Chapter Eleven: War College

She didn't know how long she was there but she didn't care. She was snuggled up against the Necro who stole her heart. Izadora was humming softly while running her fingers gently through Alessia's hair.
"Anacostia is wanting you in the infirmary." Izadora spoke after she spoke in farspeech.
"Probably to let me know when I deploy again." Alessia sighed with a frown. She sat up a little. Feeling soft kisses across her shoulder.
"Maybe. If you are, please promise you'll stop by?" Izadora asked as Alessia nodded her head. Smiling softly as she turned to face the Necro teacher. Izadora traced her fingers across Alessia's right shoulder across her mark. "It's a pretty color now that it's shiny." She spoke softly. Alessia smiled softly at it.
"Thank you." Alessia spoke softly. Kissing Izadora's cheek.
"What for? I plan on making it shiner." Izadora spoke with a smirk. Alessia blushed at this.
"I am glad to hear it's not a one time thing." She spoke softly.
"Alessia." Izadora spoke as she turned to face the older witch. Feeling her cheeks cupped by both hands. "I meant it when I said you are mine. I marked you and claimed you. You are my soulmate." Izadora spoke as Alessia felt her heart pounding against her chest.
"How do you know?" Alessia asked.
"Did your heart sing and hear bells?" Izadora asked as Alessia nodded her head. Remembering the kiss she had gotten from the Necro teacher the first time. "That's how you know. Besides, I haven't aged in about twenty years now." She spoke while leaning back. She raised a brow at the woman.
"I see. So, I thought the Reel put people who desire each other together?" Alessia asked.
"It does but it puts soulmates together." Izadora answered as she nodded her head. Watching the Necro tilt her head. "Understood. She's on her way." She spoke. Alessia sighed and hung her head a little before moving from under the covers. She got dressed rather quickly. Feeling her hair moved to the side before arms snaked around her middle from behind and kisses against her neck. She leaned back while enjoying the intimate moment.
"When will I be allowed to sleep through the night with you?" Alessia asked while turning to face her. Feeling a soft but loving kiss.
"Soon. For now, to the infirmary. I'll join shortly." Izadora spoke as Alessia nodded. Giving the older witch a tight hug before putting on her jacket. This was the first time she had ever fully opened up to someone and was vulnerable. She trusted Izadora. Others may not like the witch at all but she did. She made her way out of the building and across the lawn. She stopped and looked around. There was more plant life all over. More than there was before. It seemed it had rained not long ago. Wondering what Anacostia wanted as Alessia entered the main building and made her way down the hallway towards the infirmary. Seeing her sisters there already as she came into the room.

"Hey! There she is! Where have you been?" Tally asked. Alessia raised a brow. Her friend seemed all giggly for some reason.
"So, that earthquake was you guys?" Raelle asked as Alessia gasped as she took off her jacket and sat down on Tally's bed. She was in a tank top now.
"That Tarim earth work is strong." Abigail spoke as Alessia laughed. Shaking her head.
"Alder and I totally felt that!" Tally gasped with a smile.
"Oh yeah? You and Alder?" Raelle asked as Alessia raised a brow at her fiery friend.
"She came to check up on me. No big deal!" Tally spoke as she was blushing.
"Uh huh." Alessia crossed her arms and leaned back against the rail of the bed. Seeing the door open in the office as Izadora came in. Their eyes locked at the Necro smirked at her. Alessia blushed and looked down quickly.
"So, how great was it? Did you quake too?" Tally asked as Alessia snorted at this before laughing again as did Raelle.
"I always quake." Tally squealed and hugged Alessia who grunted and hugged her back. "But um no, it's more than sex with this one. More than charging up. It's deep. Feels like destiny." Abigail spoke.
"Do I need to start planning a handfasting?" Raelle asked as they started giggling.
"That boy loves you." Tally spoke as Alessia nodded her head in agreement. "He was destroyed on that plane." Tally added. Abigail was smiling as Alessia was watching her before hearing another squeal.
"Tally?" Raelle asked.
