The Wheel Turned

Chapter Eleven: Acceptance

There stood tall three arches in the center of the room as it was cold. There was a small fountain against the wall near the only entrance and exit of the room. Alessia felt her heart beat going rather fast. She was nervous and scared at the same time. Where her Novice friends failed their tests and one ran away. Alessia couldn't help but feel bad for them right now. What if she passed? Then maybe they wouldn't have gone in vain? Or what if she failed? Then Moiraine would be upset about losing the Dragon she searched for so long for. She felt like she was going to be doing this for them. She looked over her shoulder to see Liandrin still looking worried as did Lillen. Alanna however was smiling at her. Sheriam still had an emotionless face on.
"What are they?" Alessia asked. They were sitting on silver like rings from the ground.
"They are called Ter'angreal. There are many like them all over the world." Liandrin spoke. Alessia was looking at the arches again.
"They were made before the Breaking of the World. Many Aes Sedai had died trying to figure out what they were." Sheriam spoke.
"Then why are they here?" Alessia asked.
"These ones we know how to use." Lillen spoke softly. Alessia's eyes met the dark brown ones. "These ones will show you your fears and you must face them." The woman added.
"The burdens are yours to bear. You must only take the test for yourself if you truly want to be an Aes Sedai. Not for anyone else or you will fail." Liandrin then spoke. So, she would have to do this for herself. Not for anyone else. She had never thought her path would lead down to become an Aes Sedai. Did she want to become one? Yes. She wanted to do this. She needed to do this.
"The way comes but once." Sheriam spoke. "You may refuse the test twice. The third time you will be thrown out of the Tower with enough silver for a year. You also cannot channel once you enter." Sheriam added. Alessia turned back to look at the arches. 'Was this going to be worth it?' She thought. 'I'm the Dragon. I have to do this.' Alessia then spoke to herself. It was her destiny after all to become an Aes Sedai. She was going to prove that. Lead the people into a new era like Moiraine had told her. She knew the woman wasn't lying due to the oaths all Aes Sedai had to take once they took up the shawl. She took a deep breath again. Praying to the Light to protect and keep her safe.
"Undress her." Sheriam's voice spoke. Alessia felt gentle fingers unzipping her dress from behind as Lillen stood in front of her. Sliding the dress off her shoulders. Alessia looked into the brown eyes and blushed. Lillen gave her that gentle smile as Alessia fought hard not to smile at her. Liandrin took her dress and boots. She was now in her under gown. Her feet were bare now standing on the cold stone.
"Do you have any more questions?" Alanna's voice came. Alessia shook her head. She did in fact but she wanted to do this. Get it done any over with but she was afraid to keep asking questions because of her being a natural curious person.
"Your first will be what was. The way comes but once." Sheriam spoke. Alessia watched the four sisters channel and link with Sheriam as she channeled the first arch. Alessia could see it shimmering. Alessia looked back over her shoulder. Liandrin nodded at her. Lillen was still worried but then she gave a small encouraging smile. Alessia looked back and took a deep breath. Closing her eyes for a moment before opening them again. She walked forward and entered the first arch.

"Alessia! Wake up!" A woman's voice spoke as she snapped up from the bed. She yawned and stretched her arms as she looked around the room. She was in her bedroom when she was a child. She looked into a mirror and saw a child's face that she hadn't seen in so many years. She looked around the room and sighed a little.
"Come along dear! We have a dinner party to go to. Your friend is waiting." The woman spoke.
"Coming mama!" Alessia's child-like voice spoke as she grunted while touching her throat. It was a high pitched sound. She changed into clothes and ran out of the room and saw two people she did not know. They didn't look like her parents.
"My dear, are you alright?" The woman asked as Alessia nodded her head. Feeling the woman brush her hair and put it up.
"Happy third name day my dear!" A man's voice spoke as he kissed her head.
"Tank you papa." She spoke while giggling. There was a knock on the door as the man went to answer it.
"Ah! Ishamael! Glad you could make it!" The man spoke.
"Isha! Isha!" Alessia shouted as she ran up to him.
"Hello little one!" Ishamael chuckled while picking her up. She patted his cheeks with a giggle. "She's not afraid of me?" Ishamael asked as the woman shook her head.
"Not at all. She likes you all." The woman spoke. Alessia was set back down as she looked behind the man and saw two women standing behind him. One was looking down to the ground and the other one was tall and proud. Walking up to Ishamael.
"May I introduce Lanfear Sedai. Newly raised to the shawl. Many say she is talented in the One Power. This is Lillen Moiral. She is a newly raised Accepted. She is going to be the youngest Aes Sedai in a long time." Ishamael spoke as the silent one gave them a bow. Alessia was curious about her. Kept her eyes on the woman as they entered another room. There were other guests there already. The table being filled.
"Why you quiet?" Alessia asked as she leaned against the woman. Lillen smiled at and only patted her shoulder before walking away. She wasn't going to take the silence. She followed the woman. Watching her grab a book and sit down. Alessia crawled onto the couch and plopped down right next to her.
"I see she likes you." Her father spoke.
"She's odd then. No one likes me." Lillen spoke while not looking from the book.
"Everyone likes someone. She likes you." Her father added.
"Very well. Would you like a story?" Lillen asked as she had this evil smirk on her face now. Alessia nodded her head quickly.