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RE: [buffywantswillow] FIC: Militat omnis amans (Every lover is a warrior) Part 5/?

To: "'buffywantswillow@xxxxxxxxxxx'" <buffywantswillow@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RE: [buffywantswillow] FIC: Militat omnis amans (Every lover is a warrior) Part 5/?
From: "Beckett, Kevin" <kevin.beckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2000 08:45:16 -0500

Here are the parts to date.

Thanks for your interest.
Kevin B.

-----Original Message-----
From: D.R. Garcia [mailto:dr_garcia@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: 2000 Mar 14 23:27
To: buffywantswillow@xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [buffywantswillow] FIC: Militat omnis amans (Every lover is a
warrior) Part 5/?

From: "D.R. Garcia" <dr_garcia@xxxxxxxxx> 

I just had to ask if this story is listed somewhere
else. I really don't like jumping into a story once
it's reached parts 2 and beyond. I would just like to
know where I can find this story so I can begin
reading it in the begining.

Thanks
DR

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<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=210494213-15032000>Here 
are the parts to date.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2><SPAN 
class=210494213-15032000></SPAN></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=210494213-15032000>Thanks 
for your interest.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#0000ff face=Arial size=2><SPAN class=210494213-15032000>Kevin 
B.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<DIV align=left class=OutlookMessageHeader dir=ltr><FONT face=Tahoma 
size=2>-----Original Message-----<BR><B>From:</B> D.R. Garcia 
[mailto:dr_garcia@xxxxxxxxx]<BR><B>Sent:</B> 2000 Mar 14 23:27<BR><B>To:</B> 
buffywantswillow@xxxxxxxxxxx<BR><B>Subject:</B> Re: [buffywantswillow] FIC: 
Militat omnis amans (Every lover is a warrior) Part 
5/?<BR><BR></DIV></FONT><TT>From:</TT> <TT>"D.R. Garcia" 
&lt;dr_garcia@xxxxxxxxx&gt;</TT> <BR><BR><TT>I just had to ask if this story 
is listed somewhere<BR>else. I really don't like jumping into a story 
once<BR>it's reached parts 2 and beyond. I would just like to<BR>know where I 
can find this story so I can begin<BR>reading it in the 
begining.<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>DR<BR><BR>__________________________________________________<BR>Do 
You Yahoo!?<BR>Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.<BR><A 
href="http://im.yahoo.com";>http://im.yahoo.com</A><BR></TT>
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Militat omnis amans (Every lover is a warrior) Part 3/?
K. Beckett (c) 2000

Disclaimers:
Buffy, Willow and all of the other characters and places from the show belong to Joss Whedon, WB and Mutant Enemy etal. Everyone and everything else is mine. None of my characters are meant to resemble anyone living, dead or un-dead, if you see yourself you are looking way too hard.

Rating:
R

Other:
The Latin and Gaelic are mine; I take the responsibility for any translations of them. In addition, the descriptions of the rituals, spells and other craft work come from my traditions, so please don't take offence if something described here does not match your traditions or what you think it should.

Archiving etc.:
Ask and I'll say yes.

Spoilers:
Everything up to the middle of season four - I diverge then.

Thanks to all who have commented on parts 1 and 2, I appreciate everything that was said. As before, any and all meaningful criticism, support and suggestions are welcome.

Please be patient, it takes me awhile to get everything down, as I have very little free time for writing.

More set-ups in this part, some action for the slayer, and more background into magic, slayer abilities and why Buffy and Willow are meant for each other.

mailto:kevin.beckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

----------------------------------------------
A priori

Willow and Buffy have transported to an alternative Earth. There they have been petitioned to help the residents to combat an even greater demon problem than plagues their own reality. They have learned some of the reasons for the increase in demon problems and have been apprised of the reasons for the differences between the two Earths. Just as they were getting down to business and setting a schedule for increased magic training for both Willow and Buffy, in addition to beginning a Martial arts training program for Willow, six demons burst into the meeting room.

-----------------------------------------------
Part III Audaces Fortuna Iuvat (Fortune Helps the Bold)

So far the day was going into the crapper, thought the one-meter high green-scaled demon that had the rather un-descriptive name of Kratel. First there was the rushed forced march by the six of them through the night to get to the city. Then trying to figure out how to get into the damned castle without anyone noticing. They had then stumbled around through the various buildings and rooms of the castle complex trying to find a group of people that they could one, overpower and two, kidnap without too much trouble. Finally stopping at one of an endless number of doors on what he figured was the second or third floor of the complex, he had heard a number of voices and thought, "this is it, it only sounds like three or four people are in this room." Gesturing to his companions to take up positions on either side of the door, Kratel kicked the door open and leapt into the room screaming, "Ok - scum, now we are going to get some answers!"

However, instead of the three or four people he was expecting to see in the room there was at least twenty, and they were in no way intimidated by his entrance.

"Oh-Oh," he thought as battle was joined, "this might have been a mistake."

Buffy and Willow had been forewarned by Buffy's slayer senses that someone or something bad was about to happen so when the six demons burst through the door they were already moving into defensive postures. Buffy, being without a weapon, had turned to the table and had grabbed a candlestick to use in her defence while Willow had begun to think about any spells she could use.

"Willow, get behind the table!" Buffy yelled as she turned towards the leader of the demons that had burst into the meeting room.

"No problem," replied the redhead as she leaped onto the table and then jumped on the other side. "Hey, Amana, Grael and the rest of you, get back here. We have to give Buffy room to work," she continued gesturing to the other mages to join her on the far side of the table, away from the direct action.

Buffy rapidly thought to herself, "six on one, with some magic help from Will and the others - if they get their act together, not bad odds." She launched into a flying leap, which resulted in shortening the distance between her and the green demon that was in the lead.

"Prepare for pain, greeny," she yelled as she did a sweep kick on the demon and sent him flying backwards into one of his mates who was dyed a nauseating shade of purple.

"Oooof" went Kratel as he thought, "gods, this one is fast."

"Two out temporarily," thought the slayer as she twirled towards a third demon, this a blue-green humanoid roughly two meters in height, and proceeded to give him a quick series of left-handed punches to his chest which left him gasping for air, she then knocked the demon tumbling to the floor with a swift bash over his head, using the candlestick that she was still holding in her right hand.

"Three down, three to go," Buffy thought to herself, time to get some help. "Will, I need a distraction or two!" Buffy yelled out as she roundhouse kicked a fourth, red skinned, demon back through the door, in the process knocking down a charging Daithi, who had been coming to investigate the cause of the turmoil.

"What the heck?" Thought Daithi as he was knocked to the ground with a big, red, unconscious, demon on top of him.

"Distraction coming up," thought Willow as she proceeded to levitate a chair and send it towards a blue skinned demon that had until that point been sneaking up behind Buffy.

"Buffy behind you," Willow yelled, as the chair broke apart over the demons back.

Buffy turned around saying, "thanks love," and proceeded to grab one of the distracted demon's arms and swung him around to pile into the remaining yellow skinned demon, who was in the process of trying to get out of the door, having quickly decided that things were not going their way.

"Driaghtit chent!" Exclaimed Amana as a bolt of light left her hands and impacted on the green demon that had been the first target of Buffy's attack. Kratel, who had been just getting up from the floor, was hit with enough force from the spell to knock him clear across the room to impact heavily against the wall.

"Ouch!" He yelled, thinking, "this is crazy, I'm in over my head, we have go get out of here." He looked around the room and saw that there was a window on the same wall as he had been thrown into. "That's it," he thought, "out the window we go."

"Men - to me," Kratel yelled out, "we are over matched with magic, we have to get out and back to our master." He continued as he made his way over to the window.

"Not so fast blue boy," called out Buffy as she the grabbed a blue skinned demon, which she had previous used as a battering toy, who was getting up and trying to reach his leader and hurled him to the floor again.

"I think that we are going to want to ask you guys a few questions," she continued, as she sat on the demon's back and carefully bashed the demon's head into the stone floor a few times just to make sure that this time it stayed down.

At this point the dyed purple demon, who had just gotten up from the floor, kicked Buffy in the side, which had the two fold effect of one, knocking her off the demon she was in the process of pummelling and two, making her very annoyed.

"That's it, you revolting excuse of a fashion statement," Buffy yelled rolling on the floor and springing up onto her feet. "Now I'm really mad, and you are going to pay."

She proceeded to attack the purple demon with a combination of kicks and punches, and was quickly able to grab one of his arms and twist it behind him.

"You going to act nicely now, scum-bag?" She asked with mock sweetness, applying just enough force to make the demon feel genuine pain.
"Not on your life little girl," the demon replied grimacing in pain, "when I get free, I'm going to tear your arms off and eat them," he added.

"Now that's not very nice," Buffy replied, "since I have you like this, but just to make sure, if you get free that is, I'll take care of any impending problems now." With that Buffy proceeded to coolly fracture both of the demon's arms before hurling him with enough force into the yellow demon to propel both of them into the wall.

Kratel seeing that he was the only one of his group still standing thought, "screw this, I'm for the window," and proceeded to make a break for the window.

"Gleiy teaddey!" Yelled Grael, having seen the demon breaking for the window, and from his hands sprung a long rope like object. Unfortunately the demon had also seen the spell and was able to duck the rope heading towards him. Before anyone else was able to act he leaped through the window, breaking it in the process, and escaped to freedom.

"Damn," he thought, "the boss is going to be really pissed about this." He then proceeded to leave the castle neighbourhood and make his way out of the city.

"Well," deadpanned an irritated slayer, "that was certainly a good way to work off breakfast."

The entire encounter had taken less than five minutes from the time the door had been burst open to the time the green demon leapt out of the window. The remaining demons in the study were quickly pined down and tied up. They were to be held for questioning by Daithi and his guardsmen later in the day.

-------------------------------------
About an hour later Buffy, Willow, Daithi and some of the mages re-convened in the study. It had been tidied in the interim and the window had been replaced.

Willow turned to the others and said; "I guess we should finish off the schedules for Buffy and me now."

"I agree," replied Amana, "however, in setting those schedules we must take into consideration this mornings activities. The attack on the castle today can only mean the opposition is stepping up their efforts, just as Daithi indicated last night."

"I only think that this was a feint," replied Daithi, "they were too few in number to be a real attack. I'll know for certain once we finish questioning them, but my gut feeling is that they were only looking for information, and just happened to stumble into the wrong room. I'll continue to investigate, but I believe that we still have some time before the demons gather for a major strike at us."

"I'm much more confident about our chances, however," replied Frankel. "I'm still stunned by the speed and strength of Buffy."
"I'm the slayer," Buffy replied, "It's what I've been born to do."
"I know," replied the sage, "you told us, but seeing you in action put it into a whole different framework."

"I just wish that I had been able to see more," said Daithi, "however, it was kind of hard, what with an unconscious demon on top of me."
"Sorry about that," replied Buffy, "but I didn't really have time to place where I was throwing them."
"It's ok," the commander answered, "however, I think that I'll be seeing lots of you in action before this is all finished."

"All right then," Grael said taking up the conversation. "Before we were so rudely interrupted, we were just setting down the schedule for the next few days. I think that we should continue those discussions."
"The morning is mostly gone," Amana, continued, "however, I think that we have time left to assess both of your magical potentials before lunch."

"Then after lunch, we will have the two of you down in the training halls for some physical assessments," said Daithi finishing the opening remarks of the group.

"Sounds peachy to me," Willow replied, "what's involved in assessing our magic potential?"
"What potential?" Asked Buffy semi-seriously, "I probably have the magic power of a gnat."
"Don't sell yourself short," replied Amana, "we believe that you have some significant talent, and when it will be combined with Willow's it will be awesome," she continued.

Buffy looked slightly sceptical, but was willing to be convinced otherwise.

"Now," continued Grael, "we will adjourn to one of our work areas, and begin the testing."

With that Buffy, Willow, Grael and Amana left the study and headed to Amana's workroom, which was located two floors above.

The room was about twice the size of the study below. It had several large worktables in the middle of the room, floor to ceiling bookshelves were on three walls and large windows were on the fourth. Two large desks were located under the windows. The tables were covered in flasks, beakers and other paraphernalia. In addition to countless books the bookshelves also held numerous objects such as skulls, candles, stuffed animals and other curiosities. The desks were covered in parchments, note-pads and other items. Two fireplaces and several large lanterns provided illumination for the room.

"Well, here we are," said Amana, "this is my workroom, and we will begin the process of accessing both your potential, and your existing level of training here."
"Take a seat," she continued, pointing to several chairs that had been pulled up in front of one of the fireplaces.

"We will begin with an overview of magic and how people who are properly trained are able to use it," continued Grael as he handed the two women glasses filled with a red drink.
Both Willow and Buffy looked at the drinks suspiciously, "what in this?" Asked Buffy.
"Just something to help you relax and allow us to begin the process of assessing your magical abilities," replied Grael.
With that reassurance both women drank the cool, sweet and slightly alcoholic beverage. Almost immediately they both began to feel their muscles relax.
"Great stuff," Willow said, "we should bottle this and take it back - it would be a great hit in the dorms."

"Willow," Grael said after a few minutes, "we know that you have been somewhat successful in using magic, both in your own reality and, as you demonstrated this morning, here. However, how much do you know about what you do? How you do it? And why things you try sometimes both work and don't work?"
"Well, I've been using a combination of books that I've been able to find, and I've also been able to receive assistance from other witches that I've run into." Willow said, beginning to wonder where the conversation was going.
"Go on," prompted Amana.
"And, I don't really know much else," continued Willow. "I mean sometimes I need circles and rituals and other items to do some of the simplest things, and other times major things happen just because I want them to," she added shaking her head. "It just confuses me, most of the time," she concluded looking hopefully at the two mages.

"About what we thought Amana," said Grael who then turned towards the slayer. "Buffy, why do you think that you have the abilities and powers that you do?"
"Never really thought about it," answered the slayer, "I've just always been told that I was born to it, and somehow it was in me."
"Do either of your parents show any sign of the abilities that you do?" asked Amana.
"No, not really," answered Buffy, "I mean, my dad is a klutz, and my mom is not much better."
"Then why do you think that your powers come from genetics?" Asked Amana. When both Buffy and Willow looked confused at this questioning of one of the basic doctrines of slaying, she continued, "trick question, it is genetic, but not in the manner you are thinking of."
"What do you mean, my parents are not my parents? That I was adopted or something?"
"No, they are your parents, however, it would appear that 'help' was provided in the construction your genetic makeup. Most likely while you were still in your mother's womb." Grael said.
"How?" Asked a stunned Buffy and Willow simultaneously.

"Glad you asked that question," replied Grael with a twinkle in his eye, "for it goes to the core of what magic is, and how it can be manipulated and or controlled."
"Okay, I'll bite," answered Willow, "what is magic?"

"Magic, to put it simply is everything," answered Amana. "It is the energy that joins all of life together, it is the building block of our existence."
"Luke, use the force," Buffy whispered to Willow."
"What's the force?" Asked Amana.
"Nothing," replied a smiling Willow, "just a line from a movie."
"So at its essence, magic is the energy that joins molecules together then?" Willow continued.

"And it explains, in part the slayer question," continued Amana.
"What slayer question?" Buffy asked.
"Simply how you are able to do what you do," answered Grael. "Tell me, does this 'watcher' you told us about use magic?"
"Yes," answered Willow.
"Well then," continued Grael, "I think that he, or someone working with him, manipulated Buffy's genetic make-up while she was in the womb."
"I'm a lab experiment?" Shrieked Buffy.
"Well, not an experiment, since they appear to have been doing this for centuries," answered an equally outraged Willow.

"Definitely unethical," said Amana.
"How's that?" Willow asked, still stunned by the idea that watchers, and the watcher council, could be so manipulative.
"Using your powers and abilities on another human," said Grael, "without their permission, is evil and may never be forgiven."
"We have a word for this type of person," continued Amana.
"Yes," asked the slayer.
"Warlock," answered Amana.

"But we will have time later to fully discus magic and the ethics surrounding its use," Amana said as she stood up and added more wood to the fire. " Willow you had asked if magical energy was akin to the energy which holds molecules together."
"And yes, to a certain extent it is," continued Grael, "however, what turns a normal into a mage is the ability to shape and use this energy."
"Normal?" Asked Buffy.
"The vast majority of the population who do not have the innate talent to perform magic," answered Grael.
"Only one in a ten million people has more than rudimentary talent to use magic," Amana continued, "fewer than one in fifty million have the talent that Grael and I have, you appear to be at this level Buffy."
"And fewer than one in a billion have your apparent talent Willow," concluded Grael.
"Oh," replied a suddenly very quiet Willow, "how can you tell?"

"First of all, both Grael and I have taught for more than twenty years," Amana answered, "and second, since we sat down to talk we have been measuring the two of you."

"The drink I gave you has the relaxation properties that I mentioned," continued Grael, "it also has one other property."
"What's that? Asked the slayer.
"It allows someone, who has been trained, to measure the amount of energy that is attracted to person who drank the mixture," Amana concluded.

"Great," said Willow, "I'm a big magnet."

"Willow," asked Grael, "when you performed your spells, and rituals, didn't you feel energy being attracted to you?"

"Yes, but I thought..." said Willow quietly, "well, I didn't really know what to think," concluded Willow.
"Well I do," Amana replied, "and it was your ability to use magics that was attracting the energy although you didn't know that at the time.

"What gives then with spells, and tools?" Asked Willow.
"They are used as focuses," replied Amana. "In the working of some magic it is useful to use a device or object or 'spell' to help you focus the magical energy and then to release it as you wished it to be used."
"Some specific items," she continued, "such as those based on iron, can be either useful or disruptive."
"Iron, in particular works in this way," continued the older woman. "When it is used in a sword a mage can focus the energy raised into it and then use very effectively. However, it is also a magic attractor, so it may also disrupt the mage when they are trying to use magic."
"There is a price for each benefit," added Grael.
"Okay," replied Willow, "what about rituals and circles then."
"They are used for a slightly different purpose," replied Grael. "We use them to focus, and transfer the energy from a number of people, not all have to be mages, and send it to a mage for use in great magics."
"That's what I thought," Willow said, "however, it's never been clearly explained to me before."

"Now, we will spend some time working with the two of you to measure more accurately your abilities, and to judge the level of your training," injected Amana.
"Well, I'm easy," said Buffy, "I've got no training."

"That's true," replied Grael, "however, we will have to determine which area or areas your abilities are focused in."

"What do you mean areas?" Asked Willow.
"You are aware that we divide the essence into five areas?" Replied Amana.
"Yes," answered the redhead, "Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Self."
"Exactly," said Grael, "and it turns out that each mage is best suited to one, sometimes two of these areas."
"They then concentrate on the manipulation of that type of essence, and develop their capabilities there," continued Amana.

"So what she and I are going to do is test you in these areas and figure out where your 'inclinations' lay so that we will then be able to concentrate your training there," concluded Grael.

For the next two hours the women were tested using a variety of techniques. Some like levitation were familiar to them; others such as matter manipulation were not. Finally Grael brought the testing to a conclusion and had everyone sit down once again by the fire.

"That was certainly interesting," said a very excited Willow. For in the last two hours she had been exposed to more magic than she had in her life to that point.
"Different," was the only response from the exhausted slayer. She was as tired as if she had battled dozens of vampires and demons.

"Well, ladies," said Amana, "this has been one of the most exciting days in my life."
"I have to agree," said Grael, "the two of you have certainly met, and exceeded our hopes."

"Why am I exhausted and witch girl here is bouncing off the ceiling?" Asked Buffy.
"Mainly because she has so much more ability," answered Grael, "and because we put the two of you through an exhausting mental workout which you are not used to. This type of activity is very strenuous and exhausting."
"The two of you are probably very hungry," continued Amana.

"Details, need to know details, food can wait, what can I, no we, do?" Bubbled Willow.

"Let's start with Buffy first," replied Amana, "As expected she has significant potential, but is totally un-trained."
"No surprises there," replied the slayer.
"None at all," said Grael, "however, we were able to determine that your particular areas of strength lie in the manipulation of self and air."

"Which means?" Continued Buffy.
"Principally that you will be able to control your body and the essences of air," answered Amana, "In fact, we now believe that your 'superior' healing and some of your reflexes and speed are merely an offshoot of your magic. In other words, you heal faster and react faster, because you are able to magically repair and boost the energy output of your muscles and tendons."
"Say what?" Asked Buffy.
"It's just that you have been doing this unconsciously until now," replied Grael. "We will endeavour to train you so that you can do it consciously, which should significantly improve your abilities and extend the range of what you will be able to do."
"Such as?" Asked Buffy's lover and friend.
"Such as repairing bone, replacing blood loss, curing viral and other illnesses and the ability to regenerate lost organs and limbs," he replied to a stunned Willow.

"Oh," said Buffy in the sudden silence. "What does the manipulation of air allow me to do, fly?"
"In the short term we will be able to train you to build shield and other things like vacuums where you wish, in addition to skills such as levitation," answered Amana, secretly pleased that the two young women were still able to keep their sense of humour though all that had happened.

"And in the long term?" Asked an excited Willow; she was beginning to see incredible potential options in fighting what until then had seemed an endless, and ultimately hopeless, fight against the forces of evil, not only on this world but also back home.
"Massive wind movements - tornadoes, hurricanes and other wind storms," replied Amana.

"But it will take time to train you to use your abilities at this level," continued Grael, "and I don't know how much time we will have to do this training."

"Okay, you have gutted and filleted me," said the slayer, "now what about my lover?"

"Willow," answered Grael, "Willow is a once in several lifetimes find."
"Eh?" Replied the redhead.
"Your abilities are overwhelming," he continued, "and with training you will most likely be the most powerful person on either world."

"Not only that," said Amana, "but with this training you will be able to control the essence in all five areas."
"Right now, your have self trained yourself in the disciplines of Earth, Air and Self magic, however, neither Grael or myself were able to detect any weak points in your ability to manipulate either Water or Fire magic."

"You are," said Grael, "what has been until now a legend."
"Say what?" Asked the confused witch.
"An arch-mage," replied Grael, "someone who is able to manipulate any form of energy and essence."

"That's enough for now," said Amana, "why don't the two of you go down to lunch, after all you are expected in the training halls as soon as you finish eating. We will continue our talk tonight after dinner in our study," she concluded as she led the two contemplative women out to the hall where they were met by Aiofe, Bridie and a cat.
"Meeow," said Shadow-Cat who continued plaintively, "Meeoooow!"
"She's been in such a state madam," said Aiofe, "trying to get in to see you, and I think looking for lunch."

"Okay, then" said the arch-mage smiling even with the importance of the morning's revelations still fresh in her mind, "food it is." The four humans and one feline then headed down to the dining hall for lunch. Amana turned back into her workroom and retuned to sit by the fire with Grael after stopping by a bookshelf to collect a bottle and two glasses.

"Will you tell them?" Asked Grael as his long time friend and lover sat down and poured each of them large glasses of mead.
"Not yet," she replied thoughtfully as she watched the mead in her glass reflect the firelight, "I think that we can wait a few days for the two of them to get comfortable with their abilities and the new surroundings."
"We have been very daring in setting out on this course of action," she continued, "and it's going to take time for the two of them to get up to speed and to trust us fully."
"True enough," he said sipping his drink and stretching out his long tired legs before the fire, "for all of their casualness, I think that they are still in a bit of shock."
"I agree, and if we let them know what the potential of the two of them working together is, we might lose them altogether," she said as she too stretched out before the fire. "Besides, knowing those two, even as little as we do, they just might figure it out for themselves."
"That would make everything much easier," Grael replied as the two of them fell silent in companionship and contemplation.

-------------------------------------
Later in the day two sweaty women, one in much worse shape than the other, were heading back to their chambers after participating in an extremely intense three-hour workout. They were trailed by a cat and preceded by their two servants.

"Not much further love," the blond said as she partially held up the other woman, "we'll get you into the bath soon." Buffy was both amused and pleased. She had just finished a great workout where she had sparred with Daithi and several of his guardsmen, often two or three at a time. After some initial doubts by the guardsmen about her talents, Daithi had decided not to reveal to them any details about Buffy or about the morning's activities, they quickly realised that she was more than capable of holding her own against fully trained troops. She was amused by her lover's experience; Willow had not fared as well as Buffy since she was unused to the strenuous exercises she had been put through. Buffy was convinced that every muscle in Willow's body was screaming.

"It'll be ok," she said to her friend, "Daithi has given me some ointment, and after your bath I'll massage your sore muscles," she continued smiling at her.
"You laugh at me," Willow said grimacing in pain, "and as soon as I can lift my arms I'll turn you into a frog."
"No laughing, promise" said Buffy, "besides, if you turn me into a frog, who will you have to massage sore body parts?"
When they entered the room Buffy turned to Aiofe and Bridie and said, "that's enough for know, come back just before dinner."

As soon as the two other women had left Buffy turned towards Willow and said, "okay now, lets see about getting you into the bath."
"Hurt, pain, much soreness," complained a tired Willow as Buffy went over and directed her towards the bathroom.
"I hurt in places I never even new existed," she continued as her lover slowly began to peel the stiff armour that they both had been issued off of her.

"Shush, now, love, let me get these clothes off of you." Buffy said as she continued to slowly undress Willow, noticing that she was swollen in several places and that bruises were beginning to develop all over her body. Willow was a mess, and Buffy quickly figured out that she was going to need her help to even get into the bath.

"Will, love, sit down on the edge of the bath for a second while I get out of these clothes," Buffy said as she rapidly stripped off her own clothing. Willow was too tired to move, and instead of sitting on the edge of the bath, had simply collapsed onto the floor. Buffy went over to Willow, and picking her up in her arms, carried her into the bathtub.

"Now love," she said softly, "lets let the hot water sooth those aching muscles of yours." Buffy carefully placed Willow on one of the benches inside of the bathtub, and picking up soap and a washcloth, began to softly wash the other woman.
"Nice, very nice, don't stop," Willow said gently as her muscles began to relax and she began to feel almost human. "If you keep this up, I just might be normal in two or three days."
"Normal is good," replied Buffy, "however, I'm looking to get you back in shape sooner than that. After all, I need my snuggle monster for tonight."
"Nuzzle good, cuddle better," said the redhead, "but I can think of other things to do."
"Here I thought you were dysfunctional," retorted Buffy.
"Sore yes, dysfunctional no," replied Willow as she turned towards her soul mate and drew her lips towards her own for a long, lingering kiss.

"That was very nice," said the slayer a few minutes later, "however, I've got even a better idea."
"What's that?" Asked the redhead as she tried to nuzzle the other without getting a mouthful of water in the process.
"Why don't we finish getting clean, then I'll massage your sore parts," replied the blond woman, "then we can see about getting sticky and dirty before dinner."

"Goody, I'm up for sticky stuff," replied Willow, "that's a great plan."
They quickly finished their bath and after towelling off, proceeded naked into the bedroom.

"Quick girl up on the bed," ordered Buffy, "and present me back," she continued with mock gravity.

"Yes boss," replied Willow, "but don't you want to massage me first?"
"Enough lip," retorted the other, "I am going to start with massaging you."

Buffy got up on top of the other woman and began to work the ointment she had been given into the stiff and sore muscles of her lover. It started to have an immediate effect on her as Buffy could visibly see some of the bruising and swelling leave Willow's back.
"Damn, this is good stuff," thought the slayer, "these people has some impressive medical knowledge."

Buffy turned around on Willow's back and began to rub and massage the ointment into her legs, taking care to ensure that she worked all of the soreness out of the muscles, she knew from experience that if she didn't it would be difficult the following day for the other woman to get up and walk.
"Feels, nice" murmured Willow, "don't stop."
Buffy had no intention of stopping, given that she was becoming very stimulated by what she was doing. Here she was, buck naked sitting on top of her equally naked lover's back massaging her legs. In fact, Buffy began to feel a familiar wetness between her legs.

The massage was having a similar effect on Willow. She was feeling safe, and secure, knowing that there was nothing to fear from the woman who was on top of her. "Humm," she thought, "I was just thinking."
"Dangerous habit," replied Buffy, "could lead to unknown situations."
"No, its just that it's been one hell of a day," said Willow.
"How's that."
"Its just that its been less than a day since you left on patrol and I began to get ready for the Imbolg ritual."
"You're right," the slayer continued as she gently, but firmly, turned her lover over so that she could continue working on her muscles. "So much has happened it feels like weeks."

