Dancing Dragon

Weeks had passed since the moon dance. Alessia decided to take an extra class on Old Tongue. Not wanting to miss anything. She was helping her friends Egwene and Nynaeve with their classes and weaving as well. Except, Nynaeve was still blocked. She wondered why this was. She was told because it only came from anger. Her lessons with Joiya were already coming to an end. Her last day was today and she was rather excited about what to be learning next. Liandrin Sedai hadn’t come back from her mission yet and she was getting worried. Though, she could still feel the order woman.
“Are you ready?” The voice of Joiya came as Alessia looked up and smiled with a nod.
“Of course, Joiya Sedai. May I ask what the lesson is today?” Alessia asked.
“Today you are going to learn how to read people. Aes Sedai is easy because we cannot lie. Though, it doesn’t mean that others won’t.” Joiya explained as Alessia nodded while following the woman in gray. “Your last day is today. I feel like we didn’t have much to teach you.” The Gray Ajah spoke.
“I have learned a lot, Joiya Sedai. I know there is still much to learn.” Alessia spoke with a smile as the woman nodded at her. They were now heading towards the Tower Hall. Wondering what she will be seeing inside. The doors had opened as she followed inside. Seeing a few blue sisters inside as well as Leane.
“They are late.” Leane’s voice came. Alessia was looking at the woman who usually had the staff. The woman was tall and had an angry look upon her face. Alessia always stayed clear of her. Afraid of getting on her bad side.
“Then we shall wait for the time being.” Joiya spoke. Alessia was now looking around the Tower Hall. Hearing the door open as another woman entered. It was a Red Ajah. The one she had hoped to not run into.
“Galina Sedai. Glad you could join us.” Leane spoke. Galina’s eyes however were on Alessia as she smiled and walked up to them.
“I apologize. Got held up.” Galina spoke.
“Now. I heard Elaida Sedai said she wishes to have two more sisters to join her for the council.” Leane spoke.
“There has always been one advisor for the Lion Throne.” Galina spoke as she was standing very close to Alessia now. She felt nervous now but kept her composure.
“Is the Lion Throne under threat?” Alessia asked. Leane gave her a look. Alessia felt embarrassed and looked to the side.
“No. It is not.” Joiya spoke.
“Elaida Sedai is strong enough to do it herself.” Galina spoke.
“Not if there is a Forsaken on the loose.” Leane spoke.
“It’s just one Forsaken. Nothing to worry about.” A green spoke.
“I highly doubt that. They have knowledge that has been lost for thousands of years.” A brown she had yet to meet spoke.
“What do you suggest we do sister Verin?” Leane then asked.
“I suggest we send another sister to find out what is going on.” Verin spoke as she folded her hands in front of her.
“Aren’t you supposed to be with your sister, working on that book?” Galina asked.
“Do I have to have a reason to visit my sisters here at the Tower?” Verin asked.
“Enough. We have enough issues going on without having the Tower being divided enough as is.” Leane spoke. This had shut everyone up. “Now. I will speak to Mother about this. We will send a blue sister. Dismissed.” Leane spoke. Alessia turned and followed Joiya out of the hall.
“Sister Joiya, may I have a word with daughter Alessia?” Galina’s voice came.
“Perhaps after her lesson?” Joiya asked.
“Of course. Come find me.” Galina spoke. Alessia nodded her head at this and followed Joiya again.

