Buffy Summers often dreamt of her past lives. Those dreams were always her least favorite because they often didn't end happily ever after. Sometimes she even woke up crying. The worst part was she always knew before she fell asleep if she was going to dream of a past life. She got a tight sensation in her legs and arms and always felt slightly dizzy. She tried to fight the waves of dizzy fatigue but she could not...

Mary Smith was squinting through the heavy down poor of rain. Rain. It figured that her luck was down once again. Just yesterday she had been able to trade a small piece of cloth for a bit of stale bread. It wasn't much but it was the first meal she had in days. Now the rain was dripping off her face, icy cold and she was beginning to sneeze. It was quite a misfortune of a day. It wasn't as if it had been a good year. The black plague had come to Europe killing of thousands of Europeans. Her own mother and father had died from the cursed disease. Mary glared at the dark clouds above her small head.

"Bloody, hell." she cursed out loud, and then smiled. Her parents would have been horrified to hear her talk that way, not to mention Joshua.

"Damned rain." She grinned again and splashed her shoes through the dark mud. It was unlady-like of course but it felt good.

"Damned, good." she whispered. She smiled one more time and walked through the darkness into the light at the end of the two buildings she was enclosed between. Just then her small body slammed into a massive bulk of a figure. Crying out she fell on her rump in the mud splashing enormous amounts of dark sludge on her skirts and blouse. Sputtering and glaring she pushed a wild mass of brown curls out of her face.

" Escuse moi, Monsieur, but don't you need to watch where you're going?" She tried to make her voice sound as upper-class as possible but she winced hearing her poor tongue.

The figure stepped out of the shadows and Mary's breath caught. He had some black mud smudged on his face but that did not hid the fact that he was very handsome. His hair was a mass of blond curls and his eyes were a beautiful rich brown. Like and Angel she thought to herself a beautiful Angel. Just then the figure glared.

"Moi? I think it's you who need to watch it little girl."

Huffily, Mary stood on the balls of her feet trying to make herself appear taller. "I am not a little girl! I'm sixteen!"

The man snorted. "Sixteen? You don't look a day over twelve."

Insulted, Mary took her shoe and kicked him in the shins.

The man grunted and held his arm out keeping her from touching him. "You little hellcat! Stop that now!"

"How dare you treat a lady like that Monsieur!" She shrieked at him.

"Lady? I hardly think you're a lady little girl."

Mary realized this conversation was fast approaching no where and she still thought the young man was very good looking. She stopped trying to hit him, and gave him a coy smile.

"My name is Mary Smith, what is yours Monsieur?"

The man simply glared at her. "I hardly find any cause for me to give you my name. Now if you escuse me I'm late. I was supposed to be at the docks over an hour ago."

Mary's eyes widened. "The docks? Then you're a fisherman Monsieur?"

The man just shrugged and began heading out into the street calling over his shoulder.

"For a lady, you certainly look like a drowned cat."

In fury she heard him chuckle as he walked off. Before she could reply a hand grabbed her arm.

"Mary! What on earth are you doing out here in the rain? Come inside where it's warmer!" Joshua scolded her.

Mary picked up her skirts and began to walk along side Joshua.

"Honestly , Joshua you treat me as if I were still a child!"

Joshua grinned. "Now my sweet Mary, I know you're not a child. Far from it. In fact I was wondering if you've thought of my proposal?"

Mary signed and looked away from Joshua's imploring face. "Joshua I already told you how I feel...' her voice trailed off.

"I know sweet Mary, but I was hoping you'd change your mind."

"I don't want to speak of this anymore Joshua Brown, I have chores to do, let us go."

Joshua and Mary started heading for home, in the pouring down rain.

The next day Mary insisted that Joshua take her by the docks. She didn't want to stay to close to the city. The smell of death was everywhere and it frightened her. As Mary and Joshua strolled down towards the docks the sour smell of fish reached their nostrils. Mary wrinkled her nose searching for the young fishermen she had seen the day before. She finally spotted him less then about half a mile down cleaning a fish with a knife. His tunic and pants were wet from the river water and his belt hung low over his hips. She watched with a half smile as he swiped a stubborn lock of blond hair that had fallen in his face.

"Come on Joshua let's head further down." She grabbed Joshua's hand and pulled him towards the young fishermen. Once she got close enough she called out to him.

"Bon jour Monsieur Fishermen!"

An irritated look crossed the young man's features. "What do you want little girl?"

Mary brushed his rude remarks aside. "Monsieur Fishermen my name is Mary, please call me as such. Or maybe Mademoiselle Smith."

The young man snorted saying nothing. Mary continued gaily on.

"Have you caught any big ones this morning Monsieur Fishermen?"

He glared. "Don't call me that!"

Mary smiled. "Well then please tell me your name Monsieur."

