Chapter Eleven: Acceptance
There stood tall three arches in the center of the room as it was cold. There was a small fountain against the wall near the only entrance and exit of the room. Alessia felt her heart beat going rather fast. She was nervous and scared at the same time. Where her Novice friends failed their tests and one ran away. Alessia couldn't help but feel bad for them right now. What if she passed? Then maybe they wouldn't have gone in vain? Or what if she failed? Then Moiraine would be upset about losing the Dragon she searched for so long for. She felt like she was going to be doing this for them. She looked over her shoulder to see Liandrin still looking worried as did Lillen. Alanna however was smiling at her. Sheriam still had an emotionless face on.
"What are they?" Alessia asked. They were sitting on silver like rings from the ground.
"They are called Ter'angreal. There are many like them all over the world." Liandrin spoke. Alessia was looking at the arches again.
"They were made before the Breaking of the World. Many Aes Sedai had died trying to figure out what they were." Sheriam spoke.
"Then why are they here?" Alessia asked.
"These ones we know how to use." Lillen spoke softly. Alessia's eyes met the dark brown ones. "These ones will show you your fears and you must face them." The woman added.
"The burdens are yours to bear. You must only take the test for yourself if you truly want to be an Aes Sedai. Not for anyone else or you will fail." Liandrin then spoke. So, she would have to do this for herself. Not for anyone else. She had never thought her path would lead down to become an Aes Sedai. Did she want to become one? Yes. She wanted to do this. She needed to do this.
"The way comes but once." Sheriam spoke. "You may refuse the test twice. The third time you will be thrown out of the Tower with enough silver for a year. You also cannot channel once you enter." Sheriam added. Alessia turned back to look at the arches. 'Was this going to be worth it?' She thought. 'I'm the Dragon. I have to do this.' Alessia then spoke to herself. It was her destiny after all to become an Aes Sedai. She was going to prove that. Lead the people into a new era like Moiraine had told her. She knew the woman wasn't lying due to the oaths all Aes Sedai had to take once they took up the shawl. She took a deep breath again. Praying to the Light to protect and keep her safe.
"Undress her." Sheriam's voice spoke. Alessia felt gentle fingers unzipping her dress from behind as Lillen stood in front of her. Sliding the dress off her shoulders. Alessia looked into the brown eyes and blushed. Lillen gave her that gentle smile as Alessia fought hard not to smile at her. Liandrin took her dress and boots. She was now in her under gown. Her feet were bare now standing on the cold stone.
"Do you have any more questions?" Alanna's voice came. Alessia shook her head. She did in fact but she wanted to do this. Get it done any over with but she was afraid to keep asking questions because of her being a natural curious person.
"Your first will be what was. The way comes but once." Sheriam spoke. Alessia watched the four sisters channel and link with Sheriam as she channeled the first arch. Alessia could see it shimmering. Alessia looked back over her shoulder. Liandrin nodded at her. Lillen was still worried but then she gave a small encouraging smile. Alessia looked back and took a deep breath. Closing her eyes for a moment before opening them again. She walked forward and entered the first arch.
"Alessia! Wake up!" A woman's voice spoke as she snapped up from the bed. She yawned and stretched her arms as she looked around the room. She was in her bedroom when she was a child. She looked into a mirror and saw a child's face that she hadn't seen in so many years. She looked around the room and sighed a little.
"Come along dear! We have a dinner party to go to. Your friend is waiting." The woman spoke.
"Coming mama!" Alessia's child-like voice spoke as she grunted while touching her throat. It was a high pitched sound. She changed into clothes and ran out of the room and saw two people she did not know. They didn't look like her parents.
"My dear, are you alright?" The woman asked as Alessia nodded her head. Feeling the woman brush her hair and put it up.
"Happy third name day my dear!" A man's voice spoke as he kissed her head.
"Tank you papa." She spoke while giggling. There was a knock on the door as the man went to answer it.
"Ah! Ishamael! Glad you could make it!" The man spoke.
"Isha! Isha!" Alessia shouted as she ran up to him.
"Hello little one!" Ishamael chuckled while picking her up. She patted his cheeks with a giggle. "She's not afraid of me?" Ishamael asked as the woman shook her head.
