From amberm@PILOT.INFI.NETMon Dec 23 15:16:35 1996 Date: Tue, 17 Dec 1996 18:24:38 -0500 From: Amber To: Multiple recipients of list FKFIC-L Subject: Christmas Challenge - On Angels' Wings 1/? I hope you're all ready for this - (drum roll please) - My contribution to the Christmas Challenge! Always remember: Nick and company belong to TPTB, but everyone else is mine! Permission to archive is given, and gentle comments and critcisms are hereby requested. Flames will be used to heat cider and light the Yule log. Here goes..... On Angels' Wings - 1996 Christmas Challenge 1/? by Amber Murray "He's so sad, Michael." Auburn hair dusted with gold stirred as a gentle hand reached for the sleeping figure. Softly, delicate fingers brushed the hair from Nicholas' forehead. "Look at him. He should have been one of us." Brenna spoke quietly, though her voice would not have awakened the fitfully slumbering vampire. Nicholas tossed on the bed, and almost absently the ethereal figure stroked his cheek. His tossing stilled, and Nicholas settled into a quieter rest. "He was supposed to be," Michael answered, moving to stand beside Brenna. One large hand rested on the hilt of his sword, the other he placed on Brenna's shoulder. "He was supposed to live a human life, then join our ranks." Brenna sank to the bed beside Nicholas, her presence not disturbing him in the least. "What happened to him?" "Evil, Brenna. Evil seduced him, and mortals are always free to choose the path that they will follow." "Hasn't he atoned enough, Michael? Can't we free him from this?" Brenna raised pleading green eyes to her companion. Michael dropped to one knee before Brenna, placing both hands on her knees. "He has done evil for centures, little one. But, his path is now a true one, and he may yet achieve the redemption he seeks. Perhaps not in the manner he hopes for, but redemption nonetheless." Brenna lowered her head, and three tears fell to her lap, spotting the white gown she wore. Michael reached past the curtain of her hair to put his index finger beneath her chin. He raised her face. "Hey, we're here aren't we? How many of our kind have ever been sent to aid a vampire?" Brenna smiled, and leaned her forehead against Michael's. "I have ever said we were unique, even among our own." Michael answered her smile with one of his own. "That's my girl. Now, come on - we have much work to do." He stood and held out his hand to Brenna. She rose, and with a last glance at Nick moved into Michael's arms. The faint light that surrounded them grew, then faded, and they were gone. Nicholas dreamed of the sun that day, and when he awoke his mind was full of light. copyright 1996 by Amber Murray OK, if you want more, let me know! amberm@pilot.infi.net From amberm@PILOT.INFI.NETMon Dec 23 15:16:44 1996 Date: Tue, 17 Dec 1996 18:44:11 -0500 From: Amber To: Multiple recipients of list FKFIC-L Subject: Christmas Challenge - On Angels' Wings 2/? Here's part two. If you didn't like part one, now's the time to run! On Angels' Wings - Christmas 1996 Challenge 2/? by Amber Murray The windshield wipers drummed out their hypnotic rhythm as they cleared the Toronto snow from the Caddy's windshield. Nick loved the snow, loved the way that, for a while at least, it cleansed the world of its dirt and degredation, blanketing all in a layer of purity and light. "All units, robbery in progress, 143 Sinclaire Avenue. Shots fired, one man down. Suspect matches description of John Adkins". The dispatcher's voice caused Nick to start, and he grabbed his radio handset as he swung the Caddy around. "This is 81 Kilo responding. ETA 2 minutes." He floored the accelerator, and the car raced into the snow-dusted darkness. John Adkins. Nick had arrested Adkins for the 1994 murder of his estranged wife, only to have the Crown release him on bond. Adkins skipped town, of course, and had been on the run ever since. That case had been particularly hard on Nick; Adkin's actions had essentially left his 8-year-old daughter an orphan. The Schankes had taken little Amanda Adkins in, Myra loudly voicing her opinion of the foster care system, finally declaring, "That child won't spend Christmas in a foster home and that's final!" There were plenty of presents under the the Schanke's tree with Amanda's name on them; Nick had seen to that, and in the warm glow of the Schanke's home Amanda had begun to heal. When her maternal aunt and uncle had arrived from Connecticut to get her, she was on her way to once again being a happy, carefree little girl. Don moped for weeks, mumbling that Myra and Jenny cried "all the damn time." Nick knew he missed the little girl as much as his wife and daughter, even though he rarely admitted it. However, that pain, too, began