Disclaimer & Notices
Copyright: Many of these characters do not belong to me, and we know which ones do not. I, however, own the plot and other certain characters.
Violence: There is violence in this story.
Subtext: Any subtext becomes main text here.

Summary: This dramatic epic opens up to Xena and Gabrielle's childhood when they are best friends with an growing friendship. One day, Gabrielle's hometown is attacked while Xena is visiting her. Xena tries desperately to protect Gabrielle but ultimately fails. Xena will not stop believing that Gabrielle is alive, and she hunts for her friend. Along Xena's journey, things become darker and lead her further from Gabrielle and the memories. Meanwhile, Gabrielle is taken into slavery but it isn't for some time before her luck comes back. She meets a very caring master, who sends her away to be schooled as a bard. Later, Gabrielle befriends a very unusual girl, and the girl claims to be an Amazon. It isn't long before Gabrielle discovers how real the Amazons are, and that she's fated to be more than just a slave.

Feedback: redhope@redhope.net
Homepage: http://www.redhope.net
List: http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/redhope/

Started: March 33, 2003
Ended: April 24, 2007
Series 9: Destiny of Mine – Story #1

To Find What was Mine
by Red Hope

Section Three
Part 5: Gabrielle's Fourth Year

"The pair continued their journey down the road, not really sure where this road would lead them." Gabrielle saw how the audience's faces were lit up and she concluded her story. "They weren't even sure what their next adventure would be but they did know they had each other." She suddenly smiled and proudly finished, "The Warrior Princess and her bard." She slowly bent forward and bowed to her fellow classmates.

The classroom of students all clapped and few cheered out for her successful story.

Gabrielle straightened up and her happy expression was glued in place by a huge smile. Her eyes finally focused on her best friend, Ephiny, who sat in the middle but off to the right.

The master bard was clapping as he approached the young bard. "Very nice, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle faintly lost her smile when she looked to the serious master bard. "Thank you, sir." He patted her back and she took that as the signal to go back to her seat beside Ephiny.

The master bard shifted in front of the class of twenty students. "As you see, everybody Gabrielle had a very smooth way of telling her story." He slightly smiled. "Although Gabrielle was nervous at the start she managed to control that."

Gabrielle was carefully listening to the master bard's assessment as she slid into her spot beside Ephiny.

"Nice job," whispered Ephiny and she patted her friend's leg. "You were wonderful."

Gabrielle felt relieved and her stomach started to unknot.

"Gabrielle also used her hands to help describe the story," continued the master bard. "Fortunately she didn't over use her hands or body motions to take away from her words." His eyes slightly rested on Stallonus, whom was known for over dramatics at times. He then glanced over at Gabrielle. "You did a nice job, Gabrielle but you still have plenty to work on." He did give her a warm smile. "You've made much improvement since last time."

"Thank you, sir," called back the young bard. She tried to hold back her smile when he spoke to her but it was undoubtable hard to do.

The master bard looked back at the students and asked, "Who is next?"

Ephiny chuckled and reached over to hold Gabrielle's hand in her own. "Aren't you glad that's over?"

Gabrielle grinned and sensed Ephiny's warm hand help calm her. "Yes, really glad."

The Amazon squeezed the smaller hand then released her hold as she looked up when Orion stepped up next. "Oh this should be good too."

"Better even," whispered Gabrielle.

Ephiny rolled her eyes and decided not to argue that Gabrielle was the best bard out of the class. She knew her attempts were fruitless but that's what she decided that made Gabrielle so good. The fact was that the slave never even recognized her own brilliance for story telling.

Ephiny had yet to approach the front of the class to tell her story. She decided she want to go near the end of the class because it would help her to decide on which story to tell. She felt rather nervous because this story telling was one of the large tests to see how much each student had learned. She was confident yet worried she hadn't picked up enough from the teachers but Gabrielle had reassured her on several occasions that she would be great up there.

Gabrielle dipped her head some and stared at her linked hand with Ephiny's. She tried to focus on Orion's story but her mind was slipping to sadder thoughts that she'd been trying to ignore. She tried to hold back her tears when her heart ached yet again because today was Xena's twentieth birthday. She attempted to force the thoughts away as she lifted her head back up.

Ephiny stole a quick glance and she saw how watery Gabrielle's eyes were and she didn't understand why. For the past three days her best friend had been rather upset and down but refused to explain anything. She knew this wasn't anything new however it bothered her. She offered some comfort by squeezing Gabrielle's hand then she started rubbing her thumb across Gabrielle's hand.

Gabrielle felt some comfort by her friend's idly caress but nothing to stop her emotions. She instinctively reached up with her left hand and tried to clasp the necklace Xena had given her almost three years ago. Yet her hand only touched her bare chest, her necklace long gone since the attack on her village. She'd never known how she lost her necklace but to this day it still seemed to weigh around her neck.

Ephiny took a steady breath then leaned over closer to her friend. "Are you okay?" she whispered. She almost thought Gabrielle didn't hear her but she finally saw Gabrielle nod. She inhaled deeply and straightened back up. Apart of Ephiny couldn't wait for the arrival of spring because it would bring not only new hope but also Gabrielle's sixteenth birthday. She was already considering plans to make Gabrielle's birthday something rather important and large in hopes it'd help her friend.

Gabrielle was rather worried not only with her work as a student bard but as an Amazon Princess. Ephiny had never felt so relieved to have Gabrielle accept the caste as princess until she saw how it bore more weight on the slave. Ephiny started to realize just how hard Gabrielle's life was and especially when she later met Hecuba during their fall vacation.

Ephiny and Gabrielle had stayed in the Amazon Nation for about five days and tried to get over Terries's death. Afterwards, they went to Cornelio's home outside of Articia and visited with them until they were due back at the Academy. For several months, Ephiny and Gabrielle continued with their education as bards and learned much until Solstice break arrived. This time, Ephiny and Gabrielle went their separate ways as Gabrielle went to Cornelio's while Ephiny went to the Nation for the Solstice season.

It wasn't until a few days before the infamous twelfth moon that Ephiny saw Gabrielle again when Gabrielle came to the Nation. Gabrielle had decided since she was the princess that she was expected to show up in the village during the Solstice break. Ephiny and Gabrielle then made their way back to the Academy three days after the twelfth moon celebration. And now for the past four days the class was taking various exams for the midyear and telling a story in front of the class and master bard was one of the tests.

After a few more bards' tales, the master bard decided to end the class and announced tomorrow would be the final day of tests and everybody was expected to complete their work. Ephiny and Gabrielle had tugged on their cloaks and walked out into the brisk winter air as they made their way across to their dorm.

"Wait up, girls!" called out Stallonus; behind him were Orion and Twickenham.

Ephiny and the Amazon Princess both stopped and waited for their friends to catch up.

Orion came up beside Gabrielle and slipped his arm through hers. "How'd you think I did?"

Gabrielle warmly smiled. "You were amazing." She continued walking to the dorm with her group of friends. "The master bard favours you."

"No he doesn't," protested Orion. "He likes you better."

Ephiny just rolled her eyes at the pair.

"Oh come on, Orion." Gabrielle laughed at her friend's disbelieving look. "I was the one that made him look dumb on the first day of class."

"That's t-t-true," agreed Twickenham.

"Yeah, you sure did show him," agreed Stallonus and he laughed. "I loved the look on his face."

"It doesn't matter." Orion brushed back a curly lock of hair. "Gabrielle is a natural talented bard." He suddenly grinned at the young Amazon Princess. "You'll have the 'A' out of the group."

The slave huffed at his confidence because she wasn't so sure herself.

"I know I won't," spoke up Stallonus. "The master bard hates me."

"Stall, you just have to control your acrobatics on the stage," persisted Ephiny.

"Yeah right," chided Orion, "That's like tell Twickenham not to stutter."

"Y-y-yeah," agreed Twickenham. "I c-c-can't help it-t-t either."

Ephiny sadly smiled and shifted closer to the young boy. She rubbed his back in sympathy. "I think I rather stutter or do acrobats on the stage than freeze-up."

Gabrielle glanced over at her friend then slightly shook her head. "You'll do fine, Eph."

"Just try to image everybody in just their britches," suggest Stallonus.

The Amazon groaned and her eyes closed as she tried to wipe away the mental image.

"Stallonus!" Gabrielle laughed at him and looked at Ephiny again. "Just focus on the story, Eph… that's all you need to do."

"I try," persisted the Amazon, "but it doesn't always work."

Orion slipped his arm free from Gabrielle and hurried up the steps of the dorm. He pushed open the door and let everybody in first. After everybody was inside, he closed the door and turned around. "Ephiny, we're all in the same boat as you," he reminded.

Ephiny sighed as she sat on the foot of Orion's bed. She scooted over some when Gabrielle sat down beside her. "Yes but I feel like an idiot every time."

"You're n-n-not." Twickenham sat down on the floor and rested his back against the foot of his own bed. "You're very g-g-good, Ephiny."

The Amazon smiled at him and felt warmed by his genuine comment.

"Just tell a story about the Amazons fighting the centaurs." Stallonus fell back into his bed but sat back up.

"I don't… think so, Stall." Ephiny chuckled and crossed her legs at her ankles.

"Do you know what you're going to tell?" inquired Orion. He moved over to Twickenham and sat down beside him.

Ephiny shrugged then replied, "I'm between two stories."

"Which ones?" urged Gabrielle; she nudged her friend with her elbow.

The Amazon chuckled at Gabrielle but she shook her head. "I can't say."

Before Orion could pursue the issue anymore, he heard a knock at the door so he yelled, "Come in." He suddenly felt a smile take his lips when Euripides entered. "Hey, Eurip."

"Greetings." Euripides kept his normal stoic expression as he joined the group. He slightly inclined his head to Gabrielle and said, "You outshined the average learning bard today."

Gabrielle felt her cheeks flush. "Thank you, Euripides." When she felt her blush settle back down, she added, "You did a wonderful job today too."

Euripides faintly smiled at the compliment and took a seat beside Orion and Twickenham while saying, "I do believe the master bard may not be so proned to agree."

"He will, you'll see." Gabrielle tried to reassure the young man with a confident smile.

"You just have to slow down with the big words," reminded Ephiny.

"Correct," agreed Euripides.

"And add-d-d more emot-t-tions too," reminded Twickenham.

Stallonus suddenly brightened up. "You could try adventures too, Eurip."

Euripides felt his confidence getting deflated really quickly.

Orion sighed at hearing all the rebukes his friends were making to Euripides. "Or you can just be yourself, Eurip."

Euripides lifted his head and one of his rare smiles shaped his face.

"Orion is right," agreed Gabrielle, "just be yourself."

Suddenly there was another knock at the door and they group knew it wasn't any of their friends. Ephiny slid off the bed and walked down to the door. She opened it and poked her head out into the wintry afternoon.

"Hi, Ephiny." Feodoras offered a smile. "Is Gabrielle around?"

"Yes." The Amazon had a concerned look when she noted how serious Feodoras was. "I'll get her." She turned around and called for her friend.

Gabrielle felt her stomach twist for no real reason but she hurried to Ephiny's side. "Hey, Feodoras."

"I need to talk to you, Gabrielle." Feodoras's eyes flickered to Ephiny then back to Gabrielle. "Alone."

The Amazon Princess swallowed but she nodded and buttoned her cloak as she stepped out of the dorm. After Ephiny closed the door, she went down the steps and curiously looked at Feodoras.

"I have some bad news, Gabrielle," carefully started the older man. "We received a letter today from your grandfather."

"Is he okay?" hastily asked Gabrielle.

Feodoras slightly nodded then saw how frightened the teenager had become. "It's your mother, Gabrielle." He paused as he tried to think of the right words to say but none could be right. "She's very ill… your grandfather doesn't expect her to live much longer."

Gabrielle felt this one strike her harder than anything else in a long time. "Gods… no," she rasped and she searched Feodoras face hoping it was some joke or dream. "She… can't be." Her eyes were already stinging. "She was just fine… when I left after Solstice."

"I know, Gabrielle." Feodoras reached in between his cloak and produced an open scroll. "That's why I brought your grandfather's letter." He held it out.

Gabrielle carefully took it, her hand trembling. She couldn't stand any longer so she took a step back and almost fell onto the bottom step.

Feodoras sadly watched but he bent down onto one knee and grasped the young woman's shoulder. "Your grandfather requested you return home for awhile." He searched Gabrielle's dulling green eyes. "The master bard granted it so you may leave tomorrow at dawn."

Gabrielle's lower lip quivered and she shook her head as her attention centred on Feodoras. "Thank you, Feodoras."

"I'm sorry," whispered Feodoras and after he squeezed her shoulder, he stood up and walked back to the Academy building.

After he was well out of distance, Gabrielle dropped her face into her hands and started to cry. The message from Cornelio rolled out of her lap and fell onto the frozen ground. Gabrielle remained on the step and cried for a long time and it wasn't until the creak of the door behind her caught her attention. She heard somebody coming down the steps but she didn't bother to look but warm arms wrapped around her and pulled her into their lap.

Ephiny exhaled deeply as she hugged her friend in her lap. She knew today was hard enough but whatever news that Feodoras just brought made it even worse. She lowered her head onto Gabrielle's and continued to rock their bodies together some. When she sensed the slave settling down, she whispered, "What's wrong?"

Gabrielle just shook her head and clutched Ephiny tighter.

The Amazon felt her heart drop but her eyes drift past Gabrielle and rested on the open scroll on the ground. She could just make out the handwriting and she was able to read the first paragraph. After she'd read it, she knew why her friend was so upset and it only made her tighten her hug on Gabrielle. "It'll be okay," she whispered in a shaky voice.

"No… no it won't," replied Gabrielle's muffled voice. "She's dying."

Ephiny closed her eyes and lowered her head back onto Gabrielle's. She felt her cheeks warm with hot tears when Gabrielle started to whimper. "Ssssh," she whispered and continued rocking their bodies. "It'll be okay, Gabrielle." She ran her hand up and down Gabrielle's cool back.

Eventually Ephiny was able to help Gabrielle into their bedroom and asked the boys not to bother them. The four boys were curious as much as worried about what happened to Gabrielle when they saw her but they said nothing. Instead the group broke up and went to dinner without the girls.

Ephiny put Gabrielle into her bed then she removed her boots and got into bed with Gabrielle.

Gabrielle instantly rolled over to face Ephiny and she buried her face into Ephiny's neck.

The Amazon pulled her friend into her arms and held her close as possible in hopes it'll help her fears. She didn't know what else to do or even say but her mind tried to come up with something. When she felt Gabrielle drift off to sleep from being so tired from crying, she slipped out of the bed carefully. Ephiny didn't waste a minute to put her boots on, grabbed her cloak, and ran across the campus to the Academy building. She went in search of the master bard or even Feodoras but she was lucky enough to find the master bard still in his office. She could only hope he would at least hear her out before saying no to her question.

The next morning, Gabrielle came out of her sleep and found she was being tightly held by strong arms. She opened her eyes and slightly pulled her head back to discover it was Ephiny, it made her smile sadly.

Ephiny felt the motion and gradually opened her eyes. "Hey," she whispered. "How you feel?"

"Like a herd of centaurs rolled over me," confessed the small bard. She then had a perplexed look but asked, "You stayed with me last night?"

"Yeah," quietly whispered the Amazon. "I was worried."

Gabrielle hugged her friend then released her but said, "Thank you."

Ephiny reached up and brushed back some of Gabrielle's stray hair. "You're welcome."

The slave sighed as her eyes dropped and stared at Ephiny's neck. "I have to head to Articia today."

"I know," uttered the Amazon.

Gabrielle lifted her eyes to meet with Ephiny's. "You know?"

"Not all of it," admitted Ephiny, "but enough to know what's going on." She paused and pressed her lips together. "I read the first part of the scroll." She inhaled deeply and carefully added, "I can go with you if you'd like, Gabrielle."

"But what about…."

Ephiny faintly smiled and answered the unfinished question. "I talked to the master bard, he gave me permission to go. I'll be doing my test when we get back."

"I…." Gabrielle felt her sore eyes actually sting again. "Thank you, Ephiny."

The Amazon hugged her friend briefly but released her. "We should get ready so we can go soon."

"You're right," sadly agreed the Amazon Princess. She forced herself to get out of bed and when her eyes rested on her desk, she noted the scroll from Cornelio sitting there. She looked over at her friend, who was at her dresser pulling clothes out. "Ephiny?"

The Amazon paused and turned around, an inquisitive look on her face.

"Thank you for last night."

Ephiny faintly nodded. She faced her dresser again and decided to wear her Amazon attire for the journey to Articia. From the corner of her eye, she saw Gabrielle debating about what to wear but she'd decided on her long brown skirt and sky blue top.

It wasn't long before the two young Amazons were dressed in travelling attire and had their saddlebags packed. Ephiny tossed her saddlebag onto the bed then looked over at her friend. "I'm going to take my short sword."

Gabrielle was tightening the buckle over the right flap on her saddlebag when Ephiny told her. "Are you sure?" She looked up from her bag and saw her friend was serious.

"Yes, I'll feel better if I have it." Ephiny knelt down and pulled up the sheet that draped over her bed. She reached under and pulled out the short sword then rose back up.

"Here." Gabrielle quickly came over and helped Ephiny hook the sword onto her back. "Make sure you put your cloak on before we step out of the room."

Ephiny slightly grinned and teased, "Yes, my princess."

Gabrielle just rolled her eyes and walked back to her bag. On the way over, she grabbed the scroll off her desk and shoved it away in her saddlebags. She went over to her desk again and picked up her cloak from the chair where Ephiny must have put it last night. She threw it on and turned around to find her friend had her cloak on too.

"Can you see it?" asked Ephiny. She turned her back to the princess.

Gabrielle shook her head. "No, you're safe." She tied her cloak into place under her chin as she walked to her bed again. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah… how about you?" Ephiny picked up her saddlebags and held it with both hands.

"Yeah, I think so."

Ephiny tilted her head as Gabrielle crossed over to the door with her saddlebags in arm. "We should tack up the horses first, eat, and then let the Feodoras know we're leaving."

The Amazon Princess slightly sighed but she knew her friend was right. "Okay." She opened the door and headed out leaving a baffled Amazon.

Ephiny decided Gabrielle was just trying to retain a strong composure so she let it go for now. She gathered herself and stepped out of the room but shut the door behind her. She saw none of the boys were in the dorm and she decided it was for the best. She hurried to the stables to catch up with Gabrielle and it didn't take either of them long to have the horses tacked.

Afterwards, the pair of friends went to the mess hall in the Academy building and had a brief breakfast. Ephiny also made sure to retrieve two rolls of bread incase she or Gabrielle got hungry on the ride to Articia. She knew it was only a day's ride but one could never be safe enough. The two girls then went to the main office where Feodoras would work. They let him know they were leaving and he wished them safe travels.

Gabrielle and Ephiny mounted their horses and quickly trotted out of the Academy grounds until they got on the road. Once they were far enough, Gabrielle spurred Torqueo into a full gallop. Ephiny sucked in a cold breath of air then urged her mare into a gallop to follow Gabrielle. Ephiny and Gabrielle rode non-stop to Articia and it wasn't until they approached the town did they slow down to a walk.

Ephiny came up along side Gabrielle. "Saddle sore?"

Gabrielle picked up on the light tease and it made her grin a little. "Not too bad." She looked at the young Amazon. "How about you?"

"About the same," admitted Ephiny. She shifted some in her saddle and felt her legs throb a little. "Not a sore spot at all."

The Amazon Princess could tell her friend was fairly stiff much like Gabrielle but she declined from saying anything. Her thoughts were on her mother and she wondered what her mother's condition was like. She knew she'd find out shortly.

Gabrielle swept a loose lock of her blond hair behind her right ear. She straightened up when she and Ephiny started down the short drive to Cornelio's home. The dirt road was perfectly straight and on both sides leafless olive trees lined the road. Gabrielle never realized how deathly winter could feel like until now as she took in how barren the fields look, the olive trees with no leaves, and the sky was a cloudy grey. The air was so chilled that it seemed to even nip at Gabrielle's heart.

Ephiny had fallen silent like Gabrielle as she took in the quiet grounds. She then realized on the porch of the large white house was a young girl, very young. "Who is that?" she whispered.

Gabrielle focused on the small girl on the porch, whom was sweeping everything clean. "I'm not sure." She considered everything for a moment.

"She mustn't be no more than ten years old," quietly observed Ephiny.

Gabrielle made no response but she agreed with Ephiny. She also had a fair idea that the girl was a new slave that Cornelio may have taken in to help. She looked over at Ephiny. "Let's go to the stables first."

The young Amazon's eyes flickered over there and she saw the stables just offset behind the house.

"Come on," urged Gabrielle and she pushed Torqueo to walk faster.

Ephiny briskly followed behind and she was still amazed by how nice the stables were. It took her all of five seconds to conclude that Cornelio had a lot of money since the stables were well kept, perfectly painted white, and some kind of coble stone was used as a floor in the stable except in the stalls.

After the girls had their horses untacked and settled in with some grain feed, they made their way out of the stables. They each had their saddlebags slung over their right shoulder and they approached the front of the house.

When Gabrielle came to the first step, she saw the small girl had frozen at seeing their arrival. "Hello," she gently greeted and smiled at her.

The small child stepped back and seemed to shield herself with her broom. Her eyes flickered from Gabrielle and to Ephiny at her side. She didn't like how Ephiny was dressed and perceived her as a threat.

"It's okay," reassured Gabrielle. She'd caught how scared the girl was of Ephiny and probably because of the Amazon attire underneath of Ephiny's cloak. "I'm Gabrielle."

The girl's eyes instantly widened in worshipping awe. "Grandfather said you would be coming."

Gabrielle took a step up but signalled to Ephiny to wait. "Yes, grandfather asked for me to come home because my mother is sick."

The girl instantly frowned and her head dipped forward. "Auntie Hecuba has been sick for awhile now." Her eyes lifted up to Gabrielle but her head was still tilted forward. "She spoke a lot about you during her long feverish nights."

Gabrielle felt a lump develop in her throat. "Is grandfather home?"

The girl slowly nodded and lifted her head back up." Grandfather is in his office."

Gabrielle nodded then she climbed the rest of the steps up to come to the top. "What is your name?"

"I'm Mary," quietly replied the girl.

"It's nice to meet you, Mary." Gabrielle held the young girl's gaze and she softly smiled at her. Gabrielle felt her heart warm to this girl because she reminded her very much of Lila but Lila was never quite as shy. "And...." She looked back and held her hand out to Ephiny. "This is my friend."

The Amazon slowly went up the steps and carefully approached the child. "Hi," she warmly greeted.

"H-hi." Mary shyly smiled at the teenager that seemed imposing but was very kind too.

Ephiny felt a smile take her lips and she knelt down onto one knee; she became eye level with the young girl. "I'm Ephiny."

"Ephiny?" repeated the small girl.

Ephiny just nodded her head.

Mary tilted her head and her curiosity got the better of her. She lowered her broom to her side and stepped up to Ephiny. She carefully and slowly stretched her hand out and her fingers wrapped around the feather in Ephiny's hair. "Why do you wear bird feathers in your hair?"

"Ephiny is an Amazon," explained Gabrielle; she then caught the rich brown eyes flickering up to her.

Mary's expression brightened when she realized Gabrielle also had a feather attached in her hair but it was further back so she hadn't seen it earlier. "You're an Amazon too, Gabrielle?" She'd released Ephiny's feather earlier and pointed at Gabrielle's one.

The princess felt a bit of nervous come into her. She also knelt down and adjusted the saddlebag on her shoulder. "Yes, Mary… I'm an Amazon too."

Once again that awed expression appeared on the child's face. Mary stepped closer to Gabrielle and grasped the colourful feather in her hand. "Does grandfather know you're an Amazon?" She saw the grin on Gabrielle's face and it made her giggle. "I bet he doesn't."

"No, Mary grandfather doesn't know I'm an Amazon." Gabrielle gently smiled as she reached up to take Mary's small hand into her own. "And you can't tell grandfather either. Okay?"

The girl frowned. "Why not? Grandfather should know everything… he loves us very much."

"Yes he does," agreed Gabrielle, "but I will tell grandfather I'm an Amazon when it's okay."

"Why isn't it okay right now?" insisted the child.

Ephiny inwardly chuckled at the curiosity the child had because it reminded her of Gabrielle's own. She was wondering how Gabrielle liked getting little of her own medicine. "Because Mary, right now Gabrielle's mother is sick and that's who we should be focusing on."

Mary studied Ephiny now and she slowly nodded her head. "Auntie Hecuba is very sick." Her frown grew deeper. "Grandmother and Auntie Maria are not sure she'll live."

Gabrielle felt the lump in her throat return and her stomach sank. "Take us to grandfather, Mary."

Mary nodded and stepped back then turned around.

Ephiny had lost her smile earlier and just quietly followed behind Gabrielle into the gigantic home.

Mary led them through the large house until they came to the far end in the hallway. She stopped at the closed double wood doors and she carefully knocked on it.

"Come in," called a deep male voice.

Mary pushed open a door but had a little trouble until Ephiny helped her. She paused and peered up at the Amazon. "Thank you," she whispered.

Ephiny smiled and pushed the door the rest of the way. "Go ahead, Mary."

Mary went in first, Gabrielle followed, and Ephiny came in last.

Gabrielle set her saddlebag down on the floor in front of the other door and took Ephiny's from hers.

Mary approached the large oak wood desk but stop in front as she watched Cornelio continue to write. "Grandfather?"

"Just a moment, sweetie." Cornelio continued scribbling something, his full attention on the scroll. Yet as he tried to finish his thought, he realized two bodies were behind the small child and a very familiar hand grasped Mary's shoulder. He lowered his quill quickly as he lifted his head. "Gabrielle," he breathed in relief and a smile broke out across his tired face.

Gabrielle returned the smile but worry shined in her eyes.

Cornelio was already out of his chair and he went around his desk.

Gabrielle met him halfway and she was swept into a warm embrace. She buried her face into his chest and her emotions surged to the top. She tightly closed her eyes and held onto Cornelio.

Ephiny dipped her head forward and put her hands behind her back. She felt a little out of place but at the same time she was happy Gabrielle had Cornelio in her life. She knew Cornelio had given so much to Gabrielle and he would continue to support her despite the brand on her.

"I'm so glad you made it, Gabrielle," whispered Cornelio. He loosened his embrace and peered down into emotional green eyes.

"How is mother?" Gabrielle's voice was shaky and raw with emotions.

"Not well at all," sadly replied Cornelio. He finally separated from Gabrielle but he remained close so he could physically look over her. "You look well though, Gabrielle."

The small bard nodded her head. "I have been… well until…" She didn't bother to finish her words; instead she held her hand out to Ephiny. "Cornelio, I'd like you to meet Ephiny."

Cornelio straightened up and clearly inspected the young Amazon that flanked Gabrielle's side.

Ephiny approached the older man and held out her hand. "It's nice to meet you, sir."

"I've heard a bit about you, Ephiny." Cornelio took the offered hand and briskly shook. "Gabrielle spoke highly of you when she was here for Solstice."

Ephiny felt her flush even though she tried to hide her embarrassment. She released the much larger hand and replied, "Well Gabrielle can talk."

Cornelio heartedly laughed.

Gabrielle shot a glare at her friend for the remark.

Cornelio settled down and a soft smile swept his lips. "Gabrielle mentioned you are an Amazon." He'd already noted the revealing leathers she wore under her cloak.

"Yes, I am," replied the proud Amazon.

"Grandfather, did you see Ephiny's feather?" spoke up Mary from her spot behind the group.

Cornelio's expression brightened at the young girl. "Yes, sweetie I did." He bent forward and held out his arms.

Mary took the invite, came over, and had the sensation of flying as Cornelio lifted her up. She then was lowered onto the edge of the desk and she wiggled more onto the desk.

Cornelio took the broom from Mary's hand and set it aside. "Mary, were you outside sweeping?"

"Yes, grandfather."

Cornelio thoughtfully rubbed his trimmed, white beard and studied the girl. "Did you wear your cloak outside?"

