PART 7: "The Unforeseen Travellers"
Somewhere just outside St Petersburg..
Cora was worried.
It didn't take a genius to figure that out, Angel decided as he stared openly at her from where she stood beside him, hands firmly on her hips, gazing around their bleak surroundings with a deep frown attached to her face. Actually, bleak was too kind a word to describe the surroundings the Questor and the vampire had found themselves in when arriving at their final destination. For a number of reasons. Firstly, it was the snow. SNOW. Angel couldn't remember when he had last seen so much of the stuff in one place before, and that was saying something for he had travelled the world extensively in his long life.
They had arrived smack bang in what looked like a piece of paper that someone had conveniently painted completely white. The hill-less plains stretched on forever, and it was only when he squinted tightly that Angel could make out the faint figures of leafless trees in the distance. Even those looked bleak and frozen. There were no buildings, no cars.hell, there weren't even any *roads* to speak of. Adding that all together it wasn't hard to come to the conclusion that there weren't any people anywhere near them.
The second reason, and from Angel perspective the most important, was the slightly obvious fact that it was the middle of the day. Even if there wasn't much sun to speak of as the dark, swollen clouds blanketed the orb's rays from ever reaching the earth. But after spending the last few hundreds years of your life living without the stuff (certain recent one off days excluded, of course) Angel tended to believe that you were bound to notice kind of quickly when you suddenly find yourself bathed in the haunting glow.
So it wasn't surprising that the vampire had given a startled kind of yelp and ducked, covering his head quickly with his hands as if he truly believed that was going to do him any good. He had waited, terrified, for the burning sensation that he knew so well to start snaking its way up and through his body, wishing somewhere deep inside himself that he could have seen Buffy just one more time before he left this world.
But nothing had happened.
After a few seconds had ticked by, the shaking vampire had slowly took his hands of his face and blinked stupidly up at the sky above him in stunned wonder as he it could tell him what the hell was going on. As if in a daze, the dark haired man had brought his hands up in front of his face, flipping them over before his incredulous gaze, as if he hadn't set eyes on them before, a wondrous grin slowly appearing on his lips.
It had been the sound of laughter that had made his head jerk up and stare, open mouthed, at the woman with thick, bushy hair who was standing with her hands on her knees, almost doubling over as she laughed, tears gathering in her eyes. Well, at least someone seems to find this amusing, Angel had thought, frowning at her in disapproval. He didn't find the situation in the least bit funny.
"Go head, laugh." He had told her darkly. "But I'd like to see what you'd do if you found you could suddenly do something that's meant to be impossible."
Cora had quickly sobered and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Looking at him apoplectically, she told him with a wide grin, "I'm sorry, Angel. It's just that I haven't seen anything so funny in ages! You should have seen your face.!" This seemed to set her off again, for she had started to giggle uncontrollably and had to slap her hand over her mouth to muffle the sound.
But she had quickly stopped whatever giggling was still inside her at the shocked look on the vampire's face as her stared at her, seemingly seeing her for the first time.
"Cora, what in god's name are you *wearing*!?"
Cora looked down at herself instantly, and with an exclaim of complete dismay she stared, open mouthed at her attire. Angel could feel a grin of his own forming at her reaction. She was dressed in what looked like a old fashioned, black woollen skirt that fell briskly to her ankles, allowing the tips of snow encrusted black boots to peep out the bottom. On top she wore a long, thick cloak that was so startlingly white Angel could have sworn it was made from ermine.
Frowning deeply, the vampire walked over to Cora and fingered the lush material on her arm lightly, seemingly trying to decipher its quality. Looking up, he met her gaze squarely.
"What is this?" he asked, no longer in the mood for games. Truthfully, this whole thing was starting to freak him out. All he wanted to do is find Buffy and get the hell out of here. The sooner the better.
Cora just sighed and pushed away from him, looking around their surroundings with eagle eyes as she answered the vampire, "It always happens, don't worry. It's the main way Questors blend into the civilizations when we are on missions." She finally looked at him out of the corner of her eye, a sly grin on her face. "Did you really expect to walk around this place in leather pants and a duster?"
Startled, Angel looked down at himself, for the first time realising he too, was dressed in different clothing. But in his opinion, his weren't nearly as bad as Cora's. True to her word, his leather pants and black duster were gone, probably never to be seen again, only to be replaced with black slacks, black boots and a warm, grey fur jacket.
Angel groaned. "What is this place?" he muttered, casting another wary glance up into the sky. Catching his gaze, Cora nodded in understanding.
"As for the whole sun light thing.." She shrugged. "Who knows? The Powers work in mysterious ways, as you very well know. Maybe they finally realised you would be more of a help finding the Slayer if you weren't restricted by the day light." Suddenly she glanced at him pensively, an uncharacteristically gentle smile on her face.
"Treasure this gift, Angel. We have no way of knowing how long it will last." That last bit succeeded in jolting him back to reality. They had a very important job to do and it wouldn't do to stand here for the rest of the day, mulling over things they couldn't change.
As if she noticed the change come over the vampire, Cora rubbed her hands together briskly, trying to warm them up. Without looking at him, she told Angel, "I can tell that we have travelled back in time about 80 years." She shook her head. "At this stage, I can't be more exact than that, sorry."
She once again glanced down at her clothes. "From what we are wearing and the very obvious evidence of snow, I'd say we are in Europe somewhere. We won't be able to tell until we come across a town or something with signs." She shot him a grin. "This part of the job really sucks. You never know where your gonna end up. Once I found myself dancing the Can-can in a 17th century whore house in London."
At his open mouthed gap, she shrugged casually. "That isn't an experience I'm going to repeat in a hurry, I'll tell you."
As he was still staring at her, slightly wary, the Questor grinned broadly and jerked her head in the direction of the group of trees Angel had noticed earlier. "Shall we be off? We're never gonna find your girl standing here freezing to death. The sooner we get to some sort of settlement, the sooner we can get some information about this place." Then she muttered darkly, "Not to mention get to heat into our bones.I'm freezing!"
Nodding, Angel fell into step beside her and the Questor and the vampire started their slow yet steady pace towards the trees, thankful at least that it was not snowing and there was little evidence of wind. They weren't stupid enough to believe they could have survived out here in the wilderness in any harsher climate. Over all, they had been rather lucky to end up where they had.
Although, Angel mused, a little closer to some sort of civilization would have been nice.
****
Two very long hours later, Cora was still walking along, silent, lost in thought. Her and Angel hadn't talked much over the last few hours of their journey, instead concentrating on forcing their feet to move through the thick snow that lay at their feet and trying to ignore the horrible feeling of freezing melted snow seeping into their boots through their socks. Over all, it had to be some of the most uncomfortable few hours of Cora's very long life.
As they had walked on and on, and no hint of a change in landscape seemed to be near, the Questor could feel her patience running thin. She hadn't had this kind of greeting in a new time in years and it wasn't something she hoped she would have to repeat in a long while. She was used to blending into warm cities with happy, bustling people going about their day- to-day business, not concerned about the ancient traveller they had in their mists. That was one of the main things Cora loved about her job. The fact that even though the centuries rolled by on angel's wings and civilizations grew and fell like the tide, the atmosphere in large cities, whether they were ancient or modern, never changed. They were still the busy, centre point of the people who lived and breathed its life.
Cora loved nothing more than to hop back to places like ancient Athens or Rome and stroll down their busy streets, letting the sounds of human life wash over her, not noticed by the street vendors as they sold their wares. She would go sit for the whole day on top of the Capitoline Hill in Rome and listen to the sound of the priestesses chanting away to their gods for salvation.
That was why she really didn't need to be stuck in the middle of some god forsaken country looking for a missing Slayer who, from what Cora had heard in the last few years, got herself in dire trouble a couple of times a week! Why had she agreed to help these people in the first place? Was it out of some misplaced loyalty to Anya that had made her say yes? She had known the vengeance demon for a very long time, true, but that hadn't stopped her refusing people's pleas in the past. Or had it been the stricken, tear stained face of the Key, who had been mourning the loss of the beloved sister she never actually had?
