Author Note: Cari Unum = Dear One

Tara looked out the window in the kitchen that showed Willow and Faith working on building the bonfire. For a while, the women sat on the log and appeared to be deep in conversation while drinking a bottle of cider. Kat approached Tara and touched her shoulder.

"Are you worried?"

Tara nodded. "I want them to get along. I also don't like her being so far away. Kat, what's happening?"

The tall witch took the blonde into the living room and sat down with her on the couch.

"They are just fine, Tara. Willow has treated my daughter kindly, even though it would have been understandable for her to be upset or angry with her. She hasn't acted in anger towards either of you, which speaks to who she is as a person. You don't like her being so far away from you?"

The blonde nodded her head. "I feel drawn to her like a magnet. I don't understand why being near her brings me peace. When we are apart, questions overwhelm my mind. I don't think I can take it."

Kat gathered Tara into her arms and began to infuse the blonde with some of her calming energy. "You and I are going to spend some time together after the sabbat, and then I am going to call Cyndi. I think you would benefit from more sessions with her. I say this because a lot of changes have happened, and it is a lot to deal with. You also went from hardly being able to touch Willow to needing her to be nearby. That is a huge change and one that needs to be addressed. How do you feel about that?"

Tara nodded. "I think that would help. I didn't tell Willow about being in therapy for all this, but she is smart, and I figure that she knows on some level. I will talk with her and tell her outright. When you talk with Cyndi about the extra sessions, can you see if she can do them in the mornings?"

Kat nodded. "Of course. We are lucky to have her in the coven. She is honestly the most talented counselor I have seen in a long time."

Tara smiled. "She has helped me a great deal, and I am grateful that she is sticking with me. What about you? Does Willow know what you are doing?"

The tall witch shook her head. "I am not counseling her the same way that Cyndi is with you. I simply give her room to talk, comfort her when she needs it, and give her advice when she asks for it. I already know that Willow will not go anywhere near a counselor or a psychiatrist for a multitude of reasons. If she hasn't told you, don't ask her about it. She needs to tell you on her terms."

The blonde nodded. "I understand that. Do you think mama is going to talk with her about the danger that she is in and what she will be facing?"

Kat nodded. "Now that she knows about you, she can be told the story and not have any gaps in the information."

"I'm sorry it took so long."

"Worry not, Tara. You told her when you were supposed to. Now we just must prepare both of you for the future, but that is something that will happen over time because we have it."

The blonde nodded her head as Kat continued to hold her and run her hands through the blonde's locks.

"I promise you that everything will be alright."

Tara nodded and continued to hug the tall woman. "I know, mom. As long as Willow and I are friends, I can be strong and see all of this through."

Kat smiled and held Tara a bit closer when the young witch called her mom. "Come now and let us work on the crowns and decorations."

Tara smiled and followed Kat into the living room where the supplies for the fall crowns were assembled on the table.

Willow and Faith entered the kitchen just as the two witches sat down at the table.

The raven-haired witch called over to the redhead. "Come here for a second, please."

The redhead sauntered over to Kat. "Hey there. How can I help?"

"Kneel so that I can measure your head."

Willow did as she was asked. Kat took a cloth measuring tape and noted how big the young witch's head was.

"Ok, off with you! Go and see if Des needs any help. She is in the altar room. Faith, I need you to work on the centerpiece. All this needs to be completed and set up before sunset."

Faith nodded as she sat down beside Tara who was taking sapling sticks and bending them in a circle before securing them with twine.

Willow made her way down the hallway until she reached the altar room. She found Des pouring over a book bound in leather. The young witch knocked on the door and waited for the high priestess to acknowledge her presence.

Des lifted her head and smiled. "Come on in, Willow."

The redhead entered the room and walked over to the elder witch. She tried not to look at the book, but her curiosity got the better of her.

"Come here, Willow, you can look at the book."

The lithe woman stood beside Des and gazed down at the book. The particular entry that the high priestess was looking at was written in Latin."

The redhead needed a moment to recall the information that she had learned in the Latin class she took in high school. Once the knowledge of the language was at the forefront of her brain, Willow was able to read the entry without much trouble.

Des looked over at the young witch. "So, you know Latin; this is going to make things much easier than I had thought. Do you know what this entry is about?"

Willow nodded. "I am not sure who wrote this, but they are explaining how the ritual for Samhain should go. The sabbat is a bit different than what is considered traditional. Is this a family tradition? Who wrote this?"

