Sarah awoke slowly at first. She was warm and cozy—a feeling that was exceedingly rare—then she realized there was a weight on her chest.

Her eyes opened and she was greeted with the sight of red hair in her face, and a very passed out Tally Craven on her chest. The memories of the earlier hours flooded back as she carefully brushed the strands from Tally's face and smoothed them near her own.

Sarah could tell by the dead weight on her chest that the cadet was in a very deep slumber and she was thrilled to see her still sleeping soundly.

No nightmarish memories, she thought completely relieved. They would have to try a few different methods just to test what would work and what wouldn't. She couldn't have Tally staying with her every night.

Her heart jumped at the thought, ever so pleased with the possibility of the young witch being in her arms regularly.

She stamped it down and peered over at the clock.

08:00

She had slept for a few hours at least, but she had overslept. She could feel the biddies waiting patiently in her office for her, and she quietly summoned them to the room through the link.

One by one they filed in and gathered around the foot of the bed; each had a pleased glint in their eyes, and Sarah caught the joined sentiment through their link.

"Not a word," she directed through the connection.

They nodded in tandem, still pleased as they glanced at the young, sleeping witch.

"I will be working from here until she wakes. Goddess knows she needs her sleep," she informed them.

She had them push back any meetings that she could, and reschedule those that she couldn't and needed to cancel. She requested the papers she had been reviewing, as well as a few books on bindings to research her and Tally's connection further.

The biddies went about their duties silently, while the General tried to figure out how to sit up and leave the bed without waking Tally.

She carefully began to move—and as if realizing what Sarah was doing, Tally tightened her hold.

"Tally, I only need up for a moment and then I'll be back," she whispered softly, hoping the younger witch could hear her.

She tried again and to her delight, Tally stayed still. She quickly dashed to the bathroom to relieve herself and freshen up before returning. Tally hadn't moved from her spot. Once Sarah was seated against the headboard and adjusted, she carefully adjusted Tally's head so it rested in her lap while she hugged the rest of Alder's legs. She adjusted the quilt once more, tucking her in.

She ignored her biddies. They knew exactly what she was feeling. No need to give them the satisfaction of admitting it.

You're smitten. One of her biddies commented through the link. Her eyes glanced up and she glared at Corinne, one of the oldest biddies.

Sarah told herself that she didn't owe a response…but they all knew it was because she couldn't deny it.

We've been able to feel your pining, Corinne pressed. She thought it with such nonchalance—as if it wasn't the equivalent of a bomb dropping.

Sarah clenched her jaw. I do not pine.

The biddies all shared a look and Sarah scoffed. She picked up a few papers and set to reading, ignoring any further jabs from her biddies.

It was an hour later when she realized that Tally had her off-canon work class…which was starting any moment.

She reached out with farspeech. "Magda, Cadet Craven will not be in class. She is working with me today," she said softly.

"Understood, General," Verger replied before the connection was cut.

Sarah sighed and glanced down. Tally was out cold still and Sarah couldn't help but smile softly as she brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face.

She returned to her work, silently reading.

When Tally did finally wake, it was almost noon.

She began to stir in Sarah's lap, causing the older witch to set her papers down behind Tally as she woke.

She sat up, a little bleary eyed before reality seemed to settle in.

"Good morning," Sarah greeted.

Tally's head whipped to face her, as if she couldn't believe this was real.

"How did you sleep? You looked rather peaceful," she continued.

"I slept amazing," Tally breathed out before a large smile overtook her. "Thank you so much."

Sarah returned the smile, pleased she was able to help.

Tally then noticed the piles of papers that surrounded her. Each had been carefully placed behind where Tally had been curled up but still within arm's reach of Alder. She whipped her head at the clock and realized the time, panic rising.

Sarah quickly grasped her chin, forcing Tally to look at her. "I told Verger you weren't going to be in class, there will be no penalty."

Tally calmed considerably. "Thank you. I can't believe I slept so long."

"You needed it. Rather desperately judging by the depth of the slumber," Sarah added. Her hand still held Tally's chin, and she left a parting stroke before she pulled it back.

"To be honest, I feel like I could've slept more. I didn't realize how exhausted I was," Tally told her as she rubbed some sleep from her eye.

Sarah's heart clenched. Tally did look more rested, but she could still see the exhaustion beneath her eyes.

Tally's eyes widened again. "Oh my god you've been working from bed."

Alder couldn't help but chuckle at Tally's expression of disbelief.

