Chapter Seven: Vigil

"Hold your arm a little higher." Alanna spoke as she lifted a Novice's arm up a little more. Alessia was in her weaving class while watching the others do the weave Alanna just now taught them. In truth, she was getting bored with the beginning weaves. She wanted to learn more advanced weaves.
"You can't learn unless you are using your hands." Alanna whispered to her as she was walking past her. Alessia nodded her head and began to weave. They were supposed to make a feather float above their palms. Controlling the air. Giving it accuracy. Alessia had one hand behind her back as she concentrated on the air weave. Making the feather float above her hand with ease.
"Very good daughter Alessia." Alanna spoke with a smile. She nodded her head at Alanna as the woman in green took her leave to help the other Novices. There were a few new ones learning now. Alessia sighed and picked up her bag as the bell rang. She led the way to her next class. Seeing her friends were all already sitting together. She raised a brow at them.
"Hey guys." Alessia spoke quietly as they looked at her. Jane was smirking. Then she saw what was going on. Lillen was sitting by herself at the table behind them. Alessia knew her friends sat together to put her with the table behind them. All the other tables were taken.
"Take your seats." Lanfear spoke as she walked in. Alessia sat down at the table and pulled out her notes and her book. She could feel the dark eyes watching her. Alessia opened her book and saw her friend Jane had drawn in it. There was a heart with her name and Lillen's. She blushed at this and quickly closed it. Not meaning to startle anyone. Stuffing her drawing book back into her bag.
"Is everything alright daughter Alessia?" Lanfear asked. Alessia nodded her head. She was still blushing as she pulled her pen out and began to write what Lanfear was writing. Seeing Jane turn and smirk at her.
"You're dead." Alessia whispered to her quietly. Lillen was looking between the two of them before shushing them.
"Revise the chapter and once done, you have free time." Lanfear instructed. Alessia was at the end of the chapter as she was writing down the questions and answers.
'What is Cuendillar?' The question from the book.
'Heart stone. Absorbs any force attempting to break it. It strengthens it.' Alessia wrote down. Looking around to see she was the first one done. She pulled out her drawing book again and flipped to a clean page. She placed her elbow on the desk on her right. Hiding from Lillen as she placed her head on her hand and began to draw. She was drawing another spider she had seen from memory. Adding a skull to the abdomen part of it. Creating silk from the end to the top of her page to make a web. Lightly adding more lines to make shading. Not realizing that Lillen was standing behind her, looking over her shoulder. She was absorbed in the drawing. Hearing a soft laugh, Alessia looked up to see all three of her friends looking at her. Alessia raised a brow before finally sensing the presence. Alessia looked up behind her a little and nervously laughed quietly. Slowly shutting her book and looking back down. Lillen then took her book from her and walked out of the room. Alessia's jaw was hanging as her friends then started laughing loudly.
"Quiet!" Lanfear shouted just as the bell rang.

"You're a fool!" Alessia shouted at Jane who was roaring with laughter now.
"What happened?" Tarna asked while smiling.
"Jane drew a picture of my name and Lillen Sedai's name inside of a heart and now Lillen Sedai has my book!" Alessia shouted.
"Why would Jane do that? Especially since you like Moiraine Sedai?" Alice then asked.
"Best to tell them. We are all friends after all." Jane spoke as she was trying to catch her breath. Alessia was now red faced.
"Tell us what?" Alice asked with a smile.
"Tell them, or I will." Jane spoke as she crossed her arms, still smiling.
"I trusted you." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"Don't you trust us?" Tarna asked.
"Fine. Only if Alice tells you what she told me the other day." Alessia spoke.
"Deal!" Alice spoke with a bigger smile. Alessia groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. She had not expected Alice to even agree to it!
"Alright, now tell us." Tarna spoke. Alessia looked around to make sure they weren't going to be overheard.
"Here, I'll go first." Alice spoke as she took a deep breath. "Alanna Sedai took me under her wing." Alice spoke. Hearing both Jane and Tarna gasp with a smile.
