Chapter Twenty: Trial
Third Person POV
"Have they found anything yet?" Chesmal's voice spoke softly in the lowly lit room of the infirmary.
"No. Not yet." Liandrin's voice came. She was sitting in a chair against the bed with Alessia on it. Chesmal was taking Alessia's vitals again.
"Her breathing is still uneven." Chesmal spoke with a frown. Moving her hands across Alessia's chest slowly as she was channeling. Healing what seemed to be affected areas.
"How did this happen?" Liandrin asked. Holding Alessia's hand tightly in her own hand. Hearing the door open and then closed. Seeing Latra and Lillen come into the infirmary.
"Any changes?" Latra asked as Chesmal shook her head. Lillen walked over and cupped Alessia's cheeks. Her eyes were closed as she was focused.
"What is she doing?" Latra asked while holding something in her hand.
"She's trying to strengthen the bond by force." Liandrin spoke with a sigh. She was still jealous of their bond with each other. She needed to push these thoughts to the side. Her health was more important to her. Seeing Lillen open her eyes and frown a little before sitting down.
"We discovered the properties of the herb. It's not the normal herb used for tea. It has poisonous properties in it." Latra spoke as she walked over. Lillen gently moved her hand under Alessia's neck to pull her up.
"Help me." Lillen spoke softly to Liandrin who reacted instantly. Sitting behind Alessia as she helped hold her up.
"We need her to drink this." Latra spoke as she handed Lillen the vial with the yellow liquid inside of it.
"What is it?" Liandrin asked.
"Antidote." Lillen spoke. "Tilt her head back." She instructed. Gently putting Alessia's head on her shoulder as Lillen parted her lips, forcing her mouth open as she poured the liquid into her mouth. Seeing it swallowed as she sighed a little.
"Lay her back down." Chesmal spoke. Liandrin moved from behind and helped lay her down. Chesmal was back channeling over her again. "Her breathing is returning to normal." Chesmal spoke with a smile.
"Thank the Light." Latra spoke with a smile.
"Now we wait." Chesmal spoke. Seeing both Lillen and Liandrin not leaving her side. She smiled slightly at this. "Sister Latra, tell me about this herb?" Chesmal asked.
"Yes. It wasn't the normal tea used for the dreamless sleep. It was similar but something else. It's a breed of Nightshade flower." Latra spoke as she pulled out her research notes and handed it over to the yellow ajah. The list of the symptoms and the effects it has on the human body.
"I wonder where this tea was acquired." The yellow spoke while adding these notes to the file before taking her leave to put the information up.
"You two need to get some rest as well." Latra spoke.
"I'm not leaving her side." Liandrin spoke. Lillen nodded in agreement.
"Very well. Come find me if anything changes." Latra spoke. Touching Lillen's shoulder before taking her leave.
End of POV
Where was she? She thought. She could feel her fingertips. Moving her fingers a little. It was dark. So dark. There was softness under her. The dark pit was finally disappearing. Alessia let out a shuddered breath.
"What was that?" Liandrin asked in a quiet voice.
"What?" Lillen asked. Alessia felt the bed shift as someone close to her face. Her cheeks were cupped gently. Those soft hands. She knew them well. It was just a dream though. She was still in that tub. She knew it. Was she? Taking a deep breath as she opened her eyes as her sight was blurry. She blinked a few times as her vision cleared. Seeing Lillen's face right above hers.
"Am I dreaming?" Alessia asked softly. Hearing a gasp as her forehead was kissed several times. Lillen had moved and laid next to her. The older woman's head was on her chest now. Her left arm instinctively went around Lillen.
"My little dove. You gave us a scare." Liandrin spoke. Alessia looked to her right and sure enough, Liandrin was there.
"You're here?" Alessia asked. She was confused. Feeling her cheeks cupped by the Red ajah.
"Of course I am. Where else would I be?" Liandrin asked. Alessia gave the woman a confused look and moved a little. Lillen had sat up as did Alessia. Feeling a headache approach as she groaned.
"Where am I?" Alessia asked. Looking around as the sight was now getting familiar.
"You're at the Tower." Liandrin spoke.
"Home?" Alessia asked. Seeing Lillen nod her head. "How?" She then asked. Hearing a soft chuckle as Liandrin was running her fingers through Alessia's hair.
"We were hoping you would tell us what happened." Liandrin spoke.
"I remember taking a bath and now waking up here." Alessia spoke. She was looking at Liandrin as Lille rested her head on Alessia's lap. Her hand went to rest on top of Lillen's head.
"That tea you were drinking everyday took out your immune system." Lillen spoke.
"What about Moiraine?" Alessia asked. Liandrin sat back a little.
"What about her?" Liandrin asked.
"She drank the tea everyday as well. Did she not fall ill?" Alessia asked.
