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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:19:48 GMT -6
xwpfan - 02:36pm Aug 1, 2002 ET (#164 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
An eventful night ..for some continued
As I said the words I felt something smooth brush up against my wounded leg. I knew instantly it had to be one of the sharks I had seen circling about earlier in the evening. I came to a complete halt and held my breath, but Leara continued to thrash about.
I loudly whispered "LEARA do not move .. there is a shark swimming underneath us."
Leara panicked and began screaming and thrashing about even more. suddenly I saw a mass of red floating in the water and Leara was silent and stone faced. she had been bitten and was in shock. I knew that we were basically nothing more than live chum waiting to be eaten with her bleeding and unable to move. The shark came back towards Leara, desperate I took out my breast dagger knife and flung it into the sharks eye, causing it to slightly change it's course.
I yelled to Phalon to take the chum we had to the other end of the boat and dump it there.. maybe the sharks would be drawn to that long enough for us to get back to the ship.
Phalon called for Dante to start emptying buckets of chum over the side. Meanwhile I hoisted Leara on my back the best I could and swam as hard as I could towards the boat. My leg kept wanting to give out on me... instead I swam through the excruciating pain with the knowledge .. our lives depended on me.
Finally Phalon threw us a heavy rope which I wrapped around Leara's and my torso's and then gave it a yank to make sure it was secure. with a mighty tug slowly Dante,Phalon and Black Wolf were able to get us back on deck safely.
Black Wolf and Phalon were there instantly to tend to Leara and her wound. Dante brought me the blankets I had laid down and wrapped me up tightly in them and told me to get some rest.
Much to my chagrin I found myself wanting to take his advice. especially as I saw Leara descend below for hot tea and some rest
I decided I needed to find a quiet spot for awhile... away from everyone. I needed to sort out the events of the evening in my mind. I asked Dante to please go down for me and retrieve some of my gear. When he came back up on deck with my gear I thanked him. Dante paused and said," you two were enemies why did you save her? I paused and said,"I think I did it because it was the right thing to do... many here think having Leara around overall is for the greater good I myself am not so sure, but I was not ready to find that out just yet. why don't you go check on her, I am going to go off to find a quiet spot for a little while."
Once alone, I took out the cistern I had been storing feathers in for Puellas mask. I took the feathers and the bamboo pieces began to fashion Puella's mask.. In an inaudible whisper I said the name of a slain or passed Amazon as I put each feather onto the mask. I must of dozed off when I was about 3/4's done.
As I dreamed I saw my mother and grandmother once more, only this time their manner was more urgent, more beckoning as I approached them. Hurriedly, they spoke to me. "Daughter, there is not much time, but you and your friends may be in grave danger... there are those who know more about the future more then even we knew and they are trying to prevent you and your friends from realizing your destinies.
Tonight, you passed the first test put before you... saving Leara lessened their powers.. they wanted you to hurt her to strike her.. but you resisted. We are so Proud of you.. just know they are going to throw alot at you .. be prepared."
"Why are they testing us mother?"
Puella is more than what she seems, her Mother was an Amazon queen but her mother's real name was not Gregorian like we had told you... but rather her mother's name was ORITHIA.
The fates hid many things about her family and her past because her Father is not the mortal we had been told of but rather her Father is Ares the Great god of War.
She has a sister.. we do not as yet know the identity of the sister except at birth she was given the name Hippolyta..
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xwpfan - 05:25pm Aug 1, 2002 ET (#165 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
An eventful night ..for some continued
..but the name was later changed. More than that we cannot tell you.. in fact in this area you may know more than us...
Dear daughter, Puella has had a varied history and up til now only what was known in the mortal realm was available to any of us.
Puella is still the person you have always known her to be, but be warned the fates have so much more in store for her... for All of you.
Look around daughter, on this boat resides the building blocks to the the greatest generation of Amazons. The Amazon nation will be re built by all of you... but it will not be easy. Many dangers and trials await all of you but stay strong.
The revelation of Puella's heritage means that Puella will face enemies both seen and unseen.
Puella will need support and guidance from all of you, now more than ever. Everyday she is able to spend with you is very important. Vital.
With the love, guidance and teaching you all so freely offer her, she is growing daily in Spirit and in strength.
She is virtually mortal. As far as she knows she is. However,it appears that after her Amazon training she will master weaponry skills that most will only dream of... she will be far more braver, more agile,than even you could've hoped for. ..
Under Evergreen's and Phalon's tutelage she will grow increasingly wise. It is by there influence that she understand and knows things...
Leara and Blackwolf will provide lessons, in the ways of nature. Did you not see how she protected you earlier like a lioness protecting her cub?
With Little Gabby and Zena she will learn the sheer will and power of love whether blood is involved or not. You saw that tonight when she comforted the child...
Even Dante is teaching her... about life's false temptations..."
With the mention of Dante's name I awoke, with many burning questions on my lips. I looked around and saw everyone was asleep.
I quickly gathered my things and dragged them behind me as I walked back to Puella. I sat down next to her and gently put my head on her shoulder. I sat there wet with a blanket wrapped around me trying to figure what, if anything I believed from all the things my mother had told me in the dream. I stared reflectively at the sea. I smiled at the waning moonlight dancing upon the waters. Morning was on it's way.
I softly nudged Puella and said ,"Let's watch the sunrise together."
Puella mumbled ad continued to sleep. I nudged her again and she said" Stop touching me.. You're all wet! Why are you all wet?"
I smiled and said,"I jumped in and saved Leara's life last night"
Puella laughed and said, "No you did not.. you shouldn't be telling tall tales like that.. someone is gong to believe you.. then what???
I laughed and said, "Believe what you wish but I really did save her life."
Puella shook her head and said"Maybe you dreamed it."
I laughed and said, "Well I do have a dream I want to tell you about. Just as I was about to share my vision/dream with her Zena emerged wanting to know what we had to eat.
All of us stood up and waited to see what she would do or say next.
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phalon - 05:58am Aug 2, 2002 ET (#166 of 237)
"Hey, I'm hungry. What do you have to eat around here?" All eyes turned to stare at Zena. She had shed the tattered gown from her days spent as Eurynome, as well as the goddess' persona, and was dressed in clothing more suitable to that of an Amazon. She looked rather refreshed, although quite famished.
Everyone on deck was momentarily stupified, save Little Dog, who excitedly bounded up and into Zena's arms. Second to react was Little Gabbyfan, who flew across the deck and, like Little Dog, into her mother's arms. Zena, already slightly off balance from Little Dog's pounce, was unprepared for the force with which Little Gabbyfan embraced her, and all three tumbled to the ship's deck, a tangle of arms, legs, and one wagging tail.
Phalon laughed at the sight heartedly, and crossed the deck to help untangle them. She did not immediately let go of Zena's hand after helping her back to her feet, but gave it a tight squeeze. Glancing down at the chakram at Zena's hip, she said, "It looks good on you."
"I think so too", she replied. "It FEELS good on me."
Phalon wrapped her arms around the woman standing before her. "It's good to have to back, friend. Welcome home."
As the others rushed over to rejoice in Zena's return, Phalon retreated to the edge of the circle. As she did, she noticed the figure sitting on the deck watching the happy reunion intently. Silent, still bound and gagged, and eyebrow raised in - what? Amusement, disbelief, or displeasure? Phalon couldn't read his expression, but decided to see if she could find out, once and for all, what inspirited the priest.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:20:52 GMT -6
EvergreenLM - 07:53pm Aug 2, 2002 ET (#167 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
New Day Dawning
Sunlight filtered through the separation in the planks above the cot hitting Evergreen squarely in the eyes.
"Whoa..." Evergreen said while shielding her eyes with her forearm. She stayed perfectly still,drew in a deep breath and yawned.
"Zena?" But the cabin was quite and empty. Footsteps could be heard on the deck above along with muffled voices.
Evergreen stretched. * How long have I been asleep?*,she said swinging her legs to the side of the bed. Her boots had been placed side by side and her sword stood leaning against the Captain's table.
Evergreen stood clasping her arms behind her working out the knots from sleeping in such a cramped position. She ran her hand back and forth through her hair as she walked over to the table. A glance to the map that was laid put before her was missing the dagger that she had marked her intended destination. She noted water pooled on the floor next to Zena's garments so treasured as the goddess of things that go bump swimming in the sea. There was a definite scent of Jasmine. *Must be that same soap...*
Another scent intermingled with the fresh,sensual smell of the bath.*Food!* Evergreen became acutely aware of a gnawing hunger. She returned and sat on the edge of the bed,and pulled on her boots. She stood splashing water from a bowl on the table on her hair,ran her fingers through with a *That'll have to do for now*. Before rising, Evergreen thought about the events in the darkness of the early morning. Her memory flashed to Zena speaking to her,some embarrassing tears, and a soft lap that sent her to Morpheus's lair.*Was that all a dream?*,she contemplated.
With some morning stiffness,*Oh,time and too many battles is moving on my body*,she muttered as she walked up the steps into the early light of dawn. It took a few moments for her eyes to focus. The animated conversations she had heard coming up the steps from below quickly ceased with her presence. *WHY is everyone staring at me?*,Evergreen thought as she checked the laces on her shirt and pants. *Nope,not that...*
The group parted revealing a sight as welcomed as the new day. Zena turned, cocked her head to the side smiling and extended out her hand. Little Gabby pushed her in Evergreen's direction.
A rare awkward silence ensued between the two.
"Hey",said Evergreen as she turned her head looking out to the sea.
"Hey yourself", replied Zena not relinquishing her focus on this old friend.
Phalon interceded into the moment saying with a good natured laugh as she turned to Evergreen , "Are you hungry? I think Zena MAY have left a scrap or two."
Evergreen looked back at Zena with a side wards glance,"Well, some things never change do they..."
"Good!",said Phalon as she joined the others, " I will raise a hand to you after I have returned your food to the fire."
The others knew that words to be exchanged between these two Amazon friends required privacy and provided them with a respectful distance.
"So, you saw the map,the dagger...you took it?", Evergreen said quietly.
"That I did",replied Zena looking for some indication for what words were to be spoken by this complicated companion. She sensed that a new day was coming with this dawn and was not sure where it may lead.
Evergreen turned recognizing the questioning face of this woman she knew so well.
The words were halting and deliberate.
"Zena...I...ah...we need to talk...I...ah...I see Phalon's signal...I'm as hungry as a Bacchae...",and with a quick pivot, Evergreen walked away towards the others.
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Leara - 10:15pm Aug 2, 2002 ET (#168 of 237)
Seeing Red
You would think some of us would learn to leave well enough alone. It was tough to be stuck with in such a close distance of Xendra. I am desperately trying to get some control over this raging wild fire and instead of leaving me alone all Xendra seems to want to so be fan the flames. Cursed am I!! I have a natural bad inclination but dern it if I would be nice to just get some help- some breathing room.
Xendra makes right for me and to my surprise Blackwolf is ready to defend me immediately with a flash her sword is drawn and ready. I decline her intervention. I can not have any Amazon killed on my behalf no matter the reason.
I accuse Xendra with the facts “You killed Theos, you killed my family”
Infuriated by the blatant way she seems proud of her acts. She turns the knife in my heart again by adding “just as you would do.”
I lost all the control that I had managed to find since I first heard her name escape EG’s lips. I lunged for her ready to pin her down and I don’t know force some sort of remorse out of her. She moved aside and I went over the rail right in to the cold waters of the Sea.
With out any hesitation I called out for help. “I can’t swim!” Well I can in places where I know that there is a bottom but in the open Sea only Poseidon knows what is on the floor if there is one.
Who is by my side but Xendra ready to finally finish the job?
Xendra snarls "shut-up don't make me regret saving you anymore than I already do."
I realize that I well we have done it again. We two are again fighting each other one on one where it results with us deeper into physical danger. The lack of communication and truth has already done both of us harm. I had been unyielding on the deck and now we were in the Sea. It is my turn to try the truth not that I expect it to matter to her. It is the right thing to do.
"In the beginning, I only wanted your word as an Amazon to become Puella's guardian and relay our apologies for trespassing on Amazon lands." I speak but I can not control the need to fight against the waters.
Xendra then says the word "shark" the sharks white teeth like a hundred daggers grip my leg proving her warning to be true. I am still hoping it will release its hold on me. Panic runs wild through my body reason has left or the moment. I try to thrash it off my leg. The warmth of the blood swirls around my leg as it pours from the wound.
“You know I sought only an oath little did I know you would accept unknowingly with the power of shed blood. My brother the sacrifice and now at last with the truth comes mine. She is worth more than me and needs you.” I finally see the way Theos has come to see his own death.
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leara - 10:20pm Aug 2, 2002 ET (#169 of 237)
Seeing the Bright White Light
The shark comes again and takes another nibble as it does this time I become still. As blood pours from the holes in my leg staining the waters, I speak my last request not knowing how it will be received.
"I have failed her again. I can not beat them. Let me GO! It is the only place that I belong."
I struggle to pry open her grip finger by finger. The shark comes again this time the blood gushes from the torn flesh of my thigh. There is quite a massive amount of blood now in the waters it is highly noticeable. The calm and quiet descend in to my mind with the flood of blackness. My body becomes hard and like stone embracing the inevitable. I hear Xendra shouting then it is quiet. Blackness reigns.
My body is supported on a hard surface when I come almost to a conscious reality; my hand feels the smooth wooden planks below it. I must be on Chiron’s boat crossing to the other side. My eyelids flutter and to my amazement I see a figure dressed in black.
"Hades" I mutter aloud.
He is not quite the way I expected him to look. To my right is a beautiful woman, there are stories of the beauty of Death herself. She is not quite what I had expected either a bit too festive in her clothing choice.
They bid me to rise and take my place. I am assisted to a tiny room. The bed is tight against the wall a small chest sits by the head of the bed. They instruct that I lie down and rest. 'Who am I to argue with the gods?'
They let me alone with my thoughts when they shut the door. What do I have the need to further contemplate? That phase of life is over. It matters not to me the Elysian Fields or Tartarus as I have friends in both places. After the judgment and sentence, there will finally be no question as to whom and what I have become!
I embrace the empty blackness of the recesses of sleep. It has been so long since I have slept the sweet innocent carefree sleep of security. It comes quickly and takes over.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:21:54 GMT -6
gabbyfan4ever - 01:55am Aug 3, 2002 ET (#170 of 237)
The piercing howl of little dog, combined with the drink phalon had given her, slowly began to bring a confused gabbyfan back to reality, and left Anemone behind completely. The little warrior rubbed her aching head and looked up to see her friends, her family, drag a bound Zena below deck.
Gabbyfan couldn't understand what was happening. Why were her fellow Amazons, the people she trusted most treating her mother like this? Enraged by this outrageous behavior, Gabbyfan ran at Evergreen and took a blind swing at her with the new staff Puella had made for her. The warrior easily caught the staff and in a second had the girl held fast in her arms. Gabbyfans head pounded and after only a few moments of struggle, she collapsed in the Amazons arms with tears of confusion, anger, and hurt streaming down her face.
"Why are you doing this to Zena?!", Gabbyfan demanded, as Evergreen quietly reassured her everything was ok.
When Evergreen went below deck to see Zena, Puella took the little warrior in her arms and comforted her.
"What's wrong with my mother??", Gabbyfan sobbed. As Xendra and Phalon tried to calm the girl down, Puella softly rocked back and forth and sang. Gabby found refuge in the strong arms of Puella, and could not keep her eyes open any longer. As she drifted off to sleep, the last thought in her mind was with her mother, and if they would ever be able to live peacefully together, with the way trouble always seems to find them.
Gabbyfan instantly awoke the next morning at the sound of her mothers voice. She almost didn't want to look for fear it had just been part of a dream. But when Gabby looked up she saw her mother, just as she had been before everything had happened at the temple. In a second she was up and taking a flying leap into her mothers arms, hitting her only moments after little dog. The force of Gabby and little dog put together sent the three of them to the floor in one big happy tangle of arms and fur. For the little warrior all the sorrow of yesterday faded away, and everything was perfect once again.
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phalon - 02:27am Aug 3, 2002 ET (#171 of 237)
Revelations
They had all taken the morning meal together, save Leara, who was below deck resting from her shark encounter, and Blackwolf, who Phalon had left watching over Leara should her condition turn worse.
In the air hung a feeling of festivity. Zena had returned to them. A celebration of sorts. The conversation during mealtime was lighthearted and joyous. Only Evergreen, who had joined them late, seemed somewhat distant, as if something were weighing on her mind.
After the meal, Phalon fixed a plate and again took it to Icthyus, determined to learn more about this man who called himself a priest, so that they could better figure out exactly what to do with him. They could not leave him bound and gagged for eternity, although after last night's encounter, it was an appealing thought to Phalon. Sooner or later, they would be going ashore, and then what? Just turning him lose to start another string of sacrifices to Posideon or whatever god of the day that served to further his personal gain was not an option.
Before removing the gag from his mouth, Phalon asked, "Well, Icky...May I call you that? Icthyus so formal. If I remove this gag, will you refrain from that insidious laughter and eat peacefully, or shall we keep you gagged for awhile longer?
A brief nod indicated that he would comply. Phalon removed her scarf that served as a gag. He opened and shut his mouth several times, and moved his jaw from side to side, stretching muscles that had been in one position for too long. When he satisfied himself that indeed his mouth was in working order, he said, "Actually, My Dear Woman, I was growing quite fond of the pet name with which you so affectionately refer to me - Little Man. But call me as you wish. I will answer to whatever you like as I am in no position not to."
"Icky it is then. It seems rather fitting. So, Icky, I have a question for you. You seem rather amused at this whole strange perdicament which you've found yourself, and are rather delighted at any misfortune that comes our way. Are you truely evil to the core, or are you a raging lunatic?"
"I can assure you, dear woman, that I am in complete control of ALL my faculties."
"How nice for you. Tell me then, Icky, the whole Eurynome business seems so contrived. Obviously, a lot of time and effort on your part went into selecting each participant, making them believe they were Eurynome, and finally having them make the ultimate sacrifice, all for the sole purpose of making you a wealthy man. Have you ever thought about using all this cunning ability which you seem to possess for something good? Something to better mankind? Or have you always been so lacking in morality?"
"Ah, there was a time long ago, in which I was a good priest, true in my beliefs, striving to serve the Goddess and spread her word among the people. But times then were good, the fishing town was prospering and offerings to the goddess became slim. The temple had fallen to disrepair. People, my dear, are very fickle. They only seem to need the gods when things are bad. Then they suddenly find faith. A couple years of bad fishing were just what I needed to get the temple back into shape. That, and an appearance or two by the goddess herself. The fates supplied the first, the other was easily enough arranged by myself. Soon the offerings were pouring in, and I had more than enough to re-establish the temple and it's importance. I won't bore you with further details, but let's just say that I found that wealth makes things much easier to stomach."
"That sounds so...so callous. So lacking in humanity. How could you willing send another human being to their death, just for your own profit?"
"How could I? You could ask the same question of yourself, Phalon. You and I are alike in many ways."
"We are NOTHING alike!"
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phalon - 02:36am Aug 3, 2002 ET (#172 of 237)
Revelations (cont.)
"No? Think back. Think back to a time when you were young could think of nothing but vengeance. Vengeance towards small band of Roman soldiers who took the life of your young love. Remember, My Dear Woman, remember how you used your sight to hunt them down and destroy them all? Do not preach at me about taking life for personal gain."
"H-How do you know? I never told anyone of those dark times, ever. How could you...?" The crushing weight of Phalon's past hit her hard and she began to feel smothered by it.
"As I said, you and I are more alike than you'd care to admit. We share the sight, my dear. Didn't you wonder the other day, about the vision of darkness you had when you touched me? I sent you that vision. I can block what you see. You will never know exactly what is in my twisted mind."
Icthycus continued, "Now, back to your earlier question, have I ever thought about using my cunning to serve humankind? That, I will have to mull over for awhile. It seems I've given you something to ponder too. Haven't I, My Dear Woman?"
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:23:01 GMT -6
zena - 10:04pm Aug 3, 2002 ET (#173 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Do You Hear What I Hear? I
Animals don’t waste time pondering their feelings. They live in the moment and trust their hearts. Humans on the other hand, let much of the precious span of the short life that is granted to them, be spent in the search for motives and anguishing over supposed injuries. The heart of the animal has much to teach the heart of the human.
When the group did not respond immediately to her smile and greeting Zena began to wonder what she had done during the period that was so hazy in her mind. Perhaps there was some awful deed that she committed that had distanced her from them. A second after these thoughts had formed, four little feet on her chest and a slurping tongue on her face knocked her off balance and dispersed the voice in her head. Following them were the arms and the face of her daughter and everyone hit the deck in one joyous bundle.
“Gabby, Little Dog........yes, it’s me, it’s me! I love you too......it’s ok Gabs, don’t cry.........let me up!”
Zena looked up to see Phalon above her and as they scrambled up with the help of Phalon’s hand, Zena’s mind flashed to scenes of the spinning chakram. She held on to Phalon’s hand longer than was needed and hoped her gratitude was felt in the clasp. Glancing down at the chakram at Zena's hip, Phalon said, "It looks good on you." "I think so too", Zena replied. "It FEELS good on me." Then quietly and with great solemnity she said, “Thank you.”
Zena touched each face as they came near and there were many embraces exchanged among the sisters. They gathered together for a small morning meal and laughed together until Zena relaxed and forgot the fear she had felt earlier. Puella and Xendra were teasing Gabby about the rigors of the Amazon induction ceremony when Evergreen came up from the cabin below the deck. Zena and Gabby stood at once and Gabby pushed her mother from the group. Reaching toward her friend Zena smiled but the smile was not returned. A rare awkward silence ensued between the two.
"Hey", said Evergreen as she turned her head to look out at the sea.
"Hey yourself", replied Zena not relinquishing her focus on this old friend but letting her hand fall heavily at her side. Phalon interceded into the moment saying with a good natured laugh as she turned to Evergreen , "Are you hungry? I think Zena MAY have left a scrap or two."
Evergreen looked back at Zena with a sidewards glance,"Well, some things never change do they..."
"Good!", said Phalon as she joined the others, " I will raise a hand to you after I have returned your food to the fire."
The others knew that words to be exchanged between these two Amazon friends required privacy and provided them with a respectful distance.
"So, you saw the map,the dagger...you took it?", Evergreen said quietly.
"That I did", replied Zena looking for some indication for what words were to be spoken by this complicated companion. "Zena...I...ah...we need to talk...I...ah...I see Phalon's signal...I'm as hungry as a Bacchae...", and with a quick pivot, Evergreen walked away towards the others. Zena remained at the rail of the ship steeped in confusion seemingly rejected by her friend. The voice came again as the hissing of a snake.
“She will not forgive you. You hurt her as you did the others.”
The voice was so insistant, so compelling that Zena shook her head as if she could rid herself of it by a physical means. She turned toward the rail and putting her palms flat on the surface she used her upper body strength against it.