“Has the Tower always been like this?” Alessia asked.
“Like what?” Joiya asked in return.
“Divided. I mean, I know we have the ajahs and all but I feel like the sisters are not loyal to each other but only to their ajah.” Alessia explained.
“Caught that didn’t you?” Joiya asked with a smile. She nodded her head. “Unfortunately, no matter what happens, our ajahs have always been loyal to their own. It never used to be like that. Sure we have allies and what not when it comes to certain decision making but always to their own ajah.” Joiya explained.
“So, I am not sure if I am following.” Alessia spoke with a confused look.
“We are trying to teach those who have yet to rise to the shawl to understand that you need to always have your sisters back no matter the color.” Joiya spoke. Alessia nodded the show that she understood. “Now, sister Galina said she wanted a word.” Joiya reminded her. Alessia sighed and gave the woman in gray a bow.
“Thank you for the lessons Joiya Sedai.” Alessia smiled. The Gray Ajah nodded and took her leave. Alessia turned around and followed a different hallway. She sighed again, wondering what the Red Ajah wanted with her. Mayne to finish what she started a while back. She made it to the red ajah quarters and stopped by a door. She knocked on it lightly.
“Come in.” Galina’s voice came. Alessia stepped into the room and left the door open. “Close the door dear.” The woman spoke. She did. Hearing footsteps reached up to her as she looked at the woman.
“How may I help?” Alessia asked with a bow.
“Look at you. Knowing your place. You never came back when I asked you to.” Galina spoke. “I must say that I am rather hurt.” She spoke.
“Are you?” Alessia asked.
“Yes. I took a liking to you.” She spoke while pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
“I am sorry Galina Sedai, I have a mentor.” Alessia spoke. Seeing the woman sigh and nod.
“Very well. I won’t push but if you tire of your mentor, come to me.” Galina spoke. Alessia only nodded her head at this. The Red Ajah then dismissed her. Alessia quickly left the room. Almost running down the hall. She crashed into someone and fell down.
“Sorry1” Alessia said as she stood up and bowed only to hear a chuckle.
“It’s alright. Just be sure to look next time.” It was Tarna.
“Tarna Sedai!” Alessia spoke with a smile.
“Happy to see me huh?” She asked with a smile as Alessia nodded her head. “How is your lesson with sister Joiya?” Tarna asked.
“Just finished. I wonder which ajah I will do next.” Alessia spoke.

“Oh you finished with the gray already?” Tarna asked as Alessia nodded her head again with a smile. “I have to say, that was fast.” Tarna spoke.
“Was it not supposed to be?” Alessia asked.
“Well, it depends. Everyone learns differently. Perhaps you are one of our fast ones. Seeing you was raised to Acceptance pretty quick as well.” Tarna spoke as she patted Alessia’s shoulder.
“Daughter Alessia. I have been looking all over for you.” Alanna’s voice came. Alessia bowed to the green ajah. “You have a letter.” Alanna spoke as she handed Alessia the letter. She took it and placed it into her pocket.
“I have some studies that I need to do.” Alessia spoke as she gave both of them a bow and took her leave.

She was pacing back and forth in her room now. The letter sitting on her bed. Moiraine had written back to her. She did not know if Moiraine had found anything at all. She decided to grab the letter and opened it. Reading what it had said.

Dearest Lessy,
I am happy to hear from you. I have found not much of what you had told me. All I know is that it is a prophecy about a Forsaken. Daughter of the Night. Lanfear. It also said the Dragon is the one who is to wake her. I know that you are not going to do that. My research also brought up a place called the Tel’aran’rhiod. It is much like the waking world but in dreams. The Forsakens were known to enter the world of dreams. Though, only a very few could master it. You need to be careful when you fall asleep. Write to me and keep me updated.

-Moiraine

Alessia raised a brow at the nickname Moiraine had given her. Knowing full well that Liandrin was not going to like that. She read the letter over several times and sat down. ‘So, did that mean the meeting with Lanfear was real?’ Alessia asked herself. She frowned at this. If that was the case, then she was not safe anywhere. She just had to make sure that the surroundings would not be recognizable. She was rubbing her temples at this and wanted to learn more about this. She took the letter and burned it in her palm. Putting the ash into the wastebasket before grabbing a journal. Making sure she didn’t miss anything as she took her leave. Making her way down to the library. She wondered where Moiraine was. She was still worried about Liandrin. The older woman must have caught on how she felt as Alessia stopped and blushed. She felt something warm and fuzzy inside as it was not her doing. She smiled at this while taking a deep breath and made her way to the library again.