"Alessia! It's shiny!" Tally spoke while pointing at Alessia's mark.
"Oh that. Yeah." Alessia spoke. Hearing gasps from both Raelle and Abigail.
"That special Necro?" Raelle asked as Alessia was blushing and nodded her head.
"Well! Details!" Tally spoke. Alessia chuckled.
"Well. I don't think words will do it any justice. It was beautiful. Like my soul belongs to her." Alessia spoke softly.
"You're in love." Abigail spoke. Alessia nodded her head lightly. Knowing full well Izadora was listening. Their eyes kept locking as she couldn't help herself while looking back at her sisters.
"Does anyone know why the plants grew into full bloom all over?" Raelle asked. Alessia laughed nervously.
"That was you?!" Tally nearly shouted as she nodded her head. "That's amazing." Abigail spoke. Seeing the door opened as Anacostia came in.
"Medals!" She shouted.
"What did we do this time?" Raelle asked.
"What haven't you done?" Anacostia asked while looking at her. She looked pissed. Izadora had come to stand next to Anacostia. Alessia had taken her medal off and handed it over as did her sisters. Watching their drill sergeant write onto them before handing her hand out. Alessia was confused as she grabbed her medal and turned it over to read it.
War College. Sekhmet
Alessia gasped as Tally screamed while jumping up and down. Hugging Anacostia. Alessia nearly jumped from it. She was laughing with her sisters as Tally hugged her.
"Congratulations. You've changed. All grown and I am very proud of you." Anacostia spoke. Alessia was beaming while looking at Izadora who was smiling at them. "Craven?" Anacostia asked as Tally pulled out the small blue cups and handed one to everyone. Alessia took one and sat down. Her Necro sat on her right as Tally on her left. Anacostia pulled out a silver flask and poured everyone a drink.
"No cadets deserve this more." Anacostia spoke as they were all laughing. "ANd the best part of it all? Now you're Alder's problem." She spoke.
"I'll drink to that!" Alessia spoke while laughing.
"Now the real fun begins." Izadora spoke as they were all smiling and nodding. Drinking from their cups now. Alessia felt her burn down her throat and smiled.

"Get some rest." Anacostia spoke as she and the Necro stood up to take their leave. Alessia followed them out the door and smiled. Taking Izadora's hand and kissing it. Feeling her cheek cupped as Izadora gave her a deep kiss. It had stolen her breath. Her heart was purring as her soul was trying to jump to her. Hearing a throat cleared as Alessia blushed and pulled away.
"Sorry." She spoke softly. She was pulled into a tight hug.
"Get some rest. I'm not done with you." Izadora whispered into her ear. Alessia laughed nervously but smiled non the less. Watching her Necro take her leave with Anacostia before she went back into the infirmary.
"Everything alright?" Abigail asked as Alessia nodded her head. Hoping her cheeks didn't betray her or anything. She saw Tally scoot over as Alessia laid next to her. The Necro went back into the infirmary office.
"Don't make it obvious." Tally whispered so low that only Alessia heard her. She nodded her head and saw Abigail and Raelle lay down next to each other. Watching her sisters finally falling asleep. Alessia sat back up and enjoy the silence. It was not long when she heard an ear piercing scream as Tally jumped from the bed. Thrashing about and screaming.
"Tally! Tally!" Alessia shouted as she scrambled out of the bed. Grabbing Tally's face to get her attention. Abigail and Raelle both woke up as well.
"Tally! What's wrong?" Raelle asked as Tally finally got her bearings.
"I..I was in the jungle. Alder was there. There we. There were these worms They were stinging me." Tally was gasping while trying to catch her breath.
"Tally, it was just a dream. You're okay." Abigail spoke as Tally was now hugging Alessia tightly.
"Are we?" Tally asked.
"Go to bed." Abigail spoke. Seeing her fiery friend was looking under the covers before thrashing again after Raelle touched her shoulder.
"Tell me these aren't real?" Tally asked as they saw bumps on Tally's stomach. Alessia gasped while reaching to touch it. She decided not to.