Whatever, Cora thought, shaking her head. She tried to force herself to think of something different. It couldn't be healthy to dwell on the past. But look where it had taken her. She was traipsing though knee-deep snow in a skirt that she wouldn't usually have worn even if someone had paid her with D'Hoffryn's head on a platter, wondering idly if central heating had been invented yet.
The thought of D'Hoffryn made her pause and groan. If this ever got back to him.. hell, Anya needn't worry about being the laughing stock of the demon community ever again. Cora would be winning gold in that department for the rest of her life.
Her shoulders drooping with the thought, Cora started walking again, but had only got a few feet when she stumbled, her foot disappearing through the suddenly deep snow. She cried out in surprise and pitched forward, squeezing her eyes closed in dread as she waited for the shock of the coldness as she face planted the snow. But it never came. Instead, strong hands grabbed her slight form around her waist and pulled her backwards, crushing her against a firm chest.
Gasping for a breath, Cora brought her hands up to clutch her chest and she could feel her heart beating wildly. When the arms suddenly released her, the Questor spun around, stumbling again in the process, and had to reach out and steady herself on her saviour's arms to stop herself falling over.
Looking up she found herself staring into Angel's lopsided grin as he lightly reached out and clasped her forearm, Cora giving him a grateful smile for his trouble. "Thanks, Angel. I guess I'm more tired than I thought." She grimaced suddenly and reached down to massage her ankle. "How do you feel about taking a little break?"
But Angel didn't answer, the hand gripping her arm tightening suddenly. Curious, Cora lifted her head and straightened, frowning up into his face. "What's the matter?" she asked.
Angel looked completely thunderstruck as he gave a long gasp of awe and dropped her arm, stepping away from Cora as if he had forgotten she was there. He took a few steps forward before stopping, his hands hanging limply at his sides.
"Angel?" Cora said again, getting concerned, walking up to stand slightly behind him. Putting a hand on the back of his shoulder, she had just opened her mouth to inquire again when she finally raised her eyes and followed the vampire's gaze.
She froze, her mouth falling open slowly in complete disbelief.
Cora wondered idly why she hadn't realised they had been climbing a hill. For that's where they were, standing at the top of a small hill that allowed them to see for miles. As a faint wind reached them and started dancing through her hair, Cora's eyes gazed back and forth over the spectacle before them.
It was a city. A huge, snow-caped city. Rising from its depths were what seemed like hundreds of domes shooting into the sky proudly. Enormous buildings stretched out on the banks of what looked like a frozen river, hundreds of bridges arching over its waters. In the distance, Cora could just make out the sound of bells singing matins faintly on the wind.
"Jesus." she breathed, recognising the city instantly. After all, there weren't many places on earth that could boast the wonders that St Petersburg did. She would recognise those domes anywhere.
And she knew their task had just gotten a wee bit harder.
**** A while later..
The Nevsky Prospect had never looked so beautiful, Cora decided as she idly strolled down the pavement of the shopping capital of St Petersburg, her hands swaying slightly at her sides as she glanced back and forth in rapt fascination at the huge, imposing buildings that she hadn't set eyes on for almost 85 years.
She had almost forgotten that Angel was walking silently along beside her, lost in his own memories of the place, as she listened with a slight smile on her face to the sound of the swishing bells that danced past them on the horse drawn Troikas which swished past each other like lightening. On the side of the pavement, crowds of people gathered around the more humble vehicles available for hire. There were horses attached to thick-set carts, each surrounded by a huge, bear like man in a thick grey coat, ready to sell their wears in the capital to the richer society for the winter before going back to their humble villages.
Watching the bustling people hurry down the street, head's down in the position that was almost second nature for Russians to keep the snow off their faces, Cora couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips. She had forgotten how much she had once loved this place. It had been her home in some of the best years of her long life.
Ducking her head, she watched the cobbled stones beneath her feet as they walked along, not really having a destination, letting the fates take them wherever they had planned for them to go next.
A young woman bundled up warmly in furs gave them a curious look as she hurried past them, but Cora didn't care. She had seen it all before. The glances, the whispers, and didn't mind them at all. The people of St Petersburg were a curious lot, she knew from first hand experience.
"Cora?" A hesitant voice sounded from beside her and the Questor shook her head, breaking her train of thought.
"Umm?" she murmured absent-mindedly, not really listening to him.
"Where are we going?" the vampire asked, shifting uncomfortably. "We can't just walk around here all day, surely." Looking sheepish, he continued gently. "As much as I would love to, though."
As they walked, Angel glanced up and about almost wistfully. "I haven't been here in almost a 150 years. It would be nice to have a look around again." Suddenly, he looked down at her. "You have been in St Petersburg before?" he asked, curious.
Cora gave a dry, humourless chuckle that made Angel frown. "Yeah, you can say that." Seeing that he wasn't going to comment, she sighed and continued. "I lived here for five years. I was taking a break from work, I guess you could say." At that comment she lost her humour and looked almost sad. Looking down quickly, she hurried to complete her little confession.
"I got out just as the Revolution was beginning." She shrugged, a haunted look clouding her face. "It wasn't the best time to be Russia, as you know. I haven't been back since."
Nodding, Angel wisely remained silent. He hadn't seen first hand what the revolution had done to this magnificent city but he had heard the stories, the rumours. And for a not-long souled vampire, they were horrifying. The starving, frozen people left lying in the streets, dead and dying as the soldiers marched by.. towards the palace..
Angel shook his head, clearing his thoughts. The vampire community, he knew, had had a field day in Russia during those dreadful years. It had become prime hunting grounds and just the thought of it now made Angel sick. Looking up at the proud, majestic buildings around them, at the small group of people huddled together in the doorway of a fashionable shop, laughing and sharing swigs of a bottle Angel would have sworn held Vodka to keep them warm, he couldn't picture how different the scene would be in a few years.
People hanging out of windows, screaming at the soldiers as they marched past.banners held high in the air as the protesting, yelling people made their way through the streets, the Cyrillic symbols flashing boldly into the sky, the people watching with wide, solemn eyes from the footpath. bodies littering the streets where they fell as people turned and ran, screaming in terror as the Cossack soldiers fired into the chaos.
"It was terrible."
Angel looked down quickly, seeing the clouded expression in Cora's eyes before it closed over, hiding. Inclining her head to the side slightly, she stopped and pointed to a building across the street from them. It was about three stories high and made from a very elaborate design. The vampire could tell that this was one of the social points of the Nevsky Prospect, if the number of Troikas parked outside it meant anything. There were brightly dressed men and woman milling outside or in the doorway, snug and warm in their furs.
"I remember watching a group of kids, children really, braking into that store to hide from the soldiers." She stared at building for a long while, her face expressionless, but an obvious hidden battle going on inside her. When she did speak again, her voice was soft and filled with pain.
"But there was no escaping them.none. They went in there and pulled those girls out by their hair. Shot them dead right there in front of that doorway. All five of them. And I didn't do anything to help them. Nothing. I just sat there, in my room across the street..." Angel shot a quick look at the buildings on their side of the road; trying to see what one she was talking about. "And put my hands over my ears and screamed and screamed. I just wanted to get the sound of the guns and yelling out of my head. I don't even remember Louis running in the room and."
She abruptly cut off, vigorously wiping the tears out of her eyes. Angel realised she had said more than she had planned to.
She let her head drop so she stared at the ground. "I left the next day. I was in so much shock and so terrified I didn't even think to use my powers to get out of there." She chuckled dryly. "I just let them bundle me onto a steamer and sailed away from it all. I think we were in Paris before I came to my senses and got out of there. Anyanka had been beside herself with worry.nobody had known where I was.."
She shook her blonde head suddenly and straightened. "But that is enough of my sad story. I'm sure your bored to death." She shot Angel a dazzling smile that was obviously forced. Angel opened his mouth to disagree but he saw the warning look on Cora's face and wisely closed it with a snap.
