(AN) AUTHOR'S NOTES: At last the long awaited finale chapter poll results will be included at the end of the chapter. This chapter as with other thing is late being up by two days but I had to proof read and double check everything was in order for this story to go out with virtual bang.

Sorry if anyone did not get a chance to vote there was long opening time to cast your vote in. It's been a long road a 4 & ½ one at that since I posted and created this story back in January 2010 with help from my editor dragonwriter24cmf. We both had long tiresome days, health problems to physical injuries, other major duties and delaying to getting this story to where it is now. This is sadly now coming to an end. Sad but true as I mentioned I do not want to prolong this story a point it becomes the never ending story as it goes.

DISCLAIMER: All rights to Trinity Blood was created and © by late Yoshida Sunao, the anime directed by Tomohiro Hirata and produced by the studio GONZO, as well as a manga drawn by Yoshida Sunao's friend Kiyo Kyoujou. All © rights revered by their respective owners. I own nothing except © to this story, it's plot and it's OC's that will eventually show within later chapters.

Warning: This fan fiction is rated (M) AKA Lemon. This story is ABSOULTLY NOT suitable for children or teens below the age of 16 [So if you're under the age limit turn back now, come back when you old enough to read this. I'd rather not get flamed nor sued by parents whom are just looking for trouble in places their underage children should not be looking nor reading for that matter.

This story contains strong explicit adult themes and sexual ones such slight foreplay - as in hand sex, one-sided love, Attempted Rape, Explicit Sex or anything else mild to hard core kinky for that matter!, references to violence, and strong coarse language. If this disturbs you, do not read any further.

Notice: Trinity Blood War Continuum takes place one month after the events from the anime's finale episode 24 along with some elements, characters and things that will be used and taken from both manga's Rage against the Moons (RAM), Reborn on the Mars (ROM). In addition to some spoilers from stories untold notes left by Yoshida Sunao which he intended to finish off the manga series supposedly. Basically 50/50 will be used on both the anime and manga to those whom are more familiar with manga then others will see this implants as the story develops. Trinity Blood is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Roman Catholic Church/the Vatican is portrayed as a military and spiritual power. The series also strongly implies major and controversial changes in the Church of present reality, such as women being bishops, cardinals as well as romantic relationships and marriages between members of the clergy. If this disturbs you of form or shape of or on imagination then do not read this story.

(*) As always many special thanks to my editor and co-partner in helping finally get this story off the ground and back burner dragonwriter24cmf.

Chapter 40: Plans for the Future

The noise when they left the cathedral was deafening. At their appearance on the front steps of the cathedral, the crowd outside burst into cheers, so loud they almost drowned out the tolling of the bells. Esther couldn't find any energy to mind. She was so happy she felt like she was floating. She and Abel shared another kiss at the top of the steps and afterward it was all she could do to focus on not tripping over her dress as Abel ushered her to their carriage, helped her inside, and joined her for the ride back to Buckingham Palace.

The crowds around the Palace were even thicker, augmented by the Palace Guard. Not just the Royal Palace Guard, but the Underground Guard as well. As she and Abel stepped free of the carriage, the guards lined up, alternating human and Methuselah, swords held in formal salute. As the pair strode up the carpeted stairs, a younger Methuselah she recognized as one of Vanessa's top lieutenants, snapped to formal attention. "Attention!" The guards all stiffened. "Present Arms!" Esther watched in awed delight as the guards formed a glittering sword arch over the two of them, steel and silver sparkling in the light. When they reached the stairs, the order was given to stand down.

Moments later, the wedding party, including Alessandro and Seth, joined them, lining up respectfully behind them. The lieutenant led the guards in a second salute then turned and bowed them through the doors.

Inside, servants in matching livery lined the halls, all bowing. The formality of it would have unnerved her any other day. But the servants were all smiling, and her household steward greeted her with barely restrained delight. "Your Majesties. Welcome home. Please, if I may escort you…" he bowed them towards the corridor to the Grand Hall.