The high priestess smiled. "Got it in one. My great-great-grandmother wrote this entry. This book is called a Book of Shadows and has been in my family for a very long time. Each generation that inherits a full book, keeps the book in their possession to cross-reference information as needed. Traditions such as sabbats are always written in the new book so that they can be accessed easily since we use them so often. New spells are then added, and further information is written in the older entries as new information becomes available. The spells may be altered somewhat, but the sabbats and the traditions that have been present in my family for generations always remain the same. Whoever started the tradition of writing a Book of Shadows for the Maclay clan, decided to write the book in Latin since it is one of the few languages that has not changed over the years, which has made it easier to keep the spells and traditions as they are."

Willow tentatively reached out towards the book. "May I?"

Des nodded and watched the young witch touch the page with the sabbat. She noted that Willow jolted after a moment.

"Holy Crap! Do you have any other Book of Shadows' that are older than this one?"

The high priestess nodded. "We keep the oldest of the books at the coven headquarters. It is locked in a temperature-controlled vault. Why do you ask?"

"Could I see it sometime? I have a feeling about something that I can't quite put words to."

Des felt a shiver go down her spine as Ren spoke to her.

Let the girl see all that we have. She is a key part of all of this, and once she has the information that we have, she may be able to help us understand how he can be defeated.

Should we tell her about the prophecy?

No. We need to wait until she and Tara are together. The consequences otherwise could be disastrous, and you know exactly why that is. Talk to the girl and let her know that she can see what we have. Afterward, you and Kathryn need to go through the few books that we have that mention specifics about the prophecy and hide them away. I need to talk with the others but call me if you need me.

Ok, Ren. Good Luck.

"I can take you to the headquarters of the coven, but it will have to be after the Winter Solstice."

Willow nodded. "I am good with that."

The two women stood in silence as they continued to read about the traditions of Samhain.

"Hey, Odessa…"

"Please call me Des. Odessa is so formal, and I would say that we are beyond that stage. Wouldn't you agree?"

"If you say so. Des, do you know how old Solana is and what she is?"

"I know that she is incredibly old, but she has not given me specifics on her age or her history. "

Sol, can I tell her?

Yes, but be prepared for her to not believe you. I have not provided you with proof yet because you are not ready, but you can at least plant the seed in her mind.

Ok, then here goes nothing. Please listen to all of this because I have a feeling I will need your help later.

Of course. I am with you always.

"So, how much do you know about dragons?"

"I know that they were born of one dragon. They are also the originators of magic as we know it. That is about it."

"Can we sit down? I will tell you what Solana shared with me."

Des nodded. "I'll make some tea. Are you sick of Earl Grey yet?"

Willow shook her head. The redhead ordered her thoughts while she waited for Des to brew the tea. When the elder witch came over with the tea, Willow settled into her chair and prepared her cup. Once she had Des's attention, she told the elder witch the same story that Solana told her. The redhead couldn't help but smile when Des shook her head as she tried to comprehend what Willow had shared with her.

"You're telling me that Solana and her sisters are as old as magic itself and were 4 of the original dragons born from the Dragon Mother, who is the first dragon to ever exist. Is that correct?"

Willow nodded.

"And my family is one of the original 12 families who were gifted magic from the Dragon mother herself?"

"That is what Solana told me."

"I need some time to consider all of this. Would it be ok if we talked about something else?"

Willow nodded. "Believe me, I am still trying to wrap my mind around all of this, and she is my guardian."

"We should see how close to sunset we are. I have a feeling we will need to start things soon. I do want to continue this conversation. If not tonight, then tomorrow perhaps?"

Willow nodded before leaving the room.

Des considered the lithe witch's countenance during the conversation.

I have no idea how to gain her trust. I am not like Kat but there must be something that I can do.

Give her the room to speak, and don't push her. I think that sharing your history may also help.

Thanks, Ren.

Of course, My Lady

Just before sunset, the four witches and Faith gathered all the food for the feast as well as the necessary implements to cast the circle and light the bonfire. Willow was in awe as to how large the circle they were about to cast was. Des and Kat placed the autumn crowns on Faith, Tara, and Willow before they placed the final crowns on each other.

Sol, will I need to put extra energy into this considering how large the circle is?

It would be helpful if you could. I plan on visiting after the corners are called for sabbat and it would be easier for me to come in my physical form if you put more energy into the circle. Are you up to the task?

Yes. Ever since Tara and I bonded, I feel like I can harness more energy.

Be careful. I don't want you to hurt yourself.

I promise I will be.

