When Sarah awoke, she was surprised to find that her pillow was damp. She had yet to open her eyes, but surmised that she had been crying in the physical as well as the dreamscape. She could feel a familiar weight on her chest, and soft puffs of air against her neck where Tally was nuzzled. She had gotten closer through the night.

She blinked the sleep from her eyes and tilted her head slightly to look down at Tally. She brushed the hair from her face and then set to gently rubbing up and down her arms to rouse her.

Tally began to stir, grumbling slightly about how she didn't want to wake—or something of the sort.

"Good morning," Sarah murmured, voice thick from sleep.

Tally yawned and nuzzled back into Sarah's neck. "Mmm morning."

Sarah was blushing furiously at Tally's nuzzling. Waking up next to the young witch was something she wouldn't mind doing every day.

Then she could feel through the connection that Tally was about to fall back asleep.

"Tally," Sarah said as she shifted some.

Tally blinked her eyes open and raised her head. When she realized she was once again waking in Sarah's bed, she smiled brightly.

Sarah found herself returning the look. "What is your schedule like today?"

Tally sat up a little but still hadn't moved from where she was laying partially on Sarah. "Um. I have Mothertongue at 10:00 until lunch, then nothing until training at 14:00 until dinner. Long session," Tally yawned when she finished. "My schedule is really light today."

Sarah hummed in acknowledgement and only spent a moment questioning what she was going to do. It wasn't lost on her that Tally was still cuddled up against her, and that she hadn't moved her arms from where they encased the younger woman.

"How do you feel? Sleep wise, I mean," Sarah inquired seriously.

"Honestly?" Tally sighed. "I'm still exhausted. I definitely feel so much better but…honestly I feel like I could sleep a week," she told her with a chuckle.

"I see," Sarah replied. "You're welcome to continue sleeping then."

Tally's eyes were wide.

"You have Mothertongue and I could easily teach you whatever you are covering today. I'm afraid I can't join you to sleep, but perhaps you'll be able to rest if I'm nearby."

"Are you sure?" Tally questioned.

"What did I say about the gift horse," Sarah retorted pointedly.

Tally blushed and Sarah couldn't help but think how adorable Tally always looked when she did.

"Why don't you eat some breakfast with your unit, come back to the office, and you can nap until lunch. We can go over your lesson before your training session," Sarah told her. "If you're agreeable."

"Yes," Tally answered quickly, turning even redder at her own eagerness.

It was cute.

"You think I'm cute?" Tally blurted out as she caught the thought.

"Of course," she answered instantly.

Yeah she wasn't even trying to hide it now. She could hear her biddies chittering amongst themselves, wondering what transpired in the night that made her openly admit such a thing.

I believe we are past pretending I do not have feelings, she told them through their link—silencing them rather effectively. She could feel their surprise, they were sure they would have to hound her.

A bright smile had appeared on Tally's face, and Sarah knew she'd do anything to continue making Tally that happy.

After they finally left the bed, neither mentioning what had transpired in the dream, they both got ready for the day before Tally left to join her unit for breakfast.

Alder was unsure what to say about the previous night. It was raw and vulnerable—she couldn't remember the last time she ever allowed herself to be so, before Tally that is. More importantly, she didn't feel embarrassed by any of it. It felt right. All of it.

Tally was in a similar state. She certainly didn't want to push, especially since she had definitely taken some liberties with Sarah. She wasn't totally sure what to tell Abigail and Raelle either. She refused to betray Sarah's trust.

"She lives!" Raelle called as Tally entered the dining room.

She smiled and took a seat…then the questioning began.

She was pretty sure neither of them breathed once as they rapidly fired questions.

"Okay slow down," Tally shushed them with a laugh. "I won't say anything that could betray Sarah's trust…which…I have…her trust I mean, I have her trust."

"Really?" Raelle asked skeptically.

Tally rolled her eyes. "What is the point in you asking questions if you won't accept my answers?"

Abigail nodded her agreement. "So you have the General's complete trust? How do you know that?"

Tally turned crimson and Abigail and Raelle both became even more invested.

