A Valiant Option – Part 2

By D

Chapter III

“Oh man... I’m stuffed. That was so good. You don’t have a recipe, by any chance?” Rosie asked.

The three goddesses exchanged glances and Dite snorted. “As if. But, if you really want it, I guess we could manage to like, sit down together when this totally over and see what we can, you know, figure out. Shouldn’t be too hard, huh?”

“After this... *nothing* should be too hard ever again.”

“True that,” Dite agreed. “So you have some sort of gnarly plan worked out to show Randi?” She and the other goddesses had left the five awake and aware humans to pour over ideas and details to present to Randi and Gwen when they awoke, because they had already interfered more than was actually allowed by the rules they now operated under. It was bad enough they couldn’t fix the damage that had already been wrought by Ares. But they knew even better than Reed did how Randi and Gwen would covet all the time together that could be managed.

Tiny shrugged. “Sorta. More like a few suggestion and options. We can’t do much until we know Randi’s state of mind. If the Empress returns, we can only offer ideas. If we get any other part, well, we’ll work with it when the time comes.”

His wording got Athena’s attention. “Do you see her as more than one person, Tiny?”

Tiny considered his answer carefully. “No,” he said at last. “I see her as having many facets. It’s just that her focus has been so intense lately that first the Commandant and then the Empress have dominated everything else.”

“Which facet do you think will return? If Reed is right and she and Gwen have been on their spirit walk together, do you think the Empress or the Sabre will be in charge? Or will Gwen find the woman she fell in love with and bring her to the fore? I’m asking because if Reed is right, and we all believe she is, then I think it is safe to say that Gwen is not going to let this spirit walk end until she... until they... have been successful in returning Randi to a more complete sense of self than she has had lately. That would explain why it is taking them so long.”

Tiny cleared his throat. “If you think I’m betting against either of them in this, you are out of your mind... no offense intended.”

Athena chuckled. “None taken. We learned a long time ago not to rule out any possibilities where these two souls are concerned.”

A gasp from Reed stopped any further conversation and Tiny rushed back to her side. She had wandered closer to the bed after their repast. They had moved away to eat, knowing there was little they could do for Randi and Gwen and content that the monitors would alert them to any physical changes that took place in the meantime.

“Reed?”

She reached out a hand blindly, knowing that Tiny would comprehend her need. He intercepted it and held on tightly, moving to wrap her up in his arms. After a moment, she stopped shaking and took a deep breath. Then she relaxed in his arms and turned to smile at him.

“Thanks, honey. I needed that.”

“What happened?”

Reed shrugged. “A surge of energy between them. They actually seemed to glow for a brief moment.”

“Do you think...?”

“I dunno, Tiny, and I am past guessing with these two. I am too tired to try.”

Tiny chuckled wearily. “I know exactly how you feel, and I’ve only been a supporter through all this. Wonder if we could get a vacation out of this when it’s all over.”

Reed smiled. “Well, if not a real vacation, I’ll bet we could probably borrow some of the holo programs Gwen was telling me she and Randi had collected.” Her eyes twinkled in pure mischief.

“That good, huh?”

“Better,” Reed assured him.

A wailing noise caused them all to jump and Lacey to come skidding over to check the machines that had started screaming bloody murder in tandem. She looked up at Reed and Tiny in alarm, but before she could say a word, Randi and Gwen sat up with a gasp, clinging to one another. Then they fell back to the bed, blinking rapidly and panting for air, before curling completely into one another and falling into a deep healing sleep.

“What the hell was that all about?? Lacey, what’s going on?”

“I don’t know! I’m not sure what happened between them to cause the monitors to go haywire, but they’re sleeping naturally now. In my expert opinion, I’d say their spirit walk is over.”

“Waitaminute... that’s it?!? That’s how it ends? What a total bummer!! Where’s the drama??”

Rosie laughed. “Aphrodite, take a chill pill! You’re gonna hurt yourself in a minute.” The goddess looked so flummoxed by Rosie’s words that she goggled at her, causing the rest to laugh as well. She started to get angry, then decided it was a much needed stress release for everyone and joined in the laughter.

“Okay, so what just happened here? Surely that’s not it??”

“No, it’s not. Their spirit walk is over, but their work has just begun. We might get to hear about their walk together, but then again, we may not. You know how closed mouthed they can both be about things between them and this was intensely personal.”

Now Dite crossed her arms and pouted. “Well, that just bites! I wanted to dish... ya know? Get some details from these babes.” She sighed deeply. “All right then... I guess if we’ve gotta wait, then we’ve just gotta wait.” She looked around at the five men and women who had been up all night long keeping an eye on Randi and Gwen.

“Why don’t you rockin’ chicks and studs take off and get some shut-eye? The three of us can keep and eye on those two,” motioning towards the big bed, “and those two,” gesturing to Geoff and Jill. “Ya’ll have earned whatever fab rest you can find... especially if more work is rolling down that nasty pipeline for ya’ll. So g’wan... shoo now, ‘kay?”

They all grinned tiredly in her direction. Sky stood up from the chair he’d been sprawled in. “I have to admit that sounds like a wonderfully decadent idea.” He turned to Reed. “I can’t begin to imagine how you feel.”

“Good,” she answered, looking at Randi and Gwen wrapped together once more before leaning back into Tiny’s embrace. “I am exhausted and seeing them together again is painful, but I haven’t felt this good in a long, long time. C’mon, baby. Let’s go get some sleep. We can worry about the consequences of all this tomorrow... or at least much later today. The world will just have to manage on its own for a few hours.”

“What about the shielding? The People and the military are not gonna be able to keep that up indefinitely.”

Sky and Reed closed their eyes simultaneously only to have them pop back open a moment later so they could trade startled glances. “They won’t have to,” Reed said softly. “Randi and Gwen have their own shielding in place.”

Lacey looked between them before voicing the question on everyone’s mind. “Um... what does that mean exactly?”

“It means,” Athena replied when no one else answered, “that at some point in the future, Randi and Gwen are going to challenge Ares’ claim and actions. It means that they will have to invite him in for him to do anything else to them.”

“WHAT?!? Wait... just... if they could do that all along, why wait til now? We know they’ve already paid a terrific price to be together,” indicating the spot where Gwen’s parents were. “Everyone here has suffered with and supported them through it for the past few months. Why did we go through all the pain and suffering and shit first? Why did they? Why not do it as soon as they knew the truth?”

