Chapter Sixty-One: Home
(Old tongue in Italics.)
It had been days since she had taken the new oaths. Turning onto her side as the bed shifted on the other side. She leaned up to see a shadow figure move to the other side of the room. The shadow speaks to herself. Alessia stood up and stretched before walking over to the shadow. Placing a hand upon her shoulder.
"Is everything alright?" Alessia asked.
"Yes. I wish you had your memories." The low raspy voice of Lillen spoke. This almost felt like a slap to the face. She knew Lillen had longed for her memories to be back.
"Unfortunately the Wheel does not allow us to have our past memories." Alessia spoke softly.
"There are ways. I just have to find it." Lillen spoke in her soft quiet voice. She knew this woman would not stop until she had her answers. Alessia sighed and cupped the woman's cheeks and kissed her forehead.
"Tell me my love. Why do you want my memories back so badly?" Alessia asked.
"You possess the knowledge from the past. It will come in handy for what's to come." Moghedien spoke.
"And what knowledge would that be?" Alessia asked.
"Your words of our past language, there is much you still do not know." Lillen replied. Alessia scoffed at this with a chuckle before sighing.
"I have someone I need to speak to." Lillen spoke. Alessia went to grab her cloak. "I must go alone." Lillen added. She frowned at this. Feeling her own cheek cupped this time. The blackened fingers traced her cheek as her eyes met the dark ones. There was that smile that made her heart melt. Alessia leaned in and kissed her. Deeply. Feeling it returned with just as much passion. Lillen had her arms around Alessia tightly. Afraid to let go. She knew this feeling the older woman had. It did not bother her that the Forsaken would just hold onto her. She knew why.
"Just, be safe." Alessia spoke. Lillen nodded before she disappeared into her black smoke. Alessia went to the wardrobe and changed into the purple clothes she was given. Wearing a white silk top before walking out of her room. Seeing her new sisters rushing about the place.
"Ah, daughter Alessia." Morgana's voice came as Alessia gave the woman a bow.
"Morgana Sedai." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"How is Lillen?" The older woman asked.
"She wants my memories back." Alessia replied.
"That is a dangerous thing." Morgana spoke as Alessia leaned against the table. Crossing her arms with a sigh.
"I know. She said it would help with things to come." Alessia replied.
"I do not deny that she is right about that though, it is your choice after all." Morgana spoke.
"What if." Alessia took a deep breath. Feeling a hand on her shoulder.
"What is it?" Morgana asked.
"My wives both saw some of my memories from my past life. They said I was the Fourteenth Chosen. That I was dangerous." Alessia spoke.
"Are you afraid that will happen if you receive your memories?" Morgana asked.
"I do not know what will happen." Alessia spoke. She was conflicted now. She wanted them back but she was afraid of what she would become. She wanted the knowledge of her past. Her memories.
"Maybe it's best that I do not have them." Alessia sighed in defeat at this.
"Perhaps. Perhaps not. Though you are needed for a task now." Morgana spoke as she pulled out Alessia's old red clothes.
"What is it?" Alessia asked.
"You are to return to your red for now. Your friends need you in Falme." Morgana spoke as Alessia nodded.
"I thought the battle was over?" She asked.
"It just finished." Morgana replied. Alessia was confused at this. "Time works differently here than there. Days pass for us where it could be mere hours there." Morgana spoke.
"My unweaving is still a bit shaky." Alessia spoke.
"Your training here has paid off well. Your bond with the Chosen still needs work." Morgana spoke.
"I still have much to learn." Alessia admitted.
"You are a full Aes Sedai my dear. Admitting that means you have a good heart." Morgana spoke as Alessia smiled lightly at this.
"Thank you." She replied.
"Now." Morgana replied. "You are to change back into your red but keep your purple stone. Go to your friends and aid them but remember." She spoke as Alessia picked up her red clothes.
"Keep the balance." Alessia answered.
"If you aid the Light, you must aid the Darkness as well. You are both and neither." Morgana spoke to remind her. Alessia nodded and bowed. Heading back to her room.
