Work Text:
VISION
The tree bark was slightly scratching the back of her head as she was leaning her thought-filled skull against the oldest oak in the secluded western part of Fort Salem. This mossy and soft patch of grass in the shadow of the tree was her newfound safe place. Tucked between two big protruding roots she felt like in a cradle. Safe and protected from the world, she could just sit here and try to untangle the insistent onslaught of thoughts swirling in her head.
A lot of things happened in the past few weeks and months. It was a dangerous rollercoaster of emotional turmoil and constant grave danger. Thanks, Goddess it was over –finally. Well, „over" is maybe a too positive word to describe it but at least the worst of it was gone. The power of the First Song has mended a lot of wounds and fixed a lot of problems. The army was trying to find new common ground with the civilians and maybe even with Spree. Hopefully, they maybe can make some sort of truce and at least be open to a conversation.
Life in Fort Salem was almost back to normal. Most of the classes were restarted so the cadets could continue their studies and training. Abigail and Raelle were spending most of their free time with Adil and Scylla. What left Tally with a lot of alone time. She didn‘t mind she welcomed it. She needed space and quiet to clear her head. Saying that the events of last weeks were emotionally draining for her is the understatement of the century. The young redhead let out a deep breath enjoying the fresh smell of grass filling her lungs. Her thoughts were disturbed by a quiet but firm sound of approaching footsteps. Tally groaned, who in hell found her hidden safe spot?
- Believe it or not, a planted this tree. – Raspy voice of Sarah Alder reached her ears and Tally turned her head just in time to see the tall figure of the former general come out from behind the oak.
- Really? Well, thank you for it. It's magnificent. – Tally said not sure if she was feeling more annoyed by the disturbance or if she was happy to see the older woman.
- It must have been around two hundred and fifty years ago. – Alder smiled down at her. – I'm sorry for disturbing you. I won't take much of your time. I’m here just to say goodbye. General Bellweather and I have already finished our talks and plans, so I can go now.
- What? Why? I thought you will stay and help with everything.
- I need a little time alone. I have more than three hundred years of trauma to sort through. – She said and Tally couldn´t help the giggle escaping her mouth even if she knew the real weight of those words.
- When are you coming back? – Tally stood up making a step toward the other woman.
- I don‘t know. I‘m not even sure if I ever come back. We will see where my path leads.
Tally felt her throat tighten, she wanted to protest. She wanted to tell her that Salem was her home, that the army was her life but she couldn‘t. Not after what they have been through, not after what Alder endured during her lifetime. If someone deserves to rest it's her.
- Keep looking for the truth. – she smirked. Looking at the young redhead she couldn‘t resist. Stepping closer she pulled her into a short hug, squeezing the younger woman. – Goodbye, Tally Craven! - Turning on her heels Sarah Alder disappeared as quickly as she came. Tally´s eyes widened and her whole body froze. She couldn't even say goodbye because suddenly she found herself in a dark humid place lit up by orange lights. She was lying on something soft but still could feel the hard ground under her. She could smell fire while she was taking quick panting breaths with Sarah Alder hovering above her. Muscles on her strong arms were flexing whilst she was leaning above her. Her blue eyes were sparkling thanks to the flames. The dark army-issued blue t-shirt hugged her torso as a glove showing off her wide shoulders and strong biceps. Tally felt a rush of excitement running through her body. She moaned loudly without shame as her hands were sliding over Alders's back. The feel of strong, hard muscles under her palm made her body quiver.
- Tally. – the older woman whispered quietly. Looking into those blue eyes was making her dizzy. Her eyes slid from the smiling face of Sarah Alder to a painting behind her back. It was some sort of ancient primitive art. Witches dancing around a bonfire.
- Oh, my god! – Tally´s mind was racing as she came to her senses. Frozen to the spot she was trying to catch her breath. No, no, no! This is not happening! This can't be true, she quickly pushed the vision away. All through her way back to the dorm she was trying to push that vision away. She tucked it into a neat box and hid it very far away in her mind determined never ever think about it.
