Chapter Twenty-Three: Mavis
There was light tapping as voices were singing together in unison. Alanna's voice was in the lead and almost the loudest of the voices. They were in harmony as Alessia was flipping through pages of her journal that she was given back by Lillen. She was going over the notes from the spider. She had the list of symptoms from the spider that was now accurate and needed to turn it in for the Yellow ajah. Lillen was secretly working on an antidote. Well, she was given permission from the New Amyrlin to do so, others just did not know about it.
"Daughter Alessia." Alanna's voice had brought her back to reality as she looked up. Seeing the green ajah smiling at her as the singers left the room. Alice had stopped singing as well while listening in.
"Alanna Sedai." Alessia spoke as she closed her journal and set it on the chair.
"Come along dear. It's time for the first lesson." Alanna spoke as Alessia nodded. Picking her journal back up and followed the woman out of the room. Her hands were behind her back now as she followed in silence. She noticed that Lanfear was keeping a close eye on her recently. Not sure why but she turned her attention back towards the front as they arrived in the garden. It seemed the fountain was being cleaned out as a couple Accepteds were splashing each other while working on their weaves to clean it out. It had been a long time since she had seen the fountains working.
"Everyone in a circle." Alanna instructed as Alessia stood next to Alice who was smiling at her before turning their attention back. "We are going to first learn a circle dance together. It is a teamwork dance." Alanna explained as Alessia was listening closely while taking a deep breath. "Now, let's start with some stretches so we don't pull our muscles." Alanna spoke as she started. They all followed. Alessia leaned down to touch her toes. She couldn't reach but pressed down more to feel her leg muscles stretch. She could feel the burn in her leg that was broken before it was healed. Feeling that burn.
"You okay?" Alice asked as Alessia nodded her head with a smile.
"Yes, I just wish Jane joined us as well." Alessia spoke.
"She doesn't seem like the dancing type." Alice spoke.
"We used to dance a lot when we were younger." Alessia replied. Looking up to see Alanna doing a new stretch as they followed. This time they were sitting down and working on their arms. Alessia was starting to feel like this was a physical class instead. Blue caught her eyes as she looked up. Moiraine was watching her like a hawk now as well. Ever since the trial, it seemed the blue ajah did not want her out of her sight. She was starting to feel uneasy again before taking a deep breath. Standing up as she brushed off the dirt from her dress as Alanna was now walking around in a circle. There was a drum making a single beat.
"Listen to the drum beat as it fills you up as you count with each movement." Alanna spoke as she began to show each step. Alessia was following along with the others. Trying to keep up. She felt her face flush a little as they repeated the steps. Making sure she had each one memorized. Smiling at Alice before they continued repeating the same movements Alanna had taught them. Alessia looked around and noticed there were more sisters circling the garden from a distance.
"Wonder why they are watching." Alice spoke as she had noticed as well. Alessia shrugged her shoulders. She knew exactly why. The only people who knew her real identity were the Sitters from the Hall and Jane and Tarna. She hadn't told Alice yet. She felt a small sweat that now broke out as she took a deep breath as they stopped. Wiping her forehead clean. Deciding she would be taking a bath later.
"Well, time to call it a day! Tomorrow, same time after classes!" Alanna spoke as both of her warders were standing on both sides of her. Alessia bowed to the battle ajah before she smiled at Alice.
"I'm going to take off. Chat with you at dinner?" Alessia asked as Alice nodded before taking her leave after Alanna. She smiled at her new friend while feeling a hand touch her shoulder. She turned and saw Lanfear next to her.
"If you have some time, I would like to teach you some things." Lanfear spoke. Inviting her to lessons. Alessia was silent for a moment before opening her mouth to respond before she was then cut off by a familiar voice.
"She's not done with my lessons yet sister." Moiraine's voice spoke as Alessia saw the blue ajah coming up to them.
