Disclaimers: None.  If you’re still reading my stuff at this point, you pretty well know what you’re getting into.  If you don’t have an open mind, why exactly are you still reading this far into the series? However, if you do read it and you find something you think needs disclaiming, you are still more than welcome to let me know.  It won’t change anything, but it may make you feel better.   Ugliness will earn you a smack to the back of your head.

Thanks: To Phil for sticking around to beta read for me.  She’s picked up all kinds of dropped letters because Pink and Fluffy tend to leave a trail of them.  All errors belong strictly to me.

Special Thanks: To the many of you that have taken the time to send your kind words about the Valiant Series thus far.  I greatly appreciate your feedback and your patience in waiting for this installment.  It took a lot of doing to convince Randi and Gwen they’d had a long enough honeymoon.

Author’s Note: The Storyteller’s Cardinal Rule has been suspended for the telling of this tale!!!  That’s right – the ending of this story is not a happy every after... yet.  So if you want the happy ever after ending, please wait to read this.  It will happen eventually – just not here.  Consider yourself forewarned.  This does pick up where A Valiant Life left off.


                                                                            A Valiant Mind
                                                                                                           By D



Prologue

A rasp of air and the click of a lock in place were the only sounds the door made as it shut.  Then stillness was all that was left in the room, save the occasionally popping from the fireplace.  A flick of a wrist and even that comforting sound disappeared, leaving the tense figure alone in the abrupt silence.  For long moments the woman stood ramrod straight, clenched hands at her side the only testament to the frustration running through her body.  Without warning, she brought both fists down on the low table in front of her, watching dispassionately as it splintered.  Then her body sagged in defeat, and she slumped into a chair and stared unseeingly at the silent flames as the coldness in her soul became unbearable.

When the torment grew to be too much, she brought her clenched fist up into her lap and slowly opened her hand, revealing a ring she’d never expected to hold like this again in this lifetime.  The Soulmate’s Ring.  Her mind turned to the last words that had been spoken between them before Gwen walked out of her life.

“I never thought I would do this Randi,” she said, slipping the platinum band from her finger.  “What we had together.... It doesn’t seem to mean anything to you anymore.”  She held up her hand when Randi opened her lips to speak.  “Let me finish.  I know what this means to me... what it symbolizes for me, for us.  However, I don’t want to hold you to a promise you are no longer capable of keeping.”  She took Randi’s hand in her own and placed the ring in the center of her palm, closing it gently and watching as the fist clenched reflexively around it.  “You decide what it means to you, if anything, and you let me know.”  Gwen kissed the balled fist then slipped from the room without another word.

The sound of a shuttle preparing for take off interrupted her reverie, and Randi closed her hand protectively over the ring she still held.  Then she rose and turned off the fire completely, moving out the door without a backward glance.  The door closed with definite purpose and the room was left in cold, dark silence.  She made her way to the bedroom they had shared together for such a brief time here, finally understanding instinctively that there was no happiness in this house... not then and certainly not now.  Blue eyes stared out the window, tracking the progress of the small blonde woman towards the shuttle.  The grief was almost overwhelming now, and the warrior couldn’t stop the lone tear that slowly, silently rolled down her planed cheek.  She leaned her head against the cold glass, wondering what had gone so wrong that they’d come to this place.

The shuttle rose, and she felt her heart break.  Randi couldn’t see the corresponding tears slip from green eyes as Gwen left her behind and headed for home... alone.  Randi watched the craft fade out of sight and still stood staring sightlessly into the void into which it had disappeared.  She cast her mind back, trying desperately to find the compelling cause that had brought them to this point in time.

It had all started out so wonderfully....


Chapter I

The slight warmth of the waning sun was decidedly welcome against the sharp cold of the wind that blew against them even as they slowed upon reaching the bridge.  Randi absently keyed in the codes and lifted her helmet, then yelped when icy, gloved hands slid under her jacket and shirt and hit bare, warm skin.  She turned her head slightly and cut her eyes in Gwen’s direction, getting an innocent smile and batting eyelashes in return.  “Ya know, Little One,” she growled low in her throat though the twinkle in her blue eyes could be readily seen.  “I’m sure I can find a payback for this when we get home.”

Gwen squeezed the firm abdomen under her hands lightly before beginning to stroke the soft skin in random patterns.  “Oh, I hope so, Stud,” Gwen whispered in the ear closest to her lips.  She was thankful they had removed their helmets as they waited for the bridge to extend.  While she understood and agreed with their purpose, they really got in the way of teasing sometimes.  She smiled when she felt the ripple of excitement course through Randi’s body, feeling its twin echo in her own.  “It’s different this time, isn’t it?” Gwen continued softly. 

“Yeah,” came the quiet reply.  “It really is.  I don’t understand it.  We’re still the same people we were when we left.  How do a few words spoken in front of our friends make such a difference?”

Gwen pinched Randi’s muscled belly lightly, earning her another squawk and an outraged glare.  “I’m a bard and you’re asking me about the difference words can make?”

Randi shrugged.  “Well, yeah,” she said seriously.  “We’re the same people.  Nothing really changed between us and yet....”

“And yet everything changed.  It’s real now.  Not a dream or wishful thinking or private hopes.  This is real, and the reality of us together is simply beyond anything we had imagined.  What we have is....”

“What we have is a gift beyond price that no one can take away from us, and now everyone knows that.”

“Exactly.  That’s what makes it real.”  She let her hands drift upwards, eliciting a soft moan.  “I love you, Randi.  Now take me home so I can show you how much.”

“Helmet,” Randi commanded gruffly before revving the bike and shooting across the bridge.

************

“Guess who’s home?” Tommy said to Ella as he came out of his office.  “The bridge extension codes just came through.”

Ella smiled back at him.  “It’ll be good to have them home again.  But it’s gonna be so different now.”

“How do you figure, Hon?  Things’ll be back to normal finally.”

Ella gazed at her husband with something akin to pity in her eyes.  “Sweetheart, have we been married so long that you don’t remember how things changed for us when we got married?”  He stared at her blankly and she rolled her eyes.  “Never mind.  I love you anyway.  I’m sure it’ll dawn on you eventually.”

“I... but....”

Ella chuckled and shook her curly head.  “C’mon.  Lemme go get Randall and we can go invite Geoff and Jill for dinner – give Randi and Gwen a little privacy to settle in tonight.”

Tommy looked at her with a funny expression on his face.  “Why?  It’s not like we don’t know they’re married.”

Ella cuffed the back of his head.  “Will you come on?” grabbing a jacket and stomping out the door that led to the shortcut between their property and Randi’s.  She kept mumbling under her breath, and though Tommy couldn’t understand the words, he realized by her looks in his direction that he was going to be in the doghouse for a while.

************

Jill was curled up on the couch reading, grateful for the peace that had finally fallen over the boathouse.  At her feet lay three shepherds – Ditto, who went everywhere Randall did, and the two pups that Geoff was training.  Jill shook her head and smiled reflectively.  She wasn’t sure Randi was going to appreciate some of the tricks her husband had patiently been teaching Carbon.  Her expression became pensive.  Although truth to tell, she wasn’t altogether sure they were going to be able to give the puppy up when Randi and Gwen returned. Carbon had been such a motivating force for Geoff and she hated to take that away from him.  On the other hand, she wasn’t sure either daughter would forgive them if they took Carbon away.  Well, Randi might, but she was willing to bet Gwen wouldn’t.

Carbon opened an eye at her and let out a long yawn, then looked at her reproachfully before returning to his slumber.  Jill had to chuckle.  They had totally worn one another out.  She cast her eyes in the direction of their bed where Geoff and Randall were both safely ensconced sound asleep.  It had been a long time since she’d and Geoff had had quite so active an afternoon and coming on top of his regular exercises....  She smiled again.  It was a pleasant exhaustion for a change though, and one they were both happy to have.  She was hoping the memories of their time here would help Geoff once they returned to the capital city to continue his regimented therapy. 

Her mind continued to wander freely from subject to subject as she rested, her eyes unfocused on the vista before her until a movement from the direction of the Steele house caught her attention.  She wondered if Ella was still angry over her unwilling participation in Tommy and Geoff’s post-nuptial practical joke on Randi and Gwen.  She didn’t think so, but something was up.  That much was evident from her body language.  Jill got up and went to the door, motioning them for quiet before they could knock.  “Come in,” she said.  “Sorry... they just fell asleep about twenty minutes ago.  It’s been wild around here today.”

Ella took off her coat and handed it to Tommy who hung them both by the door.  “I’m sorry, Jill.  You should have called me if he was giving you problems.”  She stopped speaking when the older woman held up a hand.

“Are you kidding?” Jill asked with a light laugh.  “I haven’t seen Geoff this happy in months.  They wore each other out.  This was great for him so thank you.  Now what’s up?” directing them to a seat on the couch.

“Well, Randi and Gwen should be driving up in a minute.  I thought I’d see if you and Geoff wanted to come over for supper and give them some time to settle in.”

“A little privacy for their first night home, huh?”

Ella cut her eyes at Tommy.  “Yeah.  Some of us can actually remember being newlyweds.”

Jill laughed at Tommy’s blush and patted his leg. “Don’t worry, Tommy.  I’m sure you’ll remember eventually.”

“I think I’m being pandered to,” he said with a scowl, crossing his arms over his chest.  “I just don’t see....”

A chuckle from the bed made three heads swivel towards it.  “Tommy, my boy... do yourself a favor and let it lie,” Geoff said in a voice still rough from sleep as he eased himself out from under Randall’s small body and scooted to sit upright.  “You’ll be farther ahead.”

“But....”

“So, Ella, what’s for dinner?” Geoff cut in before Tommy could protest further. 

************

Randi and Gwen pulled into the garage just as the sun touched the horizon.  Together they wiped down the bike and tarped it before joining hands and making their way towards the beach house.  “So do you think the folks will be offended if we skip the hellos this evening?” Randi asked.  “I mean, Tommy and Ella won’t care, but....”

Gwen chuckled.  “Randi, I think if we show up at the boathouse tonight, my mother will chase us out with a broom.  In case you haven’t noticed, my folks still act like newlyweds after nearly thirty-five years of marriage.  Somehow I think they’ll forgive us for wanting whatever time we can spend alone together.”

Randi smiled, noting a bit of movement at the boathouse windows.  “Good,” she said, scooping Gwen up into her arms and angling them towards the front door.

“RANDI!” Gwen squealed, having been startled by Randi’s unexpected move.  “Put me down.”  Randi stopped and gazed at her bard with soulful eyes, but she didn’t move otherwise.  “Randi!  Don’t look at me like that. C’mon... you carried me over the threshold at the cabin.  You don’t need to do it here too.”  The eyes widened slightly and the bottom lip stuck out just the tiniest little bit.  “AUGH!!  Randi....”  Gwen bit her lip and closed her eyes in defeat, then she tightened her arms around the warrior’s neck.  “You better not make this a habit, or I’ll have to do it to you just to be fair.”

She missed the almost comic look that crossed Randi’s face from the visual Gwen’s words painted for her.  She could just see Gwen hefting her into a fireman’s hold or dragging her into the house like a cavewoman because she just couldn’t picture herself being cradled like she held Gwen now.  The visuals made her want to giggle and she covered her exuberance by swinging around in a circle, causing Gwen to shriek before dissolving into laughter.  Randi forgot about the audience they might have as she keyed in the codes and pushed the door open.  She leaned down and caught Gwen’s lips in a fiery kiss before kicking the door closed behind them.

*************

“Well,” Ella said as Randi cradled Gwen in her arms and moved out of sight.  “I think the coast may be clear.  Shall we try to head home for dinner?”  A squeal and laughter answered her question, followed by the distinct slamming of the beach house’s front door.

The four adults looked at one another, then Tommy said with a look of enlightenment, “It should be safe now,” he muttered, causing a tittering among the other three.  A small voice stopped ant further comment.

“Mama?”

Ella walked over to the bed and Randall held his arms up, still blinking the sleep from his eyes.  “Ready to go home, Little Stud Muffin?  We’ll take Auntie Jill and Uncle Geoff and have some dinner?”

“O go too?”

“O go too,” Ella confirmed as she lifted him up.  “Oof!  My goodness, you’re getting to be a big boy.”  She handed him to his father.  “You can carry him back, my love.”  She turned to Jill and Geoff.  “Now if ya’ll think we can make it over with just Geoff’s chair and no transport, we will head on over before it gets dark.  Otherwise....”

The older couple exchanged glances and nodded without words.  “We’ll try.  Worst that happens is we wait on the path through the woods, right?” Jill asked.

“Absolutely,” Ella replied.  “And we’ll bring you back tonight regardless.”

“Good,” Geoff said.  “Let’s make tracks... or not, in my case,” gesturing to his hover chair.  They moved forward in parade fashion, taking care not to be noisy though no one for a moment believed Gwen and Randi were even aware of their presence.  Geoff didn’t see the grateful smile Jill donned at his light reference to his handicap, but Tommy did and he returned the smile with a wink.  Then the troupe slowly made their way to the Steele manse, unnoticed by the couple inside the beach house.

************

They separated just slightly, eyes still closed and breathing one another’s air as they absorbed the sensations of being in their home to start their life together as a married couple.  Slowly their eyes opened and they gazed at one another, smiles crossing both faces before Gwen curled up and hugged Randi tightly.

“I love you, Randi.  Always.”

“I love you too, Gwen.  Forever.”

“Now you want to put me down before you hurt yourself?” Gwen asked, pulling back enough to look Randi in the eye.  Randi returned the look thoughtfully, giving the question the serious consideration she felt it merited.

“I think you overestimate yourself there, Bard.  You’re no heavyweight, ya know,” said with a big, teasing grin and a twinkle.  Gwen looked back at her in mock outrage and withdrew one arm from Randi’s neck, poking her in the chest to emphasize her words.

“Are you calling me a lightweight there, Gunny? Huh?  Are ya??”  She bit her lips to contain the laughter she felt bubbling up.  “Why I’ll have you know....”  Then she screeched and clutched at Randi’s shoulders as her world tilted and she found herself nose to nose with her.

“Yeeeessss?” Randi drawled, pecking Gwen’s lips lightly.  “You were saying?” stealing another quick kiss.

Gwen wrapped her legs around Randi’s waist giving them enough stability to allow Randi to brush her lips against Gwen’s again.  Gwen tightened her hold and deepened the kiss for a long moment.  Then she unlocked her legs and slid down the tall body until she was standing once more.  Gwen tucked her head under Randi’s chin and mumbled, “What was the question?”

“Um, there was a question?” Randi muttered.  She blinked her eyes and then let them flutter closed when Gwen tightened her hold into a hug once more.  She smiled, captivated by the feeling of completeness that washed through her by simply holding Gwen in her arms.  They held each other in the same position for some moments before Randi pulled away slightly and extended her hand.  “C’mon, Little One.  I hear a nice hot shower and a bottle of wine calling our names.”

Gwen had surprised her – insisting on separate showers and a little preparation time as well.  When she knocked on their bedroom door half an hour later, Randi almost forgot to breathe at the vision presented to her.  The gown was sheer almost to the point of translucent, leaving only teasing glimpses of the assets it protected.  Randi felt almost overdressed in the royal blue silk robe she had donned until she caught the look of lust and desire shining from the verdant eyes now locked on her own.  Gwen reached out a hand and ran it from Randi’s waist to her collar and easing her hand into the raven tresses that hung loosely down her back.  She kneaded the muscles gently, causing Randi to momentarily close her eyes.

“You look wonderful,” Gwen whispered.  She felt Randi’s hands come up and rest lightly on her waist, clenching convulsively as Gwen’s touch continued to massage away aches and anxieties she hadn’t realized were there.  It was all Randi could do not to moan aloud at the sensations Gwen’s touch was sending cascading through her body.  Instead she bent her head and let her lips and tongue speak for her without words.  Finally they pulled apart a little winded. Gwen smiled up into Randi’s eyes that caused a reciprocal smile to light blue eyes.  “C’mon, Beautiful.  I want to dance with you tonight.”

Randi grinned and allowed herself to be led into the living area where Gwen had obviously been hard at work.  A nest of throw pillows and rugs was prepared on the floor in front of the fireplace and a bottle of... something... was chilling in the bucket to the far side.  A tray of finger food resided nearby and scented candles had been lit around the room.  “Music,” Randi called out, not surprised to hear the soft strains of their favorite jazz artist stream from the recessed speakers strategically hidden throughout the room.  Then she pulled Gwen into her body and they began to sway gently together, allowing the music to cocoon them in their own private world, not even cognizant of when their dancing became something more passionate and private between them.

************

“Welcome home, Reed,” Chief Screaming Sky beamed giving the Sabre a careful embrace.  The tribe had spent the few days since Randi and Gwen’s departure from the tiny town preparing for Reed’s arrival.  The people knew how crucial it was to have the shields in place for the seer having been exposed to the energy the couple had generated during their brief visit, and they had worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was ready for her arrival.  Reed stepped into the chief’s embrace, feeling the welcome of home surrounding her and the comfort of the barrier they had erected for her shielding her.  Even through the barrier though, she could feel odd strains in the flowing currents and briefly wondered how strong the force was behind them that caused them to be felt through the shielding.  Then she stepped back to allow the chief to greet her lover.  “Hello, Tiny.  Welcome back,” Sky offered, extending a hand for Tiny to grasp.  Tiny did so gladly, happy to be in a place that looked out so well for his beloved.

“Hi, Chief.  It’s good to be back here, regardless of the reason.”

Sky nodded with a smile though his eyes turned somber.  “It is always nice to have you both here, though I wish it was just for a visit and not....”  He glanced around, noting the unobtrusive looks they were garnering among the clansmen.  “Come,” he said quietly.  “Let us go to my home.  There is much for us to discuss, and I think you would prefer to see what I need to show you in private.”

