#whitegrass

[irisslove]

Whitegrass - Japanese-French Fusion Dishes at CHIJMES

Whitegrass has been on my to-try list for a long while so when the friend suggested this place for dinner, I was looking forward to it. The restaurant was quite empty and a little too dark for my liking, though we got used to it after awhile. They had 2 menu for selection. Though I was gaming for the lesser course, my heart skipped a beat when I heard there was Amadai on the Gastronomic course.…

[federer7]

Doreen Rides at the Door with Dustin Whitegrass. Heart Butte, Montana. 1988

Photo: Danny Lyon

[kl-foodie]

MICHELIN French-Japanese Restaurant From Singapore Has Landed In Malaysia

Seed by Whitegrass has officially opened its doors in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, offering a unique dining experience that celebrates nature-inspired French-Japanese cuisine. It shares the same passion for nature- inspired cuisine as its Michelin-starred parent restaurant, Whitegrass in Singapore, while also infusing a touch of bistronomy into the city’s dining scene. Stunning New…

[thelostcanyon]

Whitegrass Ranch Road, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

[imasradiantasthesun]

Hey!!!

I’m interested in your thoughts: how many living Victors do you think each District has at the time of the QQ reaping?

omg hi!! thank you so much for the ask, i love talking about the victors!! iirc there were 59 victors still alive shortly before the quell, so here's what i think:

1: 11 total, 8 living: Jasper Montgomery (2nd, dec.); Ruby Red Bird (6th); Mirage Dubois (17th); Luxe Cloud (22nd); Jade Crawford (30th); Onyx O'Hara (42nd); Amber Nova Astor-Moon (51st); Quartz Whitegrass (59th); Cashmere Davenport (63rd); Gloss Davenport (64th); Crystal Chanel Michaels (66th)

2: 14 total, 11 living: Rex Barnes (1st, dec.); Atticus Nader (4th, dec.); Diana Roseman (8th, dec.); Florence Malina (19th); Ace Robinson (27th); Violet Rashid (28th); Valerie Banks (36th); Brutus Kumar (40th); Emmeline (Lyme) Lin (46th); Leo Kalinin (52nd); Sebastian Kim (56th); Enobaria Moore (62nd); Augustus Braun (67th); Julian Stone (72nd)

3: 5 total, 4 living: Edie Faris (13th, dec.); Sofie Park (26th); Beetee Latier (33rd); Wiress Payne (48th); Gage Patel (54th)

4: 10 total, 9 living: Tomi Ando (5th, dec.); Magdalena (Mags) Flanagan (11th); Caspian Zhang (15th); Siobhan Sullivan (24th); Dylan Kahale (32nd); Estrella Williams (39th); Pearl Davis (49th); Halia Kane (55th); Finnick Odair (65th); Anemone (Annie) Cresta (70th)

5: 4 total, 3 living: Dacie Quinn (16th, dec.); Porter Millicent Tripp (38th); Wyatt Medina (44th); Vander Allen (61st)

6: 3 total, 2 living: Basma Ford (23rd, dec.); Adrienne Mercedes Hughes (43rd); Miles Horowitz (60th)

7: 5 total, 3 living: Phyll Thomas (9th, dec.); Olive Sato (20th, dec.); Grover Hits Back (41st); Blight Hackman (58th); Johanna Mason (71st)

8: 4 total, 4 living: Woof Dimatteo (12th); April Webber (21st); Sasha Travin (35th); Cecelia Balan (57th)

9: 5 total, 4 living: Malt Waters (7th); Robin Blue Ryan (25th, dec.); Maisie Olson (34th); Erika Miller (53rd); Isaac Mesteth (68th)

10: 4 total, 3 living: Vina Garza (18th); Aubrey Flores (29th, dec.); Paxton Bernal (47th); Bel Cuervo (73rd)

11: 6 total, 5 living: Cane Harrison (3rd, dec.); Honeydew Hayes (14th); Seeder Chapman (31st); Harvey McLean (37th); Chaff Santana (45th); Clementine Jones (69th)

12: 4 total, 3 living: Lucy Gray Baird (10th, dec.); Haymitch Abernathy (50th); Katniss Everdeen & Peeta Mellark (74th)

i think that the majority of the deceased victors passed away from old age, with the exception of a few (general TW because this gets dark):

Dacie Quinn (D5, 16th Games): died of cancer at the age of 53 (56 ADD)

Olive Sato (D7, 20th Games): died in childbirth at age 40 (42 ADD)

Basma Ford (D6, 23rd Games): died from a morphling overdose at age 27 (32 ADD)

Robin Blue Ryan (D9, 25th Games): murdered at age 37 (44 ADD) (imo he was a very unpopular victor in D9 because a) he was voted in, and b) as D9's first actual mentor, he didn't do very well, bringing home only one tribute in the 19 years he mentored)

Aubrey Flores (D10, 29th Games): drowned in his bathtub while drunk at age 40 (53 ADD)

Onyx O'Hara (D1, 42nd Games): died by suicide at age 26 (50 ADD)

anyways... thank you SO much for the ask, i'd love to hear what you think :3

[elenasunshinemagazine]

Energy shots-cocktails to boost immunity

Such shots-cocktails can be made independently at home – you will only need a juicer and a couple of other devices that can be found in every kitchen. The most important task of energy shots is to increase immunity. You can maintain your health by drinking these cocktails in the morning several times a week, as well as during colds and fatigue.

Natural shots based on fresh juices, spices, and superfoods will help you improve your athletic performance with regular use. They will increase energy, give your face a fresh, radiant look, and replace (partially or completely) medications during a cold.

Some of the recipes may seem very simple to you. Each of the ingredients is full of vitamins and minerals.

Healthy white grass cocktails

Daily consumption of wheat germ juice will raise your tone, and mood and charge you with energy for the whole day (of course, provided that it is fresh juice). You can combine wiregrass with any fruits and vegetables, because they all contain nutrients, and each of them has its own effect on the work of the body.

Not everyone likes to drink wiregrass in its pure form, so we offer you several delicious recipes for vitamin cocktails. So, in each cocktail, there are 2 tablespoons of wiregrass and 2 tablespoons of juice from other useful plants.

Coffee Whitegrass

This recipe is suitable for lovers of morning coffee, provided that all the rules are followed, you will be energized for the whole day. So, after a cup of your favorite morning coffee, drink 2 tablespoons of wiregrass. And then, within 1-2 hours, drink at least 2 glasses of water.

With ginger

After you try this cocktail, you will appreciate its name Mix 2 tablespoons of wheat germ juice with juice, 1 teaspoon of ginger, Snack on this splendor with a slice of lemon, and drink a glass of clean water.

