Chapter Twelve: Field Day
(Enjoy the long chapter!)
The night seemed to have come and gone quickly. Alessia had barely gotten any sleep as she wrote another letter to Moiraine. Letting her know about her Acceptance and that she passed. She looked in the mirror as she was sitting in the chair in front of it. She slowly brushed her hair and sighed. It felt odd. It felt so real much like her dreams. She frowned a little before setting the brush down. Looking back into the mirror as she could see her blue eyes staring back at her. She slowly began working on her braids. Hearing a knock on her door as it was opened. Jane had come into her room.
"You passed! You're an Accepted now!" Jane was beaming as she hugged Alessia tightly. She nodded her head lightly. "Well, how do you feel?" Jane then asked. Alessia looked at her friend and frowned.
"Was it real? Any of it? I know Liandrin Sedai said that it could be and could not be." Alessia spoke softly.
"We're not really supposed to talk about it unless someone asks." Jane replied.
"Right. Sorry." Alessia spoke as she went back to doing her hair. There was another knock as Alanna came into her room.
"Alanna Sedai." They said in unison and bowed.
"You may leave daughter Jane. I wish to speak to Alessia." Alanna spoke with a smile. Jane nodded and took her leave. Alanna walked up to her and began doing her hair.
"Thank you." Alessia spoke softly.
"I am hosting a field day tomorrow outside of the city gates for the Accepteds. I wish for you to join." Alanna spoke
"I would be honored, Alanna Sedai!" Alessia spoke with a smile.
"Good. I shall add you to the list. We have an even number now." Alanna spoke.
"May I ask, what is the field day?" Alessia asked.
"It's a contest to test our sisters' strengths and our Accepteds strengths as well. Mainly the Accepteds. It also shows our sisters the Accepteds strengths as well." Alanna spoke.
"More reason to have them watch us." Alessia spoke.
"I was thinking about using the room downstairs instead of going out of the city. Seems dangerous now these days again." Alanna added. "That way my sisters don't all need to leave. Though, Moiraine wanted to watch." Alanna added. Alessia felt like Alanna was deciding as her hair was finished.
"Why not tell Moiraine Sedai about the outcome? Besides, who would attack a large group of women?" Alessia asked.
"Good point. Well, all done. I look forward to tomorrow. Everyone is encouraged to rest today. A break from chores and classes. Very rare. Take the time to rest or study if you prefer." Alanna spoke as Alessia gave her a bow as she watched the green ajah. So, it was a rest day. She decided to leave her room and wander the halls at this time. She had all day to rest. It felt odd. To be doing nothing. She suddenly had an idea. She turned back to her room and grabbed her bag. Wanting to study something as she headed back to the library. She needed to return some books anyway.
She was now in the library looking around. She saw the brown from before and smiled.
"Adeleas Sedai, I came to return these books." Alessia spoke with a bow.
"Ah. Did they help you my dear?" Adeleas asked?
"They did! I can keep up in my studies now." Alessia spoke softly.
"Are there any books you wish to check out?" Adeleas asked.
"Yes! I would like to browse to see if any others interest me." Alessia spoke.
"Very well. Let me know when you are ready." The brown ajah spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She turned and saw Lillen was sitting at a table with a book opened and taking notes. Alessia couldn't help but stare. It seemed that it caught Lillen's attention as she looked up. They locked eyes. Alessia blushed and quickly left. Disappearing into the book aisles. She grabbed the book she was looking for. About spiders and placed it under her arms. She was about to leave when another book caught her attention. Her being the curious person she was, grabbed it.
Aes Sedai and their Bonds. She tucked it under her arm as well and walked back up to Adeleas.
"Ready dear?" She asked as Alessia nodded her head.
"I uh. Need paper as well." Alessia spoke softly.
"Of course. I'll grab extra." Adeleas spoke as she disappeared to the back. Alessia moved the books to the side while lightly tapping the book with her finger as the brown ajah came back.
"You're in here a lot. We might take you into the Brown ajah." Adeleas spoke with a chuckle. "You being the curious one that you are." She added.
"I'm not sure. I have more questions than I do answers." Alessia spoke.
"And you're willing to seek them?" Adeleas asked. Alessia thought for a moment. "See. There is Brown in you." She chuckled as she took the book names before handing them back to her along with the paper. It was more than she was used to but she decided to use them.
"Thank you Adeleas Sedai." Alessia spoke.
"One question dear." Adeleas spoke as Alessia looked at her.
"Are you taking part of field day tomorrow?" She asked. She could feel Lillen's eyes on her again as she nodded her head.
"Yes, Adeleas Sedai." She spoke. She smiled at the older woman before taking her bow again. Tucking the items safely into her bag and taking her leave. She pulled the strap onto her shoulder as she made her way down back to her room. She hummed softly while walking back into her room and set her bag down on the small table. Looking around as she opened the patio doors. To let sunlight inside with fresh air. Not like she needed it since the doors had holes in them. A flora pattern. She went back to the table and sat down. Opening the book about bonds. She was always curious about what they were. Reading through the pages while skimming through them. One caught her attention. One about the Aes Sedai and their lovers. She smiled softly at it before closing the book and set it aside. She opened the book about spiders and smiled while drawing a picture of one of them. It was a pretty green and yellow one. Orchard spider. She finished the drawing when she heard a knock on her door as it was opened.
"Tarna Sedai." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"Ah. It's true then. You're an Accepted now. Come. I want to give you a lesson." Tarna spoke as Alessia nodded. Putting away the drawing inside the cover of the book before taking her leave after the Red ajah.
She was quickly following Tarna down the hallways. She was rather fast for a tall person so Alessia was basically running to keep up.
