Dancing Dragon

Night seemed to have dragged on as Alessia tossed and turned all night. Not being able to sleep. ‘What was Liandrin trying to say to her before she left?’ The woman was now in her mind constantly. She had no idea why. Maybe she should speak to someone about it? Who, though? She barely knew anyone in the Tower except for the sisters they traveled with. Maybe Alanna Sedai could help her? Seeing the sun rising soon, she sat up and stretched. Knowing full well she was not going to get any sleep. She fumbled through her bag to pull out some clothes. A white button up shirt and black pants again with her boots. Brushing her hair and braiding it on the sides before putting it up. Seeing that Nynaeve was still asleep. She decided to head out of the room. They would be checking up on Mat at a later time. Hoping that he was at least getting better. Quietly walking down the hallway as she saw several of the Aes Sedai already up and going about their days. Leaning against the rail as she looked down to see warders training. They were young ones hoping to bond to a sister someday.
“Have you seen the Tower yet?” A voice came as she looked back up. Tarna was leaning against the rail next to her.
“I have seen some of it. Not all of it.” Alessia spoke.
“Would you like a tour?” Tarna asked.
“Of course! Though, I wish to speak to Alanna Sedai first about something.” Alessia replied.
“About what?” Tarna asked.
“It’s a bit private.” Alessia spoke. Seeing her red friend raise a brow before shrugging.
“Follow me. I’ll take you there.” Tarna spoke as Alessia pushed herself off the rail and smiled.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.” Alessia spoke softly.
“Of course. What friends are for.” Tarna spoke lightly.
“I thought reds didn’t have friends outside of their ajah?” Alessia asked.
“Well, we don’t. I like you and I see a lot of potential in you. The others will just think that I am teaching you. Though, best not let Liandrin hear this.” Tarna spoke with a light chuckle.
“Why not?” Alessia asked as they were making their way up a flight of stairs.
“She wants you under her wing, remember?” Tarna asked.
“Oh.” Alessia replied. She stopped when Tarna did. The red ajah was looking at her as if she was studying her.
“I thought you knew that especially after you kissed her.” Tarna spoke. Alessia blushed.
“You are never going to let me forget that, are you?” Alessia asked as Tarna shook her head with a smirk.
“She also said you left to go to bed quickly last night.” Tarna added as they made their way across another hall. This hallway looked more welcoming than any other one she had seen. It had much more green.
“I was tired.” Alessia spoke. In fact, she was still tired. Seeing Tarna knock on a door.
“Come in.” A gentle voice spoke as the door was opened. “What can I do for you sister?” Alanna asked with a smile. She was eating an apple. Both of her warders were sitting on either side of her.
“Alessia here wanted to speak with you. I hope you don’t mind me showing her your room?” Tarna spoke. Alanna waved for Alessia to come inside and she did. Tarna bowed and took her leave. Alessia looked around the room while the door was closed.
“You wanted to speak with me?” Alanna asked. Alessia nodded as she was waved to a pillow. She sat down on it and made herself comfortable. “What can I do for you dear?” Alanna asked.
“I um. Well. I am not sure where to start.” Alessia spoke and sighed softly.
“Are any of my sisters giving you trouble?” Alanna asked as Alessia shook her head.
“No Alanna Sedai. The opposite actually.” Alessia spoke softly.
“Ah. I can see it now.” Alanna spoke with a smile and leaned back a little. Alessia raised a brow at the woman in green. “You have feelings for someone, am I correct?” Alanna asked. Alessia blushed and nodded her head.
“Yes, but I haven’t known her that long to be honest.” Alessia spoke.
“A few months is all you need to fall madly in love. Like this one.” Alanna spoke as she waved to one of her warders who chuckled lightly.

Alessia was in deep thought before sighing a little.
“I do not know how I feel about the whole thing.” Alessia spoke.
“What do you mean?” Alanna asked.
“I never developed feelings for someone before. This is new territory and it’s..” Alessia began before Alanna finished her sentence.
“Terrifying?” Alanna asked as Alessia nodded her head. “It can be yes but you should trust in yourself. Allow your heart to feel for another. You may never know what might bloom between the two of you.” Alanna spoke. ‘Wise words.’ Alessia thought and nodded her head. “What else?” Alanna asked.
“I heard about bonds.” Alessia spoke.
