Chapter eighteen, Feelings.

Slowly Jane pulled on her trainers and socks. The whole house was asleep, except for herself, and Will outside. She left her room, gently shutting the door behind her. She crept down the stairs, freezing when one creaked beneath her foot. But no one stirred and she continued her secret walk through the cottage.

Will sat outside on a low stone wall, bordering a field. The rough stones pressed into the back of his legs, even through his thick jeans. The Welsh night was chilly and a brisk wind flowed from behind him. Shivering a little, he pulled his collar up around his neck, attempting to stave off the cold.

He took in a deep, cleansing breath and, turning his gaze back up to Jane's window, saw the light was still on. This was a more obvious aspect of his title of 'Watchman'. During his few years as a member of the Six and as an Old One, he had been given so many titles; 'Last born', 'Sign Seeker' and now 'Watchman'. How many more titles was he going to collect?

Jane had been awake only a little while ago, hers was the only light still on, casting a faint rectangle of light onto the grass nearby. It was light enough outside, the moon was still bright and cast all Will's surroundings into shadow.

He heard her come down the path towards him. As he recognised her, Will slipped off the wall and took a few steps forward to greet her.

"Jane."

"Will. You couldn't sleep either?"

"Not easily." She came up to him and he saw that a weary smile graced her face. She carried on past him, and slowly pulled herself up onto the wall. Will watched anxiously and only when she was seated, did he join her.

"Why are you sitting out here then?" She asked.

He shrugged

"Keep a watch out for the Dark." The real reason hung unsaid in the air between them 'Watching over you.'

"How can I hear you when the others can't?" She asked suddenly

"I don't know." He sighed. "It's been worrying me. I can only think that it is because I gave you blood at the hospital." He rolled up his sleeve and showed her the plaster at the crook of his elbow.

"Thank you." She said awkwardly. "I'm sorry for the way I let off in the car earlier."

"That's okay." He reassured her, wishing he could do more. "You had every right to do that, and you made some good points as well." He laughed at himself ruefully. "And there I go, making it sound like we were having a debate."

"I know what you mean."

They sat in silence for a little while, until Jane spoke again.

"Will… who is the Lady? I mean really."

"She is one of the first of the Old Ones and the most powerful."

"Is that all you know about her?" She pressed him. "Not her name? Or her age?"

Will thought hard.

"No. I have never been told her name and I've only ever heard her called 'the lady' or 'Madam'. Why do you ask?"

"She was here a few minutes ago. She said some confusing things."

Will's smile grew/

"Did she say anything about Merriman?"

"Only that he is fine and tired. He went to rest after the cutting of the mistletoe at the Midsummer tree. He is in Avalon. When the Dark came back he used up most of his strength to hold the majority of them back until the gateway was closed to them. And now he will come to us soon."

Will's smile faded slightly, and was replaced with an expression of worry.

"How did you know all that?"

Jane too looked a little shaken.

"I don't know. Maybe it is another effect of the blood?"

"My blood shouldn't do that to an ordinary person." He said, confused.

"Most of the time I am ordinary," she reminded him. "But I am also one of the Six. Maybe that is why."

"Possibly. You said Merriman was returning soon, we'll ask him then."

He noticed Jane yawning, and then stifled a yawn himself.

"Come on. We both need sleep." He jumped off the wall and took her hand to aid her in her descent.

To his joy she didn't release his hand as they walked back to the house. Will was also staying at John's cottage now.

Bran, who had been watching from his window smiled proudly and said in Welsh.

"The pair of you took your time, didn't you now? At last you're beginning to understand each other.

And he left Jane and Will to their privacy, standing on the doorstep, closing the curtains behind him.

Sorry once more for a slow update, and have a Merry Christmas!

HuntressDiana