Chapter 38 – Cover Your Tracks

- Cover your tracks
Sew up your wounds
Pick up your pace
Open your wings


Edward opened his eyes and immediately panicked. How the hell did he end up on the floor – next to an unconscious Afton? Springing to his feet, his eyes focused on the scene before him, his mind racing to make sense of it.

Bella stood over Chelsea, who lay as still as her mate, Afton. A torch hovered just over Chelsea's chest. But it was Bella's look of cold determination that prompted him into speaking.

"Bella? Were you - are you - going to destroy her?"

The phrasing of Edward's quickly interjected question carried an edge of disapproval. He had shed doubt on actions that seemed so clear to her just a second ago: burn Chelsea then, Afton. Simple, straight forward justice. "I'm changing the game, Edward. Removing key pieces. Improving our odds."

Her voice was almost robotic. The flatness of it troubled him. "What do you think will happen if you destroy Chelsea?"

Bella scowled and lowered the torch another several inches. "Chelsea will no longer control you. Or anyone else." Feeling suddenly returned to Bella's voice with a vengeance. "Marcus deserves to be free of his nightmare. Can you imagine not being able to grieve the loss of your soul mate? To be manipulated into remaining here in emotional limbo?"

"What I know is that grieving your loss sent me on a quest to end my life. Nothing can be done to bring Didyme back, so maybe living under Chelsea and Corin's effect has not only spared his life, but allows him to exist with purpose?"

"Without Chelsea, Aro won't have his stacked deck!"

Is this what the Volturi had done to her – not just poisoned her blood with their venom, but conditioned her to devalue life? If he was to ever hope to salvage the woman he knew, he had to keep her from using her freewill to kill. Edward had believed he was a monster when he became a vampire, but he only truly became evil when he convinced himself he was justified in his decision to murder.

Edward countered, "Chelsea's effect is lasting. Many have been exposed to it for centuries and centuries; it will be some time before their loyalty fades. What has occurred over time cannot be undone in a day, no matter how much you wish it."

"If I don't destroy her, she'll go to Aro with what I've done! If he doubts my loyalty, he'll harm you as punishment. We have to act now!"

"Bella, listen to me," Edward said as calmly as he could, attempting to be the voice of reason through her churning tempest of emotions. "I can handle any punishment, but if she is destroyed, we face an all-out battle with every vampire in this castle. Chelsea is much more valuable to Aro than we are," he emphasized as Bella continued to lower the torch closer to Chelsea, though this time it was only by a fraction of an inch. "You are powerful, Bella. I see now how much you are capable of and I'm glad Afton took the full force of whatever you did, but you can't hope to fight the entire guard and get out in one piece – with me, Dominic, and Gianna."

The torch froze its measured descent. "Using my weaknesses against me will always be part of the game, won't it?" Bella lamented.

Edward was standing behind her now. He could have taken the torch away from her, but recognized this was a time for carefully selected words. It had to be a moment that would reach her humanity he believed was locked in her hardened heart. "Over time and through his constant example, Carlisle made me see that our weaknesses are what allow some of us to maintain our humanity. And like you said, love - especially in the form of mercy - is not something Aro would ever expect. We can use it to our advantage. Make it our strength."

Watching for any sign of Chelsea and Afton reawakening, Edward mulled over sharing more of the details he had absorbed from Chelsea's thoughts. Maybe protecting Bella meant giving her all the information he had? With a deep breath, he spoke, "There's more. Aro has another card he's kept up his sleeve. Chelsea's debt – let's just say, Caius would strongly disapprove if he knew of it. If fact, he would have her head."

"What?" Bella turned to face Edward. For the moment at least, he had managed to distract her from Chelsea's execution.

"Chelsea harbors an immortal child."

"A child?" The shock on Bella's face was obvious. "I thought you said immortal children were outlawed – like, a long time ago. Punishment for anyone involved was immediate death."

He nodded. "So says the law. But when you pressed Chelsea to think of what she fears, I saw flashes of the child. Somehow she managed to bury the thoughts quickly, mentally forcing herself to focus instead on her apprehension of you. But from what I did see, the female child is around the human age of nine. It looks at Chelsea with … adoring eyes. The child loves her."

