Thirteen Steps -4- Blue
by Valyssia
Covenant
[reviews]
As they pulled up to the complex Miss Hartness came out to extend a cheery greeting. She had a ring of keys in her hand. Instructing Buffy to hold momentarily, she parked the van on the drive to make room for the motorcycle.
"That's very nice of you. Thanks," Buffy offered through her helmet as she pulled Bernadine into the garage.
"Oh... It's no trouble at all. She's a very fine machine. What's her name?" Miss Hartness replied as she sized Buffy up and made the assumption that this was the sort of girl that named things that meant something to her.
"Bernadine... How'd you know she had a name?" Buffy queried, removing her helmet and waiting for Willow to dismount.
"It just struck me she might." Miss Hartness put her hand on the Ducati and considered her for a moment. "Hello Bernadine," the old witch said to the machine, turning to look at Buffy again. "She feels like you."
Buffy raised an eyebrow and gave Miss Hartness a curious look.
"Oh yes... Objects often pick up energy of their owners. If one is sensitive it's easy enough to feel. I was sort of surprised when I heard you two were riding down. I couldn't see dear Willow here taking that very well but now it's clear to me." Miss Hartness smiled warmly at Willow with this watching as the young witch removed her helmet.
"Interesting," Buffy looked genuinely amused as she dismounted Bernadine.
"Willow your old room awaits you. Dawn will be in the adjoining cabin so you two may keep an eye on her and know she's safe. She's been instructed to pack the remainder of Willow's things and a couple of cases for you, Buffy. She'll bring them through the portal with her. You should go find some rest now. I'll have the girls set the cases inside your room so you will have them when you rise." Miss Hartness smiled softly, moving to make leave.
Willow rounded on Miss Hartness and pulled her into a hug in thanks.
Buffy did the same in turn saying, "Thank you for keeping us." Turning after the quick embrace to remove the luggage from Bernadine.
Miss Hartness nodded. "It's no trouble at all," she offered as she swept off.
Buffy looked at Willow and whispered, "I still like her."
"Yes, Miss Hartness is a very unique person and a truly gifted witch. She's studied the craft since she was a young girl. Don't let the subtleness of her fool you. She's not one to be toyed with," Willow replied in an equally soft yet oddly firm voice.
Buffy loaded herself up with the gear seeing how tired Willow seemed and directed her out of the garage shutting the door as they left. "Lead on dear."
Willow mechanically made her way to her old room and fell on the bed in a heap once inside.
Buffy dropped the gear in a corner, removing her coat and the scythe, dropping both items on the pile. Making her way to the bed, she started removing Willow's boots as she spoke, "I'm sorry you're so tired honey. You burnt yourself out keeping me strong didn't you?"
"It seemed the thing to do," Willow replied matter-of-factly as she rose to remove her coat.
Buffy helped the redhead undress for bed and went to wash up. Returning she called Scotland and told Xander they were okay. Then removing her clothing as she made her way to the bed, she got in and pulled the exhausted witch up close. She was asleep almost instantly.
***********
Dawn awoke early the next morning to find herself curled up with Satsu. A bit confused and disoriented, she withdrew from the slightly too familiar embrace. Humm... Well I was pretty freaked. She gave a small shrug and worked to right herself.
Last night had been totally bad. She'd been pulled outta bed at 2:30ish in the morning by Satsu's insistence that she immediately come with her. Told that Buffy had been dragging an unconscious man in black military garb down the hall when the order was given. The entire delivery in Satsu's calm detached voice made the events all the harder to grasp. Satsu's not big with the whole range of human emotions, Dawn thought as she considered the other woman's face. I wish I could talk to Buffy. What was more unsettling was her sister playing the big retreat. That was so un-Buffy.
Dawn stirred to make her way to the bathroom and Satsu's eyes opened.
"Ahhh... Morning," Dawn said with a small sheepish smile.
"Good morning. Do not leave the room without me, Dawn," Satsu replied in an even tone.
Dawn looked a little embarrassed as she responded, "Wouldn't think it... I was just..." She pointed at the door to the bathroom.
"Very well, I will dress while you tend to your needs." Satsu sat up and went to her closet. "Then I will take you to your room to make yourself ready once you return."
Dawn closed the door and sighed as she thought, gosh...she sure does take her job seriously. Explains why Buffy likes her so much.
The phone rang while Dawn was in the bathroom. Satsu answered, "Yes."