"May I ask where we are going, Tarna Sedai?" Alessia asked as they turned down a corner to go down the stairs to the ground floor but they didn't stop there. Alessia's eyes caught someone's eye. The dark brown ones that she came to really like and she smiled lightly as they were walking past the sister. Alessia took the courage and poked the older woman's shoulder. Lillen gave her a look as Alessia smiled at her before quickly looking away. Putting her hands behind her back. Not knowing Lillen had smiled at her from behind. Hearing swords clashing against each other as Alessia could hear the Warders practicing their fighting skills. She stopped to watch for a moment before a hand grabbed her arm.
"Come along Alessia. No time to dawdle." Tarna spoke while chuckling.
"Sorry." Alessia spoke.
"Liandrin will be disappointed to know you were watching the Warders." Tarna spoke in a teasing voice.
"What do you mean?" Alessia asked. Tarna only looked at her with a smirk before leading them down the stairs. It was getting colder as Alessia then stopped. There was the door she went through last night. She frowned at the sight.
"Are you alright?" Tarna asked as Alessia then nodded her head before following the red ajah again. They came upon a door. Tarna knocked on it as another red opened the door to let them through. Alessia looked around with a small smile. There were several reds inside already while battling each other. Practicing shielding and shields. There were also some stunning.
"Here we are going to practice your shields more. If you're good and get them down quickly, I might teach you how to stun." Tarna spoke as Alessia's eyes lit up. "Now!" Tarna shouted as fire was shot at her. Alessia jumped to the side and raised her shield. She wasn't fast in weaving but it was up in time for Tarna to throw small fireballs at her.
"You call that a shield?" A voice spoke as Alessia looked over her shoulder as Liandrin came into view.
"Ow!" Alesia shouted as she was on the ground holding her arms.
"Well, that stun was a little stronger than I thought." Tarna spoke. She had caught her off guard. "Don't let your guard down." Tarna spoke.
"I didn't." Alessia spoke as she stood up.
"Uh huh." The red was smirking at her while crossing her arms. Alessia moved her hands and threw wind at Tarna who only slid backwards a little on her feet. "Not bad. Try again." Tarna spoke as Alessia nodded. Moving her hands as she was then thrown off her feet. Alessia grunted while sitting up and sighed.
"You're weaving too slow. You won't last a single round tomorrow." Tarna spoke.
"So, you're helping me for tomorrow?" Alessia asked.
"She's helping you get better." Liandrin spoke as she held her hand out for Alessia. She took it and stood up. Brushing the dirt off her dress. "You will have no chance against the other Accepteds tomorrow for being slow." Liandrin then added. Alessia frowned at this.
"Truthfully, I haven't really had much training or help in weaving since I signed my name." Alessia spoke. She had classes with Alanna sure but they were simple weaves she was being taught.
"With that thinking, you might as well hand over yourself on a silver platter." Tarna spoke. Then there was a light chuckle.
"Hey!" Alessia crossed her arms and sighed.
"Tomorrow some of our sisters will be showing the Accepteds some weaves against each other but they are not to be repeated." Liandrin then spoke. Alessia nodded her head to show that she understood. "Try again." Liandrin spoke. Alessia quickly weaved the air and pushed forward. Straight at Tarna who was a little off guard.
"Much better." Tarna spoke. She weaved as Alessia fell again. Reaching out to the Source and breaking through. "How did you do that?" Tarna asked.
"Do that?" Alessia raising a brow.
"You broke through her shield. Not many can do that." Liandrin spoke. Alessia saw from the corner of her eye that Liandrin then weaved. Causing Alessia to grunt. She was on her knees now. She could feel the strength of this woman. She decided to not fight against the shield.
"Ah. Frustrating isn't it? Able to feel the power but not able to grab it." Liandrin spoke. It felt like she was being taunted. "Use that frustration to your advantage." The red ajah spoke as she released Alessia. She sighed a little and stood back up.
"Now. Here I'll teach you the fireball." Tarna spoke as Alessia still had her eyes on Liandrin who was smirking at her. Hands behind her back.
"You should focus." Liandrin spoke as Alessia turned her attention back onto Tarna.
"Raise your shield." Tarna instructed as Alessia did. Seeing the fire hit her shield rather roughly. "Tomorrow the first round will be sister testing your shield. You are to maintain your shield until they stop. If you do not, you will lose." Tarna spoke. Alessia felt like she was getting some inside information about tomorrow. Not that she was complaining. She needed all the help she could get. "When you face the others, you can use fire or wind." Tarna added. Feeling the wind against her shield now. It felt harder to keep up. She grunted again while holding her hands in place. She dropped her shield and was thrown backwards.
"A little warning could have helped!" Tarna shouted. She was upset that she wasn't told.
"Sorry!" Alessia spoke as she stood back up and rubbed her head.
"It's alright. You're expected to let your opponent know that you are dropping your weave." Tarna spoke. Alessia nodded her head lightly again. "Go get some rest. We are finished for the day." Tarna spoke as Alessia gave the woman a bow. She turned and quickly left.
She made her way up the stairs and stopped. Catching her breath real quick before leaning against the rail. There was a woman down on the ground floor training with the warders. It was the first woman she had ever seen in the Tower to be training to be a warder. She was sure there were many before her time as well. With less Aes Sedai now these days, maybe there were less warders as well? Or perhaps more for the green ajah now. Since there were now battles from the Trollocs invading the lands all over and reports of shadowspawns.
"Watching them now?" Liandrin's voice made her jump. "I thought you didn't want a warder?" She asked.
"I don't." Alessia spoke as she went back to watching them. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she moved from Liandrin. "What's the matter?" The red ajah asked.
"I don't want to get my hopes up." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"What do you mean?" Liandrin then asked. Grabbing Alessia's shoulder again before wrapping an arm around her. She couldn't help but lean against the older woman. Wanting to be close to her but was pushing herself to not be. "What happened in the arches?" She then asked.
"Thought they weren't real nor are we supposed to talk about it?" Alessia asked.
"Unless one is curious. You don't if you don't want to talk about it." Liandrin spoke. Alessia looked at the woman in red and frowned. She leaned in and hugged the woman. She was surprised the hug was returned and her back was rubbed gently.