XXXXX
Most people would feel alone with their best friends always missing but Tally welcomed the empty room. There was a time when she couldn´t imagine being away from her sisters like this but these days it was different – she was different. She was lying in her bed thinking about the witch trapped in the cave, she was finally in peace now, no more pain, no more suffering. She remembered how the cave collapsed while she was laying helplessly on the cold ice where Alder sent her flying. Alder. She let out a long sigh. Her head was full of different emotions and unresolved issues. The army, the world – everything was so different than she thought it would be. She started college with her head in clouds full of ideals and dreams which came quickly crashing down with a literal big bang. Now she was left alone to sort out the rubbles.
To top that all - there was Alder. Tally swallowed letting her mind drift to the vision she had a week ago. The one - she was trying to wipe completely out of her mind and her memory. The feel of soft fingertips caressing her cheek, the wet sensation burning on her neck as Alder nibbled on her skin there, the soft moans coming from her own throat, the smooth feel of a dark blue t-shirt under her hands, the strong forearms she was clutching while pressing herself into the body hovering over her – she could suppress that all. But she couldn´t wipe out the image of a smiling Sarah Alder with her blue eyes shining in a soft orange glow lingering above her. A dark blue t-shirt was stretching over her strong wide shoulders smirking down at her.
- Tally? - she heard a soft voice. What? That wasn't in the vision. She quickly blinked her eyes open. Was it in the vision? Was it outside the door? Maybe someone is looking for her and it just sounded like Alder. – Tally? – here it was again. Clean and clear, Sarah Alder, calling her name. Alder. „Oh, god no!“- Tally shivered.
- General? – „Shit!“ – I thought the link was severed. – „Shit! Shit! Shit!“- Tally winced.
- Well, me too, until I felt the pull.
- Pull?
- Yeah, it was very weak at first but when I focused on it I could follow it.
Tally swallowed.
- And? Did you see anything? Or heard? – She would die of embarrassment if Alder saw her thoughts.
- No, it was just like a gentle breeze of something familiar.
- How did you know it was me?
- Nobody else could have tapped into me like this except the biddies, so it was a safe guess. – Came a mildly amused answer. - Are you alright? I can feel that you are all stiff and restless.
- I´m good, everything is alright.
- Is there any reason you tried to connect with me?
Tally bit her lip. „What now? Oh, shit!" – she has to come up with some surely lame excuse.
- To be honest, I haven't tried to connect with you. I'm just lying in my bed and..."Ohhh, way to go...much better...shit!" covering her eyes with her hand she tried to calm down and breathe. – I was trying to compartmentalize everything that happened. – she continued. - I was thinking about the ice cave and the First song. Probably my memories of you triggered some sort of connection? – the last part came out as half statement – half question. Tally bit her lip frowning.
- That is possible. Are you having a hard time coping?
Tally considered lying for a second but she assumed that Alder would pick up on it and anyway truth above else, right?
- I´m coping but it is not easy. I still feel sort of overwhelmed and sort of guilty.
- Guilty? Why?
- For being this weak. Everyone moved on while...
- Stop it, - Alder interrupted her. - you were through different things than the others. Plus there is no timeline for this. You do what you have to do to get over it and feel better.
- Thank you! I needed to hear this. – Tally felt a rush of emotions flooding through their connection. Embracing her as a warm hug. Feeling a little bit better she slept peacefully the whole night for the first time in weeks.
XXXXX
Tally was bored to death. History class was one of her favorites but for some reason today she couldn´t get into it. She was listening to a lesson about why middle-aged white males are the most dangerous for witches since the world is spinning and she couldn't care less. Listening to the professor trying to explain the thinking of pathetic – good for nothing – spoiled mommy´s boys and why they hated the witchkind wasn't an appealing way to spend time. Classes, where general Alder was mentioned, were much more fun.
As a kid Tally loved learning everything she could about the fearless general. That reminded her of a smiling Alder in a dark blue t-shirt and she felt her breath hitch. „No!" She quickly wiped the picture out of her mind. It was too dangerous, that image led to a vision she deleted from her mind weeks ago. Why does Alder always mess up her thoughts? Their relationship was like a crazy roller coaster. All of a sudden she felt a soft buzz inside. Tally scratched her side as a soft and warm tingling ran through her whole body. Did she open again the connection while thinking about her? This was like a nightmare. Having Alder on her mind was the last thing she needed. But frankly, maybe now it is not so inconvenient. Tally focused on that buzz knowingly trying to open the bond between them.
- General? – she asked whispering.
- Cadet Craven, - Alders's questioning voice resonated in her mind instantly – why are you whispering?