"Satsu, it's Xander, I've been instructed to tell you that Dawn should pack for a long stay. Miss Hartness would like her to do the same for Buffy and collect Willow's things too."
"Very well...thank you," Satsu responded, hanging up the phone.
When Dawn returned to the room Satsu was wearing what she thought might be called a Kamishimo. Seems to me that Kamishimo are traditionally a male clothing item...weird... She couldn't recall but her knowledge of traditional Japanese clothing styles was really weak. Let's hear it for random...pretty much useless information... Anyway it was made of dark blue silk, with that same V pattern that went from the shoulders to the waist. Very pretty...that was enough for her. Satsu's katana stuck up out of the formal robe parallel to her body at the back of her neck. She found herself thinking aloud, "You didn't have to go to any troubles for me."
Wow... She's pretty, Dawn thought to herself. The whole look is...wow...really wow...
"I didn't... This is very comfortable and should we find that you need my services it's what I am most accustomed to fighting in," Satsu concluded reasonably, regarding the Summers girl. "Shall we?" She gestured to the door.
Dawn walked with Satsu down the hall to her room. She almost felt like some sort of princess with a formal bodyguard. The effect is somewhat lessened by my light blue flannel jammies with the teddy bears in red sweaters, she thought looking down at herself with a slight grin and a blush.
Satsu locked the door behind them and motioned for Dawn to get ready. "Once you are finished please pack for an extended stay. Then we will make our way to your sister's room and pack her as well."
They worked to ready Dawn's for her departure over the next hour.
Dawn couldn't help but cringe and wow as they passed through the missing door to Buffy's old room. She musta been pissed off ta shred that so totally.
Beginning to pack Willow and Buffy, she even grabbed the iPod dock and notebook, because she knew her sister would be lost without music and the occasional game of Tai Pei. In the end they had 5 pieces of luggage ready with enough things that they could live away from the castle indefinitely. She and Satsu retrieved a trolley to put all the bags on. Then Satsu helped her down the stairs with it. They both entered the Com Center, Dawn pulling the trolley behind her a short time later.
"What's the up, Xanman?" Dawn asked, smiling at Xander.
"Ahhh... Mornin' Dawn... Nada... I'll call the coven and tell them you're ready. Should only take a few moments," Xander said smiling at the younger Summers.
Looking at Dawn, Satsu asked," Have you ever been through a portal before?"
"No," Dawn answered honestly.
"It's not like you would expect. You don't just pass through like you are walking between two rooms. Take the shoulder bag and step into the passage. I will come behind you with the remainder of this, in two trips," Satsu instructed, with a slight grin on her face.
"Okay... What happens?" Dawn looked a little scared.
"You'll be okay. Just trust me and step through when you see the portal open." Satsu took Dawn's hand briefly to comfort her as she spoke.
Dawn walked over to hug Xander. As she saw the portal open she pulled back saying, "I'll see you soon, Xander." With this she walked over to the portal and stepped in. She was taken by a sudden sensation that she was moving all too fast as her eyes were hit by a flash of white light followed by colors. When she came through on the other side she was a bit shaken. She stepped clumsily aside to allow room for Satsu. A moment later the Asian woman passed through looking unruffled with the first set of cases.
"One more," Satsu said to the room and she stepped back into the portal, returning with the last two cases a moment later.
"Be well," Satsu said to Dawn as she went to step back through the portal.
Dawn caught her in a tight hug before she could leave. "Thank you."
"No trouble at all," Satsu replied, pulling back to regard Dawn, she stepped into the portal and was gone.
"You are Dawn, correct?" Miss Hartness inquired, approaching the young woman.
"Yes," Dawn replied in a sheepish voice, taking in the features of the older woman in front of her. After a time, she finally noticed the hand being offered and took it in a vague handshake.
The older woman smiled warmly. "I am Miss Hartness. I am in terms you will understand, the High Priestess of this coven. I don't care for that name, though so it is rarely used." Pointing out the younger witch that stood with her Miss Hartness continued, "This is Magdalena, Dawn. She will be keeping you company until your sister and Willow are awake. I will stop by your cabin in a little while to see that you've settled in."
Magdalena took Dawn's hand and winked. "Call me Maggie... Only Miss Hartness gets by with using my given name." She produced a trolley out of the corner of the large room and began to load the luggage with Dawn's help.