"That's amazing Alice!" Jane spoke. "I'm so happy for you!" She added.
"Oh now you get three times the love!" Tarna teased her as Alice blushed at this.
"Now your turn, Alessia." Alice spoke. She nodded her head and took a deep breath as well.
"Promise not to judge or hate me. Try to keep an open mind." Alessia spoke as they all nodded their heads. "Here goes." Alessia added. Looking around again and saw that Moiraine was looking for someone. Lillen and Lanfear were speaking to each other not far from the woman in blue. "I am pretty sure that I have feelings for Lillen Sedai." Alessia spoke softly.
"What?!" Alice shouted.
"Lillen Sedai?!" Tarna shouted as well. Alessia was now red faced.
"You idiot!" Alessia gritted through her teeth at Tarna who was now red faced and nodded behind her. Alessia turned and bowed as did her friends.
"I heard my name?" Lillen asked.
"You took Alessia's book, Lillen Sedai." Jane spoke quickly. Good save, Alessia thought.
"Ah. Yes. Interesting drawings." Lillen spoke as she handed Alessia her book back. Alessia only nodded her head. Seeing the woman smirk evilly before taking her leave. Once she was gone, she turned to face Jane.
"Please kill me!" Alessia whined a little as Jane was laughing and shook her head.
"I don't understand." Tarna then spoke as they all looked at her. "Why her?" Tarna asked.
"The heart wants what the heart wants." Alice spoke in a dreamy sigh.
"Yes. What she said." Alessia spoke while pointing at Alice. They all chuckled.
"Well. Just prepare to get your heart broken." Tarna spoke. Alessia frowned at this. What did she mean by that?
"What do you mean?" Alice asked.
"It's just. It's Lillen Sedai. Do you really think she would find anyone to be romantically interested in?" Tarna then asked. It then hit her. Alessia frowned. She could feel her chest hurting as her eyes began to sting. She wiped her face with her hands after putting her book back into her bag. Was Tarna right about that?
"Maybe it's best if you let Moiraine take you." Alice then spoke.
"Oh come off it you two!" Jane spoke as she crossed her arms. "We all have crushes on others. Remember Lan. Tarna?" Jane teased their friend. Alessia raised a brow at Tarna.
"Moiraine's warder?" Alessia asked. They all nodded their heads. "Oh." She then spoke. Shaking her head with a smile.
"Hey we all like men here." Tarna spoke as she crossed her arms and chuckled.
"I don't." Alessia spoke. All three of them looked at her. "What?" Alessia asked with a frown.
"We didn't know." Alice spoke. They were smiling now.
"I had a feeling. Just wanted to wait for you to confirm it." Jane added. She smiled at her friends as they all hugged her in a three way.
"No! Stop! Hugs!" Alessia protested as they laughed.
"We love you! No matter what or who you are." Tarna then spoke.
"Thank you. I mean it." Alessia spoke as she sighed a little with a smile.
"Look, if your type is creepy and quiet, then we support you." Jane spoke. Alessia rolled her eyes at this. They were laughing and talking about crushes like they were teenagers. It felt odd. She never really had this kind of moment before.
"She's more than that. I can tell." Alessia spoke as she defended Lillen.
"Can we tease you about your crush?" Alice asked.
"What crush?" A new voice came as they all jumped.
"Moiraine Sedai!" They said in unison and bowed.
"Tarna has a crush on Lan!" Alice dropped. Good save as well. Alessia thought.
"Oh, Lan told me." Moiraine spoke with a smile. Tarna was now the one blushing. "Alessia. I wanted to speak with you. Come along." Moiraine spoke with a smile. She looked at her friends who nodded their heads. Alessia turned around and followed the woman in blue.

"Is everything alright?" Moiraine asked as Alessia nodded her head with a smile.
"Yes Moiraine Sedai! Just gossiping with my friends." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"What are you four gossiping about?" The woman asked as she smiled at Alessia. It was that damn smile again.
