Walking quickly through the Horizon Realm and up unto the chantry, she excitedly pushes the speed-dial for Veil's number and waits while it rings.

"Hello?" Veil sounds sleepy and she yawns after she picks up the phone
"Veil!!! We HAVE to get together today and talk! When are you free!?"
"Nettle?" Veil sounds amused at your excited tone. "I'm free all day, is everything alright?"
"Yes!! Yes! Life is beautiful...birds are singing...let's go have breakfast at Denny's!"
Veil chuckles. "Ok I'll meet you there in an hour!"
You hear the click as she hangs up the phone
Nettle hangs up and runs back into the Horizon Realm, back into she and Alec's room. Creeping quietly, she gets dressed in a flowing gypsy skirt and blouse with boots, kisses Alec on the cheek, and writes him a quick note. Placing it on the night stand, she walks carefully around all the fallen objects on the floor, and on up into the chantry.

An hour later she is standing in the lobby of the Denny's, pacing around with a smile on her face, waiting for Veil to arrive.
You see Veil's sleek black car purr into the parking lot and she gets out of the car, long black hair hanging loosely about her shoulders. Wearing dark shades to keep out the sunlight, you can tell that Veil is feeling a bit delicate this morning as she walks carefully up into the restaurant. When she enters the restaurant and hugs you hello, the sweet scent of incense envelopes you.

Nettle notices Veil looking tired and asks what's wrong.
Veil shakes her head. "I should know better than to drink a whole bottle of wine myself," she smiles slightly. "I'm keeping the headache around to remind me."
Nettle laughs. "So....you must have been celebrating how well last night went with David, hmmm?"
Veil quirks her lips up in a semblance of a smile. "Perhaps.."
Nettle laughs happily and then finally does embrace Veil warmly.
"We have so much to talk about today, Veil!! But first let's get a booth!"
Veil looks around impatiently for someone to sit the two of you. "If I don't get some coffee soon someone's gonna get hurt!"
An worn-out looking woman finally approaches and leads you to a seat, setting plastic-coated menus down carelessly in front of you "Would either of you like some coffee?" she asks in a tired voice.

Veil nods and sinks lower into the seat, trying to stay out of the sun
Nettle sees Veil's condition and orders two cups of coffee with lots of cream and sugar packets.
"Poor Veily! Not only did we stay up all night, but you went and drank a whole bottle of wine!!" Nettle takes Veil's hand and pats it, smiling.
"So...I take it that you and Alec made up last night?" Veil asks when the coffee arrives, sipping at her drink
Veil smiles and nods
Nettle suddenly beams-- her eyes going to her left hand. Holding up her left hand for Veil to see, she points the ring. "I'd say so!" Nettle looks about to burst with joy.
Veil's eyes look like they are about to pop out of their sockets

"Is that was I think it is??" she asks in shock
"Oh Veil!! He asked me to marry him!!! We're getting married on Candlemas!!"
Nettle clutches Veil's hands tightly-- her energy bursting all over the place.
"That is...if you're free to perform the ceremony on Candlemas...."
"Of course I am!"
Veil still seems a bit speechless in shock
"I know you never would have expected this from me-- I never thought it would happen to me, myself!! The life I've lead up until now! No one at the Order is going to believe it!!"
Veil shakes her head. "You've got that right! What about your handfasting? Are you going to forego that for a Christian wedding?"
"But I do love him completely, and am so overjoyed, Veil! Don't think I'm being hasty by accepting!"
Veil looks a bit doubtful
"Oh, not a Christian wedding! Never that! But we would like a civil wedding, yes....it seems we have some...ideas...that would require we get legally married to be safe, and um..." Nettle trails off.
"A civil wedding... well I suppose that I could perform one of those, though I don't see that you would need me to! A judge would work just as well for that."
"We would decorate and dress pagan....do a pagan-oriented ceremony. Oh Veil!! You HAVE to be the one to perform it or what would the point be?? Please say you will!!"

"Pagan-oriented???"
"Dress pagan??"
Nettle looks into her eyes and sees a little hardness there, and recoils a bit.
Veil takes off of her sunglasses and stares hard at her student
"Well....I mean....not a traditional wedding dress...not the traditional vows....." Nettle looks nervous.
Nettle averts her eyes and plays with her coffee cup.
"Not traditional. Whose traditions are you talking about?"
Nettle looks at Veil, and some tears start welling up in her eyes.
"Not a modern, traditional civil ceremony-- one that comes as close to one of our wedding ceremonies...." a tear breaks free and slides down her cheek, and she rubs it away embarrassedly.
Nettle feels herself being pinned to the spot by Veil's eyes, like some bug on a pin.
Veil sighs, trying to control her temper as her friend starts crying.
"Close isn't good enough Nettle. It either is or it isn't.. if you want to have a civil wedding fine, but don't mock our beliefs by twisting one of our sacred ceremonies into something different."
"You can't pick and choose elements from our ceremonies to form something else. It's sacrilege against the goddess! Our rituals have been the same for centuries."
Nettle blinks her eyes rapidly, fighting a hard fight to control her emotions as she listens to Veil.
"Look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry but,"
"I'm....I'm sorry...I always seem to offend everyone..."Nettle jumps up and runs to the bathroom, hiding her face as she does.
"Damn," veil mutters as Nettle gets up and runs to the bathroom.
She quickly stands and follows her
Nettle runs into a stall and shuts the door, and you can hear the sound of nose-blowing echoing off the tiled walls.
"Nettle please don't cry, you know I didn't mean to make you cry.."
Veil stands outside of the stall that Nettle has hidden herself in and tries to think how to make amends.
Between blows, Nettle calls out, "No..no�you're right...I'm a fool..."
"No! Nettle you're not a fool, I'm sorry I shouldn't have been so harsh on you, you're still learning.."
"I forget sometimes that not everyone has grown up as I have. You don't know everything yet that you should and that is partly my fault as well. I've been lax in teaching you.."