"We…" Tally trailed off before she leaned forward, indicating they should too. When they were close, she whispered, "we had a moment…like…two moments actually and um…she let me near her vocal cords."

Raelle didn't get it, but Abigail did.

"Holy shit. Tal, that's…that's huge," Abigail said.

"I don't get it."

"Our vocal cords make us the witches we are, right? You know how horrific it is that the Camarilla takes witches cords? Allowing anyone to get close enough that they could easily sever them is like…for Alder I'm not sure what could be bigger—especially considering the Camarilla have wanted her cords since…forever," Abigail told her.

Raelle's eyes widened as she touched her throat. "I hadn't thought of that."

"Okay I'll just say it," Abigail started, "I think Alder has feelings for you."

"Yeah, I'm starting to agree," Raelle added.

Tally bit her lip, a smile forming. "That would be…" she didn't have the words.

"You're kind of glowing," Abigail told her pointedly, a smirk on her face.

"Am I?" Tally asked. "I feel like it, I just…I like her so much you guys. So much."

"We know," Raelle reminded her playfully.

"What else?" Abigail pressed.

Tally's eyes brightened. "We cuddled again and um when she let me near her cords…she initiated the contact."

Abigail nodded encouragingly.

"We had our moment and she just…put her hands on my hips and pulled me into a hug and I just…nuzzled her neck," she finished with a squeak and large blush.

Raelle was looking far too smug. "Wow, Tally, way to go."

"Imayhavealsokissedherthroat."

"I'm sorry, what?" Abigail asked, not understanding.

Tally took a breath. "I kissed her throat."

"And you're alive?" Raelle asked, voice filled with disbelief. She shook her head. "Yeah she definitely reciprocates your feelings."

"Oh yeah," Abigail concurred. "No way around that."

"Was it like the side of her neck?" Rae asked.

Tally shook her head and lightly tapped right over her cords.

Abigail and Raelle shared a look.

"When's the wedding?"

Tally threw a breakfast roll at Raelle's head, causing them all to laugh.

"Ugh shit I forgot we have Mothertongue in an hour," Raelle grumbled as she caught a glance of the clock.

"Yeah, about that," Tally began with a small smile. "I'm missing class…again."

Abigail arched an eyebrow.

"She's letting me come back so I can nap and sleep some more before training later. I'm still exhausted, just able to function half decent now. So I'll be at training….just…she's going to teach me Mothertongue today."

Raelle snorted and smirked. "She's going to teach you some tongue alright."

"Rae!" Tally squeaked, turning beet red.

Abigail laughed loudly. "That was good, shitbird."

"Okay, on that note I'm heading back to her," Tally told them with a laugh.

They said their goodbyes, and Tally practically skipped back to Alder's office.


Alder wasn't sure how much more of Petra's prattling she was going to be able to stand. She'd been in here far longer than Sarah ever wanted. Sometimes she hated that Petra was damn good at her job.

"Also, Miss Silver will be arriving later this afternoon to report."

Alder nodded. "Excellent. It will do us some good having the Vice President's daughter here. Perhaps it will help ease tensions between us and civilians—if only slightly," she said.

She quickly looked to the door of her office. She could feel Tally nearing and breathed a sigh of relief.

A quick knock on the door, followed by Sarah's 'come in,' gave way to Tally entering. Her eyes widened when she saw General Bellweather, an apology already forming on her lips.

"Cadet Craven," Petra greeted with a warm smile. "How are you?" she asked as she approached her. She gave her a once over—this being the first time she'd seen Tally since the de-biddying process.

"I'm well, ma'am," Tally responded with a small smile.

"Good," Petra told her before she gave her a hug. "I wanted to thank you for being there with Abigail," she said as she pulled back. "You girls all gave me quite the scare. I'm glad that the General was gracious in allowing you to have you released of the biddying."

"Me too," Tally agreed.

"What brings you here?" Petra asked curiously.

"Me," Alder spoke up from her desk.

Petra turned and gave the General a nod before bidding Tally farewell.

As soon as the door closed behind her, Sarah offered Tally a grateful smile. "Perfect timing."

Tally hummed as she approached. "I could feel some irritation through the link."