“I hurt no one.”
“You do not remember what you have done. Evergreen cried herself to sleep last night.”
“She was relieved to see that I was well. I was sick.”
“No, you were evil. You did said and did terrible things to your sister. She cannot forgive this.”
Zena threw herself against the wood and put her hands to her temples. Now she was speaking aloud to the voice.
“NO. I WOULD NOT HURT HER.”
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zena - 10:07pm Aug 3, 2002 ET (#174 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Do You Hear What I Hear? II
Phalon dropped her plate, joined Zena at the rail and wrapped an arm around her waist. She had been watching as she stood apart from the group and saw the change come over Zena’s face. She alone had seen it. What was she hearing?
“Shhh. What is it? There’s no one here.” Over Zena’s shoulder she saw the face of the priest. Zena swallowed hard and looked at Phalon with eyes wide with fear. She could not explain what was happening.
Phalon led her away from the rail and gave her a mug of tea with a calming herb. She kept a comforting hand on Zena’s shoulder as she focused on the priest. Silent, still bound and gagged, and eyebrow raised in - what? Amusement, disbelief, or displeasure? Phalon couldn't read his expression, but decided to see if she could find out, once and for all, what inspirited the priest.
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xwpfan - 01:16pm Aug 4, 2002 ET (#175 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
By the way...
After a moment of just standing there staring at Zena bedlam erupted. Little dog bounded towards Zena while Gabby flew into her warrior mom's arms, the three fell joyously to the deck.
After a few minutes, Phalon offered her outstretched hand to assist Zena up off the deck. A look passed between the two as Phalon looked at Zena's chakkram and said,"It looks good on you."
"I think so too", Zena replied. "It FEELS good on me." Then quietly she said, “Thank you.”
None of us knew what the exchange had been about,but were extremely grateful to have Zena back proudly wearing her chakkram once more. Such joy and relief filled the ship,Zena had been returned to us, her mental and physical health seemingly intact.
We crowded in around Zena as she touched and embraced each one of us. It felt so good to have our friend back amongst us.
For a moment all was right in the world.
Breakfast was chaotic and jubilant, everyone laughing and talking over one another, each trying to fill in the details of Zena and Gabby brief encounter of being Goddesses.
As the meal went on, talk turned to what kinds of Rites of Passages it would take for Little Gabby and Puella to become full Amazons. Little Gabby's eyes widened as we all brain stormed ideas.
Everyone seemed to like the idea of having a rite of passage and an Induction ceremony for Little Gabby and Puella... but there were many practicalities to be worked out,like the fact that we were a tribe without a Queen or even a second... at the moment.
However, practicalities really didn't matter at the moment,just extreme joy. Puella and I were lovingly teasing Little Gabbyfan as to what kind of rigors they'd have to undergo during their Rites of passage when Evergreen came up from below.
Little Gabby stood up as did Zena. Gabby pushed Zena away from us and towards Evergreen. Knowing they had many private things to talk about we quietly withdrew as a group, to give them privacy.
Once out of their earshot Puella whispered,"What do you think their talking about?"
I whispered back,"I don't know.. hopefully about the future."
Puella smiled and said,"When did you become the optimist?"
I shrugged my shoulders and laughed as I said, "Maybe you're just a bad influence on me"
Puella playfully hit my shoulder and said" HEY! I'm a GOOD influence on you!"
I smirked,"Can't prove it by me.. You didn't even believe me when I told you I saved Leara's life!"
Puella eyes turned serious,"Yes, you did, but you also neglected to say that you went after her first."
I looked into her eyes and said,"Puella I swear to you I did not approach her in an attempt to attack her, Black wolf thought I was and drew a sword. Leara made Black wolf put down the sword, when the subject of Theos came up things got rather heated. I tried to talk honestly with her about why I killed Theos but she took it as bragging and tried to attack me, I stepped aside and she went overboard."
Puella looked at me and said, "With your prior history with Leara you expect me to believe you meant her no harm?
I laughed and said,"I am not saying the thought hadn't crossed my mind, but if I wanted to hurt or see her hurt she'd still be shark bait."
Puella stood there in deep thought nodding, finally she said," I am sorry, I know you ,I should've known you weren't trying to kill her. Are you ok? How's your leg?"
I laughed and said,"Well,it's about time Someone showed some concern for me... I am fine. My legs are tired but I'm ok other than that... but you, You don't look so well, in this light you're looking a little green around the gills ."
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:24:11 GMT -6
xwpfan - 01:26pm Aug 4, 2002 ET (#176 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
By the way continued...
A funny look came across Puella's face,whether it was the excitement or Dante's cooking or just being at sea, Puella's stomach had definitely turned. Puella quickly covered her mouth with her hand and ran desperately to the rail and lost her breakfast and much more.I rushed to her side.
Over and over again she spewed til poor Puella was dry heaving. Puella began to swoon and then she collapsed into my arms, knocking us both down to the deck.
I held Puella tightly as she was in full sweat, dizzy and unable to be moved. Puella moaned in agony as the ship rocked with the motion of the sea. I sat there helpless with Puella laying in my arms and me screaming desperately for Phalon.
Unfortunately,Phalon was busy with matters of her own.
I looked down and tried to turn Puella gently as I could as she was trying to spew again. I knew she could not continue in this manner for long. Puella's face was red,her eyes were nearly swollen shut and breathing was becoming labored. I could feel her body becoming increasing hot and I absorbed the thrusts as her body began to convulse.
I whispered to Puella, "Puella, I am not a healer, I don't know what to do for you. I used to know a remedy ... a long time ago.It's a secret passed down from the great Warriors Xena and Gabrielle.I have not used it many years,it could kill you if I don't do it right. If I am successful,it will stop your sea sickness."
What do you want me to do?I won't make this decision without you... i can't."
Puella cried,"Do it, just do it!Either way I am out of my misery."
With tears streaming from my eyes, I started to look for the nerve so I could give Puella "the pinch". Just before I applied the pinch I whispered,"By the way sometimes there are weird side affects with this cure."
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zena - 09:00pm Aug 6, 2002 ET (#177 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Water Water Everywhere and What Is That Stink?
“SPLASH!” The third bucket of water sluiced over the deck washing down what was left of Puella’s regugitated breakfast. Zena sniffed the air and wrinkled up her nose.
“By the gods this smell sticks like burrs to a horses mane. Wait a minute. Xendra come here.” Xendra crossed the wooden deck sliding a little on the wet boards.
Zena breathed in the aroma around Xendra. “Zeus! It’s YOU”, Zena exclaimed. “You smell like the cow’s milk pail when it sits in the sun too long. Puella’s breakfast isn’t only on the deck! Here.......” She dumped a full bucket of clean water over Xendra’s head and the liquid ran through her hair and soaked her tunic.
“HEY!” Xendra gasped “That water is cold! If I wanted a bath I’d take one!”
“Well, for the sake of the rest of us, want one! Get that stink off of you! I’m feeling a little sick myself just being near you.” Zena turned to Evergreen for backup and she could see by her expression they were in agreement.
“Git below, there’s some Jasmine soap down there that will sweeten you up,” Evergreen laughed and pointed to the door to the lower deck. Just then Puella went by crunching a squid tentacle between her teeth and everyone shuddered.
“I think I’ll see to that bath now”, Xendra said and beat a quick retreat.
“THAT is making ME sick!”, Evergreen whispered.
Zena leaned in toward her friend so that Puella wouldn’t hear. “With her eyes all swollen like that she looks like some kind of sea creature. Come to think of it, she looks familiar.”
“Don’t even joke about that”, Evergreen warned holding up a hand to stop Zena from going further.
They hadn’t had the talk that Evergreen had suggested earlier and after two mugs of Phalon’s tea, Zena really didn’t care if they did. Everything seemed inconsequential and somewhat amusing. She was even considering recommending the tea as a beginning to everyone’s day. No more wars, no more battles, just tea and good will. Zena hummed contentedly to herself.
Evergreen however was still edgey and poked Zena in the arm to direct her attention to Gabby and the sailor Dante. They were at the helm and he was showing her how to steer the vessel with his arms over hers at the wheel.
“I don’t like the way he’s looking at her and I’m not sure I trust him” Evergreen snarled.
“Oh, lighten up. He’s cute”, Zena murmered.
“Cute? Didn’t you wonder why Puella got so violently ill so fast?”
“She was seasick.”
“Nobody crashes through the surf in a rowboat, sails around for a day, has a few meals and THEN gets so seasick that they faint! Who handled her food this morning?”
“I don’t know, I came later.”
“And so did I.”
“But we all ate from the same pot.”
“Someone dished it out.”
“Hmmmm. Now you’ve got me worried. I’ll get Gabs to help me finish here and that will get her away from him. It’s getting towards dusk and the evening meal. See if Phalon remembers who gave Puella the bowl this morning, and for now don’t eat anything he touches.”
Zena called to her daughter, “Gabby, I need you to help me here.”
“In a little while Mom.”
“NOW.”
“Ok, ok. Don’t yell, I’m coming.” Smiling at Dante and slipping from his grasp, Gabby joined Zena on deck swabbing duty.
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EvergreenLM - 11:05pm Aug 6, 2002 ET (#178 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Pondering Potedia
After the deck washing, both the nasty and the clean of it, Evergreen cautioned Zena about Dante becoming a little too friendly with the kid. Little Gabby hated when Evergreen referred to her as that, but, to Evergreen, it was a term of endearment.
Zena called to her daughter, “Gabby, I need you to help me here.”
“In a little while Mom.”
“NOW”
“Ok, ok. Don’t yell, I’m coming.” Smiling at Dante and slipping from his grasp, Gabby joined Zena on deck swabbing duty.
When they had finished, Evergreen approached Zena grabbing her by the elbow steering her aside.
“There is one way to end Dante’s voyage on the love boat, its time we set for shore.”
“I have been thinking… ” (*As I haven’t noticed thought Zena*).
“Looking at the map, we are not a far sail from Potedia. At the next port, let’s send Dante back to bring the horses. I miss Whisperer, I miss the smell of my saddle, I want to walk through the forest, I want to sleep on something that is not rocking the whole night through …Zena, I- miss- land!”
Zena was taking in the words and trying to process their meaning.
“Sooo…you mean…if I heard this correctly…we…you… me…us…ah…we are leaving the others?” Zena looked conflicted. “ I…well EG…no…I…all our years together…well…I can’t…I just can’t.”
Evergreen gave Zena an incredulous look. “Leave the others!” “Zena?... LEAVE you?”
“Never…I could never do that…you ARE my home…the others are my family.”
“Well, it will be their decision to come with us or continue on, but what would life be like without them.”
“I just assumed…”
“Zena, talk to them, they will listen to you.”
Little Gabby started back towards Dante. Evergreen caught the back of her tunic. “Where da ya think you are going kiddo?”
“Zena, DO something about your daughter’s hormones will ya.”
Evergreen gave Zena a soft pat on the face, “Close your jaw…we’ve got packing to do,” gave her a wink, and walked towards Dante with an expression that struck the fear of Zeus in his young eyes.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:25:17 GMT -6
gabbyfan4ever - 01:07am Aug 7, 2002 ET (#179 of 237)
Gabbyfan had soaked in the joyous atmosphere of the group after Zena had come back to them. Everyone's pleasant banter gave her a taste of how she hoped things would be like when everything finally settled down. However, at the present time everyone seemed occupied in their own tasks, leaving Gabbyfan to find entertainment for herself. As she walked along the deck she looked at Puella just in time to see her lose all her food onto the floor of the ship. "Ew that's gross!" Gabbyfan muttered to herself as she quickly left the area.
The little warrior decided to try out her new staff that Puella had made for her, remembering the importance her mother placed on practicing her fighting skills. The young girls attention was not kept for very long however, and she ached for something to keep her occupied on this seemingly endless boat ride.
Her attention was soon caught by a man she had failed to notice before now, due to her spell as Antemone and all the excitement caused by it. Seeking someone to converse with she went up to the man in an attempt to make friends. Once she got a close look at him, she was somewhat taken in by his tall dark figure. He had an appealing quality about him that the boys in her old village did not have, one of adventure and excitement. He talked of how he wished to see the world, and to have many adventures along the way.
"That is why I set sail with your group," he said. "I am ready to handle whatever comes my way."
Gabbyfan was impressed by his courage and eagerness, and wished to hear him speak more about what he wanted to do with his life. The little warrior did not notice how the time went, as she was completely caught up in what this man, Dante had to say about anything.
"Do you want to learn how to steer the boat?", he asked.
Somewhat taken by surpise, she quickly replied after only a moments hesitation, "Sure!".
Lost in her thoughts and the instructions of Dante, Gabbyfan was startled when her mom yelled "Gabby, I need you to help me here."
Gabby tried to stall but when she heard her mother yell "NOW", she knew that that wasn't an option. She knew that tone and knew that it meant buisness, besides she hated hearing Zena yell. Before she left the healm she flashed a quick smile to Dante.
Gabbyfan was quickly provided with the task of washing the deck, even though she it looked perfectly clean to her. Once she thought it looked more than clean enough she tried to make a quick get-away back to Dante but was caught from behind by Evergreen.
"Where do you think you're going kiddo?"
"Aw geez Evergreen, why do ya gotta call me that?" gabby replied, being sure to add a smile and hug afterwards. In reality, Gabby looked up to Evergreen immensely, so she appreciated the recognition of the term.
Seeing that there was no chance of getting back Dante at the moment, gabby went to sit and think over all the great adventures he had planned for himself.
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blackwolf - 01:50am Aug 7, 2002 ET (#180 of 237)
After I helped carry Leara down below after the shark attack, I barely left her side. Phalon and I had stopped the bleeding to the best of our abilities, but Leara had already lost so much blood it was difficult to tell what the final outcome would be. It was in Leara's hands now.
As I sat there waiting for Leara to wake up (I found myself praying to the gods for that) I took time to reflect on all that had happened in the past few days. Here I was on a ship, sailing to who knows where with a bunch of people I barely knew the names of. "I belong on the shore, in the forest with the wolves, not here with a bunch of strangers" I muttered to myself. Yet, when I looked back at Leara, I din't regret one minute of all that I had done. To be finally rid of my anger was a wonderous feeling. And it was all linked to this woman lying on the bed, still as death. I had to pay her back somehow. If only I knew how.
Eventually Phalon came downstairs to see how Leara was doing. She left shortly after, saying there was nothing more she could do at the time. I sat down in the chair by the bed, and eventually the constant rolling of the ship lulled me to sleep.
I dreamed of Montara. It was so good to see his face again I almost wept. I hugged him and he licked my face. It felt so real, I had to remind myself it was a dream. "It's only been a day or so, and I feel like we've been apart forever." I said.
"Me too. I feel the same."
He looked over my shoulder, and I realized we were in the cabin. I turned around and saw Leara lying there. "What can I do, Montara, to bring her back? She's done so much for me, and she doesn't even know it."
Montara looked at me and asked "How has she helped you?" The question was asked in the manner that he already knew the answer, he was just making sure I knew it to.
"Well, by just being herself. Through her hatred of Xendra, I saw what I had become. When I realized how alike we are, I saw my future, and let me tell you it was horrible. You were my only friend, and even though we were bonded, I barely trusted you. Because of my actions, several people had turned their back on me, even my own family, and I had come to expect it of everybody. I didn't want that for my life, and I don't want that for Leara's." Montara just nodded his big head, a satisfied look in his eye. "So what can I do for her?"
"Just be there for her. Be a friend. She has so few of them right now. She's lost, and is struggling to find her way back. She doesn't know where she belongs. She's lived as a Roman, though she's hated it. The amazons will surely accept her, and she knows that, but she doesn't think she can trust them, not after what happened to her wolf Theos. The only option left is to strike out on her own, which she is seriously considering doing, if she decides to survive."
"Is there anything I can do, somehow, to convince her to come back?"
Montara shook his head sadly. "No, there is nothing you can do. She must make the decision on her own. I must go, little one. Remember, just be her friend."
I woke up. I didn't know how much time had passed, but Leara was still in the same position as before. I leaned over, grabbed her hand, and said "Come back to life, sister. Come back."
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zena - 11:03pm Aug 7, 2002 ET (#181 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Don't Rock The Boat
“Zena, DO something about your daughter’s hormones will ya.” Evergreen had thrown at Zena as she strode toward a fearful Dante. Zena looked at Gabby and sighed. The little warrior was still watching the young man with dreamy eyes.
"Come sit here with me for a moment will you Gabs?" Zena patted the top of the barrel next to the one on which she sat. Gabby hopped up on the barrel of pickled squid and grinned at her mother with a dazzling smile.
"What's hormones mom?"
"Ummmmm. Well, I'm not sure. Evergreen studied more alchemy than I did. She went for those things and languages, Latin, Hittite, Persian.... I studied with our artisans, pottery...painting...as well as archery and fighting skills. Must be an alchemy term."
"Oh. What did she mean "do something" about me?"
"Well, sweetie, someday soon we will have to have a little talk about the birds and the centaurs."
"What?"
"I mean the cyclops and the bees."
"Mom, WHAT are you talking about?"
Zena thought longingly about a nice hot mug of Phalon's "happy tea".
" Sweetie," Zena reached over and took Gabby's face in her hands, "just stay away from Dante. He's not a boy, he's a young man."
"So? He's very interesting."
"Exactly my point. Please trust me in this and I'll explain later. And for the love of Zeus DON"T eat anything he gives you. Do you understand?"
"Sure, if it's what you want."
"I do. Now you and I are going to prepare a meal together. Let's go see what we can find in the galley."
They hopped off the barrels and went below, Gabby's voice trailing off as they disappeared......"Mom, what's the Cyclops got to do with anything?"
Evergreen when to the helm to discuss a few items with Dante but their conversation was put aside as the wind picked up. "Storm", Dante said. "Coming up fast. We may need to make for shore soon."
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:31:22 GMT -6
phalon - 01:54am Aug 8, 2002 ET (#182 of 237)
Mind Games
“It seems I’ve given you something to ponder. Haven’t I, my Dear Woman”, Icthyus had asked.
Yes, he certainly had, and Phalon had thought about little else for much of the day. She sat now, on top of a crate at the bow of the ship. Her knees were drawn up under her chin, with her arms folded around them, absorbed in her thoughts.
Through the course of the day, she had replayed again and again a time in her life when she felt nothing but pain. The pain of a lost love, a life taken mercilessly and unprovoked by the small band of Roman soldiers who invaded her village. Feelings of desolation and despair had filled her heart and head. Then the visions started and the despair gave way to hatred and thoughts of vengeance towards the men who murdered her beloved. Icthyus had been right when he said that, using the visions, the soldiers were easy enough to hunt down and destroy. She had done it at night, with only the moon’s light to guide her. One by one, while they were sleeping, she plunged a knife deep into their hearts, just as she felt there was a knife plunging into hers. Only they didn’t feel the pain but for a few seconds. Hers would last a lifetime.
Was the revenge sweet? Or even bitter sweet? No. Phalon wondered if it was for anyone, ever. The hatred which drove her to do this deed, was instantly replaced by the despair she had known earlier, only now increased tenfold. Accompanying the despair was an unrelenting guilt that nearly drove her mad. It wasn’t until a band of traveling gypsies found her that she began to feel whole again. They took her in and taught her the powers of healing the body and spirit of others and her own.
Phalon drew on this knowledge now, as she had then. Icthyus had caught her off guard with his revelations of her past, but she had long ago come to terms with her misdeeds. Although she wished she could change what she had done, she had grown to accept that she could not. She could only use her sight and knowledge of healing to help others and by doing so, seek redemption for herself.
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phalon - 01:57am Aug 8, 2002 ET (#183 of 237)
Mind Games Part II
She gazed at Icthyus now from her perch at the bow. Gabbyfan had just left Dante at the helm, and he slinked closer to where Icthyus was kept prisoner. Phalon watched a brief exchange between the two men. Dante raised his eyebrows in question towards Icthyus and Icthyus in turn gave a slight nod of his head, barely distinguishable. What’s this, Phalon wondered. Icky now has the boy under his spell and has set him to do his bidding?
The man definitely enjoys his mind games, Phalon thought. Well, I can play too. She knew the rules, but Icky did not play by them. “I can block what you see. You will never know exactly what is in my twisted mind”, he had told her. How could she get into his head?
“Phalon? Oh, Phalon?” She was brought out of her thoughts by Zena saying her name in a very sing-song voice. “Oh there you are, Phalon. Uhm, I’m feeling quite parched, and was wondering, do you have any of that wonderful tea left. I so enjoyed the last couple cups.”
The sing-song voice, the glazed look in her eyes, the way she swayed back and forth out of sync with the rocking of the ship. “I think you’ve had quite enough for now, friend. Why don’t you go eat something instead.”
Zena turned and walked away, swinging her hands to and fro in time with some melody she was humming aloud. As Phalon watched her, a plan began to formulate in her head. A way to get to Icthyus.
As was customary, Phalon brought him his evening meal. As she released his hand, and gave him the plate, she used all her inner strength to kept her mind blank so that he would not know that she laced his food with Zena’s “happy herb”.
When he was finished eating, Phalon crossed the deck and sat opposite the priest, waiting for him to drift into a happy, carefree slumber. When he did, she too closed her eyes and fell asleep.
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zena - 03:45pm Aug 10, 2002 ET (#184 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
What's The Plan?
Over the small fire in the galley stove, the pot of water reached a full boil. Gabbyfan tore up bits of dried vegetables and dropped them into the soup while Zena went through the boxes and sacks looking for some spices to improve the mixture.
“There has to be something here besides salt, otherwise dinner is hot water and vegetable bits”, Zena mumbled. “I’ll be right back, keep chopping. Maybe Phalon has something.”
Topside Zena sought out Phalon. “Phalon? Oh, Phalon?” Phalon was brought out of her thoughts by Zena saying her name in a very sing-song voice. “Oh there you are, Phalon. Uhm, I’m feeling quite parched, and was wondering, do you have any of that wonderful tea left. I so enjoyed the last couple cups.” The sing-song voice, the glazed look in her eyes, the way she swayed back and forth out of sync with the rocking of the ship made Phalon smile a little. “I think you’ve had quite enough for now, friend. Why don’t you go eat something instead.” “Well”, Zena thought, “it was worth a try”, and returned to her daughter and the soup. When the vegetables were soft and a few spices had been added from a hidden pouch in the galley, Zena showed Gabby how to make a simple unleavened bread and they set out a meal. Dante remained at the helm for the storm was building and the boat was rocking more than it had earlier in the day. Black Wolf took a little of the broth to Leara but could not get her to eat and Zena noticed that there seemed to be a bond between them. Evergreen evidently knew them both and Zena reminded herself that she had to ask Evergreen who they were.
