The Wheel Turned

Chapter Twenty-One: The Amyrlin's Trial

"Come on!" Lillen spoke as she hopped off the bed and went through Alessia's wardrobe. Grabbing her gown and a change of clothes.
"Someone is excited." Alessia spoke with a smile. Lillen was still smirking as she nodded her head.
"Oh, I lost my journal." Alessia then spoke with a frown.
"No. Sister Latra found it and brought it here. I have it in my room." Lillen spoke. Alessia's eyes went wide as she smiled. Grabbing her clothes from Lillen as she followed the older woman out of her room. Hearing voices about the Tower. She stayed close to Lillen as eyes were watching her. She felt uneasy about this. Knowing Lillen could feel her. Her hand was now taken and squeezed. She smiled at this and followed. Being led away from the Accepted part of the Tower and up the stairs to another side. She was now on the Science floor as she was looking around again. Seeing the large circular room where they gathered to share knowledge.
"It's Alessia." A voice spoke. They both stopped. Lanfear came up to them and cupped her cheek. She raised a brow at the Taller woman. "Come to listen to the events of the day here?" She asked.
"She's coming with me." Lillen spoke.
"Why do you waste your time with sister Lillen? You could be learning so much from me." Lanfear spoke as she traced a fingertip across Alessia's jawline.
"Lanfear Sedai. I appreciate it. Lillen did save my life. Twice. I owe her." Alessia spoke.
"Ah. I see. That is understandable. Come find me once you tire of her." Lanfear spoke. She had this smile on her face as she pocketed her hands and walked away. Alessia could feel Lillen's sadness. She gently nudged Lillen as they made their way towards her room. Other sisters were stopping them just to chat with Alessia. She sighed and moved away from everyone. Lillen included. She felt watched and she didn't like it.
"Alessia?" Lillen's voice carried over. There was hurt in her voice. She looked over her shoulder and motioned for her to follow. She did. Sighing in relief at this as she took Lillen's hand into her own again. Leading her down the stairs this time.
"I'm sorry." Alessia spoke as they made their way to the bottom of the stairs. Feeling the wall and found the loosened brick and pushed it. Looking over her shoulder to make sure they weren't followed. Lillen went inside and pulled Alessia with her.
"Why did you say those things?" Lillen asked with a frown. Alessia had set her clothes down on a chair.
"Well, you did save my life twice. I do owe you but my feelings are still true for you." Alessia spoke. Feeling arms snake around her middle from the front. Their eyes were locked as she could just stare into the dark eyes forever. Their foreheads rested against each other. The sun was gone as the moon was now rising. She had gone without lunch and dinner as her stomach growled. Lillen chuckled a little.
"You tried to tell us something before you woke up a while back. What did you want to tell us?" Lillen then asked. Alessia blushed as this and moved from her. "My Dragon?" Lillen asked. Grabbing her chin. Alessia looked into her eyes and smiled.
"I love you, Lillen." Alessia spoke. Lillen smiled and leaned in. Kissing her deeply.
"I love you, my Dragon." Lillen spoke. Alessia couldn't help but smile at this. Her heart was soaring from those words.
"That is going to take time getting used to hearing." She spoke while stepping back.

She had finished eating the plate of food she had received before setting the dishes to the side. She would take them to the kitchen tomorrow along the way to Latra Sedai who wanted to see her first thing in the morning. Lillen was running her fingers through Alessia's hair. Her fingers were long and gentle. Alessia closed her eyes and leaned back a little. Enjoying the touch she received. Her hair was down and brushed as Lillen was twisting her hair gently around her fingers. Enjoying their time together. Alessia remembered the first time she was alone with Lillen in this room. She blushed at the thought as Lillen cupped her cheek and smiled.
"I felt that. What are you thinking about?" Lillen asked.
"Our first time together, here." Alessia spoke. Lillen smiled again. Kissing her forehead.
"I remember. There will be more times like that." She spoke softly.
"Good. I need more time with you and Liandrin." Alessia spoke. To strengthen their bond after all. She was wondering how they were going to do this now that her identity was out.
"Come. Time to sleep." Lillen spoke as she yawned. Alessia nodded her head and grabbed her gown. Changing into her gown as she set aside her dress. Seeing Lillen already changed and in bed waiting for her. Alessia quickly walked over and crawled under the covers. The blanket was still covering her head as she laid down. Lillen smiled and slowly pulled the covers off her head before kissing her head. Alessia scooted closed and snuggled up against the older woman. Sliding her arm around Lillen's middle and getting comfortable. She heard a giggle from Lillen. She looked up and smiled. Leaning in to give her a kiss before lying back down.
"Tell me what to expect tomorrow?" Alessia asked. Feeling Lillen's arm wrapped around her shoulder.
"Well. After lunch, we are going to the Tower Hall. Once everyone is in there and ready, you will be there as well as Moiraine. Liandrin, I am not sure. She might be since she is tied to you." Lillen spoke. Alessia rested her hand on Lillen's chest. The older woman's eyes met hers and smiled. Gently petting Alessia's forehead before continuing. "We are going to ask her questions and what not. We will decide if she is fit to still lead us or not." Lillen spoke.
"Wait. I never wanted anyone to get into trouble." Alessia spoke with a frown. Feeling her chin held and gently squeezed.
"It is not your fault. They made their bed. Now we decide if they lay into it or not. Hiding you was a great offense to us. To all of us." Lillen spoke. Alessia sighed a little. She never wanted this to happen. She never wanted to be the Dragon. The Wheel was the cause of all of this.
"I told Moiraine over and over that I wanted to tell my friends and those I care about." Alessia spoke. Feeling her cheek caressed.
"So, you wanted to tell Liandrin and I?" Lillen asked. Alessia nodded her head at this.
"Yes. How could I not? You deserved to know. I want to have no secrets between us." Alessia spoke. Lillen only smiled and nodded at this.
"Get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow." Lillen spoke. She slid her arm across Lillen's middle again. Pulling her close and curled up. Holding her favorite Science ajah close in her arms before falling asleep.