to fade, especialy when frequent contacts with Amanda showed a truly happy new family had arisen from the tragedy. Now, nearly two years later, Don was gone, and Adkins was back. Nick thought as he threw the wheel hard to the right, fishtailing slightly on the slippery street. He reached the address on Sinclaire, and, parking the car, stared in disbelief. He was now gazing at the majestic spires of St. Andrew's Church. Nicholas didn't see the two figures who stood in the snow, immune to the cold and blowing snow. Brenna turned to her companion. "He'll need my help, Michael. He can't do this one alone." Her voice trembled. Michael nodded, then grabbed Brenna's arm. He pointed to the horizon. "Look!" he exclaimed. An ominous cloud approached, small but dark and sinister. "He's going to need both of us on this one." With that, the dark-haired warrior pulled his sword from its sheath. "Godspeed, Michael," Brenna breathed, as with a mighty sweep of his wings Michael sprang into the air. More to come, unless begged to stop now! Amber Murray "Nobody saw me, can't prove anything" Knightie in shades of twilight "What hath the night to do with sleep?" - Milton amberm@pilot.infi.net From amberm@PILOT.INFI.NETMon Dec 23 15:16:49 1996 Date: Tue, 17 Dec 1996 23:08:20 -0500 From: Amber To: Multiple recipients of list FKFIC-L Subject: Christmas Challenge - On Angels' Wings 3/? Hope you're hanging in there - wish I could say how many more parts there are, but I'm making this up as I go! Natpackers, here she comes! On Angels' Wings - 1996 Christmas Challenge - 3/? by Amber Murray A church. The bastard had decided to victimize a church. As Nick walked toward the scene, he spotted Natalie kneeling in the bloodstained snow by the curb some yards away. She was examining the body of an elderly man. Adkins had robbed someone of more than their possessions. Before he could reach Natalie's side, however, another realization hit him. The place was crawling with uniforms, and every nook and cranny of the imposing structure ahead was illuminated with spotlights. , Nick mused grimly. He caught the closest uniform, flashing his badge before the man's eyes. "Detective Knight, Homicide. Can you fill me in?" "Officer Boone, Detective. It's John Adkins - you know, the scum that popped his wife two years ago then jumped bond?" Boone spoke quickly, eyes darting between the tall, blond detective and the frenzied activity around the church. "Yeah, I know him. I arrested him," Nick stated coldly. "He in the church?" He dreaded the answer, and his heart sank further when Boone nodded the affirmative. "The choir director had already taken the children's choir inside for the cantata tonight when Adkins showed up. Adkins capped the bus driver," and here Boone gestured at the corpse, "and high-tailed it inside. He's got the kids and the choir director hostage." "Why did this come across as a robbery? Has he made any demands?" Nick snapped the questions out rapid-fire. "Old lady across the street saw Adkins shoot the driver, and assumed it was a robbery. Uniform didn't know any different till we got here. And no, he's made no demands as yet. He's just holding the kids and the director." "Not for long." Boone shrank back a step from the steel in Nick's voice, but Nick was again moving toward Natalie. He was shadowed by Brenna, but remained heedless of her presence. Natalie looked up as Nick drew to a halt beside her. "Merry Christmas, Nick" she remarked sarcastically, rising to her feet. At her nod, two men wheeled a guerney awkwardly through the falling snow, and lifted the body to the bag waiting for it. Nat stripped off her gloves and brushed the snow from her slacks. "Ben Carter. He drove the choir here, was heading inside to listen to the rehersal when Adkins showed up. A .38, I think, right through the forehead. I'm pretty sure he used a hollow-point round; little hole in front, big one in back. Carter never had a chance." Neither Nicholas nor Natalie saw the feminine figure in white turn her eyes to the sky, nor did they see the mighty figure, huge muscles tense, sword at the ready, issue a challenge to the blackened figure that hung within a cloud of pure, unadulterated evil. There's more to come! Let me know if I'm holding your attention! -- Amber Murray "Nobody saw me, can't prove anything!" Knightie in shades of twilight "What hath the night to do with sleep?" - Milton amberm@pilot.infi.net From amberm@PILOT.INFI.NETMon Dec 23 15:16:59 1996 Date: Wed, 18 Dec 1996 15:56:04 -0500 From: Amber To: Multiple recipients of list FKFIC-L Subject: Christmas Challenge - On Angels' Wings, 4/? I think the end is in sight! Comments and chocolate always welcome at amberm@pilot.infi.net. Flames used to destroy