After their outing finished—and with everyone in high spirits at some downtime away from base—they all piled into the SUV again, with Tally trying to trip Anacostia up. She did want to know but she was mainly just messing with her because she could, something that Raelle and Abigail also joined in on. It was like annoying a big sister. She also hadn't gotten a chance to look through Alder's sketchbook just yet, so she contented herself with waiting until the date so she could go through it with Sarah.
When they got back, Anacostia shooed the others off before she gestured for Tally to follow her.
The sun was just beginning to set when Anacostia stopped near a path.
"This is where I leave you," Anacostia told her with a smile. "Have fun, Tally." She gave her a wink.
Tally pulled her in for a hug before she left, and Tally set off down the path.
She knew this led to the lake that was on base. But this was a spot she'd never been to before. It was almost secluded, and something that only someone who knew every inch of the place would be able to find. Not only that, but Tally could see warding as she got closer—recognizing it instantly as Sarah's Work.
When she stepped through the last of the bushes, she gasped.
There was a large comfortable looking blanket on the ground with numerous pillows and a few extra blankets residing on it. There were candles nearby to illuminate the spot once the sun had completely set, as well as a few dishes that sat covered. It was also pleasantly warm within the warding, which Tally was grateful for.
At Tally's gasp, Sarah looked up from where she was retrieving some plates and cutlery.
"Perfect timing," Sarah told her.
Tally's throat went dry when she realized Sarah was also in civilian clothing. She didn't even know she had any.
She was wearing a pair of jeans and a sweater as well, her hair free of her braid and falling around her face in perfect waves.
Tally definitely short circuited.
Sarah chuckled and approached, taking Tally's hands in her own and raising them to her lips to kiss.
"Please tell me I didn't break you," Sarah teased.
Tally shook her head as a bright smile overtook her. "Only temporarily stalled my brain." She gave Sarah a once over. "I really like you in civilian clothing."
"Here I thought you enjoyed me without any at all," Sarah replied flirtatiously as she pulled Tally against her.
The redhead hummed approvingly. "Of course, it's my favorite. But this is wonderful too." She tugged on the sweater before leaning in and kissing Sarah. "Thank you again for today."
"Of course. I'm glad that you were able to unwind," she answered as she led her to the blanket.
Tally looked around, sighing in relief when she saw the biddies a bit away underneath a tree—and with what looked like their own cozy and warm set up.
"I was worried where they were when I didn't see them at first," Tally explained at Sarah's questioning gaze.
"I have them all set for the night," Sarah told Tally. "So now, it is wholly our time." Her heart soared and the biddies sent waves of warmth to Sarah through the link at Tally's concern for them.
Then Sarah's eyes caught the sketchbook in Tally's hands. She took it from her to set it on the blanket while Tally kicked off her boots.
They took a seat on the blanket as Sarah poured them each a glass of wine before they got comfortable against the pillows to watch the sunset.
Wordlessly, Sarah handed Tally the sketchbook. "Go ahead. I can feel your curiosity," she told her with a light laugh.
Tally dove in as they sat before the setting sun and flipping through the pages. There were drawings of some of the past biddies, and the recent ones, as well as a few of Anacostia as she was growing up. Tally knew she was going to tease Anacostia about her cute little self after this. There were sketches of the town in their modernization, as well as a few of the additions to the fort. She had drawn Verger and Izadora as well. Then Tally flipped the page and her breath caught in her throat.
It was a perfect drawing of her at Beltane.
"Beltane?" Tally questioned softly, her eyes flickering to meet Sarah's.
She was sporting a light blush. "I have felt drawn to you for quite a while."
Tally was beaming. "I'm glad that now we know why. This is beautiful, Sarah," Tally told her seriously.
"Keep going," Sarah requested. "There's one last drawing in this book."
Tally flipped to the next page, and there was a gorgeous portrait drawing of her that was dated during the period Tally was angry with her. Yet, she still had drawn her, eyes shining with hope and affection. She had really captured her perfectly.
