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.

The Marine 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 the Sabre 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.

The Marine 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 the warrior’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,” the Sabre 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.  “Nevermind.  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 into 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 smile 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 ya’ll 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 the bard 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 together for the first time as a married couple in their home.  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 wanna 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 the warrior’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 clutched at Randi’s shoulders as her world tilted and she found herself nose to nose with the Sabre.

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

Gwen wrapped her legs around Randi’s waist which gave them enough stability to allow Randi to brush her lips against the bard’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 to the bard.  “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 the bard knocked on their bedroom door half an hour later, Randi almost forgot to breathe at the vision the blonde woman presented to her.

The gown was sheer almost to the point of translucent, leaving only teasing glimpses of the assets it protected.  The warrior 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 the Sabre’s 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 the bard’s touch continued to massage away aches and anxieties she hadn’t realized were there.  It was all the warrior 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 which caused a reciprocal smile to light the warrior’s face.

“C’mon, beautiful.  I wanna 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 the bard 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,” he offered, extending a hand for the big man 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 the chief 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.”

The big man nodded and hastened to do the chief’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 the big man 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.

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 Gwenivere 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.  The Marine felt Gwen smile when she puckered up at the touch and kissed the bard’s 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 the warrior 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 the Sabre until she was in perfect tickling position.

“I’d think real hard about that, bard,” the warrior 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 managing 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,” the Sabre 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,” the bard 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.  The blonde 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 the Sabre’s firm body.  Randi just smiled at the bard.

“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 the warrior 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 bard’s 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 the bard’s 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.”

The bard turned on her side to face the warrior 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.  The bard 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 wanna 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 the warrior, but she knew it was there, so she simply returned the embrace until she felt Randi’s grip loosen.

“Better?” she asked.

The Sabre 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 the bard 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 the bard’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 the warrior’s 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, ya 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 the bard 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 of.

“And?”

Ares cleared his throat, visibly thrown of stride by the obvious disdain she felt for him.