~*~
"How can you help me with Irons?" Sara asked a bit skeptical that Elizabeth could be of any help to her.
"It all depends on you, Sara."
"What do you mean? I thought you said you could help me, Elizabeth." Sara tried hard to keep her anger in check but that didn't stop the frustration from lacing her voice.
"No, I said that 'I believe I can help' and I can. Nevertheless, ultimately in the end it is all up to you Sara. How you perceive this entire dream will determine how you mold your relationship with your destined protector." Elizabeth calmly added. "I also believe that this little trip will help you better understand the relationship between Irons and Ian."
"How is that possible? I mean no offense but didn't you die in the late 1950's? How would you know anything about the relationship between Ian and Irons?" Sara questioned.
"Anything is possible in the world of the Witchblade, Sara." Elizabeth grinned at Sara's confused look. "Don't worry my dear your questions will be answered in due time. Just remember to keep an opened mind and you will do just fine." Suddenly a door magically appeared out of nowhere. This was definitely way beyond her confusion tolerance.
"Shall we my dear?" Elizabeth reached for the handle and was about to open it when Sara unexpectedly stopped her. "Wait!"
"What's wrong Sara?"
"Uh, out of curiosity will I be riding shot gun through out this ride." Elizabeth narrowed her eyes on Sara a bit confused. "What I mean is that will I, uh, we be sharing your body?" Elizabeth eyes widen as the realization set in. Sara had been forced to share a first person point of view when it came to Cathain's memories. The look on Sara's face made it obvious that the experience, though necessary, was more then just a bit unnerving for her. Elizabeth couldn't really blame her; it had taken away her control. Something she cherished considerably.
"What's wrong Sara didn't you like waking up in the arms of a handsome man. Especially a man like Ewan?" Elizabeth amusingly teased. Sara flushed at the memory of waking up in Ewan's arms.
"Hey I'm not complaining. I mean what a way to wake up, right?" Sara paused trying to find the right words.
"But." Elizabeth added.
"But it just didn't feel right. I don't know how to explain it."
"Its because Ewan was not meant for you, Sara. He was meant for Cathain, as Christian was meant of me." The same goes as how Ian is meant for you but Elizabeth did not mention that to Sara. She was unsure if Sara was ready to accept it yet. 'She's right' Sara thought. Every time she looked into Ewan's eyes. The love was there but they were not directed towards her but to Cathain. Those tender hazel eyes weren't meant for her but for someone else. Sara could not help but wonder if the next time she, see those familiar hazel eyes will it reflect those same feelings?
'Don't count on it, Pezzini.' She wouldn't be too surprised if he hated her now especially with the way they had parted earlier that night. She had said some pretty harsh things to him in the past but last night was probably the worst. Nevertheless, it had been essential for her purpose. She was pushing him away to protect him. Seeing the doubts in Sara's eyes Elizabeth spoke.
"You know Sara sometimes the what we think is the right choice, the right path is not always the best chosen course of action. Remember every thing we do now has a direct effect on the future. Sometimes what we thought was the right choice could cause drastic repercussions." Elizabeth briefly lowered her eyes, to hide the ever-familiar pain that reflected there.
"What was Christian like?" Sara curiously asked.
Elizabeth looked up; evidence of her pain replaced with mirth and love. "Christian was how should I put it. Unique in his own right." Elizabeth chuckled at the memory of her beloved. "He was a cocky bastard, very confidant, intelligent, loyal, trustworthy, and strong both physically and mentally. Unlike Cathain and Ewan, Christian and I shared a history before the Witchblade. We grew up together in small town near London."
"Did you two ever date?"
"No, I was this sophisticated college student who only had eyes for older men and he was this gawky teenage boy who had a crush on me. Nothing but friendship came out of our relationship. However, as I said he was very confident. He was determined, saying that we were soul mates and that we were meant to be together. That he would love no one but me. Of course back then I never believed in such rubbish. How was I to know it had turned out to be true. Unfortunately," Elizabeth's voice took on a sad note, "we did not have much time to indulge in our newfound love. Death had a way of sneaking in and interrupting life." A tear had managed to escape Elizabeth's eye, sliding down her face. "Ironically, it was because of death that had brought us back together after years apart."
"I don't understand." Sara said.
"They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I think it is best if I showed you, Sara." Elizabeth turned the knob and pushed open the door. Again, Sara had to shield her eyes from the bright light. "Remember watch with an open mind and learn, Sara, from my mistakes. Both woman passed through door and were immediately transported into another room. Sara blinked a few times to clear the haziness and focus to where she was. From her quick assessment, she was in a large room filled with people wearing black.
