The Longest Night

[Guy de Layne]

Another year had come and gone, and while this one had been more eventful than in the past, I was was still unsure how I felt about it now that it was passing.

I had seen Sophine off - with her acting mysterious as usual about this new beau of hers - and then made certain that Rochelle was safely ensconced with a few other guards. I wasn't entirely comfortable with that, but there was little more that I could do about the situation. I would have preferred that Denis stay with her, but of course he could hardly get to the Palace fast enough, eager to show off his wealth and take as many women to his bed as possible in one night.

As I rode to Elua's Sanctuary, I thought about Sandrine, and wondered what she would look like in her masque attire. Beautiful, for certain. I sighed, pushing that thought away and urging my horse on at a faster pace, as if by starting the vigil I could purify my thoughts. I had remained true to my vows, technically, but my thoughts betrayed me whenever they strayed toward her. Thank Cassiel that she understood who I was and did not seek to be more than a friend to me, for as strong as I thought I was, I was afraid of what might happen if she set her sights on making me hers.

When I arrived, I handed over the horse's reins to a stablehand and was greeted by a priest of Elua, who led me to the place set aside for my vigil. I wondered if I would see any other Cassilines here, Emile for example, or even the Prefect, whom I had heard was in the City. I had thought about seeking him out, but had not, reasoning that if he wanted to see me, well, he knew where I was.

Tonight was a solitary night, however, and as my knees touched the earth, I felt at home once more, my resolve strengthened. As much as I cared for Sandrine, I could never be other than Cassiel's man.

[Guy de Layne]

The twilight deepened as time passed, and the cold settled over me like a mantle. I had learned long ago not to try to ignore the discomfort of the weather and the hard earth, but to embrace it as a reminder of all of the discomforts that Cassiel must have suffered as Elua's perfect companion.

Perhaps I would never attain perfection, but neither would I stop trying. For Rochelle, for Sophine and my orphaned niece, and for Sandrine, who attracted trouble like with her very nature.

Sandrine. I couldn't help but wonder how she fared this not, and I had to fight the unfamiliar feelings of jealousy that betrayed my heart. It was the Longest Night and she was an adept of the Night Court, it was unfair of me to begrudge her the pleasure this night afforded. And yet ... and yet, I forced my thoughts away from her, now was not the time.

It was a night for reflection, however, and Sandrine was definitely someone I needed to reflect on. It bothered me to regard her presence in my life as a trial, and yet in some ways that's just what it was. She brought me laughter and joy and a bittersweet yearning that while I was confident I would not succumb to it, it was troublesome at times.

And Denis ... I grew more troubled at his activities daily and I stayed only out of concern for Rochelle; that, and having a place to stay allowed my sister to remain in the City. Still, I did not know how much longer I could in good conscience continue to stay on with Denis. I wished now that I had gone in search of the Prefect; perhaps he would have some counsel for this situation, surely I was not the first Cassiline to face this problem?

Sighing, I shifted my position and took several deep breaths, clearing my mind once more of these thoughts and returning to my meditations. Long practice made it second nature to allow the thoughts to intrude and simply let them pass without paying them much attention. There would be time enough to worry over them on the morrow.

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

The night was cold, and I wished I had worn a wrap or something, anything, to protect me from the chill. How could I have been so selfish to not visit Guy during his vigil?

I had done research on the Cassiline Order, but there was little information to be found on the Longest Night vigil. I assumed because it was a private matter, a time for introspection. Even though I did not want to pester Guy, the night was indeed long and I thought I could possibly brighten his spirits.

We could not be together the way we wanted. This I knew. And I did not want to push him past his beliefs. Even I was not so cruel. But one visit couldn't hurt, could it?

Shivering, hugging myself for warmth, I approached Elua's temple. It was deathly quiet, and my slippers hardly made a sound as I walked through the marble halls, holding my masque in my hand. I searched for him, feeling a sudden sense of urgency. Maybe I had misread the books? Maybe this wasn't the right place?

And then I turned a corner and saw him, just like I had all those months ago in Denis' house. The moon shone down on my love and his face was kissed by starlight. I marveled at his perfection. It was so cold, and yet he did not shiver or falter. He was so steadfast in his thoughts that not even the elements could hurt him.

