CHAPTER TEN: a safe haven

Buffy looked solemnly out the window as they passed out of Sunnydale. She had made quick work of packing her bags trying to drive out the fear that was shaking her core. Xander and Willow had been given a dilute version of what was happening and the two had eagerly offered to house sit until they returned. She had tried to act casually in front of them, as if it was no big deal, 'just a little glitch in the Slaying system' she had said. But when she sat in the car after hugging her two long time friends, her brave façade fled.

"So what you're saying is there is an entity trying to destroy the Slayer that lives in Buffy's body?" The older Summers asked as they pulled out of Sunnydale "Am I getting this right?" Giles nodded adjusting his seat belt not used to riding in the passenger seat.

"In truth yes. But the reason for why it is happening is much more complex." He glanced at Tara who was watching Buffy intently. "This is something that usually the Slayer fights off on her own accord the host not even aware of its happening."

"Really?" Joyce asked in surprise. "then how come…Giles what's the exit ramp again?..." Buffy let their voices drown out. She just couldn't handle it anymore. They had discussed and questioned it for hours already and always wound up at the same place. 'Why'. She just couldn't deal with it. Couldn't deal with the fact that everyone acted as it was all going to be okay. But how could it. How was she supposed to fight something inside of her? How? Everyone was so used to her having all the answers, waiting for her to save the day. Everyone just expected it. Everyone.

She felt eyes boring into the back of her head and turned to lock hazel eyes with blue. No…she took that back not everyone. She could since the fear and worry in the blue eyes that seemed to pull her in. The truth and severity of the situation she felt was shined back at her. No not everyone. Not everyone just assumed she was okay. Tara knew…knew the isolation she felt, knew she had been putting up a front so they wouldn't worry, knew she was scared. Those blue eyes could see it all and offered a silent promise. She would be there for whatever was to come, wouldn't just pretend everything was okay because it was easier. Wouldn't just expect her to be strong just because she was the slayer, wouldn't let her suffer alone. She offered the Wicca a sad smile. If she was honest Tara was the only thing keeping her grounded when everything else seemed to be falling apart. She felt a warm hand interlock with her own and that familiar warm buzz pass between them, calming her. She squeezed back resting her head back on the seat content with just staring into the eyes that seemed to know her soul, to understand.

Tara watched as the slayer seemed to calm slightly and relaxed some herself. She couldn't imagine what she must be going through but when she saw Buffy act as if she was okay and as if nothing was wrong in front of Xander and Willow her heart broke. She knew Buffy felt as if she had to save everyone, like the world was her responsibility alone. But it wasn't. She frowned watching as Buffy started to dose. This really must be taking a lot out of her she thought watching as some of the strain seemed to lessen on the Slayer's features. Quickly adjusting herself to a more comfortable position. She tugged gently on the hand that still held hers motioning for Buffy to lie down. Buffy not about to argue let Tara lead her down. Tara sighed as Buffy relaxed against her lap and began running her fingers through the slayer's hair. She smiled sensing Buffy's aura soften.

"Thank you." Buffy mumbled wrapping her arms around Tara's legs soaking in the comforting warmth emanating from the witch.

"Shhhh…" Tara whispered running her free hand in slow circles around the slayer's back. "Sleep." Buffy just nodded and allowed herself to succumb to the exhaustion that seemed to overtake her.

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Tara touched Buffy's cheek gently with her hand as they pulled into the winding dirt driveway. Not really wanting to wake the peaceful girl resting in her arms.

"Wow." Joyce said looking out at the expanse of gardens they were passing through. "This place is magnificent." She said in almost a state of aw.

"Ah, just another one of Lucinda's hobby's." Giles looked around at the spread of floras and vegetables. "Though I must say she has greatly expanded since I was here last. But her real masterpiece is her house" Giles laughed "Just wait until you see the inside" Buffy stirred as the car came to a stop. She had been awake for about the last fifteen or so minutes but didn't want to give up her spot. But as the doors started opening she knew she was going to have to. Slowly sitting up she looked at Tara then smiled.