"She has that effect on me," came the reply. Then she sighed. "Unfortunately I do have meetings so if you aren't opposed, I could put a silencing seed on you so that you won't be disturbed while you rest. I'm unsure how much physical proximity will suffice, so I took some liberties." She turned and looked to the corner near the desk, humming a low seed and revealing a made up cot.

Tally couldn't help the giddiness she felt. "You want me to sleep in your office while you hold meetings? Not that I'm complaining…but wouldn't that be…"

"Inappropriate?" Sarah finished with a smile as she stood and walked around her desk to stop in front of Tally. She reached down, taking her hands in her own. "Again, I do believe we are far past that and you still need to rest. Since I can't be as close as I would like, this is the easiest solution so that you rest. If you're uncomfortable though we can try with you sleeping in my room and see if that would suffice," Sarah explained, not realizing exactly what she said.

Careful, Sarah, or she'll realize just how much you like her, Margaret teased from where she sat playing chess with Corinne.

Oh please, Tally's a Knower. If she hasn't figured it out yet, I am sure she has her suspicions, Corinne replied.

Erin chimed in, At what point do you think she'll ask to court her?

I give her three days, tops, said Corinne.

Do you three mind? Sarah thought.

Meanwhile, Tally was sporting a blush as she glanced down at their entwined hands.

"I only have two more meetings, one of which is Anacostia, and the other is Izadora. I pushed the others back to the afternoon," Sarah continued on.

"It's perfect," Tally told her with a soft smile.

Sarah released her hands and Tally headed straight for the cot. The thought of sleep was too enticing and she could feel her tiredness coming back already. She shucked her jacket off and her boots, setting them on a chair to the side, and laid down on top of the cot, sighing happily as she nuzzled into the pillow.

She didn't want to call Sarah out on it…but Tally was very aware that it was Sarah's pillow. It smelled of her, and she found it immensely calming.

She felt something draped over her and opened her eyes, humming happily when it was Sarah's quilt that was being placed over her.

"Sweet dreams," Sarah said before she began her seed, lulling Tally to sleep.

Once she was sure she was out, she sang another. She waited a few moments before she stepped back and slammed her hand on her desk loudly—pleased when Tally didn't even flinch. She nodded to herself and sat back down behind the desk, waiting for Anacostia to arrive.

Things were tense between them still, and Anacostia had been keeping her distance—something that pained Sarah greatly. She sighed and rubbed her temples.

She won't stay angry forever, Analese told her.

She is stubborn, came Sarah's retort.

Just like her foster mother, Corinne added.

You're on thin ice, Sarah thought. She wasn't though, at all, and she knew it. Again, sometimes being connected was a pain in the ass. She couldn't even get mad about it because Corinne was completely right.

A knock on the door alerted them to Anacostia's arrival.

At Sarah's beckoning, she came in and stopped in front of the desk—eyes widening when she saw Tally asleep on the cot near Sarah's desk.

Anacostia merely arched an eyebrow.

"She's been suffering side effects from the severing," she told her honestly. "She hasn't been sleeping well unless she is in close proximity. Izadora is on it."

Anacostia nodded, a worried expression on her face.

They dove into their meeting, just going over some matters regarding the Spree and their recent activities. It hadn't lasted long, and usually where Anacostia would stay and chat with her about life…she merely nodded and waited to be dismissed—which Sarah had done begrudgingly.

When she left, she released a tired sigh.

Give her time, Liza urged. She will come around.

She could feel the others agree with the sentiment, and nodded.

She dove back into her work, going over reports that updated her on the status of their agents in the field and their findings, new intel on the Spree, and most importantly any updates on the Camarilla.

She checked on Tally periodically, making sure she was sleeping soundly. She thanked the Goddess each time she did and found her deep asleep.

Izadora arrived for their meeting, and if she was surprised at seeing Tally asleep on the cot, she didn't show it. She updated Sarah on the item that arrived from the Tarim and its link to Raelle, informing Alder that she had Raelle stop by the day prior to allow her to record a vocal sample. She was waiting on the results to come back for that.

When they finished, Izadora looked over at Tally from her seat. "Has she been sleeping soundly?"

