"Tell us Beth how long will you be staying in town?" Celeste asked.
Elizabeth looked up at Kenneth before answering. He gave her a small smile and nodded his head slightly. Elizabeth turned back to Celeste and Christian, "I was going to save the news for a much later time but I suppose I can tell you. I, we, decided to stay here for a while." Celeste's eyes widen at the realization. "This means you're staying." Elizabeth smiled, nodding her head. Celeste pulled away from her brother's arm, rushing over to Elizabeth. Engulfing the older woman in a tight hug, "I assume that you are happy about my staying." Elizabeth amusingly asked. Celeste answered, tightening her hold on Elizabeth.
"So, Mr. Irons does this mean that you will be staying as well?" Christian curiously asked.
Irons grinned, "Yes, Elizabeth and I will be staying at a villa not far from here. Is there a problem?"
Christian nonchalantly waved his hand, "Of course not. I'm just worried that a man of your.stature would be bored with our quaint town. And being such a successful businessman, well it must be quite difficult to run your 'business' from so far away."
"Yes, I must agree Mr. Nottingham that is way I'll be traveling to New York from time to time taking care of business. Unfortunately, I will be leaving MY lovely Elizabeth behind." Irons said, emphasizing just whom Elizabeth belonged to.
"We, Celeste and I, will make sure to take great care of her while you're 'taking care of business'. We will keep her so busy she will not even know that you're gone. Therefore, you will have nothing to worry about Mr. Irons. Lizzy will be in capable hands. I must say you must have a strong sense of will, Mr. Irons."
"Why do you say that, Mr. Nottingham?" Irons had to hid the irritation from his voice.
"Well if I were in your place I would find it difficult to leave such a precious woman behind, alone and not to have her by my side. I mean even at arms, length is too far. Nevertheless, to have an ocean separating you from your love, no I'd be too weak. I would rush back immediately or perhaps not leave her at all 'business' be damn. However, that is just how I am." Celeste tightened her arm around Christian. He looked down at his sister, a subtle hint in her amber eyes telling him to stop his little childish banter with Irons. Celeste could sense Irons was seething under that cool collar of his. She was not the only one to notice.
"Christian may I have a private word with you?" Elizabeth graciously requested. It took both him and Kenneth by surprise. However, Celeste could tell by fiery glint in her eyes she was a bit upset. Elizabeth turned to Kenneth to politely excuse herself, "If you'll just excuse us for a moment my dear."
"Of course, I'll be here awaiting for your return." Reluctantly letting go of Elizabeth.
Christian led them to the now empty study. As soon the door closed behind them, Elizabeth confronted him. "Why are you being unpleasant towards, Kenneth?"
"How am I being unpleasant towards your gentleman.friend?" He innocently replied.
"Don't give me that, Christian. The moment we arrived all I've sensed between the two of you is animosity. And since then you've acted like some jealous child." Elizabeth exclaimed.
"As you can tell, Lizzy, I am no child." Christian pointed out. Elizabeth lifts her chin, resisting the urge to look him up and down. No, Christian Nottingham was definitely not a child but a man.
"Fine, then that leaves you with being jealous." Elizabeth stated with her hands on her hips, irritation still evident in her eyes. She watched Christian slowly stepping closer to her. Like a predator ready to pounce on its unsuspecting prey. His golden brown eyes boring into hers. No longer hindering those suppressed emotions he felt all those years as he watched over her. Of course, this was a knowledge Lizzy was unaware. A discussion they would address later. Now, was a time for other things. Mainly why was she with the Kenneth Irons.
"Of course I'm jealous. How can I not be when he has someone I've longed for so long." Christian reached up to caress her cheek but stopped himself and instead lowered his hand. "Why are you with..him?" he spat out refusing to use Irons name.
Elizabeth sighed, her angry reflection in her eyes fading under his curious and intense gaze. "That is none of your business, Christian." She said.
He closed his eyes, solemnly nodding at her reply.
"Besides, you should be out there wooing and focusing your Nottingham charm with women your age. Not someone old like me. I mean you cannot still be harboring any of that adolescent crush on me."
Christian opened is eyes once again capturing Elizabeth in his trance. He gravely nodded his head, a small grin crossing his face, "You are right, Lizzy."
