Fifth part in the Five Gold Rings series:

Part 1     Part 2     Part 3    Part 4

Recreation and Renovation

by
Rngrdead

Part Sixteen

Xander woke late on the next day wrapped around his lovely Master… and for the first time in a long time, something felt right in the world. He stared at the ornate ceiling… and contemplated their life now… so far from what it was three months ago… let alone a year or two or ten… And god he was starting to feel old! But the the person next to him spoke and his world shifted again, “Penny… ffffyyyr… thoughts… luv”

The phrase was so much that of his lover of old that Xander could do little more than reply,“Oh god Spike…!!!!” then peppered his lover with kisses.

When “Ohhh Pet…” emerged in reply, he all but crushed the vampire in a tight hug! The act was accompanied by such adoration and joy that Spike was hit by a wave of love and hope through the link, and his demon was the one utterly overwhelmed. In full game face, he shed crimson tears of thanks and joy as his consort’s neck was willingly offered, drank deeply then lay back as his lover pleasured him again with his warm mouth.

By the fifth day after ‘the spa’, Xander felt more like first time lover, than a thirty something recovering crash victim with ‘business responsibilities’. The waves of love consistently flowed through the link were so strong as to be quite overwhelming at times… It seemed that a floodgate had been opened for the vampire. Xander had never heard of a being ‘F#@$ed to health” before but it seemed that the act of lovemaking in any guise (or, Xander would admit later, blushing profusely, position!) opened the link so wide that his own strength and life-force was able to flow freely to his partner. Feeding during [blush] or after was all an added bonus.

Spike’s words were returning at pace, and though the speech was still slow, simple and rather toneless for now, his thoughts were finally being given voice. And the daily improvement easily noted.

The pattern was the same now. If Spike had no words Xander waited. If he tried for a time and failed, Xander kissed him and then waited a little more. Finally if the head shake meant Spike could not express his thoughts… Xander would simply kiss him and say “Tell me tomorrow sweetheart, I’ll be here.” At which point Spike would relax a little, and more often than not bury himself into his partner’s side and enjoy the warmth and reassurance for a moment, then return to whatever it was they were doing.

Stephano sent his best physical trainer and martial arts coach to assist Spike’s physical recovery and Xander happily joined in, noting the near perfect state of Spike’s physique and the renewed confidence in his carriage as the days progressed. Xander initially kept up (though his sparring technique left ‘something to be desired’ according to the personal trainer) and was pleased to find his own physical condition returning.

In between sparring, Spike worked out in the gym, strengthening the back that had been so badly damaged and the legs that had to find muscle again post accident lack of use. Xander had new business interests, so was occasionally pulled away (Jim was flying over at the end of May to interview for staff and meet with Alex *and* Anton. And there was talk of Andy for a holiday mid August…).

As Spike’s faculties returned, so did his speed and accuracy. Muscle memory was one thing but ‘fight smarts and strategizing on the fly’ were things that the old Spike excelled in. Xander rejoiced as he observed his partner become stronger and faster until one spectacular day, as he wandered down to the training room, he was privy to two full strength vampires sparring. Master trainer and Master of Europe now sparred so fast that the human struggled to even see the action. The game faces were to the fore and combinations from any, all or none, of the known martial arts. The only limit seemed to be that there were no wooden objects in sight.

The fight finished as swiftly as it started. Spike flipping gracefully over his combatant and taking him from behind and baring his opponent’s neck and lightly touching his fangs down without breaking the skin.

The fangs retracted swiftly and the two broke apart. Spike bowing deeply to his trainer. “Thank you, Sensei Richard.” The trainer acknowledged the ‘student’ then quickly fell to the role of humble subject of the now near recovered High Master, bowing deeply.

“Master William, if I may be so bold… I am happy to offer my humble services as occasional sparring partner now that you are well. Master Anton has me visit twice a week when he is here in the house.”

Spike’s answer, like most to date, was succinct and considered, “I would be pleased. Dates will be set. I am sure my Sire would be most pleased to know of your kind offer.”

Xander collected his tired friend and retreated upstairs to shower and sleep.






In the weeks leading up to the momentous spa incident Spike had been returning cognitively, and now that verbal words and physical abilities were returning, one major hurdle remained.

Spike had privately tried to read and write in the weeks after he was finally lucid. It was something he had done so easily for close on one and a half centuries (give or take a year or two with chalk and crayons!) that its loss was as acute as the loss of a limb. The rhythm and pentameter of his own poetry may have been off, and the rhyming average… but he had been a scholar and writer for the whole of his life (and unlife truth be known). To suddenly be made illiterate was sheer torture.

The frustrating part was that, even in the early days of speech, he could still write letters beautifully. Some odd muscle memory apparently allowing his hand to produce the hard won ‘copy book’ perfection of his school days…. But now… *now* the meaning of the letters were missing, he didn’t seem to know how to start to pen his own name, let alone describe anything, and when presented with a body of text, it all seemed as indecipherable as the ‘Rose Stone’.

He kept it to himself until he had command of his voice again… the pain of the secret inability as crippling as the lack of speech itself. But two weeks after the spa, Xander felt it. He was showing Spike some of the plans he had for the new arm of Jim’s construction company and threw down a contract, speaking enthusiastically and pointing to various features. Xander saw the look of dismay… then the link was filled with unmistakable anguish and shame. Comprehending the source of the hurt, Xander was shocked that he had not realized.

“Oh god… I never realized…. Reading and… Oh Spike, honey…!”

That day he sat with Spike they wrote his name together, Xander’s had gently over Spike’s as they traced over large letters then small ones. They finger painted his name, then they typed it, and made it in obnoxious cookie dough and baked it together. SPIKE AKA WILLIAM…. and WILL LUVS ALEX… and SPIKE LUVS XAN until it really didn’t matter… But when Spike managed to spell ‘spike slow spike sad’ of his own volition in shaky letters on a chalk board three days later, it was the Consort who cried a little.

Eventually however the damaged vampire’s comprehension did improve. If Xander was not available due to business, it was recorded readings that took his place. ‘Talking books’ beginning with simple children’s novels (readings complete with ‘Tinkerbell’ to indicate a page change) became celebrity read ‘novels of note’. In the end, it was Spike who slowly read aloud to his partner as they ‘tucked up’ for the night. Over the weeks Xander noted the improvement and the pleasure Spike felt performing that simple act. And it became a part of their cherished nightly ritual for all time.

After he started reading aloud, Spike began writing again, handwritten words at first, then handwritten and typed sentences. And finally, on one glorious day, close to four months after the accident, he pulled Xander proudly into the study to show his patient partner the note to the list he had written (along with an email to Anton with business instructions and the first two paragraphs of a new story).

“From Non Person to the List.

Apologies to my loyal readers. It has been some time since an update on any of my stories.

I was injured in a car accident, badly, and writing proved impossible for a time.

With the help of the medical team, family and wonderful partner I am now on the mend so I will attempt to update stories again soon. Thank you for your patience.

NP”


………

As comprehension and reading returned, Spike also took back his business interests.