"Just Tarna's crush on Lan. It was out of nowhere. We thought it was funny and adorable." Alessia spoke.
"Do you have a crush on anyone?" Moiraine then asked.
"No." Alessia replied quickly with a lie. In truth, she really was starting to fall for the odd woman. "But that could change anytime." Alessia added. Not wanting to hurt Moiraine's feelings. She was starting to like Moiraine as well. The woman was growing onto her.
"That is true." Moiraine spoke. She was smiling again. Feeling an arm around her shoulder as she was guided to another empty room. The door remained open as Alessia looked around.
"I wanted to teach you a few simple weaves. Is that alright?" Moiraine asked.
"I'm tired of simple Moiraine Sedai. I want to be challenged." Alessia spoke.
"Just Moiraine when we are alone. I understand but sometimes you need to learn the simple things before getting to the more challenging ones. This being, the simple weaves can be used to create the more challenging ones." Moiraine explained. This for some reason had peaked her interest a little. "Ah. I finally got your attention." Moiraine spoke softly. Alessia nodded. "What did you learn today from Alanna?" Moiraine asked.
"We learned how to use air with more accuracy." Alessia spoke.
"Show me." Moiraine spoke. Alessia nodded and looked around for something light. She then decided to use her pen. Channeling air as the pen was hovering above her palm.
"Very good." Moiraine spoke as she copied. Then without blinking, Moiraine moved her head a little as the pen went flying and stabbed the wall. Alessia's eyes went wide.
"Whoa!" Alessia spoke. "How did you do that?" She asked as Moiraine smiled while pulling the pen out.
"When you master this weave, you can use it to do even heavier objects." Moiraine explained. "Try doing a book." She then added. Alessia nodded her head and grabbed the book off the desk and rested it onto the palm of her hand. Concentrating a bit more since it was heavier. She managed to get it a few centimeters off her hand before letting the weave fall.
"The more advanced weaves you learn, the more they drain you. Mastering the weaves allows you to use less stamina." Moiraine added.
"I see. So, practicing more makes you stronger in the One Power?" Alessia asked.
"Not necessary. Everyone has different power levels when it comes to the One Power. You took a strength test?" Moiraine asked as Alessia nodded her head. "How did that go?" Moiraine then asked.
"I knocked Lanfear and Lillen Sedai off their feet and Alice said they felt a very strong wind current when it happened. They were here at the Tower." Alessia explained.
"My dear. You are very powerful. How you use that power is up to you. We can only guide you." Moiraine spoke. She was smiling at Alessia. She couldn't help but return the smile.
"So, I thought Novices aren't supposed to get private lessons?" Alessia asked.
"I won't tell if you won't tell." Moiraine spoke. Alessia chuckled at this and nodded her head. Feeling her stomach growl as she blushed a little.
"It's about time for dinner. We'll call it for today. I have an errand to run to another city." Moiraine spoke. Alessia nodded her head at this.
"Stay safe and go with the Light." Alessia spoke. This seemed to have earned her a hug. She allowed it. Inhaling Moiraine's scent and she buried her face against the woman's shoulder. Feeling her back rubbed as Moiraine pulled away. Cupping both of Alessia's cheeks and kissing her forehead. Alessia didn't know how to react to this. So, instead, she gave Moiraine another hug. Hearing a light chuckle.
"I will be back. Don't worry Lessy." Moiraine spoke. Alessia raised her brow at this.
"Giving me a nickname, now are we?" Alessia asked.
"Do you not like it?" Moiraine asked.
"I do! Just, it was so random, Moiraine." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"Well, I just thought it would fit." Moiraine chuckled again.
"Well, only you get to call me that." Alessia spoke. She was smiling before Moiraine pulled something out of her pocket and placed it into Alessia's hand.
"Hold onto this for me, will you? Just until I get back." Moiraine asked. Alessia looked at the item. It was that blue pendant that Moiraine had used to help get her channeling back. She nodded and placed it into her own pocket.
"I will." Alessia spoke. She received another kiss on her forehead.
