A MATTER OF PRIDE

By Nightwalker87

Author's note: After watching "Dead of Winter" for the hundredthtime, I was suddenly inspired by Catherine's expression in theChamber of the Winds. This little tidbit is the result. I hope youlike it.

An entry from Catherine Chandler's Diary:

I watched you descend the winding staircase of the Chambers of theWinds. Despite the cover of your cloak, I knew of the suppleness ofthe muscles beneath. Muscles that gave the cloak its majesticappearance. Moments later, I watched you lift the huge wood barrierto the Great Hall easily as though it weighed no more than a 2 x4plank picked up by an ordinary man.

I watched. And I was proud. Perhaps it was not the appropriatefeeling, but it was there. Did you sense it? Of course, you did. Didit give you pleasure. I hope it did.

All who were near me could not help but see it, feel it radiatefrom me. It was a matter of pride.

Pride of your ability. Pride of your strength. Pride of you.

When you took my hand to lead me through the darkness, there wasonly pride, confidence, and knowledge. Knowledge that you would leadme no other place than the light. Knowledge that I could follow noother way than towards the light for the light is our destiny--ourconstant.

Vincent, when, at last, you and I danced in the Great Halltogether ˜The last waltz˜ I was enthralled. In that dance,I was transported from where we were to what could be. My mind andsoul were one. My thoughts were on us alone. Nothing elsemattered.

Vincent, my love, and my-- dare I write it? The word thatcompletes us. . For you, I would dare anything. My husband. My dearhusband, because you are already that to me, our time is coming. Iknow that.

Will you be ready?

Will I?

I have no answers. I do know that whatever happens we will, wemust, face it together.

 

THE END

This story is part of an anthology entitled "All That Matters:Tales of Beauty and the Beast." I started the anthology in January1990 after the series ended. As real life got in the way and thefandom dwindled, I put it away. Recently, I discovered, thanks to theweb, that BATB lives! I pulled out my files and decided to submit thecompleted stories. Who knows, maybe I will be inspired to finish theremaining stories :)