"And Aro knows about it … Edward!" Bella tossed the torch aside. It rolled across the floor, stilling harmlessly against the wall. The excitement over Edward's disclosure created a devilish glimmer in her crimson eyes. "Aro could never hope to survive if these secrets were exposed. First killing his sister, Marcus's mate, and then condoning the existence of an immortal child! We've got him!"

"It's not that easy, Bella," Edward warned. "The stability of Volturi rule hinges on us keeping our mouths shut, and that is where we truly have leverage on Aro. I need you to get me an audience with the brothers. All Aro has to do is listen to my thoughts and then we can use what we know to negotiate our freedom. Hopefully Dominic's and Gianna's as well."

"Freedom? Freedom! Edward, you know I respect Carlisle's proclivity for peaceful resolutions, and you attempt to follow in his path, but we'd be on the run from Aro for an eternity!" Bella shook her head emphatically. "Now that I actually have an eternity, I'm not going to spend it on the run or fearing for our family's safety. No. It has to stop here. Aro is not taking any more from me! He doesn't deserve our mercy."

"You suggest destroying the vampire ruling body? As wrong as the Volturi's actions may be at times, chaos could ensue. Nature abhors a vacuum and what might develop in the Volturi's absence could be worse – remember Cane?" Edward's eyes moved to check Chelsea and Afton, then searched the area to locate his arm. "It might not be a prudent plan, Bella. I think we should try what I have suggested. Let Chelsea live, let Aro and Marcus be. At least as a plan A."

Bella's eyes narrowed as she continued to glare in his direction; however, Edward had a sinking feeling her mind was elsewhere. He tried to push past her shield. Still nothing, causing him question if he had really heard her mind earlier. "What are you thinking?"

Focus returned to her eyes and she glanced in the direction Edward had last dwelled upon. "Did it hurt? How are you going to reattach that?"

Edward shrugged, a disturbing gesture to witness when one of his arms was missing. "Venom is a strong healer." He pushed aside the cloak and rolled up his sleeve.

"Let me help," Bella offered, slightly ripping his shirt in the process. "Oops. Sorry. Still not use to the whole strength thing." She flashed to retrieve his arm and watched as Edward lined it up against the jagged border that was left at his shoulder and held it in place.

"It will heal and be as good as new soon. Unfortunately, I can hear thoughts returning to Chelsea's and Afton's minds. You'll have to talk fast since I'm not much of a one-armed fighter."

"Can't we speed the healing up at all?" Bella asked as she stole an anxious glance at their foes.

"Spreading venom along the edges will mend it quicker, but … I lack the freakish tongue length for such a feat."

Bella rolled her eyes. "Allow me." She knew time would not allow her to think about this first intimate act between them since her change, but still, she had to hesitate just a moment. "My first human-inspired vampire act."

Edward understood she meant caring, healing, showing mercy. As much as he felt the healing in his arm, he couldn't help but believe something in their relationship was also on the mend. He closed his eyes, savoring the nearly electric feel of her tongue, warm and wet, sliding over the ragged division, restoring use of his arm. He clamped down on his instinctive reactions and desires to permit her to finish restoring him.

"Bella." He whispered her name so reverently she expected her heart to skip a beat, her cheeks to flush, or her knees to weaken. When none of those occurred, she actually felt … diminished.

"Are we agreed?" he asked after clearing his throat and adjusting his shirt and cloak over his repaired limb. Bella stepped away as Edward's right hand moved to check the stability of his arm. "Trust me. Let's show Marcus the mercy you feel he deserves. Telling him about Didyme's death will only cause him more pain. Some truths are better left unspoken. Let's play only the immortal child card."

Her brow furrowed in uncertainty as old tendencies to concede to Edward battled with her desire to stand on her own. "If you think that's best."

Chelsea began to stir. Instinctively, Bella's shield brought Edward's light safely within its confines.

"Showtime," Edward mumbled.

Within a fraction of a second, Chelsea was on her feet, crouched and hissing at Edward and Bella as she stood protectively over her awakening mate.

Bella stood as tall as her perfect posture allowed, her voice taking on an authoritative timbre. "Unless you wish to be rendered unconscious, torn to pieces and burned, listen to what Edward has to say."

Afton was now on his feet by Chelsea's side. He let out a deep, threatening growl before hastily righting his clothes and cloak. Chelsea straightened and placed an arm against his chest to discourage his attack. Her eyes were fixed on Edward's. For once, Bella noticed Chelsea's usual smirk was remarkably absent. In fact, a look of terror clearly formed on her face.