"See you soon Lessy." Moiraine spoke. Alessia smiled again and nodded. Following Moiraine out of the empty room.

She was humming again while heading towards the dining hall. Seeing her friends already there and waved at her when they spotted her.
"We grabbed you a plate." Alice spoke. Alessia sat down and smiled. Keeping her silence while listening to her friends speak about their day. She was however more focused on her food. Still thinking about the kiss she had gotten on her forehead.
"Earth to Alessia." Alice spoke again as Alessia shook her head and looked up. Bread halfway in her mouth.
"Wha?" She asked with a mouth full. Hearing chuckles from them as she finished chewing.
"We asked how it went with Moiraine?" Tarna asked.
"Tell you later." Alessia spoke as she could feel eyes on her. It seemed Lanfear, Alanna, and Lillen were at a table next to them. Drinking her water down as she set the cup aside while finishing her food.
"Well, you're on kitchen duty again. Come find us in my room." Jane spoke. Alessia nodded and watched her friends take their leave. She was sitting alone at the table and sighed a little.
"Are you alright?" Alanna's voice spoke. Alessia nodded. She didn't want to finish her food now. She frowned and stood up. Taking the dishes off the table and making her way towards the kitchen to clean up. She needed a bath. Thinking about taking one before bed. She yawned lightly while moving about the kitchen. Seeing the new Novices there helped as well. She finished quickly as she left the kitchen not long after. It was just dishes that needed to be done.
"There's something I want to show you." A honey-like voice made her jump.
"Lillen Sedai! By the Light!" Alessia was leaning against the wall with her hand on her chest. Lillen had scared the living daylight out of her.
"Come." Lillen spoke as she grabbed Alessia's wrist and pulled her with. Alessia had no choice to follow. They went up a flight of stairs and turned down a hallway. She realized where they were going now. She was following Lillen to her room. She wondered if there was a new spider or not. Lillen had opened her room door and waved her hand once as all the candles were lit.
"Whoa." Alessia spoke with a smile. Lillen had barely even weaved! "That was amazing." Alessia spoke.
"Wait until you see what I can actually do." Lillen spoke. She wasn't making eye contact but closed the door and quickly walked across the room. Alessia was sitting in a chair at the table. She was in a corner and waited. Seeing Lillen had come back with a jar in her hands. Setting it in front of Alessia. She took the jar and smiled Seeing a green spider.
"It's green." Alessia spoke while turning the jar in her hands.
"Well observed." Lillen spoke. Alessia rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"What kind is it?" She asked.
"It's a Peucetia Veridian. Their bites are painful and only cause swelling." Lillen replied.
"It's really cute." Alessia spoke as she set the jaw down. Trying to memorize what it looks like.

"You should add it to your list." Lillen spoke. She was of course talking about her book of drawings.
"Lillen Sedai. I um." Alessia began to speak.
"Just Lillen, Alessia." Lillen spoke as she was putting the spider back. Alessia blushed when she said her name.
"You didn't happen to go through my drawings today, did you?" Alessia asked. Hoping that she didn't.
"No. I only saw the drawing you made today. I have never seen one like that." Lillen spoke.
"That's because it was just a random drawing. Not a real one." Alessia replied.
"Ah. Here is this one. My newest one." Lillen spoke as she set the new jar down. Alessia could see Lillen smiling at this one. It was a white one.
"It kind of looks like a white crab." Alessia spoke as she was looking in the jar as she was holding it.
"Yes. Exactly. It's called a Misumena vatia. This one is rare due to its coloring." Lillen spoke. She sounded excited about it.
"Why do you have these?" Alessia asked as she set the jar down. Lillen took it back to its place.
"I study them. Their poison as well. They are very intelligent creatures." Lillen explained. "People fear them. With good reason." She spoke softly. Alessia was listening closely. "You are the only one I have ever met who is not afraid of them. Why?" She asked. Her head was tilted a little while watching Alessia.
