Trinity Blood: War Continuum

by smcandy

Taking place one month after the anime's finale from Ep. 24 with additional materials from the manga. A/E main pairing to semi major love triangle or more with one-sided love.

32. Twenty Six: Explanations

(AN) AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hi again everyone. Yay another update ^^, thanks to all whom newbies once again to this story and all there awesome encouraging comments, this chapter right on time for a change. FYI Virgil eyes and appearance are taken form his manga counterpart. He has blue eyes and blond hair instead of brown or dark from his anime counterpart. And yes I know Abel, we make him very down in the dumps and depressing them his counterparts but hey never fear keep reading chapter twenty six and you'll what gonna happen.

(*) As always many special thanks to my editor and co-partner in helping finally get this story off the ground and back burner dragonwriter24cmf. So far we have been getting by with this fan fiction by bit by bit with story and with you guy the fans that love reading each new chapter that comes out. Thanks to everyone, I appreciate your support through this 100% everyone. Keep the constructive criticisms, outgoing comments and reviews coming in.

DISCLAIMER: All rights to Trinity Blood was created and © by late Yoshida Sunao, the anime directed by Tomohiro Hirata and produced by the studio GONZO, as well as a manga drawn by Yoshida Sunao's friend Kiyo Kyoujou. All © rights revered by their respective owners. I own nothing except © to this story, it's plot and it's OC's that will eventually show within later chapters.

Warning:This fan fiction is rated (M) AKA Lemon. This story is ABSOULTLY NOT suitable for children or teens below the age of 16 [So if you're under the age limit turn back now, come back when you old enough to read this. I'd rather not get flamed nor sued by parents whom are just looking for trouble in places their underage children should not be looking nor reading for that matter. This story contains strong explicit adult themes and sexual ones such slight foreplay - as in hand sex, one-sided yuri, bisexuality, Attempted Rape, Explicit Sex or anything else mild to hard core kinky for that matter!, references to violence, and strong coarse language. If this disturbs you, do not read any further.

Notice: Trinity Blood War Continuum takes place one month after the events from the anime's finale episode 24 along with some elements, characters and things that will be used and taken from both manga's Rage against the Moons (RAM), Reborn on the Mars (ROM). In addition to some spoilers from stories untold notes left by Yoshida Sunao which he intended to finish off the manga series supposedly. Basically 50/50 will be used on both the anime and manga to those whom are more familiar with manga then others will see this implants as the story develops. Trinity Blood is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Roman Catholic Church/the Vatican is portrayed as a military and spiritual power. The series also strongly implies major and controversial changes in the Church of present reality, such as women being bishops, cardinals as well as romantic relationships and marriages between members of the clergy. If this disturbs you of form or shape of or on imagination then do not read this story.

Trinity Blood: War Continuum - Chapter Twenty Six – Explanations

Esther floated in the darkness. There was nothing else around her. She felt...strange, weightless, and drifting. Somehow, she couldn't seem to summon the energy to do anything about it. She simply drifted, wrapped in the quiet warm darkness.

Sometimes, she thought she heard voices, dim and far away. Voices that spoke to her, or about her. Soft, sad voices. She wanted to respond, to try and talk to them, but...she couldn't summon the energy. She would lie, listening for a moment, and then fall into the darkness once more.

Sometimes, she dreamed. She dreamed of Cain, and Isaac, and Dietrich. She dreamed of Helga as well, remembering the assault. But more often, she dreamed of Abel, reliving memories of his gentleness, his kindness. Memories of his hand holding hers, his arms wrapped around her in a comforting embrace. And sometimes she dreamed of him standing sadly with a look of pain on his face. In those dreams, she thought she could hear him murmuring her name, soft and broken and full of pain. Then the dreams would fade to blackness once more.

Gradually, the dreams began to lengthen, and the darkness between them didn't feel quite as thick. Esther began to be aware of more. She felt...odd, a sensation she recognized vaguely from when Sister Kate had given her a sedative during the incident in Carthage. She felt listless, weighted, and there was something odd about her left shoulder. She couldn't seem to move it, even in that dark, half-real world, and when she focused on it, she felt dull pain, or the odd, tingling not-pain that she associated with strong pain killers.

There was a voice in her ears. Someone...someone was weeping, calling her name in a soft, broken murmur that sounded choked. Esther felt her heart twist with sorrow and sympathy. The voice was heartrendingly familiar, a voice she knew as well as her own. The pain in it made her want to weep, even in her dreams. Abel...

Esther slowly opened her eyes. Her head felt fuzzy, and her vision was blurred. She blinked several times, trying to focus. To her surprise, the canopy of her own bed was suspended above her head. She could feel the pillows supporting her, the more solid support under her left shoulder. This is...my room...

"Esther..." The word was a broken moan, barely audible, but the pain in it was knife-sharp. Esther turned her head slightly.

Abel was there, kneeling by her bed. His eyes were closed, and tears streamed down his pale cheeks. The collar of his shirt was rumpled, the crucifix nowhere in sight, and the silver hair was disordered and greasy looking. Dark shadows ringed his eyes, and the hollows of his jaw. Even with her vision blurred, she could see the tracks of tears, both the ones he wept now, and from tears wept previously. The lines of his face were drawn tight, a mask of terrible grief. His fingers just brushed the fingertips of her right hand, and his shoulders were shaking with silent cries. His fingers clenched in the bedspread, just slightly. "Esther..."

The sight filled her with pity, and sorrow. Despite the heaviness she still felt, she shifted. "It's all right. It's all right now, Abel." Her voice came out hoarse, barely a whisper. Afraid he hadn't heard her, she shifted her hand slightly, to lay it across his tense wrist. "It's all right. You don't have to weep."

Abel froze, his eyes snapping open. Slowly, he raised his head, staring at her. His blue eyes were wide in the grief-ravaged face. "E...Esther? You..."

She wanted to reach out to brush those lines of pain from his face, but she couldn't seem to move her hand the way she wanted with the medication dulling her movement. She tightened her fingers weakly on his. "Abel..."

"Miss Esther...you..." His voice broke, and she saw him swallow, relief flooding his face. His voice was barely a whisper. "You're...all right?"

"Yes. I'm fine." She shifted, and a dull pain went through her shoulder. "Ow. My shoulder..."

"You were injured." Something changed in the blue gaze. The relief in his eyes washed away, replaced by renewed grief and horror. He moved suddenly, rising from his knees and stumbling backward away from her. She tried to hold onto his wrist, but she couldn't get her hand to close right. "I...I'm sorry. I..."

He turned away from her, and his fists clenched. "I...I will go inform Lord Walsh. He can...take care of you. Excuse me."

Even with her drug fogged senses, she could feel him pulling back, withdrawing both physically and emotionally. The dead monotone of his voice frightened her, even more than the anguish of moments before. She reached out. "Abel...what...?"

"I'm...sorry, Miss Esther. I'm...so sorry. I can't..." He stopped, his hand flat on the door. "What I've done...I...I can't...I hope...that you'll forgive me, someday...but I..." His voice cracked again, and his head bowed. "I'm sorry." He laid his hand on the doorknob.

Esther felt frightened. She could feel Abel pulling away, and she had a terrible feeling that if he walked through the door, he'd never return. She reached out further, ignoring the way her head started pounding, the dull pain in her right wrist and her left shoulder. "Abel...wait...please..."

Her voice was barely strong enough to whisper. She could see him starting to turn the knob. "Abel..." Ignoring the pain, she shoved herself upright, reaching out to him.

Pain and the medicine made her dizzy. The world spun. Worse, she felt overbalanced as the bed seemed to tilt out from under her. She felt herself falling, toppling towards the edge of the bed. "Abel..."

"Esther!" Strong hands caught her, stopping her fall by looping around her chest and right shoulder. She found herself leaning precariously against black fabric that smelled of incense, ozone and earth. Abel's scent. She looked up.

Abel was holding her, his hands firm but gentle as he carefully settled her back against the pillows. His movements were smooth and easy as he placed a support under her throbbing shoulder. His face was white and concerned in the dim lighting. "Esther, are you all right?"

She swallowed, feeling the nausea slowly recede. "I...yes."

He closed his eyes, relief warring with strain in his features. "You mustn't move around like that. Your wound could reopen again. You need to be more careful." He leaned across the bed, his height making it easy, and brushed his fingers lightly across her shoulder. "You're lucky. It doesn't seem to have started bleeding again."

His voice was still hoarse, but the gentle scolding was so much more like him that Esther almost wanted to laugh, or cry, with relief. She reached up to lay her right hand across his wrist. "Thank you."

Abel froze, and that desolate, tormented look crossed his face again. He turned away from her. "I...Miss Esther...I'm sorry."

He straightened and started to turn away again, but she wrapped her fingers around his wrist. Her grip was so weak it was barely there, but Abel froze. "Please...Abel..."

Darkness was washing over her vision again, and the little strength she'd had was fading fast. She tried to hold onto him. "Please...don't leave. Abel..."

"Miss Esther..." His eyes came back to her, filled with agony. "Esther...I..."

"Please...just don't...Abel..." She felt herself slipping away, fought to hold onto consciousness.

Abel stayed still a long moment, then his head bowed. "I...I promise. I will...I will stay with you, Miss Esther. If it...if it will help...then I will stay." He knelt beside her, resuming the position he'd been in when she woke. "Rest, Miss Esther."

Esther smiled at him, relieved. "Thank you, Abel..." She relaxed, and let herself drift back into darkness.

Esther woke again feeling much clearer-headed. Her shoulder still throbbed dully, and she still felt a little light-headed with medication, but the listless weakness that had held her had faded some. She shifted, then frowned. Something felt wrong. She froze, realizing. Her hand was empty, and Abel's warm presence was gone from her side.

