A
Valiant Interlude- Part 2
When the original soulmates went on to their rest,
their descendants knew it would be at least a full generation before the soulmates
returned to claim the tokens, and the rings were put away for safekeeping. No
one spared a thought, nor would they for several centuries, that time in
eternity is completely different than mortal time. And so, several mortal
lifetimes passed before the soulmates were reborn.
Eventually,
the guardians understood that the soulmates would not be reunited in every
generation, but only in every *lifetime* they were born into. And there was no
set pattern for their return. Sometimes it seemed almost immediate, while
others it was almost an eternity in itself. The guardians, however, took their
responsibility very seriously, and passed the tokens and tales down through
their lines.
For
hundreds, and even thousands of years, the system had worked perfectly. One of
the warrior's line was chosen to be the guardian of the rings, one of the
bard's ancestry was chosen to record their lifetimes together, and pass those
stories down in the interim.
************
Here,
************
One hundred and eighty-seven years prior to what
was now the present, two guardians, one from the warrior's line, and one from
the bard's, had met and fallen in love. These were not the soulmates, and in
fact, it was a second marriage for both parties. One brought a young son into
the family unit, and the other brought a small daughter. And together they
formed a new family.
Years passed, and the children became adults,
having grown up hearing the soulmates' stories. The daughter, being something
of a romantic, had found them wonderful, compelling. But the son had grown hard
and bitter, lamenting the fact that he was not one of the blessed soulmates and
furious that it was his duty to keep the stories and not the rings.
Finally, one moonless night, he snuck away,
stealing the warrior's ring, and disappearing into the darkness. His sister
never heard from him again.
************
"The daughter, taking the responsibilities
left to her very seriously, went to her father's closest living relative, and
explained the situation to her. She placed the copies of the bard's stories in
my great-grandmother's care."
The silence was deafening when it fell, as the
listener's absorbed the impact of the words they had heard.
"There's more to the story, isn't
there?"
"Yes, and a few answers too, I think."
************
Time moved on, and the old woman was on her deathbed.
She called her elder daughter, herself a grown woman, in to her bedside, and
took the leather bound stories out from their hiding place.
"You are the guardian, now," she said on
her last whispered breath.
"I'll take care of them, Mama." And she
kissed the still cheek.
When the woman had read through the journal,
reviewing the stories she had grown up with, and wanted to share with her baby
girl, she found an electronically printed note from her mother folded and stuck
at the very end. A heavy object fell from the envelope with the single sheet of
paper, and the woman gasped in perception. She opened the note and began
reading.
For the Record.... (it
stated)
Twelve years ago, a strange and
sickly man approached me begging a favor. I didn't know him, for time and
disease and a hard life had beaten him beyond recognition. It was only when he
showed me this token, the Soulmates' Ring, that I realized who he was.
"I brought disgrace and
dishonor to our family because of my greed and discontent, and it has cost me
everything I ever held dear. Hold this in trust, as you do the stories, for one
day, the warrior and the bard will be one again, and the rings will be reunited
by them."
He melted off again into the
night, and was never seen nor heard from again. It is suspected he died
and was buried in an unmarked tomb by the love goddess.
One last thing... until the
soulmates are reunited, this story is only to be told, passed from mother to
daughter, upon the death of the guardian.
************
"When you were little, your grandmother
shared all the soulmate stories with you."
"Just before your Gramma died," using
the bard's loving address for
"She told me to always keep the ring with me,
because you would need it someday." Tears welled up in her eyes and poised
on the verge of falling. "Looks like she was right." She paused and
looked right at
Chapter VI
It hadn't taken
"Things are changing... so much is happening
so fast. I'm not sure I can cope with all this,
He made a mental note of the sound of a door
closing in the distance, but at the moment, his attention was entirely focused
on the woman who stood in front of him. The weapons smith closed the scant
inches of space between them, resting his hands on her shoulders, and pulling
her back against his still muscular body. He smiled when she relaxed against
him, and wrapped his arms neatly around her waist. He put his chin on her
shoulder before he spoke.
"You're doing fine, love. It's a lot to
adjust to in the course of a couple hours."
"Yeah, well, I didn't see you slapping our
daughter's fiance across the face on first sight."
"Sweetheart, in the first place, you were
between us. And in the second, well, there are some things I come at from a
different point of view than you do, even when I understand and accept your
reasoning. Besides,
"It could have cost me our daughter,
"It didn't, love. And it won't."
Tear filled eyes looked up at him. "Do you
really believe that?"
Remembering the expression in
************
Words whispered so low she could hardly make them
out, even in the stillness. "Love, do you think anyone would be terribly
offended if we left? I need to be alone with just you for a while."
In answer, the Sabre rose, carrying the smaller
woman up with her. They didn't stop to speak to anyone, but simply left quietly
together.
The walk home was quiet, the stillness only broken
by the night sounds and the surf crashing upon the nearby shore. The two held
hands, needing the physical connection to one another. With a tug,
For a very long time, they sat wrapped together,
staring into the blackness, absorbing the peace. Finally,
"Mmm," the Marine agreed, drained from
the day's events, and content to have the bard wrapped in her arms. She figured
"She knew, Randi. My Gramma knew." She
tilted her head slightly, and the Marine could see the glistening of tears
forming in the green eyes. "How did she know? And why didn't she tell me?
Such a waste. We could have lost each other never knowing the truth." And
here the tears fell in earnest, tumbling from her eyes and rolling down planed
cheeks. Randi smiled a gentle smile of understanding, and let the woman cry.
Finally, as the tears abated, she removed one arm from around the bard, and
softly wiped away the wetness. Then she spoke slowly, considering her words.
"Love, this was something we had to discover
and acknowledge for ourselves. You know that. We might never have found each
other otherwise. You would not have fulfilled your potential as a bard, because
you would have been too busy looking for something that wasn't even in place
yet." She took a deep breath, choosing her words with even greater care
now. "None of our time together has been wasted, and the time we spent
apart only strengthened the bond of our hearts and souls." The warrior
looked like there was more she wanted to say, but fell silent, unsure of how to
convey what she wanted.
I thought *I* was the bard here, was
Gwen's first thought when Randi stopped speaking. She smiled as the truth of
the warrior's statements sank in. She's right. The bard didn't speak for
a while, but raised a hand to trace the now familiar lines of the face she held
so dear. Randi relaxed, and allowed the exploration, knowing the bard was using
the ritual to relax and focus herself. The Marine waited for the smaller woman
to speak when one hand began caressing her neck and collarbones, and the other
wove itself into her raven hair. With a gentle tug, Gwen brought their lips to
almost touching, and whispered, "You're right," before bringing their
mouths together passionately for a long kiss.
It was the rumble of thunder that pulled them
apart after a few breathless moments. Randi made a move to rise. "C'mon,
love. Let's get in the house before it starts raining and we get caught in the
flood again." She smiled, and was surprised by the seriousness of the
blonde's gaze, and her refusal to budge. "Gwen?" Then she felt her
left hand grasped and held.
The once loquacious bard remained silent as she
slowly raised Randi's hand to her lips, green eyes locked onto blue. She softly
kissed each knuckle, before focusing on the third finger. She kissed the empty
spot, then slid the coolness of the ring into place, filling it. She placed
another kiss on the token as a sacrament, and whispered, "Always."
A flash of lightening illuminated the silent tears
falling from the Marine's eyes, and reflected the joy shining from them.
"Forever," she whispered back, before bringing their lips together
again to seal the vow. Neither one even noticed when the rain began to fall.
************
Geoff and Jill walked back into the house just as
the downpour started. "We owe you two an apology," Geoff said slowly,
as Tommy ushered them into the kitchen. Ella was putting the finishing touches
on a snack, and motioned them to take a seat.
"How so?" The curly headed woman cocked
her head to the side in a listening attitude, while placing their ice cream in
front of them. Then she set a multitude of toppings in front of them,
gesturing. "I *never* dress anyone else's ice cream."
She saw them visibly relax, and she smiled. That
had been her aim. Ella knew they were gonna be embarrassed and uncomfortable
now, given what had happened earlier, and the fact that the "girls"
had left without so much as a goodbye.
"We should have called you first. We have no
right to be dropping in on you unannounced. My mother would roll in her grave
if she knew how rude...."
"As I recall," Tommy broke in on the
explanation, "we've told you both on numerous occasions you are always
welcome here anytime." He paused, then continued. "Ya'll are part of
the family, and we're glad you're here." He looked into Jill's eyes, and
clasped her hand. "We'll get through this, Jill. We all will."
She looked at the man who she considered a dear
friend and smiled at his faith. "Thanks, Tommy. I think we will." She
took a deep breath, squeezed his hand before they released. Then she reached
for the colored sprinkles and asked, "So, when do we get to meet the rest
of the family?" And talked turned to less intensive matters for the
remainder of the evening.
************
A hot shower had gone a long way toward warming
them up after the chill of the storm had soaked into their bones. Now they sat
curled up together in front of the fireplace, with mugs of hot tea.
"I thought summer storms were supposed to be
warm."
"Hmm. Apparently not always." The Marine
smiled. "But it was worth it," she added, smiling into Gwen's eyes.
"Yeah, it was," after a soul-sharing
pause. Then the blonde lay her head on Randi's shoulder, and together they
tranquilly watched the flames dance and crackle.
************
The following morning found them wrapped around
one another in the middle of the big bed. Gwen lay there, ear plastered to the
Marine's chest, listening to the strong heartbeat. She tilted her head up to
look at Randi's features in repose. It still surprised her to be awake first.
Always before, the Marine had been up running before the break of dawn.
Absently, the bard began tracing the lines and planes of the beloved face. She
smiled as the muscles twitched, and the arms tightened, just before sleepy blue
eyes appeared and returned her smile.
"Good morning, beautiful." The low voice
was husky with sleep. The Sabre closed her eyes again as the small fingers
continued to softly follow the contours of her face.
"Good morning, love." Gwen moved up
until she was nose to nose with Randi, which she quickly licked. Outraged blue
eyes flew open, and the giggling bard leaped from the bed heading for the
bathroom. She wasn't quite quick enough, though, and the Marine caught her round
the waist before she could close the door. Randi hefted the blonde off her
feet, and took the wiggling, squirming mass of humanity back to the big bed,
throwing her in the middle and pouncing on top of her before Gwen could even
think about moving. The tickle fight that ensued caused the smaller woman to
plead for mercy.
"So, you wanna start something, hmm?"
The tickling had slowed to a slow caress, and Randi licked up one side of the
bard's neck, nipping at the conveniently placed ear.
"No! Yes! Oh, um.... " Gwen voice
trailed off, and her breath caught in a gasp as she felt Randi's tongue trace
up the other side of her neck. That was the last of the discussion for the
better part of the morning.
************
"C'mon, love. We can't avoid them
forever." They had finally gotten out of bed and showered, and were just
now sitting down to what could technically be termed "brunch." Geoff
and Jill had called much earlier, though they'd been far too engrossed in other
things to pay the vid center any mind. Randi did remember being thankful to
have turned of the bedroom connection, before she was swept away into a world
of sensation. Now, however, they had seen the vid message, and Gwen was showing
a distinct lack of enthusiasm for calling them back. "You knew they were
gonna have to know."
