Chapter Text
In all her life, Moiraine Damodred had never considered she would come here; at least not as anything but a member of her uncle's delegation.
The gleaming spire of the Tower pierced the sky, drawing Moiraine forwards like a lodestone. With each step, the weight of her noble heritage and the expectations of House Damodred pressed upon her slender shoulders, yet she strode ahead with her head held high. The Tower called to her, whispered of a greater purpose that, unfortunately, did not transcend bloodlines and birthrights, but, by the Creator, she was here.
Tar Valon.
The White Tower; the Beacon of Light, in more ways than one.
Behind her, the carriage that brought her thus far was retreating, leaving her all alone in front of the looming building. For the first time in her life, she felt almost free. Here, standing in front of the Tower, she realised that maybe… just maybe she had the chance to be something other than what Uncle Laman had in store for her.
As much as she loved her country, there was no denying that she had never fit in with her family; or their friends. She couldn't help but feel lucky she could channel. At least now, distance was creating an invisible barrier between them and her; she was not untouchable, not by a long shot. But she was and would be for quite some time, a stranger amongst strangers.
Small feet stepped on the cobblestone street, the clink of the heel of her ornate shoes echoing around her, without getting lost in the bustling City sounds. She adjusted the strap of her small travelling leather bag, her only possession now, and approached the towering gates. As she neared, Moiraine noticed another young woman arriving, her dark curly hair whipping in the breeze. The newcomer's stride was confident, almost defiant, and Moiraine found herself intrigued despite her usual reserved nature. The girl turned and cast a curious look at Moiraine— and the future Blue felt all the air disappear from her lungs. She was not so prude as to not be able to appreciate beauty... fine. She was, but that girl had the most beautiful eyes she had seen in her entire life— they were the colour of the Avendesora sapling the Aiel had gifted her people; the tree she would often lay under, dreaming of different lives, of different turnings of the Wheel. She thought she could get lost in those eyes, the—
The massive doors swung open, revealing a serious-looking Aes Sedai in a blue-fringed shawl. “Names,” she demanded, her gaze sweeping over both girls.
“Moiraine Damodred,” she replied, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest. She'd practised this moment countless times, but she still felt out of place; she felt small.
The dark-haired girl spoke next, her voice laced with a strong Tairen accent. “Siuan Sanche,” she said, chin lifted in a subtle challenge.
Moiraine's eyes widened slightly at the name. Sanche wasn't a noble house she recognised, yet this Siuan carried herself with undeniable confidence despite her filthy skin and shoeless feet. The Aes Sedai nodded curtly, gesturing for them to enter. As they crossed the threshold, Moiraine felt a prickle along her skin as if crossing an invisible barrier. The bustling sounds of Tar Valon faded, replaced by the hushed whispers of novices Accepted and the soft rustle of Aes Sedai gliding through corridors.
“Follow me,” the Blue sister instructed, leading them through a maze of white stone hallways. Moiraine's careful steps echoed softly as she followed the Aes Sedai, her eyes darting to take in every detail of her new surroundings. The corridors seemed to stretch endlessly, each turn revealing new wonders that both awed and intimidated her. She was acutely aware of Siuan's presence behind her, the other girl's footsteps steady and sure.
As they walked, Moiraine's mind raced. She had left behind everything she knew- the intrigues of the Sun Palace, the expectations of her family, the carefully crafted persona she had worn like armour. Yet, she could still feel her Uncle’s gaze, as if he was observing her from afar; she could still hear his words in the back of her mind, whispered in her ear, his breath smelling of Cairhienin white wine; “I’ll be watching your progress, little one. I have high expectations of you.”
The Aes Sedai led them to a small, austere room. “You will wait here,” she said, her tone brooking no argument. “Someone will come to test your aptitude shortly.” With that, she turned and left, the door closing behind her with a soft click.
Moiraine stood still for a moment, unsure of what to do next. She should have known how to behave. How to keep her head up, and her chin forward. Mother’s milk in a cup! She felt like a child. The Cairhienin was sixteen years old. She should have known better. In a desperate attempt to calm her nerves, she glanced at Siuan, who had already made herself comfortable on one of the room's adorned wooden armchairs, her form so foreign in the ornate stone carvings, her rugged clothes contrasting her confident appearance.
Moiraine hesitated, then gracefully lowered herself onto the chair opposite Siuan. The silence stretched between them, awkward and brittle, charged with nervous anticipation. She felt something pulling at her, guiding her towards the girl sat in front of her- no. It was all in her mind. Surely. Moiraine's fingers absently traced the intricate patterns on the armrest, her mind buzzing with her Uncle’s invisible bloody presence. She could sense a headache approaching, and she brought a hand to her eyes, rubbing them gracefully, whilst actively trying to stop her jaw from clenching.
