It had been a few days since the Batan mission. Sarah had avoided visiting the Spree leader until she had convened with the other Generals. Once she had, she was able to confront her former friend…something she had secretly been dreading.
"Where's your latest toy, Sarah? I thought for sure she would be at your side," Nicte said with a wicked grin.
Sarah's face remained stoic as she stood outside of the cell. They had warded it with every magical force they could think of, not wanting to take any chances.
"What Cadet Craven told you about me seeking a truce is true," Sarah told her earnestly. "The Camarilla are rising once again…you of all people should know how dangerous they are."
Nicte grimaced.
"Nicte," Sarah addressed carefully, watching the Spree leader's eyes shoot up to her own in surprise. "We need to work together. You should know I never extend olive branches unless absolutely necessary."
Nicte hummed her agreement, unable to deny that. "What's changed though? Had this happened when I still served, you'd never."
Sarah smiled softly. "Things have changed. Why—doesn't matter."
"It matters to me, though," Nicte replied, a glint in her eye. "I'll answer any and all of your questions…but I'll only answer them to Tally."
Sarah flushed with anger.
"Oh I see, you don't want me talking to your new squeeze. Are you afraid I'm going to tell her all of your secrets? Say, what happened in Liberia for example?"
At this, Alder smirked—and Nicte's face fell.
"Tally already knows, Nicte. You don't have any leverage on me," Alder told her simply. "I don't want her speaking to you because you trapped her in your image and made sure she wore that bridle…you know I despise those contraptions." Alder grimaced.
Nicte remained silent.
"I'll return with the cadet," Alder agreed before she turned on her heel and exited the room.
Her biddies trailed after her as she walked toward Tally. She knew they were in the middle of their combat training, something Sarah hadn't been too keen for Tally to return to so soon after the mission—but at Tally's behest that she couldn't play favorites…
Sarah sighed and smiled to herself. She knew she'd give Tally anything she asked for.
When she entered the room, the cadets were all paired off with sparring partners from their coven.
"General," M greeted, standing at attention.
Everyone else ceased what they were doing to address the General.
"At ease, all of you," Alder said. "I need to borrow Cadet Craven…but I'm also curious to see how you're all faring. So, please continue."
Tally shot her a smile before she resumed her sparring with Gregorio.
She'd gotten better, that much Sarah could tell. Then when she managed to flip Gregorio in a very Alder-like way, she blinked with surprise.
"You want to tap in, General?" M asked with a wry grin.
Alder looked at them and smirked. She hadn't actively participated in classes in centuries. After so long being on the earth, it became too painful to immerse herself with the others…knowing that she would outlive all of them.
She was going to say no when she saw another young man approach Tally and Gregorio…judging by the irritation she caught in the connection, as well as Gregorio's 'uh excuse you' face, the young man appeared to be hitting on Tally.
"Why not," Alder responded before turning around and unbuttoning her jacket. She handed it off to one of her biddies.
"Everyone, special moment here! General Alder is going to spar with us," M told them all.
There was a mix of excitement and intimidation through the room, but the sound of stomping boots echoed off the walls, shaking the floor.
Sarah's eyes landed on the young man by Tally, who was eyeing her more than either of them seemed to care for.
"You." She pointed at the man. "What's your name?"
"Marcus," he replied, eyes a little wide.
She nodded her head to the mat and stepped on as everyone else gave them space. Abigail and Raelle had taken up residence beside Tally, clearly sensing why Alder had singled Marcus out—and trying not to snicker.
"Don't kick his ass too bad," Tally thought through the link.
Alder merely scoffed. "After you," she said to him.
He readied himself and then charged Alder. She sidestepped him and elbowed him in the back, sending him to the floor.
"Again," she said as she turned around to look at him on the ground.
He got up, ignoring the snickering from the rest of the coven.
He tried again. This time, Alder met his blow with a block. She stayed on the defensive, dodging and blocking each attempt for a minute before she dropped to the ground and swept his legs out from under him.
"You're relying on your opponent meeting you blow for blow. You cannot. It is true that sometimes the best defense is the best offense. It allows you more time to get a sense of your opponent," she told him as she extended her hand to help him up. "Anyone else feel up to it?"
"I'll have a go," Tally offered.
Everyone seemed to shift at that. Raelle and Abigail were wearing smirks as Gregorio seemed rather confused why.
"Are you sure, cadet?" Sarah asked with a wry grin.
"I think I'm more than capable of handling you," Tally shot back, arching her eyebrow in challenge.
Sarah felt a charge go through her at that. She did enjoy confident Tally immensely in the bedroom, and she supposed it wouldn't be any different now.
"I won't take it easy on you, Craven," Alder replied in fair warning. She of course wouldn't hurt Tally, but she wasn't going to back down either.
They readied themselves, and Alder waited until Tally moved first. She'd blocked the connection so that neither would have an unfair advantage in knowing what they'd do next—surprised when Tally faked her out.
But she managed to block it.
They met again and again, neither actually gaining the upper hand, and Sarah couldn't help the pride coursing through her.
Tally's hand to hand combat had gotten much better, even since the Batan mission which was only a few days ago. She briefly wondered why, allowing herself to become distracted enough that Tally managed to knock her back.
Sarah pulled herself from her thoughts, paying attention to Tally's movements instead of musing about them.
When she blocked another swing and gripped Tally's arm to flip her, Tally anticipated it and managed to lock Alder's arms in place. They stood nose to nose and Tally was trying her hardest to not capture Alder's lips in a kiss right there.
Sarah was similarly affected. She couldn't help but glance down at Tally's lips, carefully wetting her own—then she finally realized that they had been standing there locked together for longer than was appropriate.
Then, Alder grinned and easily broke from Tally's hold before she kicked her in the back of her legs, dropping the girl to the ground on her knees. Tally quickly rolled out of the way and got up—readying herself for another go.
Sarah seemed surprised and Tally couldn't help but goad the General on.
"You seem surprised, General. Do you need a break before another round?" Tally asked confidently.
Oh Sarah had loved that. Tally could see her gaze darken and quickly rake over her form.