With mint

This recipe is one of the most delicious because, for 2 tablespoons of wiregrass, you can take as much mint juice as your heart desires. Mint cleanses the blood and removes toxins, do not neglect it.

With grapes

In this recipe, you should mix the juice of wheat sprouts with grape juice. But the grapes should be red, it contains quartzine, which is an antioxidant and antihistamine. It also contains saponins, which react with cholesterol and prevent it from entering the bloodstream.

Lemon Whitegrass

Here everything is very simple, mix 2 tablespoons of wiregrass and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Lemon contains antioxidants, so in combination with the juice of wheat sprouts, it gives a healing effect for the whole body.

You can combine wiregrass with any fruits and vegetables because they all contain nutrients.

Spirulina Shot

The powder from this seaweed consists of exactly half of the protein, which makes it the number one product for vegans and vegetarians. In addition, spirulina prevents premature aging, and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver, strengthening the barrier mechanisms and increasing the level of purification of the body from toxins and toxins.

Along with this, it effectively restores the intestinal microflora and helps to reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. Just dilute half a teaspoon of spirulina with water and drink as quickly as possible, the taste of spirulina is very peculiar.

Proportions for two servings: 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon spirulina powder.

Red cabbage and apple shot

Red cabbage juice is rich in vitamin B, and is able to stop the growth of cancer cells and cure stomach diseases. Folic acid, contained in red cabbage juice, has a positive effect on women's health and is especially necessary for pregnant women.

Proportions for two servings: 7.0 oz red cabbage (without stalk), 1 red apple, and juice of 1/2 lemon.

Ginger, lemon, and apple shot

This shot will help to cope with poor digestion, constipation, and bloating. If you drink this shot in the morning, then ginger from the very beginning of the day will set the right settings for digestion. In addition to all of the above, ginger, along with lemon, is super support for the immune system, which is weakened in almost all residents of the metropolis, especially those who do not get enough sleep, are nervous a lot, and do not have time to regularly eat properly. And yes, never remove the skin from the root of ginger, it contains many useful trace elements! It is better to thoroughly wash the root.

Proportions for two servings: 1 apple, a piece of ginger, 1 teaspoon 1/2 lemon.

Anti-cold shot

Ingredients: ginger, lemon, turmeric, orange.

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic that can replace instant powders and pills at the time of a cold. Half a teaspoon will do the trick with regular use. You can also add a small piece of red hot pepper. This shot will help to clear up the toxins that often cause drowsiness, apathy, and weakened immunity.

Proportions for two servings: 1 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 lemon, 2 oranges, and a pinch of turmeric.

https://elenasunshinemagazine.com/cooking/drinks/energy-shots-cocktails-to-boost-immunity/

[zoee-y]

[davegreber]

SolsticeSkiidae AKA So this is snow? ❄️ 🚨 Good news: ... we lived #telemarklifestyle #powpowder #whitegrass #greensnow #norwegianchristmas #mountainmommas #telemark-eting (at White Grass XC Ski Area) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJLpRA2l31O/?igshid=1n7v2aghfyk6v

[superninahe-blog]

Small White pampas grass! #whitepampas #whitegrass #whiteflowers #amazonflowers #housedecoration #amazon #amazonproduct #amazonproducts #flowers #3hlink #pampasgrassfarmer #diedpampas #pampaspeople https://www.instagram.com/p/CUPW4i6hHta/?utm_medium=tumblr

[theofflineviews]

| | It's a cashew flower growing in the grass.| | 🌸🌼🌿🌱🍃 ~ #meghalay #grasa #whitegrass #beautifulgrass #landscape #mountains #northeastindia #solofemaletraveller #travelphotography #travelblogger #traveldairies #soloindiantraveller #indiatour #myindialive #triphikers #bestpicoftheday #instatravel #travelblog #freespirit #freeme ~ Image Details :- May 15, 2020 Friday, 17:35 ~ 20200515_173531-01.jpeg 13 MP 4128 x 3096 2.70 MB ~ samsung SM-A205F f/1.9 1/50s 3.6mm ISO40 ~ Location on :- Kolkata, India ~ Edit By:- @miran_officialclicks 🎨 ~ Click on:- @miran_hossainofficial 📷 ~ Shoot On :- Samsung Galaxy A20 ~📷 ~ Brand:- @samsungindia ~ @calcuttabuzz_ @calcutta_clics @calcuttatimes @disharoy_diya @kolkata_insta @kolkata_chitrography @nikonify @official_photo_collection @indian_click_ @ss_photography_world @indianphoto09 @the_pictures_i_took @indian_photogrpher @world_photography.hub @photo__loverss @vladyurovv @calcutta.apologue @calcutta_pixal_ @kolkata_photowalks @_the_photography_cube @bong.calcutta @the.kolkata.vibes @streetphotographykolkata @miss_sarkar_ @parna_chattopadhyay @kolkatapixal @the_heritage_of_kolkata @bhoomi_bhanushali_photography @roymadhusuparna @trips__candy__cane @missgastronomic @kolkata_lanes @nitaayuclicks @niketa2002 @nilanjana.dhar @kotlawar_photography @sas.photoshoot @kodachromer_of_india @shramanasinharoy @sharanya_clicks @shainajain3 @debolinaa_rai @the.pixelz @_rkm_photography_ @indian_railway_ @kolkata_city_official @streetphotographersmagazine @travelntrailskolkata8 @manisha_mv_02 @_a_fine_lens_photography @lookthroughthelenses @picture_square1 @penduontheroad @the_heritage_of_kolkata @_the_photography_cube @yashas_kshatriya_photography @art_blossoms_photography @a_k_a_s_h_1291_photography @bipashaadas @vaw_photography_ @universe_photogram_hub @the_artsy_lens_of_ahi @capturing__moment__ @worlds.photography.hub @_freeze__moment @im_upcomingphotographer @not_yet_photographer @mobile_photography_group (at Kokapur Nilgaunge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBEARD9g1EL/?igshid=1fyw9mm1qmr36

[nemxricultrix]

Hot girlfriend aside, do gotta make a quick vanishing act trip to the Hrost Grotto, pick a few things for tea. Throat's still a bit fucky and the herbs there make a good soother.

That and the dryad likes some company every so often.

[untitlednottitled]

number10

Pre-Event plannings

I had a grand plan, to be lawfully wedded to my bby on our 10th anniversary, 1 year after proposing to her on our 9th, in Jeju, in front of a field of flowers with a fantastical view of the sparkling sea. I even rushed and got the engagement ring ready before our planned trip to Korea in April! But alas, covid-19 had to happen and all was foiled. After the initial plan was foiled in Apr’20, we held out hope that we would still be able to travel by the year end.. but yeah covid gave us a great big middle finger, as yet again, cases skyrocketed and we were all but grounded in sunny Singapore. 