She set her things down on a table in the corner while browsing the shelfs.
“May I be assistance, daughter?” A voice spoke. Alessia looked around and then down a little. There was a brown ajah much shorter than her. Much shorter. Alessia smiled and bowed.
“I was wondering, are there any books on the dreamworld and bonds? Specifically all three bonds?” Alessia asked. “I am sorry, I never met you before.” Alessia added with a frown.
“I am Nyomi Sedai.” Nyomi spoke. Alessia smiled and bowed again.
“Pleasure to meet you.” She replied.
“We have books only on two bonds. The third is forbidden to learn about. The Dreamworld, yes. Take a seat.” Nyomi spoke as Alessia nodded and did as she was told. She pulled out her journal to a blank page as the books were set down in front of her.
“Thank you, Nyomi Sedai. I appreciate it.” Alessia spoke with a smile.
“Of course. Sister Liandrin was right. You are kind to others.” The Brown Ajah spoke before taking her leave. Wondering what she meant by that as she yawned lightly and opened a book about the dreamworld. Setting her elbow on the table and her head on her hand while opening the book and began to read what Moiraine had told her. It seemed there were many who could touch it but actually entering it took more. Alessia wondered if she would be able to do it.
“Find what you were looking for?” Nyomi came back to ask.
“Does the Tower have these things called Dreamweavers, Nyomi Sedai?” Alessia asked.
“If we did, we wouldn’t tell an Acceptance.” Nyomi spoke.
“That is understandable. I was just curious.” She spoke with a smile. “Thank you.” She added. The Brown Ajah nodded and took her leave. Alessia closed the books and sighed again.
“I heard you went in here.” Tarna’s voice came as Alessia looked up and smiled. “Dreamworld and bonds huh? Rather curious about other things but your studies huh?” Tarna asked.
“I want to know everything that I can.” Alessia spoke as she stood up and grabbed the books to put them up.
“Right. You are called to the Hall.” Tarna added. Alessia frowned at this. “You are not in trouble. Mother wants a word.” Tarna spoke as Alessia then nodded. She grabbed her journal and followed the Red Ajah out of the library. 

She stopped by the double doors and saw Alanna was there waiting and smiled at her. Alessia returned it before looking around.
“Everything alright?” Tarna asked. Alessia leaned in to be quiet.
“Have you heard from Liandrin Sedai?” Alessia asked in a whisper.
“I have not. Thought she would have written by now.” Tarna spoke as she nodded her head in agreement.
“Come. She is ready for you now.” Leane spoke as Alessia nodded and walked into the Hall. Alessia saw the Amyrlin Seat wearing her usual white gold clothes. She bowed to their mother.
“Tell me, daughter. How were your lessons with the Gray Ajah?” Siuan asked.
“They went really well, Mother.” Alessia spoke with a smile.
“I am glad to hear. You will be traveling to daughter Verin’s residence with daughter Alanna and begin your lessons with her. Then with the Blue Ajah.” Siuan spoke as Alessia gave her mother a bow. “Depart in the light.” The Amyrlin spoke. Alessia turned to Alanna who was smiling.
“Pack your things. You will be gone for a while.” Alanna spoke as Alessia nodded and made her way back to her room rather quickly. She pushed through her door and opened her wardrobe and took out all her clothes. Setting them on the bed and hearing a knock. She walked over and answered it. Tarna was leaning against the door frame.
“Well, where are you going?” Tarna asked as she let herself inside.
“Verin Sedai’s residence. Why?” Alessia asked.
“Well, you weren’t supposed to tell me. Mother didn’t tell you?” The Red Ajah asked as Alessia shook her head. "Well, I asked just in case Liandrin came back and you were not here.” Tarna spoke.
“Alanna Sedai said I will be gone for a while.” Alessia spoke.
“Hmm. Sister Liandrin will not be happy to hear that her prodigy won’t be here if she gets back soon.” Tarna spoke. She nodded in agreement while folding her dresses and placed them into her bag. Making sure she had gotten everything. Her journal and writing tools. She sighed a little.
“Everything alright?” Tarna asked.
“Yes. I just miss Liandrin Sedai.” Alessia spoke.
“I see. Never heard a Novice nor Accepted ever say that before.” Tarna chuckled.
“There is a first for everything.” Alessia spoke.
“That is true. Well, stay safe and goodluck. I’ll write to Liandrin when I head back ot my room.” Tarna spoke as Alessia bowed to the woman. Watching her leave as Alanna took her place.
“Ready dear?” Alanna asked as Alessia nodded. Following the Green Ajah. Closing her door before heading down the hallway.
“How long will it be before we get there?” Alessia asked.
“It’s a decent ride. We will be there by nightfall. If we do not stop.” Alanna spoke. Alessia nodded and followed the woman down the stairs to the entrance of the Tower. She wondered where her friends were because she wanted to let them know she was leaving but perhaps they were already busy with other things. She tied her bag onto the side of the saddle and mounted the horse. Waiting on Alanna and her warders before she took the lead again.

