Part 3

"So how did it go last night?" Dave asked his friend once he was in the office doing paperwork.

"Why don't you come in and sit down," Aaron suggested. "Close the door."

Dave gently closed the door, then sat down on one of the comfortable chairs that were in front of his friend's desk.

"Take a seat," Aaron said, already having poured his friend a scotch and himself a whiskey from his sideboard, as his friend was settling himself in one of the chairs in front of his massive desk.

So?" Dave asked after he was comfortable.

"It went fine," Aaron answered. "I thought it went rather well actually, especially for a first date."

"You still don't know if it's going anywhere, but then, this was only the first date," Dave said.

Aaron recounted the conversation and Dave nodded.

"It sounds like it went really well," Dave agreed. "I'll be glad to talk to her about the villa. The original one."

"You need to be careful not to let on that you're the original David Rossi. She's very intelligent and intuitive. You don't need to give her a puzzle she feels like she has to solve at least not this early in our relationship.

"I'll be careful," Dave promised. "At least until we know if your relationship is going anywhere."

"Make sure you are, because she's a linguistics professor at Georgetown in Washington. She'll notice if you slip back into the language of your homeland. They talked different back then, especially people of the lower class, like yourself," Aaron warned him.

"I promise I'll be careful," Dave repeated. "So do you think she's a witch like her ancestor?"

"I have no idea or even if the two of them are related. Yes, that's a likely possibility, really, the only option other than reincarnation. It's possible that she's not related at all to Blaire Blake, as Blake is not exactly an uncommon surname, not like Hotchner anyway."

"Well, we'll just assume that they are related unless we learn otherwise. I'm not saying it's not possible that she had parents that were similar enough in looks to the Blake family to produce a daughter that looks like Blaire's twin, even if that's many centuries apart, but that's the least likely possibility."

"Yeah, it is," Aaron agreed. "She might not even know her own family past her parent and her siblings, her grandparents, possibly her great-grandparents. So many records have been lost if there were ever records in the first place."

"That's true," Dave reflected thoughtfully.

"It's possible she's been able to trace her family back a few hundred years, but I doubt anymore than that. I'm over 700 years old as you know and I've never been married in all that time, never had any children."

"I'm over 500," Dave pointed out.

"That's only because I changed you 500 years ago," Aaron reminded him smiling.

"I didn't want to die, you know that," Dave said more seriously.

"Yes, you were dying of a knife wound in the belly, which was a common way to die back then," Aaron said. "I wasn't even sure if giving you my blood was going to work, but you were dying anyway, so while it was a risk, it was slight."

"Yeah, I know," Dave added. "You often found yourself with a knife or sword at your throat. Bandits mostly, who wanted all your money."

"You had already lived past that age that most people did in that time," Aaron said his eyes distant, as he remembered. "Most people didn't live past 30, possibly 40, in those days."

"I knew it," Dave said. "I never married a rather unusual event in that time, which disappointed my parents. I refused to marry just to have children and I never truly fell in love."

"I can't blame you there. I'm sure my parents had plans to marry me off to some female that I probably wouldn't've had much in common with. Arranged marriages were much more common back in those days then they are now, particularly in my type of family. I'm actually surprised they didn't suggest it once I hit 21. I was the only son after all."

"Is that why you left your parents estate?" Dave asked curiously.

"That was part of it certainly, as I could just see them suggesting it. I left at 24, which was really quite old for the time. A lot of females got married when they started having their menstrual cycle, which meant they could have children. I wouldn't be surprised if they hooked me up with a 14 or 15-year-old. There were no child protection laws back then. I never went back once I left."

"I bet you, you sensed your father was about to suggest an arranged marriage with somebody in your class," Dave suggested.

"I was also starting to feel confined. While I went into town on a regular basis, really there wasn't much to it. Most people didn't travel, as it was just too complicated, to slow, to hard, to unsafe. It wasn't that you couldn't be killed in town, but it was more dangerous out on the roads.

"Bandits, animals, floods," Dave listed.

"You could also get caught in a bad storm, which could then hit a tree which then fell over on you. There were a lot of dangers back then and while I won't say such dangers don't exist today, especially those who like to camp, hike and other outdoor activities, but with today's technology..."

"It is still dangerous, but not as much, likely because we can predict the weather with surprising accuracy," Dave finished.

"You can also leave word with a friend or family member so they know where you are if you don't come back on time or at least your general area. There are organizations now that will make their best effort to find you, if you get lost, fall into a gully and break a leg or a tree falls on you."