"Not at all. She likes you all." The woman spoke. Alessia was set back down as she looked behind the man and saw two women standing behind him. One was looking down to the ground and the other one was tall and proud. Walking up to Ishamael.
"May I introduce Lanfear Sedai. Newly raised to the shawl. Many say she is talented in the One Power. This is Lillen Moiral. She is a newly raised Accepted. She is going to be the youngest Aes Sedai in a long time." Ishamael spoke as the silent one gave them a bow. Alessia was curious about her. Kept her eyes on the woman as they entered another room. There were other guests there already. The table being filled.
"Why you quiet?" Alessia asked as she leaned against the woman. Lillen smiled at and only patted her shoulder before walking away. She wasn't going to take the silence. She followed the woman. Watching her grab a book and sit down. Alessia crawled onto the couch and plopped down right next to her.
"I see she likes you." Her father spoke.
"She's odd then. No one likes me." Lillen spoke while not looking from the book.
"Everyone likes someone. She likes you." Her father added.
"Very well. Would you like a story?" Lillen asked as she had this evil smirk on her face now. Alessia nodded her head quickly.
It seemed the memory of the arch had changed as Alessia was looking around again.
"Alessia! Get the ball!" A girl's voice spoke. She ran across the opened field and grabbed the ball. She kicked it back and heard shouting. She turned to look at the edge of the forest. Nothing. 'Weird.' She thought before feeling the ball hit her.
"Hey!" Alessia shouted and crossed her arms as the other girl laughed.
"Girls! Time for dinner!" Her mother's voice shouted. They ran towards the woman with smiles on their faces. She sat in a chair and started hitting the table with her spoon.
"Food!" Alessia shouted with a giggle.
"Now now dear. Behave." Her father spoke. It was the same parents when they were in the city.
"When we go back to city?" Alessia asked. Her words were awful.
"Soon. Ishamael wants to take a look at you." Her father spoke.
"What for?" She asked.
"We believe you can touch the Power already." Her mother spoke.
"Oh! Alessia going to be an Sedai?" The other girl asked.
"Maybe! Does your mother know you are here?" Her mother asked as the other girl nodded her head.
"Alright, dinner time!" Her father spoke as they set the table. Alessia frowned.
"What is it?" Her mother asked.
"I hear screaming." Alessia spoke as she hopped off the chair and ran back outside.
"What do you mean?" Her father asked.
"There." She pointed towards the forest.
"There is nothing there." Her father added. "Come back inside." He added. There was silence. Then, out of nowhere there was an ear splitting scream coming from the forest. A woman came running from it. Then the trees came crashing down as several Trollocs followed.
"Trollocs! Get to safety!" Her father shouted. Alessia turned her heels and ran away from her home. Seeing her mother right behind her as her friend.
"Come! This way! Get inside!" Her mother shouted as they did. Hearing the door smash open as Alessia screamed. Covering her face as shards of the wood went flying. Feeling on stab her in her shoulder as she cried out in pain.
'The way comes but once.' A voice spoke as Alessia looked behind her. Seeing a silvery archway appear. It was almost transparent. Curiosity got the best of her as she ran forward through the archway.
She ran forward and then stopped. Feeling the sharp pain in her shoulder. Alanna was next to her and pulled out the piece of wood. Alessia grunted from it as she felt the warm liquid of her blood slowly trickle down. Then there was a warm sensation as Alanna healed her wound. It felt so real inside. The people, were they her real parents or some make believe fake ones. Or the ones that got burned at the stake, her real parents? She had so many questions now. But they were her burden to bear. It was her past life. Whoever were her parents, that did not matter now.
"Some wounds are real and some are not." Sheriam spoke as Alessia looked up. The woman had forgotten to mention that? That was a painful piece of wood that stabbed her. Guess there were Trollocs before the Shattering of the sky. Though, did she really know Lanfear and Lillen when she was younger? She was burning with more questions than she had ever had now. She then felt water dumped over her head.
"You are washed clean of what sins you have committed and sins committed against you. You come to us washed clean and pure in heart and soul." Liandrin spoke as Alessia watched the woman in red take a step back now. Alanna was making sure she didn't have any other wounds. The pot was put back to the fountain.
