Chapter Two: Tar Valon
She did not know how long she was out but it did not seem that long. Feeling a hand on her shoulder as she leaned up and smiled weakly. Seeing Lanfear gently touching her shoulder to wake her up. Alessia looked out of the window. It was still dark outside. They had arrived in a large city. She gasped lightly at the sight. It looked much better than Andor did!
"Welcome to Tar Valon. Home of the White Tower." Lanfear spoke as Alessia was now sitting up straight and wide awake. The adrenaline was hitting her now. She was too wide awake now. "Welcome home." Lanfear then added. Alessia smiled and opened the door once the vehicle had landed. She was smiling non stop before seeing another woman who was wearing blue. She was older looking. Had a gentle but hard smile.
"Let's get her settled in before signing her name?" Lanfear asked.
"Of course Sister Lanfear." The other woman spoke.
"This is Sister Sheriam. Mistress of Novices. She is responsible for you." Lanfear spoke. Alessia gave the woman a bow.
"Ah. Already knows how to respect." Sheriam spoke. "Come along." Sheriam spoke as Alessia nodded her head and followed. Looking behind her to see Lanfear speaking to Lews before disappearing.
"Welcome to the White Tower. Tonight, you will sleep in your new room in the Novice quarters. Tomorrow, you will sign your name and burn whatever you brought with you. Tomorrow, I will come and get you in the morning. Be sure to be up at dawn and in your new clothes." Sheriam spoke as she led Alessia down several different hallways. She kept looking around. It seemed the Tower was settled for the night already. She frowned a little. She was hoping to run into her friend Jane. She decided to wait. Seeing the older woman stop by a door and unlock it. She entered and looked around. Seeing her wardrobe opened as Sheriam smiled again.
"These will be your new clothes to wear daily." The older woman spoke. Alessia looked to see pure white dresses with gray looking aprons with them. "The Accepteds wear different white dresses. Once you rise to Acceptance of course. These are your gowns for sleeping. Undergarments in this drawer. If they do not fit, let me know tomorrow. Get some rest. Big day tomorrow." Sheriam spoke.
"Thank you." Alessia spoke and gave the woman a bow as she took her leave. Alessia saw she had the basic needs. Hair brush. Tooth brush. Hair ties. She smiled softly and changed into a gown. Crawling under the covers of the bed and looking around the moonlit bedroom that was now hers. It was plain and simple. Just how she liked it. Her room at her home in Andor had everything she ever wanted. Materials. It was just things. She could live without them. Everything in her room was gray or white. Bland colors. SHe didn't like it but she didn't complain. Hoping sleep would come to her. Instead, she was still wide awake. She sat up and walked over to the window. Looking out to the city. Smiling at how big it was. Resting her hand on the windowsill as she felt something crawl onto it. Looking down to see a small fuzzy brown spider crawl across her hand.
"Oh. Hello there little one." Alessia spoke while lifting her hand to get a closer and better look of the spider. It was watching her as she did it. Setting it back down as she went back to bed. Closing her eyes to fall asleep. Sleep did finally come.
Feeling something crawl across her face as she jumped up. Seeing the spider crawl up the wall. She chuckled lightly at this before looking around. Seeing the moon was almost gone as the sun was starting to rise. It was now dawn. She stood up and walked over to her wardrobe and changed into the Novice dress. It was a perfect fit. She changed into the underparts as well. Also perfect fit. She was making mental notes wondering if she should ask how they fit and what not. Brushing her hair as she just let it hang down. Hearing a knock as she set the brush down and opened it. Smiling softly as she saw Sheriam waiting for her. She grabbed her old clothes under her arm.
"All ready?" She asked. Alessia nodded her head. Closing her door behind her and followed the woman. She was wearing blue again. It seemed to be the woman's favorite color. They entered a large room and saw Lanfear there as well.
"Don't mind me. I wanted to come see her off on her first day." The older woman spoke.
"Of course sister Lanfear." Sheriam spoke as she opened a large book on a stand. Handing Alessia the pen. "Writing your name means you are binding yourself to the White Tower and to us. That you are agreeing to follow all Tower laws and rules." Sheriam spoke as Alessia nodded. Writing her name down rather quickly.
