Next Contestant – Epilogue

(inspired by the song by Nickelback)

By Princess Alexandria

October 1997

It was cold as she walked around the castle walls, looking at the structure with a critical eye. It seemed so old, so cold, and so expensive. Corrine heard the sales pitch of the old world and how it would feel like living the life of the old time royalty, but she dismissed those pitches even as she continued to consider the pricey castle/mansion.

The skies were dark, and Corrine sighed as she looked out at the woods that surrounded the property. A purchase like this would make the news. It wouldn’t be front page or anything, but it would be out there. With Robyn locked up, Corrine still felt nervous about advertising her location like this. Still, Robyn was locked up for years, and Demona said Robyn would never set foot in England. That was something Demona promised her as Corrine mentioned this place was for sale.

Corrine thought about her cozy apartment, which was really more than enough for her, and the way people would make assumptions about her as she spent her increased fortune on this. Still, Corrine looked at the easily defensible walls, the sheer size of the place. Her whole clan would still not comfortably fit here, but it would give the clan a safe place if they needed it. It would give them a sheltered place for meetings. It would give Corrine a way to leave something behind when she did die, because that last scare over a year ago made it clear to her that she hadn’t planned well enough for her own death and how it would affect her clan. She wanted to leave them something, and if she did this right, she would be able to leave this. Hopefully it would be many more years before that became an issue, but she was planning now.

If Robyn outlived her, this would be the only thing she could leave them, but if Robyn died first, the money was hers to do whatever she wanted with it, all of the money. If she managed to be the last heir, she was free to burn it, give it away, or even fund a gargoyle safe haven for the rest of time. It made Corrine feel guilty to think like this, to wish death on her last relative, but wish it or not, it would come to that eventually.

When Jason and Jon ‘disappeared’ and didn’t check in with the lawyer in charge of the Canmore fortune, a search happened, and just last month it was determined they must be dead. Corrine had signed for the money she got, and Robyn had somehow managed to call in from prison to declare herself still alive. Because of the life of a hunter, they all had to check in once a year, to declare themselves alive. Even Corrine had been doing that for years, and she would continue, because blood money or not, it was needed.

The sound alerted her and Corrine looked up to see the approaching gargoyles. Corrine put her hand in her pocket and pulled out the key the real estate agent had left with her, after a small fee for an unaccompanied night in the castle. Corrine was selling herself as rather eccentric, because she claimed she was checking for ghosts before she signed anything. She was too tired of trying to come up with a saner reason to want the place alone at night.

“The grounds are expansive.” Katara spoke and Corrine smiled a bit at the appreciation in Katara’s voice. “We could almost hunt on them.”

“You have a stream. It should be wonderful on summer nights.” Leo spoke up and landed next to Corrine.

“We have a stream.” Corrine corrected him quietly and looked over at Una, who was watching her. “That is if you think this place works.”

“Let’s look inside.” Una caped her wings and spoke as she moved for the door. Corrine unlocked the door and held it opened for the three gargoyles that would help her make this decision.

“I checked with Demona and she says that it shouldn’t be too hard to install a state of the art security system here.” Corrine spoke as she closed the door, not liking how a simple key was all it took to enter now. “She has access to better systems than I do.”

Corrine had been in brief monthly contact with Demona since she’d left New York. At first it was for Demona to protest the spell, then it turned into discussions of magic. They discussed books and spells. Corrine had no idea what was going on in Demona’s life and until this castle drew Corrine’s attention, Demona hadn’t heard much personal from Corrine either. Corrine had struggled with whether to ask for advice in something beyond what Demona had hinted she was willing to give. Demona supported her magic, but she felt so distant.

“She say anything about visiting?” Una asked quietly and Corrine just shook her head no. “I hate seeing you in pain, perhaps you should,”

“No, that spell stays.” Corrine interrupted Una with a slight glare. Una had suggested a few times that human’s weren’t built to endure twice daily pain like this. “It isn’t bad.” Sadly she was getting used to it. Corrine took better care of herself to make up for the abuse she willingly endured. She got weekly massages for tension, she learned meditation for it as well. She was careful to not do dangerous things near sunset or sunrise in New York, and as long as Demona told her when she was going to be in another time zone it all worked. While Demona hated that Corrine wasn’t cancelling the spell, she seemed to understand the dangers of shared pain enough to anticipate what needed to be communicated, and Corrine got brief voicemails to tell her when Demona was traveling.

“This could work. There is more than enough room for the clan to stay here if need be.” Una spoke after they’d looked at the entire place. “The basement would make a good rookery. We could bring them all together for the first time in hundreds of years and have hatching day here.” And that was enough for Corrine. She would buy the place in the morning.

December 1997

Baby gargoyles were small. Corrine stared at the damp skin and fur of the next generations. Corrine glanced around at the basement of her home, and the heaters she’d installed near the walls. Rookery parents took turns living here and Corrine had spent several nights in the room herself learning how to care for the eggs.

They weren’t eggs anymore, or most of them weren’t. Corrine watched the egg on the green cotton pillow, watching it rock and pieces fall off. Corrine took a hesitant step closer to that egg, watching Katara and her mate, Coug, staring at it intently. A tiny little hand came out and twitched. Una leaned closer and spoke quietly. “You were there for the eggs conception; you should be there for the hatching. They won’t think you’re intruding.”

Corrine’s heart was hammering as she slowly walked past gargoyles holding hatchlings, toward that green pillow she’d given her godchild before he or she’d even hatched. Corrine slowed to stand across the pillow from Katara and stared in wonder as a little tail crushed shell and a large piece of the shell fell partly off. Katara reached in and carefully picked up the already loosened shell, pulling it away and Corrine moved her hand to gently cover her mouth as she watched a wet, black, little leg kick up in the air where the shell had been.

“It’s a girl.” A male voice spoke and Corrine looked up to see him smile. That’s all they really could tell about the hatchling so far.

“I’m sorry I almost killed you that night.” Corrine spoke quietly to him. She’d never been as comfortable around him as the others.

He waved he hand and rolled his eyes. “Bygones. I told you that.”