"I like them because to me, They are adorable creatures. Though, they knew when to strike their prey. They are silent. Deadly. Hide in the shadows and strike when their prey is least likely to know." Alessia spoke as she was reaching for her drawing book. "Also. Like you said, people fear them. It was a good scare tactic to use against Trina." Alessia confessed.
"I found that rather funny. What you did. Immature, but funny." Lillen spoke. Alessia couldn't help but smile at this.
"I know it was. It was the only thing I could think about without getting caught." Alessia spoke. "Except I got caught." She added.
"You did?" Lillen asked as Alessia nodded her head at this.
"Yes, you caught me." She replied.
"Ah yes. You did lie to me." Lillen spoke as she put her hands behind her back and took a step closer.
"You already knew that though." Alessia spoke. As if Lillen could see right through her. "Are you going to punish me?" Alessia asked. Lillen only smiled and shook her head. Odd. Only Lillen and Moiraine let her get away with breaking the rules.
"Like you said, she deserved it." Lillen added. Alessia grabbed her bag and stood up. "You leaving?" Lillen asked. There was a frown on her face. This made Alessia feel her heart break at this.
"Unfortunately I have to. Curfew soon and I really need a bath." Alessia replied.
"Very well." Lillen spoke.
"Thank you though. Showing me those spiders. It really brightened my day, Lillen." Alessia spoke. Saying her name was like eating honey cake. The woman smiled when she said her name.
"Well get to it! Don't let me catch you out during curfew!" Lillen warned her with a smirk.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Alessia replied as she gave Lillen a bow. She decided to poke Lillen's shoulder. The older woman swatted at her hand before smirking again.
"Have a goodnight Lillen Sedai." Alessia spoke before taking her leave.

She made it quickly to her room to grab her gown and a towel. She nearly jumped when she saw Jane standing in her doorway.
"You scared me!" Alessia spoke.
"You were taking forever, so I came to see what's going on." Jane spoke. Alessia smiled and held up a towel. "Oh good! I'm heading that way too!" Jane added as Alessia closed the door as they made their way to the washroom.
"How hot do you like the water?" Alessia asked.
"Hot enough." Jane spoke.
"Did the other two head to bed?" Alessia asked.
"Yes. They apologized. Alice is worn out and Tarna said she had some studying to do." Jane spoke.
"Ah. I took too long then." Alessia spoke as she was filling the tub up with hot water. She got undressed and into the tub. Letting out a soft groan as the water was against her skin. Seeing Jane sitting in the tub as well not far.
"So, how did it go?" Jane then asked. Alessia looked at her and smiled.
"Moiraine Sedai wanted to teach me that simple weaves can be used to create more advanced weaves. It was because I was getting bored then she caught my attention. She showed me how dangerous a simple weave can be." Alessia spoke.
"Really? How so?" Jane asked.
"Alanna Sedai had us do a simple air weave to hover a feather above our palm. Moiraine did the same using my pen but then she just moved her head a little and the pen was literally in the wall." Alessia spoke.
"Oh. That's so cool!" Jane spoke as she was now washing herself. Alessia nodded her head. "Then what happened?" Her friend asked.
"Moiraine gave me a nickname." Alessia spoke as Jane gasped.
"She really likes you then." Jane spoke while smiling.
"I guess so. She kissed my forehead twice and gave me her pendant to hold onto while she is away." Alessia spoke.
"Awe! You have a piece of her." Jane spoke as she nudged Alessia. She rolled her eyes at her friend. She was now washing her hair. She dunked under since her hair was so long. Gently brushing her fingers through her hair strands.
"Lillen Sedai wanted to show me something after." Alessia spoke.
"Look at you go." Jane spoke. Alessia sighed. There were so many times she could roll her eyes at her friend.
"She wanted to show me her new spiders." Alessia spoke.
"Wait. Lillen Sedai likes spiders?" Jane asked as she was now getting out to dry herself.
"Yes. One of the things we have in common." Alessia spoke.
"I bet you were happy to find that out. Wait. She didn't see the picture I drew, did she?" Jane then asked. Alessia shook her head to see her friend sigh in relief.