Willow was presented with a vision from her dreams; sitting on top of her belly was her lover. Willow could see the strong muscles in Buffy's back and shoulder ripple as Buffy continued to work on her legs. It was a stimulating experience, and Willow could feel, and see her nipples harden. It was time for some direct action. She slowly began to trace her fingers over the slayer's muscles, and was pleased to see the small hairs on her lover's back stiffen. Carefully sitting up, she began to nuzzle Buffy's neck and continued with soft kisses and gentle licks to her neck and ears.
"Mumm, you taste and smell wonderful," she said as she slowly moved her hands around the other woman's side to cup her breasts.
"Someone is excited," she commented softly.
"You should talk," Buffy replied, "since I can feel your nipples pressing into my back."
Buffy bent forward and began to kiss Willow's feet and ankles. Willow continued moving her hands forward and down towards the cleft between her lover's legs. The slayer cooperated by moving her kisses up Willow's legs, which had the simultaneous result of moving her sex towards Willow's willing lips.
Willow was shortly presented with the object of her desire, and was pleased to notice that her soul-mates clitoris and labia were swollen with desire.
"Yummy," the arch-mage thought as she proceeded to gently kiss and lick her lover's sex, eliciting a sharp intake of breath form the slayer.
"Damn it girl," she said, "you know I love it when you do that."
"I know," Willow replied, taking a quick break from her activities, "I notice that you are practically dripping, was that my doing?"
"Less talk, more action," Buffy replied as she bent down between Willow's legs and gently blew on her swollen clitoris, Willow moaned deep into Buffy groin, since she had been licking and kissing Buffy's labia and clitoris at the time.

The two women fell into mutual pleasure, mostly out of their love for each other but also, in no small measure, as a release from the tensions that they had been under for the last day. As their lovemaking continued into the afternoon the two women became covered in sweat and other bodily fluids, as promised by Buffy.
"I just love it when your plans work," murmured Willow to a sleeping slayer, just before she too fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Later that evening there was a discrete knock of the suits door. Hearing no response from within the rooms Aiofe softly opened the door calling out, "Buffy, Willow, time to get ready for dinner."
Aiofe and Bridie entered the rooms and went over to the bedroom where they saw the two travellers entangled together on the rumpled bedclothes.
"Buffy," Bridie called again, "time to get up for dinner."
"Shush," said Aiofe, "let them sleep. We will go and tell Amana that they are deep in sleep, and that we will bring up some food later for them."

With that the two young women left the room and carefully closed the door behind them.
"Today was hard enough on them," commented Bridie, "and the next few are not going to get any better. They will need all of the rest they can get."

-----------------------------------
Far away, in the demon's stronghold, a pensive master demon sat in his office. Scattered at his feet were the remains of a green imp like demon, and the remains of Kratel's boss.
"Told them to get answers," the demon thought, "what do they bring back, but fantastic stories of a girl with super speed and strength, incompetents, they deserved my wrath."
"But," he continued, "what if they were right?"
"Answers," he continued aloud, "I need answers, all of the plans we have worked on for millennia are focused at this point in time, I can't have unknown variables in play now."

He stood up and began to pace, "Humm, got to get this mess cleaned up." Stopping suddenly the demon thought, "bold action was not the answer, I've still got a little time. I will just have to wait to see what my human servants come up with."

With that the demon strode out of his office screaming for his servants to attend him.

Finis Part III.

To be continued.

Militat omnis amans (Every lover is a warrior) Part 2/?
K. Beckett (c) 2000

Rating:
PG-13+ - heading to the R level

Archiving etc.:
Ask and I'll say yes. Don't ask and I'll get mad.

Spoilers:
Everything up to the middle of season four - I diverge then.

Thanks to all who have commented on part 1, I appreciate everything that was said. As before, any and all meaningful criticism, support and suggestions are welcome.

Please be patient, it takes me awhile to get everything down, as I have little free time for writing.

More set up in this part, however, I promise to get to some serious action in part three.

mailto:kevin.beckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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A priori

Its Imbolg eve, Willow had just started to Invoke the Guardians when she was contacted by persons from elsewhere who were in desperate need of her help. Quickly handing over the night's ritual to Giles and another of her senior witches she and Buffy left the circle by means of a portal which had been created by the other group linking Willow's circle to the location of the people looking for help. Buffy and Willow, along with Willow's very confused, and stowaway, cat, enter the portal and travel for a great distance arriving in a cold, unfamiliar place.

-----------------------------------------------

Part II
Amantes sunt amentes (Lovers are lunatics)

"Damn, its cold," thought the blond girl shivering on the floor. Buffy took another look around at her new surroundings. The room that she and Willow had arrived in was large, easily twice the size of the workroom from where they had just left. Candles and large torches lighted the room. In addition, there were four large fireplaces adding their heat and light to the room. Despite all of the fires, the room was cold, barely above the freezing mark. Buffy noticed that they were surrounded by at least twenty people standing in a dual circle, all dressed in heavy robes which had embroidery similar to the work on her robe.

"Quickly, get some blankets and boots," Amana said, "they will be freezing in this temperature."

With that, several things happened simultaneously. Grael quickly dispelled the portal with the words "dorrys skeaylley!" As other members of the group broke the circle, which allowed them to collect several heavy blankets, which they proceeded to wrap around the two shivering women who were in the centre of the work circle.

"Where are we? Who are you? What's going on? Shadow-Cat, what are you doing here?" babbled Willow as she was being wrapped in blankets with thick fur boots being shoved onto her feet.

"We will answer all of your questions," Amana replied as she finished putting the boots on Buffy's feet, "however, we need to get you warm and fed first. Come, we will adjourn to more comfortable surroundings."
She then helped Buffy to her feet and indicated that they should leave the room.

The entire group left the workroom and headed back down the corridor to the study. The two travellers were given chairs in front of the fireplace and mugs of mulled wine were handed to them.

Two of the group proceeded to drag the table up to the fireplace and then had platters of meats, breads, sweets and cheeses placed in front of the two women. In addition, several pitchers of various beverages - ales, wines and ciders, were also placed on the table.

"Ok," Willow said a few minutes later, after having drunk half of her wine and beginning to feel warm for the first time since arriving. "Q&A time, deal us the skinny."

Buffy was eating and drinking thinking to herself "better let Willow deal with this, she is better on the witch stuff and she can fill me in later."

"Fair enough," Grael answered Willow. "Where do you want to start?"
"I guess with introductions," Willow continued feeling strangely content in this extraordinary company. "After all," she thought, "they did ask for my help, I have no way of getting home without them, so I might as well deal. "My name is Willow," she said to the assembled group, "my companion's name is Buffy." She continued pointing out the slayer. "The cat that unexpectedly also came along is mine and is named Shadow-Cat, I guess she will show when she feels like it."

"Welcome, and well met." Answered Grael. "My name is Grael, and this is Amana," he continued pointing her out. "We are the leaders of this group of mages and are the ones who lead the effort to bring you here to help us."

"Speaking of here, where are we?" Willow asked looking around closely, for the first time, at the room its furnishings and the lighting. "It looks very not modern here."

"Here is not a simple question Willow." Answered Amana. "Nor is when, if I can anticipate your next question.
"Where we are is in the mage's wing of Castle Maldor. The castle is located in our capital city of Maldorstat. The building is modern in so that we have plumbing, heat and a few other conveniences that you are used to, however, we do not have mechanical lighting sources." She continued rising from the table and moving towards the other end. "Frankel here is our most senior sage and he will try to give you what we understand is happening." She said, standing behind an elderly man who had until that point been sitting quietly at the other end of the table.

"The simple answer is that you are still on Earth." Frankel said, rising from the table and taking up the conversation. "However, it is not your Earth, so to speak."

"That's the simple answer? I'd hate to have a complicated on," stated Buffy, speaking for the first time, and beginning to think that she was back in professor Walsh's psychology class.

"It has to do with multiple dimensions and differing realities between dimensions." Continued the old sage, beginning to pace around the room. "We have determined that there are several Earths which occupy the same location, however, they are layered on top of each other creating different realities or versions of the same place, your 'Earth' is one such, ours is another."

"Okay," replied Willow, "I've read something about this, however, I didn't think it was possible." She was beginning to feel a bit more comfortable about what was going on, now that she was starting to receive data.

"Only our great need has made it possible," replied Frankel. "My early researches determined that the 'layers' existed and I was able to determine some of the basic characteristics of each."

"Such as?" Prompted Buffy.
"Well, such as the basic geology and atmosphere. The primary life forms and which of them were dominant. In addition to the general level of technology."
"Sounds like you were able to learn a lot," answered Willow.
"I guess you're right," the sage continued. "I was also able to determine that there was major differences between the 'layers'. Essentially, that the closer the layers were, the closer the various characteristics are. However, once you move significantly away from your home layer the differences become major."
"How major?" Asked the slayer, convinced now that this guy was a male psychology professor, all talk and little answers.

"Different biology, life forms, climate and technology to name a few." He answered.
"Ok, I can deal with this so-far. But why us?" Asked Willow.

"I'll answer that in a few minutes," answered Grael, "however, there are a couple of points that I would like Frankel to finish up with first."

"Ok then, to finish," the sage continued. "In my research I determined that there were weak points between the layers, which potentially could allow communication or transport between them. Also, it appeared that some of the dominant species on some of the layers were able to innately use this transport ability." The sage paused to sip from his mug of wine. "In fact, I think that a large amount of what we call 'demons' on our worlds are in fact residents of one layer, who have transported to another," he finished sitting back down at the table.

"To continue," said Grael, "in our investigations of your world, we determined that your reality had very few weak points at which demons and other evil characters appeared."

Buffy turned to Willow and said quietly, "the hell-mouth."

"We also sensed the great power that resided near one of these 'hell-mouths' as you call them and hopped that that person would be able to come to our assistance, even though they were very poorly trained." Grael finished, looking at Willow optimistically.

"Well, you have answered a number of questions, and raised a few more," Willow said, "however, you still haven't answered why me?"

"That is a bit easier to answer," Amana said. "For our world has a very large number of these hell-mouths, so many in fact that we are in danger of being over-run by demons from the other realities."

"These weaknesses have occurred relatively recently," added Grael, "what we think is happening is that the demons who are attacking us are able to create the weaknesses, or at least expand upon them, and that they have been slowly moving from one reality to the next, devastating each in turn. Since our world is between them and you they have not reached your reality in any great numbers yet. However, we believe that once they dispose of us, you will eventually be in the line of fire, since there are only about fifteen or so worlds between ours and yours."

"And as to why specifically you, Willow," continued Amana, "quite frankly, for all of the power that Grael and I have, we are nothing compared to the potential power that you will be able to wield."

"But, I'm new at this, I can barely do anything, I don't know very much and most of the time I fail." Willow said plaintively.
"We know this dear," Amana replied, "however, we are excellent teachers and we will ensure that you reach your full potential."
"But, what do you want me to do?"
"Simply, to seal all of the weaknesses between our world and theirs," answered Grael.
"Oh."

"I'm beginning to think that details can wait till tomorrow," Amana said. "Lets let them finish eating and then we will see about accommodations for Willow and her soul-mate."

"Soul-mate." Buffy exclaimed, "How did you know Willow and I were soul-mates?"
"For one that knows how, its easy to see the psychic link between you." Amana answered. "Soon you to will be able to see these things," she added cryptically.

"Now, we know your name, but who are you and why did Willow bring you?" Amana continued as she quickly changed the subject.

"I'm the slayer." Replied Buffy, and seeing questioning looks from the others continued, "don't tell me that you don't have slayers? The counsel? General medieval stuffiness' and prophecies?"
"No," answered Grael, "but why don't you fill us in."

"Well, in our reality we have a Watchers Counsel whose job it is to train slayers and to provide guidance to them. In addition, they maintain records of various prophecies and other files with respect to demons and other evil things." Buffy continued.
"And," prompted Grael.
"I'm a slayer," answered Buffy. "I was a chosen one and trained to fight demons, particularly vampires. I have special talents and abilities - for example I am able to sense demons, I heal very quickly and I'm very strong and fast."

"Excellent!" Responded Frankel becoming very animated, "I've read about so-called slayers in our past, however, the last of them was eliminated years ago, we must talk about this further."

"Oh, boy," thought Buffy, "not another professor Walsh, worse, another Giles."

Willow meanwhile was beginning to yawn, and drowse off. Amana caught sight of this and said. "Enough for tonight. Lets get these two off to their baths and to bed. We can finish up our discussions in the morning."

Amana led Buffy and Willow out of the room and down the hallway. The climbed a flight of stairs to another hall, which had a number of doors off of it.
"This is where we have our accommodations while we are in the capital." Amana said. "Most of us spend the majority of our time in other locations, however, we were all brought together for this project."

"In anticipation of your agreeing to come, we have arranged for you to have a room, I trust that you won't mind sharing, since we weren't really expecting Buffy?" She asked with a smile in her eyes.

She opened one of the doors into a fairly large room. In fact, it was a suite of rooms. The rooms were all very well lit with several lanterns in addition to fireplaces. The wooden floors were covered in thick carpets and thick tapestries covered most of the walls. Several large windows were set into the thick stonewalls and were covered with heavy embroidered curtains.

"This is your sitting room," stated Amana, "the room to the right is your bed-chamber, and the one to the left is the bath."

She continued leading the way to the bathroom that was very well appointed with sinks, a toilet and with a very large bathtub. This bathtub was easily the largest that either Buffy or Willow had ever seen. It was at a minimum a metre deep and could easily sit four. It was set directly into the floor, with only the top thirty centimetres or so above the floor line. Buffy could see that tilled benches were lining the inside of the tub, which raised the possibility of serious lounging time in the tub. Steam was rising from the water.

Amana continued, "the water is very hot, fed by springs deep beneath the building, we have lots of it, so we constantly have it circulating though the baths so that dirt and grime is carried away and fresh water brought in. There is soap, towels and necessities, over here," she said pointing out a dressing table and cupboards.

"We will arrange to have clothing sent up to you in the morning, and there is plenty of bed linen and warm blankets for tonight already in your bedchamber."

"Okay then?" she asked, receiving nods in return. "We will let you sleep a bit late, since there is only about five hours till dawn. I'll come up to get you and we will continue with our discussions.

At this point a very satisfied looking grey and white feline walked into the room and proceeded to jump up on the table and began to groom her-self.
"Shadow-Cat," exclaimed Willow. "Where have you been?"
"Meooww!" answered the cat.
"Out exploring I guess," replied Buffy.
"Checking out the resident pest problem probably," Willow agreed.

"Good-night then" replied Amana "I'll see you in the morning." She turned and left the suite, closing the door behind her.

As soon as Amana had left, Buffy turned to her friend and lover saying.
"Witch girl, you've got some serious explaining to do."
"Buffy, I know, but please can it wait till later?" Willow said as she went over to the bath and began to undress in preparation for getting in.
"Okay," the slayer replied, "I'm too tired to worry about it now. Lets bathe and get to bed," she continued, removing the blankets that were wrapped around her body and sitting down to take off the boots.

Soon both women were undressed and in the water sitting on the benches at opposite ends of the huge tub. Buffy looked over at Willow and was once again stunned by her beauty, grateful that they had found each other and that they had acknowledged their love. She moved over to the other woman and slowly began to caress her neck and shoulders.
"Mmm, that feels nice." Willow said, sighing and relaxing into the others touch.
"Shush don't say anything, just go with the flow." The slayer responded as she began to stimulate Willow's breasts and nipples with the tips of her fingers, which immediately began to harden from the slayer's activities. Buffy continued performing her special magic on Willow's nipples as she also began to kiss the neck and shoulders of her lover.

Willow was beginning to feel the effects of Buffy's touch, and kisses, deep inside of her body. She raised Buffy's head up from her neck and kissed her, surrendering her mind and body into the kiss by focusing all of her attention to it. Their tongues duelled together as each women tried her hardest to explore the others mouth.

"Bath, soap, wash, we've got to wash." Willow babbled after a few minutes of deep kissing.
"Good idea," the other replied, "rubbing soap on soft body parts sounds like fun to me."

Willow picked up the bar of soap and quickly created lather, she then proceeded to gently wash Buffy, making slow gentle motions over her body, focusing particular attention to her chest and belly. Soon she moved her hands and the soap lower on Buffy's body, making tentative, darting, even teasing moves towards her sex.

"Stop that," Buffy exclaimed, "You are getting me too wet."
"You're in the bath," Willow said quietly as she continued her assault, "you're supposed to be wet."
"Then stop teasing me and finish the job." Buffy demanded.
"Your wish is my command," Willow responded and proceeded to move her hand between Buffy's legs and began a direct assault on her lover's sex.

Buffy was beginning to break out into a sweat, as she was beginning to peak to orgasm and she wanted it to be mutual with Willow. She therefore proceeded to caress Willow's pubic mound, and tentatively massaged her clit while inserting a finger deep inside of her. Buffy was pleased to discover that Willow's skin was glowing, more that the hot water alone would explain and that her breath was beginning to come in short shallow gasps.

Willow moaned deeply into Buffy's neck. She had already been at a high level of excitement and Buffy's probing fingers deep inside of her were beginning to push her over the edge. Both women continued their respective assaults, and within moments both had powerful simultaneous orgasms.

"Goddess, that is exactly what I needed," panted Willow. "I trust you feel the same lover?" As she proceeded to embraced her friend in a hug.
"Oh, yeah. Quite a fine way to relax." Buffy said near breathlessly, as she reciprocated the hug, while searching out and finding Willow's mouth for another deep passionate kiss.

After a few minutes the women moved apart. "Come on love, its been one hell of a day," Willow said as she began to wash her hair. "Let's finish up here and get some sleep."
"No problemo," Buffy added as she to began to wash her hair, "I think tomorrow is going to be even more strange than tonight was."

Within the hour there were two women intertwined on their bed in a deep sleep. Leaping up on the pile of heavy blankets that covered the two women, and taking up residence on the pillow behind Willow's head, was a very contented cat.

"Purrrrr," came deep from the cat as she thought, "my tummy is full, this is not my normal territory, however, my human is here so I am happy."
------------------------------------

Elsewhere in the castle others were not as yet sleeping. Grael, Amana, Frankel and a couple of other people were sitting around the long table in the study, deep in conversation.

"I think that this is going to work out fine," Grael said to the group, "She is young, strong and incredibly powerful."
"I agree," commented Amana. "She appears to have taken everything about tonight's activities well. No panic and no fits of hysteria."
"The slayer is an unexpected bonus," interjected Frankel. "Having one with her abilities may prove to be the deciding factor."
"That's true," replied Grael, "she also has an unbelievable amount of strength and power, and if we can link the two together..."
"Yes?" Asked another member of the group.
"Well, it would mean our certain salvation," answered their leader.

"That speculation can wait till later," Amana said as she took up pen and paper, "lets confirm what we need to accomplish in the next few days."
"We need to finish briefing them," answered Grael, "and then we will have to assess Willow's training in greater detail. I think that we will also want to begin to train Buffy also."
"But," interjected Frankel, "I want to work with her, get more details on slayers, and slaying. Maybe have her train others."
"I agree with you Frankel," replied Grael, "however, in addition to that she is going to need to be trained in her other abilities, certainly not to the level of Willow, but she is going to need those skills."
"That is certainly true," continued Amana, "I think that a certain amount of cross-training for both of them is in order. We should arrange to give Willow some fighting practice, after all, she will not always have time for her magic."

"I hate to interject but," said another member of the group who had been silent up to now. Unlike the others he was dressed in form fitting, padded, clothing and had a battle hardened and scarred face. He was the garrison commander for the castle and had primary responsibility for the safety of the mages when they were in residence.

"What's that Daithi?" asked Frankel.
"Well, it's just that if we are talking about cross-training and other things, we had better use our time wisely." Daithi replied.
"Why?" Replied Grael.
"My sources have begun to report that the opposition is gathering strength and may be poised for a major strike at the capital."

"We will discuss this further tomorrow, Daithi," replied Amana. "However, if we want to be able to get anything done in the morning, we have to get some sleep in what is left of the night." And with that she said her goodnights and headed off to her suite.

Other members of the group also decided to turn in, and finishing off their various beverages they headed to their respective. All except the commander, who remained behind to have another mug of ale.

"Time," he thought, "how much time do we have before evil falls over the land for good?"
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In a different location, hundreds of kilometres from the activities going on in the castle was another stronghold. Unlike Castle Maldor the buildings were shrouded in darkness for no lights were visible from any of the few openings that pierced the thick stonewalls. Inside it was dark and unpleasant the temperature matching the sub-zero outside air. Several different beings inhabited the building and none were overtly friendly to humankind.

Suddenly the atmosphere was punctured by a blood-curdling scream.
"What in the name of the Chaos Gods do you mean you don't know?"
Striding down a corridor was an immense figure, with blood red skin, yellow eyes and sporting three horns. It turned towards another being, which was practically running to keep up, and continued.
"I told you to find out what those blighted mages were up to. You know that my ability to see inside of that damned castle is very inadequate at the best of times and now that all of them are in residence it is totally impossible."
"I know master," the other creature replied. This one appeared to be a human male of middle age. "But nothing I've done is generating answers."
"I don't care who or what you have to maim, torture, kidnap or kill - but find me the answers, and find them fast." The master said punctuating its statements with pointed jabs from its claw tipped fingers. "Or else I'll be using your entrails to do my divining." With that the demon turned and left the corridor through a nearby door.

The humanoid shivered to his bones thinking to himself, "I've got to get some answers, or get out of here."
Turing around he spotted a small, green frog like figure and yelled out, "Kratel, get your webbed feet over here now!"
"Yes, master," the small imp like creature replied.
"You heard our terrible master. I need answers, but fast." The humanoid continued as he and the imp returned back down the passageway. "Put together a raiding party, five or so in addition to yourself, and get into that accursed castle and get me a couple of victims so that I can torture some answers out of them."
"We will depart at once master," answered the imp.
----------------------------------

Buffy woke the next morning at her usual time of just before dawn thinking to herself, "damn, not even in the same reality and my slayer senses still get me up at dawn." She realized that she was entangled with Willow with their arms and legs intertwined. Feeling a warm spot above Willow's head she though "well, Shadow-Cat must be off looking for her breakfast, I guess I had better get my day going." Moving slowly and carefully so not to wake her lover she got out of bed, only to realize that other than her ritual robe and some blankets, she still did not have anything to wear. It was cold in the room, but not freezing, obviously someone had been in to re-build the fires.
"Oh, well," the slayer thought, "It's not as if Willow hasn't seen me naked before, and I certainly don't want to wear my robe to do my exercises."

Buffy went into the sitting room and spotted an agitated cat reaching up and scratching at the door.
"You want out, don't you girl? Buffy asked as she opened the door. Shadow-Cat meowed back to the slayer and bolted out of the room. "We are going to have to arrange for a cat-door and other kitty things if we are here much longer," thought Buffy.

After quickly creating a free space in the room, by moving carpets away from the floor, Buffy began her morning routine. She spent a dozen minutes doing careful warm-up exercises and then spent about twenty minutes stretching out her muscles. Once she had warmed-up properly, and having done the required stretching, she moved into the serious portion of her morning workout. Buffy, having had no formal, early, slayer training did not use the council's particular workout routine, rather she used a combination of Aikido and Karate katas which she and Giles had augmented to suit her particular requirements. After twenty minutes or so she was beginning to feel relaxed and the sweat was beginning to run off of her body. Earlier, while doing her warm-up, Buffy had noticed an old broom by the door, which she had used for several of her stretching routines. She now broke off a four-foot section of it while thinking, "this will do until I find a replacement." With that she then launched into a series of Kendo exercises concentrating on her thrusting attacks and her defensive speed.

Buffy was being watched. Willow had woken up shortly after Buffy had started her katas and was enjoying watching the slightly erotic display of a nude slayer exercising which was being put on for her benefit, even though un-knowingly. In fact, she was beginning to become just a wee bit aroused by the display.

Willow was familiar with Buffy's routine, having watched it several times, albeit with a fully clothed slayer. Just as Buffy was finishing up the last of her Kendo routines she said, "Meow, that looks yummy."

"What?" Exclaimed the startled slayer. "Will, I thought you were still asleep. Just how long have you been watching me?"
"Oh, about thirty minutes or so," Willow said smiling. "I would never dream of disturbing you at your exercise," she continued with an impish grin.
"And may I assume that you received no, vicarious, pleasure from watching my activities?" Buffy asked as she grabbed a towel and headed back into the bedroom.
"Who, me?" Answered Willow trying her best to look innocent.

"Up now, slouch," Buffy said as she proceeded to pull the blankets off the protesting occupant.
"No, too cold, you come back to bed," protested the redhead.
"Nope, sloth-girl," Buffy answered, as she continued her assault on the blankets, "time to rise, shine and bathe. If you are lucky and ask nice, I just might let you wash my back though," she said as she left the room heading for the bath.
"Oh, goody, may I please," said Willow, as she jumped out of bed. "Oh, cold, goosy bumpies," she yelped and quickly ran to grab some of the blankets from the night before.

"Morning love," the hacker said as she moved into the bathroom and hugged the slayer from behind as she was in the process of gathering the soap and shampoo for their bath.
"Sleep well?" she asked as she tuned Buffy around so that she would be able to snag her good-morning kiss.
"Yep, how about you," the slayer replied returning, with vigour, the kiss.
"Not bad, weird dreams, though," Willow replied testing the water, "Oh, goody-goody, hot," and proceeded to jump into the bath.
"What do you mean weird?" Asked a suddenly concerned slayer, as she to entered the water.
"Well, just strange images, and vague uneasy feelings, like I've experienced this reality before or something," Willow answered as she began to get to work with soap. "Turn around Buff, you promised me back."
Buffy complied with the mock order from Willow saying, "well I didn't exactly promise, but you have been good."
"How good?" Bantered the redhead.
"Very." Replied Buffy, "By the way," the blond continued, "you know that what you did last night was nuts, right?"
Willow said nothing as she continued to wash Buffy's back.
"I mean, off you go - dragging me and a cat with you, into an unknown portal in the middle of a ritual, answering no questions."
"Hey, I didn't mean to bring the cat," Willow responded, "and, I had no real choice Buffy, I'm supposed to help those who ask. I'm almost compelled to go."
"Okay, its all water under the bridge anyway," the slayer replied, "I just hope that these folks can get us home."
"Oh, I think so," Willow replied, "besides, I'm dieing to see what Giles's reaction was."
"Well, I can guarantee, whatever his reaction, he wasn't speechless." Answered Buffy.

The two women spent the next few minutes washing themselves, and each other. Things were just beginning to heat up from their activities when they heard a knocking at the door.
"Damn," Willow said extracting her hands from several of Buffy's sensitive spots, "just when things were starting to get interesting."
"Come-in," she yelled to the door giving Buffy a quick kiss as she left the tub and grabbed a towel.
She turned to her lover and said. "We will definitely finish this later."

Willow went into the sitting room to great Amana and two other women who had arrived with several items. Principle amongst them was several items of clothing.
"I hope you slept well," asked the mage. "I trust you are rested and are ready for what looks to be a very busy day." She continued as she and the other ladies laid out the several items of clothing.
"We have brought several items of clothing for you," she continued pointing out the robes, dresses and other apparel. "We have also brought under-clothing and other toiletries for the two of you."

"Thank-you," replied Willow as she proceeded to look over the various items of underwear and finding that all of the items were in their sizes.
"I think however, that Buffy is going to need clothing that isn't a dress," she continued not seeing anything resembling pants in the pile.
"We know," replied Amana, "however, since I understand that Buffy will need to be fitted for armour, albeit leather armour, she can wear the clothes that we have brought here in the meantime."
"These will be fine," said the slayer as she emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her body. "Just so long as the clothes are warm, I'll be happy," she continued joining Willow in choosing appropriate underwear and other garments.

"Wait," Amana said, as the two travellers were starting to dress, by dropping their towels, figuring that modesty was definitely going to lose out to warmth, "I have brought Aiofe and Bridie along to be your assistants." Amana said as she pointed out the two other women. Aiofe was tall and dark-haired, while her companion was a little shorter than Willow. Both women had pale complexions and deep jade-green eyes.