"I'm so immature...I am...I just wanted the best of both worlds..."
"No! You've been great, Veil! I have to realize that I'm reflecting on you when I say or do stupid things..."
"You're not immature! Why do you say that? Nettle you are an incredible person, don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
More sniffling and tissue-sounds coming from the stall. Veil silently beseeches the goddess for temperance and knocks on the stall door. "Nettle? Let me in ok?"
"I always just say what comes to my head and never let it go through my brain first..."
There's a pause, and then the door slowly opens, revealing Nettle crouched on the toilet-seat with puffy eyes and nose.
"Damnit Nettle don't cry! You're going to make me cry!!" Veil shuts the stall door behind her and gives you a big hug.
Nettle laughs and cries at the same time, holding her mentor close.
"I'm sorry-- I seem to be more emotional these days....I'm sorry Veil! Let me pull myself together and we'll go back and get some food..."
"geeze if I didn't know better I'd think you were pregnant or something!"
Veil suddenly looks down at you with an intent expression
Nettle looks up in shock-- her mouth hanging open in surprise.

Then Nettle suddenly lets out a loud laugh.
Veil suddenly smiles. "Hmm...guess not."
"You had me real worried for a minute there!"
"Well...that's how the proposal was inspired, I think!" Nettle gives Veil a mischievous grin.
"Oh?" Veil arches an eyebrow. "Do tell!"
"I thought you were reading my mind for a minute!" Nettle grins some more.
"No, reading your body, which is an entirely different thing."
"I asked Alec about reversing his vasectomy...told him I'd pondered bearing his children...he thought that sounded like a good idea!" Nettle laughs girlishly.
"Reading my body??" Nettle looks surprised again.
"To see if you were pregnant or not�it's quite easy, I can show you how."
"Yes! Show me how! I might need it later!" Nettle grins eagerly.

"You're not pregnant but your hormones sure are going out of control!! What is that boy doing to you!"
Veil puts her arm around your waist and walks with you back into the dining area.
Nettle laughs loudly. "What HASN'T he done is a better question, me thinks!"
You sit down and the disinterested waitress comes to take your order
"What am I going to do about the wedding, Veil? We've decided to forgo the hand-fasting..."
Veil orders a huge breakfast - you don't even know how she's going to eat that much let alone on a hung over stomach.
Nettle looks up and gives the waitress her order, eager to get back to talking.
"Well, the wedding is up to you, but if you're not going to do a traditional pagan wedding you should have a traditional civil one.."
"I can perform civil weddings, though I've never done one before.."
Nettle nods. "Well, I wanted it to be outdoors...what about in a clearing in the mountains?"
"Then again...it will be cold and possibly snowing..."
"That sounds really nice!"
Veil finishes her cup of coffee and signals the waitress for another.
Nettle ponders.
"Well...that's true. Hmmm."
Nettle looks down at her nearly-full cup and takes a sip before it gets too cold.
"We could do the ceremony outdoors with coats, and then a reception indoors? We have a lot of details to work out, it seems!"

"Well if you do that who will be able to see your wedding dress!"
Nettle starts glowing again as she discusses the plans.
"Could I use Forces to keep warm?"
Veil smiles to see Nettle so happy and dismisses a twinge of sadness that grips her
"In front of all your guests? I wouldn't recommend it...what would people think to see you without a coat in February and not even have goosebumps?"
"We'll have some non-Awakened people there...hmmm"
"You'd best have an indoor wedding, or perhaps we could find a nice large atrium in the city!"
"That would be almost as good as outdoors."
"I'll stand out in the cold if I have to!" Nettle laughs.
"Oh! An atrium! Very good idea! Yes-- let's do that!"
"Now we just have to find one large enough� how many people will you be inviting?"
"After we eat, would you come ring-shopping with me? I already have a pattern I want to order!"
"Sure! I'd love to."
Nettle thinks�
The waitress arrives carrying steaming plates of food. Veil looks hungrily at the food and licks her lips in anticipation.