A vice like grip clutched my heart, and without meaning to I let out a sob. To have him be here and yet to never be together...no physical pain could be hurt so badly. Elua knew I didn't deserve a man like Guy. I was too wicked and willful, always causing trouble. Maybe that was why we could never be together. Was I being punished?

Still, nothing I ever could have done would warrant such a punishment. And I would join a thousand knightly orders, write a thousand letters of penance, and deny myself any sort of pleasure for a thousand years if only Elua would take this pain away.

[Guy de Layne]

I heard her even before she cried, a sound that made my heart feel as if it were shattering into a thousand shards of glass. It wasn't anything specific that tipped me off, but the sound of footfalls were obvious to my trained ear, and the sound of hers were particularly dear to me.

I could not comfort her, my vigil did not allow it, at least not to the extent that I wanted to, but I did turn, and smile, and pat the ground beside me. There was nothing that said she could not sit part of this vigil with me, was there? And she did not need my soothing words, my comfortless platitudes, we both knew that there would never be more between us than this ache, this damnable desire that tore us to shreds whenever we thought we had bested it.

Would there be no peace for us, aside from never being in each other's presence again? I did not think I could bear that, despite this pain. No, better this pain than the pain of never setting my sights on her lovely face, never hearing her laughter, never brushing against her skin with mine... Oh Cassiel, why? Do you torment all of your faithful so?

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

His smile was so lovely I couldn't help but to return it. "I'm sorry," I blurted, "I just thought of you, all alone here, and I wanted...to come see you."

He patted the ground, and it took me a few moments to realize what he was suggesting. "Alexandrine is going to kill me," I muttered as I knelt in my white dress. Then, on a whim, I put on my mask.

Some time passed. I hugged myself for warmth as best I could, sneaking a glance at him every so often. The silence quickly became unbearable. "Did you see my hair?" I asked, knowing it was a vain thing to say but not caring. "It's so long when it's straight...It took a long time, but I think it looks nice..."

I trailed off, feeling stupid and cold.

[Guy de Layne]

I couldn't help but smile at her, she was so ... lively. I was often solemn, something drilled into me by my upbringing among the largely humorless Cassiline Monks, but the joy in me responded to Sandrine and her easy relationship with herself.

"Your hair looks lovely," I said, speaking for the first time in so many hours that it sounded odd to my ears. I wanted to touch it, but I made myself fight that impulse. "Although I do love your curls."

I could tell that she was cold, which I did not like, but there was little I could do about it, it was midwinter after all and it was not as if I had a cloak handy. "Don't feel like you have to stay too long," I said, smiling softly at her. I loved the gesture of her presence, but I did not want her to become ill over it. "Elua knows it's freezing tonight."

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I blushed behind my mask. Guy had a way of making me feel at ease, no matter what was going on around us. "Thank you," I said, grinning, and pushed my mask out of the way so it sat on top of my head.

Though he said I did not have to stay the whole night, I felt somewhat obligated. "Oh, no, I'm fine," I lied. "Actually, it feels good out here. Cereus was so warm with all of those people there."

Hopefully he wouldn't see the goosebumps up and down my arms.

I knelt there for a while, trying to meditate and doing a fair job of it. I thought about Avianna and her barriers. What was she so afraid of? Being hurt? It was a concern, I had to admit, but the joy far outweighed the sorrow. I thought about Sophine and how I hadn't seen her in so long. How could I love one family so much? I thought about my completed marque, and how that meant I could leave if I wanted to, finally. But most of all I thought of Guy.

My heart beat quickly just at the thought of his name. It would torment me forever. Maybe he would come on my trip, just as we once talked about. I didn't think I could bear to leave him.

After a while, the power of the joie and my own exhaustion after playing with Avianna seemed to take its toll. I swayed a few times, bumping into my Cassilene, yawning softly. It was only a few more moments before I fell asleep, still kneeling.

[Guy de Layne]

I almost laughed at loud when she dissembled... it was obvious that it was cold, but her refusal to admit it was sweet. I returned to my meditations, a smile on my lips, as she was silent. I wondered what she was thinking about, doubting that a busy mind such as hers could quiet itself for a long night of contemplation.

But quiet she did, and I was impressed with her, until she swayed, bumping into me and yawning. I shook my head, the smile still on my lips, as she seemed to fall asleep still sitting there. I didn't rise from my kneeling position, but I did lie her down gently next to me, calling for a priest. One usually hovered during these vigils, especially for younger Cassilines, not everyone held well with the cold. He appeared as if out of nowhere, looking at Sandrine askance.

