Punishment
Dawn was here as Alessia had woken up early. She could hear voices in the hallways. She stood up and grabbed a change of clothes. She was wearing a light green tunic and black pants. Tying her up into a single braid before sighing. Rubbing her face. The night events kept playing in her mind. She felt stupid. Taking a deep breath and vowed to never drink wine again before opening the door. Looking around as she stepped out. Walking down the hall that Nynaeve and she were down last night. She stopped. Seeing someone on their knees.
“Are you alright?” She called out. No answer. She frowned and walked closer. It was Stephin. She touched his shoulder. He felt cold. “Stephin?” Alessia asked and moved in front of him. She gasped and covered her mouth. There was a small pool of blood on the ground in front of him. A dagger plunged into his stomach.
“Someone!” She shouted while making a dash back to her room only to smack right into Nynaeve.
“What’s going on?” Nynaeve asked.
“It’s Stephin.” Alessia spoke as she turned and led the way back. Nyaneve gasped as well. Frowning.
“Should I get Moiraine?” Alessia asked. Nynaeve nodded her head. Alessia turned on her heels and made a dash. Not knowing where she was going but hoping to run into someone. Seeing a green ajah she recognized.
“Alanna Sedai!” Alessia shouted while running up to her.
“Alessia dear. What is it?” Alanna asked.
“It’s Stephin. I think he is.” She was cut off as Alanna raised her hand.
“Get sister Moiraine and Lan.” Alanna spoke to one of her warders before looking back at her. “Lead the way.” Alanna spoke as Alessia nodded. She turned and quickly made her way down the hallway again. Seeing Nynaeve knelt down next to Stephin and gently move him. He was now laying down on his back. Alessia felt her heart crush at a sound she never heard before. She turned and saw Lan. He had a look on his face she never wanted to see again. Watching Lan slowly walking up to Stephin and falling to his knees.
“What happened?” Moiraine asked.
“Ask Alessia. She found him.” Nynaeve spoke. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she looked at the blue ajah.
“I was taking a morning walk to the library and found him like this.” Alessia spoke with a frown.
“I believe you.” Moiraine spoke.
“You do?” Alessia asked dumbfounded.
“Warders never live very long after their Aes Sedai die. He took his own life.” Alanna explained as Alessia shook her head at this. She did not know how to comfort Lan at this. She knew they were close. For several years. Hearing more voices as more men came into the hallway. Alessia and Nynaeve stood up and out of the way. Watching them pick Stephin up and into a room ahead of them. She hated how life could be so easily taken away.
“Go get them ready please sister.” Moiraine spoke to Alanna who nodded.
“You two, come with me.” Alanna spoke to Nynaeve and Alessia who both looked at each other and nodded. Following the green ajah down the hallway.
“Will you come with me to the markets after?” Nynaeve asked.
“Sure. I do want to go to the library though.” Alessia spoke.
“Of course. After?” Nynaeve asked as Alessia nodded her head.
“Where are we going?” Nynaeve asked.
“To my room. I have something for the both of you to wear.” Alanna spoke. They kept their silence while making their way down another hallway. Hearing voices across the Tower as if the news had already spread so fast.
“Guess nothing is a secret here in the Tower.” Nynaeve spoke as Alessia nodded her head.
Feeling her hair brushed and trimmed before being put up halfway much like Moiraine’s. She had slipped into a long oversized white shirt. She still had her black pants on. Nynaeve was also wearing one much like hers. Alanna was fussing over their outfits before giving up and sighed softly.
“Not much I can do.” Alanna spoke. There was hurt in her voice. Alessia placed a hand upon the woman’s shoulder. She felt it patted. The battle ajah took the lead again as they were making their way back towards the warder's quarters. Hearing Tarna’s voice not far, she looked up and across the way. Seeing Liandrin as well. They both looked over at her as she saw Tarna smirking and crossed her arms. Alessia looked away quickly and carried her feet quicker. There was now silence as she looked up. All the men were lined up to the sides. She stood next to Nynaeve who was sniffling a little. Alessia looked at her friend and took her hand and squeezed it. Nynaeve smiled weakly. Stephin’s body was now being carried into the room at the end of the hallway.