Setting her clothes onto the bed and walking over to the desk. Seeing that Lillen did not take her new ring. She remembers that Lillen was gifted a serpent ring with a purple stone as well. She never felt closer to anyone in her life until now. Working on her bond with the Chosen. She needed to work on the other two as well.
"Moiraine." Alessia called out as she focused on her bond with the blue ajah. There was silence. No reply. She frowned at this before taking off her purple clothes. Grabbing her red clothes she came with back on. Seeing how it still fitted her perfectly. Taking a look in the mirror. She almost didn't recognize herself.
"Guess time and battles change oneself." Alessia spoke to herself and sighed. Taking her hair out before putting it up how it was before. She stepped out of her room. Taking a look at it before turning down the hallway. Heading outside. She stopped and took a deep breath.
"Heard you are heading out." Emma's voice came. Alessia smiled and nodded.
"My friends need me in Falma." Alessia spoke.
"Journey safe then." Emma spoke. Alessia nodded her head with a slight bow.
"Be sure to come back once in a while of course!" Emma added.
"Of course. My training is not yet done." Alessia spoke as Morgana weaved. Seeing the portal by the beach she had come in days ago. She took a step into it and she was on the beach. Hearing a whoosh of air as the portal closed behind her. The sun was beating down on her as she saw the tracks of two people still fresh in the sand. Looking over at the tower. The smoke rose in the city as Alessia began her walk towards it. Ships were still on fire from the fire Moiraine had set. She could hear music in the distance. She knew her friend Rand had proclaimed himself. Now the journey for him was beginning. Feeling the sand move under her boots as she continued on. Wiping her forehead as she took her cloak off and placed it over her arms. She was finally getting closer. She could smell the smoke and blood in the air as she looked around. Seeing the entrance before walking into the city. There were bodies everywhere. She frowned. She had missed the battle. Her pace had picked up.
"Rand?" She shouted. "Moiraine!" She closed her eyes and focused on her bond with Moiraine.
"Alessia?" Moiraine's voice came.
"Where are you?" She asked.
"We are by the docks near the tower. Are you here?" Moiraine asked.
"Yes. I am heading towards you." Alessia replied. Signing in relief while looking around.
"Aes Sedai! Please help!" A little girl's voice came. Alessia walked over to her seeing her hold a woman's hand. "Please help." She pleaded again. Alessia called onto the source. Moving her hands in a small circle to weave spirit from herself. She was able to heal the woman easily. Feeling her energy drain as well. Seeing the woman gasp and sit up. The little girl hugged her tightly.
"Thank you." The woman spoke. Alessia nodded and stood back up. Moving quickly again while heading towards the tower. She looked up to see it was broken on top of it. The water sounded closer.
"Alessia?" Egwene's voice came.
"Egwene!" Alessia shouted and ran up to her friend. Hugging her. It was returned.
"What happened to you?" Alessia asked. Egwene frowned at this and shook her head.
"Not now. Elyane needs healing." Her friend spoke. Alessia looked past and sure enough, Nynaeve was sitting on the ground with Elyane.
"Hey!" Alessia spoke as she moved towards them. Falling on her knees as a small amount of dust floated from her knees.
"Alessia! You're here!" Nynaeve spoke. Alessia nodded. Giving them both a hug as well before untying the strand of cloth around Elyane's leg. Hearing a grunt. It was an arrow hole in her leg.
"I can't. I tried." Nynaeve began. Alessia nodded to show she understood. Pulling the spirit from herself and weaving slowly towards Elyane's leg. Seeing the wound close.
"Thank you." Elyane spoke softly. Standing up and sighed in relief.
"Is everyone alright?" Alessia asked.
"Yes, you won't believe it." Egwene spoke. Alessia stood up while looking at her friend. Egwene's eyes were looking past her. She followed her line of sight to look behind her and sure enough, she saw them.
"Perrin! Mat! Rand!" Alessia shouted as the men turned to look at her.
"Alessia!" Perrin chuckled as she dashed up to them. Hugging Perrin as he lifted her up. She laughed and hit his shoulder as he sat her back down. Alessia hugged Rand next and then looked at Mat.
"You are looking well!" Mat spoke in Old Tongue.
"You speak Old Tongue?!" Alessia asked while gasping.
