The following is a bit of alternative fiction based on certain characters from the Xenaverse. It is not meant to infringe on anyone else's rights. If you don't agree or disapprove, please go read something else.
Theirs was a shy introduction. They recognized each other's souls, but that didn't mean they knew *anything* about one another. There were still places in their hearts to be filled and new experiences to be shared. . .and explored. It was bliss to gift their names to each other.
Iovene was quite unable to take her hand from Jacosta's, which brought a cautious smile to the wiry woman's lips. Her own grip shifted, but didn't let loose the hand of one of her soul's mates. She couldn't, not when she'd been alone so long. Their fingers curled together, bringing a quiet solace she thought she'd never have.
Jacosta's mind flickered in memory of the Amazon in the barn. Her first encounter had not been one of the best. The question was more urgent than she intended, "There was an Amazon. She is. ." How much did this one know? ". .Is She. .Did they?" She didn't quite know how to approach the situation or how familiar Amazons were with each other. All she knew was that last night she'd felt *Them,* and she'd been found the next day. This was the Gods at work. She could feel it.
Iovene smiled in understanding, catching the hidden message in the air, just as she always had, "She made it home safe." The curly woman took a step off of the bridge towards Jacosta's snug house. She squeezed her hand reassuringly, "She was very upset. Not at you." Jacosta let go of the breath she was holding, "There were threats made to the nation." The brunette looked grim, "We take threats to the nation very seriously."
Jacosta grimaced, "My brother." She looked to her side at the woman, noting her leathers, the revealed belly and the sheathed knife at her side. This was definitely an Amazon. An Amazon was going to see the inside of one of her homes. One of hers. She could trust. Maybe Iovene wouldn't find them odd. "I've been having visions." She started slowly, glancing to side to check the reaction. There was no judgement in the woman's face, only concern. She felt another squeeze on her hand and returned it. Jacosta felt the flare of courage. "I should tell you about them."
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Oh the difference a little power makes. Aulix felt fabulous. He looked even better. It was wonderful. He finally had a body to match his powerful mind. They listened to him now. His was charisma itself. Even the wenches practically threw themselves at his feet. He had his pick. He flexed his pecs, admiring the way they looked in the mirror and settled the leather vest so it was more revealing. He patted the sword at his side and adjusted his belt. Then he went out to look at the beginnings of the army he would lead to victory.
He stepped out of his tent and nodded in greeting to the priest's son. "I thought your father was going to be here." His voice sounded beautiful to his own ears.
"He will be. He's at the temple, communing." The young man grinned and hooked his thumb over the handle of his knife. He hadn't been doing a whole lot of sitting until lately. That had all changed.
"Ah. Yes." Aulix grinned, "Wise of him. It's always best to keep the Gods appeased." He nodded to the statue that occupied the middle of square, "especially her." The object had a sharp face crowned by long hair and enhanced by wild looking eyes. The statue had four arms with four hands; one for each ring.
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The patrols were increased and given instructions to look for any unusual signs. Eudora joined the search party. After all, she'd knew where they'd taken her last. If Iovene had been captured, then it was possible they'd taken her to the same place. If on the other hand she'd just gotten lost, there was no one better. Eudora knew the Amazon woods like the back of her hand. That's how she justified it at least.
The Queen intuited the real reason and accepted Eudora's request with great equanimity. Valona, sensing something wasn't quite. .as it had been, wasn't so thrilled at the prospect and forbade the red head from going. It led to their first real confrontation.
"We are Not Joined yet, Valona!" It had been a (quite unintentional) slap in the face for the Chieftess, who'd reared back, but could not deny the truth. She had no claim on Eudora, other than what the woman had permitted. She'd forgotten that. In her heart, Valona decided, the situation would have to be fixed. For Eudora's part, she was feeling a great deal of confusion and hadn't meant the words to sound as sharp as they had (while at the same time meaning every word). Still, her exclamation had sent the message, subliminal as it was, to the right ears and there was a very very inconspicuous, unconscious, collective sigh of relief.
Gabrielle stayed behind in Skula, with Kalai to "guard" her. It wasn't that she didn't want to search, but there were dispatches to write and bit of research to conduct. Her lovers, along with Eudora, Valona and a few volunteers from the village, could handle the situation. Besides, she wanted to talk to the hearth fire. Maybe it could tell them where the "young one" was. Who knew? Elementals might have a buddy system. It never hurt to ask.
The small group started where Iovene was last seen and followed the tracks from there. One thing was clear, as they wandered from one herb to the berry bush to another herb. Iovene was Not trying to hide.
It was Eudora who found the marking stones. That, of itself, told them that she was alright. The placement indicated it. "I'm fine, heading north." Arete sighed in relief and got an affectionate clap on the shoulder from Xena. They grinned at each other. Each, in their own way, had been worried for the dowser.
Most of the Amazons in the search group went home, but Eudora, who vividly remembered falling into Iovene's gaze, felt strongly that she should stay and continue the search. Since Eudora stayed, Valona stayed. Since Valona stayed, Xena and Arete stayed. They still had a little time to search. The sun had yet to begin setting
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The fire elemental who was quite alive, told all from it's perspective, from the sneaky men who tried to light the village on fire to the care and feeding of the flames in each of the homes (which, since its arrival had been most acceptable.) It was so proud of the good job it had done, The elemental puffed up and practically purred through it's flickers. Gabrielle made sure to praise and thank it profusely, while at the same time gently reminding the hearthfire, which had taken on the name of Skulasflame, to next time let the priestess know when the bad men showed up. It was thrilled to be given another job, since it was a little boring just watching for fire, and promised.
Meanwhile, it didn't know where the young earth was. It posed a new, difficult proposal. Perhaps they could talk with the wind?
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These pages were last updated: January 10, 1997
ŠAugust 1997