Alessia mumbled lightly as she felt a gentle finger trace across her cheek as she leaned up. Seeing Izadora wake her up. She looked over and saw her sisters asleep.
"Everything alright?" She asked in a whisper. Seeing her Necro nod her head and took her hand. Alessia stood up. Looking over her shoulder to make sure they were still asleep. When she looked back, she nearly jumped when Izadora kissed her. She blushed at her actions before pressing into it.
"Are you ready for War College?" Izadora asked as she nodded her head silently. Staring into the dark brown eyes.
"As ready as I can be." Alessia whispered.
"Good. Looks like I am going to be your teacher now." Izadora spoke.
"How scandalous." Alessia spoke softly with a smirk.
"We are allowed due to our souls." Izadora spoke back.
"What do you mean?" Alessia asked while raising a brow.
"General Alder knows about us." The Necro spoke.
"I see. I thought our situation was frowned upon?" Alessia asked.
"Situation?" She asked as Alessia nodded her head. "No my dear. You are mine. Do not forget that." Izadora spoke in a low voice.
"Oh? So, I'm your girlfriend, is what they call it?" Alessia asked.
"Do you want to be?" The Necro asked. Alessia nodded her head. Feeling another kiss.
"I've never seen you show your emotions." Alessia spoke quietly.
"Only around you." Izadora spoke. Alessia couldn't help but feel special. "Wake your sisters up. Raelle and Abigail are wanted in my office." She spoke.
"Yes ma'am." Alessia smiled. She stole a kiss from the Necro teacher who only smirked at her as she took her leave. She could never get tired of that smirk. She walked over and gently shook Raelle and Abigail up.
"What's up?" Abigail asked.
"Izadora said to report to her." Alessia spoke as she moved over to shake Tally up gently. Seeing the poor woman needed sleep still. She watched her sisters get up.
"Why didn't she wake us up by herself?" Abigail asked.
"You want to be woken up by a Necro?" Alessia asked.
"Yeah, no." Abigail then spoke. Watching Raelle and Abigail dress and take their leave.
"Breakfast?" Alessia asked Tally as she nodded. Alessia had put her jacket back on and her hair up into a pony.
"I'm starving. I am excited to meet the rest of our Company." Tally was beaming now as Alessia chuckled. Linking her arm with her friend as they made their way out of the infirmary.

There was barely anyone in the dining hall that they were now supposed to be at. Alessia grabbed a bowl of fruit and some bacon while sitting down.
"So..tell me. Are you and your Necro official?" Tally asked in a whisper. Alessia blushed a little at this while slowly eating her bacon. "I knew it!" Tally spoke while eating her cereal.
"It just happened. Well, I guess I was always hers and just didn't know it." Alessia spoke while breaking her bacon into small pieces before eating them.
"What do you mean?" Tally asked.
"She told me we're soulmates." Alessia spoke as Tally gasped. "What?" She then asked.
"I mean I guess it's possible. They say finding your soulmate is really rare. Did you hear bells?" Tally asked as Alessia nodded her head. "Maybe I should start planning your handfasting then!" Tally teased as Alessia rolled her eyes and chuckled.
"Well, I'm not against it. It's just. I never thought in a million years it would be the Necro teacher. I mean sure I was crushing on her but I guess the Mother had plans." Alessia spoke softly. "What about you?" Alessia asked while looking at Tally.
"Me what?" She asked.
"Alder…" Alessia whispered slowly. Feeling a shove from Tally as she rolled her eyes at this but she was smiling and blushing.
"I know we don't trust her and all but last night when she came to check up on me, it's like my heart is singing." Tally spoke as she was drinking her milk from the bowl now.
"I know what you mean. My heart did that when I was doing the labs and it still does." Alessia spoke. "Have you two, you know?" Alessia asked as Tally shook her head.
"No. I'm terrified!" She spoke. Alessia rubbed her sister's arm.