"Why didn't you wake me? You're the General and I just passed out on you like you're my personal pillow, this is so embarrassing."

Sarah laughed, startling Tally and earning knowing smiles from the biddies.

"Tally, it is more than okay. I made the decision to not wake you. You were sleeping soundly and I know you haven't been getting much as of late. It will affect your performance if you do not get enough rest. I also gave you my word I would be here when you woke," she told her honestly.

Tally was speechless, so she simply nodded and smiled softly at Sarah. Her eyes fell to the quilt that was laying across her body, and she took it between her fingers to feel the material.

"My mother made that for me. In the old world actually, before we came here."

Tally's eyes widened and she looked at Sarah flabbergasted.

The General smirked. "Don't worry, I've imbued it with work so that it will never be damaged. It is one of the few things I have of her still," she told her thoughtfully.

"It's really cozy," Tally told her with a soft smile. "And it smells like you."

Alder arched an eyebrow and Tally's face nearly turned as red as her hair. She really tried to dampen the butterflies in her stomach at Tally's words…but the smile forming on Tally's face told her she hadn't succeeded.

"Now," Sarah began as she swung her legs from the bed and stretched languidly. "I had the biddies retrieve some of your things so you could get ready here instead of going back to your unit in your pajamas." She gestured for one of the biddies to hand Tally her uniform and toiletries.

"Thank you," Tally told her gratefully. "I am going to go get ready then." She hopped up off the bed and darted to the bathroom.

She couldn't believe that she had slept so long, and that she had been snuggled up with Sarah the whole night.

Sarah, she rolled the name around in her head. Her stomach flipped pleasantly and she couldn't keep the smile from her face if she wanted to. She was fairly certain that Alder might have feelings for her. Tally knew she had them for her…that was undeniable—but maybe, just maybe, Sarah felt the same.

Meanwhile, Sarah began organizing her papers with the assistance of the biddies and carrying items out into her office.

She was still wearing her tank top and shorts. Her hair was still in its tight braid, but not as kept after sleeping on it the whole night. She honestly didn't mind. She rarely needed sleep, but around Tally she couldn't help but slip into that warm abyss of slumber.

Her eyes trailed over to the tray that sat on the tea cart near her desk. There was a carafe of fresh coffee on it, as well as a plate of fruit and some pastries. She arched a questioning eyebrow as her biddies entered the room.

They merely smiled and took their seats.

"Sure, act innocent," she chided affectionately. She helped herself to a cup of coffee. She loved her wine, whiskey, coffee, and tea. Everything else could fall to the wayside in terms of food.

She added some sugar and took a swig as she began sorting through the files.

Then her office door burst open.

She looked up, eyes narrowing as she leered at the two cadets that just barged in. The biddies hissed their displeasure, and Alder allowed them to continue until she held up a hand. Silently, she excused the biddies from the room, waiting until they were gone before she sang a soft seed, soundproofing the room. She didn't need anyone else hearing what this would entail.

"Collar, Bellweather…I'm shocked your parents never taught you how to knock," she said smoothly as she took another swig of coffee. "To what do I owe this intrusion?"

They had the decency to look ashamed for barging in. Especially when they both realized the General wasn't in uniform.

Abigail was the one to speak first. "I'm sorry for intruding, General, we're just really worried about Tally."

It was an honest answer and Sarah knew that as soon as they entered. She simply disliked the lack of manners.

She was feeling rather generous today however and decided to show leniency.

So generous, came the soft comment from Erin, another of her biddies.

Erin, Sarah silenced, even as she felt warmth flood her cheeks. She loved her biddies but sometimes their constant connection didn't allow her room for denial.

"Craven is fine. She slept quite a while and it was much needed. I didn't want to interrupt that," she explained before finishing her cup of coffee—face impassive as ever.

"When Major Verger said she wouldn't be in class because she was with you…" Collar trailed off, as if she was realizing her mistake as she said it.

The implication was clear. They didn't think Tally would be safe with her. She couldn't fault them too much. Collar had an issue with her since before she arrived on base; Abigail's issues had increased with Tally's line of questioning—which she could hardly blame her for, even though it frustrated her to no end.

She walked to the cart and refilled her cup before turning to look at them. "I can assure you that Tally is safe with me. There were no more incidents last night, and there is one solid way to keep her from harm." That was all she said for the moment. She knew that Tally would fill them in on everything else, and she owed them no explanation.

