Chapter Twenty-One: Amyrlin's Trial
"Come on!" Lillen spoke as she hopped off the bed and went through Alessia's wardrobe. Grabbing her gown and a change of clothes.
"Someone is excited." Alessia spoke with a smile. Lillen was still smirking as she nodded her head.
"Oh, I lost my journal." Alessia then spoke with a frown.
"No. Sister Latra found it and brought it here. I have it in my room." Lillen spoke. Alessia's eyes went wide as she smiled. Grabbing her clothes from Lillen as she followed the older woman out of her room. Hearing voices about the Tower. She stayed close to Lillen as eyes were watching her. She felt uneasy about this. Knowing Lillen could feel her. Her hand was now taken and squeezed. She smiled at this and followed. Being led away from the Accepted part of the Tower and up the stairs to another side. She was now on the Science floor as she was looking around again. Seeing the large circular room where they gathered to share knowledge.
"It's Alessia." A voice spoke. They both stopped. Lanfear came up to them and cupped her cheek. She raised a brow at the Taller woman. "Come to listen to the events of the day here?" She asked.
"She's coming with me." Lillen spoke.
"Why do you waste your time with sister Lillen? You could be learning so much from me." Lanfear spoke as she traced a fingertip across Alessia's jawline.
"Lanfear Sedai. I appreciate it. Lillen did save my life. Twice. I owe her." Alessia spoke.
"Ah. I see. That is understandable. Come find me once you tire of her." Lanfear spoke. She had this smile on her face as she pocketed her hands and walked away. Alessia could feel Lillen's sadness. She gently nudged Lillen as they made their way towards her room. Other sisters were stopping them just to chat with Alessia. She sighed and moved away from everyone. Lillen included. She felt watched and she didn't like it.
"Alessia?" Lillen's voice carried over. There was hurt in her voice. She looked over her shoulder and motioned for her to follow. She did. Sighing in relief at this as she took Lillen's hand into her own again. Leading her down the stairs this time.
"I'm sorry." Alessia spoke as they made their way to the bottom of the stairs. Feeling the wall and found the loosened brick and pushed it. Looking over her shoulder to make sure they weren't followed. Lillen went inside and pulled Alessia with her.
"Why did you say those things?" Lillen asked with a frown. Alessia had set her clothes down on a chair.
"Well, you did save my life twice. I do owe you but my feelings are still true for you." Alessia spoke. Feeling arms snake around her middle from the front. Their eyes were locked as she could just stare into the dark eyes forever. Their foreheads rested against each other. The sun was gone as the moon was now rising. She had gone without lunch and dinner as her stomach growled. Lillen chuckled a little.
"You tried to tell us something before you woke up a while back. What did you want to tell us?" Lillen then asked. Alessia blushed as this and moved from her. "My Dragon?" Lillen asked. Grabbing her chin. Alessia looked into her eyes and smiled.
"I love you, Lillen." Alessia spoke. Lillen smiled and leaned in. Kissing her deeply.
"I love you, my Dragon." Lillen spoke. Alessia couldn't help but smile at this. Her heart was soaring from those words.
"That is going to take time getting used to hearing." She spoke while stepping back.
She had finished eating the plate of food she had received before setting the dishes to the side. She would take them to the kitchen tomorrow along the way to Latra Sedai who wanted to see her first thing in the morning. Lillen was running her fingers through Alessia's hair. Her fingers were long and gentle. Alessia closed her eyes and leaned back a little. Enjoying the touch she received. Her hair was down and brushed as Lillen was twisting her hair gently around her fingers. Enjoying their time together. Alessia remembered the first time she was alone with Lillen in this room. She blushed at the thought as Lillen cupped her cheek and smiled.
"I felt that. What are you thinking about?" Lillen asked.
"Our first time together, here." Alessia spoke. Lillen smiled again. Kissing her forehead.
"I remember. There will be more times like that." She spoke softly.
"Good. I need more time with you and Liandrin." Alessia spoke. To strengthen their bond after all. She was wondering how they were going to do this now that her identity was out.
"Come. Time to sleep." Lillen spoke as she yawned. Alessia nodded her head and grabbed her gown. Changing into her gown as she set aside her dress. Seeing Lillen already changed and in bed waiting for her. Alessia quickly walked over and crawled under the covers. The blanket was still covering her head as she laid down. Lillen smiled and slowly pulled the covers off her head before kissing her head. Alessia scooted closed and snuggled up against the older woman. Sliding her arm around Lillen's middle and getting comfortable. She heard a giggle from Lillen. She looked up and smiled. Leaning in to give her a kiss before lying back down.