Anton had been careful to stay informed in his ‘absence’. There had been little need to shift money around, but the Immortal kept up with the US market for his own purposes, and checked in with William’s ‘team’ regularly. They knew, through Anton, that William had been injured and was currently in Switzerland with the enigmatic uncle and William’s partner recovering. Therefore, they were unsurprised when, just on four months after the accident, the young Mr Aurelius checked in with a video conference.

One of the directors Spike regularly dealt with could not disguise his shock at seeing the young man. William had always been slim, but with the short fuzz that was his hair now, and sporting an oversized hand knitted cream sweater, he looked like extremely young and vulnerable, truly a convalescent. None of those in the meeting missed the quiet presence of Xander to his right, nor failed to notice the healing scar above one ear when he turned to pick up a missing document. William Aurelius spoke a little slower than usual, but he was always careful in his dealings and listened more than spoke at most meetings, so the behavior was not deemed unusual.

The end of the financial year was at hand and there were matters to attend to by the last day of April, so the meeting was very timely. Spike announced his new ‘familial interests’ in Europe and intention to invest more heavily in that market. It was initially met with some concern, but ultimately the wisdom of the move was acknowledged and the meeting concluded with the Boston group again wondering at a man so young having such a shrewd global view of business – and a wonderful historical knowledge of world market trends.

Having his human contacts see him a little weaker was of little consequence, but Spike knew the clans would not stand for it, and they all knew, he had to call the court together soon.

……………………

Xander always wondered if Anton felt the improvement and the joy of the same through the Sire link. Regardless, when absent from Switzerland, he called on a Wednesday and Sunday evening without fail. In the beginning hearing his Sire’s voice and only having a word or two in reply was a source of frustration and sadness for Spike. Slowly however, Master William improved and the phonecalls clearly brought only joy and pride as Anton rejoiced in his Childe’s improvement.

Anton returned on the first of May. They were reconvening the court the following day and this meeting would not be easy. Buffy would arrive some ten days later.

The Watchers’ Council had called for a response to a proposal that could determine the relationship between clans and slayers for the significant future.

It had largely come about as various watchers learned of the Steppes funding, and observed a slow but sure shift in vampire numbers (direct result of the ‘Benedict Ruling’ redefining clan territories). This had drawn concern, but that was not what worried the High Master, his Sire and Consort, now the Council was demand that ‘Spike’ force his clans to opt for non human sources of blood, or “swift and deadly retribution would come into play across all the territories.”

Anton, Spike and Xander all knew that cessation of human blood consumption was impossible, though if the clans found some sort of small concession confrontation might be avoided. The debate within the walls of the court was going to be fierce, but they had agree then establish a united front before going before the new hardline members of the Watchers Council with their proposal. The feeding grounds and futures of a number of the clans were under enough pressure without having the equivalent of a Slayer rampage on their hands.

It was just after midnight on the third of May. The round table was again in place and with clan representatives arriving for the evening ‘drinks’ before the meeting Xander could not help but ponder a little at how much had changed since the previous December.

The previous clan meeting had been a necessarily subdued affair with the agenda being more of the announcement of the new territory strategy and training session for the software provided, than an open meeting. With the Master absent, only the necessary representatives had attended. This time however, it seemed that every delegation had brought their full contingent, as much to satisfy their own clans that the Master was indeed recovered, as to address the momentous issue at hand.

As the clan representatives arrived for the pre meeting social gathering, Anton felt confident to stand back. The response to the Master and Consort was so different to the first gathering as to be laughable. Without fail, the Master’s Aurelian ring was kissed before a deep bow was bestowed the Consort, though some clans chose kneel and kiss both Master and Consort’s feet before deigning to stand. This act, when performed by the Steppes vampire leader, greatly moved Spike.

The ‘High Master’ William bent down and lifted the chin of the handsomely rugged vampire who had willingly prostrated at the Master’s feet, “Please, Master Illi, I deeply appreciate your tribute, but my Consort and I [no one in the room missed the reference to the Master’s acknowledgement of his Consort as his virtual.. equal] are impressed by what you have achieved for your clan, and the human and demon communities in your care, in the last four months. Winter is such a trying time. I trust the planting for the new season is going well?”

The vampire knelt up warily, was seen to take an unneeded breath to compose himself, then answered, “Indeed Master. We have put in place a strategy for replanting and funded the purchase of healthy breeding stock from a reputable breeder in Rumania and another in Uzbekistan. Master with your help, we have also been able to establish regular lines of supply for our humans where other basic food needs are concerned. Your most generous sponsorship is appreciated by us all,” the vampire again bent to kiss his master and the consort’s feet then added quietly, “It saved us…. thank you.”

Spike spoke slowly and carefully, concerned that his occasional slur of words might belie his still recovering status. “You have done well, and it would be my wish…. that you stand proud amongst your fellow clan leaders. We all face challenges and we respect your efforts.”

Illi offered his neck and surrounding crowd looked on as the High Master dipped, punctured it slightly to the side of Illi’s original mark, then without drawing more than a few drops of the precious fluid, stated quietly, “This is mine to take, but I would that you keep it for your clan. We need you strong.”

The rest of the room gasped. Not only was their High Master powerful and benevolent… but by implication was calling them all to be strong. Illi was visibly fighting back tears as he stood, nodded then returned to others in their group.

Xander leaned forward and whispered, “That was impressive.”

Spike replied in equally low tones, “Oh pet… Lad’s been starving for years… could taste it… poor bugger.”

“It’s a good thing you’ve done…”

“You heard the lad… one of our Aces in the hole with the Council don’t you reckon?”

They could only hope.

…………

The outraged response of the European clans to the Watchers’ ultimatum was to be expected, but all in the room knew the reality of multiple slayers, and too many had been lost to zealous young ‘chosen sisters’ of late. The arguments finally subsided and the Master of Aurelius chose his words carefully as the din abated.

“I understand your anger. And acknowledge the anger of all our demon brothers and sisters who are equally affected by this current threatened slaughter. But I propose that we meet these misguided few with a rational and irrefutable argument regards our rights as vampires – the document is before you… page three behind the agenda – and I propose that we have my Consort perform the first round of negotiations with the new council.”

Xander managed to suppress his look of surprise which was as much to do with the *lack* of protest than the proposal itself.

“We will of course have the Council leader, and his party, meet us here or at worst on neutral ground.”

The clans all agreed.

The next morning the Consort, Alexander, was to call Giles.

Part Seventeen

Xander lay replete, copious bodily fluids had been exchanged in the most intimate of ways after the now habitual ‘bedtime reading’. Resonant low tones, quiet touching and the escalation of both, as paragraph after paragraph of some epic battle was read… always stories of loss… and of struggle …..and of undying love… and the final triumph. There was no question of the heroes’ final victory or their ultimate reward… it was always each other. He began to wonder if any of the heroes of antiquity were ‘straight’ in the modern sense… it seemed unlikely… but then, didn’t seem to carry the same stigma… interesting.

Xander’s attention shifted and he stared at the ceiling. He wondered what it would look like with two eyes instead of one… he really could not imagine any more… just as he had no idea how life would be without his beautiful partner… his now almost healed partner… the one who had just read himself to sleep… the one he had all but lost. A sobering thought.

He was to represent all the vampire clans of Europe the following day. The clans of the high master to whom he was consort… so his clans… He would not let them down. Despite the physical pleasure… it was an uneasy sleep.