"Afton," she whispered in panic. "I can see it. He knows. He knows about Karina!"

In an overtly protective motion, Afton swept the shaken Chelsea behind him. "What do you want? Leave Karina out of this. Our child has done nothing to you!"

Edward was taken aback by the deluge concerns consuming the thoughts the vampire parents. Yet, their thoughts were not of themselves, but of their beautiful daughter with bouncy, brunette ringlets that hung to her shoulders. They were both brimming with anxiety, and it was clear the two warriors were willing to sacrifice themselves for their child's safety. For all the control Chelsea exercised over others and the power she commanded, she had been rendered vulnerable by the fear she now felt for her only child.

"I want to know why," Bella demanded, oblivious to the heartfelt thoughts and concerns that Edward was privy to. "Why create a child when you know the repercussions? Do you think you are above the law?"

"You don't have to answer her, Chelsea," Afton retorted, every bit the protector of his mate.

"No. She wants to know, I'll tell her," Chelsea responded, quickly regaining her harsh Volturi guard persona. "In case you haven't figured it out yet, newborn, having a vampire gift is a double-edged sword." She stole a knowing glance at Edward. "Every relationship in this castle is contrived on some level or another. Nothing is real. It's an illusion I've fashioned over the centuries. Favored status was more than enough for quite some time, but eventually, I wanted something real, something more. The moment I set eyes on Karina, I knew what that something was."

Discreetly, Afton reached for Chelsea's hand.

Edward continued the story, "That night … she left her bed after you and Afton finished … hunting. Seeing her parents dead -"

"She looked at me with such innocent, lost eyes … I couldn't abandon her. What I felt in that moment between us ... that connection was real. And Afton felt it as well." Chelsea raised her chin in defiance. "We've been her parents for five centuries. Between our care and her nanny's, she has shown remarkable control and discipline. She was meant for this existence. She is not a threat to our exposure and therefore deserves to exist."

"And you love her," Edward added in solemn recognition that Chelsea, Afton, and Karina had somehow managed to forge a true family unit similar to what he had with Carlisle and Esme. This was a twist he had not expected.

"Are you going to reveal her existence to Caius and Marcus? Guarantee her destruction?" Chelsea asked boldly, though the pitch change in her perfect voice belied her bravado.

"No," Edward added sternly. Even though there was more vulnerability present than he had expected, this was still a standoff. "We only want our freedom. If you are willing to assist us in leaving Volterra, we vow to keep the secret between us and Aro. We have nothing to gain in destroying your child and seeing you destroyed as well." He looked to Bella and their eyes met as the force of his true desire gripped his heart. "We just want to go home."

"And how do you propose we help you?" Afton inquired with skepticism and distain.

"The next time Aro takes my hand, he will see that Bella and I know about the child and his part in the secret," Edward said. "Of course, he will not want to risk this being exposed. If it was, not only would he be implicated in having a part in the child's…Karina's…continued existence, but he would also have to allow the law to be enforced. All of you will be destroyed as well as the child's caretaker."

"You are wasting time, thought stealer! Afton and I are well aware of these facts." Chelsea's agitation grew while her patience wore thin.

Edward continued, "Without your gift, the Guard would cease to function as a cohesive unit. Without the Guard, power will slip through Aro's fingers like water - that is if Caius and Marcus allow Aro to survive. Volturi rule will crumble. But our offer will allow him to keep power while …" Edward stopped short, hearing another thought skip across Chelsea's mind. "Of course, why else would you wear a cloak of that color?"

Afton's eyes narrowed, but it was Bella who spoke first, "What am I missing here?"

Edward allowed his gaze to shift to Bella for a brief moment. "Chelsea is next in line for a seat on a throne chair. Should Volturi rule end, so would her plans of ruling."

"I've paid my dues. Several millennia's worth, in fact. Why shouldn't I get the reward I deserve?" Chelsea challenged.

"So Aro keeps your secret and you keep him in power hoping you will someday sit at his side?" Bella summed up the deal undoubtedly crafted by Aro himself.

Ignoring Bella, Chelsea sighed in annoyance. "Your plan won't work. Aro will never just release you and send you on your merry way. That's not how he operates."