Sara scanned the room for Elizabeth and found her just walking in through the doorway and to her surprise, Kenneth Irons followed close behind. "What the fuck?" Sara quickly covered her mouth, realizing that she had spoken aloud. She looked around the room but no one had paid any attention to her. She let out a sigh of relief remembering that this was a dream and her presence here held no significance. She was only allowed to watch and learn.
Elizabeth maneuvered around the crowded room until she found the person she was looking for. All the while Kenneth followed closely behind. Elizabeth tapped the young woman on her shoulder. She turned around and immediately fell into Elizabeth's warm embrace. "Celeste, I'm so sorry for your lose my dear. I came as soon as I heard." Elizabeth held the young woman in her arms until her quivering shoulders stopped and her cries ceased.
"I'm sorry Beth, I didn't mean to just."
"Don't you dare apologize to me, Celeste. You've been through a lot." Elizabeth gently cupped her cheek. Using her thumb to wipe the tears away as they slid down her face. Celeste smiled weakly. Relived that Elizabeth was here, the woman had been her surrogate older sister. Her eyes shifted to the figure behind Elizabeth. Immediately recognizing Kenneth Irons, Celeste quickly plastered a fake smile and shielded her eyes, covering the hatred that bore deep within. Elizabeth narrowed her eyes as she noticed the rigid change in Celeste. Something was very wrong. How did she know Kenneth Irons?
"Mr. Irons."
Kenneth moved from behind and reached forward to grasped Celeste's hand in both of his. "Ms. Nottingham, please accept my deepest condolences for you and your family. Daniel was a wonderful man." Celeste held the urge to rip her hand out of his grip. "Thank you Mr. Irons." Kenneth gave her hand a finally squeeze before letting go.
"How is it that the two of you know each other?" Elizabeth asked curiously.
"I'm sorry my love. I thought you knew."
"Unfortunately, Beth has been away from us for such a long time." Elizabeth lowered her head, feeling a bit guilty. "I'm sorry Beth I didn't mean it that way. I am sorry if I had made you feel uncomfortable. You had your reasons for leaving. Now, with the war finally over things are slowly going back to normal. I'm sorry."
Elizabeth smiled, Celeste was right she had been away for far too long and now that she had the time she was going to make the most of it. By spending some time with what little friends and family, she had left. "Cel, I told you stop apologizing. I realized that I have been gone for too long but I am going to make it up. However, we will discuss that matter for later. So how is it that you two know each other?"
"Celeste? I'm sorry to interrupt but some one is insistent on seeing you."
"Excuse me for a moment." Elizabeth watched Celeste make her way into her father's old office and closing the door behind her. She returned her attention back to Kenneth.
"Well?"
"Daniel Winslow was an employee of mine. He was part of my security staff for Vorshlag. Daniel had brought Ms. Nottingham to a company soirée a few years ago in New York. The man was in love with her even then. It is a shame that he had to die in a car accident before they were able to marry. It truly is a great loss. Daniel was an exceptional employee."
"He was a great man." A deep rich voice added from behind. Elizabeth and Kenneth both turned around. "I apologize Mr. Irons I did not mean to impose on your conversation." The gentleman flashed an apologetic smile. Kenneth placed a false smile on his face and said, "Oh it is quite alright Mr. Nottingham. Indeed, you are right young Winslow was a great man. He will surely be missed." A small silence fell between them but there was no mistaking the tension that hung in the air.
"How good to see you again, Christian." Elizabeth finally added when she had enough of the silence. 'My, he has changed quite a bit. The gawky teenager that she remembered was gone and here stood a man.' Elizabeth tried to push the thought aside. However, she still found herself staring at him. He was just as tall as Kenneth, but perhaps a few inches shorter. His dark, curly mop of hair just barely passed his ears, and unlike the mustache many of the men were so fond of, Christian sported a well-trimmed goatee. Then there were his eyes. 'My God were they always this expressive?' Elizabeth thought as she stared deeply into them.
"It is always a pleasure seeing you again, my lady." Christian took her right hand and brushed his lips across the back. Under her coat sleeve, the red jewel of the blade glowed lightly. Christian caught site of the blade and grinned.
Elizabeth watched as Christian let his lips linger onto the back of her hand a second longer before gently letting go. The moment his lips touched her skin a jolt of electricity rushed up from her right arm. She could have sworn she seen the glow of the blade under her dark sleeve. After releasing her hand, Elizabeth pulled her coat sleeve lower, attempting to hide the supposed ornate bracelet.