Alessia had no idea where they were going but it seemed to be in a desert. The heat was getting to her. How she hated the heat. She was definitely looking forward to winter time now. At least she wouldn’t be melting on a saddle. She wiped her forehead several times, she had lost count.
“Are you looking forward to learning from Verin Sedai?” Alanna asked.
“I thought she retired?” Alessia asked.
“She did but when she heard about you, she wanted to be the one to give you lessons.” Alanna spoke.
“Why? I am nobody special.” Alessia spoke.
“You are more special than you think.” Alanna spoke. She was silent now. Looking up ahead as she saw a building. The sun was setting so she had a feeling that they were getting close. Yawning lightly as she stretched her arms before grabbing the reins again.
“Tired? We are almost there.” Ihvon spoke as Alessia nodded at this. Seeing a man down the road looking at them.
“Hello!” Alanna shouted and waved at them.
“Tomas, good to see you.” Ihvon spoke as they dismounted their horses. Alessia followed suit. Pulling the reins of her horse to guide it to the stables. Alessia took her bag off.
“Here dear, take this as well.” Alanna spoke as she handed Alessia another bag. She bowed to the woman and followed Ihvon up the steps towards the house. Alessia looked around. It was huge. Enough to fit several of the sisters here.
“Hello!” A more friendly voice came.
“Adeleas Sedai!” Alessia gasped with a smile. She gave the woman a bow.
“Hello dear! Good to see you again.” Adeleas spoke with a smile.
“Ah, I see you met my sister.” Verin spoke.
“Aren’t all Aes Sedai your sisters?” Alessia asked.
“Well yes but Adeleas and I are actually related.” Verin spoke. Alessia looked back and forth between the two. They looked nothing alike but shrugged. “Come. Let me show you to your room.” Verin spoke as she turned back into the house. Alessia followed. Hoping she would not get lost.
“We won't be here longer than a week, so try not to get too comfortable.” Verin spoke.
“Oh?” Alessia asked.
“Yes, we feel like it is too open here plus more mouths to feed. We can’t keep going to the city everyday so we are going to Andor at the end of this week.” Verin spoke as Alessia nodded. She was shown a room. It was small. A single bed, desk, and a wardrobe.
“Thank you Verin Sedai.” Alessia spoke.
“Get unpacked and come help make dinner. Quickly!” Verin spoke as she left. Alessia walked into the room more and set her bag onto the bed. Unpacking her dresses, cloak, and anything else she brought. Putting them up in the wardrobe before leaving.