As the tea wore off and Zena contemplated her family around the table she decided to use the time for a council. “We need to have a plan. Evergreen wants to head for land and get back into our forest. I don’t mind the boat ride but there’s rough weather coming and some of us are not capable of the struggle that could present. And, there is one more thing. I have been thinking about Ichythus.” Everyone looked at Zena with surprise. They had been careful to keep him hidden behind some crates thinking that his very presence might effect Zena. “Yes, I saw him a while ago when Phalon was feeding him. I want to take him to justice. He’s ruined many lives in many towns and I want a trial for him. A fair trial. So, I think we should head for shore, send someone back for Ergo and Whisperer and the other horses and drop the priest at the nearest town. What do you all think?”
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:34:08 GMT -6
EvergreenLM - 02:36am Aug 11, 2002 ET (#185 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Go Where You Will, the Sea is Still the Sea…
...and its terrors then we idly strive to flee {Antipater of Sidon)
“We need to have a plan. Evergreen wants to head for land and get back into our forest. I don’t mind the boat ride but there’s rough weather coming and some of us are not capable of the struggle that could present.”
Evergreen could smell something wonderful coming from the galley below deck. As she took the steps downward two by two, she overheard Zena’s conversation with the others.
“You are right my friend. There is a storm churning and we seem to be headed directly into its path.”
“We have injured, and some of us,” Evergreen turned to look at Zena with a ‘when will you ever learn’ look, “cannot swim.”
“Swimming would not matter anyway. As the ship sinks, we will be pulled down with it. Our best chance is to gather what supplies we can, load the small boats, and try to make it to shore.”
Zena approached Evergreen with a small bowl of broth and bread torn from the larger loaf. An offering of sorts to a tumultuous few weeks that siphoned off much of EG’s vitality.
Evergreen looked at Zena and softly said,”Thank you…I can hear you worrying, so stop it already.”
“Everything will be fine-us too.”
“I know”, said Zena and quietly moved away returning to her daughter.
As Evergreen sat down to eat, the others took up their own conversations. Evergreen watched each one with deep affection and made a vow that no one would be left behind or lost.
Each had her own story that was woven into the life now unfolding for them all. It would not be easy starting over, but they would begin again. Differences would be set aside in the necessity of forming a bond that would insure their very survival.
Evergreen also knew the time for secrets must end. Leara deserved to be acknowledged as the sister by parentage she and Evergreen shared. When the time comes to leave the ship, Evergreen would take Zena aside with the hope she could accept what was to be divulged as not deceit but as a part of Evergreen that could not easily be disclosed…some pain runs too deep to bring to the light of day… or to a beloved friend.
With the broth finished, and with the last of the bread soaking up the bits of vegetables left on the bottom of the bowl, Evergreen stood, surveyed the gathering, and raised her hand to speak. The ship was beginning to pitch and lean with increasing intensity signaling the unstable weather topside.
“It is time for all of you to prepare to leave the ship.”
“Gather only what is necessary and leave the rest…when you are finished, go to the boats. I will have Dante change course and bring us as close to the shoreline as we can safely be without setting aground on the reef.”
“Each of you choose another and not leave her side until we land on the shore…the group, without words, pushed back their chairs and filed one by one to the steps that would lead them to the deck.
Evergreen touched each one, in some way, giving reassurance that they were all in this together. Only Zena remained.
“Hey there…” said Evergreen as if she and Zena had just happened upon one another.
“Hey yourself”, replied Zena
Evergreen thought about telling her of leara, but the moment did not lend itself to that.
“EG…I…I’m…well this goddess thing…I..”
Evergreen held up her hand saying, “Zena, it doesn’t matter…go find your daughter and get her into a boat…we have a lifetime to say all things.”
And as Zena started up the steps, she turned and looked back.
Evergreen looked away…”Go on now will you.” *A lifetime to say all things…* Evergreen hoped that it would be so, but knew off the impending storm, a storm of such peril, she could not share with the others for fear they would loose courage. Evergreen turned on her heels and with a defiant resolve, took the steps, two by two, back up to the deck to join the others.
“The only certainty is that nothing is certain”-Pliny the Elder
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zena - 10:42pm Aug 12, 2002 ET (#186 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
First The Tide Rushes In......
At the top of the stairs the doors slammed open and water poured into the opening. Zena lost her footing briefly and fell hard on the wooden planks. As she was tossed against the wall she grabbed the rail and extended a hand hand to Evergreen just below her. Pulling her up she shouted against the roar of the storm, “C-o-m-e o-n, n-o-t m-u-c-h t-i-m-e.” The two fought their way onto the deck where the others had loaded the small dories that were lashed to the sides of the Crustacea. Dante had his strong arms around Gabby, and Black Wolf and Xendra had moved a semi-concious Leara into the same craft. Phalon was groggy so Evergreen helped her into the second boat and Zena grabbed the priest. Evergreen pulled Zena close to her by her shirt.
“L-e-a-v-e h-i-m t-o t-h-e f-i-s-he-s!”
“N-O I w-a-n-t j-u-s-t-i-c-e!!!!”
Zena slid her dagger through the ropes and the gag that bound Icthyus and immediately her mind was filled with a hissing voice. She fought against it with the same energy her body was using against the storm. With an arm around his chest she pinned him against her body so that she could shout in his ear as she held her blade to his throat.
“I k-n-o-w w-h-a-t y-o-u a-r-e d-o-i-n-g. S-t-o-p i-t o-r I w-i-l-l l-e-t E-v-e-r-g-r-e-e-n h-a-v-e y-o-u.”
Zena’s mind cleared instantly and at a sign from Evergreen each boat was cut from it’s bindings and hit the sea with a crash. They pulled hard for the distant shore and the Crustacea sailed empty to her fate.
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zena - 11:19pm Aug 12, 2002 ET (#187 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Puella held Phalon safely above the water that was pouring into the dory and Zena sighed with relief that no one had been left behind.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:43:13 GMT -6
phalon - 02:28am Aug 13, 2002 ET (#188 of 237)
The Playing Field
When he was finished eating, Phalon crossed the deck and sat opposite the priest, waiting for him to drift into a happy, carefree slumber. When he did, she too closed her eyes and fell asleep.
She found herself in a dark, craggy place, barren and devoid of warmth. The only motion was that of her own breath, swirling about her head as it left her warm body and hit the frigid air. “Oh, Icky? Where are you? Show yourself, Icthyus.”
The air was filled with the sounds of wails, echoing off the mountainous black rocks jutting up from the hard landscape. WHOOSH. A translucent, flimy creature came out of the blood red sky swooped over Phalon’s head. She instinctively ducked and drew her sword, knowing that it would do no good against the ghost-like figure. The creature flew away and was quickly swallowed by the darkness. As she watched it disappear, she noticed a small flickering light in the distance. Dim, then growing brighter, and then faint again, like a stubborn flame in a smoldering fire that refuses to be estinquished. It was the tiny bit of goodness left in Icthyus. As she watched the light, she felt a small tug at the back of her mind. He was trying to get into her head. She resisted the pull and turned towards the man now behind her.
“Welcome to my nightmare, My Dear Woman. Welcome to my own little annex of Tartarus.” He spread his arms wide. “So tell me, Phalon, how do you like it?”
Phalon paused before responding. She gazed at Icthyus, really looking at him for the first time. He wasn’t a bad looking man, kind of attractive, actually. It was his evilness, his corruption, that made him ugly. Here though, he looked different. Tired and worn. The sly grin that was ever present on his lips, looked forced now. The gleam in his eye was gone and replaced by a nervous, twitchy look. “He looks scared”, thought Phalon.
“No, you tell me, Icky, what pleasure do you derive from tormenting me and my friends so? What can you possibly plan to gain from us?”
Just then, another one of the creatures flew at them. This one hovered just above their heads, mouth open in a mournful wail. The creature had a blue-green cast to it, much like the color of Zena’s skin in her Eurynome state. They were Icthyus’ victims, sacrificed for greed and power disguised in the name of devotion.
Icthyus’ shoulders slumped and his hands covered his ears. “It is they who are the tormentors”, he cried, “destined to spend an eternity here, in my head driving me mad. What have I done? What have I done…” He crumpled to his knees and quietly sobbed.
“Icthyus”, Phalon said softly. “Their souls have long since left their bodies for the Elysian Fields. It is you who keep them here as a reminder of what you have done. What you have become. They represent your guilt and remorse.
Free them, and you will free yourself. Let them go by choosing a new path. A path to redemption. Choose a path of virtue and goodness and make atonement for the horrors you have committed.”
“How can I forget them? How can I ever forget what I have done?” he begged.
“You will never forget them. You CAN never forget them. I know of what I speak. Each line on their faces, every detail their deaths will be engrained in your memory forever. The key, Icthyus, is to use those images to change direction. Change direction and set a new course towards the goodness that was once in your heart.”
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phalon - 02:32am Aug 13, 2002 ET (#189 of 237)
The Playing Field Part II
“I can not change, Phalon. I have traveled down this same weary road for too long. It is much to late for me to turn around now.”
“It is never too late. Everyone can change. The world is full of people who have changed. The Warrior Princess, Xena, once the destroyer of nations, changed and now spends her life fighting for the greater good.”
“Xena has someone to help her. The Battling Bard, I believe she is called. Gabrielle. Xena’s light to guide her down the right path. I have no one. I am afraid to do this alone.”
“Commit yourself, Icthyus, and you will have me. Wherever I am, whatever I am doing, I will be there to help. As you said, we share the gift of sight. Call on me, and I will come. You must take the first step though. One gesture of genuine of kindness, a single selfless act and you can change direction. You must choose. A very wise individual once said, ‘To conquer others is to have power. To conquer yourself is to know the way.’ Which way are you going to go, Icthyus?”
He looked up at her, eyes pleading. She took his hand. “Come. Walk with me now.” Together they headed towards the dim light in the distance. “Let us fan the flame and rekindle the fire that is the goodness in your soul.”
Phalon awoke to the spray of water hitting her in the face and the violent pitching of the ship. A storm was upon them and the ship was being abandoned. Phalon was groggy so Evergreen helped her into a smaller boat and Zena grabbed the priest.
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leara - 10:36am Aug 13, 2002 ET (#190 of 237)
Strange Dreams I
It seems a bit strange to be allowed the opportunity to rest in the sweet security of sleep. I had expected to find a just sentence for my actions. This peaceful slumber cannot be just unless it will be broken up with the usual nightmares- visions of past and future full of carnage and violence.
I find myself watching an awe-inspiring sun rise when a cloaked figure ascends out of it toward me. The cloak is shed revealing a beautiful woman and a strange mask of gold, stones, feathers and furs the likes of which I have never seen before. The eyes are familiar - known perhaps; she then removes the mask revealing her identity.
"Mo~Ma" I exclaim "Is it really you?"
"Have you forgotten everything I have ever taught you, child?" She asks in a stern but loving tone.
My heart has leapt with excitement from being in the presence of my Mother Queen Madula. I miss her, she had been the anchor and guide to my life.
"No I have tried to live up to your standards and my oaths. But I have found out the truth of my blood line. I am everything that I loathe..." I begin to object her implication but she is right. I have since learning I am now the enemy.
"Do not be a fool! You are still my daughter. The same as you are a part of the people’s lives that you have had the chance to help and live among. Families can be chosen and you are fortunate that you have been extended the invitation on numerous occasions. Do you now deny me as your mother?
The tribal chieftain from the Tribe of the Trees had joined Mo~Ma as she finished her question. He spoke picking up where she had stopped not allowing me the time to answer.
"And would you deny me as your Father? All I had became yours from love and honor to material things. You came to us as the fulfillment of the Tribes great prophesies: 'A child of the Great Enemy will come and take possession of the sword of long ago. The sword and the child will be as one and they must rise up to make a stand for our people.' That is the sword at your side and you have carried out vengeance for our deaths. By our love and this act you will always be my daughter." He speaks in the kindly warm tone as he had always spoken to me when he would tuck me into bed at night.
I had never known of any such foretelling of the events that had played out so many years ago. I am puzzled at the matter of fact way that he has spoken about the events of the past. Mo~Ma does not let me dwell on that thought long as she begins to speak again.
“Your travels have given to you vast amount of knowledge but you have failed to grasp the true lessons of love and trust. In part that is due to the unconventional upbringing that is to say an abnormal childhood. Life has forced you to build walls of self-defense but those walls now hold in all the pain, hate and revenge that have corrupted your mind and heart. The walls must come down and you will have to learn to trust by letting someone into your life and heart." Her words sting as they herald the time of changes I've resisted for so long.
"You are my daughter but more then that you have accepted the rights of my Tribe. So you are an Amazon. Not in name only but by code you have been taught to live by. Yes, quite the paradox you are The Roman-Amazon yet there you stand. Your future is now bound up with them for a while yet.” Mo~Ma's words shock me as it had not occurred to me that could be thought of as an Amazon.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:44:48 GMT -6
leara - 05:35pm Aug 13, 2002 ET (#191 of 237)
Strange Dreams II
My attention is directed to the hand that now rests on my shoulder it is the hand of a woman. On one finger rests a ring - a Roman ring with the Justinian's Crest. A voice comes from behind me however I am unable to turn to see the person to whom the hand belongs.
"Daughter I am not yet among the rest of them but I have been summoned here to this place for your benefit. It is up to you what kind of chapter you will write for it is within you to write the greatest one of your father’s house -- for Good or for Bad. As a babe you copied perfectly everything your father taught from sword play to the crude, vulgar language of the bigot. You could have given Caesar and the Generals of Rome a worthy rival. I sent you away so you would not become your father's daughter. This way you could choose to rise above what you are - to be whom you want to be." She was gone as quickly as she had come.
Mo~Ma has sat down at my left side with Theos in her lap. "We had hoped to take you to meet my people - The Amazons, properly. I had hoped to finally settle down and give you a stable family on which to fall back. They would have honored and accepted our presence as friends- sisters... “Her voice trails off in sadness.
"I have wandered far searching for the place most call home only to find that do not belong anywhere among the living. This place is where I belong with my family." I declare boldy I disagreeertion that I have found my home.
"Are you deaf or not listening? It has been decided that you will be sent back among the living. Do you really think that you have completed all the things that you are capable of doing? You still have youth with health and knowledge that needs seasoned into wisdom. There is more to life than the mournful sadness and fierceness as of late. Daughter you can not stay here any longer."
"Mo~Ma you cannot send me back there. I would rather explore the depths of Tartarus than return to the wretched existence you call my life. I can not do what it is you ask of me" I beg her.
"You may someday get your wish but, it is not now. By all that claim you and you blood line, you are expected, even bound, to live your life with the service of others in view. Go, when you awaken you will feel the rested, like you have not felt in years. Only you have the power to change the things of your heart and life all those things will be the same as when you left. You will remember our words to help to guide you as you have always heard them in your heart. Leara, my daughter it is time for you to go. We will always be with you all you have to do is listen." She rises and walks back into the sun as it sets.
The blackness again embraces me and I sleep the sweet sleep of a babe, despite all the pitch and upheaval of the sea. I awaken to a wave of salty water that has crashed over the side of one of the ships small boats. Blackwolf looks at me as I sit up fully awake. Turning to look over my shoulder I can see the storm raging against the ship. I am glad to see that all have gotten to safety in the lifeboats.
My leg is a little weak but I am able to walk. The fire is still there under the surface still smoldering but it should not erupt any time soon. We move in to the forest and make a small camp to ride out the storm. There is not much to do except sit about studying each other's faces and pondering the depths of our own thoughts.
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EvergreenLM - 12:59am Aug 14, 2002 ET (#192 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Down Into the Sea With Ships...Part One
The storm hit like a rolling ball of lightning from Ares hand. Its fury was swift and devastating with the intention of sending the receivers of its wrath to oblivion. Noise resounded as in the Hall of Echos.
Evergreen grabbed Zena and pulled her close moving her towards the boats. The wind whipped the sails tearing them and sending pieces of the mast crashing to the deck. Barrels blew about like a child’s toy with the potential to crush anyone so unlucky as not to quickly react and jump aside. Evergreen could see Zena’s mouth moving, but the words were lost to the shriek of the wind and water pounding them all.
“Damn you!” Evergreen shouted to the gray-black sky. *If Poseidon wanted a fight, he would get it.* Anyone that knew Evergreen was aware that she would do battle with a viper and give the viper the first two bites.
The wind and the blowing water made it difficult to see where each person was located. Evergreen searched out each of them vowing to keep her resolve that no one would be lost or left behind. She saw Phalon in a dream like trance and Icthyus focusing a look on her that was relishing Phalon’s impending doom to the sea. Evergreen picked up a staid from one of the barrels, and with a rage to match the storm, challenged the wind to reach him and end him.
As Evergreen approached the priest, armed raised to send him as an offering to the goddess with whom he so poisoned Zena’s mind, Phalon stumbled. Evergreen grabbed her just as Zena snared the priest.
“N-o! E-v-e-r-g-r-e-e-n, N-oooo!”
Evergreen looked at Zena while tightening her grip on Phalon. She lowered her hand, dropped the staid, and steadied Phalon within her arms.
Evergreen guided Phalon to the side of the ship. “G-e-t- i-n- n-o-o-w!” she shouted as she pushed Phalon down while leaning into the long boat.
As Evergreen leaned forward the silver chain always worn inside her shirt flung forward. An object attached to it swayed freely. From her position in the boat, Leara saw this and her mind was instantly filled with thoughts from her past.
{On one finger rests a ring - a Roman ring with the Justinian's Crest. A voice comes from behind me however I am unable to turn to see the person to whom the hand belongs.}
“The ring…the ring…” leara attempts to rise reaching out towards Evergreen. Xendra grabs her. “N-o-o-o!...s-t-a-y d-o-w-n! With little resolve left to fight Xendra, leara slumps back down repeating, “the ring…the ring.”
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EvergreenLM - 01:01am Aug 14, 2002 ET (#193 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Down Into the Sea With Ships...Part Two
Zena has now moved the priest and her self to the side of the long boats. She shouts for Evergreen to climb down into the boat as she places Ichtyus inside while she steps in behind him. Evergreen looks to see all is now safely in the long boats. As she grabs Zena’s hand and starts her descent down, a persistent barking is heard from behind a large crate. *Little Dog!*
The ship is now pitching wildly. Evergreen knows that the boats need to be lowered before they are smashed against the side of the ship. She looks at Zena, pulls free, and climbs back up to the deck. Evergreen grabs the hoist wench and begins to lower the boats. First one is down and then the other.
Evergreen slides across the deck, grabs Little Dog, and fights all of Poseidon’s furies to return to the side of the ship. The hull begins to creak, followed by loud popping, and crack of timbers. The ship begins to list to one side and Evergreen knows it will soon be lost to the sea…and she and Little Dog with it.
“A-r-t-e-m-i-s! ,A-r-t-e-m-i-s! H-e-a-r m-e-e-e”, shouted Evergreen with her voice carried away by the wind. She turned, saw it coming, clutched Little Dog tightly, and with the crash of the wave was washed into the sea.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:45:59 GMT -6
zena - 01:23pm Aug 14, 2002 ET (#194 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Women Overboard..and Their Little Dog Too
“Don’t let go of my hand, don’t, hold on tight! PLEASE DON”T LET GO!”
Evergreen’s fingers were all Zena could see of her friend and in her head she begged her not to loosen her grasp. It was but a moment though, and she was gone. Evergreen’s hand had disappeared and then the boat began to drop from the side of the ship. The dory hit the water with a crash and everyone fought not to be tossed overboard, clutching at anything that might keep them in place. Looking up at the shattering sides of the Crustacea Zena saw a great green wave, a veritable tsunami, slam into the ship and wash Evergreen and Little Dog into the sea.
“P-u-l-l h-a-r-d f-o-r s-h-o-r-e , P-u-e-l-l-a! I-c-k-y w-i-l-l h-e-l-p y-o-u”, Zena shouted as loudly as she could into the wind. She yanked the anchor rope of the little boat up and tied the end with the anchor stone to one of the rope cleats. As she was standing to cinch the other end around her waist, a wave pounded across the gunwale and took her into the water. As one, all minds thought the same thought “She can’t swim!” All minds save one. Phalon focused her spirit on on Icthyus and made contact. As the world swirled and thundered around him, he heard the still and peaceful voice of Phalon speaking to him. “Now you will see Icthyus, what the power of love can do.”
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girlpower - 03:39pm Aug 14, 2002 ET (#195 of 237)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
I sat in the boat, an expression of determination on my face. Everything that has been happening around me, yet I have seemed to have lost the connection with my family...It must be the pinch effecting me...I must get Xendra to take it off. I must be able to focus. I look around me to see if everyone is alright...making sure to pay close attention to Gabbyfan's whereabouts...
I watch as Evergreen is washed overboard and Zena ties herself off and in turn is washed into the surf...she can't swim is my first thought...then I think of how anything can be accomplished through the love and concern of a friend...I hold fast to the boat. Watching as Zena's form moves through the waves. Gabbyfan reacts to the events, "Mother!" I grab her tight...Yelling, "you must stay safe, she will be fine...I can feel it."
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gabbyfan4ever - 01:59pm Aug 15, 2002 ET (#196 of 237)
When Gabbyfan saw her mother enter the water after Evergreen, only one train of though went through her mind. "Mother, Evergreen! Mom can't swim!" How she could possibly manage to save two drowning women by herself didn't even cross her mind as she started to take a flying leap over the side of the boat. Instead of feeling the ice cold water hit her face, Gabbyfan felt herself in the strong grip of Puella, that she knew was no use to struggle against. A terried Gabbyfan alternated between hiding her face in the warriors arms, and searching frantically for a sign of Evergreen or her mother in the water. All she could do was wait with the others.
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leara - 02:36pm Aug 15, 2002 ET (#197 of 237)
Stranger Dreams III
Evening is fast approaching but I feel confident that we will arrive on time. The horse carrying me is a fine brood mare, she is well muscled under her chestnut coat. Her black tail and mane give her a quiet regal beauty. I give her a little nudge to pick up the pace a bit and whisper to her ear 'I don't want to be late'. She obliges my wish and takes off, slowing only as we near the small huts.
I swing down from her bare back and remember just why I prefer a saddle for such long trips. The sun is sinking but has not set yet. I remove her bridle stroking her nose to thank her that we made it safely and on time. There is a hand on my shoulder I turn to see who it belongs to, it is Xendra's.
"You are cutting it close." She says with a smile as she extends her arm.
"Yes I know." I reply with a smile and grasp her wrist firmly.
"We do not hold dinner for anyone" Puella says laughingly as she shoots Xendra a look in reference to some inside joke they always seem to have going. She reaches out to embrace me and I do not hesitate to return it.
"Well, don't keep us waiting. Show us what you found." Xendra says with a bit of impatience.
I step back to lead the colt from behind its mother. It is a cute one shimmering white coat with a black mane and tail.
"Ding! Ding! Ding!" The dinner bell rings the skittish colt bolts for safety behind its mother.