The bard sighed deeply. "I'm not avoiding
them, love." She clasped Randi's hand across the table. "Okay, I *am*
avoiding them a little bit. I would have preferred to have told them in my own
time and way, but I can't fault them for their concern." Another breath
and exhalation. "I'm still furious with my mother, though. How dare
she...?"
Randi rose, and came around the table, kneeling at
the blonde's feet. "Gwen," she placed her hands on the bard's knees
and changed tactics. "Why don't you ask her?" The simplicity of the
question was almost overwhelming, and Gwen blinked in surprise. "Don't you
think you owe her the courtesy?"
The bard cupped her hands around the older woman's
cheeks. Then she drew their faces close, and rubbed their noses together,
before depositing a gentle kiss on said appendage. "I love you, ya
know," looking deep into soft blue eyes.
"I know," came the soft answer.
"Ditto, Little One."
"C'mon, Stud," rising and pulling the
warrior to her feet. "Let's go talk to the folks."
************
Randi and Geoff decided to go for a walk around
the island. They needed a bit of private time to talk, and both had the
distinct feeling Jill and Gwen's discussion was not for their ears. Ditto, who
had accompanied the Goldmans back to the beach house, decided that outdoors was
infinitely better than in, and dashed out toward the beach as soon as Randi
opened the French door.
They walked along together in silence for a while.
The Marine absorbed the sights, sounds and smells that assaulted her senses,
while the man studied her and her reaction to the world newly returned to her.
Finally, they paused to rest on a small dune. Randi had seen the toll the walk
was taking on Geoff, and took a seat. He followed her lead, secretly grateful
for the break. She scooped up a piece of driftwood and threw it for Ditto,
happy to stay silent until the weapons smith was ready to talk.
"A lot has changed." He spoke at last.
She nodded in agreement. "Yes, it has." She
was actually much more apprehensive about this conversation than she was
letting on. She had turned Gwen back over into his care when she had left. He
could, by right, deny her the bard's hand. While it wouldn't stop their
marriage, as they were both well over age, it would put a damper on things.
They wanted the Goldman's blessing, much as they had her own parents. Hence her
presence her with Geoff, and Gwen's with her mother. The tenor of the rest of
their relationship with Gwen's folks depended heavily on the outcome of the
talks they were now having.
"You gave my daughter back into my care,
though she was never formally in yours to start with. Why was that?"
The question caught the Marine somewhat
flatfooted. She had expected him to ask about the mission, or her death, or why
she thought he would trust her with the precious commodity that Gwen was. He
had blind-sided her, and it took her a moment to recover. Still, she swallowed
audibly, and met his gaze briefly, before turning to look out across the
endless ocean vista.
"Because I was selfish," was her soft
reply.
Now it was Geoff's turn to look somewhat stunned.
That hadn't been close to the things he had supposed she would say.
"Oh? How so?" He had mixed emotions
about her decision to leave, and she wasn't, he felt, solely responsible for
her choice. But that was something they could talk about later. For now, he
refocused himself, and listened to her whispered answer.
"When I first met your daughter, four years
ago, I accepted a responsibility to protect and keep her safe. I was the head
of Midas security, and it was my job. As she became my friend, it became less
my job and more my pleasure. And as I fell in love with her, her safety and
security became paramount to me," the tears rolled silently down her face,
"as did her happiness." There was silence for a time as she tried to
recover herself. Geoff respected her privacy, and kept his eyes riveted on the
horizon stretched out in front of him. When she was able to continue, he glanced
at her, then looked away again, seeing that she was holding it together by
sheer grit.
"When it was obvious there was no way to
accomplish that last mission without dying, I wanted the peace of mind of
knowing she would be taken care of. I knew you would understand that."
Her eyes never left the blue water, and he found
it easier to speak to her without looking at the gut-wrenching expression writ
large across her face. There were still some things he needed to know.
"What was it like to die, Randi?" And
she heaved a sigh. Here was a question she could answer easily, though she was
still hanging as to his decision in regards to the marriage.
"I don't actually remember dying. There was a
silent explosion. I saw the walls begin to collapse around me, and then I woke
up in this large," she gestured with her hands, "hmm, I dunno...
waiting room." He tilted his head in question, and she answered.
"It's the reason I was given the choice to come back." Her flat tone
indicated a reluctance to say anymore, and he didn't push. Instead, he quietly
waited, and she offered a little more. "I will tell you this, Geoff.
Coming back was far, far harder than dying, but I'd do it again for Gwen in a
heartbeat if I had to."
"Would you make the decision to die
again?"
"There are a lot of things I would change if
I could go back and redo them, that not being the greatest among them. But I
can't. We have to pick up from here and go on." She paused. "I have
already promised to live for her from now on." She looked him dead in the
eyes when she said the last part, and he felt the commitment flow from her. He
stood, and held out his hand to her. She rose and stood, awaiting his verdict.
"Then you have my blessing. C'mon," he
continued as they started walking once again. "Let's go tell the girls
they have a wedding to plan."
Ditto shook herself dry next to both of them, and
took off running at their indignant cries. There were times when having four
legs to run on was a definite asset.
************
The silence in the house was awkward, but neither
woman was sure how to pierce it. Gwen had her back to the room, and her mother,
as she stood at the French doors watching her lover and her father disappear
from sight. She kept her eyes glued to them, all but unaware of her mother's
return scrutiny.
Jill took the opportunity to study her daughter.
She knew Gwen was avoiding her, but she could also feel the concern for Randi
flowing from Gwen. Even in profile, she could see the difference the few days
the Marine's return had made. Light color infused her face, green eyes
sparkled, and there was a hint of a smile on full lips. Even her posture
reflected a change. Jill shook her head sadly. Had she thought *before* she
struck Randi, they wouldn't be in this situation. Now, instead of the happiness
of planning a wedding, they were struggling to find words to bridge the chasm
that now divided them.
"Why, Mother?" Gwen never moved, and
Jill had to strain to catch the words whispered away from her hearing.
"What did you hope to accomplish?"
"Oh, baby girl." The older woman moved
closer to the younger, but not touching, not willing to see her daughter flinch
away from her. "It was a reaction, plain and simple. Not a very good one,
and not one I'd have had if I had stopped and thought about it." She
paused, and Gwen waited quietly. "But I didn't think... I felt. All I saw
was this person who caused you untold agony and grief, and I lashed out."
Now Gwen turned from the door and looked into
Jill's eyes. "Mama, I love her. She is my life."
"I know that, Gwen. I suspect your father and
I were aware of that fact long before you acknowledged it to yourself. But when
I saw her standing there, I didn't register her as your lover... only as the
object of your pain."
"I'm a grown woman, Mother."
"I know that, Gwen. But you are still my
daughter, and will always be, to some extent, my little girl. And a mother is
supposed to protect her children." She paused, collecting her thoughts
before continuing. "I want you to know something." Finally she reached
out a hand and cupped the bard's cheek, pleased when Gwen did not move away
from her. "Words cannot possibly convey how happy I am that the two of you
have been given a second chance at being together. I've always like Randi, and
we were prepared to welcome her into our family years ago. I'm glad we're
finally getting the chance to do so."
At these words, tears fell from both eyes in
earnest, and the Goldman women came together mutually for an embrace.
"Thank you, Mama."
"You're welcome, little girl. I love
you," kissing the blonde head.
"I love you, too."
Both women felt better after the talk, and a good
cry together. After refreshing themselves, and grabbing some drinks, they moved
out into the sunshine of the deck, and the conversation turned to more pleasant
and interesting topics.
"So have you discussed your wedding at all
yet?" reaching out a finger and lightly touching the band on Gwen's.
"I'm guessing that we're not going to have to wait very long for this
occasion."
The bard shook her head, a smile on her lips as
she replayed their conversation from earlier that morning over in her mind
again.
************
"Randi, any ideas about our wedding?"
She caressed the ring she had placed on the Marine's finger the previous evening,
and looked up into sky blue eyes. Those same eyes crinkled up as Randi smiled
down at her bard, and answered slowly.
"I want you, me and a priest or priestess.
That's all we really need."
Gwen smiled at the truth in that statement, even
as she rolled to her back and groaned. "You're gonna make me do this
myself, aren't you?" Her breath caught when the large body hovered over
her, eyes bare inches from her own.
"Love, we can do whatever you want." She
swallowed hard. "In my line of work, it was not prudent to dwell on
situations like that, so it's not something I had dreams about." She held
up a hand when the bard opened her mouth to speak. "I know some do, most
to their extreme regret later, because they lose focus. But I never had a reason
to dream until I met you, and then I wouldn't allow myself the distraction, as
badly as I wanted to." She swallowed hard again. "So you plan
whatever will make you happy. Just having it happen at all is enough for
me."
Gwen lay there silently for a time, looking up into
blue that reflected only love back to her. It made her angry beyond words that
Randi had never really been given the chance to dream in her adult life, thrust
into a role whose repercussions would haunt them both forever. She gently
reached up to stroke the smooth face, returning the smile reflexively. We'll
do what makes us both happy.
"I have one question." Her smile grew
broader as the brow crept up. "Will you wear your uniform for me?"
The Sabre gave an almost inaudible sigh of relief.
"Thank you, love... for understanding how much that really is a part of
me."
Gwen acknowledged the seriousness of the
statement, before her eyes began to twinkle mischievously. Her voice took on a
teasing tone when she spoke. "Stud, it just makes me hot!" And she
squealed aloud when the tickle fight resumed.
************
Jill wondered what had caused the mysterious
smile, but knew better than to ask. Considering what their discussion had been
about before Gwen fell into her current trance, she felt it better not to even
think about it. There were just some things parents didn't need to know about
their children. The bard came back to the present with a start.
"Yeah, we talked about it a bit this morning,
but she was a little less than helpful." A sad look entered Gwen's eyes,
long enough for Jill to question its origin. Then it was gone, and the younger
woman looked at her mother with a smile. "I want to make it special for
her... for both of us."
The mother reached over and covered the hand
nearest her. "Well, you both deserve that much. Hang on a second."
She got up an retrieved something from indoors, returning with her pocket
secretary. "Let's see.... " She began musing aloud. "We'll need
a wedding coordinator, definitely. They can take care of the details like invitations,
chairs, flowers... hmm, and we'll need a caterer and.... "
Gwen's eyes grew big and round as her mother
started speaking to the secretary, rattling of things at an alarming rate.
"Whoa! Whoa! Mother, stop! Hold on a minute, please."
"What's wrong, dear? Would you really rather
us handle everything ourselves? A coordinator will just ease the burden."
"Mother!!" Jill grew quiet, trying to
figure out her misstep this time. "Mother," in a much softer tone.
"We can plan a fancy reception, invite everyone we know, and do all that.
But the ceremony itself is going to be a very private, intimate affair."
"Um, *how* private?"
"A little larger than Randi wants, but not
much. Probably you and Daddy, Tommy and Ella, Randi, me and the priest."
"That's it??"
"Well, all she wanted were the two of us and
the minister. I imagine she'll concede that the four of you should be there,
but no one else."
Jill was silent for a bit after that, thinking.