After she sets the trays down the waitress returns to the kitchen leaving you once more alone
"Well, his parents from England, my parents, my cousin, the Order, his friends..." Nettle trails off.
"Ahh, a nice cozy little group�sounds great!"
"Yes! I can't wait for our parents to meet! Won't that be a blast?? And Mom meeting Alec...woah...!" "You haven't even met my parents! I can't wait for you to,Veil!!"
Veil laughs
"Do you think they'll like me?" she asks, suddenly sounding unsure of herself
"Oh Veil! Of course they will!! Mom is a little anti-establishment, so she might make a couple Wiccan jokes here and there, but they'll both love you, baby!"
Veil laughs again. "Sounds like my kind of people"
Nettle pauses for a moment to regard Veil.
"What about you? What happened to your family?"
Veil looks up in surprise, her violet eyes widening
"I...I don't know." she says simply
"You don't know? Who raised you? Where are you from?"
Veil reaches into her purse for a clove then remembers the no-smoking law. "Damn. Let's go outside, shall we?"
Nettle looks intrigued and a little saddened.
Nettle looks at all the uneaten food on the table and nods, rising from the booth.
Veil avoids Nettle's question as she puts on her coat and fumbles for her gloves
Veil carelessly drops a few bills on the table to cover the meal then leads Nettle outside
As soon as the glass door closes behind her Veil lights up a clove and inhales deeply of the sweet smoke. She hands Nettle one and lights it for her
Nettle stands silently, accepting the clove, and then smiles for a moment. "You wouldn't believe I asked for a joint last night, would you!"
Nettle laughs.
Veil exhales, a cloud of smoke and vapor curling up from her lips to fade into the cold air
"Hahahaha. You did? I'm very impressed!"
"I was trying to relate to Alec better-- I thought he was a pot-head like Mom, but he uses drugs as foci!! Can you believe I've been healing him every time he gets high??"

"I'm sure that Alec was overjoyed as well, I take it you'll not be trying to rip his foci from his hands any time soon?" Veil chuckles
"Somehow, I don't doubt it!"
Nettle laughs out loud. "You knew?? I'm the last to know! Hahaha!"
Veil grins and takes another deep drag from the clove. "I was waiting to see if you'd figure it out for yourself or if Alec would get fed up and tell you himself!"
Nettle laughs again, the smoke and condensed air puffing from her mouth. "He can be very patient when he wants to be! That, or just quiet!"
"It's a poor foci, but then the cultists have got a lot of things wrong."
"That they do...but boy can they...well, you know..." Nettle laughs and blushes.
"I'm surprised more Verbena don't end up with COEs!" Nettle exclaims
Veil giggles and winks at you as she exhales the smoke
"And what's wrong with our men?" Veil asks indignantly
"You just remember the last time one of our men was your Lord, embodying the Consort and all his power and tell me that the COE are better!"
Nettle laughs. "Oooh, you're going to make me flash-back to some very nice memories! Nothing at all...nothing at all!"
Nettle ponders this and grins. "Well, not better...you're right, Veil! Maybe just one COE then..."
"Hehehe yeah I think that you're biased, my dear."
"Speaking of better...if our men are so great, why are you trying to get with David!"
Nettle raises an eyebrow and grins.
Veil blushes and looks away. "I, I don't know..."
"there's just something about him I don't know how to explain it..."
Nettle smiles and turns Veil's face back to face her. "I know exactly what you mean, baby! It was love at first sight for me, too!"
Veil smiles. "It's more than that though, it's very strange..."

"I think-- the goddess willing-- that you two would be very good for each other!"
"Really?" Nettle looks intrigued.
Veil trails off and absently smokes her clove
Nettle watches Veil's face-- hoping she'll continue telling her about her attraction to David.
Veil shrugs and looks at you. "I'll figure out what it is eventually..."
Well, in any case, it would be fun to go on some kind of double-date, don't you think?" Nettle smiles and gazes at her ring again.
"Maybe...somehow I can't see David and I going out on a 'date'"

"Veil...when is your birthday, if you don't mind me asking....and how old are you?"
Veil looks surprised at the sudden question. "Well, perhaps one day when I find out I'll be able to tell you!"
Nettle is surprised at her own rush of courage, and watches Veil's face tentatively. "You don't know a thing about your personal details?
Who raised you? Where are were you raised?" Nettle looks shocked.
Veil shakes her head. "Here, let me show you."
Nettle waits with baited breath to see what Veils's about to show her.
Veil steps aside as some patrons walk past you out of the restaurant and into the parking lot.
Nettle watches the sudden movement distractedly.
Veil places your hand over her heart, and you can sense the Life that is within her.
Nettle watches her mentor's violet eyes silently.
Veil is Old....
Nettle's eyes open wide. "How...how is this possible?" she asks unbelieving.
Veil shakes her head. "I don't know..."
Nettle looks at Veil with a mixture of fear and awe.
You should be able to sense her age, but something obscures your vision. All that you know is that were Nature taking it's course on her she would have been long turned to dust.
I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't tell anyone about this...you're the first person I've told in a very long time." Veil asks

You...you don't remember because it's been so long since you were born?" Nettle feels her knees get weak, like she needs to sit down...or bow before Veil...or something!
"No, it's not that...I remember waking in a forest. That is my first memory."
"Don't worry-- I can keep secrets well, Veil. I won't tell anyone!" Nettle slumps against the side of the building, still looking a little shaken.
"And you're teaching me??" Nettle says it almost to herself.
"I looked then as I do now, I haven't aged...I don't know why�haven't touched myself with Life in that regard." Veil smiles.
"Why does that surprise you? You have a too low opinion of yourself..."

"I-- I'm just in awe!! First I meet a real dragon...then I find out my mentor is-- I don't know-- immortal! What a month!" Nettle ponders anew Veil's attraction for David.
"I Awakened in a grove that was home to a similar tree to the one we found in the desert�though it is destroyed now..." Veil looks incredibly sad as she says this.
Nettle wants to walk over and hug Veil, but is too in awe of her for the moment to dare to act-- the long friendship seeming unreal at the moment. "Do you remember your mentor?"
Veil sees Nettle's expression and feels the rift that has grown suddenly between them. Her look of sadness turns to one of regret.
Nettle confuses the look in Veils's eyes to be reflecting her reaction to the question, and continues watching Veil's face silently.
"Yes, I remember him..." her eyes seem to turn inward and she inhales another cloud of smoke from her clove.