Before either cadet could say anything in response, Tally breezed into the room, not noticing her unit, and headed straight toward Sarah's position.

"Sarah, do I sme—yes I did, coffee," Tally said excitedly.

Without even thinking, Tally plucked Alder's cup from her hand and took a sip—humming happily at the first taste.

"Oh pastries!"

Sarah could tell she was blushing a little. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

"Thank you," Tally said gratefully, offering a shining smile.

Alder thought she was looking into a star with how bright it was. She got lost a moment in her gaze. The relief and joy she felt at seeing Tally look at her like that again…

Raelle and Abigail were rooted to their spot, watching wide eyed.

Alder groaned internally at herself, remembering that they weren't alone in the room. She should have shot Tally a look—something or anything to keep this from escalating when they were still trying to understand. But the look of delight on Tally's face when their eyes met; her name falling from pink lips; her cup taken right from her hands to be drunk by another. She couldn't bring herself to care too much. Especially since Tally was no longer looking at her like she had betrayed everyone.

"Tally," Sarah said softly, clearing her throat and nodding to the door.

Tally spun, eyes widening when she saw her unit standing there. "Hi," she said happily. "What're you guys doing here?"

Alder, not one to hang around for other's awkward conversations—took a step forward and lightly touched Tally's arm.

They shared a moment as Alder reached out for their connection, suppressing a gasp at the wave of emotions that cascaded over her.

"The room is proofed, you can speak freely," Sarah said through the connection. They could communicate much like they could through the biddy link she surmised.

Tally seemed perplexed as she asked, "What should I tell them? Also we can talk telepathically?" Her eyes brightened.

From what Sarah was understanding so far, the biddies could hear nothing that Tally told Sarah.

Curious, she mused to herself.

"Whatever you wish. I trust you to do what you feel is best. And yes, it would appear so." Then she stepped away and left to her private rooms.

As soon as the door shut Raelle spoke, "What the fuck is going on with you two?"

"Sarah?" Abigail asked. Her eyes shone with mirth and disbelief as she sat down in a chair, followed by Raelle.

Tally blushed and took a sip of her coffee. "Well…"

She told them about Alder's concern, the connection and feelings Tally was experiencing; how she's really been doing since the de-biddying; why she hadn't told them truthfully how little she'd been sleeping and so focused on the truth; how much she's missed Alder; how she feels around her. Then she spoke of the memories. She didn't go into detail, only telling them the pertinent points, and expressing her genuine trust in the woman now—even if she didn't always agree with her actions, she knew the General had all of their best interests at heart.

"I'm sorry…I'm still stuck on what you said…you said that she worked around you in bed while you were passed out on her?" Abigail asked with a delighted chuckle.

Tally couldn't help but giggle as her cheeks reddened.

"I'm still stuck on the fact that Alder bridal carried you to her room," Raelle pointed out. "You've always had a crush on Alder, Tal, so I'm not surprised on your end..."

"What do you mean?" Tally asked curiously, eyebrows scrunching together.

"I mean...do you think Alder feels the same as you?" Raelle questioned.

Tally sighed wistfully. "I don't know...I obviously hope so but...she's the General. She's like...unattainable."

Raelle worried her lip. "Are you sure about this, Tal? She's done a lot of shit…and romantically she's your commanding officer…all of ours. That's got to be an issue." Raelle crossed her arms.

Tally's face fell.

"She's letting you address her by name, Tal," Abigail commented, soldiering on through Rae's downer. She shot Raelle a look.

"I know," said Tally, as another blush graced her face. "I can tell you guys more later."

"I think we should have a proper session once we are in our room," Abigail suggested.

"Just be careful, Tal," Raelle added. "I still don't trust her."

Abigail looked to Tally then and nudged Raelle, noticing the redhead was preoccupied.

Tally had tilted her head to the side, as if listening, and a soft smile graced her face.

"Ah, Alder is about to come in," Tally said quickly just before the door swung open.

"General," Abigail and Raelle greeted, properly this time, as they stood.

Back in her uniform, the commanding aura of the General was palpable in the room.

"At ease, cadets. You did catch me in my sleepwear," she joked. Her eyes drifted to Tally's. "I have meetings to attend for the rest of the day, but I would like you back here at 2200 tonight if you're agreeable. You still need more rest."

Tally nodded quickly, and Sarah suppressed the urge to chuckle at the girl's eagerness. She'd be a liar if she said she wasn't looking forward to another night with the witch.