Gwen was happy to let her be. The morning had been very draining already, and
she was concerned about how her lover and her father were getting along. He and
Randi had always had an interesting relationship... almost a kinship that went
beyond the bard's understanding. She truly hoped the time and circumstances would
not alter that.
So the two women were sitting quietly, each lost
in her own thoughts, as Geoff and Randi approached the beach house. Ditto had
left them at Tommy's, having spotted her favorite young playmate at the edge of
the water with his mother. The Sabre had been surprised to see Ella still at
home instead of at the restaurant. The other woman smiled and said they would
be going in shortly. The two warriors continued on toward home without
speaking. They had settled things between them, and words were not necessary to
bridge the silence. It was a state of being they were both comfortable to
share.
As they came over the last dune near the house,
the bard spotted them, and jumped up. She raced toward the two, leaping into
the Marine's arms, and nearly landing them both in the sand. Gwen was so
relieved about having straightened things out with her mother that she
momentarily forgot about her lover having the same concerns with Geoff.
She realized her possible mistake, just as she
landed in Randi's embrace. If her father had not given them his blessing, this
could be very awkward. She was almost immediately reassured by the Sabre's wide
grin, her father's laughter, and the dizziness she felt as Randi twirled the
two of the around together.
"He said yes?" Gwen whispered, eyes
lighting joyfully.
"He said yes." Their lips came together,
and Geoff walked on toward his wife, as anxious to give the two a few minutes
of privacy as he was to talk to Jill.
"They make a beautiful couple, don't
they?" the woman asked as her husband grew nearer.
"Yes, they do, and they make each other
happy." He paused. "Are you okay with that?"
"Oh, Geoff. All I ever wanted for Gwen was
her happiness. I'm so thankful Randi's return was able to fulfill that
wish."
They watched in silence as the two women finally
separated enough to walk the short distance up to the beach house deck.
"Randi," Jill began without preamble.
"I'd like to take care of your wedding and reception arrangements for
you." She held up a hand to forestall Gwen's speech. "I understand
you'd like the ceremony to be an intimate affair, and we all know the
reception, by necessity, will be quite large. I would like a chance to make up
for my behavior last night. This is the best way I can think of. You two
deserve a little time together without having to worry about arrangements and
details. Let me do this for you, please."
The Sabre was a little surprised. She certainly
had no objections, but felt the decision actually lay with Gwen. She looked
down at her smaller partner. "It's up to you, love."
Gwen stood quietly in the circle of the Marine's
embrace for a long moment. She nodded at Randi, and the taller woman smiled at
her in return.
"Thanks, Jill. That's very kind of you."
"Oh no, my dear. Kindness has nothing to do
with it. My reasons are totally selfish." She chuckled at the twin eyebrow
raises she got from the two younger women. "I have always dreamed of my
daughter's wedding. It will be nice to make some of those dreams come true.
Besides," she continued in a much softer tone, "I owe you both
something for my reaction last night."
Gwen started to pull away from the Sabre's arms,
when she felt them tighten around her. She gazed into the blue eyes looking
back at her, and gave in to the unspoken request. Randi disengaged herself from
the bard, and moved to kneel in front of the still-seated Jill.
"Jill, we'd be happy for you to plan our
wedding, and make a few of your dreams come true. But you don't owe us
anything. What happened is over, and I don't want any more guilt about
it." She let loose a bit of the formidable Sabre personality, and the
other woman just sat there, stunned. "Understand?"
Jill Goldman simply nodded, unable to speak with
her suddenly parched throat. Geoff seemed to comprehend the problem. He simply
passed his wife the water, and waited while she gulped it down.
"Better?" he whispered. She nodded, then turned back to Randi who
still waited.
"Thank you, Randi. Your trust and forgiveness
is more than I deserve."
"Jill, can I tell you something?" She
waited until the woman nodded before continuing. "If I'd have been in your
place, I doubt I would have gotten off quite so easily." She rose and
moved back to Gwen's side before Jill had the opportunity to even think about a
response.
The elder Goldman woman shook her head as if to
clear it. She looked to the younger and said, "Gwen, I will of course keep
you appraised on the situation. Ya'll can veto anything you don't like.
Now," readying her pocket secretary, " there are a few things I will
need to know before I get started."
Geoff and Randi were content to sit back in
silence while Gwen and her mother started discussing some of the particulars
for the upcoming nuptials. As the conversation dragged on, however, one warrior
looked to the other and proposed a bit of sparring. The two excused themselves
from the talk, and went to prepare.
Several minutes later they returned and bowed to
one another before beginning a rapid-fire set of warm-up drills. Jill and
Gwen's dialogue came to a grinding halt as the staff play became more intense.
They watched, fascinated, at the display of skill the two Sabres exhibited.
Gwen knew, in their practices together, that Randi
never went full out. She had wondered why, a little confused at why the Marine
didn't give her full effort. Watching her now with Geoff, the bard understood
so much better. It was apparent, even as good as the weapons smith was that
Randi was still holding back. The blonde sat enthralled by the grace and power
demonstrated by her lover.
Randi, for her part, could see the strain the
effort was taking on her soon-to-be father-in-law. He was obviously in some
serious pain, judging by the grimace that remained in his eyes. Rather
abruptly, she withdrew and saluted him, leaving him looking after her in mute
question. She placed her weapon on the table set there for just that purpose,
and moved back beside him. A raised eyebrow caused him to follow her lead, and
when he was next to her again, they began some slow, free form exercises. The
relief on his face was palpable, and she mentioned quietly, "You should
have said something, Geoff. You know better then to do some of this sparring
while you're hurt."
He looked her in the eye as they turned to face
off. "I am almost continually in pain now, to some degree, Randi. I wasn't
going to give up this opportunity, or stop doing other things I enjoy because
of it. I can't, because the day I do will be the day I stop living."
She gave his words some thought, then nodded her
acceptance of the truth of them. They finished their workout, oblivious to the
stares of their respective partners. Done, they each took a towel and wiped
away the rivulets of sweat pouring from them. Randi plucked at her now soaked
tunic.
"You up for a swim?"
The weapons smith glanced down at himself, and
grimaced. "Yeah," he smiled at the Sabre. "That sounds like a
great idea. Meet ya on the dock in ten." He turned and headed for the
boathouse, thankful Randi had insisted they keep some things there.
The Marine scooped up the staves and used towels,
and walked the short distance to the beach house deck, noticing for the first
time the two sets of eyes glued on her. "What?" looking around
herself carefully. "Is there a problem?"
Seeing as her daughter appeared to be momentarily
struck mute, Jill shook her head and replied. "No, no problem. That was...
fascinating."
Randi, flustered now, bowed her head as they blush
made its slow way up her face. "If you'll excuse me," she said,
pulling at her wet top, "we're gonna go swimming to cool off for a bit.
Ya'll can.... "
".... join you." The bard, suddenly
animated, jumped up and took the surprised Sabre by the arm. "Mother,
we'll meet you both shortly." And without another word turned toward the
house, dragging Randi inside with her. Jill just chuckled, and headed for the
boathouse.
Chapter VII
It was coming on to sundown when the four of them
pulled themselves out of the warm water. It had been a relaxing and enjoyable
afternoon, which had been just the kind of day they needed to sweep away most
of the awkwardness that threatened them. Pilot and Peanut had come to play for
a while, and that had been a lot of fun. The four climbed back onto the deck,
discussing dinner plans, when a hail from the shore caught their attention.
"Hey, you guys up for some dinner?"
Randi waved Ella down to join them, since she had
no real desire to move yet, and wasn't about to carry on any kind of
conversation yelling back and forth. She watched as Ditto stayed by Ella's side
as she carried Randall down the dock, and noticed how attentive to the child
the dog was. There was a niggling at the back of her neck, but she put it aside
for the present.
It wasn't long before good-natured laughter and
teasing could be heard on the deck. Steaks had been put on the grill that Randi
was currently manning, and Jill, Ella and Gwen had gone up to the beach house
to see what they go find to go with them. Geoff and Tommy sat on the boathouse
dock, casting the occasional glance toward the Marine, and talking. Randall got
tired of playing with Ditto, and ran over right into Randi knees.
"Hey there, love muffin! Whatcha got going
on, huh? She reached down and pulled him up to her, and she let him
"help" her turn the steaks. Content, he kissed her and asked to be
put down. The child proceeded to wander over to his father. Geoff excused
himself from their conversation and walked over to Randi, still in her somewhat
damp swimsuit.
"I'll keep and eye on these, if you wanna go
change."
She smiled, appreciating the offer. "You sure
you don't mind? I hate to ask guests... "
"Randi," seriously looking her in the
eyes. "We're not guests. We're family."
She looked at him wide-eyed and swallowed hard.
"Won't take me but a couple minutes." She scampered of as though
being chased by fire. Tommy's eyes followed her, concerned, then came back to
meet Geoff's.
"I think I threw her off stride." The
man from Midas let it go.
Randi, on the other hand, was repeating the words
to herself. She nearly ran into Ella, coming down the deck steps with a platter
of corn.
"Sorry, Ella. Wasn't watching where I was
going."
The curly headed woman peered into the Sabre's
still wide eyes. "Randi? You okay?"
The Marine nodded her head absently, and answered,
"Yeah, I just need to change. I'll be down there in a minute." She
continued on into the house where she almost knocked Jill over coming out the
door. The salad was saved by skill and a bit of luck.
"Sorry, Jill," coming out of her trance.
"You okay?"
"Yes, dear. Thank you for asking. You?"
"Yeah," distracted. "I'm just gonna
go change. I'll meet ya'll down there in a few minutes." Jill nodded her
head, wondering what could have put the dazed look in the taller woman's eye.
Then she proceeded to join the rest of the party on the dock deck.
She found the bard in the kitchen, having just
pulled warm rolls out of the oven, and set them down on the counter. The Marine
walked up behind Gwen, and engulfed her in an enormous hug. The younger woman
relaxed into the embrace, until she felt the confusion emanating from the tall
form holding her. She turned in Randi's arms, looking into her eyes.
"Love?"
The Sabre raised her head, and Gwen held her
breath at the startled wonder she saw reflected back to her in big blue eyes.
"He called us family, Gwen."
It took a brief moment before the implication sank
in, and then a smile lit up the bard's features. "We *are* family, Randi.
All of us. Together." She wrapped her arms around the Marine's waist, and
laid an ear over her heart. Then she squeezed gently, reassured when Randi
returned the hug and held on tight. "Now," after another long moment,
"go change. We'll be waiting dinner for ya." Gwen smiled tremulously,
trying not to let the overwhelming emotions assaulting her senses get the best
of her. They'd have time later for that.
Dinner was a pleasant affair, though Randi and
Gwen were taken off guard by Geoff's casual announcement, as the Steeles made
ready to leave.
"You two will come up and see us, soon?"
gathering things together, and offering his hand to Jill. She stood as well,
and moved over to say goodbye to Ella and Randall.
"Daddy?" Confusion echoed from the
bard's being.
"Little girl, you and Randi deserve some time
alone. We're gonna go on back home. You can come visit when you're ready."