“Yes, there are many different kinds. Though, there are three strongest bonds. I would recommend you not to bond with anyone unless you know for sure you will love them in this life and all the other lives.” Alanna explained. Seeing her warders both smile at each other. “These two are bonded as well as myself.” Alanna spoke with a smile.
“So, the bond between an Aes Sedai and her warder?” Alessia asked as Alanna nodded her head while still having that smile.
“A lover’s bond between an Aes Sedai and her lover.” Alanna spoke of the second one.
“Yes. As I have said, don’t do it unless you know for sure.” Alanna warned her.
“And the third one?” Alessia asked.
“No need to worry about it. Are you ready to become a Novice?” Alanna changed the subject.
“I am rather excited.” Alessia spoke.
“Good. You have much to learn.” Alanna spoke when there was a knock on the door.
“Come in.” Alanna spoke.
“Sorry to interrupt, I did promise Alessia a tour.” It was Tarna. Alessia stood up with a smile and gave Alanna a bow.
“Thank you, Alanna Sedai.” Alessia spoke.
“My door is always open if you need someone to talk to.” Alanna smiled. Alessia nodded and took her leave after Tarna.
“Did you get the answer you wanted?” Tarna asked.
“A little bit. She mentioned three different types of bonds and told me two. Do you know the third one?” Alessia asked. Tarna looked at her and shook her head. “Hmm.” Alessia thought. Wondering if there would be anything in the library about it.
“Here are the gardens. Most of the weaving classes for Novices will be here.” Tarna spoke as she started. “It is also their job to keep the garden clean and weed free.” The red ajah added.
“Who teaches the Novices?” Alessia asked.
“Mainly the Grays. Sometimes sister Alanna teaches.” Tarna answered.
“Do you teach?” Alessia asked.
“I’m not one of the teachers, no. I do teach those I want in red.” Tarna spoke. Alessia looked at her friend.
“Trying to convert me?” Alessia asked in a chuckle.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Tarna spoke as she led her down another hallway.
“Yellow ajah.” Alessia spoke as Tarna nodded her head. “Liandrin Sedai brought me here last night.” Alessia added.
“Daughter Alessia?” Another voice came. They both turned and saw a yellow.
“Yes?” Alessia asked.
“I am Ryma Sedai. I was sent to tell you that your friend is looking for you. Meet her at the Hall Tower.” Ryma spoke as Alessia gave the woman a bow. Watching the Yellow take her leave as Alessia was following Tarna down the stairs.

“I wonder what she wants you for?” Tarna asked as Alessia shrugged her shoulders.
“I think she wanted me to do something with her.” Alessia spoke as Tarna nodded her head.
“Well, here we are. Come find me when you are done.” Tarna spoke as Alessia gave the woman a bow. Watching the red take her leave as Alessia felt her arm grabbed and pulled. She followed her friend. Looking around and saw Novices in the gardens working on their weaving. There was a gray ajah there. She was bald but had a kind smile as she looked over to them. Alessia smiled back before turning her attention back to her friend as they made their way down the hall towards the main entrance of the Tower. Hearing several voices from the cityfolk as they were walking around the markets. Alessia was smiling as she was watching them before hearing Nynaeve’s voice through the loud voices. She looked over and saw Rand speaking to a person at the stall.
“How much?” Rand had asked.
“Twenty marks.” The woman spoke.
“Sorry. I cannot afford that.” Rand sighed and set the food back.
“Here.” Alessia spoke as she pulled out her coin purse and paid for the food. Seeing Rand smile and grab it again.
“How is he?” Nynaeve asked as Rand frowned.
“Not well. Come on.” Rand spoke as they quickly followed him back to the tavern they were staying at. Alessia frowned as the curtains were pulled back. It was dark and heavy in the room. Alessia walked over and sat on the bed. Feeling Mat’s forehead as the door was closed. Hearinga grumble as Mat’s eyes opened.
“Hello.” He spoke weakly. “You an Aes Sedai?” He asked. Alessia shook her head with a chuckle.
“No. I’m here to help in any way I can.” Alessia spoke. Grabbing a wet cloth from Rand and pressed against his forehead.
“I can try and heal some of the fever he has.” Alessia spoke.