"But, we don't need help to dress," Willow complained. "After all we have been doing it ourselves since we were small."
"It's not that you need help dear," explained Amana, "its just that two persons as powerful as you and Buffy are required to have assistance as part of your station in our society. Others you will come in contact with will not give you the respect that you deserve if you do not have the symbols of your rank and position."
"Oh," exclaimed Buffy as Bridie began to help her to dress, with Aiofe performing the same task for Willow. "Will they cut our food and help us to eat also?"

"No, that they won't do," replied Amana with a smile in her eyes, "however, they will serve your food and keep your suite tidy."
"That will help," replied Willow as she tried to come to grips with the situation.

Within minutes the two women were dressed and were heading out of their suite. Amana led them down two fights of stairs to a large room, which was obviously a dining hall. Like the other rooms in the castle it had stonewalls. Several heavy oak beams spanned the hall, forming the support structure for the roof. The floors were thick pegged oak boards, and there were a number of chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

"This is where we will break our fast," she said leading them to three chairs. "After we have eaten we will retire back to the study and continue our conversation of last night."

The serving girls with several platters of fresh fruit, breads, cheeses, yoghurts and beverages, quickly filled the table in front of them. The three women quickly fell to eating.
----------------------------------

Later they returned to the study area, which had already begun to fill with the other mages. The women took the same places that they had the night before. After allowing everyone time to greet each other, Grael stood up to continue the discussions from the previous night.

"I trust that you will want to know what we have planned," he said starting the conversation. "We have gone ahead and made some preliminary plans, which we will discuss with you, however, I would prefer to continue discussing our present situation first."

"That sounds ok to me," replied Willow, "I do have a number of questions."
"Well, ask away."
"Okay, first, why is it so cold, second, why do you speak English, and third what gives with the weird technology level?" Willow continued. "I mean you have plumbing, some heating and very fine textile weaving, but no electricity or mechanical devices."

"The answers to your questions are all related to the same cause, and will sum up the background left out last night," answered Grael. "It has to do with the differences between your world and ours, and the impact that the flood of demons has had on our world."

Frankel then took up the conversation, "we have studied, as best we could, your world. It would appear that for the most part our world followed yours in societal and scientific development up until a hundred or so years ago. For example we had the same Judeo-Christian influence, the Middle Ages, the reformation and the beginnings of the industrialized era. We also experienced the same waves of exploration."
"What happened then?" Asked Buffy.
"Two things," answered the sage. "First, we entered into a mini-ice age due to a series of massive volcanic eruptions, and second we began to experience the increased demon activity. We are still not entirely convinced that the two events are not related, since the demons do appear to love the results of the cold," he continued, as he once again got up from the table and began to pace around the room.
"Both of these events had an immediate retardation effect on our scientific progress, in addition to massive bouts of war, famine and social upheaval. As a result we are approximately a century behind your world," he concluded, staring out of a window.

"Well, that does answer my questions," replied Willow. "I do have one other before you go on with your agenda."
"What's that?" Asked Amana.
"Why is magic apparently more advanced here?" asked the redhead.

"In part due to the upheavals we talked about," answered Amana, "we have been required to develop other methods to deal with our problems and with the demon plagues, however, we have now come to the end of our resources."
"Hence our need for you," concluded Grael.

"Okay, then," said the slayer, "what are your plans for us then?"

"Right, down to business," replied Grael.
"First, we would like for both of you to be fully assessed in your magical talents," continued Amana, "then, we are going to arrange for you to be outfitted and appraised in your fighting skills Buffy."
"We would then like to take some time to have additional talks with the two of you on slayers and slaying," interjected Frankel, continuing his personal agenda.
"That will probably take most of today," added Grael, "then, over the next few days we will start to train the two of you."

"Heavy workload," commented Buffy.
"At least it will keep us busy," replied Willow, "in fact, sounds like fun."

"We will also be training you in several Martial arts Willow so that you will be able to protect yourself when you don't have time for magic," added Amana.

"Oh, boy," exclaimed Buffy, "sweaty witch-girl, I love it."

"Alright then," said Grael, "lets get down to work."

Just then Buffy felt a familiar unpleasant cramping in her loins. She turned to Willow saying, "Will, watch-out, my spidey sense is tingling!"

Suddenly the door to the study area burst open and six demons burst in, with the leader, a green imp like creature yelling, "Ok - scum, now we are going to get some answers!"

Finis Part II

To be continued...

Militat omnis amans (Every lover is a warrior) Part 1/?
K. Beckett (c) 2000 
--- Repost, fixing some typos. -----

Disclaimers:
Buffy, Willow and all of the other characters and places from the show belong to Joss Whedon, WB and Mutant Enemy etal. Everyone and everything else is mine. None of my characters are meant to resemble anyone living, dead or un-dead, if you see yourself you are looking way too hard.

Rating: 
PG-13ish (to start I guess)

Other: 
The Latin and Gaelic are mine; I take the responsibility for any translations of them. In addition, the descriptions of the rituals, spells and other craft work come from my traditions, so please don't take offence if something described here does not match your traditions or what you think it should.

Archiving etc.: 
Ask and I'll say yes. Don't ask and I'll get mad.

Spoilers:
Everything up to the middle of season four - I diverge then.

This is a first for me, be kind please. However, any and all meaningful criticism, support and suggestions are welcome. 
And, I'll be honest, I saw the idea in an earlier post, and something in me screamed WRITE, WRITE NOW STUPID, so I wrote. 
mailto:kevin.beckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

-----------------------------------------------

Part I 
Dum vivimus vivamus (Let's live while we're alive)

Darkness, with a cold North breeze coming down from the Artic chilling the February air, was not a pleasant, or particularly safe, time to be out in the town of Sunnydale California. The glow from the street lamps lining the pathways through the UC Sunnydale campus did not penetrate very far since the night sky was a light absorbing black due to the low heavy overcast. 

"Damn," thought the redheaded girl walking quickly across campus to her dorm room.  
"Its four hours to midnight and with this sky, and with the moon being nearly new, I'll have to trust my instincts and the clock for the timing of the second part of tonight's ritual."

Watching from the near-by shrubbery was shadowy, indistinct figure, definitely human in appearance, but moving far more silently through the woods than a human could. With a primal roar it leaped from the bushes towards Willow.
"Ah, damn!" she exclaimed turning towards the fully morphed vampire.  
"Fifteen minutes from the dorm and now I'm going to waste precious time dealing with you!"
This definitely was not the reaction that the newly risen, and hungry, vampire was expecting, and he figured out pretty quick that his initial plan of attack, eat and leave quietly wasn't going to work any more. So with typical single mindedness he decided to change his plan to attack, eat and just leave.
"Little girl, you are lunch!" He screamed jumping towards Willow.
"That's what you think, fangy," Willow quipped as she sidestepped the vampire's initial attack and quickly brought her hands up into a warding gesture.
"Soilshey ny greiney!" Willow shouted and drew her hands apart.
There was a sudden explosion of light between her hands, which quickly formed into a ball that she then cast towards the startled vampire.
"Eat sunshine ass-hole!" She yelled as the ball of light enveloped the vampire and he began to scream from the flames that were merrily burning his flesh.
A few moments later, there was nothing left of the former bloodsucker but a small pile of smoking ash, and a dancing ball of sun light.
Willow stared, stunned, at the results of her work while quickly whispering "ec kione" to collapse her spell back into the elemental realm she drew it from, before it began to draw attention to her and her activities.
"Damn," she exclaimed, exhausted from the energy required for the spell.  
"I love it when something works right the first time."  

"Well, it looks like you don't really need me anymore" a muscular blond figure said; quietly leaving the woods where she had been watching the preceding events and joining Willow on the path.
"Buffy!" Willow exclaimed, "Need, I do, definitely, need, but you not here, vampire here, spell new..." 
"Willow, I was just joking" she said, drawing the other girl into a close embrace and whispering into her ear, "I know that you will always need me." With her fingers softly caressing the cheek of her closest friend and lover she added, "and I trust, always want me."
"Of course, I need, and want you," the redhead whispered back turning her lips towards the other's soft lips for a passionate kiss.
"Ah, that was just the energy restorer I was looking for." Willow exclaimed as she broke away from the kiss after a couple of heart stopping minutes.
"How did your patrol go?" She asked as the two of them began to walk hand in hand to their room. 
"Not bad, one old-time demon and two other newby vamps aside from the one you disposed of." Buffy replied, mentally re-hashing the evening so far. 
"A pretty typical evening then in the demon disposal business then." Willow replied keeping her eyes firmly fixed on the object of her love.
"Yep, same old same old." Buffy answered, sensing Willow's gaze on her and avoiding the temptation to return it by keeping a sharp lookout for other potential, lethal, night time distractions.  
"Speaking of vamp removal, that's a pretty powerful new spell you have there at your disposal witch-girl."
Willow stopped walking and sat down on a near-by bench.
"You're right, Buffy. I've been working on this type of spell for a while now, but I didn't expect it to work as well as it did."
"What did you expect would happen?" Buffy asked as she sat down beside her friend.
"Well, I was hoping that the spell would go off, and distract the vamp long enough so that I could run to safety."
"Good plan Willow, but?"
"But, as I cast the spell, I felt an enormous collection of energy being drawn towards me, and somehow I suddenly knew that the spell would be far more powerful than I thought." Willow paused and though for a moment.  
"Its been happening a lot recently." She added softly.
"What's that?"
"Its just that my spells have been getting a lot stronger lately, ever since..."
"Ever since what?"
"Well, you know, since..." she whispered.
"Give it up witch, since when?" Buffy prodded, having already figured out the reason for herself, but wanting to hear it from her soul mate.
"You know, since Christmas."
"Ah," the blond exclaimed. "Since you and I took our relationship to the next level, so to speak."
"Yeah, since then, so to speak, in addition I guess to my becoming a 3rd degree witch at the Solstice."
"Speaking of witch business, what were you doing out on campus? Weren't you supposed at your parents getting ready for the big event later?"
"Oh my Goddess!" Willow said bolting from the bench and grabbing Buffy by the hand, "time, no-time talk, herbs and stuff, dorm, robes, stuff, got to get going..."
"Slow down Will," Buffy said smiling at her friend as she was being willingly dragged down the path, "we still have a few hours to go yet." 
--------------------------------

About a half-hour later, one very flustered witch and one very amused slayer looked around their dorm room. It had the appearance of having survived, barely, a close encounter with a hurricane, the hurricane in this case being a frantic Willow.
"Ok, double check time, you have my list Buffy?" Willow said in a panic while looking though a massive tote bag.
"Right here lover."
"Ok, read off the items to me."
"Okey, dokey, smooches toy, - item the first - robes."
"Check. And stop being so, so flippant, even though I love the sentiment attached to it"
"Ok, holding onto the flippancy, - item two - purification herbs and oils."
"Check," holding out several bags of herb like substances and small bottles of essential oils.
"You mean we have to bathe in those? Icky," the slayer said screwing up her face into weird contortions.
"Yep, you'll love it, very good for the skin, on with the list."
"If you insist, item three - wand."
"Check."
"Item four - candles."
"Check," holding out eight pure beeswax candles.
"Item five - sword."
"Check - I know its at home, I brought it over earlier tonight."
"Items six and seven - purified water and salt."
"Check - also at home."
"Ok then, that only leaves the last item - chalk."
"Right here," she said holding out a bag full of multi-coloured chalk. 
"Lets go! Everything else I need, that's not on the list, is at home." Willow quickly repacked all of the items in her tote bag and slinging it over her shoulder headed out the door.
"Hurry up Buffy, and don't forget to lock the door."
"I'm coming, hold on to your horses, Willow."
"You aren't even breathing hard." Willow quipped back as she headed down the hall to the stairs.
"What was that you said about flippancy?" Buffy exclaimed as she hurried after her.
-------------------------------

Later that evening, they arrived in front of Willow's parent's home. It was a bright beacon of light in the gloomy night since there was a lit candle in all of the windows in addition to all of the lights in the house being on.
"This is ok with your parents?" Buffy asked as they went in the house.
"Yep, they're cool. They know what I am, what we mean to each other and what we are going to do tonight." Willow replied as she walked into the living room and saw that the other members of her coven were already there.
"Hi all!" She addressed the assembled witches in the room, receiving answering nods and hellos in return.
"Hi Mom! Sorry we're running so late." She said to her mother who was just bringing in more snacks to replenish the empty platters on the coffee table.

"In fact," she continued over her shoulder to Buffy who was still in the foyer, "my dad helped with my work-room in the basement. He levelled the floor and installed all of the slate and the wood floor and wall panels."
"Cool." The slayer replied. "Nice to have understanding parents."
"Yep, its great to have a pair of nice Jewish Pagans in the family." Willow replied, as she dropped her tote bag on the floor and began to take items out of it.
"Mom even lit all of the candles in the windows for me tonight at dusk." She said, smiling at her mom who was heading back to the kitchen.
"That was really nice of her." Buffy replied, also smiling and waving hello to Willow's mother, as she joined the group in the living room, settling down on the floor since there were no chairs left.
"Yeah. Will, what's the deal with the burning wax anyway?" Asked one of the assembled witches sprawling over a good portion of the sofa snack crumbs liberally covering his t-shirt.
"Well Xander," the redheaded witch replied, without looking up or stopping what she was doing, "if you had done any of your studying, you would have remembered that since tonight is the festival of light returning, and since the Goddess in her incarnation as the young maiden Goddess presides over the day and the festival, and since in that incarnation she is the Goddess of light, healing, poetry and smith craft we burn the candles in her honour and to bring forward the hope for Spring in the darkness of Winter."
"Oh." The dark-haired apprentice witch replied crestfallen and returned to his previous occupation of trying to eat all of the snacks Willow's mom had put out on the coffee table without anyone else noticing.
"I told you to do the work, dummy." His girlfriend Anya stage-whispered to him, while surreptitiously feeding him more cheese and crackers.

Swiftly standing up Willow looked over her assembled friends, some of whom like Xander, Anya and Giles she had known since High School and others she had only met since starting university. She was very nervous, since this would be the first time she had led so many in a ritual as the High Priestess.

"Ok folks," she said, addressing her coven.
"Lets get to work. There is a lot to do before we start, and only a little time left to do it in."
"Right boss," a petite brunet replied standing up with the rest, "what do we do first?"
"Well Carol," Willow replied, "first we all need to take the ritual baths with the herbs and oils I've brought."
"Then, we all need to robe and make our way down to the work area." She continued as she handed packages of herbs, bottles of oil and robes to several members of the group.
"Lets go everyone," the former watcher stated as he received his package from Willow, "I'm assuming boys in one room, girls in another?"
"Yep, I hate to spoil everyone's fun, but with time pressing we will have to wait till later for jollies and smooches." Willow replied slightly red-faced.
"Don't forget to say your blessings as you bathe and dress." Willow called out as the group began to head out of the living room.
"We won't mother!" called out several of the witches as the group separated with Giles, Xander and the other five men heading to the upstairs bath and Anya, Carol and the other four women heading to the other bathroom leaving Willow and Buffy alone for the moment in the living room. As soon as the others had left the room Willow collapsed to the floor shaking un-controllably.
"Willow! What's wrong?" Buffy asked rushing to her and wrapping her strong arms around the trembling redhead.
"It's, It's just that..." 
"What lover?
"It's just that this is the first time I'll lead alone, and the first time since Brightstar left go back to Chicago, and I want everything to be perfect and special and..." Willow continued breathlessly.
"Will, it's going to be ok, honest," Buffy reassured her. "You've done everything you can, we all are going to help, and we all trust and love you."
Buffy began to softly massage the other's tense shoulder and back muscles as she gently kissed the neck of her friend.
"Lie down for a second, and let me work out the kinks in your back." She whispered as she gently, but firmly pushed Willow to the carpet.
"But, we have no time, we have to get ready Buffy." Willow weekly protested.
"Chill, dear. The others will be bathing and dressing for at least the next twenty minutes." As she continued to work on the muscles in Willow's back.
"More than enough time to work some of the tenseness out of you. After all, if you are tense you might make a boo-boo or two."
"Boo-boo's are definitely a no-no." The other replied as she admitted defeat to the other's firm fingers closing her eyes and starting to relax her tense body.  

For the next few minutes neither woman said anything as Buffy continued her soft massage, slowly working her way down Willow's back. Finally, after hearing the noise of the others working their way down to the basement, she stopped her ministrations and drew the other up from the floor into a gentle hug.
"Its, time sweetie." She said as she gently kissed the other.
"I know," she replied, "lets grab our stuff and go get naked and wet."
"Willow!" Buffy exclaimed in mock shock, "I thought that we were going to do that later." 
"Stop it," Willow said smiling, as she gave the slayer a mock punch on the arm.
"You know what I meant."
"I know, but it's nice to see you smiling."

With that the two friends headed to the bath to start their preparations for the nights work.
---------------------------------

A short while later the two lovers assembled with the rest of the group in the basement of Willow's parent's house. A portion of it had been recently transformed by her efforts, with the able assistance of her father and her former teacher Brightstar, into an area suitable for her to do her rituals and other work. A large area of about 30 square meters had been sectioned off from the rest of the basement and walls had been raised creating an octagonal workroom. The concrete floor had been taken up in the area to reveal the earth underneath and then slate and wood pieces had been laid on the earth in a complex interwoven parquet pattern. In addition, the eight walls had slate and wood panels hung on them. The area was brightly lit with four-armed candelabras on four of the walls; there was no unnatural lighting used at all.

The group was waiting for Willow dressed in the ritual working robes that they had made from hand-woven cotton. Each robe had been embroidered in traditional Celtic patterns by its wearer, and reflected the personality of each member. The robes were tied in front of the members with a long white cord, some wrapped once around their body, others two or three times. The assembled coven wore no clothing, other than the robes, and none of them were wearing any jewellery. Buffy felt practically naked, the robe was very comfortable, but the lack of anything else other that the once wrapped rope holding the robe closed made her a little self-conscious. She had spent several nights since the Solstice embroidering her robe, using Willow as an aid for ideas and inspiration, she felt that she had done a fairly good job, certainly better than Xander's effort.

Willow moved into the room and with gestures and eye contact began to assemble the coven at one end of the room.
"Ok all, its about an hour to midnight, lets get started." She said as she sat down in an old oak chair that was in front of an old desk and bookshelves placed at the South end of the room near the entrance. The other members took up places on the floor in front of their leader and waited expectantly. At this point a large, grey and white, self-possessed feline wandered into the room, looked around and proceeded to jump up on Willow's lap, as if it was her rightful place. With a contented purr, it tucked its head down and proceeded to go to sleep.
"Shadow-Cat, about time you showed up!" Willow said stroking the cat and scratching it behind the ears.

Willow then turned to the group and began the nights work with the traditional "Blessed be" opening.
"Blessed be" replied all of the assembled witches.
"Even though most of you have done your reading," Willow continued with a mock glare at Xander, "it is traditional in our path to spend some time discussing the work to be done, why we are doing it and what we are hoping to accomplish."
"Tonight is the festival of Imbolg which we also call Candlemas, Lady Day and Bridemas." Willow continued, launching into lecture mode.
"It is one of the four lunar festivals in our calendar, which are dedicated to the Goddess, in one of her incarnations." Willow looked up at Giles, "sorry Giles, you and Dagda are in the background tonight since the God is in his young boy aspect."
"That's ok Willow," the former watcher replied. "I'm happy to let you do all of the heavy early work. My part will come latter." He and Willow had discussed the nights schedule earlier in the day. Willow had been looking for reassurance that she hadn't forgotten anything, and Giles looking for reassurance that Willow was up to the challenge.

"The Mother Goddess has recovered from the Solstice birth of the Sun, and is being transformed into the maiden of spring." Willow continued with her lesson.
"As I told Giles the God is in his aspect as the young boy so most of his power is currently dormant. This is the traditional time of year for initiations and the renewal of vows, and we will be doing some of those later. It is the time to honour the Goddess for her gifts of healing, smithcraft, and poetry, these gifts represent the mysteries of renewal, transformation, and inspiration." Willow finished her mini-recap of the importance of the nights work.
"Ok, now for the work." She said, placing Shadow-Cat on the floor and standing up with the rest of the coven.
"First we get out the brooms, and perform the ritual cleansing of our work area, we will then prepare the circle and this room for tonight's work. Then, starting at mid-night we will do the Imbolg ritual, with a slight modification. After that has been completed I plan on conducting a number of initiations. Later we will have a second special ritual." Willow continued, feeling much stronger and focused now that she had started.
"What will the second ritual be for?" Asked a tall, blond witch.
"Well, it's for Buffy and me, Sam." Willow answered.
"How's that?"
"You all know that Buffy and I have committed ourselves to each other." Willow said, taking Buffy by the hand.
"Well, this ritual is to commit our vows to each other and to set the stage for our hand-fasting at Beltane."

"Sounds good to me," replied another of the witches.
"Me too," said another.
"About time," Xander and Anya said simultaneously.

"What is the modification to the Imbolg ritual?" Asked a woman who was slightly older than the majority of the group. Like Willow, Giles and three others she had her cord wrapped three times around her body, signifying a 3rd degree witch.
"Well, Susan," Willow answered. "Because of the second ritual, I'm going to have Buffy in the centre with Giles and me, even though as you all know, she isn't a witch."
"Hey, I'm an almost witch," Buffy retorted, "after all, you will be initiating me before our ritual tonight."
"Hey, its cool with me," Susan replied, "in fact, having Buffy in the centre, with her innate power, will probably help in raising the sphere."


With that the witches got to work some collecting the ritual brooms for the cleansing of the work area, others to collect the candle stands for the quarters and others to ensure that all of the required tools were in place on the Alter.

"Ow!" Xander exclaimed, as he was wielding a broom over the work area, these floors are cold on bare feet.
"Stop complaining and get working," Anya answered, while working her own broom. "You'll warm up once you get busy."

As soon as the floor had been swept Willow and Giles went quickly to work using the chalk Willow had brought to inscribe glyphs and other symbols on the walls and on the floor.

Soon it was time for the real work of the night to begin. Willow called them to the circle, and forming them into the traditional male/female pairings at the cardinal points with the remaining four taking up their places between the compass points. She also took pains to balance the circle with experienced and less-experienced witches in each of the four quarters. Everyone took great care to insure that they did not erase any of the chalk markings on the floor. Giles lit the candles on the four candle stands, as Buffy extinguished the candles on the walls. Willow lit the candles that were on the Alter and made one final check to insure that all of the working tools she would need were present. Giles, Buffy and Willow then took up their places in the centre of the circle.

Willow then started the coven in the ritual chants and breathing exercises, which were used to focus and ground them for the night's magic. In the effort to concentrate on what she was doing, Willow failed to notice a grey and white figure quietly enter the circle and take up residence under the Alter. When she sensed that the group was ready, she and Giles took the Sword, Salt and Water and cast the circle. When they had finished, she returned to the centre, and holding firmly onto Buffy's hand began to draw in the energy from herself, Buffy and her coven, to create the shields that would protect them, and the mundane world, from the power she was going to bring into the circle as part of the night's work. As had happened earlier in the evening, Willow noticed that she was drawing up a tremendous amount of energy.
"Oh boy," she thought to herself, "with this amount of energy to work with, I'll be able to handle anything that comes up tonight."
------------------------------------------

Interlude,
Another time, another place.

In a brightly lit room, several people, both male and female were sitting around an old oak table waiting for one of their members to return. The room was lit with candles and lanterns, and a merry fire was burning in a large fireplace that had been set into one of the stone-walls of the room. There were several tapestries hung on the walls and the stone floor was covered with rushes. Despite the fire, all of the room's occupants were clothed in heavy wool garments, several layers of them, and they all had heavy fur lined boots on. They were passing the time by reading from large tomes, eating and conversing quietly amongst themselves in small groups.

Suddenly the door swung open and a man, dressed liked the others, rushed in.
"Its time." He exclaimed. "I have felt the raising of power by the Chosen one."  
"Can it be true, Grael?" asked one of the women in the room as she and all the others rose from the table and made ready to leave.
"Yes, Amana, for the first time I think we have a chance to bring over the one person who will be able to help us in our desperate struggle." Grael said as he gathered up some items from the table and headed back out the door.
"But we must hurry, if she manages to finish the Invocations we won't have another chance for a long time, maybe forever!"
At that he and all of the others left the room and headed down a long corridor. The entered another, larger, room which was very similar to the workroom in far off Sunnydale. 
"Quickly, to your places," Grael said, "I've left a gate in the circle so that time is saved, once we are in, I'll re-seal it."
The group quickly arranged themselves into a working circle. Once all of them had taken their places Grael took a long-sword from the Alter and moved to the gate. As he said the ritual words "co-healal dorrys" to re-seal the circle blue flames chased up the blade of the sword.
"Now, to work" he said as he took his place along side Amana in the centre of the circle. "This woman is the most powerful person I've sensed in a long time, even if she has been poorly trained."
With that the group began a complex, multi-part chant that soon had visible effects on the air in front of the Alter. A visible thickening of the air was happening as the group worked together to form a portal. Only this was going to be no ordinary portal, for their aim was to bridge the fast distances of space-time and dimensions to reach what they prayed would be their saviour.
Suddenly Grael let out a shout "dorrys brishey magh!" And with those words a gaping hole appeared in the air before the Alter. The hole was rimed with blue fire and appeared to be without depth.
"Now to cast out our plea for help." Grael said to the group.
As one, they shouted out, both mentally and orally their plea for assistance. "Chosen one, help us! Save us from the demons that are killing our people!"
"Now we wait and prey she will answer us," Amana said quietly.
------------------------------------

Back in Sunnydale, Willow and Buffy were still holding hands as Willow was beginning the process of calling out the Invocations to the Guardians, when she felt a mental pressure on her mind. "Chosen one, help us...." Willow tried to brush off the thoughts, thinking that she was just tired, when the pressure returned, " Chosen one, help us! Save us from the demons that are killing our people!"
Willow stopped what she was doing stunned. She had heard and read about telepathy, but she had never expected to experience it first-hand. Tentatively she replied mentally "who are you? And why do you need my help?"

"She replies" Amana shouted out, "we are plagued by all types of demons, and nothing we can do helps." She quickly sent back mentally.

Willow thought for only a second about what she should do. She was consecrated to help others, and duty and honour bound to respond to those who asked. She swiftly came to a decision.
Tuning to the coven she said, "Giles, Susan, take over here, I've been called."
As soon as Susan entered the centre of the circle Willow passed over to her the web of power she had raised saying to her, "Quickly Susan, as soon as I'm gone finish the ritual for tonight." Responding to Susan's questioning stare she said, "no time for questions and answers, we'll be back as soon as we can."

Mentally she then cried out "We come." For she understood that if those who were calling her for help had demon problems, there was no one better than the slayer to help them.

"We?" asked a bemused Grael.
"Don't ask questions!" Amana replied, "quickly all of us, the transfer spell."
With that the group began another complex chant, which had its immediate results in Sunnydale.
"Quickly woman, you must activate the portal from your end" Grael sent mentally to Willow.

Willow knew, somehow, to call out the spell "dorrys brishey magh" and suddenly in the middle of her workroom the gate appeared. Like its twin it was rimmed with blue fire.

"It's ok Buffy," Willow said to a stunned slayer. "Our help is needed elsewhere on demon disposal. Trust me." With those words Willow took Buffy by the hand and walked into the portal.
As soon as they entered, the portal collapsed and disappeared.

"Well, that was certainly an interesting start to the evening," deadpanned Giles.
------------------------------------

Nothingness, pure-black without the hint of light, the two women travel though the dark without sensing their movement. Since without reference points, how can you measure speed and distance. Suddenly the black is pierced with a blue flame in the far distance, and the two women can now tell that they are moving swiftly towards it.

Quickly they are through the portal and tumbling to the floor, surrounded by chanting people in heavy robes. The temperature is bone-numbing cold, especially for someone wearing nothing but a cotton robe.

Buffy, innately able to quickly recover from just about anything took a quick look around the very unfamiliar room and turned to her lover and friend and said quietly, "Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore."
"Meow!!" Agreed a very confused Shadow-Cat.

Finis Part I

To be continued...

--- Begin Message ---

To: "'buffywantswillow@xxxxxxxxxxx'" <buffywantswillow@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: FIC: Militat omnis amans (Every lover is a warrior) Part 5/?
From: "Beckett, Kevin" <kbeckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 7 Mar 2000 11:21:16 -0500

Militat omnis amans (Every lover is a warrior) Part 5/?
K. Beckett (c) 2000 
 
Disclaimers:
Buffy, Willow and all of the other characters and places from the show
belong to Joss Whedon, WB and Mutant Enemy etal. Everyone and everything
else is mine. None of my characters are meant to resemble anyone living,
dead or un-dead, if you see yourself you are looking way too hard.
 