“Can you repeat your name? I think I forgot it,” said Siuan. The young Tairen’s name seemed etched into Moiraine’s brain, without her even taking notice.
“Moiraine D—” the noblewoman swallowed, “I am Moiraine.”
“I am Siuan.” The girl extended her hand for Moiraine to shake, and the Sun Palace’s daughter was momentarily taken aback at Siuan’s gesture. The girl appeared to be well-mannered, despite her (obvious) lowly upbringing. For a moment, she couldn't help but envy that. She had never thought she'd want a... simpler life; but at least, as a merchant's daughter, or as a miner's aid, she'd be free. Albeit hungry.
Moiraine hesitated again, then reached out to grasp Siuan's hand. The contact sent a subtle jolt through her, and she found herself captivated by the strength in Siuan's grip; there were calluses in her otherwise soft hands, and an unworldly warmth enveloped Moiraine. “It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” she said softly, her noble upbringing evident in her measured tone. She withdrew her hand, folding it neatly in her lap. “Have you... travelled far to reach the Tower?”
Siuan nodded, a hint of pride colouring her voice. “All the way from Tear. It was a long journey, but worth every mile.” Her eyes sparkled with something akin to determination. “And you? Where do you hail from?”
“Cairhien,” she replied, and kept her answer short. At that moment, she did not want to be Laman Damodred’s heir— she didn’t even want to be her father’s daughter. She just wanted to be Moiraine, a novice in the White Tower. She tried to forget her background, she tried to forget her father's kiss as she got into the carriage back home, she tried to forget Niande Sedai’s austere gaze as she departed for Tar Valon.
Siuan's eyebrows raised slightly at Moiraine's terse response, but she didn't press further. Instead, she leant back in her chair, her posture relaxed despite the ornate surroundings. “Well, Moiraine, we Tairens really hate the Cairhienins.”
“Most Cairhienins really hate the Tairens as well.” Moiraine smiled cryptically, her face porcelain-like, as always, but her eyes were kind as she gazed at Siuan.
“But not you?” Siuan’s tone was teasing, her voice low-pitched, as if she was toying with Moiraine.
“I believe there’s good and evil in everyone. No matter where they're from. It’s true that Cairhienins are cunning, but not all of us are bad.”
Siuan's eyes twinkled with amusement. By the Light! The Tairen was so beautiful. “No,” said the dark-skinned girl, her eyes thoughtful and a bit appreciative— she leant forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I don’t believe you are… Sister.”
Moiraine felt a flutter in her chest at Siuan's words. Sister. The concept was foreign to her, raised as she was in the cutthroat world of Cairhienin nobility. Yet something about Siuan's frank openness drew her in, like a small scratch that made her want to lower her carefully constructed walls. Anticipation flared around her again... what could she possibly be waiting for? What was there to bloody anticipate?
“Sisters,” Moiraine replied softly, testing the word on her tongue. She allowed a small smile to grace her features. “I believe that’s what we are… or what we will be.”
The door swung open abruptly, startling both girls. An Aes Sedai with a yellow-fringed shawl entered, her ageless face impassive as she surveyed the room. “Moiraine," she called, her voice crisp and authoritative. “You're first for testing.”
Moiraine rose gracefully, smoothing her skirts with practised ease. She cast one last glance at Siuan, who gave her an encouraging nod. Drawing a deep breath, Moiraine followed the Yellow sister out of the room.
The Aes Sedai led her through winding corridors, their footsteps echoing softly around them, the heel of her shoes shrieking against the polished stone floors. Moiraine's heart raced, but she kept her face carefully composed, channelling years of noble training into a mask of calm. She knew how to appear serene. How to hide her anxiety and nerves. Given her time spent at the Sun Palace, it would be weird if she didn't.
They entered a small, circular room lit by softly glowing lamps. In the centre stood a simple wooden table, upon which rested a delicate silver chalice. The Yellow sister gestured for Moiraine to approach. “Have you channelled before, child?”
“I have, Aes Sedai.” She gulped, and hoped the woman didn't notice.
“This test will determine your potential strength in the One Power,” she explained, her voice neutral. “This is an angreal. Place your hands on either side of it and focus your attention on the water within. Use whatever weaves you know. I won't use Saidar to drive you in.”
Moiraine stepped forward, her movements measured and deliberate. As she reached for the chalice, she felt a faint tremor in her hands. She willed them steady, drawing on every ounce of composure instilled by years of noble training. Get a grip, you fool.