"We think it's because she has been connected to the Source a lot longer than you were, which could have been an advantage for her." Lillen replied.
"I see." Alessia spoke and sighed. Leaning back a little.
"Are you alright little dove?" Liandrin asked as Alessia shook her head.
"I'll get Chesmal." Lillen spoke as she got up to leave. Her light footsteps carried over the silence. Alessia felt her forehead touched as she looked into the light blue eyes.
"Liandrin." Alessia spoke softly. Watching the older woman sit down on the bed next to her. She leaned back up and pulled the Red ajah into a hug. Feeling her back rubbed.
"Ready?" Alessia asked softly with a smile.
"I am but you should heal first?" Liandrin asked.
"No. I waited long enough." Alessia spoke while cupping the older woman's cheeks this time. Liandrin nodded. Resting their foreheads together. Liandrin took the lead this time. Feeling the warmth coming from the older woman as she channeled. Alessia closed her eyes and smiled softly. Feeling Liandrin now as she tightened her hug.
"You do not feel well my little dove." Liandrin spoke as she nodded her head. She was let go as she laid back again. Still holding onto Liandrin's arms.
"Of course she doesn't." Lillen spoke. She huffed a little. Alessia knew she could feel her bonding to another. She could feel Lillen's jealousy as she frowned. Lillen saw and then sat down on her other side. Taking her hand and kissing it.
"Come on. I need to check her." Chesmal spoke as both of them moved. "Glad to see you awake. How do you feel?" She asked.
"Like I got kicked by a horse over and over again." Alessia spoke.
"That's to be expected." Chesmal spoke as she was holding her wrist. Checking her heartbeat and then her forehead. "No fever. Breathing normally. Heart rhythm is back to normal. Skin?" She asked before opening the curtains around her. Alessia shielded her eyes before both of her arms were grabbed. "Normal. I would like to keep you here for a few more days. Get you eating normally again." Chesmal spoke.
"Can't she stay in my room or Lillen's?" Liandrin asked.
"Unfortunately no. The Tower is on high alert and will hound her with questions before the trial." Chesmal spoke. Alessia frowned at this.
"Trial?" She asked.
"You need to heal before you start stressing. I'm getting you something to eat." Chesmal said. Alessia nodded as the healer took her leave.
Time skip. One week.
"Eat it slowly still." Liandrin spoke. Alessia smiled and gently nudged the woman in red. Seeing Liandrin smile and kiss her forehead. Alessia was feeling better. She was dying to get out of the bed now. She wanted fresh air but Chesmal Sedai kept her in the infirmary for a week. Lillen and Liandrin were the only two allowed to visit her. She was worried about her friends and of course Moiraine.
"How is Moiraine?" Alessia asked. Hearing Liandrin sigh and shake her head.
"Do not worry about her, my little dove." Liandrin spoke. She nodded and began to eat her breakfast. It was porridge and toast. She was now able to keep solid foods down.
"Hello Alessia dear! How are you feeling?" Chesmal asked as she arrived to check on her.
"I am feeling better." Alessia smiled while finishing her food.
"Good. I sent for Daughter Jane. I know you are dying to see her again. So, once she arrives, you and her can get some fresh air while sister Liandrin gets her task done." Chesmal spoke as Alessia gasped with a smile. She was now excited.
"Calm down love. Don't overdo yourself." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded. Lillen had left to go on a mission that Lews wanted done. She was sad since she didn't get much time with her. Lillen hadn't left her side since she came back. Chesmal had given her a bigger bed so one of them could stay with her through the night.
"If all goes well. I can release you from my care." Chesmal added. Alessia nodded her head with a smile. "I would also like to finish your training as well." The yellow ajah.
"Well, we shall see what happens." Liandrin spoke. She was being extra protective of Alessia since she had come back to the Tower. Feeling a kiss on her forehead on the side, she looked at the older woman and received a smile.
"I'll be back soon, my love. Call me if you need me. I mean it." Liandrin spoke. She nodded her head. She was receiving nothing but love from both of the older women through their bonds.
"Light be with you." Alessia spoke as Liandrin nodded. Giving her a kiss before standing up to leave. She frowned as she watched the Red leave. Hearing a gasp as she looked back up and smiled. Jane was running towards her and stopped. Sitting on her bed while holding her hands.
"I've missed you!" Jane spoke before giving her a hug.
"I missed you as well. All of you." Alessia replied.
"How are you feeling?" Jane asked.
"I feel better. Not sure after I start walking." Alessia spoke.
"Come on! Let's get you fresh air." Jane spoke as Alessia nodded her head. Taking her friend's arm as she removed the blanket and stood up. "Whoa!" Alessia chuckled while regaining her balance. Linking her arm with Jane as she was led out of the infirmary. Smiling non stop as she was now walking. Regaining her strength.