They fell into an uncomfortable silence, nether quite knowing what to say. They had just resumed walking when Cora suddenly asked the vampire casually, "Would you like to get some more clothes? If we're going to be blending in here we will need to look the part." She looked down at herself again, some of the old disgust flitting onto her pretty face at the clothing.
"As much as I hate to say it, we are actually wearing kind of fashionable clothes at the moment. This coat of mine must have cost a pretty penny." She shot Angel a slight grin, her earlier tears seemingly forgotten. "Do you think we should take that as a sign from the Powers that we will be mixing with the cream of society, or what?"
"Your girl must have really picked the right people to hang out with if that's the case." She said teasingly. Angel's eyebrows shot up in alarm then a slow smile spread across his face.
"Buffy? With that lot?" He chuckled deeply. "Now that's something I'd pay to see. They wouldn't know what hit them if she was around."
Sneaking a glance up at his face, Cora smiled gently at the fond expression she found there as he thought of the missing Slayer. "Don't worry, Angel. We'll find her before you know it."
He shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, it's not her I'm worried about." The vampire grinned knowingly as Cora's eyebrows rose in surprise at his remark. "I'd be willing to bet that Buffy would put them in their place, prince or no prince. She doesn't take crap from anyone. And for some reason, I don't think that would quite blow over with society."
Cora laughed. "You know, I can't wait to met this girl of yours. She sounds like my kind of people."
Smiling in answer, Angel looked around at the buildings before changing the topic. "If your serious about shopping, how about that one?" he asked, pointing to a shop on their side of the road that they had almost come to.
Still grinning, Cora followed his arm, and then suddenly the grin dropped off her lips as the colour drained from her face. Stopping abruptly, she stared at the building pensively. "That one?" she asked in a quite voice.
Frowning at the sudden change in her behaviour, Angel said slowly, "Yeah. Why? Do you want to chose another?"
Clenching her jaw, the vampire saw the Questor's eyes harden with resolve as she took a deep breath. "No. That ones fine."
"Cora?" Angel asked, concerned. He reached out a hand to touch her shoulder gently. But Cora skipped away, not letting him touch her. "Are you sure?"
Sending the vampire a tight smile, she briskly walked forward, her back ridged. "Yes, Angel, I'm sure. Now come on."
Angel frowned. He had known the Questor was mysterious, but this really took the cake. The girl had secrets, that were obvious. And as he quickly hurried to catch up with her, Angel decided he was determined to discover what they were while they were here.
* * * *
"Can I help you?"
Angel lifted his head, looking briefly into the collected, if somewhat dismayed face of the smartly dressed young man who had come up to them reluctantly, before looking down at Cora again, letting her take the lead. As she had explained to him in a hushed voice as they walked through the huge wooden doors into the shop, she knew this city better than he did, knew how to handle the people of St Petersburg. In other words, she told him to shut up and let her do the talking.
As casual as she did this everyday, Cora flashed the man a quick smile, turning to face him straight on. She straightened her back, squared her shoulders, and raised her chin before answering the man. The result was instantaneous. Blinking at the change in the girl, who he had originally taken for a middle-class merchant coming into to buy her Sunday best, he too, straightened and folded his hands neatly in front of him.
"Madam?" If nothing, his voice was now filled with respect.
"We will be needing a few complete changes of clothes." Cora told him smartly. "And that means everything; coats, suits, dresses, gloves, mittens.the works." Her eyes fell on the material around them in obvious dismay. "And this will not be acceptable."
Staring into his now slightly sweating face, she told him firmly, "Show us what else you have or we will take our service elsewhere."
"Yes, madam. Right away, madam." Nodding his head quickly, the young man gave them a rushed bow before departing at an almost run.
Turning to Angel, she saw that he was staring at her in respectful awe. Grinning, she flicked her hair. "What?" But Angel only shook his head slowly in disbelief.
"You are unbelievable." He spread his hands out wide, taking in the wealthy shop around them. "How are you intending to pay for all of this anyway? My accounts in this time will still be working and I *do* have a lot of money saved up in those, but it will take a few days to get things organised."
But Cora just waved his questions away with a swish of her hand. "Don't worry about it, Angel. I do this all the time. And my accounts *are* up and running and ready to go. I have enough money for us to live here comfortable for a few months at least." Her eyebrows rising charmingly, she looked around them in distaste. "Although, I really hope we are out of here by then. I really don't miss wearing these dreadful clothes. Give me jeans any day of the week, I look like a blimp whale in this get up."
"I really must disagree with that, my dear." A smooth, polished voice came from behind them, causing both Angel and Cora to turn around in surprise as nether had heard the man approach. Obviously expecting the sales clerk to be back again, they both blinked when they instead found a very handsome man in his early 30s wearing a tailored black suit, dark hair and glasses, standing there calmly, a slight smile lighting his smooth face.
Beside him, Angel heard Cora give a small gasp and he stole a quick glance at her, only to find her eyes riveted on the man's face, her own quite pale. Putting a hand on the small of her back in support, the vampire was astounded when she unconsciously leaned back into his embrace. The man noticed this and frowned in concern, taking a step forward.
"Are you ill, madam? I can get.." He looked up as he spoke, his eyes searching for someone. But Cora shook her head and stood up straight again.
"No, no. I'm quite alright." She smiled reassuringly at the men, both who were watching her, troubled. Angel made a mental note to ask his companion about it later.
Taking a step away from Angel, Cora took a deep breath and looked the man squarely in the eyes, as if trying to push down hidden emotions deep inside herself so they wouldn't see. The man blinked and cleared his throat nervously under her gaze. He instead concentrated on Angel, seemingly deciding this was safer ground. "How can my men be in assistance to you today? He asked pleasantly, not looking at Cora. "Mikhail said you were after complete changes of clothes, is that correct?"
Angel nodded his head, his thoughts still clouded by Cora. "Yes. We have just arrived in Russia and found that our attire is not suitable." He snorted in mock irony. "It turns out that we were not properly informed about the dreadful weather you have in this country of yours."
The young man smiled politely, his hands behind his back. "I am dreadfully sorry about that, sir. Russia's weather can come across as a bit of a shock to westerners, I agree." He stepped forward slightly, peering at the rolls of material around them. Suddenly, shot Cora a quick, calculated look before frowning in dismay. "You are quite correct, sir. These are not suitable. If you would follow me.." He gave them a smart little bow and started to lead them across the plush, white carpet of the shop.
As they walked off, the still oddly silent Cora trailing behind the two men, her earlier commands about being in change having long been forgotten, Angel found himself being drawn into conversation with the pleasant young man, who had introduced himself as none other than Mr Betran, the actual owner of the large store.
He must have caught Angel surprised glance at this news for he have a polite little laugh and looked quite sheepish as he tried to explain. "My father died less than three years ago, leaving the family store in my hands. I have four older sisters, you see, and as my father died so suddenly, I have come into my inheritance quite young."
Angel nodded in understanding. "If I may be so bold, it doesn't seem to make a difference in the slightest. You are obviously very skilled at what you do."
Betran dipped his head in acknowledgment of the compliment and gave a small smile of gratitude. "Why, thank you sir." He chuckled quietly and said to the vampire in a low voice, "I must tell you what a pleasure and an honour it is for me to be able to serve Americans in my store, sir. I find them so much more able to express their likes and dislikes of fabrics and such than Russians, who I find are more reserved."
Suddenly, as if remembering something pleasant, his warm eyes brightened. "In fact, I had the pleasure in serving a delightful creature not this week past. An American, like yourself, who I found an absolute treasure in dressing. She took an almost childlike delight in choosing her clothes, in a way I find similar in most Americans." He frowned slightly with the thought and when he continued, Angel got the impression Betran wasn't talking to him anymore. "Although, even more so in her case. It was almost as if she had no recollection of the clothes before."
Blinking, he gave his dark haired head a quick shake and grinned at Angel as they walked across the floor. "I guess America most be greatly different than Russia." He eyes were filled with question.