“Yeah, but seeing her.” Corrine ached to reach out and move another loose piece of shell, but wasn’t sure if she should. He reached out and pulled it away, revealing an arm and little wing. The little hatchling’s other wing broke through and a large piece of shell fell right onto her face. Corrine looked up to see who was going to remove that one and caught Katara’s smiling eyes. Katara glanced at the shell and then Corrine.

Corrine’s hands were a little shaky as she picked up a bit of shell and moved it aside, to stare into the black furred little face of her goddaughter. “Who do we have here?” she asked the little one gently and then looked up to see the rest of the clan was watching the last egg hatch, while some of them were holding other hatchlings.

Katara lifted up the little one and smiled at Corrine. “This is Canmore.” She introduced her hatchling and Corrine’s heart dropped at hearing the little one named that.

“You can’t do that to her.” Corrine’s voice rose in protest, a little panicked. A large hand rested on her shoulder and Corrine turned to see Coug giving her a sympathetic look.

Katara stared down at the child while she spoke. “Canmore is the name of hero, who risked it all for this clan. I’d be honored to be able to use it.”

“It’s custom to name hatchlings after important clan members.” Coug spoke.

“But I thought, well,” she looked at his feline features, which resembled a cougar. He laughed at her before she said more.

“Yes, it is also custom to do it the easy way, but this was a decision we made together.” He pulled Corrine into a slight half hug and let her go. “Otherwise we’d have gone with Kitty and Katara didn’t like that one.” He laughed, and a few of the clan did as well, but Corrine was still stunned as she looked at the child burdened with a name she’d never even wanted for herself.

“Hello Canmore.” Corrine whispered as she reached out a finger to touch a tiny hand. As she stared into such an innocent face, she swore she’d find a way to make that name something to be proud of.

…………………………

January 1998

“Hello.” The voice was expected, but the slightly uncertain tone to it was something for Corrine to puzzle over.

“Demona, it’s me.” Corrine spoke and heard a slightly amused snort.

“Me? No, I’m certain you have a name caller.” Demona teased and Corrine moved to sit at her desk as she started to smile just a little. Demona must have had a very good day.

“The eggs hatched.” Corrine spoke, her voice a little shaky. “And Katara named her little one.”

“And what did the London clan come up with now? I swear Goliath’s clan is the only other clan with more ridiculous naming methods.” Demona seemed to have a smile in her voice. Corrine felt a little apprehensive about answering her question.

“She named the little girl Canmore.” Corrine spoke quietly and listened to the intake of breath and then silence. “I know I promised you that my line would end with me, but,” Corrine bit her lower lip. “There will be another Canmore.” She heard the breath let out slowly on the other side of the phone and Corrine chuckled just a little. “I think I’ve finally managed to do enough to torment all the ghosts of my family. I’ve had a gargoyle named after me.”

“How full is your rookery?” Demona asked, seeming to change the subject, but Corrine noticed she was asked as if the rookery was partly hers. Demona may not have noticed, but Corrine felt warmth at the thought.

“We’ve 28 hatchlings.” Corrine felt some pride at that. It was a good number. More would have been nice, but maybe someday the clan would be large enough to have even more.

“That’s good.” Demona sounded slower and quieter. “You’re clan is about the size mine had been, before the humans destroyed them.”

Corrine’s heart sank as she considered that thought. “I’m sorry.”

“It wasn’t your family. My problems with humans go back to before any Canmore hunted.” Demona spoke, and then her voice became deeper. “So don’t think your family is the only threat, and make sure your clan is well protected at all times.”

“I had the security system you sent installed.” Corrine thought about the several boxes of supplied Demona had sent her. “And we did most of it ourselves, so no one else knows what we have here.”

“Good, good.” Demona sounded distracted and her once good mood was not in evidence.

“I want her name to be something to be proud of.” Corrine whispered her admission. “But I don’t know how, when I’ve never been proud of it.” She got silence. “I approached Una with an idea, something that will take a lot of work, but with help,” Corrine’s words trailed off for a moment. “I offered to find the gargoyle clans of the world and establish communication, make sure they have what they need to survive, and perhaps open up talks about mate exchanges. Gargoyles can’t continue to survive the way they have in the past, it will eventually lead to death. I’m going to create a worldwide network. Maybe that’s a legacy for Canmore to grow up with.”

“You want to save them all.” Demona seemed to breathe the words out as air.

“Una thinks it might help, what do you think?”

There was a marked pause, and Demona spoke slowly. “I think it’s a good idea. There may be clans like Goliath’s with an imbalance of potential mates. There may also be clans with inbreeding issues if they are too small.”

“I’m going to start looking for them. I have my family’s notes, and they said the London clan was destroyed. Maybe some of the others survived as well, since they apparently didn’t check too hard for survivors.” Corrine swallowed, knowing she’d be disappointed often.

“Don’t tell them your last name if you find one.” Demona’s words were now spoken at a normal pace. “And take someone with you, a gargoyle, to vouch for you.”

“I’d already considered that, but it seems dishonest.” Corrine admitted.

“Be honest with them AFTER you have your clan around you, not before. Let your… I mean Una explain it to them.” Demona sighed. “I should go.”

Even though it felt like she was being brushed off Corrine nodded. “It’s your turn to call me next time.” Was all she said before Demona hung up.

……………………………….

January 1999

“There were three clans in Asia.” Corrine sat back on her bed and held her phone to her ear. “Three.”

“Really?” Angela’s voice sounded a bit shocked. It had been a tip from her that lead to finding them all. It had taken her months, but Angela was the one that told her about the Ishimura clan, and they’d told her about the Xanadu clan and they lead to the Puhkan clan. It was amazing, clans knew of one or two others, but never asked like this. The Ishimura clan had been stunned to hear about the Puhkan clan. It was kind of sad really, that it took her to point this out, but it made Corrine feel like she really was doing something good. “How many is the count up to now?”

“Well, I can’t contact your old one.” Corrine wasn’t happy that there was a clan out of touch like that, but the fact that a clan lived on a mythical island was amazing. “There’s yours and that other one.”

“The Labyrinth.” Angela finished for her.