“Women are the last to enter.” Moiraine spoke softly. They nodded and waited along with Alanna. Once the men were inside, Moiraine took the lead as they followed inside. Alessia had to shield her eyes. The room was so bright against the white clothing they were wearing. She stood near the back with Alanna as Nynaeve was near Lan.
“Relieve us of our grief.” The man spoke as Lan was kneeling down. The emotions were getting too much in the room. Though, she stayed. Hearing fists hitting chests as she felt her own eyes sting at this. Wiping the tears away as Lan had shouted. Ripping his own shirt open to let it all out. Alessia looked down to the side. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Alanna was watching her. She sighed and looked back up. Softly hitting her own chest as she finally joined in.
“May he lay to rest. May the Mother welcome him home with her embrace.” The man spoke as Stephin’s body was lifted and carried out of the room. Moiraine and Nynaeve were both kneeling next to Lan. Comforting him. Alessia took her leave from the room. She leaned against the wall and sighed. Wiping her face clean.
“It'll be alright. He is with her again.” Alanna’s voice came from the room. Alessia pushed herself off the wall and looked back into the room. Lan was standing up. Giving Nynaeve a hug before following Moiraine. Alessia’s dark blue eyes locked onto Moiraine’s as she walked past them.
“Come. I still wish to go.” Nynaeve spoke as Alessia nodded her head. They headed back to the room they were staying in and changed back into the clothes they wore before the funeral happened.
“Alright. Ready?” Nynaeve asked as Alessia nodded. Following Nynaeve out of the room. Making sure she had her coin purse tucked into her belt. Leaving the cloak behind. It was a little chilly but she could handle it.
They almost made their way out when they were stopped.
“Where are you going?” Liandrin’s voice came. She looked up and sure enough, she could see the honey hair. Eyes met as she looked away quickly again.
“Nowhere that concerns you.” Nynaeve spoke. Feeling her arm pulled as she was then guided away by her friend. Remembering where to go now after last night’s events. Alessia smiled at Nynaeve as they made their way outside of the Tower.
“Hey!” A voice she knew as she turned around.
“Jane.” Alessia spoke. Giving her friend a hug. “This is Nynaeve. Nynaeve, this is Jane.” Alessia spoke while introducing them.
“Pleasure.” Nynaeve spoke with a smile.
“Where are you going?” Jane asked.
“To the markets. Want to come?” Alessia asked.
“I can’t. Novices are not allowed out of the Tower for any reason unless it’s really important.” Jane spoke. Alessia frowned at this.
“I see.” Alessia spoke. She was about to say more when a bell rang.
“I have to go. Find me once you sign your name!” Jane spoke as she waved while dashing away.
“So, your friend is a Novice here?” Nynaeve asked as they were making their way towards the markets.
“Yes. The red ajah were looking for a male channeler a while back. I had channeled and Jane did as well. They sensed up and I told her to go. She couldn’t control her power at the time.” Alessia spoke.
“Why didn’t you go with her?” Nynaeve asked.
“Honestly?” Alessia asked as they arrived at a herb stall. Nynaeve was picking a few out. “I do not know.I never thought that I would leave my home. To go out there in the world. My father always told me stories on how dangerous the world was and not a place for a woman like me.” Alessia sighed. “I have always wanted to travel like my mother did. My father forbade me from doing so. Wanted me to marry the Blacksmith’s son.” Alessia spoke. Nynaeve was listening as she paid for the herbs before they were making their way back to the Tower.
“Your father seemed like a goodman.” Nynaeve spoke.
“He was very stubborn. Very set in his ways. Always get mad when I ask about the outside world. I was very sheltered.” Alessia spoke.
“I know. You see everything so innocently and you trust too easily.” Nynaeve spoke. Alessia frowned at this. She had come to trust the red ajahs too easily. How she just opened right away to the two last night.
“I’m going to check on Lan.” Nynaeve spoke as Alessia nodded.