She started to jerk upright, despite her shoulder, but a soft, hoarse voice spoke. "You shouldn't move too much. Your shoulder is still healing, and I don't think it's a good idea for you to pull that IV just yet." She turned her head.

Abel was perched by the window, his face partially turned from her. He was wearing only pants and the inner shirt of his cassock, and his usual boots. She could just see the crucifix falling from his chest to drop over his hip. He'd tied his hair back once more, but...there was a general air of neglect, of disarray, that made her uneasy. His silver hair still looked lank, lusterless, and the shirt and pants were creased. Abel was always a little bit careless of his appearance, but not to this degree. Seeing him like that, Esther felt something tighten in her stomach. "Abel...what is it?"

The dryness in her throat set her coughing, and the movement jarred her shoulder. Before she'd had time to cough more than once or twice, Abel was beside her. One hand gently went under her back, supporting her, while his other brought a glass of water to her lips. "Here. Drink this, Miss Esther. It will help."

The water was cool, wonderful tasting. Esther took several swallows, feeling the liquid coursing down her throat and soothing the irritated tissues. It also cleared some of the medicine induced haze from her mind, and woke her up. She looked into Abel's eyes, and nearly choked.

His face was calm, the expressionless mask she'd seen him wear before, but his eyes...his eyes were a wasteland of agony. He wasn't wearing his glasses, and the pain in his blue gaze was enough to make her stomach knot. She finished the water. Abel set the glass aside and started to move backward, but she caught his sleeve. "Abel...what's wrong? What happened?"

He flinched and shook his head. "You should rest."

"I'm all right." He'd turned away from her so she couldn't read his eyes, but she could see the tension in the way he stood. She knew that if he hadn't feared injuring her further, he would have pulled away. "Abel, please...what's wrong?"

He shuddered, still looking away from her. "Miss Esther...I..." His head bowed as his voice broke. "I...I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?" Esther stared at him. "If this...if it's because of my shoulder...you shouldn't blame yourself. I should have been more careful. I'm sure you did the best you could." She tightened her grip, swallowing back the lump in her throat at the thought that her carelessness had tormented him so. "I...I shouldn't have run out there like that. After all, I know you can take care of yourself. So if that's it...I..."

"You shouldn't apologize to me." Abel shuddered again. "After...after what I've done...I don't...I don't deserve your sympathy."

"Abel...I don't understand."

He flinched, staring blindly at the door. She could see his face from the side, and the lines of pain that slashed across his expression. His eyes closed, renewed tears in them. "I...Miss Esther..."

He stopped, swallowing, then spoke again, his voice sending chills down her spine. It was an echo of the tone he'd used the night he told them about his past. That almost lifeless monotone, somehow expressing utter torment. "I...when you were hurt I...I couldn't do anything." He stopped for a moment. "I...lost control. I...I let them take me over. And I...I went after von Lohengrin. Miss Esther...you...you had to stop me. Seth...she managed to stop your bleeding, but...you were re-injured, when you tried to prevent me from losing myself. I...I endangered you." His hand clenched into a fist. "But I...that...it isn't the worst. And what I did..." His voice broke, the calm monotone shattering into something that was almost a groan.

"Tell me." She felt a hard knot forming in her throat.

"I...when you fell, I...you were bleeding so badly. I...I tried to stop it, but...the wound was so deep." He was looking at his hands, and his eyes were looking into a scene from the past. "You...you were bleeding all over my hands...all over me. And I...I couldn't help you. And I..."

He fell suddenly to his knees, as if his legs had simply lost the power to hold him upright, and buried his face in his hands. "I...lost control. I was...trying to staunch the blood...and then everything went red. Then...Seth called out to me...and I came back. And I realized...what I had done...the sin I've committed..."

He choked again. "Esther...I...I...I'm sorry. I don't know...what came over me, but I..."

The anguish in his voice was unbearable, somehow even worse than when he'd confessed to helping Cain destroy civilization. That had been an old wound, somewhat worn by time, but this grief was fresh and raw. Then he looked up at her, agony in his gaze. "I...Miss Esther...I...I drank..."

He choked, swallowed, then looked away, his voice barely a whisper. "I drank...your blood. When I...when Seth brought me back...I could feel it...taste it. I...I was supposed to protect you, and I...I did...something like that." His head bowed, his body trembling under the force of his shame and anguish.

Esther felt something cold clench in her gut. For a moment, the memory of Cain drinking her blood rose up sharp in her mind, making her afraid. But just as quickly, the sight of Abel's tormented expression drove the fear away, reminding her that, whatever had happened, he obviously felt terrible about it.

Abel saw the flash of her fear. He rose from his knees, turning away. "I'm sorry, Miss Esther. Sorry that I...that I could ever do such a thing, that I betrayed you like that. I...excuse me."

"Wait. Abel...please..." She still felt confused, but she knew she didn't want him to leave. She reached out, stopped by the IV in her wrist, and the numbness in her other shoulder. "Please..."

He stopped, but didn't turn to face her. "If you...wish to have me arrested, I...I don't blame you. But you should at least...probably send me away."

"I'm not planning to send you away." The last of her fear faded into compassion at the sorrow in his voice. "Why would you ever think that?"

"I..." Abel swallowed, then turned back to her. "After this..."

"Well now, Abel, what are you going on about? If you're not careful, you're going to upset her, and I'm sure neither you nor Esther wants that." the Professor's voice spoke from the doorway.

Esther blinked, and looked around Abel. William was standing at the door to her room, Virgil just behind him. When she looked at him, he bowed. "May I?"

"Of course." Esther wanted to deal with Abel, but she felt a little overwhelmed. He was in so much pain, and she wasn't sure how to ease it, not with what he'd told her. "Please, come in, both of you."

"Thank you." The Professor smiled and held up a small device. "Lord Walsh has been carrying this monitor with him since you were injured. When it informed us you were awake, well, naturally we had to come see how you were doing." He moved to the edge of the bed. "So, how do you feel?"

Esther managed a weak smile. "I'm all right, Father. Well, I feel a little weak, and my shoulder hurts."

"That's not very surprising, all things considered. Here, why don't you let me take a look at you." He smile reassuringly, then reached out and took her wrist in careful fingers. After a moment, he nodded. "Well, it seems your pulse and heart rate are good." he touched her forehead gently. "You don't appear to have a fever." His smile widened. "I'd say you're going to be up and around in no time."

Virgil moved forward, and gently brushed the bandages on her shoulder, lifting them slightly. "Your injury appears to be healing well. With your permission, I will ask Lady Seth to come and check it later."

Esther blinked. "Seth?"

"Yes. She was the one who operated on you." He replaced the bandages carefully, then straightened. "Your Majesty, may I bring you something to eat?"

Esther blinked again. She hadn't thought about food, not with her concern for Abel, but the mention set her stomach growling. She flushed.

William smiled. "If you can eat something, we can take that IV out. I'm sure that would make you much more comfortable."

Esther returned his grin, the warmth in his voice reviving her spirits. "That sounds wonderful. I'd like that very much, if you don't mind."

"Not at all." He settled into a chair, and looked across at Virgil. "Lord Walsh, would you mind running down and getting some food for Her Majesty?" His gaze slipped past the Albion lord, to the silver-haired man standing behind him with his head still bowed. "Enough for Esther and Abel both if you don't mind."

"As you wish." Her adviser turned and bowed. "Majesty, I will return in a few moments."

Abel remained quiet as Virgil left, but once the door shut, he turned to his comrade. "Professor..." There was quiet desolation in his voice.

William shook his head. "You need to eat, Abel. I know you've been watching over Esther, and that you've been very upset, so I haven't pressed it. However, now that Esther has awakened and is recovering, you need to tend to yourself as well." He rose, then moved over and laid a hand carefully on Abel's shoulder. Abel winced, and William frowned. "It still hasn't healed yet? Abel..."

"I can't...you know...what I did..." The silver head bowed. "Professor..."

"Are you still fretting about that?" Wordsworth frowned, then turned to look at Esther. "Let me guess...you decided to tell her, and that's what you were discussing when Virgil and I made our entrance?"

"Yes." Esther whispered the word softly.

"I see. So then...what did Abel tell you, if you don't mind my asking?" He settled back into his seat, frowning. Esther bit her lip, uncertain what to say. He glanced at her expression, and nodded. "I assume, from that look on your face, that Abel told you he lost control of the Crusnik and drank your blood."

"Yes." Abel spoke softly, the word almost wrenched from him. "I..."

"I've already told you, Abel, it's not as bad as it looks." William sighed. "If what Seth has told us is true, then not only is it not as bad as it seems, but you may well have saved Esther's life."

Esther blinked. "What do you mean, Professor?" Hope touched her heart, flaring to life and dispelling some of the cold in her gut.

"Well, you have to consider the circumstances. First of all, I'd like to point out that it's not as if Abel actually bit you or anything. You were bleeding quite a lot, you know." He made a face. "At the point Abel claims he lost control, you'd already lost a fair amount, I'm afraid to say." His gaze slipped to his companion's downcast face. "As near as I could see, it's more as if Abel licked away the blood on his hands and your shoulder."

Abel flinched at the words. He started to speak, but William held up a hand, and met the blue eyes with his own. "Please, allow me to continue. I know how you feel about it, Abel, but doesn't Esther deserve the right to hear everything?"

After a moment, Abel nodded. Wordsworth studied him for a few seconds, then turned back to Esther. "As I was saying, it's more as if he licked the wounds. I haven't had much time to study it, but I've observed that Methuselah have certain chemicals in their bodies that can either slow or increase the flow of blood. I had a talk with Lady Nightroad, and based on her observations and my own independent studies, I can safely say that the trait is shared by the Crusniks."

Esther blinked, then looked down at her left wrist. The faded scar from where she'd been injured while being held by the Order still crossed it. "I think...I might remember something about that, Father." Her hand closed. "When I was captive...I got hurt, and the Contra Mundi...he stopped the bleeding like that. I was so scared at the time that I didn't really think of it, but..."