Mary's eyes dropped. "No, grandfather."

"See that you do for now on… I don't want you getting sick."

The girl just nodded her head but she straightened up again.

At the mention of sicknesses, Gabrielle let out a deep sigh.

Cornelio heard it and knew what was on Gabrielle's mind. "Gabrielle, you should go up to see your mother." He now faced the teenager. "She's missed you."

"I know," whispered the Amazon Princess.

Cornelio looked back at Mary and held out his hands again. "Mary, take Ephiny and Gabrielle upstairs, please." He locked his eyes with the small girl. "Gabrielle and Ephiny are staying in the guestroom. You remember where that is, right?"

"Yes, grandfather." Mary was suddenly lifted off the desk and lowered back to the floor.

"I'll speak to you soon, Gabrielle," reminded the older man. His dark eyes then went to Ephiny. "I'm glad you came, Ephiny."

"Thank you, sir," politely replied the Amazon.

Mary had already retrieved her broom from earlier and was headed towards the doors.

Ephiny and Gabrielle followed behind while Cornelio went back behind his desk. The two Amazons collected their saddlebags and quietly left the office. Mary led them upstairs and made a right at the top of the steps.

Gabrielle had climbed the steps and paused at the top, she gazed off to her left at the end of the short hall. She knew her and mother's old room was down there. She slightly jumped when Ephiny touched her back.

"Come on," whispered the Amazon.

The princess nodded her head, turned right, and followed Ephiny down the long hallway.

Mary was already at the door to the guest bedroom. "How long are you staying, Gabrielle?"

The small bard gave a faint smiled and replied, "I'm not sure, Mary."

Ephiny stepped forward and opened the bedroom door. She quietly went inside and lowered her saddlebag onto the bed. She sensed Gabrielle behind her and she took Gabrielle's saddlebag from her.

"Would you like to see Auntie Hecuba?" asked Mary. "She's usually awake by now."

"Yes, Mary." Gabrielle then glanced at Ephiny in question.

Ephiny just shook her head then whispered, "I'll take care of our stuff while you visit."

"Thanks, Eph." Gabrielle then looked at Mary and held out her hand.

Mary understood the signal and took the larger hand into her own. She then led the teenager out of the room and down the hallway.

Ephiny stepped into the doorway and simply watched her friend walk down the hallway, hand in hand with Mary. Ephiny let out a heavy sigh as she folded her arms over her chest. She knew what Gabrielle was going through with losing her mother and it worried Ephiny. She couldn't imagine how Gabrielle would react after the initial shock. Between Gabrielle's slavery, the loss of her sister, and now her mother's sickness would just build on Gabrielle. How much could her friend take before she broke?

Mary stood on her tiptoes and turned the doorknob but it was Gabrielle whom opened the door. The girl then silently directed Gabrielle into the darkly lit bedroom.

"Who is that?" called a scratchy voice.

"It's me, Auntie Hecuba," called the small girl.

Hecuba pushed up in her bed a little to get a clearer view and her eyes adjusted to the darkness in the room. She quickly realized somebody else was with Mary and for the first time in several days, her expression brightened. "Gabrielle."

Gabrielle squeezed Mary's hand then released it. She came over to her mother's bed and came into a better view for Hecuba. "Hi, mom."

Hecuba's smile grew more when she saw Gabrielle's face better and even better when Mary had open the shades by the window. "You look beautiful as ever, honey."

Gabrielle sadly smiled then leaned forward. She embraced her mother in a strong but gentle hug. "How are you, mom?"

"I'm better, honey," replied Hecuba but her words were a clear lie for Gabrielle.

The young bard sadly smiled and she eased herself down onto the edge of the bed by her mother's side. "Cornelio said you were sick," she whispered.

"Just a bad cold," refuted Hecuba.

After Mary had opened the shades by the window, she'd gone to the bed on the opposite side of the room. She'd climbed up into it and quietly sat but fiddled with the stick of her broom.

"How is the Academy?" inquired Hecuba in a low, raspy voice.

"It's going well," replied Gabrielle. Her right hand stretched out and she brushed back a stray, slightly matted piece of her mother's dirty blond hair. "We just finished exams."

Hecuba smiled happily at the news. "How'd you do?"

"I'm not sure yet," confessed the small bard, "but I think I did well."

"I'm glad," replied the proud mother. She reached forward and clasped her hands with Gabrielle's.

Gabrielle remained silent as she studied her mother's worn face. She could see the dark circles that developed under her mother's eyes. It also seemed as if her mother had aged by ten to fifteen years, her skin more wrinkled than normal, and even her fingers were thinner.

"You've done well at the Academy so far," finally mentioned Hecuba.

"I am trying," encouraged Gabrielle, a faint smile on her lips.

"I know you are." Hecuba squeezed her daughter's hands tightly.

Gabrielle squeezed her mother's hands back and she took a moment to appreciate her mother's crisp green eyes. She knew she could thank her mother for receiving the same radiant and bright green eyes but right now wasn't the time. Instead she noted the deep sadness hidden in them and it sank in Gabrielle's stomach like a heavy boulder. "I think I'll be staying for awhile, mom."

"Honey, you need to be at the Academy." Hecuba had shaken her head in protest and now tried to sit up better but it took too much energy.

"Rest, mom." Gabrielle had freed her right hand and pressed it against her mother's shoulder. "You need to relax." When her mother agreed by lowering back down, she pulled her hand away. "And don't worry about school… the master-bard said it's okay." She noted her mother gave out a sigh of relief.

"I'm glad to hear that," agreed the mother. She shifted a little to get more comfortable. "How is your friend Ephiny?"

"She's great, mom… actually she came with me."

Hecuba's smile suddenly reappeared. "She travelled with you?"

"Yes," answered the bard, "she's here."

"I would like to meet her."

Gabrielle simply nodded but said, "Later, I promise."

The mother let out a faint sigh yet she softly grinned "You're always looking after your mother."

"Always," promised Gabrielle. She leaned forward and kissed her mother's forehead. "You should rest some more, mom."

"Yes," quietly agreed Hecuba. "I feel tired already."

"I know," whispered Gabrielle as she squeezed her mother's hands. "Dinner will be in a few candlemarks so I'll bring it up to you."

"Thank you, honey." Hecuba pulled her covers back up when she felt a cold chill settle over her.

"Sleep well, mom." Gabrielle again bent forward and placed a kiss to her forehead. She then rose up and looked over at Mary.

Mary knew it was time to leave so she slid off the bed and went to the door. She sensed a warm hand touch her midback.

Gabrielle took one last look back at her mother then her eyes flickered over to the open window. She decided the curtains were best left open so her mother would feel better at seeing the sunlight and not so cooped up. She turned back to the already open door and ushered Mary out first. Gabrielle closed the door behind her then focused on the small girl. "Do you have to finish your duties?"

Mary briskly nodded her head, her brown hair falling around her face.

"Okay, go ahead and finish up. I'm sure I'll see you soon."

Mary faintly smile then hurried off to finish her small chores.

"And if you go outside, put your cloak on," called Gabrielle.

Mary was at the top of the stairs but she paused and smiled at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle merely smiled back then watched her disappear down the steps. She then wondered down the long, lonely hallway until she came to her and Ephiny's room. She grasped the cold brass doorknob but she hesitated as she gazed down the hall to her mother's room. After an emotional sigh, she opened the door and went inside to find Ephiny resting on the bed.

Ephiny opened her eyes and turned her head to Gabrielle. "Hey," she quietly greeted.

Gabrielle admired her friend on the bed for a moment then let out a smaller sigh. "Hey." She came over to the bed and crawled into it.

The young Amazon unfolded her arms and opened them in offer.

The bard didn't wait to fall into her friend's arms and become surrounded by her warmth.

Ephiny tightly held on to Gabrielle and kissed Gabrielle's temple. "How is she?" she whispered.

Gabrielle had her face dug into Ephiny's neck but now she pulled back and rested the side of her head against Ephiny's chest. "Very sick, Eph."

"Mmmm." Ephiny tightened her embrace then wrapped her legs over Gabrielle's. "It'll be okay."

Gabrielle didn't have as much faith and she merely buried her face back into Ephiny's neck. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to not think about her sick mother but it was too hard. She let out a ragged breath and whispered, "She won't make it, Ephiny."

"Sssh." Ephiny again kissed Gabrielle's temple and soothingly rubbed Gabrielle's back. "It'll be okay… promise."

Gabrielle knew it was a futile promise but it did reassure her just a little because she knew Ephiny was there for her. Her arms tightened around Ephiny's side and she worked hard to lock down on her emotions just as she had in the past on many occasions. She couldn't believe this was happening to her when she'd already lost so much. Hadn't she given enough sacrifices in her life already?

For about a candlemark, Gabrielle and Ephiny remained in that position until Gabrielle rolled off Ephiny. Ephiny though didn't let her get away and instead rolled to her side and pulled Gabrielle into her arms. At first Gabrielle didn't give in until Ephiny's kissed her cheek only then did Gabrielle turn in Ephiny's arms and wrapped herself tightly around Ephiny.

The young Amazon held Gabrielle and it wasn't even fifteen minutes when Gabrielle dozed off. Ephiny sadly smiled at her sleeping friend then closed her own eyes. The young pair slept for a little over a candlemark before either one of them awoke. Gabrielle was the first to wake up and she felt a little better at getting some sleep. She lifted her head and glanced out the window to see it was near sunset and she knew dinner would be served soon.

"Ephiny," whispered the bard.

The sleeping Amazon mumbled something incoherent.

Gabrielle grinned a little then reached up to brush back some of Ephiny's long locks of curly blond hair. "Come on, featherhead… wake up."

"I heard that," muttered the Amazon.

The bard chuckled when rich amber eyes focused on her.

"You're a featherhead now too," reminded Ephiny.

The Amazon Princess smirked and teasingly replied, "At least I'm not by birth."

Ephiny chuckled then decided to tease Gabrielle back. "Wait until you have a girl and she's old enough. I'll torment her as a featherhead since she'll be direct line."

Gabrielle merely rolled her eyes and patted Ephiny's side. "You wish, Eph." She then quickly rolled out of her friend's arms and got out of bed.

The young Amazon gave a grunt then got out of bed too. "You think I should change out of my leathers?"

"Up to you," offered Gabrielle.

Ephiny lifted an eyebrow from the opposite side of the bed. "You're the princess so I have to follow your orders."

"Like you would anyway," taunted the princess. She then brushed off Ephiny's question with a wave of her hand and said, "Keep them on, Eph."

"Yes, my princess," teased Ephiny as she came around the bed. "I think I'll put my cloak back on… it's a bit chilly."

"I know," agreed Gabrielle. She'd kept hers on while she was in bed earlier, too lazy to bother with it. She glanced over at Ephiny, who was getting her cloak, and Gabrielle realized Ephiny had taken her sword off. She scanned the room quickly and saw Ephiny's sheathed short-sword tucked under the Amazon's saddlebags. "I'm glad you removed your sword." Her eyes lifted and locked on Ephiny.

The young Amazon nodded and came over as she tugged on her cloak. "Yeah, I didn't think it was polite to wear it around." She straightened the collar out on her cloak. "You think Cornelio saw it?"

Gabrielle quickly shook her head. "Your cloak covered it."

"Thank Artemis," whispered Ephiny in relief.

"Come on… let's see what's happening down stairs." Gabrielle left the room with Ephiny at her side.

Together they went down stairs and Gabrielle decided the kitchen would be the best place to start. She slipped into the kitchen with Ephiny behind her. She and Ephiny were instantly surrounded by the wonderful smells of a cooking dinner.

Gabrielle smiled some when she saw Maria and Adara looked to her and Ephiny.

"Gabrielle," happily greeted Maria and she quickly left her pot of boiling water to hug the teenager. "I'm happy you're home."

Gabrielle nodded and gave a half smile. She then was embraced by Adara as well. When she broke the hug with Adara, she asked, "Do you need help cooking?" Her eyes flickered over to Maria.

"I think Maria could use a break," replied Adara, "so she can check on Joseph."

"Joseph is fine, mother," called back Maria. She stole a quick look at her mother-in-law then at Gabrielle.

"No, Adara is right," argued Gabrielle. She came over and took over Maria's duties.

Maria came over to the door and for the first time noted the young Amazon. "Oh my, I'm sorry." She smiled warmly at Ephiny, wiped her hand on her apron and held out her hand. "I'm Maria."

Ephiny shyly took the large hand and gave a good shake. "I'm Ephiny."

Adara was beside Maria and her face broke out with a smile. "You're that young Amazon."

Ephiny instantly blushed.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes and looked back at the cooking water. She knew it was being cooked and warmed up for a soup.

"Yes I am," replied Ephiny in a small voice.

Maria and Adara took several minutes to quiz the Amazon while Gabrielle took over watching over the dinner. Eventually Maria left to check on her son while Adara returned to slicing up the vegetables for the soup.

"Have either of you seen Mary?" inquired Adara from the other side of the kitchen.

"No," replied Gabrielle.

Ephiny was sitting at the small kitchen table set off to the side.

"Hey, Eph…" Gabrielle gazed over her shoulder at her friend. "Can you go find Mary?"

"Yes m-"

"Ephiny," warned the bard in a low tone.

The young Amazon hid her wince when she remembered that nobody knew of Gabrielle's Amazon caste. She quickly excused herself and left the kitchen to find Mary.

Adara was quiet for awhile then finally spoke up. "Your mother hasn't been well."

Gabrielle held back her sigh and only nodded.

"Did you visit with her?" urged Adara. She looked over at her slave and felt her heart drop at how distraught Gabrielle was right now.

"Yes," quietly answered the bard. She picked up the bowl of thick powder on the counter and carefully dumped it into the pot of hot water. She started mixing it in carefully. "Adara?"

The older woman looked up from her cutting.

Gabrielle paused in her stirring motion and her eyes met Adara. "Do you think mother will die?"

Adara studied Gabrielle then her gaze eventually dropped. "She's only been getting worse," she honestly confessed.

Gabrielle didn't say anything or even nodded as she went back to the soup.

It wasn't for another candlemark until the dinner was ready and everybody, but Gabrielle, sat down at the table in the main dining hall. Gabrielle had taken two bowls of soap, bread, and utensils so she could eat her meal with her mother. That had left Ephiny alone with Cornelio, Adara, Maria, and Mary; she wasn't sure what to say so she remained fairly silent. It wasn't until halfway through her meal that Cornelio addressed her and he began his quizzing about Ephiny's lifestyle as an Amazon.

Ephiny noticed he was genuinely interested about the Amazon Nation and not prying. Near the end of the conversation, she was well convinced he actually accepted the concept of female warriors. She wasn't sure why he would but for some reason it stuck in the back of her mind that it had to do with all the women in his life. As Ephiny gazed about the dinner table, she understood now that Cornelio had a house full of strong willed women. And it seemed as if not only did Cornelio condoned it but inspired it for whatever reason. By the end of dinner, Ephiny had decided she really liked Cornelio and that he was probably one of the best people to come into Gabrielle's life.

Ephiny remained in the kitchen after dinner and helped Adara and Maria clean up. She would have felt guilty if she disappeared without offering some kind of help since they let her stay in the house. They all seemed to pick a particular duty: Adara stored away what food she could, Maria washed dishes, Ephiny dried them and handed them to Mary, whom put them away. Ephiny inwardly smiled at the order of operations and for some reason it brought a sense of home and family into her life. She secretly admitted to herself that being a little domestic wasn't all that bad as long as she agreed to it without being forced. She now understood it was a good way to get to know people and spend time with them as she was doing with Adara, Maria, and little Mary.

When they were almost finished cleaning up the kitchen, Gabrielle arrived with her dirty dishes. She handed them over to Maria and thanked her and Adara for dinner. Ephiny slipped closer to her friend and asked Gabrielle how her mother was tonight. Gabrielle had only replied with a sad 'okay' then kissed Ephiny on the cheek for her tenderness. Gabrielle then quietly left the kitchen and went back upstairs.

Ephiny blinked after Gabrielle had left. Never once had she received that type of affection from Gabrielle but she pushed it to the back of her mind. When she was finished in the kitchen, she said goodnight to Adara and Maria then went upstairs with Mary at her side.

"Is Gabrielle okay?" inquired the small girl as she lifted herself up each step, one at a time.

Ephiny smiled at Mary. "She'll be fine, Mary."

Mary sighed and put a lot of effort into getting up the next step. "Auntie Hecuba is not doing well… Gabrielle is upset."

"Yes she is," quietly agreed Ephiny. She shifted closer to the girl and bent down to one knee. "Come here, sweetie."

Mary came over to the much larger girl and was lifted into strong arms.

Ephiny hefted Mary up into her arms and briskly climbed the steps at a fast rate. "So do you know much about the Amazons, Mary?"

"I heard that you can turn into birds," whispered Mary, her eyes wide.

Ephiny almost laughed but there was a huge grin on her face. "Yes, that's why I have a feather in my hair."

"Really?" breathed the small girl in awe. "You can turn into a bird?"

The young Amazon's eyes just glowed at the child's enthusiasm. "It's a secret though, Mary… you can't tell anybody. Do you promise?"

Mary vigorously nodded her head then wrapped her slender arms around Ephiny's neck; her legs already locked around Ephiny's waist. "Can Gabby change into one too?"

Ephiny chuckled at the nickname the child just gave Gabrielle. "Yes, Gabrielle can too."

"Wooow," breathed out the child in awe. She looked at Ephiny as if she were Artemis herself. "Can you show me?"

Ephiny suddenly frowned and shook her head. "No, sweetie I'm afraid I can't as much as I want to."

"Why?" persisted the child.

"Because Artemis only likes us to do it when it's right to." Ephiny paused then added, "We're not allowed to do it for fun but only when we need to."

"Like if you're endangered or need to travel far?" asked the curious girl.

"Exactly," agreed Ephiny. She smiled then came to a stop by her door.

"Could you always become a bird?" further asked Mary.

Ephiny shook her head as she freed her right hand to grasp the doorknob. "No, sweetie… Artemis has to give us that power."

"You've met Artemis?"

The young Amazon chuckled as she pushed the door open. "No I haven't." She stepped into the bedroom to see Gabrielle sitting at a desk by the window; she was working on one of her scrolls. "Gabrielle?" she called.

The small bard pulled away from her scroll and looked at Ephiny. A smile instantly grew on her face at seeing the young child in Ephiny's arms.

"Mary wants to know how Artemis gave us the ability to turn into birds."

Gabrielle looked from the child and stared at Ephiny as if she had three heads. Ephiny lifted an eyebrow for emphasis then suddenly Gabrielle laughed and she smiled warmly at both Ephiny and Maria. "So Auntie Ephiny told you about our secret, Mary?"

Mary's face exploded with a full smile and her eyes lit bright. "Yes, she did."

"Now, you can't tell anybody, Mary… right?" Gabrielle stood up from her chair and approached the two. "Only Amazons are suppose to know about this but Ephiny and I trust you to keep a secret."

Mary thoroughly nodded her head then said, "I won't tell a soul, Gabby."

Gabrielle's smile turned lopsided at the nickname. "You promise?" she urged.

Ephiny chuckled as she stepped closer to the bed and lowered Mary onto the bed.

Mary scooted more onto the bed but her legs dangled off. "I won't, I promise."

"Okay," agreed Gabrielle and she came closer to Ephiny. "So you want to know how Artemis gave us the power to be transformed into birds?"

Mary bobbed her head up and down. "Please please, Gabby."

"Alright." Gabrielle had her hands on her hips then suddenly dropped them. "You see, when an Amazon is first born, Artemis comes down from Mount Olympus."

"What does Artemis look like?" interrupted the girl.

"She's beautiful," replied Gabrielle.

Ephiny nodded her head. "She's tall, Mary."

"Taller than you, Auntie?"

The young Amazon nodded and stretched her arm high up. "Much taller! About to here."

"Wow," squealed Mary.

"And she has hair dark as the night," added Gabrielle, "her eyes are a bright green."

"Like yours," clarified Mary.

"Yes but even brighter than mine." The small bard stepped closer to Mary, bent down to one knee and grasped Mary's knees. "When she looks at you, her eyes locked on yours, you can't help but fall into them. And if you stare long enough into her eyes, you'll be able to see a forest in them."

Mary breathed deeply and she almost thought she saw the trees and grass reflecting in Gabrielle's eyes.

Gabrielle slowly rose up as she spoke again. "Artemis wears gold plated armour and a sword at her side."

Ephiny stepped a little closer. "And on her back, Mary is a large bow that's almost as tall as her and she uses arrows with golden tips."

"She sounds beautiful," breathed out the child.

"She's one of the most beautiful on Mount Olympus," agreed Gabrielle. "Artemis is the best female warrior and she is very, very protective of her Amazons."

"Is that why she helps Amazons turn into birds?"

"Yes," replied Ephiny, "because she knows how much we fight and must have ways to protect ourselves."

"Exactly," agreed Gabrielle, "and Artemis's Amazons are born with the ability to turn into birds."

Mary suddenly had a confused look. "But Auntie Ephiny said that Artemis had to give each Amazon the ability."

"They do," hastily replied Gabrielle, "because when an Amazon is born, Artemis descends from Mount Olympus as a bird herself."

"A big bird too," piped in Ephiny, "bigger than any other bird in the wild. And she's amazingly beautiful as a bird too."

Gabrielle nodded her agreement. "When she comes down from Olympus, she perches on a tree just outside the hut where the Amazon mother is giving birth."

"What does she do?" whispered Mary.

Ephiny knelt a little and said, "She cranes her neck out like this." She stretched her neck out and narrowed her eyes "And just watches the baby Amazon's birth just to make sure the baby and mother are okay and happy."

Mary happily smiled at that.

Ephiny straightened up and said, "Then Artemis swoops down onto the ground and transforms into her human form." She glanced over at Gabrielle to take the lead.

"Artemis then goes into the hut after the healer has left." Gabrielle took a step closer to Mary. "She then comes to the mother's side of the bed and smiles down at her and the baby Amazon."

Mary stared up at Gabrielle, utterly memorized by the story.

"Artemis then will lift her hand and place it on the baby's chest." The small bard lifted her own hand and put it on Mary's chest. "She blesses the child and gives her the caste as a true Amazon of Artemis."

Mary sucked in a deep breath and felt as if Gabrielle was doing just that to her.

"And then very slowly, Artemis will lower her head…." Gabrielle bent her head forward. "Her lips touch the baby's forehead." She pressed her lips briefly against Mary's forehead then straightened back up. "In the instant of contact, Artemis bestows the baby Amazon with the ability to turn into a bird."

Mary's eyes suddenly switched to Ephiny when she moved closer and spoke.

"Afterwards, Artemis whispers a word of thank you to the mother Amazon then quickly walks out. And as soon as Artemis steps out of the hut, she transforms into a bird and flies off back to Mount Olympus."

Mary suddenly let out her breath she'd been holding since earlier.

"But that's not all of it," cut in Gabrielle, who knelt down again. "When Artemis flew off she also left behind a beautiful feather of all colours from her own tail feathers as a gift and symbol to the baby Amazon. And when the baby Amazon is old enough, the mother takes the feather and ties it into their hair."

Mary was so taken with the story and all she did was stretch her hand out and took Gabrielle's feather into her hand.

Ephiny was happily smiling with her arms folded over her chest. She admired the scene of the wonder struck child and how her attention was being held by Gabrielle and the feather.

Mary blinked and finally let go of Gabrielle's feather. "I wish I could turn into a bird."

The small bard softly laughed and clasped the girl's tiny hips. "There are many better things than just turning into a bird."

"Like what?" asked Mary, her eyebrows creased together.

"Like family," replied Gabrielle in a warm voice. "Artemis can give us the ability to turn into birds but she could never give us a family."

Mary looked down at her legs then lifted her head back up. "I wish I knew who my real mother and father were."

"I know," whispered the bard, "but sometimes families change and it turns out for the better."

Mary had lost her frown and started to smile now. "Yes, I have grandmom, grandfather, Auntie Maria and Auntie Hecuba." Her smile grew even wider. "And you're my big sister plus Auntie Ephiny… even Joseph."

Gabrielle softly laughed and reached up to brush back a stray strand of Mary's brown hair. "See? You have a very big family."

"I do." Mary was swinging her feet gently and felt better now. "Thank you, Gabby and Auntie Ephiny for the story."

"You're welcome," replied Ephiny.

Gabrielle quickly stood back up and stated, "And it's time for bed, Mary."

Mary's shoulders slumped but she nodded her head. "I am tired."

"I know." The Amazon Princess picked up Mary and put her on her feet. "Come on, sweetie."

"Will you tuck me into bed?" insisted Mary; she took Gabrielle's hand.

"Welllll...."

"Please?" begged the small girl.

Ephiny chuckled when Gabrielle looked at her for help. She just shrugged in response.

Gabrielle let out a sigh but she was smiling. "Okay. Let's go." She led Mary out of the bedroom.

The young Amazon stayed behind and when her friend and Mary left, she just chuckled to herself. She then decided it was time to get ready for bed too even though it was a little early for her. She figured when Gabrielle got back they would probably do some talking like always.

After Ephiny changed, she crawled into bed and got under the cool covers that quickly warmed around her body. She closed her eyes and it wasn't long before she started to drift off but the door's creak made her open her eyes again.

The small bard slipped into the room and quietly shut the door. "Hey."

"Hey," greeted the young Amazon. "Ready for bed?"

Gabrielle simply nodded and crossed over to her saddlebags near the desk. She took a second first to roll up her scroll and placed her quill next to it. She then knelt down and dug through her clothes until she found her clean shift. After she was out of her clothes and in her shift, she blew out the surrounding candles on the walls. "Brrr it's cold."

"I know, get in bed." Ephiny blinked when the darkness fell over the room but she lifted the sheets some when she saw Gabrielle's figure. She sensed Gabrielle getting in and snuggled up to her side for warmth.

"Oh give me some of your heat," teased the small bard.

"Yes, my princess," joked the young Amazon. She then grunted from a poke she received in her side from Gabrielle. Ephiny then glanced to her right and was thankful for the streams of moonlight coming through the window.

"Are you tired?" whispered the slave.

"Mmmm." Ephiny turned her head back. "Not just yet."

"Neither am I." Gabrielle scooted closer to Ephiny.

"Wait, wait," protested the Amazon. "Scoot back to the middle and I'll come over. I'm not about to get pushed off this bed."

Gabrielle giggled a little but backed up some into the mid but cool part of the bed. "Hurry," she urged between chattering teeth.

Ephiny merely grinned as she scooted over and was instantly wrapped up by an arm and leg. "Better?"

The Amazon Princess nodded and rested her head on Ephiny's shoulder. "You're so much warmer than me."

"Oh yeah, I'm just so hot," joked Ephiny with a roll of her eyes.

Gabrielle chuckled as her eyes slipped shut. "Thank you, Eph."

The Amazon turned her head to the left and rested it against Gabrielle's. "For what?"

"Coming here with me." Gabrielle briefly shivered when a cold chill went down her back. "I really appreciate it."

Ephiny softly smiled and began rubbing Gabrielle's back. "You're welcome."

The small bard stifled the starts of a yawn. "You are going back to the Nation for summer break, right?"

"Oh yes," replied the Amazon. "Have you thought about it?"

Gabrielle let out a small sigh and considered her options. She finally answered the question after about a minute. "I think I might stay in the Nation but I'll have to get Cornelio's permission first."

Ephiny slightly raised an eyebrow at that.

"Not that I truly have to but I know he'd appreciate me seeking his approval before hand."

A faint sigh came from Ephiny. "Yeah, you're right… it's the right thing to do." She was quiet for awhile as she focused on rubbing her friend's back. "Eponin will probably train you to be an Amazon."

"Gods," breathed the bard in awe. "I guess so." A thought occurred to her that made her frown. "I guess I'll have to learn how to fight too."

"Yes," agreed the Amazon. She then furrowed her eyebrows because of Gabrielle's tone. "You don't want to?"

"It's not that I don't it's just… I don't want to kill, Eph."