“I’m going to the library.” Alessia spoke. Watching her friend leave as she took a different turn.
“Hello. I did not see you come in.” A voice spoke. Alessia looked up and smiled weakly. It was a woman in brown. The first brown ajah she had met.
“Sorry. I just wanted to do some reading.” Alessia spoke with a smile. “I’m Alessia.” She added.
“Adeleas Sedai at your service. Anything particular?” The woman in brown asked.”I want to know more about the history of the Tower. The Breaking. How it happened and what happened in between.” Alessia replied.
“I have just the book.” Adeleas spoke with a smile.
“Thank you, Adeleas Sedai.” Alessia spoke. The woman had disappeared as Alessia had a scroll in her hand. It was a prophecy about the Dragon Reborn. After reading it a few times, Adeleas had set a few books in front of her.
“Here you are dear. Leave them once you are done.” The woman spoke. She nodded and grabbed the first book. Reading about the wars that had happened between then and now. Frowning at the history of the breaking. The Forsakens being sealed away. The list of them and what they did. Alessia felt her brain starting to hurt. Then she opened another book. It was about the Eye of the World. The Dark One’s prison. She read. How the Dragon failed to completely get rid of the Dark One. ‘Who is the Dragon now?’ She asked herself and sighed. Learning that what followed her were Trollocs and how they came to be. Hearing footsteps as she looked up.
“This is where you disappeared.” Tarna spoke. Alessia nodded and went back to her book she was reading. Seeing the books shifted around as Tarna sat down. “Well, you are being quiet.” Tarna spoke.
“Nynaeve said I trust too easily and need to be more alert to my surroundings.” Alessia spoke.
“Have I not given you a reason to not trust me?” Tarna asked. Alessia frowned at this and shook her head. Tarna had after all, given her lessons with the One Power as well. Seeing a scroll pushed towards her by Tarna.
“Read that.” She spoke. Alessia nodded and opened it. “Out loud.” The woman in red added.
“One. Never speak a word that is not true. Two. To make no weapon with which a man can kill another. Three. Never to use the One Power as a weapon except against Darkfriends or Shadowspawn, or in the last extreme defense of her life, the life of her Warder, or another Aes Sedai.” Alessia spoke. Putting the scroll back down and looking at Tarna.
“These are what we swear when we rise to the shawl. All of us.” Tarna spoke. So, it was true. They could not lie. It still didn’t mean they couldn’t twist their words around.
“I am sorry. I just.” Alessia sighed as her shoulder was squeezed.
“It’s alright. You are learning. As long as you are open minded and willing to learn. You will be alright.” Tarna spoke. Alessia nodded at this and smiled weakly. “Come. The trial is about to start and I want to sneak in.” Tarna added. Alessia scoffed at this before chuckling.
They were quickly making their way down the hallway. Alessia left the books on the table like she was told. She followed Tarna into the Hall. Alessia gasped and looked around. She was in the center of the Tower Hall. Seeing three chairs all around the room. Then there it was. The biggest chair of them all.
“That’s the AMyrlin seat. Where our Mother sits.” Tarna spoke. She looked down and saw each color in a circle. Showing where the Sitters would go. Feeling a tap as she looked up. Tarna was already making her way up the stairs behind a pillar. Alessia quickly followed.
“Are we allowed to be in here?” Alessia asked.
“Nope.” Tarna spoke with a smirk. Alessia’s mouth was opened as they found a spot out of sight but still able to see below them.
“Liandrin told me what happened last night.” Tarna whispered. Alessia blushed and sighed. Looking away.
“Yeah, I was stupid and the wine got to me.” Alessia spoke.
“No. I do not think that was the case. I think the wine boosted your confidence.” Tarna spoke.
“I don’t think I could ever face Liandrin Sedai again.” Alessia spoke.
“Don’t be so sure. You both will be around each other a lot once you sign your name in the book of Novices.” Tarna spoke.
“Did I make her uncomfortable?” Alessia asked.
