Chapter Twenty-Two: The New Amyrlin
Alessia was pacing back and forth in her bedroom while looking around. It had been over two days since the trial with Siuan. She sighed lightly while sitting down again. Liandrin was called off to a task as Lillen was in the Tower Hall again. The sisters were still deciding on the new Amyrlin. She had signed up for the dance classes that Alanna had mentioned a few days ago after her own trial. She felt like the green ajah was still upset about the tea she did not know about. Trying to figure out other ways to apologize to her. She kept reminding Alanna that it was not her fault. She sat back down on her bed and rubbed her face with a sigh. Hearing a knock as she stood back up and went to answer it. Seeing her other favorite red ajah leaning against the wall by her door with her arms crossed and a smile upon her face. "Tarna Sedai." Alessia spoke with a smile. Stepping aside to let her friend inside. "I want to try and duel you here soon once it gets a bit darker." Tarna spoke as she sat down at the table. Picking up a jar with a black spider inside of it. "You still have this spider?" The red asked as Alessia took the jar and set it back down with a smile. "Yes, it's the one that bit that man a while back. Lillen Sedai gave it to me with some of her notes. I've been studying it more. It's a very lethal spider." She spoke while seeing Tarna become uncomfortable near it. "Do not worry, the lid is sealed tight with weaves. Lillen made sure of it." Alessia added. Seeing the red ajah relax now and nodded her head while opening her journal that she had finally been given back. She flipped to the last entry of the spider. Seeing Tarna read about it. "Wow. All this damage from one tiny little creature." Tarna spoke as Alessia nodded her head. "Yes. I wonder how that man is doing now. Chesmal Sedai however is happy that I am back studying under her." Alessia spoke as she sat down next to her red friend. "Speaking of. Do you have any plans for the future?" Tarna asked as Alessia shook her head. In truth, she hadn't put much thought about the future with everything that had just happened. "Honestly, I am not sure. I want to finish my training and become an Aes Sedai. Do what I can to serve the people and our sisters." Alessia spoke while looking back up. "And you will make a great leader. I just know it." Tarna spoke with a smile. "How can I become a leader though? If I become an Aes Sedai, I have to pick an ajah. You all have different beliefs when it comes to a certain ajah." Alessia frowned again. "Well, it doesn't matter what color you pick. All of us. And I mean all of us will follow you no matter what." Tarna spoke. "It should be the Amyrlin we follow." Alessia spoke. "You forget Alessia. You are the Dragon. The leader of all channelers. Women and men." Tarna spoke. Alessia shook her head. "No pressure right?" She asked as her friend chuckled lightly. "You are, after all, still bound to the Tower. So, yes, you are to still follow the Amyrlin just like the rest of us." Tarna added as Alessia nodded her head. "Well, it is my job to keep the law and what not if I am to become a leader. So maybe red is my calling. Or brown. Being a leader should also have knowledge on what he or she is doing to lead their people?" Alessia asked while frowning. "That is true." Tarna smiled at this since Alessia mentioned being a red ajah. "I don't know if I can do this. Lead the people." Alessia frowned and shook her head again. "You won't be alone. You will have your friends by your side. Your sisters and of course Liandrin and Lillen." Tarna spoke. Touching Alessia's shoulder and squeezed it. "Come. We are grabbing Jane as well." Tarna spoke as she stood up. Alessia stood up as well and grabbed her cloak. Putting it on as she followed the red ajah out of her room.
