Can feel Wanda's fingers digging into my skin as we leave the balcony and I think her eyes might be closed. My wings catch the air and we rise and then her reaction to the experience and the sight of the landscape beneath is everything I could have wished. And the feel of her, resting in my arms while taking it all in makes me feel happier than I have been in a long time.

Damien... is that a train? She asks and I am reminded how short this (and any time) of happiness is. Look down at Messenger's progress up the winding trail. Soon enough they'll probably be reaching the mountaintop and will be expecting me to meet them there.

"Yes," I sigh, "Unfortunately. Which means that I shall have to leave shortly. But not until I have got you safely to the top of the mountain."