- I´m in a class.
- They can't hear us just so you know. - Alder chuckled. – Wait, you connected with me because you are bored during class? Have to say that hurts. – she said but her tone said otherwise.
- How are you? – Tally asked smiling.
- Well, I didn't have this much time for myself in centuries, so it is strange and weird but interesting.
-Yes, I can see you knitting. – Tally joked.
- I don't know how to knit but I made a quilt.
- Good one! - The redhead laughed. – It is a joke, isn't it? – she asked after Alder didn't laugh with her. Their connection pulsed and suddenly she had a clear picture of a dark brown quilt in front of her eyes. It was combined with dark orange leaves and it was really pretty.
- My god, that is beautiful! Sorry for laughing. I just never imagined the legendary general Alder making a quilt.
- I´m sure that I can do many things which you have never imagined. – Came the reply and Tally felt her cheeks redden in instant. But before she could go all flustered the older woman continued. – For example, I can make a willow basket, I also used to enjoy woodcarving a lot and I had a sword I made myself.
- Made? – Tally´s brain shortcircuited. – You mean like a blacksmith?
- Yes, exactly like that. It was a long time ago though.
Blinking twice Tally shook her head. No, she is not going there for sure.
- Tally!- Raelle slapped her arm.
- What?
- Come on!
The class ended and the cadets were already leaving. Abigail was waiting for them on the stairs.
- I´m so hungry! – Raelle said watching her standing up. – Hurry up! This was the most boring class ever. – She exclaimed while making her way to Abigail.
- The class ended I have to go. – Tally informed the older woman while following Raelle.
- Alright, glad I could help you out, and Tally?
-Yes.
- Don´t wait two weeks next time.
Tally smiled and hurriedly followed her sisters out of the building. She was grinning all through the lunch. Her thoughts once again focused on Sarah Alder. That woman is a riddle Tally wanted to decipher so badly.
XXXXX
Tally was standing next to her bed drying her hair with a towel when she felt a strange taste in her mouth. What the hell? Tally gulped and then swirled her tongue around her mouth. Stew. She sniffed around but couldn't smell anything. Strange.
- Guys, can you taste something?
- What do you mean? – Raelle glanced at her from her bed. They came to their room fifteen minutes ago just to clean up and get ready for dinner after close combat training.
- I can taste stew. – Tally said with a confused and surprised voice.
- Taste? You mean smell, right?
Abigail and Raelle were sporting confused looks. Tally shook her head and let out a sigh.
- Forget it, it must be just my imagination.
- You are probably just too hungry. – Raelle stated while taking her fresh clothes and walking towards the bathroom. Tally sat down on the bed crossing her legs with her eyebrows pulled together in deep thought. She closed her eyes to confirm her sudden suspicion. Yes, the tingling was there, even if very low but noticeable.
- General? – she asked quietly.
- Craven? – came a muffled reply.
- Are you having dinner by any chance?
- Yes, why do you ask?
- Are you having a stew?
There was a long pause and then she heard a very bewildered voice telling her.
- You are a witch Tally Craven and obviously the best Knower in decades. How did you know?
- I can feel it. I mean taste it.
- Taste? I´m not sure if it is possible, even with our connection.
- It must be possible because I have to say that stew is delicious. – Tally declared.
- Strange. I never heard of something like this. – Alder replied slowly.
Tally didn't want to think about what that meant. What it might imply. As much as she is not going to think about the thing that never happened and never will. It must have been some fluke vision. Alder was god knows where while she had her own life.
- This is the first time I made it in two hundred years. Consider yourself lucky.
Tally laughed. Alder sounded very proud of herself.
- You opened the connection to give me a taste of your stew?
Silence.
- I surely haven't opened anything.
- You thought it was good and wanted to share it. Was I the first one in your mind? – The young redhead teased. - Well, that is just too cute. – She said, feeling her lips stretching into a wide grin.
- I'm going to enjoy this in peace. Goodbye, Craven! – Alder said probably with a mouth full of the soup and then the connection quickly faded away and its sudden dismissal made the young redhead laugh. The image of the general in a dark blue t-shirt smiling at her popped up in her mind. No, no, no! She quickly pushed it aside. Groaning she fell back on the bed. Covering her eyes with the back of their hands she cursed loudly.
