Happy Easter!
This story is dedicated to Kim and Michelle (Happy Birthday to you both and
many more.)
And especially to my partner and best friend Lou Ann (Happy Anniversary Love)
Xena’s Dreamscape
Emptiness and loneliness and cold, bitter cold, pain and darkness. Pain so intense, it hurt to do much other than pray for a quick end. For her though the end would not come quick. She would suffer at the hands of her enemy. Her enemy would make sure of that. She only hoped her soul mate would not follow her into oblivion or wherever. She had many people who needed her and where she was going, well she didn’t know what happened when you died in the spiritual realm. And, she did not want that for someone who offered so much light and hope to others. She did not want that for her soul mate.
Gabrielle (materializing in front of her partner): You promised me, you made a promise that even in death you would never leave me. You promised that over 2000 years ago. Or did you forget.
Xena (hoarsely): Brie, I can’t…
Gabrielle (looking at her lover hanging on the cross and the injuries she had suffered at the hands of Alti, and the tears fell down her face like rain at seeing the very center of her existence in so much pain at seeing her lover suffer): You’re hurt, terribly and I know the pain is excruciating but you have to hold on for me. Please I’ll get you out of this.
Xena (fighting tears): Brie you know yourself what happens on the cross. It’s getting harder to breathe. I can’t pull myself up any more.
Gabrielle (looking around the sparse cell): I don’t know how or why I got here all I know is Alti or someone put us in here. I won’t let you go. (Looking around she found a chair and pulled it closer to her lover, barely giving thought to where it came from) I’m going to help you breathe, remind you of the reasons you should hold on and fight (standing on the chair and moving her mouth to Xena’s.) I love you and I want you to remember that promise (sealing her lips to Xena’s and breathing gently into her mouth. The warmth of the kiss touched her soul but she felt the cold in Xena‘s lips felt the short panting breaths and the trembling of her lover’s form and continued to slowly breathe for her lover.)
Temple Courtyard
Xena shuddered and opened her eyes. The mid day sun blaring down on her already weakened body caused her to close her eyes again quickly. She could hear Alti spewing off something and she tried to focus; tried to pull her self up but her body had given out. Her injuries were too much. Then her good eye caught something glinting in the sunlight and she saw for the barest of moments her lover and fought harder to hold on. She held onto the hope that her soul mate would save her.
Ephiny (drawing in the dirt): We only have one
shot at this. Yakut are you sure. She’s more powerful now than the last time
we went up against her.
Yakut (nodding): I’m sure. To save Xena and the fate of the world.
Mel (patting the gun on her hip): We’re with you.
Gabrielle (closing her eyes): You know what to
do. Remember she uses your mind for attacks. Fight her there.
Epinon (nodding): We split up and wait for your signal.
Cyane (pointing at Mel and Janice): You two be careful. If you get in trouble, get out of the way and wait for one of us.
Mel (nodding): We’ll do our best (squeezing Janice’s hand.)
Janice (pulling Mel back for a moment): You be careful ok. I wish you would get out of here.
Mel (leaning down and brushing her lips gently):
They’re part of us, our family and they need our help. They have always been
there for us if we needed them. It’s our turn now.
Janice (leaning in for another kiss): I know. Just don’t do anything crazy
ok.
Mel (nodding): Keep an eye on Gabrielle…
Janice (smiling): And you Eve.
Amarice (twirling her sword): You two ok.
Janice (squeezing Mel’s hand): Yeah. Everyone
ready?
Amarice (smirking): Oh yeah. Let’s get rid of her once and for all.
Varia (dropping beside Ephiny): By the Gods. She
can’t take much more.
Ephiny (agreeing): That’s what she wants. For us to rush in and attack her.
We won’t.
Yakut (standing and walking out to face Alti): Shamaness…
Alti (smirking, this was perfect): That I am.
Yakut (concentrating): Hand over Xena…
Alti (tapping her chin): Or what? You know what
I want. Give me the ambrosia or she dies (gesturing with her hand and Xena
screamed; more wounds opening and bleeding.) She’s dying and I want the ambrosia.
Yakut (holding her hands out in front of her): Never (and moving her hands launched
a force ball at Alti. It hit her in the gut sending her flying into the wall
of the temple.)
Gabrielle (waving her sword): Now…
Everyone ran in the direction of the cross and Alti. Mel skidded to a halt in front of the cross and gulped. She had never seen such horrible pain inflicted on a person in her life. Even some of the horrors seen during the war years couldn’t compare to the evident agony Xena was in.
Alti (standing): I see you’ve learned something’s over the years bitch.
Yakut (noticing the Amazons moving to get Xena down): Yes, I have. And we’ll stop you.
Alti (noticing Mel helping to get Xena down): Tell me whose life, do you value more (turning and launching a fireball at Mel. She had no time to react as it hit her and sent her sprawling in the dirt.) Only time to save one. So who will it be (taking aim again?)
Janice (running and shoving Amazons out of the way): No….
Gabrielle (moving closer to the Alti): Fight on
our level Alti…
Alti (laughing): And not enjoy myself. I don’t think so (closing her eyes)
do you remember Germany Dr. Covington (clapping as Janice sank to her knees,
blood pouring from wounds opening all along her body.)
Eve (cursing and trying to decide the best course of action, she charged at
Alti hoping to distract her enough to get the two mortals out of there): Let
them go.
Alti (whirling around): Well hello Eve. Or should I say Livia….
Eve (clutching her head fighting the onslaught of memories from so long ago; angrily): Let them go (feeling Gabrielle and Varia move behind her.) You’ve lost. (Noticing Cyane moving in from behind.)
Janice (weakly; noticing Mel wasn’t moving; grabbing
a sword she stood weakly determined to end this): You bitch (staggering; limping
towards Alti.)
Yakut (turning): Janice no (throwing her hands up to push Alti back; watching
as Alti turned and partially dodged the force of light. She turned to move,
everyone did but it seemed like no one was gaining any round.)
Janice had one thought and one thought only take Alti out for hurting Mel, for
hurting Xena or she would die trying. She raised her sword hearing Eve yelling
and someone trying to catch up to her. She kept going aiming for that evil
bitch’s heart. Gaining strength and momentum as thoughts of killing the bitch
who had hurt Mel. No one, not even a she demon got away with that.
Varia didn’t know which way to turn she knew stopping Janice might be futile
and Gabrielle, Eve and Ephiny were already catching up to her. She turned her
attention to the cross and noticed Epinon and Solari running towards it. She
jogged over and unsheathed her sword. Getting Xena, down was the first priority.
She saw Cyane moving forward to guard her. Imagine that a very powerful Queen
guarding her. Well maybe not her but Xena. And from the looks of things, Xena
needed all the help she could get.
Gabrielle felt the nervous clenching in her gut.
She knew what Janice’s intent was and knew what might be the result. She watched
in horror, even as she tried to get to the mortal as Janice raised her sword
preparing for the final blow. Yakut was throwing something from her hands and
Ephiny was trying to tackle Alti. What happened next took her breath away.
Alti felt the mortal approaching, careless of any injuries she might suffer
she dodged Yakut’s attack; sidestepped Ephiny’s lunge and produced a sword meeting
Janice face to face and embedding her sword in the mortal’s chest just as Janice’s
sword plunged into her own and another ball of light hit Alti in the back.