At feeling the emotions roll through Tally, Sarah spoke, "I wanted to capture a moment where you still looked at me with admiration. I hadn't realized how important your approval meant to me…and when I lost it, I wanted to make sure I could recall how you used to look at me in case it never came back."
Tally could feel some tears well in her eyes, and she turned her head to lean over to capture Sarah's lips in a kiss. It was slow and passionate, with each of them pouring their feelings into the bond to share with each other—after a few moments though, they became breathless and needed to pull apart.
When they did, Sarah's eyes flickered to the sky. The sun was beginning to dip lower now.
"I'm sorry I hurt you," Tally told her.
Sarah smiled affectionately. "I know. And I am sorry that I hurt you."
Tally scooted closer to nuzzle against Sarah's neck before she placed a kiss there, making the older woman hum happily. Then they both turned their eyes to the setting sun.
"Are you hungry?" Sarah asked as the sky brightened with various colors.
Tally was pretty sure it was the most beautiful sunset she'd ever seen. She tore her eyes away, unable to deny how hungry she was…and her stomach answered for her.
Sarah laughed and nodded to herself as she began gathering a plate and silverware for Tally. She picked up the dish covers and Tally salivated at the mere sight.
"Okay this all looks amazing. Where did you get all this?"
There was a plate of bread, cheese, and fruit; a dish of what looked like a pot roast and smelled mouthwateringly divine; a casserole of sorts that Tally could see was loaded with vegetables; and something sweet that she couldn't quite pinpoint.
At Tally's question, Sarah grew rather red—and Tally could hardly believe that Sarah's face could get so flushed.
"I made it," she answered.
Tally's eyes widened. "You made all this?"
Sarah nodded. "With the biddies help of course. I cooked everything but I had them help with the prep work, and the taste testing."
"I didn't even realize you could cook," Tally retorted with a bright smile on her face.
Sarah chuckled throatily, pleased she was able to surprise her Knower. "I told you I am a woman of many talents."
"Clearly," Tally agreed as Sarah dished up her food for her.
Sarah grabbed the bottle of wine and refilled their glasses as Tally dug in.
The first bite Tally took had her moaning.
"Here I thought that I could only make you moan like that in bed," Sarah teased. She was ecstatic that Tally liked what she made.
"This is amazing," Tally told her honestly. "Where? How?"
Sarah chuckled. "My mother taught me. She taught me each of these dishes…of course I know more but these were some of the first she had showed me. The casserole was a creation of hers to include as many hearty vegetables as she could. Meat was a rare luxury. We ate a lot of duck and turkey here, but every now and then we would be able to get some meat and when we would, she would make that."
Tally tried the casserole while Sarah explained, and when she finished she gave Sarah a look that could only be read as 'fuck this is good'.
"This is literally the best meal I've ever had and I promise I'm not exaggerating," she told her as she sent her sincerity through the link.
Sarah beamed at the compliment. "I'm glad. I haven't cooked in ages. Not since Ana was younger."
"You cooked for her?" Tally asked.
Sarah hummed. "I did. Not always of course. My duties always took precedence. But during the holiday season I always made sure I was available to cook dinner for the biddies and Ana. The pot roast is a favorite of hers as well."
"I can see why." Tally took another bite. It melted in her mouth and whatever herbs Sarah had seasoned it with were top tier.
"I also made my mother's apple turnover recipe," Sarah said. "That would be the sweetness you could smell."
Tally's eyes brightened. "Are you trying to put me in a food coma?"
Sarah laughed jovially. "No, my darling. But if you need a nap after I'm happy to hold you."
Tally smiled softly before she sat her plate off to the side and reached up to cup Sarah's face.
"You're remarkable," Tally told her honestly before she leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss.
