As her feet graze the perfectly manicured Cackle's grounds she gets the distinct sense that she is not alone. The sun has yet to rise. Her hope is to transit from one location to another unnoticed. She stows her broom, and pulls open the door to the academy. As she closes the door behind herself, it occurs to her it is not necessary for her to walk to her room. Her hand grips the handle of her bag when a familiar face appears before her clad in pajamas. A light in the entryway flickers on.

"Ada I didn't intend to wake you."

"I received the message that you would be returning today, and I found myself wondering if you would attempt to sneak in unnoticed."

"My apologies."

Hecate's skin has been kissed by the sun. She looks content, and full of life. Ada envelops her into a hug. After a few seconds she releases her.

"Well-met, Hecate."

Hecate grins, "Well-met, Ada."

"I will not burden you with a litany of questions, as I know how you despise it. I presume you would prefer to settle in."

"Yes," she nods.

"There is no rush to return to your duties. Miss Drill has proven to be a quite adept fill in amid your absence."

She tilts her head, "Should I be flattered, or offended?"

"Neutral, Hecate. I was just stating a fact. You so deserved a holiday."

"We have much to discuss."

Ada shakes her head, "Big discussions should never occur until after sunrise."

Dave rises before the sun to find he is the only occupant in his bed. He finds a note on his pillow, and a small box. He inhales as he reads the note, as her scent still

lingers on the pillow. I am notoriously uncomfortable with goodbyes. I hope you understand. I've left you, and Izzy a small token of my undying affection for the both of you. Until we meet again. H.

He smiles widely has his thumb caresses the smooth stone. To most it would appear to be nothing more than a mere rock. It is not polished, or painted. To the untrained eye there is nothing special about the common stone at all. He carries the grounding stone with him as he heads into the kitchen to retrieve his first fix of caffeine for the day.

He nearly jumps out of his skin when he finds Izzy sitting atop the kitchen counter in her pajamas. She offers him a warm cup of liquid filled to the brim with caffeine. He gently slips the mug from her hand.

"What are you doing up at this hour? The sun isn't even up yet."

"A kiss on my cheek woke me. I pretended to be asleep, but I wasn't. I think she knew. Transitions are far from being her cup of tea."

"Aye, she left this for us," he places the stone in the palm of her hand.

"Dad?" Izzy tips her chin in an upward direction.

"Yes, love?"

"I did the right thing, telling her the truth, didn't I? Do you think I offended her?"

"Veracity always has its place, Izzy. Your mum is built of tough stock. I find it unlikely that you offended her with such a notion."

Much to her chagrin HB does not find herself particularly eager to unpack her belongings and return them to their designated locations. Her bed glares at her, practically cursing her absence. She sighs, simultaneously feeling stifled, and comforted by her four walls. Shiny, unblemished black boots secure themselves beneath her bed as she takes a seat on the end of it. A simple tug loosens her bun. Her eyes still feel heavy at such an early hour, despite the busyness of her mind.

With an exhale she is reunited with the security of her own bed. She shoves aside her racing thoughts as she gives into physical exhaustion. Hours of silent slumber pass before she is prepared to greet the day. As she shifts into a sitting position she opens her bedside drawer to retrieve her reliable timepiece. Her eyes widen in alarm as she is greeted by the hour.

A short time later she makes the trek to Ada's office. She opts for the more laborious route of transportation known as her feet as opposed to a simple transfer. The simplicity of previous weeks has granted her a small sliver of solace in some arenas. Her knuckles wrap against Ada's door.

"You may enter, Hecate."

Hecate locates Ada in her armchair enjoying a biscuit as she enters. Ada folds the newspaper she is reading, and places it on the coffee table in front of her. Hecate willingly positions herself on seat across the table from her superior.

"I hope I am forgiven for my actions in this matter," Ada begins.

"Your actions were a necessity. I understand your reservation to watch me wallow in my own weary, wretched self-applied cloud of despair."

"I am relieved that you have returned. I do find myself considering what this means moving forward."

Hecate's shoulders thrust upwards, "I only wish I could offer a concrete response. I suppose only time will tell."

"I won't dwell on the proposed question, as I know you will adeptly, and gracefully adapt to whatever the future may look like."

"To be clear I would like for you to note that my feet remain firmly planted here."

Ada nods subtly, "Which will remain a difficult task so long as your heart remains somewhere else."

"I will certainly recover."

"Were your pursuits of happiness lucrative?" Ada queries.

"Quite," she offers a genuine smile.