Disclaimers
Violence: Of course there is violence in this, its Xena Warrior Princess.
Copyright: Xena, Gabrielle, Melinda Pappas, Janice Covington, Argo, Velasca, and the Amazons all are owned by Universal/MCA and Renaissance Pictures.
Subtext: There is love between two women which if offends you, then don’t read this story.
Feedback: redhope@redhope.net
Webpage: http://www.redhope.net
Started: November 11, 2000 Saturday
Series 1: The Binding of the Soulmates of Time Series Number: 10 Story Number:
The Darkness: Protection
by Red Hope
~*Part 6*~
"My, my… what happened to you, my Queen?" teased the regent as Gabrielle strolled into the food hut.
The Amazon Queen neared the bench where sat Ephiny. "What you mean?" She gave an innocent smile.
"I don't know, you tell me," taunted the Amazon. "You have huge smirk on your lips."
The warrior-bard shrugged. "I had a good dream."
"Oh." The regent nodded before she chuckled. "Going to get some breakfast?"
"Was considering it." Gabrielle grinned then she asked, "Are you staying?"
Ephiny gave an inquisitive look. "If the Queen would like me too, yes."
"She would." The short warrior winked and strolled over to the line of food.
Ephiny laughed softly to herself and sighed sadly. She drummed her fingers on the bench as she thought about all the projects her Queen would have to handle. She got so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't hear her friend sit down.
"Eph?"
"Hmmm?" The regent shook her head and averted her focus on the Queen instead of the crack in the wood bench table. "Sorry."
"S'alright." The Queen picked up her fork and started eating. "What were you thinking about?"
"Just all the work you need to do."
Gabrielle took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she paused in her eating. "A lot huh?" She went back to eating.
"Yeah, afraid so." Ephiny crossed her arms on top of the table and leaned forward. "You're gonna be real busy."
"Good," muttered the Queen, "it'll keep me from thinking too much about Xena."
The regent reached out and touched her friend's free hand. "Gabrielle, Xena will be fine."
"I hope so," whispered the Queen, "I'm worried about her."
"I know." Ephiny squeezed the small hand under hers. "But she's a big warrior huh? She's a traveling army." She grinned at the joke.
Gabrielle chuckled quietly and nodded. "True."
The Amazon patted the warm hand before she released it. "Besides, she has a couple of goddesses looking after her."
The warrior-bard nodded. She shifted all her attention on her regent. "You know, speaking of goddesses."
The regent lifted an eyebrow. "Just say it."
"Well…" Gabrielle poked at her food with her fork. "I'd, personally, would like to make Aphrodite our second goddess." She peered up.
"What?" The Amazon straightened up at this information. "Gabrielle, she's the goddess of love." She leaned towards the Queen. "No offense; what does love have to do with the Amazons?"
"Think about it, Ephiny." The Queen stopped eating again as she formed her reasons. "The Amazons are one huge family. We care about each other, protect each other, and the stakes don't matter. Love has everything to do with the Amazons." She now leaned towards her regent. "Besides that, I am her chosen."
"Gabrielle, what about Artemis?" hissed the regent. "You just can't replace her. She would be furious."
"I am not asking to replace her, Ephiny." Gabrielle sighed. "I am asking that we add Aphrodite to our family. She has protected me, Xena, and the Amazons time and time again." She shook her head. "Aphrodite is one of the few gods that understand mankind… especially women."
"Gabrielle," growled Ephiny, "Artemis would be furious that her Amazons adopted another god."
The warrior-bard sighed, looked away, then she looked back. "Well then, I'll just go get Artemis's approval."
"What?" roared the regent.
"Right now, actually." Gabrielle slammed the palm of her hands on the table, rose up, and briskly walked out of the hut.
"Gabrielle!" yelled the regent.
All the Amazons in the hut turned around to stare at their regent.
Ephiny saw all the looks, huffed, jumped out of her seat, and she raced out of the hut.
Gabrielle heard the running footsteps and Ephiny reappeared at her side.
"Gabrielle, don't do this!" The regent grabbed her Queen's arm.
The warrior-bard pulled away from the grasp and neared Artemis's temple. "Aphrodite belongs with us, Eph."
"Artemis will be past angry at you for this."
"No she won't. I am her chosen. If she expects me to be her chosen then she'll want me to do this." Gabrielle went up the steps and flung open the doors. "Maired?" called the Queen as she strolled proudly into the temple.
Maired came out of the side door in her Amazon leathers. "Yes, Queen Gabrielle?"
"I need to talk to our goddess."
Maired already knew this and she smiled. "Just call upon her, my Queen."
The warrior-bard nodded and walked up the aisle to the altar.
Ephiny sprung forward and grabbed her friend's arm from behind. "Don't, Gabrielle."
Maired quickly moved and stepped between the regent and Queen. "Ephiny, I suggest you let Artemis's chosen do as she wishes." She raised an eyebrow in challenge.
The regent locked eyes with the priestess and realized the seriousness behind it all. "Of course, Maired." She released her Queen's arm.
Maired shifted and stood beside Ephiny.
Gabrielle continued up the aisle to the altar.
The priestess peered over at the regent. "This is the right thing, Ephiny."
"You would not lie to me." Ephiny accepted the priestess's words and believed in them.
The Amazon Queen came up the three steps to the altar. She lowered her hands onto the golden altar and lifted her eyes high up to the statue of Artemis. She locked her eyes on the eyes of Artemis. "Artemis, I wish to speak to you! Your chosen wishes to talk to you here in your temple in the Amazon village!"
Slowly, the eyes of Artemis had begun to glow a deep, rich amber. There was a crackle of lightening behind the Queen.
Gabrielle spun around with a grin as the golden lightening formed a female body. Before Gabrielle, materialized a tall, dark, beautiful woman. Her head tilted down and her golden armor sparkled along with her bow and arrow on her back and sword at her side. Gabrielle walked down the three steps onto the level ground.
The goddess lifted her head and her golden eyes pinned the Queen in her spot.
Ephiny and Maired neared slowly and once close enough, they knelt down.
Artemis lowered her eyes to the two Amazons and ordered, "Stand."
The regent and priestess climbed up to their feet but remained silent.
Artemis shifted her focus back to the Queen. "I heard you conversation with Ephiny."
The chosen arched an eyebrow and folded her arms. "And what do you think?"
The goddess of hunt put her hands on her hips and turned her head to Ephiny. "I think, my regent needs to listen more carefully to her Queen."
Ephiny's jaw dropped and she quickly said, "You are our only goddess that we've had or ever will need. Why add Aphrodite?"
Artemis grinned and replied, "Recall Gabrielle's reasons, those are the reasons why."
Gabrielle took a deep breath and asked, "Your Amazons have your approval?"
The goddess faced her Queen again. "Yes, Gabrielle." She reached up and lightly touched the Queen under her chin. "As long as our Amazons agree and Aphrodite does."
"Of course, my goddess," whispered the chosen.
Artemis smiled softly and turned back to her regent. "Ephiny, remember you are one of my special Amazons." She caressed the Amazon's cheek softly.
The regent locked eyes with the goddess as the touch on her cheek warmed her. "Yes, my goddess."
"Soon, Ephiny, you're trust in Gabrielle and Xena will be put to the test," whispered the goddess. "Trust in your love for them. It'll save them."
"I will, my goddess." The regent smiled warmly. "I will protect our chosen," she whispered.
"I know and thank you." Artemis pulled away her lingering touch and turned back to Gabrielle. "My Queen, be safe these next days." She leaned towards her Queen and her lips gently caressed Gabrielle's. "Don't trust anybody without feathers," she uttered softly.
"Of course, Artemis," whispered back the short warrior.
Artemis pulled back some with her warm smile. "Aphrodite will be here as soon as I am gone. She will not stop thanking you for this. Thank you for adding her to the Amazon family." She paused and whispered, "This is where she belongs."
"I know, that's why I asked."
"Smart thinkin'," teased the goddess with a grin but she went serious. "Your Soulmate will be safe as long as you believe in your Amazons' strength."
"I do, Artemis," replied the Queen quietly.
"Good." Artemis lowered her head more.
Gabrielle's breath caught as the goddess's lips gently touched her own.
The goddess deepened the kiss more.
The warrior-bard felt the warm tongue entered her mouth and she responded finally. As the kiss continued, Gabrielle felt something fill her; something of protection.
Artemis gradually pulled away a little but whispered, "Be safe, my Queen."
The short warrior opened her eyes slowly. "Thank you, my goddess."
The goddess of hunt straightened up tall and flashed a brief smile at her chosen. She stepped back as lightening bolts formed around her and then she was gone.
The short warrior shivered all over from the hot tingling in her body. She just gave me something in that kiss, she considered. She shifted her attention to her priestess and regent.