“Because, Lacey, even for the gods, everything happens in its own time and its own way. The truth is, they couldn’t do it all along – they did it as soon as they could. Their bond is unbreakable now; ask Reed... it is stronger than it has ever been. They had to suffer, to know separation, to know the rending between them like they did before. They had to make a conscious choice to be a part of one another again and to determine the cost they were willing to pay to be together – the cost they are willing to exact from Ares for his repeated interference in their lives. Not just in this lifetime, but in every lifetime they have shared together since they found one another all those millennia ago. Whatever happened to them in that spirit walk, they had to experience it alone together. *That* is how they were able to finally seal their bond again.”

“I wonder what the cost was for them and what it will be for Ares.”

The silence that followed was staggering.

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

Gwen stopped when they reached the door. She could feel Randi’s rapid heartbeat through their joined hands. She turned to look at Randi and watched as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening her eyes and allowing their gazes to meet.

“You all right there, Stud?”

Randi’s head nodded yes, but her eyes weren’t as confident in their answer. Gwen reached over and took Randi’s other hand in hers and just held them for a long moment, chafing Randi’s pulse point until she could feel the pounding beneath her touch slow to a more normal rhythm. Finally, Randi took a second deep breath and blew it out slowly.

“Sorry... I’m a little nervous. After what happened before....”

“I know, love, and I’m sorry about that. I didn’t know it would be as overwhelming for you as it was. I didn’t know you were still fractured. But this time you are going in whole. Both parts of you have melded and blended to become one again and you and I are more a part of one another than ever. Can you feel the difference?”

Randi considered Gwen’s words then nodded her agreement.

“Trust me, Randi. Together we have the fortitude to do this again. We need to do this... we both do. I need you to see what I see when I look at you, and you need to see it. I know you think I only see the darkness, love, and I know it is there. It’s an integral part of who you are; it’s where your strength comes from. But it is not all you are, and it is certainly not all I see.”

“How can you not, especially after all that has happened between us lately?”

“How could I, especially after all that has happened between us lately?”

Silence for a long moment while Randi let the peace and warmth of Gwen’s words soak into her, then she squeezed the hands she still held. “All right,” she said with confidence. “Let’s do it.”

Gwen put her hand on the door, then hesitated briefly. “If it starts to get overwhelming again, focus on my voice and my eyes and my touch. That will ground you until we can get back here.”

“I’m gonna be all right, sweetheart. You’re gonna be there with me, and I’m ready for this. You’re right... I do need to see this, as much as you need to share it.” She reached over and put her hand on Gwen’s so that together they could open the door. “Let’s do it.”

Randi kept her attention on Gwen, not allowing her eyes or hearing to stray beyond that focus. She was peripherally aware of the sight and sounds and scents that surrounded her, of course, but she did not let it overwhelm her senses and she found it a much more pleasant experience than the time before. It was warm and comforting and familiar and strangely enough, soothing to her battered psyche. It occurred to her to wonder why; instead, Randi decided to simply enjoy the sensations.

They stopped walking and Gwen turned to find Randi’s eyes fixed intently on her. She blushed and swallowed and Randi grinned ferally. “Well, I was gonna ask how you were doing, but, um... I think I can guess. Are you ready?”

Randi nodded, but didn’t take her gaze from Gwen. Gwen slid around to stand beside her. Randi’s eyes followed her; then Gwen reached out and turned Randi’s chin away from her form and toward what appeared to be a mirror.

She watched in fascination as her reflection faded and in its place....

The warrior facing her was dark and intense, but Randi could see an aura of light surrounding her. Even as she watched, the reflection changed and morphed – she lost the dark, gleaming armor she wore and became a woman as well as a warrior. There was strength and purpose in her body and determination in her stance. She was a warrior to be both feared and admired. But it was her eyes that Randi took note of. They twinkled and glowed with unbridled love and affection and even from where she stood, Randi could feel the love and desire she felt both for and from Gwen.

For a long time, Randi just stood looking, amazed at the image looking back at her. Finally, she turned back to look at Gwen, the wonder clear in her eyes. “Is that really how you see me?”

“Yep,” she said with a little smile. “It really is.”

“That’s... um, wow, Gwen. I... I never... I... hmm....”

This time Gwen chuckled. “Speechless much there, love?” Long fingers reached over and tickled Gwen’s ribs, eliciting a squeal.

“With you, it’s a constant state of being.”

The words were so unexpected Gwen sucked in a breath and just held it, staring into Randi’s eyes for a timeless moment. Then she wrapped her arms around Randi’s neck and pulled her down for a deep, passionate kiss. It went on until they broke for air, and when it was over they gasped, ending their spirit walk and sending them both into a natural, healing sleep.

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

It was still raining when Gwen woke up, though not with the ferocity it had stormed the previous night. She eased her head up off Randi’s shoulder and looked around, noting with distinct pleasure that she and Randi were not only sharing the same bed for the first time in months, but they were curled around one another possessively again.

She couldn’t stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks, but for the first time in forever, they were happy tears. Gwen let her fingertips gently trace the planes of Randi’s face, learning the harsh changes the months had wrought on Randi’s features. Her cheekbones were more pronounced and the planes were sharp. She let her touch wander down Randi’s body, feeling her ribs more prominent than they should be. Her fingers clenched into light fists in anger at the damage their separation had done to Randi and then she felt the touch of fingers on her face, tenderly wiping away her tears.

“Tears, Little One? I thought waking up together like this was a good thing,” she teased lightly. She was concerned, not because of the tears since Gwen had been known to cry on occasion when she was happy. More, it was that she had felt the fists clench as well as the touch of anger that had flowed through Gwen.

“Waking up like this is an incredible thing, Stud. I just can’t tell you how much. These are happy tears,” leaning up so she could look into Randi eyes. Then, just because she could, she leaned down and brushed their lips together, smiling into the kiss when Randi deepened it. Only the clearing of a throat brought them back to an awareness of the present... and the fact that they were not alone.

Randi sat up and tucked Gwen behind her... or tried to at any rate. She gave it up when Gwen simply wrapped around her like an octopus and held on tightly. Aphrodite stepped into the light, wincing when Randi glared at her. She shifted her gaze to Gwen and returned the small smile of contentment Gwen wore. She shifted around to Gwen’s side of the bed and lightly touched her face, studying her face before exchanging a long look with Randi.

“It is so fab to have you two back again! How’s it hanging?”

“Well, technically speaking, it’s not hanging at all,” Randi smirked, enjoying the light blush the banter got her. Then she laughed at the smack it earned her on the belly, enjoying the rub that immediately followed. “We’re doing good, Aphrodite. In fact, better than good; we’re absolutely fantastic.”