"Tell me what to expect tomorrow?" Alessia asked. Feeling Lillen's arm wrapped around her shoulder.
"Well. After lunch, we are going to the Tower Hall. Once everyone is in there and ready, you will be there as well as Moiraine. Liandrin, I am not sure. She might be since she is tied to you." Lillen spoke. Alessia rested her hand on Lillen's chest. The older woman's eyes met hers and smiled. Gently petting Alessia's forehead before continuing. "We are going to ask her questions and what not. We will decide if she is fit to still lead us or not." Lillen spoke.
"Wait. I never wanted anyone to get into trouble." Alessia spoke with a frown. Feeling her chin held and gently squeezed.
"It is not your fault. They made their bed. Now we decide if they lay into it or not. Hiding you was a great offense to us. To all of us." Lillen spoke. Alessia sighed a little. She never wanted this to happen. She never wanted to be the Dragon. The Wheel was the cause of all of this.
"I told Moiraine over and over that I wanted to tell my friends and those I care about." Alessia spoke. Feeling her cheek caressed.
"So, you wanted to tell Liandrin and I?" Lillen asked. Alessia nodded her head at this.
"Yes. How could I not? You deserved to know. I want to have no secrets between us." Alessia spoke. Lillen only smiled and nodded at this.
"Get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow." Lillen spoke. She slid her arm across Lillen's middle again. Pulling her close and curled up. Holding her favorite Science ajah close in her arms before falling asleep.
Feeling her cheek poked a few times as she grumbled. Shifting from one side to the other as then she felt a couple kisses on her cheek. Alessia smiled and opened her eyes. Turning to lay on her back to see Lillen leaning over her while poking her cheek again.
"Alright, I'm getting up." Alessia spoke. She sat up and stretched her arms up with a yawn before seeing Lillen had already changed. This woman was so quick and silent in everything she did. Alessia grabbed her clean gown and changed into it. Feeling Lillen brush and do her hair. She felt like she was getting dressed up. White ribbons tied into her hair into the braids. Feeling her shoulders patted as she was done.
"Go see Sister Latra." Lillen spoke. Alessia nodded and turned to face Lillen. Cupping the older woman's cheeks into her own before kissing her lovingly. She took Lillen's hand and squeezed it. Seeing a curious look on the woman's face.
"I want you to come with me." Alessia spoke.
"Of course." Lillen spoke with a smile this time. She took up and kept holding her hand while taking the lead. Hearing the light footsteps that were following her. Heading up the stairs as she can feel eyes on her again. She felt uneasy again. Her shoulder was touched as she was then guided this time. Making their way up the stairs to the Science floor. Seeing Lanfear and Latra the only ones inside the room.
"Ah, you are awake. Good." Latra spoke as Alessia smiled and gave the woman a bow. "Come with me. I will see you in the Hall sister Lanfear." Latra spoke. Lanfear nodded. Her eyes hadn't left Alessia. She was smiling at her with this look. Alessia turned to follow Latra as well as Lillen. Feeling a hand on her lower back as she leaned into the touch as they made their way down to the ground floor of the Tower.
"Did you sleep well?" Latra asked.
"I did!" Alessia spoke with a smile. Seeing Lillen smile as they came to the doors of the Hall. Following the older woman inside the Hall. It was different again. This time there were the Sitter chairs all around in the normal circle in the Tower. There was a new chair. She went up to it.
"I see you found it." Latra spoke. It was a white chair with a red dragon engraved on it. "This is where you will be sitting." Latra spoke.
"What do you mean?" Alessia asked while looking back at her.
"When the trial happens today, this is where you sit. The only time until you proclaim yourself then you will be joining in the Tower Hall discussions, meetings, and trials." Latra spoke. Alessia frowned while looking back to the seat. It looked exactly like the one from her Accepted test.
"Is this why you wanted to see me first thing today?" Alessia asked.
"Yes. Sit on it and let me know what you think." Latra spoke.
"I uh." Alessia spoke before she turned and sat down. The chair was made exactly like the others. It was hard but comfortable.
"Well, what do you think?" Latra asked.
"It's cold and rough." Alessia spoke, hearing a chuckle from her. LIllen was watching her closely now.