They both woke sometime mid morning, worked out, showered then ate. The call was made around twelve.


In Rupert Giles’ mind, Xander was the man he had met before the human and his ‘friend’ Spike had embarked on the rather fateful ‘mission’ to Italy. Giles, like the council, had heard rumors of the ‘deadly Consort of the new High Master of Europe’, and though elder Watcher had not doubted that Xander could handle himself, he did listen the reports with more than a small measure of skepticism. What still puzzled him was the Immortal’s role and Xander’s relationship with him. According to Buffy (who was decidedly and frustratingly tight lipped about everything to do with her partner) they were …‘close’.

After all but ‘shafting’ him at the AGM, the Watchers’ Council had given the aging Giles, (now not even council member), the task of talking to the High Master specifically because of their previous ‘working relationship’. In truth, however, Giles would admit his track record with Spike left much to be desired. Bathtubs, attempts on his life, and fated missions to Italy were hardly the basis for a warm friendship, and Spike seemed to have an uncanny sense of the old watcher’s ‘inner Ripper’. He was rather relieved (though a little surprised) therefore, to learn that it would be Xander who would negotiate on behalf of the clans.


The conversation began amicably, but it was soon apparent that he was dealing with someone he perhaps had never really met… The Consort Alexander, the tough businessman and the quick thinking, capable leader, was on the other end of the call. It was barely three sentences into the conversation, before Giles began to feel decidedly uncomfortable, as he suddenly realized just how out of their league the new Council might actually be.

The new High Master was old, but lived in the day, had a soul and was a survivor. His consort was his equal, Giles knew it and the voice on the other end of the conversation confirmed it. And as he learned that Immortal was their adoptive Sire, he wondered at his own ‘conflict of interest’.

The call was on conference phone (Something both Spike and Xander expected). Giles’ initial address gave it away.

“Lovely to speak to you … Consort Alexander.”

“And you too… Mr Giles. I trust you are well.” The older watcher noted the formal tone and knew that Xander was aware of his ‘public’ conversation.

“Indeed.”

Xander could almost feel Giles polishing his glasses, so pressed the point. “We believe you have a proposal to put to the European Clans. Happily the clans have agreed to trust me to address the matter with you. The Master is almost fully recovered from our car accident but sadly is indisposed today.” Spike’s hand snaked down to cup his Consort’s crotch to emphasize his most favorite therapeutic regime, but Xander simply slapped the hand and gave a reproachful stare before continuing.

“The Court received your rather unexpected ultimatum. We did gather as many of the decision makers as possible, but quite frankly, you gave us precious little time and few reasons for your demands… I wonder if you might just enlighten us as to the urgency, as it may be helpful to pass on that information.”

“Ahhhh, we (the council) were rather hoping Sp… Master William would be able to ummm…. enforce an immediate embargo as it were, since he *is* the Master of Europe. The council is seeking a guarantee of the total cessation of human killings by the clans… or they will all be faced with renewed Slayer activity and seizing of clan property.” Giles was doing something he was not accustomed to … he was sweating… The demands were preposterous, impossible and designed he now knew, to provoke only one thing… open season on vampires across Europe… with other regions to follow no doubt.

He had read the manifesto. There were demon clauses as well. He knew the council’s agenda. Killing ‘anything unhuman’ was not reasonable on any level… His time with the council was to end completely at the end of the month… but he had hoped his intervention at this point might draw results….

“And the Council would do what in return Mr Giles? Because at this point the ‘cessation’ seems pretty one sided, if this document is all we are to go by…” Xander looked across at his partner then to the Immortal. Spike was in game face for a moment, then returned to his human guise but still snarled. The Immortal simply looked… tired.

When there was no answer, Xander adopted his most guileless tone. “I wonder if you might enlighten us please Giles… Just how many of the population of millions of humans in these areas will be becoming vegetarian? Or am I being specie-ist and … confused…. Surely as the vampires (a minority group on anyone’s scale!) are being restricted to lesser creatures or ‘substitute’ products, your humans will give up their main source of sustenance also…. Can you guarantee us that *dead animals* are off the menu….to coincide with the clans’ change of diet?”

There was no answer from the other end.

“And you know the really weird part of all this? It seems to be that Vampires are kind of like the shark population in your world. Sharks eat what, twenty folks a year globally… mostly Australian surfers, so no loss there really… and in return us humans kill close on two million for consumption… Is that what this is about? Is the watchers’ council wanting a trade in vampire dust for some reason…? Or is the ‘new order’ simply jealous that we look after our humans better than you can.”

“What? Well I’m sure that… No!!! We couldn’t possibly…No! How??!”

“Oh Giles, I seem to remember a fairly interesting end to a personal holiday that, for the High Master and I, was directly related to a call from your establishment. The rescue and protection of slayers and watchers… But I guess that doesn’t count now does it… “

“Xander come on! This is hardly personal…! This is about the survival of innocent *humans* across Europe….”

Spike squeezed his partners’ hand as Xander became suddenly very, *very* angry. The vampires from the Steppes had had to beg for help for the humans in their care, as well as their own kind. And, Xander had come to realize, it was not an unusual, nor infrequent act by the vampire communities! The clans had a vested interest in keeping their regions ‘healthy and well stocked’, just as many clans chose to ‘cull’ from the criminal and ‘lowlife’ members of their homo sapien populations.

Xander accepted a quiet kiss on his hand before answering rather coolly, “Please ask the Council to do their homework more thoroughly, Mr Giles. Without direct intervention of this court, at the request of the clans involved, several hundred thousand *humans* would be dead in the Steppes this year, and it is estimated that a further two million would have followed across the broader northern region next winter had the High Master not intervened… I wonder how much the council contributes to such ventures…”

“Come now Xander! You can’t tell me that…”

“The only apology I will make is for cutting you off. Let your board of directors, or whoever it is that is sitting around that oak table listening to this, consider the outcomes (And by the way… that’s no doubt the table which *I fixed* last time I was there, while we waited for your wiccans to return my partner from the *rabbit* form some of your more ‘bold charges’ so carelessly invoked, back to vampire!). You are not arguing with an enemy, Giles, but your little band of ‘merry men’ are threatening your money pit!

“Do your colleagues… and yes gentlemen and women… I *do* know you are listening…. Do any of you have the foggiest idea who funds their your little venture at ‘command central Watcher world’ I suspect the person who penned this manifesto does… it is the reason for it no doubt…. but FYI ladies and gentlemen, the original was done benevolently and with good intent… by the new High Master of Europe… an ensouled vampire and one to whom you owe the world… *literally* and several times over!... And oh by the way, I think if you check the contract (and oh yes there *is* one!), you will find that there is a ‘balance and fair play’ clause in there. There will be no annexing of the Aurelian funds. Your bluff has been called.

“Not all of our number choose to kill, ladies and gents. But we assume the council has failed to note that …. Or missed the memos for the last century or ten?!”

Giles remained silent, his colleagues were similarly flabbergasted… that is all but four… the ‘new inner circle’, the boys who had so gleefully ousted ‘Mr Giles’ from the place of ‘First Watcher’ and Protector of the council.