“No. Just caught her off guard.” Tarna replied. She sighed in relief and was shushed as the doors opened again. She looked over and down below. Seeing several of the Aes Sedai enter the Hall.
“Come all. She comes. The Watcher of the Seals. The Flame of Tar Valon.” A woman’s voice spoke as a staff was hit on the ground. It rang through the Tower Hall. Alessia could see everyone standing. She saw Moiraine, Alanna, and Liandrin in the center. Then the doors opened. A woman in all white gold had entered. Alessia stayed where she was.
“Bring in the False Dragon.” The woman’s voice rang. The double doors had opened again. Seeing him carried into the room. He was forced to knee in front of the Amyrlin. “Why is this man chained? For he is not a threat.” The woman’s voice seemed kind. Two of the Tower guards had walked over to Logain and unchained him.
“Do you know what they say about the Aes Sedai?” Logain began. “The further away from the Tower, you are weak. More weak than ever!” He spoke. Hearing whispers all across the hall. Another ring. Alessia could see Tarna was watching closely. “Do you want to know what the people will remember? When you parade me around? That one man stood up to seven mighty Aes Sedai and I staked that green bitch to the wall!” He laughed. Alessia clenched her fists at this. She could see from the corner of her eyes that Tarna was also mad. There were some outbursts from the Sitters as the staff was hit on the floor again. Silencing the room.
“You will live the rest of your days being studied by the brown and yellow ajah. Until you are lost entirely to madness. That will be your punishment.” The Amyrlin spoke. Logain had lost it. Screaming as he was dragged from the Hall.
“Liandrin. Alanna. Moiraine. Approach.” The Amyrlin spoke. Alessia was holding her breath now. “That man deserved a fair trial. Not battlefield justice!” She spoke.
“But you didn’t see what he did to her!” Liandrin’s voice rang through the Hall. She frowned. There was hurt in her voice. “Forgive me mother.” Liandrin then added while bowing her head.
“I must agree with Liandrin, mother.” Alanna then spoke. There were gasps around the hall. This confused her as she looked at her friend who held a finger against her lips.
“I agree mother.” Moiraine then added. More gasps. “If Liandrin hadn’t acted, we would have lost more sisters.” Moiraine spoke. There was a lot of talking in the hall now.
“The laws are not there for our comfort. They are there to protect the people from us.” The Amyrlin spoke. “Since Kerene fell, you were placed in charge, Liandrin. The fault lies with you as will the punishment. I will think about it and deliver it tomorrow.” The woman spoke as Liandrin sighed and shook her head. “You have something more to say daughter?” She asked as everyone looked at the red ajah.
“I’m just surprised. That you don’t care about the girls.” Liandrin spoke. There were confused looks around the Hall.
“Explain.” The Amyrlin spoke.
“Moiraine came to us with two very powerful channelers. More powerful than we have seen in over a thousand years. More powerful than you, Mother.” Liandrin spoke. The Hall was now silent. That you could hear a pin drop. “She said nothing about their skills. Until we tested Alessia and Nynaeve healing us of our wounds.” The red ajah now had hands behind her back.
“I did not know. I was unaware that she could channel” Moiraine spoke.
“You must have known she was also special. More than a village girl. Both of them.” Liandrin spoke. It seemed all eyes were on Moiraine now. “You have flitted back and forth from the Tower for what? Twenty years now?” The red asked. “It is the blues jon to alert us of dangers and Moiraine had failed that. Trollocs from the West. Logain’s Army from the South. Seachan attacking Tarabon. Not telling anyone what has happened.” Liandrin spoke.
“Moiraine Sedai.” The woman then spoke. Silence again as Moiraine moved forward. “Where have you traveled?” The Amyrlin asked.
“From the Tear to the Two Rivers. Many towns in between.” Moiraine answered without hesitation.
“Why?”
“Forgive me Mother. I cannot say.” Moiraine spoke. Hearing gasps as the Sitters were talking again.
“Cannot or will not? I will not ask again.” She spoke.
“Forgive me mother.” Moiraine spoke and shook her head. Alessia didn't know how to feel about this. Moiraine was definitely keeping them a secret.
