General Alder had just seen Tally off for the morning when Raelle Collar showed up not even ten minutes later.

She could hear Collar's voice over that of her secretary. She smirked, Collar always did have a loud mouth on her.

"Send her in, Amber," Alder called out.

What do you think she wants? Margaret broached.

Mycelium, came one reply from Corinne.

Tally, came another suggestion from Michelle.

Alder shook her head, a soft smile on her face as her biddies mused.

"General," Raelle greeted at the door.

"Come in," Alder instructed. She glanced up from where she stood looking down on her papers. "What can I do for you?"

Raelle approached cautiously. She was wringing her hands together nervously and shifting back and forth slightly.

Alder quirked her eyebrow as she sat down into her chair. "This must be something." She gestured to the chair for Raelle to sit.

Raelle nodded and took a seat. She still looked rather uncertain.

"Are you here for General Alder, or Sarah?" Alder questioned.

Raelle finally met her gaze and released a deep breath. "Sort of both, actually."

Mycelium and Tally, came the joint sentiment from the biddies.

Alder shushed them in the link.

"What's on your mind?"

"Scylla, to start."

Damn, Corinne groused. Really thought it would be the other two.

Could still be, Erin suggested.

Bet? Analese asked.

Twenty on Tally and Mycelium, Tessa piped up.

Do you mind? Alder thought through the link, her eyes never leaving Raelle's.

"What about her?" Alder asked aloud.

"It's sort of complicated."

Alder nodded slowly, urging Raelle to continue.

"She's Spree…and I know about her and Anacostia working together to find leads on the Camarilla and I just…part of why I've had such an issue with you before you and Tally even happened, is because of Scylla. She was taken without explanation and no one could tell me why or what was going on. Everyone led me to believe she was dead. I'm just…I'm angry that everyone just wrote it off and told me I was just grieving when I knew she was still alive," Raelle explained quickly.

Alder definitely hadn't expected this. A part of her was angry at her insolence—as if she had room to question what she believed was the best course of action. Another, though, was trying to stay as civil as possible when they were away from prying eyes.

She sighed, a decision made. "I stand by my decision to have Scylla apprehended. She is Spree. You know as well as I how dangerous the Spree are. She was an enemy who had infiltrated this base and posed a great security risk."

Raelle went to protest but Alder held up a hand to silence her.

"I cannot afford to take chances here, Raelle. Not when this is meant to be a safe place for witches…"

Raelle was angry, Alder could see as much.

"I was going to have Miss Ramshorn shipped off to Saint Dominique to live out her days…until Anacostia freed her. She has become an ally. I didn't believe she was capable of changing." She allowed that to sink in before continuing, "Anacostia did. She was willing to have more faith in people than I…centuries of experience taught me that. However, I have been finding myself surprised more and more as of late." She paused a moment. "I will not have Scylla apprehended if that is what you're concerned with. I know that things are…complicated, between you right now. But I assure you, I have no intention of having her imprisoned."

"Partly," Raelle answered. She sighed and shook her head. "I didn't really think this through before I came…"

Alder stayed silent, sensing the turmoil in the young witch.

"Honestly, I need to air my grievances with you to be fully supportive of you and Tally," she finally settled on. "She's my sister and one of my best friends. I want her to be happy and I know how happy you make her…but I also know that she's seeing sides of you that we never have. That's great and I want to bury the hatchet once and for all for Tally's sake."

"Ah," Sarah said in understanding. "I see. Well then, Raelle, air them away."

Raelle actually seemed surprised that Alder had agreed so willingly. The General couldn't help but chuckle lightly.

"Raelle, where Tally is concerned…I'm willing to be as civil and open as I can be about any of my military decisions. However, understand that depending what you ask there are things I can't answer."

Raelle nodded, accepting and understanding her terms. She took a deep breath, nodded, and then said, "You puppetted the President."

"I did."

"Do you regret it?"

"No."

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

"Are you just going to answer yes or no?"

"Stop asking close-ended questions," Alder retorted as she raised her cup of coffee to her lips.

Raelle huffed. "Why?"

"You mean why did I puppet the President?"

Raelle nodded.

"She was going to replace me," Alder told her honestly. "She had learned of the infiltration from your unit when you told General Bellweather. I couldn't have Petra replacing me…not when there was so much at stake."