The shammaness screamed knowing it was the end. The light had overcome the
darkness as predicted for thousands of years.
Eve (screaming):No.
Ephiny (rolling to her back): Son of a bachae. Yakut hit her again (grunting as a body slammed into her and covered her as her world turned sideways and the wind picked up.)
Gabrielle (pushed Eve to the dirt as explosions
started going off all around them): Stay down. It’s her powers or something
that’s causing this.
Varia (covering Xena’s prone unconscious form and praying for someone to interfere):
Solari where’s the rest of everyone (yelling over the roar of the wind.)
Solari (yelling around the roaring wind): Behind us. Rayne and Vandel are holding
their positions as ordered. I can’t see a dam thing other wise.
Varia (shifting, she said a silent prayer for her lover): And Mel…
Epinon (softly): Still breathing. But she’s hurt bad.
Cyane (shielding her eyes): Dammit….
The wind picked up speed and lighting flashed. Amarice protected her Queen the best she could; she could feel the dark energy splitting and churning causing a malevolent storm on the spot. Alti was gone but at what cost and for how long.
Ephiny (grunting; trying to assess the situation): Amarice, can you see where everyone is.
Amarice (softly) Not yet my Queen.
Ephiny (closing her eyes, she could feel the air settling): It’s almost over.
Gabrielle (rolling to her back): Where is everyone (shielding her eyes from
the debris?)
Eve (pushing her back down): Stay down mom. It’s almost over.
And like it came, the wind died down and everything settled. The only thing anyone could hear was the beating of their own heart. Then pounding feet as everyone moved to see what had happened.
Gabrielle (kneeling beside Janice): She’s (turning her head) get a litter made.
Cyane (walking over and placing her hand on Gabrielle’s
shoulder): Xena’s with Varia and Epinon and Solari. Rayne is standing guard.
I instructed Vandel and Trinity to get the med kits.
Ephiny (spitting dirt out of her mouth): And Mel…
Cyane (looking at the woman who resembled Queen Gabrielle): That was a brave thing she did.
Eve (pressing a piece of cloth to the wound): What she did only…
Amarice (softly): Another Amazon would do. I remember
a story like that from a long time ago.
Rayne (running over): Gabrielle its Xena…
Gabrielle was up and running before anyone could reach a hand out to her. She
dropped to her knees in the dirt not sure, if she should pull her soul mate
into her arms for fear of hurting her more.
Varia (backing up; indicating to everyone else to give them some space; noticing Epinon carrying Mel over to Janice): By the Gods. No (angrily.)
Eve (moving behind her and placing a tentative hand on her arm): Here let me take a look at you.
Varia (gently): No. It’s not right.
Eve (pulling Varia to her; despite her struggling): It’ll be ok baby. (Praying silently for some miracle or for someone to intervene.)
Elysian Fields
Two of the Guides watched the scrying bowl and the events taking place. They knew what question and answers would be demanded. And knew the rules and how they would apply to this situation.
The First Guide (nodding at the bowl): This calls for some consideration.
Aphrodite (storming in): How could you? You knew what would happen or could have happened yet you did nothing. Some guides you are. You let them suffer after all they have done through the centuries.
The Second Guide (glancing up): The mortal was not fated to die. But it is her will alone that will make the decision.
Aphrodite (rolling her eyes): Puuhleease. I know you have the power to restore life when it suits you. You saved Varia’s soul once. You can do the same for Xena and Janice.
First Guide (pausing in thought): There is a way.
Aphrodite (angrily): I don’t care what you have to do fix this. We have three pairs of soul mates suffering. It has to end. They stopped Alti they deserve a second chance.
Second Guide (softly): Bring them here.
Aphrodite (rolling up her sleeves): No (defiantly) you get out there and fix this. I’ll take care of Xena (pointing her finger at them) and you better restore the other little one to life or you’ll have me to contend with (vanishing in red sparkles.).
Temple Courtyard
Mel (fighting tears; cradling her partner‘s body
in her arms; oblivious to the blood staining her clothes and hands): You crazy
woman. You can’t leave me. You promised (taking a shuddering breath.)
Cyane (softly): She did what any Amazon would do for another.
Mel (angrily): And that’s cold comfort to what the rest of my life will be like without her. You know nothing of us. We helped you and at what cost.
Ephiny (kneeling next to her): We can give you a choice. We can help you through this.
Mel (angrily): No leave me alone. I’m taking her
home. I’ll bury her with my family. She wanted that. Find me a way home now
(growling.)
Gabrielle (wiping Xena’s face gently; there wasn’t any inch of skin that was
bruised; cut; or otherwise): Baby hold on (she fought her own tears and anger
as she cared for her lover.)
Varia (paced restlessly; listening; they had to do something; she looked at her lover helping Gabrielle with Xena): By the Gods what a mess.
Aphrodite (materializing): Well then, I guess its good I came. Alti’s gone for good this time. At least I think so. And Janice wasn’t fated to die this day…
Varia (angrily): And Xena…
Aphrodite (softly): She’ll live. She has to fight but she’ll live. I’ll help everyone get home…
Varia (softly): The Elysian Fields, The Amazon land of the dead or….
Aphrodite (smiling): No. South Carolina. It’ll be like a vacation for you.
Several murmurs of protest and several agreements greeted her statement. She knew not everyone would want to go to South Caroline. Varia watched as the blonde Goddess walked towards Mel.
Mel (looking up; she had never seen such radiant
beauty; had never felt such raw sexuality): And just who are you?
Aphrodite (gasping at the remarkable resemblance between this mortal and the
Warrior Princess): A close friend. Here give me your hand and close your eyes.
It’s been a while since I did this but I think I remember how (she held Mel’s
hand and concentrated on her injuries, remember the words her sister Athena
had taught her so long ago. A light covered Mel’s body and suddenly the wounds
disappeared.) There all better.
Mel (standing stiffly; she felt better than she
had in a while): Thank you. Can you help Janice and Xena?
Aphrodite (shaking her head): I can’t. I’m sorry my powers aren’t strong enough
to restore life.
Mel (crying harder; cradling the body of her lover): You mean (choking) she’s gone and there’s nothing you can do?
Aphrodite (softly): No. I’m sorry…
Gabrielle (kissing Xena softly): Just relax. Don’t try to move. Aphrodite thank you. Can you get us…?
Aphrodite (kneeling down and squeezing Gabrielle’s shoulder): I’ll get you to South Carolina. Hey, Warrior Babe you’ve got to stop scaring my favorite little one here.
Xena (trying to smile; she appreciated Aphrodite’s
attempt at humor knowing it was the only way the Goddess could deal with as
an ugly situation as this): I’m trying. Everyone else (she started coughing
and clutched her ribs. She felt Gabrielle’s hand stroking her face then felt
someone else’s hands on her arms.)
Ephiny (softly): Easy there Princess. You need rest.
A light flashed and hooded figure stepped forward.
Guide (ominously): Actually, you’re all entitled to one. You’ve saved the world today. The mortal was not fated to die (kneeling next to Janice to find a sword at her throat; she feared no one but this one was a descendant of Xena): I’m going to help your friend.
Mel (angrily): You’re going to help her. How?