"Would you tell me about...him?" Nettle's eyes gain back a glint of mischievousness, and she seems to stand straighter.
Veil answers quietly, "Perhaps... some other time however."
Nettle looks crest-fallen, but nods her head slowly. A smile appears on her face, and she impulsively hugs Veil-- although with a new feeling of care about how she does it. "You and Alec are going to give me ulcers-- what with my curiosity being so high, and you two always putting off answering my questions!"
Veil smiles in relief that Nettle hugged her...craving the human contact, she hugs Nettle back tightly.
Nettle feels relief wash over her as Veil hugs her tightly, and realizes it's still Veil-- no matter what she just found out about her incredible past.
"I think that I did quite well answering your questions! You've gotten more out of me this afternoon than, well�almost anyone!"
Nettle laughs and shakes her head. "Thank you for telling me, Veil! I'm seeing you in a whole new light, too..." Nettle can't think of how to finish her thought, so she remains silent instead.

"Well, are we gonna go get that ring or not?" Veil grins, seemingly now her light-hearted self.
Nettle beams at Veil. "Yes! Let's go get it ordered! Oh Veil...I love you so much!!" Nettle hugs her again tightly.
Veil feels a tear form in the corner of her eye and quickly wipes it away while Nettle is still hugging her.
"I love you too Nettle! Very much. Sorry for yelling at you earlier."
"Oh-- you don't have to apologize, Veil. You never have to apologize! I DO have a lot to learn, and you DO teach me well." Nettle takes Veil's hand and starts skipping to the car, pulling her arm crazily.
Veil laughs and lets Nettle drag her along.
"Well I don't think that I've been teaching you as much as I should. Hmmm....think that your cabal will mind if I take one of those empty bedrooms in your chantry?"
"Really??" Nettle looks overjoyed. "Oh, please do come move in!! I don't care if they mind or not-- of course they won't!" Nettle is excited again. And we'll see if we can get David to move in, as well, eh Veily?" Nettle winks.
"Well, it does matter if they mind�there are rules about such things." Veil tells you. "But if they'd rather I not live there for a time we'll just be sure that I visit you at least once a day."
Nettle laughs. "Oh Veil-- sometimes you're so paranoid about how people feel about you! I can't think of a single reason they wouldn't want you to live in the chantry! If I remember right, you were invited to stay only last month!"
"One doesn't live through the Inquisition without getting a little paranoid about what people are thinking about you!!" Veil grins wickedly and starts up her car.
Nettle gasps at Veil with an open mouth. "You...you..." and can't seem to finish her sentence.
The sounds of Fear Factory assault your ears & Veil turns down the volume to a tolerable level.

"Veil!! I'm going to get you drunk and you're going to tell me lots of cool stories, so just you watch out" Nettle laughs.
"Ach, don't even speak to me about alcohol!" Veil's mouth twists in distaste.
Nettle grooves out to the music as they drive, instructing Veil to take them to the specialty jewelry store downtown.
Veil follows her directions and soon they're pulling into a parking space in front of the store.
You notice all the Christmas decorations that hang gaudily from every lamppost and street.
Nettle shakes her head at the Christmas-decor-- not being one who likes all the music and mayhem that comes along with Christmas-- and instead focuses on her joy at being engaged.
"It's amazing how much of this was stolen from us by the Christians, isn't it?"
Veil nods, turning off the ignition. "Well, they had to mask their religion behind our ways to get the 'simple folk' to convert...what a waste."
Nettle laughs. "Veil-- if you lived through the Inquisition, how can you be so calm with Choristers running everywhere??"
Veil walks behind you as you lead the way into the store "Well, I just happened to learn a few tricks between now and then. I doubt any of them will bother me now..."
Veil gets a feline gleam in her eyes. "But sometimes I sure wish that they would try..."
Nettle laughs loudly as they walk up to the counter, and reaches in her pocket for the drawing she did of the ring she wants to order.
Veil looks interestedly at the paper to see what you've drawn
Nettle shows her the paper. "Alec picked out a ring that represents me, so I'm getting one that represents him!"

It is a ring made up of 5 thin rings of gold with equally-large empty spaces between each ring-- the thin rings linked by small musical notes going all the way around. It's a line of music."
"Oooh...Nettle that's really beautiful!"
"Thank you! Do you want to know what this song is? It's "Strawberry Fields" by the Beatles. The song Alec heard in his seeking when he told his avatar that he was choosing me. It's the last line of notes from the chorus."
Nettle sings, "Strawberry fields forever�"
"Choosing you?" Veil frowns. "Choosing you over whom??"
"Not over whom�over what. He had to choose between me or enlightenment! I'm hoping I can give him both!" Nettle smiles a pure smile.
Veil looks relieved. "Well that's good...for a moment there I thought that Alec had been two-timing you!!"
Nettle bursts out laughing-- but not too loudly. "His friends are going to fall over dead when they hear we're engaged!! They thought I would be lucky if I got a second date out of him without him seeing another girl in between!" Nettle turns to the lady behind the counter, and smoothes the crinkles in the paper she's holding.
"Just be careful...with a man like that, he might think that he can change..." Veil shakes her head. "Well I'm sure that you know him better than I do."
The woman sees that you're ready to speak to her and asks you politely how she can help you.
"He's a very good man, and I trust him with all of my heart."
Nettle looks up smiling, and pushes the paper across the counter. "I would like to have a ring specially made for my fiance!" Nettle states proudly-- getting a shimmer of sparkles after she says this.