“Then we have the Loch Ness clan, and I need to go to Guatemala.” Corrine added. “Maybe they’ll know of more.”

“That clan is very small and they all have mates.” Angela spoke slowly.

“This isn’t just about mates. I think the clans will be able to help each other, and if they need money I’ve got that.” Corrine sighed. “This is about more than just the next generation to me.”

“What you’re doing is amazing.” Angela sounded impressed. Her words became slower after a moment. “If you’re doing this, does that mean that the other clans don’t have to make changes like ours?”

“No, I still give them evaluations and warnings, but if they don’t chose one of my clan sisters I can’t enforce anything.” Corrine sighed. “But so far my clan has the largest number of unclaimed heterosexual females, so I do hold enough power to encourage clans to protect themselves better.”

Angela chuckled. “Is that what you call it? Father calls it dictating and extortion.” Corrine grinned at that. She knew that male wasn’t happy with her, but the changes were making the clan stronger. Eventually he’d see that. He just didn’t like living with Xanatos, but that was their solution to the financial issue.

“Well, when you all are still around for the next Breeder’s moon, you know who you really have to thank.” Corrine joked.

“No, I do know.” Angela’s voice was more serious. “And I do thank you.” Corrine sighed at the reminder of that night.

“Well, I just wanted to tell you that next Winter Solstice there will be a gathering at my place.” Corrine felt a little uncomfortable with the thanks. “We have time to straighten up any weaknesses in the clans between now and the Breeder’s moon, or any mate exchanges. We can just let people mingle and see what happens.” She sighed. “Not everyone will come. Many of them didn’t want to leave their homes unprotected, but it sounds like the singles will come, and someone to speak for the clans from each one that joins us.”

“What about the Labyrinth clan?” Angela asked, and Corrine was glad she brought it up.

“I was hoping you could help me out. Invite them, and any other clan you find out about that you think should be there.” Corrine glanced at her hunter books. “I have to try and see if any clan survived my family, I have a lot of places to visit. If there are survivors they should come, I owe it to them.”

“And mother?”

“I invited her, but she hasn’t said if she’ll come yet.” Corrine admitted quietly. Inviting her to this had been hard, knowing Demona might find a mate, but she couldn’t deny her the chance just because Corrine had wished for more.

“You talk to her?” Angela sounded surprised.

“Yeah, we talk pretty regularly.” Corrine heard a knock at her door. “I need to go. I’ll call with more information when we have it, but I believe we plan to host this for a week. There is room if people just bring the eligible bachelors and bachelorettes for everyone to stay at my place. The couples will stay in the city for the most part to give us space.”

“I can’t talk for father, but I’m sure we’ll be there.” Angela said her goodbyes as Corrine walked to her door.

Katara picked her up and spun her once she was let in. “You’re home!” Scottie had been the one with Corrine in Asia, and that trip had taken three times as long as they’d thought it would. “Now you can babysit.” Katara teased as she set Corrine back down. With a clan babysitters weren’t hard to come by, but Corrine was looking forward to her turn. With these plans coming together, she was sure that Canmore would be able to hold her head with pride once she was old enough to understand where her name came from.

Someday when it came time for Canmore to find a mate, Canmore would have the entire world to choose from. She’d have access to any gargoyle that existed. Corrine sighed, as she sort of envied her god daughter that. It had been a while since Corrine had even had a woman to date, and she’d finally realized she just never was going to find a real girlfriend, just as she was starting to think the meaningless flings weren’t something she was all that proud of. She just didn’t trust humans enough to bring one into the clan, so meaningless was all she could have.

……………………….

November 1999

“I’m incredibly impressed with how well you’ve done on this.” Una spoke and Corrine smiled happily at the praise. “I wasn’t even aware there were so many clans left, you found nine in just under two years.”

“I’m hoping there’s more and I just couldn’t find them. I can continue to look.” Corrine thought nine was too low a number, but it was better than she’d hoped for.

“No, you’ve been on this quest for too long now.” Una spoke gently. “You work so hard to protect us all, but when is the last time you dated? You used to date too much, but now you don’t date at all. I’m not sure that’s an improvement.”

Corrine sighed and looked out the store window, wishing for a customer. She hadn’t worked here is a while, because of her quest, as Una called it. Still she was sure they still made their own money, so she wondered why customers couldn’t choose now to visit. “I’ve been rather busy.” She spoke with a weary voice, but it was just the topic of her personal life she was tired of.

“You’ve always been busy Corrine. Even in Paris or New York you were busy. Did you have time to date like you do then?” Una asked and Corrine slowly looked into Una’s face, seeing concern there.

“Things are different now.” Corrine answered.

Una just stared at her for a moment. “If taking care of this clan is causing you to not live your own life, I can’t let you continue doing this. You deserve happiness Corrine.” Una sighed and her hands trailed over the books for sale on the bookshelf slowly, and Corrine watched Una looking at them. When Una spoke again, her voice was softer. “When I first met you, the first magic question you asked was about the three fold law. I didn’t want to answer you then, I didn’t want to see you as an individual.” Una looked back up at her and Corrine swallowed at the intensity of her teacher. “But I have to tell you, the way you integrated yourself in our clan, and the things you do, it will take several lifetimes for the karma due to you to be paid back. You deserve all that is good in this world, you’ve earned it, and yet you never slow down or stop to enjoy it.” Corrine had no idea what to say, she just stared, stunned at the measure of her character she was hearing. “Even if you had to make up for your entire family Corrine, you would be in the positive by now. How many clans did you give money or supplies to? How many clans did you explain the dangers of discovery too? How many clans did you cry over when you found nothing but remains?”

Tears filled both their eyes as Una mentioned what Corrine never did in her reports, the trips that resulted in not finding anyone alive. Katara had been with her once to see a clan that was no longer there, and after that Corrine always checked during the day and then told whoever her gargoyle partner was the for the trip it was just time to move on if there was no need to stay. Apparently Una didn’t believe that she’d only found the one.

“This quest is hurting you; it’s time for a break.” Una spoke quietly, but it was clearly an order. “You are not responsible for the entire gargoyle race, and you are not responsible for all those who are no longer a part of it.”