"True. But your thoughts have provided an escape clause," Edward shifted into the demeanor of strategist. "Before the envoy leaves, I will convey to Aro what we know adding that I should also be sent on the mission. While we are away, Chelsea will arrange for our presumed destruction as a result of a bad turn in the negotiations. She will return, advise the brothers of our destruction; however, Aro will, of course, know the truth."

Bella added recognizing the intended outcome of Edward's plan, "We go free, the secret is kept, and Aro gets to save face."

No one spoke as they considered Edward's proposal. Chelsea and Afton didn't need to voice their concerns as Edward stole them straight from the source. "To answer that simply, you're just going to have to trust me."

Bella set a stern glare in Chelsea's direction. "And you will stop bonding my mate to the Volturi."

"Believe me, I'll be glad to see him go," Chelsea responded bitterly.

Finally, Bella turned to Edward. "What about Dominic and Gianna?"

"I have a plan for them. I'll brief Dominic on it now while you and Chelsea head to the throne room. Just for added insurance, Bella, continue to act as if you are shielding Aro's thoughts. This way he won't be as guarded and I can monitor them. Now go. Caius is growing impatient." Edward hesitated long enough to hear Afton and Chelsea's concession to the plan.

"Let's go, Isabella," Chelsea said begrudgingly.

With a final look in the direction Edward had headed in, Bella fell in step behind Afton and Chelsea as they moved in the opposite direction toward the elevator. However, when the car door opened, Bella refused to enter. "I think it wise I travel with only one of you." She tapped an index finger against her temple. "I have to protect the information in here. Wouldn't want to lose my head."

Chelsea nodded tersely, her lips forming a harsh line. Afton exited the elevator without a word. Bella stepped on, pressing the appropriate button for the level of her quarters instead of the throne room level. Once it began to move upward, Bella hit the emergency stop – not without mentally cataloging the irony of an emergency stop button in a building full of nearly indestructible immortals…

Crouching quickly, Chelsea prepared for an attack.

"I'm not going to fight you, sister. I want to amend Edward's offer. I think I have an offer you may find more to your liking," Bella said, cocking an elegant eyebrow.

"Go on," Chelsea said warily, her compact body remaining in a strike position.

"You want us gone as much as Edward and I want out. But … I've got another problem. Help me with it discreetly, and I will make it worth your while." Bella's shield moved as a natural extension of herself to smoothly encompass Chelsea.

"My interest is piqued. What is your offer?"

"I haven't been completely honest with Edward about my … feelings," Bella began hesitantly. "It's my business really, but I'm … confused about the attachment I feel towards Marcus. I need to know if there is something … more between us. In any case, I've decided I'm not leaving without him."

"Edward was correct; you have surprised me." Chelsea followed Bella's train of thought. "I can strengthen the bond between the two of you and weaken the ties between Marcus and Aro and Caius."

"Then Marcus leaves with me, and you fill his empty chair." Bella smiled wickedly – a smile Chelsea quickly mirrored.

"I can manipulate the bonds, but the rest will be up to you. I'm not going to take the fall for Marcus's departure." Crossing her arms in triumph, Chelsea added, "So Aro was correct. The human feelings you had for Edward didn't translate into this life, did they? Love is not the same as finding a mate."

Beat the game masters at their own game ... keep the poker face going, Bella. "Aro has taught me things are not always as they appear."

Bella released the emergency stop button, turning her back on Chelsea as the elevator resumed its slow ascent. The look of anticipation and greed on Chelsea's face was unmistakably reflected in the dull stainless steel of the elevator walls.

And so it begins...

( ~ * ~ )

Aro looked up expectantly as soon as the doors to the throne room cracked open. As they allowed Chelsea and Bella's entrance, Aro nodded once at the two guards stationed in the hall. Based on Isabella's recent tirade in the gallery, it behooved him to not keep all his guards too close to Isabella and her attack shield.

However, it did please him to see she had adorned herself in her Volturi cloak and crest. Perhaps he had misjudged the extent of her anger?

"Ah, ladies, you have kept us waiting. I have important news," Aro began, keeping a wary eye on Isabella. Renata hovered closely at his left shoulder.

"Please forgive my sudden absence from the feast, my Lords. My discomfort in crowds appears to have followed me into this life," Bella offered obediently.