“You can channel?” Rand asked. She nodded her head and began. Starting slowly with a small sigh. Feeling the one power came to her slowly as she was being careful. She opened her eyes and placed her hand on Mat’s forehead gently. Letting the weave go to him. Then everything happened so fast. Mat screamed and jumped up and threw Alessia off him. Feeling the wall against her back as she grunted. Standing up. Seeing Rand hold Mat down.
“What did you do?!” Rand shouted while looking at her.
“Nothing! I was trying to heal!” Alessia spoke with a frown. Seeing Nynaeve walk over to Mat to help calm him down.
“You will burn! All you witches!” Mat shouted before flailing and then slumping back down onto the bed.
“The darkness is taking hold of him.” Alessia spoke and sighed.
“Is there anything we can do?” Rand asked.
“Tell Moiraine Sedai?” Alessia offered.
“No! No one tells Moiraine.” Nynaeve spoke.
“Is this the room?” A voice spoke outside of the room.
“Yes, Aes Sedai.” The man spoke. Everyone went silent in the room while staring at the door. Lan had walked through, followed by Moiraine. Alessia stood up and brushed herself off.
“What happened?” Moiraine asked while looking at her. Alessia looked at Nynaeve who shook her head at this.
“We have to tell her Nynaeve.” Rand spoke. “He just hurt Alessia. We have to tell her.” Rand added. Nynaeve stormed out of the room.
“What happened?” Moiraine asked again.
“He has a darkness inside of him.” Alessia spoke. Moiraine turned around to face Mat as Ran grabbed his sword.
“Don’t be stupid boy!” Lan was quicker and held Rand down.
“He hasn’t channeled! Tell her Mat!” Rand shouted.
“The world doesn’t need a Dragon like me.” Mat spoke as his breathing was abnormal.
“Hold him down.” Moiraine spoke. Both Rand and Lan went to each side and held Mat down. But Mat flung up and grabbed something. Alessia was quicker. She weaved so fast, she yanked out of Mat’s hand a dagger. It was now floating above her palm. Moiraine’s facial expression went into anger.
“Oh you stupid boy! You took this from Shadar Logoth!” Moiraine spoke. Alessia let her weave drop and moved away from the dagger that was now on the ground. Moiraine was channeling. Alessia was in awe as she was seeing the weaves. Hearing a gurgling grunt as the weave was inside of Mat’s mouth. Alessia made a disgusted face before she then saw it. A darkness was pulled from his mouth. Watching it crawl up to her arm and tried going into her mouth but she was stronger. Watching it fling itself into the dagger. Alessia gasped at this as Lan quickly moved. Cover it with a cloth.
“You can try now, Alessia.” Moiraine spoke as Alessia moved quickly and weaved. Feeling her energy drain a little as she placed her hand on Mat’s forehead. Seeing him sighed in relief. He no longer had a fever. Watching Moiraine take her leave from the room. She followed. As did Rand.

“Is Mat not the Dragon?” Rand asked as Alessia came out and leaned against the rail. Her eyes locked with Moiraine’s blue ones.
“No. He is a lot stronger than he should be. If he had that dagger any longer, he would have been lost. I healed whatever connection he had with the darkness but if he touches it again, he may be lost.” Moiraine explained.
“You could have just said you’re welcome.” Rand spoke with a smile. Alessia chuckled a little at this. “And you. You actually did help. Thank you.” Rand spoke while looking at Alessia. She nodded her head with a light smile. Nynaeve had come back with a basket full of herbs again. Hearing Moiraine and Nynaeve go at it. She rolled her eyes.
“If Wisdom is the title you claim, then I suggest you start using some.” Moiraine spoke in a tone. Her jaw dropped at this. “Now, when I call, all of you must come.” Moiraine spoke in a riddle as Alessia watched the woman in blue take her leave. Alessia left the friends alone as she made her way back to the Tower. Staying out of sight but she was caught by a red ajah.
“Everything alright?” Tarna’s voice came. Alessia nodded her head.
“I do not know but I hope she still isn’t mad at me.” Alessia spoke softly.
“Who, the Amyrlin?” Tarna asked as Alessia nodded her head.
“I doubt it. You served your punishment. You are fine.” Tarna spoke while patting her shoulder.
“Alessia dear.” Alanna’s voice came out of nowhere. She gave the battle ajah a bow. “You are requested at the Tower Hall.” Alanna spoke.
“Thank you, Alanna Sedai.” Alessia spoke. The woman in green smiled and nodded. Taking her leave. Feeling Tarna nudged her as they turned around. Walking abc to where they came. They stopped by the doors as Nynaeve was there waiting for her.
