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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:08:10 GMT -6
xwpfan - 10:43am Jun 30, 2002 ET (#82 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Hovering in the Light of Love
Death tried desperately to reach into the light and pull her back, I laughed rebelliously and yelled, "O Death where is your sting?" With those words the wing span of death came down shriveled and weakened, allowing me to easily pass into the light.
I triumphantly walked towards the light confident in myself and my decisions for the first time in many moons.The light began to envelope me and bathe me in it's radiance and love.
I turned to take one last look and there from the Elysain fields stood my mother and grandmother smiling and nodding in delight, as they could still hear my thoughts. I waved and smiled as I called out" I love you!".
I felt safe and loved within the light, a place that I could be welcomed for all eternity... but all i wanted to do was to return to the land of the living.I closed my eyes knowing all that remained was for my body to accept my spirit.
The light lead me to a little roon in an Inn, there I hovered over my body waiting in the light of love. I could make out other figures in the room but my eyes focused on Puella only.
Puella was still in a slumped state over my body.Puella had not yet returned to her body.
I listened to the voices from the light, they beckoned me to her. Bathed in light, I leaned down and kissed her,her body began to stir... I whispered,I need you...it is time to bring me back to where I belong"
I saw her stirring, her eyes flooding withe tears and with new understanding.I watched as she stood to full stature, emboldened and sure of her mission she cleared the others away a bit and then bent over over my body...I closed my eyes and I waited in anticipation.
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phalon - 11:41pm Jun 30, 2002 ET (#83 of 237)
Roamer, Wanderer, Nomad, Vagabond....Call Me What You Will. (Metallica)
When Phalon dragged herself home from the meadow, she was unsure what exactly had happened. Was her dream real, or was her imagination? She had been thinking about the Amazons when she fell asleep. Perhaps because they were on her mind, the dream was just that - a dream, the wanderings of her subconscious mind. The only thing she was sure of, is that she needed her bed and a sound sleep. She was exhausted. Her eyes burned, her head was throbbing, and her limbs felt as if they were made of lead.
As she walked the distance back to the village, she had the uneasy feeling that she was being watched. Twice she stopped and listened, sure she would find someone following her. "Just the overactive imagination of a tired mind", she thought and hobbled the rest of the way home. She fell into her bed, fully clothed, boots still on, and slept deeply, dreamlessly.
She awakened to the morning sun streaming through the window and a tapping at her door.
"Phalon?" The door opened a crack and her mother peeked her head in. "Phalon, are you awake yet?"
"Huh?" Phalon pushed herself up and squinted her eyes against the sun's light.
"I found this on the stoop this morning", she said, waving a parchment. "It has your name on it."
"Can you read it, Mother? My eyes can not seem to focus yet."
Her mother unrolled the parchment and read:
Phalon,
We are in Aegina. Come quick.
Evergreen
It was short and matter of fact. Evergreen must have written it in a hurry.
"Your going", her mother said making a statement rather than posing a question.
"Yes", said Phalon, getting out of bed and starting to pack her things.
"Don't forget you have family here who love you."
"Never."
"Be careful."
"Always."
"I'm serious, Phalon. I've seen you sharpen that sword which you keep so carefully hidden under your mattress. Phalon, I've also seen your culinary skills. I know you don't use it to chop vegetables! What kind of danger are you heading into?"
"Mother, I don't know what lies ahead. I only know that my friends may need my help. Don't worry so much. I've learned over the years how to take care of myself."
"A mother always worries, no matter how old the child." She embraced Phalon. "Oh, Phalon, I feel like I've just gotten my daughter back, and now you're leaving again. Who knows when we'll see you again? If we'll see you again."
"I will return. That I promise." Phalon strapped on her sheath and held up her sword, examining it's blade before putting it into it's resting place on her back. "Hmmm", she said smiling, "Cutting vegetables. I'll have to try that sometime."
So with many hugs and kisses, much tears and laughter, and vows to return, Phalon said goodbye to her family, mounted Aronia, and headed toward Aegina. If she rode hard, and did not encounter trouble along the way, Phalon guessed she would be there by the following morning. She could only hope that would be soon enough.
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zena - 12:34pm Jul 1, 2002 ET (#84 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Eurynome Rising
Eurynome opened her eyes and realized at once that she was on dry land. Immediately she felt the need to surrounded by water and she sat up on the soft bed. As she swung her long legs over the side, the handmaidens left their corner posts at the bedside and knelt at her feet. Eurynome the Sea Nymph slid from the mattress and stood regally in front of them. She bade them rise.
“I wish to swim”, she commanded and gestured toward the door. They bowed and formed a procession through the door and into the hall. The temple guard, stationed at the walls, fell in behind as if this was an ordinary occurrance to walk with a sea goddess; and indeed it had been. The corridor opened into a huge room with a beautiful square pool in the center. The aqua tiles in the bottom highlighted the mosaic of Poseidon and his trident rendered in gold. Eurynome turned her dark eyes upon the guard and waved them away. “Go, you are dismissed.” The captain began to protest but when she gazed steadily at him it was as if he could no longer remember his own name, let alone his orders. In confusion, the soldiers departed. The handmaidens exchanged furtive looks.
They removed her sandals and the long white dress slid as a stream from her body. She dove into the pool barely making a splash and cut through the water to the bottom. Eurynome sat near the mosaic of her father, seeming not to move at all. She remained under so long that the four young women began to be fearful and prepared to dive in themselves when suddenly she arose from the bottom soundlessly, as some great sea creature does when surfacing.
“What troubles you, children?”
“N..n..nothing my lady.”
Eurynome walked slowly up the steps from the pool, and one of the young women rushed forward with a cloth to dry her. She smiled at her and that is when they realized that with each step it was as if the water was being absorbed into her flesh. Her outer skin, which had now taken on a faint blu-green cast, was dry.
“Dress me and call the priest. I will see him in the altar room. Prepare my throne.”
Scrambling now to do her bidding, the two handmaidens who went to find the priest whispered to each other, “Of all who have taken the cup, this one is different.” “Perhaps she really IS Eurynome. The statues look like her after all and the people acclaim her!”
Eurynome moved fluidly toward her destiny.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:09:53 GMT -6
girlpower - 05:10pm Jul 1, 2002 ET (#85 of 237)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Into the light
I feel a peace within me, and understanding as my spirit and Xendra’s combine in the darkness. Each demon she faces we face. I grow weak but am determined to remain by her side. I will face these demons with you here in the darkness between life and death, just as I have and will continue to face the world with you in life.
I cling to her essence, I will not lose her. I will bring her back to me. I would rather fade away here then to face the world alone. My connection with my body weakens as the time passes. Xendra knows this and looks into my eyes and speaks," No one is dying here today, I will LIVE for You." My strength is renewed with these words, these thoughts, for I know that she speaks the truth. She will come back to me.
As she spoke the words a small beam of light appeared, she looks at me "I can feel it’s power. The power of all living things, the love and the hope of life itself. Beckoning me to follow it. Calling to me. Telling me that Xendra can not make it back without me in the physical plain. I look back to Xendra as our spirits part. My grasp tightens for a moment. I will face this with you. Her look of reassurance is enough for me to go forward, to let go. Our hands are the last to separate, fingers outstretched. I go into the light.
My feelings are overwhelming, a rush of emotions. Images flashing before my eyes. Xendra, in all her strength. Queen Saxy and Lucystar as I bow at their feet. Zena as she gives me her blood oath. Evergreen as she lays down her sword. Gabbyfan as tries to comfort me. Phalon as she tells of a vision. In the center of all, I see a familiar sight. It is Tauros, the emblem of the necklace, my necklace.
I then feel Xendra with me, near me. I feel the warmth that encompassed me in the darkness. Bringing me back into my body. I am weak, and try to stir. Slowly I can hear the sounds around the room. Blinking my eyes, trying to focus my vision. I try to stand, my knees wobble and arms shake. There in front of me is Xendra’s body, lifeless still. I move near her and place my hands on her face.
I whisper to her,” Xendra I feel you here, come back to this body and live with me.” I bend down knowing that all I must to is give her that first breath. Looking into her face, I breathe deep, and lower my lips to hers, exhaling. I feel her gasp for breath, her eyes open, our eyes lock. “Welcome back… My friend!” Gabbyfan stands near, not knowing what to do, what to say. Then beings to speak, her voice, getting louder as her excitement increases. “She is alive…Xendra is alive!”
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EvergreenLM - 01:30am Jul 2, 2002 ET (#86 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Eurynome Sinking
“Dress me and call the priest. I will see him in the altar room. Prepare my throne.”
"Zena!, have you lost your mind!", Evergreen coarsely whispered.
Evergreen stepped out from her hiding place behind the heavy brocade curtains.
"Eurynomes" hand maidens were startled to see a vision of a wild eyed warrior dressed in a white tunic embroidered with Olive Branches, and carrying a large, foreboding staff. And as their eyes followed the flowing garment to the ground, the nubians saw the vision's feet bedecked in very old,ruddy,leather boots. They gasped and recoiled back towards their "goddess."
"Oh Eurynome, protect us from this demon that has entered your bath!"
"Zena!",hissed Evergreen.
"What ARE you doing?"
"Come on, let's get out of here before the priest guy comes back and sends you for a one way dive to gather more kelp for you hair!"
"Put your clothes back on for the gods sake!"
With sword drawn, Black Wolf stood at guard by the entrance to the bath and tried NOT to look Zena's way.
Footfalls could be heard...conversation in the atrium...footfalls getting louder...Black Wolf steps behind the door...Evergreen grabs Zena as she clamps a hand over her mouth while telling the nubians she will send them to swim with the fishes if they call out. They believe the "demon" and remain silent. Footfalls are heard trailing off and away from the bath.
"Who are YOU?", booms Zena/Eurynome.
"Why have you come with that...that...SWORDED person?"
"Are you a god, are you a dem..."
"Zena!..cut it out...its me, Evergreen."
Suddenly Evergreen realized that Zena must be drugged,but by whom, and why?
Maybe the shopkeeper in retaliation for that whole 'shirt thing'...just what in Hades is WRONG with liking pine branc...Evergreen snapped back into the moment and knew that she would have to remove Zena/Eurynome from her throne without the god thing blessing.
Evergreen handed her staff to Zena, yanked the brocade curtain from the wall and wrapped Zena in it tying it closed and secure with the curtain cord and tassel.
There stood the goddess of the sea...dressed in the finest gold brocade,tassel dangling,and scepture in hand.
Evergreen stood back and laughed...a true story for a bard.
Black Wolf signaled that the priest was returning. Evergreen nodded,grabbed Zena by her corded waist and went out to the window ledge with her. Black Wolf followed close behind.
"Jump your highness!"
Zena stood without any indication she had heard Evergreen's command.
"Oh, Zeus!",and with that epithet, Evergreen pushed Zena into the wagon waiting below. Evergreen landed next with a booted thud. Black Wolf,with ease, leaped in,took the reins,popped them yelling "Yah!, Yah!"and off to the woods this odd trio fled.
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leara - 04:46am Jul 2, 2002 ET (#87 of 237)
Meanwhile Back in the Meadow...
The minutes stretch into hours the way a cat gracefully stretches after along nap. The nervousness I had about LS has faded away and now there is just a calm stillness. After gathering the remnants of my courage I ask questions about the Amazons and how she came to be among their number. Her words are sweet and pleasing to the ear. I hear the joys and sorrows of her life story but, there is something still missing in her voice.
Finally it comes to me; there is no contempt or malice in her tone of voice or manner toward me. It is difficult for me to see past the fact that I am a full blooded Roman. In some ways, I wish could go back to the days of wondering about who I really was. Everything was simple then it was black or white, right or wrong there was little room for anything else. I had no known family, well except when Madula was around but, otherwise I made the choices of who was a friend and who was the foe. Now, I held inside enough hate and loathing for myself to share with an entire Roman Legion.
LS is skillful and turns the conversation back to me wondering why I am still here in the meadow. Why I have not gone with the others when they departed?
“I am still here because I have not decided where to go next. I have walked alone for many years, it has never been easy but it was driven by a search for the truth. I really have no place I call home. In that it is not a fixed structure or group of people who will be looking for me. I have the rights to the lands of The Tree Tribe and that of The Lost Amazon Tribe. Both are in highly inaccessible mountain areas and the caves still exist there. Now, it is also apparent that I should lay a claim to the estate of my late father Justinian. Those being the facts, they do not give the answer to where I’m going next.” I explain staring at the flames of the fire.
It is my hope that the sadness and confusion does not show through. It is hard to speak these things and I can hardly even believe that they have escaped my lips. I draw a deep breath hoping that this has all been a dream that I am not sitting here spilling my thoughts to a stranger. The silence is a welcome change of the words, my words reverberating in my head.
“What does the wolf do when she discovers she has been living the charmed life of a sheep?” I pose the deep question.
In doing so revealing the true nature of the reason I have not moved from this place in the meadow. I do not feel worthy that I am still breathing. I am a Roman. Worse yet I am Justinian’s daughter, the most notorious of Roman houses for atrocities carried forth for the honor and glory of Mother Rome. I understand why I have had a hard fight to remain on the path of right and not give in to the feelings of hate, the thirst for bloodshed or the greedy need for power and conquest. My simple quiet life alone has tempered those qualities a great deal but they still remain a part of me.
I expect no answer to my question. I reach for another piece of fish from the fire ring. The silence falls between us as we listen to the natural sounds of the evening and night creatures.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:11:00 GMT -6
zena - 03:27pm Jul 2, 2002 ET (#88 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Eurynome Remains
"Oh, Zeus!",and with that epithet, Evergreen pushed Zena into the wagon waiting below. Evergreen landed next with a booted thud. Black Wolf,with ease, leaped in,took the reins,popped them yelling "Yah!, Yah!"and off to the woods was the intent of this odd trio fled. Eurynome had let herself be taken by these fanatic worshippers but there were other more pressing duties than being carted about for adoration. She sat straight up and as she glanced toward the sea, clouds began to move in and the waves rose to great heights. The Sean Nymph twisted in the grasp of the one who seemed most devoted.
“Zena, Zena! Cut it out!”
“One of the priestesses of the cult no doubt. Odd hymn. Not like my favorite: ‘All hail the daughter of Poseidon, mother of our fleet. Bring us good fishing on this day, our goddess we entreat.’”, she thought. She looked deep into this one’s eyes and laying a cold blue-green hand against her cheek pulled away and rose up with the next huge wave. It carried her back to the temple and she came in through the same window, landing gracefully and fully dry on the tile.
“My Lady!”, the two handmaidens bowed low.
“Remove this garment and dress me properly.” She turned to the overwhelmed Ichythus. “Take me to the altar room.”
Outside, the storm had gone as quickly as it had come and the temple guard had taken charge of Evergreen and Black Wolf. As they sat side by side on the stone slab in the temple dungeon, Evergreen scowled at Black Wolf.
“Great plan. Who are you? Joxer?”
“Hey! It would have worked if your friend wasn’t crazy!”
Evergreen made a fist and with great control said, “Keep quiet Black Wolf, we need to think of a way out of here. There’s one possible hope, Gabby is still free!”
“Gabby? I know she’s an Amazon, but she’s just a kid!”
“Gabby”, Evergreen told her proudly, is an AMAZON WARRIOR!”
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phalon - 11:33pm Jul 2, 2002 ET (#89 of 237)
In the Company of Dogs (Part I)
Phalon was making good time. She was glad to have Aronia back. Agapanthus was a good horse and a good friend, and they had been through a lot together in a short time, but she and Aronia had a history. They had journeyed to many lands and shared good times and bad. They had grown accustomed to each other's movements and could sense one another's emotions. Horse and rider became one. One fluid motion as they sped towards the sea to Aegina.
Phalon was well aware that she was being followed and had been as soon as they reached the outskirts of her village. She had that same uneasy feeling that she had had last night when walking home from the meadow. Whoever, or whatever it was that was following her had not made himself known, but she knew he was there. Shadowy glimpses in the forest to the right, then the left of her. The crack of a twig behind her. Aronia sensed it also. The mare's ears would prick every so often, and Phalon knew her pursuer was near. Phalon was on guard, but did not necessarily feel that she had anything to fear. She figured if she were meant to be attacked, there would have been plenty of opportunity to have done so by now.
They came to a small creek and Phalon stopped to water Aronia, and cleanse her own road weary face in the cool waters. Again she sensed she was being watched. She called out, "I know you are out there. Come, show yourself."
Out from the underbrush on the opposite side of the creek, stepped a majestic beast, with fur so black that it appeared blue. The wolf walked to the bank, bent down his great head, and drank. When done, he looked directly at Phalon with eyes of emerald fire. The two locked eyes and Phalon instantly knew that her dream last night had not been a fanciful vision of her subconscious mind. It had been real!
Xwpfan and Puella. Did their souls make it back from the realm of the dead, to be reunited with their bodies? Or did their bodies lie lifeless, their souls hovering somewhere in the darkness? The wolf barked sharply, pulling Phalon from her thoughts. She had to get to Aegina quickly, and the wolf meant to see that she did just that.
They stopped once more when the night became too black to travel. Phalon made a fire, and sat down to eat a meal consisting of dried fruits and meat, and crusty bread. She could hear him out there, in the forest, just beyond her camp. She threw some scraps from her supper into the forest, and could now hear his gnashing teeth tearing through the dried meat. All the while she sang a little song she had made up, "Who's afraid of the big, bad wolf, the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf..."
They broke camp before the morning's light first appeared. After traveling a short time, Phalon and her companion parted. As the silvery glow of the moon gave way to the day's first rays of the sun, he appeared in front of her one last time. On the crest of a hill, he rose his snout to the wind and cried a long, mournful howl. His mission was complete, and he was gone.
As Phalon and Aronia broke the hill's crest, before them lay the seaport of Aegina.
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phalon - 12:44am Jul 3, 2002 ET (#90 of 237)
In the Company of Dogs (Part II)
Phalon rode into Aegina just as the first stalls and shops began to open in the marketplace. She could not resist the temptation. The smells and colors were intoxicating to her senses. This was the time of day she liked the best to do her bartering, while the market was still devoid of crowds.
Phalon hated crowds. The jostling in a large group of people always left her with a throbbing headache. The bump of a shoulder here, the jab of an elbow there, hands touching as money and goods were exchanged. Glimpses into other people's lives. Joy, love, sadness, fear and death. The mix of emotions she felt as she came in contact with so many people overwhelmed her and left her disoriented.
This was perfect though. Hardly anyone about. She splurged and bought a silk scarf at one stall, then some silver baubles at another. And the herbs! That was one good thing that the expansion of the Roman Empire had accomplished. The trade routes had made once rare and hard to find herbs readily available at any seaside town. Cinnamon for infections, allspice for ailments of the stomache, cloves for insect bites and to cleanse wounds, and ginko for memory loss were just a few of the spices Phalon needed to replenish her dwindling supplies.
As she was bartering, she felt something stirring at her feet. Pesky mongrels, she thought. The markets were always full of animals begging for food. Again the tug at her boot lace. "Shoo", she said, without even looking down, as she sniffed a pouch of tea leaves. "Leave me be. I've got nothing for you."
She was paying for her purchases when the tug became a nip at her ankles. "Ouch. Look here, you. Go bother someone else. I said leave me..." Phalon looked down at her attacker. Familar eyes stared back at her. "Little Dog?" A yip and a thump of a tail, then he was off.
"Little Dog! Wait!"
He stopped, looked back at her, and gave an impatient bark as if to say, "Come on, what's taken you so long to get here."
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:12:13 GMT -6
zena - 01:58am Jul 3, 2002 ET (#91 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Let Them Eat Kelp
The altar room opened to the beach but at the moment the door was firmly closed and guarded by two of the temple guard. When the doors opened, the room could hold at least 200 of the believers and more if they were insistant. At the eastern end a large statue of Eurynome stood above an altar bedecked with all manner of offerings, from food to dinars. The faithful fishermen had been generous to their patron, and to the patron's priest.
Amid the continual chanting that echoed through the temple, the Sea Nymph, once again dressed in her long silky gown, mounted the marble throne below the altar. Formerly only the priest, Ichythus, had sat there to receive tribute on her behalf. Now he stood at Eurynome's feet, confused and angry that his creation should have become his ruler.
She sipped the liquid from the golden goblet while studying Ichythus over it's rim, He seemed unworthy of recognition but he was after all her representative here in Aegina.
"I will receive the people as they bring tribute for one full day. And then I must return to my father."
Ichythus squirmed. "Good lady, I do not think it advisable that you see ANYONE." He feared the devotion that was building for this "goddess" and the erosion of his power. How he wished he had never entered into this trickery with drugs. Who this person really was seated in front of him, he could not fathom. "I advise against it."
Eurynome's dark eyes flashed and she set her cup down on the arm of her throne with a sharp clink. "I have given you a command. I will be obeyed!"
"But holy one, you don't know what you ask. These people are unruly, they will trample all over my...uh, YOUR temple. Let us rather gather the tribute outside and bring it in." Ichythus stammered.
"Guard." Ten men raced forward to do her bidding lest she cause a sea creature to swallow them up. "Take him," she pointed at Ichythus "to the dungeon." "Then open the doors and until sunset, allow the people to worship." She returned to drink deeply from the golden goblet and with each swallow her features seemed to change, growing closer and closer to the countenance of the statue above.
In the dungeon Ichythus found himself housed with two restless women warriors. Evergreen took stock of him as he cowered in a corner. "Just don't sing that blasted hymn!" she snarled at him. He shook his head, sat down on the slab and put his head in his hands. "I need a new job," he moaned.
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gabbyfan4ever - 03:07am Jul 3, 2002 ET (#92 of 237)
Gabby was walking the streets of the unfamilar seaport, and suddenly felt urged into a run. She had a bad feeling about her mother.
Earlier she and Puella had been left alone to watch over Xendra. But not long after, Puella fell limp and unresponsive right next to Xendra, leaving Gabby alone to watch over them both. She had paced the room, biting her nails as she always did when she was nervous, wishing she could help the situation. But Gabby knew there was nothing to do except wait for Phalon to get there, and pray. Later her prayers were answered when Puella not only awoke but revived Xendra as well! After Gabby shook herself from her initial shock she offered up a prayer of thanks. Now that Puella was awake and able, Gabby could leave to go find her mother. Before anyone could protest, she was out the door flying down the stairs.
Now Gabby was in a full out run in the dark streets of the town, completely lost and in a near panic. She had to find Zena but she had no idea where the temple was. Not only that, but she had no staff to protect herself with, and just had to hope she wasn't attacked on the way.
After what seemed like an eternity, she finally found the Temple. Now the trick would be to find a way inside. Gabby quietly sneaked around the perimeter of the temple and surveyed the area until she found a room that was lighted. She wondered what had become of Blackwolf and Evergreen, and hoped they were alright, as she scaled the Temple wall. Her and Zena would go find them as soon as they were out of the temple.
Once she got into the hallway, Gabby found a hiding place and stopped to think about what to do next. She looked down at her hands and saw they were bleeding from her biting them too hard. Gabby knew she couldn't afford to go storming in, expecting to take on all the guards. Things tended to not go Gabby's way when she did that, and she didn't want to put her mother in any more danger.
Gabby carefully and quietly crept through the hallways, until she was stopped dead in her tracks. She heard her mothers voice coming from one of the rooms, and sprinted to the door it was coming from. Still unarmed, there was nothing left to do but go in the room and hope for the best. When she opened the door, Gabbyfan knocked one of the guards out, took his staff and dropped the other one a second later.