Aro visibly relaxed into his chair before stealing a glance at his brothers. Caius's expression remained impassive while Marcus appeared ... delighted … by her behavior. Returning his gaze to Isabella, Aro subtly raised an eyebrow as he caught her attention firmly set on Marcus. He clasped his hands in his lap in approval. It appeared the connection between newborn and sire was quite strong.

"Marcus has shown me that you are feeling ... trapped within the confines of walls of the castle. Therefore, I have assigned you to a matter of utmost importance. I am sending a special envoy to Estonia to handle a territory dispute that is threatening to become a war. Vampire wars inevitably leave clues that have the potential to reveal our existence. I need both parties to understand the Volturi are aware of their escalating quibble. It will be up to the envoy to impress upon them the need for both sides to broker a peaceful, swift resolution or we will have to step in and ... resolve the issue once and for all."

"This is a diplomatic mission? You are sending us as mediators?" Bella clarified.

"Why do you sound so astonished, Isabella? We encourage peace," Aro responded. "I think you are uniquely qualified for this mission. You were chosen to become part of the guard for a reason, and as I promised, I will prove to you that you are special – worthy of the position you have been given. If you are successful, this will be the first of many such missions in which you will serve the greater good."

Aro gestured to Heidi, who stood demurely to the side of the room. She gracefully began to arrange cups on a tray that rested on a sideboard. Taking the top off a gold-plated decanter, she filled four matching gold goblets with sweet-smelling liquid. "Before you go, I think one more toast may be in order."

Aro indicted to Heidi that she should serve Bella first as he had observed her uncomfortably swallowing back a copious rush of venom. Aro stood to take the remaining three, first distributing cups to Marcus and Caius before taking one for himself. Raising his cup, he said, "To Isabella and Edward. May their bond be a source of great strength."

Bella hesitated in shock. Aro was obviously aware of what transpired with Marcus in the gallery. Poker face, Bella ... he's testing you...

"Come, dear, it's bad luck to not drink when a blessing has been offered. Or are you unhappy about discovering your mating bond?" In the awkward silence that followed, Aro offered a semblance of an apology. "I am dismayed our bond has been disrupted by your belief that I have somehow misled you."

Belief? Burning animosity got the best of her. "You said you would not involve the Cullens. Our deal was for me only. Yet Edward is here. You said you would only speak the truth!" she blurted out.

From across the room, Heidi's eyes darted in her direction and then to the brothers. Bella's tone and barely concealed accusation was akin to insubordination. Likewise, Bella expected Aro's fury at being challenged. Instead, the game master called her bluff. He inhaled deeply before stepping off the dais to approach her.

"And I have. The Cullens came here; I neither sought them out nor invited them. Yet despite their rude behavior, I held up my end of our bargain. They were sent away unharmed. Edward chose to stay."

In a well-practiced motion, Aro took Bella's empty hand in his. "Isabella, I know this is somewhat hazy for you, as our discussion regarding these issues took place prior to your change; however, I did acknowledge Edward believed you to be his mate; it was yet to be discovered if, after your transition, you would claim him as your mate - or if Edward would still claim you after your singing blood mixed with venom.

"Understand that Marcus's gift – well, it has a tendency to liken true mating bonds with those of the human condition of love. Love, like humans themselves, being the weaker of the two, of course. I merely gave you the space to discover this on your own. But this is all good! It appears you are truly mates and you are here together. Another reason to drink!" Then Aro cocked his head to the side. "That is if you are certain Edward is your mate?" Aro turned his head slightly to glance in Marcus's direction.

"I'm certain." Bella raised her cup and took a long drink. Then another.

Aro nodded and grinned as he watched her lick her blood-coated upper lip. "Well, then, you should prepare for departure." With that, he turned away, moving elegantly to redeposit himself on his throne chair. Heidi dutifully gathered the empty chalices onto her silver tray before gliding back to the sideboard.

"If I may be allowed to speak, Masters," Chelsea spoke.

Bella blinked. So intense had her interaction been with Aro, she had been distracted from the altered plan she had set in motion. Thankfully, it appeared the game was still afoot. If so, Chelsea would attempt to delay their departure so she could make adjustments to Marcus's bonds.

"You have something to add?" Caius prompted.

Chelsea bowed slightly. "Being that this is Isabella's first mission into a potentially volatile situation, I would recommend she be briefed on the history and precise dynamics of the conflict."

