Chapter Ten: Frustrations
(Warning: Some mature content.)
Alessia jumped up from her bed. Looking around the room and smiled softly. The dream felt real. Too real in fact. She felt at ease. For some reason that sister was in her dreams. She stretched her arms and smiled softly before changing into a new dress. Brushing her hair as she put it up in braids. She grabbed her bag and put the strap over her shoulder as she walked out of her room. Her mind kept drifting off to Lillen for some reason. She had no idea why the women did not like her. To her, she was comforting and everything. She stopped by Emma's door and knocked.
"Emma? We are going to be late!" Alessia spoke as she knocked again. "Emma?" She asked as she walked into her friend's room and looked around. "Sheriam Sedai. Sorry." Alessia spoke as she bowed. "I was looking for Emma." She spoke softly.
"Emma is no longer with us, I am afraid." Sheriam spoke as Alessia frowned.
"Is she an Accepted now?" She asked as she watched the woman in blue packing things.
"No. She never came back to us early this morning I'm afraid." Sheriam spoke. Alessia frowned again and looked down. There were no other Novices there in the Tower now.
"I.." Was all she could say. Feeling a hand on her shoulder.
"I leave you to your mourning but even in time, pain will heal." Sheriam spoke as Alessia frowned again. She took her leave from the room and walked down the hall. Emma didn't pass the arches. Was this something she needed to be afraid of? She was walking in silence and did not notice she ran into someone.
"Lanfear Sedai! I am so sorry." Alessia spoke as she heard a chuckle.
"It's alright dear. Just look up when you are walking." Lanfear spoke as Alessia nodded. "Is everything alright?" She asked.
"Emma didn't make it last night." Alessia spoke softly.
"Ah yes. I heard. Pity we lost more girls to those arches." Lanfear spoke as Alessia raised a brow at her.
"Is there anything I can do or read upon to make myself ready?" Alessia asked.
"Curious little one aren't you?" Lanfear asked as Alessia nodded her head. "We might make a scientist out of you after all." Lanfear chuckled. "I'm afraid there might not be any. Maybe ask an Accepted for advice?" The woman asked.
"They don't converse with Novices." Alessia spoke.
"Interesting. Seeing you are the only Novice now, maybe they will make an exception?" Lanfear suggested. Hearing a bell ring in the distance. "Get to class dear. I'm off to a mission." Lanfear spoke as Alessia nodded her head with a bow before taking off again. She never really had an actual conversation with that sister. She fixed the bag strap on her shoulder as she arrived into the room. Lillen was in the back taking notes with a book opened. Seeing the Accepteds as they looked at her. She sat down at an empty table. They were whispering as she sighed. Pulling out her papers while Sheriam Sedai came into the room.
"Who can tell me what the three oaths are?" She asked. Alessia raised her hand quickly. Sheriam nodded at her.
"One. Speak no word that is not true. Two. Make no weapon with which one man may kill another. Three. Never to use the One Power as a weapon except against Darkfriends, Shadowspawn, or the last extreme defense of her life, the life of her warder, or another Aes Sedai." Alessia spoke. There was silence. She could feel all eyes on her now.
"That is correct. We may have hope for you after all." Sheriam spoke as she wrote on the board. "Now. Why did we start taking these oaths?" Sheriam then asked. An Accepted raised her hand.
"To show that we are strong and need to be limited?" The girl asked.
"I have to say, that is incorrect." Sheriam spoke as there were gasps. "Anyone else?" She asked as Alessia raised her hand again.
"To end Artur Hawking's siege on the White Tower thousands of years ago." Alessia spoke.
"That is correct. Again." Sheriam was now smiling at her. She could feel eyes on her again. She turned and saw Lillen was smiling at her. Alessia blushed and quickly looked back to the front.
She was now in the kitchen while washing the dishes that were gathered and brought to them. She kept her silence as the Accepteds were giving her looks every now and then.
"What is it?" Alessia asked as she was looking at the girl from last night.
"Nothing, you stupid wilder." She spoke. Alessia frowned at this. What did that mean?
"What does that mean?" She asked. Hearing laughs as they didn't answer.