fruitcake. Disclaimers in part 1. Now, on with the show! On Angels' Wings - 1996 Christmas Challenge by Amber Murray Bright as a comet, Michael streaked across the sky, pulling up sharply to face the enemy. The sight that met his eyes caused him to shudder; not with fear, but with revulsion. The...thing that hovered within its cloud was blackened, covered with soot from the fires it called home. Leathery wings held it aloft, wings without the grace and symmetry of a bird or bat, but ragged and torn. Each sweep of those wings set the putrid vapor that surrounded the creature swirling in nauseating patterns. Its body was knobby and gnarled, and sword clenched in its taloned fist crusted with filth. Michael tightened his grip on his own shining blade, and met the beast's yellow eyes. "Return to your domain, evil one. You have no place here." Michael's voice rang out deep and clear. "Return, or perish." "Think you to challenge me, spirit?" rasped the demon, its voice like the opening of a rusty hinge. "My mission is just - de Brabant is mine!" Michael realized what he now faced. The sickly creature before him was one of the nameless demons sent to snatch souls to damnation at the time of the body's demise. He glanced earthward, saw Brenna standing beside Nicholas, auburn curls streaming down her back as she looked to the heavens. So. This was to be a turning point for Nicholas de Brabant. This night, the eve of one of the holiest of days, was to be a critical junction in Nicholas' existance. Well, Nicholas would not face this crisis alone. Michael fixed his blue gaze on the demon once again. "There is no one here that belongs to you, creature. Return to the place from whence you come, and you may yet live a while longer." The demon's face split in a horrible grin, yellowed, jagged fangs dripping. "I say again, de Brabant belongs to me, and I will have my prize." "As you wish, evil one," Michael replied, and raised his blade. From below, only one pair of eyes saw the battle joined, and Brenna sent a heart-felt plea to her Master before turning again to Nicholas. More to come - hope you'll join me! -- Amber Murray "Nobody saw me, can't prove anything!" Knightie in shades of twilight "What hath the night to do with sleep?" - Milton Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good Knight! :) amberm@pilot.infi.net From amberm@PILOT.INFI.NETMon Dec 23 15:17:05 1996 Date: Wed, 18 Dec 1996 16:10:52 -0500 From: Amber To: Multiple recipients of list FKFIC-L Subject: Christmas Challenge - On Angels' Wings 5/? Comments and virtual chocolate always welcome at amberm@pilot.infi.net. Flames used to bake baklava. On Angels' Wings - 1996 Christmas Challenge 5/? by Amber Murray "Detective Knight?" The young officer tapped Nick's shoulder, a cellular phone in her hand. Nick turned from his perusal of the church exterior to look at her. She held out the phone. "It's Adkins. He's making his demands, and he wants to talk to you." Nick shared a glance with Natalie, and reached for the phone. "Knight here," he said into the speaker. "If you wanna see these kids alive, you'll do exactly as I say." The memace in Adkin's voice was not softened by the phone's connection. "What exactly do you want?" Natalie could see the effort it cost Nick to keep his voice calm. "You. You and the coroner. You and her for the kids and the old man. I'll tell you the rest when you get in here. You got five minutes, or the first kid dies." With that, the phone went dead. Nick turned to Natalie. She didn't like what she saw in his eyes. "He wants to trade. The kids for us." Nick's voice was flat. "Us? You mean, you and me?" Natalie replied incredulously. She reached up to brush the snow from her hair, which was curling wildly in the damp. "Yes. You and me. Your investigation gave me the evidence I needed, and I arrested him. He's had two years to plan for this, and he's not about to give up now." Natalie looked from Nick to the church. "Can you go in there?" She turned her eyes to his. "I don't have a choice" Brenna stood so close to Nick that, had she been flesh, he would have heard her heartbeat. His pain and fear and anger flowed through her. She could feel the internal battle he waged, even were it not mirrored in the sky above her. Gently, she reached out and laid her hand on Nick's forearm. She spoke, and though she knew that he did not hear her words any more than he felt her touch, she also know that her strength would reach him. "You are not alone in this struggle, Nicholas de Brabant. I will help you face your demon." A calm passed through Nick's body, soothing and energizing at the same time. The fear and pain that had hovered at the edges of his consciousness since he saw the church melted like snow in the