Giles suppressed a slight smile as Xander continued “If I might be so bold, I would recommend ascertaining which one of your number has retained their ‘Initiative member card’ this year if I were you, their judgment may be somewhat …. askew…. Perhaps at this point, Giles… committee… you might like to take a moment, there is no doubt more than one… Oh but, of course not doubt more time is required, in which case The Master must insist that you call a pause in all hostilities while you perform your deliberations.

“We will, as usual, respect *our* side of *that* bargain. Shall I ring back in say … Thirty minutes? Feel free to forward through any documents in the meantime. I do hope your secretaries don’t mind!” Not waiting for the answer Xander rang off.


Giles slumped in his seat. The conversation had not been of his choosing and he knew that, in fact, all Xander had said was true but would be of little consequence if the current chairman James was to have his way. He knew from recent and bitter experience, that the new Watchers’ council had some way to go before they would yield ground. His own experience and common sense screamed that the ‘no killing humans’ was a ridiculous expectation.

Four members of the committee were furious with the lack of outcome, and the instant the phonecall finished began berating their intrepid, ageing representative for his incapacity to illicit a result. Giles was openly accused of ‘consorting with the enemy’ and ‘inappropriate sympathies’ and a variety of other accusations that had apparently been considered advantages when it was initially suggested he be the one to do the call. Six of the ten other council members, however, sat silent and visibly shocked.

New to their roles as Watchers and their membership on the committee, the phonecall had been somewhat of a revelation. None now felt confident of the ‘ousting of Rupert Giles’ that the so very vocal and ambitious (and now Chairman) James Moxley had been so adamant, ‘was necessary’. In light of the simple facts, history and even innuendo presented by the Consort, there were many valid reasons to doubt Moxley’s push for vampire suppression. And the idea that they were funded by the very court they were threatening? This was new and… it all simply didn’t add up.

The meeting was noisy and angry and… silly…. And Giles was tired. He excused himself and went to his bedroom. He rested for a half hour before using a private dialup to contact Willow via Email, smiling wearily and thinking ‘even an old dog….’ as he did so.

Fifteen minutes later, a soft knock on the door announced several visitors.

“Mr Giles?” Andrew stood at the door.

“My God man, you were supposed to be assigned to … Istanbul last time I…?

“I know, I know!.... And then there was that thing with the mummy research… and not in the cute Brendan Fraser kind of… Oh and of course after that… and with the nasty rash… …But… Let us talk of happier times….”

Giles could not help himself, his glasses came off, and the older man simply laughed. “Oh Andrew, my dear fellow… I never thought I would quote the intrepid Spike, but indeed, you are the ‘breath of fresh air’…. and I, it seems, still do breathe.”

Andrew accepted the awkward and impromptu hug, then pushed into the room dragging a dozen other watchers with him, “Why thank you, Mr Giles… Now I must request that you inform my *colleagues* here of the history of a certain Vampyre, as it seems that they have yet to catch up with the Master Spike or even *our* illustrious *world savingggg…age* at the *Hellmouth* etcetera.” Andrew looked expectedly at the aging gent.

Giles scanned the group. Six of them were committee members, but there were at least eight younger watchers that he had only ever seen in ‘classes’. Giles held the bridge of his nose as he ushered the crowd into his rooms. “Indeed… Andrew… how could I have been *so* remiss… Anyone for tea before we make a start?”

Multiple nervous hands went up…

Giles brought in the refreshments on a large silver tray and began to inform the group of the more recent history of the High Master of Europe, and his Consort.

The ensuing discussion was brutally honest, off the record and revelatory for newcomers to any in the audience new to Watcher status. If nothing else, all gained new respect for the aging patriarch of their order.

Four hours later Giles lay in his bed, exhausted. It seemed he had dismissed his ‘class’ days ago, had it only been an hour? He was too tired… It now seemed that Ripper had been too tired for years… and … … Andrew… the ‘voice of reason’?... How could he have sunk so low?…It had to be a portent for something!? Giles had previously considered his midlife crisis to have passed years ago (unless he was to live to 100+), but the latest matters … Despite the hour he dialed Willow again.

……………….

Off the phone, Xander felt like a general at war… Spike felt it acutely also, and Anton received the ‘wash’. The clans had never been threatened like this before… The slayer population was now in the thousands, yet the Watcher Council did not seem to realize. The vampire clans had a duty of care… to their humans!


Xander had been off the phone barely fifteen minutes before the High Master William addressed the court. They somehow knew there would be no return call from the council that evening.

“Brothers and Sisters. We need to lock down… two weeks… The Steppes, Georgia, Norway, Finland, Lithuania, we appreciate that you are all in crisis and will endeavor to open lines of supply… If effective we will supply other clans as needs arise…. All of you must do what you need to survive. The court will support you wherever you are, and will welcome you in our region should you need to seek refuge…. There is no need for fear. If you must move, the clans will protect you. If you stay, you will be assisted… Sadly it seems, our court cannot guarantee the same for the human members of your communities, but we will do our best to assist… quietly of course.”

Xander had never been prouder. More worrying however, the idiocy of the Council’s ‘all demons are evil’ mantra that had been put into sharp relief by a single phonecall.

As the clans left for the evening, to reconvene after sunset on the third of May, both Master and Consort fell into their Sire’s arms.

“My wonderful boys… how well you have done… how very, very well..”

Xander focused on Spike then Anton with his single dark eye, “I don’t feel like I have done well Master… and Sire… It was like… they weren’t really listening.”

“Giles was, pet… But the people who matter are deaf… Bastards set ‘im up is what…”

Anton pulled the two men to him, opening his shirt and scraping his chest in the process, invited them to drink. “The Council is committed to the elimination of ‘our kind’ and sadly… and like zealots of any ilk… they struggle with the concept of both balance and ‘the other’…”

At that moment and simultaneously, an SMS gave Xander notification of the formal Council’s intent came through. There was indeed a need to contact ‘the other’ Watchers quickly…

Buffy shortened her ‘shopping trip’ and despite the prevalence of vampires in the building, joined the ‘war council’ the following day.

Part Eighteen

Buffy was ‘in the building’, and this time Xander felt the prickle well before her physical presence.

He and Spike were dressed in their full leather outfits ready to receive the clans as they were on their first night. Xander’s hair was now slightly longer than Spike’s but both had ‘used product’ to force it back in identical fashion.

They descended the steps together, much as they had on the first night before Spike was named High Master. What Buffy saw however, was a totally confident, very serious, ruling couple moving smoothly and elegantly as one. Buffy was reminded of scenes from an old cult movie, the Matrix, and it was the Slayer’s turn to gasp. They were commanding, powerful, and beautiful.

When Anton swept forward to greet them, she was almost breathless. The elegance and grace of the three together was remarkable and she pinched herself again. Xander in particular caused her to stare. It really *was* her old friend from high school, but a man who now exuded a charisma and power that demanded her attention as he entered the room.

They had drawn the clans together again… The topic was difficult, and the mood somber. There was the customary meet and greet prior to the meeting, with various drinks (blood and wine consumed in equal quantities).