As they made their way across the lawn Dawn couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful the place was. It looks like a postcard, she thought to herself. There was a field to their left, she was surveying it and meandering along with Maggie when she saw... "Wow! You guys have horses!"
"Indeed... Would you like a ride once we have you settled?"
Dawn tried to contain herself. "Would I? Oh yeah..."
Maggie laughed at this. Americans are always so excitable, she mused to herself. "Right then, let's get you settled and wait for Miss Hartness. Then I'll take you out if she gives her blessing. I might've been too quick to agree. You are under our protection so it is ultimately her decision whether it's okay." Maggie smiled an apology to Dawn.
"Yeah... Okay... I can see that. Life's been a bit wigged of late what with all the crazy last night and everything," Dawn added fairly.
The two girls labored to get Buffy and Willow's cases into their room as promised. Dawn was the one that actually carried them in, one at a time. She got an, 'Oh it's you...piss off!' look from her sister as she broke the silence of the cabin. I'm surprised she didn't launch a pillow at me... Or worse...
Then they went around the back of the cabin and Maggie opened the door. Entering they worked silently together to get Dawn settled in. It was a very comfortable space...a mirror of the one she knew contained her sleeping sister and Willow, which lay on the other side of the backroom wall. Maybe I should call it a middle room? It is in the middle of the cabin, Dawn thought with a sigh. I suppose it makes sense for there to be two apartments under one roof.
The entire cabin was large enough to have been a two-bedroom house. There was a big open room for the main area. It had a nice comfy looking bed on the left wall near the back corner. I just hope those two don't keep me up like Willow and Tara did. That would be just too embarrassing for words...much with the uncomfortable. I miss Tara...but not for that...
The walls inside were the same rough, sawn logs that you could see from the outside. Log cabiny...pretty cool. The bathroom and the efficiency sorta kitchenette in the back room are the only places that aren't like this. In both rooms the walls were finished like they'd been drywalled. Xander told me about drywall when he was fixing a hole at our old house. I sorta oops'ed with a crossbow and he fixed it before Buffy could yell at me. Xander talking about tools...so much better than Buffy yelling...
A large closet filled the area next to the bathroom. Hummm...there's even a stacked, washer and dryer in here, she thought as she swung the door open to look. That's pretty cool. A small loveseat and a recliner sat in the corner along the front wall just down from the bed. There was a heavy square wooden table in front of them. On the right wall beside the bathroom door there was a big desk with a bookshelf beside it. A dresser sat on the other side of the bathroom door and then the closet door. The back wall had what she presumed to be an altar sitting with nothing around it. It was made out of one solid shelf of stone. Looks like that must weigh a ton. Wonder how they got it in here?
Oh...the bathroom's totally bitchin'...these ladies really know how to live. The toilet's in it's own separate little room away from the garden tub and three head shower. I'm going to really enjoy that! Great big vanity and mirror too with makeup lighting. I could live here for a while and not complain one bit about... Wow! I don't have to share! Yeah this is gonna rock!
"Right, so... That looks like about it. Appears you plan to stay for a while," Maggie remarked, settling in the chair.
Dawn sat on the loveseat and smiled at the witch. "Yeah... I think Buffy feels I'll be safer with the protection of the coven. At least that's what I assume she thinks. She just bailed in the middle of the night, last night without a single word. I really need to talk to her."
"I expect that's it," Maggie agreed reasonably.
There was a knock at the door and Dawn stood to answer. She greeted Miss Hartness and invited her in.
Miss Hartness spoke quietly for a moment to Maggie and the young witch left with a twiddled wave.
Dawn eyed Miss Hartness, trying to keep a neutral expression. Something was up she could feel it.
"Oh don't worry, Dawn," the older witch began in an even tone. "No reason to fret. I just thought that you and I could do with some time to speak alone."
Dawn smiled gratefully. "Ahhh... You had me worried."
"Maggie will be back in half an hour to take you riding. It sounds like you really love horses," Miss Hartness offered with a warm, friendly smile.
Dawn smiled broadly. "Boy, do I! I was all excited when I saw them. I haven't ridden in years."
"Well I'm glad we could offer you something you love," Miss Hartness replied in a cheery voice. She paused for a moment to consider the next thing she said. "Dawn... I know your history. Rupert Giles and I have spoken at length about you. With your leave and your sister's permission I would like you to stay here for the summer to train. I think you have potential to be an outstanding witch. Willow told me at one time you had expressed an interest?"