"So, what happened?" Jane asked as they were walking down a hallway to head down the stairs. Alessia wanted to go to the gardens.
"Much has happened. Also not much has happened." Alessia spoke. Jane nodded her head as they approached the garden. She smiled while sitting down on the bench they would sit at all the time.
"Many are saying that you were poisoned." Jane spoke.
"I was." Alessia spoke, seeing her friend frown. "I'm alright now. Latra and Lillen Sedai were able to find an antidote." Alessia spoke. Feeling a hand grab her shoulder and squeezed before her hair was pulled aside as she felt a pair of lips on her neck. She blushed as Jane rolled her eyes with a smile.
"Lillen Sedai. We were just talking about you." Alessia spoke as the older woman sat on her left side. An arm went around her waist.
"Feeling better?" Lillen asked as Alessia nodded her head.
"Her walk is still weak but she's better." Jane spoke. Feeling Lillen rest her cheek against Alessia's shoulder. She smiled and leaned against her. Hearing footsteps as Alessia looked up.
"Latra Sedai." Alessia spoke as she stood up to give the woman a bow.
"No need dear. I have come to inform you that the Sitters are calling for the trial here soon around noon. Stay close." Latra spoke as Alessia nodded.
"Trial?" Jane asked with a worried look.
"No need to worry, daughter Jane. Go ahead and attend your classes. Sister Lillen will keep an eye on Alessia now." Latra spoke as Jane nodded her head. Alessia stood back up and gave Jane a hug. Smiling at her.
"You can teach me the weaves you learned while I was gone." Alessia spoke as her friend nodded before taking her leave. Once she was gone, she sat back down with a frown. Feeling her back rubbed.
"Am I in trouble?" Alessia asked while looking at Latra who sat down where Jane was.
"As long as you tell the truth, you will be fine dear. In fact, if you feel safer, you can swear on the oath rod when the trial starts." Latra spoke as Alessia nodded her head. "I will see you there." Latra spoke as she nodded. Watching the Highest for the Science ajah take her leave as she jumped from a sudden kiss on her cheek. Alessia smiled and turned her attention back to Lillen.
"Come. We should get you walking more." Lillen spoke as Alessia nodded. Standing up was easier this time since Lillen had her hold on her waist tightly. She was led into the hallway again as she heard some snickering. Alessia looked over her shoulder to see a few Accepteds that were part of Trina's group snickering at her while pointing. Alessia then felt something she never felt from Lillen before. She gently pulled Lillen into a private room used for classes and closed the door. Cupping the older woman's cheek to look into her eyes.
"Are you alright?" Alessia asked. Lillen was avoiding eye contact.
"I hear what they say about me. Even my sisters." Lillen spoke. Alessia sighed at this and gave her a loving kiss.
"I do not care what they say. You make me happy. As does Liandrin." Alessia spoke. Seeing Lillen's eyes dilate at this and smiled. It was that gentle smile only she got to see. Hearing the noon bell ring as Alessia started feeling nervous. Lillen held onto her waist again. She loved the feeling of being this close.
"Come. It's time." Lillen spoke. She nodded her head and allowed Lillen to lead her. She was going slow to make sure she didn't fall over but Alessia pushed herself. Always wanting to push herself. Feeling her hip gripped tightly as Lillen was being cautious as well.
"I have to go inside." Lillen spoke. Alessia nodded her head.
"No worries. I can take her from here." Liandrin's voice.
"You're back!" Alessia spoke with a smile. Liandrin grabbed her chin and nodded. Letting go as she rested her hand on Alessia's lower back. Feeling Lillen kissed her cheek and smiled. Watching her favorite Science ajah take her leave into the Tower Hall. Alessia took a deep breath and held onto Liandrin's arm tightly. Feeling the older woman slide an arm around her waist to hold her steady.
"You are going to be fine my little dove. I will be there with you." Liandrin said. Alessia nodded her head lightly. Seeing the door open as Latra smiled.
"We are ready for you. Come along." Latra spoke. Alessia nodded and started walking towards her as Liandrin was there with her.
She entered the Hall and looked around. The first sight she saw was a woman in blue on the other side of the chair. It was Moiraine. The woman saw Alessia and her eyes went wide.
"You're alright!" She spoke while touching Alessia's shoulder as she approached. She then looked around again. All the chairs were now on one side. Some were on platforms to raise the seats up more to see the center of the hall. There was a single chair in the center of the Hall. Her eyes went to see all the Sitters of the Tower all already sitting down. Three from each ajah. She knew some of them. Seeing Lillen was watching her closely.
"Welcome daughter Alessia. Have a seat please." Latra spoke as Alessia nodded. She walked over to her seat. Giving the Sitters all a bow before sitting down. Latra had sat down in her seat. Liandrin was standing next to her. Hand on Alessia's shoulder and squeezes it.