The woman nods, and takes the piece of paper. "I think that we could do this...when do you need it finished?"
"The date has been set for February 2nd, but I'd like to have it done as soon as possible! How soon could you do it?"
"We can have it for you in about 6 weeks," the woman answers.
"We'll need a deposit of half the balance up front." She rattles off the prices for each different kind of metal you can choose from, ranging from copper to platinum.
"That sounds great! I'd like the 24 karat gold, please, and I'll give you the full amount now, if you don't mind
The woman looks a bit surprised. "No problem at all!" She pulls an order book out from under the counter and asks you to fill out your information on the top.
Nettle fills everything out-- relishing writing Alec's ring-size and his store's P.O. box-- and then hands the book back. Getting out her wallet, she begins counting out the $100s until she reaches the right amount.
The woman accepts your cash and hands you a receipt. "We'll call you when it's finished. Thank you very much!"
"Well, there goes my savings account! Well-spent, I think!"
Veil leads you out of the store and into the cold December air. "Well, now that you've just spent your life savings...where to now?
"Let's go back to your place-- I'd like to start training in a new sphere, and I have some questions! That is, if you're not busy!"
"You've got me this whole day, if you want me!" Veil replies.
As you get into the car she asks, "Which sphere are you interested in?"

Nettle laughs and gives Veil a naughty look-- raising her eyebrows up and down. Then she calms herself, and answers seriously, "I agree with what you said yesterday-- I need to learn Correspondence!"
"Good choice! We'll start on that today then."
"OK! That would be great, Veil!"
Veil drives through the avenues until she reaches an old house-turned-apartment building. A large wrought-iron fence surrounds the red house, which rears up three storeys into the sky.
Nettle looks up at the house-- as always, in admiration of the architecture and time-period it represents-- and shuts her car door.
Veil leads you inside the front door and up the old wooden steps.

Threadbare old carpet covers the wood and old paintings hang sporadically on the walls. She fishes her keys out of her purse and unlocks the door on the third floor.
Looking at the paintings, Nettle comments, "Better buy from the museum while you can, Veil, because I might be quitting, and no more discount for me!"
Veil chuckles as she pushes the door open and leads you into her apartment.
"I don't want to put anything too expensive out here it could get stolen..."
"That's true...and I pity the person who attempts to steal from you!"
A small grey tabby bounds around a corner and meows plaintively until Veil picks her up. You look around her apartment and see the familiar rooms. Antique wooden furniture is scattered throughout the place, and most of the chairs are covered in purple or black velvet. A curtain of black beads separates the living room from the kitchen. A pair of black velvet drapes hang over the windows. Houseplants of all shapes and sizes rest on any conceivable empty space.

Nettle smiles as she enters the apartment, an invigorating aura pervades every corner.
The small fireplace along the northern wall is empty but a stack of wood is piled nearby, ready to be used. The old incense teases your nostrils with it's exotic scents.
"Veil, you have the classiest place I've ever seen-- have I said that enough lately?"
Veil ruffles her cat's fur playfully then lets her down before it gets too boisterous. "Thanks Nettle! It suits me...one can never have enough velvet!"

Nettle laughs out loud. "Yes, you have the largest collection of velvet lingerie I've ever seen!"
Veil's stiletto heels click on the hardwood floor as she sets down her purse.
Nettle bends and picks up the soft cat and coos in a baby-voice, "ooh, such a pretty kitty, aren't you, Blessed!" Stroking the cat happily, she follows Veil as she moves about the house.
Veil offers you a seat, then disappears down the short hallway into her bedroom.
Nettle sits down comfortably, nuzzling the patient, long-enduring cat.
Veil emerges a few moments later holding something. She sits down on the long purple velvet couch beside you and tells you to hold out your hands. Nettle looks up in surprise and holds out her hands.

The cat jumps from your lap as soon as you move your arms. Veil places a beautiful glass globe in your palm. You can feel the cat entwining itself about your legs as you look at what veil has given you.

Nettle looks down and sees a deep, violet-blue glass sphere that has been etched artfully with the continents and islands of the earth-- a miniature globe, of sorts.
Nettle mouth opens in wonder as she gazes at it. "Is this for me??"
Veil nods. "Yes. I want you to look closely at the globe�surround yourself with it.
Nettle finds no difficulty in becoming lost in the gorgeous, deep blue color as she gazes into it as Veil instructed. She imagines herself being inside of the globe-- a part of it-- and feels mesmerized.

The hours seem to pass by in moments, and it's not until Veil tells you that it's time to stop for the day do you feel your back ache from sitting so long in the same position. You look at the globe in a new light as understanding about space and its properties are becoming clearer to you.

Nettle lowers her arms and shakes her head slightly. "Wow...I've never had that consuming of an experience with any of my magick items before!"