"H-How do you feel?" Tara asked noticing that Buffy wasn't looking so pale. Buffy smiled at her.

"Despite the situation I'm actually feeling pretty good." And she did. "I should sleep with you more often." Tara blushed deeply. "I mean 'on' you." Buffy corrected then wanted to smack herself. "Ummm...what I mean is." Tara started laughing as Buffy continued to stumbled over her words. she looked down at there still clasped hands. "Ahhhh…." Thankfully she was saved by her mom knocking on the door.

"Are you two gonna come out of there or what?" Buffy just groaned.

"We're coming." Buffy shouted then blushed. She looked back at a still laughing Tara. "Oh just laugh it up why don't you." Tara grinned at her then opened the door to get out. She couldn't explain how or why but she felt good. Really good. Sure she felt a little weaker than usual but something about the blonde Wicca, just being near her was calming. Shaking her head she got out of the Jeep and followed Tara around back to get their bags. When she got out of the car and looked around her mouth dropped. "Wow!" Tara looked at what Buffy was talking about and smiled. She handed the Slayer her bags then grabbed her own small duffle. Most of her things were still here as it was so she didn't bother to pack much.

"Impressive isn't it." Tara said noting Buffy's agape look at the landscape. Buffy just nodded blankly.

"Mom wasn't kidding." Tara quirked a brow at her, recalling Joyce's comment. "What?"

"I thought y-you were sleeping?" Tara said jokingly.

"Well…" Buffy shrugged knowing she had been busted, "I was really comfortable." Tara blushed then let her hair fall in her face. "Hey now." Buffy said stepping closer pushing the hair away and tucking it behind the witch's ear. Tara locked eyes with Buffy her heart picking up at the small act of affection. Buffy let her hand linger near Tara's face stroking her hair softly. "Don't do that. I like it when you blush." She barely whispered out. "Please don't hide."

"B-Buffy I-I…." she took a breath not knowing how to say what she felt. Buffy's own heart beat began to speed up.

"Tara I think I…"

"TARA!" They both turned pulled out of the trance they had fallen into. Lucinda stood on the front porch grinning. She hated ruining the girl's moment but they had work to do. "I hope your not planning on staying out there all night, without even a hello." Tara shook her head catching Lucinda's meaningful look. She groaned trying to clear her thoughts then smiled at Buffy.

"Common Slayer lets get you situated before Lucinda has my hide." Buffy nodded quickly gathering the rest of their things then following Tara inside a grin on her face. Maybe she thought thinking about Tara. Just maybe.

"So this is the infamous Buffy?" Lucinda said offering out her hand having already met Joyce. "It is truly a pleasure to meet you." Buffy smiled at the older woman. "I've heard a lot about you." Buffy grimaced throwing a glance at Giles.

"Good things I hope?" Lucinda just grinned winking at Tara and Joyce. Buffy turned to look at Giles. "And what type of things have you been telling her if you don't mind me asking." Giles whipped off his glasses and pretended to be very absorbed in cleaning them. "I can't believe you…" she groaned putting her hands on her hips.

"She's just playing with you Buffy." Tara said lightly in her ear sending chills down the slayer's spine.

"Oh." Buffy said a little lost. Lucinda couldn't suppress her smirk. "Um yeah…" She looked back to Lucinda a blush creeping over her face. "Sorry what were you saying?" Even Joyce raised her brow at that. She had known her daughter had it bad. But this was really bad.

"Don't worry it was nothing important dear." Lucinda said leading the group further into the house and up a winding staircase. "First let's get you all situated in your rooms and then we'll get down to business." Buffy just nodded the feeling of Tara's breath on her ear still leaving her momentarily impaired. "Giles this will be your room." She motioned to one of the first rooms on the right. He opened the door and laughed.