She’s gone….
Eve (trying to comfort her and pulled the sword gently out of her hands): Mel
please. She will help us. You have to just back up a little ok. Trust me.
Mel (looking into bluish green eyes): Please bring
her back (choking back a sob.)
Guide (placing her hand over Janice’s heart): She has a strong lifeline. It
was severed prematurely (running her hands over Janice’s body feeling the injuries
repair themselves; the wounds heal and finally….)
Janice (coughing): What the (and felt another pair of hands holding her; caressing
her.)
Mel (crying): Thank God. Baby…
Ephiny (smiling): Thank you. What about Xena?
Guide (standing stiffly): I can do no more then I’ve done. I’ve interfered
enough as it is.
Eve (angrily): You mean to tell me she has to heal on her own.
Aphrodite (stepping forward): I’ll help…
Guide (holding his hand up): No. You know the rules.
Aphrodite (angrily): And I’m sick of them. This is my family. I’ll heal her if I want.
Guide (protesting): We have interfered enough. Anymore and you could upset…
Aphrodite (stepping forward): Upset this (reaching
out to knock some sense into her; she felt a strong hand encase hers) ouch.
Hey!
Solari (softly): As much as I would like this to just disappear, you know yourself
Xena’s a fast healer. She brought Janice back and if she can’t heal Xena then
we’ll all do our best to make sure she does just that (looking around to see
everyone in agreement with her.)
Gabrielle (understanding what the rules were; understanding the game but hating it at the same time): Just get us out of her so we can get down to that.
Guide (softly): Aphrodite will take you home. For now I must go. Time is short.
Mel (softly): Thank you. (The guide nodded and
vanished.)
Inside the Temple
Epinon (hissing through clenched teeth): Just don’t touch anything else. Get those scrolls and get out of here. This place is giving me the creeps.
Amarice (smirking): Oh my big bad Warrior afraid of the dark…
Epinon (rolling her eyes): Keep it up and you’ll
see what this big bad Warrior can do to your insolent (a hand clamped over her
mouth.)
Amarice (shaking her head): Quiet. I’m trying to recall all the directions
Ephiny and Gabrielle gave me. So we can get the Hades out of here.
Rayne (moving away from the wall): Will you hurry it up already. I want to get home like today not tomorrow.
Epinon (nodding in agreement): Didn’t they say they were in an alcove or something somewhere.
Cyane (walking in): Yes they did. Guarded by water through stone. Come on Aphrodite wants to know who’s going to South Carolina and who’s going home.
Amarice (excitedly): I’m going and so is Epinon.
Epinon (throwing her hands up): Gee, thanks love.
Cyane (snickering): Rayne (she shook her head) and neither is Trin or Vandel. Ephiny and Solari are going though. Good between the four of you…
Amarice (pushing a stone back): You’re not going, but why? (Pumping her fist in the air) I found them. Dam that’s one big box.
Cyane (moving to her side): Careful with that. It’s over two thousand years old.
Epinon (rubbing her hands together): Rayne give me a hand with this (they both reached in to grab the chest but Cyane grabbed her arm.) Hey what the…
Cyane (taking a deep breath): Just be careful please. Some of those aren’t the best picture of the Amazon Nation but some of them are….
Amarice (nodding): Our history and customs.
Rayne (shrugging): We got it (grabbing another small box and smiling.).
Temple Courtyard
Aphrodite (angrily): I can’t believe this. Of all the…
Gabrielle (tying off a bandage): It’s all right. It’s happened before and it’ll happen again.
Janice (moving stiffly over to her): You mean to tell me that well whoever that was refused to heal Xena before.
Ephiny (smirking): It’s because Xena does not always follow the rules (wincing as Gabrielle glared at her.) Sorry but it always seems like that’s the case. You know your partner better then anyone Brie. She’s as hard headed as they come.
Gabrielle (brushing back her lover’s locks): I
know. But they don’t have to pull this bullshit.
Mel (looking around): So how many of you are going home with us.
Gabrielle (glancing around): I know Eve and Varia will and so will Ephiny and
Solari. Not sure about the rest of everyone. Speaking of Solari where is she…
Ephiny (offering Gabrielle the waterskiing): Taking a look around. You know
her. Always prowling, always getting into something (yelping as she was picked
up and squeezed.) Do you have to do that?
Solari (setting her down gently): Of course. Otherwise, you would wonder what
was wrong with me.
Amarice (running out): We got them. We can go
now. (Solari groaned and rubbed her face with her hand.) What?
Ephiny (smacking her lover playfully): Be nice.
Solari (grumbling): Do you remember what happened
the last time?
Ephiny (chuckling; coughing to cover it up; she remembered all right; Amarice
in another time and another visit had almost gotten a whole group of Amazons
arrested all because she didn’t understand the concept of not going into certain
places after certain hours): Don’t remind me. It took me forever to get the
smell out. Thank you. But never mind she didn’t know better.
Solari (tapping her chin in thought): Right. You keep telling yourself that. I don’t believe it.
Cyane (smirking): You’re just antsy look at it this way it’ll be a learning experience.
Solari (turning around): And then why aren’t you coming.
Cyane (smirking): Because I promised my baby a week on Lesbos after this.
Ephiny (leaning against Solari): You haven’t taken
me to Lesbos in a while love (leaning up and nipping her earlobe.)
Gabrielle (standing and walking over to Mel and Janice): You two ok.
Mel (looking up at her): Yeah. Thank you. You got us the scrolls that’s…
Gabrielle (kneeling down): It’s what you came here for. And it’s the least we can do for you. I just ask you be respectful of something’s.
Varia (protesting): But love….
Eve (softly): Please for me. It’ll be a couple of weeks at the most and we can see some interesting things while we’re there.
Varia (pinching the bridge of her nose): All right but she starts just once so help me (mmmph as soft lips silenced her protests.) You’re a cheater you know that don’t you. You think you can just bat your baby blues and give me a kiss…
Eve (caressing her cheek): Yep. Works like a charm.
Amarice (hugging her lover tightly): Thank you Poni. You won’t regret this.
Epinon (picking her up until they were nose to nose): I better not (kissing her softly.) Just remember things are different and most people aren’t likely to excuse your behavior ok.
Amarice (deepening the kiss): I’ll be good.
Varia (groaning): This I want to see (bending over as Eve backhanded her in
the stomach.) What?
Eve (softly): Behave.
Aphrodite (rolling up her sleeves): Ok. Let’s
get going here. All this heat and humidity isn’t doing anything for my hair
or makeup and I need a manicure again. Mel I need you to think of your home
and the rest of you get over here. I would hate to leave someone behind. (She
watched as the rest of the group said their goodbyes then smiled as everyone
else took someone’s hand. The link must not be broken or they could end up
anywhere.) And get that chest more secure. I would hate to have to come back
for it. (Watching as Ephiny and Solari placed their feet on it and then closing
her eyes and following Mel’s instructions took them to South Carolina.)
South Carolina
When the group of Amazons and mortals arrived their gear was already there and the scrolls were placed in the large library for the time being. Mel showed them each to their rooms while Janice called a friend of theirs who was a highly respected Dr. and would keep her mouth shut about the origin of Xena’s injuries.
