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Post by Zena on Jun 14, 2004 19:25:43 GMT -6
THE ZENA SCROLLS: CHAPTER II
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The Zena Scrolls: The Re-Building of A Nation
xwpfan - 11:37pm Jun 10, 2002 ET
Puella's laughter sparked a small light of hope in my very heavy heart. I knew I would survive the crushing grief within me and I needed to make decisions about what I wanted for my life.
There has been talk of all the sisters going off together to find a new home, but in every family there are those with different ideas, different opinions.
It has been decided that each sister shall choose for herself where she will call home. Some will seek the shelter and security of mountain life, some will stay in familiar territory, not willing to uproot or face new challenges.
Of course in every tribe, in every family, there are those are plagued cursed or blessed with wanderlust and adventurous spirits;souls who willingly venture into the unknown.
I guess our weary band of warriors qualifies us as wanders. For we leave here aimlessly heading towards the sea not really knowing what lies ahead of us only what we leave behind.
We need not tarry here. For ahead of us lies the time to heal, to laugh, to play to sing,to love and to forgive, to just get back to being us. Amazons.
Fortunately, absolute victory affords the victor a choice. Many of us have no fight left in us, devoid of any desire to chase, to kill or to maim. We chose peace. We just want to be allowed to just be.
If the Fates be with us we will find our way to begin again. To forge a new tribe with a blend of old and new members. To live amongst our own with our customs, our rules, our laws... to live as we see fit. We seek simply to exist and to continue the honorable tradition of a strong Amazon Nation.
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Lucystar1 - 12:18am Jun 11, 2002 ET (#1 of 236)
What we sow in this life, we reap in our future lives. This is our karma.
LIFE'S DECISIONS or WHICH ROAD TO TAKE HOME.
Lucystar had spent the last few hours walking among her friends, offering words of support where she could. Other times it was just to hug and hold a sister while she sobbed over the loss of a loved one.
"War is tough on the soul". Xena's words haunt her as she views the scene around her. Lucystar's eyes search the area looking for her Queen, but is not able to locate Saxy. Thinking to herself, "I know she was terribly upset by all that had happened and the sisters who were lost. We were both devastated by the loss of xwpfan's adopted daughters and shocked by Hippolytas final actions." Lucystar has already spent a few moments with xwpfan expressing her's and Saxy's sorrow.
Many of the tribe are planning on traveling toward the sea fom what Lucystar can tell. She still hasn't been able to located Queen Saxy, but is not worried....yet. "It's not uncommon for Saxy to need to go off by herself and work through the bloodlust that often plagues her after a battle." When asked what her plans are Lucystar replies "I will go where my Queen goes. Until I talk to her, I will make camp here and wait." Lucystar also wonders whether those left of the tribe even want Saxy to remain their Queen, or if Saxy wants to remain their Queen. But there is plenty of time to face those questions, later.
Lucystar bids her sisters goodbye as many of them start out today. As the last one heads down the trail, she turns back, and decides first things first. "Build a fire ring, collect firewood and hunt for food. Oh wait, that's Saxy's job. Guess I'll have to give it a shot or go hungry. Maybe there's some berries around here"
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girlpower - 01:40am Jun 11, 2002 ET (#2 of 236)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
packing the saddlebags
I laugh as Xwpfan whistled for my horse Amica, and she actually came. She can be a stubborn one. Then again so can I. It feels good to laugh, especially when I look over to Xwpfan and she smiled. I slowly begin packing up our bedrolls and loading up the horses. I bent down and picked up my new sword. I can hardly believe that Leara had given me such a precious weapon. The sword of Madula she called it, an Amazon weapon. I must find her and ask more about this silver sword. Someday I hope our paths may cross again.
I walked up to Xwpfan and checked the bandages on her leg. Her wound is healing, but it will take a while for it to completely heal. The scar it will leave will be a never-ending reminder of the day she lost her adopted daughters: Solaria, Vasca and Hippolyta… A never-ending reminder to me of how precious life can be. I will not waste this second chance at life that I have been given. I follow my friend, my sister, my family, Xwpfan. Whatever challenges she faces along this road, I will face with her. Learning the true ways of the Amazon. I can only hope to become as true an Amazon as Solaria was…
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leara - 05:59pm Jun 11, 2002 ET (#3 of 236)
Where do I go from here?? ??
The problem with the end of a great quest is the question where to go forward to? My options are many more than I could ever imagine. In the past, the answer came easily there was always some new possibility of finding a family member or aiding the helpless but now all that seems irrelevant.
I would like to know my birth mother and how she is faring especially with the news of my father’s death. That seems such a weird thing to say I never really knew him and by all accounts that is not really a bad thing. She must be a noble woman, to give up her daughter to another to raise giving her offspring a chance at a better life.
The Amazons seem to be moving out heading for the sea I can always catch up to them there as I am a fairly good sailor. I would like to know more about the people of my mother, Madula. I would like to understand the reasons for their ways and customs. As a Roman, how can I ever even think of joining with them, I am their enemy.
I had thought about chasing down my sister Evergreen. There is so much to ask and understand. I am not sure though if she is ready to talk about it or if she will ever be. I do need to thank her for saving my life earlier when she pulled me from the Roman camp.
I should perhaps venture deeper in to the forests of the land I call home and meditate about the place in the world for me if there is one. The forests have been a place of safty and security for me, the peace and stillness there is without equal.
I guess, for now I will sit here until the notion strikes me to move. It is a hard decision to make.
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Post by Zena on Jun 14, 2004 19:27:17 GMT -6
joxer4me - 09:40pm Jun 11, 2002 ET (#4 of 236)
Peace, love and harmony to all
(For the scrolls I "adjusted" my name)
Gazing down at the fields before her, she wondered if she should follow the band of woman warriors. Obviously they were of Amazon heritage, but would she be welcomed? With her own tribe small and disorganized, wanderlust captured her soul and made her set out for new lands. But her heart was growing weary from loneliness.
standing proud, she was J'mea, an Amazon from the north. Pulling herself from her musings, J'mea gathered her staff, bow and adjusted her quiver of arrows. Being only 5'3, she knew she might have to prove herself once again as being a strong Amazon. Pushing her long light brown hair away from her face, she squared her shoulders and started on her journey. What awaits her ahead, no one knows for sure. J'mea prays to the gods, both her own Nordic ones and the gods of the new lands, that all goes well.
Trudging along, J'mea knows that the two mile separation between herself and those ahead of her mean nothing. But as she stares out before her, she sees that there is a lonely warrior gathering wood. Should J'mea approach her or skirt around her and follow the band towards the sea? J'mea was hoping to meet the great warrior princess she had heard of through out her travels. Would she be in the band, or is she the lone warrior by the campsite? Only one way to find out.
Smiling to herself, J'mea looked forward to her new and hopefully last journey. To have a family and a stable home was her dream for many winters. Finally, an ending to a long journey or was it the beginning of the most awesome adventure of her life? Only the gods knew.
Let the journey begin!
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blackwolf - 03:21pm Jun 12, 2002 ET (#5 of 236)
I was enjoying a nice quiet sunset on the beach when the first Roman soldiers passed by. I quickly hid myself among the rocks. While I wouldn't have minded spilling a little Roman blood, I noticed that they were already battle worn, and I was curious as to what force would send these seasoned warriors on the run. I kept hidden in the rocks until nightfall, then, making sure my horse was securely hidden, I went after the men.
I came upon their camp a few miles down the beach. I quickly dispatched of one of their sentries, and then, donning his clothes, moved freely through the camp. I had been told from an early age that I had somewhat masculine features, and while not extremely large, my 5'7 frame packed enough muscle to pass me off as a young man. I had cut my hair short for instances such as these. It was always nice to be thought of as one of the guys, especially when you needed information.
As I walked through the camp, I was able to piece together the stories that I heard. Evidently, a group of women warriors had attacked these group of Roman soldiers and had beat them quite badly. This little group of men was all that was left of the original army. I had to smile as I continued my walk. Sounds like the Amazons were nearby. I had heard stories of these warriors, but had never met one in person. I couldn't wait to meet these women, and from the sounds of what the soldiers were saying, they were heading this way. I found this quite interesting considering that their home was in the opposite direction. Very, very interesting. I quickly slipped out of the camp, and got rid of the Roman clothes as soon as I knew it was safe. They really did stink. It's going to take some brisk scrubbing before I'll be able to feel clean again, I thought.
Later on that night when I was sure the Romans were asleep, I stole back into camp. Another little tidbit of information I heard was that this group of soldiers were on their way back to Caesar to tell him of the recent loss of territory. I knew Caesar wouldn't like that and would send more men to secure his domain. That would spell disaster for this area, and I couldn't let that happen. The forests were my home, and I didn't fancy having Rome around to destroy it. I quickly and quietly dispatched of every soldier in the camp. Like I said before, I thought as I cleaned my blade on the tunic of a soldier, I didn't mind spilling Roman blood. I then made my way back to where I had hid my horse, mounted up, and then rode into the forest nearby. Under the darkness of the trees I made camp, and then settled in to wait for the Amazons.
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leara - 09:43am Jun 13, 2002 ET (#6 of 236)
The first decision
Grrlrr Grrblgrr Well it seems that my stomach has made the first decision of this pondering session. I look around and the meadow that was the Amazon regroup point, it is all but empty now. Lucystar is relaxing under the shade of the lofty tree.
My hands and arms are the sanguine and the once white tunic is a reddish brown. I think that there may never be a time that I will see my hands again clean. The rumble in my stomach recalls the reason for the break in thought. There are always fish in the streams around here. Fishing has always a good way to relax and makes a nice meal. I hope I do not scare them with the stench of the death that clings around me like a wet blanket.
I get to my feet and make my way to the stream its waters are pristine and it seems a crime to defile them with my presence. GGRRLL the rumble is louder and it will not be ignored for much longer. The blood washes from my body and my garments the further I walk in to the pool. The waters are soothing and cleansing both mind and body, I find myself playing and enjoying the swim. I am usually alone so amusing myself has never been a problem for me. The sun is starting to decline I do not want to be sleeping in these wet clothes better get those fish and get out of here.
I walk out of the pool with fish and tunic in tow I had forgotten that I was not really alone. Well, I am just going to pretend Lucystar is not there and get on with my own business on the other side of the meadow. I swear that the next time I pack it will include at least one change of clothes. I’m not usually this uncomfortable but then I don’t run wild and free around people I don’t know very well.
The fire ring is built quickly and the fire starts easy. Thank the gods! My tunic may be dry by night fall. The fish are cleaned and frying on the rocks of the ring. I can’t remember the last meal I ate. Things had happened so quickly over the last few days and food was not that high on the priority list. The smell of the frying fish captivates my senses my mouth is watering waiting for them to finish cooking. I should offer some fish to Lucystar instead of sitting here curled up in a ball waiting for my tunic to dry. I need to have the protection my clothes afford me in the presence of a great warrior.
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Post by Zena on Jun 14, 2004 19:28:12 GMT -6
xwpfan - 12:21pm Jun 13, 2002 ET (#7 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
fishing lessons
Our weary band of warriors had said their last good-byes to those staying behind and had gave well wishes to those who chose to go another path.
Our journey had begun. Actually, we had been riding for a while before the topic of where to relocate to came up. Perhaps we were all feeling a bit unsure about talking about where our new home might be.
After lengthy and sometimes heated discussion,we decided that since our little group was already heading on the direction of the Agean Sea,that somewhere in the vicinity of the seaport of Volos might be nice.
As we got further away from the camp we could see the denseness of the forest meld away, the mighty Oaks and beautiful maple tress became more sparse as we traveled onward.
As the forest gave way to fields it became obvious that there would be few things to hunt. Without dense woods there would be few bears,wild boars or wolves to hunt on this journey.
Instead,it looked as though we'd be herding wild goats,fishing and forging for berries and roots. Our life styles were changing with every hoof beat forward.
After several hours riding,we needed a break. Everyone looked extremely tired and emotionally drained. I didn't know about the others, but I felt like I could not go on any further.
We began searching for a place to camp for the night. We found an open field filled with wild flora and a trickling stream about a couple hundred yards away .
It was perfect,after we unloaded our gear, we lead our horses down to the stream to let them cool down and drink. Without saying much of anything, a couple of my sisters started gathering dry leaves and sticks to start a fire with.
Puella full of curiosity of how Amazons do things offered to go with the group going fishing. They heatedly agreed and said they'd be glad to show her how Xena the warrior princess catches fish.
I laughed as Puella excitedly waved good bye to me.
A few minutes later I could hear the sounds shrill sounds of screams and of someone splashing and thrashing around in the water,I laughed and smiled just knowing it had to be my sisters "teaching" Puella how to fish.
Still smiling I walked over to my saddle bag pulled out a clean dry tunic and laid it on her bedroll.. she was going to need it later..
None of my sisters were letting me do anything useful, they were being very attentive and understanding. but I felt the need to be us, to doing something.
I grabbed my cistern that my grandmother had made with the intent of picking some wild berries or even some wild oregano or thyme.
However,when I walked further into the field I was overcome by the beauty of the Lilies and Crocuses in full bloom. I laid down amongst the flowers and looked up to the bluest sky I had ever seen and thought this must be what the Elysian fields are like...
I closed my eyes and thought of my girls,knowing the dead can hear our thoughts; to Vasca and Solaria I sent thoughts of love and pride, to Hippolyta I sent my questions and thoughts of concern.
As the intoxicating fumes filled my nostrils I began to think happier thoughts, daydreaming about our new home and re building our nation, our tribe.
I smiled as my memory replayed how brave and how noble each had been in battle. and suddenly I had no fear of what the future may hold..
As I laid their in the first moment of contentment I had known in days two feathers came floating down from the sky on to my chest. I opened my eyes to find the feather of a hawk and a dove. I looked but there was not a bird in the sky, these feathers were gifts from someone,be it from the Gods or my girls who knew.
As I stared at the feathers a voice from deep within told me to save these feathers to make Puella's ceremonial mask.
Tears rolled down my face, I had not even attempted to make a since that horrible day when I had lost my family.. I wasn't sure I'd remember how.
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xwpfan - 12:43pm Jun 13, 2002 ET (#8 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
fishing lessons continued
I closed my eyes and in my minds eyes I could see the mask that I was to make.. it was going to be an all white mask, save one. It was going to be made with the whitest of dove feathers-symbolizing peace, white Sea gull feathers to represent our new seashore home and one lone Hawk feather to represent that although we seek peace we are not afraid of battle or to go to war.
I was smiling and lost in my own thoughts of how I would like to do something special for Little Gabby and Puella at their induction ceremonies when who stood before me but Puella, soaking wet and grinning from ear to ear- holding on to a slimy Eel for dear life.
" Look Xwpfan, she said breathlessly, I caught an Eel with my bare hands!"
I laughed and said."Puella, are you sure it didn't catch you? Look at you, your soaking wet! Seriously, you did a great job! Well done! By the way, I left you a dry tunic over there" pointing to her bedroll.
Puella looked at me and said," You knew I'd come back soaked, and you didn't bother warn me?"
I laughed and said, No I didn't want to ruin anybody's fun!"
Puella screamed, "Ooooh some friend you turned out to be!" and threw the slimy eel right at my face.. I managed to catch it and started to roar with laughter as it squirmed in my hands.
I could hear laughter all around me, some of the other sisters had come to see Puella soaking wet but also saw her throw the eel at me which started everyone laughing. In that moment I couldn't help but think I am going to like this new life.
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Lucystar1 - 10:09pm Jun 13, 2002 ET (#9 of 236)
What we sow in this life, we reap in our future lives. This is our karma.
COMPANY?
While Lucystar waited for Queen Saxy to return, she had built her firering and gathered enough wood to last easily through the night. Her one draw back was the hunting part. Having always been a great animal lover, and at one time, even a horse trainer, she often found it hard to hunt the small woodland creatures. Especially little bunnies. That's why whenever Lucystar was out with the tribe, she often brought plenty of food from the Inn so they didn't have to hunt. Laughing to herself "I don't think anyone really knew why I always supplied the food. I think they thought I was being considerate of how hard everyone worked. And it WAS nice to already have the meal's meat ready to fix having brought smoked and dried meat that could be prepared several ways. That way no one had to go hunting for their meals when they were tired or it was dark." Lucystar knew that if THEY knew it was because she hated to see the little animals killed and skinned, they'd tease her unmercifully. Now, if it came down to hunt or starve, of course self-survival always came first, but as long as other means could be provided, the bunnies would be safe.
However, today there were no prepared meals and with all the fighting going on earlier, no animals were around to hunt, even if Lucystar wanted to, which she didn't. So in her search for firewood, she happened upon a berry patch. Now sitting under the large tree with the large leaf full of berries, Lucystar had time to reflect on all that was happening with the tribe and to wonder where the next part of her journey with Saxy would take them. She also wondered were her queen was, but still was not worried. She had seen Saxy take days to work through some very difficult times. For the Queen was not one to show her emotions easily.
Then suddenly Lucystar's eyes popped open. "Do I smell fish cooking on a fire?" Slowly she lets her eyes scan the surrounding area. There, a ways off, Lucystar could make out a campfire. "I wonder who that is? Who has stayed behind?" The she askes herself "I wonder if it would be rude to invite myself to dinner? What if it's not a friend?" With a shrug and a grin, Lucystar gets up, then slowly and carefully she makes her way toward the fire she's seen across the glen.
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Post by Zena on Jun 14, 2004 19:28:53 GMT -6
blackwolf - 04:40pm Jun 14, 2002 ET (#10 of 236)
Usually I am a very patient person, but for some reason, waiting for the Amazons was becoming quite unbearable. I knew it would take them a while to reach the beach seeing as how the Romans probably had a good day or two head start on them. During the morning hours as I waited, I went fishing and then did my normal rounds to make sure everything was as it should be. I headed back to the roman camp and decided to clean the place up a little bit. I had just left the soldiers where I had killed them, planning on leaving it as a warning to all who passed by to be careful where they tread. As I surveyed my handiwork, I decided that just seeing the camp, even though I knew no living thing walked among the tents, really made the beach look disgusting. So, I decided to set fire to everything there. I took the weapons and what little food they had and stashed the weapons away in a hiding place among the rocks lining the beach. There was only one way to get to this hiding place, and so far I was the only one crazy enough to get use it. The food I took back to my camp. Can't let food go to waste, even if it is Roman food.
Next, I found two large pieces of driftwood, taller than a man when standing on end. I placed this driftwood into holes that I had dug in the sand. I then tied two of the corpses to the posts that I had made. I still wanted to get my point of warning across and figured that this was the best way to do it. Even though I heard that the Amazons were great women, I wasn't taking any chances.
I then went back, and deciding there was nothing else I needed, set fire to every tent. I stayed there for the rest of the day, watching everything burn. I had always liked fire. There was something wild and untamed about it that had always reached out to me. I had the same feeling when I watched a pack of wolves, my most favorite animals in the whole world.
By nighttime, the fire had died down until only a few small fires burned. Satisfied that these wouldn't spread anywhere, even with the sea breeze, I headed back to camp. As I settled down for the night, I went over in my mind the events of the past couple of days. As I sat there thinking, I suddenly had a premonition that my life was going to change dramatically within the next few days. Whether for good or bad I did not know, but I knew it was tied to the Amazons.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 19:45:29 GMT -6
girlpower - 06:35pm Jun 14, 2002 ET (#11 of 236)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Puella learns to fish
Puella helps set up the camp with Xwpfan. We need to rest, looking over at my friend, I see the weariness in her movements and on her face. These past few days have been hard for her, yet she goes on and does not complain. A group of Amazons have made a fishing party, they approach us and ask me if I want to go with them and catch this evening’s meal. I can not hide the excitement in my eyes. Fishing for my dinner is something I have never done and would love to learn. Xwpfan saw the expression and told me to go ahead with them, “I’ll be fine here.” I was a little reluctant to leave her there, but the impulse to fish won out. Xwpfan will be fine. Besides, I can’t have the Queen find out I can’t fish. I need to learn this. I place my hand on Xwpfan’s shoulder and give a little squeeze as I walk away to join the others down at the stream.
Down at the stream Admete and Dictynna, begin showing me how to stand and where to look for certain types of fish. I decided that I should try for the biggest thing I could catch, so I would have a better chance at keeping a hold of it. Dictynna said, that I should try for eel then. All right, sounds good to me. I stand thigh deep in the stream, under the shade of a tree. The water is a little cool, reminding me of the creek Joxcenia threw me into my first night with the Amazons. I shiver at the thought. I place my hands under the water, near the stones at the bottom. Something brushed up against my hand and I grabbed it fast as I could. It was strong and slimy reminding me of a big leech, yuck. I screamed out as I fought with the eel. I fell back into the water but wouldn’t let go. “You’re mine you slimy thing.” I then stood up and let out a laugh looking at the other Amazons. I proudly walked ashore to go show Xwpfan my handy work.
I found her lying in the field amongst the flowers. I held the eel tightly. "Look Xwpfan, I caught an eel with my bare hands!" “Puella, are you sure it didn't catch you? Look at you, you’re soaking wet! Seriously, you did a great job! Well done! By the way, I left you a dry tunic over there." Xwpfan said as she pointed to my bedroll. How thoughtful she is. I raise my eyebrows and smile saying, "You knew I'd come back soaked, and you didn't bother to warn me?" She laughs and says, “I didn't want to ruin anybody's fun!” “Oh really, then have yourself an eel.” I tease and throw the eel straight at her face. She caught it as the rest of the fishing party walk up and laugh at the sight.