"Well how very English, I see you haven't lost your touch." He said admiring the antiquity of the room. "Thank you Lucinda." Lucinda nodded knowing the room would suit his fancy. "We'll meet in the study after you finish unpacking. Giles's nodded setting his bag on the floor. She continued down the hallway a little further and stopped outside a large oak door.

"Joyce I hope this room suites your needs." She motioned for the older Summers to proceed into her room. "I don't know how long your stay will be so if for some reason you find this room does not suit your needs, feel no hesitation in saying so and we will search for another. Joyce hesitantly opened the door and gasped. The room was an ornate design of Indonesian art and decor.

"This is exquisite." She said eyeing some of the tapestries lining the walls. Dating them back to around the early fifteen hundreds.

"I take it then that it is to your liking." Joyce nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes very much so." Buffy glanced into the room and shook her head.

"Just out of curiosity," Lucinda turned her attention to the questioning Slayer. "Are all the rooms in this house…so…so."

"Unique?" Lucinda supplied.

"Yes and intricate?" The older woman just laughed causing Tara to smile.

"The majority of them are not and are occupied by other coven members, how they decor their cubicles is entirely up to them." She shrugged. "The ten guest rooms on this floor though are all very different though yes." Buffy's mouth dropped.

"How many rooms are there?" Joyce asked.

"Twenty-four." Lucinda supplied easily. "Not counting the Study, Dining room, Kitchen, Basement, Bathrooms, and a few others. By the way there is a bathroom at the end of each floor. But there will be more time for exploration later."

"Good heavens." Joyce said taking in the hallway and the winding staircase leading up to yet another floor. "This place is enormous, how do you do it."

"Oh don't give me so much credit, this is a community not just an extravagant house. I'm not alone in the upkeep trust me I'm too old" Joyce nodded setting her bag on her bed. "We'll leave you to unpack. When you have finished head to the Study. It's down the stairs and to the left. Giles should be there by the time you have finished.

"Thank you." Lucinda nodded and closed the door behind her. Tara smiled at Buffy's wide eyed expression.

"A-Are you really that surprised Buffy?" she asked. Buffy just looked at her as if she was speaking another language.

"To be honest yes and no. What I'm trying to wrap my head around is why you'd want to leave all this, "she motioned around their facility, "For some small hick town that is demon infested." Tara blushed not ready to answer that specific question. At least not yet. When they started moving up the staircase again Buffy froze. "Um I think we skipped my stop." Lucinda turned to look at her.

"And why would you think that." Buffy looked back down the hall to where her mom's room was then back to Lucinda.

"I thought this was where the guests were placed?" Lucinda winked.

"Yes but you my dear aren't just any guest." Buffy looked at her confused. "You're the Slayer, to anyone of Magical use you are Eternal and should be treated as so. You have always had a room here and always will." Buffy looked at her perplexed. "Many Slayer's have been to this place at some point in there life. Mostly for spiritually healing but I'm getting ahead of myself." Buffy looked at Tara questioningly and she just simply smiled. They started walking up the staircase again.

"Waite. So you mean I'm not the first Slayer to ever come here for help?"

"Of course not…but for the last forty or so years the council has neglected to inform the Slayer of this haven or of many of the others like this one spread out across the country. Why I'm unsure but I have my theories. Of course many of the other Covens have dispersed or spread themselves thin but there are a few still in existence." Lucinda sighed. "I'm sure this is a lot to take in. We'll have plenty of time to talk later. First and for most though we need to get everyone settled so we may begin to unravel the truth to what has happened." Buffy nodded her agreement barely able to take it all in. They passed another off ramp. "That hallway leads to Tara's room and my own along with a few other Coven Members. But this room. She motioned to the double door they were approaching at the end of the staircase "Is yours."

"But there isn't a hallway?" Buffy noticed.