Xena (protesting as Epinon and Gabrielle got her
settled in bed): I’m fine (coughing and clutching her ribs.)
Epinon (stepping back as Gabrielle moved to hold Xena): You need rest my friend.
And don’t give me that look either (pointing her finger at her.)
Gabrielle (caressing Xena’s cheek): Baby you heard her. Rest.
Xena (hoarsely): I just don’t want to be cooped up all day.
Gabrielle (understanding; Xena got bored so easily): Don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of company. Ephiny and I are going to help Mel and Janice with the scrolls. Eve, Varia, Solari, Epinon, and Amarice will be in to keep you occupied.
Xena (closing her eyes): They better. Or I’ll be out of this bed and looking for you.
Epinon (rolling her eyes): I’m sure we can find some restraints.
Xena (feeling sleep coming; she hated feeling this weak and exhausted): Try it featherhead.
Epinon (taunting): You can’t do a dam thing about it Warrior Princess.
Gabrielle (tucking the blankets around Xena’s shoulders): Behave. Ok. The Dr. will be here tomorrow to look at you. And I’ll be in to look in on you every chance I get ok. I need you to get better love.
Xena (softly): I’ll try.
Gabrielle (leaning down and whispering in Xena’s ear): You get better my Champion and do as the Dr. says and I’ll reward you.
Xena (perking up at that): I’ll try Brie I promise.
Epinon (snorting): Little Queen has you wrapped around her little finger.
Gabrielle (chuckling; that much was true; but she too was wrapped around Xena’s little finger): Rest now (standing and looking at her lover’s face; not one inch wasn’t bruised or cut and she grimaced knowing the rest of the strong lithe body looked the same.) I’ll be back in a little while. Ok.
Epinon (opening the door for her Queen): I’ll come by and entertain you later.
Mel (pointing at the different buildings around the sprawling estate): Over there well those are what’s left of some old slave quarters and that (pointing to a smaller shed) is a storage shed of sorts. Haven‘t really gotten around to cleaning it out.
Ephiny (looking around): How long has your family
been here?
Mel (thinking): A very long time. Some of the original papers are in my father’s
office. I never really looked into it.
Janice (puffing on a cigar): You should love. I know your dad’s lawyer made
sure everything was in place to protect you but there’s probably some good history
as well.
Solari (admiring the beautiful landscape; the lush green gardens): It’s pretty though. Sort of like our home in the fields.
Amarice (running out): Hey you have to check this out. There’s this box that makes sound when you press a button.
Mel (laughing): That would be a radio. You can hear news and music.
Ephiny (excitedly): I’ve heard of something like that. It must be so nice at night sitting around and having something pretty to listen to.
Epinon (walking out): Xena’s settled in and Gabrielle’s taking a look around.
Janice (curiously): I wonder where Varia and Eve went.
Mel (smiling; knowingly): Oh they’re fine. The
last I saw them they were in their room talking.
Ephiny (biting her lip): It runs in the family.
Amarice (understanding): Does it ever?
Janice (wondering what was going on): What? What did I miss?
Solari (wrapping her arm around Ephiny’s shoulders): Mel would you mind…
Mel (shaking her head): No. My home is yours. Feel free to look around and
get comfortable. You’re all practically family.
Epinon (pulling Amarice to her): Thank you for the hospitality. But we plan on helping anyway we can.
Janice (leaning up and kissing Mel’s cheek): Thank
you but it won’t be necessary. I’m going to take a shower love.
Mel (nodding): Sure I’ll be up in a minute. If you two go down by that stand
of trees there’s a small creek running through it. It’s real pretty.
Solari (smirking): Thanks.
Epinon (pulling Amarice with her): A shower sounds good. Come on trouble.
Amarice (jumping on her lover’s back): I am not trouble.
Epinon (shaking her head): Yes you are.
Eve (panting): Baby slow down please. I know you’re
oh my yes…
Varia (nipping her partner’s inner thigh then moving her tongue and mouth back
to the delicious nectar that was her lover): I need you.
Eve (clutching a handful of her lover’s hair): I need you yes baby…
Varia continued her delicious assault on her lover. Reveling in the sensations she felt from her love and the moans and screams as well.
Gabrielle flipped through the different cookbooks and looked at all the different gadgets and things needed to make a meal. She missed that sometimes. Sitting out under the stars by the campfire preparing dinner. Most of the times meals were taken in the communal dining hall or some other place surrounded by their families and their friends. She heard footsteps and looked up as Mel came walking in the kitchen.
Mel (smiling): Hi. How’s Xena?
Gabrielle (leaning against the counter): She’s resting. I appreciate you calling
your friend to have her looked at.
Mel (moving closer to her): Did she talk about
what happened to her?
Gabrielle (shaking her head; she had put some pieces together but didn’t have
all of them): No. I’ve guessed some from her injuries but I don’t know all
of what that bitch did to her while she was in her custody. Thank you for the
hospitality.
Mel (squeezing her shoulder): You saved Janice. I can never repay you for that (seeing Gabrielle about to say something) I know but I still can‘t thank you enough.
Gabrielle (nodding in understanding): Mel I understand
that pain and I couldn‘t stand the thought of you going through it. That‘s
why Aphrodite showed up she knows my heart and she understands. And it shouldn’t
have happened. I didn’t want you or her to get in the middle of things. But
she did. By the way how is the little spitfire doing (smirking?)
Mel (laughing): I’m sure you can imagine. She’s fine, cussing and smoking.
I think she went to shower.
Gabrielle (teasing): Well then why don’t you go join her. I’m sure she would
appreciate it.
Mel (blushing): You would be taking a shower with
Xena then as well if she weren’t injured (winking.)
Gabrielle (licking her lips): Oh yeah (thinking of all the ways they could work
off the effects of the battle. Shaking her head quickly to clear her thoughts.)
Mel (patting her arm): Thank you. I think I will go join her, and then we’ll figure out what to do for dinner (walking out of the kitchen.)
Gabrielle smiled and thought maybe a shower would do her some good as well. But first to go find Eve and Varia. Although she pretty much had figured out where they were and what they were doing.
Eve (moaning as the warm water pounded the tight
muscles in her back): That feels so good. Baby you coming in or are you going
to lounge out there all day.
Varia (pulling back the shower curtain): I just needed a moment love. You know
to get my thoughts together.
Eve (wrapping her arms around her lover’s strong shoulders): You ok. (Varia nodded) you know I’m here hey um (as she picked up effortlessly and held in strong arms. She wrapped her legs around her partner’s waist.) Now this is nice although (moaning as soft lips seized hers.) Baby maybe we should oh God Varia (as her lover slid two fingers inside her and began slipping them in and out slowly.)
Varia (pressing Eve against the wall): I can’t
get enough of you (trailing kisses up and down her throat.)
Eve tilted her head back giving her lover better access. Thanking God once
again for bringing them together.)
Solari stroked her lover’s face gently. Listening to her breathing and pulling her closer.
Ephiny (taking a deep breath): Dam baby. I love
you (softly.)
Solari (kissing her softly): And I you. It’s pretty here isn’t it?
Ephiny (sitting up and straddling her partner’s lap): Oh yeah makes me think
of home though (nipping her ear and sliding her hands lower.)