"For what it's worth, I support you no matter what your choice is." Alessia spoke softly. "Also, don't tell Abigail or Raelle about my Necro." Alessia added.
"We agreed on no secrets." Tally said.
"I know, but how do you think they will react? Hey guys, I'm in love with the insane Necro teacher you hate so much." Alessia spoke. Tally giggled at this as Alessia hit her shoulder.
"Okay, you got a point there but you will have to tell them eventually." Tally spoke as Alessia nodded her head. Finishing up her food as they turned their dishes in before taking their leave from the dining hall.
"I wonder what Izadora is doing with them." Tally spoke.
"Probably trying to recreate the event that happened in the Tarim region." Alessia spoke.
"How do you know?" Tally asked.
"Because that is what I would do to start with to gain a better understanding." Alessia replied with a smile. The air outside was warm as they sat down on the bench to soak up the warmth.

Alessia found herself sitting back at the table with her sisters as Abigail and Raelle were eating as well.
"Are they going to keep testing you?" Tally asked. Alessia was also listening in.
"Who knows. They won't tell us everything." Raelle replied.
"I hope so, they aren't going to let it go." Abigail spoke as Alessia raised a brow.
"What, so you want to keep being a lab rat?" Raelle asked.
"If it keeps us in the fight, yes." Abigail replied. "Don't you wanna know what happened?" She then asked.
"Yes of course but I'd rather we figure it out ourselves than have Izadora poking and prodding us." Raelle spoke.
"I don't think she's going to do that." Alessia spoke as she took a drink.
"Defensive much over the crazy witch?" Abigail asked as Alessia sighed a little. Tally nudged her and shook her head. She hated how they spoke about her Necro.
"What about you Tally? Any more Alder dreams or what not?" Abigail asked Tally.
"It was centipedes and no, but I almost wish I would have one. It was scary but also amazing." Tally spoke as Alessia snorted at her friend.
"Alright Bells. I know you've been waiting for this day your whole life. What are we in for?" Raelle asked as Alessia sat up straighter. Truth be told, it wasn't just Abigail who has been waiting for this but she was as well.
"Yeah, when do we meet our company?" Tally asked.
"This morning, nobody calls it company. Just call it our Coven." Abigail spoke.
"Ohhh." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"Sekhmet. Egyptian?" Tally asked.
"Everyone Coven is named after a war goddess." Abigail spoke.
"Guys, apparently there are a lot of rumors going around about us. That we only got in because Abigail's mom pulled strings." Tally spoke as Alessia scoffed at this.
"Let people talk. We'll show them what we are made of soon." Abigail spoke as they all nodded with a smile. They then all looked over to the other table to see a girl sitting by herself. She looked lonely and sad. Alessia felt her heart go out to the girl.
"Is that the VP's daughter?" Raelle asked.
"They are having her stay on this side of base until Basic starts." Tally replied.
"She looks lonely." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"I feel bad for her." Tally added.
"I was still Biddied when her father met Alder. He seemed freaked out by the whole witch thing." Tally spoke.
"Maybe we should have her eat with us?" Alessia asked as they all nodded. Picking up their plates and walking over. Sitting at her table as she looked up and around at them.
"I'm Tally. This is Abigail, Raelle, and Alessia." Tally spoke while introducing them.
"I'm Penelope." The girl spoke. Alessia smiled and held out her hand.
"Pleasure to meet you, Penelope." Alessia spoke as her hand shook.
"Are you doing alright?" Abigail asked as the girl sighed a little.
"It's just a lot to take in." Penelope spoke.
"Well, if you need anything. Anything at all. Let us know." Alessia spoke as she touched the girl's shoulder. This seemed to have made her smile.
"Thank you." She spoke.
"Alright! Meet your Covens!" A voice shouted. Alessia gave Penelope another smile before she left with her sisters into the main room.

Alessia sat down between Raelle and Tally as Abigail was on Raelle's other side. A tall person who is bald walked into the room. There were three others in the room with them. One was a guy as well.