"Yes," Sarah replied, relief evident in her voice. "The past two nights she stayed with me and I was able to help. She still requires more sleep, but there has been a noticeable improvement."

Izadora hummed. "Physical proximity to you must be necessary. You'll have to see how she does when you are apart."

Sarah nodded. "But not yet. I won't risk her losing more sleep while she is still recuperating."

"I believe that is wise," Izadora agreed. "So," she began with a smirk, "how goes not giving into your feelings?"

Sarah tilted her head back and chuckled. "Your patience is astounding."

"I'm a scientist, we often must wait," Izadora retorted.

Sarah was silent as she turned her gaze to Tally's sleeping form. "It is almost impossible to dampen my emotions near her. It is somewhat easier when there is distance between us…but even that is shrinking."

"It's still growing stronger?" Izadora asked.

"Yes. Much," she looked back to the Necro. "The more I accept this…the more contact we have…it expands exponentially. The barriers I have spent centuries carefully constructing…gone."

Izadora's eyebrows rose in surprise but a soft smile graced her lips shortly after. She could see that Sarah had accepted the fact that she had feelings for Tally that she couldn't hide…that the connection would make it impossible to not give in to whatever it was between them…but she was still hesitant. It wasn't lost on the ever observant Necro though that Sarah was much more relaxed in Tally's presence.

"She has a positive effect on you," Izadora commented as she stood. "It would seem that you have one on her as well."

With that she took her leave, allowing Sarah to sit with her thoughts.


Tally awoke to the sounds of a flickering fire, the shuffling of papers, and the careful placements of chess pieces. She smiled into the pillow and snuggled in closer, burying her face in it as much as she could as she slowly woke up.

She reached out, expecting to find Sarah next to her. When her hand hit the air, her brow furrowed and she grumbled. She could smell Sarah, so where was she?

She heard the careful approach of footsteps and felt the cot dip as her hand was taken in another. Her eyes fluttered open, an instant sleepy smile forming on her face when she felt the warmth of Sarah's hand in her own.

"Were you reaching for me?" Sarah asked softly.

She could feel Tally's confusion through the link as she awoke, and the subtle thrum of want for her. She still felt the need to ask, unsure still if it was the connection or her own wishful thinking.

Tally nodded as she gazed up at Sarah. "I'm associating amazing sleep with being near you," she whispered playfully.

Sarah's gaze softened impossibly further as she smiled and stroked the back of Tally's hand.

"I am glad you are resting well, truly," Sarah told her. "I feel slightly guilty to pull you from it."

Tally sat up. "No need to feel guilty. You're doing so much for me."

Sarah turned her gaze to the chairs near her fireplace. "Unfortunately, I cannot allow you to slack in your studies, so we must commence your lesson. I spoke with your teacher to inform him of your absence and to see where you were at in your studies."

"Not very far, I'm afraid," Tally replied with a sigh.

Sarah nodded and stood from the cot, walking to the chairs near the fireplace.

Once Tally rose, she put her boots back on and joined her.

Sarah nodded to a few of the biddies, and they disappeared while the others remained.

At the wordless questioning from Tally through the link, Sarah explained, "I'm having them bring you lunch. Now, do you have any basic knowledge of Méníshè?"

Tally shook her head.

"Then I will teach you as my mother taught me."

Sarah dove in. She explained the basic structure of the language, before she told Tally she would only speak to her in Méníshè for the next hour. It was simple enough though. She would point to various things in the room and say their word before she would use it in a sentence, allowing Tally to fill in the blanks on context clues. When she was correct, Sarah would have her repeat back the phrases until Tally felt comfortable.

Frankly, Tally learned more of the language in a single hour than she had in class so far. The biddies had returned with her lunch, and she ate while Sarah slowly built up to longer sentences, but making sure she pointed at anything she was referencing while she said it so Tally could follow.

By the end of the hour, they moved onto any questions Tally had about the language that Sarah hadn't covered. They practiced a little longer until it was 13:30.

Tally sighed as she saw the time, and Sarah caught the pang of disappointment that Tally felt at her having to leave soon.

"Would you like to come back at 21:00? It will give you an extra hour of rest," Sarah inquired as she stared at the flames.