"She has been training under the yellow for a while now. I think she needs a change of scenery." Lanfear spoke as she squeezed Alessia's shoulder.
"For the time being, she is under yellow and I am not done with her as well." Moiraine spoke as she gently took Alessia's arm and pulled her close. Listening to the two go back and forth.
"I'm right here." Alessia spoke with a small sigh as the two ignored her as they were still going back and forth. This gave her an escape now. Alessia managed to sneak away from them. Wondering what Lanfear wanted to teach her at the moment. For now, she had a lot on her plate.
Hearing the two still go at it as she left the garden. Almost crashing into a Gray.
"I am so sorry." Alessia spoke as she gave the woman a bow.
"No worries dear!" The Gray spoke as she smiled at Alessia before taking her leave. Hearing footsteps following her as she turned into a hallway and went up the stairs. Moving rather quickly as she was now out of breath. She stopped and hid behind a curtain while seeing another green looking around and sighed. "Lost her. Maybe she wants to be left alone?" The green spoke. Alessia realized it was the other two green Sitters of the Hall.
"Perhaps. Let's keep looking." The other spoke as she watched them take their leave to another hallway. Alessia frowned and made a dash up the stairs. Were the Sitters following her now? Wondering why that is.
Arriving at the floor she wanted and found the door. Knocking on it before opening it to let herself inside. Looking around the red room and frowned. The bed was made, clothes put up. The room was dusted as well. It was very clean. Liandrin was not here. Hearing the door open and close as she looked over quickly. Seeing Tarna enter.
"I saw you come in. Liandrin isn't here. She was sent out on a mission." Tarna spoke. Alessia frowned and nodded her head. "Everything alright?" Her friend asked.
"Yes, just, I think the Sitters are watching me and my every move." Alessia spoke. Tarna nodded her head and opened the door and looked around before motioning her to follow. She did. Looking around to make sure they were alone.
"Where are we going?" She asked.
"I think it will be safer for you to be in a different room. They know you are Liandrin's prodigy, so they will look here first." Tarna explained. It made sense. She didn't think of that. She quickly followed Tarna down another hallway and up the stairs. They were now on the Science floor. She realized now where she was going. Hearing a knock when Tarna stopped as did she. The door was opened and Lillen peeked through. Seeing Alessia as she opened the door wider and grabbed her arm and hugged her tightly. Inhaling Lillen's scent as she closed her eyes. Resting her face against the older woman's neck. She slowly traced her fingers up and down Lillen's side before pulling back a little. Knowing those brown eyes were watching her closely.
"What's going on?" Lillen asked in her usually soft voice. Alessia knew that Lillen could feel every feeling that she was feeling.
"Ever since Alessia confessed her identity, our Sitters have been watching her like a hawk and following her around." Tarna explained. Lillen sighed while rubbing Alessia's back before pulling back as well but still holding onto her arms.
"Come inside." Lillen spoke. Alessia nodded and entered the room. Tarna followed as well. She was now hoping no one was looking for her again.
"Is Jane on a mission?" Alessia asked as Tarna closed the door. Alessia sat down on the bed after taking her shoes off.
"Yes, she is with sister Liandrin." Tarna spoke. Alessia nodded. Setting her journal down by the nightstand by the bed. Lillen sat down next to her. Feeling her hair petted as Tarna sat at the table. Picking up Alessia's journal to go through it.
"What lesson does Sister Chesmal have you working on?" Tarna then asked while breaking the silence.
"Heart conditions. Where I left off before I left." Alessia spoke as she leaned over and laid down. Her head on Lillen's lap.
"And sister Moiriane?" Tarna asked.
"Dream weavers." Alessia replied. She still had no idea what it was about or how to even dreamwalk.
"Dream weavers? Much of that information has been lost." Tarna spoke.
"I know. Moiraine said it would do me good to learn about them." She spoke. Feeling her cheek caressed while she looked up at Lillen who was watching her. Smiling before kissing her forehead.
