Arches
It had been a few months now at the Tower as Alessia was deep in books and cleaning. Trying to learn everything she could about the history of anything. Her friends and her always met in Jane’s room since there was more room inside as they would take about their day or week if Jane wasn’t gone for missions. She did miss her friend when she was gone and always worried if she was alright. Tonight, they would be meeting in Jane’s room to see how her task went. She also enjoyed her classes the most with Alanna Sedai when it came to weaving and dancing. The dancing was hidden away from anyone else. It was in private. She had no personal meetings with Liandrin since the red ajah was busy with her missions and tasks. Though, she had noticed that Liandrin had taken an interest in Nynaeve. It made her somewhat jealous but she decided to ignore it and move on. Focusing on more on her learning and what she needed to do. The Amyrlin has been away from the Tower a few times and is currently gone. Alanna had been mentoring her more recently. Though, she was more curious with the yellow ajah as well. She wanted to be able to correctly heal. Her dreams were another story. She could almost see the taller shadow a little more. It was a woman. She knew that already. Though, she could still not see the shorter shadow woman. The taller one had dark hair and pale skin. Dark clothes as her face was still hidden by the shadows. She had half a thought to write to Moiraine about it but decided not to bother the blue ajah.
“How are your classes coming along?” Tarna’s voice came as Alessia looked up. Closing the book she was reading.
“It’s going well! Alanna Sedai has us working on two elements at once.” Alessia spoke as her red friend sat down next to her. Hearing footsteps in the hallway as they both looked up. Liandrin stopped to look at them. Smiling at Alessia who turned back to her book on her lap. “Did something happen?” Tarna asked as Liandrin frowned and left.
“No.” Alessia spoke.
“Are you sure? That woman loves you.” Tarna spoke. Alessia felt her heart leap a little and sighed.
“She’s busy with Nynaeve. I have other things to worry about.” Alessia spoke. Tarna was silent for a moment and gently nudged Alessia.
“You’ll be an Accepted before you know it.” Tarna added.
“Yeah? When? I am keeping top of my classes and working extra hard on the weaves.” Alessia spoke as she sighed again.
“Don’t worry. It will happen when the wheel decides for it to.” Tarna spoke. Alessia nodded at this and pulled her bag strap over her shoulder.
“I’m heading to the library for extra studying.” Alessia spoke as she stood up. The red ajah stood up as well.
“Very well. I do have some more weaves I wish to teach you but I will have to wait until you are an Accepted.” Tarna spoke as Alessia smiled softly.
“Until then.” Alessia spoke. Waving at her friend before taking her leave.
Humming softly as she was making her way to the library again. Adeleas Sedai enjoyed having her around as they always had something to talk about. Today, she was going to get the courage to ask about a certain topic.
“Daughter Alessia.” Alanna’s voice came. She stopped and turned. Smiling with a bow.
“Alanna Sedai.” Alessia spoke while still smiling.
“You received a letter.” Alanna spoke as she handed it to her. Alessia took it and placed it into her bag.
“Thank you.” Alessia spoke.
“Are you ready for our lesson later?” Alanna asked with a smile.
“What lesson?” It was Liandrin as she walked up to them with her hands behind her back. It seemed Liandrin was curious now.
“Just some things sister. No need to worry.” Alanna spoke with a smile.
“Very well. I wish to speak to daughter Alessia.” Liandrin spoke. Alanna kept her eyes on the red ajah before nodding. Her warders were following her to the other side of the hallway before out of sight. Alessia began walking towards the hallway only to be stopped. A hand gently grabbed her arm as she was led into an empty room. The door was closed as Liandrin weaved air.
“You’ve been ignoring me.” Liandrin spoke while watching her.
“I didn’t want to bother you with your mentoring.” Alessia spoke
“My mentoring? What do you mean?” Liandrin asked.
“Aren’t you mentoring Nynaeve?” Alessia asked.
“Is this about me trying to help her get over the block she has?” Liandrin asked. Alessia raised a brow at this. “Believe me when I say this. I am only trying to help her get over her block. You are still the one I want.” Liandrin spoke.
“It could be years from now.” Alessia spoke with a sigh. She wanted nothing more than to hug this woman right here and now.
“Yes, it could be or not. I heard you are doing well in your studies and weaving.” Liandrin spoke as she cupped Alessia’s cheek to caress it. Alessia leaned into her touch before moving closer. Leaning against the woman in red. Feeling an arm around her waist as she was now hugging her.