Discussion ceased and the room went silent as a very ‘old’ looking Giles arrived with Willow on his arm. The ruling couple moved toward the door of the meeting room to greet them, the crowd parting respectfully as they passed through, and the two interlopers drew breath. Speaking on the phone Giles knew things had changed since their Italy days but had no idea of the transformation of both. It was indeed the High Master of Europe, William Aurelius who held out his hand as a greeting. And to the amazement of all present the Watcher Giles dutifully kissed the Aurelian ring rather than shaking the hand as was human custom. He then gave a small respectful bow to the Consort. It gave some indication of his alliegence.

Willow followed his lead, then gasped as Xander reached out to take her hand and squeezed it in a reassuring, yet formal response to the welcome. She knew Spike and Xander had mated, but did not expect the magical energy that now flowed from her longtime friend… Xander had always been just… Xander. His confidence and carriage was one thing, but now he felt like Spike to touch… through and through, the fully mated Consort of the High Master, Willow’s eyes went wide, Xander just smiled.

The meeting began almost immediately. It was Anton as always who took the floor as chairperson but then Spike who addressed the court.

“We thank the esteemed members from our northern clans for coming. Particularly as we have invited three sympathetic ‘others’ here tonight. Buffy as you know is one of the oldest slayers on record. Few of you have met her before, but as you no doubt realize she has been partner to our Sire Anton for twelve or so years.” Despite his fatigue Giles’ eyebrows went up at that statement… and resolved to ask later the ‘our’ and the ‘Sire’ were something he had no inkling of.

Spike continued, “The wiccan to my left is Willow Rosenberg, lifetime friend of my Consort Alexander, and arguably the most powerful witch on the planet. And finally, from the Watcher’s Council, Mr Rupert Giles… whom I will personally vouch for.” At that Giles felt quite unexpectedly emotional. The High Master of Europe had no reason to do such a thing, Xander or Anton perhaps but hardly Spike whom Giles himself had always been wary of and even conspired to kill. The difference the statement made in that forum, Giles knew to be a double edged sword of sorts. It guaranteed his safety well beyond the meeting and throughout Europe, but brought with it the responsibility of being the watcher trusted to assist in sorting this dilemma with the council.

“I believe that our northern cousins need to have the floor for a time. Theirs is a situation we are addressing but we need to know your status. You will find much of the information in the minutes but if you would care to speak to it and update us that would be appreciated.”

Giles was stunned, Buffy rather bored (as she didn’t speak the tongue in which the addresses were mostly made) and Willow was utterly intrigued. The vampire court was being run like the EU, or the UN even. The concern for the clans and their human counterparts in areas where weather had crops failing and humans dying, the regional issues regards the shift of feeding grounds, and the very real participation of many of the clans in day to day society, all discussed with seriousness and respect.

Giles had never had a black and white view of vampires, and the conversation with Xander days earlier had confirmed it. But this was *nothing* like he’d expected and was utterly thrown. The idea that the European court was (and apparently in some clan regions, had been for some time) treating humans like ‘game’: preserving environments; guaranteeing food supplies; monitoring populations; improving conditions; and restricting or shifting vampire hunting grounds accordingly, was positively abhorrent on one level, but also far more responsible and in a sense ‘ethical’ than much human activity.

The council on the other hand had no agenda, money, or strategies in place to assist human populations. The imperative to kill off ‘the evil vampires that preyed on humans’ (and any demons found along the way) the only one as far as the council was concerned at the current time. Giles was further flabbergasted as he learned that in many areas vampires had *already* had to resort to an exclusively animal, or sample-not-kill diet for their own and their food source’s benefit. Indeed for *years* in some regions.

He had no idea before the meeting, of just how substantial the monetary input directly from the clans to the regions were (it was hardly a privy point for the council to know!), though of course knew of the slayer training facility funding and the new council’s grant directly from the High Master’s pocket. He now found the human recipients (like for the council itself), would struggle, or not even exist, without the support of vampire philanthropy and/or investment.

Giles had already been reasonably willing to be the ‘voice of reason’ for the Council, but really had been compelled to keep the full extent of his objection to the current ‘ruling group’ of watchers very quiet in their meetings. He was ‘on the outer’ as the new council voted by a one person majority to ‘go old school’ - including the testing of slayers by their watchers in the traditional fashion. He had nearly lost Buffy in that process and never forgot the outcome of that exercise… not least of which was the loss of trust that took years to fully rebuild. The idea that thousands of the Slayers would be put at risk so needlessly in that way was his real breaking point with the new council. The extremist ultimatum to the clans, being ousted and finally the Consort Xander’s phone call merely affirmed his decision.

These *boys* who were members of the council had initially been hand picked by Giles though eventually a ‘management team’ took over. What was unforeseen was the bigotry, the hunger for power, and the burning ambition of some in the new group and now it was apparent….also the corrupt nature of some of the ‘management team’.

The ‘fast rising’, new chairman ‘Mr Moxley’ had quickly established himself as one of the recruiters. As soon as he and ‘his boys’ were ensconced in the council there was a successful vote to evict the witches from their ranks. Deeming them ‘untrustworthy’ and dabbling in light and dark, and therefore of no interest to the Slayer/Watcher establishment.

Hearing what was likely to occur and fearful that they might not just be ‘evicted’, Willow had taken Dawn and the two other young witches with her ‘on a weekend break’ just prior to the decision. The wards around the coven protected them and hid their location, something that seemed increasingly important as Moxley’s fanaticism began to imply that the wiccans were no longer to be considered human or of use to the Council.

With the increasing hostility to magic, the four watchers with magical backgrounds (including the now deposed chairman Rupert Giles) had been ‘tipped out’ after a vote, with the demand that they retire from their duties within the month… Giles knew then, as he had in Sunnydale, that his role was no longer with the council, but thanked his inner Ripper for giving him some perspective… His not so ‘alter ego’ had kept he, and his charges, alive on more than one occasion in the past. Hopefully now, sitting in a room of the most powerful vampires in Europe, his ability to strategize and compromise with purpose would save hundreds of thousands of demons and humans from a most terrible mistake.

It was one of the Masters of the German clans who spoke, “So what *exactly* do you think we are to do *watcher*?”

Giles did what he always did. He took off his glasses and polished them furiously whilst saying, “I am sorry, at this point I am merely a messenger and…. frankly don’t have the foggiest idea.”

The other speaker, already at his wits end over the threat to his own clan, snarled and began move toward Giles in full game face. But the High Master was at full strength and cleared both tables to first subdue the other clan Master, pinning him to the floor and then biting just above his original Sire’s mark until the other yielded. He then fed a mouthful of his own blood to the recalcitrant member of his court. They both stood and returned to their places as if nothing had happened.

Giles, Willow and Buffy were all shocked, as much by Xander’s *lack* of reaction, as to the apparent savagery of the act. But as the German Master regained his seat, he was noticeably glassy eyed, high on his Master’s blood and visibly moved. He was calm and contained for the remainder of the meeting.

The ensuing part of the conversation all but ignored the three non-vampires. If the council decided to enforce their new rules, the clans had three months exactly to comply. It was brutally obvious, the Court had no option but to withdraw in some regions, consolidate their power and then fight back.