"When you are ready. I want you to tell me what happened." Liandrin spoke.
"I will. Until then, I'm just going to keep to myself. There's someone I need to talk to." Alessia spoke as she pulled away. She gave the woman a bow.
"Who?" Liandrin asked. Wanting to know who she wanted to talk to.
"Have a goodnight Liandrin Sedai." Alessia spoke. She took her leave up the stairs. Making her way to the red floor. She stopped at a door and took a deep breath and knocked. Hearing footsteps as the door opened.
"I knew you'd come." Galina's voice spoke as Alessia felt the collar of her dress as she was pulled into the room.
"Galina Sedai. I don't know why I am here. My feet just." She was cut off as Galina kissed her deeply. The woman was not playing. Her hands trailing Alessia's body. Feeling her core grabbed as Alessia felt her body heat suddenly rise as she left out a soft moan. The older woman moved from her lips and started a trail down her neck to her collar bone. Alessia felt overwhelmed now. She wanted to get past the feelings she was having for the other two. She grabbed Galina's shoulder as she felt her dress pulled up to her thighs as she felt fingers touch her core. Alessia felt her hips move against the woman's hand and softly moaned again. Her head was tilted back.
"What changed your mind dear?" Galina asked as she removed her hand and grabbed Alessia by her head and forced her head to the side to expose her neck.
"I'm…I'm frustrated." Alessia spoke softly.
"Shall I claim you? Here and now?" Galina asked. She put her hand back in place as Alessia felt her center throb as she lightly moaned again. Her face is completely red now. "I need your words." Galina spoke.
"I.." She started as the door flew open as Liandrin stormed into the room and grabbed Alessia by her arm and pulled her to the side.
"You will not be touching her ever again!" Liandrin shouted. Alessia frowned at this before leaving the room.
"She came to me!" Galina shouted back. She heard them from the hall.
"And you will not touch her ever again." Liandrin spoke as she walked out. Grabbing Alessia's arm again and pushing her forward. "You stay away from her." Liandrin spoke. Alessia pulled her arm free.
"I am a grown woman. I can speak to anyone I want to. You don't own me." Alessia spoke while looking at Liandrin.
"Then maybe I should!" Liandrin replied. Alessia went speechless at this. "I'm taking you under my wing. I'll let my other sisters know." Liandrin spoke as she cupped Alessia's cheeks and kissed her. Feeling the sensation of electric shocks in a good way. Her heart singing and her soul clawing at her side, telling her to take Liandrin as her own right here and now. Alessia was taken aback at this. "Go to bed. Get some rest. Big day tomorrow." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She was too stunned to even talk as she left. Heading back to her room now.
She wanted to slam her door shut but thought the better of it. She sighed and sat back down in the chair by her table before seeing the sun had set as it was getting dark outside now. Liandrin was right. She should get some rest. She changed into a gown and sighed. Pulling her hair out as it fell down. It was wavy as she brushed her hair. Pushing her hair to the side as she set her brush back down. She was definitely frustrated and Liandrin was not helping. She stood back up and walked over to her bed and crawled into it. Pulling the covers over as she turned onto her side. Watching the stars outside from her patio as she left the doors opened. It didn't take her long to fall asleep now.
She quickly leaned up and looked around. She was in an empty field of flowers. Multiple different colored flowers. Different types of flowers. She touched one and smiled. Leaning down to smell it. She stood up and looked around. She was in an unfamiliar place but there was a city nearby. She quickly left the field. She had the urge to dance around in it but decided not to. She entered the gates and looked around. She didn't recognize this city. She turned and entered the first building she came across. She was surprised it was a library.
"Softly softly from the shadows. That's what you've always said about me." A voice she knew really well spoke. Alessia looked around. There was no one. Furrowing her brows as she pressed on into another room. There were more books on shelves that rose so high to the ceiling.
"You can't run away from me Alessia." Lillen's voice spoke again. Alessia quickly turned and saw Lillen smiling, looking at her hands while doing something with her hands. It seemed to have thin small weaves between her fingers. She was sitting down in a chair.
"Lillen Sedai." Alessia spoke. Seeing the woman look up at her as Alessia gave the older woman a bow. "Who said I was running from you?" Alessia then asked as she walked over to Lillen who then smiled. 'That damn smile!' Alessia thought. She sat down on the ground near the woman.
"How come you aren't afraid of me like the others?" Lillen asked.
"I'm drawn to you for some reason. I like you. And your spiders. I like seeing them and learning about them." Alessia spoke. She felt like she could tell Lillen anything and everything in her dreams. That is all they were. Dreams. She leaned against Lillen's legs and smiled. Feeling her hair petted.
"You like me because of my spiders?" Lillen asked.
"No. There's more. Once I figure it out, I'll tell you." Alessia spoke. She felt a poke on her shoulder as Alessia leaned up and gasped like she was offended. Lillen was staring at her before giggling at her. Alessia blushed while chuckling a little.
"I make you blush a lot. Why?" She asked.
"As I have said. I like you." Alessia spoke. The older woman smiled at her. She gently touched Lillen's cheek. "That smile. I'd very much love to see it more." Alessia spoke.
"Why?" She asked.
"It's beautiful." Alessia replied.
"No. I'm not beautiful. No one likes me. Nor see me." Lillen spoke. Alessia frowned at this and leaned in.
"You're beautiful to me." She spoke as Lillen's dark eyes were looking straight into her blue eyes. "I like you. I see you." She added. Without thinking, she leaned in and kissed Lillen deeply. Feeling the electroshock sensation again as her heart was singing. As if her soul was trying to reach out and grab Lillen. She pulled back to watch the older woman bite her own lip while watching Alessia closely.
"You truly like me?" She asked.