"This is a special globe, Nettle. Take very good care of it-- there is none of its like in all the world. Let me get you something to keep it in."
Nettle nods speechless, still enthralled by looking at it.
Veil stands up, stretching and arching her back like a cat before going back into her bedroom. She returns after a few moments carrying a black box.
Nettle is finally able to tear her eyes away as she hears Veil approach, and looks at the box she is holding.
Veil opens it to reveal a red satin lining, indented in the center to make the globe a perfect fit.
"Wow...thank you, Veil! I was wondering how I was going to keep this safe!"
"You're welcome! We came along rather well today. You should be able to use it on your own in no time!"
Nettle takes the box from Veil, and carefully places the globe within.

When you put away the box, someone starts pounding on Veil's door.
Veil starts in surprise and goes to answer it. Her cat dashes back into the hallway out of sight.
Nettle looks up in surprise, and protectively puts the box in her shoulder-bag.
Veil looks through the little peephole then answers the door. Samantha stands in the hallway, shivering, her lips blue with cold.
"Sam! What are you doing here? Come in!"
Nettle jumps up. "Sam!! Where have you been! We've been so worried about you!"
Veil opens the door wide to let her in. Samantha walks inside, huddling in her green army jacket.
"Are you alright? You're freezing!!"
Nettle restrains an impulse to hug Sam.
Veil feels Samantha's face and hands. "Come in, sit in here I'll get a fire going."
Nettle moves her bag to a table to make room for Sam on the couch.
Samantha looks at Nettle. "I've been busy."
"Yeah, us, too..." Nettle has many things she wants to add, but doesn't want to push any of Sam's buttons.
Samantha flops down on the couch and shivers, trying to warm herself.
Veil busies herself at the fireplace and soon a small fire is dancing happily on the hearth.
Nettle opts to sit in the floor in front of the couch, tucking her skirts around her legs.

Once Veil has the fire lit, she sits down on the other side of Samantha & takes her hand, looking into her eyes. "You've been letting him feed off of you...." she says in a deadly quiet voice.
Samantha looks sullenly away. "So? I can do what I want."
Nettle's eyes pop open in surprise. "Sam-- you have??"
Veil takes Samantha's chin and turns her back to face her.
Nettle looks from Sam to Veil, feeling the tension build, and ponders many things in an instant-- Veil's uncertain old age, the immortality of vampires, and how Veil must be an expert on the subject.
"Hey quit it! I said I can do what I want." Samantha squirms in Veil's grip.

"What does that do-- when you let a vampire feed off of you?" Nettle looks intrigued.
"You think about going for your axe and I'll make you wish you hadn't." Veil says, freezing Samantha.
Nettle catches her breath at hearing Veil's threat.
"Well for one thing, that's why she's so cold. The bastard's nearly sucked her dry."
"Fuck off!!" Samantha says. "I knew I shouldn't have come here!"
"Sam...what...what's it like?" Nettle shifts her eyes.
"Nettle now's not the time," Veil says firmly. "There's something else..."
Nettle watches everything-- remembering her seeking and old desires.
Veil's eyes narrow.
"What, Veil! What else! She's not...one of them??"
"He was hurt what else was I supposed to do! You're not the boss of me let me go!" Samantha yells. "It's your fault you couldn't fucking heal him."
Nettle furrows her brow at hearing Sam say that. "Are you referring to me, Sam?"
"Goddess. Samantha I thought you were smarter than this. She's been drinking his blood as well. She's nearly bound..."
Samantha suddenly throws Veil off of her with super-human strength.
Nettle throws herself backwards a little as Sam pushes Veil.
Veil falls back, hitting her head on the corner of a wooden coffee table
Nettle jumps up quickly and reaches to grab Sam. "Veil!! Are you OK??" she calls.
"I said, Let Me Go." Samantha says, glaring at Veil, her breath ragged

Veil moans and slowly sits up, rubbing her head. "Nettle don't-- I'm ok... just don't antagonize her..."
Samantha jerks her arm away and stands up.
Nettle is outraged and doesn't seem to hear Veil's voice, and slaps Sam across the face as hard as she can.
Samantha reels with the blow. She reaches up and feels a trickle of blood on the corner of her mouth.
The impact of her blow shocks Nettle a little, and she relishes that she went through with it after having pondered doing it for so many weeks.
Samantha launches herself at Nettle, scratching and biting
Nettle grasps Sam around the upper arms and lets out a scream of rage, wrestling with her and trying to pin her down.
You feel Samantha latch onto your arm with her teeth and bite down, hard.
Nettle looks at Sam in surprise-- pleased by the sudden pain, but afraid because she doesn't know WHAT Sam is at this point.
"Stop it! Stop it!!!" You can hear Veil yelling, but your rage is too great to comprehend her words.
The breath is knocked out of you as Samantha punches you in the gut.
Nettle tries to pry Sam's jaws off of her, and then bends suddenly with the blow to her stomach.
"Sam, you bitch!! I--"
Suddenly you can feel sharp pain as someone pulls you up by the hair. Veil kicks Samantha hard in the side, momentarily stunning her as she pulls you back out of the way, hands digging painfully tight in your long hair.