She followed Tarna in silence as they walked a short distance down the hallway. Stopping as Tarna knocked on the door. There was no answer. Alessia smiled lightly at this. "What is it?" Tarna asked. "She might be with Melinda Sedai." Alessia spoke. She opened her friend's door and sure enough, it was dark inside. She closed the door and nodded her head before following the red ajah again up the stairs to the other part of the tower. "So, what did you wanna teach me, Tarna Sedai?" Alessia asked while following with a small bounce to her steps. "Since it's getting dark outside and it seems the new Amyrlin has not been picked yet, I wanted to see how you do in the dark." Tarna spoke. Alessia was silent while in thought. She couldn't feel either bond from either of her lovers. She bumped into Tarna and was brought back to reality. There was a knock on the door and hurried footsteps. The door opened as Melinda was smiling. "Sister Tarna. What can I do for you?" Melinda asked and leaned over. Seeing Alessia and smiling. "Melinda Sedai." Alessia spoke with a smile and bowed to the red. Hearing another pair of footsteps as Jane came into view and smiled before hugging Alessia. "I was wondering if I could borrow Jane for a lesson?" Tarna asked. "Of course! What lesson if I may ask?" Melinda asked. "I want to test their weaving skills in the dark." Tarna spoke as Melinda smirked at this. "May I join this lesson?" She asked. "The more, the merrier!" Tarna spoke while returning the smirk. Alessia and Jane both looked at each other with a worried look before gulping. Tarna took the lead again as Alessia followed with Jane by her side. Hearing chattering as they were in the main hall now of the Tower. Seeing the Hall was still in session as Alessia sighed a little. She missed the comfort of her lovers by her side when she slept. It seemed the Tower Hall was going to be another long night. Lillen did join her in bed at night but was gone when she woke up. "I wonder how much longer it's going to take." Melinda spoke as she brought up the rear. "There has been no word on why Siuan Sedai is being replaced." Melinda asked. Jane and Alessia looked at each other again but said nothing and Tarna was also looking at them before taking the lead again. The truth was going to come out sooner or later. For now, they were to tell no one. She felt as if she could trust Melinda Sedai since she was tied to Jane. Hearing their boot heels against the stone marble floor of the tower as they made their way outside. Feeling a slight breeze in the air. She wrapped her cloak around her body tightly as she saw Tarna readying two horses. She walked over and picked up the saddle and went back over. Helping tie everything on to make sure nothing would slip. "Alright, Alessia with me, Jane with Melinda until we make it outside of the gates." Tarna instructed as Alessia nodded her head. Seeing her friend already mounted and ready to go. She grabbed the red ajah's hand and mounted the horse last. Hearing a shout as the horses began trotting towards the gateway and out.
Seeing the horses tied up by a nearby tree as Alessia was standing next to Jane. "Alright, we will work as a team. Accepteds versus Aes Sedai." Tarna spoke while crossing her arms. "Then, we will switch it up a little." She added. Alessia smiled and nodded her head at this. "We might be out here for a while." Melinda added. "Scared?" Tarna asked. "Definitely not!" Melinda added. "Alright, let's get to it." Tarna added with a smile as Melinda stood next to her. Alessia stood next to Jane. "Wait, we aren't evenly matched." Jane then spoke. "Of course we are!" Tarna spoke. She was of course talking about Alessia being the Dragon but since Melinda did not know, it stayed that way. It was now completely dark as Alessia looked around before feeling the ground shake by her. "Hey! We weren't ready!" Jane shouted as she was weaving now. "In battle, you will never be told by the enemy that they are ready." Tarna spoke while smirking. Well at least it looked like she was smirking in the dark. Alessia stepped back a little and squinted her eyes. Seeing that Tarna and Melinda seemed to be working very well together. After all, they had known each other for several years. "We need to think of something fast." Jane spoke to Alessia who nodded her head. Jane had weaved a shield of air in front of them. Alessia cupped her hands together as she weaved air. Creating a small ball of uncontrolled air and she stepped one foot back and flung her arms forward. Seeing her attack was easily dodged. She sighed a little and tried again. This time making the ball of air bigger. Throwing it forward again. Seeing it crash against the ground. "You are being too predictable!" Tarna shouted as a stream of a fire weave was now hitting Jane's shield. She shouted while trying to hold it. Alessia quickly weaved and reinforced Jane's shield. Keeping them safe from any attacks that were happening. Seeing her friend Jane able to hold her own as Alessia was struggling a little. Frowning as she was trying to send off her attacks. They then switched. Alessia was now on shielding as Jane was tossing her attacks. She was more