Aphrodite clapped her hands together and hopped in place just a little. “That is so cool! So what happened? C’mon... tell Dite all about it!” Unseen, Artemis and Athena just covered their eyes and shook their heads. Leave it to Aphrodite to stir the pot unthinking very first thing.

“Excuse me?” Randi’s eyebrows went into her hairline.

Dite dropped onto the bed. “What?? C’mon, dish a little.”

Gwen wrapped her arms more securely around Randi’s frame, soothing her with a gentle touch. Randi turned and met Gwen’s eyes, feeling her gaze soften. Gwen arched an eyebrow in question and Randi gave her a tiny, crooked smile. Gwen smiled back brightly before turning her attention to Aphrodite. “No, Aphrodite.”

“Huh?”

“No. We’re not gonna share what happened between us there... at least not now. Maybe not ever.”

“But....”

“Dite, what happened to us on our spirit walk - it’s intensely personal and extremely private.”

Dite pouted and picked at the covers. “All right, all right. Fine. But we still need to talk. Ya’ll so need to know what’s been, like, going on here during your righteous walk together. We’ve hit a few bumps while ya’ll were busy.”

The seriousness of her tone caused both Randi and Gwen to straighten up. It was then that they realized that Athena and Artemis were in the room as well as they chose that moment the make their way over to the bed. Randi tightened her hold on Gwen, feeling the tension mount when the other two goddesses arrived.

Dite reached for Gwen’s hands and Artemis sat behind her with her hands on Dite’s shoulders. Athena stood behind both of them to lend her strength. Gwen gripped Randi’s hands and looked at her in alarm. Randi brushed a kiss across Gwen’s temple and murmured in her ear, “I love you.” Then they held stares for a long moment, until Randi saw Gwen smile just the tiniest bit. The embrace became a brief hug, and they turned their attention to the goddesses.

“All right... what kind of bumps?? Where is everyone?”

Dite gave Athena a plaintive look, and Athena cleared her throat. Randi’s eyes sharpened into steel points and Athena took a deep breath and started to speak. “We sent most everyone to bed to get some rest. They had been working all night and were exhausted. We stayed here keeping an eye on the two of you. You’ve been sleeping for a full day... and so have they.”

They blinked at each other, then Randi spoke. “You said most... what happened?”

“First of all, I need you to both understand that no one was ready for you to begin your spirit the way you did. Nothing was in place like it was supposed to be... especially as far as Randi was concerned. There was no shielding here because of course Ares knew where to find Randi – she called on him twice before she fell into the state which started your walk.”

“When Gwen and her contingent arrived from the cabin, you were dying. You did in fact stop breathing for a few moments shortly after they arrived, and in that time....” She took another deep breath. “We were not here and the People were still setting up a perimeter – when Randi stopped breathing, Ares was furious. He saw it as her way of cheating him out of the prize he felt was rightfully his to claim. So he came back to seek vengeance. He was determined to take his due.”

“And...? Get to the point,” Randi growled impatiently. Athena arched her eyebrow and in any other situation, Randi might have been contrite for her impatience, but not this time. She was tired and cranky and despite what she had told Gwen, sore from the damage Ares had inflicted her body. She hadn’t had many reserves left going into this ordeal and this had drained her almost dry. So Randi just returned Athena’s look and waited.

“And,” Dite broke in with a somber tone, “everyone that was here tried to protect you from him... both of you. Rosie, Reed and Lacey moved towards you first; they were the closest. Ares flung them against the far wall. He did the same to Tiny and Sky when they tried to tackle him.”

“Oh, God... are they all right?” from Gwen. “He didn’t hurt them too badly, did he?”

Dite shook her head and looked down at the blanket. “No... a few bruises. They’ll probably wake up sore and stiff this morning, but nothing a little time with the regen unit can’t cure.” Silence fell again until Randi broke it impatiently.

“Okay... and? I mean, ya’ll wouldn’t be acting like somebody died if....” Gwen gasped and Randi stopped as realization dawned. “Who died?? Who else was here??” a bit frantically. Gwen took Randi’s hands in her own and turned her body until she could look directly into Randi’s eyes. She felt a strange sense of calm and peace envelop her.

“My parents were here, love. If they did what I asked them, they were here to offer you and the rest of our friends whatever support they could.”

Randi searched Gwen’s eyes, knowing her words for the truth. Then she turned to the goddesses. Aphrodite wouldn’t meet her eyes and Artemis’ glance offered sympathy. Athena extended her hand, and Randi unwound herself from Gwen then knelt down in front of her, clasping their hands together.

“I need to know, sweetheart. I need to see for myself what Ares did. Do you want to wait here or come with me?”

“Would you like some privacy to grieve in first or would you like my support?”

Randi reached up one hand and cupped Gwen’s face, marveling at her composure and the tranquility in her expression. “Even the warrior in me would like you to be there with me to face whatever is waiting for us together. But what I really want is to make it all go away so this didn’t happen and we, and especially you, don’t have to suffer through the possible loss of your parents.”

Gwen covered Randi’s hand, and turned her head to brush a kiss across her palm. “Randi, my folks and I talked about this possibility. They knew the risks... everyone that was involved in this did. Even without Ares involvement, spirit walks can be dangerous undertakings,” here she smiled wanly. “The common consensus was that since we were involved, things would probably get complicated.”

“And yet they all stuck around anyway,” Randi whispered.

“Yes, they did. It was important to them and imperative for us.” Gwen took a shuddering breath unexpectedly and released it, her voice dropping in pitch and wavering just slightly. “I don’t want anything to have happened to my parents Randi. I love them both dearly and I’d like to have them around for the rest of my life. But I did ask them to stay with you once I left, knowing you would need some support and they were more than willing – they were glad to do it.”

“But....”

“Shh.... They know what we mean to each other and they knew what was at stake. They wanted to be a part of this, love.”

“But why?”

“My father continues to be in a lot of pain and it bothers him; this was something he could do despite the pain. My mother still feels guilt about what happened with... um, with Ben. She was hoping to be able to start making up for it by helping here. Randi, I only asked them to stay here with you; they decided to do the rest on their own.”

Gwen turned back to the goddesses who were patiently waiting. “What did they decide to do anyway? What happened to my parents?”

Athena answered. “Ares was completely distracted because of the interference the others caused, and Geoff was able to get to the bed and cover you both just before Ares tried to claim you. Jill was only a step behind him and Ares physically knocked her across the room. We arrived bare moments after it happened and we sent him to the far reaches of the earth. But it was too late.”

Gwen bit her lip and held on to Randi’s hands tightly. Knowing something was likely wasn’t quite the same thing as having it confirmed. Randi returned the clasp and met Gwen’s eyes squarely.

