'Alone at last'Hearing Nottingham's familiar voice, Sara looked up from her
hands. Only to find Danny still standing next to her watching the canvas
like some television set. Nottingham was no where in site.
'You didn't have to kill someone to make that happen.'
"Danny what the hell is going on?" Danny turned to her and placed his finger against his lips, signaling for her to be silent. He nodded his head towards the canvas wanting her to watch.
'Is that what you think I did?' Nottingham sat there not once looking up at her.
'I suspected you killed for less' Sara's voice echoed through out the hall.
"Danny I've already seen this. I was there remember?"
"Partner just humor me and watch will ya!?" Sara placed her hands on her hips and exhaled a defeated sigh as she turned to watch.
'Take my hand'
'Ah.no'
'You want answers, take my hand' Sara sat down across from Nottingham and after a moment acquiescently gave her hand to him.
Watching the exchange between the two Sara did not realize how the little act of holding hands could be so intimate. Against her own will Sara recalled the strength she felt the moment he took her hand in his. How he gently held her hand and began innocently caressing her wrist with the leather gloves still on. She could feel the warmth even through his gloves. Sara could feel the slight blush form on her face as she continued to watch. Abashed by the lack of control over her thoughts she gave herself a mental shake. Refocusing on what was yet to come.
Sara seen the blade's red stone swirl and glow brightly the instant Nottingham touched her. Her eyes widen as she once again watch the visions play out in front of her. This time she was confused, leaving her to question her knowledge of who she thought was her enemy. The new images of Nottingham were unlike the ones she had been submitted to that night or of those that she had witnessed earlier.
'I suspected you killed for less.' Her voiced echoed in her mind. Everything had happened so fast she was unsure of what she seen. A sniper had been positioned on a rooftop building across from her apartment. The assassin had been ready to pull the trigger when Nottingham appeared out of nowhere, swiftly taking care of the situation. He then took the rifle in his hand and looked through the scoop. She could see that he had her in the crosshairs. His finger began to caress the outside of the trigger but he had done nothing.
Looking up from the scoop Nottingham eyed the unconscious assassin and returned his attention back to Sara. Now realizing just how close Sara came to death, Nottingham's only show of emotion had been a single tear drop that ran down his face. Sara swallowed the lump in her throat as she realized how close she came to death that day. She had been so distraught by Danny's death she wasn't aware what had almost transpired.
The blade once again began to change scenery. In each had been a display of Nottingham watching over her and at times saving her life. From Tommy Gallo, to Moby, and then those Irish kidnappers. Sara was forced to relive the horrible night at the warehouse. Nottingham had arrived with the money, which she knew now to be his. But in the end it was all in vain. Sara wanted to shut her eyes against the image of her sprawled against John's lifeless body.
"I refuse to watch this Danny" Sara turned away from the canvas and aimlessly wondered the small area. All the while avoiding any eye contact with the accursed picture. Danny watched as Sara paced back and forth in front of him. Messaging the sides of her temple with her fingers.
"Sara." Danny's voice was both calm and demanding. Sara stopped from her pacing and stood with her back still facing the canvas. She closed her eyes and bowed her head.
"I understand how hard and painful it is for you to relive the past. But don't you want to know how you got the Witchblade back? Why John died? Why I died? Why everything happened the way it did? Why Nottingham came to you that night?"
"Don't you want answers, Sara?" Danny saw the slump of her shoulders and the sound of a heavy sigh escaping her lips.
Don't you want answers?
It was all she had wanted since the moment she had acquired the Witchblade. So many questions but not enough answers. Now she had the opportunity to acquire the knowledge she so long to have about the blade and everything else. So why was it so hard to simply open her eyes and turn around? Was it the fear that kept her from learning, from listening? Afraid of what she would find in those answers?
'Only one way to find out' She thought. Finally, taking a deep breath Sara raised her head and opened her eyes.
The moment she opened them she was left staring at Nottingham who stood, submissively, in front of the casing that held the Witchblade. Looking over her shoulder she saw Danny standing next to the picture frame. Both appeared to be patiently waiting for.her? Turning slightly Sara stood between the two men. She eyed Danny, then at Nottingham, and then once again returning her attention back to Danny.
"Yeah, I want answers Danny." Her tone of voice no longer laced with sarcasm was now softer and acquiescent.