"Something happened to me." Mat replied. Alessia nodded and gave him a hug. Mat was hesitant at first but returned it.
"That's something you don't see everyday." Rand spoke. Alessia rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"I am happy to see you all again. That you are alive and safe." Alessia spoke.
"You're a red ajah?" Perrin asked as Alessia nodded her head. "You're not here to gentle Rand are you?!" Perrin then asked.
"Of course she isn't." Moiraine's voice came. Alessia looked at Moiraine and smiled. Walking up to her quickly. They both grabbed each other's arms at the elbows.
"Did you not join them?" Moiraine asked with a confused look.
"Moiraine, I have been with them for days." Alessia replied. "Time works differently there than it does here." Alessia replied.
"Like the Steddings." Loial's voice came. Alessia nodded her head at this. Feeling Moiraine takes her left hand. Looking at the stone before letting go.
"We need to head back to Tar Valon." Moiraine then began.
"Let us rest." Rand spoke.
"There is a tavern here that will give us free rooms." A new voice spoke. Alessia turned towards it. There were three women with speaks on their backs.
"Maiden of the Spears." Alessia spoke as she gave them a bow.
"They are from the Aiel waste." Mat spoke.
"The Three-Fold land." Alessia corrected him.
"She is well educated." One of them said as she stepped closer.
"This is Aviendha." Elyane spoke as she introduced her. Alessia nodded with a smile.
"This is Bain and Chiad." Aviendha introduced the other two.
"It is an honor to meet you both." Alessia spoke with another bow.
"I like her. Bain spoke with a smile as she began to circle Alessia.
"Come then!" Moiraine spoke while taking the lead. Alessia went to Elyane's side. Linking their arms. Making sure her friend could walk.
"I can walk." Elyane spoke with a smile.
"Just wanted to make sure." Alessia replied. She nodded at her friend as they followed Moiraine to the tavern. It seemed that the people of Falme were now free of the Seachan's rule. She smiled at this.
There was music playing in the Tavern as Alessia picked up a pitcher and walked over to the table. She set it down with several cups. Seeing her friends quickly grabbing one to drink. Seeing the Gleeman playing upbeat music as people were dancing. Alessia guessed they had their dead taken care of already. They would start rebuilding their city.
"You are quiet." Moiraine's voice came from next to her. Feeling her hand taken.
"I should have been here." Alessia spoke. She was, of course, talking about the battle here.
"Your path came and you took it. You are still taking it. The prophecy still stands. You being part of this secret Aes Sedai society will help us in the future." Moiraine spoke. "Have you learned anything from them?" Moiraine then asked.
"I have. Much. I'm stronger in the one power now. I can unweave better. Still working on it." Alessia spoke.
"Good." Moiraine spoke. She looked at the blue ajah and nodded with a smile.
"Leader Morgana said I need to work on our bond as well." Alessia spoke as Moiraine was listening closely. It seemed the music and loud voices made it to where they couldn't be overheard.
"Our bond only just grew." Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded.
"Yes, and it can keep growing from here on out if you want it as well." Alessia spoke. Seeing Moiraine was silent for a moment before nodding.
"How would it get stronger?" Moiraine then asked.
"If I focus hard enough, I can teleport my body straight to you. Anywhere in the world. It takes a lot of energy though." Alessia spoke. Remembering the feeling of being immensely drained after getting Lillen.
"You can teleport to me?" Moiraine asked.
"Yes. I haven't done it with you yet." Alessia spoke. Taking Moiraine's hand that was in her own and pulled it up to her lips. Kissing her hand. Moiraine's look softened at this.
"Come now y'all!" Mat's voice came as he downed another cup. Elyane was speaking to Aviendha in a corner. Mat was holding the horn close to him.
"Wait, is that?" Alessia began.
"It is." Moiraine answered. "Mat was the one who blew the horn." Moiraine added.
"That's amazing." Alessia spoke as Mat winked at her before standing up and headed up the stairs.
"We should get some rest. We need to head back to Tar Valon tomorrow." Moiraine spoke.
"You, Lan, and Alessia came here through the ways, that is correct?" Loial's voice came. Alessia nodded her head at this.