She lowered her head a small pang of disappointment ran through her heart. 'What did you expect Liz? He has moved on and so have you. Why do you care?' she admonished. Perhaps deep down she selfishly hoped that he still felt that way. The blade lit up and began to warm up.
"However, I disagree and so does that bracelet of yours."
Elizabeth's head snapped up, "I don't know what you are talking about." She reached down to cover the blade with her sleeve.
Perhaps it was time to tell her something things. Christian reached to lift her right hand. His eyes never leaving the swirling red stone. "Tell me, Lizzy. Are you having a difficult time controlling the Witchblade? Or has this fickle," the blade hissed at his teasing causing a chuckle to escape his lips, "Yet powerful weapon been controlling you?" Elizabeth tore her arm from his grasp. "What do you know of this?" She held up her arm, showing off the Witchblade.
"I know more then you realize, my Lady. My knowledge of the Witchblade far exceeds those of your friend out there." He said, referring to Kenneth Irons. "What has he promised you, Lizzy? What sweet nothings has he whispered into your ears? What must you give him in exchange for 'his' knowledge regarding the blade? What lies has he told you?"
Elizabeth remained silent. All the while rubbing the active blade on her wrist. Her anger quickly returning.
"Heed my warnings, Elizabeth. Kenneth Irons is a dangerous man. The one and only thing he seeks and wants, is to control the power the Witchblade has to offer." Elizabeth gasped, her hands balled up into fist. She fought against the urge to hit this audacious man across the face. "How dare you!" she exclaimed.
Christian held up his hand in hopes to halt any strike, "I will not doubt perhaps he loves you in his own unique way. However, his primary desire is for the blade and its powers. He wants complete control and will he use you to gain it. I will not stand and idly watch him do that to you, Lizzy." Christian's voice became stern and protective.
"Just who the hell do you think you are? You are not my keeper, Christian. You are not my bodyguard or some sort of protector. I have been taking care of myself of myself long before you have and I will continue without you're help!" she exclaimed.
"If you would open your eyes and heart and believed in the Witchblade. Pierce the veil of the senses, then you would see the truth." Without warning, he placed his hand over the eye of the bracelet. The red stone and the small blue one on Christian's ring began to swirl in unison. The Witchblade thrusting Elizabeth into a vision. 'So much for discussing the issues of their connection later.' Christain thought.
A slideshow of her past all watched from a different perspective, Christian's to be exact. She continued to watch as time fast forward, showing her how he saved her from different life threatening situations. Finally, answering the aged old question of 'how'. How she had been able to survive this long. Elizabeth had always been confident of her skills but they could only take her so far. Until one day her skills would lead her down a path that would literally be a dead-end, hers. Now as she watched, she understood. No longer surprised on how she managed to survive and come out on top. As the vision wore down, Elizabeth caught a glimpse of Christian standing in the shadows watching her. The man from her dreams finally revealed.
"You," she breathlessly replied as her vision ended, incredulously staring at him, "You were there."
"I've always been there for you, Lizzy, always." He said. Elizabeth's anger faded away along with the vision, in its wake was uncertainty. It was all too much, her head was spinning, "I..I.. need to go." She walked past him towards the door.
"Elizabeth please wait." He pleaded while grabbing her arm. She refused to turn around, her back still facing him. She shook her head, "Why should I believe you? Perhaps you are the one after this," She looked down her arm at the bracelet, "And not Kenneth. Perhaps your animosity towards him has you spewing half-truths, nonsense. Perhaps I should be worried about you instead. I mean we hardly know each other.."
"I know you better then anyone in this world and you will find that you know me as well. We share a connection that goes far beyond the Witchblade and time itself. I," he moved closer behind her, his hands hovering over her body, "am the one person you can trust. The one person who understands and knows how you feel. We share the same destiny, you and I. Elizabeth, you were chosen to wield the Witchblade and I have been chosen to protect It and you. Use the blade and you will see that I am not lying to you, I never have." She closed her eyes shut, feeling his overbearing presence behind her. Half of her resisting the urge to lean back against him while the other stayed fully alert and ready to flee at a moments notice.