"It is made from marble as well. We had this specially made years ago in case we ever had a woman Dragon." Latra spoke. So, they were hoping for a female dragon for many years. She stood back up. "Come back here after lunch and we will get started." Latra spoke. Alessia nodded her head and gave her another bow. She had taken her leave as Alessia was still standing in front of the seat. Feeling a chin rest upon her shoulder.
"What's on your mind?" Lillen asked.
"It looks exactly like the one from my test." Alessia spoke. Feeling a hand grab her hip and fingers dung into her hip.
"What happened in the arches?" Lillen asked. Alessia looked at Lillen before going back to the seat.
"I don't want to talk about it." Alessia spoke as she heard a sigh.
"You told me that you would tell me." Lillen spoke. There was some anger in her tone.
"I know. I want Liandrin here as well. I want to tell you both." Alessia spoke.
"Fair. Come. Breakfast. I'm hungry." Lillen spoke as she took Alessia's hand and led her out of the Hall.
"Alessia! Hey!" Nynaeve's voice came as she was waved down. Alessia smiled and walked over to the table with her friends. She gave them both a hug with a smile. She had missed these two.
"Where's Jane?" Alessia asked while looking around.
"She's with Melinda Sedai." Egwene spoke with a smile.
"Ah." Alessia spoke as Lillen sat next to her with her food.
"Hello dears! Mind if we join?" Alanna came up with a smile. Alessia nodded her head as she moved closer to Lillen. She reached under the table and squeezed Lillen's knee with a smile. Feeling Alanna touch her shoulder.
"How are you feeling dear?" Alanna asked.
"I am well." Alessia smiled at her.
"Good." Alanna added as she began to eat. Alessia started eating as well. Feeling her stomach growl at this. She was listening to the others talk as she ate her food. Happy to be able to keep solids down was definitely a plus now.
"How is everyone?" A new voice came. Alessia smiled because she knew it well.
"Ah, sister Liandrin, join us?" Alanna asked.
"I shall." Liandrin spoke as she sat down across from Alessia. Their eyes met and locked. She could feel the emotions running high now again.
"I see you are eating. That is good." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She finished her breakfast. She was glad Liandrin was back early.
"Are you ready for class today, Alessia?" Jane's voice then came. Alessia gasped and turned to hug her friend.
"Alessia is actually not going to classes today. She is needed elsewhere." Liandrin spoke as Jane nodded.
"I see. Well, I am still going to help you catch up. So much has happened!" Jane spoke. Alessia nodded and moved her friend's hair to the front a little to hide a bruise. Jane blushed and smiled before sitting down at the table as well. Alessia took her spot again. Listening to her friends talk about their lessons and Alanna mentioning starting a form of dance class to help the women of the Tower to let loose was her words. Alessia was thinking about this. She had always wanted to dance. To know the feeling of it.
"Alrighty ladies. I am heading out to start planning." Alanna spoke as she began to leave.
"Alanna Sedai?" Alessia asked. She could feel her lovers watching her closely.
Alessia stood up and smiled at Alanna.
"What is it?" She asked. Alessia started walking away and Alanna took the hint and followed her. They were now in the hallway watching the warders training.
"I want to sign up." Alessia spoke as Alanna smiled. Touching her arm.
"For the dance?" Alanna asked.
"Yes. I have always dreamt of dancing but with my leg being broken and what not, I had given up on that until it was healed." Alessia spoke.
"Well, you are always welcome to come join. I would love to have you." Alanna spoke as Alessia nodded her head. "Also, I wanted to apologize about the tea. I didn't know." Alanna began as Alessia touched Alanna's arm.
"There is no need to apologize, Alanna Sedai. You did not know." Alessia spoke.
"You forgive me?" Alanna asked.
"There is no need for you to ask because you did nothing wrong." Alessia added. This seemed to have made Alanna happy as she hugged her. Feeling her cheeks cupped as the woman in green pulled back. "How is Moiraine?" Alessia asked.
"She's. Well as one can expect. You worry for her?" Alanna asked.
"Of course I do. I care about her." Alessia spoke. Seeing Alanna smile before patting her cheeks again. "I'll let her know. I'm heading to her room now if you wish to come?" Alanna asked. Alessia nodded her head as the woman in green took the lead. Seeing Liandrin and Lillen watching her from the dining hall. She smiled at them before following Alanna up the stairs to another part of the Tower. She was worried about Moiraine. Seeing other blues looking at them before going about their day.