“I’m sorry, Little One,” she said, her shoulders slumping. “I have hurt so many people I care about because of this. I wouldn’t have had anything happen to Geoff and Jill for the world.”

Gwen smiled sadly. “Oh, love... don’t do this. No guilt over this.” She held up her hand before Randi could speak. “No, Randi. This was their decision... their choice. No matter the outcome, this was what they wanted. Don’t dishonor them by taking that choice away from them.”

Randi stood then and helped Gwen do the same, then holding hands, they walked to the small couches where Geoff and Jill lay.

Geoff was hooked up to all manner of medical equipment including two full-sized regen units, but it was obvious that there was no practical function from Geoff’s mind or body despite the intrepid efforts of the variety of machines surrounding him. Jill, on the other hand, appeared to merely be sleeping. Randi and Gwen looked at Athena for an explanation and she walked to them before she spoke.

“By the time we got here, Geoff was already dead; his soul had passed on. Almost as though he knew it was safe for him to go. “But your friends wouldn’t admit defeat, and hooked his body up to these machines, hoping it would do some good.”

“What about my mother?” Gwen asked. “What happened to her?”

“I healed her as well as I could; the rest is up to her. I’m sorry, Gwen. It’s like Ares was deliberately targeting her... them... once he figured out they were going to protect you - like he expected the outcome to turn them against you... or each other. He purposefully inflicted as much damage to both of them as he could.”

Athena looked at Gwen then, expecting to see sadness in her eyes. What she found was a fire so bright, she felt scalded. Gwen held her eyes for a moment, then turned and wrapped herself in Randi’s embrace.

“Randi?” the word a mere vibration that flowed through Randi’s chest.

“Hmm?” kissing the blonde head tucked beneath her head.

“Before you kick Ares’ ass to kingdom come, I want one good shot at him. Who knows? Maybe we’ll have war god on a stick.”

Randi couldn’t help it... she burst into laughter. She knew it was an emotional release for both of them, feeling Gwen laughing in her arms, but it was also just the least little bit funny. Not just picturing Ares hoisted on a stick, but the calm manner in which Gwen presented it. Besides, it chased the tears out of her eyes – tears which returned with fervor when she felt Gwen’s laughter evolve into sobs.

The outburst only lasted a moment before Gwen pulled back just slightly and looked into Randi’s eyes. Randi wiped the wetness from Gwen’s cheeks and felt the touch reciprocated. “He died on his own terms, Gwen. He died as a warrior.”

“I know, love. He found his peace. I was crying because I’m gonna miss him. He was a constant friend during my childhood. And I’m crying for my mother. She is gonna miss him even more than I will. They have been together for so long; I’m not sure how she’s going to do, living without him. And I was crying for you, beloved – because I know that no matter what I say and no matter what you know to be the truth, somewhere, somehow you’re going to take responsibility for this on your shoulders. And you shouldn’t have to live with that guilt.”

“Not guilt, love, but responsibility. You’re right – their participation was their choice, and I won’t dishonor them by taking the choice away from them and feeling guilt. But I do bear a certain responsibility here, and I own Geoff a debt of honor now.”

Whatever response Gwen might have made was cut off by the soft moan that came from the second couch where Jill was lying. Immediately, Randi and Gwen knelt beside her and covered her hands with their own. Then they waited to see if she was going to come to.

Long moments passed in silence while they waited. Aphrodite and Artemis joined Athena in the small sitting area, taking the seats they had occupied during the night and through the long day while everyone slept. Though they couldn’t interfere, they could observe, and all three were anxious to see how this part of the saga would end.

Finally, Jill moaned again, shifting her head slightly and grimacing at the pain that lanced through her head at the movement. She reached for it, only to find herself unable to lift her hands. She wondered vaguely if the harm Ares had done had paralyzed her in addition to causing her acute pain. Then she realized there was another sound besides the roaring in her ears and she strained to listen to it, hoping it would give her some insight into what had really happened.

The words made no sense; they were nothing more than so much sound. But the tone was familiar and warm, and the touch she felt on her face was one she recognized. Jill forced herself to concentrate, and ever so slowly, she opened her eyes.

And had to give the tiniest smile to the unexpected sight that greeted her.

Randi and Gwen sat in front of her wrapped around one another so tightly, Jill doubted air could pass between them. It made her want to cry, knowing that whatever she had lost because of Ares, the balance had been restored. Instead, she smiled at them and tried to speak.

She was too dry, though and the sound she made was more of a croaked whisper and Dite reached over their shoulders with a cup in her hands. Gwen smiled up at Aphrodite and accepted the cup. Randi moved from behind Gwen and slid beneath Jill, gently easing her up into a semi-sitting position so Gwen could help her drink. After a few swallows, Jill turned her head away and Gwen lowered the cup. Randi started to move out from behind Jill when a hand on her wrist stopped her.

“Thanks, Randi. It’s so good to see the two of you right again.”

Randi nodded, but let her eyes drop. Jill’s glance went to Gwen and she saw the residual tears and the sadness in her eyes. “Your father’s dead, isn’t he?”

Gwen nodded, and Randi tried to slip out from behind Jill, figuring Jill would blame her for Geoff’s death. The hand on her wrist tightened and she froze and looked down into Jill’s eyes. Jill smiled sadly at her. “No, Randi. I don’t blame you for Geoff’s death. It was his choice; we talked about things. He wanted to die as a warrior, and he did.” Now she teared up, but she didn’t lose her grip or her tiny smile. “I am going to miss him, Randi... a lot, and I’ll probably get mad at him for being gone. But I wouldn’t have denied him the right to be whole again... to be a Sabre again... or Gwen’s father.”

“I wouldn’t have had this happen, Jill... not for anything.”

Jill patted her hands and then added Gwen’s to theirs, watching when Gwen’s and Randi’s fingers twined together as naturally as breathing. Then she covered their hands with hers. “I know, Randi. I’m just glad it was worth it. It was worth it, wasn’t it? Everything is all right again?”

Gwen’s smile was reassuring. “Everything is better than all right, Mama. Everything is wonderful, fantastic, amazing, incredible....” Jill chuckled and halted Gwen’s descriptive words mid-stream.

“I think I get the picture, Gwen, and I’m so glad. It is nice to see the sparkle in those eyes again, little girl. I’ve missed it.”

“Thanks, Mama.”

“C’mon, Jill. Let me get you settled on the bed, and then Gwen and I have some things to take care of together.” A pause. “Would you like us to start making arrangements for Geoff or would you like to do it yourself?”