To Gabby's shock her mother only stared her with a blank look on her face.
Gabby yelled, "Mom! We gotta get out of here, come on..... Zena!"
Her mother only replied, "Who is this child?!", to her handmaidens.
Gabby looked at her mother hurt and shocked, with tears in her eyes. It ripped her heart out to hear her own mother not recongnize her. They must have done something to Zena. They must have. Gabby looked into Zena's eyes and pleaded with her.
"I'm your daughter! Don't you know me mother!?"
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zena - 09:49am Jul 3, 2002 ET (#93 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
I Remember Mama...Does She Remember Me?
"I'm your daughter! Don't you know me mother!?" Gabby pushed past the handmaidens and threw her body on Eurynome's lap. As the young women moved to tear the girl away something stirred in the cold heart of the sea nymph. She raised her right arm in defense of Gabby and ordered them to stand still. They obeyed. Gabby clung to her mother, thinking that she had to warm her somehow because she felt as cold as the sea.
Eurynome gently lifted Gabby's chin and with eyes that seemed to have no pupils she searched the young face. "How do they call you child?"
"M..m...mother. It's me, it's Gabby," she sobbed, reaching for the cold face above her.
She let the warm hand touch her cheek, even though it nearly burned her with it's warmth. Her eyes wandered to the window facing the sea and she said wistfully, "I have many children. Some are urchins and occasionally they are crabby. Tell me child, do you ever flounder?"
"What?", Gabby leaned back and noticed the blue-green tint to her mother's skin.
"No matter. You will be my adopted child........."
"But I AM your adopted child........."
"You will be my adopted child and you will reign under the sea with me. Come. I wish to swim. You must be hungry. My handmaidens will give you food and a most delicious drink. You will sleep in my chamber and at sunrise when the doors are opened the people will have twice the reason to celebrate. You will be called Anemone."
Eurynome lifted a startled Gabby to her feet. And supporting her with a strong cold arm she led her from the room. Gabby did not resist, finally at rest next to her mother. "Whatever is going on here Mom, I just want to be whever you are." And so they went to swim, and eat and drink from golden goblets.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:13:57 GMT -6
saxgoddess25 - 08:14pm Jul 4, 2002 ET (#94 of 237)
"Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is done."
The beginning of the end or the end of the beginning. -or- You can't go home again.
The Queen sat alone among the trees as the day's shadows deepend and night came. Still she made no move to build a fire or find food. Her legs were crossed under her and she had long since lost feeling to them. Still she sat, deep in meditation. There was a dark side to her soul, one that she kept hidden from the Amazons lest they be frightened by the raw hatred and anger that dwelled there. In battle she allowed herself to embrace the darkness, using the raw power of her emotions to propel her forward, to ignore the aching of her muscles and the overwhelming fatigue that could have meant her death. Embracing the darkness provided a temporary advantage but it took a long time to reestablish control over it so that she might live a normal life again. So she sat alone in the forest and fought a new battle with herself, oblivious to the passage of time.
A new day dawned misty, a light rain that caused the dirt and grime of battle to run down her body in grey rivulets. Morning passed into afternoon and the sun reestablished it's reign over the heavens. Its warm glow touched her skin and little by little made its way into her heart. At long last Saxy came back to herself. Blinking, she looked around. All was quiet, nothing stirred among the trees. Saxy had no idea how long she had been sitting there, for how does one mark the passage of time when she is lost in another world? All she knew were the pangs of hunger that rumbled through her stomach and the complete lack of sensation in her lower body. Once she tried to stand, but her legs were like pudding and she fell back down. Rolling onto her back she stared up at the sky through the treetops. Then her legs began to tingle and the pain of the blood returning to them brought a gasp. She tried to lay as still as possible since any movement made the senation worse. Finally the feeling returned to her limbs and she made her way cautiously to a standing position.
A stream lay approximately 300 paces from where she had been sitting and she stumbled down to it, barely pausing to strip before plunging into the icy water. Saxy was content to float for a while, letting the current play over her skin and wash all the dirt away from her body and soul. Then she sat up and began to examine her clothing. Her leathers were torn and bloody. She'd have to get new ones for there was no way that these could be cleaned. Happily her tunic, though soiled, was in better condition. She drug it into the water and began to scrub it on a nearby stone. Getting it as clean as she could without soap, she then set it out on the bank to dry while she scrubbed herself.
She was just preparing to get out of the water when she heard a cry. Grabbing her sword and springing out of the stream, she ran in the direction of the sound. Creeping quickly yet silently through the trees, she finally came upon a clump of brush. From inside came a pitiful whining. Poised for danger she pulled back the foliage and was surprised by what she saw. There, crying forlornly was a young wolf cub. Its yellow eyes opened and it spotted her. Surprisingly it made no move to run away as it should have. Saxy stood there for a long minute, then made a decision. She bent down and picked up the little golden bundle and held him to her chest. "Well, your mother obviously isn't around is she? I guess I'll just have to take care of ya huh?" A small pink tongue flicked out and began to lick her chin, drawing a laugh from the Queen. "C'mon you. I need to get back to Lucystar soon. She's probably worrying about me by now."
Saxy made her way back to the place where her clothing lay. She drew the tunic over her head and was happy to find that it was mostly dry. She pulled her boots back on and then stood again and belted her sword around her waist. "I'm so glad I wore the long tunic this time. Didn't figgure that I'd be wearing it as a dress though." She looked down at the little wolf. He loo
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saxgoddess25 - 08:21pm Jul 4, 2002 ET (#95 of 237)
"Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is done."
You can't go home again (part II)
She looked down at the little wolf. He looked back at her quizzically and blinked. "Well, you obviously can't walk with me, so let's see what I can do..."
Saxy looked down at her ruined leathers, then inspiration hit her. Drawing the knife from her belt, she cut two strips and a large square from her leather tunic and fashioned a makeshift carrying pouch out of it, using the strips to tie the pouch to her belt. She placed the cub into the pouch, leaving enough room for him to peek out, and collecting the rest of her belongings set off toward the meadow where she'd last seen her soulmate.
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xwpfan - 11:09pm Jul 4, 2002 ET (#96 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Glad to be Back
When my spirit entered my body, the first consciousness I had was of the warmth of Puella's lips touching mine. Puella breathed the breath of life into me,allowing me to return to life.
My body accepted the breath with a start,I gasped for air of my own As I caught the air, my eyes popped open. There standing over me was Puella I weakly smiled unsure if this is reality or the Elysian fields.
Puella was laughing and crying at the same time ,I heard her say " Welcome back... my friend." I smiled at the words.. I tried to speak but was drowned out by Little Gabby's joyful cries of "She is Alive! Xendra's alive!"
I came to the realization that I was indeed alive. I was back to the land of the living , back to where I belong. I tried to thank Puella but am overcome the words remain stuck in my throat... wanting to express my gratitude I grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze.
Puella bursted into tears, crying "I thought I had lost you!" her face was pale and she looked as exhausted as I felt. Puella looked like she could drop at any second.
I patted the side of the bed and said," Come here, come there's plenty of room here beside me... Rest, I am okay. Don't you know by now that you can't get rid of me that easily? You're never getting rid of me you're stuck with me now ... Forever..
Puella looked at me and nodded.
I said to her, "Puella I have so many things I need and want to talk to you about, important things about you, your family and about us, but for right now all I want is to lay here like this and sleep...Do you mind if I try and sleep for a little while...
I drifted off before she even answered. I was dreaming a lovely peaceful dream when Puella interupted my slumber ...
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:15:50 GMT -6
leara - 06:55am Jul 5, 2002 ET (#97 of 237)
A Call of the Wild ---For Action
All this thought about the future has been tiring, so much so that the flames lull me off to sleep. I am not even aware that I am slipping away into sleeps sweet embrace. Perhaps it will bring the answers or peace that I seek…
In the blackest of nights, the gentle breath washes across my face. My hair is softly pulled back to reveal my ear. The warm wet tongue begins its caress and a smile crosses my face it has been a while since…
Suddenly I realize I do not who is tickling my ear. Is this real or a dream? I wonder. I am now fully awake. Face to face with a wolf, not just any wolf but, my beloved Theos.
It does not matter how or why he is here I am overjoyed to see him again. I grab a hold of him holding him tight. I really miss him but either I have slipped into the land of the dead or he has come back for a reason. He wiggles form my grasp and is eager to show me something. I oblige and get up to follow like so many times in the past.
Theos sets a blistering pace the trees seem to fly by as we run through the woods. He stops at the edge of a sea port and waits for me to catch up. This has to be a dream I am not even tired or gasping for breath after that exhausting run I think to myself.
Theos lets out a howl to signal his return. His cry is met with howls from inside the city.
“Who is in there? And how did they get in there?” I ask.
We are joined by another wolf it is black as the night only its eyes possess color. On the back of the wolf is a sword unlike any other I have ever seen and I have seen a good many swords in my travels. It sits next to Theos and looks at me as if to say,” My sister and yours are in grave danger there in the city. You need to come to their aid.”
The request is so shocking that I need to sit down. Why would anything seek my help?
“How can I be of help to you? I am unworthy even to be living. I have certainly betrayed the wolves as Theos here can tell you. His death is on my hands if he had not come with me or not followed my wishes about the Amazons he would have lived a long life. I can not risk failure again you must find someone else to help them.” I plead my case to the wolf that it has made a mistake in choosing me.
Theos is quick to respond, “I would not have seen as many days without you. There was no way for you to know the heart or mind of my slayer. The choices made then were made with the best knowledge available at the time, so they were right no matter the outcome or consequences. You must now choose WHO you will become. There is nothing set in stone but only you can choose.”
I stare at this talking wolf in some what disbelief. It seems that we are having a much deeper conversation than ever before. In the past it was more about affection and a sense of how and where the other was hunting. I never had to explain the plan of attack to Theos he just knew and acted right on time. This is something else entirely.
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leara - 07:03am Jul 5, 2002 ET (#98 of 237)
A Call of the Wild --for Action II
The black wolf picks up right behind Theos. “I sent for Theos to find you knowing that you have been a little shaken up as of late. I also knew only he could reason with you and make you see that there is a true connection between you and us. We are really the same kind of creature solitary yet social, dangerous, misunderstood, among other things…”
“I believe you are needed Leara and you must go now to rescue our friend and your sister and friends. Yes you do have friends you will learn that not everyone sees what you do. You are blinded now by things you could not control focus on those you can change and the rest will fall in place.” Theos reassures me that it is the right thing to do.
“How will I know where to find your sister or mine?” I ask the wolf.
“You will know with out any doubt. You will just know it will feel right. Trust the feeling when it comes. Hurry there is no time to lose.” The black wolf replies.
The two wolves get up and head back into the forest. I stumble to my feet so I can follow them. I trip on my own boot and am back on the ground at the campsite where I was before the journey began.
I must be losing my mind I think to myself. Talking to wolves now what will come of my next howling at the moon.
“Yes, you must.” Theos and the black wolf reply having read my mind.
“Hoowll!!” I let on rip from the bottom of my lungs. The noise from my mouth is so loud and realistic that I am now very awake. I am sitting upright in the meadow where I had been since the battle with the Romans ended.
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saxgoddess25 - 07:04am Jul 5, 2002 ET (#99 of 237)
"Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is done."
You can't go home again (Part 3)
Saxy emerged from the treeline and strode toward the two women seated at the campfire. Lucystar's back was to her and though Leara could see the queen's approach, she said nothing. Saxy laid a hand on her consort's shoulder, noticing then that Leara appeared to be asleep, then bent to give LS a kiss. When they broke apart, Lucystar was up in a flash, drawing the queen into a bear hug. A sharp whimper was heard and Lucystar jumped back. A small golden head peeked out of the pouch at Saxy's belt and glared at LS. He gave an experimental growl in her general direction and Lucystar chuckled for a moment before growling back. The look that crossed the cub's face before he ducked back in the bag was priceless.
"Who's your friend?" Lucystar asked the snickering queen.
"Oh, I found him whining in the bushes. No mother in sight or within earshot of his howling. He's a bit scrawny so I assumed that she'd lost him...or he's an orphan," she shrugged.
"Yeah, yeah you Mushball," mumbled her consort.
Saxy raised an eyebrow, "What was that you said?"
"I said 'What a little furball,'" LS returned with an innocent smile. "What's his name?"
"He doesn't have one yet. Any ideas?"
"How about....Apollo? You know, because he's golden?"
Saxy pondered for a moment. "Nah, just doesn't sound right. Hmmm, Starbuck?"
"Adama."
"Oh, I like that one." Saxy peered down at the golden eyes that were again peeking out of her belt pouch. "Adama it is then. Welcome to the family little guy."
All of a sudden Leara gave forth a blood curling howl and Saxy's hand flashed to her sword...
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:17:06 GMT -6
Lucystar1 - 08:39am Jul 5, 2002 ET (#100 of 237)
What we sow in this life, we reap in our future lives. This is our karma.
Waiting For Her Queen To Return
Lucystar is sitting quietly, staring at her campfire, lost in her thoughts. Earlier she noticed that though leara was leaning up against the log across from her, she appeared to be asleep. Thinking to herself, "She should go lay down, but I hate to wake her. so I will leave her be." Now Lucy is oblivious to what is around her. She is focusing her thoughts on her queen, willing her to return to her, for she is missing Saxy so much and is worried about her. She remembers how hard it is on Saxy after a battle and often wishes there was something she could do to help her through it. But alas, it is not to be. The Queen must do things on her own sometimes, or so she says.
Just then Lucystar feels a hand on her shoulder and a pair of lips move in for a kiss. Lucystar would know those lips anywhere and just melts into them and all the worry and waiting evaporates into thin air and all is right with the world.
Breaking our kiss, I jump up and grab Saxy in a bear hug hoping to convey all the emotions running through me. But mostly, I want her to feel the love pouring from my heart. Then all of a sudden I hear a sharp welp and pulling back I look down and see the most beautiful golden head peeking up at me from the makeshhift pouch Saxy had attached to her belt. The little head growls at me, if that's what you want to call it, so I chuckle and growl back. This causes it to duck back in the pouch.
Laughing I ask my queen who her new friend is and am told he's now ours. I laugh under my breath calling her a mushball, for she is just like me where baby animals are concerned. I get the infamous raised eyebrow and correct my comment to a cute furball. Trying to look innocent I ask his name and discovering he doesn't have one, we discuss names and determine he should be called Adama. Sounds like a good strong name. One that this little bit of a pup can brow into.
Just as he starts to poke his head out again, leara lets out a chilling howl causing Saxy to reach for her sword. I quickly put my hand over hers to stop her. In doing so, our eyes lock and I can feel the tiredness in her body. I can see the battle-weary soul. I see, not a queen, but a woman who is tired of the battles, tired of the killng, tired for being responsible for others' deaths. I see not just any woman, but the woman I love, the woman I would give my life for, the woman who would do the same for me. I see the woman who completes my life, brightens my world, who fills my heart with such joy. I see my soulmate. And I know that whenever she wishes to leave this place, whichever path she chooses, I will be there by her side. For I am her Consort and she is my Queen.
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blackwolf - 12:58am Jul 6, 2002 ET (#101 of 237)
GEtting the story
Evergreen and I had been in the dungeon for an hour or so when Ichythus was tossed in with us. Evergreen, in the bad mood that she was, snarled "Just don't sing that blasted hymn!" I heard a moan come from where Ichythus was sitting in the corner and then he said "I need a new job." Being who I was, I didn't like enlcosed places, and this dungeon was starting to get on my nerves. I couldn't resist taunting the ex-priest. "So, your goddess didn't find favor with her head preist did she?"
Ichythus lifted his head from his hands and replied "I didn't know who she really was. This plan should've worked. I had everything figured out."
"What should've worked? What who really was?" I asked, forgetting about the cramped space we were in.
"Your friend. She has the power. Heck, for all I know she could really be Eurynome herself. They certainly look enough alike.
Evergreen aproached the priest threateningly. "You had better start talking little man, or finding a new job will be the least of your worries. From the very beginning."
The priest nodded his head and began his story. "I came here a few years ago. I had gotten into some trouble while I was a priest in Athens, and they ones higher up decided to send me to this godforsaken city by the sea to teach me a lesson. At first the locals didn't like me, and on more than one occassion I had to hide for a couple of days to avoid being lynched. You see, it was a particularly bad season of fishing the year I came, and no matter what I did to try and persuade Poseidon to bring the fish back, nothing worked. So the villagers blamed me for all of their problems, even though I had been here a little less than a week. Finally, through my powers of persuasion, I made the people believe that if they harmed me, Poseidon would become even more upset and destroy the entire town. It took a couple of years, but I eventually won the people over to my side, thanks to some good years of fishing. However, I hate living this poor life. I'm used to comfy living with money to spare. So I came up with the plan, and it would've worked. It had before."
"What plan?" I asked, getting irritated by this small talk. The walls were slowly closing in around me and I wanted out.
"Well, about a year ago I made a concoction that would make any maid believe she was the daughter of Poseidon. It also makes her look like Eurynome. The people became very excited when the daughter of Poseidon came to visit one day. However, after a few days out of the sea, the so called goddess goes to return to her father. She walks right of the docks into the sea. One of the stipulations that I have for the maids that I choose is that they can't swim. You see, after a little while, the potion wears off with the more times it's ingested. I can't have the girls ruining my plans, so each one takes a dive into the ocean." Evergreen, who'd been leaning against the opposite wall, started towards the priest as if she were going kill him. My hand on her arm as she passed me stopped her. She turned to glare at me, but my steady gaze slowly calmed her down and she went back to her leaning spot. I asked the priest "How does getting the maids to walk of the docks and drown have anything to do with comfy living?"
"I was just getting to that. You see, I convinced the people that if they gave money offerings every day to Poseidon that he would eventually send his daughter back and repayment for their sacrifice."
"And then you go and pocket the offerings," said Evergreen, barely contolling her anger.
Ichythus smiled and evil smile and replied "You catch on quick warrior."
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:23:19 GMT -6
blackwolf - 01:00am Jul 6, 2002 ET (#102 of 237)
Getting the story (part two)
"How many maids so far?" I asked, calmly picking the dirt out from under my fingernails as if I didn't really care. Evergreen looked at me as though I was crazy to be acting so calmly, but I pretended not to notice. I was trying my best to maintain my mask of indifference and keep calm. If I didn't, the priest would be dead within seconds, and I still needed info from him. Besides, a quick death would be to nice for him.
"Two so far. Your friend is the third. The people believe that the goddess brings them good luck on the seas, and are always anticipating her return. I hand't planned on making her the next Eurynome, but when the people brought her to my temple, I couldn't turn down the chance." He finished his story as blandly as he had began. Obviously, he thought that this was the most normal thing in the world to do, taking innocent girls to their death so that he could get some money out of it. The more I thought about, the more difficult it became to control my anger. With the anger came the animal, and it was frightening to behold. I don't remember what I did when I'm in that state, but the outcome is usually quite gruesome. I had learned to control it over the years, but the enclosed space was making it more difficult than usual. Eventually, I asked "So what are your plans now? I don't think Zena, or Eurynome or whoever that woman is up there is going to let you become priest again."
He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. If I get out of here, I might be able to move on to another town. It'll mean I'll have to start all over again, but if I've done it once, I'll do it again."
I nodded my head, then stood up and went to stand by Evergreen. With my back facing the priest, I growled a low growl, one that only Evergreen could hear. She looke at me in surprise, then her eyes widened when she looked at my mine. My normally hazel eyes had become a golden color; wolf eyes, I had been told more than once. I growled again, but this time words came out also. "I swear by the blood of my ancestors that that man will pay for what he has done. I will see to that personally."
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saxgoddess25 - 05:25am Jul 6, 2002 ET (#103 of 237)
"Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is done."
You can't go home again (Part 4)
Lucystar put her hand on top of Saxy's, preventing her from drawing her sword. Saxy looked at her for a long moment, wondering why her friend and soulmate had stayed her hand. What if Leara had sensed some danger? The Queen peered down at the woman, trying to discern what had caused her to make such a noise. Saxy had never quite trusted the stranger, and had even less when she learned of Leara's true heritage in the conversation passed among the amazons after the battle, but she fought well and she had shared her food with Lucystar. Surely that spoke well enough for her. Now she appeared to be staring blankly around the meadow as if seeing it for the first time. The Queen slackened her grip on the hilt, still not knowing what had caused the howl, but feeling that it was not some approaching danger. She looked back to her consort, who was sending her feelings of encouragement through their bond.
"So what do we do now?"
"Where you go, I will go my Queen...my Love."
Saxy nodded. She'd expected that answer. "Where are the others?"
"Some went home to their families. The rest headed to the sea coast, seeking adventure."
Again the Queen nodded then turned, and walked into the forest in the direction of their old camp without a backward glance. Lucystar hesitated for a moment, looking down at Leara and then up at the queen's retreating back. "Leara, will you go with us?" When the other woman didn't reply, Lucystar repeated herself.
Leara looked back at LS, her eyes slightly unfocused. "No, I must go to the sea coast..." her voice trailed off.
"Very well. A safe journey to you and my thanks again for sharing your dinner and your company." With a last look at Leara, Lucystar slung her pack from her shoulder and hurried off to rejoin the woman she loved.
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EvergreenLM - 09:28pm Jul 6, 2002 ET (#104 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Dungeons and Drag Ons
"And then you go and pocket the offerings," said Evergreen, barely controlling her anger.
Ichythus smiled and evil smile and replied "You catch on quick warrior."
"Well, catch THIS, little fishman!",and with a whop, Ichythus went sailing backwards off the bench he had called his own since entering the dungeon cell they shared by no choice of their own.
Evergreen jumped the bench clearly not finished with the fishman. Black Wolf ceased her pacing and noted what was about to occur. She quickly stood between Evergreen and the man lying flat out on the stone floor.
Black Wolf knelt and placed her hand on the side of the man's neck.
"Well, at LEAST you didn't KILL 'im Evergreen, that's a relief."
A guard had heard the commotion and came round to the side of the cell. He looked at the man on the floor and then looked at Evergreen. Evergreen gave a whimsical shrug with the expression "Who?, ME??"
The guard just shook his head and walked back to where he was casting stones with his cohorts.
Evergreen tried to think the situation through and devise a plan for escape. She looked down her flowing white tunic to the tips of her leather booted toes. She rocked back and forth heel to toe.
"HOW can I think like a warrior when I am dressed like the Athenian Maiden Scouts?"
"What did you say?," asked Black Wolf.
Evergreen realized that she must have verbalized her thoughts.
"Nothing, Black Wolf, nothing at all..." Evergreen replied while flipping out her tunic and taking over fishman's bench as her own.
Evergreen's fingers tapped on the back of the metal meal plate..."DA -DA-DA-DAT-TAhhh..." Suddenly the tapping stopped,Evergreen bolted upright.
"Oh course!...how simple!...that's EXACTLY what Xena would do!"
"Black Wo..." Evergreen looked about the cell and saw that Black Wolf was gone!
Fishman began stirring and started to sit upright. Evergreen,without forethought, tossed the meal plate sailing it resulting in several rim shots off the walls,ceiling, and bars of the cell. The plate ended its flight with a resounding "THUNK" as it made contact with the fishman's head.
Evergreen never noticed as fishman slumped back to his resting place on the cold floor. She was too deep in thought trying to fathom just HOW and WHERE did Black Wolf go. From beyond the cell window, Evergreen heard a wolf howl, "Freedom!"