“You dare challenge me?” The Amyrlin spoke. Her voice was so calm and it was terrifying. “Perhaps it’s your noble blood, Lady Moiraine Damodred.” The woman spoke. Alessia gasped. The seat looked up towards the area they were hiding before looking back. “That breeds contempt for those you consider beneath you.” She spoke.
“Moiraine is royalty?” Alessia asked in a whisper as Tarna nodded her head.
“Remember that when your forehead touches the marble as you kiss the ground, begging your mother for mercy!” The Amyrlin raised her voice. Moiraine had knelt forward and bowed down. “I will think about your punishment and let you know tomorrow.” The woman spoke. The Sitters began to stand up.
“Come down, daughters.” The Amyrlin then spoke. Seeing the Sitters all look at each other with confused looks. Alessia was frozen in her spot. Tarna sighed and gently nudged her forward. Alessia stood up and made her way down the steps and towards the center of the Hall. Hearing gasps as she feels embarrassed now.
“Daughter Tarna. You know that it is against the Tower’s rules to eavesdrop. You know better. I will think about your punishment as well.” The Amyrlin Spoke.
“It’s my fault, mother.” Alessia spoke. Hearing gasps around the Hall.
“And who are you?” The Amyrlin asked. Alessia who looked at Moiraine who nodded.
“I am Alessia Solstice, mother. I was traveling with Moiraine Sedai.” Alessia gave the woman a bow.
“You gave the idea to daughter Tarna to listen in?” She asked. Alessia nodded. “Is this true?” She then asked Tarna.
“No mother.” Tarna spoke as she bowed as well.
“So, you lied to me?” The Amyrlin asked. Alessia frowned and looked down. “I am very disappointed in you. Though, I must say, you were willing to protect daughter Tarna from getting into trouble. I praise you for your loyalty but you must learn.” The Amyrlin spoke in a firm voice. Alessia looked up and nodded.
“I apologize mother. It will not happen again.” She spoke. Folding her hands in front of her. She was absolutely terrified now. Though, it was her fault after all.
“I shall hope not. For now, since you are not bound to the Tower, I will allow you to decide if you shall take the punishment.” The Amyrlin spoke.
“I will take it mother. If I am to be a Novice. I will learn the Tower rules and Laws.” Alessia spoke softly as she bowed again.
“Very well. Daughter Sheriam will give you the switch. Report to her. All of you depart with the Light.” She spoke. Alessia bowed to her along with everyone. She turned and quickly left. Moving away from all the sisters in the Hall.
“Daughter Alessia.” A voice spoke as she turned around. It was the woman with the staff. She looked angry. Alessia gulped and walked up to her.
“I can take her, sister Leane.” Liandrin spoke as she came up.
“No. I will handle it.” Leane spoke. Her face and tone are unchanging. Leane had taken the lead. Alessia’s eyes met Liandrin’s before quickly looking away and sighed. Following the blue ajah down another hallway she had yet seen.
“What is the switch Leane Sedai?” Alessia asked softly.
“It is a punishment that Novices face when they misbehave.” Leane explained. ‘Oh. So they were treated like children?’ She asked herself. They came upon a door as the woman knocked.
“Come in.” Another spoke. The door was opened as Alessia was pushed forward. She walked inside and looked around before stopping in front of a desk and gave the woman a bow. She was an older Aes Sedai in blue. White hair tied up in a very loose bun.
“How can I help you sister?” The woman asked.
“This is sister Sheriam. The Novices are all under her care while they are here.” Leane spoke as Alessia nodded. “This is daughter Alessia. She is here to receive the switch by the Amyrlin’s order. She eavesdropped on the Tower Hall.” Leane spoke.
“I have not received any word about any new Novices recently.” Sheriam spoke.
“That is because she has yet to become one. She is still to face punishment. She will be signing her name.” Leane added.
“Very well. Thank you sister. I will take it from here.” Sheriam spoke.