Ephiny instinctively tightened her hold on Gabrielle. "You… you don't have to, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle bit her lower lip but after she released it, she asked, "Have you killed?"

"No," whispered the Amazon, "I hope I never do but… I think it's a bit unavoidable."

The small bard's shoulders slumped.

"But I think if you only fight with a staff, Gabrielle, you should be fine."

"You think so?" insisted the Amazon Princess.

Ephiny smiled at the concern in her friend's voice. "Yes, it's kinda hard to kill with a blunt object like that."

"Not impossible though."

"No," slowly agreed Ephiny, "but a lot harder than just running a sword through somebody."

Gabrielle had to agree as she considered the idea. "I think I'll stick to the staff then."

"It's a good idea." And for some reason, Ephiny couldn't ever imagine her friend killing somebody. It was as if Gabrielle was destined to always remain innocent and pure. Ephiny secretly admitted to herself she would sacrifice her own innocence to see that Gabrielle stayed true to her ideals and beliefs. "I think you'll be an amazing Amazon."

"I don't know," countered the bard. "I wasn't born for this."

"Hmmm." The young Amazon felt a soft smile touch her lips. "I don't agree." She squeezed the small bard then added, "Time will tell."

"You have more faith than me," argued the Amazon Princess.

"I always have faith in you, Gabrielle." Ephiny again squeezed Gabrielle tightly to offer comfort. "Always."

The small bard tightened her arms around Ephiny to return the gesture.

"Go to sleep," whispered Ephiny.

A smug look developed on the Amazon Princess's face. "Yes, my loyal subject."

The Amazon grunted and just shook her head. "Sleep well."

"You too, Eph." Gabrielle slowly slipped away into her dreamscape. Her dreamscape wasn't as peaceful as it had been for the past several months though.

Ephiny slept a little better but even she was worried and mostly about Gabrielle. Despite she was asleep she seemed to still be in a faint state of consciousness as they slept.

Hecuba rolled her head to the left and her blurry vision partially focused on Adara.

Adara continued to touch the mother's forehead with a wet cloth, beads of water rolling down Hecuba's temple. "Hecuba?" she whispered in hopes to keep her conscious.

Hecuba softly moaned and closed her eyes. "I'm… slipping, Adara," she quietly rasped. Her body was extremely hot, almost on fire yet she shivered with the coldest of chills. She felt as if she was winter's ice in a burning fire.

"You're going to be fine," assured Adara. She continued to touch the younger woman's brow with the now drying cloth. She pulled the cloth away and dipped it in the bowl of water on the floor by the bed. She retuned it to Hecuba's forehead.

Maria now appeared beside the kneeling Adara and she visually inspected Hecuba. She could even tell Hecuba was just barely hanging onto life. She'd been awoken in the middle of the night by the soft moaning. Her room was next door to Hecuba's and Adara had opted to spend the night in Hecuba's room to watch over her.

Hecuba's dimming green eyes lifted up to Maria's constricted face. "Bring Gabrielle, Maria," she requested in a shaky voice.

Maria tensed and looked at Adara.

Adara felt a swell enter her throat. She dipped her head for a moment then looked up at Maria.

Maria had never seen such a grief stricken look before on Adara's face. Not even her son's death, Michulus's death, had brought on such a dreaded look on Adara. It placed fear and pain in Maria's heart.

"Awaken Gabrielle," quietly ordered Adara. Her voice had cracked and her eyes pricked with unshed tears.

Maria felt her knees weaken yet she urged her body to move and she left the small room.

Adara returned her attention to the dying woman and tried to ease her coming passing. She continued cooling her brow and whispering words of faith and encouragement.

Maria gently opened the door to the guestroom and she poked her head in, a candle in her right hand. She silently stepped in and raised the candle for better light. Immediately her heart ached when she saw Gabrielle tucked deeply in the Amazon's arms and head under the Amazon's chin. She could even tell how much Gabrielle actually meant to Ephiny, probably more than Gabrielle realized.

Maria wet her lips then stepped up to the bed. With her freehand, she gently aroused the small bard.

Gabrielle rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and her vision cleared. "Maria?" she softly spoke.

"You must come," whispered Maria, "it's your mother."

The Amazon Princess didn't hesitate and she efficiently slipped out of Ephiny's arms. When she got out of the bed, she turned and tucked the covers back over the young Amazon. Her stomach was already feeling sick and her entire body was weakening with fear.

Maria ambled out and guided the small bard to her mother's room at the other end of the hall. She didn't need to explain what was going on because Gabrielle already knew without question. She slipped into the room and let Gabrielle in next.

The young slave crossed the distance to her mother's bedside. She relieved Adara of the wet cloth and now took Adara's spot by her mother's bed.

Adara took Maria's candle and lit a few more candles on the dresser near the window. She then clasped Maria's arm and quietly ushered her out. Adara stepped into the hallway with Maria but she turned back and closed the door for privacy.

After the door clicked, Gabrielle finally spoke. "How are you, mom?"

Hecuba's eyes fluttered and she tried to focus on her oldest child. "Gabrielle?"

"It's me, mom." Gabrielle lifted the damp cloth and kissed her mother's heated forehead. She then returned to pressing the cool compress to her mother's head and did her cheeks as well.

Hecuba inhaled a wheezy breath and pulled her right hand out from under the covers. Her frail, hot hand wrapped around Gabrielle's wrist and ceased her tender care. "No more, Gabrielle."

"Mom?" Urgency was in the bard's voice.

"No more," repeated Hecuba and now she smiled her assurance.

Gabrielle felt her throat tighten and her stomach knot up. She removed the cloth and merely returned it to the bowl on the floor. Now she laced her left hand through her mother's hand and tightly held on in hopes she'd never lose her mother.

"I'm going to go soon, Gabrielle," whispered Hecuba, her eyes dull yet her tone grew calming.

"No," refuted the bard, "it's not your time."

"It is," gently spoke the mother. "It is my time."

Gabrielle's eyes began to burn with tears and her pulse grew stronger. "No, mom don't say this… not now, not ever."

"Ssssh," lovingly soothed Hecuba. "It'll be okay, Gabrielle." She eased a caring smile. "You'll be okay."

"Mom, don't leave me… please," begged Gabrielle, "you're all I have left. Don't leave me alone."

Hecuba felt her own throat tighten and her chest heavy with emotions but she did not cry. "I would never leave you… you are never alone, Gabrielle." She licked her lips and turned her head to the left, her gaze went beyond her daughter. "Go to my dresser."

Gabrielle didn't move but finally her mother's words soaked into her mind. She forced herself to stand and she went over to the dresser.

"Bring me that small black pouch."

The Amazon Princess searched and finally found the pouch carefully tucked behind a scroll. She gingerly held it in her right hand and came back to the bedside. She knelt again and held the pouch out to her mother.

With both hands, Hecuba retrieved the black pouch and with much effort, she opened it. She cupped Gabrielle's hand in her own left hand and with her right hand she poured the contents into Gabrielle's palm.

The bard felt a cool metal touched her skin and when she gazed down, she could see something silver flash at her. When the black pouch was out of her view, she focused on the item in her hands. Her breathing stopped yet her heart thundered against her chest as she stared at the necklace in her hand.

"I saved it… during the raid," rasped Hecuba, "I couldn't… couldn't let them take it."

Gabrielle covered her mouth with her freehand and tears freely flowed down her cheeks. She muffled a whimper between her hand then lowered her hand from her mouth. She gently touched the sterling silver quill pendent that rested on top of the chain. It was her birthday gift from Xena that she'd received a day before the raid. Finally she looked to her mother and asked, "How? I didn't know…."
Hecuba had quietly enjoyed Gabrielle's disbelief in being reunited with the precious gift from Xena. "When we got off the horses and the raiders surrounded us."

"You covered us," recalled the bard, "Lila and I."

Hecuba faintly nodded her head.

"We were lying in the cut stalks of wheat," whispered the bard. The day clearly came back to her like it was only a few candlemarks ago. She could still feel her mother's protective form covering her and Lila; the raiders' horses whining and stomping at the ground as the raiders approached them. She could now recall how her mother's hands had quickly gone to the back of her neck. She now realized in that brief instant that her mother had carefully removed the necklace to hide it away from the raiders. She finally came out of her memories and focused on her mother again. "How'd you hide it for so long?"

Hecuba reached up with her right hand and gently stroked her daughter's closest cheek. "A mother doesn't give all her secrets, honey."

Gabrielle clutched the necklace in her hand as she bent forward and brought her arms around her mother.

Hecuba wrapped her arms around her daughter and held her as tightly as possible. She closed her eyes to contain her tears when Gabrielle began to cry furiously against her chest. "Sssh, Gabrielle." She stroked her daughter's hair and slowly closed her eyes. "You will be okay."

Gabrielle said nothing, couldn't say anything as she buried her face deeper into Hecuba's neck.

"You will go on," murmured the mother. She took in wheezy breath but continued to coax her daughter. "You will grow into a famous bard." She turned her head and kissed her daughter's temple. "And you will be free." She felt her chest growing heavy but not from Gabrielle's weight. Even now, her legs were losing sensations but she knew this was coming and she embraced it. "Look at me, Gabrielle. Please."

Gabrielle bit her lip but she gradually lifted her head and peered down at her mother.

Hecuba tried to wipe the tears away from Gabrielle's cheek but they continued to cascade down her daughter's face. "Promise me you will not give up."

The bard shook her head and rasped, "I have nothing left."

"Yes you do," insisted Hecuba, "you have your future, your talents…." She wiped several more tears away then quietly added, "Your hope." She smiled again- a type of smile that was from her love. "And you must find your sister."

Gabrielle shook her head and began to cry even harder. "She's… she's…."

"She's alive," insisted Hecuba.

"How can you… you be sure?" breathed Gabrielle.

"I know, Gabrielle." Hecuba put her left hand over her daughter's chest. "So do you, you know. Can you feel her?"

Gabrielle understood her mother's words; she had always felt a connection with her sister. It was something only sisters had between each other and she felt it, it still thrived and pulsated maybe dull but there and still strong. Gabrielle started to nod and she clasped her hand with Hecuba's.

"Find her," whispered Hecuba. "You will see her again."

Gabrielle's tears now returned and she leaned forward again. She gently rested in her mother's arms and held on for as long as she could now.

Hecuba again rested her eyes and her strength was fading. Her arms remain snug against Gabrielle with the last of her will. She continued to sooth her daughter in hopes it'd ease the pain in her heart but she knew she could never stop the pain.

Gabrielle drew in a heavy breath despite she could barely breathe. She now whispered, "Tell father I love him, that I miss him."

"I will," murmured the fading mother. She stroked her daughter's back and then her hand stilled but she didn't loosen her embrace. "Father and I will be with you always, Gabrielle."

"I know," rasped the bard. She buried her face in deeper. Her chest burned and her body felt incredibly heavy now.

"Never give up, Gabrielle," whispered Hecuba. Her arms were loosening and her breathing was moving into a decrescendo.

Gabrielle still clutched tightly to the necklace as she still firmly held to her mother. "I promise, mom… I'll never give up." Her words seemed to ease her mother as her mother's arms grew looser. Gabrielle squeezed her eyes tightly and her body swelled with anger and her heart crushed with pain. "I love you, mommy."

Hecuba inhaled one last time and with her last breath, she warmly murmured, "And I love you, Gabrielle." She turned her head and with her remaining strength, she pressed her cooling lips against Gabrielle's temple.

Gabrielle tightened her arms even harder when her mother's arms went limp then gradually slipped off Gabrielle's back. She suddenly whaled in agonizing pain and she wanted to scream. Scream to bring her mother back so that her mother would hear but her demand never left her lips. She had no strength and she only felt as if life was stabbing her with a sword in her heart and into her soul.

Gabrielle was never sure how long she remained in the room, holding onto her mother's lifeless body. It wasn't until a warm hand touched her back again that she realized Adara and Maria had reentered the room. She wouldn't look at them, she couldn't face them and she didn't want to face life now. Yet with Maria's help, she was able to slowly release her mother and get back up on her feet. Before she did so, she made sure to place one last kiss to her mother's white cheek and in daze, she was led out of the dark room and back to her room.

Ephiny had awoken when she'd heard Gabrielle's loud crying at the other end of the hall. Maria and Adara had urged her not to go into the room and let Gabrielle release her mother to the afterlife. Ephiny had internally fought herself to barge into the room and help her friend despite she knew there was nothing she could truly do.

Now though, Ephiny knew Gabrielle would need somebody or something to clutch onto so that she knew life did continue. Ephiny now stood in the doorway as she saw Maria helping Gabrielle back down the hall to their room. Ephiny swallowed and embraced her friend when she was close enough.

Maria carefully gazed at the Amazon in question.

Ephiny merely nodded her head and ushered the princess into the bedroom. She pushed the bedsheets out of the way again and helped Gabrielle into bed.

The young slave crawled into the bed and drowned into the comfort of Ephiny's arms when Ephiny got in with her. She tried to hide away from her own pain but she could not even though she tried to dam out her emotions. She shook all night, cried and still clutched the quill necklace in her hand. Her fisted hand pressed against her lip in seemingly endless kiss.

Gabrielle faded into her pain from her mother's death and for a long time, she didn't recall much after her mother's death. She'd eventually returned to the Academy after her mother's burial but she didn't even remember the ride back to Athens. Her mind seemed to only retain fragments of things as the late winter blinked past her eyes. She'd never felt so numb against the world but her mother's death had set the seed in her heart.

Ephiny was the only one that seemed to recall any of it. She still could feel the cold wind nipping at her face when she stood in front of the deep hole dug out for Hecuba. She'd kept her cloak tight against her body yet it never seemed to stop the cold wind from biting at her.

She'd seen many people laid to rest but only one other burial had emotionally shattered her. Her mother's funeral pyre was the first and then later Hecuba's burial further ate away at her. She could still see Gabrielle bending beside Hecuba's open sarcophagus and placing the golden coin into Hecuba's open mouth. It was the coin that would see Hecuba's way across the Rivers Styx on Cheron's boat.

And then several unknown men that Cornelio knew closed the lid and lifted the simple sarcophagus to place it within the hole. Adara then read the prayers for Hecuba's safe journey to the afterlife and finally to her husband whom awaited for her. As Adara read, the same men began to refill the hole steadily and in harmony to Adara's prayers.

Ephiny had turned her head to gaze at her friend.

Gabrielle remained still, her head dipped, and her eyes cold as the wind that fought with her. She was silent but watched her mother's burial hole begin to fill with dirt.

Ephiny knew Gabrielle was physically there yet she was almost sure Gabrielle's soul had left her body. She'd never seen Gabrielle's eyes so incredibly dull and lifeless.

Ephiny then recalled lowering her gaze to Gabrielle's right hand that was fisted just below the sleeve of the cloak. She remembered wondering what it was that Gabrielle held so dearly and refused to let the light of day shine within her hand. She never asked and never pried but she was forever curious to find out what it was that Gabrielle clung to so carefully to in her hand. She only knew whatever the item was that it was enough to keep Gabrielle moving on, it was just enough and Ephiny was forever grateful. She knew there would be an end to Gabrielle's concealment of her emotions and heart.

But Ephiny feared how long it would take. How long would Gabrielle hide away? When would Ephiny see her friend again and see that radiant smile return? Could hope return to Gabrielle's murky green eyes?

Right now though, Ephiny was taking a seat on the soft moss, her back leaning into an oak tree. She felt a soft smile touch her lips as she dropped her head against the tree. Beside her, she sensed Gabrielle settling down and they continued to enjoy the last of their afternoon.

Gabrielle pulled her legs up against her chest and hugged her legs tightly. She'd come to need this position more and more of lately.

Ephiny gazed over at her friend and offered a smile. "Thanks for coming out."

The bard returned the smile but it wasn't very deep. "It is a nice day," she agreed and looked back over the greening forest.

"Spring is setting in," quietly agreed the Amazon. She bit her lower lip as she studied the forest, her stomach turned. She was nervous, incredibly nervous and she knew why. Not only was today the Spring Solstice, full Spring time, but it was also Gabrielle's sixteenth birthday. Originally Ephiny had planned to celebrate her friend's birthday with the boys' help yet after Hecuba's death, she'd decided on another route. She knew Gabrielle would want something more peaceful.

"I love spring," suddenly but quietly mentioned the bard.

The young Amazon now looked at her friend. She was surprised by the admission but yet relieved. "It's a sign of hope returning," she assured. And then Gabrielle looked at her with grey-green eyes that broke Ephiny's heart. She reached over and gently touched Gabrielle's cheek. "There's always hope."

Gabrielle leaned her head into Ephiny's hand and her eyes drifted shut. She hadn't taken any affection since the night of her mother's death. She refused it and refused giving it out but something in her now ached for it.

Ephiny felt her heart breathe again at Gabrielle's resolve starting to give. She scooted a little closer and let her shoulder brush up against Gabrielle's.

When Ephiny's hand left her cheek, Gabrielle opened her eyes and gave a shy smile. "Why did we leave so early from the Academy grounds?"

The young Amazon chuckled and touched the bard's nose. When Gabrielle's expression crinkled playfully, Ephiny just laughed and a soft smile whisked her lips. "Because I thought we could use it." She shrugged and added, "We haven't left the Academy for a trail ride in awhile."

Gabrielle had to agree. She glanced over at their horses, whom nibbled on the grass not too far off. She then returned her gaze to Ephiny and she felt something soften deep in her. "I'm glad we did," she agreed.

"I know," quietly agreed the Amazon. "It's been a hard winter."

Gabrielle didn't say anything; she merely nodded and lowered her chin down onto her knees.

Ephiny carefully brought her right arm across Gabrielle's back. She wasn't sure if Gabrielle would draw away but she took a chance.

The slave was tense momentarily but then she relented. Her posture loosened and she actually leaned into Ephiny. She and Ephiny were quiet for awhile yet she peered up at Ephiny. "Eph?"

The older teenager gazed down in question.

"Thank you," whispered the bard.

Ephiny furrowed her eyebrows and asked, "Why?"

"Because you've been here for me… every step of the way." Gabrielle swallowed and pulled her arms away from her legs. "You're probably the most patient person I've met."

Ephiny tilted her head, still a little confused.

Gabrielle sighed but not at Ephiny, more at herself. She reached across and took Ephiny's left hand into her lap when she lowered her legs. She firmly held Ephiny's hand then explained her earlier words. "I know I've been really distant these past moons… and you've respected that." She drew in an unsteady breath and quietly added, "You don't know how much that's meant to me."

"Yes I do," reassured Ephiny. She leaned her head over and caught Gabrielle's gaze. "When I lost my mother, I too fell into the same pattern as you have… I stopped feeling and I didn't want to feel."

Gabrielle chewed on her lower lip almost hard enough to break skin. "How'd you move on?"

"It took awhile," admitted Ephiny, "and it does still hurt." She reached up and her fingertips touched Gabrielle's chin. "But Eponin was there for me. She let me have my space so I could work my way out but she remained at my side, patient as ever. Eventually I broke and she was there for me."

Gabrielle felt Ephiny's touch leave her chin but their hands reclasped in her lap. "Ephiny… how did you make it stop hurting?"

The Amazon sighed and leaned her head in the rest of the way. She kissed Gabrielle's warm forehead then pulled back. She straightened up a little then laced her left hand through Gabrielle's hand. "One day while I was at my mother's remembrance marker, I was sitting there… like always." She stared ahead through the forest but her eyes were glazed with memories. "I spoke with my mother like any other time, I cried too and I hurt just as much as the first moment she died." She inhaled deeply then looked at Gabrielle finally. "To this day I'm not sure what it was, Gabrielle but I guess I realized I was tired of hurting, of crying, and of painfully wishing for her to live again. I learned to accept it and let it go." She bit her lower lip a little but she then softly whispered, "From that day on, I decided to celebrate my mother's memory in the life she lived… not in what I lost."

Gabrielle remained silent and she finally tore her gaze away from Ephiny. She now felt the night of her mother's death and the morning of her burial crash on her. She suddenly turned her body to Ephiny and Ephiny caught her and pulled her into her arms.

Gabrielle gasped for her first breath of hope as she snuggled into Ephiny's arms.

Ephiny dropped her head back against the tree, closed her eyes, and felt relief wash over her. She sensed hot tears rolling down her neck and she knew they were Gabrielle's tears of release. She knew now the healing would begin and she could not think of a better gift for Gabrielle.

Gabrielle eventually brought her head up for fresh air. She sucked in a deep breath and warm hands carefully wiped her tears off her cheeks. She actually gently laughed and tried to get rid of the tear stains as well.

Ephiny faintly grinned and brushed Gabrielle's golden hair back to see her better. "Did that help?"

"Gods yes," quietly agreed the bard. "Thank you."

"I'm always here," promised the Amazon.

Gabrielle smiled shyly and nodded her head. She then turned, sat on the ground, and now comfortably situated herself between Ephiny's legs and leaned back.

Ephiny enjoyed Gabrielle being closer to her again. She wrapped her arms around her friend's chest and tugged her body in closer.

The Amazon Princess leaned back and laid into her friend. She relished the comfort and protection that Ephiny willingly offered her. She knew she'd been blessed to have befriended Ephiny and she vowed never to take Ephiny for granted. Her mother was right, she was never alone.

Ephiny leaned her head forward and rested her chin on Gabrielle's shoulder. "Give it time. I promise you it'll get easier."

"I know," agreed the bard. She reached up and rubbed Ephiny's arm. She knew it was reassuring to Ephiny as much as it was to her.

Ephiny smiled a little and rubbed the side of her face against Gabrielle's. She was rewarded by a soft chuckled from Gabrielle. The laugh filled Ephiny and she squeezed Gabrielle tightly for a brief moment. "It is so wonderful to see you again."

Gabrielle squeezed Ephiny's arm again. "I know… as you said, I just need time."

"And I'll be here for you," promised the Amazon.

"Thank you," replied Gabrielle. She couldn't see Ephiny's smile but she knew it was there and it caused her to smile too for the first time in a long time. It felt so good to smile again.

"You know what?" whispered Ephiny.

"What's that?" quietly whispered back Gabrielle, as if she was about to be told a big secret.

"This is my favourite day," murmured Ephiny, "for three reasons."

Gabrielle actually had a grin on her face. "What are the three reasons?"

"First," started Ephiny, "it's the Spring Solstice."

"Uh huh… and?"

Ephiny tightened her embrace around Gabrielle then whispered, "Second, you've come back."

Gabrielle sadly smiled at her friend's words. She leaned her head over and nuzzled her face into Ephiny's cheek. "Third?" she murmured.

"This is the most important," insisted the Amazon.

Gabrielle drew back and lifted an inquisitive eyebrow. Now both her eyebrows lifted into her bangs when Ephiny wildly grinned.

"Third, it is your birthday."

Gabrielle jaw unclenched and her mouth hung open. She hadn't even realized it until now; today was her sixteenth birthday. She clamped her mouth shut and she actually laughed. "By the gods… it is… I forgot."

Ephiny chuckled and brought her a freehand up. She poked her friend's nose. "I didn't."

"You didn't," agreed the Amazon Princess. Then without thought, she leaned in and captured Ephiny's lips in a very light kiss. Just as quickly as she took Ephiny's lips, she pulled away and said, "Thank you."

Ephiny blinked and her cheeks were on fire. She cleared her throat and could only mustard out, "Happy birthday."

Gabrielle giggled at her friend's shocked reaction. She settled down and just softly smiled at Ephiny. She then leaned back in but paused when her lips brushed Ephiny's.

Ephiny didn't move, she remained still except for closing her eyes.

The bard held her breath as her heart fought about whether this was right. She relaxed and gave into her feelings for Ephiny as she gently took Ephiny's lips now.

The Amazon softly moaned into the tender kiss. She didn't press it and let Gabrielle take control.

Gabrielle's right hand came up and tangled into Ephiny's curly tresses. She whimpered some as she opened her mouth and pushed her tongue forward.

Ephiny shocked with heat that caused her to moan again when Gabrielle's tongue touched her own. Gabrielle timidly explored Ephiny's mouth and then Gabrielle slowly pulled back.

Gabrielle drowned in a deep breath of air and dropped her forehead against Ephiny's. She breathed heavily for several seconds as she tried to collect her thoughts. "Eph?"

"Yeah?" whispered the just as shocked Amazon.

"What was that?"

"Hmmm… a kiss, Gabrielle," concluded the brilliant Amazon.

There was a brief silence then suddenly Gabrielle's body shook with a silent laugh.

Ephiny's lips broke into a smile.

Suddenly Gabrielle started to actually laugh and Ephiny joined her.

The pair fell backwards, Gabrielle on top of Ephiny and the soft moss cushioned them with ease. After a minute, they settled down and just remained in each other's embrace. Gabrielle tucked her head under Ephiny's chin and closed her eyes as she tried to take in her own actions.

Ephiny squeezed her friend then loosened her hold. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," came the honest reply. "You?"

The Amazon was okay as long as Gabrielle was too. "Yes," she simply replied and closed her eyes. As she replayed the kiss in her head, her smile broke out across her face.

Gabrielle must have been doing the same thing because she started to giggle. She settled down and timidly asked, "Am I bad a kisser?"

Ephiny laughed at the outright question. She decided to tease her friend. "You could use some practice."

"Hey!" shot back the bard, she swatted Ephiny's side. "I'd like to see you do better."

Ephiny raised her head to take on the challenge.

Gabrielle caught the movement and she lifted her own head.

Ephiny sat up, one hand behind her and the other hand captured Gabrielle's chin. Her rich caramel eyes swirled with fulfilment for a challenge. "Gabrielle, never challenge an Amazon." She suddenly leaned her head into Gabrielle's.

The bard's breath was stolen when Ephiny's lips sealed with hers. She held tightly to the Amazon's waist as Ephiny's tongue danced with hers. She never felt such a sharp surge of heat burn in her stomach and grow deeper. When Ephiny started to pull back, she resisted and pressed her lips harder against Ephiny's.

Ephiny grinned into the continued kiss but she had to breathe. She pulled back from the whimpering bard but she ended it with a gentle nip to Gabrielle's sweet lower lip.

Gabrielle softly moaned and her eyes opened to lock on very rich amber eyes. She pouted a little and said, "You kiss way better."

Ephiny dropped her head back and just laughed.

Gabrielle slightly blushed and suddenly threw her arms back around Ephiny's body.

The air was knocked out Ephiny and she fell backwards again. She still managed a few more laughs but she sucked in deeply as Gabrielle hugged her. She remained quiet for awhile while Gabrielle collected her thoughts.

"Ephiny?"

The Amazon noted the seriousness in her friend's tone. She went a little ridged but tried to remain calm. "Yeah?" she whispered and started rubbing Gabrielle's back. But when nothing forthcoming came from the bard, she started to worry a little. "It bothered you?"

Gabrielle sighed and closed her eyes as she rested her head on Ephiny's chest. "The kissing?"

"That and… well the fact you wanted to?" suggested the Amazon.

The bard considered it as she toyed with loose strands of Ephiny's hair. "No… not really," she admitted. "I mean yes in another way."

Ephiny let out a sigh but she tried not to worry too much. She could talk this out. "Why no?"

"No in the way of kissing another girl," bashfully admitted the Amazon Princess.

Ephiny admitted she was surprised and her question came out shocked. "Really?"

"Yeah," uttered the bard, "I've… I've kissed…." She sighed and finally said it. "I've kissed another girl before."

Ephiny blinked a few times and replayed Gabrielle's words. She hadn't expected that at all and she had to be sure. "Not just your sister or mother?" She paused and then added, "You mean another female?"

Gabrielle swallowed and nodded her head. "Yeah," she murmured, "Three years ago…." She swallowed when she realized it was three years ago to date. "Exactly three years ago."

Ephiny could hear the emotions in Gabrielle's shaking voice. She quickly pushed up and lifted her friend with her. She now sat down and helped Gabrielle sit down in front of her. She looked into Gabrielle's liquid green eyes and took Gabrielle's smaller hands. "She meant a lot to you… I can tell."

"She…." Gabrielle looked up into Ephiny's eyes but she felt uneasy. Her gaze fell and she dipped her head forward but Ephiny didn't give in to it.