“Okay.” Corrine’s voice was resigned to a break, but it was only a break. She had to find any clans she could before the next Breeder’s moon. She wanted there to be more eggs, more gargoyles, for the future. There could always be more gatherings, she had ten years after all. Even without finding more clans they’d need more gatherings.

…………………….

The bookshelf was disorganized, and Corrine felt a little guilty that the store had clearly suffered with her absence. She pulled the books off the shelf and started over, as she waited for Una to finish with her customer.

“I’m working on a spell to translate languages.” Corrine spoke as Una came up to her. She was stuck on the creation, a sort of writer’s block, and hoped that Una wouldn’t lecture her about working all the time. The gargoyles that were coming in a month weren’t all speaking the same language, and that would make things harder if they had to rely on interpreters.

“Answer me this, how many times have you gone out to have fun in this past week?” Una spoke and Corrine’s heart sunk as she looked up into demanding eyes. “You will go out and go dancing, go to a bar, do something, and you will not do it alone.”

“Are you offering to go with me?” Corrine smiled just a little at the absurd idea. Gargoyles couldn’t go with her into those places.

Una gave her a look that said ‘don’t be ridiculous’.

“I don’t want to do those things.” Corrine spoke more firmly.

“How will you ever find a mate like this?” Una spoke more quickly, giving this the feel of an argument.

“I won’t.” Corrine turned away, studying the books. Her angry posture and crossed arms relaxed. “I don’t really think I can.” Her voice quieter.

“Of course you can. You are an ideal mate. You are strong, powerful, beautiful, smart, and humans would have to like that you are rich.” Una rested a hand on Corrine’s shoulder. “You are loyal, and willing to sacrifice so much for the people you care about. You would make an excellent mate.”

Corrine hesitated, her mouth opening just part way about three times before she could speak. “I don’t feel like I’m a human anymore, I know I am, but inside I just don’t feel like I fit there.” Corrine felt her heart pounding as she admitted this, not wanting Una to feel guilty. “I can’t find what people think about important, I feel more comfortable around the clan, than I do out there where I have to lie about what I do, who my family was, my childhood, my scars. I can’t even invite anyone home without feeling like I need to do a complete background check and blindfold them and keep them in my sights the entire time. I can’t tell any human even the simplest things about my day, because they’d ask who I was talking about, and might ask to meet my friends.” Corrine shook her head and found another hand on her shoulder, as she was pulled into a hug. “I don’t want to live in their world, or even pretend to, but I don’t think I can. How could I be with someone and not tell them about the clan? My god daughter? I don’t see the point in anything less anymore, but I can’t trust a human not to hurt my clan. It wasn’t just my family that smashed the clans I found, and I just can’t risk ever waking up and seeing that here. I don’t think I could survive that.”

“I hadn’t anticipated this.” Una spoke softly. “I’ll think of something, I want you happy.” It was like a promise and Corrine sighed, thinking her quest was a lot easier than the one Una set for herself.

…………………………..

December 1999

Corrine smiled weakly at the members of the Pukhan clan, before turning to stare at the room all the leaders had retreated too, her formal dining room was serving as a conference room, and it was large enough. Corrine sighed and sat down to drink her tea.

Once the last clan had arrived Corrine’s tension had increased. The Wyvern clan brought a few humans to help with daytime security. David and Fox Xanatos had managed to buy their invitations by helping that clan get here safely, and Corrine had them staying in a room far down the hall from her own. She had Detective Maza staying next to them, and Demona rounded off the daytime help. Corrine was very grateful to not be alone with that responsibility, because she hadn’t been sure when she could sleep when she thought she’d be doing this alone. It was partly that plea that had gotten Demona to come.

Una had called this meeting and all the clan leaders had filed in. Corrine would pay a lot of money to know what they were doing, but she’d have to ask Una or Demona later. She knew that she was being revealed as a Canmore, but there was more to this meeting, she could feel it. Demona had been included as a leader, as she should be, in Corrine’s opinion. She may not have a clan, but she was brilliant and would make sure those clan leaders knew what to avoid to keep this gathering safe. Corrine had tried to instill how important it was that the visitors not glide over to the city, but she didn’t hold as much respect as she’d prefer, so it was up to Una and Demona to set down the law.

The door opened and Corrine watched as Una stepped out, her eyes moving over the room, and noticed her nod with a smile at Katara. That was a hint that the London clan’s second knew what was going on. Corrine watched as a still surprised looking Goliath came out and gave her a strange look, before moving on. A few other clan leaders gave her a searching look, but the occasional nods of acceptance helped calm Corrine’s nerves. What really drew her attention was Demona’s troubled expression, that set her on edge yet again. Demona covered it up when she saw Corrine was watching her, but it made Corrine wonder if a clan leader was going to be a problem for her, if someone had objected to her involvement with all of this, in spite of her organizing it.

“We would like to head out to the tent for opening ceremony.” Una called out and Corrine nodded at the look she’d been sent. The huge tent had been a necessity when it was clear the visitors wouldn’t all fit into a single room in the castle, not even the pool room if they’d put something down to make a floor out of the pool, and that would have denied the Lochness clan the opportunity to swim in warm waters for a change.

It was the middle of winter and Corrine had put a lot of portable heaters in the tent, mostly for herself since gargoyles weren’t as bothered by the cold, but Elisa, Fox and David could benefit from it now as well. Once she’d made her way into the tent she glanced around at the tables, chairs, and the boxes on the table near one of the tent openings. This was as organized as she could get it, and she’d explain it to them all once they finished filing in. There was a soft rumble of noise from all the gargoyles talking amongst themselves in excitement and Corrine felt warmed from how well this was being received. The hum of the generator for the lights and heaters also filled the air, but it was something they could ignore.

Una waved her up and Corrine left Katara in charge of the boxes that would become important in a moment. It had been an idea her and Scottie came up with and she was going to explain it. Hopefully everyone else appreciated it. She turned to see a virtual sea of color and faces watching her. Many she’d seen in her visits, but the familiar faces of her clan helped to make her feel more comfortable talking in front of such a large group. Una moved to stand beside her.