The regent was gawking while Maired just smirked.
Gabrielle knitted her eyebrows at Ephiny's look. "What?"
"She kissed you," squeaked Ephiny.
The Amazon Queen groaned as her shoulders dropped. "Ephiny, it was nothing sexually," she growled.
"Sure, sure," teased the regent before she winked.
Gabrielle sighed and folded her arms again.
"What we waiting for?" inquired the regent.
The warrior-bard exchanged a look with Maired.
The priestess touched the other Amazon's shoulder. "We're waiting for Aphrodite, Ephiny."
Ephiny chuckled and nodded.
Suddenly, pink sparkles formed in the air and Aphrodite poofed before the women.
"Aphrodite." Gabrielle smiled at her friend.
The goddess smiled happily back at the Queen. "Bard!" She took the two steps quickly and pulled the warrior-bard in.
Xena's Soulmate hugged back the goddess tightly. "Glad you came," she teased.
The goddess of love laughed while she released the small woman. "I cannot believe you, sweetie pea." She ruffled the small woman's hair.
Gabrielle chuckled and brushed her hair back with her fingers. "Dite, you belong with us." She grinned. "So, wanna be apart of the feathers?"
"Well…" Aphrodite put her hands on her hips and pretended to think about it. "Do I have to wear those tight leather things?"
The short warrior groaned and replied, "No. But you can," she taunted.
"As if!" The goddess waved her hand. "Leather looks better on you Amazons or on men."
Ephiny huffed at the men part.
"Dite, what you say?" Gabrielle held her arms out. "You'll have all these loyal women behind you." She grinned and dropped her arms.
"Well, as long as I don't get any fish for sacrifices. That's so uncool."
"I wouldn't even think about it," sated Maired.
Aphrodite laughed at the priestess and smiled back at the Amazon Queen. "Of course I'll be your other goddess, bard!"
"Sweet." Gabrielle smiled profoundly and quickly pulled in her friend for another hug.
"You're too cute, bard." The goddess of love hugged back her friend.
~*~*~*~
Xena scanned the tavern before she took another step further in. She counted all of the male warriors inside. She grunted to herself and strolled powerfully up to the bartender.
The bartender looked up as the dark woman neared him. "What can I help you with, warrior?"
The warrior crossed her arms. "I am interesting in a room… and some information."
The bartender paused in drying his mug. "What sort of information?"
"About somebody that may have passed through this area recently." The Warrior Princess reached to her side; she unhooked her pouch.
"Sorry, I don't keep tabs on people that come through Pydmon."
"Are you sure?" inquired the warrior as she slammed the bag of dinars down on the bar.
The bartender glanced at the money then back up at the woman. "Well, maybe I've seen a few people."
"I bet." Xena picked up the pouch. "I'm looking for a young male warrior." She grinned. "A little shorter than me, black… brown hair."
"Seen lots of warrior's like that," replied the bartender as he put the mug away.
"He has soft blue eyes and a rather large nose," added the warrior.
The bartender considered and said, "There was a guy in here several days ago like that." He drummed his fingers on the bar. "As a matter of fact, he got so drunk off the ale and started rambling on about the Warrior Princess." He laughed and shook his head. "Kept raving that she was his sister or some centaur crap like that."
"Really?" Xena grinned and asked, "Did he mention where he was headed?"
"He did… but I don't remember where." The bartender heard the pouch of dinars shake. "Southwest to Dodoni, that's right." He smiled sheepishly.
"Hmmm, thank you." The tall woman tossed him the bag of dinars. "Where's the room?"
"Done the hall, fifth door on the right." The bartender watched the warrior head down the hall. "How do you know him?" he called while opening the pouch.
The Warrior Princess stopped and half turned back around. "He's my brother," she stated coolly.
The bartender instantly looked up from the dinars. "You're not the… Warrior Princess?" he whispered.
Xena shrugged. "May be." She smirked and continued down the hall to check her room out.
The bartender just stared at her back. "Oh gods…" he uttered in fear.
~*~*~*~
Gabrielle looked out her window to the outside world. She noted the sun sinking low into the west. She groaned, propped her elbows up on the desk, dropped her head into her hands, and stared down at the scrolls on her table. "I'll never be able to read all of these," she muttered.
The desk was littered with very old scrolls that contained information about the Amazons' history, the traditions, laws, and a few stories.
A soft knock came at the door.
The warrior-bard sighed and said, "Come in."
Slowly the door opened, and Renotta popped in. "Evening, Gabrielle."
The Queen smiled at the older Amazon. "How are ya, Renotta?"
"I'm fine." The Amazon closed the door and neared her Queen. "How are you doing?"
"My brain is shot," stated the short warrior.
Renotta glanced down at all the scrolls on the desk. "I can see why, sweetie." She gently touched the small woman's shoulder. "Take a break and come to dinner."
"Yeah, I think you're right." The small warrior stretched her legs out under the desk. She then stood up. "You ready?"
"Yup," replied Renotta with a smile. She held out her hand. "May I escort you, my Queen?"
Gabrielle laughed and took the hand. "Of course, my loyal subject."
The older Amazon chuckled and headed to the door. "You're too much, sweetie." She opened the door and let the Queen step through first.
Ephiny glanced up when she caught sight of Renotta and the warrior-bard coming in. She noted them holding hands. She corked an eyebrow across the hut to Gabrielle.
The Amazon Queen knew what the look was about and shrugged to her regent.
Ephiny sighed, shook her head and went back to eating her meal. Soon Renotta, Gabrielle, and Solari joined her. The group were quickly talking and drinking happily.
Karena put all her weight onto one foot. "Mind if we join you, mates?"
Gabrielle peered up at Karena and Janelle. She laughed and patted the bench. "Come on, sit down."
"Oh, hold on," stated Karena and she walked around the bench and sat beside Ephiny. "I am not sitting beside her." Her eyes locked on Renotta.
Renotta's jaw dropped. "I am crushed."
Karena laughed and put her plate of food down. "Sorry mate, but I don't trust your fast moving hands."
Renotta snickered and drank from her mug of wine.
Janelle decided to be smart too and sat beside Karena.
"Good idea, mate." Karena patted Janelle's back before she ate more.
"Tell me about it, buddy." Janelle picked up her fork and ate as well.
Renotta laughed softly and asked, "What? Does it say I'm dangerous across my forehead?"
"Yes," replied all the Amazons at the table.
The group laughed and continued eating, talking and drinking.
Within a few candlemarks, the group of Amazons were rather drunk at the table. Most of the other Amazons in the hut had left and were doing duties or headed to bed. This bunch, however, kept drinking their ale or wine and talking nothing but lies.
"Gabrielle?" Renotta slammed her mug down. "Do you drink often?"
The warrior-bard shook her head after lowering her mug of ale. "Nope."
"Why is that? Can't hold a lot down?" taunted the older Amazon.
The Queen huffed. "No, just really don't get the need to get drunk."
"Oh, that's such cen… centaur crap," murmured Renotta. "You just can't handle this stuff." She singled her mug.
Ephiny leaned towards her lover. "Drinking contest," she whispered.
Solari snickered quietly. "Guess who's gonna win?"
"Don't wanna know," joked back the regent as she sat back in her position.
"That's it," declared the Queen. She looked at Karena. "Kare, go… go get a big thing of ale huh?"
Karena raised an eyebrow. "Gabrielle-"
"Don't say it," warned the Queen.
Karena laughed softly. "Of course, my Queen," she teased. She stood up but stumbled a little. "Oooh," she groaned.
Janelle got up. "I'll help you… Kare," she teased.
Karena gave a glare for the joke but none the less, she stumbled over the bench seat and headed over to the kitchen.
Janelle quickly followed behind but not quite in a straight line.
Within a few moments, the two Amazons returned with four pitchers of dark ale. They dropped them in front of Renotta and Gabrielle.
Gabrielle picked up a pitcher, filled her mug with a shaky hand, then she filled Renotta's. She smirked at the older Amazon. "Ready?" She held up her mug.
Renotta laughed, lifted her mug, and slammed it against the Queen's. "You're on, my Queen."
~*~*~*~
Gabrielle's head dropped onto the table as she pushed the empty mug away. "That's e-enouf."
Ephiny and Solari laughed and patted their Queen on the shoulder.
"You did well," commented the regent. "Renotta is still outside throwing up."
"I'll be joinin' her phoon," murmured the warrior-bard.
Renotta stumbled into the food hut and leaned against the doorway. "I jus' had dis fuckin' amazin' idea-er."
All the Amazons glanced at the older Amazon, who was slumped against the doorframe.
Gabrielle lifted her head and her fuzzy eyes rested on her friend. "S'what's hat?"
Renotta grinned evilly as she could and walked slowly towards the bench. "Let's go… go cee Sandon."
