Tally once again found herself in Salem. This time though she decided to stay where she was and wait for Sarah. She was a bit anxious to show her some of her childhood memories.

"Hello," Sarah said behind her.

Tally turned, grinning, and walking up to Sarah to take her hands. "Okay, how do I do this?"

"Close your eyes and focus on the memory you want us to see. Try to remember as many of the details you can, and then will it to be," Sarah instructed.

When Sarah blinked, they were in a different location. She surmised that it must be the matrifocal compound.

"I did it!" Tally said excitedly.

Sarah chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Indeed. And well done, it's quite solid."

Tally beamed at the compliment. She led them through the compound until they arrived at Tally's home.

"Ah…" Tally began as she turned to face Sarah, stopping them before going in. "So when I thought of this memory I thought it would be cute but now I'm sort of second guessing an—"

"Tally," Sarah interrupted. She reached up and cupped Tally's cheek. "It is from your childhood and I am certain that everything about that will be cute."

Tally blushed and nodded before she turned on her heels and led them into the house.

They entered the living room, where there was a young and tiny Tally Craven.

"I think one of my perks in being a Knower is that I have a lot of memories of my childhood that are from before most children have the ability to form them."

"You're incredibly gifted, Tally, so I am not surprised," Sarah replied before she took the lead and brought them around the couch so she could see the little Tally better.

The General let out a laugh. "Goddess, even as a toddler your dimples were prominent."

Tally blushed furiously.

Then the TV played a song that both women were quite familiar with. 'America the Beautiful' played on the television as Sarah led them to the couch and took a seat. She smirked as she watched Tally wobble over to be closer to the TV before plopping down on her butt.

She was clearly entranced with the song and with the witches in the commercial.

"Even young you knew your calling," Sarah murmured affectionately.

Tally was wondering if she would ever stop blushing around Sarah.

"I certainly hope not," Sarah told her as she squeezed her hand.

Then Sarah's face appeared on the TV, speaking to all witches…and Tally beelined.

She was up on wobbly legs in an instant, powering over to the TV and immediately hugging it as if she was hugging Sarah.

Tally was very aware that she probably looked like a tomato…but seeing the bright blush that Sarah was sporting had Tally laughing.

Sarah shook her head, laughing delightedly at the display.

"A calling indeed," Sarah teased.

"Sorry," Tally scrunched her nose. "This is probably weird."

Sarah shook her head. "No. Oddly no. And this has actually given me some potential details to share with Izadora."

Tally tilted her head, silently asking Sarah to explain.

"We are connected, and I do not believe it is related to the biddy link…but I would like her to re-examine it to make sure you weren't harmed…our connection is…powerful. I don't just mean emotionally, but magically and physically." She nodded her head to the TV. "Depending on what type our connection is…there is a possibility that this—" She gestured between the two of them, "was by design."

Tally was slightly flabbergasted at how it made sense.

"We can't know for certain until we rule things out…but it is interesting," Sarah mused.

Tally squeezed her hand, sending waves of happiness to Sarah through the link, and smiling as Sarah returned the sentiment.

"Next memory," Tally told her as she stood and led them from the house. She led Sarah down a small path through the woods as darkness began to descend on the landscape, signaling nightfall.

This was one of Tally's favorite things about the compound. She made sure she didn't envision herself in it so that she and Sarah would have the view all to themselves.

They broke through the tree line, giving way to a beautiful pond and a perfect view of the night sky.

Tally willed a blanket to appear and she grinned triumphantly.

"Very good," Sarah told her as they moved to the blanket to lay down.

"This is my favorite spot," Tally told her. "Once the sun goes down completely, you'll see why."

Sarah smiled and took Tally's hand in hers again.

The sun disappeared and Sarah gasped at the beauty of the night sky. Places like this were rare treasures with the dawn of the modern age and electricity. It blinded the sky and the universe as they were meant to see—taking it away.