"You are Alessia of House Solstice?" Sheriam asked as Alessia nodded her head lightly. "It is an honor to meet you dear. Your House holds the armies for the Crown. The richest House known. We are honored to have you here." Sheriam spoke.
"I thought I was supposed to drop all claims, names, and titles once we become an Aes Sedai?" Alessia asked while in thought. The woman smiled and led her away to another room. She saw a large fire in the center of the room.
"Toss in your things. To signify the life you are leaving behind as you move forward." Sheriam spoke. 'So, this is why she wanted me to bring my old clothes.' Alessia thought. She smiled and tossed the older clothes in. Being glad that hideous dress was getting burned. Hoping to never see another one like that.
"Come. There are a few others I want you to meet." Sheriam spoke as Alessia nodded her head. Wondering who she was going to be meeting. She followed out of the larger room. Now, she was going to be starting her new life here at the Tower. It felt odd. There weren't many Novices from what she gathered from the conversation she was hearing from Sheriam and Lanfear. There were a few more Accepteds at the time being. They stopped at a door on a different floor. Alessia looked around. Seeing they were on another part of the Tower. The door was opened as Sheriam stepped inside. Alessia followed in silence. Seeing a young woman not much taller than her was very focused on something. Alessia could see thin string-like lines running all over the room like webs. It intrigued Alessia for some reason. It looked amazing when she caught sight of it. It was gone rather quickly. She wanted to ask about it but decided against it.
"Find anything interesting?" Lanfear's voice spoke to break the silence. The webs disappeared as the woman turned around. She was wearing black pants, black boots, and a fancy white button up shirt. The woman had very short bangs and her hair up in a tight braided bun.
"I did not." The woman spoke slowly as she tilted her head looking at Alessia. As if she was looking right into her soul.
"This is Alessia of House Solstice. She is one of us." Lanfear spoke.
"Welcome my lady. She's so young." The other woman spoke. Her voice was so calm. It made her heart start racing as her breath was now short but fought to hide it.
"Looks like you are no longer the youngest now Lillen Sedai." Lanfear spoke with a chuckle. "This is Lillen Moiral. Call her Lillen Sedai. In fact, all women will have Sedai as their last names." Lanfear explained as Alessia nodded. "Come along." Lanfear spoke as she turned to leave. All Alessia could do was stare at Lillen. Like she knew her but couldn't place a finger upon it. "Alessia!" Lanfear shouted. Alessia jumped. She was caught staring at Lillen who smirked at her before turning away to go back to her work. Alessia however dashed out of the room quickly. Following Lanfear and Sheriam away as they made their way down the stairs. Lillen was still in her mind for some reason.
"Lanfear Sedai." Alessia spoke. Seeing both women look at her.
"Hmm?" Lanfear asked. Waiting.
"May I ask, was there anything found on that bracelet?" Alessia asked lightly.
"Not yet. That is the reason we just visited Sister Lillen. Do not worry. You will know once we do find anything." Lanfear spoke. Pushing the thoughts away as she heard a bell. Watching Lanfear take her leave as Alessia was following Sheriam now.
She was led into a garden and smiled as there was a woman wearing a long green flowy dress. It seemed she was teaching other Novices a weave.
"Sister Alanna. This is daughter Alessia Solstice. She is new and just arrived last night." Sheriam spoke. Seeing the woman's dark brown eyes meeting her own.
"Welcome dear! Come, take a seat." Alanna instructed as Alessia smiled and nodded. She sat down on a bench as there was now whispering among them.
"Now now! Let us focus! Remember to call fire to you slowly. So you do not burn yourselves." Alanna spoke. Alessia was watching the others as they were focusing on cups in their hands. Alessia was then handed a cup.
"We are doing a weave called heating. Very simple and easy to do." Alanna explained. Alessia watched the woman do the weave. Alessia copied. Nothing happened. She frowned and looked up at the woman in green who was in thought.
"You may be stressed. No worries! You only just arrived." Alanna explained. Alessia sighed a little. She had just weaved last night and now. There was nothing. The sun was beating down on them with gentle heat. Alessia kept trying to call the One Power but felt nothing. Hearing some giggling as she looked over. They were pointing at her before quickly looking away. There was another bell not long after.