"Please," Tally replied with a smile.

Sarah matched it with her own as they sat in silence awhile longer. She enjoyed the silence with Tally. There was something quite peaceful and comforting in simply existing with someone.

She was totally screwed.

We told you, Erin thought.

Multiple times, Michelle added.

Every day for what? Liza asked.

A chuckle. Better part of a month at least, Corinne supplied.

She's been eyeing her for longer, Analese said very matter of fact.

A hum of agreement from all the biddies echoed in the link.

Since she took a personal interest in her unit after their vocal work display, Margaret confirmed.

Remember when she saw her that first day she arrived at Fort Salem? Spotted her in the audience, Tessa said with a chuckle.

Sarah sighed heavily and Tally looked at her curiously.

"The biddies are having a laugh at my expense," Sarah said through their connection.

Tally smiled and shook her head. "I'm sure it's coming from a place of love."

"That is debatable," Sarah thought with a laugh.

They chuckled in tandem before Tally spoke, "Do you think it would be possible for me to change our scenery in the dream? Or?"

Sarah tilted her head to the side. "Is there somewhere specific you wish to go?"

Tally blushed. "I was just thinking it's only fair for you to see some of my memories…"

Sarah was surprised. Warmth filled her at Tally wanting to share her own memories with her.

"Unless that makes you uncomfortable then obviously we do—"

Sarah cut her off with a light laugh and soft smile. "I would like that," she said aloud.

"Oh," Tally stated, a new blush rising to her cheeks as she smiled. "Great."

Sarah really loved seeing her dimples when she smiled. It was easily one of her favorite things.

Tally flushed, and Sarah didn't even try to act like Tally hadn't caught the sentiment.

"It would be hard not to like them," Sarah thought through the link, relishing in the way their connection thrummed.

Tally was still blushing, but after a few more moments she was able to get herself together.

She looked at the clock and sighed. "I need to get to training. Thank you so much for letting me nap in here and for teaching me." Tally bit her lip in concentration before telling Alder 'thank you for everything' in Méníshè.

Sarah offered her a large smile and replied in kind.

"I'll see you tonight," Tally said before turning and looking at the biddies. "Thank you for bringing me lunch and for…well, everything you do." She cast a glance at Sarah, hoping that they understood she was also thanking them for everything they do for her as well.

She was pretty sure it had made Sarah blush when the biddies gave her answering smiles before their eyes flickered to the General.

She waved bye and slipped from the room as a blanket of silence fell over all of them.

"The room is less without her," Sarah said aloud to them, her eyes trained on the fire.

She could feel their agreement through the link, and she was wondering how she was going to focus the rest of the day.


Training was rough. Sure she had gotten more sleep and was definitely feeling better, but that boost she got from her nap rapidly left her about two hours into training. She tried to stay with Abigail and Raelle near the end, knowing they wouldn't kick her ass too bad when they know how exhausted she's been.

They had finally wrapped up and were heading to grab dinner when Tally told her about her nap in Alder's office, her lesson on Mothertongue, and her comments.

"The more I learn about her, the more surprised I get," Abigail said with a chuckle

"I can't get over the fact that she's…well…smooth. I mean, I guess having hundreds of years and partners makes one smooth," Raelle reasoned and Abigail smacked her.

"Ow, what was that for?"

Abigail gave her a sharp look.

Tally hadn't thought of that. Of course Sarah had hundreds of partners, the woman has been alive for hundreds of years, and she always participated in Beltane. Tally suddenly felt really insecure about it. She'd only slept with one person, and it was a guy. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to measure up.

"If it helps at all, Tal, I don't ever remember hearing Alder divulge this much personal information to someone that isn't a biddy," Abigail told her as she shot Raelle another glare for her carelessness.

"The biddies don't know a lot, it's mainly surface things they know," Tally said absentmindedly.

"That's a big deal, Tal. Don't forget she also let you kiss her cords."

"Yeah but—" Raelle began confused and Abigail gave her a glare that might as well have been a silencing seed.

Tally sighed heavily, her good mood gone. She ate in mostly silence, brooding and worrying before she got up and headed off to shower.