"Buckets away! Leave that one out." Alanna's voice came. Alessia put her bucket under the table as Alanna brought out several glasses for them. "This one is a more advanced weave but since Alessia is the only Novice, we'll allow it." Alanna spoke as she gave a wink at her. She couldn't help but smile.
"If it's advanced, shouldn't we worry about her hurting herself? All the Novices recently are weak." The girl spoke.
"I'm not weak!" Alessia snapped.
"Enough!" Alanna spoke as they went silent. "Now. You pull earth from your right hand and water from your left. Use the moisture from the air or from your glass. Weave the threads together and once you are happy, pour the dirty water through your weave into the new glass." She spoke as she showed them. The water came out clear as Alessia smiled at this. Watching Alanna drink from it. "Once you have the desired clear water, drink it and you may go. It will take many attempts to get it correct." Alanna spoke as the Accepteds began working on the weave. Alessia was watching them.
"Still have that block?" Alanna asked.
"She's too weak. She'll be here all night. Just watch." Trina spoke. Alessia glared at her before pulling the weaves together with ease. Weaving them together as she poured the water through. It came out clear the first time. Alessia dropped the weave and drank her water. Hearing gasps as Alanna was smiling at her. Alessia set her glass down and took her leave. She had time before her next class as she took a seat on a bench in the garden. Pulling a book out as she began to read.
"Moiraine sent you a letter. Have you not opened it yet?" Alanna's voice came as she looked up and shook her head. "Can't stay mad at her forever. She means well." Alanna spoke as she sat next to her. Alessia had received a letter not long ago from Moiraine. It was just sitting in the bottom of her bag. It was wrinkled now.
"I haven't read it yet. I will later perhaps." Alessia spoke.
"I am glad you can channel again. It seemed whatever talk you and sister Liandrin had seemed to have worked." Alanna spoke. Alessia nodded her head.
"Liandrin Sedai knocked some sense into me." Alessia spoke as Alanna chuckled.
"You have much to catch up on." Alanna added.
"Bring it on." Alessia spoke. She loved a challenge.
"Very well. Watch closely." Alanna spoke as she started the lesson. Alessia was the only one there since she was the last Novice. She was able to recreate Alanna's weaves easily.
The day ended not long after dinner as Alessia was pacing back and forth in her room. The letter sat on her pillow as she sighed. Not sure if she even wanted to read it. Moiraine made her feel like she was wanted and then found out she was exiled. She frowned. Every time she got close to someone, something always happened. She gave in and opened the letter. Setting the twine to the side.
Dearest Lessy,
I am writing to you knowing that you may not write back. There is not a day that goes by that I regret not telling you about my exile. It won't be forever. I still intend to take you under. If you will still have me that is. I still want you to keep your head down and keep your wits about you. Please write. I hope to hear from you.
-Moiraine.
That was it from the letter as she set it on the dresser as she looked out the window in her room as she heard voices in the hallway. That was odd. Only Novices or Sheriam would usually be around in the hallways. Her door opened as a red ajah came into her room. Walking straight up to her and pressing her against the wall.
"So this is the Novice I heard so much about? My. She is such a beauty." The woman spoke. She had long black hair, a plump face and hard eyes. It was a beautiful face as well. Alessia felt a knee go against her between her legs. She gasped as her face went red. Something woke up inside of her and now she felt frustrated.
"Sister Galina, let her go." Liandrin's voice came from the doorway.
"But why sister Liandrin? She's a pretty one." Galina asked as she still had Alessia against the wall. She could feel her heart beating rather fast now. "Ah. I make her nervous." She chuckled with a smile. Alessia couldn't break eye contact as her cheeks were burning now. Galina had placed a hand upon Alessia's hip and squeezed it.
"Tell me girl, have you been claimed?" Galina asked as she raised a brow at the woman.
"For Light's sake Galina. She hasn't been here long." Liandrin spoke as she pulled Galina off of Alessia. Her chest was hurting from her heart beating so hard against her chest as she stared at the woman.
"Hmm Liandrin. You should share. My dear, let me know if you need any releases. I'll be happy to assist." Galina spoke as she lifted Alessia's chin with a single finger.
"I don't know what that means." Alessia spoke softly.
"Ah she speaks. My dear! How innocent you are! Let me help you." Galina spoke.