"Excellent. You're all dismissed, and I suggest you go straight to lunch," Sarah said, looking pointedly at Tally where she was just finishing her croissant.

The three cadets began exiting the room—and Tally cast one final glance back at the General before disappearing down the hall.

Her biddies entered, all coming to stand around the desk. Their eyebrows were raised, gazes pointed, and lips turned upward in satisfied smirks.

Alder looked at them, hearing what they were saying loud and clear even though no words were spoken aloud or through the link.

"Oh shut up."


"I'm sorry I had to push our meeting back," Sarah expressed as she and her biddies approached Izadora.

"Not an issue, General," Izadora replied. "What was it that you wanted to discuss?"

Sarah released a breath, unsure where to begin even. She worried her lip between her teeth as her fingers flexed from where they were clasped behind her back.

"Sarah," Izadora addressed with a smile.

It was enough to draw Alder's gaze.

She took a deep breath. "Tally Craven," she said simply before launching into the details. She was concerned—placing this much information in the hands of another—but Izadora was trustworthy, she had proven so on many occasions.

"The de-biddying went exactly as it should have. Of course there would be a small bond still but…that's minuscule and doesn't usually actively last more than a few days, let alone weeks…and intensifies." Izadora watched the General carefully as she mused aloud.

"I agree," Alder concurred. "What I am unsure of is what it is. This connection with Tally…it's allowing her to see my memories and even be injured in them with the injuries manifesting in the physical world. How can that be?" she questioned.

Izadora shook her head. "I'm unsure. I will research what I can and keep you informed." She sighed. "In the meantime, continue with your tests on which methods help keep her safe until I find something."

"Thank you, Izadora."

"Now, once you know what the connection is…what are your plans for her?" Izadora questioned.

Sarah leaned against the wall. "I do not know. What I feel is…" she trailed off before she met Izadora's gaze. "It's unlike anything else I've felt and it…it feels ancient. Like old magic is afoot."

Izadora hummed. "So you'll pursue it?" She smirked.

Alder stiffened. "I can't."

"What do you mean you can't?" Izadora asked with a laugh. "Sarah, if you and the girl are meant to be connected…you've never had that before have you?"

Sarah shook her head.

"Maybe it's a blessing from the Goddess. You've done so much for witchkind, perhaps this is your reward for everything you've sacrificed."

Sarah wasn't sure how she felt about that. She'd been alive so long, why would she bless her with something so wonderful now?

"Sarah, I can see the doubt swirling," Izadora chuckled. "Whatever this is, it is rare—and if it is also ancient?" Izadora shrugged. "Then there is nothing to be done but accept the happiness given to you. You know better than to fight against that."

"A losing battle indeed," she replied. "Tally is at risk from outside forces as well if they learn of our connection, and if this connection is permanent then they eventually will and that puts her in danger. I can't ask any more of her."

Izadora's face fell, understanding where the General was coming from. "Tally is very capable. She's also a very gifted Knower and you know that will serve her well. You can't protect everyone, Sarah, but if you're willing to try and let her in, you can protect her."

Izadora placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder and gave it a supportive squeeze. She needed to begin her research and she knew she left the older woman something to think about.


Tally was anxious. She was on her way to Alder's quarters and glanced at the clock on a nearby wall. It was almost 2200 so she would be right on time. She and the girls had their gush session in the late afternoon after their training finished for the day. Tally couldn't help but tell them everything she was feeling.

She didn't mention that Alder had cried on her, but she made sure to tell them how gentle she was with her, and how worried she had seemed at the thought of Tally in harm's way.

"I don't fully trust her, Tal, but I trust you," Raelle had concluded before Tally left.

She could understand that. She would be of the same mindset if she was in Raelle's position.

She didn't bother knocking when she arrived, simply opening the door with her packed bag of clothes and toiletries and entering the office.

The empty office.

She's already in her room, Tally thought as she approached the other door. This time she did knock, only entering when she heard the 'come in' from the other side.

When Tally entered she felt like someone had knocked the wind out of her.

Sarah was sitting on the bed, her legs crossed; a pair of shorts and a tank top once more; her black hair cascading in loose waves over her shoulders.

Tally definitely forgot how to breathe. She forced her heart to calm down, but she lost it again when Sarah looked up and smiled.

"Right on time," the General commented as she swept the papers up and handed them to one of the remaining biddies in the room before bidding her good night, and looking up at Tally.