Solari (groaning at the sensual onslaught): Love (and found herself on her back
with her Queen straddling her hips and rocking gently, sensually.) You’re going
to drive me nuts (clutching at her partner’s hair as her nipples were sucked.)
Ephiny (looking up from her delicious feast): Good. That’s my plan warrior.
(Teasing the buds with her teeth and playful bats of her tongue) the question
is will you surrender to your Queen or will you (moving her hand lower) resist.
Solari (squeezing her eyes shut as Ephiny teased her already swollen clit):
I surrender. Oh Goddess I surrender.
Ephiny (smirking and trailing kisses down her partner’s torso): Good Warrior.
Time for your reward (kissing her inner thighs and then diving into the sweet
ambrosia with feral intensity. Smiling as her partner screamed and writhed
under her calling her name.)
Amarice (crying against Epinon’s shoulder): Oh
my Gods. Dam Poni….
Epinon (stroking her back): I love you little one and I’m glad I could bring
you such pleasure.
Amarice (softly): I can’t believe even after all
this time someone like you…
Epinon (kissing her softly): Shh little one. Just rest I’m here. (She knew
what Amarice met. They had been over it enough times in the past couple of
thousand years. When Amarice had entered the Land of the Dead she barely paid
the girl any thought. She was mouthy; sarcastic and refused to listen. Melosa,
Marga and Cyane had asked her to help the girl better herself at being an Amazon.
She groaned and agreed reluctantly. At first she wanted to strangle her. Even
in the Land of the Dead she seemed to get in more than her fair share of trouble.
But eventually she started to listen and they formed a close bond. Then one
night during a festival of some sort Amarice had asked her to dance. She remembered
being nervous and laughing at the thought. Here she was one of the toughest
Amazons and she was nervous. Well they danced and over time their friendship
evolved intimately. And she remembered when she asked Melosa for her blessing
on her union and how happy the Queen was and how happy Amarice had been. Now
even after all these years Amarice still couldn’t keep out of trouble but she
had Epinon’s heart. A heart she thought she never had until this little imp
came in and grabbed it.)
Amarice (shifting): What you thinking about?
Epinon (smiling): Just remembering how much trouble you can get into and the
first time we danced.
Amarice (nuzzling her neck): And you were so sweet
and patient. I love you.
Epinon (pulling her on top of her and wrapping her arms around her tightly):
I love you. What do you suppose everyone else is up to?
Amarice (kissing her collarbone): Same thing as you and I were (moving her mouth
lower.) And plan on doing until someone comes looking for us (feeling strong
arms pull her back up.) What?
Epinon (softly): Together baby. I want us to come together.
Amarice (smiling): Then love me my big strong Warrior.
Gabrielle had given up on talking to anyone judging by the fact no one had been seen. She went to her and Xena’s room and nearly fell backwards. Xena wasn’t in bed. No of course not. She was moving around well attempting to with her injuries and grabbing for any piece of furniture she could reach. She had removed her shirt as well and she could see the strain her lover was in just for moving.
Gabrielle (trying not to yell): Just what are you
doing out of bed? And why didn’t you call for me?
Xena (sheepishly): Can’t sleep. Got uncomfortable lying still for so long.
And I don’t think you could hear me with the zoo in this house.
Gabrielle (shaking her head): Zoo oh you mean…
Xena (nodding; she felt like shit but she wouldn’t tell anyone that well maybe Brie if she could get the room to stop spinning): Can you point me to the nearest shrub.
Gabrielle (moving beside her partner): They have what’s called bathrooms as well Warrior and after this back to bed. And why is your shirt off (not minding the view in the least.)
Xena (leaning on her partner): It was irritating my wounds (shaking her head to clear it.) Brie I can’t sleep. I’m uncomfortable (stopping as Gabrielle opened the door for her.) This connects to Eve and Varia’s room right.
Gabrielle (listening): Yes. All seems quiet.
Xena (looking around and squashing the thought; moving her head was too much
trouble): Um Brie…
Gabrielle (smirking): They are so messy. (Pointing to the armor and clothes
on the floor.) I’m sure Eve picked those habits up from you (looking at her
lover who in the light was as white as a sheet and sweating) here let me help
you.
Xena (shaking her head): I’ve got it. Just stay close.
Gabrielle (stood by while Xena took care of her business; getting her back up proved to be rather difficult): Baby just nice and slow ok.
Xena (weakly): Maybe you better get one of the girls.
Gabrielle (worried): Xena…
Xena (closing her eyes): Brie (forcing her muscles to co-operate and standing stiffly and almost falling but grabbed the sink at the last minute.)
Gabrielle (steadying her lover): I’m going to get
Eve or Varia to help me put you back to bed.
Varia (pushing the door open hesitantly): I thought oh my Goddess. Mom (reaching
out and placing her hands on Xena’s shoulders; hearing the sharp intake of breath.)
Ok let’s get you back to bed. (Seeing Xena about to protest) mother you look
like shit. You need to be lying down and let me guess the shirt irritated your
wounds.
Gabrielle (rolling her eyes at the sheet wrapped around Varia’s body): Something like that. You two and clothing. I swear (Varia blushed) oh stop that. Between the two of you and your injuries over the years I give up with the clothing thing. After you help me get Xena back in bed you can clean this mess up.
Varia (gingerly wrapping her arms around Xena’s
waist): I will. You’re hurting pretty bad huh mother.
Xena (grimacing with every step): Yeah.
Varia (comforting): We’re going to help you get
back on your feet (guiding her across the room slowly.)
Gabrielle (thanking her silently): You need to rest. I’ll tell the zookeepers
to keep the racket down to a dull roar (glancing at Varia.)
Varia (blushing and helping Xena lie down; she felt the iron grip on her arm and waited): Easy. Just take it easy mother.
Gabrielle (stroking her lover’s face): Hon just breathe.
Xena (fighting the pain and weakness): It’s ok.
Varia (shaking her head): You need to stay in bed. Ok (smiling as her arm was
released.) As soon as we get ourselves together. We’ll come, keep you company.
Xena (shaking her head and regretting the decision immediately): No. I’m fine. You two enjoy yourselves.
Gabrielle (biting her lip in frustration): Xena just relax. We’ll take care of you. You just concentrate on getting better. Ok (leaning forward and kissing her softly on the lips.)
Varia squeezed Xena’s arm and excused herself. She had better go wake Eve before Gabrielle did. That was trait they inherited they could fall asleep anytime, anywhere, and still be hard to get up. Walking over to the bed she crawled over to her partner and began placing kisses up and down whatever exposed skin she could.
Eve (grumbling): Give me another hour.
Varia (softly): Can’t. Mom wants to talk to us. Your mother isn’t doing so
hot.
Eve (rolling on her back): I know. Here let me
get up and get decent. Oh shit (realizing what her mother must have heard.)
Dam…
Varia (smirking): It’s ok. It’s not like we haven’t heard them over the centuries
and frankly I can do without that conversation.
Eve (snickering and pulling on a clean shirt): You
better put something on more than a sheet before mom gets in here.
Varia (looking around for something to wear): She already talked to me about
my state of dress.
Eve (smirking): Or rather lack of. (Tossing her a shirt) here.
Varia (grabbing the shirt): I’m working on it.
