Back in the star chamber, unravelling his thoughts. The Apprentice, indeed. Knowing full well why he changed his mind about him. Why not tell Her?

The amiable young man. With his honest demeanour and obvious charity. The Master was stuck. The forms and expressions of love he had pinned like butterflies on display. But it is too delicate in nature to bear pinning. Must be caught alive. Here was a young man who carried it in him. A sample for study.

Useful and able, that he was, no doubt. Not masterly, never that. Oleum and aqua, the Master never bothered to impart such master discipline to him. Insightful, helpful, good with studies. Still chiefly an object of study. The study that culminated in Her birth. How could he explain that to Her?

She must know some day. Not yet. When time is ripe. Meanwhile, what of the Apprentice?

Stars glimmering, offering no answer. Nevertheless it is in their study that he so often finds one. It rises out of his train of thought. But of course.

Her birth was not the culmination but the beginning of the next stage in his study of love. Now he has three objects. The Apprentice, Her and himself.

That simple? A sceptical voice seems to echo from the night sky. Then what of the greatest dream? To love and be loved?

Of course, he answers himself. It has come true now. The study can continue alongside.

So simple. Yet the stars will not let him become immersed in their being tonight. That unknown creature inside him gnaws and worries. Capture that for the sake of clarity, Master!

The stars do not care.