Jill didn’t answer, having fallen back into a light doze. Gwen covered her up and then extended her hand to Randi. “C’mon, Stud. Let’s go get cleaned up. Then I’d like to say goodbye to my dad before we take him off the machines.”

They walked into the bathroom together and silence fell over the room.

Chapter IV

It was awkward at first, at least for Randi. She stopped in the middle of the room, hesitant and unsure. She had spent so long pushing Gwen away and then Gwen had sent her away, that she wasn’t sure how to handle the radical turnaround. It was all a bit surreal.

Gwen set the water temperature and started to undress, then realized Randi was still frozen in the same spot. She dropped her shirt in the hamper and crossed to Randi, reaching out cautiously, a little uncertain at Randi’s lack of movement.

“Randi, love? Is something wrong, or...?”

Randi shrugged and rubbed the back of her neck. “I dunno... it’s so – normal. I don’t know if I remember how to do this... do normal.”

Gwen started to drop her hands, unsure now if Randi would welcome the touch. Randi reached out and clasped the hands, pulling Gwen closer, then blinked as though she had just realized the Gwen was standing inches from her clad in a sheer, lacy bra. Her eyes were pulled inexorably to the well-rounded cleavage and she licked her lips unconsciously.

Gwen smiled, suddenly reassured by the lust she felt shiver through Randi’s frame. Gwen reached for Randi’s face, smiling when Randi’s hands naturally fell to her waist, gently rubbing the sensitive skin there with the pads of her thumbs while her eyes never strayed from Gwen’s breasts. Gwen cupped Randi’s cheeks and brought Randi’s eyes to meet hers, inhaling sharply at the blue deepened by desire to almost black.

She took one of Randi’s hands and shifted it up to her breast, closing her eyes momentarily when Randi traced just the exposed tops with a light, teasing touch. Gwen slid one hand into Randi’s hair, lacing her fingers into the locks and tugging gently, until their lips were a hairsbreadth apart.

“I think you’re doing normal just fine there, love.”

Then their lips met and conversation stopped. Only the sound of water running in the shower brought them back to reality and a smile crossed both faces as they took in their state of near undress. Randi cleared her throat and smiled crookedly at Gwen.

“I guess I am,” she agreed. “C’mon,” shedding the rest of her clothes and stripping Gwen of hers before ushering them both into the shower enclosure. Randi grabbed the soap and started lathering them indiscriminately, hoping to cool the fire raging in her blood. She felt a little uncomfortable with the burning desire she felt towards Gwen, knowing Geoff was being kept alive only by Lacey’s machines in the very next room.

Gwen turned in Randi’s arms, eyes that only moments before had been darkened in desire were now tear-filled. She wrapped her arms around Randi waist and squeezed. Randi returned the embrace, kissing the top of Gwen’s head.

“Is it wrong to feel so much love and desire for you when my father is...?” Her whispered words turned into silent sobs that Randi could feel. Her own eyes teared up but she refused to let them fall, instead choosing to focus all her love on the woman in her arms. After a moment, Gwen stopped crying and pulled back with a watery smile. “Thank you, Randi. I love you.”

“I love you too, Gwen... so much. And no, it’s not wrong; it’s perfectly natural. Aside from what we just went through together and what we’ve been going through for months, death makes us long for an affirmation of life. It’s completely normal. And after what we’ve been through.... But I think first we should go pay our final respects to Geoff and give him the send off to the next world he deserves. Then what do you say to dinner tonight, maybe some candlelight, soft music, sexy lingerie and just you and me together in this plane? I think your dad would understand.”

Gwen smiled, thinking of her parents’ relationship, glad Geoff and Jill had always been openly demonstrative about the love between them. While it had been embarrassing for Gwen as a child, it was something she had come to rely on and even appreciate as an adult. “I think they both would.”

Randi bit her lip thoughtfully. “You think we should plan to stay with your mother instead?”

Gwen shook her head. “No, I think mama is gonna need some time alone to adjust.” She stopped and blew out a breath, closing her eyes as memories washed over her. “I remember....” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I remember... all I wanted was to be left alone. It’s easier to grieve and get angry and cry when there’s no one there to see. We’ll know when she wants company... she’ll tell us.”

“I’m sorry, Gwen,” feeling that burden of guilt settle squarely on her shoulders again. She moved to shut off the water and Gwen grabbed her arm. Randi smiled sadly. She does know me well realizing that Gwen knew she was trying to pull away. She turned the water off then twisted around to face Gwen, only to find Gwen gazing back at her with complete understanding.

“You know better than that, Randi. I won’t let you pull away from me and I won’t let you shoulder that guilt again.”

Randi reached around and snagged a towel from the rack, reaching for Gwen and starting to dry her off. When she was done, she tucked the ends in, letting her touch linger on the soft skin. Gwen cleared her throat and Randi looked up with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Gwen took the second towel and repaid the favor. When she was down on her knees drying a long length of leg, she spoke quietly. “Randi, I want you to understand something – I never, ever want to go through losing you again... I won’t, because I’d never survive it. But I also want you to know that what happened gave me a deeper appreciation of our life together as well as more sympathy for people that I didn’t have before. So while I would never have chosen to walk that path, I have learned to find the good in it, love.”

Randi pulled Gwen to her feet, wrapping the towel around herself before pulling Gwen into a tight hug. “Only you would find good in that, Little One. Thank you.”

“Anytime, sweetheart. Now, c’mon. I need to say goodbye to my daddy, and I want you there with me.”

They stepped from the bathroom and immediately Randi realized that Jill was no longer in the bed, but had moved over to sit beside Geoff on the couch. Jill was combing her fingers through Geoff’s hair and even as Randi watched, she put her head down on his chest A quick glance around showed her the goddesses were no longer in the room, at least visibly, and Randi turned away as well to give Jill a modicum of privacy to say her goodbyes in. She followed Gwen into the closet and they slowly dressed. Finally, their eyes met and by common unspoken consent they walked out of the closet and into the bedroom.

Jill was back in the bed, the pain on her face written in the tear tracks still visible. Her eyes were closed and her breathing even though, so Randi decided to leave her alone in her grief for now. Instead she reached for Gwen’s hands and they walked together to Geoff’s side.

When they reached the couch, Randi released Gwen’s hand to allow her a minute of privacy with her father....

... only to have Gwen keep a firm grasp on her wrist. She looked at Gwen even as the bard knelt and pulled Randi down beside her.

“Gwen? Love, I only wanted to....”

“I know, Randi. But we are one – body, soul and spirit. And Daddy knows that. I don’t think he would object to us saying our goodbyes to him as one.”