Raelle remained silent.

"I've led this army for hundreds of years…served forty-five presidents. I have more blood on my hands than any other. I know that. But all that I have done is to protect witchkind. I wanted to carve out a place in the world for our kind. I wanted us to be able to fight back instead of just allowing them to burn us. I didn't want any witch to experience life the way I had." Alder glanced over to her portrait about the mantle. "If I'm being entirely honest…I'm not sure what I would do if I didn't have my position anymore. I wouldn't know how best to continue to serve."

Raelle's brow furrowed. She mulled it over. It made sense, especially when Alder had been alive for so long—fighting for so long. She understood how unmooring it could feel to suddenly have everything she'd built to be threatened.

Raelle moved on, "You lied to the public about the hostages."

"What was the other option, Raelle? I had this same conversation with Tally months ago. Those trucks were heading for the nearest international airport. I didn't know if they were going to deploy their munitions in the airport, planes, or both. Thousands of people would have died…perhaps thousands in multiple states and countries. There was certainly enough in those trucks to do that sort of damage."

Alder took a swig of her coffee.

"Sacrificing the hostages was the only option. I didn't like it, but that was the call that needed to be made. Imagine the public outcry if the public knew that we knew of the hostages and proceeded. There's already a great enough faction. Those hostages were good as dead the moment they were taken by the Spree. Really think about that, Raelle," Alder urged. "Do you think they would've let them go?"

Raelle sighed and shook her head. "They wouldn't have."

"I know that the calls I make are not 'right,' but they need to be made. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to sacrifice a few to spare the many. I do not like it any more than you, I assure you. But war is war."

Raelle remained silent, but the look in her eyes—now filled with hesitant understanding, showed her that she had mended something.

Alder nodded, appeased that Raelle understood.

"So," the General began, "Scylla, my puppeteering, and the hostages. What else?"

"Keeping us from War College initially."

Alder arched an eyebrow. "I was under the impression you wanted to be cannon fodder."

"It wasn't fair to Abs or Tally," Raelle retorted.

Alder sighed. "You're correct. I was furious when I found out you three were the ones that told Petra about the hostages. Khalida did insist on your unit to accompany us. I admit, I was content to leave you three to fend for yourselves on the frontlines…but after our talk around the fire—I knew then that if you three survived on that mission I would place you in War College. Despite your insubordination, you three are formidable together. When I thought you and Abigail were dead, and Tally was inconsolable, I regretted it."

Raelle was surprised by that. "You did?"

Alder nodded tersely. "I did, immediately. You three are gifted. I wanted to teach you a lesson to not cross me. To know your place. I hadn't expected the Camarilla to return." She lightly traced the rim of her mug. "I didn't want to believe it," she added softly.

Raelle's brow furrowed.

"I am sorry for punishing you the way I did. I do regret that."

Raelle nodded, partially shocked that General Alder had not only been indulging this conversation—but that she apologized too.

"What else?" Alder questioned softly.

"Do you lie to Tally?" Raelle asked seriously.

"No," she said with finality, eyes darting up to meet Raelle's. "Never. I couldn't even if I wanted to…not now."

Raelle nodded, accepting that. "Okay."

Alder couldn't help but smirk.

At least one of us was right, Michelle gloated.

"What else?"

"The Mycelium…" Raelle began.

Checkmate, Corinne quipped.

"…there's so much power there. The things that She told me I could do when I tap in…" Raelle trailed off uncertainly.

"You're afraid of it," Alder said simply. "That is understandable. She possesses a great deal of power. She chose you though, Raelle. I would not second guess that. If you need help focusing it, I can help you."

Raelle's eyebrows rose. "Really?"

The General nodded. "Yes. We need you in this fight, and you need to be able to trust that power and Her…and yourself while wielding it."

"Wow," Raelle breathed, voice filled with disbelief. "Seriously?"

Alder merely arched an eyebrow.

"I just…wow."

Alder chuckled. "Take the upcoming break to gather your thoughts and feelings about it. When you return we can begin, if you're agreeable."

Raelle nodded her agreement and offered the General a smile.

We were right, Analese said with a laugh.

I'll collect my winnings once she leaves, Tessa quipped.

"Is there anything else?" Sarah asked.

Raelle shook her head as she stood. "No, ma'am. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. I know you're busy."