“Where did you go?” Nyaneve asked.
“Well, I was heading back to the room but ran into Tarna Sedai.” Alessia replied.
“You know where to find me.” Tarna spoke with a smile before taking her leave.
“What were you doing with her?” Nynaeve asked.
“She was giving me a tour of the Tower earlier.” Alessia spoke.
“She can’t be trusted.” Nynaeve spoke and crossed her arms. Hearing another pair of footsteps as Moiraine had finally come. She walked past them and opened the Hall doors. Walking inside as Alessia and Nynaeve followed.
“You’ve already seen the Hall, Nynaeve, this is where we gather. Here in the Tower Hall.” Moiraine explained while walking around in a circle around them as Nynaeve was looking around the room. The door opened again as another young woman walked through the doors.
“Nynaeve!” It was Egwene’s voice. Alessia gasped as she watched the two hug.
“I thought you were dead!” Egwene added.
“So did the Trolloc that took me.” Nynaeve spoke as they hugged again. Egwene then pulled back while looking around the Hall and stopped. Her eyes found Alessia’s.
“It’s good to see you again.” Alessia spoke as she watched up to her. Egwene smiled and took Alessia’s hand into her own.
“And you.” Egwene spoke with a smile.
“Come. The Amyrlin wishes to speak to you three.” Moiraine spoke.
“She can wait.” Nynaeve spoke while hugging her friend again.
“Siuan Sanche waits only for one woman and that is not you.” Moiraine spoke as Alessa’s eyes went wide at this before following quickly. Nynaeve and Egwene followed as well.

They were walking up the spiral staircase. She could feel her legs get heavy as her breath was now getting short. She had never seen so many stairs in her lift! Not even here at the Tower and here they were. Climbing these stairs. Once they reached the top, she sighed in relief. Her breath was already caught up while looking around. Seeing several pictures of the former Amyrlins as well. Alessia wondered why anyone would want their room at the top of the Tower but hearing that there was only one room at the top. So, they thought it would be fitting for the Amyrlin to have the room. At the very top, it was the fire that never went out. Hearing a knock on the door as Moiraine had entered the room. Alessia followed as she was the last inside of the room. Seeing the woman she had met yesterday sitting in a chair. Wearing a long brown gown. Her brown eyes were watching the three of them.
“These three yours, Moiraine?” The woman asked. Moiraine smiled and bowed. “My name is Siuan Sanche. I am the Amyrlin. You can call me Siuan today.” Siuan spoke. Alessia kept her silence. As did Nynaeve and Egwene. Egwene however gave the woman a curtsy. Alessia gave the woman a bow. Nynaeve however was still silent while staring.
“Am I not what you expected?” Siuan asked. She then stood up and walked up to them. “I have been told that you two are the most powerful channelers this Tower has ever seen.” Siuan spoke. She could feel Egwene stand up straighter. “And you Egwene, bringing the rings of my daughters back home. That took courage. I thank you.” Siuan spoke.
“Now that you have blown smoke up our asses, what do you want?” Nynaeve spoke. Alessia looked at her friend with a worried expression before looking back.
“You three are called to greatness. Whether you like it or not. The Wheel calls you to this. Even if you are weak, petty, old, young. It does not care.” Siuan spoke.
“I do not care. We will not be part of this.” Nynaeve spoke as she was pulling them both with her. Moiraine was standing in the doorway. Blocking off the exit.
“You will not be able to go back. Things will not be the same anymore. The Wheel gave you a duty. The sooner you accept it, the better.” Siuan spoke.
“What must we do?” Egwene asked. Siuan and Moiraine looked at each other.
“Rest for now. You will need it.” Siuan spoke as they nodded. Nynaeve was the first to take her leave. Alessia followed along with Egwene. Making their way down the stairs.
“We need to tell the others.” Nynaeve spoke as she stopped to look at them both. Egwene nodded her head.
“We need to stay separate though.” Alessia spoke. Her voice dropped to a whisper as there were sisters of other ajahs looking over to them as they were making their way to the Tower Hall. It seemed the punishments were going to be announced.
“Why?” Egwene asked.
“Because people aren’t supposed to know about one of us being the dragon.” Alessia whispered.