The lights in the sky and in the numerous stars; their own galaxy visible to the naked eye; the stars reflected on the water of the pond; fireflies danced overhead.

"It's beautiful Tally," Sarah breathed. "Thank you for sharing this with me."

Tally blushed as she spoke, "You're welcome."

They laid there for a while, basking in the beauty above them.

Tally chewed on her lip a moment. She really wanted to snuggle with Sarah as they watched the sky—and soon found herself pulled against the older woman.

"You are allowed to initiate, Tally," Sarah assured her softly as Tally nuzzled into her neck.

Tally nodded and grinned against Sarah's neck.

The General trailed her hand up and down Tally's arm, then turned her head to place a kiss to Tally's head.

The small boost she felt to her power surprised her, and she smiled against Tally's hair.

"Is there anywhere else you want to go? Or would you like to stay here?" she asked.

"I'd like to stay here if that's okay?" Tally replied.

"It's perfect."

They laid there for a while, and Sarah wasn't sure if it was her or Tally that had ended the memory—lulling them into a dreamless sleep.

Tally awoke feeling like she had slept on the most comfortable mattress of her life. She stretched a little and moaned at how fantastic it felt.

"What a way to wake up," Sarah murmured, half asleep and hazy.

A blush crept up Tally's neck and she bit her lip as she rolled over to be blessed with a still sleepy Alder.

Her hair was messed from sleep, and her eyes were squinted as her vision returned. Tally thought she was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.

She wasn't sure whether Alder meant that they shouldn't kiss again until they understood the connection better, but Tally figured that if Alder wanted to stop her she would—and Tally would apologize profusely and be embarrassed an—

Soft lips captured her own and Tally couldn't hold back the moan that escaped her. There was no urgency in the kiss or lust coating it—but instead was a promise of what was to come.

Sarah pulled back a little to look Tally in the eyes. When warm eyes met her own she smiled. "I caught some of your thoughts and I feared if I left you to decide what to do, your head would explode."

Tally laughed as she laid her head down on Alder's pillow, forcing them to share the air.

"So I guess kissing is okay?" Tally asked, seeking confirmation.

"Yes, Tally, kissing is okay," Sarah replied, voice soft but sure. "I…" she trailed off as she searched for the words she wanted to say. "I've never dated."

Tally's eyebrows rose in surprise. "You're gorgeous, what do you mean you haven't dated?"

Sarah laughed. "I mean what I said. I have never dated." Her expression grew serious. "I dedicated myself to protecting this country; dating wasn't exactly an option." She smirked. "I thought that what I shared through the bond last night helped, but I'm happy to clarify. Outside of Beltane, I haven't had a lover in over two hundred years."

Tally looked saddened by the information though, and Sarah's lips turned down. She reached up and cupped Tally's face.

"Why are you sad?" Sarah asked.

"It sounds lonely."

Sarah sighed, head nodding slightly. "It is sometimes. I watched so many of my sisters find love, or at least a marriage," she chuckled. "They had children and lived full lives. That was enough."

"Was?" Tally couldn't help but ask.

"Was," Sarah admitted quietly.

Tally was on her before she could blink. Sarah's confirmation made the unspoken so clear—it was enough before Tally. Her lips were insistent, seeking, and more soothing than any of the seeds Sarah could recall. Tally had straddled her waist, laying on top of her as Sarah's hands tangled themselves in Tally's hair. She kept her held in place as they kissed and Sarah could hear the sound of rumbling in the distance. She broke the kiss, fighting every instinct she could to reclaim Tally's swollen lips and never leave the room. The charge of their magic was back again with a force, sending sparks off in their bodies.

"The rumbling," Tally started, a breath away from Sarah's lips.

"It's me," Sarah murmured.

Tally sat back, still straddling Sarah. Her eyes were focused out of the window behind Alder's bed.