Reed nodded.  “It’s that bad?” she asked, the feeling of foreboding growing in the pit of her stomach.  His hesitation was answer enough.  Reed looked plaintively at Tiny and he nodded.

“Right.  I’ll get the bags and take them....”

“Bring them to my house,” Sky cut in.  “I thought it best for you to stay with me this trip.”

“Oookay,” Tiny drawled.  “You two go ahead.  I’ll be there as soon as I get the bags from the shuttle,” assuming they would like a little time alone to discuss what had happened.  He was surprised when Sky shook his head.

“I will give you a hand and then we will all go together.  I would prefer to only have to do this once.”

“But I thought....”

Tiny’s flow of words was halted by Reed’s hand on his arm.  “Sweetheart, trust Sky.  If he thinks you need to be there, then there is a reason for it.  He wouldn’t ask otherwise.”

“All right.  I just didn’t expect... I mean usually....”

“It’s all right, my friend,” Sky commented as they began their short trek back to the shuttle Reed had piloted in to the small landing area just outside the town.  “You’re correct.  Usually I would prefer to show Reed privately, but I think she will need your strength for this.  Ravenhawk desperately needed Little Dove’s.”

“Randi and Gwen,” Reed said to the unspoken question Tiny threw at her in a glance.

“Oookay,” he drawled again.  “Are they part of the tribe that they’ve been given names, or...?”

“That is part of the long story,” Sky replied.  “I promise things will make a lot more sense for you both very shortly.  Even if you don’t like the picture they make,” he added with dark intent.  The two Sabres exchanged glances and followed Sky towards the shuttle.

“On the day that Nanny died,” Sky started, handing them each a cup of herbal tea before seating himself.  Then he shook his head.  “No, that’s not right.  On the day Nanny was killed, I saw a darkness I had never seen before.”

“You mean Randi?  When she went into Sabre mode?”

“Well, yes, sort of, but not exactly.  I mean,” Sky continued rapidly at their confused looks.  “Seeing her function in the capacity of a Sabre was almost... frightening.  She has a darkness within that she calls upon to become the person she needs to be to do the job she’s been tasked with.  But no,” he said shaking his head again.  “It wasn’t that though that experience was enlightening.”  Sky set his cup on the table and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees.  “Before the incident... before those animals came in and tried to destroy our home, I chanced to touch Ravenhawk very briefly.  The flashes of images I saw... well, see for yourself.”  He extended his hands, palms up and waited for Reed to place hers on top of his.  She reached forward hesitantly, knowing that what was coming was going to be painful.  Sky’s words made her halt her efforts.  “Wait.  Tiny, sit behind Reed and place your hands on top of hers.  She will need your strength.”

Tiny nodded and hastened to do Sky’s bidding.  Momentarily they were arranged to Sky’s satisfaction and the chieftain proffered his hands once more.  With Tiny’s support, Reed felt more comfortable in allowing Sky to share his vision with her, and she tendered their hands to meet his.  Time slowed for Reed as her hands touched Sky’s and she was able to see the same images he had seen with much more clarity.  The darkness she felt engulfing her was almost overwhelming, and she spared a momentary thought of thankfulness for the stability and strength that Tiny surrounded her with.

For the two men the encounter was mercifully brief and they opened their eyes slowly, Sky looking exhausted and Tiny was more than slightly confused by the impressions the images had left him.  But what was shocking was the look of pain so evident on Reed’s frozen features.  Sky removed his hands from hers and Tiny wrapped himself carefully around his partner, surrounding and shielding her as much as was physically possible.  Without warning Reed collapsed in his arms and Tiny looked at Sky in alarm.  The chief placed a comforting hand on Tiny’s shoulder.

“It is to be expected, my friend.  She has absorbed much, and she sees and understands more than most.  She needs to rest now.  When she awakens, we will talk.  Come,” he continued as he rose and waited for Tiny to lift his burden into his arms.  “Let me show you where you can rest.”  And he led the way to the same room Randi and Gwen had shared mere days before.  They mounted the stairs slowly, and Tiny was reassured by Reed’s deep, even breathing.  He understood more than most outside the tribe and even by many within it just how draining these episodes were for Reed.  And given how tired he felt from his transitory impressions, he could only imagine the bone-deep exhaustion she was now experiencing.  Sky pulled back the covers and Tiny gently deposited Reed onto the soft cotton and turned to tug the bedding over her form.  A hand on his arm stopped his motion, and he looked up into Sky’s dark brown eyes.  “No, my friend.  Stay with her.  It is time to rest... for all of us,” and he allowed Tiny to see the sheer weariness he felt in his very being.  “A few hours will make no difference in the outcome of things at this point, and we would all do better to start fresh.”

Tiny nodded, suddenly uncomfortably aware of the extreme lethargy in his mind and body.  “Thanks, Sky.  We’ll come find you.”  Then the house settled into silence.

************

“But, Master... I don’t understand.  Usher was my right hand and my best friend. I don’t see what letting him die... letting that she-demon kill him, accomplished.  I’m going to need him....”

“ENOUGH!” Ares roared, wrapping a strong hand around the young man’s throat and lifting him up negligently. “You don’t question me.  You do as I command.”

Bramble nodded, swallowing hard as he realized his allegiance to this god might be more costly than he had initially planned.  The war god was simply supposed to give him the means to defeat the woman who had cost Bramble the mother who’d been indoctrinating him from his birth.  Instead Bramble was beginning to feel more and more like a pawn in a game he hardly understood.  He cast his mind back to his mother’s words when they’d discussed religion and gods.

“Remember Son, there is always a price to pay.  Religion is a power base, and the gods take advantage of man’s greed and desire for that power.  But there will come a time, maybe sooner, maybe later, when payment will come due, and it never comes cheaply.”

Her words rang truer in that moment than they ever had, but Bramble had decided long ago any price was worth Randi Valiant’s demise – even his own life.  He would die happy if he knew he could take her with him.  He reaffirmed that belief within himself, then refocused his attention on the war god that stood before him, angry brown eyes locked with his own.  Bramble lifted his hands to the one around his neck and gently removed the tight clasp, trying not to gag as he found himself suddenly able to breathe again.  “My apologies, Master.  I did not mean to question; Usher’s death was just an unexpected development for me.  But it’s nothing I can’t work around.  We will still have Miranda Valiant when all is said and done.”

Ares gave the young man a cold smile.  “Yes, we certainly will,” the ice in the words sending chills skittering up and down Bramble’s spine.  The young man had no way of knowing what having Miranda Valiant was going to cost... everyone.

Some time later Ares stood in his dark domain, handsome face distorted into a hideous snarl.  He was looking in his scrying bowl, watching with malice the loving interaction between Miranda Valiant and Gwenevere Goldman.  He was unmoved by the love and passion they shared except for the anger it produced in the depths of his heart.  He embraced the burning in his guts, knowing that his time had finally arrived – that soon the world and Randi would be his for the taking.  He twisted his features into an evil smirk.

“Eat, drink and be merry tonight, my dears, for tomorrow, you shall surely die... or at least be MINE!!!”  His laughter rang throughout the halls of Olympus causing a cold, unreasoning fear to follow in its wake.  Randi and Gwen continued their silent dance to the music of their heartbeats, blissfully unaware of what lay on their horizon.


Chapter II

Few things in life were worth waking up before daylight for, Randi mused idly to herself in the gray dawn.  She closed her eyes as the touch that had awakened her from such pleasant dreams became a reality that skimmed over her eyes, nose and lips.  She felt Gwen smile when she puckered up at the touch and kissed her fingers as they brushed over her lips. Blue eyes blinked open to meet sparkling green and they smiled at one another.  “Good morning,” Randi said hoarsely, voice burred with sleep.

Gwen didn’t answer verbally; she simply let her lips replace her fingers for a long moment.  Then she curled back down into Randi’s side and gave her a full body hug before she resumed the tracing over Randi’s features.  It wasn’t sexual in nature, but at once both sensual and comforting in a way that so few things in their lives had been, and they sighed in unison at the feelings the exchange evoked in them.  Finally the sunlight began to creep over the horizon and Gwen slowed her fingers, letting them follow the curves and hollows of Randi’s body and sliding around and on top of her until she was in perfect tickling position.

“I’d think real hard about that, Bard,” Randi growled giving Gwen a mock-glare but unable to completely hide the twinkle in her eyes.

“Oh yeah?” Gwen challenged with a mischievous grin.  “Whatcha gonna do about it, Stud Muffin?  Hmm?  I pretty much got ya where I want ya.”

Randi tucked her hands behind her head and crossed her ankles, biting her bottom lip when Gwen used her location to good advantage.  She just managed to swallow the laugh that wanted to erupt at the touch.  She cleared her throat.  “You um... you think so, huh?”

“Yeah, I do,” Gwen said, tilting her head to one side and surveying the long body beneath her own. 

“Well, I’m glad we decided to come to bed last night,” Randi said conversationally.  Gwen scrunched up her face in thoughtful confusion.  The change of subject was somewhat baffling, but she couldn’t help returning the frank grin Randi was bestowing on her from her fairly vulnerable position.

“Me too,” she agreed.  “Making love with you just about anywhere is a wonderful experience, but I prefer waking up in your arms in our bed.  Besides, every time we’ve fallen asleep in front of the fireplace, one of us ends up walking funny.”  Randi laughed silently, shaking the body perched above her and causing Gwen to review her words before blushing a deep red.  She smacked the muscular belly beneath her lightly.  “Smart ass!  You know what I meant,” Gwen huffed but couldn’t keep the smile from her face.  She crossed her arms over her chest and looked down at Randi haughtily.  “Just why are you glad we came to bed?”

The world moved and tilted so quickly that Gwen barely had time to realize what was happening before she found herself wrapped snugly in Randi’s arms securely cradled beneath her firm body.  Randi just smiled.  “Because it is much more comfortable for me to do things like that.”

“Hmm... good point.”  Gwen draped her arms around Randi’s neck and urged her down until their noses were touching, hoping Randi would conveniently forget the incident that had brought them to this latest entanglement.  “So now what?” she asked, realizing her error a moment too late when a expression she characterized as pure evil looked back at her from beneath dark lashes.

“Well,” Randi drawled, slipping down just enough to reach Gwen’s neck with her lips.  “I thought....” nipping the skin at the shoulder juncture.  “We should....” licking along her collarbone.  “Finish....” moving her lips up Gwen’s neck and across her jawbone to her ear. “What....” tracing the shell of an ear and smiling at the muffled moan it elicited.  “You....” biting lightly on Gwen’s earlobe and feeling the smaller body squirm beneath her.  “Started....” leaning over and licking Gwen’s pert nose before launching an all-out tickle assault.

Gwen’s focus was somewhere else entirely and Randi caught her completely by surprise.  Squirming and squealing, she struggled to fight back, to get away... anything to get an edge in the tickle war, but her laughter was severely hampering her retaliatory efforts.  Fortunately Randi was plagued by the same malady and it wasn’t long before they were comfortably tangled up together still giggling softly and trying to catch their breaths.  “Whoo,” Gwen said as she fanned herself.  “That was a great way to wake up.”

Randi chuckled and ran a hand over her face.  “Yeah, it was.  But it always is when I wake up next to you.”

Gwen turned on her side to face Randi and cocked an eyebrow.  “You think so?”

Randi turned on her side facing Gwen but let her eyes drop to the bedding, a little stung.  “Well, yeah,” she said slowly before lifting wide blue eyes to Gwen’s.  Gwen gasped at the hurt she could see peering back at her from them.  “Don’t you?” continued in a whisper.

Gwen took the large hands in her own, chaffing them lightly to restore the warmth that had fled from them.  She wondered idly where the bout of insecurity had come from in light of everything they had been through to be together.  She shook her head.  “No, Love.  I KNOW it is.  Enough to know I never, ever want to wake up again anywhere other than in your arms.”  Randi didn’t answer.  She merely wrapped herself around Gwen and held on, burying her nose in the blonde hair.  Gwen didn’t understand the vulnerability she felt coming from Randi, but she knew it was there so she simply returned the embrace until she felt Randi’s grip loosen.  “Better?” she asked.

Randi dropped a kiss on Gwen’s head before she pulled back completely.  “Yeah,” she replied softly.  “I’m, uh... I’m not sure where that came from... but thanks.”

Gwen smiled so brightly Randi returned it reflexively.  “Anytime, Stud.  I have an unlimited lifetime supply just for you.”

“A lifetime supply, huh?”

“Yeah, an eternal lifetime.”

Randi’s grin turned rakish.  “I like that idea.”  She rose from the bed, pulling Gwen up with her.  “Now c’mon.  Enough mushy stuff.  I’m going running.  You wanna come?”  She moved away from Gwen and walked over to the dresser, pulling out her workout clothes.  Gwen just watched the play of light over muscle, completely losing the thread of conversation in lieu of focusing her attention on the very real body in front of her.  Randi looked back over her shoulder, noting the unconscious clenching and unclenching of Gwen’s hands, the flared nostrils and the uneven breathing she could hear.  Then she realized where Gwen’s attention was concentrated and felt the blush rise up her body even as the smirk crossed her face.  “Gwen?”

“Huh?  Uh... oh... um....” realizing she’d been caught staring.  Then she straightened and smiled.  Suddenly being married took on a whole new meaning.  She sauntered up to Randi and wrapped her arms around her neck, bringing them into skin on skin contact all along their length.  Gwen pulled Randi’s head to hers and claimed her lips with a possessive passion, not releasing them until they were both a bit breathless and then only letting go with small nips and kisses when they finally pulled away.  “Mine,” Gwen growled.

“Yep,” Randi replied, running her hands lightly up and down Gwen’s bare skin.  “Always have been.”

Randi found the blush that traveled over Gwen’s body at her words charming, but the blaze of possessiveness in the green eyes started a burn in her belly that had her seriously rethinking the need to go running.  Surely there were other ways to expand the energy she now felt beating a pulse through her body.  She jumped when Gwen’s nails raked her ass, ending with a light pinch to the firm muscles.  “Go for your run, Love.  I’ll clean up here and start breakfast.”  She looked around the scrupulously neat room, seeing their bags still packed on one side.  “Not that it should take much effort,” she noted with a smile, “so don’t be too long.”

“Waffles, maybe?” Randi asked, eyes wide with only the tiniest hint of pleading.

Gwen grinned.  “I imagine I could do that.”  She smacked Randi’s bare behind.  “But if you’re going, you’d best go on.  It’s not gonna take me that long, and I like my waffles hot, you know.”

Randi finished dressing and was putting on her shoes before Gwen was done speaking.  “Once around,” she promised.  “I just need to shake the cobwebs loose.”  She headed out the French doors and down into the sand.  “Be right back.”

Gwen stood at the door and watched Randi stretch before she took off at a good clip down the beach.  Then she went back inside and started preparations for what she considered to be their first real day of married life together.

There was something soothing about the rhythmic sound of the waves rushing to meet the shore.  Unconsciously Randi’s footsteps joined that rhythm, keeping pace double-time as she began running.  Her focus was broad this morning, not concentrated on anything except how good she felt and how wonderful simply being alive and part of Gwen’s life again truly was.  She felt the presence before she saw anything, and it brought every defensive instinct she had to the fore. 

A low chuckle rewarded her reaction.  “Some things never change,” the deep voice said before a good-looking masculine figure formed around it.  He reached out a hand towards Randi, only to find himself flat on his back squinting up into the early morning sunshine.

“I don’t know who you are or how you got onto this island,” Randi said darkly as she knelt on his chest, “but I can fix that little problem.  Get up,” she added, grabbing him by his ear and pulling.

He winced at the pain that caused, then simply disappeared from her grip to rematerialize right behind her.  She whirled and glared at him, her eyes boring into him.  He grinned sinisterly to himself.  He couldn’t have chosen better and to know that her darkness finally, finally lay within his grasp made him shiver with excitement.  “Allow me to introduce myself,” he said, folding his hands together and giving her the minutest of bows.  “I am Ares, God of War.”  He wasn’t sure what reaction he was expecting, but it was a sure bet it wasn’t the one he got.

Randi raised an eyebrow at him and gave him the most skeptical look he had ever had the misfortune of being the recipient.  “And?”

Ares cleared his throat, visibly thrown of stride by the obvious disdain she felt for him.  “Hey, a little respect here would be nice.  I am a god, ya know.”

Randi actually looked at him a long moment before snorting and shaking her head.  Then she turned and continued her run down the beach.  Ares raised his hand.  “I wouldn’t,” Randi commented loud enough for him to hear as she continued to run, increasing the distance between them.

“What’s to stop me?” he asked, a little frustrated at the way the encounter was going so far.  It wasn’t at all like he had envisioned it.  He tried to pop in beside her but found he had to run to keep up, a fact he wasn’t entirely happy with.

“I will,” Randi said matter-of-factly. 

Ares laughed.  He had to.  He was simply overwhelmed by the brash impertinence of this mortal, and it reminded him of her ancestor that he had coveted for his own so long ago.  In his desire to have her, he had forgotten the utter aggravation she presented to him because of her strength of mind and will.  She may belong to him now by virtue of his efforts and deviousness, but she had to come to him of her own free will.  Otherwise his victory would be hollow and incomplete.  “You probably could, too,” he noted with a hint of satisfaction and pride coloring his voice.  “Look, I’m not here to cause you trouble.  I, uh... I need a... favor.”

Randi finally stopped running, a fact Ares was devoutly grateful for.  The passage of time had made the Olympians more susceptible to physical exertion.  Despite his outstanding physique, physical activity wasn’t something the gods were entirely suited for, and he felt the pull in his legs and the windedness in his breathing.  It wasn’t a pleasant sensation, especially in light if the fact that Randi stood before him apparently untouched by the exercise at all.  Her breathing and heart rate were only slightly elevated and her muscles stood out in stark relief.