“I’ve just been keeping my head down and nose in a book.” Alessia spoke softly.
“Good. Staying out of trouble. Heard Moiraine wrote to you?” Liandrin asked.
“You my dear red ajah, very nosy.” Alessia spoke as she leaned back a little.
“Well, if we are going to do this. No secrets between us.” Liandrin spoke with a smile. Alessia frowned at this. “What is it?” She asked. Alessia sighed and shook her head at this. Feeling her chin grabbed and was forced to look into the light blue eyes. Looking straight into her soul.
“I cannot tell you.” Alessia spoke.
“Why?” Liandrin asked.
“It will make you change how you feel about me and how you see me.” Alessia spoke softly. Feeling both of her cheeks cupped now.
“There is nothing in this world that will ever do that. There are things about me that you will hate.” Liandrin spoke. Alessia shook her head again.
“There is nothing that will do that as well.” Alessia spoke. Liandrin chuckled lightly and then sighed.
“I highly doubt that my dear. We need to find a time and place for us to talk then.” Liandrin spoke.
“Very well. Whenever I get raised, then let’s talk.” Alessia spoke.
“Raised to Acceptance correct?” Liandrin asked as Alessia nodded her head. “Good.” Liandrin added. Alessia leaned in and kissed Liandrin’s cheek before hugging her again. Feeling her back rubbed as she melted right then and there. Feeling Liandrin hold her up from it.
“I haven’t read her letter yet.” Alessia then spoke while pulling back. Feeling a finger trace her jawline.
“Well, go on then. Go read it. Keep me updated, hmm?” Alessia nodded with a smile. She turned and made her way to the door only to be stopped again. Liandrin was hugging her from behind.
“Didn’t you say to wait?” She asked.
“I know. I can’t help it.” Liandrin chuckled before opening the door and took her leave. Alessia shook her head with a smile as she took a different turn towards the library.
Dearest Lessy,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am still researching what you have told me about your dreams. So far, I have come up with nothing so far. Mother will be calling upon you once she gets back. I have written to her as well. Keeping up on your progress from sister Alanna as well. I have to say that I am proud of you. You have grown much since we have met. I know you are still upset with me but believe that my intentions were true and always will be. I have searched for you for over twenty years and now that you are safe at the Tower, I can focus on gathering everything we need before the time comes. For now, keep your head down and wits about you. This world is a lot more dangerous than just Trollocs. Please write.
Yours truly, Moiraine.
She had read the letter over a few times before sighing. Putting it on the top shelf of her wardrobe. She knew Moiraine told her to not tell anyone. How could she hide this from Liandrin? The woman in red trusted her to be honest as she did with her. Was there really an ajahs that could not be trusted? She trusted Liandrin. The woman did nothing to lose her trust. Liandrin had been nothing but honest with her. At least that she knew of. ‘What if Liandrin was someone who wasn’t good?’ Alessia thought. ‘No. You cannot think like that.’ She spoke while taking another turn down a hallway to the library. No, she didn’t want any secrets between herself and Liandrin. She found herself in between shelves while browsing books. Wondering what topic she wanted to read about today. She found a book about history and took it to a table. Opening it to read. She had come to enjoy reading about the past. Especially about the last dragon. The choices he made and the friends he betrayed and those who betrayed him in the process. She had a feeling that once she was known, she was going to be betrayed as well. Frowning at this and sighed. Leaning back in her seat while her eyes were blurry. She needed people she could trust or was trust something she was not going to have? Then it was decided. She knew what she wanted to do with Liandrin. Now, all she had to do was tell her when the time came.
Liandrin’s POV
“How did it go?” Tarna’s voice spoke as she was leaning against a pillar. Looking at the red ajah before sighing.
“She’s hiding something. I can feel it.” Liandrin spoke.
“Who? Alessia?” Tarna asked as she nodded her head. Seeing a few sisters gathering now in the garden. The Novices and Accepteds all took their leave. Her little Novice was in the library reading Light knew what. “I am sure she will tell you.” Tarna spoke.
“How can you be so sure? What if I lose her if I tell her my truth?” Liandrin asked.
“Then it is her loss.” Tarna spoke as she crossed her arms.
“No. I will not lose her. Light or Dark.” Liandrin spoke with a sigh. Sheriam had entered the gardens as her sisters were gathered in a circle.
“What of our new Novices? How are they?” Sheriam asked. “Egwene?”
“Egwene is doing well. She needs to loosen up.” Alanna’s voice came.