Corrine smiled and looked over the group, taking a moment for everyone to notice them and stop talking. “I’d like to welcome you to our home, and the first Gathering of Gargoyles.” She couldn’t stop the smile she felt as Una said that. “This is a beginning of a worldwide search to find all of the clans forgotten or lost, alone, in a world dominated by man. I would like to thank my apprentice, Corrine, for making this possible.” Corrine didn’t manage to not blush as the round of applause she received. “Her devotion to this is as strong as her devotion to her clan, and she put all her blood and tears into this task.”

Corrine subtly looked around as Una gave the opening speech, seeing Demona standing a bit off to her own, arms crossed, watching this. She noticed Angela holding Broadway’s arm, smiling and excited looking.

“Corrine will explain how this singles mingle will work.” Corrine looked up at the teasing name Una gave this event, and then out at the room again while standing up straighter.

“In order to make things a little easier, and to make sure that people aren’t chatting up a clan leader’s mate,” Corrine grinned at the chuckles she got. “we’ve brought armbands to declare everyone’s intensions.” Corrine pulled three examples out of her pants pocket and held them up. “These come in black, for I’m just here for the event, but I’m not looking for a mate.” She held up the example. She showed them how it went on, and how the elastic should accommodate even the males with the largest biceps. “Pink for those hoping to find a female mate, regardless of the gargoyle’s gender, and blue for those hoping to find a male mate. If gender is unimportant to you, you’ll be stuck wearing two.” She held up her examples. “Now these bands are on the table near the door, and if you have trouble seeing color, you’ll notice black symbols on the pink and blue bands. That should help you.”

Corrine started to pull off her black band, she’d return them all to the table. “Now,” She started to dismiss the group to get their bands and watched as Demona tensed up when a hand rested on Corrine’s shoulder.

“Wait a moment, I have another announcement.” Una spoke gently, but loud enough to be heard by all. Corrine looked up, surprised as her clan leader smiled at her and changed the plan. Una took the three bands from her hand and turned to the room.

“As you can tell by this system, we are not discriminating against our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters. The goal is not to make as many eggs as possible, disregarding the happiness of the gargoyles involved.” Una held up the bands. “I would also ask that everyone keep this friendly and realize that we will be hosting other Gatherings so you don’t, and shouldn’t, make long term plans after meeting and spending a week with someone. You may also need to make arrangements to visit other clans after this, and we are more than willing to help you do this. Corrine has generously put her money and power at our disposal to make it possible.”

Una smiled at her. “The medallions you wear that enable you to talk with those who don’t speak your language, was created by Corrine. It was a spell she designed and cast over a hundred times to make sure language wasn’t a barrier. She paid for most of the clans to get here safely.” Una’s eyes were warm and loving as Corrine gave her a puzzled look at this change. “Human’s raise their young in smaller family groups, instead of by the entire clan. My apprentice was unfortunate in her family group, but her clan loves her.” Corrine was blushing as she watched Una turn to the room again. “She has shown more courage, devotion, honor, than anyone I’ve ever met, human or gargoyle. She is on her way to being more than just a magic user; her ability to craft her own spell for us today shows her potential as a sorceress. Few have that gift.” Corrine’s eyes widened at those words.

Una stood a little taller. “Corrine is a valuable member of our clan.” Una pulled on Corrine’s arm and ran her hand up it, making Corrine give her a puzzled look, until her eyes fell on the strip of pink. “Corrine is also not mated.” Una gave Corrine a mischievous smile. “And anyone would be lucky to have her attention.”

Corrine just stared in shock, as Una turned to the crowd. “Go and get your armbands, the food will be served soon.”

…………………………….

Corrine was still a little shocked hours later as she sat at the kitchen table.

“You were certainly the belle of the ball.” Fox spoke in a teasing voice. “With that introduction that Una gave you I almost considered getting a pink band, but my husband would have been a deal breaker wouldn’t he?” Fox and Corrine had taken first watch. Corrine had thought for sure Demona would opt to work with her, but she’d paired up with Xanatos for later that day, and Elisa later still, because Demona needed half as much sleep and the days were short, so they’d all only have just enough time to sleep. It made Corrine wonder if Demona was mad at her, choosing almost everyone but her.

“I usually turn down married women.” Corrine spoke distractedly, glancing at the security panel again, to see all was well. They could wander around, and would later, but they could do most of their watching from the kitchen or the security room. Corrine bet that when it was Demona’s turn she’d actually walk the grounds to stay away from her partners. Why didn’t she take the opening Corrine had given her to pick Corrine?

“So what do you think of your suitors?” Fox leaned forward, over her own cup of tea and Corrine studied Fox’s eager to gossip expression for a moment, trying to think of an answer to that question. All of the females with pink armbands had joined Corrine when the meal was over, but they weren’t all after Corrine, Corrine had just been the most recognizable female seeking female out there. Fox was asking like they’d all been after Corrine, which just wasn’t true.

“Gillian isn’t really thinking this out.” Corrine sighed as she thought of the Loch Ness female who had given Corrine more than a few interested looks. “They live in a watery cave, and are amphibious. It would be challenging for any gargoyle to join their clan, but impossible for me, and my home isn’t all that close to the ocean or a lake here.”

“Ah yes, a bird and a fish can fall in love, but where would they live?” Fox smirked as she spoke.

“She should be looking for a Pukhan or Xanadu female, they are used to living in caves.” Corrine sighed.

“Do you really want a gargoyle?” Fox asked, her voice more serious.

Corrine studied her tea as she answered. “I can see myself with one more easily I guess.” She picked up her cup and gently moved it to see the liquid dance. “I don’t know, I just feel strange about this. I really never thought I’d be accepted in this way.” She set her cup down and looked up to the woman she barely knew, but who knew all these secrets she kept because she too lived with gargoyles. “I guess yes, if or when I do settle down, I’d want it to be with a gargoyle.” She shook her head and gave a sad smile.

“Any gargoyle in particular?” Fox asked, but the teasing air was gone and Corrine ran her hand through her own hair rather than answer. “Any catch your eye?” Fox pushed for a response.