Now she regarded him from wide, blue eyes framed by thick, dark lashes.  “You?” she said incredulously.  “Need a favor from me?” pointing to her own chest and watching as the war god bent over at the waist trying desperately to catch his breath.  “Look, Ares... or whoever you are.  The war god is not my patron.  I have no desire to make life on this planet harder than it already is.  So why don’t you go back to whatever rock you crawled out from under, and we’ll just forget this whole exchange ever happened, capice?”  She turned and headed back down the beach.

“But this would make things better,” he muttered, sure that she heard when he saw her shoulders stiffen.  She didn’t stop running though, but Ares didn’t care.  He had planted the seed.  Now all he had to do was wait for it to take root.  He watched her run until she disappeared from sight, enjoying the play of muscle and form.  He could be patient.  The outcome of this battle was a foregone conclusion.  With a wicked laugh, he dissolved from sight, not even leaving footprints to mark his place on the mortal plane.

Randi was troubled by the odd appearance of the supposed god of war.  Not that she didn’t think it that it hadn’t been Ares.  She’d had enough godly interaction in her life during the last year or so to make practically anything a believable possibility, and he did do that weird popping in and out thing after all.  But there was something beyond that here; something that set off every hazard meter she had.  She shook her head, wanting to clear the encounter from her mind.  Her return from the dead had given her a second chance at life and her marriage to Gwen felt like a new beginning.  She wasn’t going to allow anything to mar that.  Randi picked up speed, allowing the cold wind to cleanse her thoughts and the rhythm of the waves to become her focus once more.

It didn’t take Gwen long to put things away.  More and more the house had taken on an air of being theirs until now it was impossible to tell what belonged to whom.  So she put their clothing away and moved to take a shower before preparing the waffles for breakfast.  The water was warm and Gwen stepped under the spray with a sigh, closing her eyes and letting it run over her before turning and grabbing the soap.  Then she nearly screamed when she came face to face with Aphrodite.  “Jesus!” Gwen exclaimed.  “What the hell?!?”  Her first instinct was to cover up, then she gave a mental shrug.  It wasn’t anything the goddess hadn’t seen before, and since Aphrodite had never appeared to her like that before, she figured it must be fairly important.  So Gwen girded her mental loins and continued to bathe.

“Sorry to drop in on ya like this, Babe... though you’ve totally got nothing to like, be ashamed of.”  She held up a hand to stop Gwen’s protest.  “Chill.  That is so not why I am here though like I said.... Be glad the warrior babe finds you so luscious.  We have a problem,” Dite continued, her demeanor suddenly turning serious.

Gwen’s head whipped around so quickly that Dite ducked instinctively to avoid the water that flew in her direction from the action.  “What’s wrong??  Is it Randi?  Is she hurt??  I need....”

“Whoa, Cutie.  Take a chill pill, wouldja?  She’s not hurt.  She’s....”  Gwen finished rinsing and grabbed her towel, wrapping it around her with determined focus and stepping from the shower.  She methodically began drying off and Aphrodite watched with bemusement as she began to dress.  “Gwen,” she said softly, gaining her attention easily by addressing her by name.  “She’s all right.  She’s just had a visit from Ares.”

Gwen’s eyes met the goddess’s with a slight look of panic.  “Ares... as in the god of war Ares?”

“Yep.  He’s the only one I know of.”

“Why?”

“Why what?” Dite asked.

“Why?  What does he want with her? ”

Dite shrugged, her eyes not giving away anything except....  Gwen wasn’t sure but for a moment it almost looked like pain flashed in the goddess’s eyes.  “I dunno,” Dite answered.  “But I thought you deserved a warning.”

Gwen stared at Aphrodite, suddenly understanding what was not being said and wondering why the deity was being deliberately vague.  A chill skittered over her spine as a foreboding premonition flashed through her consciousness.  And then it was gone leaving only a determination to win at whatever game was being played upon them.  The bard nodded slowly at Aphrodite, watching as the relief flooded her being.  “Thank you, Aphrodite.  I’m glad you’re on our side.”

The goddess smiled.  “Oh, Babe.  You’d be so totally amazed at the absolute throng of bodacious immortals on your side.  But we have to be very careful.  It’s....”  She tilted her curly head in a listening pose for a moment, then turned back to Gwen.  “Listen, I gotta jet.  But I’ll be back to check on ya later.  Bye now.”  And she was gone before Gwen could even take a breath to answer.

Footsteps pounding up the deck drew her attention, and Gwen smiled in pure reflex.  Randi ran across the flooring and through the open door that Gwen held, sweeping Gwen into her arms and laughing when she squealed.  “Randi!! Put me down!!  I’m all clean and you’re....”

Randi pulled her head back slightly and cocked an eyebrow at Gwen.  “Yeeeesssss?  I’m what exactly?”

Gwen looked up into the face she had grown to love more than life itself.  She gently stroked the area that no longer had the horrendous scar, the touch on the smooth skin making both of them tremble.  She allowed her fingers to trace over Randi’s features, watching as the blue eyes closed in primal enjoyment.  “You’re beautiful,” Gwen whispered, enjoying the look of wonder that crossed Randi’s face as their eyes slowly met again.  “I’ve always thought so.”

“Even now, sweaty and smelly?” asked with a chuckle.

Gwen made a show of taking a deep breath.  “I happen to like the way you smell even all sweaty.  I just don’t want you sweating all over me.”  She watched as the brow climbed back up into the dark hairline and reviewed her words.  A blush rose over her face.  “I mean, I do like you sweating all over me... just not right now.  I mean I....”  The body cradling her began to quake with laughter and Gwen swatted at the strong shoulder.  “It’s not funny.  You know what I mean.  I’m going to stop talking now.”

Randi leaned down and captured her lips for a timeless moment before releasing them and setting Gwen on her feet.  Then she leaned her forehead on Gwen’s.  “I love you, Little One.”

“I love you back, Stud.”

“Always?”

Gwen smiled up into the blue eyes just above her own and cupped Randi’s face in her hands.  “Forever,” she answered with such conviction that Randi smiled in pure reflex.

Randi let her lips brush the bard’s forehead before she pulled away.  “I’m gonna go shower,” she said, patting Gwen on the butt and stepping back.

Gwen caught her hand.  “’Kay... I’ll go get the waffles started.  You want bacon or sausage?”  Randi turned and waggled her eyebrows before disappearing into the bedroom.  “Brat,” Gwen commented to herself with a smile and then walked into the kitchen to start working on breakfast.

“How long do you think it will take before someone starts knocking on our door?” Gwen asked as they sat down to eat.

Randi shrugged her shoulders.  “Dunno.  To be honest with you, I was expecting a knock about daybreak.  Tommy’s never been known for his patience.”

Gwen chuckled.  “Yeah, but Ella is, and I get the feeling she keeps him on a tight leash about things like that.”

“Heh heh heh.  I think you’re right though she generally makes him think it out for himself so he thinks it was all his idea.  What about your folks?”

“They’ll wait.  Especially knowing we are newlyweds.  Do you REALLY think they want to take the chance of interrupting something?”

“Guess they’ll never be coming over again then, ‘cause I see us being newlyweds for the next fifty or sixty years.”

“Is that all?”

“Well, I figure we’ll need to slow down a little bit then just in deference to our age.”  Gwen blushed and Randi just smiled.  It was quiet for a bit while they consumed their breakfast.  Then Randi spoke up again.  “Do you wanna do the polite thing or the just married thing?”

Gwen answered thoughtfully.  “Well, the good girl in me says we should do the polite thing.”

“And do you feel like a good girl today?”

Now the thoughtfulness turned to a rakish smile.  “No.  I feel selfish.  I want as much time alone with you as I can get.  I have plans for you.”

Dark brows hiked up into an equally dark hairline.  “Do you now?”

“Um hmm.  I certainly do.  It’s one of those just married things.”

“I see.  And what exactly does this just married thing entail?”

Gwen waggled her eyebrows.  “That is for me to know and you to find out after a nice long ride on the bike.  I will tell you it involves you, me, a blanket, a bottle of wine and our meadow.  Other than that you will just have to wait and see.”

Randi leaned back, stroking her chin with a contemplative and introspective air.  “Hmm... so I can spend the day alone with you engaging in all sorts of fun, newlywed type activities or I can stay here and have to be polite to the family.”  She cut her eyes at Gwen.  “Tough decision.”

It was silent a moment longer as Randi waited for Gwen to comment.  “I’m sure you’ll make the right one.”

“Well, I do have one rather pertinent question.”

“Yeeeessss?”

“Why exactly are we still sitting here when we could be riding?”  Randi rose and extended her hand out to Gwen.  “Go get ready.  I’ll clean up here and be in right behind you.”  Gwen planted a kiss on Randi’s face and ran off towards the bedroom.  Randi just chuckled and shook her head, then removed the dishes to the kitchen.

************

Tommy laughed as he saw the bike shoot across the access bridge.  He’d wondered if Randi and Gwen would manage to sneak off on this last official day of honeymooning before having to return to the real world.  He was glad that his instincts had been right on about that at least; he was going to hear about his gaffe in expecting them to be social right away for quite some time to come.

“They get away all right?” Ella asked as he came into the kitchen.  She was preparing breakfast and Randall was sitting in his chair throwing cereal to the shepherd who sat with stately dignity catching every bit that was thrown his way.  “Randall!!”

The child giggled and threw a double handful in Ditto’s direction.  The dog barked obediently and snapped up the food bits as quickly as she could manage.  Tommy tried to hold a stern visage as did Ella, but they caught one another’s eyes and burst into laughter.  The canine contributed her own vocal efforts, and Randall shrilled in sheer delight.  Finally Tommy brought his mirth under control and took a deep breath.  “Whoo!  Oh my God, that was funny.  Yeah, they just left.  How did you... scratch that.  You remembered better than I did, and I distinctly remember hating having to return to the real world.”

Ella smiled.  “There is hope for you yet, Love.  There is hope for you yet.”  She ruffled his hair affectionately.  “Why don’t you take Geoff to Midas today?  I wanna take Jill shopping before they have to go back to the capital city.  And I think we’ll make something special for dinner tonight and coax Gwen and Randi to join us.  It shouldn’t be too difficult since Geoff and Jill are supposed to head back tomorrow.”

Tommy nodded his agreement.  “I can do that.  I get some of the most interesting scoop from Geoff when it’s just the two of us.”

Ella’s ears perked up and her eyebrows rose.  “Scoop?!?  And you’re not sharing with me?”  She reached for his ears and he shimmied out of her grasp, heading for the door as fast as he could manage.

“Gotta go, Babe.  See ya later.”  Tommy took off across the beach at a near run.

Ella stood in the doorway chortling under her breath.  “Wonder how long it will take him to realize he left his jacket here.”  She turned back to Randall who was now content to eat his cereal.  “C’mon, Little Man.  Let’s get you cleaned up and go find Auntie Jill.  We have shopping to do.”  Randall simply dropped his head on the tray and Ella burst into laughter.


Chapter III

The ride out was smooth and almost silent.  The only sound was that of the wind that whipped around them and the slight purr of the engine.  Talk wasn’t necessary between them.  They were in tune enough to simply relish the joys of being alone together.  Randi rode along the ocean for a while and let the wash of the waves accompany them as well before heading inland and allowing the relative peace total reign.

Gwen tugged on Randi’s jacket eventually, and without comment the bike turned towards the meadow.  The weather, while warmer than it had been at the cabin in the mountains, was still cool enough to have a distinct chill in the moving air as they rode on the bike.  So they were both more than glad to see the outlines of their favorite grotto come into view.  Though not their ostensible reason for stopping, they were glad for the chance to warm themselves away from the brisk wind said movement created.

With very little fanfare, Randi parked the bike and shut it down, curious to see what exactly Gwen had in mind.  Creativity was something the bard possessed in abundance.  Gwen took the blanket and spread it beneath their favorite oak, then placed the chilled bottle of honey mead down beside it, sparing a moment’s thanks for the insulated wrap that had kept it cold.  She also withdrew a wrapped package from the saddlebags they’d carried and Randi wondered when she’d had the time to put anything together.  Then the sound of soft music wafted into her hearing and she smiled, recognizing an orchestral version of what they considered to be ‘their song’.  She saw a matching smile on Gwen’s face and took the hand extended to her without thought.  “Dance with me,” Gwen whispered huskily, and Randi gladly complied.

They wrapped themselves around one another, barely moving, each giving a sigh at the completion they felt simply being together.  Gwen kept one arm around Randi’s neck, and let the other drift to her collar, almost casually undoing the buttons of the oxford shirt she wore until more than a hint of cleavage was showing.  She took a deep breath, absorbing Randi’s scent and laid her head on the warm, bare expanse of skin that was now exposed. 

For her part, Randi enjoyed the goosebumps that now trailed up and down her skin, knowing the effect was caused by Gwen’s nearness more than the cool air that surrounded them.  Though if she was completely honest with herself, she’d admit to feeling very little chill.  Randi let herself sink into the sensations caused by Gwen’s warm breath.  The light touches she was absently patterning on Randi’s neck and back created ripples of awareness in her strong body.  She started humming softly, gratified when she felt Gwen smile into her skin.

“I love listening to you sing to me.”

Randi kissed the head tucked beneath her chin and smiled.  “You are the reason I sing, love.”

Gwen pulled back just slightly, enough that she could look into Randi’s eyes.  “Really?”

Randi nodded.  “Yep.  Wasn’t something I ever did much of even when I was alone, and certainly not something I did for anyone else except when I sang for Tommy and Ella’s wedding ceremony.  You are the only one I have ever sung to though.”

Gwen blinked.  “Oh, um... wow.  So the singing with the band was... um....”

“Just for you.”

“Oh,” Gwen said breathlessly, her eyes reflecting her pleasure in the knowledge Randi had just handed her.  Without another word, she laid her head down on Randi’s chest once more, absently kissing the smooth skin.  It only took a moment to notice the hitch in Randi’s breathing pattern and the kissing became something much more deliberate.  Gwen brought her hand from behind Randi’s back and gradually loosened all the buttons of her shirt, not even realizing they had stopped moving.  She allowed her hand to slip inside the open fabric, stroking the soft skin while continuing to nuzzle Randi’s chest and neck.  Gwen was so engrossed in the sensations she was experiencing that she was surprised to feel firm, gentle fingers guiding her chin up and away from the Sabre’s chest.

The burning look in Randi’s blue gaze when their eyes met made her breath catch just as her lips were consumed in a fiery, ardent kiss.  Gwen was never quite sure how they made it to the blanket or how she ended up half-clothed without realizing it, but she didn’t have time to give it much thought before she was swept away by the passion that flowed between them.  And by then she didn’t much care.

They were laying on less than one half of the blanket, the other half pulled over them to ward off the chill the cool breeze wanted to bring to their damp, overheated skin.  Their clothing served as a pillow of sorts for Randi’s head while her body served as a full-length pillow for Gwen to wrap herself around like an octopus.  Not that either of them were complaining about the situation.  On the contrary, they both wore the contented smiles of two completely relaxed, well-loved individuals.  Randi’s hands moved up and down Gwen’s arm and back in random patterns while Gwen gently traced the features so well-known and loved to her now.  Even when she was completely at ease, wrapped in the surety of their love for one another as she was now, it was so comforting to sketch Randi’s face and body with her hands... a reminder of how precious what they shared really was.

“You know something?” Gwen breathed out lightly, watching the goosebumps skitter across the tanned skin under her cheek.

“Hmm?” Randi replied lazily, not anxious at all to have to stir herself from the delicious twilight her senses had settled into.

“I like being here with you.”

Randi raised an eyebrow as she raised the blanket just slightly, taking in their naked, tangled bodies.  “Well, that’s probably a good thing – oof!  What was that for?” she mock-growled - a sound that became a purr when Gwen began rubbing the spot she had just smacked.

“Not like that, you goof... well, not only like that,” watching the eyebrow that had shot up to join its mate in Randi’s hairline slowly lower.  “I’ve never not enjoyed being with you, especially when we make love together, but that’s not what I meant.  I like being here in this place with you.  It is the one place aside from the cabin that I have always felt is just ours.  No one knows where we are, and no one can take you away from me here.”

Randi sat up heedless of her nakedness, bringing Gwen with her so she could look directly into green eyes.  She placed either side of Gwen’s face and held her gaze intently for an eternal moment.  When she finally spoke it was in a mere whisper, but intensity behind her words could not be misconstrued.  “I want you to understand something... to believe this if you never believe anything else, all right?”  Randi waited for a nod from the blonde head, their eyes never breaking contact with one another.  “As long as I am still breathing and in my right mind, nothing - NOTHING - will ever take me away from you again.  Death could not keep us apart; memory loss could not destroy what we shared; and I would fight madness with every fiber of my being to stay at your side, all right?”

Gwen held Randi’s gaze for another long, silent minute.  Then she nodded her head and drew Randi’s lips down to meet her own passionately for a breathless moment, reaffirming the connections they shared together – physically, emotionally and spiritually.  “Thank you,” Gwen whispered, pulling away and burrowing her face into Randi’s neck, taking comfort in the scent that surrounded her and the arms that held her tightly.

Randi exhaled, kissing the top of her head before raising her chin to allow their eyes to meet once more.  “Anytime, Little One.”  She let her lips brush lightly over Gwen’s, smiling in response to the smile she felt there.  “I’m here to provide whatever reassurance you need.”  She hesitated then continued more softly.  “I know there are still things that haunt you.”

“How...?” the word its own confession and Gwen hid her face again in Randi’s smooth neck.

“Look at me, love,” Randi said, waiting until hesitant green eyes met her own.  “You talk in your sleep.  And to be quite honest,” she continued without pausing, “I’d be more concerned if there weren’t.  There are things that still haunt me as well, and probably always will.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“In a totally selfish way, it makes me feel better to hear that, but it also makes me sad.  I don’t want you to have regrets, Love.”