“I’ll go tell Perrin. I will see you later.” Egwene spoke as she hugged Nynaeve again. She gave one to Alessia as well. She watched her leave as Nynaeve took the lead.
“Where are you going?” Liandrin’s voice came as she cut Alessia off. Nynaeve was glaring at the woman in red.
“I’ll catch up.” Alessia spoke to Nynaeve who didn’t move for a minute before nodding her head. Once her friend left, she looked back to the red ajah.
“Well?” Liandrin asked.
“We were going for a walk.” Alessia lied.
“You seem to be going on a walk a lot.” Liandrin spoke.
“Why, you want to join me?” Alessia asked.
“I will take you up on that offer after the meeting. Wait for me? I need to speak to you about something. Last I recall, you left to go to bed quickly.” Liandrin spoke. Alessia nodded her head. In fact, she was excited for this walk with her new favorite red.
“Until then, Liandrin Sedai.” Alessia spoke and gave the woman a bow. It earned her a smile. The red cupped Alessia’s cheek and caressed it before taking her leave.

Feeling her heart pounding in her ears as she made her way out of the Tower entrance. Hoping she would not lose her way on the streets. Nynaeve knew the way better than she did since she had gone there a few times. Seeing the tavern ahead, she sighed in relief. Moving her feet faster as she went inside. Avoiding anyone as she made her way to the back through the shadows. Finding the guys’ room and she let herself enter. Seeing Rand leaning against the wall as Nynaeve was sitting on the bed. Mat was sitting up in his bed and leaning against the wall.
“You are looking better.” Alessia spoke with a smile.
“Yes. I wanted to thank you.” Mat spoke as Alessia shook her head.
“No need to. ANy friend of Nynaeve is a friend of mine.” Alessia spoke.
“Then, in that case. It is nice to officially meet you, Alessia.” Rand spoke as he held his hand out. Alessia took it and shook it. Mat held his hand out. She walked over and shook it as well.
“It is a pleasure to meet you both officially as well.” Alessia smiled and sat down next to Nynaeve.
“Now that we are all here. Egwene is alive and well. As is Perrin.” Nyaneve began. Rand pushed himself off the wall.
“Take me to her.” He spoke.
“I cannot. Not yet. It’s too dangerous.” Nynaeve spoke.
“Why?” Mat asked.
“One of us is the Dragon. Moiraine Sedai said we need to stay separate until she calls upon us.” Alessia explained as everyone nodded. There was some silence as Alessia looked at them. Her new friends. Knowing that the Light and Dark sides were now hanging on their very shoulders. It was up to them to pick a side.
“So, what do we do now?” Mat then asked while breaking the silence.
“We wait. For Moiraine to call us.” Nyaneve spoke.
“When?” Rand asked this time. All eyes went to her. Alessia shrugged her shoulders.
“We don’t have the funds to be staying here for days let alone weeks.” Rand added.
“I will cover it. If we have to stay longer.” Alessia spoke. Rand nodded his thanks to her before sighing. Grabbing his things and packing just in case. Alessia looked at Nynaeve who kept her eyes upon Mat just in case.
“I wonder where she is taking us.” Alessia spoke with a sigh.
“Can’t be anywhere any good.” Nynaeve spoke as they heard a bell. It was from the White Tower. Alessia looked out the window and saw it was now the evening.
“Come. We should head back.” Alessia spoke. Remembering the promise that she had made to Liandrin. She took the lead this time and held the door open to Nynaeve who followed her out after saying their goodbyes.
“Actually, you go. I am going to stay with the guys.” Nynaeve then spoke. Alessia nodded. Pulling out some coins and handing them over to her just in case.
“See you soon.” Alessia spoke as her friend nodded her head.

Alessia was standing by a rail in the Tower. Watching the Novices practicing their weaves under and Accepted. She kept wondering what life is like here at the Tower. All she knew was that she could not wait to get started. She wanted to get stronger. Become powerful and the only way to do that was to become a Novice. Knowing it was going to be a long journey to become an Aes Sedai. Hearing footsteps as she saw across her that some of the sisters were lining up on each side. Seeing the two red ajahs she had come to like line up as well. Her eyes caught Liandrin’s who nodded at her before the doors opened. Moiraine was slowly walking out of the Hall. Alessia was confused as they were turning their backs on her. Moiraine spotted her before taking her leave. Seeing the doors close and no one was talking. There was hurt on some of their faces. Alanna was there as well. She seemed to be holding back tears. Alessia frowned at this. She was about to walk up to the green ajah before she was stopped.