Rating: 
R 
 
Other: 
The Latin and Gaelic are mine; I take the responsibility for any
translations of them. In addition, the descriptions of the rituals, spells
and other craft work come from my traditions, so please don't take offence
if something described here does not match your traditions or what you think
it should.
 
Archiving etc.: 
Ask and I will say yes.
 
Spoilers and other ramblings:
Everything up to the middle of season four - I diverge then.
 
Thanks to all who have commented, I appreciate everything that was said. As
before, all meaningful criticism, support and suggestions are welcome. 
 
Please be patient, it takes me awhile to get everything down, as I have very
little free time for writing.

Please note that things perceived by characters other than by the five
acknowledge senses have been enclosed in < >, kpb.
 
mailto:kevin.beckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
----------------------------------------------
A priori
 
The forces arraigned against Buffy and Willow have struck. It was only
through Willow's link with her familiar Shadow-cat that she was able to
intercept in time the knife thrown by a traitorous human at her lover.
Willow was mortally wounded in the attack, and Buffy, with the depth of her
love and in desperation, resorted to barely learned magical skills to heal
her. By using the psychic link between the two of them the slayer was able
to support Willow and repair the damage done to her. However, the efforts
expended in this healing has had at least one unforeseen side effect, since
both Buffy and Willow are now mentally linked to each other, and are
therefore able to communicate and read each other's mind. This bond between
them is permanent both spiritually and magically. Unknown to the two of
them, other changes are also happening to them on both a mental and physical
level. It's also become apparent that the banner of war with the demons
will shortly be raised.
 
Synopsis for Part V
 
Buffy and Willow will come to partial terms with the reality of their new
skills. They will find new, close, friends, and will learn that the time
has come to begin their work. They will also find out about another change
in them, due in part to the near death experience of Willow.
 
-----------------------------------------------
Part V Ipsa scientia potestas est (Knowledge itself is power)
 
I met you again in my sleep last night,
these are days of slow boats and false starts.
Hearts remain under lock and key,
you will be the one to set them free.
 
Miles From Our Home
Cowboy Junkies, Miles From Our Home 
©1998 Geffen Records Inc.
 
Two women were asleep in bed; however, they were not getting the relaxation
they needed since their sleep was uneasy. It had been ten days since the
vicious and treacherous attack on them and things would not be returning to
what had passed until then as normal. The suddenness of the attack,
combined with the events that occurred after it was one of the primary
reasons for their sleepless nights. Both women were also exhausted due to
an expanded training regime that had been put into place four days
previously. They had been told that time was no longer a luxury, and that
they would have to begin the work that they had been called to do within
days. They had both become very concerned when told that piece of news, and
each had privately wondered if they would be able to survive the upcoming
exertions.  
 
They had nearly gone insane from the extraordinary events that had occurred
as a result of the attack. This was due to the continuous presence of
having both of them in each other's mind and memories. The ability to know
what the other knew, feel what the other felt, see what the other saw was
devastating to their psyches. What saved them from psychosis was the deep
and eternal love they had for each other, combined with the tolerance and
understanding of the two mages, Amana and Grael, who had spent several
untiring hours over the last nine days helping the women to develop
stratagems for working with each other, and with the new gift that they had
been given. As a result of this hurried work, the two were able to keep
some parts of their mind and memories concealed from each other. In
addition, they had been able to build filters so that they would not be
overwhelmed by feedback from each other. However, when dreaming, emotions
and worries had a way of revealing themselves.
 
Both women were now in fact dreaming, and as had happened in previous
nights, they were sharing their dream. They were walking together, hand in
hand, on an endless, sunny plain where soft spring breezes were blowing
through their hair. It was a safe place, with no hiding places for demons
or other evil creatures and no sign of anyone other than themselves.
 
< Where are we? > Asked the red-haired women, now nearly unrecognisable from
the person who had boldly walked into the portal just over three weeks
previously. She had bulked out due to the intensive exercise program she
had been following, and had lost a significant proportion of her body fat,
while gaining an additional twenty percent of her body mass in muscle. She
was, without a doubt, in the best shape of her young life.  
 
< Somewhere safe it looks like, > replied the other woman. Buffy was still
physically similar to the woman who had travelled with unquestioning love
her soul mate into the portal, however, internally she had changed as much
as Willow had. She had gained a deeper understanding of the magical forces,
which surrounded the physical world, and she had gained some significant
skill in the processes used to manipulate them. She had also learned
several things about herself, not the least of which was that someone had
deliberately tampered with her genetic material before she had been born.
The most likely suspect in their minds was the watcher's counsel, if so, as
soon as they returned home they would be demanding answers. More
importantly she had discovered that her love for Willow was complete. She
would literally trust her with her life, it was both a comforting and a
worrying realization of the total dependence that they had for each other.
 
< How you doing Buff? > Asked a concerned Willow, she too had come to
realise that the other woman was the world to her, and that she would put
everything on the line for her. They had, of course, discussed the attack
and what Buffy had done, but words are often not enough to convey the depth
of emotions they both felt for each other, < are we going to cope with all
of this? >
< No choice red, > Buffy replied tenderly, < at least we won't be automatic
candidates for the room with the rubber wallpaper now. >
< Thanks to Amana and Grael. >
< We do owe them a lot, but... >
< But what, love? >
< But, I think we will start repaying them soon. >
 
Both women stopped their dream walking and sat down on the soft grass and
began to drink from the glasses of wine, which had suddenly appeared in
their hands.
< I love you Red. >
< I know. >
< I mean I love you more than anything, even more than myself, and I'm
worried about that. > Buffy was expressing her most deeply suppressed
thoughts through their dream, things that she herself would not have
acknowledged while awake, things that were primal to her personality, things
that could only surface through her subconscious into her dreams.  
< What do you mean? >
< I think I love you so much that I would kill myself before placing you in
the way of danger. > Buffy, startled at the worried look of concern which
crossed Willow's face, continued rapidly, < not that I'll be committing
suicide any time soon, but that I would be so worried about you in any
conflict that I would sacrifice myself to save you. I never want to see you
taking another knife for me. >
< I wouldn't let you sacrifice yourself, and I reacted to the knife from
instinct, I didn't even pause to think, and I would do it again, > Willow
replied, completely certain of her response. She too was expressing
unconscious thoughts, things that were now part of her innate being. She
was internally amused at how calm the two of them were discussing this
potentially life-threatening situation. She knew it was a product of the
dream state they were sharing, but it also had to do with the complete and
total insight that they now had for each other, which resulted in an immense
depth of trust between them and faith in each other and their abilities.
< I know, > continued the slayer, < and I think that this potential conflict
might allow others the time to hurt both of us. >
< Hadn't thought about that, but what can we do? > 
< Have to check with Amana, she might be able to help. >
 
The dream world they inhabited was now beginning to fade out as both women
left REM sleep and drifted off into a deeper slumber. If there had been an
observer, other than Shadow-cat, they would have noticed that the breathing
of both was identical, and if they had the tools to measure them, that the
pulse and heartbeat were also identical along with, to a certain extent,
their brainwave patterns. Shadow-cat had also suffered from the near
psychosis of her human, she was almost not able to cope with the
kaleidoscope of images she was receiving and had stopped eating for three
days. Only when Willow had started to gain control of her mind, was
Shadow-cat able to gain control of hers. She had spent the last few days
resting and eating to regain her strength.
 
Shortly thereafter, the door to their suite was opened by one of the two
guardsmen, who were now always stationed on duty, to allow the entrance of
Amana, Grael, Aiofe and Bridie. The four quickly crossed the sitting room
and entered Buffy and Willow's bedroom. Grael answering Shadow-cat's
questioning look with a quiet "shush, its ok." They quickly arranged
themselves around the bed.
 
"Is this going to work," Amana asked, as she looked down on the two young
women hoping that what the four of them were about to do would be
productive, even if it skirted the edge ethically.
"It has to," Grael replied, as he too privately wondered about what they
were going to attempt.
"They need our help," commented Aiofe, positive that what they were going to
do was right. She had watched with first concern and then relief the
internal struggles that Buffy and Willow had undergone. She now had even
greater admiration and respect, not only for their formidable skills but
also for their obvious love and devotion to each other.
"But," replied Grael, "this still troubles me. We are doing nothing
directly to them, but entering their dream could be interpreted as
interfering with them."
"It's not like we are going to force our way in," answered Bridie, "I mean,
we are going to ask, doesn't that make the difference?"
"Technically," the older woman replied, "but it is an action which is very
close to the edge."
"Enough," Grael interjected, "we have thrashed this out in counsel for the
last three hours and we came to the unanimous decision to proceed."
 
What the four mages were about to accomplish was difficult under the best of
circumstances. Given the current, unprecedented situation it could be
impossible. The mage's counsel had come to the conclusion that they had no
choice in the matter. They were faced with potentially the greatest boon or
bane their world had ever seen; they therefore needed additional
information. Of primary concern to them were the intentions of the two
young women; since, due in part to the attack on them, their magic potential
had increased, not linearly as Amana and Grael had predicted, but
exponentially. Willow was now more powerful than any of the mages who
reported to the counsel, and Buffy was as powerful in her limited areas.
The counsel needed confirmation that they would continue to work towards the
eradication of the demon threat. They also worried that the events of the
past few weeks would result in them regretting their decision to stay, and
lead them to demand to return home. They also worried that neither Buffy or
Willow would say they wished to return, even if they did, and that would
result in less than attentive mages when it came to fighting the demons.
 
The counsel had decided to take the step of entering Buffy and Willow's
dreams; in order to obtain what they hoped was an unbiased and instinctive
response from them to questioning. Amana and Grael were going to attempt to
send Aiofe and Bridie into the dream, since they were familiar figures to
the two travellers, while they stayed behind to conduct the transfer and to
watch over them.
 
"Ok, Aiofe, Bridie get into bed with them, and make yourselves comfortable,"
Amana ordered softly, "once you are settled in, Grael and I will put you
under."
Within moments both young women were in bed, one each side of Buffy and
Willow since they had arrived already dressed for bed. Grael and Bridie
with a soft "cadley trome" quickly sent both of them to sleep.
"Now we watch and wait for Buffy and Willow to enter dream sleep," commented
Amana after a few minutes of watching to insure that none of the four women
would wake from the activities that had been going on.
 
Within the half-hour it became apparent that Willow and Buffy were about to
enterer REM sleep again. The two senior mages quickly induced REM sleep in
Aiofe and Bridie and then worked together to complete the spell that would
transfer their sleeping consciousness into the dream world of Buffy and
Willow. They then sat down and waited for results. Hopefully their
assistance would not be required further and that Aiofe and Bridie would
enter the dream and then leave it once the four women left REM sleep.
 
Willow and Buffy had returned to their shared dream world. This time
however, they were back home in their dorm at UC Sunnydale. They were both
sitting at their desks and studying, while listening to Celtic folk music on
the radio. All was not quite normal however. For one thing, both women
were naked, and for a second, both appeared to be twins. It was still
possible, somehow, to tell Willow from Buffy, however, for all intents and
purposes they were identical. 
 
< Back home, I guess, > Willow commented, < Not much has changed. >
< We're naked, > replied the slayer.
< Well, that's true, but, this is a dream, > said Willow as she stood up
from her desk and walked over to the other side of the room where Buffy was.
 
Willow proceeded to stroke Buffy, softly running her hands over her back and
through her hair.
< Hey, > she said as she looked at the two of them in the mirror, < we look
the same. >
< Feedback from the magic, I guess. >
 
Just then there was a knock on the door.
< Who can that be, > wondered the slayer.
< I'll check, > replied Willow as she went over to the door. As she
approached the door it became transparent and the room's occupants could see
that both Aiofe and Bridie were on the other side of it.  
< What are they doing here? >
< Don't know Will, > replied a now fully clothed Buffy, < why don't you ask
them. >
 
Willow, now also dressed, turned back to the open door and asked, < ladies,
what are you doing here? >
Aiofe glanced over at Bridie, and receiving her go-ahead nod, replied with
the traditional, < Lady, I beseech you to allow us entrance to your domain.
>
 
< Say what? >
< We have been sent to walk with you in your dreams, > replied Bridie, < but
before we can enter, we must have your permission. >
 
< Why are you here, > asked Buffy figuring it was ok, so far, since her
usually reliable spidey sense, which indicated nearby vampires, was not
tingling.
< To ask you questions, and to seek clarification, > answered Aiofe.
 
< Well, Buff, > said Willow, < I see, no problems. >
< Nor I, let them in, > she replied, trusting that the ladies only had good
intentions.
 
With that the other two young women entered the room, which then changed to
the mage's study in Castle Maldor.
< Weird, > commented the slayer as she took a look around their new
surroundings and sat down in her accustomed place before the fireplace.
< I'll say, > replied the arch-mage as she to sat down with the others. <
Ok, what are you doing in our dream? >
 
< Amana and Grael have sent us, and are currently watching over us, to ask
some questions of your subconscious minds, > replied Aiofe.
< Questions, > asked Buffy, < why don't they just ask us when we are awake?
>
< Because the two of you are now so powerful, when alert, that you could
mask untruths, > answered Bridie, < and the mage's counsel needs some
questions answered before we start on your assignment. >
< What questions, > asked Willow, thinking "what 'we'."
< Simply, if you both still share the desire to purge this world of the
demons who plague us, > replied Aiofe, < or do you wish to abandon us and
return to your own world? >
< And why ask in our dreams, > asked Buffy still not totally paying
attention to the situation.
< It's felt that in ones dreams, the subconscious wouldn't lie, > replied
Aiofe.
< Oh, > replied the slayer, < well I guess this is an easy one, right Will?
>
< Yep love, > answered the redhead, < what we started, we will finish. >
< Excellent, > commented Bridie.
< Besides, > continued Buffy and Willow simultaneously, < everyone here has
given us so much to be thankful for, and we've learned so much, we just
couldn't leave you now. >
 
As they finished their conversation, the dream world once again faded out as
the four women went into a deeper sleep.
 
Grael and Amana had watched the four women very carefully, and when the
breathing of all four had become synchronized they knew that they had been
successful in inserting Aiofe and Bridie into the dream state of Willow and
Buffy. Once it had become apparent that the four women had left REM sleep
and had fallen back to normal deep sleep the turned away and left the
bedroom.
 
"We'll have to wait until morning now," commented Amana as they knocked
softly on the suit's door to signal to the guardsmen to let them leave, "we
will check with Aiofe and Bridie once they have awakened."
"That should not be too long now," answered Grael yawning as he did so, "its
almost dawn now, and Buffy will probably wake just at dawn as is her usual
practice."
"We still have to meet with Daithi and the other military commanders before
breakfast and get an update on that urgent dispatch they received just as
the counsel meeting adjourned," continued a very tired Amana, "I will be
very thankful once we get going, at least you and I will have a chance for a
decent nights sleep then."

-----------------------------------------------
Buffy, as was her practice, woke up with the sun, yawning and thinking that
she was still not getting a good nights sleep, what with all the strange
dreams she had been having. As she woke, she realised that she and Willow
were not alone in bed, and that maybe the bizarre dream she had had with
Aiofe and Bridie in it was not so odd after all. She carefully disentangled
herself from Aiofe and Willow, who had both wrapped themselves around her,
and sat up in bed.
"Strange," she thought, "maybe the dream wasn't just Willow's and my
subconscious performing tricks again, and they actually did come to visit
last night."
Buffy then sent a mental inquiry to her lover, < Will, wake up sleepy head,
we have company. >
"This telepathy stuff can be useful," she thought, "If we weren't so
principled, it could be really useful in tests."
< Bad Buffy, > interjected Willow still semi-sleeping with her eyes closed
and snuggled into Bridie, < you know that isn't even something we should
even be thinking about. What guests? >
< If you would open you eyes, sleepy, you would see. >
< I see just fine through your eyes love. Ooh, warm bodies, I like warm
bodies. I guess they did visit us in the dream then. >
< Looks like. Best get the day going, red. >
< Aw, some times love you are a party pooper. >
< We don't know if they are into that, you unquenchable you, > Buffy
commented dryly.
 
With that, the two travellers separated themselves both physically and
mentally and started to get out of bed. Fortunately, or unfortunately, they
made enough sound to rouse the other two women.
"Good morning ladies," Aiofe said as she sat up in bed rubbing the sleep
from her eyes, "did you sleep well?"
"Yes, we did," replied Willow, "I take it then that you two have been
keeping secrets from us?"
"Huh," cut in the now confused slayer, < Willow, love, what are you talking
about? >
< Later, besides its not polite to talk, even this way, behind other's
backs, > "It's just that in order for the two of them to enter our minds
Buffy, even if we were asleep at the time, they have to be mages."
"Oh," replied Buffy, "I guess that makes a certain amount of sense."
"Yes, we have been a wee bit reticent," answered Bridie, who had just woken
up, "and we beg you apology for not revealing this to you earlier."
"Ok, what gives," asked Buffy?
"When you came over, it was felt by the mage's counsel that since you were a
totally unknown quantity," answered Bridie, "it was decided by them to have
a couple of mages assigned to you as your servants."
"It was felt," continued Aiofe, "that since you were going to require
servants, and most likely bodyguards, anyways, that two mages, albeit
apprentice ones, would be better than two normals."
"We just began our instruction a year ago," added Bridie, "and we are not
even half as talented as even Buffy is."
"So," asked a more than slightly irate Willow, not that mollified by knowing
she was dealing with very junior mages, "just what have you been reporting
back to the counsel?"
"Nothing that you weren't already telling Amana and Grael," responded Aiofe,
"in fact, it was your complete lack of guile about what you were doing that
led us to our little adventure last night." 
"The counsel needed to have one last affirmation of your intentions,"
continued Bridie, "before today's briefing."
"Ok," replied Willow, "I guess," she was still not totally happy with the
news they had received. However, she reasoned that she would have probably
done the same thing if she had been on the mage's counsel.
"Briefing," asked Buffy, "what briefing?"
"After your morning routine, and breakfast," replied Bridie, "we will be
given a briefing in Amana's workroom. To begin to get us up to speed on
what we will need to know in order to get ready for the mission you came
here to do. Before we head out in three days or so."
"Head out," squeaked Willow, "I thought we had at least a week or so, we
aren't ready, I'm not ready."
"Easy, love," said Buffy as she wrapped her friend and lover in a warm and
supportive hug, "lets get the day going, we will talk about all of this
later with Amana and Grael."
"May we join you," asked Aiofe.
"Fine with me," replied Buffy as she headed out to the sitting room to begin
the day with the usual exercise routines.
 
-----------------------------------------------
Later that morning four young women were relaxing in a hot bath having just
finished a demanding morning workout. The shared exercise had allowed them
to start to bond with each other. Buffy and Willow had also realised that
the other two women were very fit, they had learned that before they had
become mages, Aiofe and Bridie had first trained as guardsmen, a practice
that most of the mages had followed. The four women had passed the time
while doing the various exercises discussing their lives and various
experiences. They were all keyed up, by both the morning's activities, and
by their shared realization of the future. They all knew that in at most a
few days they would be leaving the security of the castle and be heading out
to face battle with untold numbers of foes. They were joking and laughing,
and indulging in a little harmless horseplay, resulting in a rapidly
flooding bathroom.
"Aiofe, you witch," yelled Buffy as she was splashed with soapy water, "I'll
get you for that!" Buffy moved over to where Aiofe was sitting and tried to
dunk her underwater.
"Bridie, help," Aiofe called as she tried, mostly unsuccessfully to avoid
being dunked, "I'm losing."
"Coming," the other dark-haired women said as she moved across the bath to
help her comrade.
With that a general free for all play battle was underway in the bath.
Within a few minutes it became apparent to all of them that they were
getting more than a little excited by the play. In fact, the atmosphere in
the room was becoming charged with sexual excitement and tension. Willow
paused for a moment then, suddenly kissed a startled Aiofe. She broke the
kiss with a soft, "you ok," and moved a short distance away.
"Yes," Aiofe said slightly confused, unknown to Willow and Buffy she and
Bridie had been lovers for years, but she was now feeling an unbelievable
attraction to the red-haired woman before her, "confused, but I'm ok."
"Confused," Willow continued, "I can deal with confused." Willow proceeded
to softly caress the silky-smooth cheek of the other woman, "I guessed that
you had done that before."
"Yes, I... I mean we, have, but why?"
< Yes lover, why, > Buffy sent as she was suddenly confronted with Bridie
moving towards her, arousal in her eyes.
< Later, > Willow cautioned as she embraced Aiofe, "Instinct," she answered
Aiofe, "I mean that, well, I guess what I want to say is that you two will
be coming with us, you are supposed to help, and I guess, look out for us,
and I needed to trust my instincts about you," Willow looked questioningly
into the other woman's jade eyes, hoping to find the needed understanding.
 
Bridie had taken the opportunity to take an unresisting Buffy into her arms
and continued with a passionate tongue-entangling kiss. Buffy decided to
throw caution to the winds and started to stroke the other woman, working
her fingers down from her neck to the soft sides of her breasts. She cupped
a breast in each hand and then began to kiss and lick the aureoles, gently
teasing the nipples erect. Bridie was not stopping her attentions towards
the slayer, she moved her fingers down the blond woman's body and continued
around her sides to reach underneath and grasp her firm, muscular buttocks.
She proceeded to gently squeeze each in turn while she reached down with her
mouth to find once again the soft lips of the slayer. 
 
Willow had proceeded to tenderly attack Aiofe, she had sat the other woman
on the edge of the bath and was proceeding to kiss her way up the inside of
her thighs, alternating from one leg to the other. She reached Aiofe's
cleft, and began to tease her, by tenderly kissing and licking each of her
labia in turn, being cautious to stay away from her rapidly engorging
clitoris. Aiofe began to quietly whimper from Willow's actions, and tried
repeatedly to manoeuvre her clit into the others mouth, however, the
arch-mage was able to anticipate her every move and stay away from the
sensitive spot, in order to delay her climax. Finally Aiofe could take no
more and begged, "Willow please, please, I have to come, please let me
finish." With that soft pleading, Willow relented and sucked the enlarged
clit into her soft mouth, gently scraping it with her teeth while
stimulating its tip with her tongue. Aiofe exploded with a series of body
pulsating orgasms, wave after wave of vibrations surged through her body as
she nearly passed out from the experience.  
Willow looked up at Aiofe, licking juices off her face, "happy," she asked
with a little smile on her face.
"Ecstatic," the other woman replied, "here, let me help you," she continued
as she bent over and began to lick Willow's face clean, "now its my turn,"
she said as she gently forced the red-haired woman onto her back on the
bathroom floor.
"Oh, goody!"
 
Bridie meanwhile had taken a different approach. She had continued her
attentions to Buffy's rear, and had begun to suck on each of the slayer's
nipples in turn. Buffy was thoroughly enjoying the attention, and the
alteration of slight pain and pleasure. What happened next, surprised the
slayer; Bridie took a deep breath and plunged her head under the water. She
proceeded to move between Buffy's thighs and then blew onto her clit. The
sensation of having air, bubbles and moving water on her clitoris caused her
to squirm in pleasure.  
As Bridie came up for air, Buffy pulled her towards her, kissed her softly
and whispered, "lets go to bed, I want to be comfortable."
The two women quickly dried off, briefly noticing the activities of the
other two, before heading off to the bedroom. Once there they quickly
arranged themselves into a sixty-nine and proceeded to simultaneously
stimulate each other. Bridie had one more surprise for the slayer, as she
was taking long, cat-like licks of Buffy's labia and clitoris she carefully
inserted one of her long fingers deep into her vagina, when she had
lubricated the finger she then moved her hand between Buffy's ass cheeks
and, after pausing for a moment to spread the cheeks apart, slowly
penetrated her asshole.
"Ooh," Buffy exclaimed into Bridie's crotch, "that's nasty, nasty but it
feels amazing."
"Ah," the other woman said as she paused her digital assault for a second,
"a virgin."
"NO, yes, I mean," babbled an increasingly excited Buffy, "I'm not a virgin,
but that is the first..."
"Shush, dear," soothed Bridie, "I'll be gentle."
Buffy was suffering an avalanche of emotions and sensations, she was being
penetrated anally for the first time, and was torn between the pleasure of
the new sensation and feelings of shame from her upbringing which said that
the actions of the other woman were wrong. She was also receiving feedback
from Willow, and the waves of pleasure she was going through since
everything that she had learned in the past few days about filtering the
flow between them was shattered from her rapidly dissolving self control,
all in all a very confusing mental picture which rapidly dissolved into a
chaotic jumble of thoughts as she experienced a titanic climax,
simultaneously with Bridie.
"There," Bridie said softly, "that wasn't too bad, was it?"
"No, but," Buffy said, still confused by all the reactions she was
experiencing, "I'm not sure why I feel both pleased and shamed."
"It's probably due to the way you were raised," commented the other woman as
she turned Buffy around and enveloped her in a loving embrace, "most people
are told anything to do with your rear is dirty, and shameful, but it is
awfully nice sometimes. You will decide if you like it or not, after all it
is your body."
"Well, mostly," replied the slayer, "now, with the little incident we went
through, I share my body with Willow and she shares hers with me."
 
"What's that love," replied a very satisfied looking Willow. She looked
like a red-haired cat that had just eaten the canary, which was currently
holding her hand. "I trust that you had a good time, at least you seemed to
from the feedback I was getting." Willow and Aiofe proceeded to get into
bed with the other two women, each giving their respective soul mates a deep
kiss and hug.
"Yes," replied the slayer a few minutes later, "all in all a great way to
start the day. But, I have to ask, why did you start this?"
"As I told Aiofe," answered Willow, "I just went with my instincts."
"Good instincts," replied Buffy, "now, however, ladies, I think that we
better re-bath, and get the day going, after all we probably have a couple
of senior mages or so waiting for us at breakfast.
 
With that the four women got out of bed and quickly washed themselves. As
they were drying off, and getting out clothing for the day, Willow turned to
Aiofe, and commented, "I trust that the 'fiction' of you being maids can be
dispensed with now and Buffy and I can go back to dressing ourselves?"
"Yes, and no," replied the other woman, "I mean that after today we won't be
your maids, however, all of us will have servants, so you will get two real
servants to help you."
"Joy," replied Buffy sardonically, "I do hope, however, that after this
morning's activities that you two will move in here with us?"
"If you'll have us," replied Bridie.
"You bet," bubbled Willow, "it will be great, x-rated sleepovers."
 
The four women quickly finished dressing and headed off to breakfast and the
rest of the day's activities.
 
-----------------------------------------------
Breakfast that morning was strained and hurried; the four women noticed that
most of the people present were eating very quickly, not like a normal
morning. In addition, the staff was all looking very apprehensive and were
doing their jobs with the minimum of attention required.
"What's up," wondered Buffy aloud.
"Don't know," replied Aiofe, "but the servants usually know something is up
before anyone else, and they all look very worried."
 
After breakfast the four women were approached by a page and asked to
assemble in the mage's study, along with all of the other mages in residence
in the castle, instead of going to Amana's workroom. Once they had settled
in, with mugs of hot mead, Grael and Amana moved to the front of the very
crowded room and began the meeting.
"Welcome all," Grael said as everyone else turned to face him, "We have
called this meeting to bring you all up to date on events that have been
happening throughout the country overnight."
That had the immediate effect of focusing everyone's attention on the older
man. Grael was haggard, it appeared that he had not slept in days, and
lines of worry etched his face, if anything Amana looked worse, her eyes
were bloodshot and her skin was pasty white. Everyone had known for days
that something big was about to happen, what with the constant meetings
between the senior mages, the counsel and various military officials in
addition to the time that Amana and Grael had been spending with the two
visitors. It now appeared that they were going to be provided with details
on what had been happening.
 
Amana now took up the briefing, "the senior counsel has been in meetings
with our military advisors," she said as she pointed out two obviously
military men at the back of the room, "and can tell you this. The demon
forces arrayed against us have appeared to have started a major initiative
designed to disrupt our society totally, and perhaps even lead to the
annihilation of humankind."
With that statement soft murmurings of excitement and worry broke out in the
room. Grael let the room continue its discussions for a moment before
continuing; "I have asked General Peter Humphries to continue the briefing
for us."
 