"Besides," Jill cut in, "You'll
need to come up to talk to Sal. You know how he feels about personal
interaction, and he'll be devastated if you don't have him do the holos and
pictures." Gwen stifled a chuckle at the silent groan she felt rumble
through Randi's chest. She couldn't stop the grin that emerged as the hands at
her waist tightened, though. Jill laughed aloud at the chagrined expression on
the Marine's face.
"We'll be there, Mother. We are taking Ditto
to Reed this weekend, to get her settled in to stay there for the next couple
months. So we have a little bit of time." She looked up to see blue eyes
gazing down at her, and they answered her unspoken question. "But we'll
probably come up in the next weekend or two after that."
"That's fine, dear. Whenever is good for you
both." Hugs, kisses and goodbyes were exchanged, then Randi and Gwen were
left to peace and quiet.
************
It was some time later, and the warrior and the
bard lay curled up in bed together.
"Randi?"
"Hmm?" came the somewhat sleepy
response. The day had been another emotionally stressful one, and the Marine
was exhausted. She unconsciously tightened her arms around the woman who lay in
them, and waited. Gwen shifted so she could look into the blue eyes that were,
at the moment, closed to her. She ran her hands lightly up the sides of the
torso she was sprawled on top of. The body beneath her jerked, and one blue eye
opened to glare menacingly at her. She chuckled in response, then drew in a
shaky breath as the large hands on her back returned the favor in kind, and
kept up the action.
"Yeeeesss??" Randi drawled, fiendishly
aware of the reaction the storyteller was having to her touch. Gwen shook her
head to try and refocus her thoughts on the subject at hand. She clenched her
fists and dropped her head down onto Randi's chest.
"Please," she whispered, unsure herself
what exactly she was asking for.
The Marine smiled down in amused affection at the
blonde head now resting on her chest. She dropped a kiss onto the top of Gwen's
head and changed her stroking motion. The bard sighed, and drew a deep breath.
"I know better. One of these days I'll learn."
Randi laughed and kissed the blonde head again.
"Nah, you'll keep trying," thinking of all the times the bard had
tried playing practical jokes to get one over on the warrior. "It's in
your nature." She paused as she felt the smaller body relax against her.
"Now, what did you want to ask me?"
The gentle motion of Randi's hands was coaxing
Gwen into a doze, and she had to pull her thoughts from the twilight zone they
were slipping into.
"I, um, I wanted to... uh, well, ask you to,
um, do something... for me."
The Marine's brow rose into her hairline at the
bard's hemming and hawing around. Gwen wasn't known to stutter and stumble over
words. Intrigued, she asked, "Oh, what's that?"
The bard took a deep breath. "I'd like you
to... would you mind... do you think you could... oh, damn!"
Now Randi chuckled, and Gwen rose up from the
Sabre's rocking chest to glare at her. "It's not funny!"
"I'm sorry, love," though it took
another moment or two for her to still her chest's movements. She smiled.
"Just spit it out. Whatever it is, it can't be that bad."
"I'd like you design my wedding dress."
Green eyes dropped to the suddenly still surface underneath her, not catching
the widening of the blue ones now locked on the top of her head. The bard felt
the deep breath that shuddered through Randi's body, and waited for the Marine
to speak. The warrior cleared her throat twice before she managed to get more
than a squeak out.
"Gwen, are you sure? Your mother probably
knows dozens more qualif...." Slim fingers over her lips caused Randi's
words to stop flowing. She kissed them, and waited patiently for the bard to
speak.
"I'm sure. I have never felt more beautiful,
or more loved than when I found out that you created those two dresses just for
me. I'd like for it to be the same on our wedding day."
There was nothing Randi could say to the logic or
the feeling behind those words. "Then that is how it will be," she
answered with a smile. "I know Marie will be thrilled to craft another
dress, and actually get to have you there for fittings this time." The Marine
laughed in memory.
"What??"
"Oh, I was just remembering her griping about
having to use measurements without a body attached to them. It was hard for
her. And still, she did a flawless job."
"She certainly did."
"It'll be beautiful, love. I promise."
"I know it will," giving the tall woman
beneath her a long leisurely kiss. "Good night, warrior. I love you."
"I love you too, Little One. Good
night."
************
The pair spent a quiet few days together,
pleasantly surprised that their friends gave them a bit of time to themselves.
Unbeknownst to them, Tommy asked their friends to give them a bit of space, and
though anxious to reacquaint themselves with Randi, and celebrate the couple's
newfound happiness, they were glad to respect their need for a bit of private
time.
As the weekend approached, Gwen noticed the Marine
getting more and more nervous. Even a daylong ride on the bike together with a
stop by Rosie's hadn't helped relax her, and the bard decided to broach the
problem that night. They were curled around each other comfortably. Randi's
hand absently slid up and down the muscular back, her mind obviously miles
away.
"Randi?" Gwen got no answer. She reached
up and touched the face just above her head, leaning back to catch the blue
eyes. "Love?" she tried the second time, glad when the eyes focused
on her.
"Hmm?"
"It's gonna be all right," getting to
the heart of the matter. "They're gonna be thrilled to see you, to know
that you're alive." They had tried for several days to contact Reed and Tiny.
When they had finally reached the ranch caretaker, they had been informed that
Reed was expected home the day before Gwen was scheduled to arrive. No mention
was made of Tiny, and Randi knew better than to even ask.
"I know. I just feel really bad about
springing this on them. It seems really unfair.... " She trailed off when
she realized that had been exactly what she had done to both Gwen and Tommy. But
then, she reasoned, those had been completely different situations.
"I'm sorry, love. I think I'm still just a little overwhelmed."
"It's okay, Randi. Sometimes I am too. But
it's a nice kind of overwhelmed." The conversation would have gone on
longer had not the both bard and warrior yawned monstrously together. They
chuckled, and closed their eyes in sleep, anticipating the reunion the morrow
would bring.
************
Friday morning found the Steele family at the
beach house ostensibly to see them off, but mostly so Randall could say goodbye
to his favorite pillow/playmate.
"O go bye-bye." He shook his head sadly
at the fact.
Randi picked him up in her arms and he put his own
arms around her neck. They stood thus for a long moment, and the Marine tickled
his neck by blowing raspberries on it. He squealed in childish laughter, and
Ditto came running over, barking. This little pandemonium caused an outbreak of
hilarity to burst forth from the three remaining adults. It was a nice tension
release.
"I'll tell ya what, love muffin. O will be
back home in a couple months, okay? And maybe we'll even bring home a new
playmate."
Randall's eyes took on a shine at the prospect of
having another dog around to play with, and he gestured for the warrior to
release him. When him feet were settled on the ground, Ditto nosed him in the
chest and promptly caused him to sit down. The boy wrapped his arms around the
dog's neck, and the shepherd proceeded to give the child a thorough face
washing. Randall giggled. "Doggy tickles. Bye-bye, O. Good doggy."
And it was to this send off that the trio
departed.
************
When they arrived a short transport trip later at
Reed's dog ranch, Reed came out to meet them. Ditto was the first off the
private transport, and Reed greeted the canine with enthusiasm. She expected to
get some beautiful puppies in this litter. The male, Phil, came from a line of
wolves, and he tended to have a throwback in some of the litters he sired. Reed
had a feeling this might be one of those litters.
When Gwen emerged from the transport, Reed stepped
back in sudden shock, her senses flooded by the aura the bard was emitting. She
stood still, her hand on her chest, trying to catch her breath. Gwen rushed to
her side, startled when Reed flinched violently at her touch. Hurt by the
reaction, the blonde stepped quietly out of reach, but not so far from the
other woman that she couldn't lend a hand if aid became necessary. Finally,
Reed recovered her breath and looked Gwen squarely in the eyes.
"Where is she, Gwen? Is she here?"
Now it was the bard's turn to step back a pace and
look shocked. Gwen had gotten off the transport first, to cushion the blow, but
Reed's reaction to her had halted everything. The breeder had turned her back
to the door of the transport when the aura had hit, and Gwen had walked around
to face her. So she simply pointed over her shoulder where Randi now stood in
the doorway waiting.
Reed turned slowly, allowing her heart and mind to
slowly accept what her eyes told her to be true. She was better prepared for
the force of the aura this time, but the sensation was still overwhelming.
Slowly, Randi made her way to stand in front of the other woman, careful not to
initiate physical contact. She had seen Reed's reaction to Gwen's touch.
Instead, she held out her hand to the bard, who took it without a word, and
moved to stand beside the Marine.
The breeder shut her eyes as their physical link
caused the aura around them to burn so brightly, she feared for her eyesight.
Several seconds passed while Reed meditated, bringing her breathing and
reaction under better control. When she opened her eyes, they were bright with
unshed tears.
"What happened? How....?" She trailed
off as they moved a step closer. "No, please." At their puzzled
looks, she continued. "Your aura, your essence," they nodded their
understanding before she continued. "While it was strong before, it is
simply overwhelming now. I can feel it manifested physically," she looked
directly at Gwen, "and it's like an electric shock."
"Oh, God, Reed!" horrified. "Are
you all right?" The bard was quite upset to know she had caused the other
woman discomfort, and perhaps even real pain. "I'm sorry."
"It's all right, Gwen. You had no way of
knowing, and frankly, neither did I. That has never happened to me before,
though in truth I've never seen so strong a bond before either. I will have to
do a bit of research into this." The last was muttered mostly to herself,
but Randi heard it. She hoped to hear more about this later, but for now, there
were other things to talk about.
"Forgive my manners. Please, come in. Let me
get Ditto settled in, and then we'll have time for a nice long chat to catch
up. Ya'll make yourselves at home, and I'll be back shortly."
"I'm gonna take Randi over to meet Phil, if
that's okay?" The bard raised her voice in question. She suspected Reed
needed a bit of space to recover a little bit of her still badly shaken
composure. She took the Marine's arm when the breeder nodded, and they went to
separate buildings.
The big shepherd was a bit of an anomaly, being
most black with only occasional spots of brown. He thought to have a staring
contest with the Marine, but she held her own, until the dog capitulated.
Finding her acceptable, he then jumped up on her in delighted welcome.
"Oof!" came the whooshing sound of air
leaving Randi's lungs. She'd never thought the big dog would have jumped up on
her and had not really been ready for the movement. She staggered under his
weight, but managed to keep her balance, barely. Dodging the doggy kisses was a
little harder, and it sent Gwen into a fit of giggles.
"Would... you mind... ex...plaining... to me,
uh, um... UGH!.... God!... get down!.... Get.... "
Suddenly Phil seemed to understand, and stood back
on all fours, with a ludicrously contented look on his face. He barked sharply
once, and stood grinning at her with his tongue lolling out of his mouth, as
though privy to some private joke.
"Now," moving to the small bathroom to
wash her face and hands. "Would you be kind enough to tell me why that
*always* happens to me, and never to you?" She was glaring at the still
chuckling bard, but her blue eyes twinkled with merriment.
"I dunno, Stud. Maybe it's just
pheromones." Randi growled playfully. Phil growled for real.
"Actually, she's not that far off."
Reed's voice came from the doorway. "You are apparently the Alpha,
obviously the leader of your pack. The dogs simply respond to that."
"I... but... I.... " the Marine
sputtered to her fellow Sabre. "Ah, hell."