"Come along dears!" Alanna spoke as she clapped her hands once. Alessia stood up and saw the others carrying a bag by a strap on their shoulders. She frowned. She hadn't gotten anything yet. She followed them in silence. Wondering if the Novices all took classes together. Seeing a smaller room as they all sat down. Alessia took a seat in the back. Seeing Alanna write onto a blackboard and begin to speak. It was in Old Tongue! Now she understood something! Alanna walked over to her and set down a book in front of her with papers and a single pen. To take notes perhaps.
"It is an honor to meet you, Builder." Alanna spoke in the Tongue. "How would one reply to this?" She asked in Common Tongue. Alessia raised her hand. Alanna nodded at her.
"Your welcome warms me." Alessia replied in Old Tongue perfectly.
"My dear. Are you fluent in Old Tongue?" Alanna asked. Alessia nodded her head lightly. "Come. Follow me. Everyone else, open your book and review the chapter." Alessia stood up and followed Alanna to another classroom. "I am placing you in a more advanced class for the language." Alanna explained. "You shall start coming to this class instead." Alanna spoke as she knocked on the side of the door. The classroom went silent.
"Sister Lanfear, I am placing daughter Alessia into your class. She's fluent." Alanna spoke. Alessia felt her cheeks go pink a little.
"Is she now?" Lanfear asked as she set down her chalk. "Tell me dear, where are you born?" Lanfear asked in Old Tongue.
"My family is from Tarabon as I was born in Andor." Alessia replied lightly in Old Tongue. Hearing whispering from the other students again. Instead, they were Accepteds. Only one other Novice was in there.
"Take a seat." Lanfear spoke in Common Tongue. Feeling her shoulder rubbed as Alessia looked at Alanna who nodded. She took a deep breath and walked into the room. Trying to pick a seat as each Accepted placed a bag into an empty chair. Alessia gave up and walked straight to the back and sat down. Looking down at her hands in her lap. It was her first day that just started and she did not seem to be making any friends soon. Hearing Lanfear going back to teaching. Alessia frowned and began to take notes. The class didn't seem to be hard at all to her. Maybe learning the language was required now in the Tower? The bell had rung finally after what seemed to be hours. She packed her papers and tucked it into her book as she grabbed her pen. Holding her stuff close as she felt a presence by her.
"Hi!" A voice made her jump. She looked up to see a girl not much older than her smiling. She had pale yellow hair and blue eyes. Alessia smiled weakly at her. "I'm Tarna Feir." The woman spoke as she held out a hand. Alessia shook it.
"I'm." Alessia began.
"Alessia. I know. Heard it from Alanna. Come. I want to show you around." Tarna spoke as Alessia nodded and followed the girl.
They were now walking down a hallway as Alessia was looking around.
"Our next class isn't for a while." Tarna spoke as Alessia nodded her head. "You don't talk much, do you?" She asked.
"Sorry. It's just. Today has been very overwhelming." Alessia spoke while seeing very tall statues. She was confused at this.
"This is the warder's quarters. These statues represent the men who bonded themselves to the Aes Sedai the last couple hundred years." Tarna spoke, explaining.
"A warder?" Alessia asked. Feeling her arm grabbed as she was led to another area of the Tower again. She was trying to make a mental map of the Tower. Seeing men sparring against each other. "There is no closer bond than a warder and their Aes Sedai." Tarna spoke with a dreamy sigh.
"Can women be warders?" Alessia asked. Hearing a laugh from the other woman.
"Well, yes. But it's rare. Most prefer men." Tarna spoke. Alessia made a disgusted face. "You don't have to have a warder." Tarna added as she saw Alessia's face. She nodded her head at her new friend.
"I do not want one." Alessia spoke.
"Well, you just started. It will be several years before then." Tarna spoke as she stopped talking. Alessia looked at her and followed her line of sight. Seeing a woman watching them. The handsome face she saw earlier. Lillen Sedai. She was watching them before taking her leave.