"Perhaps we can take the Waygate back?" The Orgier suggested.
"It is faster, yes." Moiraine had agreed. Alessia saw from the corner of her eyes that Lan and Nynaeve had taken the stairs up to their room. It seemed people were heading to bed now. Alessia stood up and began to walk towards the stairs.
"Where are you going?" Moiraine's voice came.
"I want to speak to Mat about something." Alessia replied.
"Then you will head to bed?" Moiraine asked.
"Of course my love." Alessia spoke as she took both of Moiraine's hands and kissed them. Watching the woman in blue nod her head before taking her leave to the room she would be staying in.
Alessia stopped by a door and sighed. Knocking on the door. Hearing a clatter of objects and hurried footsteps. Seeing the door flung open.
"Oh." Mat spoke as they locked eyes.
"I wanted to talk to you." Alessia spoke. Mat waved his arm as she entered his room. It was dark and another pitcher of ale. The curtains were drawn. Alessia was slowly walking around the room with her hands behind her back.
"What did you want to talk about?" Mat asked as he closed the door. Alessia moved her hand quickly. Weaving air around the room. "What just happened?" He asked while sitting down.
"I weaved air around the room so we would not be heard." Alessia spoke.
"Can we skip the talking then?" Mat asked.
"Skip? Mat!" Alessia scoffed as Mat laughed.
"I'm only joking!" He waved to a chair. Alessia sat down. Watching him closely. Moving her head slowly to the side while staring.
"Say something!" Mat spoke.
"How?" Alessia asked.
"How? I have my memories of my past life." Mat replied. Alessia gasped at this.
"So, your past lives. No wonder you can speak Old Tongue perfectly." Alessia spoke.
"It's a curse." Mat spoke. Alessia frowned at this.
"What do you mean?" Alessia asked.
"I can hear the screaming of people. The battles I went through. The friends I have lost. The memories haunt me." Mat spoke.
"So. When you have gotten your memories back, it didn't change you?" Alessia asked.
"No." Mat spoke. Alessia was silent for the moment at this and looked back at him.
"May I?" Alessia asked as she raised her hand up a little. Mat nodded his head. Alessia began to weave. She leaned forward and placed her hands upon Mat's forehead. She closed her eyes and called spirit. She could feel that his brain was being overloaded. She pulled back and frowned.
"What is it?" Mat asked.
"I am not sure. I think your brain is overworking itself. I think it's best for you to come with us back to Tar Valon. Have the yellow ajah look at you." Alessia replied.
"That's what that yellow said." Mat spoke. Alessia nodded at this.
"How did it happen? Your memories?" Alessia asked. She wanted to know.
"Ishamael. The Forsaken. He made tea. Said I will only get a glimpse of my past lives. Not all my memories." Mat answered.
"I see. Tell me Mat. How are you handling it?" Alessia asked.
"When did you start caring?" Mat asked.
"I have always cared about you and the others. We may have never gotten along but I do care." Alessia spoke. Leaning back in her chair. Mat sighed at this and set the horn down on the table.
"Everytime I close my eyes. I can hear them. The screaming of the people. The battles that happened so long ago." Mat spoke. Alessia was listening carefully to this. "I cannot sleep unless I get really drunk. It shuts them out." Mat added as he took another drink. There was a knock on the door. Mat went to answer it. It was Moiraine.
"Alessia?" Moiraine's voice came.
"I am coming." Alessia spoke as she stood up and walked over. Touching Mat's shoulder. "Try and get some rest." Alessia spoke. He nodded as Alessia took her leave. Closing the door behind her before following the woman in blue.
"What did you talk about with him?" Moiraine asked as she held the door open. Alessia walked into the room and looked around. Hearing the door closed. She wasn't sure if she put up weaves of air before talking. She drew the curtains closed and then weaved the air. Moiraine smiled at this. Alessia let her weave drop and took a deep breath. She still wanted to know more about this tea but if Ishamael was now dead, then that knowledge had died with him as well. Her eyes went back to Moiraine.