"Veil, let me go!! Let me-- ouch!!" Nettle struggles for a minute, and eventually allows Veil to lead her away.
"I said stop!!!!" Veil yells again
Nettle stops struggling, and she glares furiously through the long hair hanging in her eyes...blood trickling down her arm.
Veil drops her hand hold, then stands in between you two, looking murderously at both of you. "You need to learn to control your mouth," she says, pointing at Samantha. "And YOU," she turns to you and you can see a fierce anger burning in your mentor's eyes. "YOU should know better. You have disappointed me today. "

The fire immediately leaves Nettle's eyes, and her face drops noticeably.
Veil whirls back around as she sees movement from Samantha's direction.
"Do not move." she commands.
Samantha shrinks back, looking like a cornered animal.
Nettle looks down at her arm, her mouth forming explicit curses as she touches the wound.
"I won't ask you what you were thinking when you accepted Sylvan's blood, but know this-- any friendship we once shared is gone. You are unwelcome here. Leave, and do not return."
Nettle's eyes go up to take in the scene, and she feels a tiny pang of regret at hearing Veil's condemning words upon Sam.
Veil points towards the door. "I offered you my protection once, it will not be offered again. You have made your choice."
Samantha grabs her tattered backpack and slinks out the door, ducking her head and slamming the door behind her.
Nettle feels fear welling up inside of her as she realizes Veil's attentions are about to be turned on her.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, FUCK!!!!" Veil kicks at the nearest inanimate object to vent her fury.
Nettle stops moving her hand and watches Veil warily.
You can hear Veil cursing in a guttural language that you do not understand. She doesn't even seem to notice you anymore as she paces back and forth in her small apartment.
Nettle tries to think what to say or do, but doesn't dare interject anything into Veil's tornado of wraith pacing back and forth. Finally, she takes one step toward Veil and says, "Veil-- can I look at your head for wounds?" Nervousness filling her gut.
Veil suddenly stops and turns to you, seeming to finally remember your presence. The wild look in her eyes seems to be fading.
Veil nods slowly and steps towards you. She looks a little lost, and very young at this moment.
Nettle hurries forward quickly and takes Veil's head lovingly in her hands, pulling the hair apart in places, searching for blood.

Veil holds her hand up and you can see a long cut in her palm, blood is running down her skin in thin dark rivulets. You remember her smashing her fist down on a statue, she must have cut herself on that.

Nettle looks over from her intent gaze at Veil's scalp, and takes in a breath. "Veil, what did you do to your hand!"
Nettle tears a strip of cloth from the bottom of her skirt and wraps it around Veil's hand, holding the hand and chanting something quietly.
Veil stands mute while you bind her hand, keeping perfectly still so as not to disturb you.
Veil feels the wound begin to close beneath the makeshift bandage and she relaxes a bit
"Thank you Nettle," she says, absently patting your hand with her uninjured one.
Nettle checks under the bandage, and lets out a quick, relieved breath. Then she looks at Veil with surprise. "I-- I did that without my necklace!!"
Veil smiles, though her expression holds no happiness. "Yes, you did...you are a very fast learner. I knew when I first saw you that it would be so..."
Nettle beams under her mentor's compliment, and realizes she doesn't need to use her hematite stones as a Life-crutch any longer.
"Soon you will be able to let go of more of the ties that hold you back from Ascendance."
"Veil...what is going on with Sam!! I'm so sorry about what just happened...I hate hearing you say you're disappointed in me!"
Nettle looks genuinely apologetic, which is rare for her.
"Samantha is falling under Sylvan's control. I warned her, but you know how she is. She thought she was tough enough to handle it."
"Is she...is he...are they in love??"
"They could be... at least, as much as any Vampire could be in love..." Veil replies

"Vampires are very persistent, very patient, and very good at what they do." Veil shivers a bit. "They can see inside you and know exactly it is that you desire. They are one of the most dangerous creatures to ever walk the earth. And I mean that."

Nettle looks surprised, and a look of fear crosses her face. "Then, Sylvan just wants her blood...he doesn't love her? What's going to happen to her!?"
"In any case the love he might feel for Samantha will never match the love that he feels for himself. Vampires are the most selfish beings I have ever met."
"Then maybe Sam would make a great vampire..." Nettle mutters
"I don't think that he would actually physically hurt her. Not unless she crossed him. But I could see that she drank some of his blood. If she drinks much more she will be under his control."
"Does he want to embrace her?? And if not, what is he going to do-- turn her into his slave??"
"He won't turn her into a vampire, of that I am sure. She would lose her Avatar and her magick if she were Turned, and she's too valuable to him as she is."
"I don't know why he wants Sam...he is risking a lot by doing this to her. If she realized what was happening the fight between them might very well cost both of them their lives."
Nettle nods her head in foggy understanding. "What should we do-- we in the chantry? Kick her out as soon as possible??"

"Yeah, she definitely wouldn't back down if she thought Sylvan was using her...she must love him to not be able to see it now..." Nettle ponders this unnatural thought.
"My opinion of Vampires might not be shared by others in your group. You will have to discuss it with them, but if she stays, I'm going to have to forbid you to stay there with her. You are too susceptible to the charms of Vampires."
Nettle looks up in fear, and then the fear is replaced by anger. "I'm not letting that little bitch chase me out of my new home!!!"
Veil places her hand on your arm. "I know how you are feeling. But I can't give them a chance to get at you. Vampires are very subtle. They find out what you want before you even know it yourself. They twist their words around until you don't know what's up or down. They lie as easy as breathe."

Nettle gets up and starts pacing back and forth, looking upset. "The chantry-mates can watch me...Alec can protect me!"
"No, no he can't!" Veil says sternly, standing up to face you. "No one can protect you against them, for you would be asking them to protect you against yourself."
"I'm sure if they knew my innocent interest in them...I know I can handle them, Veil!"
"No, you can't!!" Veil's eyes spark. "You have no comprehension what they're capable of! I didn't want to show you this, but look..."