"Exactly. Abel has that power as well. I've seen him use it, though not very frequently. In a wound that severe, it wouldn't have completely sealed the injury, but it probably bought us some time to stop the bleeding." The Professor frowned thoughtfully, chewing on his pipe. "That's one thing I noticed. There is, however, one other fact about Abel's unique physiology."

"Oh?" Esther stared at him.

"Indeed. Abel has, on several occasions, demonstrated the power to control someone else's blood flow, simply through his own willpower. The Crusnik are extremely adaptable, and even Seth claims she doesn't know quite how it works. However, there generally has to be some sort of link formed. I'm not sure what the exact requirements are, but I've seen Abel shift liquids from as far as 10 meters from his body, when he's in the right mood. And from what I've observed, Abel's blood has to mingle in some form with the liquid he's attempting to manipulate. In this case..."

"I understand. It's really very logical, I suppose." And it was. Hearing the Professor's calm and rational explanation eased the tension in Esther's back and stomach.

"But it...Miss Esther...it isn't that simple." Abel's broken voice made her breath catch. "I...the Professor is correct. But I...when I do that...I...have to lose control. I...go on...well, I suppose you would call it a rampage. And I...it's like Carthage. And if Seth hadn't...if she hadn't stopped me...I...I might have..."

"I sincerely doubt that." William interrupted him, his voice low and soothing. "I've been observing your condition for some time, Abel, and I doubt you truly lost control that night. While I'm aware that you don't remember everything that happened, I suspect it was the shock, more than anything else."

Abel's haunted gaze came slowly up to meet his colleagues. "You can't...you don't know..."

"Not for certain, no. But...as I said, I've observed you several times." The Professor held up a hand, stilling Abel's protests. "Generally speaking, I've seen you enter three different states of transformation, and I'm not talking about the percentage of power you use. Abel...when you lose control, your actions become completely different. However, I've noticed you sometimes enter a state where you yield physical control, without losing your mental grasp. It's more like allowing your instincts to take over, rather than being taken over." Solemnity settled over his face. "That night, I'm virtually positive that was what you did."

"You can't be sure." Abel swallowed hard.

"No. But...from what I've observed..." William paused a moment, and his voice when he spoke was low, almost pained, and certainly apologetic. "From what I've observed...your other half does not cry. And that night, I know I saw the tears on your face." His head bowed.

Abel flinched, and Esther swallowed against the painful lump in her throat. Almost involuntarily, her hand shifted toward him. "Abel..."

He flinched again at the sound of her voice. His face was turned away from her, and when he spoke, his voice was filled with tension, as if he were warring with himself. "Even if...even if you are correct, Professor..." He swallowed hard. "I...I still...I drank Esther's blood. And that power you speak of...it doesn't require that. And I...I felt it. The hunger. So even if...even if you're right...I still...what I've done..."

"If you'll pardon me, Father Nightroad, I disagree." Virgil's voice sounded from the doorway, calm and collected.

He stepped into the room, pushing a dish-covered cart in front of him, then carefully closed the door behind him and inclined his head to Esther. "My apologies for the delay, Your Majesty."

"It's all right. Thank you for bringing this up for us." Esther smiled.

He nodded, and the pale gaze turned to Abel. "Father Nightroad, if you would please be seated. I have a meal for you as well." He indicated the cart. "You should eat."

Abel met his gaze. "You..."

Virgil shifted, so he was facing the other man directly. "Like Father Wordsworth, I believe that you did what was necessary that night. Otherwise..." His eyes darkened slightly, and when he spoke, his voice was softer. "Do you truly think I would have left her in your care, these past few days, if I believed you had harmed my Queen? Even if it were temporary madness?"

Abel stiffened as if Virgil had physically struck him. The golden-haired man studied him for a moment, then bowed his head once more. "Father Nightroad, if you'll please be seated, I will serve you and Her Majesty. And after you have eaten, there is something I believe you need to hear." His eyes turned to Esther. "With your permission, my lady."

"Of course. I'd be grateful for any information you can give me."

Virgil nodded. Abel stared at him a moment, then slowly lowered himself to on the edge of the window seat. Without a word, the count turned and assisted Esther to sit upright. Gentle, practiced fingers slipped the IV from her wrist, taping gauze over the wound. He laid a low tray over her lap, then set a bowl of soup, some fruit, and some juice on it, along with smaller servings of meat, bread and cheese. He bowed, then turned and wheeled the cart over to Abel, positioning it in front of him as a makeshift table, and removing the covers of the platters to reveal a much more solid meal, mostly meat and vegetables, and a small bottle of wine. He stepped back and bowed. "Please eat, Father." He turned. "Majesty, is there anything I can assist you with?"

She shook her head, picking up the spoon in her right hand. "I'm fine." She inhaled, enjoying the scent of warm bread and the stew. "It smells wonderful. Thank you."

"It was my honor." Virgil set the trays he was holding aside, and moved to stand by her shoulder, helping Esther move the bowls and plates, and cut the food.

They ate for a few moments in silence. Esther was preoccupied with the food. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until she'd started eating, but once the first bite was in her mouth, she felt ravenous. It was awkward, with her left shoulder and arm immobile, but Virgil assisted her. Esther finished the soup, dunking the bread in it to make it easier for her to eat, then alternated between the meat, cheese and fruit. She was halfway through when she heard William speak. "Abel, you really do need to eat something."

Abel was still sitting in the window, but it didn't look like he'd touched the food in front of him. Esther swallowed, feeling that cold hard knot in her throat again. Normally he was ravenous, and you couldn't pull him away from a table. Now he simply sat there, barely even picking at the food before him.

Virgil turned slightly to face him. "Is the food not to your liking? If you wish, I can ask the kitchen to prepare something else, Father. You need only let me know what you require."

"It's fine." Abel pushed a piece of meat over with his fork, then set it down. "I'm just not hungry, I suppose." A brief smile touched his face, but it could barely even be called a ghost of his usual sheepish expression. "I..." The smile faded back into sorrow. "I'm sorry."

"I understand." Virgil shifted, clearing away the empty soup bowl. His face was still, solemn. He straightened, and carried the bowl and utensils back to the cart. "I felt much the same, the first time."

Abel stiffened, startled. Esther set her fork down, and William blinked, straightening a little in his seat. Blue eyes met blue, and Abel's gaze widened. "The...first time?"

"Yes." Virgil's head bowed slightly. "The first time the late queen gave me her blood." He set the bowl down on the second shelf of the serving cart. "I was...extremely conflicted at that time. And while I understand that the circumstances were different, I believe I have some knowledge of how you feel, Father. Particularly since..." His voice trailed off, but there was no doubt of the lingering sorrow in his gaze.

"Well, that's certainly an interesting development." Wordsworth settled back in his seat, his eyes still glittering with interest. "I'd guessed that you were a Methuselah, and I'm aware that you've been with the ruling family for some time, but something like that...I don't suppose you'd be willing to explain further."

"I have every intention of explaining further." Virgil straightened, and turned back to Esther. "Your Majesty, would you care for anything more?"

Esther looked down at the plates on her tray. She hadn't finished everything, but she wasn't hungry. More than that, she wanted to know what Virgil was talking about, and why he'd said such a thing. "No. Actually, I'm quite full. Thank you."

"You're welcome." Virgil stepped forward, and cleared away the remaining dishes. His movements were as precise and professional as ever, but his eyes were distant. He laid the dishes aside, with the bowl, and moved the tray to rest it against the cart. Then he turned to look at Abel, still staring at him. "You said you believe what you did was a sin, that it was wrong."

"I...yes. To drink Esther's blood...even if I was...even if the Professor is right..." Abel's head bowed. "Even if...if I was trying to use that...I...that wasn't necessary."

"On the contrary, it is quite likely that was the only way you could have gotten your powers to work with Lady Esther." Virgil spoke calmly. "I assume you have heard of the term, Pure Blood, Father?"

Abel blinked, confusion displacing pain for a moment. "I have, but...what does that...?"

"Father Wordsworth, if you'd kindly explain." Virgil spoke without turning away from the silver-haired man seated before him.

"Of course. Actually, I explained this to Esther recently, so this will be the short version, if you don't mind. Abel, please pay attention."

Abel blinked again, his gaze settling on his friend. "Professor?"

Wordsworth nodded, setting him pipe between his teeth. "Simply put, a Pure Blood can't be affected by the Bascillus in Methuselah blood. Whether they're bitten or not, if their blood is drained, or even if they received a direct transfusion, it simply doesn't matter. Aside from normal blood loss, they simply can't be affected. In essence, they're immune. Are you following me?"

"Yes, but..." Abel started to protest, but William held up a hand.

"Having the Pure Blood strain means that in order for a Methuselah's powers to affect you, it has to be an external power, like manipulating fire, or that Methuselah has to have drunk your blood, enough to have some connection. In short, there has to be a sharing of blood, and it has to come primarily from the one who carries the Pure Blood strain. Moreover, even if that's the case, it wears off with no adverse affects to the one who is connected. There are some exceptions, however...not many." William frowned. "I did some research, with Lady Seth's help, and that immunity carries over somewhat to the Crusnik's power. It's not as complete, because the Crusnik are more adaptable, but it is there." He smiled. "It's rather like having an immunity to catching the flu. It won't prevent you from catching, say, pneumonia, but it does give you a little extra resistance."

"I...I don't understand. Why...why is this...?" Abel's fist clenched.

"Well, it's very simple. If you have someone who's a Pure Blood, then naturally, even you might have to take measures you wouldn't normally take. For instance, if you were trying to stop someone from bleeding to death, using that power of yours, it wouldn't work unless you drank their blood. Exactly as you did with Esther."

Abel blinked again, pain and confusion and hope mixing in his eyes. "But...even if that is true...what...how does this apply...to what I did...to Esther?"