Corrine glanced at the doorway Demona had walked out fifteen minutes ago, before turning back to Fox. She didn’t even speak and Fox’s eyes softened. The redhead just shook her head as if clearing that conversation. “So what did you think of that green female?”

Corrine smiled and chuckled. “That’s Scottie. She’s been after me for years, but I don’t think she’s serious, just curious.”

“I don’t know, a lot of gargoyles were talking about how important it was to use this time well. If Scottie is investing her time in you, that sounds serious to me.” Fox spoke and Corrine’s smile faded as she considered that. Scottie could be an actual suitor, she couldn’t tell yet, and that made Corrine a bit nervous. Scottie was young, but then all the unclaimed females with pink bands were.

Once her tea was finished, Corrine slipped outside for a walk, away from Fox. It was the same trick she suspected Demona would pull later, but she really just needed some quiet time alone.

………………………..

Corrine glanced over Gillian’s shoulder again, to see Demona still stuck talking with that male. Corrine took in the way Demona’s arms were folded in front of her and the way her foot tapped, and knew all was not well. “Excuse me.” She smiled at Gillian and walked passed her.

The male had a pink armband, and clearly was very color blind or he’d notice Demona’s was black, Corrine thought with some irritation of her own. She could tell by his posture what he was doing, and by Demona’s it wouldn’t be long before he regretted it. Corrine walked up to them from the side and glanced at him with some disdain, before turning to Demona.

She hadn’t spoken with Demona since the brief talk about security shifts that morning, as it seemed Demona was avoiding her. Corrine smiled as brightly as she could. “Demona, I have someone I want you to meet.”

Demona turned to look at her and Corrine widened her eyes briefly, while turning her eyeballs toward the male who couldn’t see her face at the moment. Demona nodded subtly. “Of course, if you’ll excuse me.” Demona spoke to him and followed Corrine away. They were halfway through the tent when Demona spoke quietly. “Decided to save me?”

“You looked unhappy.” Corrine smiled softly and reached out to briefly pet Demona’s arm. “Why didn’t you brush him off?”

“I was about to.” Demona’s jaw clenched and Corrine just help the tent door opened for them to leave. She lead Demona into the kitchen, which was quiet and unoccupied.

“Here’s Jack Daniels. I wanted to introduce you.” Corrine smiled as she pulled the bottle out of the cupboard and held it up. Demona smirked as Corrine pulled out two glasses and filled them, handing one over. As Demona tilted her head back and drank, Corrine hummed happily as she watched. “You took him in your mouth and swallowed, lucky Jack.” Her voice was suggestive and seductive and Demona choked and glared at her.

“Corrine.” Demona’s voice was a bit hoarse from coughing and Corrine laughed just a little, before taking a sip of her own drink.

Her teasing smile faded and she stare at Demona with sincerity. “I am so glad you are here. I wouldn’t be able to sleep if you weren’t, I don’t think I’d trust anyone else. This event could be such a disaster if something went wrong.” Corrine picked up the bottle and wiggled it as an offer, and got a glass pushed towards her to fill. “If you need help keeping creeps away, I’ll be there.”

Demona drank more slowly and Corrine could see Demona studying her over the glass, but she was quiet so Corrine focused on her own drink just as quietly.

“Protecting me is just second nature to you isn’t it?” Demona spoke quietly. Corrine blushed as the words and put the cap back on the bottle. “Corrine,” Demona said Corrine’s name like it was the beginning of something important so Corrine focused on her. She watched Demona sigh and look away, “Nevermind. Thank you for the save.”

“Any time.” Corrine responded and Demona looked at her, stared into her eyes again, before looking away.

“If you find yourself talking with someone whose attentions you don’t want.” Demona spoke softly, studying the bottle Corrine was about to put away. “Just catch my eye.”

“Okay, we’ll watch each others back.” Corrine smiled and gripped the neck of the bottle, tipping it left and right, playing with it.

“Is there anyone whose attention you do want?” Demona asked and Corrine felt awkward as she heard it and thought about an answer.

“I don’t know yet.” Corrine sighed and pulled her hand away from the bottle, sitting back in her chair. This was clearly going to be more of a conversation than she’d expected. “I hadn’t known Una was going to do that, I didn’t think she’d dare.” Corrine shook her head slowly. “I didn’t think anyone would even consider me, well, other than Scottie. Scottie’s been interested for a while.” Corrine sighed and started to play with the bottle again. “I’ll probably end up with Scottie, if she really wants me. I’ll feel guilty, because we both know she isn’t my first choice, but we do have a lot in common.”

“Don’t,” Demona’s hand rested on Corrine’s stopping Corrine’s nervous playing with the bottle. Corrine looked up. “Don’t settle Corrine. That isn’t fair to her or you.”

“She’s a good female.” Corrine had to say this, it felt wrong to let anyone think Scottie was just settling. “She went with me to most of the clans, she helped me learn magic and then didn’t get upset when I learned faster. You heard her when she thought the clan was going to attack me in New York. Her heart is good.”

“Protecting is what a clan does, that doesn’t mean its love.” Demona protested and Corrine shook her head no.

“There is protecting and then there is Protecting.” Corrine sighed. “No one Protects me like you do, but she comes close. Una and Katara don’t count, because they are like family to me and that’s why they do it.” Corrine stared at Demona in deep thought. “I don’t know why you do it, and maybe that’s why I’ve always been so confused about us.” Corrine moved her chair back and stood up.

“And you?” Demona asked quietly, almost a whisper.

Corrine turned from the cupboard, and stared at the table rather than Demona. “I take your pain twice a day. If you don’t know why, it’s because you don’t want to know.” Corrine put the bottle away and left, noticing that Demona stayed sitting at the table.

………………………..

“If I asked you to cancel that spell again?” Dominique spoke as she stepped into the security room, and that was how Corrine knew who her partner was for that day.

Corrine studied the monitor, making sure the caterer left with all his helpers. He’d dropped off more food, because they were feeding a lot of gargoyles. “I wouldn’t, I never will.” Corrine spoke firmly, as she reset the alarms.

“If I didn’t want you to feel that pain?” Dominique spoke and Corrine turned to see her standing in the doorway wearing jeans and a green button up shirt. She looked good in human form and casual clothes.