Finally, in Dec’20, I decided to propose before July’21! Since the ring and the JannPaul box has been hiding at the back of the closet for the past year, and i didnt want to put it off any longer.

i began to scout for and collate decor items bit by bit on carousell, shopee and other shopping sites. It was a painful process because my initial plan was to recreate “Venezia”, which was an ice cream cafe we went to at Sixth Avenue, back in our JC days before it bowed out of Singapore a few years ago. There was next to no mention of Venezia on google and I was also unable to find any useful logos of the establishment either! So that idea was scrapped. Next, there was the plan to create big cut-outs of either Monsta X or VIXX members who would seem ‘genuinely happy for the proposal’.. but once again, let down by google, as the images I managed to find were either too pixelated or not relevant enough. Sadly, that idea flopped too. In the end, I decided to go for a more normal but personal decor to surprise bby :)

Truthfully, there were many chances to surprise-propose bby, especially our most recent staycation at Park Royal Marina Bay, but I didn’t feel that I was ready to do it.. so I delayed it till our big dinner on July 10th. Why July 10th? SAF had the brilliant idea to schedule my ICT during our actual 10th anniversary date, so we decided that we would have our anniversary dinner earlier. Furthermore, after Gyu Bar, we decided that we could and wanted to try more fine dining. After much research and deliberation (between Whitegrass and Buona Terra), we finally went for Whitegrass, which had decidedly nicer deco and ambiance. 

The weekend before the 10th, bby suddenly suggested that after our big dinner, maybe we should go for a drive. This gave me a great idea - if i drove, this meant that she would have to come stay over, and then I would definitely be able to surprise-propose to her! I very easily agreed with her suggestion and went for a slightly higher-end car, an Audi. Thankfully, this rental was not far from my place and the rental wasn’t that much higher than the Honda Fit before. So far, all was going to plan. Then, we also decided that since we would be getting a car, we could travel slightly further out, eg. the East. We decided to go to Playground Ragdolls, which would be our first interactions with our dream pet for our new house! 

I ordered a huge preserved flower bouquet beforehand as well as a tiny flower-box, to be delivered on the July 9th, which was also my mum’s birthday. She requested to have chilli crabs for dinner, which my bro bought from Jumbo seafood. We had a scrumptious dinner that night, but extremely regrefully, I couldn’t invite bby to come over, because it would mean that she would see all the flowers and thus ruin the entire event. 

On the day itself

On the 10th, coincidentally, I had to take up a mover role, to help my bro move some of his guo-da-li stuff to his fiancee’s place in Pasir Ris in the morning. It was a very simple job that took up the bulk of my Saturday morning. After lunch, he sent me back and I quickly completed the deco and freshened up before leaving at 4pm to collect the car. 

Leaving at 4pm was an overestimation of the travelling time, but also to prevent any lateness. I reached the rental car location at about 445pm but could not find the car at all. Confused, i called the host and she was quite pekcek to inform me that I was 15 mins early.. i went ‘oops’ and apologised for my kiasu-ness. At least she wasn’t overly judgey about it. I took over the car and quickly got on my way to Lakeside. Along the way, the aircon vent handphone holder kept dropping everytime I made my way over a particularly high bump as the Audi aircon vent was different from the normal aircon vents i was used to, with horizontal panes. Other than the handphone holder dropping from time to time, the drive to Jurong was pretty smooth. 

I picked bby up at about 5pm and she surprised me with another street branded shirt, endorsed by Hyungwon of Monsta X. She even gifted me with a picture of him wearing the exact same shirt! I gifted her with the small flower-box and inwardly laughed as she whined about receiving another flower.. inside i was like ‘lol, wait till you get the one at night’. We drove off from Jurong to City Hall, which was supposed to get us to Chijmes in 25 mins? 

Oops, we will be so early! But in the end we spent more than 35 mins on the road, because google maps was being a bitch and not giving the correct directions and we had to circle round Chijmes twice because we couldn’t enter the place! Finally, we decided to follow the signs strictly and we managed to enter the Chijmes carpark at last. We wandered around Chijmes for awhile and took some pictures. I helped her take some pictures that she was actually satisfied with!!!! SDNJIADBNAIKFAUFAKLFDNA!!! 

After inwardly celebrating alone, we entered Whitegrass. Overall, the food was nothing to brag about, though the service was very good. Like what bby has said, the best things about the meal were the breads and the specially made financier by the Japanese Chef. The Chef came out to greet us and even wished us a happy anniversary followed by a picture of us hehe. 

Full af, we decided to drive to Sentosa cove to sneak a peek at the rich people but nope, not allowed to ba long long go in, so we rerouted to Palawan beach instead. well well well, no entry into the beach. hur. oh well, time to head home. Inside my mind was running in all directions, almost 1.5y in the making, it’s finally gona be time!!

We reached and parked in less than 30 mins and quickly made our way back home.. only upon reaching my doorstep that i realised i left my keys in the flower-box inside the car.. luckily my dad was still awake to open the door for us.

Once in, we discovered my room door was closed and i let her enter first. Once she sweeped her eyes around the room, i panicked a little and just grabbed the ring and knelt down. I was entirely FLUSTERED and my mind was blanked out. haha, i lost all sequence of events. i knelt at an awkward angle and i wanted to switch knees, at which point, bby looked down and saw me kneeling on both knees (facepalm ttm). but okay, eventually it got sorted out and we took some pictures, with creative advice from my fiancee (^^). i also told her the entire journey from the ring all the way to present time, honestly, without hiding anything. Tbh, i wanted to make it hella grand but I missed out on some deco and by the time i discovered, it was too late to order again. UGHHH. When we went off to bathe, it was already about 1am and we had an early morning ahead. We both went to sleep happy hehe. (i got myself a ring catto)

Ragdolls all day, err’ day

I woke up next to bby catto who suddenly wrapped me up in the blankets and took a picture of me -.-

anyways, after a quick breakfast, i wore bby’s present and went out. We went some place first, before heading to La Fez in the East. It was a Morrocan restaurant which had a very pink and cutesy exterior. The food was not bad as well, the bby ordered Shakshuka while I ordered the Lamb Shwarma. Not entirely filling but good enough for me!