"She gives me the creeps." Tarna spoke softly as Alessia raised a brow. The woman only watched them before leaving. "Everyone avoids her." Tarna spoke.
"How come?" Alessia asked. She was curious now.
"No worries about it. Come along!" Tarna spoke as she was now giving Alessia an official tour of the Tower.
"Hey. Do you know a woman my age by the name Jane?" Alessia asked. Hoping to see if Tarna knew. Tarna nodded her head as Alessia then felt her heart beat faster.
"Wait! You are THE Alessia?!" Tarna asked as she raised a brow. "Jane spoke about you! She should be arriving back from the mission she was sent out on." Tarna spoke.
"She's an Aes Sedai?" Alessia asked and heard a chuckle.
"No. She's Accepted. We go out on tasks and missions with the Aes Sedai sometimes." Tarna spoke.
"I hoped to see her. I miss her." Alessia spoke as Tarna smiled.
"You will! She talked about you a lot! Saying she wished you were here as well. I cannot wait to see her face!" Tarna spoke with a smile.
"I assume you two are close?" Alessia asked. Tarna nodded with a smile.
"Yes, we came on the same day. Raised as Accepted together as well." Tarna spoke. Alessia felt a little jealous. She had wished she was there as well. Though, she was happy for her friend. To make another friend as well.
"Look! It's royalty who can't weave!" A younger woman pointed at her while laughing. There were a few others with her also laughing as they walked past them. Alessia frowned at this.
"What did you do for Trina and her gang to target you?" Tarna asked as Alessia shrugged her shoulders.
"No idea. I couldn't weave in the first class I joined." Alessia explained.
"Might be from stress. Alanna has a meditation session for those who want to relax and become stress free. You should look into it." Tarna spoke. Alessia nodded her head at this. Her first day, she made a friend, Jane was coming back today, and yet she somehow made an enemy?
She followed Tarna back to the garden as they were alone. Sitting down on the bench as she was absorbing the heat from the sun on her face.
"Oh!" Tarna spoke as Alessia looked at her and followed her line of sight again. Seeing the one person she wanted to see. Jane was standing there staring at them with her mouth opened.
"Alessia?!" Jane shouted. Alessia smiled and stood up. Watching her friend run towards her and hug her tightly. Almost knocking her off of her feet.
"How?!" Jane shouted while pulling back. Looking at her to make sure it really was her before hugging her tightly again.
"Jane." Was all Alessia could say. She felt her eyes sting before feeling her friend pull away.
"How?" Jane asked again.
"I don't know. It happened yesterday. I only arrived last night!" Alessia spoke with a smile. Jane hugged her yet again.
"I see you met Tarna. I'm so glad!" Jane spoke as she sat down. Alessia sat back down as well.
"She was placed in advanced Old Tongue." Tarna spoke.
"Of course she would be! She was taught at a young age." Jane spoke. "Show me! Your weave." Jane then added while looking at Alessia she frowned.
"Alanna Sedai said she can't weave because of stress with everything happening." Tarna spoke in her stead.
"Makes sense. I am so happy you are here!" Jane spoke up again. Alessia couldn't help but just smile at her friend before sighing softly.
"It's been hectic." Alessia spoke.
"Hey, Jane said you're fluent in Old Tongue right?" Tarna asked as Alessia nodded her head lightly.
"Think you could help us? I'm struggling." Tarna asked as Alessia nodded her head.
"Of course! If you teach me weaves!" Alessia spoke. Seeing her two friends nod their heads. She would of course have to figure out why she couldn't weave.
"Daughter Alessia." Sheriam's voice came. Alessia turned around and saw her. "Come with me dear. I need to speak to you." Sheriam spoke. Alessia grabbed her book and papers before following.
"See you soon!" Jane shouted. Alessia waved with a smile before following Sheriam to another side of the Tower. She assumed it was the woman's office. Hearing the door click unlocked as it opened.
"In you go." Sheriam spoke. Alessia did as she was told and went inside. Seeing several candles lit as she smiled at this. Hoping to learn this someday as well. "Take a seat dear. I need to discuss rules and what not with you. Sister Lanfear and Lillen will be joining us shortly." Sheriam spoke. Alessia gave the woman a confused look. "You're not in trouble. Now. Tell me. How are you settling in?" She asked.