She looked down a the Witchblade and its swirling red stone. In the past, she had utilized it as some sort of radar, warning her to beware. However, instead of the flaming warmth that warned her of impending danger it continued its tranquil glow. Never had it reacted towards Kenneth in such a way. At times, it had felt cold, hollow, and lifeless. Dare she actually believe in Christian? Elizabeth could feel the twinges of a headache coming on.
"I assure you, Elizabeth. My ramblings are not based on the crush, the feelings I had on you. I am no longer that gawky teenager."
"Oh, then who are you?" She whispered.
Christian moved around to face her. He lifted her chin with his fingers, his eyes locking with hers. "I am a man who's fallen in love with you. I have always been in love with you. I am the same man who's been destined to protect and guide you. To fight against those who would do you harm, to fight by your side." His eyes pleading with hers to understand. Cautiously, he lowered his head, his mouth moving closer to hers, their breaths mingling together. Yet, at the last second Elizabeth turned her head away. "This is neither the time or place to discuss this." Reluctantly she pulled away from his and moved towards the door. "Kenneth is waiting." As she reached for the handle, she could hear him whisper, "So am I."
Christian sighed as he heard the soft click of the door close behind him. He rubbed his hands against his face, running them through his hair as he exhaled. He walked over to the stone hearth set against the wall. He stared into the fire then looked up to the picture frame that adorned the mantel. It was a picture of Celeste, Elizabeth, and him when they were younger. He ran a finger over her image, even back then he was already in love with her. "Will she ever understand?" He spoke aloud. Sara who had been positioned near the fireplace looked around the empty room. 'Who was he talking to? He can't be talking to me. Can he?' She thought.
He replaced the picture frame on the mantel and looked up. Her eyes widen as he stared straight at her. Those soulful eyes of his pleading with hers. She wanted to reach out and cup his face, to tell him everything but stopped. Instead, she started to ask if he was able to see her but another voice rang out. "Elizabeth has taken in quite a bit of information in such a short time. Give her time and she will come around. Be patient, Christian." Miraculously a man materialized from a dark corner of the room, walking over towards Christian.
"Lazar, you of all people should know patience is not part of my virtue." Christian snorted. He continued to stare in Sara's direction. "She is a strong willed, courageous, and a stubborn woman." Sara grinned. It sounded so much like her.
"Sounds like you as well, Christian." Lazar wittily added.
Christian rolled his eyes at Lazar, "Yes but I am no woman."
"Good, because you'd make a hideous looking woman." Lazar joked.
"Very funny, Lazar."
"Christian, give the wielder time. She will understand and when she does, she will come to you. Do not give up on her." Lazar said as he placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Never will I give up on her, Lazar. I will always be there for her, always." Christian vehemently replied.
"Good but beware of Kenneth Irons. Do not underestimate him. He is a formidable enemy and his thirst for the blade is strong." Lazar warned. Christian nodded his head.
They both turned as they heard a knock on the door. "Christian?" Celeste's voice was heard a second before she slipped through the opened door. Her smile broadens as she eyed the man standing next to her brother, "Lazar!" Celeste closed the door and quickly made her way over to them. "It is good to see you again child." Lazar quickly engulfed her in a hug. "When did you get here?"
"I just arrived a few moments ago. And how are you little one?" Lazar's voice took on a sad note.
"I, well, we are doing fine." Celeste laid a hand against her stomach.
"Daniel was a terrific man and he would have been a wonderful father as well." Lazar said.
"Yes, he would have been." A tear ran down her cheek. Lazar wiped away the tear with his thumb as he cupped her cheek. "And you my dear will be an excellent mother."
"Thank you, Lazar." Celeste smiled.
"Well I must bid you two a good-bye. Take care little one," Lazar leaned down and kissed Celeste on the cheek. He then turned to Christian, "And you heed my words." Lazar admonished. Christian smiled and nodded his head.
"Come on Christian our guests are starting to leave. We must bid them good- bye as well." Celeste took hold of Christian's hand and led him out of the study.
Sara watched as they walked through the door. The moment they stepped over the threshold, everything started to blur as time sped up. Days, weeks, and in moments months passed in a blink of an eye. In the course of the year, Sara witnessed the birth of Celeste's son, Daniel Christian Nottingham. Named after the man she loved and the brother she adored.