"Lan." Alanna spoke with a smile.
"Alanna Sedai. Good to see you. Alessia." He spoke with a nod before stepping to the side as Alanna knocked on the door.
"Come in." Moiraine's voice came from the other side. Alessia could feel her heart beating fast. She was worried that Moiraine was upset with her. She stepped into the room after Alanna.
"Sister." Moiraine spoke as she gave Alanna a hug.
"Someone wanted to check up on you." Alanna spoke as she stepped to the side to reveal Alessia from behind. Blue eyes met blue as Alessia held her breath. In one swift movement, Moiraine had pulled Alessia into her arms and hugged her tightly.
"Are you alright?" Moiraine asked as she pulled away and cupped Alessia's cheeks. Alessia let out a sigh of relief before hugging Moiraine again.
"I am sorry." Alessia spoke as she was guided to the sitting area in the room.
"It's not your fault, Lessy. I should have not hidden you from my sisters but I did what I was told. I just wished you never sent that letter." Moiraine added. Alessia frowned and nodded while looking at her hands in her lap. Feeling her shoulder touched as she looked back up to the blue eyes.
"Whatever happens now is up to the Sitters." Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded her head. Feeling her hand taken and squeezed. "I am not happy how things turned out but the Wheel Weaves as the Wheel Wills." Moiraine spoke. Alessia shook her head at this.
"I shouldn't have sent that letter." Alessia spoke with a sigh.
"Yet you did. I know you wanted to contact Liandrin but I can understand you wanting to let her know how you were doing." Moiraine spoke.
"Do you?" Alessia then asked.
"What do you mean?" Moiraine then asked.
"Do you understand how I feel about Liandrin?" Alessia asked. Moiraine sighed.
"Of course I do. I know how you feel about Liandrin because I feel the same for you as I do for Siuan." Moiraine spoke. Alessia felt her cheeks burn at this. Moiraine had confessed her feelings not only for her but for the Amyrlin as well. Well, she already knew about that.
"I'm glad you weren't exiled from the Tower." Alessia spoke as she changed the subject. Her heart was squeezing in her chest as she was short in breaths but fighting hard to hide it.
"Well, I have no need to leave the Tower anymore since you're here." Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She was the reason after all to be away from the Tower. Hearing a knock as Lan and both of Alanna's warders came in with plates of food. Alessia raised a brow and looked out of the window. The sun was now high in the sky.
"It's lunch already?" She asked. Moiraine smiled and nodded. She had been in this room for hours with Alanna as they were chattering away. She could feel the worried feelings from both Lillen and Liandrin. She knew they were worried and probably wondered where she was. She closed her eyes and focused. On them both as she was hoping they got the feeling in return. That she was alright.
"I should probably head out." Alessia spoke as Lan took the dishes when they were done.
"I can walk with you." Moiraine spoke as she nodded. She had forgotten that Moiraine was called to the trial as well.
They had left Moiraine's room to make their way down the stairs to the ground floor. Lan was in the lead followed by Moiraine and Alessia as Alanna and her warders were pulling up the rear. Hearing several footsteps against the floor as Alessia saw the other Sitters coming into view now. Seeing two familiar faces as she went straight to them. Feeling her arms grabbed.
"Are you alright?" Liandrin asked. She was worried. She could feel it. Alessia nodded her head. Feeling a hand on her lower back. It was Lillen as she came into Alessia's personal space. Chin resting on her shoulder.
"Did she touch you?" Lillen asked.
"She hugged me." Alessia spoke. Hearing a soft hiss from Lillen as she slid her arm around Lillen's middle to pull her into a hug. It relaxed the older woman.
"Then what happened?" Liandrin asked as she was looking over her shoulder. Alessia followed her line of sight and saw Moiraine watching them with a saddened look. She frowned at the woman in blue as there was a staff hitting the ground.
"Time." The woman spoke.
"Sister Liandrin, you will be joining us." Latra spoke as she walked up to them. Liandrin nodded her head lightly.
"Where do I go?" She asked.
"Stand next to our Dragon." Latra spoke. Feeling her arm squeezed with another nod. "It is time." Latra added while looking at Alessia and nodded her head. Alessia took a deep breath. Holding both Lillen's and Liandrin's hands into her own before letting go as she followed Latra into the Hall. The Amyrlin Seat was still empty but there was a chair in the center again.