The words, and the slight hitch in Dominique’s voice drew Corrine’s attention and her tense back relaxed as best she could. They were about to go through that pain in about an hour. Dominique had just heard how Corrine needed weekly massage treatments to help her deal with it, from a slightly accusatory Katara last night, and Corrine expected this argument to come back up again.

“It would hurt me more to think you felt it all. Divided it’s less than half. I can do this.” Corrine sighed and turned her chair to stand, but when Dominique came closer she stayed sitting.

“Don’t make any promises,” Dominique spoke quietly, almost like she had a hard time saying the words. “Don’t pick a mate.” Corrine frowned at this, because the tone didn’t fit the mental image she had of these words. Demona wasn’t saying to stay away from gargoyles, not this time, but Corrine had a hard time hoping she could understand the words. “I know why you keep my pain.” Dominique’s fists clenched and she looked a little pale. “I need time to think about this. Just wait.”

Corrine’s heart hammered as she looked at the vulnerability in Demona’s human face. Her face grew slack with shock, but she spoke softly. “I’ve been waiting most of my life.” She wanted to believe Demona would follow up on the implied promise, but she couldn’t be sure. “If I wait for you, and you don’t pick me, I’ll be alone. The next generation is going to be too young for me.” A tear trailed down her cheek. She had realized in this past week that she really needed a gargoyle for a mate, that she’d never trust enough to bring a random human into their clan.

Dominique stared at her in silence, and looked away. “I told myself I’d never consider this with any human. This isn’t easy for me Corrine. There are so many reasons why I shouldn’t even think about this.”

“Well, why do you then?” Corrine asked, her voice harsher with hurt.

“Because I love you.” Dominique seemed to growl it back, and then looked shocked at her own words. “Because I look forward to our calls, because I look through books I hadn’t looked at in centuries just to have something interesting to tell you. Because every time I don’t scream out in pain with the change I know it’s because you chose to spare me that.” Dominique spoke faster than normal, and Corrine sat back in her chair surprised. “Because in all the years I’ve wanted to make a better world for gargoyles, all my plans failed, but you did it in two years, and you did it because it was more important to you than your own life or happiness.” Tears streamed down Dominique’s cheeks and Corrine stared in shock, unable to interrupt her. “But to love you means I was wrong.” Corrine remembered talking to Angela about why her family hated gargoyles and suddenly she understood. To admit this, to pursue this, would be so hard for Demona.

Demona loved her. Corrine took a shaky breath, watching Demona’s lost expression. “I’ll wait, but if you don’t choose me soon, I can’t wait any longer. I’ll be over forty at the next Breeder’s moon Demona. I can’t wait much longer. I’ve never had love, and I want that in my life.” Corrine’s eyes were watering as well. “If you decide you just can’t get over what I am, let me go.” Dominique nodded, and left.

……………………….

“Did you find anyone you’ll be keeping in contact with?” Una asked as they tore down the tent, the night after all the visiting clans left. Corrine stared up at the skies, at the constellation she’d named ‘Demona on the balcony’ so many years ago.

“Yeah, I did.” Corrine spoke quietly, unwilling to share who just yet, because anyone who thought they knew Demona would tell her she was insane to agree to wait for her. “Thank you for doing what you did.” Corrine knew that Demona never would have even started considering this if Una hadn’t put Corrine on the market.

…………………………

December 2000

The phone conversations had changed in the past year, Corrine thought as she sat at her kitchen table waiting for the arrival of the clans. The second Gathering was starting this week, and she knew her mind should be filled with the organization and catering, but it was filled with thoughts of Demona. She hadn’t seen her in the past year, but they’d taken to having phone conversations twice a month, and they’d changed.

Corrine now knew what Demona had been up to, and not all of it was pleasant to hear. Demona had done things Corrine never thought she would have, and had killed people for just being human. It made Corrine understand how hard it would be to get past Corrine’s humanity for Demona, but it also scared her. There was a part of Demona that was the monster her family warned her about. Demona had never let her see that before.

Corrine stared out at the grey skies, thinking that Demona was going to be arriving soon, she looked at the clock on the wall. Her plane could have even landed already.

Corrine had a hard summer as she came to terms with the stories Demona told her, but she still kept in contact and she still wanted her. Demona had been a monster, but she’d also been Corrine’s salvation. The gargoyle was a contradiction, and in the end Corrine knew she could forgive it. Her family helped to push Demona over that edge, she knew that, having read the journals. Demona was guilty of her own crimes, but a thousand years of hunters would have driven anyone a little crazy. It helped that her visit to New York had changed it all, that it had been years since her last attempt to save gargoyles by killing humans, and it helped that Demona saw Corrine’s plans to save the gargoyles as the better one.

Demona now knew more about the things Corrine wasn’t too proud of as well. She’d heard about Corrine’s sleeping around and the way she’d treated the women that started to fall in love with her. She’d listened patiently as Corrine spoke about her dark thoughts as she found clan after clan destroyed and her own bloody fantasies that she never voiced to anyone else. She heard the story of Canmore’s conception, and how Corrine had panicked when she thought it had been rape, or how she never did fully recover from her own experience. She made soft comforting sounds over the phone as Corrine admitted that while she knew she should never let the Canmore line continue, she wished that the little gargoyle Katara had hatched was actually her own child and how she struggled with the clan raising the hatchlings, because she wanted to favor her little god daughter more than the clan would approve.

They still talked about magic, and clan issues. But their talks had gotten longer as they also talked about their lives and the problems they faced.

They never talked long about if Demona was going to finally make up her mind, or how Corrine felt like her heart was being squeezed every time she heard of another pairing of gargoyles. They also never talked about the way Una looked at Corrine in concern sometimes, because Corrine said she had a lead on a mate, but never named her in case it didn’t work out.

The buzz made Corrine look over to the security panel, and slowly get up. A look through the monitor told her it was the first of the daytime deliveries of clans. Her own clan members had hidden away, so she let the delivery men in with their large boxes that they only knew were fragile, and that if any of the items were damaged she’d ruin their lives. She paid well, and put the fear of god in them, so she watched with some satisfaction as the boxes were gently removed from the truck beds, so gently glass would be safe, so stone should be fine.