"I never felt that before from a kiss. Except from one other." Alessia spoke while confessing. She felt Lillen pull her close again. Into another deep kiss. Feeling their lips move together in perfect sync. She felt Lillen's gentle but strong hands grip her neck to hold her close before pulling back. Alessia was out of breath and still red faced again before smiling.
"I truly like you, Lillen." Alessia spoke softly against her lips.
"I like you Alessia." Lillen replied. "More than you know." She added. "You must wake up now." Lillen spoke.
"No. Not yet. I want to stay." Alessia spoke with a frown before she was blown away.
Alessia sat up in bed and rubbed her head and frowned. She looked around her bed. She was the only one in it. It pained her a little at this. If only she could confess to Lillen in life like in her dreams. She felt like a coward but sighed anyways again. The sun was up as she quickly changed into a clean dress and brushed her hair. Wanting to put it up like the red ajah's. She smiled at her handiwork before taking her leave from her bedroom. Hearing laughs as Alessia turned the corner.
"Hello Jane. Nynaeve and Egwene!" Alessia spoke with a smile.
"Alessia!" Jane spoke as she bounced over and hugged her. Alessia smiled and returned the hug. She was following Nynaeve and Egwene down the hallway. Wondering if they were going to stop for breakfast.
"We'll be eating outside with the others. I'm rather excited!" Jane spoke as Alessia was smiling softly. She looked across the hallway as the others were gathering as well. They were to meet Alanna in the gardens for further instructions. She felt her arm linked with Jane as Nynaeve with Egwene as they made their way down to the ground floor. Seeing Alanna talking to her warders. Alessia felt eyes on her as she looked over her shoulder. Liandrin was keeping a close eye on her. She looked back as Alanna began to speak.
"Today! We shall be heading out for the field day! Not to just test the strengths of our sisters or our Accepteds but to celebrate and lift each other up." Alanna spoke as some of the women there were clapping and nodding in agreement. "We will have some small festivities as well! It will be a closed event. There will not be any city folk. Now. Let us be off!" Alanna shouted as everyone was cheering.
"This is new." Jane spoke as Alessia looked at her.
"What is?" Alessia asked as Jane was looking forward. She followed the line of sight and saw Lillen speaking to Lanfear.
"Lillen Sedai never attends these. I wonder what changed this year?" Jane asked as Lillen caught her eyes and smiled at Alessia before turning her attention back. "Oh. It makes sense now." Jane spoke as they were following the sisters. It seemed all the green ajah was coming. Some reds and no blues. Many yellows. Alessia assumed in case someone got hurt.
"What?" Alessia then asked.
"I went on a mission with Lillen Sedai once. Terrifying to be honest but she likes you. A lot. She asked me about you." Jane spoke as Alessia blushed.
"What did she ask?" Alessia asked. She was curious herself.
"Where you were from. What you're like. If you like men or women." Jane spoke as Alessia chuckled.
"Women for sure." Alessia spoke while rolling her eyes. Jane seemed to be watching a red woman.
"All ready for the match Jane?" It was Melinda.
"I am Melinda Sedai." Jane spoke. She had this smile on her face as she gave the woman a bow. The older woman walked away.
"Is there something you want to tell me?" Alessia asked Jane who shook her head. "Liar. You two are together." Alessia spoke. Jane was blushing and trying to hide her face. "It's alright. I won't judge nor tell." Alessia spoke.
They made their way out of the Tower and into the city.
"Fine. You know my secret. Tell me one of yours." Jane whispered. Alessia was looking at Lillen from behind and leaned against Jane. "Lillen Sedai?!" Jane shouted as Alessia's eyes went wide as people turned to look at them. Including Lillen herself.
"You're a fool!" Alessia spoke to Jane who was covering her face. A hand touched her waist as Liandrin was next to her.
"You ready?" She asked as Alessia nodded her head. Smiling at Liandrin. Watching the red take her leave. Alessia let out a soft sigh with a smile and leaned against Jane again.
"Ohh. You like Liandrin?" Jane asked in a whisper.
"Not just her. Lillen as well." Alessia whispered back as they made their way outside of the gates of the city. Alessia could see tents set up not far up ahead.
"Did you hear?" Another Accepted came up to them with a smile. "Moiraine Sedai is joining us!" The girl spoke with a smile.
"Thank you, Ella." Jane spoke as the girl basically bounced away with a smile. Alessia could feel her heart racing at this. She hadn't seen Moiraine in months. They had arrived as Alessia was looking around.
"Come! Breakfast. I'm starving." Jane spoke as Alessia felt her arm pulled as she followed her friend as they sat at a table with the other Accepteds as they began to eat. Alessia was eating fruit and smiled. She was lost out of thought as a hand touched her shoulder. She jumped a little and saw it was Moiraine.
"I need to speak with you. Come." Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She stood up and followed the woman in blue. It seemed to have caught Liandrin's attention as she started to follow. They were in a private tent now.
"Sister Liandrin, I wish to speak with Alessia alone please." Moiraine spoke as she folded her hands in front of her.
"Alessia is now under my wing and if you wish to speak to her, you shall speak to me as well." Liandrin spoke as she rested a hand on Alessia's shoulder.
"Is this true?" Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded her head lightly. "After all those letters and you never once mentioned this to me?" Moiraine asked.
"It happened last night." Liandrin spoke.
"Please. I wish to speak to Alessia alone." Moiraine spoke again.
"Fine. Come find me when you are done." Liandrin spoke as she was holding Alessia's chin. She nodded her head and watched the woman take her leave.
"Lessy." Moiraine spoke as she looked at the woman in blue. "Why did you let Liandrin take you?" She frowned.
"It was either her or Galina Sedai." Alessia spoke softly.
"Ah. You mentioned that woman in your letter. She wanted to take you. Sexually. Are you still?" Moiraine asked.
"Still what?" Alessia asked with a raised brow.
"A virgin?" Moiraine asked.
"Why do you care?" Alessia asked.