“Nynaeve” Sheriama asked.
“She’s still blocked.” A gray spoke. The woman was bald but had a kind smile.
“Thank you Joiya.” Sheriam spoke. “Are we doing everything to help her get over the block?” The woman in blue asked.
“Well, the grays are our best teachers. Her block seems to be from anger.” Alanna spoke.
“Haven’t you spoken to her?” Tarna whispered as Liandrin nodded her head.
“I have. She doesn’t want to touch the source.” Liandrin replied back as her sisters were still discussing Nynaeve.
“What about daughter Alessia?” Sheriam’s voice came. This caught Liandrin’s attention while looking at her sisters.
“She’s excelling. I believe these Novice classes are boring her.” Joiya was the first to speak.
“What do you mean?” Sheriam asked.
“Daughter Alessia can complete a weave after seeing it one time. Even using more than one element.” Alanna spoke.
“Then we need to push her harder.” Joiya spoke.
“Why not have her go through the arches?” Liandrin then asked. All eyes went to her as it was silent.
“She has only been here for six months?” Alanna asked. “It’s too soon.” The green ajah added.
“She is also one of the strongest channelers the Tower has seen in a thousand years.” Liandrin reminded them.
“Let us call a vote then. Shall we test daughter Alessia?” Sheriam asked. Half of the group had raised their hands. Liandrin was among them. Looking at Tarna who sighed and also raised her hand.
“Very well. Daughter Alessia will be tested tonight. Collect her when the time comes sister Liandrin. You will join us Sister Alanna.” Sheriam spoke before dismissing them.
“Would you look at that?” Tarna spoke as Liandrin looked at her.
“At what?” Liandrin asked while looking at Tarna. The others had taken their leave from the gardens. She was still there with Tarna.
“You are getting your wish very soon.” Tarna spoke. Hearing three pairs of footsteps as she looked over her shoulder.
“Sister Alanna.” Liandrin spoke.
“I hope you are ready for this. If she fails, her blood will be on your hands.” Alanna warned her. There was only silence between the two before the battle ajah took her leave. Her warders follow her like puppies.
“Men disgust me.” Liandrin then spoke. Hearing Tarna laugh at this.
“We all know this.” Tarna spoke as she crossed her arms again. “You know. Come to think about it. Alessia may like men.” Tarna spoke. This earned her a slap as she laughed. “Oh come on! I was joking. We both know she loves you.” Tarna added as Liandrin sighed. Feeling her heart beat rather fast at this.
“Does she? She never said that.” Liandrin spoke.
“Maybe not yet but I know you do.” Tarna spoke. She stopped and looked at her red sister before sighing. “Have you told her yet?” Tarna then asked as they were now walking across the garden to the red floor.
“No. Once she is raised to Acceptance. We are talking.” Liandrin spoke as she was slowly making her way up the stairs.
“Talk about what?” Tarna asked as she was walking side by side with her.
“I told her no secrets between us. She has a secret. She made that very clear and said she was not allowed to say anything. I told her there are things about me that she will hate.” Liandrin sighed while pushing a door open. Letting Tarna inside first as she then closed the door behind her.
“Oh come on. It’s not like she is the Dragon Reborn.” Tarna joked as Liandrin pondered for a moment.
“What if she is?” Liandrin then asked. “She is strong. Has no issues with learning weaves. Plus, we felt her power during the test.” Liandrin spoke as she sat down at the table. Tarna was quiet for a moment.
“Well, what if she is? Who cares!” Tarna spoke as she also sat down. “Would that change how you feel about her?” Tarna then asked.
“No. But knowing the others, they would do anything to keep her separate from me. Especially since you know what.” Liandrin sighed.
“Then don’t tell anyone her secret if she is.” Tarna spoke.
“You know my master will never allow that.” Liandrin spoke.
“Well, then I guess you both are going to have to talk it out. Don’t stress about it now.” Tarna spoke. Liandrin took a deep breath and nodded. Hearing a knock on her door as she stood up and walked over. It was Sheriam.
“Time to go. Sister Alanna went to collect her.” Sheriam spoke. Liandrin for the first time felt fear. She wanted Alessia to pass no matter what.
End of POV
She sighed while rubbing her temples.
“You alright?” Adeleas had asked and made Alessia jump at the sound of her voice and nodded her head.
“Yes. Sorry Adeleas Sedai. I was just reading more of history.” Alessia spoke as she closed the book. It was already night time. She had forgotten to eat lunch. Wondering what her friends were up to as she stood up and stretched.