They came up with several options… the first and the least popular, to oppose the slayers on their own terms… in an all out war. The second was a proposal to negotiate with other regions of the world, to gather support and/or the rights to relocate, though given the time frame this would be problematic. The final idea seemed the most practical … and settled upon… there would be a clandestine gathering of all sympathetic watchers and their slayers who would be prepared and supported in a coup d'état at the Council meeting three months hence. If it was felt necessary, it would be preceded by the cessation of all funding of the Council by order of the High Master.

Once the political option had been decided upon, the discussion was swift and to the point. Anton, Spike and Xander would continue to ‘take memos' from the council, while also having high level discussions worldwide with other High Masters ( who’s courts would also likely be threatened if the Council succeeded in Europe). Anton would also liaise with a number of people of influence who might aid their cause.

Buffy stood at the end of the dialogue, “I am not going to apologize for my status as Slayer… I have had a long time relationship with the Aurelian line,” Several of the Masters growled their displeasure (and indicated their historical knowledge in the process), “But we’re good, I think… and *we* are in crisis! The Slayers are all being trained by a council who is sticking to the old rules… ”

“There are fledges and minions that are ‘bad news’, just as there are humans who cause problems. But *my real* watcher taught me to value ‘grey’ rather than black and white” Buffy smiled as an exhausted looking Giles smiled affectionately at his former charge, “I wish to respectfully ask the court and Master William to consider Mr Giles and myself to be a part of the ‘retraining team’, along with who ever else the Master wishes to name from the court, of course.”


She looked around the room and saw a few puzzled faces, and many falling into game face, “That man..” she pointed at Giles, “Gave up everything for his commitment to fair play… and if we have a way to do this, it’s by teaching these new Slayers *quickly* what Giles and I know… You and I know that’s about the grey, not the black and white… and that we need to use our combined resources…” Buffy looked lovingly at her Anton, Spike and Xander, “to benefit many who cannot do it for themselves…”

The argument was a little muddled and emotional, but those in the room appreciated the sentiment. As several of the member groups fell into game face, it was Xander who took the floor, and in a way that most of his ‘audience’ expected. His chair was flung back as he stood, demanding attention. Master William grabbed the impetuous hand, and he was pulled down. All waited while blood was shared swiftly and imperceptible words exchanged. Giles and Willow were rather taken aback.

Xander then addressed the room as his Master might, “We bring the Slayers and the Watchers to us… to train… Giles, can you rely on Andrew and his ‘crew’?”

“Indeed and sadly, I do think he is one of our best hopes.”

“Then he makes whatever excuse … they all do… to spend time with us. How many can you guarantee? Your sympathizers… And how do we find them? Can we fix on a meeting place?”

The Master took over as if informed of his Consort’s thoughts… it was not a misconception. “Indeed I think my Consort speaks for us all, we need a safe haven if suggestions of the ex watcher and partner of the Immortal are to be effected. Mistress Minna…”

Minna was still struggling with her role as the new leader of the northern clans, but managed to keep her calm when addressed directly by the High Master.

“Master?”

“We have a need of a remote meeting facility. I seem to recall that your summer residence outside St Petersburg is just such a venue and accommodation will be adequate for the number attending… The Court will, of course guarantee to fund all reasonable expenses…”

Minna nodded then Spike turned his attention back to the Watcher and the Witch. He leveled his blue eyes on the witch and all but purred, “Can you put wards on?”

Willow simply answered, “Yes, and we can include the training rooms of the Northern clans if you wish them also to be protected by coven wards.”

Minna bowed to the high witch and other delegations murmured their appreciation of the offer.

Anton nodded and indicated to Spike without speaking that it was a good time for the ‘guests’ of the court to leave the meeting. Buffy noted the gesture and understood.

The high Master stood indicating that some of their number were departing, the rest of the Court rose also, and the old Slayer, the aged Watcher and the red Witch, stood, nodded respectfully to the gathered court, then departed. Buffy flanked by Willow and Giles.

The room relaxed a little, and further arguments were few. Now was more a time for round table discussion regards clan matters… As was High Master William’s way each clan leader was given an opportunity to discuss the ordinary issues and challenges and use the strengths of others in the court to advise… It was rather a relief after the ‘war council’. As to the latter, the plan was clear. Clans would ‘do what they needed to do’ according to circumstance, but all would be kept up to date, via whatever means, as to the sympathies and status of their area… They would be supported as required and if all else failed, there would be safe havens clearly defined.

The meeting concluded with a decision to reconvene the court in St Petersburg within the month.

Mistress Minna’s delegation were the last to leave the room. As she stood to depart the silent figure of her Master loomed behind her and his hand stopped her progress. She interpreted the touch as there being some problem and fell to her knees, neck exposed in fealty as was custom. He took the offering, pulling once then laving the mark that would disappear within the day.

“My dear mistress, much has been laid at your feet to deal with. Our court deeply appreciates your efforts now and in the coming months… So in recognition and in private, I offer my gratitude.” With that Spike opened his wrist and offered to the stunned female vampire, her High Master’s blood.

She took two small drafts, licked once then released, finally lifting her pretty tear streaked face after pulling herself back under control. “I will not fail you Master William.” She then stood with the effortless grace that was intuitive to their race… and moved fluidly from the room.

The Consort stood, slid his hands around the leather clad waist and put his chin Spike's left shoulder. The two outfits squeaked a little with the friction as he squeezed his Master from behind.

Xander all but purred, “That was a nice thing you did…”

Xander had no real idea of the significance of a High Master freely giving blood to one of his court (apart from the Consort). Mistress Minna left utterly overwhelmed. Her own Sire had not fed her for nearly fifty years… and the High Master’s blood was *so* potent. Her loyalty had already been proven, but now it mirrored that of a Childe. Having lost her own Sire, she silently pledged her existence and publicly bared her neck to her High Master.

Spike had bitten her and offered his blood in return, and in that simple exchange, with that gesture, he confirmed her status and Minna would be strengthened for weeks, her loyalty unerring for decades beyond that.

And unbeknown to Spike, the High Master William’s legend would grow as a direct result.

Anton smiled as he watched the rather dazed Mistress depart.

Spike turned to his Sire and noted the indulgent smirk on the Immortal’s face. “What?!! T’was the right thing… She’s a fine leader and has a hard road ahead… Anyway… bint’s too bloody skinny! Bit of Master’s blood never went astray to fill a lass out.”

Anton laughed openly again… there was *so* much at stake, but somehow it was important to laugh.

Xander and Spike both paid their respects to their Sire, and all three tired figures moved toward their respective suites. Spike grabbing Anton’s wrist as they were about to part company, and simply kissing it… “Good evening, Sire.” Xander mirrored the action and the three retired for the evening.

The High Master and his Consort snuggled down and began to ‘work off some tension’ to aid sleep. As they exchanged tender strokes and kisses, and the Master finally filled the Consort, the mood was one of comfort not exultation. There was much to do for the most powerful vampire couple in Europe, but for now, intertwined, it was all about comfort.

Part Nineteen

Sometime late morning the Consort rolled onto the Master, waking him with a series of kisses and some very deliberate friction. For a good amount of time Spike appeared to be asleep, (or strictly speaking … dead) but Xander had the secret weapon and tickled the High Master around the ribs then swallowed the already interested shaft to the back of his throat as his mate arched off the bed with the tickling.

