Join Douglas Vandergraph as he explores the emotional depth and musical brilliance of Pink Floyd's iconic song, "On the Turning Away." Delve into the poignant lyrics and powerful melodies that make this track a timeless classic. Discover the story behind the song from the album "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" and understand how David Gilmour's soulful performance and the band's musical genius continue to resonate with fans worldwide. Don't miss this in-depth analysis and heartfelt tribute to one of Pink Floyd's most beloved songs.

Alexander took his leave just before daybreak, leaving the bed and his females and the comfort they brought that night. He tried for the few hours to ignore the feeling, but it was there along with her in the yard, watching, listening, waiting for him. Regina wouldn’t let her prey disappear so easily.

Stepping out he was greeted by her, smirking and staring from the bottom of the stairs. His face wiped clear of any emotion but the diligence of his new mission- to have the diplomacy to make this wager.

“Alexander... I should say I’m happy to see you, but you and I know that would be a lie.” Regina stepped forward, “But I am happy you returned--” Raising a hand, he began to felt choked and lifted from the ground, staying cool and calm. “Tell me... why have you come back? Surely you know running put another nail in your coffin? And you knew I would be waiting...”

He tried to speak but the power she invested kept him choked off.

“Lovely how your coven practically worships you... especially those women. Why would you continue your bond when you know it ends? How hard this will be on them all....”

A slight breath inward, fighting to speak. And now he struggled slightly as he floated off the ground.

“The rest of the Conclave will be here right after Christmas. A pity I have to babysit one who committed treason. But how special this gift is....!” Regina laughed and let Alexander fall, hearing him gasp to fill his breathing passages again so he could speak. “Go ahead, speak. I know you want to tell me everything.”

It took a few moments but he began, glowering before her as he knelt, getting up from the cold stone entryway. “I came to turn myself over.... but.... with stipulation...”

Her brow cocked with a wide smirk, “On /your/ terms, you say?” Laughing, she continued, “This isn’t something you can bargain, Alexander!”

“Just listen to me!”

“Enough!” Her smirk fell and a strange anger filled her expression instead. “You raise your voice to one of the Conclave? Disrespectful vampire!” She didn’t move but she watched as his head snapped to the side as if he were slapped, but she hadn’t moved. “Watch your tongue /fledgling/. Perhaps I will hear your plea when the sun sets this day.”

He looked back to her instantly, “Please hear me out!”

His head snapped to the other side, his expression growing more soft, afraid, desperate as he looked right back at her, lip beginning to bleed. 

“Tonight! Should you learn to hold your tongue.... or maybe I shall cut it from your mouth if you cannot control it.”

And like a dog, she made a fist and he began to be pulled by her, towards her, until she grabbed his collar. They both seemed to disappear in a swarm of bats, leading off into the night sky.

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Alexander was stripped of his weapons and clothing, locked and chained in the basement of the house Regina had rented. He didn’t fight it. He kept his head down and relented to her ordering. Whatever it took if it meant he could have a couple days... if she allowed it at all. He... prayed... she would. Mathew’s life was at stake. All he needed was her to give permission....

He could hear her footsteps approaching, somehow the door had opened and her silent steps made their way down the stairs without him noticing. Was it something repressing his keen senses or was she really this good? Looking up, he could see her visage appearing before him.

“You didn’t escape.... I knew you could have....”

He stayed quiet, looking to her and wondering if she would allow him to speak. His wishes were granted as she smirked and said, “You said a bargain... what silly notion did you really want to negotiate with me?”

“I said I’m turning myself in.... But I need a day... perhaps two...”

Again, she laughed to his dismay. 

“Please.... Regina...  I have to do something before I’m judged. Not for myself, for another--”

“And what sympathy should I give you, Alexander!? This other person makes no difference to me.”

“Regina--- I’m begging you. Take me, I’m not running. Whatever you will of me I will... Just give me this time. Have me, judge me, but leave them out of this.”

Her brows raised, “Are you negotiating a couple days or your coven, Alexander, because now it seems as though you’re asking two separate things?”

“I am before you, chained to a wall and naked. I have no ability to fight you. I cannot run, will not run.... I’m relenting to you if you leave them out of this judgement. Just give me the day.... and I will prove to you I am sincere about his plea.”

“I cannot promise any of that. Nor should I. You know how this has to be.”

“Please... they didn’t do anything wrong....”

“Your pet Caroline enabled you to run, and if the others cannot be judged by your sins, then perhaps Trainer’s...”

He couldn’t help but give an emotional huff, nearly a sob/

“And even if I couldn’t do these things, what difference will it make? Would you run again if I said no? You know what would happen if you tried... Your hands are tied, Alexander.”

Closing his eyes, he let his head hang. She was right. Either way, she would win this.

“Though... I am intrigued if you would keep your word at all. You have until sundown tomorrow. Same time. Exactly 24 hours. I’ll unlock you, let you have your clothes... And I’m sure you’d still find weapons since I’m keeping yours.”

The chains suddenly released, Alexander falling to the ground and looking shocked that this was happening at all.

“If you are true to your word and come back to surrender, I will surely tell the Conclave of it. Perhaps it may make some sort of damper in the punishment to follow.”