“Daughter Alessia?” A voice spoke that she didn’t hear often. She looked up and saw a blue ajah. It was Leane Sedai. She gave the woman a bow.
“Come with me. Mother wants a word.” Leane spoke as she turned sharply and left. Alessia grabbed her bag of books and dashed to catch up.
“Am I in trouble?” Alessia asked quietly. Feeling nervous as she was thinking about anything she could have done wrong.
“No. She just wants a word.” Leane spoke.
“Of course Leane Sedai. I apologize.” Alessia spoke.
“No need to. You will be fine.” Leane spoke as they were making their way up the stairs to the top floor. She was not out of breath this time as she finally reached the top. They were fast at that. Leane then stopped and knocked.
“Come in.” Siuan’s voice came.
“Go on.” Leane spoke as Alessia nodded. She entered the room. She then bowed to the woman who was watching her.
“Hello daughter. Please. Have a seat.” Siuan waved to a chair in front of her. “You may leave daughter Leane.” Siuan spoke. Leane nodded and bowed before taking her leave. The Siuan stood up and weaved. Alessia gasped as the older woman was fast in her movements. She weaved air. Silencing the room from and outside listeners. Alessia raised a brow at her.
“Daughter Moiraine told me about you.” Siuan spoke as she sat back down and poured two cups of tea. Handing one to Alessia as she took it and took a sip. “You are the Dragon.” Siuan spoke. Alessia then coughed from her tea and sighed. Setting the cup down.
“Yes. We found out on the trip to Fal Dara.” Alessia spoke weakly.
“I am glad she found you and sent you here. This is the safest place for you. We are going to keep you a secret. You are to not tell anyone. Anyone at all.” Siuan spoke while watching Alessia closely. She nodded her head to show she understood.
“Am I not to trust anyone?” Alessia then asked.
“What do you mean dear?” Siuan asked.
“What if a sister wants to be my mentor?” She asked.
“Mentor or not. You are not to tell anyone. Am I clear?” Siuan asked.
“Yes, mother.” Alessia spoke.
“You have something more to ask?” Siuan asked kindly.
“Are there sisters here in the Tower that we cannot trust?” Alessia asked.
“Of course I trust all my daughters.” Siuan spoke as she was drinking her tea. There was another knock. Siuan nodded at Alessia who walked over to answer it.
“Alanna Sedai.” Alessia smiled and bowed to the woman.
“Come daughter Alessia. You are wanted.” Alanna spoke. She looked at Siuna who nodded. She gave the Amyrlin seat a bow before following Alanna down the stairs.
“Seems like everyone wants to speak to me today.” Alessia spoke with a sigh.
“Well, you are well liked here in the Tower.” Alanna spoke. “Have you replied to Moiraine yet?” Alanna asked as Alessia shook her head at this.
“No. I have not. I was thinking about doing so before bed.” Alessia spoke.
“Well, your night is just starting.” Alanna spoke as Alessia raised a brow. They were going past the Tower floor now. Towards the basement.
“Alanna Sedai. Where are we going?” Alessia asked. She only received a smile as an answer. Then they stopped. Alessia looked up to see Sheriam and Liandrin standing by a circular looking door.
“Who do you bring with you tonight, sister?” Sheriam asked.
“One who is a candidate for Acceptance, sister.” Alanna replied.
“Is she ready?” Liandrin asked.
“She is ready to leave behind what she was and passing through her fears to gain Acceptance.” Alanna replied. Alessia felt like this was a ritual.
“Does she know her fears?” Liandrin asked as well.
“She has never faced them but is willing.” Alanna spoke. Sheriam Sedai turned around and opened the door. Watching them walk into the room as she followed. There were three tall arches in the room. They looked as if time wore them down. She raised a brow at Alanna.
“You may refuse to take the test twice. The third time you will be thrown out of the Tower with enough silver for a year. Once you start, you must continue. Fail to do so, you will be thrown out of the Tower.” Sheriam spoke as Liandrin walked up to her. Standing behind her. Pulling her Novice dress over her shoulders. She felt like the woman was going to fully undress her. Though, she did not. She was only in her underpart. Barefooted as well.
“You must be warned. Many have taken the test but never came back. The One Power will not be available to you once you are inside.” Alanna spoke as Alessia gulped. ‘So, you can die inside there.’ Alessia thought. She looked at Liandrin who held her head up high at this. This had given her new confidence. SHe stood up taller and turned to face the arches.
