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These pages were last updated: August 29, 1997
ŠJuly 1997
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.
The Amazon's started following them, not long before the warrior and the bard were actually at their borders. Xena acted as if she didn't know this and slid off of her butter colored horse casually. She held the reins in one hand for appearances sake. She trusted Argo, who was a trained war horse, implicitly. The other free arm she used to wrap around her lover's waist. Now they were on a stroll, oblivious to the world around them. Not.
Gabrielle's senses were alert, though she chatted amiably with the warrior. This was something she'd been practicing, ever since that one snide comment Xena made about talking and not being able to paying attention as they were being assaulted by yet another group of thugs. Gabrielle still maintained she could have heard them (though she had to admit that she hadn't been listening.) So, now, after months of practice, she was very aware of Xena's change in demeanor (not that the warrior hadn't been amazingly relaxed, comparatively speaking, since their honeymoon, it's just that there was a sense of deliberate casualness that someone else might not have noticed) and aware that someone was following them, though she couldn't tell who or how many. Still it was very nice to have the warrior princess' arms around her and since Xena was acting relaxed Gabrielle wasn't going to worry and she wasn't going to knock the embrace.
Xena listened with one ear to what Gabrielle was chatting about, (she was reworking a story Iolaus told her about Hercules and a green monster) listened with the other ear to the nigh unto silent passage of the Amazons around them (counting the number and guessing the locations), and deliberated on why a water sprite would suddenly make an appearance to Gabrielle. They were shy creatures. Incredibly shy. Some guarded their springs jealously. Yet, this one had helped Gabrielle and had, in fact recognized her as royalty. It was a puzzle, and Xena liked puzzles. It gave her very agile mind something to work over.
The warrior princess noticed that the trail signs had changed subtly to Amazon markings. There were some whistled calls in the trees. She let go of Gabrielle, stopped and clasped her hands above her head. Gabrielle did the same. The Amazons silently dropped around the two women, appearing menacing in their masks. Yet, they soon greeted their Queen with bowed knees. Gabrielle bade them rise and some of the warriors took off their masks while others disappeared back into the trees.
"Solari, Eponin! It is good to see you." Gabrielle embraced her friends and smiled cheerfully, though she suspected there would be some serious matters to attend to later. She kept her voice light and kind. Solari returned the hug carefully then stepped back and greeted Xena.
Eponin grinned widely and returned Gabrielle's hug enthusiastically. Then she stepped back and greeted Xena with a warrior's handclasp. "Good to see you two. We knew to expect you, but weren't sure when. Ephiny had to attend a birthname ceremony or I'm she would be here."
Gabrielle started walking and asked, "Who's the mother?" Thus began an informal, yet distracting conversation. Solari *whewed* to herself, glad she didn't have to prevaricate. She walked silently on the other side of Argo. Xena switched sides so she could stroll by the stoic warrior.
"Solari."
"Xena."
Neither name was stated in an unfriendly way, it was just the opening of their conversation. "Noticed you have a new crop."
"Ah, yes, the young ones who watch over us now." Solari smiled a slow grin. "They're alright. A bit green, but very proud. I think we have one who'll 'prentice out to a smith, she's a natural."
Xena nodded and looked up at the sun. They had an several candlemarks before it would set. Yet, it had been a long journey. She was looking forward to resting. "mmm." She listened to Gabrielle chatting it up with Eponin and grinned, then nodded at Solari's beaded necklace. The beads were small, but expensive. The bone carvings were very detailed. It was on a leather strap so it was a fairly silent piece, less dangerous to wear when being a warrior. Xena approved. "Nice Jewelry. You weren't wearing it when we saw you last."
Solari grunted and nodded.
"You and Ephiny were joined how long before you came to Amphipolous?" Xena's voice was casual and she patted Argo gently.
Solari jerked, almost stopping, but not quite. Then her face broke into a grin and she shook her head. "Not long." The warrior shrugged, "A hand of weeks." Her stride regained it's easy pace.
"mm." Xena nodded. The raven haired warrior smiled and watched the horizon, "Gabrielle's going to be interested in that." Now that was an understatement, but she was talking Solari's language now. The warrior Amazon knew what she was saying and took the warning. Solari planned on letting Ephiny do all the talking.
Their conversation lagged, even as Gabrielle's and Eponin's was developing into a full chuckle fest. The warrior's gazed ruefully at each other. Xena picked up another string of conversation. "Wind's been blowing hot."
"Rain'd do some good. Our dowser predicts a shower two days from now."
"She any good?"
"We plan our crops by her."
"Might talk with her a bit."
"She'll be headed north come tomorrow morning. The village up there needs a new well and the Queen's consorts'll be up there." Xena nodded in understanding. Hopefully she'd be able to talk to the woman tonight, if not, it could wait. The matter wasn't that pressing.
"She got a name Solari?"
"Iovine."
Xenite Temple | Fan Fiction Site | Home Page
These pages were last updated: August 29, 1997
ŠJuly 1997