"Because..." Virgil spoke, his voice soft and calm. "The Royal line of Albion is a Pure Blood line. Lady Esther carries the trait, the same as her grandmother, the previous Queen Bridgette, and her father, the Crown Prince Gilbert." His eyes met Abel's sorrow and compassion and knowledge in them. "I know this because I, as the head of the House of Manchester, and as the friend of the late queen...I had entered a bond with both of them. I..." He hesitated a split second, then spoke softly, resolutely. "I drank both their blood, and..." One hand raised to cover his heart. "My body remembers it still."

There was silence in the room for a moment. Esther stared up at the tall form of her adviser. She wanted to ask for an explanation, but surprise made her feel unsteady, and she wasn't sure how to say it without sounding accusing.

William saved her the trouble. He raised one eyebrow, and pulled the pipe-stem from his mouth. "You drank the blood of the ruling family?" He frowned. "Interesting. I can't think of a single way you could have gotten away with it, unless...you did say originally that the late queen gave you her blood, and I'd assume the same is true of the Crown Prince." He smiled tightly.

"Correct." Virgil nodded.

"I see. But surely, that must have caused trouble within the court. Something like that, particularly considering the status of the Underground City until recently..."

"The Court was not informed. It was a private matter." Virgil sighed. When he spoke again, his eyes remained fixed on Abel, but Esther had the sense he was speaking to her as well. "The House of Manchester and the Royal Family of Albion have been allied since the Methuselah-Terran war, nine hundred years ago. After the Underground was founded, we, of the House of Manchester, became the leaders of our people, and the heads of the family came to serve the rulers of this land."

"That much is in history books, as a well-documented fact." William nodded. "In fact, there have been frequent questions as to why the family and the Royal line are so closely interlinked. Especially considering the loyalty to the Underground facility that each successive head of the family bears. Some might say it was a conflict of interests."

"Yes. And despite the trouble these suppositions cause, we prefer to maintain that. However, no Lord of Manchester would ever betray his or her monarch." He turned clear blue eyes to Esther. "Majesty, there is something I need to speak with you about. I don't mind if Father Nightroad and Father Wordsworth hear this as well, but...I would ask that it remain private. What I wish to tell you, I have never even told Vanessa." He sighed. "If I had, perhaps her foolish ideas of rebellion could have been stopped. Nonetheless...I did not wish to cause trouble for Her Majesty, Queen Bridgette, so I held my silence."

"I understand. It won't go past this room." Esther nodded.

Virgil inclined his head. "The head of the Manchester family swears his loyalty to each successive monarch, and to the heir to the throne. Naturally, given our longer lifespans, we generally live to serve more than one." He smiled tightly. "You are my third generation to serve, Lady Esther."

"Yes. I knew you served the previous queen. And I'd heard you served the monarch before." Esther looked down at her sheets.

"I did, though my father was the original servant to that monarch. I did not become the head of my family until a little more than halfway through his reign." Virgil hesitated a moment. "Outwardly, publicly, the fealty ceremony is exactly like any other lords. However, in private, there has been a longstanding tradition of a secondary ceremony. It is voluntary, and not all choose to do so, but...if both monarch and the Manchester head of house agree, a pact is formed between them, a bond of sorts."

"A blood bond, then?" William raised an eyebrow again.

It is something like that, yes. Although..." A small smile crossed the stern face. "I doubt it's as strong as you believe, Father Wordsworth."

There was another small silence, and then Virgil spoke again. "Under this agreement, the head of the house receives the monarch's blood. The blood of a Pure Blood line. It's only a small amount, but...it can mitigate the effects of the Bascillus, and makes it easier for us to walk in the sun. It also balances the effects of the silver nitrate solution we take. It is a long-standing, unspoken rule that the family head will never take enough for our powers to be employed against that monarch, or the heir, unless there is a crisis. But what we receive allows us to better serve, and aids our condition. In return, we are the crown's guard in the Underground, and their closest advisers. We are their family guards, their confidantes if they choose, their special messengers if needed. Whatever is asked of us."

"I see. And you...you served my father and my grandmother like that?"

"I did." Another small smile touched his face. "It was a joy to serve them both, particularly her majesty. I watched them grow up, and the oath I took was one I was happy to make. In truth, I would have served them wholeheartedly without the bond, but Lady Bridgette asked it of me. She wished to help me. Also...she wished me to use one of my powers, in particular, on her behalf."

"Oh? What power was that?" Esther stared at him.

Virgil turned to face her. "I am one who can identify those who carry blood that I have taken. She wished for me to use my power to stay beside her, but also...she wished to be able to find those who carried the same blood she did. In her final days, she asked me to use that...to seek you."

"So that's how you knew Esther was the heir to the Albion throne? You sensed it?" Wordsworth stared at the other man. "I confess, I was curious but...I thought you said the computers in the Underground recognized her."

"They did. I used my own knowledge to program in the DNA and blood type markers to provide access. However, I suspected who you were, Majesty, from the moment I first met you, walking with His Holiness."

"I see. And that's why...that's why you took us underground, and why you told me so much, that time." She'd wondered why the Count had informed her he was a Methuselah, knowing her connection to the Vatican. "That makes...a great deal of sense, actually. I'd wondered."

"I suppose so. My apologies." Virgil inclined his head, then returned his gaze to the silver-haired priest. Abel was staring at him with wide eyes. "Now do you understand, Father Nightroad? I cannot condemn you, and you should not condemn yourself for this. Regardless of how it came about, you did precisely what was needed, to save Her Majesty." He moved then, to stand before Abel, then suddenly dropped to his knees before the other man. "You have my gratitude, Father. Thank you."

Abel looked dazed. "I..." He shook his head. "You mustn't kneel to me, Lord Walsh." There was relief, but still a measure of fear in his gaze. "Even if...even if you're correct...I still...I...the hunger...I felt it."

"I am not surprised." Virgil spoke calmly, and he didn't rise. "You live a life of abstinence, as do I. And I confess, I use my powers rarely but even then, I too feel the Thirst sometimes. I'm actually surprised that you controlled it as well as you have, Father. Considering that you took no more than you needed to save Her Majesty, and have not fed otherwise."

Abel shook his head again, looking confused. "I...even so..."

"That's enough, Abel." William rose from his seat, and moved across the floor. He extended his hand to Virgil. "You should probably stand up now. Abel doesn't do well with people trying to kneel to him, or thank him." There was a glitter of amusement in his eyes. "Don't ask me why, but it seems to make him somewhat confused."

"As you wish." Virgil rose.

William turned, and laid a hand on his fellow priest's shoulder, his touch gentle and compassionate. "Enough, Abel. I know why you blame yourself, however...this isn't something you need to be so agonized over. You've heard. No one blames you, or thinks you've done wrong. In all likelihood, you saved Esther's life that night. And now you know why it had to be that way. And I'm sure Esther has forgiven you as well. Right?" he turned his gaze to Esther, a kind smile on his face.

"Of course I have. I never thought he needed to be forgiven, actually." Esther reached out her hand. "It's all right Abel. I said it before, didn't I?" She offered him a smile. "You don't need to weep over this."

Abel looked as if he'd been hit in the head. His eyes were huge and confusion had replaced the sorrow. "I..."

"Enough." William smiled again, then shifted his grip and pulled the limp figure to his feet. "You're tired, and overwrought. You've been out of your mind with fear and grief for several days now, and you haven't taken care of yourself. You need to eat, and rest, and clean up. I'm sure this will all make more sense once you've done so." He offered Esther another grin. "I hope you don't mind if I borrow Abel for a while."

"No, it's fine." Esther smiled back, warmth easing through her. "It's perfectly all right. Please, take good care of him for me. And Abel...please be sure to come back when you've rested."

"I...yes..." He still looked dazed. In fact, he looked asleep on his feet.

"Come on then." William stowed the pipe in his pocket, and held Abel with one hand, reaching out to take the still laden food cart with the other. "I'll just take this, shall I? Perhaps now Abel will actually eat something." He pushed the cart ahead of them. "I'll be back later, Esther, as will he." He offered her one last smile, then led his companion through the door, shutting it behind him.

There was silence between Esther and her adviser for a few moments. Then Virgil turned back to her. "Your Majesty, you seem troubled." His eyes were concerned. "I'm sure Father Wordsworth will take good care of Father Nightroad, and his sister will also make sure he recovers his strength."

"I know." Esther smiled, but she could feel the uncertainty in her own smile. "It's just...all this time...I didn't know about you and my predecessor. And this bond...you never told me."

"No. I did not." Virgil spoke softly. "Her Majesty, the late Queen Bridgette, and her son, Gilbert...they grew up with me. They knew who I was and what I did, and they were both made aware of the bond between myself and the monarch."

He bowed suddenly, dropping to one knee before her. "I apologize if you feel I have been rude. However, knowing of your connection with the Church, I did not wish to cause you any further concerns."

"I understand." She felt a little sadness creep into her smile. "Besides...you said they grew up with you. I'm sure it was much easier for you to feel connected with them. I'm sure you had your reasons."

"I did wish to give you more time to get used to me, and to the pressures of ruling Albion, particularly in these uncertain times. You were her Star of Hope. I promised Lady Bridgette I would look after you." The golden head bowed. "If you wish, after you recover from your wound, I will take that bond with you, Majesty."

Esther stared at him. She knew he was sincere, but she heard the sadness, a trace of unwillingness in his tone. "Lord Walsh..." She blinked. "It sounds like...like you would prefer not to do so."

Virgil looked up, and she saw sadness in his gaze. "I was...very fond of the late queen. I watched her grow into the wonderful woman she was."

"Oh. Were you..." She couldn't finish the thought, and found herself blushing slightly.