Dawn was astounded. She worked to calm herself before she spoke, "Train me?" she sputtered, "Yeah...yeah...I would so l-love that."
"Good, then I will speak to your sister. I think she will see the wisdom in training you to defend yourself, at the very least," Miss Hartness concluded reasonably. Pausing again to collect her thoughts she continued, "I understand you have an opportunity to go to Berkeley with the start of the fall semester?"
"I do...but...I'm almost 19 so... If I want to stay...then why should it be her call?" Dawn asked truthfully.
Miss Hartness looked at the young woman sharply. "Because it would upset her greatly to not be included in your life. She loves you deeply, Dawn. It might be hard for you to see, but she does want what's best for you. I have little doubt but what she will see the prudence in my offer."
"As for the rest... That will work nicely. We have a small coven in a San Francisco bay area that can continue your training when you leave here. It takes four years to become a witch of any significance normally and a lifetime commitment after. Your friend Willow is a bit of an unprecedented case. You can see from her example that it is better to work within the established guidelines." The old witch concluded with a stern gaze.
Dawn nodded then asked in a curious tone, "So what did you mean about my history?"
"Where you came from, my dear... You began your life as a magical key. An entity that might be used to a very dark end but in and of itself was neutral in alignment. You are in actuality, or rather part of you is, thousands of years old and rooted in very ancient powerful magicks. With the right training you could be a great force for good."
Dawn managed to say, "Wow," as her mind raced.
Miss Hartness reached out to offer the young woman a hand and felt her take it. She worked to soothe her in response to the gesture. Speaking evenly she continued, "Allow me to address Buffy first. I know she is very protective of you. I will need to put her fears at ease before we can begin."
Dawn nodded and got up to answer the knock at the door.
"Until we meet again." Miss Hartness rose and swept out the door. Passing Maggie she offered the young witch a warm smile and a pat on the shoulder.
"Right... Let's have that ride, Dawn," Maggie said in a friendly voice.
Dawn smiled and they both left the room in a fast walk. Boy... This is gonna be different, Dawn thought to herself as she followed Maggie to the stable.
***********
It had been several hours since Dawn had dropped off the luggage. Buffy drifted in and out of sleep for a while, finally deciding to just get up, take a shower and face the day. It was good to see that Dawn had made it here in one piece. I owe Satsu cookies now too, Buffy thought, making a mental note as she turned the shower on and stood waiting for it to heat up. She felt the warm body of her best friend, partner, and lover draw her tightly into an embrace. Wow, she could be incredible quiet. It takes some serious work to sneak up on me, Buffy marveled.
Willow turned the Slayer to face her. "Mind some company?" she asked in a gentle voice, followed by a smile and a soft kiss. "I'll wash your back," she offered, reaching in to test the water temperature. Feeling that it was good she prodded Buffy into the shower.
"Oh I dunno, Will... This is sort of an invasion of my privacy." Buffy smiled mischievously, pushing Willow against the shower wall pinning her in place. Awaiting an answer, she nibbled the redhead's neck.
"Really? Well I'll leave if you'll let me." Willow struggled to free her self playfully.
Buffy held the witch tighter. "Don't you dare," she purred in a soft silky voice against her lover's neck.
"Okay so...not so much with the leaving," Willow concluded with a smirk, grabbing liquid soap and a soft washcloth. She worked the cloth to lather and tenderly washed the Slayer's upper body, handing the cloth off when she was done.
"Definitely...not with the leaving." Buffy took the cloth and worked more lather into it and started to wash Willow's back gently as she held her. "Did you get enough rest, dear?" she inquired in a gentle voice.
"Yeah... I feel surprisingly good considering...well...yeah...go figure." Willow turned and placed her hands on the shower wall letting the water run over her back.
Buffy put her arms around the redhead and gently washed her front, stroking the soft skin, teasing. She turned Willow to face her and kissed her, nipping playfully at her lower lip.
Willow reached around the Slayer to turn the shower off. Drawing back the curtain, she grabbed a soft towel and wrapped Buffy into it, massaging the towel against her skin to dry her. She took another towel from the stack the wrapped it around herself then led Buffy back to the bed.
"So, I'm going to need another shower?" Buffy asked, pouting playfully.
Willow smiled and said, "Probably," opening Buffy's towel and removing her own. She lowered herself onto the Slayer and pulled the covers over them.