“Not about us.  Never about us.”

Gwen smiled at that, a full-blown genuine grin that lit up her entire visage.  “Me either.  You’re the best thing in my life.  But I want you to know anytime you want or need to talk about those things that still bother you, I’m ready to listen, all right?”  She held up a hand before Randi could speak.  “Not that you have to share with me if you are uncomfortable, but I’m here.”

Randi squeezed Gwen in a fierce hug before she laid them back down again and recovered their naked bodies.  “Thank you, Little One.  Just the offer means a lot to me, but that darkness isn’t meant for the light of day,” she finished firmly.  Gwen returned the hug, hearing the finality in Randi’s words.  She stroked the body beneath her fingertips, warming the chilled flesh with her touch.  The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, just slightly awkward, and after a bit of it Gwen leaned up on an elbow so she could look into Randi’s face.  “Yes?” Randi drawled, seeing the hesitation in Gwen’s expression.

“Promise me something?”

Randi leaned up on her own elbow and faced Gwen.  “Anything, Sweetheart.  You know that.”

Gwen smiled shyly, a faint flush crossing her cheeks.  “Promise me when summer comes and we start getting those warm afternoon showers... promise me we can come back here and dance naked in the rain.”

Twin dark brows rose into an equally dark hairline before a rakish grin appeared on Randi’s face.  “What a decadent idea.  You’ve got yourself a promise, Little One.”

************

The rolling sound of thunder brought Randi out of her reverie and the smile that her memories had brought her was wiped out as the reality of her situation crashed down around her with stunning force.  “You promised me forever, Gwen,” she muttered fiercely, pounding her fists on the windowpane.  “What happened to forever?”  But there was no answer save the rain as it fell from the heavens and lashed at the window Randi gazed out of sightlessly.  The silence let her mind drift back again to a time her mind remembered as happy – before she had become what she was now.

************

“Now no teasing them, Geoff,” Jill said as she straightened his collar, scrubbing her hand through his short, graying hair.  “They’re still newlyweds, and you know how we were.”  Geoff wrapped his hands around Jill’s waist and swung her into his hover chair.  The device barely registered her added weight, and it adjusted automatically to compensate for it.  “GEOFF!” she squealed, draping herself over him with a squeeze and giving him an almost girlish giggle.

He waggled his eyebrows and cleared his throat rather loudly.  <AHEM>  “How we were?  I beg to differ with you, Mrs. Goldman.  We never got past that stage, you know.”

Jill’s embrace turned into something more of a caress and she met his lips in an ardent kiss.  “I know, Lover, and I am so very glad about that fact,” she said when they separated.  Then she poked him in the chest.  “But I still don’t want you teasing them – not yet, anyway.  Give them a chance to settle in.  Then you can tease... just a little bit.”

“You’re taking all the fun out of this.”

“I know,” she answered soberly, sliding from his lap.  “But....”  She moved away from him to stand at the window that overlooked the beach house, staring sightlessly at the empty shell.  She didn’t even notice when Geoff moved his hover chair next to her to join her observation of Randi and Gwen’s home.

“Jill?  Sweetheart?”  He placed a warm hand on his wife’s arm, patiently waiting for her attention to return to him.  She turned finally, gazing at him with tears just evident in her eyes.  “Oh Honey... what’s wrong?” he asked with evident concern.

Jill shook her head, giving him a sad smile.  “Just being a hormonal mom, I think.  She’s been an adult for a long time, but this makes it official, you know.  She belongs to somebody else now,” she said, unable to shake the uneasiness that had swept through her moments before.  Jill shrugged slightly.

Geoff sat quietly for a moment, stroking the shepherd puppy that had unceremoniously jumped into his lap without invitation.  “I thought you liked Randi....”

“Oh Sweetheart, you know I do.  She’s a wonderful daughter and absolutely perfect for Gwen.  It’s just....”

“It’s just Gwen is now her responsibility just like Randi is Gwen’s.”

Jill nodded.  “Something like that, I guess, yeah.”  She paused and visibly took herself in hand, taking a deep breath and shaking her head to clear it.  Then she patted his arm.  “I told you it was hormones.”

Geoff took Jill’s hand in his own, smiling at how well they fit together and how her fingers curled right into his.  “I think all good mamas have those kinds of hormones, Hon.  It’s what makes them good mamas.  And Gwen had the best.”

Jill leaned down and kissed the top of his head.  “She did pretty well in the dad department too.”  Geoff would have replied, but Carbon decided he’d given up enough attention and started licking their linked hands.  Jill squeaked in surprise and Geoff chuckled.  The little dog was tickling him.  But the laugh was good for both of them, and soon they were gasping for breath while Carbon sat on Geoff lap, tongue lolling from his mouth looking insufferably pleased with himself.  “You going talk to Randi about him?” Jill asked, motioning to the dog.

Now it was Geoff’s turn to shrug lightly.  “We’ll see how it goes.  I’d like to keep him, but is that fair to her?  Or to him for that matter?  It’s not like I can run with him and we don’t have a lot of space.”  He blew out an impatient breath.  “On the other hand....”

“He’s been a big help in your recovery and they are newlyweds after all.”

“Exactly.  Now c’mon, my dear.  I’d like to be to Tommy and Ella’s before Randi and Gwen get back.”

“Let me grab a sweater and we can be on our way.”  She was only gone a moment before returning with the garment around her shoulders.  “How was your day at Midas?” Jill asked.  “We haven’t even talked about that since we got home.”

Geoff laughed, a full-bodied sound, as he motioned her out the door ahead of him.  “Poor Scott,” he said still chuckling.  “I don’t think he’s getting any sleep now that the baby’s been born.”  The door closed on the rest of their conversation, and they made their way to the Steele home.

************

“Now no teasing them, Tommy Steele,” Ella said with a tug on his ear, “or I will just have to share your little... um... assumption with them.”

“Aw, Honey,” he whined.  “Not even a little bit?  C’mon, they’re newlyweds.  It’s tradition.”

“Yes, they are; yes, it is; and no, you can’t.”  Ella held up her hand when Tommy would have spoken, giving credence to the seriousness of her words and tone.  “Tommy, Love... think about this for a minute.  Given the trouble the two of them have had getting together, do you really wanna tease Randi about them wanting to spend every minute they can together?”

He shrugged.  “I don’t see why not,” he muttered.  “She sure did tease me a lot about us.”

“It’s not the same thing and you know it,” Ella replied sternly though her eyes twinkled in mirth over the picture of childish defiance her husband made trying to win a point he knew was a lost cause.

“I know,” Tommy whined, “but it’s not fair.”

“Well, tell ya what – we’ll go through what they have and then you can tease to your heart’s content.”  She smiled at the bulging brown eyes and the gaping mouth, realizing she’d just struck pay dirt in making him understand.

“Nope, that’s all right.  I’m quite happy living without that kind of drama in my personal life, thanks.”

“So no teasing?”

“No teasing,” he mumbled.  “But you can’t tell about me expecting them to be sociable last night either, deal?” licking his thumb and sticking it out.

Ella rolled her eyes but licked her thumb and met his.  They rubbed them together for a moment before she reached over and scrubbed her hand through his thick hair.  “You’re a nutcase, you know that?”

Tommy chuckled and wrapped his free hand in her curls, gently tugging her until they were merely a breath apart.  “Yep, but I’m your nutcase, and that makes all the difference,” he said softly before capturing her lips with his own.

How long the kiss would have lasted was anyone’s guess... had it not been interrupted by a childish call.  “MA!”

The couple broke apart laughing.  “Hold that thought til later?” Ella asked.

“Oh yeah... you betcha,” Tommy confirmed even as the call came a second time, louder and more impatient than the first.

“MA!!”

“We’re gonna have to teach that boy some patience.  He’s gotta have the world’s worst timing,” Tommy muttered as he slid from the seat to go gather up his offspring.  A light touch on his arm halted his actions and caused him to look at his wife with an eyebrow raised.

“I’ll go,” Ella said as she took the hand he proffered to her to help her stand.  “He’s calling for me and he needs a bath anyway. Geoff and Jill should be here shortly so you wanna fire up the grill?”

“Yep, I can do that.”  Tommy leaned over and pecked Ella on the lips.  “Holler if you need me.”  Ella nodded and headed inside.  Tommy turned towards the deck with a whistle, glad for the unseasonably warm weather and looking forward to seeing his family again.

************

Gwen shut off the bike, then turned around as far as she could manage still seated and grabbed Randi by the ears, cutting off her protest with a hard, fast kiss.  When she let them up for air she panted, “Next time, YOU drive home and I’ll drive you to distraction!  Do you realize how close we came to running off the road?  Not once, but several times??”

Randi smirked, looking infernally pleased with herself, despite the fact that Gwen still had a rather intense grip on her ears.  “Paybacks are a bitch, aren’t they?” she replied, reaching up to gently loosen Gwen’s hold before sliding from her grasp and swinging herself off the motorcycle with ease.  For her part, Gwen sat there stunned.  Finally she turned back to face Randi who was calmly unloading the saddlebags before she wiped down the bike.

Without warning, she jumped up and grabbed Randi by the arm, turning the warrior around to face her and scowling with mock-ferocity.  “I have never... not there... I mean not like that!!” she finished with an awkward squawk when she found herself lifted nose to nose with the Sabre.  “RANDI!!” she squealed for good measure, loving the feeling of strength and power she could feel flowing beneath the hands she had clasped around Randi’s biceps.  She drew back just slightly to keep her eyes from crossing – a futile effort considering Randi simply followed her motion.  So Gwen pushed on Randi’s forehead slightly until they were both upright once more.

“Yes, you have,” Randi said, deliberately dropping her voice into an octave set to give the bard chills.  “You do, every single time you ride behind me.  I just have a better ability to stay focused than you do, huh?”

“Oh you do, huh?”

“Yep,” a teasing glint sparkling out of very blue eyes.

“Hmm... I sense a distinct challenge there, Valiant.”

“Oh you do, huh?”

“Yep,” an answering twinkle illuminating green eyes now.

“Well then,” Randi said with a slight drawl.  “I reckon you’ll just have to see what you can do about it there, my bard.”

“Oh, don’t you worry, warrior mine.  I will... and when you least expect it too.”  Gwen retrieved the items Randi had removed from the saddlebags and moved towards the house.  “I’ll go take care of this stuff.”

“All right, Love.  I’ll be inside in a few minutes.”

Gwen nodded and Randi smiled, already looking forward to the many and varied ways she and Gwen could test one another’s ability to focus.

By the time she finished wiping down the bike and tarping it, Gwen was finished putting their picnic supplies away and had moved to the message center.  She shook her head with a smile and turned to go let Randi know about their apparent supper plans when Randi crossed the threshold and caught her around the waist, wrapping her arms fully around Gwen in a full body hug before leaning down and seizing her lips in an ardent embrace.  Gwen melted against her, returning the hug fiercely and letting the intensity of their passion engulf her for several long moments before pulling away just enough to gulp in some much needed air.

“What say you and I go practice focusing?” Randi asked as she nibbled her way down Gwen’s neck.  “God, you’re like a narcotic, my drug of choice, because I sure can’t seem to get enough of you.”

Gwen sucked in a deep breath.  The sensations Randi was causing to ripple through her body were fast making any resolve to mention dinner with the family fly right out the window.  Then she remembered Randi’s comment about focusing and realized she honestly wanted to say good-bye to her folks before they headed back to the capital city for more of Geoff’s intensive rehabilitation.   She pulled away slightly.

“Sorry, Stud.  Your next fix is gonna have to wait a bit.”  Gwen bit back a chuckle at the petulant expression the settled on Randi’s face.  “Seems we have a dinner date with the family,” she teased before becoming more serious, “and I’d like the chance to say bye to Mother and Daddy before they leave in the morning.”

Randi scowled a moment longer before she relented.  “You know I’m only doing this for you, ‘cause Tommy’s gonna tease me to death.”

Gwen snuck a brief kiss before sauntering off in the direction of the bedroom.  “I know, but I’ll bet he thinks twice before doing anything drastic.  He knows he’ll never win with this bard on the loose.”

Randi chuckled, but the glance she gave Gwen was one of unadulterated affection.  “My protector,” she murmured into Gwen’s hair and she squeezed her again.

“Always, Love.”  Then they moved into the bedroom and set about preparing themselves for a night with the family.

There was something to be said for having all the family gathered together, Randi thought as they were greeted at the door with shouts and laughter.  It was loud and noisy, for one thing.  It was also warm and comforting in a way so many things simply couldn’t be.  The whole family was there – Tommy’s dad, Ella’s folks and of course Geoff and Jill.  Randi spared a wistful thought for her own parents, wishing they could have know the group of people now clustered together in the Steele living room.  She was sure they would have been welcome and happy with being part of this family.  Then a shrill voice took her thoughts from her musings and placed them squarely on the present and Randall.

“WUV!!!”  He scrambled from his grandfather’s arms as quickly as he could manage to climb down, then he ran across the floor before running straight into her knees.  Randi spared a moment to be thankful for both her good balance and Gwen’s hand at her back before she swooped down and scooped Randall up in her arms, blowing raspberries on his tummy until the entire room shook with sympathetic laughter to his squeals.

“Hey, Boy!  How are ya?” Randi asked with a smile when she stopped to take a breath.  “Have you been good while I was gone?”

He nodded his head affirmatively.  “Yes.  Ran’all goo-dah boy.  O goo-dah too.”

“Oh really?” Randi said.

“Yes.  Play frow.  O go up... catch goo-dah!”

“Oh you did, huh?”  Randi said seriously.  “And how does Mama like that?”

“Goo-dah!  Ma laff,” he intoned solemnly.

“Uh huh,” Randi replied just as seriously.  “Well let me tell ya a little secret ‘bout Mas, okay?” Randi asked in a stage whisper, knowing everyone else was listening intently to her words.  Fortunately Randall was totally focused on her, not realizing they were the center of attention.  “Sometimes Ma’s laugh so they don’t cry or get angry.  You may wanna remember that next time you and O decide to play catch in the house, all right?”

“Wuv goo-dah!” he answered.  "Aww wite," he agreed before reaching for Gwen over her shoulder.

Randi looked back a caught the barest traces of tears in Gwen's lashes and raised an eyebrow in concern.  Gwen gave the merest flicker of her head to indicate she was all right as she took Randall from Randi’s arms.  "My goodness, you're getting to be such a big boy, aren't you?" Gwen asked the child as he clasped his arms around her neck and gave her a sloppy kiss.

"Ran'all big boy!" he said proudly with a big grin.

"Oh yeah, you're a big boy, all right," Ella answered, tweaking his toe as she walked by and almost causing Gwen to fall when Randall jerked in her arms.  "Sorry 'bout that," Ella muttered, taking him from Gwen easily.  “I forget others aren’t used to handling him like I do.”

“No harm, no foul,” Gwen said a smile.  “I can’t get over how much he grew in the two weeks we were gone.  You’d think we’d been gone months instead.”

Ella laughed.  “Tell me about it,” she said, motioning them towards the dining room with a nod of her head.  “I had to practically go out and buy him a new wardrobe last week.  He keeps growing like this, he’ll be taller than I am before he turns five.”

Gwen shook her head with a chuckle.  “There’s a scary thought – you’re taller than I am!”  She paused a brief moment waiting for someone else to make the comment, then added with a wry laugh. “I know... it’s not like that’s saying a whole lot!”  There was a ripple of laughter as everyone filed into the room after her.  Strong arms wrapped around her from behind, and she automatically leaned back into the firm body they were attached to, laying her arms on top and closing her eyes in contentment.

“I dunno,” Randi offered quietly.  “I think you’re just about the perfect height.”

“Hmm,” Gwen mumbled before realizing that total silence had fallen in the room.  She opened her eyes to see seven pairs of eyes watching them with undisguised amused indulgence.  “What??” she asked innocently, not moving out of Randi’s embrace though she blushed beautifully under the scrutiny.

“Yeah,” Randi agreed.  “Nothing to see here.  Move along,” she said, hoping her darker skin hid the flush she could feel climbing up her face.  She waved an arm for emphasis, then kissed the blonde head before easing Gwen’s chair out.

Ella’s mother Monica looked at Jill with a distinct twinkle in her eyes.  “Ah... young love.”

“Yeah, I remember those days.”

“You should,” Geoff quipped before anyone else could speak.  “It’s not like we ever outgrew it.  Remember yesterday?”

Jill flushed so dark her skin glowed. “Well, our love may be young, Old Man, but we still qualify as old marrieds.”

Monica laughed and turned to her husband.  “Ya know, Babe... they sound a lot like us.”

“And us,” Tommy chimed in with a grin at Ella.

Randi looked at Gwen seriously.  “We are not becoming old marrieds.  We will stay newlyweds for the rest of our lives.”

Tom Sr. piped up.  “You don’t know what you’re missing, Randi.”

“Neither do you,” she responded without thought, causing Gwen to bury her face in her neck and the room to howl with laughter.  Dinner was off to a great start.


Chapter IV

“Well, that turned out a lot better than I thought it would.” Randi commented as she kicked off her shoes and eased out of her pants.  “I expected a lot more teasing from all comers... especially Tommy.”

“And Daddy.  I wonder if Mother and Ella put a halt to it,” Gwen said, slipping her shirt and bra off and sliding into flannel pajamas.  The weather had turned cold again and the walk back from Tommy’s had been bone chilling.  But they’d been more comfortable walking than riding home with Geoff and Jill after Geoff’s awkward request.

“I’m thinking probably yes,” Randi said, wrapping a robe around her and stepping into the bathroom to brush her teeth.  Gwen followed right behind her.

