Epilogue

It was the following evening. The previous night had been used for sleep and the morning for reuniting children with mothers and surrogate parents. It had been the calm following the storm but now they all sat in Althanea's dining room, serious expressions on their faces.

Willow and Tara were at the head of the table. Giles and Buffy flanked them, Roger Wyndham-Pryce sat next to Giles whilst Dawn sat next to Buffy. Beside Dawn was Gabriel with Michelle across from him. Althanea herself sat at the other end of the table.

The meal had been lovely, as had been the wine but now the thoughts turned to more important matters.

"So what is you need?" Asked Willow.

Althanea smiled, and began to speak. "Centuries ago, the Fey from the Court of Nightmares decided to take advantage of the sailing of the Pilgrim fathers to try and take an entire realm of the mortal world for their own. The Old world was out of their influence, as it was populated by too many who knew how to deal with faeries of all kinds. The Third World relied too much on tribal magic, and would have been devastating to the Fey. So they chose instead the New World, full of new opportunities. There were problems of course, but the Fey have a way of influencing mankind, and the Nightmare Court polluted the hearts of the men and before long the first real enemy they had, the native American tribes, were dealt with by allowing just the right amount of negative thinking to fester in the minds of the Colonists."

Michelle then continued. "Even witches were dealt with, for they are amongst the Fey's greatest fear. After the events of Salem, the Court of Dreams vowed to do something to ensure that Massachusetts would never again be a haven for evil. We failed for many years. But slowly, we managed to gain some foothold in there, and we have begun to turn the tide. Unfortunately, the Nightmare Court has placed a lot of emphasis and resource on the eastern coast of America and it is under its influence in most of the major cities there."

Althanea started once more. "However, events in Massachusetts in the past years have led us to believe that the Court of Nightmares is losing its hold there and that is where we will regain influence and try and stem the dark. The time is critical, and the Fey one day believed that there would come the Entwined, who would aid stem the tide of evil and bring the light back."

"Okay, this is what I don't get. You say this is gonna be a battle, yet you say you don't need a Slayer." Buffy sounded concerned. After all this time, Willow was still her friend she wanted to protect from the evils of the world.

"War of hearts and minds, Miss Summers. The kind of dangers Willow and Tara will face aren't always physical, and those that are can be easily enough despatched. More over, the Fey win by influence, example and suggestion. Subtle arts, Miss Summers, not a Slayer's strong suit. The ripple effect is the greatest weapon. The idea that one glimmer of light can stem the darkness by reflecting from its source through the people it touches, growing in intensity as it does so. It is the same technique the Enemy has used to gain its control, but using fear and our basest prejudices. Easier to manipulate, true, but not as lasting. The Entwined can be the Beacon, or so the prophecy says." Gabriel rose as he finished speaking, heading for the drinks cabinet. "Refill anyone?"

Giles cleared his throat. "But you do expect some danger there, yes? How do you propose to deal with the physical forces that will align against them? Whilst I know that Willow and Tara can take on anything magical neither of them are physically strong, not for that kind of work."

Althanea smiled at Giles. "They will be given a guardian, a bodyguard if you like, who is tasked with looking out for them and aiding them in any research that may be required when encountering a new danger. Very much as a Watcher, but he will deal with the physical extremities of battle, such as there may be. You must understand, Rupert, that if the Entwined do as I think they will, battles such as the one we have had to deal with here will be rare, if at all. Besides, we trust him implicitly." As she said it her eyes flicked to Gabriel.

"He's a sadist! A mass murderer! He betrayed the Council and everything it stood for! You can't possibly be considering him for Guardianship."

"The decision is not yours, Rupert. The decision lies with the Entwined. But Gabriel knows far more about this situation than any Watcher or Slayer and he has done a great deal of leg work in securing the Entwined what they require to live day to day in Masterson."

Tara squinted. "Masterson?"

"Yes, Miss Maclay. Irony wasn't lost on the prophecy writers, it seems. We were searching for some sign of the Master's Son, as it was written, looking for some holy sign. Turns out that one of the main leaders of Salem had a son who moved away from Salem, taking with him refugees and set up his own town about four hours drive away, by today's standards. He set himself up pretty much as his father did but his place was not quite as judgmental. Anyway, the town took the name Masterson and has remained ever since. We have renovated the old house that the Son used. Big place, lots of space for a sacred circle in the attic or basement. Quite nice actually." Gabriel's voice was calm, his eyes never leaving her gaze, until Giles spoke again, re-focusing his attention on Buffy's Watcher.

"All very nice, but there is no way you can possibly expect me to counsel Willow and Tara to put their faith in this psychopath."

"Mister Giles, let's not band around with who owns what title, 'Ripper'. I did what I did, you might not like me for it but your opinion doesn't hold for much. Not here, not now. Joseph trusted me, that should be enough for you. Michelle trusts me, as does Althanea. No one will harm the Entwined on my watch. Besides, I won't be alone."

Michelle rose, crossed the distance and placed a gentle hand on Giles' shoulder. "Rupert, more than anyone, you know what grief can do to someone. Gabriel did a terrible thing but I know one person who came close to out doing his crime and she was brought back. We helped Gabriel a lot when he came to us, that's why we knew we could help Willow. In a strange way, he is the reason we could cure her. He has never betrayed us, and he has helped set things in motion here. Believe me, Rupert, if I thought for a moment that Gabriel posed a threat to the Entwined or their safety, I wouldn't let him near them. But he does not, he is the best chance they have. And if they can aid him in finding some peace, they may well be able to exceed our hopes and expectations."