Gabrielle (walking in; she looked like she had been crying): Xena’s asleep. She started dozing then started hallucinating.
Eve (pulling her mom in for a hug): She’ll be ok.
Did she say what happened?
Gabrielle (nodding): Some of it. It tore me apart knowing that Alti did the
things she did. I don’t know all of it but some of it, it’s just terrible.
Eve (softly): We’ll get through this. I promise you. We’ll do what ever we can.
Ephiny (looking around the kitchen): I’ve had more experience in this area then you have so you just sit right there.
Solari (cutting up the carrots): You know I was wondering….
Ephiny (whirling): You just keep that thought to yourself love. We’re still missing a few people. Although I can’t imagine why (smirking.)
Mel (slapping her partner’s ass): What did you
say?
Janice (moaning and writing under her partner’s attentions): I said it won’t
happen again. God Mel please baby…
Mel (teasing her further): No. No. Now you don’t
sound very sincere love. You sound like you just want relief and will do just
about anything to get it (pumping her hips for emphasis.)
Janice (pleading): God no. Baby I’m telling you the truth. I will never do
anything like that again just oh God (screaming and crying as Mel finally gave
her the rhythm and movement she need to release.) Just like that. Please….
Mel (smiling and pumping her hips faster): Poor baby. So frustrated, so tense.
You need this, you need me.
Janice (pleading and clutching the sheets): Yes always just like that.
Amarice (kissing Epinon softly then getting out
of bed): Poor baby. I need a shower then….
Epinon (stirring): You better keep out of trouble little one.
Amarice (turning around): Hi love (licking her lips as Epinon sat up.) You want to take a shower with me.
Epinon (smiling): Yeah then I think we have to
go and be social for a bit. I want to check in on Xena as well. (Hearing a
knock at their door) get something on (grabbing the sheet and standing to open
the door.)
Solari (leaning against the doorjamb): Hey. Sorry but Eph wants you two downstairs.
Something about cooking and all that.
Aphrodite (materializing): Now why are you three
doing things the old-fashioned way? I can take care of this (snapping her fingers
and producing a feast.)
Gabrielle (wide eyed): Thanks. Um…
Aphrodite (embracing Gabrielle): I’m sorry little one. Those dam guides have more rules then well…
Ephiny (checking out the food): Yeah we noticed.
Gabrielle (shaking her head): So Xena suffers because of some dammed rules.
Aphrodite (pleading): Gabrielle (looking up as Epinon, Amarice, Eve and Varia came walking in.) Hi.
Eve (leaning against the counter): Hi. Mom…
Gabrielle (slamming her hands on the countertop):
Don’t Gabrielle me. I don’t want to hear anymore (and took off out the backdoor.)
Mel (walking in): What’s wrong?
Aphrodite (softly): The little one is upset…
Varia (agreeing): And rightfully so.
Eve (taking a deep breath): It’s not she’s upset with you.
Ephiny (leaning against the counter): None of us are. It’s just Xena’s pretty
bad off and you could have helped so could that dam guide. But because of some
rules and petty bullshit her Champion and soul mate lay in that bed upstairs
suffering.
Solari (rubbing Ephiny’s back): Amarice follow Gabrielle. Keep an eye on her
(pulling her lover against her.) Aphrodite like Eph said none us blame you.
It’s just hard watching someone hurt knowing something could have been done
but wasn’t.
Aphrodite (softly; tears welling up in her eyes): I’m sorry.
Eve (reaching out to the Goddess): Don’t cry.
It’ll be ok. I’m going after my mom. Varia can you please check on mother
(following Amarice out the door.)
Epinon (following Varia): I’ll go with you.
Mel (sighing): I don’t know what they’re talking about and I don’t even know you. I do know you’re the Goddess of Love and Desire (Aphrodite smiled.) And you’re close to Xena and Gabrielle especially. (Looking at all the food) thank you for dinner. And thank you for helping Janice and I.
Aphrodite (softly): You’re welcome. I’ll be back
later on. Just keep an eye on them for me (and vanished.)
Mel (looking at Solari and Ephiny): I didn’t know Goddess’ cried. Well not
that I’ve ever met one in person that is.
Ephiny (softly): She does. She’s very close to Gabrielle. She’s been a good friend to all of us.
Mel (pulling plates out of the cupboard): I can
see that. So how did they meet?
Solari (chuckling): That’s a real funny story. Dam it all started (and Solari
proceeded to tell Mel about the time they met up with the Goddess and Gabrielle’s
enchanted scroll.)
Janice (puffing on her cigar): Are you sure you’re supposed to be up (feeling Xena’s weight more and more on her with each step.)
Xena (grimacing): Look I need a bath. I need to
get some of this gunk off me and I can’t stand laying still (softening her tone.)
Janice (softly): Well when Mel beats my ass and Gabrielle beats yours…
Xena (nearly collapsing but catching herself): Mel won’t beat your ass…
Epinon (opening the door): Cause Gabrielle will beat both of yours first. Xena by Artemis’s girdle you look like shit. And what are you doing out of bed.
Varia (shaking her head): Probably wants a bath, not that I blame her. Come on Poni let’s get her in the tub.
Epinon (moving to Xena’s other side): All right you stubborn mule. Dam we’re all in hot water up here aren’t we.
Janice (agreeing): You could say that again (still feeling the soreness of her bum from Mel’s earlier attempts at making her see reason. Not that she minded one bit.)
Amarice (leaning against a tree): My Queen.
Gabrielle (turning and smiling through her tears): Amarice I told you…
Amarice (softly): Got you to smile didn’t it?
Gabrielle (facing her): Yeah. It just hurts.
Seeing her like that.
Amarice (understanding): I know. They act so tough and stoic but they carry
so much inside.
Eve (walking out): Tell me about it. Mom, mother will be alright. You know how tough she is (seeing her mom about to protest) I know but she will be ok. It’s just hard to see her hurting. I can understand completely.
Gabrielle (wrapping her arm around Eve’s shoulders
then Amarice): Come on. I know Mel has dinner all set so let’s go get something
to eat and relax.
Amarice (softly): Relax. Right with this bunch.
Eve (protesting playfully): It can happen. Besides
two of the biggest troublemakers are upstairs oh shit (a thought dawning on
her?)
Gabrielle (nodding): You said a mouthful Eve.
Amarice (laughing): Why is it whenever they get together they always manage to get in trouble?
Eve (laughing): Don’t go there. You don’t want
to know the answer.
Mel (wiping her eyes; she hadn’t laughed this hard in a long time): No way.
You mean to tell me that, that little spitfire out there argued with Xena then
proceeded to dump her in the mud.
Ephiny (nodding): Yep only Gabrielle had ever succeeded doing that up until then. Once Amarice had her down the look on her face and Xena’s.
Solari (chuckling): I don’t know whether Amarice wanted to run or pass out. I swear you could hear a feather drop among all that.
Gabrielle (walking in): Talking about my wife again I see.
Ephiny (smirking): You know it. (Hugging her) you ok.
Gabrielle (squeezing her tightly): Yeah thanks. (Looking around we seem to be missing someone or rather a bunch of some one’s.
Solari (sheepishly): They’re upstairs visiting Xena…
Eve, Amarice and Gabrielle shared the same look of oh shit.