 Next we set off for Playground Ragdolls.. but i think i missed a turn somewhere so we just parked at a nearby carpark instead. We wanted to walk to Tigerlily Pattiserie but changed our minds to head to Birds of Paradise nearby instead, since bby has been wanting to eat it. and hohoho, dark skies ahead started to thunder and shortly after rain poured down. We didn’t bring umbrella and neither were there any umbrella in the rental car.. so we decided to brave the rain. The initial rain was pretty manageable, a slightly heavy drizzle but manageable. The moment we were halfway to the next shelter however, it poured. and poured. and poured. Needless to say, we were both drenched.. and bby was wearing her Tory Burch too... nevertheless, we persevered and reached Birds of Paradise and got our ice cream too! (along the way we passed a mama shop and bought a $6 umbrella) We got roasted sesame and sea salt hojicha. Tbh, both were good but as we were practically wolfing the ice cream down and the quantity was really alot, the ice cream became pretty jelat after awhile. For the first time in a long long while, we threw away ice cream. Yes, bby was pretty horrible for throwing away ice cream, especially when she was the one who proclaimed she loved it. 

With our new umbrella, we eventually made our way back the way we came, dry this time, towards Playground Ragdolls! Since we were pretty early, we waited outside for a short while, before the host let us in. and wow, once in, we were greeted by 2 curious little Singapuras. At first glance, they looked like regular strays but on a closer look, they had a kind of refined quality that really separated them from typical strays. And then as the host continued her briefing, our eyes strayed to the ragdolls. OMGGGG all so floof and cute!! Bby and I settled down near the couch and started playing with an 8 month old female kitto. and omg she was so playful!! Immediate want! While playing, we didn’t forget to enquire more about the purchase process and also listened in on the other customers’ queries as well. 1 hour passed all too quickly, and it came time to bid farewell to the cattoes. 

On the way back to the car, bby remarked that she was a little peckish, so we decided to head to a drive-thru at marine parade.. but once there, no drive-thru to be seen!!! We stopped at the passenger waiting area for awhile to research but to no avail. Eventually we gave up and I drove her back to her house.

At her block, I helped to carry all the barang barang back up and I remarked to her that I was going to call her parents ‘Mother’ and ‘Father’ to hint them that I proposed. And I did, but apparently, only her mum caught it. Her dad didn’t, sadly. Unfortunately, I needed to rush back to return the car, so i couldn’t stay to explain further (Sorry Father, i will explain the next time i’m there!)

Anyways, I drove back to return the car and swiftly parked. The owner ‘received’ back the car without much incident also. Aaaaand that concludes mine and bby’s eventful weekend, in which we both had our relationship statuses changed from boyfriend-girlfriend to fiance-fiancee ^^. 

Honestly, I do regret not getting actual flowers for you back in 2011.. but lol, the virtual flowers confession did make our relationship more interesting though haha. Yet another interesting tale that we can tell our kids next time also. I feel so happy as I recount the entire experience and am so glad that it succeeded. This sat, we will be going to re-size the engagement ring so that bby will wear the ring for events soon!! can’t wait!!

[enebrolobo]

where: ~around town~ when: before the party @ the Whitegrass barn/before he learns his (ex) wife will be there/before he is is overcome with anxiety with: OPEN

“Don’t I know you from somewhere...?”

[dungeonmapster]

Downloads are here!

In the dark recesses of the castle grounds, a small passage, secreted beneath the floors, leads to an idyllic field of Whitegrass, and a path carved into the side of the mountain. Few are aware of its existence, and these days it is maintained to provide an escape for royalty in the event that the castle is taken. Those who rely on it must beware, of course, that their enemies are not confidants awaiting them on the other side.

Hey all, I recently played Sekiro again and was blown away by the whitegrass field at the start of that game, and tried to capture it here, while leaving the walls vague enough to apply to any castle. I thought it could work well as an escape map, or even an entrance to a mountainous village with a few PNG assets dropped in as well.

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[hovercraft79]

Lovesong

Chapters: 2

Word Count: 5,401

Fandom: The Worst Witch (TV 2017)

Rating: M

Warnings: general family discord, adult situations

Summary: Even as Hecate and Ada continue to settle in to their relationship, trouble is brewing.  As the Witchtathlon meet grows nearer, tensions are running high. Ada and Agatha clash over almost everything while Geraldine Gullet feeds the flames.  

Notes: This is part 1 of the fic that covers the Week 8 prompt ‘magical battle couple.’

Two weeks of a workshop took a toll on writing time, so this one had to be split into two chapters. The conclusion will be up as soon as it’s finished.

The title of this week’s fic was inspired by the song of the same name by The Cure. I think both Ada and Hecate would agree that ‘you make me feel like I am home again’ sums them up perfectly.

I’d like to thank my very confused math teacher friend for her explanation of exponential vs linear magnitude. You know, for the proper dosing of a potion to enlarge a newt.  

As ever, I’m thankful Sparky is still hanging in there and editing for me. She was so thrilled to learn this was part one of two.

“Steady pace, Miss Spellbody, you don’t win marks with sloppy stirring.” Hecate nodded approvingly as the girl slowed her speed. Soon the spoon slipped through the potion like a dolphin through the sea. “Very well done.”

Hecate tried to keep the feeling tamped down, to keep her expectations low, but when she looked at her team, she couldn’t help the glimmer of optimism that blossomed in her chest. They had a chance, a real chance, to win the potions competition at the Witchtathlon.

“The three primary ingredients of an enlarging potion are? In descending order of potency?”

“Chokeberry, cattrap, and waterlily pad,” the girls chorused.

“And if you lack sufficient waterlily pad?”

“You can use one and one half the amount of waterlily root,” chirped Penny Pestle. “But you must slice it instead of shave it.”

Hecate beamed. “Exactly. Ma-ry Wool-ens… please tell me the proper color of the completed potion?”

Grinning, she didn’t hesitate to answer. “The potion should be the same shade of yellow as the wings of the male brimstone butterfly.”

Nodding, Hecate turned to the last girl on her team, Winifred Whitegrass. “All right, shall we see how it works?” She watched carefully as Winnie ladled up a phial of potion. “What’s the proper dosage?”

“One drop for each magnitude of size you wish to increase,” Winnie answered as she carefully collected a fire-bellied newt they’d taken to calling Figaro. She placed Figaro on the worktable and measured him. “Three inches long. Eight drops should give us a newt that’s twenty-four inches long.” She filled a dropper and held it over the newt, freezing when Hecate placed a hand over hers.

“While a twenty-four-inch newt would be most impressive – and certainly appropriate for the actual contest – perhaps a three-drop dose would be more practical.” She looked pointedly at the size of the terrarium Figaro would call home until the potion wore off. “Three drops.”

Winnie sighed dramatically. “Yes, Miss Hardbroom.” She dosed Figaro and they all waited, breath held. Even though they were expecting it, they all jumped when, with a puff of yellow smoke, he ballooned in size.

Sensing freedom, Figaro made a mad dash for the edge of the worktable, Hecate only just managing to cast a holding spell before he leapt from the edge. Penny quickly grabbed him and held on while Mavis measured.