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:25:58 GMT -6
zena - 11:40pm Jul 6, 2002 ET (#105 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
The Best Seats In The House
Through the night the young one slept on the beautiful soft feather bed, waking only once to drink again from the golden goblet. The filmy curtains that hung around her still body moved gently with the breeze from the open window. Eurynome stood at the window in the darkness and ached for the sea; to feel the salty coolness of the water, to know that life was close all around her. “Soon. Soon we will return.”
Before the rising sun had even touched the horizon Eurynome woke the handmaidens who slept now at the corners of the bed, guardians of the sea-child Anemone. “Rise and prepare us for the day. We will swim in the pool of Poseidon and don our most beautiful robes. Then we will receive the people in the great altar room until the sun sets. Make it so.”
Just as the sun tinted the lowest clouds in an otherwise clear sky, Eurynome and her daughter Anemone settled themselves on marble thrones. The sea nymph sat a little above and to the left side of her daughter. From there she could easily lay her cold hand upon Anemone’s cool shoulder and weave the seaweed into her hair as a crown. Before them on the floor were laid the tribute that had already been harvested from the adoring crowds of Aegina. One item caught the eye of Anemone.
“Mother?”
“Yes my child?”
“What is that large stick with the green and gold band? It has a stange saying upon it and it intrigues me.”
“That is what the humans call a staff. It is like an oar without a paddle at the end.”
“What do they do with the ‘stuff’?
“Staff, dear. Not stuff. They walk leaning upon it or hit each other with it.”
“How very strange. Still, I like it. May I have it for my own?”
“Of course child, if it pleases you. It belonged to one of our most devoted priestesses. Guard!” The guard ran forward. “Where is the one who gave this?” Upon hearing that this “priestess” was in the dungeon, Eurynome grew angry. “Bring her to us. You will not show disrespect to my priestess. The priest however, does not please me. He will remain where he is.” She turned back to Anemone who was playing with the staff.
“Here is a shiny sword with strange markings. Would you like that as well, dear child?”
“No, mother. Only this attracts me.”
“Very well then. Open the doors!” Eurynome commanded and the people began to file in, singing the old hymn: "All hail the daughter of Poseidon, mother of our fleet. Bring us good fishing on this day, our goddess we entreat."
Outside the temple, the crowd was swelling in size since word had spread throughout the region that a real goddess and her daughter had come to visit Aegina. The few soldiers of the temple guard struggled to keep them from trampling each other, but it was clear this would not be an easy day.
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xwpfan - 10:51am Jul 7, 2002 ET (#106 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
What do you mean I snore?
Puella was gently shaking my shoulder and calling me" Xendra, wake up, Xendra wake up! Are you ok?"
Barely conscious I mumbled "Huh? What?Um yes, I'm ok.I was sleeping... What's wrong?"
Puella looked at the ground, "Nothing I just wanted to make sure...
I interrupted her.." that I didn't die on you ? I'm okay,Really. I chose to return to the land of the living. I have no plans on leaving anytime soon."
Puella looked at me and said,"Well you stopped snoring and you were finally laying still... I got nervous."
I stared at her and said, "What are you talking about? I DON'T Snore!"
Puella laughed,"Oh YES you do!! It's terrible. I never heard a woman snore so loud in my life!"
I shook my head, "I am telling you, I do not snore, you must of dreamed it or heard someone else... It wasn't me."
Puella laughingly said, "You snore so loud you could raise the dead!"
We both stopped laughing ... it was the first moment of true realization that I had come back from the dead.
I turned to her and said, "I think we need to talk about what happened to us."
Puella shook her head and tears were streaming down her cheek as she said, "I can't remember Xendra, I can only seem to remember the feelings and emotions that I felt."
I put my hand on top of hers and said "It's okay, I remember enough for both of us."
"I just don't know where to begin, except to say thank you for coming in after me, I couldn't of made it back without you and Phalon. You know of my own accord I would never leave you... I was trying desperately to come back to you, but couldn't find my way..."
Puella answered, "You don't have to thank me, I had to do it.. your now my family. How could I have gone on without you?"
I smiled, "Family...I remember about your family... you are of Amazon lineage. Believe it or not my friend you come from a family line that has more than one Amazon Queen. Out of that line both a mother and a daughter were made Queens"
Puella's eyes sparkled with anticipation and relief, "Tell me more, please."
I laughed mischievously and said, "Well I could tell you more... but only if you bring me some food and drink..I am famished."
Puella looked quizzically at me, unsure how to respond,finally she said "You want to eat now? In the middle of telling me who I am ?"
I nodded emphatically.
Puella shook her head. Puella asked me what I wanted and started out the door.
After she left I thought" I'll just shut my eyes for a second... I was still so tired..."
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saxgoddess25 - 07:59pm Jul 7, 2002 ET (#107 of 237)
"Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is done."
You can't go home again (Part 5)
The Queen held the mask of her office in her hands, staring at it silently for a very long time. Her Consort laid a hand upon her shoulder but the Queen shook it off, not seeing the hurt look that passed through the eyes of her soulmate as she left the hut. If the Queen felt the hurt through her bond with the other woman, she gave no sign. Instead, she looked into the dark holes that were the mask's eyes. How many feathers adorned the headdress? How many women had she sent out to die? How many more still waited for their fathers to be added? Too many, always too many. Alone in her hut, shut away from all eyes a strong woman found the strength to cry.
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Lucystar1 - 10:33pm Jul 7, 2002 ET (#108 of 237)
What we sow in this life, we reap in our future lives. This is our karma.
"You Are My Home"
Queen Saxy and Lucystar, her Consort, had traveled back to the place they had left their belongs, back to another lifetime. So much had happened to them since the time they had set out to fight the Romans. Lucystar thought back on a few brief significant moments in the time line of their shared path. Of the night spent with Saxy's head in her lap, the confession of love for Saxy, the whispered "I love you, too." in her ear, the horror of the battle viewed from that hilltop. Lucystar remembers waiting by the campfire, waiting for her Queen, her lover, to return from her private journey of release. Wanting to help ease the pain and anguish of her soulmate, but not being allowed into Saxy's private world. Shaking her head, Lucystar thinks to herself, "Doesn't she know I feel it in my own heart and soul, whether she wants me there or not? We have a connection beyond the physical that can't be explained or ignored, least of all by her."
Now here we stand in our hut. Saxy is staring at her Queens' Mask. Is she remembering the hands of the elders that lovingly made it for her, is she thinking of the grand celebration the tribe had when it was bestowed upon her head. I know she is feeling the weight of the responsibilities that were placed on her shoulders when she first slipped the mask over her face and looked at her tribe....HER tribe. Such responsibilities for one so young in years, yet she is beyond her years in courage and character. That is why she has been such a great queen, ruling with youthful energy that has been tempered with wisdom. That is why I fell in love with her.
I lay my hand on her shoulder, but she shakes it off. Why? I don't understand? She has her back to me and doesn't turn around to look at me, so I quietly leave her standing there, alone. She doesn't appear to care how much that one gesture has hurt me, nor does she make any indication that she even felt the hurt. Looking back, I see Saxy just looking at her mask.
Outside the hut, I stop and my knees shake. I slide down the side of the hut and sit there staring at the hand that had moments before been on her shoulder. Suddenly a flashback of the time not long ago when my knees were weak for another reason and I ended up in this very same spot. Then in the quiet I hear the the crying of my Queen, my love, my soulmate. I want to go back in and comfort her, but I am frozen to where I sit as I listen to the sobs. Why is she so afraid to let me see her cry? I know she thinks of herself as a strong woman, but strong women cry. Seeing that strength in her would only make me love her more and she surely must know that. I do not see tears as a sign of weakness, but a sign of compassion. Yet, she let me leave without a word and now stands alone in the hut, crying.
How my arms ache to comfort her. How my heart yearns to heal her.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:28:02 GMT -6
phalon - 11:37pm Jul 8, 2002 ET (#109 of 237)
A Grand Entrance
Phalon followed Little Dog through the market place, down the narrow streets of Aegina, to the outskirts of town. There, they headed down to the sea and followed the shoreline along until, in the distance, Phalon saw a great stone temple. She hoped he was not leading her on a wild goose chase. He seemed to have a definate course, though, and would occasionally look back to make sure she was still following, and give a bark to urge her to hurry.
Upon nearing the temple, Phalon could see a huge mass of people assembled on the grand steps leading up to the temple's entrance. "All hail the daughter of Poseidon, mother of our fleet. Bring us good fishing on this day, our goddess we entreat", the crowd chanted over and over.
Phalon hesitated. A crowd! A large, noisy crowd! Her worst nightmare. Little Dog stopped and barked. "Oh no, boy. I'm not going in there. Don't even think about it. You've got to be mistaken. What would the Amazons being doing here? Let's go back to town and I'll buy you a big, fat, juicy leg of lamb, then we can discuss what to do. Okay?"
Little Dog responded by turning and running towards the crowd. Soon he was swallowed up by the gathering and Phalon lost sight of him. "Little Dog?" she called. "Little Dog! Come back here, now!" She waited. Nothing. "Oh, damn it to Tartarus!" She braced herself as a swimmer tenses before diving into the cold, icy waters, then plunged into the crowd.
It started immediately. The joy of first hearing a newly born baby's cry. The anguish of a love one's life flame estinguished forever. A dagger finding it's mark into the heart of an unfaithful lover. A mother comforting a hurt child. A father distraught over his daughter's choice for a husband. Anger, hurt, hate, sadness, bliss, and love. The visions swirled in Phalon's mind as she pushed her way through the crowd. "Stop!!! Quiet, I tell you!!!" Phalon screamed to herself, or maybe it was aloud, she did not know, and for that matter, did not care. If it were aloud, she doubted anyone would have heard her anyway, over the chanting.
"All hail the daughter of Poseidon, mother of our fleet. Bring us good fishing on this day, our goddess we entreat." The chant became a roar in Phalon's head. A dull throb started behind her eyes from the incessant noise and the images flashing in her head from whomever she came in contact. Not to mention she'd lost Little Dog. This little jaunt was going nowhere fast.
Phalon's eyes searched the crowd. A parting up ahead. There. A tail wagging! This time Phalon steeled her mind and concentarted solely on the sight of that wagging tail. The crowd closed in around him again and he was gone. She'd never find him like this. Phalon got down on her hands and knees so she could better keep him in sight. She caught a glimpse of him again, and started crawling as quickly as she could, weaving in and out of legs, occasionally kneeling on someone's foot. "Excuse me. Pardon me. Coming through." "Someone's going to owe me big for this", she muttered.
He was almost in her grasp and she lunged forward, meaning to catch him, but he leapt free. The crowd parted and Phalon fell face first onto the cold marble floor. "This is just not my day", she thought slowing raising her aching head. Before her two women sat on thrones of marble. They were dressed in white silk gowns adorned with golden tridents, seaweed woven through the braids in their hair, and skin blue and cold looking as that of corpses. "Zena? Little Gabbyfan?"
The Zena looking corpse glared down at Phalon, still sprawled on the floor, then over at Little Dog, who was growling low in his throat. The Zena corpse was about bellow a command when a woman in shackles was led in the room. "Evergreen!"
Evergreen looked down at Phalon and raised an eyebrow quizzically. Phalon responded with a shrug of her shoulders as if this were a nothing but a typical day.
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leara - 04:05am Jul 9, 2002 ET (#110 of 237)
Dreams of Reality
I am awake, in the meadow it is calm and still except for the low voices. There is something else here though. I just can't seem to figure out who or what it is. I am left wondering if this is real or another part of this crazy dream.
LS speaks my name and asks if, 'I will go with them?'
Then the other presence speaks in answer to LS's question. It is a small quiet voice that explains, "Leara already has a commission. Our sisters await her on the sea coast."
When LS repeats her question, my suspicion is confirmed. I am the only one that has heard the voice. Looking up at LS I answer her, "No I must go the sea coast..." I can not believe the wolves words are coming now from my mouth. My voice trails off as I strain to hear what more it has to say.
"Rise up, get a move on, you have wasted enough time already." The little voice grows faint and then silent.
I get up and begin to pack my things from the campsite carefully securing all the precious items. I realize that I am still clothed in LS's tunic, I need to return it. The meadow is empty there is no one here they have already left there is no way to even think that I can catch them. I will just have to hold on to it until I run into her again.
It is difficult to think that just a few days ago this glen was pristine and beautifully perfect. Then it was swarmed with an Amazon Army that regrouped, healed, mourned and then dispersed. Now the meadow was once again empty and would return to its original condition because in time all things return to their natural state. It makes me wonder about myself and what will become of me in the end. That has no bearing on the matter at hand, so I shoulder my packed bedroll and weapons. With a sigh I take one last look around the beautiful green grass and set off on my way.
Not far into the forest I find an arrow with gold and green feathers parallel to a branch of an old oak. The battle did not rage this far out it is strange that this arrow would be here. It is I believe the arrow of Zena, EG's friend. I will retrieve it and add it to my collection of items that are not mine. Tied to the shaft is a small scrap of scroll that is addressed to me stating that they are heading to the sea coast for a vacation.
Whatever doubts I had had about visions of last night have been erased. I am more determined than ever to get on my way to the sea coast. I pick up my pace there is a sense of urgency now I need to get to the coast.
There is a fire at the other end of the meadow tucked neatly between the slight hills under the large tree. There is at least one person at the site. My hand drifts automatically down to the hilt of my sword as I approach the campsite.
“My name is Leara” I pause wondering what title or identification I should put behind it. I am trying to start fresh so none is really needed I decide.
“I am on my way to the coast to join my friends. Is there any thing I may do for you before I pass by?” I explain my reasons for being there and offer to help.
The lone figure stands ready for a fight and the other lies still asleep by the fire. There is nothing to do but await an answer however I will not wait long; my patience is thin because I am compelled to keep moving to the coast.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:29:45 GMT -6
EvergreenLM - 11:11pm Jul 9, 2002 ET (#111 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Shucking Shackles
Evergreen looked down at Phalon and raised an eyebrow quizzically. Phalon responded with a shrug of her shoulders as if this were a nothing but a typical day.
A big smile filled Evergreen's face at the site of seeing Phalon. Finally someone has arrived to help make some sense of all of this. Evergreen cared about Phalon. They had a special bond since the time Phalon lead Evergreen back to the land of the living.
Evergreen must have seemed quite a sight to behold. Her white tunic was dirty from the filthy conditions in the dungeon,her dark hair was askew,she had a bloody cheek from her oozing knuckles as the result of her fisted "offering" to the fishman priest,and was still wearing her beloved boots now wrapped in chains.
"Hey, Phalon,"Evergreen said raising her shackled hands. Little Dog ran over sniffing the hem of the dirty tunic.
"DON"T even THINK about that, Little Dog!", Evergreen said moving a step backwards. The guard grabbed her by the chain around her neck and pulled with a jerk.
Evergreen, swung around and slammed her chained hands squarely into the guard's jaw sending him cursing and crashing to the ground.
Phalon leapt forward, grabbed Evergreen and pulled her into the dense crowd of people. The worshippers were so mesmerized by the the goddess,her child, and the chanting that no one cared about the downed guard or that Evergreen was gone.
Phalon drug Evergreen down an alleyway until they fell into a small alcove not seen from the street.
"What is that SMELL?",Phalon said with a face that had a nose that just encountered fish rotting on the beach.
"Yeh,yeh,yeh...stowe it Phalon. Help me get out of these shackles AND this stinkin'tunic."
Phalon looked down at the well worn boots.
"Don't start with me about the boots."
Evergreen began to tear, "Please Phalon,just help me."
The tears stopped just as quickly as they started and Evergreen stood stoically in front of her friend.
"I know that Zena and Little Gabby need out help,but for now they are okay just as long as her royal "highness" doesn't come out of her drug induced state of mind to announce that she is really a mortal and hates the sea and all the fishes in it."
Phalon gently lifted Evergreens shackled hands,laid them across a barrel with a steel band rimming the top. Phalon reached to her belt and where nothing existed a moment ago, a Chakram was pulled forth.
Phalon grapsed the brillant metal circle,raised it,and brought it down sparking the chains that fell away as if made from the air itself.
As Evergreen watched in awe,Phalon brought the Chakram down to the chains that bound the feet and they too clanked to the stoned pavement. She reached up, and with a gentle snap, the neck chain fell away.
"Sorry,can't help ya with the tunic thing," Phalon said as she returned the Chakram to her side.
"Phalon, I would love to now how you did that,but we must hurry before her highness and daughter are tossed into Posesiden's playground."
Evergreen looked around for anything in the alley that could be used as a weapon. Phalon looked at Evergreen with a mischevious grin and pointed to a dark corner of the alcove.
Evergreen saw a glint of light on metal, and on blind faith, reached into the dark to find an old friend. Her hand returned from the dark recess,Evergreen turned,looked at Phalon, and raised a long lost sword into the air. Evergreen put her hand on Phalon's shoulder.
"Thank you my friend,thank you."
"Only for Zena and Little Gabby would I carry this again."
Little Dog stood wagging his stump of a tail while bouncing on four feet in anticipation of an Amazon attack on the enemy.
Phalon shouted,"Let's Go!", and the three ran back towards the loudly chanting and agitated crowd.
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girlpower - 09:42pm Jul 10, 2002 ET (#112 of 237)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Family
I lay on the bed sleeping. The sound of Xendra as she sleeps keeps my mind at ease for I know she is with me. Awaking from my slumber I am relaxed, for there were no haunting nightmares for first time in such a long while. I am still weak but refreshed. I try and remember the visions in the darkness but all I can grasp are the feelings, the peace, the hope. I breathe deep and look at the ceiling. Suddenly the room was quiet, not a noise could be heard. I grew anxious and sat up in the bed. Then gently began to shake Xendra’s shoulder and whispering her name. “Xendra are you okay?”
Xendra stirred and began to mumble. I smiled at her voice and relaxed. “Well you stopped snoring, so I thought something was wrong.” A smile crossed my face as I saw her reaction to my words. "What are you talking about? I DON'T Snore!" Her eyes bulging at me as she spoke. My smile turned into laughter, "Oh YES you do!! It's terrible. I never heard a woman snore so loud in my life!" Holding my side as I laugh, looking at her as she couldn’t help but laugh herself. The denial in her face then the laughter only made me laugh more. "You snore so loud you could raise the dead!" I said without even thinking. Suddenly the room was quiet again. The laughter replaced by a serious tone in Xendra’s voice, and tears in my eyes.
We began to talk as we sat there, sharing our thoughts. Thanking each other, then reassuring one another. Looking into her face a glimmer can be seen in my eyes as I try and explain how I feel. “You are my Family…” are the only words I seem to be able to utter. I wish that she understood how truly important that is to me. I have always been distant to those around me. Even when I was treated well, I never felt safe, never secure enough to feel at home, with family. With her I feel safe.
.I look up as Xendra speaks again, she is smiling. "Family...I remember about your family... you are of Amazon lineage. Believe it or not my friend you come from a family line that has more than one Amazon Queen. Out of that line both a mother and a daughter were made Queens." I sense a fabulous story ahead and I lean nearer to her as I ask her to tell me more. She got that look in her eye, the mischievous one, I have seen many times and tells me that if I go get her some food then she will tell me more. I stood up seeing the weariness in her eyes, I ask. “So what are you hungry for? Never mind, I will just bring you a little of everything.” I turned and walked out of the door and into the hall. Trying to breathe, I rest against the wall. Slowly I move down the stairs.
“Excuse me but could I please get some food, and something to drink. Bread, meat, fruits, cheese, cider, and could tell me where to find the stables?” The woman behind the counter smiled and pointed in the direction of the stables, then went into the kitchen. I walked out the doors and over to the stables. I walk in I see Amica. She is standing there well fed and rested. I must thank the person who saw to the horses. I walk over to the stall and there is my saddlebag and two staffs leaning against it. I slung my bag over my shoulder and picked up the staffs, then walked back towards the inn. I look to the woman behind the counter as she placed the tray of food down. I reached into the pouch on my belt and pull out three dinars, and lay them on the counter as I picked up the food and balanced the tray on the arm with the staffs, and picked up the mugs with my free hand. “Thank You” I say as I went back up to the room.
Inside Xendra slept. Quiet but I can see her breathe. I lay down the trays of food and the mugs. I lean the staff I made for my friend against the wall by the bed. Then walk over to the chair and place the saddlebag down. Opening it up and retrieving my knife, grabbing the staff with little design on it. The one for Gabbyfan. I began to work. Slowly carving out a bird in flight…
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:31:48 GMT -6
blackwolf - 02:49am Jul 11, 2002 ET (#113 of 237)
While Evergreen was dealing with Ichythus and I was trying to control my anger, I noticed a section of the wall that looked like it didn't fit. Running my hands over the section, I pressed on a stone that was sticking slightly out. A hidden door swung open. This room had obviously not always been used to keep prisoners. I ran out of the room as fast as I could go, forgetting to tell Evergreen about my find in all of the excitement. I never noticed the door closing up behind me. Upon reaching outside the walls, I tilted my head back and howled "FREEDOM!!" Then, laughing, I disappeared into the gathering crowd.
It didn't take me long though to realize that I'd left Evergreen behind and that her friend Zena was still in trouble. While my main instinct was to run back to the forest, since that is where I belonged, I blended as best as I could into the crowd. With a little pushing, I was able to work my way back into the temple without being noticed by the guards. As I walked past the offering table, I saw my sword laying there among the gifts. Seeing no one looking, I grabbed the sword and had it around my waste in seconds. I didn't see Evergreen's staff anywhere, so I continued on.
Suddenly, a tiny dog brushes by my legs. "Little Dog! Come back here!" Yelled a woman in the crowd. The dog it was gone in the sea of legs, and then the woman came by not to long afterwards. She was on her hands and knees, moving between people's legs in an attempt to find the dog. Before I could offer to help, she was gone, and then Evergreen appeared in chains. She spied the woman on the ground and raised an eyebrow. The woman responded by shrugging her shoulders. I couldn't see what else happened because the crowd started pushing in around me and I was getting claustrophobic again. The next time I looked, the woman and Evergreen were running away through the crowd. For a moment I thought about following, but then decided that since the two women knew each other they should be safe enough. I stayed and waited for the "sea goddess" to appear.
It didn't take long. Being who she though she was, she didn't like to keep admirers waiting. And she wasn't alone. With her was a young woman, holding what appeared to be Evergreen's staff. I didn't recognize her at first, but upon closer inspection, I saw that it was Gabbyfan. "Well, this has just gone from bad to worse," I muttered to myself. Luckily, nobody was paying any attention to me. They only had eyes for their sea goddess.
"My loyal people," said Zena/Eurynome, "it has been a privilege and an honor to spend time here with you again. Because of your strong faith, I will continue to bless your nets so that your catch may always be plentiful." She stopped and smiled as the entire crowd cheered. Then, holding up her hand for silence, she continued. "However, it has come time for my daughter and I to leave you once again. We love you all." With that, she and Gabbyfan started to walk out of the temple. The guards created a path, but they didn't have to do much work. The crowd was more than happy to part for their beloved goddess and her daughter. Unfortunately, I was trapped inside and wasn't able to get out through the temple doors. Since all of the guards were busy with the crowds, I walked over to a window, broke it, and slipped out that way. I was then off and running towards the sea as fast as I could go. I could only hope that Evergreen and her friend weren't too far behind me.