Dave nodded this because it was true. It was a lot safer to go hiking or camping in the woods nowadays. "Of course, that doesn't mean there weren't some deaths, every year from such outdoor activities, but certainly not as many before there was all these organizations that were around to help find people who were lost," Aaron added. "The rangers, search and rescue, the coast guard if you were lost out on the water."

"You arrange something with the doctor, as I'm available at basically anytime," Dave told Aaron who nodded.

"It'll probably be around dinnertime most days, or at least late afternoon 3 or 4 o'clock. She has those lectures on linguistics to give to a bunch of students who probably will only half listen."

"They'll play on their cell phones or take a nap," Dave snorted cynically.

"I won't be surprised if she orders all cell phones to be turned off," Aaron said. "She has the ability to confiscate them if necessary."

"The students won't like that," Dave said smiling.

"Well, if they don't want to pay attention, why attend a lecture in the first place?" Aaron shrugged. "It might give you academic credit, but you won't learn anything if you're messing around on your cell phone."

Both men were in agreement that the students of today didn't half pay attention. Oh, some did, as they actually wanted learn, but so many did not. They joined a fraternity and partied too much instead of studying, spent too much time in clubs with fake ID saying they were 21. Going to college was a rite of passage, it's where you left adult guardianship for the first time, where you were sent to learn in a supposedly safe environment. Where you were allowed to do things on your own with no adult supervision. This was an opportunity that neither Dave or Aaron had had, because such things hadn't really existed back then. Dave had been lucky he'd been taught to read and write by a kind man, who loved to transfer learning, because most servants didn't know how to do that back when he had been born or they could just enough they could buy supplies without being cheated. Dave had showed an interest and the scholar had started to teach him without him even asking. He didn't have much else to do with his parents working all day and the villa had been out in the middle of nowhere. Those had been the days Dave thought in fond remembrance. Times had been simpler back then, but they also had been many more dangers and people had died at a much earlier age, so he supposed it evened out.

"So when is the next date?" Dave asked his friend.

"Tomorrow, as Alex is not going to be here very long. Normally, we wouldn't go this fast but she's only a temporary visitor to our city and will leave again within a few weeks," Aaron said and Dave nodded in understanding at this. "It's not like it's a hardship, as I enjoy her company a great deal."

"Well, here is to hoping that your next date goes well," Dave offered and Aaron nodded smiling.

"Here's to hoping," Aaron agreed.

~~~Aaron, Dave, Alex~~~

Alex woke up panting her eyes wide and blind. The dream she had just had was very intense. The dream had been based on the past and while she couldn't remember many details she knew the dream had starred the man she had just had a date with the night before. What was going on? Alex thought now wide-awake. Why did she feel as if this dream was reality? Why did she dream of this Aaron Hotchner? An Aaron Hotchner who was dressed totally differently from the one she had had dinner with. The clothes had been extremely old fashioned and nothing like the clothes of today. Also there were other differences, that Aaron had had a mustache and a beard and his carriage, in other words his body language was also totally different. From his clothes it was clear he was from a wealthy family. Was this some kind of ancestor of Aaron's? One who looked exactly like him, as the two men could be identical twins. Were her dreams trying to tell her something? A witches dreams were often prophetic, Alex knew and while she usually didn't have such dreams she knew the talent ran in her family. What was it about Aaron Hotchner? Why was he so familiar to her? She had never met him before in her life, as she surely would have remembered, as he was a lot more handsome than her usual boyfriends for one thing. She had felt an instant connection to him the moment she had first laid eyes on him. It was as if she had known him 'before.' In another life perhaps. She knew it was very possible that he was reincarnated and she could be as well. She had never really thought about such a possibility, but understood the concept well enough.

Alex was determined to solve this mystery. It might be nothing, but she sensed that it was much more then it seemed and that perhaps her ancestor was trying to send her a message and she was a witch that trusted her instincts.

Alex tried to go back to sleep, as it was incredibly early, but finally gave up. She hoped this wasn't going to be a regular occurrence, as she needed her rest. Was her ancestor trying to warn her of some danger, that dating Aaron Hotchner was a bad idea? Or did her dream mean something else entirely? She was going to have to research this as much as possible, although what she would find was a question. If the style of clothes in her dream where any indication, not to mention the cobblestoned streets and the very old fashioned street lights, it was long before the invention of electronics or even electricity. She believed the lights had been gas lanterns.

Alex rose and had a hot, steamy shower to pound her awake further, before getting dressed. Alex started her laptop and then started typing into a search engine. She typed in the name Aaron Hotchner and came up with numerous links. She read a few articles, but they were all based off this current Aaron Hotchner, who was apparently fairly wealthy, even though he was just a manager for a hotel, an exclusive hotel to be sure, but hotel managers certainly didn't make enough to give so generously to charity. Could be family money or maybe money earned through investments, Alex speculated. A lot of wealthy people still held down jobs, so it was not the least unusual. All this proved was that Aaron wasn't spoiled like so many wealthy people were. Many wealthy people would never consider giving to any type of charity unless it made them look good in the eyes of their peers or to a certain type of people who they wanted to impress.

The mystery of Aaron Hotchner deepened, as Alex continued her research until she realized she was starving.

There were many contradicting stories about Aaron Hotchner and while this was not the least unusual on someone so well known, there was still something strange going on here.

Alex closed down her laptop and when to get some breakfast. She was determined to get some answers.