Numb from his words, Angel just managed to nod and murmur, "Indeed." His eyes wide, he mentally ran back Betran's words in his head, picking out the important facts that he could use as evidence. Not daring to turn to see if Cora had picked up on if as well, Angel was silent as he carefully chose his words before continuing.
"This customer you talk about." he started slowly, looking very serious as he rubbed his chin with one hand thoughtfully. Mr Betran turned his head slightly in surprise as he ushered them into a more exclusive area of the store. There were rolls upon rolls of rich coloured silk and satin materials everywhere they looked.
"Yes?" Betran asked, not even looking as Cora ungracefully sat down in one of the plush sofas, her eyes filled with unbridled pain as she stared at the two men, seemingly in a state of shock. Angel ignored her for the moment, having more pressing matters to turn to.
"Was she blonde?" Angel asked carefully, his eyes glued on the wealthy young man's face. Betran frowned in concern with the odd questions, wondering how much he should say.
"Indeed she was." He answered slowly, breaking eye contact with the vampire by picking up a roll of rose coloured silk and placing it on another pile idly.
He didn't fail to notice, though, the sound of Angel sucking in an unnecessary gasp of air. Turning back around to face the stunned vampire slowly, Betran's expression was more guarded now.
"Is there a problem, sir?" he asked, but Angel ignored him. He walked briskly across the carpet and kneeled down in front of Cora, who looked into his face in confusion.
"Angel?" she asked quietly, startled when the vampire reached out and took her hands in his.
"Its Buffy, Cora. It has to be." He whispered hoarsely, but loud enough for Betran, who had been trying in no avail not to listen to them, to hear. The name struck a cord with the Russian, and with a start, he remembered it was the name the Grand Duchesses called Miss Elizabeth when they visited his store earlier in the week.
Turning quickly, he stared openly at the two figures whispering together, wondering how the knew the beautiful American. He doubted they meant her any harm; the look of desperate longing on the man's face was evidence enough of that, but for what reason were they here in Russia? Were they here to collect her maybe? Then why would the Romanov's go to such trouble to buy her all new clothes if she wasn't going to be staying for an extended period of time?
With these questions swimming around in his head, Betran made a quick decision and took a hesitant step forward. Speaking clearly, yet curiously, he asked the two figures, who had all but forgotten he was in the room,
"How is it you know Miss Elizabeth?"
****
Angel stilled, his hushed sentence breaking off as the man's words flowed into his brain and registered. Silently, his eyes flew up to meet Cora's, who suddenly wasn't looking so lost and pained as she had a few minutes before. As if a light had been switched on in her brain, the young woman eyes were bright with anticipation and her back straightened with tension.
Slowly, she turned her head to stare, wide eyed, at Mr Betran, as if seeing him fully for the first time. As Betran watched, worried, Angel turned to stare at him also, both of their eyes filled with hope.
It was Cora who broke the silence. "You know where she is?" she whispered, astounded.
His reaction wasn't what she had expected. As if he found her question hilarious, a large grin broke out on his face. If nothing, this served to ease the tension that had suddenly built up in the room. But Cora and Angel didn't notice this at all; they were staring at Betran in disbelief, wondering what on earth to make of his unusual answer.
Seeing their reaction, Betran sobered, but he still had a warm grin on his face when he answered them. "Of course I know where she is.. Don't you?" The last bit was said cautiously.
The Questor and the Vampire shot each other a swift look, before making their faces completely neutral. Voicing the story that he pulled from his head at that instant, Angel explained to Betran, "Cora and I are Buf-Miss Elizabeth's cousins. We knew she was staying in Russia, but not exactly where. We are here to visit her, but alas, we have had no luck finding her residence.
Eyeing them warily, obviously not fully falling for their story, Betran took a seat opposite them and folded his hands neatly across his lap. "I'd have thought that was obvious." He said dryly.
Frowning slightly, Angel leaned forward. "Excuse me?" he asked tentatively, not understand what he was getting at.
"Your *cousin*" Angel winced as this was said ironically, "is staying with their Majesties at Tsarskoe Selo." He shook his head, mystified. "I can not understand how you would not have been aware of this. With someone of Miss Elizabeth's obvious breeding, where else would she have stayed?"
That's a good question, Angel mused, staggered by these turn of events.
Cora, who was obviously having trouble accepting all of this, leaned forward, put her elbows on her knees and placed her chin in her hands. Staring at Mr Betran incredulity, she ignored the disproving flash in his eyes as he took in her unlady-like posture.
"Is there anyway we can get into Tsarskoe Selo to see her?"
Signing, Betran shook his head in resignation. "I'm afraid that's impossible. No one gets into the Village without a personal invitation. If you were to turn up at the gates, I'm afraid you wouldn't get past the guards."
Betran was curious at the almost instantaneous droop in Angel's shoulders at his words. Silently, the vampire flopped down into a chair and let his head drop into his hands in defeat. Without looking up, he muttered loudly enough for them both to hair, "Then we're back to where we started." He sounded pained, almost lost at the thought.
Bewildered, Betran stared at the man. "You really care for her, don't you?" he whispered, stunned at the conclusion he had just came to.
Angel looked up slowly, eyeing the young man sitting opposite him, his eyes wounded. "Yes." He said simply. "She means a great deal to me."
Silence filtered into the room, both Angel and Betran lost for words. Cora was staring down at the floor, biting her lip nervously as she idly played with a strand of her golden hair. They were all lost in thought, trying to understand each other's side of the story. Betran wondered what he should do now, continue to aid this odd pair of misfits in their quest.. one that would obviously involve not only the Imperial Family, who had been close acquaintances of his and his kin for many years, but Miss Elizabeth, who, even if he hadn't known her for more than a week, he would hate to cause any more distress.
Looking across at the pair, made up of a rude, wild looking woman who displayed almost no lady-like mannerisms that he could point out on the spot, and the mysterious, sad looking man who looked like the bottom had just fallen out of his very large world, Betran idly wondered whether it was really up to him to withhold the information that he was sure these two desperately needed. He could give them an easy answer that would be satisfactory to both parties.
Clearing his throat nervously, which caused both Angel and Cora's heads to snap up wildly at the sound, Betran explained to them slowly, "This may not be as hopeless as it seems. There will actually be a Ball in a few days time at the Winter Palace, and I am almost 100% sure that Miss Elizabeth will be in attendance."
Angel and Cora looked taken aback at his words and they shared a quick look between them. Leaning forward, Cora narrowed her eyes and said suspiciously, "What's that got to do with anything? I hardly think they are going to let just anyone into this thing."
Nodding his head, Betran swallowed determinedly and looked them both firmly. "You speak correctly, miss. But I, on the other hand, have an open invitation."
He let his words trail off, noticing with satisfaction Angel's eyes open wide in understanding. "Are you serious?" the vampire whispered, stunned that anyone would offer them something like that.
Looking resolute, Betran nodded his head. "If you know Miss Elizabeth, then I don't see any harm in it" He actually flashed them a smile. "I've never done anything like this before in my life, although, my mother has always told me to be more forward." He chuckled at his own humour.
Gaining confidence, he gazed at them each in turn before settling on Angel again. "I take it you would like somewhere to stay while we are at it?" At the vampire's suddenly awkward look, he smiled at them kindly. "I will ask no questions, but a friend of Miss Elizabeth's is a friend of mine."
Angel turned around slightly to glance at Cora to see what she was making at all of this. But she didn't see him look at her; she was staring at Betran in turn, her eyes suspiciously cloudy. Deciding that she wasn't about to take up the offer, Angel turned back to Betran, who was waiting patiently for an answer from the dark vampire.
Swallowing tightly, Angel got to his feet, Betran doing the same. Holding his hand out, he grasped the other man's hand in his own tight grip and the eyed each other over their arms. Finally, Betran smiled and Angel found himself doing the same, sensing deep down that they were making a good decision in trusting this man.
"Good then." Betran said warmly. "Welcome to St Petersburg."