“Good. Maybe she will learn.” Leane spoke before taking her leave. Alessia was not liking the blue ajah at the moment. Though, she understood why they were upset with her.
“Kneel.” Sheriam spoke. Alessia did. She was on both knees as Sheriam pulled out what looked like a wooden rod. Watching Sheriam stand behind her and rip her tunic by her shoulder.
“You will receive ten lashes for breaking a Tower rule.” Sheriam spoke as Alessia nodded. Feeling the first one make contact with her skin. Alessia gasped and covered her mouth. Feeling her eyes sting with tears. Three more as she cried out. Biting her wrist to control herself. She had lost count after a few as her shoulder was raw and aching now. Feeling the last of the switch as Sheriam had finished. Putting the rod up after she cleaned it.
“You may go.” Sheriam spoke. Alessia stood up and nodded. Giving the woman a bow before taking her leave. Her sight was blurry as she wiped her eyes clean. Taking a deep breath as she made her way down the new hallway. It was night outside now as Alessia could feel the cool breeze from the wind. She shivered a little before quickly moving her feet. Not wanting to run into anyone at the moment. She sensed someone following her. She stopped and looked behind her. There was no one. Maybe she was going paranoid? No. She turned back and picked up her pace. Heading back to the room where she was staying with Nynaeve.
She opened the door and saw her friend sorting out the herbs she had bought.
“Where were you?” Nyaneve asked as Alessia closed the door. She walked over to get a change of clothes. “What happened to your shoulder?!” Nynaeve shouted with a gasp. Walking over to Alessia and touching it. She winced at the pain.
“I faced a punishment for something that I wasn’t supposed to do.” Alessia spoke and sighed.
“What did you do? You’re bleeding.” Nynaeve was demanding answers.
“Tarna Sedai took me to the Tower Hall to hear the trial. We weren’t supposed to be in there.” Alessia explained.
“Well, I hope you learned your lesson then.” Nynaeve spoke while crossing her arms.
“Yes. Don’t eavesdrop. I get it.” Alessia sighed. Watching her friend walk over to the desk and pull out her mortar and pestle and begin breaking down an herb.
“What is that?” Alessia asked.
“It will help with the pain.” Nynaeve spoke as it was now a paste. She stood up and walked behind Alessia. Placing some on her shoulder. Alessia gasped again from the pain. “The bleeding needs to stop.” Nynaeve spoke as soon as she did, there was a knock on the door.
“What does Moiraine want now?” Nynaeve sighed with annoyance as she walked over to answer it. It was not Moiraine. It was Liandrin.
“You. Follow me. Now.” Liandrin ordered.
“She stays here.” Nynaeve spoke.
“You keep your tongue! Daughter Alessia is ordered to see a yellow.” Liandrin spoke while returning the glare.
“It’s alright Nynaeve.” Alessia spoke softly. Nynaeve nodded while still holding the glare. Alessia took her leave from the room and followed Liandrin in silence. She was frowning and avoiding any eye contact.
“You are awfully quiet.” Liandrin then spoke. Breaking the silence.
“My behavior was childish. I understand and I apologize, Liandrin Sedai.” Alessia spoke softly. She bumped into the red ajah when she stopped. She took a step back and looked up. Liandrin was watching her. Studying her.
“You got caught. That is why. Do not do that again.” Liandrin spoke. Alessia nodded her head. “Come.” Liandrin added. Placing a hand against Alessia’s back as she was guided up the stairs. She realized she was being led to another part of the Tower. She looked around. It was very clean in these hallways.
“These halls look different.” Alessia spoke softly.
“There she is.” Liandrin spoke with a smile. “These are the halls to our yellow ajah. Our healers.” Liandrin spoke as Alessia smiled weakly.
“Why take me here?” She asked as they were walking.
“Your shoulder looks bad. Nynaeve may be a healer but why wait on the herbs to take effect when you can have the pain relieved instantly?” Liandrin asked as they stopped by a door. Liandrin opened it and walked inside. Alessia followed. The door had closed on its own. Looking around as several beds were lined up perfectly against the walls. Each one had a window and a curtain. The room was poorly lit due to it being nighttime. Though, there seemed to be hundreds of candles all over the room.