~~~Aaron, Dave, Alex~~~

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Rossi. You have a very nice hotel here," Alex said shaking David Rossi's hand.

"It's nice to meet you to Miss Blake, thank you for the compliment. I'm glad you are enjoying your stay," Dave said graciously his faint accent very obvious to Alex's ears. "Aaron has told me all about you. I've never seen him so excited over a woman."

"Dave..." Aaron growled warningly.

Aaron had known it was a risk to introduce Alex to Dave, as he was an attractive man and a lot of women tried their best to get him into their beds. The faint Italian accent didn't help nor the charm that was natural to his friend.

Dave ignored the warning in his friend's voice Alex noticed, which left her very amused, though she tried not to show it.

"Why don't we sit down and eat," Dave suggested. "We might as well have a full belly, as I tell you stories about the original Rosewood Villa."

"Aaron did say that your family has a connection to the place," Alex said, as she sat down while the two men sat side-by-side opposite of her.

"My so many times great-grandmother was one of the cooks and my so many times grandfather was the chief stableman. I was told stories, since I was a wee lad," Dave said not being entirely truthful, but he couldn't exactly say that he had lived that life and that his parents had worked at the original Rosewood Villa. "It was a fascinating place apparently, and Italians just loved to tell a tall tale. It passes the time in the pub on a cold winter's night."

"Yes, it does Mr. Rossi and I appreciate you taking the time to tell me some of the stories you were told," Alex said politely with a sincere smile.

The three of them chatted casually until their meals were delivered and then Dave started talking about the original Rosewood Villa.

Alex listened, even as she ate her own meal of turkey, dressing and green beans. It was delicious as usual and Alex was going to miss so many superbly prepared meals once she left New York.

"You sure do remember those stories really well Mr. Rossi," Alex commented at the end of one of the stories he was telling.

"My ancestors left a journal," Dave explained. "The pages are yellowed now, but so long as you're careful when you read it it's in decent enough shape considering."

Dave didn't tell Alex that he had written down the stories once that scholar had taught him how to read and write. He hadn't wanted to forget them, which was a strong possibility as the years passed and it was likely that his memory became not as good as it was when he was younger. Aaron had saved his life that was true, but he had already been in his early 40s when that had occurred, something he would remain for the rest of his very long life. Luckily his memory had never faded like he had feared, and had happened to so many of the men he had known in his former life.

"So did your grandmother or grandfather write it? The ones that actually worked at the villa?" Alex asked curiously.

"Oh, no, most servants back then, didn't know how to read and write," Dave answered honestly. "I'm not entirely sure which of my ancestors wrote it, stories get passed down generation to generation after all. This is especially true for Italians, particularly ones from the far past as there was no TVs or radios nor did they know how to read, so it was a way to pass the time in the evening when the workday was done."

This was the first complete lie Dave had told but he knew he had no choice.

Alex was nodding at this as she could actually see Dave's ancestors telling stories as they drank their beer or possibly hard cider, just passing a few hours before bedtime to rise for another day of backbreaking labor. It would've been really about the only form of entertainment that the poor people of the far past had had other than gossiping about their neighbors. There were few of the lower class that were taught how to read and write, unless a priest took an interest or a lord of a nearby villa. While that had happened occasionally it wasn't a very common event, as most lords didn't take notice of the serfs that worked for them or of their servants.

"Well, this has been a very entertaining evening Mr. Rossi. I hope we can get together again and you can tell me some more about the original Rosewood Villa," Alex said finally realizing how late it had gotten.

"Yes, I suppose, it's time to end things for the evening," Dave admitted.

