanna spoke as Alessia yawned. Feeling tensions again as Moiraine and Liandrin were glaring daggers at each other before they realized Alessia left.
"Your hair is a mess." Alanna spoke as Alessia nodded.
"I need it cut." Alessia spoke as she sat on a stool in the kitchen. Alanna only smiled and began. Hearing the snipping of the hair trimmers before she felt her hair put up just like Alanna's. She reached up to feel the braids of her hair and smiled.
"Thank you." Alessia spoke softly as she gave the woman a hug.
"Of course! Come, let's eat!" Alanna spoke as she followed the battle ajah out. 'Maybe green wouldn't be a bad idea either.' Alessia thought. 'No. Stop. You already know which color you want.' Alessia reminded herself. Now that she was presentable, she took a seat that was open and began to eat slowly.
"Stay up studying last night?" Verin's voice spoke as Alessia nodded.
"I apologize for sleeping in." Alessia spoke as she ate a piece of toast.
"No worries dear. Just extra chores alright?" Verin added as Alessia nodded. She was quiet as the sisters began to converse. Alessia felt her stomach drop with sadness. She didn't want Liandrin to leave yet. She was not used to being away from the older woman, at least not in this way. It sucked. Being attached to the ones you love. She felt eyes on her as she looked up. Both Moiraine and Liandrin were giving her worried looks. She looked back to her plate. She needed to eat or she wouldn't have any energy for lessons. Taking a deep breath as she finished her plate. Standing up to bow to the sisters before clearing the table to clean the dishes. Once she was done with the dishes, Verin came into the kitchen and handed her a basket.
"There is a chicken coop. Feed them and then collect the eggs." Verin spoke with a gentle smile. Alessia returned the smile and bowed back. "Once you are done, I can show you a weave I learned. I think you'll enjoy it." Verin added. This made Alessia smile with excitement before taking her leave from the kitchen with the basket.
She was humming while making her way across the yard. Seeing the cage, she opened it and let herself into it. Closing behind before opening the chicken door. Hearing them cluck about as they pushed themselves out. Grabbing the small cloth bag and tossed the seeds around.
"Enjoy chickees!" Alessia spoke lightly while laughing at them a little. They were so cute and full of life. They had no care and nothing to worry about. Just living their life. Alessia frowned a little before letting herself into the shed. Seeing the nests everywhere as she started grabbing the eggs and gently placed them into the basket. Hearing the door open and closed.
"I'm almost done, Verin Sedai." Alessia spoke without looking up. She knelt down while picking up the eggs from the nests on the floor. She looked up and saw Liandrin watching her. She stood up as Liandrin grabbed the basket from her and set it down. Cupping Alessia's cheek.
"You've been quiet." Liandrin spoke. Her blue eyes pierced her again. Alessia nodded and frowned. "What's on your mind my flower?" The woman in red asked.
"You're leaving today with Alanna Sedai." Alessia spoke softly. Feeling the older woman's arms snake around her waist to hold her close. Alessia rested her head upon the shoulder.
"Hmm." Liandrin chuckled as Alessia looked at the woman.
"I'm sorry if that's funny?" Alessia asked with a confused look.
"No my love. If you stayed at breakfast longer before taking off you would have heard. We aren't going anywhere. Alanna received word from the Amyrlin seat that she is to train you here and since I am here as well, they figured why not have us all train you out here. We'll have to be patient though before it's our turn." Liandrin spoke.
"So, I won't be back at the Tower for a while?" Alessia asked as Liandrin nodded.
"They think it's safer that you're out here. For lessons." Liandrin spoke.
"But I feel like there is something more?" Alessia asked with a raised brow.
"The Amyrlin seat said she wanted us to advance your training. We cannot exactly do that at the Tower." Liandrin explained.
"You mean the things you'll be teaching me aren't exactly taught to Novices and Accepted?" Alessia asked as there was a nod from Liandrin. "I see." Alessia spoke while grabbing the basket again. Feeling both of her cheeks cupped again.
"Hey. Everything is going to be alright." Liandrin spoke reassuringly to Alessia who nodded with a smile. She leaned in and gave the older woman a loving kiss.
"I know. I have the best teachers. Also, I need to get these eggs to the kitchen." Alessia added as the woman in red nodded. Alessia opened the door to let Liandrin out as she followed. Locking the door so the chicken wouldn't get out. Humming softly as they made their way back to the house. She saw Moiraine in the window watching. Alessia caught the woman in blue eyes and smiled at her. Seeing the woman motion her to follow with her head as she nodded. Alessia set the eggs onto the counter.