“Well, I for one am glad,” Gwen stated unequivocally before sticking the toothbrush in her mouth and scrubbing industriously.  Randi rinsed and spit then washed her face before hiking an eyebrow in Gwen’s direction.

“You wanna share there, or are you just gonna keep me in suspense?”

“Huh?” Gwen asked before finishing her own ablutions and following Randi back to their big bed.  “Oh, you mean why am I glad they didn’t tease us?” she continued when she realized what Randi was referring to.

Randi nodded as she slid into the bed and waited for Gwen to settle into her place wrapped around her before calling out, “Lights.”

Gwen sighed.  “This is so nice.  My favorite spot in the whole world.  As for my reasons,” she continued before Randi could ask again.  “I think we have suffered too much to be together for anyone to make light or poke fun – even in teasing.  Despite the fact that I know it would be done in love coming from them... I don’t know.”  Randi felt the slight shrug Gwen gave.  “It just seems wrong for anyone to make light of it.”

Randi gently stroked the skin beneath the flannel as she thought about the words, absorbing the tone and inflection of Gwen’s voice.  “No argument from me, Love,” she said finally.  “But I think to be fair, they really only understand what we have endured here,” touching her forehead.   “They have no concept of what we have suffered here,” placing her hand over Gwen’s solidly beating heart which picked up its pace at Randi’s words.  “They can’t know what soul-sundering feels like.”

Gwen couldn’t stop the flinch that rippled through her body.  “If it meant us being together like we are now,” she whispered, “I’d go through it all again.  But I sure don’t want to.”

“Me either, Little One.  We’ve had it happen more than our share it seems like... in this lifetime especially.”  Randi’s brows creased as she processed that thought.  She was silent so long Gwen began to wonder if she had fallen asleep.  Only the light caress Randi kept up on her skin gave Gwen any clue otherwise.  Finally she spoke up.

“You thinking about what Daddy asked? Does it bother you that he did?”

“Hmm?” Randi murmured, bringing her mind back from where it had wandered.  “Yeah, maybe a little.  I mean, I understand why he asked, and I can even agree with his reasoning to a point.  It’s just... I dunno.  Why Carbon?  Wasn’t giving up Ditto to Randall enough?  Am I being selfish because I want to keep him?”

Gwen shifted them slightly until she was pillowing Randi’s head on her chest and cradling her body in her arms.  Randi sighed in contentment and moved her hands from Gwen’s skin to the buttons on her pajama top.  “I don’t think so, Love.  But I honestly don’t think Daddy meant to put you on the spot either.  I mean... I really don’t think... hell, I’m not sure what I mean at this point.”  She cast her mind back to earlier in the evening, recalling the quiet conversation she had overheard between her father and Randi.

“Randi?”

“Yes, Geoff?” she returned, wondering what he had on his mind.  He’d been fidgeting and cutting looks in her direction most of the night, and now that they had a moment alone he appeared to be trying to beard the lion in its den.  Her curiosity was piqued as much as anything.

He cocked and eyebrow at her address of him.  Whatever else, he’d hoped that had been straightened out before she and Gwen had left for their honeymoon.  Above and beyond almost everything else, he wanted Randi to accept him and Jill as family. “I thought we’d settled that already.”

Randi shook her head and blushed slightly.  “I’m sorry... Dad.  It’s still a little, um... awkward for me.”

Now it was Geoff turn to shake his head.  “No, I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t push like that.  It’s just...  I’d love for you to call me Dad, but I don’t want it to be a problem for you either.  We’re both still kind of adjusting to this, I guess.  As long as you realize we’re family....”

Randi nodded and turned her attention to the flames in the fireplace.  “I do.  I’m pretty sure that’s not what’s bothering you though.  Care to share?”

Geoff chuckled, a little embarrassed.  “That obvious, huh?”

“Yeah.  It’s my job to know things like that, ya know?”

“Yeah, I know.  I just feel a little... well, there’s no good way to do this.”

“Do what?”

“Jill and I would like to keep Carbon.”  At her stunned look, he held up his hands and hurried on.  “I know we said we didn’t have room for a dog, but....  You see, I know how busy you’ve been since you got him and being a newlywed will just take up that much more of your time.  Not that he hasn’t been well-taken care of, and God knows I’d never have been able to train him like you have.  But the truth is we’ve become really attached to him in the past couple weeks and he has done a lot to help my therapy progress.”  He paused for breath, knowing if he looked up into his daughter’s eyes as she walked into the room and put her hands on Randi’s shoulders that he would see green fire blazing back at him.  “I know it sounds selfish of me.  Maybe it is though I didn’t mean for it to be that way.  Look, you don’t have to decide now; just think about it, all right?  Please?  I think it might be best for all concerned.” 

He’d moved his hover chair away before either of them could respond – not that they had a clue what they’d have said if he hadn’t.  They had left the get-together shortly thereafter.

“I wonder what he meant by that,” Gwen pondered aloud as her thoughts returned to the present, not realizing Randi had completely unbuttoned her top until a warm hand began a slow teasing pattern across her skin.

“Wonder what who meant about what, Love?” Randi replied before allowing her lips to nuzzle the skin in much the same pattern as her hands were mapping.

“What was the question?” Gwen asked a few minutes later as her lips were released.

“No question,” Randi answered.  “Time to practice focusing.  You promised me a fix,” muttered into warm skin before teasing became an all-out assault and words turned to actions.

“So what do ya wanna do?” Gwen asked a good while later.  She and Randi lay tangled together comfortably under the covers, the moonlight providing their only source of illumination.  She was gently tracing the features that were outlined in shadows, relishing the light touches she was receiving in return.  She felt the shrug in the body beneath her own.

“I dunno... pretend he didn’t ask?” Randi replied half-jokingly.  “He made some valid points, Gwen, and if Carbon can help in his recovery, who I am to get in the way of that?”

"But what do you WANT to do, Love?  Not what do you think is right; not what do you think you should do... what do you want to do?”

“Honestly, I’m really not sure.  On the one hand I really want to be selfish.  I love Carbon.  He’s been a lot of fun to play with and train and go on my runs with.  On the other hand Geoff is right.  I don’t have the time to devote to him that I’d like to and probably should to be fair to him.  And after tonight, it’s back to work for us, and I certainly don’t want to lose our time together.  God knows we’ve lost enough of that already.  But he’s still part of the family.”  It was quiet for a few minutes while they both processed that.  A thought occurred to Gwen but she hesitated to voice it, not wanting to force a decision that Randi really didn’t want.  Randi took a deep breath before speaking.  “But Geoff and Jill are family too, and if he’s helping Geoff recover....”  Gwen could tell by Randi’s tone that there was still some lingering guilt over the accident that had taken Geoff’s mobility so suddenly.  She started to speak, but Randi continued thinking out loud.  “It wouldn’t be like I’d be giving him up completely, would it?  And if he was unhappy, he could always come back.”  She looked down into Gwen’s eyes that had turned dark in the faint moonlight.  She saw love and understanding reflected back to her and she smiled in reflex.  Whatever else, this was hers and nothing... no one... was going to take it away from her again.  Randi hugged Gwen to her tightly, pleased when it was returned in full measure.  “Geoff would bring Carbon back if he was unhappy, wouldn’t he?”

“Yes, Love.  You know he would.  I think he is trying to be considerate of us as much as he is being selfish.  Does that make sense?”

Randi nodded.  “Strangely enough it does.”

“Of course,” Gwen yawned as she mumbled into Randi’s chest.  “I haven’t decided whether he needs to be kissed or smacked yet.  Jury’s still out.”

She smiled at the low rumble she felt traverse the smooth body beneath her and the lips she felt brush her head.  “C’mon, Bruiser.  Real life bites tomorrow, and it’s liable to come earlier than we’d like it to.”

Gwen moved her hands from Randi’s face to her stomach, yawning broadly as she wrapped her arm around Randi’s middle and settling more firmly into place.  “Real life bites me tomorrow, I’m gonna get you to sic it for me, ‘kay?”  Randi gave a full out belly laugh and Gwen couldn’t help the smile that formed, though she mock-scowled and lightly smacked the rippling muscles that moved with each vibration from Randi’s laughter.  “Bad mattress.  I’m trying to sleep here, you know,” she muttered clearly enough for Randi to hear, snuggling in deeper and delighting in Randi’s reaction.

Finally Randi’s amusement wound down and she cleared her throat before she spoke though her smile was evident in her tone.  “Sorry, Little One.  I’ll sic real life for ya tomorrow as long as we get some sleep tonight,” noting Gwen’s already deep, even breathing.   “Goodnight, Love,” Randi whispered, before following Gwen into the land of Morpheus.

The knock was unexpected as early as it came the next morning, but Randi wasn’t totally surprised to see Geoff in his chair just outside the French doors.  She beckoned him in even as she moved to open the door for him.  “Good morning, Geoff.”

“Morning. Um....”

“Gwen just stepped into the shower and I was getting ready to go run.  Let me go hurry her up,” Randi said as she turned towards their room.

“Um, no.  Please,” Geoff cut in.  “I came to speak to you... to apologize for last night.”

“Uh....”

“I had no right to do that to you, especially like that, and I apologize.  I’m not sure what I was thinking, but it was pretty damned selfish of me.”

Randi held up a hand, and Geoff fell into immediate silence.  Some training just stuck with you, and that was one of the first rules a Sabre learned.  “Geoff, it’s okay.  I’ll admit you kind of blindsided me with the request, but um... I do understand your reasoning behind it and your motives.”  He had the grace to flush slightly though her tone was neutral enough as to be non-accusatory.  He couldn’t think of a thing to say that didn’t sound patronizing so he simply sat quietly.  Randi let him sit for a few minutes before she stood.  “Wanna go running with me?” she finally asked.  Geoff’s head snapped up.  He knew better than to think she would make fun; Randi had never been a cruel woman.  But now he looked at her as though she were a little daft.  She chuckled.  “C’mon Geoff.  You can’t tell me that thing doesn’t have some speed to it.  You mean to tell me you can’t keep up with a broken-down ex-Sabre?  We may need to rethink your transportation in that case.”

His mouth dropped open slightly and he caught the teasing glint in her eyes.  He recognized whatever gaffe he had committed the night before had been forgiven, and he knew this was her way of letting him know.  He made racing noises.  “Outta my way, Slowpoke!  You’ll never be able to keep up with me,” he said laughing maniacally as he headed for the door – only to turn and cock his eyebrow in her direction.  “You coming?  Or you just gonna stand there and eat my dust?”

Randi gave him and evil grin and opened the door, motioning him out before taking off like a shot.  He watched slack-jawed for a moment as she disappeared down the beach.  Then his laughter rang out across the island.

Neither of them saw Gwen move away from the bedroom door and into the bathroom to take her shower.

Carbon joined them on this morning run, bringing sharply into focus the fact that he hadn’t joined Randi the day before.  Now he alternated running along side them, and jumping into Geoff’s lap for a ride in the hover chair.  The shepherd didn’t growl at her, but she could sense a distinct change in his attitude towards her even from two weeks ago. It brought to mind Ditto’s reaction to her since Gwen had been taken from her months before, and she wondered what exactly was going on that she seemed to have lost her touch with animals.  Then they were approaching the beach house again, and she put those thoughts out of her mind to concentrate on what she wanted to say to Geoff.

She slowed down and began her stretching exercises, and Carbon sat in Geoff’s lap, head tilted and tongue lolling at her funny antics.  Geoff stroked the fur under his touch, observing the precise movements with an experienced eye and recognizing almost instantly that not only had the Sabre not lost a step, she was even sharper than the last time he’d seen her in action.  He was so lost in his thoughts that it took him a moment or two to come back to himself when she waved a hand in front of her eyes.  “You all right there, Geoff?  You kinda went out on me there.”

He shook his head.  “Yeah, yeah... I’m fine.  I was just noticing how focused your workout was.  Is everything okay?”

Randi shrugged, wrapping a towel around her neck.  “Yeah, why wouldn’t it be?”

“No reason,” he said amiably, but wondered in the back of his mind why her proficiency seemed to have improved.  There was no logical reason for her to maintain her skill level now... to say nothing of improving it.  Something niggled at his consciousness just out of reach.  He gave a mental shrug.  It would work itself out.  It always did.

For her part, Randi saw no reason to tell him about the little experience in the mountains.  It was over and done with and really did not concern him anyway.  That was something she was going to take care of personally.  It was time to end things once and for all, and they had made it personal when they’d come after her and her clan.

When they reached the deck, Randi turned to face Geoff.  “Take him with you, Geoff.  You need him worse than I do.  BUT,” she added, holding up a hand to keep him from interrupting.  “But if at anytime it doesn’t look like you can handle him, you send him here.  He’ll always have a home with us.”  She walked to the door and opened it, then turned to face Geoff once more.  “OH!  And you better be running with him soon.  I expect the two of you to perform miracles.”  Then she stepped inside and closed the door behind her, shutting off any words he might have said to her.  Geoff sat still a minute longer, blinking and swallowing before he turned and headed back to the boathouse to finish up their last-minute preparations to return to the capital city.

Gwen met Randi at the door, handing her a bottle of water before snuggling into her body with abandon.  “Sweetheart, I’m hot and sweaty.  You really don’t wanna be that close to me right now,” Randi said trying to keep from wrapping herself around Gwen.  She took a long pull of water.  “C’mon now.  I need a shower and you’ve already had yours.”

“I don’t mind getting wet again with you,” Gwen said with a mischievous smile, kissing the sweat-soaked chest before moving back to look into Randi’s eyes.  “You are an awesome human being, you know that?”

“Nah,” Randi said, slowly propelling them in the direction of their room.  “I’m just a tired, smelly, ex-Sabre who needs a shower before we go to work.”  She drained the last of her water and handed the bottle back to Gwen.  “You coming?” waggling her eyebrows and giving Gwen a rakish grin.

Gwen deliberately lifted her shirt to her nose and took a big whiff.  “Nope.  I am surrounded by your pheromones and I plan on keeping it that way for the remainder of the day.  Besides,” she added, slapping Randi on the butt before she wiggled out the door towards the kitchen.  “We’d never make it to work today if I did.”

Randi had a completely gobsmacked expression on her face though she wasn’t sure if it was from Gwen’s actions or her words.  “We still may not,” she muttered under her breath, replaying the little hip shimmy the bard had done for her benefit.  She took two steps towards the door before Gwen’s head popped back around the doorframe.  Whatever she had been going to say flew right out the window as she observed the intense, smoldering look coming from the blue eyes that burned in her direction.  She pointed a finger at the warrior.

“Save it for when we get home, Stud.  Work first – play later.  Now be quick in the shower.  Breakfast is nearly ready.” 

Randi ignored the warning look and took the few steps necessary to close the gap between them.  Without a word, she claimed Gwen’s lips possessively and thoroughly, holding them until they were both dizzy from lack of air.  Then she turned still silent and walked on unsteady legs to the bathroom, leaving the door open and stepping into the shower still fully clothed.  She didn’t even flinch when the cold water hit her skin.

Gwen simply leaned her head against the doorframe breathing for a minute.  Then she had to chuckle at Randi’s solution to being overheated.  “Damn,” she mumbled to herself.  “That woman’s gonna be the death of me one day, and then science will have proof positive of spontaneous combustion in human beings!”  She turned her attention briefly back to the bathroom where she could see Randi had stripped out of her soggy clothing and was now standing under what Gwen hoped was at least a lukewarm spray.  She couldn’t stop the grin that crossed her face and had walked halfway to the bathroom door before she realized where she was headed.  “Ah, but what a way to go!” she said before her nose reminded her that some things couldn’t be left unattended, no matter what other fires were burning.  “BREAKFAST!” she screamed, running out of the room to the kitchen, hoping she could keep things from catching fire.  Randi just leaned against the shower wall, the tears from her laughter blending with the warm water that cascaded down her face.  Married life was shaping up to be a hell of a ride.

“Walk you to your classroom?” Randi asked Gwen as they exited the transport once they reached Midas.  It had been something of a ritual between them since Gwen’s kidnapping though now it was because they simply enjoyed the comfortable routine between them more than the sense of security it had first provided for Randi.  For answer, Gwen simply extended her hand and waited for Randi to take it.

“I need to talk to Tommy first.  Can I come get you when we’re done?”

Randi opened the door and Gwen walked in still holding her hand.  They walked together to Tommy’s door before Randi drew Gwen’s hand to her lips.  “You know where to find me,” she said softly, brushing a light kiss over Gwen’s knuckles, then waved at Tommy’s personal assistant before crossing the hall to her own office.

“Hey Beth,” Gwen said to the smiling woman.  “Is Tommy available?”

“For you, Hon?  Always.  And can I just say how well love looks on the two of you?” Beth added, motioning in the direction Randi had gone.  “That was a beautiful reception.”

“Thanks, Beth.  I don’t know how it looks, but it feels pretty damn good.”

Beth returned Gwen’s smile and nodded towards Tommy’s office.  “G’wan.  He’s got a busy morning scheduled, but I know he’ll take some time for you.”

“Thanks,” Gwen answered before knocking lightly on the partially open door and sticking her head inside.  “Hey, Boss!” she said with a grin, stepping into the room when he waved her in.

“Gwen, come in,” he said motioning her to a chair.  She closed the door and took a seat.  Tommy waited until she was comfortable before standing and walking around to lean on the desk in front of her.  “So what can I do for you?”

Now that the moment was actually here, Gwen felt more than a little nervous.  She’d never been in this position before, and Tommy was family, which made asking even more awkward.  “I, um... I, uh... how is Tonocca doing in the classroom?  Has she reported any problems with the kids?”

Tommy’s eyebrows flew into his hairline.  Whatever he’d expected her to say, that hadn’t been part of his thought process.  “Um... she’s doing fine.  She’s really enjoyed this teaching stint; in fact she commented to me last week how much she liked what you had done with the curriculum.  And the kids haven’t had any problems.  Why?”