The Amazon tilted her friend's head back up and tried to show reassurance. "Please tell me, Gabrielle." Ephiny knew little of Gabrielle's past life before the Academy but she felt it was important to know everything. She would take whatever she could get and whatever Gabrielle offered. "It's important to me."

"Why?" Gabrielle fingered Ephiny's hand from her chin and laced their hands together. "It doesn't matter now… she's gone."

"How do you know?" refuted the Amazon.

Gabrielle's head tilted forward again and she shook it. "I don't know but…."

Ephiny leaned her head forward, her forehead touching the top of Gabrielle's head. She whispered, "Please share her with me."

Gabrielle kept her eyes closed tightly. She was quiet for along while and Ephiny wasn't sure if she would ever speak. Then finally, Gabrielle let go of her long kept secret and breathed out her name. "Xena." She lifted her head and met Ephiny's confused gaze. "Her name was Xena."

The name seemed to imprint Ephiny's mind forever from that point on. She never knew why but it did and it was even harder to forget how Gabrielle's eyes grew so hopeless when she'd said this woman's name. Ephiny drew in a calming breath and asked, "Who was she?"

"She was… my heart," whispered Gabrielle. "I don't know how or why but she was… she was everything to me."

Ephiny could tell this other woman must have been by the way Gabrielle spoke and seemed to cling to each word. "What happened to her?"

"I don't know," admitted Gabrielle. "When my village was attacked by the raiders, my family, myself, and Xena… we all tried to escape." Her lips fastened together for a moment then she finally continued her story. "My father was on our workhorse. My mother, my sister, and I were riding the other horse, he was faster and Xena… she was with Potestas on a golden mare." Her green eyes dimmed with hidden memories. "We rode in the wheat field, at full gallop in a group until the raiders broke us apart."

Ephiny searched her friend's face and in her mind Gabrielle's memories flashed before her.

Two raiders instantly broke apart the group, Herodotus went one way while Potestas, Xena went another way with Hecuba, Gabrielle, and Lila beside them.

Gabrielle had briefly seen the two raiders catch her father but she dug her head into Lila's. She couldn't bare to see them slice her father apart. In the background, she could just make out Xena verbally fighting with Potestas but she never knew about what.

But then the horse she rode suddenly had a surge of strength when Hecuba kicked him harder. She almost felt a rush of hope but when she looked behind, she saw several raiders on horseback catching up to them. She squealed in fear and screamed, "Mother!"

Hecuaba stole a quick glance and fearfully rasped, "Oh gods."

Gabrielle screamed suddenly when two raiders came along either side of their horse. One raider slashed at them with his sword and that forced them to ride further away from Xena.

"Gabrielle!" screamed out Xena.

Gabrielle turned her gaze to Xena, who was so far away. Her face suddenly went wet with burning tears and she was filled with dread.

Hecuba tried to get away from the raiders but they finally caught her. Her tired stallion couldn't outrun them any longer and he came to a gradual stop. Hecuba gathered her daughters in her arms and got them out of the saddle. She tried to carry them and run from the raiders as one dismounted as well. She didn't get far and gave up; she dropped to her knees and pulled the two girls under her.

Gabrielle peered through her mother's protective arms and saw an approaching raider with his sword out. She screamed, grabbed Lila, and tried to run but the raider came after them.

The other raider, still on horseback, seized Hecuba and started lashing her hands together.

Gabrielle curled her body over Lila's and she trembled in fear with her sister. She cried out as the raider suddenly grabbed her by her hair and tried to shake her. She wouldn't let go of Lila and the raider grew frustrated and smacked Gabrielle hard across the back of the head.

Gabrielle cried out in pain and then everything went black when something hard slammed the back of her head. Her only next memory was waking up in a tent, shackles on, and a very large man guarding them.

Ephiny closed her eyes as she sharply inhaled. She finally looked at Gabrielle and pulled her scared friend into her arms.

Gabrielle held tightly and whispered, "I don't know what happened to her, Eph."

The Amazon tucked her face into Gabrielle's neck as Gabrielle's face pushed into Ephiny's face. "I'm sure she's still alive."

The young slave girl shook her head and closed her eyes. "I don't know."

"It'll be okay," gently promised the Amazon.

"I know," quietly agreed the bard.

Ephiny pulled back from the embrace and studied Gabrielle's stricken face. "Xena… she means a lot to you?"

Gabrielle wiped her tears away and slowly nodded her head. "She did… does…." She shook her head in confusion, she was never sure if Xena was or wasn't alive. Somedays it seemed like Xena could still be alive and other days perhaps not.

The young Amazon had carefully watched the conflicting emotions shift across Gabrielle's face. She breathed deeply then whispered, "Have you looked for her yet?"

The slave shook her head. "How could I? I've been a slave."

"I know but…." Ephiny steadily breathed as her mind worked very fast. "Don't you think Cornelio would let you look? I mean logically, where should you start?" She peered up into Gabrielle's eyes. "Your hometown?"

The Amazon Princess shook her head and she tried to regain her composure. She quietly replied, "Amphipolis."

"That's where she's from?"

"Yes." Gabrielle had finally wiped her tears away and she straightened her back out. "That's where she'd probably be."

The Amazon brightened and hastily said, "We will go there."

"Ephin-"

"We will," cut off the Amazon, "Think about it, Gabrielle." Ephiny laced her hands through Gabrielle's. "Summer break will be soon… we'll have three moons off." She released one hand and brushed back Gabrielle's loose hair. "I'm sure Queen Melosa will let us go on a trip. We can go to Amphipolis… find Xena."

So many emotions struck Gabrielle at once from the promise of seeking Xena. She felt excited at knowing she could be reunited with her best friend. And she was scared, incredibly scared she'd be only reunited with a grave for Xena.

Ephiny saw the conflicting emotions and she tried to brush them off Gabrielle's face with her hand. She couldn't do it and she knew why but her words came out softly. "We'll find out what's happened to her," she promised.

Slowly Gabrielle met Ephiny's gaze and she absorbed the Amazon's strength. She accepted the idea but chided herself not to get her hopes up; she had to expect the worse despite hoping for the best. She sucked in a deep breath and quietly uttered, "I'd like to go back to Potidaea too… back home."

Ephiny hadn't thought about it and wouldn't have suggested either because she knew it'd be hard on Gabrielle. Yet she slowly nodded her head. "We will." She remained silent for awhile and then she realized sunset was coming close. She suggested they return to the Academy for dinner and the pair climbed up onto their horses.

The two Amazons rode back to the Academy and untacked their horses. They'd joined the boys in the mess hall and fortunately the boys lifted the two girls' spirits that evening. Everybody was laughing and enjoying themselves, it wasn't until they returned to the dorm that they realized they had to do homework. The girls went into their room to do their work while Orion, Twickenham, and Stallonus did their own.

It wasn't until the late evening that Gabrielle broke from her homework, finally satisfied with her five poems. She'd fought with them for awhile but she'd finally settled on a running theme between them. That'd been the assignment; to write five poems and place a similar theme in all of them. At first, Gabrielle thought it was a simple task until she sat to do the scribing and then it became harder. She never realized it could get confusing when trying to reword the same theme five different ways. She'd actually required Ephiny's help a few times on two poems.

Ephiny had finished her homework a half a candlemark before Gabrielle. She was now resting on her bed, eyes closed, and just thinking about today. It wasn't until a warm body curled up beside her that she worked out of her thoughts. She smiled and turned her head to the right to find sleepy green eyes looking at her. "Finished?"

Gabrielle grumbled and nuzzled her face into Ephiny's neck. "I think so."

Ephiny chuckled and rolled onto her side. She faced Gabrielle but kept her body separate except for her forehead, which touched Gabrielle's forehead. "I'm pretty beat."

"Me too," admitted the bard.

The Amazon shifted her left hand up and gently traced Gabrielle's soft features. "I thought about what to give you for your birthday."

Gabrielle pulled her head back from Ephiny's touch. "I don’t need anything," she insisted.

Ephiny felt her roaming hand captured in Gabrielle's. "I want to give you something." She quietly considered for awhile and then mentioned, "I want to take you to a play in Athens."

Gabrielle hastily sat up and looked down at her friend. "Eph, you're kidding."

"No," protested the Amazon. She now sat up and comfortable situated herself on the bed. "I hear there's an excellent play showing now. I'd like to take you this weekend to it."

The bard opened her mouth to protest but Ephiny's fingers on her lips stilled her.

"Please?" urged Ephiny, her caramel eyes swirled with emotions.

Gabrielle grasped Ephiny's hand from her lips and slowly she nodded her head. "Okay… we'll go." Her stomach fluttered when Ephiny's face brightened.

"There's just one thing," interjected Ephiny.

The Amazon Princess lifted an eyebrow in question.

The young Amazon chuckled. "I'd like to practice with my sword this weekend."

Gabrielle's face took on understanding and she nodded. "It's been awhile, huh?"

"Yes," sighed the Amazon. "I need to practice… Eponin will be disappointed otherwise."

"So will I," quipped the teasing princess.

Ephiny quietly laughed and grinned. "Besides, I have to stay in shape."

"I know," agreed the bard. She kissed Ephiny on her cheek then slid off the bed. She crossed over to her desk again.

The young Amazon curiously watched and wondered what her friend was searching for in the desk drawers.

"Eph?"

Ephiny heard her name and at first didn't respond but she came out of her revere. "Yes?"

Gabrielle pulled something from her desk drawer. As she approached Ephiny, she asked, "I'll have a lot to learn in the Nation, won't I?"

"I'm afraid so." Ephiny watched her friend sit down beside her. "There's a lot of traditions you must learn, how to fight, the Amazon mentality you have to understand."

The slave took a deep breath. "It would have been easier if I was born an Amazon."

"But you're not," reminded Ephiny, "but you will learn." She tilted her head, her eyes searching Gabrielle's face. "I'll help you, Solari will… Eponin too."

"I know." Gabrielle softly smiled but it faltered. "I guess I'm just scared… nervous." Her eyes met Ephiny's curious ones. "About the queen… what if I can't please her?"

"You will," persisted the Amazon. "Just learn the ways of an Amazon."

The small bard lowered her head and peered into her cupped right hand. "There's so much to learn about being an Amazon."

"There is," slowly agreed Ephiny, "but much to gain too."

Gabrielle smiled at that and for a moment, she enjoyed knowing she was apart of a family, a very big one. It still scared her though to know she was their princess and what terrified her more was that one day she would be the queen. She tried not to think much about that in hopes that Queen Melosa would remain queen for long extent of time. Yet Gabrielle's day would come some time soon.

Ephiny dipped her head and now noted the small item contained in her friend's right hand. She studied it harder and made out the design of a quill. She smiled and looked at Gabrielle's profiled face. "That's a beautiful necklace."

"It is," sadly agreed the bard. With her left hand, she grasped the quill and lifted it from her palm. The chain dangled freely in the air as Gabrielle studied the quill.

"Why don't you wear it?" carefully asked the Amazon. She tried to keep from prying but something told her to ask.

"I'm not sure." Gabrielle's head shook but she still stared at the charm. Her eyes hazed over and memories filtered back to her as the quill sparkled the candlelight into her eyes.

Ephiny remained still and silent as she watched her friend. After a few minutes, Gabrielle came out of her memories and Ephiny took the opening. "Wear it again."

Gabrielle's hand lowered some and she turned to Ephiny a little. She held out the necklace in offer.

The Amazon took the invite. She captured the necklace in her hand and moved behind Gabrielle. She unclasped the hook and gently brought the chain around her friend's neck. She then carefully hooked the necklace and lifted Gabrielle's hair so that the chain slipped to the back of Gabrielle's neck.

The slave grasped the quill in her hand and looked down at it. She thought she'd never welcome a more familiar weight back to her. The quill warmed against her skin and Gabrielle's heart seemed to warm again as well. Just maybe hope was worth hanging onto even during the darkest candlemarks.

That evening, the pair decided to sleep in the same beds, Gabrielle offering the idea. Ephiny didn't refuse and tightly held her friend all night. Ephiny had whispered a finally happy birthday to her friend and Gabrielle turned the wish with a kiss to her cheek. Ephiny knew that was Gabrielle's way of saying thank you and it warm the Amazon. She had no idea what rested ahead of her but she knew Gabrielle would forever figure into her destiny. Ephiny never really believed in fate until that afternoon when she'd seen some of Gabrielle's glow relive again.

As promised, Ephiny a few days later took her friend to the play in Athens. The play had been a classic by Aeschylos tilted The Seven Against Thebes. They'd both thoroughly enjoyed it despite how slightly graphic it could be but it never failed to excite them. And to her word, Ephiny also made sure to practice with her sword despite she knew she'd be stiff and sore the next day. During the next painful morning, Ephiny from there out promised herself to practice at least every two days so she could stay in shape. She knew it would not settle well if she returned to the Nation in a moon out of breath, out of strength, and lost skills.

The Amazon Princess understood Ephiny's worries and tried to support her. So Gabrielle always tried to accompany Ephiny into the surrounding woods so that the Amazon could practice. At first, Gabrielle didn't quite pay much attention, her mind drifting into thoughts and story ideas. Then there was this one day that Ephiny done an amazing manoeuvre, which Gabrielle had never seen and it awestruck the bard.

From that day forward, Gabrielle would sit on the log on the edge of the clearing and just memorize Ephiny's fluent motions. Gabrielle felt ashamed in ignoring such a beautiful spectacle. Ephiny was so amazing and beautiful as she wielded the short sword. The Amazon would gracefully spin, thrust her sword, and dodge to roll away then pop up on her feet again. Gabrielle had never seen anything like it and she was completely fascinated by the Amazon's abilities. Ephiny danced with beauty, stealth, and strength that Gabrielle had never witnessed in her entire life until now. She now felt the burning desire to learn such technique and to master it.

Soon the summer grew in the air and nature thrived in green and a wash of bright colours. The breeze carried hope once again and the promise of many things to come. And today would be another step for Gabrielle to take as she approached the front door of Cornelio's home. She sensed Ephiny's comforting hand on her back and Gabrielle pushed herself to do this.

Mary answered the knocks at the door and she brightened to see her adopted sister and aunt. "Gabby! Auntie Ephiny!" She jumped into their arms.

Ephiny and Gabrielle both laughed and hugged the child back. They could already tell that Mary had grown some and she already seemed a year older despite she was not.

"Are you finished for the summer?" inquired Mary, she drew back from their hugs.

Gabrielle smiled at the young child and touched her shoulder. "Yes we are."

Mary's face was bright until she realized neither Ephiny nor Gabrielle carried saddlebags. She furrowed her eyebrows and peered up at Gabrielle. "Are you not staying?"

Ephiny quickly realized that Mary had grown more perceptive. She had to give the girl some credit.

"I don’t think so," whispered Gabrielle. She leaned forward, her face more even with the girl's.

"You're… staying with the Amazons," concluded Mary sadly.

The Amazon Princess sighed but kissed Mary's temple. "I think so, sweetie."

"Why?" persisted Mary. She frowned and shook her head. "You belong here… with us."

Gabrielle sighed and now bent down to one knee. "The Amazons are my family, Mary."

"We are too," reminded the child.

"Yes," agreed the bard, "and you're my little sister."

"Why won't you stay?" insisted Mary.

Gabrielle knew this would be hard but she'd made the decision already. "Because the Amazons need me with them."

Mary grew more distraught. "I need you too."

Gabrielle felt her heart break and she now knew how much this girl had grown in her heart in a short time. She leaned forward and pulled Mary into a warm hug. "I know, sweetie but you have Grandfather, Grandmom, and Auntie Maria here."

Mary tucked her face into Gabrielle's neck. "Joseph too."

Gabrielle chuckled and squeezed the girl more. "Joseph too." She pulled back but held the girl's hips. "I'll come for visits," she promised.

That seemed to help since Mary brightened. "Visits?"

Gabrielle nodded.

Mary slightly smiled and felt better. "At least three," she persisted.

"At least three," agreed the Amazon Princess.

Mary sighed and studied her adopted sister. She slowly nodded her head, took Gabrielle's hand, and guided her to Cornelio's office.

Gabrielle could recall the last time this had happened. So much had changed for Gabrielle in just nine moons and she'd never saw herself here. As she crossed the threshold into Cornelio's office, she absorbed Cornelio's bent head. While Gabrielle had grown her master, Cornelio, had aged extensively these past nine moons. And when his blurry brown eyes met hers, she was convinced he'd gain ten years on him but his powerful hug she received calmed her fears.

"You've completed one year," stated Cornelio, his face in a smile.

Gabrielle dipped her but looked back up, her own smile. "I have, sir."

Cornelio could tell Gabrielle had finally recovered from her mother's passing. He saw the same vibrant life deep within her moss green eyes. He felt so relieved to see her spirit back again. "What do you have in mind for your summer break?" But before he took an answer, he signalled the two seats in front of his desk. "Sit and tell me."

Mary offered a kiss to Cornelio's cheek and then she silently left them.

Ephiny and Gabrielle took a seat and tried to get comfortable.

Cornelio sat behind his desk and studied the two teenagers. He felt thrilled to see the excitement and youth flowing off of them. He especially saw how Ephiny remained close knit to Gabrielle and he inwardly smiled at her dedication.

Gabrielle took a steady breath and decided it was time. "Sir, I think I know what I want to do for the summer." When heavy eyes rested on her, she knew to continue. "Back during the winter break… when I went to the Amazons," she supplied and when Cornelio nodded, she went on. "Ephiny, I, and few other friends… we were on a walk in the forest."

Cornelio tilted his head a little and now stroked his beard as he attentively listened.

"We were attacked," told Gabrielle, "and one of the girls, Terreis, she was badly injured by an arrow. I tried to protect her but her arrow wound killed her." Gabrielle paused as she prepared to explain the rest. "Terreis was the princess and she asked me to take her caste." She paused then suddenly blurted the rest out. "I agreed to take it and now I'm the Amazon Princess."

Cornelio lowered his hand from his beard and rested it on the arm of the chair. He remained silently and curiously watched his young slave.

Gabrielle was squirming inside but she remained calm and ridged in the chair. She knew she had to learn to be confident and sure of herself if she ever expected to be a decent Amazon Princess.

"I see," whispered Cornelio. He bent forward in his chair. "And you wish to be with the Amazons this summer." It wasn't a question but a pure and honest assessment.

"Yes, sir," agreed the bard.

Cornelio nodded his head then leaned back into his chair again. For awhile, he just considered the options and his slave's future. He then focused his attention on Gabrielle. "I will suggest one thing."

Gabrielle slightly tensed but not too visibly. "Yes, sir?"

"I recommend not telling your fellow Amazons that you had to request my permission first."

Gabrielle blinked and looked at Ephiny.

The young Amazon turned her head to Gabrielle; a smile broke her concerned face.

Suddenly the two young Amazons went into a fit of laughs.

Cornelio chuckled too and just enjoyed their easiness. He knew it might have concluded some hidden joke between them but he enjoyed it nonetheless.

Gabrielle stifled her laughter and looked back at her master. "I don't think it'd be a good idea either, sir."

Cornelio softly grinned but he went serious. "You must be careful, Gabrielle." His eye flickered over to Ephiny. "And I'm putting my faith into you, Ephiny."

Ephiny dipped her head in acknowledgement.

Cornelio let out a heavy sigh and returned his focus to Gabrielle. "This wasn't what I had exactly planned."

"Sir?" prompted the confused bard.

"An Amazon Queen," clarified the master.

Gabrielle nodded her head, not really sure what to say.

"However I think it might be exactly where you're needed, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle tilted her head; she was remotely surprised by his agreement. "I will finish the Academy."

"Yes you will," agreed Cornelio. "That is your aspiration." He leaned forward once again. "Becoming an Amazon Queen is your dream."

"Sir, with respect to you and…." Gabrielle held her hand out to Ephiny, "and the Amazons. I never once intended to join the Nation. I just… stumbled into it."

"Perhaps." Cornelio wasn't so convinced. "Perhaps not." He studied Ephiny and he knew how much Ephiny already adored Gabrielle. He looked back at Gabrielle. "Fate has a funny way of making sure certain things do happen that are meant to happen."

Gabrielle was confused but she didn't bother him to explain it. She merely accepted his words and kept them in the back of her mind.

"Spend the summer with the Amazons, Gabrielle." Cornelio nodded his approval. "You will do just fine there."

"Thank you, sir." Gabrielle's smile had returned.

Silently, Cornelio studied his slave then he bent to his right side. "I do have to inform you about something though, Gabrielle." He let out a heavy sigh as he thumbed through scrolls in his large drawer.

Gabrielle exchanged a worried look with her friend then looked back at her master.

Cornelio straightened up and unrolled the scroll on his desk. "Do you recall asking me to look for your sister?"

"Lila," prompted Gabrielle. Her stomach pitched and she instinctively wiped her now sweating palms on her brown skirt.

"I had trouble," informed Cornelio. He briefly took a moment to skim over the scroll, his memory being refreshed. He gazed back at Gabrielle. "Do you know of Pyrgos?"

Gabrielle quarried her mind and the name sounded familiar. "A town on the west coast?"

"In the Arcadia providence," clarified the master. "That was the last whereabouts of your sister."

Gabrielle's brow was knitted tightly together. "Last whereabouts?"

Cornelio picked out his slave's tension and worry. "Yes, she was sold to an Egyptian slaver by the name of Gurkhan." He started to reroll the scroll but he quietly added, "She never made it there."

Gabrielle closed her eyes and slumped in her chair. "Oh gods," she breathed.

Ephiny reached over and took her friend's hand.

Cornelio could feel Gabrielle's heartache that his news brought on her. He tucked the scroll back into the drawer and quietly added, "The merchant ship that she boarded… it was attacked by pirates."

Gabrielle opened her eyes despite they stung. "Pirates?" she rasped. "She would have never…."

"She may still be alive," insisted Cornelio. "But it is hard to say." He laced his hands on top of the desk. "I will keep searching, Gabrielle." He offered a reassuring look. "There is always hope."

"I know," murmured the small bard. She straightened up and tried to not let the news bare her more weight.

Cornelio carefully watched his slave then he decided to go back to the main topic at hand. "When will you leave for the Amazons?"

"Today if that is okay." Gabrielle peered up with anticipation.

"Of course," agreed the master. "But I would like to know where this village is located."

Gabrielle glanced at the other Amazon.

Ephiny nodded her agreement.

The Amazon Princess gazed back at Cornelio. "It is in the Macedonian region."

Cornelio nodded his head. "What is the closest city or town?"

"Aegae is the closest town, sir," spoke Ephiny. "The Nation is due west of Aegae… about half a day's ride."

Cornelio nodded his understanding.

"The Queen," cut in Gabrielle, "her name is Melosa."

Cornelio kept mental notes of the information incase he ever needed to contact Gabrielle. "Does your Nation have a name?" His question more directed at Ephiny.

"Not particularly," replied the Amazon. "We're just known as the Amazons of Macedonia."

"How many villages are there?"

Ephiny did a mental count and she replied, "Around six, sir."

"Around?" prompted the older man.

Ephiny sighed as she decided to explain this one. "Six villages are in contact but there may be more. We're spread out fairly thin throughout Greece and some even outside of Greece."

"Really?" inquired the Amazon Princess.

Ephiny nodded and looked at her friend. "There's rumours that a tribe is in Chin."

"Chin?" whispered Gabrielle. "I've heard of that region."

"It's towards the rising sun," clarified Ephiny.

Cornelio carefully listened and found the information rather intriguing. "How did these Amazons find themselves out there?"

"I'm not sure," replied Ephiny. "It could have been a separation between a village and these ones migrated to Chin." She shrugged. "But nobody is sure if the tribe does exist."

"Gods," whispered Gabrielle. She couldn't imagine a group of women travelling east and setting up a tribe with so many unknown factors and dangers.

Cornelio folded his arms over his chest and relaxed into his chair. "I believe you'll have plenty to learn, Gabrielle."

The young slave nodded her agreement. She knew she was in deep and that this would be an adventure for her scrolls. "I will enjoy it though."

Cornelio chuckled. "Good to hear." He then stood up and said, "And if you are to make it there soon, it is best you leave soon."

Both the young Amazons popped out of their seats. They were escorted out of the office with Cornelio and down the hall. As they walked, Cornelio spoke to Gabrielle.

"You will visit?" he insisted.

"Yes, I promised Mary."

The master softly smiled, his brown eyes slightly lit up. "And send word if you ever require anything, Gabrielle."

The bard peered up and smiled at him. "Thank you, sir."

As Cornelio led the girls upstairs to visit with Adara, Maria, and Mary he soon realized that Gabrielle had adopted a new family. Despite his agreement to 'release' Gabrielle as a slave he already knew she was free purely by her nature and aspirations. He could only pray that no slaver would ever seek her if word spread of a branded Amazon.

Gabrielle and Ephiny visited with the family for a couple of candlemarks. Then Cornelio announced it was time for the Amazons to leave and head north to the Nation. The pair was led out to the stables so that they could collect their horses. Everybody said goodbye with hugs and promises for a visit within a moon or so. And as Gabrielle and Ephiny rode towards the gates, Ephiny saw her friend's stallion slow down and stop. Ephiny knew why and she studied the wistful look on Gabrielle's face.

When Gabrielle dismounted, Ephiny did the same and offered to take Torqueo's reins. Gabrielle only nodded, handed over the reins, and then walked over to her mother's grave. Ephiny remained on the dirt drive and took some time to give her mare, Diana, some attention. She figured it must have been a quarter of a candlemark until Gabrielle returned.

Ephiny sighed at Gabrielle's blood shot eyes and she gave her a quick hug.

Gabrielle returned the hug and whispered, "Let's go."

The Amazon nodded and mounted her mare and once she was sure Gabrielle was situated, she rode out of the gates.

Gabrielle stole one last look at her mother's grave under the baby olive tree. She then forced her gaze away and focused on the long two day ride north to the Nation.

As the Amazons came closer and closer to the village, Gabrielle shifted more out of her despair. She was becoming excited as much as nervous about taking her position as the Amazon Princess. Ephiny had every bit of confidence in her friend's ability to act as the princess. Gabrielle, however, wasn't sure what to expect and in turn was so nervous to the point of being scared. Yet she knew that Ephiny believed in her and that helped block out most of her fears and give her some confidence.

When the two young Amazons entered the Amazon territory, they were greeted by two older Amazons that were on patrol duty. Gabrielle and Ephiny had been walking, horses in tow, until they heard the bird call of warning and they stopped travelling. Ephiny had her hands over her head first and Gabrielle quickly followed her example.

"Welcome back, princess," happily greeted Maired, she dipped her head and bowed.

"Princess," warmly greeted the other Amazon.

Ephiny glanced over and admired the crimson red spreading across Gabrielle's cheeks.

Gabrielle cleared her throat a little and said, "It's great to see you again, Maired."

Maired straightened up and brushed a few colourful straw strands back that had fallen from her mask. She was still smiling and more so because Gabrielle remembered her name. "You as well, princess."

The princess then shifted her focus to the unknown Amazon. She tilted her head a little and asked, "I'm Gabrielle." She held out her right hand.

The Amazon was remotely surprised but she gently teased, "Yes, I know." She now grinned at Gabrielle's second blush. "I am Syna." She'd clasped Gabrielle's arm and shook.

Gabrielle had never shaken arms, a new concept but she figured it was some tradition.

Maired looked over to Ephiny and smiled at her. "Nice to see you back, Ephiny."

"It's good to be back," agreed the young Amazon.

"Did you both have a good year?" inquired Maired.

"We did," answered Gabrielle. She reached up to sweep a lock of her hair behind her right ear. "We both passed."

Maired chuckled and nodded her head. "And now you'll be here to take Amazon classes." She flashed a grin and nodded off to her right. "We'll escort you both in."

"Thank you," agreed the bard.

Ephiny signalled for Gabrielle to go ahead of her.

The princess fell in step behind Maired and Syna. She looked back at Ephiny and pointed to her right side.

Ephiny shook her head. She wasn't sure if it was okay for her to walk along side the princess.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes and instead she walked slower until Ephiny was at her side.