She stood under the stream for a while, mulling over what Raelle said. She pushed it to the back of her mind, choosing to focus on what Sarah was telling her and showing her instead.

Her mood improved some as she changed and packed her bag with her toiletries. She sighed as she saw the time. It was only 20:00.

She flopped down on her bed, unsure what to do with herself for the next hour.

She probably had only been laying there for five minutes when she heard M yell something.

She got up and padded to the door, opening it and walking down the hall a ways.

Just before she rounded the corner, she heard a distinct voice.

"At ease," Sarah told them before she looked over at Raelle and Abigail, a frown on her face.

She had just finished her last meeting for the night when she felt a wave of emotion surge through her that she most certainly knew was not her own. It was filled with insecurity, worry, and sadness. Instantly she was concerned something was wrong and came to investigate with her biddies reassuring her through their link.

They were concerned about Tally as well, not wanting something to be wrong, but wanted to make sure that Sarah didn't work herself up too much over something that could be nothing.

When she didn't see Tally with her unit, and the surprised and worried glances they shared when she had arrived…it told her most of what she needed to know.

"Craven?" Sarah questioned, eyes falling on Tally's unit.

When Tally heard her name, she backed up and turned to head back to her room. Sarah was here…and she had no idea why. A lot of emotions were flying through her and she faintly heard Sarah say 'never mind,' followed by multiple footsteps.

There was a knock a moment later and Tally called out a 'come in.' The door opened, revealing Sarah wearing a concerned expression before relief rippled through her.

"Are you alright?" Sarah asked as she closed the door behind her, having the biddies wait outside to run interference while she spoke with Tally.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Why?" Tally questioned, still not understanding why she was here.

She couldn't help but take her in. She really did love Sarah's uniforms.

Sarah approached her and reached out to take Tally's hands in her own. Electricity traveled up her body at the touch and she released a relieved sigh.

"I could feel some strong emotions from you and was worried something was wrong. Perhaps I need to get used to how deeply you feel things," Sarah explained with a soft smile. "I was worried," she reiterated simply.

Tally's face was starting to ache from how constant her smile has been. Her dimples must be prominent as hell, if Sarah's gaze on them and her adoration through the link was any indication.

Tally could actually feel the affection and adoration flow down the link to her. She gasped lightly and thought, "You like me."

Sarah didn't respond, but her cheeks were turning pink and her eyes widened slightly.

Tally smiled and released a giggle, which was embarrassing—she removed her hands from Sarah's to cover her eyes. Who giggles?

At a soft probing from Sarah from the link, Tally lowered her hands to meet Sarah's gaze. Alder was looking at her softly, her cheeks lightly pink—she reached out and pulled Tally toward her into a hug.

She mimicked her position from the dream and placed her arm around Tally's waist as her other hand threaded in her hair. Sarah could feel her heart beating in her chest, as well as her muscles relaxed substantially. It was a weird sensation—heart pounding from excitement but yet the muscles are as loose as they could be.

She sighed against Tally as the redhead ducked her head beneath Sarah's chin, lightly pressing right next to her cords. It was clearly Tally's favorite spot, and hers as well for the redhead to tuck herself in on. The only other person she'd ever let near her cords that wasn't her deceased family, was Anacostia. She trusted her completely and when she would have a hard time as a child, Sarah would pick her up and tuck her head beneath her chin as she hummed to her. The only other time someone was allowed near them was at Beltane for the power boost. Outside of whoever was Witchfather at the time, she hadn't taken a lover in nearly two hundred years. Sex was like food and sleep to her. Over the centuries and with her constant vigilance as General, they took up too much time.

This though…the vulnerability she was giving Tally, that was huge.

And she made sure Tally felt all of that through the bond, rubbing her back soothingly when she gasped in surprise against her before her hand returned to tangle in her hair—fingers lightly massaging her scalp.

"I do," Sarah whispered, so softly she wondered if she had even actually uttered them.

Tally had heard the words loud and clear though, and she smiled against Sarah's neck.

"How did you know?" Tally asked, referring to how she knew what exactly was bothering her.

"I caught snippets of your thoughts mixed with the emotions and pieced it together."

