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       #Post#: 87--------------------------------------------------
       DISCOVERY Part 11
   DIR By: Cyberfox277
       Date: October 4, 2011, 7:02 pm
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       [center][IMG width=60
       height=60]
  HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Miscellaneous/imagesa.jpg[/img]***<br
       />St. Patrick's Day morning...Killkenny, Ireland***[IMG width=60
       height=60]
  HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Miscellaneous/images1.jpg[/img][/center]
       Nikki is driving the rental car. She pulls up to the valet
       parking and waits for the valet to open her door for her then
       she gets out of the car.
       Methos opens the passenger door and gets out of the car looking
       around.
       [Methos] So any idea where to go now? There's a lot of people
       here.
       Nikki grins as she walks around the front of the car. She lifts
       her face toward the sky and takes a deep breath through her nose
       then looks at Methos.
       [Nikki]   Just follow the aroma.
       Nikki says with a bit of a smirk.
       [Methos] Yeah, I've noticed, but I meant how are we going to
       find this guy?
       Methos nods with a soft chuckle.
       [Nikki]   Just leave that to me, my friend.
       [Methos] Hmm, we could make them call him to go to the phone and
       then we'd see if someone shows up. But if he doesn't normally
       use that name he'd suspect something.
       Methos suggests as he keeps looking around.
       Nikki says confidently and links her arm through his. She steers
       Methos along the red carpet that goes from where the parking
       valets receive the cars...under a long canopy and into a large
       fancy tent that serves as the reception area.
       [Methos] To find him in the middle of all this crowd seems
       almost impossible even if we knew how he looks like which we
       don't.
       [Nikki]   Will you stop worrying? Damn! You're worse than an old
       lady sometimes.
       Nikki says and gently bumps into him then giggles.
       [Nikki]   Just relax and enjoy the sights. Let me worry about
       finding him.
       [Methos] Fine.
       Nikki steers Methos into the back of a line that has formed in
       front of a table where people are checking in.
       Methos shrugs still watching the other people, so far he  didn't
       feel any Immortal around.
       [Nikki]   You're in MY territory now, darhling.
       Nikki says imitating Amanda's way of speaking.
       [Methos] Oh really, darling?
       Methos doesn't have to try hard to bring out his British accent.
       [Nikki]  Remember....observe and record.
       Nikki whispers to Methos and winks.
       Methos shakes his head smiling amused.
       [Methos] Yeah, right, the Watcher oath is bullshit, since when
       don't Watchers interfere?
       When the couple in front of them finish at the table and move
       away, Nikki steps up to the table and smiles ever so sweetly
       down at the man behind the table.
       [Nikki]  Good mornin'.
       Nikki says to the man in an Irish brogue that sounds like she
       has never left the Emerald Isle.
       [Nikki]  And how are you this fine St. Patty's day?
       Methos watches the man not looking at Nikki, he knows he's not
       going to take it if he looks at her after he heard her new found
       Irish brogue.
       The man smiles up at Nikki and they exchange some small talk
       then Nikki says, "My name is Katherine O'Dell. " The man looks
       at his list , turns the page and scans it. He stops near the
       bottom and smiles up at Nikki...nodding. He picks up a paddle
       and writes a number on it and hands it to her and says, "enjoy
       the auction, Miss O'Dell."
       Nikki looks at the number on her paddle.
       [Nikki]  Oh....perfect. 16 is my lucky number.
       Nikki says and winks flirtatiously at the man.
       [Nikki]  Thank you.
       Nikki says and moves to the side...away from the table.
       [Methos] So Miss Katherine O'Dell, where to now?
       Methos whispers as they move away from the table.
       [Methos] Get a seat?
       Nikki shakes her head as she guides Methos through the crowd.
       [Nikki]  No....first we go look at the horses up for auction.
       [Methos] What for? You're not really buying a horse, are you?
       Methos asks Nikki with a slight frown.
       Nikki looks up at Methos and shrugs nonchalantly.
       [Nikki]  Oh...I don't know. I might. If I see something I like.
       Nikki says only half way kidding.
       [Methos] There are a lot of horses in the States, you know?
       [color=aqua]Methos asks shaking his head.
       [Methos] You'll pay a fortune just to get it to your ranch.
       [Nikki]  There are a lot of nice designers in the States, too.
       But if you want a Stella McCartney gown you go to London....not
       Seacouver.
       Nikki says with a smirk. Her eyes are twinkling mischievously.
       She is definitely in her element
       [Methos] Fine, it's your money.
       Methos shrugs unconcerned.
       Nikki slips her arm out of Methos and smiles up at him demurely.
       [Nikki]  How about you getting us some liquid refreshment?
       There's got to be some champagne floating around somewhere.
       Nikki asks sweetly.
       [Methos] Oh, now you want champagne?
       Methos side glances at her suspiciously.
       [Methos] Or are you just trying to send me away?
       Nikki shakes her head and gives him a hurt look.
       [Nikki]  No. I wouldn't do that. Not to you. I'm just thirsty.
       Considering the hour....a Mimosa would be perfect.
       Nikki 's green eyes twinkle.
       [Methos] We're really playing rich, aren't we? Miss O'Dell.
       Nikki shrugs.
       [Nikki]  When in Rome, dahling.
       Nikki says with a wink.
       [Methos] Fine, I'll get you a Mimosa, but I'll drink champagne
       alone, thank you very much.
       [Nikki]  I'll be down by the paddocks.
       Methos answers making a face, he hated orange juice with
       champagne.
       Nikki informs him and blows him a kiss.
       [Methos] Alright.
       Methos nods and moves in search of the drinks.
       Nikki heads down to the paddocks. She has to concentrate on
       walking gracefully through the thick grass since she is wearing
       heels.  She opens her program and looks it over....comparing the
       paddock numbers to the descriptions of the horses.
       Methos comes back with a glass of orange juice in one hand and
       an empty flute on the other. He stops in front of Nikki and
       hands her the glass.
       Nikki smiles up at him as she takes the glass from him.
       [Nikki]  Thank you.
       [Methos] Wait, hold it for a minute.
       Methos says while his free hand goes inside his raincoat.
       [Methos] Long pockets aren't only good to conceal your sword,
       you know?
       Methos comments while he takes out a bottle of champagne.
       Nikki starts to burst into laughter and catches herself and
       turns her laugh into a quiet snicker.
       [Nikki]  Shame on you.
       Nikki says quietly.
       [Methos] Hold my glass for me while I open the bottle, will you?
       Methos asks her with a smirk as he passes her his glass.
       [Nikki]  God! What am I going to do with you? Can't take you
       anywhere.
       Nikki teases.  She takes Methos' glass while he opens the
       bottle. Suddenly it's as if she is seeing him for the first
       time. The way his eyes are twinkling....the soft expression on
       his face....the way he looks in his suit....she finds she can't
       stop staring at him.
       [Methos] Don't need to be so shocked, like this I don't have to
       go get another.
       Methos says as he fills both of their glasses and takes his
       glass back.
       [Methos] Have a drink, you'll feel better. This one is on the
       house.
       Methos smirks before he takes a sip.
       Nikki quickly averts her eyes and mentally shakes off whatever
       made her feel like she was under some sort of spell.
       [Nikki]  Thank you.
       Nikki says a little distracted. She quickly turns her attention
       to the horses.
       [Methos] Alright, now that we're partners in crime, what are we
       going to do next? Take a look at the horses?
       Methos asks looking around until a gray horse catches his
       attention.
       [Methos] That's a good looking horse.
       Nikki spends the next half hour reviewing the horses and
       checking them off in the program in silence. When the bell
       sounds signifying that the auction is about to start she looks
       at Methos for the first time since he poured her her drink.
       [Nikki]  That's our cue. The auction is about to start.
       Nikki says in an even voice.
       Methos pats the gray horse's nose before he turns to follow her.
       [Methos] I kind of miss horses, cars are more comfortable and
       smell better but it's not quite the same thing.
       Methos comments with a sigh as they walk to the auction.
       [Methos] Too bad Adam Pierson doesn't own a farm or I'd buy that
       one.
       Nikki makes her way through the crowd into another large tent.
       Inside there are tiers...5 high...set up with folding chairs on
       each tier. Nikki finds 2 seats together on the top tier and
       takes a seat.
       Methos sits down next to Nikki and smiles amused when he sees
       the guys he stole the champagne bottle, they had no idea it was
       him.
       Within a few minutes another bell sounds and those in the tent
       begin to quiet down. When everyone is settled in their seats the
       auctioneer walks to the center of the ring in front of the
       tiers, raises the mike to his lips and bids everyone a happy St.
       Patty's day as a stable boy leads the first horse into the ring.
       Nikki settles herself into her seat and refers to her program.
       Methos sighs still thinking about the gray horse.
       [Methos] I give up, what is the name of that horse I saw back at
       the stables?
       Methos asks Nikki as she goes through the program.
       The auctioneer introduces the forth horse to enter the auction
       ring. It is a dappled gray Arabian stallion.
       [IMG]
  HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/images.jpg[/img]
       [Methos] Just buy this one I'll pay you back.
       Methos whispers to Nikki while he watches the horse.
       [Nikki]  What?
       Nikki asks looking at Methos in surprise.
       [Methos] Adam Pierson wouldn't buy a horse, I need to do it in a
       different name.
       Methos explains looking at Nikki.
       [Methos] And the rest of my papers are back in the States, so...
       [Nikki]  What happened to all that stuff about it costing a
       fortune to take it to the states?
       Nikki turns in her seat to look at Methos and quirks an eyebrow.
       [Methos] I'm not taking it to the States, this little fellow
       stays in England.
       Methos smiles mysteriously
       [Nikki]  But you don't live in England. Why keep it there where
       you'll never ride it?
       [Methos] I can visit.
       Methos shrugs, then he sighs.
       [Methos] Besides how much longer do you think I can be Adam
       Pierson?
       [Nikki]  Oh. So....you plan on retiring and moving to the UK?
       Nikki asks a bit disappointed at the thought of him moving away.
       Methos shrugs unconcerned.
       [Methos] I'm not planning to do anything at the moment.
       Nikki shrugs and turns her attention to the auctioneer not
       wanting Methos to see her disappointment.
       [Nikki]  Ok....if you want that horse....you got that horse.
       Just let me know when you want me to stop bidding.
       [Methos] Or I could buy a ranch in the States, but not as Adam
       Pierson. He couldn't afford it.
       Methos shrugs again watching the auction.
       [Methos] And just buy him, pay no attention to the price.
       The auctioneer announces the bidding to begin at 7,390 Euros and
       Nikki listens intently as he begins accepting bids.
       Nikki raises her paddle...outbidding each of the competition's
       bids until the price reaches 19,000 Euros. She glances at Methos
       then raises her paddle once more bringing the price up to
       20,296.
       The auctioneer calls out her bid several times but no one
       challenges it and he announces number 16 as the winner.
       Nikki turns and smiles victoriously at Methos.
       [Nikki]  Better think of a name for him....he's yours.
       Nikki says with a proud smirk.
       [Methos] Yeah, I think so.
       Methos nods smiling back at Nikki.
       [Methos] I'll have to think a little, I don't like repeating
       horse names.
       The auctioneer introduces the 5th horse as it is brought into
       the ring. "Number 1006SP is a 2 year old Andalusian mare
  HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/Storm03.jpg<br
       />from the Smaragaid Parthas ranch," the auctioneer announces
       and
       Nikki's attention snaps to the auction ring as her mouth drops
       open.
       [Methos] Sultan, it sounds good for an Arabian horse.
       [Nikki]  No way.
       Nikki whispers.
       Methos smiles after a while, looking at Nikki then he frowns
       when he sees the look on her face.
       [Methos] Something wrong?
       [Nikki]  Did you hear what he said the name of the ranch was?
       Nikki whispers. She's not sure she heard right and wants to see
       if Methos heard the same thing she did.
       [Methos] Hmm. Smaragaid Parthas, I think. Emerald Paradise.
       Methos says after thinking for a moment.
       Nikki turns back to look down at the auctioneer.
       [Nikki]  That's what I thought he said.
       Nikki whispers as she stares down at the ring as if in a trance.
       [Methos] Nikki?  Are you Ok?
       Methos asks still studying her face.
       The bidding begins but Nikki isn't paying attention to the
       bidding. She is searching the area around where the horse had
       been led into the ring....looking intently at every face. But
       she is too far away to see the faces clearly. She notices the
       woman next to her has a pair of opera glasses and she asks her
       if she can borrow them for a second. She puts them to her eyes
       and studies every man standing along the fence.
       Methos looks to the place Nikki is observing with the opera
       glasses and frowns slightly wondering what she's doing.
       The bidding finally comes to an end. As the winner is announced,
       Nikki hands the opera glasses back to the woman next to her and
       gathers her belongings up. She gets to her feet and pulls on the
       sleeve of Methos suit coat.
       [Nikki]  Come on.
       Nikki says simply and steps past the other people sitting in
       their row.
       Methos stands up without a comment and follows her outside
       figuring she'll explain later.
       Without a word, Nikki weaves through the crowd as she heads down
       to the auction ring. She follows the fence that surrounds the
       ring to where the horses were led into and out of the ring.
       [Nikki]  Excuse me.
       Nikki says several times as she pushes past the spectators that
       are standing around. When she clears the tent and gets to the
       gate she looks around...searching for the horse that had just
       been auctioned off. Off to the side of the tent is a paddock
       where the horses are brought to their new owners for inspection.
       Nikki walks to a spot midway between the ring gate and that
       paddock and stops.
       A young stable boy walks up to Nikki and asks, "may I help you,
       madam?"
       [Nikki]  That last horse....the white Andalusian mare....where
       did they take her?
       Nikki asks the boy.
       The stable boy nods...remembering the horse she is asking about
       and points to an area on the other side of the paddock. "She'll
       be over there waiting her turn," he says.
       [Nikki]  Thank you.
       Nikki says and...without another word...heads in that direction.
       She sees the mare and the stable boy holding her lead and she
       comes to a stop.
       [Methos] Hmm, I should take a look at my new horse.
       Methos says following Nikki around.
       [Methos] So what are we looking for?
       Nikki stands there for a minute as she composes herself.
       Then....with her shoulders straight and her head held
       high....once again looking completely comfortable, confident and
       composed...she strolled toward the stable boy holding the white
       Andalusian mare.
       Methos shakes his head as he follows her, he was getting sick
       and tired of being ignored, maybe it was time he'd get a drink
       and leave her to it.
       Nikki approaches the mare casually and extends her hand as she
       locks her gaze with the mare's.
       [Nikki]  Hey, beautiful.
       Nikki says in a soft low voice.
       [Nikki]  Sorry I don't have a carrot for you.
       [Methos] Should have also bought that one, the more the merrier.
       Nikki steps up to the mare and cups her hand over the horse's
       soft muzzle. The horse sniffs her hand.
       Methos smirks looking at the mare for the first time, he didn't
       pay attention to her at the auction.
       When the mare stops sniffing Nikki's hand and gives her head a
       little toss....Nikki begins to gently caress the mare's muzzle.
       She looks around for the horse's trainer. When she doesn't see
       anyone older than the stable boy approach she glances at Methos
       and gives him a look that says, "look around...he's here
       somewhere."
       [Nikki]  You are a beauty queen.
       Methos frowns catching the look she's giving him. He moves
       closer to her and whispers.
       Nikki says to the mare as she cups one hand under the mare's
       chin and scratches her forehead.
       [Methos] He's here? How do you know?
       [Nikki]  Don't you remember what I told you the name of the
       ranch I grew up on was?
       Nikki whispers to Methos.
       [Nikki]  On the plane?
       [Methos] Yeah, you did, but I don't think I paid attention to
       it.
       Methos says as he gently pats the mare's nose.
       Nikki rolls her eyes at him and shakes her head.
       [Nikki]  Figures.
       Nikki mumbles.
       [Methos] Well, I can't remember everything.
       Methos answers with a slight shrug.
       [Nikki]  It was the Emerald Paradise Ranch.
       [Methos] Same name?
       Methos stops looking at her.
       [Methos] This guy is taking things a little bit too far, isn't
       he?
       Nikki looks around the area again then looks down at the stable
       boy.
       [Nikki]  Where was she stabled?
       Nikki asks the boy and he tells Nikki the stall number. She
       turns to Methos and whispers, "go wander around that stall and
       just check things out."  She looks at the paddock to see how
       many horses were before the mare.
       Methos nods with a smile.
       [Methos] Take a look at my horse while I'm away.
       [Nikki]  It'll be a while before he makes it into the paddock.
       Nikki informs Methos.
       [Methos] I might take a while.
       Methos shrugs before he moves away.
       Nikki reaches out and grabs him by the arm.
       [Nikki]  Don't DO anything.
       Nikki says warningly.
       [Methos] What do you think I'm going to do? Start a fight in the
       middle of all this crowd?
       Methos asks her disbelievingly.
       [Methos] Trust me on this one.
       [Nikki]  Just observe and record.
       Nikki whispers.
       [Nikki]  I'll handle him. I just want to know where he is.
       Nikki warns.
       [Methos] I'm only going to take a look around.
       Methos says frowning at her.
       [Methos] Like you told me to do?
       [Nikki]  Promise?
       Nikki asks in a whisper and looks at Methos pleadingly.
       [Methos] Nikki, if you don't cut that out you're going there
       yourself.
       Methos threatens but can't avoid a small smile while he says it.
       [Nikki]  I'll take that as a yes.
       Nikki says and lets go of his arm.
       [Methos] Women.
       Methos whispers before he moves off.
       [Methos] Can't seem to make up their mind.
       Nikki blows him a kiss and wrinkles her nose at Methos and
       returns her attention to the mare.
       Methos walks slowly checking the stable numbers while he keeps
       an eye on his surroundings. If he meets someone there he plans
       to ask him about his boss, and pretend he's interested in buying
       a mare.
       Nikki 's continues to fawn over the mare while she glances
       around the area.
       [Nikki]  Somebody has taken really good care of you.
       Methos gets to the stable with the number the stable boy had
       said and carefully walks in, looking around, as far as he can
       tell the stable is empty.
       Nikki says to the mare. After a few minutes Nikki sees a man
       approaching them and looking at her curiously.
       [Methos] Hello? Anybody here?
       Methos calls out loud hoping to get an answer back.
       The man approaches Nikki and smiles.  "She likes you," the man
       says as he comes to a stop level with the mare's shoulders.
       [Nikki]  She's is gorgeous.
       Nikki says to the man.
       Methos walks out of the stable after waiting for a few minutes
       and still had no answer. He looks around trying to find out
       anyone he could ask about the people in this stable but doesn't
       see anyone. All the stables seem empty from what he can see.
       "Aye....and she knows it, too," the man says and pats the mare's
       neck. "Don't ya lady?" He says to the horse. "Ahhh...but don't
       get me wrong," he says to Nikki. "She isn't conceited. She's
       just thoroughly convinced."
       Nikki chuckles.
       [Nikki]  And just who convinced her?
       Nikki asks the man.
       Methos sighs as he gives up looking and walks back to where he
       left Nikki, he hates to go empty handed but he couldn't find out
       anything.
       The man smiles. "Oh.... a little me....a little the rest of the
       guys....and a lot the boss," the man says.  "I guess we couldn't
       help it much," the man says and steps around Nikki to get a look
       at the paddock and the order of the line. "We all watched her
       come into the world and watched her grow from a clumsy...spindly
       foal into the majestic lady she is now," he says. "Especially
       the boss. He hated to part with her today," the man continues.
       "It's part of the reason he didn't come to the auction. He
       usually attends all of the local auctions and shows."
       Nikki continues to caress the mare's muzzle without looking at
       the man when he mentions his boss.
       Methos walks back to where he left Nikki and smiles when he sees
       she's still patting the mare, then frowns slightly when he sees
       she's talking to a man and wonders who he is. He moves as fast
       as he can through the crowd without pushing anyone to get to her
       side.
       [Nikki]  Aye....it would be easy to get attached to one so
       beautiful and full of spirit.
       Nikki says in her native brogue.
       "How could you tell she is spirited?" The man asks.
       [Nikki]  I see it in her eyes.
       Nikki says then looks at the man.
       [Nikki]  Haven't you ever looked....I mean REALLY looked into
       her eyes?
       The man nods his head and says, "aye....I have but I can't seem
       to see as deeply as obviously you can. You must have the gift."
       Nikki quirks an eyebrow questioningly.
       [Nikki]  Gift? What gift is that?
       "I'm not sure it has an actual name," the man says with a shrug.
       "The boss told me about it. He's got it." When he sees the
       curious way Nikki is looking at him he explains, "He can sort of
       communicate with horses. I know that sounds a bit strange but
       it's the truth. It's like he can see into their soul. He can
       read their moods....think like them....understand them. And they
       seem to understand him."
       Nikki nods understandingly.
       [Nikki]  He respects them....so they respect him. Just as with
       humans....it has to be a mutual respect between horse and
       trainer or they will not be trained.
       Nikki says and looks up at the mare.
       [Nikki]  Horses aren't just dumb animals. They
       think...feel....love....hate....fear and trust just as we do.
       The man nods his head in agreement. "You talk just like him,"
       the man says. "Are you a trainer?"
       [Nikki]  I have a small ranch. Mostly breeding but I have been
       asked to train a few horses....plus I trained my own.
       Nikki answers.
       "Are you here on a buying spree?" The man asks.
       [Nikki]  As a matter of fact I am....or at least I was. I would
       have liked to have bought her.
       Nikki answers and pats the mare's neck.
       [Methos] Back, still playing with your friend I see. We should
       have bought this one also.
       Methos says with a sigh, pretending to be deeply regretted,
       while he side glances at the man studying him without being too
       obvious.
       [Nikki]  Unfortunately I didn't see any other horse that
       interested me.
       Nikki adds.
       The man's expression perks up. "How long do you plan on being in
       the area?" The man asks.
       Nikki shrugs.
       [Nikki]  No set plans. But I would like to go home not empty
       handed.
       Nikki hints.
       Methos smirks, apparently she's trying to do what he'd do, only
       the man is about to suggest that instead the other way around.
       "Then you ought to visit the ranch and take a look at our
       stock," the man says with pride. "This lady is just the peak of
       the iceberg. I would be willin' to wager my next 4 paychecks
       that you would find something that interests you."
       Nikki forces herself not to shoot Methos a victorious glance.
       Instead she feigns a look of contemplation for a few seconds
       then slowly nods her head.
       [Nikki]  Where did you say the ranch is?
       Nikki asks innocently.
       Methos looks at the man expectantly, that is the 5 million
       dollar question.
       "It's the Smaragaid Parthas Ranch about 20 miles outside of
       Raheen." the man says as he reaches into his shirt pocket and
       extracts a business card. He hands it to Nikki and asks, "are
       you at all familiar with the area?"
       Nikki gives an off handed shrug.
       [Nikki]  A bit. But I'm really good at reading a map.
       Nikki looks at the card in her hand.
       [Nikki]  I think I can find it.
       The man smiles and moves to the side so that he can see around
       her and he checks the order of the line. "The number on the top
       is the main number to the ranch," he explains. "If you don't get
       an answer....the one underneath it is my boss's cell phone and
       mine is written on the back."
       [Nikki]  Is Smaragaid Parthas your boss'?
       Nikki asks nonchalantly.
       Methos looks around pretending to be distracted when in fact
       he's listening intently, Nikki was doing a great job he didn't
       need to intervene.
       The man shakes his head. "No...he's just the foreman...head
       trainer..the owner's right hand," he explains. "The owner of the
