TITLE: Face in the PaintingAUTHOR: Gaeriel Mallory
RATING: K+
FANDOMS: Angel/BtVS/DC Comics (Batman)
DISCLAIMER: All characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy, Inc. or DC Comics and Warner Brothers.
SUMMARY: Alfred and Wesley and a painting in Wayne Manor.
NOTE: Written in response to TTH's Fic-for-all #1882 – Wesley Wyndham-Price/Alfred Pennyworth.

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Alfred was surprised to see the figure in the mansion. While Miss Chase often stopped by, Mr. Wyndham-Pryce tended to spend his time on earth at the Clocktower. Wesley was studying a painting in the hallway in the library, his forehead furrowed as his eyes seemed to memorize the woman depicted.

"She was a Slayer," he said without turning around.

"Indeed," Alfred answered mildly, moving to stand behind the other man. The young woman was dressed in clothes from the middle of the nineteenth century, and very well-made and expensive clothing at that. A very large and ornate silver cross hung around her neck. The plaque underneath the painting identified her as "Miss Caroline Weatherly". "I do believe she was an ancestor of Master Bruce's. A many-times great aunt, if I recall correctly." He clasped his hands behind his back. "How did you conclude that Miss Weatherly was a Slayer?"

"She's holding a bottle of holy water in her hand."

And so she was. Once pointed out, Alfred noticed the small vial that Caroline clutched loosely in her right hand, almost nonchalantly. It had a black cross depicted on the glass. "That still does not prove that she was anything but eccentrically devout."

Wesley nodded. "True, but taken with the cross and the fact that I read her Watcher's diary back when I was at the Academy, I thought it was a fairly solid conclusion." His lips curled up. "A little ironic, that: the Batman having a Slayer in his family tree, no matter how far back." He turned towards Alfred and quirked an eyebrow. "You are aware that there are some who consider him a demon?"

Alfred answered dryly, "The rumors had reached me, yes."

Wesley had returned his attention to the painting. "Her Watcher had to train her in secret because of her wealthy family and their prominent place in society. She had died when she was seventeen, I think. Her death was officially declared an attack by rabid dogs, though how a pack could have made its way into the heart of London was never questioned."

There really was not much Alfred could say in response to that. He hmmed noncommittally and sighed.

"The Council approached Jim Gordon." It was a statement, not a question and Mr. Wyndham-Pryce's eyes remained firmly on Caroline Weatherly's face.

"Yes." Alfred was not surprised that Wesley knew. The guardian angel grapevine seemed to work faster than the Gotham underworld one.

"He'd make a good Watcher," Wesley said. "Any Slayer would be lucky to have him." He looked at Alfred again. "Tell Bruce that. It might quiet some of his reservations." He glowed a brilliant white before disappearing.

Alfred was left standing alone in the library. He contemplated Caroline Weatherly, forever seventeen and smiling at an unseen viewer. "I wonder if your Watcher felt like I feel, every night as I watch them go out into the dark," he said quietly to the painting. He reached up and gently brushed away the nearly invisible layer of dust on the plaque, fingers lingering over the engraved letters. "Rest in peace, my lady."

He bowed at Miss Weatherly and exited the library, closing the doors firmly behind him.

--fin--