The silver was cool beneath her fingertips. Moiraine gazed into the still water, its surface reflecting the softly flickering lamplight. She took a deep breath, centring herself as she'd been taught in preparation for this moment. Niande Sedai had explained how this would work, had told her what would happen. The weave placed on the chalice by the Yellow Sister was making it hard for Moiraine to channel into it. There was a resistance emitting from the metal, her inquisitory weaves bouncing off the goblet.
At first, nothing happened. Moiraine's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of doubt creeping into her mind. Then, almost imperceptibly, she felt... something. A whisper, a tingle at the edge of her awareness. The water in the chalice began to ripple, tiny waves lapping at the silver sides.
The Yellow sister's eyebrows rose fractionally. “Very good,” she murmured, her voice still neutral, yet laced with the tiniest bit of pride. “When you’re ready, increase the flow of your weaves if you can. I'll shield you if you start to lose control.”
Moiraine nodded slightly, her focus unwavering. She closed her eyes, reaching deeper within herself, searching for that elusive wellspring of power. The urge to let herself go got stronger by the second, the One Power embracing her, coursing through her like a river overflowing with the first snow melt in new spring. The water in the chalice began to swirl, faster and faster, defying gravity as it climbed the sides of the cup. Moiraine's fingers tightened on the metal, her knuckles whitening with the effort, but she was otherwise unfazed by the test.
Suddenly, the water burst upward in a glittering fountain, suspended in mid-air for a breathless moment before cascading back down, drenching her hair and her delicate dress. Moiraine's eyes flew open in surprise, her chest heaving with exertion. Oh! If only her father could see her now! To the Aes Sedai in the room, Moiraine must have seemed like a kitten thrown in a barrel of water, her mouth gaping, hair clinging to her face.
The Yellow sister's face tried to appear impassive, but there was a new glint of interest in her eyes. “Light," she said, her tone not-so-carefully measured any more. “It’s been years since we had a channeller this strong come to us. You’ll make an impressive Aes Sedai, child."
Moiraine's hands trembled slightly as she let go, the aftereffects of channelling such power coursing through her. She took a steadying breath, willing her racing heart to slow. Despite her drenched appearance, she straightened her spine, lifting her chin high.
“Thank you, Aes Sedai,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. The Yellow sister nodded, a hint of approval in her eyes.
“Let us return to the Mistress of Novices’ room,” the Aes Sedai uttered, “The other girl needs to be tested as well.” Moiraine followed the Yellow sister back through the winding corridors, her soaked dress clinging uncomfortably to her skin. She fought the urge to wring out her hair or adjust her clothing, maintaining her composure despite her bedraggled state. As they approached the waiting room, Moiraine's thoughts drifted to Siuan. Would the Tairen girl show as much potential? A small part of her hoped so, though she quickly quashed that sentiment, chiding herself for such intrusive thoughts.
The Yellow sister opened the door, revealing Siuan still seated in the ornate chair, her posture relaxed but alert. The Tairen's eyes widened slightly at Moiraine's drenched appearance, curiosity and concern flashing across her features.
“Siuan Sanche,” the Aes Sedai called, her tone brooking no argument. “Your turn.”
Siuan rose smoothly, casting one last glance at Moiraine before following the Yellow sister out of the room. As the door closed behind them, Moiraine let out a small sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly now that she was alone. She moved to the chair she occupied before, her sodden dress leaving a damp imprint on the ornate upholstery. She closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment of vulnerability.
She had channelled— truly channelled; not like how she had in the Sun Palace. This… this was no parlour trick. She had felt the Power enveloping her, burning through her veins, embracing her in a way she never thought possible. She finally understood now, why people said that once you had tasted the Power there was no life without it. The Yellow sister's words echoed in her mind: "It's been years since we had a channeller this strong come to us." Pride mingled with apprehension in her chest. Such power would undoubtedly draw attention, both welcome and unwelcome. She was certain her uncle would find out about her true potential— and that scared her; it shook her to her core. She pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the immediate present. Her skin prickled with gooseflesh from her damp clothing, and she shivered slightly.
With practised ease, Moiraine smoothed her features into a mask of calm composure. She may be soaked to the bone, but she would not allow herself to drift into helplessness. Moiraine sat quietly, her damp clothes clinging uncomfortably as she waited for Siuan's return. She tried to focus on regaining her composure, but her mind kept drifting to Cairhien, and what expected her there upon her return; Moiraine was a lot of things, but stupid was certainly not one of them. She knew she’d return there eventually. She knew for a fact that she would never be able to escape her family, nor the life they had prepared for her there.