"Thank you for coming to check on me," Tally told her. "I would normally say that you didn't have to do that…but someone keeps telling me I shouldn't look gift horses in the mouth."

Sarah laughed loudly at that and Tally delighted in feeling the vibrations from her throat.

"She sounds wise, you should listen to her," Sarah retorted seriously, never ceasing her light ministrations against Tally's scalp.

"Probably, but where would the fun be in that?" Tally asked with another laugh.

Sarah found it infectious, and they took a few moments to calm. Once they had, she looked at the clock, seeing that it was growing close to 21:00.

"Come, I'm sure you're tired," Sarah said softly as she stepped back from the hug, her hand sliding down to grasp Tally's a moment before releasing it.

Tally grabbed her things and she walked to the door with Sarah. When she opened it, Raelle and Abigail were looking worried outside of the room. She suspected they tried to come in and the biddies had refused to move, which Tally was grateful for. She was soaking up every moment she and Sarah shared, as if each would be the last one.

She shot Raelle a satisfied smirk, watching with amusement as Raelle's eyes widened—receiving the message. Abigail snickered and pulled Raelle into their room as she, Sarah, and the biddies headed back to the office.

They walked in silence until they parted from the biddies and Tally told them goodnight. They readied for bed, easily swapping places between bathroom and bedroom in an easy flow.

When they had settled, Sarah was already in bed laying down on her back. She felt the bed dip and she reached over to the light on the nightstand and turned it off.

As soon as Tally laid down, hands were at her waist pulling her closer. So Tally allowed herself to be moved and positioned against the General. She was grateful that her back was to Sarah's front so that she couldn't see the blush she knew was there.

A jolt went through Tally as she felt Sarah's lips gently skim above her skin, and she gasped—immediately feeling Sarah tense behind her.

She wiggled backwards, getting as close to Sarah as she could and boldly reached behind to tug Alder's arm over her body, and then entwine their fingers.

Sarah relaxed instantly and sighed. Logically, she knew that this was going to be potentially problematic. Tally was a cadet. Their ranks, their positions, their ages…chasms between them. And yet, here she was curled around Tally holding her close to her chest and breathing in the smell of her shampoo as if they'd done this every night for years. She smelled like autumn.

She had already decided that she would speak to the powers that be once they understood the connection and petition for permission to court Tally openly, if she would even want Sarah to court her. She couldn't see Petra Bellweather or the Imperatrix agreeing with that one at all. She just hoped that if that happened, they would give her this one thing after everything she's done.

"What're you thinking about?" Tally questioned. She could practically hear the thoughts flying through Sarah's head. She couldn't make them out though—it just sounded like a lot of noise.

She answered honestly, "Us."

Tally smiled into the pillow.

"The connection, what Izadora may find, what it could possibly be…cataloging through as many memories as I can to see if I had ever come across anything like this," she continued. "I might have Izadora check all of us to make sure that you aren't physically at risk on a day to day by the severing—"

Tally rolled over, dropping Sarah's hand so she could place her own on her cheek. "You are sounding like me, and I can attest that those are too many." She smiled and stroked her thumb down Sarah's cheek without thinking. "How do you usually silence them?" Tally added.

"Wine," came the immediate reply.

They both chuckled lightly.

"Well, we are already in bed so I am afraid wine isn't an option," Tally said. She felt her cheeks warm as she realized she had just flirted with the General.

"Pray tell then, what is?" Sarah asked coyly.

Tally's eyes darkened considerably, and Sarah couldn't deny the wave of arousal that rolled through her own body. She knew that if she kissed Tally, she would immediately reciprocate. The problem was that she was unsure if she would be able to stop herself if she had a taste.

Tally's hand inched closer to rest behind Sarah's ear; her breathing was quick and shallow; she could feel an inexplicable tugging against her chest that filled her with the urge to be as close as she could be. She wanted Sarah to consume her, and consume her in return.

Sarah too felt the pull. She couldn't help but glance down at the pink lips so close to her own. Their breaths were mingling and she realized their noses were lightly brushing.

To hell with it, Sarah thought.

She closed the distance and took Tally's lips in her own. It was gentle but firm and it sent them both soaring.