The Great Hall was decorated with a riot of streamers and lights and flowers in their wedding colors. There were roses everywhere, lending a heady fragrance to the air. Tables set near the wall waited for trays to serve guests. At the far end of the hall, a long table on a low dais was set, clearly marked for the wedding party. The center of the table showcased two throne-like chairs, and it was to these that the steward escorted them. Esther settled in and accepted a glass of cool water as the rest of the wedding party seated themselves, men on Abel's side and women on hers.

The next several minutes, or hours, passed in a blur of introductions, well-wishers, gifts, tokens and congratulations. After the first dozen or so nobles, Esther stopped trying to remember the names and let them flow over her. Her hand ached with all the handclasps, her jaw ached from smiling, and her neck felt heavy from tilting her head up or down to look at people. She noticed the gifts and cards piling up, but Astha and Ion kept them at the far ends of the table and relatively organized, so she didn't get a good look at them. She did have to suppress a sigh at the thought of all the thank you notes she was going to have to write.

Finally, the stream of people slowed to a trickle, then stopped. Esther sighed and relaxed back into her chair. Abel caught her hand and offered her a warm smile, and Esther smiled back, then turned her attention forward again.

The Hall was packed, and there were servants circling the hall with trays. Esther blinked as Peter, dressed in the livery of a page, stepped up to the table and placed glasses of champagne in front of their chairs. The boy grinned at them both, then bowed. "Congratulations!"

Abel smiled. "Thank you Peter. I hope you and your siblings enjoy yourselves today."

Peter grinned. "It's been really great. Wendy and Carly loved their dresses, and everyone else…it's the best day ever, sir." He touched the sleeve of his shirt. "Someday, someday I'm gonna work in the Palace all the time. Just you wait!"

Abel chuckled. "I have no doubt. Well, whenever you're ready, you tell Lord Walsh, and he'll help you, all right?"

"Yes sir!" Peter flashed him another brilliant smile, bowed, and hurried away. Esther watched as he joined the other pages taking up station around the room.

A light tinging sound brought her attention back to the podium. William was standing, tapping his glass with one hand. Someone had provided him with a portable microphone. He waited until the crowd settled, then addressed them. "Well, first of all, can everyone hear me?" There was a thumbs up from the back corners of the room. "All right then." He smiled. "As I understand it, before the dancing and celebrating starts, it's traditional for the best man to say a few words on behalf of the newlyweds."

Abel blushed. "Oh Lord…" Esther got the impression that, had he not been dressed in such an expensive outfit and in full view of the room, he would have slouched in his seat or ducked under the table.

William caught the muttered statement and his grin widened. "You know, I was trying to think of something to say, and occurred to me…I've known Abel here for 15 years now. Now, I don't know about anyone else, but to me, that's quite a while. But…it got me thinking about the first time I met him."

Abel blushed harder. William smirked. "Just after I joined the Vatican Foreign Affairs department, this young man came to visit me. He tripped right over a pile of my books, crashed into a bookcase, and proceeded to tip three shelves full of documents onto the floor." William chuckled, and the other AX members at the table were snickering. Alessandro was smiling, Seth was giggling, and even Petros looked amused.

William waited until the wave of laughter had settled. "We spent three hours picking up and putting everything away, and it was only then that I found out his name. Father Abel Nightroad, Ministry of Holy Affairs, Foreign Services. He was supposed to bring me greetings from Cardinal Sforza and make sure I was settling in well, as well as give me a tour of the premises."

Caterina smirked. Abel sighed.

William kept speaking. "I have to admit, it wasn't the most impressive entrance or introduction I've ever seen anyone make. But since then, I've realized...I couldn't have received a better demonstration of the man I've worked with for the past 15 years. A man who is clumsy, humorous, forgetful...and loyal, generous, helpful and kind. An absolutely dependable friend, a steady partner, and a truly excellent individual. I can say, with utmost certainty, that I have known very few better men in my life. I am glad to see that my friend has found someone who can share his life, someone who is as special as he is, who can support him and accept his support in complete equality. Someone he can trust, and who trust him as much as we who have been his partners know he deserves. And I'm honored to have been asked to stand beside him on such a special day. And so..."