Sarah could feel Tally's heart rate pick up, and caught the nervous emotions flying through her. It made Sarah's heart clench with anticipation, and she knew what Tally was about to say.
So she pulled back and reached up to cup Tally's face with her hand, softly stroked her cheek and then over her adorable dimple until Tally's eyes met hers.
When they did, Sarah released a deep, affectionate sigh.
"Lóù imé wèlá, Tally Craven," Sarah said softly, her blue eyes holding Tally's rich brown.
Tally's breath caught in her throat. It was like fireworks exploded inside her and she gasped.
She loved her. She was in love with her. She was certain that her soul departed her body briefly to soar through the sky before returning.
She pulled Sarah back in, crashing their lips together and kissing her passionately. A moan rumbled in Sarah's chest as Tally's fingers tangled in her hair to keep her close. She pulled back to look at the older woman, delighting in the darkened gaze Sarah fixed her with after their kiss.
"I love you too, Sarah Alder," Tally breathed.
Sarah's eyes watered and Tally found hers doing the same. They met again in another kiss, softer this time and filled with unbridled affection.
The General could feel the love flowing through their connection, thrumming loudly as if happy that it was finally given voice. Pure rightness settled in both their chests, and when Tally opened her eyes she could see their magic swirling around them. She showed Sarah through the connection, delighting in the wonderment Sarah was gazing at her with.
"I love you," Sarah whispered against Tally's lips. "I love you, I love you, I love you."
Tears fell from Tally's eyes as Sarah's words and feelings washed over her. They touched their foreheads and Tally released a delighted laugh. Sarah returned it in kind, her own eyes beginning to water.
"We have the most beautiful magic I've ever seen," Tally told her seriously.
Sarah hummed her agreement. She hadn't seen a lot of pure magic in her long life, but any magic she had ever seen didn't even slightly compare to what their magic looked like.
"Goddess I love you so much," Tally breathed before she crawled into Sarah's lap, straddling her so that she could be as close as possible while they kissed.
They kissed for some time, simply touching each other with gentle caresses and affectionate kisses placed anywhere they could reach.
Eventually they pulled apart and Sarah's eyes flickered to Tally's abandoned plate. "You should finish eating before it gets cold."
Tally chuckled, eyes twinkling. "I mean, you're warm. I could just eat you."
Sarah released a loud laugh before she shook her head. "Cheeky witch. Only if you eat the rest of your dinner."
Tally grumbled playfully as she extricated herself from Sarah and returned to eating her food. Sarah had scooted closer so that they could sit side to side as Tally finished her meal.
"I have a confession to make," Sarah began with a mischievous smirk.
Tally froze. "What?"
Sarah chuckled. "Ah, you told me you loved me last night before you passed out."
Tally could feel her ears burn and Sarah laughed at the mortified expression on her face.
"Beloved." Sarah reached up and lightly touched the courtship beads. "You were falling asleep when I told you that your compassion never ceases to amaze me. And you responded that it's easy because you love me…" Sarah trailed off softly.
"I'm sorry! That was definitely not how I wanted to te—"
"Tally," Sarah interjected softly. "It was perfect. It was exactly what I needed to hear last night. So thank you. It also made me far less nervous to tell you."
"You were nervous?" Tally questioned with a grin.
Sarah hummed, eyes twinkling. "Of course. Who wouldn't be nervous about telling a gorgeous woman they're in love with her."
Tally beamed as she sat her now empty plate down and away from her. "General Alder, who has lived and fought in eighty-one wars, seen countless battles and enemies…yet is nervous to tell her much younger songmate that she's in love with her," Tally said playfully.
Sarah rolled her eyes and laughed. "Yes."
"I was nervous too," Tally admitted.
Sarah nodded knowingly. "I know, I felt it. I thought it would be unfair for you to say it first, twice."
Tally laughed and shook her head. "Fair enough."