“Daughter Alessia.” Liandrin’s voice came. She turned and gave the woman in red a small bow. “Come. It’s time for that walk.” Liandrin added as she nodded. The red ajah put her hands behind her back while taking the lead. Alessia was following her by her side.
“You wanted to talk to me?” Alessia asked. Liandrin then stopped and looked at her with a small nod. She also stopped and waited. Watching the light blue eyes pierce her soul.
“It’s come to my attention that I have these feelings. That I cannot control but as complicated as they are. They will continue getting in the way unless I make peace with them.” Liandrin began as Alessia was listening closely. “The time we traveled together and the time we spent talking and learning. I have grown fond of you. My heart has. There isn’t a day that goes by that I do not think about you.” Liandrin spoke and sighed while looking up and then back to her. “What I am trying to say is that. I want to take you under my wing. If you will have me of course.” Liandrin spoke.
“Someone told me that you cannot train Novices.” Alessia spoke.
“I can teach Accepteds. Though, it’s more than what I want. I want to explore. Grow and learn with you.” Liandrin spoke. Then it clicked in her head. Liandrin was confessing her feelings to her. Alessia blushed at this and nodded her head. Liandrin then chuckled lightly as she sighed in relief. Alessia felt her heart pounding in her chest. Maybe she should confess as well. After the conversation with Alanna. It was now or never. Liandrin was now cupping both of Alessia’s cheeks and pulling her in before another pair of footsteps had stopped them.
“Alessia.” Moiraine’s voice came.
“Sister Moiraine. Walk away.” Liandrin spoke while giving Moiraine a glare. Alessia was rigid in her spot.
“I call upon you now Alessia.” Moiraine spoke.
“What does she mean?” Liandrin asked.
“I have to go. I am sorry.” Alessia spoke. Liandrin pulled back while staring at Alessia with questioning looks.
“Talk to me. What does she have over you for you to just leave?” Liandrin asked.
“Sister. Now is not the time. Let’s go Alessia.” Moiraine spoke as she turned to leave.
“I will be back.” Alessia spoke. Cupping Liandrin’s cheek before feeling her arm grabbed and pulled away. Alessia frowned. She wanted to hug the red ajah but it seemed Moiraine was now in a hurry. Liandrin had anger on her face.
“This isn’t the end, Moiraine!” Liandrin shouted as they made their way down the hallway.

“I told you to stay away from her.” Moiraine spoke. Alessia sighed lightly.
“I cannot. I am to be a Novice at the Tower.” Alessia spoke softly. The reins to a horse was handed to her as Lan had her stuff already packed on the horse. Watching Moiraine mount the horse as did she. Hearing a tongue click as she kicked her horse’s sides gently as he began to follow Moiraine’s horse. Lan however went in a different direction. Assuming that he was getting the others. Following the woman in silence as they made their way out of the city. Alessia looked behind her to see the Tower one last time before turning back. Following Moiraine to wherever she was leading her. They were now crossing the plains that they had arrived on the other day. Only this time, they arrived near something she had never seen before. There were two tall pillars that had stairs led up to them. She dismounted her horse and slowly walked up to it. Touching the side of it. Feeling the low energy coming from it from the One Power. She looked back at Moiraine who was watching her before turning her attention back to the bare field. Hearing horses in the distance as riders were coming towards them. Alessia could see them clear as day now. Egwene. Perrin. Mat. Rand. Nynaeve. They were all here now with Rand and Loial. She smiled and walked up to the Builder and shook her hand.
“You look like shit.” Mat spoke to Perrin.
“At least I didn’t steal an evil dagger.” Perrin spoke to Mat and shook his hand. Alessia smiled at Perrin who nodded and held his hand out. Alessia took it and she was pulled into a hug.
“Oh!” She spoke softly.
“Heard you helped. Thank you, friend.” He spoke. Alessia nodded her head with a smile before turning to face Moiraine.
“What is that?” Rand asked looking up.
“It’s a Waygate.” Loial replied.
“Oh!” Alessia spoke with a smile.
“Few feet inside can send you hundreds of miles elsewhere in the world.” Loial explained. Then Nynaeve cut in.
“Egwene, Alessia, and I told the others what you told us. We won’t follow you blindly. Not without answers.” Nynaeve spoke. Moiraine was silent at the moment.