“Anyone seen Sister Moiraine?” Adeleas asked as Alessia came into the kitchen.
“Moiraine Sedai is here?” ALessia asked.
“She is. She was supposed to help but I guess she had other things to worry about.” Adeleas sighed. “No worries! You are here now. Come!” Adeleas spoke as she turned the stove on by weaving fire into it. Alessia smiled as she began to help with dinner. Washing the vegetables and peeling the potatoes before cutting them up and placing them into a pot over the firepit near the stove. Feeling the heat hitting her again. Once everything was cooking, she was handed the dishes.
“We are eating outside.” Adeleas spoke as Alessia nodded. Taking them outside to set the table. Seeing everyone was at the table but one person.
“Hello Lan.” Alessia spoke with a bow.
“Hello Alessia. Good to see you.” Lan spoke. He seemed defeated by something. Adeleas brought the food out and everyone began getting their plates.
“Moiraine not joining us?” Tomas asked.
“No. She won’t even answer the door anymore for me.” Lan sighed as he was not eating. Alessia raised a brow at this. Wondering why.
“Where is she?” Alessia asked.
“In the library.” Lan spoke as Alessia stood up and began to head in.
“She won’t answer the door.” Lan called after her. She nodded and went down the hallway. All the doors were opened but one. She stopped by and knocked.
“I said to not be disturbed.” Moiraine’s voice came.
“Moiraine Sedai. Please come eat dinner.” Alessia spoke. The door flung open as Moiraine had a surprised look on her face.
“Lessy?!” She gasped. Alessia gave the woman in blue a bow only to be pulled into a hug. “Why are you here?” Moiraine asked.
“First of all, why are you calling me Lessy? Also, Mother sent me to study under Verin Sedai.” Alessia spoke.
“No one told me!” Moiraine spoke as she was now smiling.
“I think it was a last minute decision?” Alessia asked.
“No matter. My little dragon is here.” Moiraine spoke as she closed the door and took the lead down the hallway. Alessia heard her stomach growl as she blushed with embarrassment.
“Verin Sedai told me that we are going to the city in a few days.” Alessia spoke.
“She is right. She told me today. I thought it was because Lan and I. Now I know why.” Moiraine spoke as she stepped outside.
“Look who graces us with her presence.” Verin spoke as Lan looked annoyed now and sighed. Alessia took a seat between Moiraine and Alanna. Waiting for the others to start eating before she did.
“I hope you enjoy reading dear. You have much to read.” Verin then spoke as Alessia looked at her.
“Will I be learning weaves as well?” Alessia asked.
“Maybe. We shall see how you do first.” Adeleas spoke as Alessia nodded.
“I heard from sister Nyomi that you were asking about forbidden knowledge.” Verin then spoke. Everyone went silent and looked at her. Alessia felt her face flush a deep red and looked at her plate. “Bit too curious are we?” Verin then asked.
“I was just curious about a certain thing. That was all.” Alessia spoke softly while picking at her food.
“We may have a Brown on our hands here.” Verin then added.
“Nonsense. Alessia is blue at heart.” Moiraine spoke as she took a drink of her tea.
“I do not know. She picked up a battle weave pretty quickly.” Alanna added.
“Really? Maybe she will be a well rounded Aes Sedai in the future.” Adeleas spoke. Alessia was humming softly now as she finished her food. Drinking her tea that was left.

She helped clear up the table as everyone was sitting by a bonfire. Alessia felt like it was too hot for her as she went back inside to clean up the kitchen. Setting the leftover meat on the drying rack.
“What were you trying to find out?” Moiraine asked.
“Alanna Sedai told me there are three different kinds of bonds an Aes Sedai can do. She told me about two of them. No one will tell me the third until Nyomi Sedai said it was forbidden.” Alessia spoke as she leaned against the counter. “I didn’t know.” Alessia spoke as she weaved the dishes dried before putting them up. Feeling a hand on her shoulder as she looked over to Moiraine.
“It is alright. Just know that the Tower does not allow any forbidden knowledge inside of the Tower. Though, it does not mean we should go seeking it.” She added. Alessia nodded to show that she understood. “Come. I wish to talk.” Moiraine added as Alessia followed the Blue Ajah back to her room she was staying in. Seeing weaves of air used around the room as Alessia sat on the small bed. Moiraine sat next to her.
“I assume this is private?” Alessia asked. Moiraine nodded.
“You received my recent letter? About the dreamworld?” Moiraine asked as Alessia nodded her head.
“I did. I did some of my own research.” Alessia spoke.
“What did you find?” Moiraine asked.
“That many can touch it but even fewer can actually enter it.” Alessia spoke.
“Yes. That is true. The hurt we bring with us can follow us to the waking world. Which is why I said "be careful.” Moiraine spoke. Alessia was silent at this and leaned back against the wall. “What is it?” Moiraine then asked.
“Blood calls blood?” Alessia asked while looking at the woman in blue.
“Daughter of the Night. Lanfear. It said that you would be the one to awaken her but knowing you. I know you won’t.” Moiraine spoke. ‘She is already awake.’ Alessia thought. She nodded and saw it was now dark in the room. Moiraine weaved a ball of light into her hand before lighting the candles around the room.
“Can they find me in the dreamworld?” Alessia then asked. Moiraine looked at her and nodded.
“It’s not safe. Though, I wouldn’t worry about it too much right now.” Moiraine spoke. Alessia sighed and stood up. Grabbing a nightgown to change into. “Get some rest. Long day tomorrow.” Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She was then pulled into a hug. She returned it lightly. Feeling her back rubbed.
“I am right across the hall from you if you need anything.” Moiraine spoke as Alessia nodded. Watching the blue ajah take her leave.