"Thank you for stopping by," Alder said seriously. "I believe it was good to speak candidly."

"I appreciate it," Raelle told her sincerely. "Really." She shifted on her feet a moment. Then, she held her hand out.

Alder stood, clasping Raelle's forearm. "I know that this doesn't absolve me, Raelle. I do hope though that I've eased your mind."

"You did, General," Raelle replied seriously.

She nodded in response as Collar took her leave.

"That was unexpected," Alder said aloud to the other women in the room.

There was a unanimous hum of agreement.

When do you think Abigail will be coming for a talk? Erin asked coyly.

Alder could feel her smirk before she saw it. She shot her a look, which only served to make the biddies chuckle as one.


"Have you given any thought about the break?" Sarah asked curiously.

She was sitting behind her desk, going through some paperwork. Her biddies sat in their seats around the room, and Tally sat in front of the fireplace, another of Sarah's sketchbooks in her hands—Sarah remarked she looked like a pleased cat all curled up in the armchair.

It had been a week since the discussion with the Mycelium, and despite the original plan to be Tally sleeping in a room nearby to test…she'd been staying in Sarah's room. After lights out she'd quietly slip from their unit room and dash to the General's quarters. They'd spend the nights talking, telling each other stories from their childhoods', traversing a few heartwarming memories in their dreams, and having lots of sex…neither were complaining at all. She had also told Tally of her conversation with Raelle, which Tally was floored by. But she had assured her that she would have the same conversation with Abigail if she would want that at all. She didn't want there to be any conflict between them for Tally's sake.

"I'm torn," Tally answered, a small frown on her face. Raelle had invited her to join her in the Cession for the break, but Tally wasn't super keen on leaving Sarah. She didn't like that she would be gone so long, and she had a knot in her stomach that something bad would happen if she left.

"Tally, a break from base does everyone good," Sarah told her with a smile. "I can feel your worry, and I assure you I will be fine."

"I know you don't want me to go though," Tally replied easily. Her mouth quirked upward a little. "I can feel how much you want me to stay."

Sarah sighed. "You are correct. I don't want you to go." She stood from her desk and approached Tally, getting down on her knees so she could look up at her. "You'll be far away and we have no idea how this will be for us with the connection." She took her hand in her own. "But. You deserve a break from things. You all do. It is only for a week and then you'll be back. You aren't a possession, Tally."

Tally smiled and brought Sarah's hand up to kiss her knuckles. "You deserve a break too, Sarah."

Sarah smiled warmly. "I do not disagree. However, there is no rest for the wicked. I need to make sure that we are keeping up on our search for Batan, as well as any Camarilla activity. I'll throw myself into work to distract myself," she said.

Tally's brow furrowed. "What about the connection?"

Sarah released a heavy sigh. "If for some reason you feel unwell, at any point, call me immediately or call someone that can get to me. I'll have someone bring you back. However, this is assuming it works like the biddy connection and we both know that it isn't like it at all."

Tally nodded. "And if I dream?"

Sarah hummed and stood, still holding Tally's hands. "I will not sleep the whole week, and I will meditate so that I can join you and we can go somewhere else so that you can rest."

Tally went to protest but Sarah placed a finger to her lips.

"You know I do not require a lot of sleep. I can manage."

Tally's shoulders slumped as she admitted her defeat, and Sarah leaned down and placed a sweet kiss to Tally's lips.

"Besides, sweetheart, you don't leave for two more days. And Samhain is tomorrow, so you will have all the festivities before you go," Sarah murmured before kissing Tally again. Their lips moved against each other with practiced ease, slowly, and simply basking in the affection that swelled in the connection.

"Can I ask you something?" Tally asked softly when they pulled back.

Sarah nodded, taking a seat in the empty armchair across from Tally. "What's on your mind?"

"Samhain tomorrow. Do you participate in defending the hearth?"

Sarah chuckled. "Not anymore. I have too many other things to tend to, so I unfortunately do not get to participate in the festivities."

Tally cocked her head to the side. "Why don't you come and defend it with me?"

Alder's eyebrows rose, surprised. "You have your coven with you for that, my darling."

"Yeah, but you're my…" Tally trailed off, unsure what she was supposed to refer to as.

A soft smile played on Sarah's lips. "I'm yours. You can refer to me as whatever you'd like, Tally."