Ephiny sighed and decided not to argue about it.

Maired and Syna noted their slowed pace so they tried to slow down too.

"Maired?" called the princess.

Maired smiled at Gabrielle as she came to the princess's side. "Yes?"

"I was curious," started Gabrielle, "when do you become the priestess?"

Maired went slightly serious and replied, "Not for another year."

The bard noted that and then posed another question. "How long does it take?"

Maired sucked in a breath as she did a mental calculation. "I believe my mother has been training me for two years now. It'll be three when I am finished."

"Do you do any of the rituals or anything?"

Maired smiled at the princess's obvious curiosity. "Yes, in the second year. I've already began to help preform some of the rituals, sacrifices, and help carry out any other traditions such as inductions."

"Every Amazon is inducted?"

"On many levels, yes," agreed Maired. "When a baby Amazon is born there is a blessing. Then later when the Amazon has reached the age of ten, they receive their feather." Her eyes then flickered over to Ephiny and back to Gabrielle. "At the age of eighteen, the Amazon may receive their Amazon mask."

Gabrielle had caught Maired's brief glance at Ephiny. She looked over at her friend.

Ephiny had sensed Maired's gaze on her earlier and she knew why. She now spoke to Gabrielle. "I might be receiving my mask this summer."

The princess brightened at the news but then her expression faltered. "Might?" she prompted, she looked between Maired and Ephiny.

Maired inhaled heavily and prepared to explain the tradition. "Before an Amazon can receive their mask, they must go through a test."

Gabrielle's eyes widened. "What kind of test?"

Maired chuckled and called out, "Syna?"

Syna had been idly listening to the conversation. She now slowed down and joined them but looked at Maired in question.

"You recently went through the test."

Syna nodded her understanding, she looked to Gabrielle. "It is called the Amazon Judgement."

"Amazon Judgement?" whispered the bard, her stomach already turned just at the words.

Syna nodded and now explained the test. "On the Amazon's eighteenth birthday, she is stripped of her weapons. The queen and priestess then banish the Amazon from the village for forty-eight candlemarks. In those two days, she must use all of her knowledge and training to survive in the wild. Once she has done so then she may return to the village and afterwards the queen and priestess honour her with her mask."

"Gods," breathed Gabrielle.

Syna grinned and decided to explain more of it. "It is a test to see if the Amazon has learned enough to survive. It is also a time for her to become one with Artemis."

"And it's a time of self reflection," piped in Maired.

"There are also physical tests," quipped Syna, "to test the Amazon's limits… both mentally and physically."

"Liked what?" inquired the bard.

"It varies," answered Syna, "it depends on what the queen decides." She paused and considered her own trial. "For me, I was attacked in the middle of the night by an Amazon on patrol."

"They're allowed to do that?" asked the surprised princess.

"Very much so," answered Maired. "It's kind of a free for all. If an Amazon is on patrol and spots the Judgement Amazon then the patrol may attack them."

"Or set a trap to capture them," added Syna.

Gabrielle was amazed and tried picturing such a test. "Has anybody ever been hurt?"

"On occasion, yes," agreed Maired, "however the patrol Amazons are not permitted to bring any fatal harm on the Amazon." She chuckled and added, "We're not trying to kill them, just merely test them."

Gabrielle felt awe struck and she turned her head to her silent friend. "When is yours?"

Ephiny stared at the ground passing under her feet. She lifted her head to Gabrielle. "Late summer." She then slightly grinned and reminded, "Yours will be in two years."

Gabrielle's mouth hung open and she closed it as she looked at Maired. "I have to do it?"

"Of course," answered Maired. "There are no exceptions, princess."

A ting of fear rippled up Gabrielle's back and she shook her head. "I have a lot to learn in two years."

"Yes you do," agreed Maired. She then patted Gabrielle on the back and said, "Pray to Artemis, princess."

Gabrielle groaned and her shoulders slumped.

Syna softly laughed at Gabrielle's apprehension. "Most Amazons pass the Judgment."

"Most?" squeaked the princess. "What happens if you do not?"

"Then the Amazon must wait another year before another Judgement," replied Maired.

The princess absorbed all the information and she wasn't so sure that she was glad she asked now. She lifted her head and just ahead was the gates to the village. She and the rest of the Amazons slowly entered the busy village and immediately Amazons recognized Gabrielle and Ephiny. Many of them gave a pleasant greeting to Gabrielle and emphasised either princess or Princess Gabrielle. Gabrielle tried each time not to flush or show any embarrassment because she wasn't sure how to react other than thanking them.

Maired and Syna dropped the two young Amazons off at the stables then returned to duty. As Ephiny and Gabrielle worked to untack their horses and settle them down, Gabrielle began to consider things more seriously. She had a lot ahead of her.

"Eph?" called Gabrielle from her stall.

The young Amazon paused in the middle of her brushing but continued. "Yeah?" she called.

"Where am I staying?"

Ephiny opened her mouth to respond but faltered as she realized a small detail. She shrugged and replied, "My hut."

"Oh," mumbled the bard. "I don't get my own hut?"

A sly grin pulled at Ephiny's lips. "Perhaps." Her grin devilishly strengthened and she called, "You'll have to speak to the queen about it."

"The queen?" squeaked the princess. "Just my luck," she further grumbled. She'd finished hooking up a bag of oats for Torqueo and she checked the wood bucket to see it was full of water. She nodded her approval, grabbed her saddlebags, and patted Torqueo on the neck. "Get some rest, boy."

Torqueo threw his head some and nudged his master's shoulder.

Gabrielle smiled and rubbed his nose. "Tomorrow I'll take you to the corral. Okay?"

Torqueo happily whined and stomped his left hoof.

Gabrielle giggled, bent forward and placed a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Be good." She winked and stepped out of the stall. She saw Ephiny coming out of Diana's stall and she flashed a smile.

Ephiny arched an eyebrow at her friend. "Come on."

Gabrielle narrowed her eyes but her face was so smug. "I'm sorry, you must have me mistaken for a pet."

Ephiny groaned, rolled her eyes, and just walked out of the stables.

The princess laughed and rushed off to catch up to her friend. "I am the princess," she chided once she came up along side Ephiny.

"And you won't let me forget," teased Ephiny.

Gabrielle's smug look had yet to leave. "Of course not." She then bumped her shoulder against Ephiny's. "Remember it's either princess or Princess Gabrielle."

"Oh sweet Artemis," moaned the young Amazon. "Why did you choose her, Artemis?" Her eyes searched the skies far above for some answer.

Gabrielle laughed and threw her freearm around her friend's shoulders.

Ephiny chuckled and brought her arm around Gabrielle's waist.

"Just princess works," murmured the bard.

"Gabrielle," warned the young Amazon.

"That's princess," reminded Gabrielle.

Ephiny growled, removed her arm, and hurried her pace. She looked back over her shoulder and called, "Yes, my prince-ass."

Gabrielle's jaw dropped.

Ephiny finally enjoyed a rich laugh at her friend's expense. She approached the door to her hut and pushed it open. "You're first."

The princess nodded her approval and stepped through the doorway. She smiled at Ephiny's hut and gazed about it as if it'd been too long since she'd been here.

"Which side of the bed?" inquired Ephiny.

Gabrielle's eyes rested on her friend. "I should get the whole thing."

"I don't think so," warned the Amazon. "As far as I'm concerned, you can sleep your royal ass on the floor."

Gabrielle laughed because she was enjoying this gentle banter with her friend. "Left side," she decided.

Ephiny nodded her agreement and she took her saddlebags over to her dresser. As she started taking her regular 'village' attire out, she called, "I'd just put your stuff on the table, Gabrielle." She looked sidelong at the princess. "I don't think you'll be here more than a night or two."

"Yeah?" probed the bard.

Ephiny flashed a grin but before she could answer the question, there was a knock at her hut. "Come in," she called. As she turned around, she saw Queen Melosa open the door. "My queen." She came over and dipped forward in a bow.

Gabrielle followed her friend's example and shyly smiled up at the queen when she straightened up.

"Welcome home, Ephiny," greeted the queen.

"Thank you." Ephiny gave a warm smile as she remained ridged.

Melosa didn't return the smile as her focus went to Gabrielle. "And welcome to your new home, princess."

Gabrielle dipped her head some then replied, "Thank you, my queen."

Melosa instinctively settled her hands on her hips and proceeded to talk to Gabrielle. "Tonight the Nation will celebrate your arrival as well as induct you as the princess." She noted the hidden confused in Gabrielle's eyes. "Right now, you are unofficial the princess until the priestess has blessed the right of caste to you. Tonight the priestess will preform the ceremony and you will take your rightful position as Amazon Princess."

Gabrielle felt a shot of nervous flow through her; her stomach knotted up. She merely dipped her head in acknowledgement, not sure what to say.

The queen shifted her attention to Ephiny. "Ephiny, you are to assist the princess in preparing for the ceremony." She paused in thought. "The weapons master, Eponin, will assist as well."

"Of course, my queen." Again, Ephiny bowed her head. She contained her smile at the news of Eponin's succession as the next weapons master.

Queen Melosa once again addressed Gabrielle. "With her dying wish Terreis bestowed all of her rights and possessions to you ... and her position." She went silent and calibrated Gabrielle's surprised look. "Now you will take her caste with honour." She didn't wait for any words or further reactions, she only turned and left the two young Amazons to themselves.

Gabrielle let out her held breath. Her shoulders dropped and her body loosened, she looked to Ephiny. "Possessions?"

Ephiny nodded her head. "It is tradition when an Amazon passes their caste onto another." She glanced over at her half empty saddlebags and decided the rest could wait. "We should prepare you. The ceremony will start before sunset."

The bard mutely nodded and followed her friend out of the hut. As she studied the Amazons in the village, she realized they all wore leathers, swords on their backs, and most had masks pushed back on their heads. Gabrielle self consciously straightened out her short brown skirt and wondered if she would soon be wearing leathers too.

Ephiny caught her friend's worry. She smiled to Gabrielle in reassurance and winked at her.

Gabrielle shyly smile and just shrugged.

Ephiny's smile formed into a grin and she shook her head as she approached the door to the office hut for the armoury. She pushed the door open and stepped in to see a familiar face behind the desk.

Eponin lifted her head and instantly her face was taken over by a bright smile. "Ephiny." She jumped from her seat and came around the desk.

Ephiny happily sighed as she was tightly embraced by her adopted sister. "Miss me?" she whispered.

Eponin chuckled and kissed Ephiny's temple. "Always, sister." She squeezed a little tighter then released her. Taking a step back, she admired Ephiny's well fit body and nodded her approval. "You've kept in shape."

Ephiny cleared her throat as she blushed. "I almost forgot."

"I'm glad you didn't." The weapons master chuckled and looked to Gabrielle. She smiled at how Gabrielle had grown some more and was obviously filling out. "Welcome, princess." She enjoyed the blush on the princess's cheeks.

"Thank you, Eponin." Gabrielle put her hands behind her back, not sure what else to do.

Ephiny softly laughed but her attention went back to her sister. "Congratulations, Eponin."

The weapons master dipped her head, a smile taking her lips. When she looked up, her eyes glowed happily and she stood prouder. "Thank you."

"I knew you'd be her successor," pointed out Ephiny.

"I had my doubts," admitted Eponin.

"I didn't," countered the proud sister.

Gabrielle carefully watched the exchange and she admired the bond between the two adopted sisters.

Eponin looked between Ephiny and Gabrielle then settled her attention on Ephiny again. "I assume you're here because of the princess's ceremony."

"Yes," agreed Ephiny, she recalled why she was here. "Queen Melosa said you were to help."

"Yes." Eponin now stared at Gabrielle, as if gauging her.

Gabrielle blushed from the obvious visual inspection.

"We should begin with her leathers," decided the weapons master. "They're in the armoury." She went back to her desk and rolled up a scroll she'd been working on earlier. When she turned around, she ordered, "Let's go."

Ephiny was first out followed by Gabrielle then Eponin. Eponin directed them to the armoury hut next door and told them to wait. Eponin slipped into a side room and the two Amazons could hear her moving stuff around.

Gabrielle looked to her friend and whispered, "Do I choose what I wear?"

Ephiny shook her head.

Before Gabrielle could ask more, the weapons master returned with a set of leathers in her arms and she stepped up to Gabrielle. Gabrielle tensed as she realized they were Terreis's leathers. "I can't…." She started to shake her head.

"You must," urged Eponin, "she left her possessions to you." She lowered the leathers some. "To do anything less would dishonour her."

After a pause, Gabrielle nodded her head.

Eponin carefully handed over the leathers and pointed to a small room to the right. "You can change in there. Afterwards, Ephiny and I will assist in putting the rest on."

"Thank you." The bard quietly walked through the hut and as she went, she glanced over the tables of leather uniforms, boots, and weapons hanging or standing at various spots. She went into the small back room and unlaced her green halter top then worked her skirt off.

"She is nervous," murmured the weapons master.

"Can you blame her?" uttered Ephiny.

Eponin let out a deep sigh. "I suppose not." She looked at her sister. "This will be good for her."

"It already has been," admitted Ephiny. When she got a curious look from Eponin, she explained, "She's been trained as a slave… being an Amazon will break her training."

"Let's hope so," muttered Eponin. "The hardest will be giving her the mentality of an Amazon."

"She has a spirit of an Amazon," argued Ephiny.

"I hope you're right, sister," uttered the weapons master. She then straightened up to her full height as the princess stepped out of the changing room. Eponin felt her breath taken away as the princess gracefully approached them and Eponin now realized what Ephiny saw in Gabrielle.

The bard's nose crinkled up. "It doesn't suit me."

Ephiny chuckled and patted her friend's now bare shoulder. "You are not fully dressed." She gazed at Eponin and nodded.

The weapons master took the signal and went back into the small side room. She gathered up the jewellery, gauntlets, and arm bracers that went with the princess attire and came back out.

Ephiny took the large silver belt from Eponin and stepped up to Gabrielle. She brought the belt around her friend's waist and began to tie it in place.

Eponin set aside the gauntlets on the near by table. She picked out the two arm bracers and grabbed Gabrielle's arm to slip one on then the second on Gabrielle's other arm.

Gabrielle stood still and let the Amazons put various items on her. She slowly began to calculate the new found weight on her body. When Ephiny had the last gauntlet on and she stepped back, Gabrielle took a minute to look over her body.

Eponin and Ephiny stood back and admired their new princess.

The bard touched her upper chest and then the bracer on her right arm. She looked back at the Amazons.

"Wait," interrupted Eponin. She came behind Gabrielle after she grabbed a blue necklace from the table. She'd almost forgotten until she'd spied Terreis's necklace on the table. Eponin reached up with her hands, taking the clasp of the quill necklace into her fingers.

"No, don't," protested Gabrielle, her right hand securely fastened around the quill.

Ephiny saw her friend's distress and looked to her sister. "Leave it, Eponin… it'll be covered."

Eponin nodded and released the clasp. She brought the blue and brown beaded necklace around and let it rest on Gabrielle's chest as she hooked it into place. She then returned to Ephiny's side and took in the complete view of their princess.

"I look okay?" asked the shy bard.

Ephiny broke out with a smile. "Beautiful, my princess."

Gabrielle's cheeks heated with a crimson blush.

Eponin chuckled and folded her arms. "Now Gabrielle must choose her weapon."

The princess's eyes widened. "Weapon?" she choked out.

Ephiny nodded and stated, "From childhood every Amazon is taught to use weapons." She stepped around her friend but waved her to follow. "Pick your first weapon." She held out her hand to the racks of weapons in the armoury.

Gabrielle scanned them all and slowly approached the rack of swords. "No, I don't like swords."

"You may not poses one until you've been master something simpler," stated the weapons master.

The bard cleared her throat and shyly looked at Eponin. "Right." She stepped over to the stand of bows and arrows. "Can't hit the side of a Cyclops with a bow and arrow." She shook her head and came to the next rack. "Ah, what's this?" She fingered one of the long wooden weapons. She looked at Ephiny. "Is this the staff?"

"Yes, that's the fighting staff." Ephiny removed the one that Gabrielle had been touching. "Most children begin with a staff." She then turned to Eponin and tossed her the staff. "Eponin, demonstrate."

The weapons master kept a serious face as she took a few backward steps away from the others. She poised the staff horizontally then suddenly began to spin it.

Gabrielle's eyes widened as she watched the weapons master sweep the staff left and right then swung it across her chest.

Eponin finished her demonstration by spinning the staff over head then bringing it down vertically into the dirty floor. She held it out in her out stretched arm and her eyes locked on Gabrielle.

The bard was speechless because she was so impressed.

Ephiny studied her friend then turned to her sister. "Thank you." She took the staff from Eponin and held it out to Gabrielle.

Gabrielle blinked and now stared at the staff. Carefully and slowly, she wrapped her hand around the smooth wood staff at the top.

Ephiny released it and nodded her head. "Now we must prepare you for the ceremony."

"It will be soon," agreed Eponin.

Ephiny nodded and rested her left hand on Gabrielle's midback. "Let's go."

Gabrielle mutely agreed and followed her friends out of the armoury hut.

By that evening, the entire village gathered at the centre where a large fire burned off to the side and drums beat to a certain traditional rhythm. The Amazons had formed a circle and mixed with one another to talk and drink, celebrating Gabrielle's arrival. Within the centre of the gathered circle were several Amazons that danced to the drum beat and chanted as well.

Gabrielle sat on the ground, bobbing her head, and admiring the dancing technique of the Amazons. Just beside her sat Ephiny, who was watching the spectacular dancers and admired them. "There's Syna." She pointed to the third dancer that went around.

Ephiny smiled when she recognized the older Amazon.

Gabrielle admired how Syna's red hair seemed to burn even brighter from the surrounding fire. She realized just how muscular Syna was from the firelight glow making her tan skin stand out. "She's beautiful," she breathed.

Ephiny lifted an eyebrow and looked at her friend. She then noted Eponin behind her and she peered up.

The weapons master just merely flashed a grin at her sister. She then decided it was time so she bent forward and grabbed Gabrielle's arm. "Time to dance, princess."

The young slave was hauled to her feet and took in what the weapons master said. "I'm really, really bad at this, Eponin." When she saw Eponin was ignoring her and trying to push her into the dancing Amazons, she pushed back. "No ... no ... I have two left feet facing backwards." She fell into the circle some and hastily stepped back but only into Ephiny's hands. "Eph, no ... they wouldn't let me dance at the crop festival because I brought a bad harvest."

Ephiny winked and teasingly whispered, "Good luck then."

The princess yelped and was suddenly shoved into the dancers. A dancer swung her into the centre of the circle. Gabrielle threw a dirty glare to her friends.

Eponin remained cool but Ephiny smirked and called, "Dance, princess."

The princess groaned and now studied the dancing Amazons. She slowly started to copy their movements.

Eponin leaned her head closer to her sister's. "Eph?"

The Amazon quickly turned her head to Eponin and saw the curious look. "It's her nickname for me."

"Ah… I see."

Ephiny narrowed her eyes at the wicked look on her sister's face. "Don't even start."

Eponin said nothing, folded her arms, and just quietly chuckled.

Ephiny sighed and returned her attention to the dancers. She now smiled at seeing her friend trying to join in the circle of dancers.

Gabrielle flowed with the dancers and started shaking her head every which way and moving her body. She then hummed the same words and followed the moving circle.

Syna appeared behind Gabrielle and grabbed her waist. "You've got it, princess."

The bard felt her body heat up and she laughed but continued to dance happily. She then got so into the dance that she fell out of the circle near Eponin and Ephiny.

Ephiny covered her mouth as she watched Gabrielle dance in one spot and singing away.

Eponin just lifted an eyebrow at Gabrielle.

Ephiny then noted the end of the drum beat and the queen's approach to the dais. She quickly knelt down to fully bow to the queen's arrival.

Eponin remained ridged since she knew her place in the ceremony. She gazed about as all the Amazons settled and began their full bows but then she looked at Gabrielle, whom still danced.

Gabrielle paused in the middle of her dance and realized everybody had stopped. She shyly laughed at herself then bent down beside Ephiny.

Ephiny glanced over at her friend and laughed at her.

Gabrielle groaned and drooped her head forward more.

"Bring the princess!" ordered Queen Melosa from her spot on the dais.

Eponin bent forward and grasped the bard's wrist.

Gabrielle hastily climbed to her feet.

"Up here, Gabrielle," called the queen.

The young slave followed along side the weapons master. She admired the queen on the dais and she noted the unknown but older Amazon beside the queen.

Eponin caught the curiosity. She bent her head over and whispered, "That's the priestess, Narkissa."

Gabrielle was grateful for the information. Narkissa certainly looked liked Maired's mother by her facial features. The princess climbed up the dais and took her position between the priestess and the queen.

"Before the sun is high overhead," spoke out Queen Melosa, "we will have welcomed a new member to the Amazon Nation, Gabrielle."

The bard tried to remain calm as the queen continued the speech. She gazed about the Amazons, whom remained bowed but heads up; watching and listening.

The queen gave a signal to the priestess.

Narkissa dipped her head and turned to Gabrielle. "Gabrielle, you have been bestowed the caste of princess from Terreis." She locked her eyes on Gabrielle then continued. "Before Artemis, do you accept this honour that Terreis has given to you?"

Gabrielle swallowed and nodded her head. "I do."

Narkissa smiled inwardly but didn't reveal it to the bard. "Gabrielle, do you swear upon Artemis's name that you will fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the princess?"

Gabrielle inhaled deeply, willing her strength to serve her. "I swear before Artemis to serve my nation with all my strength."

Narkissa couldn't hide her smile any longer as she felt Gabrielle's promise touched her. She then turned her head to her right and signalled the weapons master.

Eponin bowed her head as she went up one step of the dais. In her hands was a golden item, which she held up in honour to the priestess.

Narkissa gently lifted the item from Eponin's cupped hands and held it over the bard's head. She nodded to Melosa.

Melosa reached up with her hand and clasped the golden feather over Gabrielle's head.

The priestess inhaled deeply and called out, "Artemis, Gabrielle has come to us and joins your Nation of honoured female warriors. Bless her spirit and let her become one with you."

Queen Melosa spoke next; her head dipped back and eyes locked on the skies. "Artemis, Gabrielle has taken the caste of princess. She has promise to serve your Nation with all her strength and honour that you so desire. Please guide her always even through the darkest moments." Melosa brought her head forward and acknowledge the look on the priestess's face. She released the feather's stem and now gathered the same lock of Gabrielle's hair that already had the one colourful feather tied on.

Narkissa took a faint step to her left as she lowered the feather and with her freehand she pulled out a thin strip of leather string. She brought the golden feather's stem to the lock of hair and positioned it behind the colourful feather. With Melosa's help, she threaded the leather string through the stem of the feather then tied the golden feather firmly to the lock of hair.

Gabrielle sensed the priestess releasing her hair and she now felt the extra weight of the new feather. She tried not to smile and keep a serious expression.

Priestess Narkissa faced the Amazons. Queen Melosa faced her Amazons. Together, they called out, "Welcome Princess Gabrielle to our Nation."

Suddenly all the Amazons got to their feet and cheered out.

Princess Gabrielle finally smiled and felt the acceptance of each Amazon's happy cheer. She then rested her gaze on Ephiny further back and her smile grew wider.

Ephiny nodded and mirrored her smile back. She then threw her head back and gave the traditional Amazon birdcall. She was happy when all the Amazons echoed the birdcall back.

Melosa had a hidden smile at seeing her Nation accept the new princess. She bent her head forward and whispered, "Join your nation, princess."

The princess caught the warmth in the queen's voice. She didn't hesitate to step down the dais and join the encircling Amazons.

Priestess Narkissa folded her hands behind her back and looked at the queen. "She is a gift from Artemis."

Queen Melosa peered over at the priestess and only dipped her head in acknowledgement. She wasn't sure whether to like or dislike the priestess's words but she couldn't accept them yet. Instead she excused herself and stepped down the dais.

Narkissa resist her annoyance at the queen. She sighed because she could never understand the quiet competition between the princesses and the queens throughout the years. She filled her chest with a deep breath and gracefully climbed down the dais. She then sensed somebody approached her side, a smile took her lips. "You have chosen well, daughter."

Maired absorbed her mother's rare praise. She rested her eyes on the new princess that joined in the celebrated dancing. "Thank you," she whispered, "I didn't believe Artemis heard my prayers."

Narkissa grasped her daughter's shoulder. "Artemis is always listening."

"Yes, I can see that now." Maired folded her hands behind her back and admired the princess. "I believe she'll serve us well."

"In time," agreed Narkissa, "in time." She squeezed her daughter's arm and quietly ordered, "Join them for me, dear. I must rest."

Maired dipped her head. "Goodnight, mother."

Narkissa placed a quick kiss to her daughter's cheek. "Goodnight." She then slipped away from the celebration for the night.

Eponin silently watched Ephiny and Gabrielle dance together. Her smile tugged at her lips at seeing how happy both the princess was and her sister. She'd noticed how much Ephiny glowed of lately and it seemed to pour of Gabrielle onto her sister. Eponin felt a warm hand clasp her shoulder. She turned her head. "My queen." She dipped her head in greeting.

Queen Melosa squeezed the weapons master's shoulder in reassurance then relinquished her hold. "Eponin, I'm placing the princess in your care."

"My queen?" asked the confused weapons master.

Queen Melosa turned to Eponin. "She will be your charge." She rested her hands on her hips. "You are to teach her." She glanced at her the princess then back to Eponin. "Teach her to be an Amazon. You are the most qualified, Eponin."

The weapons master was amazed by the request and honoured her new responsibility. "Of course, my queen. I will teach her the Amazon way."

"Excellent." Queen Melosa nodded and took one last stolen glance at the princess. "I will teach her to be the princess."

Eponin nodded and without another word, she watched the queen slip away from her side. Eponin let out a sigh as she continued to watch her friends. She knew the queen trusted her to teach Gabrielle but she knew she had her work cut out for her. She almost let out a groan when she saw the princess trip over her own two feet. "Artemis, give me strength," she prayed.

The following day, the weapons master discovered exactly how large of a challenge she had ahead of herself. She'd decided to break up Gabrielle's day into two areas. The morning consisted of teaching Gabrielle morals and values of the Amazons as well as the legends of Amazons and Artemis. She realized this was the easiest part because Gabrielle attentively listened and seemed to soak in each and every word. Eponin knew it was Gabrielle's bard side that was entranced yet Eponin still had concerns. It was one thing to learn about the mentality of an Amazon but it was another thing to live by it.

Ephiny came by the sparring field late that afternoon and came into the middle of one of Gabrielle's staff lessons.

"Like this," hotly ordered Eponin. She jerked the staff into position on a diagonal in front of the princess.

Gabrielle held her breath as she held the staff properly. She didn't realize how serious Eponin could be until it came down to the staff teachings. Several times, Gabrielle found her temper growing but she tried to keep it in check.

Eponin was pressing Gabrielle hard as she show the basic manoeuvres of the fighting staff. Not only was she physically pressing Gabrielle but mentally as well. She wanted to determine the bard's breaking point before she lost her focus. She knew Gabrielle didn't realize that ninety percent of a warrior's ability to fight was all in their head.

"Now I want you to do fifty of those sweeps, princess," hotly ordered the weapons master.

Gabrielle was surprised by the amount but obeyed.

Eponin stepped away with her own staff in her hands. She circled around the princess and watched her from all angles. "Faster," she bellowed, an edge in her voice, "Faster."

The bard gritted her teeth and repeated the same defence sweeps but faster though.

Eponin shook her head as she continued to circle the princess. "You're getting sloppy, princess. Faster does not mean sloppier." She took a deep breath. "An Amazon warrior is as gracefully as they are fast." She held out her hand to Gabrielle in example. "Not slow and sloppy." She shook her head and loudly ordered, "Get it right. Fast and graceful, princess!"

Gabrielle groaned as she continued to repeat the actions faster. She knew she was almost on fifty count but she had a feeling she was about to start over.

"Another fifty," ordered Eponin.

The bard sucked in a heavy breath and brought the staff across her back around and across again, over and over.