“Exactly twelve inches!” She declared. “Get him in the tank.”      

Winnie transported Figaro into his temporary digs in the terrarium, just as someone started clapping from the doorway.

“Oh, well done indeed, girls!”

They all spun around to see Miss Cackle – Agatha Cackle – leaning in the doorway.

“Thank you, Miss Cackle,” Hecate said, both her tone and her posture suddenly rigid. “The girls will be strong contenders.”

“I’d expect nothing less, Miss Hardbroom, certainly not from you.” Agatha stepped closer to Hecate and lowered her voice. “Certainly not since you poached Penny Pestle from the spelling team.”

Hecate was careful not to roll her eyes. It wouldn’t do to be openly disrespectful to the Deputy Head – or Ada’s sister. “I’m quite sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Hmm… no doubt.” Agatha grinned, but she didn’t mean it. “I almost forgot… my sister wants to speak with you in her office – some time ago, actually.”

Hecate pursed her lips, turning away before she said something she shouldn’t. “Go ahead and start tidying up, girls. It seems I need to meet with Miss Cackle.” She opened her pocket watch and checked the time.

After enjoying watching Hecate fidget for a few moments, Agatha let her off the hook. “Why don’t you go on ahead, Miss Hardbroom. I’ll see to the girls until you return.” She waited as Hecate transferred away before turning back to the team. “That’s a fine newt you’ve enlarged, girls. I think a successful experiment deserves some sort of reward, don’t you?” She summoned up a tray of sweets. “How about a little lab feast?”

Winnifred and Mavis looked rather excited, but Penny and Mary hesitated.

“We’re not allowed to eat in the potions room,” Penny said, somewhat wistfully.

“We’ll make an exception just this once.” Agatha handed Winnifred a fairy cake. “Don’t you worry about Miss Hardbroom. I’ll see to her.” She handed one each to Mavis and Mary. “Now, last, but certainly not least, one for you Miss Pestle.”

With a quick glance at the other girls, Penny took the fairy cake, licking the peak off the icing with the tip of her tongue.

-----

Hecate materialized in the office. Ada didn’t notice she’d appeared, and Hecate took the opportunity to watch her work. Brow furrowed, Ada idly nibbled the end of her pen as she worked. Craning her neck, Hecate could see what Ada was working on. The daily crossword. No wonder she was concentrating so hard.  She cleared her throat softly, trying not to startle.

Ada glanced up, annoyance flashing across her face at the interruption. Then she saw it was Hecate, and any annoyance vanished as her whole being lit up. She hopped to her feet at once. “Hecate! To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”

Warmth flooded through Hecate. She clapped a hand over her mouth as tears welled in her eyes, spinning around so Ada couldn’t see.

“Hecate?”

Ada’s gentle voice sounded right behind her. Hecate shook her head and tried to wave away Ada’s concerns. “It’s nothing…” She felt Ada ward the door before her arms snaked around Hecate’s waist.

“It doesn’t seem like nothing,” Ada murmured, her breath tickling Hecate’s shoulder.

Hecate collected a shaky breath. “You’ll just think me foolish.” She covered Ada’s hands with hers, pressing them tighter against her stomach.

“Ah. Well… I do think you’re foolish for a great many things, not least of which is your penchant for ruining perfectly good lemonade by adding mint.” Ada felt the low chuckle in the muscles of Hecate’s belly. “However, I can assure you that I will never think you foolish for the way you feel.”

In her heart, Hecate knew that. “It’s just… I never thought anyone would look at me the way you do and sometimes… sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming.”

“Mmm…” Ada stretched up on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on the back of Hecate’s neck, ignoring the way the fine hairs that had escaped her bun tickled her nose. “I suppose you’ll simply have to get used to it.”

Hecate squeezed Ada’s hands before spinning around and lacing her fingers together behind Ada’s neck. “I’ll do my best.” She gave Ada a not-so-quick kiss on the lips before clearing her throat and stepping back to a professional distance. “What can I do for you, Headmistress?”

“I don’t know… you came here.”

“Your sister said you wished to see me.”

“While that’s always true,” Ada winked, “I didn’t ask for you. I’ve not even seen Agatha since breakfast.”

“I’d thought you might have heard from your mother.” They’d been waiting for word from Alma for almost a week now. After a couple of failed attempts to undo the marriage scroll, they’d realized they needed the same witness who had been present at the original ceremony. Since Alma had been the only other person in the room when Ada read the incantation, they reckoned she had to be the missing element in the annulment spell. Unfortunately, once Hecate had been retrieved from the alternate universe on the other side of the mirror, Alma had joined a few members of her coven on an around-the-world broomstick caravan.

She wrung her hands together. “What is my sister up to now?”

“I’ll let you know.” With that, Hecate transferred back to her lab.

-----

The girls froze mid-bite when Hecate appeared in the middle of the potions lab. “What is this?” She waved her hands, casting a quick preservation spell before floating the collection of wrappers and half-eaten fairy cakes back onto the tray. “Food is not permitted in the laboratory.” She sent the tray to her quarters, intending to complain to Ada later.

“Yes, Miss Hardbroom,” the girls chorused, glumly.

“Now, Miss Hardbroom, I’m sure an exception could be made for your team?” Agatha smiled at the girls. “Don’t you think they deserve a special treat?”

“What they deserve isn’t the issue, Miss Cackle. Consuming food in a potions laboratory is both unsanitary and unsafe.” Hecate turned to her girls. “Which you well know, girls.”

Agatha tutted. “Really, I don’t—”

“May I see you outside, Miss Cackle?” She spun on her boot heel and stalked into the hallway, giving Agatha little choice but to follow. As soon as the Deputy Head stepped into the corridor, Hecate launched into her protest. “I would appreciate it if you would not undermine me in front of my students. It’s most unprofessional.”

“It’s a few sweets…”

“It’s my classroom,” Hecate hissed. “Health and safety standards are very clear about not eating in laboratories.”

“Rules, rules, rules…” Agatha waved them away. “A blind adherence to rules—"

“Rules exist for a reason!” Hecate whispered at the top of her lungs.

“And may I remind you that as Deputy Head, I make the rules.” Agatha stepped closer to Hecate. “I’ve heard what they say about you… stickler to the rules… knows the Code inside and out… best potioner this side of the Magic Council… the one my sister fancies.”

“I don’t see the relevance—”

Agatha stepped closer still. “I always make it a point to get to know people. The right sort of people. I think you’re the right sort of people. I’m sure of it. You seem just the sort that could improve things around here. I’m sure you’re quite the… disciplinarian.”

Hecate’s gut screamed for her to get away, but she kept her feet planted firmly in place. “I don’t share your opinion on the need for improvement. Ada – Miss Cackle does a fine job as Headmistress of this Academy.”