Their eyes met, and they took each other in. After a stretched silence that most would find uncomfortable—but in their case it felt completely natural.

Tally finally spoke, "Hi."

Alder chuckled. "Hi."

"So," Tally began as she walked toward the bathroom. She could feel Alder's stare on her and it sent a thrill of excitement through her. "What are you thinking for tonight?"

She disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door behind her as she began readying herself for bed.

"Well," Sarah's voice came from the other side of the door, and Tally surmised the witch had risen and approached. "Tonight I would like to do the same as last night. Until you're adequately rested, I don't want to experiment—the risk of you losing even more sleep is not something either of us want."

Tally opened the door, now changed for bed, and set to brushing her teeth. Once she spit her toothpaste out she glanced at Sarah.

"And once I'm adequately rested?"

Sarah sighed. "I am wondering if being in close proximity to me is helping. Last night, when I carried you, your color returned almost instantaneously. It's only a theory but there's a possibility that us being separated is causing everything."

"So, you think that being in closer proximity to you will keep the nightmares from being too intense or gone?"

"Possibly. Once you've rested properly we can try other methods. We can reassess from there." Sarah shifted on her feet as she leaned against the doorframe. "I meant what I said, Tally, until we figure this out we will do this each night."

Tally offered her a small smile as they walked toward the bed.

"I also spoke with Izadora today about the connection. She is going to do some research and see if she can find anything about what it is, how it happened, and how you're bearing the brunt of the physical injuries." Sarah stared at the corner of her bed, deep in thought.

Tally slid into the bed first, waiting for Sarah to climb under the covers and join her. They laid on their backs again, gazing at the ceiling.

"You don't think it's related to the biddy connection," Tally stated. She had read between the lines of Alder's words.

Alder's jaw clenched. "No. No I don't," she breathed out.

She could feel Tally's eyes on her face and she turned to meet them—suppressing a gasp at the look directed at her.

Tally was looking at her as though she had hung the moon. Her smile was wide, and her eyes sparkled with something that Alder couldn't place—but knew she had been the reason, and it filled her with an all-consuming warmth.

Tally rolled onto her side, a little closer to Sarah.

The General knew she should put a stop to the more…intimate moments, but she really didn't want to. Tally was the sun, and Sarah was trapped by the magnetism she exuded. So she rolled onto her side, mirroring their positions from the previous night. This time though, they were far closer than what would be appropriate—as if any of this was appropriate.

Sarah was grasping at straws, she realized.

"What do you think it is?" Tally asked. She swallowed thickly as she glanced down at Sarah's lips. Their faces were only inches apart.

"I have no idea," Sarah answered softly. "All I know is that it is growing stronger."

Tally's eyes brightened. "You feel it too?"

"Your emotions aren't exactly subtle," Sarah teased.

A pretty blush coated Tally's cheeks. "You…you've been feeling what I've been feeling? Like…everything?"

Sarah nodded carefully. She had admitted as much last night, but she hadn't voiced that she was finding immense difficulty in burying her own emotions now.

"Wh-why are yours not so easily felt?" Tally asked.

Sarah could see the dark doubt that began descending over Tally's expression, and she quickly rectified it by reaching up and cupping Tally's cheek.

"I am hundreds of years old and I have had a lot of practice keeping my feelings buried." It was the truth. She leaned forward and touched their foreheads, and she released a shaky breath.

The more they touched, the more electricity she felt surging through her. She had no doubt if she wanted to summon a storm she could do so with minimal loss to her power. She wondered how her magic would react to her lips on Tally's.

But she resisted. Barely.

Sarah pulled away and everything in her being protested at her decision.

She cleared her throat. "You should sleep. I'll meet you there."

Tally nodded and offered Sarah a small smile as she shyly reached for Sarah's hand. Out of instinct, Tally snuggled into Sarah's hand and closed her eyes.

Sarah's breath caught in her throat as her heart beat faster. She began her seed, lulling Tally to sleep. Once she was out, she released a shaky breath.

"Goodnight, Tally," she whispered before she leaned forward and placed a delicate kiss to her forehead.


Tally once again found herself in Salem. It seemed like this was going to be the go to place for them. She wasn't mad about it. She enjoyed seeing the way things used to be. She wasn't sure how long she had before Sarah would appear, so she took off in the direction of Sarah's childhood home.

There was no one in sight as she approached. She took in the outside better before she walked up to the door and stepped inside.