"Sandon?" asked the confused Queen as she turned her foggy focus on her Amazons.
"She means Landon," cleared up the regent.
"Oh." Gabrielle looked back at Renotta. "S'why Landon?"
"Well ya cee…" Renotta grabbed the edge of the table. "Little Sandon can make these phabulous tatters."
"Tatters?" questioned the Queen.
Renotta groaned and said, "T… tattoos." She opened her eyes. "They just somethin' else, Gab." She grinned evilly. "I have uh couple she's made on… on me… somewhere's."
"Okay," decided the warrior-bard. She got up to her feet and swayed back and forth.
"Gabrielle," warned the regent, "think about what you're doing. Tattoo… can't remove it."
"Pffft." Gabrielle waved a hand at her regent. "I know what the… the Hades I'z doin'. Shit, I am older than… than… than phive," she slurred.
The regent shook her head.
"But you're drunk too," stated Solari. "Besides, just think how Xena will react if she finds one on you."
"Oh, that'z suh dumb." Gabrielle groaned and grabbed onto Renotta. "She ain't even here's. I don't gotta worry about a thing."
Karena and Janelle exchanged looks.
"Yeah, what da Queen says," stated Renotta. She looked at Gabrielle. "Let's go, woman." She wrapped her arm around the warrior-bard's waist.
Gabrielle did the same and help Renotta make it out of the hut as much as Renotta helped her. "Time for zum ink… ink slinging!" she yelled happily.
Ephiny groaned and shook her head.
"Eph?"
The regent looked at her lover.
"We better stop Gabrielle." Solari raised an eyebrow. "Just think what Xena will do if she finds a tattoo on Gabrielle." She paused. "Think about what she'll do to us," she whispered in fear.
"Oh shit," uttered the regent.
Instantly, the four Amazons at the table leapt out of their seats and rushed out the door.
"Gabrielle!" screamed Ephiny as she rushed towards Landon's hut.
"Yea, eggtactly, Landon," stated the Queen.
"Alright, my Queen." Landon pulled out her needles and colors for the needles. "Now, this'll hurt." She grinned. "But might not much considering how… good you're feeling."
Gabrielle laughed softly and peered up at Renotta. "How many ya got?"
Renotta shrugged. "Lost counts." She flopped down in a chair and watched with fuzzy eyes.
The warrior-bard felt Landon's hand touch her chest and signaled her to lay back on the wood pallet. So she did lay back.
"Okay, I'm gonna push your skirt down a little further," stated Landon. She grasped at red velvet skirt's silver and black belt. She pushed it down on Gabrielle's right hip. She then took a small razor and shaved over the skin in that area.
"Why'z ya doin' that?" asked the warrior-bard.
"To remove any hair there," replied the tattoo artist. "Okay, you ready?" She put the razor away.
"Go'z," stated the Queen.
"Alright." Landon tipped a thick needle with black ink. After she bit her lower lip, she pressed the needle against the smooth skin.
Gabrielle held onto the side of the pallet with her hands as the annoying pain shot through her right side of her hip. "Oh this'll be annoyingz."
"Oh but itz suh much phun," teased Renotta.
Landon kept moving the black tipped needle to create the outline of the tattoo. "It won't take long, Gabrielle."
Suddenly the front door flung open.
"Don't do it, Landon!" roared the regent as she rushed in.
Renotta jumped from her seat and stepped into Ephiny's path. "Sssh," she ordered, "Landon already ztarted it."
"What?" growled the regent as she moved Renotta back into the chair. She stomped over beside Landon.
The other three Amazons came stumbling into the hut after Ephiny.
"Ephiny," warned the tattoo artist, "you know I need it to be quiet to concentrate." She pulled the tracing needle away from Gabrielle's hip; worried that Ephiny would mess up her tattoo.
The regent peered at her Queen's hip and saw the beginning of the outline for the tattoo. "Oh fuck!"
"Eph, itz phine. I'z wanta tattoo," said the Queen from the pallet.
The regent threw up her arms. "Mind as well finish it. I cannot do a damn thing about it now." She fell down in a chair and decided to watch. She also thought about a good lie to tell Xena when she returned- or to retire early.
~*~*~*~
Gabrielle stumbled into her hut with Renotta's help. "Tanks, Reno."
"Oh no's problemz, Gab." Renotta settled the Queen onto her bed. "It lookz realz goodz."
"Thinks so?" The warrior-bard peered down at the tattoo on her right hip. "Landon did uh beautieful job which it." She chuckled.
"Ya have stome good taste," stated Renotta. She walked with her drunken sway to the door. "Jus' perphect."
"Tanks, Reno." Gabrielle smiled happily. "Go tuh your'z bedz."
"Yuppers, goodnight."
"Nighty night." Gabrielle laughed softly as she watched the door to her hut close. She leaned forward and gradually untied her boots. She then kicked them off across the hut, turned and crawled up into her bed. She fell into the middle of the bed and groaned.
The small woman closed her eyes but then realized. "Shit… double shit." She whined and whispered aloud. "Xena iz gonna see me in d'our treamscape." She then started praying that her tattoo wouldn't show up in her dream with her lover. But all the ale caught up to her and made her drift off to sleep.
A long breath filled her lungs and softened her mind. Her eyes opened and she gazed around. Green eyes lowered down and studied the right hip. "Oh crap," came her mutter.
The tattoo on Gabrielle's side stood out in broad daylight of the dreamscape.
"I gotta tink of somethin' before Zena showz." Thoughts went through the warrior-bard's mind and one good one came. Her fingers snapped together and a cloak was on her body. "Perphect," she murmured. Moss eyes lifted up and spotted a tall, dark beauty strolling towards her through the green grass.
A smile creased the warrior's lip. "Gabrielle," was her whisper.
"Hi," replied Gabrielle softly. "How…" she gulped because the alcohol still affected her. "How are you?" she said in a whisper.
"I'm okay," came the whisper by Xena.
"Good." Small arms encircled the Warrior Princess and drew her in.
"I miss you, Gabrielle." The warrior's lips lowered.
Gabrielle stepped back with a shy smile.
Quickly worry filled her. "What's wrong, Gabrielle?"
"Nottin'," was her reply.
The fuzziness in Gabrielle's eyes became clear to Xena and she grasped her lover's hips inside of the cloak.
A nervous laugh escaped the warrior-bard and a step took her out of her Soulmate's hold. "Sorry… I'z not feelin' too hot."
"You're not sounding so great either," muttered the warrior. "What's going on?"
A sigh left the warrior-bard and her head lowered. "Nothin'," she murmured.
A step forward brought Xena close to her Soulmate again. "Gabrielle, I know you're drunk. Come on, what happened?" Gabrielle's cheek was caressed by her fingertips.
Her green eyes were closed by the sensation. "Zena?" was her sad whisper.
"What happened huh?"
After another sigh, her explanation left her lips. "Renotta got me intuh a drink…ing contest."
"You win?"
"Of course." The tease was light coming from Gabrielle.
"What else?" The guilt in Gabrielle's eyes shined to the warrior.
"I… I…" A sigh released from her. "Here'z." The cloak came off by her shrugging. Then the cloak just disappeared from the dreamscape. "Cee." Her finger pointed at the tattoo.
Her knees knelt down and Xena inspected the tattoo on the side of her lover's hip. "Gabrielle," she growled.
"Zena, itz phine. It lookz nise tuh."
"Gabrielle," whispered the warrior and her legs lifted her up. "That's my name on your hip," stated she.
"Yeah, suh what?" Her legs were turned by her and she put her hands on her hips. "Gotta problemz wid my Soulmate's name on my hip huh?"
Her large hands came up and rubbed her forehead. "Gabrielle," muttered the warrior. "You shouln't have done that."
"Ah! whatever," grumbles the warrior-bard and her legs stomp her off. "I wantuh it so that everybody knowz who ownz me."
"Gabrielle, I don't own you!" yelled the warrior.
She was whirled around and the hurt look swept across her face. "Xena." Gabrielle suddenly became more sober than ever. "Yes, ya do own me." She neared with menacing steps. "Ya said it yaself. I am yours, you are mine and we are ours."
"That's different," stated the warrior lowly.
Her legs brought her closer to Xena. "No, its not," she clearly stated. "Xena, don't ya like it when I say I own you."
A debatable reply wanted to leave Xena's lips but could not. "Gabrielle… Gab-"
"See, you can't say I am wrong." The small warrior encircled her lover's waist. "Please, you own me," she whispered, "in no way that anybody else could, has, or will."
"Okay… okay." A small sigh left from Xena. She shifted and lifted her lover up into her arms.
Gabrielle clung onto her Soulmate and was carried over to the tree by Xena.