"Sister Galina! You are to report to our Highest! She wants a word. Now!" Liandrin spoke as Galina sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Another time then!" Galina spoke as she took her leave. Alessia was left speechless now. Liandrin was watching her.
"You alright?" She asked as Alessia nodded her head. Liandrin frowned before taking her leave. What did that woman mean by 'release?' She had no idea and now she felt frustrated for some reason. She put her books back into her bag and pulled out a piece of paper and began to write.
Dear Moiraine Sedai,
I'm not mad. Still upset about the whole thing but I will get over it. I'm the only Novice now at the Tower. I feel like I am being constantly watched by your sisters. I want you to trust me that I can make my own choices. I know you mean well and all Moiraine. But, you are not here. It saddens me that your presence isn't here. I had gotten used to it. The warm nights as well. It's lonely at the Tower now that the other Novices are gone. My friends don't speak to me because it's not socially accepted for whatever reason that may be. I hope you are well Moiraine.
From Lessy.
P.s A red ajah by the name Galina told me if I need any help on a release, seek her out. What does she mean by that?
Alessia tied the letter closed as she walked out of her room. Looking around to avoid that red from earlier. It wasn't bedtime just yet so she made her way up the stairs towards the main part of the Tower. She found herself on the green floor and knocked on a door.
"Come in." The voice of Alanna was so gentle and caring. Alessia walked into the room and closed the door behind her. When she turned she quickly covered her eyes. Alanna's warders were naked.
"Don't mind them." Alanna spoke as Alessia looked again. They were dressed. "Come. What brings you here?" Alanna asked with a smile. Alessia handed Alanna the letter.
"Ah you finally read it?" Alanna asked as she nodded her head.
"Yes, I was wondering if you could send it?" Alessia asked as the green ajah nodded her head. She was eating grapes while staring intensely at her.
"Thank you. Sorry, I should go." Alessia spoke.
"Sit." Alanna spoke. Alessia was tense and sat down on a pillow next to her. "You alright? You seem….tense." Alanna spoke.
"A red ajah came into my room earlier today. Galina Sedai." Alessia spoke as a gasp was heard. She raised a brow.
"She is known for deflowering a lot of Novices." Alanna spoke, hearing some chuckles from her warders.
"What does that mean?" Alessia asked.
"Oh my." Alanna chuckled as well. "What exactly happened?" Alanna then asked.
"She came into my room and pushed me against the wall. Her knee was against my um." Alessia blushed as she waved her hand to her lower area.
"Ah." Alanna spoke as she was smiling. "What else?" She asked.
"She asked if I was claimed or not. Then told me to seek her out if I need a release?" Alessia asked.
"She can smell a virgin girl from miles away. I swear it." Alanna chuckled as did her warders. Alessia blushed at this and looked down to her hands. "Nothing to be ashamed about. Get yourself a pillow friend dear." Alanna spoke.
"With respect Alanna Sedai. There aren't exactly any Novices left and the Accepteds do not like me." Alessia spoke softly.
"Then maybe one of my sisters might take you under their wing. But be warned, it should be a sister you like. Because it's something one should not take lightly." Alanna spoke. Alessia nodded her head.
"Moiraine Sedai said she wanted to do that." Alessia spoke. Hearing a soft gasp again.
"How interesting." Alanna spoke.
"Alanna Sedai, please. Just tell me straight up." Alessia spoke.
"Moiraine has never taken anyone. Ever since the break up with Siuan." Alanna spoke. "They were more than pillow friends with each other. Lovers to be exact. They planned on marrying before Siuan was voted to be the Amyrlin Seat." Alanna spoke.
"Oh." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"Moiraine didn't pick you out of loneliness. She picked you because she likes you and sees something in you." Alanna spoke.
"I like Moiraine a lot. But she isn't the only one." Alessia frowned while fidgeting her fingers in her lap.
"There's another?" Alanna asked while smiling. Alessia held up two fingers. "Two others? My my Alessia dear. I didn't know you were such a lover!" Alanna smiled at her while touching her shoulders.
"I don't even think they like me. Let alone have time. The Aes Sedai are always busy." Alessia spoke softly.
"Ah, you have feelings for two other sisters?" Alanna asked as she nodded her head lightly.