"Can you take my friend to a cell where she can sleep warmly until morning?" He pursed his lips disapprovingly, but still I offered no explanation. He finally nodded and bent forward to gather her in his arms - and I was alarmed at the surge of jealousy I felt - and take her somewhere where she could sleep peacefully.

I again returned to my meditations, but all I could think about was her warm skin, the way she smelled, her marque etched beautifully upon her back ... the peace of the night was shattered, my righteousness and certainty now lay fragmented about me like so many shards of glass.

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

Everyone looked so beautiful in their Longest Night attire. I considered myself rather lovely, and yet I felt like a weed among flowers. No one seemed to notice me when I said hello, not Bellamy, not Liana, not any of the adepts I knew. I even grinned at Avianna, but she looked past me like I wasn't there.

I felt so alone.

There was a murmur from the crowd, and I tried to look to see what the cause was. Finally, the people parted, and there Guy stood, his smile like the sun on a warm spring day. He was dressed in gray that offset his eyes, and he wore his daggers. All in all, he cut a dashing figure.

Best of all, he only had eyes for me.

My breath quickened as he walked toward me. Guy took me in his arms and the band started to play a slow dancing tune. I closed my eyes and sighed happily as he guided me skillfully around the room. Then I opened them.

"Guy..." I said in a hushed tone, "they're all staring at us."

"Let them," he said, smiling down at me. "I don't care, and neither should you."

Guy was a wonderful dancer, and I didn't want the music to stop. But all good things must come to an end, and finally Guy moved me off the dance floor. We walked through the halls of Cereus, talking about who we had seen and the beautiful house, until Guy pulled me into a room, closing the door behind us.

"Guy?" I asked, feeling uncertain, but he grinned and kissed me on the lips. "What...?"

"I'm ready, Sandrine," he said, taking off his shirt. I gasped despite myself...he was so beautiful.

"Wait...are you sure?"

"I've never been more sure of anything," he said, and then he pressed his mouth to mine and really kissed me, so hard I thought I would faint...

I sat up with a start. I took in the unfamiliar room, and felt my heart start to pound in my chest. It was almost like how I felt when I was kidnapped. Suddenly I felt that I had to get out of that room as soon as possible.

I grabbed my masque and tried the door. Thank Elua, it was open! I stepped out into the hall, looking both ways before I started to walk. I resisted the urge to run, seeing as that would only call more attention to myself. Where was I?

[Guy de Layne]

When the dawn broke over the horizon, I hardly noticed, so deep was my contemplation. A priest of Elua appeared however, to lay a blanket about my shoulders and offer me food and drink to break my fast. It took me a moment to gather my wits as he helped me up and led my, on wobbly legs, to a small anteroom with a table laden with fruit, cheese, meat and a tea service.

My first thought was not food, however, but Sandrine. "Has the adept that was here last night awoken?" I asked him, my throat feeling dry from the cold and long hours of breathing the night air. I poured myself a cup of tea while I waited for him to answer.

"I am not sure, my lord Cassiline. I shall go and see," He promised, bowing and leaving me alone with my repast. I picked at some grapes, my stomach protesting after my fast, but I knew that I needed to eat.

As the sun peeked in through the window, I hoped that Sandrine was indeed awake, and that she would come and share the morning with me.

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I wandered the halls, looking into each room I passed. The fourth door held quite a surprise, and as I looked at my beloved I remembered what had happened. I had come to keep vigil with him.

"Guy?" I said, stepping into the room, my voice soft. "Oh, Elua, I thought that something had happened to me...I'm so glad I didn't scream!" I stopped speaking, a slow smile crossing my lips. "May...may I join you?"

[Guy de Layne]

My face lit up when I saw Sandrine, who looked none the worse for wear after falling asleep on the hard earth. In fact, she looked even more radiant than usual. Her words made me smile, I loved the way she said whatever thoughts came to mind. "I'm glad you didn't either, you would have given everyone quite a fright!"

"Please do," I said, rising and pulling out a chair for her. "Did you sleep all right? I asked the priests to make you comfortable, though the request did earn me some odd stares," I laughed.

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I blushed mightily at that as I walked into the room, ducking my head. "Oh, no...I hope I didn't embarrass you. Will you get in trouble?"