accurate and was able to hit their opponents shield directly. Then it stopped. She was confused before looking around and sighed a little. The two friends looked at each other before at the Reds. "You didn't learn much when you were away from the Tower, did you?" Melinda asked while they walked up to them. Alessia frowned and looked down to the ground and shook her head. She felt embarrassed. In truth, she still felt weak after the tea incident. "You don't think she has fully recovered yet?" Melinda asked. She knew about the tea incident. The whole Tower did. "Alessia?" Tarna asked as Alessia sighed a little. "Could be but I can't sit around and do nothing." Alessia frowned a little. "You need to fully recover before taking on a lesson like this." Tarna added. Her voice was gentle and touched Alessia's shoulder. "I have most of my strength. I don't want to sit around in my books right now. I'm restless." Alessia added. "Very well. Melinda and Jane against myself and Alessia." Tarna added. Seeing the two lovers look at each other with a smile before looking back with nods. Alessia took a few steps back with Tarna and took a deep breath before getting into a stance. Seeing Tarna only standing as she began to weave. "Definitely not evenly matched now." Alessia spoke lightly under her breath as Tarna heard her. Smirking a little before flicking her hand forward and creating a wind weave against the shield Melinda put up with ease. Alessia could see the two in sync so well with each other. She felt a hint of jealousy inside of her stomach. Feeling two different worries like emotions inside of her before pushing them aside. She knew they could feel her. Alessia took another deep breath and began to slowly weave fire to her. Feeling the small hint of heat in the air as she grabbed onto it. Weaving her hands together while watching her opponents. Tarna was the strongest of the four of them. Seeing the woman use the One Power with such ease like Liandrin did as well. She felt a pang of jealousy but the determination of wanting to do better had beaten down the negative feeling as she took a deep breath. Focusing on the weave she was creating now. "Know what you are doing with that?" Tarna asked. "Nope!" Alessia responded and she pushed her hands forward as a small weave of fire went straight against the shield. Burning her arm in the process. She hissed and weaved air in its place. Not knowing she burned off the sleeve of her dress. Shaking her arm to ignore the pain while recreating the air weave inside of a ball. Tarna was now on the offense as the other two in defense. Alessia tossed her hand forward. Missing her target as she sighed with frustration. "Don't get frustrated. It's only practice." Tarna spoke as she raised her hand to let the other two know they were done. "My apologies Tarna Sedai." Alessia spoke as she gave the older woman a bow. "Let's call it for the night. Curfew for them is very soon." Tarna spoke as they all nodded. Seeing Melinda pull Jane close as they made their way towards the horses to head back to the Tower.
Once they were back, Alessia put the saddles up and smiled a little before wincing. Her arm was hurting. In truth, she was tired of getting hurt or sick of some sort. "Alright. Head to bed, both of you. See you tomorrow." Tarna spoke as Alessia smiled and gave her a bow. She was pulled into a hug. "Have a goodnight. We will continue the lesson another day." Tarna spoke as Alessia nodded. Giving Jane a hug as well. Melinda patted her shoulder before taking her leave with Jane. Tarna had taken a different route in the Tower. Alessia went in the opposite direction. Wondering if Chesmal Sedai was in the infirmary. Hearing voices as the Hall was not in session anymore. Alessia looked around and saw the sitters speaking to each other in the garden. Alessia's eyes caught the dark one's. Lillen stood up straighter and smiled. Alessia frowned as she was still hiding her arm. Lillen then tilted her head with a confused look. "Everything alright, daughter Alessia?" Lanfear's voice came. "I need Chesmal Sedai." Alessia spoke. Seeing the yellow ajah come up to her. "What is it dear?" She asked. Alessia showed her her arm. "Happened from a lesson." Alessia spoke. Chesmal nodded. "I shall return sisters. I have someone to take care of." Chesmal spoke as she bowed to them. She then gently pushed Alessia towards the stairs to lead her away. Following in silence as she could feel the worried feeling again in her chest as she pushed the feeling back. Hearing footsteps from down the hall. Alessia bumped into Chesmal and stepped back a little as she was about to apologize as she felt her cheeks cupped. It was Moiraine who had come out of her room. "Are you doing alright?" Moiraine asked as Alessia nodded her head. "Sister Moiraine, I need to take care of Alessia before she goes to bed. It's past curfew." Chesmal spoke. "What happened? Are you alright?" Moiraine began asking questions as the yellow ajah grabbed Alessia's arm gently. "Lessy, what happened?" Moiraine asked as she was following them. "I did a late night lesson with Tarna Sedai." Alessia spoke. "That still doesn't answer my question." Moiraine