"Ah! Music to my stomach! Just in time for dinner." I say with a laugh. "Lets go I'm starving." I put an arm around each of them and we start off in the direction of the delicious aroma. I feel the need to stretch my legs after such a long ride.
So I shout, "Last one does clean-up!" I take off running leaving them a pace or so behind. I round the corner and jump in to Blackwolf's arms yelling "FIRST!" as the two of us tumble to the ground I burst out laughing. We sit up to see Zena, Evergreen, Phalon and the rest shaking their heads and chuckling. Xendra and Puella extend their hands to help Blackwolf and me to our feet.
I must be going crazy; I believe that was a happy dream. Perhaps the secret desire of my heart, a place to belong- a family, has finally found a way to escape its dungeon. Or dare I hope that it could be a vision of the future, of what kind of life might exist one day.
It is strange that a peaceful, happy dream strikes terror and fear in my heart more so than the bad ones. It is hard for me to trust anything and even more so when they are unfamiliar and foreign. Xendra being happy to see me and me she certainly qualifies as a foreign event according to our history however our future is unwritten.
The struggle inside me- between what is the right thing and what feels natural, my first instinct, the bad- must have finally driven me insane. I laugh to myself because I haven’t been me now for sometime.
I hear a soft whisper "Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction."
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 17, 2004 21:47:13 GMT -6
EvergreenLM - 01:52am Aug 16, 2002 ET (#198 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
FALLING
{Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing}
The water churns, swirls, tosses about and swallows down its prey. Poseidon’s jaws open wide and prepares to feast on the unfortunate mortal and beast that has been swept into his kingdom.
The waves are too strong even for Evergreen to overcome. All that is seen is opaque water the color of green glass. All that is heard is the deafening surge of water against ears and lungs that feel they may burst at any moment.
Down, being drawn down deeper and deeper until time slows…Evergreen can no longer hold Little Dog…he floats away as the puff from a flower…time slows times down …deeper…deeper… quiet…everything is now quiet…still…so still…so peaceful. And then the singing...
"Fraoch a Ronaigh, Muran a Bhalaigh...Crois lar nan cliar,Cros iar Sholis..."
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phalon - 03:49am Aug 16, 2002 ET (#199 of 237)
On a Stormy Sea of Moving Emotion
The two small boats rocked violently in the angry sea. They watched in horror as first Evergreen and Little Dog, and then Zena were washed overboard. All focused on the stormy waters, hoping and praying, struggling in vain to glimpse their friends. Only Phalon was still, eyes trained on Icthyus, watching intently the indecision in his eyes.
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zena - 04:52pm Aug 16, 2002 ET (#200 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Down Under
“Pray and offer sacrifice to Artemis, my sisters, during times of rest and peace. For in danger or in battle you will have no time for anything but the struggle. Let your names be known to her so that she will not say ‘Who calls upon me? I know not her face or the sound of her voice’ but rather, “I will hasten to your side, you who have been faithful to me always.” -Hippolyta, First Queen of The Amazons in her scroll, “Commands On The Worship of Artemis”
The storm pounded against every bit of wood and flesh that was available to it. The noise was deafening and only Phalon could continue to communicate and then only with one other recipient. Zena hit the waves in her tumble from the boat and held tight to the rope she had tied to the cleat. Unfortunately she soon realized that the rope, which held her safely from being lost, would also keep her from reaching Evergreen. And so she loosened the knot and let it go. Icthyus saw this and was amazed, “Fool, now you are lost as well.” “Nothing is lost in love”, Phalon responded on that mystical plane where they were speaking. They saw Little Dog surface near the craft and Gabby was able to lift him from the water although he fought against her as he attempted to return to Evergreen.
It was useless to call out, sound was swallowed in the maelstrom and energy was lost in screaming. Evergreen did not come up and so Zena swam in long strong strokes to the place where she had gone under and dove down. Silence. Pressure. A world of green, sinking debris, numbing cold.
“How did I do that? Oh, where is she? There!........just below me. If.. I... can.......... stretch... a..... bit... farther........ I....... can........... grab........... her.......... collar................. gotcha......... are..... you......... dead?............ so....... far..... back...... up........... hurts............ need........... to....... breath............ singing?............ Artemis........... help........ us.................
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EvergreenLM - 08:45pm Aug 16, 2002 ET (#201 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
No Good Fish Goes Anywhere Without a Porpoise
The sea is a world unto its own. Its inhabitants lie in the deep and dark recesses of unfathomable and mysterious places. Not many who visit the hallowed place from which all life sprang forth live to share it secrets with mortals who walk the shores.
.*Sooo…this is what it is like to pass over*, thought Evergreen.
There was no fear, no panic, just a solemn resolution to let it be.
.*This is what it must be like to float in my mothers womb*…muffled sounds, soft suspension in time waiting for birth... * Is that my mother singing?* *How beautiful is the calling…oh, I know… now I remember…M’Lila’s song…yes, my mother sang it…she is singing for me now.*
Evergreen saw a movement in the dark green of the deep waters. ((Swoooosh))…above her…around her…a bump…((Swooosh))…again…bump again. Something large is pushing Evergreen upwards. *I don’t want to go…the singing…please…I want to stay…the singing.*
“Evergreen…you called my name.” “ My Warrior, my kindred, I am here.”
Poseidon’s arm lashes out and grabs at the mortal rising from his dining table. It is met by a woman with a sword radiating the power of women joined as one force…it cracks like lightning…the god of the sea roars and retreats.
“Evergreen…my hand Evergreen…take my hand and I will lift you up.”
Evergreen reaches out and joins her hand to perfect comfort and love. The singing stops. “Artemis?”
Sounds and sea come crashing in, swirling, kicking, slapping, fighting, for every breath. The hand is pulling, struggling, Evergreen’s shirt nearly leaves her with the force of that hand latching on, pulling, struggling, fighting.
((((Ahhhhh!))) Air, light, sky! Voices shouting… “There they are!” Barking, more shouts…
“Evergreen, I’ve got you!”… *It hurts to breath*… “I’ve got you.”
Hands, many hands now…pulling…up and over the side, Evergreen rolls into bottom of the boat and is staring up into now clear skies. *The storm…the ship…* A hand touches Evergreen’s face. Her question, “Zena?” is met with silence. No words.
Evergreen again softly whispers with ragged breath, “Zena?”
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 15:55:36 GMT -6
blackwolf - 04:29pm Aug 17, 2002 ET (#202 of 237)
Undecided
As waves washed over the little boat, I struggle at the oars to keep us afloat. It's taking all of my strength to keep us in the area where Evergreen, Little Dog, and eventually Zena all went overboard. For one minute I thought about going after them, seeing as how Zena couldn't swim. After looking around me at the faces in my little boat, I knew I couldn't desert these people. I was at the moment the strongest out of all of them, and I knew that if I left them, the waves would overcome the boat and they would also be swept into Poseidon's grasp. So I stayed, using all of my strength to keep the boat on top of the waves. I was starting to loose hope of seeing any of them surface when all of the sudden the dog was right there next to the boat. Gabby leaned over the side of the boat and grabbed him, having to hand on tight to his body as he struggled to go back in after Evergreen. "That dog's got spunk" I said under my breath. Then, a little farther away, I saw Evergreen surface. It seemed that she was being pulled by something, but I figured it was just my imagination. Using the strength that I had left, I rowed to where she was. I helped drag her intot he boat, and with Little Dog jumping around and licking her, I heard her ask "Zena?" Nobody answered her, for we did not know where she was at. I looked around at the faces around me, and I knew my face echoed there own. Doubt as to whether or not we'd see Zena again.
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phalon - 11:57pm Aug 17, 2002 ET (#203 of 237)
On a Stormy Sea of Moving Emotion (Part II)
On a stormy sea of moving emotion,
Tossed about, I’m like a ship on the ocean
I set a course for winds of fortune,
But I hear the voices say…
* *****************************************************
As dark storm clouds parted to reveal a clear, starlit sky, Evergreen broke the surface of the water seeming to be propelled from beneath. Gasping in the night air, she struggled against the still rough seas. BlackWolf, using all the strength that was left in her long arms, quickly maneuvered the small boat over to Evergreen, and she, Xendra and Dante hoisted Evergreen into the craft. Sputtering through a mouth of seawater, she uttered a single word, “Zena?”
Zena had been afraid. Afraid of drowning, and afraid of what lay beneath the surface in the dark waters of the sea, but utmost, she was afraid of losing Evergreen. That fear gripped her heart like a tightening vise, and all other fears were forgotten. Strength is found in love and Zena found strength in herself she would have never dreamt she possessed. Miraculously, she swam through the water, found Evergreen, hauled her to the surface, and held her there until BlackWolf drew the boat near. Evergreen was being pulled into the boat, and Zena’s task was complete. Her friend was safe. The god-like power left her as quickly as it came, and she struggled with the greatest of effort to raise her hand and grasp the side of the boat. Just as her fingers made contact, a wave washed her hand away, and with it also washed any remaining stamina that Zena had left. Her lungs filled with the water of the sea, and the weight of her exhausted limbs dragged her down into the depths.
Only Icthyus saw the wavering hand briefly grasp the side of the boat. He looked over to Phalon, and as their eyes met, she saw all indecision leave his face. His gaze lingered on her for a moment as if seeking approval, then he turned and dove into the sea.
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phalon - 12:04am Aug 18, 2002 ET (#204 of 237)
On a Stormy Sea of Moving Emotion (Part III)
Zena heard the hissing in her head once more. “Zeennaa. Zeennaa. ZENA! Answer me!”
Zena responded in her head, “NO! Do you have to torment me even in death? Stop it. Do you hear me? Go away and let me be.”
“Zena, you are not dead. No, the sea has not taken you yet. You fought the pull of it before, Zena, remember? Fight it now. You aren’t meant to be here, not then as Eurynome, and not now, as yourself. You are much better suited for dry land. Let me help you, Zena. Where once I meant to cast you into the waters, now let me cast you out of them.”
She felt arms around her, lifting her upwards towards the surface.
Zena was hauled into the boat beside Evergreen by BlackWolf and Xendra. Icthyus treaded water nearby, waiting for the other boat to come to him. Behind him, an enormous piece of the Crustacea’s splintered mast rose on the crest of a great wave. The wave crashed down upon him bringing the mast with it. In an instant, Icthyus was gone.
All eyes searched the surface for the unlikely savior, but all was still save for the reflection of the moon and stars dancing on the waves. Phalon looked also, but in her mind’s eye she saw a dim light grow brighter, and brighter still, until it was a blinding, white hot flash. Then darkness.
* *********************************************
Carry on. You will always remember.
Carry on. Nothing equals the splendor.
Now your life’s no longer empty.
Surely heaven waits for you.
Carry on, my wayward son.
Carry on. There'll be peace when you are done.
Lay your weary head to rest.
Don’t you cry no more.
<Kansas>
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EvergreenLM - 11:26pm Aug 18, 2002 ET (#205 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Rowing Home
{And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you, directs your course}
Evergreen was lying cradle in the bottom of the boat. It was night now. She looked up into the stars of the infinite sky and was lulled by the gentle rocking of the boat. BlackWolf rowed steadily with a deliberate intent on reaching the shore. There was silence among the passengers.
The breeze passed over Evergreen’s body and she shuddered. “I am cold”, she softly whispered. There was little among them that had not been saturated from the storm. Someone pulled Evergreen to a reclining position and embraced her from behind. “Here, this was wrapped in oil cloth and is dry as anything we have.” A cloak was thrown over her shivering body. “Thank you”,said Evergreen as she lay back into the arms of an unseen companion.
Someone began to softly hum. With the rocking of the boat, the steady sound of the oars breaking the water, and with the soothing balm of the melody, Evergreen slept.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 15:57:24 GMT -6
xwpfan - 12:51pm Aug 19, 2002 ET (#206 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
A Day To Remember...
The sea was churning, waves were crashing about,the little boat rocked violently to and fro. The motion keeping perfect time with my wearing nerves, my nerves were shot from being on constant alert.
I glanced down at Leara and I shook my head,still in disbelief that I sitting there, with nothing to do but wait for next catstrophe to hit.
I found myself hoping against hope the worst was over, for so much had befallen our group in a single day.
I took a deep breath and tried to quiet my mind. With each cleansing breath scenes of the day passed through my mind's eye. I decided to try to concentrate and to remember the events that had brought us to this perilous moment.
My first thoughts were how sick Puella had gotten. I knew her being that violently ill meant it had to be much more than common sea sickness.
Somehow,I felt Dante was connected, but I didn't yet know how or why.
As my memories flowed, my heart longed to be back to the moment when Zena poured a bucket of cold water over me to get rid of the stench around me. It was the last moment of laughter I could recall at the moment.
The bucket of water was the last sure memory I could recall,from then on my memories seemed confused and splintered. Chaos took over for everything seemed to happen all at once.
At dinner Evergreen and Zena made it known that we should be heading for shore and that there was a violent storm heading our way. Evergreen had suggested that we each choose someone to pair up with and to help the sick and or injured into the boats.
When we spilt up, I had had every intention of riding out the storm with Puella, but after I had gathered my belongings,I spotted Black Wolf struggling to help Leara. I looked at her inanimate body and I looked back at Puella .
Puella understood and she nodded as she pointed towards Leara.
I ran over put my gear in the small boat. Fighting the winds I ran back and grabbed Leara's feet and helped Black Wolf put Leara in the small boat.
I turned, and started back towards Puella when a Wave crashed against the Crustacean, it's sheer force knocked me back into the small boat with Black Wolf and Leara.
I tried to climb back out of the boat to get to Puella, but I could not steady myself enough to climb up out of the boat.
I watched in horror as pieces of the Crustacean were beginning to pop off.I cried out to Puella to jump, but Puella was busy trying help Evergreen, to get Phalon into the other small boat.My cries went unheard.
Leara now awakened lurched forward as she saw evergreen bent over helping Pahalon i grabbed her and restrained her with all my might til she collasped back in surrender muttering something about a ring.
Meanwhile,I could see my closest friend Puella, struggling against the elements to rescue our mutual friend Phalon. I felt so alone and helpless.
Things were getting visbly worse aboard the Crustacean. I thought I could make out Zena pressing a knife against the priest's throat but could not be sure.
My attention had been diverted to the swelling waves approaching the Crustacean.
I yelled once more to Puella, she briefly looked around searchingly but soon turned around again. I watched as Puella ran for Phalon's gear. I intently watched as Puella put her own things in the small boat.
Puella appeared ready to join Phalon into the small boat,when the boat cut loose and went crashing into the sea below.
Panicked,I stood up.I was desperate to see what happened to Puella. Black Wolf warned,"Sit down, or you'll sink us all!"
I was about to ignore her suggestion and jump in the water after Puella when I saw one of Puella's hands coming up over the side, pushing herself up into the small boat.
The crashing descent into the sea had caused water to come rushing into the small dory.
Puella once settled, valiantly grabbed Phalon and kept Phalon's head just above the in rushing waters.
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xwpfan - 04:03pm Aug 19, 2002 ET (#207 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
A Day To Remember...Continued
For a moment I was overcome with sweet release, until I spotted a figure still aboard the Crustacean. Evergreen!
I could hardly make out the figure of Evergreen,slipping towards Lil dog for the sea spray was constantly in my face, messing with my vision.
I saw the ship coming apart at her seams and the hull was giving way and began to pitch forward. In mere moments the ship began to list..I thought I heard Evergreen call out to Artmeis as she was washed under by a wave and the ship gave up and began its journey to the the bottom of the sea.
Lil dog circled the place where Evergreen went under at. We waited in silence to see if she would resurface but there was no signs Evergreen.
Black Wolf cautiously maneuvered our little boat closer to where Evergreen had last been seen at.
Little Gabbyfan had Dante row the boat in closer too. Lil Gabbyfan moved so deftly, she reached in the waters and scooped Lil dog up, she waited to see what fate had befallen Evergreen.
Zena could not sit by and wait. Zena in a crouched position began tying a safety line to her and dove into the cold angry sea. Zena who thought she could not swim, swam with deliberate strong strokes until she realized her safety line would keep her from reaching where Evergreen had gone under at.
Zena without thought or hesitation untied herself from the safety line and continued to deliberately swim to where her friend had disappeared from.
Zena peered into the water below, perhaps searching for signs of her friend.
About then I lost sight of Zena.. for what seemed like an eternity there was no signs of movement or life in the angry waters of the sea.
Suddenly,without warning bursting through the breaking waves was Evergreen. Quickly, we hauled Evergreen into the small boat. Once safely in we laid Evergreen in the bottom of the boat. Evergreen just kept gasping "Zena!... Zena! "
Where was Zena?
I watched in increasing concern .. where was Zena?
I shook my head in disbelief as the priest dive into the water after Zena.I watched as his body dissapeared into an approaching wave. I thought for sure any chance of rescuing Zena was now gone, but to my surprise I was wrong.
After a few moments of anguished waiting, there was Zena, breathless and nearly colorless but very much alive.
The priest however was not so fortunate and was lost...
The waters calmed for a bit so Black Wolf and I began to steer the boat towards land. As did Dante in his boat.
As I surveyed our course I saw some gear floating in the water, I motioned for Black Wolf to bring the boat back around if she could.
When we got bout 200ft from the gear, I jumped out of the boat and swam towards the gear floating in the water. I eventually grabbed a bedroll and some gear that had Roman marking on them. I grabbed the gear assuming it was Leara's and put it in the boat next to her.
As I swam I could see in the distance Phalon's bag and a few crates of food. I motioned to the other boat to meet me there. I swam as hard as I could ... something inside me was compelling me to get Phalon's things.
I grabbed Phalon's bag. I couldn't help but notice a necklace with a green hue was emminating from it. I re-sealed the bag and placed it atop if a crate maked perishables and pushed and pulled it to the first boat. Dante reached in and pulled the box and it's contents into the boat. I made several trips in the water between the two boats trying to salvage what I could during the lull in the storm.
I was growing tired and asked to come into the boat. Dante thought it unwise for me to try to get back into either boat at the moment.Not sensing his motives, I offered to tie myself to Puella's little boat til someone regained conciouness.
Dante said,"Oh no we Can't have you dragging our boat down or me either for that matter." Dante grinned as he stepped on my hand that was grasping the boat's rail.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 15:59:26 GMT -6
xwpfan - 07:23pm Aug 19, 2002 ET (#208 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
From my sinking vantage point, I could see that Puella and Lil Gabbyfan were looking the opposite direction ,perhaps trying to get the other boat's attention.
Alerting them could only put them in danger...I dug my nails into the rail for I felt my hand growing numb beneath the pressure of his foot. With no circulation to the hand,I wouldn't be able to hang on for much longer.
I glared at Dante and growled "Boy, if you know what is good for you, you will release my hand now!"
Dante laughed as he leaned to put all his weight on to my hand. That one moment of off balance was all I needed, it was the opening I had been looking for. Dante's body was enough off balance, that with my free hand I was able to grab him by the nape of the neck and pull him into the sea with me.
SPLASH! There Dante was in the water beside me sputtering and cursing. I took advantage of his momentary shock and pushed him under the water and held him there for a few moments while I hastily tied him with the rope I once had intended to tie myself with.
I was feeling quite pleased with myself when I heard him cry out to Gabby and Puella "Help me! Xendra just tried to kill me!" Puella and Gabby quickly came to his aide.
I was livid as I treaded water,I knew I had played right into his hands.
I wanted to tell them what he had done but the words would not come out of my mouth.
I quickly swam back to Black Wolf,Leara and the other's to find out what they had seen,but they were intently keeping watch on Zena and Evergreen so they were of no use.
So there I sat in the boat accused by the very man who tried to do me in and not a soul knew otherwise.
Dante had proven to be the snake I had known him to be, but had no way to prove it. I sat in the boat feeling numb, fully expecting another catastrophe to hit...
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zena - 12:44pm Aug 20, 2002 ET (#209 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
It Was A Dark And Stormy Night
The short respite from the storm was over and dark clouds began to build up with alarming speed across the sky. Bolts of lightening snaked down and cracked against the surface of the water illuminating the floating debris from the Crustacea. The smell of impending danger was in the air again and the two boatloads of shivering, frightened forest dwellers banded together to pull hard for shore.
Black Wolf’s boat hit the sand first and everyone who was able began dragging what they could save to the tree line. Evergreen and Zena were as helpful as a broken crate or barrel since their deep sea dive had nearly crushed the life from both of them. Dante’s boat washed up a few yards away and he too organized everyone into a salvage party. Xendra seemed wary of him and Puella was becoming exasperated with her behavior. If their had been time and quiet enough to talk and argument between the two might have developed. However, the sand was lashing at them and the wind was tearing precious cargo from their hands, so they concentrated on moving into the trees that grew around the beach of the little cove.
At the tree line they found a path and taking what they could carry, along with the injured, the group traveled a good distance into the comforting wall of trees. Home. Forest. Only Dante seemed unhappy about the move and most of the group attributed this to the fact that he was a sailor and calm or wild, the sea gave him peace. The storm raged now above them but was buffered by the leafy canopy, and as darkness engulfed them they came upon an abandoned hut. There was no question that they would wait out the storm inside and when night finally fell the remnant band of the great Amazon Nation and their friends lay soaked and chilled on the dirt floor of a carpenters abandoned hut. Dante struggled to light a fire in the hearth with wet wood and the others searched through the things they had dragged with them for anything edible. Clothes and blankets were stretched over what was left of the furniture and makeshift beds in a corner held the barely concious forms of Zena and Evergreen. The conditions were not perfect, but at least, as Evergreen would later comment, “Nothing was rocking and there were trees all around us.”
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girlpower - 02:52pm Aug 20, 2002 ET (#210 of 237)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Sifting through the crates that have been salvaged in the abandoned hut we have found as shelter. I watch as Dante attempts to light the fire, in the hearth. I sighed...There is little food here, but I have found a nice bow and some arrows...Seems like we need to round up a little hunting party, as soon as this storm lets up a little. Until then we can be happy that we are on solid ground again. I smile as I pull out two nice sized blankets, from the crate. Ohh and they are dry...
Looking around the room I see Zena and Evergreen laying still in the makeshift beds, barely consious after such an exhausting experience...I walk over to them and sit beside them...Looking closely to be sure that there is no damage, only minor scrapes and a bit of raspy sound when they breathe...Nothing a warm fire and some rest and a warm meal won't cure...I look again to Dante who had still not started the fire...Shaking my head. I slowly drape a blanket over each of my friends and quietly whisper..."sleep well my friends."