She watched the past play out in front of her as she stood next to Danny. Sara had to swallow the lump in her throat as she watches herself pass out, sprawled against John. Now, Sara realized she would finally get the answers regarding to what happened that night. Sara took in a deep breath as Nottingham made his way over to Fiona, ripping the blade off of her lifeless wrist.
'Do not return home without the Witchblade' Irons' voice echoed in the background. Nottingham held the blade in his hand and stared deeply into the swirling red stone.
Hazel. Sara didn't understand why the color of his eyes had suddenly hit her. But she realized this was the most she had seen of Nottingham. And in that brief moment Sara could see the anguish in Nottingham's hazel eyes. The glow of the blade died down and Nottingham remained motionless for a time. Tearing his eyes away from the blade he looked over at Sara's prone form. Without hesitancy he made his way over to her.
Kneeling besides the fallen lovers, Nottingham gently replaced the Witchblade on Sara's wrist. His face contorted with loss and pain as he, with much effort, gently placed her hand on John's face. Remembering how they had lain like this not too long ago. How lovers should embrace each other in the afterglow of passion. A passion he had felt emit through his own body as they consummated their need for each other.
Pushing the upsetting memory aside Nottingham let his hand trail down her arm but daring not to touch her. His hand stopped suddenly above her shoulder. Seeing specks of dark liquid on her leather jacket Nottingham tugged off his leather glove. Lowering his hand he captured a small drop on his finger. He eyed the crimson fluid before taking it in his mouth and sucking on the bitter taste of Sara's blood.
Quickly he sliced his finger against his ring and drew blood, once again tasting the acrid liquid. His eyes widen in shock as he let their blood linger on his tongue. Finally appreciating and accepting what the blade has done for him.
Out of reverence for his lady, Nottingham knelt silently besides his lady, bowing his head for Sara's loss. Before leaving Nottingham kissed his fingers and gently placed it on her shoulder. Finally getting up he left the warehouse, leaving behind Sara and the Witchblade.
Sara's head jerked back slightly and her brows furrowed after witnessing Nottingham's aberrant behavior. He had replaced the Witchblade back on her wrist. He went against Irons' orders to return home with it. Tearing her gaze from the picture she turned her head to look at Danny.
"It was Nottingham?" Sara was finally able to speak over her initial shock.
Danny nodded his response, not once tearing his eyes from the canvas. She stared at her dead partner, obviously there was now way she was getting any more from him at the moment. Though one of her questions was answered it only raised more. Why? Why had Nottingham return the blade to her? Why did he go against Irons' orders? And why did he taste her blood? All these questions were making her head spin. Seeing his partner's dilemma Danny spoke.
"Pez if you keep watching you'll get your answers." Strangely enough Sara complied with the simple request and turned to watch.
Nottingham stood in the middle of the den in Irons' mansion, holding out the leather satchel full of money. No doubt the ransom money he tried to use to save John. Irons eyed his servant before rising from his hand-carved wooden throne. Angrily snatching the bag out of Nottingham's hand and arrogantly tossing it into the large hearth.
"The money is nothing" The flame quickly engulfed the bag and money, leaving nothing more then ashes.
"Where is the Witchblade?" Irons walked over to Nottingham's submissive form, narrowing his eyes on his servant.
"Back on Sara Pezzini. Evidently where it belongs."
"You should have had it. That little Irish whore was an utter pretender." Irons made his way from the fireplace and stood facing Nottingham's habitual posture.
"I agree. So evidently did the Witchblade. It was back on Lady Sara's wrist by the time I got there. Even when she was unconscious, it would not come off." Nottingham's voice remained composed as he outright lied to his master. But in hopes to protect Sara he needed to convince Irons what he said was the truth. Nottingham looked up from his bowed head, in hopes that the light from the fire and the few candles were inadequately enough to cover the truth that lay behind his eyes.
Irons reaction was violent. He struck Nottingham across the face, managing to knock a few strands of hair loose. Nottingham was pleased with Irons reaction. Violence had always been a way of showing him he had failed his master. If this was his punishment then may be Irons had actually believed his little lie.
"You should have cut off her hand"
This time the lights were enough to show Nottingham's rising anger at the implication of endangering Sara. Sara watched the heated stare down between the two. There was so much raw anger in Nottingham's eyes Sara inadvertently took a small step back from the canvas. Taking a quick glance over her shoulder Nottingham was still standing in front to the glass casing.