"Truthfully? I haven't settled in just yet. I am very overwhelmed but I believe that I will get used to it." Alessia replied.
"Of course. Now. As a Novice, you are not allowed to channel without the supervision of an Aes Sedai or Accepted. Failure to follow these rules will result in a switching or a belting." Sheriam spoke. Alessia gulped at this. She would rather not get any spankings of any kind. She did not know what a switch was.
"You are to bow to all Aes Sedai out of respect. Bow to newly raised Accepteds as well. If a Sister asks you to perform a task, you are to do so without question. If you feel like the task is against the law or rules, you come straight to me. Using the One Power against another is strictly forbidden for any reason unless a Sister is teaching you a lesson. As a Novice, you will rise at dawn, be clean and presentable, arrive at your classes on time, study hard and do your chores. Curfew is two hours after dinner. There are no classes on weekends but you are expected to study on your own or with another. Chores are to be done as well. Failure to follow these will result in consequences. Do you understand?" Sheriam asked.
"Yes, Sheriam Sedai." Alessia spoke softly as a knock was heard.
"Good. Come in." Sheriam spoke as the door opened. Seeing Lanfear and Lillen enter. Alessia stood up and gave them a bow before sitting back down. She was looking at her hands in her lap to avoid eye contact.
"You wanted to speak to me with daughter Alessia?" Sheriam asked.
"Yes. We have information I thought that Alessia would want to know. About the bracelet." Lanfear spoke. Alessia quickly looked up to Lanfear who was holding the bracelet in her hand.
"What is it?" Sheriam asked. Seeing Lanfear nod towards Lillen who took the bracelet and channeled. Seeing the weaves circle it.
"It's a Ter'angreal. An illegal one. This one suppresses the One Power." Lillen spoke. Her words were like music to her ears. Her voice is so soft, smooth, and calm. It made Alessia blush as she looked away back to her lap.
"Who gave this to you?" Sheriam asked as she looked at the older woman.
"My father." Alessia spoke softly.
"Did he tell you why?" Sheriam asked. Alessia shook her head.
"No. Only to never take it off." Alessia replied.
"That would explain why you never sensed you when Jane's power showed itself." Lanfear spoke. Alessia frowned again at this.
"No matter. She is here now. That's what matters." Sheriam spoke. Alessia couldn't help but smile a little at this. "Now, you may take your leave, daughter Alessia." Sheriam added. Alessia stood up and gave all three of them a bow again before taking her leave. Not helping but overhearing.
"Why do you think he would hide her power?" Lillen's voice asked.
"I do not know. I don't like it. Few girls and young women have been coming to us in the last four years." Lanfear spoke.
"What will you do with that?" Sheriam asked.
"I am taking it to Lews to see if he can destroy it." Lanfear replied. Alessia heard enough and took her leave. Not knowing where to go as she wandered around again.
"Are you lost?" A gentle voice spoke. Alessia turned and saw a different woman in blue. It was that smile! Alessia smiled back and bowed.
"Moiraine Sedai. Good to see you again." Alessia spoke.
"So, the rumor is true. You have come to join us." Moiraine spoke.
"Rumor?" Alessia asked while hearing a soft chuckle.
"Yes. I heard a new Novice came in last night. Another one from a high ranking family. I didn't think it was you until sister Alanna told me." Moiraine spoke. She was still smiling and touched Alessia's shoulder. "Tell me dear. Are you settling in alright?" Moiraine asked. Alessia laughed lightly. There seemed to be a calm aura around this woman.
"I uh. Well. Truth be told. It's only my first day. I still have much to learn." Alessia spoke as Moiraine nodded her head lightly. "I can't seem to channel though. Alanna Sedai said it could be from stress." Alessia spoke. She saw Moiraine give her a confused look.
"Hmm. That is unusual." Moiraine spoke. She reached up and placed her hand against Alessia's forehead. Alessia looked past Moiraine and saw Lillen watching them from the end of the hall. She had a look on her face that Alessia did not like. She wondered why she was making that face. Her eyes went back to the blue ones.