I need to get out of these wet clothes. I walk over to my bedroll and change into my dry tunic, then hang the wet one on a limb to dry. Running my fingers through my short flame red hair, I walked back next to Xwpfan and ask, “So how do you prepare eel?” I take the eel back from her hands and help her up. We walk to the fire and begin to prepare our meal. Talking of a spiced eel recipe. As I look over towards my new family, I smile and think. Now this is the life…
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joxer4me - 08:09pm Jun 14, 2002 ET (#12 of 236)
Peace, love and harmony to all
As J'mea moved along her new path towards adventure, she noticed someone around a ringfire, but with no thing cooking. The faint odor of cooking fish drifted along the breeze though and J'mea realized that they were not the only ones around. Gathering up her courage, she made her way towards the lone figure at the firering. "Will I be welcomed or will I be told to go away" was the thought that crossed J'mea's mind as she made her way.
Approaching the campsite, she gave voice to warn the stranger. " I am J'mea, Amazon of a Northern tribe. Be you friend or foe?"
Patiently she waited. Which side of a flipped coin will present itself?
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 19:49:18 GMT -6
bhenrudha - 12:47am Jun 16, 2002 ET (#13 of 236)
I am the Red Woman.
Running
((Author's Note: I hope I'm not being too forward with this post. I had such a good time reading up on some of the group's adventures that I wanted to play too!))
It was not enough that she had escaped, and had been free for almost a moon now. The nightmares plagued her still . . . heavy, cloying with his smell and weight, forcing her awake with a scream echoing in her ears.
She was dirty. She was hungry. She was alone.
Even during the day the smell filled her nose, his rancid breath mixed with the tang of blood. With eyes opened or closed she could see the crimson on her hands, could feel it sticky between her fingers. The voices of coursing hounds drove her feet forward, though she could no longer tell if they were real or imagined.
She was hunted. She was afraid. She was diminished.
The mirror shard had cut her as it had cut him, and sometimes in the vaugeness that came before waking, she felt that his lifeblood had tainted hers, trapping her forever underneath his gluttony . . . his karnal addiction. When night forced her to cling to a tree for what safety she imagined it afforded her, she would pick at the slice across her palm, hoping to bleed him out of her.
She was desperate.
Her body had escaped, but inside she was still back in that room, shackled, waiting. She no longer felt the slap of the chain attached to her collar, the skin down the middle of her chest too bruised to complain. A nail ripped half off her finger had stopped her from trying to claw the solid ring from her throat.
She was dying.
She wondered why she continued. Memory older than her slavery surged forward then . . . the Raven's wings, the stand of Acorns . . . her death did not belong to her, it belonged the Goddess. But the Goddess was too far away, She could not hear a wayward daughter whose voice had grown small.
A sharp pain pierced her middle, the memory of a handful of mushrooms a crescent moon distant. Blurry eyes searched the darkening sky, found the moon nearly half. She would need food. Maybe she was far enough away to ask for help. For now night was as good as day for walking . . . she would continue.
* * *
Midnight found her huddled within a thicket. She had stumbled, fallen, and crawled into the meager shelter. The remainder of her rags had done nothing to protect her from the thorns, but she was far past caring. Sleep had teased her this night with visions of green hills, fields of sheep and cattle, the collar at her throat a twisted torc of copper instead of a slave's locked iron decoration.
Dawn found her weeping.
When she had been wrung dry, she crawled out of the thicket, and picked a direction. Mere hours later found her following the faint scent of smoke. The vestiges of caution drove her into the thick trees, moving with all the silence she could remember.
A voice filled ears grown used to her own cackling words, "I am J'mea, Amazon of a Northern tribe. Be you friend or foe?"
Panic filled her trembling limbs as she searched her mind for the steps of translation. Northern . . . tribe . . . friend . . . foe . . . Tuaisceartach . . . treibh . . . cara . . . namhaid . . . Only those few words did she manage to pull from behind the wall of exhaustion induced delusion. While she was trying to decide whether or not this was enough to warrant coming down from her tree, her body decided for her, sending her falling, unconscious before she hit the ground.
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leara - 01:29am Jun 16, 2002 ET (#14 of 236)
Guess who is coming to dinner?
What to do the dilemma never seems to end. I really should offer to share my catch with Lucystar as we seem alone here in the meadow waiting for the next step. My people skills in groups are somewhat malapropos. One on one, I have a better chance of keeping my composure and behavior in check.
I am so uneasy about everything lately. I’m sure it is because of this identity crisis, I used to know who I was and took great pride in being Leara. Now I am not sure who or what I am supposed to be. I would be less apprehensive if I were fully clothed. The only things in sight are my bed roll and the wild natural flora.
I suppose, it will be the bed roll fashioned into makeshift covering of sorts. I wind it around my body like a sari but it is not really long enough. It will have to do, it is all I have. It covers enough of me that I do not feel so exposed.
I call out, “Who is there? Lucystar, is that you? Why don’t you come and join me for dinner? I am no great chef but I have some fresh fish they are cooking on the stones of the fire ring. Please approach without fear and join me I’d have plenty enough to share if that is your wish.”
There is a rustle in the bushes my hand has a firm grasp on my sword, if the rustle is not friendly it will find itself on the fast track to Hades.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 19:51:05 GMT -6
Lucystar1 - 02:06am Jun 16, 2002 ET (#15 of 236)
What we sow in this life, we reap in our future lives. This is our karma.
A DINNER INVITATION
I've made my way across the glen having seen the campfire and smelled the cooking fish. I still have in my hands the leaf basket I made to hold the berries I picked. I also have over my shoulder my day pack, which, besides an extra tunic, is full of nuts I had also found in my foraging trips.
Leara calls out to me. Apparently she must have seen me earlier today out hunting for food. Now she's invited me to share her meal, for which I am grateful. Not so much because I am hungary, but for the company. I have been alone all day wting for Saxy to return to me.
The path I took to the campfire walked me right into some bushes. As I shove my way through them I come face to face with Leara with her sword in her hand.
"Whoa, there, I'm a friend, not foe. You remember me don't you leara?" Leara gives me a grin and puts her sword away. And I let out a big sigh. "Hey, thanks for the invite. Didn't know you were still around. I would have thought you'd ave left already, Leara?"
With that she motions me to a log by the fire as she turns back and checks on the fish cooking on the rock in the fire ring. "Gods, that smells good. Hey,Leara, I know it's not much but here are some berries I picked and I've got some nuts in my day pack. I've seen Saxy put some of each in fish she's cooked and it gives them a little extra flavor. Not that what you've cooked doesn't smell great, mind you."
Lucystar now notices that leara's "clothes" consist of her bedroll wrapped around her and kind of covering her body. Reaching into her pack she dumps out the nuts on the ground and then pulls out the extra tunic. She offers it to Leara saying" Here you might be a little more comfortable in this and I know you'll need your blanket later to sleep one." Leara looks at her, but doesn't say a word. "Look, I always carry an extra tunic in case I fall in a creek when I'm trying to help Saxy fish. My guess is your clothes got soaked while you were fishing and they're not dry yet." With that she drapes the tunic over Leara's arm and turns to check on the fish. "Go over there and change. I promise not to look." Lucystar laughs to herself as she sits back on the log. "Looks like to fish will be ready soon. Thanks again for the invitation, Leara"
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joxer4me - 11:35am Jun 16, 2002 ET (#16 of 236)
Peace, love and harmony to all
A lost soul
Realizing a little late that she missed the lone warrior, J'mea ponder her next move. Before taking a step on the decided path, she heard branches breaking and a small whoosh. Cautiously she made her way to the noise. There beneath a mighty oak, laid a battered body. Moving slowly lest it be a Roman, J'mea inched closer. Seeing that indeed the person was unconscious, J'mea poceeded to check for vital signs. With growing horror, she came to the realization that this poor soul was a woman, bruised and batter, but not from the war. This damaged was done by another type of war.
Not knowing what injuries had been sustained, J'mea quickly gathered her healing herbs and some bandages from her sack. Cleaning and binding the more noticeable wounds, J'mea could only spectulate the nature of the older wounds.
With no other answer to her call, J'mea surmised she was safe for the time being. Gathering some of the broken branches, she started her own ringfire to keep the chill away from them both. J'mea jumped when she heard some mumbling from her fallen charge. Leaning closer, she still could not understand much. Only the words Northern and tribe could she pick out from the mumblings. By the gods, could this soul be from her long ago lost tribe?
Covering the girl with her only cloak, J'mea brewed more herbs in a broth. In time the wounds would heal. But what of the ones that went more than skin deep? Only the gods knew that answer.
As J'mea secured the small perimeter, she kept her weapons in close contact and settled down for the long vigil that laid ahead. "May the gods bless you and help you, for I have done all that I can". With that small prayer offered, J'mea leaned her back against the tree and stared out into the growing darkness.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 19:52:38 GMT -6
bhenrudha - 05:23pm Jun 16, 2002 ET (#17 of 236)
I am the Red Woman.
Dreaming
Gentle J'mea had her hands full with the lost soul she had found in the grass. The runaway was tall, perhaps as tall as Xena herself, though far too thin by any stretch of the imagination. The matted rat's nest of hair had once been a deep, coppery auburn, framing a face that was too sunburnt and dirtstreaked to be the clear ivory it once was.
Looking over the battered body, J'mea found a plentitude of cuts and scrapes down the long limbs and across the runaway's back. The filthy rags barely hid the mass of bruises that ran down the thin chest, product of the length of chain still attached to a locked iron collar.
While cleaning and bandaging the battered woman, the Amazon noted that she was curiously free of whip scars, her mind shying away from what other tortures might have been visited upon the runaway instead.
On her back J'mea had found a large tattoo, a shield of some kind . . . the profile of triple ravens knotted together in the Celtic style. They were black, one had an amber eye, one a red eye and the last a black eye.
At the end of her legs were two collections of bruises and blisters, cracked nails and dried blood. The runaway's feet had taken the brunt of the damage from being out in the wilderness virtually naked. Luckily the weather was warm enough, and there was no frostbite, though the black of some of the bruises had made J'mea double-check.
Her most serious wound was a slice across the right palm, crusted over and, by some miracle, not septic yet. The woman had twitched and groaned while J'mea poulticed and wrapped the hand, going limp so suddenly the Amazon had checked for a pulse to reassure herself that her charge was still alive.
J'mea mused on the symbology of the tattoo while preparing her fire and broth for the runaway, somehow knowing that there was a story behind the design and why it had not been whipped into obscurity. She hoped that the woman would be able to tell her story when she woke.
Settling back against a tree, the Amazon checked her weapons and whispered to the woman, "May the gods bless you and help you, for I have done all that I can"
* * *
She was beginning to feel warmer. It was a sensation that she was nearly unfamiliar with. It felt . . . not good, but better. The warmth sent the roiling sludge of him into hiding. She wanted to open the cut on her hand and let the warmth burn him out.
Her hands twitched, but she could not bring them together. There was something holding her hands apart. He had never shackled her hands. Desolation swarmed her . . . for she knew that she had been caught again.
She could not know that she was in the hands of an ally, even a friend . . . these were concepts that had been choked out of her, pulled from her by a length of chain.
Into the desperate blackness of oblivion a lance of red pain sliced, setting fire to her blood. It had started at her hand, she realized, like she had been cut again with her mirror shard. Confusion snared her . . . she had lost her shard, it had drowned in the rising pool of crimson.
The fire took no notice of her state of mind. It coursed through her, agonizing in its speed, leaving her raw, but clean. Dark joy welled up within her with the knowledge that the blaze would find him, turn him to ash within her. She surrendered to the fire, letting it have its way with her and turned, falling deeper into her mind.
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bhenrudha - 07:36pm Jun 16, 2002 ET (#18 of 236)
I am the Red Woman.
Internal Voyage I
Behind the wall of unconsciousness she waited. This time she was shackled in her room, without her mirror shard, knowing that he would be coming soon. The room was lavish, with silken sheets and expensive rugs, large enough that she could not claim claustrophobia as her madness. Her chain was anchored high on the wall, allowing her the freedom of the room till she got near the door.
She remembered her first weeks here, struggling against her bond toward the door, passing out when the collar had cut off her air too long. She knew better now. Arranged artfully among the pillows of her bed shaped grave, she resigned herself to another taste of death.
The lock clicked. The door opened with the faint jangle of keys. Fear stole another portion of her soul. She closed her eyes.
Bootsteps muffled by the rugs . . . he never wore boots in here . . . her eyes flew open.
Standing before her was a woman, tall and muscular, garbed in the warrior way of her people. Thick, midnight hair waterfalled its way past her waist, framing brilliant amber eyes. In her hands she held a set of sodden clothes.
She groaned, rolling forward and pressing her face into the bed sheet. "I am reduced to less than nothing. No longer fit to wear your mark . . . take your Raven, Lady and leave me to die." The amber eyed Raven, settled on the right side of her back, burned with intense heat, making her gasp and look up.
The Woman stood quietly, holding the wet clothes out to her, liquid dripping to stain the rug. She followed the falling trail . . . of water . . . her clothes, in those Hands, dripping water. She was alive . . .
Do not presume to know My thoughts daughter. My Sisters and I are far from finished with you. Stand, I would not speak to the back of your head.
No actual words came to her, instant understanding bombarded her instead. Trembling, she rose, the clank of her chain a loud desecration, a shame filled reminder that she was unworthy of the grace she was receiving. She stepped down from the bed and stood before the Woman.
She wanted to speak, but her throat constricted, choking off her first attempt. Gazing into the serene countenance, she was able to find her voice. "Blessed Lady, Seer Through the Haze, Mystical Sister," she spoke three titles as she was taught and felt the Raven with the amber eye settle, warming her back with a more gentle heat, "direct me as you would, for this daughter remains devoted to you."
Take those rags off, they are beneath you.
It took but moments to unwrap the length of cloth that had barely covered her body. She dropped it to the floor where it burnt to ash and gone. Naked she tried to draw herself up straight before the Woman, but the weight of her collar forced her shoulders to hunch. The Woman frowned lightly, and turned to set the wet clothes down in the doorway.
Garb yourself.
With knees shaking, she took a shuddering breath, "But Lady, I cannot reach so far."
Impatience colored the knowledge she received, That is only true were you still a slave. I see no chain fettering you.
Looking back over her shoulder, she saw that the chain did indeed reach to its anchor on the wall. She felt that she should recognize the test for what it was, but pain and fear had made her stupid. "I am in my tomb, chained to the subtle demise designed for me by him. It is fitting that I remain naked, Blessed Lady, for I have given up on freedom and deserve no defense."
Look again foolish daughter, and See where you truly lie.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 19:53:39 GMT -6
bhenrudha - 07:43pm Jun 16, 2002 ET (#19 of 236)
I am the Red Woman.
Internal Voyage I (continued)
Look again foolish daughter, and See where you truly lie.
She turned back, not sure what to expect. The First Sister was the Prophetess, the one who would tell a warrior if they were to live or die, this was not the first time she had seen Her. She hoped that it would not be the last.
Before she could look at the Woman, she looked to the soggy pile on the floor. There was water pooling from her clothes, that meant she was not to die . . . but why live chained to a wall?
She lifted her gaze to see the Woman make a circle with her arms, the space between filling with water. She stepped as close as she could and peered into the liquid mirror called forth from nothing. An image slowly formed . . . a tree, a lone woman, a fire and a shape on the ground covered with a cloak. She leaned closer, the collar pressing on her throat, to try and see the shape more closely.
It was barely recognizable, but above the cloak it was there, her face. She was asleep. She looked up at the Woman with awe shining in her eyes. The chain fell from its anchor to clank loudly on the floor.
The Woman opened her arms and the water fell back into nothing, She nodded, You understand now.
She did. She was on Immrama, The Internal Voyage, and should she fail, she would never wake up. With heavy steps that dragged the chain across the floor, she reached her clothes and bent to pick them up. Water sluiced from them, leaving them dry before she had straitened. She turned to the Woman and bowed her head, "Thank you Lady Morgan, you grace me."
Cool lips brushed her forehead. Do not thank Me yet. You have my Sisters yet to meet, and They can be far less kind. Before she could respond, the Woman vanished, was simply gone between one instant and the next.
With a heart that felt lighter than it had in years, she dressed herself . . . tunic, trews, belt and boots. Finished, she felt stronger, enough to drag the chain that still fell behind her. She stepped into the corridor and away from the room, never to return.
* * *
A day and night had passed since first J'mea had found the battered woman in the grass. She took the broth and water that was given, but did not stir at all. She had not moved, had not made a noise, had been so still that the Amazon regularly checked her pulse, just to be sure.
As the waxing half-moon rose, J'mea heard the flutter of wings. A large raven landed on the ground near the runaway's head, cawing lightly. The bird looked up at J'mea, revealing luminous amber eyes. What the portent meant, the Amazon could not have said.
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joxer4me - 12:17am Jun 17, 2002 ET (#20 of 236)
Peace, love and harmony to all
A Lost Soul, Part II
A day and night had pass since J'mea had found the girl. Cleansing the wounds and scrapes took time, so dirty and crusted over with dry blood, she did not want to further put the girl in pain. Regularly check the pulse, J'mea was relieved that she was there to help. For too long she felt useless, by herself only the wildlife to be her companions.
A soft, inaudible murmur would escape through healing cracked lips. J'mea would rest her hand reassuringly on the girl's shoulder to calm her. With luck, the sleep that overcame the girl would be deep and healing.
Settling back once again against the tree, J'mea ponder the vicious wounds she had treated and was extremely curious about the raven tattoo. Tattoos were not uncommon in any Amazon tribe but after cleaning the lost soul's hair and skin, she did not look to be from any Amazon tribe J'mea knew of. Red hair moved more freely without the debris cluttering it. Skin not damaged from abuse was a shade or two lighter then that which was constantly exposed to the sun. Were those a light sprinkle of freckles going across the bridge of the nose?
J'mea knew for certain that she was treating a slave girl, a runaway. How long did the runaway suffer? How could anyone be so cruel? She looked no older than twenty winters, but looks can be deceiving. J'mea offered a quick prayer of thanks to the gods for leading her on this new path. She would do all in her power to help and save this girl,her friend.
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joxer4me - 12:36am Jun 17, 2002 ET (#21 of 236)
Peace, love and harmony to all
The Past
Done with what needed to be done to her new companion, J'mea let her thoughts drift back to her own past. Leaning back, she closed her eyes and began to dream.
The North. How beautiful and serene it was. Snow capped mountains and forests thick with trees, the land was surely blessed by the gods. Nordic pride swelled within her heart. Truly no other land could be so beautiful. Yet with beauty comes ugliness. Men fighting in the name of Odin and Thor wanted more land to call their own. It did not matter that Amazons lived there for as long as one could remember. The quarrels erupted into fighting and then escalated into war. But death comes in war and too many deaths were Amazon. Defeated they left, searching for a new land to call home.
That time came when J'mea was sixteen winters. No longer a girl but not yet a woman, she went off with her small band of sisters. Through the years, depression and sickness would make the band smaller. The day came when the few that were left decided to go their separate ways. "Together or apart we will survive. We need to find others like ourselves." Thus spoke Hilda, our leader, our queen. By then J'mea was twenty two winters and had honed her skills with weapons and more imporantly, with the healing arts.
Jerking upwards from her dream, J'mea leaned towards the slave girl to check her pulse and breathing. Changing the dressings on the more severe wounds, J'mea wondered what had gave her such a start. Adding small branches to the ringfire, J'mea once again leaned back and drifted towards sleep and her past.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 20:00:29 GMT -6
leara - 08:10am Jun 17, 2002 ET (#22 of 236)
Company of One
I feel foolish dressed in my bedroll but, it beats the alternative. LS comes through the bushes I am partly releived and now more nervous than ever. I put my sword away, no need of a weapon among friends. She is quick to offer to help with the frying fish as she has some seasonings in her pouch.
"I said I was no chef. That you will find was no lie, please by all means do me the honor. I usually cook for just me and do just enough not to starve or waste any meat. I am sure that when you are finished they will taste better." I hand over the stick I have carved into a flat turner of sorts. It will be easier to manipulate the fish with my new tool.
LS dumped her pack and at the bottom is a clean dry tunic. She offers it to me. Must be showing a little more flesh than appropriate but then I hear the explanation. I still feel embarassed about my current clothing and accepting the tunic from LS. She exercises great compassion in my case, draping the tunic over my arm and promising not to look. Thus she preserves what shreds of dignity I have left, I make quick work getting changed. The trip back is not speedy as tears well up in my eyes. It has been so long since someone actually cared for me or my needs. I shake it off and return to the fire and the soon to be meal.
I sit down by the fire and try to speak clearly and keep my voice steady "LS thank you for the tunic. I will return it when mine finally dries."
LS is right the fish are much better with the seasonings. I offer my compliments, "You are the chef. I am so glad that you decided to join me. This is the best fish I have had in a while."