Sarah took that moment to look over Tally. Her pajamas were rumpled from sleep, her braids needed touched up, and Alder couldn't decide if it was messy because of sleep or because of her hands—she hoped it was the latter. Tally's eyes were bright with wonder as the storm faded.

"Does that always…"

"No," Sarah interrupted, her hands settled on Tally's waist. "It usually only happens if there's a powerful charge…it slips out."

"So…I…"

Sarah smiled up at the younger woman, who was looking very smug. "Yes, Tally, you." She lifted her hand to her lips and kissed the back. "You have a profound effect on me."

Oh, if Sarah could bottle Tally's smile to see whenever she wanted, she would. She wasn't sure what the future would hold, but one thing was certain—Sarah Alder was smitten with Tally Craven.

Sarah sat up, wrapping her arms around Tally and capturing her lips in another kiss. She didn't want to stop. She finally did when she felt her biddies rousing from their sleep. She pulled back, reaching up and cupping the side of Tally's face.

"We need to get up, the biddies are waking, and you need to get ready for class," Sarah told her.

Tally groaned. "I've been wanting to do this for so long, I'm afraid if we stop this all will have been a dream."

The honesty of the declaration had Sarah's head spinning in the best of ways. It sent a wave of warmth through her to know Tally was similarly affected.

"I understand. Rest assured that this is very real," she told her with a soft smile. "But, we have duties to tend to."

Tally took one last look at Sarah's lips before deciding to steal another kiss. Sarah indulged her, unable to resist either. A moan rumbled in her chest when Tally took her bottom lip in her teeth. An image of Sarah dipping her hand between Tally's thighs crossed her mind, and she was unsure who the thought originated from.

She was saved from the temptation by her biddies calling through the link. She pulled back and rolled them over, swiftly pinning Tally to the bed. She grinned at the wide-eyed stare from Tally.

"The biddies call," Sarah supplied before hopping off the bed and striding to her door to unlock it by hand.

Tally offered them a shy smile when they all fixed her with a knowing look. She was clearly rather flustered. She noted that the biddies seemed happy by it.

"Get dressed and we can go over a plan for tonight before you have to go to class," Sarah instructed as she disappeared into her office.

Tally skirted off to do as told, still feeling on cloud nine. She couldn't believe this was happening. When she emerged from the bathroom, dressed in her uniform and her braids fixed, Alder's hair was in its impeccable braid down her back.

"There's coffee and food in my office on the cart," Sarah told her as she rose from the chair and made her way toward Tally. She lightly touched her hip, needing just a little contact before she entered her bathroom.

Tally was beginning to wonder if her smile would be permanent. She ducked from the room and poured herself some coffee and grabbed a muffin off the cart. She set to eating her breakfast, waiting for Sarah to return. She leaned against the desk and looked at the portrait above the fireplace.

She really can pull off any uniform, Tally thought.

"I'm glad you think so," Sarah said, startling the redhead.

Tally smiled. "I can guarantee that I'm not the only one that thinks so."

Sarah shrugged as she walked up to Tally. "Perhaps, but you're the only one that counts."

Oh that was worth the amount of sap Sarah spewed. Tally's smile was bright, her dimples perfect, eyes shining, and a pretty blush on her cheeks.

"What're your thoughts for tonight?" Tally asked as she and Sarah threaded their fingers together.

"Well, first…how do you feel? Do you feel well rested?"

"I do. I think I finally am back to normal," Tally said, voice full of relief.

"Then perhaps tonight we should sleep apart, to see if we will have to figure anything else out." Sarah smiled softly at the sad look that crossed Tally's face. "We need to rule things out…but if it is comforting to know, I am not looking forward to spending the night without you."

Tally nodded and leaned in to kiss Sarah softly.

When they broke apart, Sarah worried her lip.

Tally found the uncharacteristic gesture endearing but prodded, "What is it?"

"I know that we are still trying to understand the connection but…Tally, would you permit me to court you?" Sarah asked seriously.