"So before we part for the night tell me was it those stories that had been passed down that gave your ancestor the idea to build a replica of the original Rosewood Villa here in New York?"

"Oh, partly Miss Alex," Dave admitted candidly. "My ancestor had other reasons for building the villa. I have my own reasons for sticking around here as well. I could just leave it to Aaron to run effortlessly, since he's already been doing so."

"So are you going to tell me those reasons Mr. Rossi?" Alex asked curiously.

"Not right now. My reasons are my own," Dave told Alex who nodded in understanding. "Perhaps if we get to know each other better I might tell you someday, but they are more personal reasons then the other."

Aaron who had been listening to his friend tell stories about how he had grown up, finally spoke up. He had been silent for most of the evening knowing that tonight was mostly just for Dave and Alex. This was fine with him, as he wanted Alex to get to know his friend.

"I think it's time we all turn in for the night," Aaron said. "As Alex said it's been a very entertaining evening and I've certainly enjoyed listening to you recount some of the stories from your ancestor's journal. You and Alex can talk more in a few days."

"Sounds good," Alex said agreeably. "I enjoyed myself tonight, very much, so I'll be happy for us to get together again to listen to more of your tales."

"I insist you call me Dave, Miss Alex," Dave finally said with a rougish grin. "I would enjoy very much recounting more of the history of the original Rosewood Villa. I don't get to talk about the subject very much I'm afraid, as so many people aren't interested. So many people think history is boring, but then, a lot of teachers don't make it interesting, so it's no wonder."

"Then you must call me Alex," Alex told Dave smiling warmly, basking in Dave's natural charisma. His accent was also very charming, and to die for, even though it was very faint. "You're right about history being a fascinating subject, but you need the right teacher, and not one that just makes it facts from a page. So many teachers makes a fascinating subject boring, just wanting students to learn the dates of important points in history. So many teachers don't know how to engage their students, by giving them facts, but making it interesting at the same time. If there's anything I know is young people learn better if they are interested in the subject matter. If more teachers would realize this then children would learn easier, by paying more attention to their lessons."

"If you insist, I'll call you Alex, my lady. It will be an honor and pleasure," Dave said gallantly, kissing the back of her hand like a true gentleman. "I agree, by the way, about most people not even being interested in their own personal history, much less the history of whatever country they live."

Alex blushed at Dave's gallantry and Aaron frowned.

Alex and Aaron said good night to Dave and Aaron escorted her back to her room.

"I agree with what you told Dave a few minutes ago," Aaron told her, as they got into the elevator. "Children learn easier if they're interested in the subject matter and most of them learn better if there is some kind of practical application to what they learn."

"Or if you present them with enough horrifying facts when it comes to history so that they remain interested. This is true, particularly for boys. Boys like ghastly and gross facts, like how many soldiers died at the battle of Bull Run for example. To be fair though, some of the girls are like that to."

"Kids often think that they are immortal," Aaron said smiling and slightly. "They have yet to realize their own mortality."

"That's true," Alex said, as she and Aaron stepped off the elevator and onto her floor. "That's very insightful."

"I remember what it was like to be young," Aaron said. "To seek out as much adventure as possible, even if that got you in some kind of trouble, usually just a lecture, but occasionally in more serious trouble."

"Yeah, I remember those days, though it was mainly my brothers that often got in trouble with mom and occasionally dad. Still, I won't deny I did get in some trouble when I was a kid."

"I think most kids do, though some are well-behaved for various reasons," Aaron said.

"Could just be personality or it could be for a more serious reason," Alex agreed.

"One of the parents could be abusive or even both," Aaron agreed soberly.

"Or it could be the kid is used to being yelled at for making noise, so learns quiet activities to stay beneath the parents or guardians notice," Alex added.

"That's possible to," Aaron agreed soberly.

Aaron escorted Alex to her room and watched, as she unlocked her door. "I'll see you tomorrow Miss Alex," Aaron said, as he gallantly kissed the back of her hand, as Dave had done earlier. Alex blushed quite prettily, which Aaron took as a good sign, that she was interested in him as a man and not just as friend. It wasn't even that she wasn't attracted to his friend, as he could tell, but she seemed more interested in him and that was good as far as he was concerned.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Hotchner," Alex said formerly, but with a smile, to show she was teasing him.

Aaron watched as Alex entered her room and shut the door gently behind her. Once he was sure Alex was in for the night he headed towards the master suite, as he knew he was expected and that his friend would already have poured his favorite drink in anticipation of his arrival.

~~~Aaron, Dave, Alex~~~