Somewhere just outside St Petersburg..
Cora was worried.
It didn't take a genius to figure that out, Angel decided as he stared openly at her from where she stood beside him, hands firmly on her hips, gazing around their bleak surroundings with a deep frown attached to her face. Actually, bleak was too kind a word to describe the surroundings the Questor and the vampire had found themselves in when arriving at their final destination. For a number of reasons. Firstly, it was the snow. SNOW. Angel couldn't remember when he had last seen so much of the stuff in one place before, and that was saying something for he had travelled the world extensively in his long life.
They had arrived smack bang in what looked like a piece of paper that someone had conveniently painted completely white. The hill-less plains stretched on forever, and it was only when he squinted tightly that Angel could make out the faint figures of leafless trees in the distance. Even those looked bleak and frozen. There were no buildings, no cars.hell, there weren't even any *roads* to speak of. Adding that all together it wasn't hard to come to the conclusion that there weren't any people anywhere near them.
The second reason, and from Angel perspective the most important, was the slightly obvious fact that it was the middle of the day. Even if there wasn't much sun to speak of as the dark, swollen clouds blanketed the orb's rays from ever reaching the earth. But after spending the last few hundreds years of your life living without the stuff (certain recent one off days excluded, of course) Angel tended to believe that you were bound to notice kind of quickly when you suddenly find yourself bathed in the haunting glow.
So it wasn't surprising that the vampire had given a startled kind of yelp and ducked, covering his head quickly with his hands as if he truly believed that was going to do him any good. He had waited, terrified, for the burning sensation that he knew so well to start snaking its way up and through his body, wishing somewhere deep inside himself that he could have seen Buffy just one more time before he left this world.
But nothing had happened.
After a few seconds had ticked by, the shaking vampire had slowly took his hands of his face and blinked stupidly up at the sky above him in stunned wonder as he it could tell him what the hell was going on. As if in a daze, the dark haired man had brought his hands up in front of his face, flipping them over before his incredulous gaze, as if he hadn't set eyes on them before, a wondrous grin slowly appearing on his lips.
It had been the sound of laughter that had made his head jerk up and stare, open mouthed, at the woman with thick, bushy hair who was standing with her hands on her knees, almost doubling over as she laughed, tears gathering in her eyes. Well, at least someone seems to find this amusing, Angel had thought, frowning at her in disapproval. He didn't find the situation in the least bit funny.
"Go head, laugh." He had told her darkly. "But I'd like to see what you'd do if you found you could suddenly do something that's meant to be impossible."
Cora had quickly sobered and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Looking at him apoplectically, she told him with a wide grin, "I'm sorry, Angel. It's just that I haven't seen anything so funny in ages! You should have seen your face.!" This seemed to set her off again, for she had started to giggle uncontrollably and had to slap her hand over her mouth to muffle the sound.
But she had quickly stopped whatever giggling was still inside her at the shocked look on the vampire's face as her stared at her, seemingly seeing her for the first time.
"Cora, what in god's name are you *wearing*!?"
Cora looked down at herself instantly, and with an exclaim of complete dismay she stared, open mouthed at her attire. Angel could feel a grin of his own forming at her reaction. She was dressed in what looked like a old fashioned, black woollen skirt that fell briskly to her ankles, allowing the tips of snow encrusted black boots to peep out the bottom. On top she wore a long, thick cloak that was so startlingly white Angel could have sworn it was made from ermine.
Frowning deeply, the vampire walked over to Cora and fingered the lush material on her arm lightly, seemingly trying to decipher its quality. Looking up, he met her gaze squarely.
"What is this?" he asked, no longer in the mood for games. Truthfully, this whole thing was starting to freak him out. All he wanted to do is find Buffy and get the hell out of here. The sooner the better.
Cora just sighed and pushed away from him, looking around their surroundings with eagle eyes as she answered the vampire, "It always happens, don't worry. It's the main way Questors blend into the civilizations when we are on missions." She finally looked at him out of the corner of her eye, a sly grin on her face. "Did you really expect to walk around this place in leather pants and a duster?"
Startled, Angel looked down at himself, for the first time realising he too, was dressed in different clothing. But in his opinion, his weren't nearly as bad as Cora's. True to her word, his leather pants and black duster were gone, probably never to be seen again, only to be replaced with black slacks, black boots and a warm, grey fur jacket.
Angel groaned. "What is this place?" he muttered, casting another wary glance up into the sky. Catching his gaze, Cora nodded in understanding.
"As for the whole sun light thing.." She shrugged. "Who knows? The Powers work in mysterious ways, as you very well know. Maybe they finally realised you would be more of a help finding the Slayer if you weren't restricted by the day light." Suddenly she glanced at him pensively, an uncharacteristically gentle smile on her face.
"Treasure this gift, Angel. We have no way of knowing how long it will last." That last bit succeeded in jolting him back to reality. They had a very important job to do and it wouldn't do to stand here for the rest of the day, mulling over things they couldn't change.
As if she noticed the change come over the vampire, Cora rubbed her hands together briskly, trying to warm them up. Without looking at him, she told Angel, "I can tell that we have travelled back in time about 80 years." She shook her head. "At this stage, I can't be more exact than that, sorry."
She once again glanced down at her clothes. "From what we are wearing and the very obvious evidence of snow, I'd say we are in Europe somewhere. We won't be able to tell until we come across a town or something with signs." She shot him a grin. "This part of the job really sucks. You never know where your gonna end up. Once I found myself dancing the Can-can in a 17th century whore house in London."
At his open mouthed gap, she shrugged casually. "That isn't an experience I'm going to repeat in a hurry, I'll tell you."
As he was still staring at her, slightly wary, the Questor grinned broadly and jerked her head in the direction of the group of trees Angel had noticed earlier. "Shall we be off? We're never gonna find your girl standing here freezing to death. The sooner we get to some sort of settlement, the sooner we can get some information about this place." Then she muttered darkly, "Not to mention get to heat into our bones.I'm freezing!"
Nodding, Angel fell into step beside her and the Questor and the vampire started their slow yet steady pace towards the trees, thankful at least that it was not snowing and there was little evidence of wind. They weren't stupid enough to believe they could have survived out here in the wilderness in any harsher climate. Over all, they had been rather lucky to end up where they had.
Although, Angel mused, a little closer to some sort of civilization would have been nice.
****
Two very long hours later, Cora was still walking along, silent, lost in thought. Her and Angel hadn't talked much over the last few hours of their journey, instead concentrating on forcing their feet to move through the thick snow that lay at their feet and trying to ignore the horrible feeling of freezing melted snow seeping into their boots through their socks. Over all, it had to be some of the most uncomfortable few hours of Cora's very long life.
As they had walked on and on, and no hint of a change in landscape seemed to be near, the Questor could feel her patience running thin. She hadn't had this kind of greeting in a new time in years and it wasn't something she hoped she would have to repeat in a long while. She was used to blending into warm cities with happy, bustling people going about their day- to-day business, not concerned about the ancient traveller they had in their mists. That was one of the main things Cora loved about her job. The fact that even though the centuries rolled by on angel's wings and civilizations grew and fell like the tide, the atmosphere in large cities, whether they were ancient or modern, never changed. They were still the busy, centre point of the people who lived and breathed its life.
Cora loved nothing more than to hop back to places like ancient Athens or Rome and stroll down their busy streets, letting the sounds of human life wash over her, not noticed by the street vendors as they sold their wares. She would go sit for the whole day on top of the Capitoline Hill in Rome and listen to the sound of the priestesses chanting away to their gods for salvation.
That was why she really didn't need to be stuck in the middle of some god forsaken country looking for a missing Slayer who, from what Cora had heard in the last few years, got herself in dire trouble a couple of times a week! Why had she agreed to help these people in the first place? Was it out of some misplaced loyalty to Anya that had made her say yes? She had known the vengeance demon for a very long time, true, but that hadn't stopped her refusing people's pleas in the past. Or had it been the stricken, tear stained face of the Key, who had been mourning the loss of the beloved sister she never actually had?