"I can teach you what I know about dream weavers." Lillen spoke.
"Wait, you know about them?" Tarna asked.
"I know the most. I did some research on them." Lillen replied while looking at Tarna. Alessia knew this. The woman was a Dream walker. She wondered if Liandrin and herself were the only ones who still knew. She had many questions she wanted to ask before she had fallen ill. Knowing if the Tower knew about Lillen's talent, she would never be let go from the Tower to retire. It was one of the very rare talents.
"Also, you never told me how you knew about Mavis before anyone else." Tarna then changed the subject.
"Oh. From the arches." Alessia spoke. Feeling Lillen squeeze her arm from this. "How is she?" Alessia then asked.
"She's struggling." Tarna replied as Alessia gave her friend a confused look while sitting up. "She's blocked. Afraid of losing control again." Her Red friend explained.
"I see. I know that feeling." Alessia spoke with a frown. It took her getting beat to get over her fear of using the One Power. Liandrin made sure of that.
"Perhaps you can speak with her?" Lillen asked as Alessia looked at her lover before nodding her head lightly.
"Perhaps, now is not the time." Tarna spoke. She was not wrong. She was, after all, hiding in Lillen's room for now. There was a knock on the door as Tarna stood up to answer it. It was a familiar voice.
"Have you seen Alessia?" Moiraine's voice came from the other side of the door.
"I have." Tarna replied.
"Where is she?" Moiraine asked.
"I do not want to tell you." Tarna added. Seeing the door pushed open as Moiraine's blue eyes found her. Alessia was silent right now.
"I've been looking all over for you." Moiraine spoke. Lillen stood as did Alessia. She walked closer to Moiraine. Lillen was standing right behind her. Feeling a chin on her shoulder as Lillen placed her hands on Alessia's hips.
"You've found me Moiraine Sedai." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"Yes, I want to continue our lesson. Also, I don't want you out of my sight. I've seen my sisters watching you." Moiraine spoke.
"She is fine with us sister." Tarna spoke.
"You do not understand." Moiraine then spoke in a more serious tone.
"Oh we understand perfectly clearly." Tarna spoke as she crossed her arms. Alessia felt Lillen tighten her grip on her hips. Alessia was about to interrupt when a bell went off. It was time for her chores. She turned and gripped Lillen's chin and gave her a soft kiss before giving Moiraine and Tarna a bow. Taking her leave.
Hearing footsteps as she went down the stairs.
"There you are." A voice spoke as Alessia turned to see a woman in all gray smiling and walking up to her. The woman was holding a couple books.
"Hello." Alessia spoke as she gave the woman a bow. One of the Gray Sitters had found her. She needed to get going to do her chores, so she was walking a little backwards as the woman was still following her.
"I am Joiya." The woman spoke.
"Nice to meet you, Joiya Sedai." Alessia spoke as the woman touched her shoulder and guided her away from the other prying eyes that were now watching. "What do you know of my ajah? The Gray?" Joiya asked as Alessia looked at while she was still being guided. They were now away from the others.
"That they favor harmony over strife. That many arguments were ended by the Gray ajah due to treaties and what not." Alessia spoke as she was trying to remember what Liandrin had told her.
"That is correct, daughter Alessia. Now, as it is to be expected of you one day to lead us, you are expected to make hard choices. Choices that can also mean in life and death." Joiya spoke as Alessia frowned. She did not like the idea of anyone's life in her hands. It made her uneasy just thinking about it.
"What if I make the wrong choice?" Alessia asked with a frown as they stopped. Joiya smiled and folded her hands in front of her. Herding the clash of swords from the warders in training.
"You still have much to learn. You are not yet ready to make those choices. That is why you are here. Learning from us so you do not make those wrong choices." Joiya spoke.
"What if it's a choice that I did not learn about?" Alessia then asked. Joiya smiled again.