"Welcome to War College, Sekhmet. I'm your Coven leader. Call me M. Feel free to come to me with any questions you might have. You'll have some of your general classes together as a Coven, but on most days you'll be following your individual specializations. Once you've finished with your super cool hair of course." M spoke while looking at Raelle. "Fear not. You're still bunking with your unit. You'll find your rooms down the hall if you want to go ahead and stow your gear. Dismissed." M spoke as Alessia followed Abigail, then Tally.
"Been a while Bellweather." The man's voice spoke as Alessia raised a brow at him. "Good to see you." He added.
"Who is that?" Tally asked while mouthing the words. Pointing at him.
"Hi, Gregorio." Abigail spoke as Alessia shook her head. Abigail sure knew a lot of males.
"Collar, can I borrow you for a sec?" M asked as Raelle nodded. Walking up to her. Alessia took Raelle's stuff with her own as they followed Abigail to their room. It was larger and had no bunk beds.
"Yes! No bunks!" Alessia spoke as she picked a bed by the window.
"Bet you're glad since you were always falling off." Abigail spoke with a smirk.
"Ha. Ha. Abigail." Alessia spoke as she rolled her eyes. Tally was laughing at this. Raelle had come into the room.
"That was fast." Alessia spoke as Raelle picked a bed closer to the door.
"So.. who is he?" Tally asked with a smile. Alessia rolled her eyes at this. Tally was definitely boy crazy but she was crazy about Alder as well.
"That's Gregorio. You've heard about him before." Abigail spoke with a smile. Alessia was now unpacking her things. "My Cavalier." Abigail added.
"Oh, yeah. At your debut." Raelle spoke. She was surprised her sister remembered that.
"Wait, the one Libba stole from you?" Tally asked.
"No one stole me." He spoke while walking into the room. They all went silent. "I'm not a possession." He spoke with a sigh. "You should have seen your faces." He then chuckled. Alessia chuckled as well. Shaking her head while putting her clothes up.
"Look, the whole thing was a misunderstanding. Libba and I were actually together back then." He spoke.
"I'm sorry. I never knew that." Abigail spoke as Alessia frowned at this.
"No one did. We were keeping it a secret and then the High Atlantic Tradition and the stars dictated that I be your Cavalier." He spoke.
"Libba was never big on tradition." Abigail spoke. They were all listening to the conversation between the two while unpacking.
"Well, unless it was the tradition of giving you shit, she was fond of that one." She laughed.
"Yeah." Abigail spoke.
"You know, she would have liked your eulogy though." Gregorio spoke.
"You were there?" Abigail asked.
"I thought it was beautiful. And it was fun watching your mom squirm." He spoke as they laughed again.
"Now you're a male witch at War College. That must be exciting." Tally spoke.
"Yeah, you could just say witch." He spoke as if he was offended.
"Oh, I didn't mean to.." Tally began.
"Hey, kidding." He spoke as Alessia fell onto her bed laughing at her sister's reaction. "Is she always this serious?" He asked Abigail.
"Yeah." She replied. Tally laughed nervously as Alessia tossed her a piece of chocolate. Tally nodded her thanks as they all began to finish unpacking while Gregorio sat on the edge of Alessia's bed. She didn't mind it. She looked out the window and smiled. It was the perfect view of the woods with the Necro building in sight that was hidden in the woods. She set a potted plant by the window and sat down. Watching her sisters finish before sitting down as well.

"Sekhmet! C.O. on deck!" M's voice shouted as they all filed out of the room quickly. Heading back to the main living room they were in. Alessia stood at attention as did the rest of her Coven. Alder had come inside with her biddies waiting in the living room. Anacostia and Izadora were also there. Standing behind Alder. Alessia's eyes caught the Necro's who smiled at her. She returned it with a blush before looking back at Alder who had her hands behind her back now.