I walk over to Dante and see that the wood he is trying to light is still wet...I stand behind him and he looks over his shoulder at me...I can see that he is brooding about something as I look into his eyes...I am not sure if he is friend or foe, so I will be sure to keep him at arms length at all times. Slowly I walk around the hut ans search for something dry something that will keep the flame going long enough to light the damp wood ablaze. Over in the corner I find a small wooden table with some parchment upon it...They look like a plan of some sort...a design for the builing of a temple. I lift the parchment up and dust flies around the room...it is surely not something that has been used in many moons. I walk over to the hearth and crumple up the paper placing it under the driest of the wood and then look up to Dante and tell him to try again. He strikes the stones together and a spark ignites the paper...It blazes quickly and then slowly spreads to the rest of the wood...Within a few moments the heart is filled with a warm fire and Dante is smiling as he is satisfied that he has provided fire for us all.
I look to Xendra in the corner sifting through a crate...the look on her face is that of a woman who is wary of her surroundings. I walk over to her and place my hand on her shoulder. Whispering to her I say..."Are you all right sunshine?" She turns and looks to me and her frown quickly changes into a smile, then looking past me she sees Dante and her smile disappears. "I don't trust him either Xendra, but we can not just leave him out in the cold to die...he is defenseless." Xendra looks me in the eye and her smile returns...Seeing that I am just as concerned about his presense as she is. "You find anything good in there?" I ask. Nodding her head I smile, "Well keep looking then, there is bound to be some dried meat and maybe some dried fruits in there. I am gonna go check on the others." I pull my hand from her shoulder and turn to walk towards Leara and Blackwolf...
They are sitting in the ground in the corner...wrapped up in a blanket they had found in a crate. Leara is not conscious and Blackwolf is tending to her, trying to warm her up for her skin has turned pale from the cold and the injury she has sustained. Knowing that Blackwolf is a healer in her own right I nod to her and say..."If you need anything let me know, for I owe you." She nods my way and then I turn to find Phalon and Gabbyfan with little dog sitting by the hearth.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 16:00:42 GMT -6
girlpower - 02:52pm Aug 20, 2002 ET (#211 of 237)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
I kneel down between Gabbyfan and Phalon...little dog starts to whimper as I wrap my arm around Gabbyfan, her face filled with worry over her Amazon mother Zena and Evergreen. "They will be fine, you have seen them survive much worse. They only need rest." Gabbyfan tried to smile and then looked to Phalon, as she lay on the ground shivering in her sleep..."You were right to bring her to the fire my Gabbyfan, the heat from the hearth will help her to recover." I gently squeezed Gabbyfan's shoulder as I stand and look around the room once more...
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blackwolf - 11:01pm Aug 20, 2002 ET (#212 of 237)
After I help pull Evergreen and Zena into the boat, I'm able to take a little break from rowing. The storm was gone, so I didn't have to struggle to keep us afloat. I wanted to get my passengers to land, but when Xendra dived into the water to gather the gear that had floated to the top, I steared the boat to where she could drop the gear off the easiest. I was so intent on making sure that Evergreen and Zena were alright, I was surprised when she hauled herself into my boat. From the scowl on her face, I figured something had happened, and when I looked over at the other boat, I figured that something had to do with Dante, considering he was soaking wet. I didn't have time to question her though because another storm started to roll in. I pulled hard for shore, and hit land right before the storm started to break. I helped get all of the injured to the treeline, and then went back to help with the gear.
After everything was out of the boats, we found an abandoned shack, and didn't even bother discussing whether we would stay there or not. While the tree tops did provide shelter from the storm, a shack would provide the warmth we needed. As Dante struggled to start a fire, and Puella looked after Evergreen and Zena, I stayed by Leara's side. Before we left the ship, it looked like she was coming around, but she had backslid due to being cold and her wound opening a bit. I wrapped her in as many blankets as I could, and changed her bandage to the best of my ability. I wanted to get her some broth since she hadn't eaten anything for some time, but we didn't have any food, and any hunting that we did would be better after the storm had passed. After seeing to all of Leara's need, I realized that I was on the point of exhaustion. My body was sore from all the physical work I had done, and I hadn't gotten much sleep since getting on the ship. So, I wrapped myself in a remaining blanket, lay down next to Leara on the floor, and fell into a deep sleep.
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zena - 09:46pm Aug 21, 2002 ET (#213 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Night Walker
Deep in the night when the last embers of the fire wink and finally die, only night walking creatures sit awake as silent sentinals.
The storm had spent it’s wrath and the ensuing quiet had lulled everyone in the ramshackle hut to sleep. Groups of friends lay huddled on the floor, snuggled against one another for warmth and security. The final snapping of the few sticks of wood that were left in the hearth was the loudest of the sounds to be heard. Flickers of light from the dying fire played over the still figures. Dreams overtook some, and a lighter dreamless sleep came to others. Only one stayed awake and when all was blanketed with the heaviness of silence, stood slowly and slipped through the old door with a whisper of a creak. Morning would come soon and the absent member of the little band would not have returned.
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girlpower - 11:04pm Aug 21, 2002 ET (#214 of 237)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Slowly as I watch everyone asleep in the darkening room...The fire flickering down to a meer ember, I hold in my hand a small pouch...A pouch I found on a crate as I was sifting through the salvaged wreckage...Phalon's pouch, inside this pouch is a necklace that calls to me...Like the sound of a siren...
Breathing deeply I continue to rub the pouch between my fingers...My head fills again with the all familiar questions...the need for answers...Why am I so concerned about a necklace...this beautiful necklace...I threw this thing away...I don't want it! It is not mine, it is hers...
I look over at Phalon on the floor...then over to Leara as she lies unconscious near Blackwolf. I look to Xendra as she sleeps near me. I whisper, take care of Zena, Evergreen and Gabbyfan...She stired in her sleep but did not wake. I can not handle this place any longer...this necklace....these questions...remembering the design on the parchment...the design of the temple...I slowly get up and walk out the door...In search of solace...in search for answers...in search for peace...
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girlpower - 01:14am Aug 22, 2002 ET (#215 of 237)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Slowly I walk through the night. The branches of the trees hitting me as I walk past. Holding the pouch in my hand...kneading the contents from the outside, knowing that if I was to pull it out I could not resist the temptation to put it back on. Slowly the path I am walking on twists and turns...
In the distance I see a flicker of light...it looks to be the reflection of the moon on a gem that is embedded in a pillar. I walk towards it...as I do the necklace in the pouch begins to glow...the light can be seen through the leather. I heat is felt in my hands, though it did not burn. Slowly my motions stop as I see a step at my feet...I look up and there before me is a temple...A temple to Artemis...
I stare at the designs in the walls of the temple...inside the doors I can see a light flickering, as if a torch has been set ablaze awaitng my arrival. Slowly I wander in, my hands holding the pouch, my head moving from side to side looking at all the details in the temple...
There is no one here...but it is clean, no cobwebs to be seen, all the offerings seem to be fresh...fruits, nuts, bread and cheese. I slowly walk towards the throne in the middle of the room. Kneeling down I hold the pouch out in my hands...Please take this back and give it to whomever it belongs. Whomever deserves it's power. I Bow to Artemis...my hands outstretched...PLEASE!!!
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 16:01:45 GMT -6
zena - 08:34am Aug 22, 2002 ET (#216 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Secrets Revealed
“I tell you I don’t KNOW where she is! Let go of me!”
You must know something. You never take your eyes off of her and she was just a few feet from you.”
“She was right next to YOU! If you don’t let go of my shirt.....”
“You’ll do what, my friend?” Zena had stepped between Xendra and Dante and had laid one hand on Xendra’s which was entwined in Dante’s shirt and with the other was squeezing Dante’s cheeks into a “fish face”.
“Nuzzing. Set me go.”
Evergreen was behind Zena now. “What’s going on?”
“Puella’s gone. I’ve been up for an hour and she isn’t back, “ Xendra replied.
“Well maybe she’s, you know, using the bushes.” Zena let go of Dante and blushed a little.
“For an hour? What if she’s sick again? I know he had something to do with that too!” Xendra’s hand tightened in Dante’s shirt.
“Let him go, Xendra. We really don’t know anything yet.” Zena peeled Xendra’s hand off of Dante. “Did you take the pinch off of her? Maybe she’s out looking for squid.”
“As soon as we hit land I let her go. Those chewy tentacles were disgusting.”
“Yeah, but you saved her life. Death by seasickness is pretty ugly. Let’s have breakfast first and if she isn’t back a few of us can go on a search mission.” Zena sat down suddenly, still week from the struggle in the water. Evergreen looked down at her and was about to comment on her eternal quest for food when she reached up to scratch her neck and found that her collar was separated from her shirt and there was a huge hole in the fabric.
“What in Hades happened to my shirt!!??” Evergreen’s temper boiled to the surface.
Zena looked up and smiled demurely and Gabbyfan who had joined the group eagerly offered the story of how Zena had saved a drowning Evergreen from the gates of Poseidon’s kingdom. “Mom was incredible! She went right out of the boat to get you and dove under, we thought you both had drowned, but you popped up first and she had you by your collar and you were saved but then she disappeared and then we couldn’t see Mom but Puella said she was sure she would be all right but it was such a long time before we could see her and then she shot up and we pulled her in but she was nearly dead. Anyway it’s ok ‘cos you are both fine now. Evergreen? Mom was swiming.”
Evergreen turned slowly toward Zena.
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leara - 06:04pm Aug 22, 2002 ET (#217 of 237)
Returning
The dreams seem to return in a cycle over and over again. Each cycle brings me closer to the surface of consciousness. There is warmth next to me and it is nice since I feel so cold --like death. I begin to reach out to those in my dreams and I feel an arm that is thick and muscled. I give it a little squeeze and hang on to it muttering.
"Staying here ..... Not leaving again.... stay..."
I drift back off to sleep confident that I have a good hold on my dead family.
The dream changes to the one of being sent back to my life as I left it. I renew my argument pushing away Blackwolf as the tears begin to fall and my thoughts are again vocalized.
"Can't be.... too much... not worthy.... won't can't make me...”
Almost instinctively Blackwolf's arm lies across my stomach there is nowhere to go and there is no sense in trying to fight her strong arm. I settle back in to sleep.
The sunlight warms my face through the crack in the wall. The fly is insistently crawling around my forehead. In an irritated state I fight back to the surface of consciousness to put an end to its little pesky ways.
How do you measure time when the sleep is so deep? Have mere minutes passed or perhaps days? There is really no way to be sure unless it is by the testimony of another. I am ready to get up but Blackwolf's arm has me pinned down for my own safety. I can feel the pain in my leg and remember the events that caused it. I do not want to move and risk disturbing the sweet sleep of Blackwolf she seems to have found that special place of peace.
There is an argument quietly erupting between Dante and Xendra. All are present except Puella and the priest, every thing is still a bit hazy in my mind. Hopefully Blackwolf will soon let me up and help clear things up.
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EvergreenLM - 09:29pm Aug 22, 2002 ET (#218 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Debts and Lies
…are generally mixed together {Publilius Syrus}
She heard Little Gabby’s words and knew she spoke the truth. Since the time below the water and the time of singing, Evergreen had been trying to piece the visions in her mind. There was the woman like no other, a blinding slash of a sword at a raging god of the sea, the insistent bumping of a sea creature, the call to reach out, and then the extended hand. Evergreen saw the face of a goddess, much to the likeness of the tributes to Artemis. Such a great force in that extended hand. And such familiarity.
“Evergreen…I…” Zena stumbled on the words.
Evergreen turned her back with an outstretched hand signaling,* go no farther.* Her other hand covered her eyes.
“Now, I understand…it was YOU!”, Evergreen said wheeling around. “But, you can’t swim!”
“What fury possessed you to risk your life for mine?” “ And by what agreement have we sealed that I would ACCEPT the exchange of your existence for mine?”
Evergreen brought silence in the small hut by the tonality of her words.
Zena stood incredulous.
“EG, everything is worth what its purchaser will pay for it”, Zena said reaching out for Evergreen’s arm.
Evergreen recoiled. “No, not this time. Not...this…time…Zena.”
Evergreen fingered the tear in the beloved shirt. Such a tear it was that went beyond the cloth. No one spoke. The wind whistled through the holes in the sides of the hut. No one moved. Little Gabby was softly crying.
Evergreen could hear her heart pounding. Choking back a flood of feelings, she raised her posture, looked beyond Zena, and calmly said to no one in particular, “Where is Puella?”
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 16:02:44 GMT -6
zena - 10:59pm Aug 22, 2002 ET (#219 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Exit Stage Left
“Look at me. Evergreen, YOU LOOK AT ME.” Zena’s legendary hunger was driving her temper, having had nothing to eat since the day before. She grabbed Evergreen’s arm and yanked her around, something she had seldom done. Her eyes sought some softness in her friend and found none.
“You stubborn son of a Bacchae. It’s because you weren’t the hero this time isn’t it? I’m always the silly sidekick who has to be saved, rescue Zena from the Romans, from being blind, from drowning at the pier, from being a goddess! When does Zena get to do something beneficial for you? Then when I get to give you my all, you can’t accept the gift because of your pride. Well, I’m glad I saved you and I’m glad your shirt got torn, and if you can’t stand taking an occasional second place then too bad for you. It’s time you set your great half Roman ego aside!!”
Zena shoved Evergreen’s arm back and Evergreen made a fist. They stood toe to toe staring in each other’s eyes for a long minute and everyone else tensed under the emotion that had electrified the air like one of Zeus’ thunderbolts. Gabby broke the stand off by slipping between them and hiding her face against her mother’s tunic. Zena looked down and gently kissed the top of her daughter’s head. “I need to be out in the woods alone for a bit. Will you stay and watch over Phalon?” Gabby nodded slowly. “Good, go along now.” Zena hugged her tightly and moved her aside. Grabbing a stout stick from the pile of firewood she stalked out of the door of the hut and into the forest without a backward glance.
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xwpfan - 12:20am Aug 23, 2002 ET (#220 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
Xendra awoke with a start, something was wrong. Xendra scanned the room everyone was fast asleep save one. Puella was gone. Xendra sat in the cold silence of the predawn waiting for Puella to return.after nearly an hour,there was still no sign of Puella. As the minutes went by Xendra's heart and mind filled with concern building into an all consuming rage.
Xendra was growing more and more sure that Dante had something to do with he friends disappearance. suddenly her resolve broke and she picked Dante up by the scruff of the neck. " Tell me where she is, tell me what have you done to her"?
Dante jerked out of a sound sleep said, "Who? Wha? What are you talking about?"
Xendra grabbed his shirt and lifted him off his feet as she growled," I swear by everything Holy if you've harmed Puella in any way, I will dedicate my life to making sure you NEVER breath another easy breath. I will make your life so miserable you will wish you had never been born . You will beg for death! "
Dante glared and said,"Let go of my shirt! Or I'll... just then Zena walked over and said," and you'll do what my friend?"
Xendra never took her eyes off Dante or so much as loosen her grip , She told Zena and Evergreen Puella was missing and that she thought that Dante had something to do with Puella's disappearance.
Somehow Zena and Evergreen managed to get Xendra to let loose of Dante, but her anger and mistrust of Dante burned within her.
Xendra was beside herself when they talked about waiting to form a search party. Xendra started to pack her gear, she would track Puella herself if need be...
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blackwolf - 11:49pm Aug 23, 2002 ET (#221 of 237)
Not a single dream pentetrated my sleep. It took several minutes for the yelling voices to penetrate my sleep. When I finally did wake up, I was face to face with Leara. My arm was draped over her stomach, restraining her. Even in my deepest sleep, I was still protecting her, making sure that she didn't hurt herself. I smiled and heaved myself into a standing position. My muscles groaned as they were stretched out. They were still sore from all of the rowing I had done the day before. It would take a while to work out all of the kinks. I turned to where all of the commotion was. Xendra was glaring at Dante, and Evergreen was glaring at the retreating back of Zena. "That's what I get for sleeping in" I mutter.
It took some time to get the story of what happened. Puella disappearing, Xendra claiming Dante had something to do with it, Evergreen finding out Zena had saved her life. All of it seemed a jumbled mess to my tired brain, but I figured out the gist of it. When I saw Xendra get ready to go find Puella on her own, I readied my own stuff. At Xendra's odd look, I smiled at her and said "You didn't think I'd let you go off by yourself did you. Leara is awake and on the mend, and you need someone to help you through the brush."
"What if I don't want you along?" Snapped Xendra.
"Well, I'm not giving you a choice. I'm going with you."
"And me. I'm going with you to." Said Leara behind me.
I turned to see her standing behind me without the aid of anything. She looked a little unsteady, but she had a firm look to her face. I thought for one minute to refuse her and send her back to bed, but then decided not to. If she wanted to go, than perhaps it would help mend the problem between her and Xendra. I nodded to her, and she seemed to relax a little bit.
"I think it's safe to say we're all going." Said Evergreen.
"What about Phalon? She's not awake yet."
"Dante can watch her." I said.
"No, Dante will not watch her. I don't trust him." Stated Xendra.
"I don't trust him either. But he won't harm her." I smiled and turned towards the door. Montara was sitting there, looking at everyone in turn. Everyone slightly jumped at the sight of the black wolf there. "He won't let him hurt Phalon. If Phalon awakes and wants to join us, Montara can lead her to us."
Everyone nodded in agreement, and we headed out the door. Maybe we could convince Zena to come with us.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 16:03:58 GMT -6
phalon - 02:42am Aug 25, 2002 ET (#222 of 237)
Stirrings
After the others left the small hut to search for Puella, Dante leaned over the sleeping Phalon with a sneer on his face. “You’ve ruined my plans, you meddling woman. The priest promised me wealth in return for helping him. Then he goes and drowns himself and I’m left with nothing for my labors. I don’t know how you did it, but I’m sure you had a hand in his sudden change of heart. I saw the look he gave you just before he dove in. You’re the reason he leaped, just as surely as if you pushed him from the boat yourself. What to do with you now? No act goes unpunished…”
In the corner of the hut, a low growl, barely audible, emitted deep within the throat of the vigilant wolf.
* ***
In her dream state, Phalon still searched for the light of Icthyus’ soul. She had seen the goodness in him grow after he pulled Zena up from the depths of the sea. She had seen the light grow brighter. Then suddenly, it was extinguished. The fire went out as if dowsed by the stormy waters. The man had finally chosen a new path towards redemption, only to have his life snuffed out while in the process. He had made the ultimate sacrifice. Phalon finally accepted the fact that he was dead, and as she did so, she began to wake.
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xwpfan - 11:11am Aug 25, 2002 ET (#223 of 237)
There is only one success...to be able to spend your life in your own way...
I had begun to pack to search for Puella by myself, I had grown desperate to know what happened to her.
I was taken aback at Black Wolf's offer to come with me. I had become so accustomed over the years to doing these sort of things for and by myself.
I readidly agreed and inside felt a little grateful and relieved at theoffer of help. However Leara's offer to help threw me for a moment.I paused for a moment, but then I remembered how important Puella's safety had been to her.I slowly nodded my head in agreement.
One by one my friends had each stepped forward, except Dante and of course Phalon who was still fast asleep.
As the others were gathering their gear, I asked Black Wolf "What about Phalon?"
Black Wolf replied," Dante will keep an eye on her."
Anger pulsed through me, I was livid , i looked at black Wolf squarely in the eye and said," No, I don't TRUST HIM!"
Black Wolf just smiled and looked back . I followed her stare and there seated by Phalon was a wolf. I stood there staring in disbelief then I turned and looked over at Black Wolf who was smiling.
a i looked at the wolf,I felt a twinge of regret go through me. I was beginning to understand that Theos had been far more than I had even thought..I quickly snapped out of that train of thought and started on the task at hand. Puella was missing.
I looked around the cabin. There were no signs of a struggle or forced entry. Most of Puella's gear was still in the cabin. I walked over, knelt down and examined each parcel, quickly adding them to my own gear after I examined them for clues.
My mind was racing, if she hadn't been dragged or taken, where could she be. What would cause Puella to leave us without even a word...
Suddenly in my mind's eye, I could see Puella leaning over me telling me to take care of Evergreen,Zena and Little Gabby. I gasped at the sudden realization she has left us of her own accord, but without her gear and without me.
I stood up and took a deep breath preparing to face the others. what do I tell my friends who are waiting forme in the dorway...I took another deep breath and told them, "I think Puella left under her own accord, perhaps under the influence of the Furies."
Black Wolf nodded in agreement. I quickly put Puella's sword next to Phalon, hoping she would understand the significance. I whispered, "Be well my friend, we'll see you soon."
With that I quickly rejoined the group.
Once outside, I bent down on my knees felt the dirt below me, the stirrings and the markings told me that Puella's trail was fresh and strong. From my years of experience I was guessing she had only a few hours on us at best.
I stood up and surveyed their awaiting faces, I think we need to spilt into two groups. Land and Air.
Black Wolf, since Zena and Evergreen are still recovering, I think you should lead the ground search.
I am going to climb amongst the trees, it will give me a vantage point and be quicker.. patting my leg I say,"If this leg of mine doesn't give me any more problems that is."
"Now who wants to come with me?"
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girlpower - 05:04pm Aug 25, 2002 ET (#224 of 237)
Courage is not the absence of fear... but the strength to conquer it.
Back at the temple of Artemis
I kneel at the steps of the statue of Artemis. Holding out the pouch, containing the necklace...the necklace that identifies the wearer as an Amazon sister. As I pray to her, in a deep meditative state, I begin to hear a voice.
"Puella you are here because I have sent for you. You need to learn all the power you contain...the strength you possess...how to be a true Amazon, heart and soul." I open my eyes, looking around the temple I see no other person...the voice is within my head, within my ears, yet no one is here to speak them to me...
Closing my eyes again, I begin to ask the voice questions..."Why have you sent for me? You wish me to learn from you, from this place? Teach me please! Help me to understand." As I ask the questions my hands become lighter...the pouch in my hand is no longer there... only the necklace remains in my grasp...glowing and calling to me. I breathe in deeply and listen, listen for an answer. In the silence I hear the voice, "Put it on... it will guide you."
I slowly lift the necklace over my head and slowly place it around my neck... It fit perfectly, just as it always had. As I touch it with my hand, rubbing my hands across the carving... my mind begins to swim. In this position, I stay as images of my past, flood my senses...
Evergreen placing the necklace around my neck...the Romans taking me away...Zena as I released her from the cage...Queen Saxy and Lucystar as I ask for sanctuary...Joxcenia in the river...Xendra as she mourns her daughters...Gabbyfan as she protects her Evergreen in battle... Phalon as she guides my spirit back to the physical plane...Leara as she attempts to save me...Blackwolf as she helps to save Xendra. Countless more faces cross my vision. Cloud my thoughts with all that was and all that is meant to be...
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Shanny - 08:11pm Aug 25, 2002 ET (#225 of 237)
an introduction....
It had been a long night, weary from travel all she wanted to do was rest. But she wondered if I rest now, would I ever wake? It felt like she had been on an endless walk to nowhere but yet there was an invisible hand guiding her through her travels.
“I must push on, I need to know,” There were many trees along the path but the smell of salt water was becoming stronger to her senses. “I need to know where I came from, who I am…”
It felt like ages ago when she woke up not knowing where she was or who she was, and a family was kind enough to take her in and treat her as their own. “I will miss you all,” she whispered “but I need to find my family”. This yearning to know grew stronger in her with each passing year and suddenly as if she was hit by lightning she knew she needed to go to the sea.