"Then we will learn from it. All of us." She answered. Alessia sighed again at this. "I am afraid of making these choices." Alessia added. Feeling her shoulder touched again.
"Fal Dara?" Joiya asked as she nodded her head. "What happened there was not your fault. You were not ready. You are here now and we are going to do everything in our power to help you become ready. To become the best Aes Sedai you can be." Joiya spoke. She was listening as she was then guided again down another hallway. It seemed like Fal Dara was going to always haunt her. She was now following in silence as her mind was wandering. Feeling a tug in her chest as she jumped a little. It was either Lillen or Liandrin.
"May I ask?" Alessian began as Joiya nodded her head. "Do you believe that things need to be balanced out?" Alessia then asked.
"In what way?" Joiya asked as they turned a corner and started heading down the stairs to the ground floor.
"I know that many believe that a man and woman balance each other in the one Power, or so I've been told. What about Light and Dark?" Alessia asked as Joiya stopped and looked at her. There was a curious look on the woman's face before looking away.
"Do not think like that." She then spoke. Alessia was confused. She was about to ask more questions but decided not to since they arrived in the kitchen. "We shall chat again, daughter Alessia." Joiya spoke before taking her leave. Alessia was in thought as she went to the sink to start working on making dinner for the Tower with the others. The gray sister had given her a lot to think about as she was deep in thought. She still did not like the idea of having lives in her hands. She was deep in thought when someone touched her shoulder again. She jumped and dropped a plate.
"Sorry." Alessia spoke as she weaved the plate back together and sighed. Setting the dish on the counter.
"It's alright. Come. It's dinner time." Alice spoke. Alessia nodded her head and followed out in silence. The dining hall was its usual loudself as many sisters were chatting about their day, missions, and tasks. Alessia had sat down with her plate as she was poking her food. Not realizing that Lillen and Tarna had joined them. She felt a familiar hand touch her thigh under the table as she looked up. Lillen was looking at her. There was a look in the older woman's eye. She knew Lillen was worried and asking questions just by looking at her. She knew this look well.
"I am alright." Alessia spoke as she replied to Lillen's questioning look.
"Are you sure? You've been out of it since Alanna Sedai's lesson." Alice spoke.
"Been out of what?" Moiraine's voice came. Lillen sighed with annoyance as Moiraine sat on Alessia's other side.
"Well, ever since the bell rang, Alessia went off to do her chores but she wasn't there at the start." Tarna spoke. All eyes went to her.
"Joiya Sedai caught me and pulled me away to speak to me." Alessia replied.
"What did she say?" Moiraine asked as Alessia was eating her food.
"She gave me something to think about." Alessia spoke.
"What did she say?" Moiraine asked again. She was pressing for more information. Alessia set her spoon down and frowned. Looking at Lillen who nodded her head. They didn't need any words from their looks at each other.
"No more questions about it." Lillen spoke.
"I want to." Moiraine began.
"Enough sister Moiranie." Lillen spoke in a warning voice. Hearing another sigh from the blue ajah who nodded and began to eat. Tarna had changed the subject.
"So, dancing huh?" The red asked as Alessia smiled lightly at this. She nodded her head. "May I ask why?" Her friend asked.
"It's something I always wanted to do that I never got to do. You know, a broken leg before then." Alessia spoke as Tarna nodded her head. She had finished eating and helped Alice take the dishes to the kitchen. Seeing the new Novice frowning while trying to figure things out.
"It's alright." Alessia spoke as Mavis jumped at her voice.
"Sorry. Are you talking to me?" Mavis asked as Alessia nodded her head. "I thought Accepteds don't talk to Novices?" Mavis then asked.
"Well, that is going to change now." Alessia replied with a smile and was now showing Mavis about their chores before hearing more sisters walking past the hallway.
"I'm never going to be able to catch up." Maivs sighed with a frown as they finished their chores.
"Meet me tomorrow when you wake up." Alessia spoke to Mavis who nodded.
"Where?" She asked.