“I’d never suggest otherwise about my dear sister. But,” leering, Agatha walked her fingertips up Hecate’s arm, “anything Ada can do, I can do better.”

Hecate jerked her arm away. “Pity that doesn’t include being respectful.”

Agatha’s eyes narrowed in a flash. “Not the only pity.” She curled a hand and transferred away.

As soon as she disappeared, Hecate sagged against the doorway, gasping for breath. She clawed at the sleeve of her dress, scratching her arm until she couldn’t feel the crawl of Ada’s fingers anymore.

-----

“Sister.” Agatha swaggered into the office, the leering smirk still plastered across her face. “Hard at it, I see.” She floated the crossword into the air, spinning it once before letting it drop to the desk where it flipped Ada’s spoon off her saucer and spilled her tea.

“Do I even want to ask what that business with Hecate was all about?”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

“Are you telling me that you did not tell Hecate that I wished to see her?” Ada waited for an answer, but Agatha simply stared back at her. She wore the same blandly innocent expression she’d worn as a child whenever their mother questioned them. The one she wore when she was guilty. “Hecate said you did and I’ve no reason to doubt her.”

“But reason to doubt me?” Agatha waved her arms about. Dramatically. Ada simply crossed her arms and looked at her over the top of her glasses. “I’ll have you know that woman had the nerve to lecture me about rules! I’d insist that you take her to task for her insubordination, but we all know how she’s got you wrapped around her little stirring spoon, don’t we? She’s taking advantage of a lonely old woman to advance her own career.”

There it is, thought Ada, that’s the root of it. “Hecate is quite insistent on adhering to rules – particularly when they concern the health and safety of her students. An admirable quality in the potions teacher, wouldn’t you agree? If I were inadvertently out of compliance, I’d hope she’d tell me, rather than risk harm to a student.” Ada stood and moved until she was standing toe to toe with her sister. “As for the rest… My esteem for Miss Hardbroom is both well-known and well-established among the staff here. That was the case long before your arrival. That said, Sister, I would hate to think the Deputy Head of the school was engaging in tawdry staff room gossip about her Headmistress.”

“People talk, Ada, whether you like it or not. And what happened to Co-Heads?”

“You’ve not stepped foot in this Academy since you were sent to Wormwood’s when we were fourteen. I had to come back and put in my time as a teacher as well as Deputy Head. You’ll do the same, just like every other Headmistress has done since Christobelle Cackle passed the school to her own daughter.”

“I swear, Ada, this slavish adherence to these hidebound traditions will ruin this Academy. Perhaps you’ve forgotten the things we planned to do when we were girls?”

“Cackle’s is built on our traditions! Throw those away and we are nothing! It’s that sort of talk that makes me question the wisdom of Co-Heads altogether.”

“YOU PROMISED!” Behind them, the fireplace flared as sparking, angry magic filled the room.

“I KNOW! I also know you can’t run an academy based on the rebellious fever-dreams of a couple of teenage witches. It’s time for you to grow up, Agatha.”

“Is it? Maybe it’s time you did a little growing yourself, Big Sister.” She summoned the tea-stained newspaper. “Do you actually bother to read anything that isn’t on the puzzle page?” Agatha snatched the paper from the air and folded it back so she could shove the front page in Ada’s face. “While you’re busy worshipping the past, other witches are looking toward the future.”

She’d seen it, of course, but Ada read the headline again. MAGIC COUNCIL GRANTS CHARTER FOR PENTANGLE’S ACADEMY. “I’ve seen it. She was a student here, you know. Same year as Hecate. They were good friends.” She and Hecate had actually been following Pippa Pentangle’s efforts to start a new school – Ada with a bit of morbid curiosity about a new competitor, Hecate with a melancholy wistfulness for what might have been. She’d never said as much, but Ada was certain Pippa Pentangle was Hecate’s first love. She hoped Hecate’s feelings had been returned.

“Modern magic. That’s the shape of things to come. Student choice, food they actually want to eat instead of boiled nettles and beetle bread. Mark my words. You’re going to keep looking at what’s behind us so long that when you do finally turn around you’re going to find yourself – and this academy – nothing more than a relic.”

Agatha transferred away before Ada could respond. Sighing, she glanced at the article again.

“…presentation of the Founding Stone will take place 3 November, immediately followed by a groundbreaking ceremony and on-site reception. Headmistress Pippa Pentangle says applications are available now…”

She dropped the paper to her side, slapping it against her thigh before tossing it into the fireplace. 

----- 

“That’s enough for today, girls. You’ve done well.” Hecate beamed at her team. “Cackle’s Academy will be quite formidable at the Witchtathlon meet.”

Penny grinned proudly. “Thank you, Miss Hardbroom.” Her smile slipped. “I’m sorry we broke the rules.”

“Mmm…” Hecate chose her words carefully. “It’s difficult when someone tempts you to do something you know you shouldn’t. More so if that person is someone you like or respect. I’m not upset with you for accepting the treats. In fact, Miss Cackle was correct, you do deserve a reward for all your hard work.”

“Won’t winning be reward enough?”

“Winning would certainly be a reward, Miss Spellbody, but the work it takes to get there should be celebrated as well.” Hecate spoke slowly, stalling as her brain kicked into hyperflight trying to come up with something the girls would like. “Miss Cackle’s already given you sweets. What do you say we have an extra practice Saturday afternoon followed by…” She paused, hoping the girls would—

“Pizza?”

“A movie in the main hall?”

“An extra mirror pass?”

Hecate seized on the first idea. “Pizza!” She squeezed her eyes shut until the girls stopped squealing. “And maybe an extra mirror pass?” she added, enduring a second round of screeches. “Very good girls, now off with you.” She barely stepped aside before the girls barreled out of the lab. “WALK!” She heard the footsteps slow for about five steps before speeding up again. “All right,” she said to herself. “Time to go ask Ada how to arrange for pizza.”

Her mind buzzing with pizza and how many people might join them, Hecate didn’t realize she’d walked up on Agatha and Geraldine Gullet until she was practically on top of them. She skidded to a stop just in time to watch Agatha walk her fingers up Geraldine’s arm. Geraldine, no surprise, giggled like a schoolgirl. Hecate’s skin crawled again.

Too late to do anything but stand there, Hecate pressed her lips together and studied the dial on her pocket watch. She refused to look up, even when the hushed voices went uncomfortably quiet. After a moment, she heard the rustling of fabric.

“We’ll continue this conversation later,” Agatha murmured, loud enough for Hecate to hear. “Perhaps after dinner.”

Hecate continued inspecting her watch, not looking up until Agatha’s feet appeared in her field of vision.