"Because. I care about you. I don't want you making choices that you regret." Moiraine spoke as she cupped Alessia's cheek.
"I was dumb." Alessia spoke as Moiraine sat down with a raised brow.
"You are not dumb." Moiraine spoke as Alessia sat down as well.
"I am. I have feelings for two of your sisters. I went to Galina Sedai to see if I could get rid of those feelings." Alessia sighed a little.
"Did she help you?" Moiraine asked.
"No. Liandrin burst through her door and took me out of her room. That's when Liandrin took me." Alessia spoke. She watched Moiraine stand back up and walked up to her. Lifting her chin.
"You haven't told anyone about who you are yet have you?" Moiraine asked.
"No." Alessia spoke softly.
"I'll win your heart as well. Just wait and see." Moiraine spoke softly. Kissing Alessia's lips softly before taking her leave. Alessia sighed as Liandrin came back into the tent.
"What did she want?" Liandrin asked. Alessia only stood up and hugged Liandrin tightly. Resting her face against Liandrin's neck. Inhaling her scent, trying to remember it.
"You alright my little dove?" Liandrin asked as Alessia nodded her head.
"She wanted to know how I came to be under your wing." Alessia spoke.
"I see. Come. The day is starting." Liandrin spoke as she kissed Alessia's forehead as she left the tent as she followed the red ajah.
She had joined Jane and the others again as she finished her fruit.
"What did Moiraine want?" Jane asked.
"To know why Liandrin took me under her wing." Alessia whispered. Hearing a gasp from her friend.
"By the Light Jane." Alessia spoke.
"Liandrin has never taken anyone before. Lillen Sedai is going to be very upset." Jane spoke softly. Alessia pressed a finger to her lips as Alanna was shouting to gather everyone around. There was a large bonfire now.
"Now, my sisters and our lovely warders, enjoy the music and dance!" Alanna spoke as she clapped her hands. The music began. Alessia looked around to see the different ajahs taking part in the music and dance. Alessia wasn't sure how to join. Jane was laughing and clapping to the beat. Egwene and Nynaeve were dancing together. She knew this dance! She had learned it in the Two Rivers. She ran forward to join in the circle. She was smiling as she followed the foot movements around in the circle. She was then smiling as she clapped and turned. Grabbing her friends hands as they turned and danced in the circle as the music then died. She clapped with the others as another song began. Alessia could see behind the others that Lillen was watching her with that smile. She blushed at Lillen with a smile before turning to link her arm with Jane again as they walked away from the music.
"It's a beautiful day." Jane spoke and gasped. Alessia raised a brow at her. "Tomorrow is your name day!" Jane spoke.
"No it's not." Alessia spoke.
"Yes it is!" Jane spoke. She was right. How could she have forgotten her own birthday? She didn't realize they were overheard by Lillen who then disappeared into the crowd.
"She's so quick." Jane spoke as Alessia chuckled. She sat down on a bench under the tent. Watching the dancing and singing. The music was lifting their spirits. Liandrin had sat down next to her.
"Moiraine brought another stray." Liandrin spoke as she was looking at the woman in blue speaking to Alanna with a girl next to her. Alessia was the one who gasped this time. They both looked at her this time.
"I've seen her before." Alessia spoke.
"Nonsense. She's from." Liandrin began.
"Tarabon." Alessia finished the sentence.
"How did you know?" Jane asked.
"I saw her in my test in the arches." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"That's impossible. The arches aren't true." Jane spoke lightly.
"No. They either are or aren't. No one knows. They were going to burn her at the stake for setting a house on fire from her channeling. It was an accident." Alessia spoke. Liandrin was watching her closely.
"Jane. I want to speak to Alessia alone." Liandrin spoke as Jane nodded and bowed before taking her leave. "What happened in the arches?" Liandrin asked as Alessia frowned again.
"Not here." Alessia spoke softly.
"Then you will share my bed tonight and we shall speak then." Liandrin spoke while rubbing Alessia's back. She nodded her head. "Come. Time to start." The red ajah spoke as she stood up and followed. She felt her arm poked as she looked over. Seeing Lillen smirk at her with her hands behind her back as she was walking past them. Alessia couldn't help but smile. 'Guess this is how we flirt.' Alessia thought while she ran into Liandrin in front of her.
"Pay attention my dove." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head.
"Sorry Liandrin Sedai. I couldn't stop staring." Alessia spoke as she stood next to Liandrin. Giving the older woman a smirk.
"Behave yourself." Liandrin spoke with a chuckle.
"Gather everyone! All my dear sisters and warders!" Alanna shouted as others gathered around. She felt a presence on her left as Liandrin was on her right. She looked over and saw Lillen on her left. She poked the woman's arm before quickly looking up front. She could see Lillen looking at her from the corner of her eyes. Feeling her hand taken and her fingers intertwined. Alessia squeezed Lillen's hand into her own.
"Today we shall be showing off our Accepteds strengths. To see how much they have learned and grown." Alanna spoke.
"First up, we have our champion. Daughter Trina!" Alanna shouted as Alessia could see the Accepteds all cheering her on as she walked up to the center with Alanna.
"Now, to test her will be sister Tarna Sedai of the red ajah." Alanna spoke as Alessia hit her leg to clap. She didn't want to let go of Lillen's hand.
"Go Tarna Sedai! Show her how it's done!" Alessia cheered. Hearing Liandrin chuckle at her. They bowed to each other and made their way across the clearing from each other.
"Now. The rules of engagement. No physical harm shall be done. Everyone will be following the three oaths as if you took them. You must warn your opponent if you are dropping your shield. Failing to do so will result in injury and we don't want that do we?" Alanna asked as everyone was shaking their heads or saying no. "Once the duel is over, both must shake hands. There will be no attacking after one loses." Alanna added. Alessia raised a brow at this. Why would someone do that? "Stunning will not be allowed this year. We don't want a repeat of last year. Trina will keep her shield up as long as she can or until I tell Tarna to stop. If Trina holds her shield up long enough, she moves on. Fails to do so, she is out." Alanna added as there were some light chuckles. "Now. Ready?" She asked, looking at both of them as they nodded. "Go!" Alanna shouted as Tarna threw fireballs at Trina. Alessia saw the girl raise her shield up so quickly it made her frown.