Then there was Christian and Elizabeth. In the beginning after that first night, things between those two were rocky. She would spend as much time with Kenneth when he was not away on business and Christian spent his time trying to convince Elizabeth the truth. Sara watched the emotional roller coaster ride they were on. However, after sometime and a determined Nottingham and an even more persistent Witchblade Elizabeth started seeing the truth. Truth regarding the blade and the connection she shared with her protector. Their growing attraction finally blossoming more into love.
However, before Elizabeth could pursue her love for Christian she needed to say good-bye to Kenneth. Over time, they had grown distant. Always away on business and his once charming personality was changing before her eyes. Elizabeth no longer knew the man she thought she loved. It was a heartfelt departure. Tears were shed and words of anger were expressed between the two.
"Its him isn't it? That damn Nottingham is the reason." Kenneth exclaimed.
Elizabeth immediately on the defensive, "No, Kenneth it is us. Can you not feel it? We have grown distant. Our relationship is not the same, we are not the same."
Kenneth reached forward, grasping her shoulders resisting the urge to shake some sense into her. Does she not know the formidable force they could become? He tried again to convince her. "Don't you see what is happening, love? He is jealous of what we have. He is only trying to break us apart. Whatever he has been telling you are all lies."
Elizabeth irritably shook her head, "Damn it, Kenneth. This has nothing to do with Christian. It is us!" She yelled, hoping that this time he would listen.
The thought of that boy taking away the one precious thing he craved was driving Kenneth mad. His left hand traveled down her arm, brushing his fingertips against the cool metal of the bracelet. He lifted her arm to study the Witchblade. "Don't you see that impudent boy is trying to steal what belongs to me?" His voice was low and ominous. Elizabeth raised her eyebrows as he addressed the blade instead of her. Christian was right, Kenneth loved the Witchblade more then he did her.
She twisted her arm from his grasp, "I'm sorry Kenneth but this is good- bye." She started to walk away. His voice stopping her. "You are making a mistake, Elizabeth."
"The only mistake I will be making is if I stay here with you. Good-bye, Kenneth." She said not once turning to face him.
He watched her retreating back, "I will get the Witchblade back. And as for that Nottingham boy he will pay." He picked up the phone and started dialing a number. "I have a job for you." Kenneth informed the person on the other end.
Elizabeth looked up at Kenneth before answering. He gave her a small smile and nodded his head slightly. Elizabeth turned back to Celeste and Christian, "I was going to save the news for a much later time but I suppose I can tell you. I, we, decided to stay here for a while." Celeste's eyes widen at the realization. "This means you're staying." Elizabeth smiled, nodding her head. Celeste pulled away from her brother's arm, rushing over to Elizabeth. Engulfing the older woman in a tight hug, "I assume that you are happy about my staying." Elizabeth amusingly asked. Celeste answered, tightening her hold on Elizabeth.
"So, Mr. Irons does this mean that you will be staying as well?" Christian curiously asked.
Irons grinned, "Yes, Elizabeth and I will be staying at a villa not far from here. Is there a problem?"
Christian nonchalantly waved his hand, "Of course not. I'm just worried that a man of your.stature would be bored with our quaint town. And being such a successful businessman, well it must be quite difficult to run your 'business' from so far away."
"Yes, I must agree Mr. Nottingham that is way I'll be traveling to New York from time to time taking care of business. Unfortunately, I will be leaving MY lovely Elizabeth behind." Irons said, emphasizing just whom Elizabeth belonged to.
"We, Celeste and I, will make sure to take great care of her while you're 'taking care of business'. We will keep her so busy she will not even know that you're gone. Therefore, you will have nothing to worry about Mr. Irons. Lizzy will be in capable hands. I must say you must have a strong sense of will, Mr. Irons."
"Why do you say that, Mr. Nottingham?" Irons had to hid the irritation from his voice.
"Well if I were in your place I would find it difficult to leave such a precious woman behind, alone and not to have her by my side. I mean even at arms, length is too far. Nevertheless, to have an ocean separating you from your love, no I'd be too weak. I would rush back immediately or perhaps not leave her at all 'business' be damn. However, that is just how I am." Celeste tightened her arm around Christian. He looked down at his sister, a subtle hint in her amber eyes telling him to stop his little childish banter with Irons. Celeste could sense Irons was seething under that cool collar of his. She was not the only one to notice.
