I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel

[Christine Daye]

Evensong ends, and the woman in green, with a green top hat and matching veil moves against the flow as the congregation leaves. She walks calmly to the alcove, the side chapel, where the statue of the Virgin and Child stands.

Placing a coin in the box for that purpose, she carefully takes a candle, and lights it from the others arrayed in banks of offering. Careful not to spill any wax on her green gloves, she places the candle in a holder, and lowers herself to her knees, making the sign of the cross.

She looks up at the statue as she prays, lips moving in the ghost of a whisper.

"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me, Amen."

[Elisabeth.BasireDuP]

Lissa remains seated in a pew at the rear of the Abbey while the congregation leaves. The service reminds her of those her father gave while he lived in Oxford, and she idly wonders if any of his sermons remain there, tucked away in a library somewhere.

Catching sight of the tall figure in green, she kneels for a final recitation of the Lord's prayer, then walks over to wait quietly outside the Lady chapel. She hopes that Miss Daye will recognise her, despite the long brown wig covering her indecently boyish cropped hair.

[Christine Daye]

Christine looks up as Lissa approaches. The Malkavian's eyes are dark, the pupils blown wide, unseeing. For a moment it might seem that the singer is looking at a different place, a different time, looking at those things that live on the others sides of shadows, beyond the prosaic here and now.

But then she blinks, refocuses, and smiles happily at the Ventrue. Her voice is quiet, but carries to Lissa's ears clearly.

"...Miss Basire du Preaumont... how lovely to see you! How are you this fine evening? Did you enjoy the service? The choir were on fine form tonight, I thought... especially with their Magnificat..."

Her spoken words fade into soft song as she looks back up at the statue of Mary.

"... My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour
Because He hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed..."

[Elisabeth.BasireDuP]

"...For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations..."

Lissa continues the prayer softly, more as a poem than a song.

"It was a beautiful service, I still wish that I had been granted a singing voice that was worthy of joining such a choir, but alas, my talents do not lie in that direction.

"Thank you for suggesting to me that I should attend, I have spent so much time in quiet contemplation that I had forgotten the inspiration that comes from a full church!"

Lissa pulls on a pair of brown gloves, and shyly asks, "Are you still interested in a walk along the river Miss Daye? I've not had much chance to explore the city, so a guide would be most welcome"

[Christine Daye]

Christine beams in delight at the other woman, a pure joy radiating from her as Lissa picks up the word of the canticle.

"Amen," she breathes.

One final look to the Virgin, and she rises, straightening her skirts carefully.

"...churches... have always been... a place of great significance for me..." Christine confesses, "...and yes... so many voices raised to the Glory of God... it is transcendent!"

She smiles. "...but there is such beauty in quiet contemplation too... as with so many things... boundaries... balance... where one thing meets another to become something else..."

Her gaze goes distant for a moment, before she shakes her head, refocuses.

"I would be delighted to go for a walk along the river. I shall show you my favourite part of it, and we shall have a lovely time!"

[Elisabeth.BasireDuP]

Lissa returns the smile, "I spent a lot of my youth in churches with my father. Some of the Eastern Orthodox ones in Greece were spectacular, but there was always a little part of me homesick for the quiet simplicity of his parish."

She pauses, caught in the wistful memory, "I think that is why I returned home when I regained my faith, I was trying to recapture those memories. The village had changed so much though, with the new Hall, and the horrendous noise from the trains. It was still home though, the same church to welcome me back."

They head for the door and she holds back slightly , to avoid crowding her companion as they leave the glow of the Abbey lights.