She could have sworn the earth shook. Fire erupted in her veins as a feeling of completion settled in her chest. Her body hummed with magic and energy, rippling off her and through the room. She could faintly hear the sound of storm clouds gathering—a soft rumble in the distance.

Tally's hands had tangled in Sarah's dark hair, pulling her as close as she could while they kissed. Her tongue brushed against Sarah's lips, and she granted it readily. Moans rumbled in the air as their tongues touched, deepening the kiss.

Sparks went off all over Tally's body. Each touch of Sarah's tongue had her feeling like she was on salva. She moaned softly into the kiss when Sarah's hand tangled in her hair. Tally was close to losing it. She'd never felt so grounded yet so weightless.

Sarah slowed the kiss. She could feel the desire roll off Tally, and while it made her clench with need, this was not the time. She knew they probably wouldn't wait long, but she wanted the chance to court Tally some before that.

Tally could feel the magic humming around them, and she pulled back to glance up—gasping.

"What do you see?" Sarah asked breathlessly.

"Our magic," Tally breathed.

It was gorgeous. She had never seen anything like it—it wasn't wholly one color. It looked like a nebula as it surrounded them.

Tally met Sarah's blue eyes and focused on their connection, mentally sending Sarah what she saw. Her eyes widened and a short laugh escaped her.

She'd never heard of magic looking like that.

"Can you feel it?" Sarah asked Tally. She could feel it the moment their lips touched. She knew she could rend the sky in two if she would choose to do so; she could make the ground quake and split and the water rise.

Tally nodded. She could feel it everywhere on her body—warming and electrifying her.

Sarah took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She drew Tally in and touched their foreheads, silently asking that Tally sync up with her breathing. It only took a few moments before they had calmed and the magic in the room dampened.

"That was intense," Tally spoke softly.

"Quite," Sarah replied. She'd never felt such a boost to her power before. Not in all her Beltane's.

"None of them?" Tally asked.

Sarah could feel the pride that Tally felt at that and she chuckled. Tally's emotions had always been readable, but this was…different. For her as well. She couldn't feel the barriers she had constructed anywhere; she could feel her emotions flow into Tally.

"None," Sarah told her seriously. "It seems that the more physicality there is, the stronger it becomes. I'll have to let Izadora know of this development."

Tally's eyes narrowed and Sarah caught a flash of what she was feeling—like she was an experiment to be studying.

"Not at all," Sarah assured, her thumb stroking the soft skin below it. "I merely meant that it could help her understand better what it is. I don't want to put you in danger, and being connected to me is dangerous. You could die, Tally," she said softly. The thought made her heart constrict.

"You could die too," Tally replied. "Any of us could die any day. Yes you have the biddies but if something happens to them…it happens to you too. There are always risks. I thought you would know that better than anyone," she finished playfully, trying to lighten the mood and draw Sarah from her worry.

Sarah closed her eyes and chuckled, reflecting on what Tally said. She was right. Life was full of risks, it was merely which ones you chose to take.

"You are right," she confessed. "You seem to be right quite often."

Tally couldn't help but laugh.

Sarah found it infectious. "Do you have any idea how annoying that is?" Her cheeks were beginning to hurt from smiling so much.

They both fell into a small fit of laughter, finally slowing until they were left staring at each other.

Tally's eyes bore into hers—shining with such affection that Sarah thought she might weep.

"Until we get some answers, I think that we should not go further than this…" she allowed the unspoken 'but I desperately want to,' hang in the air between them.

Tally nodded. She was more than happy to accept this for now.

"You should sleep," Sarah urged. "You have training in the morning."

Tally nodded and leaned in to place one more soft kiss to Sarah's lips. She pulled back a hair. "Yes, ma'am."

"I'll meet you in our dreams," Sarah told her.

She smirked as Tally rolled back over so that she could be held through the night. Their legs tangled easily; their hands entwined while Sarah's arm laid protectively across Tally; she sang her seed—and soon the redhead was asleep.

"Goodnight, Tally," Sarah whispered against the bare shoulder. She placed a delicate kiss there and closed her eyes, allowing sleep to claim her.