spoke as they entered the infirmary room as Alessia sat down. Seeing Chesmal pull out a pair of scissors and cut at the edge of her sleeve. Getting rid of the burnt sleeve. "Lessy! What happened?" Moiraine spoke while gently grabbing her arm as she began to heal it with Chesmal. Seeing the yellow ajah raise a brow at the nickname Moiraine had given her. Not that she cared at the moment. "I told you, Moiraine Sedai. I had a lesson with Tarna Sedai. I pulled the fire weave too quickly and burned myself in the process." Alessia explained as the blue ajah sighed a little. You could tell she was annoyed. The cooling sensation of the weave had healed her arm as Alessia sighed in relief. "Thank you. Both of you." Alessia spoke as she sat up and gave both women a bow. "Get some rest. Bright and early after breakfast, I would like to finish up the study." Chesmal spoke. Alessia nodded her head. Seeing the healer take her leave as Alessia stretched a little before heading back into the hallway as Moiraine was following her. "I know the way to my room, Moiraine Sedai." Alessia spoke as she was then gently pushed to the side, against the wall. She was watching the blue ajah as Moiraine sighed a little. "What was she thinking? Teaching you?" Moiraine asked. "We were working on our shields and teamwork." Alessia spoke. It wasn't a lie. "And?" Moiraine then asked. "Well, I need to work on my teamwork more." Alessia replied. "I see. Well, it's all about connections as well to the people you are with. To know each other's strengths and weaknesses. Then you can be a force to reckon with." Moiraine explained a little. Alessia nodded her head and yawned a little. "I need to work on getting to know my sisters more." Alessia spoke, basically repeating what Moiraine said but in more simpler words. "Correct. Share my bed tonight." Moiraine spoke. It wasn't a question. Alessia shook her head lightly. "I'm sorry Moiraine. I would like to sleep in my own bed tonight." She spoke. She could see the hurt in Moiraine's eyes. "Very well Lessy. Get some rest. I do want to be kept updated on your lessons with others. Our lesson is still not yet done. I do have some books for you to read and research on." Moiraine added. She stepped back a little to let Alessia go. She nodded her head at the older woman and leaned in. Giving her a hug. Feeling her back rubbed as Moiraine let out a small sigh. They did after all, leave in the middle of Moiraine's lessons and Alessia was still very curious about the lesson the blue ajah was teaching her and how it comes into play in the future. "You alright?" Alessia asked as she pulled back. Seeing Moiraine was silent for the moment and shook her head. She frowned again. "It's Siuan. She's not doing so well now that she is cut off from the Source." Moiraine spoke. Alessia knew about their connection to each other. "I am sorry Moiraine Sedai. I never meant for anyone to get hurt like that." Alessia grabbed Moriaine's arm gently and squeezed it. "I know. We both knew the consequences when we heard about you." Moiraine spoke. "Siuan knew that keeping you a secret to cage you was not going to look good on her or anyone." Moiraine spoke. Alessia leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. "What about you then? Did you want me caged as well?" Alessia asked. She was starting to get angry now. "Of course not! When I found out that our Dragon is a woman, I knew that you needed to train and reach your full potential. Siuan had other plans." Moiraine spoke. She could see the conflict in Moiraine's eyes. "You chose me over someone you're in love with, Moiraine." Alessia spoke with a frown. "And I would do it again in every lifetime. I chose you because I must. Because it is what is right." Moiraine spoke. "You shouldn't have to choose what is right over someone you love. You always find a way. Convince Siuan that there are other paths to take." Alessia spoke. "Thinking with your heart and not your head is dangerous." Moiraine spoke to her in a warning voice. "That may be but sometimes the heart knows what is right as well. There are many paths that are the right way to take." Alessia spoke. "It is the only path I know." Moiraine spoke. Crossing her arms as well now. "Is it? If Siuan was so worried about me breaking the world because the Dragons from previous broke the world or walked away, they were men. I am not a man. Not to mention, I need guidance and who better than the Aes Sedai? To teach me so I would not make the same mistakes." Alessia spoke. Remembering the conversation about this with Liandrin. "I know this Lessy. Siuan believed we had no choice. She believed in being better safe than sorry." Moiraine replied. "So instead of jumping to conclusions, why not put the trust in me. Into our sisters as well?" Alessia asked this time. "You're right. It was wrong of us to think we could not trust you." Moiraine dropped her arms. "I need you to trust me, Moriaine Sedai." Alessia spoke. "Just Moiraine when we are alone." Moiraine spoke as she cupped Alessia's cheek again. "And trust in me that I made the right choice in telling Liandrin and Lillen." Alessia added. Hoping deep down that she did make the right