XXXXX
This shouldn´t have been as surprising as it was. The Bellweather unit exchanged a few sobering glances between each other. The world has changed but obviously not that much and everything is not as peachy as someone would think. New alliances were forming, and new pacts were made but some things will never change. There always will be people who won't stop feeling and spreading hate. Witches will always have enemies.
That is why they are standing here in general Bellweather's office listening to the details of their new assignment.
- The village is deep down in the mountains, hard to approach and especially doing it unnoticed. Rocky cliffs from one side, deep dark forest from the other. – Petra said. – Anacostia is working on a plan, she will be here any minute. The operation is planned to be quick and efficient. I will stress one more time, that it is paramount that your presence goes unnoticed.
- Yes, general! – They said in unison just as when the door opened and captain Quartermaine walked in.
- Everything is ready, the bat is just landing, we should go. – She said instead of greeting and turned to the trio. - You will be briefed on the way. We have to be at the drop point before sunset. There is no time to waste.
- Did she agree? – Petra asked.
- Yes, she is already on the bat, they just picked her up.
- Someone else is coming with us? I thought that it was just our unit. – Abigail looked at her mother.
- Yeah, it was supposed to be just your unit and the captain but then Anacostia remembered that Alder spent a few years in those woods, she knows the terrain like the back of her hand so she will join you.
The room went silent. Disbelief and surprise were written all over their faces as well as the realization that this mission is not as easy slam and dunk as they thought if the leaders are Quartermaine and Alder. Tally ignored the way her heart started racing. Months have passed since she saw the older woman for the last time and it will be the first time since their long-distance chats. A strange combination of fear and excitement made her head spin in a whirlwind of emotions.
XXXXX
Everyone landed without any hiccups. The soft grass on the clearing eased their touch down. Under any other circumstances, it would have been even magical. The sun was just about to set over their head flooding the forest in front of them with an orange glow.
- Alright, - Anacostia looked at the young women gathering slowly around her. – as we discussed on the bat. One team is going up that rocky mountain while the other will go exactly the other way around. We have to take out both lookouts at once or they will know we are here.
- You should get as far as you can before it's dark. - Alder looked at her. – You will have to sleep in the woods unfortunately there is no shelter that way.
- Do we have to sleep? – Abigail wasn't a fan of the idea. – I mean they will see us if we camp. Wouldn’t be better to attack and surprise them? I thought that was the point.
- Exactly that is why we have to wait until dawn. We will go as close as possible but far enough to be safe. We will sleep and gather strength so we can attack at dawn. – Anacostia smirked at her. – No, worries Abigail. These tactics worked for centuries it will work now too. – she chuckled and looked at Alder. – I will contact you when we are set up for the night.
The older woman nodded before turning around and slowly jogging towards the rocky hill towering a few hundred meters on their right. Tally groaned, rolled her eyes, and started running after her. There was no time for more complaints. She protested enough on the bat that she should rather go with Anacostia and Abigial and Raelle would team up with the former general. They quickly hushed her saying that the power must be divided equally and the best way to do it is with Alder/Craven and Quartermaine/Collar/Bellweather teams. So, here she was – jogging after Sarah Alder into the wild.
Their way up the rocky hill was not easy. It was getting darker so they had to hurry and with all those rocks and dirt under their feet, it was not so simple. The heavy full gear backpack on her back must weight at least ten kilos making every step so much harder.
- We are almost there. – Tally heard from above her as she was skipping over a fairly big hole in the middle of the path. She could see Alder waiting for her at the top. She noticed that the older woman looked somewhat different. Despite the circumstances, she was smiling and had an almost content look on her face. Catching up with her Tally saw a patch of trees before the path turned north and continued forward as a dense forest. Alder was picking up sticks and pieces of wood, god knows why because they surely can´t make a fire.
– This way! – she said and Tally followed her. Alder led her behind the trees. It was dark by now so it was really hard to stay upright. Ending up face down in this dirt was the last thing Tally needed. They were getting dangerously close to the rock wall which ran a half mile along the path. Reaching out with her hands she tried not to walk right into it or into Alder whose presence she noticed just because she was instinctively feeling her in the dark. Suddenly she felt a warm hand in hers and a small tug which brought her closer to the former general. She squeezed the older woman's hand in both of hers following her closely.