“I will find them there…”
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 16:05:21 GMT -6
zena - 10:27pm Aug 25, 2002 ET (#226 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Goin' To The Temple...
Black Wolf had it in her mind to ask Zena to join the search party but by the time they gathered their weapons and came outside Zena was nowhere to be seen.
The leafy gateway closed behind Zena and she took a deep breath. The forest was home: soft pathway underfoot, the rich smell of the earth, the small rustling and squeaking sounds of the animals living around her. The embrace of the forest cooled her anger somewhat and allowed another emotion to surface.
“By the gods Evergreen. How could you be angry with me for offering my life for yours? The pact was unspoken but binding all the same, or at least I thought it was. Do you need always to be the giver, the hero? There are dark places in you that are shut off to me and I cannot understand why you will those places to exist. You know I am hurt. Is that nothing to you?”
Zena had walked a good distance from the hut swinging at imaginary enemies with the stick she had picked up from the woodpile. Unconciously she had picked up Puella’s trail and was walking in her steps up a gentle slope. Caught up in her muttering she didn’t notice that she was passing markers and statues along the trail. The wall of trees suddenly parted and she was facing a small hill upon which stood a temple, the temple that was sketched on the parchment in the carpenter’s hut. She stood at the tree line and contemplated the building. It was made of stone but the carpenter’s hand was evident in the carving of the trim which held scenes of the triumphs of the goddess Artemis. They were goldleafed and gleamed as the rays of rising sun struck them. At the top of the stone steps stood two tall Amazon guards clad in silver armor with swords on their backs and menacing with crossed spears to hold back intruders.
A glance down at the grass told Zena that Puella had walked straight toward the steps so she was probably inside. “Well, this should be as easy as pie. Oh. I wish I hadn’t thought of that.” Zena remembered that as her anger had left that she now had room for breakfast. “If Puella got in, I should have no problem.” She ran across the remainder of the path and began her ascent of the stairs but never reached the top. Each stair that was climbed gave birth to a new stair and so Zena ran as hard as she could but remained in place. Looking up toward the guards from this vantage point she could now see that they were transparent, apparitions set there to frighten non Amazons. “But why can’t I get in? I’m Amazon. I’m under the protection of Artemis.” Zena sat down on the stone step exhausted from running in place. “Well, I never really believed all this I guess. Evergreen was always bothering me to go to temple for the feasts but I just thought it was a load of centaur manure.” She scowled up at the guards. “If you don’t want me Artemis, then I don’t want you. But I do want Puella back. And I sure don’t want Evergreen. At least not right now. And I really want some breakfast.”
Zena put her chin in her hands and sat in the early morning sun thinking about what course of action she needed to follow to get herself food, and Puella. And in that order.
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EvergreenLM - 12:36am Aug 26, 2002 ET (#227 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
Heart of the Warrior
It was closed. Under lock and key. In a safe place that no one was allowed full passage. Many have tried to walk in and were quickly escorted out. Evergreen’s heart was that of a Warrior. It could not afford to hesitate. It cannot give up control. To allow anyone access put the intruder at risk. A moment of giving up that control could get a friend killed- and almost did. The others would not understand this. The only person that would had been ceremoniously exiled without a fair hearing.
Evergreen packed what little there was to be salvaged from what the ship gave back from the sea to its last voyagers. She grabbed a shirt and did not care what its color was or whether it had a pine branch or anything else. It just did not matter. Functionality. That is all that was required. The others saw the change. Conversation was stilted and to the point.
Evergreen was surprised that Black Wolf would look to her as a companion for the search for Puella. The exchange between Evergreen and Zena was not mentioned, although the others voiced concern for her well being with one another. Evergreen appreciated the trust Black Wolf had issued towards her.
It is tiring being the warrior, the one everyone looks to for leadership and the first strike of the sword in battle. But the heart of a warrior knows no other way. That road's foundation was laid long ago. But the road seemingly was without end.
Evergreen felt comfort with this family made from bond and not by blood of birth. They all indeed were kindred as no other. She would gladly give her all for any one of them, and yet could not,and would not, accept that gift in return. The price was too much. No one would ever be allowed to make that purchase.
The small sack of belongings was finally complete. “Black Wolf, I am with you. Where you go, I will follow.”
Black Wolf clasped arms with Evergreen. The agreement was set. As they walked to the door of the hut, Evergreen hesitated looking at a crate of apples that had been washed ashore at the benefice of the gods. She quickly threw some into her sack…Zena would be hungry.
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Shanny - 07:37am Aug 26, 2002 ET (#228 of 237)
Her deep rouge colored hair blew softly in the wind. With each passing step, her body grew weary of the travel. Deep in her conscious her mind kept telling her to give up, it was an impossible journey. “I must go on… I must not stop!” She used her staff more like a third leg to keep up the weight that, with each passing step, made her whole body felt like it was turning to stone. “This is going to kill me! Why did I leave my nice comfortable SAFE home, in search of my history lost 10 years ago?” She heaved a heavy sigh “I’m crazy, that’s why” she said under her breath. “And where in Hades AM I GOING!?” She threw her hands up in the air and looked up at the patches of sky showing through the trees.
”That’s it I have to rest.”
with that she sat down on a nearby log that was set along side the pathway. She pulled out her last bit of food, three day old bread and very stale cheese… She stared at it for a moment and pondered weather it was still edible. “It’s better then nothing” and with a slight cringe she took a bite and ate it as fast as she could.
She reached back into her pouch and pulled out the few items she had with her. A tattered old piece of a scroll, a necklace with markings that she had never truly been able to understand; and a locket of hair. These were the only items she had that held her to her past….
Unraveling the bit of parchment (although she knew the words by heart) she read it, again. Please take care of my daughter, I know she will be safe here, protect her well. Her name is Amara…. Thank you,
that’s all that was left on the parchment, she didn’t even know her birthmothers name. She grasped the hair and necklace in her left hand and squeezed them tightly. “Mother…” A warm sense of calming came over. Although all she had from her mother was those three items she felt a strong bond with the woman she had no memory of.
Amara pulled herself up and with a renewed feeling of energy and strength, she pushed on.
“Someone will know… I hope” Looking ahead she noticed something faint in the distance
“Statues…?”
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 16:06:43 GMT -6
phalon - 11:57am Aug 26, 2002 ET (#229 of 237)
A Rude Awakening
Phalon woke slowly, struggling to make her way through the fog into the light of day that was reality. She lay with her eyes closed for a while, trying to clear the cobwebs from her brain. She knew they were on dry land, and vaguely remembered being helped to a small hut that would serve as their shelter for the night. It was very quiet in the hut now, save for the pounding in her ears from a throbbing headache. Tea. A nice herbal tea is what she needed to rid herself of this grogginess.
She reached her hand down to the pouch of herbs that she always had attached to her belt. It was gone! All her herbs, vials, potions and trinkets – gone! It must have got lost on her dazed walk from the boats to this hut. Phalon suddenly remembered taking Puella’s necklace from her neck and putting it in the pouch before the storm hit. By the gods, Puella’s necklace was lost also. She had seen Dante staring at it aboard the ship and didn’t like the suspicious look in his eyes, so she placed it out of his sight, in her pouch. She would just have to retrace their path from the night before back to the shore to see if she could find the pouch with it’s precious contents. Phalon was instantly wide awake, and felt a presence hovering over her. Hot breath hitting her face.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself staring into Dante’s face. He did not look pleased. Grabbing her by her upper arms, he yanked her to a sitting position. His face inches from hers, he screamed, “You ruined it all! Icthyus and I had it all planned. He was going to build another temple in a new place, hold more sacrifices, and bring in more money than before. I was going to be his right hand and share in the profits. Then, the fool has a change of heart. Decides to return to the way of light. The straight and narrow. Fight the good fight. Blah, blah, blah. Then he pretty much sacrifices himself to the sea. Isn’t that ironic? And it’s all because you couldn’t leave well enough alone. Now what am I left with? I’ll tell you. Absolutely nothing. Stuck in the middle of nowhere in a ramshackle hut with the woman who ruined it all.”
Phalon recoiled from his anger, falling back, using her elbows to prop herself up to a semi-reclined position. Her hand felt something cold and hard beside her. As Dante yanked her again, this time to her feet, she closed her fingers around the cold metal and brought it up with her. Dante had a tight grasp on her arms, his fingers biting into her muscles. In one fluid, unseen motion, Phalon spun around, releasing herself from his hands. A look of bewilderment crossed his face, but only remained there for an instant.
As she spun, Phalon, off balance and unsteady from still having her sea legs, got tangled in her long midnight blue robe, which was still damp and heavy from the rain. “Damn these robes”, Phalon thought. “I really need to get something to wear that’s more appropriately suited to my present lifestyle.”
Her thoughts were cut short. The wolf, snarling, leapt from his place in the corner towards Dante. Dante grabbed an old broken chair and in one fell swoop, hit the wolf in mid-pounce, knocking him out of the air, unconscious. He then swung the chair in the opposite direction, hitting Phalon squarely on the head. She slumped to the ground in a heap, the object which she held sailing through the air to a far corner of the hut. Puella’s sword hit the wall with a loud clank.
Dante, leaving one unconscious victim on the floor of the hut, flung the other over his shoulder, and strode off into the forest.
In a nearby temple, the warm green glow of the stone in a necklace turned angry and hot.
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gabbyfan4ever - 12:49am Aug 27, 2002 ET (#230 of 237)
As Gabby walked she thought of the rollercoaster ride her life had turned into. The ups and downs just kept coming, and things had definitely taken a fall.
Evergreen and Zena had fought, and now Zena had left to go who knows where. The sight of them fighting tore Gabby up inside and had left her in tears. She loved them both with all her heart. With no other thought in her mind other than to stop the arguing, she had pushed herself inbetween the two women and buried her face in her mother's tunic. It had ended the argument, but did not solve the problem. Rather, they now had two problems with Zena nowhere to be found.
Then Puella went missing. SHe had come through for Gabby, and everyone else so many times. And now she was loved like a sister by them all. They couldn't lose her, she had to be found.
While Gabby's life had it's adventures, filled with good and bad times, she wouldn't give it up for anything. Now, she had to fight to keep it together. They had to find Puella and Zena. Everything had to turn out ok, it just had to, Gabby thought uneasily. Only time would tell, if that would prove true.
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EvergreenLM - 01:27am Aug 28, 2002 ET (#231 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
If I Should Lose My Path
As hard as she tried she could not remember traveling without Zena. They had become friends long before they ever became aware of it. They meandered through life until they met at one of life’s crossroads. The universe is geared like that. Brushing by people in the crowded market, sitting shoulder to shoulder at Inns sharing the same space,looking at faces with eyes that do not see,hearing with ears that do not listen. Until one day, a collision occurs, and with it comes a resounding,"I know you."
Evergreen tramped alongside Black Wolf who had her own demons that chased after her with intent on bringing her to the ground. They pushed through the forest, stepping over fallen logs, and around large rocks that had set in their place for who knows from what beginning of time. The forest floor was deep with pine needles. Evergreen, in her reverie, walked right into a low hanging pine branch startling her back to the moment. “Oh! Son of a Bacchae!"
Black Wolf stopped her forward progress, turned, and dryly said with a grin, “That’s goin’ to leave a mark.”
Evergreen laughed out loud. “I don’t think we have exchanged this many words since we’ve met. Yea’, its going to leave a mark alright. Zena would…” Evergreen clipped the comment. “Come on, we have a lot of ground to cover.”
“Are you always this moody? How does Zena put up with you? What secret does she know that keeps you in line and…”
“Shut up will you…we never talk and now you just keep on r-o-o-llin’ out the comments…ye gods Black Wolf.” Evergreen sprinted ahead.
“Okay you, ‘I have to have a pine branch shirt’, okay you, ‘pack your things and everyone get in the boats’, okay you,’ I’ll save the dog’…” Black Wolf shook her head, hit full stride easily catching Evergreen.
“I’m sorry Black Wolf”, Evergreen stopped, tuned around and extended her arm to this new friend. “It seems that I am destined to be a burr in everyone’s sleeping shift these days.”
Flickering eyes looked back at Evergreen. *By the gods she looks feral*, thought Evergreen half anticipating to be devoured by sharp teeth inside jaws with the strength of a tension bow.
Much to Evergreen’s surprise, Black Wolf lowered her head, came back up with that grin saying, “Yea, you’re right about that…a big ol’, thorny, sticky, pointy, burr… that is for those that wear sleeping shifts. Never could get the hang of them myself. Hey, EG, are you blushing…?”
Before she could answer, Evergreen heard it before she saw it. Somewhere in the deepening thicket, a low, droning chant filtered among the now abnormally silent forest followed by the sounds of cracking branches as if someone was walking with heavy footfalls. By Amazon instinct, both women crouched low to the ground, back to back. Evergreen slowly pivoted following the sounds.
Evergreen withdrew the only weapon salvaged from the ship, a short sword in a well oiled scabbard that protected its charge from the effects of the salt water. It had a good grip and fit easily into her calloused left hand. Black Wolf began to speak. Evergreen placed two fingers on Black Wolf’s mouth while pointing through the trees and with a barely audible whisper said, “There…”
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 16:07:42 GMT -6
leara - 06:49am Aug 28, 2002 ET (#232 of 237)
Moving on Up
As I wait for Blackwolf to release me I listen to the conversations and try to assimilate the meaning in my head. Things are still fuzzy but that is nothing new to me my whole life has been lived in shadow and haze. It has only been of late that there has become an occasional clearing. The lines between reality and hallucinations are hard for me to make out.
It is hard to look at Blackwolf and understand the anger inside me I long for the peace that I see now in her as she rests. I do not think that I will ever really come to know it until I get to leave this life. Which reminds me I am going to take that matter up with Xendra, she should have left me for the sharks. I don’t understand what is up with her as of late, why bother saving my miserable life.
Finally I am released from being pinned down. Blackwolf in one swift movement is upright on her feet. My feeble attempt to follow her is unsuccessful. What she has demonstrated with ease I am having great difficulty following. Xendra and Blackwolf are gathering their things to start the search for Puella and pay no attention to me and my final triumph as I am now standing. My leg still hurts and is stiff but it won’t get any better just lying around.
I am not staying behind while they hunt for Puella. Blackwolf turns to see that I have found my feet and after hesitating for a moment nods that it is an acceptable idea. Montara it seems has made good time to reach us but I expected no less from him. He would never leave Blackwolf for very long.
The search party heads out of the hut when Xendra proposes a divided effort Land and Air. Yes trees are a good idea I learned to move through them with ease long before I mastered the art of riding a horse. I volunteer to join her in the tree tops.
“I’ll join you in the trees Xendra.” I quickly answer her question. The puzzled concern on her face makes me realize that I better do a little more explaining.
“Trees are where I played as a kid. I mastered limbs long before I learned to ride a horse. Let’s go we are wasting time, there will be time for talk and other stuff later.” I finished my quick explanation and began to ascend the nearest tree. I waited for the laughter to come from my odd climbing style. I was still favoring my injured leg but in the trees I would not be slowing the ground party down.
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phalon - 11:36pm Aug 29, 2002 ET (#233 of 237)
A Brief Return
Phalon woke to a face full of dirt. She found herself laying in a prone position, unable to move. Her feet were tied together at the ankles, and her hands tied behind her back. Her head was reeling from the blow that Dante had delivered. Slowly she opened her eyes, and through her blurry vision, saw a pair of boots in front of her face.
Phalon watched as one of the boots moved and roughly prodded her shoulder. "You awake, woman?", Dante harshly asked. "Where is it? Where have you hidden it?"
"Where is whaaa..." Phalon had a hard time forming the words, and when she finally got them out, the sound of her voice was unfamilar. Slow and slurred, the voice sounded to her as if it were spoken by someone else. Someone in the distance. It was not her voice at all.
"Are you daft? The NECKLACE! That precious necklace you wear with the emerald stone. I should have taken it before, when I had the chance on the ship. Something to fall back on should Icthyus' plans fail. Hindsight is twenty/twenty, isn't it? I mean to possess it. I WILL possess it and the powers it yields."
Phalon's mind raced back to a vision she had not so very long ago. A vision of a young Puella and the Guardian. "You see, child", the Guardian had said. "that necklace is very old, as ancient as the hills... It has been lost, found, fought over, and stolen more times than you and I have days left to live. Many have died protecting it's powers. Many have killed to possess it..."
Phalon's mind whirled...'I WILL possess it', Dante said. Possess it's powers. Many have killed to possess it. Possess the power. Died to protect it. Killed to possess it. Phalon, you are the guardian...the protector. Died to protect it's powers. Protect it...
She felt herself spinning, unable escape the spiral descent. Again the blackness overtook her and Phalon lost consciousness.
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zena - 04:02pm Aug 31, 2002 ET (#234 of 237)
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Sounds Like...
“Oh, I once knew a young man from Corinth, whose hair one day fell out in torrents. His head was alarming and not very charming so he left town and took up...” On the last bellowed note Zena looked over her shoulder at the twin apparitions standing guard at the temple door. They crumbled into little bits of light and disappeared. “Ha! I knew they couldn’t take any unpious talk.” She shifted on the stone and thought again of Evergreen. Quarrelling with her was unsettling and made Zena’s world seem off kilter. “What is sworn is sworn,” Zena sighed. Her head snapped up as the sounds near her warned her of danger. Relaxing her body but not her mind she began aimlessly poking at the soft ground at the temple step as she listened and used all her senses for information.
“Two friends in the trees, far down the hill. Evergreen and someone else a bit closer. They’ve stopped. Not her sword, well oiled though. Mmmmm. She brought apples, that was thoughtful, I might like her again. Focus. Gabby! Coming up behind them. Hades, she is stubborn, I gave her an order. Focus. Heavy step. Man with a burden. Smell like spices..Phalon! Too far down to be immediate help, have to deal with what is close.”
In one fluid movement she stood, took two steps, reached into the bushes, and had a young woman pinned on the ground.
“What are you doing spying on me?”
“Please, let me up. I mean no harm. I am Amara. I was drawn to the sound of the chanting. Please dun murff mu.”
“Shh!” Zena clapped a hand over Amara’s mouth. Down the hill someone was making a decisive move.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 16:08:48 GMT -6
blackwolf - 01:20am Sep 1, 2002 ET (#235 of 237)
I looked to where Evergreen pointed. Through the trees came Dante carrying Phalon over his shoulder. He carried her a bit farther and then dropped her to the ground in a nearby clearing surrounded by statues. He then preceded to search her, mumbling something about finding a necklace. My first reaction was surprise, then worry. I felt along the my bond with Montara....and felt nothing. That could mean one of two things. Either he was asleep, or dead. Either way, harm had come to my brother, and the penalty of that was death. My eyes narrowed in anger, and I drew my sword out silently. Evergreen looked at me, and seeing my intention, grabbed my arm to stay me. I shook her off easily, and went to step into the clearing.
Before I could move though, Gabby walked into the clearing, unaware of the danger she was in. She was looking at the ground as she walked, a worried look on her face. She was still worrying about what had happened between Zena and Evergreen, and wasn't paying attention to where she was going. Dante looked up at her approach and smiled. "So, little Gabby, where are the others at?"
Gabby looked up, startled at seeing Dante there standing over Phalon's prone body. "Dante, what are you doing here? And what have you done to Phalon?" She brought up her ever-present staff, ready to fight if need be.
"She owes me something, and I intend to get it" he replied. He then started to move in Gabby's direction. Before he got very far, the staff came alive in her hands, and she whacked him in the stomach followed by a shot to his head. He fell to the ground, but after he cleared his head a little, he tried to rise. Before he could even get to his knees, however, Gabby hit him at the base of his head, knocking him out very easily.
"Well done little one" I said, sheathing my sword as I stepped out of the brush with Evergreen following me. I could sense Montara through the link again, and though he complained of a very sore head, he assured me he was fine and working his way to our position. My anger was somewhat abated, but I didn't trust myself around him. When I saw Evergreen go over to secure Dante, I headed to Phalon to untie her and make sure she was alright.
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EvergreenLM - 10:54am Sep 1, 2002 ET (#236 of 237)
"To Conquer Others is to Have Power...to Conquer Yourself is to Know the Way"
When Angry,Count to Four; When Very Angry Swear
Evergreen walked over to where Dante laid in a dazed clump on the ground. Blood trickled from his head and his eyes were not focusing well. He attempted to stand and slumped back down on one knee. Gabby raised her staff with a face that read she was intending to finish what she had started.
"No! Stop it ! Stop it right here, right now!",Evergreen shouted at Gabby catching the end of the staff on its descent back down to Dante's once again prone body.
"We don't kill when our opponent is finished...I...pls...not you...don't kill him Gabby."
Gabby jerked the staff from Evergreen's grasp,wheeled towards her with such an expression of anger through tears that now were freely falling from a once so innocent face. Her body shook as she screamed at Evergreen.
"You Evergreen! You...what do YOU know of not killing while the enemy is down! Have you so quickly forgotten Justinian? Have you forgotten what it was LIKE killing your own father? You cannot tell ME anything about right or wrong...you betrayed my mother's friendship...how could you?...she tried to give your life back to you and you belittled her...where is the greater good in that?...get AWAY from me!"
Evergreen was stunned to silence. She dropped her head and as the tears began to fall, she slowly looked back into those innocent eyes and knowing defeat said,"You are right Gabby, you are so right and I was so wrong...your mother has taught you well...you do honor to Queen Gabrielle."
Evergreen turned, dropped the short sword, and ran into the forest.
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Shanny - 02:04am Sep 2, 2002 ET (#237 of 237)
Drawing closer to the statues, Amara could hear chanting… “A ritual! Maybe even a sacrifice!?” Deciding it was better to hide in the bushes then become part of the action, Amara walked in along side the bushes hoping that she would go unnoticed.
There standing on the stone steps to the temple she saw a woman with her attention focused somewhere else to and watched her as she spoke and the saw two figures crumble to nothing…. “By the Gods,” she whispered, “I must get away fast!!”
With that Amara started to turn and planed to take off deeper into the woods only to be jolted back by unusually powerful hands and thrown to the ground. This woman who had just made stone crumble by looking at it had her in her grasp…
“What are you doing spying on me?”
“Please, let me up. I mean no harm. I am Amara. I was drawn to the sound of the chanting. Please dun murff mu.”
“Shh!”
