When he dares open his eyes again he has to rub them. There She is, eyes closed. Sleeping? The Master, his voice soft now, calls Her. Body shudders, eyelids fly open. Her head turns towards the Master. Eyes widen, mouth opens, breathless gasp.

So beautiful. The Apprentice sinks to his knees in awe. The movement turns Her head towards him, He cannot look away. Those eyes, like downy brilliants. Softening at the sight of him, the mouth closing, a faint smile. Heart clenching in his chest.

The Master's voice again. Her eyes flutter away. Falling towards the Master, who catches Her. Calls for the Apprentice. Struggling to his feet, staggering to the door, letting the Avante in. It walks straight up, arms reaching out, but the Master shakes his head. Carrying Her himself in his old arms, light as a feather. Her face sweeps past his, so close. A flash of Her eyes. Her dangling fingers brush Oh so lightly against his cheek. A jolt sending him backwards to the wall. Seeing their shadows disappear. Light clouds in the sky wander by out there. They know nothing of what has just passed.

Misfortune has answered their call.