"Sirs and Ladies," began the General from the back of the room as he slowly
made his way forward. He was a tall, nearly two hundred centimetres, and
wiry man with short-cropped silver hair. Every centimetre of him screamed
military, from his bearing to his battle hardened eyes. "Last night the
enemy began a massive staged attack on the costal plains south of us, with
the obvious intent to draw out our main forces for a pitched battle; in
addition several groups of demons have begun guerrilla operations in what we
thought until now was our secure rear."
He moved to the front of the room where he uncovered several maps that had
been set on easels. The maps were covered with obscure symbols representing
the various force distributions and the direction and strength of the major
demon attacks. "However," he continued, "it appears that they have been
rushed in their preparations," he looked over at Buffy and Willow, "due to
the botched assassination attempt on our visitors earlier this month, and
the realization that we now knew that our security had been compromised."
He pointed out several areas on the map which had had limited, if any, demon
activity, "from what we know so far it appears that the demon leadership has
taken the 'strike now, strike hard and hope that we were unprepared
strategy...' unfortunately for them, we were ready."
"Can you give us some additional details," Grael asked.
"Some," replied the General, "in most cases we have been able to at least
hold back the demons long enough for the civilian population to retreat to
safe areas," he pointed out these areas on the maps, "in other areas we have
been able to stop them cold."
"However, there is one area of concern."
"That is," asked a concerned Amana.
"Here," he said pointing out one area of the map where a red arrow,
indicating a major demon offensive, was pointed like a dagger at the
Capital, and the castle, 'we were totally caught out of position for this
attack, and it appears that they have massively increased the pre-attack
forces available for it."
"Why have they done that," asked a very alarmed slayer.
"You," replied the General.
"Oh."
 
"So what are we going to do," asked a troubled Frankel, "are we evacuating,
or are we fighting?"
"We fight," answered Grael for the General, "that has never been in
question, however, we will do two things."
"They are," asked another of the senior mages in the room, a small woman
with flowing purple hair.
"We will evacuate as many civilians as we can, and we will launch a series
of diversionary attacks to slow the demons down," replied General Humphries,
"in addition, we have accelerated our plans to use our visitors, we will be
sending them out to start sealing the transfer portals as soon as we can.
This will have three desired results, one it should demoralize the demon
leadership, two it will start to stem the flow of their reinforcements and
three it will let them know that the objects of the attack on the capital
are no longer here, that we hope will result in their breaking off the
attack, and allow us additional time to regroup."
"How soon is soon," asked a worried Willow.
"Tomorrow, and I must add, if you fail we will not be able to stop them from
overrunning the castle, and the balance of our forces."
"Oh," replied Willow, echoing the comment of her lover a few minutes
earlier.
 
"What's the plan," asked Buffy, now going into full battle planning mode,
all worries submerged back into her subconscious for the moment.
Grael answered, "I believe that you now know that Aiofe and Bridie are mages
and have also been assigned to guard you," receiving answering nods from the
two travellers he continued, "well they will accompany you on this little
adventure. Also, Amana and myself will join you and we will have a company
of Daithi's guardsmen along as backup."
"Ok," replied the slayer, "that answers, who and when - we already knew why,
now what and where?"
"You already know the what we have to accomplish," replied Amana, "and the
first location we will try is about two days North of the castle."
"Now for my question," Willow asked softly, "How?"
"That is for you to decide," Grael answered carefully, "based on what we
find at each site."
"Oh," replied the arch-mage."
"I take it you will be leading this circus," Buffy asked, only slightly
ironically.
"Oh no," replied the older mage.
"Who, then," asked Willow, already fearing the answer.
"You will dear," replied Amana, "you are after all, the arch-mage."
"Oh," replied Willow for the third time that morning.
 
The meeting immediately broke up into smaller groups to discuss specifics of
the defence of humankind. Willow and Buffy meet with Daithi, Amana, Grael,
Aiofe and Bridie for the rest of the morning discussing specifics of the
route they would be taking, the supplies they would need and spending some
additional time in the library hastily researching the transfer points and
any weaknesses about them. They decided that travelling fast and light
would be their best defensive move. Willow had also taken her first command
decision and decided, after much debate and argument from Daithi and Grael,
to limit the number of guardsmen coming along to four, reasoning that with
fewer people travelling together it would raise less attention to their
activities. When he was finally convinced of the argument, Daithi
determined that he would be one of the four guardsmen.
 
After a hurried lunch, which they all ate in the study, Willow's strike
force went down to the training halls in order to requisition arms and
armour. They had already decided on light, leather, body armour and swords
without shields. Buffy also made arrangements for her usual supply of
stakes, and a crossbow. They had decided to travel by horse, and therefore
carried only the minimum amount of supplies that they would need. Grael
believed that they would be able to find shelter most days, since no two
villages or towns were more than a day apart.
 
The conversation at dinner that evening was subdued, few people wishing to
bring work to the table, yet reluctant to discuss anything else. Most
people ate quickly and headed off to obtain as much sleep as they could. In
the morning the majority of the mages would be heading off to provide
support to the various battle companies, the balance would be remaining
behind to advise senior members of the government and the military. Aiofe
and Bridie told the other two women that they would prefer to sleep in their
own chamber that night. Neither Buffy or Willow had to be told why; they
knew and felt the same way.
 
-----------------------------------------------
Later that evening Willow and Buffy lay awake in each other's arms. They
had made quiet gentle love and were now in the semi-wakeful period before
sleep.
< You ok, > Buffy asked her soul mate, wanting to use the intimacy of the
mind-to-mind contact.
< No, > replied her very flustered lover, < I mean yes, but... >
< Worried? >
< More than that, I am scared stiff. Here we are, about to go traipsing
through the woods, with me in charge. I mean how am I supposed to lead, I
can't even get myself organised, let alone watch out for eight other people.
>
< Nine, > replied the slayer, unhelpfully.
< Eight, you I would worry about even if I weren't leading this show. >
< You will be fine, > reassured Buffy, < You will have Grael, Amana and
Daithi to help, and I will always be there to support you. >
< I know, but what if I make a blunder and everyone suffers, especially you.
>
< You'll make mistakes, hopefully nothing major, and you'll learn. I will
trust your judgement and help you with everything. >
 
The two lovers began to slip off to sleep, just before she went under for
the evening Willow sent one last question off to Buffy, < Hey, slay-girl,
you still conscious? >
< Yep. >
< I was just thinking. >
< Dangerous. >
< I mean, we have been on the same cycle and regular as clockwork for months
now, and I'm late by three days or so. >
< So am I. >
< Oh! > As the two finally drifted off to the arms of Morpheus for the
evening, the unanswered questions would have to wait until morning.
 
"Meow," called Shadow-cat as she jumped up onto the bed after having
successfully hunted for the evening. She happily thought to herself as she
burrowed into her usual place on the pillows, "Meow, my human is having a
kitten."
 
Deep within the bodies of both young women a ball of rapidly dividing cells
lodged into their uterine walls.
 
Finis part V
 
To be continued...

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<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Militat omnis
amans (Every lover is a warrior) Part 5/?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>K. Beckett (c)
2000 <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Disclaimers:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy, Willow and
all of the other characters and places from the show belong to Joss Whedon, WB
and Mutant Enemy etal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Everyone
and everything else is mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>None of
my characters are meant to resemble anyone living, dead or un-dead, if you see
yourself you are looking way too hard.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Rating: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>R <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Other: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The Latin and
Gaelic are mine; I take the responsibility for any translations of them.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In addition, the descriptions of the
rituals, spells and other craft work come from my traditions, so please don't
take offence if something described here does not match your traditions or what
you think it should.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Archiving etc.: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Ask and I will say
yes.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Spoilers and other
ramblings:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Everything up to
the middle of season four - I diverge then.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Thanks to all who
have commented, I appreciate everything that was said.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>As before, all meaningful criticism,
support and suggestions are welcome. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Please be patient,
it takes me awhile to get everything down, as I have very little free time for
writing.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><br>
Please note that things perceived by characters other than by the five
acknowledge senses have been enclosed in &lt; &gt;, kpb.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>mailto:kevin.beckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>----------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>A priori<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The forces
arraigned against Buffy and Willow have struck.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>It was only through Willow's link with her familiar
Shadow-cat that she was able to intercept in time the knife thrown by a
traitorous human at her lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Willow was mortally wounded in the attack, and Buffy, with the depth of
her love and in desperation, resorted to barely learned magical skills to heal
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>By using the psychic link
between the two of them the slayer was able to support Willow and repair the damage
done to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>However, the efforts
expended in this healing has had at least one unforeseen side effect, since
both Buffy and Willow are now mentally linked to each other, and are therefore
able to communicate and read each other's mind.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>This bond between them is permanent both spiritually and
magically. Unknown to the two of them, other changes are also happening to them
on both a mental and physical level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>It's also become apparent that the banner of war with the demons will
shortly be raised.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Synopsis for Part
V<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy and Willow
will come to partial terms with the reality of their new skills.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They will find new, close, friends, and
will learn that the time has come to begin their work. They will also find out
about another change in them, due in part to the near death experience of
Willow.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>-----------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Part V </span><span
lang=EN-GB>Ipsa scientia potestas est (Knowledge itself is power)</span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt'>I met you again in my sleep last night,</span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt'>these are days of slow boats and false
starts.</span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt'>Hearts remain under lock and key,</span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt'>you will be the one to set them free.</span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt'>Miles From Our Home</span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt'>Cowboy Junkies, Miles From Our Home </span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span
lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt'>©1998 Geffen Records Inc.</span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Two women were
asleep in bed; however, they were not getting the relaxation they needed since
their sleep was uneasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It had
been ten days since the vicious and treacherous attack on them and things would
not be returning to what had passed until then as normal.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The suddenness of the attack, combined
with the events that occurred after it was one of the primary reasons for their
sleepless nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Both women were
also exhausted due to an expanded training regime that had been put into place
four days previously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They had been
told that time was no longer a luxury, and that they would have to begin the
work that they had been called to do within days.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>They had both become very concerned when told that piece of
news, and each had privately wondered if they would be able to survive the
upcoming exertions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>They had nearly
gone insane from the extraordinary events that had occurred as a result of the
attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This was due to the
continuous presence of having both of them in each other's mind and
memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The ability to know what
the other knew, feel what the other felt, see what the other saw was
devastating to their psyches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>What
saved them from psychosis was the deep and eternal love they had for each
other, combined with the tolerance and understanding of the two mages, Amana
and Grael, who had spent several untiring hours over the last nine days helping
the women to develop stratagems for working with each other, and with the new
gift that they had been given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>As
a result of this hurried work, the two were able to keep some parts of their
mind and memories concealed from each other.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>In addition, they had been able to build filters so that
they would not be overwhelmed by feedback from each other.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>However, when dreaming, emotions and
worries had a way of revealing themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Both women were
now in fact dreaming, and as had happened in previous nights, they were sharing
their dream. They were walking together, hand in hand, on an endless, sunny
plain where soft spring breezes were blowing through their hair.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It was a safe place, with no hiding
places for demons or other evil creatures and no sign of anyone other than
themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Where are we?
&gt; Asked the red-haired women, now nearly unrecognisable from the person who
had boldly walked into the portal just over three weeks previously.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She had bulked out due to the intensive
exercise program she had been following, and had lost a significant proportion
of her body fat, while gaining an additional twenty percent of her body mass in
muscle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She was, without a doubt,
in the best shape of her young life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Somewhere
safe it looks like, &gt; replied the other woman.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy was still physically similar to the woman who had
travelled with unquestioning love her soul mate into the portal, however,
internally she had changed as much as Willow had.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>She had gained a deeper understanding of the magical forces,
which surrounded the physical world, and she had gained some significant skill
in the processes used to manipulate them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>She had also learned several things about herself, not the least of
which was that someone had deliberately tampered with her genetic material
before she had been born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The most
likely suspect in their minds was the watcher's counsel, if so, as soon as they
returned home they would be demanding answers.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>More importantly she had discovered that her love for Willow
was complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She would literally
trust her with her life, it was both a comforting and a worrying realization of
the total dependence that they had for each other.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; How you doing
Buff? &gt; Asked a concerned Willow, she too had come to realise that the other
woman was the world to her, and that she would put everything on the line for
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They had, of course,
discussed the attack and what Buffy had done, but words are often not enough to
convey the depth of emotions they both felt for each other, &lt; are we going
to cope with all of this? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; No choice
red, &gt; Buffy replied tenderly, &lt; at least we won't be automatic
candidates for the room with the rubber wallpaper now. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Thanks to
Amana and Grael. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; We do owe
them a lot, but&#8230; &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; But what,
love? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; But, I think
we will start repaying them soon. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Both women stopped
their dream walking and sat down on the soft grass and began to drink from the
glasses of wine, which had suddenly appeared in their hands.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I love you
Red. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I know. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I mean I love
you more than anything, even more than myself, and I'm worried about that. &gt;
Buffy was expressing her most deeply suppressed thoughts through their dream,
things that she herself would not have acknowledged while awake, things that
were primal to her personality, things that could only surface through her
subconscious into her dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; What do you
mean? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I think I
love you so much that I would kill myself before placing you in the way of
danger. &gt; Buffy, startled at the worried look of concern which crossed
Willow's face, continued rapidly, &lt; not that I'll be committing suicide any
time soon, but that I would be so worried about you in any conflict that I
would sacrifice myself to save you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>I never want to see you taking another knife for me. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I wouldn't
let you sacrifice yourself, and I reacted to the knife from instinct, I didn't
even pause to think, and I would do it again, &gt; Willow replied, completely
certain of her response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She too
was expressing unconscious thoughts, things that were now part of her innate
being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She was internally amused
at how calm the two of them were discussing this potentially life-threatening
situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She knew it was a
product of the dream state they were sharing, but it also had to do with the
complete and total insight that they now had for each other, which resulted in
an immense depth of trust between them and faith in each other and their
abilities.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I know, &gt;
continued the slayer, &lt; and I think that this potential conflict might allow
others the time to hurt both of us. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Hadn't
thought about that, but what can we do? &gt; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Have to check
with Amana, she might be able to help. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The dream world
they inhabited was now beginning to fade out as both women left REM sleep and
drifted off into a deeper slumber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>If there had been an observer, other than Shadow-cat, they would have
noticed that the breathing of both was identical, and if they had the tools to
measure them, that the pulse and heartbeat were also identical along with, to a
certain extent, their brainwave patterns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Shadow-cat had also suffered from the near psychosis of her human, she
was almost not able to cope with the kaleidoscope of images she was receiving
and had stopped eating for three days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Only when Willow had started to gain control of her mind, was Shadow-cat
able to gain control of hers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She
had spent the last few days resting and eating to regain her strength.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Shortly
thereafter, the door to their suite was opened by one of the two guardsmen, who
were now always stationed on duty, to allow the entrance of Amana, Grael, Aiofe
and Bridie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The four quickly
crossed the sitting room and entered Buffy and Willow&#8217;s bedroom.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Grael answering Shadow-cat&#8217;s
questioning look with a quiet &#8220;shush, its ok.&#8221;<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>They quickly arranged themselves around the bed.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;Is this going to
work,&#8221; Amana asked, as she looked down on the two young women hoping that what
the four of them were about to do would be productive, even if it skirted the
edge ethically.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;It has to,&#8221; Grael
replied, as he too privately wondered about what they were going to attempt.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;They need our
help,&#8221; commented Aiofe, positive that what they were going to do was right. She
had watched with first concern and then relief the internal struggles that
Buffy and Willow had undergone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>She now had even greater admiration and respect, not only for their
formidable skills but also for their obvious love and devotion to each other.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;But,&#8221; replied
Grael, &#8220;this still troubles me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>We
are doing nothing directly to them, but entering their dream could be
interpreted as interfering with them.&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;It&#8217;s not like we
are going to force our way in,&#8221; answered Bridie, &#8220;I mean, we are going to ask,
doesn&#8217;t that make the difference?&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;Technically,&#8221; the
older woman replied, &#8220;but it is an action which is very close to the edge.&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;Enough,&#8221; Grael
interjected, &#8220;we have thrashed this out in counsel for the last three hours and
we came to the unanimous decision to proceed.&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>What the four
mages were about to accomplish was difficult under the best of
circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Given the current,
unprecedented situation it could be impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>The mage&#8217;s counsel had come to the conclusion that they had
no choice in the matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They were
faced with potentially the greatest boon or bane their world had ever seen;
they therefore needed additional information.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Of primary concern to them were the intentions of the two
young women; since, due in part to the attack on them, their magic potential
had increased, not linearly as Amana and Grael had predicted, but
exponentially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow was now more
powerful than any of the mages who reported to the counsel, and Buffy was as
powerful in her limited areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The
counsel needed confirmation that they would continue to work towards the
eradication of the demon threat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>They also worried that the events of the past few weeks would result in
them regretting their decision to stay, and lead them to demand to return
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They also worried that
neither Buffy or Willow would say they wished to return, even if they did, and
that would result in less than attentive mages when it came to fighting the
demons.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The counsel had
decided to take the step of entering Buffy and Willow&#8217;s dreams; in order to
obtain what they hoped was an unbiased and instinctive response from them to
questioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Amana and Grael were
going to attempt to send Aiofe and Bridie into the dream, since they were
familiar figures to the two travellers, while they stayed behind to conduct the
transfer and to watch over them.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;Ok, Aiofe, Bridie
get into bed with them, and make yourselves comfortable,&#8221; Amana ordered softly,
&#8220;once you are settled in, Grael and I will put you under.&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Within moments
both young women were in bed, one each side of Buffy and Willow since they had
arrived already dressed for bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Grael and Bridie with a soft &#8220;cadley trome&#8221; quickly sent both of them to
sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;Now we watch and
wait for Buffy and Willow to enter dream sleep,&#8221; commented Amana after a few
minutes of watching to insure that none of the four women would wake from the
activities that had been going on.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Within the
half-hour it became apparent that Willow and Buffy were about to enterer REM
sleep again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The two senior mages
quickly induced REM sleep in Aiofe and Bridie and then worked together to
complete the spell that would transfer their sleeping consciousness into the
dream world of Buffy and Willow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>They then sat down and waited for results.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Hopefully their assistance would not be required further and
that Aiofe and Bridie would enter the dream and then leave it once the four
women left REM sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow and Buffy
had returned to their shared dream world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>This time however, they were back home in their dorm at UC
Sunnydale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They were both sitting
at their desks and studying, while listening to Celtic folk music on the
radio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>All was not quite normal
however.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>For one thing, both women
were naked, and for a second, both appeared to be twins.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It was still possible, somehow, to tell
Willow from Buffy, however, for all intents and purposes they were identical. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Back home, I
guess, &gt; Willow commented, &lt; Not much has changed. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; We're naked,
&gt; replied the slayer.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Well, that's
true, but, this is a dream, &gt; said Willow as she stood up from her desk and
walked over to the other side of the room where Buffy was.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow proceeded
to stroke Buffy, softly running her hands over her back and through her hair.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Hey, &gt; she
said as she looked at the two of them in the mirror, &lt; we look the same.
&gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Feedback from
the magic, I guess. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Just then there
was a knock on the door.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Who can that
be, &gt; wondered the slayer.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I'll check,
&gt; replied Willow as she went over to the door.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>As she approached the door it became transparent and the
room's occupants could see that both Aiofe and Bridie were on the other side of
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; What are they
doing here? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Don't know
Will, &gt; replied a now fully clothed Buffy, &lt; why don't you ask them. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow, now also
dressed, turned back to the open door and asked, &lt; ladies, what are you
doing here? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Aiofe glanced over
at Bridie, and receiving her go-ahead nod, replied with the traditional, &lt;
Lady, I beseech you to allow us entrance to your domain. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Say what?
&gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; We have been
sent to walk with you in your dreams, &gt; replied Bridie, &lt; but before we
can enter, we must have your permission. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Why are you
here, &gt; asked Buffy figuring it was ok, so far, since her usually reliable
spidey sense, which indicated nearby vampires, was not tingling.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; To ask you
questions, and to seek clarification, &gt; answered Aiofe.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Well, Buff,
&gt; said Willow, &lt; I see, no problems. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Nor I, let
them in, &gt; she replied, trusting that the ladies only had good intentions.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>With that the
other two young women entered the room, which then changed to the mage's study
in Castle Maldor.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Weird, &gt;
commented the slayer as she took a look around their new surroundings and sat
down in her accustomed place before the fireplace.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I'll say,
&gt; replied the arch-mage as she to sat down with the others.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>&lt; Ok, what are you doing in our
dream? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Amana and
Grael have sent us, and are currently watching over us, to ask some questions
of your subconscious minds, &gt; replied Aiofe.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Questions,
&gt; asked Buffy, &lt; why don't they just ask us when we are awake? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Because the
two of you are now so powerful, when alert, that you could mask untruths, &gt;
answered Bridie, &lt; and the mage's counsel needs some questions answered
before we start on your assignment. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; What
questions, &gt; asked Willow, thinking &quot;what 'we'.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Simply, if
you both still share the desire to purge this world of the demons who plague
us, &gt; replied Aiofe, &lt; or do you wish to abandon us and return to your
own world? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; And why ask
in our dreams, &gt; asked Buffy still not totally paying attention to the
situation.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; It's felt
that in ones dreams, the subconscious wouldn't lie, &gt; replied Aiofe.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Oh, &gt;
replied the slayer, &lt; well I guess this is an easy one, right Will? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Yep love,
&gt; answered the redhead, &lt; what we started, we will finish. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Excellent,
&gt; commented Bridie.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Besides, &gt;
continued Buffy and Willow simultaneously, &lt; everyone here has given us so
much to be thankful for, and we've learned so much, we just couldn't leave you
now. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>As they finished
their conversation, the dream world once again faded out as the four women went
into a deeper sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Grael and Amana
had watched the four women very carefully, and when the breathing of all four
had become synchronized they knew that they had been successful in inserting
Aiofe and Bridie into the dream state of Willow and Buffy.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Once it had become apparent that the
four women had left REM sleep and had fallen back to normal deep sleep the
turned away and left the bedroom.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;We'll have
to wait until morning now,&quot; commented Amana as they knocked softly on the
suit's door to signal to the guardsmen to let them leave, &quot;we will check
with Aiofe and Bridie once they have awakened.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;That should
not be too long now,&quot; answered Grael yawning as he did so, &quot;its
almost dawn now, and Buffy will probably wake just at dawn as is her usual
practice.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;We still
have to meet with Daithi and the other military commanders before breakfast and
get an update on that urgent dispatch they received just as the counsel meeting
adjourned,&quot; continued a very tired Amana, &quot;I will be very thankful
once we get going, at least you and I will have a chance for a decent nights
sleep then.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><br>
-----------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy, as was her
practice, woke up with the sun, yawning and thinking that she was still not
getting a good nights sleep, what with all the strange dreams she had been
having.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>As she woke, she realised
that she and Willow were not alone in bed, and that maybe the bizarre dream she
had had with Aiofe and Bridie in it was not so odd after all.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She carefully disentangled herself from
Aiofe and Willow, who had both wrapped themselves around her, and sat up in
bed.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Strange,&quot;
she thought, &quot;maybe the dream wasn't just Willow's and my subconscious
performing tricks again, and they actually did come to visit last night.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy then sent a
mental inquiry to her lover, &lt; Will, wake up sleepy head, we have company.
&gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;This
telepathy stuff can be useful,&quot; she thought, &quot;If we weren&#8217;t so
principled, it could be really useful in tests.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Bad Buffy,
&gt; interjected Willow still semi-sleeping with her eyes closed and snuggled
into Bridie, &lt; you know that isn't even something we should even be thinking
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>What guests? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; If you would
open you eyes, sleepy, you would see. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I see just
fine through your eyes love. Ooh, warm bodies, I like warm bodies. I guess they
did visit us in the dream then. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Looks
like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Best get the day going, red.
&gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Aw, some
times love you are a party pooper. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; We don&#8217;t know
if they are into that, you unquenchable you, &gt; Buffy commented dryly.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>With that, the two
travellers separated themselves both physically and mentally and started to get
out of bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Fortunately, or
unfortunately, they made enough sound to rouse the other two women.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;Good morning
ladies,&#8221; Aiofe said as she sat up in bed rubbing the sleep from her eyes, &#8220;did
you sleep well?&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;Yes, we did,&#8221;
replied Willow, &#8220;I take it then that you two have been keeping secrets from us?&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;Huh,&#8221; cut in the
now confused slayer, &lt; Willow, love, what are you talking about? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Later,
besides its not polite to talk, even this way, behind other's backs, &gt; &#8220;It&#8217;s
just that in order for the two of them to enter our minds Buffy, even if we
were asleep at the time, they have to be mages.&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;Oh,&#8221; replied
Buffy, &#8220;I guess that makes a certain amount of sense.&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&#8220;Yes, we have been
a wee bit reticent,&#8221; answered Bridie, who had just woken up, &#8220;and we beg you
apology for not revealing this to you earlier.&#8221;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Ok, what
gives,&quot; asked Buffy?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;When you
came over, it was felt by the mage's counsel that since you were a totally
unknown quantity,&quot; answered Bridie, &quot;it was decided by them to have a
couple of mages assigned to you as your servants.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;It was
felt,&quot; continued Aiofe, &quot;that since you were going to require
servants, and most likely bodyguards, anyways, that two mages, albeit
apprentice ones, would be better than two normals.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;We just
began our instruction a year ago,&quot; added Bridie, &quot;and we are not even
half as talented as even Buffy is.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;So,&quot;
asked a more than slightly irate Willow, not that mollified by knowing she was
dealing with very junior mages, &quot;just what have you been reporting back to
the counsel?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Nothing that
you weren&#8217;t already telling Amana and Grael,&quot; responded Aiofe, &quot;in
fact, it was your complete lack of guile about what you were doing that led us
to our little adventure last night.&quot; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;The counsel
needed to have one last affirmation of your intentions,&quot; continued Bridie,
&quot;before today's briefing.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Ok,&quot;
replied Willow, &quot;I guess,&quot; she was still not totally happy with the
news they had received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>However,
she reasoned that she would have probably done the same thing if she had been
on the mage's counsel.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Briefing,&quot;
asked Buffy, &quot;what briefing?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;After your
morning routine, and breakfast,&quot; replied Bridie, &quot;we will be given a
briefing in Amana's workroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>To
begin to get us up to speed on what we will need to know in order to get ready
for the mission you came here to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Before we head out in three days or so.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Head
out,&quot; squeaked Willow, &quot;I thought we had at least a week or so, we
aren&#8217;t ready, I'm not ready.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Easy,
love,&quot; said Buffy as she wrapped her friend and lover in a warm and
supportive hug, &quot;lets get the day going, we will talk about all of this
later with Amana and Grael.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;May we join
you,&quot; asked Aiofe.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Fine with
me,&quot; replied Buffy as she headed out to the sitting room to begin the day
with the usual exercise routines.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>-----------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Later that morning
four young women were relaxing in a hot bath having just finished a demanding
morning workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The shared
exercise had allowed them to start to bond with each other.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy and Willow had also realised that
the other two women were very fit, they had learned that before they had become
mages, Aiofe and Bridie had first trained as guardsmen, a practice that most of
the mages had followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The four
women had passed the time while doing the various exercises discussing their
lives and various experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>They were all keyed up, by both the morning's activities, and by their
shared realization of the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>They all knew that in at most a few days they would be leaving the
security of the castle and be heading out to face battle with untold numbers of
foes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They were joking and
laughing, and indulging in a little harmless horseplay, resulting in a rapidly
flooding bathroom.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Aiofe, you
witch,&quot; yelled Buffy as she was splashed with soapy water, &quot;I'll get
you for that!&quot;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy moved
over to where Aiofe was sitting and tried to dunk her underwater.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Bridie,
help,&quot; Aiofe called as she tried, mostly unsuccessfully to avoid being
dunked, &quot;I'm losing.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Coming,&quot;
the other dark-haired women said as she moved across the bath to help her
comrade.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>With that a general
free for all play battle was underway in the bath.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Within a few minutes it became apparent to all of them that
they were getting more than a little excited by the play.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In fact, the atmosphere in the room was
becoming charged with sexual excitement and tension.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow paused for a moment then, suddenly kissed a startled
Aiofe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She broke the kiss with a
soft, &quot;you ok,&quot; and moved a short distance away.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Yes,&quot;
Aiofe said slightly confused, unknown to Willow and Buffy she and Bridie had
been lovers for years, but she was now feeling an unbelievable attraction to
the red-haired woman before her, &quot;confused, but I'm ok.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Confused,&quot;
Willow continued, &quot;I can deal with confused.&quot;<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow proceeded to softly caress the
silky-smooth cheek of the other woman, &quot;I guessed that you had done that
before.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Yes, I&#8230; I
mean we, have, but why?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Yes lover,
why, &gt; Buffy sent as she was suddenly confronted with Bridie moving towards
her, arousal in her eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Later, &gt;
Willow cautioned as she embraced Aiofe, &quot;Instinct,&quot; she answered
Aiofe, &quot;I mean that, well, I guess what I want to say is that you two will
be coming with us, you are supposed to help, and I guess, look out for us, and
I needed to trust my instincts about you,&quot; Willow looked questioningly
into the other woman's jade eyes, hoping to find the needed understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Bridie had taken
the opportunity to take an unresisting Buffy into her arms and continued with a
passionate tongue-entangling kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Buffy decided to throw caution to the winds and started to stroke the
other woman, working her fingers down from her neck to the soft sides of her
breasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She cupped a breast in
each hand and then began to kiss and lick the aureoles, gently teasing the
nipples erect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Bridie was not
stopping her attentions towards the slayer, she moved her fingers down the
blond woman's body and continued around her sides to reach underneath and grasp
her firm, muscular buttocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She
proceeded to gently squeeze each in turn while she reached down with her mouth
to find once again the soft lips of the slayer. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow had
proceeded to tenderly attack Aiofe, she had sat the other woman on the edge of
the bath and was proceeding to kiss her way up the inside of her thighs,
alternating from one leg to the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>She reached Aiofe's cleft, and began to tease her, by tenderly kissing
and licking each of her labia in turn, being cautious to stay away from her
rapidly engorging clitoris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Aiofe
began to quietly whimper from Willow's actions, and tried repeatedly to
manoeuvre her clit into the others mouth, however, the arch-mage was able to
anticipate her every move and stay away from the sensitive spot, in order to
delay her climax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Finally Aiofe
could take no more and begged, &quot;Willow please, please, I have to come,
please let me finish.&quot;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>With
that soft pleading, Willow relented and sucked the enlarged clit into her soft
mouth, gently scraping it with her teeth while stimulating its tip with her
tongue. Aiofe exploded with a series of body pulsating orgasms, wave after wave
of vibrations surged through her body as she nearly passed out from the
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow looked up
at Aiofe, licking juices off her face, &quot;happy,&quot; she asked with a
little smile on her face.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Ecstatic,&quot;
the other woman replied, &quot;here, let me help you,&quot; she continued as she
bent over and began to lick Willow's face clean, &quot;now its my turn,&quot;
she said as she gently forced the red-haired woman onto her back on the
bathroom floor.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Oh,
goody!&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Bridie meanwhile
had taken a different approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>She had continued her attentions to Buffy's rear, and had begun to suck
on each of the slayer's nipples in turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Buffy was thoroughly enjoying the attention, and the alteration of
slight pain and pleasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>What
happened next, surprised the slayer; Bridie took a deep breath and plunged her
head under the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She
proceeded to move between Buffy's thighs and then blew onto her clit.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The sensation of having air, bubbles
and moving water on her clitoris caused her to squirm in pleasure.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>As Bridie came up
for air, Buffy pulled her towards her, kissed her softly and whispered,
&quot;lets go to bed, I want to be comfortable.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The two women
quickly dried off, briefly noticing the activities of the other two, before
heading off to the bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Once
there they quickly arranged themselves into a sixty-nine and proceeded to
simultaneously stimulate each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Bridie had one more surprise for the slayer, as she was taking long,
cat-like licks of Buffy's labia and clitoris she carefully inserted one of her
long fingers deep into her vagina, when she had lubricated the finger she then
moved her hand between Buffy's ass cheeks and, after pausing for a moment to
spread the cheeks apart, slowly penetrated her asshole.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Ooh,&quot;
Buffy exclaimed into Bridie's crotch, &quot;that's nasty, nasty but it feels
amazing.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Ah,&quot;
the other woman said as she paused her digital assault for a second, &quot;a
virgin.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;NO, yes, I
mean,&quot; babbled an increasingly excited Buffy, &quot;I'm not a virgin, but
that is the first&#8230;&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Shush,
dear,&quot; soothed Bridie, &quot;I'll be gentle.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy was suffering
an avalanche of emotions and sensations, she was being penetrated anally for
the first time, and was torn between the pleasure of the new sensation and
feelings of shame from her upbringing which said that the actions of the other
woman were wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She was also
receiving feedback from Willow, and the waves of pleasure she was going through
since everything that she had learned in the past few days about filtering the
flow between them was shattered from her rapidly dissolving self control, all
in all a very confusing mental picture which rapidly dissolved into a chaotic
jumble of thoughts as she experienced a titanic climax, simultaneously with
Bridie.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;There,&quot;
Bridie said softly, &quot;that wasn't too bad, was it?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;No,
but,&quot; Buffy said, still confused by all the reactions she was
experiencing, &quot;I'm not sure why I feel both pleased and shamed.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;It's
probably due to the way you were raised,&quot; commented the other woman as she
turned Buffy around and enveloped her in a loving embrace, &quot;most people
are told anything to do with your rear is dirty, and shameful, but it is
awfully nice sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>You will
decide if you like it or not, after all it is your body.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Well,
mostly,&quot; replied the slayer, &quot;now, with the little incident we went
through, I share my body with Willow and she shares hers with me.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;What's that
love,&quot; replied a very satisfied looking Willow.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>She looked like a red-haired cat that had just eaten the
canary, which was currently holding her hand.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>&quot;I trust that you had a good time, at least you seemed
to from the feedback I was getting.&quot;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Willow and Aiofe proceeded to get into bed with the other two women,
each giving their respective soul mates a deep kiss and hug.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Yes,&quot;
replied the slayer a few minutes later, &quot;all in all a great way to start
the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>But, I have to ask, why
did you start this?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;As I told
Aiofe,&quot; answered Willow, &quot;I just went with my instincts.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Good
instincts,&quot; replied Buffy, &quot;now, however, ladies, I think that we
better re-bath, and get the day going, after all we probably have a couple of
senior mages or so waiting for us at breakfast.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>With that the four
women got out of bed and quickly washed themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>As they were drying off, and getting out clothing for the
day, Willow turned to Aiofe, and commented, &quot;I trust that the 'fiction' of
you being maids can be dispensed with now and Buffy and I can go back to
dressing ourselves?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Yes, and
no,&quot; replied the other woman, &quot;I mean that after today we won't be
your maids, however, all of us will have servants, so you will get two real
servants to help you.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Joy,&quot;
replied Buffy sardonically, &quot;I do hope, however, that after this morning's
activities that you two will move in here with us?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;If you'll
have us,&quot; replied Bridie.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;You
bet,&quot; bubbled Willow, &quot;it will be great, x-rated sleepovers.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The four women
quickly finished dressing and headed off to breakfast and the rest of the day's
activities.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>-----------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Breakfast that
morning was strained and hurried; the four women noticed that most of the people
present were eating very quickly, not like a normal morning.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In addition, the staff was all looking
very apprehensive and were doing their jobs with the minimum of attention
required.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;What's
up,&quot; wondered Buffy aloud.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Don't
know,&quot; replied Aiofe, &quot;but the servants usually know something is up
before anyone else, and they all look very worried.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>After breakfast
the four women were approached by a page and asked to assemble in the mage's
study, along with all of the other mages in residence in the castle, instead of
going to Amana's workroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Once
they had settled in, with mugs of hot mead, Grael and Amana moved to the front
of the very crowded room and began the meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Welcome
all,&quot; Grael said as everyone else turned to face him, &quot;We have called
this meeting to bring you all up to date on events that have been happening
throughout the country overnight.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>That had the
immediate effect of focusing everyone's attention on the older man.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Grael was haggard, it appeared that he
had not slept in days, and lines of worry etched his face, if anything Amana
looked worse, her eyes were bloodshot and her skin was pasty white.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Everyone had known for days that
something big was about to happen, what with the constant meetings between the
senior mages, the counsel and various military officials in addition to the
time that Amana and Grael had been spending with the two visitors.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It now appeared that they were going to
be provided with details on what had been happening.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Amana now took up
the briefing, &quot;the senior counsel has been in meetings with our military
advisors,&quot; she said as she pointed out two obviously military men at the
back of the room, &quot;and can tell you this.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>The demon forces arrayed against us have appeared to have
started a major initiative designed to disrupt our society totally, and perhaps
even lead to the annihilation of humankind.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>With that
statement soft murmurings of excitement and worry broke out in the room.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Grael let the room continue its
discussions for a moment before continuing; &quot;I have asked General Peter
Humphries to continue the briefing for us.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Sirs and
Ladies,&quot; began the General from the back of the room as he slowly made his
way forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>He was a tall, nearly
two hundred centimetres, and wiry man with short-cropped silver hair. Every
centimetre of him screamed military, from his bearing to his battle hardened
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>&quot;Last night the enemy
began a massive staged attack on the costal plains south of us, with the
obvious intent to draw out our main forces for a pitched battle; in addition
several groups of demons have begun guerrilla operations in what we thought
until now was our secure rear.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>He moved to the
front of the room where he uncovered several maps that had been set on
easels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The maps were covered with
obscure symbols representing the various force distributions and the direction
and strength of the major demon attacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>&quot;However,&quot; he continued, &quot;it appears that they have been
rushed in their preparations,&quot; he looked over at Buffy and Willow,
&quot;due to the botched assassination attempt on our visitors earlier this
month, and the realization that we now knew that our security had been
compromised.&quot;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>He pointed out
several areas on the map which had had limited, if any, demon activity,
&quot;from what we know so far it appears that the demon leadership has taken
the 'strike now, strike hard and hope that we were unprepared strategy&#8230;'
unfortunately for them, we were ready.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Can you give
us some additional details,&quot; Grael asked.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Some,&quot;
replied the General, &quot;in most cases we have been able to at least hold
back the demons long enough for the civilian population to retreat to safe
areas,&quot; he pointed out these areas on the maps, &quot;in other areas we
have been able to stop them cold.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;However,
there is one area of concern.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;That
is,&quot; asked a concerned Amana.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Here,&quot;
he said pointing out one area of the map where a red arrow, indicating a major
demon offensive, was pointed like a dagger at the Capital, and the castle, 'we
were totally caught out of position for this attack, and it appears that they
have massively increased the pre-attack forces available for it.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Why have
they done that,&quot; asked a very alarmed slayer.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;You,&quot;
replied the General.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Oh.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;So what are
we going to do,&quot; asked a troubled Frankel, &quot;are we evacuating, or are
we fighting?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;We
fight,&quot; answered Grael for the General, &quot;that has never been in
question, however, we will do two things.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;They
are,&quot; asked another of the senior mages in the room, a small woman with
flowing purple hair.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;We will
evacuate as many civilians as we can, and we will launch a series of
diversionary attacks to slow the demons down,&quot; replied General Humphries,
&quot;in addition, we have accelerated our plans to use our visitors, we will
be sending them out to start sealing the transfer portals as soon as we
can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This will have three desired
results, one it should demoralize the demon leadership, two it will start to
stem the flow of their reinforcements and three it will let them know that the
objects of the attack on the capital are no longer here, that we hope will
result in their breaking off the attack, and allow us additional time to
regroup.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;How soon is
soon,&quot; asked a worried Willow.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Tomorrow,
and I must add, if you fail we will not be able to stop them from overrunning
the castle, and the balance of our forces.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Oh,&quot;
replied Willow, echoing the comment of her lover a few minutes earlier.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;What's the
plan,&quot; asked Buffy, now going into full battle planning mode, all worries
submerged back into her subconscious for the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Grael answered,
&quot;I believe that you now know that Aiofe and Bridie are mages and have also
been assigned to guard you,&quot; receiving answering nods from the two
travellers he continued, &quot;well they will accompany you on this little
adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Also, Amana and myself
will join you and we will have a company of Daithi's guardsmen along as
backup.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Ok,&quot;
replied the slayer, &quot;that answers, who and when - we already knew why, now
what and where?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;You already
know the what we have to accomplish,&quot; replied Amana, &quot;and the first
location we will try is about two days North of the castle.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Now for my
question,&quot; Willow asked softly, &quot;How?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;That is for
you to decide,&quot; Grael answered carefully, &quot;based on what we find at
each site.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Oh,&quot;
replied the arch-mage.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;I take it
you will be leading this circus,&quot; Buffy asked, only slightly ironically.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Oh no,&quot;
replied the older mage.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Who,
then,&quot; asked Willow, already fearing the answer.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;You will
dear,&quot; replied Amana, &quot;you are after all, the arch-mage.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Oh,&quot;
replied Willow for the third time that morning.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The meeting
immediately broke up into smaller groups to discuss specifics of the defence of
humankind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow and Buffy meet
with Daithi, Amana, Grael, Aiofe and Bridie for the rest of the morning
discussing specifics of the route they would be taking, the supplies they would
need and spending some additional time in the library hastily researching the
transfer points and any weaknesses about them.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>They decided that travelling fast and light would be their
best defensive move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow had
also taken her first command decision and decided, after much debate and
argument from Daithi and Grael, to limit the number of guardsmen coming along
to four, reasoning that with fewer people travelling together it would raise
less attention to their activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>When he was finally convinced of the argument, Daithi determined that he
would be one of the four guardsmen.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>After a hurried
lunch, which they all ate in the study, Willow's strike force went down to the
training halls in order to requisition arms and armour.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They had already decided on light,
leather, body armour and swords without shields.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy also made arrangements for her usual supply of stakes,
and a crossbow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They had decided
to travel by horse, and therefore carried only the minimum amount of supplies
that they would need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Grael
believed that they would be able to find shelter most days, since no two
villages or towns were more than a day apart.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The conversation
at dinner that evening was subdued, few people wishing to bring work to the table,
yet reluctant to discuss anything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Most people ate quickly and headed off to obtain as much sleep as they
could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In the morning the majority
of the mages would be heading off to provide support to the various battle
companies, the balance would be remaining behind to advise senior members of
the government and the military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Aiofe and Bridie told the other two women that they would prefer to
sleep in their own chamber that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Neither Buffy or Willow had to be told why; they knew and felt the same
way.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>-----------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Later that evening
Willow and Buffy lay awake in each other's arms.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>They had made quiet gentle love and were now in the
semi-wakeful period before sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; You ok, &gt;
Buffy asked her soul mate, wanting to use the intimacy of the mind-to-mind
contact.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; No, &gt;
replied her very flustered lover, &lt; I mean yes, but&#8230; &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Worried? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; More than
that, I am scared stiff. Here we are, about to go traipsing through the woods,
with me in charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>I mean how am I
supposed to lead, I can't even get myself organised, let alone watch out for
eight other people. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Nine, &gt;
replied the slayer, unhelpfully.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Eight, you I
would worry about even if I weren't leading this show. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; You will be
fine, &gt; reassured Buffy, &lt; You will have Grael, Amana and Daithi to help,
and I will always be there to support you. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I know, but
what if I make a blunder and everyone suffers, especially you. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; You'll make
mistakes, hopefully nothing major, and you'll learn.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>I will trust your judgement and help you with everything.
&gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The two lovers
began to slip off to sleep, just before she went under for the evening Willow
sent one last question off to Buffy, &lt; Hey, slay-girl, you still conscious?
&gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Yep. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I was just
thinking. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Dangerous.
&gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I mean, we
have been on the same cycle and regular as clockwork for months now, and I'm
late by three days or so. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; So am I. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Oh! &gt; As
the two finally drifted off to the arms of Morpheus for the evening, the
unanswered questions would have to wait until morning.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Meow,&quot;
called Shadow-cat as she jumped up onto the bed after having successfully
hunted for the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She
happily thought to herself as she burrowed into her usual place on the pillows,
&quot;Meow, my human is having a kitten.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Deep within the
bodies of both young women a ball of rapidly dividing cells lodged into their
uterine walls.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Finis part V<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>To be continued&#8230;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