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gabbyfan4ever - 02:32pm Jul 11, 2002 ET (#114 of 237)
Gabby sat complacently on the bed with the Golden Goblet cupped in her hands, next to Zena. Despite the confusing actions of her mother, gabby was finally with her and had no desire to leave. She didn't know what was in the goblet, but trusted that if Zena gave it to her, it must be safe. After drinking the entire cup, Gabby felt as if ice were going through her veins and as if her eye lids were made of lead. The girl was picked up by Zena as if she weighed no more than a doll, and layed down to sleep on the bed. She was only awakened to drink more from the golden goblets with her mother, Eurynome.
Anemone sat next to her mother and Sea Goddess Eurynome, awaiting in anticipation their return to the sea and Poseidon. The sea-child ached to go that very moment, but Eurynome said they must greet their followers, so Anemone busied herself surveying the tribute they had been giving. Something drew her to a large wooden stick, that was actually Evergreen's staff. Eurynome informed her it was called a staff by the humans, and said she could have it.
"What do the humans do with the 'stuff'?"
Her mother corrected "Staff dear, not stuff," and said they use it to walk with, or hit each other.
As Eurynome handled some buisness with the humans, the sea-child played with her new toy, and continued to await their return to the sea.
Finally, the Sea Goddess commanded the doors be opened, and proceeded to bless the humans with the promise of a plentiful catch in the future. The crowd of followerers parted down the middle as the Sea Goddess and her child at last began their walk towards rejoining the Sea and Posiedon.
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zena - 10:30pm Jul 11, 2002 ET (#115 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
A Long Walk Off A Short Pier
“Getcher tunics here! Gen...u...ine blessed by the sea nymph herself, tunics!”
Cyrus was making dinars hand over fist working the pilgrim crowd at the temple door. Earlier he had run out of his supply of Holy Kelp and unbeknownst to the demanding crowd from inland villages had substituted some green weeds he had pulled from the roadside. “They all just fell off the root vegetable cart anyway and they’re happy, so what’s the difference”, he thought. “ He was just reaching into his stock for another tunic (the ones painted with the letters ‘Eurynome, Known World Tour’) when a sudden surge in the crowd knocked him off the steps. Righting himself he quickly climbed up on a large planter to see what had happened. From there he could see it all converging and he knew his profits were about to take a downhill slide.
First came the temple guard without Icthyus the priest. Then through the crowd that parted like waves under a divine hand, the ‘goddess’ with the ‘little goddess’ in tow. The one whom they had called Anemone was following the long strides of her mother but seemed fascinated with some kind of wooden staff. She would stop to twirl it or hold it above her head and their progress was somewhat slowed by this diversion. Suddenly from the left he caught sight of a small dog bouncing in and out in between the legs of the crowd and behind him that strange Amazon who would not buy a shirt from his shop. Now she was dressed in a dirty tunic (was that one of his stock?) with of all things, leather boots! She held a beautiful sword above her head and seemed to be heading straight for the temple procession. With her was an unknown woman in a long blue and gold dress who cringed each time someone touched her. From the right, coming around the temple wall and heading also for Eurynome was Black Wolf! That could only mean trouble for Cyrus, and since the Known World Tour seemed to be concluding he decided to make a break for it before the three strands intersected and the fates brought misery on his head!
Eurynome swept along, headed for the end of the pier. Anchored there was her own temple ship, sacred to her and her hand maidens, The Crustaceous. Instead of following the usual plan of simply walking off the pier and into the sea, Eurynome had decided to make a grand exit by sailing into the deep waters and diving with Anemone from the crow’s nest with the setting sun as a backdrop.
“The people deserve this sight. It will sustain them until we return again” she had announced to Anemone.
“Whatever”, Anemone muttered continuing to play with the staff.
Eurynome’s need to return to the sea was becoming irresistable. The sight of the priestess in chains disturbed her and she was glad when she left with the woman who looked like an oracle, as quickly as she had come. And then there was that strange human in black who took the sword from the offering table. Worshippers just weren’t as devout as they used to be, no wonder collections were down if they were taking instead of giving. The final grain of sand that broke the lobster’s back was Anemone’s preoccupation with the staff thing. It was as if she had owned it in another life, and if Eurynome wasn’t mistaken her daughter was becoming ill from the thing; she actually looked a bit pink around the gills!
And so they made their way down to the beach, the pier and the Crustaceous.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:33:09 GMT -6
phalon - 12:50am Jul 13, 2002 ET (#116 of 237)
So Long, Farewell
As Phalon and Evergreen made their way through the zealous followers of Eurynome, and down to the pier where a large masted ship was docked, her thoughts drifted back to Puella and Xwpfan. She still did not know if they had made it back to the land of the living. She sensed that they were in this world, but had to be sure.
Evergreen was a step ahead of her, sword held high, seemingly ready to cut a swath through the crowd, if need be, to get to her friend Zena. Phalon grasped her elbow to slow her down. "Evergreen? Xwpfan and Puella? What happened to them? I had a dream. A vision, really, in which they were lost in the realm of the dead. Are they...?"
Evergreen stopped. "I really don't know. I left the inn with a warrior woman called Black Wolf to rescue our Kelp Goddess here, when things turned sour. I was thrown in a dungeon with Black Wolf, who has since disappeared, and the lunatic priest who started this whole mess. In my heart, I feel that they are well, but I can't say for sure. When I left, Little Gabbyfan was with them. How she became Eurynome's little fishy, I have no idea. Unfortunately, we won't be able to get back to them until we tend to this little matter at hand."
"Hmmmm. Evergreen? You have a plan?"
"Nope. How about you?"
"I haven't a clue."
They continued on their way to the pier, where the procession had finally come to a stop. There, Eurynome, with Anemone at her side, stood at the end of the pier ready to address her minions before she and Anemone boarded the ship to return to the sea.
"My Loyal Worshippers", Eurymone started. "The time has come for me and my child to return to the place where we belong. The deep, beautiful waters beckon me..."
Evergreen and Phalon pushed their way to the front of the crowd. The chanting began again as Eurymone announced their impending departure. "All hail the daughter of Poseidon, mother of our fleet. Bring us good fishing on this day, our goddess we entreat."
Eurymone raised her hands to silence the crowd so she may continue with her farewell speech. Anemone paid no attention. She was engrossed with twirling her staff this way and that, jabbing unseen attackers left and right. A look of frustration crossed Eurymone pale face and she continued on. "Fish in abundance you shall be granted until my return..."
A cheer from the crowd. "All hail Goddess Eurymone!"
Phalon's hand brushed against the chakram at her side. Zena's chakram. A vision flashed before her eyes. She now knew what to do and saw the outcome. A smile crossed Phalon's lips as she unhooked the chakram from her belt and flung it with all her might. It ricocheted first off the crow's nest of the ship, then a piling towards the end of the pier, and sailed through the air heading straight for the head of Eurynome's daughter, Anemone.
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leara - 06:45am Jul 13, 2002 ET (#117 of 237)
A Howling good time
I can not wait forever for this mute warrior to make a choice. The thought occurs to me that I am not being understood. I motion and repeat the phrase in a couple different languages I know. "I am Leara. I am going to the sea. Do you need help?"
'This is maddness.' I think to myself. I am leaving now perhaps I will be able to arrive at the coast in time to help. Now listen to me I sound as if I am really begining to beleive all this nonsense, but I have heard that Zena can find trouble in almost any place.
As quickly as I arrived to the campsite I am heading down the path setting a good pace for a human. I am grateful that it is a coastal trail as the hills are more like little bumps and easily tackled. I swear I can hear the wind howl through the trees. It seems to taunt me making me renew my strength and deternmination to arrive at my destination.
The city awaits I pause a moment at the top of the hill where the wolves brought me in the dream. It is exactly the way I remember it but the tall masts of the ship in the dock are not right. I must go there first to investigate. 'It has been a little while since I have been out on the sea a little pleasure cruise might be nice.' I think to myself.
I follow the urge just like at the end of the last dream and from the bottom of my lungs I exhale a long loud "HOWWLLL!" The sound settles down like a blanket on the sea port. I flat out ran down to the city gates as though something was chasing me no point in trying to explain why I was responsible for the howl and then finding my self in the loony bin.
My Roman identity and clothes are of a fine cut and the villagers easily stand aside. Some not because of the clothes but of the sword that hangs at my side. I make for the docks perhaps the ship is a sign that I am to return home to Rome or something else...
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blackwolf - 08:52pm Jul 13, 2002 ET (#118 of 237)
As I ran through the crowd, I spotted Evergreen and her friend a little ahead of me. Evergreen was now carrying a sword, and it was evident from the look in her eyes that she would use it on anyone who stood in her way. As I started to walk in their direction, I heard a howling coming from the forest. I stopped and looked in the direction the sound had come from. It hadn't been a wolf, of that I was certain. I knew all of the wolves in the surrounding areas and knew all of their voices.
It wasn't long before I saw a figure running towards the gates, slowing down when it reached the crowd. The crowd parted, as if the person were another goddess. As the figure came closer, I saw the reason why. Her clothes were of Roman origin, and had a very fine cut to them. Also, the way she wore her sword as if it were just an extension of her spoke of her ease with it. I growled low in my throat, and my lips drew back into a snarl. Forgetting about my mission to help Evergreen and her friend, I draw my sword and head towards the Roman woman. All I could think of was killing her.
The crowd parted for me as it did for her. They knew me, and when I draw my sword it's best to get out of the way. Soon, the woman and I were facing each other. Before I could raise my sword though, I heard a voice in my head. "Nay Blackwolf. Do not harm her. She is a sister. I sent for her to help you." It was Montara.
I looked towards the forest, and saw him at the edge. "But Montara, why would you do that? She's Roman, and you know what they did to my family, to me."
"Yes, young one, I remember. I was there, right beside you fighting. But you must put away your hate and anger. Not all Romans are bad, and like I said, this one is a sister."
I looked back at the woman facing me. She was watching me warily, but as of yet had not drawn her own sword. "Sister? What do you mean?"
"Why don't you ask her yourself." And just as quickly as he had arrived, he was gone. I finally spoke to the Roman. "You have the trust of my wolf, Montara, and he says you are a sister. I have no idea what that means, but since he trusts you, I shall trust you. However, make no mistake, if you so much as blink wrong you will be seeing the end of my sword through your back." The woman nodded, not fazed in the least. Since she hadn't backed down, her esteem grew in my eyes. "I am Blackwolf."
"I am Leara. I'm looking for some friends. Your wolf came to me in a dream saying that they needed my help."
"Are you talking about Evergreen and Zena?"
"Yes, do you know where they are?"
I nodded. "I myself am trying to help. Follow me." I turned and headed towards the dock with Leara beside me.
She glanced down. "Nice sword."
I looked down, surprised to see that I still held it in my hand. I sheathed it and continued on, making no comment. We were right behind Evergreen when her friend drew back and threw her chakram at Gabbyfan.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 17:34:32 GMT -6
EvergreenLM - 01:29am Jul 14, 2002 ET (#119 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Strike Three and Your Out
A smile crossed Phalon's lips as she unhooked the Chakram from her belt and flung it with all her might. It ricocheted first off the crow's nest of the ship, then a piling towards the end of the pier, and sailed through the air heading straight for the head of Eurynome's daughter, Anemone.
The Little Fish Fan was oblivious to the whirling object ricocheting above with her as the object of the last ding. She was too engrossed in twirling the green and gold stu...staff.
As she volleyed a hard right with the stu...staff, then raising it back for a second imaginary strike,the Charkram hit hard with a ((thug)) splitting the staff in two and sending its dissected parts flying through the air. Eurynome turned ,but never saw what hit her.
"Whamoo!" Eurymone/Zena dropped as if her legs were suddenly without bones to give them structure. The second portion of the staff bounced off the mast of the ship sending it back to where Little Fish Fan was staring with disinterest at the fallen mother goddess. "Blam!" LFF hit the dock piling on top of the mother goddess.
The crowd gasp! How could such a goddess be struck down as if she were a mere mortal? The crowd began to mumble with the realization that this goddess was not the promised of the ages. An angry din began to hum from the collected followers.
"Phalon!"
"Grab Zena and Little Gabby while I give this bunch a real show!",said Evergreen as she jumped to the front of the crowd standing over Zena and Little Gabby waving a sword that needed to lob off anything that came near the two crumpled friends on the dock.
"Evergreen! Look...",cried Phalon as she saw Leara and Black Wolf bounding through the push of people advancing towards the dock.
Now, Evergreen, Phalon, Black Wolf, and Leara stood side by side facing the crowd. Swords raised high in a defiant stance sent the crowd one by one parting in a direction away from the fallen goddess and her daughter. No one dared challenge the formidable four.
Zena, began to stir. Eyes opened and as they focused she looked up at Evergreen, smiled and said..."Those boots, they gotta go..."
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zena - 10:18pm Jul 14, 2002 ET (#120 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Sailing, Sailing, Over The Bounding Main
For a brief second Eurynome thought she knew the strange priestess in the stinky boots. From the depths of her being she heard a voice very different from her own say, "Those boots, they gotta go...". She covered her own mouth in amazement as she pulled herself out from under Anemone who was trying to piece her shattered toy back together. It was then that Eurynome saw the round shiny killing thing lying on the wood of the pier. She picked it up, feeling it’s weight in her hand. The polished surface with gold and silver design mirrored her own features back to her. There was something delightful about the cold metal and the sharp edge of this thing.
Leara, Evergreen, Phalon and Black Wolf formed a wall in front of Eurynome and Anemone that the crowd did not dare penetrate. Time seemed frozen as they all considered what they should do next. Evergreen looked over her shoulder and saw Eurynome and Anemone transfixed by their separate “toys” and knew that would have to move before the two sea goddesses regained themselves. She began to step back toward the ship and Leara caught the idea. They would sail out of this! Black Wolf reached into the crowd in front of her and hauled out Icthyus who had found the secret door in the dungeon. “Tell them we are leaving as planned. And YOU are coming with us!” Icthyus did as he was told and to the sound of cheers and one last round of the old hymn:"All hail the daughter of Poseidon, mother of our fleet. Bring us good fishing on this day, our goddess we entreat." they boarded the ship.
Leara took the helm and set out to sea with Little Dog in the bow looking like a mast head carving. Eurynome and Anemone smiled and waved to the worshippers as they prepared for the ascent to the crow’s nest. Neither one saw Evergreen and Phalon moving in on them with ropes.
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xwpfan - 12:26am Jul 17, 2002 ET (#121 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
FAMILIA....Family
I shut my eyes and I was whisked off to another place,another time.
At first, I was standing in a market place alone. Suddenly Vasca quietly walked up beside me and slipped her little hand in mine. As we began to mill about Vasca held on to my hand for dear life as not to loose me. Vasca squeezed my hand revealing her trust and comfort in my company.I found myself smiling feeling happier than I had in a long time.Being withthe kids finally made me feel whole and useful again.
Solaria and Hippolyta walked behind us bickering and pushing each other. Hippolyta pushed Solaria and instead of pushing back Solaria yelled,"Tell her to stop touching me!" I shook my head and laughed as I said," Please no more touching,pushing,arguing or tattling- it's a big market place... why don't you split apart?!" They looked at me and rolled their eyes. I threw up my hands and started walking away.
Little Vasca ran to keep pace I could feel her little hand slipping away I slowed down and then suddenly she let go and ran towards the tanners tent.
Vasca stood mesmerized by the tanner showing off his bracelets, necklaces and pouches. After a few minutes she became aware of my presence and looked up at me with her toothless smile and with eyes pleading she asked for a dinar to spend. I couldn't resist her sweet little face I handed her the dinar. I asked her what she was buying and she grinned sheepishly and said "I can't tell you.. it's a surprise."
I walked away shaking my head.... until Solaria and Hippolyta and Solaria came running up to me breathless.. both talking at once.. telling me about a place that for one dinar you can put a pie in any ones face.
I said "You don't really want to spend all you dinars like that do you?
Remember Vasca had 2 dinars coming because she didn't spend hers last time- you each only have one dinar.
I reached into my pouch and found only 2 dinars left- I looked at the girls and said "I don't have enough left do you mind sharing a dinar so Vasca can have both of hers?
Solaria looked disheartened but said "No, I don't mind." Hippolyta said "Well I mind." and snatched the dinar out of my hand and ran to the pie stand.
Just then Vasca came up and Solaria told her what happened and Vasca said, "You can have my dinar if you use it to pie me"
I marveled at Vasca's willingness to make peace and Solaria's willingness to sacrifice her own needs or wants.I stood there thinking how wonderful they were turning out and was quite pleased with our little outing when suddenly there was a pie in my face.
Hippolyta was giggling, laughing and pointing at my face which was a mess with filling dripping off my face and filling my eyes.
Vasca felt bad and handed me a bracelet that said FAMILIA meaning Family in Latin-she said I was going to give this to you later because you make me feel like I have a real family... but since Hippolyta was so mean to you I thought I'd give it to you now.
I put the bracelet around my wrist and suddenly I was in the midst of another dream.
There was a dense fog and Puella was is lost and alone unable to find her way I reached out for her but the only thing she sees is the word Familia on my bracelet and she reached for it and then for me. I do not shrink but rather stepped forward , grabbed her by the hand to show her the way home.I looked back at her and saw peace and a unknown serenity on her face.I smiled and the same comfort and serenity filled my heart.
Suddenly I awoke to see the same expression on her face and I had new understanding to what she meant when she said,"You are my family. I looked at all the wonderful food and smiled as I said, "If you could hand me that pouch over there I have something I want to give to you.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 20:45:12 GMT -6
xwpfan - 12:39am Jul 17, 2002 ET (#122 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Familia ...Family continued
Puella looked at me quizically but still brought the pouch to me. I stared at the contents of the pouch and said, "I hadn't thought about this in years but I can't think of a better person to give this to- Long ago Vasca gave this to me... she was just a child . I loved the love behind giving me the braclet and the meaning of the word, but couldn't bare that it was in the language of the Romans.After a time I grew to appreciate that one Roman word ...Familia.
Now, if you'll accept it. I want to give this bracelet to you...for YOU are my now family now and forever.
Puella nodded with tears streaming down her face.
I slipped the braclet on her wrist and she began to delicately trace the imprint of the letters with her fingers. I said "It says in Latin FAMILIA- that's what you are to me Family and so much more.
Puella and I embraced, I could still feel the wet hot tears streaming down her face. I slowly let go and said I know how important Family is to you .
I will gladly tell you everything I know about yours...
But first can we eat while this is hot? I promise after I eat all this delicious food I will tell you what I know about your family, unless there's some sort of emergency or something... here have some food."
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phalon - 02:04pm Jul 17, 2002 ET (#123 of 237)
Bound
Neither Eurynome or Anemone saw Evergreen and Phalon moving in on them with ropes. Within minutes the two were promptly seated on the deck of the ship, hands bound behind their backs and securely tied to the crow's nest.
Eurynome was furious. "Do you realize who your dealing with?", she screamed. "I am Eurynome, Goddess of the Sea!!! Free me this instant or I shall call on Posideon to release the fury of the sea upon you!"
"Do you think we ought to gag her, too?", Phalon asked Evergreen.
Evergreen stood above Zena, arms crossed, boot toe tapping. After a minute of contemplation, she sighed and said, "Tempting as that may be, I think it may be going a bit too far. Let her rant for awhile. She's not drinking from that ever present golden goblet anymore, so the elixir's effects should wear off soon." Zena/Eurynome now had all of the twelve Olympians bringing down their wrath upon the ship and Evergreen quickly added, "I hope."
For all of Evergreen's sarcasm about Zena's new found godhood, Phalon could see the concern for her friend written across Evergreen's face. Phalon placed her hand on Evergreen's shoulder, "Don't worry, my friend, she and Little Gabbyfan will be back to themselves in time." She sent a silent plea to Ascelepius, God of Healing, praying that she was right, and continued aloud, "Their color should start returning soon. I believe the potion held some type of element which slowed down their circulation, resulting in the nice blue-green hue to their skin."
Zena continued her tirade and Evergreen muttered, "Must have cut off the blood supply to her brain as well."
Phalon smiled and shook her head, turning her attention to Leara and the other woman as they deftly tied Icthyus to the ship's mast in similar fashion as to how Zena and Gabbyfan were tied. "Must be the warrior woman, Black Wolf, that Evergreen spoke of", Phalon thought to herself about the woman dressed all in black from head to toe.
Once the crooked priest was securely bound, they came to where Phalon stood. "Leara." Phalon nodded in Leara's direction. "Good to see you made it out of the battle unscathed. Glad for your help here."
Phalon turned to Black Wolf, meaning to properly introduce herself. As she looked into the woman's face she hesitated. Those green eyes, with just the slightest bit of yellow. She knew those eyes! But, where? Phalon could not place the time or place. Perhaps it would come to her later. She regained her composure and extended her hand in greeting. "Black Wolf, I presume. I am Phalon, friend to the Amazons, sometimes seer and sometimes healer. Have we met before?"
"I do not believe so." Black Wolf offered her hand in return, and as the two women grasped forearms, Phalon saw the eyes of a wolf eyes staring back at her. The very same wolf eyes that looked across the stream at her while traveling to Aegina, the eyes of her canine guide. Just exactly who was this Black Wolf?
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blackwolf - 10:41pm Jul 18, 2002 ET (#124 of 237)
Bonding
After Leara and I had bound Ichythus, I turned to see Evergreen's friend staring at me. She quickly turned her attention to Leara. "Leara, good to see you made it out of the battle unscathed. Glad for your help here." She then turned to me, and hesitated a little before saying "Black Wolf, I presume. I am Phalon, friend to the Amazons, sometimes seer and sometimes healer. Have we met before?"
"I do not believe so" I replied, grasping her forearm. A look of confusion came over her face when she looked into my eyes. "You have very unusual eyes. I have only seen eyes like that once, and it was on a wolf."
I chuckled a little before replying. "Ah, you must mean Montara. I sent him to you in order to bring you to the village so that you could help Xwpfan and Puella. He is my friend, and the other part of my soul." I laughed out loud at seeing Phalon's surprise to this announcement. I looked at Leara to see if she would have the same expression, but she was smiling and the look on her face suggested that she knew what I was talking about. I turned to see if Evergreen was nearby, since I remembered that she had also been confused upon me saying Montara was a part of me, but she was nowhere to be seen. Turning back to Phalon I started my explanation.
"I guess I should start with where I come from. My people, I guess you could call it a tribe, have lived in the forest for centuries now. We are a peaceful people. Most of us study the plants, and through that studying are able to make herbs. Any type of herb you can think of probably came from our tribe at one point. Unfortunately, since we have always been a peaceful tribe, there have been several occassions when outsiders have come into the forest to make trouble. They either steal the herbs we make, or our young women. Why steal the herbs that will only last for a little while when you can steal the ones who make those herbs. Several hundred years ago, it is said, the people called to the gods for help. They knew plants, not how to fight. However, their numbers were slowly dwindling, and they wanted some protection. One goddess was so pleased with the work that my people did that she answered their prayers by sending them what is called by my people The First Protector. This man was a great warrior, but what made him a legend was the fact that he had a constant companion, a hawk. He explained that he and the hawk were bonded, bonded so tightly that if one would die, so would the other. If one was injured, the other would feel it. At first, my people couldn't understand why someone would do this since the price was so high. However, in the months to come, they soon realized why. The hawk was a constant companion to the Protector, his best friend. It was like they were family. The hawk, when it wasn't with the Protector, patroled the forest, and told the Proctector when trouble was nearby. My people never had any problems ever again." I paused, looking at each of the women. We had gone to the helm, which Leara was steering. Phalon and I were sitting on some nearby crates.