Now both the other woman just looked at each other
and smiled. They didn't want to embarrass Randi any further, but the look on
her face was impossibly cute. The breeder smoothed over the moment with an
invitation.
"C'mon up to the house, guys. We'll have some
talk, and a bite of lunch, and then I'll give you both the tour. We've added a
few new things since you were here last."
The walk up to the house was a quiet one. Reed
noticed that her friends stayed in constant physical contact, and had to smile.
The sweetness of the action and the strength of their bond was a wonderful,
unsought-for memory she would come to treasure and guard dearly in the weeks
and months to come.
************
Reed listened amazed and open-mouthed as Randi
once again explained her miraculous restoration to life. She was making a
holo-recording for Tiny, as it was a fairly sure prospect he would not be home
before they left.
"How are things going?" The Marine
finally asked. Reed knew exactly what Randi was referring to, and cast a covert
glance in Gwen's direction. She knew Tiny had had a talk with the bard, but
they had never discussed the details of that conversation between them. Tiny's
only comment about the matter had been, "I gave her a bit of
peace." The breeder had asked no questions, and the big man had
volunteered nothing else.
"She knows everything, Reed."
"And I'm not letting her go back to that
life." Gwen wrapped her hands firmly around the larger ones of her
partner. "Ever."
"Do you think you can stop it?"
"No. I *KNOW* I can. She doesn't belong to
them anymore. She did her duty and DIED for them. I won't let that happen
again!!" By this point, Gwen was on her feet and yelling, and Reed was
once again hit with an outpouring of emotional energy that was staggering.
Randi stood and enveloped the bard in a hug. Gwen couldn't stop the tears that
ran down her face. "She's mine now, Reed. She lives for me," she
whispered, reaching up a hand and stroking a smooth cheekbone, "for
us." Their eyes locked, and for a moment there was no one else in the
world as their souls communicated.
"Always," the Marine vowed. Finally they
sat back down next to each other, touching along their lengths.
"Well," Reed croaked out, as she tried
to catch her breath at the flood of energy flowing, "I, for one, believe
you. And quite frankly, I agree. You've done enough. And it really hasn't been
nearly as bad since...."
"Since I died?" A brief pause as the
breeder hesitantly nodded. "Reed, it's okay. It's a fact of our lives, and
something we will be working through for a long time."
"I can only imagine," the woman half
muttered to herself. "This is only the third trip he's made since
then." Randi's brows rose into her forehead, remembering the frenetic pace
they had been going in those last few months. Reed noticed and continued.
"It's mostly just little pockets of resistance. Or so it seems. This trip
was a fact finding trip." She paused again, gathering her thoughts.
"Rumor is that there may be a new leader."
Gwen saw Randi's jaw lock, and her gaze turn
inward. She reached a hand over to turn the beloved face toward her. "It's
not your fight, love. Not anymore."
"I know, Gwen. It's just.... "
She rose from her place, and moved toward the
window. Reed subtly moved to the kitchen. This was between the two of them.
Besides, all the energy floating around in there was starting to make her
muscles cramp, and she needed a break from it. She quietly did her clean up,
thankful to be out of hearing of the discussion in the next room.
"What, Randi?" The bard wasn't sure
whether she was hurt, stunned or angry by the turn in the conversation.
"It was just a part of me for so long. I... I
dunno. I think it's just an instinctive reaction, knowing what I do about the
world and the Sabres. I can't help it."
************
And somewhere, in the recesses of the heavens, a
dark god laughed.
************
Gwen moved to stand in front of the Marine,
slipping under the outstretched arms on either side of the windowsill and
placing herself between the window and Randi. "I'm sorry, love. I know it
was your life. It *is* your life. I don't mean to be selfish. It's just I,
um...." White teeth worried the full bottom lip, and green eyes full of
tears fell to the floor.
"Whoa, whoa! Hang on a minute, love. I think we
are talking at cross-purposes here. *You* are my life... you have *always* been
my life, though until recently, I didn't show you that very well. And I will
spend the rest of *our* lives and all of eternity making that up to you. My
life as a Sabre is over, and nothing will change that. But it will probably be
a long time, if ever, before I can control my instinctive reaction to a
situation like this."
"I love you."
"I know, Little One. I love you, too. Let's
go find Reed. She owes us a tour, and then I have some questions."
They found the breeder in the kitchen, calmly
meditating. Her eyes were closed, and in her hands she held a steaming cup of
coffee. Randi had to speak twice before the other woman heard her, careful not
to touch her in any way.
Reed slowly opened her eyes, glad to see their
energy was a bit more settled. They had solved whatever had caused the sparks
to fly, and the woman breathed easier. She would be okay with them, she hoped,
as long as they didn't fight. Then a second thought occurred to her. Oh,
merciful mother, what if they make love? But it wasn't a topic of
discussion she was going to broach, unless they made it necessary.
The tour of the grounds and new facilities took
the remainder of the afternoon. They visited Ditto, who had settled comfortably
into her temporary new home. Phil came traipsing out from his kennel to greet
them loudly again.
"You must've made quite an impression with
him. I don't think I've ever seen him quite so enamored of anyone so quickly
before."
"They had a staring contest earlier,"
Gwen supplied. "Randi won."
Reed stopped so quickly that they nearly fell over
her trying to keep from running into her. She whipped her head around to look
the Marine in the eyes. "You stared down my best stud? He thinks you're
the Alpha dog now." She shook her head. "Sweet mother, I hope I can
still get him to breed."
The tall Sabre stood stunned at the turn of
events. "Um, I, um... Sorry, Reed."
"Nah, it's not a problem. You just can't be
here when I'm breeding them. He'd expect you to fight for the privilege, ya
know."
Randi's head dropped into her hand to cover the
blush she felt rising up her neck. "And then there are those days,"
she mumbled to herself. Reed took pity on her and started them moving toward
the house. Gwen laughed silently.
************
After dinner, which was a noisy affair, the three
women made their way to Reed's front porch. The Sabre pilot and Tiny had
lovingly restored an antique home, which retained much of it original
materials. So the floors were real wood, and squeaked, ditto on the doors, and
the windows were made of glass. Many of the inside walls were polymer, but the
frame was as antique and original as possible. The house's best feature, in
Reed's opinion, anyway, was the porch that caught the breeze, and gave her a
place to relax and still be a part of the world without interfering in it.
They sat quietly for a while, simply absorbing the
night sounds which surrounded them. They were so different here from what they
knew at the beach. You could actually hear the quiet. Once in a great while, a
bird would whistle, or a cricket would chirp, but for the most part, in the
hour between twilight and dark, they listened to the wind blow. A peace settled
down between them.
"What makes you think there is a new leader
springing up?" Randi had some definite ideas, based on her experiences
with the scrying pool, but she needed to know what they actually knew, or at
least strongly suspected first.
"Little things. The rebels have had a few
uprisings, but until just recently, they have been pretty unorganized,
ineffective. A lot of it is just hearsay... a gut feeling. They're still not
really organized, but it looks like they are making an attempt to try
again." A beat. "It's gonna take a while, considering the damage you
did to their hierarchy and structure. But we all want to end this. Finally. For
good."
Randi sat quietly. When she spoke, her eyes were
focused on the now darkened landscape, but she reached out a hand to Gwen who
took it without hesitation. She gently stroked the soft skin under her thumb.
"Do you know who is being groomed for the leadership position?"
"A kid by the name of Bramble. Apparently he
is the Ghost Rider's progeny. We are still trying to determine if he is her son
by birth or adoption."
"WHAT??" Randi's head swung around to
meet Reed's eyes, and the blue fire that blazed from her own was almost
scorching in its effect. "This kid is her son?!?" She dropped Gwen's
hand and stood to pace. "Do you know what this means?!?" She ran long
fingers through her dark mane, the frustration rolling off her in waves.
Gwen stood up directly in front of her, and halted
her stride. "Randi, look at me. Calm down."
"Calm?? Gwen, do you underst.... ??" But
her words stopped when her gaze was captured and held by warm, love-filled
eyes. Naturally she reached out, and wrapped long arms around the bard's small
waist. "I'm sorry, Love. You probably understand better than the rest of
us. But you know what this means, don't you?"
She nodded. "But you don't go without me,
'kay?"
"You betcha. Together forever."
The bard smiled at her Sabre, and turned to the
Sabre pilot who had sat quietly during their exchange. "Can I ask?"
Reed commented.
Randi nodded at Gwen, and resumed her seat. The
bard took her customary instructional stance, leaning against a porch rail
instead of a desk. "What this means is that your Sabre Commandant will
need to be told of Randi's return to life, and her not returning to the Unit.
It also means he will be informed precisely of who the leak is, and expected to
clean up his own damned mess this time." Green eyes grew hard at the
remembrance of the last mess he'd made and left for someone else to handle. The
world had been paying the price for years, and they would no doubt suffer for
quite some time longer over the ultimate price they had paid together.
Now it was the Marine's turn to supply comfort and
strength, which she did willingly. She reached a hand out to the blonde, who
accepted with alacrity, and went gladly to the lap that offered her shelter.
Reed smiled and excused herself to get some drinks.
"We don't mean to keep running you off, Reed.
Maybe we should just leave in the morning."
"No, I won't hear of it. You are both more
than welcome to stay. I just need a break from the energy now and then. It's
very palpable to me." She paused, then continued. "It's wonderful to
see, however. To know that the circle is complete once again. I'll be back in a
few minutes." And she rushed into the house.
They sat in the dark, comfortable in the relative
silence between them, listening to the teeming nightlife around them. With full
darkness had come new sounds, and they quietly tried to identify each new
noise. The whisper of a shuttle was unmistakable, and the Marine realized Tiny
must be home. She searched for Reed, who passed them silently with a squeeze to
Randi's near shoulder, as she stepped off the porch to meet him. Gwen made
motions to leave, to give the couple a bit of privacy, but the Sabre held
tight.
"Randi?"
"Reed asked us to stay put, love."
"Huh? When?"
"When she passed us on the way out to greet
him." She smiled at the blonde's confusion. "Trust me."
Gwen's eyes narrowed at Randi's nonchalance.
"You're awfully calm about this suddenly."
"No, but it's a little different with him.
Hard to explain."
"Try. Please?"
"He wasn't mad at me for dying. He was mad at
me for not holding to tradition. The Commandant should have corrected what was ultimately
his mistake. Barring that, we should have drawn lots." She drew a deep
breath. "We didn't, because I thought my death would have less impact on
the people around me."
She buried her face in the short golden hair
tucked into the crook of her neck. "I'm so sorry, love. And even if I do
nothing but apologize every minute of every day for the rest of our lives, it
will never be enough to make it up to you."
The blonde head tilted upward, and sapphire and
emerald met. "No more apologies. Just live for me, Randi. That is all I
ask. Stay alive and love me." Lips moved toward a kiss, but before they
could meet, a great shout arose, and pounding footsteps headed their direction.
Chapter VIII
The big man scooped them both up in his massive
arms and squeezed until Gwen felt like the filling of a peanut butter and jelly
sandwich. In fact, she felt in danger of passing out from lack of air, until
she heard Randi's voice call out.
"Put us down, ya big oaf! You're squashing
Gwen!"