</div>

</body>

</html>

------_=_NextPart_003_01BF8E84.6C270380--

--- End Message ---

--- Begin Message ---

To: "'buffywantswillow@xxxxxxxxxxx'" <buffywantswillow@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [buffywantswillow] Militat omnis amans (Every lover is a warrior)
From: "Beckett, Kevin" <kevin.beckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2000 14:36:07 -0500
List-unsubscribe: <mailto:buffywantswillow-unsubscribe@onelist.com>
Reply-to: buffywantswillow@xxxxxxxxxxx

From: "Beckett, Kevin" <kevin.beckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> 


They say third time the charm, lets hope so. Every previous attempt to post
has failed.
 
Militat omnis amans (Every lover is a warrior) Part 4/?
K. Beckett (c) 2000 
 
Disclaimers:
Buffy, Willow and all of the other characters and places from the show
belong to Joss Whedon, WB and Mutant Enemy etal. Everyone and everything
else is mine. None of my characters are meant to resemble anyone living,
dead or un-dead, if you see yourself you are looking way too hard.
 
Rating: 
R 
 
Other: 
The Latin and Gaelic are mine; I take the responsibility for any
translations of them. In addition, the descriptions of the rituals, spells
and other craft work come from my traditions, so please don't take offence
if something described here does not match your traditions or what you think
it should.
 
Archiving etc.: 
Ask and I will say yes.
 
Spoilers:
Everything up to the middle of season four - I diverge then.
 
Thanks to all who have commented, I appreciate everything that was said. As
before, all meaningful criticism, support and suggestions are welcome. 
 
Please be patient, it takes me awhile to get everything down, as I have very
little free time for writing. Sorry for the delay in getting this part out
- Was out of town on business for the last two weeks.
 
mailto:kevin.beckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
----------------------------------------------
A priori
 
Willow and the slayer have settled into their new, but strange, life on the
alternative Earth that they transported to. Buffy has learned that she too
has magical powers, and that they are directly related to both her and her
slaying ability. Willow has learned that her powers are one in a billion,
and that she has the potential to become the rarest of mages - an Arch-Mage.
Meanwhile, other, nefarious, entities are beginning to focus their attention
on the activities surrounding the two world travellers.
 
Synopsis for part four:
Willow and Buffy continue to train in both magic and in the martial arts.
Willow learns a valuable new talent, and Buffy learns a skill of particular
usefulness, both for her calling, and in her personal life. Meanwhile, dark
forces are gathering against the humans.
 
Please note that things perceived by characters other than by the five
acknowledge senses have been enclosed in < >, kpb.
 
-----------------------------------------------
Part IV Amor omnia vincit (Love Conquers All)
 
"An grá a théid fán chroí ní scaoiltear as é go bráth"
"When love enters the heart it will never be driven from it"
(Old Irish folk song)
 
 
The dark man scowled as he walked down the halls of Castle Maldor. It had
taken him the better part of six months to work his way into a position of
trust in the castle community, so that he could finally deliver top quality
information back to his dreaded master. Now, however, that master seemed
willing to squander all of his efforts to date to get details on something
the silly mages were doing. It was not that he disparaged magic or the
practice of it, but that he disagreed with all the rules and ethics that the
mage's council put on humans who fell under their control. His view on
magic was simple, do whatever works and damn the consequences. This
attitude was part of the reason that he was now working for the demon
master; however, he possessed enough sense of self-preservation to figure
out that this time his master may have gone too far.  
 
He thought, "He's willing to risk getting me killed for some information
that no-one is going to use." It was his opinion that there was nothing the
mages could do in time to stop the coming holocaust, the demons and their
human servants would soon be overrunning this world, one more step in their
goal of total conquest. He had, however, long ago given up letting what he
thought govern his actions, he was bound to the demon and was compelled to
obey. He would get the information that was sought, or he would die, it was
that simple. He continued walking down towards the mage's wing of the
castle complex thinking, "I wonder whom I can co-opt in the employ of the
mages."  
 
He had had some success building on the petty gripes and imagined grievances
harboured in some of the servants which had resulted in an extensive network
of spies and other information gatherers who feed him information on most
aspects of life inside the castle. However, up till this point he had been
unsuccessful in compromising any of the servants who worked in the mage's
wing. "Maybe I can slip something into the food and when they are drugged
search some rooms for clues, or answers." He stopped, and thought, "no, the
mages will be certain to check all of their food, but," he paused for a
moment, "maybe I can drug one of the servant's food and get some answers out
of them." With that thought in mind, he abruptly changed direction and
headed off towards his own quarters.
 
------------------------------------------
Elsewhere in the castle complex, up in the mage's wing, morning activities
proceeded in a normal manner. In one suite, two women were entwined
together in bed, naked under a pile of blankets and comforters.  
 
Buffy awoke, as usual, just as dawn was breaking on the horizon. Looking at
her friend and lover burrowed in her arms she noted, not for the first time,
how Willow's soft breathing trembled the fine hairs on her face, and how her
chest rose and fell, both with her breathing and with the beating of her
heart.  
 
Buffy decided to stay in bed, warm and comfortable in her lover's arms, for
just a little while longer. She knew that before long their servants Aiofe
and Bridie would be coming by to get the day underway.
 
The last ten days or so had followed a predictable pattern. First Buffy
would awaken shortly before dawn and then she would sweet-talk Willow into
getting out of bed. The two of them would then proceed to exercise and
bathe before breakfast. They spent the morning with Amana and Grael
learning and perfecting their magic and other aspects with respect to the
'mental' arts. The afternoons had been spent in the practice halls with
Daithi and the other guardsmen. In the 'martial' arts Buffy was without
peer, and she had been spending her time teaching both Willow and the other
guardsmen specific tips and tricks in dealing with demons. Willow had been
spending most of her evenings closeted once again with the mages learning
advanced spells, while Buffy was in conversation with Frankel, discussing
slayers, slaying and other aspects of her life's work. In fact, the days
had been so filled with various activities that neither Buffy or Willow
missed home all that much, certain that Giles and the other's would keep
everything balanced, and their absence explained, until their return.
 
Buffy figured that their return was not that far off. It was not in what
anyone had said, but rather in what had not been said. It was also apparent
that both Grael and Daithi were on a very tight schedule and that the nexus
of the problem was fast approaching.
 
Buffy turned her thoughts towards Willow; she could tell that her lover was
dreaming, since her eyes were moving rapidly under their lids. Suddenly
Willow awoke and breathlessly sat up in bed.
 
"Willow," asked the slayer as she wrapped her shivering lover in a strong
hug, "what's wrong?"
"Bad dream."
"I can tell that," the slayer replied semi-sarcastically, "what were you
dreaming about?"
 
Willow paused a moment, as she had been taught, to collect her thoughts
before answering. "Indistinct images," she said a moment later, "dark,
twisted images, with an overlay of betrayal," she added. Willow was trying
to be as precise as she could in her descriptions, since Amana had told her
that for a mage dreams were both powerful and prophetic. She had been
assured that with additional practice and interpretation her dreams would
become less confusing and more beneficial.
 
"Strange, I wonder what it could mean," the slayer replied, "however, that
is the clearest dream that you have remembered yet."
"I'm sure that Grael will be able to help me with it later," Willow added,
"Amana told me that he has a real gift with this type of dream."
 
Buffy got out of bed, wincing at the cold. She was still not used to the
frigid temperatures that were the norm in this reality. She went into the
front room of their suite and raked up the fire calling out to Willow,
"Will, now that you are up, let's get going on our exercises."
"Aw, do we have to," complained Willow, "after all, we exercised yesterday."
"And the day before, "replied Buffy, "and today and tomorrow."
"Yes, mommy," replied Willow as she got out of bed, "if you insist." In
truth Willow had begun to look forward to the daily exercise session, for
one reason that it was with her lover and for another that she was beginning
to see results. In addition, she had other, personal reasons to get the day
underway, Grael had promised something special in her lessons later in the
morning if everything progressed as rapidly as it had been for the last few
days.
 
Willow quickly joined Buffy in performing their exercise routine. Both
women exercised naked, primarily due to a lack of appropriate clothing, but
also because both thoroughly enjoyed the sight of the other in their
birthday suit. Before long they were both covered with sweat and moving
into the final part of the morning workout, at this point Willow finished
up, since there was no way that she could keep up with the slayer in her
Kendo routine.
 
"You are so graceful," she commented as she sat by the fire watching as
Buffy finished her practice. "I get excited by just watching you move."
"How excited?" The other asked.
"This excited," Willow replied as she leaped on the slayer. Buffy, allowed
herself to be carried to the floor and pinned with her arms above her head,
as the other woman began to softly kiss and lick her between her breasts.
 
"Mmm," the arch-mage said, "salty, I like salty." Willow began to slowly
kiss the underside of Buffy's breasts, gradually making her way up towards
the other woman's nipples, which had hardened perceptibly at the attention
being paid to the slayer. Still holding on to Buffy's arms with one of her
hands Willow brought the other one down and began to stimulate one of
Buffy's breasts and its nipple while she simultaneously began to suck and
nibble on the nipple of the other.
 
Buffy's was beginning to breath more rapidly, as the attention being paid to
her was starting to turn her insides to jelly. She started to work her
hands free so that she could reciprocate the attention being paid to her.
 
"Don't," Willow said softly, "I want to you to relax and go with the flow,"
continued Willow as she began to move down the other woman's body softly
kissing, licking and stroking the sweat-covered skin. Reaching Buffy's
belly button Willow softly blew into it and licked the sweat out of it.
 
Buffy giggled and said, "stop that, witch, that is a very ticklish spot."
"I know," Willow replied as she moved even further down the slayer's body. 
 
She noticed that the hair on Buffy's pubic mound was matted and damp with
sweat. She delicately ran her fingers though the hair teasing it and gently
pulling on a few of the soft, blond hairs. She then began to lick the cleft
between the slayer's legs, drinking in the dark musty taste caused by
Buffy's sexual excitement and the exercise that she had done. Swirling her
tongue around Buffy's clitoris she smoothly inserted a finger deep inside of
her lover, pleased with the body-arching groan that emanated from her.
Willow continued her dual ministrations on the other woman for several
minutes, driving Buffy to a near peak. Willow slowed down her activities to
allow her lover to calm down, just a little bit, and when she judged that
she could continue without driving Buffy over the edge she swiftly inserted
a second and then a third finger into the other woman who was now rocking
back and forth on the floor in pleasure.
 
"Please, please," Buffy whimpered, "please let me finish."
"Patience, my dear," said Willow, as she carefully inserted a fourth and
then finally her fifth finger into her lover.
"No, no," babbled Buffy, "no, please," she continued as she realized what
Willow was about to do.
"Shush, love," replied Willow, "I'll be gentle," as she formed a fist inside
of Buffy and began to rhythmically move her arm back and forth; she moved
her head back up her lover's body and swiftly sucked in a nipple for
special, oral, attention.
 
After a few minutes of that, special attention, Buffy exploded into a body
shaking orgasm screaming "oh my Goddess, yes." 
 
"Goddess, Willow," she exclaimed a few minutes later, when she was certain
that one she would continue to breath and two, that she could form a
coherent sentence, "you sure know how to crank me up."
 
"Happy Valentine's Day," replied Willow, "I couldn't find you a card, so I
had to improvise."
 
"Is it the 14th," Buffy asked, "I've lost total track of time, not to
mention that I don't have a gift for you."
"Yep, it's the fourteenth," Willow replied as she kissed Buffy on the
forehead, and stood up, "and I'm sure that you will think of something
before the day is out."
 
At that point, there was a discrete knock on the door, followed by the
entrance of Aiofe and Bridie. 
"Morning, ladies," Aiofe said smiling as she entered the room, "its time to
get the day moving, although I think that the two of you have been moving
pretty good so far."
"We were aware of your activities from the sounds we heard outside,"
continued Bridie, "so we decided to wait a few minutes."
 
Willow and Buffy blushed from the roots of their hair to the tips of their
toes, "I was that loud," asked Buffy.
 
"Yes dear, you were," replied Aiofe, "don't worry, however, we have no
stigmas or prejudices based on sexual orientation in our society."
"In fact, it's been pretty obvious which way you two leaned," continued
Bridie, "given the constant, non-verbal communication that goes on between
the two of you."
 