"Sister Liandrin. You have come to us worried about your protege." Latra spoke as Liandrin nodded her head.
"I did, yes." Liandrin spoke.
"When did your worrying start?" Latra asked.
"Two weeks after she had left. I have received no letters from her nor from Sister Moiraine about her progress." Liandrin replied.
"Why?" Latra asked.
"Sister Moiraine told daughter Alessia not to contact her friends." Liandrin spoke.
"Daughter Alessia." Latra spoke as Alessia looked at her. "Come forward." She spoke as Alessia nodded. She stood up and walked over. Seeing a wooden box brought forward. "You said you are alright with going under oath for this trial." Latra reminded her as she nodded her head. Watching as a rod was taken out of the box. It was the oath rod.
"Go ahead and kneel." Latra spoke. Alessia did. Getting on her right knee then her left followed. Watching all the Sitters stand up and begin to channel. Linking with Latra as she channeled onto the rod. "Repeat after me. I, Alessia Solace from Andor. Shall speak no word that is untrue until the trial concludes." Latra spoke.
"I, Alessia Solace of Andor shall speak no word that is untrue until the trial concludes." Alessia spoke as she felt the One Power trail from the rod onto her hand. Swirling around her wrist and tightened before disappearing. She could feel the oath on her wrist as she stood back up. Going back to her seat. The rod was put away.
"Now. The question that everyone has been waiting for an answer." Latra then spoke as the Hall went silent.
"Daughter Alessia." Lanfear's voice came as she looked at the taller woman. "Are you the Dragon Reborn?" Lanfear asked.
"Yes." Alessia spoke without hesitation. There were gasps all over the Hall and whispering. She could feel Liandrin and Lillen at the same time. There was pride and fear in the bonds. Liandrin was holding onto Alessia's shoulder tightly and protectively. Moiraine frowned and sighed. Looking down to the ground.
"So, the rumors were true. The Dragon Reborn has come to us again." A green Sitter spoke. Alessia's eyes caught Lillen's. She was smirking at her for some reason.
"Moiraine Sedai. Why did you keep her a secret?" Latra then spoke.
"To protect her." Moiraine spoke. Holding her head up high.
"Do you believe she was protecting you, daughter Alessia?" Latra asked.
"Yes." Alessia replied.
"Let's start from the beginning." Lanfear spoke as the others all nodded and spoke in agreement. "When did you first suspect her of being the Dragon?" She asked.
"When you, Lillen, and Liandrin came back from bringing daughter Jane to the Tower. They spoke of a girl with great power that knocked them off their feet." Moiraine spoke. "That is when I suspected. I had been searching for her for over twenty years. When I had found her, I could sense how powerful she was when she was not being suppressed." Moiraine added. Alessia frowned at this.
"Daughter Alessia. Let us start from the beginning as well." Latra spoke as Alessia nodded her head. "Name the Aes Sedai that you met for the first time." She asked.
"Moiraine Sedai. Liandrin Sedai. Lanfear and Lillen Sedai. Then I met Ishamael Sedai as well. All on the same day." She spoke.
"Did any of them sense you?" Latra asked.
"Lillen Sedai was the only one who did that day." Alessia spoke.
"Sister Lillen." Latra spoke as Lillen stood up. "Do you confirm this?" She asked.
"Yes. I was able to sense her power that day." Lillen spoke.
"Thank you. What happened after that day?" Latra asked.
"After that, my father came over to Jane's home because that's where it happened. He took me from there and told my mother that we needed to leave. He put this bracelet thing on me." Alessia spoke.
"What bracelet?" She asked.
"It was a Ter'angreal I believe." Alessia spoke.
"An illegal one." Lillen added. All eyes went to her again.
"Explain."
"Once she had it on, I could no longer sense her." Lillen spoke.
"You mean that is why we were not able to track her again after that day?" Lanfear asked as Lillen nodded her head. "That explains things." Lanfear spoke.
"Continue, daughter Alessia." Latra spoke.
"Once I was taken from the city by my parents, we fled to a nearby town. They were able to track me there. The White Cloaks thought that was the perfect time to invade the town. They wanted all Aes Sedai dead that were there. Once they were spotted by my parents, we tried to flee the town but failed." Alessia spoke.
"The White Cloaks?" Latra asked as she nodded her head.
"Yes. The town was on fire. The White Cloaks outnumber the sisters. Liandrin, Lillen, and Lanfear. I was scared they were going to get hurt so I took the bracelet off. That's when I had channeled for the first time." Alessia spoke.
"Ah yes. I remember Lanfear telling me about you. Said she never felt that power before." A green Sitter spoke. Hearing more whispers among them again. Liandrin hadn't taken her hand off of her shoulder still.
"We managed to escape the town. We were captured by the White Cloaks that night. I woke up seeing.." Alessia spoke as she stopped with a frown. Feeling her wrist get tightened.