“Oh bloody hell!! Not fair…” But Spike kept arching, this time from pleasure and released into his consort’s mouth with a relieved yell, enjoyed being licked clean, then flipped them. He reciprocated for a time with his mouth before positioning cleft over Xander’s unsatisfied hardness and forcing it inside himself with a single push. He rode his consort for barely a minute before the brunette arched and released with yell.

Spike collapsed onto his partner, and they both lay chest to chest for a time, Xander still inside him, soft and comfortable. But there was much to be done.

Giles, Willow and Buffy had risen early for breakfast followed by a morning ride, so it was Anton alone who greeted them in the study. Despite the interim ablutions of the ruling couple, he smelt their early morning activities and had even felt a small jolt through their link earlier, as ever the connection strengthened by the previous evening’s pre meeting sharing of blood.

Xander’s day was spent focused on the construction projects currently underway in Brussels and Mains. They also had a tender that had been accepted for the ‘New National Library’ in Prague. A prestigious project, it was one that required working with a brilliant though petulant and rather overly emotional architect. Xander was the ‘only one’ he would talk to. Xander acquiesced - each of their projects presented its own challenges. Managers, primary contractors and subcontractors were all part of it. The nice part for Xander was the very real support from the demon society. As the High Master’s Consort his network was extensive and influential, and the advice… generally, very, very good.

Jim and Sandy had been due to visit this month though thankfully had had to delay their sojourn for two months due to their daughter graduating. Jim was delighted with the ‘European arm’ and had already begun speaking of expanding that market to the far north and the Mediterranean. The delay was a welcome respite in one sense as Xander knew his absence from Switzerland might well be a given if he were to act as true Consort to Spike.

Spike and Anton had been working on their own ventures for the day. All had responsibilities that precluded a restful afternoon. As seven pm approached, they all looked up as Gregor knocked quietly on the door and entered the study.

“Master Anton, Masters William and Alexander, your guests are currently at drinks and enquired as to your intentions.”

Anton dry washed his face, pushed his chair back and took an unnecessary breath. “My dear Gregor, tell them we will attend presently.”

The dark vampire gave a polite bow and exited to deliver the message.

“You alright Sire?”

“Oh William, sometimes I do like a quiet evening alone without… forgive me. There is no intent to imply your company is onerous. Indeed I would be happy to forgo dinner and stay here to work through as it were. Or simply venture outside for a brandy and cigar then retire… Alas I fear we must ‘play nice’, as my darling would put it.”

“Not my forte Sire, though I’m pretty sure the Consort can hold his own.”

Xander blushed and the other two grinned.

The three finished up, exchanged a little blood then went upstairs to change from workday cloths ready to joined their guests some thirty minutes later.

Anton met them on the way down the stairs. They all wore designer jeans with assorted long sleeved knits to compliment their coloring. Spike with cream, Xander a dark burgundy and Anton with a sea green that was quite extraordinary and seemed to change color in different light. Xander had opted for a burgundy eye-patch and both he and the master had their matching ruby/diamond earrings in place. Anton wore his signatory enormous pearl hanging from a thick gold loop.

Entering the room together the three were quite a picture, and again Giles and Willow were struck by the changes in their two old friends.

Giles noted the hand in hand status of Anton and Spike, his consort Xander simply touching gently. The old watcher was further intrigued. The background of the Immortal was far from clear and the Slayer had been surprisingly mute regards his origins. His relationship with Spike, the ruler of the Vampiric Clans of Europe, was clearly that of Sire, yet he was neither Aurelian nor vampiric… although perhaps the latter was worthy of question.

True to his nature and testimonial to his survival, Spike noted the watcher’s sustained glance at his hold on his Sire. He listened for the heart beat to accelerate and sniffed the air… The slight arousal was information to be filed for later, the questions he knew, would not wait the duration of the meal.

Anton as ever was the perfect host, glasses were filled, palates satisfied and the conversation easy. Xander spoke excitedly of the building projects their company was now engaged in and deferred often to Anton’s extensive network, though the Immortal inevitably gave the credit back, claiming all the work on tenders etc was Xander’s and their growing reputation was utterly his doing. Spike simply (and very publicly) held his partner’s hand and looked on with obvious pride.

They spoke amicably of Buffy and Willow’s shopping hopes and their ride around the property; of the intentions to restore another of Anton’s properties in Venice and finally Giles’ Watchers' headquarters.

Giles finally broached the question, “Spike I simply must ask… You referred to Anton as your Sire… also indicating him as Xander’s Sire.”

Spike shrugged, “Took us on didn’t ‘e.” Giles still looked puzzled.

“Look… Vampire royalty? Rules of succession an’ all that rot. The ol’ pouf got ‘imself dusted.”

The about-to-be-retired watcher did not miss the look of pain on Spike’s face at this mention, despite the harsh words.

“I am sorry Spike… and what you, what all of your group did back then, was quite extraordinary.”

Spike all but whispered, “Doesn’t bring em back though does it” as his partner grabbed his hand and squeezed supportively.

“So me, the pauper prince needed a benefactor as it were according to Law… needed a vampiric sponsor since I’m all ‘soul having’ of late. Anton here happened to offer that… well an’ a bit more than. The upshot is that …” To Giles’ amazement Spike slid instantly into his natural accent, always the preference of his surrogate Sire, and continued in the gentler tones of the upper echelons of English society, “He has taken me, us on. He respects my past and has vested interests in our… Alexander and my future. And I would have you realize that our future is numerous human lifetimes, as both my Sire and I have exchanged blood with my darling mate, my consort, many times. Many, many times in the past months.”

Giles’ eyes went wide and Willow who was listening also, could not understand the implications, so simply asked, “So that means what? Um…. He’s not a vampire.”

Buffy added to the conversation, “Feels like one.”

“What? But he’s not, Buffy!… He’s all warm and breath having… and without the teeth and um … Xander??”

“Just a little bit ‘human plus’ oh wiccan friend ‘o mine… Master’s Consort … kind of comes with the territory… links me to Spike’s life force and he to mine. Side effects? cooler clothes, longevity and giving the Bufster here the wiggins when I come into the room.” Xander grinned and noted the mood lighten considerably.


The dinner ended pleasantly enough, though they had spent but a few minutes discussing the plans for St Petersburg. They did revise their plans a little however, deciding that Spike and Xander should travel to Russia for the first two weeks to do the initial work with Minna. A show of the court’s support would be vital to reassure the northern clans as slayers and watchers began to arrive.

Back in their suite and despite a most satisfying post dinner shag, Spike lay wide awake and worried. If their plan failed thousands would die.

Part Twenty

The next few days were rather strange. Anton, Spike and Xander fell back easily into their usual patterns of rising late then working through until late evening on their various interests.

The others were in half ‘vacation’ mode, spending leisurely mornings riding and enjoying their beautiful venue. Willow and Buffy sometimes ventured into the town to revel in a market day or concert at the spectacular venue.

Anton arranged a private study for Giles to work in, along with a cell phone and an internet line – the latter Willow inevitably used.