"That is very interesting. Can you tell me more about this bond that the Protectors have? Is it still as strong today as it was then? How is it decided that one will become a Protector? Is it known at birth, or not until later when the person bonds with the animal? And what about that sword of yours. It is quite amazing." Phalon said.
"I will answer your questions in a bit. But I have one of my own." Turning to Leara I asked "What did Montara mean when he said you were a sister?"
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 20:46:35 GMT -6
saxgoddess25 - 02:08am Jul 20, 2002 ET (#125 of 237)
"Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is done."
You can't go home again. (Part 6-The final chapter)
Saxy emerged finally from the hut, two large bundles slung over one shoulder and a leather scrip hanging from the other. She had started toward the tree where the horses were tethered when she spotted LS sitting not far away, a look of profound sadness on her face. Making a quick decision, Saxy strode toward her soulmate. Dropping her bundles on the ground, the amazon queen knelt in front of LS and took her hand. "I'm sorry," Saxy declared, "I know that I hurt you, and I never meant to. I...I just needed to be alone. To work things out."
Lucystar looked at her for a long moment. "Being in love with someone means that you never have to work your problems out alone."
Saxy cast her eyes to the ground. "I know love, I...I've just been dealing with my problems alone for so long. I couldn't share with you, though I wanted to, I really did. They were demons that I had to face by myself."
LS nodded, though her face showed that she remained unconvinced. Saxy raised Lucystar's hand to her lips, gently bestowing a kiss upon it. "Forgive me?"
"Always my love, my heart."
Saxy smiled and gave her a kiss before rising and offering a hand. "So where are we going?" LS queried.
The smile on Saxy's lips wavered and disappeared. "Well," she sighed deeply, "I was raised to be a Queen of Amazons. This is my land, the home of my tribe. I had planned on going back to Cyrene's and waiting for my sisters to return from their grand adventures."
Lucystar nodded again, "Sounds good, my love...."
"...but," Saxy broke in. "But. I've had a long time to think. My tribe, my sisters, are no longer here. Why did they leave the village after the battle? There was no reason to go away. I realize that this is the end of my reign here. They don't need me anymore."
"That's not fair," LS said softly, in defense of her friends and adopted family.
"Probably not, but it is true. My heart isn't in this anymore. I'm going north, to the land across the sea from Britania. The land that even the Romans haven't conquered. The land known as Erin. I know a clan chief there who would probably not mind a washed up Amazon Queen in his army," she paused again. "Will you come with me?"
"Where you go, I will go," Lucystar stated without hesitation. Saxy drew her close and gave her a long, tender kiss. There was a soft whine at her feet and she looked down to find a pair of burnished eyes looking up at her. She bent and drew the bundle of golden fur close to her face where a tiny pink tongue flashed and licked her square on the nose. "Hi Adama. How do you like rain, eh?" The little wolf gave his best immitation of a fierce growl. "Hmmm, me neither, but we'll have to get used to it. Lots of rain where we're going." Tucking him back into the pouch on her belt, Saxy again shouldered her bundle. "Shall we, my Consort?"
"Yes."
Together they walked toward the horses. After fastening the bundles behind their saddles, they mounted. A final clasp of their hands, a sad look at the forlorn looking huts and a tender kiss, then they turned their mounts toward the north and a new future.
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Lucystar1 - 12:35pm Jul 20, 2002 ET (#126 of 237)
What we sow in this life, we reap in our future lives. This is our karma.
Where You Go, I Go
Still sitting on the ground, Lucystar awaits the emergence of her queen, her love, from the hut. She doesn't know how much time has pasted, but it makes no difference. She will wait as long as it takes for Saxy to rid herself of whatever demons still seem to possess her. No matter how many times LS tells Saxy that she loves her and that they should work things out together, she knows until Saxy truly believes it in her heart she will try to face the battles alone. But Lucystar is, among other things, persistent and she knows she will win out over the Queen on this one point.
Finally, Saxy appears from the hut and starts toward their horses. Lucystar looks after her with such saddness..."will she turn back for me, have I pushed too hard, does she want to go through life alone?" These are the thoughts racing through Lucystar's mind. Then the Queen turns and strides toward her. Dropping in front of LS, Saxy says "I'm sorry" and in that brief moment Lucystar knows everything will be alright.
LS reminds Saxy that the love they share is stronger than either of them and that together they can defeat any demons that may get in their path. And though the Amazon Tribe has decided to go to the sea, it doesn't mean they don't want or need her. Just that a different path may have been chosen. We each must choose which road to travel. "Saxy, you know I have chosen to spend my life traveling the roads with you whether it is to the land called Erin or beyond. We will be a tribe of two and you will always be my Queen."
After a long, tender kiss that reminded Lucystar just how much Saxy loves her, Saxy bends down and picks up Adama, the wolf pup. LS thinks to herself "OK, a tribe of three"
Together (LS liked the sound of that) they loaded the bundles behind their saddles and mounted their horses. LS takes Saxy's hand and gives it a squeeze just to let her know everything will be OK. They gaze one last time at the forlorn looking village. Saxy leans over giving Lucystar a kiss which says "yes, everything will be OK"
They turn their mounts toward the north and toward a new future. Together.
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EvergreenLM - 02:30am Jul 18, 2002 ET (#127 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Dreams,Schemes,and Sailing Away
For all of Evergreen's sarcasm about Zena's new found godhood, Phalon could see the concern for her friend written across Evergreen's face. Phalon placed her hand on Evergreen's shoulder, "Don't worry, my friend, she and Little Gabbyfan will be back to themselves in time."
Evergreen went below deck in search of dry, clean clothing. Down the wooden steps and into an open cargo hold, Evergreen was amazed at the sight before her. There were crates of merchandise that obviously were to have been unloaded at the dock.
Evergreen laughed at the irony of the shipping stamp "Herpocheles Dry Goods,Herbs,and Fine Wines." The very same merchant visited by Zena and Evergreen the first day in the port. *Ha! If he only knew that now I have ALL his shirts to choose from*.
Evergreen found a large prying iron, slipped its forked edged under the lid of the crate marked "Fine Apparrel",and with nails creaking, forced the top open. Inside were a treasure of clothing. Evergreen hastily rummaged through the lot until she came upon a shirt of forest green with soft buckskin stitching across the yoke and cuffs. A soft pair of deer skin leather pants that appeared to be the right size, were confiscated next. There were even undergarments most likely sold to those who extra dinars to spend on such luxuries. Those too now had an owner.
Clean clothes meant nothing without washing away the grime from the prison. A long passageway lead Evergreen to what must be the Captain's private quarters. No roustabout would have such fine things to make the long voyages with such comfort. Evergreen entered, closed the door and dropped the wooden bar to secure it. In a small offset, was a large washtub. A large, water engorged bladder was suspended above the tub with a spigot for release of its contents. Fine soapstone lay nearby. It had the distinct scent of Jasmine which told her the soap may have traveled from Japa.
Evergreen quickly stripped, entered the washtub, turned the spigot to let the cool water run over her body. She turned the spigot off, lathered her hair, and then slowly washed away the reminders of the prison. The enjoyment was beyond measure.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 20:48:05 GMT -6
EvergreenLM - 02:43am Jul 18, 2002 ET (#128 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Dreams.Schemes,and Sailing Away (Part 2)
Evergreen stepped out of the tub, ran a soft drying cloth through her her hair and over the rivulets of water cascading to the wooden floor. She savored putting on the new clothes and ran her hand down the sleeves. Evergreen laced the top and slipped on the soft leather pants. She ran her fingers through her damp dark hair. She sat down on the Captain's bunk, picked up her boots, but stopped before putting them on. *Zena is right, these really do have to go...all things must leave in their due time...even boots. *
Evergreen padded back to the cargo hold and surveyed the crates for anything marked "Foot Gear." One large crate in a dark corner was marked as such, and with the prying bar, Evergreen pillaged the contents therein. Sandals went flying to the floor, children's shoes, shoes for women of wealth, men's field boots, all went the way of the others. But there at the bottom, just when Evergreen was resigned to putting back on her well worn boots, a pair of finely crafted, soft leather, knee high, replacements with silver amulets were discovered. To find that they were a perfect fit was a treasure for Evergreen. *Ahhh,now for the crate with the wine...*
The wine crate was easily opened as was the bottle itself. Evergreen found a small glass, probably the Captain's token from one of many voyages. She smelled the stopper, poured a little in the glass, and finding it pleasingly tart to the taste, poured filling the glass the rim. *Here's to you oh goddess of tied-to-the-mast.*
Evergreen sat down at the Captain's table and began looking at the colorful maps. She quickly spotted a small village along the Grecian seacoast. Evergreen had picked up a small dagger and was tapping it on the table. Zena's voice was heard in her head from a time long ago before their journey took them to war with the Romans...or maybe it was the just the rush of the wine. "Lets leave and go to Thrace." *Go to Thrace...go to...*Evergreen took the dagger and with a jolt, stuck it into the very spot the village lay on the map. It was perhaps a three day sail up the coastline. *Why not, like my old boots, everything changes in its due season.*
Evergreen bounded up the wooden steps back topside. Her haired had dried enough to allow the silver to shine as light reflecting off the sea. Dark eyes danced as she approached Zena. Evergreen placed calloused ,tan hands gently on Zena's shoulders.
Zena smiled softly singing "We all must become like fishes in the sea, as I will for you, you will become for me."
"Ye gods in the heavens,Zena...listen to me...you don't know it yet oh goddess of life long friends...we are finally going home!"
Dolphins jumped and screeched from the sea guiding the ship as it bucked,rolled, and crashed into the waves. Sea birds dived and swooped looking for bits of fish on the deck. Sails popped and snapped into the headwind. *No finer day is this*, thought Evergreen as she sat down next to Zena,closed her eyes,taking this journey into her dreams.
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girlpower - 05:48pm Jul 22, 2002 ET (#129 of 237)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Xendra's staff
I sat and carved the staff in my hands, the staff for Gabbyfan. The images appear as I work, of a dove for the peace she brings into a room. An eagle for her strength and loyalty. A hawk for her cunning and prowess. An owl for her wisdom. A robin for her beauty, and a nightingale for the sound of her voice. The feathers of the eagle were especially difficult to carve just right. I sit concentrating staring at the staff, when I hear Xendra stir. She is staring at me from the bed she is recovering in. I wondered aloud, “Evergreen, Zena, Gabbyfan, and Blackwolf have been gone a long while.” Even though I am thankful for the time to sit and carve. For when I carve I do not have to think. All the questions in my mind, wilt away as I concentrate. Queitly Xendra speaks. I watch and listen to her words.
As Xendra snaps the bracelet that Varia gave her, onto my wrist my eyes well up, not for the gift itself, but the words upon it. She does understand my feelings. As our embrace is broken I lean over to the wall where the staff leans. I slowly hand it to her. “This staff is for you Xendra.” I look to the ground as I hand it to her, then I look up to see the expression in her eyes. “I hope you like it,” I say. Xendra’s face lit up as she ran her hands across the details of the staff. “It will protect you and help you to walk, until your leg is completely healed.” I look to her leg and see the bandages are clean still, no blood stains them. I gently place my hand on the wound to feel for heat. There was none present. A smile crosses my face.
Xendra continued to touch every inch of the staff. I stood and brought the trays of food to the bedside. Then sat down next to my family and offered the food. As her fingers caressed the carvings she began to speak , “This looks like the emblem on the necklace I took from you.” I smiled and said, “It is Taurus, it represents the stars, I have looked upon all my life. The one emblem I can identify with, kept with me always. It represents me.”
She runs her fingers along the top of the staff, “This is the sun and at the other end of the staff is the moon.” I nod my head, and whisper, “The light that guides us on our path.” “ And this?” she asks as she stops her hands at the next carving.
“That is the Piscis Austrinus, or the southern fish.” Inside Xendra traces the name Hippolyta. “I picked the fish for it is solitary, as Hippolyta was even with her sisters and you. I want you to remember her on a happy day. Reminding you of the story you told of how she caught her first fish.”
Xendra’s hand moves again this time resting on a long carving, looking up to me. “That is Eridanus, the river.” The name Varia is carved along it. “The story of it’s placement in the stars is one of willfulness. Phaethon, the son of Apollo who was half mortal. He so much wanted to prove himself he took the reins of the celestial chariot and flew haphazardly into the heavens and then plunged to the earth, causing lands to freeze and others to become deserts. Zeus soon had enough of this nonsense and sent a thunderbolt, killing the young man. His burning body fell to Earth and landed in the River Eridanus. Varia was such a warrior. Often biting off more then she could chew, but always meaning well."
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girlpower - 05:53pm Jul 22, 2002 ET (#130 of 237)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Xendra's staff II
I look into Xendra's face as I tell the story. Her eyes show her feelings. She nods her head as I look to the ground, knowing the next carving will be the hardest for me, for it represents Solaria. Xendra caresses the staff and sees the name of her last daughter. "I had a hard time deciding what to carve to represent her," I whispered. "She had the heart of a lion, so I thought Leo, but she was far nobler then that. Then I thought Aquila or the Eagle, which represents loyalty, but she was more then loyal, she gave her life for me. Finally I settled on Orion, the great hunter. Killed by his love Artemis with an arrow. Apollo had tricked her into doing so, but her heart so heavy from her loss she was never the same again. Placing him in the heavens, in the darkest part of the sky, so that these stars shall shine the brightest. I did not kill Solaria, but I caused her death, so I understand these feelings."
Xendra could no longer hold in the tears. She cried as I spoke, openly without fear. Knowing she was safe with me. Shaking my head in an attempt to keep my emotions in check, I stood and walked to the window. Speaking of the last word carved on the staff. "Actis or beam of light, for you were my beacon in the darkness, guiding me to this place, to my family..."
Xendra rises from the bed and joins me at the window. Resting her hand on my shoulder. I look into her eyes and then back out of the window, this time seeing something I had not focused on before. A ship setting sail. Tied to the mast is Zena and Gabbyfan, at the helm are Leara and Blackwolf and standing beside Zena is Evergreen. I look to Xendra. Our actions are swift. Grabbing up all of the packs and running out the door...
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 20:49:22 GMT -6
leara - 06:06pm Jul 22, 2002 ET (#131 of 237)
Meeting the Sisters
As I make my way through the city, the corridor of people suddenly opened to reveal a lone figure coming up the other end. At the sight of me the sword is free of its sheath like a bolt of lightening.
I am steadfast as the sword and wielder come closer. I am a Roman and will face my end with grace. I am at peace with death and would welcome its embrace as it would end....
My thoughts trail off as the woman stops in front me. The sword capture's my attention and I fight to keep my face clear of all expression and recognition. The sword in her hand is the one of the Wolf that summoned me to this place. If he has summoned me to meet my death so be it. The woman explains who she is and adds a warning that she would not hesitate to use the sword in her hand. Finally a name to go with the person "I am Blackwolf."
No time to waste here in the square I return the introduction and explain my presence here looking for EG and Zena. I follow her down the crowed streets to the docks. They are all at the front of the crowd. I think to myself 'The Amazons have gone to being a traveling circus act.'
Soon it is the four of us -Phalon Evergreen Blackwolf and I- protecting Zena and LGF but they were different some how. EG began to step to the ship I would very much like to be off land no wolves in the sea. I head to the ship and loosed a line on the way to the helm. Some time in the fresh sea will do us all some good.
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xwpfan - 07:12pm Jul 22, 2002 ET (#132 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
A Magnificent Gift
As we let go our embrace Puella walked over to the corner and came back with a magnificent staff in her hands I was taken aback when she said "Here this staff is for you Xendra.” Puellas eyes immediately looked downward as she handed the staff to me.
I swallowed hard fighting back the tears I felt forming.. I fought to find words to speak... I looked at her trying desperately to convey the emotions... I could not voice. Puella said,"I hope you like it," I smiled at her question, and answered "Like it ? I love it... it is Exquisite!"
As ran my fingers across the staff I began to notice the intricate details of the staff.
Puella whispered "It will protect you and help you to walk, until your leg is completely healed."
A quick look of concern crossed her face, Puella took a look at my leg and to both of our great relief the bandages were clean still, no blood stains were present. Puella then placed her soft hands gently on the wound to check for heat. There was no excess heat radiating from the wound.
Briefly we shared a much needed smile as I repositioned my body to get a better look at the amazing gift she has bestowed upon me.
I couldn't help but to touch every inch of the staff, to feel each cut of the knife to reconize the hours of work and dedication behind such a gift.
Puella brought trays of food to my bedside like I had requested but suddenly I had no hunger....just increased curiousity about the incredible workmanship the staff displayed.
As my fingers caressed the carvings I found a very familar symbol and said, "This looks like the emblem on the necklace I took from you." Puella smiled and said, "It is Taurus, it represents the stars, I have looked upon all my life. The one emblem I can identify with, kept with me always. It represents me."
...."It represents me".. the words struck deep and i had to bite my lip to keep back the tears.
I looked at the top of the staff there were gorgeous carvings along the top of the staff, I looked at Puella and I said "Am I right This is the sun and at the other end of the staff is the moon.?" Puella nodded her head, and whispered, "The lights that guides us on our path."
I run my fingers until I found the next carving, a fish like carving and asked her“ "And what is this?"
Puella answered“That is the Piscis Austrinus, or the southern fish.” Absentmindedly I traced the name Hippolyta as she said. “I picked the fish for it is solitary, as Hippolyta was even with her sisters and you. I want you to remember her on a happy day. Reminding you of the story you told of how she caught her first fish.”
I smile as the memory crossed my mind and then my hands began to move about the staff, this time they rested on a long carving, I looked up to Puellas for the answer.
Puella began her explanation of each figure and carving...
“That is Eridanus, the river.” The name Vasca is carved along it. “The story of it’s placement in the stars is one of willfulness. Phaethon, the son of Apollo who was half mortal. He so much wanted to prove himself he took the reins of the celestial chariot and flew haphazardly into the heavens and then plunged to the earth, causing lands to freeze and others to become deserts. Zeus soon had enough of this nonsense and sent a thunderbolt, killing the young man. His burning body fell to Earth and landed in the River Eridanus. Vasca was such a warrior. Often biting off more then she could chew, but always meaning well."
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xwpfan - 07:56pm Jul 22, 2002 ET (#133 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Magnificent Gift continued
Puella began to tell me the story and I became a washed in my emotions,several times our eyes would lock giving away the mounting vunerabilty inside of me. My eyes give away my feelings.
As Puella came to the next carving I could feel her grief as much as my own... as she paused I nodded acknowledging how hard Solaria's loss is for both of us.
The carving represented Solaria. I caressed the place where Solaria's name was etched as Puella whispered " I had a hard time deciding what to carve to represent Solaria. She had the heart of a lion, so I thought Leo, but she was far nobler then that. Then I thought Aquila or the Eagle, which represents loyalty, but she was more then loyal, she gave her life for me. Finally I settled on Orion, the great hunter. Killed by his love Artemis with an arrow. Apollo had tricked her into doing so, but her heart so heavy from her loss she was never the same again. Placing him in the heavens, in the darkest part of the sky, so that these stars shall shine the brightest. I did not kill Solaria, but I caused her death, so I understand these feelings."
As she said the words I cried, "My friend did not cause her death... the Romans did." As I spoke the words I could no longer hold back the tears. Out poured the immense grief and anguish I had tried so hard to keep bottled up. It felt liberating to cry openly without fear or reservation... for the first time in a long time that my emotions and I were in safekeeping. I knew instinctually I could entrust her with me with my emotions.
Puella seemed a bit overwhelmed at my display of emotion.. she stood up shook her head as she walked towards the window.
Her words trailed off as she talked about the last word carved on the staff. "Actis or beam of light, for you were my beacon in the darkness, guiding me to this place, to my family..."
I swung my legs around, planted both feet on the ground and gently walked over to join Puella at the window. Wanting to comfort both of us but not really knowing how, I simply rested my head on her shoulder. Finally I felt free ,I sighed with contentment and Puella looked into my eyes and then back towards the window. I followed her stare to my grat dismay we spotted a ship setting sail, not just any ship but rather a ship having Zena and Gabbyfan tied to it's mast. I squinted to get a better look ... at the helm appeared to be Leara and Blackwolf and standing beside Zena was Evergreen.
We looked at each other both full of questions but without saying even a word we grabbed our gear and all our belongings. I threw several dinars on the nightstand to pay for the hospitality and ran out the door...
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 20:50:31 GMT -6
zena - 09:55pm Jul 22, 2002 ET (#134 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
A Girl With A Chakram
"We all must become like fishes in the sea, as I will for you, you will become for me." Eurynome sang softly and smiled up into the face of the woman who stood in front of her with her hands gently holding her shoulders. “Better,” she thought. “This priestess looks much better in the clean clothes and new boots. Strange there is something so familiar about her, so comforting. It as if I knew her once, in another time. I must ask Anemone if she feels the same.”
Eurynome strained to turn her head to speak to Anemone but the child had fallen asleep against the mast, her hands still tied securely behind her and her body wrapped with rope. The priestess finished speaking a greeting to the goddess and sat down beside her sighing wearily. She closed her eyes and sank peacefully into a dreamscape. The others were busy about the boat which was heading for deep water, with dolphins as an honor guard. The dark one kept watch at the bow and the tall aristocratic one took the helm with confidence. The gentle healer was looking through a pouch of herbs that she kept at her waist. All was well and peaceful and the sails were filling with the fresh sea breeze.
Assured that no one was looking at her, Eurynome began to move the metal round sharp thing that she had grasped at the pier out from under her legs. It was long past time to return to the sea and if she could just reach the sharp thing, she could cut their bonds and mother and child could return to their watery kingdom. She worked slowly so as not to wake the one they called “Everbranch” beside her.
“I don’t know why my powers are fading. It must have something to do with this sickly pink color that is invading my skin. If I was feeling stronger I wouldn’t have to use this thing, delightful though it is, I could simply will it to be so and our bonds would fall away.”
They were passing one of the last buildings in Aegina when all aboard began to wave and shout at two figures silhouetted against an upper window. “Now,” Eurynome thought, “while they are distracted I will cut these ropes and be free!”
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EvergreenLM - 11:13pm Jul 22, 2002 ET (#135 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Hey, Girls...Wanna' Go for a Boat Ride?
A flash of silver glinting off the sun struck Evergreen in the face instantly waking her.
“Uh-uh-uh my little goddess”, said Evergreen as she quickly confiscated the Chakram from Zena. Zena smiled as if she recognized Evergreen, but was not quite clear in her complete recollection. Evergreen retied the ropes,returned the smile while giving Zena an affectionate squeeze on the shoulder.
Evergreen heard shouting from the shoreline, turned, and saw two figures waving and running. Looking into to the sun, it was difficult to see who the figures were. Phalon was standing at the bow of the ship, climbed a rope ladder, leaned into the wind and listened for the sound of the voices.
“Evergreen! It is Xendra and Puella!”
Evergreen ran to the ship’s wheel,and turned hard left moving the ship closer to the shore. “Hey girls, wanna go for a boat ride!” shouted Evergreen.
BlackWolf was freeing the small life boat from where it was tied, climbed in,and with Leara guiding the descent,lowered herself hand over hand using the iron winch until the boat touched water. Using her strong arms, Black Wolf rowed towards the shore with even deliberate strokes.