choice. "I do not trust them." Moiraine added. Caressing Alessia's cheek with her thumb. Alessia was about to speak again before she was cut off. "Then you need to learn to trust my little Dragon more." Lillen's voice came as she came out of the shadows. Alessia smiled and went straight into Lillen's arms as they hugged. She could feel Lillen watching Moiraine like a hawk right now. "It's past curfew, I was wondering where you were." Lillen then added while pulling back. Holding onto Alessia's arms. Not once breaking eye contact with Moiraine right now. "She is with me. We were talking about her lesson." Moiraine spoke. Blue eyes watching Alessia before looking at Lillen. "I am glad that you decided not to cage her like Siuan wanted." Lillen spoke in a light voice like she was whispering. "If you did, there would be hell to pay." Lillen then warned her. "Is that a threat, sister Lillen?" Moiraine asked. Glaring at the shorter sister now. "It's a promise. You have no idea how much she means to Liandrin and myself." Lillen added as she was now in Moiraine's personal space. Lillen had her hands behind her back while looking up at Moiraine who seemed to be a couple feet taller. "I'd watch yourself if I were you." Moiraine then spoke as Lillen let out a small giggle before stepping back. "Come now my love." Lillen spoke as she gently grabbed Alessia's arm and led her away. Alessia looked at Moiraine who nodded her head at Alessia with a smile before taking her leave as well. She turned back around and followed Lillen down the stairs. Hoping to go to her own room. She missed her bed.
They reached the Accepted part of the Tower as Alessia had let Lillen inside first before closing the door. Seeing Lillen only wave her hand as all the candles in her room lit up at once. Lighting the whole room. Alessia was standing there with her mouth open. She was in pure awe at this. Feeling gentle fingers force close her mouth as she blushed with embarrassment. Lillen only softly giggled before turning to sit upon the bed, watching as Alessia changed into her gown. "We have a new Amyrlin." Lillen then spoke, breaking the silence. "Who is she?" Alessia asked. Lillen only shook her head at this. "So, you cannot tell me? It's been days since the trial." Alessia added as she sat down. "You will know who she is tomorrow as will the rest of the Tower. How was your lesson?" Lillen then asked. Alessia frowned at this. Feeling her shoulder held and squeezed. "Tarna and Melinda Sedai think it's because I am still healing from the tea." Alessia spoke while looking into the dark eyes. "We paired up and did a duel." "Do you think it is from the tea or do you fear that pushing yourself, you'll become a failure because you are letting that incident hold you back?" Lillen asked. It had hit her what the older woman had said. Was she right? Alessia was in thought, thinking about those words. Was she afraid of pushing herself to become the best? Her cheek was kissed as she was brought back into reality. Seeing Lillen had already changed and was laying down. Alessia pulled the covers over them as she laid next to Lillen. "I guess you are right." Alessia then spoke. "About?" Lillen asked while tracing a finger around Alessia's cheek. "Pushing myself." Alessia replied. "You need to push yourself. What happened while you were away from the Tower concerns all the sisters in the Tower. Some were suspecting that Moiraine is a Dark Friend and others have assumed that is not the case. Many believe the Dragon is still gone." Lillen spoke as Alessia laid on her back. Feeling the older woman lay half way on top of her as she wrapped her arms around her. "I want to know when I am supposed to proclaim myself." Alessia spoke softly. "We do not know. I myself wish to see it." Lillen spoke softly like she was yawning. Alessia gently ran her fingers through the short black silky hair. "You still haven't told me what happened in the arches." Lillen then added. Alessia was still. She had forgotten that she told bother Lillen and Liandrin that she would tell them. "I know. I want to tell you and Liandrin together." Alessia spoke. "May I ask one thing then?" Lillen asked while leaning up. Locking eyes again. "Of course." Alessia spoke. Touching Lillen's cheek but not breaking eye contact. "Was I there? In the future part of your test?" Lillen asked. Alessia felt her cheeks turn a light pink and smiled. Nodding her head. "You and Liandrin were both there. As was Moiraine." Alessia spoke. Seeing her lover's face fall to an angry look. "I do not understand why she is always there!" Lillen snapped. Alessia sighed and cupped both of Lillen's cheeks. "She said I am her mission and always will be because I am the Dragon." Alessia replied. This softened the woman's face as she laid her head back down upon her chest. "Get some rest. Long day tomorrow. Everyone will be back." Lillen spoke softly again. "Even Liandrin?" Alessia asked in a hopeful tone. "Yes. Even your red ajah." Lillen spoke. Resting her arms on both sides of Alessia. She kissed Lillen's head before yawning lightly as well. Hoping that sleep will come quickly. And quickly it did as she was out like a light.