"You must not stop once you start." Liandrin then spoke. Alessia nodded her head and walked forward to the arch that is across the one from her. She could feel the intense staring of the eyes of the sisters watching her. Then they began to channel again. Opening the second arch.
"The second is for what is. The way comes but once." Sheriam spoke. Alessia nodded her head before stepping into the second one.
The sun was bright as she shielded her eyes from the light. Looking around as she saw several people laughing and chattering away. She smiled as children ran past her.
"Merry Bel Tine!" A man shouted. Clearly he was drunk. Alessia chuckled at him.
"Not yet!" Another man shouted. There was more laughter.
"Who are you dear?" A woman asked as Alessia turned to look at her.
"Just a traveler." Alessia spoke as the woman nodded with a smile before going on about her day. "Excuse me. Sorry, I've been traveling for days and might have lost my way. Could you tell me where I am?" Alessia asked a woman who was serving drinks.
"You are in the city of Tarabon, dear lady!" The woman was smiling. Alessia nodded and bowed to the woman. She was in a white dress that was only seen at the White Tower.
"Are you an Aes Sedai?" A young girl asked as she came up to Alessia.
"No dear. Just someone learning from them." She replied.
"One day, I wanna be a strong Aes Sedai!" The girl spoke as a boy ran up and pushed her to the ground.
"You are too weak!" He shouted at her before running off while laughing. Alessia helped the girl who was crying now. She knelt down and touched her shoulder.
"There, there little one. I believe you can become a strong woman in whatever way you want." Alessia spoke. The girl smiled and hugged her before skipping away. She looked around wondering why she was in this place. Maybe she was needed here for something? She yawned lightly as she walked over to the tavern and paid for a room for the night. She sat on the bed while looking out the window.
"Lessy?" A voice that made her jump. Moiraine in all her glory was standing in the doorway as she wore her famous blue clothes.
"Moiraine? What are you doing here?" Alessia asked.
"Why are you here?" Moiraine asked. "You're supposed to be at the Tower."
"I got sent on a mission. I don't remember though." Alessia spoke as she was walking over to her bag. Moiraine stopped her and pulled her close.
"You're here. That's what matters. Here with me. Where you belong." Moiraine spoke in her ear. Alessia felt a shiver go up her spine as the tip of Moiraine's fingers trailed up and down her sides.
"Help! Someone help!" A voice snapped Alessia back to reality as she moved over to the window. Seeing a building caught on fire. She turned and ran from the room. Moiraine was on her heels following.
"Grab the buckets! Toss the water on it!" Alessia shouted as she passed buckets that were full to a few others. She went and helped fill the buckets as well to toss onto the fire. They had been at it not long as the fire died down.
"I didn't mean to! I'm so sorry!" A girl shouted as a man had her by the hair. Dragging her to the center of the city.
"She's a witch!" A man shouted.
"Thousands of years and we are still called witches." Moiraine spoke while shaking her head. The girl was no younger than sixteen but not older than twenty. Alessia frowned as they pushed her against a wooden post.
"Stop!" Alessia shouted as they all stopped and looked at her.
"By the law of the Tower, she is to go to the Tower!" Alessia shouted.
"You dare interfere girl?" The man asked.
"I say it again. The law says she must go to the Tower!" Alessia shouted. She felt a smack across her face. She felt the force almost put her off her feet. She caught herself as Moiraine was holding her arm.
"This girl is a witch! She shall die as a witch!" The man shouted as others cheered. Alessia was now shouting at the man in Old Tongue.
"What are you saying, witch?" The man asked while looking at her.
"I will take the girl off your hands!" She shouted. The girl was then pulled down from the stake as she was shoved into Alessia's arms. Feeling the girl shake while crying.
"Shh. It's alright." Moiraine spoke as she petted the girl's head.
"The way comes but once." Alessia heard as she looked to her left. She began to walk towards it.
"Lessy don't leave me! We need to take her back!" Moiraine's voice made her stop. The longing in the voice. The yearning. It made her want to stay with the woman. To raise the girl in the Tower with her sisters. She pushed forward. Hearing Moiraine cry her name as she walked through the arch.
Alessia frowned as she stopped in the center of the room. Alanna walked up to her and circled her. Alessia could feel the sweat against her skin as she was examined by the battle ajah. Feeling the gentle fingers poking her around before stopping.