sun. He turned to Natalie. "You don't have to do this." Nat looked him square in the eye. "You know that I do. Besides, I have a feeling you'll need me in there." Nick took her right hand in his and squeezed swiftly. "Let's go." I'm not done yet! -- Amber Murray "Nobody saw me, can't prove anything!" Knightie in shades of twilight "What hath the night to do with sleep?" - Milton amberm@pilot.infi.net From amberm@PILOT.INFI.NETMon Dec 23 15:17:28 1996 Date: Sat, 21 Dec 1996 21:41:57 -0500 From: Amber To: Multiple recipients of list FKFIC-L Subject: Christmas Challenge - On Angels' Wings 6/7 Holy cow, I may finish this yet! Comments, criticisms, and chocolate are always welcome; flames will be used to roast chestnuts. Standard disclaimer in part one. Here goes.... On Angels' Wings - 1996 Christmas Challenge by Amber Murray Nicholas could not suppress a shudder as the heavy wooden door of the church closed heavily behind him, cutting off the glare of the police spotlights and plunging the church into virtual darkness. Reaching back to give Natalie's hand a reassuring squeeze, he stood, sweeping the sanctuary with this gaze. The only illumination came from the many Christmas candles spread about the stage, the flickering light causing tiny shadows to chase each other up and down the stone walls. The choir box stood to the right, and Nicholas could hear the occasional whimper from the fifteen children who huddled within, not for warmth, but for comfort. In a show of sacriledge that made even Nick cringe, Adkins had swept the communion implements onto the floor, and was seated on the altar. In his right hand he held a lethal .38. Willing his anger down, Nicholas slowly paced toward the altar. As he neared, he turned to give the frightened children and choir director what he hoped was a reassuring glance. He could hear Natalie's quickened breath behind him, but knew if he turned he would read no fear on her face. he thought to himself. Brenna walked invisibly to Nick's left, green eyes fixed on Adkins. He looked like he had stepped from hell itself, she thought, her glance taking in his torn, filthy jeans and lank hair. What held her most, though, were his eyes. They burned with the gaze of a man possessed. Which, she thought ironically, her ears still picking up the heavenly combat that still raged overhead, he was. Nicholas was beginning to feel uncomfortable, the discomfort growing into pain as he neared the altar. He could not let it show, however, could not give Adkins any edge. Most importantly, he could not reveal his nature, not with so many witnesses. Brenna could no longer take away the pain, it had grown too great, but she reached out with her strength, and he was able to endure it. "OK, Adkins, you've got what you want. Let the kids and the old man go." Nick was faintly astonished that his voice didn't break. "Got what I want? I ain't even begun to get what I want," Adkins spat. "You did it, you and that bitch coroner. Took it all away from me. You deserve to pay, takin' a man's life away. On Christmas, too. What kind of a person arrests someone on Christmas?" Adkins hopped from the alter and advanced on Nick and Natalie, waving the pistol in the air. Natalie spoke quietly, unable to hold her words. "What kind of a man kills his wife on Christmas?" "She deserved it!" Adkins screamed, advancing toward her, stopping just short of the stage steps. "She said she was gonna leave, take Amanda with her. Said I was no good, that I wouldn't support 'em, that I had no right to hit her. She was my wife, my property. Had a right to punish her as I saw fit. Hell, she didn't work, either, said she needed to be at home with the kid." Adkins sneered as he spoke, spittle flying from his lips, growing more agitated by the minute. "Now, now I got you here, and you're gonna pay, you're both gonna pay. On Christmas Eve, too, ain't that fitting? I'm gonna make you pay on Christmas Eve." It was coming to a confrontation, Nick could sense it. He would have to move, and move quickly, but no faster than a mortal. He could not use his enhanced abilities, not if he could help it. Children were notoriously difficult to hypnotize, memories tending to resurface in the form of dreams. He did not want to try and erase the image of a "guardian vampire" from fifteen little minds, and one elderly one. "Know what? I know what'll hurt you. You cops are do-gooders. You'd never forgive yourself if one of these kids got hurt, would you?" Faster than either Nick or Natalie would have given him credit for, Adkins turned and took aim at a little blonde girl in the front of the choir box. "She looks just like Amanda," he whispered. His index finger moved on the trigger. Nicholas sprang..... Well, I hope it was