"Seeing what?" Latra asked.
"My parents burned at the stake." Alessia replied.
"I am sorry for your loss." The green Sitter spoke. Alessia nodded at her.
"How did you escape there?" Lanfear asked.
"The bracelet fell off from the rope that held my hands down. I recreated the blast from the night before. It was strong enough to break through my bindings. That's when I found the Serpent Rings and took them with me. I was chased into the woods. Not knowing anything about survival, all I did was run. I came to the edge of the cliff with a river down below. I jumped. Breaking my leg at the bottom. That's when I ended up in the Two Rivers. How I met Nynaeve who healed my leg to the best of her ability." Alessia said.
"That is when we were no longer able to track her." Liandrin spoke for the first time. Alessia nodded her head. The Hall was silent. It was an uncomfortable silence.
"Sister Moiraine said you were found in the Two Rivers years later. She said you refused to go with her to the Tower, why?" Latra asked.
"I did not trust the Aes Sedai." Alessia replied.
"Why?"
"It was how I was brought up." Alessia frowned.
"Yet here you are. An Accepted." Latra pointed out.
"Liandrin Sedai had made a point that had changed my mind." Alessia spoke.
"What was that?" She asked.
"She said I was taught ignorance. And she was right. My parents had taught me nothing but ignorance about the Aes Sedai. This was before I had met any of them. They have shown me nothing but kindness and helped me." Alessia spoke.
"I am glad we were able to change the way you think." Latra smiled as Alessia nodded. Liandrin squeezed her shoulder as she was also smiling. "Now, from my understanding, Liandrin, Lillen, and Lanfear had come to the Two Rivers as well. Did they not know you were there?" She asked.
"I believe they did not recognize me since it had been years and I have changed. Lillen Sedai however was the only one who recognized me." Alessia spoke.
"How so?" She asked.
"I know her scent anywhere." Lillen spoke. Alessia blushed at this and looked to the side. Hearing some chuckles from the Sitters around her.
"We were not able to sense her at that time, so we did not take her with us." Liandrin added.
"So, after they left, you continued living in the Two Rivers?" Latra asked as Alessia nodded her head.
"Yes. I was sixteen when they left. Moiraine came back to the Two Rivers four years later. I was then twenty." Alessia spoke. "It was Bel Tine and everyone was celebrating. I was alone when it happened." Alessia spoke softly.
"When what happened?" Latra asked.
"When the sky shattered." Alessia replied. "The bracelet had burned and fell off my wrist. Moiraine came over to me. She could sense me then. That's when it showed up in the village. A Fade." Alessia finished. Hearing whispering again among the Sitters. Lillen was the only one quiet while listening and watching her. "It did not take much convincing from Moiraine to take me to the Tower. We journeyed along the road. Not running into much until a Trolloc attacked us. I was told to run. I started to run and then stopped. It was chasing me. Moiraine had gotten injured. I did not want to leave her side when it happened. She told me of the camp nearby, so I went to it. The Trolloc followed me. Hitting me as I was sent flying into the camp. That's when Liandrin came to my side. I killed the Trolloc instantly. Telling them of Moiraine's location before passing out." Alessia spoke.
"You can confirm this, sister Liandrin?" Latra asked.
"I can." Liandrin spoke.
"I know you took the oath and spoke the truth, I just have to have confirmation." Latra explained to Alessia who nodded her head.
"Now." Latra spoke as she was walking back and forth between the Sitters and Alessia. "We know what happened during your time traveling to the Tower with the camp. The fake Dragon who murdered innocents. You helped fight off his army. Giving us more of a taste on how strong you are." Latra spoke as some of the Sitters were nodding in agreement.
"Not to mention, all the dead bats that were in the camp. Did you know anything about that?" The green Sitter asked.
"I had a nightmare about it the night before. A burned man visited me in my dream. He said nothing to me." Alessia spoke.
"He said the name of a Forsaken though." Moiraine added.
"Yes, he did. I don't remember what the name was." Alessia spoke as her mind went completely blank.
"Moghedien." Moiraine spoke as there were gasps around the hall.
"Was that all?" Latra asked.
"No. I think whoever else was in my dream, defended me in it. Sent spiders after the burned man and chased him away. Whoever it was, protected me." Alessia spoke. Realizing she could twist the truth around a little. She could feel an intense feeling coming from one of her bonds. Seeing it was from Lillen.
"I see. It seemed that Moiraine would not let you out of her sight. When you came to the Tower, where were you?" She asked.
"I was in the Warder's quarters." Alessia answered.
"She was locked in the room." Liandrin corrected her.
"Why?" She asked, looking at Moiraine.
"I did not want my sisters influencing her. To try and get their hands on her. My mission was not yet complete at the time." Moiraine spoke.
"What mission was that?" Latra asked.