The weapons master continued to circle and admired how Gabrielle was becoming more accurate and faster. "We have to work that fat off you, princess." She came around to the front. "Amazons are pure muscle." She then suddenly lifted her own staff and poked it into Gabrielle's space.

The bard's drill came to a sudden stop and she raised an eyebrow in question.

"Fifty," stated the weapons master, who had been mentally counting. "Now I want you to spin your staff in front of you." She demonstrated by bringing her staff up horizontally and just spun the staff slow then faster and faster until it was a brown blur. "Go!"

Gabrielle straightened her back and held the staff out. She began to spin it but she fumbled here and there when she tried to speed up.

Eponin let her go; knowing Gabrielle needed time to adjust to the exercise. Again she started to circle the young princess. "Faster, princess." She came around to Gabrielle's right side. "This will help build strength in your arms. The faster you go the more strain."

"I'm… noticing," muttered the tiring princess. She was breathing heavy and her arms burned with pain.

"Good." Eponin paused in front of the bard. "Your arms feel like their on fire?"

Gabrielle merely nodded as she remained focused on the drill.

"That's pain," reminded the weapons master. She began her circling again. "Pain is good, princess. It means you're working hard." A sly grin creased her lips. "It means you're alive." As she came to the front of the bard, she added, "When an Amazon is in battle and when they stop feeling pain… that means only one thing." She paused in front of the bard and tilted her head. "Do you know what that means, princess?"

Gabrielle closed her eyes for a moment but opened them to look at the weapons master. She just shook her head.

"It means you're dead," answered Eponin. She chuckled when Gabrielle faltered but she continued her circling. "Pain is good, princess… don't fear it." She came to a stop behind the bard and noted her stance from behind. She lifted her staff and tapped the back of the bard's knees. "Bend your knees." She came around to the front and faced Gabrielle. "Bend forward some. You're not as stiff as that staff, princess. Get into proper fighting stance." She shook her head and hotly yelled, "Only carnival acts in Athens stand like that not Amazons."

Eponin noted Gabrielle closing her eyes and seemed to be willing for more strength. Eponin was proud of the princess strength so far to continue with the drill. She started to walk away to the wood bench near Ephiny. "Keep going," she called out to Gabrielle.

The princess still had her eyes closed as she spun the staff. She was slowing down but she reached deep inside to urge her body to go faster. She managed a charge of energy but the pain burned in her arms and she bit her lower lip. Slowly her eyes began to sting. "Gods," she moaned, "I can't…."

"What was that, princess?" called the weapons master; she picked up the water skin from the bench.

Ephiny was staring directly at the princess. She knew exactly what Gabrielle was going through and it was just as tough mentally as it was physically.

"She's doing well," quietly mentioned Eponin. She said nothing else and walked away, she noted Gabrielle slowing down. "Are you weakening, princess?"

Gabrielle forced her eyes open and she ignored the lump in her throat.

Eponin stood to Gabrielle's left side. "What's your limit, princess?" She tapped her staff on the ground. "Another three spins… another five." She now tapped her staff on the ground in rhythm to her talking. "One, two, three, four, five… keep going." The weapons master bobbed her head in rhythm to Gabrielle's spinning. "Come on, princess don't give in to your body's weakness." She continued to tap her staff. "Those feathers make you an Amazon but they don't make you a warrior. You are not a warrior, princess." She now tapped her right foot on the group with her staff's rhythm. She noted the angry tension building in Gabrielle and she wanted to break her. She suddenly grinned and her voice now came out low and taunting. "You are nothing but a silly girl with a stick, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle growled lowly.

The weapons master hadn't expected it but she caught Gabrielle in time. She instinctively had her staff up and stopped Gabrielle's threatening sweep at her head.

Gabrielle breathed heavily, eyes locked and staves locked. "I am an Amazon Princess," she hotly whispered.

Eponin's lips slowly shaped a proud smile. "So you've proven."

The bard realized what she'd done and quickly straightened up. She was about to apologize for her actions but she had a feeling it would have broken her earlier point if she acted regretful.

Eponin straightened up to her full height and lowered her staff. She threw the water skin at Gabrielle, who caught it. "Take a break, visit with Ephiny."

Gabrielle nodded and took the cork off the water skin. She was grateful for the cool water rushing down her parched throat as she walked to Ephiny.

"Don't drink too much," called Eponin, "or you'll have a sore stomach."

Gabrielle almost laughed as she lowered the skin from her mouth. She recorked it and smiled at her friend.

Ephiny dropped her arms from her chest and mirrored the smile. "How are you doing?"

"I was about to ask the same," teased the princess. She wiped off the sweat that had built up on her forehead.

"You'll get there," urged Ephiny. She didn't want to congratulate the bard or repeated what Eponin had said. She knew that most warriors that were in training were never given a word of praise because it only filled them with an ego that they didn't need. It wouldn't be until much later that Eponin would feed Gabrielle's confidence only to destroy her ego in one clean attack. Just another lesson that awaited Gabrielle.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," teased Gabrielle.

Ephiny chuckled and took a seat at the end of the bench. "So what you think?"

Gabrielle shrugged and said, "It's pretty fun."

Ephiny's expression darkened. "Fun?" she repeated and suddenly stood up. "Give me your staff," she coldly ordered.

Eponin had come near the pair and heard the conversation. She decided to stop approaching them as Ephiny proceeded to teach a lesson now. She folded her arms and watched.

Ephiny enjoyed the weight of Gabrielle's staff in her hand. She took a few steps away from the bard. She looked at the staff then back at Gabrielle. "The staff can be mastered as a dangerous weapon… especially against the centaurs."

Gabrielle tensed because she'd never seen her friend get this dark, even threatening. She mentally readied herself for anything.

"Centaurs have certain strengths and weaknesses… they're fast and agile. We use that to our advantage." Ephiny came up to Gabrielle's left side and spun the staff down. "As a centaur passes at full gallop the staff goes here." She touched the tip of the staff to Gabrielle's knee.

Gabrielle looked down; her mind imagined the pain that such an attack would incur.

"This cracks the knee at the joint. This splits the leg forward and drops them to the ground." Ephiny held Gabrielle's gaze, seeing her reaction.

Eponin remained silent and watched Gabrielle.

"As the centaur falls," continued Ephiny. She now swung around with the staff coming up. The staff now pressed against the back of Gabrielle's same knee. "A strike to the lower shoulder dislocates the two front legs."

Gabrielle breathed heavily in response.

"Once the centaur is on the ground, an over head strike…." Ephiny suddenly spun around Gabrielle and swiftly brought the staff to the old bench.

The bench broke in half from Ephiny's powerful blow.

Ephiny raised an eyebrow at her friend and finished her lesson. "Breaks the neck… death is immediate."

Gabrielle swallowed and didn't say anything as she stared at the broken bench to her right.

"If they're lucky," quietly added Ephiny. She now held out the staff in offer.

Gabrielle hesitated but wrapped her hand around the staff.

"Still fun, princess?" inquired the Amazon as she released the weapon.

Gabrielle let out a deep sigh.

Ephiny glanced over at the weapons master and merely nodded.

Eponin understood her sister's quiet words. She nodded back.

Ephiny took one last look at her distraught friend then decided to say nothing else. She walked off the sparring field.

Gabrielle's shoulder slumped then she felt Eponin's warm hand on her arm.

"Let's continued," gently ordered the weapons master.

Gabrielle dipped her head and just tossed the water skin next to the broken bench. She turned away from the disappearing Ephiny and went back onto the field with Eponin. She continued the defence training for another candlemark before Eponin ordered the end of the exercises for today. Eponin reminded her to meet her in the office armoury a candlemark after sunrise for the usual class.

Gabrielle agreed and said a word of thanks as she walked off the sparring field. Her head was hung down during her slow walk to Ephiny's hut. When she went inside, she found herself alone and everything perfect and quiet. She propped her staff against the wall near the table and chairs then pulled out a chair to fall into it.

The young princess dropped her face into her hands and softly moaned. She was exhausted and her body, especially her arms, were incredibly sore. She lifted her face from her hands and stared at the large bed, debating whether to take a short nap before dinner. Dinner would be in a candlemark but she didn't feel up to sleeping and going to dinner half groggy. She then considered a warm bath to loosen her muscles but before she could act on the idea, there was a knock.

"Come in," she called.

The door creaked open and Solari's head popped around the door.

"Hey, Solari," greeted the princess.

"Just the Amazon I wanted," happily stated Solari. She stepped into the hut and gently closed the door. "How'd your day go?"

"I'm exhausted," complained the bard.

"Good." Solari brushed back a stand of brown hair to get it out of her face. "You'll sleep well tonight, princess."

The young slave grumbled and leaned back into the chair. "How have you been?"

"Pretty good." Solari took the seat from across the princess. "Busy session today."

Gabrielle lifted her head. "You're training?"

The young Amazon nodded her head. "Ephiny and I are in the same class." She crossed her ankles. "We're learning sword techniques."

Gabrielle groaned at the mention of her friend. "I think I pissed Eph off earlier."

Solari furrowed her eyebrows. "What happened?"

The princess shook her head and focused on the other Amazon. "Eponin gave me a short break between lessons and Ephiny was there on the side. So I came over to her and she asked me what I thought so far. I told her it's been fun."

Solari visibly cringed. "What'd she say?"

"More like what'd she do?" countered the princess. "She took my staff and demonstrated to me how Amazons take down a centaur with a staff."

Solari's head bobbed a few times. "That's Ephiny for you."

"She wasn't happy," reminded Gabrielle.

"Don't take it to heart like that, princess." Solari reached over and took Gabrielle's hand into her own. "Ephiny is just trying to show you this is serious." She paused and tried to rethink the best way to explain Ephiny's actions. "She was talking to you from one Amazon to another Amazon. Not as your friend."

The small bard sadly exhaled and stared at the floor.

"Hey," persisted Solari, "she's not mad. If anything, just concerned."

Gabrielle peered up at Solari in question.

Solari chuckled and let go of Gabrielle's hand. "She just wants you to take this seriously because having a good head on your shoulders is what will save your life. Not always the staff in your hands."

Gabrielle accepted the Amazon's words. She now understood Ephiny wanted her to be serious and take Eponin's lessons to heart not only to be a warrior but for her own safety. "Have you seen Eph since class?"

Solari considered and shook her head. "No, not really."

Then to answer Gabrielle's question, the hut door opened and Ephiny stepped in.

"Hey, Ephiny," happily greeted Solari.

"Hey." Ephiny gave a faint smile to Solari then looked at Gabrielle. "Finished for the day?"

Gabrielle moved her head in answer.

"Good." Ephiny folded her arms over her chest. "Queen Melosa has requested I finish Terreis's passings."

Solari took that as a hint and climbed to her feet. "I'll see you both at the mess hut."

Ephiny smiled at her friend and nodded. "See you there, Solari."

"Bye, Gabrielle." Solari gave a reassuring smile to the bard, squeezed her shoulder, and silently left.

Ephiny held the hut door open but ordered, "Follow me, princess."

Gabrielle urged her body to get up despite how much effort it took. She followed the Amazon out of the hut and through the village. She quietly admired the sunset that filtered through the village, the red and orange rays painting the village's huts.

"This way," urged Ephiny as she took a left around a hut.

Gabrielle hurried along and then stopped several hundred paces from a hut when Ephiny stopped.

Ephiny shifted behind her friend and grasped her shoulders. She stared at the hut and whispered, "This is your hut, Gabrielle." She paused then whispered, "It was Terreis's so now it is yours."

The princess couldn't breathe for a moment until Ephiny released her and started for the front door. She hastened to catch up and Ephiny let her go in first. She gingerly pushed the thatched door open and peered into the hut.

"Go on." Ephiny gave a gentle push.

Gabrielle stepped into the hut and gazed about the hut.

Ephiny sidestepped her friend and looked around as well. Nothing had changed since Terreis had lived here. She noted the crossed chobos over the desk that Terreis received from her mother as a gift. She then looked at the bed and admired the painting of a green forest that Terreis had done years ago.

"Eph, Melosa was serious when she said I take all of Terreis's possessions?"

Ephiny nodded and turned her head. "Everything… weapons, clothes, jewellery… everything."

The small bard looked at her friend. "Why? I mean… they're hers."

"Were," corrected Ephiny. "You are essentially Terreis now, Gabrielle." She scanned the room as she continued to speak. "You are her legacy."

Gabrielle felt remorse fill her as she approached Terreis's desk. She'd spotted the dagger earlier on the desk and now she ran her fingertips down the blade. "Did Terreis have a sword or mask?"

Ephiny shook her head as she came over. "She would have received her sword this spring."

The young slave closed her eyes and dipped her head.

"Terreis was born the same time you were," gently mentioned Ephiny. "Actually a day after the Spring Solstice."

"I didn't know," murmured the bard as she now rested her hand on the top of the desk chair.

"I know." Ephiny touched her friend's midback. "It is a good thing that Terreis didn't have a sword."

"Why?" Gabrielle's expression was filled with curiosity.

"If she'd had her sword," explained Ephiny, "then you would have taken it. Then by tradition, it would be your duty to find her murderer and kill him."

Gabrielle shook with fear and looked back at the dagger. "I couldn't kill."

"I know," whispered Ephiny. "But since Terreis hadn't earned her sword yet then it is the queen's responsibility to seek vengeance for Terreis's death."

"Do they know who killed Terreis?" inquired the bard.

"No but Queen Melosa has been working on it." Ephiny sighed and walked away. "If she does find out whom and she avenges Terreis's death then a war will surely break out."

"Why hasn't one already started?" probed the bard. "I mean, a centaur has killed an Amazon."

Ephiny understood Gabrielle's line of thinking and she shook her head. "The queen cannot be sure until she's proven to the council that it was a centaur that killed Terreis." She shrugged as she sat on the foot of the bed. "Until then, it's merely assumptions and Melosa cannot act on them alone."

Gabrielle came over and sat beside her friend. "I thought the Amazons and centaurs have been fighting."

"We have," agreed Ephiny, "but there's been a hidden… silent peace for several years now. It would only take one small thing to break the thin string of peace." She studied her friend's face. "Terreis death will be it."

Gabrielle shook her head. "I hope Melosa doesn't prove it."

"She will," refuted the Amazon. "She won't let her sister go unavenged. Besides… she's been looking for a war against the centaurs."

"Would we win?" inquired the bard.

Ephiny shook her head as she brushed back her hair. "Not without the other tribes' help. We're too small and the centaurs are too powerful despite they're a dying race."

"How can she do that?" murmured the bard.

"Do what?"

Gabrielle looked from the floor to Ephiny. "How can the queen send her Amazons into battle knowing we'll die?"

Ephiny considered the question as she took a few calming breaths. "Queen Melosa believes in her Amazons' abilities as warriors… she believes Artemis will protect us as well. She turns a blind eye to the centaurs' strength and puts full faith into us."

"That's wrong," protested the princess. She stood up and faced her friend. "She'll just get us killed."

"Gabrielle," warned Ephiny, "she is not the only one." She stood and held out her hand to direct the village that was outside the hut. "This entire Nation believes in the Amazon strength, will to defeat the centaurs."

Gabrielle shook her head and walked away. "Not every Amazon."

"No," slowly agreed Ephiny, "not all but most of the older ones do and they teach the younger ones to as well." She shook her head as her hand dropped. "The older Amazons pass the legacy of hate onto the younger and that cycle cannot be stopped."

The princess spun around and hotly stated, "It must stop. War is not the answer."

Ephiny tried to remain calm with a few breaths. She came over to her friend and grasped her shoulders. "Gabrielle, if you were the queen… maybe you'd have a chance in Hades but you are not." She dipped her head, her face closer to Gabrielle's. "Even if you were queen and you showed a fondness to the centaurs the Nation will see you as weak."

"Fondness for the centaurs? Try a fondness for peace," protested the bard. "A fondness for not walking into a slaughter house and being wiped out by a pointless war."

Ephiny squeezed her friend's shoulders then let go. "I know… but you cannot do anything, Gabrielle." She frowned. "To hate the centaurs is a way of the Amazon."

Gabrielle finally relented verbally yet her mind raced with thoughts. She wouldn't agree, could not agree to this pointless frame of mind. She secretly vowed to change her Nation's view on the centaurs and war in general.

Ephiny watched the conflicting emotions. She placed her fingertips under Gabrielle's chin and tilted her head up to meet her gaze. "Making war is simple. Making peace is never easy. If it was, everyone would do it."

Gabrielle licked her lips and Ephiny's wise words settled into the bottom of stomach and weighed heavily.

Ephiny could tell the truth hurt but she knew Gabrielle had to hear it. She stepped forward and pulled Gabrielle into a hug.

The princess tightly hugged Ephiny back and rested the side of her head against Ephiny's chest. They remained in each other's embrace for awhile until Ephiny mentioned dinner would be soon. Gabrielle's stomach seemed to agree when it growled in happiness. The two friends finally laughed and the tension finally broke down between them.

After dinner, Ephiny helped her friend move into the hut and get settled down. Afterwards, Ephiny kissed Gabrielle goodnight and left her to her own time. Gabrielle spent another candlemark awake and working on her scrolls, keeping a journal on her 'adventures' in the Amazon Nation. She couldn't let this opportunity pass her by without recording every finer detail.

The next morning, Gabrielle headed to the armoury office and found Eponin awaiting her arrival. She received a warm smile from the weapons master and she gave one back. Yet something in Eponin's gleaming eyes worried her.

"You won't need your staff today, princess." Eponin held out her hand.

Gabrielle had a curious look as she handed over her weapon.

The weapons master settled the staff against the wall and said, "Today's classes will be on the run."

Gabrielle furrowed her eyebrows. "On the run?"

"Yes." Eponin's eyes lowered to Gabrielle's feet. She visually inspected the bard's boots and decided they would work fine. Her head lifted back up and she grinned. "I thought you might like a tour of the Amazon territory."

"Um…." Gabrielle's lips puckered as she decided which answer would be a safer response. "I guess I should know if I want to be a decent princess."

"Excellent." Eponin's eyes now glowed with devilishness. "Let's begin then." She opened the office door and let the princess out first. "This way." She guided Gabrielle down to the gates and idly spoke to her on the way. "How do you feel?"

"Rested," replied Gabrielle.

Eponin's head bobbed. "And your arms?"

The princess blushed but quietly admitted, "Sore."

"I'm very glad." Eponin chuckled at Gabrielle's wistful expression. "It means you worked hard yesterday." She patted the young Amazon's back but stopped when they stepped past the gates of the village. "Now, let's begin class. Ready?"

Gabrielle wasn't sure what she was supposed to be ready for exactly but she nodded.

Eponin chuckled and suddenly broke out into a fast jog. "Come with me, princess," she called.

Gabrielle broke into a fast run and caught up then slowed into an even pace at Eponin's side. She now figured out what Eponin meant by 'class on the run' and she didn't like the idea at all now. "Eponin, when you say class on the run do you mean all day?"

Eponin was smug as she looked to her student. "Yes, princess… all day we will run non-stop and speak non-stop until we've seen all the Amazon land." She directed their running onto a path in the now growing woods. "We have much to cover, princess." The only response she received was an auditable groan.

The two Amazons ran through most of the forest during the morning, covering a lot of ground. As they ran, Eponin idly talked about Amazon history and the story behind the creation of the first Amazon. Here and there Eponin would ask Gabrielle questions to make sure she was listening as well as get her to talk.

Fortunately for Gabrielle, Eponin's talking gave her a source of sanity during this seeming endless run. It also kept her mind off how tired and exhausted she felt along with sweaty. She promised herself as soon as class was over she'd get a long, long bath and that was another thing that kept her going.

"Hey Ep," rasped the princess.

The weapons master paused in her idly verbal teaching. She noted the nickname that Gabrielle called her and didn't know if Gabrielle noticed it and just said it because she was worn out or not. "Yes, princess?"

"I'm… I'm getting… really thirsty," mentioned the bard.

"Oh… my apologies." Eponin suddenly turned onto another path in the woods and called, "This way, princess."

The young slave quickly veered onto the new path and jogged behind the weapons master.

"Keep up," called Eponin. "Amazons have the endurance of any horse."

"I rather ride one," chided the princess.

Eponin laughed and glanced back at the young Amazon. "It would do you no good, princess if your horse went lame and you had to be somewhere by a certain time."

Gabrielle groaned in agreement. "Point… taken," she rasped.

"You must not depend on anything or anybody, princess." Eponin spotted her destination just ahead where there stood a large oak tree. "An Amazon is fully self dependent and resourceful."

"I'm… noticing this," called Gabrielle.

Eponin softly laughed and as she closed in on the oak tree, she called. "We will stop but as I said we are running non-stop." She glanced back and smirked. "We must run in place while we take our small respite."

The princess nodded her agreement and when Eponin came to jogging stop by the oak tree, she followed suit. She ran in spot but felt a little relieved not to be wondering around what it seemed aimlessly in the woods. She dropped her head back and gazed up the tall tree. "That's an amazing tree."

"Yes," agreed Eponin. "It is here that the first Macedonian Amazon was believed to climb the first tree in these woods. From those high branches, she gazed about these lands and decided this would be claimed as Amazon land."

Gabrielle mentally pictured a large, muscular and dark Amazon among the foliage of the great oak tree; the Amazon gazing about the lands and absorbing a dream for female warriors.

"This tree is sacred, princess." Eponin looked at her student. "No Amazon may climb this tree and the nation endeavours to protect it." She smiled up at the tree then lowered her head. "Many Amazons come here to pray to Artemis or spend time to self reflect on their life."

The princess lowered her head and smiled at Eponin's explanation of the tree. "It sounds very sacred."

"It is," confirmed the weapons master. "I have even spent many lonely candlemarks here during my training as the weapons master… just thinking." She shifted closer and touched the tree with her left hand. "It's believed that being in contact with the tree will bring understanding of one's way as an Amazon."

Gabrielle furrowed her eyebrows and she jogged over to the tree. She touched it as well and she couldn't explain it as she felt some kind of charge in her hand that slowly extended down her arm and into her body. She ignored it just thinking it was her over active mind or tired body.

"It is said that this tree is connect to Artemis," revealed the weapons master. She smiled at the tree's trunk as her hand ran across the smooth bark. "If it ever dies," she whispered and looked to the princess, "that means Artemis has given up on her Amazons."

Gabrielle quickly returned her attention to Eponin.

Eponin slightly grinned and reassuringly said, "It will not die, princess." Her eyes lifted to the tree. "It is a white oak, the strongest of trees and the Amazons' future is as strong as oak."

The princess now smiled when Eponin lowered her gaze to her.

Eponin chuckled at Gabrielle's dreamy expression. She jogged away from the tree and stopped but jogged in place. She cupped her hands over her mouth and as she did a birdcall, she saw Gabrielle jogging to her side.

The princess was curious as to why the weapons master did the birdcall. But soon her question was answered when a patrol Amazon landed from a neighbouring tree.

The patrol Amazon revealed her face by pulling her mask back. "Princess." She bowed her head then smiled at the weapons master. "Master Eponin."

Eponin rolled her eyes and chided, "Just Eponin right now."

The Amazon chuckled and neared the two Amazons, whom continued to jog in place. "So I see today is the infamous running class."

Gabrielle gave a groan but she was grinning.

"Yes," answered Eponin. She then looked at the princess and said, "Princess, this is Deka."

Gabrielle brightly smiled and jogged up to the Amazon, making sure to jog in place as she held out her arm. "Nice to meet you, Deka."

The older Amazon warmly smiled and took the sweaty arm. She admired the young princess as she purred, "A pleasure to meet you, my princess."

Gabrielle hotly flushed and wished she wasn't because her body was warm enough.

Eponin chuckled and jogged closer to the pair. "The princess is feeling a little dehydrated, Deka."

"Oh." Deka blinked, grinned and reached to her side to unhook her water skin. "Of course." She made sure to remove the cap for the princess too then handed the skin over.

Gabrielle happily retrieved it and took a few small drinks. Eponin's words from yesterday about over indulging in water came to mind.

Eponin noted Deka's apparent visual inspection of the princess. She cleared her throat to get Deka's attention then asked, "How goes patrol?"

"Everything is quiet," reported the patrol Amazon. "Any concerns during your run?"

"No, everything seems in order," agreed the weapons master. She noted Deka's attention wondering back to the princess. "When do you finish?"

"In three candlemarks," replied Deka.

Gabrielle finished taking her small sips of water and offered the skin to Eponin.

The weapons master shook her head and halted her with a raised hand. "I'm fine… thank you."

Gabrielle hid her surprise and just recorked the skin. She held it back out to Deka. "Thank you."

"Oh no, keep it," insisted the Amazon. She chuckled. "I believe you'll need it again later."

"Are you sure?" persisted the princess.

"Oh yes," assured Deka, a huge smile on her face. "I wouldn't want the princess to get overheated."

Eponin rolled her eyes and looked at Gabrielle. "You get to carry it, princess."

"Figured," teased the bard. She unravelled the string that was attached to the skin and brought the strap across her chest, the skin on her back. "Thank you again, Deka."

"Anytime." Deka winked then took a few steps back from the jogging Amazons. "I'm sure I'll see you again, princess."

Gabrielle cleared her throat. "I'm sure," she agreed.

Deka bowed her head first to Gabrielle then to Eponin. "Good day." She bent her knees then suddenly disappeared.

Gabrielle blinked and looked at Eponin. "How do Amazons do that?"

Eponin chuckled and carefully listened to Deka moving through the trees until she was too far to be heard. "You will learn eventually."

Gabrielle's expression darkened. "I will?"

The weapons master laughed and ordered, "Let's continue."

The princess breathed heavily and murmured, "I hate heights." But she continued to jog along side her teacher. As they jogged further north, Gabrielle noticed the end of the forest and they came into a more barren area that had rugged terrain. "Gods… I didn't realize this was here."

Eponin grinned and guided her student towards a small canyon side that was about ten minutes run. "The Amazon lands have very different terrains, princess." She then slowed down a little to come closer to Gabrielle. "Have you been to the east side of the village?"

"No." Gabrielle had a curious expression.

"Ah, that will be next," decided the weapons master. "We will tour the crops and groves."

"You mean… farming?" Gabrielle was shocked.

"Yes, how did you think we sustained life?" Eponin chuckled at the princess. "Amazons are not all warriors all the time. Some of us are healers, other teachers, a few trade in the various markets, and others are farmers."

"Gods," breathed the bard, "I didn't realize it."

Eponin smiled and when she gazed ahead, she saw the canyon coming into view.

Gabrielle reached up and wiped a thick sheen of sweat off her brow. "I'm getting… hot," she rasped.

The weapons master now grinned and she quietly mused how long it would take Gabrielle to figure out her Amazon attire. When she stole a quick look, she saw the bard was soaked in sweat and her face flushed red. She knew that the formal princess outfit that Gabrielle wore was slowly baking Gabrielle minute by minute. She made a mental note to make sure they returned to the forest under the shade of the trees. But right now, she figured Gabrielle needed a tougher work out for stamina. "This way, princess." She now approached the canyon side that had a small path leading upwards.

Gabrielle gawked and asked, "Up there?"

"Of course," replied the weapons master. "You'll have a reward when you make it to the top." She flashed a grin and led the way up the small trail.

The young slave groaned but faithfully followed her teacher. "Let me guess," she gasped, "a lake to dive into?"

Eponin laughed. "Not quite." She peered back at Gabrielle. "It is something I believe you'll appreciate as a bard." She noticed that seemed to encourage Gabrielle since her pace picked up. "Now then, we should discuss some economics before we reach the east side of the village."

Gabrielle wrapped her right hand around the strap of the water skin. She tried to shift her mind to consider an Amazon economy for the Nation. "Okay, I think I'm ready."

The weapons master made no reply to that but began the economics lesson. "The Nation's sole source of income is our crops and groves plus our yields sustains the village year around."

"Really?" Gabrielle already found that intriguing considering she knew farming since she was a child. She started to estimate just how large those fields had to be in order to not only provide profit but sustain a village of several hundred women. "How many fields?"