Tally's eyes brightened and a beaming smile crossed her face as she stepped in front of the General. "Permission granted."

Alder couldn't help the laugh that escaped her and she pulled Tally in close to place a soft kiss to her lips. When they pulled back, Alder gently stroked her cheek. She felt like she was on cloud nine being granted the honor of courting Tally.

Tally blushed as she caught the sentiment through the connection.

"In that case," Sarah began hesitantly. "Would you permit one more thing?"

"Of course," Tally told her instantly.

Sarah could feel her cheeks flush then as she led Tally to the mirror off on the side of the office—and reached up and undid Tally's braids. She stepped around her and took up residence behind her to deftly finish undoing the pattern, before she would redo it in a different way. It was an intricate pattern but one that Sarah had memorized when she was younger. Giving this braid to Tally was a large deal to her. She paused for a moment and turned to one of her biddies, silently requesting the objects she wanted.

Her mother had given them to her when she came of age, just before everything changed. They were silver beads, with intricate patterns on each, that were worn in the braid to signal that the wearer was spoken for. When Michelle brought them over, Sarah plucked them up with nimble fingers and set to adding them to the rest of the braid. The beads, and having them threaded in the hair by the courter, was quite symbolic. Even if Tally had no idea of the magnitude, it was important to Sarah.

"All done," Sarah said softly, stepping away from Tally so she could inspect the braid in the mirror.

"The beads…they're so beautiful," Tally said in awe.

The braid was made by taking hair from each side of her head to meet in the back and be carefully twisted and braided with the beads lining the inner workings of the braid.

"My mother gave them to me. Elizabeth was never much of a romantic, but as you know, I am," she said with a fond smile. "They're courtship beads, as is the braid. It's a tradition that has long since passed…"

"I can feel how important this is to you," Tally told her with a soft smile as their eyes met in the mirror. "I feel the significance and you have my enthusiastic consent to court me however you'd like." She turned around to face her.

Sarah's eyes were watery as she smiled. The warmth that bloomed in her chest at Tally's words nearly knocked the wind from her, and she took Tally's hand in her own to raise it to her lips and place a delicate kiss there.

"You never cease to amaze me," Sarah told her honestly as she pulled her in for another kiss. She sighed and rested her forehead against Tally's, knowing that they really needed to get to their duties for the day.

"Thank you," Tally whispered against her lips before she took a step back and tried to regain her composure.

Sarah did the same before she smiled and said playfully, "You need to get to class, Cadet. That's an order."

Tally smiled brightly before plucking her muffin off the desk. "Yes, General Alder."

She tossed a wink at her as she exited.

Sarah looked over at her biddies, feeling their smug grins before seeing them. "You're all so pleased aren't you."

She could feel the waves of support wash over her. Yes, they were pleased. Enthusiastically so. She could feel their desire for her to be happy; their joy at seeing how much she was smiling; they were thrilled by the development.

Sarah just hoped that everyone else would feel the same.

You all owe me $20, Erin said through the link.

Sarah cocked her eyebrow, watching as the other biddies rummaged for their money and then gave it to Erin.

She sent a silent question to them.

Corinne bet three days for you to ask to court her. Michelle said two, the others gave you longer, Erin explained.

She chuckled, pleased that she had managed to surprise all but one of her biddies with her boldness.

Tally's magic was wild. Her hand to hand combat and scourge combat were especially impressive today. She definitely got a power boost from her morning with Alder. By the time training finished, she still felt like she could go a few more rounds—while Raelle and Abigail were on the ground trying to recoup.

As the last members departed, leaving the unit alone, Raelle and Abigail immediately set to questioning her.

"Any more dreams?" Raelle asked, figuring they should get the serious stuff out of the way.

"None still," Tally answered, beaming. "I've never slept better, honestly."

Abigail watched her. "So what's the plan tonight?"