"In the garden." Alessia smiled and took her leave.
She decided to head to her room and opened the door. Seeing Tarna and Moiraine inside her room already. Alessia gave them a curious look as she then heard light footsteps. Lillen had come out of the shadows. Alessia automatically went straight to Lillen. Taking the older woman's hands into her own. Moiraine had given her a saddened look again.
"You may leave sister Tarna." Moiraine spoke.
"She knows." Alessia spoke quickly.
"Alessia, might I remind you that the more people that know your identity. It becomes even more dangerous for you before you proclaim." Moiraine spoke. Crossing her arms.
"I trust her. As I do with Jane." Alessia spoke.
"Who else knows?" Moiraine asked.
"Other than the Sitters, Tarna Sedai, and Jane. No one else." Alessia replied. Seeing Moiraine nod her head before sitting down in a chair by Tarna. Alessia sat on her bed with Lillen still next to her. She could sense that Moiraine was still upset.
"What did sister Joiya want?" Moiraine then asked. Breaking the silence.
"She spoke to me about making choices. Hard ones that may affect the life and death of others. She wants to teach me about these choices and the outcome of them." Alessia spoke.
"Maybe she wants you to be ready in case.." Tarna began to speak before closing her mouth. Alessia frowned at this.
"Before what?" Moiraine asked, looking back and forth between the two of them. Alessia felt her hand taken and squeezed.
"Before Fal Dara happened." Lillen finished the words.
"Are you still having nightmares?" Tarna asked while crossing her arms. Alessia shook her head at this. Lillen had made sure of that. "Alright. Time for bed." Tarna then changed the subject and stood up. Everyone else followed. Alessia smiled as she returned the hug for her red friend before watching her leave. She turned to grab a gown and changed into it. Seeing that Moiraine had sat back down.
"Going to bed?" The blue asked as Alessia nodded her head. Handing Lillen a change of clothes as well. "We have much left to discuss." Moiraine added.
"I know Moiraine Sedai. I am still only an Accepted. I have much to learn. I understand this." Alessia spoke softly.
"Very well. Chesmal Sedai gave the alright for me to take you with me tomorrow afternoon. Get some rest." Moiraine spoke.
"What do you mean?" Alessia asked. She did not know she was supposed to be going anywhere.
"I will give you more details tomorrow. Sister Tarna is coming with us." Moiraine added. "Be sure to pack some clothes and what not." Moiraine added.
"I want Lillen Sedai to come with us." Alessia spoke without a beat.
"Unfortunately I cannot come. Lews Therin wants a few of his team with him." Lillen spoke softly. Alessia frowned at this.
"Why is it always you?" Alessia asked. Lillen smiled weakly before tracing her cheek.
"Sister Lanfear and I are the top Scientist ajah since Latra Sedai took up the Amyrlin Seat." Lillen replied. Alessia frowned again and nodded.
"I shall be ready tomorrow after lunch, Moiraine Sedai." Alessia spoke. Moiraine nodded and took her leave. Feeling a hand taken hers as she was guided to the bed.
"Stay with me tonight?" Alessia asked. Lillen only smiled. She did not need to ask because it was already happening. She crawled into bed and felt the older woman pull her close. She rested her head upon Lillen's chest.
"I do not need to ask because I can feel it." Lillen began.
"I'm afraid. Afraid of the choices I'll make in the future." Alessia spoke.
"We all make choices. Sometimes we have to make hard ones that cost people their lives. She is not wrong." Lillen spoke.
"Have you ever made a choice like that?" Alessia asked. Looking at Lillen as she shifted. They were both laying on their sides, facing each other. She cupped her lover's cheek and kissed her forehead. Seeing Lillen close her eyes at the feeling.
"I have. When it comes to research, some people sacrifice their lives to better understand the knowledge we come across to better the future." Lillen spoke.
"The spiders?" Alessia asked as Lillen nodded her head.