"Thank you dear!" Verin spoke as she was rinsing vegetables.
"No problem. I will be right back. Moiraine Sedai wants something." Alessia spoke as Verin waved her off with a smile.
Alessia went into the library and closed the door behind her with a smile. Seeing Moiraine reading a book at a table that was filled with scrolls and books.
"Moiraine Sedai." Alessia spoke to make her presence known but knowing Moiraine, she already knew. The woman had her legs crossed. Wearing blue palazzo slacks and a white blouse.
"Thought you were supposed to wear all blue?" Alessia asked as she walked over and leaned against the table. Moiraine looked at her while still smiling.
"Yes. As long as I represent my color. Speaking of, we have new clothes for you. Well, I do. You are going to still be wearing white but in more comfortable wear. Wearing a dress isn't going to cut it." Moiraine spoke as she stood up and walked over to a bag she pulled out and handed it to Alessia. She bowed to the woman.
"No need to bow when we are alone, Lessy." Moiraine spoke. Alessia felt her cheeks flush. She loved it when Moiraine called her that. "I also would like to add to your studies. Read up on the Forsaken." Moiraine added while handing Alessia a couple books. She nodded her head.
"Of course." Alessia was looking at Moiraine while she had a hand on her hip, leaning against the table while looking to the side. Her hair was down past her shoulders. Alessia was caught staring and blushed.
"What is it?" Moiraine asked while resting her hands upon Alessia's hips.
"You've all been so good to me. I don't know how to repay that." Alessia spoke while looking into Moiraine's pure blue eyes.
"We want you to become the best Aes Sedai that you can be. We do this for every young girl or woman that gets taken in by the Tower and in return, you'll be doing the same thing. Teaching them our ways and what not." Moiraine spoke while kissing her forehead.
"Well, I am fluent in Old Tongue and pretty knowledgeable in history." Alessia spoke with a small smile.
"That's my Lessy." Moiraine spoke while grabbing Alessia's chin and kissed her.
"Only you get to call me that." Alessia warned Moiraine who chuckled.
"Wouldn't want it any other way." Moiraine added. "Now, get changed and get to your lesson." Moiraine added while opening the door and pinched Alessia's bottom. She jumped and gasped.
"Moiraine Sedai!" Alessia's eyes were wide as the woman in blue was smirking at her before closing the door. She had never seen Moiraine act like that before. Her brow was raised before going into the room she was staying in. Liandrin was reading a book on the bed as Alessia set the bag down on the dresser. She pulled out the clothes and smiled. Her pants were just like Moiraine's except red. White shirts as well. Some pants were blue and red as well. 'Hmm.' Alessia thought. She had put on the black pants and white blouse. Not knowing Liandrin was watching her change. There was a belt that had all the seven colors of the ajah on it. Assuming this is what she had to wear at all times.
"They allow you to wear different clothes?" The woman in red asked as Alessia nodded.
"I still have to wear white and something to represent the seven ajahs. Looking at the three rings on her left hand before turning to lean against the dresser. "There's so much to learn and I feel like my brain is going to burst." Alessia sighed while rubbing her forehead and saw Liandrin walking up to her. Pulling her into a hug. She leaned against the older woman and smiled.
"Moiraine gave me some stuff to study up on. Should probably start." Alessia added.
"There are some things I want to teach you as well." Liandrin spoke as she nodded her head again. "Come. Time to eat." Liandrin added while grabbing Alessia's hand to lead her out.
She was sitting next to Alanna who was laughing and chattering with her warders. Alessia was smiling while listening to the sisters talk. She was going to take in these moments. Learning about them as well. She finished her food but decided to stay at the table longer.
"We should dance tonight." Alanna spoke while touching Alessia's shoulder.
"Oh. I uh. I don't know Alanna Sedai. I have a lot to read and what not." Alessia spoke with a nervous laugh.
"Oh nonsense! Have a little fun!" Alanna spoke while drinking from her cup. Alessia mumbled while drinking from her own cup as well.
"I for one would like to see this." Adeleas spoke with a chuckle.
"You're not helping Adeleas Sedai!" Alessia spoke up while hearing some laughter. Feeling a hand grab her thigh under the table. It was Moiraine. She smiled at the woman in blue.
"I want to see you dance." Moiraine spoke while leaning close to Alessia.
"Well. I am still unsure." Alessia spoke.
