The Angel in the Sanctuary

A shadowed figure emerged from behind an old tree. Being as it was so late at night the stone streets were empty, except for the few beggars that haunted them. Moving to look left, then right, it ran across, barely making a sound on the wet road. The Figure hesitated slightly at the stairs of the Catholic Church, as if unsure if it should continue onward or stop. Taking one more look around, the caped shape walked up the steps and entered the church.1

~2

The candles in the church had been blown out, but the girl lowered the  hood of her black cape anyway. She was sure no one would be here at this time, so she walked slowly to the alter where she could kneel and pray. Her hair was loose and wet, dripping from the rain, but she paid no mind. Her brown travel skirt was torn and tattered, but still held some warmth. Wrapping her arms around her shivering body she knelt down, forming the symbol of a cross on her chest as she bowed her head.3

"Dear Father, Our God in Heaven,4

Your blessings have rained down on me,and I thank you Lord for your kindness. I have much to be thankful for, and I know that I have things that some people will never have the pleasure of having, but please Lord, hearken to me as I ask for what I ask you for now. Please Lord, send me an angel, send me someone I can talk to. My husband is jealous and cold, as you know for you are all knowing. Please do not take my request in offense, for all I want is a friend. I am always your most humble servant."5

Suddenly the candles were lit. The girl looked up surprised,unsure of what to do. Standing she looked around, in curiosity, not fear. A gust of air went past her and she turned to see where it came from, but to her disappointment, there seemed to be no culprit. 6

"Your curiosity surprises me, Adelaide." A deep voice said. The girl's head eyes traveled around the sanctuary.7

"You know my name? Who are you?" 8

The voice laughed.9

"I am what you asked for, a friend, someone to talk to." 10

Adelaide squinted her eyes, not believing what the voice was saying. Turning her back to the alter, she started run down the aisle, to the door.11

"Why do you run away with an unbelieving heart? You do realize that only moments ago your heart yearned for me, and now that I am here it pushes me away?" Adelaide stopped and turned back to the alter, where the voice was now centralized. She gasped at the boy that stood there, he was much younger than her, and had long curly locks of auburn hair that flickered copper in the candle light. His face was flawless and innocent, just as any angel's face should be. His clothing was a red vest over black leggings. Adelaide trembled slightly as she walked towards the alter.12

"You're my angel? But you-"13

"Have no wings? I have wings, child, but your human eyes cannot see them." Adelaide blushed and fell to her knees, her hands just inches away from the boy's bare feet.14

"I never meant to doubt you, my angel, I just feared it would be a trick. I am sorry my most kind sir." The boy bent down and lifted her face, leading her to stand.15

"There is no need for an apology, my most flattering child, for you have no reason to fret. Pull your hood over your head and sleep, for you are weary from you long walk. When you awake tomorrow, I will be with you, but you will not see me or hear me till nightfall." As the Adelaide pulled her hood over her eyes, she hesitated to fall into the angels arms.16

"Angel of Mercy, please allow me to inquire as to what to call you." 17

The boy smiled and the candles went out.18

"My name, dearest child, is Armand." 19