"Not at all, Cadet, I'm more than capable," Sarah shot back with a grin.
Tally couldn't help but laugh as the coven 'ooo'd' them. Raelle had let out a whoop at Alder's comeback, and Tally shot her friend a look saying 'oh so you're on her side now?'
Sarah took the opportunity of Tally's distraction and charged her. Tally blocked the hit at the last moment. Again they remained at a stalemate. Sarah could literally feel the charge between them. It was as if their power was just vibrating in the space between them.
It was certainly thrilling and like nothing she had ever experienced in all her years.
Tally threw a punch, which Alder blocked—but then Tally's leg came up to roundhouse her. She pushed Tally's hand away with her forearm, and then quickly wrapped her other arm around Tally's leg.
She twisted it, sending Tally spinning. Tally had just enough time to land, semi on her knees.
Sarah stepped forward and locked her legs down with her own, her arm coming to encircle Tally's neck and lock her in place.
"Well done," Sarah told her, breathing slightly heavy.
Tally, despite having lost, tilted her head back to look up at Sarah, a wide smile on her face. "You should do this more often," she told her.
"Why is that?" Alder asked, still keeping Tally locked in place.
"Because it allows them to see that you're human, Sarah. You've been this amazing figure for so long that you've become untouchable…otherworldly almost. It would do everyone good to see you as you are, not as just the mother of all witches or the General…but as Sarah Alder," Tally explained silently.
"You do have a point, darling," Alder conceded. "I will think on it."
"Thank you," Tally said softly.
It was only then that Sarah released her from the hold and found that everyone was looking at them rather curiously. She supposed it did look odd to see the two of them just staring at each other in silence. Her eyes fell on Collar and Bellweather—who were looking quite amused by it all.
"That was awesome!" Gregorio whooped as Tally rose to her feet.
The room erupted with cheers and the stomping of feet.
"Want to go another round?" M asked the General.
"One more. Then I must really return to my other duties." Alder turned and looked right at Abigail. "How about it, Bellweather?"
Abigail nodded immediately and stepped up.
She managed to last longer than Marcus, but not longer than Tally. When she landed on the mat with a thud that knocked the wind from her, Alder had given her a few moments before she helped her to her feet.
"Well done. But, make sure you never allow your eyes to drift away from your opponent," Alder told her with a satisfied smile. She gave her a few additional tips about her stance and keeping every sense sharp.
She bid the coven farewell, noting that they all seemed to be abuzz with excitement at her appearance and demonstrations.
She took her jacket from the biddies and shrugged it on as she waited for Tally to grab her things, and then follow her from the room.
"You did incredibly well back there, Tally." Sarah fell in step with the younger witch. "In fact, many of your tactics are very familiar."
Tally cocked her head slightly at the amused expression on Sarah's face.
"What's so amusing about that?" Tally asked her.
Sarah stopped them in the hall and faced her. "I believe that we have been sharing quite a lot of ourselves with each other." She took her hands in her own. "More than either of us has realized."
"Ah, you think your combat skills are rubbing off on me," Tally said with a grin.
"Indeed," Sarah replied with a chuckle. "Would you like to know another reason?"
Tally could feel Sarah's amusement through the link. "What?"
Sarah leaned in close to Tally's ear, "We've had this entire conversation in mothertongue."
When Sarah pulled back, she tried—really tried to hold back a laugh at Tally's floored expression.
They'd been conversing in mothertongue and Tally hadn't realized that she had been speaking it or even understanding it until this moment. When Sarah had taught Tally through their bond, Tally could only read it fluently. Speaking it was another matter…but it seemed that their bond had been rather busy.
"Oh my Goddess," Tally murmured. A giddy smile overtook her face. "This is amazing! I was just happy when I was able to read and understand it."
"I thought you would be excited. It seems our bond has another advantage," Sarah told her before she released Tally's hands and they continued on their walk.
Tally chewed on her lip thoughtfully, and Sarah sent her questioning through the link.
"Are we like…turning into one person?" Tally asked with some confusion.
"No, I do not believe so. However, I will need to tell Izadora of this to help her narrow down what exactly it is. There are many types of bonds and they all are similar and different. Knowing more about it lets us rule out any other bonds that do not fit the criteria. I have a possible theory," Sarah explained.
Tally waited patiently for Sarah to gather her thoughts.
"I believe that our willingness to be so open with each other…truly open with each other—it is allowing us to share these experiences, memories, and skills. For example, I know that your favorite season is winter because you have a bit of a hot chocolate addiction when it's cold outside, and you enjoy sitting in front of a fire with…" she trailed off a moment, "…ah yes, your favorite mug from home that has a moose on it."
Tally blushed and it made Sarah smile wide.
"Well," Tally cleared her throat, still blushing. "Your favorite season is Autumn because you've always loved the colors of the leaves as they turned—you really like the color of my hair because of that." Tally grinned. "And your mother would always make cider from the apples you and your sister would go and pick at that orchard a few miles from the cottage."
A tender smile played on Sarah's lips as she looked at Tally. "See? You know me and I you…we just…"
"Understand each other," Tally answered with a smile.
"Yes," Sarah replied softly.
They shared a look of longing but continued on in silence.
"What did you need me for?" Tally asked finally as they walked.
"Nicte," Sarah said with a sigh. "She's refusing to answer any questions unless she speaks to you. No doubt she will tell you something about me that she feels confident I wouldn't have shared with anyone."
Tally's brow scrunched. "Why is it that she feels so confident about that? If she knows about us…"
"I have another theory for that, and before we speak to Nicte we need to take a detour to a different cell," Sarah told her as she led her toward their holding cells.
"Michelle?" Tally asked.
Sarah nodded as they finally reached her former biddy's cell.
When they stepped in front of the clear glass paneling, the former biddy looked up—now back to her youthful appearance after their severing.
"Cadet," Alder greeted, face stoic as ever.
Tally stood at her side, saying nothing and simply looking at the young woman. The betrayal flowing between herself and Sarah at Michelle's treachery was thick as it rolled over them.
"General," she addressed, then her eyes fell to Tally. "Tally."
