Stepping out of the church was like opening his eyes for the first time and seeing color. He decided, for now, that he would not think about the shadows that awaited him. He loved his home in the manor and those in it, but so many memories resided in the dark corners. He realized he was bunching up his robe again and released the now-wrinkled fabric, smoothing it down and really looking at the world around him.

Raphael was not the Angel of the Arts but he certainly appreciated it. As he walked to one of Venice's outdoor restaurants (http://s781.photobucket.com/albums/yy92/Rh-II/1292350300.jpg) at the edge of a canal, he couldn't help but muse. "I think if I'd not been a Healer I'd have gone into the restoration of old buildings." Something shimmered in his eyes as he spoke, lightly grazing the alligatoring flaking from a wall.