"How can you help me with Irons?" Sara asked a bit skeptical that Elizabeth could be of any help to her.
"It all depends on you, Sara."
"What do you mean? I thought you said you could help me, Elizabeth." Sara tried hard to keep her anger in check but that didn't stop the frustration from lacing her voice.
"No, I said that 'I believe I can help' and I can. Nevertheless, ultimately in the end it is all up to you Sara. How you perceive this entire dream will determine how you mold your relationship with your destined protector." Elizabeth calmly added. "I also believe that this little trip will help you better understand the relationship between Irons and Ian."
"How is that possible? I mean no offense but didn't you die in the late 1950's? How would you know anything about the relationship between Ian and Irons?" Sara questioned.
"Anything is possible in the world of the Witchblade, Sara." Elizabeth grinned at Sara's confused look. "Don't worry my dear your questions will be answered in due time. Just remember to keep an opened mind and you will do just fine." Suddenly a door magically appeared out of nowhere. This was definitely way beyond her confusion tolerance.
"Shall we my dear?" Elizabeth reached for the handle and was about to open it when Sara unexpectedly stopped her. "Wait!"
"What's wrong Sara?"
"Uh, out of curiosity will I be riding shot gun through out this ride." Elizabeth narrowed her eyes on Sara a bit confused. "What I mean is that will I, uh, we be sharing your body?" Elizabeth eyes widen as the realization set in. Sara had been forced to share a first person point of view when it came to Cathain's memories. The look on Sara's face made it obvious that the experience, though necessary, was more then just a bit unnerving for her. Elizabeth couldn't really blame her; it had taken away her control. Something she cherished considerably.
"What's wrong Sara didn't you like waking up in the arms of a handsome man. Especially a man like Ewan?" Elizabeth amusingly teased. Sara flushed at the memory of waking up in Ewan's arms.
"Hey I'm not complaining. I mean what a way to wake up, right?" Sara paused trying to find the right words.
"But." Elizabeth added.
"But it just didn't feel right. I don't know how to explain it."
"Its because Ewan was not meant for you, Sara. He was meant for Cathain, as Christian was meant of me." The same goes as how Ian is meant for you but Elizabeth did not mention that to Sara. She was unsure if Sara was ready to accept it yet. 'She's right' Sara thought. Every time she looked into Ewan's eyes. The love was there but they were not directed towards her but to Cathain. Those tender hazel eyes weren't meant for her but for someone else. Sara could not help but wonder if the next time she, see those familiar hazel eyes will it reflect those same feelings?
'Don't count on it, Pezzini.' She wouldn't be too surprised if he hated her now especially with the way they had parted earlier that night. She had said some pretty harsh things to him in the past but last night was probably the worst. Nevertheless, it had been essential for her purpose. She was pushing him away to protect him. Seeing the doubts in Sara's eyes Elizabeth spoke.
"You know Sara sometimes the what we think is the right choice, the right path is not always the best chosen course of action. Remember every thing we do now has a direct effect on the future. Sometimes what we thought was the right choice could cause drastic repercussions." Elizabeth briefly lowered her eyes, to hide the ever-familiar pain that reflected there.
"What was Christian like?" Sara curiously asked.
Elizabeth looked up; evidence of her pain replaced with mirth and love. "Christian was how should I put it. Unique in his own right." Elizabeth chuckled at the memory of her beloved. "He was a cocky bastard, very confidant, intelligent, loyal, trustworthy, and strong both physically and mentally. Unlike Cathain and Ewan, Christian and I shared a history before the Witchblade. We grew up together in small town near London."
"Did you two ever date?"
"No, I was this sophisticated college student who only had eyes for older men and he was this gawky teenage boy who had a crush on me. Nothing but friendship came out of our relationship. However, as I said he was very confident. He was determined, saying that we were soul mates and that we were meant to be together. That he would love no one but me. Of course back then I never believed in such rubbish. How was I to know it had turned out to be true. Unfortunately," Elizabeth's voice took on a sad note, "we did not have much time to indulge in our newfound love. Death had a way of sneaking in and interrupting life." A tear had managed to escape Elizabeth's eye, sliding down her face. "Ironically, it was because of death that had brought us back together after years apart."
"I don't understand." Sara said.
"They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I think it is best if I showed you, Sara." Elizabeth turned the knob and pushed open the door. Again, Sara had to shield her eyes from the bright light. "Remember watch with an open mind and learn, Sara, from my mistakes. Both woman passed through door and were immediately transported into another room. Sara blinked a few times to clear the haziness and focus to where she was. From her quick assessment, she was in a large room filled with people wearing black.