Randi nodded and resumed her grip on Gwen’s hand, only this time she wrapped an arm around Gwen’s waist before clasping their fingers together.

Gwen reached up with her other hand and grasped Geoff’s, surprised that it still retained a measure of warmth. “Hi, Daddy,” she said softly. “It’s Gwen and Randi, Daddy. We’re together again, Daddy. It worked... just like it was supposed to.” She smiled at him wanly. “Well, maybe not *just* like it was supposed to,” she joked feebly. “This is *us* we’re talking about, after all.”

Gwen felt Randi’s silent chuckle and laughed a little herself. She turned to glance at Randi briefly, drinking in the strength of her before returning her attention to Geoff.

“Thank you, Daddy. I never thought....” She took a shaky breath. “Well, I wish you were here to see the fruits of your efforts. She’s all mine again, Daddy. Ares has no hold on her anymore, and no hope of ever having any again.”

Gwen shifted slightly and Randi released her hold, knowing instinctively Gwen needed some freedom of movement to finish her goodbye. Gwen leaned forward and brushed a kiss across Geoff’s cheek. “Goodbye, Daddy. I love you, and I’m gonna miss you so much.” A tear ran down her face and she let it. “And if you’re not too busy, could you maybe look in on us once in a while? I’d like to know you were still keeping an eye on your little girl.”

She kissed him again then moved to take her place at Randi’s side. Then Gwen waited patiently for Randi to speak, hearing her swallow several times before her voice came out as a hoarse whisper.

“I’m sorry, Geoff. You shouldn’t be lying here, but I will always, *always* be indebted to you for what you did – for Gwen and for me. If there was any way for me to fix this, I want you to know I would do whatever it took. I never meant to take you from your family.” She paused and cleared her throat. “I’ll take care of your little girl, Geoff... whatever it takes.”

She stared at Gwen for a long moment before turning back to Geoff one final time. “God speed your journey, my friend, and reward you well for your sacrifice. And um... you might wanna look up my folks when you get to the other side. I know they would love to meet you. Ya’ll could probably swap some interesting stories.”

This time it was Gwen who chuckled silently and she leaned over to rest her head on Randi’s shoulder. “Um, sweetheart? You do realize that if my father gets together with your folks, we may have to leave eternity just to get a little peace from the ragging they’re gonna do to us?”

Randi bit her lip and nodded. Then she leaned down to whisper into Gwen’s ear. “Except we have a hideaway that no one knows about... no one except us, remember?”

Gwen pulled back just slightly to watch Randi’s face for a long moment before comprehension struck. Her eyes lit, but before the expression could reach her lips, she tucked her head back into the crook of Randi’s neck. Her lips tickled when they moved to speak. “We’re going home?”

Randi nodded. “I think it’s time.”

They were silent for a little while after that, then Randi eased Gwen away from her body. “Little One? I think it’s time we let his body join his soul in finding peace. Do you... do you think we should wake your mom up or...?”

Gwen shook her head. “No. She said her goodbyes. I think she wants us to do it. I think Daddy would prefer that too. That way, he really does go as a warrior.”

“That is so important to him?”

“Wouldn’t it be important to you, love?” A beat. “Randi, my father was a Sabre, just like you. Well, not just like you because there has never been anyone else even close to being who you are, but he is just like the other Sabres I have met. Despite his handicaps, he was bred a Sabre. I think he’d want to be remembered as one.

Randi nodded. “Then let me do it, love. He isn’t the first, and I doubt he will be the last, and I will honor the sacrifice he made as a warrior’s gift.”

So saying, she reached up and flipped off the machines that were keeping his body alive. Then together they watched as the monitors flat lined one by one until the room was left in silence, the wail having been silenced before it could even begin to sound an alarm.

“Goodbye, Geoff. Thank you.”

“Goodbye, Daddy. I love you.”

Jill kept her eyes closed but the tears slid down her face as she whispered her last private goodbye to the man she had spent the better part of her life loving and living with. Then she prayed for sleep to come, just to get a respite from the loneliness she already felt in her heart.

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

When Randi opened the door, the guards snapped to attention, then they bowed as she and Gwen exited their suite with joined hands and headed for the huge office area she had commandeered that also served as her conference room. They had tucked Jill in and decided to call everyone else together to let them know what was going on. Their friends deserved that much, and in honesty, Randi and Gwen felt they deserved more. But for now, disclosure would have to be enough.

Yuri, who had assumed the job of her personal assistant, snapped to attention as Randi and Gwen crossed the threshold. He bit his lip to keep from smiling over the obvious change between them. Though is had only been spoken of in hushed tones, he was aware, as were all who were in the household, of the fractured tension that had been between them – a tension that had obviously been dissolved by whatever had taken place in all the excitement two nights previously.

Yuri bowed his head. “Empress... Consort....”

“NO.” Gwen had frozen at the title, and Randi’s word cut through the stillness. “No, Yuri. Gwen is many, MANY things, but she is not now nor will she ever be my consort. Make sure everyone is aware of that before the end of the day.”

“Yes, Empress.” He turned to Gwen. “My apologies, Co....” He gave her a beseeching look, unsure how to address her.

“Gwen is fine, Yuri.”

“But her title is that of Queen.”

“Yes, Empress,” he nodded. “My queen,” with a bow in Gwen’s direction. Gwen rolled her eyes and shook her head, slapping Randi lightly on the belly.

“You’re a troublemaker.”

Randi grinned and wrapped her hands around Gwen. “You’re just now realizing that? You’re getting slow there, beautiful. Besides, as you so aptly pointed out, you are my equal, not my lesser and the world needs to know that. You deserve the respect the title garners you.”

“The only title I want to wear is that of your soulmate, wife and lover. Everything else is just so much window dressing.”

Randi smirked. “I suppose it would be useless to point out that you actually named three so-called titles.”

“No, you weren’t paying attention. Same title, different words.”

Randi was enjoying their banter so much, she opened her mouth to retort when she stopped and thought about what Gwen had said. “Damn, sweetheart, you’re right.” She chuckled and kissed Gwen’s nose. “I love you.”

Gwen smiled. “I know. I love you too.” They stood gazing into one another’s eyes, enjoying the renewed warmth that flowed between them. A throat clearing nearby brought their attention away from one another and back to the room... and Yuri.

“Congratulations, Empress... my queen. It is wonderful to see you so happy together again.”

“Thank you, Yuri. It is wonderful to be so happy again.” She and Gwen crossed the foyer area arm in arm, stopping only when they reached the door to her office. “Yuri, please call my staff together. We have a lot to talk about.”