"You might be blocked my dear." Moiraine spoke as Alessia frowned at this. "Have you thought about taking Alanna's extra class?" She then asked.
"I have not. Maybe I should." Alessia spoke. "I do not know where it is." She added.
"Come. Follow me." Moiraine spoke as she wrapped an arm around Alessia's shoulder to lead her away. Alessia couldn't help but smile at this woman. She was so welcoming and kind to her. Seeing the others already disappearing for the day since it would be out for classes and too early for dinner. Alessia wondered if they used this time to socialize. Feeling a light breeze from the wind again as they entered the gardens again. This time, Alanna was there with two others. One Accepted and the other was a sister.
"Ah Moiraine. Thank you for bringing Alessia. I was starting to wonder if she would show up or not." Alanna spoke as Moiraine spoke. Rubbing Alessia's shoulder before letting go. It felt odd at the contact she had received. She wasn't used to people touching her that she did not know well.
"She got lost, so I brought her here." Moiraine spoke. Giving Alanna a small bow before taking her leave. Alessia couldn't help but stare at the woman in blue before hearing a throat clear. She faced Alanna again and also gave her a bow.
"Sorry Alanna Sedai." Alessia spoke. Only to see the woman smile at her and waved to an empty pillow. It was very large and green. She sat down on it. Setting her book and papers to the side.
She looked back up to see Alanna also sitting down.
"Let us start with our breathing exercise." Alanna spoke as she began to breathe in deeply. Holding it for a moment and slowly exhaling. Alessia raised a brow at the woman before looking at the other two. Watching them mimic Alanna. They put their hands placed against each other in front of them like they were saying a prayer. Eyes closed as they inhaled again. Alessia looked around her surroundings. It seemed they were not being disturbed. Her eyes then caught a pair of dark ones. It seemed Lillen was watching them. Or watching her. Wondering why. For some reason, she couldn't break eye contact with the younger woman. Then she took the courage and waved lightly at Lillen. Seeing she was given a confused look.
"Alessia dear. You need to try and follow instructions." Alanna spoke. Alessia jumped and quickly looked back at Alanna who was eyeing her. She blushed with embarrassment as she was caught. She nodded her head and placed her hands in front of her like shown. Closing her eyes as she took a deep breath. Sitting up straight as well. Feeling herself drift a little. To sleep? She was not sure until Alanna spoke again.
"Now. Surrender yourself to it. Feel the energy around you. Let it fill you up." Alanna spoke. Alessia opened one eye and pursed her lips tightly. Trying not to smile or laugh. She closed her eyes again and took another deep breath. Then her hands fell to her knees. Feeling her chest rise and fall as she kept taking in deep breaths.
"Imagine a bud. It's pink. Supple. Ready to be." Alanna began as a snicker happened. Alessia opened her eyes and looked around. Seeing another Novice watching them with four others surrounding her.
"Looks like royalty needs extra help." Trina spoke before snorting with laughter and walked off. The other four were laughing as well when they followed. Alessia felt her cheeks burn as Alanna watched them leave. She grabbed her book and stood up.
"Alessia dear. We aren't done!" Alanna called out as Alessia made a dash out of the garden. She felt embarrassed. Like a failure. She wanted her friend Jane. Instead she ran down an empty hallway. Feeling her eyes sting and wiped them clean before leaning against the wall and took a deep breath. She felt a presence near her. She looked to her left and sure enough, Lillen was watching her again. 'Probably for punishment.' Alessia thought. Not on her first day. She turned to her right and went up the stairs. Hoping to find her friend. She gave up and went straight to her room. She felt like the class she was just in was not going to help. Especially with that other Novice always knowing where she was. Just to put her down. This was not how she imagined being at the Tower would be. Sure there were a lot of welcoming people but then again, there were a lot who were not so welcoming. She came to the end of the hallway and found her room.
She shut her door rather roughly but not enough for a slam. She set the book on the desk as she sighed. Looking into her wardrobe and sure enough, there was a bag for her classes. She pulled it out and put her book and papers inside. Making sure her pens were there as well. Hearing a knock as she opened it. Seeing Jane and Tarna standing in her doorway. She was grabbed by the arm gently as Tarna went to grab a change of clothes and her bag.