"Christian may I have a private word with you?" Elizabeth graciously requested. It took both him and Kenneth by surprise. However, Celeste could tell by fiery glint in her eyes she was a bit upset. Elizabeth turned to Kenneth to politely excuse herself, "If you'll just excuse us for a moment my dear."
"Of course, I'll be here awaiting for your return." Reluctantly letting go of Elizabeth.
Christian led them to the now empty study. As soon the door closed behind them, Elizabeth confronted him. "Why are you being unpleasant towards, Kenneth?"
"How am I being unpleasant towards your gentleman.friend?" He innocently replied.
"Don't give me that, Christian. The moment we arrived all I've sensed between the two of you is animosity. And since then you've acted like some jealous child." Elizabeth exclaimed.
"As you can tell, Lizzy, I am no child." Christian pointed out. Elizabeth lifts her chin, resisting the urge to look him up and down. No, Christian Nottingham was definitely not a child but a man.
"Fine, then that leaves you with being jealous." Elizabeth stated with her hands on her hips, irritation still evident in her eyes. She watched Christian slowly stepping closer to her. Like a predator ready to pounce on its unsuspecting prey. His golden brown eyes boring into hers. No longer hindering those suppressed emotions he felt all those years as he watched over her. Of course, this was a knowledge Lizzy was unaware. A discussion they would address later. Now, was a time for other things. Mainly why was she with the Kenneth Irons.
"Of course I'm jealous. How can I not be when he has someone I've longed for so long." Christian reached up to caress her cheek but stopped himself and instead lowered his hand. "Why are you with..him?" he spat out refusing to use Irons name.
Elizabeth sighed, her angry reflection in her eyes fading under his curious and intense gaze. "That is none of your business, Christian." She said.
He closed his eyes, solemnly nodding at her reply.
"Besides, you should be out there wooing and focusing your Nottingham charm with women your age. Not someone old like me. I mean you cannot still be harboring any of that adolescent crush on me."
Christian opened is eyes once again capturing Elizabeth in his trance. He gravely nodded his head, a small grin crossing his face, "You are right, Lizzy."
She lowered her head a small pang of disappointment ran through her heart. 'What did you expect Liz? He has moved on and so have you. Why do you care?' she admonished. Perhaps deep down she selfishly hoped that he still felt that way. The blade lit up and began to warm up.
"However, I disagree and so does that bracelet of yours."
Elizabeth's head snapped up, "I don't know what you are talking about." She reached down to cover the blade with her sleeve.
Perhaps it was time to tell her something things. Christian reached to lift her right hand. His eyes never leaving the swirling red stone. "Tell me, Lizzy. Are you having a difficult time controlling the Witchblade? Or has this fickle," the blade hissed at his teasing causing a chuckle to escape his lips, "Yet powerful weapon been controlling you?" Elizabeth tore her arm from his grasp. "What do you know of this?" She held up her arm, showing off the Witchblade.
"I know more then you realize, my Lady. My knowledge of the Witchblade far exceeds those of your friend out there." He said, referring to Kenneth Irons. "What has he promised you, Lizzy? What sweet nothings has he whispered into your ears? What must you give him in exchange for 'his' knowledge regarding the blade? What lies has he told you?"
Elizabeth remained silent. All the while rubbing the active blade on her wrist. Her anger quickly returning.
"Heed my warnings, Elizabeth. Kenneth Irons is a dangerous man. The one and only thing he seeks and wants, is to control the power the Witchblade has to offer." Elizabeth gasped, her hands balled up into fist. She fought against the urge to hit this audacious man across the face. "How dare you!" she exclaimed.
Christian held up his hand in hopes to halt any strike, "I will not doubt perhaps he loves you in his own unique way. However, his primary desire is for the blade and its powers. He wants complete control and will he use you to gain it. I will not stand and idly watch him do that to you, Lizzy." Christian's voice became stern and protective.
"Just who the hell do you think you are? You are not my keeper, Christian. You are not my bodyguard or some sort of protector. I have been taking care of myself of myself long before you have and I will continue without you're help!" she exclaimed.
"If you would open your eyes and heart and believed in the Witchblade. Pierce the veil of the senses, then you would see the truth." Without warning, he placed his hand over the eye of the bracelet. The red stone and the small blue one on Christian's ring began to swirl in unison. The Witchblade thrusting Elizabeth into a vision. 'So much for discussing the issues of their connection later.' Christain thought.