Corrine waved the men away when they offered to open the containers for her, and stood there in her long driveway, checking the labels on the boxes so she’d know what clans were already present. China and Japan were on the labels. It wasn’t like they’d gone through regular mail. Corrine had her own jet and people pick these up, but they’d put labels on just the same.

The Wyvern clan and their humans arrived next, which made it possible for Corrine to relax again. Elisa had overseen the unloading of that container, and Corrine wandered over toward the gate and the car that just sat at it, most likely requesting entry, but Corrine wasn’t inside to give it.

…………………

Corrine stared at the luggage sitting on the bed, as the redhead turned to face her. “There are couples that want to announce they’d graduated to the black armbands, so Una has that as part of the opening night.” She felt her heart sink as she realized that could be taken as pressuring Demona. She’d just been searching for something to say, and it bothered her at the same time she was glad her plan was working. There were several pairings between clans, and couples deciding where they’d live. “I’ll leave you to change.” Corrine glanced at the loincloth in Demona’s hand. The sun would set in a few minutes.

“You can stay, I’ll just slip into the bathroom.” Demona said, pulling out the other part of her nighttime clothes. Corrine liked the gentle smile on the redhead’s face.

They arrived at the tent together, and Una was already at the front of the tent, and it was filled with gargoyles. Corrine stood near the armbands with Demona and watched.

“Scottie, my first apprentice” Una smiled and waved the young gargoyle up to announce her mate.

“She was your second choice, wasn’t she?” Demona spoke quietly as they watched Scottie kiss Gillian and announce they would live in London.

Corrine swallowed and looked down. “Yes.” She admitted quietly.

“Was there a third choice?” Demona’s words were quiet and thoughtful, but they hurt.

“Scottie’s mate.” Corrine smiled humorlessly.

Another couple was happily in the front announcing themselves and Demona took her talon and ripped the tape along the top of one of the boxes on the table near them. Black cloth came out in her hands as Demona pulled her hand out, and stared at Corrine. “Wear this for me this time?” Demona held the black band out.

Corrine bit her lower lip, wondering what Demona meant. Was this just this time, so Demona didn’t have to worry about Corrine finding someone among the two new clans to join them this year, or was this forever? Corrine took it from Demona’s hand, her fingers nervously playing with the elastic, but she didn’t put it on, she just stared at it.

A blue hand caressed her hair out of her face and Corrine looked up to see Demona was much closer, staring at her. “Would you still wait for me?” Corrine’s heart sunk, but she nodded. Demona looked thoughtful and took the band, putting it on for Corrine. “I won’t ask you to, I see it hurts you.” Demona leaned forward and while the crowd clapped for another couple, Corrine was kissed softly. “I have to live in New York.” Demona whispered into her ear, taking her hand.

“Okay.” Corrine felt like she was floating through the crowd, being pulled by Demona toward the front. She realized what was going on as they reached the steps and Demona continued to pull her up toward Una.

Corrine looked out at the crowd as she heard the murmuring stop, and she watched as Goliath’s jaw appeared to drop as Corrine and Demona stood by Una and Demona whispered something to Una, making the London clan leader’s eyes widen, before she nodded.

“This is my second apprentice, Corrine.” Una spoke and Corrine turned to the crowd, her mind still spinning as she realized they were up there to announce their relationship. It hadn’t even been two minutes since Demona had finally given her answer, if she even said it.

“Corrine will be moving to New York to join me, but since she is such an important part of her clan she will travel often. She’s able to do that.” Demona spoke and Corrine looked over at her to see Demona smiling gently, her eyes mischievous. Demona leaned forward, as the murmuring of the crowd grew in strength and the loudest corner held the Wyvern clan. “You were willing to wait another year, I couldn’t let you wait another minute.”

Corrine started to smile, and her hand reached out to caress Demona’s arm. They left the stage together, but this time Demona wasn’t guiding her, they took the steps together. Corrine looked at Demona more than where she was going, so when they stopped it was a surprise.

“Mother?” Angela’s voice drew Corrine’s eyes forward to see some stunned males and an equally stunned Angela.

“Angela.” Demona’s hold on Corrine’s hand was tighter, and that was the only reason Corrine could tell Demona was a bit nervous about this.

Demona had to let go of her when Corrine found herself pulled into a sudden hug by the young female. “You’re a miracle worker.” Angela whispered, although everyone standing there should be able to hear it. “You will have to visit me in New York.” Angela pulled back and didn’t let go as she beamed at Corrine. Angela turned to Demona and the smile was still wide. “Mother, you did good. She’s perfect for you.”

Someone coughed, almost was choking actually, but Corrine only glanced at Brooklyn and his still present pink band, before smiling at Demona. “I think she’s pretty perfect for me too.”

……………………….

December 2007

“I’m not getting any younger.” Corrine spoke to the back of the blue female on the balcony.

Demona turned to look at her and there was a strange expression on her face. “You’re not getting any older either.” Corrine blinked at that strange comment, and it derailed her argument. “You really haven’t noticed?” Demona stared at Corrine as if trying to memorize her features. “You look just the same as you did ten years ago. I hadn’t noticed until the parole hearing for Robyn, when they showed your picture. You aren’t aging.”

Corrine tilted her head and tried to adjust to the change in subject. She’d just noticed that Demona had been distracted and upset after going to the hearing and wouldn’t tell Corrine why. Corrine knew Robyn had been denied early release, so at least the hunter wouldn’t be breaking into their home, but this wasn’t expected. “What?” Corrine turned to glance at the mirror, puzzled.

Demona moved to stand behind her and wrapped her arms around Corrine’s shoulder, hugging her as they both looked into the mirror. “Love, you aren’t aging.” Demona spoke more firmly. “Your spell, I tried to make you cancel it so many times. You may have gotten more than just my pain. I can’t believe something good might have come out of that.”

Corrine hugged the arms holding her tight and smiled just a little. “I have you, I think plenty good came from that already.” Her mind was reeling with the news, but she leaned back into Demona, as Demona’s wings wrapped around her.

The end