Once she sat, Gabrielle was pulled into her lap by her arms. "I love you," whispered the warrior. Her head was soon pulled down by Gabrielle and her lips claimed in a sweet kiss.
"Xena, you're not mad?" went her question at the end of the kiss. Her cheek was carefully caressed by the warrior's fingertips.
"No," uttered Xena as a smile took her lips. "I think it was cute."
"Cute?" Her nose crinkled up. "How was that cute?"
Her shoulders shrugged and Xena's smile went warmer. "It was cute," stated the warrior and then she whispered, "You're cute, Bri."
Gabrielle blinked and whispered, "Bri?"
Her eyebrows wrinkled together and a laugh escaped her lips. "Did I say that?" uttered the older woman.
"Ya did… Xen," teased the warrior-bard.
A growl rumbled through the Warrior Princess's chest but a grin creased her lips. "You're bad." Her back bent forward and her lips claimed Gabrielle's in a soft kiss.
A chuckle vibrated in her chest at the separation of the kiss. "I liked that."
"Bri?" questioned Xena quietly.
"Yeah… jus' don't say it around the feathers."
"Of course, my Queen."
After she received a wink from the warrior, strong arms pulled her into the warm lap more. "I miss you, Xena."
"I know." Xena kissed her Soulmate's temple and warm legs wrapped around her leather-clad waist. She sensed Gabrielle's head resting on her chest and a content sigh left her. Her head settled down on Gabrielle's.
The Soulmates continued to rest in each other's arms in their dreamscape before they would have to wake up in reality again.
~*Part 7*~
Gabrielle moaned softly, and she opened her eyes. "Bri?" she whispered to herself and a grin took her lips. "I'm cute? She's more cute than I am."
The Amazon Queen sat up in her bed but instantly regretted it. "Oh gods," she moaned and fell back into her bed.
The pounding headache grew intensity from the fast movement. It screamed in her head and rushed down to her belly.
The warrior-bard put her hands on her stomach. "Oh no…" She groaned, rolled out of her bed barely, and she fell to her feet. She stood up for all of two seconds before she collapsed to her knees. "Oh gods." She gritted her teeth against the upset in her stomach. "Where… are you when I need you, Xena?"
She opened her eyes, glanced over at the washroom as her stomach faintly convulsed. "I can… can make it," she coached herself.
With a groan, Gabrielle got up to her feet and walked slowly towards the washroom.
Her stomach convulsed harder this time.
Gabrielle sprinted to the washroom and crashed to her knees in front of a small pot. She was soon praying to porcelain god.
~*~*~*~
The Warrior Princess put her hand on her forehead and groaned. "Oh gods, Gabrielle." She felt her head pounding. "The not so fun part about our connection," she grumbled and sat up in the bed. The room went unfocused then refocused for the warrior. "Hades," growled the warrior.
Xena's eyes slammed shut as the pain ripped through her stomach. "Oh shit." She rolled out of bed; she raced to the bathroom. Now it was Xena's turn to pray in front of the pot.
After several moments, the warrior walked out of the bathroom, toweling her face from washing it. "What a way to start a morning," she grumbled and sat down on the foot of her bed. She stared across the room and let herself wake up.
But it didn't take her long to collect her armor, weapons, put her boots on, and picked up her saddlebag. She hefted the saddlebag onto her shoulder and shifted to the door. Her fingers curled around the doorknob but she didn't open it yet. "You were in a drinking contest and got a tattoo. What's next… Bri?" She chuckled to herself and left the room.
The Warrior Princess headed out of the inn and went out to the stable. She entered her mare's stall. "Hey, girl."
Argo stomped her front hoof on the ground in greeting.
"Good to see you too." Xena smiled and rubbed her mare behind the ear.
The warhorse nudged at her owner's shoulder and gave her a worried look.
"Yea, yea I'm fine." The warrior started saddling her mare. "Your favorite short blond decided to get drunk." She started tacking up her horse.
Argo whined in laughter and nudged her mistress more.
"That isn't the half of it, girl."
Again, the mare stamped her hoof on the ground in demand.
"She got a tattoo as well."
Argo shook her head and snorted.
"Even I have to admit, it looks nice." The warrior tightened the nosepiece on her mare's face tack.
The horse whined in surprise.
"I'm not joking," stated Xena. "It was my name in purple and black outline. Then my chakram behind the 'X.' Wasn't bad." She shrugged and put the saddle on the horse's back.
The mare turned her head back and nibbled at her owner's chakram on her side.
"No, it wasn't this chakram… my older one." Xena opened her saddlebag and pulled out some grain. "Its on the right side of her hip." She carried the grain bag over to a mounted feedbox. She poured some of the grain in. "Breakfast, girl. I'm gonna go eat quickly too." She put the bag away, left the stall, and went back into the inn.
The Warrior Princess quickly returned after eating a fast breakfast. She found Argo had eaten her breakfast already. She towed her mare out of the stable, mounted her, and she headed out of the town. "We have a long ride, girl."
Argo huffed and snorted sadly.
Xena patted her mare on the neck. "You'll get a treat at the end, promise."
The warhorse whined happily and walked a little faster out of the town.
The warrior signaled her horse to head southwest to Dodoni.
~*~*~*~
Gabrielle stumbled out of her hut with her hand on her forehead. "Oh gods," she groaned and opened her eyes. The sun gleamed into her eyes and made her groaned even more. "This isn't going to be a good day," she muttered.
Ephiny came up to the Queen. "Mornin', Gabrielle."
"Hey," whispered the warrior-bard quietly.
"Something wrong?" inquired the regent in a loud voice as she smirked.
"Ssssh, Eph." The small woman lowered her hand and peered up. "I don't feel so hot," she muttered.
The Amazon grinned and nodded. "You didn't forget about your meeting with the council this morning, did you?"
The Queen's eyes widened. "What… meeting?"
Ephiny chuckled. "The one you setup to get the council's approval for Aphrodite's entrance into the Amazon culture."
"Oh… right, right," whispered the short warrior. "When is the meeting?"
"In about five minutes," stated the regent.
"Oh shit," muttered the warrior-bard. "Eph?"
"Yes, my Queen?" The regent folded her arms with a grin.
"Can you lead me to the meeting room?" Gabrielle sighed and whispered, "I can't recall where it is… my mind is really hazy."
"Right this way, my Queen." The regent held out her arm as a huge smug look formed on her expression.
Gabrielle took her friend's arm and let her lead her to the meeting hut.
Ephiny spotted the head chef, Logos. "Logos?"
The chef came over to the pair.
"Walk with us," ordered the regent.
"Of course. What's up, Eph?"
The regent held her freehand out to the Queen. "Our Queen is a bit… how do you say it… hung over."
Logos peered over and chuckled. "Quite."
"Can you whip up something to drink to help her out?"
The chef grinned and nodded. "I will."
"Thank you. Bring it to the meeting hut."
"Right away." Logos broke away from the pair and jogged to the food hut.
"Eph?" murmured the Queen, "can I cancel the meeting?"
"No, my Queen." The regent patted her friend's arm. "You said yourself, to the council, that this meeting couldn't be canceled because its so important."
Suddenly, an array of colorful words were muttered from Gabrielle.
"Here we are, my Queen. Go get them." Ephiny opened the meeting hut door, and she let the Queen step in.
Gabrielle groaned, walked in, and mentally tried to come sober. She even tried ignoring that volcanic headache.
Logos rushed up to the meeting hut and came to Ephiny's side. "Here you go, Eph." She handed over the mug of substance.
"Thank you, Logos." The regent started to go in but stopped. "Oh Logos, make some for Renotta and send it to her hut too."
"Sure, I'll take care of that too. Drinking contest huh?"
"Yup, afraid so." Ephiny chuckled and went into the hut. She came up beside her Queen. "Gabrielle, drink this."
The Queen took the mug and decided best not to smell it or ask about it. She just downed it and ignored the foul taste.
Slowly, the council members all entered the hut. The each settled down into their proper seats and talked among themselves about the topic at hand.
"How you feel?" whispered the regent in concern.
"I'll live," mumbled the warrior-bard. "Thanks, Eph."
"No problem, my friend." The Amazon patted her Queen's back carefully. "I'll be here to back you up. Go get them, tiger," she teased and walked back into the corner with the mug.
Masika cleared her throat and rose up. "My Queen?"
Gabrielle sighed and turned to the head council member. "Good morning, Masika." She smiled forcefully at the other members. "Morning everybody else."
Everybody gave a word of greeting and smiled.
Masika rested her hands on the table and inquired, "This meeting is about integrating another god into our nation. Is this correct?"
"Yes, Masika."
"Very well, let's begin." The oldest Amazon sat back down in her seat after she bowed.