As the small boat neared the shallows, the two friends threw their belongings into the boat, hopped in, and the three turned back towards the ship. Black Wolf deftly rowed the threesome within a short distance of the ship. Phalon and Evergreen lowered the hoist hook and began to ratchet the small boat back up. Leara steadied the rope as it lifted the boat upwards. When at last near the deck, the three, one by one, jumped onto the landing.
Evergreen smiled and with great caring grabbed each by her shoulders and held them out at arms length to see their faces before pulling them in for an embrace.
Evergreen stood back and watched the reunion among old friends,and old enemies now new alliances. She was touched at the sight and thought that they all were together again…even if her heart told her for only a little while. For now, Evergreen rejoiced and headed back to the cargo hold for the wine.
.* We will surely have a celebration*
Passing Zena, Evergreen touched the side of her smiling face,looked at Little Gabby still sleeping the sleep of deep dreamers, and whispered a prayer,
“Come back to us old friend, we need you here to guide us on our journey.” Zena turned her face into Evergreen’s hand as a small tear rolled down her cheek.
“Are you that Pine Person?”
Evergreen smiled softly replying, “Yes,Zena, I AM that Pine Person”, and continued on to the cargo hold.
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leara - 11:44am Jul 23, 2002 ET (#136 of 237)
Question of Sisterhood
We must get out to sea right away before setting a course no need for anyone to follow and make trouble for us. The prisoner that Blackwolf had brought needed secured so I assisted her though she had him well in hand. Phalon acknowledged my presence and offers thanks for my help.
I have a hard time with the smile and accepting nature of these folks. Can not they see the fact that I am a Roman? Blackwolf recognized it right away but I am puzzled by Phalon's lack of hate and contempt for me. I know she knows exactly what I am.
I listen to Phalon and Blackwolf as they talk about the past, Montara and the bond between two protectors. I am swept away in my mind to a time when I was little and sitting at the feet of the elders as they recited the stories of old. The Tribe of the Trees believed some of the same things I hear from Blackwolf. It is strange to be in two places at once I have heard every word that she has said but also experienced the memories of childhood. There was something more there I knew exactly what Blackwolf was saying was the truth. Much the way you just know a thing is true when you hear it.
The words hit like driving rain, hail even as Blackwolf asks "What did Montara mean when he said you were a sister?"
Now I must reveal the failing by me that lead to the death of my own wolf. I fidget with the helm and nervously shift my weight from foot to foot. I feel their eyes are fixed firmly on me waiting for an answer. Clearing my throat I quietly answer eyes on the helm I can not face either of them.
"I recently have come to know that I am a full blooded Roman citizen and EG is my half-sister." I pause for a moment trying to gather my thoughts in a logical order and try not to tap into the sadness that lingers.
"But Err Um that is not the answer you seek is it?" It is not easy to think about Theos and the loneliness that comes with it.
With a deep breath I continue to answer. "I am not really sure why Montara would say that of me other than the fact I once had a wolf. Theos was my companion, my brother since I was a child. We met when I lived among The Tribe of the Trees. They were protectors of the forest. We did everything together played, hunted, fought enemies, we were rarely part." I feel the pride of knowing a great being welling up in my heart. I now must tell them the awful truth of his demise.
A tear forms in my eye and I swallow hard trying to make it go away. I sigh as a continue with my story. "I was there on his last day of life as well, Theos was savagely murdered by an Amazon. We had captured one to seek answers from I had clearly ordered no one was to harm any Amazon for they were the people of my mother. Well my adoptive mother - Madula Queen of a Lost tribe of the Amazons. Theos says it as not my fault yet I still feel the loss. Montara sent Theos to find me and move me to come to the city saying that my sister was in trouble. I had assumed it strictly meant EG..." There was much more to say but that I hoped would satisfy them for now.
I wander back to the question I posed to LS in the meadow.
'What does the wolf do when she discovers that she has been living the charmed life of a sheep?'
I hope with all my might I did not let that thought escape from my lips. I keep my eyes focused on the helm.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 20:52:13 GMT -6
leara - 12:49pm Jul 23, 2002 ET (#137 of 237)
Tickets Tickets Please Last Call
I am sure that the last question was muttered aloud I still hope it was a dream.
Aimlessly I had set our course south back to the Shores where the Amazons lands lay. Perhaps they should return home not much to get in trouble with in the mountainous forest. Part of me even hoped that the two I had passed on my way in to the sea port would come and join us.
Saved from an unlikely source just like always these days. There are figures on the beach shouting to get our attention. Whoever it was actually wanted to be on our ship or they would be silenced as to where we were. Blackwolf seems at times to read my thoughts it seem strange but maybe we just think alike. In unison we start to the lifeboat we are going to go and collect our new passengers. Now identified as Puella and Xendra by EG.
Blackwolf beat me to the boat and headed for the shore with strong powerful strokes. I had froze for a moment remembering all to close to the surface who it was that had struck down the last of my family without any remorse but more of a laugh. My anger blazes inside for not avenging Theos' death and I can never because of the slayer being an Amazon.
I use the time to sternly remind myself about the other things that had happened. I hope to have those thoughts well out of my head by the time they return. In no time they are back at the boat Phalon and EG are hoisting the boat back to the deck. I steady the boat as even now trying to steady my thoughts.
They come aboard I am truely glad to see that Puella has found a place well a person to call home and family. Xendra is indeed Xwpfan as I had suspected. I extend a hand to help her that leg wound seems to be getting better.
Once they are aboard and the boat secured I take Blackwolf aside to the bow of the ship.
"Did you see anyone else along the shore?" I ask. The questioning look begs for a little more explanition.
"I passed a warrior who I thought was perhaps an Amazon and a strange and sick or resting warrior with hair of flame. I did not stop long there and I feel they were searching for the rest of us to join the Amazons I mean. I think that they may need some assistance some how I wish Theos were here I would have already sent him to check. I am sorry I forget my self. I was just wondering if perhaps you saw any one else or heard any thing while you were close to shore. I should not have asked it of you. I am sorry to have troubled you."
I have not remembered my place I have gone past my bounds. I should not have spoke so openly to Blackwolf. I should assume my post again at the helm.
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blackwolf - 10:44pm Jul 23, 2002 ET (#138 of 237)
Sisters
"What does the wolf do when she discovers that she has been living the charmed life of a sheep?" The question quietly escapes Leara's lips, I'm sure not intentionally. Before I can ponder anything that she has told me, two figures on the shore are waving at the ship. Leara and I head for the lifeboat at the same time. I only just beat her to it. Thankful for my strong arms, I quickly row to the land, pick up the two women who it turns out to be Puella and Xendra, and I row them back without missing a beat. The rowing gave me time to think about what Leara had told me, and when I got back, I think I had the answer I was looking for. Before I could talk to Leara about it, she pulled me aside and started talking first. "Did you see anyone else along the shore?" she asked. The questioning I gave her asked for more of an explanation. "I passed a warrior who I thought was perhaps an Amazon and a strange and sick or resting warrior with hair of flame. I did not stop long there and I feel they were searching for the rest of us to join...the Amazons I mean. I think that they may need some assistance somehow. I wish Theos were here, I would have already sent him to check. I am sorry, I forget my self. I was just wondering if perhaps you saw any one else or heard any thing while you were close to shore. I should not have asked it of you. I am sorry to have troubled you."
She turned away to go back to the helm. Before she had gone two steps, I grabbed her arm, turned her around and then said "When a wolf discovers she has led the life of a sheep, she has two options open to her. She can either leave to find her own kind, ones whom she has never even met, or, she can ask the sheep if she can stay with them, seeing as how they are the only family she has known. No one knows how it will end, for the ending has yet to be written." I pause, looking deep into her eyes, I add "Maybe you should write it."
I let her go, and then follow her to the helm. She has a distant look to her eyes as she thinks about what I said. Before I leave, I say "Oh, and I think I know why Montara called you a sister. There have been times when some of our tribe have left, who have felt the call of the outside. It is possible that one of those that left had some amount of the Bonding blood in her. It is possible that you are one of her descendants." I pause for breath, than continue. "You talk about sending your wolf Theos to check on the two women that you saw, which indicates that you and he had some measure of communication. You have felt his loss greatly, of this I can tell. You might not have bonded with him as I call it, but he was the other half of you...he was your brother in every sense of the word as much as Montara is my brother. We are sisters not only in blood then, but through our brothers." Tears are starting to fall down her face by this time, though I'm sure she wasn't aware of it. "Since you are so concerned about these two women, I will ask Montara to go find them."
As I turn away to go, she stops me and asks "Why are you doing this. I might be your sister in some way, but that doesn't cover up that I'm Roman, and it was obvious from how you acted before that you don't like Romans."
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blackwolf - 10:47pm Jul 23, 2002 ET (#139 of 237)
Sisters (cont.)
I smile and replied "It doesn't matter what you are but who you are, this I have learned in the past few hours. Montara knew that I needed to learn something, and sending you has benefited me as much as I hope it benifits you. I have learned that I cannot define every Roman as bad when I've only had contact with a few. You are so unlike any of the Romans that I have met that it isn't even funny to compare the two of you in the same breath. Besides, it is past time to forgive the Romans for what they have done to me and my family. Hate is a poison that eats people up inside, turning them into an animal with only one thought on their mind...revenge. I don't want that to become my life." As she turned back to the helm I added "And I don't want that to become your life either." At her startled look, I knew I had hit a sore spot. "I saw how you were looking at Xendra when she came aboard. I'm pretty sure I know what she did, but that's not important. What is important is that you talk to her about it and forgive her. I don't know Xendra at all, but if she is anything like her friends, she will want that forgiveness and your friendship."
I finished and turned towards the shore. I don't know if Leara is going to comment on anything I've said, but I will stay with her anyway. I find Montara, and ask him if he can find the two women Leara was talking about. After a brief remark about getting tired about running errands (though I can tell through the link that it was said in a humurous tone) he starts off on his new mission. Before severing the contact I say "Thank you, Montara, for what you've done for me." I can sense his smile through the contact, and then he is gone. I turn back to Leara, who still had a thoughtful look on her face. I resume my position on the crate that I was sitting on, and wait, hoping that what I have said will reach her.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 20:53:25 GMT -6
girlpower - 01:56pm Jul 24, 2002 ET (#140 of 237)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Permission to come aboard...Captain
Xendra and I ran out the door of the room...yelling at the barmaid as we scurry down the stairs..."Have our horses tended to...we will send for them..." Throwing my entire dinar pouch to her. Xendra packed up her pouch with bread and fruit then we ran out of the inn, and to the shore...waving my sword in the air, attempting to get the attention fo those aboard, as the ship setting sail with Zena, Evergeen, Gabbyfan, Phalon, Blackwolf and Leara drifted away. I looked to Xendra, "How are we to get aboard?"
Evergreen stands and waves to us. "They have seen us." I slowly walk into the water in attempt to get to the ship. Xendra looks to me and says,"I could never swim that distance, not with my leg...You go ahead without me I will catch up." I turn to her, waist deep in the water. Slowly I wade back to the shore. "I will not leave you my actis. We will find another way aboard." Her face showed relief, then looking past me she smiles and points, "They are sending a boat out to get us." I turn and look over my shoulder to see Blackwolf in the small boat rowing to the shore. I grab the packs and Gabbyfan's staff, then hold onto Xendra's shoulder as she stands using the staff I carved for her to brace herself in the sand. Waiting for the boat to come ashore.
As Blackwolf approaches she calls out, "Anyone need a ride? Nice to see you up and about Xendra." My friend looks quizically at me, not recognizing this woman. "Don't worry...I know her, she helped to make you well." I said as I threw the packs into the boat then helped her to climb aboard. Jumping in myself and sitting down, offering to row, but Blackwolf said she had it covered. Rowing us to the ship.
Once along side the ship, a rope was lowered to aid in our attempt to board. I smile as I ask Xendra, "You want to go first? I can push you up if you need help." She looked at me with a glare, "I am not that weak." With a determined look on her face she took the rope in her hands and began to climb. Half way up she holds her hand out, "hand me my staff, and the other one too." I raise them up to her one at a time and she raises it up to Leara, who takes them, then pulls it and Xendra on board. She leans over the rail of the ship and grins, yelling down..."Your turn!" I grab the rope in my hand and climb. Climbing aboard the ship.
Once onboard, I greet all of my friends. Pulling them each into an embrace. "Thanks for not leaving us behind!" I jest. I turn and look to Evergreen, smiling walking towards her. Holding out my arm in greeting. She grabs hold and I then pull her into an embrace, patting her back... Looking over her shoulder I see Gabbyfan and Zena bound. I pull back, and look into Evergreen's eyes. "What is going on?"...
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bhenrudha - 06:12am Jul 25, 2002 ET (#141 of 237)
I am the Red Woman.
By the Sunrise
((Author's Note: Sorry this took so long to put together. And that I hope J'mea's mun makes her way back to us soon. Happy reading.))
J'mea sat back on her heels and looked down into the peaceful face of the runaway. She did not know the woman's name, but she felt closer, having seen her eyes. With gentle fingers she checked pulse and breath out of habit and sat back on her heels when both proved stronger than days before and, to her surprise, her charge murmured in her sleep and attempted to roll over.
After reassuring herself that she was as well as could be, J'mea felt the emotional and physical upheaval of this third night wash over her. She was beyond tired, and so she felt justified with setting herself up against the tree and letting her eyes drift shut.
When she woke, the colors of false dawn were lightening the sky and the fire had burned low. Sleepily, J'mea stoked the sluggish flames a little higher, and turned to check on her charge.
That was when the Amazon caught a glimpse of copper reflecting the fire light.
She had washed and dressed the woman's wounds, had gazed intently upon the triple raven tattoo, had carefully looked the iron collar over to see how best it might be removed.
Not once had she seen any copper.
Curiosity stole away her better judgement and the Northern woman hooked a finger into the edge of the cloak, trying to turn it down just enough to see. She was slowly shocked to find that the iron collar had been replaced by an intricate necklace made of twisted copper. It was open in the front, and had a flower on one end and a wolf on the other. J'mea sat back on her heels, puzzled.
At that moment, the runaway rolled away, giving the Amazon her back. She should have been able to see the tattoo, with its intricate knotwork of thick black lines, but something was covering it. Again, with stealth, J'mea moved to pull back the cloak . . . revealing a tunic.
It was drab green, well made, but plain. A shiver ran down the Amazon's back, she knew that the runaway had no clothes. Unwilling to be afraid, J'mea steeled herself to yank back the cloak in full . . . and found herself with a faceful of squawking black feathers.
* * *
It was good to be dreaming. She walked the green hills of Eriu, her lungs and hair filled with the sweet air of her homeland. She turned eyes up to an impossibly blue sky and saw a trio of ravens coasting the currents above her.
Her ravens.
The last mark of a true Bandroi an Cogadh, the ravens were a small manifestation of the Morrigu and stayed near the Priestess always. Gifted with a communion among the birds, a Priestess need never feel far away from her Goddess. As eyes and ears, the ravens served a more mundane, if practical, purpose.
Tears sprang to her eyes as she thought of the grace she had been given. First her Immrama, which was more than she deserved. Then her ravens.
In the quietude of the dreamscape, she vowed to become worthy . . . no matter the length of the road.
The wind played with her hair, and she let the untainted beauty sooth the ragged edges of her soul. She reveled in her Goddess' acceptance, despite the years she had spent . . . elsewhere. A smile, a forgotten expression, lifted the corners of her mouth as she realized that in the green lushness of the dream, even thoughts of him could not touch her.
A sudden raven shriek tore her gaze through the blue to the black shape that dove towards her. She frowned and lifted her arms to meet the rush. In bare moments the raven struck . . .
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 20:56:53 GMT -6
bhenrudha - 06:16am Jul 25, 2002 ET (#142 of 237)
I am the Red Woman.
By the Sunrise II
. . . and she was back in her blanket, listening to a woman curse in a foreign language, barely audible over the wake-the-dead racket the ravens had started up. With a mostly smooth motion, she rolled to her feet, tua in hand, and looked over the situation.
The red eyed raven was flapping in the face of the woman who had been her savior, while the other two were egging it on. She felt their primitive glee at the antics, and tugged mentally at their attention.
"Is leor sin." Her voice was breathy and ragged with disuse, but the words and thought managed to get the ravens to quiet down. The red eyed launched itself from the ground and lit on her shoulder, glaring balefully at the woman still sprawled on the ground. She gave the perched raven a mental nudge and was rewarded with the event that had started the mess. It flowered into her inner vision with a clarity and intensity that stunned her for a moment. Enough that the other woman could gain her own feet.
"What did you say?" the other woman was pale, with features set with the stamp of the Northern people. She spoke Greek with a lilting accent, testament to the fact that the language had been learned later.
She licked her lips, stalling as she searched for the words. Soon enough, she had what she was looking for, "I be tellin' them tha' be enough. Ye be nae after harmin' me." Greek felt heavy on a tongue used to Latin.
Pale eyes blinked as translation worked in the Amazon's mind. Blinked again as the strangeness of the situation returned. "How?" She frowned, "By what magic . . .?" She waved a hand to indicate, something.
Her mind finally registered the handaxe in her curled fingers, the comfort of raw feet in solid boots, and the natural feel of metal against her throat. Amber green eyes widened as she lifted a free hand and encountered twisted copper instead of flat iron. "Bandia . . ." She breathed, then coughed and put both hands to the handle of her axe, for comfort.
"Bein' a gift o' tha Bandia . . . tha Goddess."
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xwpfan - 12:38pm Jul 25, 2002 ET (#143 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
In need of a ride
I followed Puella down the stairs as fast as I could.. but my legs were stiff from being in bed so long. As I reached the bottom stair I saw Puella toss her entire pouch of dinars to the barmaid..I grimaced at the sight... but thee was no time to quibble over dinars. Puella was nearly out the door as she hollered," Have our horses tended to.. we will send for them later!"
I paused and quickly packed a pouch with fresh fruit, bread, dried meat, a candle and a very large, very sharp serrated knife. As I finished packing I grabbed my gear and my magnificent new staff and ran out of the Inn.
I spotted Puella zig zaging through the crowd,I followed her the best I could... even with my leg giving way I was able to stay within shouting distance of Puella.
Puella had managed to get herself down to the shore line rather quickly and was frantically jumping up and down waving her sword. bent over in pain in my leg ached and my lungs were burning as I gasped for air. Despite everything I still couldn't help but laugh at the sight of her bouncing up and down.
As I came up beside her, Puella looked quite distressed as the ship began to drift out to sea. Puella turned to me and said in a near panicking voice,"How are we going to help them? How are we going to get on board?"
I smiled a knowing smile and pointed to where the ship was.. for Evergreen was standing there waving .. waving at us.
Puella got overly excited and cried out,"They see us! They've seen us!" and headed towards the beach ready to wade into the icy cold water.
Puella never even noticed the crowd she was leaving behind her...
I looked about as I heard the murmuring and the rumblings of the gathered crowd... the same crowd who had just seen there goddess taken from them. I heard shouts of "They know those people, Let's get them!"
I knew the crowd may turn on us quickly,so I tried to run to edge of the water but the sandy surface made it nearly impossible. I fell into the sandy mud at the water's edge, Istruggled to get back to my feet but even with my new staff it was nearly impossible for me to get back to an upright position.there I laid sprawled out in the sand ... frustrated at not being able to get enough momentum to get back to my feet.
Finally, In sheer desperation, I yelled to Puella , she turned around and started to head back towards me ...
Suddenly a stranger's hand pulled me up. I hurriedly thanked the stranger and then I continued to try to walk towards Puella. I found I still had to use on the staff, that every step forward was still an effort. I came to realize my legs were not yet strong enough able to swim the distance to the ship.
As I reached Puella I softly told her"I am so sorry but with this leg of mine, there is no way I can swim that distance. Go on without me it's ok I will catch up to the ship."
Puella lovingly and defiantly said," I will not leave you... you are my Actis. We will find another way aboard."
I smiled at her words... secretly, finding myself surprisingly relieved at Puellas words of loyalty.
As I tried to break from staring at her, I spotted a smaller boat emerging from the ship. I excitedly pointed and said to Puella ," No worries, they are sending a boat back to get us."
Holding all our gear, Puella still managed to hold onto my shoulder so as to brace me against the shifting sands below my feet as we waited for the boat to reach us.
As the boat arrives a figure I did not recognize called out"Anyone need a ride? Nice to see you up and about Xendra."
I paused at the sound of my given name.. how did this woman know me?Puella sensing my discomfort said,"Don't worry.. I know her, she helped to make you well."
Puella then threw all our gear into the boat and then she assisted me into getting into the boat
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 20:58:49 GMT -6
xwpfan - 02:53pm Jul 25, 2002 ET (#144 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
In need of a ride continued...
Once in the boat I sat next to Puella but also face to face with Leara. Her eyes still glowed with venomous hatred even though she tried to sound welcoming and pleasant as she greeted us.
I looked over to Puella who was giving Leara a stare of her own. I smiled at Puella's over protective nature. I made a quick mental note to keep an eye on the two of them... knowing that I may have to handle Leara... soon.
When we reached the ship we were graciously greeted by Evergreen who hugged and embraced us- welcoming us to a new adventure. Puella and I stood on the deck full of questions .
I was about to address Evergreen when this tall attractive man with striking features approached me. He seemed strangely familiar .. he bore an uncanny resemblance to the great warrior Xena. I could not take my eyes off him as he deftly picked up my gear and took it to the cabin below. I hobbled behind him curious as to who he was.
As he put down my gear he said, "I noticed you and your friend up there.. couldn't help but notice that she's very attractive."
I laughed and said, "Yes, yes she is very attractive. My name is Xendra by the way, and my Friend who you think is so attractive her name is Puella."
He smiled and repeated her name, "Puella, I like that. My name is Dante by the way, my friends call me Dannie. I am sorry if I sounded forward or rude. Your friened just got to me .I am from the town we just left. This is my first voyage away from home in many many seasons. I signed aboard hoping I would be doing something more than just fishing."
"Well Dannie,hope you don't mind if I call you Dannie. I think you've got more than you bargained for here."I said in the sweetest tone I could muster.
Do you really think so? I am in terrible need of adventure,romance maybe even some intrigue... you know just want a life."he said
"A good looking guy like yourself? You should be having adventures all the time!" I tried to say laughingly.
Dannie looked at his feet, "No, not yet... but someday I am going to travel to unconquered lands and find adventures for myself"
I stood there leaning on the staff Puella had made me, sizing up this male speicmen. After deeply looking into Dante's sparkling eyes I said, "I don't know why but I believe Adventure and Trouble are in your nature. I have this sickening feelng that the call for adventure races through your blood.That can be very alluring..if adventure and danger is truly what you seek... I want you to stay far away from Puella, she has had a very rough life, she is just now getting have some stability in her life."
Dante stared at me and said,"Who are you to tell me to stay away from her?"
I stood up to full stature no longer leaning on my staff as I said," I am XENDRA,her family,and her friend." and with thatsaid I returned topside, with Dante on my heels after me.
As we returned topside I saw Puella deep in conversation with Evergreen. I decided not to interupt so I leaned against the ship's rail looking at all the surrounding faces.
After a few minutes Puella looked in my direction and winked. I winked back and smiled and then realized the wink was not for me but rather Dante who was busy making eyes at Puella.
I quickly walked over to Evergreen and Puella.As I got there I heard Puella ask Evergreen " hmmm nice... What is that guy's story?"
I heard Evergreen chuckle at Puella's question, but I ignored it feeling highly frustrated I said,"Don't we have more important things to find out like why Zena and Little Gabby are tied to the mast of this ship?"