"I just wanted to wish you all well on your first day of War College and impress upon you the importance of the journey that you are on. It's not just about the Spree anymore. We are now, all of us, facing the return of an enemy that I thought was gone from this world forever. An enemy that wants nothing less but the eradication of our kind. I want the thought of that enemy, the Camarilla, to be in your mind as you train, driving you to excel and develop the skills that we need to destroy them." Alder spoke as she was now pacing in the room while looking at each of them. "I also want you to embrace the foundational principles of War College. To know. You must constantly seek the truth, no matter where it leads you." She was looking at Tally as she said this. "To dare. To be utterly fearless. Not just facing the enemy but what lies inside of you." Looking at Raelle this time. Turning to face Abigail. "To will. Effect change in the world around you with total control and conscious intention." She then faced Alessia before speaking again. "To show that there is still goodness and love in this world." Alder then turned to face the wall before back at all of them now.
"And to keep silent. You spoke the words in your oath: All Secrets Keep. It is the will of silence that allows us to do what needs to be done and keep this nation safe. These are the pillars on which your curriculum is built on and the precepts by which I live my own life. Take these to heart. They will serve you well. With that, I leave you to get on with your day." Alder spoke as she took her leave. Alessia was raising a brow at her sisters before smirking a little and quickly regained control of her face. M had stood in front of them after Alder and the others had left.
"If you are going to bring intrigue to class, you're gonna have to make sure that there's enough to share." M spoke.
"I think this is the part where we keep silent." Abigail spoke as all four of them nodded their heads.
"Very well, you will be receiving your schedules here shortly. Dismissed." M spoke. With that, they quickly made it back to their room and shut the door.
"That was certainly interesting." Tally spoke as Alessia sat down and opened her herb book again. Flipping through the pages where she had left off.
"I agree. It feels like Alder is trying to tell us something." Raelle spoke.
"Maybe but as she said, keep silent." Abigail spoke.
"I agree. Though, I cannot shake the feeling that something else is up." Alessia spoke while humming softly.
"Either way, keeping secrets is also what leads to destruction." Alessia added while looking at her sisters.
"True but you heard what Alder said. It's what keeps this nation safe." Abigail added. Alessia sighed at this and nodded.
"She's right though Abs." Raelle spoke. Crossing her arms at this.
"For now, tell no one." Abigail spoke.

They left their rooms as Alessia left to try calling her mother again. She sighed while dialing the number to her home. It just rang and rang. She hung up and tried again. This time her mother's cell number. She frowned. She looked at Tally and frowned.
"Still nothing?" She asked as she nodded her head. "Maybe you could ask Alder to have someone check up on her?" Tally asked. Alessia nodded. She tried to not have any personal meetings with Alder for any reason and right now, she was extremely worried about her mother. Penelope was sniffling as she hung up the phone. Alessia frowned and rested a hand on the girl's shoulder.
"You okay?" Tally asked her.
"Yeah, it's just my dad." She spoke softly. Wiping her eyes clean.
"I get it. It's my mom. We can't get through a call without it ending up in tears." Tally spoke. You could hear the sincere tone in her voice as Alessia nodded in agreement.
"What about you?" She asked Alessia who shook her head.
"My mom won't even pick up the phone." She replied.
"Come on you two. We need to head to class." Abigail spoke.
"You go. I'll make an appointment with Alder." Alessia spoke as she took her leave. She headed down the hallway and sighed. Seeing the young witch who sets up the meetings. She looked up, seeing Alessia with a worried look.
"How can I help?" She asked.
"I'd like to set up a meeting with General Alder." Alessia spoke. The witch pulled out a pen as the door opened.
"Private Solace. Come on in." It was one of the biddies. Alessia gulped and nodded. She followed the woman inside the office.
"Ah Private Solace. Have a seat." Alder spoke as she was writing in reports. Alessia looked around the office. Seeing Anacostia and Izadora there as well.
"What can I do for you?" Alder then asked as Alessia frowned a little.
"It's my mother." Alessia spoke softly. Feeling the Necro touch her shoulder.
"When was the last time you spoke to her?" Alder asked.
"That night when she disowned me." Alessia replied.
"Think maybe that is why?" Alder asked.
"No. She's done that before and always kept in contact." Alessia replied.