       ranch is hardly ever there. In fact....in the 3 years I have
       been working there I have never seen him. Liam runs everything.
       It's his sweat and tears that are in the place so by all
       rights...he should be the owner," the man adds...his sympathy
       for his employer is obvious.
       Nikki grits her teeth to keep from reacting when the man
       mentions his boss's name but she quickly composes herself.
       [Nikki]  Sounds like this boss of yours is quite a man.
       Nikki says and gives the mare a final rub.
       The man nods in agreement. "Aye....he is that," he says.
       [Nikki]  After all you've told me I hope I get a chance to meet
       him. I imagine he could teach me a lot.
       Nikki says and winks up at the mare.
       [Methos] Come on, I think my horse is there, I want to see him.
       The man smiles. "Aye....well I'm sure you will get the chance.
       The other reason he didn't attend the auction today was that we
       have a maiden mare foaling anytime and Liam always helps the new
       mothers through their delivery."
       Methos urges her to move sensing they couldn't get anything else
       out of that guy.
       [Methos] It's not every day I buy a new stallion.
       Nikki 's curiosity and suspicions are heightened but she is
       impressed as well. If the man using her father's name was
       everything this man was telling her he was....regardless of the
       seemingly dark motives for doing what he had been doing....he
       sounded like an extraordinary man.  She looks at the horses
       waiting outside of the paddock for their turn then looks at
       Methos.
       [Nikki]  There are still two horses in front of yours. But if
       you're that impatient...go over and start getting to know him.
       I'll be there when it's time for me to sign the papers.
       Nikki says then looks back at the ranch hand.
       [Nikki]  In that case....I look forward to visiting Smaragaid
       Parthas.
       [Methos] Oh, we already got to know each other, why do you think
       I bought him?
       Nikki says to the man....then....as if as an after thought she
       says..."by the way....I didn't catch your name."
       Methos shrugs as he walks away, this man posed no threat to her,
       he could leave them alone.
       The man chuckles and extends his hand. "I'm Daniel Raferty," he
       says.
       Nikki takes hold of his hand and gives it a shake.
       [Nikki]  Pleasure, Daniel. I'm Katherine O'Dell. And this is my
       friend, Adam Pierson.
       Nikki says, indicating Methos.
       "The pleasure's mine, Miss O'Dell," the man says shaking Nikki's
       hand. "And the boss is Liam Flynn," the man says with a smile.
       Nikki simply nods in acknowledgment
       Methos walks slowly to his new horse, and gently pats his neck.
       " Back, you didn't think I'd be back, did you?" He whispers to
       the horse.
       The man lets go of Nikki's hand and takes hold of the mare's
       lead just above the stable boy's hand. "We better move up in the
       line, son," he says to the boy. "Good day to ya, Miss O'Dell."
       [Nikki]  Happy St. Patty's Day, Daniel.
       Nikki says and steps away from the mare.
       The man, mare and stable boy disappear into the crowd milling
       around the horses.
       Methos smiles as he keeps patting the horse, "Yeah, I know, I
       just bought you, I don't know what they used to call you, but
       now you're Sultan. I hope you like it." He smiles amused when
       the horse apparently nods. "Good."
       Nikki watches them until they disappear then she looks around
       for Methos. Seeing him over by the gray stallion she clasps her
       hands behind her back and casually strolls over to him....softly
       whistling an old Irish jig her father used to whistle when he
       was having a good day.
       [Methos] Great job, kid, couldn't have done it better myself.
       Methos smiles at Nikki when she gets near him.
       [Methos] We're almost there prepare to open your wallet.
       Methos teases Nikki with a smile when the line moves up.
       [center]To be continued[/center]
       #Post#: 97--------------------------------------------------
       DISCOVERY Part 12
   DIR By: Cyberfox277
       Date: October 15, 2011, 9:28 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]***Later that night***[/center]
       Nikki drives into the center of town and sees a gas station up
       ahead so she pulls into it to ask directions.
       Methos yawns sitting on the passenger seat while he looks out
       the window.
       [Methos] So this is Raheen, huh? Doesn't look much.
       Nikki asks the gas station attendant about motels in the area
       and he directs her to the three they have...then he adds
       directions to the local inn.
       [Methos] Great view as you'd expect in Ireland but it's a really
       small town.
       Methos continues looking around.
       [Methos] I doubt we'll find a proper hotel room.
       Nikki drives to the first motel on the list...a small Holiday
       Inn. She pulls into the parking lot and fishes a quarter out of
       the center console between the seats.
       [Nikki] Call it!
       Nikki says as she flips the coin into the air.
       [Methos] Tails?
       Methos says as he frowns slightly.
       [Methos] And what are we betting?
       Nikki catches the quarter and rolls her hand over with the coin
       in her palm. She slaps her palm against the back of her other
       hand then uncovers the coin which is showing heads.
       [Nikki] Heads!
       Nikki declares.
       [Methos] Yeah, I've seen it.
       [Nikki] You lose so you get to go in and register us.
       Nikki says with a smirk.
       [Nikki] And be sure to tell them I want the turn down service.
       Methos nods with a sigh.
       Nikki says...closing her eyes and laying her head against the
       back of the seat.
       Methos sighs again as he exits the car.
       [Methos] Fine, you take a nap and let me do all the work.
       Methos says before he moves inside the hotel. He walks inside
       and asks the attendant for two rooms and finds out the aren't
       any free rooms. He shakes his head while he walks back to the
       car.
       [Nikki] Don't be a cry baby.
       Nikki mumbles.
       [Methos] Hey, guess what?
       [Nikki] What?
       Methos tells Nikki as he sits again.
       Nikki says as she opens her eyes and looks at Methos as he gets
       into the car.
       [Methos] No rooms.
       Nikki groans.
       [Nikki] Damn!
       Nikki exclaims as she starts the car engine. When Methos is
       buckled up she drives to the next motel and parks the car. She
       takes out the coin again and holds it up for Methos to see.
       [Nikki] Call it!
       Nikki says and flips the coin into the air.
       [Methos] Huh huh, no way, I went to the last one, now it's your
       turn.
       Methos shakes his head slightly amused as he extends his hand
       and grabs the coin in the air.
       Nikki shrugs as she opens the car door.
       [Nikki] Oh well. It was worth a shot.
       Nikki says teasingly and gets out of the car.
       [Methos] What was that again? An intelligent rectum?
       Methos asks after her as he reclines in the car seat with a
       smirk.
       Nikki goes into the motel lobby and walks up to the counter
       where she discovers that this motel is also completely booked
       and there are no vacancies. So she walks, dejectedly back to the
       car and gets in.
       [Nikki] Must be a convention of Leprechaun hunters or sheep
       herders or something in town.
       Nikki says as she starts the car.
       [Nikki] No vacancy there either.
       Nikki adds as she drives to the second motel on the list....the
       Raheen Woods Hotel.
       [Nikki] This place looks nice.
       Nikki observes as she pulls into the parking lot and shuts off
       the car. She looks over at Methos.
       [Nikki] So....since we are doing this diplomatically.....I guess
       it would be your turn.
       Nikki says with a hint of smarm in her voice.
       [Methos] Yeah, looks nice. And expensive might get lucky on this
       one.
       Methos nods as he exits the car again and walks inside.
       [Nikki] Knock 'em dead.
       Nikki says and lays her head back again and closes her eyes.
       Methos walks inside the hotel looking around, it really looked
       like a nice place to stay, he's actually surprised to find a
       place like this in such a small town. He goes to the desk and
       asks for two rooms and finds out they're also booked. He sighs
       as he walks back to the car.
       [Methos] Guess what?
       Methos asks as he opens the car door and gets inside again.
       Nikki doesn't bother to open her eyes as she says, "I know....no
       vacancy."
       [Methos] No, there really must be some sort of convention in
       here.
       Methos says as he closes the car door and looks at Nikki.
       [Methos] So what do we do now? The inn?
       Nikki opens her eyes, reluctantly, and starts the car again. She
       consults the scrap of paper she had written down the directions
       the gas station jockey had given her and pulls out of the
       parking lot.
       [Nikki] How do you feel about camping?
       Nikki asks Methos as she parks the car in front of the quaint
       little inn.
       [Methos] With the proper equipment I wouldn't have a problem,
       did it for millennium
       Methos shrugs as he prepares to leave the car.
       Nikki asks, surprised, and she glances over at him and quirks an
       eyebrow.
       [Nikki] Really?
       [Methos] Really, with and without the Horsemen. The inns back
       then weren't very clean, better to sleep on the outside.
       Methos smirks as he opens the car door.
       [Methos] Might as well have a drink since we're at the local
       pub.
       [Nikki] And something to eat. I'm starving.
       Nikki says and gets out of the car as well.
       [Methos] Yes, I could eat something, not to mention sleep.
       Methos sighs tiredly as he closes the car door.
       Nikki leads the way into the little inn.  As she steps across
       the threshold she feels as if she is being transported back in
       time. The decor of the inn/restaurant/tavern looks as it
       probably did 50...60 years ago.
       [Methos] I don't think these guys believe in redecorating.
       As she and Methos stand just inside the front door and look
       around...directly in front of them is a counter and obviously
       where the lodging part of the little inn was conducted.
       Methos whispers to Nikki with a smirk studying his surroundings.
       To their right is a staircase that leads to the floors
       above....and most likely the rooms.  Just to the left of the
       stairs...and actually under the stairs is a door that leads to
       the small kitchen.  To the left of them and against the front
       wall of the building is the well stocked bar of the tavern.
       There are tables and chairs scattered through out the entire
       front area of the inn and some are occupied by people eating
       dinner and others are occupied by people drinking.  In the back
       of the tavern area...a dart board hangs on the wall and a chalk
       board hangs beside it for keeping score.
       [Nikki] I guess it's my turn....right?
       Nikki asks Methos before moving out from in front of the front
       door.
       [Methos] Right, I'll get a table while there are still free
       tables.
       Methos nods before he moves to the restaurant area.
       Nikki heads for the counter directly in front of them. She leans
       against it heavily as she waits for someone to assist her. When
       a young woman finally comes out of the kitchen and walks behind
       the counter, Nikki asks about the room availability.
       Methos waves at a waitress, when she comes to his table he
       orders corned beef and cabbage and a Guinness to himself,
       realizing he didn't ask Nikki what she was having.
       Nikki talks to the young woman behind the counter for several
       minutes then takes out her wallet and signs the register book.
       She hands a credit card to the woman and, as she waits for the
       woman to return it, she turns around, leans against the counter
       and watches Methos.
       Methos keeps an eye on Nikki while he waits for the waitress,
       she had paid for something so she probably got them rooms, he
       sighs in relief, spending a night in the car isn't his idea of a
       good night's sleep.
       The woman returns with Nikki's credit card and Nikki turns back
       around. She takes the card and puts it away while the woman
       takes a key off of a hook and hands it to Nikki who thanks the
       woman and turns back around and heads for the table Methos is
       sitting at.
       [Nikki] Oh....you are going to love this.
       Nikki says sarcastically as she sits down across from Methos.
       [Methos] What? Thought you got us rooms. I saw you pay for
       something.
       Methos says just as the waitress arrives and puts his order in
       front of him.
       [Nikki] Take the "S" off of that and you'll be right.
       Nikki says with a smirk as she picks up the menu on the table in
       front of her.
       [Methos] Room?
       Methos looks up at Nikki frowning puzzled for a moment.
       [Methos] We only have one room?
       Nikki taps the tip of her nose then points at Methos.
       [Nikki] Give the man a cu-pie doll.
       Nikki smirks then looks up at the waitress.
       [Nikki]  I'll have the coddle and a cup of coffee, please.
       Nikki closes the menu and hands it to the waitress.
       [Methos] I hope it has a couple of beds then, don't tell me you
       want to share the same bed.
       Methos teases Nikki with a smile.
       Nikki looks across the table at him. She purposefully hides her
       first instinctive reaction but lets him see her second reaction
       choice.
       [Nikki] I make it a practice not to sleep with old decrepit men
       on the first date.
       Nikki says and sticks her tongue out at Methos playfully.
       [Nikki] And there is only 1 bed in the room. It is the only one
       they had. So it was that or camping
       [Methos] Fine, I take the bed you can sleep wherever you want.
       Methos shrugs trying to keep a straight face.
       [Nikki] Oh....what a gentleman.
       Nikki says sarcastically.
       [Methos] Too old to be raised a gentleman, remember?
       Methos says as he raises an eyebrow at her.
       [Methos] Didn't you just remind me how old I am?
       The waitress comes back with their order and sets their plates
       in front of them. Nikki thanks her and takes a bite of her food.
       The food is excellent and the first bite reminds her how hungry
       she is and she takes another, greedily.
       [Nikki] Mmmmm.....this is incredible.
       Nikki says and takes another bite.
       [Methos] Almost anything tastes well when you're starving.
       Methos shrugs as he resumes eating.
       [Nikki] I can't wait to finish eating and get upstairs and take
       a shower. I feel like I have half of the Killkenny Auction on
       me.
       Nikki says and takes a sip of her coffee.
       [Methos] Good idea, you can shower after me.
       Methos nods before he empties his glass and waives at the
       waitress again to order another beer.
       [Methos] And no, we're not sharing that.
       Methos adds with a smirk.
       [Nikki] So....hang on. Let me get this straight.
       Nikki says setting her fork down and looking directly at Methos.
       [Nikki] You get the only bed.....and I have to sleep on the
       floor. And you get to take a shower first, too?
       Nikki asks quirking an eyebrow disapprovingly.
       [Methos] Hmm, yes?
       Methos gives her Adam Pierson innocent look.
       [Methos] I'm your guest, remember?
       Nikki makes a grimace face and shakes her head.
       [Nikki] I didn't invite you. You invited yourself
       along....remember? That doesn't translate to guest.
       Nikki says waggling the handle of her fork at him.
       [Methos] Oh really?
       Methos looks down with a hurt look on his face.
       Nikki looks at him with a cocky smirk and nods.
       [Nikki] Yeah. Really.
       Nikki casually takes a bite of her coddle and as she chews it
       she daintily waves her fingers at him and mouths the word "bye".
       [Methos] Since I'm not welcome here I think I'm going back to
       Dublin, I wouldn't want to impose myself like that on you.
       Methos sighs unhappily still looking sad.
       [Methos] And all I wanted to do was help.
       Nikki swallows the bite she had been chewing.
       [Nikki] See? I knew your age was catching up to you.
       Nikki says as she picks up her cup and takes a sip of her coffee
       to wash down the bite.
       Methos frowns side glancing at Nikki.
       [Methos] Why's that?
       [Nikki] You obviously don't remember the last thing I told you
       before agreeing to let you come along.
       Nikki picks up her napkin and daintily wipes the corners of her
       mouth.
       Methos' frown deepens trying to remember what she told him
       before.
       [Methos] Yes, you told me you didn't want my help but still...
       [Nikki] But still you wanted to come along.
       Nikki finishes his sentence for him.
       [Nikki] Besides.....
       Nikki starts and takes the last bite of her dinner.
       [Nikki] ....this whole conversation is just an act of futility.
       Nikki says when she has swallowed her bite.
       [Nikki] Because you're not going anywhere and we both know it.
       Nikki says confidently and takes a sip of her coffee.
       [Methos] Damn, it would work with MacLeod, he would have given
       me anything I asked for by now.
       Methos smirks mischievously before he takes a sip of beer.
       Nikki empties her cup and neatly folds her napkin and places it
       over her empty plate.
       [Nikki] So it's not just your memory that's going. Obviously
       your eye sight is failing as well.
       Nikki says as she pushes her plate away from the edge of the
       table.
       [Methos] It was worth a shot.
       Methos shrugs still smiling amused.
       [Methos] I realize you're not MacLeod.
       [Nikki] Are you sure?
       Nikki asks quirking her eyebrow questioningly.
       [Nikki] Because we can get you glasses when we get back to the
       states.
       Nikki adds with a wink.  The waitress brings them their check
       and Nikki picks it up and reviews it.
       [Methos] Hmm, it would make me look older.
       Methos considers it for a moment.
       [Nikki] Not necessarily But you might look more scholarly.
       [Methos] Maybe I should get some for work.
       Nikki takes out her credit card and places it on the check and
       motions for the waitress.
       [Nikki] So....Professor Pierson....are you ready to retire to
       our boudoir?
       Methos nods before he empties his glass again.
       Nikki gathers up her things and when the waitress brings the
       credit card back, Nikki gets to her feet.
       [Methos] Ma oui, mademoiselle
       Methos says as he puts the glass on the table and stands up.
       [Nikki] You get the tip.
       Nikki says softly with a sly smirk and bumps her hips against
       his playfully then heads for the door of the inn.
       [Methos] Tip? What tip?
       Methos says after her, then follows her to the door.
       [Methos] She doesn't need a tip, she gets paid for her work you
       know?
       Nikki walks out of the inn and goes to their rental car and
       proceeds to get her suitcase out to take upstairs.
       Methos waits until Nikki is out the door then goes to the
       waitress and puts some money in her hand before he follows
       Nikki.
       [center]To be continued[/center]
       #Post#: 98--------------------------------------------------
       DISCOVERY Part 13
   DIR By: Cyberfox277
       Date: October 15, 2011, 10:00 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Nikki unlocks the door of their room and opens the door. She
       pulls her suitcase in and sets it on the stool at the foot of
       the bed and looks around the room.
       [Nikki] Wow! I didn't realize it would be this small.
       Nikki says and unzips her bag.
       [Methos] Yeah, I wonder how they managed to get a bed in here.
       Methos smirks as he puts his luggage on the bed and sits down
       next to it with a sigh of relief.
       [Nikki] Looks like they built the room around the bed.
       Nikki chuckles.
       [Methos] It's the only explanation.
       Methos shakes his head smiling amused.
       Nikki takes a pair of sweats out of her suitcase and lays them
       on the foot of the bed. Then takes out a lacy blouse and shakes
       out the wrinkles.
       [Nikki] So you won the first shower so.....
       Nikki says to Methos as she gets a hanger out of the wardrobe
       and puts her blouse on it.
       Methos raises an eyebrow at Nikki still not moving from the bed.
       [Methos] You mean you don't mind I shower first? You were upset
       before.
       Nikki hangs her blouse up in the wardrobe and turns to look at
       Methos.
       [Nikki] Well....if you're revoking your win....
       Nikki says walking over to her suitcase.
       [Methos] Hmm, better not.
       [Nikki] I sure won't argue. But fair is fair.
       Methos says as he jumps to his feet, he removes his rain coat
       and looks for something in his luggage.
       [Methos] See I know women, I bet I'll be ready twice as fast as
       you.
       [Nikki] Yeah. Right. You know women.
       Nikki says mockingly and rolls her eyes.
       Methos picks up the shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste and some
       clean boxers, then stops frowning slightly he has the feeling
       he's forgetting something but can't remember what.
       [Methos] I give up, it can't be anything important.
       Methos says on his way to the bathroom checking his things
       again.
       [Methos] I'll be right back, let's hope the bathroom is a little
       bigger and I don't have to shower in the washstand.
       Nikki giggles and continues to unpack a few things from her
       suitcase.
       [Nikki] Just save me some hot water.
       Nikki calls after him.
       [Methos] I'll try.
       Methos smiles teasingly before he closes the bathroom door.
       Nikki finishes unpacking the things she figures she will need
       and closes her suitcase. She puts it in the corner of the room
       out of the way and walks over to the small, and only window in
       the room. Moving the curtain aside she looks out at the night.
       Since the inn is on the edge of town she is able to see the
       stars and the nearly full moon. She stands gazing into it as she
       waits for her turn in the shower.
       Methos quickly showers, then wraps himself in a towel to brush
       his teeth. When he's about to get dressed he realizes what's
       missing. He shrugs and proceeds on drying himself and dressing
       his boxers.
       [Methos] Just realized what I forgot.
       Methos says as he exits the bathroom still drying his hair.
       [Methos] Forgot a clean t-shirt.
       Nikki turns around at the sound of Methos' voice and when she
       sees his well built muscles glistening from the moisture of his
       shower she has to force her jaw to keep from dropping open.
       [Nikki] Eh hem.
       Nikki clears her throat nervously and quickly looks away. In all
       the years she has known him this is the first time she has seen
       him without a shirt on.
       Methos stops to look at her slightly puzzled. He can tell she's
       embarrassed
       [Methos] What? Never seen a man in boxers? You never went to the
       beach, I take it?
       [Nikki] Oh....I've seen plenty of half naked men in my life.
       Nikki says as she quickly begins to gather her shower things.
       [Nikki] I've just never seen....I mean this is the first
       time....
       Methos shakes his head as he moves to his luggage to get a clean
       white t-shirt.
       Nikki falters. then as she hurries for the bathroom she quips
       over her shoulder, "Oh...shut up." She goes into the bathroom
       and shuts the door.
       [Nikki] Smooth, Flynn. Real smooth.
       Nikki chastises herself once she is behind the safety of the
       closed door.
       Methos stops frowning puzzled at the closed door, why did she
       tell him to shut up if he didn't say a thing?
       [Methos] It looks like you just shocked the kid.
       Methos murmurs to himself as he dresses the t-shirt and prepares
       to go to bed.
       Nikki manages to complete her shower just as the water begins to
       turn cold. She gets out and dries off and towel dries her hair
       then realizes that she made her exit in such a hurry that she
       forgot to bring her sweats with her. Having recovered from the
       shock that had made her rush into the bathroom she wraps her
       towel around her and thinks to herself...."it's only Methos,
       after all," then opens the door and steps out of the bathroom.
       [Nikki] Forgetfulness must be contagious.
       Nikki says casually and walks over to the bed, grabs her sweats
       and disappears back into the bathroom...closing the door behind
       her.
       Methos looks up from the bed to the bathroom door, Nikki had
       moved so fast he almost didn't see her at all. He shakes his
       head again, is that him or Nikki is acting strangely?
       Nikki dresses in her sweats then hangs up her towel. She brushes
       her teeth and quickly blow dries her hair then gathers her
       things and walks out of the bathroom. She walks over to the
       small dresser and puts her shower things in one of the drawers
       then turns around.
       [Nikki] Toss me one of the pillows, please.
       Nikki says as she moves the stool from the foot of the bed over
       to the only chair in the room.
       Methos yawns and stretches on the bed, before he looks up at
       Nikki.
       [Methos] You can take that side of the bed if you want.
       Methos offers arranging the bed covers.
       Nikki looks at him and quirks an eyebrow.
       [Nikki] Really? You're not going to make me sleep in the chair?
       [Methos] Hmm, no?
       Methos smirks still looking at her.
       [Methos] If you choose to sleep in there it's not going to be my
       fault.
       Nikki looks around then walks over to the bed and looks under
       it.
       [Nikki] Ok.....who are you and what have you done with Methos?
       Nikki asks teasingly.
       [Methos] Watched that movie too, don't worry I'm not going to
       point at you screaming or anything.
       Methos chuckles softly.
       [Methos] I just think we both need a good night sleep, it's been
       a long day.
       Nikki shrugs and climbs into the bed and pulls the covers over
       her.
       [Nikki] The light's on your side.
       Nikki says and clasps her hands over her stomach.
       [Methos] Of course it is.
       Methos smirks before he turns off the light.
       [Nikki] I hope you don't snore.
       Nikki says teasingly then closes her eyes.
       [Methos] Hmm, I don't think so, no one complained before.
       Methos says as he closes his eyes and moves a little on the bed