"I have a question for you…" Alder began, waiting until she had Michelle's full attention. "Why does Nicte not seem to know much about our relationship?" She gestured to herself and Tally.
"I didn't tell her…I told her about you spending time with Tally and that there was something between you…but I didn't tell her everything," she said.
"Why?" Tally asked curiously.
"Honestly? Being connected to Sa—the General, allowed me to see a different side of her. I don't agree with her decisions much at all…but seeing that she actually could care for someone that much…it didn't feel right telling Nicte everything," their prisoner explained.
"So you lied to Nicte?" Alder questioned.
"I didn't lie," Michelle corrected. "I just didn't tell her. Despite my personal and conflicted feelings about you," she told Sarah, "I happen to like Tally, and you make each other happy. I got soft being connected to you…I didn't expect you to be so…"
"Human," Tally finished for her.
Michelle nodded. "Yeah."
"Why did you hate me so much?" Alder asked.
Tally knew that underneath Alder's put together, stoic demeanor, the woman was hurt that everyone dehumanized her so much.
"My mom died on the frontlines and my dad became a raging alcoholic. Then I found out that the reason she died—her whole battalion was nearly killed in the Middle East because of an order you gave."
Alder nodded. She didn't have anything to say to that. Defending her decisions would be no good…
She spoke carefully, "I am sure that after being linked with me you are aware of how much those things weigh on me?"
Michelle nodded. "Yeah, unfortunately. I learned that the great Sarah Alder is still just as human as the rest of us. By that point though I was too far immersed in being a Spree informant. I couldn't just defect…and honestly I started to believe that Nicte was far less human than you, General. I made a huge mistake and the least I could do for the betrayal was keeping how much Tally means to you, a secret."
"Thank you, daughter," Sarah told her sincerely. She could see the surprise in Michelle's eyes that she had addressed her as such, but she continued, "Tally's safety in this is my top priority, no matter what may befall me."
Tally turned to regard her, her eyes soft.
"That," Michelle said, pointing to Tally's eyes. "That's why I didn't tell Nicte. I've never seen anyone look at you the way she does. If she can accept all the shit you've done, all the decisions you've made…there's gotta be something in you worth that level of love."
Tally blushed at the implication but didn't try to deny it or correct her.
Frankly, if she was being completely honest with herself, she's known she's been in love with Sarah ever since she had been severed from the biddy link…but she suspected that the feeling had certainly turned into that in the Tarim when they had shared a moment and Alder had been honest with her.
Sarah nodded wordlessly and turned her back to Michelle, preparing to walk away and head to the other side of the room where Nicte's cell was.
She stopped after a few steps and said over her shoulder, "I will make sure that the court receives my recommendation for a more lenient sentence."
Then she walked away with Tally in tow.
"Hey," Tally said, reaching out to touch Sarah's arm and have her stop. "Are you okay?"
"Heavy is the head that wears the crown," Sarah murmured to her.
Tally merely nodded in understanding. "I'm here," she said softly as she took Sarah's hand in her own and gave it a squeeze.
They walked back through the door that led them from the room Michelle was in, and to a larger more secure room with a one way mirror.
"Are you sure about this?" Sarah asked Tally as she stood behind the glass with her biddies.
"Anything to help you in this fight," Tally replied sincerely. She kissed Sarah's cheek, and then was buzzed from the room so she could enter Nicte's holding cell.
She stopped just outside of the bars and waited for the woman to acknowledge her presence.
"I'm surprised she let you come and talk to me," Nicte said smugly, eyes rising to trail over Tally's face. "I can see why she's so into you. I mean, look at those dimples. I could summer in one and winter in the other."
It drew no reaction from Tally, but she could feel Sarah's anger at the implication. It sent a bit of a thrill through Tally. Not that she wanted Sarah to be jealous, or that she had any reason to be, but she found she really enjoyed the General's possessiveness—in a healthy way, of course.
"You said you'd only answer me. So, what do you want in exchange for helping us fight against the Camarilla?" Tally asked.
Nicte arched an eyebrow. "I guess Sarah really is serious about this truce. Honestly I thought this was a little mind game she was playing." Nicte sounded genuinely surprised.
"She's completely serious," Tally responded. "Obviously they can't give you freedom or something huge like that…you did kill a lot of civilians and fellow witches. The Spree is officially considered a terrorist organization after all."
Nicte hummed. "The more serious this grows, the more I seem to have underestimated Sarah. Seems she doesn't have that black of a heart after all."
"What do you want, Nicte?" Tally asked again.
Nicte leaned back in her seat with a sigh. "Any of the Spree members that help in this war…they're allowed to go free when it's done. No using this olive branch as a way to round them all up."
Tally waited until she felt Alder's begrudging agreement. "She'll accept that."
Nicte arched an eyebrow. "How would you know that?"
"I know her."
"Do you, really?"
"You keep sounding surprised by that," Tally said with a bit of irritation.
"Well, she's the General of the Army. It isn't like she allows people in to begin with. Here I thought I was special because she was kinder to me than the others in her private unit," Nicte scoffed. "Well, Red, seems that I was all wrong. Alder doesn't have you around her finger, you have her around yours."
"It's called trust, Nicte. She trusts me, and I trust her," she said with conviction.
"Yeah, and that's exactly why I'm so surprised. She doesn't trust anyone," Nicte said with a laugh. "And then here comes this hot young cadet and suddenly it seems like Sarah is giving a shit about how she's perceived." She snorted. "I mean, that would surprise the majority of witches."
Initially, Tally thought she'd be hurt by the statement. But instead she was flushed with pride. So what if she was so much younger than Alder, she made a difference being in her life and she in hers. Knowing Sarah so intimately made her realize that Sarah always cared about how she was perceived. She just kept it hidden deep below where she couldn't allow it to bother her. Tally knew that making the calls, whether it was the right or wrong one, would always be met with resistance, anger, and skepticism—everyone thought their decision was the right one, and that was Sarah's burden to bear for hundreds of years.
Then entered Tally, and she tried to help Sarah carry that burden as best as she could so that she could continue making the hard decisions.
