"Alice loves cheese," Marcello replied. "And I suspect she'll bring cake. I..." He tugged at his ear. "I don't know. I think if anyone can, she will."

"If not, we can drag her. Sweetness, I'm not entirely unsympathetic about this. I'd like to spare her as much trauma as possible. But she's still what she is. Tell your friend to be careful." She kissed her two fingertips, then pressed them to Marcello's cheek.

Marcello simply leaned down and kissed Morgana's cheek. "My friend can't get hurt," he said. "Physically, at least. She's perfect for this."

Morgana nodded, her eyes large. "I will take you at your word. I--" She looked at the door again, then laughed softly. "I'm not sure I want to go. I think I'll stay here and see if she comes out."

Marcello gave Morgana's shoulder a squeeze. "I'll ask someone to bring you a chair," he said. "Can I get you anything else? A strong drink?"

"I'm in that state where I haven't slept for so long, I'm wide awake. A drink would probably push me o'er the border into passing out." She smiled. "Let my husband know I'm here?"

Marcello nodded. "Of course. I'll tell Niabheara and Bram, too. Do you want something to eat?"

"You're turning into me, feeding people." She patted his arm. "I can pick a bit. It's one of the advantages of people shutting themselves into cheeserooms."

Marcello laughed. "All right," he replied. "Either I'll come back, or I'll send someone to check on you." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Stay hopeful," he said, reassuringly.