The door creaked open, breaking Moiraine from her reverie. Siuan entered, her dark curls dripping and her simple dress clinging to her form. Despite her sodden state, the Tairen girl's eyes shone with an unmistakable fire.
“Light, that was something,” Siuan breathed, a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. She flopped unceremoniously into the chair across from Moiraine, water pooling at her feet. “I see we both didn’t escape bath time?”
Moiraine's eyebrows rose slightly at Siuan's casual demeanour; and she laughed. By the Creator, Moiraine laughed and Siuan’s cheeks turned pink at the sound. “I take it your test went well?” she inquired after a beat, her voice carefully neutral despite the curl of her lips.
Siuan nodded vigorously, sending droplets flying. “Never felt anything like it,” she said, her voice low with awe. “It was like... like being caught in a riptide, but instead of drowning, you become the ocean itself.” She paused, studying Moiraine's face. “You felt it too, didn't you?”
Moiraine hesitated, unused to such open discussion of personal experiences. But something in Siuan's earnest gaze compelled her to respond. “Yes,” she admitted softly. “It was... overwhelming. Like touching something infinite.”
Siuan nodded eagerly. “Exactly! Light, I never imagined...” She trailed off, her eyes distant for a moment before refocusing on Moiraine. “The Aes Sedai, she seemed impressed. Said something about potential.”
Moiraine felt a twisted kind of kinship with this girl from Tear. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, she felt like a kindred spirit… like they were bound by an invisible string. “She said that to me as well,” Moiraine confessed, allowing a small smile to grace her features.
Before either could speak further, the door swung open once more. A Blue austere-looking Sister entered the room, her ageless face impassive, yet her eyes were curious as she took the two girls in.
“You must be Siuan,” said the woman, eyeing the Tairen girl from head to toe, focusing on her torn, dirty clothes, her expression turning almost sour. She decided, unwisely, to keep that expression on as she turned to Moiraine, only to be met with a steel gaze.
The Cairhienin knew, from first-hand experience, what it meant to be ignored or looked down on— she knew how it felt like, and even though she did not trust Siuan… she liked her. Invisible strings were pulling her towards her, and subconsciously, her gaze hardened as she looked at the Aes Sedai in Blue.
“And… you must be Moiraine. Niande Sedai has told me a lot about you,” she took a beat, observing Moiraine’s cold gaze, her lips curling into a small, almost innocent smirk. “How is your uncle, child?”
Moiraine froze, her eyes widening as a cold chill ran through her body, as if she was dunked in the Erinin during mid-winter. Her calm mask returned to its place quickly, but to a keen eye, it was obvious that the Aes Sedai’s question had shaken her. “He is in perfect health and spirit, Aes Sedai,” said Moiraine, her voice strained yet casual— years of Daes Dae’mar preparing her for such occasions.
The Aes Sedai in front of them took a seat at her desk, still eyeing the two girls, as if trying to decipher all of their secrets. “I am the Mistress of Novices— Merean Sedai. I am in charge of the welfare of our novices and Accepted. I am responsible for all matters of discipline and penance. I am the person to give you punishments, and I am the person to seek out should you need a shoulder to cry on.” Both girls looked at each other briefly before nodding. “Now, I have been informed by Antraeya Sedai that both of you are very strong in the One Power; equals in it, really.”
Moiraine felt that string pull again as her eyes returned to the dark-skinned girl, only to find Siuan’s gaze stuck on her, her eyes presumably focused on the drops of water that fell from her hair onto her cleavage. Merean Sedai continued, her gaze intense. ”You both show immense potential. But potential alone is not enough. You must learn to harness and control your abilities, to wield them with precision and purpose. The path of an Aes Sedai is not an easy one.” If she took notice of the future Aes Sedai staring at each other, she didn’t mention it.
Moiraine nodded solemnly, her noble upbringing lending gravity to the gesture. “I understand, Merean Sedai. I am prepared to dedicate myself fully to my studies.”
Siuan spoke up, her voice steady despite her humble attire. “As am I. I didn't come all this way to shy away from hard work.”
A hint of approval gleamed in Merean Sedai's eyes, but only a hint. “Good. You will need that determination in the years to come.” She stood, smoothing her skirts. “You will be assigned rooms in the novice quarters. Your chores begin at dawn, and your lessons are later on in the day. I expect punctuality and diligence. Life in the tower is not easy, at least not at first. You, girls, would do good to stick together,” a beat, “Elaida is waiting for you outside, she’ll show you to your rooms. Dinner’s at seven; don’t be late if you do not wish to go to bed with an empty stomach.”