William lifted his glass. The rest of the wedding party rose to their feet, also holding champagne glasses. Then William turned. "To Aloysha Kasimir, whom I have known for many long years as Abel Nightroad, and to Esther Blanchett, I give you both my sincerest blessing, and wish you both long life and every happiness imaginable." He toasted them, and the rest of the wedding party followed suit as a roar of acclimation went up from the floor.

As the cheering died away, Abel lifted held out his hand and lifted Esther to her feet, then led her to the dance floor. Esther watched the musicians setting up, thumbing through the music they'd been given, warming up. A rush of excitement flowed through her as Abel took her hands, preparing to lead her through their first dance as a married couple.

Abel had offered to let her choose the song, but she'd asked him to pick instead. She had never heard any of Abel's favorite music, the music he loved now, or the music that had shaped his life before, and she'd asked him to pick his favorite song, no matter how well or ill-suited it was to dancing.

The crowd quieted, and the first strains of music drifted over the room. It was a soft, simple melody, almost like a lullaby, played in a haunting key on a violin. She wondered why he'd chosen that piece. Then a strong, resonant tenor cut through the air, singing in tune.

Dream by night, wish by day

Love begins this way

Loving starts when open hearts

Touch and stay.

The song was beautiful, and she saw the brilliance of it in Abel's eyes, shining in the sapphire blue depths.

Love it seems made flying dreams

So hearts could soar

Heaven sent these wings were meant

To prove once more

That love is the key…

The song filled her heart as Abel spun her across the dance floor. The refrain echoed in her heart, filling her mind with images of Abel's shining black wings. The wings that had drawn her attention at their first meeting. The wings he had used to fly to her side, to shelter her in battle, to warm her when she was cold. To protect her. The night-time wishes and daylight dreams that had kept her faith in him alive, her hope for this day strong even when it had seemed impossible.

You and I, touch the sky

The eagle and the dove

Nightingales we keep our sails

Filled with love.

Love it seems made flying dreams….

She saw the promise of the song reflected in his eyes, in the love and wonder dancing there. The joy of it filled her with light and warmth as the song ended and they spun to a stop amidst the applause of their friends.

The next hour or so passed in a haze of dancing and laughter. Virgil partnered her for the traditional 'father-daughter' dance. Seth partnered Abel for his dance. Then all their friends and assorted countrymen were on the floor, and both of them passed from one partner to another, coming back together every third or fourth dance before being spun away by a new group of well-wishers. Finally, Esther claimed weariness and made her way out of the crowd. Abel joined her and Peter brought them both drinks, and Esther leaned into Abel's shoulder while they watched the dancers on the floor.

Esther had no idea how much time passed. She did notice with amusement that Leon and Astha were partnered often. Oddly enough, Seth seemed to be dancing a fair amount with Alessandro, both of them having traded their ceremonial robes for a slightly more comfortable set. Caterina joined them at the table fairly early into the evening, as did William. Finally, when the dancing seemed to be winding down, Abel rose from the table and held out his hand. "Shall we?"

Esther nodded. A wave from Abel's hand, and Ion brought a chair to set up. William turned the microphone back on. "Attention everyone. I believe it's time for the traditional garter and bouquet toss, and then we can all eat some of the delicious food and cake that has been provided for us."

Leon shouted from his place. "Now you're talkin!"

Abel led Esther to the chair and set her down, then reached up to take the garter from around her thigh. Esther was glad his nimble fingers made such quick work of it. She could feel herself blushing. Then Abel stood, smiled at her, and tossed the garter over his shoulder.

It hit Alessandro right in the face. A low ripple of pleased laughter flowed through the crowd, and Leon clapped the younger man on he back. "Way to go, Holiness! Pick yourself a good one, all right?" Alessandro and Abel both blushed. Then Abel gave Esther a hand up. Esther waited while the single women changed places with the men, then turned and threw the bouquet over her shoulder.

A loud wolf whistle made her turn to look. A very surprised looking Astha was holding the bouquet, and Leon was grinning wolfishly on the sidelines. Astha blinked, then blushed a faint pink. Abel grinned. "Well..."

Astha glared at him. "Not a word, tovarish."

Abel held up his hands in surrender. "I wasn't going to say a thing."