Whatever, Cora thought, shaking her head. She tried to force herself to think of something different. It couldn't be healthy to dwell on the past. But look where it had taken her. She was traipsing though knee-deep snow in a skirt that she wouldn't usually have worn even if someone had paid her with D'Hoffryn's head on a platter, wondering idly if central heating had been invented yet.
The thought of D'Hoffryn made her pause and groan. If this ever got back to him.. hell, Anya needn't worry about being the laughing stock of the demon community ever again. Cora would be winning gold in that department for the rest of her life.
Her shoulders drooping with the thought, Cora started walking again, but had only got a few feet when she stumbled, her foot disappearing through the suddenly deep snow. She cried out in surprise and pitched forward, squeezing her eyes closed in dread as she waited for the shock of the coldness as she face planted the snow. But it never came. Instead, strong hands grabbed her slight form around her waist and pulled her backwards, crushing her against a firm chest.
Gasping for a breath, Cora brought her hands up to clutch her chest and she could feel her heart beating wildly. When the arms suddenly released her, the Questor spun around, stumbling again in the process, and had to reach out and steady herself on her saviour's arms to stop herself falling over.
Looking up she found herself staring into Angel's lopsided grin as he lightly reached out and clasped her forearm, Cora giving him a grateful smile for his trouble. "Thanks, Angel. I guess I'm more tired than I thought." She grimaced suddenly and reached down to massage her ankle. "How do you feel about taking a little break?"
But Angel didn't answer, the hand gripping her arm tightening suddenly. Curious, Cora lifted her head and straightened, frowning up into his face. "What's the matter?" she asked.
Angel looked completely thunderstruck as he gave a long gasp of awe and dropped her arm, stepping away from Cora as if he had forgotten she was there. He took a few steps forward before stopping, his hands hanging limply at his sides.
"Angel?" Cora said again, getting concerned, walking up to stand slightly behind him. Putting a hand on the back of his shoulder, she had just opened her mouth to inquire again when she finally raised her eyes and followed the vampire's gaze.
She froze, her mouth falling open slowly in complete disbelief.
Cora wondered idly why she hadn't realised they had been climbing a hill. For that's where they were, standing at the top of a small hill that allowed them to see for miles. As a faint wind reached them and started dancing through her hair, Cora's eyes gazed back and forth over the spectacle before them.
It was a city. A huge, snow-caped city. Rising from its depths were what seemed like hundreds of domes shooting into the sky proudly. Enormous buildings stretched out on the banks of what looked like a frozen river, hundreds of bridges arching over its waters. In the distance, Cora could just make out the sound of bells singing matins faintly on the wind.
"Jesus." she breathed, recognising the city instantly. After all, there weren't many places on earth that could boast the wonders that St Petersburg did. She would recognise those domes anywhere.
And she knew their task had just gotten a wee bit harder.
**** A while later..
The Nevsky Prospect had never looked so beautiful, Cora decided as she idly strolled down the pavement of the shopping capital of St Petersburg, her hands swaying slightly at her sides as she glanced back and forth in rapt fascination at the huge, imposing buildings that she hadn't set eyes on for almost 85 years.
She had almost forgotten that Angel was walking silently along beside her, lost in his own memories of the place, as she listened with a slight smile on her face to the sound of the swishing bells that danced past them on the horse drawn Troikas which swished past each other like lightening. On the side of the pavement, crowds of people gathered around the more humble vehicles available for hire. There were horses attached to thick-set carts, each surrounded by a huge, bear like man in a thick grey coat, ready to sell their wears in the capital to the richer society for the winter before going back to their humble villages.
Watching the bustling people hurry down the street, head's down in the position that was almost second nature for Russians to keep the snow off their faces, Cora couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips. She had forgotten how much she had once loved this place. It had been her home in some of the best years of her long life.
Ducking her head, she watched the cobbled stones beneath her feet as they walked along, not really having a destination, letting the fates take them wherever they had planned for them to go next.
A young woman bundled up warmly in furs gave them a curious look as she hurried past them, but Cora didn't care. She had seen it all before. The glances, the whispers, and didn't mind them at all. The people of St Petersburg were a curious lot, she knew from first hand experience.
"Cora?" A hesitant voice sounded from beside her and the Questor shook her head, breaking her train of thought.
"Umm?" she murmured absent-mindedly, not really listening to him.
"Where are we going?" the vampire asked, shifting uncomfortably. "We can't just walk around here all day, surely." Looking sheepish, he continued gently. "As much as I would love to, though."
As they walked, Angel glanced up and about almost wistfully. "I haven't been here in almost a 150 years. It would be nice to have a look around again." Suddenly, he looked down at her. "You have been in St Petersburg before?" he asked, curious.
Cora gave a dry, humourless chuckle that made Angel frown. "Yeah, you can say that." Seeing that he wasn't going to comment, she sighed and continued. "I lived here for five years. I was taking a break from work, I guess you could say." At that comment she lost her humour and looked almost sad. Looking down quickly, she hurried to complete her little confession.
"I got out just as the Revolution was beginning." She shrugged, a haunted look clouding her face. "It wasn't the best time to be Russia, as you know. I haven't been back since."
Nodding, Angel wisely remained silent. He hadn't seen first hand what the revolution had done to this magnificent city but he had heard the stories, the rumours. And for a not-long souled vampire, they were horrifying. The starving, frozen people left lying in the streets, dead and dying as the soldiers marched by.. towards the palace..
Angel shook his head, clearing his thoughts. The vampire community, he knew, had had a field day in Russia during those dreadful years. It had become prime hunting grounds and just the thought of it now made Angel sick. Looking up at the proud, majestic buildings around them, at the small group of people huddled together in the doorway of a fashionable shop, laughing and sharing swigs of a bottle Angel would have sworn held Vodka to keep them warm, he couldn't picture how different the scene would be in a few years.
People hanging out of windows, screaming at the soldiers as they marched past.banners held high in the air as the protesting, yelling people made their way through the streets, the Cyrillic symbols flashing boldly into the sky, the people watching with wide, solemn eyes from the footpath. bodies littering the streets where they fell as people turned and ran, screaming in terror as the Cossack soldiers fired into the chaos.
"It was terrible."
Angel looked down quickly, seeing the clouded expression in Cora's eyes before it closed over, hiding. Inclining her head to the side slightly, she stopped and pointed to a building across the street from them. It was about three stories high and made from a very elaborate design. The vampire could tell that this was one of the social points of the Nevsky Prospect, if the number of Troikas parked outside it meant anything. There were brightly dressed men and woman milling outside or in the doorway, snug and warm in their furs.
"I remember watching a group of kids, children really, braking into that store to hide from the soldiers." She stared at building for a long while, her face expressionless, but an obvious hidden battle going on inside her. When she did speak again, her voice was soft and filled with pain.
"But there was no escaping them.none. They went in there and pulled those girls out by their hair. Shot them dead right there in front of that doorway. All five of them. And I didn't do anything to help them. Nothing. I just sat there, in my room across the street..." Angel shot a quick look at the buildings on their side of the road; trying to see what one she was talking about. "And put my hands over my ears and screamed and screamed. I just wanted to get the sound of the guns and yelling out of my head. I don't even remember Louis running in the room and."
She abruptly cut off, vigorously wiping the tears out of her eyes. Angel realised she had said more than she had planned to.
She let her head drop so she stared at the ground. "I left the next day. I was in so much shock and so terrified I didn't even think to use my powers to get out of there." She chuckled dryly. "I just let them bundle me onto a steamer and sailed away from it all. I think we were in Paris before I came to my senses and got out of there. Anyanka had been beside herself with worry.nobody had known where I was.."
She shook her blonde head suddenly and straightened. "But that is enough of my sad story. I'm sure your bored to death." She shot Angel a dazzling smile that was obviously forced. Angel opened his mouth to disagree but he saw the warning look on Cora's face and wisely closed it with a snap.