Varia (gently drying Xena’s hair): You know Gabrielle is going to strangle us both and Eve well….
Epinon (rifling through the clothes): Dam girl I don’t know what to give you to wear.
Xena (weakly; the bath had tired her out but she didn’t feel so dam grimy): Anything loose that will be soft against the skin.
Varia (gently patting the wounds on Xena’s back
dry): Dam mother. What the hell did she do to you?
Xena (biting her lip): I don’t want to talk…
Epinon (softly): Hey. You need to. You can’t keep this shit inside (looking at the long deep scratches on Xena’s thighs.) What happened?
Xena (closing her eyes): Poni drop it…
Varia (gently): Mother please its ok. You need to get this off your chest. You’ll feel better.
Xena (weakly): No I don’t. Let it go.
Epinon (handing Xena a loose shirt and a pair of shorts): Xena there’s no need to act so tough in front of your family. At least talk to Gabrielle.
Xena (wide eyed; looking up quickly and almost passing out and felt Varia and Epinon grab her by the shoulders): No (clutching her ribs) no…
Varia (looking at Epinon): Easy just breathe.
Xena (hoarsely): Dammit…
Epinon (softly): Easy there Champ. Just take it easy (pulling Xena tighter against her when she felt her pass out.) Um I think you better go and get Gabrielle….
Varia (jumping up): Be right back.
Epinon (reassuring): Just take it easy ok (pulling Xena against her and holding her.) Dammit…
Gabrielle (taking a bite of her food and trying
not to choke and Solari’s feeble attempt at avoiding the conversation): So you
fell out of the tree trying to think of a way to ask for her hand.
Eve (muttering): Typical Warrior. Varia passed out and mother I don’t think
she sat still for ten seconds before she asked you (laughing.)
Mel (shaking her head): You mean those two (Eve
and Gabrielle nodded.) Oh my…
Ephiny (leaning forward): And you should have seen Epinon, had the whole nation
in hysterics…
Amarice (nodding): Yep not only did she pass out but in the mud nonetheless.
Eve (chuckling): Tough Warriors my bum.
Gabrielle (remembering fondly Xena’s asking for her hand): When it comes to emotions they fall well flat on their faces.
The table erupted in laughter. Just the thought of a fierce female warrior passing out cold when it came to expressions of emotions had the whole table in hysterics.
Amarice (smirking): Though once past the asking and the joining the honeymoon well that’s a whole nother story.
Solari (cuffing her lightly): Of course it is. There’s not a lot of need for talking (smirking and ducking Ephiny’s swat.)
Janice (shaking her head in amusement): But once someone asks for someone’s hand in the nation then well how is the ceremony planned.
Ephiny (looking at Gabrielle): Usually an Amazon Warrior will ask the permission of the Queen to be bonded with their partner. In the case of the Queen though usually the council will decide.
Mel (pushing her plate aside): And in the case that the council doesn’t approve.
Eve (taking a deep breath and looking up when she heard pounding feet): Then certain tests might be required. They can petition against the council’s vote and most of the time the Queen can overrule the decision of the council.
Varia (leaning against the doorjamb): Mom she (she
didn’t even get her sentence out when Gabrielle ran past her.) How does she
move so dam fast?
Mel (standing and following everyone else out of the room): Keeping up with
Xena will do that to you I take it.
Ephiny (following): You would be right. Come on.
Epinon (trying to keep Xena from hurting herself as she thrashed around in the throes of what appeared to be a nightmare): Xena come on. It’s ok. Alti’s not here…
Xena (delirious): Brie no please….
Gabrielle (dropping to her knees): She’s got a
fever (noticing the wet pile of clothes on the floor) and she wanted a bath
didn’t she (arching her eyebrow?)
Epinon (looking at the floor): Well you know how she gets (tightening her grip
on Xena’s arms.)
Gabrielle (hearing everyone else come in): She’s having a nightmare induced
by the fever. Get her on the floor gently though. I don’t want to risk opening
any of the wounds on her back.
Epinon (being as gentle as possible): My Queen I’m sorry she already did.
Eve (moving behind Gabrielle): What do you need?
Gabrielle (thinking): Get me something for her fever and something to put her
to sleep. She needs to rest and I need her out to look at whatever wounds she
tore open.
Ephiny and Mel walked in and both women went to Xena’s side to help hold her
down.
Solari joined them on the floor and Varia and Janice grabbed a couple of washcloths.
Xena (weakly): Brie no more please stop baby…
Gabrielle (soothingly): It’s ok love I’m here. I’m right here you’re safe.
You’re family’s with you.
Janice (wiping Xena’s face gently): She’s reliving
what Alti did to her isn’t she?
Ephiny (nodding): I think so. Gods if she wasn’t already dead I’d tear her
apart.
Eve (running in): Here. I also got some fresh bandages.
Gabrielle (taking the stuff handed to her): Solari, Varia hold her shoulders. Janice, Mel grab her legs. She’s going to fight this every step of the way. (softly) baby I’m sorry. But I have to take care of you. And face it you’re not always the easiest patient there is. I’m sorry love.
Elysian Fields
Aphrodite paced and paced. She tried to come up with a way to heal Xena without breaking any more dam pestering rules. She hated rules. Well the ones that seemed so unfair. And she hated the fact that her favorite couple was suffering. She had an idea and she hoped it would work. Vanishing out of her home she appeared in the halls of the guides.
Guide (stepping out of the shadows): I figured
you would back sooner or later.
Aphrodite (rolling up her sleeves): Listen Xena and Gabrielle have done so much.
And I know Xena can be a hardass and get into more than her share of trouble.
And I know she starts it (thinking) sometimes. But you can’t let her go through
this. She’s hurt pretty bad and she’s having nightmares and my little one is
hurting. You have to fix this.
Guide (folding her arms across her chest): Aphrodite…
Aphrodite (summoning all her courage; she knew that the guides could strip her
of her powers; knew that they could make her eternity a nightmare but so what;
her family was hurting and she hated that): I don’t care. I don’t care about
your fucking rules. I don’t care what you deem is right or wrong. This is
wrong. An immortal soul is suffering. Two immortal souls are suffering and
your making everyone around them hurt as well. I don’t care anymore I’ll heal
her myself. Dam you and your fucking rules.
Guide (softly): Even though the outcome for you could be unpleasant.
Aphrodite (fighting tears): Yes. I don’t care. Her life is worth more than my powers. Over the years I’ve learned what true love is. True unconditional love. And everyone of those women down there have it. With or without your blessing I’m going to fix this (storming out the door.)
South Carolina
Gabrielle shut the door and leaned against the wall. Taking care of Xena’s wounds had been hard enough on her but then in Xena’s delirious state she had cried out relieving the nightmare and torture Alti had put her though and it was some of those thoughts that weighed heavily on her heart and soul.
Eve (coming down the hall carrying a cup of tea):
Mom (seeing her shoulders shaking) hey it’s ok (setting the on a small table
and pulling her in for a hug.) What happened?
Gabrielle (crying): She relieved some of what Alti did to her. She used our
love against her. She hurt your mother using my love and affection for her.
Eve (thinking then comprehending): Oh no. Mom
she knows the truth you would never hurt her like that. You two have such a
pure unselfish bond between you both. She doesn’t believe that.