worth waiting two days for! The end is near! -- Amber Murray "Nobody saw me, can't prove anything!" Knightie in shades of twilight "What hath the night to do with sleep?" - Milton amberm@pilot.infi.net From amberm@PILOT.INFI.NETMon Dec 23 15:17:35 1996 Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 18:23:59 -0500 From: Amber To: Multiple recipients of list FKFIC-L Subject: Christmas Challenge - On Angels' Wings 7/7 The big finish is at hand (although there may be an epilogue, I don't know yet)! As usual, comments, criticisms, and virtual chocolate welcome at amberm@pilot.infi.net, flames used to burn all the leaves my husband raked up in the yard today. Standard disclaimer in part 1. On Angels' Wings - 1996 Christmas Challenge by Amber Murray Nick felt his body connect to Adkins' with a satisfying thud, heard the retort of the gun as it went off. A split-second glance at the choir box showed Natalie tearing toward the little blonde child, who stood shaking but unharmed. The shot had gone wild as Nick had lunged for his opponent. Adkins was almost inhumanly strong, his rage lending his scrawny body power. Nick felt the vampire rise, and wanted nothing more than to sink his fangs into this man's puny neck and drain his miserable life away. However, Nicholas could not, WOULD not allow that to happen. He would not allow himself to be sucked into Adkins' cesspool of evil. He would triumph. Brenna stood helplessly to one side, watching the struggle. She wanted so badly to strike Adkins down, to watch the demon who had come for Nicholas take Adkins' festering soul instead. She knew, however, that she could not, that she must let Nicholas decide the outcome of this battle. If he gave into his killing urges, if he fought evil with evil, he would lose, and his soul would be lost. Twisting fiercely, Nicholas flung Adkins over his shoulder, sending the man flying into an altar chair. The chair splintered, and Adkins staggered to his feet, shaking his head. Enraged to find that his gun had been knocked from his hand, he charged at Nicholas, one leg from the chair held like a club. Nicholas took the blow on his shoulder, but the impact sent him reeling backwards. He felt his legs hit something, then went down, the baptismal font that had tripped him splashing its contents across his body. "No!" Brenna screamed, racing to Nick's side. This was not supposed to happen - good was always to triumph over evil, and Nicholas was winning his battle with himself. Well, she wasn't an angel for nothing! She had promised him she would stand by him, and stand by him she would! Reaching out, she laid both hands on the writhing body that lay on the stage floor. Nicholas found himself staring down at his wounded body, frozen in a horrible contortion. He could see the blisters forming on his cheek and neck, but he could feel no pain. He turned, and his eyes met those of the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. "Who are you?" he asked in a whisper, half afraid to hear her answer. Brenna laughed, a silvery, musical sound, and moved to stand before him. He found that she was tall enough to look him straight in the eyes, and her eyes were as green as a forest at midnight. She reached up and laid her hand on his cheek. "I'm your guardian angel, Nicholas. I am Brenna." Her voice was so lovely he wanted to weep. "Why are you here?" "To help you, of course. Why else?" She tilted her head to one side, shifting the waist-length curls that flowed and floated around her form. "My lady, I have long been unworthy of such help," Nicholas replied. "Ah, so you think. I, however, know differently." Brenna turned on her heel and began to walk, nearing the altar, running her hands reverently over the carvings. To Nicholas' eyes she appeared to float. "You have held for centuries to the belief that God has abandoned you, Nicholas. You have been seeking redemption in the hope that He would once again take you into His fold, that He would free you from the hell that you so willingly chose." Her voice held no condemnation; on the contrary, he could feel her love wash over him with every word. "But you have been wrong, so wrong." "Wrong?" Nick asked. "God did not walk away from you, Nicholas. You walked away from Him. You have never needed to gain His acceptance, you have merely needed to accept yourself." Nick froze at her words. "Brenna, how can I accept the monster that I have become? Unless I regain my mortality, I am damned." In amazement, he watched her shake her head. "No, my love. Unless you master the evil that is within you, you are damned. Your nature can be a blessing, or a curse, Nicholas. What you do with your nature will determine your redemption or damnation, not whether or not you