"It's been well over a year and nothing?" Izadora asked. Alessia nodded her head at this. She was still worried.
"Why are you worried about her?" Alder asked.
"Because the Camarilla hunted my family for generations." Alessia replied.
"Because of your family's rare seeds. Very well. Anacostia, send someone over to her home. We will check on her." Alder spoke.
"Thank you General." Alessia spoke softly.
"We will keep you updated. In the meantime. Attend your classes. This is your new schedule." Alder added while handing Alessia a piece of paper. "You are dismissed."
"Thank you again." She spoke and stood up. Giving the General a bow before she turned to leave. She was in the hallway when she felt a gentle hand grab hers. She turned and faced none other than the Necro. She smiled softly as she was pulled into a hug. She rested her face against the crook of Izadora's neck and inhaled her scent.
"We will find her. Don't worry." Izadora spoke softly. Cupping both of her cheeks as they rested their foreheads together.
"I know. I trust you." Alessia spoke softly.
"Now. Head to class. I'll see you later." Izadora spoke. Giving Alessia a chaste kiss before watching her leave.

She managed to catch up not long after, sprinting across the lawn as she made it inside the classroom. Sitting on Tally's left as Abigail and Raelle were on her right side. It seemed Adil was joining them as well. The door opened and closed quickly as a tall skinny male witch rushed into the room.
"Sorry I am late, cadets." He spoke while setting books down on his desk. "My name is Channing Grafton, and I will be your instructor for Mother Tongue. I have asked Adil, our guest from the Tarim, to sit in since, unlike most American witches, he grew up speaking MotherTongue from birth." He spoke.
"Like Alessia?" Tally asked as she looked at her friend.
"Ah. you speak MotherTongue?" He asked in Mothertongue.
"Yes sir." She replied. He chuckled at this.
"How many of you are wondering why you need to study this at all?" He then asked the room. Raelle raised her hand at this, so did a few others.
"Isn't it just for High Atlantics or the Hague at this point? No offense." Raelle spoke while looking at Abigail. Grafton then walked over to stand in front of Tally and slammed his hand on the desk. Speaking to her in Mothertongue. Alessia covered her mouth and laughed at this.
"I lost you there at the end." Tally spoke softly. "Will…you….Will you stand?" She asked, trying to figure out what he said.
"He is challenging you to a duel." Adil spoke.
"More like for the right or proxy." Alessia then added as Grafton pointed at Adil then to Alessia with a smile.
"There is no comparable term for it in English but yes , right or proxy is the closest." Grafton spoke as he now leaned against his desk. "So, besides being the root of all known languages, which I personally think is cool, there's certain work that can only be done using MotherTongue. And also ask yourself this. How is it that Adil can speak perfect English, a language he never studied?" He asked as the classroom sat up straighter. "I see now that I have gotten your attention. So.." He spoke as he began speaking in Mothertongue. Alessia felt like she was going to do very well in this class as well.
"Help me.." Tally whispered to her as they finished the class. Alessia chuckled and nodded at her friend. She and Tally were walking down the hallway as Alder was on the other side. Tally gasped.
"General Alder. I want to ask her something." Tally spoke as she quickly moved. Alessia followed her. She stood with her hands behind her back. "Excuse me, General. May I have a moment of your time?" Tally aside.
"Craven. What can I do for you?" Alder asked.
"I've been thinking a lot about Penelope Silver." She replied.
"What about her?" Alder then asked.
"I'd like your permission to tutor. For us to tutor her." Tally spoke as she nudged Alessia who nodded her head in agreement. "To get her up to speed and ready to start Basic." Tally added with a smile.
"Your empathy, as ever, shines through. You have my blessing." Alder spoke as she nodded at them both.
"Thank you." Tally replied.
"General. The Hague delegation has arrived and are waiting for you in your office." A woman spoke.
"Carry on Cadets." Alder to as they nodded. Watching Alder take her leave.
"Come on! Let's find Penelope!" Tally spoke as Alessia smiled and followed her fiery friend.