And yes... Great Muppety Odin...the sex... I would have never guessed that Willow was this passionate from looking at the shy girl I knew back in Sunnydale, Buffy considered. A moan escaped her lips as Willow reached her breasts and began to suckle her nipple. She felt the witch's teeth scrape the tender flesh and she gasped reaching for the headboard.
I've never been with anyone that knew me so well right from the start. Such an intuitive lover... She knows just how to hurt without hurting too much. Amazing...I need it to hurt just a bit...the ache makes me feel alive...
Buffy felt Willow moving again, her hair stroking my stomach, her lips and that tongue. God that feels incredible. I had this idea that while sex with another woman might be nice, but it would be like a desert compared to sex in the conventional sense. Boy was I ever snowed...
Her body shuddered of its own accord as Willow began to kiss and tease the tender flesh between her legs. "Oh God!" Buffy felt the words escape her lips. No control. Spots flashed in front of her eyes. Her body tensed and released...tensed and released... A wave of energy escaped her. She felt the witch seize it and hold. It feels like dieing only well...not... So alive... Too alive... Little death... What a funny term, but it makes perfect sense once you've experienced it. Buffy knew she was panting and convulsing but she didn't care. It felt so good.
She reached down to collect Willow into her arms, and kissed her passionately, massaging the witch's tongue gently with her own. Willow was smiling at her. All of my worries could melt away in just that smile. I should have listened to what I knew to be true years ago. Xander told me how Willow reacted when she thought I finally was truly dead. How it looked like she might die herself of the grief. I guess I knew then. I could have saved both of us in that moment. I could've pulled Willow back from abusing her power.
Willow took in the soft features of the Slayer. Wow...she looks totally lost in her own busy head. She reached to touch the soft skin of her lover's cheek saying, "Penny for your thoughts," in a gentle voice.
Buffy breathed in deeply; looking into Willow's hazel eyes, they were bright green. Taking this in she replied, "Nothing really. Just thinking that...well...things would be much different now if I'd possessed the nerve to do this much earlier in our lives. No regrets. Well not many, but life would be so different now."
Willow felt a soft grin pass over her face. "Neither one of us was ready then, especially you. I would have taken it much more in stride, but then I'd already crossed that hurdle. You needed time and honestly. You needed to crash hard enough to see it...to embrace it... Not meaning that in a bad way, but... Well I guess I sorta do... Can you at least understand?"
"Think so. I was too scared, at home in my own pain and loneliness, to reach out?" Buffy inquired in a thoughtful tone.
Willow nodded slightly and cupped the Slayer's face in her hand. "The real trouble with looking at the past and wanting it to be different is... The reality of that action... If you could pull on a thread and move it...you'd unravel the whole pattern. Life is delicate that way. We might be basking in great hordes of furry Armageddon right now. You needed to be the Buffy you were then, when the First came to knock at our door. No other you could have stopped that threat with quite the same vengeance."
Buffy considered this carefully before responding. "I suppose that feeling then as I do for you now I would have had a hard time allowing you to do that spell. I knew how dangerous it was... I also knew it was our only hope. So I let you go and supported you in it. Of course, we'd have a lot less Jr. Slayers to contend with. The vacation might have been nice." She couldn't help but snicker, knowing just how ridiculous the statement was.
Willow continued to caress Buffy's cheek as she voiced one of her greatest concerns, "You know the thing that really gives me reason to pause about the whole mess is this, The First actually succeeded in its goal. For all the ducking and retreating...it actually won. The Slayer line ends once this generation dies. I'm not sure we have it in ourselves to repair the damage I did. It's my fault. I brought you back for very selfish reasons. Giles was right about me. I jumped off a bridge and just happened to live. Then I expected some big fanfare for it. I was so stupid and arrogant."
Willow wiped a tear before she continued, "We need to focus our efforts and make the world a place that will not die as a result of this. We need to find a way to make this last army count for something. I'm such a fool." With this the witch broke down and wept.
Shaking she said, thickly through her tears, "I just loved you so much...I couldn't let you go... I needed you."
Buffy turned Willow gently onto her side and cradled her, stoking her hair. "I love you too," she said in a gentle voice. Willow was right. It's time to misbehave. Dish out a nice plate of bloody vengeance on the demon hordes and their masters. They want a fight? They've got no clue what a fight actually is. And I know just where to start the campaign. Her eyes narrowed, she could feel her skin prickle and her muscles tense. I need to talk to Giles, but first...
