Daedric found his horse and rode quickly out of town. If anyone from the earlier crowd saw him carrying the dead Marie, someone like the guard, for instance, he'd be slowed down by questions he couldn't answer. He found a tall hill covered with colorful wildflowers. Making sure no one was around, Deadric telekinetically scooped out enough dirt for a decent grave. The least he could do was keep wild animals from her now lifeless body. He arranged her body carefully in the makeshift grave and gently relaid the dirt. He wasn't exactly sure why he was being so careful, but he couldn't help it. He didn't cry, though. Instead he smiled slightly. At least she was at peace. He set a pile of stones as a marker and sat on the soft dirt. He stared pensively at the waving wildflowers. What the hell would he say to the woman who'd mothered his child and kept it secret for 22 yrs.? How would he explain not at least trying to find her? A soft scratching noise came from a slightly open sack on his horse. Daedric smiled faintly and pulled Julie from the leathery confines. "I'm sorry, my dear, but it is good that I did not leave you, yes? Who would feed you, hmn?" Julie purred as he scratched behind one ear. Reaching into the sack, he pulled out some dried meat and cheese and a waterskin. He didn't want to eat, but he forced it down anyway. Partly because he was stalling.

The sun was beginning to set when Daedric finally lifted himself into the saddle again .After placing a sleepy Julie back in the bag, he pulled out the scrying stone. He'd thought he wouldn't need it again. Well, he was wrong. Closing his eyes, he brought Angela's image to mind but focused more on her essence. After all, appearances change over the years and he'd last seen her when she was 20. He used Marie's miniature as a focal point, hoping the similarities between the two would lead him to Angela. Slowly the image in his mind began to age. He was seeing Angela as she was now. And now he knew where to find her. He put the stone and portrait away and began his journey anew. His horse ran at full gallop to the surprise of the townsfolk. Daedric had to get there quickly... before he lost the nerve. Did he have the right to question her? Did he even have a right to Marie after all these long years? Couldn't he have found someone who knew where Angela was? Questions followed by questions plagued him as he rode on, teeth gritted against his inner anguish. Then the guilt hit him. Angela had to have known he did not love her; was that why she left? He'd used her. He'd used her to satisfy his lusts; he was nothing more than an animal. She was right to leave him. Daedric reigned his horse to a stop. He had no right to blame Angela. He turned toward home and saw Garunth standing non-chalant in the middle of the road. "You both made mistakes, and if you think not at least telling her her daughter is dead wouldn't be another mistake on your list, then it seems you're still the frightened boy I found 36 years ago." All this was said with a small smile and a light, humorous voice. Garunth was trying to goad him. He sighed heavily and smiled at his mentor. "I know you're right... I just..." Garunth chuckled and began walking away. "Don't explain, I haven't the whole day to waste and neither have you. Daedric shook his head ruefully as he again headed towards Angela's current place of residence. It seemed that Garunth was still training him... 'Of course I am, boy. Get used to it, I'll be around until one of us dies.' Daedric laughed in spite of himself. 'Ok, you win, Dad.' A dark mental grumble was Garunth's only answer.

As Daedric rode on, he became less tense and more focused. Like any other job, this one had to be done, and would be. Then he could go home and be miserable once more. Daedric sighed heavily. Then a slow smile crept upon his lips. He wasn't truly miserable, was he? He helped the sick in a place were no one else cared if they lived or died. He was needed, important. No one owned or used him now, he was an equal. It was all he had ever hoped for when he finally escaped the apothecary. He was losing touch with reality; Marie's death was quite a blow, but it wasn't to be the end of him.

Daedric drew nearer to a small farmhouse. He dismounted leaving a mental command for his horse to stay put. He didn't bother to unsaddle him, he didn't plan to stay long. He reached for the knob then thought better of it and knocked. The door was answered by Angela who, of course, recognised him mmmediately. She backed away, trembling, fingers pressed against her lips. A tear trickled from the corner of one eye and she shook her head as if to deny his presence. Daedric smiled grimly. "It's good to see you too, my dear. Sit down, my sweet. We must talk." Angela half sat, half fell into a nearby chair. "I already know what you're going to say and I don't regret not telling you. How would you have reacted? You never really lo--" Daedric pressed a finger to his lips. "Not that, Angela. I haven't come to point fingers." He sat beside her and held her in his arms. "Angela... Marie... I was the wrong one to go after her. I triggered of something in her... something we couldn't control..." Angela frowned. "You're lying about something. Tell me straight, Daedric. If we've ever been friends, don't lie to me about this!" That hurt. "The first part is true. Having me show up overloaded her power. It began to take her over. I tried to keep her calm; told her to let it go it's course... she didn't want to live the way I do. She chose to die. And there was nothing I could do." His voice broke on the last word and he turned away. He hadn't wanted Angela to know about Marie's choice. Angela kissed his cheek. "Thank you." The words were whispered and obviously a dismissal. Daedric stood and looked down at the graying head of chestnut curls. He traced with his eyes the fine lines appearing on her face. He took in the clenched hands, wrinkled and slightly gnarled. He looked at his own hands, sooth and strong; vibrant with false youth. "She didn't live long, but for awhile, she was happy. Just as I was happy with you and happy to learn I was pregnant with your child. Our short lives have their small pleasures." It really was strange how close Angela came to reading his mind. He kissed her forehead and whispered good-bye. It was the last time he would see Angela. That much had been agreed on without a word being said.