After that, the pages served the food to the head table, while the guests gathered their food from buffet style tables and retired to the sides of the room to eat.

Esther felt almost too happy to eat, but she did take a respectable serving of the food placed before her, and a glass of red wine. Abel didn't eat much more, and she caught him watching the windows with a pensive expression. Then he caught her watching him and smiled. "Don't worry Esther. I promise, it's nothing." His fingers laced with hers and gave a reassuring squeeze. Esther searched his face, but his eyes were bright and happy, unclouded by shadows, and his shoulders were relaxed. She smiled and squeezed his hand back, then settled back to watch their guests.

An hour later, the dinner dishes were cleared away, and Esther and Abel were called to cut the cake. Abel did the cutting, his greater height making it easier for him to slice into the massive five tiered confection. Esther laughed with the rest of their guests when he went to one knee to feed her the traditional first bite. Seth giggled at the awkwardness of the situation and clapped her brother on the back. Then Leon took over the cake slicing duties, while they retired to their table. They passed another hour or so in dancing and small talk with their friends. Then Abel took her hand, and led Esther away from the hall, amidst the cheers and well wishes of the revelers.

It was much cooler outside the hall. Esther gave a sigh of relief, then took her shoes off. She was accustomed to heels and such, but it had been a long day. Abel helped divest her of her tiara as well. His own crown and cape had already been removed. Esther sighed with relief as the veil was removed, letting cooler air wash across the back of her neck and shoulders. "Thank you."

"Of course." Abel tugged her forward and kissed her. "It has been a long day, hasn't it?" he smiled.

"But it's the best day of my life." Esther smiled back.

"Mine as well." Abel's eyes were warm, shining brilliantly with joy. Esther's heart beat faster at the passion and the fire in those eyes. This was how she'd always wanted to see Abel, ever since their first meeting, since the first time she'd truly begun to understand who and what he was. Her angel.

The soft click of the door broke them apart. Esther turned to find Caterina standing there, an amused smile on her face. The Duchess of Milan shook her hair back, then sighed. "The night breeze is lovely tonight."

To Esther's surprise, Caterina followed her example of removing her heels. The older woman caught her surprise and smiled again. "I've never liked wearing heels for standing events. It's easier as a Cardinal, no one looks at your footwear, and you're sitting most of the time. However...I enjoyed today, but the respite is welcome." Steel blue eyes flickered over them both. "Congratulations to both of you."

"Thank you." Abel's voice was warm. "Thank you, Caterina." For a moment, the quiet shadows of the hall, and the starlight and moonlight from the windows wrapped them in silence, then Abel spoke again. "Caterina...with Rosenkreutz destroyed...you'll have to find the last three, but the organization and its driving force are gone...what will you do now?"

Caterina laughed. "Actually, I had intended to ask both of you the same thing. In fact, I had intended to wait until after you returned from your honeymoon, but I had a favor to ask of both of you."

"A favor?" Esther blinked.

"Well, perhaps more of a proposal to make. But it can wait." One delicate blond eyebrow arched. "A wedding night is hardly the time to discuss such things."

Abel laughed. "Well...that may be true, but if you don't tell us now, we'll both be dying of curiosity until you do. Which means neither of us will get much sleep, and we'll be distracted. Truthfully, I'd much rather you tell us now, so I can be focused on other things." The caress in his voice sent shivers up Esther's spine.

Caterina chuckled. "That is so like you Abel." She turned and looked out the dark window, then spoke softly.

"Before I met you, Abel, I never dreamed of anything more than an uneasy truce between Methuselah and humans. Even when I began to hope for peace, it was only for a treaty that might keep things calm between our two races. I never dreamed of forging an alliance such as the one we have made" She laughed again. "Much less dreamed of attending a wedding between the Prince of the Methuselah and a human queen, not even the Queen of Albion, the most lenient of human nations toward Methuselah." She turned back to Esther and Abel. "The two of you have made true peace a reality for the first time in over a thousand years."

Esther blushed. Abel scrubbed one hand through his hair, shuffling his feet in embarrassment. "Well, you know, we didn't do it alone."