By now, the sun had finished setting on the horizon and Sarah got up to light the candles around them. It wasn't enough to illuminate the entire space, but was just enough to provide some light in the otherwise dark landscape.
She offered Tally one of the turnovers, which Tally accepted immediately. The moans that fell from her mouth had Sarah actually envious of the dessert.
Tally laughed when she caught the sentiment. "Don't worry, you taste much better than anything I've eaten…but your cooking is definitely second. Seriously, you're quite the chef."
"Thank you, sweetheart."
"You're welcome, baby," Tally replied softly, enjoying the way Sarah looked at her with so much affection when she uttered that pet name.
When Tally finished, Sarah moved the plates of food off to the side more to make room for them to lay down without risking bumping into anything.
They laid down on their backs, side by side, hands entwining and looking up at the night sky.
"This is a perfect date," Tally murmured, eyes still on the night sky.
"I hoped you would enjoy it." Sarah glanced over at her. "You shared a spot you loved with me, and I wanted to share one with you. It's secluded and no one comes here, but it is one of the few spots that you can see the night sky. Not as well as on the compound, of course…but better than most areas."
"Do you miss it? Before all the technology?"
"I certainly am a fan of indoor plumbing," she quipped.
Tally laughed so hard she snorted, and in her embarrassment Sarah merely chuckled affectionately.
"I can't imagine going so long without indoor plumbing," Tally commented with a shake of her head.
Sarah sighed heavily, "It was awful."
They both laughed at that and Tally silently urged her to continue. She loved Sarah's stories of her own experiences through the centuries. Tally rolled onto her side, propping her head with her arm so she could gaze down at Sarah while she spoke.
"Winter was the worst," she said with a grimace. "No one has ever gone to the bathroom faster than when you are stuck outside. Just because the outhouses were sheltered did not mean they were warm."
Tally made a face. She definitely wasn't upset at the luxury of indoor plumbing.
"Electricity is nice too of course. It certainly has made things much easier. However, technology has been quite a hindrance—almost as much as it has been a help."
"How do you mean?"
"Well, it's allowed us to track our enemies further and from a safer distance. We can instantaneously share large quantities of information without having to send someone to deliver it for fear that they will be hunted on the road. There are many positives to it. The drawbacks are the impact on the environment." She grew sad at that. "I miss the stars, the clean air, the quiet."
Tally looked down at her, a soft expression on her face. "Can I propose something?"
Sarah turned her head to meet her gaze. She gave a single nod, waiting patiently for Tally to say what was on her mind.
"I think that whenever we are able to have time away from base again…you and I should take a vacation," Tally said seriously.
"I've never taken a vacation," Sarah replied.
Tally smiled. "Then we have to. Why don't we go somewhere remote? Out in the wilderness somewhere and camp?"
Sarah grinned. "I'd enjoy that."
"We can be somewhere with little light pollution and somewhere we can breathe easy," Tally suggested. "You can re-enact the old days."
Sarah released a full-bellied laugh at that. "That sounds perfect."
Tally cast a glance over Sarah, back toward the trees in the distance where the biddies resided. "Will they be okay camping?"
Sarah chuckled and nodded. "Yes. I actually sent the idea to them a moment ago and they're enthusiastically agreeing."
"Perfect," Tally replied as she raised Sarah's hand to her lips and kissed the back.
They returned their eyes to the sky.
"Will you humor me in one more thing?" Sarah asked softly.
Tally nodded instantly, and Sarah sat up then stood. She walked toward the large bag that rested just outside of their nest and pulled out a small speaker and an iPod. She quickly hooked it up then returned and held out her hand.
"Will you dance with me?" Sarah requested.
Tally felt warmth flood her and she quickly stood, stepping into Sarah's arms as the music began to play.
"First of all, I'm impressed you're good with technology," she teased.
Sarah rolled her eyes before grinning wryly. "Well if you must know, the biddies showed me how to set it up. I was struggling earlier."