Tally unleashed an attack on one of the practice dummies, flawlessly executed. "Tonight I'll be in my bed. Sarah wants to try and see if it's a physical proximity thing at all to help rule things out."

"Well, I'm sure that Sarah has a plan in place in case it is?" Abigail questioned with a satisfied smirk.

Tally rolled her eyes.

"Just humor us and then we want all the details," Raelle supplied patiently.

Tally shrugged. "Honestly I have no idea, she didn't say…but I know that if I have another one she'll know and come."

Raelle and Abigail nodded.

"She is supposed to meet with Izadora again today to see if there are any tentative theories yet and to give her some updates," Tally added.

"So what's with the power boost?" Abigail asked wryly. "It has a very distinct taste. Sort of like the magic at Beltane."

"Mmm sexual energy," Raelle agreed with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

Tally laughed, feeling her face grow red. "We ah…we kissed…a lot."

Raelle and Abigail's eyes were wide as saucers. They hadn't expected that.

"What?"

"How?"

"Who made the first move?"

They were alternating questions and Tally had to hold up her hands.

"We were in bed and talking about the connection, the feelings and pull to each other and we were laughing and flirting." Tally could feel her cheeks heat up as she smiled. "And um, we had a moment and we were just soooo close you guys. Like we had moved closer and then…she kissed me."

"She kissed you?" Abigail asked with wonder. "Holy shit. Good for Alder."

"How was it?" Raelle asked.

Tally's eyes brightened. "It felt like everything just…clicked. I never felt anything close to that, not even on Beltane. This was unlike anything else, guys. I could see our magic and it was…ethereal. We spent time in some of my memories last night and I showed her my favorite spot and we just cuddled and laid there." Tally covered her face for a moment to try and contain the giddiness. When she removed them she continued, just remembering, "and she started to inadvertently summon a storm this morning when we were making out."

Raelle and Abigail shared a look.

"Wait, those clouds that just sort of rolled in this morning and then vanished? That was Alder's work?" Raelle asked, disbelief in her voice.

Tally nodded enthusiastically. "Apparently it makes her lose control when there is a powerful charge. Like…Beltane level charge…but even last Beltane she hadn't summoned a storm…" Tally explained, absolutely beaming with pride.

"So are you guys…going to date?" Abigail asked.

Raelle nodded in agreement. "Yeah how would it work when she's literally the head of the army and you're still in War College. She's our CO. The CO."

Tally blushed more. "Actually…she, ah, asked my permission to court me."

Abigail and Raelle's eyes widened, and then they were speaking at once again until Tally held up her hands for them to stop.

"One at a time!" she said with a laugh.

"What does her courting you entail exactly?" Raelle inquired.

Tally gestured to her head and turned to show them the braid.

"And?" Rae asked, not getting it.

"Oh!" Tally squeaked and turned back around. "It's a courtship braid. Very common in Sarah's day. The beads are courtship beads and they were her mother's. The person who is doing the courting does the braid and inlays the beads. It's…it's a really big deal to her."

Abigail's eyes actually softened considerably. "Holy shit I never thought Alder was such a romantic."

"Yeah, I'm not a fan of her still but that's…that's really fucking romantic, Tal. How are you feeling about it?" Raelle asked.

Tally smiled. "I literally can't stop smiling. This feels like a dream almost. I just…I can't believe that she would want me. I mean…we barely made it into War College and only did because of what we did in the Tarim." She looked sad a moment. "I'm not really sure what she sees in me…."

Abigail and Raelle shared a look, their eyebrows rising.

"Ah, Tal, you're beautiful," Raelle told her seriously. "You are ridiculously sweet, empathetic, driven, smart—"

"Funny, trustworthy, loyal," Abigail interjected. "I mean…need we go on? Alder would have to be blind, deaf, and dumb to not see that…and as much as I'm skeptical of her…I've never heard of her ever sharing anything personal outside of what the history books say. So…her doing this plus everything else, even I can see what a gesture she's making."