"No wounds this time." Alanna spoke. Alessia frowned again. Hoping that girl was going to be alright. It was odd that Moiraine was there in her present test. She was worried about that girl now. Hoping she was alright but then again, was it even real? The girl? The city? What fear was that she had just faced? To leave someone like her behind or alone? She wasn't alone. Moiraine was there. She watched Lillen come up to her and dump the water on her this time.
"You are cleaned of false pride and ambition. You come to us washed clean, in heart and soul." Lillen spoke softly. Alessia was watching the older woman as she turned to put the pot back on the fountain. She frowned as her worry was growing. It seemed to have caught Liandrin's attention.
"Your burdens are your own. Your troubles are your own." The red ajah spoke as Alessia nodded her head lightly at this. She was right. She shouldn't trouble
"You must not stop once you start." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She turned to face the third and final arch. Feeling her heart beat rise at this. The hardest one. The one that tempts anyone to stay inside.
"The third and final one. For what will be." Sheriam spoke as Alessia took a deep breath. Looking at the sisters over her shoulder. "The way comes but once." Sheriam then repeated as Alessia looked back at the third arch. Holding her head up high. The final arch was now shimmering from the channeling. Alessia took another deep breath before walking straight into it.
She was resting on something soft as the sun's rays was hitting her face gently.
"Come my Dragon. Time to get up." A soft voice spoke in her ear. Alessia smiled as she opened her eyes. Seeing Liandrin laying down in front of her. Tracing her cheek gently.
"Hello my beautiful wife." Alessia spoke. 'Wait what?' She thought. The words had just slipped out of her mouth.
"Come. The Amyrlin Seat wishes to speak to you." Liandrin spoke as Alessia sat up. Stretching her arms over her head as she felt arms snake around her middle and hugging her from behind.
"I may never get out of bed." Alessia spoke as there was a light chuckle. She allowed Liandrin to hug her a moment longer before getting up. She stopped to look into the mirror. Her face looked a bit older. Her hair was longer. She had a multi-colored stone in her serpent ring on her middle finger. She's an Aes Sedai? There were two other rings on her wedding finger. One is black and one is red. She smiled at it. She grabbed her clothes to change into.
"Wear something red my love." Liandrin spoke as Alessia smiled at her.
"Of course." Alessia spoke. She switched her shirt into a red blouse. All her other clothes were purple. She had a belt she put on. It had all the ajah colors in the Tower. Liandrin stood in front of her and placed a pin onto her blouse. It was a small golden dragon pin. She felt her cheeks cupped as she received a full deep kiss. Alessia felt dazed at this while smiling.
"Come my dear. They are waiting." Liandrin then spoke. Alessia nodded her head as she followed the honey blonde woman out of the large bedroom.
"Your other wife woke up early this morning and went to the Tower Hall already." Liandrin spoke.
"My other wife?" Alessia asked. Liandrin stopped and gave her a worried look.
"Sorry. My mind isn't all here today." Alessia confessed. It was true. She had no idea what was going on.
"Come, Lillen is upset with you. You need to make her happy as well." Liandrin spoke. Alessia blushed. Lillen was her other wife.
"I shall find and fetch a rare spider. Light knows she loves them." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"As do you, my love. How a Dragon and Spider fell in love is beyond me." Liandrin spoke with a chuckle.
"You call her Spider as well?" Alessia asked.
"Yes, she only prefers you calling her Moghedien." Liandrin spoke. Alessia froze. She had heard that name before. In her dreams before she came to the Tower.
"You alright my love?" Liandrin asked. Touching her cheek. Alessia nodded her head quickly.
"Yes, sorry my beautiful queen." Alessia spoke as she continued following Liandrin. Taking the woman's hand into her own. This woman was definitely a queen of her heart as Lillen was. She was smiling non stop as they stopped in front of the double doors.
She walked inside after Liandrin and looked to her right. Lillen was glaring at her. Her heart crushed at this. She frowned at the woman before hearing voices. She stood in front of Siuan and gave the woman a bow.
"Sit." Siuan spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She walked over to the chair on the other side of Lillen that had a dragon symbol on it. Between Lillen and the Amyrlin.