"They were not victims. They were volunteers." Lillen added. Alessia sighed. Volunteering was one thing, but to take someone's life was another. "Enough thoughts my Dragon. You need to rest your mind." Lillen spoke. Alessia frowned.
"How can I rest my mind?" Alessia asked. Lillen only smiled as she shifted herself. Now leaning over Alessia as she straddled her.
"Maybe I can be an assistant?" Lillen asked in a whisper. Alessia raised a brow as Lillen leaned in and kissed her neck before biting it.
"Oh!" Alessia finally caught on and felt her body betray her as Lillen had taken over.
Feeling the sun's warm rays hit her cheeks as she opened her eyes. Seeing Lillen faced away from her while asleep. Alessia sat up and stretched while yawning. Feeling a cold breeze against her chest as she shivers. Blushing as she was still naked under the covers. She turned and pressed against Lillen. Kissing her shoulder a couple times.
"Sleep well?" Alessia asked as the older woman stirred a little and turned to face her. Smiling. Alessia cupped her cheek and leaned in, kissing her deeply. Pouring her love into the kiss. Breaking free as she began a trail down. Feeling her cheeks cupped as Lillen stopped her. Giving her a confused look.
"You promised to speak to the Novice. Also, you need to pack." Lillen spoke softly. Alessia nodded and frowned before sitting back up. Feeling a cheek against her bare back. A finger was tracing shapes on her back as she shivered a little. She stood up and put her clean dress on followed by her boots. Lillen was doing her hair as she had already changed. She was still impressed how all the sisters could change so quickly.
"I wish you could come." Alessia broke the silence. Feeling Lillen squeeze her shoulders.
"Do not worry my Dragon. We shall have our missions together soon." Lille reassured her. Alessia smiled at this and turned. Hugging Lillen as she hid her face against the older woman's neck. "Come now love. We must prepare ourselves." Lillen then spoke as she pulled back. Alessia nodded her head. Closing her eyes as she focused on her bond with Liandrin. Hoping to feel her. There was a return feeling as she sighed in relief. Feeling her chin grabbed as she was forced to look into the dark eyes. "Until then, keep your bond open to me." Lillen spoke. She nodded her head as she received a quick kiss as Lillen took her leave. Alessia sighed a little as she began to pack some of her clothes and what not. Reaching for her journal to see it was opened. Lillen had written things in it. Closing the book as she would read it later as she packed it into her bag. She set the bag down, knowing she would have to come back and get it. Feeling her stomach growl as she made her way down to the dinning hall. Hearing the chattering of the Aes Sedai and others as she took a bowl of porridge and sat down at an empty table. Feeling her shoulder touched as she looked up. Seeing Tarna sit next to her.
"Did sister Moiraine fill you in?" The red ajah asked as Alessia shook her head.
"No, she said she would tell me in the afternoon." Alessia replied as she was eating her food. Looking around as the dining hall was now thinning out. It seemed the others were now heading out to start their days.
"Hurry and eat. Mavis will be waiting for you." Tarna added as Alessia nodded her head. Seeing her friend take her leave as she finished. Putting the dishes up as she took her leave. Standing outside as she looked up. Feeling the warm sun against her face as she closed her eyes. Hearing the wind softly blow through her hair as it was whispering.
"It seems like winter has already passed." Mavis' voice came as Alessia opened her eyes and smiled at the Novice.
"It seems so. Feels like spring is already here." Alessia added as she heard voices in the hallways.
"What did you want to talk about?" Mavis then asked.
"About your block." Alessia replied as the girl frowned at her and sat down on the bench. "Can you tell me how you were feeling when it happened?" Alessia asked as she also sat down.
"Terrified." Mavis replied while fumbling with her hands in her lap.
"Because of what happened?" Alessia asked as the girl nodded her head.
"I do not know how to grab a hold of the Source. Alanna Sedai said that I need to surrender to it. How can I surrender to something so dangerous?" Mavis asked. Alessia rested her hand upon her shoulder.