       to get a better position.
       [Methos] Don't tell me you're going to be the first.
       [Nikki] Depends.
       Nikki answers without opening her eyes.
       [Methos] Depends on what?
       Methos asks as he relaxes further on the bed.
       [Nikki] How loud it is.
       Nikki says with a snicker.
       [Methos] If it was too loud I'd wake up.
       Methos says before he yawns again.
       [center]***2 hours later***[/center]
       Nikki is having trouble getting to sleep. She has changed
       positions several times and has tried self hypnosis but the only
       thing she is able to focus on is Methos' rhythmic
       breathing....and the memory of the way he looked when he came
       out of the bathroom after his shower.  She hears the faint
       sounds of music coming up from the tavern downstairs and gives
       up trying to force herself to go to sleep. She slips out of the
       bed and quietly grabs the jeans she had unpacked, her boots and
       socks and takes them into the bathroom. She quietly closes the
       door, turns on the light and proceeds to get dressed.
       Methos opens his eyes when he senses movement in the room, he
       listens when Nikki closes the bathroom door and turns around
       with a sigh trying to fall asleep again.
       Nikki shuts the light off in the bathroom before opening the
       door and tiptoes out...tossing her sweat pants onto the chair.
       Then she slips out of the room...closing the door quietly behind
       her and goes down to the tavern.
       Methos frowns as he lifts his head from the pillow, when Nikki
       leaves the room wondering where she's going at this time of
       night. He sighs as a thought comes to his mind and throws away
       the bed covers preparing to get up.
       [Methos] I bet she's going to get in trouble.
       Methos murmurs to himself as he sits on the bed rubbing his
       eyes.
       Nikki walks into the tavern and over to the bar. She orders an
       ale and turns around to watch the dart tournament going on in
       the back of the tavern.
       Methos goes to his luggage to get a clean sweater and jeans and
       throws them on the bed realizing he forgot some socks, so he
       goes back to get some and begins to get dressed.
       Nikki begins to get into the dart game and starts conversing
       with a few of the men....even placing bets on the game.
       [Nikki] Oh!
       Nikki groans as one of the players misses what looked like an
       easy throw.
       [Nikki] How did he miss that?
       The man who missed looks over at her and makes a comment about
       her doing any better and one of the men standing next to her
       says he believes she can and after several of the men agree they
       begin to talk Nikki into playing.
       [Nikki] Ok...OK I'll give it a go.
       Nikki finally gives in and grabs her mug and walks over to one
       of the tables by the players. She sets her mug on the table and
       one of the men hand her his set of darts. She hefts
       them...feeling their weight.
       [Nikki] Do I get a warm up?
       Nikki asks and when they give her the OK she steps up to the
       line and throws a dart at the board.  She makes sure that the
       next 2 darts she throws are bad ones then shrugs and says,
       "well....looks like that's as warm as I'm going to get". Then
       she steps back from the line to let the other guy go first.
       Methos is going downstairs when he feels the familiar Immortal
       buzz, so he realizes Nikki must be close, he stops at the
       entrance of the tavern hoping it's Nikki who's in there.
       Nikki picks up her mug to take a drink as her opponent throws
       his first dart and feels a strong Immortal buzz. She quickly
       glances toward the entrance of the tavern.
       Methos shakes his head as he advances to where Nikki is, he can
       tell what she's about to do.
       Nikki sees that it is Methos and relaxes taking the drink she
       had started to take.
       [Methos] Can't you stay away from trouble for a few nights?
       [Nikki] What trouble?
       Nikki asks innocently.
       [Nikki] I couldn't sleep so I came down for a drink and decided
       to play a game of darts.
       [Methos] Probably challenged one of the experts.
       Methos tells her in a low voice studying the other guy.
       [Nikki] He actually challenged me, mister smarty pants.
       Nikki says sticking her tongue out at Methos. She turns her
       attention to her opponent's last dart then steps up to the line
       and aims her first one.
       [Methos] Hmm, and he did it unprovoked, huh?
       Methos asks ignoring her gesture, Nikki did that a lot anyway.
       Nikki ignores Methos and throws her first dart. It lands in the
       3 section and she visibly winces.
       [Nikki] Damn!.
       Nikki exclaims and aims her second dart. She throws it and it
       lands in the single 19.
       [Nikki] That's better.
       Nikki says feigning an embarrassed giggle. Then she throws her
       last one and lands it along side of the second dart.
       [Nikki] Better than nothing.
       Nikki says as she steps back to the table and takes a drink of
       her ale as she watches her opponent throw his first and second
       dart.
       [Methos] Let's hope his aiming is worse than yours.
       Methos whispers to her with a smirk watching the other guy
       throwing his darts.
       The man....who has been drinking since long before Nikki joined
       the game....and what Nikki is counting on....closes his 20s with
       his first dart but misses with his second and last one. As he
       steps away from the line he makes a comment about whoever
       invented this game should be shot.  Nikki steps up to the line
       and aims her first dart.
       [Nikki] Ya know....
       Nikki says as she takes aim.
       [Nikki] They don't actually know who invented the game. Only
       that....
       Nikki throws her first dart at the 19 and lands it....closing
       her 19s. Then she takes aim again.
       [Nikki] ...it was invented during Medieval times.
       Nikki throws her second dart at the 20 and it lands in the inner
       ring....closing her 20s.
       [Nikki] They used shortened arrows to teach archery students.
       And they used the bottom of wine barrels as targets.
       Nikki throws her last dart and it lands in the 7 spot.
       Methos yawns before he orders a beer, he thinks this game is
       boring, not competitive enough.
       [Nikki] Damn!
       Nikki exclaims as she retrieves her darts from the board and
       walks back to the table...looking disappointed.
       [Methos] Your eye-hand coordination would definitely need some
       improvement, right?
       Methos teases smiling amused.
       [Methos] And you got me out of bed to watch this.
       Methos shakes his head with a sigh.
       Nikki 's opponent steps up to the line and throws his first
       dart. It lands in the inner ring of the 18 spot...closing his
       18s. He manages to close his 19s next by landing in the inner
       ring. He gives Nikki a victorious glance and licks the tip of
       his last dart which he lands in the 17 spot.
       [Nikki] I didn't get you out of bed.
       Nikki whispers to Methos.
       [Nikki] In fact I tried very carefully NOT to wake you up.
       Nikki empties her mug and catches the glance from her opponent
       She smiles demurely at the man and steps up to the line.
       [Methos] No, but see I knew you'd get in some kind of trouble
       the moment you were out the door.
       Methos comments after her as he grabs the beer mug he ordered
       and takes a sip.
       [Nikki] I probably should just concede to the obvious master
       here.
       Nikki says and smiles at her opponent then aims her first dart,.
       She throws it and it lands in very center of the bulls-eye
       [Nikki] Oooo.....a double bull.
       Nikki exclaims excitedly feigning surprise as she aims her
       second dart. It misses the bulls-eye but lands in the tip of the
       18 section.  She  aims her last dart and it lands in the outer
       ring of the 18 section closing her 18s. She retrieves her darts
       and returns to her table. One of the bystanders orders her
       another ale and she thanks him as she takes a drink.
       [Nikki] Will you stop being such a party pooper for once?
       Please?
       Nikki whispers to Methos.
       [Methos] Party pooper? Me?
       Methos manages to keep a straight face as he gives her his Adam
       Pierson innocent look.
       [Methos] I was only trying to help.
       Nikki 's opponent staggers up to the line with a overly
       confident smirk and throws his first dart without aiming it. It
       lands just inside the outer ring of the 15 section. Then he
       throws his second dart which misses the target all together and
       all those watching the game hoot and tease him for it.  The game
       progresses until Nikki and her opponent are both in need of one
       bull. The only thing that separates them is their points and
       Nikki is behind by 15. She needs a double bull to win the game.
       As she steps up to the line one of the men watching places a bet
       of 100 Euros that she makes the shot and his bet is taken by the
       rest of the bystanders....a pile of cash growing on the table.
       She listens to the cheering as she aims her first dart. She
       throws and it lands in the 3 space. She feigns frustration and
       aims the second dart.  Nikki throws her second dart and it lands
       in the tip of the 16 space but her 16s are closed so it doesn't
       count. The bystanders grown and the bet is raised....and the
       pile of cash on the table grows.
       Methos watches Nikki suspiciously, for some reason he thinks
       she's pretending, maybe because she's exaggerating a little, she
       can't be that bad when she had over a hundred years to practice.
       [Methos] I'll double it. 200 Euros.
       Nikki 's opponent..confident that she will miss and he will be
       able to end the game raises the bet again as she takes aim. She
       glances at the pile of cash on the table then glances up at
       Methos and winks.
       Methos tells the other bystanders still watching Nikki, his beer
       forgotten at the moment.
       [Methos] 200 Euros she makes it.
       Nikki throws her last dart and it lands directly in the center
       of the bulls-eye Everyone watching lets out a loud cheer and
       several men rush up to her and begin clapping her on the
       shoulder.  Nikki 's opponent staggers up to her and
       congratulates her on her win. She thanks him graciously and
       walks back to the table where the man who began the betting is
       divvying out the winnings. He hands Nikki a wad of cash which
       she immediately counts
       [Methos] I'm glad you won, it almost cost you 200 Euros.
       Methos smiles up at Nikki as he also gets some cash from his
       bet.
       The small band which had stopped playing as the game became more
       tense strikes up a lively Irish jig and one of the younger men
       grabs Nikki by the hand and drags her out of the crowd and
       begins dancing an Irish reel. Nikki watches a few steps as she
       tries to remember the dance. As she begins to remember the steps
       she joins in and soon it's as though she had just danced it
       yesterday instead of over 100 years ago.  When the music ends
       and the band begins to play another one, Nikki, laughing
       joyfully, skips over to Methos and grabs him by the
       hand...pulling him out to the center of the crowd and begins to
       show him the steps.
       [Methos] Fine, now you want me to make a fool of myself.
       Methos chuckles amused as he follows her steps.
       [Methos] Came here to get you out of trouble and ended up in
       trouble myself.
       Nikki continues to dance...keeping step and laughing....a look
       of complete and utter enjoyment....without a care in the
       world...on her face.
       [Methos] And it's nice to see you laugh for a change, we don't
       get to do that often.
       Methos comments as he almost blinks in surprise looking at her,
       wondering if it was the same woman he'd met at Seacouver.
       [Methos] Too bad we don't have a bed in here... I wonder if the
       body snatchers took the old Nikki.
       Methos murmurs and after a while her laughter becomes contagious
       and he finds himself laughing as well.
       When the music comes to an end, Nikki falls into Methos' arms
       .....still laughing as the band begins to play a slow song that
       is almost waltz-like.
       [Nikki] Oh God....that was fun.
       Nikki says breathlessly.
       [Methos] You call that fun? No, this is fun.
       Methos says as he holds her in his arms and begins to dance
       slowly.
       [Methos] Other kind of fun, but better.
       Nikki is surprised and stumbles a few times before falling into
       step with Methos and letting him glide her around the small area
       that has now become a dance floor.
       Methos looks down at Nikki and for the first time in all the
       years he has known her, realizes just how green her eyes are.
       Nikki has never seen Methos dance before and is surprised at how
       gracefully he guides her to the rhythm of the music. She looks
       up into his eyes and suddenly the room and it's patrons
       disappear and it is only the two of them gliding around the
       floor.
       [center]To be continued[/center]
       #Post#: 99--------------------------------------------------
       DISCOVERY Part 14
   DIR By: Cyberfox277
       Date: October 15, 2011, 10:14 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]***Mid-morning the following day***[/center]
       Liam is met at the entrance to the main barn by Sean, one of the
       ranch hands.  “The doc's on his way,” Sean says excitedly.
       [Liam]  Has her water broke yet?
       Liam asks as he strides toward the mare's stall.  Sean shakes
       his head.  “Not yet,” he answers.  “But she is definitely
       contracting,” Sean adds.  A few of the ranch hands are standing
       at the gate and looking into the stall.  When they see Liam they
       move aside.  Liam looks in at the mare and agrees with Sean's
       diagnosis when he sees the mare's abdomen is definitely
       contracting.  Upon seeing Liam at the gate the mare takes a step
       towards him then, as she is gripped by another contraction, the
       mare begins to rock back and forth as though she can't make up
       her mind whether she wants to walk over to the gate or stay
       where she is.
       [Liam]  You're doing fine, lass.
       Liam says to the mare in a soft and reassuring voice.
       [Liam]  Just relax.  I'll be in there with you in a minute.
       Liam says and quickly turns away from the stall.  He goes into
       his office at the back of the barn and opens one of the
       cupboards behind his desk.  He takes out what looks like a large
       metal child's lunch pail sets it on his desk.  He goes into the
       small bathroom at the back of his office and removes his shirt.
       He washes up as a doctor would before going into surgery then
       walks over to his desk and picks up the metal box and strides
       out of his office.  As he approaches the mare's stall the ranch
       hands that were holding vigil at the stall gate, move aside and
       Liam steps into the stall.
       [Liam]  How're you doing, lass?
       Liam asks the mare as he walks up to her and places his hand on
       her muzzle.
       [Liam]  I know you're uncomfortable right now.  But trust me....
       Liam says...speaking in a soft and reassuringly comforting voice
       as he gently caresses the mare's soft muzzle and does a quick
       visual examination of her abdomen.
       [Liam]  ….it will all be worth it when it's over.  And I promise
       that we will do our best to make you as comfortable as possible.
       Liam looks up into the mare's dark eyes and flashes one of his
       most charming smiles.
       [Liam]  You do trust me....don't you?
       The mare tosses her head up and down as if nodding yes in answer
       to Liam's question.
       [Liam]  Of course you do.
       Liam says and winks at the mare.  He begins to move down the
       length of the mare...one hand on her side and gently sliding
       along her sleek butterscotch coat.  When he comes to her thigh
       he stops and looks under her carefully braided and wrapped tail
       at the mare's vulva.  Keeping one hand on her hip he hands the
       metal box to Sean and gently lifts her tail a few centimeters.
       The mare stomps her back hoof to let Liam know she isn't
       comfortable with his invasion of privacy.
       [Liam]  Easy, lass.  I just need to check to see how close we're
       getting.
       Liam says soothingly.  To Sean he says, “we've got bubble,” and
       lowers the mare's tale.  Sean has set the metal box on a bale of
       hay and has opened it.  He has removed a few items and is laying
       them out on the hay bale so that the are easily accessible
       Hearing Liam's announcement, he begins to roll up the sleeves of
       his shirt.  Liam moves back up to the mare's head, gently takes
       hold of the halter strap under her chin and slowly leads her
       closer to the hay bale.  As he lets go of the halter the mare is
       overcome by a hard contraction and she arches her neck and head
       backwards.  Liam lays his hand on the mare's abdomen.  He can
       feel the strength of her muscles contracting.  As he removes his
       hand he says to the mare in a soft, soothing voice, “you might
       feel a little more comfortable laying down.”  As he moves behind
       her, the mare slowly kneels then carefully lays down on the bed
       of hay Sean had prepared for her.  As she settles on her side
       another contraction grips the mare and she lets out a sound that
       seems to be a combination of a grunt and a weak neigh.
       [Liam]  It won't be long now, lass.
       Liam says as he kneels at the mare's rump.  Sean gently lifts
       her tail out of the way and both he and Liam look at the mare's
       vulva.  Another contraction and one foot with the hoof pointing
       towards the mare's feet emerges from her vulva.  Within seconds
       another small hoof emerges.  Liam reaches out and...using his
       index finger and thumb...gently spreads the lips of the mare's
       vulva a little more.  Sean moves around Liam so that he is
       positioned near the mare's back hooves so if she decides to kick
       out from the pain he will be able to protect Liam from getting
       kicked.  Another contraction....this one the hardest yet...and
       the mare's loud grunt echos through the barn.  Less than a
       second later the foal's  nose emerges and Liam places his free
       hand under the foal's chin and lifts it so that its head and
       neck form a straighter line.
       [Liam]  Good, girl.  You're doing just fine.
       Liam reassures the mare.  Impatient to have the ordeal over
       with, the mare starts to pull her front legs up as if she were
       preparing to stand.  Although it is normal for a mare to stand
       in the middle of delivery...and even walk around a little before
       laying back down and continuing labor....Liam would rather she
       stay where she is.  If this weren't her first foal it would be
       another story.  She would know what to expect from her body and
       would be prepared but this is the mare's first foal...(she was a
       maiden mare at when she conceived)....and if the foal's
       shoulders cause any tearing of the mare's vulva...the sudden
       pain may spook her and the rest of the delivery could become
       tricky and potentially risky to them as well as the mare.
       [Liam]  Easy, lass.  Stay where you are.
       Liam says in his soft soothing voice.  One of the younger stable
       boys slips in through the gate at the back of the stall and
       kneels at the mare's head.  He gently cradles her head in his
       lap and caresses her cheek.  Liam smiles and nods approvingly at
       the boy.  Since the mare is in between contractions, Liam uses
       the time to watch the mare's breathing and to take her pulse
       using her femoral artery.  As he does he begins to hum an old
       Irish lullaby....one he frequently heard his wife sing to their
       daughter when she was a baby.
  HTML http://www.lullaby-link.com/media-files/a-nighttime-blessing.mp3
  HTML http://www.lullaby-link.com/media-files/a-nighttime-blessing.mp3.<br
       />  The mare arches her neck and head as another even harder
       contraction grips her.  As she lets out a long and mournful
       grunt the the foal slides easily out of its mother's womb and
       into Liam's awaiting arms.
       [Liam]  You did it, lass.
       Liam exclaims victoriously and he quickly begins to remove the
       amniotic sac from the foal's head.  As soon as this is
       accomplished he takes the knuckles of his hand and gingerly rubs
       them against the foal's throat which causes the foal to swallow.
       It is the act of swallowing for the first time that initiates
       the foal's first breath and it opens its eyes and looks up at
       Liam...a confused look in its eyes.
       [Liam]  That's the way little one.  You'll get used to it.
       Liam says to the foal with a soft chuckle.  Sean proceeds to
       remove the rest of the sac then checks it to make sure it is
       complete.  The newborn takes another breath and another and Liam
       gently raises the foal's upper lip to check the color of its
       gums.  They are perfectly pink indicating that the foal is
       oxygenating well.  The newborn takes another breath...this time
       inhaling a drop of the liquid from the sac that is close to its
       nostril and it sneezes.....its first sneeze.  The look of
       surprise in the newborn's eyes strikes Liam as comical and he
       laughs.  The ranch hands who had been hovering outside of the
       stall joined in and their joyous laughter echoed through the
       barn.
       Nikki pulls the SUV up behind a long horse trailer parked next
       to one of the paddocks and shuts off the engine. As she gets out
       of the car she looks around at the horses grazing in a few of
       the nearby paddocks.  Thinking to herself that Daniel Raferty
       hadn't exaggerated in the least when he had bragged on the
       quality of their stock. The majority of the horses grazing in
       the nearby paddocks were Andalusians....(Nikki's favorite breed
       of horse)....but there were also several Frisians, a couple of
       Knabstrups and the rest were Arabians. As she stepped away from
       the car she noticed that there were several impregnated mares of
       varying breeds.  “Whoever the imposter is he is definitely a
       successful breeder,” she thought to herself.
       [Nikki] Oh....look at that one.
       Nikki says to Methos and points to one of the horses in the
       pasture.
  HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/1322653_4146_625x625.jpg
       Methos turns his head to look at the direction Nikki is
       indicating.
       [Methos] Oh nice, like the colors too, I wonder if he sells.
       Methos smiles, this trip is turning out to be a lot different
       than he expected.
       [Nikki] Look at that one.
       Nikki points excitedly at another caramel colored horse.
  HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/mostlystrikesgold-012.jpg
       [Nikki] And by the way.....that Knabstrup is a mare my dear.
       Nikki whispers to Methos and smirks.
       Methos chuckles amused shaking his head.
       [Methos] I know, I was referring to the owner. You didn't think
       I got this old without knowing the facts of life, now did you?
       Methos asks while he looks at Nikki amused at the way she's
       acting, she looks like a kid in a toy store.
       Nikki is tempted to answer him with a jab but decides to be
       nice.
       [Nikki] You know.....no. It's just too easy.
       Nikki smirks smarmily at him and turns back to looking at the
       horses.
       [Daniel] Miss O'Dell!
       Hearing her alias being called Nikki looks around for the source
       and sees Daniel Raferty coming out of what appeared to be the
       main barn. He waves as he walks toward her and she adopts her
       most regal smile and walks toward him.
       [Daniel] I am so glad that you decided to accept my invitation.
       Daniel says and holds out his hand in greeting.
       Nikki takes Daniel's hand and gives it a firm yet lady-like
       shake.
       [Daniel] And you picked the perfect day and time for it.
       Daniel adds with a beaming smile.
       [Nikki] Really? How so?
       Daniel turns in the direction of the barn and gestures in that
       direction.
       [Daniel] We just had a new arrival.
       Daniel announces proudly.
       [Nikki] By “just” do you mean....
       Nikki starts as she falls in step along side of Daniel.
       [Daniel] As in about 5 minutes ago.
       Daniel says sounding almost as if he were the proud new papa.
       Nikki can't help but feel a bit of disappointment at having
       arrived after the fact. If she had just gassed up the rental car
       last night instead of waiting to do it this morning..if she
       hadn't hit the snooze alarm on her bedside clock that extra time
       she would have been here for the event. It had been a while
       since she had had the honor of assisting or even just witnessing
       the birth of a new foal but it was an experience that once seen
       could never be forgotten and each memory brought on the same
       overwhelming feelings of joy, pride, honor and wonderment.
       Nikki looks back at Methos excitedly.
       [Nikki] Come on, Adam. Let's go see.
       Methos sighs as he follows Nikki preparing to go inside the
       barn, thinking she's missing the point here, they're not there
       to look at a new foal, but the guy who's spying on her.
       [Methos] Alright, let's go.
       Methos says after her, knowing she's not going to give up
       anyway.
       [Nikki] You were right about the quality of your stock.
       Nikki says...continuing to keep in stride with Daniel.
       [Nikki] Are all of these...
       Nikki says and gestures to indicate the horses in the nearby
       paddocks.
       [Nikki] ..for sale?
       Nikki asks Daniel.
       [Daniel] No not all of them.
       Daniel stops about 20 yards from the entrance to the barn and
       turns to look at the horses she is asking about. He glances over
       each one and points to a Knabstrup that looks like a Dalmatian
       dog...white with black spots and a long flowing white mane and
       tail.
  HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/knabstrupper3.jpg
       [Daniel] That mare is available and....
       Daniel looks around and points to a chestnut painted Arabian.
  HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/jig-11-1.jpg
       [Daniel] ….that mare and.....
       Daniel looks around some more.
       [Daniel] ...where is he?
       Daniel asks aloud then shrugs.
       [Daniel] There's a sorrel Frisian stallion around somewhere. He
       likes to hide out by himself sometimes. But he'll definitely