We sit and talk the time away. I feel the nervous apprehension I had been feeling begin to fade slowly into oblivion. LS was a great warrior no doubt but she was more than that. The conversation was light, easy and honest. Honesty is not one of my best suits of course that is to be expected when you live a lie more than the truth. I make the attempt to be extra careful not to lie to LS.
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bhenrudha - 05:01pm Jun 17, 2002 ET (#23 of 236)
I am the Red Woman.
Internal Voyage II
She had been a slave for four long years, and in that time she had been taken from her room half a dozen times, maybe less. So it was little wonder that the corridors that stretched before her were meaningless in their design.
But she was not wholly lost. Part of the haze that had infested her life had lifted with Morgan's kiss, so when she felt her soul tugged faintly in one direction, she did not hesitate. She leaned against the weight of the chain and forced her feet to step in front of the other.
It was not long before she reached his audience chamber. This place she remembered. It had been here that the collar had closed around her neck. Hatred for the man built within her, fresh and hot as it had been years earlier. Fear and time had stolen her hatred, had left her hollow and ineffectual.
She took a deep breath, reveling in the burning emotion that radiated through her. It seemed that in a moment she would burst into flames, taking all of the building with her. She should have felt lighter, closer to free. But the chain seemed to weigh more heavily, and when she turned, saw that it stretched further away.
The test was recognized quicker this time, though she was at a loss as to how she could win through. She scanned the room and noted that his seat was shrouded in shadow. What rested within that shadow was important, she understood that without thinking. Casting about for a means for light, she spied torches hanging on the wall.
There had been a time that a thought would have set the torches to alight. Those days had been ground to dust by the men who had captured her. But this was Immrama, other things were possible. She centered herself and, for the first time since she had left Eriu, breathed a word . . . Solas . . . Light. The torches flared and settled to burning. The flush of her success was short lived however, once she spied who it was sitting in the center chair.
It was him.
In all his corpulent glory he spread out in his seat, watching her with avarice eyes. She went numb with horror and tried to take a step backwards. Strong hands on her shoulders stopped her and she twisted around.
A Woman stood behind her, clad for war, with angry red hair pulled back from Her face in intricate braids. Calm crimson eyes regarded her for a moment before she fell to her knees. Shame twisted her guts and she gasped out to the before her, "Lady, I . . . I am no longer worthy of your Raven . . ."
To your feet little warrior.
A voice this time, thunderous, the clash of a hundred swords that came at her from all directions at once. She could do nothing but obey. Again she tried to square her shoulders, and again the gravity of her collar and chain made it impossible.
What makes you afraid?
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bhenrudha - 05:13pm Jun 17, 2002 ET (#24 of 236)
I am the Red Woman.
Internal Voyage II (continued)
What makes you afraid?
The Woman's crimson eyes bored into her, demanding an answer. She swallowed several times before she had the breath to respond, "Bright Lady, She Whose Sword is Ever Keen, Battle Sister, I am afraid of the man who sits over there."
But he is dead, no?
Memory assaulted her . . . a mirror shard, a slash, the warm gush of blood from them both. She had killed him and escaped after unlocking her chain from the wall anchor. Blinking, she turned to stare at the figure in the chair. He was not moving. "But why is he here, Lady?"
You need to finish killing him.
The only part she understood was that she had to get close to him again. She sagged as her knees threatened to buckle, a moan escaping her. "Lady, I cannot," she spoke the words like a death knell.
As long as he is here, you too shall remain.
There was no compassion in the crashing voice, only fact, and that made her afraid for a very different reason. She had passed Morgan's test, realized that she was alive . . . she wanted to wake up. Struggling with her fear of him and that of remaining within Immrama forever, she straightened and looked her Goddess in the eye. "If it is to be so, then Lady, I would have a weapon."
Perhaps a trace of pride sparkled in the Woman's eyes as she said, I neither keep one from your hand, nor can I give one to you. But should you call, I would answer.
Understanding blossomed, and she held out her hand. The word sat easily on her tongue as she demanded . . . Tua . . . Axe. It coalesced out of the air and her fingers curled around the smooth, familiar handle, her wrist tightening automatically against the balance. A handaxe, a weapon much beloved by her people. She had never felt something so welcome in her hand.
With a clank of chain, she turned and made to step toward his chair. The collar tightened against her throat, unwilling to move forward. Here was the test, to kill him so that she believed, that her soul believed . . . a step towards free.
She took a deep breath, filling her lungs as deeply as she could and shoved. The iron collar pressed against her throat, cutting off her breathing. She had expected this, and only shoved again. A few steps she made, leaving only a handful more before her destination. Her lungs started to burn, but she could suck in no breath, let alone release what was trapped within her.
She shoved, moved a pace or two. The weight grew, almost as if it were trying to pull her backwards. Spots danced before her eyes and the pain in her lungs grew. She shoved and fell forward a pace, a red haze obscuring her vision. Her hands touched the floor, the axe slipping from her grip. She could no longer see, and was beginning to have trouble thinking. She was so close, but could not force her body to rise. Lady . . . I . . . her thought fell away as black replaced the red and her face hit the floor.
It was in that moment, when she had resigned herself to final oblivion that the red eyed raven on her back began to burn. It pushed away the black, gave her a lungful of air. It burned bright and pure, the Raven that sat on the side where her heart resided.
Strength poured through her, filling her bones, guiding her muscles. She picked up her axe and with a last step brought the blade down, with all her will, upon the fat man's head. The keen edge split his skull easily and when she pulled the weapon away there was no blood. Instead there was sand. It poured from the gap in his head and in moments there was nothing but sand. She stared down at it and the chain attached to her collar dropped to the floor.
Your soul believes. He will live no longer.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 20:07:51 GMT -6
bhenrudha - 05:17pm Jun 17, 2002 ET (#25 of 236)
I am the Red Woman.
Internal Voyage II (continued)
Your soul believes. He will live no longer.
"May the Hounds of Arawn feast on him for eternity," she spat the words, then turned and walked back to the Woman. She stood before the Second Sister, the Warrior, She who gave the battle madness as a gift, and felt the fire from the red eyed Raven settle into her heart. She had been too long without it. She would die before she lost it again.
Silence grew between them for a long moment, then she said, "Thank you Lady Macha, you grace me."
A second set of lips brushed her forehead, Do not thank Me yet. You have My Sister yet to meet, and she is far less kind. Then She was gone.
She tucked the axe into her belt and strode out of the room, never to return.
* * *
The waxing moon had risen again when a second raven landed. This one had eyes the color of blood, bright in the firelight. It touched the runaway lightly with its beak, then the amber eyed raven, and finally settled down to its own vigil.
A second day and night had passed since J'mea had discovered the runaway. In that time she had reaffirmed her faith in the Amazon way, found it in the drifting mists of her past. There was so much she did not know about the sleeping woman, but felt that a friend rested beneath her cloak. It was strange, and not in the same breath.
Before sundown the woman had flushed with color, the uninjured skin acquiring a rosy hue. This gave J'mea hope. Hope was a very good thing, the Amazon mused as she prepared more broth for her charge.
((Author's Note: Macha is pronounced MAAX-ah. FYI. :-) ))
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xwpfan - 06:26pm Jun 17, 2002 ET (#26 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Where are they now?
I was lost in my own thoughts as Puella went to change her tunic. My heart grew heavy and concerned as night was beginning to fall on our weary little band. There were many faces and voices I had not heard from since our battle with the Romans. How had they all fared and more importantly where were they now?
As my mind drifted I realized that I had not heard at all from Queen Saxy or her second Lucystar. Under extraordinary circumstances such as these the leadership of the tribe would've fallen to me. I Had done the best I could, but between my injured leg and a heart that is too heavy and too broken to do the things a leader must do.
As the smell of fire and fish filled the night air I couldn't help but wonder if any of my sisters were without food, warm clothes or company. We were in unfamiliar territory camped out in a large expanse. Intimidating for those who had only experienced camp life, with a community of sisters sharing chores and tasks.
Being out amongst the stars with just bedrolls and a few days supplies was much closer to how the Amazons of old lived.
In my youth and inexperienced days I had often secretly longed for this kind of adventure and now it was laid out before me and for the first time I was unsure as to what part I would play. was no longer the youthful warrior and I was not yet a wise old sage... all I knew was that within my heart and mind I could hear the voices of our Ancestors beckoning us forward to build a new nation.
I looked over at Puella as my thoughts returned to the present. I smiled as I watched Puella trying to dry her hair and warm herself by the fire's edge. I braced myself with a stick and made my way over to her. I placed my hand on her shoulder and said, "Are you warm enough?"
Puella nodded.
" Puella,I want to thank you for keeping me company and for bringing laughter back so quickly into my life. I don't know if I could of gotten through losing my girls without you."
I don't want to alarm you but I think many moons from now when the tribe is more settled I will go off by myself for awhile and properly grieve for my girls, but for now I am needed here.
A momentary look of fear and apprehension flashed across Puella's face. I put my hand on her shoulder and said "I am not leaving you or this tribe.I promise,I'll come back."
Puella smiled and with a sigh of relief said,"Where do you think everyone is tonight? Do you think they're all ok?"
I laughed and said, "You and I think so much alike.. come sit and talk to me awhile . I feel we have so much to learn about each other and from each other I suspose."
Puella smiled and said, I'd like that,you know through all that's happened we've never had a chance to just sit and talk..."
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zena - 08:02am Jun 18, 2002 ET (#27 of 236)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Amazon Shopping Trip
“What about this one?”, Zena asked.
“No.”
“This?”
“No.”
“By the gods, Evergreen, you are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met.” The pile of rejected shirts on the merchant’s table was now as high as her head.
“You promised to replace my favorite shirt”, Evergreen scowled at her friend, “and I want an EXACT replacement.” Evergreen put her hands on her hips and surveyed the stack. Zena did likewise but surveyed Evergreen, standing there in the shirt with the big hole over her heart that they had hastily mended with big rough stitches. She felt a little ashamed that her sewing skills were so lacking although she did fairly well in closing wounds.
“But there isn’t one with a pine branch design. This is Aegina on the sea. They like fish. They paint fish. They embroider fish. They eat fish. Could you think FISH?” Zena put her hands to her temples. “You are making my head hurt.”
“Don’t go there with the ‘keep your fist off my head’ thing. You got your sight back didn’t you?” Evergreen grinned at her friend and put a comforting hand on her arm. “Somebody in one of these shops has got to have a simple leather tunic with a beautifully stitched pine branch down the front. We just have to find it. And NO fish.”
Zena peeked around the shirts and apologetically told the shopkeeper that they would not be making a purchase. The man shrugged his shoulders and began putting his shop back in order. “Amazons!”, he grumbled.
They stepped out into the street with it’s fresh sea air and sparkling white buildings. Although the little seaport was filled with travelers from many cultures, Evergreen and Zena stood out amongst the colorful garb and people stared as they went by. Zena poked Evergreen and gesturing to her own torn and bloodied clothing said, “Listen, let’s settle for a couple of cotton tunics for now and blend in a little better. I want a bath, I’m hungry and I think we are scaring these people. When in Rome....oh, sorry.” Evergreen nodded and laughed at the Roman reference, “Come on friend, let’s go find an Inn.”
“Cassius.”
“No, try again.”
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 20:10:18 GMT -6
girlpower - 06:20pm Jun 18, 2002 ET (#28 of 236)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
fireside chat
Puella stands by the fire’s edge drying my hair and warming myself, when Xwpfan walks over and places her hand on my shoulder. “Are you warm enough?” she asks. With all she has been through, it amazes me how easily she opens her heart and shows her concern for me. She needs to take time to grieve, take care of herself. Instead she feels she must be strong, lead her family, her tribe until Queen Saxy’s return. Until that day comes I will be here by her side. Protecting her from all harm. Looking into her face, I nod.
"Puella, I want to thank you for keeping me company and for bringing laughter back so quickly into my life. I don't know if I could have gotten through losing my girls without you." Xwpfan said, then looks into the fire. I think to myself as I hear her words.
Thank you for saving me. You befriended me when I needed it the most. I was lost and had given up hope. Then you came into my life, you made me feel again. At first you made me feel pain, now you have helped me to learn love.
Xwpfan then turns her face back towards mine and says, “I don't want to alarm you but I think many moons from now when the tribe is more settled I will go off by myself for awhile and properly grieve for my girls, but for now I am needed here.” My heart sank at the words and she could tell. She put her hand on my shoulder and said, "I am not leaving you or this tribe. I promise, I'll come back." I smile as she reassures me. I place my hand on top of hers as it lies on my shoulder. “I will be here for you, until that day…if you need anything.” I manage to say aloud.
Looking into the fire I ask, "Where do you think everyone is tonight? Do you think they're all ok?" Xwpfan laughed and said, "You and I think so much alike... come sit and talk to me awhile. I feel we have so much to learn about each other and from each other I suppose.” I hold up my hand, “Just a moment, I need to get something.
I walk over to my bedroll and there I pick up a nice sized branch. It was a strong branch, and just the right height. I pulled it off the tree when I was hanging my tunic up to dry. I grab my knife from my saddlebag and walk back over to Xwpfan. I smile as I sit down next to her. I begin to carve into the branch and say, “We've never had a chance to just sit and talk. Now seems to be the perfect opportunity. What do you want to talk about.” I continue to carve as I ask Xwpfan questions. “So when was the first time you learned to fish?” We laughed as she began to tell me things about her life…
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EvergreenLM - 10:22pm Jun 18, 2002 ET (#29 of 236)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
I Came, I Saw, I Did Not Buy
"Zena, just how long have we known each other,come on, tell me,just HOW long?"
"Have I EVER liked shopping?...COTTON tunics! Ye gods, Zena, I am going to thump you again!"
"EG, give it a rest will 'ya...its JUST a shirt!"
Zena was walking ahead through the crowd and looking back over her shoulder at a very out -of- sorts Evergreen.
Evergreen HATED the market place,hated the haggling Zena was so prone to do when she thought a bargain could be had for the silvery tongued bartering she performed with the finesse of Salamonueos.
Zena became aware that Evergreen had grown silent. When she again looked back, Evergreen was gone. "By Zeus...get a rope! I swear I will get a rope and tie her to my waist."
Zena saw a crowd and there was Evergreen sitting and watching whatever had entranced the others.
Zena walked up behind EG to see what had captured her attention. Zena grabbed EG's shoulders,leaned in and whispered,
"WHAT is so wonderful that we are delaying clean clothes...'sniff,sniff'...and a certain BATH a certain PERSON needs?"
"Zena, hush, look!"
Zena looked up and saw what EG was so focused on. A young bard was speaking to the gathering. She was telling with great animation of an Amazon- Roman battle that had been fought just a few moons ride from this very place. The bard described the great victory of the Amazons telling of the valor,sacrifice, and the loyalty among the tribe.
"EG, she is talking about us!"
EG looked back at Zena with a confused expression.
"What?"
"She is telling OUR story", Zena excitedly whispered.
"Our sto...oh that, no,Zena,look at her shirt...pine branch!"
"EG!, Get up! You are NOT going ask her for her shirt...well, I have never known you to ask a woman for her shirt...Ahh, what you do to my head!"
Zena, grabbed EG by the back of her battered tunic,lifting her to her feet,knowing that only she could do that a without being on the receiving end of a trouncing. With a swift,but gentle kick to EG's backside, the two wandered back to the market aisle.
Evergreen reveled in the moments with her friend. The sun was setting,the seagulls swooped and cried out as they dipped,the air smelled like the very essence of the sea,of life.
The battle was behind, and EG savored the time of peace only disturbed by lingering thoughts of the others. Had they found the peace that Zena and EG possessed in this village by the sea? EG prayed that their Sisters had,at least,found each other.
"EG?...where did you 'go'?"
Smiling at this loyal friend, Evergreen, with deep affection said,
"Nowhere,Zena,no where."
"Cotton tunics? Hmmm...could you at least SCRIBE a pinebranch on it?"
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 20:11:50 GMT -6
xwpfan - 10:38pm Jun 18, 2002 ET (#30 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Old fish tails...
Puella walked over to her bedroll and came back with a nice sized branch and a knife. As she sat down next to me she said," We've never had a chance to just sit and talk. Now seems like the perfect opportunity. What do want to talk about?"
I looked at Puella and words failed me there was so much I had wanted to talk to Puella about..
I was grateful when she broke the silence by asking me "When was the first time you learned to fish? I laughed at the absurdity and the innocence of the question.
Puella began to carve as I started my story...
"My story of learning to fish isn't that interesting I was about 8 winters old the first time I went fishing.
I was spending the day supposedly learning how to make cisterns and pots from my grandmother but I was easily bored and very much distracted. When my grandmother and I went to the river to get fresh water for the wheel, there was a group of older girls fishing and laughing at the river's edge.I begged my grandmother to let me try to fish and like you I came home very much soaked proudly carrying a very small trout.
However,when my girls learned to fish it was a different story altogether. That was the day they captured my heart forever.. the very next day I went before the elders and asked for permission to raise them as my own...
Puella stopped her carving and asked,"How old were they?"
"Oh,let's see all the girls were young when they came to the tribe, they weren't staying with me yet so... that would make Hippolyta s about 8 winters old. Hippolyta thought she knew Everything about everything including fishing. Solaria must've been almost 7 winters old and deathly afraid of touching a slimy fish. Vasca was heading into her 6th winter and had just lost two teeth and could not even say Fish.."
Anyway Vasca got So excited when she learned we were going to go fishing,or fithing as she said it. She went running around camp telling everyone.. we're going fithing... we're going fithing!!
Hippolyta was not thrilled that the others were going.. she just kept nagging me... to just let her go fish.. alone.
Of course could not do that, but I did grow tired of hearing her beg so she called Genia over to us and asked if she minded keeping an extra eye on Hippolyta while I taught the other two to fish.
I could tell she didn't want to but she said she didn't mind. So Solaria and Vasca each took me by the hand and walked into the water.
Puella, it was the coldest water I have ever been in in my life.I was standing in hip deep Cold water with my teeth chattering and my lips turning blue. Waiting to see what my charges would do when a fish would swim by.
It wasn't long before a group of fish swam by and instead of grabbing one Vasca started yelling" Look,look at the pretty fifhs!!
Solaria was screaming "Ew one touched me, get me out of here"!!!I was laughing so hard I fell into the water.
Hippolyta was not happy with any of us. We were ruining her big fishing debut she started yelling from the shore line "Shut up you two babies,your scaring all the fish!"
I figured she might be right so I gathered Vasca and Solaria, brought them back to shore.I decided to take Hippolyta out into slightly deeper water.I told her to be patient and to not to try to catch a big fish... but she was never one to take orders,so of course she was lunging after every big fish that went by .
Hippolyta must have lunged at about a dozen fish and was completely drenched when I saw her dive in after a fish! She was completely emerged in the river,Somehow she had caught a fish by the tail and wouldn't let go... she was determined she was not going home without a fish.
I panicked and dove in after her,but I couldn't see her, when I came up for air there she stood proudly with the tiniest trout you ever saw in her hands. She looked at me and said," See I told you I could fish."
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xwpfan - 10:41pm Jun 18, 2002 ET (#31 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
old fish Tails continued..
Little Vasca was just mesmerized she watched as the fish jumped and squirmed... until it jumped near her face then she whacked it with her staff to make it stop squirming.
Solaria wanted no part of the fish, she didn't want to see it touch it or eat it.. that it was wrong to kill a living thing.
Hippolyta wanted to show it off.. she must of taken it to each and every Amazon in camp.
It was the first time since I had lost my family that I felt connected and apart of something..that night when it came to say good night to them I realized that I couldn't do it...I didn't want to..I knew I wanted them to come stay with me.Forever."
Tears started rolling down my cheek, "Puella I don't think I want to go through life alone."
Puella put her arms around my shoulder and said, "Xwpfan your not alone,I'm here for you."
Wipping the tears back so I can look Puella directly in the eye I cry "Puellla ,I have a very similar situation now...I am once again without children,I am alone in the world, save you."
Puella wiped her own tears away as she nodded in agreement.
"I don't know if I should say this, for I know I have no right to ask you to stay with our tribe....or even for stay with me...but I hope and pray that you will... Your presence fills my life with laughter and hope...I think I would be very lost without you here.."
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zena - 11:59pm Jun 18, 2002 ET (#32 of 236)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
When in Aegina.....Do As The Fish Do!
"Cotton tunics? Hmmm...could you at least SCRIBE a pinebranch on it?"
Zena stopped walking and took Evergreen by the shoulders. Looking directly into her eyes she said, "FORGET the pine branch for two seconds could you? I am not an artist. I'm an AMAZON!"
Evergreen smiled sweetly at her friend. "Xwpfan is an artist AND an Amazon."
"That's it. I've had it with you. I will not talk about this until we've found a place to stay, bathed, gotten the cotton tunics and EATEN, for the love of Zeus!" She pushed Evergreen back, threw up her hands and stalked away. Zena was growing edgey and Evergreen knew if they didn't find something to eat soon Zena would be impossible. The hungrier she got, the louder she got!
They had walked past several shops with fabrics displayed on tables and places where souvenier Olympic pottery was sold. "Ooooh", Evergreen picked up an urn in the traditional amphora shape. "I love the foot race event."