"Nothing to say to that?" Nicte questioned after Tally's prolonged silence.
"No. Nothing at all." Tally turned and made to exit the room. "I'm sure the General will be back again once she clears the request with the President."
Then she exited. As soon as the door clicked shut she felt as though she could breathe easier.
"I need to go and speak with the President at once," Sarah told her as she stepped into her personal space and lightly touched her forehead to Tally's. "Would you do me a favor?"
Tally's eyes remained closed—forehead still pressing against Sarah's. "Anything."
"Would you speak to Izadora about the connection for me?" Sarah asked.
Tally felt a charge go through her body at such a simple request. But it had Tally bursting with excitement. Sarah was allowing her to help, and she asked…not ordered.
"Yes, sweetheart," Sarah said amusedly.
"Of course I will," Tally replied happily before kissing Sarah on the lips. "I'll let you know if she's made any progress."
"Thank you," Sarah said seriously before she led everyone from the room and back topside.
Tally had practically skipped to the Necro lab. She was just thrilled that Sarah was leaning on her instead of shouldering the burden herself. It was a substantial gesture in Tally's eyes, and she got the impression it was to Sarah as well.
Izadora had been in her office, clicking away on her laptop when Tally had entered.
"Excuse me, Izadora?" Tally greeted.
Izadora looked up from her screen and smiled. "Tally, what a nice surprise. Is everything okay?"
"Yes," Tally said with a smile. "I actually came to see you at Sarah's request."
Izadora's eyebrows rose and she waited expectantly.
Tally dove in, explaining how they not only had been learning things about each other through the connection subconsciously, but how Sarah's fighting skills and mothertongue mastery had been passing to her.
Izadora's mouth dropped open at the revelations—but only for a moment—because then a bright smile overtook her lips.
"That is fantastic news, Tally," Izadora said happily.
Tally tilted her head questioningly. "Did it help?" she asked.
"Immensely. When the General comes back, meet me in the warding circle. I believe I found what the connection is," she said proudly.
Tally's eyes lit up excitedly. Seeing Izadora's pleased expression had soothed any worry Tally had that the connection was something negative or some offshoot of the biddy connection. But, Izadora seemed far too happy for that to be the case.
She agreed to relay the message and told Sarah quickly through the link. She could feel her anticipation to return, but received no answer and assumed she was preoccupied with the President.
So Tally headed to dinner to meet up with Abigail and Raelle and update them.
"There she is," Gregorio called to her as she entered their dining area.
"Craven," M said approaching. They slapped Tally on the back, a large smile on their face as the coven quickly stomped their boots. "The only witch I've ever seen stand toe to toe with the General."
Tally could feel herself blushing.
"It was awesome," Gregorio said excitedly as Tally approached their table.
She took her seat next to Abigail, the four of them sitting together.
"When you and Alder were locked there for a while, I almost thought you were going to kiss," Gregorio said with a laugh.
Abigail and Raelle shared a quick look as Tally flushed a little. Gregorio caught it.
"Wait…" he began.
Tally could practically see the gears turning in his head.
Then he gasped loudly and Raelle punched him to get him to shut up.
"Sorry, sorry," he mumbled then looked at Tally, "so the woman you said you were seeing…"
Tally nodded.
Gregorio's mouth dropped. "Holy shit."
Tally smiled sheepishly.
"Oh my Goddess this makes so much sense," Gregorio groaned. "I thought something was odd when she practically threw people away from you with a look—back when you were having some sort of…episode? At the stupid matchmaking thing."
"Yes, but you can't say anything to anyone," Tally told him.
Gregorio placed his hand on her shoulder. "Tally, your secret is safe with me. But you owe me details."
Raelle couldn't help but snort as Abigail laughed.
"So like…does she ever sleep?" Gregorio asked.
At the question, all three of the girls laughed loudly for a minute before calming.
"Out of all the things you could ask, Gregorio," Tally said with a chuckle. "The biddies basically do everything so she doesn't have to. She does sleep though."
"Uh huh uh huh," Gregorio encouraged. "And eating?"
Tally was smiling so much her face was hurting. Gregorio was too sweet for his own good. "She doesn't eat."
"Food," Raelle corrected.
Gregorio laughed so hard he started coughing and Tally kicked Rae's shin underneath the table.
"Guys," Abigail interjected with a laugh of her own. "Calm down."
Gregorio collected himself and took a deep breath. "So you two have…"
Tally nodded, blushing.
Gregorio glanced around them and then leaned in closer to Tally to whisper, "Do you love her?"
Tally could feel her eyes water as she smiled. "So much."
"You tell her?"
"Not yet," Tally chuckled and wiped her eyes.
"Ah, why?" Gregorio asked honestly.
"We've been trying to understand the connection and I just…didn't want to put any pressure on her…" Tally trailed off hesitantly.
"You should, Tal," Raelle told her with a smile. "Abigail and I are protective of you, but Alder makes us look like baby pandas."
Abigail chuckled. "You should have seen the look she gave us that day after she came to the infirmary."
"Uh, excuse me, what now?" Gregorio interjected.
Tally gave him a quick rundown about seeing Alder's memories and her lack of sleep. She didn't tell him what they comprised of, but gave him the bullet points he needed to understand any more stories.
"Please continue, what was this look?" Gregorio asked Abigail and Raelle.
Tally was also looking at them curiously, they hadn't mentioned any of this to her.
"We barged into Alder's office and she was in her sleepwear," Raelle told him.
"Outfit?"
Tally smacked him.
"Ow, hey!" he yelped. "She's all yours I'm just curious."
"Tank tops and shorts," Abigail supplied.
"The biddies hissed at us for like a full thirty seconds before she dismissed them. Then she warded the room," Raelle said.
"I'm pretty sure the only reason she didn't throw us out immediately was because of Tally," Abigail told him.
"Oh without a doubt," Raelle agreed.
"You seem to have come around about her," Gregorio told Raelle.
She shrugged. "I have. She treats Tally well. Any doubt I had about her feelings for Tally was quashed the second she couldn't feel Tally through their link."
"That was the party, right?" Gregorio asked.