"I just wanted to know what Galina Sedai meant by what she said." Alessia spoke.
"Well. She wants to please you sexually." Alanna spoke bluntly as Alessia let out a cough. "I believe what she did woke something up in you and now you are frustrated?" Alanna asked as Alessia nodded her head. "Maybe you should rub one out." Alanna suggested. Alessia raised a brow at her.
"What now?" Alessia asked.
"My. You are innocent. Think about one of my sisters that you fancy and touch yourself my dear! Or I could be of service." Alanna suggested.
"Alanna Sedai!" Alessia shouted as her face was red as she heard laughing. "It's alright dear. As I have said. It should be with someone you care about." Alanna spoke as Alessia nodded her head and stood up.
"Thank you, Alanna Sedai." Alessia gave the woman a bow. Taking her leave from the room.
She found herself on another floor. She sighed and took up the courage and walked down to the end of the hall. Knocking on a door. Waiting now.
"Sister Lillen is not in the Tower at this time." A voice spoke as Alessia looked over. It was a gray who was bald.
I'm Joiya." The woman spoke as Alessia bowed to her.
"Nice to meet you Joiya Sedai." Alessia spoke as the woman smiled at her.
"Did you need Lillen for something?" She asked. Alessia shook her head. In truth, she just wanted the woman's company.
"No. Sorry. I should head back. Curfew." Alessia spoke.
"Are you sure? I'll send a letter if you are looking for her? I have to send a letter anyways. I can mention." Joiya spoke.
"It's…alright. Thank you." Alessia spoke as she quickly left. Knowing the woman was watching her. She dashed along the hallways as her shadows danced along the walls and floors from the moonlight. She stopped in the garden and looked up. Looking at the moon and stars.
"Curfew!" Liandrin's voice made her jump. She saw the blue eyes watching her.
"Of course Liandrin Sedai." Alessia spoke as she gave the woman a bow before leaving again. Sighing softly as she made her way back to the silent side of the Tower. She managed to get to her room in time as she put the candles out and crawled into bed. Feeling her eyes sting. She was missing Emma already. She hated that the other Novices were already gone. She sighed a little and tossed and turned in her bed. She wanted to sleep but she didn't want to see Lillen in her dreams again. The youngest Aes Sedai that she was now developing feelings for. Maybe she should see Galina. Help her get over these feelings that were never going to be returned. In truth, she was avoiding Liandrin as well. She was frustrated now, even more than she had ever been. Maybe Alanna was right? She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Closing her eyes as she was letting her hand in between. Blushing at her body's reaction. 'Ohh.' Alessia thought as she found a spot that was sensitive as she carefully caressed it. Letting a finger slide inside of her as she moaned. Covering her mouth at her reaction. Not wanting to be loud or make a sound. She removed her finger back to the sensitive spoke. Closing her eyes again as she imagines Lillen touching her. It sent shock waves of pleasure up through her body as she groaned a little. Her hips were moving slowly as she imagined kisses across her shoulder from Liandrin. Her body was heating up rather quickly now.
"Why?" She asked herself with a soft moan. She hadn't known these women long but the effects they had on her was insane. She gripped her bedsheet as her hips moved against her hand. Moving a little faster as her breaths shortened. Feeling her body tense up as she groaned. Hitting a small rather fast climax that was short lived. She relaxed when her mind came down from the high. Blushing at her reaction as she frowned a little. It took the edge off but she was still frustrated. Hitting her pillow to shape it before laying back down. Curling up as she closed her eyes. Sleep coming rather quickly tonight.
(Time skip. Two months later.)