Giles worked tirelessly, researching carefully, then contacting the various sympathetic watchers and their charges. After the first few days he began to draw on Willow and Buffy to hold the conversations with slayers as the required ‘chit chat’ with the relatively young girls involved, was simply not his forte.

By the end of the first week, there were eleven watchers and nineteen slayers heading for St Petersburg. By the end of day ten, there were close to forty five watcher/slayer individuals due to visit Mistress Minna’s summer estate… They had yet to establish the vampire numbers likely to attend.

Xander, Spike, Giles and Willow were picked up by helicopter and flown to Zurich for their late night flight to St Petersburg, this time on a commercial plane. It was a Monday evening, two weeks exactly after the Court gathering.

They were collected from the plane by one of Mistress Minna’s staff. The attractive dark driver, a vampire originally from Siberia, all but prostrated himself in the middle of a public airport as the High Master and his Consort walked up the exit ramp toward him. He had never felt such power. It rolled off them both as they strode confidently into the terminus. There was a darkly powerful witch and an old watcher behind them, but they were of little consequence in comparison to the ruling couple.

Spike was used to minions showing respect and was comfortable with the courtly actions of other Masters, so took the deep bowing, the lowered eyes and proffered neck in his stride. He simply lifted the vampire by grasping his upper arms, and in an act that would have been interpreted as a brotherly kiss to the neck to any observing, pierced the skin but did not draw more than a teaspoon of fluid, then laved the wound shut, and thanked the newly made Childe for the courtesy.

Both master and consort worried a little as it appeared the driver might collapse with the emotion of the moment since he swayed seemingly overcome by the supreme ruler showing him such respect. Xander moved quickly, held the driver and kissed Spike’s puncture marks, then waited as the young vampire regained his senses.

After that, the rather overwhelmed fledge stuttered his greetings and thanks, and as he led them toward an ancient black Mercedes limousine Xander queried, “You hardly had a mouthful?” Spike whispered to Xan, “No need to take the lad’s blood, ate well on the plane didn’t I.” Xander grinned at just what had been eaten… the ‘mile high club’ had new members on their St Petersburg route, and Xander was thankful for the full length beds in first class, the low lighting and discrete attendants on the night flight.


Even though Willow and Giles had witnessed the deference the various delegations had shown to Spike and Xander at the court, they were *utterly* unprepared for the royal treatment the lesser vampires of the northern clans displayed to the ruling couple as they arrived at Mistress Minna’s abode.

Xander and Spike had changed into their customary matching leather coats before the car made its way up a wide paved driveway to the extraordinarily elegant, three hundred year old… castle. Staff and visiting vampires were lined up either side of a broad dark green carpet that extended from the ornate entrance to where the car stopped.

As Xander and Spike alighted, without exception the staff and all present prostrated themselves in a low kneel and tipped their necks to the side as was custom, offering their life force to the High Master. Spike was gracious, as was his Consort. He thanked each in turn, lifting faces to say a kind word; engaging them in simple conversation; or when the minion or fledge was too overwhelmed to speak, simply stroking their turning mark. Xander followed Spike’s example.

The two humans followed along behind in awe of the scene, Willow not failing to notice that several of the vampires were in tears after royal couple passed. One smaller female minion even needing assistance as she collapsed following Spike’s touch. Mistress Minna waited at the top of the stairs and dropped to a kneel as Spike approached. The beautiful vampiress tilted her head to the side in the same motion in the same action as all her staff and court. She shifted her obviously meticulously coiffed hair to the other side and waited.

Spike leaned down, stroked her mark then shifted visage and bit down in a reassuring act. He did not lick the wound closed, instead Xander also partook of a mouthful before Spike opened his wrist to the Mistress as Xander licked the now healing bite. Mistress Minna was lifted quietly to her feet and they paused for a moment. Minna gathered her thoughts then welcomed them in the ancient Vampire tongue and as Spike simply offered his thanks on behalf of the clans.

Giles was utterly stunned. Nothing in any of the Watcher’s books had ever mentioned this type of thing, the procession, the reverence paid a High Master, the ceremony in this situation. But then a Mated Consort and High Master were so rare, and a Watcher’s attendance to the Northern Court so unique that there was no precedent.

It was nearing dawn, and all parties were led to their rooms as the ‘help’ was debriefed. The staff and younger vampires, indeed all those except perhaps the Mistress herself, were utterly unprepared for the ‘feel’ of the High Master and his partner… his Consort. Not only were they impressed by the look, the gracious gestures, and magnanimous comments, but the sheer magical power of the High Master was like nothing they had ever experienced. They had all heard of both Master and Consort’s deadly acts and their acts of bravery, and now to see them in the flesh and feel the power was confirmation of all the rumors.

Several of the young female minions swooned as the others spoke and they remembered their own experience of the High Master’s touch. He and the Consort were so beautiful, black leather head to foot and obvious access to their mutual claiming points. They were all so proud that their Mistress was the one chosen to assist the High Master… so very, very proud.

Mistress Minna did not stay for the ensuing conversation, but walked slowly to her quarters deep in thought. The were certainly challenges ahead.

………………..

Willow and Giles retired quickly to adjoining rooms, both rather relieved to find an evening drink, pre warmed beds and an access doors between suites. They changed quickly into comfort clothes then Willow, brandy in hand, knocked quietly on the door.

Giles opened the door and was about to speak but the Wiccan jumped in first. “They really are a royal couple aren’t they?”

Giles picked up his own glass, downed it in one then refilled from the provided carafe, “Indeed it would seem so.”

“But Xander with the blood drinking and the bowing and…”

“….Is entirely consistent with the traditions it seems. Willow I am in no way proposing that I have insight into at least ninety percent of all this.” He took a solid swig of the newly poured drink. “Indeed I am quite out of my league. The Watchers have always treated these creatures… as just that… lesser beings! Not realizing that they have structures and traditions and are protective of their ‘food sources’ albeit humans… but Willow I am at a loss! I heard it and acknowledged it but had no clue how complex this all was. And yet Spike *and* Xander do… and are making it work in the modern day context.

“Oh Willow.” The older man slumped. His own dismay with the Council, travel, fatigue, illness, and the effects of the alcohol in his hand all taking their toll. “How can I face them tomorrow, when we both know that these clans are saving the humans around them while we try to kill the minders!

“We will face them with barely trained Watchers and Slayers who don’t represent the central opinion of the Council while we try to explain the current divide and what we have seen… and… My God Willow, did you feel the power?! Xander… and Spike… ? I have been around for a long time and done things I’d prefer not to remember, but they *are* the rulers of Europe. Responsible, discerning and powerful rulers. If we fail… if the Council declares war… what will happen?!”

Willow moved quickly and grabbed the free hand of her exhausted companion“The wiccan community, a fair number of the demon community and the entire vampire world with come together and fight for balance. It will be bloody and violent and horrid. Or we can do what we have promised and train others… Giles we just need to stay focused. Come on sweetie let me do something for you.”

She took the old man’s now empty glass and placed it on a side table then led him to the large four poster bed, helped him out of his shirt, let him remove his own pants then tucked him under the richly brocaded covers. He was asleep almost before she switched off the light.

She left the door open. Their dear friend was as dedicated as ever but she feared, not well. She worried.

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