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Chapter Text

Siuan's POV

Siuan knew this day would come. It would come for all Aes Sedai, as each needed a warder. As she stood in the open, tree lined courtyard of the White Tower on a humid day, she observed her sisters, with a particularly watchful eye on Moiraine. Moiraine wore a blue dress with a lace, fitted, top and a mid-calf flowy bottom. She was standing next to a young man wearing a wrap around gray outfit, both were deep in conversation. The man, Lan, would become her Warder today. Moiraine was not the only Sister being paired off today, this ceremony, held each season, would result in roughly a dozen Aes Sedai being paired off.

Siuan knew Moiraine better than everyone and knew that having a Warder would greatly benefit Moiraine. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. It was a feeling she wasn’t expecting, and it confused her. She was not jealous of Moiraine, as she had plenty of opportunities to choose a Warder for herself (all of which she passed on), but still, her heart was heavy. She was thinking of all the adventures she and Moiraine had gotten up to – sneaking into the kitchen to bake a cake, running out to the water for a midnight swim, pranking their other sisters – there were too many to count. She did not want to lose that close bond and worried that Lan would be her replacement.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she approached the punch table, filled with a variety of different fruit infused drinks. “You’re sure you don’t want a Warder”, she hears a voice from her left say, “it’s odd for a woman of your age to still be without one.”, continues the voice, dripping with sarcasm.

Siuan turns, and sees Liandrin looking at her with a smirk. “My time will come, Liandrin, I have much more important things to focus on.” Siuan replies, thinking about the advanced training she has taken on in hopes of becoming more powerful.

“Hmph. Just something to keep in mind, all of the best Warders may be taken in time” says Liandrin bluntly. “- oh looks like they are getting started”. Both women turn to the center of the courtyard, where a gazebo with a flowered top has been placed.

The Amyrlin Seat, the most powerful Aes Sedai, is getting ready to speak. “Ladies, today we join in celebration to support our fellow Sisters and their chosen Warders” she motions to the dozen Aes Sedai and their eventual Warders, who are standing to her right. Each person appears to be in their early 20s.

“I trust in the wisdom of the Aes Sedai standing here today and am confident these men will be a great asset not only to their Aes Sedai, but to the White Tower as a whole”. Says the Amyrlin, before beginning to seal the Aes Sedai and Warders.

Siuan pays half attention, until the last Aes Sedai, Moiraine, steps up to be sealed to Lan. “Moiraine is one of most powerful channelers, and she chosen a mighty fine Warder to keep up with her.” says the Amyrlin, as she instructs them to hold the oath rod.

The Amyrlin proclaims them to be bound to for life, and Siuan can’t help but notice how Moiraine’s face lights up with happiness when she looks at Lan, an expression once only reserved for Siuan. The ceremony ends and all make their way into the banquet room for a celebratory feast.

Siuan usually never has trouble finding a place to sit, it is well understood that she will always sit with Moiraine, but now, she is not sure. She grabs something to eat, and nervously scans the room “There you are! I saved a seat for you, I was waiting to sit until you arrived.” says a familiar voice.

Siuan does an internal sigh of relief – Moiraine still saved her a spot at the table, right next to her. The two make their way over and Siuan sees Lan is already seated. The (now) trio, eats quickly and makes their way over to the fire pits to decompress after the events of the day.

“Looks like you will be seeing a lot more of me” jokes Lan, seated across from Moiraine and Siuan.

Siuan laughs, and replies “I could say the same to you”.

Moiraine smiles slightly and says “Sitting by a fire with my two most favorite people, just the way to end the night”.

Siuan cannot help but to notice how Moiraine stared directly into her eyes when she said “favorite”. Siuan never shied away from eye contact, but on this night, she could not help but blush and turn her head. Moiraine was the most important person in her life, the only one who could bring her happiness and engage the smart woman’s mind with conversation. A woman a few hours ago she was afraid of losing. Moiraine was something special to her, and maybe, in that moment, Siuan did not understand why that was. Soon she will.

Later in the night, as Siuan drifts off to sleep, she is pleased that a day she held with contempt ended with reassurance. Moiraine would not be forgetting about her anytime soon.

Chapter Text

Moiraine's POV

Moiraine gazed over the waterfall into the depths below, thinking of the challenge to come. A thin rope stretched from either side of the waterfall, and other Aes Sedai were posted around the waterfall. The object of the activity was to walk the tight rope while Aes Sedai channeled to try and make you fall. The rules were simple: you had 4 minutes to make it across and were only allowed to channel to divert attacks a total of 3 times, all other attacks had to be dodged. The only way back up was to swim behind the waterfall and climb a rope ladder.