Willow felt the change in the Slayer. She could see her face darken before it actually did. "Are you okay, Buffy?" She cast a concerned look at her lover's face.
"I'm fine...just reacting to what you said. How's my girl?" Buffy took Willow's tear stained face in her hands and smiled softly.
"I'll be as right as rain...eventually...or so they tell me." Willow smiled weakly.
Buffy looked deeply again into Willow's eyes, as if searching for something long lost. "Is it time to get up or should we continue? I think I owe you a little something." She rolled Willow onto her back, pressing her thigh against the witch, she felt her shudder.
"I'll take that as a yes," Buffy whispered, putting her finger up to her lover's lips. As she started to rock gently against her, Willow drew the finger in and began to suckle and nibble it. Another, "oh god..." crept out of her mouth, this one much softer than the last. It sounded like a purr. Her skin prickled again and the goose bumps.
Willow focused on the Slayer...she said the words to herself to make their thoughts open. Buffy? Relax...let me inside...
Buffy was caught a bit by surprise at the voice in her head but she relaxed quickly enough. Willow had done this before. Yes, she whispered gently in her mind.
Turn your self around and lie on top of me, Willow returned.
Buffy did as she was told and felt herself leave the bed. Willow was drifting up. She felt the witch pull her legs up and cross them over her shoulders. She did the same across her lover's shoulders.
Now let me in and yield yourself to me. Trust me, Willow instructed gently.
Buffy relaxed and felt her arm move. She was moving and Willow was moving. It was like looking in a mirror. She felt the nails move down her back as she felt her nails move down Willow's. Wow! This is just neat!
Willow replied, Yes...now feel, as she raised her head to gently massage Buffy's sex with her mouth the Slayer did the same to her in concert, same actions, same motion. They moaned out together.
Can I direct you? Buffy wondered.
Yes...of course.
Wow...this is so cool. Buffy took over and she felt the witch relax. She took the small nerve bundle into her mouth and massaged it gently with her tongue. A groan escaped her lips as she felt Willow do the same. This is going to take some serious focus.
Yes, it is.
Buffy increased the pressure and reached around to gently insert two fingers into the warm, wet opening. She felt Willow do the same and she gasped, at the same time as her partner. Putting this to the back of her mind, she began to slowly move her hand. Willow returned the gentle motion and they moaned together. More pressure, building. It was amazing. She could feel Willow's body moving gently toward climax as her own did in unison. She used her tongue to strike the nerve bundle, flicking it. She gasped again and refocused.
Oh Goddess! She heard Willow say in her mind as she thought the exact same thing. It hit them in a wave, she dug the nails of her left hand into Willows shoulder and felt the same happen in the reflection She ran her nails down Willow's back hard enough to raise a welt and felt the same happen to her.
Willow reached out with her mind and caught the energy willing Buffy to do the same. She froze it.
Buffy echoed what Willow was doing. She saw the energy course up and caught it with her mind, with Willow's help. She stopped the cascade and held it. Basked in it briefly. Their bodies clenched, over and over.
Willow slowly, gently rotated them in the air. Hold me. She carefully lowered them back onto the bed on their sides. She said the words to break their connection in a whisper, "let the spell be ended."
Buffy carefully weaved her body away from her witch. It was about all she could do to turn around and pull Willow to her. She kissed her passionately, stroked her hair.
"Yeah... Boy was I ever snowed," Buffy whispered to herself.
"Huh?" Willow asked in a concerned voice, looking a bit confused.
Buffy smiled and replied, "Nothing honey...just my busy head this time..."
Willow smiled. "Shower?"
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Again?" She tried to look put-upon, but snickered instead.
"Yes again." Willow passed the mirror, inspecting the four fine claw marks on her back. They were almost bloody. She shook her head. That was going to hurt later. She looked at Buffy's back and saw the same marks in almost the exact position. "Bit rough weren't you?"
"Not really. Just enough rough...I like to really feel things. Guess it comes with the Slayer thing." She grinned apologetically at Willow. "I'll be more careful with you next time. Sorry," she replied, looking sheepishly at the witch. Then she turned her attention to the shower.
"Sokay... I'll forgive you...this time," Willow quipped, swatting Buffy's butt as they moved into the running shower together.
Clean and dressed Buffy sat considering Willow. "That was one of the single most amazing things I've experienced and I have a list," she whispered.