"This way." She heard Latra lead her to the new chair. Alessia sat down in the new seat as Lillen on her left and Liandrin on her right. Moiraine had stood by the Blue ajah and Alanna by the green. Alessia looked around and felt her shoulder touched again. Liandrin had her hand there. She could feel Moiraine still watching her. Hearing the staff hit the ground as it rang through the room. It echoed loudly.
"She comes." The woman spoke. Alessia stood up as did everyone else in the Hall. Seeing the doors opened as Siuan walked into the Hall. Her eyes met Alessia's as she looked upset. Alessia bowed to her as did the Hall.
"Why was I summoned here?" The Amyrlin asked while looking around. "Why is Daughter Alessia here and not at her lessons?" She asked as well.
"We summon you for trial, Mother." Latra spoke. Siuan's eyes went wide as she heard this.
"You summoned me to a trial?!" Siuan's voice had anger in it. Alessia frowned and looked down.
"Yes mother." A blue Sitter spoke. "Please take your seat." She added. Siuan nodded and sat down in the seat in the center of the Hall.
"You are accused of hiding the Dragon from us. That you gave strict instructions to have Moiraine hide her as well." Do you deny these accusations?" Latra asked. She was not waiting around.
"No." Siuan spoke. She held her head high.
"Hiding her is a great offense to the Tower and all our sisters in it." Lanfear spoke this time. There was silence across the Hall now.
"The Dragon would have made herself known once she proclaimed herself." Siuan spoke.
"When did you plan on doing that?" Latra asked.
"Never." Siuan spoke. "I wanted her away from the Tower under a strict and watchful eye." Siuan spoke.
"So, you not only hid her, but did not want her to become known?" Latra asked. Alessia was confused as well.
"That is correct." Siuan answered.
"Why?" Lanfear asked this time.
"She is meant to be caged." Siuan spoke. Alessia balled her hands into fists. Feeling her shoulder squeezed as she felt anger coming from both of her bonds.
"Cage the Dragon?" Latra asked in a confused voice. "Why would you do that?" She asked.
"She is only meant to be used when we want and how we want. We cannot have any mistakes or have feelings get in the way when things go south." Siuan spoke. So, Machin Shin was right. The Tower wanted to use her. She felt the anger boiling inside of her now. Her face clearly showed it. She could feel both Lillen and Liandrin trying to calm her through her bond. She pushed it aside and took a deep breath.
"You cannot control her." Lillen's voice then spoke. It was soft and light but full of anger.
"I beg your pardon daughter?" Siuan asked while looking at Lillen. The whole Hall was silent now.
"She is the strongest one of us. She is still an Accepted of the Tower. She is still learning like we all do. Caging her and suppressing her will make you no better than what her parents did and the White Cloaks when they came for her. She is meant to lead us." Lillen spoke. She was standing tall and firm. Alessia couldn't help but feel pride for the woman.
"She's right." A green Sitter spoke.
"She's bound to the Tower like the rest of us." A gray spoke.
"She is one of us. I trust her." Chesmal spoke. Alessia smiled weakly at the yellow ajah.
"Moiraine." Siuan spoke. Moiraine looked up and walked over and bowed to her. "Did you tell them about Alessia?" She asked.
"I did. Yes." Moiraine replied.
"You disobeyed my orders!" Siuan shouted and stood up as she was channeling. Alessia did not know what made her do it but she moved quickly and stood in front of Moiraine in time for her to get hit with a weave of air. Lillen, Liandrin, and Lanfear all were now standing in front of her. Alessia stood up and brushed herself off.
"Are you alright? Lanfear asked as she nodded her head.
"What is this?" Siuan asked. "You swore to obey me!" Siuan shouted at Moiraine who was now standing in front of Alessia.
"I also swore to protect the Dragon. She is my mission and always has been." Moiraine replied. Alessia frowned between the two of them.
"Then you need to leave. Do I need to exile you again?" Siuan asked. Alessia frowned at this. Why would she do this?
"Mother?" Alessia spoke as the Hall went silent. Siuan's dark eyes met hers. "Why would you exile Moiraine Sedai if her mission is to protect me?" Alessia asked.
"It seems daughter Moiraine's feelings are getting in the way of her mission." Siuan spoke. "You should have stayed put. None of this would have happened if you did what you were told!" Siuan then spoke towards Alessia. She frowned and nodded her head. Bowing to her before stepping back. "I would think about your punishment but I believe it's best if you leave the Tower as well. You have endangered all your sisters and the Tower." Siuan spoke. Alessia nodded and frowned. Looking down to the side.