"No. However...I will confess, I..." He hesitated, and when he spoke again, his words were slow and thoughtful. "She asked me to seek you, the Star of Hope for Albion, and this world." His bowed his head. "During her final days, she gave me her blood, though I did not wish it, so I would be better able to find you. I stood with her in her last hours, and it was her final request of me. Her final word to me."

"I see." Esther could see his sadness, and she felt a lump in her throat at the thought. "Then...you don't want to have that sort of connection, because of that?"

"Not precisely. Perhaps, I was too close to Her Majesty. But...it is more than that. I believe, Majesty, that you already have a protector one, who is bound to you." His eyes were thoughtful. "Father Nightroad seems to have already fulfilled the place I would have taken, had you been raised here. I do not wish to interfere in that, not without your wish and his. And with a protector already there for you, and the Vatican watching over you, I thought it would be best if I took some time. I...mourned her, and I was unsure how to explain that connection to someone who had not grown up with it."

There was another moment of silence between them, then Virgil rose. "I apologize, if I have made you feel uncomfortable, my Lady. However..."

"It's all right. I can understand your reluctance." And she did. She smiled, a touch ruefully. "To be honest, if you'd asked me, I probably would have been rather startled, and maybe even a little afraid. I was just...concerned, that you didn't ask because you didn't feel I was worth the trouble."

"On the contrary. I think you are fully as worthy of my loyalty as the queen I served before." Virgil turned, and he was smiling warmly. It wasn't a broad smile, like Abel's or the Professors, but it was a good one, and Esther smiled back. "I chose not to offer this to you, because I felt it might not be needed, and because..." He paused. "Queen Bridgette hoped for a new era of peace, a new era for Albion. I too wish for that, and I believe you are capable of delivering that era. Already, we have come further than I dared to hope was possible. And in this new era I thought perhaps we too could do things differently."

"Thank you." Esther blinked, feeling a little light-headed. As the tension of her concern for Abel faded, she found herself feeling tired, as though her energy had magically disappeared.

Virgil noticed. He turned, and gently wrapped an arm around her back, rearranging the pillows and laying her down. "You look tired, Majesty. Please rest."

Esther nodded. She felt warm and relaxed as he tucked the sheets around her, careful to make sure the injured shoulder was supported, and taken care of. Then he straightened. "Thank you...Lord Walsh..." She reached out her right hand and touched his sleeve. "Thank you...for helping Father Nightroad."

"It was my honor. He is a good man." He smiled once more. "Rest, Lady Esther." He strode to the door, then paused in the door way. "Rest well. We will take care of things, so you needn't worry." He left before she could reply. Esther smiled once more, and relaxed into sleep again.

She woke with the sun shining into the room. Esther blinked. Someone had pulled back the drapes. The warm golden light was soothing, comforting. From the angle it was coming in through the window, it looked like late afternoon. Esther rubbed the sleep from her eyes, wondering how she'd slept so late. For the first time, it occurred to her to wonder just how long she'd been unconscious. She started to push the covers back to sit up, but a voice stopped her. "Hey there. You probably shouldn't move around too much just yet."

Esther gasped as Seth stood from the chair on her other side, then moved around the bed and gently helped her into a sitting position. "There. That ought to be much better, right?" The Empress smiled at her.

"Yes. It's just that, well..." She found herself blushing slightly. "I mean I..."

"I think I understand." Seth shifted, pulling back the sheets. "You've been down for quite a while, and I understand you ate quite well, earlier. I'm not surprised. Here, I'll help you to the restroom, okay?"

"Thank you." Esther felt her blush deepen, but there was nothing else she could say. She let the smaller woman help her turn to the edge of the bed, then carefully to the floor. Her legs were shaky, and a little weak. She almost fell, but Seth caught her. Together, with slow careful steps, they made their way to the bathroom. Seth waited discretely nearby, then helped Esther wash her hands and her face. As the other woman helped her settle back into the soft bed, Esther managed a shaky smile. "Thank you. I don't know what I would have done. I can't think why I'm so weak."

Seth shook her head. "It's to be expected, really. You did lose a lot of blood, and you pushed yourself pretty hard that night. Between that and how long you've been unconscious, it's no surprise. Actually, you're doing quite well."

"I see. Ummm...if you don't mind telling me, how long was I unconscious?" Esther felt her fist clench in the sheets.

"Well, actually, today is the ninth day since the battle. You were out a pretty long time. Although, according to Abel, you actually woke up about a day and a half ago." Seth sighed. "I was surprised, when he told me. But then, you've always been very strong. You were like that in my Empire too." Seth gave her a small grin. Then she straightened. "Speaking of which, I'd like to take a look at that shoulder, if you don't mind. I actually came in to check on that, but I didn't want to disturb you while you were sleeping, so I thought I'd wait a bit. But since you're awake..."

"Please, go ahead." She watched as the Empress stepped around the bed, and sat still as the she carefully unwrapped the layers of bandages. Esther turned her head away abruptly at the sight of the deep, raw wound. She was no stranger to wounds, or even death, but the sight made her faintly queasy for some reason. She looked for something else to think about as Seth brushed gently at the injured flesh. "Lord Walsh said you were the one who took care of me. Thank you."

"Well, I did have some help, you know. As a matter of fact, Lord Walsh assisted me on the battlefield, and in the operation itself. He and Abel both, really." Seth did something else, and Esther felt her eyes water. She must have made a soft sound, because Seth's voice was apologetic. "Sorry. I needed to check something. I did try not to hurt you, but with an injury like this, I'm afraid you may have a few more troublesome days ahead of you. However, it's still healing quite well." Esther turned as she picked up some salve from the nightstand by the bed, and began to smear it gently on the wound. The scent was faintly herbal, and the coolness of it soothed the ache wonderfully. Seth applied a generous coating, then began to wrap clean bandages around Esther's shoulder and chest. Within moments, the shoulder had been wrapped and immobilized once more. "There we go."

Esther reached up to touch the injured limb. A glance confirmed that the bandages Seth was setting aside weren't nearly as dirty as they could be after nine days. "Thank you for taking all this trouble."

"Hmmm?" Seth followed her glance to the bandages. "Oh. Well I did do some, but I have to confess, Abel actually did a lot of this. It's about the only thing he has done for the past nine days, aside from sit next to you. He's really quite good at this, you know?"

"Yes." Esther swallowed. "Father Nightroad...Abel...is he...?"

"Abel is just fine." A small grin quirked his sister's mouth. "Right now, he's probably still sleeping off that dose of medicine the Professor and I put in his food. He's going to be pretty annoyed with us when he wakes up, but we all agreed it was for the best. Abel will keep forgetting that he needs rest and nutrition just like the rest of us, even if he is a little more resilient than most." She sighed.

"I see. I'm glad." Esther settled back into the pillows.

Seth regarded her a moment, then perched on the edge of the bed. "You know Esther, if you're feeling tired, I can go. But if you're feeling up to it, I thought I'd stop by and let you know what's going on around here." She grinned. "I suppose it might be better if Lord Walsh or Colonel Spencer told you, but...well, there were a few things I did want to tell you." She leaned against the bedpost, looking a little sheepish. "I think I might owe you an apology."

"An apology? But what for?" Esther shifted, edging herself up a little straighter.

"Well, I was concerned after you collapsed." Seth shrugged. "I figured you'd be out for a while, but more than that...I was pretty sure that Lord Walsh and Colonel Spencer were going to be in trouble. After all, with something like this happening...well, when we had that incident in the Empire, even Baibars and Mirka got into a little trouble for that."

Esther felt a knot form in her stomach. "You're right. I hadn't thought of that. I..."

"It's fine. No one expects you to think of those things right after you wake up. And really, right now you're on a lot of medication for the pain. Things might be a bit difficult for a while. I'm sure you can handle it, but we don't want you to push too hard. Anyway, I was a little concerned, so Caterina and I...we took some action on our own."

"May I ask what you did?"

"Of course. Basically..." Seth gave her a small, tight grin. "I announced my presence here, as the Empress of Methuselah. Right now, Caterina, His Holiness and I are running a joint support of Albion. And I'm afraid I borrowed your two councilors, in a manner of speaking. I made Virgil Albion's Special Diplomatic Reserve representative to my Imperial Council, and Colonel Spencer as the joint commander of the Combined Alliance Forces. If it makes you feel better, Caterina also loaned me Father Wordsworth for the Vatican Special Diplomatic Reserve, and Brother Petros volunteered to represent His Holiness for the armed forces. We've sort of formed a council for the alliance, one that is currently tending to Albion's needs."

Esther remembered Virgil's quiet reassurance before she'd fallen asleep. For a moment, she was too stunned to think, then a wave of quiet relief swept through her. "You and Lady Caterina, you're taking care of Albion?"

"Well, sort of. Really, Lord Walsh and Colonel Spencer are doing most of the work right now. We figured it would be best if they handled it. We're just...offering advice, and taking care of things like security. There was one little sneak attempt made, a few days ago, but it's been pretty quiet."

"A sneak attempt?" Esther felt cold again.

"Yes. But you don't need to worry. Even for that brat, von Lohengrin, it was pretty obvious." Seth gave her a grim smile. "Some guy tried to sneak into the main elevator, claiming to be there for maintenance, then tried to hack the computers. He had a program to do it for him, but Lord Walsh is quite prepared for that sort of thing. I think the guy is in Lady Walsh's custody right now."

"I see. Has there been anything else?" Esther felt a little tired, but she didn't want to fall asleep. She wanted to know what was going on.

"Not really. It's actually been quieter than I expected. I guess those two from the Order know we've been watching you pretty close. And as for him..." Seth sighed. "He's up to something. I'm pretty sure of it. But whatever it is, it doesn't seem to involve the situation here. And without any clues as to where he might have gone...there's not much we can do."

"Does Abel...?"

Seth gave her another of her small, tight grins. "Abel hasn't done anything but stay beside you. He was almost as catatonic as you were, to be honest. But then, it's only to be expected. After all, he did say it. That if something happened to you, he'd be devastated. Abel might like to exaggerate sometimes, but not about things like that."