"To see if my hunch was correct about Alessia." Moiraine replied.
"That she is the Dragon?" Latra asked.
"Yes." Moiraine answered.
"So, after she was locked in the room, escaped a couple times, you had her refuse her signature to the Book of Novices because you took her to Fal Dara?" Latra asked.
"Yes." Moiraine replied.
"What's in Fal Dara?" She asked.
"A Seer." Moiraine replied.
"Who is this Seer?"
"Min. A bartender."
"I apologize. Min from Fal Dara?" Liandrin asked as Moiraine nodded her head. "We have a woman who goes by Min in the holding room." Liandrin spoke.
"Guard, go grab her and bring her here." Latra spoke. Two of the guards nodded and took their leave. "Now, from my understanding, after your discussion with Min, what happened then?" Latra asked. She had taken her seat now.
"I left Alessia alone in Fal Dara. Now that I knew her true identity, I couldn't risk taking her with me to the Bore." Moiraine explained.
"You left her alone." Lanfear spoke while shaking her head.
"I left the Ogier with her. She was supposed to go back with him." Moiraine spoke back.
"This is when the Trolloc army attacked?" The green Sitter asked. Moiraine nodded her head.
"Tell us daughter Alessia, what was going through your mind when you went to help?" She asked.
"I couldn't leave them defenseless." Alessia frowned. Her shoulder was squeezed again. "I was told that Moiraine ordered me to go back to the Tower with the Builder but I refused and stayed to help protect the city." She spoke.
"A true Aes Sedai." Chesmal spoke for the first time. She was smiling as Alessia smiled weakly.
"Though, you were not ready. According to Sheriam Sedai, you had nightmares for a while." Latra spoke. Alessia nodded her head. "After finishing off the attack, did Moiraine come back?" She asked.
"Yes. She took me back through the Waygate and we met the Red ajah on the other side." Alessia replied. Latra nodded her head as the door opened again. Min was escorted into the Hall.
"Ah. Did the Dragon finally learn to dance?" Min asked. Alessia turned red from her comment. Hearing voices talking over each other.
"Silence!" Latra spoke as everyone went silent. "Min. What do you know about Alessia here?" She asked. Alessia was watching Min. She looked at her and crossed her arms before looking back at the Sitters.
"Min." Moiraine then spoke. "You can tell them." She spoke.
"Very well. Alessia is the Dragon. When I took a look at her, the Pattern showed me a fire dragon dancing around her." Min spoke. Alessia wondered why she didn't mention the other part of it.
"So, now we know of Alessia's identity. She was safe here in the Tower. Came to us blocked. Unblocked not long after, we have Liandrin Sedai to thank for that. She rose up to Acceptance. Attacked after Field Day. Security will now be tight around the Tower." Latra spoke as the Sitters were agreeing. "Which brings up recent events. Moiraine, daughter Alessia fell ill under your care. Care to explain?" Latra asked.
"When I came to know that the Dark One could contact her in her dreams, I asked sister Alanna if she knew someone who sold the tea to help keep her mind closed when she fell asleep." Moiraine spoke.
"Did sister Alanna know about Alessia's identity?" Lanfear asked this time.
"No. She did not. I was under strict instructions to not let anyone know about her." Moiraine spoke.
"Who gave you those instructions?" Latra asked. Alessia could feel Moiraine go tense at the questions. "Moiraine Sedai. I ask again. Who gave you those instructions?" Latra asked again.
"Mother did." Moiraine spoke. There was silence. As if you could hear a pin drop. Then several of the Sitters stood up and started shouting.
"She must answer for this!" A brown shouted.
"She kept a secret from us!" The gray added.
"She must stand trial!" Chesmal shouted.
"She betrayed us!" Lanfear added. Alessia started feeling overwhelmed as she frowned. Slumping in her seat a little. She had never seen the sisters so angry before. She felt an overwhelming calming sensation as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Lillen was watching her as Liandrin was rubbing her shoulder.
"Quiet down!" Latra shouted as everyone did. Sitting back down as well. "You and Mother were working together to hide Alessia from us and the world?" Latra asked.
"Yes. To protect her." Moiraine spoke. There was so much anger in the air.
"Daughter Alessia." Latra spoke as she looked at the older woman again. "Do you truly believe that Moiraine was protecting you?" She asked. Alessia was silent for a moment. She was in deep thought. Remembering all the times Moiraine was there to be there for her. She looked back at Latra and nodded her head. "Now that the truth is out." She stood back up.
"Did sister Alanna know that the tea was poisoning her?" Chesmal asked.
"I do not believe she knew." Moiraine added.
"Very well. Moiraine Sedai. You are no longer exiled. Instead, you are confined to the Tower. If you leave for any reason at all, not only will you have Lan with you, you will take a Red sister with you. You will continue Alessia's lessons under Liandrin's watch." Latra spoke.
