Nicola stepped out of the taxi and looked around her. She turned back and handed some cash to the driver, hoisting her bag onto her shoulder as he drove off. She stood there in the Roman square for a moment collecting her thoughts. She was not sure that this was a good idea. It is true that she was desperate but her friend was breaking a lot of rules by meeting her and she was worried that she would ruin things for her here just when the other woman had become so happy and settled.

She heard music and looked in the direction of the sound only to see a lone violinist at the side of the street. An open case stood in front of him and she went over to drop a few coins in.

"Grazie, donna," he said, continuing to play.

"Prego," Nicola said softly in response as she turned away.

It was hot but she refused to take off the poncho she had draped over here. The marks on her arms would attract far too much attention. She let her gaze wander round the square once more, looking for someone to ask directions of. She had been in Italy a few times before but had never visited Rome and she didn't know her way around. Mostly tourists she decided as she surveyed those nearby. She would have to go into a shop and ask. Just then though she felt a tap on her back and turned to see Arene standing there.

Arene stood there smiling as she looked up at her friend. Nicola smiled back. She was also wearing a blue poncho, a long-sleeved shirt underneath, jeans and a hat. Nicola embraced her friend and Arene hugged her back tightly.

"I missed you so much, Nicola," she said as a tear formed in her eye.

"I missed you too," Nicola replied, looking down at the younger girl. "I was just about to ask for directions," she said as they began to walk down the street. Arene led the way.

"I'm sorry I couldn't get here quicker. Carl still has a problem with me going off by myself. I keep telling him I know Rome well enough, but he keeps insisting someone go with me. I was finally able to slip away today."

Nicola smiled, happy to see her friend so happy but her smile fell slightly.

"Arene... are you sure this alright? Won't you get in trouble? You're breaking so many rules."

Arene shook her head and turned to face her friend.

"Nicola, you are one of my best friends and I will not let whatever is hurting you continue to hurt you. I love my family and friends more than life itself. I will help you even if I break every rule in the book!"

Nicola looked at her and smiled.

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

Arene hugged her friend again. They hailed a taxi and drove for a short way. Then Arene paid the driver and led the way down a street and into an open area. Nicola looked ahead and saw the Vatican, in all its glory, standing only a few feet away. Arene led her to the front steps, but then motioned to follow her another way. On the side of the stonewall was a small panel and when Arene pushed it opened a small passage way. It was big enough for the both of them to get through.

"Only a few people know about this passage way, so it's safe enough for us to get through," she explained as she took Nicola's hand and led her down the dark passage.

"They built a ton of these back in the days of Valerious the Elder. Only half of them have been found and almost nobody uses them," Arene told her.

Soon, they were able to see a bright light at the end. As they got to the bottom, Arene pulled a large brown robe out of her bag and covered Nicola with it. She put the hood up and turned to her.

"Okay, you need to act like a friar. Just start speaking in Italian, keep the hood up and nobody's the wiser. Given I won't be able to understand most of it, Italian isn't my best subject. Okay, here we go..."

Arene pushed the panel open and Nicola's mouth dropped open. She was in the underground Armoury of the Vatican....