"What's the matter dove?" Liandrin asked. She could see Lillen watching her.
"She raised that shield so fast." Alessia spoke.
"You are just as fast and strong. If not, stronger." Liandrin spoke. Alessia was still a little worried. Seeing Trina was able to hold her shield up with ease as Tarna was then told to stop.
"Trina moves on!" Alanna shouted as there was some cheering. "Next, we have Daughter Jane, Melinda's prodigy!" Alanna shouted. Alessia let go of Lillen's hand and cheered her friend on.
"Let's go Jane!" Alessia shouted. Feeling a hand on her lower back from the left side. She leaned against Lillen without thinking. Her eyes were on her friend.
"Who shall test Jane?" Alanna asked as Galina came forward. Hearing some gasps and whispering.
"I shall." The woman in red spoke.
"Ready? Begin!" Alanna shouted as Jane raised her shield. Galina was using wind. Alessia could see her friend's feet slowly sliding. She gasped a little. She could see her friend struggling a little as everyone went silent.
"You can do it Jane!" Alessia shouted. She saw eyes on her as some of the others joined in to cheer her on. Galina then stopped her wind attack as Jane was catching her breath.
"Jane moves on!" Alanna shouted as Alessia cheered while clapping. Hearing a chuckle from Liandrin as Alessia smiled at her.
"Next, our newly Accepted. Daughter Alessia. Liandrin's prodigy." Alanna shouted as there was some whispering. Alessia gulped and stepped forward.
Alessia was standing next to Alanna who was looking around.
"And who shall test Alessia's strength?" Alanna asked.
"I shall." A voice spoke as the crowd parted. Lanfear had walked up as there were gasps. Rumor had it that Lanfear is the strongest woman in the Tower. Lanfear was smiling at her. They turned to face each other and bowed.
"Show me how strong you are." Lanfear whispered to her as Alessia nodded her head before turning to take her place across the lawn.
"Ready?" Alanna asked as Alessia nodded her head. "Begin!" She shouted. Alessia raised her shield as fast as she could and felt her feet sliding. Lanfear was using wind against her. She grunted a little. She took a deep breath and reached to the source more and pushed. Reinforcing her shield more as she was able to stand up properly and made a stance. Then she dropped her weave. Alessia blinked a few times while looking around. There was some whispering going on as Lanfear was smirking at her.
"Daughter Alessia moves on!" Alanna shouted as then there was cheering from some of the other Accepteds and some of the sisters. Alessia went back to her spot between Liandrin and Lillen. She felt the hand on her lower back again.
"You did well." Liandrin spoke as Alessia smiled softly at the woman. She could feel Moiraine watching her from across the field from the others.
"Daughter Ella did not move on." Alanna shouted as the crowd groaned. Ella looked embarrassed and sad as she moved back to her spot.
"You did great Ella!" Alessia shouted as the others nodded and cheered her on. She then smiled. She was glad she was able to cheer the girl up.
"So kind." Alanna spoke as they went onto the next round. Alessia found herself leaning against Lillen again. The older woman had her arm around Alessia's waist. She felt comfortable and they were out of sight and not up front in the crowd.
"Six of our Accepteds will move on. First! Lunch time! Eat, rest, and enjoy!" Alanna shouted as Alessia moved away from the two sisters who were stealing her heart as she made her way over to Jane and the others as she sat down.
"You all did great!" Alessia spoke with a smile.
"Enjoy the fun while it lasts." Trina's voice spoke as she walked past them.
"What's her problem?" Egwene asked while shaking her head.
"Rumor has it that we might have a new champion this year." Jane whispered as Alessia only shrugged her shoulders and started eating the sandwiches that were there for them. She was humming softly while drinking water. There was music playing again as Alessia was watching some sisters dance. It seemed everyone left from the table as she was alone. She was smiling while watching the dancing. There was a few moments when she wanted to get up and go dance as well but she didn't know the steps to them. Maybe someday she would learned.
"You did well." A voice that she had come to love spoke from her left. Lillen had come to sit down next to her.
"Thank you, Lillen Sedai." Alessia spoke as she bowed her head to the older woman. She could feel Lillen rubbing her arm before resting her cheek on her shoulder. She leaned into the touch.
"Getting a bit too close for my liking." Liandrin spoke as she walked up to them. Lillen was about to leave when Alessia pulled her back to the seat.
"I enjoy her company more than others." Alessia spoke softly. There was a sigh from the woman in red.
"I suppose better than Moiraine then." Liandrin spoke. "You did well. You won't be facing my sisters again but each other. It's not timed. It's until one of you gets too tired to continue." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head.
"Well. Should have worked on my stamina more." Alessia spoke. She never had practice keeping weaves up for a long period of time.
"You're strong. You can tire out your opponent. Lanfear never goes against someone just to test their strengths. She saw something in you." Liandrin spoke. Alessia was in thought as she heard a shout. It was from Jane. She got up and ran towards her friend.
"Get it off!" Jane shouted as the other girls were stepping away.
"What's wrong?" Alessia asked.
"There's a spider on her!" Ella pointed. Jane was thrashing to get it off.
"Jane! Stop!" Alessia spoke as her friend did. "Now. This little one is called Agelenopsis." She spoke while gently moving her palm opened so the spider could crawl onto her hand and it did. "More commonly known as a grass spider." Alessia spoke. She moved to the side as the girls parted from her. She laid the spider into the grass and turned to see Lillen smiling proudly at her on the side. She was blushing at Lillen who could clearly see her doing so. "They can smell fear, you know." Alessia spoke as Jane shook her head.