Puella laughed and said,"My your in quite a mood. I was just talking to Evergreen about that very subject."
I looked at Evergreen and then back at Puella. I felt a bit foolish so I changed the subject abit and said,"I am sorry about that little outburst. It is so wonderful to see you again my friend. I missed you. We are here help in anyway we can."
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leara - 03:51pm Jul 25, 2002 ET (#145 of 237)
Lost in Thought
All this talk about wolves has made me aware of things I wish I could forget. I had even thought for a while that it was behind me but, the burning in my soul of uncontrolled feelings of guilt, revenge and blood lust, belie any such claim.
My fear is confirmed about that last question as Blackwolf now catches my arm and gives me her answer. That there two choices - seek the unknown wolves or stay with the sheep. The choice is mine to make.
She has not mentioned the third option - the way of Lone Wolf. The returning to the solitary life of the wild wandering the forest living entirely from the land for the rest of my days. If she only knew that the sheep are no more known to me than the wolves and that my family - those chosen as such- have been wiped out from the land of the living. The options still do not give any hint at the answer I seek.
My thoughts are disrupted by Blackwolf again- 'Is this what happens when you spend too much time alone' I think to myself. Yet she has my undivided attention I find myself hanging on her every word. Sister that word strikes to my heart the way Madula called me daughter. The affectionate tone she uses when speaking of our brothers - the other half of us brings back the sting of the loss.
I cannot pass this by just a few short hours ago she was ready to run me through with her sword and now she calls me sister. The sudden change of opinion I must understand why or she might remember as I sleep that she hates Romans and try to kill me.
She speaks of rushing to judgment, hate, revenge and how they can consume ones life. "And I don't want that to become your life either." I was taken by surprise by her words.
I had tried to hide the white hot blaze of my anger and contempt when Xwpfan boarded, but Blackwolf had caught me. With the glare from Puella I felt sure she had caught on as well but, then it might be the Roman clothes or her own hate for what was done in the past.
As Blackwolf turned to the shore to seek Montara, I think to myself 'You don't even know the half of what happened.' She has no idea what Xwpfan is capable of doing. Slaying my brother was only the beginning.
My hand drifts up to my shoulder blade to feel the scarred flesh and the X is still there it would never go away. It reminded me of the shattering of my hopes and dreams I had about the people of Madula.
I had said that the 'Amazons were no different than the savage Roman dogs.'
Not to mention the attempted assination while I was in the weapons tent in the Roman Camp.
Xendra, it is now. Well changing ones name does not change their past.
That thought holds my attention as my heritage is not what I thought it to be. The past, no matter how twisted or full of lies it is - it is unchangeable. The only thing that can be changed is here in the present and the future.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:00:55 GMT -6
EvergreenLM - 02:31am Jul 26, 2002 ET (#146 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Are the Stars Out Tonight?
“The only thing here that can be changed is the present and the future”
The present is yesterday’s future and tomorrow’s past. Our lives happen as precisely as they are meant to be… “Precisely”…did not Gabrielle speak of Xena’s moving testimony to the essence of Fate in a scroll?
Evergreen “heard” leara’s contemplation of the state of her life. Where does such a lack of trust issue from? How does one reach through and pull another back to a meaningful encounter and connectivity with the rest of the human kind? Evergreen wanted to somehow touch leara both heart and soul, but leara's guard was impenetrable for the moment.
Besides, Evergreen really needed to retrieve Zena and Little Gabby back to a place among friends and send the “goddess” into the sea forever.
Puella and Xendra were asking for explanations as to why two of their friends were obviously restrained and Evergreen’s captives. Evergreen thought, *How will I ever explain the events that have led to those two with hands bound, and now, mottled skin?*
However, slowly, healthy coloring was returning to their faces and Zena’s plaintiff ramblings were becoming few as the day wore on and the effect of the contents of the golden goblet wore off. Zena’s recognition of her old friend began to show in her face and eyes, but still, the veil of the drug had its hold. Perhaps Phalon could mix a vial that will clear away Zena's mind.
It would be dark soon. The sun was setting and the wind was dying down, the water stilled, and the boat creaked as it gently rocked side to side. The stars were beginning to appear in the clear, northern sky. Food was brought up from the hold and the group of friends all shared in the preparation of the evening meal. It was good to feel a part of the sisters whose only purpose for the time was to reacquaint one with the other. Evergreen heard laughter, and soft conversation. Someone was faintly humming. Black Wolf paced the deck before finally joining the group.
When the meal was ready, Evergreen went to Zena and Little Gabby, cut their bindings, took each by the hand and led them to the place on the deck where all were now gathered. Evergreen sat them down among old friends with the admonishment, “Watch them and don’t let either one of them the freedom to wander away.”
Evergreen approached Zena, stood a few minutes staring into her eyes hoping for full recognition.
“Look at the sky above, Zena. Do you not remember a conversation from long ago under these very stars when we were lost and plotted our way back by their heavenly guidance?”
No response other than Zena’s usual goofy smile answered Evergreen’s question. She sat Zena back down handed her a plate of food and a small glass of wine, made a swift, but gentle pat to her back, and parted company to find her way to the bow of the ship to think of where this newly reunited group was bound. Looking up to the sky, Evergreen saw a shooting star with a trail that lit the horizon. Was this a sign?
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phalon - 12:13pm Jul 27, 2002 ET (#147 of 237)
Men...You Can Trust Them as Only as Far as You Can Throw Them
Phalon was famished and as they sat, ate and shared conversation, she hungrily devoured the food before her, nodding her head in agreement to a statement, or interjecting a comment between bites. She chuckled to herself. Her mother would be appalled at her table manners - or lack thereof.
She found amusement the flirtation between Puella and the ship hand, Dante, as well as the hint of jealousy in Xendra's eyes.
Zena and Gabbyfan were led to the group to eat by Evergreen, who once saw that their needs were met, departed to sit alone. Phalon thought about going after her and urging her to join everyone, but held off. She supposed Evergreen needed time for some quiet reflection.
She turned her attention back to Zena and Gabbyfan. Some of their color was returning, but their skin still had that bluish-green corpse-like cast to it and their minds were still elsewhere.
After she finished her plate, Phalon went into the ship's small galley where she was steeping a tea made from dried Ginko Biloba and Gotu kola leaves. Both herbs were from far away eastern lands and each held properties said to revitalize the nerves and brain and improve the flow of blood throughout the body. She poured the tea into silver cups that she had found in the Captain's quarters and took them to Zena and Gabbyfan. Not exactly golden goblets, but they would have to do.
She presented the cups to the two women staring into space with vacant eyes, bowing her head as she did so. "O Holy Ones, Great Goddess' of the Sea, please accept this tonic as a gesture of Welcome. We are honoured to be in your presence. I know the humble offering is not what you are accustumed to, but I trust it will be to your likings."
They politely drank the tonic. A Goddess could not be so rude as to refuse a gift from her followers. Phalon could only hope that it would help. She wished she knew what was in the potion that they so readily drank in the temple. If she did, she would better know how to combat its' effects. Perhaps she could weasel some information out of Icthyus. She made up a plate and carried it over where he was tied.
She untied one of his hands so that he could eat, making sure the other was still securely bound. She bent to place the plate in his lap. As she did so, he grabbed her wrist. The vision that ensued was one of blackness. A swirling, foreboding darkness that made Phalon recoil from his touch. She quickly pulled her hand away.
"I frighten you, eh", he laughed. "Is it because you can't read me, or that you can?"
"You are a self-rightous, self-serving, malignant and vile lunatic. You repulse me."
He laughed a madman's laugh.
"I don't suppose that you will devulge the secrets of that potion of yours?"
"Despite the budding friendship between us, my dear woman, no, I don't suppose that I will."
"Ah, then, little man. I am going weary of this conservation", Phalon retorted, pointing the tip of her sword at his chin. "My patience in wearing thin. May I suggest that you hurry and eat before it is completely gone?"
"I shall take advantage of your generosity and kindness and partake of this great feast which you've set before me and shall refrain from any further conversation which seems to bother you.....for now", Icthyus smirked.
Phalon looked up towards the heavens, pulling her hand through her long wind-swept hair. "Seems we have a jester among us", she grumbled. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw a figure in the shadows of the slightly ajar galley door. Their eyes briefly met. The door quietly shut, but not before Phalon recognized the lurking form as that of Dante. "What's he up to", Phalon wondered. "We'll have to keep and eye on that one."
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:02:57 GMT -6
zena - 04:27pm Jul 27, 2002 ET (#148 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
What's a Squidworth?
To be free again was an unexpected gift. Eurynome stretched her long arms and legs gratefully and allowed the Pine Branch person to lead her to the group. They were pilgrims perhaps, on a pilgrimage to a holy shrine, for they all seemed to be filled with good will and a knowledge of the hearts of one another. Pine Needle brought food but she did not stay and Eurynome pushed the food away for she did not like the look of cooked meat. A fresh squid would be nice. Or just a small school of little fish, cold and deliciously slimy.
She glanced at Anemone who was eating their food and warming herself in a blanket. Immediately the little urchin met her gaze and cuddled up next to her. Eurynome felt an almost human mothering instinct tearing at her heart. It confused her. One moment she was calm and without emotion and the next moment all sorts of feelings wrenched her mind and heart around. These people all thought she was someone else but how could that be? She was so sure she remembered being in the company of all the Olympian gods! Her head was beginning to have a dull ache that would not go away. Where was the elixir that Icthyus had provided so freely? That would surely help. He was on this ship somewhere, if she could only get to him. Perhaps the well formed male could be coaxed to do her bidding.
She looked down at the girl. Eurynome was no longer sure that this pink child next to her was hers but she still felt a need to be protective and so she wrapped an arm about her. The others, seeing this, saw it as a hopeful sign but Ever Branch missed the moment because she had turned away and stood firm at the bow looking at the stars.
The gentle oracle who was obviously of the cult of the Sea Nymph offered a drink in a base metal container and Anemone drained the cup and then curled up into her blanket to dream. Eurynome nodded and smiled, taking a mouthful, but spitting it to the side when the gentle one was gone. “No need to hurt her by refusing the offering”, she thought. Suddenly she remembered a power that she had forgotten that she had. She stood up quietly and joined Pine Branch at the bowed, startling her.
“Zena! Go back and sit down.”
“No, no, Pine Branch, I came to tell you that I realize now that I am not Eurynome, goddess of the sea and daughter of Poseidon.”
“Oh? And so who ARE you?”
“Your old friend Tena”
“Uh huh. And what do you with your life Tena?”
“Um. I sell seashells. Down by the seashore. You must let me pursue my career. Let me go.”
“I don’t think so.” Evergreen turned back to the view of the stars but kept one hand around Zena’s wrist, just in case.
“But I am your oldest friend. Don’t you remember the songs we used to sing together?” Eurynome opened her mouth and started singing softly but built up the volume rapidly. It wasn’t a like a human song really, or a wail. It was the voice of the sea, of the whales and dolphins, the song of the Sirens! Everyone froze in their place letting the song fill them like the sea spray. Slowly all turned toward the sound, wanting only to serve it’s source. All that is, except one little dog and one priest of Poseidon.
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EvergreenLM - 02:38am Jul 28, 2002 ET (#149 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
What's a Squidworth? About Whatever its Worth to Squelch a Squeal
"Everyone froze in their place letting the song fill them like the sea spray. Slowly all turned toward the sound, wanting only to serve it’s source. All that is, except one little dog and one priest of Poseidon - and a very out-of-patience Evergreen!
As Zena's song increased in its volume freezing the others in place, Evergreen quickly grabbed the seaweed headwrap sitting atop the goddess' head and placed it squarely over the source of the noise.
"Ye gods, Zena! Just WHAT will it take to stop all of this nonsense?" YOU, Zena... Zena my friend, are NOT any relation to anything with gills or dorsal fins!"
"You have no scales,you do not bottom feed,Poseiden is another name for a real drip,and YOU CAN'T SWIM!"
Evergreen shook in frustration at not being able to stop Zena's intractable fixation on being someone other than herself.
"BlackWolf, leara!, take Zena down to the Captains quarter's and lock her in!",Evergreen shouted with an intensity that surprised the group now back from a momentary place where Zena had stopped time.
"As for the rest of you, we need to talk about this situation."
Evergreen's dark eyes followed Zena as she was lead away looking back dismayed and lacking understanding as to why she was being handed off to guardians who were taking her to be imprisoned below the deck.
Evergreen took in a deep breath,sighed, and softly whispered, "I am sorry Zena."
Little Gabby fan flew at Evergreen shoving her backwards while grabbing the staff that Puella had made for her. She raised it poised to strike shouting, " My mother! Why are you doing this to my mother!"
With a quick unseen move Evergreen caught the end of the staff pulling it and Little Gabby to her. Little Gabby fell into Evergreen's arms,struggled to break free, and then collapsed into sobs shaking her very being.
"Its okay, its okay," Evergreen softly repeated while stroking Little Gabby's hair.
"Phalon, what CAN we do?"
"Zena will not survive if we do not figure out how to intervene into her nether world. Can you enter into a dreamscape with her as you did for me and bring her back? I think it is our only hope."
"I have been thinking about this all evening. If we cannot bring her back, I will leave the ship and travel to a small sea village I found on the Captain's map."
"I will take Zena there and let her live out her days as Eurynome. I will see to it that no harm comes to her and I will do what I can to make her life enjoyable. I plan to turn the ship Northeast in the morning."
Evergreen knew that sleep would not come this night as she contemplated leaving the others. Screeching intermingled with chants could be heard coming from the Captain's quarters.
Evergreen listened and thought,*But there is nothing else that I gladly would do with love than care for my friend*
Evergreen turned and quickly descended below the deck heading towards the source of the sound.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:05:07 GMT -6
phalon - 11:58am Jul 28, 2002 ET (#150 of 237)
A Pendulum of Emotion
Phalon watched Evergreen descend below deck with a heavy heart. Thinking about saying goodbye to her friends after all that they had been through together was more than she could bear this moment. She knew that Evergreen was right though, Zena could not live the life of an Amazon in her present Eurynome state of mind. What could be done to bring her back? How could they get through Eurynome to the Zena that Phalon knew was still underneath? As she stood pondering this, she heard soft whimpering from behind her.
She turned and saw that Xendra and Puella were tending to Little Gabbyfan, trying to comfort her. Phalon walked over and knelt next to the young girl. "What's wrong with Zena? What's wrong with my Mother!", she cried.
"Shhh, Little One. Evergreen is tending to her. You just sleep now, you've been through more than you realize. There will be time for talk later." Phalon brushed the hair from Gabbyfan's face, and gently, softly kissed her forehead, the way a mother comforts a small child. She wondered if Gabbyfan would ever again be comforted this way by Zena. A sadness overcame Phalon, and a single tear dropped from her eye onto Gabbyfan's cheek. As Phalon wiped it away, she was interupted by a most hideous sound.
The cackling of a madman rang over the ship's deck. Phalon flew to her feet and swooped down to the laughter's source. Icthyus. "Dinner and a show, too", he said, his eyes shining in delight. "This is rich. I never knew when I signed up for this cruise that it would be so very entertaining."
"I have had about enough of you, Little Man!", Phalon yelled in his face. The fallen priest, his hand still free from when Phalon had untied it just moments earlier, grabbed her by the chin and pulled her face close to his. So close that she could smell his breath and see the venom behind the veil of amusement in his eyes.
"Listen, my dear woman, you and your little friends here have spoiled my plans for riches. I could have been a very wealthy man by now, if it were'nt for you. Given that, I think I'm entitled to get some enjoyment out of all this, even if is at your expense."
"You evil, little Son of a B...."
"Here is some food for thought", he interupted. "how do you think the one you call Evergreen is going to keep the Sea Nymph from taking her rightful place in the deep blue waters. How long before the calling of the waves overcomes her and she drowns herself? One can not be watched every moment of every day, year after year. Sooner or later she will succomb."
"Chew on this!", she hissed. Phalon, not one prone to anger, had reached her breaking point. She flung the half-eaten plate of food on his lap into Icthyus' face. The now empty metal plate, she swung with all her might into his temple, temporarily dazing him. Within moments, she had his free hand re-tied behind his back and his mouth stuffed with one of her silk scarfs.
She turned and stormed into the galley, her head reeling with anger. There she spotted the pot of tea that she had given Gabbyfan and Zena still brewing. She grabbed a cup and poured the remnants of the pot into it. Taking a long, slow draw from the cup, Phalon sat with her back against the wall. She started to feel the warmth spread thoughout her body. It had a calming effect, and as she grew warmer, the gentle rocking of the ship, the sound of water lapping against it's sides, and the powers of the herbs washed over her and lulled her into a deep sleep. And when Phalon slept, she dreamt.
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phalon - 02:00pm Jul 28, 2002 ET (#151 of 237)
As the Chakram Turns
(NOTE: Following excerpts were taken from the Zena Scrolls written by Evergreen, Zena and Gabbyfan4ever. Some may have been modified slightly in order to fit your screen.)
She came riding on dolphins. Effortlessly, she stood balancing on the backs of two of her sea companions swimming side by side in tandem. The sea-spray glistened on her blue-green skin like so many small jewels sparkling like stars in the night’s sky. When they reached their destination, the dolphins glided to a gentle halt. She crossed the short distance to the black rocks jutting up from the sea, walking over the water as easily as a human would walk down a cobbled street.
She stood upon the small island, and looked up to the Oracle standing on a high rock above her. “I have come to grant you an Audience, as you have requested”, she told the Oracle.
The Oracle smiled down on her, not speaking. She pulled a round metal object, empty in the center, from her robes and held it in front of her. A chakram, she believed she had once heard it called. The Oracle then set it spinning on its axis. Faster and faster it spun, suspended in the air by nothing but the Oracle’s will. Suddenly, the Oracle reached out and brought it to an abrupt halt, and there in the empty center of the chakram a scene was played out before her.
* ***************************************************************
A weapon is a personal object to it's owner, especially one trained by Xena and Gabrielle; and this weapon had been a gift as well. The sword had been a solstice present from Evergreen the year that Zena had given her the leather coat (like Gabrielle's) she had wanted so much. Evergreen had taken one of her own lima bean shaped emeralds from her sword and had it embedded in the pommel as a token of friendship. Zena had loved it from the first moment she swung it through the air.
* **************************************************************
The Oracle set the chakram spinning again, and just as quickly stopped it. Each time the chakram started and was stopped a different scene was shown to her.
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phalon - 02:07pm Jul 28, 2002 ET (#152 of 237)
As the Chakram Turns (cont)
The tent flap opened and there was EVERGREEN. With a dog. With a turkey leg. With Zena's SWORD! Zena pushed them all into the tent and threw her arms around the whole pointy, greasy, familiar mess.
* ******************************************************************** Just as she begin to tear up again, she heard uncontrollable laughing. She turned in time to see Evergreen swing up onto Whisperer and shooting her a message with her eyes that danced with mischief. "Well, do you think THAT sufficiently scared the boy into going home to his mother?"
Zena flew off Ergo, grabbed Evergreen by the fringe on her tunic and pulled her off Whisperer. She slammed her shoulders down and pinned her to the ground. " That was NOT funny! Do you hear me, NOT funny!" I thought you were gone,that I had lost my friend! Don't EVER do that again, EVER! Do you hear me!
* ******************************************************************
For a moment there was silence as Zena lifted little Gabbyfan from the straw. She drew a deep breath. "Gabbyfan, this is Evergreen, my sister, your sister. We have been together since we were 8 years old when we were found by the Amazons. I hunted for her when she was sick and she did the same for me. We took our training and studies together and I would chose no other to stand at my back in a battle or sing with me at our celebrations. She is part of me," Zena whispered. Turning to Evergreen she continued, "What has been built between us is our common history. Years of trust are not wiped away in a moment, or two if you add in that fake death event earlier. I am the Keeper and I know the code of the Amazons. It says that what is sworn is sworn until our death and then beyond. I believe in you now, and I will no matter what. Evergreen this is your new sister, Gabbyfan." Evergreen smiled slowly and reached out briefly to touch Zena's shoulder and Gabbyfan's head.
* *****************************************************************
When Evergreen had finished speaking Zena continued to sit for a moment and poke at the little yellow flowers around her boots. Finally she pulled herself to her feet and as she handed Evergreen her leather tunic she scooped her sister into her arms. Through her thin cotton shirt she could feel the terrible scar and wished with all her being that the touch of her hand would heal the marks on Evergreen's body and soul. Stepping back, Zena looked steadily into Evergreen's eyes and spoke quietly. "I understand now, your fear and anger." She glanced toward the body slung over Whisperer, "If he wasn't dead now, I would do it myself, and all the tribe and Rome be damned." Zena sighed deeply and continued, "I almost envy you your memories, as bad as they are. I can remember nothing of my life before I came to the Amazons. Something comes back deep in the night to torture me in my dreams, but I can't grasp it. I have nothing but the life we led with our sisters. I know this one thing though, I have come to trust you as if we were blood sisters and your battle is mine.
* *******************************************************************
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:07:02 GMT -6
xwpfan - 02:14pm Jul 28, 2002 ET (#153 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
The preparations for evening meal had been pleasant- everyone who was able assisted in the preparation and cooking of the meal. Puella was humming a way looking happier than I'd ever seen her... I wondered if it was being with all the sisters again or all the attention Dante was throwing her way. Whatever the reason for her current state of bliss, I liked seeing her so happy.
We finally sat down to eat and although we all chatted happily with each other .. there were still obvious tensions in the air. Every now and again,I could see Leara staring at me with a solemn but menacing stare.
I tried to re shift my focus only to find that Dante was acting as steward and was serving the meal.
Dante was pleasant enough but overly attentive to Puella's every want and need... of which she seemed to have many. Finally Evergreen dismissed him , but instead of leaving he lurked in the corner observing our every movement our every word.
Of course as the meal went on, we began to voice our concerns about Zena and Little Gabby. Everyone of us wanted to help but it appeared that their problems fell more to Phalon's field of expertise. Puella in particular, showed keen interest in wanting to help Phalon in anyway she could.
Evergreen made sure all our needs were meant before she excused herself from our presence.Evergreen then walked over to Zena and stared into her eyes, but only a blank blackness stared back at her.
Evergreen was visibly dissapointed and quietly removed herself from tour little group.
My heart broke for her,knowing I would never want to see that response towards me in Puella's eyes.
I was about to ask Puella to come look a the vast amount of stars shinning above us, when a shrill piercing sound emanated from Zena.... the sound was nerve shattering.. I was literally stopped in my tracks for a bit as was everyone else save Evergreen, the priest and little dog. we started forward to serve the goddess when Little dog began a mournful howl that broke the spell over us. We quickly rushed to aid Evergreen with Zena and Gabbyfan.
Evergreen looked broken and defeated as she disappeared downstairs, leaving us all to wonder what she would do next.
Puella and I did what we could to help Little Gabbyfan who was slowly realizing what was happening and was quite distraught to see her mother bound by her friends.
Puella evr so gently rocked Gabbyfan in her arms. Phalon came over gently brushed the hair out of Gabby's face and kissed her forehead.
I smiled at Phalon.. remembering how she provided the light home and now she was extending great tenderness and concern towards Gabby. I wondered to myself what Phalon's story was.. I knew relatively little about the woman who had helped redeem Puella and I.
My thoughts were broken as I saw the priest and how he raged at Phalon. I wanted to step in but Puella whispered "No this confrontation has to happen, don't ask me how I know.. I just do."