'You didn't have to kill someone to make that happen.'
"Danny what the hell is going on?" Danny turned to her and placed his finger against his lips, signaling for her to be silent. He nodded his head towards the canvas wanting her to watch.
'Is that what you think I did?' Nottingham sat there not once looking up at her.
'I suspected you killed for less' Sara's voice echoed through out the hall.
"Danny I've already seen this. I was there remember?"
"Partner just humor me and watch will ya!?" Sara placed her hands on her hips and exhaled a defeated sigh as she turned to watch.
'Take my hand'
'Ah.no'
'You want answers, take my hand' Sara sat down across from Nottingham and after a moment acquiescently gave her hand to him.
Watching the exchange between the two Sara did not realize how the little act of holding hands could be so intimate. Against her own will Sara recalled the strength she felt the moment he took her hand in his. How he gently held her hand and began innocently caressing her wrist with the leather gloves still on. She could feel the warmth even through his gloves. Sara could feel the slight blush form on her face as she continued to watch. Abashed by the lack of control over her thoughts she gave herself a mental shake. Refocusing on what was yet to come.
Sara seen the blade's red stone swirl and glow brightly the instant Nottingham touched her. Her eyes widen as she once again watch the visions play out in front of her. This time she was confused, leaving her to question her knowledge of who she thought was her enemy. The new images of Nottingham were unlike the ones she had been submitted to that night or of those that she had witnessed earlier.
'I suspected you killed for less.' Her voiced echoed in her mind. Everything had happened so fast she was unsure of what she seen. A sniper had been positioned on a rooftop building across from her apartment. The assassin had been ready to pull the trigger when Nottingham appeared out of nowhere, swiftly taking care of the situation. He then took the rifle in his hand and looked through the scoop. She could see that he had her in the crosshairs. His finger began to caress the outside of the trigger but he had done nothing.
Looking up from the scoop Nottingham eyed the unconscious assassin and returned his attention back to Sara. Now realizing just how close Sara came to death, Nottingham's only show of emotion had been a single tear drop that ran down his face. Sara swallowed the lump in her throat as she realized how close she came to death that day. She had been so distraught by Danny's death she wasn't aware what had almost transpired.
The blade once again began to change scenery. In each had been a display of Nottingham watching over her and at times saving her life. From Tommy Gallo, to Moby, and then those Irish kidnappers. Sara was forced to relive the horrible night at the warehouse. Nottingham had arrived with the money, which she knew now to be his. But in the end it was all in vain. Sara wanted to shut her eyes against the image of her sprawled against John's lifeless body.
"I refuse to watch this Danny" Sara turned away from the canvas and aimlessly wondered the small area. All the while avoiding any eye contact with the accursed picture. Danny watched as Sara paced back and forth in front of him. Messaging the sides of her temple with her fingers.
"Sara." Danny's voice was both calm and demanding. Sara stopped from her pacing and stood with her back still facing the canvas. She closed her eyes and bowed her head.
"I understand how hard and painful it is for you to relive the past. But don't you want to know how you got the Witchblade back? Why John died? Why I died? Why everything happened the way it did? Why Nottingham came to you that night?"
"Don't you want answers, Sara?" Danny saw the slump of her shoulders and the sound of a heavy sigh escaping her lips.
Don't you want answers?
It was all she had wanted since the moment she had acquired the Witchblade. So many questions but not enough answers. Now she had the opportunity to acquire the knowledge she so long to have about the blade and everything else. So why was it so hard to simply open her eyes and turn around? Was it the fear that kept her from learning, from listening? Afraid of what she would find in those answers?
'Only one way to find out' She thought. Finally, taking a deep breath Sara raised her head and opened her eyes.
The moment she opened them she was left staring at Nottingham who stood, submissively, in front of the casing that held the Witchblade. Looking over her shoulder she saw Danny standing next to the picture frame. Both appeared to be patiently waiting for.her? Turning slightly Sara stood between the two men. She eyed Danny, then at Nottingham, and then once again returning her attention back to Danny.
"Yeah, I want answers Danny." Her tone of voice no longer laced with sarcasm was now softer and acquiescent.