“Miss Hardbroom.” With her back to Geraldine, Agatha winked and grinned in a way that felt more predatory than anything else. “You’d best hurry along to my dear sister, now. Wouldn’t want to keep your… Headmistress… waiting,” she said before transferring out of sight.

Geraldine sauntered over to her, dashing any hopes Hecate may have had for a speedy escape. “Looks like you aren’t the only one that can catch a Cackle’s eye.”

“So it seems.” Hecate debated telling her that Agatha had pulled the finger-walk move on her less than an hour ago but decided to leave it be. She tried to move past her, but Geraldine stepped in front of her again.

“There’s going to be some changes ‘round here. Mark my words. You think you’ve got it all sussed out here because Ada Cackle fancies you. We all know your sort, sniffing about for any sort of privilege. Well, Agatha Cackle fancies me. We’ll see how you get on now that you aren’t the only queen bee in the hive.”

“I look forward to seeing these changes,” Hecate said stiffly. Thankfully, when she didn’t get a rise out of Hecate, Geraldine huffed back into her classroom.

“You handled that quite well, dearie.”

Hecate spun around to find herself under the shrewd gaze of Gwen Bat. “I didn’t… You… I’m sorry you had to hear that.” She pressed her arms against her sides and ran her thumbs over her fingertips.

“What on earth do you have to be sorry for? She’s the one acting like a miserable shrew.” Gwen threaded her arm through Hecate’s. “Let me walk you to Ada’s office.”

“You don’t think I’m… sniffing about for—”

“Not at all.” Gwen squeezed Hecate’s arm against her side. “I think Ada has been happier than she’s ever been. I think you have been, too.” They turned down the corridor leading to Ada’s office. “You and she are good for each other. Don’t let Geraldine Gullet – or Agatha – take that away from you. I’d give, oh… almost anything I have to get my Algie back.”

“I have… been happy. Ada makes me…” Joyous, steady, content. “…happy. I’m a very lucky woman.”

Gwen smiled up at Hecate, genuine warmth in her eyes. “So is Ada, dear.” She pulled her arm free and smoothed the collar of Hecate’s dress. “She needs you every bit as much as you need her, especially now that Agatha’s here. Even as a little girl she created turmoil. Ada can’t see it, she never could. Ada needs you to help her see it – or to at least look out for her when she doesn’t. And you both need to quit worrying about what anybody else has to say about your happiness.”

Hecate wrapped her fingers around her pocket watch – the watch Ada had given her. She forced her words past the lump in her throat. “Thank you, Gwen.” Before she could talk herself out of it, Hecate threw her arms around the smaller woman, holding back tears when Gwen hugged her back. “I will. For Ada,” she said when they finally separated. She stood outside the door for a long while after Gwen transferred back to the chanting room. “I will.”

She opened the door to Ada’s office, stopping, shocked when she saw Ada sprawled across the sofa, holding a glass of wine? Witch’s Brew? She walked slowly towards her, taking a seat in one of the wingbacks since one of Ada’s legs was currently stretched the length of the sofa.

“Come in…” Ada drawled, handing Hecate her half-empty glass. “You’re just in time to ‘take advantage of a lonely old woman’ so you can advance your career.”

Hecate sniffed the glass, nose crinkling at the sharp scent of whisky. “Good thing I haven’t missed that opportunity, since I’m apparently just ‘sniffing about for some sort of privilege.’” She set the whisky on the side table, taking in the span of Ada’s out-stretched, trouser-clad legs. “At least according to Miss Gullet.”

“I’m surprised that didn’t come from my sister. She certainly had plenty to say on the matter to me.” She tried to float her whisky back, but Hecate grabbed it mid-air and sent it to vanishment.

“No. Your sister… didn’t say that to me.” Her eyes kept wandering to the thin strip of bare skin peeking out from where Ada’s jumper had ridden up.

“Ahhh…” Ada pointed her finger at Hecate. “She hit on you then. Took her long enough.”

“Wh- No!” Despite her protests, the tide of red flooding her cheeks answered louder.

Ada dropped her foot to the floor with a thunk and patted the spot next to her on the sofa.

Hecate transferred to the spot almost before Ada moved her hand. “Ada… that’s—”

Ada pulled her down until Hecate was tucked against her. “She’s done it all my life, dear. Anything I had or cared about, she tried to take away. Poor Bertie Applebottom didn’t know what hit him.”

“Bertie?” Hecate lifted her head to look Ada in the eye.

“I may have been a bit slow on the uptake.”

Hecate laid her head back on Ada’s shoulder. “Lucky for me you got that sorted.”

“Lucky for both of us.”

“That’s what Gwen said.” Hecate slid her arm around Ada’s waist, tracing the strip of bare skin with her fingertips. “She’s happy for us. I’m sorry your sister isn’t.”

“I should have warned you. Everyone thinks I don’t see Agatha’s faults. I do. I just… If she just had someone who believed in her… Mother never did.” She kissed Hecate’s forehead. “Speaking of Mother, she finally mirrored back. She said she’d be here by the end of the month. We can undo the marriage scroll then.”

“I’m glad. I know that makes you happy.”

Ada frowned. “Not as happy as I thought it would. Don’t get me wrong, I hate that we were forced into it, that it was done without our consent. But… I hope we’re heading that direction anyway… and—”

Hecate lightly smacked Ada’s thigh. “Why does that sound familiar?”

“I know. I know.” Ada scratched the base of Hecate’s scalp. “However, I find the fact that we can undo it seems to be enough for now. I know we’ve been waiting – I’ve been waiting – to move forward with the more… physical… aspect of our relationship… until we weren’t bound together, but… I really don’t want to do that anymore.” She felt Hecate’s breath stutter. “I’d like it if we could… if you’re ready…”

Hecate pressed her fingers to Ada’s lips. “I’d like it very much – but not tonight. You’re a bit the worse for wear from the alcohol.”

Ada nipped at Hecate’s fingers, causing her to giggle. “Fair point. ‘M not quite fit for purpose, I think.” Stifling a yawn, Ada pulled Hecate closer. “How about Saturday night? We’ll do things properly.”

“Are you asking me on a date, Ada Cackle?”

“I might be.” She dropped her voice to its sultry best. “I might be trying to get into your knickers, Hecate Hardbroom.”

Hecate rolled her eyes, “It’s time for you to sleep it off.” She climbed to her feet and pulled a slightly unsteady Ada up after her. “Saturday,” she said, kissing Ada’s cheek. “I promise you won’t have to try very hard.” 