Tally stood then, crossing the short distance to Sarah and sitting down right in her lap so that she could be as close as possible. She felt the soft sigh that fell from Sarah's lips as their foreheads touched.

"Why do you ask about Samhain?" Alder asked gently. She placed a kiss to Tally's lips.

"Don't you want to talk to one of your family members?" Tally settled on. She cupped Sarah's cheek gently, watching as her General's eyes took on a sheen.

"It's been so long since I have," she answered quietly. "I want them to rest. They deserve to rest."

"You miss them so much though," Tally murmured. She stroked down Sarah's cheek. "I can feel how much."

Sarah sighed against Tally's lips. "I do."

"I…" Tally trailed off.

"What is it?"

"You never mentioned what happened to your parents," Tally said softly, as if the admission would make Sarah run.

Sarah's arms tightened around the younger woman. "They were executed. My father…he was taken for questioning. They racked him…and then pressed him to death."

"I'm so sorry," Tally soothed, her hand clasping the back of Sarah's neck and stroking it comfortingly as she sent waves of affection through the bond.

"My mother…" Sarah trailed off.

Tally quickly pressed Sarah's head against her neck. She could feel the pain boiling in Sarah, and she was desperate to soothe is as best as she could. She softly stroked Sarah's hair—loose from its normally tight braid.

"You don't have to tell me, it's okay," Tally assured through the bond.

"No, I want to," Sarah told her. She could feel a tear slide down her cheek. "They hung her. My sister and I were forced to watch as they stoned her before placing the noose around her neck, stringing her up over the branch of a tree until she died."

"Sarah," Tally said mournfully. The grief cascading through their bond would have brought Tally to her knees were she standing. "I'm so sorry."

Sarah sobbed quietly against Tally's neck. She sent the memory through their connection, unable to speak more even through the bond.

Tally rubbed her back soothingly as she watched the memory.

Sarah, seventeen and shackled, stood next to her elder sister with tears in their eyes as they were held back by large men. Their mother was bloody, barely clinging to consciousness as the townsfolk threw more stones at her. One hit her in the head again, causing Sarah and Elizabeth to struggle against their restraints and the men holding them.

"Mother!" Sarah screamed out, panic coating her voice.

Another man stepped up and slapped her across the face, making her ears ring and her vision flicker.

Blood oozed from the open wound on her mother's temple. Her eyes were fluttering as they placed the noose around her neck.

"No," Elizabeth sobbed next to her. She struggled against the restraints again, earning a slap to her own face.

The girls watched helplessly as the townspeople laughed. The reverend waved his hand, signaling for her to be strung up.

"Mother!" Sarah screamed out again as they pulled the rope forcefully.

Her mother struggled, legs kicking and flailing as she attempted to gasp for air. Her eyes rolled back in her head as her body twitched. They tied off the rope to a stake, allowing her to hang there and struggle against the noose as she slowly suffocated.

A sob tore from the sisters' lips as they watched their mother's body twitch one last time before stilling. They screamed and cried as they were led away.

Sarah had continued to struggle, earning her another slap to the face. When the man grabbed her jaw, forcing her to look at him, she ducked her head slightly and clamped down on his hand hard enough to break the skin and tear a chunk of flesh from him.

He cried out in pain, falling backwards as Sarah spit the chunk onto the ground.

She was smacked again—darkness greeted her, and when she opened them again, her head was encased in a scold's bridle—just in time to watch them hang her sister.

The memory faded, and Tally held Sarah tightly against her as the older woman openly sobbed.

"I'm so sorry," Tally murmured against her hair. She cradled her, sending as much warmth and affection as she could muster down their link.

Eventually, Sarah's cries subsided, and she calmed some.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that, and I'm so sorry that this is where this conversation went. I—"

Sarah shook her head, red-rimmed, blue eyes staring into Tally's shimmering brown. "It is a large part of who I am." She sucked in a breath. "It's one of my darkest moments."

Tally traced her thumb over Sarah's lips. "Thank you for sharing it with me."

Sarah nodded, pressing her forehead to Tally's once more and following her lead in calming her heart rate and breathing.

"I haven't spoken to my parents on Samhain in nearly three hundred years. I haven't spoken to my sister in close to two hundred. I miss them every day. But…"

Tally patiently waited, not pressing her until she was ready to speak.