"I asked him about what happened." Alessia spoke while looking at Moiraine who walked up to her. Grabbing her arms gently. Feeling a thumb caress her arm as Alessia leaned into her touch. Feeling her temple kissed. Alessia's breath shivered as she rested her head upon Moiraine's shoulder. Sliding her arms around the blue ajah's waist. Holding her into a hug.
"Did he tell you?" Moiraine asked as she pulled away. Alessia nodded. Seeing the older woman walk over to the bag she had. Pulling out two night gowns. Handing one to Alessia as she quickly changed. Seeing that it fell just above her knees. She walked over to the bed and sat down. Watching Moiraine brush her hair before following to the other side.
"He said the Forsaken, Ishamael, made him tea to drink. So he could see his memories from his past life. Though, these memories stayed with him. He said it keeps him up at night. The screams of the people from his past. The battles he can hear as well." Alessia spoke about. She laid back as did Moiraine. She shifted and turned onto her side. Facing Moiraine. Blue eyes met blue. Alessia placed her hand against Moiraine's cheek. Leaning in and kissing her forehead before moving closer.
"So, Rand proclaimed himself?" Alessia asked.
"Yes. Just as the prophecy foretold." Moiraine spoke. The woman shifted quickly. Sitting on top of Alessia's waist. "Now, he needs protection more than ever." Moiraine added as Alessia nodded her head in agreement.
"I thought you wanted to rest?" Alessia asked. Moiraine only smiled and leaned in. Kissing her deeply. Alessia rested her hands upon Moiraine's hips. She wasn't sure if she should mask her bond with Liandrin. She did anyway. Not knowing Liandrin would be mad at this.
"The night only started. We have plenty of time." Moiraine whispered into her ear. Alessia felt the goosebumps rise with a soft moan. Moiraine had taken the lead this time.
The sun was barely touching the horizon as Alessia was standing by the window. Turning her serpent ring around on her finger. Watching the city folk of Falme out and about early hours. Cleaning the rumble around the city. Taking the dead off the roads to their final resting place. There were many torches lit and people singing of loved ones lost. She closed her eyes and focused on her bond with Liandrin. Opening it back up. She felt several emotions hit her at once. She gasped softly. It was mostly anger and sadness. Hearing the bed shift, Alessia looked over. Moiraine was still asleep. She opened a drawer and found a pair of scissors. Walking over to the desk with the mirror. She waved her hand and a few candles were lit. She lifted the scissors and cut her hair. It was now just above her middle back. Cutting her bangs as well. The bangs were almost past her eyebrows. Looking in the mirror. Turning her head a few times Putting it half way up as two longer strands were hanging on each side of her forehead before putting the brush up.
"You cut your hair." Moiraine's voice came. Alessia stood up and turned to face her.
"I did. I needed a change." Alessia spoke. Feeling her cheek cupped.
"It looks good on you." Moraine spoke as Alessia smiled softly. Feeling gentle lips against hers as she leaned into the kiss to deepen it. It only lasted a minute as she pulled back.
"You wanted to go back to Tar Valon today?" Alessia asked as Moiraine nodded her head.
"Let's get you out of those clothes. Get you some new ones." Moiraine spoke. Alessia nodded and changed back into her clothes and put her cloak on.
"I'll need a wash before we leave." Alessia added.
"Come. We shall get this done before the others awake." Moiraine spoke.
"If I remember. You enjoy shopping." Alessia spoke as she followed the blue ajah out of the room. Hearing very few voices in the tavern as most people were still resting from the battle the day before. Stepping outside to meet the heat that had hit her.
"I will not miss the heat here." Alessia spoke as Moiraine chuckled at this.
"It's one of the things that make the people hardy here." Moiraine spoke as they were walking down the street. Alessia did not know her way around here so she stayed close to Moiraine.
"I wish I was here when it happened. The battle." Alessia spoke about it again. Moiraine stopped and looked at her.
"It was not your fault. You know this. It was the Wheel weaving your path." Moiraine spoke. Reassuring her. Alessia nodded her head at this. They entered a building that had clothes all over the place.
"How may I help, Aes Sedai?" A woman spoke at the counter. Alessia smiled and bowed to her.
"She needs new clothes." Moiraine spoke.
"Something red." Alessia added.