The interior of the cottage was simple enough. There was a hearth to the side, a large cauldron simmering over an open flame as something delicious wafted through the air. There was a table and four chairs nearby; various herbs hung around the walls to dry; there was a double bed off to the side; a ladder led up to what Tally surmised was the equivalent of a loft.

It was all so simple and Tally couldn't bother to fight her curiosity at what resided up the ladder. So, she climbed.

The loft was simple as well. There were a number of old journals on the shelves that were against the walls. Two single beds resided on either side of the room—Tally's eyes brightened when she saw the quilt that Sarah's mother had made her, resting at the foot of one of the beds.

What really caught Tally's eye though were a few pieces of parchment resting on the small table near Sarah's bed.

It was a drawing of her sister Elizabeth. It wasn't bad, and Tally wondered who had drawn it, whether it was Elizabeth, Sarah, or their mother or father perhaps.

"Tally?" Sarah called from outside.

"In here!" Tally called back.

She heard the door open and then the sound of climbing.

"I see your curiosity knows no bounds," Sarah chided.

Tally blushed, embarrassed, as she turned around to meet Sarah's gaze.

The General wasn't upset though. Instead, the expression on her face was soft as she looked at Tally, and then around the room.

Her eyes fell on her old bed and she sighed as she walked over to Elizabeth's and took a seat on it.

"I'm sorry. I was curious and I didn't think about how this might feel for you," Tally said.

Sarah shook her head and patted the spot next to her. When Tally joined her, sitting shoulder to shoulder, Sarah instinctively took Tally's hand in her own.

She momentarily cursed herself at not having a better handle on her desires.

"Who drew the portrait?" Tally asked, pointing to the paper on the table with her free hand.

"I did," Sarah answered.

Tally whipped her head to look at her. "You can draw?"

Sarah's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I am a woman of many talents, Tally."

Tally blushed prettily and Sarah couldn't resist the smile that blossomed on her face. She really didn't want to think about why that affected her so. She knew though…and to be honest she was growing tired of fighting that. It had been easier over the years to forgo the desire to form any meaningful connections. She had certainly given up on love. Even the interest in sex had taken a backseat. She participated in Beltane, as was tradition, but that was merely for the power boost. By the time there was even enough peace for her to entertain the notion of finding a partner, she was already nearly one hundred and finding anyone that could remotely understand her was simply…unbelievable.

Then entered Tally Craven. She had seamlessly wiggled between Sarah's cracks and took up residence where no one had ever dared the attempt to go. She slipped in, as if she had been there all along, and Sarah found she didn't want to push her out.

"Do you still draw?" Tally asked, pulling Sarah from her internal storm.

"Yes," Sarah admitted. "Not as often as I would like, of course. But when things are fairly calm, I do enjoy sitting with my sketchbook and a glass of whiskey." She nodded to the picture. "I've gotten much better since though."

"I didn't know that as a biddy."

Sarah smiled softly and looked at Tally. "The biddies and I, as you know, share much. But, much are surface feelings, thoughts, desires, and the like. The deeper things…I try to keep to myself. Previous biddies have known of my interests but it really depends on what the time is like. Are we in a time of peace or turmoil…they flip back and forth so easily…" she mused.

Tally was soaking every word up as Sarah spoke. She loved the sound of Sarah's voice. Despite the way her words and looks could cut the bravest individual…Tally found them soothing.

"I don't want to overstep…" Tally began hesitantly.

Alder arched a brow, as if saying 'I believe we are past that.'

"If you ever want to share your drawings, I'd love to see them." Tally fidgeted with Sarah's hand. "I um…" she sighed, slightly embarrassed. "I write poetry."

Sarah squeezed her hand, drawing her eyes to her own. "If you would ever like to share…I believe we could exchange."

Tally beamed even as she blushed. "Some of it is really sappy though."

Alder laughed, and Tally loved the way the lines near her eyes became more prominent.

"Is most poetry not?" Sarah mused. "Regardless of what the subject is…it is all romantic. Be it dark or light or somewhere in between, it seeks to invoke emotion."

Tally could barely contain the feelings that were sitting in her chest as Sarah spoke.

Oh Goddess I really really like her, Tally thought to herself with a heavy internal sigh. She suspected it might actually be…more.

Sarah didn't tell her she caught the thought, and she summoned all her strength to keep that hidden from their link. She silently cursed herself at how difficult it was. She knew she couldn't keep the floodgates from opening for much longer. The strength of the connection…its rapid increasing…even she didn't have the power to do that.