"I know. But it would never have been possible without you to show us the way, Abel." Caterina took a step forward and clasped his hand. "Or without Esther to help us move forward, to begin to teach a younger generation the open-mindedness required." She took Esther's hand in her other one. "And that's why I feel I must ask for both of you to help me."

Caterina's expression was so solemn Esther felt herself settling into stillness. Abel was already almost a statue.

Caterina continued. "This peace...it took a great deal of work. And as long as there are likeminded people who oppose this alliance like my brother Cardinal Francesco, fanatics, and elements of the Rosenkreutz out there, it will take a great deal of work to maintain. I wish now to establish a way to maintain the balance, to fortify this peace until nothing, not even the worst of fanatical groups, can destroy it." She pressed Abel's hand. "I would wish for no one else to pay the price you did, Abel."

"No." Abel's voice was a mere breath.

"What did you have in mind?" Esther considered. She hadn't honestly thought much about the future of the alliance. She was a little embarrassed about it. "Ambassadors?"

"A useful notion, and a necessary one, but I had something else in mind." Caterina sighed. "We need to do more than secure the current status of the alliance. We need to train more people to accept it. The next generation of Humans and Methuselahs must have a way to understand and learn what Abel taught you, and what you taught the Earl of Memphis."

"A training program?" Abel's voice was thoughtful.

"Actually...I was considering building a school. A school where future envoys of the Empire and agents of the AX and diplomatic services could train and learn together. And I would like to ask both of you to teach, when you are not occupied with your other duties, of course."

"Teach?" Abel sounded aghast. "Caterina...I...you can't be serious."

"Of course I am, Abel. Esther is already known for her skill in diplomatic relations. Her understanding of the complexities of political issues and interactions will be second to none with a little more experience. It will take a few years to build the school, and by then I expect Esther will be my equal or better."

Esther blushed. "I'm not so sure about that."

Caterina continued. "And you, Abel...most of us learn our history from books and teachers. These sources are biased. But you...you lived history. You know more about old technology than even Lord Walsh, and a good number of Methuselah as well. You lived the history most of us understand only in myths and legends. Our future agents could do with learning an unbiased, true account of the wars of Armageddon, and the Dark Ages. There's no one better equipped to teach them that than you. I know you've researched the history between yourself imposed exile, and your return to the world at my side. I desperately need someone who will teach the next generation the truth of what has happened in this world, and what the peace of our era truly means."

Abel stayed silent, but another, younger voice spoke from the shadows. "She's right you know, Abel. You really are the best one to teach people about things like that." Seth emerged into the moonlight, barefoot and bareheaded, with the long train of her outfit draped over one arm. She smiled at her brother. "In nine hundred years, I only ever really managed to teach Mirka what it meant, to wish for peace. You did more in a decade than I managed in nine whole centuries, my dear brother." She stepped forward to caress his face. "Besides, you, out of everyone, understands the true cost of war."

Abel sighed. "I suppose. I take it you and Caterina have been discussing this?"

"We've been planning it for a while now." Seth grinned. "I have already planned to ask Astha and Ion to teach as well. Though I fear I need Mirka too much to send her to school."

"Indeed. I had intended to assign most of my AX team to part time teaching duties as well. We need their experience to teach the next generation." Caterina was smiling.

"Quite right. And none of us is getting any younger, not even you." Abel whipped his head around as William entered the hall, most of the wedding party was with him, including Alessandro, Leon, Tres, Petros and Paula. "Forgive me, I couldn't help wondering what was keeping Her Grace." He bowed to Caterina. "But as it happens, I've wondered for a while if a school might not be an excellent idea. And I do have teaching credentials, if we need at least one official Professor on staff. And it will certainly be far more interesting than the classes I currently teach in Rome." He smirked.

Petros scowled. "I do not have the patience for teaching. But I suppose the idea has merit."

"Positive."

Abel sighed. "Well, this is a lot to take in." He glanced at the slender youth, standing almost in the shadows. "Your Holiness? I assume you knew about this."