"I really like spending time with her when she talks about spiders." Alessia spoke. She was now blushing as she grabbed a towel to dry herself off and put her clothes on.
"I bet you were!" Jane smirked while teasing her friend.
"Oh shut up." Alessia spoke with a chuckle as she let the water out and cleaned up their mess.
"So, this nickname. Can I know it?" Jane asked.
"No. You may not!" Alessia spoke as Jane groaned with a fake frown. Alessia shook her head and smiled. Giving Jane a hug. "Have a goodnight." Alessia spoke as she waved at Jane when she made her way down the Novice quarters.
"Curfew!" Sheriam's voice echoed in the halls. Alessia slipped into her room and set the pendant down on her desk. Seeing a new jar with another spider. Alessia smiled as she held it up. Seeing a pure black spider. She sat down and began her study on it.

Alessia was walking down the halls while holding onto a jar tightly while making her way down to Lillen's room. She yawned lightly from lack of sleep the last few days. It had been two weeks since Moiraine had taken her leave to deliver the message. It was odd. She should have been back by now. Pushing the thought in the back of her mind as she walked on. She had a small smile on her face. In truth, she was a bit excited to see Lillen and talk about the gray spider she was holding.
"Well well well. If it isn't for the wilder." Trina's voice came. Alessia stopped and frowned. Looking over her shoulder.
"What do you want?" Alessia asked. Watching the taller woman walk up to her. Alessia hid the jar behind her back to keep it safe.
"What do you have there?" Trina asked, trying to take the jar. Alessia stepped away and kept the jar from her.
"Nothing that concerns you." Alessia spoke. She frowned as she was getting closer to Lillen's door. Alessia was then pushed a little as Trina weaved. Taking the jar from her.
"Give that back!" Alessia shouted.
"A spider? You are such a freak!" Trina shouted as she dropped the jar as it shattered. Alessia gasped as she launched for the spider. She was too late. Trina had stepped on it. Alessia frowned at this. Her heart fell to her stomach. Trina had no respect.
"No!" Alessia shouted with a frown.
"What is going on out here?" Lillen's voice came as she came from her room.
"Nothing Lillen Sedai! Just teaching this Novice that pets are not allowed." Trina crossed her arms with a smirk.
"That was not her pet. It was mine." Lillen spoke. Alessia was on her knees while cleaning up the shards from the broken glass.
"I..I did not know." Trina spoke. Alessia looked up as her eyes threatened tears before wiping her eyes.
"Of course you didn't. You act before thinking." Lillen spoke. She was quick in her movements as Trina was grunting. Alessia looked back over and saw webbing all over Trina. She was confused. Hearing something stretch as she looked at Lillen who had a weave shield between her fingers. Alessia raised a brow. It seemed Lillen was weaving a web. Then it clicked! Lillen was using her knowledge of spiders into her weaving! Alessia was in awe at this!
"Come along. Sister Sheriam will want a word with you." Lillen spoke as she took her leave as Trina then followed. Alessia went back to cleaning the mess up. Holding the dead spider in her hand as she got rid of the glass. Heading down to the garden as she buried the spider. Sighing softly as the bell rang. She took her leave to Lanfear's class.

She was frowning while writing in her book. Taking notes. It seemed her friends had caught wind of her mood. Jane turned and tossed a piece of folded paper to her. Making sure they weren't caught.
'What happened?' Jane asked.
'Trina killed one of Lillen Sedai's spiders that I was taking back to her.' Alessia replied. Seeing Alice had her hand backwards as Alessia set the note into her hand just in time for Lillen to catch her. Taking the note from Alice's hand.
"Sister Lanfear, Trina will not be able to attend class because she is facing a punishment." Lillen spoke as she sat down on Alessia's other side.
"Very well. Thank you." Lanfear spoke as she finished writing on the board and took a seat at another table. Reading a book now. Alessia was sitting rigid in her spot. Seeing the older woman open the paper to read it before making it catch fire in her hand as she went to take notes. Jane and Alessia's eyes caught each other before going back to their studies. Hearing another knock. Lanfear sighed and looked up.