I sat down across from him, my hands in my lap. I sighed gently and then looked up at him, grinning up at him. "You won't believe this, Guy, but I rather liked meditating. I can see why you do it." I saw that there was food on the table, but I figured it was for Guy. "It's nice to sit and think for a while. Normally I feel like I'm going so fast...I suppose even my mind needs a rest."

I paused for a second. "What did you think about all night?" I asked. "If you don't mind me asking."

[Guy de Layne]

I smiled, "No, no, of course not." I gestured for her to help herself to the food, as I was eating sparingly and the priests had laid out enough food for two men.

On the subject of meditation, I had to consider a moment before I answered. "Well, part of the point of meditation is to clear your mind, not think about anything, but I'm sure you discovered that that is easier said than done. I do try, however, but when thoughts pop up, I try to make them constructive ones. Reflections on the past year, what I learned, what I might want to work on changing in the coming year. I find that communing with Elua on the Longest Night refreshes me, and also gives me perspective and a way of looking at things that perhaps I could not see before." Unfortunately all the meditation in the world could not make things easier between her and I, but I did feel stronger now, more at ease with being with her, without being, well with her.

"What about you, what did you think of?"

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I reached for some of the food, popping a small piece of cheese into my mouth. His question made me blush, even as I tried to think of a way to answer it.

"I thought about some of the things that happened last year. Sophine and I becoming such good friends, reconnecting with my old teacher, a friend I made last night..." I looked up at him and smiled shyly. "I thought of you...in a chaste way, of course...and how in spite of all that we've been through, I thank Elua for you every day."

I chewed slowly. "Part of the time, though, my mind was blank, and it was then that I felt closest to Elua. I felt...thankful, blessed, happy, and so many other things. Also, some fear, for what might happen..."

I paused for a moment and sighed before I reached over and took his hand in mine. "I...my marque is complete. I've saved a lot of money...and I want to leave soon. I suppose I should talk to Sophine first, see if she still wants to come with me. But I'm going with or without her." I squeezed his hand. "I know it's too much to ask...and you don't have to decide now...but if there's any way you can come..." I trailed off, not knowing how to finish what I had started.

[Guy de Layne]

Listening to her, I couldn't help but smile. She was completely new to meditation and yet she had found the heart of it immediately - being close to Elua. I was going to comment on it, on how she was well suited for communing with the Gods, but then she surprised me with her next words.

"Leave..?" It was the part of the sentence that struck me first, and with Sophine? I knew her well enough by now to keep my mouth shut on arguing the sensibleness of such a course of action. Instead I wanted to indulge my curiosity before we could possibly argue. "May I ... may I see it? Your marque?"

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I blushed mightily at his request. In Elua's Sanctuary, of all places! "I do not mind showing you, Guy...not at all. But I would have to remove my dress. I...I promise I will not take advantage of the situation. I will face away and you will only see my back."

I looked at the door, then back at him. "We should close the curtains as well. Will we be disturbed?" I chuckled despite the request. "I feel I have built up a small amount of spiritual capital and I do not want to lose it so quickly."

[Guy de Layne]

I was amused at this sudden display of modesty from her, it seemed out of place, but yet in keeping with the way last night had played out. I rose and closed the curtain and then the door, though I doubted that any of the priests would disturb us.

"There, I think we're safe," I said, already steeling myself to see any expanse of her skin, knowing how it would affect me, but having a strange pull toward seeing her marque. It was a major part of who she was, it had a meaning that transcended mere marks on skin, and I had to see it, to commit it to my memory, in case I never got this chance again.

I closed my eyes and spoke with a serious tone, but a ghost of a smile played around my lips. "Let me know when it's safe to look."

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I turned my back to him, feeling strangely reserved. I loosened the ties of my dress, noting that there was no sound but our breathing and the gentle rustle of the fabric. With some difficultly, I let the dress fall part of the way, holding it so that it covered my backside. Since I was facing away from Guy, I surmised that he wouldn't see my breasts. Just in case I covered them with one arm, holding the dress with the other.

I looked back once to see if my whole marque was visible before I spoke, so softly that I could barely hear myself. "You can look now, Guy."

[Guy de Layne]

I found at first that I was afraid to open my eyes. Even infused with Elua's light as I was, or maybe because of it, I knew what seeing her would make me feel. I steeled myself and opened them, only to find that I had underestimated the power of her presence.