Gwen stood up and walked to the window eyeing the classroom that had been hers for almost a year.  “Do you think she might be interested in a more permanent teaching position?” she asked quietly, keeping her back to him.  She felt Tommy’s start of surprise as he realized the implications of her words.  She watched in the window as he slowly walked around the desk and sank into his chair, his eyes never leaving her back.  Finally he cleared his throat.

“I imagine she’d be amenable to the idea, especially with her son in school now.  Am I gonna have one to offer her?”

“I... I think so, yes.  I’d like the opportunity to... I’d like to try to get back into storytelling.”

Tommy rose and moved from behind his desk.  He approached Gwen but waited until she turned from the window to face him before he reached for her hands.  “Gwen?”

Her smile was dazzling, almost blinding in its intensity.  “My muse is back, Tommy.  Randi gave me back my muse!”

Tommy opened his arms and Gwen closed the gap until they were embracing.  “That is so wonderful, Gwen,” he whispered into her hair.  “I couldn’t be happier for you.”  He pulled back a little so he could look down into her shining face.  “When you get your feet under you again, I’d like to try a couple new formats with you.  I have some ideas that I think may give your work a whole new outlook.”  Gwen cocked an eyebrow at him in a manner that was so familiar it was funny, and Tommy laughed in sheer emotional release.  He hugged her again.  “This is so exciting, I just can’t tell you.”

Now it was Gwen’s turn to laugh.  “You don’t have to, T.  I’m pretty sure I understand.”

“Yeah,” he said and smiled sheepishly at her. “I guess you do, huh?”

“Uh huh.  Now I’ve gotta get to class before the boss finds out I’m late, but we’ll talk about those ideas later, right?”

"You bet we will."  He walked over to the door and opened it.  "I'll give Tonocca a call and see if we can work out the details to get you out of the classroom and into the studio as quickly as we can."

Gwen grasped his arm and stretched up to plant a kiss on his cheek.  "Thanks, Tommy.  We'll see you at lunch."  Then she stepped out of the office and crossed the hall to knock on Randi's door before opening it and sticking her head around the corner.

Randi stood from her desk when Gwen's head popped in, a welcoming smile on her face.  "Hey, Little One.  Everything all right?"

Gwen returned the smile and extended her hand, clasping Randi's firmly when it was offered.  "Everything is just perfect.  Thank you for asking.  Still want to walk me to class?"

"I never turn down an opportunity to be seen with my best girl," Randi replied.  They walked out of the office giving Beth a wave and headed towards Gwen's classroom.  "Shall I bring Excalibur out for a ride at lunch or would you like to join the masses today?"

Gwen gave it a moment's serious thought.  "I think we should probably join the masses today. It’s our first day back and we don't wanna be seen as totally unsociable, regardless."  She paused briefly and Randi remained silent waiting for her to continue, seeing the wheels turning plainly in Gwen’s mind.  "However, I think we should establish a pattern... one day a week where we do go out and ride and picnic alone together."  She turned her green gaze to Randi and asked earnestly, "What do you think?"

Randi gave Gwen an indulgent grin. "I think I answered that already so you pick the day and Excalibur and I will be there."

"Thursday, then," Gwen said promptly.  "It’s something to look forward to and a way to kick start the weekend a little early."

By now they had reached Gwen's classroom, which was oddly silent.  "Thursday it is, Love.  We'll work out the details at lunch.  I'll be by to get you when the bell sounds.  "Now have a good morning, and I'll see you shortly." 

Randi brushed her lips lightly across Gwen's, feeling Gwen’s hands tighten in reflex before the separated.  "I love you, warrior mine."

Randi smiled.  "I love you too, my bard."  She held the door open.  "See you in a bit." 

Gwen didn't even realize she'd forgotten to tell Randi about her talk with Tommy until she crossed into the classroom and her students cheered her return.  Guess I'll tell her at lunch, she thought with a shrug before allowing her students to welcome her back with eager enthusiasm.

Randi stepped into her office and refocused her mind on the communication she'd found upon her arrival that morning.

     Perverted Scum, (it read)

     Your days are numbered.  Soon you and all your kind will be eliminated and the planet will be cleansed of the scourge you truly are.  The time has come for the just to rule the world.
     The Faction will reclaim its own and the chaff will fall to the wayside.  Then all will surely know the Way.

There was no signature, and normally Randi would have simply dismissed it out of hand.  But this time... there was something about this – something deep in her gut that told her this was a genuine threat.  This was no child's prank nor was it idle rhetoric.  There was a deep-seated hatred here, and her first order of business was to determine if the threat was specifically aimed at her or if its target was broader than that.  And that meant going to resources she hoped she'd never have to use again.  With a deep sigh, she tapped the vid-phone, keying in the number and waiting for Tiny to pick up.


Chapter V

"So how was it being back in the classroom again, Love?" Randi asked as they made their way to the mess hall together.  "Are you glad to be back?  Were the kids glad to see you?"  Gwen cut her eyes at Randi, wondering where the verboseness was coming from.  Then she just figured that Randi was making an effort to ensure Gwen knew she was interested in anything and everything Gwen wanted to share.  She smiled and squeezed Randi's hand glad they had tactile contact.  She realized suddenly that when they were together, they were rarely out of touch for any significant amount of time, and she wondered if it could be traced to the traumas they had suffered together in this lifetime or if it was just a part of who they were – who they had always been.  She jumped when Randi waved a hand in front of her face.  "You okay there, Little One?  You went out on me there for a minute."

Gwen chuckled.  "Yeah, I was just thinking and you know where that gets me most days."

"About the same place it gets me," Randi answered solemnly.  "Deep trouble.  Wanna share?"

"Hmm?  Oh, I was just curious where your chattiness was coming from."  She reached up a hand to wipe the frown from between Randi's brows.  "Not that I don't appreciate it; I do... more than you know.  And I was thinking about us touching."  Now Randi's brows jerked into her hairline, and the expression she gave Gwen made her flush a deep red.  "RANDI!  Not that... I mean... I was...."  She turned and buried her face in Randi’s chest.  "I walked right into that, didn't I?"

"Yep.  Face first with both feet."

"Argh!" Gwen growled before pulling back to look into the amused blue eyes above her.  "C'mon." she said, pulling Randi by the hand.   "I'm starving.  Then we can talk about our day so far."

Randi waggled her eyebrows.  "I'd rather talk about us touching."

"I am never going to live that down, am I?"

"Nope.  Not for a while."

Gwen merely groaned and chose her food before retiring to their table.  Randi grinned and put her late unpleasantness out of her mind.  It wasn't something she wanted to share with Gwen now.  There was no point, she rationalized, until she had something definite to relay.  The implications of what it meant having come directly to her was not something she wanted to contemplate at the present though it was something she was going to have to deal with in the near future.  Fortunately she had a little time.  It would take Tiny at least a few days to research the problem and with a little luck, she would just be able to hand it over to him and the rest of the Sabre team to handle without having to become directly involved.  She wasn't sure how Gwen would take that sort of news, and she honestly didn't want to find out if she did not have to.  They had suffered enough in this lifetime to last them well into the next.

"Sweetheart?" Gwen questioned when Randi stopped at their table but didn't put her tray on its surface.  She stood and put her hand on Randi's arm.  "Love, are you all right?"

So deep in her own thoughts, it took a full minute before Randi came out of her brown study.  She looked down into anxious, concerned green eyes.  "What's wrong, Gwen?"

"I'm not sure. It felt like I lost you there for a moment.  Where'd you go?"

Randi motioned her to her seat before she took her own chair, reaching across the table and wrapping Gwen's hand in her own larger one.  She gently stroked her wrist, pleased when Gwen's hand tightened against hers in response.  "Nowhere."  Randi smiled reassuringly.  "Maybe we're both still in that newlywed haze stage of our marriage.  I kinda like it, but I'd rather we go somewhere together if we're gonna go out like that."

"Agreed.  But then anything we do is more fun if we do it together."

"Always, my bard.  Now tell me about your day."

Gwen's green eyes took on a shine.  "The kids are doing so well. Tonocca did such a great job while I was gone."  She hesitated.  "In fact, I think Tommy may be thinking about offering her a full time position now that her son is in school full time."

"Really?" Randi answered.  "I didn't realized he had anything coming open on the teaching side," shrugging her shoulders slightly.  "Not that I usually know what's going on with that side of the business anyway.  Who's leaving?"  She took a bite of bread and chewed slowly.

"I am," Gwen said calmly, waiting for Randi's reaction.  It wasn't long in coming though it wasn't what she expected it to be.

Randi coughed and sputtered as she tried to swallow her bread and speak simultaneously.  "Mmph... pfft... bah."  She swallowed and took a deep draught of her water before continuing.  "Excuse me?  I mean, not that I'm not thrilled with the news... I am.  I think it's wonderful you have your muse back and are ready to start telling stories again.  I've missed you doing it, and I've been able to hear you work on bits.  I can't imagine how the rest of the world feels about your being gone from the stage, as it were.  But...."

"Randi, Love.  Slow down and take a breath and I'll tell you about it.  I didn't mean to knock you for a loop.  I meant to tell you this morning before we left the house, but I got kinda sidetracked with burning breakfast and everything."  They shared a smile.  "Then I just decided to wait until I spoke to Tommy.  He could have easily put a kibosh on the whole thing if Tonocca hadn't been available to take over.  Actually, he still could come to think of it.  I haven't heard from him since this morning."

Randi gave Gwen a big grin holding onto both of her hands.  "You and I both know even if Tommy has to teach that class himself, he'll get you back to work as fast as he can.  I wish I had seen his reaction to your news."

Gwen laughed.  "Well, I think it's safe to say he was excited about it."

At that moment, the door opened and Tommy stepped in, ushering Tonocca inside the mess hall.  Everyone quieted down, easily reading the man's excitement by the smile that he wore and the bounce in his step.  He stepped up onto the makeshift stage area that was set aside for announcements and impromptu performances.  He didn't need to signal for silence and it made him smile more than he already was.  The folks at Midas knew him well and they looked at him now with a mixture of excitement and expectancy.

"Many of you know Tonocca Menendez; she was part of the teaching staff for several years and has substituted here many times since her son was born.  I am happy today to announce she has agreed to come back to Midas in a full-time capacity.  So please make her feel welcome."

The assembly rose as one body and began clapping and cheering.  Gwen's eyes held happy tears and Randi simply stood behind her and wrapped her arms around Gwen, surrounding her in a living, breathing cocoon of love and support.

Tonocca accepted the congratulations of the gathered artists and took a brief moment to thank them for their welcome before stepping off the stage.  Before Tommy could follow, however, a voice rang out of the crowd.

"Hey Boss... who's getting the boot?  Or are we expanding?"

Tommy sighed.  He'd hoped to avoid this particular question for now, but as usually Leona had zeroed in on the pertinent things.  He raked his hands through his hair.  "No one is getting the boot, and we aren't expanding."  He looked at Gwen and caught her almost invisible nod.  "Gwen has asked to get back into the studio to work on some projects."  This time the applause was so thunderous the noise level was simply overwhelming.

"I think everyone is excited about your return, Love.  Even I could feel the energy flowing after Tommy made his announcement this afternoon." 

Randi smiled at Gwen who hadn't stopped smiling since lunch.  Tommy's announcement had thrown everyone into a dither, and not much had gotten done for the remainder of the day.   Gwen had spent much of her time accepting congratulations and in between had endeavored to transfer the day-to-day classroom procedures over to Tonocca.  Fortunately the dark woman was very familiar with the inner workings of both Midas and Gwen's classroom and she was very understanding of all the fuss and furor involved in Gwen's return to performing.  In fact, Gwen got the distinct impression that Tonocca found a good deal of humor in the whole episode.

Now Gwen chuckled.  "I think so too.  I can't tell you how good I feel about this decision."  She reached up and pulled the plates from the cabinet as Randi removed the skillet from the stove.  Randi dished the food directly onto the plates and Gwen took them to the table.  Then Randi grabbed the wine and glasses and they took their seats.

"You don't have to, Little One.  It's clearly written on your face and in your eyes.  I for one am looking forward to it."

Gwen laughed.  "I hope so.  It's your fault, ya know.  And you're gonna be the one stuck listening to me over and over and over again."

"That's okay," Randi affirmed with a grin. "I get all the best bits that way."

A bit of time was spent in silence while they ate.  Then Gwen turned to Randi with an earnest, slightly confused expression on her face.  "Do you really think so?"

Randi swallowed and cocked an eyebrow in her direction.  "I'm sorry, Love.  Do I really think so what?"

"Do you really think you get the best bits?"

Randi grinned broadly.  "Oh yeah.  I get things no one else does," lightly stroking her fingers over Gwen's arm and watching the goosebumps follow in the wake of her touch.  "I get all the Soulmates' stories and every single impromptu story idea you get.  But most of all, I get you."

Gwen flushed and couldn't stop the silly grin that flitted across her face.  "That was a done deal, Sweetheart... written in the stars."  She laughed softly.  "Will you listen to us?  We sound like a couple of mush bunnies."

A dark eyebrow rose at the description.  "Mush bunny?? Well, c'mon then, my fellow mush bunny,” mentally wincing and shaking her head at the picture the words painted in her mind.  “I think we have a date with the holosuite.   I found a new program in there I'd like to try."

"Oh?  Do tell."

"Uh uh," Randi answered.  "I'd rather us go experience it together."

Gwen looked at the Sabre suspiciously.  "Why do I get the feeling I am walking into a boatload of trouble?"

"’Cause you have been since the day we met," Randi said.  "C'mon... it'll be fun.  Trust me."

"Not fair," Gwen answered, accepting the extended hand with a smiling mock-pout.  "You know I do – with my life."

"I know," Randi returned seriously now.  "I'd never do anything to put you in danger," considering the reality of the implications behind her earlier words.  Randi didn't like the truth she felt in them.  She dropped Gwen's hand.  "Never mind," she said.  "Maybe this wasn't a good idea."

Gwen looked at her astonished.  She didn't know what was going on in Randi’s head, but judging by the darkening of her expression, it wasn't anything good.  "Oh no, Love," she said, grasping the large hand and holding on tightly.  "You're not getting out of this that easily.  You promised me something fun and new.  You know I was just teasing you earlier."

"Doesn't change the facts of the matter though, does it?  I have been nothing but trouble for you since we met."

Gwen grabbed Randi's face in her hands so quickly they were both surprised.  But she held on until the blue eyes tracked to hers and then she let Randi see just exactly what was in her heart.  "I'm not sure where this little bout of insecurity popped up from, warrior mine, but let me assure you that you are... you have always been the best thing in my life.  And if it takes me saying so to you every day for the rest of our time in this life for you to believe it, I'll make sure you hear it."

Randi sat for a moment considering the words and the tone behind them.  She knew for a fact in both her heart and her head that Gwen meant what she said, and she believed it for the truth.  It was just sometimes it felt like this lifetime had been riddled with hurdles that surpassed anything they had faced before.  And she had cause to wonder why it was suddenly weighing on her.  Why it seemed that she was unexpectedly aware of what they had been through; what they had suffered to be together.  Was it an acknowledgement of themselves as the Soulmates of legend?  Had that brought everything to the fore?  Or was it something beyond – something she had yet to figure out?  Randi became aware of the fact that Gwen was staring at her in concern and visibly shook herself from her reverie.  Time enough to think about the repercussions of her thoughts tomorrow.  Tonight was their time, and she was determined not to spend it brooding.  "I'm sorry, Sweetheart.  I'm being stupid.  I do know better.  I just...."

"You just need to chill out.  I know it's been topsy turvy around here since your return, but I firmly believe the worst is behind us.  I have to."

There was a long pause before Randi smiled.  "You're right, Little One. Most of our time together in this life has been full of good memories.  And it's only gonna get better for us."  She took Gwen's hands from her face and held them in her own.  "C'mon.  You've gotta see this program I found the other day."

They walked hand in hand to the corner of the living room that held the holo program.  Randi keyed in her security measures and the door opened, then they waited for the program she had chosen to boot itself.  Gwen looked over Randi's shoulder and her forehead scrunched up in confusion at the string of letters that appeared on the screen.  "Um, Randi?  What is all this stuff?"  The letters made no sense that Gwen could see and they certainly didn't form words on their own – BJ, THG, BWR, WWR, TSD, ATV, VRB, JB, VS.  She shook her head in confusion.

Randi grinned, her earlier insecurities forcefully put to the wayside in light of the new experiences she was looking forward to sharing with Gwen.  "I was going through some old files today and came across a program marked 'EXTREME'.  Way back when, humans apparently used to do these sorts of things for fun.  I thought if you were game we could give it a try."  She paused.  "We can keep the safety feature on for now if you want though if I researched everything correctly, they were pretty keen on making things as safe as possible.  If you feel comfortable enough with it, we can eventually take the safeties off in here."

"All right," Gwen nodded in agreement.  "Now tell me what each of these... um, words means."

"Pick one."

"Hmmm..." Gwen considered, recognizing that Randi wanted to make this an adventure.  "What about... this one?" pointing to the BWR label.

Randi nodded.  "All righty.  Computer, we need a configuration for...."  She turned back to Gwen.   "Do you want beginner, advanced or professional level?"  She tried not to influence the decision, but Gwen could easily read Randi's desire for a real challenge.

"We can leave the safeties on, right?" knowing the answer but wanting the vocal reassurance anyway.

"For as long as you need them to feel comfortable, Love."

"Then let's go pro."

"I love you," Randi answered with a smile before turning back to the console.  "Computer, prepare gear for two people on the professional course."

"Scanning for data," the computer voice intoned.  "Scan complete.  Enter course parameters."  Randi's fingers flew over the keypad.  "Parameters set.  Enter when ready."