"Yeah? Really?" Tally asked, needing the reassurance.

"Absolutely," Raelle agreed. "She asked you though, right? To clarify?"

"Yes," Tally replied instantly. "She asked, and then asked if I'd allow her to do something else, and I said yes, and then…" she gestured to the braid. "I also told her that anything else she wanted to do to court me she could. I know it's a lot with everything happening with the connection and all…but she really cares."

"I am really glad to hear that. Because you deserve someone that cares about your feelings and your well-being." Abigail stood and walked to Tally to hug her. "Even if it is Alder, and the jury is still out on her."

Raelle joined soon after and they shared a group hug.

"She's not pressuring you though? Like, physically?" Raelle asked.

Tally pulled back to look at her. "Not at all. If anything I've been the…insistent one," Tally said with a chuckle. "We can kiss but she doesn't want to go any further until she has an idea about the connection. I think she's…" Tally trailed off as she recalled the feelings that came from Sarah earlier. "She's trying to cover both of us from any potential fallout. She really is assessing everything."

Raelle nodded and gave Tally and Abigail another hug.

Tally's breath caught with surprise as she heard her through the connection.

"Here."

That was all the warning Tally had before the doors to the training room opened and Alder stepped through with the biddies.

General Alder had hoped Tally could accompany her for her meeting with Izadora later so that she could give their severed biddy link a look. She had sought her out subtly through the connection, and had been so focused on seeing Tally that she had ignored the fact that the other members of her unit would be there.

Sarah internally chastised herself. She was thinking like a schoolgirl, not a 300+ year old General of the army. Then Tally met her gaze and she really couldn't give less of a shit how she was acting.

The unit broke apart to stand at attention.

Once the door swung shut behind them, Alder spoke, "At ease, cadets."

"General," Tally greeted, trying to not smile like an idiot. She looked over at the biddies and waved at them, smiling when they waved back wearing matching smiles.

Sarah caught the knowing look in Raelle and Abigail's eyes. "She told you then."

Tally blushed, hard. She was sure her face had never matched her hair so well, so frequently, in her life.

Sarah couldn't help but laugh loudly as she crossed the distance between them and came to stand in front of Tally.

"It's quite alright," Sarah assured as she reached out to take Tally's hands in her own.

Tally felt a burst of energy flow through her veins and she let out a pleased sigh.

Sarah could feel the boost as well. She certainly didn't feel the weight of 300 years on her shoulders whenever she was near Tally. She brought her hands to her lips and kissed the back of each.

"It is good to have sisters that you can share with," Sarah told her sincerely. She looked at Raelle and Abigail, who were still looking far too smug for Alder's liking. "I trust that you won't breathe a word of this."

"No, General."

Sarah nodded, accepting that. "I want to assure you both that your silence on this is in no way a concern for my position. The connection between Tally and I is only known to us all and Izadora. If anyone else learns of the connection between us they could use Tally to get to me, and the last thing I want is for this to put Tally in harm's way. Especially with our courtship also taking place."

Raelle had crossed her arms and stared at Alder. "And once you know exactly what this is, what's your intention? Like I get you're courting but, are you just going to keep her a secret like everything else?"

Tally shot Rae a look that clearly said, 'stop,' but the blonde witch didn't seem to give a shit.

Sarah was still holding Tally's hands, and they tightened their hold slightly. The biddies hissed in unison at the implication.

Alder could feel her patience wearing thin, ready to reprimand her to remember who she was speaking to…and then realized that she was only worried about Tally's happiness…and considering Alder's track record of late, she wasn't exactly winning either of their favors. They were Tally's family after all.

"No," Sarah answered immediately with conviction. "I am only indulging you because you are Tally's family, but make no mistake, Collar, I am still your General."

Raelle had the decency to look away.