"Put THAT down. If you break it they'll make us buy it. Remember what happened in Athens last winter when we were Solstice shopping. You tossed a pot like that right into an entire shelf of genuine “blessed by the gods” statues. The shop keeper called in the Athenian troops and we barely got out with our lives, let alone our dinars. Besides, we need to save our dinars for a gift for Gabby's adoption and induction ceremony." Zena paused and looked off into the distance briefly while taking the amphora from Evergreen's hands.
Evergreen saw the look and knew Zena was wondering how her daughter was and probably growing restless to be reunited with her again. "A little distraction right now is a good thing.", Evergreen mused as she pulled her friend along the narrow street. "Zena, look! Here's a place to bathe!"
The pair had reached the actual beach of Aegina where small fishing boats were tied up to weights at the shore. A pier stretched some distance out into the turquoise water and villagers were enjoying diving from the wooden structure. Evergreen took off at a dead run for the end of the pier holding Zena firmly by the hand.
"Evergreen.....wait........don't........." Zena's voice disappeared with her head as they hit the beautiful blue sea. She struggled up to the surface and gasped, "I.....can't.....swim!", and went under.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 20:13:30 GMT -6
blackwolf - 02:05am Jun 19, 2002 ET (#33 of 236)
Following Amazons
I had been following three Amazons for a couple of days now. It didn't take me long to realize they were heading for Aegina. Seeing as how they were taking the road to the city, I took a short cut through the forest. I got there a full two days before they did. It gave me enough time to scope the place out and decide where it would be the easiest to spy on them.
When they arrived at the city, there were only two of them. The younger one apparently had been left behind. My thoughts quickly turned to the surrounding area, finding a likely hiding place where they would want to keep her safe. There were a couple of likely places. I would worry about that later though.
I followed the two through the market place. I got close enough to realize they were arguing about a tunic to buy. The one who the tunic was for wanted a specific type of tunic, one with a pine branch on it. The other one was quickly getting exasperated as her friend discarded tunic after tunic. I eventually figured out that the one who wanted the tunic to replace the one she was wearing was named Evergreen, and the other one was Zena. Strange, strange people, I thought as I watched the two argue. To my mind, a tunic was a tunic, and to put any type of artistry on it was just plain weird. However, I knew where one such tunic was in the city, and I moved ahead to buy it. If she wanted such a tunic so bad, she should be willing to trade for it.
When I came back with the tunic, the two women had just finished listening to the bard tell of the battle that they had just fought. As they were looking around for a place to eat, Evergreen picked up an urn from an Olympic souvenir stand. As Zena took the urn from Evergreen before she could break it, she looked into the distance with a combination of a worried and a yearning look. When I looked in the direction that she was looking, I knew exactly where to find the missing member.
When I saw that the two women were heading down to the beach, I decided that I had had enough of following them. I decided to go pay a visit to their little friend that they had left behind. I hopped onto Lukos and headed out of town.
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blackwolf - 03:30am Jun 20, 2002 ET (#34 of 236)
Meeting new people
She was exactly where I thought she would be. I rode up to the camp and yelled "Hello! Is anyone there?"
I hear a whoosh, and duck just in time to avoid a rock being thrown at my head. I get down off my horse and hide behind a tree, just in time to hear the thunk of another rock striking the tree to the side of me. "Whoa there, now. I mean no harm. I just want to talk."
For a minute there was silence, and then the crunching of leaves can be heard as she approached. I held up my hands and walked out from behind a tree. In front of me stood the third Amazon, holding a makeshift staff at my head. Even though she was obviously skilled with such a weapon, I could disarm her within seconds. However, I didn't want an enemy at this time, so I let her control the situation. Besides, I had a feeling that if this little one turned up missing or harmed, I would be next, and it wouldn't be pleasant.
"Hello there. I'm a weary traveler looking for a place to rest for a little while. I got lost in these stinking woods and came upon your camp by accident. Would you let me spend my resting time here? My plan wasn't working as well as I'd hoped. She might've been young, but she was definitely an Amazon. As I moved to enter the camp, she smacked me right on the nose. "Dang nab it!! What was that for?" I asked as I rubbed my nose.
"I don't trust strangers, especially ones who lie. You are no weary traveler. That sword you wear is not one that mere travelers use, and if you are supposed to be weary, than so should your horse. He however looks in prime condition. Not at all fatigued. So, you either tell me what you are really doing here, or someone will start being beat on."
I had to hand it to her, the girl had spunk. I considered again disarming her and showing her who was boss around here, but decided against it. In the long run, it would be better to be docile. I finished rubbing my now swollen nose and smiled. "Alright, you caught me. I was never very good at lying. Never suited me. I am not a weary traveler. I am a warrior who has been wanting to meet an Amazon for some time, for I wanted to see if the tales were true. I saw your two friends leave you here, and then came over when I deemed enough time had passed. I must be in luck, for I didn't find a girl like I thought you were, but a true Amazon."
A proud look passed over her face for a second before being replaced by the warrior look she was trying so hard to scare me with. Ah, so she had pride. That can be used to my advantage. "Say, I heard a bard tell a story in a village not to far from here about Romans and Amazons fighting close by. Is that true, and were you part of the fight?"
Without taking her eyes off of me for one second, she answered "Yes to both questions. The fight occured a few days ago, and I was there, fighting alongside my sisters."
"Ah, I see. So, is it also true that the Romans beat you badly, scattering your tribe to the four winds?" This had just the effect i wanted.
Staring at me in outrage, she smacked me in the nose again. "WHAT?!! Where did you hear an outrageous lie like that?!"
Rubbing my nose again, I say "Hey, don't take it out on me. That was just how the bard told the story. So, you're saying that what she said isn't true?"
She finally lowered her staff, planted it by her side, and nodded.
I sighed as if in relief. "Good. I was afraid that all of the stories that I'd heard about the Amazons were just fairy tales. I grew up listening to them, and I would've hated to find out they were just myth." I sat down next to a tree, leaned back against it and made myself comfortable. "So little Amazon, tell me what really happened, and don't leave anything out." I could tell that she still didn't trust me, but she had to defend her people. She therefore launched into the story of what really happened.
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girlpower - 04:43pm Jun 20, 2002 ET (#35 of 236)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
heart to heart
Puella sits and smiles as she listens to Xwpfan talk of her girls. Raising my eyes from my carving to look over at her now and again, to see the expressions on her face. Her emotions were right there for everyone to see. You would never doubt her love for them and how badly she is suffering their loss. My mind wanders back to the day that they died. The look in Solaria’s eyes when the arrow hit, the look on Xwpfan’s face when she learned of their fate. I must be strong, I inhale returning to the present. I begin carving this soon to be staff.
I have a talent for carving. Each stroke of the knife against the wood is an extension of my thoughts and feelings. I don’t know where I learned this skill, but it is an instinct from deep within me. Something I could always do. It gave me great solace in the bitter times in my life. Though I have never had such a nice piece of wood before to work with. This one speaks to me. I can see what it is to become. My hand and the knife and the staff become one. As the image of a sun and moon can be seen. The lights that shine on the world, bringing forth new hope.
Xwpfan became quiet as she thought of her girls. I place the soon to be staff and the knife at my feet, and turn to her. As tears roll down her cheek she speaks, "Puella I don't think I want to go through life alone." I can see the fear in her eyes. I place my hand on her shoulder and say, “You are not alone, I’m here for you.” She wipes her face and looks me in the eye. I can’t help but stare into her eyes, into her soul. “Puella, I have a very similar situation now...I am once again without children, I am alone in the world, save you." The seriousness of her words causes me to hold my breath, my eyes to shed a tear. She continues on, "I don't know if I should say this, for I know I have no right to ask you to stay with our tribe.... Or even for you to stay with me...but I hope and pray that you will... Your presence fills my life with laughter and hope...I think I would be very lost without you here."
Her words echo in my ears along with the sound of my heartbeat. I place my hand on her cheek and wipe away the remaining tears. “Xwpfan you are my actis, my ray of light, in the storm that is my life. You have offered me a friend and a family in which to belong. It is I who would be lost without you.” I open my arms to her and she leans in, resting her head upon my shoulder. Holding her near I begin to relax. I smile and look into her face. Come on now let us talk more of your life…
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 20:15:15 GMT -6
EvergreenLM - 08:05pm Jun 20, 2002 ET (#36 of 236)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Down INTO to the Sea with Ships
Evergreen.....wait........don't........." Zena's voice disappeared with her head as they hit the beautiful blue sea. She struggled up to the surface and gasped, "I.....can't.....swim!", and went under.
Evergreen laughed as she stroked backwards,loving every moment, the feel of the warm water,the coolness on her face when the wind blew across her soaked hair,the laughter from the the children diving off the wooden platform,she loved the whole of it. The sun was slowly setting and the water reflected and shimmered with wondrous colors. Evergreen focused on the birds flying above and...Zena?
The children had grouped in a circle and were watching a area where a great splashing and foaming water was being displayed. A hand broke to the surface grasping at the air and as quickly as it appeared was gone.
"I.....can't.....swim!" The words finally registered with Evergreen, and what was thought to be screamed in jest,became all too real.
Evergreen had been swimming for as long as she could remember. It was natural,done without thought. With deliberate and strong strokes she swam to the spot where the hand went down. Like a Heron diving for its meal,Evergreen broke out of the water and came head down silently parting the blue and went under.
A hand slapped up against Evergreen's face and she instantly grabbed on as she kicked upward. They both broke the water with Evergreen grabbing a fighting Zena around the waist, and pulling her with one armed strokes, swam to the edge of the platform.
"Grab on Zena!"
Somehow the message penetrated Zena's very soggy brain and her hands became one with the round beam of the platform support.
Zena shook her wet hair,sputtered, and managed to focus her eyes seeing a very worried friend treading water an arm's length away.
Evergreen broke into a broad smile with white teeth gleeming,treading water, spitting water..."BY- THE- gods! An -AMAZON- that- CAN"T-Swim!"
Zena began to softly cry.
"Hey!, its alright... really you are okay. Come on,lets go find that room and some dry clothes."
Zena was bound to the post. They were one with the universe.
"Zena! You HAVE to let go of the frigonian post!"
"Here, take my hand- and DON'T pull us both under!"
Zena reluctantly released her death grip,grabbed Evergreen's hand, allowed herself to be pulled to a rope ladder,and climbed out of the sea. Her body went flat out on the platform. She said nothing and stared at the sky above.
Evergreen joined her. Looking up at the darkening horizon with the last rays of the sun dancing like silhouetted fingers,Evergreen sighed.
"Hasn't this been a great day?"
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zena - 10:25pm Jun 20, 2002 ET (#37 of 236)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Siren's Song
The setting Grecian sun glistened off the tranquil sea and the soggy Amazon. Zena lay flat on her back on the wooden platform until she felt her leather pants and tunic growing stiff as it dried. When she finally attempted to sit up she was stuck to the wood and her garments cracked as she hauled herself to a sitting position. There was seaweed entwined in her short dark curls and her boots sluiced water as she shifted. Somewhere in the back of her mind she entertained the idea that a fish had swum down her tunic and was still there, flopping around. She stared at Evergreen who had smoothed her wet auburn hair back and was dancing with her shadow in the last light of day at the end of the pier.
"Hasn't this been a great day?" Evergreen sighed. She was totally unaware that behind her Zena was working hard not to explode.
“Evergreen?”
“Yes, Zena? Get up! You’ll miss this light!” She stretched her arms wide to capture the whole orange sky.
“Evergreen, please come here.” Zena crooked one finger at Evergreen and patted the wood next to her, indicating that she wished her to sit next to her.
When Evergreen had thrown herself down beside Zena, Zena laid one hand gently on her friend’s shoulder. She leaned down and whispered softly but deliberately into her ear. “You know I would give my life for you. I nearly have on many occasions. You are my only family, but I want you to know that at this moment I could easily trade you in for a Bacchae and think myself blessed in the bargain.”
Evergreen leaned back stunned that they could see the day so differently.
Zena continued, “I swear I’ll put the pinch on you......” Evergreen interrupted, “You don’t know the pinch!....Do you?”
Zena began again, “I swear I’ll put the pinch on you if you don’t get up and get us a room at the Inn, with two soft feather beds and large plates of food. I am going now to bargain for clothing......” She put her hand up to stop the inevitable pine branch conversation, stood up stiffly and began to squish her way down the pier. Evergreen shook her head and followed her until they parted at the street.
Cyrus the shopkeeper was folding shirts and hurrying to close so that he might avoid a visit from the crazy Amazon women who were in town when he saw a goddess from the sea at his door. She was tall and dark with seaweed as a crown in her hair. He dropped to his knees in supplication and saw that water ran from her clothing and boots. Later he would tell his neighbors that she must have been a Siren in human form for her voice was commanding. He gave her the cotton tunics she requested, begging her to take them as a gift, an offering, to Neptune. She gave him a small sea bass that she miraculously produced from under her tunic and which he salted and put on display for all to see. And so that is how he gave away two tunics with fine embroidery that day: one with olive branches and the other with little fish.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 20:17:00 GMT -6
xwpfan - 06:14pm Jun 21, 2002 ET (#38 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Xendra
Puella had gotten me to talk about my girls,I hadn't realized how many warm memories I and locked away within me. From time to time I would look up to make sure I wasn't boring her, instead she would be intently watching me as her hands nimbly carved the branch.
I sighed contently, for the first time in a long time I felt happy and at ease despite all that had happened in my life of late. I certainly wasn't used to opening up or sharing but with Puella it was different, like a mirror reflection, a kindred spirit of sorts.
As we sat by the fire I found myself smiling especially when she said she would be lost without me .I discovered that my world was getting bigger not smaller .I had become so accustom to lose that I could barely believe that I had found a friend in which to share my laughter and divide my burdens with. A friend that liked me just as I am...
with her head resting on my shoulder she said"Come on now, let's talk more of your life. I smiled and said," Puella I'm not really that interesting... Puella shot me a look , I laughed and continued, "I'm really not that interesting .. at least to myself laughingly I said," Ok, ok what would you like to know?
Puella simply said" Anything you want to tell me."
I took a deep breath and said,"Ok my given name is Xendra...
"Xwpfan is not your real name?" Puella asked raising her head off my shoulder.
I laughed and said, "Oh, by the Gods No!" Let me explain. After my mother's and grandmothers brutal deaths I added their given names to my name along with the first three letters of my great-grandmothers last name to honor them ,but it got too long to actual use so we just use the initials as my name .
"Puella, you can call me Xendra or anything else.".. looking at her smirking face I said, "Within reason.. ok?"
Puella laughed and nodded.. I knew I was in trouble there would soon be some nickname added to me, of that I was sure.
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girlpower - 06:16pm Jun 22, 2002 ET (#39 of 236)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Puella pulls her head from Xwpfan’s shoulder and looks into her face, as she tells me her given name is Xendra. What a beautiful name, I think. She tells me how she came to be known as Xwpfan. I can not help to smile at her words. Knowing how difficult it is to share such personal information. I long for the chance to learn of such things about myself. What is my name, my given name? I can only hope that one day I will be able to talk to her of my life. So much of it is painful to remember. Yet looking into her face I can see that I would not hesitate to talk to her, of such things when I am ready to do so. When I can face them myself.
"Puella, you can call me Xendra or anything else.” A smirk crosses my face, she quickly continued, "Within reason... ok?" I laughed, raised my eyebrows and nodded. I can not help but ponder the ideas in my mind. “How about the brander.” I laugh, as Xendra’s face grew serious until she sees I am just joking with her. I sway to the side, nudging her with my shoulder then I pick up the staff and knife from the ground, and begin my work again.
As I carve Xendra asks, “Is that for Gabbyfan?” I smile and look at her. “Well she did lose her staff in the battle. Every warrior needs a staff, and Gabbyfan has proved to me that she is a warrior.” Xendra smiles and nods in agreement. I can not tell her that this is for her, not yet, not until it is done. Until I can place it in her hands. The sun has gone down and the sounds of all the night’s creatures can be heard. Such a peaceful feeling enveloped me as the sounds the company and the staff and knife in hand, overcomes me. I sit here able to appreciate the here and now, not worrying about the past. My hands make fast work of this staff. I look at it closely and see that I should be finished with it by the night’s end.
“I wonder how the Queen and her Second are faring this night. I have not seen either since we left the battlegrounds.” I say to Xendra. The look on Queen Saxy’s face was disheartening, full of pain. The look of Lucystar as she knows she must let her best friend work through her feelings. I hated to leave them behind, but I know that will surely rejoin the group, once we settle. She looks at me as I continue my thought aloud. “I feel the need to approach her and ask permission to stay here with her tribe. To tell her how much I have learned from her, the other sisters and you. To pledge my allegiance to her, the tribe and Artemis.”
Xendra nods her head, as she knows I am expressing a concern I would only think to myself, up to now. Sharing this concern with her. “I am sure that Queen Saxy and Lucystar both see how you have changed. I know that I have.”
With one last scrape of the knife, I place it in the ground. Grab the staff between both my hands. Running them up and down the work, being sure there are no splinters on uneven places. Satisfied with my work I stand and excuse myself from Xendra’s side. “I will be right back. Think of another story you would like to tell me while I am gone.” I walk with staff in hand to my bedroll and cover it. Now to find another branch, I walk towards the place I found this one. As I run my hands across each piece of wood I find.
After a dozen branches are felt and tossed back down to the ground, I had about given up, but then I see one. The light of the moon is reflecting off of it. I walk over, pick it up and run my hands from top to bottom. This one speaks to me. I look up to the moon and say “Thank You,” aloud. With any luck, Xendra will think I am working on the same one.
I walk back to the campfire, branch in hand. “So you got your story ready yet, Xendra?” She looks up at me at me as I sit, hearing her given name spoken causes her to pause. I wink at her, and smile. I then raise my head to the night sky. Eyeing the stars. “You have any stories of the stars?"...
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 14, 2004 20:19:18 GMT -6
xwpfan - 01:17pm Jun 23, 2002 ET (#40 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Tell Me A Story..
I inched closer to the fire as day as turned to night and for the first time I felt a bit chilled. As the fire warmed me I became aware that the only sounds were that of the crackling fire and those of the night creatures stirring about.
I looked over at Puella and was in disbelief at how easily I shared my innermost private thoughts and pains with her. How had we gone from mortal enemy to friend in such a short expanse of time... lost in my thoughts I was taking a back when she kiddingly called me The Brander...is that what she thinks of me, I wondered then I heard the laughter in her voice as she said she was just joking.Puella gently nudged me with her shoulder and I blushed with embarrassment at how sensitive I was being.
Puella picked up her branch and began to carefully work on carving a branch, she had such concentration on her face as her hand quickly worked over the piece of wood. This was not a piece of distraction but rather a creation in progress.
I decided to ask about the staff in progress, "Is that for Gabby fan?" Puella shifted and smiled nervously and said,"Well she did loose her staff in battle and every warrior needs a staff. Gabby fan proved to me that she's a warrior."
I tried my best to smile and nod, but inside I wince with pain as the vision of Little Gabby fan having to shoot Hippolyta with an arrow once again darkens my memory. am washed over by memories barely aware of Puella's work on the staff or her words until I heard her mention Queen Saxy and Lucystar.
Puella was in mid sentence when I become aware and hear "I wonder how the Queen and her second are faring tonight?"
I secretly smile for their absence had been of concern to me as well, but knowing our Queen she had worked things through and was enjoying some much needed and much deserved one on one time with her friend Lucystar.
As Puella continued she expressed her desire to ask permission to stay with the tribe and to pledge allegiance to the Amazon nation. I couldn't contain my happiness at her words, I believe I may have even let out a small childish giggle.I quickly composed myself as I told her I thought Queen Saxy and Lucystar will be sure to see how much she has grown and changed.I myself have seen and experienced monumentual changes within Puella.
Puella then excused herself saying she'd be right back and to think of a story.I watch her go over to her bedroll and then walk a ways off..
I am thankful to Artmeis for a moment alone. I quickly untie my bandages, there is a vast amount of bruising,and something is leaking and oozing from my wound. I try to clean it with a leaf but it extermely senstive to the touch. It is obvious the wound is infected.
I hear Puella heading back I quickly retie the bandage and pray to Artmeis that I'll be able to ride, for there should be a healer in the next town.
Puella walks back to camp with a new branch in her hand, but I do not let on.. for she has the same goofy smile on her face that my girls would get when they were trying to surprise me.
I close my eyes and Puella asked me" Xendra, are you ready with your story yet?"
Xendra, a name I have not heard in many winters. My memory drifts to a much earlier time ..my girls begging to hear a story.."Please can you tell me a story Xendra... please tell us one more story."
I look up to Puella with a tear in my eye and she winks at me."Do you have any stories of the stars?"
I nod as we both look up at a blanket of stars above us. I am wanting to share so much but I am growing tired, so I whispered,"Come here lay beside me. Puella someday, when my leg is healed I will give you the best view of the stars. I will teach you how to walk amongst the trees. We will view the stars from the highest tree tops.I will tell you of my girls and of the stars shinning above of us."
Why don't you tell me a story? Don't be mad if I fall asleep, I am feeling very tired..."
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gabbyfan4ever - 05:46pm Jun 23, 2002 ET (#41 of 236)
As gabbyfan quietly snuck away from her campsite in the dead of night, she thought of her encounter with the warrior woman.