"I know." Esther swallowed.

"Hey, you don't have to worry." Seth reached across and squeezed her hand. "Trust me, Abel and I aren't going to let anything happen. And lady Caterina and all her agents feel the same way. So do Ion and Astha, even Mirka and Baibars. Plus, there's those two who work for you. And I heard your Lord Walsh gave Abel a talking to the last time."

"He did." Esther nodded.

"Yeah. Well, I don't know exactly what you told him, but it seems to have snapped Abel out of it some. He's still a little gloomy, but he's at least being more like himself." Seth grinned. "And His Holiness has done a lot too. For such a shy kid, he's really got a lot going for him."

It took a moment for the words to sink in fully. "His...Holiness. You don't mean...he's not...here, is he?"

"Uh-huh. He and Lady Caterina and those two knights of his. The big one and that quiet woman. They came in a few days ago." Seth sighed. "I'm really quite grateful. There are different rules outside my Empire, and Caterina knows more about them than I do. And really, I rather like the kid. Alessandro, I mean. And those two knights aren't really that different from Baibars. It's kind of...fun, you know?"

Esther felt a little overwhelmed. "His...Holiness..."

"Yeah. He's been in to see you a few times, and to try and calm Abel down. I guess it helped a little. Anyway, now that you're waking up more, he'll probably stop by to say hi."

Esther blinked, trying to assimilate it all. The Pope was here. And Caterina, and Brother Petros and Sister Paula. The Ax members were supporting her, and Seth and Caterina had come to help her. Alessandro was there to encourage her. She knew Ion and Astha were probably helping too, working with their Empress and her people to smooth things out. The enormity and the wonder of it crashed over her, making her feel light-headed with relief. She hadn't had time to ask, but Albion was being protected for her, by all the people she loved and trusted. She could feel tears of happiness stinging her eyes.

"Hey, Esther, are you all right?" Seth's voice was suddenly concerned.

"Yes. I'm fine, really. It's just...all of you...you're doing so much for me, and for my country. And I...I guess..." She stopped, swallowing back the lump in her throat. "I just...thank you, so much."

Seth's arm wrapped gingerly around her shoulder. "Hey, it's no problem. We're happy to do it, you know? And really, this has benefited all of us." A small laugh bubbled up. "I'd prefer if you didn't make a habit of this, and I'll be very happy when you can join in all of this, but you don't need to worry. Even if it was a bad thing to happen, I'm pretty sure it's going to come out all right. Maybe even better than we hoped. So you just concentrate on getting well, all right?"

"Yes. Of course. Thank you." Seth's giggle was infectious, and Esther found herself smiling back, just a bit. Then the other woman released her, and carefully settled her back.

"Here." Seth leaned her against the pillows, and her grin became a little rueful. "I guess this is a lot to take in, right at the moment." She looked at Esther for a moment. "Tell you what. Why don't you rest for the remainder of the afternoon, and we'll let everyone join you for dinner, okay? That way everyone can see you're okay, and you can talk to them, and all that. I think you'll feel better if you do."

"I think you're right." She did feel a little exhausted, but...she also wanted to see everyone and thank them.

"Great." Seth turned and headed for the door, stopping to give Esther a grin and a thumbs up. "You go ahead and relax. I'll send Lord Walsh in about half an hour before, so you can get to feeling a little more like yourself." She gave Esther a quick salute. "Later, Esther." Then she was gone, the door shut behind her.

Esther leaned back. She felt tired. She didn't feel sleepy, exactly, just listless. She closed her eyes, letting the gold of the afternoon sunlight relax her, the warmth of the room, and the softness of the pillows and blankets around her. There wasn't much noise, but even the silence seemed soothing, restful.

Albion was safe. She hadn't really realized how worried she was, but...her people were safe. Everyone she loved was in the Palace, protecting each other, protecting her. Abel was going to be all right.

A sudden thought made her reach up. To her surprise, there was no chain around her throat. Her eyes jerked open. She turned her head, searching frantically, then relaxed. The locket Abel had given her lay on her bedside table, the chain coiled loosely around the silver medallion, and the ruby-red ring that nestled close to it. Esther smiled, relieved, then allowed herself to sink back once more, relaxing. She didn't quite fall asleep, but after a few moments, the warmth of the sun allowed her to sink into a light doze.

The slight creak of the door roused her again sometime later. Esther blinked herself awake, then turned her head, to see Virgil standing in the doorway. "Majesty."

"Lord Walsh." She blinked again, clearing the cobwebs from her mind. "Oh, that's right. There's supposed to be dinner this evening."

"Indeed. However, if you're not feeling well, I can inform them to wait until a later evening." The clear blue eyes watched her with concern.

"No. It's fine, really." Esther smiled, and carefully pushed herself up with her right hand. Instantly, Virgil was at her side, supporting her. "That nap I took helped a great deal." And it had, she felt much better, refreshed. She ran a hand through her red hair, wincing at the slightly oily feel. It wasn't as bad as she'd expected, but she found herself blushing. "I don't suppose there's any way I could clean up, though."

"If you wish, I can assist you." Virgil bowed. "I've performed such duties before." he regarded her a moment, "Shall I draw a bath for you? Or, if you wish, I can call the maids and have them assist you."

For some reason, Esther winced a little at the thought. Ever since the incident when she'd left the Palace, she'd been concerned about letting the maids know her exact condition. More than that...she'd simply never gotten used to the staff. She had been raised in a poor church, doing things herself. She shook her head. "I will admit, a bath does sound wonderful, but..."

"I will prepare it then." Virgil bowed once more, then stripped off his coat and set it aside, before rolling up his sleeves. "If you will permit, Majesty, I do have some experience in assisting injured persons. As a matter of fact, I occasionally served in this capacity with the previous queen."

"I...if you're sure it's all right, I'm grateful for the assistance." Esther blushed a little at the thought of the solemn lord helping her with bathing, but she couldn't see any other way to handle the situation.

Virgil nodded and disappeared into the bathing room. She heard the sound of water running, and soon there was a soft hint of steam in the air, the wonderful rose-scented steam she used when she felt particularly tired or unhappy. Esther smiled, wondering how on earth he'd known, or if he'd simply chosen the scent at random. A moment later, he returned to her room. Rather than leading her to the bathroom, however, he simply lifted her in his arms, gently supporting the left shoulder against his chest.

Esther blushed. For some reason, her mind presented her with an image of Abel doing the same thing. But Abel hadn't ever carried her to a bath. He'd picked her up out of a fountain once, and a few times out of dangerous situations, but...she jumped slightly, startled back to reality as Virgil set her on the edge of the tub. "Lady Esther, can you manage?" He didn't quite ask what he wanted her to manage, but it wasn't hard to guess. She looked down at the clothing she was wearing.

Out of necessity, she was wearing a loose robe that tied in front, so her shoulder could be tended to, a light button up shift with no sleeves to speak of, and her lower underthings. It was all relatively easy to shift out of. Esther reached up awkwardly with her right hand, and began undoing the shift. She was careful to leave her left shoulder as still as possible while she worked. She was forced to shift it a few times, gritting her teeth as a sharp pain flared through the injured joint. Finally, she was just about ready to slide into the bath.

Virgil extended a bathing towel to her, his eyes not quite focused somewhere over her left shoulder. She took it wrapping it around herself, and he unexpectedly reached out to tie another length over her injured shoulder. At her questioning look, he spoke softly. "The wound does need to be cleaned, but it's best if we keep as much of the hot water and bath oil as possible away from it."

"I understand." Esther turned, and slid into the warm water of the tub.

The bath was heavenly. The temperature was just right, and the soothing scent of the rose oil helped her tense muscles relax. Virgil had deliberately arranged it so her shoulder was supported on a pad, above the water, but she could lean back and enjoy the soak. She sat for several long moments, just enjoying the water. She was tempted to just sit there the rest of the evening, but the reminder of her dinner plans finally prompted her to sit up and search for the soap. Virgil handed it to her, keeping his eyes elsewhere while she bathed. Esther rinsed what she could. She was just trying to figure out how to wash her hair and her back, when Virgil extended his hand. "Majesty. If you will permit." He bowed, and Esther handed him the soap.

She couldn't help blushing, though Virgil's touch was both gentle and utterly professional. Had she not known exactly who it was, she almost would have convinced herself it was one of her maids. She tried to concentrate on that fact as the careful hands cleaned her back and her shoulder length hair, but for some reason, she kept thinking of Abel. Not that he'd ever done anything like this, they have both been too embarrassed to even consider it. But she remembered the gentleness of his touch, and wondered. The thoughts made her blush even harder. She wondered if Virgil noticed, but if he did, the Albion lord made no comment.

Finally, she was cleaned up. Virgil lifted her gently out of the tub, and held out a clean towel to her. He disappeared while she was drying off, reappearing with a clean garments, including a gown that she could slip into easily. He re-checked the bandages over her shoulder, then assisted her into the gown. As soon as she was dressed, he toweled her hair partially dry and brushed it for her, then carried her back into her room, and placed her back in the bed. A few swift movements had her sitting propped comfortably up, while he resumed his usual appearance. As he straightened his jacket, he returned to her side. "Is there anything else you need, before I summon your guests for dinner?"

"Actually, if you could hand me my necklace, there..." She pointed to the silver chain lying on the table. Virgil picked it up.

"Shall I help you put it on?" He held up the chain.

"Yes, please." She tilted her head forward a little, so he could loop it over her head. "Thank you. If you'd please let everyone know I'm ready now." She felt a great deal better, clean and warmed up from the bath. It did feel a little awkward to be sitting in bed, but she'd been injured enough to know there was nothing to be done about that.

"Very well. I shall inform them, and ask the kitchen to start sending up food for everyone." Virgil's gaze checked her once more, then he bowed slightly and left.