A slideshow of her past all watched from a different perspective, Christian's to be exact. She continued to watch as time fast forward, showing her how he saved her from different life threatening situations. Finally, answering the aged old question of 'how'. How she had been able to survive this long. Elizabeth had always been confident of her skills but they could only take her so far. Until one day her skills would lead her down a path that would literally be a dead-end, hers. Now as she watched, she understood. No longer surprised on how she managed to survive and come out on top. As the vision wore down, Elizabeth caught a glimpse of Christian standing in the shadows watching her. The man from her dreams finally revealed.
"You," she breathlessly replied as her vision ended, incredulously staring at him, "You were there."
"I've always been there for you, Lizzy, always." He said. Elizabeth's anger faded away along with the vision, in its wake was uncertainty. It was all too much, her head was spinning, "I..I.. need to go." She walked past him towards the door.
"Elizabeth please wait." He pleaded while grabbing her arm. She refused to turn around, her back still facing him. She shook her head, "Why should I believe you? Perhaps you are the one after this," She looked down her arm at the bracelet, "And not Kenneth. Perhaps your animosity towards him has you spewing half-truths, nonsense. Perhaps I should be worried about you instead. I mean we hardly know each other.."
"I know you better then anyone in this world and you will find that you know me as well. We share a connection that goes far beyond the Witchblade and time itself. I," he moved closer behind her, his hands hovering over her body, "am the one person you can trust. The one person who understands and knows how you feel. We share the same destiny, you and I. Elizabeth, you were chosen to wield the Witchblade and I have been chosen to protect It and you. Use the blade and you will see that I am not lying to you, I never have." She closed her eyes shut, feeling his overbearing presence behind her. Half of her resisting the urge to lean back against him while the other stayed fully alert and ready to flee at a moments notice.
She looked down a the Witchblade and its swirling red stone. In the past, she had utilized it as some sort of radar, warning her to beware. However, instead of the flaming warmth that warned her of impending danger it continued its tranquil glow. Never had it reacted towards Kenneth in such a way. At times, it had felt cold, hollow, and lifeless. Dare she actually believe in Christian? Elizabeth could feel the twinges of a headache coming on.
"I assure you, Elizabeth. My ramblings are not based on the crush, the feelings I had on you. I am no longer that gawky teenager."
"Oh, then who are you?" She whispered.
Christian moved around to face her. He lifted her chin with his fingers, his eyes locking with hers. "I am a man who's fallen in love with you. I have always been in love with you. I am the same man who's been destined to protect and guide you. To fight against those who would do you harm, to fight by your side." His eyes pleading with hers to understand. Cautiously, he lowered his head, his mouth moving closer to hers, their breaths mingling together. Yet, at the last second Elizabeth turned her head away. "This is neither the time or place to discuss this." Reluctantly she pulled away from his and moved towards the door. "Kenneth is waiting." As she reached for the handle, she could hear him whisper, "So am I."
Christian sighed as he heard the soft click of the door close behind him. He rubbed his hands against his face, running them through his hair as he exhaled. He walked over to the stone hearth set against the wall. He stared into the fire then looked up to the picture frame that adorned the mantel. It was a picture of Celeste, Elizabeth, and him when they were younger. He ran a finger over her image, even back then he was already in love with her. "Will she ever understand?" He spoke aloud. Sara who had been positioned near the fireplace looked around the empty room. 'Who was he talking to? He can't be talking to me. Can he?' She thought.
He replaced the picture frame on the mantel and looked up. Her eyes widen as he stared straight at her. Those soulful eyes of his pleading with hers. She wanted to reach out and cup his face, to tell him everything but stopped. Instead, she started to ask if he was able to see her but another voice rang out. "Elizabeth has taken in quite a bit of information in such a short time. Give her time and she will come around. Be patient, Christian." Miraculously a man materialized from a dark corner of the room, walking over towards Christian.
"Lazar, you of all people should know patience is not part of my virtue." Christian snorted. He continued to stare in Sara's direction. "She is a strong willed, courageous, and a stubborn woman." Sara grinned. It sounded so much like her.