Giles wanted to fight, but knew it was not his battle. "Willow, Tara. This man is a violent and sadistic killer who will use any excuse to wallow in violence and torture. He gets pleasure, gratification from inflicting pain on others. He is unstable."

"What Rupert has said is true but he does leave out one thing, the thing he does not know. Gabriel is loyal to a fault, which is why his crime was so heinous. But he will defend you to the end. He is a smart man with a great deal of knowledge on Celtic lore and Fey legends, which will be invaluable. He is well known in Masterson thanks to his bookshop and he has already placed the news that his cousin and her partner are moving to take posts at the local high school. Your arrival will not cause many eyes to perk out of place and the Nightmare Court and its allies will be caught unawares. Gabriel and Dash will help any way they can. He is your bodyguard, general dogsbody, Watcher, Weapons trainer if you wish. He will not let you down." Althanea smiled at them both as she sat back down, taking a glass of wine from Gabriel.

Willow and Tara looked at each other, and nodded. Willow stood up. "We have no problems with Gabriel. Tara and I feel that he knows what he is doing and I trust you, Althanea. Plus, I know more than anyone how dark things can get. If I can be given a second chance, then so can Gabriel. One thing though, Gabriel, Betray us and we won't be as forgiving."

Gabriel nodded. "Acceptable terms, Miss Rosenberg."

Tara stood up beside her. "One small problem, it won't be the two of us. It's three. I won't leave without Heather with us. I made her a promise."

Gabriel nodded, and placed on the dining table a phone that had been sitting to one side. "That reminds me." His fingers punched a speed dial sequence.

"White Circle Book Store." The voice on the speakerphone was English and sounded aggressively cheerful.

"Dash, it's me. You're on speaker phone so best language please."

"Hi, Gabe. What's the word?"

"Really depends on you. You get the school sorted out for the girl?"

Willow and Tara both looked at Gabriel, surprised at the question.

"Everything is ready. School is shut for the Summer vacation but come the Autumn re-start she will be in. Nice school, about five minutes from the shop so we can take turns in picking her up."

"One will assume that either you were using the royal 'we' or you have developed multiple personalities in my absence. We indeed!"

"All right, grumpy. But everything is set. Masterson High School are screaming for the paperwork."

"Will be faxed to them today. The Entwined will be bringing the originals of course. You get the books I asked for?"

"No, I decided to rebel and not bother. Of course I got them for you. Dunno how much they will teach these two about their subjects."

"Should do the trick. Any excitement?"

"Nothing. Mrs Forsby called but that was about it."

Tara could see Gabriel wince at the mention of the name. "Fan of yours?"

"Extremely prolific but annoyingly difficult customer. Great money, bad for my good humour."

"Was that one of them?" Asked Dash.

"Yes. Forgive me my manners are appalling. Dash, I introduce Miss Willow Rosenberg and Miss Tara Maclay. Ladies, this is Dash, my friend and assistant."

"Hi, Dash". Said the Entwined in unison.

"Hello, Ladies. It will be a pleasure to meet you in person."

"Dash, make sure all the wards are active in the shop and the house. There's plenty of food in the fridge in my flat so stay there until we head in. Should be there fairly soon. Don't be messing with the stereo and NO booking porn movies on my cable. I mean it."

"Okay. Pleasure to meet you, ladies. Ah, customers, better go. Catch you when you get here."

Tara looked at Gabriel. "You knew, didn't you? You knew I wouldn't leave without her."

"I suspected, yes. I may be a bastard, Miss Maclay, but I am not a monster. Besides, this war is coming, and without protection Heather would be an easy target for the Enemy if she wasn't with you both."

"And what about this paperwork?"

"Jobs. Fighting the forces of evil may be spiritually rewarding, Tara, but it doesn't pay the bills. So we gained you employment in the local high school. We feel that you are suited to the jobs and more over, we also feel the teenagers are the most vulnerable and will need your guidance." Michelle smiled at Tara, trying to reassure her that this was not a case of manipulation.

"What jobs exactly?" asked Willow.

"Teaching! At least teaching for you, Miss Rosenberg. You have a great talent for computers and you have taught high school students before. As for Miss Maclay, we feel her natural talent for empathy and understanding make her a perfect guidance counsellor. You do not have to accept these posts, ladies, but we wanted to give you something that had purpose, was within your abilities, that got you near to the most vulnerable so you can aid and protect them, and gave you a nice pay cheque at the end of the week."

Willow looked at Tara. "They have pretty much thought of everything."

Tara nodded. "Yes, I guess it comes down to us two now."

"Yes, it does. You carry all our hopes. I know it is a burden, but if we did not think you could do it, we would not ask it of you." Althanea embraced Willow.

"Give us a few moments, and we will tell you our answer." Willow said, taking Tara by the hand and going to a small room just outside the dining area.

"Well, they seem pretty determined. And I want to help. I stayed in Sunnydale rather than go to college elsewhere because I wanted to help people. I still do, I feel I need to. And this is something we can do, together. If you want?" Willow's voice was tinged with nervous anticipation. She feared rejection even now.

"Yes. Are you ready for life as a mother and a wife?" Tara smiled at Willow with her lop-sided grin that Willow found so infectious.

"I'm ready. Masterson then?"

Tara nodded. "Masterson it is."

THE END OF

THE RAVEN AND THE DOVE

BUT WILLOW AND TARA WILL RETURN IN

FATHER FIGURE