The drive to the cottage was a long one. Especially since Giles refused to have any music in the car. His excuse being that he wanted to enjoy the scenery and the quiet after their long flight.

“So what exactly are we gonna be doin?” Faith couldn’t take the silence much longer having already bitten her nails to bleeding point through boredom.

“Well the council haven’t told me much really, just that they have had some contact with an immortal, who said he knows how to find the object we’ve been searching for.”

“So why did we have to come? Couldn’t they just like tell you over the phone!”

“Ah. That’s the problem, the immortal is playing some sort of game, and will only give the clue to someone worthy.”

“Who’s that then?”

“Well, we’re not sure, as yet. He has some sort of trial, test, thing that they have to pass first.”

“Cool, sounds like I might get to liking it round here.”

The cottage set way back from the main road its only access a tree-lined dirt track. An old oak tree standing out from the others around it indicated the turn into the driveway. The cottage sat on a small hill, cosy with a thatch roof; smoke gently rose from the chimney. Hanging basket all shades of colour blossomed, Bedding boxes on the windowsills with roses and lavender added to the serenity of the view.

“Lovely.” Faith said sarcastically.

“You know Faith sometimes if you have nothing nice to say then maybe it best if you don’t say anything.” Giles didn’t appreciate her negativity at his home.

He drove slowly to the house hardly being able to breathe at the thought of being there. It had been so long he had forgotten how beautiful and peaceful it was, Since he had taken his calling as Buffy’s watcher he had rarely been home, the day’s, weeks, months, years all blending in to one eternity or so it seemed. Getting out the car he stretched taking in a deep lungfull of the fresh morning air.

Faith followed his lead only the fresh crisp air-cooled her lungs quickly causing her to cough and splutter.

“Oh.. I forgot you shouldn’t inhale to deep till you get used to it.” Giles sniggered to himself.