Esther had barely had time to feel his absence before the door burst open and Ion came bounding into the room. "Esther!" The Earl's eyes were wide, shining with what looked suspiciously like tears. He checked his rush a few feet away, moving to the bed carefully. "You're all right. Her Majesty said you were but...I was worried about you." He flushed. "I'm glad you're awake. Does it hurt?"

"Not really, not that much at all." Esther smiled. "Thank you for worrying about me, but it's really fine. Seth said I'll be up and around very soon. So there's no need to be concerned anymore."

"I'm glad. I was worried. They said they stopped the bleeding, and you'd be all right...but with the way Father Nightroad was acting, I..."

"Idiot." Astha strode into the room, making a face. "You should know as well as anyone that idiot priest always over-reacts to everything. If Esther got a paper cut, he'd act like someone was dying. Honestly." She made an exasperated noise again, then looked at Esther. "I will admit, I did share his concerns for a bit, though. It's good you've woken up. Perhaps now this brat and my idiot tovarish will stop being so foolish with their own health." She gave Ion's head a rough but affectionate thump as she moved to stand next to him. "And now that you've woken Majesty, I have something for you." She reached into a pocket and pulled out a small box. "I brought some of the bath formula from my home. I was originally saving it, but I think it will help you feel better. As I've told you before, it's wonderfully revitalizing."

Esther smiled. "I remember. Thank you."

Ion blushed. "I'm sorry. I didn't get anything for you Esther."

"It's fine. Having you here is wonderful, all on its own, Excellency. Thank you. And I'm sure you've been a great help to Lord Walsh."

"He has that." Seth slipped in, a grin already on her youthful features. "I haven't quite had time to keep your advisers up to date on the protocol of the Empire, so these two have been doing it for me." She smiled wider, and perched on the end of the bed once more. "So, how do you feel?"

"Much better, actually." Esther returned the grin, enjoying the warmth of camaraderie.

"Hmm. Well, I think the Vatican contingent will be along in a minute." Seth's eyes were bright with amusement. "I should warn you though, that Abel will probably be a bit late again. He's still sleeping and we thought we'd let him rest while he can. After all, once he wakes up, he's not likely to leave for a while. I hope you don't mind too much."

"No. I do want to see him, but...this is probably for the best. I'm sure...I'm sure he'll come later."

"What's up Red? You aren't fretting about Father Four Eyes, are you senorita?" Leon's teasing voice sounded from the doorway. Esther looked at him, and he offered her his wolfs grin. "Don't worry about that joker. He might be a little lazy, but he's still pretty tough."

"Father Garcias..." His grin was infectious, and Esther fought back a giggle as the bigger man crossed the room and affectionately, gently, ruffled her hair. "I'm glad you're doing well."

"Yeah. I'm just fine. But you know, it's kinda a bummer, not being able to pick you up and all." He was smiling though, taking the sting out of his words. "I'm glad you're getting better. After all, it doesn't do for the second best woman in the world to be down and out for too long."

"Now Leon. You mustn't be too rough with Esther." Wordsworth came in, smiling around his pipe-stem.

"Indeed. After all, Esther is a very important member of the Vatican, as well as in Albion." Caterina entered a step behind her two agents, one eyebrow raised in cool amusement. She sighed and put a hand to her forehead. "Honestly, Dandelion, even you should have learned some basic manners by now."

Astha snorted from her position leaning against a wall. "Not likely." Her eyes roved over Leon's frame. "I'll grant he's a good fighter, and sometimes, he does provide...amusing...company." A small, predatory smile flickered over her features. "However, there are some things that some men just never learn."

Leon flushed a little, but he also smiled back. After a moment, he shrugged, looking more than a little predatory himself. "Well hey. That sort of thing's just never been my style, senora. But," The wolf grin widened. "You have to admit, I have plenty of other...talents, to make up for it."

"Enough Leon." Caterina pinned her subordinate with a cool gaze for a moment, then turned to the doorway. "Holiness, will you come in now?"

Alessandro appeared in the doorway. He was dressed in plain robes, and bare-headed, and was fidgeting nervously with a handful of his sleeve. As he entered the room, his eyes found Esther, and a small, shy smile crossed his face. "Hey there, Esther." The smile widened and warmed as he approached the bed. "You're awake." He flushed, looking away in embarrassment. "I mean...they said you would be but...well...I'm glad to see you're doing better. That's all."

"Holiness." Esther returned his hesitant smile with a warmer one of her own. "Thank you for coming all this way to see me. Please, have a seat and join us."

"Thank you." Alessandro moved to settle in a chair the Professor held out for him, his happiness resulting in another slow blush of red that spread across the pale cheeks. "Ummm...well, I really didn't do all that much. But...when I heard...I...well, I wanted to come to see you. I thought...I thought it was...well, the least I could do." The blush deepened a bit. "I mean...you really helped me a lot, before. And anyway...Esther..." He trailed off.

"Yes?" She watched him.

"Well...just for now at least...I'd like it...I'd really like it if you'd call me by name." He was turning rapidly crimson, and his hands were twisting the lap of his robe, but he looked hopeful.

Esther smiled. "Of course. I'd be happy to, Alessandro."

"Oh. That's great." He looked around at the others in the room. "Actually...I don't mind if you all call me that. Really."

"Sure." Seth grinned from her seat. "I think it sounds much better than Holiness." She stretched, somehow not overbalancing. "I guess I'm not any more fond of formalities than that big guy." One hand waved at Leon.

The flow of conversation continued for several minutes. Esther found herself relaxing, enjoying the easy friendship and goodwill. Even Seth and Alessandro were swept into the flow of talk and teasing, brought into the group as seamlessly as Esther herself was. Alessandro was shy, but he joined in readily enough, and even Leon had enough sense to be gentle in his teasing of the young pope. Alessandro blushed when he was teased, but he also seemed to be enjoying it, more relaxed than Esther had ever remembered seeing him. Her stomach had just started growling when Virgil announced himself with a polite knock. "Majesty. Dinner is ready, if you would care to be served now."

"Please." Esther managed to give him a polite nod, though she couldn't do much else. Her gaze slipped to the others. "I hope you don't mind."

Leon leaned back. "Hell no. I gotta tell you, Red, I'm about ready to take a bite outta one of these chairs." He grinned at the furniture. The a slight frown crossed his face. "Still, it isn't like Father Four Eyes to miss a meal, even if he's not one for parties."

William chuckled. "I'm sure Abel will be here as soon as he wakes up. After all, I did dose him pretty well. I think I used at least triple the recommended amount of sleeping powder on him."

"Triple? Hey, isn't that a little dangerous?" Astha's eyes were glittering.

Seth shrugged. "Not with Abel. To be honest, I probably would have gone much higher, myself. He'll probably wake up soon and wander on in here." She grinned at Virgil, who was ushering in a steady stream of maids with carts. "I hope you planned enough for my brother too. Even if he is late, he's going to be hungry."

Virgil inclined his head. "I am aware of Father Nightroad's appetite, and I did take the liberty of requesting some extra for him. There should be plenty."

"Great. Then let's eat." Leon leaned down and rested a friendly arm across Alessandro's chair. "Tell you what. I'll go ahead and fix you up a plate, and you can sit here and keep an eye on Esther for me."

"Ummm...sure. Thank you." Alessandro looked a little uncomfortable with Leon's muscled frame leaning over him, but he also looked happy as well, so Esther decided not to comment.

Within minutes, a moderate buffet table had been set up on one side of the room, near the windows. There was everything from salad to soup to main courses, and plenty of choices for drinking. Virgil set up Esther's tray, while Mary gathered a selection off the tables for her. True to his word, Leon fixed a plate for Alessandro, shouting questions about his preferences across the room with an air of casual ease that had Caterina frowning, the pope blushing, and Esther and Seth both trying not to giggle. Everyone else served themselves after that. They were just settling down into various seats, when a sound at the door made Esther look up. Her breath caught in her throat.

Abel was standing in the doorway, his expression hesitant and uncertain. The uniform he was had obviously been freshly laundered, and the silver hair was once again shining, smoothed back into its customary ponytail. Except for the shadows under his eyes, and his hesitant gaze, he looked exactly as he usually did. Then the blue eyes met hers, and he flushed slightly, looking away. "Ah..."

"Abel." Caterina's voice was soft and welcoming. "We're glad you could join us."

"Ummm, yes." One hand came up to rub the back of his head. His tone was subdued, but Esther could hear the familiar sheepishness in it. "Well, I appear to be a little late, and I..."

Seth laughed, and rose to hug her brother. "It's all right. It really isn't your fault this time Abel. I had Father Wordsworth knock you out for a bit. That's all. You should join us. We were just celebrating Esther's recovery, and the new developments in our Alliance."

Abel blinked at his sister, then looked up at William. "You..."

"I drugged your food, yes." William shrugged. "It seemed like the only way you were going to get any rest. However, you do appear to be fully recovered from the effects. So why don't you join us?"

"No kidding." Leon strode over and wrapped an arm over Abel's shoulders, knocking him off balance and pulling him into the room. One swift kick knocked the door shut before Abel had a chance to react. "Man, you've been out at least twelve hours, Four Eyes. And I wouldn't usually be one to say this, but you're too damn thin." he scowled. "Come on." he dragged Abel over to a chair next to both Esther and Alessandro, and dropped him into it. "Sit there. I'll get you something. But..." He grinned and leaned over, showing Abel his fierce smile. "It's just this once, okay? Don't get used to it." With that, the other AX agent turned his back and strode to the buffet tables, pausing absentmindedly to drop his plate on a small table next to Astha's.

"Ah...Leon..." Abel stuttered to a halt as Astha rose gracefully from her seat.

The slender Methuselah strode forward until she look Abel in the eyes. "Well, tovarish?" Abel blinked, started to open his mouth, but she cut him off. "Are you feeling better, priest?"