Gabrielle decided not to sit; too worried she wouldn't be able to focus or would fall asleep in it. She shifted in front of her chair and grasped the edges of the table for support. "As Masika said, I would like to bring a new god into our culture."
All the members muttered between each other for a few seconds then stopped.
"Go on, please, Gabrielle," offered Masika.
The Queen took a deep breath, focused and started speaking, "I would like to bring Aphrodite, the goddess of love, into our culture."
The members began talking amongst each other again.
"Silence," ordered Masika; she waited for the silence before she lifted her focus to the Queen. "And your reasons why, my Queen?"
"I believe the goddess, Aphrodite, belongs with us." Gabrielle straightened up and folded her arms. "She has helped the Amazon behind the scenes without the Nation knowing it." She paused while she tried recalling her other reasons. "Aphrodite has always cared for me as well as Xena." She grinned and stated, "Finally, I am also Aphrodite's chosen."
The council started whispering to each other.
Masika sighed at all the talk and waited for the quietness. "Queen Gabrielle, I believe the question now here is, how do you believe she belongs with us?"
Gabrielle nodded and explained, "The Amazons are a huge family, correct?" She waited and watched everybody nod in agreement. "We all care for each other." She smiles warmly. "We all love each other," she whispered proudly. "This Nation of women is very, very rare. We are joined together by love for women and for each other." She shook her head. "If I remember correctly, Aphrodite gave us that love. She is already apart of this Nation."
The entire council quickly agreed to this reason.
"I think, personally," started Gabrielle, "we should be the ones to be honored to let Aphrodite into our Nation." She paused and whispered, "Not the other way around."
Masika smiled warmly and glanced at the rest of the council. "I open this up to the council."
"What about Artemis?" called one member.
"Yes, what of Artemis?" questioned another member.
"I have talked to Artemis," stated Gabrielle. "She has agreed to this." She grinned. "She actually recommends this."
"You talked to our goddess?" asked Masika.
"Yes, I did," replied the Queen. "Ephiny and Maired were both there if you need confirmation."
"We believe you, my Queen," declared Masika.
"And what of Aphrodite?" asked another member. "Has she agreed?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact," answered the Queen. "She felt quite honored to be invited into the Nation."
The Amazons nodded happily.
"My only problem," said a council member, "is our image." She shook her head. "If we adapt Aphrodite, the goddess of love, into our culture then we will look weak!" She fisted her hands up onto the table. "Amazons are not weak nor are we fluffy like bunnies," she stated hotly.
"Yes!" agreed another member.
"Amazons are not weak," agreed a second member.
"Yes, yes, yes," agreed all the members but two.
One of the members was trying to speak out, but she could not.
Masika stood up and pounded her fist on the table. "Silence!" she commanded angrily.
The room fell silent.
The head council member sighed and held her hand out to the member that wanted to speak. "Now then, please be quiet. Phyllis wishes to speak." She sat down and put her attention on Phyllis.
"Thank you, Masika," whispered Phyllis.
"Welcome," replied Masika. "Now please, speak."
Phyllis nodded and focused her attention on everybody in the room. "Excuse me, but if I recall correctly the Amazons are peaceful. Am I wrong?"
The members slowly shook their heads.
"Good." Phyllis sat back in her seat and said, "Now, personally…" She shrugged. "I do not see love as a weakness." Her eyes rested coldly on the Amazon who had said that early. She sighed and gazed back at the members. "I see it more as a softness." She smiled warmly. "The Amazons, yes, can be strong and powerful such as Artemis herself. Or we can be gently, caring, and peaceful such as Aphrodite herself." She leaned forward in her seat and gave a stern look. "Aphrodite does belong with the Amazons. Artemis and Aphrodite… together, representing the proudest Nation of women ever. They would symbolize the beauty of this Nation and the perfect balance among us. I especially think we should, now, at this time since the Nations are joining and Aphrodite will mark the rebirth of our joining," she stated proudly and sat back in her seat.
Gabrielle smiled at the words she wished she could have spoken. She smiled at Phyllis.
Phyllis smiled back and winked.
Suddenly the room filled with cheers of Aphrodite's name.
~*~*~*~
The meeting hut emptied out slowly.
Ephiny came up along side her Queen. "Nice job."
Gabrielle chuckled and sat down in her seat. "I had help," she whispered.
"I noticed," uttered the regent back. "Phyllis is one of the more understanding members."
"She is," whispered the Queen. "I'm damn glad she was there to back up my drunk butt."
Ephiny laughed deeply.
Gradually, the topic of their conversation came strolling up to them.
"Phyllis," greeted the Queen and she stood up in respect.
"That's okay, my Queen." Phyllis held her hand out to the seat. "Sit back down, please."
"I'm fine," replied Gabrielle with a smile. "Thank you for your help."
Phyllis chuckled and rested her right hand on the corner of the meeting table. "I could tell you're a little under the weather."
Gabrielle groaned. "Tell me about it." She grinned and folded her arms. "I greatly appreciate it."
"It’s the least I can do," replied Phyllis, "since you've helped the Amazons so much."
"I try," stated the warrior-bard.
"And you've done a marvelous job, may I say?" responded the older Amazon.
"Thank you, Phyllis."
Phyllis nodded but went serious. "Since you're up… may I speak with you alone and outside."
"Of course." Gabrielle stepped around her chair and gazed at Ephiny.
"I'll wait here," the regent answered the Queen's unspoken question.
"Thanks, Eph." The short warrior walked out of the hut with her council member.
Once far enough, Phyllis stopped walking and faced her Queen. "Queen Gabrielle-"
"Gabrielle, please," cut in the Queen.
"Sorry." Phyllis chuckled. "Gabrielle, have you seen our new Amazon?"
"Janelle?" inquired the warrior-bard.
"No, not Janelle." Phyllis folded her arms. "Her name is Renotta."
The short warrior nodded quickly and asked, "What of her? She's not too new."
"No but she fairly new." The older Amazon sighed sadly and shifted her weight to her right foot. "Sadly enough, I have heard some rumors." She stared at the ground briefly then peered back up. "Word is, that Renotta caused some problems down in her tribe before."
"Really?" Gabrielle put her hands on her hips. "What sort of problems?"
"I am not sure," whispered Phyllis and shook her head. "But she was getting ready to be kicked out of the tribe. At the last second, she transferred to here."
"Huh." The Amazon Queen shook her head and said, "She seems very nice."
Phyllis gave a shrug and pressed her lips together. "That may be so, Gabrielle but…" She raised an eyebrow. "You are a bard, correct?"
"Sort of," replied the Queen.
"Well then, you understand about not judging a scroll by its parchment." Phyllis grasped the younger woman's arm. "Do not judge Renotta by her parchment until you've unrolled her to see her story." She squeezed the arms. "Be careful, Gabrielle."
"I will be, Phyllis." Gabrielle flashed a warm smile. "Thank you… again."
"Please call me Phyl." The council member released the strong arm. "All my friends do."
The warrior-bard laughed softly and nodded. "I will, Phyl."
The small Amazon laughed and started walking away. "Oh by the way, my Queen." She grinned evilly. "Lovely tattoo."
Gabrielle groaned as a blush creeped up her neck.
Phyllis released another laugh and added, "I would not have expected that out of our Queen. But… stranger things have happened."
"Its my age," joked Gabrielle.
"Must be… must be." Phyllis smirked and disappeared ahead.
Ephiny exited the hut and came over to her friend. "What was that about?"
Gabrielle sighed and glanced at her close friend. "Seems like Renotta may have a dark past."
"Really?"
"Yes, come on." The warrior-bard started for the food hut. "Time for breakfast."
"As long as you tell me about Renotta," stated the regent.
"Definitely," agreed the Queen.
~*~*~*~
"Well, I think I am going to try and get back to my Amazon Learning," joked the Queen.
Ephiny folded her arms. "You think you can handle it after last night?" she taunted.
"Yesss," growled the warrior-bard but she smiled sweetly. "Eph." She went serious. "Lesia is from the same tribe as Renotta. Right?"
Ephiny nodded. "She is. Mairead's tribe- the most southern tribe."
Gabrielle nodded. "Bring her to me, Ephiny."
"I will." The Amazons turned and headed off.
The warrior-bard narrowed her eyes from her bad thoughts. She turned and entered her hut. She settled down at her desk and read over her scrolls. She soon heard a soft knock at her door. "Come in," she ordered. She glanced over as Lesia stepped into the hut.
"Afternoon, Gabrielle," greeted Lesia.
"Afternoon." Gabrielle signaled the chairs by her table. "Grab a chair, sit with me." She stood up, and swung her chair around. She sat back down while Lesia brought a chair over and sat.
"What seems to be the problem, Gabrielle?" inquired Lesia.
The Queen crossed one ankle over the other. "You're from Mairead's tribe, correct?"