       come out of hiding around dinner time. He never misses a meal.
       Daniel says with a laugh.
       [Nikki] So you actually only have three available?
       Nikki clarifies.
       [Daniel] Oh no. There are about 20 head that are up on the north
       pasture. They'll be bringing them in just before dusk. The boss
       has photos of the ones for sale and I'm sure that if you're
       interested in any of that herd he will take you up there to have
       a look.
       Daniel explains. Then...as an after thought he adds, “that is
       after he gets the new colt and his dam settled in.” He turns
       back towards the barn and begins walking again.
       Nikki falls into step along side of Daniel again but comes to a
       sudden stop when they are about 10 yards away from the entrance
       of the barn and a strong Immortal buzz washes over her.
       Methos looks up at the man suddenly interested, the boss is in
       the barn? He stops at Nikki's side when he feels the buzz.
       [Methos] Hmm, now that's a surprise.
       Methos whispers to Nikki keeping his eyes on the barn door.
       Liam and Sean are rubbing the foal down with towels to stimulate
       his circulation and help maintain his body heat when Liam
       suddenly feels an Immortal buzz. He glances at the gate to the
       stall where the ranch hands still stood and watched...expecting
       to see Beth peek around the doorway.....ready to show off the
       new arrival.
  HTML http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/22639/Highlander/Misc%20RPGs/87768993pjoZaZ_ph.jpg
       Daniel looks at Nikki curiously when she stops suddenly.
       [Daniel] Are you alright, Miss O'Dell?
       Daniel asks...looking at Nikki with concern.
       Hearing her alias pulls Nikki back to the here and now and she
       smiles at Daniel and nods her head.
       [Nikki] Yes....I'm fine.
       Nikki starts walking , again, towards the entrance of the barn.
       She looks around as she and Daniel enter the large building that
       obviously serves as both barn and stables. She is impressed by
       the its spotlessness. If it is chrome, aluminum or steel...it
       shines. The stacks of hay bales are perfectly in line with each
       other. All hand tools are neatly hanging from hooks or brackets.
       There is only a hint of the usual scent of horse and manure.
       What isn't metal and polished is painted a soothing yet cheerful
       soft yellow with white trim.  She sees the group of men hovering
       around the gate to one of the stalls...their attention focused
       intently on what is going on inside the stall and she figures
       that must be where the new mom and baby are.
       [Nikki] Is that....?
       Nikki asks pointing in the direction of the stall.
       Methos puts his hand inside his rain coat to feel the hilt of
       his sword glad he rarely went anywhere without it, he's not
       expecting any trouble with all these witnesses but still... He
       follows Nikki again paying attention to his surroundings.
       Daniel nods his head.
       Nikki doesn't wait for Daniel to verbally answer her. She walks
       up to the edge of the stall doorway and peers around the door
       jam. A couple of the ranch hands move aside so that Nikki can
       get a better view of the activities in the stall so she moves
       into plane view of whoever is inside the stall. Her attention is
       drawn away from her intentions of looking directly into the face
       of the imposter when she sees the foal.  His unique coloring is
       like nothing she has ever seen before and she takes a few
       seconds to admire the newborn.
       Methos doesn't bother to take a look at the foal for now, he
       keeps all the man in sight since one of them is an Immortal. He
       sighs watching Nikki thinking she's being sloppy.
       Liam 's rubdown of the foal suddenly stops when he sees the
       source of the buzz appear in the doorway. Without realizing it,
       he is holding his breath. A voice in his head is screaming at
       him to get up and make a hasty exit but he is unable to
       move...nor avert his gaze.
       Nikki turns her attention from the colt and her eyes lock on the
       face of the man kneeling next to the newborn. Suddenly she feels
       as though she has been kicked in the stomach by a mule....her
       face becomes warm and small beads of perspiration begin to
       surface on her skin. Then...she feels the heat of her cheeks
       begin to fade....to drain away and became replaced by a dull
       chill...and she can hear what sounds like the waves of the ocean
       in her ears.  Nikki staggers backward a couple of steps and
       bumps into one of the ranch hands standing behind her. The man
       reaches out and grabs Nikki fearing she might fall and notices
       that her face is white as a sheet.
       Methos looks around slightly uncomfortable, he can tell the
       other men are mortals but if this guy is a cheater, they may be
       in trouble. Then he frowns as he watches Nikki stumble back and
       quickly moves to her side.
       Liam sees Nikki disappear from sight and uses that moment to
       make his escape...jumping to his feet and giving Sean a look
       that tells his assistant he needs to take over. Then Liam darts
       out of the back entrance of the stall and out of the barn. He
       runs for one of the work trucks, gets in and speeds off.
       [Methos] Are you OK?
       Methos asks her as he moves to grab her.
       [Methos] I'll take care of that, thank you.
       Methos says to the man grabbing her arm.
       Nikki recovers and steps back up to the stall door and looks
       inside. All she sees is a young man, the foal and its mother.
       She no longer feels the presence of the Immortal. Shaking her
       head as if to clear it, she turns away from the stall and heads
       out of the barn. It isn't until she is in the warm sunlight that
       she realizes that she is shaking.
       Methos stares at the door Nikki has left without a word in
       surprise before he follows her outside wondering what she saw
       inside the stable.
       Daniel follows the two potential buyers out of the barn a little
       curious about the lady's reaction to seeing the blood and all
       from the birth. He would think that she would have seen it
       before.  "Maybe the lass is with child," he thinks to himself as
       he exits the barn behind the two.
       [Daniel] Miss O'Dell? Are you alright?
       Daniel asks sincerely concerned.
       Nikki stops at the back of one of the ranch trucks and leans on
       the truck's tail gate....trying to stop shaking. "It's not
       possible," she thinks to herself. "Come on, Flynn. Get a grip.
       You didn't see what you thought you saw," she mentally tells
       herself in an attempt to console herself.
       Methos stops in front of Nikki studying her with a frown,
       realizing she's shaking he puts an arm around her shoulders
       without asking anything at the moment.
       Nikki looks up at Methos.
       [Nikki] Get me out of here.
       Nikki says quietly in a pleading voice.
       [Nikki] Now!
       [Methos] Sure. Let's go.
       Methos nods without hesitation as he slowly begins to walk to
       their rental still keeping his arm over her shoulders.
       [Daniel] Miss O'Dell?
       Daniel calls after the two.
       Nikki doesn't answer Daniel...letting Methos make their excuses.
       [Methos] She's not feeling well. We'll come back some other
       time.
       Methos says turning his head to look at the man but without
       stopping.
       [Daniel] Alright. I hope you feel better, Miss O'Dell. Come back
       anytime.
       Daniel calls after them. He stands in the middle of the road
       watching the two get into their car.
       [Methos] So where to? The inn?
       Methos asks as he sits on the driver's seat and starts the car.
       He refrains himself from asking Nikki what she saw in there
       knowing she'll end up telling him when she's ready.
       [Methos] Call Joe so he can find out who is this Immortal? Pack
       up and leave?
       Methos keeps suggesting as he drives off the ranch and enters
       the road.
       [Nikki] I don't care.
       Nikki mumbles and shoves her hands under her lap. She stares out
       the passenger window without seeing.
       [Methos] Fine, the inn then. You look like you could use a
       drink.
       Methos nods side glancing at her for a moment before looking
       back to the road.
       [Methos] Or two.
       A couple of miles down the road Nikki suddenly blurts out, "pull
       over," and puts her hand on the door handle in anticipation of
       the car stopping.
       Methos hits the brakes and turns his head to look at Nikki as
       the car stops.
       [Methos] What?
       Nikki throws open the door, unhooks her seat belt and jumps out
       of the car. She nearly runs a few yards away from the
       car....into a lush grassy unfenced pasture and doubles over.
       Methos looks after Nikki surprised, and wondering again what she
       saw at the stable that made her sick. He sighs as he looks away
       giving her some privacy.
       Placing her hands on her knees she bends over and proceeds to
       lose her breakfast. When her stomach is empty she straightens up
       and takes a few deep breaths. Looking out over the grassy knoll
       she sees that it drops off about 100 yards away. When the
       ringing in her ears stops she can hear the sound of surf
       breaking against rocks so she begins to walk toward the sound.
       When Methos looks at her side again to see how she's doing he
       sees her walking away. He stares at her for a moment too
       surprised to say anything until he manages to drag out.
       [Methos] Hey, Nikki, get back in here.
       Nikki continues to walk in the direction of the sound of the
       breaking surf...eventually coming to a stop where the grassy
       knoll ends and becomes a cliff with a steep drop to the
       coastline below. She stands looking out over the St. George's
       Channel. She feels the warm rays of sun on her face and an
       occasional sea spray and she closes her eyes....taking in deep
       breaths of the Irish air.  Nikki finally sits down on the
       grass....her legs dangling over the edge of the cliff.
       Methos shakes his head as he moves the car to the edge of the
       road, exits and locks it before following her. He decides to try
       to find out what's going on now instead of waiting until they
       got to the inn, something's up and he likes to know what's going
       on.
       Nikki sets her hands on the ground a little bit behind her and
       leans back. She feels a small pebble under her right hand so she
       picks it up...gets a feel of its weight then chucks it into the
       surf below.
       Methos walks the last few steps that separate him from Nikki and
       stops looking down at her. He hesitates for a moment and sits
       down next to her so he can talk to her.
       [Methos] Nikki, what's up? I'm worried about you, I've seen you
       upset before... angry... but I've never seen you like this.
       Methos says as he goes though his pockets for a while and takes
       out a roll of breath mints. He extends them to her with a smile.
       [Nikki] Methos? Can I ask you a kind of weird question?
       Nikki asks...her voice sounding almost childlike.
       [Methos] Hmm, sure? I promise not to gasp in shock.
       Methos answers thinking what the question might be.
       Nikki takes the roll of mints from him and removes one. Sticking
       it into her mouth, she hands the roll back to Methos and smiles
       gratefully.
       [Nikki] I know that in your long life you have seen a lot of
       unexplainable things.
       Methos takes the roll and puts it back in his pocket without
       turning his eyes away from her expecting her question.
       Nikki says and looks back out at the channel below.
       [Nikki] But.....have you ever seen a ghost?
       Nikki asks without looking at him.
       [Methos] A ghost? No. Some people claim they have but I'm not
       sure I believe them.
       Methos answers as he frowns thinking, is that what this is
       about? Nikki thinks she saw a ghost?
       [Nikki] Yeah. I didn't think so.
       Nikki says a bit disappointed.
       [Nikki] Which means just one thing.
       Nikki says with a sad sigh.
       [Methos] Means what exactly? That there are no ghosts?
       Methos asks with a sigh, remembering the time MacLeod thought he
       saw Kronos of all people.
       Nikki simply shakes her head slowly.
       [Nikki] No. It means that I'm losing my mind.
       Nikki says in a quivering voice.
       [Methos] Nikki, what do you think you saw in there?
       Methos asks her trying to find out exactly what they're talking
       about.
       Nikki slowly shakes her head and closes her eyes.
       [Nikki] Nothing.
       Nikki mumbles. Every logical fiber of her mind is telling her
       that she didn't see what she thought she saw. That it was
       impossible.
       [Methos] Then you're making a big deal over nothing, do you
       think I'll buy that? Try again.
       Methos says hoping she'd just tell him what she thinks she saw
       so he could do something about it.
       Nikki opens her eyes and looks over at Methos. Tears well up in
       her eyes and she says, pleadingly, "Methos? I don't want to lose
       my mind. I don't want to be crazy."
       [Methos] Hmm, I don't think anyone would choose it if there was
       an option.
       Methos says as he puts an arm over her shoulders trying to
       comfort her.
       [Methos] Is that what you think you saw at that stable? A ghost?
       Methos asks deciding there's no point in hiding the fact that he
       already put two and two together.
       Nikki shivers even though it is a comfortably warm day.
       [Nikki] Methos.....I saw....I thought I saw....
       Nikki shivers again and folds her arms across her chest to try
       and stop her body from trembling.
       [Nikki] The man in the stall....
       Nikki can't bring herself to say it out loud and she purses her
       lips and closes her eyes....embarrassed.
       [Methos] Who did you think you saw?
       Methos asks realizing he'll have to take it out word by word.
       [Nikki] He...he....
       Nikki swallows hard.
       [Nikki] I saw.....
       [Methos] Yes?
       Methos encourages thinking they're almost there.
       Nikki opens her eyes and looks beseechingly at Methos. She has
       never needed his understanding more than she needed it now.
       [Nikki] ....my father.
       Nikki whispers.
       [Methos] Your father?
       Methos is puzzled for a split second until a suspicion comes
       back to his mind. He remembers he had the same suspicion on the
       plane when Nikki mentioned a sword. And now this... and he felt
       a buzz before they entered the stable.
       [Methos] I wonder if it's possible...
       Methos murmurs still deep in thought.
       Nikki leans against Methos without thinking. For some reason she
       welcomes the safety of being in his arms. She doesn't fight it
       as she suddenly feels completely exhausted both mentally and
       physically.
       [Methos] Nikki, maybe you didn't see a ghost but a real person,
       there was an Immortal in the stable, remember? We felt him
       before we came in?
       Methos says trying to bring the news as gently as possible so he
       wouldn't shock her too much.
       Nikki tries to join her thinking with Methos' but she is at the
       point where she really doesn't want to think about anything
       right now. The whole mental argument between her logical self
       and her illogical self is making her head hurt. She simply nods
       in silence
       [Methos] And that guy mentioned his boss was in there, the same
       boss who's using your father's name?
       Nikki nods silently as she leans harder against Methos.
       Methos says as he pulls her a little closer to him.
       [Methos] Nikki, I think your father is an Immortal.
       Nikki shakes her head without saying anything...not being able
       to wrap her head around Methos' deduction.
       [Methos] So you see, you're not seeing things or going insane,
       you just saw what was there to see. You saw the truth.
       Methos frowns looking down at her.
       [color=white][Methos] Are you listening to me? Or sleeping?
       [Nikki] If you say so.
       Nikki isn't convinced but she doesn't have the energy to debate
       the issue.
       [Methos] I just did. And maybe we should go back to the car
       before you fall asleep in here and I'll have to carry you back.
       Methos suggests with a smile preparing to stand up.
       Nikki doesn't argue with Methos. She simply waits for him to
       help her up then trudges along side of him back to the car.
       Methos unlocks the car and opens the passenger door for her.
       [Methos] I'll drive and you can take a nap till we get to the
       inn.
       Nikki climbs into the car, buckles her seat belt and reclines
       the seat. She drifts off to sleep before Methos even starts the
       car.
       Methos side glances at Nikki for a moment, before he starts the
       car and drives back to town. He pulls out his cell phone and
       uses the quick dial to call Joe in Seacouver. He smiles for a
       moment amused, if his calculation is right it should be around 5
       am in there.
       Joe hears his phone ringing and reaches for it without opening
       his eyes.
       [Joe] This better be important.
       Joe says grumpily.
       [Methos] We're fine thank you, thanks for asking.
       Joe opens his eyes and looks at the alarm clock on his night
       stand.
       Methos answers with a smirk as he keeps paying attention to the
       road.
       [Joe] Methos.....do you know what time it is? At this hour I
       could care less how you and whoever is doing.
       Joe growls into the phone.
       [Joe] Do you have a reason for calling besides just being an ass
       hole?
       Methos presses his lips so he wouldn't laugh this is even
       funnier than he expected.
       [Methos] Would I call you without a reason?
       [Joe] Yes. Just to piss me off.
       Joe grumbles and turns onto his back....cradling the phone
       between his ear and shoulder.
       [Methos] Well, thanks for the idea I'll try that next time. I do
       have a reason today.
       Methos smiles as he puts his cell between his cheek and shoulder
       to hold it while he drives.
       [Joe] Well you've got exactly 3 seconds to get to the point
       before I hang up, unplug the phone and go back to sleep.
       Joe says with a frustrated sigh.
       [Methos] Tell me Joe, have you ever heard of an Immortal named
       Liam Flynn?
       Methos asks quickly knowing Joe would do carry out his threat.
       [center]To be continued[/center]
       #Post#: 100--------------------------------------------------
       DISCOVERY Part 15
   DIR By: Cyberfox277
       Date: October 15, 2011, 10:46 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Liam slams on the brakes of the pickup just inches away from a
       fallen tree trunk that blocks the small access dirt path that
       leads to the knoll he and Beth have made their own of late. He
       gets out of the truck and trudges up the road/path.  Not paying
       attention to the ground he is trudging on he steps in a pile of
       sheep dung and stops instantly...swearing in Gaelic...wipes his
       boot on the grass and continues up the knoll. When he gets to
       the top....to his and Beth's spot he sits down on the grass,
       leans against the trunk of a tree and stares out at the blue
       sky.
       Noticing that the barn has cleared of all commotion and Liam had
       left in his pick up without a word, Beth heads for the stables
       to get her horse ready to ride. Once her mare is saddled, Beth
       pulls her loose blond hair back into a quick pony tail and
       mounts up. The first place she was going to look for Liam was a
       spot that they had now designated as their own, a shaded knoll
       that afforded plenty pf privacy. Beth gave a short click of her
       tongue and made her way to their spot.
       Even though the sky is a crystalline blue, the air is a perfect
       temperature and the sea below rolls into the shore in a peaceful
       rhythm...the only thing Liam can see is the face of his daughter
       in the doorway of the stall...sheet white and shocked.
       As she gets closer to their spot, she feels the familiar tingle
       of another Immortal tingle down her spine and buzz through her
       head.
       [Liam] Dia loss se
       Liam growls and gets to his feet. He walks over to a small
       sapling and punches the soft young trunk with his fist.
       [Liam] Cac!
       Liam swears in Gaelic as pain shoots through his fist and up his
       arm. Just then he feels an Immortal buzz and he stiffens and
       looks around.
       [Liam] No way. She couldn't have....she wouldn't have....would
       she?
       Liam asks out loud thinking it is going to be Nicayla.
       Beth dismounts from her horse and ties the mare off near some
       low-lying bramble and climbs the steep path as quickly as she
       can, then feeling of another nearby getting stronger and she
       knows full well who it is.  Beth stops in her tracks as she
       watches Liam acting rather oddly.  Beth takes in his appearance
       and notices that he seems rather pale and he looks like he's
       been shocked just recently and very much effected by it.
       Liam turns around to see Beth standing nearby looking puzzled
       and all of his anger fades. He sits down on a large boulder and
       puts his face in his hands.
       Moving quietly, she moves next to him and sits on the boulder
       with him.
       [Beth] What's happened, Liam? I've never seen you like this.
       Beth says quietly, but enough to be heard over the waves and sea
       birds below.
       Without a word, Liam uncovers his face and takes Beth into his
       arms and holds her tightly....as if holding her anchored him and
       would keep him from floating away.
       Beth wraps her arm tightly around him, pressing her warm cheek
       up against his cool one.  Her hand strokes his other cheek as
       she pulls away slightly and looks into his eyes.
       [Beth] What's happened, my love?
       Liam lets go of Beth and traces her jawline gently with the tip
       of his finger.
       [Liam] Me gra tu.
       Liam whispers...looking deep into her eyes.
       Beth a slow smile spreads across her lips, those words meaning
       so much to her. She whispers them back to him in Gaelic, but to
       her ears it never sounds quite as good.
       [Liam] I think I may have to leave Ireland for a while.
       Liam says evenly. He takes a deep breath before speaking again.
       [Liam] I would very much like you to come with me but if you
       can't see your way to do it....I will understand.
       Beth feels her eyes narrow in confusion at his statement, not
       understanding why he would have to do such a thing.
       Liam searches her face for some indication of how she will
       answer
       [Beth] But why? Why would have to leave a place you love so
       much? Tell me what's happened to cause you to come here without
       saying a word to me.
       Beth 's voice is not upset, but very much concerned for and
       about him.
       Liam lets his fingers drop away from Beth's chin. Slowly he gets
       to his feet and walks over to where the knoll becomes a cliff
       that drops down to the shoreline below. He stands with his back
       to Beth..silhouetted by the sunlight.
       Beth leans against the rock as she takes n the line of his broad
       shoulders. She will not push him to speak what is on his mind,
       but she will wait patiently for him to collect his thoughts.
       Liam watches a schooner sailing just beyond the St. George's
       breakers. It reminds him of the clipper ships a few of his old
       pirate friends used to sail on. Without turning around he
       motions for Beth to join him on the edge of the knoll.
       When no answers seem to be forthcoming from the silent figure of
       a man, she pushes away from the cool boulder and moves toward
       Liam. She slips her hand into his and moves in next to him.
       Liam points to the sailing ship.
       [Liam] Have you ever been sailing?
       Liam asks almost dreamily.
       Beth glances up at him wondering what sailing has to do with
       whatever is bothering him, but she lets it go for now.
       Liam puts his arm around her shoulder and pulls her a little
       closer as if it will help her see better.
       [Beth] I have, but it's been a while since I've done it for
       recreation.
       Beth looks to the ship Liam is point too.
       [Liam] Back in the day....I had a few friends who were.....how
       should I say it....Privateers?
       Liam said a reminiscent smile on his face.
       [Liam] I went with them on a few of their voyages. There's
       nothing more peaceful..more mind clearing...as when you're
       standing on the bow of a sailing ship....the sea spray in your
       face. No engines droning...just the sound of the sea.
       Beth leans gently against Liam as he speaks.
       [Beth] Yes, it has a very peaceful quality to it...
       Liam gets a far-a-way look in his eyes for a few seconds then he
       says, "I think I would like to do that for a while. Buy a boat
       like that one and just sail off into the sunset. Maybe sail
       around the world for a year or two."
       Beth turns her gaze from the boat and to Liam's face, which is
       distracted by this day dream he seems to be having. "Why would
       you want to do that when you have a ranch to run right here?"
       She says a bit more sternly to shake him from where his mind if
       wandering off to.
       [Liam] Haven't you ever just wanted to do something so
       different....something that some people might think was crazy?
       Liam asks looking down at Beth.
       [Liam] Your common sense tells you not to but you still can't
       ever completely give up the idea?
       Liam 's expression is completely serious now.
       Beth quirks a brow up at him. "Yes, I have had that happen, but
       usually there is a cause as to why such a notion would cross my
       mind."
       [Beth] Care to tell me what caused this idea of running away to
       cross your mind, Liam?
       [Liam] You see? That's the trouble with you Brits. Everything
       has to have a reason...a logic. I bet the most spontaneous and
       illogical thing you have ever done was making love to me right
       here on this knoll....throwing caution to the wind and just
       enjoying life.
       Liam says seriously yet teasingly, too.
       Beth laughs softly, knowing that truly was not the case.
       "Perhaps, but you love this ranch. I don't understand why you'd
       let some whim take you away from it."
       [Beth] So tell me, Liam...what happened to cause you to come up
       here alone, without asking me to come along and in you truck.
       It's like you were trying to get away from something faster than