The little warrior smiled at the thought of the wack on the nose she had given the stranger as punishment for her words about the Amazon nation. However gabby counted herself lucky that the warrior had not retaliated. The little warrior was tired from the battle, and did not want to get into a fight with this rather intimidating woman.
Earlier that day, Gabby had asked her mother if she could stay behind to be alone for a while, while her and Evergreen went on to the village. Gabbyfan needed to cope with everything that had happened, and she figured Zena and Evergreen should have time alone too. They reluctantly had agreed under the condition she stay hidden.
Gabbyfan had spoken with the warrior woman about what really happened at the Amazon/Roman battle, and did not find anything particularly threatening about her. However she had learned not to trust anybody that soon, and would feel more secure with her mother Zena and Evergreen. She felt she would meet this woman again.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 0:18:58 GMT -6
EvergreenLM - 10:31pm Jun 23, 2002 ET (#42 of 236)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Down This Complicated Road
{the following contains lyrics used without permission from the author. no intent for profit is intended}
Evergreen parted from Zena at the middle of the village and walked towards the direction of the Inn. The Inn was small and reminded Evergreen of Cyrene's. How long ago that seems now. All the Sisters sharing good times,a warm fire, and a sense of belonging one to another.
Evergreen entered the low framed door of the Inn. She stepped in finding a quite group of people sitting around tables and listening to beautiful young woman with hair the color of ripe wheat,and doe like eyes as green as emeralds. She was singing while sitting straddled across a chair turned backwards. Her arms crossed at her wrist and were placed atop the back of the chair. Her voice was was low,honey-like, and mesmerizing. She reminded Evergreen of another bard so dearly loved,but who could not hold a note in papayrus sack!
Evergreen did not move from the entrance,but stood silently watching,and listening. The song touched something long buried deep within Evergreen's core of being that she had long ago raven-locked as tight as Grindle's gate.
As the young woman sang, she glanced at the doorway meeting Evergreen's eyes. Embarrassed, Evergreen quickly looked away.
"As we turn our lives Down this complicated road ~
If you need a hand to hold I promise you ~
I will be your friend Through whatever life may send
And I know that you will be there too ~
If I should lose my way Along the road we share
Please bring me home,come-what-may If I should lose my way ~
When the wild wind blows And the rain begins to fall
I will find you through it all And comfort you ~
But as we move on Should you turn and find me gone
Then just rest awhile,I'll be along If I should lose my way ~
Day after day, never let the sun go down 'Till love is found once more ~
If I should lose my way Along this road we share
Please come look for me,come-what-may If I should lose my way ~
Please look for me... If I should lose my way."
After the singing stopped, the Inn remained quiet. No one moved captured by the lingering spell of the young bard.
Evergreen broke from her thoughts, stepped down into the room, and moved to the serving area to approach the owner about paying for a room for the night. It was easily done and Evergreen also asked for a tray of bread,cheese,fruit,and warm chamolmile tea, be sent to the room. To her delight, the hot bath came with the price of the room. Evergreen,however, would tell Zena that she "bargained" for this hard fought pleasure.
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EvergreenLM - 10:52pm Jun 23, 2002 ET (#43 of 236)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Down This Complicated Road (Part 2)
Evergreen climbed the stairs leading to the room. She opened the door,stood and surveyed what was within. The small,but adequate room contained two rough hewn timbered rope beds with feather mattresses, and a small table with a lit candle.Candles stationed over the mantle like shelf on the wall,gave a soft yellow glow to the room, highlighting a large tub,a small fur rug, and a chamber pot. A window with two shutters opened overlooking the bay. The water could be heard lapping the shore while the sea breeze flapped the cotton curtains.
Evergreen,using thigh muscles hardened from too many treks across the countryside, quickly made the decision to push her bed under the open window. *Too bad my friend*, she thought. *Besides*, she thought,*Zena probably would not take comfort hearing the sea so close by considering the events of the day.*
Removing her boots still wet from the romp in the sea, Evergreen tossed them aside and took a backwards lunge at her bed by the window. She closed her eyes listening to the sea,hearing footfalls below the window mixed with a woman laughing at perhaps some lovers comment to her ear. The mattress felt soft and comforting. Evergreen thinking about the bard and the song, relaxed,and quickly fell asleep never hearing Zena enter the room.
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phalon - 11:31pm Jun 23, 2002 ET (#44 of 236)
Family Ties
Phalon went home. After leaving the scene of the battle between the Romans and Amazons, she went back to her family. More then twenty years had past since she left them, a lifetime ago. How would she be received? She was but seventeen when she left, still a young girl, but with all the naivety and innocence of youth destroyed the day she “saw” her beloved slaughtered at the hands of inhumanity. Now she was a grown woman who had seen and done things her family would never understand. They could not understand.
She needn’t have worried. She was accepted with open arms and unconditional love.
Her mother, always a wisp of woman, had aged at bit. But, looks could be deceiving. She was the same bundle of raw energy, with the flash of Greek Fire in her eye that Phalon remembered in those early years. She never seemed to stay in one place and it made Phalon tired just watching her bustle around the shop or the rooms that were their living quarters behind the store.
Her younger brother, just a lanky boy in his sixteenth year the last time Phalon saw him, was now a grown man, married, and with nine children of his own. His wife was a rather large woman, who seemed to be bursting at the seams with love and pride for her family.
During the day, Phalon helped in the shop, which had not changed much since she had left, or helped her mother around the house. Rather, she would TRY to help her mother. “Phalon, did you never learn to cook after all these years? Here, don’t use that. Use this instead”, waving some kind of flat slatted spoon at her. “Have you ever even used cooking utensils before?”
Phalon would grin sheepishly, “Well, uhm...I’m pretty good with a sword.”
Her mother would then give her a sideways stare with raised eyebrow and end up throwing up her arms and shooing Phalon to sit at the table where she would then continue to cook and clean all the while regaling Phalon with tales of her childhood friends, and who was doing what and where and who was married to whom and how many children they had and so forth.
Then came the evenings. Phalon enjoyed them the most. After dinner was eaten and put away, she would sit by the hearth with all the children gathered around her, the youngest in her lap, and tell stories. The children sat entranced as she told tales of her adventures with the Amazons, embellishing a bit here, and leaving out some of the details too gruesome for young ears there. “Tell us more, Auntie Phalon. Tell us more”, they would beg after she finished. And so she would begin again…“This is the tale of how Little Gabbyfan and Phalon entered the Roman camp disguised as gypsies….”
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phalon - 11:39pm Jun 23, 2002 ET (#45 of 236)
Family Ties (Part II)
One evening, as she was finishing her tale of Joxcenia, Puella and the leeches, the baby in her lap began to play with the necklace ever present around Phalon’s neck. She looked up at Phalon and said, “Pretty. Pretty cow.”
“Yes it is pretty”, Phalon replied, looking down at the smiling child. Then, staring as if she saw something far in the distance, she said, “I got it from a friend of mine.” For the first time since returning home, Phalon felt the same sadness she had after the battle begin to wash over her. She wondered how her friends were faring? Where her friends were? Here, in a room full of people she loved dearly, she began to feel lonely.
She quickly pushed these thoughts out of her mind and continued, “Actually, it’s not a cow, but a bull. The Bull. Tauros. Legend has it that Zeus took the shape of a beautiful white bull so that Princess Europa, whom he was deeply in love with, would take notice of him. She became so enamored with his beauty that she climbed onto the white bull’s back and was carried off to Crete.”
“Tell us what happened then.” “What became of the Princess?” “Did Zeus ever change back?” “Did he change her into a cow?” The questions flew at Phalon. “We’ll save that tale for another night”, Phalon replied. Feigning sternness, she added, “Now off to bed with you. The morning sun comes very early these days.” Then she laughed, chasing them around the room, “Better hurry, or I’m going to send Xwpfan after you. And you’ve all heard what she can do when she gets angry!”
Phalon was content. She was happy. But into her happiness, crept a small, but nagging feeling of sorrow. What became of the Amazons? Her friends. The circle of women that she considered family.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 0:20:31 GMT -6
blackwolf - 02:52am Jun 24, 2002 ET (#46 of 236)
The little warrior that I had found, whose name I later learned was Gabbyfan, told quite an amazing story. She held me enthralled throughout the entire tale of her families passing, her joining up with the Amazons, and how she'd come to be in the battle. Not many bards could hold my attention for long, but I wasn't even aware that night had fallen when Gabbyfan finally finished her story. I looked at this little warrior in a new light, for I knew now that she really was a warrior. She had gone through so much in the last few days that I was surprised she hadn't found a quiet hole to crawl into in order to forget about the world. There was an immense amount of strength in her, I could tell. If she knew of it or not was the mystery.
Later that night, she snuck out of camp. Probably to go find her new mother, I thought. I didn't blame her. Even though I had offered no threat, I was still a stranger, and from what she'd told me, Amazons didn't hold very kindly to strangers. They didn't trust anyone unknown to them until that person proved themselves somehow.
When I was certain she was far enough away, I also left the camp and followed her. I didn't know why, but I wanted to make sure she got to her mother safely. Even though she was a little warrior, there was no telling what kind of trouble she could get herself into, especially in the dead of night.
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bhenrudha - 08:58am Jun 24, 2002 ET (#47 of 236)
I am the Red Woman.
Internal Voyage III
As she walked through the halls towards the front entrance of the house, she turned the handaxe in her hand. It was a nervous gesture, she knew, but the heft and shifting balance of the newly acquired weapon comforted her.
She felt, not good, but better, closer to woman she had been before. The woman who had walked the green fields of Eriu, fierce and free. The woman who had been a Bandroi an Cogadh . . . a Priestess of War, chosen of the Morrigu, the Triple Ravens, with the ink outlining and illuminating the brand on her back still fresh.
She had wielded a pair of specially crafted tua, full moon blades shining bronze, placed into her hands by her sister Bandroi. With them she had struck fear into the unjust and danced in the fires of battle. Her soul had soared on raven?s wings . . .
And then War had indeed come, and with it betrayal. She had not yet found her own trio of ravens that acted as eyes and ears, so had been caught unaware. Bound and beaten within a sack, sipped off like so much grain, she had been sold and slowly destroyed over four agonizing years.
No, the Bandroi was gone, she could no longer channel the pure rage of the Morrigu. It did not matter that her heart once again beat with a warrior?s fire, the collar of iron remained to reveal her desecration. Perhaps there was another way, the path of the a mercenary, eventually earn her way back to Eriu . . .
She stopped cold . . . home . . . how could she return to the farm life of her clan after all she had been through? The weight of her collar pushed her shoulders down and loosened her grip on her handaxe. The distance between then and now became a chasm that she did not believe she was surmountable. The first step, in any case, was to place one foot in front of the other.
Her steps and thoughts finally led her to the antechamber of the place. She knew that this was the final piece of her Immrama, that stepping out the door meant stepping back into her body. Memory of Morgan?s vision in water showed her the woman who watched over her unconscious self came, and she hesitated.
She was afraid.
Was she to be healed and made into a different slave? Her newly reawakened warrior?s heart told her that the Goddess could not mean such a fate for her. But still . . . she reached up and touched the heavy iron around her throat. So unworthy.
Her fist tightened around her axe and she walked resolutely towards the door. A deep breath, another, and she tugged on the door handle.
It did not budge.
~ No slave has ever left this house. ~
The voice was the cold, Northern wind that sliced over the moors in winter. It sent her spinning around, axe lifted to strike. In the hallway behind her stood a figure draped in black robes that obscured the form and hid everything but age worn hands and the end of a long, grey streaked white braid.
She dropped, knees cracking against the floor, ready to plant herself face first if that was what was necessary. Before she could speak, frozen words snapped at her face, making her shiver.
~ Get up. No Daughter of Mine needs kneel! ~
"Aged Lady, She of the Cauldron of Life, Wise Sister I merely meant to show that I remain devoted to you." She rose to her feet, concentrating on keeping the trembling from her voice. Ice formed in her lungs, and she recognized that her time was starting to grow short. When in Immrama the soul was away from the body. If the soul stayed away too long . . .
~ Only a slave kneels. Are you a slave still? ~
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bhenrudha - 09:06am Jun 24, 2002 ET (#48 of 236)
I am the Red Woman.
Internal Voyage III (continued)
~ Only a slave kneels. Are you a slave still? ~
* * *
It was nearing sundown on the third day since she had made this camp and J'mea caught the shiver that wracked the unconscious woman out of the corner of her eye. The amber eyed raven snapped its beak at her, as if to say, "Do something." She tried to ignore it, as it, and its blood eyed companion, made her uneasy. Old tales of Hungin . . . Thought . . . and Munin . . . Memory . . . whirled in her mind and she tried not to imagine Odin Allfather watching her from his castle atop Yggdrasil . . . the World Tree.
The Amazon shook her head to dismiss the foolishness and walked to the fire. She had already noticed that her charge had been growing steadily colder as the day progressed and had been heating rocks. Using a pair of sticks as tongs, she levered the double fist sized stones onto the edges of the cloak that covered the woman. Once she had placed half a dozen she put more into the fire to heat.
Worry was sneaking up on J'mea, and she was forcing herself to be contented with the fact that she was doing everything she knew how to help.
* * *
~ Only a slave kneels. Are you a slave still? ~
She wanted to say no. Was desperate to declare it so. But the she could not lie to the Woman. A hand lifted again to the collar and she whispered, "Yes."
~ No slave has ever left this house. ~
The words were repeated, and she felt the internal ice frost her stomach. She sucked a deep breath, hoping the nature of the test would come soon. "What must I do Lady? The collar remains," she said, hating the words as they left her lips. There had been a time when she need not ask, for she would have already known.
~ Don not be a slave. ~
The answer stung her cheeks and she bowed her head. "Lady, I would cast this collar from me if I could. I want nothing more than to return to the service of You."
~ I cannot take you back. ~
Wind was sucked from her lungs by the cold, and the ice claimed her womb. She felt the shreds of hope she had carried turn brittle and shatter. She thought back to the moment that had sealed her doom, the moment when she had lay back and let him . . . "It is because I gave in Lady? Please, tell me. I would know my sin."
~ I cannot take back, who has not left. ~
Jolted from her misery, she felt the ice devour her hips. She closed her eyes against the pain of it for a moment before trying to speak. "I do not understand, Aged Lady."
~ You mistake survival for betrayal. It does not become you. ~ As the frost of the Woman's words whirled around her, She stepped silently forward and placed a time withered hand over her heart.
~ Yesterday you became a slave, so you would live. Today, you have to become not a slave, so you will live. ~
Tears pricked her eyes, and were frozen to her lashes. The kind words of the Goddess warred with the destructive belief that she would wear the collar forever, even were the iron to be taken off. The fire in her heart managed to stave off the ice, but it just found other places instead, freezing her shoulders and working farther down her legs.
The Woman stepped away and with a hand, pushed back her cowl. Moonless black eyes burned cold in a face seamed and bleached by age. Copper flashed in Her hand and she held up a heavy torc.
~ When you can wear this, you will find your freedom, ~ She said as She placed the neck piece into her hand.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 0:22:36 GMT -6
xwpfan - 09:11am Jun 24, 2002 ET (#49 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Suspended state
Puella had begun a story but I didn't hear more than a few words when I fell off to sleep. Suddenly I was awaken by an excruciating throbbing pain in my leg and I was drenched with sweat, my body was on fire. I laid there not wanting to wake Puella from her slumber, she looked so content.
I tried to slip out of the bedroll but my legs couldn't support me, I grimaced at the realization that I had to get to a healer, my leg was getting worse it might be too late by morning.
Finally I whispered to Puella," Puella come here I need your help." Puella woke up startled and dazed but was quickly by my side. I told her, "Puella I need you to help me to get to the next town.. my leg is turning bad."
Puella looked at me and said,"By the gods Xendra you're on fire.. why didn't you say something earlier?"
I meekly smiled,"I didn't want you to worry."
Puella shook her head in frustration and said "I'll go get the horses."
Puella came back with the horses and was ready to help mount me on Solaria when I asked her to please get me my cistern and my bedroll. She looked at me funny and said,"You're not planning coming back here are you?"
Tears filled my eyes as I said,"I may not be able to if this leg gets any worse."..
With that Puella mounted me on to Solaria and was riding next to me on Amica.
We had ridden for awhile when the fever increased ,I could barely see and was beginning to slip in and out . I remember the feel of the leather binds that Puella put around my hands to keep me from falling off but other than that the trip to town was a blur..
I must of passed out at some point because the next thing I knew I was lying in a big feather bed with Puella, Zena and Evergreen looking down on me.. for a second I thought perhaps I had died.
I focused my eyes a bit and I could see tears of relief on Puella's face as she said, "Welcome back you've been out for awhile." I smiled and shut my eyes and was back to the suspended state ..the same unconcious limbo I had been in...
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bhenrudha - 09:11am Jun 24, 2002 ET (#50 of 236)
I am the Red Woman.
Internal Voyage III (continued)
~ When you can wear this, you will find your freedom, ~ She said as She placed the neck piece into her hand.
Bringing the torc to eye level, she saw that it was as finely made as any she had ever seen. Three thick strands of copper had been twisted together, capped on either side by a wolf and a flower. The design confused her, so much that she barely noticed that her knees had locked themselves with the ice that crawled through her.
A wolf and a flower. A Wolf. There was winter within the metal cast eyes. A Flower. She saw the first flush of spring on the unfurling petals. They were symbols of the great cycle. It was as if she held the Wheel of the Year in her stiffening fingers and understanding dawned like a winter morning.
* * *
As the sky washed angry with scarlet and brilliant orange, J'mea saw a third raven, larger, older, with eyes dense and black, land on a low tree branch near by. It cawed and the other two lifted themselves to share the perch, settling to watch the runaway intently.
J'mea resisted the urge to throw rocks at the carrion feeders, some instinct telling her to keep still and be ready. Her charge's breathing had grown shallow, and she was steeping some aromatic herbs to try and reverse the trend. She stared at the pale face, willing it to flush with life and the eyes to open. She did not want to admit that she was afraid and instead offered a prayer to Gods of the North to help this friend of hers.
* * *
The past four years had been a winter for her, and in her hands she held her spring, if she had the bravery to take it. Eyes lifted to the Woman, reverence shining in her half frozen gaze. She tried to lift the torc, to place it about her throat, but the ice had claimed too much of her. Panic seized her throat, "Lady . . . I would . . . cannot move . . ."
In response, the black eyed Raven that stretched across her spine flared painfully, as if it were being imprinted anew. A freezing heat swept through her limbs, and with slush in her muscles she was able to stretch the torc and bow her head to settle it.
With a horrid tearing sound the collar opened and fell to the ground with a great thunder. There was freedom in the silence that came after.
"Thank you Lady Bobd, you grace me."
Weathered lips stretched in a smile. ~ I will take your thanks. Now return, that Our Raven is not lost in the Shadowlands. ~ And the third and final Sister, the guardian of the Cauldron of Life and Rebirth, was gone.
Trembling with the effort, she turned and opened the heavy door. As the light from beyond the door enveloped her she heard the triple voice of the Morrigu say, ~Tomorrow you may return to the slave's ways out of habit. But today, Daughter, you are free.~
The light was blinding. She stepped into it, never to return.
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bhenrudha - 09:20am Jun 24, 2002 ET (#51 of 236)
I am the Red Woman.
Voyage End
J'mea was leaning down to check that her charge was still breathing when several things happened at once. First the ravens on their branch started making a terrible racket, all flapping wings and screeching. Next the runaway's eyes opened and she arched her back as a soundless scream tore her mouth open. The Amazon fell backwards in surprise, then immediately threw herself forward atop the woman to keep her from hurting herself.
Several breathless minutes passed before she felt the woman go limp beneath her. Swiftly she pushed herself onto her knees, anxiousness keeping her gasping lightly. She stared down into vivid green flecked amber eyes. It had taken three days for her to see them.
"Please . . . I be needin' . . ." a thick tongue sluggishly tried to wet lips still recovering, ". . . anathin' hot. I be . . . freezin'."
It took a moment for J'mea to understand the whispered, heavily accented Greek words, especially with the trio of ravens making so much noise. She was about to yell at them when the woman spoke again.
"Cailleach . . . Laoch . . . Baintreach . . . is leor sin." The words meant nothing to the Amazon, but they quieted the ravens, so she was not about to complain.
Instead she poured a bowl of broth and propped the woman up enough to sip it. Some of the hot liquid spilled down the woman's chin, going unnoticed by them both. The woman drank what she could hold, then leaned her head back against J'mea's hand. Taking the cue, she lowered the red haired woman back down. The green amber eyes flickered, but there seemed to be a smile pushing at the corners of still swollen lips. She tried to say something, and the Amazon had to lean closer to hear.
"'Tis well . . . I be needin' true sleep now. Be properly thankin' . . . ye on tha morrow." And before J'mea could say anything, the woman's eyes closed and her breath evened out into sleep.
