[ mid-morning, a remarkably calm and very composed buffy summers addresses the village. there are healing cuts on her cheek and the barest suggestion of leftover bruises; however, she looks victorious. warmed -- from the inside out -- with a sense of purpose and duty. ]

Drusilla's dust. Temporary dust, maybe -- but dust all the same. [ the vampire would be back in a week or so and people would have to go back to taking care past sunset but this is buffy's first truly triumphant vamp-slay in over three years. she's reinvigorated. proud. ]

To everyone she's threatened or hurt or worse? Sorry said dusting didn't happen sooner. If we're very very lucky, she'll get hit with a death-price that'll be more help than hindrance. Fate? If you're listening? I hear being fangless is really in style this season.

[ a soft sigh. drusilla had visited many a mental horror upon the slayer before the end. good times are needed. ] I think this calls for a celebratory drink or two or four. Who's with me?

[ for all your actiony desires, buffy can be found at a number of locations: at house seven in the morning; at all passions and the item shop in the noon hours; at good spirits from late afternoon and into the evening. tonight? she's there as a patron, not a barmaid. and if you need an excuse to talk to her? well, she does still have those cuts and bruises... ]