"I've seen her dance." Liandrin bragged while finishing her plate.
"Well then in that case, dance for us!" Verin spoke up this time. Alessia gave Alanna a look before drinking her water again.
"Well, that won't be until later. Come. I have a weave to teach you." Verin spoke as Alessia was gathering the dishes.
"My dear. I can handle this. Go to your lesson." Adeleas spoke as Alessia bowed to the woman before turning to follow Verin out to the field. She had her hands folded in front of her as she followed in silence. She was curious about what she was going to learn. Her friends were at the Tower and she hoped they weren't worried about her.
"This weave isn't too complicated if you are focused. It's to set weapons aflame." Verin spoke as Alessia beamed at this. "For in case you decide to get a warder if you fight with weapons on your own." the woman in brown spoke. She began to weave as an older man had his sword out but he was so calm. Hearing the searing sound from the weave, Alessia covered her ears and watched the flame dance onto the sword. She clapped her hands as she was impressed.
"Now watch the weave." Verin spoke as Alessia did. She tilted her head with a serious look. Making sure she didn't miss any part of the weave.
"Now you try." Verin spoke as Alessia nodded. She closed her eyes and began to channel. Opening them as she moved her hands slowly to weave. Making sure the fire threads would not burn her. She waved her hand as the fire hit the ground.
"Good. Now go practice with a weapon." Verin smiled. Watching the woman in brown take her leave. Alessia had suddenly got an idea. She turned and dashed back to the patio. Seeing everyone still there talking as Alessia stopped and smiled. Looking at Lan.
"Is there something you need?" He asked.
"Yes. May I borrow you?" Alessia asked. Her hands folded in front of her. Everyone had their eyes on her with a couple giggles coming from Alanna. She gave the woman in green a look before looking back at Lan.
"What for?" He asked with a brow raised. Alessia could see Moiraine giving her a smile before nodding at Lan.
"Test something. I promise not to set you on fire." Alessia spoke in a sing-song like voice. Seeing Lan's eyes go wide. "Oh come on! It's a weave I just learned." Alessia spoke with an evil smirk on her face. This gave her a feeling of pride sent to her from Liandrin. The woman in red was also smirking.
"Fine. Only if you spar with me after. It's been a while." Lan spoke as he stood up.
"That's fair. Except you see, I no longer have my weapon." Alessia spoke as she raised her hands and shrugged.
"We'll figure something out." Lan spoke as Alessia jumped once before taking the lead to the field. Once they were in position, she didn't realize all the sisters were watching from up the hill. She began to channel. Lan gulped while having his sword drawn.
"No worries Lan!" Alessia spoke. She weaved the fire as she moved her hand forward. Setting the sword on fire.
"Yes!" Alessia shouted and clapped once. She then cleared her throat and bowed to Lan. "Thank you for your help." She spoke. Lan grabbed another sword and tossed it to her. She smiled. It was a one handed sword.
"Keep your end of the deal." He spoke as he went straight at her. Alessia turned to take a side step. "I am not sure weapons are my thing anymore." Alessia spoke as she blocked an attack from Lan. Feeling herself stagger a little before taking a swing as it clashed with his sword. Feeling a small hint of pride coming from someone, her sword was lit on fire.
"Okay, now that's not fair." Lan chuckled.
"Agreed!" Adeleas shouted as she weaved as well. Now they were even. Alessia smirked and did another swing at him. He blocked the attack. He was still better than her. Him having many years of training.
"I don't see the point in sparring since you are much better." Alessia spoke as Lan made a move. She dodged it while hitting his sword to the side.
"It's good to learn the art of sword fighting." Lan spoke while gripping his sword and took a stance. Alessia copied him by using both hands on the sword now. He was teaching her the different movements. She followed while keeping her focus. It was kind of hard with the Aes Sedai sisters watching them.
Wiping the sweat off her forehead while flipping through the book. She was sitting outside under a tree. Letting the tree shade her from the sun as it was beginning to set. She was sitting on a blanket while taking a drink from her cup. Hearing a hum, she looked up to see the woman in red. Her wife. Alessia smiled as she watched Liandrin sit down next to her. Running her fingers through her hair.
"What are you reading?" Liandrin asked as Alessia shifted her body away from Liandrin to give her better access to her hair.
"Moiraine wanted me to read up on the Forsaken. Verin Sedai wants me to study the different ajahs in more detail. I didn't know there used to be a black ajah." Alessia spoke. Hearing silence and tense from Liandrin as Alessia turned to look at the woman before poking her cheek gently. "No one can hear us here." Alessia spoke softly. "Are there other ones that aren't recorded?" She asked.