Tally nodded, and then looked at Raelle. "I know she said she couldn't feel me at all, it was like I was just gone."
"She looked terrified, honestly," Raelle said, her brow furrowing as she thought. "I didn't think she even felt fear anymore. That look though was all terror."
"She's human, Rae," Tally told her friend. "I get that being alive for so long would make anyone question their humanity…but Sarah's just as human as us…honestly maybe more so."
Abigail looked at her curiously.
"I'm not saying anything, I won't break her trust…just, I've seen her. Really seen her. She feels just like we do, I think it weighs heavier on her though because she's seen so much…" Tally finished.
"It's probably really hard outliving everyone you've ever known," Abigail admitted sadly.
Tally went to say something and stopped. Her face flushed instantly and her heart rate picked up.
"Tal, you good?" Gregorio asked, noticing the change immediately.
"Um," Tally began hesitantly. She could feel the anger in her chest. She really wanted to break something—so she opened the connection as much as possible and pushed her confusion and worry at Sarah.
The anger dissipated to a simmer and Sarah sent her apologies through the bond and then closed the connection off.
Tally breathed a sigh of relief. She understood why Sarah closed the connection off, not wanting her anger to affect Tally…but the emptiness she felt at it didn't sit right with her.
"Yeah, I'm sorry," Tally breathed out. "She was meeting with the President and I have a feeling it didn't go well."
Abigail looked concerned. "Why's that?"
"She was pissed," Tally told them. "Like, really pissed. I've never felt her so mad. She closed off the connection too so I wouldn't feel it anymore."
"Okay, sidebar, being connected like that is super cool," Gregorio told her. "What was she seeing the…" he trailed off at Tally's look, "right, can't say."
"I'll know more when she's back," Tally said with a sigh before finally eating her food.
They talked more about their classes, as well as a few random Alder questions that Gregorio had.
Tally was grateful for his sense of humor. It helped distract from the emptiness.
"General," M stated, surprised.
Tally's head shot straight up and she turned in her seat.
"At ease," Alder said with a chuckle. "I need to see the Bellweather unit."
M gestured over their shoulder.
Tally's eyes locked on Sarah's and she felt the connection open back up. She sighed with relief—and noticed that Sarah's shoulders relaxed as well.
Alder approached their table and grabbed a chair, surprising everyone when she pulled it over and took a seat between Tally and Gregorio.
Alder peered over her shoulder at the handful of cadets that were watching them curiously. She looked at M, arched an eyebrow, and suppressed a laugh at the way M snapped to attention and cleared out the room.
When it was only them and the biddies, Alder sighed and looked at Gregorio. "You know."
His face went red and he looked at Tally. "I thought you said she closed the connection," he whispered, as if Alder wasn't right there.
Tally sighed. She looked at Sarah expectantly.
"You were looking at me like you knew some things," she told him with a chuckle, "and you confirmed it when you just spoke to Tally."
Gregorio pursed his lips. "Cool cool cool," he muttered as he sat back in his seat.
Tally reached over and threaded her fingers with Sarah's. "What's going on?"
Sarah released a breath and looked at Tally. She soaked her features in for a moment before she spoke through the link, "the President did not agree to Nicte's terms. She wants an execution."
"What?" Tally asked, rearing back. "We need the Spree in the fight!"
"I completely agree, which is why…" Sarah sighed. "Can we discuss this later tonight? It's something I'd like your advice on."
Tally couldn't breathe for a second. She felt incredibly privileged. Not only was Sarah allowing her to be with her, but she was allowing Tally to once again carry her burden. She was taking what the Mycelium said to heart.
"Of course. Whatever you need," Tally thought, a small smile on her face. "So was that what made you so angry?"
Sarah looked down at their joint hands. "General Bellweather has brought her concerns about my behavior to the President."
Tally was pretty sure she sent her eyebrows to the moon with that statement.
"What?" Abigail asked incredulously.
"Yes, Bellweather. Your mother has been after my position for some time now. Everything leading up to this has merely been her long game."
"What behavior?" Raelle asked.
Sarah looked pointedly at Tally.
"Us?" Tally asked, surprised. "Because of that night before break?"
Alder nodded. "Now, Petra doesn't know anything for certain, and thankfully the President chalked it up to 'witch business'."
Tally blinked disbelievingly. "Witch business?"
Sarah hummed. "Yes, since we witches have a different view on sexual relationships, she didn't feel the need to be bothered with it. However, she was less than thrilled about my attack and how I failed to report it to the proper chain of command," Alder scoffed. "As if I would inform civilians of that particular witch business."
Tally's brow furrowed. "Wow."
"General," Abigail began hesitantly, "I'm sorry about my mother, I had no idea she was planning any of this."
Alder's gaze fell on her and she sighed. "It is admirable that you would apologize on your mother's behalf, it is not needed though, Abigail. I assure you I bear you no animosity for the actions of your mother."
Abigail's shoulders slumped in relief and she nodded her thanks.
"We need to go and see Izadora," Tally reminded Sarah.
"Yes," Alder replied, glancing at Tally's half eaten plate. "As soon as you're finished."
"Oh I'm—" Tally trailed off at the arched eyebrow she got from Sarah. She chuckled and shook her head and returned to her food.
"She has a lead?" Raelle asked.
"It would seem so," Alder answered. "What it is, I'm not sure…not entirely." At Tally's silent questioning through the link, Alder elaborated, "Izadora had a theory that I have been reluctant to agree with. Not that I don't wish it were so…only because it is very very rare."
Tally nodded, still painfully curious but content on waiting a little longer until they would find out.
"So once you know, what happens then? If I may ask?" Gregorio asked. "Wait, never mind, ma'am, it's none of—"
Alder looked at him as she interjected. "Well, Tally has already permitted me to court her…so the next step would be to speak to those I must, inform them of the connection and my intentions, and most likely present whatever proof I have of the connection."
"What if they just…don't believe you?" Gregorio asked carefully. He was surprised the General had even answered him at all, but he wasn't sure if he was overstepping—and frankly the General scared the shit out of him, but he cared about Tally and wanted to see them work.