"I did." Alessandro nodded. "And I...I think...I think it's a good idea. I remember...when I first found out about Albion, about the Underground. I was just...I was so surprised, because I'd never learned anything about it. And then the Empire..." His hands twisted together. "I want to learn everything, about Albion, and the Empire, and maybe even more about the Vatican. And I think people need to know. Otherwise, things will just keep happening, like the things that happened to me the first time I was here. I don't want...I don't want any more tragedies, or people living in the shadows, in fear. Children like Angelica...they should be able to run around in the sunlight, if they want. I know Methuselah don't have a religion, but I want them to be able to come to Mass, and things like that, if they want to come. I want people to know the truth, so there will be fewer misunderstandings. So...the school sister wants...I think it's a good idea. And I...I also think..." He blushed, then looked Abel in the face. "You taught me so much, even if you never realized it. Watching you, listening to you, seeing how you taught Esther...I think you'd be a really good teacher." he flushed harder and looked away.

Abel turned crimson. Esther covered her mouth to stop a laugh from escaping, and turned to Caterina. "I think...well, I'm not sure how teaching would fit in with my duties, but I would certainly be willing to try. But I'm not sure I could leave Albion too much."

Caterina nodded. "I understand. Which is why I had an additional request. Albion is by far the most neutral country in the Alliance, and you already have both a human and a Methuselah population. Therefore, I'd like to build the school here, with Lord Walsh's help."

Esther blinked, then turned to Virgil. "Is it possible?"

Virgil nodded. "The safe houses can be modified to provide more useable living accommodations, as well as access to the Underground for more comfortable quarters for Methuselah. Also...there are some lands belonging to the House of Manchester that have been left untouched for years. I would be willing to donate some of our older properties as a site for building the school, if you agree to it."

"If that's what you choose, then I wouldn't dream of stopping you." Esther relaxed. "I think...if you're all willing to help us...I think I'd like to help with a school like this. I think it's what...it something I want to do, and it's something I think Bishop Laura would have wanted me to do too." She hadn't thought about the woman who had been her mentor and surrogate mother in over the years she raised her, but she could almost hear the bishop's loving voice urging her on.

Caterina nodded. "Thank you." A rueful smile washed across her face. "I know, it's a lot to ask you to think of on your wedding night. And I am sorry for springing it on you like this, Abel..."

"No. It's all right. Really..." Abel's arms snaked around Esther's waist and pulled her close, and his voice sounded distant. "This is...this chance to build the world I promised Lilith, to remain with all of you, to continue working with you to build a future where all God's children can live in peace...I can't say I'm at all convinced I'm suitable as a teacher but...I will treasure this gift. Thank you."

William laughed. "You won't thank us when you start teaching, I promise you. Students can be quite troublesome."

"And we can discuss all that later." Leon flipped a hand. "Right now..." He strode forward and wrapped an arm around Abel's shoulders. "It's your wedding night, Four Eyes. Go take Red and make the most of it." He gave Abel a friendly shove.

Abel and Esther both blushed, but Caterina smiled. "He's right Abel. And I find myself fatigued as well. I believe I shall turn in." She laid one hand on Abel's shoulder for a moment, then turned and vanished into the darkness.

The rest of the group dispersed as well. Several of them re-entered the ballroom, but William and Vaclav both elected to wish them good night. Esther and Abel remained where they were until the last of them left. Then Abel scooped Esther into his arms and carried her down the hallway.

In honor of her newly married status, the castle steward had gifted Esther with a new set of rooms, traditionally meant for a married monarch. The bed and bathing suite were both bigger and more luxurious, and there was room for desks and dressing tables for two instead of one. Abel managed the door with an elbow, then walked inside. Instead of going to the bed, however, he set Esther gently on her feet, then led her to the window. Esther blinked up at him. "Abel?"

"I...there's something I want to give you. But...well, I think we need to wait a few more minutes, if you don't mind." he smiled sheepishly. "I realize...it's a little unfair of me, but..."

"It's all right." Esther silenced him with a finger over his lips, then smiled at him. "It's all right. But you don't have to give me anything."

"I know. But...this is something I want to share with you." He brushed a light kiss over her lips. "Join me on the balcony?"

"Of course." She followed him outside, then leaned into his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her. "You know...there's something I wanted to ask you. I'm not sure this is the best time, but..."