“Where are you taking us?” Egwene then asked.
“To the Eye.” Moiraine spoke. Alessia gasped at this. Eyes all looked at her.
“What’s there? The Eye?” Egwene asked. Moiraine’s eyes looked at Alessia.
“The Dark One’s prison.” Alessia replied.
“How do you know?” Perrin asked while looking at her.
“I did some reading at the Towre.” She replied. Moiraine nodded her head and sighed.
“One of you six is the Dragon Reborn. I do not know which one of you is. I am taking you all there to find out. To finish what they started in the past life. To seal away the Dark One while he is still weak.” Moiraine spoke.
“What happens to those who aren’t the Dragon?” Egwene then asked. Moiraine had no answer. Alessia wanted to know as well. But seeing that the blue ajah was silent. She had no answer or maybe she did and did not want to say it.

“Alessia. Let me show you how to open it.” Moiraine spoke as she waved her hand up and forward to the Waygate. Watching Moiraine teach her the weave. It was a more complex weave but she had it down instantly. Calling the power to her as she watched the gate open. She gasped and stepped back. She was amazed at this. Being able to open a gate with ease. Or was it something more? She looked at Moiraine and had an impressed look upon her face before looking back.
“Is it too late to turn back?” Mat then asked.
“There is no turning back.” Moiraine spoke as she entered the gate. Alessia followed. Being handed a torch by Lan as it was lit. Alessia weaved fire onto hers and looked back again. Everyone had entered but Mat.
“Mat?” She asked while stepping to the side to allow the others to move in.
“Mat!” Rand shouted.
“Come on Mat!” Perrin shouted. They were all shouting except Moiraine and Lan who looked at each other as the gate closed. Alessia set her torch down and began to weave. Moiraine was quicker. Grabbing her arms and holding them back.
“What are you doing?” She nearly shouted.
“Shush!” Lan spoke. There was now silence.
“We cannot channel inside here or Machin Shin will come.” Moiraine spoke. Alessia dropped her arms and sighed.
“You have to open it!” Rand spoke.
“I cannot! You just heard what I said! Mat made his choice.” Moiraine spoke as she took the lead. Alessia picked up her torch and followed. Sighing as well. Knowing full well that Mat was going to be safer there than where they were going.
“What if it is him?” Lan asked.
“Mat? Then I wouldn’t let him be a hundred leagues near the Dark One.” Moiraine spoke. They stopped to rest now. Seeing the torches in a circle as Egwene was laying next to Rand. Nynaeve was near Lan who was speaking to Loial. Alessia was sitting alone against the stone pillars. She kept looking around. Feeling the emptiness of the void in the surrounding areas of them. Loial had told them stories about how it used to be. Having its own sun. Lush greens. Even rivers. Now it was a bottomless pit. It made her feel uneasy. She yawned lightly as she was starting to fall asleep but kept pushing herself to stay awake. Hearing a screech as she stood up. Looking around as Egwene.
“Did you hear that?” Egwene asked as Alessia placed a finger against her lips. Looking around and jumping back as a creature jumped in front of her. She let out a scream and scrambled backwards as the creature was then thrown off. She stood up and looked at Egwene.
“I didn’t mean to channel!” Egwene spoke. Alessia was confused. She didn’t see any weaves used.
“It’s alright.” Moiraine spoke before going silent. They all did. Then it came. The loud screeching of the creature rising.
“What is that?” Nynaeve then asked.
“Machin Shin.” Loial spoke.
“Machin Shin will speak to you. Do not let it get to you. Run!” Moiraine spoke as she took the lead. Alessia quickly followed.
“How far are we from our gate?” Lan asked.
“Still a while.” Loial called out against the wind as it was catching up. Alessia felt her heart racing as she was running.
“How far are we from Fal Dara?” Moiraine asked.
“It’s closer but I.” Loial was cut off.
“Take us there!” Moiraine shouted. They stopped at the gate. Moiraine was weaving as she was trying to get it open.
“No!” Egwene’s voice came. Alessia looked over in time to get knocked off her feet. Trying to cover her ears.
“No!” She screamed as well as it was whispering to her in her ears.
“It is your destiny, Dreamer.”
“You will never know love.”
“They will use you and you will never reach your full potential.”
“Release them!”
“You are the Dragon Reborn.”