"I'll make it up to you, I promise my dear spider." Alessia spoke softly to Lillen who looked to the side at the ground. Alessia frowned as the doors opened again. A tall man walked in with a few other men. They were the Aes Sedai of the Black Tower.
"Lews Therin. What do we owe the pleasure?" Siuan asked.
"Mother." Lews bowed. 'Wait, I heard this name before.' Alessia spoke. "I require the Dragon's assistance." He spoke as the Tower went silent as all eyes went onto Alessia. She sat up straight in her seat and folded her hands in her lap. Watching him.
"For what purpose?" Siuan asked.
"To cage the Dark One." He spoke. Hearing voices among the hall now.
"No." Siuan spoke.
"Forgive me mother but that is for Alessia to say. She is the Dragon. She is the one who is supposed to lead us." Lews spoke. Alessia could feel Lillen looking at her intensely.
"She is still my daughter in my Tower." Siuan spoke. Alessia tilted her head to the side.
"I want to hear what he has to say, mother." Alessia spoke softly.
"Very well daughter. You may speak." Siuan spoke as Lews nodded his head.
"We need both of our strengths to do this. I believe the Forsakens are running among our lands and people again. They were given memories of their past lives by the Dark One. They are stronger than ever. If we do not strike now in the heart of the prison, we may never be able to cage or seal him again." Lews spoke. Alessia stood up. The Tower sitters went dead silent as Alessia walked around Lews in a circle.
"You would have me lead my sisters with your brothers to the Dark One's prison? In Shayol Ghul?" Alessia asked.
"Yes." He replied.
"I will not repeat history and make the same mistakes in the past." Alessia spoke as she stopped with her hands behind her back. Looking at her mother who nodded her head.
"If we do not act now! He will take control!" Lews shouted.
"I will not curse my sisters and my sisters that are yet to come!" Alessia shouted at him. Hearing gasps.
"What are you saying? That you won't help?" Lews asked.
"No. I will not repeat history and doom my sisters." Alessia spoke.
"Curse you! The lot of you! If he wins, you are to blame." Lews spoke as he pointed to Alessia.
"History is always doomed to repeat itself." Alessia spoke while glaring at him.
"You are dismissed. Go with the Light." Siuan spoke as Alessia watched the men take their leave.
"I want each of you to prepare yourselves for what is to come in the future. Go with the Light my daughters." Siuan spoke. Alessia gave their mother a bow before taking her leave. She was closely followed by Lillen and Liandrin. She stopped as she was out of ear shot from the other sisters.
"Did I make the right choice?" Alessia asked while looking at them. Her eyes threatened tears. Seeing the worried look on their faces as they both touched each of her arms.
"You saved our sisters from being cursed. That we are grateful. There may be more battles to fight but we will fight them." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head in silence. She sighed softly as she hugged both of them.
It seemed the memory changed. Alessia was standing on a beach. Barefooted in the sand as she was listening to the ocean. There were ships sailing towards the city nearby. They were about to enter a battle.
"You wanted to see me?" A voice spoke. Alessia turned and smiled. Walking up to the woman the voice belonged to.
"Are you still angry with me, my love?" Alessia asked.
"Why do you not share my bed with me?" Lillen asked in a hurtful voice.
"You are gone most nights. Some nights I never see you." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"Do I disgust you?" Lillen asked while looking to the ground. Alessia felt her heart shatter at this. She quickly cupped both of Lillen's cheeks to make her look at her.
"Why would you ask that?" Alessia asked with a frown.
"We haven't been. You know. In a while." Lillen spoke softly. Alessia kissed her deeply and dropped her hands. Pulling Lillen close into her arms around her waist.
"I love you Lillen. My beautiful Spider. I married you out of love. My soul belongs to you. You could never disgust me." Alessia spoke. Lillen smiled and rested her cheek against Alessia's chest. "I'll stay with you tonight and all the nights you want, my love." Alessia spoke.
"You promise? Never leave me?" Lillen asked. "Only when we are sent on missions?" She asked.
"I promise my love." Alessia spoke. Seeing the light shine in Lillen's eyes before kissing her deeply again. Her heart and soul was singing from this. How she could kiss this woman forever, she would. It felt so right. Lillen's lips against her own as Liandrin's as well. They were both so perfect to her in every way.