"It's all right. Ask me anything you like." Abel's voice was warm and inviting.

Esther swallowed hard, then spoke softly. "When I was in the past, on board the station, I heard you...when you were talking to Cain, in the isolation cell." Abel's arms tightened around her. "I heard Cain ask you what kind of future you wished for, but I didn't stay to hear the answer. If...if you don't mind my asking...what did you tell him?"

Abel sighed. "I asked him for a future where I could be free. I wanted a chance to shape my own fate, my own destiny." He paused, then spoke in a voice that sounded much younger, an echo of his child self. "I want...I want a future...where I..I want to be free." He sighed again. "That was what I told him."

"And your destiny shaped a whole world."

Abel's arms tightened around her. "I never wanted that, you know. But now...I do know what I want. Perhaps what I wanted even then." His arms tightened. "I wanted a future where I could be free to love. And now...a future where I can love you."

Warmth filled Esther. She tightened her arms around Abel's, uncertain what to say. But before she could find words, Abel spoke again. "I think it's about time. Shall we?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you trust me, Esther?" Abel's voice was a caress like velvet.

"Of course." Esther leaned into his arms.

"All right." Abel released her and shrugged out of his jacket, then returned to her side and scooped her up into his arms again. "Hold on please."

Electricity danced through the air. Esther gasped as the dark crosses appeared on Abel's skin, jet black wings stretching from his shoulders. Then Abel took a deep breath and leaped skyward, into the air, wings flashing as he propelled them upward, above the Palace roof, up until Londinium lay spread like a tapestry beneath them.

The view was magnificent. Esther stared as Abel stabilized himself in the air, then turned east. "Look, Esther."

The sun was rising in a thin gold band, the sky turning from blue-silver to rose and gold with the oncoming dawn. There were few clouds, all of them turning shades of pink and orange and deep, fiery yellow. It was a glorious sight. Esther stared, mesmerized. She'd seen sunrises before, plenty of them, but never like this. Never from such a vantage point. Floating in the sky, with only Abel's strong arms keeping her in the air, she felt as if she were a cloud herself, a part of the sky as it turned to glowing wonder as the sun rose. The coolness of the wind, the warmth of the newly rising sun both wrapped around her.

"It's breathtaking." She could barely whisper the words.

"I know. As a child, I used to cherish sunrises. After I transformed...this was the only thing I think I ever truly liked, or loved, about my abilities. I wanted to share it with you."

Esther looked into his eyes. Blue eyes, not the usual crimson of his Crusnik transformation. She reached up, brushing his human face.

Abel smiled. "I wanted to give you the best of both worlds. I've been practicing the transformation. I wanted to fly with you."

"Thank you." Esther could feel tears gathering in her eyes. She couldn't think of anything more adequate to say than thank you. She caressed his face again, then shifted awkwardly in his arms, drawing his face down so she could kiss him. "Thank you, Abel. It's wonderful." She smiled softly. "I wish I could give you something wonderful like this."

Abel's answering smile was as radiant as the dawn coming up around them. "You have. You came to me. You gave me peace." he bent his head lower still. "You are my dawn, Esther. Always and forever. My star."

Esther swallowed the lump in her throat. "And you are mine."

They watched the sun raised the rest of the way, until it was too bright to withstand. Then Abel turned and glided back to the Palace, to the balcony they'd come from. Esther wrapped her arms tight around Abel's neck as he landed gracefully on the balcony, boots tapping with a barely audible click onto the stone.

Abel set her down almost as soon as they entered the room, shoving the window closed with a foot as he claimed her mouth for a kiss. Esther shivered as his hands traced up the back of her spine, finding and releasing the fastenings in the back of her dress. Electricity darted up her spine and into her stomach, a familiar warmth and excitement filling her as Abel deepened the kiss.

Abel's hands flicked away the fastenings of the over-skirt. Esther responded by losing and discarding his cravat, then beginning to unfasten the buttons of his dress shirt. Abel's body shifted against hers, leaning into her as he toed off his boots. His shirt slid loose, baring his shoulders as the top buttons came undone. Then it slid off entirely as Esther unfastened the last button and brushed it away, leaving him bare-chested.