"Sister Alanna. What can I do for you?" Lanfear asked.
"The Amyrlin wishes to speak to Jane, Alice, and Tarna. Come with me please." Alanna spoke. Alessia frowned as she watched all three of her friends pack up their things and quickly took their leave. She was fumbling with her pen as she was writing. Well, trying to write. Feeling the dark eyes watching her. She was worried about her friends. Sighing softly while packing her things as the bell rang. She stood up and ran out of the room. Making her way across the lawn and down the main hall towards the Tower hall. Leaning against a pillar and sighed. She could hear voices inside the hall. Hearing the doors open as all three of them came out. They spotted her and frowned.
"What is it?" Alessia asked with a frown as well. Seeing Jane walk quickly up to her. Grabbing her arm gently and pulling her to the side.
"We are being sent out. All three of us. Search parties." Jane started.
"Three different ones." Alice added. Alessia was confused now.
"What do you mean?" Alessia asked. She was getting more worried by the second.
"It's Moiraine. She disappeared." Jane spoke. Alessia didn't hear her correctly.

"What?" Alessia asked.
"Moiraine Sedai disappeared. They are sending us out as search parties." Tarna spoke.
"I see." Alessia frowned at this.
"Come ladies. We need to leave." Alanna spoke. They all nodded and took their leave.
"Alanna Sedai." Alessia spoke as Alanna stopped and turned to face her. "Is it true?" Alessia then asked.
"I know you and Moiraine were getting close. I am sorry. We do not know what happened." Alanna spoke.
"I should be out there searching as well!" Alessia spoke with a frown. "I can't just sit and do nothing. I want to help." Alessia added.
"You can help by remaining here and continuing your studies. Moiraine would want that." Alanna spoke. It felt like a slap to the face.
"How can I do that if I am worried? It's not fair." Alessia added. Feeling a hand on her shoulder. Gently squeeze it.
"We will find her." Alanna spoke. How could she promise something like that?
"Isn't there like a following weave on all the Aes Sedai rings or something?" Alessia asked. She was trying to understand.
"No. That is an invasion of privacy." Alanna explained. Alessia nodded her head and frowned. She felt the tears coming but fought them. Feeling her chin lifted.
"Hey. She disappeared. She is still out there and we will find her." Alanna spoke. Trying to reassure Alessia who just nodded her head lightly. Feeling her shoulder patted as Alanna took her leave. Alessia sighed a little and turned to leave the hallway. She walked to the garden and sat down on the bench. She had just seen Moiraine not even two weeks ago and now she disappeared.
"Everything alright?" The honey-like voice spoke next to her. She could feel Lillen's presence as the older woman sat near her.
"Moiraine Sedai disappeared." Alessia spoke lightly.
"I heard. They are searching for her." Lillen spoke lightly. Alessia nodded her head.
"I wish I could be out there helping. I'm so useless." Alessia sighed at this.
"You're not. You're just a Novice right now. The best you can do is study and work hard at it." Lillen spoke.
"I'm sorry about the spider." Alessia then added with another frown.
"It wasn't your fault. What did you do with it?" Lillen asked. Alessia pointed at the recent dirt that was dug up and put back. "You buried it. Most just toss them aside." Lillen spoke. Alessia looked into the dark eyes before looking back.
"It was an innocent creature. It deserved better." Alessia spoke and sighed a little. Feeling a hand on her shoulder. She could still feel the older woman's touch. For some reason, it comforted her.
"It will all be alright." Lillen spoke before taking her leave. Alessia placed her own hand on her shoulder where Lillen had it. Did she know that everything would work out for a reason? The Wheel was weaving and Alessia did not like it. She stood up and took her leave again. Heading back to her room. She weaved a blue candle she had and set it on the windowsill. She was going to do a vigil for both Moiraine and the spider. Holding onto the pendant as she did. It was going to be a long night.