He motioned to the door, but before he could answer she opened it – then stopped dead when she saw her staff sitting around the large conference table set to one side of the room with coffee cups and Danishes, waiting patiently for her arrival. When they saw that she and Gwen were together, and how together they were, bright smiles broke out across the room and they cheered.

“Nevermind, Yuri,” Randi threw over her shoulder before she and Gwen entered the room and shut the door behind them. It didn’t keep the sound of cheering from resonating across the room, nor did it stop the smile on Yuri’s face from growing into a grin. He scurried to his desk and began to prepare the ‘consort’ memo; he was fairly certain no one wanted to be on the receiving end of Randi’s ire if that slip was made again.

The door closing brought utter stillness to the entire group. Reed had reached out to Tiny and Rosie before the door even opened, and the only movement was her hands clenching theirs. Randi slid Gwen around in front of her and wrapped her arms around Gwen’s body, relishing the connection, especially when Gwen linked their hands together as naturally as breathing.

They stood regarding their friends... friends who had risked everything to make sure things worked out for her and Gwen. Friends who continued to be there, even knowing things would never be easy where Randi and Gwen were concerned, just because that’s the way things were with them.

“I’m sorry about what happened to Geoff, Gwen,” Tiny said, breaking the silent tableau. “We all are. If there had been anything else we could have done....”

“I know, Tiny and I appreciate it. He died as a warrior and that meant everything to him.”

“There aren’t words... there’s nothing we can say that could convey....” Randi bit her lip and stopped speaking. Gwen squeezed the hands she held.

“Thank you all. What you did for us is beyond price.”

At Gwen’s words, Reed rose slowly and the rest followed suit, never losing contact with her or each other. She more than any of them had suffered with Randi and Gwen – first by their joining, then through their rending and now through a bonding so complete, even Sky and Rosie could sense their union with little effort. Gently she eased her hands from Tiny’s and Rosie’s, sensing their reluctance and hoping she had guessed right.

Reed looked at each of them and nodded slightly. They released her, though Tiny followed right behind her as she walked from the table to stand two steps from where Randi and Gwen remained near the door. For a long moment, they simply looked at one another, then Reed reached out a hand towards them. Gwen hesitated, knowing the pain their bond had always caused the seer before and unwilling to hurt her again.

“Please?” Reed asked, her eyes glowing silver with the power that was flowing between them. Slowly, Gwen extended her hand and waited for Reed to grasp it. Randi and the rest watched and waited, fascinated by the drama playing out.

Reed took a step forward and clasped Gwen’s hand firmly. Then she smiled broadly and raised her eyebrows in question, extending her arms. Gwen tapped lightly on the hands around her middle and Randi freed her hold on Gwen. Gwen stepped into Reed’s embrace, hugging the seer with all her might. Eventually, they pulled away from one another and Gwen cupped Reed’s face in her hands and placed a kiss on either cheek. “Thank you, Reed,” she whispered. “What you did....”

“What I did, I did out of love and genuine friendship. The fact that it was for the greater good was a really nice benefit, but I would do it again for you both alone in a heartbeat. You changed the world, Gwen, and I’m proud to have been a part of that.”

“Waitaminute. What the hell is going on here?? Reed, what happened?” Tiny was ultimately the one who dared to voice the question, having been stunned out of his silence at her words. “Did we finally channel enough strength to you to make your barrier against them impregnable?”

Reed shook her head, letting go of Gwen’s hand and capturing both of Tiny’s instead. “No. This is all them. Somehow, the barrier they have enacted against Ares is also serving to protect me. It is channeling their aura into something I can manage. It’s incredible.”

“Wait...” Randi broke in. “We’re doing this? How?”

“Yes. When you healed your relationship during the spirit walk, you were able to strengthen the bond between you to the extent that you are able to keep Ares out. When you get ready to confront him, you will have to invite him in. He can’t reach you otherwise.”

“But Reed, she hasn’t had the antidote yet.”

“She doesn’t need it, Gwen. The millennia’s worth of good karma you have built up together has finally synched up in this lifetime to protect you both.”

“Okay, not that I’m not glad to hear it on several levels, and we’ll certainly have to discuss this in greater detail later, but what does that have to do with you now? Because you’re not feeling any pain here are you?” This from Randi.

“No. The barrier that is keeping Ares out is also keeping the strength of your connection in... just between the two of you. So while I can see how bright your auras are and I can sense how strong your bond is, all the feelings associated with it are completely yours.”

“That’s amazing,” Gwen said. “I’m so glad, Reed.”

Whatever she might have answered was lost when Randi stepped forward and took Reed in her arms for a timeless moment, simply rocking them back and forth. No words were spoken, but none were needed; the embrace itself spoke volumes. When they separated, Randi smiled at Reed and spoke simply. “Thank you, Reed.”

The softly spoken words were the impetus the rest needed move forward and claim hugs of their own, and Randi and Gwen were happy to comply. For a while, the only sounds in the room were the whisper of cloth, the occasional sniffle of tears and the quiet murmur of voices exchanging condolences and gratitude. Eventually, the group made its way back to the table, and everyone resumed their seats. Despite their happiness over the turn of events, there was still work to do, and the sooner they got down to business, the sooner they could be done and go home. And that was something they were all looking forward to.

“All right,” Randi said as she took her seat, then noticed Gwen was still standing. “Shit!” she muttered with chagrin, to some serious tittering from her staff. Randi popped back up immediately and crossed to her desk, pushing her chair from behind it and over to the table. It made quite the statement since she could have easily asked them to move, or taken one of the two empty chairs already at the table.

Even more significant than the use of her personal chair – one she’d had custom made for herself here – was the fact that she put it beside the other chair at the head of the table. Gwen started to slip into the original chair, only to be stopped by Randi’s hand on her arm. Gwen looked at Randi with a question in her eyes.

For answer, Randi held the chair she’d pulled from behind her desk and waited for Gwen to take a seat. Then she pushed it up to the table next to the chair she’d been seated in and resumed her seat there. Everyone at the table, including Gwen, was aware of the significance of her actions. Randi reached over and took Gwen’s hand in hers.

“All right,” Randi said again. “Now that we’re *all* seated,” with a grin at Gwen. “I want some ideas on what we can do to solidify the peace. Gwen and I are ready to go home, but I made a promise two nights ago and we want to do the best we can – BUT – we are not going to do this for very long. We have other things we want to be doing. Ruling the world was never in my plans.”