"That is not your decision to make anymore." Tstuama spoke as she stood up.
"I beg your pardon?" Siuan then asked while looking at the woman.
"You hid the Dragon from us and wanted to cage her. If you exile her from the Tower, you are putting the entire world in danger! What would happen if the Dark One got a hold of her and none of our sisters were there to keep her safe?" She asked. Hearing the Hall whispering in agreement.
"You not only broke the law of the Tower mother, but you hid her from us." The greens poke as she stood up.
"The law?" Alessia asked in a whisper to Liandrin.
"We protect each other that are bound to the Tower." Liandrin spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She then saw something. Looking around the Tower as the Sitters were all linking with Lanfear.
"By the Law of the Tower, Siuan Sanche. You are found guilty in hiding the Dragon Reborn and trying to exile her from the Tower. We deem you no longer fit to lead us." Lanfear spoke as she weaved as the Sitters were in unison with her. Moiraine looked away. Alessia could see the pain in her eyes. Touching Moiraine's arm as she heard a shuddered breath. Hearing a pair of knees hit the ground. Alessia looked away. Siuan was stilled right before her eyes.
"Guards!" Latra shouted. Seeing the doors open as two men walked into the Hall and grabbed Siuan. Lifting her up as she was taken away.
Alessia was sitting down in her seat again while looking down onto the ground. Her hands balled on her knees. She was angry but also upset. She never wanted this to happen. She took a deep breath and looked back up. A green ajah was speaking.
"Tonight we shall select a new Amyrlin Seat. A leader who recognizes our young Dragon here. Someone who cares for the Tower and ALL who are in it." She added. Hearing whispers of agreement across the Hall. "So, who shall step up?" The green ajah asked. All eyes were looking at Alessia as she looked around. She was confused.
"What?" She asked as all eyes were on her.
"Do you have a sister you would like to put in as a candidate?" She asked. Alessia looked around as she was still confused.
"I am not sure if I follow what you are saying." She added.
"You are the Dragon. Your opinion matters to us." The green spoke as others nodded their heads.
"I am not yet an Aes Sedai nor will I be one for a while. I do not think my opinion matters." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"You are the Dragon. Someone who will be leading us in the future when you take up the shawl." The gray ajah spoke.
"I see. Very well then. Latra Sedai." Is all she said.
"I do not disagree. I think sister Latra is a fine choice." Chesmal spoke with a smile. "She is after all the one who believed in our little Dragon here." The yellow added.
"I believe a gray sister should lead us." The other gray ajah spoke. "We have after all, been teaching the Novices and Accepteds our ways." She added.
"Then we shall have a vote later today after dinner. Sitters only." Lanfear spoke.
"Then we shall call this trial to a close. Daughter Alessia will resume her training under yellow and attend her classes again." The green spoke. Alessia nodded and stood up. Giving them all a bow before taking her leave. Siuan was no longer the Amyrlin Seat and they were to bring a new one tonight. She was worried. Did she cause a rift in the Tower or something else? She frowned as she was now standing in the hallway while looking outside. She was near the gardens. It was still cold outside. Feeling a shiver as she sighed. Rubbing her face in her hands.
"Are you alright my little dragon?" Liandrin's voice came as she looked over.
"I never meant for Siuan Sedai to get deposed as the Amyrlin." Alessia spoke with a frown. Feeling Liandrin wrapped her arms around Alessia's shoulder and pulled her into a tight hug.
"The Hall all agreed she was no longer fit to lead us." Liandrin spoke.
"She got stilled because of me! I should have kept my mouth shut!" Alessia spoke.
"The truth would have come out sooner or later." Liandrin spoke as she pulled back. She had a stern look upon her face.
"Without someone getting stilled?" Alessia then asked.
"No." Liandrin replied.
"She didn't get a fair trial. It was short." Alessia frowned and looked down. Liandrin grabbed her chin as she was forced to look into her eyes.
"An Aes Sedai cannot lie because of the oaths we had taken. She spoke her truth." Liandrin spoke.
"She said it was to protect me?" Alessia asked.
"Or to protect the Tower." Liandrin replied.
"Why would she do that?" Alessia asked again.
"Because the last Dragon broke the world before and the one before you walked away from his responsibilities." Liandrin spoke.
"I am not a man." Alessia replied while looking into the light blue eyes. There was pride in her eyes. She could feel it.