       a horse could carry you.
       Liam takes Beth by the hand and leads her over to a log. He sits
       down on the log and gently pulls her down next to him.
       Beth sits down next him on the log, keeping her hand in his as
       she feels the heat of his body warm the side of hers.
       [Liam] First let me say that the last 6 months have been the
       wonderful.
       Liam says softly...looking directly at Beth. He gently brushes a
       strand of hair from her face.
       [Liam] I haven't felt so completely happy
       in....well....centuries.
       Liam says and smiles.
       Beth smiles softly at him, wondering where this is going.
       [Liam] To be honest....I never thought I would ever would. You
       have awakened a part of my soul that I thought had been dead.
       Liam takes her hand and lifts it to his lips. He places a soft
       kiss on the back of her hand then lets go of it.
       A bit of anxiety has settled into the pit of her stomach as she
       wonders if perhaps he is telling her that he needs to move
       on...without her.  Irrational, perhaps, but she had been burned
       before and yet she had never felt in this short period of time
       that Liam would be such a person. Pushing aside the niggling
       fear, she draws in a deep breath and smooths her figuratively
       ruffled feathers and awaits for him to continue.
       [Liam] I'm not one to put much stock in fairy tales and story
       book romances because that feeling that everything is
       perfect....that nothing in the real world can touch
       you...ever...is fleeting....and more fantasy than reality.
       Liam says seriously.
       [Liam] If I have ever doubted that belief....the reality of it
       has been proven today.
       Liam looks away as he tries to plan his words carefully.
       Beth That small thread of anxiety blooms into something much
       bigger, causing her hands to go cold with the shot of fear that
       goes through her veins. She wants to prod him on, to demand he
       tell her what happened back in the stables, but she keeps her
       lips firmly closed.
       Liam suddenly realizes what Beth must be thinking. In the world
       the Immortals lived in...the usual reason an Immortal who had
       established a stable life would suddenly pick up and leave
       everything behind was because an Immortal that they didn't want
       to face in battle had found them. Liam turns to Beth and shakes
       his head.
       [Liam] No...it's not what you think.
       Liam says reassuringly.
       [Liam] At least....
       Liam thinks a few seconds.
       [Liam] ....I don't think it is.
       Liam realizes that he is probably confusing Beth so he forces
       his mind to stay on track.
       [Liam] There is another Immortal in Raheen.
       Liam says solemnly.
       [Liam] But I don't think she wants my head....although I
       wouldn't blame her if she did.
       Liam admits.
       Beth swallows down her fear as she tries to listen beyond Liam's
       sentence of their being another Immortal in town. When his
       further word penetrate she is a bit confused.
       [Beth] You don't think she does, but she might?
       Beth can hear the subtle undertone of fear in her own voice.
       [Beth] Please Liam, tell me what is going on.
       Beth sounds a bit desperate because she isn't understanding what
       he's trying to say.
       [Beth] Why might this Immortal want your head and why are you so
       unsure of it?
       [Liam] Remember last night at dinner Daniel told us that he had
       met a woman buyer at the auction?
       Liam asks even though he knows that she probably did.
       [Beth] Yes, I do remember him saying that.
       [Liam] And he said that he had extended an invitation for her to
       come out here and look at our live stock? Well....this morning
       while you were in town with Miss ****? The lady took Daniel up
       on his invitation.
       Liam sees a bright pink wild flower out of the corner of his
       eyes. He reaches down and plucks it out of the ground and hands
       it to Beth.
       [Liam] I was delivering our new foul when she showed up....and
       yes....she's one of us.
       Liam says softly.
       [Liam] And yes....I know her.
       Liam watches Beth's face for her reaction.
       Beth absently takes the flower from him too caught up in what he
       is saying than to pay attention to the flower at the moment
       [Beth] How is it that you know her?
       Beth thinks more than likely a former lover come to rekindle
       something or coming for some revenge. Those two ideas cause
       rather conflicting emotions, yet all very strong.
       [Liam] It's Nicayla.
       Liam says evenly and lowers his eyes.
       [Beth] Your daughter, Nicayla?
       Liam simply nods his head in silence.
       [Beth] That's why you came here and thinking about leaving this
       because your daughter's found you?
       Liam shuts his eyes as he realizes just how that sounded. After
       a few seconds he opens his eyes and looks out at the horizon.
       Beth touches his arm gently. "Why would you run from your
       daughter? She deserves to know that her father is Immortal.
       [Beth] To know that he is alive and well...and be able to get
       angry with you.  You would deny her happiness because of your
       own guilt?
       Beth can feel anger starting to surface, but she taps it down,
       knowing she is only thinking of how she would feel if she were
       in Nicayla's shoes right now.
       [Liam] You make me sound like a complete selfish asal poll.
       (Gaelic for ass hole)
       Liam says and looks away out of embarrassment.
       [Beth] But isn't that what you're doing, Liam? You're running
       away because you feel guilty for what you didn't do for her.
       And your not allowing her to forgive you.   Doesn't it come down
       to wanting to keep your guilt or facing what you need to and
       having your daughter back in your life?
       Beth places her fingers under his chin and turns him to face
       her.
       [Beth] I know what my decision would be, but this all your call.
       But if she is anything like you, she will find you again until
       she gets answers.
       Liam doesn't like the way Beth is seeing him now. This is what
       he had been trying to avoid by not burdening Beth with all of
       his feelings surrounding the biggest mistake...not only a father
       could make...but an Immortal one as well. It is also part of
       what he meant when he told her about  wanting the happy fantasy
       life they had been living to never stop.
       [Liam] To hear what you're saying....makes me realize just how
       much I don't deserve you or your love.
       Liam says humbly.
       [Liam] May I at least try and explain myself?
       Liam asks hopefully.
       Beth smiles softly. "Never say such a thing again...and yes, you
       may”.  She feels a bit embarrassed by her brashness on this
       situation.
       [Liam] Because of the way Nicayla felt when she left
       home....added to the confusion and fear she must have felt when
       she became an Immortal...I figured that her finding out I was
       still alive and then figuring out that if I was an Immortal I
       would have known that she was going to become one, too and did
       nothing to prepare her for it might possibly be more than
       she...or any one person...could handle.
       Liam explains.
       Beth nods, understanding where he is coming from.
       [Liam] It wasn't something I decided on lightly. I couldn't
       completely forget about her....or my responsibility as a father.
       Liam continues
       [Liam] I just believed it best that I did what I could to help
       her when she needed it and do it anonymously. Remain in the
       shadows.  At least that's what I used to believe.
       Liam says with a sheepish shrug.
       [Liam] Now....after seeing myself....this situation....through
       your eyes....
       Liam says and gently brushes a wisp of Beth's hair off of her
       face. He looks lovingly into her eyes.
       [Liam] And they are such beautiful eyes.
       Liam smiles charmingly at her.
       [Liam] Now I think I have to admit that my anonymity was as much
       for my benefit as I believed it was for her.
       Liam says sincerely.
       [Beth] I think you thought you were doing what was best. It
       doesn't make you wrong or a bad person.  Sometimes a new set of
       eyes can see things we ourselves can't.
       Beth takes his hand into hers and squeezes it reassuringly
       [Liam] When I saw her this morning....my first instinct was to
       leave....to completely disappear....in hopes that once the shock
       of what she thought she saw this morning wore off she would come
       up with a plausible explanation and forget about it.
       [Beth] Has she ever run into you before?
       Beth asks curiously.
       Liam shakes his head.
       [Liam] No. I have always been so completely careful. Never made
       a mistake.
       [Beth] Do you think she would have let it go after seeing you?
       Beth isn't being accusatory at all just wondering what he thinks
       his daughter would do.
       Liam shakes his head.
       [Liam] I didn't mention this because I didn't want to bring
       reality into our life yet.
       Liam says seriously.
       [Beth] But it's here and we can deal with it.
       Beth rests her head against his shoulder. "Like you said, it
       wasn't going to last forever, but we wanted to last longer."
       [Liam] But a few days ago I got a call from the man I hired to
       get a job on Nicayla's ranch in the states so he could keep an
       eye on things for me. And he told me that....somehow...Nicayla
       had discovered his part in this.
       Liam says softly.
       [Liam] He said that she also discovered my identity...although
       she believed that I was just some guy who had stolen her dead
       father's identity.
       Liam watches a lady buy crawl across his pant leg.
       [Liam] Taking that into consideration....I think there was a
       part of me that halfway expected her to show up here.
       Liam shrugs.
       [Liam] Of course there was also a part of me that figured she
       might not care enough to feel the need to protect her dead
       father's identity.
       [Beth] But you hadn't thought about her actually seeing you.
       Liam shakes his head.
       It was reasonable to think that he could avoid Nicayla's
       detection due to how big the ranch was.
       [Liam] Richard was under the impression that...at the time he
       called me....Nicayla was still there...on the ranch.
       Liam explains.
       [Liam] I told him to let me know if she left....or if he got the
       idea she was even considering it.
       Liam looks back out at the horizon. The sun is beginning to move
       closer to it.
       Beth nods. "And because you didn't get that call you didn't know
       when she would come here.  She understands his predicament, but
       feels that perhaps now is the time to set things right.
       [Beth] What are you going to do now that she has seen for
       herself her father is alive?
       Liam shrugs.
       [Liam] You know....
       Liam says leaning closer to Beth.
       [Liam] .....sailing off into the sunset still sounds really
       nice.
       Liam says with a wink.
       Beth smiles and laughs softly as she gives him a gentle nudge in
       the side with her elbow. "Very funny..."
       [Beth] It is a lovely thought, but a bit of a fairytale.
       Beth she settles herself more comfortably against him, glad to
       have the tension between them broken by his remark.
       [Liam] What say we abandon all of this responsible...adult way
       of thinking and do something completely unadult like.
       Liam says with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
       [Liam] Something like...I don't know....
       Liam points toward the sail boat they had watched earlier that
       was now almost a distant speck on the horizon.
       [Liam] ...pirate a sailing vessel....make its crew walk the
       plank and sail off to parts unknown?
       Liam says...speaking as a pirate might.
       [Liam] You can be in charge of bringing the rum.
       Liam says teasingly.
       Beth chuckles. "I think I can handle that task."
       [Beth] Though I think walking the plank dates you quite a bit
       now. I don't think modern pirates use such ploys anymore.
       Beth teases.
       [Liam] It's our fantasy. Who says we have to be modern pirates?
       Liam says and winks at Beth.
       [center]To be continued [/center]
       #Post#: 101--------------------------------------------------
       DISCOVERY Part 16
   DIR By: Cyberfox277
       Date: October 15, 2011, 11:06 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]***The next morning***[/center]
       Methos wakes up as the light begins to touch his face and slowly
       opens his eyes, judging by the light it should be between 10 and
       11 am. He turns his head to look at Nikki on the other side of
       the bed, when he feels her arm over him and frowns for a second,
       every time she got drunk she tried to seduce him. Then he smiles
       as he has an idea, well today she was going to get some payback.
       Nikki is sleeping peacefully....a slight smile on her lips. She
       is laying on her stomach with her arm slung across Methos' chest
       and her head turned so that she is facing him. A few locks of
       her hair have fallen across her face.
       Methos looks at Nikki for a moment and gently removes the hair
       from her face trying not to wake her, after yesterday's shock
       she needed to rest.
       Nikki moans softly....almost like a cat purring.
       Methos smiles amused and looks down to see if she's properly
       covered, she was so hot last night she didn't bother to dress
       too much. His smile widens when he thinks she's probably going
       to be embarrassed today.
       Nikki turns on her side and curls up to the now empty pillow.
       Methos sighs in relief as Nikki moves to her side of the bed.
       He's beginning to think he needs to wake her up, all the beer he
       drank last night wants to come out, he needs to go to the
       bathroom. He sits up on the bed, stretching for a moment, before
       he gets to his feet and walks to the bathroom.
       Nikki moans as her eyes flutter open and she stretches and
       yawns. Suddenly she realizes she is only wearing her bra and
       panties. She strains to try and remember taking her clothes off
       before going to bed but her last clear memory is shooting pool
       with Methos in the tavern downstairs. She quickly sits up and
       looks at the other side of the bed. Seeing it empty she lays her
       hand on the pillow then the bed which are both cool to the touch
       indicating that Methos had left the bed awhile ago. She looks
       around the room and sees the clothes she was wearing last night
       draped across the back of the only chair in the room....Methos'
       pants and sweater draped alongside of them. She shakes her head
       to try and clear the cobwebs. Why was she undressed? Did she
       undress herself? She licked her dry lips and they tasted like
       the flavor of lip balm that Methos used. She sniffs her forearm
       and it has the faint scent of Methos' cologne. Suddenly her
       stomach is filled with butterflies and as she hears the shower
       start in the bathroom she turns and stares at the closed door.
       [Nikki] Nooo! We didn't. We couldn't. It's impossible.
       Nikki mutters aloud to the empty room.
       [Nikki] He wouldn't....I wouldn't...no way.
       Nikki had only experienced one other time when she couldn't
       remember how she had gotten into the sleeping bag of a man she
       didn't recognize... but that was in 1969 at Woodstock and she
       was more than just drunk at the time. She couldn't have been
       THAT bad this time....could she? She wonders.
       Methos takes a quick shower and remembers he forgot to bring
       clean clothes again. He sighs as he wraps himself in a towel,
       while he murmurs under his breath, "What's wrong with you, old
       man? You seem to be forgetting a lot of things lately."
       Nikki hears the water in the bathroom shut off and she jumps out
       of bed and grabs her robe and puts it on.
       Methos opens the bathroom door, and smiles when he sees Nikki.
       Nikki looks into Methos' eyes and tries to tell if the "morning
       after" signs were there but she is unable to read her friend
       this morning....whether because their relationship had changed
       so drastically, she was still a bit inebriated or he was just
       hiding his thoughts so well....she didn't know.
       [Methos] Oh, you're up already? You're lucky Immortals don't get
       a hangover.
       Methos says looking at her for a moment, then he walks to his
       suitcase to get some clean clothes.
       [Methos] I hope you had fun last night, I did.
       [Nikki] You did?
       Nikki asks trying her best to sound nonchalant as she gathers
       her shower things and heads for the bathroom.
       [Nikki] Glad to hear it. Of course I did or I wouldn't have done
       it.
       Nikki adds cryptically
       [Nikki] One question, though.
       Nikki says as she stops in the bathroom doorway.
       [Nikki] Did you have trouble with my bra?
       Nikki asks with a mischievous smile?
       Methos sniffs to hide a smile as he turns his head and slightly
       frowns at her.
       [Methos] Hmm, no. Why? Don't you remember?
       Methos manages to say it with a straight face even thought he's
       twisting the truth a little bit.
       [Nikki] I just figured you did and gave up which is why it is
       still on.
       Nikki says teasingly in hopes that his response will confirm or
       deny her suspicions.
       [Methos] Hmm, no, I assume you thought you'd be more seductive
       that way when you made a pass at me.
       Methos chuckles amused, waiting for her reaction, now that
       really happened that's why he finds it so amusing.
       [Nikki] I made a pass at.....
       Nikki begins a bit surprised.
       [Nikki] Oh....like you didn't reciprocate. Right.
       Nikki smirks a bit sarcastically.  She turns and steps into the
       bathroom and closes the door behind her.
       [Methos] Why shouldn't I? You think I'm a saint?
       Methos asks studying Nikki for a while, if she's beginning to be
       upset about it he'll have to tell her the truth, but it's fun
       while it lasts.
       Nikki suddenly flings the bathroom door open and stands in the
       doorway staring at Methos.
       [Nikki] Ok. Just tell me.....did we do it last night or not?
       Nikki asks bluntly unable to contain her curiosity.
       [Methos] Do what exactly?
       Methos frowns puzzled looking at her like he has no idea what
       she's talking about.
       [Nikki] You know....IT!!! You know exactly what I'm talking
       about. Did we or didn't we?
       Nikki asks still staring directly at Methos as though he held
       some deep dark secret she needed to find out.
       [Methos] You mean you don't remember?
       Methos says while his frown deepens.
       [Methos] Didn't you just say that you did?
       Nikki rolls her eyes.
       [Nikki] Would I be asking if I remembered? No. I don't remember.
       Alright?
       Nikki says exasperatedly.
       [Nikki] Just answer the question, Methos.
       Nikki adds a bit pleadingly.
       [Methos] I can assure you if we had sex you would remember even
       if you drank all the whiskey in Ireland. It wasn't for your lack
       of trying though.
       Part of Nikki feels relieved while another part....a part she
       doesn't quite understand....feels a little disappointed.
       Methos chuckles softly.
       [Methos] I almost had to take a cold shower because of you.
       [Nikki] Almost? Then I must be losing my touch.
       Nikki says coyly and steps back into the bathroom and closes the
       door.
       [Nikki] Phew!
       Nikki whispers to herself as she turns on the shower and gets
       in.
       Methos shakes his head as he turns to his suitcase to get clean
       clothes. Women, he thinks to himself, first she was worried they
       had sex and then she looked disappointed that they didn't, go
       figure.
       Nikki completely dissects and analyzes the events of the
       morning...the conversation....what Methos said and how he said
       it....during her entire shower. When she gets out and wraps her
       hair in one towel and puts on her robe, she looks at her
       reflection in the mirror.
       [Nikki] I tried to seduce him?
       Nikki asks her reflection.
       [Nikki] Why? Why would I do such a thing?
       Methos puts on some clean jeans and sweater and sits on the bed
       to put on his boots. Then he stays there waiting for Nikki and
       thinking what he'd like for breakfast.
       Then Nikki remembers her birthday last year and how she had
       gotten drunk and went to Methos' place and kissed him....in an
       attempt to prove a point...(which she can't even remember what
       it was). She had made a fool of herself that day, too.  She
       opens the bathroom door and as she steps out she says...without
       making eye contact with Methos.., "so how much of a fool did I
       make of myself last night?"
       [Methos] Trust me, you don't want to know.
       Methos says as he turns his head in the direction of the
       bathroom.
       Nikki winces as she walks over to her suitcase and begins
       picking out something to wear.
       [Nikki] Oh. Just great.
       Nikki grumbles.
       [Nikki] So....why did I do it?
       Nikki asks as she lays a pair of jeans and a feminine blouse on
       the bed....the same bed she wishes she could just climb into and
       hide under the covers for...oh 100 years or so.
       [Methos] I have no idea, you tend to do that when you're drunk,
       don't know why.
       Methos chuckles amused, following Nikki with his eyes as she
       moves across the room.
       [Nikki] I tend? Based on what? 2 times that you have seen me
       really plowed?
       [Methos] Apparently I'm irresistible when you're drunk.
       [Nikki] You know.....Freud said that what a person does
       drunk....what they say, think or do....is basically they way
       they really think and feel...the way they want to act when they
       are sober but are too inhibited. The alcohol only takes away the
       inhibitions....temporarily.
       Nikki says trying to sound logical as she starts to untie her
       robe...hesitates...then figures what the hell...too late now.
       [Nikki] Don't ask me why I said that. It just sounded good.
       Nikki adds with a giggle as she unties her robe and steps into
       her jeans.
       [Methos] Oh really? Is that supposed to mean something?
       Methos asks as he keeps looking at Nikki, wondering what he'd do
       if she did what she did last night but sober this time.
       [Nikki] I don't know. Does it?
       Nikki asks with a shrug as she puts on her blouse and tucks it
       into her jeans.
       Methos takes a deep breath as he decides to tell her why he said
       no last night.
       [Methos] Nikki, do you want to know why nothing happened last
       night?
       Nikki sits down in the chair and proceeds to but on her socks
       and boots.
       [Nikki] I would assume it was because you are either a gentleman
       who didn't want to take advantage of me in my state of mind or
       because I'm just plain out and out not your type.
       Nikki says as she pulls her boots on.
       [Methos] Because you're my friend, and because you were drunk. I
       wouldn't hesitate for a moment if it was one night stand, why
       should I care if she was drunk or not, but not you. I knew you'd
       end up regretting it and I don't want to be a regret.
       Methos says still looking at Nikki.
       [Methos] And I don't want to hurt you, try to seduce me sober
       and I'll consider it but not drunk.
       Methos could have added that as far as he knew she was also
       dating MacLeod, but decided to leave him out the conversation
       for now.
       Nikki looks up at Methos a bit surprised.
       [Nikki] First of all......I appreciate what you're saying.
       Believe me I do. But I feel I should clarify one point.
       Nikki says sitting back in the chair while still locking her
       gaze with his.
       [Methos] Which is?
       Methos asks raising an eyebrow.
       [Nikki] I can not fathom any situation...circumstance...or
       whatever in which I would ever regret anything about you. Since
       I have known you you have been more than just an Immortal
       acquaintance You have been my confidant..my sounding board....my
       teacher....my counselor...my smarm partner...my friend and my
       big brother. And if....for some unknown reason...we ever did
       change the level of our relationship....I can not imagine ever
       referring you as a regret. If anything...it's been a blessing
       knowing you.
       Nikki hears how mushy her words sound and she feels her cheeks
       redden.
       [Nikki] As for the last part of what you said.....
       Nikki the mischievous twinkle comes back into her eyes.
       [Nikki] Is that an invitation? Or a dare?
       Methos frowns for a moment wondering why he said that in the
       first place.
       [Methos] Hmm, a warning? You're not getting anything from me
       drunk. No matter what you say I'm not going to jeopardize our
       friendship for a roll in the hay so to speak.
       Methos explains then he smiles teasingly.
       [Methos] Feeling tempted?
       Nikki decides not to press the issue of what about sober. But
       she locks the memory of his exact words deep in her memory vault
       to be brought out at some later date....like maybe when she is
       on her death bed. In answer to his question she simply shakes
       her head as she gets to her feet and begins thread her belt
       through the belt loops of her jeans.
       [Nikki] Just clarifying.
       Nikki says simply and focuses on buckling her belt.
       [Nikki] So where are we having breakfast? How about someplace
       different than downstairs?
       [Methos] Yeah, now we know where we stand. No more
       misinterpretations.
       Methos nods as he gets to his feet.
       [Methos] And yes enough of serious talk, let's eat.
       [center]To be continued[/center]
       #Post#: 182--------------------------------------------------
       DISCOVERY Part 17
   DIR By: Cyberfox277
       Date: December 9, 2011, 5:48 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Nikki puts the rental car into gear and pulls out of the parking
       lot of the restaurant where she and Methos just had breakfast.
       [Nikki] Ooof!
       Nikki groans when the car rolls over a pot hole and the jarring
       sensation jostles her engorged stomach.
       [Nikki] I ate too much.
       Nikki moans.
       [Nikki] But I couldn't help it. Those were the best pancakes I
       have ever eaten.
       Methos stretches on the passenger's seat and moves a little to
       get a better position.