"How?" Jane asked.
"We humans emit a smell. A chemical smell that creatures and insects can smell." Alessia spoke.
"Okay weirdo!" Trina shouted as others began to laugh at her. Alessia rolled her eyes at this as Jane linked arms with her and they walked away from the others.
"I thought she didn't like me because I was a Novice at the time. Now it's just out of spite?" Alessia asked.
"I don't know. Not every Accepted likes her." Jane spoke. Alessia sighed in relief when she heard that. She looked around as the music was still going but the dancing had stopped.
"Melinda Sedai wants a word. Good luck!" Jane spoke as she skipped away. Alessia watched her friend leave. She felt a little when she saw them kiss. She turned quickly and walked away. She was watching everyone while holding a drink in her hand. The sun was definitely warm today as she had a little bit of sweat.
It seemed the next round was ready as Alanna was calling everyone forward. Alessia felt her arm gently grabbed as she turned to face Lillen who was avoiding eye contact.
"Good luck. Not that you'll need it." Lillen spoke as she had this smirk on her face. Alessia kissed her cheek before quickly dashing away to stand with the other Accepteds. She could see Lillen touching her own cheek before disappearing into the crowd again.
"Alright my dear sisters and warders! It's time we move on to the next round!" Alanna shouted. Alessia was watching as Trina and Egwene were called up to the front. Alessia was holding her breath. "Same rules apply. This time until one of you runs out of energy. Do no harm." Alessia shouted. "Begin!" Alanna shouted as Trina did not hesitate as she attacked first. It seemed Egwene was ready when she put her shield up. Alessia sighed in relief because that fire looked like it would hurt. They were at it for a while before Egwene had faltered. She frowned at her new friend but cheered her on nonetheless.
"Trina will be moving on to the next round!" Alanna shouted. Alessia clapped with the others. Patting Egwene's shoulder. "Next up! Nynaeve and Alessia!" Alanna shouted. Alessia took a deep breath. She could see Liandrin nodding at her before Alessia stepped onto the field. Giving Nynaeve and bowing with a smile.
"Don't go easy." She spoke as Alessia smiled. Taking her spot on the other side.
"Begin!" Alanna shouted. Alessia weaved fire quickly and shot it at Nynaeve as she raised her shield. She moved into a stance and held her arm up as Tarna Sedai showed her. Sending fireballs as it hit the shield before she quickly switched to wind. Seeing Nynaeve's feet being pushed.
"Stop!" Nynaeve shouted as Alessia dropped her weave. Seeing her friend catching her breath.
"Alessia moves on!" Alanna shouted while hearing some cheering. She walked up to Nynaeve and held out her hand. Seeing the older Accepted take her hand and smile.
"You did amazing!" Alessia spoke as Nynaeve nodded at her as they went back into the crowd. Now it was Jane, Trina, herself, and another girl whose name she couldn't exactly catch.
"Up next, Trina and Alice!" Alanna shouted.
"Oh. That's her name." Alessia spoke. She was having a hard time remembering everyone's names. She felt someone touch her shoulder as she looked up and over. It was Moiraine.
"You did well. I am proud of you Lessy." Moiraine spoke softly. Alessia smiled and nodded her head at the blue ajah. Moiraine had kissed the side of her head before taking her leave. Alessia looked back to the front and saw Lillen was glaring at her. She frowned at this and looked down to the ground.
"Trina will be moving on. Better luck next time." Alanna spoke. "Next, Jane and Alessia." Alanna shouted as Alessia sighed a little. She walked up forward and bowed at Jane.
"Don't go easy on me." Alessia spoke to Jane who smiled and nodded her head.
"Putting friends against each other now are we?" Moiraine's voice spoke from the crowd. She then walked up to stand next to Alanna.
"Now now Moiraine. Who better at pushing each other if not friends?" Alanna asked as there was some chuckling from the others.
"Very true Alanna Sedai. I remember when it was you and I." Moiraine added.
"Ready? Begin!" Alanna shouted as Alessia raised her shield up again. Jane threw wind at her before using fire. She was hitting the shield with ease. Alessia smiled at her friend. Encouraged to go all out and she did. She felt her feet move a little before stopping. She dropped her weave after her friend did.
"Sorry. I'm wiped." Jane spoke as she was catching her breath. Alessia frowned at her friend but then smiled. Walking up to her. They didn't shake hands but hugged each other. There was some cheering.
"That is friendship right there dear sisters! Our finalist! Trina and Alessia!" Alanna shouted. The sun was already going down now. It was starting to get dark. "We will have our final match in five minutes! Get some rest and drink water!" Alanna shouted. Alessia took a deep breath and walked into a tent. Sitting down as Jane came into the tent after her.
"I think you can dethrone her!" Jane spoke with excitement. Alessia raised a brow at her. Seeing Alice, Ella, Nynaeve, and Egwene all come in as well. Surrounding her and happily chattering away about the upcoming match. Alessia however was nervous now.
"Out." A voice spoke. Lillen had come into the tent as they all quickly left while bowing. Alessia stood up to leave as well before she was stopped. "Not you. Sit." Lillen ordered as Alessia nodded and took her seat again.
"What was that with sister Moiraine earlier?" Lillen asked? "The kiss." She added.
"She wants to win my heart." Alessia spoke as she finished her cup of water.
"Does she have it?" Lillen asked while standing behind Alessia.
"In a way." Alessia replied. Feeling fingers trace around her neck. Her neck was being petted now. She closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side to give the older woman more access to her neck. She could feel the heat rise in her cheeks now from the simple touch.
"Tell me what happened in the arches." Lillen spoke. Alessia then frowned at this. She needed to focus on the match. She turned around and stood up while looking at Lillen. Her blue eyes were giving Lillen a yearning look. Of wanting. Lillen caught on and walked up to her. Grabbing her cheeks as Alessia grabbed her hips. They moved quickly as they were only inches from each other as Liandrin had come in. Seeing the two and clearing her throat. Alessia frowned. The red ajah had terrible timing. She wanted to kiss those lips when Lillen bit her own lips again and smiled at her before stepping back.