The sun's rays hit her face as she sat up. Rubbing her cheeks as she was sweaty from last night. Deciding it would be best to bathe and be ready for the day. Sighing as she grabbed a change of clothes and walked silently down the hallway into the washroom. She had barely gotten any sleep. Every time she fell asleep, she saw her face. She forced herself awake each time it happened. She hated it that they were only dreams. She wanted them to be real. She would fall asleep next to Lillen who would have her arms around Alessia as she slept. It felt nice. Except she woke up alone in her bed each morning. She groaned as she stepped into the hot water and began to wash rather quickly. Lanfear and Lillen were still not back from their mission or task. She had managed to avoid Liandrin who kept making advancements towards her about learning and what not. Galina had made several attempts and moved towards her. She had been spending more time with Alanna when it came to her lessons. During the weekends, she would hide away in the library or in a corner of the Novice hallways. She kept her head down like Moiraine told her to. She had written a few letters back to Moiraine as well. There still hadn't been any more Novices. Jane had spoken to her late at night a few times. As did Nynaeve and Egwene. She had finally met Marin's daughter. Nynaeve had asked about her leg when she was walking normally now. She felt isolated. It was a horrible feeling. There was one night she was packing her bag to leave the Tower but decided against it. She finished washing up and she stepped up and out. Weaving the water from her hair as she sighed. Letting the water drain as she put on a clean Novice dress and let her hair down. She left the washroom and headed towards the kitchens as the Accepteds she did not like were there as well.
"Where have you been?" Trina asked as Alessia rolled her eyes before ignoring her and started on the dishes.
"Come along dears. Beddings to be changed. Science floor. Our sisters have returned. Return here once done!" Alanna spoke as she held the list up. Trina took it.
"You can have Lillen Sedai's room." She pointed at Alessia. "I'll take Lanfear's!" She spoke as she took the basket to Lanfear's room. Alessia took the last basket and followed the other Accepteds up the stairs. She was still silent as she listened to the others talking. Seeing the black and white ajahs waiting outside of their doors.
"Hello dears." Lanfear spoke as she smiled at them. Alessia could have sworn they swooned over her. Shaking her head as she made her way down the hallway and knocked on the door. It was answered not long after.
"Lillen Sedai. Here to change the bed." Alessia spoke softly. She bowed as Lillen stepped aside. She entered the room and walked over to the bed and set the basket down as she began.
"You were looking for me two months ago?" Lillen asked as Alessia pulled the covers and sheets off.
"It was nothing." Alessia replied. Rolling up the dirty sheets and blankets as she grabbed the clean ones and began to make the bed. She was straightening out the wrinkles as her hand was taken.
"Come. I want to show you something." Lillen spoke as she pulled Alessia towards the dresser with the spiders. Lillen grabbed a jar and opened the lid. On her hand crawled a large spider.
"What is that?" Alessia asked.
"It's a Chilean Rose tarantula." Lillen spoke. The hairy spider looked like it had light red hair on its body. She could feel Lillen's hand on her lower back again. Chin resting against her shoulder. She could inhale Lillen's scent as it made her head spin. Alessia felt the feet tickle her hand. She giggled and then covered her mouth before handing it back to Lillen.
"I..I have to go." Alessia stuttered a little. She grabbed the basket and quickly left the room. She was power walking back down the halls. Taking the laundry to the washroom where the others were. She set the basket down as she made her way back to the kitchens.
"Took you long enough." Trina spoke as Alessia sighed again. "Too scary for you?" She asked.
"Did Lillen Sedai lock you up and torture you with her spiders?" Another asked.
"Shut up! The lot of you! You don't know anything about her! She's kind and intelligent!" Alessia snapped. They glared at her. Alessia felt like this was a mistake. Trina walked up to her and pushed her against the wall.
"Didn't I tell you to not speak to me like that again?" Trina asked as Alessia only kept her silence.
"What's going on here?" Liandrin came into the room.
"Oh nothing Liandrin Sedai! Just teaching Alessia some respect." Trina spoke as she let her go. Alessia frowned as the bell rang for break. Watching the Accepteds take their leave. Alessia brushed her dress off as she felt her chin lifted.
"Are you alright?" Liandrin asked as Alessia nodded her head. "I don't believe you. You've been avoiding me for months now." She spoke as she put a stray of hair behind Alessia's ear before tracing her jawline.
"I apologize, Liandrin Sedai." Alessia spoke as she gave the woman a bow. She began to take her leave as Liandrin then grabbed her arm gently and she stopped. Looking at the blue eyes.
"Come. I want to show you what is expected of you once you become an Accepted." Liandrin spoke as Alessia frowned. "What is it?" She asked.
"They say any Novice now is too weak to even pass the tests." Alessia spoke.
"Are you weak?" Liandrin asked as she crossed her arms.