They fell into an uncomfortable silence, nether quite knowing what to say. They had just resumed walking when Cora suddenly asked the vampire casually, "Would you like to get some more clothes? If we're going to be blending in here we will need to look the part." She looked down at herself again, some of the old disgust flitting onto her pretty face at the clothing.
"As much as I hate to say it, we are actually wearing kind of fashionable clothes at the moment. This coat of mine must have cost a pretty penny." She shot Angel a slight grin, her earlier tears seemingly forgotten. "Do you think we should take that as a sign from the Powers that we will be mixing with the cream of society, or what?"
"Your girl must have really picked the right people to hang out with if that's the case." She said teasingly. Angel's eyebrows shot up in alarm then a slow smile spread across his face.
"Buffy? With that lot?" He chuckled deeply. "Now that's something I'd pay to see. They wouldn't know what hit them if she was around."
Sneaking a glance up at his face, Cora smiled gently at the fond expression she found there as he thought of the missing Slayer. "Don't worry, Angel. We'll find her before you know it."
He shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, it's not her I'm worried about." The vampire grinned knowingly as Cora's eyebrows rose in surprise at his remark. "I'd be willing to bet that Buffy would put them in their place, prince or no prince. She doesn't take crap from anyone. And for some reason, I don't think that would quite blow over with society."
Cora laughed. "You know, I can't wait to met this girl of yours. She sounds like my kind of people."
Smiling in answer, Angel looked around at the buildings before changing the topic. "If your serious about shopping, how about that one?" he asked, pointing to a shop on their side of the road that they had almost come to.
Still grinning, Cora followed his arm, and then suddenly the grin dropped off her lips as the colour drained from her face. Stopping abruptly, she stared at the building pensively. "That one?" she asked in a quite voice.
Frowning at the sudden change in her behaviour, Angel said slowly, "Yeah. Why? Do you want to chose another?"
Clenching her jaw, the vampire saw the Questor's eyes harden with resolve as she took a deep breath. "No. That ones fine."
"Cora?" Angel asked, concerned. He reached out a hand to touch her shoulder gently. But Cora skipped away, not letting him touch her. "Are you sure?"
Sending the vampire a tight smile, she briskly walked forward, her back ridged. "Yes, Angel, I'm sure. Now come on."
Angel frowned. He had known the Questor was mysterious, but this really took the cake. The girl had secrets, that were obvious. And as he quickly hurried to catch up with her, Angel decided he was determined to discover what they were while they were here.
* * * *
"Can I help you?"
Angel lifted his head, looking briefly into the collected, if somewhat dismayed face of the smartly dressed young man who had come up to them reluctantly, before looking down at Cora again, letting her take the lead. As she had explained to him in a hushed voice as they walked through the huge wooden doors into the shop, she knew this city better than he did, knew how to handle the people of St Petersburg. In other words, she told him to shut up and let her do the talking.
As casual as she did this everyday, Cora flashed the man a quick smile, turning to face him straight on. She straightened her back, squared her shoulders, and raised her chin before answering the man. The result was instantaneous. Blinking at the change in the girl, who he had originally taken for a middle-class merchant coming into to buy her Sunday best, he too, straightened and folded his hands neatly in front of him.
"Madam?" If nothing, his voice was now filled with respect.
"We will be needing a few complete changes of clothes." Cora told him smartly. "And that means everything; coats, suits, dresses, gloves, mittens.the works." Her eyes fell on the material around them in obvious dismay. "And this will not be acceptable."
Staring into his now slightly sweating face, she told him firmly, "Show us what else you have or we will take our service elsewhere."
"Yes, madam. Right away, madam." Nodding his head quickly, the young man gave them a rushed bow before departing at an almost run.
Turning to Angel, she saw that he was staring at her in respectful awe. Grinning, she flicked her hair. "What?" But Angel only shook his head slowly in disbelief.
"You are unbelievable." He spread his hands out wide, taking in the wealthy shop around them. "How are you intending to pay for all of this anyway? My accounts in this time will still be working and I *do* have a lot of money saved up in those, but it will take a few days to get things organised."
But Cora just waved his questions away with a swish of her hand. "Don't worry about it, Angel. I do this all the time. And my accounts *are* up and running and ready to go. I have enough money for us to live here comfortable for a few months at least." Her eyebrows rising charmingly, she looked around them in distaste. "Although, I really hope we are out of here by then. I really don't miss wearing these dreadful clothes. Give me jeans any day of the week, I look like a blimp whale in this get up."
"I really must disagree with that, my dear." A smooth, polished voice came from behind them, causing both Angel and Cora to turn around in surprise as nether had heard the man approach. Obviously expecting the sales clerk to be back again, they both blinked when they instead found a very handsome man in his early 30s wearing a tailored black suit, dark hair and glasses, standing there calmly, a slight smile lighting his smooth face.
Beside him, Angel heard Cora give a small gasp and he stole a quick glance at her, only to find her eyes riveted on the man's face, her own quite pale. Putting a hand on the small of her back in support, the vampire was astounded when she unconsciously leaned back into his embrace. The man noticed this and frowned in concern, taking a step forward.
"Are you ill, madam? I can get.." He looked up as he spoke, his eyes searching for someone. But Cora shook her head and stood up straight again.
"No, no. I'm quite alright." She smiled reassuringly at the men, both who were watching her, troubled. Angel made a mental note to ask his companion about it later.
Taking a step away from Angel, Cora took a deep breath and looked the man squarely in the eyes, as if trying to push down hidden emotions deep inside herself so they wouldn't see. The man blinked and cleared his throat nervously under her gaze. He instead concentrated on Angel, seemingly deciding this was safer ground. "How can my men be in assistance to you today? He asked pleasantly, not looking at Cora. "Mikhail said you were after complete changes of clothes, is that correct?"
Angel nodded his head, his thoughts still clouded by Cora. "Yes. We have just arrived in Russia and found that our attire is not suitable." He snorted in mock irony. "It turns out that we were not properly informed about the dreadful weather you have in this country of yours."
The young man smiled politely, his hands behind his back. "I am dreadfully sorry about that, sir. Russia's weather can come across as a bit of a shock to westerners, I agree." He stepped forward slightly, peering at the rolls of material around them. Suddenly, shot Cora a quick, calculated look before frowning in dismay. "You are quite correct, sir. These are not suitable. If you would follow me.." He gave them a smart little bow and started to lead them across the plush, white carpet of the shop.
As they walked off, the still oddly silent Cora trailing behind the two men, her earlier commands about being in change having long been forgotten, Angel found himself being drawn into conversation with the pleasant young man, who had introduced himself as none other than Mr Betran, the actual owner of the large store.
He must have caught Angel surprised glance at this news for he have a polite little laugh and looked quite sheepish as he tried to explain. "My father died less than three years ago, leaving the family store in my hands. I have four older sisters, you see, and as my father died so suddenly, I have come into my inheritance quite young."
Angel nodded in understanding. "If I may be so bold, it doesn't seem to make a difference in the slightest. You are obviously very skilled at what you do."
Betran dipped his head in acknowledgment of the compliment and gave a small smile of gratitude. "Why, thank you sir." He chuckled quietly and said to the vampire in a low voice, "I must tell you what a pleasure and an honour it is for me to be able to serve Americans in my store, sir. I find them so much more able to express their likes and dislikes of fabrics and such than Russians, who I find are more reserved."
Suddenly, as if remembering something pleasant, his warm eyes brightened. "In fact, I had the pleasure in serving a delightful creature not this week past. An American, like yourself, who I found an absolute treasure in dressing. She took an almost childlike delight in choosing her clothes, in a way I find similar in most Americans." He frowned slightly with the thought and when he continued, Angel got the impression Betran wasn't talking to him anymore. "Although, even more so in her case. It was almost as if she had no recollection of the clothes before."
Blinking, he gave his dark haired head a quick shake and grinned at Angel as they walked across the floor. "I guess America most be greatly different than Russia." He eyes were filled with question.