Sara scanned the room for Elizabeth and found her just walking in through the doorway and to her surprise, Kenneth Irons followed close behind. "What the fuck?" Sara quickly covered her mouth, realizing that she had spoken aloud. She looked around the room but no one had paid any attention to her. She let out a sigh of relief remembering that this was a dream and her presence here held no significance. She was only allowed to watch and learn.
Elizabeth maneuvered around the crowded room until she found the person she was looking for. All the while Kenneth followed closely behind. Elizabeth tapped the young woman on her shoulder. She turned around and immediately fell into Elizabeth's warm embrace. "Celeste, I'm so sorry for your lose my dear. I came as soon as I heard." Elizabeth held the young woman in her arms until her quivering shoulders stopped and her cries ceased.
"I'm sorry Beth, I didn't mean to just."
"Don't you dare apologize to me, Celeste. You've been through a lot." Elizabeth gently cupped her cheek. Using her thumb to wipe the tears away as they slid down her face. Celeste smiled weakly. Relived that Elizabeth was here, the woman had been her surrogate older sister. Her eyes shifted to the figure behind Elizabeth. Immediately recognizing Kenneth Irons, Celeste quickly plastered a fake smile and shielded her eyes, covering the hatred that bore deep within. Elizabeth narrowed her eyes as she noticed the rigid change in Celeste. Something was very wrong. How did she know Kenneth Irons?
"Mr. Irons."
Kenneth moved from behind and reached forward to grasped Celeste's hand in both of his. "Ms. Nottingham, please accept my deepest condolences for you and your family. Daniel was a wonderful man." Celeste held the urge to rip her hand out of his grip. "Thank you Mr. Irons." Kenneth gave her hand a finally squeeze before letting go.
"How is it that the two of you know each other?" Elizabeth asked curiously.
"I'm sorry my love. I thought you knew."
"Unfortunately, Beth has been away from us for such a long time." Elizabeth lowered her head, feeling a bit guilty. "I'm sorry Beth I didn't mean it that way. I am sorry if I had made you feel uncomfortable. You had your reasons for leaving. Now, with the war finally over things are slowly going back to normal. I'm sorry."
Elizabeth smiled, Celeste was right she had been away for far too long and now that she had the time she was going to make the most of it. By spending some time with what little friends and family, she had left. "Cel, I told you stop apologizing. I realized that I have been gone for too long but I am going to make it up. However, we will discuss that matter for later. So how is it that you two know each other?"
"Celeste? I'm sorry to interrupt but some one is insistent on seeing you."
"Excuse me for a moment." Elizabeth watched Celeste make her way into her father's old office and closing the door behind her. She returned her attention back to Kenneth.
"Well?"
"Daniel Winslow was an employee of mine. He was part of my security staff for Vorshlag. Daniel had brought Ms. Nottingham to a company soirée a few years ago in New York. The man was in love with her even then. It is a shame that he had to die in a car accident before they were able to marry. It truly is a great loss. Daniel was an exceptional employee."
"He was a great man." A deep rich voice added from behind. Elizabeth and Kenneth both turned around. "I apologize Mr. Irons I did not mean to impose on your conversation." The gentleman flashed an apologetic smile. Kenneth placed a false smile on his face and said, "Oh it is quite alright Mr. Nottingham. Indeed, you are right young Winslow was a great man. He will surely be missed." A small silence fell between them but there was no mistaking the tension that hung in the air.
"How good to see you again, Christian." Elizabeth finally added when she had enough of the silence. 'My, he has changed quite a bit. The gawky teenager that she remembered was gone and here stood a man.' Elizabeth tried to push the thought aside. However, she still found herself staring at him. He was just as tall as Kenneth, but perhaps a few inches shorter. His dark, curly mop of hair just barely passed his ears, and unlike the mustache many of the men were so fond of, Christian sported a well-trimmed goatee. Then there were his eyes. 'My God were they always this expressive?' Elizabeth thought as she stared deeply into them.
"It is always a pleasure seeing you again, my lady." Christian took her right hand and brushed his lips across the back. Under her coat sleeve, the red jewel of the blade glowed lightly. Christian caught site of the blade and grinned.
Elizabeth watched as Christian let his lips linger onto the back of her hand a second longer before gently letting go. The moment his lips touched her skin a jolt of electricity rushed up from her right arm. She could have sworn she seen the glow of the blade under her dark sleeve. After releasing her hand, Elizabeth pulled her coat sleeve lower, attempting to hide the supposed ornate bracelet.