"Trust me Buffy I'm aware." She stepped aside waiting for Buffy to open the door. Buffy raised her brow at Tara. Tara just stood waiting patiently. She herself had never seen the room.

"There isn't a handle." Buffy said looking at large doorway curiously.

"The door will open for no other than a Slayer and for myself." Lucinda explained." She chuckled as Buffy gaped at her without inhibition. "Go ahead Buffy." Hesitantly Buffy reached out to the door. She had all but touched it when the door began to open for her. "Of course." Lucinda added knowingly. "You are welcome to any of the other rooms if you choose." Buffy stepped into the room, feeling the essence of past slayers in the walls and the floors. The power of the room struck her before the rest of it set in. It was exotic and raw like small jolts of energy existed in the very air. It calmed and excited her at the same time. When she was able to look past the initial shock of the rooms feeling and actually saw the room she gasped. It took up the whole floor upper floor. The walls were lined with weapons dating back as far as she could imagine. There was a large fire place in the corner and torches lining the wall. A king sized bed set in the center of the room. Red drapes draped over as a canopy and draped around the lining and ceiling putting the room into a crimson glow and accented the room's wild feeling. She looked up and nearly fainted. The entire ceiling was made of glass and showed the skyline perfectly. She glanced down at her feet and realized she was standing on stone and as she looked closer she realized there was also grass peeking up between the seems. "Don't worry there isn't any bugs." Lucinda assured watching as Tara looked around just as spell bound. There was a Porcelain bathtub imbedded halfway into the floor that was large enough to hold seven people easily. In another corner there was a shelf covered in book after book. In the next corner was a large punching bag and what looked like an intense training area. Anything and everything she could think of was there.

"Goddess." Tara said looking up at the ceiling. "I've never seen anything like this." Buffy looked at her surprised, she would have thought Tara had known about this room.

"You didn't know?" Buffy asked turning in circles trying to take it all in.

"N-no…I've always wondered but could never have imagined this…"

"I don't know what to say." Buffy said seeing something new at every turn. "Words cannot express."

"It is beautiful isn't it?" Lucinda said also enchanted by the room's beauty.

"Why isn't this your room?" Buffy asked wondering why the woman would give her stay at such a place, admittedly feeling unworthy.

"This is a sacred ground for the Slayer. It was made to suite the needs of a Slayer. Each room in this house holds enchantment, molding itself to what is needed for the occupant. My room is suited for myself, as was Giles and your mother's. This is what the Slayer in you seeks and is what the room supplies. It wasn't created for me or for my ancestors. It was created for a Slayer and her alone." Tara nodded seeing the truth in Lucinda's words. As grandeur as the room truly was it would not suit her alone, it was meant for a Slayer. Buffy just nodded dropping her bag to the floor. "This will be your home for however long you choose to stay." Buffy turned to her tears in her eyes.

"I don't know what to say." Lucinda took her calloused weapon worn hands in her withered ones.

"Words aren't needed dear, just accept it as an offering. Despite what you have been taught we aren't that different and are tied to the same bloodline. You just need to accept that and it's yours." Buffy just nodded too stunned to speak. "Very well, now perhaps we should join the rest of the group in the study while daylight is still on our side."

"Thank you." Buffy blurted out as they made there way back to the study.

"Thanks while appreciated is not necessary, like I said this has and will continue to be a home for you whenever needed." Tara finally finding her voice mentioned that she needed to drop her things off. "Alright then we'll see you in the Study when you have finished then. Tara nodded and quickly got off on her floor. Secretly Buffy wanted to follow her but Lucinda was right they would have time to look around later. Business first, play later. She smiled to herself at that. "Buffy?" Lucinda said pulling her from her thoughts. They were at the end of the staircase and moving towards what she assumed was the study. "Be careful with her."

Okay so that was the end of Chapter 10. I hope you all enjoyed it. And hopefully I'll have chapter eleven up soon. Thanx to all who have reviewed so far, You guys are my inspiration.

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