“You must want this for yourself or you will fail.” Liandrin spoke.
“The first is what was. The way comes but once. Be steadfast.” Sheriam spoke. Alessia nodded her head once to show she was ready. Seeing all three Aes Sedai channels at the same time. Seeing the first portal open. She slowly walked up to it. Raising her hand and pushing it forward before she fell through.
“Hurry!” A man’s voice shouted. Alessia sat up and looked around. She was confused. She was back in Tarabon and stood up. Brushing herself off as she was in the woods. “Alessia!” The man’s voice spoke again.
“Over here papa!” Alessia shouted back. Seeing her father come out of the shadows. She ran forward with a smile. Jumping up and hugging him. He caught her and returned the hug.
“Tell me about mama?” Alessia asked. Hearing him chuckle and set her down. Alessia skipped over to the blanket that was on the ground with food. “Jane coming?” She asked as well.
“Not today. Just you and me.” He spoke. Alessia nodded and started munching on some bread. “Where to start?” He asked. Looking at her with a smile. “Your mother had long black raven hair and blue eyes. Just like you my dear. She loved to travel all over the country. Meeting new people. Especially the Aes Sedai. They loved your mother.” He began.
“You said she could channel. Was she not an Aes Sedai?” Alessia cut him off with a question.
“No my dear. She was part of a group called the Kin. Women who could channel but went against it for reasons. This was after she met the Aes Sedai. They wanted her at the Tower but she was already pregnant with you.” He explained. “You see, relationships outside of the Tower were frowned upon as an Aes Sedai. So, she came back here.” He spoke.
“Wait, so, if mummy was with me, did she cheat on you?” Alessia asked with a confused look. Her father roared with laughter and shook his head.
“No my dear. She was the most loyal woman ever. I think you will get that trait as well when you get older.” He spoke. Alessia laid down on the blanket and looked up to the sky. It was starting to get dark. She hopped up and began packing.
“You said mummy could channel right?” Alessia asked.
“That I did. Why?” He asked in return.
“Do you think I would be able to channel some day?” Alessia asked with a hopeful look in her eyes.
“If you do, I want you to stay home and never leave to go see the open world.” He spoke.
“But I wanna see the world daddy!” Alessia frowned at this as they were making their way back to their house.
“No my dear. You are to marry the blacksmith’s son and carry our line.” He spoke.
“Yuck! He is mean to me!” Alessia pouted before setting the things onto the table.
“Go get changed and get to bed dear.” Her father spoke. She nodded and skipped to her bedroom. Lighting a single candle with a match before changing into her nightgown.
She was tossing and turning in her bed and sighed before sitting up. It was dark outside as the moon was high in the night sky. She knew the whole town was asleep.
“I told you. I am not doing it anymore.” Her father’s voice spoke in a low raspy way. Alessia was confused. Did they have visitors? She got out of bed slowly and quietly. Sneaking across her room and opened the door. She could see a faint light across the hall. The kitchen candles were lit. Alessia slowly snuck across the hallway and knelt down. Listening to her father talk but she couldn’t see. She inched a little to look around the corner. She saw a tall man in neat black clothes and her father was looking at the fire.
“I’ve told you. I have a daughter now.” Her father spoke.
“It is her destiny. You cannot defy our Master.” The shadowed man spoke. Alessia tilted her head to hear better. “Do you know what happens if you break your oaths?” The man asked.
“Yes. I cannot do it right now. Her mother is dead and I am all she has left.” Her father spoke. He was rocking a little now.
“Then when the time comes, you must send her away.” The man spoke. Alessia fell over. With a thud. She gasped as she was caught.
“Alessia? What are you doing up?” Her father shouted. She winced. The shadow man was gone. She stood up and backed up a little.
“The way comes but once.” A whisper spoke. She looked behind her and saw an archway. Curious got the best of her as she ran through it.
Alessia stumbled out of the archway and sighed. Holding her knees before standing up tall. She had passed the first arch. Her heart was racing before she took a deep breath and looked around the room. Feeling cold water poured over her head by Alanna.
“You are washed clean of what sin you may have done and washed clean of crimes you committed or those committed against you. You come to us washed clean and pure, in heart and soul.” Alanna spoke before stepping back. Seeing the next arch had opened up.
“The next is for what is. The way comes but once.” Sheriam spoke as Alessia nodded. She walked a little quicker this time towards it. Stepping through seemed to be a cold portal that only lasted less than a second.