"Yes, the most southern tribe," replied the Amazon. "Why?"
"Well, when you transferred here; you came with Renotta, correct?"
"Yes, Renotta and I came together. What's wrong?"
"Hopefully nothing," stated the warrior-bard. "By any chance, has Renotta caused any problems in the southern tribe?"
"Um." Lesia's eyes lowered to the ground.
"Lesia." Gabrielle leaned forward and lightly touched the Amazon's knee. "I need to know… for everybody's safety. Please, its very important."
Lesia nodded and peeked up as the Queen sat back in her chair. "Renotta came to your tribe because she was about to be booted out of the Nation."
"How come?"
"Mainly because everybody in Mairead's tribe wanted her out," mentioned Lesia.
"What happened?"
Lesia folded her hands in her lap and settled down in her seat for the long story. "Well you see, when Renotta became apart of our tribe, she madly fell in-love with another Amazon. Her name was Sylvia."
"Did Sylvia love her back?"
"Definitely. Sylvia and Renotta were the love birds of the tribe." Lesia chuckled but went serious. "But suddenly, out of the blue, Renotta had been caught sleeping with another Amazon called Kyle." She shook her head. "Nobody knew let alone Sylvia."
"Hold on, Renotta was in-love with Sylvia but slept with Kyle?"
"Yes," replied the Amazon. "Everybody was shocked; couldn't believe it."
"How did the tribe find out?"
Lesia furrowed her eyebrows. "Nobody is sure. Word was that Renotta slipped the word out to a friend of hers when she was drunk one night. Renotta is known for enjoying her wine too much."
"Huh." Gabrielle shifted in her seat a little. "Were Sylvia and Renotta bonded?"
"No, they were close to it, mind as well been but not bonded."
The warrior-bard shook her head. "Then Mairead couldn't have kicked her out of the tribe," she stated.
"Gabrielle, Renotta and Sylvia may have not legal been bonded but by tradition… by love they were." She shook her head. "Renotta did basically commit adultery with Kyle." She sighed and added, "That’s why everybody wanted Renotta out. You don't understand how torn up Sylvia was about everything." She closed her eyes.
"Something happened to Sylvia?" whispered the Queen.
"Yes," uttered Lesia as she opened her eyes again slowly. "Sylvia was one of the sweetest Amazons around. There was nobody like her," she uttered sadly and her eyes stung.
"Was?" whispered the Queen. "She committed suicide?"
"Yes." Lesia brushed back her hair and held back her tears. "She was so broken by what happened; she couldn't take the pain."
"Oh gods," whispered the warrior-bard.
"Everybody in the tribe blamed the death on Renotta… somewhat on Kyle too. But mainly on Renotta and that's why she left."
"Why'd you leave?"
"I had to escape the tribe," admitted Lesia. "I couldn't take the chaos of the death and I don't enjoy the hardships of a southern tribe." She shrugged. "I enjoyed the fishing and southern tradition but you know how the southern tribes are."
"I do." Gabrielle sighed sadly. "What happened to Kyle?"
"I'm not sure," whispered Lesia. "She may still be with the tribe and she may have left." She shrugged while she shook her head. "More than likely she left since she was probably made an outcast like Renotta."
"Thank you, Lesia."
"Gabrielle, that's not all of it." Lesia saw her Queen's interest pick back up. "Renotta has only been an Amazon for a year… not even a full year."
"Really?" The short warrior narrowed her eyes. "What did she do before she was an Amazon?"
"Nobody is sure. Renotta came to our tribe; drunk from ale." Lesia shook her head. "She never told anybody who she was before she was an Amazon. Some say she worked for a hospice; taking care of mentally ill patients." She paused and added, "That was the main story she told people. But there were rumors that she is married to a farmer and that she has three children."
"Does anybody know why she may have left her husband and children?"
"Well if the rumor is true, the tribe assumed that her husband was beating her." Lesia crossed her legs. "She has a lot of marks on her body if you ever look closely." Lesia pointed to her right arm. "If you look on her left arm, right about here." She pressed her fingertips right along her lower arm. "You'll see a slight slash mark running the length of her arm."
Gabrielle lifted her right arm to rest on the back of her chair. "Are there more noticeable marks?"
"Yes, on her shoulders, small ones on her chest." Lesia sighed before she said, "But the thing is, other Amazons don't think her mystery husband did them. They think she may be a cutter."
"Cutter?"
"Yes, somebody that cuts themselves out of self anger or if they enjoy the pain." Lesia uncrossed her legs. "Amazons believe that the reason she has so many tattoos is because she's trying to cover up all the slash marks she's given herself. And also because she likes the sensation of pain. Tattoos don't exactly tickle," she joked.
Gabrielle groaned. "I know." She pointed at her right hip.
The Amazon glanced and saw the tattoo. She chuckled and said, "Very nice."
"Thanks, I'll never get another," grumbled the Queen before she went back to the topic at hand. "Is there anything else about Renotta?"
"That's about all I know of," replied Lesia. "And I hardly know anything." She sighed and shook her head. "Either way, Renotta isn't exactly the safest Amazon to be around."
"So I am noticing." Gabrielle smiled. "Thank you, Lesia."
"You're welcome." The Amazon stood up, took her chair, and placed it back with the chairs. She came back over to the Queen. "I'm sorry to have to tell you all of that."
"No, I appreciate it, Lesia." Gabrielle stood up. "I need to know these things." She smiled. "Thank you again."
Lesia nodded but had a worried look. "Gabrielle, please be careful around Renotta." She paused and whispered, "Renotta tends to speak words of honey. Once she has her victim, she poisons them. The more kind hearted the prey, the easier for her to snare them." She sighed. "Be careful, my Queen."
"I will, thank you, Lesia."
"Welcome." Lesia went to the door. "Back to patrol duty."
Gabrielle chuckled and asked, "Well if you would like Lesia, you can read all these scrolls instead." She pointed to the scrolls on her desk.
The Amazon opened the door and grinned. "That is all you, Queen Gabrielle." She chuckled and left.
"I figured," huffed the Queen. She sighed and peered down at the tattoo on her side. "Time for an investigation, I think." She exited her hut in search of her officers.
~*~*~*~
"Sit down," ordered Gabrielle as she sat at her chair at the head of the meeting table.
Ephiny, Solari, Teresa, Eponin, Masika, and Amarice all took seats and sat down.
"What's going on?" inquired Solari.
"We may have some problems with one of our Amazons." Gabrielle laced her hands together on top of the table.
"Which Amazon?" asked Eponin.
"Renotta," replied Ephiny. She folded her arms and sat back in her seat. "What did Lesia have to say?"
"Quite a bit to say the least," stated the Queen.
Amarice quickly cut in, "Renotta is that older Amazon?"
"Yes." Teresa glanced at the princess. "She has all the tattoos on her chest on her lower leg."
The princess nodded. "Okay. And she came from the southern tribe?" She glanced at Gabrielle.
"Yes, from Mairead's tribe," responded the warrior-bard.
"What seems to be the problem?" urged Masika.
"Here's the situation," begun Gabrielle, "Renotta had a relationship with an Amazon named Sylvia in the southern tribe." She sat back in her seat. "They were deeply in love but for whatever reason, Renotta cheated on Sylvia and slept with another Amazon, Kyle."
"Were they bonded?" questioned the weapons master.
"No but they were close to it." Gabrielle sighed and continued. "Sylvia committed suicide from the entire incident," she whispered sadly. She paused and let all her words soak in. "Mairead's tribe, naturally, blamed Renotta for Sylvia's death as well as Kyle." She crossed her legs and glanced over her officers. "Now, Renotta hasn't even been an Amazon for a year."
"That's… not good," murmured Solari.
"Its concerning, I'll agree," stated Gabrielle.
"Does anybody know what she did before she was an Amazon?" asked Masika.
The Queen shook her head. "No, nobody in the southern tribe is sure."
"Or doesn't want to say," added Ephiny.
Gabrielle pointed a finger at her regent. "Exactly, exactly." She laced her hands together again but put them in her lap. "There are two rumors. One that Renotta worked at a hospice taking care of mentally ill patients."
"The other?" asked Teresa.
"That she is married to a farmer and has three children."
"Oh gods," whispered Amarice. "And she just up and left her family?"
"That's also fuzzy," replied the warrior-bard. "If that story is true then it is said she either just up and left her family or she was being beaten by her husband."
"Well… has anybody else noticed the marks on Renotta's body?" inquired Teresa.
A few of the Amazons at the table nodded in agreement.
"And that's what's led some of the southern tribe to believe that Renotta was beaten by her husband."
"Some?" asked the regent.
Gabrielle sighed and glanced at her regent. "Others think she cuts herself."
"Sounds like," started Masika, "we have a sketchy Amazon."