"They are ready, my Dragon." Liandrin's voice spoke.
"I don't think I will ever get used to that." Alessia spoke softly.
"Thought you would never get used to marrying two following the Dark One. One a friend and the other a Forsaken." Liandrin spoke with a smirk on her face.
"Oh shush. You know Lillen hates being called that." Alessia spoke as she heard Lillen grunt against her chest.
"Very well, my love. I apologize." Liandrin spoke. Alessia only smiled and pulled Liandrin close into her arms as well. The two most beautiful women she loves with her heart and soul here in her arms. It was blissful in every way. She never wanted it to end. She felt complete.
"Come, the fight waits for no woman." Alessia spoke. "Stay by my side Liandrin. Lillen, do what you do best my love. May the shadows protect you." Alessia spoke. Seeing Lillen smile with a giggle before disappearing into black smoke.
"You think they will ever accept what you have been saying for years? That Light and Dark balance each other out?" Liandrin asked.
"They will have to or the suffering will keep repeating." Alessia spoke as she took Liandrin's hand and led her towards the city.
She was standing on a wall while looking around. Seeing many buildings now caught on fire. Hearing a roar of thunder in the sky as Alessia looked around. There were many screams in the night as the ships arrived. Sending rocks flying to destroy the buildings. White cloaks had taken this advantage and invaded the city. Alessia hated how this turned out. It was supposed to be a peaceful negotiation until she received word that Seanchan sent ships to enslave her sisters. She would not allow this. It was time for this empire to die and burn to the ground. She had sworn she would lead anyone with her to do this. It was an abomination on how they treated those who could touch the Source.
"It seems our sisters are more focused on the ships." Moiraine's voice came. This woman had made it her duty to keep Alessia in her sight at all times.
"Maybe it's time we show them a lesson." Alessia spoke. Seeing the woman in blue smile as she nodded.
"Link with me sisters!" Alessia shouted. Liandrin was on her left as Moiraine on her right. Linking with her through the Power. She knew each of her sisters' limits. She raised her hand up as she channeled. Reaching the Source as she called upon the sky. Thunder crashing against the white cloaks. It began to rain as the fire was slowly dying down. She had unlinked with her sisters.
"I'll handle the ships." Alessia spoke as she jumped from the wall. Landing on her feet as she heard two more follow her. She ran towards the edge of the city and saw the ships were near the shore.
"What shall we do?" Liandrin asked. Alessia was already channeling. Weaving her movements as she was grabbing fire from the heat in the air.
"We sink their ships." Alessia spoke as Moiraine was doing the same thing. Hearing a whistle of arrows. Alessia felt something inside of her sting as she shouted. Falling down to the ground. There was an arrow in her shoulder. Hearing a cough as she looked to her left. Liandrin was on the ground.
"Liandrin!" Alessia shouted in pain. She could feel through her bond that Liandrin was losing the fight. "Hang in there my love! Moiraine, sink them!" Alessia shouted.
"As my Dragon commands." Moiraine shouted. Seeing a long fire snake sinking the ships. She felt her arm grabbed by her wife.
"Come. Up you get! We need a healer!" Alessia shouted. Ignoring the two arrows in her back now. Helping Liandrin to her feet.
"The way comes but once." A voice spoke as Alessia looked up. Seeing Lillen running towards them as the archway came.
"Take Liandrin to our yellow sisters! I will follow." Alessia spoke. Lillen nodded as Moiranie ran over to help. Alessia frowned at her two wives taking their leave. Alessia turned and ran towards the arch.
"You promised!" Was the last thing Alessia heard as she ran through.
She stumbled across the floor and fell to her knees. Her knees were hurting from the cold stone floor. Feeling the tears falling from her eyes. She wanted to hold them tightly. To sleep next to them again. The arch had given her a good reason to stay. She wanted to stay but she knew she needed to become an Aes Sedai which meant leaving them behind. It felt as if her soul was ripped away from her several times over and she hated this feeling. She felt incomplete again. Did she really leave them behind? Was any of it real? She could feel the holes in her back from the arrows. She was coughing and covered her mouth. Closing her eyes tightly. She had it all. Her heart and soul's longing as she felt arms on her shoulders. She jumped a little. Feeling a warm sensation across her back as the pain has subsided now. Her wounds were healed now. She stood up and wiped her eyes clean. Looking up as Sheriam poured water over her now. She felt soaked now and it was cold. She shivered a little.