She felt the constriction loosen, and took a deep
breath. Randi resumed her seat, and took a moment to make sure Gwen was all
right. Tiny as swiftly fell to his knees beside them, giving the bard a cursory
once over glance. His mind was still reeling.
"I'm sorry, Gwen. I didn't even realize....
"
"It's all right, Tiny. I'm fine." She
suspected she might be plenty sore in the morning, but she wasn't going to
break up this reunion for a few bruises that could be taken care of later.
He turned his attention to the Sabre in front of
him. "This is so awesome. How? When? What?" He chuckled in glee.
"I can't tell you how happy this makes me."
Randi smiled in reflex. "I'm starting to get
the picture."
"C'mon, big boy," Reed pulled Tiny up
standing next to her. "They'll be here tomorrow. We can talk more
then."
"But...." Then he realized this was as
overwhelming for his partner as it was for himself, and she needed him. He
turned to Randi. "You will still be here in the morning, won't you?"
"Yeah. We won't leave until we have a chance
for a nice long talk." He gave her a grateful smile, then followed Reed up
the stairs.
The two women sat quietly alone together simply
relishing the quiet peace for a very long time. Finally, Gwen slid from her
partner's lap, and pulled the Marine up behind her.
"That wasn't too bad, was it?"
"No," with a smile. "I think Reed
needed a break from our, um, energy."
The bard chuckled. "Yeah, I think she did.
Guess that means we have to behave tonight." Not that either of them had
the slightest intention of *not* behaving, but the temptation to tease a little
bit was more than the warrior could withstand. Long arms wrapped around Gwen's
middle, and a warm mouth captured her earlobe in gentle teeth. She gasped
slightly at the sensation that skittered up her backbone.
"Why do you say that, love?" The Marine
turned her attention to Gwen's neck. "Hmm?"
"Say what? I didn't say anything," she
mumbled, before turning in the other woman's arms, and capturing her lips. Now
it was Randi's turn to be a bit overwhelmed, and she felt herself falling
deeper into the embrace. They broke for air by mutual consent, and stood gazing
into one another's eyes for a long moment.
"We can't."
"I know. I love you, Little One."
"Love you, too, Stud. C'mon. It's
bedtime."
************
Saturday morning dawned, but it was hard to tell
with the dark clouds and rain that completely obscured the sunrise. Randi and
Gwen lay cuddled up in bed together. The bard flinched every time the thunder
rumbled, which made the ritual tracing of Randi's features difficult at best.
The Marine gently stroked her back, whispering words of comfort and reassurance
in her ear. Gwen gave up, and simply accepted the love flowing toward her,
letting it fill her being and wash away the painful memories.
Randi stayed quiet, hoping the bard would share
whatever was troubling her, and eventually, her patience was rewarded.
"They were all three days like this, as
though the gods themselves were crying in anguish." It was all she said at
first, and the Marine wondered what she was talking about. However she decided
not to push. She knew that Gwen would talk when she was ready. The warrior was
curious, though. The blonde had never expressed a fear of storms... before...
and suddenly things feel into place. At that moment, Gwen resumed speaking.
"I remember waking up that morning,
disoriented... knowing *KNOWING* that you were gone from me forever. I put the
nightmarish reaction down to the terrible storm that shook the beach house, but
I knew, even then."
There was a silence then that stretched for quite
a while. Randi continued her gentle stroking, offering the bard her love and
support. Gwen began to speak again.
"The day Tommy came to the house with your
letter, it was horrible. Almost a hurricane, it seemed, it was storming so
badly out. I couldn't imagine what could be so important to make him come out
in weather so violent. I.... "
She broke off, and took up another train of
thought. "The day of your... mem... the uh, the day I met Tiny and Reed
for the first time, it was quite vicious again. I remember sitting in the
temple, wondering if the tremors would shake the building apart. And I thought
how appropriate it was that the world cried, too."
Randi's hand never stopped moving, but now soft
sobs wracked her tall frame. She was beginning to see all the small, tangible
parts of Gwen that had been altered by her death as well. Here was a woman who
had found such beauty and wonder in the power and strength of storms, that she
would stand outside in the middle of one marveling until Randi pulled her
inside. Now the same woman flinched every time the thunder rolled. The same
woman held on for dear life when the rain poured. That explains so much
about the bike ride the other day. No wonder I had bruises.
"I'm so sorry, love. So many little things
you lost, because of me." The Marine tried to roll out of bed, but found
herself firmly pinned.
"And so much more I've gained." Serious
green eyes held her in place. "Don't run away from me, Randi. Don't run
away from us. I need you here."
"Always," the Sabre breathed, as small,
gentle hands began their ritual tracing once more. And this time, the storm
raging outside didn't stop them.
************
They didn't make a move to get out of bed until
the smell of coffee drifted up toward them. Both had decided that was their cue
to get up. When it came, it didn't take them long to start the day, and head
downstairs.
They were greeted in the kitchen by two smiling
"Good Mornings", a cup of coffee, and the scent of breakfast cooking.
It was homey and inviting, and almost enough to make all four forget the Sabre
link that still unwittingly bound them. It was nice, for just a little while,
to sit and visit like normal friends, who had no worries in the world.
"And so, hon," the breeder commented
through the laughter, "I think Randi may have ruined our best stud."
They had moved from the kitchen toward the living room. They had stopped at the
door of the training room, while Tiny showed his compatriot some of his newest
equipment.
Tiny's eyes popped open and his mouth sagged as he
turned astonished eyes on his friend. He wasn't sure what was more
surprising... the fact that she had managed to stare Phil down, or the blush now
suffused her face. Gwen and Reed burst out laughing at the comical look that
crossed the large man's features.
"I never thought I'd live to see the day...
Phil cowed and Randi embarrassed. This is too funny."
He didn't hear the growl that emanated from the
woman, nor did he catch the wicked twinkle that sparkled from her eyes. All he
knew, quite suddenly, was the he was on the bottom of a very small pile being
pummeled.
"Oh, so ya wanna play it that way, huh?"
He made a move to throw her off, but she didn't budge. She laughed.
"C.mon, tough guy. Show me whatcha got."
She moved to the center of the training room, and took up a defensive stance.
He mimicked her actions, rolling his eyes. He knew better, and yet he had asked
for it anyway. There were just some challenges that could never be passed up.
She was one of his.
Reed and Gwen exchanged glances and smirked.
"They're worse than two kids. You wanna stay here, or you wanna come with
me to visit the dogs?"
"Well, I imagine they'll be at it a while,
I'll bet. Let's go to the kennels."
"They'll be at it a while if they are
sparring. If they turn it into a match, it will be pretty short-lived."
Reed looked at the bard with a droll expression. "Tiny has yet to learn,
for want of a better euphemism, to let sleeping dogs lie. He eggs her on,
hoping one day to get the better of her. He hasn't done it yet."
"And I don't think he will."
The dogs were all quite happy to see them, and
responded to their presence with enthusiasm. Conversation went nimbly from one
topic to another, while the two women lavished attention and affection on each
of the canines in turn. When Reed nonchalantly placed a hand on Gwen's arm to
get her attention, the bard jumped in surprise. She had studiously avoided
touching the breeder, knowing the pain it had caused the previous day.
"It's not a problem right now. Tiny is here
to ground me. I can tap into his strength, if I need to." The seer
answered the unspoken yet very loud question that resonated in the green eyes.
"Besides, the physical distance between you, and the fact that she is
concentrating on something else helps a lot."
"What is it like for you now? Obviously it's
not like an electric shock."
"No, right now it's a pleasant warmth, a
tingling. Your bonding is different from any other I have ever experienced. And
I'm so glad it's whole again."
Tears rushed to her eyes as Gwen absorbed the
implications of these words. "Me, too, Reed. Me, too."
Realizing they had been gone from the house for
the better part of two hours, the two left the kennels, and headed back into
the house. Not surprisingly, they could hear soft grunts and hits still coming
from the training room. Now, though, the hits had a distinctly non-human sound.
When they reached the doorway, they stood stock-still.
Both Sabres were drenched in sweat, and showed signs of being a little worse
for the wear. They both bore marks of the previous hand-to-hand sparring,
though it was a given Tiny's black eye was the worst marking. Reed winced when
she saw it. It was nothing that a bit of time with a regen unit couldn't fix
but it must hurt like the very devil in the meantime.
The blades were moving at a speed faster than
could be followed by the naked eye, and the two spectators watched in
fascination at the skillful display. By mutual unspoken consent, the two
warriors drew to a close with a flourish, and stepped away from each other to
the applause of their lovers. Gwen and Reed stepped into the room then, and
picked up a towel and a bottle of water for their respective partners.
"That was fun. I can't tell you how I missed
that."
"Me too, Tiny."
The silence that followed could have grown
awkward, had not the large Navy chief broken it. "We need to talk."
The Marine nodded her head in agreement. "But first we need to shower and
clean up."
"Boy, isn't that the truth," Gwen
commented with an exaggerated motion of holding her nose and waving her arm
wildly in front of her face. Reed broke into laughter. Tiny looked astonished
at the playfulness. Randi just got a fiercely feral look in her eyes.
"Oh, you think so?" The Marine began
intently stalking the bard. Gwen, realizing she was up to her eyeballs in
trouble, began slowly backing away towards the door.
"Now, Randi, you really don't want to do that."
The dark woman drew closer. "I mean, c'mon, now. I'm clean."
The Marine stood still for a moment.
"Actually, you smell.... " She sniffed the air. "... doggy. A
little sweat shouldn't bother you any." Tiny and Reed watched the drama
unfold with barely contained surprise and delight. They were getting to see a
side of Randi few ever had, and a side of the bard that had been missing since
the Sabre's death. It was a fascinating spectacle.
Gwen kept her arms extended in front of her,
hoping to keep the Marine at bay. But Randi continued her steady approach,
knowing it was only a matter of moments before she had the blonde trapped. They
had both forgotten their watchful audience.
Reed clutched at Tiny's arm, physically grounding
herself from the energy that was rolling from the two women playing chase in
the training room. She gave a deep sigh. His presence helped diffuse it, and
made the sensations tolerable.
By now, Randi had Gwen caught in a corner close to
the door, and proceeded to give her a full body hug. The bard flinched when the
wet body came in contact with hers, but, resigning herself to her fate,
returned the embrace fully. The Marine bent her head to nip at Gwen's full
lips, then backed away, and moved to the door.
"I'm gonna go get a shower." And she
started up the steps.
"Hey, you! Get back here! Hey!" The bard
flew out of the room behind Randi. "You can't just.... " The words
froze in her throat when the Sabre turned halfway up the staircase, and bounded
back down, headlong in her direction. She slung Gwen over her shoulder, and the
bard's tune changed.
"Wait, Randi! Put me down! Randi!
Randi!"
The Marine didn't say a word, but calmly marched
up the stairs and into their room, gently closing the door behind them. The
breeder looked at her partner. "Come walk to the kennels with me. I need a
break from the energy. You can clean up when we come back in."
The couple followed the enclosed path Reed and
Gwen had walked shortly before. The suddenness and severity of storms in the
area had made it necessary. It was one of the true luxuries they used.