"I fear that if I would now…they would be disappointed in how everything has happened. Disappointed in me." Her voice cracked with emotion.

Absolutely not, came the resounding response from her biddies.

Tally nodded against her. She understood completely. She could feel Sarah's gratitude that she didn't try to wipe the doubt from her mind. She knew Tally understood the feeling and fear of disappointing loved ones, and she was grateful for the silent understanding.

"Every year I think about defending the hearth so that I can see one of them…just to know that they are still at peace with the Goddess."

"But you're also afraid to see them," Tally finished.

"Yes," Sarah whispered. She released a sigh. "I am sorry for this growing so heavy."

"No," Tally urged firmly. "Don't apologize. There's nothing to be sorry about. I told you I want all of you. That includes all the baggage and trauma."

Sarah swallowed thickly, nodding and tilting her head so that she could capture Tally's lips in a gentle kiss.

"You're too good to me, Tally Craven," she murmured between her kisses. Her hand rose to lightly touch the courting braid, fingers trailing over the inlaid beads.

"No." Tally shook her head. "I'm exactly what you deserve."

Sarah's breath caught in her throat, overcome with adoration for Tally—which she openly sent through their connection.

They basked in each other's presence for a while longer until Sarah had calmed completely. When she had, she tilted her head up and kissed her firmly—enjoying the caress of Sarah's lips against her own.

A knock resounded on the door—causing Tally and Sarah to pull apart—and all the women in the room looked at it curiously. Tally stood, followed by Sarah, as their eyes looked at the door with uncertainty.

Sarah had no meetings, nor was she expecting anyone. She went back behind her desk and took her seat while Tally made a motion to leave.

"Sit," Sarah told her seriously, and Tally did. Her eyes flickered to the door. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal Petra Bellweather. Her head was held high as she entered, a very pleased smile on her face.

"General Bellweather," Sarah greeted with a tight smile. "To what do I owe this surprise?"

Petra stepped closer to the desk, mouth opening to speak when she saw Tally near the fireplace.

"Oh." Petra stopped, eyebrows scrunching. "Cadet Craven…this is a…surprise."

"Tally has been experiencing some unfortunate side effects from the biddy connection being severed," Alder answered easily.

It wasn't really a lie.

"I see," Petra said, tone clipped. "Cadet Craven, if you could give the General and I the room?"

Tally went to stand but Alder's voice stopped her.

"I trust Craven," the General said simply. "If this is regarding the Camarilla or the Spree, the cadet is aware of what is going on, as well as the plan. Your daughter and Collar know as well." She had to add the other two to make it less suspicious.

Petra, though, was a bloodhound when it came to Alder's words. Whether they were truth or lies, she questioned each word.

"General—"

"General Bellweather," Sarah interrupted with a serious tone. "If you would like, I could summon your daughter and Collar and we can all be briefed as a group, or you can tell me why you are here and Craven can inform them. But make no mistake, that group doesn't keep secrets."

Tally couldn't help but smile softly at Sarah.

Petra sighed. "As you wish, General. Anacostia and Scylla have managed to infiltrate some of the Camarilla's forces. As you know, they've made contact with a couple who have Camarilla ties, Shane and Bonnie. They have been invited to attend an event, one amongst the Camarilla members." Petra didn't seem pleased that Alder had learned of her little project she was working on behind her back, even less so now that she had to brief the General.

Alder's eyes widened. "On Samhain?"

Petra nodded.

She had to admit, she was concerned about Anacostia being surrounded by Camarilla. The woman was smart and capable, but she certainly still worried about her little fosterling.

"Anacostia will be fine," Tally spoke up from her seat.

General Alder regarded her a moment before sighing and nodding her agreement—and missing the curious expression on Petra's face.

"Do they believe the Exarch will be in attendance?" she questioned.

"They do."

Alder nodded. "Very well. Keep me posted on how they do tomorrow night."

"Of course."

"Was there anything else?" Alder asked, picking up her glass of wine and taking a sip.

"No, General, that was all," Petra answered before turning and looking at Tally. "Watch out for each other tomorrow night."

Tally nodded, a soft 'yes ma'am' leaving her lips as Petra left the room.

When the door closed, the room felt lighter and Sarah released a breath.

"Why do I feel like we should be concerned?" Tally asked.