When the time came for Willow to call to the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, the redhead pulled as much fire as she could and expelled it when calling Solana. The dragon appeared in her corporeal form and smiled at her charge. The four other women that were within the circle were surprised when Solana showed up physically. While the presence of a guardian in their physical form had happened before, it was a rare occurrence. Once Des was done calling the Guardian to the Watchtowers of the West, the four witches and Faith opened the circle to allow friendly spirits in. Willow did not notice any spirits enter the circle at first but had a feeling she soon would.

Des cried out. "Let us begin this sabbat with blessings!"

Willow moved over to the spot where the feast had been placed. She was surprised when Solana moved over with her.

"Worry not, Cari Unum. I can keep watch while not facing the south. I am a dragon after all… a hungry dragon at that."

Willow as well as the rest of the women in the circle laughed.

Kat spoke first. "Good thing that I made enough food to feed an army."

Once the women were seated, they made sure to leave space for any spirits who decided to join them. The food was dished out on plates and passed around. Next bottles of cider, as well as cups of mead, were passed around.

Faith looked over at Solana. "Are you able to get drunk off of this stuff?"

The dragon laughed. "It has been a while since I have had blessings, but I believe I can. Why? Do you want to see a drunk dragon? Don't think you can get away with your usual tricks, my dear. What is it that humans say? Ah, yes! I have your number."

The young raven-haired woman laughed. "I know better. I mean, who wants to piss off a dragon, never mind a goddess knows how old dragon? I prefer to live with all my limbs intact, thanks."

"Smart move."

Solana tore into her piece of the roast. Willow had to laugh because she knew that this was not how her guardian normally ate her meat. She figured that it was a show for Faith to reinforce her ferocity. Tara was seated between Des and Kat. She looked over at Solana and her best friend and smiled as they talked and laughed together. The blonde loved watching them interact. One had to look carefully, but when they did the love between the guardian and her charge was clear as day. Even though he was not within the circle in his corporeal form, Tara felt Tor and his energy around her. She felt the deep love and compassion that her guardian felt for her. The blonde looked over at her guardian who was keeping watch from the north and smiled. Tor returned the grin.

She certainly is something, isn't she?

Which one, Tor?

I suppose the statement can apply to them both. When you are done eating, you should approach Willow. There is someone that wants to speak to her. Look beside you with your third eye.

Tara looked at the space to her right as she closed her eyes and opened her third eye. She almost gasped when she saw a woman who looked like Willow. The woman looked over at her and met her eyes with a kind smile. Tara had seen that smile before on her friend's face. She was not sure who the woman was, but she did not doubt that she was important.

Willow will need help from you and Solana to see her at first, but once she does, she will be able to see her on her own. Before they start talking, you must leave them.

I understand.

Tara was curious as to what Willow and this spirit would discuss, but she took Tor's advice to heart. Whatever was spoken between the woman and Willow was meant to stay between them until the redhead was able to share.

The feast continued until all participants had their fill. More bottles of cider and cups of mead were consumed. When Willow stood up, she was a bit unsteady on her feet. Solana helped the redhead gain her balance as Tara approached.

"Looks like someone is almost drunk."

Solana laughed. "This is why I am here. There is something special about being with someone when they get drunk for the first time."

Tara's face broke out into a lopsided grin. She regarded the dragon with eyes that were starting to get glassy as the alcohol coursed throughout her system.

"Before we drink more and I forget, there is someone here to speak with Willow."

The blonde took Willow and Solana's hands and walked them over to the open spot in the circle.

"Reach out to my mind, Willow, and keep yours open."

The redhead took a moment before she reached out to Tara. She found that she did not need to make her presence known before Tara allowed her in. What Willow saw once she started looking around with the sight that Tara possessed with her third eye was jarring but beautiful. She looked over to the space that had been empty a moment ago, but now had a woman that looked like her. Willow felt the blonde slip from her mind and was surprised that she could still see the woman. The redhead's gaze was glued to the woman, so she did not notice when Tara slipped away. Solana stayed with her charge and smiled at the spirit.

It is good to see you again, Aoife.

The spirit smiled at the guardian with an old familiarity. She then turned to Willow and spoke to her in Latin.

It is wonderful to meet you again, Willow. My time is short. After we speak, talk with Solana about the questions you no doubt will have. Please listen to what I have to say and take these words seriously. Do not seek the knowledge from the book of shadows you wish to have until the eve of your 20th birthday. Only then will you be able to utilize what you will learn. I will see you again when there is more time and you are ready, Cari Unum.

Once the words were spoken, the spirit departed, and Willow's vision returned to normal. The redhead felt dizzy for a moment before she returned to her normal state. The emerald-eyed beauty turned to Solana.

"Who was she?"