"We do," agreed the Queen.
"So what's the plan?" asked Amarice.
"I would like to confront Renotta." Gabrielle stopped and sat up in her seat. "But before I put these accusations on her, I'd like to know the truth about her." She shook her head. "There are too many rumors to go by."
"Very true," stated Masika. "If you're looking to band her from the Nation then you must have proper facts."
"I'm not so worried about stripping her of her feathers." Gabrielle released a sigh. "I am more concerned about my Amazons getting hurt by her."
The officers around the table nodded in agreement.
"We'll keep a close eye on her," declared Ephiny.
"Do that," replied Gabrielle as her attention went to her princess and Teresa. "Amarice and Teresa, you two feel like traveling?"
The third in command and Amarice exchanged glances.
"For you, of course," teased Teresa.
The warrior-bard chuckled and grinned before her seriousness came back. "You two are to travel to Mairead's tribe. Take a few Amazons with you for protection. As a matter of fact, take Lesia with you. She knows her way around." She considered a few things then said, "You are to find out who Renotta is, find out how Sylvia died. Find every last detail you can." Her eyes flickered between Amarice and Teresa. "If it so happens Renotta is married, go pay a visit to her husband if it is not far."
"Why worry about Sylvia's death?" asked Amarice.
"Because Sylvia may not have committed suicide," whispered Gabrielle.
The officers gave worried looks between each other.
The Amazon Queen rose up to her full height and locked her eyes on Amarice and Teresa. "I want to know everything about Renotta. Is that clear?"
The princess and third in command nodded.
"We'll be sure to record it all," stated Teresa.
"Please do that." Gabrielle folded her arms and her eyes rested on Amarice. "Amarice, make Hades sure you use your position as my princess."
Amarice nodded and asked, "I should mention it to Mairead?"
"I will take care of that." Gabrielle grasped the edges of the table. "I will give you both a letter to take with you; asking for Mairead to help you both in the situation. I'll make sure to add that you are my princess." A small grin shaped her lips. "Amarice, you're the princess of all of these Amazons. Don't forget the power you hold. Make Hades sure that you use it all in the best way."
The princess nodded and gulped. "I will, Gabrielle."
"Good, I'm counting on you." The Queen straightened up. "You two will leave at sunset. Go select some Amazons and inform Lesia."
Amarice and Teresa nodded, and they stood up.
"Is that all, Gabrielle?" asked Teresa.
"That is." The Queen watched her Amazons move to the door. "Make sure you both come by my hut before you leave."
"We will," called Amarice as she left with the third in command.
Gabrielle watched them go then her attention came back to her remaining Amazons. "The rest of us need to watch Renotta."
Ephiny sighed and asked, "Should we inform the Amazons to keep a certain distance from Renotta?"
The Queen shook her head. "I don't want to cause chaos. But if you spot an Amazon getting close to Renotta, confront her. Understood?"
The four remaining officers nodded.
"Good, then that is that," stated the Queen. "Thank you, everybody."
The Amazons rose up and thanked their Queen before leaving.
~*~*~*~
Amarice knocked on the door as she opened it and poked her head in. "Gabrielle, Teresa and I are headed out."
"Come in, Amarice." Gabrielle got up from her desk. "Where's Teresa?"
"She's coming." Amarice closed the door and strolled over to her Queen. "Gabrielle?" she whispered.
The warrior-bard saw the worry in her friend's eyes. "What's wrong, Amarice?"
The princess sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. "I'm worried about this whole princess thing," she admitted quietly.
"Why?" uttered the short warrior. "I wouldn't have selected you if I thought you couldn't handle it."
"That's just it." The young Amazon shook her head. "I'm not sure how to be a princess."
"Ephiny has been training you all winter," stated the Queen.
"I know but still… I don't understand how, well a princess is suppose to act."
Gabrielle revealed a soft smile. "Amarice, be yourself." She grasped her friend's arm. "Amarice, you're a cocky, sassy Amazon." She squeezed the arm. "That's the sort of princess I want."
The princess dropped her hand from her neck and sighed. "But that's so… so immature," she whispered in annoyance.
Gabrielle laughed hard and shook her head. She released her friend's arm. "That is true but you still need to be that way just in a different form."
"Different form?" whispered the Amazon.
"Yes, cocky and sassy in the fashion of stable. You need to be stable and confident in yourself, Amarice." The Queen smiled and brushed back her princess's hair. "You'll do fine. Just be mature Amarice," she teased. "Give it time, nobody said it was easy."
"Did you have a hard time being the princess at first?" asked Amarice slowly.
"Well, I wasn't the princess that long to really say." Gabrielle folded her arms. "But I can say, when I first became Queen, it was hard."
"I can imagine." Amarice chuckled. "How'd you… you know, get comfortable with it?"
The warrior-bard shrugged. "I kept being the Queen. Eventually you just pick up on your role." She paused before saying, "Just remember how much power you have. Who's under you and who's above you but don't forget too that we're all equal. So you don't step on fellow Amazons, you protect them."
The princess nodded and sighed. "I think I got it."
"Good, take your time. You'll get it."
Amarice suddenly broke out into a grin. "I guess you don't have to worry about anybody being above you."
"Artemis is above me," corrected Gabrielle, "and Xena is my equal."
The young Amazon chuckled and nodded. "True. Hey, I heard Xena is going to be acting Queen for like a few days or somethin'."
"Yeah, I heard the same too," joked the Queen as she walked over to her desk. She picked up the message scroll for Mairead. "It'll be interesting."
"So, she'll be able to even order you around?" teased the princess.
"She already can," deadpanned the warrior-bard. She handed Amarice the scroll.
"I don't know, after last night." The young Amazon pointed at the tattoo.
Gabrielle shoulders sagged. "Don't go there, Reece."
Amarice shook her head. "See what happens when you and Xena are separated?" She sighed very dramatically. "You go get drunk and get a tattoo. You just go wild without your Soulmate," she taunted.
"Alright, where's Teresa so I can get rid of you?"
Amarice laughed hard and hooked the scroll to her side.
On her cue, Teresa strolled into the hut. "You rang?"
"What took you?" muttered the blond warrior. She grinned and folded her arms. "Are you ready to travel?"
"Yes." Teresa neared the pair. "Lesia is going as requested. We're also taking seven others with us."
"Good." Gabrielle crossed her arms. "Amarice has the message for Mairead." She reached back and her hand grasped the top of her desk chair. "Travel safely, you two."
"We will," replied Teresa.
"And find out everything you can about Renotta."
Amarice and the third in command nodded briskly.
"Okay." The Queen stepped forward and hugged her princess tightly. "Remember, be the cocky princess," she whispered.
Amarice chuckled and released her friend. She glanced at Teresa. "See you by the horses, TC."
"I'll be there in a sec," called Teresa as the princess left. She smiled at Gabrielle. "We'll be fast about this, Gabrielle."
The warrior-bard nodded. "That's the best. I'd like to know what's going on before anything gets out of hand."
"It may be nothing," stated the third in command.
"And it may be a lot of something," countered the Queen. "Best to be safe than-"
"Sorry, I know." Teresa grinned. "That's what makes you a good queen."
"Thank you," replied Gabrielle. "Now head off and be safe."
"We will." Teresa gave her Queen a strong hug then pulled away. She headed out the door.
The short warrior stood in the open door and called, "Watch after Amarice."
"Well do." Teresa waved in the setting sunlight and joined the rest of the group.
~*~*~*~
"Yes, they left not too long ago," responded the Queen to her regent.
Ephiny nodded and continued eating. "Good to hear. I hope its nothing but…"
"But there's gotta be something," stated Gabrielle, "if everybody is talking like they are in that tribe."
The regent nodded and sighed. "Sadly." She glanced over and spotted Janelle and Renotta eating together at a small table. "I'm worried about that one." She pointed at Janelle.
Gabrielle casted a glanced at the pair.
Karena came strolling up to Janelle and Renotta. She sat down with them to eat.
"I think Janelle will be okay," whispered the Queen. "Karena has an eye on her."
The regent nodded and said, "I don't think Karena likes Renotta."
Gabrielle looked back at Ephiny. "Because Karena has a good judge of character, she knows something isn't right with Renotta."
"Hmmm." Ephiny ate a little more of her vegetables. "Janelle is just too nice to say no either."
The Queen chuckled and nodded. "But Karena has her eye on Janelle. Nothing to worry about."
"Hope not," muttered the regent as she went back to eating. "How are those scrolls going?"
"I finished up with the Amazon laws," answered the Queen. "Moving onto the traditions."
Ephiny nodded. "You're moving right along." She drank a little of her water from her mug then asked, "How is Xena?"
Gabrielle did a double-take. "What you mean?"