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

“Gods be damned!!! *I’ll* be damned!!” Ares screamed at the top of his lungs. He was storming around in a favored temple, periodically destroying things and causing his priests to go scurrying for cover. He stomped back and forth as he ranted and raved and the priests had long since learned to stay out of his way.

Ares strode back over to the alcove that held his scrying bowl, the one area of the temple that remained unscathed. He stopped in front of it, willing there to be more there than just water and cursing virulently when it remained dark.

“You can’t keep me out, Randi. I’m going to find a way to get to you, and when I do, YOU *WILL* BE MINE!!!”

The priests wisely found somewhere else to be, leaving the war god to his madness.

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

Randi had not released Gwen’s hand the entire time they had been sitting, and their thumbs gently caressed the soft, inner skin over one another’s pulse points. Now she looked around the room, meeting everyone’s eyes individually. “These are good ideas... good suggestions, guys. Thanks. I think there is a way we can make these ideas work, but it’s gonna take a little time to work everything out.”

“At least we have time now,” Sky commented. “I have sent the People back to the village as it appears we no longer need them here to provide a barrier for anyone.”

“How long will this new barrier last?”

Rosie and Reed exchanged glances, then shrugged simultaneously. “We don’t know, Cam. This is a totally new area for us. The barrier is protecting Reed from Randi and Gwen’s energy, but it’s also keeping her from being able to scan more than just the exterior – she can’t get in. So we’re pretty much stuck with guessing at this point.”

“So what’s the guess?” Brenda asked. She, Cam and Jess had been part of the barrier effort that protected Gwen and Randi in the palace and she finally had an inkling of what Reed had endured as a seer. Though she had always considered Reed a friend, she’d never pretended to understand her gift. Now she had a sympathy that went beyond friendship. She hoped the guess was in Reed’s favor.

“Well, since Randi and Gwen pushed everyone, friend and foe, out of their space when their auras merged and became one, the assumption is that they have some sort of control. At least they appear to have the ability to protect themselves until the time comes to confront Ares.”

“When will that be?” Tiny asked, looking at Randi. “Do you know?”

“If we do it on our timetable? It will be our final objective – the last thing we do before we go home.”

“You have a plan then?”

Gwen nodded and answered this time. “Yes, we do... for Ares at least.” Her eyes grew hard and everyone sat back in their chairs in surprise. Her fury was a surprise even while it was not completely unexpected. They’d not thought to see it among them, at any rate. “However,” she continued, softening her expression at their reaction, “if he is able to force the issue sooner, we will deal with him. This fight will be on *our* terms.”

Silence reigned for a few moments as everyone considered the implications of Gwen’s words. Finally, Randi cleared her throat to speak again.

“Tiny, please let the staff know that today is a day of mourning for Gwen and I. We will be having a pyre for Geoff tonight if any of you would like to attend the service.”

“Is there anything we can do?”

“No, thank you, Reed,” Gwen answered. “Lacey is preparing – him; Randi took care of the arrangements this morning.”

“Actually,” Randi broke in, “if someone could make sure that Tommy and Ella are taken to their room when they turn up and could notify me of their arrival, I would appreciate it.” She was more than a little curious as to why they hadn’t already been here, but it was one of the many things she and Gwen hadn’t had time to talk about yet.

“We’ll do that,” Reed assured Randi, taking Tiny’s hand.

“I’d like to go sit with Jill a while if that’s all right?” Rosie looked between Randi and Gwen. Randi turned to Gwen, leaving it up to her. Gwen stared into Rosie’s eyes for a long moment, seeing an unexpected sympathy and understanding glowing in the back of Rosie’s eyes. She nodded mutely, and Rosie covered Gwen’s hand with her own in silent comfort.

After a moment, Gwen cleared her throat. “Thanks again, ya’ll. We would never have defeated the rebellion and achieved the peace we have without each and every one of you. And Randi and I certainly wouldn’t be here now without all your support. There is nothing we could say or do that could ever express our gratitude for your friendship and your devotion to us, but I promise you all we’ll try.”

“Gwen, the fact that ya’ll are together again and Randi is back to normal is thanks enough,” Tiny said, then gave an evil smile, “though normal for her is....” He cleared his throat when he caught Randi’s glare in his direction and turned his attention back to Gwen. “But I don’t think anyone would object to a good party and some good music,” with a wicked glance in Randi’s direction, “when things settle down a little bit.”

Randi growled and Gwen chuckled. “I think we can manage that, Tiny.”

“Good. Now if you’ll excuse us, I think we all have things we need to do.” They rose as one and started towards the door, then Tiny turned back to Gwen and Randi who were still sitting together at the head of the table. “What time tonight?” asked quietly.

“Sunset,” Gwen replied. “In the garden.”

“We’ll be there. C’mon, you lot,” Tiny said, capturing Reed’s hand in his and ushering the rest out the door ahead of them. He looked at Jess who was lagging behind; she gave him the slightest shake of her head and he and Reed left her with Randi and Gwen, closing the door soundly behind them.

Jess looked up at Randi and Gwen, and cleared her throat to speak. “I’m sorry about your father, Queen Gwen, but I’m glad you’re all right.”

“Jess? I know we’ve only just met, but you can call me Gwen. What you’ve done....”

Jess shook her head violently. “No, I can’t. As a card-carrying Amazon, you are my queen. As the wife of the Empress, you are still my queen. I just wanted to ask your forgiveness.”

Gwen frowned and looked at Randi in consternation squeezing the hand she still held. Randi shrugged. She was as lost as Gwen. They turned back to Jess.

“For what, Jess? We’ve only just met.”

“Because it’s my fault you were put into danger... my fault Lenore died. It was my responsibility to let Reed know when the attack was going to take place, and I wasn’t able to. There was no time, my queen... honestly. I tried when we arrived in the village, but because of the way the circumstances played out, the attack happened before I was able to reach Reed.”

Jess bowed her head. “I’m sorry, my queen. I have no excuse, but I am asking you to forgive me.”

Gwen stood up and released Randi’s hand. Then she walked the table length to where Jess still sat with her hands clasped together and her head bowed. Jess didn’t look up when Gwen took the chair beside her.

“Jess? Jess, I don’t blame you for what happened and neither would Lenore. Everything happens for a reason, and Lenore would be the first to tell you that. If you need me to forgive you, I will, but you did your duty, Jess. There is nothing to forgive you for.”

Jess smiled and looked at Gwen. “Thank you, my queen. Empress,” she said, standing and bowing her head briefly towards them before she too made her exit from the room. Gwen and Randi looked at one another in silence, and Gwen stood and waited for Randi to join her. When Randi reached her, they took one another’s hands again and headed back to their suite.

Part 3

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