Her marque was beautiful, striking, coiling up her spine like a painting on canvas. I moved closer, holding my breath almost, studying the lines of it while trying not to let my eyes look for the parts of her that she held covered. I couldn't help it, I had to touch it, and I lifted my hand slowly, my fingertips tracing the ink with a feather-light touch.

"It's beautiful, Sandrine," I said at last, my tongue thick in my mouth with the emotion that washed over me. At first I had seen my feelings for her as a trial, but after last night, I considered them a gift, no matter how bittersweet. "It suits you."

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I shivered as he touched me, though his fingers were so soft against my skin. I prayed to Elua, Naamah, and any other god I could think of to keep me from turning around, letting my dress fall all the way...

Instead I smiled as I looked over my shoulder at him. "It's still a bit sensitive," I said, "but I'm happy it's done. It means a lot more than just ink, you know? It means I can do what I want!"

I paused for a moment, savoring that idea, and then started to pull my dress up, covering all but the top of my marque. "Can you help me with the stays? It's easy to take down, but hard to put back on." I sighed. "I can't wait to put on a simple dress today."

[Guy de Layne]

"Of course," I said, swallowing past the lump in my throat. I gently did up the stays while I thought about what she said. "How does it feel, to suddenly have that freedom?" I had never really considered myself constricted by my vocation, but I was beginning to wonder, to think too hard on what freedom would feel like.

What if it wasn't a sin to love her? I did not see how it could be, and I wondered again at Cassiel, at what he really had meant to do as a perfect companion. Had it been to disapprove and disparage Elua and his followers, I do not think he would have gone along with it ... there must have been something more. These thoughts were distractions, however, and ones for which I did not have the answer. I thought again about going back to see the Prelate, to meditate on his advice, to purge this questioning from my thoughts.

"Now the world is yours for the taking, but promise you won't stray too far or too long," I half-whispered, frightened at the thought of losing her completely.

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

"It's scary," I said, impressed that he actually knew how to do the stays. I expected that he would need coaching, as most men would. "I've worked for this for so long...and now I'm not sure what I'll do. I'm..." I let out a breath and turned to face him. "I've never lived without purpose, Guy. I just know that I've got to do something with the rest of my life, or I'll lose my mind."

A tear rolled down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away. "I'm sorry. I haven't admitted that to anyone. I've hardly admitted it to myself. This trip to Jebe-Barkal is a start, but it's only delaying the time when I'll have to figure out what my purpose is..."

I fiddled with my masque for a few moments before looking up at him. "How did you know that you wanted to be a Casseline? Or was it decided for you? Are you happy?" I smiled ruefully. "You know what you are, and you'll be that until you die. It seems so simple..."

I grabbed his hand, squeezing it gently. "No matter where I go, or what I do, I could never totally escape you, Guy. Nor would I want to. You may be beholden to the Queen, or to Cassiel, or to great Elua himself...but you'll always be mine. They will just have to learn to share."

[Guy de Layne]

"I could imagine it would be," I said, thinking about it in a new light. When she talked about purpose, I knew immediately what she meant. I had always had it, would always have it, would never have to wonder at what my life was for. I hated to see her cry, but she wiped her own tears away before I could.

Her question made me smile in memory. "When I was but a young child, my father's close friend came to stay with us for a visit, and he was a Cassiline. I was fascinated with him and followed him everywhere, pestering him with questions. He was very patient and told me much about the order, and I knew then that that was I was meant to do with my life. When I was ten, my parents agreed to send me to him, and it was like coming home." The memory of meeting the prelate was among my favorites, and I felt that oddly bittersweet feeling of nostalgia settle over me. "Everytime I go back, I feel at peace."

I pulled myself out of the past to smile at her, lifting her hand to my lips to kiss it softly. "I think the Angels are willing to share, and as for the Queen, well she is not my concern nor I hers. I shall miss you while you're gone, but do you promise to write to me? Every day?"

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

I grinned at the idea of ten year old Guy, so eager and earnest. "I bet you haven't changed much since you were ten years old," I teased, kissing his hand in return. "I'm glad you've found your calling. Maybe being around you will inspire me to do the same."

