The flash of anger wasn't lost on Gabriel, and he gave Skul a genuinely apologetic smile. Still, he could also tell the detective was still bewildered. That Gabriel could give Fletcher so much joy and acceptance, acceptance he craved and wasn't getting from the people he respected most, made the risk worth it.

It was just sad they weren't seeing it. Gabe would have to fix that.

Still, it would be a lie to say the change hadn't had something of a toll--mostly in terms of how badly his head was throbbing. He pressed the heel of his palm to his temple, laughing quietly and ruefully to himself as he made his slow way back to the tree to finish up the almost-done wards.

"It was an initiation into sacred arts," Gabe said solemnly, and then grinned again at Fletcher. "Just don't ask me what kind." He reached the tree and worked the scalpel out again. "I should be nearly done with moving the entrance, but then I'll have to ward the original tree," the Archangel said, changing the subject easily. "That won't take as long, though; I can just modify Ms Sorrows' sigils." With a gleam in his eyes that was somewhere between mischief and a child-like innocence Gabe cast a sidelong look at the others. "If any of you would like to join us to make sure we don't get off-track again, feel free."