Numb from his words, Angel just managed to nod and murmur, "Indeed." His eyes wide, he mentally ran back Betran's words in his head, picking out the important facts that he could use as evidence. Not daring to turn to see if Cora had picked up on if as well, Angel was silent as he carefully chose his words before continuing.
"This customer you talk about." he started slowly, looking very serious as he rubbed his chin with one hand thoughtfully. Mr Betran turned his head slightly in surprise as he ushered them into a more exclusive area of the store. There were rolls upon rolls of rich coloured silk and satin materials everywhere they looked.
"Yes?" Betran asked, not even looking as Cora ungracefully sat down in one of the plush sofas, her eyes filled with unbridled pain as she stared at the two men, seemingly in a state of shock. Angel ignored her for the moment, having more pressing matters to turn to.
"Was she blonde?" Angel asked carefully, his eyes glued on the wealthy young man's face. Betran frowned in concern with the odd questions, wondering how much he should say.
"Indeed she was." He answered slowly, breaking eye contact with the vampire by picking up a roll of rose coloured silk and placing it on another pile idly.
He didn't fail to notice, though, the sound of Angel sucking in an unnecessary gasp of air. Turning back around to face the stunned vampire slowly, Betran's expression was more guarded now.
"Is there a problem, sir?" he asked, but Angel ignored him. He walked briskly across the carpet and kneeled down in front of Cora, who looked into his face in confusion.
"Angel?" she asked quietly, startled when the vampire reached out and took her hands in his.
"Its Buffy, Cora. It has to be." He whispered hoarsely, but loud enough for Betran, who had been trying in no avail not to listen to them, to hear. The name struck a cord with the Russian, and with a start, he remembered it was the name the Grand Duchesses called Miss Elizabeth when they visited his store earlier in the week.
Turning quickly, he stared openly at the two figures whispering together, wondering how the knew the beautiful American. He doubted they meant her any harm; the look of desperate longing on the man's face was evidence enough of that, but for what reason were they here in Russia? Were they here to collect her maybe? Then why would the Romanov's go to such trouble to buy her all new clothes if she wasn't going to be staying for an extended period of time?
With these questions swimming around in his head, Betran made a quick decision and took a hesitant step forward. Speaking clearly, yet curiously, he asked the two figures, who had all but forgotten he was in the room,
"How is it you know Miss Elizabeth?"
****
Angel stilled, his hushed sentence breaking off as the man's words flowed into his brain and registered. Silently, his eyes flew up to meet Cora's, who suddenly wasn't looking so lost and pained as she had a few minutes before. As if a light had been switched on in her brain, the young woman eyes were bright with anticipation and her back straightened with tension.
Slowly, she turned her head to stare, wide eyed, at Mr Betran, as if seeing him fully for the first time. As Betran watched, worried, Angel turned to stare at him also, both of their eyes filled with hope.
It was Cora who broke the silence. "You know where she is?" she whispered, astounded.
His reaction wasn't what she had expected. As if he found her question hilarious, a large grin broke out on his face. If nothing, this served to ease the tension that had suddenly built up in the room. But Cora and Angel didn't notice this at all; they were staring at Betran in disbelief, wondering what on earth to make of his unusual answer.
Seeing their reaction, Betran sobered, but he still had a warm grin on his face when he answered them. "Of course I know where she is.. Don't you?" The last bit was said cautiously.
The Questor and the Vampire shot each other a swift look, before making their faces completely neutral. Voicing the story that he pulled from his head at that instant, Angel explained to Betran, "Cora and I are Buf-Miss Elizabeth's cousins. We knew she was staying in Russia, but not exactly where. We are here to visit her, but alas, we have had no luck finding her residence.
Eyeing them warily, obviously not fully falling for their story, Betran took a seat opposite them and folded his hands neatly across his lap. "I'd have thought that was obvious." He said dryly.
Frowning slightly, Angel leaned forward. "Excuse me?" he asked tentatively, not understand what he was getting at.
"Your *cousin*" Angel winced as this was said ironically, "is staying with their Majesties at Tsarskoe Selo." He shook his head, mystified. "I can not understand how you would not have been aware of this. With someone of Miss Elizabeth's obvious breeding, where else would she have stayed?"
That's a good question, Angel mused, staggered by these turn of events.
Cora, who was obviously having trouble accepting all of this, leaned forward, put her elbows on her knees and placed her chin in her hands. Staring at Mr Betran incredulity, she ignored the disproving flash in his eyes as he took in her unlady-like posture.
"Is there anyway we can get into Tsarskoe Selo to see her?"
Signing, Betran shook his head in resignation. "I'm afraid that's impossible. No one gets into the Village without a personal invitation. If you were to turn up at the gates, I'm afraid you wouldn't get past the guards."
Betran was curious at the almost instantaneous droop in Angel's shoulders at his words. Silently, the vampire flopped down into a chair and let his head drop into his hands in defeat. Without looking up, he muttered loudly enough for them both to hair, "Then we're back to where we started." He sounded pained, almost lost at the thought.
Bewildered, Betran stared at the man. "You really care for her, don't you?" he whispered, stunned at the conclusion he had just came to.
Angel looked up slowly, eyeing the young man sitting opposite him, his eyes wounded. "Yes." He said simply. "She means a great deal to me."
Silence filtered into the room, both Angel and Betran lost for words. Cora was staring down at the floor, biting her lip nervously as she idly played with a strand of her golden hair. They were all lost in thought, trying to understand each other's side of the story. Betran wondered what he should do now, continue to aid this odd pair of misfits in their quest.. one that would obviously involve not only the Imperial Family, who had been close acquaintances of his and his kin for many years, but Miss Elizabeth, who, even if he hadn't known her for more than a week, he would hate to cause any more distress.
Looking across at the pair, made up of a rude, wild looking woman who displayed almost no lady-like mannerisms that he could point out on the spot, and the mysterious, sad looking man who looked like the bottom had just fallen out of his very large world, Betran idly wondered whether it was really up to him to withhold the information that he was sure these two desperately needed. He could give them an easy answer that would be satisfactory to both parties.
Clearing his throat nervously, which caused both Angel and Cora's heads to snap up wildly at the sound, Betran explained to them slowly, "This may not be as hopeless as it seems. There will actually be a Ball in a few days time at the Winter Palace, and I am almost 100% sure that Miss Elizabeth will be in attendance."
Angel and Cora looked taken aback at his words and they shared a quick look between them. Leaning forward, Cora narrowed her eyes and said suspiciously, "What's that got to do with anything? I hardly think they are going to let just anyone into this thing."
Nodding his head, Betran swallowed determinedly and looked them both firmly. "You speak correctly, miss. But I, on the other hand, have an open invitation."
He let his words trail off, noticing with satisfaction Angel's eyes open wide in understanding. "Are you serious?" the vampire whispered, stunned that anyone would offer them something like that.
Looking resolute, Betran nodded his head. "If you know Miss Elizabeth, then I don't see any harm in it" He actually flashed them a smile. "I've never done anything like this before in my life, although, my mother has always told me to be more forward." He chuckled at his own humour.
Gaining confidence, he gazed at them each in turn before settling on Angel again. "I take it you would like somewhere to stay while we are at it?" At the vampire's suddenly awkward look, he smiled at them kindly. "I will ask no questions, but a friend of Miss Elizabeth's is a friend of mine."
Angel turned around slightly to glance at Cora to see what she was making at all of this. But she didn't see him look at her; she was staring at Betran in turn, her eyes suspiciously cloudy. Deciding that she wasn't about to take up the offer, Angel turned back to Betran, who was waiting patiently for an answer from the dark vampire.
Swallowing tightly, Angel got to his feet, Betran doing the same. Holding his hand out, he grasped the other man's hand in his own tight grip and the eyed each other over their arms. Finally, Betran smiled and Angel found himself doing the same, sensing deep down that they were making a good decision in trusting this man.
"Good then." Betran said warmly. "Welcome to St Petersburg."