After three long days of waiting, J'mea was left shaking her head at the events that had happened within the space of half a hour. She busied herself with stoking the fire, wondering what tomorrow would bring, but looking forward to meeting the woman who had fallen, literally, into her life.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 0:23:50 GMT -6
zena - 09:56pm Jun 24, 2002 ET (#52 of 236) "Agere Sequitur Esse" Warrior.... Goddess.....Damp.... Part I It was dark by the time Zena had dripped her way to Cyrus' shop and as she stepped over his grovelling form she hoped Evergreen had for once done as she asked. Cyrus quickly got to his knees and followed her at an appropriate distance, making her a little uneasy as they wound through the now quiet bazaar. Looking backward every few steps and picking her way over the uneven stones in the narrow street she stumbled into two travelers under an arch in the darkness. One was slumped forward on a horse that the other was leading and the other was talking to her companion, or to her own horsewhich she held by it's reigns. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's dark and the street.......Puella? Is that you?  " Zena nearly dropped the clothes she was carrying as Puella flung her arms around her. This was not the hardened slave that she had left a few days earlier. "I got her this far but I wasn't sure where to go, she's on fire, her leg is in terrible shape and by the gods are you wearing seaweed in your hair?" Puella looked up at Zena's hair in fascination, suddenly forgetting the dire situation she was living. Zena pulled back and said, "Leave it! It would take to long to explain, even if I understood it! Who's on the horse?" Zena reached up and touched the familiar tunic feeling the heat coming from the body beneath. "Xendra! Did you do this to her?" Zena turned on Puella with a scowl. Puella began to cry, "No, I swear. I'm trying to help her. We came looking for a healer, I can't lose her now!" She looked so sincere through her tears that Zena, even though she was astounded, chose to believe her. "Cyrus!" The shopkeeper ran forward. "Yes, oh holy one, oh patronness of fishing, oh mother of all the oceans, oh...." "Cyrus, stop it! Go and find the town healer and bring him to Pandora's Tavern. Quickly!" As the little man left walking backward and bowing he could be heard still praising the goddess as he left. Puella laughed a little in spite of her tears and Zena led both the horses down to the tavern. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- zena - 10:17pm Jun 24, 2002 ET (#53 of 236) "Agere Sequitur Esse" Warrior.... Goddess.....Damp.... Part II In the early morning hours the door to the room opened and Zena slipped in. It took a moment before she could see in the dim candle light but then she saw the two beds and the figure stretched full length on the one by the window. The little table still held the plate of food that Zena longed for, but there wasn't time now. She sat softly on the edge of Evergreen's bed and looked down on the face of her sleeping friend with affection and remorse. "I don't treat you the way I should my friend. I'm harsh with you when I should be grateful. If it was you in that bed across the hall, my heart would break." Zena gently placed her hand on Evergreen's shoulder and lightly shook her, ready for the blow that she knew would follow. She ducked and grabbed Evergreen's wrist as she swung and they struggled for a moment, equal in strength, until Zena's voice reached her friend. "Stop. It's me. Relax." "Zena! Is it morning so soon?" "No. I have news and I'm sorry to wake you but it won't wait. Xendra is across the hall with Puella." "Are they killing each other?" Evergreen was waking up fully. Zena explained the situation and told Evergreen that she had helped Puella wash Xendra with a solution the healer said would lower her fever. Puella was sitting with her now and putting cold cloths on Xendra's forehead. "We will have to change her bandages and it will take all of us to hold her. She is really out of her head", Zena told Evergreen. "Before you get up, I just want to tell you something else." Evergreen's eyes grew fearful, what else could be wrong? "Evergreen, I'm sorry I said those things to you about the Bacchae. I don't mean it, sometimes I just get so..........." "Aww, Zee." Evergreen threw an arm around Zena's neck pulling her head down to her shoulder. "It's ok. Really." They hugged for a moment and then Zena gave Evergreen her tunic, sandals and belt. "Get dressed", she said and stood up. "Where are my boots?" "I threw them out. They stunk. Put on the sandals and follow me." They went into the room across the hall and as Xendra woke briefly it seemed that two Greek goddesses in pure white tunics had come to take her to the Elysian fields. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- gabbyfan4ever - 12:51am Jun 25, 2002 ET (#54 of 236) Though gabby was walking in the dead of night, she had a sense of security as she traveled into town. She wondered about the warrior ,who had called herself Blackwolf, that she had talked to earlier. Her commanding demeaner reflected a confidence that demanded respect, and gabbyfan hoped inside they would meet again. She wanted to know more of the woman, and wondered what she would do in the morning when she found the young warrior missing. Gabby asked a shopkeeper where the town inn was, and headed off to find her mother and Evergreen. When gabbyfan entered the room that her family had gotten for the night she found it empty, and her heart felt like it went into her throat. The young girl left the room in a near panic and saw the room across the hall had it's door open. Not taking time to think this could be anyone's room, Gabby burst in the door to find one of her sisters injured on the bed. Zena, Evergreen, and Puella were standing around her. Gabbyfan offered a quick silent prayer of thanks that her family was ok, and shook her head at the sight of another injured sister. The carnage of the war was still fresh on her mind, and this was not a welcome sight. Getting her wits about her gabbyfan headed over to the bed to be of what service she could. She was completely unaware that the warrior stranger had followed her, and telling her mother about the encounter had completely left her mind. The warriors next move was yet to be decided. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- EvergreenLM - 08:18pm Jun 25, 2002 ET (#55 of 236) "To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way" Give Me Das Boot (s) "Where are my boots?" "I threw them out. They stunk. Put on the sandals and follow me." "Zena! I HATE sandals,and I look like some hopeless,spineless, weak apparition in this tunic." "I WANT my boots, I WANT a shirt, and I WANT leather pants. My boots for the gods sake... they are a part of me ... I want to lie with them forev..." Zena quickly clamps a hand reeking of fish over Evergreen's mouth. "Enough for Discord's sake...just enough already." "Your boots are at the end of the hallway. "At least let them live *outdoors* for awhile." A slightly awake Evergreen is pushed into the room directly across from her own. Her mind is fully alert at seeing a very panicked Puella standing over Xendra who looks remotely like she may be on her way to the Ellysian Fields forever. "What is going on here?" There is no humor in Evergreen's voice as she immediately falls into the warrior mentality of hypervigilance. With a voice breaking from the emotion, Puella describes he events of the day and how it came to be the Xendra was so very ill. Xendra was motionless. Her face drained of any color with the exception of her fiery red cheeks. She altered between shivering, with teeth chattering, and trying to kick away the blankets tucked in around her. She mumbled unintelligible words while thrashing about. .*This can't be good*, thought Evergreen. Zena informed Evergreen that a Healer had been summoned. And,no sooner than the words had been spoken, the Healer arrived accompanied by the shopkeeper from the stall where just this very day, Zena had piled up all of the shirts to be found for Evergreen to see and disliked. Evergreen wondered, though, about the shopkeeper and why he kept looking at Zena in a manner of fear,awe, and reverence. So strange... Evergreen leaned over to the shopkeeper and whispered menacingly, "Just what IS your problem, little man?" "If you don't stop staring at my friend that way, your eyes are going to be seeing the world through the laces in the front of your britches." As if the bones in his legs had suddenly dissolved, the shopkeeper fell to the floor and ask Zena for protection from the warrior threatening to alter his male essence. Evergreen just laughed at the sight. But nothing could prepare her for what unfolded next. Zena touched the man's shoulder, thanked him for his help in bringing the healer,took a piece of seaweed from her hair,circled his head twice saying he was now "blessed" and protected from all harm. Zena then dismissed him from her presence. He rose,kissed her hand, and was gone. "Zena!" "WHAT was that all about?" Zena just smiled saying,"Later, Evergreen, later..." |
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 0:25:41 GMT -6
zena - 10:42pm Jun 25, 2002 ET (#56 of 236)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Stranger and Stranger and Strangers
"What are you all looking at?" An explanation was in order but Zena just couldn't manage to explain it at that very moment. She just smiled saying,"Later, Evergreen, later..." and pulled more seaweed from her hair. Gabby smiled at her mother knowing there would be a great campfire story in this and she stepped aside as Zena moved to the bed, giving her daughter a little pat on the arm as she passed.
The Healer had sent ahead the herbs that had cooled Xendra's fever somewhat, but now he had come in person to treat the wound. "Have you ever treated an Amazon woman?" Evergreen asked. "Well, no, but how much different can it be?" The four exchanged a meaningful look as each took a limb and hung on for dear life.
(No Amazons were hurt in this event and only the healer was slightly bruised in the changing of Xendra's bandages.)
Once Xendra was quiet and Puella and Gabby were both dozing at her side, Zena motioned to Evergreen to meet her outside the door. Evergreen expected to hear the "blessing" story but Zena said, "By the gods, I'll fade away if I can't eat soon. The food in the room is as ripe as your boots. Let's just take a little time and have breakfast. We can bring back something for Gabby and Puella."
Downstairs at the big wooden table where they sat, Zena cleaned up a plate of fruit, goat cheese and yeasty bread.
"Amph You ghmn to eafjk tjjs?"
Evergreen's hand snaked up and pinned Zena's wrist to the table as she reached for the last piece of cheese on Evergreen's plate. Her head popped up from under the table and she warned Zena off. "Yes, I'm going to eat that!"
"What are you looking at under the table anyway?"
"My toes."
"For the love of Artemis, WHAT for?"
"They look so vulnerable, hanging out like that. Some warlord could just, you know, step on them!"
"Well, the Athenian army wears sandals. It doesn't bother them."
"I don't believe it. They must have metal ones. I want my boots back."
"You can have them when I can stand to be within twenty paces of them. Anyway, we need new shirts and pants, maybe we should get boots too and........." Zena broke off the conversation when she noticed that outside the window of the tavern a crowd was gathering. Cyrus the shopkeeper was pointing in her direction and she heard shouts of: "The goddess!" "Praise Neptune!" "Bring her out!" "Bring offerings of fish!"
Zena smiled weakly at Evergreen and whispered across the table, "I think there may be a problem."
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blackwolf - 01:31am Jun 26, 2002 ET (#57 of 236)
I followed Gabbyfan all the way to the tavern and made sure she got inside safely. All in all the short trip was uneventful. I'd had to dissuade a couple of theives from attacking her from behind, but it didn't take much. When she entered the tavern, I toyed with the idea of returning to my forest. I didn't like the city. It was too closed up, too many walls. However, I decided to have a little drink before I left. I dismounted and tied Lukos to a nearby post.
When I walked inside, I took quick stock of the other patrons. A habit of mine, I always sized up potential enemies before I made a move. It's what kept me alive. Deciding nobody was a threat, I walked to a corner table hidden in the shadows and ordered a mead. I had only taken a couple of drinks when two women came down the stairs. It took me awhile to realize that these were the two amazons that I had followed into town. They had on new clothes, were wearing sandals instead of boots, and the one named Zena had some seaweed in her hair. Interesting, I thought. Maybe it was for some kind of ceremony.
I was getting ready to leave when I heard Cyrus outside pointing in the direction of Zena and yelling "The Goddess!! Praise Neptune! Bring her out! Bring offerings of fish!!"
I sat right back down, tipped my chair back and folded my arms across my chest. Obviously the Amazon had gotten an admirer since I was gone. I had dealt with Cyrus before and knew what he could be like. If things got to out of hand, I'd step in and settle things down. However, at the moment, I wanted to see these Amazons in action.
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xwpfan - 02:59am Jun 26, 2002 ET (#58 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
The Elysian Fields
As Puellas face faded into soft nothinginess,there appeared standing before me two goddesses dressed in all white, beckoning be to come with them.As I stepped forward I noticed there was no pain in my leg and the heaviness in my heart had given way to a lightness I had never known.
I willingly followed these etheral creatures to the most spectacular and beautiful place I had ever been. I looked around filled with awe and wonder, unable to grasp where I truly was until I saw my mother waiting for me with welcoming arms. I could see her smile,it radiated as bright as the sun.
I fell into her embrace and sobbed and she said,Tears are not necessary here Xendra.. you're home,you're with your family now, you're in the Elysian fields...
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girlpower - 03:58pm Jun 26, 2002 ET (#59 of 236)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Puella's silent vigil
Puella looks at Xendra intently as she lay on the bed. “The healer must come soon, there must be something we can do until then.” I feel her head, she is so warm to the touch. I am so thankful that I was able to get her to this village, and to have found Zena. I place a damp cloth on her forehead. Wishing for the ability to take this pain from her, to make her well. I look up as Evergreen and Zena walk into the room. I look into the face of Evergreen, to my surprise I am comforted. Her face shows the concern for the most important person in my life. I see something I had never thought I could see again. She is not the one I blame any longer. She is only a woman, a strong woman concerned for my friend.
I return my attention back to Xendra. Quietly I speak, “If I had just checked her wound more often. It never would have gotten so bad.” I sigh and continue my silent vigil. Slowly her eyes open. Looking up she mumbles something then closes her eyes again. Back into the deep slumber of the fever. The sound of another entering the room causes me to look up. It is Gabbyfan, she walks to Zena’s side.
I try to smile as I see her face but my heart is too heavy. Looking down I take the cloth from her forehead and rinse it in cold water, then place it back on her head. I hear them whisper, but can not concentrate on the words, all I can hear are the sounds of my own silent prayers in my head.
The door opened and in stepped the healer. I breathe a sigh of relief until I hear him say that he has never treated an Amazon. I follow Zena and Evergreen’s lead and stand ready to grab Xendra and hold her down as the healer changed the wound. Even in her state she struggles, I can feel her pain and it aches me. Taking all the strength from my body.
Once the healer left, I took my place at Xendra’s side and began a silent prayer to Artemis. “I may not be worthy of your grace, but Xendra is. I pray to you on her behalf. Please make her well. Bring her back to me. I have not proven myself to be a true Amazon, but I will. I will do whatever it takes as long as I have her by my side.” I bend down and place a kiss on the hand that I have been holding, a tear drops on our hands. I lay my head down and drift off into sleep.
Suddenly I feel her hand grow colder. I open my eyes, how long was I asleep. I see Gabbyfan asleep on the other side of the bed. Zena and Evergreen were not here. I look up to Xendra’s face place my hand on her chest. Her uneasy breaths were slowing. The expression of pain is gone. I scream out to her. “Xendra, wake up. Don’t you leave me here. Wake up. XENDRA”…
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 0:26:48 GMT -6
gabbyfan4ever - 07:10pm Jun 26, 2002 ET (#60 of 236)
Gabbyfan watched sadly as the healer did everything he could for Xendra, and remembered the weak attempt at a smile she had recieved from Puella when she had walked into the room. Any trace of that smile was now gone from her face.
Once the healer had left Gabbyfan rested her back against Xendra's bed, opposite of Puella. The little warrior had not yet slept that night, and it was catching up to her. Soon she was asleep curled in a ball on the floor.
In what seemed like only seconds later, Gabby was jerked awake by the sound of Puella's screams. It took a few seconds to connect what the screams were for, but after feeling Xendra's pale, cold face Gabbyfan was completely awake and aware. The look of terror and pain on Puella's face sent gabby racing downstairs to get her mother and Evergreen.
The little warrior yelled "Mom!!" as she flew down the stairs, and ran straight into a crowd people that was surrounding the table.
A look of fear crossed Zena's face as her daughter pushed her way through the crowd and gasped "It's Xendra!!"
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xwpfan - 08:08pm Jun 26, 2002 ET (#61 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
I Can't Be Dead, I Have Too Much to Live For
I looked at my mother and said ,That cannot be... I can't be dead I have so much to live for .. finally.
She took me by the hand and said, "Yes dear you are, you have passed on into the Elysian fields. Here you can rest and find what it is you seek.
Your grandmother is waiting for you over there, go to her she has waited a long time to see you again."
I looked at her unsure if I should walk away for fear she would just disappear but then I saw before me my grandmother...
My grandmother was sitting at her wheel molding a cistern, her hands filled with clay much like the visions of my childhood memories. She looked up and smiled sweetly at me and said," I've been expecting you."
I fell at her feet in tears begging for her forgiveness at not being able to protect her and mother from the Romans.
She lifted me up and said, "Oh no child, you have it all wrong it was our job to protect you. We failed you. We were helpless to help you against that awful Roman... I am so sorry he hurt you that way."
As she gently spoke those words, years of guilt and shame came pouring out of me .I sobbed until I was convulsing... I had carried the burden of that horrible day for far too long. it felt like I could carry the burden not even one second more...
I calmed myself and looked searchingly into her eyes hoping to find the forgiveness I could never afford myself.
She nodded and took me in her arms,rocking me as she was saying "Hush now,it's okay,I know,I know... I understand... that's why I brought you here."
I turned my face towards hers and said,"What do you mean you brought me here?"
"Xendra my dear, for far too many winters we watched you isolate yourself from the tribe and even from life itself. There you were a young woman with so much love inside of her, yet offered it to no one... heart full of pain and love and no one to give it to."
Every time you thought of us we felt the love and admiration you had for us but we also felt much of guilt and pain behind the thoughts. Sometimes we hoped to Artmeis that you just wouldn't think of us so that you wouldn't hurt so much.
In your young mind because you could not fight back or defeat the Roman who so brutally attacked you... your memories and emotions perceived your inability to defend yourself as a failure as a warrior and a daughter. You became convinced if you had only been a better warrior you could of prevented our murders and your attack.
Your mother and I were so concerned about you... we finally convinced the Gods that sending Vasca, Solaria and Hipolyta would ease some of your hurt and pain.
We watched with great pride as you raised them to be your own. You were loving and encouraging,they flourished fully under your watchful eye.
We've also seen you grow and flourish since you've met your new friend.. Puella I think you call her. She is a gift from the Fates,for they alone knew what the future held for you.For a short while your burdens seemed to ease in her presence.
It wasn't til that day in the forest when you spoke to Solaria about the attack that we realized the true heaviness in your heart.It was then we realized that even your new friend could not release you from the hurts from the past... that was our job"
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 15:51:53 GMT -6
xwpfan - 09:54pm Jun 26, 2002 ET (#62 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Let Us Help You To Redeem Your Soul....
"Child you are here for a purpose,only you know why your soul yearns to reside here. Let us help you to redeem your soul and heal your heart."
I weakly smiled... I had spent many winters dreaming about a moment such as this and yet I found myself longing for something more.. but the longing was so faint I couldn't name it or even speak it.
I laid my head on her chest,it felt so familiar and yet missing was the heartbeat that always comforted me and spoke love to me...
I whispered, "I never want to leave you again... and yet I have this feeling that I may have to go back."..
My grandmother pulled me closer and said, "That may be, but not yet.. there are still things for you to learn here amongst the dead to take back with you to the land of the living... if you choose to go."
I looked up and I saw Solaria and Vasca running towards me with their arms wide open. I rose to my feet and ran towards them as well. As we met we embraced and laughed with tears streaming down my face.
I looked at them they were once again in full health, beautiful and strong. I had so much I wanted to say to Vasca and Solaria... that the words came spilling out all at once..." I love you, I miss you both so much. I am so proud of you! Are you ok? Oh you're so Beautiful!!"
I hugged then even tighter not wanting to ever let them go.
Finally I stepped out of the embrace to look at each of them. Solaria met my gaze, she stood before me proudly as a warrior and a woman. I touched her cheek and said, "Solaria, I miss you everyday...more than words can say. I owe you a debt can never repay.
Thank you for saving my friend, I don't know whatI would've done without her....
She blamed herself for your death but I don't blame her at all,I blame me."
Solaria looked at me and said,"Mother it was my honor to die in your service. Dying to save your friend was my fate... the one you call Puella is part of your destiny and of the Amazon Nation. I could not have died with a better purpose. Take care of her, she needs you as much as you need her,you know. You'll find your paths have not been entirely different..."
I turned to Vasca and began to cry,there stood my littlest warrior.. standing tall with her blood innocence gone . Vasca looked me in the eye as I said " I wish I could have fought for you..or had you directly at my side. I should have protected you from the blood and the violence.. I wish I could have kept you innocent for a few more winters..and alive for a lifetime."
Vasca stood with out flinching and said,"Thank you Xendra, for teaching and guiding me and giving me a home. You made me feel apart of a family when I had none of my own.I will never forget the warmth and love you extened to me at every oppotunity.Now your friend needs you to give her the same opportunites."
Tears were streaming down my face, tears of joy,pride,grief,relief and tears from every other kind of emotion was just coming out my pores like beads of sweat.
I was about to say I am so proud of you all when I realized Hippolyta was absent...
"Where's Hippolyta?" I asked
My mother stepped forward, "She is still awaiting judgement, the details of her last moments in the land of the living are blurred. She cannot enter the Elysian fields or Tautaraus until the truth becomes known. Her soul needs to be redeemed"
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zena - 10:26pm Jun 26, 2002 ET (#63 of 236)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Goin' to the Temple, And We're Gonna Get........
Zena smiled weakly at Evergreen and whispered across the table, "I think there may be a problem." Quickly she related a shortened version of how she came by the tunics and Evergreen simply said, "Oh, Great."
"I'll talk to them." Zena offered.
"I'm going with you."
Zena stood up, "No, you're not. If you lose your temper here we'll be put in the town dungeon and we are needed upstairs, remember? I'll just reason with them and tell them the truth about the sea goddess thing."
Just then the crowd pushed into the tavern and surrounded the table. They pulled a protesting Zena with them as they hung shell necklaces around her neck and tried to hand her baskets of fish and clams. Someone reverently placed a small squid in her hand and she flung it into the crowd with a little yelp.