"Why do you ask?" Liandrin asked while looking into her eyes.
"I'm scared of asking these questions to others." Alessia frowned.
"So you ask me?" Liandrin replied with another question.
"You're right. I'm sorry." Alessia shook her head and closed the book. She felt the woman in red cup her cheek to look at her.
"Ask away. Just be sure we are in a private area with no risk of being heard." The older woman warned as she nodded.
"Right. It's just, not all knowledge is available and if I am to learn, I want to actually learn." Alessia spoke.
"Well. Black ajah does exist but the members are unknown. Don't mention it again, alright?" Liandrin asked as Alessia nodded.
"Is there a purple one?" Alessia asked.
"Purple? Not that I know of. Why do you ask?" Liandrin was trying to get answers.
"No reason." Alessia spoke as her chin was grabbed roughly.
"No lying to me." Liandrin spoke.
"You're right. I'm sorry. Just from dreams." She spoke.
"Tell me. Dreams have power." Liandrin spoke as she made herself comfortable next to her.
"So Moiraine says." Alessia spoke. Remembering Moiraine told her this several months ago. "Anyways. It wasn't just in my dreams. It was in my Accepted test as well." Alessia spoke. Seeing that Liandrin was listening to every word she was saying. "I ask every time I see the woman who she is, in purple. In my dreams. She always says it is not my time." Alessia spoke.
"Hmm. It seems to me that someone is either playing tricks on you by dream walking or someone is reaching out to you. Either way. Don't stress about it too much. The Wheel will unfold everything if it's meant to be." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head.
"Well, in my future part of the fear, you and Moiraine were wearing purple as well as I was." Alessia spoke. Seeing Liandrin looking at her intensely. "What?" She asked.
"You never told me about your fears. Do you want to talk about what happened?" The woman in red asked. Alessia shook her head.
"No." She replied without hesitation.
"Did you lose someone?" Liandrin asked as Alessia shook her head then shrugged. Feeling an arm wrapped around her shoulder as she leaned against the woman in red. She closed her book and laid her head on her wife's shoulder. Feeling a kiss upon her forehead.
"I try not to think about it." Alessia spoke.
"Maybe talking about it will help?" Liandrin asked. "Hmm?"
"Well, the past was my father. A white cloak killed him." She spoke remembering the dagger that was white. "The present, I was burning at the state in the Two Rivers. My future, you nearly died." Alessia spoke. She felt her lip quiver and then sniffled. Rubbing her face to get rid of the emotion.
"Well, if it helps. I am alive and well. Holding my flower in my arms." Liandrin spoke as Alessia smiled weakly at this. Nodding her head lightly.
"Forsaken? Have any that interest you?" The woman in red asked.
"Moghedien." Alessia replied.
"Really? The weakest one?" Liandrin asked as Alessia looked at her wife with a raised brow. "Hey, I know my history as well." The woman chuckled.
"True. It means spider in Old Tongue. And not to mention, she was very powerful during the Age of Legends." Alessia spoke in a matter of fact tone.
"I don't need a history lesson from you." Liandrin spoke as Alessia smirked before nodding at her.
Alessia was leaning against Liandrin the whole time as she continued reading one of the books that Moiraine had given her. She was enjoying the company she had. These moments were rare, so she took it. Liandrin had her arms around Alessia's waist. Shifting every once in a while to stay comfortable. She had told Liandrin about her Accepted test and the woman was right. She did feel better about it. Still unsure about the women who were in purple when she mentioned it. For now, she wouldn't worry too much about it. Hearing a shout from Adeleas about dinner as Alessia sighed.
"What is it?" Liandrin asked with a chuckle. Alessia flopped down not knowing she brought the woman in red down with her.
"Sorry!" Alessia spoke, hearing a chuckle.
"It's alright my love. Why the sigh?" Liandrin asked. Tracing a finger across her jawline.
"Alanna wants me to dance after supper." Alessia replied.
"Well. I for one want to see it. You are beautiful when you dance." Liandrin spoke softly.
"You're beautiful all the time." Alessia spoke. This made Liandrin go speechless and smile. Alessia took advantage of this and pulled her down more and kissed her deeply.
"You're too good for me. Come. Don't want to keep your fiancé waiting." Liandrin added with a smirk. Alessia rolled her eyes playfully.
"So weird!" Alessia spoke.