"Sounds like you as well, Christian." Lazar wittily added.
Christian rolled his eyes at Lazar, "Yes but I am no woman."
"Good, because you'd make a hideous looking woman." Lazar joked.
"Very funny, Lazar."
"Christian, give the wielder time. She will understand and when she does, she will come to you. Do not give up on her." Lazar said as he placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Never will I give up on her, Lazar. I will always be there for her, always." Christian vehemently replied.
"Good but beware of Kenneth Irons. Do not underestimate him. He is a formidable enemy and his thirst for the blade is strong." Lazar warned. Christian nodded his head.
They both turned as they heard a knock on the door. "Christian?" Celeste's voice was heard a second before she slipped through the opened door. Her smile broadens as she eyed the man standing next to her brother, "Lazar!" Celeste closed the door and quickly made her way over to them. "It is good to see you again child." Lazar quickly engulfed her in a hug. "When did you get here?"
"I just arrived a few moments ago. And how are you little one?" Lazar's voice took on a sad note.
"I, well, we are doing fine." Celeste laid a hand against her stomach.
"Daniel was a terrific man and he would have been a wonderful father as well." Lazar said.
"Yes, he would have been." A tear ran down her cheek. Lazar wiped away the tear with his thumb as he cupped her cheek. "And you my dear will be an excellent mother."
"Thank you, Lazar." Celeste smiled.
"Well I must bid you two a good-bye. Take care little one," Lazar leaned down and kissed Celeste on the cheek. He then turned to Christian, "And you heed my words." Lazar admonished. Christian smiled and nodded his head.
"Come on Christian our guests are starting to leave. We must bid them good- bye as well." Celeste took hold of Christian's hand and led him out of the study.
Sara watched as they walked through the door. The moment they stepped over the threshold, everything started to blur as time sped up. Days, weeks, and in moments months passed in a blink of an eye. In the course of the year, Sara witnessed the birth of Celeste's son, Daniel Christian Nottingham. Named after the man she loved and the brother she adored.
Then there was Christian and Elizabeth. In the beginning after that first night, things between those two were rocky. She would spend as much time with Kenneth when he was not away on business and Christian spent his time trying to convince Elizabeth the truth. Sara watched the emotional roller coaster ride they were on. However, after sometime and a determined Nottingham and an even more persistent Witchblade Elizabeth started seeing the truth. Truth regarding the blade and the connection she shared with her protector. Their growing attraction finally blossoming more into love.
However, before Elizabeth could pursue her love for Christian she needed to say good-bye to Kenneth. Over time, they had grown distant. Always away on business and his once charming personality was changing before her eyes. Elizabeth no longer knew the man she thought she loved. It was a heartfelt departure. Tears were shed and words of anger were expressed between the two.
"Its him isn't it? That damn Nottingham is the reason." Kenneth exclaimed.
Elizabeth immediately on the defensive, "No, Kenneth it is us. Can you not feel it? We have grown distant. Our relationship is not the same, we are not the same."
Kenneth reached forward, grasping her shoulders resisting the urge to shake some sense into her. Does she not know the formidable force they could become? He tried again to convince her. "Don't you see what is happening, love? He is jealous of what we have. He is only trying to break us apart. Whatever he has been telling you are all lies."
Elizabeth irritably shook her head, "Damn it, Kenneth. This has nothing to do with Christian. It is us!" She yelled, hoping that this time he would listen.
The thought of that boy taking away the one precious thing he craved was driving Kenneth mad. His left hand traveled down her arm, brushing his fingertips against the cool metal of the bracelet. He lifted her arm to study the Witchblade. "Don't you see that impudent boy is trying to steal what belongs to me?" His voice was low and ominous. Elizabeth raised her eyebrows as he addressed the blade instead of her. Christian was right, Kenneth loved the Witchblade more then he did her.
She twisted her arm from his grasp, "I'm sorry Kenneth but this is good- bye." She started to walk away. His voice stopping her. "You are making a mistake, Elizabeth."
"The only mistake I will be making is if I stay here with you. Good-bye, Kenneth." She said not once turning to face him.
He watched her retreating back, "I will get the Witchblade back. And as for that Nottingham boy he will pay." He picked up the phone and started dialing a number. "I have a job for you." Kenneth informed the person on the other end.