Feeling her cheek poked several times as Alessia mumbled nonsense with a yawn. Knowing that Lillen was trying to wake her up. She had finally had a dreamless sleep. Wondering if Lillen was the one she needed to thank for. After all, what happened in the past, it was Lillen's doing that she was able to rest. She wondered if doing so was taking a toll on the older woman? She would have to ask Hearing a door open and closed as a new voice she loved to hear was speaking. "Is she not up yet?" Liandrin's voice came. Hearing footsteps walk towards her bed and then stop. The mattress sifted as her bed was sat upon. Oh that voice she loves! "No. I think she wants water." Lillen spoke in a threatening voice. Alessia quickly jumped up and out of bed. Hearing some chuckles as she quickly went over to Liandrin and hugged her. Feeling the hug returned tightly and her back rubbed before pulling away. "Sister Tarna told me what happened at the lesson." Liandrin spoke. Alessia frowned at this and sighed a little. She looked down to the ground. "I promise to do better." Alessia spoke softly. Feeling her chin grabbed as she was forced to look into the light blue eyes. "It is not your fault you were not being taught nor prepared. You will have a different green ajah to train you. For now, worry about your studies with the yellow." Liandrin spoke. She was not angry with her. Alessia nodded her head and saw that Lillen was holding out a clean Accepted dress for her to change into. She changed into it without hiding. Knowing full well the other two were watching. She sat down and brushed her hair as Liandrin began braiding it. "We will be addressed as a whole after breakfast. They will announce the new Amyrlin then." Lillen spoke as she was leaning against the dresser with the mirror. "So, that is why everyone was called back." Liandrin spoke as Lillen nodded with a small smile before crossing her arms. "Whoever it is, I hope she supports keeping our Dragon safe and help reach her full potential." Liandrin spoke as she squeezed Alessia's shoulders to let her know she was done. Alessia was looking in the mirror and saw her hair matched Liandrin's. She smiled and stood up, giving the woman in red a hug. It was returned.
"Thank you." Alessia spoke with a smile as Liandrin nodded her head. "Come, let us head to breakfast." Liandrin added before taking the lead. Alessia felt a hand slip into her own and intertwined their fingers. She knew these thin gentle fingers so well as they both followed the red out of her room.