"You doing okay?" Tiny put an arm around
his lover, knowing that the bond that Gwen and Randi shared was hard on the
woman. He was thankful his trip had ended early, and allowed him to be home to
help her get through it.
"Yeah." She paused, idly scratching the
nearest pup's ears. "I'm of two minds about this." She looked at the
big man, who waited patiently for her to continue. "On the one hand, I
will be so glad to have them go home. Their bonding is just so intense it can
be almost overwhelmingly painful at times. On the other, what they share
together is so rare, that getting a chance to see it fulfilled, is absolutely
incredible." She paused again, leaning against him for support. "I'm
glad you came home early though. I needed the grounding."
He chuckled. "Nice to know I'm
appreciated."
She mock punched him. "Smart ass! You know
what I mean. I'm glad you came home regardless, but it's extra nice with them
here." A beat. "The news isn't good, is it?" They hadn't talked
much the night before. Tiny had asked for a moratorium on "business",
and Reed had been happy to comply. Now was a different matter.
The Navy man sat down, and was soon surrounded by
curious canines. He shook his head. "No." They sat in silence for a
while, enjoying the simple pleasure of petting the dogs before he rose to his
feet. He extended a hand down to his lover, and easily lifted her to her feet.
"C'mon. I need to clean up, then we all need to talk about this."
The woman nodded her agreement, and walked beside
him into the house.
************
They were sitting spread out a bit on the front
porch, glasses of cold iced teas next to them. The rain had finally stopped,
and the sun was valiantly trying to make an appearance. Its sluggishness,
however, looked to be soon overtaken by the approach of more heavy-looking
clouds. Gwen was leaned up against the porch railing, with the Marine curled up
at her feet. She ran gentle finger through the dark locks, and could almost
feel her partner purring in contentment. Tiny looked at them briefly, then
shook his head, chuckling. No wonder Reed needed a couple minutes. Even *I*
can feel their bond. At that moment, the seer stepped out onto the porch,
bearing a pitcher, and refilling everyone's glasses. Then she took the rocker
next to Tiny, sitting opposite the bard and warrior.
"So, when are you due to report to the
Commandant?" This from the Marine to Tiny.
"I have several more places to go next week.
Then a cumulative recap to put all the info together. So I'm scheduled to see
him two weeks from yesterday."
Randi's eyebrows hiked up. "Oh?" sensing
more to the story than was being said.
"Uh huh," confirming her suspicions.
"He's taken a much more active role of late. I think Geoff dressed him
down." Gwen's head popped up to look at Tiny, then down to catch Randi's
eye. The Marine shrugged. It didn't sound like the Geoff she knew, but it did
sound like a father who loved and suffered with his daughter's loss.
"What does he know?"
"Not much... about what I've already told
you. We know Ghost Rider had a son. We don't know who the other parent is, or
where the leak is, though I think the Commandant has a good idea who it
was."
"So I need to go with you and give him my
information...."
"No, Randi," the bard interrupted.
"*We* need to go." She raised a hand to forestall the protest she saw
rising in the Marine's eyes. "I will not go with you to the Sabre Head
Quarters. But I will be close by, just in case I need to explain to Jeremiah
Daetwyler the facts of life."
Randi was startled, and then touched by the
statement. It was a nice feeling to be claimed so boldly... so defiantly... so
openly. She found herself blushing under Gwen's intent regard just the
slightest bit.
"Okay, *WE* need to go to HQ in two
weeks." She looked at Gwen. "We could tie this into the trip up to
see your folks, and do this on the way home?" The bard smiled her approval
of the idea. "Good, then it's settled. We will meet you in the Capital
City in two weeks time. We need to get this resolved quickly." With the
decision made, the talk among the four friends turned to other things. A rumble
of nearby thunder sent them scrambling into the house, unaware of the events
beyond their control that were even now moving to destroy them.
************
At the very time that Gwen and Randi were waking
up, Jeremiah Daetwyler was entering his office at Sabre head quarters. The
months since Miranda Valiant's death had been hard on him, and it showed in
nearly every way. Geoff had never once mentioned it, but Jerry was intuitive
enough to know the man was furious at him, and felt betrayed by him... a
feeling which had grown in the months following Randi's death, and Gwen's walkabout.
He felt a little in awe of the man's self-control, not sure he could have done
the same had positions been reversed.
So now, he worked long hours, far harder than he
had worked in years, getting personally involved in many aspects of the Sabre
life once again. He had heard rumblings, as had his team, and they were all
determined to squash this new threat. No one wanted Randi's sacrifice to go for
naught.
He smiled when Kene came into the office not long
after his arrival. Things had been surprisingly smoother between them in the
months since the Ghost Rider had been vanquished. Almost as though the last of
the friction had been laid to rest with their comrade's passing.
With brief "good mornings", they went to
work with a will. It was well into mid-morning when the vid-phone rang. Jerry
looked up startled, until he remembered he'd had all his calls forwarded. He
was even more surprised to see Jill Goldman's flushed, excited face pop up on
his screen. Though she always welcomed him warmly into her home, she had never
been the one to seek him out or invite him over without going through Geoff. He
had to try twice to speak, before sound actually emerged from his throat.
"Jill? Um, hi."
"Hi, Jerry. I have the best news, and since
you were so good to help us keep track of our little girl when she was gone for
so long, helped make sure she was taken care of, I thought you might be
interested in the news. It's just so incredible, so unbelievable, and I had to
share it with someone." She knew she was babbling, but in her excitement,
she couldn't seem to help herself.
"Ooookay. Take a deep breath, and tell me the
news." He couldn't imagine what had her so flustered, but figured she'd
get to the point sooner or later.
Jill made a visible effort to calm down, taking a
couple deep breaths, rubbing her hands together, and closing her eyes. When she
opened them, she was calm enough to speaking coherently, and started over.
"Jerry, I know this is going to sound
outrageous, but I assure you, it is the truth. I have seen it with my own
eyes." Her hand unconsciously flexed in memory, and she closed her eyes
again briefly. When she opened them again, the Commandant could see the tears
that were ready to fall, but still her smile was bright.
"Randi is alive, and she and Gwen are engaged
to be married."
He had turned away from the monitor to check
something, but whipped around with a shocked expression and sagging jaw as her
words penetrated his thinking.
"Excuse me?!? Jill, I just thought I heard
you say Miranda Valiant is alive!"
"Yep, that is exactly what I said. She is
alive, and she and Gwen are going to be married."
It took another few seconds for his brain to wrap
around the truth of her words, and the conviction in her voice. Then the
questions started. "How? When? What happened?"
Jill laughed at his enthusiasm and began to answer
him.
************
Kene had been working diligently when the vid call
came through, and she didn't pay it any mind. Though she and Geoff were still
friends, she'd never really met his wife. She was too intent on trying to put
the pieces of a puzzle together, whose sum total did not add up to a picture
that made sense. Since Randi's passing, though she had not been close to the
younger Sabre, several things had come to her attention that she found more
than a little disturbing. Not the least of these were the facts that there was
a leak in the Sabre unit, which had made things easier for Ghost Rider to
operate, and that the true identity of the Ghost Rider was indeed her old love,
Grace Rivers.
The Sabre smiled a bittersweet smile, wondering if
she would ever know the whole story on what had turned Grace into Ghost Rider.
She stayed lost in memories for a brief moment. It was only Jerry's loud
exclamation that brought her back to the present and focused her attention on
the conversation he was having with Jill Goldman.
************
"It's the truth, Jerry. I wanted you to know,
because you did so much for us when Gwen was gone. You'll never know how much
of a relief it was to me knowing she had a guardian angel, as it were."
The Commandant sat, his head still reeling from
the information he was trying to absorb. It was almost more than his mind could
handle, and the implications were somewhat overwhelming. Still, he realized
some sort of response was required on his part, and said as graciously as he
could muster, "I was glad to be of help, Jill, and I'm so very happy for
Gwen. She deserves all the happiness she can get, and for Randi to be alive
again...." He trailed off as the unbelievability of his statement rang
through his ears. He shook his head. This was going to take some getting used
to.
He cut the connection, and stood up. "Kene,
I'm going out for a bit." He didn't say any more, and in his dazed state,
he didn't consciously notice the shocked look on his subordinate's face. It was
something he would think about later.
************
"C'mon. Let's go say goodbye to Ditto before
we leave." It was late afternoon, and the sun had finally emerged from the
wall of clouds it had been hidden behind most of the day. Randi and Gwen had
decided to return home. Reed had had to excuse herself several hours earlier,
pleading exhaustion and a headache. The two women knew it was because of them
that the breeder was suffering.
Hand in hand they walked to the kennels, where
Ditto greeted them with enthusiasm. Randi smiled as she scratched the shepherd
behind the ears. "You be good, girl. And we'll be back soon, okay?"
Ditto responded by proceeding to try to lick the Marine's face clean. Gwen
laughed quietly as Randi tried to dodge the wet tongue. She glared at the bard.
"Not one word."
They walked on into the kennel, and said goodbye
to Phil as well. "S'long, mutt!" The blonde backhanded the Sabre in
the stomach.
"He is not a mutt! He's a cutie patootie,
aren't ya, big guy?" She scratched his neck, and he rubbed up against her
like a kitten. "You be good," she admonished the big dog, as they
straightened to leave. "We'll come see you again, okay?" He whined,
and they headed back toward the house.
"I'm sorry ya'll have to leave so soon,"
Tiny started, but was cut off by his lover as she emerged from their bedroom.
"Next time, I'll be better prepared. I'll
have a barrier in place."
"You can prepare for this sort of thing... so
we're not hurting you when we're together?" The bard was intrigued. She
had met a few seers in her lifetime, though none of them were as gifted as Reed
was. And she'd never seen one so physically affected by their gift, as well. She
found the whole situation intriguing, if not downright bizarre.
"Oh, yes. There are different techniques I
can use to shield myself from an onslaught of emotional energy. What I
conditioned myself for, and what I got, were not very compatible, and the
result was I was overwhelmed rather quickly. But now that I know," smiling
at Randi, "I can fortify myself."
"Well, thank you for having us. And we're
sorry...." The bard stopped at the upraised hand.
"Don't be. It was worth it." The breeder
smiled the sincerity of her words, then with a wave, moved back into her
bedroom. Tiny walked them to the door.
"I will see you again in a couple weeks,
right? And you'll come back when the puppies arrive, won't you?"
"Do you think Reed will be ready for us then?
She's lost a lot of energy just in the last thirty hours."
"Yeah, she'll be fine. Her recovery will be
swift, once she gets started. Besides, we still have a lot of talking and
catching up to do."
"That we do, my friend."
The big man pulled his Sabre comrade into his
strong arms, and held her tightly for a long moment. "I am so very happy
you're back with us again, Randi. I've missed you."
She returned the hug full force, knowing Tiny
could take everything she had to give and then some. "I missed you too,
Tiny," whispered for his ears alone. "We'll talk again soon, I
promise."
"I'm gonna hold you to that," was his
response as he set her on her feet again. He was much more gentle with the
bard, and embraced her tenderly. "I am so, so happy for you, Gwen. I'm happy
for you both." He smiled into emerald eyes full of unshed tears. "I'm
happy for us all. This is awesome!"
