AN:

Woo hoo! Another chapter down. This one gives some background on Elizabeth. Remember just go with it.

~Kelly~

Chapter Two

The group watched as Elizabeth practically ran from the room. Stefan could see their guests were going to be nothing but trouble. "Perhaps now would be a good time to explain the rules?"

"Of course Uncle."

"What kind of rules?"

"Wyndemere, though as you said quite beautiful, can be a dangerous place. The rules are to keep you from harm."

"Don't worry there's only three." Nikolas said attempting to smooth things over. The last thing he wanted was either Jason or Sonny to get curious. "First stay out of the kitchen. Mrs. Lansbury will most likely chase you out with a knife. Second there is a grove of trees just beyond the fence line stay out."

"Any particular reason why?" Jason asked when it became clear Nikolas was not going to explain further. The man had been acting even stranger since their trip began.

"It isn't safe. There are- things in the woods. Its wiser follow the rules. Lastly..." Nikolas paused and took a deep breath. He had never had to explain their winter guests to anyone. The town's people who were ignorant at best mainly stayed away from Wyndemere.

After a moment of watching his nephew struggle Stefan said, "Perhaps it would be best if I explained the last rule."

"As you wish."

"During the winter Wyndemere is home to some shall we say guests. This arrangement has been in place since before Nikolas's birth. They are not to be disturbed. This should not a problem since they are camped beyond the grove. However they have occasion to be on other parts of the grounds or the house."

"Like that girl?" Sonny asked already knowing the answer. The question he could not ask was the one he wanted answered the most. 'Why would Nikolas allow gypsies on his grounds?' Sonny was certain that's what the girl was even without being told.

"Yes Elizabeth and I play chess quite often so I'm certain you will see her. However I'm sure she won't be the only one."

"Steven is home then?" he wondered aloud about his childhood friend. Nikolas wondered if the older man would even speak to him now.

"Just last year. You should visit with him."

"Perhaps."

Steven Webber had been labeled many things in his life. The most recent was doctor but none made him more proud than big brother. He had practically raised Elizabeth since their mother's death thirteen years ago. Their father had never bothered with Elizabeth hell he only acknowledged Steven out of necessity.

Watching Elizabeth curled up on a window seat immediately got his attention. She was usually taking him to death especially after spending the day with Stefan. "You're quite tonight."

"I guess I am," she agreed quietly not bothering to look up from her sketchpad. Maybe if she ignored Steven he would go away. 'Or maybe not.' she thought when her brother sat beside her.

"Care to tell me why?" he pressed when Elizabeth seemed to content to ignore him for the remainder of the night.

"Nikolas came home this afternoon."

"So that's what all the commotion was earlier."

Elizabeth shrugged unsure what to say. While part of her was happy, the rest was mostly confused and possibly a little angry. "He brought a woman and her family with him."

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine. Nikolas made things clear before he left."

"That isn't what I meant." he said gently his eyes fixated on Wyndemere. The stone mansion hadn't changed that much in the last few years. If he could only say the same about Nikolas and Elizabeth. "I should have taken you with me when I left. Maybe things would be different."

"Maybe. None of this is your fault."

"No it's our father's. He shouldn't have cheated if he wasn't going to accept the consequences."

"He's a man and you rarely have to face the consequences of your actions," she countered bitterly. Lord Webber had used their mother for years despite being married even after their half-sister was born. During that time Steven and than Elizabeth was born as well. Her brother was both Lord Webber's first-born and his only son. That fact forced the man to acknowledge him. Elizabeth however was a different story. She was all but denied by their father simply because Elizabeth was a girl. "I'm going for a walk. Maybe it'll help me sleep."

"Just... be careful." Steven cautioned knowing his sister would most likely ignore him.