Gabrielle (shaking): But how can I, how can she…
Eve (taking a deep breath): Like someone very wise said to me once, you trust in your love for each other.
Gabrielle (smiling remembering those words of wisdom): I know. I hate to see her hurting.
Eve (rubbing her mom’s back): I know and I wish
there was something we could do. But right now you’re doing everything you
can…
Gabrielle (softly): We all are.
Ephiny (coming down the hall): Brie everything ok (noticing the tears and sad look on both of their faces.)
Eve (looking at her Aunt): Mom’s just upset over some of the things that she heard from mother.
Ephiny (brushing back Gabrielle’s hair): She’ll be ok Brie. You’ve done what you can for her and she’s a tough stubborn pain in the ass (affectionately.) Why don’t you come downstairs and just sit by the fire and talk. Mel and Janice made some great coffee and Amarice and Solari made a few snacks. It’ll be good for you.
Gabrielle (nodding): Yeah. She’s out for the night anyway. I’ll check on her in a little while (wrapping her arms around both Eve and Ephiny they walked downstairs together.)
Mel (teasing Janice): Of course you wouldn’t have
gotten into trouble in the first place if you had used the front door.
Janice (pouting): I didn’t know I would be welcome.
Mel (softly): Yes you did. I told you repeatedly you were more than welcome.
Amarice (laughing): Stubborn and hard headed. It seems to run in the family.
Poni (squeezing her, which elicited a yelp): Hush.
You should talk….
Amarice (sticking her tongue out): Oh really, need I remind you what happened
with you and Cyane and Xena on that supposed hunting trip in Artemis’ forest
hmmm…
Ephiny (walking in and sitting next to her lover): I remember that. It took
two weeks for either of them to sit right.
Solari (chuckling): Wasn’t Varia there as well.
Varia (pulling Eve into her arms): No I was with…
Eve (nipping her earlobe): Yes you were. And I think you were at fault.
Janice (laughing): So even in the afterlife they all manage to get into their fair of trouble.
Ephiny (agreeing): You bet your degree that they do. And it’s always them. No other Amazon seems to get into the things they do.
Solari (playfully protesting): Hey I resemble that remark.
Gabrielle (sipping her coffee): You should.
Eve (smirking): Good point.
Varia (shifting and running her hands along Eve’s ribs): Don’t say another word.
I remember a certain vacation where the Messenger of Eli Amazon Princess got
arrested.
Gabrielle (teasing): And so did you. And what
was your message.
Ephiny (biting her lip): Something to the fact Mother come help us get out of
jail.
Everyone busted up laughing and it was that moment Aphrodite materialized.
Aphrodite (sensing everyone’s good mood): Hi. Glad to see you having such a good time.
Gabrielle (standing and hugging her): Is everything
ok? I’m sorry…
Aphrodite (waving her hand): It’s ok. I just got bored and thought I would
come to visit.
Mel (smiling): That’s nice. You’re more than welcome here. Although I would
like to ask a few questions if you don’t mind.
Janice (gesturing to a chair): Have a seat.
Aphrodite (softly): I can’t stay long right now. Tomorrow though I’ll come back and you can ask me whatever you want. (She wanted to make sure everyone was ok then once they were all asleep heal Xena and then accept whatever the venerable guides deemed her punishment for violating their so called rules.) And you have all those scrolls to go over.
Mel (excitedly): Plus firsthand knowledge from two Queens themselves and the Princess herself.
Varia (grinning): Yep the…
Eve (sheepishly): Hush…
Ephiny (arching her eyebrow): You were and are our princess. Mel, Janice it took a while for Eve to accept her title as Princess of the Amazons. So you have to excuse her.
Eve (rolling her eyes playfully): Aunt Ephiny…
Gabrielle (proudly): Hush.
Janice (thinking): You gave Eve your right of caste when she was a baby. And then that whole mess with the Gods and then the incidents in the village. (Looking at the Goddess of Love) I’m sorry I’m…
Aphrodite (waving her hand): No need. I understand believe me I do. I told them not to do what they did but they didn’t listen. I’m going to go check on Xena and then back to my palace. I’ll be here first thing tomorrow morning (leaning down she kissed Gabrielle on the forehead.) Trust in your love for one another little one. I promise it will be ok.
Gabrielle (softly): Thank you for everything.
Mel (standing): Yes thank you…
Aphrodite (walking over to the southerner): You’ll learn a lot over the next couple of days. Just enjoy yourselves. I’ll see everyone tomorrow.
Everyone said their good nights and then resumed their conversation.
Janice (thinking): So we get the whole story of Eve the Amazon Princess, the Twilight of the Gods and…
Mel (thinking): And her reinstatement. Wow I hope some of that’s in those scrolls. And of course we have you to help us if you don’t mind.
Gabrielle and Ephiny looked at each other and smiled.
Ephiny (proudly): Anyone of us would be more than glad to help answer any of your questions. We just ask that not everything be revealed or brought to light.
Gabrielle (nodding): Some things are better left
unsaid. Ephiny and I will help you understand some of our traditions. As well
as Eve and her right of caste and her responsibilities.
Solari (smiling proudly): And Poni, Amarice, Varia and myself can give you
our perspective on our roles as their consorts and Champions.
The conversation continued to the early morning. Topics ranging from Amazon life to some of the epic tales of adventure, war, triumph, ceremonies and the afterlife. Everyone wanted to get an early start, well as early as they could so they said their goodnights and went to bed.
Gabrielle walked into her and Xena’s room. Careful
not to disturb her but thinking the mild sedative she had given her would hopefully
keep her out for the night and let her body rest and heal she crawled in gently
beside her. Kissing her lightly on the lips she gingerly wrapped an arm around
her lover’s waist and closed her eyes.
Sometime later Aphrodite came back with tears in her eyes.
Aphrodite (softly; she had cast a spell to let both of her favorite soul mates
to sleep with out nightmares or pain): I’m sorry. I should have done this sooner.
I don’t care what it costs me anymore. I can’t bear to see my little one hurting
and to see you hurting either Xena. Tomorrow all your physical injuries will
be gone but you need to talk about the things that happened. I’ve learned a
lot from you both over the years. The one most important thing is unconditional
love. So as my last gift to you both you’ll be healed. Remember me always.
For no matter what happens I’ll hold you both closest to my heart more so than
anyone (with that she placed a gentle kiss on both of their foreheads and then
went to each couple’s room giving them a small blessing and saying her good
byes. These woman had come to be her family over the years of eternity. If
this was good-bye she had so many good memories and lessons learned from each
of them. She saved Mel and Janice for last as she not known them as long as
she head the others.) Mel, Janice our time has been short but I see a lot of
Xena and Gabrielle in you. Remember your love in times of struggle and pain.
It will guide you and carry you through everything. And pay attention to my
girls. They’ve been around a long time and know more about life and love then
I could have ever hoped to even as the goddess of love. Take care of my family
(with that she vanished going straight to the venerable guides temple and awaited
her fate.)
Elysian Fields
The guides stepped forward and told Aphrodite what she had done was against the rules (we knew that right) and for violation of those rules she would be punished.
Aphrodite held her head high and told them if that was the price of saving her family then so be it.
Xena’s Girl