"Ummm, well, yes actually." Abel's voice was soft.

"Good. Then you can join in the celebration." She grinned at him. "Honestly, you can be so much trouble sometimes." She turned and walked back to her place before Abel could comment.

Abel sat blinking a few times, then his eyes seemed to focus on his closest dinner companions. He flushed. "Miss Esther. Holiness...I..."

"Please. Umm...Alessandro is fine. Really. I mean...I told everyone else to call me by name, so..." Alessandro blushed. "So...Father Nightroad..." He trailed off, looking abashed.

Abel studied the young face, and his own expression lost some of its guarded uncertainty. He leaned forward and touched the young man's hand with his own. Alessandro looked up, startled, and Abel smiled at him. "Well, it seems I owe you thanks." The gentle smile widened, tinged with that old familiar embarrassment. "I know you came to talk to me a few times over the past few days. I'm sorry I wasn't the best company in the world. Thank you, for trying to help me."

Alessandro smiled back. "It's fine. I mean... you were a little upset. And...I know you and Esther are really close. So...I guess I understand. And really...I'm just glad if I was able to help you at all."

"You did." Abel's voice was soft, faintly amused as if he were almost laughing at himself. "Even if I couldn't show it, you really did help." His gaze lifted to the others ringing the room, resting longest on William and Lord Walsh. "All of you. Thank you."

Virgil raised his glass. "You are quite welcome, Father Nightroad."

Leon returned, almost dropping the plate of food in Abel's lap. "Hey." He grinned and raised his cup high. "A toast, to Red and Father Four Eyes."

William was a touch behind him. "To Father Nightroad and Lady Esther."

Seth's cup was up before he finished speaking. "To Esther, and my dear brother Abel."

"To everyone." Abel's quiet voice rang out through the room. He didn't pause, but smiled softly and tapped his glass to Leon's before the other man could reply. With one smooth motion, he tilted his head back and took a quick sip of the wine. There was a brief chiming as the others followed suit. Esther tapped her glass with Seth and Alessandro. To Abel. And to everyone who's been so kind to me.

After that, everyone settled back into their seats and began eating. Conversation picked up again, muted and sporadic, but still comforting. Abel was mostly silent, listening to Seth and making brief responses as she brought him up to date on what had happened. Esther felt a touch of concern, but it eased when Abel finished his first plate of food and went for seconds, then thirds, and finally a plate of desserts and a cup of his infamous tea. Even though the shadows remained in his eyes, she was relieved to see his appetite had returned.

After about two hours, the party began to wind down. Caterina was the first to leave, excusing herself quietly, and William shortly after. Alessandro left after Abel gently shook him awake in his seat, and the others filed out shortly after that. Esther was almost sad to see it breaking up, but she was feeling tired as well. She didn't protest when the maids appeared to clear away the last of the serving platters and all the dishes.

Finally, Abel Virgil and Seth were the last three remaining. Seth took a last swallow of her drink, then stood and stretched. "I guess we're all going to be fairly busy for a while." She flashed Esther a smile. "You have to recover, Abel has to get back into things, and the rest of us have a government to run." She turned, to where Abel was talking quietly to Virgil. "I guess Abel will probably be helping you. At least, I hope so. I think it'll do him good, and it's much better than letting him wander off on his own."

"You're right." Esther finished her own drink. She didn't usually drink much wine, and she felt a little blurred by it. Still, Seth was right.

Seth noticed her slight haziness and took the glass from her. "Well then, I'll be taking my leave of you now. Do you want me to take Abel, or shall I leave him here with you."

Esther blinked. "I...I'd appreciate it if you left him here, please." Even through the slight haze, she was concerned. Abel had been so broken over her injury, and she wasn't sure how things stood between them. He'd spoken to her during dinner, and he'd seemed as friendly as ever, but she'd sensed a sort of barrier between the two of them.

"Of course." Seth rose from her seat and left. The movement attracted the attention of the two men by the window.

Virgil came over. "Majesty?" he looked into her face, and she knew he must have seen the tiredness there. His gentle hands removed the tray, then helped her to lie back. "I will take my leave of you now, if you wish." At Esther's nod, he straightened and turned to his companion. "Father Nightroad."

Esther woke enough to reach out. "Actually..." Her gaze turned to Abel. "Abel...would you mind...staying for a few more moments?"

"Of course not." He moved silently to the edge of her bed and settled into a seat. He waited until Virgil left, then spoke softly. "Is there something I can do for you, Miss Esther?"

She didn't answer, just reached up her right hand to touch his. Abel started at her touch, but he didn't pull away. After a moment, the blue eyes came to meet hers. She held his gaze for a moment, seeing the lines still graven into his face by grief, and the shadows that lingered in the blue depths. "Are you...really all right?"

"Well..." He hesitated. "Well, I suppose I am feeling better. However...what happened..." He sighed. "I...even though...even though I know you've forgiven me...and even with what Lord Walsh told me...I..." He stopped his head bowing. She feared for a moment that he was going to pull away from her, but after a long hesitation, he gently closed his fingers over her hand, holding her smaller hand in his own warm one. "I...I need more time. After that...I'm sorry...but...I...I'm still...so afraid. I thought...I thought I would lose you...and that...that it would be my fault."

She shifted her fingers in his grip, trying to return that gentle clasp. "It's all right." She remembered standing by his coffin, all those months ago. "I understand."

His eyes met hers again. After a moment, he set her hand gently on the coverlet, and rose. "I should let you rest."

"Wait. Please." She reached out again, brushing her fingers across his sleeve. Abel stopped and turned to her. She smiled, a little embarrassed. "It's just...I got so used to having you here. Before...you were always beside me when I slept. So...I know it's a little awkward but...would you please stay with me tonight?"

He stared down at her a moment, then leaned forward and brushed a tendril of hair away from her face. "Of course. If that's what you want, Miss Esther." Then he settled back into his chair, laying his hand over hers. "Rest." Esther smiled, and let herself slip into sleep.

She woke sometime later, gasping, a cold sweat on her face. She couldn't recall clearly what had woken her, only a feeling of cold and terror. She took a few deep breaths, trying to control the shudders that were sending dull tremors of pain through her shoulder. Then, abruptly, warm hands touched her arms, bringing her fully back to reality. She looked up into Abel's concerned eyes. "Esther. What's wrong?"

"Abel..." She stared at him, feeling the terror slowly abate under his concerned gaze. "It was...a nightmare." She shivered again.

"Esther?" A gentle hand touched her forehead, feeling for a fever.

"It's all right." Another shiver passed through her. "It's just...I feel cold for some reason."

"I'll get you and extra blanket." Abel started to straighten, but the loss of his warmth was like a shock.

She didn't even think about it, just caught his sleeve again. In the half-haze of sleep, she didn't understand fully why she didn't want him to go, only that she didn't. "Please, Abel..."

He stopped, remaining where he was. Esther stared at the slender profile in the dim light. The warmth of his hand, brushing against hers was soothing. She wrapped her fingers around that warm, gentle hand, feeling the faint rough calluses across the palm.

She remembered the nights they'd stayed at the Vatican, when they'd taken Seth to visit Lilith. She remembered, through the haze of tiredness and alcohol, the warmth of his hand, gentle brushing her head, and the comfort of curling up next to his presence and Seth's.

"Esther?" His soft question jolted her mind back to the present. He was still standing where he'd stopped, waiting for her.

"Abel...would you..." She stopped as another shiver crossed her. "Would you, stay with me, just tonight?"

"Well, I already said I would." His hand wrapped around hers offering comfort. "I was just going to get you an extra blanket."

"No. I mean...like...like when we went to the Vatican. That night..."

She felt him stiffen. "Miss Esther...that's not...I mean..." He stammered to a halt.

"Please, Abel, just tonight." She tightened her hand on his. "I mean...I...it's cold, and I...I can't remember why, but...I don't want you to leave. It's just...when you aren't here, the nightmares..." Her words stumbled to a stop, getting tangled by her exhaustion and the shivering that wouldn't abate.

Abel stood still a moment longer, then gently released her hand. "All right. For tonight." He shifted, removing his outer cassock. In the dim moonlight, she saw him toss it over a chair, then bend to remove his boots. After a moment, he straightened, and she saw the silhouette of his fingers, reaching up to undo the rosary at his throat.

Carefully, Abel bent and lifted her slightly, moving her closer to the center of the bed. He got her rearranged then, after a moment's hesitation, he settled down, lying across the top of the blankets, close to her.

Esther blinked at him. "Aren't you cold?"

"No. I'm quite warm, actually." He reached over, brushing the hair from her face in that familiar gesture, then shifted a little closer, pulling her into a gentle embrace with her head resting on his elbow. "Is that better?"

Esther yawned, feeling the shaking stop as the heat from his body enveloped hers. Abel was even warmer than she remembered, and it soothed her. The calm of his presence dispelled the last of the lingering nightmare fears, easing her mind as well as her body.

Esther yawned again, burrowing her face slightly into the crook of his arm. Once again, she found herself surrounded by that odd mix of ozone, incense and clean earth. She blinked up at him. "You know...I wondered..." A yawn distracted her.

"Yes?"

"I've always wondered...you always smell like a garden, right after a storm. Well, I know you get church incense in your uniform, but..." She felt the words trail off as sleepiness assailed her.

A soft chuckle resonated from his chest. "I like gardens. I just can't seem to resist going outside at least once a day. I like green growing things." There was another soft chuckle. "I suppose I have a bad habit of lying in the grass, and the smell just clings to the cassock."

'"I'm glad..." She inhaled again, relaxing into his embrace completely.

His hand brushed her face again, and she felt him lean forward, to press a feather-light kiss upon her cheek. "Sleep well, Esther. I'll be here when you wake." Esther smiled, and let the darkness wash over her.