"I cannot." Moiraine spoke. There was silence again.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"I am unable to continue Lessy's, I mean Alessia's lessons." Moiraine spoke. Alessia could feel Liandrin's and Lillen's anger from the nickname Moiraine had given her.
"Why is that?" Latra asked.
"I have been stilled." Moiraine spoke. There were several gasps at this. Alessia also gasped at this. Touching Moiraine's arm with a frown. Seeing the blue eyes catch hers before she looked away to the ground.
"Sister Lanfear." Latra spoke. Alessia watched as the taller woman stood up and walked over to Moiraine. Touching her forehead and then her chest.
"She's not stilled. She's shielded. By a male." Lanfear spoke.
"I don't understand." Moiraine spoke. "I thought I knew for sure." Moiraine spoke.
"It's because it was tied off. Tying off weaves is hard to do." Lanfear spoke. Moiraine nodded her head.
"So, your lessons will be put on hold until we get that shield off of you. Alessia then will continue her studies under the Yellow ajah. Followed by the Science." Latra spoke. Seeing the Sitters nod their heads in agreement. "Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?" Latra asked.
"When is she proclaiming herself?" Lanfear asked. Moiraine shook her head.
"I am not sure. Only from what the prophecy said." Moiraine spoke.
"Do you know of the prophecy, daughter Alessia?" Latra asked.
"Only that the Dragon is a new line born into an old soul." Alessia spoke.
"Moiraine. What is the prophecy?" Lanfear asked.
"Lan?" Moiraine spoke. Alessia saw a shadow move as Moiraine was handed a scroll. She handed it to Latra who took it and read it aloud to the Hall.
"A time comes when the Dragon will be forgotten. A time where people will believe the Dragon will not be born again. When the day comes, when the city is in need, on the longest day and shortest night, they shall dance with fire, the Dragon shall proclaim themself and lead the people into a new era. The Dragon will be a new line but born into an old soul. He or she will be someone we will not expect." Latra spoke. Alessia did not understand what she said.
"It does not give us much but it does confirm one thing. The Dragon is here." Lanfear spoke. Her tone was different. It was more comforting for some reason. The Sitters were all nodding in agreement.
"Now that we know this truth, my question is, how do we approach this?" The green Sitter asked.
"What do you mean?" Latra asked.
"Word will get out. How will we take precautions?" She asked.
"For now, Alessia does not leave the Tower for any reason unless for a lesson. If she goes on a lesson or a task, she shall not be away from the Tower longer than a month. I think we can agree on that?" Latra asked. Seeing the sisters nod in agreement.
"Should we have a sister with her at all times?" Chesmal asked.
"Daughter Alessia has shown us that she can be trusted. For now, no." Latra spoke. Alessia sighed in relief a little at this. Feeling her shoulder rubbed again, Alessia took Liandrin's hand into her own. Seeing a pair of eyes watching her. She saw Lillen was watching. Their eyes locked. Alessia gave the older woman a loving smile. Sending her feelings over to her. There she received a rare smile.
"Know this daughter Alessia." Latra then spoke. She was hanging on every word now from the Sitter.
"You are still an Accepted of this Tower. You are still bound to us and your sisters around you." Latra spoke.
"I know, Latra Sedai." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"Good. Unless there is nothing else to be discussed?" She asked again while looking around. Alessia looked around as well. This trial was intense. Seeing heads shaking as Latra then spoke again.
"This trial is over and concluded. Alessia dear, you may go. Head to your room and rest. Moiraine will remain in the Tower Hall with us as will Liandrin. Get some rest. I shall speak with you tomorrow first thing." Latra spoke. Feeling the oath fall off from her wrist as it was no longer tight around her wrist. Alessia nodded and stood up. Giving them all a bow. Feeling a little wobbly from sitting so long.
"Can you make it to your room?" Liandrin asked while holding her arm. Alessia smiled and nodded. Feeling the grip gone as she made her way out of the Hall. The door closed behind her. Hearing voices talk again. Knowing it was against the Tower rules to listen in so she left. Heading up the stairs as she leaned against the wall while doing so. Stopping to catch her breath. It was like walking with her broken leg all over again.
"You alright?" Jane's voice came. Alessia smiled and nodded. Feeling her arm linked as Jane was now with her. Heading back up the stairs again.
"I got told to head back to my room." Alessia spoke. Hearing voices as several sisters were watching and circling her from a distance.
"What happened in the Hall?" Jane asked. Alessia pressed a finger against her lips and pointed to her room. Her friend nodded her head. They were now silent as she let her friend inside and closed the door. Creating the air weaves she learned from Liandrin.
"Thought you would never show up." Another voice spoke. Seeing a red ajah sit up from her bed. Alessia smiled and walked over to her. Giving her a hug.