"There are exactly twenty-five crop fields, fifteen groves, and twenty gardens." Eponin took a deep breath to help her pumping heart. She was finally starting to feel the affects of the running but it only urged her to push harder. "Five groves are for grapes while the other ten for olive trees. The gardens are mostly for growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs. I believe though that two or three gardens are specifically used to grow herbs for medicines."

"Wow," breathed the bard.

"Oh," added Eponin, "I almost forgot, my apologies." She glanced back at the princess. "Some Amazons are also herders."

"Herders?" Gabrielle took a deep breath then asked, "Cattle, sheep… pigs?"

"All of the above." Eponin did a quick mental inventory. "Some cattle, sheep, pig but predominantly chickens."

Gabrielle's head bobbed as she listened. "Are the animals for the village or….?"

Eponin shook her head. "The cattle are raised to be sold on the market." She stopped talking as she focused on getting up a steep incline, once she was up, she continued on the winding trail. "So are the pigs and sheep when they become of age."

"The chickens are for…." Gabrielle sucked in a lot of air then finished her sentence. "Are for eggs and meat?"

"Yes," called back Eponin. "The chickens are mainly for us. All our other meats are bought from the market. It's too much trouble to slaughter our own animals for meat."

Gabrielle understood the line of thinking and had to agree. "Who goes… to the mar… the market?"

"There are trained Amazons skilled in the art of bartering and they handle the trades." The weapons master slowed her pace a little so that Gabrielle could keep up. "Once a month they take whatever harvest we have and go to Aegae's market."

"Do we get… a lot for the crops?" inquired the curious bard.

"We do well," agreed the weapons master. "And once a year, in the late summer, when the cattle are ready to be sold, there's a large trip to either Corinth or Athens." She slowed down even more when she noted the trail finally widened because they were reaching the top. She came along side the bard. "I recommend going too, princess."

Gabrielle lifted an eyebrow in question.

"What happens," explained Eponin, "is not only does this Nation go but so do several others."

The young bard brightened at the news. "Really? What… what other nations?"

The weapons master chuckled. "It depends really. Last year…." She attempted to recall which nations went. "The Peloponnese Amazons always go and normally the Thessaly too." She smiled as they came around the last inclined bend and arrived at the top of the destination.

Gabrielle came up behind Eponin and her breath was utterly taken away when she realized what her reward was at the top. "Sweet Artemis," she heaved between a large intake of air.

Eponin laughed and waved her student to follow to the ledge of the canyon top. "Follow me, princess."

Gabrielle had almost forgotten to continue her jog because she was so taken with the amazing view. She now followed Eponin over to the ledge and remained in one spot as she jogged. "This is amazing, Eponin."

"It is beautiful," agreed the weapons master. She was relieved when the breeze brushed her face and helped cool her off. She could tell Gabrielle was just as thankful for the cool wind.

Gabrielle continued to gaze out over the Amazon Nation, her eyes on the village far ahead. "I see the fields," she spoke up.

Eponin faintly grinned and nodded. "Yes, and there are the corrals for the various cattle." She pointed just south-east of the village.

The princess smiled and her eyes went back to the busy village. "What… what other Nations go to the… the markets?"

Eponin back tracked in her mind. "Let's see, I said the Peloponnese, Thessaly, and normally the Epirus too."

The bard mentally counted four Nations all together including theirs. "Eph said there were six Nations."

"That we know of, yes," agreed the weapons master. "The other two are the Thrace and Illyria."

Gabrielle's head moved up and down a few times. She remained quiet as she freed her water skin and took small sips.

Eponin looked at the princess then back over the village far off. "The cattle bring in quite a bit of money for the Nation. The sheep provide our wool for cloaks and other clothing in the winter seasons." She grinned. "You will learn to love wool lined boots for the winter."

Gabrielle suddenly smiled at the concept. "That is a good idea." She chuckled at Eponin's grinning face.

"We are prepared," stated the weapons master. "The pigs also bring in a nice stiffen of money."

"How do the vegetables and fruits do?"

"We don't really trade those," replied the weapons master. "That's for the village." She paused, her lips puckering some in thought. "Although there have been several attempts to start our own winery."

Gabrielle couldn't help but laugh but she quickly regretted it as it made her cough some. She patted her chest and took a small drink of water again. "Amazonian Wine?" she joked.

Eponin laughed now yet shrugged and replied, "I don't think it's a bad idea." She devilishly grinned. "It might be worth a try to do a winery. We could prosper well with it."

The princess considered it then nodded. "It's always worth a try."

Eponin smirked and patted her student's arm. "There is hope for you after all."

"What's that… suppose to mean?"

The older Amazon winked, turned and headed for the path again. "Let's continue."

Gabrielle threw the water skin onto her back and hurried after the other Amazon. "We're going to visit the fields and groves next?"

"Yes, my princess," called the weapons master. "Hurry up… the trip is easier down the trail."

After a huge breath, the bard urged her legs to catch up to Eponin but she tried to watch her footing too. "Ep, who is in charge… in charge of the Nation's money?"

Eponin thinly smiled at the princess's constant curiosity. "There are two Amazons who handle the flow of dinars. We call them accountants," explained the weapons master, "one accountant manages the money coming in while the other manages what's going out."

Gabrielle nodded her head.

"They also give monthly reports to the queen on how our dinar flow is," included the Amazon. "They're rather good too."

The bard smiled at knowing the Nation's dinars were well cared for. "They must… must work with the traders."

"Yes they do as well as the farmers and herders." Eponin considered that for a moment then added, "Even I have to work with them on occasions."

"Really?" prompted the princess.

"Yes, I often speak with both the accountants and the traders. I have to keep inventory of the armoury. Occasionally I'm in need of supplies such as more weapons, leather hide, boots… items like that." She glanced behind to make sure Gabrielle was close then she looked ahead again. "Sometimes I send out items for repairs, horses to be shoed, or weapons that aren't used to be sold."

"Wait, wait," cut in Gabrielle. She evilly grinned and taunted, "I thought the Amazons were self sufficient and shouldn't depend on anybody."

"The Nation wasn't built in a day, princess." Eponin admired her student's perception and now chuckled at it. "However it is something we constantly strive to improve." She looked back at Gabrielle then watched the trail again. "I am working towards getting a black smith hut built."

"For our own metal working?" inquired the bard.

"Yes," called back Eponin, "however I keep running into snags."

"Like what?"

"First, finding somebody qualified to act as a black smith." Eponin took a deep breath and continued her explanation. "It's a trade and the trade is run by men."

"So were many other things but we've managed… to master… those arts," breathed Gabrielle.

The weapons master softly smiled and had to agree. "You are correct, princess."

"I bet you," rasped Gabrielle, "there's at least one woman… one woman out there that can do… can do smithing."

"And would you like to find her?" chided the Amazon.

The young slave reserved from laughing and just grinned instead. "You will… work it out, Ep."

"Thank you for the confidence." Eponin flashed a grin but decided to focus back on the main topic. "However the economy is quite integrated and I do not know the finer details, princess." Eponin noticed they were coming near the end of the trail. "You will learn more about the system from the queen."

Gabrielle furrowed her eyebrows but first focussed on hopping over a decent size stone. She landed on her feet and continued jogging. "Queen Melosa?"

"The same," teased the weapons master. "I merely teach you the basics of the Nation like most Amazons. The finer details are what the queen reserves to teach you."

"Why… why can't you?"

Eponin came off the trail and ran in one spot as Gabrielle came to her side. Once she was close, she continued the jog back to the woods. "It is the queen's duty to train you to be the princess. It is my duty to train you to be the Amazon."

"Oh," whispered the bard. She reached up and wiped the sweat from her forehead. "When does Queen Melosa train me?"

"Whenever she and I decide you are ready." Eponin kept her expression serious as she spoke about this topic. "When it is time, Melosa will take you under her wing."

"How long do you think it'll take?" repeated the bard.

Eponin lifted an eyebrow and merely replied, "That depends on you, princess." She then suddenly broke into a faster pace, going ahead of Gabrielle. "Let's pick it up, princess."

Gabrielle urged her burning legs to carry her faster and she did her best to catch up. She was though relieved to return to the shaded woods where it was cooler.

Eponin and Gabrielle eventually made it back to the village and they went to the east side. There they slowed down into a jog and took a tour of the fields, groves, and corral of animals. Here and there Eponin would take a small break and that typically included an introduction to some of the head figures that ran either the fields, herds, or groves. The weapons master then led Gabrielle all the way around the village and as she did, she gazed up at the sun low in the western sky. She stole a quick look at Gabrielle and decided anymore running would be too much for her especially in that attire. So when they came to the gates, Eponin headed in and much to Gabrielle's relief. As soon as Eponin stepped through the gates her jog slowed into a walk and she turned to the princess.

Gabrielle gasped for air, stopped walking, hunched forward, and inhaled deeply several times. "Oh… gods…."

"Don't stop moving," ordered Eponin. "Straightened up and walk around… in a circle, I don't care just walk around."

The princess nodded, rose up, and walked around taking in big gulps of air.

Eponin was doing the same but she tried to remain a little more relaxed, which she was managing. She looked to Gabrielle and said, "I'm glad you stuck with me today."

Gabrielle chuckled and gave a doubtful smile. "I tried my best."

The weapons master only nodded and made no comment. "Okay… we're finished for the day." She brushed back some hair that was stuck to her forehead. "Tomorrow though you have a free day."

"Free day?" questioned the surprised princess.

"Yes." Eponin put her hands on her hips and continued to pace as her heart rate settled down. "You may do whatever you like… rest, sleep, eat, write… walk around… whatever you like. You report to me the next day at the usual time."

Gabrielle nodded but she still didn't quite understand the idea behind the 'free day.'

"Great." Eponin stopped walking and faced the still pacing bard. "And I recommend a bath."

Gabrielle laughed and paused in her pacing. She pulled her water skin free and took a small drink. She corked it and held it out in offer thinking Eponin had to be dying for a drink.

"No thank you," replied the weapons master. She wouldn't show any weakness to her student so she could keep Gabrielle awe struck. She would wait until she separated to get a drink of water.

Gabrielle closed her mouth instead of gawking. She corked the skin and threw it over her shoulder. "Ep, I was wondering…." She fell short because she needed a deep breath. She cleared her throat and finished her question. "I was wondering if I could get some other leathers….?" She patted her still heavy chest and took a few steps around again. "I don' think this outfit is right… right for these drills."

Slowly a fine smile creased the weapons master's lips. "Of course. I can assign you some more… suitable leathers for training."

"Oh that'd be great," agreed the bard. "I've been roasting in this outfit."

The older Amazon chuckled and waved Gabrielle to follow her. "This way." As Gabrielle walked along with her, she mentioned, "Technically that attire is considered fashionable." She noted Gabrielle's confused look so she clarified herself. "Terreis only wore it formally, occasionally in the winter, and rare occasions on the sparring field if it was a laxed training."

"Oh," murmured the bard. "I wish I'd known that sooner."

Eponin smirked. "We had confidence that you'd figure it out yourself… and you have."

Gabrielle just rolled her eyes.

The weapons master opened the door to the armoury hut and let the princess in first. "Wait here, I'll find you something suitable."

Gabrielle remained by the door as Eponin went to the tables of leathers.

Eponin first sifted through the tops and pulled out what she guessed would be Gabrielle's size. She then went down to the skirts and picked out a skirt that would go from Gabrielle's hips to just above her knees. She let the articles of leather dangle from her arm as she came back to the princess. "Here." She handed them over after doing a check of the tag numbers on the clothes. "If they work, bring the tags the next day and I'll write them off to you."

The princess noted the parchment tags attached to each item that had a number on it. "Oh… okay." She nodded and smiled at her teacher. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Eponin patted Gabrielle's back as the bard turned around. "Maybe I'll see you tonight at the mess hut."

The slave flashed a smile and nodded. "Thank you, Ep."

The weapons master smiled at the nickname and gave a wave as she went to the armoury office hut next door.

Gabrielle watched Eponin go into the office hut then she continued her way back to her hut. She was dying for a long bath.

After Eponin entered her hut, she was greeted by another Amazon awaiting her arrival.

"My, my… you're looking hot, Eponin." The Amazon clearly inspected the weapons master.

Eponin smacked the Amazon's stomach and side stepped her to get behind her desk. "It's good to see you too, Calandra."

The Amazon smiled as she watched the weapons master get her water skin. "Class was on the run today?"

The amused weapons master peered up with hooded eyes. "Yes." She took a drink of water then after feeling refreshed, she asked, "How did the lessons go today?"

"Excellent," reported Calandra.

Eponin nodded her approval. She'd been working with Calandra from the start of taking her position as weapons master. Calandra along with three other Amazons helped in training the younger Amazons. They were essential to the training and especially now since Eponin spent most of her time with the princess. "How is my sister doing?"

Calandra grinned. "You don't have faith in Ephiny?"

The weapons master shook her head and sat down. She wryly smiled up at her assistant. "I just want to make sure she is well trained since I'm not there to make sure of it."

"Master," warned Calandra, "have some confidence in your assistants." She took a seat in front of Eponin's desk. "Hali, Aricia, Beryl and I are doing well with them."

"I'm glad to hear it." Eponin rested back in her chair and clasped her belt. "I'll be there tomorrow."

Calandra perked up at the news. "A free day huh?"

"Yes," agreed the weapons master. She picked up her water skin again but before she took a drink, she muttered, "It should be interesting."

Calandra silently watched the weapons master drink. She tilted her head a little. "How is the princess doing?"

Eponin recorked her skin and set it aside on the desk. "She is learning," was all she was willing to reveal.

Calandra mocked glared and pushed out of her chair. "We also have to finalize that proposal for the smithing hut."

Eponin dropped her head back and gave a quiet groan. "Calandra, can't you handle that?"

"They need your approval, Eponin." The assistant weapons master smacked the desk with her hand. "Do I look like the weapons master? No, I'm the senior grade."

Eponin chuckled and nodded her head. "We'll go over them tomorrow after the lessons."

Calandra brightened and she ran her freehand through her short brown hair. "Let's hope they pass the queen's approval."

The weapons master shook her head. "I doubt they even get past the council."

Calandra threw up her arms as she stalked over to the door. "Why not? I'm so sick of the politics. We need a smithing hut… we can't kept throwing away this money on customized weapons outside the Nation."

"I know," agreed Eponin "but you know how it looks when the dinars are on parchment."

"The smithing hut will pay for itself," refuted Calandra.

"In five years," reminded the weapons master. "And right now, the stables need some maintenance this summer."

Calandra put her hands on her hips and shook her head at the weapons master. "Who's side are you on, Eponin?"

The weapons master laughed and shook her head. "The Nation's side."

Calandra brushed off Eponin with a wave of her hand. "You need to be selfish once in awhile, Eponin."

Eponin softly smiled and shook her head. "I'll see you, Calandra."

Calandra flashed a smile now and opened the door. "Have a good evening, master." She then quietly left the hut and Eponin.

Eponin sighed and looked at the report scrolls on her desk from her four assistants. She needed to look over the daily reports to see the progress of the young students then she could finally get a bath before dinner. After about a half of a candlemark, she finished up and decided to leave her office. She stepped out of the hut with her sword in sheath now reattached to her back; she hadn't taken it on the run. However in her left hand was Gabrielle's staff, which she would return later along with a harsh reminder for her student. As she made her way across village, she spotted Ephiny approaching her.

"Afternoon, sister," greeted the weapons master.

Ephiny had a smile as she joined her sister's side. "Finished duty?"

"Yes," replied Eponin. "How were your sword lessons?"

"They went well," agreed Ephiny. "We worked on offence."

"So I read," agreed the weapons master. "The class worked on the horizontal and vertical cuts."

Ephiny nodded her agreement. "I learned a lot," she admitted and she enjoyed Eponin's proud smile. "I heard tomorrow is a free day for the princess."

Eponin shot a faint grin. "Yes."

"You will be teaching tomorrow?"

Eponin mused at her sister's hidden excitement but she relented from smiling. "Yes… I plan to teach your group."

Ephiny chuckled and teased, "You're too kind, Eponin."

The weapons master laughed inwardly but didn't give into the bantering. "Perhaps."

Ephiny studied her sister then removed her intense stare. "How goes things with Gabrielle?"

Eponin's head bobbed. "Well… I'm getting some of your confidence in her."

Ephiny smirked. "It's catching, isn't it?"

Eponin patted her sister's midback. "I'm not her biggest fan like you, sister but she may have potential." She hefted the princess's staff in seeming consideration. "It's too early to tell yet what kind of Amazon she'll be… or future queen for that matter."

Ephiny lifted an eyebrow. "She'll be as amazing as Queen Hippolyta if not better."

"Perhaps," gave in Eponin but she didn't hold the same confidence, the princess still having too much to prove to her.

"Can't you see the potential, Eponin?" persisted the Amazon.

The weapons master shook her head and pointed a finger at Ephiny. "I know what I see… and right now…." She stopped and faced her sister. "I see how you're so smitten with her that you can't see straight."

Ephiny rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips.

Eponin shook her head. "Have you talked to her about it?"

Ephiny sighed and her hands dropped from her hips. "Eponin-"

"Have you talked to her about it?" Eponin tried again, her face more stern than earlier.

"We've danced around it," admitted the young Amazon.

Eponin's right eyebrow was up and she had an annoyed expression.

"I know," hotly stated Ephiny. "I know."

"You need to talk to her about it, sister." Eponin rested a hand on Ephiny's shoulder.

"She's been through a lot… it's not easy."

Eponin shook her head. "Talk to her… soon." Her hand lowered and her mind slipped back to earlier today with Deka. "There are plenty of others waiting in line." She said nothing else and started walking.

Ephiny had a tight face but she sighed and hurried after her sister. "It'll be interesting to see how she does tomorrow."

The weapons master gave a wilful look. "It will be."

"Do you have any idea what she'll do for the day?"

Eponin shook her head. "You know what most Amazons do." She waved a hand then complained, "They sleep in, eat, relax and do nothing."

Ephiny chuckled and replied, "I think Gabrielle will surprise you."

"Ephiny…." Eponin's tone was drawn out with tried patience. "She's not a goddess… remember we worship Artemis… not Gabrielle."

Ephiny glanced at Eponin and remained silent.

Eponin lifted an eyebrow at her sister.

Ephiny suddenly smirked and murmured, "I'd worship her." Her ears rung with Eponin's hysterical laughter and Ephiny joined in too.

The weapons master's laughter died to a smooth chuckle and smile that curled the corner of her lips up. "I love you, Ephiny." She brought her arm around her sister's shoulders and gave her a kiss on the temple.

Ephiny flushed yet brought her arm around Eponin's waist. "I'm your favourite sister."

"Without a doubt," joked Eponin. She released her sister when they came to her hut. She grasped the door handle yet turned to Ephiny.

"I'll see you at dinner, Eponin." Ephiny didn't step away however as she said, "Enjoy the bath."

Eponin winked as she pushed her door open. "Oh I will. See you, Ephiny."

The young Amazon was already headed off and she gave a brief wave. She then continued on her way.

It was another candlemark or so before dinner and the Amazons gathered in the mess hut. Everybody seemed to arrive at the same time and lined up at the buffet table to gather up the prepared meal. Most Amazons sat in groups with their friends in various areas of the hut however for the more prestige Amazons there was a nicer table that was lifted on a dais. Typically the queen sat at the head of the table and down the sides were various members that may or may not join such as the princess, the stratègos and her officers, the priestess, the weapons master, the head of the council, and other various Amazons that held respected titles or ranks.

As Gabrielle stood in the buffet line, she gazed up at the royal table and noted that Queen Melosa was there already and to her right sat the stratègos. As the buffet line slowly moved, Gabrielle considered the stratègos along with the rest of the Amazon army. Eponin had briefly glazed over how the army worked in the Nation and explained that the ranks were setup much like Alexander the Great's army.

At first the princess was considerably confused why the Amazon Nation would base their army on a male leader. It wasn't until Eponin brought to light that Alexander was Great because of his abilities as a military leader. The Amazons decided to base their own army off the principals of Alexander the Great in belief they were just as superior if not more than Alexander the Great. Once Gabrielle realized that she later understood that the stratègos was the same as the commander of the army.

"Hey," greeted a cheerful Solari.

The bard broke out of her thoughts and turned her gaze to the older Amazon. "Hey Solari."

Solari was a few people behind but she waved and called, "You seen Ephiny?"

"Not yet," replied the princess, a shrug of her shoulders.

Solari shrugged back and just paid attention to the moving line.

After Gabrielle finished collecting her food, she debated whether to join the queen up on the dais or to stay below with her friends. She stood off to the side of the hut and debated with herself. Then somebody brushed up against her and she smiled at Solari.

Solari nodded at the royal table and muttered, "Sit with the queen."

The young slave frowned and stared at the queen. "I know I should."

"Just join us later," persisted Solari. "We'll save a spot for you." She noted the more hopeful look on Gabrielle's face. "Promise," she added.

Gabrielle was relieved and she said a word of thanks before heading to the royal table.

Solari briefly watched her go then she went to her usual table where Ephiny and a few others would join her.

Queen Melosa turned away from her conversation with the stratègos and offered a warm greeting to the princess. "Welcome, princess."

"My queen." Gabrielle smiled and bowed her head then took a seat to Queen Melosa's left.

The queen gauged the bard's mood and decided she was in good spirits. She held out a hand to the stratègos on her right. "This is the stratègos, princess." She smiled at the stratègos. "Commander Kalonice."

The bard decided it was best to stand and she held out her arm.

The stratègos was secretly surprised and impressed. She rose up to her full six feet and took the girl's small arm. "Pleasure to meet you, Princess Gabrielle."

Gabrielle dipped her head and replied, "You as well, stratègos."

The commander inwardly admired the young princess as she released her arm. She took her seat again and continued to study the new princess. "So have you learned much about the army?"

The bard shook her head then answered, "Not yet, stratègos." She paused as she considered what else to say then Eponin's teachings came to mind. "Ep…." She faltered and realized the proper title for the weapons master. "Master Eponin taught me some things." She waved her right hand. "Just general things."

The stratègos nodded her head and wrapped her right hand around her mug. "If you would ever like some more detailed lessons just let me know, princess."

The young slave brightened. "I'd be honoured, stratègos."

Queen Melosa had carefully watched the exchanged and approved of the princess's handlings. She then diverted her attention to the mess hut. Most of the Amazons had gotten their meals but some were still left. As she brought her attention back to her table, she spotted the weapons master and priestess stepping onto the dais. "Priestess, Master Eponin."

Priestess Narkissa bowed her head and gave a greeting smile to the queen. "Good evening, my queen." She took a seat beside the stratègos. "Commander Kalonice," she further greeted.

Eponin settled her plate of food beside the princess but looked to the queen. "My queen." She tipped her head then took her seat.

"How are you, princess?" inquired the priestess.

The princess softened to the priestess for some unknown reason. Gabrielle couldn't shake the natural infinitive she felt for the priestess. "I'm well," she replied, "yourself?"

"Excellent," replied the much older Amazon.

Gabrielle dipped her head then peered back up. For a quiet second, she compared the priestess to the stratègos and figured them to be about the same age. Gabrielle began to muse that since the stratègos was the priestess's age that she would soon be replaced since Maired was taking the priestess position. However Gabrielle refrained from asking knowing it wasn't the proper time to ask such questions.

"How goes the training, princess?" interrupt the priestess's voice.

The bard pulled out of her thoughts and now smiled. "I'm enjoying them." She glanced at the weapons master beside her; she clearly blushed from Eponin's inquisitive look.

"I heard class was on the run," pointed out the queen.

Eponin shifted her attention to Queen Melosa. "Yes." Her focus went to everybody around the table except for Gabrielle. "I'm happy to report my pupil didn't collapse."

Everybody around the table quietly laughed and Gabrielle was dying to sink through her seat after being thoroughly teased.

"You should be proud," cut in the priestess, her full attention on the bard. "Not all students survive the class on the run."

Princess Gabrielle beamed and accepted the praising. "Thank you, priestess." But what she didn't catch was the warning glare from the weapons master.

Narkissa merely ignored Eponin's disapproving look and had already decided the princess require some praise.

"You have much to learn," reminded the queen.

The stratègos's head bobbed and her hands folded in her lap. "It only get's harder from here, princess." She knew why Eponin had disapproved of Narkissa's praise and now tried to destroy whatever confidence Gabrielle had taken from it. "Only true Amazons are fit for these classes."

The slave tried to remain confident yet nervousness didn't elude her. "Of course, stratègos." Her lips pierced a little but she stated, "I am prepared."

"I hope so," relented Commander Kalonice.

Before the conversation could continue, Queen Melosa silently rose up from her chair and straightened her back out. Gabrielle heard the clinging, clanging and chatter in the mess hut come to an abrupt stop. Gabrielle was impressed by how much respect the queen evoked in her Nation and her own admiration for the queen heightened.

"Good evening, sisters," spoke out Queen Melosa, "Let's give praise to Artemis for our meal tonight." She gave a signal to Narkissa.

The priestess rose up and when she was at her full but short height, everybody in the Nation bowed their heads. Narkissa took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the Amazons as she called out, "Artemis, your Amazons celebrate another day under your reign. We thank you for this meal that you've bestowed upon us through blessing our good fortune." She paused then in an amazingly booming voice, she called out, "To Artemis."

"To Artemis," echoed back the entire Nation in harmony.

Queen Melosa and the priestess took their seats again and as soon as they sat the loud clatter and talking continued as if it never stopped. Gabrielle released a held breath and lifted her head. She'd seen this display several times before but it never failed to impress her each time.

For awhile the royal table quietly ate until a new arrival stepped up the dais. The queen first noticed the new arrival and lifted an inquisitive eyebrow because of the Amazon's lack of punctuality.

"My apologies, my queen." The Amazon took a seat beside Narkissa. "I was delayed by work in the council."

"Quite alright, Rena." The queen had a patient look. "Your daughter, Masika, is not joining us?"

Gabrielle perked up at Masika's name. She now knew who Rena was, the head council member.

"She'll be along, my queen." Rena's dark brown eyes flickered down to the buffet where Masika was hastening to get her meal. She returned to the queen. "We had much to prepare for tomorrow."

"Yes," agreed the queen, "the proposals will be in."

The head council member dipped her head.

Gabrielle, from the corner of her eye, took in Rena's features. Rena was much like Masika but with added wrinkles, lighter skin, and salt and pepper hair. And Rena seemed to glow with her age, probably from years of experience Gabrielle decided.

"Master Eponin, are you putting in the proposal for the smithing hut?"

Eponin's attention lifted to the stratègos. "I am, stratègos despite it's a… fleeting attempt."

Commander Kalonice grunted and loudly stated, "The army could use it."

Rena wanted to ignore the jibe but years of experience taught her otherwise. She shot a dangerous look at the stratègos and warned, "I believe your stables need maintenance before you find your cavalry without a home for the winter."

Commander Kalonice smirked at the elder and returned her focus to her meal.

"Let's leave the proposals for later," ordered the queen.

"Of course, my queen," agreed Councillor Rena. Her attention was stolen away when her daughter joined them at the table.

"Good evening, my queen." Masika lowered her plate next to Eponin and bowed her head to the queen. She then gazed at everybody else around the table. "Good evening, everybody."

"Sit down, Masika. You're cramping my neck," ordered the stratègos.

Masika corked an eyebrow at the impertinent commander. She took her seat beside the weapons master.

However it seemed as if the stratègos wasn't finished her earlier banter, her taunting voice filling the silent void. "We were just discussing the proposal for the smithing hut."

Masika peered up with dark, hooded eyes.

Commander Kalonice could tell she was pulling Masika's strings.

"Comannder," gently warned the queen.

The stratègos expression went apologetic before the queen. "My apologies, my queen."

Queen Melosa let it go despite she inwardly enjoyed the banter but she wouldn't let anybody else see it. She was about to return to her meal then hesitated. "Rena, have you met the princess?"

Rena looked to the young princess. "No, my queen."

"Princess Gabrielle, this is Rena… the head council member."

Gabrielle put her fork down and repeated her same actions from earlier. She stood and held out her arm.