"Oh," replied the redhead, as she turned to help Buffy stand up. "I guess
we are definitely out of the closet then, what with my little gift to you,
eh Buff, will I get some type of reward?"
 
Buffy stood up on wobbly legs, and holding Willow's hand as they headed off
to their bath, thought, "oh yeah, I'll definitely think of something as a
'reward' for you later."
 
------------------------------------------
Later that morning both Buffy and Willow were deep in their studies with the
two mages Amana and Grael. Willow was working with Grael on specific
applications in regards to earth and self-magics and Buffy was working with
Amana on tying her newfound skill with air magics to her prodigious innate
skills in self-magic.
 
"That's right Buffy," Amana said softly as she watched the intense
concentration that the other woman was displaying, "keep control over your
emotions and focus on the energy that is surrounding you."
 
"Now you have it," she added a few moments later as in the air in front of
the slayer an opaque shape formed, approximately one meter wide and two
meters high. It appeared to have little, or no, depth.
"Congratulations, Buffy," the mage said, "this is the best example of a wall
shield that you've done so far."
 
Buffy was elated at both her achievement and the praise that had been given
to her. She had accomplished what only two weeks earlier she would have
said was impossible, she had cast a spell, and a powerful one at that. The
shield that she had created would block all blunt force attacks, up to and
including a bullet.
 
"Now," the mage said, "let's move on to the next step in the spell
sequence."
 
Buffy collapsed the shield and paused for a moment to collect her energy.
 
"Ok," Amana said after allowing Buffy to collect herself for a few minutes,
"let's go over the steps one more time, to make sure that you have it all."
 
Buffy rested for a second and then started to list the steps, "first I
create the shield, and then I make it non-fixed. Finally I will try to make
it key into my body's energy so that it can indicate to me when someone or
something tries to penetrate it."
 
"That's it," replied Amana, "remember to stop briefly between each step, and
allow your body to regain energy. Once you have successfully completed all
three steps, I will teach you how to release the spell and have it draw
energy from its surroundings and not from you."
 
Buffy paused for a moment and then began to focus the energy within her on
the spell she was about to cast. Shortly there was once again a shield
floating in the air in front of her. "One down," she said softly and,
taking a deep breath began the second part of the spell. Thinking of the
energy that was drawn from her to form the shield she unfocused her minds
eye and saw the ties that the spell had to the surrounding world. She then
carefully detached each of the ties so that only the link between her and
the spell was still active. Buffy demonstrated this by having the spell
shield move around her, keeping it within two meters of her.
 
"Good, good," Amana said softly as she watched the other woman concentrate
on her task, "now make the link between you and the shield two-way."
 
Buffy took in another deep breath, and focused her attention on the actual
psychic link, which linked her to the spell. She could sense that there was
an energy flow, and that it was one way, from her to the spell. Using some
of the biofeedback techniques she had been taught earlier in the week, she
reversed part of the energy that was feeding the spell so that it came back
to her.
 
"Excellent," the other mage replied, "now let me test the completed spell."
Amana then proceeded to pick up a knife and attempted to strike Buffy
through the shield, as expected the shield blocked her attack, however,
Buffy did feel a certain amount of excruciating pain.
 
"Ow," exclaimed the slayer, "that hurt!" With that exclamation, the shield
dissipated.
 
"It's too be expected dear," replied Amana, "you will have to adjust the
amount of feedback so that you feel the attack, but not the pain."
Amana walked back over to the workbench and picked up a pair of tongs, "now
try again and adjust the amount of feedback so that you will not react to
the attack as you did, and cause the spell to be cancelled.
 
Once again, Buffy went through the steps to create the spell shield, this
time she was careful to limit the amount of feedback. She also noticed that
she was performing the spell faster.
"Amana," she said, "I'm doing this faster." 
"Yep," the other woman replied, "in fact, the more you practice this spell
the faster you will be. Eventually it will be nearly instantaneous, you
will think of the spell and it will come into place, when you are at that
level we will tie the spell to a power-word in your mind so that you'll be
able to cast it by just calling out the word and it will come into place."
At that she suddenly swing at the shield with the tongs, hoping to catch
Buffy off-guard, once again the spell deflected the attack, this time,
however, the feedback to Buffy was much less, and she did not react in pain.
 
"Better," Amana said, "this time you felt the attack, but it wasn't enough
for you to lose concentration and have it dispel."
 
"It felt like a soft pressure," replied Buffy.
"Excellent," continued Amana, "now lets work on some of the finer details
before lunch, tomorrow, we will work on making the spell independent."
"How will I use it," asked Buffy, excited about the progress that she had
made, and now confidant that she could begin to call herself a mage.
"Primarily as an adjunct to your fighting," replied the other mage, "for
example, you could have the shield protect you from behind as you engaged
foes in front of you."
"Cool," replied Buffy, thinking that it was great to have a way to combine
both of her skills together.
 
Elsewhere in the workroom, Grael and Willow were working on a different set
of skills. Willow was trying to attune herself to the energies of the earth
and the creatures on it. It would be a useful skill so that she could
monitor demons and other animals. She had progressed to the point where she
was able to sense creatures and perform some rudimentary tracking of them
when she felt a familiar rubbing against her leg.
 
"Shadow-cat," she exclaimed, "here you are, I haven't seen you in days," she
continued as she reached down to pick-up her feline and sat down by the
fireplace to stroke and fuss over her.
"This gives me an idea," commented Grael as he observed the interaction
between Willow and her cat, "and I think that you are ready for this type of
work, as I mentioned last night."
"What's that," asked Willow looking up at her teacher.
"Its just that I think that you are ready to try to attach to a familiar,"
replied Grael. "Seeing you with your cat there has reinforced the idea in
my mind."
"What do you mean?" Said Willow, thinking that sometimes Grael could be
incredibly leisurely with the details.
 
"For mages of your skill level there is the possibility of training a
domestic animal to become your familiar," replied Grael, "and I think that
you and shadow-cat there would make a perfect pairing."
 
"Familiar?" Asked Willow.
"Familiar," replied the other mage, "an animal whom you impart part of your
essence, and from whom you take an equal amount. When done properly you
will be able to use Shadow-cat's senses, and link with her to see what she
sees, and sense what she senses, when you are not with her."
"Cool," said the redhead. "What do we have to do?"
"The spell involves both a mental component, and a physical one," replied
Grael.
"Ok, what do we do first?"
"First we will need a little blood from both you and your cat," replied the
mage, "then we will mix it, and complete the spell with the mental
component."
 
Over the next hour both mages worked carefully to achieve success in the
casting of the spell. They carefully prepared their ingredients, and gently
extracted a small quantity of blood from both Shadow-cat and from Willow.
The cat sensed that something important was going on a bore up with the
various indignities that were performed on her. Finally, Grael indicated
that they were ready to cast the spell.
 
Willow took up the various components of the spell, and concentrating on the
cat that had taken up residence on one of the workbenches, gathered up her
power. She then focused on the essence that designated her pet and herself.
She then, using the force of her will, forced a potion of the essences to
combine. She immediately experienced a mind-expanding awareness of the
world around her, and she knew that she was seeing through Shadow-cat's
eyes, there was incredible depth perception in what she was seeing and a
total lack of colour, she could also see herself, and with her normal sight
could see Shadow-cat. The experience was quite unnerving and as soon as she
realised what had happened, the spell collapsed.
 
"That," Willow stopped for a moment to collect her thoughts, "that was quite
an experience."
"Strange, and frightening, was it," asked Grael.
"Yes," replied the redhead, "however, I'm pleased that it succeeded at all."
"I told you that you were capable of completing the spell," answered Grael
who was very pleased with the results of the spell, "with practice you will
be able to both maintain your focus with Shadow-cat as well as pick up some
of what she is perceiving with her other senses."
 
"Now," he continued, "lets sit down by the fire, grab a drink, since you are
certain to have a headache, and we can discuss some of the finer points of
the spell."
 
Willow and her teacher proceeded to spend the rest of the morning deep in
conversation on the various aspects of working with a familiar and what the
limitations were. Willow learned that if she died that Shadow-cat would
also die, that for the first few weeks the interaction would be very
limited, however, she would eventually be able to virtually take over
shadow-cat and direct her to places that Willow and not the cat wanted.
Eventually Buffy and Amana had to come over to pry Willow away and send the
younger women off to dinner with Bridie and Aiofe who had arrived several
minutes earlier to announce that it was time for the meal.
 
After the foursome had left to dine, Amana sat in the spot recently occupied
by Willow.
 
"Very productive morning," she said after a few moments, "I'm especially
pleased that Willow was able to successfully cast the familiar spell."
"So was I," replied the other mage, "and on her first attempt to."
"Impressive," Amana said, "most mages take four or five attempts to do the
spell."
"She's is definitely not most mages," answered Grael, "I am beginning to
think that soon she will be beyond my skill to teach her anything."
"Time to accelerate and intensify the training then," said Amana, "come,
dear, we will discuss this over dinner."
 
At that the two older mages headed out to their own dinner, deep in
conversation.
 
------------------------------------------
Later on that afternoon Willow and Buffy were in the training halls working
on group tactics with Daithi and the guardsmen. The training halls were a
series of practice arenas, classrooms, barracks and armouries, which
encompassed the entire back third of the castle complex. The women were
currently in the largest of the practice arenas; it was a three-story
chamber approximately thirty meters by sixty. The floor was a combination
of wood, stone and sand - since there was very few windows set into the
scared walls, lighting was provided by several huge lanterns hanging from
the vaulted ceiling and eight fireplaces, each large enough to roast a small
cow.
 
Willow had trained very hard and diligently over the last ten days, she had
swiftly picked up the fundamentals of hand-to-hand combat and with
concentrated one-on-one training had gained self-confidence in her talents.
What the two women were now working on was cooperative manoeuvres, in a
simulated town environment complete with houses, shops and other forms of
defensive and offensive cover. The two women were working for the most part
back-to-back in order that Buffy could concentrate on the fight without
having to spend too much attention on Willow.
 
Willow was using her enhanced perception to keep aware of dangers and then
to communicate them to Buffy. Buffy was also trying to use her new spell in
a defensive effort while keeping up with her attacks. Shadow-cat was also
involved; she was keeping to the edge of the practice arena, every so often
Willow would link with her to gain additional skill and confidence in
working with her familiar.  
 
Unknown to the various people in the training hall their activities were
being monitored by someone who was not at all in favour of the activities
going on. The suspicious dark man, who had been stalking the halls earlier
that day, was watching from an upstairs gallery the workout taking place
below. He had successfully drugged one of the cooks that morning and had
been finally able to obtain some information on what had been going on in
the mage's wing for the last couple of weeks. He had been stunned by the
information, not only was his master correct about the potential for harm to
their campaign, but the two world travellers working out in the arena below
were potentially the greatest threat to himself yet. He had decided to take
matters into his own hands; he had therefore ordered one of his spies to
arrange an 'accident' for the two women in their practice today. Hopefully
the accident would give him and his master the time to complete their plans.
He was staying up out of the way, to observe the results, and to be in a
position to make a quick getaway if things turned out unpleasant for him.  
 
Willow was really getting into the practice this afternoon, she was working
well with Buffy and it appeared that she was always anticipating which
direction they would be moving in. Buffy was also in high spirits, first
because her lover was really in the grove, and was providing not only
excellent intelligence but also backup - they were simulating Willow's
spells, on the guardsmen. Buffy also felt that today she was reacting almost
instantly to Willow's warnings, in some cases it seemed like she was
reacting as Willow spoke. Buffy's use of her spell shield was also
improving with practice, it was still not instantaneous, and it still had a
tendency to collapse at inopportune moments. Buffy, however, had used it
successfully on occasion to block one quadrant of potential attacks, and
that combined with Willow watching her back resulted in only two avenues to
defend, all in all a major improvement, with the potential of greater
survivability in future battles greatly increased.
 
Willow was at that moment trying once again to use her link with Shadow-cat.
So far that afternoon it had proven useful, on occasion, to have a different
perspective on the battle. It had given her some additional time to warn
her partner, and had allowed her to see beyond the immediate area and into
areas of cover, which were not visible to the two women.
 
< Grey, sharp, empty of humans, > Willow saw with eyes other than her own.
"I'm going to have to get used to this," Willow thought as she looked around
with two sets of eyes, one, her own, on the area immediately in front of
her, and the other, Shadow-cat's, at a location near the back of the
training areas. "It's either that, or go crazy," she mumbled to herself.
< Human, fear smell, there, - small human, not guardsman, servant > Willow
saw and smelled, someone enter the training area from the rear of the
complex, he was not familiar, not that she new everyone, far from it, but
that he was not dressed like a guardsman, in fact he was dressed like a
cook, complete with an apron and a rather large knife.
 
"Hugh," asked Grael as he entered the gallery above the training hall, "what
are you doing here?"
Grael had decided to come by and watch the two world travellers in their
workout, to try and get a sense of how they were proceeding in a non-magical
area. He was not happy to see Hugh d'Troville also apparently watching the
activities of the two women. He still did not fully trust the man, even
though Daithi had vetted him and even though he had worked without incident
in the Castellan's office for the last six months or so. Grael had been
keeping the existence of Willow and Buffy away from most of the castle
community, having Hugh here could only mean that word had leaked out.
"Good afternoon Sir," replied Hugh as he gave a curt bow, inwardly seething
at having been found watching what was supposed to be a closely guarded
activity, "I was just supervising some inventories in this area when I heard
the noise and came by to investigate."
"Hmm," thought Grael, "I wonder if that is completely the truth."
"Well, what do you think of what you have seen," he asked the smaller man.
"Impressive," the other replied, "they are certainly very competent in
practice," he added after a moments pause.
 
At that moment there was a piercing scream from the arena. Both men turned
back to the gallery balcony to look at what was going on below.
 
A few moments before...
< Human, knife, fear smell, what is it going to do to my human, fear, hurt
human >
Willow had sensed that this unknown person who had been sneaking around in
the back of the training area was not pleased to be there, and in fact was
rather afraid to be there. However, at that moment she was rather
preoccupied with six of the guardsmen trying a simultaneous attack on Buffy
and her. So she had not warned Buffy of this stranger, figuring that he was
just trying to grab an illicit look at what was going on.
< KNIFE, throw knife >
"What," Willow screamed as she finally sorted out all of the images coming
from Shadow-cat, "Buffy!!!!" she yelled as she threw herself in front of the
knife that had been thrown by the mysterious cook, who at that moment was
also screaming, this time in pain, from the scratching and biting that was
being inflicted on him by an enraged feline.
 
"Willow!!!!" screamed Buffy as she turned from the battle to see her soul
mate laying on the floor with a thirty centimetre cooks knife protruding
from her chest and with her lifeblood pooling on the floor beneath her.
 
Buffy quickly bent down beside Willow and applied pressure on the wound.
"Someone, do something," she yelled to the group of people who were quickly
forming a circle around the pair on the floor.
"Buffy," replied Daithi softly, "Buffy, she's gone, there is nothing we can
do, the knife entered her chest right near the heart."
"She can't go," pleaded the slayer, "she is everything to me."
 
Willow was not yet dead, she was however, very close to it, "Buffy," she
whispered, "Buffy are you there?"
"Yes love, I'm here," she replied, "don't struggle, I'll get some help."
"There's no time for me," the redhead replied weakly, "I'm going to the
Goddess, but know that I have always loved you..." she fell silent as she
lapsed into unconsciousness.
 
"No," exclaimed the determined slayer, "no, I will not accept this." With
that she dove into the energies that surrounded everything and everyone.
"Those medalling mages are always saying that Will and I are soul-mates and
that we are tied together, lets just see how tied we are," she said to
herself as she used her recently found talent to perceive the magical
energies, and the links between them to search out and find the ties that
bound her to Willow.
 
"Where are they," she muttered to herself as she totally detached from
reality and plunged into her task. She quickly found that there were
several ties to Willow and that they were going dim as the life force was
sucked from her. However, there was one tie that was both large and
complex, which Buffy could tell, intuitively, was the one that tied the two
of them together.
"I have no idea what I'm doing," she thought to herself. "But this is
either going to cure her, or kill us both."
 
Buffy then used some of the biofeedback tools that she had been using with
her spell shield and combined it with the depth of her love for the other
woman and used the link to pour life sustaining energy into Willow. At the
same time, she tried to extend her own ability to self-heal to what she was
doing for Willow. She expanded her awareness and, without knowing how she
did it, looked deep inside of her lover. She was able to tell that the
knife had not penetrated the heart, however, it had nicked one of the major
arteries. Buffy pulled the knife out of Willow's chest and tried to apply
her healing abilities directly, without success. She rapidly became frantic
with panic, her lover was passing away in her arms and there seemed to be
nothing she could do.
 
Suddenly a thought came to her, and without thinking twice she acted on it.
Buffy reinforced the energy link between her and Willow, and, without a
concern for the consequences, forced herself to spiritually and
psychologically follow with the power that was flowing between the two of
them.
 
Buffy's mind exploded with the impact of the jumbled thoughts of Willow.
She saw, and experienced what Willow saw. She remembered what Willow
remembered, and she felt the agonizing pain that Willow was feeling. Using
all of her experience to block out the pain, Buffy quickly forced Willow's
body to accelerate the healing process, using the energy it was getting
directly from the slayer. Buffy could see the results, the tear in the
artery closed and healed. Willow's heart beat, which had been erratic with
the reduced blood flow, strengthened as the healing process that Buffy had
hastened created new blood for her.
 
< Buffy, > the slayer heard, < what are you doing? >
< Shush, > she replied to herself, realizing that somehow the two of them
could essentially read each other's mind.
< Buffy!! > The other exclaimed mentally, < what are you doing in my mind? >

< Healing you, silly, > Buffy replied with relief as she collapsed in
exhaustion, her desperate gamble had worked, however it appeared that there
had been one or two unexpected side effects.
 
Daithi realised that something extraordinary had happened. He had seen Buffy
wrap Willow in her arms and then appear to fall into a trance. What had
happened then floored them all, first the blood had stopped flowing from the
wound in Willow's chest, and then the wound had healed. Finally, the
wounded arch-mage's breathing had stabilized as the slayer had collapsed in
fatigue; it appeared that Willow would not, in reality, die. Daithi quickly
ordered several orderlies forward with gurneys, to take the two women to the
infirmary.
 
Upstairs in the gallery, Hugh had watched the proceeding below in horror,
not as Grael thought, in sympathy for the two women, but rather in the
collapse of his plan and position. He extracted himself quickly from
Grael's company and made immediate preparations to leave the castle, and the
city.
 
Grael was too stunned to much notice of the hasty departure of Hugh; he was
shocked by the attack and immediately went down to the infirmary to check on
the two women. Once he had been assured that they would be fine, he left in
a foul mood to find Daithi and the cook who had initiated the attack. He
needed answers, and he needed them soon.
 
------------------------------------------
Later that night two young women were to be found in a heavily guarded room
in the infirmary. There were guards posted both inside and outside of the
room. Additional guards were located at each intersection in the hallways
and staircases. In addition, the patrols in the castle had been increased,
and the patrols had had their frequency and patterns changed.
 
Meanwhile the city had been sealed and was being scoured from one end to the
other for the traitor Hugh d'Troville and any of his accomplices that were
still around. Daithi had little hope of finding Hugh, but he hoped that the
dragnet would shake free some of the other conspirators who had not yet been
able to flee the city.
 
< Rather like bolting the barn door after the horse has left isn't it, >
asked the red-haired woman occupy one of the two beds.
< Yep, > replied the other, < but better safe than sorry. The information
that Grael got from that cook indicates that that Hugh guy had a lot of
people on his payroll. >
 
The two women were still stunned by this side effect of Buffy's desperate
healing action. They continued their conversation in this manner, mostly
because of the novelty, but also because of the three guardsmen in the room
with them.
 
< I feel like I'm in the zoo, > Buffy said mentally, < If those three don't
find something to do other than stare at us, I am going to scream. > 
< I agree love, > replied Willow, < but its only till tomorrow, then we can
go back to our own rooms. >
< I can't wait, and I don't think that I'll be able to sleep properly if I'm
not in your arms > replied the slayer, < this is just too weird for words,
though don't you think? >
The two women upon awaking had noticed that the tie between them had not
gone back to the way it was before the attack, rather it appeared to be even
larger and more complex than what Buffy had done; it was also apparent that
they could move back and forth between each others thoughts and memories at
will. Amana, who had been at their bedside when they awoke, explained that
it was all a product of the intense emotions felt by Buffy when she was
healing Willow, and also due to the deep love between them. She had advised
that since each other's mind was fully open to the other, that they
immediately spend some time building a secure location in their own mind
which only they could access, since even for two people as deeply in love as
they were needed to keep some secrets, after all if they didn't Christmas
and birthdays would be forever ruined. She had also indicated that both
Grael and she had hoped for this link to develop, but were intensely upset
that it had come as a result of the traitorous attack on them.
 
"Meeooow," said Shadow-cat who was occupying her usual place on top of
Willow's pillow. She had been pleased with the day's activities, and had
been helpful in the capture of the attacker. All in all a very good day she
thought to herself, she was now a familiar, and would therefore be of even
greater service to her human.
"Yes, you silly feline," replied Willow, "If not for you I wouldn't have
seen the attack in time."
"And then I'd be the one who might of died," replied Buffy.
< Its ok love, > replied Willow, < by the way, thank-you for the Valentines
gift. > 
< It wasn't what I had intended, > replied the other, < but, you're welcome.
>
 
The two women drifted off to sleep, while deep within both the link between
them, and within certain cells of their bodies, changes were occurring.
 
Finis Part IV
 
To be continued...
_____  

_____  

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<body lang=EN-US style='tab-interval:.5in'><tt>From:</tt> <tt>
&quot;Beckett, Kevin&quot; &lt;kevin.beckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx&gt;</tt>
<br><br>