       [Methos] Yeah, so did I. We should walk instead of using the
       car.
       [Nikki] I know I couldn't walk. You would have to find a wheel
       barrow to put me in to get me back to the inn.
       Nikki says with a half hearted giggle.
       [Methos] I'm glad we have a car then.
       Methos looks out the window chuckling softly.
       [Nikki] And since when are you pro exercise?
       Nikki asks as she brakes for a red light.
       [Methos] When I eat too much?
       Methos suggests turning his head to raise an eyebrow at her.
       Nikki glances over at Methos with a doubtful expression on her
       face.
       [Nikki] I always thought you were a devout believer of the art
       of laziness.
       Nikki says teasingly.
       [Nikki] I thought exercise was against your religion.
       [Methos] Oh don't get me wrong, nothing too much just a stroll
       or something.
       Methos clarifies with a smile, thinking she'd be surprised if
       she knew.
       [Methos] And I might surprise you one of these days, you know?
       Nikki snorts as the light turns green and she moves through the
       intersection.
       [Nikki] Yeah...well you always do.
       Nikki chides softly.
       [Methos] Oh really?
       Methos asks apparently pleased with himself.
       [Methos] Good, don't want to be predictable.
       [Nikki] It's always nice to have something to aspire to.
       Nikki says with a smarmy smirk.
       Liam closes the financial ledger he has spent the morning
       working on and puts it in one of the file cabinet drawers behind
       him.
       [Liam] Well.....I guess I can't put it off any longer.
       Liam says aloud to the empty office. He picks up his cell phone
       off of the desk top and dials Beth's number but it goes straight
       to voice mail. He doesn't leave a message...since he has already
       left several throughout the course of the morning. He stands up,
       puts his phone in it's "holster" on his belt and stretches out
       his stiff muscles.
       [Methos] To aspire for something better is the greatest impulse
       to civilization. We'd all still be living in caves if we didn't
       aspire for something better.
       Methos points out with a smile while he turns his head to look
       outside again.
       [Methos] And we'd have to fight with flint axes or something.
       [Nikki] Caves aren't such a bad thing. I know of a couple that
       are pretty neat. They'd make really great places to live. A
       little lace...some paint....mood lighting... They would be
       something different. Unique.
       Nikki poofs her hair with her hand.
       [Methos] Oh yeah, great view and all.
       [Nikki] Unique like me. One of a kind.
       Methos shakes his head chuckling softly.  He turns his head and
       eyes Nikki for a moment, then he says teasingly.
       [Methos] Hmm, and I love when you're modest like that.
       [Nikki] Yeah...well...I don't believe in false modesty.
       Nikki quips.
       [Nikki] If you got it...flaunt it. And I definitely got it.
       Nikki says as though she is thoroughly convinced that she's got
       it....whatever it is.
       [Methos] Oh yes, you have a certain je ne sais quois.
       Methos nods in what he hoped was a convincing nod.
       Liam leaves his office and and goes upstairs to his bedroom
       where he proceeds to take a shower, shave and get dressed in
       clean (and more presentable) attire.
       [Nikki] I'm glad you finally realize that.
       Nikki says as she turns onto the street the inn is on.
       Liam heads back downstairs and looks for Mrs. O’Brien When he
       finds her he asks if she has seen Beth at all or knows where she
       might be but Mrs. O’Brien is of no help so he walks over to the
       table by the front door and takes out a pad of paper and quickly
       scribbles a note to Beth explaining where he has gone.
       [Methos] Better late than never.
       Methos smirks amused, apparently she didn't know je ne sais
       quois meant I don't know what, so actually he didn't tell her
       what it was.
       A car turns out of an ally and pulls in front of Nikki causing
       her to have to slam on her brakes.
       [Nikki] Hey motha....
       Nikki catches herself and her cheeks blush bright red.
       [Nikki] I mean...watch where you're going, fool.
       Nikki corrects her near mistake.
       [Methos] Wow, I didn't know you blushed when you swore.
       Methos bursts out laughing looking at Nikki.
       [Methos] How very ladylike.
       [Nikki] Only when I get caught.
       Nikki says matter of factually
       [Nikki] I thought only the idiots in Seacouver drove like that.
       I guess being an idiot driver is a global thing.
       Nikki says only halfway jokingly.
       [Methos] Being an idiot doesn’t depend on nationality.
       Methos shrugs looking around to the traffic.
       Liam sticks the note to Beth into the frame of the mirror above
       the table so she will see it when she walks through the door,
       grabs his coat and decides he won't need his sword so he leaves
       it and heads out the door.
       [Nikki] Obviously.
       Nikki says in agreement as she steers around the slower vehicle.
       [Nikki] Makes you wonder the intelligence of the motor vehicle
       department in giving some people drivers licenses.
       [Methos] Just try to get us back to the inn in one piece, will
       you?
       Methos says relaxing back on his seat.
       [Methos] Don't want to end up in an Irish morgue.
       [Nikki] Would you like to drive?
       Nikki asks a bit sarcastically.
       [Methos] You want to switch sides when we're almost at the inn?
       I don't think so.
       Methos shakes his head disbelievingly.
       [Nikki] Didn't think so.
       Nikki mumbles.
       Liam drives down the long dirt road to the main road that goes
       into town.
       Nikki drives the rest of the way to the inn a bit more
       cautiously than before now that she has realized that bad
       drivers aren't limited to American cities.
       [Methos] Any idea what to do next?
       Methos asks wondering why they were even going back to the inn
       instead of going back to the farm where Nikki thought she saw
       her father.
       [Nikki] About what?
       Nikki asks not quite understanding the question.
       [Methos] What do you mean about what? About what you saw
       yesterday, what else?
       Methos tells Nikki with a puzzled frown.
       [Methos] It's going back to the farm or leave.
       Nikki chews on her bottom lip as she considers the choices
       Methos has given her.
       [Nikki] I hate multiple choice when there isn't enough choices
       to choose from.
       Nikki complains.
       Liam places his right arm on the drivers door window "sill" ,
       rests his left wrist on the top of the steering wheel and
       slightly slumps back in his seat. Although he looks perfectly
       relaxed he is actually the opposite....his mind reeling with
       possible scenarios of what could happen once he gets into town.
       [Nikki] Sooo....if my choices are A or B....I choose C.
       Nikki says as she flips on the turn signal and prepares to turn
       into the small parking area in front of the inn.
       [Methos] Don't see any other option.
       Methos shrugs unconcerned.
       [Methos] Unless it's waiting Joe calls back.
       [Nikki] Well....for one thing....you still haven't made
       arrangements for getting your new horse from Ireland to the US.
       Nikki says as she checks for any oncoming traffic.
       [Methos] No, he's going to England, I have a little house there.
       Methos smiles mysteriously, hoping she doesn't ask anything
       about it.
       [Nikki] And...to be perfectly honest....I'm not quite ready to
       go home yet. But not because I have any intention of going back
       to that ranch. Now that I know what I know....I'm not sure I
       want to do anything about it. I mean...what can I do about it?
       Nikki pulls into a space between two parked cars and shuts off
       the engine. She unbuckles her seat belt and turns to look at
       Methos...leaning her back against the drivers door.
       [Nikki] I mean...it's not like I can go to the cops and tell
       them some guy has stolen my dead father's identity. And..oh
       yeah...my father's been dead over 100 years.
       Nikki snickers.
       [Nikki] That would go over real well.
       Methos looks at Nikki for a moment, not sure how he could put
       this without hurting her too much.
       [Methos] Don't you think it's a big coincidence? I mean I'd
       assume it's the same man.
       [Nikki] Same as what exactly?
       Nikki asks Methos with a questioning look.
       [Methos] Isn't it possible your father is an Immortal?
       Methos asks Nikki wondering why she finds it so hard to believe.
       [Methos] Ever saw him injured? Or really sick?
       Nikki shakes her head emphatically
       [Nikki] If my father had been an Immortal...he would have known
       I was going to become one some day and would have prepared me
       for it. He never would have let me go out into the world
       completely unsuspecting and unprepared.
       Nikki states as if it were a written law that was carved in
       stone.
       [Methos] Maybe he didn't find a way to tell you? Or maybe he
       wanted you to have a normal life as long as possible.
       Pre-Immortals aren't supposed to be told about it, remember?
       Methos reminds Nikki looking at her with a puzzled frown, she
       was old enough to know about this.
       Nikki continues to shake her head.
       [Nikki] No. Not my father. He was a painfully honest man. He was
       also a very protective father. Although he claimed his
       protectiveness to be logic. He went against my mother's wishes
       and taught me things she didn't want me to learn but that he
       knew I would need someday to survive. Like teaching me to box
       when I was 9.
       Methos nods in agreement.
       [Methos] Yes, and riding and shooting I take it. But fencing
       it's different, he'd be afraid to cut you.
       [Nikki] He wasn't afraid of me getting hurt when he gave me a
       black eye during a boxing lesson.
       Nikki says with a snicker as she remembers how her father and
       her tried to keep her black eye hidden from her mother.
       [Methos] And how would he explain why you needed to learn
       fencing without explain what was coming?
       Methos points out raising an eyebrow at her.
       [Methos] Would you learn fencing just because?
       [Nikki] I may not have agreed with him as an adolescent...with
       some of the decisions he made for me...but I know that no matter
       how unfair they seemed at the time....he wanted the best for
       me...and for me to be the best I could be...at whatever I wanted
       to be. And he definitely would have died to keep me safe.
       Nikki sits up and reaches for the door handle.
       [Nikki] So there's no way he would have ever let me out into the
       real world without preparing me for the possibility of the
       inevitable.
       Methos shakes his head with a deep sigh, she's so sure of
       herself he can't keep insisting but deep inside he knows she's
       going to be really disappointed once she finds out the truth.
       [Methos] Fine, I give up.
       Methos murmurs after looking at her in silence for a while.
       [Nikki] That's why I have spent a century living with my guilt
       over the way I treated him...the way I left. He didn't deserve
       my wrath
       Nikki says sadly as she opens the car door and gets out.
       [Methos] You were a teenager, don't you know teenagers?
       Liam tenses as he passes the sign announcing, "welcome to
       Raheen".
       Methos says as he opens the door on his side and steps out of
       the car.
       [Nikki] That's just a poor excuse for bad behavior.
       Nikki says as she sets the car's alarm and walks toward the
       entrance of the inn.
       [Nikki] I'm not a teenager now and have learned that we must own
       our behavior...bad or good. Not just excuse it away.
       [Methos] Nah, all teenagers question authority, I'm sure I did
       even though I can't remember it.
       Methos shrugs following Nikki inside the inn.
       [Nikki] You still do.
       Nikki says with a small smirk as she opens the door to the inn
       and steps across the threshold
       [Methos] Exactly, that's why I'm so sure I did it.
       Methos nods chuckling softly.
       [Methos] I've been doing it all my life so it must have started
       in adolescence.
       As Nikki waits for Methos to join her she silently wishes he did
       remember his youth. She would love to know about the parents
       that raised him. What kind of people they were. Were they
       strict? Lenient? Did they want to pull their hair out because of
       some of the stunts he must have pulled.
       [Nikki] Probably earlier than that. You probably rebelled
       against your own birth in the womb.
       Nikki says teasingly.
       [Methos] I can't remember that far back.
       Methos smirks at Nikki before he enters the inn.
       [Methos] Want me to get the key? And see if anyone called?
       Nikki spies a rack of post cards near the front desk and walks
       over to it. She begins to examine each card...looking for the
       perfect ones to send home.
       [Nikki] One for Mand...one for Joe....and one for Ally.
       Nikki says to herself as she goes through the selections.
       Methos shrugs and moves on when he doesn't get an answer, he
       assumes the answer is yes, so he moves to the front desk. He
       asks the clerk for the key of their room and if they had any
       messages.
       [Liam] Now....where did Daniel say she was staying?
       Liam asks himself aloud.
       Methos walks back to Nikki, playing with the key, after he'd
       learned no one called. He smiles when he sees her still picking
       postcards, did she have so many people to write back at the
       States?
       [Liam] Oh yeah. The Shamrock Inn.
       Liam says with a nod. He knows exactly where it is as he has
       frequented the tavern and entered many a dart tournament there
       so he points his truck in that direction.
       Nikki loses herself in the choices of post cards...gratefully
       forgetting the topic of their earlier conversation.
       [Methos] Are you going to send a postcard to every kid on the
       ranch?
       Methos asks with a smile once he gets near Nikki.
       [Methos] You have quite a bunch of them.
       Liam turns onto the Shamrock Inn's street and slows down as he
       approaches the inn. Because it is a small inn...the parking area
       it provides for its customers is very small and because it is a
       weekend...the parking area is full leaving no place for Liam to
       park his truck so he passes up the inn and drives around the
       country block until he locates an open spot to park his truck
       in. He gets out, locks the truck up and heads back to the inn.
       Not wanting to walk the long way...Liam takes a "shortcut"
       through an ally that provides delivery trucks access to the
       backs of the businesses...including the inn.
       [Nikki] Oh....yeah. The kids.
       Nikki says realizing she had forgotten the ranch's residents and
       she grabs a few more.
       [Methos] Oh no, I shouldn't have said a thing.
       Methos shakes his head chuckling softly.
       [Methos] Why don't you just buy them all?
       Nikki looks at him daringly.
       [Nikki] You think I wouldn't?
       Liam finally arrives at the back of the inn just as one of the
       cooks comes out the back door and tosses out the contents of a
       mop bucket causing him to have to do a quick side step to keep
       from getting splashed.
       [Methos] Oh I know you would. Only need a couple more anyway.
       Methos chuckles softly looking at the postcards in Nikki's hand.
       Nikki reaches for a postcard and suddenly feels the hairs on the
       nap of her neck raise as an Immortal buzz washes over and
       through her. She freezes in place and glances at Methos.
       [Nikki] I think we have company.
       Nikki says in a voice so soft it is almost a whisper.
       Methos quickly looks around when he feels an Immortal buzz.
       [Methos] I think you're right, let's go to the room, I have the
       key.
       Methos suggests shaking the key in front of them.
       Nikki nods in agreement and puts the postcards she has chosen
       back in the rack. She turns away from the rack to follow Methos
       upstairs but stops. She reaches out and places her hand on
       Methos' arm to stop him.
       [Nikki] Wait.
       Nikki says and looks him dead in the eye.
       [Nikki] You can go up if you want to but I'm not going to run
       from this. If it's him....I need to deal with it.
       Nikki says...suddenly looking very mature...very wise.
       [Methos] What if it isn't?
       Methos asks frowning at her.
       [Methos] Are you willing to risk it?
       [Nikki] Well...if it isn't....then it won't take me long to
       eliminate the problem. I need the exercise anyway. After that
       huge breakfast...I may not fit in my travel clothes.
       Nikki quips light heartedly.
       [Methos] Or the problem eliminating you. Can go either way,
       remember?
       Methos points out as his frown deepens.
       [Methos] Especially with unknown Immortals.
       Liam follows the alley around the back of the building and down
       the side. A quarter of the way down the side of the inn he feels
       the buzz of an Immortal and he instinctively tenses up.
       [Liam] Yeah...real bright, Flynn. What if it isn't her? You left
       your sword at home. Smart. Real smart. Asal poil.
       Liam mutters to himself.
       [Nikki] You know....your confidence in me is astounding.
       Nikki says in a tone that is heavy with sarcasm and she glares
       at Methos.
       [Nikki] Just once...would it kill you to give me some credit?
       Nikki asks as she brushes past him and heads for the side door
       of the inn....which is the direction the buzz seems to be
       emulating from.
       [Methos] I knew you'd say that. But do you think any Immortal
       expects to die when they engage a fight?
       [Nikki] Pog mo asal!
       Nikki hisses which is Gaelic for kiss my ass.
       Methos shakes his head with a sigh, looking after Nikki, of
       course she wouldn't listen. He takes a deep breath and decides
       to follow Nikki outside but using the front door instead.
       [Methos] That's what you get for not minding your own business,
       wouldn't it be ironic I lose my head after 5.000 years because
       of this joke? You're starting to act like MacLeod. old man.
       Methos grumbles under his breath while he walks outside.
       Liam approaches the side entrance to the inn's pub and briefly
       considers entering through it but decides to go in from the
       front of the inn as it is a bit more public...which is a good
       thing since he is currently unarmed.
       Methos stops at the entrance trying to find out where is the
       Immortal he just felt, so far he doesn't see anyone until he
       sees a man coming out of the side alley. He wonders if it's him
       he can't see any sword with him.
       Liam feels the buzz get stronger as he moves past the side door.
       He hesitates...thinking maybe he should duck into the pub but
       decides to go with his first instinct and turns back towards the
       front of the building.
       Methos decides to try something and starts walking in that
       direction, if it's him he'd go back to the alley where Nikki
       would be, judging by the door she'd used.
       Liam gets to the end of the alley and instinctively glances
       around the corner...looking both ways before moving further. He
       comes to a complete stop when he sees a man in a long rain coat
       exit the front of the inn. A trained eye spots the unusual fold
       of the rain coat and he determines it is from a sword sheathed
       into the lining of the coat. Without a conscious thought, Liam
       takes a few steps backward and moves back into the alley.
       Methos slowly walks to the entrance of the alley, then he leans
       casually against the building wall, looking down and polishing
       his finger nails against his sweater.
       [Methos] Nice day for a walk, huh? I see you like to travel
       light.
       Methos tells the stranger looking up and giving him his Adam
       Pierson look.
       [Liam] Aye. Not much call for all that accessorizing here in
       Raheen.
       Liam says casually...his brogue a bit thicker than usual. He
       glances around to see if there might be any uninvited witnesses.
       [Methos] Oh really? What about people visiting? You don't
       exactly live in a desert island you know?
       Methos asks slightly amused the man called accessory to a sword.
       Liam shrugs noncommittally
       [Liam] Been here going on 20 years and you're only the third
       "special" tourist I've come across.
       Liam says making quotation marks in the air with his fingers.
       [Methos] And the other two tourists, didn't bother you?
       Methos asks still amused at the man.
       [Liam] Considering they were both very beautiful ladies....I'd
       say that I probably bothered them more than they bothered me.
       Liam says half confidently and half jokingly.
       [Methos] Hmm, always complicated to bother a woman with a sword.
       Thought you should know better.
       Methos can't help to chuckle softly.
       [Liam] I like challenge.
       Liam says with a chuckle.
       [Liam] Keeps me young.
       Liam adds with a mischievous wink.
       [Methos] Oh really? Is that supposed to mean something?
       Methos asks raising an eyebrow at the unknown man.
       [Liam] You know....if you're interested....there is always a
       rousing dart tournament in the pub on Friday nights. And if
       you're a betting man...there's a bit of cash to be won.
       Liam changes the subject.
       [Methos] I wasn't referring to those challenges, you know? Isn't
       our game more interesting?
       Methos asks teasing the man to see his reaction, he was unarmed
       after all.
       [Liam] Aye....for some maybe. But there's no money in it.
       Personally I prefer games of chance when I can walk away with a
       few duckets in me pocket.
       Liam says with a mischievous snicker.
       Methos frowns studying the man, wondering if this guy is for
       real or is just a very good actor. One thing is certain if it
       was him unarmed he wouldn't be this relaxed.
       [Methos] Yes, but our bets are higher, it's all or nothing.
       Nikki quietly opens the side door of the inn's pub and peers
       into the alley. She sees Methos leaning casually against the
       wall of the building at the end of the alley. The man she saw in
       the barn is standing between her and Methos with his back to
       her. When he doesn't turn around to look at her she realizes
       that the strong buzz Methos puts out is masking her own and the
       man standing between them is unaware of her presence.
       Liam shrugs and slowly shakes his head disappointedly.
       Methos sees Nikki come out of the building but gives away
       nothing while he keeps looking at the man.
       [Liam] I guess there are those of us who look at life...and the
       "game"....
       Liam makes quotation marks in the air with his fingers.
       [Liam] ...that way. Personally...and maybe it's just because I'm
       Irish...I look at life as a chance to find enjoyment every
       chance I get.
       Methos shrugs indifferently still leaning against the building.
       [Methos] Well, I'm not one of them, besides I try not to take
       heads on weekends. Everyone deserves a break.
       Methos adds with a smirk, thinking he avoids that every day of
       the week.
       Nikki steps out of the building without making a sound....(a
       talent she learned during the time she spent living with and
       learning from the Lakota. She holds onto the door so that it
       closes without making a noise. Once the door is closed she
       reaches into the lining or her duster and takes hold of the hilt
       of her sword. Silently, she unsheathes it and twists it into
       position as she soundlessly moves toward the man standing
       between her and Methos.
       [Liam] Well....I appreciate that.
       Liam says and doffs his invisible hat.
       [Liam] And to show my gratitude....why don't you let me buy you
       a beer?
       Liam adds with a sincere grin.
       [Methos] Yes, but I don't drink with people I don't know, you
       are?
       Methos relaxes now that Nikki is in the alley the man can't
       escape that way, so he raises an eyebrow pretending to be
       puzzled for a moment.
       [Liam] I'm sorry. I totally forgot my manners. The name's Liam.
       Liam Flynn. And you are....?
       Liam says and wonders if he should extend his hand in a peaceful
       greeting gesture.
       [Methos] I'm Adam Pierson.
       Methos extends his hand slowly to create a diversion, judging by
       Nikki's position he'd never get to shake it anyway. It's hard to
       believe the man didn't realize she was right behind him.
       Nikki steps up behind the man between her and Methos and in one
       silent and swift move...whips the blade of her sword around and
       brings it up to the front of the man's throat and presses the
       sharpened edge against his Adam’s apple.
       Liam freezes and holds his breath...taken completely by
       surprise.
       [Nikki] I just want to know two things before I separate your
       head from your body.
       Nikki hisses into the man's ear.
       [center]To be continued[/center]
       #Post#: 183--------------------------------------------------
       DISCOVERY Part 18
   DIR By: Cyberfox277
       Date: December 9, 2011, 6:26 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Liam feels the sharp edge of the blade against his throat and he
       resists the urge to swallow.
       [Nikki] Who are you and why are you pretending to be my dead
       father?
       Nikki asks in a menacing whisper.
       Liam closes his eyes as he realizes who is controlling the blade
       against his throat. Several times during the last century he had
       imagined many different scenarios of how his reunion with his
       daughter might play out and even more so within the last few
       hours. But this was not one of them.
       Nikki becomes impatient when she doesn't get an answer to her
       question and she presses her blade harder against the man's
       throat.
       [Nikki] I asked you a question.
       Nikki says forcefully.
       Methos takes a deep breath keeping an eye on them, wondering if
       he should say something, he's not about to let Nikki kill her
       own father.
       [Liam] My name is Liam Patrick Flynn.
       Liam says softly.
       Nikki presses her blade even harder against the man's throat and
       a tiny drop of blood beads up on the shiny steel
       [Nikki] Liam Patrick Flynn is dead.
       Nikki says emphatically.
       [Liam] Nay, súile geal. Tá mé an-beo i bhfad níos.