"It's time." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head.
She took her leave while heading back to the field. Liandrin had followed her. Grabbing her shoulder.
"Show everyone how strong you are. That you do not give up easily." Liandrin spoke. Alessia looked at the woman in red and nodded her head. Liandrin then smiled at her before nudging her ahead. Hearing her name being chanted by some of the Accepteds. She smiled at them. Trina's name was also being chanted.
"Welcome back everyone! Trina. Alessia. Same rules apply. No harm to be done." Alanna spoke as they nodded. Bowing at each other.
"Give up already, weirdo. You won't last two seconds." Trina whispered to her. She ignored this and walked to her spot.
"You may attack or shield and switch around." Alanna spoke. "Ready?" She asked as they both nodded. Alessia couldn't help but feel nervous again. "Begin!" Alanna shouted. Alessia was quicker when she raised her shield. Knowing full well that Trina was not going to hold back. She could feel the power coming from the other Accepted she was now facing. She was using fire. She was going to wear herself out. Alessia kept her feet planted. She could feel all eyes on her at this. Making her anxious. She didn't want to let Liandrin or Moiraine down. Or Lillen for that matter. She took a deep breath and pushed on her shield. She saw Trina smirking at her as she began the wind. Seeing a small glow in the girl's cheeks.
"She's burning!" One of the Accepteds shouted.
"Trina.." Alanna spoke.
"I can cut her down!" Trina shouted as Alessia frowned. Was this worth it? The girl burning herself out just to put her down?
"If you burn, you will lose and die." Alanna warned her.
"But she's strong! Not stronger than me!" Trina shouted.
"She is stronger than you! Accept that there is always someone better out there!" Jane shouted at her.
"Curse you!" Trina shouted as she dropped her weaves and fell to her knees. Alessia let her shield drop as she walked over to Trina. Offering her her hand.
"I don't need your help!" Trina shouted as she pushed wind at Alessia. Sending her flying off her feet to the other side.
"Daughter Trina!" Alanna shouted as Alessia stood up. She saw Trina was being pulled away by a couple red sisters.
"Our newest champion! Daughter Alessia Solace!" Alanna shouted as her friends cheered the loudest for her. Alessia's eyes met Liandrin who was smiling proudly at her. Lillen was smirking as well. Moiraine was smiling lightly as she walked up to them. Holding Alessia's hand up as the crowd cheered again. Alessia blushed at this. Her eyes never left the dark brown ones before being pulled to the side with Jane who was patting her back.
"You put Trina in her place!" Jane shouted as Alessia chuckled lightly.
"Alright ladies, help the warders pack up and head back. Dinner then bed. It's been a long day and you all deserve some rest!" Alanna spoke as they all bowed and nodded their heads.
She had helped finish packing up the tents and what not. Loading up the wagons with the items as she was linked arms with her friend Jane who was talking non stop about the duel. Alessia was in deep thought while looking around.
"What happened to Trina?" Alessia asked.
"She is probably getting the switch. She broke a rather large rule." Jane spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She followed the others into the Tower as she was still hearing many voices talking about the match.
"They said you never broke a sweat against her." Jane then added as Alessia looked at her friend.
"She is strong. She shouldn't have tried to burn herself out though." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"I agree. She's never lost until now. Suppose she'll be kinder to you from here on out." Jane then added.
"I highly doubt that but we shall see." Alessia spoke while they went into the dining hall. Seeing a special dinner made tonight. Alessia took a plate and sat down between Jane and Nynaeve. She was eating in silence while the others were talking. In truth, she was tired and waiting to go to sleep. Even though they were only dreams, she enjoyed it. She blushed at her own thoughts and sighed a little.
"Come. I'll walk you back to your room. You look like you are going to fall asleep." Jane spoke as the others laughed. She managed a weak smile at this before nodding her head. She linked her arm with her friend as they made their way to the other side of the Tower. Alessia stopped and leaned against the rail. Watching the warders train again. The moon was slowly rising in the night sky again. Giving off that silvery glow. She loved the cool energy feeling she felt from the moon at night. Jane was watching the warders as well down below.
"I want to join red." Jane spoke as Alessia chuckled at her friend. "What? I do. It's not because of Melinda Sedai. Part of it is yes but I want to help keep the world safe from trouble makers. Help end any suffering." Her friend spoke.
"I haven't thought about what ajah I want. Red, brown, or black and white seem more like me." Alessia spoke with a soft smile.
"Careful. If Lillen Sedai hears you taking an interest in her ajah, she won't stop until she gets what she wants." Jane spoke in a teasing voice.
"Let her. She already stole my heart." Alessia spoke in a whisper. Confessing to her friend. Jane looked at her and smiled.
"As long as she makes you happy. I support you. Even with Liandrin." Jane spoke as Alessia rolled her eyes again with a smile.
"I still have a while before rising to the shawl." Alessia spoke as Jane nodded her head. They heard footsteps as Trina was walking up to them with her hands behind her back.
"Trina. Everything alright?" Jane asked.
"Oh yes. Just looking at the new champion. You see, no one has ever beaten me before. And next time it won't happen again!" Trina shouted as she swung her hand. There was a moment of silence after a gasp. Then she felt it. Her neck. She couldn't breathe. She was gagging and coughing. Trying to breathe as her hand went to her neck. She felt hot liquid gushing from her neck as she fell to her knees. Alessia felt her eyes sting.
"Help! Somebody help!" Jane was screaming. She then fell to her side as Jane was also covering her neck. Seeing her friend weave. Trying to heal her. Hearing footsteps walk away as another runs. "Help! Please!" Jane shouted. Alessia could feel her vision starting to go dark.