Gwen reached out and hit the enter button, then watched as the room transformed itself into something beyond what she had ever tried to imagine.

They were standing on a platform over what appeared to be a large hole in the ground.  There were mountains and hills surrounding the area and the foliage in the immediate vicinity was lush and green.  Stacked beside them on the platform was all manner of interesting equipment.  They moved over to it and began to separate their individual pieces.  Randi had a good working knowledge of each bit; Gwen held each part up to inspect it, eyeing it with wary trepidation.  She watched what Randi did, then mimicked her motions.  First came the neoprene wetsuits, and they shimmied and wiggled to don the confining material. Then they slid into booties and rubber overboots and added a pair of shorts to the outfit. Next came the harness that they stepped into before pulling up over their shoulders and locking it into place.  Gwen looked down at herself and then over at Randi, unable to completely stifle a giggle.

Randi merely raised an eyebrow and waited for the storm to pass.  "Yeeessss??" she drawled, sending Gwen into another fit of laughter.

Eventually the laughter slowed, then stopped.  Gwen motioned back and forth between them.  "I was just thinking... I am so glad Sal can't see us now.  Can you imagine the picture this would make?"

Randi looked between them and had to chuckle.  "Hmmm... I see your point.  It could make for some interesting press – especially given your return to a performance setting." 

"Oh God!  I'm not sure I could survive the fallout," Gwen said with a laugh.  "I'd never be able to live it down."

"It'd give you some sort of reputation all right."

Gwen reached out a hand and smacked Randi on the belly.  "Don't think I'd be going down alone there, Stud.  We'd qualify as the goofy couple of the year."

Randi laughed.  "C'mon.  We've gotta abseil down before we can start black water rafting."

"Black water rafting??  What is black water rafting??"

For answer, Randi picked up a helmet and secured it to Gwen's head, then placed one on her own and tightened the straps.  Then she flipped on the switches that turned on the lights and grabbed the ropes that hung from pulleys attached to the platform's ledge.  She ran one set of ropes through Gwen's harness and the second set through her own.  Then she handed a pair of gloves to Gwen and slipped into another.  "You ready?" she asked, extending a hand to Gwen.

"Let's rock and roll, Stud," she replied, clasping her hand.

"Oh wow!" Gwen exclaimed as they stepped from the holosuite.  "That was so absolutely amazing.  The waterfall and shooting through the rapids and the glow worms and... just wow!  What a remarkable experience!"

Randi couldn't stop the pleased grin that took possession of her expression.  "I guess you enjoyed it then, huh?"

"Oh yeah, you bet I did.  I was terribly glad for those nose plugs though.  Somehow having water that cold up my nose just isn't that appealing."

Now Randi laughed full out.  "Sweetheart, having any water up the nose isn't very appealing.  Water that cold just tends to take your breath away."

"I have you for that," Gwen responded without missing a beat, glad to see a flush start a slow crawl up Randi's skin.

<Ahem>  “Well, does that mean you'll wanna try some more extreme things another time?"

Gwen gave Randi a million-watt smile.  "Oh, you bet it does, Lover.  I can't wait to see what all these different initials stand for.  If they are anywhere nearly as much fun as this was, you may have a hard time getting me to leave the holosuite."

Randi couldn't help but feel insufferably pleased with herself.  It had taken quite a bit of research to find this program.  It had been something she'd put together in her much younger days, always intending to take the time to experience the adventures that had been a part of life in the past.  But she had never found the time for it; never had someone she'd wanted to share it with until now.  Gwen's reaction though and the obvious pleasure she'd derived from the experience they'd just shared made it all well worth it.  "I hope I could provide some incentive for you to leave once in a while."

The look Gwen bestowed her way was incendiary and Randi felt a slow burn curl out from her belly.  "Oh, I'd say not only do you provide incentive but inspiration as well."  A big yawn caught her by surprise.  "However," Gwen continued with a sheepish smile, gladly accepting the arm Randi curved around her shoulders as she began steering them towards the bedroom.  "Right now I am looking forward to your providing me with a warm, warrior body pillow."

Said body pillow chuckled low in her throat, and Gwen felt the rumble all throughout her body.  "No worries there, Little One.  You make a pretty good blanket yourself."

They settled into bed fairly quickly, Gwen assuming her normal place wrapped around and over Randi.  "Sometime," she murmured into Randi’s warm neck.  "I am going to have to do something about this blanket image I seem to have acquired... but not tonight," she added with another yawn before snuggling down to sleep.  "'Night, Randi."

Gwen’s breathing was deep and even before she finished speaking, and Randi smiled in the darkness.  "Goodnight, my love."

"Holy Mother... what the hell??  Did we move last night?"

Randi was muttering quietly to herself, but Gwen was in tune enough to catch all the mumbling and grumbling coming from across the room.  She stretched and sat up, wondering what had rocked Randi's world so badly and trying to figure out how she'd managed to not only sleep in so late, but totally miss Randi's emergence from their bed.

"Sweetheart?"

Randi realized she'd woken Gwen with her aggravation and she crossed the room in two strides.  "I'm sorry, Love.  It's still early.  Go back to sleep."  Randi eased her back towards the bed, gently stroking Gwen's face.

Gwen grabbed her arms and held on to keep herself upright, smiling when Randi just followed her over.  "C'mon, Love.  It's late.  I need to get up," using her grip on Randi to ease back up into a sitting position.  She pushed her hair back off her face.  "Time for a cut, I think."

Randi ran her hands through the thick tresses.  "Whatever makes you happy, Love.  You're beautiful to me regardless."

"Ooh, Miranda Valiant.  Who knew such a strong, stoic warrior could be such a sweet talker?  And first thing in the morning too.  I love you."

Randi smiled, something she suddenly realized she had been doing an awful lot of recently.  "I love you too, Gwen.  You make my life worth living."

"That's a mutual thing, warrior mine.  Now, you want to tell me what upset you so this morning?  I know it wasn't me."

"Nope, it wasn't you.  I got up to go run.  You know... clear my head a little."  Randi walked over to the large window that faced the water and pulled them back to give Gwen a clear view of the outdoors.  What she saw caused her jaw to drop and her eyes to blink repeatedly.

"Um... buh... um...."  She turned her head to look at Randi.  "Did we move last night?"

Randi gave her a rueful chuckle.  "That was my question.  I can't tell you when the last time was that we had ice and snow here.  But it's a good bet we're not going into work.  Crossing the bridge is just too risky – if we could even get it to extend properly.  Damn joints might be frozen in place."

Gwen smiled impishly.  "Well, I can certainly think of far worse scenarios than being stuck inside with you all day.  We have power so we have heat and hot water.  And there is always the fireplace for ambiance if we want it."

"Ambiance, huh?"

"Well, yeah.  Who knows?  Maybe I'll get inspired – tell campfire tales."

"I could live with that."

For the first time Gwen looked at the clock and realized she hadn't slept in.  It was, in fact, still quite early.  "You could, huh?  Well, why don't you try living with it over here in this nice warm, comfortable bed?" easing the covers off Randi's side just slightly.  "It’s too early to be up if we're not going anywhere."

Randi shed her running shoes and workout clothes as she approached the bed.  "Oh, you think so?" she purred, jerking the cover off the bard and exposing her to the chillier air of the room.

“Brrr... Randi!  It’s cold out there!”  Randi slowed to what could only be described as a stalking crawl. Gwen scrambled for the cover that was now completely off the bed, not recognizing the precarious position it left her in.  Randi smiled diabolically and pounced.  “RANDI!!!” Gwen squealed when ice cold hands hit her bare skin and started tickling.  She squirmed uselessly, unable to get away due to both Randi’s hold on her and her own laughter.  “Heehee... stop!  Hee... Ran-di... heheheheheh,” gasp, giggle.  “Randi, stop!  You... you’re... kill-ing me... hee hee hee! Whoo!” Gwen finally exhaled as the searching hands left her body and Randi fell to the bed beside her, smiling as they struggled to recover the breath stolen during their tickle fight.

“Well, that was a lot more fun than trying to run in that mess,” Randi finally commented as she leaned forward to snatch the cover up off the floor.  “At lea... YEOW!!!” reaching behind her to run her hand over the spot on her butt that Gwen had just pinched, cheerfully if Randi were to judge by the mischievous expression on the bard’s face.  “Why you little....” Randi growled before pouncing.

“RANDI!!!!”  This time she gave no quarter.

They lay tangled in the middle of the bed, the sheet pulled up over them to keep them from catching a chill after their earlier exertion.  Gwen was gently tracing Randi’s relaxed features, smiling when she felt the facial muscles beneath her fingertips do the same.  “At least your hands are warm now,” Gwen commented as Randi lazily stroked up and down her back.  “Why were they so cold before?”  She arched her neck to look directly into the sparkling blue of her reckless half.  The twinkle in them was its own answer, and she buried her face between Randi’s breasts.  “Please tell me you did not go out in this storm.”

“I did not go out in this storm,” Randi repeated dutifully.

“Now tell me the truth,” Gwen mumbled, barely understandable from Randi’s position though her tone said as much as her words did.

“Well,” Randi hedged, “I didn’t stay out in it very long.  Once I realized it was mostly ice and sleet, I hightailed it back inside.”

“Hmph,” Gwen answered crossly.  “And how did you manage to get up and away without me noticing?  We’ve been waking up close together since before we were married.  Even when my memory was gone we still woke up in bed together.  What gives?”

Randi shrugged and subtly tightened her hold around Gwen’s body.  Gwen noticed and snuggled perceptibly closer in a gesture of comfort.  “I dunno... weird dreams.  I woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep so I decided to do a couple extra laps around the island hoping to tire myself out.  I barely made it around once before it turned nasty and I came back in.”  Her brow furrowed in thought.  “Strange weather.  I don’t recall any mention of it being made in the news.”

Gwen chuckled.  “Sweetheart, we haven’t actually seen the news in <ahem> a while.”

Randi flushed slightly and gave Gwen a sheepish grin.  “Oh, um... good point.”

Gwen’s expression turned serious.  “Do you remember what your dreams were about... why they woke you up?”

Randi shook her head.  “No, not really.  Just that they were odd... uncomfortable.”  She shrugged.  “I don’t even have visuals – just vague feelings.”

Gwen reached up and smoothed the wrinkles from Randi’s forehead before she resituated her head on Randi’s shoulder.  “Not to worry, Love.  We’ll figure it out.”

************

“Well, it’s not much,” Aphrodite muttered to the two sisters that flanked her at the scrying bowl.  “But at least it’s a start.”


Chapter VI

It wasn’t too much later when they climbed from the bed, and after a hot shower they moved to the kitchen to fix something to eat.  The storm had increased in intensity and the sheer ferocity it exhibited made Randi shake her head as she sliced tomatoes to go with their steak and eggs.  “This is just beyond bizarre.  If I hadn’t been outside earlier, I wouldn’t believe we were on the island.  I surely wouldn’t believe the sun had come up it’s so dark out right now.”

Gwen looked up from where she was putting eggs and steaks onto individual plates.  “I know it feels... threatening, almost.  I’m glad the folks got away safely yesterday.”

“Me too,” Randi answered as she moved things to the table.  “Did I tell you Geo... Dad’s physical therapist called me at work yesterday?  Said giving him Carbon to exercise with was a stroke of genius on my part.  I told him that was all Geoff’s idea.”

Gwen set the plates on the table and wrapped her arms around Randi’s waist when she set the tomatoes down.  “Uh huh... and what did he say to that?”

Randi returned the embrace.  “He laughed.  Said he’d already gotten the whole story from Geoff, and he was taking his word over mine given the enthusiasm Geoff was sporting for his therapy yesterday.”

“Well, Love,” Gwen replied as she brushed a light kiss on Randi’s collarbone.  “Maybe you shouldn’t keep trying to downplay the good you do.  You really have changed so much for so many.  In fact....”

Gwen was quiet for so long that Randi pulled back to look into her face.  “In fact what, Little One?”

“I’d like to share your story.”  She stepped back out of their hug and held up a hand before Randi could open her mouth to draw breath.  Automatically she fell into her bard mode, pacing and gesturing as she spoke.  “I know – so much of it is classified, and other parts of it are private, just like parts of the Soulmate stories are only for us.  But there is still so much there to tell; such a rich, vibrant recording of our history that most of the world in unaware of.  They deserve to know.  You deserve the opportunity to been seen for the hero you truly are.”  Randi was silent so long, Gwen’s shoulders dropped and she motioned to the table.  “I guess we’d better sit down and eat.”  She dropped into her chair and kept her eyes on the table.

“Gwen....” Randi began, reaching a hand for Gwen’s, reassured when she did not pull away.

“It’s okay, Randi.  I understand.  I just want the world to see you like I do. I want YOU to see what I see when I look at you."

“No, Sweetheart.  You don’t understand.  Will you let me have my say now?”

Gwen nodded and picked up her fork, glad for the warming plates that kept the food warm without cooking it further.  She kept her other hand in Randi’s clasp, forgoing her steak for the moment and caressing Randi’s tangible strength with her thumb.

Randi took a deep breath.  “I do understand your desire, Love, and a part of me would love to hear your take on my life... on the Sabres and the incredible job done by so few for so many to keep the world safe and at peace.  But, Gwen... think about it a minute.  What I did... what the Sabres have done for their entire history and still do today is classified top secret for a reason.  Humanity, for the most part, is happy to live in ignorance – believing that nothing can upset the peace it cost us so dearly to achieve.”  She paused and took a drink of milk, then had to clear her throat when the milk coated it instead of loosening her vocal chords.  “We nearly destroyed ourselves to obtain peace.  How do you think mankind in general would react if they knew how tenuous that peace really was sometimes?  If they knew that there are forces still at work today that despise themselves and each other so much they would destroy everything we as a race have achieved?”

“I’d like to think we would step up to the challenge.”

“And are you willing to take that risk?  Are you willing to watch the peace dissolve into another world war over things that no longer matter if you’re wrong?  Because that is exactly what would happen if you brought light to the rebel’s activities.  They function in the shadows because we keep them from operating in the light of day.  Slowly, surely we are once again bringing them under control.  Eliminating Ghost Rider was a big step in erasing them from the planet once and for all.  Exposing us now would do irreparable harm to the unit and allow the rebels an edge we can’t afford to give them.”

Gwen felt a coldness wash through her veins at Randi’s use of present tense when describing herself as a Sabre and it was reflected in her eyes in the form of hurt bewilderment.  Then more than a tinge of anger cut through the sadness as she processed Randi’s words and it burned out the hurt she felt.  She pulled her hand out from under Randi’s and sat back in her seat, eyes blazing.  “Wait just a goddamn minute,” Gwen swore and Randi’s eyebrows flew into her hairline.  She rarely heard the bard curse and such a harsh epithet was indicative of some serious upset.  Randi began to mentally review her words before being thrown completely off track by Gwen standing and leaning into her, poking a finger into her chest.  “Wait just a GOD DAMN MINUTE,” Gwen repeated with more force.  “Just who do you think you are to make a decision like that??  Huh???  You’re not a god, Randi, despite your miraculous return from the dead. No matter what you do... scratch that – no matter what you have done or what the Sabres continue to do, there will always be an element of the population that is unhappy with the way the world is and will try to change it for what THEY deem the greater good. Who the hell set you up as judge, jury and executioner??  What makes your ideas right and everyone else’s wrong?? And where the FUCK do you get off thinking this is your responsibility anymore anyway??  You don’t belong to them anymore, Randi!  You DON’T!!”

Randi sat quietly and let Gwen rant because she had seen more than hurt and anger mirrored in the green eyes that blazed at her.  She had seen the fear that lay back of Gwen’s words, and she simply sat and let her have her say.  When Gwen finished speaking, Randi reached for the hand that was still poking her in the chest and pulled Gwen into her lap.  She didn’t say a word, merely holding onto Gwen as the fire raged.  Gradually the fire burned out and Gwen turned sad, hesitant eyes to Randi, finding only love and an equally sad understanding in the blue that looked back at her.

“I’m sorry, Randi.  You know I really don’t think that way about what you did as a Sabre, and I more than most understand why they are so necessary in this world.  God knows I don’t want the rebels to gain any quarter.”  She swallowed hard.  “I just... why does it have to be you?”

“It doesn’t, Love, and it isn’t... at least not now,” thinking of the note she’d received the previous day.  She pushed aside the hurt and anguish that had sliced through her own soul at Gwen’s words.  She knew they came mostly from fear, and she didn’t really blame Gwen for lashing out like she had.  She just hoped they could reach a mutual understanding of the situation so it could be put behind them once and for all.  “I wish I could believe that if all of humanity knew of the rebel’s activities they’d want to do something to stop it.  I do think they’d be against the ideas and ideals most of these radicals are trying to institute as accepted doctrine by force.  But human nature is what it is, and it’s easier for a majority of mankind to lay the responsibility for things like that at someone else’s feet.”

Gwen placed a hand over Randi’s heart, wincing when she realized that the rapid pounding she felt was entirely her fault.  She’d love to know where her reaction came from, and promised herself that she would sit down later and try to figure out why she had been so harsh, but for now Gwen’s sole focus was on calming and soothing her warrior’s troubled spirit – upset she was directly responsible for.  “I’m sorry, Sweetheart – God, so sorry.  I’m not sure where my reaction came from or why you caught the brunt of it, but....”

“Hush, Love.  We both know we’ve still got scars and some deep wounds that are gonna take time to heal.  We just have to work through things as they come up, which will hopefully be less and less often as time passes.”

Gwen smiled tremulously.  “I can agree with that.  Would be nice to have a little warning that it was coming next time, instead of being blindsided by it.”

Randi blew out a deep breath and hugged Gwen to her, thrilled when the pressure was returned with almost excruciating force.  “Oh, yeah.  Absolutely.”