"Good to see you Tarna Sedai!" Alessia spoke.
"And you! You're up and about!" Tarna spoke with a smile. "I see you learned how to create those weaves of air." She added as she nodded her head.
"So, tell me. What happened?" Jane asked.
"Well, what I am about to tell you, you cannot repeat it. At least not yet." Alessia spoke as two of her closest friends nodded and sat down on her bed. Alessia pulled up her chair and took a deep breath. "I'm the Dragon Reborn." Alessia spoke. Seeing her two friends look at each other for a moment before back at her. They were silent.
"So, it is true." Tarna spoke.
"I knew you were strong but I never thought it would be you." Jane spoke. Alessia nodded her head.
She had finished telling her two friends everything that had happened. From the run from Andor that night, reaching the Two Rivers. To the White Cloak attack. Her father giving her the bracelet to never take off. How her leg got broken. All the events that lead up to the trial.
"I knew to never trust a blue." Tarna spoke.
"All this time, you were not allowed to tell us?" Jane asked as Alessia nodded her head again with a frown.
"I have told Moiraine over and over that I wanted to tell you guys. She told me not to. To protect me." Alessia spoke.
"Liandrin and Lillen had a feeling that Moiraine was hiding something. We even thought about you being the Dragon. We never thought in years that we would guess it right." Tarna spoke now smirking.
"Why are you smirking?" Alessia asked.
"Because our friend is the Dragon. A female Dragon!" Tarna spoke.
"She's right. Usually it's always been a male." Jane spoke.
"Well, the prophecy did say a new line in an old soul." Alessia spoke.
"Old soul. So, maybe you have had other lives before." Jane spoke.
"We all have had a past life by now." Tarna spoke. She was not wrong. Though, she hated how each time they were born again, they would have no memory of their past life. "Anyways, expect no special treatment from me if we do any lessons together. Instead, I am going to do whatever I can to push you." Tarna spoke while crossing her arms at this. Alessia smiled.
"Good. She needs to get stronger and we should not hold back." A new voice came. All three of them jumped up to see Liandrin and Lillen closing the door behind them.
"I see." Tarna spoke.
"Both of you go ahead and take your leave. We wish to speak to Alessia alone." Liandrin added. She received a hug from both Jane and Tarna as she watched her friends take their leave. Once gone, Alessia stood in the middle of her room.
"I'm sorry." Alessia spoke.
"For what my dear?" Liandrin asked.
"For not telling you who I really am." She spoke with a frown. Feeling her cheeks cupped as she was forced to look into the light blue eyes. Lillen was standing behind her. Resting her chin on her shoulder.
"You did what you were told to do. It was not your fault. I am glad the truth is out now. Now, we can protect you." Liandrin spoke with a smile. An actual genuine smile. Her forehead was kissed.
"I'm the one who should be protecting everyone." Alessia spoke.
"In time, yes. For now, you need to focus on your lessons and training." Liandrin spoke. Alessia nodded her head at this.
"Again, I am sorry." Alessia added.
"No need to be my little Dragon." Liandrin spoke. Alessia hugged Liandrin at this.
"What happened to little Dove?" Alessia asked as she pulled back. Feeling Lillen slide her arms around her waist from behind. She leaned back a little.
"Still my little Dove as well. Except she's now my little Dragon." Liandrin spoke with a smile. Hearing a throat cleared from behind her. "Our little Dragon." Liandrin then corrected herself as Alessia chuckled a little.
"So, what happens now?" Alessia asked.
"Well, Siuan is being called to trial tomorrow. You are to join as well." Liandrin spoke. Alessia frowned. The first trial was already intense and now, there is one for the Amyrlin Seat.
"Sister Latra thinks it is best to move you into a different room. Somewhere where someone can keep an eye on you. Liandrin and I argued against that since you usually stay with one of us anyways." Lillen spoke in her ear from behind.
"You are staying with Lillen tonight. I have a mission to do. I will be back tomorrow around noon hopefully." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded. Feeling her cheeks cupped as she was given a loving kiss. "Don't let our Dragon out of your sight." Liandrin spoke. Pulling Alessia into a tight hug. She returned it. Burying her face against Liandrin's neck. Inhaling her scent.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Lillen spoke. Alessia laughed at this. Hearing a chuckle from the Red ajah as she nodded in agreement. She needed that laugh. Feeling Lillen hold her close from behind again.
"Stay with the Light." Alessia spoke as Liandrin smiled before patting her cheek and took her leave. Alessia let out a sigh and sat down on the bed. Lillen sat next to her.
"What is it, my love?" Lillen asked while taking her hand and squeezed it.
"Everything's going to change now isn't it?" She asked.
"Everything already changed when you were born. But here in the Tower. Yes. Changes are coming. Time to be ready for them." Lillen spoke. She was now the one smirking.