"What? That the great Moiraine is your finance?" Liandrin asked.
"No. That she wants to be my wife as well. Just like in the test. You both were. I thought they weren't true?" Alessia asked as Liandrin sat up. Pulling Alessia up with her as well.
"No one knows. They can be true." Liandrin spoke as she stood up. Alessia began to feel the panic and frowned as she stood up.
"Hey! It's alright. Look at me." Liandrin as she clearly felt the panic. Alessia's eyes were locked with the blue ones.
"Not always true as well. I am here. We both are. Moiraine is alive as well." Liandrin reassured her.
"I'm sorry. I know I'm not supposed to be letting the emotions get to me." Alessia spoke and sighed. "I have to focus better. Especially to become an Aes Sedai." Alessia added.
"Sometimes emotions can help you survive." Liandrin spoke.
"But that's not the Aes." Alessia began as a finger was pressed against her lips.
"I know, Consider this one of my lessons." Liandrin spoke while removing the finger from Alessia's lips to press it against her own. Alessia nodded her head and smiled. Picking up her book and the blanket. Making sure she didn't leave anything. Taking Liandrin's hand into her own as they made their way back to the house.
She was helping Adeleas in the kitchen for dinner. It seemed Moiraine was there helping as well. They kept purposely bumping into each other with some smiles and some smirks.
"I am sorry this kitchen is small." Adeleas spoke while putting the pit into the window to let it cool off. Alessia chuckled a little.
"It's alright. The coziest kitchen I've ever been in." Alessia spoke while setting aside the vegetables from Verin earlier.
"Aw well thank you dear!" Adeleas spoke. This had seemed to warm the woman in brown up to her. Alessia bowed her head as Moiraine was taking a drink before grabbing the plates to take them outside where the rest of the company was. Alessia was helping Adeleas take the food out as well. She sat between Liandrin and Moiraine again. Feeling both of her thighs touched under the table from both of them. She blushed and coughed. Hiding it while drinking her water. The two still were not getting along. She was only able to get a couple bites before Alanna got onto her.
"So? Alessia. Your answer?" Alanna asked as she felt all eyes on her.
"It's been a long day…" Alessia started as she felt a nudge from Liandrin. "Sure! Why not?" Alessia asked as Alanna cheered. Raising her cup before drinking from it. She could feel Moiraine smiling at her with those beautiful blue eyes. They locked eyes as Alessia felt her heart swell before looking at her plate. Eating her food slowly. Knowing full well if she was finished, she would be dragged over to the bonfire area for the dance. In truth, she was nervous. More nervous than before. Maybe it was because two of the most beautiful women that held her heart would be watching? Nah. Not at all!
"So tell us about the arches when you did your test?" Adeleas asked Alessia who looked up at the woman in brown.
"I uh. Rather not. I'm sorry Adeleas Sedai." Alessia spoke softly.
"No matter! Anyways! Word has it that Trollocs are being seen in more areas now." Verin spoke as Alanna gasped.
"Will you tell me at least?" Moiraine asked into Alessia's ear in a whisper. Alessia looked at the woman in blue and nodded her head. She still had her eyes locked on Moiraine who was still looking in her eyes as well. She was surprised no one had caught on. Well, Liandrin did as she felt a nudge. Alessia jumped a little before going back to her dinner. Feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
"Time to go!" Alanna shouted with a clap of her hands. Alessia began to gather the dishes as Adeleas was helping her. Setting the dishes in the wash bucket before she started washing. It didn't seem to take that long to finish since Adeleas was rushing.
"Go get changed dear." The woman in brown spoke as Alessia nodded and bowed to the woman. She then left to go to the room she was staying in.
Looking in the mirror as she was back in her Accepted dress. For some reason, it felt natural to wear it again. Despite that she hated dresses. Maybe it was because she got used to wearing it? Humming softly as she took out her hair that Alanna did as she brushed it out. Putting white ribbons into her hair as she put it half way up. The ribbons were twisted around a few strands of her hair. 'Why are you even dressing up?' Alessia asked herself. Who was she trying to impress anyways? 'Oh you know exactly who! Well, you know which two.' She replied to her question in her head. She blushed and took a deep breath. She leaned against the dresser while looking around the room. It felt odd not being in the Tower. She had come to know that place as her home. Was it like this all the time as an Aes Sedai? Traveling everywhere? She pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind. She was here because of the lessons she is having. She pushed herself off of the dresser and headed out of the room. She found Alanna speaking to her warders as she came up to her side.