Nettle faces her mentor unblinkingly, "No vampire will touch me. They did it once in my seeking-- never again!"
Nettle stops her tirade and watches what Veil is doing.
Veil slowly unbuttons the front of her dress and pulls it open. As you watch, her body seems to shimmer a bit, then where before was smooth unbroken flesh is a hideous scar.
A large knotted scar covers her heart, and long trails rip downwards, in the semblance of claw marks.
Nettle's mouth opens, and she feels very numb watching what Veil is showing her.
"A...vampire...did that?"
Nettle unconsciously holds out a finger to touch the scar over the heart, and run her finger down to touch the claw-scars.
Veil looks at you with an intent expression as she shows you.
Veil nods solemnly and slowly buttons the dress back up.
"One who professed to love me. I thought I was smart enough, strong enough, to love him back."
"YOU were in love with...a vampire??" Realization crosses Nettle's face as she stares at Veil.
Veil nods. "A long, long time ago. These scars won't heal, but now I am glad. They serve as a reminder to me, in case I would ever forget."

"Why did he do that to you if he loved you??" Nettle looks angry.
Veil sighs. "That is a question only he could answer."
"But...it looks like he tried to rip out your heart!! Did he think you didn't love him??" Nettle's thoughts full of love-conflicts rather than unnatural creature-dangers.
"That's a story for another time, I'm afraid." Veil looks around at the mess she's made of her apartment.
"Well I certainly let my temper get the best of me this time, didn't I!" Veil starts picking up broken pieces of glass and furniture.
Nettle follows Veil's eyes and notices the big mess everywhere.
"I'd have to say either there was a cat-fight here, or Alec on Viagra!"

"Oh goddess..." Veil groans. "I really did NOT need to hear that!!"
Nettle laughs and laughs, supporting herself on the table with her hand.
"Really, Veil! I've never seen that side of you before!! You are really...aggressive!"
"I know, it's something I've been trying to work on. If I lose control of my temper I lose control of myself."
Veil dumps a bunch of broken statuary into the garbage bin.
"Boy do I know that feeling! We're so alike, you and I! Woe the day we forget ourselves and turn to each other in rage!" Nettle shudders.
"Goddess willing, that will NEVER happen!" Veil replies fervently.
Nettle looks at the pieces of statuary and shakes her head in regret of a piece of art destroyed.
"Yes!! I agree! You may be shorter than me, but I think I'd be in for the ass-whooping of my life if I came at you!"
Nettle laughs again, helping Veil clean up.
Veil grins up at you. "You'd better believe it!!"
"Hahahahahahaha!!!" Nettle grins at Veil and continues picking things up, and righting over-turned furniture.
Blessed skitters out into the living room and starts batting at Nettle's long hair.

"Well, you know things are alright if kitty deigns to show an appearance!" Veil jokes
Nettle laughs and picks her up. "Oh Blessed, you poor little dear! Did mommy and auntie Nettle and that bad Sam scare you?!"
Nettle coddles the cat lovingly and smiles at Veil.
Veil grins and stands up as she fixes the last part of the mess.

Blessed purrs loudly and butts her head up against Nettle's chin.
Suddenly Nettle looks at the clock on the wall. "Oh man! I've been gone a long time! Do you think Alec will be upset that I was gone so long on our first day of engagement?"
Nettle looks genuinely worried, and continues stroking Blessed subconsciously.
"Well, I don't know will he?" Veil replies, sounding a bit peeved, but you write it off to the events of earlier today.
Nettle raises an eyebrow at Veil and bits her lip. "I'm not really sure...guess I'll find out, tho'!"
"I'm so glad I was here with you when Sam came by...is it all right if I tell Alec what happened?"
"Of course. The chantry should know that one of their members is becoming Bound to a vampire..."
"Would you like a ride back to the church?" Veil pushes aside one of the velvet drapes and looks outside. "It looks like it might snow."

Nettle nods sadly, and then smiles. "Yes, I'd love a ride back, if you don't mind, Veil. You've been so wonderful to me today!! Thank you for being with me and teaching me!"
"Well that's my job!" Veil grins. "Let me just get my coat, it REALLY looks cold out."
Veil grabs one of her long velvet coats & pulls on her gloves
Nettle laughs and looks around for her long coat and bag, and puts them on when she finds them. "I can't wait to show the globe to Alec! It's so beautiful, Veil!! Thank you again for it!"

"I thought you might like it... I've been saving it for you." Veil opens the door and leads you down the stairs to her car.
"You have?? Wow!! I'm flattered, Veil!"
Nettle notices her torn skirt and bloody arm and grins. "Boy, do you know how to throw a party!"
"Girl, you haven't seen anything yet!!" Veil reminds herself to invite Nettle to her next big bash.
"Yeah!" Nettle cheers in the cold air, her breath puffing out in a cloud.
The sun hangs low on the horizon, barely brushing the tips of the Oquirrh mountains.
You get into Veil's car and she drives you back to the church.
"Let me know what happens at your next meeting? If they'll let me move in there with you?" Veil asks as she drops you off.
Nettle has a worried feeling in the pit of her stomach that she's neglected Alec today, but puts on a smile.
"I will!! And you KNOW they will, baby! You know they will!"

Nettle hugs Veil one last time, gets out, and shuts her car door-- waving as Veil pulls away.
Veil waves and drives off.

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