succeed in changing that nature." "How ...?" Nicholas began, but Brenna's finger to his lips stilled his questions. "You have many miles to go before you are ready, Nicholas, but rest assured; your path is a true one, and you do not walk it alone. But now the battle must be re-joined." With that, the light that surrounded her grew until it was blinding, and Nicholas reentered his body. The pain from the holy water was almost unbearable, but he managed to open his eyes to see the splintered wooden leg of a chair coming for his chest. He rolled to one side, and as he did he had the strangest impression of...wings. As he clambered to his feet, Adkins stood, his arm raised for the strike, struggling against something. He seemed unable to move his arm. No one but Brenna saw Michael's mighty arm delay the killing stroke. A single shot rang out, deafening in the sanctuary. Screams erupted from the choir box, and a look of immense surprise crossed Adkins' face. Arm still raised, he lowered wide eyes to the smoking hole in his chest. Without a sound, he crumpled to the floor, and Nicholas turned to see Natalie, the lethal .38 in both hands. A wisp of smoke curled upwards from its barrel. Yes, an epilogue is definitely in order here! It will be following shortly! -- Amber Murray "Nobody saw me, can't prove anything!" Knightie in shades of twilight "What hath the night to do with sleep?" - Milton amberm@pilot.infi.net From amberm@PILOT.INFI.NETMon Dec 23 15:18:22 1996 Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 19:17:55 -0500 From: Amber To: Multiple recipients of list FKFIC-L Subject: Christmas Challenge - On Angels' Wings - Epilogue (revised) And you thought you were rid of me! I've had some very helpful criticisms (thanks Sharon {{{hugs}}}) and I realize that I didn't handle Natalie's involvement in the end of the story as well as I might have. So, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Hope this one works out a little better! On Angels' Wings - 1996 Christmas Challenge - Epilogue (revised) by Amber Murray Natalie half-sat, half-lay on Nick's sofa, her back pressed against his chest. Her tears were spent now, at least for the time being. Despite all that Adkins was, all the evil that he had done, it had been her doing that had ended his admittedly worthless life. She had pulled the trigger, she who had pledged to save lives, not end them. She wondered if this was how Nick had felt every time he killed over the centuries. No wonder he felt he was damned. She wondered if she was, too. "So, Nick - what do we do now? Do we keep searching for a cure?" Her voice was quiet, barely audible over the crackling of the fire in the fireplace. Nick had told her of his encounter with Brenna, of their conversation in that time when time no longer mattered. "I think so. I still want my mortality, Nat. I want to walk in the sunlight, eat ice cream...get married. Have children." He wrapped his arms a little tighter around Natalie's waist with the last. "But now - now I have a little more hope that if we don't find a cure, I am not sentenced to damnation, either in this life, or what comes next." "What about me?" Natalie whispered faintly. She turned her head to look at Nick, and tears glistened once again in her eyes. "I took a man's life tonight, Nick. I picked up a gun, pointed it at him, and pulled the trigger. How am I supposed to live with that?" She almost pleaded with him for an answer. It was an answer that, despite centuries of experience, he was unable to give. "I don't know, Natalie. But I do know that if you hadn't, I would be dead, and probably fifteen children as well. Justice doesn't always come in a courtroom, Nat. Sometimes, I think, God sends it in other ways. I think that tonight you were an instrument of that justice." Natalie rose and walked to the window, watching the snow fall silently. Brenna stood by the window, Michael at her back. When Natalie neared, the auburn-haired angel gently laid her hand on Natalie's shoulder. "Peace, Natalie. You cannot endanger your soul by giving yourself to His will. Your pain will heal." Michael took Brenna's hand, and together they disappeared. Nick joined Natalie at the window, and as he reached her side she turned and leaned against his strength. In the distance, and church bell pealed midnight. Natalie raised her eyes to Nick's, and he gently brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. "Merry Christmas, Natalie," he whispered, and ever so softly claimed her lips to the music of the bells. OK, I'm really finished this time!!! Merry Christmas to all!!! -- Amber Murray "Nobody saw me, can't prove anything!" Knightie in shades of twilight "What hath the night to do with sleep?" - Milton amberm@pilot.infi.net