It had only been a few days since they arrived. They would be leaving the next day. Alessia was constantly sweating when she was outside so she managed to convince them that any training in weaves was to be done after dinner once it was cooled off. She did her reading inside or somewhere under a tree for shade.
“Lessy?” Moiraine’s voice called out as she closed her book and stood up. Walking up the hill to see Moiraine waiting for her. “We are leaving today.” Moiraine spoke. Her voice sounded full of worry. Alessia nodded and walked into the house.
“Your things are packed dear. Come.” Verin spoke as she took the lead out. Alessia was confused and looked at Moiraine.
“What’s going on?” Alessia asked.
“Shadowspawn.” Moiraine spoke softly.
“Because of me, isn’t is?” Alessia asked.
“It is not your fault. Do not ever blame yourself for that. Besides. We will be safer in the city.” Moiraine spoke.
“We will have to double up on horses.” Adeleas spoke.
“Good thing we are still here.” Alanna spoke as she mounted her horse. Alessia saw Moiraine offer her hand. She took it and mounted the horse behind the blue ajah.
“Is there a place in Andor for the Aes Sedai?” Alessia asked.
“There are some places up for rent. I will have to look once we arrive. Get comfortable. It’s a long journey.” Verin spoke.
“Why not take the ways?” Moiraine then asked. Everyone was silent while looking at each other.
“It’s too dangerous.” Verin then spoke.
“Can’t be any more dangerous than traveling on the road with the White Cloaks snooping around. Or the Trollocs. Or shadowspawn.” Adeleas spoke.
“Alright. You made your point. Just no channeling.” Verin warned Alessia who nodded.
“She’s been through a Waygate before.” Moiraine spoke.
“Ah. How interesting.” Adeleas spoke as they made their way back towards Tar Valon but to the fields.
“We do not have a Builder with us.” Alessia spoke.
“No, but we do know some of the paths.” Moiriane spoke.
“I assume you know the way to Andor?” Alessia spoke.
“I do, yes. As do a few of my sisters here.” Moiraine added. Alessia was quiet again. Listening to the others talk as they made their way towards the waygate. Alessia dismounted and looked around. Seeing someone watching them. She gasped lightly as it was Lanfear watching her from a distance. There was that smile on the woman’s face. Alessia turned back and quickly stood next to Moiraine. Feeling her heart race as Moiraine was speaking to Lan. More like arguing.
“Enough. Come.” Moiraine spoke as she walked up the steps. Alessia took a deep breath and began to weave. It came easily but she pretended to struggle a little. Opening the gate as she heard Moiraine sigh a little. Knowing the woman couldn't weave. She walked back to her horse to grab her bag. A She could still feel the dark eyes on her. Looking over her shoulder. Sure enough, Lanfear was much closer now. It seemed no one else was noticing this. Seeing the horses were being sent back. Alessia jumped as Lanfear was now grabbing her chin gently.
“There she is.” Lanfear spoke with a smile.
“Daughter Alessia.” Verin’s voice came. Alessia looked at the others entering the gate. She looked back where Lanfear was but the woman was already gone.
“Are you alright?” Moiraine’s voice came.
“Yes. I just. Yes.” Alessia spoke. She followed Moiraine last to the gate. Once she entered, she looked behind her again. Sure enough, Lanfear was watching her from a distance again before the gate closed as darkness took over her eyesight.