Tally laughed and tucked her head against Sarah's neck as they swayed.
Then she recognized the song. It was 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' by Céline Dion.
Tally melted against Sarah as they swayed gently.
"The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the endless skies, my love"
"I love this song," Tally told her.
"I know." Sarah smiled against Tally's head. "I as well."
"This is perfect, Sarah."
"I'm glad, my love," she replied softly, tightening her hold on Tally and continuing to sway to the music.
Her hand tangled in Tally's hair, carefully watching the braid, to pull her as close as she could.
"And the first time ever I kissed your mouth
I felt the Earth move through my hand
Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love"
"I thought it was fitting," Sarah began. "I felt the earth rumble when we first kissed."
"Really?" Tally asked, lifting her head to regard Sarah with an adoring smile.
Sarah hummed. "Indeed." Then she surprised Tally even further by softly singing the next two lines,
"And the first time ever I lay with you
I felt your heart so close to mine"
Tally didn't know Sarah could sing, and her voice was beautiful to Tally's ears. She wasn't surprised though, everything Sarah did was magical to her.
She released a soft sigh before she tilted her head up and captured Sarah's lips in another sweet kiss.
They clung to each other as the music faded out, and Tally could feel all the emotion that had been swirling in her heart slowly creep lower. When Sarah's teeth took her bottom lip she released a breathy moan.
"Sarah," Tally murmured against her lips. "Make love to me."
Sarah immediately dropped to her knees and took Tally's hands to guide her down. She laid Tally on her back and kissed her tenderly. Their kisses were slow and purposeful—seeking to convey every joyous emotion that flowed through the bond, back and forth.
Sarah kissed Tally's witch mark before she scraped her teeth over it, delighting in the gasp it drew from Tally before she continued to lavish her neck with attention. It didn't take long for the heat to build, and soon after both women were laying bare before the night sky.
Sarah's hair surrounded their faces as they kissed, blocking out the outside world around them. Her hands stroked up Tally's sides, then to her breasts to tease her hardened nipples—earning needy whines from her. Sarah loved the noises she could pull from her young witch, delighted when she would moan for her.
She couldn't resist the moans and gasps that she released either as Tally kissed, licked, and bit her neck. After one particular bite that sent an electric charge through her body, she was certain she would have a mark come morning—something that thrilled her. She wanted to be marked by her—a visible reminder that she was loved and wanted by Tally.
She pressed her forehead to Tally's as her hand slid down over a taut stomach, to the apex of her thighs, through the trimmed auburn curls, and finally to the slick that waited for her.
Sarah moaned deeply when she connected with Tally's wetness. It gave her a rush of pleasure every time she felt how much Tally wanted her.
"Lóù imé wèlá, imé jìpón jè wèdís," Sarah murmured into their kiss as she slid two fingers home.
Tally moaned loudly and pressed down against Sarah's hand as her fingers curled inside. She slid her own hand between their bodies, running her fingers through Sarah's soaked folds and moaning when she circled Sarah's clit and the older witch whined.
Tally entered her with two fingers, curling them immediately and earning another delicious noise from Sarah.
They moved slowly against each other—giving just enough to draw it out as long as possible. Then Sarah rubbed her thumb over Tally's clit as she thrust deep, earning a guttural moan before she gasped breathlessly.
Sarah could feel her growing close and she requested Tally to thrust deeper—careening against her when she did as asked. They climbed the peak together, tipping over the edge at the same time and vocalizing their pleasure as the aftershocks ran through them.
Tally opened her eyes and brushed Sarah's hair from her face, kissing her lips sweetly and carefully removing her fingers.
"Look at what we did," Tally whispered before showing Sarah what she was seeing.
Not only had various mushrooms and flowers physically bloomed around them, but energetically Tally could see what they created.
Sarah's eyes widened in awe as she saw their magic—the vast nebula of colors decorating them and the area around them, as if providing oxygen to the flora and fungi. They'd made the earth sing with them, creating beauty from their unintentional joint work.