The head council member was astounded; she rid herself of the dumbful look and got up. She shook arms and said, "A pleasure, princess."

"All mine, councillor." Gabrielle gave her best smile.

Rena released the small arm then held out that same hand to Masika. "Have you met my daughter, Masika?"

"Yes, we've met," answered Masika, her eyes locked on the young princess.

"This past winter," agreed the bard.

"Excellent," agreed Rena. She took her seat again after the princess sat. She pierced her chicken with her fork but her attention rested on the princess. "Has Master Eponin taught you much about government?"

"The general gist," replied the princess.

"Ah." The head councillor dipped her head and smiled. "If you ever require more knowledge, please speak with me or Masika."

Masika's eyes flickered from her mother back to her meal.

"Thank you," answered the princess. "I know there must be a lot to the council and government."

"There is," agreed Councillor Rena.

"But more to the army," cut off the stratègos.

Rena casted a dark look at Commander Kalonice. "Don't forget who makes the final say on your operations, stratègos."

The stratègos shot back a grin. "Yes, Queen Melosa has final approval."

Rena held a staring contest with the stratègos but finally decided it was fruitless. Instead, she ignored Commander Kalonice and returned to her meal.

Gabrielle witnessed the display and made notes of it. She wondered why there was so much tension between the stratègos and the council or maybe it was just all fun and games. She truly wasn't sure and she decided she'd have to look more into it.

The meal continued in relative silence but on occasions somebody would speak or question another. Overall, Gabrielle found a lot of unknown tension bouncing off each person and she disliked it enough to knot her stomach up almost to the point of not wanting to eat.

Near the end of the meal, Eponin leaned over to Gabrielle and gently asked, "Would you care to join me? I'm going to visit with Ephiny and Solari."

Gabrielle quickly smiled and nodded. "I would love to."

Eponin's eyes flickered to the queen then back to Gabrielle, her eyebrow arched up in warning.

The princess understood and turned to the queen. "If that's okay, my queen?"

"Of course." Queen Melosa nodded her approval and encouraged her to go with a warm look. "Spend time with your sisters."

"Thank you." Gabrielle stood when Eponin did. She collected her empty plate but made sure to say goodbye to everybody around the table. She then followed her teacher off the dais.

Commander Kalonice finished biting on her carrot stalk as she watched the princess and Eponin leave. When they were out of earshot, she speared the priestess with a dark look. "Narkissa, next time do not interfere with Eponin's training."

Priestess Narkissa resisted from rolling her eyes as she picked up her mug of water. After a moment of thought, she responded to the warning. "The princess could use at least a small pat on the back."

"Narkissa," cut in the queen, "you know the rules."

Narkissa gave up on her drink and put her mug down. She was one of the few that could contest the queen's words without being sliced in half. "My queen, my praise would not be as detrimental to Eponin's training as it would be if it came from you or Eponin herself." She could tell the queen was relenting and she contained her competitive smile.

"I suppose," murmured Queen Melosa but in a stronger voice, she ordered, "But see that you hold your tongue until the proper time."

"Certainly, my queen." The priestess bent her head but her hooded eyes sparkled at the stratègos.

Commander Kalonice saw the taunt and just shot a nasty look. She then let go of it when the priestess patted her leg and she secretly forgave the priestess.

Narkissa noted the stratègos's relaxation now so she went back to finishing her meal.

Gabrielle and Eponin were seated together and across from Solari and Ephiny. The group was chatting away after Solari had introduced two of her friends: Teresa and Jocasta. Gabrielle figured Teresa was about her age, sixteen, but Jocasta was closer to Eponin's age and both seemed quite pleasant. Teresa though was rather shy and only piped in here and there or when her opinion was asked. Jocasta was closer to Solari's personality but she was constantly smiling and laughing; one of the most vibrant, sunny people Gabrielle had ever met. Jocasta's intense cheerfulness seemed to rub off on everybody in the group.

Suddenly, the entire group of friends bursted into a stitch of laughter from Jocasta's story. Gabrielle wiped away tears from her eyes and continued to hold her aching stomach.

"So get this, right…." Jocasta waited for everybody's attention to return to her. "I stuck my foot out as she charged me. Adonia trips on my foot and I'm telling you, she took off into the air." Jocasta jumped from her seat and held out her arms. "Arms and legs wide open as she soared through the air then wham!" She smacked her hands together. "Her face and body went into the mud and she glided for several paces."

The group broke out laughing again at Jocasta's story.

Jocasta sat back down while in a roll of laughter.

Solari inhaled deeply and loudly announced. "Well Adonia proved Amazons do fly!"

The group all hooted and howled with laughter and hands clapping in praise.

"Oh sweet Artemis," breathed Jocasta between her laughing. "Poor Adonia, I think she washed her mouth out for candlemarks to get the mud out." She then bared her teeth and pointed to them. "Grit all in between her teeth."

"Oh gross!" cried Solari then she laughed with the rest of the group.

"Lucky she didn't eat any worms!" called Ephiny.

"Well I'm sure it'd make her regular if she did," hooted Solari.

The group ached with laughter again and tears straining from the corners of their eyes.

"That's it!" yelled a deep woman's voice across from the table behind the group.

The group of friends quickly stopped laughing and looked over at the Amazon.

"I have you know, I fully planned that tactic," proudly stated the Amazon as she now stood in front of the group. One hand on her hip and her other hand fashionably swept back a golden lock of her hair.

Jocasta laughed and pointed at Adonia. "Yes, it's called the A-down-ya-go tactic!"

The air was filled again with a fit of various laughs and clapping.

Adonia remained tall and proud before the other Amazons. When they settled, she cleared her throat and perfectly stated, "Well it worked."

"Which part?" spoked up the normally quiet Teresa, "The flying or the cleaning your teeth?"

Adonia groaned as the Amazons laughed at her more. She shook her head, pushed Jocasta, who was on the edge of the bench, and took a seat with the group. "What other stories have you told them about me, Jocasta?"

Jocasta sweetly smiled at her friend. "Only the good ones."

Adonia laughed and shook her head. "I believe it."

"Hey Adonia," called Ephiny, "have you met the princess?"

Adonia's hazel eyes expanded widely and she stared at the princess. "No," she soothed, "introduce me."

Gabrielle was resisting her usual flush as Ephiny held her hand at her.

"Adonia, this is Princess Gabrielle."

Adonia leaned forward and held out her hand. "It's spectacular to meet you, princess."

Now Gabrielle's attempt to resist her blush failed and her cheeks thoroughly crimsoned. She took the larger hand and gave a brisk shake.

Adonia smirked and teased, "The red cheeks flatter you, princess."

The bard's cheeks went into a richer red and she dropped her gaze.

Adonia released the small, warm hand and chuckled. "So tell me…." She leaned forward, her right arm on the table, and her cheek cupped in her hand. Her intense stare was only on the princess. "How do you take to the Nation?"

Gabrielle cleared her throat and mentally thanked Artemis that her blush ceased. "It's becoming home."

"Beautiful," appraised Adonia. "I consider this Nation honoured to be given your divinity."

The bard blinked as she soaked in the high compliment.

Eponin noticed the uneasiness in her student and she almost gave Adonia an annoyed look but she resisted.

"Thank you," replied the bard, not sure how else to respond.

"Adonia is one of the best students in the sword training class," cut in Solari.

"Really?" perked up the princess.

Adonia revealed her proud smile then stated, "But only when I'm taking flight instead of fight."

The group of friends laughed at Adonia's joke.

Adonia waited for her friends to settle down and she went back to her conversation with the princess. "I heard you go to the Academy with Ephiny."

The small slave nodded her head. "Yes, we'll be going back at the end of the summer."

"Ah haaa." Adonia directed her next question to Ephiny. "How goes it, Ephiny?"

"Excellent," replied Ephiny. "And Gabrielle is number one in our class."

"Ooooh." Adonia devilishly smiled. "An Amazon Princess with an exquisite forte in the art of barding… I am in ecstasy."

"You'll have to tell us a story sometime," piped in a Jocasta.

"Positively," agreed Adonia.

"Maybe when the princess isn't so tired from her classes." Eponin lifted a warning eyebrow.

"Naturally." Adonia smiled warmly and nodded.

The princess softly laughed and promised, "I'll tell one soon."

"Fantastic." Adonia's smile grew even warmer.

"So how'd it go up at the big table?" inquired Jocasta to Gabrielle.

Princess Gabrielle chuckled but peered up at her teacher.

Eponin only shrugged as if to give approval.

"It's different," she finally admitted.

"They don't talk much," added Eponin.

Gabrielle nodded her agreement. "I met a lot of them."

"What'd you think of the stratègos?"

Gabrielle's focus went to Ephiny. "I'm not sure yet."

"I can't take Masika," stated Jocasta. "Rena, her mother, is amazing though."

"Masika just started." Eponin always defended the council members no matter any reputation.

"She's too young to be there," refuted Jocasta.

"How old is Masika?"

Jocasta looked at Gabrielle and answered, "Forty-one and most councillors start out at fifty… sometimes even fifty-five." She smacked the table and stated, "She got in because of her mother."

"Well she is Councillor Rena's legacy," offered Teresa.

Everybody glanced at Teresa and pretty much everybody in the group agreed with nods.

"Still," protested Jocasta, "she's too young."

"Give her the benefit of the doubt, babe." Adonia rubbed her friend's back to calm her. "Masika did just start."

Jocasta uncharacteristic frown faded and her natural smile reappeared. "I guess so."

Adonia winked and patted her friend's back.

Ephiny had been idly listening but much of her focus centred on Gabrielle. She took notice of how Gabrielle seemed to be somewhere else mentally and not really listening. Ephiny stretched her right foot out under the table and rubbed her boot against Gabrielle's.

The bard's distance stare broke and her eyes sharpened on her friend. Her eyes glowed in question.

"Feel like going for a walk with me?" Ephiny offered a smile to tempt her friend.

The princess dramatically groaned and loudly asked, "Another 'tour' around the Nation?"

Eponin deeply laughed and patted her student's outside thigh. "Class is over, princess."

"I find I'm always in class," chided Gabrielle.

Eponin knowingly smiled for a brief second then turned away.

"I'd love to go for a walk." Gabrielle smiled and stood up when Ephiny did the same.

"We'll see you ladies later."

The group smiled up at Ephiny and said goodnight.

The princess also said goodnight and fell into step beside Ephiny when Ephiny came around the table. After she and Ephiny left, the group continued with their conversation except for Solari. She didn't pay much mind as she watched Ephiny and the princess leave the mess hut. From the corner of her eye, Eponin noticed Solari's curious stare and Eponin kept a mental reminder of it.

Gabrielle quietly walked along side Ephiny, who led them through the village. She stared down at her boots and contemplated her few days so far with the Amazons.

"How you doing?" Ephiny waited awhile for a reply and Gabrielle's answer started with a deep breath.

"Tired, sore… but I'm good." The princess had a half-hearted smile.

Ephiny curiously studied her friend then asked, "Feel comfortable here?"

"Yes." Gabrielle's head also bobbed. "But I guess… I think I'm finally starting to miss home." She sensed Ephiny's confusion so she explained. " Potidaea, I mean. Life has been so… insane that I never had a second to consider how much I miss home." She shrugged and whispered, "Settling down here I guess has me thinking about Potidaea."

The older Amazon now understood and she thought over what Gabrielle told her. When they went through the gates and into the woods, she reached over and laced her hand through Gabrielle's. Ephiny gave a gentle squeeze then she felt Gabrielle's smile on her.

Gabrielle squeezed back and studied Ephiny's soft yet reserved profile. "You know… I really do want to go back to Potidaea." She stared at the passing ground. "For a visit… see how things are."

"I agree." Ephiny never looked at her friend as she spoke but instead watched where they were travelling in the moonlit woods. "Take some time off… visit Potidaea, Amphipolis."

The young bard dipped her head and bit her lower lip. "And maybe Pyrgos."

Ephiny paused in her breathing but silently released a long breath. "You think you'll find something that Cornelio didn't?"

"Possibly," replied the bard. "I'm not sure though." She brushed back and locked a few strands of loose hair behind her left ear. "How do I get the time off, Eph?"

"You'll have to talk to the queen and Eponin."

"You think they'll give it to me?"

The Amazon considered before answering. "I think so… probably not right now but maybe after a moon's cycle of training."

Gabrielle thinly smiled but slowly it slipped and she came to a stop. She turned to Ephiny. "Will you go with me?"

Ephiny couldn't resist smiling as she dipped her head closer to Gabrielle's. "If I can, yes."

The princess chuckled and her smile returned. She dropped her forehead against Ephiny's and closed her eyes. "Thanks."

"No problem," murmured Ephiny. She closed her eyes as well and just absorbed the silent comfort between them.

"Eph?"

Ephiny picked up on Gabrielle's gentle yet curious tone. "Hmmm?"

"Is it okay if I kiss you?"

Ephiny's chest tightened with a laugh but she resisted it yet her lips did curl up into a grin. "Very okay." She didn't move at all until Gabrielle's warm hand touched her right cheek and she leaned into the touch. Then Gabrielle's forehead moved away from hers and soft lips tenderly touched against hers. A whimper passed through Ephiny when Gabrielle gradually deepened the kiss.

Gabrielle took a step closer, which caused Ephiny to encircle her waist. She gave her own whimper as her tongue touched Ephiny's now and she could only recall one other time feeling this good. When she pulled back from the kiss, she took a moment to tangle her right hand in Ephiny's hair and as she pulled Ephiny back for another kiss, she felt her stomach burn.

Ephiny resist her desires as she drew back for air. She smiled at Gabrielle but took a moment to give a more soothing kiss. When she finally pulled back some, she memorized the wistful and beautiful expression on Gabrielle's face. She'd never seen Gabrielle's eyes so rich and a burning green.

"Ephiny?" murmured the bard.

"Mmmm?" The Amazon bent her head again for another kiss, gently nibbling on Gabrielle's lower lip. She felt her knees weaken when Gabrielle responded with a moan. Again she forced herself to pull back and she brought the side of her head against Gabrielle's, their cheeks pressed together.

Gabrielle let out a content sigh, a smile growing on her face. "I don't think 'friend' is working anymore."

Ephiny's chest shook from deep laughs. She nuzzled Gabrielle's neck and whispered, "I agree."

The bard heavily inhaled as she tried to convince herself she was ready for this step.

Ephiny could feel Gabrielle's uneasiness and she understood why. The past few years had brought on so many changes for Gabrielle and this was another change that brought on more fears. Ephiny knew she had to reassure Gabrielle and for it to work out at the start had to be a positive change in Gabrielle's life. With that in mind, Ephiny brushed her cheek against Gabrielle's and whispered, "I promise it'll be slow." She then drew back so she could look into unsteady green eyes. "And if you ever want to back out, just so say." She was silent as Gabrielle's worries slowly fled her hazy green eyes. "I worry about you, I care about you, Gabrielle. So I want what's best for you."

"I know," quietly replied the bard. She touched Ephiny's cheek again with her fingertips. She sadly smiled. "I want what's best for you too. I don't want to hurt you."

"Just one day at a time, Gabrielle," reassured Ephiny. "Okay?"

Gabrielle nodded and smiled now. "Thanks, Eph."

"Anytime," murmured the Amazon. She captured Gabrielle's soft lips in another tender kiss when she pulled back; she heard a small laugh from Gabrielle. "What?"

The bard quickly stopped giggling and asked, "Does this mean we're girlfriends?"

"I hope so," teased Ephiny.

Gabrielle nodded and leaned in again but before she started another kiss, she whispered, "Girlfriends."

Ephiny groaned as she tried to force the kiss to an abrupt stop. She started to pull back while murmuring, "Slower, Gabrielle."

"What?" chided the smirking princess.

Ephiny challenged Gabrielle with an arched eyebrow and indifferent expression.

Gabrielle laughed and swatted Ephiny's hard stomach. "No fun." She then turned on her heels and trotted off back to the village.

"Hmph." Ephiny's eyes slitted, her lips in a secret grin but she followed Gabrielle back. When they were in the village, she took Gabrielle back to her hut.

Gabrielle stopped in front of her door, turned, and leaned back against it. She folded her arms over her chest and softly grinned.

"How about breakfast tomorrow?" inquired Ephiny.

"That sounds good," agreed the princess. "What time do you start class?"

"Three candlemarks after sunrise."

"I'll be at the mess hut before that then." The princess face crinkled up. "You get to start later than I do for classes."

"That's because I've earned it," bluntly stated the Amazon.

Gabrielle laughed and straightened up from the door. "I'm sure," she murmured and leaned into Ephiny.

Ephiny sighed as she returned the tender kiss. She then stepped back and pointed a finger at her girlfriend. "Go to bed." She winked, turned and headed off.

"Goodnight, Eph," called the bard.

The older Amazon flashed a bright smile then disappeared ahead in the torch lit village.

"Hmmm." Gabrielle chuckled and finally went into her hut. She decided to get ready for bed by starting with the removal of her gauntlets and arm bracers.

Eponin approached the princess's hut; in her right hand was Gabrielle's staff. She tapped the top of the staff against the princess's hut door and waited.

Gabrielle was just about to get her nightshift when she heard the knock. She rushed over to the door and opened it to find a serious weapons master. "Eponin."

"Hello." Eponin directed to the staff in her right hand. "You left this in my office." She narrowed her eyes and gently tapped the top of the staff on Gabrielle's forehead. "An Amazon warrior never forgets their weapon."

Gabrielle rubbed her forehead as her shame washed over her. "I'm sorry." She took her fighting staff.

"Don't apologize," gruffly replied the weapons master, "just improve." Without another word, she turned and began walking away.

The princess sighed and briefly watched Eponin leave but then a previous thought came back to mind. "Eponin?" she called.

The weapons master was several paces away but she heard the princess. She stopped and turned back, her hands now on her hips.

"I was just wondering…." Gabrielle propped her staff against the doorway, stepped out of the hut, and hastily neared Eponin. "Would it be a good idea if I ran every morning?"

Eponin blinked and it took her a few moments to absorb the question. She contained her amazement and kept her voice even as she replied, "Yes… that would be a good idea."

The bard beamed at her idea being agreed by her teacher. "I'll do that then," she agreed. "I thought it might be good for me to get in shape."

"It would benefit you," gently agreed the weapons master. She then dipped her head. "Enjoy your day off tomorrow."

"Thank you." Gabrielle wasn't sure what else to say until Eponin was a few paces away again. "Goodnight, Master Eponin."

The weapons master paused in her stride but continued walking as she called, "Goodnight, princess."

Gabrielle studied Eponin's ridged back as she disappeared in the far distance. She sighed and went back into her hut; she was too tired to think anymore about her day. That night she slept extremely hard with a calmer dreamscape than most of her other nights. From the restful sleep, Gabrielle woke up a candlemark after sunrise from the gentle tapping and rapping of beads of water on the top of her hut. For a few minutes, Gabrielle lay on her back and stared up at the ceiling. She just listened to the beat of the rain against the hut top and it soothed her. As she listened to the rain, her thoughts wondered off to her day and what she thought she'd do. She wasn't required to be anywhere until dinner time so she figured she had an option of either staying in the hut and being left to her own devices. Or she could go about the village and visit fellow Amazons so she could learn more. Her curiosity and interested made the final decision.

Gabrielle rolled out of bed and went to her dresser. On top of the dresser, she'd placed the neatly stacked leathers that Eponin had given her. She first picked up the top, which was a simple dark brown leather that had small, short tassels dangling from the bottom and the thin shoulder straps were tightly woven. The skirt was the same rich brown but black glossy leather had been woven in with it. The skirt also had the matching tassel strands from the belt of the skirt that were in a perfect diagonal from the centre and going around to the back.

The princess decided they would probably be perfect for her training and classes with Eponin. She carried them into the side washroom where she got out of her nightshift then put on the leathers. After she'd slipped on everything, she came out of the washroom and stood in front of the full body reflecting glass that sat on the floor by her dresser.

Gabrielle looked herself up and down, her head bobbing in approval. Next she hastily put her ankle tall boots on and laced them up tightly. She was about to leave her hut but a second thought came to mind. She figured she needed to do something with her hair to keep it out of her face if she were going to run this morning. The small, thin strands of leather on her dresser came back to her so she rushed back to her dresser.

Gabrielle grabbed one of the three leather thongs and went in front of the mirror again. She pulled her hair back then neatly tied it back with the leather string. However the thick strand of hair that held the feathers slightly loosened from the weight of the feathers. Gabrielle absently tucked the feather in between her hair and felt satisfied they wouldn't move.

The last article Gabrielle grabbed was another thong from her dresser. It was thicker and also dyed a deep crimson red. She tied it to her left arm as she sauntered over to her hut door. The thong now turned into an armband tightly held around Gabrielle's upper bicep and the strands dangled from the side of her arm.

When the princess creaked opened her front door, she stopped in the doorway, dropped her head back and watched the rainfall. "Well," she muttered, "at least I'll stay cool." With a breath that filled her confidence, she stepped out of the hut, closed the door, and instantly became wet but it felt so incredibly refreshing. The cool beads of water rolled down her body with a promise.

Gabrielle decided to start at a jog as she went through the village, headed for the gates. She waved to some unknown Amazons and said good morning to others. Finally she broke into the Amazon woods and went into a slow run through the woods.

After some consideration, she decided she would go to the same cliff side Eponin had taken her. She loved the view of the Nation, a Nation that someday would be hers. During the run, Gabrielle thought about her life so far and how it'd changed. Her new life with the Amazons was a far cry from her previous life in Potidaea or even as a slave. She was still a Potidaean, still a slave, and still an aspiring bard but she was becoming a princess and a future queen. For Gabrielle, becoming the queen of the Macedonian Amazons was an honour and something she had to earn. Despite her enthusiasm as an Amazon Princess all her love went into story telling.

Gabrielle now reached the top of the ridge and walked to the ledge of the canyon side. She came into a slow walk and finally stopped on the ledge. With her hands on her hips, she stared out across her future Nation. Just as yesterday, she was memorized by the beauty and strength of the Amazon Nation, it softened her heart into an warm ache. Could her Nation ever claim her heart and soul such as her story telling did?

The Amazon Nation far below in the distance was busy with female warriors working about the village, outside the village, and through the trees in the woods. The woods glowed with a thriving, rich green of life and the crops due east shined golden and white with the breath of food. And just to the west in the Amazon woods proudly rooted was The Great Amazon Oak Tree that flourished stronger than all the rest. The oak tree's roots tightly woven into the ground and her branches flourishing far above all the others as if reaching out to Artemis herself.

Gabrielle closed her eyes and dropped her head back. The rain slid down her face, through her hair, and brushed down her body to join her soft skin. She felt as if the rain was apart of her, a second skin, and it hypnotized her. When she lifted her head again, her vibrant moss eyes locked on her Nation and a smile stole her lips that softened her expression. She now held no doubt about her future with the Amazons but she still remained curious as to what rested ahead of her and her Nation.

Without another thought, the young Amazon Princess turned and continued her run by first heading down the winding path. When she finally arrived back in the village, it was about a half a candlemark before Ephiny would begin her class so Gabrielle went to her girlfriend's hut. After a few knocks, there was no response so Gabrielle figured Ephiny might have gone to the mess hut already.

Ephiny took a seat beside her best friend, Solari.

Solari offered a smile and she was happy to be sharing breakfast with Ephiny. She gently touched Ephiny's closest thigh and asked, "How'd you sleep?"

"Pretty good." Ephiny warmly smiled and picked up her fork, prepared to eat her breakfast. "How was your night after I left?"

"Awesome." Solari warmly laughed. "Jocasta, Adonia, and I went back to my hut."

Ephiny wistfully grinned and nodded. "You get along well with them."

"Yeah." Solari shook her head and chuckled again. "Jocasta and Adonia are a fun pair."

Ephiny had to agree as she laughed too. "I guess Eponin went back to her hut?"

"Yeah but…." Solari's eyebrows were creased together. "She muttered something about the princess and a staff." She shrugged with a perplexed look on her face.

"Hmmm." Ephiny wasn't sure what her sister could have meant by it but it probably had something to do with Gabrielle and another lesson. "I think Eponin is teaching our group today." She shovelled up some of her scrambled eggs and began eating.

Solari brightened while cutting up her wheat cake. "I can't wait." She smirked and joked, "Eponin will kick all our asses."

"I know." Ephiny groaned and shook her head, her curly locks moving with her shake some.

"We're gonna be sssso sore, Ephiny." Solari pointed her fork at her friend. "Gua-ran-teed."

Ephiny slyly grinned at her friend but went back to eating her meal. After she'd taken a few bites from her wheat cake, she looked up just in time to see another Amazon enter the food hut.

Solari opened her mouth as she looked to Ephiny. She said nothing but her mouth remained open. She snapped her jaw shut as she became really confused why Ephiny had such an awed expression. She then followed Ephiny's line of sight and Solari's eyes widened greatly.

Ephiny swallowed when Gabrielle waved to her then came over. Ephiny had never seen so much of Gabrielle's body until now and not to mention she was completely wet from the drenching outside.

"Morning, Eph." Gabrielle adored the dumbstruck look on her girlfriend's face. She barely contained her smug expression as she sweetly smiled at Solari. "Good morning, Solari."

Solari cleared her throat and replied, "Good morning, princess." She blinked when her voice came out a little squeaky so she cleared her throat again in hopes it'd help. "Here for breakfast?"

"Of course." Gabrielle chuckled and turned her attention to Ephiny. "How you feeling, Eph?"

Ephiny's caramel eyes had darkened to a deep golden brown. She finally met her girlfriend's gaze and she worked a smile onto her face. "I'm fabulous." She took a second to shake her desire away despite how impossible it was. "You?"

"Really great." Gabrielle winked then decided she was incredibly hungry. She headed for the buffet table with full intentions to fill her plate.

Solari finally broke from her spell but realized Ephiny hadn't. She slightly glowered at how Ephiny was completely taken with the princess. Solari's stomach twisted and her emotions darkened, her face bitterly bent into a dark frown. "Ephiny?"

The older Amazon broke away at last and blinked at Solari. "Yeah?"

Solari shook her head and bent forward over her plate.

"What?" asked Ephiny, a touch of annoyance in her voice.

"Nothing… never mind." Solari sighed and pushed her eggs around with her fork.

Ephiny saw how angrily constructed Solari's features were and her back incredibly ridged. She hesitated at first but rested her hand softly on Solari's leg. "What's wrong?" she whispered so nobody would hear.

Solari was touched by her friend's concern and when her eyes met Ephiny's, her anger vanished. "It's okay… I forget what I was gonna say."

Ephiny dipped her head closer and gently asked, "You sure?"

Solari nodded and turned away. "Yeah… it's okay."

Ephiny resisted her sigh as she squeezed her friend's leg. When she pulled away from Solari, she spotted the princess coming over to the table.

Gabrielle lowered down onto the table with her full plate of food.

"Hungry?" teased Ephiny.

The bard softly laughed and picked up her fork. "I ran this morning sssso…." She shrugged then didn't wait any longer to dig into her food.

Ephiny softly laughed.

"You ran?" spoke up Solari.

After Gabrielle got down some of her food, she answered Solari. "Yeah… thought it'd be good for me."

"I wish I'd thought of that," muttered Solari. She smirked but went back to her wheat cakes.

"So what you think you'll do for the day?" probed Ephiny. She tried to keep her tone even and not so curious since she wasn't allowed to lead onto anything.

Gabrielle smiled at the question. "I was thinking about visiting some people."

Solari's eyebrows shot up. "Like who?"

The princess shrugged as she cut up her wheat cake into smaller portions. "The priestess, Masika… maybe the stratègos." She pierced a few slices of her wheat cake but she decided to add an after thought. "Thought about even visiting Eilis."

"Really?" Solari pushed her empty plate away.

"Yeah, I haven't seen her since I got here."

Ephiny's head was bobbing. "That's right… you met her when we first came."

Gabrielle nodded her agreement. "Yes, so I thought I'd see her."

"She'd enjoy that." Ephiny smiled her approval then ate the sliced pieces of melon on her plate.