- We can stay here through the night. – Alder said, pulling the younger woman into a hole in the rock. Tally couldn't see a thing but she could feel the body in front of herself so she matched her step to sync with the older woman. Slowly walking deeper between hard cold rocks until fresh air hit her. Sarah let go of her hand and lit up a small fire on her palm.
- This is it. – she said throwing the wood from under her other arm down on the ground. Tally looked around. The cave was fairly big, with a lot of space to make fire and settle around it. She could feel a soft breeze coming from the back. Taking her bag finally off her sore back she put it down and stretched.
- Are you sure it is safe to make a fire? – she asked.
- One hundred percent. This is not the first time I´m sleeping here. – she said squatting down and moving a few rocks into a circle. - If my memory serves well, it must have been a year and a half.
- You lived here for more than a year?
- There were times when witches were hunted, Tally. – She looked up with a soft smile. – Even more than now. - She placed a few bigger sticks on it and put a quick work on it so it would last all night. At least that was what Tally assumed. Flames were dancing around the walls now getting bigger and bigger with each second. Lighting up the cave in a soft orange glow.
Tally spread out her sleeping bag and sat down. She needed to stretch her legs and take off her shoes. Losing up the laces she pulled one of them off her foot. She placed it behind her head within reach in case she needed to put them on quickly. She was just losing up the laces on the other one when her eyes landed on the wall in front of her. On the dark rough surface of the rock, there was a painting. Witches dancing around a big bonfire with smoke going up in the sky. All air left her lungs and her heart started racing, hammering in her chest almost painfully when the realization hit her.
- What are you doing here? – She asked with almost a whisper. Forcing her eyes off the painting landing them on Alder who was going through her bag.
- Taking a much-needed rest before tomorrow. We will need it. – Alder answered casually.
Tally was looking at her with wide eyes.
- What are you doing here? – she repeated the question. Their eyes met and Alders's expression softened.
- I'm the best guide you could get. – she said but it felt like a lie. „This is not happening!" Tally thought. „Not now, not like this! No!" Alder stood up and stepped around the fire.
- I, just want to help and...
- Take your jacket off. – Tally´s voice was trembling. She very well knew what the woman was wearing under it but she needed to see it. Sarah blinked staring at the young woman in front of her but obeyed and reached for the top button. Popping them one by one she slowly shrugged off her jacket and threw it aside. Tally´s eyes were fixated on the dark blue t-shirt hugging the general's torso like in a trance. From the corner of her eye, she noticed how Alder looked over her shoulder at the painting and turned back with a smile. With a soft yet all-knowing smile on her lips. „She knows!" It was clear now. „She knew all this time!" Tally thought watching Sarah stepping closer and squatting down in front of her.
- I didn´t know. – She said softly, tapping into their bond, answering loud the silent accusation. - All I have seen was just an image of myself with that bonfire behind my back. – she pointed at the picture. - I had no details but you were clutching on that picture so tightly I knew something was up. Of course, I recognized the painting and with that the cave. When Bellweather asked me to help with the mission I knew I have to be here. – She kneeled down in front of Tally smiling softly. - Now, with you.
- You haven't seen the whole thing? – Tally asked her face burning but not from the fire. Alder licked her lips and smiled.
- Until now I saw just an image. I had no idea what it meant until I saw the look on your face. With the setup, - she motioned at the sleeping bag, - I think I have a pretty good idea what will happen.
Tally groaned and fell back hiding her face in her hands. This is completely embarrassing.
Sarah slowly leaned forward. She stretched out her right hand placing it next to Tally and shifting her weight so she could reach over and throw her left leg and arm on the other side effectively bracing the body under her.
- Tally. – she whispered quietly.
Tally peeked out from under her hands biting her lip at the sight she was dreaming about so many times. With a pounding heart, she reached up caressing Sarah's cheeks with her fingertips. Blue eyes were boring into her brown ones and Tally felt that all her fear was melting away. The genuine happy smile on Sarah's face filled her up with warmth. Love, affection, and admiration were pouring through their bond chasing all her worries away. Sliding her fingers over Sarah's jaw she moved her hands down to her strong shoulders. They were warm and strong under her palms. Circling her arms around the older woman's neck she pulled her slowly closer until they were just inches apart. Tally let herself get lost in Sarah's blue orbs. Immense calm washed over her feeling so loved and content. It made her whole body hum as she closed her eyes and succumbed to the sensation of Alders's lips on hers.