The young man sighed, at last defeated. "Mark Collins."

Beside Mary, Joshua scowled and began pulling at Mary's arm. "Come on, Mary, I think there's music up further."

Mary ignored Joshua and pulled her arm free. " Monsieur Collins how long have you been a fisherman?"

Mark sighed. "For a long while now, little Mary."

Little Mary, she liked the name.

"I shall let you get back to you're work Monsieur Collins. Good day to you!" her fingers gave a small little wave as she headed off.

Mark looking uncertain waved back and turned towards his knife and fish.

"Who was that man Mary?"

Mary sighed turning towards Joshua. "Just a fisherman I spoke with for a few moments yesterday is all."

"Mary, what are you thinking? You shouldn't be speaking with strange men." Joshua said accusingly.

"Joshua Brown! You forget yourself! You're not my father or my husband, and if I want to talk to a fisherman I will!" With that Mary gathered up her skirts and fled further up the street towards the music.

Later in the evening when Mary and Joshua we're both headed for home, they spotted a fancy carriage on the side of the road. Both approached with caution, not sure what they were going to encounter.

Mary and Joshua could hear a heavy Spanish accent shouting. " No! Please go! Entender? Caballo estupido!"

Joshua and Mary looked at each other in amusement. The woman was obviously a Spanish noble woman, with long reddish hair, pale white skin, and flowing skirts of blacken silk.

"Hello, madam can we be of some assistance?"

Startled the woman looked at the two peasants and switched to broken French and Spanish.

"Oui, you can help me get this incompetent horse to move for me!"

"Okay Madam, but shouldn't you have a driver to help you?"

The woman shook her head vigorously. "Wee, I had a driver, but he came down with the plague and I no want to catch, so I leave him behind si?"

Joshua and Marry both nodded in understatement.

"Let me take a look Madam." Joshua walked around the horse and noticed it salivating quite a bit from the mouth. "When was the last time you gave the horse some water Madam?"

The woman blushed and shook her head. " I did not know to give my horse water. I was in such a hurry... Gracias Senor."

Joshua shrugged and began to lead the horse towards the river.

"I don't believe I caught your name, Senora."

Mary looked startled for an instant. "Oh! Mademoiselle Mary Smith." She said emphasizing on the "Mademoiselle".

The woman looked amused. "Oh, I see, the young senor, is not you're husband then si?" Mary shook her head. " No we're more like brother and sister. May I ask you're name Madam?"

"Senora Rosali. I suppose in you're country though it would be Madam Rosali."

Mary smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you Madam Rosali. May I ask where you're husband is?"

Madam Rosali looked very sad for a moment. "My husband has long since passed. He had the plague." she explained.

Mary nodded. "I'm very sorry Madam Rosali, my parents also died from the plague." Madam Rosali looked very pained for a moment then shrugged. "I have felt sorry for myself for quite some time now. It is time to put it behind me and try and start over. I'm on my way to Hotel de Martinez. It is my inherited estate in this city of parie! Perhaps you have heard of it?"

Mary shook her head. "No, I cannot say I have. Is it far from this side?"

"No, not to far I imagine only a few moments away."

Just then Joshua returned with the horse. "Here you are madam, I'm sure you're horse will be more of service now."

Madam Rosali smiled. "Gracias senor, for you're troubles..." She handed him a silver coin.

"Merci madam!" Joshua clutched the silver coin tightly in his hands.

"No, merci, for you're troubles."

Madam Rosali took Joshua's offered hand and lifted herself into her carriage.

"Adios!" Madam Rosali gave a wave of her fingers and started to go when she stopped.

"Pardon moi, but perhaps you two are in need of a job?"

Mary blinked not hearing her good fortune. "A job, Madam Rosali?"

Madam Rosali nodded switching back to broken Spanish and French.

"Si, Monsieur. You two look as if you need a job. Perhaps I can be of some ayudo-help? You see I need a driver, and a personal servant, if you two don't have jobs perhaps you two would be interested?"

Joshua and Mary accepted the jobs, and began a new life with Madam Rosali.

A few month had passed with Mary working with Madam Rosali, doing chores and other jobs. Mary really liked Madam Rosali she was nice to her and even gave her some new dresses. Madam Rosali was more of a friend then her employer. Joshua was so busy driving Madam Rosali around that he didn't bother her so much about marriage. And Mary had been visiting Mark almost every day. Mark. What could she say about him, except he was her Angel. Underneath the rough exterior he was a real kitten. He began taking breaks to walk with her up the river bend, and whisper poetry in her ear. Mary had fallen in love with her Angel, and fallen hard. She hummed a little tune as she brushed Madam Rosali's hair.

"What is that tune dear Mary that you hum today? You are in a good mood si?"

"Si Madam Rosali! I'm in a very good mood!"