Solana smiled. "One of your ancestors and an old friend. Please listen to Aoife's advice and wait on gaining the knowledge you seek."

"Do you know what that knowledge is? What the answer to my questions are?"

The dragon shook her head. "I may be old and immortal, but I am not omnipotent. There are many things that I do not know, including many of the things surrounding the situation that you find yourself in. That said, I will help you when the time comes to put the pieces together. Come now and let us enjoy this sabbat and blessings!"

Willow smiled and followed the dragon over to the other women. Faith lit the bonfire, and more alcohol was consumed before everyone danced around the fire. The redhead found herself beside Tara. The two witches laughed and danced hand in hand. All of the women were entertained as they watched Solana do what she called a ceremonial dance around the large fire.

The girls eventually sat down on the log to take a break. Surprisingly, while both witches felt relaxed and not sober, they were not as drunk as they thought they should be.

"Have you ever gotten drunk before, Tare?"

The blonde giggled and placed her arm around her friend. "Nope. Have you?"

Willow leaned into her friend's side. "Not even close. I am glad my first time is with you."

Tara gave a goofy and lopsided grin. "I hope we have many more firsts together."

Both women leaned into each other and continued drinking more cider as they watched the celebrations. No other spirits visited the circle, but none of the witches were disappointed as the blessings continued. Eventually, Faith, Solana, Tara, and Willow found themselves keeping each other company if for no other reason than hanging out with Des and Kat would have been awkward. The elder witches were very drunk and could be found in one of the few dark spaces of the circle kissing like crazed teenagers. The remaining women kept drinking in hopes that they would not remember the sight come morning.

Willow looked over at Tara. "Have your mom and Kat always been like that?"

"Yes, and at times it can be quite awkward."

Faith laughed. "At least neither of them decided to get skyclad this year."

Solana spoke next. "Do not tempt the fates. The night is still ongoing."

"Knowing our luck, both mom and Des will decide to get skyclad."

Willow blushed. "I really hope not. I do not need to see either of them naked, and there is not enough alcohol in the world that could erase that sight."

"Want to bet that, young one?"

Faith chimed in. "Sounds like you have something fun up your sleeve, Sol. Care to share with the rest of the class."

"I'll do you one better."

Solana disappeared for a few minutes before she came back with a bottle, some glasses, and a few water skins.

"Draconic fire whiskey. One of the few spirits I have that is safe for humans. Who is woman enough to join me?"

Faith immediately shot her hand up.

Willow grinned as she looked over at Tara. "Want to add another first tonight?"

Tara nodded and put their joined hands up.

"Excellent. Now! Drink from these water skins unless you feel like being horribly hungover when you wake up."

The dragon passed the water skins to each of the women and watched as they drank.

"Sol, why do you want to get us drunk?"

The dragon gave her redhead a grin. "There is much to celebrate, much bonding to be had, and it has been a very long time for me to have such fun, Cari Unum. Let us drink tonight as if we are all immortal. To love, to life, to bonds that will never break, and to friendship!"

The dragon carefully poured shots for all the young women and herself. The liquor tasted like cinnamon, burned like hell, but left a warm feeling that spread throughout everyone's body.

Faith giggled. "Now that is what I am talking about! Sol, what do I have to do to convince you to give me a bottle of this stuff?"

The dragon hiccupped. "The whiskey is for special occasions and should not be drunk by you too often unless you feel like losing an organ or so. That said, we are good for the night as long as you keep drinking the water."

The women kept drinking both the whiskey and water as the fire burned and the night wore on. They occasionally got up and danced around the fire as the mood struck them. Willow and Tara stopped drinking when the sky began to get light and signal that sunrise was on its way. Solana carried a very drunk Faith into the house where she noticed Kat and Des wrapped around each other as they slept on the couch. The dragon smiled and took Faith to her mom's study. Before she laid the woman down on the couch, Solana gave Faith a hug and a rumble from her chest. The raven-haired young woman smiled.

"Thanks, Sol. You are beautiful."

Faith fell asleep immediately after the dragon placed her on the couch. The guardian then moved back outside where she saw Tara and Willow sitting close on the log leaning into each other. The dragon couldn't help but smile as the witches added another first to their list of firsts that happened that evening. After the sun had risen higher in the sky, she helped both young witches into the house and up to Tara's bedroom. She hugged both women, rumbled her chest, and touched her forehead to each witch. As Tara and Willow lay down beside each other and fell asleep in one another's arms, the dragon could not help but smile as the golden glow of their bond and the red thread that bound them together grew just a little more.

Indeed, it shall be their love that will overshadow any evil that may cross them and ultimately save the world.