"It's only dangerous if you make it dangerous." Alessia spoke.
"What about you? I heard you were blocked as well. How did you get over it?" Mavis asked.
"Well. There is more than one way to surrender to it." Alessia replied. She didn't want to tell her that Liandrin had beaten her with the one Power.
"Like what?" She asked.
"Well. What is something that you love or enjoy doing?" Alessia asked.
"I like singing and dancing. I'm not very good at it." Mavis replied.
"Well, let's try this." Alessia spoke as she stood up. Holding her hand out as it was taken. The girl was giving her a confused look. "Close your eyes." Alessia spoke as Mavis did.
"What are you?" She began to ask.
"Shh. Just listen." Alessia spoke. She could feel the wind again. Speaking to them. Mavis smiled softly at this. "Listen. Do you hear that?" Alessia asked.
"It sounds like the wind singing." Mavis spoke quietly.
"Yes. Just listen and allow it to take over." Alessia added. She stepped back and watched the young Novice nod. She did not know how long they were there doing this. She could feel the sun's heat beating down on them as she was now feeling a couple sweat beads on her forehead. 'It must be near noon now.' Alessia thought. Taking a deep breath as she hummed softly. Alessia was watching as Mavis then began to sing quietly. Her voice was in tune with the wind. Then it happened. Alessia's eyes went wide as Mavis began to sing louder as the wind was now being weaved around her arms.
"Mavis." Alessia spoke softly. The girl opened her eyes and gasped.
"I'm doing it! I'm channeling!" She shouted while jumping up and down then stopped as the weaving stopped. "What? How?" Mavis then asked.
"You surrendered to it in a different way." Alessia spoke. Mavis gasped and hugged Alessia. She jumped a little.
"I heard shouting." Alanna's voice came as Alessia gave the woman a bow.
"Alanna Sedai! Look!" Mavis spoke as she moved her arms. Seeing the air weaves around her now.
"Look at you! I knew you could do it!" Alanna spoke while clapping her hands.
"Thank you Alessia!" Mavis spoke as she hugged her again.
"Oh! Of course." Alessia spoke as she gently patted Mavis' back as Alanna had a prideful smile on her face.
"Now, time to get you caught up dear." Alanna spoke as she wrapped her arm around Mavis' shoulder and led her away as the noon bell rang for lunch.
There were fruits today to add with their lunch. Alessia smiled as she grabbed a banana and an apple with her food. She was by herself as her mind kept drifting off to Liandrin as she sighed a little. Feeling the table shift a little as she looked over and gasped. Seeing Jane about to poke her shoulder.
"You're back!" Alessia spoke as she hugged her friend tightly.
"You okay?" Jane asked with a smile as Alessia nodded. Feeling a presence behind her as she turned. Moiraine sat next to her. Seeing Tarna sit across from her.
"How was the mission?" Alessia asked her friend.
"It went well! We have to go back out tomorrow. Liandrin Sedai was looking for you." Jane spoke. Alessia stood up as Moiraine grabbed her shoulder.
"Sit. We need to talk." Moiraine spoke as she nodded and sat back as she began to eat her fruits. "Daughter Jane, let sister Liandrin know that Alessia is heading to a mission after lunch." Moiraine added as Jane nodded and took her leave. "Come." Moiraine added as she stood up. Tarna did as well. Alessia saw her dishes taken as she followed the blue ajah out of the dining hall. They made their way out of the Tower to the stables. Seeing her bag was already packed on the horse.
"I want to see Liandrin before I leave." Alessia spoke.
"We do not have time. We must make haste." Moiraine spoke. Alessia frowned at this. Feeling her chest tighten as she mounted a horse. They each had their own. Alessia looked up to see the empty window that belonged to Liandrin's room.
"Come on now." Tarna's voice came as Alessia clicked her tongue to get the horse moving. Following the other two.