"No!" Alessia shouted.
"Didn't think so. Come." Liandrin spoke as she wrapped an arm around Alessia's shoulder.
She was looking around in the room of the infirmary. There was a girl who was coughing with her eyes closed.
"Breakbone fever?" Alessia asked as the girl nodded her head that was by her side.
"Would you like to take over Aes Sedai?" The girl asked.
"No. Please. Continue." Liandrin spoke as Alessia watched the Accepted she hadn't met before closed her eyes as she pulled spirit from her chest towards the girl in bed. It seemed to have taken a few minutes but the girl opened her eyes and smiled.
"You healed her fever?" Alessia asked with a smile.
"Yes. It took a lot of practice but I managed to do it." The Accepted spoke with a smile.
"That's amazing." Alessia added as she was then guided away from the room. They were now outside as Alessia was looking around the area.
"You see. When you become an Accepted, you spend time with each ajah to learn about them. You will be expected to give them your full attention so we can see where your talents are." Liandrin explained as Alessia nodded her head as they made their way back into the main part of the Tower. They then stopped.
"I asked Sheriam to give your studies over to me." Liandrin spoke.
"Thought you weren't allowed to teach Novices?" Alessia asked.
"I'm allowed to teach Accepteds." Liandrin smiled at her.
"Why me?" Alessia then asked.
"What do you mean?" The red asked as they were walking in the hallway now as warders were training.
"There are plenty of Accepteds that are strong and worthy of your attention." Alessia spoke.
"True. But I like you. I want to help you become strong. I know you are already. But with the right guidance, you can get there." Liandrin spoke.
"And you think red is for me?" Alessia asked. Liandrin was smiling at her. That damn beautiful smile.
"You are the only one who has taken no interest in a warder and you've been more focused on your studies. You are excelling now." Liandrin spoke.
"No need to brag. It wasn't easy. I had much to catch up on." Alessia spoke.
"So modest." Liandrin spoke while cupping Alessia's cheek. She couldn't help but blush a little.
"I have a question." Alessia spoke.
"Hmm?" Liandrin asked, waiting.
"What does Wilder mean?" She asked as Liandrin then frowned.
"Did someone call you that?" Liandrin asked. "It's an insult to call someone who learned some channeling before coming to the Tower." Liandrin spoke. Alessia frowned at this. Feeling her cheek cupped again. Hearing very light footsteps as Alessia looked over. Seeing Lillen with her hands behind her back.
"Sister Lillen. What is it?" Liandrin asked. Lillen looked a bit angry. She stepped one foot into Liandrin's personal space and then the other as she stood up straight. Looking at Liandrin.
"Sister Lanfear wishes to speak to us." Lillen spoke softly.
"Very well. I'll speak to you soon." Liandrin spoke as she squeezed Alessia's arm before taking her leave. Watching the red ajah take her leave.
"Do you like sister Liandrin?" Lillen asked while not looking at her. The dark brown eyes were looking to the side on the ground.
"Why do you care?" Alessia asked. She frowned while looking away. Feeling her personal space now invaded.
"I thought you liked me. Did I misread you?" Lillen asked. Her dark brown eyes now look into Alessia's deep blue ones. Alessia watched her for a moment before leaning to the side a little and kissed Lillen's cheek. It wasn't a quick nor long one. It was a firm one as well. Seeing Lillen's eyes go wide as Alessia took her leave now. Not knowing that she was being watched now.
She came back into the kitchen as dinner was being made. Alessia was humming softly as she was rinsing the vegetables in the bucket now. Making sure they were cleaned and dried before setting them aside. She was cutting the food before tossing them into the large boiling pot. She felt her hair pulled as she staggered backwards.
"Watch where you are going wilder." Trina spoke while laughing.
"That the only insult you have?" Alessia asked while cleaning the table up from the food crumbs. Hearing a knife hit the table as she looked up. Trina had stabbed the table. Alessia felt something crawl onto her hand.
"I said watch how you speak to me." Trina spoke in a low voice.
"You keep threatening me but yet you do nothing. Do you get off by bullying a Novice?" Alessia asked. Hearing gasps from the other girls.