The woman looked away and Amara could hear, movement all around and yelling… What is going on? , she wondered. Unable to move she could see nothing… I only hope this woman is friend and not foe…
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 133
(9/2/02 1:40 pm)
Re: Familia
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The sounds of the fighting stopped and then female voices drifted back to the two on the ground at the foot of the temple stairs. As she slowly lifted her hand from the woman’s mouth Zena warned her to silence and sat back on her heels to assess the threat she posed. The answer was..none. No weapons, no great physical strength, no signs of aggression. Zena stood and offered her arm to the woman. When they were standing she said, “Don’t lurk like that. It will get you killed. C’mon my friends are here.” She turned her back on the woman and took long strides down past the statue garden but listening as there was silence and then the sound of short, quick “catch-up” steps.
Zena waved to Black Wolf as she bent over Phalon and walked on. When she reached an unconcious Dante guarded by Gabby she stood with her feet spread apart and her hands on her hips and feigned anger. “WHERE did I tell you to stay, and WHAT did I tell you to do?” Gabby’s head was down but when she looked up her face was so sorrowful that Zena dropped the pretense and scooped her daughter into her arms. “Here, what did you say your name is?”, she tossed Gabby’s staff to Amara and said “Guard this nasty fellow. Don’t be afraid, he’s out.” Zena pulled Gabby over to a log and they sat while Gabby told her what had happened with Evergreen.
“She didn’t even thank you for saving her LIFE! She’s always angry and she always jumps into everything before anybody else can even think about what to do.”
“Well, my little warrior she can be difficult. But so am I and so are you Miss Neverstaywhereyourtoldto.” Gabby blushed and put her head against Zena’s shoulder.
“We chose each other as family long long ago. In a family sometimes you carry someone, sometimes they carry you. Evergreen always has trouble with the part where she gets carried. She’s a proud woman, a proud warrior. She misses the blessing in being the one who needs help; it teaches you gratitude and a realization that someone loves and cares for you. And, it gives someone else the chance to do good. I shouldn’t have said what I did either, although that is the way I felt and she should know that. And you,” she ruffled Gabby’s hair, “were exactly right to tell her what you felt. It will help us come to respect each other and love each other more. Look at this...” Zena pulled over Evergreen’s pack. “Apples. Do you know why she has apples in her pack?” “Because she wants a snack later?” “No silly, because she knows I WANT a snack.” Zena crunched into an apple and said through her chewing, “Gotta love her! Hey, Amanda. Amana? Oh. Amara. Stay here, we’ll be right back. Black Wolf, no biting OK?” She chuckled to herself at the sight of Amara quivering and staring at Black Wolf and Zena and Gabby went after Evergreen.
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 9/12/02 6:33:03 pm
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 16:11:31 GMT -6
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 3
(9/3/02 9:42 pm)
Fate Makes Our Relatives,Choice Makes Our Friends
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Evergreen took off running into the forest. She ran on instinct without really seeing where she was headed or anything that might be an obstacle.
She ran around rocks,leapt over logs,cleared a small stream,dodged low hanging limbs(still feeling the abrasion of the earlier encounter)pushing them up and out of her way. She just ran.
Evergreen never saw it coming. "WHUMMMP! A booted foot flew out leg sweeping Evergreen ,and with the momentum of her run sending her airborne.
"BAM!...THUD!" The short Amazon, with many moons notched to her birth chart, hit the ground solidly and lay flat on her back. "THUNK...THUNK...THUNK"
*Apples?...It's raining apples? I have been DOWNED by APPLES?" Evergreen's mind was a wash of confusion.
Out of the haze came a familiar voice followed by yet another familiar stifle of laughter.
"And THAT my daughter is how you stop a crazed Amazon."
Four arms came reaching down to the fallen warrior. Evergreen looked up with a vague recognition of the eyes staring down at her.
"Zena? Hey...did I ever tell you that you have nice hair?"
The familiar voice replied, "Ye gods Gabby I think I may have done real damage."
The taller of the two standing figures knelt down,brushed a silver strand of hair from an old friend's face. Evergreen's eyes flew open with a devilish flicker. Zena felt her tunic pulled and grabbed tight with a boot coming into her abdomen pushing her up and over the figure on the ground. "WHUMMMP!" Zena hit the ground flat on her back with her headed pointing south to Evergreen's north. Silence... Deep Sigh...
Softly, "EG, we are really TOO many seasons for this..."
Gabby shaking the shock from witnessing the entire event began to laugh with relief. The spirit of the forest laughed in unison..." What games mortals play!"
Amara
Registered Member
Posts: 15
(9/5/02 1:38 am)
The new comer upon the Amazons
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Amara stood there, confused and overwhelmed by all that had just happened. Trying to soak it all in, she looks down at the unconscious male and back at the warrior female that she had been left with. She held the staff tightly ready to strike at a moments notice… she hoped.
“Hi.”
Blackwolf looked back at her nodded and then said, “Watch him.”
“Al.. Alright.” Amara stood focusing more on Dante now waiting for signs of movement.
After a few moments of silence Blackwolf broke it by asking Amara, “So where have you come from?”
“I traveled my way down here from Thessaly near Mt. Mavrovouni,” Amara reminisced for a moment about the home she had left behind. “It’s a beautiful place forest all around, pastures inbetween.. a small village nestled near the mountain” A smile spread across Amara’s face as she explained the view to Blackwolf, “My family does cattle raising there.”
Blackwolf stared back at Amara a little confused and intrigued “So what brings you out to travel all by yourself?”
“Well, I felt the need to go… I had a calling to come to the sea and search for something lost to me many seasons ago.” Amara drew her breath and started to explain her story. “ I do not remember much but I’ll tell you what I can… When I was six years old there was a terrible war going and many people were being taken and forced to fight or were sold as slaves, anyone who refused was killed, my birth mother took off one night with me on horseback and took me to the farthest town away she could, before danger had reached our tribe. She left me with a family who promised to take care of me until it was safe for her to return back and come and get me.” Tears welled up in Amara’s eye’s… she fought them back as hard as she could. “Only, she… she never came back. I don’t know what happened to her but I want to find her again… someday.”
Amara swallowed hard. “I can’t remember much of my time before with my birth mother, we were attacked while fleeing and I got hurt pretty badly." She lifted her hand and felt the small scar across her head hidden in her hair, "My mother who raised me said I was lucky to be alive… ‘The gods must have some other plan for you’, my adoptive mother would tell me” She looked up at Blackwolf, “All I have left of my birth mother is in my bag. I feel her though and I believe she drew me here to the sea. I think someone here can help me find my mother.”
Blackwolf gave her a warm smile and Amara smiled back.
“Mmmmppphh” Dante stirred a little bit and almost instinctively Amara took the staff and hit him upon the head hard.
THUNK.
“Sorry, I…”
“Don’t be sorry,” Blackwolf snickered a little “Nice hit.”
Amara beamed back proudly and smiled even wider.
AKA Shanny
Edited by: Amara at: 9/5/02 2:34:01 am
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 189
(9/5/02 6:26 pm)
Here Today.....
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The trees made an green leafy arch in front of a cloudless blue sky. This was best viewed from the prone position which Zena now occupied. She sighed a deep sigh, mumbled something about the aging process and sat up. Gabby laughed, Zena raised an eyebrow, and Gabby stopped laughing. Evergreen sat up too and they looked solemnly at each other. Gabby held her breath.
“So,” Zena began, “why didn’t you tell me before that I have nice hair?”
“What?”
“My hair, you know, nice.”
Evergreen took up one of the fallen apples and gently tossed it at Zena. (thunk)
“Don’t do that.”
“What?” (thunk)
“Hit me with those apples when I’m about to have a serious talk with you.” (thunk, thunk) Evergreen began to throw harder and standing up ran for the cover of a tree.
(thunk, thunk, thunk, THUNK!)
“Ow! That hurt by Artemis helmet!” Zena grabbed a handful of apples and so did Gabby.
“Don’t swear, we’re right near the temple. (Whoosh..thunk)
“YOU”RE the devotee, not me.” (thwack) Gabby bounced a good shot off the tree next to Zena. “Hey! A little respect for your Mother!” The ‘war’ went on in earnest with apples whizzing back and forth and the sounds of laughing; their hearts were lifting again as they played. As Evergreen leaned out to wing one last apple at Zena, two huge transparent Amazon guards appeared beside her and seizing her arms on either side disappeared with her into tiny fragments of light. For a second Zena and Gabby froze and then ran to the spot where Evergreen had been. Only the apple remained on the ground. Both of them stared at the apple and then slowly raised their eyes to each other and said in unison, “By the gods!”
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 9/5/02 6:34:19 pm
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:00:12 GMT -6
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 16
(9/8/02 9:53 pm)
Connections?
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As Phalon drifted in and out of consciousness she was not totally oblivious to what was happening around her. A vague awareness crept into her mind as to the situations taking place as she slept.
A familiar voice. Little Gabby. “What have you done to Phalon?” Dante’s gruff voice. Scuffling. Whack. Thud. Silence. Nothing more from Dante. Then, “NO! STOP it! Stop it right here, right now!” Evergreen. Arguing. Little Gabbyfan and Evergreen. “YOU Evergreen. Get AWAY from me.” The sound of feet running into the forest. “WHERE did I tell you to stay, and WHAT did I tell you to do?” Now Zena scolding Gabbyfan. Murmuring, then more footfalls into the forest. Other voices, but quieter now. An unfamiliar voice, “…Had a calling to come to the sea…I think someone here can help me find my mother…” THUNK. Blackwolf, “Don’t be sorry. Nice hit.”
Blackwolf. The black wolf. Montara. It was starting to come back to Phalon now. The struggle in the hut with Dante. Him ranting about her ruining his plans. The wolf lunging towards Dante. Dante striking at the wolf with a chair. Then blackness.
She forced herself to wake, and struggled to sit up. “Look! She’s stirring”, said a woman Phalon did not know. Blackwolf rushed over to where Phalon was laying. “Montara?”, Phalon asked. “He’s let me know that he is well”, Blackwolf replied.
Phalon's eyes began to focus on her surroundings and her gaze landed on Dante. She remembered the conversation, (mostly one-sided), they had concerning Puella’s necklace. A shudder passed through Phalon’s body, but she quickly dismissed it as a remnant of the fogginess from the blow she received to her head.
Phalon’s attention rapidly turned to two bodies bursting into the clearing. Zena and Little Gabbyfan! Though they had obviously been running, their faces were as pale as if they had seen a ghost!
She listened as Zena and Gabbyfan began to tell their tale of Evergreen’s disappearance, and just as her throbbing headache would not depart, she could not shake the nagging feeling that everything was somehow connected to Puella’s necklace.
gabbyfan4ever
Registered Member
Posts: 14
(9/9/02 4:43 pm)
Here today....
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Little Gabby stood in shocked silence after the scene she had just witnessed. One second Evergreen, Zena and herself were having a lighthearted apple war, and the next Evergreen was gone, vanished from their site.
Gabby wasn't sure that she had actually seen the two transparent guards take Evergreen away until she looked at her mothers pale white face.
OH NO!, Gabby thought, What if we never find Evergreen!? The last converstation we had was a huge fight!... I'll never forgive myself if.....
The little Amazon wouldn't let herself finish the thought. They would find Evergreen, and Puella as well. They had to.
Gabby looked at her mother, and gently shook her out of her shocked state.
"Come on Mom! We've gotta find the others. We need their help... come on!" ,Gabby yelled as she started pulling on her mothers arm to get her to follow.
The two ran breathless into the clearing where they left Dante and the others. There they found phalon awake and Dante still out cold. Immediatly Gabby and Zena launched into the story of Evergreen's disappearance.
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 9
(9/9/02 8:27 pm)
Altared States
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“Where am I...its dark in here…Zena?” *Ba-bump…ba-bump…ba-bump…ba-bump* The sound resonated in the darkness followed by sounds of labored breathing.*Breath in…breath out…breath in… breath out.*
“Little Gabby?” “I’m cold…Zena…where are you?”
Evergreen slowly sank down to a squatting position. *Ba-bump…ba-bump* Water trickling, smell of moss, dampness, cold. To the bone cold. *Ba-bump…ba-bump*
Evergreen soon realized that the sounds were that of her own heartbeat and very breath of life.*Don’t panic…nothing’s broken…no blood*, Evergreen thought as she felt over her body in the darkness. The next thought to wash over her mind was not so comforting. *Am I dead? *Think Evergreen…THINK!*
Evergreen sat down on what felt to be a stone floor. She drew her knees up to her chest, wrapped her arms around them, and shivered from the unbearable cold. She heard a sound of scurrying to her right.
.*Okay…okay…let’s see. I am plunking apples, yes, running…definitely running… throwing apples…Zena…laughing…Gabby…yes. Canopy of the trees…blue skies…apples*
Evergreen raised her eyes to the darkness. * I don’t know…I DON’T KNOW!*
A warm whisper blows by Evergreen’s ear. By involuntary reponse she turned into it. A hand sensually caresses her cheek. “ E-v-v-v-e-e-e-r-gr-e-e-e-n.”
“Lo-o-o-ok at where you are Amazon… you are my warrior now…Artemis cannot interfere for you here. This is MY world. No one enters this realm nor leaves it without my granting passage.”
Evergreen pondered this very unique situation she now found herself in, and with great relish, whispered back…“Whoever, or whatever you are, BITE me!”
As soon as the words gathered form on the air, Evergreen was sucked to her feet by a great rush of pure force and pummeled against what she could only surmise was something as equally hard and cold as the floor where she had sat. She fell back the ground with a sickening crunch. *Okay…this is not good…now there is pain.* She rolled off her face to feel strange hands tracing down her shoulder blades.
“Okay, you in the darkness, you asked for it.” Evergreen swung out into the blackness and felt her fist connect with the sound of knuckles meeting flesh. Her hand felt white with pain, but at least something, hopefully, was equally hurting on the receiving end. She sensed a presence to her back. *Remember…the sounds behind the sounds…*
Evergreen managed to stand to her feet fighting for balance. She pivoted, kicking out hard and fast only to hear and feel cold steel clamping down on her ankle. With one searing pull, her feet left the floor and she soon found herself with arms and head down and swinging in the darkness.
A hand reached out and grabbed the top of her shirt pulling her forward. Her chin was lifted and cold lips met her face. Breath so close.
“ I told you... MY warrior now…” Evergreen never felt the kiss as she gave into the darkness that over took her senses.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:01:40 GMT -6
QGrrlPower
Registered Member
Posts: 538
(9/10/02 2:18 pm)
Visions to reality
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Countless faces cross my vision...cloud my thoughts with all that was and all that is meant to be...
Visions of a meeting, a council, in attendance were Amazon representatives from all the lands... all together arguing... fights breaking out amongst the stong women. Petty quarrels, all trying to decide the fate of our nation...I see many there I recognize...many more that I do not...on the throne is a woman...strong, confident, her face covered with a mask. She speaks, and all stop and listen to her words. "We must band together if we are to survive!"
Suddenly I hear voices, familiar to my ears... The sounds not of my vision but sounds from outside of my head... One voice I recognize above all others...It is Gabby, I know her voice, and she is excited and scared. I shake my head trying to hear closer, trying to come out of the vision. The sights and sounds melding into one another... I focus on the words, for those are true, here and now... Slowly my eyes begin to open...The voice in my head speaks..."You have not yet learned what you must." I speak outloud, "I can not stay, not now...I can not stay!"
The necklace glows bright as I attempt to pull it off, intending to offer it to Artemis...But it has formed itself to me, I can no longer pull it off. I try to rip it from my neck but it will not break. In a panic I plead, "Please take it!" The voice no longer speaks as I plead.
Turning towards the temple door I see light, speaking to Artemis, "I will return if only to finish the vision and return the necklace to you." I begin to walk and my legs are not steady. How long have I been here, in this temple in this vision?
I slowly make my way to the door and down the steps...To a clearing where I see my friends, looking at their faces. I do not recognize one, the one holding the staff on Dante as he lay unconscious on the ground. Zena and Gabby telling of how Evergreen vanished from their sight... I try and stay balanced as I stand still. "Where did you last see her?" I ask.
Suddenly everyone turns and looks at me, I smile as Gabby rushes over and gives me a hug...
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 209
(9/12/02 7:06 pm)
Re: Gone But Not Forgotten
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Everyone began talking at once when Puella finally appeared from the temple. The story came out in fragments with Gabby taking the lead in explaining the disappearance of Evergreen.
“Like a spark from a campfire. That’s what it looked like. Gone. There were these two women warriors, big ones. Right Mom? Mom?”
Zena was staring intently at Phalon with her fingers wrapped in the sleeve of Phalon’s tunic. Unaware of Gabby’s voice, she was shivering and pleading with Phalon.
“Phalon, do it. Do the mystic thing. Go to her. It’s so cold here, and what is that awful stench? Like something is rotten. Find her. By the gods it’s cold. Hurry!”
“I c..c..can’t,” Phalon stammered. “But I feel the cold too. And that smell. What IS that?” Zena pulled Phalon up and steadied her with her arm. “We need a plan,” she felt for her chakram and looked past Puella, up the stairs and toward the temple. The doors remained open and the temple lamps could be seen flickering in the dim interior. The memory of the never ending stairs was fresh in Zena’s mind.
“You don’t know that she’s in there!” Phalon whispered.
“A god or goddess took her and who else but Artemis? She’s always been so devoted, an arrow in Artemis’ quiver. Puella, you can get us in. It’s obvious that Artemis favors you too.”
“But Mom, those warriors were HUGE!”, Gabby warned.
“Well, I’m not waiting here while she gets dragged off to Olympus to be in some holy warrior’s army! And if we stay here any longer we’ll all freeze. What’s the matter with all of you, aren’t you cold?” Looking at each in turn Zena saw that no one else but Phalon felt the awful chill or caught the scent of something rotten in the air. Frustrated, she turned on her heel and ran full tilt at the stairs only to have them turn into a steep ramp as she neared the top. She slipped and slid back down on her face, but began the ascent again as soon as she regained her footing.
“I think”, Amara said, “we need a plan.”
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 14
(9/12/02 11:24 pm)
Chillin'
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"Twenty nine chalices of wine on the wall,twenty nine chalices of wine, take one down and pass it around..."
Evergreen sang out in the darkness. The blood rushing to her head made her whole being throb with pain. She tried to raise up and grab the chain holding her ankle,which had long sense lost any feeling. Numbness was taking over ever fiber and she fought to keep from slipping back into the recesses of her mind.
"Forgive those that harm you,do good for those you hate,Forgive if not forget, I know its not too late..."
Evergreen stopped singing. *Easy for YOU to sing to your Bard ,Warrior Princess...try it upside down with your bones trying to leave your body through the top of your head*
"ZENA!" "Its okay, you can come rescue me this time. I won't yell at you...I swear...I promise on Artemis' sword."
Evergreen swayed in the darkness. * Ummm...okay, let me try this.* "Aphrodite! The cold lipped one is a better kisser than you...do ya here me blondie!"
A buzzing droned louder and louder in Evergreen's head. A wind blew by her face accompanied by the stroking hand as cold as the northren mountain tops in the season of white. A low,chastising laughter was followed by a whisper into Evergreen's ear.
"Singing will get you nowhere foolish one. Call ALL the gods and they will not answer. Are you ready to join the battle for me? Are you ready to lose what you hold as most valued?"
Suddenly the ankle was released and Evergreen fell. Expecting the cold floor,Evergreen was not prepared for the rapid swoosh that transported her to the temple. Evergreen's vision was such that she could see everyone and everything as the actions occured separately, but yet as a whole. She could see Zena running up the temple steps only to fall back to the point at which she started. She could see Puella begging for release from the necklace, and Amara,Little Gabby, and thank the gods,Phalon! *She will know what to do!*
"Zena!" "Phalon!" "Here...I am over here!"
"Oh you foolish little woman...they cannot hear you nor see you...but YOU, my warrior...WATCH!"
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:02:46 GMT -6
Leara
Registered Member
Posts: 3
(9/13/02 2:32 am)
Down from the Tree
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I can feel a smile creeping across my face as I swing through the trees. I feel as free as when I was a child. Those were simpler days long before I came to know all the bad things that life would bring my way. I am aware of the things going on below but none of them are getting us closer to finding Puella.
The temple of Artemis emerges from the maze of branches in all its glory before me. I have been here before long ago but do not find it necessary to enter any temples. The gods have never proved to bring aid to their loyal and faithful petitioners at least that I have ever seen. I can’t seem to move. I'm lost in the gaze of the temple and the wash of my thoughts of those who had died with the name of their god on their lips. They called out but no answer came it seemed a pointless waste of time to serve someone who could not bring you aid, protection or even a blessing. Having thought that I hear the reply. There is a need in all of us to believe in something greater than ourselves. Who are you to dictate what anyone chooses to believe.
I find myself lost thoughts of things none of which are helping me find Puella. As I begin to snap my mind out of its runaway cart of thoughts, who should appear but our query and out of the temple no less. She joins the group below I begin the descent slowly, I want no slipping and no more stress to my leg than absolutely necessary. Finally I limped the rest of the way to the group only to see Zena come down the temple ramp of stairs. I shivered as I got closer to the group. It was not the group that was making me feel ill at ease it was being this close to the temple. I am told the story of Evergreen being taken.
I feel very ill and move slowly to the nearest tree. I hope that the group will not notice that I’ve just turned white and they can’t see me shaking. This can’t be happening to me I find one last relative, a devotee to a deity no less, and she is missing. I am a couple of paces further away from the temple that helps to calm me a bit but it is not far enough away. I feel the need to part from this group that they may prosper. The little curse, of everything that never goes right, I have grown accustomed to. It is my normal everyday life but it should not have to be theirs. My first plan will perhaps work now, I will exact a verbal oath from Xendra to remain by the side of Puellla so I can be on my way. I do not know where I will go but I feel that I should not stay here.
My plan is fine but I need to regain some of my strength to get it moving. I will rest in the shadow of the tree and the temple. I find myself listening for the voices promised that would help to guide me to make right choices however all I hear are the voices of the group planning on how to find and free Evergreen.
Edited by: Leara at: 9/13/02 2:49:40 am
Amara
Registered Member
Posts: 44
(9/14/02 5:18 am)
In search of Evergreen
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“Well what ever the plan is we need to figure it out… and fast!” Gabby said, “Before we end up having to save Evergreen and my mother!” Everyone stood in silence for a moment and then Amara took a deep breath and spoke. “This might sound really simple but...maybe… if we…uh, well…” all eyes looked at her never in her life did she feel so out of place then at that very moment. “Well what I mean to say is what if we just go to Artemis and ask her why she took her…” Amara turned to Puella. “Can you get is in?”
“I believe so.”
“Well, it may not be much of a plan but at least it’s a start. Lets go!” Gabby said.
“What are we going to do about him?” Amara pointed over to the still unconscious body of Dante… “Shouldn’t someone stay here to watch him?”
“I’ll stay.” Blackwolf said. “I need to wait for Montara, he should be here soon.”
Amara walked over to Phalon “Here let me help you up.” She extended her arm and offered it as support to help her off the ground.
"Thank You." When her hand met on Amara's arm a strange familiarty came upon her... She felt as though she knew her from somwhere else...
