You're not alone

Chapter 16 - Visitors

Alanna and her Warders have found Moiraine and Lan. But why are they in Cairhien?

Anvaere narrowed her eyes warily at the intruder when she heard she was searching for her sister. Suddenly, she was glad Moiraine was still out in the village with Lan. "Who are you?"

Eliza hissed at Anvaere's sharp words, but the stranger smiled politely. "That was rude of me. My name is Alanna Sedai, Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah."

"It is an honor to have you here, Alanna Sedai," Eliza said, taking another bow, but Alanna's eyes were locked with Anvaere's. "My name is Eliza, and this is Anvaere."

The oldest Damodred sister had still not bowed like it was expected, and Alanna did notice the arrogant look in the other woman's eyes.

"Is that what they teach in Tar Valon? – To break into someone's house? Because I can't remember putting up a sign, inviting strangers into my house by promising them I'd have rooms to rent."

Eliza looked like she wanted to rip Anvaere's head off. How could she be so stupid? It was dangerous to anger an Aes Sedai.

Alanna's smile started to sway. "The front door stood open. If you don't want any strangers entering your house, keep it closed. I'm sure your husband would agree."

"My husband?" The Cairhien woman snorted. "This is my house, and I can be very persuasive when it comes to throwing out unwanted guests."

Suddenly, Alanna's smile vanished from her lips, and she stepped into the room. "Throwing out unwanted guests? Does that include me?" Her fingers moved restlessly, which didn't go unnoticed by Eliza.

The older woman couldn't see the Green Sister weaving Saidar but knew what the powerful woman before her could do to them. When Anvaere opened her mouth – no doubt to tell the Aes Sedai to leave her house – Eliza stepped beside her friend and squeezed her arm to keep her from talking. "Of course not. Forgive her, Alanna Sedai. It had been a horrible night for us, and she didn't get much sleep."

Alanna took a deep breath, then nodded. Her fingers came to a halt. "We all have bad days. I forgive you."

"Thank you, Aes Sedai."

"I don't mean to keep you occupied. I came here because I was told Moiraine Sedai would be living here. So, if you could tell me where I can find my sister, I will-"

"She is not your sister!" Anvaere shot daggers at the Aes Sedai. How did this woman dare call Moiraine her sister?! They were both Aes Sedai, and that was it! They weren't related by blood! They weren't a family!

Two men entered the common room – where had they been coming from?! – both wearing a color-shifting cloak. They couldn't be more different. The one on the right had white skin and blonde hair, while the one on the left had dark skin and no hair.

The blonde man opened his mouth, but Alanna silenced him by lifting her hand. She studied Anvaere curiously. "You're a Damodred."

"My name is Anvaere Damodred! And Moiraine is NOT your sister!"

The man with the dark skin clicked angrily with his tongue. He didn't seem to like Anvaere's tone. But Alanna didn't care anymore. She finally understood where Anvaere's anger was coming from, and her face softened. "I apologize. I didn't mean to...." Alanna saw that an apology wouldn't help. This woman before her was furious, and not even the other older woman seemed able to calm her. Sighing, the woman of the Green Ajah said, "We'll leave your house. But I would appreciate it if you could give Moiraine a message from me. We made camp in the forest, and-"