Alder chuckled throatily, a look in her eyes that Tally could read even without the connection—one that said 'fuck them'.
"I'll court her anyway," Alder said easily. "And openly."
Tally could feel herself blush. "But wouldn't that get you in trouble?"
Alder smirked and answered through the link, "One good came of that meeting. The President unintentionally gave me ammunition on herself today, I am not above blackmail…and certainly not on a matter that involves my personal life. The only person that is stricter with me than I am myself, is you, my darling."
Tally blushed impossibly darker.
"I've denied myself so much over the years. Connection or not, rank or not, I want you. I want…" Alder trailed off before she smiled. "I want you, Tally Craven. It is as simple, and honest as that. And if you'll have me the same then—"
The group at the table had been looking back and forth between them, aware of their silent conversation…and they figured the General had said something meaningful by the way Tally suddenly surged forward and kissed her.
Gregorio was surprised—Abigail and Raelle had become accustomed and merely smirked at each other.
"Of course I will," Tally breathed against Sarah's lips before she kissed them again.
Alder chuckled as they pulled back, a genuine smile on her face and a light pink tinge on her cheeks. Her eyes fell on Tally's, now empty, plate, and she silently asked if she was ready.
Tally had shot up from her seat, clearly excited and bouncing on her heels.
"Cadets," Alder addressed in parting as she stood with a smile. "Come, before you combust."
Tally told her friends bye and practically skipped from the room with Alder and her biddies following behind.
She hadn't met the newest biddy properly and suddenly realized. She stopped and turned, eyes falling on the woman.
"I'm Tally," she held her hand out.
"Aria," came the reply as she clasped Tally's forearm. "I have heard so much about you from the others. They have been catching me up to speed. Even if they hadn't, Sarah's affection for you thrums even in our link."
Tally smiled brightly at that, and for the next few minutes she asked Aria a series of basic questions about herself to catalogue away for later. Yule was approaching before long and she was filing things away that she could get the biddies for the holiday season.
Eventually she fell in step with Sarah, feeling the warmth hum in their connection at how genuine Tally is.
When they finally reached the warding circle, they both were surprised to find Anacostia and Verger in attendance with Izadora.
"Witnesses," Izadora answered before the General could even ask.
Anacostia offered them both a bright smile as they stopped in front of the Necro.
"Craven, General, please stand and face each other," Izadora instructed. "I assume you want to get right to this."
The two witches did as told.
"Now, I am going to perform a seed…however, there is a very good possibility it won't work because it may need to be one of you that sings it. Adil was a little hazy on the details."
"Adil?" Tally questioned for them both.
Izadora smiled. "Who better to ask about ancient Work than him?"
Tally couldn't argue with that. As she caught a flash of nervousness, she looked at Sarah. She could feel the various emotions swirling in her—anticipation, hope, nervousness…love?
Tally couldn't help the feeling that surged through her, and it drew Sarah's eyes to her own as they both felt their breaths hitch. It had been there in the connection, tucked away as they both weren't trying to pressure the other with the intensity of their feelings.
"Clasp hands," Izadora instructed, oblivious to the internal emotional tsunami happening between the two. She then raised her own hands above where Tally and Alder's had entwined.
Izadora began to vocalize another seed. Tally thought it sounded similar to the seed of reveal, but when the pattern changed suddenly, she was at a loss. It wasn't as pretty as other seeds. This seemed old.
Alder looked at Izadora—utterly confused.
"I know this," Alder thought through the connection.
Tally caught a faint sound floating through their connection, as if Alder could only recall a bit of it—sort of like something from a dream, where it's so faint you can't make it out but you just...know.
Izadora ceased. "I see I was right. It will have to be you."
"How do you know it?" Tally asked Alder softly.
When Alder's gaze met hers, Tally knew instantly that it was an ancient song that lived in her blood—even though she didn't know how to recreate it at first.
Then Alder sang, and Tally couldn't help but be in awe. Everything Sarah did just seemed…powerful.
Tally's eyes widened, as did all the women in the room.
As Alder sang, a brilliant red tendril began to appear—bright in the center as it began to grow—the tendrils were wisps of red and orange as they emerged from Tally's chest, and Alder's.
Then tendrils were connected, tightly, to each other. It resembled the Mycelium in a way, but instead of being solid mass, it was energy—much like the nebula Tally had seen that first night they kissed. Pure and true and inseparable.
"Well I'll be damned," Verger murmured as she approached for a closer look.
Izadora looked at Sarah, as did Verger. They all shared a look.
"What is it?" Tally asked, thoroughly confused by the women's disbelief on their faces—and Sarah's watery eyes.
The energy connection was strong, incredibly strong in fact—Tally could feel that much. Her eyes narrowed—focusing, and saw clear as day that it was bridging the gap between their life forces by a single, unbreakable, red thread.
Tally showed Sarah what she was seeing through the connection, and Sarah's gasp was the loudest sound in the room.
Sarah pulled Tally toward her, the connection still visible and pulsing brighter and thrumming with life the closer they drew.
"Tally Craven," Sarah began. Complete reverie and adoration coated Tally's name as it fell from Alder's lips. "You are my songmate."
Tally didn't understand, but the wave of emotion that poured out of Sarah nearly knocked the wind from her.
Years of grief, loss, pain, loneliness suddenly were being soothed as they flew between the two witches.
Alder drew her in and kissed her softly.
"A songmate is the only soulmate of a chosen witch. It's a very old legend that chosen witches blessed by the Goddess have one and only one soulmate who they have the purest connection with. One that is their match, their complement," Sarah thought through their connection as her lips continued to caress Tally's. "One that has been destined for them since the birth of their soul."
Tally gasped at the pleasure and happiness that radiated from Sarah at the news, and Tally could hardly believe it. She had someone destined for her? And General Sarah fucking Alder at that.
Sarah chuckled against Tally's lips. "Yes, and I have one of the most skilled Knower's I've ever witnessed; Tally fucking Craven."
Tally laughed softly against Sarah as well at the sentiment that poured through their connection.