Moiraine and Siuan rose from their chairs, both girls nodding respectfully to the Aes Sedai. “Thank you, Merean Sedai. We will not disappoint you,” Moiraine said, her voice steady.
Before dismissing them, the woman in Blue opened up a heavy looking book, and turned it towards them. Depositing the quill in her hand on the open book, she motioned the girls closer, her eyes expectant. “Go ahead. Write down your names.”
And just like that, Moiraine's and Siuan's name were written side by side on the Book of Novices.
Exiting the room, Siuan leaned close to Moiraine, whispering conspiratorially. “Light, she's a stern one, isn't she? I thought she might bore holes through us with that stare.”
Despite herself, Moiraine felt a smile tug at her lips. Siuan's irreverent attitude was refreshing after the suffocating formality of the Aes Sedai. “She takes her role seriously,” Moiraine replied softly, “as she should. Being in charge of novices and Accepted is, surely, no small task.”
Siuan grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, I hope she's prepared for us. We're going to shake things up around here, you and I.”
Moiraine raised an eyebrow, surprised at Siuan's words, “How so?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Before Moiraine could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air. “You two, follow me," An Accepted said brusquely, Elaida, Moiraine presumed, as she turned on her heel. Moiraine and Siuan exchanged a quick glance before hurrying after the future Red sister. Their sodden skirts clung to their legs as they walked, the fabric heavy and uncomfortable. Elaida led them through a maze of corridors, her pace brisk and purposeful.
As they walked, Moiraine found her thoughts drifting to the girl beside her. Siuan moved with an easy grace despite her humble attire, her dark curls bouncing with each step. There was a vitality to her, an energy that Moiraine found both intriguing and slightly unnerving. She wasn't used to such open, unbridled spirits. She moved as if she owned the place, yet there was a slight humility to the way the Tairen carried herself. Moiraine was transfixed.
Elaida suddenly came to an abrupt stop, and the Cairhienin would have fallen onto her if it weren't for Siuan’s quick reflexes— she stopped her collision with Elaida with a well-placed hand in front of her.
“Those,” Elaida said, pointing at the two doors at the corridor's end, her gaze fixed straight ahead with minimal attention to the girls, “are your rooms.” The black-haired Accepted turned to face the two novices, her expression a mix of coldness and curiosity as she surveyed Moiraine. There was a faint spark of interest in her eyes for the noblewoman, before she shifted an almost indifferent glance to Siuan. “Further down the corridor, on both sides, are the novices baths. Chamberpots are under your beds.” She paused, casting a disdainful look at Siuan. “You should bathe before dinner,” she sniffed, “You smell bad.”
Siuan's eyes narrowed at Elaida's comment, her posture stiffening. But before she could retort, Moiraine placed a gentle hand on her arm, a silent plea for restraint. Siuan glanced at Moiraine, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before she relaxed slightly, giving the noblewoman an almost imperceptible nod.
Elaida, seemingly oblivious to the exchange, continued her instructions. "There are two sets of dresses in your wardrobes. Change into them before coming down for dinner.” She fixed them both with a stern look. “Tardiness will not be tolerated. Either you come to dinner or not.” With that, the Accepted turned on her heel and strode away, leaving Moiraine and Siuan alone in the corridor. For a moment, neither spoke, the weight of their new reality settling upon them.
“What a sunny personality,” said Siuan, the first to break the silence. Moiraine scrunched her nose instead of a reply.
“For what it’s worth, I do not think you smell bad— just… faintly of the sea,” said Moiraine, a small smile on her face. She was suddenly feeling shy, and inexplicably so.
Siuan laughed, her melodic laughter echoing on the stone walls, “Well, I suppose that’s just my natural odour.”
Moiraine smiled softly at Siuan's words, feeling a warmth blossom in her chest despite the chill of her damp clothing. There it was again... anticipation. “The Sea... it suits you,” she murmured, almost to herself. She cleared her throat gently, straightening her posture. “We should get settled in our rooms. Elaida was right about one thing— we'll want to be presentable for dinner.”
Siuan nodded, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Yes, can't have the other Novices thinking we're a couple of drowned rats on our very first night.” She winked at Moiraine before turning towards her assigned room. “Shall we meet her at six thirty? If we’re to get lost on our way to the dining hall, we might as well get lost together.”
“Yes,” said Moiraine still smiling softly, “let’s.” Moiraine watched Siuan disappear into her room, a curious mix of emotions swirling within her. She shook her head slightly, pushing them aside as she entered her own chamber— the chamber next to Siuan’s.