       Liam says (which is Gaelic for No Bright Eyes. I am very much
       alive.).
       Nikki feels a knot in her stomach when she hears the name her
       father had always called her...a name she had never shared with
       anyone. The revelation has shaken her resolve and the pressure
       of her blade lessens slightly.
       Liam feels the edge of the blade against his throat become less
       tight and takes the opportunity to swallow and then he opens his
       eyes.
       Nikki recovers her resolve and hisses, “You're a liar and a
       thief!”
       [Liam] I am guilty of a lot of things, Nicayla. But identity
       theft is not one of them. So if you feel I deserve to lose my
       head...at least take it for the crimes I am guilty of.
       Liam says in a soft and even voice.
       Methos almost rolls his eyes when he hears this. Great another
       would-be martyr, another Celtic ready to die for a cause, just
       where did he did he see this before? He shakes his head
       thinking about MacLeod.
       Nikki releases her grip on the man, grabs his shoulders and
       forcibly turns him around to face her while slamming him
       backwards against the wall of the building. She steps close and
       as she replaces her blade against his throat she looks into the
       man's eyes. What she sees shakes every fiber of her being.
       Liam is slammed against the wall hard enough to knock the wind
       out of him. As he inhales he looks into the emerald green eyes
       of the woman only inches away. Even though they are clouded with
       doubt, suspicion and confusion they are as he remembers
       them...as green as a brilliant emerald with a thin gold ring
       around each iris.
       The alley disappears as Nikki stares into her father's eyes and
       she is suddenly 8 years old and standing on the top of her
       father's feet as they polka around the front yard of her
       childhood home. One of the ranch hands is standing on the front
       porch and playing a lively Irish polka on his harmonica. Nikki's
       mother is sitting on the porch in her rocking chair, rocking in
       time with the music and laughing cheerfully as she strings and
       snaps a bowl of green beans. A couple of the other ranch hands
       are leaning against the white picket fence that surrounds her
       mother's perfectly manicured front yard and they are clapping in
       time with the music. The sky is a bright blue and everyone is
       truly happy...not care in the world. When 8 year old Nikki looks
       up into her father's laughing eyes she knows that in that moment
       she is all that he sees and that she is loved.  Then the scene
       fades and Nikki is once again in the alley staring into the eyes
       of the man she has thought to be dead for over a century.
       [Nikki] It's impossible.
       Nikki whispers but she knows that it's true and she slowly moves
       her blade away from Liam's throat and takes a step backwards.
       Liam breathes a cautious sigh of relief when the blade is no
       longer pressing against his Adam's Apple without breaking his
       locked gaze with his daughter.
       Nikki stares at the man she has backed against the wall in shock
       and dismay. Nothing feels real. It's as if she were in a dream
       that she can't wake from and somewhere deep inside she wonders
       if this is how Alice felt when she fell through the looking
       glass.
       Liam continues to stand with his back against the wall of the
       building. He watches his daughter's eyes as she processes what
       she has just learned.
       After what seems like an eternity, Nikki blinks and looks her
       father over from toe to head. Suddenly she drops her sword and
       it clatters to the ground, echoing in the alley. The expression
       her face changes from shock and disbelief to one of anger. She
       steps forward and slaps Liam across the face
       [Nikki] Tu' mac de soith!
       Nikki exclaims (which is Gaelic for you son of a ****.). Tears
       well up in her eyes and spill down her cheeks as she doubles up
       her fists and repeatedly pummels Liam's chest.
       [Nikki] How could you?
       Nikki cries out.
       [Nikki] You knew and never prepared me. You never sought me out.
       You let me believe you were dead. You...you abandoned me.
       Liam gently grabs Nikki's upper arms to hold her back but he
       doesn't stop her from pounding her fists against his chest.
       Methos sighs as he moves away from the wall and gently pulls
       Nikki away from the man.
       [Methos] I think you had quite enough, is that going to solve
       anything?
       Methos asks Nikki in a soft voice.
       [Methos] Remember what I've told you before?
       Nikki covers her face with her hands and leans into Liam. She
       buries her face in his chest and sobs quietly.
       Liam gently wraps his arms around his daughter and holds her
       tightly. He closes his eyes with a sad sigh.
       Methos shakes his head as he lets her go again, he should have
       expected tears now.
       Nikki cries until there are no more tears left and, although
       feeling her father's arms around makes her feel safer than she
       has in over a century she pushes herself back and wipes her face
       with her hands. She looks up at Liam, reaches up and
       gently...almost timidly...touches his cheek.
       Liam releases Nikki when she pushes away from him. Looking into
       her eyes as she touches his cheek he no longer sees a strong,
       confident and angry Immortal bent on taking his head. Instead he
       sees the innocent and trusting little girl he called Súile
       Geal...the little girl who had been the center of his universe
       for 15 years...his savior...his reason for waking up each
       morning after his beloved wife and Nikki's mother had passed
       away.
       [Nikki] It is you.
       Nikki says as she looks into Liam's eyes.
       [Liam] Aye. Tis me, Súile Geal.
       Liam whispers with a nod.
       Methos almost blinks in surprise, where did this Nikki come
       from? She'd passed from an angry Immortal to this? It's almost
       like he didn't know her anymore.
       Nikki slowly lowers her hand from Liam's face.
       [Nikki] And I'm not dreaming?
       Nikki asks softly.
       [Liam] No, my Angel. You are not dreaming.
       Liam answers with a smile.
       Nikki steps back and looks him up and down again then slowly
       shakes her head.
       [Nikki] I can't believe it.
       Nikki whispers.
       [Nikki] I thought....
       Liam lowers his eyes.
       [Liam] I know. Believe me....I am ashamed of my cowardice
       Liam says sadly.
       [Liam] I know you probably have a million questions that you
       deserve answers to.
       Liam says looking back at Nikki.
       [Liam] And I have a million apologies to make to you. I will do
       all of that but can we at least take this somewhere other that
       this alley? Somewhere a little less public?
       Liam asks glancing around.
       [Liam] Unless...that is....
       Liam says looking back at Nikki then at her friend.
       [Liam] ...you still want to take my head.
       Remembering where they are, Nikki glances around nervously. She
       squats down and picks up her sword then looks up at her father
       and shakes her head.
       [Nikki] I don't.
       Nikki says simply.
       [Methos] Don't look at me. I'm out.
       Methos tells Liam with a smirk as he passes the key to Nikki.
       [Methos] Here you can go to the room, I'll be at the bar.
       Nikki shoots Methos a pleading look hoping words won't be
       necessary.
       Methos looks at Nikki for a moment and nods.
       Liam notices the look in Nikki's eyes and understands its
       meaning. He completely understands his daughter's need for
       someone she trusts being there for moral support.
       [Methos] Fine, I'll go with you.
       Methos agrees with a sigh, he could use a beer right now after
       all the commotion.
       Nikki mouths the words, "thank you" to Methos as she takes the
       key from him.
       [Nikki] Let's use the back entrance.
       Nikki suggests and sheathes her sword in her coat then leads the
       way to the back door of the inn.
       [Methos] Maybe we could stop at the bar and take something on
       the way.
       Methos suggests following Nikki inside but keeping an eye on
       Liam.
       Liam follows his daughter to the door of the inn.
       Nikki opens the door and looks back to make sure her father was
       following.
       Liam reaches over Nikki's head and grabs the edge of the
       door...holding it open for her and her friend.
       [Nikki] We'll wait for you at the stairs.
       Nikki says to Methos as they pass the bar.
       As Liam waits with his daughter at the foot of the stairs for
       her friend his mind races over the things he needs and wants to
       say to Nicayla once they are upstairs.
       Methos gets three beer bottles at the bar, in case they want one
       and joins them at the stairs.
       [Methos] Hmm, don't know, maybe I should have brought four.
       Methos murmurs to himself looking down, when he realizes he'd
       only have one if they both want a beer.
       Nikki leads the way upstairs....still feeling as though she were
       in a Disney animated film.
       [center]To be continued[/center]
       #Post#: 203--------------------------------------------------
       DISCOVERY Part 19
   DIR By: Cyberfox277
       Date: December 26, 2011, 9:23 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]***2 Hours later***[/center]
       [Liam] But no matter what....I was always nearby.
       Liam says softly as he leans forward...his arms resting on his
       knees.
       Nikki glances at Methos as she thinks....maybe we should make
       him my Watcher.
       [Nikki] Always?
       Nikki asks in a small voice.
       Liam nods with a smile.
       Methos bites his lower lip trying not to say something, he
       realizes this is their moment. Yes, he's been nearby but he'd
       also left her full of guilt for not treating him right in the
       past, when he didn't need to.
       [Liam] Haven't you ever wondered about the building that
       conveniently exploded during your battle with.....what was his
       name?
       Liam says thoughtfully then snaps his fingers and nods.
       [Liam] Harrison.
       Nikki remembers the incident he is talking about. She had
       accepted a challenge from an opponent...who by all rights was a
       much more skilled fighter than she was and should have been the
       victor. But at the point when she had thought it was all over
       for her...the warehouse they had been battling outside of
       suddenly exploded...sending both she and her opponent sprawling.
       The distraction was the opening she needed and she had been able
       to get up, retrieve her sword before Harrison retrieved his and
       take his head. She had never thought about it because she had
       been happy to still be alive. At least not until now. Now she
       looks over at Liam...her mouth open.
       [Nikki] You?
       Liam glances over at Methos...smiles a bit slyly then winks.
       [Liam] Amazing what a few well placed sticks of dynamite can do.
       Nikki realizes her mouth is hanging open and she quickly closes
       it.
       [Nikki] So....you interfered.
       Nikki states more than asks.
       [Liam] Actually.....I was supposed to blow that building to
       cover up the fact that there was a stash of weapons hidden there
       by a....shall we say....rivalry? The explosion just went off
       ahead of time.
       Liam shrugs and holds his hands up.
       [Liam] Oops
       Liam says innocently.
       [Methos] Yes, I'd call that interfering.
       Methos nods with a slight smile glad that at least Nikki's
       father isn't a boyscout.
       Nikki sits back in her chair and lets out a long audible breath.
       [Liam] Well.....if you were able to keep your daughter from
       losing her head....
       Liam says looking over at Methos.
       [Liam] Wouldn't you?
       [Nikki] Thank you.
       Nikki says with honest gratitude.
       [Methos] Sure, I'd do it, but some people might object to that.
       Methos shrugs looking up at Liam.
       [Liam] I'm sure I have done a lot of things that some people
       would object to. Haven't we all?
       Liam points out in a friendly way.
       [Methos] I'm glad you did.
       [Nikki] Me too.
       Nikki says and looks over at Methos.
       [Nikki] I was definitely out matched. I was losing when the
       building exploded.
       Nikki explains.
       [Liam] I was around the day you faced down that kid in that
       little town you were sheriff of.
       Liam looks over at Methos.
       [Liam] No heroics needed that day.
       Liam says proudly.
       [Methos] What did you do then?
       Methos asks curiously wondering if he also interfered on that
       one.
       Nikki's cheeks blush and she looks at the toes of her boots.
       Liam sees his daughter blushing modestly and chuckles.
       [Liam] Nothing to be modest about, súile geal.
       Liam says softly then looks back over at Methos.
       [Liam] I didn't get to spend much time in the US during the Old
       West but during the time I was there I did manage to witness a
       few gun fights. Saw some of those with the reputation of being
       fast...and they were. I even got to see Annie Oakley perform and
       she was definitely up there with the best. But this one.....
       Liam nods toward Nikki.
       [Liam] Well.....she was just as fast. Her six shooter cleared
       her holster, fired and found its mark before the kid had his all
       of the way out of his holster.
       Liam says with obvious pride.
       [Nikki] I was just lucky.
       Nikki says modestly...hating all of this praise.
       [Liam] The kid had it coming from what I heard. He had been
       pestering you for a fight for several days....right?
       Nikki nods.
       [Nikki] Yeah. He was out for revenge and that was all he could
       see.
       [Methos] Yes, hard to avoid a fight when someone is out for
       revenge.
       Methos nods in agreement, thinking he'd been on both ways.
       Liam shakes his head.
       [Liam] Ahhh...youth. He didn't stand a chance but thought he
       did.
       [Nikki] Like I said....I was lucky.
       Nikki says softly...looking down at the floor.
       [Nikki] Not something I am proud of. He was just a boy.
       Nikki looks over at Methos.
       [Nikki] Maybe 14...15 years old. The gun probably belonged to
       his father and he probably never shot at anything but sticks and
       bottles until that afternoon.
       [Methos] A boy with a gun.
       Methos points out.
       [Methos] And ready to use it.
       Nikki looks back at Liam.
       [Nikki] Do you know how many times I wished you had been around?
       Nikki feels a lump growing in her throat and she swallows hard.
       [Nikki] How many times the loneliness...guilt....and yes...even
       fear made me wish I could feel you hold me again....so I could
       feel safe like I did when I was little?
       Nikki asks, her voice growing husky with emotion.
       Liam bites his lower lip and looks down at the floor.
       [Liam] I'm so sorry. I let my own guilt convince me that you
       were better off living your life as you were....better off
       without me.
       [Nikki] Your guilt?
       Nikki asks, quickly wiping away a stray tear and looking up at
       Liam.
       Liam nods without looking at his daughter.
       [Liam] I should have told you what you were and prepared you for
       what was to come. It is our unspoken duty when we find a
       pre-Immortal to help them prepare.
       Liam says quietly.
       [Nikki] Then why didn't you?
       [Liam] Your mother never knew what I was so how could I tell her
       about you? And she would have to know if I were going to train
       you. By the time she died I had almost wiped the truth from my
       mind....believed we were normal people living perfectly normal
       lives.
       Liam attempts to explain.
       [Liam] Then....after she passed....you became so
       rebellious....so angry at me and it seemed everything around you
       that I figured you were either going through a teenager’s phase
       or it was a form of morning and you would grow out of it or get
       over it then I would tell you.
       Liam looks up at Methos and nods, slightly, in agreement then
       looks back down.
       [Liam] But you never grew out of it. Of course...now I realize
       that was just an excuse.
       Liam looks back up at Nikki.
       [Methos] Don't blame yourself too much, you were probably trying
       to find an easy way to tell her and not shock her too much, only
       there isn't such a way.
       Methos tells Liam as takes Nikki's hand in his without realizing
       it.
       [Methos] We all have to take that shock someday.
       [Liam] I have beaten myself up over that decision and lived with
       the guilt of it ever since I heard about you getting killed the
       first time.
       Liam 's eyes are filled with regret as he looks pleadingly at
       his daughter.
       [Liam] I hope....now that you know the whole truth....that you
       will forgive me someday.
       Liam looks over at Methos, gratefully. As he does he notices the
       way Methos is holding Nikki's hand and he looks at the male
       Immortal...wondering what sort of man he is. Then he glances at
       his daughter and searches her face to see what she might be
       feeling.
       The brief silence gives Nikki a chance to take an emotional
       inventory and she realizes that one hand is trembling ever so
       slightly but not the other because it has a tight grip on
       another hand. She looks over at her hand clasped in Methos. She
       can't remember him even taking hold of her hand. Or did she seek
       out his? She can't remember. But there it is. Safely tucked
       inside the hand of her friend. Friend? Then why was her stomach
       filled with butterflies?
       Methos frowns when he realizes Nikki and him are holding hands.
       When did it happen? Did she take his hand or he took hers, he
       can't remember. He decides to leave them like that for the time
       being. The kid probably needed it... Kid? He side glances at
       Nikki and sees a beautiful woman. He blinks in surprise as he
       wonders why he always thought about her as a kid, had he
       unconsciously trying to substitute her father?
       Nikki looks back at her father. For some reason....the feel of
       her hand in Methos' seems calming and gives her strength.
       [Nikki] I do, Da.
       Nikki says sincerely.
       [Nikki] How can I not? I was no angel. I have never forgotten
       the things I said to you the night I left. You never deserved
       them. I was so wrong.
       Nikki admits.
       Methos looks at Nikki surprised she's forgiving her father so
       fast, usually she held a grudge for far longer than that, this
       soft forgiving girl sitting next to him is all new, he never
       thought he'd see the day.
       [Nikki] Can you forgive me?
       Nikki asks in the voice of an unsure girl.
       Liam slips out of his chair and kneels in front of Nikki. He
       takes hold of her free hand.
       Nikki gently slips her hand out of Methos' and places her hand
       over Liam's hands covering her hand.
       Liam slips one of his hands out from under Nikki's and lifts her
       chin so he can see her eyes with his fingertips.
       [Liam] There's nothing to forgive, súile geal.
       Liam says softly.
       Nikki looks into her father's eyes.
       [Nikki] Ditto.
       Nikki manages to say as she fights to not start to cry.
       The moment is broken by the sound of Liam's cell phone ringing
       and he scowls, then looks back at Nikki apologetically.
       Nikki smiles understandingly at Liam and nods her head.
       [Nikki] Go on. Take it.
       Nikki says quietly.
       Liam gets to his feet and takes his phone out of its pouch
       hooked to his belt.  He looks at the display screen to see who
       is calling...holds a finger up to Nikki and takes the call.
       [Methos] Are you alright?
       Methos whispers to Nikki while Liam is on the phone.
       Nikki looks over at Methos. She smiles gratefully at him and
       reaches over...placing her hand on his knee.
       [Nikki] I am. Thank you for being here.
       Nikki says sincerely...her voice almost a whisper.
       Methos smiles pleased but tries to frown at that.
       Liam finishes his call and flips his cell phone shut.
       [Methos] Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you didn't want me
       to come to Ireland with you. Remember?
       Methos says teasingly.
       [Liam] I'm sorry about that. We have another mare who just went
       into labor.
       Liam explains.
       [Liam] I'm afraid I'm going to have to go.
       Liam says as he shoves his phone back into its pouch.
       Nikki gets to her feet and walks over to Liam.
       Methos also gets to his feet.
       [Nikki] Ummm....I think we still have some unfinished business
       to complete, Mr. Flynn.
       Nikki says in voice that is a combination sophisticated business
       woman and playful child.
       Liam looks down at Nikki questioningly.
       [Nikki] A matter of the possible purchase of one or more of your
       stock?
       Nikki says trying to refresh his memory.
       Liam realizes what she is talking about and mouths the word,
       "wow", and nods his head affirmatively.
       [Liam] Aye. That we have, Miss Flynn.
       Liam says cheerfully.
       [Liam] What say you come back out to the ranch tomorrow....look
       around...stay for lunch....hell! Stay for lunch and dinner? Make
       a whole day of it.
       Liam suggests as he puts his coat on.
       Nikki glances back at Methos and quirks an eyebrow to see if he
       has any objections.
       [Methos] Fine, I'll take Miss Bright Eyes in the morning then.
       Methos answers realizing Nikki is waiting for his reply.
       Nikki looks back at her father, nodding enthusiastically.
       [Nikki] Tomorrow morning it is.
       Nikki says in confirmation.
       Liam's smile turns to a grin.
       Nikki walks over to the door of the room and says, "I'll walk
       you downstairs, Da" and opens the door.
       Liam shakes his head. He places his hands on Nikki's shoulders
       and looks down at her with a smile.
       [Liam] I think I can find my way downstairs by myself.
       Liam says light heartedly.
       [Nikki] I know....but....
       Nikki tries to protest.
       Liam places the tip of his finger on the tip of her nose and
       shakes his head as he furrows his brow in an attempt to look
       stern.
       Nikki recognizes that look and gives in.
       [Nikki] Ok.
       Nikki says submissively.
       Liam gently pulls her to him and kisses the top of her head.
       [Liam] Promise me that you will always remember something.
       Liam whispers into her hair.
       Nikki lays her head against her father's chest and listens to
       the rhythm of his heart beat.
       [Nikki] Anything.
       Nikki whispers back.
       [Liam] Never forget that no matter what....no matter where I am
       or what I am doing or you have done.....I have always loved you
       and I will always love you. You are my heart. Always have
       been...always will be.
       Liam whispers.
       Nikki wraps her arms around Liam and hugs him tightly in
       response.
       Liam gently pushes Nikki away after several seconds. He smiles
       at Methos then back at Nikki and then steps across the threshold
       into the hallway.
       [Liam] Amárach.
       Liam says (tomorrow in Gaelic) with a wave of his hand and he
       turns and disappears down the hallway.
       [Nikki] Amárach.
       Nikki says to the now empty hallway. She steps back into the
       room and closes the door. Then she turns and looks at Methos.
       [Nikki] Now.....as for you, mister....
       Nikki says and walks over to him.
       [Methos] Yes, Miss Bright Eyes?
       Methos asks teasingly looking down at her questioningly.
       Nikki places her hand on top of his and curls her fingers around
       it. She looks into his eyes then stands up on her toes, leans
       close and places a sweat kiss on the corner of his mouth.
       [Nikki] You're right.
       Nikki says in a soft voice.
       [Nikki] You're right. I was wrong.
       Nikki stands back down and smiles at him.
       [Nikki] If you hadn't....well.... the point is you did. You were
       right and I was wrong.
       Methos looks surprised for a moment, she admitted that so
       easily.
       Nikki says as she lets go of Methos' hand and holds both hands
       up in surrender.
       [Methos] Are you sure you're feeling alright? You look different
       somehow.
       Methos asks trying to find out what it is.
       Nikki glances into the mirror over the dresser and shrugs.
       [Methos] Well you look lighter, at peace, but...
       Methos frowns wondering if it was just that.
       [Nikki] I don't see any difference.
       [Methos] Oh I give up, it will come to me sooner or later.
       Methos shrugs after a while.
       [Nikki] What will?
       Nikki looks back at Methos questioningly.
       [Methos] The answer.
       [Nikki] Huh?
       Nikki says now that he has her completely confused.
       Methos shrugs again, then his stomach grumbles.
       [Methos] What about something to eat? I could eat something.
       Nikki rolls her eyes then giggles.
       [Nikki] Typical.
       Nikki says as she links her arm in his and steers him toward the
       door.
       [center]To be continued[/center]
       #Post#: 204--------------------------------------------------
       DISCOVERY Part 20
   DIR By: Cyberfox277
       Date: December 26, 2011, 9:30 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [center]***Some weeks later – Just after 12:00 PM***[/center]
       Liam pulls his truck up to the walkway leading to the front door
       of the main house after picnicking with Beth at their special
       place and stops. Before getting out he turns and looks at Beth.
       Liam: Before you get out.....I want to ask you a question.
       Liam says seriously...looking deep into her eyes.
       Beth looks back at Liam, wondering what he's going to ask since
       he looks so serious.
       Beth: What is it?
       Liam: I couldn't help but over hear your phone conversation
       earlier this morning about having to go back to London next week
       and it got me to thinking.
       Liam says then stops and takes a deep breath.
       Liam: Since you have been spending more time here....most of
       your time as it were....why not make it permanent so that you
       don't have to live in 2 places?
       Liam asks and unconsciously holds his breath while he waits for
       her answer.
       Beth furrows her brow slightly as she thinks about moving in
       with Liam and what all that would entail.
       Beth: I would need to call the university and see what can be
       done.  If I can work something out with them, then I don't see
       why it would be a problem.
       Beth smiles at Liam.
       
