A Valiant Mind - Part 2

By D

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 the bard’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 the warrior 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 dunno.”  Randi felt the slight shrug Gwen gave.  “It just seems wrong for it 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 the bard’s 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 wanna.”

“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 the warrior 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 the warrior’s 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?” the Sabre returned, wondering what the older man 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.  The bard 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?” the warrior 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 is 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 still, he’s 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.

“On the other hand, 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 which 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 the bard 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 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 the warrior’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, ya know,” she muttered clearly enough for the warrior 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 the bard’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.”

The weapons smith 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, 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.  The weapons smith 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 the bard.  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.  The warrior 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.  The warrior 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!”

The bard 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 the warrior 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 the bard’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 the bard.  “So, what can I do for ya?”

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 wanna walk me to my 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 is our first day back and we don't wanna be seen as totally unsociable, regardless."  She paused briefly and the warrior remained silent waiting for her to continue, seeing the wheels turning plainly in the bard'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 is 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 the bard'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 the bard knew she was interested in anything and everything Gwen wanted to share.  She smiled, squeezing 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 the blonde woman flush a deep red.

"RANDI!  Not that... I mean... I was...."  She turned and buried her face in the warrior'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 gonna 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 the warrior 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 the bard's wrist, pleased when Gwen's hand tightened against hers in response.

"Nowhere."  Randi smiled at the bard 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.

The warrior 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."

The bard 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 the bard 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.  The warrior 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 the bard's direction.  "I'm sorry, love.  Do I really think so what?"

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

The warrior 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," the warrior 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 the warrior'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 the bard 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?

The warrior 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, especially 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.  The bard 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?"  The warrior tried not to influence the bard's 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.  The couple 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 which 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 the bard 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 the bard and slipped into another.

"You ready?" she asked, extending a hand to Gwen.

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

************ 

"Oh wow!" the bard 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 the warrior 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 the bard bestowed on the warrior 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 the warrior's warm neck.  "I am gonna 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."

The bard'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 wanna 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!”

The warrior 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!!!” the bard 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 on the smaller woman.

“RANDI!!!!”

This time the Sabre 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 the warrior’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,” the warrior 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.  The bard 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 the bard 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.”

The bard 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?”

The warrior 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,” the bard said 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 the bard’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 the warrior’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.  The bard 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.  The warrior 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 the bard have her say.

When Gwen finished speaking, Randi reached for the hand that was still poking her in the chest and pulled the smaller woman into her lap.  She didn’t say a word, merely holding onto Gwen as the fire raged.  Gradually the fire burned out and the bard 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 the bard’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,” the warrior reassured.

“Always?”

“Forever, Little One.”

More silence – Gwen was gathering her courage and Randi could feel the slight tension slowly collecting in the bard’s form, so she waited, knowing that Gwen was still uneasy about something.

“Randi?” Gwen finally asked.  The Sabre cocked her head in a listening manner but kept her eyes focused on Gwen’s.  The bard 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 the warrior, straddling her across the hips.  Randi’s hand automatically came to rest at her waist and she laid her arms on Randi’s 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 is 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, it 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 is an arrangement I can live with.  I’m betting on you to do something absolutely incredible with it.”  She 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 ya did,” the bard replies 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 the bard’s 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 the bard’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 the bard, 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 which 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 the bard’s soft laugh.

“Not your hands, Stud,” reaching up and tracing the warrior’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,” the man 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 the bard 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 the bard around to stand in front of her, back to front.  The warrior 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.”

The man 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, sis.  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.  The warrior dropped her robe before walking into the bard’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 had her do that she was as clueless as 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 only they'd known what would happen – if only they 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 3

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