“This is the clinic area for our healers and learning area for Accepteds.” Liandrin explained.
“What can I do for you sister?” A woman spoke that came in sight. She was tall with dark hair and eyes. She was a yellow cardigan with a white button up shirt. A yellow skirt held up by a black belt.
“This is Alessia. Soon to be Novice. She had just received the switch.” Liandrin explained. Alessia gave the woman a bow.
“This is Chesmal Sedai. One of our best healers.” Liandrin bragged.
“Have a seat.” The woman spoke. Alessia sat down and felt her shoulder touched. She winced at the pain and sighed. “Hand me that wet rag sister.” Chesmal spoke while pointing. Liandrin did and handed it over. Alessia could feel the herbs being wiped off. She grunted and sighed a little. Feeling a warm soft sensation against her shoulder. The pain was gone. She sighed in relief while closing her eyes. Her tunic was stitched back together from the one power.
“Thank you, Chesmal Sedai.” Alessia spoke and gave the woman another boy.
“No need to thank me. It is my job.” Chesmal spoke with a smile.
“Say, Alessia here healed a Trolloc wound on Moiraine. With no training.” Liandrin spoke. Changing the subject.
“Really? How did that work out?” Chesmal asked while crossing her arms.
“I exerted myself and was out for almost a full day I believe.” Alessia spoke.
“Well, it is a good thing you didn’t burn yourself out. Healing with no practice or training can be deadly if not done correctly.” Chesmal warned her.
“Well, hopefully I will learn about it before that happens.” Alessia smiled. It was returned. The bloody rag was then placed back into the bucket.
“If that is all. I wish to head to bed.” Chesmal spoke. Alessia nodded and bowed yet again. She thanked the woman in yellow again. Feeling her shoulder touched, she turned and took her leave from the clinic. She was following Liandrin silently again. Footsteps had stopped. She stopped before bumping into her again. She looked up. The older woman was watching her again.
“Why?” Alessia asked.
“Why what?” Liandrin asked in return.
“Take me to a yellow to heal my punishment instead of letting me suffer through it?” Alessia asked.
“Why suffer from pain when we can take it away?” Liandrin asked in return.
“So, I can learn my lesson?”
“You already did when you took the switch.” The woman in red answered. The moon was now high in the night sky as Alessia sighed. “What is it?”
“Why are you being kind to me?” Alessia asked while looking into the light blue eyes again. Feeling her hand taken and squeezed.
“I care about you. More than you know. I do not know what it is or was. Though, the last few months of us traveling together, I have grown very..” Liandrin spoke as she was leaning in closer before she was cut off.
“Where have you been?” Moiraine’s voice came. Liandrin had let go of Alessia’s hands.
“She was with me, sister. I took her to see our yellow sister.” Liandrin spoke.
“That was not for you to do.” Moiraine spoke lightly. Alessia did not like the tension between the two.
“You.” Moiraine then rounded onto her. “Since you cannot do what you are told to do, you are staying in my room tonight.” Moraine spoke.
“She is not a child, sister.” Liandrin spoke.
“She acts like one.” Moiraine spoke. Alessia scoffed at this.
“I am right here you know! I understand what I did was against the rules and it will not happen again. I just!” Alessia was frustrated as she had both of her hands upon her head and sighed with frustration.
“What is it?” Liandrin asked.
“I’m sorry alright! I was curious and I understand now that it is a dangerous trait. I learn better with hands on but I am taking other learning into consideration.” Alessia spoke as she was trying to explain.
“Maybe I have been too hard on you.” Moiraine then spoke.
“You think?” Liandrin asked. Alessia rolled her eyes at this and chuckled.
“Very well. Get some rest Alessia. You will need it.” Moiraine spoke before leaving. Once she was gone, Liandrin took her hands again.
“Goodnight, Liandrin Sedai.” Alessia spoke with a bow. Taking her leave. Liandrin had frowned at this before taking her leave.