"No. Wearing red will be a dead giveaway." Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded. She walked over to where the tops were. One caught her eye. It was a silk sleeveless button up shirt. She smiled and grabbed it.
"These will look good on you." Moiraine spoke as she held up a pair of black slacks. Alessia nodded her head. Smiling softly as she pulled out her money. Handing the woman the coins.
"Come. I need a wash." Alessia spoke as she thanked the woman and quickly left the shop. She wanted to head back quickly and get done.
"We have time before we have to go." Moiraine spoke.
"I think it's best we get going quickly. As soon as possible." Alessia spoke as they arrived back at the Tavern.
"I noticed the room we were in did not have a wash bucket." Alessia spoke.
"No. There is a public bath house." Moiraine spoke. Alessia turned a slight pink at this. "Don't worry, it will be just us two." Moiraine spoke as she took a turn to another building. Seeing only two other women inside getting the bath ready. Moiraine was already getting undressed as Alessia watched. She set her new clothes onto a chair.
"Come my love. It is just us two." Moiraine spoke as she slowly got into the bath. Alessia took her clothes off and set them down before following into the tub. The water was hot against her skin as she sighed a little and closed her eyes. Feeling a pair of hands against her skin. Feeling it going in a pattern. Moiraine took advantage of this.
"Come, we should wash quickly." Moiraine spoke as Alessia opened her eyes and nodded. Taking the soap and washrag as she began to help Moiraine wash as well.
Her new clothes were light weight as she packed her old clothes into the bag Moiraine had. Tying her hair up as she was now ready. Looking at Moiraine and sighed softly.
"What is it?" Moiraine asked.
"Our world has changed, hasn't it?" Alessia asked.
"It has, yes. Especially now that the world knows of the Dragon Reborn. Even the Forsakens." Moiraine spoke as she was grabbing her things. Alessia flinched at the word. It seemed to have taken an effect on her as well now. Hearing a knock on the door as Alessia went to answer it. Perrin was at the door. Alessia smiled and looked at his yellow eyes.
"Everyone is downstairs and ready to go." He spoke.
"Wonderful! As are we." Alessia spoke as she left the room. Moiraine followed. Heading down the stairs as she stopped. Everyone was there.
"You cut your hair." Egwene spoke as Alessia nodded.
"Yes. I needed a change." Alessia spoke. She had realized her friend's hair was shoulder length.
"Looks good." Perrin spoke. Alessia smiled and gave him a bow.
"Thank you." She replied as everyone was now looking at Moiraine.
"Is everyone ready?" Moiraine asked as everyone looked around at each other before nodding in silence. "Then let us be off." Moiraine spoke as she quickly left the tavern. Alessia was the last to leave with Perrin. She kept looking at him as they made their way down the streets.
"Why do you keep looking at me?" Perrin asked. Alessia smiled at this.
"Your eyes. They've changed." Alessia spoke.
"Don't ask about something that you Aes Sedai will not understand." He spoke.
"Alright then, Wolfbrother." Alessia spoke as she put her hands behind her back. Perrin stopped and looked at her. Alessia only smiled at him and motioned her head for him to keep up.
"How did you know?" Perrin asked.
"We Aes Sedai know many things. Some more than others. Though, we are still learning ourselves. I learned about it from a friend." Alessia spoke as she remembered learning about Perrin's kind from a lesson with the purple ajah.
"I see. I shall remember that but Moiraine Sedai said to not tell anyone." Perrin spoke as they left the city. They were now on the beach. The hot sand under their shoes. As if it was slowing them down now.
"Perhaps for the best. As you said, don't ask if we do not understand and most Aes Sedai do not understand." Alessia spoke. Hearing Perrin chuckle at this.
"Thank you." Perrin spoke as she nodded her head. Her thoughts were now traveling around. She frowned as she hadn't heard from Liandrin since the city. She could see the waygate not far up ahead. Having Loial with them, they would be able to get through it quickly.
"How long will we be inside?" Egwene asked.
"Shouldn't be longer than a day." Loial replied. Alessia nodded her head and sighed a little. The water was in low tide today. She could feel the coldness of the water soak her boots. It was not a problem for her. She stopped as did the group. Looking up as Moiraine took a deep breath before stepping up to the stairs.