"Why you little!" Trina shouted as she jumped at Alessia who turned on her feet. Holding her hand up with the spider. Trina then screamed bloody murder and ran out of the kitchen. Alessia chased her with her hand up.
"What's the meaning of this?!" Sheriam shouted as they were stopped in the hallway.
"She's trying to hurt me, Sheriam Sedai." Trina spoke.
"Liar." Alessia spoke softly.
"She has a spider! Filthy creature!" Trina shouted.
"Hey now." Alessia spoke with a frown. It seemed Liandrin and Lillen had come into the scene. Trina smacked her hand as the spider went flying from her hand.
"Hey!" Alessia shouted as Trina stepped on it. Lillen was angry when she saw this. Alessia could see the hurt in the woman's eyes.
"Daughter Alessia! Is this true? You tried to hurt her?" Sheriam asked.
"No!" Alessia spoke with a frown.
"Lair!" Trina shouted at her.
"You pulled my hair and called me a wilder." Alessia spoke with a frown again.
"Because you are! You filthy.." She began.
"Enough! Alessia. To your room without supper! Trina, my office. This isn't the first Novice you bullied. Away!" Sheriam shouted. Alessia sighed and turned sharply on her heels and stormed out of the hallway. She stopped around the corner. Waiting for her heartbeat to slow down.
"She's immature!" Sheriam shouted.
"She's strong. She's been fighting Trina for a while now. Dealing with being bullied. She is strong now." Liandrin spoke.
"You confirm this sister Lillen?" Sheriam asked.
"I haven't spent time with her. I would like to." Lillen spoke softly.
"After supper, collect her Sister Liandrin." Sheriam spoke.
"For the switch?" Liandrin asked.
"No. Her test." Sheriam added.
"She isn't ready." Liandrin spoke.
"I thought you just said she is strong?" Sheriam asked.
"She is but with the decline of.." Liandrin began.
"Grab daughter Alessia after supper. Sister Lillen, you will join us as well as sister Alanna." Sheriam spoke. Alessia frowned and left the corner. She ran to her room and closed the door behind her. Leaning against her door and sighed. She began pacing in her room. She was anxious. She felt like Sheriam had it out for her as she sat on her bed. Her face in her hands as she sighed. She had just barely got used to Tower life and now she was being thrown to the arches with no knowledge of them.
The moon was in the sky now as she felt her stomach growling. She sighed and ignored it. She heard a knock on her door. She expected this. She opened it to see Liandrin holding a lantern.
"You must follow me." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She turned and blew out the candles and closed the door. Following Liandrin now in silence.
"Are you alright?" Alessia asked softly as she heard a weak chuckle.
"I should be asking you that. I know you overheard us." Liandrin spoke.
"I didn't mean." Alessia began.
"No worries. Sheriam Sedai doesn't know." Liandrin added as Alessia let out a sigh of relief as she heard her boot heels against the stone floor. They crossed the garden as she could feel the moon's beams on her. It was a cool feeling against her skin. It didn't last long as she sighed again. Feeling her arm touched gently as Liandrin guided her down the other hallways and then they made their climb down the stairs. It had gotten colder the more down they went. There was a little bit of moisture in the air. Alessia moved closer to Liandrin as they stopped. Alessia looked at the older woman who looked upset.
"Remember that you are strong. We all believe this to be true." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She then hugged Liandrin tightly. Feeling her back rubbed before pulling back. "When my sisters ask. You must say yes." Liandrin spoke.
"I am ready." Alessia spoke. She had no idea what was coming but she was going to face it and come back alive.
"Come dear. We mustn't wait any longer." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head. Following the woman in read again. They made it to the end of the hallway. Alanna was smiling at Alessia. Lillen looked worried for her. Sheriam Sedai had no emotion on her face.
"Who do you bring with you tonight sister?" Sheriam asked.
"One who is a candidate for Acceptance sister." Liandrin spoke.
"Is she ready sister?" Alanna asked.
"She is ready to leave behind what she was and, passing through her fears, gain Acceptance." Liandrin replied.
"Does she know what she fears?" Lillen asked.
"She has never faced them but is now willing." Liandrin replied again.
"Then let her face what she fears." Sheriam spoke as she unlocked the door and pushed it open. Alessia was the last one to enter the room and saw three large arches in the middle of the room.