Madam Rosali smiled in amusement.. "Ah, I think you're meeting some beau? Si?"

Mary blushed. "Why do you say that Madam Rosali?"

Madam nodded wisely. "You do not think I remember my courting days? I used to fall in love with many beaus. Go on, I can finish the rest. Please go meet you're beau, far be it for me to hold up true love!"

"Really? Oh merci Madam Rosali, merci!" Mary rushed out of the room leaving a laughing Rosali shaking her head.

Mary rushed along the river bed in search of Mark's golden hair. Slowing a few paces she finally spotted him and then began to run faster.

"Mark!" She shouted. She watched Mark's face turn towards her and a sunny smile break across his face.

"Mary! I didn't know if you'd come today!" She raced into his arms and he swung her around in a circle.

"Of course I'd come! I come every day don't I?" She laughed out loud feeling slightly dizzy from the spinning. Mark set her down.

"You're wonderful do you know that?" He asked.

Mary blushed and looked down. "I'm not so wonderful. Joshua says I can be a stubborn brat a lot of the time."

"My stubborn brat." whispered Mark and leaned down to brush his lips with hers. Mary felt tingles race through her body and she leaned into Marks embrace.

"Do you have any more Irish folk stories to tell me today? You know how I loved the one about the leprechaun and the princess."

Mark grinned. "No folk stories today, Mary. I was thinking of something entirely different."

Mary looked at him suspiciously. "This isn't like the last time is it Mark? So help me if you throw me in the river again..."

Mark laughed. "No I promise not to throw you in the river. Now come on!"

Mark led her a few streets until they reached a hilly area of trees. He took hold of her hand and began to lead her up the hill into the dark trees. They walked for a while neither saying anything just content with each other's presence. Finally Mark spoke.

"Here. Come on." He helped her over a few branches, around a rocky edge, and then over a hill mound."

Mary's eyes widened as she looked around her. Wild flowers bloomed on the hillside and the grass was a rich velvet green. Down below the river sparkled in the sun like a sapphire. And in the distance the sound of the town square musician's could faintly be heard.

"It's beautiful Mark. Merci." she said quietly.

"When I was a young boy I would up here when I wanted to get away from my uncle. He didn't know of this place and neither did anyone else. It was the only place I could have peace."

Mark didn't speak often of his cruel uncle. He had told her that his uncle had often beat him so bad that he wanted to die. Then his uncle would lock him down in a cellar with no food for water for days. When his uncle died, Mark had said, it was the best moment in his young life.

"It's very beautiful Mark. The most perfect place I've ever seen."

Mark turned to her with an expression of utmost seriousness. "I brought you here because I want it to be our secret place now. Just you and me Mary." He closed his arms around her waist and helped her sit down on the hill side. Mark began to sing an old Irish song with his rich baritone voice and Mary leaned in his arms. For awhile neither one of them spoke. The sun began to set, sending purplish hues into the bright blue sky. The orange sun sank beneath the rolling landscape and Mary turned to look at her love in the last fading light. His face seemed to glow in the fading sun. Mary reached out and touched his lips.

"Mark, I-."

"Shhh, don't say anything." Mark leaned and kissed her making all her thoughts vanish like the fast setting sun.

Mary entered Hotel de Martinez with a slight skip in her step. Joshua looked up from polishing a chair a sour expression on his face.

"So the little belle of parie finally decided to show! Out meeting you're fisherman again I suppose?"

Mary glared at him. "Oui, and his name is Mark, not fisherman. Honestly Joshua Monsieur Mark is a good man if only you'd give him a chance!"

Joshua expression turned to jealous distaste. "I know his kind, I don't need to give him a chance. That kind always thinks their better then us just because they have a few more coins in their purses."

Mary gave him a disgusted look and headed for her quarters calling over her shoulder. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight!"

Joshua muttered something in reply and turned back to his polishing.

Madam Rosali watched laughing as Mary dusted the draperies obviously preoccupied in deep thought.

"Mary, I believe you've dusted that drapery eight times now. I know for a fact that drapery is not *that* dusty."

Mary blushed. "Oh! I'm terribly sorry Madam Rosali."

Madam Rosali shook her head. "Nonsense, my dear. So I gather it's time to sound the church wedding bells?"

Mary shrugged. "I don't know Madam Rosali. He has not asked for my hand yet."

"No? What is the matter with that dear boy? Honestly a pretty young senorita like yourself. Do you love him?"

Mary looked up at her. "Oui, I do! Very much so Madam Rosali. Oh, if you don't mind me being blunt, I shall tell you all!"

"Heavens no my child! I've been waiting for a month for you to tell me of this young beau!"

"Well he's terribly handsome. I mean he's beautiful, a face of an Angel from heaven. But he's got the soul of a poet. Just the other day he was telling me "Tes yeux sont les etoiles dans la nuit ete- You're eyes are like the stars in summer nights."

