The wind whipped about me, raising Exodus' ebony mane toward my face as I was hunched low over him, breathing in his warmth as a defense against the bitter cold. It also provided some cover, as it was nearly dawn, and I had chosen to grace my loathsome face with my familiar white mask. Unfortunately, it stood out in the darkness, once a great asset, was now a burden. Still, it would be worth it to have the Angel recognize me, to see and to know that I was here.
I brushed an absent hand down the front of my waistcoat and vest, all the while keeping my eyes riveted on the spot of light that radiated out into the pre-dawn gray. I had taken extraordinary lengths this morning to ready myself, had even taken the time to carefully polish my boots and painstakingly brush Exodus until he too shone. I gave a quick tug on my cravat, relishing the wine-colored silk. Perhaps wine was not the correct metaphor...Perhaps it should have been...blood. Yes, just perfect. Not just any sort of blood, mind you, but the sort that is only bled from a wound that has penetrated an artery, thick, burgundy blood. I chose this cravat, my favorite, as it was of a superior material and had slowly dressed in my good suit that I had hastily packed. It is, after all, not every day that a man, no less a monster, is blessed with the opportunity to lay seige to his love once more.
Exodus whuffled quietly, tossing his head back. I tightened my grip on the double rein, and stared, fixated on that one light. I would wait an eternity if I had to--haven't I already?--for that light to be extinguished, to signal the Angel's flight.
A shiver gripped my spine and worked its way down to my toes. Oh, but the anticipation was thick in the air, like electricity before a storm. I waited. I stared.
And I shivered.
***********************
A glimpse of rustling silk and a veiled head is all the sight that I was granted of my angel before she climbed carefully into her waiting carriage. I watched for a moment as the carriage lurched into motion, then wheeled Exodus running and sent him into the thick blackness of the forest.
Occasionally the trees would thin, and I would be able to catch sight of the grand carriage as it rolled silently through the hills and trees. I would slow Exodus then, and allow myself the luxury of staring for a moment, trying in vain to see in the curtained windows.
The driver abruptly slowed the horses, pulled them back slightly. My sharp eyes focused between Exodus' sharply pointed ears. I would have to hurry now, gallop this last stretch in order to be in place.
The gates were just up ahead.
I chose the spot where I would lay in wait until I would reach out for my love, reach out for her and take her once more.
At last, after waiting so long that I was certain that I must have died in that spot, but really only a few moments, the large iron gates creaked open, and then fell shut with a dull clang.
How odd, that my entire life, my fate, should rest in the hands of one so small. All my waiting, my planning, my anticipation was now hanging in the balance as I waited for her to come into view.
Her footsteps crunched in the snow, drawing nearer, closer, oh, I could reach out and touch her...
AN: Thanks all of you lovely reviewers out there--a big round of gin and cupcakes for you. I'm looking to finish getting this uploaded today or maybe tomorrow. It's not an especially long one, just to let you guys know.