Hearing horses neigh in the distance as Alessia looked around. She was in a field. A plain field. There were white tents not far from her. She knew what those men were. She dashed to the nearby hiding place and looked around.
“Where is she?!” A familiar voice shouted.
“You let her escape?!” Another man shouted.
“I did not know it was her!” The familiar voice spoke. Where did she hear it? She looked around and saw a yellow woman tied to the post. Alessia gasped. Seeing it was a sister. A yellow ajah! She needed to rescue the woman! She slowly made her way across the field and stopped behind a tent. The woman caught her eyes and shook her head. Alessia placed a finger against her lips and walked up to her.
“I’m going to get you out of here!” Alessia whispered as she tried to channel but nothing came. Looking around to find something. She found a dagger and ran to grab it. Hurrying back as she stepped up and cut the binds loose.
“You need to run! Go back to the Tower!” The yellow ajah spoke.
“I am not leaving you here!” Alessia spoke back.
“There she is! Get her!” A voice shouted. Alessia felt her hand grabbed as they made a dash for it until she heard it. The familiar voice. She stopped and looked over her shoulder.
“Father?” She asked. She knew those eyes anywhere. He was wearing all white. He was with the whitecloaks.
“Why?!” She shouted.
“Because you are darkness and I will not let my family be tainted ever again!” He shouted.
“But you loved, mother.” Alessia spoke with a frown.
“I only did what I had to do to survive.” He spoke. Alessia scoffed at this.
“What the hell does that mean?!” She shouted at him.
“You are nothing but darkness. All women who can channel. You are nothing but dirty witches!” He shouted and flung his arm forward. Alessia felt a push to the side as the dagger had missed her. Alessia saw the woman fall to her knees.
“No!” She screamed and ran over to her. Knelt down by her side. Feeling her eyes sting. Placing her hand over the wound. She was trying to channel.
“It’s alright my dear. You need to go. Be safe. I will meet you in the next life.” The yellow ajah spoke. Alessia shook her head at this.
“No! I will not let you die here!” She shouted. Seeing her pull the yellow serpent ring off her hand and handed it to Alessia. She took it and stared at it before holding onto it tightly. The yellow ajah took her last breath as her hand was against Alessia’s cheek. She let out a scream before standing up.
“Why?!” She screamed again.
“The Light gave us the task to take out any Dark One’s followers. You are one of them. We will eradicate all the Aes Sedai!” Her father shouted at her. Hearing a whistle in the wind, Alessia ducked. Arrows went flying by her head. She turned on her heels and ran. Making a break for it to the tree line. The sun was set so she hoped to have the cover of the darkness to protect her. She couldn’t even protect the yellow ajah. Her heart broke. Seeing a sister die right before her eyes.
“Over here!” A man shouted. They were gaining on her.
“The way comes but once.” A voice whispered in the wind. She looked up ahead and sure enough, it was the arch. Feeling an arrow hit her shoulder as she grunted. Running as fast as she could towards the archway.
She stumbled through again. Her hand in a fist. Grunting as her shoulder was hurting. Liandrin had quickly walked up to her and held onto her shoulder. Sheriam pulled out the arrow and Alessia let out a scream. Feeling her arm squeezed by Liandrin as Alanna came over. Weaving spirit. Feeling her wound no longer searing with pain. She sighed in relief. Holding her hand out and opening her palm. The yellow serpent ring was still in her hand.
“How?” Alessia asked.
“Some wounds are real enough to come back with us.” Sheriam spoke as she took the ring. It disappeared out of her sight. “Sometimes wounds are too great to the point where one does not come back.” The blue ajah added. Alessia nodded her head at this and sighed. Feeling water dumped on her again.
“You are washed clean of false pride. Washed clean of false ambition. You come to us washed clean in heart and soul.” Liandrin spoke. She had this smile on her face that made her heart leap. She took a deep breath and faced the final arch. The hardest one yet to face.
“The last is for what will be. The way comes but once.” Sheriam spoke. The final arch had glowed. Showing that it was ready for her. Alessia stepped forward into the final arch.
“Come along!” A voice spoke. Alessia blinked a few times and looked around. She was in a tent. A black tent. It was dark inside but a few low lit candles. There was a bed she was sitting on. Books covered the table across from her. She stood up and walked over to the table. Moving books around as she was reading the titles. Hearing the entrance open as she turned and met with a pair of lips. She jumped back a little.
“You are jumpy my dragon.” Liandrin’s voice came.
