Aziraphale can't help but bristle a little at her claim of not being human - Illyria may not be, but Fred is, and who knows what sorts of needs she still has? - but almost in the same moment he feels a strange, melancholy kinship with her. He is equally unused to living without a divine purpose, and while it had seemed almost freeing at first, it does start to make him itch now and again, wondering if he and Crowley will be returned, and when, and what will become of those in their care if it happens.

"I understand," he concedes only a little reluctantly. "Intent may yet be revealed. I choose not to give up hope on that particular point."

He closes the book and sets it aside. "Would you like to try a different drink?" he asks. "Non-alcoholic, this time. I'm going to have some cocoa."