"My, he's got quite a romantic soul doesn't he?"

Mary nodded happily. "And he's also very sweet, and kind, and noble. He treats me like I'm royalty even though I'm nothing but a peasant."

"And he has not proposed?"

"He will. He wants to, I know it. But he doesn't feel he has enough wealth."

Madam Rosali let out an unlady like snort. "How preposterous! Marriage should come from love-not wealth. Mary, bring you're senor over here soon. I wish to meet him."

Mary nodded. "Of course Madam Rosali. I shall ask him tomorrow."

The next day Mark and Mary were strolling hand in hand down one of the main city road. It was a bright and cheery afternoon for the two of them despite the fact that more and more people we're dying. They both tried to ignore the tragedy around them, at least for the moments when they were together.

"Mark, my employee Madam Rosali, wishes to meet with you. Could you come to her home with me tomorrow perhaps?"

Mark looked thoughtful for a moment and then asked. "Will this please you Mary?"

Mary's eyes sparkled. "Very much, Mark! I care for Madam Rosali a great deal, and I hope you both can get a long well."

Mark reached out and brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. "If you think so highly of her ary, I'm sure I cannot deny her pleasant company either."

Mary smiled. "Merci, Mark! I know you will love her as I."

Mark watched Mary race ahead of him towards the church. Feeling quite lost in himself he whispered "How can I deny you Mary? For I've fallen in love with you." Shrugging he picked up his pace to follow her.

Mark and Mary we're sitting at their secret place just holding hands and looking out across the bright archway of stars.

"Mark, I don't want this to ever end."

Mark was silent for a moment. He ran his hands up and down her arms before answering. "It doesn't have too."

Mary looked up at him with questioning eyes. "What do you mean?"

Mark got up and walked to the edge of the hillside staring out across the waves of green. Mary also stood and followed him touching him lightly on the shoulder.

"Mark? What is it?"

Mark hesitated and then spoke again. "I'm not the best, at saying how I really feel. But I know this needs to be said. Mary-I love you. I'm not rich, and I can't promise you much of anything, but I'd be honored if you'd spend the rest of you're life with me."

Mary felt tears well up in her eyes and spill onto her cheeks.

"You're crying?" Mark asked in confusion. He took the pad of his thumb and began to wipe the tears away.

Mary let out a little sob. "No-no Mark." She grabbed at him as he started to walk away. "I'm happy! Of course I want to spend the rest of my life with you! It's just that I've just been waiting for so long for you to ask me that-to tell me that. I'm just happy."

Mark cupped her elbows drawing her to him. He looked down at her uncertain. "Are you sure? Do you love me also?"

"I do Mark. I love you so much!"

Mark held her tightly against him and for awhile they were content in just listening to each other's breathing and heartbeats. Eventually Mark let go of her and told her to wait there.

"Mark? Where are you going?" Mary called after him laughing.

"Just wait there! I'll be right back!"

Mary waited for awhile smiling and thinking of her future. Mark soon showed up with his hand behind his back.

"What have you got behind you're back?" Mary asked suspiciously.

Mark gave her a hurt expression. " Mademoiselle Mary, you wound me with you're words! And here I was only going to ask you for you're hand!" With a dramatic gesture he fell upon one knee and held out his hand. Mary looked down. In his hand was a daisy with the stem twisted into a circle. The daisy was face up like a ring.

Mary giggled. "Oh Mark!"

Mark smiled. "I can't give you much more then this right now. But soon a real gold band will replace that finger."

Mary held out her hand and Mark slipped it on her left hand. "Now we are promised under the stars and night sky!"

Mary smiled up at him and nodded. "And may the stars, night sky, and the heavens bless us."

Mark kissed her eye lids softly, and then rained feather light kisses across the rest of her face. Mary turned her face upwards letting her hair fall down her back. Eventually Mark broke their embrace.

"I should walk you home Mary. I've been feeling very tired all day. I need to get home. I'll wait for you on the docks tomorrow and you can take me to meet you're Madam Rosali."

Mary squeezed Mark's hand and nodded. "Of course if you're feeling tired you should go."

The two walked quietly on the way back to Hotel de Martinez. When they arrived at Mary's quarters Mark bent down to give her a kiss goodnight.

"Think of me tonight, when you look at the stars, and think of me tomorrow when you look at the sun rise. And I shall think of you." Mark grinned at his poetic frame of mind.

Mary looked up at the night sky where the silver moon looked down upon them. "The moon is smiling at us Mark, a good omen indeed."

Mark smiled down at her. "Indeed 'tis Mary. I must go now."

Mary watched him walk back into the trees and heard him call over his shoulder "I love you! Good night Mary!" He disappeared into the foggy night.