"Should I have packed a jacket?" Alessia asked.
"No my Dragon. Spring is upon us." Moiraine spoke against the wind that was whipping against her hair. They were following a dirt road alongside a forest. The city was now out of sight. Alessia lost count of how long they were on the road as the sun was now setting. Raising a brow as they slowed down.
"We rest here for the night. Go into the woods a bit and out of sight." Moiraine spoke as she dismounted her horse. Alessia nodded and hopped off as well. Pulling off a rather large bag off of the horse Tarna was on. It was their tent. A single one. She pulled it out and spread it upon the ground. Tarna was helping her set it up as Moiraine started the fire. Feeling her stomach growl as she sighed. Her friend was chuckling lightly at it.
"Where is Lan?" Alessia asked while looking around now that the tent was set up."He will be joining us tomorrow. He went to grab something for me. We will meet up in the town we are heading to." Moiraine replied as she sat down near the fire. Seeing a pot on. Alessia sat down as well. Tarna was on her right as Moiraine on her left.
"Where are we going?" Alessia then asked.
"Breen's Spring." Moiraine spoke.
"It's a Andoran mining town. Said to be abandoned by the Queen's orders several years ago." Tarna spoke as Alessia was listening. Alessia looked up to the sky. Night had fallen as the moon was now in the sky. The night air made her shiver a little as Moiraine wrapped a cloak around her.
"What happened?" Alessia asked. She had never heard about Breen's Spring before.
"Well, there was a massive mining accident. A cave in. Many believe it was the Dark One that did it." Moiraine then spoke. Her eyes met the blue ones.
"Others say it was a natural cause." Tarna added.
"Well, which one is it?" Alessia asked. She was handed a bowl of soup. She took it and began to eat.
"We do not know for sure. The Queen ordered the Tower to check it out. That is where we come in." Moiraine spoke as she was also eating.
"Sister Moiraine thinks there is a relic there." Tarna then added as she pulled out some bread. Alessia set her bowl down and took some. Handing Moiraine a third of the bread.
"Relic? Which one?" Alessia asked as she was eating the bread now.
"One of the weavers." Moiraine replied. She was more focused on the small book while eating. Alessia nodded her head and finished her bread while going back to her soup. She had finished not long after as she was setting their dishes in a bucket. Seeing Tarna weave water into it. Alessia smiled at this and began washing the dishes. Moiraine was drying them with a towel. Alessia frowned at this.
"Why the sad face?" Moiraine asked. Alessia shook her head at this. She took the dishes to pack them back up before following into the tent. Seeing Tarna was on the far right side as Alessia took the middle bed. She yawned lightly and felt a blanket cover her as she was still wearing the blue cloak. She looked over and saw Moiraine laying down next to her. Hearing a soft snore as her red friend was passed out.
"Lessy." Moiraine spoke lightly. She looked at the woman in blue before shifting on her bed to face her.
"Hmm?" Alessia asked. Feeling her hand taken and squeezed.
"Why the sad face earlier?" Moiraine asked again. This woman did not want to let it go. Alessia let out a soft sigh and looked up at the top of the tent before looking back.
"You lost your power. That should have never happened." Alessia whispered.
"I understand you are upset about it but it is something we cannot control right now." Moiraine spoke.
"What if it is? Something that we can control?" Alessia asked. Feeling her hand kissed as Moiraine sighed this time.
"Some of our sisters in the Brown ajah are looking into it. If there is something like this done in the past, they will find it." Moiraine added.
"What if?" Alessia began to ask as she was cut off as Moiraine placed a finger against her lips.
"Enough my Dragon. You need to get some rest. I will be taking the first watch." Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded. Seeing Moiraine sit back up. Kissing her forehead as she got up and left the tent. Alessia frowned at this. She hated seeing Moiraine powerless and still putting her life on the line. Right then and there, she made a vow to herself to help Moiraine regain her power. For now, she was told to rest.