"Now look, good citizens..." "All hail the sea goddess!" "No, no, I'm trying to explain......""Neptune favors Aegina with one of his daughters!" "PLEASE listen to me........" "To the temple and the priest of Neptune!"
As they were all surging out the door Gabby came flying down the stairs with a look of terror on her face. "Mom, it's Xendra!" Zena called back to Evergreen who was climbing over tables to get to her, "Go with Gabby! I'll take care of this, I just..... have...... to..... get........ them .......to....... listen .......to ......me!" The crowd carried Zena down the street with them and Evergreen heard her begging them to take back their crustaceous companions. She crossed the room and went up the stairs with Gabby, not seeing the woman in black in the corner but Gabby noticed and a chill came over her. "You mother finds more varieties of trouble than anyone I know. Coming? What are you looking at?" "Nothing", Gabby responded, not wishing to add more problems to an already frightening morning.
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blackwolf - 01:48am Jun 27, 2002 ET (#64 of 236)
Out of respect
I didn't know what to do. Should I go and help Zena, who it seemed was way over her head, or should I go upstairs and see what was of such great importance to have Gabbyfan acting that scared. In the end, I decided Zena could wait for a little while longer and went upstairs to find Gabbyfan.
It didn't take me long to find her and her companions. She and Evergreen were in a room standing over a prone figure on the bed with looks of concern on their face. There was another person in the room, but I didn't concern myself with her. Instead, I entered the room to get a closer look at the sick women. All of the sudden, Evergreen whirled around trying to land a right hook to my jaw. I ducked just in time to avoid being knocked out. I backed away quickly, holding up my hands in peace. "Hey, hey, easy now. Geez, do all Amazons hit first and ask questions later?"
"Who are you!? What do you want!?" Yelled Evergreen, still advancing on me. In order to stop her, I pulled out my sword and pointed it at her midsection.
"Now look. I'm here to see if I can help in anyway. I don't know what's going on here, but I might be able to help."
"She's dying!! That's what's going on!!" Yelled the women that I had not met yet. Gabbyfan, who was still reeling from all that was happening, was trying to get around to the side of me so that she could help Evergreen disarm me.
"Will you allow me to look at her? If she's dying, it won't hurt anything to let me see. Like I said, I might be able to help." Seeing that Evergreen still wasn't going to pass, I lowered my sword, and then handed it to her hilt first. "If I try anything, you can kill me with my own sword."
Evergreen quickly grabbed the sword and pointed it at my neck. Gabbyfan moved quickly to intercept. "Don't kill her. I trust her....sort of. We met earlier today, and though she had every opportunity to hurt me, she didn't. I say let her look at Xendra. Like she said, it can't hurt anything."
Evergreen let me pass, but made sure my sword was trained on my back the entire way to the bed. I inspected Xendra as quickly as I good since I knew time wasn't on our side. When I was through, I turned to Evergreen since she was the one obviously in charge. "I know of a root in the forest that might be able to help a little bit. It will slow down the dying process, giving the patient more time to build the strength he or she needs to recover."
"Will it cure her?" Asked Gabbyfan.
"No, it will not cure her. If she wants to recover, it is fully up to her. This medicine will just give her a little extra time to decide what to do. If she wants to live, than with the help of this herb she will most definitely recover. However, if she doesn't want to, than there is nothing anybody can do."
"If we let you go, how do we know you'll be back?" Asked Evergreen, still holding my sword in my direction.
I smiled and replied "You have my most precious possession. I'll be back to get it." With that, I ran out of the room. I was galloping out of town on Lukos within seconds. I didn't see the crowd or Zena when I rode through, so I hoped she was handling everything okay.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 15:53:03 GMT -6
blackwolf - 01:51am Jun 27, 2002 ET (#65 of 236)
Out of respect (cont)
I reached the forest in record time, found the root I needed, and pushed Lukos to his limit to get back to the inn. By the time we reached it, he was sweating heavily and breathing very hard. Knowing I was going to be awhile, I paid a young boy standing nearby to care for him. I ran to the kitchen, boiled some water, crushed up the root and put it into a cup with the water.
When I reached the room, all three women were down on a knee, sending a prayer to Artemis to bring back their loved one. I didn't want to disturb them, but I needed to get the medicine down Xendra as soon as possible. "Umm, I hate to disturb your prayer here, but I'm going to need someone to hold her while I pour this down her throat." The woman I had yet to meet immediately jumped to her feet and ran to do her bidding. As carefully as possible, I gave the mixture to Xendra, praying she wouldn't choke on it. Finally, I got it all down. I sat back and relaxed. "Now, all we can do is wait. It's all up to her."
"How long with this medicine last?" Asked the woman, speaking for the first time that night to me.
"Truthfully, I don't know. It could last for a couple of days, or for a couple of hours. It all depends on how far she was gone when she got it. She's stabilized for now. She won't slip any farther away. She just has to decide which direction she wants to go." I stood up and moved towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Asked Gabbyfan.
"I'm going to go check on your friend. See if she needs any help with these townfolk."
"One quick questions before you go. Why are you helping us?" Asked Evergreen.
I smiled and said "Gabbyfan and I had a nice little chat earlier today, and what she told me earned my respect for you all. And let me tell you, I don't give out my respect very easily. You amazons are all very great people, and I would hate for even one of you to die."
As I started to leave again, Evergreen yelled out "Don't you want your sword back?"
I turned around and said "Nah, you hold on to it for awhile. I won't need it until I get back." With that, I left and went in search of Zena. I just hoped I wasn't too late.
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girlpower - 04:26am Jun 27, 2002 ET (#66 of 236)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Puella stared at the stranger that entered the room with Gabbyfan and Evergreen. Zena is missing from the group, maybe she went to get the healer again. Panic can be seen in every ounce of me being. Xendra's breathes are shallow and her temperature that was once flaming is now cooler then the night's air.
The stranger approaches and I tense and look to my friends, "She is dying," I say to them. "I can feel her drifting away." Evergreen stands in defense as the stranger offers to help. I lean down and whisper into Xendra's ear. "You said you would not leave me, you promised you would come back to me and to the tribe." Evergreen was handed the sword of the stranger and Gabbyfan spoke on her behalf. The words from Gabbyfan cause me to trust her. I stood and allowed this woman to examine my friend. She then explained about a root that could help.
She left out of the inn like the wind and left Evergreen, Gabbyfan and I there to tend to the fading Xendra. I held her hand and attempted to will her back with my thoughts. Gabbyfan and Evergreen walked over to me and placed their hands on my shoulders and then knelt. As if we were one we began a prayer to Artemis.
I held Xendra's hand and felt the warmth of Gabbyfan and Evergreen as they stayed beside me continuing the vigil for our friend. Suddenly the stranger came back into the room with a broth. "Umm, I hate to disturb your prayer here, but I'm going to need someone to hold her while I pour this down her throat." I stood and walked to Xendra's side. Willing to try anything to get her to come back to me. I held her mouth open as she poured the mixture down.
I lifted her eyelids and see only a blank stare. The smallest amount of hope is dwindling from my spirit. I lean down and caress her hair and begin talking to my friend. "Please Xendra, come back. I have a gift for you I have been saving it. I wanted to give it to you when I announce my allegiance to the tribe. If you come back I will give it to you now. You can have it. I carved the staff myself, on that night we spent in the stars. Please come home to me, Please." ...
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xwpfan - 11:40am Jun 27, 2002 ET (#67 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Look Closer....
I looked at my mother, "How can you redeem her soul? She violated everything the Amazon Nation stands for. She took arms against a sister Amazon. She intended to kill Evergreen!"
My mother looked into my eyes and said,"Look inside your heart,do you know for a fact if she intended to hurt Evergreen?"
"Mother, what are you trying to get at? Hippolyta tried to kill Evergreen. As much as I hate to believe it, it is true. If it weren't for Little Gabby Fan, Evergreen would have been killed by Hippolyta.
I am haunted by that image day and night .I am full of so much Anger, Hate and Love at the same time. I hate her for making me loose respect for her. I hate her for violating our ways .I angry her for dying and I angry at both of us because I love her in spite of everything.
I couldn't even mourn her death mother. I couldn't honor her with the other brave warriors. I couldn't shed not even a tear for her even though it tore at my soul to loose her.
Don't you think I want to give her the benefit of the doubt, don't you think I want to be able to forgive the unforgivable? "
"Do you mean that? Do you really think you are ready to forgive the unforgivable?"
I nodded not really knowing what she was asking of me. She took me by the hand and led me to a lonesome arid desolate place in the midst of the expanse stood Hippolyta, standing as wooden as any tree with the same blank expression upon her face.
I walked up to her and touched her face,she moved not a muscle. I whispered "Hippolyta it's me ,it's Xendra."
No signs of life or recognition eminated from Hippolyta.
I turned to mother,and asked,"What's wrong with her?"
"Her soul in still in suspended disbelief, shock the living call it. She has not said a word she just stands, with a Roman crest in her right hand."
The words jarred me Roman crest.. it could not be of the same line that I had... I stepped closer and began to softly began talk to her, "Hippolyta I don't understand, help me understand why you would attack a sister.
She just stood there in a catatonic state.
"Keep talking to her.. she's in there somewhere."
"Hippolyta I am so dissapointed and so confused, I wish you could explain to me what happened. I can't think of you without being mad at you, I try and I try but I can't forgive you for trying to kill Evergreen.
Suddenly I became aware of the crest that laid within my tunic, I pulled it out and asked "Can you tell me if this crest has something to do with what happened that day?"
There was no response save a single tear drop, rolling down her cheek.
I looked at mother and said," Why do we hold the same family crest? What is the importance of it? I felt compulsed to take it off the Roman I killed in battle. It has bothered me since. I see it I visions and dreams and yet cannot place it."
"Xendra, it is important for both of you that you remember the importance of this Family crest. Think of a time long before this battle.. let your mind wander back in time..."
In an instant I was transported back to that horrible day.. the smells the sounds of it all enveloped me. His body overpowering me, my inability to fight him off, my unwillingness to look at his face - my hands grasping his to try to mount some defense but only grabbing his family crest...
I look down in horror as I realize these crests are both of the house and line of the family crest of so many years ago. Tears are streaming down my face,as I say to mother "I understand the importance of mine, I killed the son of my atttacker."
"Look closer daughter."
Before I can say anything I am transported. I am in battle, bodies all around me and for a moment I drop my sword, and the Roman advances and attacks me cutting my leg..
"Look closer daughter, it was not self-doubt or guilt that caused you to drop your sword..."
I try to look at his face, it is worn and leathered but the eyes still burn with intensity and fire... it is HIM.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 15:55:19 GMT -6
xwpfan - 11:45am Jun 27, 2002 ET (#68 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Through Hippolyta's Eyes
I drop my sword unable to fight yet again. He advances and cuts me hurting me yet again. This time from somewhere deep inside I find the will and the power to fight him. Not willing to let him destroy not one more soul.
"Look closer daughter, does not his features remind you of someone?
I knew the eyes not the eyes of a monster, but the eyes of a child the eyes of a young woman... Hippolyta?
Mother nodded. "Had you never questioned why a child with a lineage of Amazon queens would come to reside with us, with you?"
"No, I just assumed her people were killed in battle."
"Justinain and those of his house and under his order were a particularly vile group of Romans, they choose rape over killing, often leaving their victims to fight for their lives... they particularly enjoyed taking Amazon royalty for sport.
Her mother was left to die, but she did not but gave birth many moons later to Hippolyta... not wanting to shame her tribe, her family or her daughter she was brought to your tribe... one of the few who escaped slavery or death.
Hippolyta was smart and as she aged she found the crest you kept... as she pieced the pieces of the past together she understood that crest belonged more than likely to the Roman who attacked you."
"Look through Hippolyta's eyes....."
I could see it... Hippolyta saw him that day on the battlefield, there eyes locked in some strange recognition.. the last piece falling into place for her.. as she stood drenched in Roman blood she stood before her father - a Roman of the house and line of Justinain.
All she saw was a murderer a rapist a slave trader.
Hippolyta could not raise a sword against him no matter how hot her anger raged inside. He broke the stare and came straight at me, she watched in horror as I went down. She tried to come help me but got involved with Romans of her own... she never saw the result...
When she turned from her own fighting I could see her searching for me, but could not find me, Thinking I had been done in by her father she went mad with grief and revenge- killing anything in sight anything remotely Roman ...
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xwpfan - 01:26pm Jun 27, 2002 ET (#69 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Forgiveness
With full understanding of the events I grabbed Hippolyta and held her tight,I am so sorry little one I am so sorry you had to find him that way. I am sorry I couldn't mourn you... I'm just so sorry. Forgive me."
Hippolyta broke from her trance and cried , "You forgive me? How can you.. I am unforgiveable...I tried to kill Evergreen ... although she's not an Amazon I know I broke Amazon custom. I must be a constant reminder to you of Him."
I took her in my arms.."Oh no child, you are not unforgivable. I love you. You are not a reminder of him...
You are a reminder of me... you are my legacy, you are proof that I survived and went on to do something with my life."
My mother looked at me and said," Come,it is time for her to be judged, you cannot tarry here with her, you have more to see.."
"Will she be okay?"
"Your love and forgiveness has redeemed her soul and it will redeem yours.
It is obvious she was under the influence of the furies at the time."..
Come, there is more yet to speak of...
As we returned to the lushness of the Elysian fields I could hear a faint voice calling my name... I wanted to follow it but couldn't yet..
There before me stood a pile of the whitest feathers I had ever seen, I picked one up.. it was soft and yet strong, tender but unyielding. I looked at my mother and said, "For Puella's mask?"
Mother nodded solemnly, "For the one you call Puella."
Xendra,each one of these feathers are representing a fallen Amazon who perished in the cause for Peace,fighting not for War but so that peace could be established.
Mother nimbly picked up each Feather softly calling out each name as she fashioned the mask with her hands, I closed my eyes trying to burn the image into my mind.. she smiled as I opened my eyes and said,"If you choose to go, you will remember when the time is right."
Then I saw her come to the last two white feathers, they were adjoined only separated briefly at the top.
Mother said.. Normally one must wait to til death to have their feather added to a Queen's mask...
I interrupted her, "For a Queen's mask? No mother this is for Puella!"
Mother smiled and said, "My daughter, your friend is more than a mere Amazon like Hippolyta she comes from a great line of Amazon queens, with the greatest yet to be...
"Mother, how can the greatest be yet to be? Puella has no children and neither do I."
mother smiled gently, "You will see in time what the fates have in store for you... the name Gelasia Penthesilea will be recorded by the bards for all time."
"Who is that?"
"The one you so loving refer to as Puella."
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xwpfan - 03:19pm Jun 27, 2002 ET (#70 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
The Dead Hear Your Thoughts..
"Mother can you tell me more about Puella, I mean Gelasia Penthesilea?
Mother came over to me and said I cannot tell you of the future, but I can tell you of days gone by."
Many moons ago before you were born on the emerald isle of Ireland lived a young family. The young man was of means and his wife Gina was not of similar means coming from a line of poor Greek fishermen.
During the visit to her homeland her husband was robbed and murdered by the Romans.Gina was left alone carrying within her a child.
No one within the town would help her for fear of the Romans. So Gina ventured into the woods, there she met up with a small tribe of very young Amazons who had been separated by the Romans from their tribe.
The tribe though inexperienced, took her in and helped to raise the child. The tribe came to think of the child Gregorian as their own. Gregorian was given the right of caste at the age of fifteen winters. She grew to be a wise and capable Queen, but in the year of her 23rd winter she came down deathly ill,leaving behind a child of merely 3 winters old.The child was Gelasia Penthesilea. Her name meaning one inclined to laughter,queen of the Amazons
The eldest Amazon acted as queen with the knowledge that the queenship had been bequeathed to Gelasia, she was to some day be as Queen of the Amazons.
As a child Gelasia was beautiful.Full of life and laughter. She possed great natural instincts. She was bright,intuitive,senstive yet strong.She was fiercely loyal and determined in all things. She possesed the raw makings of a Queen.
However, the Romans had other plans, the attacked the small tribe,plundering the goods,raping the women living the weaker ones were left for dead, the strong ones sold into slavery...captivity.
"Puella?!"
"Yes, daughter, much more than this I cannot say."
"The fates keep me from telling you much more than this, You must follow your heart, no matter the cost."
I turn my head,I hear my name being called with a cry...Xendra.
Tears come to my eyes.. I look over at my mother, my grandmother my girls, how can I even think of leaving them even for a moment? I linger not knowing ..til I close my eyes and I listen..for the dead can hear the thoughts of the living.
I hear thoughts of great care and love. Emotions of many wash over me, strenghtening me, beckoning me home.Puellas thoughts are numerous each filled with love and fear ...they speak to my heart,helping me to make my choice.
Mother, there is a stirring within my heart unlike any I have ever known, one that I cannot ignore.I must return to the land of the living. I must return to Puella and my other sisters.
I hear Puella's voice crying "Xendra, don't leave me!You promised you'd never leave me!"
"Mother as much as I want to stay I can't. I have a promise to fullfill . I cannot die and leave her alone . I must go back."
"Daughter, that is only a choice you can make and you must do so alone. It will not be easy to return to the land of the living now...the Fates and Hades all know you have been here, they may try to stop you from crossing over...your only weapon will be what's in your heart..."
If what is in your heart is true and just and pure, you will be allowed to cross..be careful my daughter...there are many obstacles awaiting you if you return ..life is not for the faint of heart.."
"Good bye mother,I love you.I must try to return, I will see you at a later time."
Mother had tears in her eyes and I thought I heard her say,
"Perhaps"
Suddenly,I was thrust into pitch blackness not knowing where to turn .I heard Puella's voice crying ," Don't you dare leave me! I answered the call, I'm not! I am trying !I am coming!"
I walked but got no where .. I stopped and I could hear and see the prayers for me rising up to Artemis.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 15:56:45 GMT -6
girlpower - 08:34pm Jun 27, 2002 ET (#71 of 236)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
searching in the dark
Puella continues to sit at Xendra’s side. Resting her head on the bed listening to her shallow breaths. Suddenly, there is no sound. There is no breath. I stand up and place my hands on her chest. I feel no heartbeat. Nothing to connect her to this world. The panic I feel in my heart turns to rage. “You will not leave me, I won’t let you.” I take my hands and grab each shoulder and shake her. “You promised! I should have known that I could not trust you to keep your word. I will make you.”
I look up to the Evergreen and Gabbyfan as they try to pull my grasp from Xendra. “You must let her go Puella. Xendra’s spirit has moved on to the Elysian Fields.” Evergreen says. I look into her eyes and say spitefully, “She will come back, come back to me! If you can come back from the brink of death so can she.” I open her eyes with my fingers and stare intently. Looking for the soul in which I have grown to love. I can only see a shadow, a faint reminder of it’s presence.
Gabbyfan in her concern speaks to me, trying to offer comfort. “They say that the dead can hear our thoughts. She will know how much you care.” I do not take my eyes from Xendra, my world focusing down to her…just her. The young Amazon’s words wash over me, if they can hear, perhaps they can feel as well. The intensity of my stare grows. I say her name over and over aloud and in my mind. “Xendra, Xendra, where are you, come back to me.” My stare is undaunted, my will is strong. The room around me is no longer in my view, replaced by blackness. Then a face, the face of Xendra…
I look into her eyes, with all the blackness around us. Every feeling in my heart, every thought in my head is shared. In that moment I understand, she understands. I envelop her we become one. Slowly drifting in the vast darkness…
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phalon - 06:20am Jun 28, 2002 ET (#72 of 236)
Night Wanderings
Phalon lay in her bed, unable to sleep. Restless. Throughout the evening, ever since the baby started to play with Puella's necklace, her mind kept wandering back to her Amazon friends, and wondering what became of them. She tried to think of nothing now, but it was useless. Thoughts of Zena, Evergreen, Little Gabbyfan, Puella, Xwpfan and the others kept flooding her mind. Since sleep would not come, laying in bed was futile. She got up, threw on some clothes, and quietly slipped outside.
The night air was crisp, and felt good in her lungs and on her skin. She soon found herself walking down a familar path, a path she had not taken since returning home. Whether this was a conscious or unconscious choice, she did not know.
The path took her to a meadow. Her meadow. Their meadow. The tree which they spent so many hours under together was still standing. Outliving him, as it would most likely outlive Phalon. She ran her fingers across it's rough bark. How many lives have you touched, she wondered. What stories can you tell, and what is yet to be told? What other loves have you witnessed? How many children have climbed in your branches? Or weary travelers rested against your broad trunk in your cool shade? What killings have you, and are you to witness? Only one, she hoped. The one that changed her life forever.
She leaned her forehead against the trunk. Memories that she had pushed back into the far recesses of her mind came flooding back. Images of his smile. His laugh. His touch. How different her life would be had he not been taken away from her. She envisioned herself growing old by his side, surrounded by children and grandchildren. A house full of love. But the Fates would not have it so. A different plan for her. The past is past, but it is to be remembered always. For if it was not so, she would not be who she was now. She yearned for her lost love, her only true love, but it was never meant to be. He lived on only in her memory, and there he will never die.