She watched the past play out in front of her as she stood next to Danny. Sara had to swallow the lump in her throat as she watches herself pass out, sprawled against John. Now, Sara realized she would finally get the answers regarding to what happened that night. Sara took in a deep breath as Nottingham made his way over to Fiona, ripping the blade off of her lifeless wrist.
'Do not return home without the Witchblade' Irons' voice echoed in the background. Nottingham held the blade in his hand and stared deeply into the swirling red stone.
Hazel. Sara didn't understand why the color of his eyes had suddenly hit her. But she realized this was the most she had seen of Nottingham. And in that brief moment Sara could see the anguish in Nottingham's hazel eyes. The glow of the blade died down and Nottingham remained motionless for a time. Tearing his eyes away from the blade he looked over at Sara's prone form. Without hesitancy he made his way over to her.
Kneeling besides the fallen lovers, Nottingham gently replaced the Witchblade on Sara's wrist. His face contorted with loss and pain as he, with much effort, gently placed her hand on John's face. Remembering how they had lain like this not too long ago. How lovers should embrace each other in the afterglow of passion. A passion he had felt emit through his own body as they consummated their need for each other.
Pushing the upsetting memory aside Nottingham let his hand trail down her arm but daring not to touch her. His hand stopped suddenly above her shoulder. Seeing specks of dark liquid on her leather jacket Nottingham tugged off his leather glove. Lowering his hand he captured a small drop on his finger. He eyed the crimson fluid before taking it in his mouth and sucking on the bitter taste of Sara's blood.
Quickly he sliced his finger against his ring and drew blood, once again tasting the acrid liquid. His eyes widen in shock as he let their blood linger on his tongue. Finally appreciating and accepting what the blade has done for him.
Out of reverence for his lady, Nottingham knelt silently besides his lady, bowing his head for Sara's loss. Before leaving Nottingham kissed his fingers and gently placed it on her shoulder. Finally getting up he left the warehouse, leaving behind Sara and the Witchblade.
Sara's head jerked back slightly and her brows furrowed after witnessing Nottingham's aberrant behavior. He had replaced the Witchblade back on her wrist. He went against Irons' orders to return home with it. Tearing her gaze from the picture she turned her head to look at Danny.
"It was Nottingham?" Sara was finally able to speak over her initial shock.
Danny nodded his response, not once tearing his eyes from the canvas. She stared at her dead partner, obviously there was now way she was getting any more from him at the moment. Though one of her questions was answered it only raised more. Why? Why had Nottingham return the blade to her? Why did he go against Irons' orders? And why did he taste her blood? All these questions were making her head spin. Seeing his partner's dilemma Danny spoke.
"Pez if you keep watching you'll get your answers." Strangely enough Sara complied with the simple request and turned to watch.
Nottingham stood in the middle of the den in Irons' mansion, holding out the leather satchel full of money. No doubt the ransom money he tried to use to save John. Irons eyed his servant before rising from his hand-carved wooden throne. Angrily snatching the bag out of Nottingham's hand and arrogantly tossing it into the large hearth.
"The money is nothing" The flame quickly engulfed the bag and money, leaving nothing more then ashes.
"Where is the Witchblade?" Irons walked over to Nottingham's submissive form, narrowing his eyes on his servant.
"Back on Sara Pezzini. Evidently where it belongs."
"You should have had it. That little Irish whore was an utter pretender." Irons made his way from the fireplace and stood facing Nottingham's habitual posture.
"I agree. So evidently did the Witchblade. It was back on Lady Sara's wrist by the time I got there. Even when she was unconscious, it would not come off." Nottingham's voice remained composed as he outright lied to his master. But in hopes to protect Sara he needed to convince Irons what he said was the truth. Nottingham looked up from his bowed head, in hopes that the light from the fire and the few candles were inadequately enough to cover the truth that lay behind his eyes.
Irons reaction was violent. He struck Nottingham across the face, managing to knock a few strands of hair loose. Nottingham was pleased with Irons reaction. Violence had always been a way of showing him he had failed his master. If this was his punishment then may be Irons had actually believed his little lie.
"You should have cut off her hand"
This time the lights were enough to show Nottingham's rising anger at the implication of endangering Sara. Sara watched the heated stare down between the two. There was so much raw anger in Nottingham's eyes Sara inadvertently took a small step back from the canvas. Taking a quick glance over her shoulder Nottingham was still standing in front to the glass casing.