“I’m not sure how much of a lead Zena has on us” Puella said. “But I hope she hasn’t done anything to get herself into trouble.”
Amra looked up at Phalon "OK, let's go".
They all started to head off and didn't get more then ten feet when there came a bright blinding light and a horrible voice that was just shrieking in laughter. It was as if it was a laughter from evil it's self.
“NO! Get off me! Go away! Hel-....” silence.... A few moments had passed by before anyone could fully see again.
“Blackwolf… BLACKWOLF!!!” Gabby called to her but got no reply.
Feeling her way around Amara headed back on the trail from which they had just started on... when she reached the familiar patch of opening in the forest, she couldn't see any one else there.
The others came up a moment later, “She’s gone." Amara called back to the group she turned to look at all of them... "And so is the other one."
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Zena already had a good head start upon them and this time had no troubles with getting into the temple, it almost felt as though Artemis had expected her. She had a fierce determination on her face; she was going to get her friend back even if she had to kill a god to do it. “ARTEMIS!!! Show yourself RIGHT NOW and give me back Evergreen!”
A brilliant glow filled up in the room and a voice spoke that sounds so close but yet distances away… “I would gladly give her back to you Zena but she is not mine to give.”
“What do you mean?”
“Simple, I did not take her.”
In the blink of an eye Artemis stood there before Zena. Zena did not quite trust her words. She walked around Artemis eyeing her suspiciously.
“So where is she?”
“She is not with the living, nor is she with the dead… she is stuck in between a realm that lies in the middle of life and death. Anyone taken there usually does not survive.” Artemis’s eyes fallowed Zena’s.
“Who has her?”
Artemis disappeared out of site, Zena looked frantically around and then jumped when Artemis reappeared right in front of her. Both starring intently upon each other when she finally spoke again it was almost in a whisper.
“Pure evil.”
Edited by: Amara at: 9/14/02 10:14:02 pm
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 210
(9/14/02 5:26 pm)
Let's All Go To The Lobby.....
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(BAM) “Ooof. All right, third time’s the charm. I CAN KEEP THIS UP ALL NIGHT you little demi-god!” This time it worked. Zena shot up the stairs and into the temple so fast that she stopped stock still and blinked in the dim light of the torches.
“ARTEMIS!!! Show yourself RIGHT NOW and give me back Evergreen!”
Zena was astounded that her summons actually worked and she gripped her chakram a little tighter as she surveyed the goddess. “Hmm. Nice armor,” she thought, “Silver but gold at the same time. Wonder how she does that. That helmet might look good on my hair.”
The confrontation was unsettling. Artemis said, “Pure Evil,” and gestured toward the temple wall. There, on the wall, where once it was blank, was a picture. But not just a simple drawing or mosaic, the picture moved and there were voices! Zena saw Evergreen chained in the dark place and automatically reached for her.
“EVERGREEN! I’m coming. Be strong. I’ll find a way.” Zena turned to Artemis with tears filling her eyes, “Can she see me? Can she hear me?”
“This is all I can give you. The rest is blocked from my power. Are you willing to lose what you hold most dear?”
“YES!” Zena stretched out her arms with the palms turned up in supplication. “Take whatever you want from me, just save her.”
“I cannot take what will be needed, you must freely give it when the time comes.”
“Then, by the..by YOU! Help me somehow to do what I must.” Suddenly a second voice came from the wall. “Black Wolf! Artemis, it has Black Wolf too!”
“The Evil assembles an army. I can give you only one weapon, my own sword. As the need arises, each of the gods in the Greek pantheon can give one weapon to your cause and your friends. Look for them. Use ALL your resources, even those that are the most unlikely.”
Artemis, Black Wolf and Evergreen vanished and Zena stood alone in the darkness.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:04:05 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 16
(9/14/02 7:22 pm)
Beckoning voices
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Once Leara and I had secured our footing in the trees we parted, each going our separate ways.Promising to later meet up at a set point.
It felt good to walk amongst the tree tops again, the crisp air ,the blue skies, the bird's eye view ,smell of leaves, the feel of bark under my feet...but I could not afford myself the luxury to enjoy it, I had to find Puella.
My mind wrestled with the questions as I raced amongst the branches. Where could Puella have gone off to? Was she hurt or lost or on some mission of her own?Was she gone of her own free will or had she been coerced by someone or something?
Experience had taught me to unexpect the unexpected, and there was always an explantion for even the bizarrest behaviors. I took solice in my own logic.
After a while,I stopped and crouched down to see if I could see any telltale signs of Puella . As I spotted a broken branch, I felt a large intake of cold wind enter into my body .
Suddenly, I felt a tightening in my chest. It was if my chest was collapsing from the inside out.I grasped my chest and held it tight as if to bind up the pain. It was for nought, the pain was becoming more excruiating by the second, soon my only thought was how to stop the pain.
As time past, my body began to grow numb to the pain and a strange coldness enveloped me.It was as if there was a presence inside me wanting not just the physical me rather it's mission of concern seemed to be my connection to Puella and the others.
As it's presence strenghtened with in me, I screamed with what I thought might be my last breath.."Artemis, Save Puella Please.."
As I cried out the words I had the sensation that my body was being flung in anger. With a mighty THUD I hit the ground.
What ever air that had been in me came rushing out . breathlessly - I laid gasping for air unable to move.
My only senation was that of pain , lungs and back screamed in burning aching misery...
As I laid there looking up at the foliage I had just been walking in a voice sounded. The voice had no visible body, in fact it was if it were around me and in me at the same time.
"Xendra,come . Come serve me and I will end your pain.I will give you dominion over the realms of earth ,you will be one of my most trusted warriors. I will show you things that you could have never imagined."
I closed my eyes, my mind raced, I recognized this voice. In my younger days I had heard the same alluring offer before... many moons ago.
I had somehow defeated the unseen entitythen , but I failed to conquer it.
Now the enity was back, only seemingly it had grown stronger, and more confident somehow.
Sensing it's growing presence within me I quickly whispered a prayer to Atremis:
"Artemis I have willingly served you and worshipped you all my life no matter what trials or tribulation I have faced.
Evil is once again beckoning me.. I do not know if I have the fortitude to win this battle again...so in case I don't,Please take whatever goodness and light that is within me use it to protect Puella and the others.
I once again commit my spirit to you Artemis. I leave myself at your mercy and will.To serve you til the end... to bring about a strong Amazon nation..."
blackwolf
Registered Member
Posts: 2
(9/14/02 10:56:44 pm)
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I looked towards where Leara was stumbling towards a tree. She looked as if she was trying to get away, but just didn't have the strength to. I was getting ready to head towards her when Zena disappeared, trying to get into the temple. It was quickly decided that Zena would obviously need help, but it left the problem of what to do with Dante.
"I'll stay with him," I volunteered. "I have to wait for Montara anyways." I could sense him in the bond. He was still a little dazed from the whack to his head, but he was fine otherwise. Everyone agreed and left. I had no sooner turned to head to where Dante lay then a blinding light appeared all around me. I then felt cold hands grappling at me. "NO, STOP!" I yelled, trying to get away. For a few seconds I was successful, but then I was overpowered. "HE...!" was all I got out before I was whisked away.
I awoke sometime later, terribly cold and hanging upside down. "Wha.. where am I?"
"Well, nice of you to join me Blackwolf." Said a sarcastic voice beside me. I turned my head to see Evergreen hanging upside down beside me. "You know, I was expecting to see you again, but more in the way of a rescue, not for you to become my companion."
Before I could answer her, evil laughter floated around us. It seemed to come from everywhere at once, but yet nowhere. "Well, well....another warrior for my army is awake." Cold fingers touched my face, and then flowed along my arms to my shoulders. It took all my concentration not to shiver at that touch. "A strong warrior...that's what I need."
In order to get my mind off what was going on, I fumbled along my bond to Montara....and felt nothing. I tried harder, but came up against a brick wall. I heard the laughter again. "Your wolf can't help you this time, Little Wolf. I think that's what I'll call you. Little Wolf. It's a good name for you, until you earn another."
I had never been cut off from Montara before in this way. I suddenly had a feeling of emptiness, of incompleteness. I suddenly started to have a feeling inching through my stomach fear. I could feel the cold breath on my face as unseen lips moved to my ear. "I could give you what you want. I can give you your wolf back and fill that emptiness. All you need to do is join me. No? Well, I'll give you a little time to think about it." Just as suddenly as it came, it was gone.
I turned to Evergreen and asked "What was that?"
She looked at me and said "Evil."
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 31
(9/15/02 12:08 pm)
Guard Dogs
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After seeing the white flash of light through the trees, they rushed back to the clearing where they had just a moment ago left Dante, Blackwolf and Leara. Dante and Blackwolf were gone! Phalon spied Leara still resting with her back against the tree, looking rather ill.
Phalon rushed to Leara and knelt down beside her. “I tried….I tried to follow but couldn’t. I’m so tired…I sat back down, for just a second to catch my breath. When I looked up, they were gone”, Leara said in monotone voice so unlike her own. Her color was gone, and was replaced by a pallid, ashen tone. Phalon put her hand against Leara’s cheek. No fever, but her skin was clammy to the touch. She then checked the wound on her leg. It was healing nicely. What demons are you fighting inside your head, Phalon wondered. Out loud she said, “Rest, my friend. You need to res…”
She was interrupted by the sounds of something crashing through the forest. Into the clearing burst Montara. He appeared agitated and anxious, and began pacing back and forth across the clearing. He then sat in the place where they had left Blackwolf guarding Dante and threw back his head and began to howl. It was a chilling, mournful sound and sent shivers down Phalon’s spine.
She left Leara and went to the great beast. She extended her hand to his nose so that he may recognize her scent. When he did, he began to whimper. Phalon scratched behind his ears. “It seems we have matching lumps”, she said, feeling the knot at the back of his head. She then bent and whispered in his ear, “Montara, I don’t know if you can understand me or not, but I need you to do something for me. The others and I need to leave to find Evergreen, Zena and your sister. When we find them, I will bring Blackwolf back here to you. What I need you to do is stay here with her”, she said looking in Leara’s direction. Phalon continued, “She needs someone, Montara. She once had a brother like yourself, but he is gone now. I need you to be her friend and stay to watch over her. It is what Blackwolf would want. Do you understand?” The wolf tilted his head to one side and nuzzled Phalon’s hand. He then left her side and went to lay beside Leara, resting his head in her lap. “Thank you, my friend”, Phalon called.
She turned to join Puella, Gabbyfan and Amara on the other side of the clearing, when she felt a tug at her robes. Looking down, her eyes met the gaze of a sad, forlorn Little Dog, who was obviously missing Evergreen. She scooped him up in her arms and ruffled the hair on his neck. “Ok, Little Dog, I need YOU to stay and keep guard over Montara and Leara.” Little Dog, seemingly pleased with this new assignment, trotted over to the two against the tree and curled up beside them.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:05:13 GMT -6
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 32
(9/15/02 7:32 pm)
The Temple of Doom?
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It was decided that they would try to enter the temple to seek out Artemis. Phalon stood at the bottom of the steps leading up to the temple’s entrance. Artemis’ temple. She gazed at the structure before her and was curious as to how they would be received.
Artemis. The goddess the Amazons adopted as their own. The virgin huntress armed with bow and arrow, the goddess of things wild and patroness of wild animals. The protector of maidenhood. The goddess of the moon, with her brother Apollo, the god of the sun. A goddess of contradiction, a healing and purifying deity, compassionate and nurturing, but in an instant turning vengeful, destructive and bloody. The huntress with a bow and arrow that often represented death.
Phalon wondered if perhaps they were making a grave mistake.
Little Gabbyfan rushed passed her and called over her shoulder, “Come on, Phalon! We’ve GOT to find them!”
Phalon started after her, but a hand on her shoulder held her back. She turned to face Puella. “Phalon, I…I’m sorry I took it from you. I just had to see…I have to know.”
“Puella”, Phalon said, “you did not take anything from me that was not yours to begin with. I was just keeping for you until you were ready to take it back. I know you seek answers. The necklace can provide them. It WILL provide them I think, in time. You wear it well, Puella. It looks good on you. It looks…”, Phalon searched for the right word, “right. It looks right on you.” She put her apprehension aside for a moment and mustered a smile, “And if nothing else the green of the stone compliments your hair color.”
“Come on, then”, Puella said turning towards the steps, “Let’s catch up to the others.”
This time it was Phalon who held Puella back. She placed her hand on Puella’s arm. “Puella”, she said, “I have an uneasy feeling we are going to need it’s powers before this is over.”
It was Puella’s turn to muster a smile, “My trusty necklace and I to the rescue. Come, Phalon. We’ve got to go.”
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 18
(9/15/02 10:14 pm)
The Gathering
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In a time before light or dark inhabited the earth, two energies battled for the opening of the universe.
One energy could put light and dark into proper balance while giving mortals the freedom to choose what roads to travel to find the way to an ultimate destiny.
Roads could go in many directions but for all time they would lead to the compliment to the mortal’s soul. The choice could be for good or for that which was beyond redemption for all time.
Mortals would be born and die and the given importance of the time between the two passings through the earthe, would be lost on some and so valued in others. What sacrifices would be made in the journey to find the link to the mortal’s life strand?
The god of the energy of light cared for the mortals and wept when they sorrowed ,took pleasure when love was found, raged at the foolishness of mortals doing harm unto each other, and gave peace when mortals came to the end of the living journey if they sought out redemption.
Without the god of the energy of light there would be no contrast of what was right and that which was wrong. Without darkness and shadows there can be no definition of light. Without evil there can be no recognition of that which is pure and good. Every mortal is given a taste of each. It is when the mortal becomes intoxicated with the taste of that which is of evil does the god of dark energy claim a presence. It is allowed to exist for the value of good lies in the choice.
The god of dark energy does not wish to seek a contrast but desires that all reside in a realm of shadows. For in complete darkness, the mortal cannot see the way to illumination of the good possessed in every soul. When the good within becomes such a part of the darkness, the greater the good lost multiplies evil ten fold. It seeks to devour all that is pure, cover all the earthe with its contamination, and create a shadowland over which evil shall reign.
Evil wants its destiny. It seeks to gather its soldiers to conquer the good.
So the battle for light and darkness is within every mortal as each is a part of the greater whole of the universe. The value still remains in the choice.
"It is What it Is"
Leara
Registered Member
Posts: 4
(9/16/02 4:06 am)
Ponderings...
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I must have drifted off again …
I awaken opening my eyes to see that Montara has taken over my lap and Little Dog is stretched out resting on my legs. I still feel the chill but it seems to be gone. I look around to see where I am. I seem to spend as much time fighting my own personal battles in the dream state as I do awake.
I am still in the shadow of Artemis’ temple. There is no one in sight they must have gone into the temple. I have to laugh at my protectors that are lying on me- two very different dogs yet their purpose is the same. It is said that the great Artemis had a great many fine hunting hounds of different shapes and types. Part of me wonders if Little Dog is one of those great dogs under command to Artemis. Little Dog was never to far from Evergreen and she seemed a most loyal devoted worshiper of Artemis.
There I go letting my mind run wild again. That might be a fanciful explanation for Little Dog but it did little for explaining Montara. I normally do not engage in such wild reasoning’s but I am not yet able to get up and get moving. Must say that such outrageous thoughts keep my mind from wandering too much into worries about the welfare of the group I have begun to travel amongst.
Edited by: Leara at: 9/16/02 4:09:32 am
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 23
(9/16/02 4:33 pm)
Dark Promises
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As I laid there I tried in vain to remember how I had redeemed myself the last time the voice had visited me, but ...each time I would nearly have the answer an evil laugh would ring out in my head, taunting and toturing me.
The voice began to swirl around my head,speaking to me in a sing song kind of voice"I know what you're trying to do Xendra, tsk tsk, did you really think I'd let you beat me twice?"
"I will beat you I cried, By everything holy I swear my sisters and i will defeat you and will live to honor Artemis yet again".
I must of angered the voice becaause as the final word left my lips...a pain coarsed through my body like none I had ever known, the voice gleefully said ,"That is just the beginning of what will happen to your little amazons and their friends if you don't serve me."
As the evil voice spoke ,another entity ..a white light appeared for just a brief moment ,a mere flash went through my mind..all I could make out was something about the greater good.
The evil entity screamed and withdrew from my body but hovered near. The voice threatened ,"I will have you or the others will suffer a worse fate."
With the evil entity out of my body I could once again think clearly. I thought about Puella and the others, I took a deep breath and said," Leave the others alone, and on the next full moon I will come and serve you...if your still in power."
The evil voice laughed a horrendous laugh,"Who are you to offer me a deal..I could just take you like I did the others?!"
Finding courage I said ," I am Xendra one of just a few who have defeated you, if you had power and dominion over me you would have taken me by now. You can only have what I offer to give. To save those I love I will sacrifice myself to your service, but not til the height of the next full moon."
The evil hissed, "I will wait and I will not harm your precious friends on the outside, but I will keep what I have as bargaining chips. Soon my army will ride an we will conquer this wearthly realm Muhahahahaha."
Then the evil vanished. I laid there and cried. I had just promised my soul to pure evil to redeem my friends...
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:06:37 GMT -6
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 216
(9/16/02 6:53 pm)
A Glowing Personality
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The profound depth of the darkness in the temple was equalled only in the totality of the silence of the cold, damp stones. In the silent blackness two things glowed: the light of day through the open doors and the blade of the sword of Artemis. Zena looked down at her right hand and saw that even her flesh took on the etherial glow that emanated from the metal when she held it. It was silver and at the same time gave off a golden aura. The weapon was simple in it’s design with little ornamentation but perfectly balanced and light in weight as if there was nothing but the glow itself in her hand. She swung the blade over her head and it sang as it cut through the air. The power that it gave to the one holding it was a sense of being invincible, an understanding of the fullness of the union of bone and flesh and metal. No one, no thing could stand against the sword of Artemis when wielded by the proper warrior..or such was the feeling it imparted to the user. Zena felt the strap of the sheath that now lay across her back and shifting it slightly to a comfortable place, moved forward into the doorway. For a moment she was silhouetted in the light, then she looked down the stairs to her friends gathering below and recalled the words of the goddess, “Use ALL your resources, even those that are the most unlikely.” Each had a power of their own that would be bolstered by the power of Olympus, and now with this sword that also had hope.
Looking up, it seemed to them that Zena glowed with the light of the strange weapon in her hand and as she descended the stairs they came closer to touch the blade and become one with this gift from the gods.
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 9/16/02 7:01:22 pm
Amara
Registered Member
Posts: 52
(9/17/02 2:15 am)
The Connection and a Plan.
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As we drew closer to the temple of Artemis Puella prepaid to ask for entrance into the temple for us all. There was a brilliant glow coming from with in the temple and all we could do was hope that Zena had gotten in and was safe.
My mind couldn’t help but wonder about the feeling I had gotten from touching Phalon when I helped her off the ground. I mustered up the courage and went over by her, tugged on her robe to get her attention and pulled her aside from the group.
“I know there is something different about you and I wanted to ask you something.”
Phalon looked back at me a smiled a little “You want me to help you find your past, the mother you lost and the life that you never could have had.”
“Can you… Can you do it? Help me find these things out? I am sorry to ask you but when I touched you I got a strong sense of familiarity, a connection almost, something I have never felt…”
Phalon placed her hand upon my shoulder and said, “I can make you no promises, and I will try to help you as much as I can, I must tell you the path that lies ahead is going to be a hard one, and there may be things on there that you don’t want to know or come to remember but it will be the truth. That much I can see.”
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“Look Zena!!!” All our head turned to the entrance of the temple and saw a much calmer and confident warrior walking out.
Gabby went running over to her “Mother! You’re OK!” She flung her arms around her mother and held her tightly; Zena wrapped her arms around Gabby and said “I’m fine my sweet Gabby, just fine.”
A few moments passed before the two let go and all eyes were upon Zena waiting to hear what she had to say.
There was an illuminating glow about Zena and a twinkle in her eye that gave the impression that she had a plan. A smile came across her face as she stared back at her fellow Amazons and travelers.
“We are going to get Evergreen and Blackwolf back and we are going to KILL the thing that has them, we all have to do this together.”
Everyone stood and nodded their head in agreement. “What do you know so far? How do we get to them? I don’t think this is a place that has a door you can just walk up to?” I said.
Zena stared back at the rest of the group. “Artemis told me it is pure evil and it’s assembling an army. She also gave me her sword and to me that as the need arises each of the gods can give one weapon to our cause to all of you. We must look for them first and use all, even the most unlikely.”
“Unless we can find another way I believe that we are going to have to set a trap….” Zena stated, “Which means one of us is going to have to get caught and all of us are going to have to go in when she is taken. I don’t know who this thing will take or when but we need to stick together so we are ready at any moment.”
Everyone stood silent for a moment, uneasy about what had just been suggested. One of them would have to try to intentionally get caught. And the others would need to be prepared when that happened.
“I am thinking that this thing has to warp in and out of our world and anything that it touches or touches him goes where he goes. We must, no, we HAVE to prepare because when we all go the battle will start, and I want us all to be ready. No one is going to be left behind… No one!”
As we set up camp for the night to rest and prepare for our travels ahead, I stood back and looked upon them all. The bonds they had together were strong, that anyone could see. The love of family was alive in them too and for the first time since I started my journey I felt safe and protected.
After a fine dinner (better then stale bread and cheese) I laid my head down and started to dream.
Edited by: Amara at: 9/17/02 2:18:27 am
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 27
(9/17/02 7:33 pm)
approaching darkness
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I laid there severly bruised and battered crying til I had no tears left in me to cry.After what felt like hours, I gingerly rolled to my side only to feel once more the brutality of the attack Evil had done on my body.
I successfully struggled to my feet. I had only one mission left in me,to find the others.
I had to warn them and or help them if I could before the night of the full moon.. after that it would be too late.
I gingerly hobbled along following the trail I had just hours before been tracking from the heights of the trees.
From the once fluid movement of tree walking to agonizing pain with every step .With each step I was being drained. walking was now an effort, every breath a labored ordeal but I pressed on..I had to know if Puella and the others were safe.
As I walked I could not only see the the days twillight butI could also feel the approaching darkness .I closed my eyes and could feel that the sun would soon set and darkness would be overtaking the forest..
Somewhere along the path I began wavering in my resolve until I saw sparks from a fire ascend upward into the sky. I prayed to Atremis that it was my sisters camp.
As I approached the make shift camp I stopped cold in my tracks in the silence I could make out a low level evil hissing sound...evil was amongst them or accompanying me I wasn't sure which.
Instantly, I realized that anything I said or even thought might be made known to the entity.I knew I could not reveal to them my plan on how to defeat the evil presence.I cleared my miind the best I could .. I just concentrated on reaching PuellaI.
I spotted Puella amongst the small group, summoning what little strength I had left I took a deep breath and stumbled my way into the camp falling at Puellas feet.
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