The three of them walked in silence as the halls were busy. There were so many different colored Aes Sedai in the halls! Alessia was looking around trying to take in each face she had seen. They had entered the dining hall as Alessia saw her friends eating together. Seeing them all together made her smile. Seeing Jane turn around and wave at her. Egwene and Nynaeve were sitting on both sides of her as Alice was next to Egwene. Melinda was next to Jane. She smiled and grabbed a plate of food before sitting down. Liandrin and Lillen had both sat down on either side of her as Tarna and Melinda joined them. Then Alanna came along, followed by Moiraine. "Good to see you both." Jane spoke with a smile. Alanna sat down across from Alessia as did Moiraine. The hall was completely full now. There was so much chattering going on from excitement. "Daughter Alessia dear, we shall have the first class tonight after dinner if you still wish to join us." Alanna spoke first at the table. Alessia gasped and nodded her head with a smile before eating her food. Listening to everyone talking about why they were recalled back to the Tower and what not. Alessia was just happy to see everyone. She could feel the tension between Liandrin, Lillen, and Moiraine as they kept giving each other death glares. "How is our Novice?" Alessia asked as she changed the subject. "Mavis? She's doing great!" Jane spoke as Alessia smiled. She had finally gotten the girl's name. "You never told me how exactly you knew that girl's hometown." Liandrin then spoke. "Wait. Alessia knew Mavis was from Tarabon, how?" Moiraine then asked. There was a curious look in her eyes. "Not now sister Moiraine." Lillen spoke as she grabbed a hold of Alessia's knee under the table and squeezed it. Hearing a loud bell to let the Tower know it was time. Alessia jumped up and helped her friends collect the dishes and took them to the kitchen. They were being quick about it as Alessia found herself standing between Liandrin and Lillen. Both of them each took her hand into theirs. Alessia could feel someone watching her. She looked over her shoulder as Moiraine came up and stood behind her. Seeing a look in the blue ajah's eyes before looking back around. The whole Tower was here! She had never seen it so full! So many sisters with their warders and other Accepteds she had yet to meet as well. Hearing a staff hit the marble floor as the Tower went silent. The Tower Hall doors opened. Seeing a woman in white gold dress shirt and black pants. Alessia gasped at the sight. "Our new Amyrlin Seat! Latra Posae Decume Sedai!" Leane's voice shouted as Latra was now standing in the center as everyone could now see her. Alessia stomped her feet a couple times to contain her excitement. Feeling Lillen nudged her to calm her but she could feel Lillen's proud emotions coming from her. That a Science Ajah would become the new Amyrlin. First time in history as well. There was much gasps and chatter now going on until the staff hit the floor again to silence everyone. "I come to you all as a humble sister. I am honored to be chosen to lead the Tower and my fellow sisters." Latra spoke. Alessia looked around to see everyone watching and listening closely. "As it has come to our attention as the Sitters of the Tower, Siuan has been forced to step down and stilled." Latra spoke as many gasped at this. "What happened?" A sister asked as she broke the silence. There were now many sisters confused and looking around while asking as well. Latra had raised her hand as silence fell across the Tower again. "Siuan was forced to step down because she had the Dragon hidden from us." Latra responded. "Dragon?! They haven't been born again! Have they?" Another asked. "The rumors are true then?" Another sister asked. All eyes were on Latra again. "The rumors are true. The Dragon has returned to us!" Latra spoke as there were many concerned chattering before falling quiet again. "She will lead us into a new era." The Amyrlin then added. "She?! We have a female Dragon?!" Several sisters were asking while looking around. "Who is she?" A green ajah asked as she was looking at all the Accepteds. Latra raised her hand again. Alessia started to feel uneasy. Feeling Moiraine rub her back from behind as Liandrin pulled Alessia close by her waist. Lillen was leaning against Alessia now. She did not want the Tower to know about her. She was not ready. "I will not name our Dragon yet. She will proclaim herself when the time comes. Now, for the time being. I do not want the word spreading from the Tower yet. I trust each and everyone of you to keep this." Latra spoke. Alessia could see several sisters nodding their heads. She sighed in relief at this. "Now. All punishments will be cleared as always when a new Amyrlin rises. I shall name Sheriam Sedai to remain as the Mistress of Novices and Leane Sedai as our Keeper." Latra spoke. Alessia wasn't sure if she trusted Leane but if Latra Sedai did, then who was she to question her? "I promise to do everything in my power to keep each and everyone of you safe. This is our home. All of you belong here." Latra spoke. Remembering the voice of Siuan as she wanted to kick her from the Tower. She felt like she was finally safe under Latra's rule. "Each and everyone of you are my sisters. We are to protect each other despite our differences. There are too few of us now these days. Hard times are coming and with that, I will do everything in my power to protect you all. Now, you may go about your day." Latra spoke with a smile. Alessia bowed to her as did everyone else. Watching the woman take her leave from the center of the garden. She was smiling now. Looking at Lillen who was also smiling. She knew why Lillen was happy. Liandrin was now speaking to Tarna again as Alessia kept her eyes on Latra before she disappeared. This was the Amyrlin seat she would proudly go into battle for.
–Notes– Hey everyone! I am sorry it's been a while! I had to move again out of an abusive relationship but I am safe now and hope you are all as well! Please enjoy this chapter! Much love!