<div class=Section1>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>They say third time
the charm, lets hope so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Every
previous attempt to post has failed.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Militat omnis
amans (Every lover is a warrior) Part 4/?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>K. Beckett (c)
2000 <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Disclaimers:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy, Willow and
all of the other characters and places from the show belong to Joss Whedon, WB
and Mutant Enemy etal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Everyone
and everything else is mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>None
of my characters are meant to resemble anyone living, dead or un-dead, if you
see yourself you are looking way too hard.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Rating: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>R <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Other: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The Latin and
Gaelic are mine; I take the responsibility for any translations of them.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In addition, the descriptions of the
rituals, spells and other craft work come from my traditions, so please don't
take offence if something described here does not match your traditions or what
you think it should.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Archiving etc.: <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Ask and I will say
yes.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Spoilers:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Everything up to
the middle of season four - I diverge then.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Thanks to all who
have commented, I appreciate everything that was said.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>As before, all meaningful criticism,
support and suggestions are welcome. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Please be patient,
it takes me awhile to get everything down, as I have very little free time for
writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Sorry for the delay in
getting this part out &#8211; Was out of town on business for the last two weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>mailto:kevin.beckett@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>----------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>A priori<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow and the
slayer have settled into their new, but strange, life on the alternative Earth
that they transported to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy
has learned that she too has magical powers, and that they are directly related
to both her and her slaying ability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Willow has learned that her powers are one in a billion, and that she
has the potential to become the rarest of mages - an Arch-Mage.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Meanwhile, other, nefarious, entities
are beginning to focus their attention on the activities surrounding the two
world travellers.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Synopsis for part
four:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow and Buffy
continue to train in both magic and in the martial arts.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow learns a valuable new talent,
and Buffy learns a skill of particular usefulness, both for her calling, and in
her personal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Meanwhile, dark
forces are gathering against the humans.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Please note that
things perceived by characters other than by the five acknowledge senses have
been enclosed in &lt; &gt;, kpb.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>-----------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Part IV Amor omnia
vincit (Love Conquers All)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;An grá a
théid fán chroí ní scaoiltear as é go bráth&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;When love
enters the heart it will never be driven from it&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>(Old Irish folk
song)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The dark man
scowled as he walked down the halls of Castle Maldor. It had taken him the
better part of six months to work his way into a position of trust in the
castle community, so that he could finally deliver top quality information back
to his dreaded master.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Now,
however, that master seemed willing to squander all of his efforts to date to
get details on something the silly mages were doing.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>It was not that he disparaged magic or the practice of it,
but that he disagreed with all the rules and ethics that the mage's council put
on humans who fell under their control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>His view on magic was simple, do whatever works and damn the consequences.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>This attitude was part of the reason
that he was now working for the demon master; however, he possessed enough
sense of self-preservation to figure out that this time his master may have
gone too far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>He thought,
&quot;He's willing to risk getting me killed for some information that no-one
is going to use.&quot; It was his opinion that there was nothing the mages
could do in time to stop the coming holocaust, the demons and their human
servants would soon be overrunning this world, one more step in their goal of
total conquest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>He had, however,
long ago given up letting what he thought govern his actions, he was bound to
the demon and was compelled to obey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>He would get the information that was sought, or he would die, it was
that simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>He continued walking
down towards the mage's wing of the castle complex thinking, &quot;I wonder
whom I can co-opt in the employ of the mages.&quot;<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>He had had some
success building on the petty gripes and imagined grievances harboured in some
of the servants which had resulted in an extensive network of spies and other
information gatherers who feed him information on most aspects of life inside
the castle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>However, up till this
point he had been unsuccessful in compromising any of the servants who worked
in the mage's wing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>&quot;Maybe I
can slip something into the food and when they are drugged search some rooms
for clues, or answers.&quot;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>He
stopped, and thought, &quot;no, the mages will be certain to check all of their
food, but,&quot; he paused for a moment, &quot;maybe I can drug one of the
servant's food and get some answers out of them.&quot;<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>With that thought in mind, he abruptly
changed direction and headed off towards his own quarters.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Elsewhere in the
castle complex, up in the mage's wing, morning activities proceeded in a normal
manner. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</span>In one suite, two women
were entwined together in bed, naked under a pile of blankets and
comforters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy awoke, as
usual, just as dawn was breaking on the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Looking at her friend and lover burrowed in her arms she
noted, not for the first time, how Willow's soft breathing trembled the fine
hairs on her face, and how her chest rose and fell, both with her breathing and
with the beating of her heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy decided to
stay in bed, warm and comfortable in her lover's arms, for just a little while
longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She knew that before long
their servants Aiofe and Bridie would be coming by to get the day underway.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The last ten days
or so had followed a predictable pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>First Buffy would awaken shortly before dawn and then she would
sweet-talk Willow into getting out of bed.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>The two of them would then proceed to exercise and bathe
before breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They spent the
morning with Amana and Grael learning and perfecting their magic and other
aspects with respect to the 'mental' arts.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>The afternoons had been spent in the practice halls with
Daithi and the other guardsmen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In
the 'martial' arts Buffy was without peer, and she had been spending her time
teaching both Willow and the other guardsmen specific tips and tricks in
dealing with demons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow had
been spending most of her evenings closeted once again with the mages learning
advanced spells, while Buffy was in conversation with Frankel, discussing
slayers, slaying and other aspects of her life's work.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In fact, the days had been so filled with
various activities that neither Buffy or Willow missed home all that much,
certain that Giles and the other's would keep everything balanced, and their
absence explained, until their return.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy figured that
their return was not that far off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>It was not in what anyone had said, but rather in what had not been
said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It was also apparent that
both Grael and Daithi were on a very tight schedule and that the nexus of the
problem was fast approaching.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy turned her
thoughts towards Willow; she could tell that her lover was dreaming, since her
eyes were moving rapidly under their lids.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Suddenly Willow awoke and breathlessly sat up in bed.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Willow,&quot;
asked the slayer as she wrapped her shivering lover in a strong hug,
&quot;what's wrong?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Bad dream.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;I can tell
that,&quot; the slayer replied semi-sarcastically, &quot;what were you dreaming
about?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow paused a
moment, as she had been taught, to collect her thoughts before answering.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>&quot;Indistinct images,&quot; she said
a moment later, &quot;dark, twisted images, with an overlay of betrayal,&quot;
she added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow was trying to be
as precise as she could in her descriptions, since Amana had told her that for
a mage dreams were both powerful and prophetic.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>She had been assured that with additional practice and interpretation
her dreams would become less confusing and more beneficial.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Strange, I
wonder what it could mean,&quot; the slayer replied, &quot;however, that is the
clearest dream that you have remembered yet.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;I'm sure
that Grael will be able to help me with it later,&quot; Willow added,
&quot;Amana told me that he has a real gift with this type of dream.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy got out of
bed, wincing at the cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She was
still not used to the frigid temperatures that were the norm in this
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She went into the front
room of their suite and raked up the fire calling out to Willow, &quot;Will,
now that you are up, let's get going on our exercises.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Aw, do we
have to,&quot; complained Willow, &quot;after all, we exercised
yesterday.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;And the day
before, &quot;replied Buffy, &quot;and today and tomorrow.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Yes,
mommy,&quot; replied Willow as she got out of bed, &quot;if you
insist.&quot;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In truth Willow had
begun to look forward to the daily exercise session, for one reason that it was
with her lover and for another that she was beginning to see results.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In addition, she had other, personal
reasons to get the day underway, Grael had promised something special in her
lessons later in the morning if everything progressed as rapidly as it had been
for the last few days.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow quickly
joined Buffy in performing their exercise routine.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Both women exercised naked, primarily due to a lack of
appropriate clothing, but also because both thoroughly enjoyed the sight of the
other in their birthday suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Before long they were both covered with sweat and moving into the final
part of the morning workout, at this point Willow finished up, since there was
no way that she could keep up with the slayer in her Kendo routine.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;You are so
graceful,&quot; she commented as she sat by the fire watching as Buffy finished
her practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>&quot;I get excited
by just watching you move.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;How
excited?&quot; The other asked.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;This
excited,&quot; Willow replied as she leaped on the slayer.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy, allowed herself to be carried to
the floor and pinned with her arms above her head, as the other woman began to
softly kiss and lick her between her breasts.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Mmm,&quot;
the arch-mage said, &quot;salty, I like salty.&quot;<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow began to slowly kiss the underside of Buffy's
breasts, gradually making her way up towards the other woman's nipples, which
had hardened perceptibly at the attention being paid to the slayer.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Still holding on to Buffy's arms with
one of her hands Willow brought the other one down and began to stimulate one
of Buffy's breasts and its nipple while she simultaneously began to suck and
nibble on the nipple of the other.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy's was
beginning to breath more rapidly, as the attention being paid to her was
starting to turn her insides to jelly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>She started to work her hands free so that she could reciprocate the
attention being paid to her.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Don't,&quot;
Willow said softly, &quot;I want to you to relax and go with the flow,&quot;
continued Willow as she began to move down the other woman's body softly
kissing, licking and stroking the sweat-covered skin.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Reaching Buffy's belly button Willow softly blew into it and
licked the sweat out of it.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy giggled and
said, &quot;stop that, witch, that is a very ticklish spot.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;I
know,&quot; Willow replied as she moved even further down the slayer's body. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>She noticed that
the hair on Buffy's pubic mound was matted and damp with sweat.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She delicately ran her fingers though
the hair teasing it and gently pulling on a few of the soft, blond hairs.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She then began to lick the cleft
between the slayer's legs, drinking in the dark musty taste caused by Buffy's
sexual excitement and the exercise that she had done.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Swirling her tongue around Buffy's clitoris she smoothly
inserted a finger deep inside of her lover, pleased with the body-arching groan
that emanated from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow
continued her dual ministrations on the other woman for several minutes,
driving Buffy to a near peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Willow slowed down her activities to allow her lover to calm down, just
a little bit, and when she judged that she could continue without driving Buffy
over the edge she swiftly inserted a second and then a third finger into the
other woman who was now rocking back and forth on the floor in pleasure.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Please,
please,&quot; Buffy whimpered, &quot;please let me finish.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Patience, my
dear,&quot; said Willow, as she carefully inserted a fourth and then finally
her fifth finger into her lover.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;No,
no,&quot; babbled Buffy, &quot;no, please,&quot; she continued as she realized
what Willow was about to do.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Shush,
love,&quot; replied Willow, &quot;I'll be gentle,&quot; as she formed a fist
inside of Buffy and began to rhythmically move her arm back and forth; she
moved her head back up her lover's body and swiftly sucked in a nipple for
special, oral, attention.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>After a few
minutes of that, special attention, Buffy exploded into a body shaking orgasm
screaming &quot;oh my Goddess, yes.&quot; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Goddess,
Willow,&quot; she exclaimed a few minutes later, when she was certain that one
she would continue to breath and two, that she could form a coherent sentence,
&quot;you sure know how to crank me up.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Happy
Valentine's Day,&quot; replied Willow, &quot;I couldn't find you a card, so I
had to improvise.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Is it the
14th,&quot; Buffy asked, &quot;I've lost total track of time, not to mention
that I don't have a gift for you.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Yep, it's
the fourteenth,&quot; Willow replied as she kissed Buffy on the forehead, and
stood up, &quot;and I'm sure that you will think of something before the day is
out.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>At that point,
there was a discrete knock on the door, followed by the entrance of Aiofe and
Bridie. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Morning,
ladies,&quot; Aiofe said smiling as she entered the room, &quot;its time to get
the day moving, although I think that the two of you have been moving pretty
good so far.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;We were
aware of your activities from the sounds we heard outside,&quot; continued
Bridie, &quot;so we decided to wait a few minutes.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow and Buffy
blushed from the roots of their hair to the tips of their toes, &quot;I was
that loud,&quot; asked Buffy.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Yes dear,
you were,&quot; replied Aiofe, &quot;don't worry, however, we have no stigmas
or prejudices based on sexual orientation in our society.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;In fact,
it's been pretty obvious which way you two leaned,&quot; continued Bridie,
&quot;given the constant, non-verbal communication that goes on between the two
of you.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Oh,&quot;
replied the redhead, as she turned to help Buffy stand up.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>&quot;I guess we are definitely out of
the closet then, what with my little gift to you, eh Buff, will I get some type
of reward?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy stood up on
wobbly legs, and holding Willow's hand as they headed off to their bath,
thought, &quot;oh yeah, I'll definitely think of something as a 'reward' for
you later.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Later that morning
both Buffy and Willow were deep in their studies with the two mages Amana and
Grael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow was working with
Grael on specific applications in regards to earth and self-magics and Buffy
was working with Amana on tying her newfound skill with air magics to her
prodigious innate skills in self-magic.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;That's right
Buffy,&quot; Amana said softly as she watched the intense concentration that
the other woman was displaying, &quot;keep control over your emotions and focus
on the energy that is surrounding you.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Now you have
it,&quot; she added a few moments later as in the air in front of the slayer an
opaque shape formed, approximately one meter wide and two meters high.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It appeared to have little, or no, depth.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Congratulations,
Buffy,&quot; the mage said, &quot;this is the best example of a wall shield
that you've done so far.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy was elated
at both her achievement and the praise that had been given to her.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She had accomplished what only two
weeks earlier she would have said was impossible, she had cast a spell, and a
powerful one at that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The shield
that she had created would block all blunt force attacks, up to and including a
bullet.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Now,&quot;
the mage said, &quot;let's move on to the next step in the spell
sequence.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy collapsed the
shield and paused for a moment to collect her energy.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Ok,&quot;
Amana said after allowing Buffy to collect herself for a few minutes,
&quot;let's go over the steps one more time, to make sure that you have it
all.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy rested for a
second and then started to list the steps, &quot;first I create the shield, and
then I make it non-fixed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Finally
I will try to make it key into my body's energy so that it can indicate to me
when someone or something tries to penetrate it.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;That's
it,&quot; replied Amana, &quot;remember to stop briefly between each step, and
allow your body to regain energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Once you have successfully completed all three steps, I will teach you
how to release the spell and have it draw energy from its surroundings and not
from you.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy paused for a
moment and then began to focus the energy within her on the spell she was about
to cast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Shortly there was once
again a shield floating in the air in front of her.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>&quot;One down,&quot; she said softly and, taking a deep
breath began the second part of the spell.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Thinking of the energy that was drawn from her to form the
shield she unfocused her minds eye and saw the ties that the spell had to the
surrounding world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She then
carefully detached each of the ties so that only the link between her and the
spell was still active.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy
demonstrated this by having the spell shield move around her, keeping it within
two meters of her.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Good,
good,&quot; Amana said softly as she watched the other woman concentrate on her
task, &quot;now make the link between you and the shield two-way.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy took in
another deep breath, and focused her attention on the actual psychic link,
which linked her to the spell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She
could sense that there was an energy flow, and that it was one way, from her to
the spell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Using some of the
biofeedback techniques she had been taught earlier in the week, she reversed
part of the energy that was feeding the spell so that it came back to her.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Excellent,&quot;
the other mage replied, &quot;now let me test the completed spell.&quot;<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Amana then proceeded to pick up a knife
and attempted to strike Buffy through the shield, as expected the shield
blocked her attack, however, Buffy did feel a certain amount of excruciating
pain.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Ow,&quot;
exclaimed the slayer, &quot;that hurt!&quot;<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>With that exclamation, the shield dissipated.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>


<p class=MsoPlainText><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><font size=2
face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:
"MS Mincho"'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;It's too be
expected dear,&quot; replied Amana, &quot;you will have to adjust the amount of
feedback so that you feel the attack, but not the pain.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Amana walked back
over to the workbench and picked up a pair of tongs, &quot;now try again and
adjust the amount of feedback so that you will not react to the attack as you
did, and cause the spell to be cancelled.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Once again, Buffy
went through the steps to create the spell shield, this time she was careful to
limit the amount of feedback.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She
also noticed that she was performing the spell faster.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Amana,&quot;
she said, &quot;I'm doing this faster.&quot; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Yep,&quot;
the other woman replied, &quot;in fact, the more you practice this spell the
faster you will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Eventually it
will be nearly instantaneous, you will think of the spell and it will come into
place, when you are at that level we will tie the spell to a power-word in your
mind so that you'll be able to cast it by just calling out the word and it will
come into place.&quot; At that she suddenly swing at the shield with the tongs,
hoping to catch Buffy off-guard, once again the spell deflected the attack,
this time, however, the feedback to Buffy was much less, and she did not react
in pain.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Better,&quot;
Amana said, &quot;this time you felt the attack, but it wasn't enough for you
to lose concentration and have it dispel.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;It felt like
a soft pressure,&quot; replied Buffy.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Excellent,&quot;
continued Amana, &quot;now lets work on some of the finer details before lunch,
tomorrow, we will work on making the spell independent.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;How will I
use it,&quot; asked Buffy, excited about the progress that she had made, and
now confidant that she could begin to call herself a mage.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Primarily as
an adjunct to your fighting,&quot; replied the other mage, &quot;for example,
you could have the shield protect you from behind as you engaged foes in front
of you.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Cool,&quot;
replied Buffy, thinking that it was great to have a way to combine both of her
skills together.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Elsewhere in the
workroom, Grael and Willow were working on a different set of skills.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow was trying to attune herself to
the energies of the earth and the creatures on it.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>It would be a useful skill so that she could monitor demons
and other animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She had
progressed to the point where she was able to sense creatures and perform some
rudimentary tracking of them when she felt a familiar rubbing against her leg.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Shadow-cat,&quot;
she exclaimed, &quot;here you are, I haven't seen you in days,&quot; she
continued as she reached down to pick-up her feline and sat down by the
fireplace to stroke and fuss over her.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;This gives
me an idea,&quot; commented Grael as he observed the interaction between Willow
and her cat, &quot;and I think that you are ready for this type of work, as I
mentioned last night.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;What's
that,&quot; asked Willow looking up at her teacher.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Its just
that I think that you are ready to try to attach to a familiar,&quot; replied
Grael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>&quot;Seeing you with your
cat there has reinforced the idea in my mind.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;What do you
mean?&quot; Said Willow, thinking that sometimes Grael could be incredibly
leisurely with the details.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;For mages of
your skill level there is the possibility of training a domestic animal to
become your familiar,&quot; replied Grael, &quot;and I think that you and
shadow-cat there would make a perfect pairing.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Familiar?&quot;
Asked Willow.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Familiar,&quot;
replied the other mage, &quot;an animal whom you impart part of your essence,
and from whom you take an equal amount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>When done properly you will be able to use Shadow-cat's senses, and link
with her to see what she sees, and sense what she senses, when you are not with
her.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Cool,&quot;
said the redhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>&quot;What do we
have to do?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;The spell
involves both a mental component, and a physical one,&quot; replied Grael.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Ok, what do
we do first?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;First we
will need a little blood from both you and your cat,&quot; replied the mage,
&quot;then we will mix it, and complete the spell with the mental
component.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Over the next hour
both mages worked carefully to achieve success in the casting of the
spell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They carefully prepared
their ingredients, and gently extracted a small quantity of blood from both
Shadow-cat and from Willow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The
cat sensed that something important was going on a bore up with the various
indignities that were performed on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Finally, Grael indicated that they were ready to cast the spell.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow took up the
various components of the spell, and concentrating on the cat that had taken up
residence on one of the workbenches, gathered up her power.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She then focused on the essence that
designated her pet and herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>She then, using the force of her will, forced a potion of the essences
to combine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She immediately
experienced a mind-expanding awareness of the world around her, and she knew
that she was seeing through Shadow-cat's eyes, there was incredible depth
perception in what she was seeing and a total lack of colour, she could also
see herself, and with her normal sight could see Shadow-cat.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The experience was quite unnerving and
as soon as she realised what had happened, the spell collapsed.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;That,&quot;
Willow stopped for a moment to collect her thoughts, &quot;that was quite an
experience.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Strange, and
frightening, was it,&quot; asked Grael.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Yes,&quot;
replied the redhead, &quot;however, I'm pleased that it succeeded at all.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;I told you
that you were capable of completing the spell,&quot; answered Grael who was
very pleased with the results of the spell, &quot;with practice you will be
able to both maintain your focus with Shadow-cat as well as pick up some of
what she is perceiving with her other senses.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Now,&quot;
he continued, &quot;lets sit down by the fire, grab a drink, since you are
certain to have a headache, and we can discuss some of the finer points of the
spell.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow and her
teacher proceeded to spend the rest of the morning deep in conversation on the
various aspects of working with a familiar and what the limitations were.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Willow learned that if she died that
Shadow-cat would also die, that for the first few weeks the interaction would
be very limited, however, she would eventually be able to virtually take over
shadow-cat and direct her to places that Willow and not the cat wanted.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Eventually Buffy and Amana had to come
over to pry Willow away and send the younger women off to dinner with Bridie
and Aiofe who had arrived several minutes earlier to announce that it was time
for the meal.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>After the foursome
had left to dine, Amana sat in the spot recently occupied by Willow.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Very
productive morning,&quot; she said after a few moments, &quot;I'm especially
pleased that Willow was able to successfully cast the familiar spell.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;So was
I,&quot; replied the other mage, &quot;and on her first attempt to.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Impressive,&quot;
Amana said, &quot;most mages take four or five attempts to do the spell.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;She's is
definitely not most mages,&quot; answered Grael, &quot;I am beginning to think
that soon she will be beyond my skill to teach her anything.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Time to
accelerate and intensify the training then,&quot; said Amana, &quot;come, dear,
we will discuss this over dinner.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>At that the two
older mages headed out to their own dinner, deep in conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Later on that
afternoon Willow and Buffy were in the training halls working on group tactics
with Daithi and the guardsmen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The
training halls were a series of practice arenas, classrooms, barracks and
armouries, which encompassed the entire back third of the castle complex.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The women were currently in the largest
of the practice arenas; it was a three-story chamber approximately thirty
meters by sixty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The floor was a
combination of wood, stone and sand - since there was very few windows set into
the scared walls, lighting was provided by several huge lanterns hanging from
the vaulted ceiling and eight fireplaces, each large enough to roast a small
cow.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow had trained
very hard and diligently over the last ten days, she had swiftly picked up the
fundamentals of hand-to-hand combat and with concentrated one-on-one training
had gained self-confidence in her talents.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>What the two women were now working on was cooperative
manoeuvres, in a simulated town environment complete with houses, shops and
other forms of defensive and offensive cover.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>The two women were working for the most part back-to-back in
order that Buffy could concentrate on the fight without having to spend too
much attention on Willow.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow was using
her enhanced perception to keep aware of dangers and then to communicate them
to Buffy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy was also trying to
use her new spell in a defensive effort while keeping up with her attacks.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Shadow-cat was also involved; she was keeping
to the edge of the practice arena, every so often Willow would link with her to
gain additional skill and confidence in working with her familiar.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Unknown to the
various people in the training hall their activities were being monitored by
someone who was not at all in favour of the activities going on.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The suspicious dark man, who had been
stalking the halls earlier that day, was watching from an upstairs gallery the
workout taking place below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span>He had successfully drugged one of the cooks that morning and had been
finally able to obtain some information on what had been going on in the mage's
wing for the last couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>He had been stunned by the information, not only was his master correct
about the potential for harm to their campaign, but the two world travellers
working out in the arena below were potentially the greatest threat to himself
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>He had decided to take
matters into his own hands; he had therefore ordered one of his spies to
arrange an 'accident' for the two women in their practice today.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Hopefully the accident would give him
and his master the time to complete their plans.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>He was staying up out of the way, to observe the results,
and to be in a position to make a quick getaway if things turned out unpleasant
for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow was really
getting into the practice this afternoon, she was working well with Buffy and
it appeared that she was always anticipating which direction they would be
moving in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy was also in high
spirits, first because her lover was really in the grove, and was providing not
only excellent intelligence but also backup - they were simulating Willow's
spells, on the guardsmen. Buffy also felt that today she was reacting almost
instantly to Willow's warnings, in some cases it seemed like she was reacting
as Willow spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy's use of
her spell shield was also improving with practice, it was still not
instantaneous, and it still had a tendency to collapse at inopportune
moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy, however, had used
it successfully on occasion to block one quadrant of potential attacks, and
that combined with Willow watching her back resulted in only two avenues to
defend, all in all a major improvement, with the potential of greater
survivability in future battles greatly increased.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow was at that
moment trying once again to use her link with Shadow-cat.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>So far that afternoon it had proven
useful, on occasion, to have a different perspective on the battle.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It had given her some additional time
to warn her partner, and had allowed her to see beyond the immediate area and
into areas of cover, which were not visible to the two women.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Grey, sharp,
empty of humans, &gt; Willow saw with eyes other than her own.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;I'm going to
have to get used to this,&quot; Willow thought as she looked around with two
sets of eyes, one, her own, on the area immediately in front of her, and the
other, Shadow-cat's, at a location near the back of the training areas.
&quot;It's either that, or go crazy,&quot; she mumbled to herself.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Human, fear
smell, there, - small human, not guardsman, servant &gt; Willow saw and
smelled, someone enter the training area from the rear of the complex, he was
not familiar, not that she new everyone, far from it, but that he was not
dressed like a guardsman, in fact he was dressed like a cook, complete with an
apron and a rather large knife.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Hugh,&quot;
asked Grael as he entered the gallery above the training hall, &quot;what are
you doing here?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Grael had decided
to come by and watch the two world travellers in their workout, to try and get
a sense of how they were proceeding in a non-magical area.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>He was not happy to see Hugh d'Troville
also apparently watching the activities of the two women.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>He still did not fully trust the man,
even though Daithi had vetted him and even though he had worked without
incident in the Castellan's office for the last six months or so. Grael had
been keeping the existence of Willow and Buffy away from most of the castle
community, having Hugh here could only mean that word had leaked out.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Good
afternoon Sir,&quot; replied Hugh as he gave a curt bow, inwardly seething at
having been found watching what was supposed to be a closely guarded activity,
&quot;I was just supervising some inventories in this area when I heard the
noise and came by to investigate.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Hmm,&quot;
thought Grael, &quot;I wonder if that is completely the truth.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Well, what
do you think of what you have seen,&quot; he asked the smaller man.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Impressive,&quot;
the other replied, &quot;they are certainly very competent in practice,&quot;
he added after a moments pause.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>At that moment
there was a piercing scream from the arena.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Both men turned back to the gallery balcony to look at what
was going on below.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>A few moments
before...<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Human, knife,
fear smell, what is it going to do to my human, fear, hurt human &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow had sensed
that this unknown person who had been sneaking around in the back of the
training area was not pleased to be there, and in fact was rather afraid to be
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>However, at that moment she
was rather preoccupied with six of the guardsmen trying a simultaneous attack
on Buffy and her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>So she had not
warned Buffy of this stranger, figuring that he was just trying to grab an
illicit look at what was going on.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; KNIFE, throw
knife &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;What,&quot;
Willow screamed as she finally sorted out all of the images coming from
Shadow-cat, &quot;Buffy!!!!&quot; she yelled as she threw herself in front of
the knife that had been thrown by the mysterious cook, who at that moment was
also screaming, this time in pain, from the scratching and biting that was
being inflicted on him by an enraged feline.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Willow!!!!&quot;
screamed Buffy as she turned from the battle to see her soul mate laying on the
floor with a thirty centimetre cooks knife protruding from her chest and with
her lifeblood pooling on the floor beneath her.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy quickly bent
down beside Willow and applied pressure on the wound.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>&quot;Someone, do something,&quot; she yelled to the group
of people who were quickly forming a circle around the pair on the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Buffy,&quot;
replied Daithi softly, &quot;Buffy, she's gone, there is nothing we can do, the
knife entered her chest right near the heart.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;She can't
go,&quot; pleaded the slayer, &quot;she is everything to me.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Willow was not yet
dead, she was however, very close to it, &quot;Buffy,&quot; she whispered,
&quot;Buffy are you there?&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Yes love,
I'm here,&quot; she replied, &quot;don't struggle, I'll get some help.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;There's no
time for me,&quot; the redhead replied weakly, &quot;I'm going to the Goddess,
but know that I have always loved you...&quot; she fell silent as she lapsed
into unconsciousness.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;No,&quot;
exclaimed the determined slayer, &quot;no, I will not accept this.&quot;<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>With that she dove into the energies
that surrounded everything and everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>&quot;Those medalling mages are always saying that Will and I are
soul-mates and that we are tied together, lets just see how tied we are,&quot;
she said to herself as she used her recently found talent to perceive the
magical energies, and the links between them to search out and find the ties
that bound her to Willow.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Where are
they,&quot; she muttered to herself as she totally detached from reality and
plunged into her task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She quickly
found that there were several ties to Willow and that they were going dim as
the life force was sucked from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>However, there was one tie that was both large and complex, which Buffy
could tell, intuitively, was the one that tied the two of them together.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;I have no
idea what I'm doing,&quot; she thought to herself.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>&quot;But this is either going to cure her, or kill us
both.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy then used
some of the biofeedback tools that she had been using with her spell shield and
combined it with the depth of her love for the other woman and used the link to
pour life sustaining energy into Willow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>At the same time, she tried to extend her own ability to self-heal to
what she was doing for Willow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She
expanded her awareness and, without knowing how she did it, looked deep inside
of her lover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She was able to tell
that the knife had not penetrated the heart, however, it had nicked one of the
major arteries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy pulled the
knife out of Willow's chest and tried to apply her healing abilities directly,
without success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She rapidly
became frantic with panic, her lover was passing away in her arms and there
seemed to be nothing she could do.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Suddenly a thought
came to her, and without thinking twice she acted on it.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy reinforced the energy link
between her and Willow, and, without a concern for the consequences, forced herself
to spiritually and psychologically follow with the power that was flowing
between the two of them.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Buffy's mind
exploded with the impact of the jumbled thoughts of Willow.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She saw, and experienced what Willow
saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She remembered what Willow
remembered, and she felt the agonizing pain that Willow was feeling.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Using all of her experience to block
out the pain, Buffy quickly forced Willow's body to accelerate the healing
process, using the energy it was getting directly from the slayer.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Buffy could see the results, the tear
in the artery closed and healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;
</span>Willow's heart beat, which had been erratic with the reduced blood flow,
strengthened as the healing process that Buffy had hastened created new blood
for her.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Buffy, &gt;
the slayer heard, &lt; what are you doing? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Shush, &gt;
she replied to herself, realizing that somehow the two of them could
essentially read each other's mind.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Buffy!! &gt;
The other exclaimed mentally, &lt; what are you doing in my mind? &gt; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Healing you,
silly, &gt; Buffy replied with relief as she collapsed in exhaustion, her
desperate gamble had worked, however it appeared that there had been one or two
unexpected side effects.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Daithi realised
that something extraordinary had happened. He had seen Buffy wrap Willow in her
arms and then appear to fall into a trance.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>What had happened then floored them all, first the blood had
stopped flowing from the wound in Willow's chest, and then the wound had
healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Finally, the wounded
arch-mage's breathing had stabilized as the slayer had collapsed in fatigue; it
appeared that Willow would not, in reality, die.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Daithi quickly ordered several orderlies forward with
gurneys, to take the two women to the infirmary.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Upstairs in the
gallery, Hugh had watched the proceeding below in horror, not as Grael thought,
in sympathy for the two women, but rather in the collapse of his plan and
position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>He extracted himself
quickly from Grael's company and made immediate preparations to leave the castle,
and the city.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Grael was too
stunned to much notice of the hasty departure of Hugh; he was shocked by the
attack and immediately went down to the infirmary to check on the two
women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Once he had been assured
that they would be fine, he left in a foul mood to find Daithi and the cook who
had initiated the attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>He
needed answers, and he needed them soon.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Later that night
two young women were to be found in a heavily guarded room in the
infirmary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>There were guards
posted both inside and outside of the room.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>Additional guards were located at each intersection in the
hallways and staircases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>In
addition, the patrols in the castle had been increased, and the patrols had had
their frequency and patterns changed.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>Meanwhile the city
had been sealed and was being scoured from one end to the other for the traitor
Hugh d'Troville and any of his accomplices that were still around.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Daithi had little hope of finding Hugh,
but he hoped that the dragnet would shake free some of the other conspirators
who had not yet been able to flee the city.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Rather like
bolting the barn door after the horse has left isn't it, &gt; asked the
red-haired woman occupy one of the two beds.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Yep, &gt;
replied the other, &lt; but better safe than sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun:
yes">&nbsp; </span>The information that Grael got from that cook indicates that
that Hugh guy had a lot of people on his payroll. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The two women were
still stunned by this side effect of Buffy's desperate healing action.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>They continued their conversation in
this manner, mostly because of the novelty, but also because of the three
guardsmen in the room with them.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I feel like
I'm in the zoo, &gt; Buffy said mentally, &lt; If those three don't find
something to do other than stare at us, I am going to scream. &gt; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I agree love,
&gt; replied Willow, &lt; but its only till tomorrow, then we can go back to
our own rooms. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; I can't wait,
and I don't think that I'll be able to sleep properly if I'm not in your arms
&gt; replied the slayer, &lt; this is just too weird for words, though don't
you think? &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The two women upon
awaking had noticed that the tie between them had not gone back to the way it
was before the attack, rather it appeared to be even larger and more complex
than what Buffy had done; it was also apparent that they could move back and
forth between each others thoughts and memories at will.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Amana, who had been at their bedside
when they awoke, explained that it was all a product of the intense emotions
felt by Buffy when she was healing Willow, and also due to the deep love
between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She had advised that
since each other's mind was fully open to the other, that they immediately
spend some time building a secure location in their own mind which only they
could access, since even for two people as deeply in love as they were needed
to keep some secrets, after all if they didn't Christmas and birthdays would be
forever ruined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She had also
indicated that both Grael and she had hoped for this link to develop, but were
intensely upset that it had come as a result of the traitorous attack on them.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Meeooow,&quot;
said Shadow-cat who was occupying her usual place on top of Willow's
pillow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>She had been pleased with
the day's activities, and had been helpful in the capture of the attacker.<span
style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>All in all a very good day she thought
to herself, she was now a familiar, and would therefore be of even greater
service to her human.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;Yes, you
silly feline,&quot; replied Willow, &quot;If not for you I wouldn't have seen
the attack in time.&quot;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&quot;And then I'd
be the one who might of died,&quot; replied Buffy.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; Its ok love,
&gt; replied Willow, &lt; by the way, thank-you for the Valentines gift. &gt; <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>&lt; It wasn't
what I had intended, &gt; replied the other, &lt; but, you're welcome. &gt;<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>The two women
drifted off to sleep, while deep within both the link between them, and within
certain cells of their bodies, changes were occurring.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=FR
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language:
FR'>Finis Part IV<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=FR
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho";mso-ansi-language:
FR'><![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span lang=EN-GB
style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family:"MS Mincho"'>To be continued...<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

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