"You're staying in my room tonight!" Jane spoke as she was smiling non stop. Alessia felt her stomach growl.
"You missed dinner so we came to see if you were here. We thought you were with Alanna Sedai but she said you ran from class." Tarna added as she was led down the hallway to another section of the Tower.
"Yeah." Alessia spoke as she looked down to the ground. Feeling her back rubbed by Tarna. She felt like her friends were going to be upset with her.
"Tell us about it once we arrive." Jane spoke.
"Hello dears. Mind curfew please!" Moiraine's voice spoke.
"Of course Moiraine Sedai! Jane and Tarna both spoke in unison. Alessia nodded her head at the woman.
"Sleep well Alessia." Moiraine spoke as she took her leave. Alessia smiled weakly as she followed around a corner. It was a different hallway. There didn't seem to be that many rooms. Jane entered a room as Alessia and Tarna followed. It was much larger than the Novice rooms. Alessia looked around and smiled. More colors as well. She sat down on the bed and pushed her hair out of her face.
"So. What happened?" Jane asked as she laid down on the other side of the bed. Tarna sat near Alessia at the end. Alessia then made herself comfortable on the bed.
"Well. It started when Sheriam Sedai called me to her office. She explained the rules to me as Lanfear and Lillen Sedai showed up.
"Lillen Sedai? Why would anyone want her near you or themselves?" Tarna asked. She had a disgusted face on. Alessia frowned at this. If anyone was going to tell her about Lillen Sedai, she wanted the woman to tell her, herself.
"Anyways. The bracelet I had, you remember right?" Alessia asked as Jane nodded her head.
"Bracelet?" Tarna asked.
"Yes. I have had this gold bracelet on my left wrist ever since I could remember. I was told to never take it off. Turns out, it was a ter'angreal suppressing my power." Alessia spoke as Jane gasped loudly.
"So, you could have channeled all this time?!" Jane shouted as Alessia nodded her head. "Sorry, continue." Jane spoke as Alessia chuckled lightly.
"Yes. Lanfear said it was the reason they couldn't sense me by the time you showed your powers. Now, she dismissed me from her office and I wandered the halls because I got lost. Moiraine Sedai found me." Alessia spoke as she heard a dreamy sigh from Jane as she rolled her eyes at her friend. "She asked me a few questions on how I was doing and settling in. She took me to Alanna Sedai's class. After that, I really tried. Focusing on what Alanna was trying to show me. That's when it happened. Trina and her gang were there making fun of me." Alessia spoke with a frown. "Also, Lillen Sedai seems to be where I am as well. I wonder if she is monitoring me or something." Alessia added. Seeing her two friends give each other a look before looking back at her.
"Well, whatever it is, stay away from her." Jane spoke.
"Why?" Alessia asked with a curious look.
"They say she's insane." Tarna whispered. Alessia rolled her eyes.
"I bet she is powerful." Alessia spoke.
"Careful now. Don't want to be idolizing the wrong sister." Jane warned her.
" I don't idolize anyone." Alessia spoke. She knew the Novices looked up to the Aes Sedai like they were Goddesses. In truth, she and Jane did as well ever since they were younger. She had heard Lanfear was the strongest one of the women, Aes Sedai.
"What did Trina say to you?" Tarna asked as Alessia sighed.
"She said; looks like royalty needs extra help." Alessia frowned at this.
"That's not really bad or anything." Jane spoke.
"It's how she said it. I felt judgmental stares from the other two in the class as her friends laughed and pointed at me. It made me feel inferior. Less than." Alessia spoke as she was trying to describe how she felt.
"Well, just know that you are not alone anymore. You're finally here!" Jane squealed as she completely changed the subject. Alessia laughed as she was hugged tightly by Jane again. Tarna was pulled into the hug. She was glad to be with her friend finally. They had changed into their gowns and crawled into the large bed. Alessia was smiling non stop as she kept thinking about Moiraine's smile before laying down. It was silent in the room as another smile came into her mind. She looked around the dark room. Seeing shadowy footsteps leave away from the door.