They were quiet for a time after that, simply accepting the warmth and healing their proximity provided them.  Finally Gwen took a shuddering breath and snuggled in even closer to Randi as though trying to crawl inside her skin.  Randi chuckled, the movement tickling her unexpectedly.  Gwen looked up, reveling in the feeling and sound of Randi’s laughter.  “I love you,” she whispered, cupping Randi’s face tenderly smiling into the kiss Randi leaned down to share with her.

“I love you back,” Randi reassured.

“Always?”

“Forever, Little One.”

More silence – Gwen was gathering her courage and Randi could feel the slight tension slowly collecting in her form so she waited, knowing that Gwen was still uneasy about something.  “Randi?” Gwen finally asked.  Randi cocked her head in a listening manner but kept her eyes focused on Gwen’s.  Gwen simply stared back for a long moment, lost in the look of love that was being bestowed on her.  It was only when she noticed Randi’s brow sliding into her hairline that she realized she’d completely lost her train of thought.  She giggled softly and blushed.  “Heh... sorry.  I um... I... hmm... anyway, I was wondering something, and I’d like for you to hear me out completely before you answer, ‘kay?”

“Alllll riiight,” Randi drawled with a smile.

“I’d still like to work on your story... just between the two of us.  IF and only IF I can tell it so that you don’t recognize the key players, I’d like you to consider allowing me to share it with the world.”

“But... how can you... Gwen, how can you tell my story without me recognizing it?”

“I’ll change the settings, the names, anything that would make people wonder, but not the true nature of the story itself.  It would be a fictionalized accounting, if that is all I can tell, told historically so as to seem like something from long ago.”

“You can do that?” Randi questioned, her gaze going inward.  “Of course you can,” she continued as though to herself.  “But why...?”

Gwen shifted until she was facing Randi, straddling her across the hips.  Randi’s hand automatically came to rest at her waist and Gwen laid her arms on broad shoulders.  “I told you... I have many skills,” she said with a smirk.  “And I think yours is a story that needs to be shared even if it’s clothed in window dressing to protect the innocent.”

“And the guilty.”

“And the guilty,” Gwen agreed solemnly.  Then she sat silently waiting for Randi’s decision.  She knew that whatever the outcome, this would be Randi’s final verdict.  If Randi said no now, it would be one story she’d never be able to share with anyone.  It would probably still be written in her journal, however.  There were simply too many thoughts rolling around in her head at this point and the only way she would be able to exorcise them would be through her writing.

Long heartbeats passed as Randi contemplated the gravity of the situation.  On the one hand, it would be gratifying to have her tale told by the most renowned bard on the planet.  Not only that, but by someone who knew the truth and loved her in spite of it.  On the other hand though, it was risky.  What if...?  Then suddenly Randi was struck by an epiphany.  Gwen would never do anything to put either of them or their marriage in danger, and she wondered why it had taken her so long to realize that.  God knew she believed it in her heart of hearts.  What had made her forget such a fundamental truth?  She shook her head and Gwen took that for her answer, not knowing that Randi was in the midst of internal dialogue.  Her shoulders slumped and she bit her bottom lip in disappointment. 

“I think that’s an arrangement I can live with.  I’m betting on you to do something absolutely incredible with it.”  Randi cleared her throat.  “I’m sorry for doubting you.”

Gwen straightened in surprise, unable to control the grin she felt sliding into place.  “Don’t be,” she answered.  “Sometimes I doubt myself.”

“Still it is my privilege to support you, and I didn’t do that very well.”

“Sure you did,” Gwen replied with a light kiss on Randi’s nose.  “It just took you a couple minutes and some serious deliberation.”  She slid off Randi’s lap and slid back into her chair to start eating her still-warm breakfast.  Randi picked up her own fork and began methodically consuming her own food.  “Actually,” Gwen continued after a few moments strictly dedicated to eating.  “I’m glad you did take the time to voice your concerns to me, regardless of the conflict it initially stirred up between us.  And I’m really glad you took the time to consider everything.  It means that you are really okay with me doing this.”

“Yep, I really am.  I know if anyone could do something like this, it’d be you.”  She scowled.  “What bothers me is the fact that I didn’t remember that to start with.  You more than anyone else in the world are qualified to tell this story both on a personal and a professional level.  And no one, NO ONE has as much to lose if something goes wrong.  You’d never risk it, and I KNOW that.”

“I think maybe the weird weather is making us both a little nuts.  What do you say to a bit of relaxation therapy by a roaring fire once we get the kitchen cleaned up?”

Randi grabbed her glass and drained the last of her milk, then rose and picked up her plate to take it to the kitchen.  “I’m there,” she said with a rakish grin and Gwen smiled, glad that the balance had returned between them.

Noontime found them stretched out decadently in front of the fireplace.  They were both naked and covered in massage oil though their foreplay hadn’t passed that particular stage – yet.  For the moment, they were content to simply spend time exchanging kisses and teasing touches.  The storm had finally stopped and the sun had emerged, but neither woman had taken the time to notice.  Making up was much more fulfilling... and entertaining... than any storm could ever hope to be.  Or it was until a knock sounded on the door.

After some extensive possession, Randi had ultimately released Gwen’s lips in favor of finding new territories to conquer.  She had just reached the juncture between her neck and shoulder and bitten down lightly when the first knock came.  Gwen’s low moan caused her to easily ignore the quiet, steady tapping in favor of moving her touch slowly downward.  Randi savored the taste of the flavored oil and Gwen’s skin, reaching the valley between Gwen’s breasts just as the tapping become a banging and Tommy’s raised voice was heard yelling through the closed portal.

“RANDI?!?  C’mon now... open up.  Otherwise I’m gonna let myself in.  I need to know you two are all right!  Randi??  Gwen??”

At the first frantic sound of his voice, Randi pulled her lips away from Gwen’s skin and dropped her head onto Gwen’s chest, a muffled moan coming from both of them at the contact.  “I’m gonna kill him,” she mumbled, eliciting a frustrated chuckle from Gwen.  Randi glared up at her, blue eyes sparking with thwarted desire.  “Oh, you think this is funny, huh?” unable to hold a severe look in light of the beautifully rumpled picture Gwen made.

“No, I think this is as aggravating as hell, and if it wasn’t for the fact that he’s doing it out of genuine love and concern, I’d kill him.”

“Then why were you laughing?” asked with a raised brow mock glare.

“Because you were tickling me.”  Randi looked down at her hands that had been stroking Gwen’s sides tenderly just moments before.  She didn’t think they had been tickling; it surely hadn’t been the intimate touch she’d intended at any rate.  She looked up at Gwen again at her soft laugh.  “Not your hands, Stud,” reaching up and tracing Randi’s kiss-swollen lips.  The lips creased into a smile and just as abruptly opened to speak.

“Stop right there, Tommy!  Not another step, ya got me?”

“I... I gotcha,” he answered with a nervous gulp.  He rarely heard that tone from Randi directed at him, but on the uncommon occasion that it did happen, he always heeded the subtle warning.  He had knocked and called out, but when he received no answer to the commotion he was causing he feared the worst and opened the door with his key code.  Now he waited in the shadows of the foyer, unable to see into the rest of the house, but well aware that Randi at least was nearby and unharmed.  He figured, judging by the faint whispering he could just make out, that Gwen was probably wherever Randi was and with his luck, he had stepped into something he REALLY didn’t want to interrupt.  So he busied himself with looking at the bank of monitors, noting that they were still functioning for the most part though many of them seemed to have at least a thin coating of ice.

“I really should have let him walk on in here.”

Randi!” Gwen hissed.  “It would have embarrassed the bejesus out of him!”

“Woulda served him right for his lousy sense of timing!!”

“You don’t mean that,” Gwen chided with a gentle teasing glint.

“Well,” Randi hedged, “maybe not.  But... oh for crying out loud!”  She rose from their comfortable nest and stomped to the bedroom to retrieve their robes.  She slipped into hers, then held Gwen’s for her to slide into.  She fastened Gwen’s securely and felt her own tied in return as she leaned down to steal a kiss from the bard.  “We’ll continue this later.”

“Oh, absolutely, Stud.  This is one of those private parts of your story that no one shares but me,” Gwen replied, pulling the sides of Randi’s robe more firmly closed.

Randi captured her hand and pulled Gwen around to stand in front of her, back to front.  She wrapped her strong arms around Gwen’s middle and leaned back against one couch, then called out to Tommy.  “All right, Thomas.  It’s safe for you to come out now.”

He stepped forward hesitantly, fairly certain at this point just exactly what he had interrupted, and flushing a beet red when everything in the room including their appearance confirmed his suspicions.    “I, uh....”  He cleared his throat and ran a hand across his suddenly very warm face, running it through his hair and rubbing the back of his neck in nervous embarrassment.  “Sorry, guys.  I was just concerned, ya know?  This storm came up out of nowhere and I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“That’s sweet, Tommy.  Really,” Gwen assured him.  Randi just smirked, knowing the teasing factor for this little episode could go either way if she didn’t get in the first good lick.  She didn’t have to say a word, though – the setting surrounding them was enough.  “Why didn’t you call?”

“I tried,” Tommy answered plaintively.  “Either the signal is screwed or you didn’t pick up.  I couldn’t tell because we have sporadic service at best to the mainland and that is so weird, I thought I’d come check.”

“Remind me to teach you how to read the heat sensor monitors in the security system,” Randi said dryly.

“Yes, please!” Tommy agreed with eagerness.  “I know I sometimes miss things in my enthusiasm to get things done, and God knows I sometimes miss stuff just because I don’t think things as far through as I should.  But I still remember what it was like to be a newlywed and to have unexpected time alone together.”  He chuckled.  “Hell, I know what it’s like to be an old married and have unexpected time alone together.”

“TMI, Tommy.”

His chuckle turned to a laugh at Randi’s words and the joint flush that rose up both faces that now regarded him a little less smugly.  Score one for the visiting team, I think, he thought though he managed to keep that notion out of his expression.

Randi leaned down and kissed the side of Gwen’s neck, then whispered in her ear.  “Be right back, Love.”  She unwrapped herself from their embrace and moved over to Tommy, knowing he would walk back to the door without direction. 

When they reached the monitor bank, he halted, motioning to the wall.  “You wanna show me how to read that heat sensor thing?”

“Nope.  Not today.  I have something more... pressing to finish,” smirking when he blushed again.  Got my own back there, I think.

“Ya know,” he muttered, “you really don’t play fair at all.”

“Of course not,” Randi agreed with a smile.  “I couldn’t win all the time if I did that.  I do appreciate your coming over to check on us though, no matter how much I razz you about your timing – which really does suck, by the way.”

He laughed.  “I know.  I think I’ll send up flares or something next time.”

Randi leaned forward and kissed his cheek.  “Thanks, Tommy.  You really are the best brother a girl could have, and I’m glad you’re mine.”

He nodded his acceptance of her words.  “Works both ways, Short Stuff.  And we always look out for family.”  The sounds of soft jazz wafted through the house with an easy sensuality that brought a smile to Tommy’s face.  “Now go be with your bride.  This is the best kind of alone time.  Don’t waste it talking to me, all right?  But you let us know if ya’ll need anything.”

“Back atcha, T.  We’ll be in touch.”

Tommy opened and closed the door quickly when he left so as not to let the cold seep into the house.  Randi turned back towards the living room, untying her belt and stopping all motor activities, including breathing, when she came within sight of a now naked Gwen backlit by the sunshine that streamed through the ice-glazed windows.  Neither said a word though Randi’s thoughts were clearly reflected in her burning eyes.  She dropped her robe before walking into Gwen’s open arms.  Then they sank back into the nest they had created and resumed their relaxation therapy for a good portion of the early afternoon.

************

Down the road in the house behind their favorite barbeque joint, a ritual of another kind was unfolding.  The weather was so out of character to anything she had ever experienced, Rosie had decided to use the time to meditate and pray.  She was hoping Athena would appear to her and answer some questions though she got the distinct impression from some of the research the goddess had her do that she was as clueless to everything that was going on as the rest of the world.  Rosie shook her head, wondering not for the first time why the deities seemed to be so far removed from what was happening in the world.  Was it by choice or design or something completely beyond their control?  As far as she could ascertain, they were in less control of their destinies than most of mankind appeared to be.  And that of course led to far less productive thoughts than she needed to dwell on today.

With a sigh, she set up her meditation area carefully, lighting candles and incense and locating the chant music she preferred.  Then she began a ritual cleansing that left her red from the scrubbing, but strangely energized at the same time.  She donned her robe and hit the play button on her stereo, then focused her energies on simply breathing.

How long she sat, Rosie couldn't have said; time ceased to have meaning for her.  But when she opened her eyes, her mind and spirit had attained a different plane of awareness than her body.  She looked around, noting with interest the clear blue of the sky above her, the green of the soft grass she now sat upon and the warmth of the fresh breeze that blew across her face.  She was more than a bit surprised to see not only Athena, but Artemis and Aphrodite as well, but she managed to keep any indication of such out of her noncommittal expression.

"Hello, Rosie," Athena said in a low voice.  "I'm glad you're here.  It's time you understood what we know and what we don't.  And why things are what they are."

The only visible reaction the shamaness made was a jerking of her eyebrows.  She rose and walked over to the tree where the three goddesses sat at what was the most ornate picnic table Rosie had ever seen.  She remained standing until all three women gestured an invitation before assuming a seat.  Then she folded her hands and waited for someone to speak.

Athena poured her a glass of sparkling water and sat back in her cushioned chair.  Rosie looked at her questioningly, and the goddess had to smile ruefully.  Even now, millennia after their dominance over mankind, humanity still had little reason to trust, it seemed.  And even less to believe, Athena thought wryly, knowing her sisters shared her musings.  So many things they would have done differently if they'd known what would happen; if they’d seen what was coming while they toyed with humanity, meddling and playing instead of caring and safeguarding.  The goddess shrugged her mental shoulders.  Nothing to be done for it now except to move forward and hope they could salvage some sort of relationship with mankind when all was said and done.

"It's safe enough, Rosie.  You do far too much good in the real world for us to subject you to an eternity here on Olympus.”

Rosie chuckled contritely.  “I apologize, Goddess,” but she stopped when Athena held up a hand.

“Don’t,” she said succinctly.  “It has taken us millennia to realize a good many things though with a little luck it won’t take us nearly so long to correct them.”  Intrigued, Rosie waited silently, hoping Athena would elaborate.  Maybe she would then get some answers.  “You know that the gods caused their own downfall and nearly their own complete elimination from existence.  Because of our meddling in some regards and our lack of action in others, mankind ceased to believe and worship and it nearly killed all of us.”  Athena waited for Rosie to nod.  “As a result of that, rules were put into place that prevent us from knowing too much too soon, or interfering too much in the lives of humanity.  To break the rules brings the severest form of punishment from the tribunal – the removal of all godly power and elimination.”  Rosie nodded again and Athens took a deep breath.  “No one knows if elimination means death or banishment.  No one has actually broken any rules outright though Ares has skirted them many, many times.  Frankly the rest of us are ready for him to be called to judgment.  And it looks as though the time for that may finally be here.”

“Okay, so...?”

“We took the information you gave us about the drug he used on Randi,” Artemis picked up the ball and started speaking.  “The Amazons are doing some research on it, but the gist of what we have found out points to the fact that she has to want the effects reversed before we can do anything without risking her life.”

“And that’s so not even a possibility right now,” Dite broke in firmly.  “We totally cannot risk that bodacious bond because all the information we’ve got right now points to Gwen being like, the key.  And if Randi dies....”

“Gwen dies,” Rosie finished succinctly.

“Yep.  And as they go, so goes the world.”

“So why not just tell her?” the shamaness asked bluntly.  “Surely she can’t want to be under Ares’ thumb.”

“That’s where we get into the meddling and interference rules,” Athena continued.  “We can’t remove the drug induced hold involuntarily... we’ve tried.  We have never succeeded and what happened when we tried doesn’t bear repeating.  And telling her outright opens up all kinds of other problems because she won’t believe us.”

“You’ve tried?”

Artemis paled and swallowed hard.  “Oh yes, and with some... ghastly results.  Whatever Ares did when he crafted this put a lock on the warrior’s being.  Basically they have to figure it out and want the antidote for anything to work.”

“At least we have an antidote to work with.  I take it I can’t tell her either?”

“Nope.  She wouldn’t believe ya, Babe.  She wouldn’t even believe Gwen at this point.  This is the uncoolest thing that rat bastard brother has ever done,” Dite griped.

“So has a reversal of this drug ever worked?”

Athena shook her head.  “No.”

Rosie blew out a breath.  “Great.  So what exactly do you want me to do here?  It sounds like Ares has already won.”

Dite smiled for the first time in days, a bright smile that lit up the whole area like sunshine.  “Oh no, he hasn’t.  See he totally discounted one radical little detail.  Those two babes not only love one another to distraction, but they are so way soul connected with a bond that’s been consummated.  We just need you to like, keep an eye on Gwen.  Ya know, be a support base for her.”

“Dite’s right,” Artemis agreed.  “We are working with some of the other deities to get some things in motion as much as we can under the constraints we have to work under.  Do you know a woman named Reed?”

Rosie closed her eyes as she mentally reviewed the names and faces of everyone she knew, then shook her head.  “No.  Should I?”

“No,” Athena answered.  “We were just hoping.  She is another piece of Gwen’s support though she doesn’t know it yet.  You will meet eventually when the time is right.”

Rosie nodded thoughtfully.  “All right.  Any ideas on how long this will take to play out?”

“Best guess?” Athena responded.  “Everything will be decided, one way or another, before Summer Solstice.”

Rosie’s eyes widened.  “That soon?  Guess I need to get busy.”

“We all do.  The next few months will determine... everything.”

Part 2