Ephiny grinned evilly. "I know you and Xena share dreamscapes." She lifted her eyes and saw her lover coming over. "Care to join?" she teased.
Solari laughed softly and sat down beside her partner. She settled her plate down and smiled at her lover. "How are ya?"
"Not bad, you?"
"Pretty good," replied the second in command.
"Good to hear." Ephiny smiled warmly and leaned over. She gently kissed Solari before she went back to eating her meal.
The second in command glanced over at Gabrielle. "How are you doing, Gabrielle?"
"Good… good." Gabrielle smiled and continued eating. "How go things on patrol duty, Solar?"
"Nice and peaceful," replied Solari as she picked up her fork.
"Now, back to my question," cut in the regent. "How is Xena?"
The Queen sighed and shook her head.
Ephiny glanced at her lover. "Gabrielle and Xena's dreamscapes are intertwined," she mentioned.
Solari grinned. "That doesn't surprise me."
The warrior-bard groaned and peeked up at her Amazons. "She's fine. She's headed to Dodoni."
"She found Toris trail?" asked Solari.
"Yes, thank the gods." Gabrielle picked up her mug. "She seems to think she'll find him soon," she told before she drank some of her water.
Ephiny slightly pulled the upside down fork out of her mouth but stopped. "How'd she like your tattoo? She think it was sexy?" she taunted, widened her eyes, and bit down on the fork to keep from laughing
Gabrielle suddenly spit out her water from the surprise question. "Ephiny," she growled.
Renotta glanced across the table to Janelle. "Feel like heading to my hut?"
Janelle looked at her empty plate and shrugged. "Sure, got nothing better to do," she joked.
Karena narrowed her eyes faintly.
"You don't mind, Karena?" asked Renotta.
Karena looked up quickly and smiled falsely. "Nope, go ahead. It'll take me awhile to finish my dinner."
"Alright." Renotta stood, as did Janelle.
"See you later, Kare." Janelle smiled at her friend.
"See ya, mate." Karena watched her friend leave the table, dispose of her dirty dishes, and walked out of the food hut with Renotta. She poked at her food and sighed sadly. She waited for all of a minute then got up to her feet with her dishes.
"Hey Karena," called an Amazon.
Karena sighed and neared the person. "Hey, Phyl. How are ya?"
"Not bad," replied Phyllis. "How about you?"
Karena gave a shrug. "Okay, mate."
Phyllis got up from the bench full of older Amazons, and she grabbed her friend's arm. She shifted to a corner of the hut. "That was Renotta that Janelle just left with?"
"Yes," whispered Karena. "Why?"
The older Amazon sighed, debating what to say and whatnot to say. "Look, babes. Do Janelle and me a favor. Keep Renotta away from Janelle." Phyllis shook her head. "Go get Janelle, Karena."
Karena decided best not to ask questions, and she nodded. "I will, thanks Phyl."
"No problem. Take care of yourself, babes."
"You too, Phyl." Karena smiled before she left the hut.
Phyllis sighed and shook her head. "Young Amazons." She chuckled. "I was there one day," she muttered and sat back down with her friends.
Karena walked quickly outside, stopped, and tried recalling where Renotta lived.
Janelle sat down on Renotta's bed with a sigh. "Where are you from, mate?"
Renotta lit a few more candles in her hut. "I came from the southern tribe."
"Oh really?" The younger Amazon folded her arms. "I heard the southern tribes are pretty tough."
"They try to be," joked Renotta as she strolled near Janelle. "But I've seen tougher."
"Yeah," agreed Janelle, "I'll say Xena would be the toughest female around."
Renotta laughed and nodded. "True but…" She shrugged. "I'm sure even she has her weakness."
"Who doesn't?" teased Janelle.
"Mmm, who doesn't?" Renotta neared Janelle and knelt down in front of her. "Do you have a weakness, Janelle?"
The younger Amazon raised an eyebrow. "Like I said, who doesn't?"
Renotta chuckled and rested her hands on the other Amazon's knees. "Well, I bet you don't have that many."
"I have a lot, actually," whispered Janelle. She felt her skin crawling and her breathing picked up. "Just not the sort of Amazon you wanna be around. I trip all the time," she rambled.
Renotta laughed softly. "Did I ever mention you're eyes are beautiful?"
"Not really," stated Janelle.
Renotta nodded and said, "They are." She lowered her chin onto her hands while she peered up at Janelle. "They would make for good poetry."
Janelle chuckled but asked, "Really?"
"Oh yeah." Renotta lifted her head and smiled while she rose up a little. "You're eyes convey all that you are," she said poetically.
Janelle chuckled and brushed back her blond hair. "I don't know about that."
"I do," uttered Renotta. "I wouldn't lie. Especially to somebody like you." She started leaning forward.
Janelle stiffened up as the fear suddenly exploded inside of her. She felt warm lips touch hers and she couldn’t move.
Suddenly, the door to the hut bursted open.
"Get the Hades off her, Renotta," snarled Karena.
Renotta pulled back and spun around. "Karena?"
"Get away from Janelle," growled Karena as she went more into the hut.
"What?" Renotta narrowed her eyes. "What the fuck do you think you're doing, Karena?" She took a menacing step towards Karena. "You act like Janelle is your girlfriend or some centaur crap."
"She is mine," stated Karena hotly as she took a step closer to Renotta. "You stay off her." She got into the older Amazon's face. And she slowly growled out, "Do not touch Janelle, she is mine. Do not touch what is mine." She pushed Renotta away by the chest. "I will cut you down if you touch what's mine." She took a shaky breath, not quite use to this sort of rage. She turned to Janelle and held her hand out. "Come on, Janelle."
Janelle glanced at Renotta, who was fuming with anger. She looked back at Karena and took her hand. She stood up and felt the fear still in her body.
Karena pulled her friend behind her while she kept her eyes pinned on Renotta. "Stay away from us," she warned. She then led her friend to the door.
Janelle left the hut but noted how Karena kept watching Renotta.
Karena didn't say anything else, left the hut, and slammed the door shut hard. "Damn bitch," she growled lowly.
Janelle wanted to say something but was still processing everything that happened.
"Let's go back to my hut." Karena led her friend towards her hut. "You okay, mate?" she whispered.
Janelle nodded. "I'm okay," she replied quietly. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Anytime, mate." Karena smiled warmly and opened the door to her hut. "Come on."
Janelle finally felt her hand released and she went in. She sat down in a chair and sighed in relief. "That was scary," she whispered.
Karena shook her head and unhooked her sword. "Mate, why didn't you throw her off you?"
"I… I was scared," admitted Janelle.
Karena chuckled and walked over to her friend. "You know, I don't understand how you got to become an Amazon?"
Janelle's jaw dropped. "What's that suppose to mean?"
Karena shook her head and smirked. "You're just too damn nice to be an Amazon."
"I… I guess that's a good thing?"
Karena laughed and patted the other Amazon's shoulder. "Sure." She crossed her arms. "Want me to walk you back to your hut?"
"Um." Janelle suddenly blushed. "Can I stay with you, mate?"
Karena raised an eyebrow and walked over to her desk. "Scared to be alone?" she teased.
"Actually yeah," whispered Janelle, "felt like I was about to be raped there."
"Nah, Renotta wouldn't have done that." Karena picked up a few scrolls on her desk; she glanced over them. "She would have kept forcing herself onto you until you gave in and begged her, from my guess."
Janelle shivered. "Just not my type."
Karena crinkled up her nose. "I don't think she's anybody's type." She turned around and leaned against her desk. "So, you're sleeping over huh?"
"If you don't mind, I mean I can head back to my hut." Janelle stood up.
"I don't mind." Karena glimpsed at her bed. "Its large enough for two."
"Thanks, Kare," replied Janelle.
"No problem." Karena smiled softly and walked over to her bed. "Sorry about the whole possession thing." She had begun taking her boots off.
Janelle chuckled and teased, "So if any more bullies pick on me, I can scream your name?"
Karena laughed and nodded. "Sure, sure," she taunted back.
The blond Amazon sat down beside Karena and started removing her boots. "Uh, why did you do that?" she asked softly.
Karena peered up over at her friend. "Because well… don't know." She laughed. "Just thought it'd keep Renotta away from you." She shrugged.
"I'm sure it will," teased Janelle as she took her boots off. "And keep all the other Amazons away from me," she joked. She snapped her fingers. "Damn, and I wanted that little hot redhead Amazon."
"Janelle!" Karena stood up and took her boots. "My virgin ears." She set her boots away.
"You're virgin as-"
"Don't say it," cut off Karena with a smirk.
Janelle shrugged, took off her sword and put it with her boots. "Let's get some sleep, mate."
"Right behind you." Karena crawled into her bed with her friend beside her. "Sleep well, mate."
"You too, Kare." Janelle closed her eyes and dozed off.