"Alanna Sedai." Alessia spoke with a smile and bowed to the woman in green.
"Ah! Look at you!" Alanna spoke while pulling Alessia into a hug. She returned it while looking around. The others were already at the bonfire.
"One day Alessia." Alanna spoke as her eyes returned to the green ajah.
"Hmm?" Alessia asked while looking into the brown eyes.
"I'm going to kiss those pretty lips!" Alanna warned her as Alessia laughed and then covered her mouth.
"Oh really now?" She asked as Alanna nodded at her with a serious look. "Oh you're serious?" Alessia was slightly pink before Alanna then laughed and took her hand to lead her to the others.
"Looking good Alessia." Verin spoke and raised a glass. Alessia smiled and bowed to the woman. She felt eyes on her and an overwhelming feeling of lust and love. She cleared her throat while her eyes caught Moiraine who was giving her this look in her eyes. She smiled at the woman in blue while pushing her own hair behind her ear and sat down next to Liandrin who was also giving her the same look. It was admiration and love. Alessia returned the look to the both of them before looking down at her feet. Alanna was off to the side talking to her warders as they disappeared.
"We'll start in a few moments!" Alanna spoke in a sing-song like voice. Alessia for some reason felt nervous. Her stomach was doing flips. Moiraine stood up and walked over to sit on her other side. Having both of her lovers on each side calmed her down. She smiled and folded her hands into her lap.
"You know. It's been peaceful the last few days and I am enjoying this." Adeleas spoke as her eyes were closed. Alessia couldn't help but watch the woman in brown enjoying the moment. She was not wrong. It has been peaceful and she did like that as well.
"Come on everyone!" Alanna shouted from down the hill. Alessia raised her brow before standing up to follow the others down the steps. There down at the bottom of the hill was a circle that was lit by torches. Alessia smiled at the sight. It seemed Alanna had told her warders to set up an area. There were flower petals all over the ground as well. From different kinds of flowers and colors. Once she reached down the steps. She took off her shoes and smiled. Feeling the earth under her feet as she grounded herself. Feeling the energy flow through her. There was a soft humming coming from Alanna's Warders. She felt a hand on her lower back and looked over her shoulder. Liandrin was watching her closely. Looking to the other side, Moiraine was as well. What could go wrong?
Hearing the humming of the music as Alanna grabbed Alessia and pulled her to the center.
"Oofh!" Alessia spoke as she was forced to the center.
"You got this. I'll be here with you." Alanna spoke as Alessia nodded. They turned as their backs touched. Alessia had her eyes closed as she inhaled. Calling the Source to her as she began to channel. Feeling the weaves of air surrounding her body. Hearing the singing as she smiled. Wanting to laugh and just go with the flow but she decided the better of it. Then it happened. The music took over as if the weaves were guiding her. Her feet were doing work on their own. Feeling the twirl of her turns as her arms were fluid in their motions. She could see Alanna moving in the same way. They were in sync. Her heart was swelling at the freedom she was feeling from the dance. Knowing full well that Moiraine and Liandrin were feeling what she was. Her white streams matched her Accepted dress which is why Adeleas told her to change into it. Closing her eyes as she knew where she needed to be in the movements. Her hair flowing against the wind as did her dress. Side stepping to twirl against Alanna's back as the flower petals began to lift off of the ground and dance around in the wind. Though, they never left the circle. The torches were keeping everything in. Not that she minded. The smell of the petals was a soothing aroma that the wind carried around them. She let out a laugh as did Alanna who seemed to be enjoying this just as much as she did. She opened her eyes to see the looks on everyone's faces before doing another turn on her tiptoes. The earth under her feet kept her head from spinning. She stopped as she weaved her hands into a motion that Moiraine had taught her several months ago as she let the weave fall. The petals went back to dancing in the wind again before she went back to dancing. Feeling a small sweat starting on her forehead. She didn't care. Alanna took her hand and smiled as Alessia knew this woman wanted to do a duet like the dance that they had learned in the last part. Feeling her stomach was lifted as pure happiness took over her emotions and then she stopped. Her face fell.
"What's wrong?" Alanna asked as she stopped as well. Her eyes were looking around at the others. Moiraine and Liandrin didn't seem to catch on as they were mesmerized by her dancing. Hearing hurried footsteps as Lan came into view. His face had only given them seconds of a warning as a loud screeching was heard in the distance.
"Trollocs!" Lan shouted. Alessia was already weaving and casted a shield up around them.