Date: Thu, 7 Apr 1994 18:01:34 CDT Reply-To: Highlander TV show stories Sender: Highlander TV show stories From: Heather Hirshorn Subject: For the Love of Devon (Pt.2) ******************** For the Love of Devon Part 2 ******************* The boring, ponderous speeches by the president of the university, the guest speaker and the valedictorian were over and it was finally time for the graduates to accept their diplomas. It took almost two hours to get to the letter R and then another ten minutes before her name was called. "Devon Rothschild, Summa Cum Laude." Connor sat on the edge of his seat, straining to see her. Her russet curls were pulled into a loose ponytail enabling him to see her profile. It had changed very little in 440 years. Devon shook the academic dean's hand, her face wreathed in smiles. Suddenly, her smile faltered and she pressed a trembling hand to her head. The dean mumbled concerned words but Devon recovered quickly. Connor let go of the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. as Devon finished her walk across the stage. Seconds later, the announcer read the next name and Devon was on her way back to her seat. After another hour, the ceremony ended. Connor stood, and gratefully stretched his long legs. He made his way down the stairs, in a tremendous hurry to get to where the graduates clustered. He almost ran into a tiny woman who stepped into his path. "Eileen," he said. "You're looking lovely as always." "Thank you Connor, but flattery won't work this time. I can't let you have her yet." "We made an agreement Mrs. Rothschild. On Devon's college graduation day, she learns of her heritage. You promised me that." Tears lept to Eileen's eyes. "One more hour. Please Connor." A muscle twitched in his jaw. "Alright. One hour. Meet me in the grotto alone with Devon." "Wait a minute, David should be allowed to come too. He is her fa. . ." Eileen fell silent at Connor's cold stare. She bit her lip and looked away. Connor softened. "It's just that this will be easier for her without too many reminders of her old life. I'm sorry Eileen. I wish I could make this easier for you." "You can. Let Devon go." Eileen knew this was a hopeless request and she didn't need Connor's response to tell her that. "Never mind. I will see you in an hour." The blonde woman turned and walked away. "Thank you Eileen. For everything," Connor whispered. To his surprise, Eileen acknowledged his words with a backwards wave. Connor grinned and headed the opposite way, out the side door, and to the secluded grotto. To wait. And prepare. Maybe it was the close proximity of Devon, or maybe Connor was just too wrapped up in his own thoughts. Whatever the reason, he didn't pay attention to the niggling buzz that rang in his head. He didn't hear the white haired immortal approach until he tapped Connor's shoulder. Connor lept to his feet and reached for his sword. "Holy ground, Highlander. Which is a good thing or you'd be dead." Connor lowered his hand, but didn't relax. "Youngblood. What the hell are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be smuggling something somewhere?" Youngblood chuckled. "Well Connor, I thought I'd take time out from my business to pay you a little visit. She's here isn't she?" Connor's visage turned murderous. "You stay away from her. She's not ready!" "When has that ever stopped me before? Besides, I couldn't harm her here. It's a Catholic university. You made sure of that. Sending the girl to school on holy ground. Quite ingenious of you, I must say." "If you want to fight, we can meet somewhere else. My hotel for instance. But not now." Youngblood's smile was menacing and without humor. "Oh no, not yet. I wouldn't deprive you of the chance to teach your pupil. At least not until she's ready to give me a decent fight before I take her head. While you watch." Connor was shaking with fury. But his voice was deceptively calm when he spoke again. "Until next time, then." Youngblood tipped an imaginary hat and sauntered away. Connor turned to the crude stone altar and bent over it. This time he felt the sense; it was strong enough to make him dizzy. He closed his eyes and struggled to bring his turmoil under control. When he was ready, he turned to face Kate's daughter. His daughter. =========================================================================