Abel reciprocated by teasing open the back of her dress and running warm, gentle fingers down her spine, making her shiver in delight. His hands pushed her dress down her shoulders and away as hers found the clasp of his trousers and unfastened it. Then Abel's hands dropped lower, until he could tug the fabric of her skirt up, then pull the dress off in one smooth motion, leaving it discarded across the back of the chair. Warm hands caressed her as Esther leaned into him. Then Abel picked her up again, holding her in a tender embrace as he carried her over to the bed. Esther didn't understand how exactly he got up onto the bed without letting go of her, but it didn't matter as Abel laid her in the center of the deep, warm mattress. Then his hands were moving over her, reverent as an act of worship as he caressed her and removed the last of her under-garments, sending fire singing along her skin. Esther responded with caresses of her own as she removed the last of his clothes, and was rewarded with a soft, husky moan, full of passion and desire. Then Abel's mouth joined his hands, and together they fell into a dance of passion and pleasure, until finally Abel claimed her, and sent them both spiraling over the edge into uncontrollable ecstasy.

Afterward, Esther found herself cocooned in warmth. Abel had managed to pull the sheets up around them before falling into a light doze. Esther smiled, remembering the endearments, the deep, throaty promises he had made as he drifted in a half slumber, spooned around her under the satiny sheets. She was looking forward to him fulfilling them. But for now, she was content to lie in his arms, in the warm afterglow of lovemaking, and the joy of knowing that Abel was hers.

A sliver of sunshine slipped through the bed-curtains and touched Abel's hand, setting a dim fire in the ring he wore on the third finger. Esther reached out and caressed it, feeling a new warmth and happiness flowing through her.

Abel. Her husband. Lover and friend and confidant and helpmate, her partner for all the rest of her life. It was hard to believe, but the ring that sparkled on his finger was proof. The feel of cool metal and warm flesh under her fingers was proof.

Abel was hers. And she was his. They had all the time in the world together now.

She thought about Caterina's idea of a school, imagining Abel teaching young men and women, young as she had been when they had first met, when he had taught her something other than rage and hate, and what love and forgiveness truly meant. It was an oddly easy thing to imagine. She imagined Abel by her side, ruling Albion. Images filled her mind, of Abel in the Imperial Court, and Abel in the Underground. Abel standing beside the Pope in the Vatican, and walking the city to talk to farmers and merchants, or arguing in his strangely amiable way with the Albion lords.

She smiled and snuggled deeper into his arms. Abel made a soft sound and nuzzled the back of her neck in his sleep. Esther relaxed into his arms and closed her eyes as lassitude swept over her.

She was looking forward to the future she and Abel could build, together with their friends and the strange collection of individuals they both called family. But for now, it was enough to bask in his warmth, to enjoy the beginnings of their future together.

Outside Buckingham Palace, the sun shone warm on a beautiful summer day, and the smell of roses drifted through the air. Inside, hundreds of humans and Methuselah slept in their guest rooms, remembering the celebration of a glorious wedding, and dreaming of a bright new future where all could live, love, and be free.

The End/Finis

[*] The song used in the finale was "Flying Dreams" performed by Paul H. Williams from ending song from The Secret of NIMH movie.

[*] Poll results for my next story:

* Poll - TBAS 95%| IY trilogy 4%

* DA - TBAS 71%| IY trilogy 29%

TBWC's sequel - TBAS; Acta Sanctorum means ('Deeds of the Saints in Latin') is declared the winner.

Please look forward to seeing this as my next writing project to come in full bloom.

[*] AN's smcandy: And there you have it ladies and gentleman. I want to take this time to add a huge say of thanks for all the, appreciation, favorites, reviews and support to all my faithful readers. Who have been fans of this story throughout the years it's been posted and updated. I look forward to more of your support in the time and possibly years to come. Now in case I am getting anyone's hopes up. Please respect and do not be disappointed of the length of this final chapter was not what many have probably expected.

I and dragonwriter24cmf had many trials and edits to making this story ending as perfectly as it began on the first page. Take care and keep my user name in your alerts more than anything else. Please look out in the future for the next writing projects I'll be posting in due patient time.