"Yes, we'll need that sort of control soon. It's a pretty pleasant way to practice working together under pressure," Willow smiled as she spoke softly.
Buffy turned this over in her mind. "What do you mean exactly? It sounds like you have a plan."
Willow winked at the Slayer. "I do...at least I have the start of a plan. You know I was thinking that the thing that really makes all of these military types so scary is all the damned guns."
"Yeah... Getting shot, definitely not fun. Been there...not wanting a return trip," Buffy replied in a firm, reflective voice.
"So what if we were to break their toys?" Willow inquired, smiling, she appeared quite amused by the question.
"Well you'd sort of have a bunch of shocked boys standing around with their dicks in their hands, somewhat literally. I like the way you think...finish that thought," Buffy prodded.
"It's just an idea but I think it might be possible to neutralize or break the gunpowder down by reducing the sulfur. In other words we take anything in the room with sulfur content and specifically break off the phosphorus molecules. It might cause every round in the room to discharge at the same time...that would be worst case though...my goal is no death. We'll have to test it first and it'll have to be a together thing. I'm strong, but I would need you to be sure I have enough focus, control and power to make it happen all in one swift move. Interested?" Willow smiled an evil little grin.
"Very," Buffy replied, returning the grin.
"It will mean that you send Faith in first to command in your place. A real leader will be needed to focus the girls, but I have confidence that Faith, despite anything else I might feel about her... She can do this. Girl's got a serious love for the violence even after her fluffy little rehabilitation." Willow was still grinning.
'I'm in...we may just be able to do this without any serious loss. You know I love you, Willow." Buffy pulled the witch up to face her, hugging her and kissing her tenderly.
"I know..." Willow laughed softly.
With this she released Willow and went to put on the necklace and the scythe in its sling. "I'm not leaving these items behind from now on. I need them. Hope the ladies won't think me a bit tweaked..." She grabbed the key to Bernadine and shoved it in her pocket. "Let's go find Dawn and make sure she's not discovered any trouble." She took Willow's hand and pulled her along toward the door.
Willow led Buffy to the common area to find a cuppa and inquire about Dawn. "Coffee is so of the good!" she remarked breathing in the steaming cup.
"Definitely..." Buffy concluded breathing in the rich aroma her self. "So no Dawn here. Where would Miss Hartness be at this hour?" she asked, swiping a pastry.
"She has an office attached to her cabin. Follow me." Willow started for the door waving to the sisters in the room as she drug the Slayer back out into the afternoon sun. They arrived at the home of Miss Hartness a few moments later and knocked softly on the office door. "It's Willow and Buffy, Miss Hartness. May we come in?"
"Yes... Yes, of course. Please do, make yourselves comfortable." Miss Hartness came to the door and showed the two young women in.
Buffy stood taking the odd little room in as she nibbled her pastry. She felt like she'd found her way to Dumbledore's office. The room had the same sort of odd appeal that J.K. Rowling had described in her books. All sorts of odd little widgets and old books lined the shelves. Miss Hartness was returning to sit behind her cluttered antique cherry desk. The older woman gave her a warm smile and motioned for her to sit in one of the old puffy chintz armchairs. Buffy sat as instructed carefully adjusting the scythe so as not to destroy the furniture.
"You know you don't need that here, dear. You are safe. No harm can come to you," Miss Hartness tried to comfort the Slayer with her words.
Nodding vaguely, Buffy replied, "I don't plan to be here for long. Where would I go if I wanted to find Mr. Giles? I need to locate my sister then go speak to him."
"Rupert Giles' facility is just over the rise to the east. It's only a mile away by road and half that by horse. I believe your sister may have gone to see him with Magdalena. I expect them back anytime. They've been off the property about two hours," Miss Hartness answered in a genial voice.
Willow raised an eyebrow at her old teacher as she listened. She felt something, but kept her quiet.
"Yes Willow?" Miss Hartness looked at the young witch with some interest.
Willow smiled and let out a soft chuckle. "You plan to train Dawn?" she said frankly.
"Yes, I had hoped that we could talk about the possibility." Miss Hartness tried to stifle a laugh. Willow is amazingly perceptive. I should have taken more care.
Buffy looked back and forth between the two witches saying, "You want to train my sister? I didn't know she had any magickal talent... Well I guess there was the one time, but I hadn't considered that to be talent...more just the grief... Wait! I thought you said you didn't read minds, Willow. You're scary." Buffy raised an eyebrow and looked at the redhead like she might have been from Mars.