"You're right. I didn't take you for a romantic, Sarah," Tally told her softly.

Sarah hummed. "Most wouldn't. To be fair, I certainly do not come off as such."

Tally shook her head and grinned. "No. I think that is an important distinction though. General Alder? A romantic? Impossible," she told her with a teasing smile. "But Sarah Alder? Witch of witches…I believe it."

Sarah whipped her head up to look at Tally. She didn't have the words, but she knew Tally understood the words behind the expression she wore.

"I think we all forget, myself included, that you're…you're you. You're a witch. You're a woman. You're more than the General of the Armed Forces. Though your whole life has revolved around witchkind and the army…you're still an individual with your own passions, desires, interests, etc."

Oh how Sarah tried to fight the tears that were welling in her eyes. She wasn't sure how Tally did that…how she had always seemed to just…know her. She knew she was a talented Knower…but this was more intimate than anything she'd experienced. The simple act of being known.

"I'm sorry," Tally whispered as she brought her free hand up to wipe away a stray tear.

"No apology necessary," Sarah replied, honestly. "You are simply remarkable, Tally Craven."

Tally's breath caught in her throat at the gentle gaze Sarah was fixing her with. She felt exposed—yet safe.

"Well, the sentiment is mutual, Sarah Alder."

A laugh escaped the General and she shook her head as she gazed around the room. She squeezed Tally's hand in a silent 'thank you' before she sighed.

"I set an alarm to wake us, so I am not sure how much time has passed. However, with whatever time we have, would you like to see anything else?"

Tally's eyes brightened. "Anything?"

Sarah's gaze narrowed suspiciously and Tally laughed loudly.

"Relax, nothing embarrassing." Tally grinned, her nose crinkling. "I'd actually really love to see more of your youth, before everything."

Sarah's eyebrows rose in surprise. She hadn't expected that, to be honest.

She closed her eyes and recalled one of her favorite memories.

When she opened them, they were outside in a field, just a ways from the cottage.

Sarah, Elizabeth, her mother, and her father, were all gathered on the edge of the field.

"This field is one of many the town used for our crops. This was our second year here and we had a very dry summer, and feared that we wouldn't have any rain to grow our food. My family rarely used the Work to call upon rain."

"Why did you lose your fertility then? If you could call on the rain?" Tally asked.

Sarah hummed. "The Work to call on rain, and the Work to do what I did…what I can do…different seeds and difficulty. What I sang was sacred and never supposed to be uttered. This is a minor working." She led them closer to her family. "This was the first time I had ever joined them in it. This was my first seed."

Tally smiled as she watched. Her heart was beating loudly to her own ears. Sarah was sharing her first true moment as a witch with her…of her own volition.

Young Sarah seemed nervous. Tally surmised she couldn't be more than eight here. Her eyes were wide and filled with uncertainty, something Tally had never expected to see from the General.

"We all start somewhere," Sarah told her, having caught the musings.

"Now," Sarah's mother began as she knelt in front of her youngest. "Listen to the seed that we sing…allow the work to fill you…feel it in your blood, in your gut…when you feel as though you could burst, that is when you should sing."

Young Sarah nodded, blue eyes still wide.

Her family began, and Tally could feel the hair on her body stand up as the power that rippled in the air. She looked up, watching the sky slowly fill with a few clouds. Her eyes went back to Sarah, watching as her eyes were closed, brow furrowed in concentration.

When her blue eyes shot open, her mouth did as well and a new voice joined in.

Tally couldn't help but gasp. Even as a child, Sarah was powerful. Her parents seemed to realize this, looking to their daughter with surprise and pride as the clouds began to darken quickly.

Then the rain fell to the earth, soaking it and providing much needed nourishment. Her family ceased their seed as her mother knelt in front of Sarah with pride shining in her gaze.

"You are powerful, my daughter," her mother told her before she pressed her forehead against Sarah's.

"Does it always feel like that?" young Sarah asked, her eyes wide as she watched the ground soak up the rain.

Her mother stroked her hair lovingly. "Yes."

"Wow," young Sarah breathed out.

Tally could feel the wonderment, excitement, and pride flowing through the connection—and Tally couldn't help but feel incredibly proud and humble that Sarah had showed her this moment.

"Is this where you get the forehead touching from?" Tally had to ask.

Sarah's eyes were still trained on her family—taking them in and remembering every detail she could. She had heard Tally's question though, and on instinct she answered honestly before she could think on her words.