       Liam doesn't know why he had assumed that Beth would turn down
       his offer and he had prepared himself for that outcome so he is
       surprised when she says yes and it takes him a few seconds to
       respond.
       Liam: Yes? You're saying yes....right?
       
       Liam asks making sure he heard her right.
       
       Beth chuckles softly, her eyes glancing down before looking back
       at him.
       
       Beth: Yes, I'm saying yes. But I need to work things out with
       the university.
       
       Liam finds himself speechless so he simply leans across the
       console between the seats...lifts Beth's chin up with the tips
       of his fingers and kisses her softly.  He ends the kiss and
       leans back a few inches so he can see Beth's face.
       Liam: You get more beautiful by the minute.
       Liam says smiling adoringly.
       Beth smiles back at him.
       
       Beth: I'm glad you think so.
       Beth turns to look at Liam.
       
       Liam quickly kisses the tip of her nose then gets out of the
       truck...walks around to the passenger side....and helps Beth
       out. He grabs the picnic basket out of the bed of the truck and
       follows Beth into the house.
       Beth: While you're taking care of whatever it is that needs to
       be taken care of, I'll make a couple of phone calls. I'll still
       need to head to London from time to time to meet with my
       literary agent though.
       
       Liam hands Mrs. O’Brien, the housekeeper, the picnic basket as
       she hands him the mail...including a notice from the postman
       that there is a certified package and letter at the Post Office
       that he needs to sign for.
       
       Liam: I think I can live with that.
       
       Liam says...looking over his shoulder and grinning charmingly.
       
       Beth goes over to Liam and gives him a peck on the cheek.
       
       Beth: I'm sure the university will work with me on this. I
       haven't been doing any teaching recently, but that may change.
       We'll see. I may just have to find some place closer is all.
       Liam turns to the housekeeper and says, "Mrs. O’Brien? Take the
       night off. I'm going to make dinner for Miss Benton and myself."
       Then he looks back at Beth.
       Liam: I have to go into town to take care of this....
       Liam waves the postal notice in the air.
       Beth nods.
       Beth: I'll be right here when you get back.
       Liam: ....and I'll stop and get a bottle of wine to go with
       dinner. I'll be back in about an hour....an hour and a
       half....depending on the line at the Post Office.
       
       Liam says. He kisses Beth on the cheek and hurries out of the
       house.Once in town Liam parks in front of the Post Office and
       goes inside. He steps up to the end of the line waiting for the
       one and only counter and looks at the advertisement posters on
       the walls of the small Post Office without really seeing them.
       His thoughts are on Beth as he replays her acceptance of his
       offer over and over in his head.
       
       Scott drives his rental car past the city limit sign on the
       south side of town. He pulls into the first gas station he comes
       to and takes a small notebook out of the console between the
       seats and opens it up. He reviews the contents of one of the
       pages in the notebook then gets out and goes into the small
       convenience store to ask directions. A couple of minutes later
       he walks out of the little store with a bottle of soda in his
       hand...gets back into his car and drives out of the gas station.
       Several minutes later he sees the sign of the Inn, whose address
       was on the notebook page, and he looks for a place to park.
       Unfortunately the small area used as a parking lot is full and
       there is nothing on the street so he has to drive past it in
       search of a parking place. He finally finds one a couple of
       blocks away almost in front of the small town's Post Office. He
       pulls into the parking spot, gets out of the car and retrieves
       his luggage from the car's trunk.
       
       Liam 's daydream is interrupted when he feels a distant buzz of
       another Immortal. He clears his head of the daydream's haze and
       looks out the big window of the Post Office. All he can see are
       the mail boxes standing at the curb in front of the building,
       the flag pole and cars parked in front of the Post Office. The
       only people he can see are those inside the building standing in
       line as he is and he already knows that they are all Mortals.
       
       Scott feels an Immortal buzz and looks around. Not seeing anyone
       he shrugs and closes the trunk lid and head for the Inn to get a
       room. He's not sure just how long he will be staying in town but
       he doubts it will take him more than a couple of days to find
       who he is looking for and tending to business. When he gets to
       the Inn he walks inside and up to the front desk and registers
       for a room. When he gets his key he goes upstairs and uses the
       bathroom before opening his bag and taking out a fresh shirt.
       Hechanges into the clean shirt and looks in his bag for his
       deodorant Then he remembers having run out of it yesterday
       morning. He also remembers seeing a discount store kitty corner
       across the street from the Inn so he puts his bag in the closet
       and leaves the room.
       
       Liam signs for his items and walks out of the post office
       looking at the envelope of the certified letter. He gets into
       his truck and tears the envelope open. He quickly scans the
       contents of the letter and...determining that the information
       isn't something dire...puts the package and opened envelope on
       the passenger seat. He digs in his pants pocket for his keys.
       
       Scott walks out of the Inn and, after checking the traffic
       situation, hurries across the street and heads for the store.
       
       Liam pulls his keys out of his pocket and, as he sticks them
       into the truck's ignition, he feels an Immortal buzz again. He
       sits up, alert, and frowns as he looks around.
       
       Beth heads to her little corner in Liam's office. She turns on
       her laptop and begins hunting down numbers she needs to talk
       with her department head.
       
       Scott reaches for the door of the store as he feels the presence
       of an Immortal again and he thinks to himself....”is there more
       than one of them in this town? Or is it the same one as
       earlier?” Although there's a part of him that wants to check it
       out he isn't ready. He didn't bring his sword with him because
       he just planned on making a quick purchase in the store and go
       back to his room. So he shuts out the voice of the his reckless
       self and quickly enters the store.
       
       Beth makes the phone call she needs to only to be stopped by the
       English department head's voice mail. She leaves a message about
       needing to speak with her and hangs up. After that is completed,
       Beth sorts through various emails before she goes back to work
       on a piece of writing that is due in a few weeks for a literary
       journal.
       
       Liam lets his hand fall away from the keys now hanging from the
       ignition and it drops down between the drivers seat and the
       center console and his fingers tickle the hilt of his sword. He
       carefully..and thoroughly...surveys his surroundings but the
       only people he sees on the street are an elderly couple
       strolling hand in hand in front of the store across the street
       as the door of the store swings shut.
       
       Scott makes his purchase and heads for the door. His attention
       is grabbed by a postcard and he stops to look at it closer.
       
       Beth grabs a pad of paper and begins to jot down all she'll need
       from her place in Cornwall. She's thinking it would probably be
       best to put a lot of her things in storage and then rent the
       house out during tourist season. That means needing to call a
       realtor or someone of that sort to settle that.
       
       Liam decides that he would be remiss if he didn’t check things
       out. Basically he has come to consider Raheen as HIS town
       because, up until his daughter and her friend had come to town
       looking for him....he had never felt another Immortal.
       Now....here he was....feeling the third one in the span of a
       year and a half. He gets out of his truck and inconspicuously
       sheathes his sword under his coat and walks down the street
       towards the alley by the Inn where his daughter had cornered him
       a year and a half ago.
       
       Scott decides to buy a couple of the postcards on the rack he is
       looking at and takes them up to the check out counter.
       
       Beth finishes her to-do list and place it on back on the desk
       and goes back to her work.
       
       Liam gets to the entrance to the alley by the Inn and
       stops....looking around for anyone suspiciously Seeing none
       except for the elderly couple still strolling down the street,
       he enters the alley and positions himself behind a stack of
       plastic dairy crates against the wall of the Inn as he has a
       clear view of most of the main street that goes in front of the
       Inn, Post Office and the store across the street.If whoever he
       had felt is in one of the shops along the street they would have
       to come out eventually and Liam will be able to see them when
       they do.
       
       As Scott reaches for the door of the store he feels the Immortal
       buzz get stronger and he stops...looking out the store's front
       window. The fact that he doesn't see anyone makes him even more
       cautious. "I'm not in the mood for surprises," he thinks to
       himself. He looks around the store and sees a sign over a door
       at the back of the store that says, "Restrooms" and "Emergency
       Exit" so he heads for the door. He waits until the cashier isn't
       paying attention to him and slips through the door...down the
       hallway and out the store's back door.
       
       Beth glances up from her work and looks at the time wondering
       where Liam is. She shrugs it off and thinks he probably had
       things to do in his other office.
       
       Scott walks casually along the west bound street until it comes
       to an end at a small park. He enters the park with a small pond.
       He enters the park and walks around to the far side of the pond
       and sits on a picnic bench...keeping his eyes on the direction
       that he had come.
       [center]***1 1/2 hours later***[/center]
       On several occasions, Beth has stopped to her work to wonder
       where Liam is at, now she is well and truly worried. Her mind
       hasn't been on her work for the past 45 minutes. Whatever she
       wrote would more than likely have to be redone.
       The bell in the bell tower of Raheen's Town Hall rings...echoing
       across the valley the small town is nestled in and Liam looks at
       his watch. When he sees how long he has been waiting he frowns
       and reluctantly decides that whoever it was had somehow managed
       to elude him...for the time being. He leaves the cover of the
       stack of plastic crates and heads back to his truck. He gets in
       and, after one last look around the immediate area, pulls out of
       the parking space and heads for the ranch.
       
       Beth grabs the phone and dials Liam's office out in the stables
       and the ranch hand that answers states he hasn't seen Liam.
       
       Scott looks in the direction of the bell tower when its bell
       begins to ring. He notices that the sun has begun to descend
       towards the western horizon and he knows that it will be dark in
       a few hours.
       
       Beth decides she will wait a little longer, 30 minutes, before
       she heads out towards the Post office herself.She closes her
       laptop and looks at the phone. She knows Liam would have called
       her if he was caught up doing something. With an agitated sigh,
       she picks up the phone again and dials Liam's cell, praying to
       whatever higher deity listening that Liam picks up.
       
       Scott decides to see if the other Immortal is still in the area
       so he leaves the park and casually strolls back towards the main
       street. When he gets to the corner of the street he is on and
       the main street through town he stops and looks around. The
       corner that he is standing on is about halfway between the Inn
       he is staying at and the town's small Post Office where he first
       felt the other Immortal. He no longer feels any buzzing so he
       figures that the other Immortal has left the area.
       
       Liam hears his phone ringing in its holder on the dashboard and
       he presses a button.
       
       Liam: Hello?
       
       Liam says speaking a bit loudly so he can be heard on the
       speaker phone.
       
       Beth: Liam, I'm so glad you answered! Where have you been?
       You've been gone longer that I thought you would be.
       
       Scott, deciding that the coast is clear, hurries across the
       street and through the Inn's door....then he goes up to the
       safety of his room.
       
       Beth relief pours through her, her shoulders relaxing at hearing
       his lilting accent over the connection.
       
       Liam sighs....a bit disgusted with himself as he realizes that
       he has decided to put his days of untethered bachelorhood behind
       him....and the first thing he does is to make Beth worry because
       he didn't pay attention to the time.
       
       Liam: I'm sorry, sweetheart. I totally lost track of time. I'm
       on my way home now. I should be there in about 10 minutes.
       
       Liam says, apologetically."Good start, Flynn," Liam thinks to
       himself
       
       Beth: Okay...I will see you in a bit then.
       
       Liam: In fact I can see the security lights around the barn
       ahead so I'm almost there. And again....I'm sorry for making you
       worry.
       
       Liam says and he ends the call. A few minutes later he pulls
       into the driveway that leads to the main house. He parks along
       side of the house and goes in through the back door.
       
       Liam: Beth?
       
       Liam calls out as he sets the package and letter on the kitchen
       table.
       
       Beth gets up from the chair she had been sitting in and walks
       out of the office and to the kitchen. She glances at the
       packages on the table and then looks at Liam.
       
       Beth: Is everything okay in town?
       
       Liam walks over to Beth when she enters the room and gives her a
       quick kiss hello.
       
       Liam: Fine. Not much exciting happens in Raheen.
       
       Liamsays evasively. As he walks over to the refrigerator to
       start putting together what he'll need to make dinner, he rolls
       the sleeves of his shirt up.
       
       Beth nods.
       
       Beth: The post office crowded then?
       
       Liam makes a so-so gesture with his hand.
       Liam: Nothing more than usual.
       
       Beth watches Liam move around the kitchen as she stays near the
       kitchen table.
       
       Liam says as he brings things out of the refrigerator and sets
       them on the counter.
       
       Liam: So how did it go with your phone calls?
       
       Liam asks as he proceeds to get into the task of preparing a
       small intimate and celebratory dinner for himself and Beth.
       
       Beth moves away from the table and places a gentle hand on
       Liam's arm, signaling him to stop what he's doing.
       
       Beth: Liam, you asked me to live with you that means we share
       things. Obviously something happened in town that kept you away
       for almost two hours.
       
       Beth speaks softly, no hint of anger in her voice, but she is
       concerned.
       
       Liam stops what he is doing and turns to look at Beth. He knows
       that she is right but he hates to have her get worried over
       something that was probably nothing more than some random
       Immortal coincidentally passing through their peaceful little
       town.
       
       Liam: Are you going to grill me every time I take longer than I
       thought someplace?
       
       Liam asks then he looks at her....a mischievous twinkle in his
       eyes.
       
       Liam: I mean...how am I supposed to be one of Santa's elves and
       help the old man out this time of year if I can't keep it a
       secret?
       
       Liam winks.
       
       Beth blushes at his statement feeling a little embarrassed at
       how clingy she seems to be coming across. He had a point.She
       smiles and moves away from him.
       
       Liam: You never did answer my question about you phone call.
       
       Liam says shaking his head. He goes back to doing what he was
       doing.
       
       Liam: Talk about not sharing.
       
       Beth: My phone calls only got me so far as voice mail. I'm
       waiting to talk with the department head. If I don't hear from
       her by this evening, I'm sure I'll hear from her tomorrow.
       
       Beth tucks her hands into the pockets of her jeans.
       
       Beth: I will need to call a realtor about my place in Cornwall.
       I'll probably have to go back for a little bit to settle things
       and get the things I want to need or want to have on hand.
       
       Liam: Well....if I can help in anyway you have just to ask. You
       don't have to do this all by yourself you know.
       
       Liam says cheerfully.
       
       Beth nods.
       
       Beth: I know that. I'm just still thinking things through and
       figuring out what needs to be done.
       
       Liam: Well....how about for now you uncork that bottle of wine
       on the counter over there....pour us a glass and go into the
       living room and relax while I finish this?
       
       Liam suggests.
       
       Beth still feels a little uneasy about herself. She can't
       believe she was ready to grill Liam about where he was. For all
       she knew, he could have been stopped by someone and they were
       chit-chatting and he just lost track of time.She grabs the
       bottle of wine and works on uncorking it. She grabs a couple of
       wine glasses and pours the wine. She walks over to Liam and
       places his on the counter next to him.
       
       Beth: I can stay and help.
       Liam: I've got a better idea.
       
       Liam says as he leans over as she sets his glass next to him and
       he quickly kisses the side of her neck.
       
       Liam: How about you just stay and be a beautiful distraction?
       
       Liam asks mischievously.
       
       Beth smiles as she takes a sip of wine.
       
       Beth: I could do that, but we need to eat at some point this
       evening.
       
       Beth leans a hip against the counter as she looks at him over
       her glass.
       
       Beth: Or I can be a beautiful distraction who is helping you
       make dinner
       
       There is a small portable stereo on the windowsill over the sink
       and Liam reaches up and switches it on. He turns the dial to a
       station that plays music a little more lively than the elevator
       music Mrs. O’Brien listens to. He stops after hearing a couple
       of bars of something with a Rumba beat. He starts rolling his
       hips in time with the music...all the time putting stuff in the
       oven and on the stove.  By the time everything is well on the
       way to cooking the music on the radio has changed to something
       with a Tango beat.
       
       TANGO MUSIC
  HTML http://www.4shared.com/audio/X1JQ1NfV/20_-_the_best_of_Tango_music_-.html
       
       Liam sets his pot holders down on the counter and grabs one of
       the artificial flowers out of its vase on the windowsill and
       sticks it in his teeth. He walks over to Beth and puts one arm
       around her waist and grabs her hand in the other.  He proceeds
       to lead her around the kitchen in a seductive Tango.
       Beth 's giggles turn to full laughter and soon everything prior
       to the start of their dance exists....all is forgotten.
       [center]To be continued[/center]
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