Willow took Buffy's hand and held it tightly saying in a soft voice, "No Buffy... I still don't read minds. I just know Miss Hartness extremely well. It was something in her voice and expression when she was talking about Dawn. Sort of a pregnant tone like she had more to say."
She paused waiting for the Slayer to catch up. "Yes, and I think it would be good for Dawn to experience this. She really is one of your greatest weaknesses...has been for years. Allowing her to find herself in a place like this. Miss Hartness is an amazing teacher. It'd be really beneficial for her."
Miss Hartness interjected catching their attention by quietly clearing her throat, "Dawn and I talked about her staying the summer here and beginning her studies. The first part of the course is almost entirely actual study. You have to know where you've been to know where you need to be. I await your permission Miss Summers and I will begin assigning her coursework."
Buffy nodded. "And college? I hope she's considered attending in the fall. Just because we have one hack and slay dropout in the family is no reason for there to be two." She took the final bite of her pastry and reached for her coffee.
"Dawn agreed that she would accept the opportunity to attend Berkeley in the fall. I offered to transfer her magickal guardianship to the San Francisco coven when she leaves us. She will spend her summers and winter holidays here so that I may monitor her progress. I'm not sure she understands how hard her life will be, but it will become clear to her soon enough," Miss Hartness concluded.
Buffy smiled at Miss Hartness warmly. "Sounds like you pretty much have it covered. She's yours...Goddess help ya." She laughed and Willow joined her. Soon Miss Hartness was infected and they all giggled.
"Oh Buffy, Dawn is a wonderful young woman. I think you were just forced to try and take care of her before you could really care for yourself. Situations like yours are very difficult for anyone but for the young they can be impossible," Miss Hartness offered with genuine warmth in her voice.
Buffy rose out of her chair, walking around the desk to Miss Hartness, she kneeled and hugged her. "Thank you," she said wiping a tear.
"You are most welcome, dear," Miss Hartness replied, rubbing her back.
Buffy stood up and asked, "Okay... So, would you mind directing us towards Mr. Giles now? I would like to go see him. By road please. I want to take Bernadine this time."
Miss Hartness pulled out a pad from her desk and sketched a quick map. "This will lead you there."
Willow stood and smiled. "Thank you Miss Hartness." She picked up her coffee cup off the little table between the two chairs and headed toward the door.
Buffy followed, grabbing her cup and taking a quick moment to look back at the older witch.
"We all dine together in the common area at six. I trust you girls will be joining us?" Miss Hartness inquired as she watched them go.
"Absolutely...wouldn't miss it," Buffy responded.
"Please leave that excellent scythe in your room dear. No weapons at the dinner table. It's a simple courtesy," Miss Hartness said with a small chuckle.
"Yes, ma'am." Buffy smiled over her shoulder as she pulled the door closed.
Willow took Buffy's hand and led her. "We can go to the stable and wait for Dawn. Miss Hartness is right. If she's been gone for a couple of hours Maggie will be returning soon to avoid the upset."
They walked into the stable and saw Dawn and Maggie immediately. Their horses were tied to a post in the stable yard and they were walking them in a circle to calm them after a hard ride.
Willow approached them careful not to spook the animals as she restrained Buffy.
Buffy spoke in a soft even tone, "You'll be here for the summer Dawn regardless what happens with Willow and I."
"Really...you mean it? You'll let me start to work with the coven?" Dawn was almost bouncing.
Maggie took Dawn's horse's reins in her free hand and shooed the other girl.
Willow interjected, "Yes, Buffy and I both agree this will be good for you. Though don't think you'll be sitting on your butt floating pencils all summer. Miss Hartness will make you work."
Maggie snickered at this and spoke in a cheerful voice; "Yes, its work but I found it interesting. It's sort of like a ton of fun, exhausting, work."
"I'm so excited," Dawn chimed with an exuberance that can only be managed by someone very young, young of spirit at least.
"Alright well Will and I are going to go find Giles," Buffy said, smiling at Dawn.
"Stay out of trouble Dawnie. On second thought...Maggie keep Dawnie out of trouble. You both stick around here...no more running off," Willow instructed in a mock stern voice, laughing at the two girls.
Buffy took Willow's cup from her and handed them both to Dawn. "Would you mind returning these to the dinning area for me, please?" She drew Dawn into a quick hug, turning to leave.