"Yes. My mother and father always did that to my sister and I. It's an intimate gesture, showing trust and affection. It allows the person to be close to you, and close enough to your cords that they could damage them should they wish," Sarah told her absentmindedly.

She only realized what she said when she felt the emotions roll off Tally and through their link. It made her gasp—the pride that Tally felt at being so trusted by her to allow her to be so close to one of the most powerful witches, and near enough to an area that was sacred to them.

It was the greatest display of trust, and Tally had never thought of the significance until Sarah had told her.

Sarah swallowed thickly, silently cursing herself. Part of her…a part that was growing more insistent and refusing to be shut down much longer, spoke from within.

Let go.

She released a shaky breath and squeezed Tally's hand. Her thumb stroked the back of it softly.

"What're your parents' names?" Tally asked.

Sarah smiled and looked at Tally. "Mary and Thomas."

"Mary and Thomas Alder," Tally repeated with a smile, looking at Sarah's parents. "I bet they're so proud of you."

Sarah's eyes widened.

"They're all with the Goddess and I bet they've been watching everything you've done," Tally continued her musing as she watched them. "Imagine being your family and watching all you've done for witchkind. Everything your parents had to run from…you stood and confronted it. You'd known nothing but running your whole life in the old world…to have it follow here as well..." Tally turned her gaze to Sarah then, pressing on despite the look on Sarah's face that she might break. "Can you feel that pride? You took on the Camarilla, pushed them into near extinction, gave witches a place to call home, protected them the best way you could, helped their numbers grow by signing the accords, have led the Armed Forces for hundreds of years and are still going…"

The floodgates Sarah had thought of…if she thought they were ready to burst before…she was mistaken. She could feel it—the emotions rising and sloshing over the walls that she had constructed so carefully to prevent anything like this from happening.

"I'm proud of you," Tally told her, oblivious to how hard Sarah was working internally. "I can't imagine how proud they are, Sarah."

Sarah gasped, unable to keep her emotions in anymore—and the dam burst. Tears fell from her eyes as her heart clenched so painfully with affection, adoration, and wonder. It physically pained her to not have more contact with Tally. So she surprised her by releasing her hand, grabbing her waist, and pulling her flush against her in a hug.

Tally was breathing shakily as she felt Sarah's emotions crash into her through the connection.

It was intense.

She had never felt anything like it. She felt like she was floating, yet near blacking out from the sensations running through her. She couldn't do anything other than cling to Sarah and hold her tight as the General cried against her.

Tally realized then that Sarah had never heard those words since her parents passed. In the 286 years she had been essentially immortal, no one had told her that. That realization made Tally angry and sad at once. She tightened her hold on Sarah, her face turning to press against her neck.

Over and over she thought through the connection, 'I'm proud of you.'

Tally had no idea how long they stood there in the rain from the Alder family's seed, just holding onto each other as if they were the only tethers they had to the earth.

Sarah's hand tightened around Tally's waist as her other slid up her back and threaded through auburn locks, keeping her pressed against her neck—just to the side of her vocal cords.

The smallest windshear at this close of proximity could damage her cords beyond repair, or kill her instantly. She had no fear of it from Tally though. She had no feeling to even be slightly cautious—and that was when she realized how much she truly trusted the young witch.

"I…" Sarah began, her throat tight from crying. "I have no idea what I have done that was worth you being in my very long life, Tally, but I thank the Goddess."

Tally's breath caught at the admission and the sentiment of trust and she pressed closer, releasing another shaky breath against Sarah's throat before she did something that was definitely inappropriate. She pressed a light kiss right over Sarah's vocal cords.

Sarah gasped at the sensation.

"Thank you for trusting me so much," Tally murmured against her before she returned to the side of Sarah's neck. "I'm not sure what I did to earn that…but I also thank the Goddess."

Sarah lightly traced a rune of protection against the back of Tally's neck, feeling her shiver against her at the touch.

"Goddess protect," Sarah murmured in Mothertongue. "My word is done, as the rising moon and the setting sun."

Tally could feel the Work fall over her, blanketing her in warmth as she received the effect of whatever Sarah had done.

"What was that?" Tally asked softly.

"A blessing of protection," Sarah told her simply.

They hadn't moved from their spots, and suddenly Sarah could hear a faint bell in the distance.

She knew that she would begin to stir soon, she could see the landscape begin to shimmer and fade in and out of focus. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of Tally against her before they would be pulled from the bubble she encased them in.