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phalon - 02:47pm Jul 28, 2002 ET (#154 of 237)
As the Chakram Turns III
The chakram continued to rotate on its' axis...
* ******************************************************************
Finally Zena lifted the toe of her boot and scraped it ever so slightly on the platform. The Queen's eyes left Evergreen and locked on Zena. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she began, "My Queen, as the Keeper of our Code and the sister of the accused I ask that you grant me a hearing." Queen Saxy glanced at Evergreen as if to ask if she was going to speak but Evergreen shook her head slowly and Zena could see her jaw muscles clench from her position behind her. The Queen raised her hand slightly giving permission. "My sister has committed a grievous error and a breach of the code. She lied to me and caused harm to come to me by striking me." Zena could hear the sisters in the outer ring murmur and the masked council members were nodding. "Evergreen killed her own father in anger and has brought the rath of Rome to our forest home. What you have heard is true. The punishment for this transgression to the Amazon Nation can be nothing less than death," Zena concluded.
There is a moment after a shock when it seems that time freezes and the sisterhood was caught there for what seemed like eternity. Then chaos reigned and there were war whoops and cries of "No" mixed together. Most painful of all for Zena was the sound of her daughter's gasp and little cry buried somewhere deep in the group. Still Evergreen did not move or speak.
Queen Saxy looked at Zena steadily with the composure of one who bears the mantle of the leadership of a nation. "You as Keeper know the law. Death must come for Evergreen." The words betrayed nothing of the feelings in Queen Saxy's heart. "My Queen," Zena bowed, "I would ask this favor of you." "Speak it,", the Queen replied. "I ask that it be my charge to execute Evergreen, " Zena asked in a firm voice. Queen Saxy's eyebrows shot up and she leaned forward on her throne. "Is this truly what you want?" , she asked. "I do ask it of you, it is my right as Keeper. I am one of our best archers and I can send an arrow to her heart, sparing her any further suffering." "Then it shall be as you wish. Take her to the stake," the Queen nodded to the guards.
As they came down from the platform Evergreen did not look back and Zena's own heart was being crushed within her. She saw Little Gabbyfan in the crowd and took her arm. "Run to the armory, and tell Aphrodesia I need my bow and one of my own arrows," she hissed to Gabbyfan. By the time the group had moved to the stripped tree near the hospice Gabbyfan had returned with the bow and a single arrow feathered with Zena's colors, gold and green trim. Evergreen scowled at the guards who were attempting to tie her to the stake. "I will not run away", she growled. The guards and the crowd stood back and Zena took a bow stance looking for only one second into Evergreen's eyes where she saw complete trust. That gave her the strength to fit the arrow to the string and slowly pull it taut. She aimed at Evergreen's heart and let the arrow go.
The arrow whistled through the air like a lethal golden bird and hit Evergreen directly at her heart. The impact slammed her back against the tree and she slid slowly down to the ground as her legs gave out.
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phalon - 02:52pm Jul 28, 2002 ET (#155 of 237)
As the Chakram Turns IV
An arrow came flashing by with a “Swooosh” followed by a “thunnggg” into a large pine missing Evergreen's head by a breath. Green and gold feathers flagged out from the end of the arrow. Zena! “Are you STILL determined to tear more holes in my favorite tunic or do you really mean to send me to the Elysian Fields ahead of you?
Evergreen quickly swung off Whisperer and ran towards the direction of the flight of arrow. Zena stepped out of the scrub, dropped her bow and embraced Evergreen.
“Hello old friend.” They lingered in the embrace one not wanting to let the other go.
Evergreen softly whispered, “If I let you go, I am afraid that this will have been one of Phalon’s spiritual walks, and when I open my eyes, you will not be there.” Zena pushed Evergreen back and held her at arms length,“Open your eyes, Evergreen, I AM here. Welcome home.
* ***************************************************************** "Zena?', Evergreen whispered. "I can't see you," Zena replied. Quickly and instictively Evergreen slid over so that their shoulders were touching and said, "I'm here." "I know," Zena said. "I'm counting on that. I can't run when the time comes and you can't wait for me. Go without me and get Phalon and Gabby free. You must be out before the Queen orders the archers to shoot. Don't argue, just do what I ask."
* ***************************************************************
Zena got to her knees frantic to follow the sound in her darkness. "The cross. They're taking my child to the cross!," she wailed. She struggled to her feet and ran toward the direction of the receding sounds of the soldiers and their prisoner but several pairs of arms pulled her down. It was a moment before she realized it was friends and not Romans that held her and then she stopped fighting. Sobbing she put out her hand for Evergreen in the emptiness and begged, "Do something Evergreen, all of you, do something! Or by the gods I'll throw myself out there and kill as many as I can before they kill me."
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:11:12 GMT -6
phalon - 03:03pm Jul 28, 2002 ET (#156 of 237)
As the Chakram Turns (again)
When the cross slid into place gabby's head snapped back and slammed into the cross. A few minutes later Gabbyfan shook off the light headed feeling she had gotten from knocking her head against the wood. Before, she had resigned herself to her fate, to die on the cross just as her family had. And had gratefully accepted the slight deliruim that took her away from reality and allowed her to see Zena in her mind. Now she had something worth looking at. From her vantage point she could see Evergreen helping Zena out into the woods behind the tent.
Gabbyfan breathed a sigh of relief knowing that at least Zena would have a chance of coming out of this alive. Gabbyfan locked her eyes on the figure of her mother crouching in the distance and cried.
* ***************************************************************
An Amazon is a ferocious opponent, a warrior can hold her own in battle, and a mother will do anything for the well being of her child. An Amazon Warrior Mother will destroy the Roman Empire. Zena, Amazon Warrior Mother sat alone in the quiet blackness.
She listened to the sounds coming from above and heard Gabby weakly call, "Mother." For a second she held the chakram at eye level and then threw it toward Gabby's feet. It sliced the rope, ricocheted off a Roman standard, cut the left binding, bounced off a wagon and cut the right rope, all in a matter of seconds. The Little Warrior fell from the cross and Evergreen and Xwpfan caught her.
* *****************************************************************
"A blind Amazon and a little girl!", Hippolyta continued, "What good can they be to us? They'll only slow us down. What use are they?" Zena held up her right hand while putting a gentle pressure against Little Gabbyfan's back to keep her still. "You are right Hippolyta. We are a burden. Hippolyta, who was your mother?", Zena asked. "You know well enough, my mother was Hippolyta also, as was my grandmother. And they were all Queens in their time. I should wear the feathered mask instead of Queen Saxy.", Hippolyta spat out. "Take care," Zena said, "You speak treason. If the Queen's second were here her spear would now be through your heart. When did your mother die Hippolyta?" "Why do you ask things you know?", Hippolyta said. "She died when I was three years old." "Who took you in when you were alone?", Zena said quietly. "Xwpfan raised me with Solaria and Vasca," Hippolyta was now unsure where this was headed. "Who hunted for you and rocked you when the nightmares came?", Zena asked. "You did Zena. When the three of us were all sick at the same time and Xwpfan needed..........." Her voice trailed off. "Needed help with her.......burdens, Hippolyta?", Zena spoke gently. "Evergreen taught you to ride and Phalon, who is not Amazon shared her healing skills with you. Now I ask you again Hippolyta, who was your mother?" "The Amazon Nation is my mother, Zena.", Hippolyta finally answered. Zena leaned back against the tree and began to fashion Little Gabbyfan's hair into warriors braids. "Remember that Hippolyta. You have a full two summers more in your life than this 'little girl' and she took on a Roman Legion. And even blind I can hold my own in battle with sword and chakram. But even if I could not, I trust in the loyalty of my sisters to support me. That is what living in our tribe is all about. No one is ever alone.
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phalon - 03:09pm Jul 28, 2002 ET (#157 of 237)
As the Chakram Turns VI
Tears turned to racking sobs. Evergreen fell forward and beat the ground with her fist.
A twig snapped,footfalls close by, and without a moment's hesitation Evergreen struck out at the approaching figure. " BAM!" The fist flew in hard and retreated to strike again. "Yah!", and Evergreen pulled the figure down,drew her sai,and was on top of a body ready to run threw the intruder.
"Evergreen, NO!, DON'T!, Please STOP!"
"Zena?". "Oh by the gods, Zena, I nearly killed YOU!",Evergreen uttered with disbelief.
"Did I hurt you?", Evergreen asked as she touched Zena's face.
"Well, for a start, you can get off of me and then I will account for all my parts.",Zena laughed as she pushed Evergreen's shoulders up and away.
Zena sat up and Evergreen moved over to her side.
"You know, Zena, a warrior can be wounded without shedding a drop of blood or a bruised from battle. Have you ever thought about what we would be doing if we had gone to Thrace as you ask?"
Zena put her arm around Evergreen. "Why are you so troubled? You have seen death before. You know that war is not a glorious thing. When you love something ,or someone, you must be willing to risk it all...even your life. Thrace? Well, I guess we will never know the answer to that question."
At that moment, a star shot across the sky with a blazing trail. "Look Evergreen! That star! Look at how beautiful that is!",Zena cried out.
"What's the matter, you missed it!", Zena said.
Evergreen did not look up,but only at this old friend with whom she had shared so much.
"Zena, you can see...you can see!"
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phalon - 03:14pm Jul 28, 2002 ET (#158 of 237)
The Chakram Comes to a Halt.....Finally
There is no one but Zena who Evergreen would allow to see how deeply she cared for them all. Zena was holding Little Gabby. She broke away and approached the place where Evergreen stood.
"I have something I want to say to you",Zena said.
Evergreen never looked away from her task. "I think I don't want to hear it", Evergreen softly muttered.
"Do you not want to hear what may be the last thing we speak of?",Zena said with voice nearly breaking.
"No, actually I don't. It is my fault we are here. We should have gone to Thrace. You could have taken Little Gabby and lived out a peaceful life",Evergreen said turning and now facing Zena.
"No good-byes, Zena,please no good-byes for us",Evergreen turned back to combing Whisperer.
Zena turned to leave.
"Wait,Zena wait!",said Evergreen.
"I will promise you this, we will survive this day and we will have our journey to Thrace", I give you this as my oath.”
* **************************************************************
Gabbyfan stood reflecting on her life. The little warriors whole world had been completely turned upside down in only a few days. She had lost her family, but had recieved an entire nation in return. When she thought she didn't have anything left, she gained a mother who was willing to die for her, and gabbyfan would do the same. She missed her family, and always would. But she did not miss her old life. She knew where she belonged now. And as the last tear of the day fell away, so did Little Gabbyfan's old life. The little warrior affectionately hugged her mother Zena like a small child, and she looked ahead to the future with her, wherever that may be.
* ******************************************************************
The chakram had shown its' last image and finished its’ final spin. The Oracle reached and plucked it from the air, holding it out to her, Eurynome, daughter of the Sea, as an offering to do with what she wanted.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:12:35 GMT -6
zena - 09:28pm Jul 28, 2002 ET (#159 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Remember Everything
The heavy door swung shut and she heard the lock engage. In the flickering light of a single lantern she looked at herself and her surroundings. Her garment was torn and she had lost a sandle, her hands were tied at her back and her mouth gagged with a band of seaweed. They had put her in this little room and she had no understanding of what she had done to merit the punishment. The heart of the goddess had shriveled and disappeared with the effort to sing like the Sirens and now what remained was fear and hopelessness. It was difficult to breath against the gag, her head felt like a water jug with a great crack and she shook from the chill in the air. As she sat on the bed in the Captain’s chamber, she was overwhelmed with grief for the loss of something she could not define. Her head hung down and she strained against her bonds as the sobs wracked her body. Finally exhausted she let herself fall on her side on to the bed where she fell into a deep sleep.
In her sleep she saw the gentle Oracle and lived the life of someone else. Or was that someone else? The spinning object that had earlier entranced her took her again and again deeper and deeper into the identity that now seemed familiar and desirable. The Oracle handed her the chakram and it’s smooth surface welcomed her hand. She would never let go of this object again, it held the secret to all that she was or would be again. She gripped it tighter and watched the light flash from it.
The pain woke her and she felt the sharp edge of the chakram bite into her flesh as her own warm, red blood trickled from her hand. The lock on the door disengaged and Evergreen cautiously swung the wooden door back on it’s hinges. As she peered around the thickness of the door, she saw the bonds lying on the floor and Zena stretched out full length on the bed holding tight to the bloody chakram.
“Zee?”
Zena struggled to focus her eyes on the figure silhouetted against the lantern light.
“Iolaus”
“W..w...what?”
“The game, Evergreen. I guess Iolaus.”
“No,” Evergreen’s voice cracked, “try harder, you’ll get it.”
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EvergreenLM - 04:57am Jul 29, 2002 ET (#160 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
You Can Go Home Home Again...the Heart Knows the Way
Evergreen had quietly walked the deck for most of the night. She was troubled and did not truly understand why, although she searched into the deep recesses of her being.
Most of the others decided to sleep topside in the cool sea air. The sky was crystal clear and the stars sparkled like ice dangling from heavy laden pine boughs in the winter season. She knew that soon morning would come, and with the sunrise, decisions would be made that would perhaps deeply effect so many.
Evergreen drew in a deep breath taking in all the scents of the calm wind and sea. Looking from where she stood at the helm of the old ship, Evergreen saw the others sleeping. Little Gabby had her head still in Puella’s lap with an arm surrounding her as if to protect her from any intruder that may come upon her in the night. How many a campfire had Evergreen seen Zena in that very scene. It seemed like a lifetime ago.
Phalon had downed a vial of liquid early in the evening and was fast asleep in a deep state beyond ordinary dreams. * Good journey my friend, I hope you find what we both are searching for.*
The ship rocked gently on the calm waters. Evergreen envied the quite sea and longed for that very peace. She knew without a doubt that it would not come until her friend had returned to share their life and world together as in old times.
Evergreen drew fresh water from the storage cistern hoping that Zena would drink and dilute the delusion from her mind and body. Little Dog’s head popped up at Evergreen’s movement. He slid to her side and walked in cadence with her steps.
“I have missed you old friend. We have traveled many a mile since I found you by the creek.”
Little Dog wagged his tail and danced on his two front feet while moving his body from side to side with excited enjoyment of his rescuer’s warm voice.
Evergreen took the ladle of water and walked down the steps, through the galley, and to the Captain’s quarters. She hesitated, not sure if she could bear seeing her friend in such a condition of disarray and confusion. She place her hand on the entry lock, lowered her head with thoughts of a quick retreat. Before her feet could carry her away from the door, Evergreen heard sounds from within.
Turning the lock and opening the door, Evergreen entered. *Ye gods save us, what a sight*, she thought. It was almost too much to bear. In front of her was a shadow of someone so much a part of Evergreen’s past.
“Zena…Zena,” Evergreen softly called to her friend. “I have brought you some water…please, for me, please drink it.”
“Okay, but first…Iolaus.”
“W…w…what?”
“The game, Evergreen. I guess Iolaus.”
“No,” Evergreen’s voice cracked, “try harder, you’ll get it.”
The ladle dropped to the wooden floor and clanged as it rolled off to the side.
Evergreen went to the bed where Zena sat, knelt down laying her head in the lap of her life’s friend, and cried.
“Hey, this is not the water I had in mind…” Zena said while stroking her friend’s dark hair. Zena moved back against the wall, Evergreen stretched out on the small cot, rested her head in the home of her friend, and slept.
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zena - 07:55pm Jul 29, 2002 ET (#161 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
The Lost Mariner Returns
Morning. Through the small round port hole the sun sent a little streak of light that fell on Zena’s face and made her blink and turn her head. She had been awake for an hour or so, cradeling Evergreen’s head and listening to the creaking and groaning of the ship. There was much she did not understand. Her last clear memory was of having a meal with that priest in the temple.
Zena shifted her body slightly to move from the sunlight and looked down at Evergreen sleeping so soundly. It was an unusual sight. From the time they were children Evergreen had slept little, always volunteering to take the first watch when a guard was necessary. She seldom woke Zena to take the next watch and Zena had grown accustomed to her friend’s need to be the guardian in the night. Evergreen thought deeply in the darkness, under the full moon and in the quiet of the forest and Zena always gave her the time she needed, knowing that she would find healing there.
Gently she moved Evergreen’s head to the pillow and bent over her for a moment, brushing the hair back from her forehead and smiling at the peace on the warrior’s dear face. At the Captain’s table she found a dagger stuck into a map at Thrace and knew that they were facing a long journey through the Aegean Sea. She looked over her shoulder at her sleeping friend. She had asked her to go to Thrace and now they were evidently on their way. “But who is with us? How did we get a ship, and where in Hades did this awful dress I’m wearing come from?”
Without too much difficulty she found the bath tub and after a long soak as Evergreen slept on, the box with the clothing. The cargo yielded a soft chamois shirt and pants and boots of a reddish brown. “Well, I don’t know how we’ll pay for this, but I can’t go around in that silly dress, without a place to hang my chakram.” She took the dagger from the map and slipping out of the room, quietly mounted the stairs. There was no telling what kind of a band of crazed robbers had taken them captive.
In the full dawn she stood in the doorway with the pink light playing over her, looking rested and scrubbed clean. The quiet little band on the deck turned almost as one as she stepped forward, nearly in the same way they had turned toward someone else the night before. Zena’s gaze took them all in at once but her mind could not understand how they had come to be in this place together. Xendra and Puella had been back at the battlefield but now they were here. The strange Roman woman from their captivity was at the helm and a strong slim woman in black was hoisting sails. And there on the deck sat Phalon with her arms around dear Gabby, trying to get her to eat. A cloaked figure whose face Zena could not see huddled against a barrel while a rather good looking fellow with eyes like the Warrior Princess kept watch near the bow.
For a moment she covered her face and thought, “Is this the work of the furies?” Then taking a breath and summoning all her courage she smiled a broad smile at the group and said, “Hey! I’m hungry! What do we have to eat?”
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:17:24 GMT -6
bhenrudha - 06:07am Jul 31, 2002 ET (#162 of 237)
I am the Red Woman.
By the Dawn . . . a Name
She watched as the Amazon frowned, thinking about the her words. The Morrigu had given her so many gifts in so short a time, she half wondered if she had not gone mad instead. The red-eyed raven on her shoulder butted its head against hers, as if in rebuke for her thoughts.
"The Goddess?" the question drew her attention back to the Northern woman.
"Aye. Bandia be after watchin' this wayward daugh'er . . . be seemin' so anaroad," she answered, uncomfortable with her grasp of the language and situation both.
The Amazon spread her hands and shrugged, "I have never been touched by an Asgardian myself, but I cannot claim to know about all gods of all people." She smiled, the ribbons of color heralding the dawn lighting her face. With a step forward, she offered her wrist. "I am J'mea of the Northern Tribes, an Amazon . . . and friend." Patient, smiling, J'mea waited for a response.
She lifted her hand to accept the grasp and was startled to see a bandage wrapped tightly around her palm. The waiting hand forgotten for the moment, she dug at the bandage, unwrapping it to reveal a jagged wound just beginning to scab. Memory assailed her, the past month coming clear within the mind's theatre. She watched her desperation from start to finish, her hand suddenly itching to hold a shard of glass.
J'mea kept her hand out, watching the runaway carefully. She saw the shift in the other woman's features and managed to force herself not to react when her careful bandaging was torn off. Now that the woman was awake, the Amazon knew that things were likely to be more difficult rather than less. The amber-green eyes were dilated, a starkness falling about the too pale features. She thought of saying something else, but refrained when she saw movement from the corner of her eye.
The black-eyed raven, larger, older than the others, launched from its perch and hit her shoulder forcefully. The impact drew her attention back to the Amazon, J'mea, and she knew that her name was expected, demanded, by the rules of hospitality.
Yet she continued to hesitate. What name was hers to give? She had left behind her birth name when she had become a Bandroi an Cogadh, but she was no longer entitled to her holy title. She would never utter the syllables with which he had referred to her. What did that leave her with?
Dreams of fire and blood returned to her, splashes of scarlet washing her vision. The ravens lifted themselves into the predawn air, drawing her attention upward. Threads of crimson streaked the sky with the promise of the sun. She felt the imagery settle in her mind and heart. It was a place to start. It was as she felt this moment, this first free morning.
As the first lance of true light brought the world out of night, she looked squarely into eyes of Northern blue and clasped J'mea's hand, saying, "I be Bhen Rudha. I be tha' Red Woman."
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xwpfan - 02:32pm Aug 1, 2002 ET (#163 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
An Eventful night..for some
Since our return to life,Puella has seemingly developed the gift to sense things well before I do. Understanding this I decided to trust her instincts and chose not to interfere in the confronataion between the priest and Phalon.
It was not easy though... every fiber of my being wanted to get my hands on the priest for what he had done to Zena and Little Gabby.
Puella smiled at my discretion and pulled Little Gabby closer and softly began to sing. As Puella's melodic tune continued a small peaceful smile appeared on Little Gabby's face as she slowly surrendered to her body's weariness.
Puella wasn't half-way through the song when Little Gabby was fast asleep in her arms.
I think the song had also lulled me into a stupor of my own.. allowing me get lost in my own thoughts. found myself thinking about all that had transpired in my life to lead to this one peaceful moment. I must of stood there in thought for quite awhile, because when I finally became aware of the cooling evening air,Puella was also fast asleep.
I knew Puella wouldn't want to be woken up, so I went below to get a couple blankets to cover Puella and little Gabby with, when I returned I found Dante carefully wrapping Puella and Little Gabby in warm blankets.
I let out an exasperated huff... my patience was running out with this young man, but I knew to say anything would only make me look foolish. I simply laid the blankets down and walked away.
I was full of nervous energy. I continuously to walked from Stem to Stern, with the aid of my new staff. My pacing however just seemed to make those awake even more on edge .
During my walking about saw Leara settling in for the long night ahead. silently wondered if I should approach her... try to settle things in a peaceful manner.
I started towards Leara.. only to find a sword at my throat- it was Black Wolf warning me to stay away from Leara. Leara arose to her feet and pushed down the sword, and said," Thank you Black Wolf but I can handle the likes of Xendra ... it is Xendra now isn't it or have you changed it again?"
I narrowed my eyes and said,Xendra is my given name... do you have a problem with that?"
Leara retorted, " I don't have a problem with the name, just the person who branded me and killed my wolf Theos."
As I heard her say the words they seemed to be of events of a whole different lifetime... but they were of this life,of this time. I looked at Leara and said," I will not apologize for what I did in the past. granted my actions were extreme and unusually cruel, but I will Always do whatever it takes to protect the ones I care about. Just as you would do Leara."
Leara glared at me and said," You killed Theos, you killed my family."
I took a deep breath and with all the honesty I could muster I said, I know. I killed your brother. I knew Theos was much more than a wolf that's why I feared being tracked by him. I had a choose between him or me. I chose to kill him."
Leara lunged at me,ready to kill. I quickly turned aside and as I did so the force of her momentum took her over the side of the ship and into the cold waters of the sea.
Splash! Leara wildly thrashed about kicking and screaming, " I can't swim somebody help me!"
By the Gods I do not know what overcame me, maybe sheer instinct but whatever it was, the second her body hit the water I was kicking off my boots and jumping in to help her.
Black wolf brought the ship to a halt and Phalon began gathering rope to throws us.
There we were two mortal enemies stuck in the cold salt water of the Sea, I swam to her her and put my arm around her neck, she began to scream" She's trying to kill me , See she's trying to kill me!" I snarled "If you don't shut up I am going to, don't make me regret saving you more than I already do."
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