Alessia closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. Her heart was racing as was her mind. She had no idea that Lanfear would appear out of nowhere. Wondering how the sisters did not sense her. ‘Maybe she cloaked herself or something?’ Alessia asked herself as she bumped into someone. She stepped back to apologize but Moiraine only rubbed her shoulder.
“We’ll be in the city in a few hours. Maybe we should get some rest?” Moiraine asked. The others nodded in agreement. Setting the torches down in a circle. Alessia took a seat against a large pillar. Seeing the Blue Ajah sat down next to her. She felt safer. She felt something again in her chest. She wondered if it was Liandrin reaching out to her. She frowned. She hadn’t seen the Red Ajah in a while now. Wondering if Tarna Sedai had made contact yet. She needed to tell the older woman what happened. That Lanfear was now following her in the waking world. ‘Why would she risk it though? Why now?’ Alessia asked herself. She had so many questions that were burning inside. She had no one to ask about it. Well, maybe Moiraine.
“You seem distant.” Moiraine spoke. Alessia looked around. It seemed everyone was in their own little world at the moment.
“I thought I saw Lanfear.” Alessia whispered.
“Impossible. She isn’t free.” Moiraine spoke.
“What if she is?” Alessia asked.
“Then it is not safe for you anywhere.” Moiraine spoke with a worried look.
“It was never safe for me anywhere to begin with.” Alessia spoke. Moiraine nodded at this.
“Well, maybe it’s best for you to not be alone anytime or anywhere.” Moiraine spoke.
“I can’t have someone watching me all the time like I’m some child.” Alessia spoke with a frown.
“You are only an Accepted at the Tower right now. Your safety is a priority to us as is any Novice or Accepted.” Moiraine spoke. “We care about you and all the girls in the Tower.” The older woman added.
“Let us get going. Alanna’s voice carried over the group. Alessia stood up and grabbed her bag. Putting the strap over her shoulder as she followed the battle ajah down a narrow pathway.
“That should be it, up ahead.” Adeleas spoke as she pointed. Alessia looked up ahead and saw a guiding stone.
“We are here.” Verin spoke.
“Daughter Alessia. Want to open it?” Adeleas asked as she nodded with a smile.
“Remember how to do it?” Moiraine asked as Alessia smiled. Walking up to the gate and closing her eyes. Calling the power to her quickly. Feeling the weaves circle her arms rather quickly as she moved. Recreating the movements Moiraine had taught her a while back. She opened her eyes and saw the gate now opened. Hearing a screech in the distance. Though, the wind was too far away from them.
“Look at you! Even most of our sisters cannot open a waygate!” Adeleas spoke while patting Alessia’s shoulder. She smiled at the Brown Ajah before following out. She turned and waited as Moiraine and Lan were the last out before weaving again. Closing the gate with ease.
“There it is. The city of Andor.” Verin’s voice came. Alessia turned around and saw it. The city was large and had several red and gold banners across the walls.
“I’ve never been here before.” Alessia spoke with a smile. She was curious about the city and wanted to explore.
“Come. We are not far. We shall stay at a tavern tonight.” Alanna spoke over them. Alessia was looking around while being silent. The city was full of people rushing about to finish their day off. She stayed close to Moiraine. A flash of red caught her attention. Seeing the honey blonde hair as excitement rose in her. The Red Ajah looked around with a confused look.
“Liandrin Sedai!” Alessia nearly shouted. Seeing the woman turn around and gasp. Alessia ran up to her and hugged her. The hug was returned.
“Imagine running into a red sister.” Alanna spoke as Alessia pulled back.
“I have business in the city.” Liandrin spoke.
“What business is that?” Moiraine asked.
“Rumor of a male channeler.” Liandrin spoke. “Come. Another sister is at the house. The Tower was kind enough to buy for those who come and go through the city.” Liandrin spoke.
“Well, that saves us time.” Verin spoke. Alessia was the last to follow. She stopped and looked down an alleyway. She could sense something. She walked down it a little and stopped. Lanfear had come out of the shadows.
“Why are you following me?” Alessia asked.
“I wanted to see you outside of Tel’aran’rhiod.” Lanfear spoke as she was now inches away from Alessia. She looked around and frowned. The Aes Sedai were already gone. Leaving her behind. Feeling her chin grabbed as Alessia looked back into the dark eyes.
“Did you not want to see me? I thought we had something. Pity.” Lanfear spoke as she made a pouting face.
“What are you talking about?” Alessia asked as she was cut off. Lanfear took full advantage of this and kissed her. Alessia was shocked at this. Those lips. They felt familiar. But how?