His next statement made me pause before I squeezed his hand. "Of course I will. Maybe twice a day. Even if it's just 'The food here gives me gas, miss and love you, Sandrine,' or 'The camel sat on our luggage, miss and love you, Sandrine'...I can think of a million little things to say."

I walked back over to the table, gently tugging his hand, and sat down again. "I wonder what I would be good at." I gave his hand another squeeze. "Maybe I could have a salon...or own a restaurant..." I trailed off and smiled crookedly. "I only know one thing I'm good at...and I don't even know if I want to do it..." I looked into his eyes, hoping he would catch my meaning. "...not any more."

[Guy de Layne]

I laughed; she was right, I was much the same as I had always been. "I don't know if I'm much of an inspiration, but I think it's good to explore. Take a few classes, see a few places, I'm sure something will jump out at you. I'm sure the exploration is half the fun, right?"

She squeezed my hand and promised to write, making me laugh aloud again, the way she always did. Maybe that's what I loved about her the most, on my own I was too serious by far. "I would love that, it would be like being there." I did feel a stab of envy at the future of possibilities that were arrayed before her like a banquet ... perhaps finding your purpose at ten years old was not what it was cracked up to be.

I followed her back to the table, retaking my seat and picking at the food, having more of an appetite now. "I can not speak to whether or not you should continue with what you have been doing," I said, fighting my gut-level reaction to dissuade her from such. "But I think you should take some time to explore your options, I'm sure there are things out there that you might be good at that you haven't even contemplated yet."

I took a sip of the juice the priests had left, a plum juice reminiscent of watered wine, and considered our conversation. "I wish sometimes that I had not found my purpose so soon, even though I know I'm meant to be where I am, it might have been nice to discover it over time and through experiences." I smiled at her and raised my glass. "A toast, then, to exploring this life."

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

Guy was so practical and grounded. It was one of the things I loved and admired most about him. "I swear, talking to you always makes me feel better," I said. "I often feel like my thoughts are flying around my head so fast, they'll never settle down." I took a small sip of water. "Thank you. I will try to take some classes, I know, and I'll try to see some more of Terre d'Ange, too. I'd love to see where you grew up."

As he spoke I realized how lucky I was. Our lives were two sides of the same coin. Through him I could learn what might have been, and he could do the same through me. Silently I thanked Elua for having a person like Guy in my life, no matter how much pain it caused me. When he suggested a toast, I raised my glass with him, clinking them together and taking another drink. "I still think you should come with me, Guy. I mean, no one would miss you." I looked at him, hope rising as I thought my diabolical plan through. "Denis probably is jealous of you. Maybe we could take Rochelle, he doesn't care about her. That way, you could fulfill your duty of watching her and still come..."

[Guy de Layne]

I smiled at her, somewhat sadly, as I would love nothing more than to accompany her. I would have suggested that she hire me, however, the cost of one's own Cassiline bodyguard could be rather prohibitive, even to the very wealthy. It was a mark of Denis' status that he could afford to have me there as long as he had, which of course, was the point.

"Rochelle isn't healthy enough for travel," I said, thinking about the life that poor girl led. "Besides, the Prefect would hardly condone such an undertaking." I took another drink and then laughed softly. "Anyway, I shall enjoy it just as much through your eyes, and you will come home and tell me every detail. You can bring me souvenirs from far off places, and I shall be envious, but not too much, and we will regale poor Rochelle with our tales. Sounds lovely, doesn't it?"

[Sandrine nó Orchis]

My face fell at his suggestion, though I quickly started to smile again. "Yes, we will have letters, and I'll bring you trinkets and baubles...will you write me too? You have to find all the good gossip and tell me everything..." I laughed. "Won't that be fun? You should get Rochelle to help you with that!"

"What's the going rate for a Cassiline, anyway?" I asked nonchalantly. I knew it was expensive, but it didn't hurt to ask. "We probably will need protecting, knowing us."

[Guy de Layne]

I saw that she was disappointed, but she rallied quickly, another thing I loved about her - you could not keep her down for long! "Of course I'll write you back, every day. 'Denis brought home another woman last night. Kept me up for hours. Love, Guy.' 'Denis was arrested for all of his crimes, wish you were here, Love, Guy.' " I laughed and shook my head.

"Oh, more than we're worth, that's the truth," I jested, not naming a figure because I actually found it rather embarrassing. "Most of it goes to the Order, of course, similar to being an Adept, I presume."