"Because we should," Sarah replied. "But not right now. Petra has her suspicions but she has no proof for any of them. It's merely speculation."

"I guess it's good I'll be away for a bit then."


Tally was a little nervous as she made the trip back to Sarah's office. She was sweaty and dirty, smelling of the woods and smoke from the fire they successfully defended through the night. She carried her candle reverently as she walked, hoping that Sarah would accept it.

She could feel Sarah's curiosity through the bond, wondering what she was so nervous about and sending soothing thoughts to help—something Tally appreciated immensely.

She made her way into the office, smiling softly as Sarah looked up from the papers on her desk.

"Were you successful?" Sarah asked with a bright smile.

"We were," Tally answered as she fully stepped into the room, her hands behind her back.

"Who are you going to speak to?" she inquired as Tally made her way over to her.

The redhead came around the desk, stopping just in front of her and leaning back—the nervous energy returning.

"Why are you so nervous, sweetheart?" She reached out and placed her hands on Tally's hips.

Tally didn't answer—merely brought her hands around to hold out her candle. She removed one of Sarah's hands from her hip and placed the candle in it.

The General looked up at her curiously.

"I want you to use it," Tally told her softly.

Her heart suddenly was in her throat. Her eyes widened with surprise before flickering back down to the candle in her hand.

"Tally—"

"If you don't use it then it will be a waste," she said gently. "I never knew my dad, or any of the other members of my family. It's always just been my mom and I. If you want to talk with one of them, I want you to have the option."

Sarah could feel the tears welling in her eyes as she looked down at Tally's candle.

"Tally," her voice cracked.

"I can stay with you, or I can go. This is entirely your decision." Tally tilted her head up and placed a soft kiss to her lips. "I just want you to have the option."

You should take it, Sarah, Corinne spoke up through the link. Her eyes were soft as they met the General's. We all feel how much you miss them.

It would be good for you, Erin urged carefully.

Another shaky breath left Sarah as she looked up into Tally's eyes. "I think I would like to start alone…if I need you—"

"I'll be there," Tally replied immediately. She cupped Sarah's face in her hands, pressing their foreheads together and hoping that it would help calm the internal storm she could feel happening in Sarah.

Sarah nodded against her, silently dismissing the biddies from the room before placing a parting kiss on Tally's lips.

Once she was alone, she stared at the candle in her hands for a few moments before standing and walking to the center of the office. She took her seat on the ground, placing the candle just in front of her before she lit it.

"Mary Alder."

She watched as a spider appeared from the candle, crawling down it with its long, hairy legs, and then skirting off to a dark corner of the room. She released a shaky breath and stood as a breeze flowed through the room, despite no windows being open.

"Who has requested me?"

The voice came from behind Sarah, and she slowly turned—tears springing to her eyes as soon as they landed on the ghostly form of her mother.

"Máà," she choked out.

"Sarah," Mary breathed out with a bright smile. She approached, taking her daughter into her arms. "Imé wèlá."

Sarah could feel her tears begin running down her face. It felt different to hug someone who was dead. Her mother's body wasn't warm, or totally solid. It felt like she was hugging pressurized air—cold air.

They pulled back and Mary looked her over. "It has been so long, my daughter."

"It has," Sarah breathed out. She was trying her best to keep her composure. "So long."

Her mother smiled, lightly touching her face. "How long?"

"Two hundred seventy," Sarah replied.

Mary sighed. "And you are still going."

Sarah gave a firm nod. "The Goddess hasn't called me home yet."

"Why have you decided to call on me after all this time, my daughter?"

"I…" she faltered. "There's so much to tell you."

Mary smiled and lightly tapped Sarah's nose. "The beginning then."

She dove in. Sarah told her of the Mycelium, the Camarilla returning, the Spree, her mistakes and involvement in it, everything that was currently plaguing her everyday life. Her mother listened throughout, remaining silent as her youngest spoke.

When Sarah finished, Mary offered a kind smile. "You have been through much. You have carved out a place for us—a witches' place. Despite the Camarilla's return, you have allowed us to live in the light as we are. I know you will continue to fight—my brave soldier. You have made me so proud, Sarah Alder."

Sarah couldn't suppress the choked sob that crawled up her throat. She had needed to hear those words desperately, and she recalled how Tally had told her the same not so long ago.