Aro took the hands of his brothers. "Agreed. Chelsea, you will guide Isabella's studies. I suggest you begin with the appropriate documents contained in our library."

"If I may request ... I would ask that Lord Marcus assist me in learning the native tongue of the people I am to convince peace is in their best interest. I'm sure I can master it quickly," Bella added eagerly.

"Well, well, well," Aro began, crossing his arms and legs in smug satisfaction. "So eager to please Marcus, are you?" Aro looked to his brother. "What say you?"

"I think it wise," Marcus replied.

"Request granted," Aro confirmed.

Preparations began immediately, and spending the next forty-eight hours in the company of Chelsea and Marcus while avoiding Edward was easier than Bella imagined it would be. Estonian was not a simple language to learn, even with a brilliant vampire mind. Marcus was a wealth of information, not only on the language of the people, but he also provided insights into how to manage political negotiations and conduct conflict mediation.

Although it would have been nice to have Edward confirm Chelsea was doing as Bella had requested, Edward had not been included in that part of the plan...

"Young one, your attention is divided." Marcus's words cut through her anxiety.

"There is much that concerns me," Bella responded honestly.

"Regarding your mission?"

Again, she responded truthfully, only she was not referring to her assigned duty in Estonia. "Yes. So much is at stake. What if I fail?"

"You are not going without support. Other, more experienced members of our coven will be accompanying you. And I believe, as Aro does, you are uniquely qualified for this mission."

"Because of my gift?"

"No. Because you have not yet been hardened to your experience of being human. And, you have witnessed the wisdom of Carlisle."

Bella looked at Marcus with unconcealed surprise. "I thought the general consensus here was that Carlisle was an oddity. A fool for not embracing his vampire nature."

"His ways are unorthodox, yes. And that was what intrigued Aro so much. Carlisle was never interested in pleasing Aro, Caius, or me. He was a scholar at heart, not a warrior, or someone interested in gaining power. He preferred to observe, read, and contemplate, which his time here gave him the ability to do. He and I spent many hours debating the meaning of life – vampire and human life. And love. We spoke often of love."

Bella decided to take advantage of the rare moment she had alone with her sire. "Would you say you and Carlisle were friends?"

"Oh, yes. It was difficult to adjust to him being absent from my routine. But now I have you." Marcus laid a hand on Bella's shoulder.

Bella looked hard into the face of the man who, despite his handsome eternal youthfulness, still bore creases of anguish. "Why do you look dismayed?"

"Because, like Carlisle, you are not meant to dwell here. I know a time will come when you, like he, will depart. And I will yet again, have another empty place to fill." Marcus frowned, pulling taut the faint lines around his eyes.

Instantly, Bella felt transparent and turned away from Marcus lest he see right through her. "No," rushed from her lips.

"Your words and your actions are contradictory, young one. The truth does not turn away."

Bella spun to face him. "I want you to know the truth. But it's not time yet. When it is, I hope that you will believe me. It will set us both free."

"Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose," Marcus replied with a smirk. "Famous words from a soul who had gained the devotion of so many but still didn't find contentment. And she died searching for it. What is out there that I don't have here? I am content. What makes you content, Isabella?"

"Justice," Bella responded with fire in her eyes.

Marcus chuckled. "Oh, let me know if you find it, young one. I have found it to be a matter of opinion. Subject to change depending on the point of view."

A current of air alerted Marcus and Bella of Chelsea's return. Bella noted her jaw was clenched tight as she approached. "We must proceed to the main chamber. Once business is completed, the envoy will leave for Estonia."

With a nod of acknowledgement, Marcus set down the document he was about to share and departed the library. As the two women fell in step behind him, Chelsea leaned toward Bella. "What you have asked me to do, Isabella, is done. It's time."


A/N: Though violence was averted in this chapter, I do hope In the light of RL recent events, a new perspective and dialogue open so that we can work earnestly toward protecting our most valuable asset: children. We need to model for them the way toward peace.

Peace. Edward is hoping to maintain it, but Bella is still a newborn seeking vengeance. Were you taken by surprise by Edward's maturity in this chapter? I was. I guess there is much to be said about learning things the hard way.

Next chapter is full of action and I'm very excited to hear your reactions to that chapter as well as this one.

As I count my blessings (among them are Ashling92, Rowan Moon and Rosabella75), I look forward to 2013. Best wishes to all of you in the New Year!