Moiraine was adept at this sport and enjoyed the challenge, but as she glanced to her right at Siuan, she could feel the nerves emitting from the other woman. Siuan was more bookish, always studying advanced techniques that were nonviolent, such as truth extraction and holds, while Moiraine sought out physical challenges.

“Any last minute pointers?” inquired Siuan.

Moiraine looked towards Siuan with determination, “You must feel the energy moving through the air, the slightest hint of motion will give you all need to know to divert the light”.

“Right. I need to stay light on my feet, ready to move at moment’s notice once I feel the energy” confirmed Siuan.

“Be light on your feet, never plant both at the same, you must be prepared to pivot and leap if needed” said Moiraine.

Both women observed the current challenger. The woman wobbled on the line, the roaring waterfall not helping her concentration. A Sister hurled a burst of energy at the woman’s side, causing her to stumble and fall to the depths below.

“Her concentration lapsed, the hit was easily avoidable”, mused Moiraine with confidence. “We must not let the same happen to us”.

“Siuan, you are up”, said an Aes Sedai.

Moiraine watched as Siuan walked, noticing her strong, nimble legs and how her taught muscles were visible under her leggings. Siuan stepped onto the rope, and Moiraine involuntarily held her breath.

Siuan leapt on to the rope with long strides, a common tactic used to get an early advantage.

“You got this!” shouted Moiraine, as the other woman began to dodge projectiles.

Siuan deftly dodged attacks, taking a few steps back at times. Progress was not as important as remaining steady. She had already channeled to divert attacks twice, she had to save her third chance for the very end. Moiraine hoped Siuan would not need that third chance.

Moiraine, while focused on Siuan, noticed a woman wearing red scurrying past her, close to the waterfall’s edge. Liandrin.

The blonde woman took a moment to gather herself, before launching a bit too powerful of an attack towards Siuan.

The attack landed on Siuan’s right shoulder and came at a speed that made it near impossible to avoid. Siuan tumbled to the waters below.

Before Moiraine even had a chance to spot Siuan in the water, she was being shuffled towards the rope. It was her turn.

Moiraine allowed herself a few moments to feel anger towards Liandrin for the unjust attack, but quickly steeled her thoughts once her foot touched the line. She had to focus. Moiraine remained alert for even the tiniest hint of an attack.

She crossed over 3/4ths of the rope when she began to feel worried – Siuan has not yet climbed up the ladder. Moiraine knew the other woman struggled with these types of activities and was oftentimes too hard on herself. Moiraine was always there to remind her of her talent and power, and she knew where she was needed now.

She sensed an attack coming from behind her, but did not even make an attempt to dodge it. She simply let it hit her.

Moiraine landed in the water and heard it rushing in her ears as she bobbed to the surface. She poked her head out and swam towards behind the waterfall. She resurfaced once on the other side of the waterfall and heard sad muttering.

Moiraine turned to the direction of the sound and saw Siuan sitting curled in a ball. She approached Siuan and sat down next to her, putting her arm around her.

“Siuan, you did so well out there. You dodged the attacks expertly and were light on your feet. Even though you did not get the result you were hoping for, you put on an impressive display of talent” said Moiraine.

“Liandrin always plays her tricks, I can never get a moment to excel without her interfering”, replied Siuan.

“You know how she is. She has personal issues that she chooses to take out on others. Frankly, I think her little bun is too tight on her head” joked Moiraine.

Siuan let out a laugh as her tears subsided, “I don’t know how she is able to form a coherent thought with that thing constricting her blood flow”. Both women laughed. Moiraine loved to hear that sweet sound, but she loved the sparkle in Siuan’s eyes more. She could watch her for a lifetime.

Moiraine stood up, grasping Siuan’s hands in hers as they both rose. “Siuan, you are a brilliant, talented, and capable woman and I am lucky to call you mine”.

Moiraine feared she said too much, as she noticed how Siuan blushed and looked away, but kept her hands within Moiraine’s. Something beyond friendship was growing between them, and Moiraine wondered if Siuan could feel it, as both stood enclosed behind the waterfall, where only the two of them mattered.

Siuan met Moiraine’s gaze and replied, “And I am lucky to call you mine”.

Moiraine felt the air buzzing around her head and this time it was not due to an incoming attack; it was the feeling of wanting. She wanted to pull Siuan close, kiss her, and tell her her true feelings. But Moiraine hesitated. She valued her friendship with Siuan more than anything in this world, and she did not want to take a risk and ruin it. She was certain in her feelings towards Siuan, but she was not certain in how Siuan felt about her. Moiraine knew Siuan had to make the first move, and she was willing to wait. Siuan was worth it. Moiraine gently released Siuan’s hands, lingering on to the moment for as long as possible. She made her way to the ladder and began to ascend, trusting that Siuan would have the courage to feel the chemistry between them and make her feelings known.