"If I may, Moiraine Sedai?" Loial asked. Moiraine nodded. Seeing the Orgier pull something from his pocket and walk over to the side. Placing what looked like a leaf made of clay or stone. Seeing several vines crawl out from the sides as shapes of leaves were being created. A door had appeared.
"Whoa!" Alessia spoke. She was impressed by this.
"We Orgier carry keys in case we ever need to go back to the Steddings." Loial spoke. Alessia nodded at this. Seeing the door open as she could hear the thunder inside of it. Every once in a while, lightning would flash. Moiraine had entered the gate as Alessia followed right after.
"Rest here for now." Moiraine spoke as Alessia stopped by Lan. Looking over the edge while keeping watch.
"They say there used to be a sun inside of here." Loial spoke as the Spear Maidens all sat down near Rand. They were listening to him speak.
"This place?" Aviendha asked while looking around. "It looks dangerous in here." She added.
"That is because it is." Moiraine spoke as everyone went silent again. Moiraine looked at Alessia and nodded.
"Over three thousand years ago." Alessia began as eyes went to her. "Men who could channel worked with the Orgier to create these waygates in thanks for their help in building. It was a way for the Orgier to go back to their Steddings." Alessia sighed as she sat down. "Then when men went mad, these waygates became cursed and dark. Everything inside died in them." She added.
"So, this place used to have what you said, trees, a sun, life?" Baid asked. Alessia nodded her head.
"We Orgeir made these gates to help those who could not travel by the One Power faster." Loial added. Once the eyes were off her, Alessia moved to the edge and closed her eyes. Focusing on her bond with Liandrin. Still feeling the sadness and anger.
"Liandrin?" Alessia called out. Hoping to hear from her.
"My flower?" Liandrin asked. Alessia sighed in relief.
"Are you alright my love?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"I can feel you. You are mourning?" Alessia asked. She already knew the answer.
"Yes. I am back at Tar Valon. Where are you?" Liandrin replied. She was back! Alessia felt her heartbeat fast at this. She couldn't wait to see her wife.
"I am in the ways. We are heading back to the city."
"We?" Liandrin asked in a worried tone.
"Yes. My friends and I. Moiraine is with us. Where can I find you once we are back? We should be there tonight."
"Where my son died."
"I am sorry my love."
"Do not be. It was not your fault. I shall see you soon. Stay open to me."
"I will see you soon." With that, she dropped her focus and closed her eyes. She wanted to get some rest before they continued on.
"Come. We should get going." Moiraine's voice carried over the darkness with an echo. Everyone stood up and gathered their things. Loial had taken the lead with Perrin.
"I can see the path ahead of us." Perrin spoke.
"So, your eyes are permanent now?" Loial asked as Perrin nodded. Alessia felt gentle fingers slide into her hand. Her fingers intertwined as she held Moiraine's hand tightly into her own. Moiraine was giving her a worried look as Alessia smiled softly.
"We are here." Loial's voice carried. He walked over to the side again. Putting the key where it went. Seeing the door open again. It seemed the Ogeir wanted Moiraine to save her strength. The door opened and saw the sun was setting. Stepping through and down the steps.
"It had been a few years since we first walked up these steps." Rand's voice came as Alessia nodded. It did seem like time flew by. She turned in time to see the gate close and Loial walking down.
"Come. We are almost there." Moiraine spoke. Alessia turned to face their path and down that path was Tar Valon. The White Tower in the distance as it shone against the sunlight.
"Feels weird going back." Alessia spoke as Moiraine chuckled.
"We were here not long ago." Moiraine spoke.
"For you, yes. It felt like months for me." Alessia replied back softly.
"I forget that time worked differently for you there." Moiraine spoke. "Come. Let us head back home."
'Home.' Alessia thought. Knowing all three of her lovers heard her. It felt strange calling the Tower home after everything that had happened.
–Notes–
Hello everyone! Hope you enjoyed the new chapter! Wheel of Time season three is here! I will at least post a weekly update for this story! I wanna take it slow. I am currently working on four WoT stories! 3