"Depending on how Izadora finds this connection will determine my next move, but only because I need to know what I would be presenting. I won't keep Tally a secret but I need to be sure that we understand the details before I say anything openly. The braid is…" she trailed off, deciding how honest she wanted to be, "the braid is for us. Everyone who knows their significance is gone…aside from the Imperatrix, possibly, even that I am unsure of."

Sarah took a deep breath. She looked to Tally then and sent a wave of reassurance through the connection—one that Tally didn't know she desperately needed; one that said she wasn't running from it but toward it while protecting them both as best as she could. She wasn't someone who would half ass anything.

Raelle and Abigail both nodded, seeming satisfied with what Sarah had said. She made no mistake though, she knew the other two would take time to fully come around about them and more specifically—her.

"You wanted me to come with you to see Izadora," Tally stated, trying to change the subject and break the tension that was in the air. She had felt the reason for the visit through the bond, and this seemed like the best time to bring it up.

"Yes. I'm to meet her in the basement bunker, where the biddy connection was severed. She needs room to work and compare. Our meeting is at 1600 and I don't suspect it will take long," Sarah told her. "You'll have plenty of time to fill your friends in on everything before bed." Alder arched an eyebrow at Raelle and Abigail in jest.

Tally beamed that Alder was trying with Rae and Abigail, even if they could be a handful. "I will be there."

Sarah smiled and nodded before she moved to pull away and return to her biddies—but Tally's hand remained entwined with her own to pull her back so they were a breath apart, stopping her from leaving. Then Tally's lips were on her own in a chaste, but effective kiss.

When they pulled apart, Sarah could see the realization of what Tally had done on her face and felt her panic through the connection.

It wasn't in Sarah's nature—well not for hundreds of years at least—to soothe and provide comfort. She could, in rare moments where it was appropriate for the situation. But with Tally—it was instinct. It was as easy as breathing to comfort her and take her in from her internal storms.

She reached up and gently cupped Tally's cheeks. "I will see you then."

She placed one last kiss to Tally's lips before her hands fell to clasp behind her back; turning around and leading her biddies out the door, while leaving a beaming Tally and flabbergasted sisters in her wake.

"You just kissed Alder in front of us," Abigail stated with disbelief, a laugh escaping her shortly after. "Alder just kissed you in front of us."

Tally was smiling wide and shook her head. "I can't believe I just did that. I didn't even think it was just…need and want."

"Saucy," Rae teased.

"No," Tally replied with a wistful sigh, "it's not all sexual. Don't get me wrong…I really want that."

"Get it," Abigail encouraged to Raelle's delight.

Tally shot her a look but continued unperturbed. "I just want to be near her. Being away from her just feels wrong."

"You've got it bad, Tally," Raelle told her, smiling.

"But lucky for you, it seems like the General has it just as bad…she did kiss you in front of your unit, and that braid is nothing to snuff at." Abigail raised her eyebrows to get her point across.

"Fair enough."

"Will Tally be joining us?" Izadora asked as the biddies all took their seats in the chairs.

"She will," General Alder replied, allowing the ending to go extended.

Izadora turned and flashed her a look that screamed 'you're really going to make me ask'.

When Alder arched an eyebrow, Izadora sighed. "What happened?"

"Tally and I made a development. I kept her from dreaming again…but before that we…" she trailed off.

At Izadora's questioning gaze she sighed, and sported a light blush. "We kissed. The connection is…very open now. We can communicate easily without physically touching, can read each other's emotions even from more of a distance…Tally also saw our magic and shared with me what she saw…" she held her hand out for Izadora to take so that she could show her.

After she had, Izadora's expression was somewhere between wonder and disbelief.

"I know." Alder's posture was relaxed as she spoke, arms clasped behind her back.

"I've never heard of anything like that."

"Nor I."

Izadora hummed thoughtfully. "How was Tally's nap yesterday?"

"Well."

Izadora nodded. "The connection is stronger and open…carrying further in distance…and she didn't have any bad dreams while near you."