Sarah's hands cupped her face, tenderly stroking her cheeks. Tears leaked from her eyes as their feelings crashed against each other fully.
"I told you I've been yours," Tally thought with a delighted laugh as she covered Sarah's hands with her own.
"Not to interrupt the love fest here," Verger began.
Sarah and Tally were both sporting blushes at the mention of the 'L' word—but Sarah, surprising everyone, didn't bother to stop her loving caresses against Tally's cheek or side as she wrapped her in her arms.
"But we will need a few others with the sight to verify this," she finished.
"Of course," Alder agreed immediately, not even looking at her. "Make the preparations, Magda."
"Yes, General," Magda replied with a satisfied smile.
Alder looked at Izadora and Anacostia then. "Could you give us a minute?"
They nodded and skirted out of the room, Alder's biddies following a moment after.
When they were finally alone, Alder pulled Tally as flush against her as possible.
Sarah smirked and leaned in close to Tally's lips, but didn't claim them. "Tally Craven, my mate," she whispered reverently before kissing Tally passionately.
Both women groaned into the kiss. It was like little fireworks were going off all over their bodies, and they both could visibly feel and taste their magic in the air.
When they broke for air, Sarah rested her forehead against Tally's.
"Tally, I was hoping you would do me the honor of going on a date with me," Sarah proposed. "I know it is incredibly overdue. I had intended to ask you once break was over but…" she trailed off at the memory. "But now that we have some time…"
Tally couldn't stop the giddy smile on her face if she wanted to. "Of course. Yes."
"Excellent. While Magda makes the preparations…I will make ours," Sarah told her as she stroked Tally's cheek. "I will also need to do a different braid for you…should you wish."
"What is the new braid for?" Tally asked before she quickly kissed Sarah's lips.
"One for an intended…" Sarah whispered, as if the confession would scare Tally away.
"Intended?" Tally questioned, and she could feel the heat from Sarah's cheeks radiate against her own.
"It's a braid one wears when they are not only spoken for…but…" Sarah trailed off, suddenly shy.
Tally could feel the significance behind it through the link and it took her breath away. "So an engagement braid without the actual engagement?"
Sarah nodded.
"Please," Tally told her.
She released a deep moan when Sarah claimed her lips hungrily. Her hand threaded in auburn locks, holding her firm against her.
Tally felt it go straight to her center and she had a fleeting thought of how much she'd love to be taken against the wall right now.
Before she even registered what was happening, Sarah had lifted her into her arms, silently requesting Tally wrap her legs around her waist, as she carried her to the nearest wall and pressed her against it. She sat her feet back on the ground and reached for Tally's belt, undoing it quickly before the button and then the zipper.
Tally moaned as Sarah's mouth latched onto her neck, nipping, licking, and sucking on all the spots she knew drove Tally insane. Her hands dragged up Tally's side, teasing her without dipping underneath the fabric. Sarah bit down on Tally's witch mark, soothing the bite with her tongue before she sucked on the sensitive spot—determined to leave a mark.
The General couldn't help the possessiveness roaring through her as she claimed every inch of Tally's neck before she bunched up her shirt and slid her hand underneath, then pushed the fabric away from small pert nipples so she could roll one between her fingers.
Tally mewled, and Sarah simply chuckled against Tally's neck before she slid her hand down Tally's stomach to the waistband of her pants, and then dipped below to slowly drag her fingers through wet folds.
Sarah moaned at the first touch. She loved how soaked Tally would get for her, even if she had barely touched her. It always sent a thrill down her spine.
Tally whimpered as Sarah continued to slowly stroke through her folds, never stopping to rub her clit or enter her the way Tally was begging her to without words. She could feel it through the bond, stronger than ever.
"Baby, please," Tally whined.
Sarah stopped, eyes filled with a storm meeting those of the earth.
Tally registered what she said, an apology just beginning to form on her lips when Sarah slid two fingers into her. A guttural moan left both of their lips as Sarah grabbed Tally's leg and lifted it to her waist, opening her witch more for her.
"Fu-fuck," Tally stuttered as Sarah began thrusting into her.
It was the roughest Sarah had been yet, and Tally was so glad she had made the silent request. She was hitting deep, and when she curled her fingers with each thrust Tally could have sworn she saw flashes around them.
"More, please," Tally moaned.
"More what?" Sarah murmured as she continued her pace.
"Fingers," Tally managed. She needed to be full something awful.
"Oh I know, darling," Sarah cooed. "I can feel how badly you want me to stretch you."
Tally whined. If Sarah knew then why…
Oh.
"More, baby, please," Tally corrected as she locked eyes with the General.
"Good girl."
A third finger slipped inside and Tally bore down on it as Sarah pumped in and out of her before she added a fourth.
"Fuck, yes!" Tally moaned loudly. She was stretched deliciously, soaked so thoroughly that the sounds of her wet pussy being taken by Sarah were obscenely loud to her ears.
Tally dug her nails into Sarah's back, holding tight as her General pounded into her. She was so close she could taste it.
Then Sarah flicked her thumb over Tally's clit as she thrust; once, twice…
Tally came hard, screaming Sarah's name as she clenched around Sarah's fingers. She nearly sobbed when Sarah curled her fingers, hitting her g-spot and she squirted onto Sarah's hand and part of her uniform. She was still cumming, and it felt like it wasn't going to end, which she was very okay with.
Sarah eased her down, placing tender, love filled kisses to the marks she had made, and then across Tally's jaw before she claimed her lips in a soft kiss.
Tally's eyes fluttered open as she caught her breath, instantly locking with Sarah's.
"You're so beautiful," Sarah murmured reverently.
Tally felt like she could sob with joy. It all almost felt surreal.
"I assure you, sweetheart, it's very real." She kissed Tally again as she eased out of her; Tally whimpered at the loss.
"Sorry about your pants," Tally mumbled hazily.
Sarah merely chuckled and glanced down between them. She hummed, "Don't be. It's incredibly sexy."
"I didn't even know I could do that," Tally breathed with a laugh.
Sarah hummed lowly. "I wonder what else you can do…lucky for us, we have all the time in the world to find out."