-----

Hecate studied her reflection in the mirror, disappointed as ever with what she saw.  Her earlier bluster had long since shriveled into nervous anxiety. Looking at herself didn’t help. Her clavicles, her ribs, the points of her hip bones… all were starkly prominent. Though she was no longer cadaverous, the way she’d been immediately after Broomhead, she was still thin. Too thin, she thought, no breasts to speak of, no curves, no softness of any kind.  Ada deserved more than sharp angles and hard edges. She’d been thinner when she’d been with Prudie, but not by much. Not that it mattered. Prudie had been a temporary diversion – someone Hecate cared about, to be sure. She’d never indulged in the relationship if she hadn’t cared about the woman, but by her own choice Prudie had always been relentlessly temporary.

Ada… Ada, she hoped to spend the rest of her life with.  Ada deserved to have someone she could sink into at the end of a long day. Ada deserved to have someone who thrilled her when she looked at her. She deserves more than me, she thought. Sighing, Hecate magicked herself into the lingerie she’d bought in a moment of bravery. A nightgown really, in black silk with a not-quite modest neckline, and lace edges. It gave her the illusion of curves, at least. It was beautiful. Far more so, she decided, than the woman wearing it.

Unbidden, a childhood memory surfaced. Her birthday and, surprisingly, a gift, beautifully wrapped in heavy pewter-colored paper with a velvet ribbon in deep, inky blue. She’d opened it, breathless with anticipation, wondering at what sort of gift might be worthy of the wrapping. It was a spell book – an updated edition to a book she already had. She’d smiled and thanked her father for the gift, promising to look through it straight away as she raced to her bedroom before she lost control of her disappointment.

Pushing the memory away, Hecate replaced the gown with her usual purple pyjamas. Boxy, comfortable, and familiar, they wouldn’t create any expectations her body couldn’t live up to. A soft tapping at her bathroom door signaled that Ada had run out of patience. She swung open the door, startled to find Ada practically in the door frame.

Ada’s eyes traveled the length of Hecate’s figure, taking in the purple pyjamas as though she’d never seen them before. “You look beautiful. Those are my favorite thing that you wear.”

When Ada lifted her eyes, Hecate could see the love there – but she saw something else, too. Lust. Ada wanted her. “I – I had something else… something more…” She trailed away as Ada brought her hands to Hecate’s waist, her thumbs tracing the planes of her stomach.

“It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, dearest. There’s never been a moment I haven’t thought you beautiful.”

Hecate couldn’t pull her eyes away from Ada’s periwinkle nightdress, a silky empire-waisted number that showcased her cleavage. The silken fabric glistened beneath her fingertips when she touched it. Ada’s chest rose and fell as her breathing quickened. “I had something… nicer… for you, but I lost my nerve.” A blush crept up her chest. “I can’t help but think you’d be happier if I had twenty more pounds.”

“And you’d be happier if I carried twenty less. But I’m not going to let twenty pounds get—”

“Forty.”

“What?”

“If want to shift twenty and you want to shift twenty, that makes forty.” Hecate’s pained expression was almost comical. “I’m sorry. I know that’s neither here nor there…” She looked away, certain she’d ruined whatever sort of mood they’d managed – especially once Ada threw her head back and laughed.

“Hec. A. Te. You did not just correct my maths…” Catching her breath, she wiped tears from her eyes. “You can take the potions mistress out of the lab… but you can’t take the lab out of…” Ada dissolved into a fit of giggles. “We’re quite the pair of fools, aren’t we?”

“It would seem so,” Hecate said, smiling ruefully. She tucked a strand of hair behind Ada’s ear, her hand lingering on Ada’s cheek. “You don’t need to change a single thing for me to think you’re beautiful. Or for me to be attracted to you.”

Ada laid her hand over the back of Hecate’s, turning her head and pressing a warm kiss to Hecate’s palm. “Nor do you.” She kissed Hecate’s wrist before gently pulling her closer. “So don’t.” Ada pulled Hecate into a slow kiss. Soft, almost chaste, at first, Ada flicked her tongue across Hecate’s lips, groaning as Hecate deepened the kiss.

Hecate’s fingers tangled in Ada’s hair. She pulled her closer. She felt Ada’s hands slide up her thighs, squeezing her hips as they glided over her stomach. Hecate brought her other hand to rest over Ada’s heart, feeling it pound wildly beneath her palm.

Warm hands slipped beneath Hecate’s top, tracing patterns over the burning skin of her back, sliding upwards, following the lines of her spine. A low growl slipped past her lips; her own heartbeat thrummed in time with Ada’s as her breath came, hotter and faster.

She dropped her own hand, feeling Ada’s nipple harden as her thumb circled it. She snapped the fingers of her free hand and they were on her bed, Ada beneath her, her hair fanned out across the sheets. “Is this all right?”

“More than.” Ada pushed up from the mattress, capturing Hecate’s lips in a blistering kiss. She froze for a moment as Hecate’s hands began roaming over her skin.

Hecate stopped at once. “Ada?”

“Maybe if the lights were out?”

“If you’d like, but… I would rather see you.” Hecate shifted until she was lying next to Ada. She ran her hand up Ada’s arm, across her chest and over her belly, tracing every curve. Propping herself on her elbow, she followed the path blazed by her hand with her lips, trailing hot, wet kisses across the fabric. She moved lower, kissing Ada’s hip, pushing her gown up and kissing the bare skin of Ada’s thigh. “Beautiful…” she breathed.

“Aaahhh…” Ada lifted her hips and pulled Hecate closer. “Sod it all,” she groaned as she magicked their nightclothes away. The lights stayed on. 

----- 

Hecate breathed in the scent of Ada, who still slept, warm and soft in her arms. The windows were dark; they had a couple of hours still before sunrise. She snuggled closer, smiling against Ada’s back when she pulled Hecate’s arms tighter in her sleep. She’d just dozed off again when a furious pounding started at her door.

They jerked awake, tumbling and stumbling out of bed and to their feet.

“What on earth…” Ada fumbled through the bedding searching for her nightclothes.

The pounding got louder. “Miss Hardbroom!”

“Here,” Hecate said, tossing the periwinkle gown Ada’s direction. Ada snatched it out of the air. “Impressive – like everything else last night,” she added, winking.

“Morning after could use a little work,” Ada said, magicking herself into her gown and robe. She looked at Hecate still rummaging for hers. Hustling around the bed, she pushed a shower spell over them both and then magicked Hecate into her pyjamas and robe. As Hecate rushed past her, Ada slipped a hand inside her elbow and pulled her in for a quick kiss. “Last night was bloody brilliant.”

The pounding was constant now. Hecate transferred to the door and flung it open. “What is so important—”

Mavis Spellbody stood in the corridor, tears streaming down her face. “Hurry Miss Hardbroom! Something terrible is wrong with Penny.”

 To be continued…

[zoee-y]