"You are washed clean of Alessia Solace of Andor. You are washed clean of all ties that bind you to the world. You come to us washed clean in heart and soul. You are Alessia, Accepted of the White Tower. You are sealed to us now." Sheriam spoke as Alanna took the pot. Sheriam handed Alessia a serpent ring with no stone. She took it and placed it upon her middle finger on her left hand. Looking at Liandrin who was now smiling proudly. As was Lillen. Alanna looked as if she knew Alessia would pass.
"Get changed and take her to her new room now." Sheriam then spoke. Liandrin grabbed Alessia's shoulder as she was given a new dress. She watched the sisters turn to give her privacy as she changed into the clean under gown and put the new dress on. It was more comfortable and loose fitted. The wrists had all the ajah colors on them. Representing her to learn from each of them now. Her shoulder was then pulled to lead her away from the room now. She was silent as an arm was wrapped around her shoulder. Her hand was taken and squeezed as Lillen was following as well. She was following in silence as they followed down the hallways. It seemed the Tower was all asleep except for them. The moon is past midnight now. She sighed softly as her hand was squeezed again. They came into another hallway as it seemed to have more traffic due to there being Accepteds.
A door was opened as Alessia followed Liandrin inside. The door was closed behind Lillen. Alessia was looking down to the ground.
"Are you alright?" Liandrin asked.
"Yes." Alessia spoke. She lied. Feeling her chin grabbed as she was forced to look into the light blue eyes. Lillen had weaved the candles lit. She was fast in her movements, Alessia could have sworn she didn't move at all.
"It's alright to not be alright." Liandrin spoke. Alessia wanted to break down right there but she fought against it. She sighed. Feeling a hand on her lower back.
"Was any of it real?" Alessia asked.
"No one knows for sure. It can be or not be." Liandrin replied. Alessia sighed again and moved away from them. Sitting down on her bed. Both sisters sat on each side. Lillen kept her hands in her lap. Looking down to the side. Liandrin however crossed the boundaries and pulled Alessia close in her arm.
"You are an Accepted now. That's what matters. Now, you can study under me." Liandrin spoke with a smile. Hearing a small grunt from Lillen. "Something the matter sister Lillen?" The red ajah asked.
"I want her to study under me." Lillen spoke. Alessia's eyes went wide at this. This was the first time Lillen had spoken about wanting her.
"To help teach her or claim her, might I ask?" Liandrin asked.
"Liandrin Sedai." Alessia spoke softly.
"Hmm?" Liandrin asked while looking at Alessia now.
"I'm rather tired now." Alessia spoke softly.
"Right. Get some rest. Long day tomorrow." Liandrin spoke as she stood up to walk away. She stopped and came back. Cupping Alessia's cheek before kissing her forehead. Hearing a soft growl come from Lillen as Liandrin chuckled before taking her leave. Alessia could see from the corner of her eyes that Lillen had her hands in fists.
"It's alright Lillen Sedai." Alessia spoke softly. The dark brown eyes looked at her. "Go get some rest. Thank you for being there." Alessia spoke. The woman nodded her head once as she stood up. Alessia stood up as well. She grabbed Lillen's arm before hugging her. The hug was returned and it was a tight one. A longing one. Alessia blushed at this before pulling back.
"Have a goodnight Lillen Sedai." Alessia spoke as she walked over to the wardrobe to get her night wear.
"Just Lillen when we are alone. I'll see you tomorrow. Sleep well Alessia." Lillen spoke. She nodded her head. She was smiling stupidly when her name was spoken.
"Wait." Alessia spoke as the older woman stopped. Alessia moved up to her quickly and kissed Lillen's cheek again. The woman smiled while looking ahead of her on the ground before taking her leave again. Alessia shut the door and quickly changed before getting into bed. She was an Accepted now. Maybe she would spend more time with Jane and Nynaeve.
–Notes–
Two chapters in one day! Enjoy!