Alder nodded.

Izadora thought a moment. "It seems physical proximity is in fact key. Are you sleeping apart tonight?"

Alder nodded once more.

Izadora hummed, taking a moment. "If Tally experiences the dreams away from you…" she shook her head. "Does the bond entail hearing each other in your minds by chance? You mentioned being able to communicate without physical touch."

"Yes," Alder breathed. "We can also sense each other. The closer we are the stronger the connection, yes, but it is still as strong when we are apart…at least it is for me. It only takes a little longer for me to find her…but that is getting easier as well."

Izadora placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Tonight, if Tally has a nightmare, you should be awake so you make it to her as quickly as possible."

She tensed at the thought of Tally experiencing another nightmare. She briefly worried about if she would be able to make it in time before anything bad could happen.

The Alder sucked in a breath and said, "Tally's coming."

They stepped away and Alder tried to relax her shoulders. Tally entered, and not a moment too soon—the moment their eyes locked Alder felt the tension melt away.

Concern was evident all over Tally's face and she cast a wary glance toward Izadora. When her gaze flickered back to Alder she could feel that Izadora was…very supportive of this.

So Tally took it in stride and walked right into the General's arms.

"Are you okay?" Tally whispered. She had felt the emotions like a tidal wave before she had entered.

Sarah nodded, touching her forehead to Tally's. "Yes."

She was. Whatever the connection was, she knew that there was no severing it. There was no changing it. Tally Craven was as much a part of Sarah Alder as she was to her. She wanted to know what it was, and why she had been on the receiving end of such a gift. Whatever it was—Sarah had already decided she would have to tell the powers at be that this was something she was going to pursue. She just needed evidence, something tangible so they could understand that this was unstoppable.

"General, I believe we are ready?" Izadora asked.

The two witches separated and took their seats in the chairs; their heads nearly touching.

"I'm going to examine the biddy link to clarify this isn't the result of that," Izadora explained.

She began her seed, hands raising in the air to bring forth the connection.

Alder glanced up at it, examining it as best as she could. Everything looked normal to her.

Izadora took a few minutes to walk around the link connectors, examining each and finding no faults anywhere. It was a perfect severance.

"I believe we are agreed?" Izadora asked.

She had seen Alder examining what she could see from her position—she gave a slow nod as her answer.

Izadora vocalized once more, and Tally watched the connection disappear.

Alder swung her legs over the chair and looked at the Necro professor. "I hope that the information, and this, helps you in your research."

"It has certainly given me more to work with. There are so many variations of connections…"

"—that have been around for hundreds of years…yes. I know of many myself but this is quite different." Sarah added as she stood and walked around the side of Tally's chair, offering her hand to help her stand.

Tally blushed lightly at how chivalrous it was.

"Keep me posted on how Tally fairs tonight," Izadora requested before she exited the room. The biddies followed her out to wait for Sarah at the top of the stairs.

"Have I mentioned that I don't want to sleep without you tonight?" Tally asked, a little shy.

Sarah smiled—it was adorable seeing Tally shy to mention it, as if Sarah wasn't dreading the night as well.

The General reached down and took Tally's hand, leading her to the door. "I am not looking forward to it either, so I am glad that I am not alone in that sentiment." She squeezed her hand.

Tally stopped their progress to the door and waited until Alder faced her. "Tonight…"

"I'm not going to sleep," Sarah answered, already knowing what Tally was asking. "You'll sleep, hopefully peacefully, and we can decide what's next once we have an answer."

They turned and headed up the stairs to meet the biddies just outside the door.

"And if it isn't peaceful?" Tally worried aloud before they walked through.

"The moment I sense something is wrong, I will be in your room waking you."

Tally nodded as Sarah dipped her head and kissed her softly.

"You can reach me through the link, always," Sarah told her before placing another kiss to her lips, and opening the door to head back to her office with her biddies in tow.