Sarah could feel the power in her veins, and she knew Tally was similarly affected. It seemed that their connection was strengthening Tally's power, and for that Sarah was incredibly grateful—she would be more protected.
"We have a lot of power, Tally," Sarah murmured as tears appeared in her eyes. "My beautiful, darling, songmate."
Tally blushed and kissed her again. Moaning when Sarah's fingers shifted in her.
She surprised her when she rolled them over, straddling Sarah as she sat back and ground down on the fingers inside her.
"I need you to fuck me," Tally told her, a light blush tinting her cheeks at her forwardness.
Sarah's eyes darkened. "Anything for you."
Then she curled her fingers and thrust up, pulling a gasp from Tally. The redhead rocked against her, riding her fingers as Sarah helped in thrusting up into her with her hips—deep and hard.
Tally reached behind her to rub Sarah's clit as she rode her fingers.
"Fuck," Tally moaned as Sarah hit right where she needed her.
Sarah moaned Tally's name as Tally rubbed her clit in tight circles.
The sound of their fucking was loud in the open space, but neither of them cared. In fact, Tally was already approaching her second orgasm from Sarah's touch, moans, and the sound of her soaking pussy being taken.
"Fuck, baby," Tally whined.
Sarah released a growl and surged up, immediately taking Tally's throat in her mouth and sucking the spot right over her cords—determined to leave a mark.
"Yes, yes, don't stop," Tally pleaded as she canted her hips faster. She was gushing onto Sarah's hand, and could feel Sarah nearing her own orgasm.
Tally didn't stop rubbing Sarah even as she came hard around her fingers, milking them as if they had something to give—until Sarah came with a loud cry against Tally's neck.
They fell back on the blanket and Sarah carefully extracted her fingers before cleaning them with her tongue. She pulled Tally up and held her as she laid directly on top of Sarah.
"I need a moment, but then I'm eating you out," Tally told her as she caught her breath against Sarah's chest.
The General chuckled. "Is that so?"
"You said I could eat you out if I ate all of my dinner. I did that and had dessert," Tally told her pointedly, her head tilting so she could meet her songmate's eyes.
"I suppose I did."
Tally hummed before she kissed Sarah's chest, then slowly kissing her way down until she reached her center.
She licked up her slit, delighted when Sarah hissed and pushed closer to Tally's waiting mouth. Her tongue slid between soaked folds, drinking up every drop she could get as Sarah writhed beneath her.
She pressed closer, pulling Sarah toward her with her arms wrapped around her thighs while her fingers opened Sarah more for her.
"Tally," Sarah moaned as Tally's tongue lavished her clit. "Fuck."
Tally moaned at the flood of wetness that coated her lips and chin. She loved that she had this effect on Sarah, as well as her taste. She was sweet yet tangy and Tally constantly felt like she couldn't get enough. She sucked her clit into her mouth, moaning approvingly as Sarah released a gasp of pleasure.
Sarah ground against her faster as Tally pushed her closer to the edge. When Tally entered her with two fingers, curling them immediately for Sarah to clamp around—she came with a loud cry of Tally's name on her lips.
She melted into the blanket as Tally cleaned her up before returning to her spot to nuzzle her neck.
"Goddess, Tally," Sarah moaned softly. She turned her head and kissed Tally's forehead.
"I'm surprised you didn't destroy anything," Tally commented, tilting her head up to gaze at Sarah.
"You saw the warding when you arrived, yes?"
"Presumptuous," Tally teased with a grin.
"Perhaps. But I was right," Sarah reminded her as they both laughed.
They ended up falling asleep on the blanket after Sarah had grabbed the extra blankets and thrown them over her and Tally. They clung to each other through the remainder of the night beneath the stars.
The glow of the mushrooms around them illuminated their spot in a soft light, until the hours of the morning when the birds began to sing.