Phalon layed down and stared up at the stars through the rustling foliage above. The past. Everyone had one, some more complicated then others. Love, hate, anguish. Events that shaped lives. In the recent past, she had fought side by side with the Amazons. Again she wondered what the Fates had destined for her friends.
The necklace around her neck began to get warm. This did not alarm to Phalon. It was not a menacing heat and it did not burn her as it did the first time she had touched it when she found it in her pouch so many moons ago. This was a comforting warmth, a warmth that spread through her body and engulfed her. The sleep that had eluded her earlier now came.
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zena - 02:20pm Jun 28, 2002 ET (#73 of 236)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
First The Tide Rushes In.........I
"PLEASE, would someone just listen to me?!!" "By all that swims in the sea, there is something wrong with these people!", Zena thought as the jubilant crowd nearly swept her off her feet. Singing and dancing, they had paraded her back down toward....the beach!"
"Oh no! Not the water! Oh, if you would stop singing that silly hymn for a moment you could hear me!"
"All hail the daughter of Poseidon, mother of our fleet. Bring us good fishing on this day, our goddess we entreat."
Zena began a fruitless struggle against the arms and legs packed around her. Every few moments another string of seashells would be thrust over her head or on her arm, and occasionally the squid would be dangled in front of her. The jewelry was not too disturbing but there was something about the squid that made her feel queasy.
"All hail the daughter of Poseidon, mother of our fleet. Bring us good fishing on this day, our goddess we entreat."
"STOP SINGING THAT INFERNAL HYMN AND LISTEN TO ME!" The crowd grew silent and dropped as one person to it's knees. Someone whispered, "We have angered her. Our catch today is doomed." "No!",Zena pleaded. "Your catch is not doomed! I don't have anything to do with your catch. Thank you but I have enough," she smiled at a young man who was trying to put a small fish into her hand again. Suddenly four armed men dressed in blue tunics with a golden embroidered trident on the chest appeared and bowing profusely, took Zena gently from the crowd and across the sand to the temple door. The door stood ajar and a man with golden robes marked with a blue trident bowed and beckoned her to come in. The cool marble of the temple was inviting but the great door shutting behind her gave Zena the same feeling as looking at the squid.
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zena - 02:44pm Jun 28, 2002 ET (#74 of 236)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
First The Tide Rushes In.........II
The priest of Poseidon clapped his hands and the temple guard retreated, leaving them alone in the great marble hall. He turned slowly toward Zena, evaluating her from head to sandal.
"Who are you? I know you are NOT Eurynome, the sea nymph."
"No, no I'm not and I really apologize for all of this. I'm an Amazon Warrior here in Aegina for a few days. This has all gotten out of hand."
"Well, you can't leave now", Ichythus said. "That crowd won't break up for awhile. Please accept the temple hospitality and you can tell me how you came to be in this strange situation."
Zena was not certain this felt right but she could still hear the crowd just outside singing: "All hail the daughter of Poseidon, mother of our fleet. Bring us good fishing on this day, our goddess we entreat.," for the thirty thousandth time. "Well, perhaps I'll stay just a bit," she said reluctantly.
"Good, we will eat in the atrium."
"Eat?" This day was beginning to improve. Even though she had just had breakfast, Zena could always force herself to eat a little, and maybe some water.
They sat at a small table facing each other in a pleasant garden filled with statues. "Strange," Zena mused to herself, "that one DOES look a little like me." She took a few deep swallows of the ice cold water that seemed to taste a little of lemon. They talked of her adventures and her friends in the inn for quite some time and shared some cheese and fruit. Then Zena pushed her chair back and said she had to return to her daughter and sisters but as she stood her head began to spin. She laid her palms on the table to steady herself but she felt as if she was turning to liquid. She whispered "Evergreen" as she always did in times of danger and fell unconcious on to the marble floor.
Ichythus clapped his hands and the guard returned. "Take the goddess to her room and be sure no one enters except the handmaidens who will dress her." He watched them carry Zena away, smiling as he worked out his plan for the sacrifice in his head.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 16:01:46 GMT -6
xwpfan - 08:38pm Jun 28, 2002 ET (#75 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
I Don't Want To Leave You
In the darkness comes whispers to stay, but they are drowned out by cries of love and the sweet perfume of prayers being lifted up to Artmeis on my behalf.
I pause taking in all the loving thoughts. I move not knowing if I am heading forward or backwards.. just simply trying to find the source of Puella's cries.
It seems an eternity and I am no further towards reaching her, my heart grows heavy with despair, she must know I would never willingly leave her.. never.
Finally I see a speck of light,I hurry towards it and just as I am to reach it I feel a cold hand upon my shoulder, stopping my progress. I turn once more pulled into the darkness, I try to see who or what has held me back, I see no one.. I try again with the same result.
I cry out" Puella, Puella help me, I need you. I don't want to leave you!"
In that moment I feel a warmth I have never known, it is if my heart has been laid open and it's contents poured out and then refilled with another's love and understanding.
I could feel Puella there with me, inside of me and around me. I could feel her willing me forward towards her, towards life.
I cried out," Puella I feel you, I know you are here with me." As the words spilled out of my mouth I could make out her shape her form... she was now floating in the darkness beside me, enveloping me in her arms, our thoughts melding into one.
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blackwolf - 11:26pm Jun 28, 2002 ET (#76 of 236)
It didn't take me long to find where they had taken Zena. Without the pounding of my horse's hoofs I could hear the crowd chanting by the seaside all through town. When I got to the temple, I didn't see Zena anywhere, and everybody outside was chanting "All hail the daughter of Poseidon, mother of our fleet. Bring us good fishing on this day, our goddess we entreat." I was finally able to get one villagers attention.
"Hey, where is the goddess now? I want to see her."
"She's inside with the priest of Poseidon, Ichythus, right now. What a lucky man."
"Oh, I see." I left the villager to the chanting, worked my way back through the crowd and ran back to the inn.
Upon enterting the room, I noticed the third woman standing over Xwpfan, holding the sick amazon's head in her hands. She seemed to be in some kind of trance, almost as if she were in some other dimension. I didn't take time to think about it though. "Ladies, we've got a major problem."
Evergreen whipped around quickly and tried to stab me with my own sword. My quick reactions and her realizing who it was barely saved my life. "Sorry, I didn't realize it was you. You should make more noise when you come in."
"You said something about trouble?" Asked Gabbyfan.
"Oh, yeah. Zena is in major trouble."
"What type of trouble?" Asked Evergreen, becoming angry very quickly.
"She's been taken to the temple of Poseidon. Everyone thinks she is his daughter, Eurynome."
"Yeah, but what's so bad about that?" Asked Gabbyfan.
"Well, this particular temple is run by a priest named Ichythus. I've heard stories about him, and most of them are not good. People say that he is especially blessed by Poseidon because of the kinds and amounts of sacrifices he makes to the sea god. If I'm right, and I'm hardly ever wrong, he should be planning a sacrifice very soon, and I have a feeling he's going to involve Zena somehow."
"But how is she in danger if everyone thinks she is the daughter of Poseidon?" Asked Gabbyfan.
"That is what I don't know. He is a crafty man, and I'm sure he has a plan forming in his head right now. If he is planning a sacrifice, he should be making an announcement to the villagers soon. I need to get back to the temple, but I need your help in this. I'm a good warrior, but I'll not only have to deal with the temple guards, which there are an unusual amount of them, but the villagers as well."
Gabbyfan looked towards the bed and said "I don't think it's wise to leave these two alone. I don't know what Puella did, but she's locked in with Xwpfan in some way, and we haven't been able to get her out."
I nodded and asked "I don't know of any mystic in town that would be able to help, and I know of no methods either. Do you know of anybody who could help?"
"Well, there is Phalon. But she's off visiting her family, it would take in the least a day to ride there and back, and that would be straining your horse to the breaking limit. Besides, by that time it would probably be too late for everybody" replied Evergreen.
"Where does this Phalon live?"
"Due east as the crow flies. From here, it's actually only a couple hours ride, but that's through some of the thickest woods in the area as well you know. Taking the road would be easier, but like I said, by the time you got back, it would be too late."
I thought about the area that she was talking about. Finallly I said "I know of someone who can travel easily through those woods. I want you to write a note really fast for this Phalon while I ready my horse." I walked out of the room and went to find where that boy had put Lukos. I just hoped Lukos was rested up from that last run.
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blackwolf - 11:45pm Jun 28, 2002 ET (#77 of 236)
I found Lukos and got him ready. When I got back to the room, Evergreen was waiting with the note. "You know, I've been thinking. The only way to get through those woods is if you're an animal who knows the paths. No human could get through there, unless that human had lived there for their entire life."
"Yeah, so what's your point?" I asked as I reached for the note.
She held it just out of my reach and asked "Who is this friend? I don't even know you, yet I'm supposed to trust this friend of yours. C'mon, you should know us amazons better than that."
I sighed with exasperation and said "Listen, I don't have time to go into detail right now. Just trust me that this friend of mine is very good at what he does."
Evergreen wouldn't be dissuaded though. "Who?"
I sighed again, then said "Yes, he is an animal, a wolf in fact. His name is Montara. He makes up the other half of my soul." At Evergreens look of confusion I said "I'll tell you the story later. Just have faith that everything will be alright." I took the letter from her, and smiling at her stunned expression, I ran back down the stairs. Within minutes I was galloping towards the forest yet again.
When I reached the beginnings of the forest, Montara was there waiting for me. I gave him the note, and using a language only he and I knew, I sent him on his way. I then made my way back to the inn.
When I got to the room, Evergreen and Gabbyfan were waiting. "Phalon should be here in a few hours. Gabbyfan, you wait here with these two until she comes. When she does, it's up to you to decide if you want to come to the temple or help her. Evergreen, you're with me."
"Who made you the queen all of the sudden?" Asked Evergreen.
I smiled and said "Okay, if you want to make the plans, be my guest. But let me warn you. Don't underestimate these villagers. They like a good sacrifice as much as Ichythus does." It didn't take long for Evergreen to decide that leaving Gabbyfan in the room and us two going to the temple was the best plan. I waited while she found her boots and put them on.
As we exited the inn, she handed me my sword back. "Nice sword. Interesting markings. You'll have to tell me about them sometime."
I smiled and said "I will." I slid my sword into my scabbard and heaved a sigh of relief. "That's better. I feel naked without my sword by my side." Evergreen smiled in understanding, and together we headed towards the temple.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 16:03:58 GMT -6
phalon - 01:59am Jun 29, 2002 ET (#78 of 236)
The Beacon
Phalon dreamt. In her dream, she was standing at the edge of the forest overlooking her meadow. The sky was clear and the sun was bright. The breezes were blowing the grasses and wild flowers, rippling them like waves in the sea. The larks were singing, calling her to join them. The colors and sounds were more vivid and vibrant than she had ever witnessed in times prior. Everything she saw was more defined, details sharper and more clear, from the hum of the locusts down to the tiny veins running through the petals on a flower.
She had an urge to run carefree into the meadow and dance among the flowers and birds. But something inside her stopped her from doing this. The realization came to Phalon that this was not her meadow, no definately not. This was the Elysian Fields.
Phalon hesitated. Why was she here? Surely, she had not died in her sleep, had she? As she stood contemplating this, a large black wolf exited the forest not a stone's throw from Phalon. They stood facing one another, both staring at the other with matching green eyes. The great beast then cocked his head at Phalon, turned and sat, looking towards the meadow as if it were waiting for something to appear. Phalon's eyes followed the wolf's gaze.
At the opposite edge of the meadow, two figures came into view, separate, arms outstretched, stumbling blindly towards one another, as if they were in the darkness of a starless night, though the sun was high in the midday sky. At last, their hands touched, and they embraced, clutching and grasping on to each other as if they were drowning in the waves of a stormy sea.
Phalon watched intently as the two figures, now one, gropingly staggered across the fields, fighting demons only seen to them along the way. As they grew nearer, Phalon saw that they were women. Familar. She brought her hand up to her forhead against the glare of the sun's rays, and squinted her eyes. Xwpfan and Puella!
Phalon started to run towards them, yelling their names. The wolf howled. A force stopped her. A voice in her head. The old Guardian, "Phalon, you can not go to them. They can not hear you. There is a barrier between the living and the dead which you can not cross. They must find their own way out of the realm of the dead, if they choose. You can only point the way."
"But how? I must help them." But the voice was gone.
Phalon watched helplessly, as her friends floundered in the meadow, Xwpfan falling and bringing Puella down with her. The unseen demons seemed to be beating them down with each step that they took.
As she stood powerless, Phalon began to feel the familar warmth around her neck. The necklace began to glow, emitting it's green light, growing brighter and brighter, until the emerald light changed to one of white hot radiance. Phalon raised her arms, hands outstretched towards the women in the meadow. The light began to emanate from her fingertips. Two white streams of light now shot from her eyes. Phalon was engulfed in light. She WAS the light. She was a beacon guiding her friends home, just as the Pharos Lighthouse guided weary mariners off the coast of Alexandria.
The last thing she saw was the faces of Puella and Xwpfan looking up at her before she woke to the sound of a wolf howling in the distance.
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zena - 11:09pm Jun 29, 2002 ET (#79 of 236)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
A Goddess By Any Other Name......
She woke on the large, soft feather bed. It was hung with filmy curtains from golden rods that moved gently with the breeze from the open window. The breeze that brought the welcome smell of the sea cooled the white marble room. Outside the waves caressed the shore and the rythmic sound floated up to the chamber. Her mind was empty of any thought except to note of the beauty of her surroundings. Looking down she saw the long white dress with the golden tridents embroidered at the cuffs, hem and neckline and felt the silky material, pleasant upon the body and she felt that her feet were bare.
Seeing the embroidered tridents brought an unpleasant feeling to her, a distant memory of feeling unsteady. She sat up too quickly and the pain in her head brought her hands to her temples; other hands supported her back and held a golden cup to her lips. Briefly she saw as the cup came closer, the reflection of a woman with dark curly hair and high cheekbones and she wondered who it was that she saw.
The handmaidens coaxed her to drink and the liquid made the pain in her head fade. She wanted to sleep again and they laid her down against the plump pillows and she was enveloped by their softness. These women were so kind, so concerned. They sang gently to her: "All hail the daughter of Poseidon, mother of our fleet. Bring us good fishing on this day, our goddess we entreat." Over and over and over they murmured the hymn until she heard it no more.
While she slept the handmaidens finished dressing her and buckled the golden sandals on her feet. On her arms they placed golden bracelets to replace the seashells offered by the villagers. When they were finished, they formed a guard of beautiful sentinals at each corner of the bed, waiting to serve the goddess when she awoke the next time, her identity as clear to her as it was to them.
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EvergreenLM - 02:25am Jun 30, 2002 ET (#80 of 236)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Thy Rod and Thy Staff
As we exited the inn, she handed me my sword back. "Nice sword. Interesting markings. You'll have to tell me about them sometime."
I smiled and said "I will." I slid my sword into my scabbard and heaved a sigh of relief. "That's better. I feel naked without my sword by my side." Evergreen smiled in understanding, and together we headed towards the temple.
Trust was not Evergreen's strongest trait. It was not even in the top ten,well,it was just NOT. And yet here she was running with the Black Wolf on the honor that the story told about Zena's peril was truthful and not one of deceit.
Evergreen was glad Black Wolf had a sword. At least ONE of them was prepared to address whatever lies ahead
Evergreen had made a promise that she would not let the monster of war that lies so closely to her heart ever gain control again. She was sick of destruction. And yet, Zena was in grave danger. How would Evergreen protect her without the will to take up weapons?
Evergreen and Black Wolf ran through the village. Evergreen vacillated between being angry at Zena for allowing the foolish "goddess of the sea" portrayal to get out of hand, and the very real thought that Zena's life was on the brink of being extinguished.
Black Wolf bounded ahead and Evergreen soon knew why the name fit her so well. She ran and jumped with stealth and ease displaying an animal's sense of direction. Evergreen had a difficult time keeping up the pace. And if by an unspoken sense,Black Wolf stopped her run.
"Are you okay, Evergreen?",she asked.
"By the way...WHERE is your weapon?"
Evergreen attempted to speak between trying to breathe bending over with her hands resting on her knees.
"I-I-don't Ha-a-ve one." " I do-don't...wa-wa-nt one."
"You don't WANT one!" "WHY,for the gods sake?" "Just HOW do you plan on defending yourself?", asked an incredulous Black Wolf.
Evergreen stood straight up looking Black Wolf squarely in the eye. Moments passed before Evergreen spoke.
Quietly and deliberately, Evergreen whispered, " I...don't...know."
Black Wolf thought it best not to reply. She looked away and as she turned her attention back to Evergreen, something,someone, caught in her focus.
From out of the shadows a woman stepped forward. In her hand was a staff about five and a half strides tall. It was the color of dark cherry bark and was bound on one end with woven strips of green and gold. Carved into the wood was Lao Ma's wisdom on the difference of conquering others and oneself. The words spiraled around the staff. For Evergreen and Black Wolf, time was frozen in the moment. Nothing moved,nothing made a sound.
The woman took the staff in both hands holding it in the direction of the horizon. A flash of light occurred as she handed the staff to Evergreen. A voice as with the sound coming from the depth of a cavern, resounded all around the two stunned to silence.
"Evergreen ,take this. It is to be used when your words cannot will another to step away from conflict. It is to be used to keep the other part of you in a place that cannot do harm to yourself or to others. Live the words carved deep into the soul of the wood. They will serve you well."
Evergreen took the staff,reached out for the woman,but only grabbed nothingness.
The staff was solid and fit Evergreen's left hand as easily as did her beloved sword. She twirled it in an 'S' pattern getting the feel of the power within. She swung it with arm out stretched cutting the air with a zing.
"This is GOOD Black Wolf...this is good!" "Lets go!" "Run!"
And the two resumed their mission to get to the Temple and to rescue Zena from being made one with the sea forever.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 15, 2004 16:05:10 GMT -6
xwpfan - 10:32am Jun 30, 2002 ET (#81 of 236)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Fear, Lies and Death
We were one yet separate hanging on to each other, afraid to let go. As we would move about in the darkness unseen hands would stop us.
I felt Puella's life force beginning to fade I screamed "Show your self, let me face you!
Suddenly there a rose out of the darkness a Demon eight to ten hands tall, he hissed and gnashed his teeth, he smirked an evil smirk and said, "Oh I know you!" as he pointed his clawed hand and laughed with glee.
"I don't know you! Who are you?" I yelled in response
He leaned in and his hot breath had the stink of dead frogs as he said,"Yes, you do.. .I am Fear!"With that he spread his wings to there fullness and cocked his head back and bellowed out a hissing laugh.
Puella answered ,"She's not afraid of you!"
The Demon lumbered towards her, his face in her face as he replied," You are right,she doesn't fear me, she resides in me.. .I keep her safe, I keep her from all harm and hurt why should she fear me? I... Fear, is what keeps people here ... what keeps both of you here."and then he began to laugh a deep bellowing resounding laugh.
As I found my voice to say"You're not keeping US here!" another Demon appeared, this one was all gray and stood 7 hands high hunched over, the Demons voice had an eerie familiarity."
"I am the father of all lies, lies you tell others, the lies you tell yourself.. they all reside in me.. .I know what you tell yourself in the middle of the night when you are vulnerable and alone.. the demon began to cackle, It is because of me you cannot find your truth."
I grabbed Puella tighter I could feel her fighting slipping away...I said to the demon , "You only think you know me." the Demon rubbed his clawed hands in delight, "Ah another lie to yourself ! I know you and you know me!" and the Demon began to shake with laughter.
I tried to move forward when a beautiful demon stood before me, "I am Deaths guardian,"No one is allowed past me. Neither of you cannot pass over without going through me!!" The demon increased it's size 10 fold, creating a virtual insurmountable barrier as it began to laugh.
Puella was growing weaker yet more determined to stay with me, I could feel her passing her remaining strength to me... she whispered to me," I will die for you if need be."
The demons began rubbing there claws together in delight at the prospect of another soul trapped for eternity.
I look into her eyes and I said," No one is dying here today, I will LIVE for You."
As I said the words a small beam of light appeared, radiating our countenance and our souls. The light was of power and of love...I could feel it whispering truths I had long ago forgot. I knew I had to face my demons alone.
I looked at Puella and said,"Puella, the light says you must go now before it's too late. I will make it back to you. I swear. The light is telling me I need you on the other side to bring my body back.
Puella said, "I hear it too."
"Puella, don't cry or worry, I am with you always, I am not letting Fear, Lies or even Death separate us Ever."
With one last embrace and tears in her eyes she headed towards the light looking back at me with each step.. I nodded at her, reassuring her.
The first Demon Fear tried to stop her and I grabbed Fear by the nape of the neck and said,"Perfect Love casts out all Fear." and the demon crumbled in my hands and the light grew brighter, enveloping her.
The second Demon the father of Lies tried to snatch her as she first entered the light, I ran and tackled the demon forcing the demon to release it's grip on Puella.
It turned it's hunched body towards me,and I said,"The truth shall set you free."
"I know my truth now. I know where I belong." With those words spoken the lies turned into dust and the light became a beacon swallowing Puella up whole.
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" Zena nearly dropped the clothes she was carrying as Puella flung her arms around her. This was not the hardened slave that she had left a few days earlier.