She wiped her eyes. "There's one more thing. Probably the biggest, actually."

"Do tell," Mary urged.

"I'm in love." A bright, watery smile stretched across her face at the admission. "I haven't told her yet though. It's still early."

Mary's eyes brightened. "What is her name?"

"Tally. She's a cadet, actually."

Mary nodded, encouraging her to continue.

"She's…I don't even have the words. She is selfless, kind, empathetic, genuine, beautiful…magical. We have a bond. One that only seems to grow stronger."

Mary hummed. "The Goddess has blessed you."

"I'm courting her. I gave her your courtship beads."

Mary beamed at that. "That is wonderful, Sarah. Do you think you will handfast?"

Sarah actually blushed. "That won't happen for a while…if she wants to be handfasted even."

"Use our handfasting cords," Mary told her seriously.

Sarah's face fell. "I'm afraid I don't have them."

A light laugh escaped Mary. "You do, daughter. They're merely buried."

Sarah looked at her curiously, her blue eyes searching the ghostly face of her mother. "Buried? Where?"

"That tree in the woods not far from our home where you and Elizabeth would climb. At the roots there, we buried the cords."

"Why?" Sarah asked.

"We buried quite a bit of our sentimental belongings there. We had hoped to tell you and Elizabeth but…"

"They came before you could," Sarah finished in realization.

Mary nodded. "Should you handfast, they are there waiting for you."

Tears were beginning to well in Sarah's eyes again, and she forced herself to blink them back. She chanced a glance to the window. It was still dark, but she knew dawn was approaching soon.

"Would you like to meet her?" Sarah asked then.

"Of course."

Sarah gently nudged the bond, silently requesting for Tally to come to her. She only had to wait a moment before the door to her office clicked open and then closed behind her.

"Sarah, are—" Tally's question died in her mouth as she saw Mary Alder standing just in front of Sarah. "Oh!"

"Tally," Sarah began, turning to look at her. "This is my mother—Mary Alder." She held out her hand for Tally to take, which she did a moment after she had extended it. "Mother, this is Tally Craven."

"It is wonderful to meet you, Tally," Mary told her honestly.

"It's an honor to meet you," Tally breathed. "I've seen you in Sarah's memories and I wish that I would have been around to meet you properly."

"Thank the Goddess you are in this time, Tally," Mary told her with a smile. "They are trying times from what Sarah has told me. I am grateful that you are by her side to weather it together."

"Me too," Tally replied with a bright smile.

Mary tilted her head slightly, and Tally couldn't believe how much she looked like Sarah when she did. Seeing them together—despite Mary's pale skin, she and Sarah could have been twins.

"May I see your braid?" Mary requested.

Tally beamed and turned, missing the way Sarah's face fell into her softest expression yet as her mother inspected the braid and beadwork.

"You did well, Sarah," Mary told her. "It is a beautiful braid for your intended."

Sarah's eyes widened. There it was again, that word. "Intended?"

Mary merely hummed as Tally turned around, sporting a pretty blush. Her eyes glanced at the windows. "I must go." She stepped close to Sarah, cupping her face and pressing her forehead against her.

"I will miss you," Sarah breathed, voice shaking with emotion.

"Do not wait so long to summon me next time," Mary told her seriously. She spoke again, this time in Mothertongue. "Love her fiercely and protect her with all you have, my daughter. Keep her close."

Sarah nodded against her, tears falling as her mother placed a lingering kiss to her forehead—and then she was gone.

She fell to her knees, feeling arms wrap around her and pull her close so that she could rest there and cry. She wasn't sure how long she cried in Tally's arms, only that when she finally stopped and looked up—the sun had risen.

"Let's go to bed," Tally murmured against Sarah's dark hair. "I know we only have a few hours before I have to leave, but I don't want to spend them out of your arms."

Sarah nodded, remaining silent but standing and helping Tally to her feet before leading the way to the room.

They stripped silently, down until they were bare before crawling into bed together.

Sarah didn't have a choice where to lay, because as soon as she laid down Tally had pulled her to lay on her chest—holding her tightly.

"Thank you for letting me meet her," Tally murmured.

"She would have loved you, Tally," Sarah replied quietly. Her voice felt scratchy from all the crying she'd been doing lately.

"I would have loved her too."