Then Sarah was raising her hand to her lips and cleaning off the evidence of their tryst.
With a burst of energy, Tally grabbed her wrist and put Sarah's fingers in her mouth, sucking her own mess off the long digits. She watched as Sarah's blue eyes darkened, her breath hitched, and the nails on her other hand bit into Tally's thigh.
As soon as Tally's leg was on the ground, she released Sarah's fingers with a wet pop, grabbed her shoulders, and spun them to switch their positions.
Tally kissed her fiercely, her hands immediately setting to undoing Sarah's belt, then the pants. She pulled back from the kiss to drop to her knees, taking Sarah's pants and underwear with her.
Before Sarah could say anything, Tally's face was between her thighs, her tongue lapping eagerly at her sensitive clit.
"Fuck," Sarah breathed, head falling back against the wall as her hands carefully tangled in Tally's hair. She was worried about messing the braid up, but then Tally's eyes flickered up to hers.
"You can mess it because you're going to give me my intended braid," Tally told her through the link as she drank up everything Sarah had to offer.
Sarah practically growled as she fisted her hands in Tally's hair and rocked against the cadets face, something that had them both moaning.
"That's it, baby, use my mouth," Tally thought wickedly as Sarah careened against her.
The General wasn't sure what it was about the term of endearment that Tally called her to make her so aggressive, but neither were complaining. It was sending heat through her, down to her swollen clit that Tally took in her mouth and sucked.
A high-pitched moan escaped Sarah's lips, followed by a harsh 'yes' as Tally plunged two fingers inside her. She continued sucking her clit, moaning at the way Sarah rocked against her. She could feel how close she was, and with a few more thrusts she came around Tally's fingers as all the lights in the bunker flickered dangerously, and a few of them burst.
Tally allowed her to recover as she carefully removed her fingers, cleaning them off quickly before returning between Sarah's legs to lick up some of the remaining cum. When she finished, she pulled Sarah's pants and underwear back up her legs, re-zipped and buttoned them, and then redid the belt.
When she finished she leaned in against Sarah, touching their foreheads together and smiling giddily.
"Wicked girl," Sarah chided affectionately as she opened her eyes to gaze at Tally.
"I certainly didn't hear you complain…" she kissed her softly, "baby."
Sarah groaned, a sappy smile on her face.
"You enjoy that," Tally told her. Her face was beginning to ache from smiling so much.
"Immensely," she replied. She pulled her in for another kiss, this one passionate and unhurried, until they needed to breathe.
"We should probably head back up," Tally murmured against her lips, not wanting to cease kissing.
"We should," Sarah concurred, making no move either.
After a few more minutes they reluctantly pulled apart to straighten their clothing. Sarah smirked at the small wet patch on her pants from where Tally had squirted, and she was grateful the uniform colors were so dark.
She laced her fingers with Tally's and led them topside where her biddies were waiting with Anacostia.
Anacostia gave them a once over and rolled her eyes. "Well at least you didn't destroy the base."
"There is plenty of warding down there," Sarah replied easily, not letting go of Tally's hand. After that confirmation, there was no way she was going to hide it.
Anacostia merely shook her head and smiled. "Well, Verger is making the preparations so I'd say two days' time seems most likely."
Her eyes glanced down to the wet spot near Sarah's fly, and when they drifted up—Alder wore a smug smile as Tally turned as red as her hair.
"Hornballs," Anacostia muttered with a smile before she headed off.
"Come," Alder told the group with a chuckle as she began leading them back to her office.
"Did that already," Tally couldn't help but think wryly.
Sarah released a musical laugh at Tally's joke, shaking her head and continuing on—she certainly couldn't dispute that.
When they arrived, the biddies took their seats in the room as Tally and Sarah headed to the bathroom to clean up and freshen their uniforms.
"Could Rae and Abigail come to that?" Tally asked curiously as she held the courtship beads in her hand as Sarah worked on her new braid.
Sarah knew what Tally was referring to—the meeting with the brass. She had figured Bellweather and Collar would be there anyway. She internally chuckled as she thought about Abigail getting to see her mother's face.
"If you so wish," Sarah replied easily.
Tally hummed happily as Sarah ran her fingers through her hair. This braid was slightly…more. It still wrapped behind her head and fell in a single braid atop the rest of her hair, but the sides that led back to the braid were also braided and inlaid with a few of the courtship beads.
When Sarah finished, she watched with a soft smile as Tally inspected it in front of the mirror.
"It's beautiful," Tally breathed as she turned and met Sarah's eyes. "So, after we tell them…what happens then?"
Sarah held out her hands for Tally to take in her own. "Well, whatever you'd like, Tally."
Tally looked at her curiously. "You know you have a say in this too."
Sarah smiled. "Of course. I merely mean, if you wish to…" she trailed off, suddenly nervous, "if you would like this to be our room, it can be, for the duration of War College for you. I know it isn't much. After that, we can worry about then."
Tally released Sarah's hands so she could wrap them around her neck. "I would really like that." Then she leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Alder's lips. "We haven't exactly been spending the nights apart. I'd like to keep spending them with you."
Alder hummed her agreement to that statement. She'd grown completely accustomed to Tally's presence at night. And she'd been sleeping more in the past months with Tally than she had in centuries.
"There is one other thing," Sarah said with a sigh. "There is a very real possibility they will insist on a handfast. Which if that is the case I will petition that it wait until you've finished War College."
Tally thought for a moment that she would be nervous at the prospect of handfasting to Sarah…but she didn't at all. It felt right.
Sarah continued on, almost rambling, "More than likely it will be the traditional five year contract. So should you change your mind—"
"What if I wouldn't want to wait?" Tally asked her softly, interrupting Sarah's monologue.
Sarah's eyebrows rose. She hadn't expected that. "Tally Craven, you are full of surprises."
"Which is funny considering you're literally in my head," Tally replied with a laugh.
Sarah chuckled at that. "That is true. I just wanted to let you know so that there is no pressure from me at all. I will fight to make sure that we do that on our terms. Not theirs."
"With storm and fury?"
"With storm and fury."