“Sorry.” Alessia spoke.
“No need to be my love. Come. Your other lovers are waiting.” Liandrin spoke. Alessia raised a brow at this. ‘Other lovers?’ She asked herself. Feeling her hand as she looked down. There was a red serpent ring on her middle finger on her left hand. Next to that finger were three small thin rings. One red like blood. Second silver, and third black as the darkest shadow. ‘Hmm.’ Was all she thought as she followed Liandrin out of the tent. Seeing several faces she had never seen before.
“Well, how is our little dragon?” A voice spoke. Alessia looked over and a woman taller than her walked up to her. Placing a finger under her chin as blue eyes met the dark ones. The woman had shoulder length black hair and dark eyes Pale skin. Much like her dream but she could see the woman’s face. Her voice sounded just like the one in the wind.
“She is a little out of it.” Liandrin spoke.
“We can't have that now can we my dear?” The woman spoke. Alessia shook her head at this. “Good girl. Now. Come.” The woman spoke. Alessia followed. Liandrin was behind her. Alessia was looking around again. There were beast-like creatures that she had never seen before. There were several men standing close to each other. Their eyes white and blackened fingers. They looked….soulless. She entered another tent as she saw one familiar face. Ishamael. She stopped dead in her tracks. Starting at him.
“What is it, Dragon? Cat got your tongue?” He asked. There were a few chuckles before they stopped rather quickly.
“Do not mock her. You remember the last time you did that?” The dark haired woman asked.
“Of course I do.” Ishamael spoke before giving Alessia a bow.
“Before we start, we are missing one person.” The dark haired woman spoke.
“I’ll go.” Alessia spoke as she turned and left the tent. She had no idea where she was going but apparently her feet knew exactly where. She stopped by a smaller tent that was far from the others. She entered the tent and met with darkness.
“Softly softly from the shadows.” A slow, low raspy voice spoke. Seeing all the candles lit at once. There was a shorter woman on the ground. On her knees. She was talking to herself.
“Meeting has been called.” Alessia spoke softly.
“I love that voice.” The shorter woman spoke as she turned to face Alessia. The woman was also dark haired and had dark eyes. Her hair was in a tight braided bun. Very short bangs. The woman slowly stood up and walked over to her. Head tilted. She was so handsome. Alessia felt her heart racing at this and blushed a little. The woman was inches from her and leaned in. Inhaling her scent.
“Does my Dragon request my presence?” The woman asked.
“Always.” Alessia replied. The short woman was rocking back and forth a little before stopping. She was staring at something on Alessia’s chest before reaching up and placed a few fingertips against her chest.
“Then I shall come.” She spoke. Alessia leaned over and placed a kiss upon the shorter woman’s forehead. This earned her a giggle as the mouth was covered. Alessia turned and led the way back.
“So, you want me at the front of the army leading it where?” Alessia asked.
“The Shadowed City.” Ishamael’s voice came. Alessia sighed and rubbed her temples. Her elbows on the table as she sighed. Leaning her head on her hands. She felt finger tips tracing along, across her back. It seemed the shorter woman was more interested in her back than the meeting.
“You could always strike from the shadows.” The shorter woman spoke.
“Not everyone is a coward like you…” The taller woman spoke. Alessia for some reason did not hear the name. Nor couldn’t. It was odd. She raised a brow at this. The shorter woman was glaring.
“Enough.” Alessia spoke softly as if almost a whisper. It was now silent all across the tent. “We can win in the shadows. Though, the darkness in the city is much different. We cannot mess with it. Even our Master’s most loyal one will not mess with it.” Alessia replied. Folding her hands and resting her chin on her hands.
“I agree. Maybe we can surround it?” Liandrin asked. Feeling her thigh grabbed and squeezed by the woman in red.
“Very well then. Alessia, Liandrin. Head back to the Tower. Keep your heads down until it is time.” Ishamael spoke. Alessia stood up and nodded. Everyone else stood up and bowed to her. It felt odd. She turned and left. Not being used to leading anything or anyone into anything. She sighed and took a deep breath before taking her leave from everyone. She wanted to be alone. She sat down and leaned back. Looking up at the night sky. The stars were bright tonight. Hearing light and soft footsteps, she sat up. Seeing the shorter woman from earlier walking up to her. Sitting down next to her in silence and leaned back. ‘Guess she wanted company.’ Alessia spoke.
“Oh course I did.” The shorter woman spoke.
“How?” Alessia asked.
“Our bond, remember?” She asked.
“Right. I apologize.” Alessia spoke. Hearing two more footsteps. The shorter one sighed and moved to the side. She was now drawing in the dirt.
“Hello.” Alessia spoke. Liandrin sat on her other side and the taller woman sat in front of her. They were almost in a circle.
“What do you see in her?” The taller woman asked while looking at the shorter woman.
“The same thing I see in you and Liandrin.” Alessia replied. Resting her hand against the shorter woman’s back who sighed and shivered a little.
“She’s a coward.” The taller woman spoke. She had no filter when she spoke about the shorter woman.
“That’s enough. For one night. Can we not fight each other?” Alessia asked. The taller woman sighed and nodded. The shorter one however got up and left.
“I will be back.” Alessia sighed. She stood up and followed the woman. She was whispering while slowly walking down a path. Alessia was next to her. Walking in sync.
“Come with me.” Alessia spoke softly. The shorter woman nodded. Grabbing her tunic by the waist and holding tightly.
“The way comes but once.” A voice whispered. Alessia looked ahead of her. She turned and cupped the woman’s cheeks and kissed her deeply. Hearing a grunt as hands grabbed her tightly. Not wanting to let go. Alessia pulled back and there was a protest. She quickly ran forward. Hearing her name shouted. She ran through the arch.
She stumbled and tripped a little. On her knees as she sighed. Fighting her eyes from letting go of the tears. She felt complete there. As if she always belonged there. Those women. Whoever they were. She was hoping they were real. She stood up and wiped her eyes clean before looking up. Siuan was standing there proud. She walked up to her as did Sheriam. Sheriam poured the cold water over her head again.
“Kneel.” Siuan spoke as Alessia did.
“You are washed clean, Alessia Solstice of Tarabon. You are washed clean of all the ties that bind you to the word. You come to us clean in heart and soul. You are Alessia, Accepted of the White Tower. You are sealed to us now.” Sheriam spoke as Siuan took out a serpent ring with no stone. Placing it upon her middle finger on her left hand. Siuan nodded her head as Alessia stood back up. She saw that Liandrin walked up to her with a new dress. It was the Accepted dress.
“Get her dressed and show her to her new room daughter Liandrin.” Siuan spoke. “Welcome daughter Alessia. Your new rules will be told to you tomorrow. Tonight, get some rest.” Siuan spoke.
“Of course mother. Thank you.” Alessia spoke as she gave the woman a bow. Feeling her shoulder touched as she looked at Liandrin who was trying to hide her pride. Alessia stepped into the new dress. It was a perfect fit as well. Looking at her wrists while seeing all seven colors. She frowned when she did not see the three rings on her finger. She took a deep breath and followed Liandrin out of the Tower basement. The moon was high in the night sky. She could feel the cool breath of the wind as it gently went against her. The Tower was asleep except the guards and a few sisters. Alessia felt different now. Looking at the ring on her finger while following the red ajah up a flight of stairs. She was being taken to another side of the Tower.
“You can stay in this room tonight. Accepteds can take a room here in the Tower or an apartment outside of the Tower.” Liandrin spoke.
“I’ll keep this.” Alessia replied.
She walked over to the new wardrobe and pulled out a nightgown. Changing right in front of Liandrin. Knowing the woman would be watching. Setting the new Accepted dress onto a chair. She would change back into it in a few hours.
“Will you stay with me tonight?” Alessia asked softly while looking at the red ajah. Liandrin had this look on her face before nodding her head. She walked over and grabbed a brush. Taking out Alessia’s hair before brushing it. Once done, Alessia walked over to the bed and sat down. Her heart was aching.
“Are you alright?” Liandrin’s voice came as she looked at her.
“Was it real?” Alessia asked.
“No one knows. It can be or not be.” Liandrin replied. She had no idea what this meant so she only nodded her head and laid down. Watching the older woman walk around and laid down next to her.
“Shall we talk?” Liandrin asked.
“Not tonight. Tonight, I just want you close.” Alessia spoke. Liandrin nodded and pulled Alessia into her arms. She smiled at this. Taking her chance, she looked up to Liandrin who was watching her. She leaned in and kissed the woman deeply. Feeling the older woman grip her tightly, holding her in place as she returned the kiss. They stayed for a moment before Alessia pulled back to catch her breath. She was smiling stupidly before curling up against the older woman. She knew for the first time since traveling together, she was going to get a goodnight sleep. At least she hoped so.