A thought occurred to him then, and he lightly set
her down. "Wait right here. I'll be right back." He turned and left
them standing alone together, looking at each other with wondering eyes. Two
sets of shoulders shrugged in tandem. The motion elicited a chuckle from them
both.
"Guess we'll find out in a minute. I hear him
headed back this way now."
Sure enough, the man came through the doorway just
them, a package awkwardly tucked in his hands. Coming to a halt in front of the
Marine, he offered her the parcel. "This belongs to you, I think."
Blue eyes widened as she recognized the object he
was extending in her direction. She made a gesture, as though to refuse it,
when he stopped her. Tiny took her hands in his, and placed the book of stories
in her grasp. Gwen let the tears fall as she realized what he was doing.
"Tiny, this is yours now."
"No, my friend. This was something I held in
trust until I could return it to you and yours. Thank you for your faith, but
the time has come to return it to its rightful place."
"Thank you... I-I-I... I don't, um, I don't
know what to say."
"Then don't say anything. Just accept
it."
This time, Randi took the big man in her arms, and
hugged him again with all her might. "Thank you, Tiny. Thank you."
When she stepped back, she moved to take Gwen in
her arms, but the bard stepped into Tiny's instead. "Thank you, Tiny. I'll
make you a book of your very own. How's that?"
He laughed out loud, alleviating a lot of the
emotional tension that had built up. "I'd like that, Gwen. I'd like that a
lot."
"Then consider it done."
************
Kene sat in silence after the vid call was finished,
staring at the black screen. She wondered about the rather unusual response to
her news from her old comrade. The Sabre had never known Randi, yet had been
devastated by her sacrifice. Now it was as if... she couldn't put her finger on
it, but something in the reaction made her skin crawl. Was she missing
something vital?
************
They moved over to the transport that was waiting
for them. Tiny held the door for them, then leaned in a bit to bid them
farewell.
"Keep your schedule clear for about three
months from now."
The big man wrinkled his brow in confusion at
Randi's words. The bard chuckled, and took pity on him. "Our wedding,
Tiny. We'd like you and Reed to be there."
Randi's head swiveled toward the bard, then her
face broke into a delighted grin. "Yes, we would. As soon as we have a
definite date, we'll let you know."
He beamed at the two of them in return. We'll be
there, all right... with bells on. And in the meantime, ya'll will be back soon
to see the puppies, right?" A nod from both women was his answer and he
replied, "Safe journey, then. We'll see ya'll in a couple weeks."
None of them could have foretold the changes that
the next few weeks would bring to disrupt their lives again.
Chapter IX
"How did you know?" the warrior asked,
once they were safely away from the ranch. "How did you know I'd want them
there with us? Not just at the reception, I mean."
Gwen snuggled up in Randi's arms, glad to be alone
again. She really liked Reed and Tiny, but trying to watch her every single
reaction to the Marine had been wearing. She could only imagine how the breeder
felt being bombarded with such emotional energy. She had rather missed it, just
in the last few hours. She wondered, in passing, how she had ever lived without
it, and how she could not have recognized it for what it was for so long. It
was only a brief thought, before she turned her attention back to Randi's
question.
"Because I'm smart." She laughed when a
hand tickled her ribs. "And because I know you. There aren't too many
people you are comfortable enough with to share anything personal. Tiny is one
of those rare few. I knew you wouldn't mind sharing our wedding day with
him."
"You're right... you are smart... Oof!" reacting
to the light, backhanded slap she'd just gotten in the stomach. "I love
you," she whispered, nuzzling the blonde head tucked under her chin.
"Thank you for being so good to me." Gwen's reply was simply to bury
herself deeper into the Sabre's neck, nibbling gently. The rest of the trip
home was made in a comfortable silence.
************
The figure sat at the vid monitor for a long time,
contemplating the news that had just been given. An evil smile slowly crossed
the dark features, then broad shoulders shook in a mirthless laugh.
"So, Miranda Valiant... you're alive after
all. Revenge will be that much sweeter, then." The growled whisper carried
a chilling menace. And malevolence was a tangible feeling in the laughter that
followed.
************
"It's so peaceful here. It's not the same
stark quiet that Reed and Tiny have." The two stood together on the deck,
and listened to the roar of the ocean. Unexpectedly, a chill ran up her spine,
and she shivered in response. Her arms tightened around Gwen, who fervently
returned the warmth of her embrace. Even as calm as the night was around them,
the relentless pulsing of the water kept its steady beat. Randi found the sound
soothing, and considering the length of their day, felt her eyes growing heavy.
"C'mon, love. Bedtime for bards." The
blonde turned in her arms to retort, and saw the fine lines of exhaustion cut
into the warrior's features. She arched a concerned, questioning brow, and
Randi continued. "Besides, I'm beat. Been a long day."
Gwen heard what was not said as clearly as she did
the spoken words, and took her lover by the hand. She led her to their bed, and
proceeded to strip her, then tucked her in. The Marine was suddenly too tired
to offer a protest, and was asleep when her head hit the pillow. The bard
disrobed and joined her, kissing Randi lightly and whispering, "I love
you."
The mumbled, "Love you", and the strong
arms that pulled her into an unconscious embrace brought tears to her eyes, and
she fell into slumber with a smile on her face.
************
When Monday arrived, it found the pair headed
toward Midas once again. Randi was going in to talk to Tommy, and Gwen was
going back to teach. Tiny's story, a lot of which had been conveyed privately
during their sparring match, had started creepy crawlies up the Marine's spine.
Tommy would make a good ally in keeping Gwen safe.
The Marine walked the teacher to her classroom,
and they stood outside the door. The two looked at each other for a timeless
moment - large hands on small waist, small hands on broad shoulders. Finally,
the bard broke the silence.
"Ya know, we didn't have this much problem
separating at the ranch. What is up with us?"
Randi shrugged lightly. "Different
circumstances, I think." She blew out a breath, and leaned her forehead in
to Gwen's. "I'll be with Tommy all morning, probably, but I'll be back to
walk you to lunch." She brushed a light kiss on the bard's lips, and moved
to turn away. The blonde snagged a belt loop, and tugged the taller woman back
to her. A surprised look blanketed the warrior's face.
"Erk!" She arched an eyebrow, and looked
pointedly from the hands now bunched at her waist to the sparkling green eyes
smiling up at her. "Yeeeessssss?" she drawled, a mischievous grin
crossing her face.
"Ya know, if you're gonna leave me here alone
with these kids for the next few hours, the least you could manage is a proper
goodbye kiss." Challenge now sparked out of the bard's eyes.
A dark brow arched as Randi took up the gauntlet.
"Oh? You mean this," brushing another light kiss across Gwen's lips,
"doesn't count?"
"Um, no." Student bards in the classroom
virtuously tried to ignore the tableau taking place just outside the door,
though several had moved to the holo-area to record the thoughts the scene was
inspiring. The warrior and her bard were oblivious to anything but each other
right then.
"Well, then," the Marine continued,
"does this satisfy your requirements?" Another kiss this time...
longer, harder, but still very brief.
"Um, closer, but... no." She opened her
eyes that had fleetingly closed. A thrill traveled up her spine at the
intensity she now saw staring back at her from brilliant blue orbs. She
naturally stepped back a pace when Randi stepped forward, but there was nowhere
to go.
"Hmm, well," stepping so close that
there was no space between them, "maybe this will be more to your liking
then." Firm, gentle hands found purchase on small hips, Gwen naturally let
her arms encircle the Marine's neck. The love reflected between them as they gazed
at each other a long moment permeated the air around them. She grinned in
conjunction with the smile that crossed Randi's face just as she lowered her
head.
The Sabre spent a few leisurely moments nibbling
and teasing the full lips below her until, with a low growl, Gwen tangled her
hands in Randi's thick locks, pulled the object of her desire within reach, and
started her own assault. Timeless minutes passed, until they separated
slightly, breathless.
"That... was *entirely* to my liking,"
Gwen remarked when she could speak.
"Mine, too. See you in a bit."
"I love you, warrior."
"Love you too, Little One."
Both women blushed furiously at the applause that
rang out from the classroom when Gwen opened the door and stepped inside. The
Marine managed to ignore the guard who stepped up to rigid attention out of the
bard's sight when she closed the door.
Randi's face was almost back to its normal color
by the time she'd crossed the short compound, and entered the main building. Waitaminute...
her brain re-kicked into gear, and made conscious note of the guard. Did
Tommy know.... ?? And then she was knocking on his door, and entering his
office.
"Ya know, you might want to consider a less
public venue than the courtyard. Ya'll are gonna be the talk of lunch."
Tommy turned away from the window with a smile. "Good morning,
Randi," he continued. "Have a seat."
Ignoring him, she stepped to the window and looked
out toward the ell-shaped building that housed the bards' and writers' guild.
It was easy for her to pick out Gwen's classroom. "We were alone out
there, Tommy."
"You think so, huh? Trust me when I tell you
that every eye was focused on the two of you. Parts of the ells of each
conservatory," pointing to the four corners, "were groaning under the
weight of people trying to get a good view." He paused a beat, then
continued when she remained silent. "What you two have is amazing and
beautiful, and people just want a glimpse of that, sometimes, to be assured
that it is real."
"It's real and it's ours and it's private.
We'll have to be more careful."
"No, Randi. The expression of your love is a
wonderful thing. I just know how private you both are, and I thought you might
appreciate the heads up."
"Speaking of heads up," changing the
subject. She was gonna have to think on this for a bit. She and Gwen were not
ashamed of each other, but they were both very private individuals who didn't
care to be the objects of other people's gossip or speculation. "What's
with the guard?"
Tommy accepted the change gracefully, and motioned
the woman to a seat. She sat, and so did he, folding his hands lightly on the
desk. "That is something the security team took upon itself to do when you
left. Except when Gwen was gone on walkabout, it hasn't stopped yet. And it probably
won't, til you give the word."
"But why was it started?"
"Because you were no longer here to protect
her. And everyone with half an eye could see she meant everything to you. The
team was determined to keep her safe for you until such time as you returned to
take up your self-appointed task once more."
"Well, that will make things easier,
anyway," half muttered.
Now Thomas Steele straightened in his chair and
pinned her gaze with his own. "You will, of course, explain that rather
cryptic remark."
"Yes, T. It's one of the reasons I'm here. I
need your help to keep Gwen safe here."
When Tommy saw she wasn't going to continue, his
eyebrow went up, and his mouth opened. "You wanna give me a little more
here, Randi? That's not at all enlightening. Why does Gwen need to be kept
safe, here of all places? We've never had a real problem, and all the security
measure you put in place are still there."
"No, they're not," she interrupted.
"Not really. But we can take care of that fairly quickly, I think."
She rushed on when the man would have spoken. "I don't know for a fact
that she *is* in danger yet, T. But given what I know of the enemy, I'd say she
was in more danger than I am."
Tommy scrubbed his hands over his face. "Can
you start from the beginning, please? It is too early in the day for me to
figure out what is obviously a convoluted puzzle."
Randi rose and went back to the window, facing
Gwen's classroom, but her unseeing eyes weren't focused on anything but whatever
inner picture she saw. "You know most of the story of why I left. It was
supposed to take care of everything. The Ghost Rider would be gone, the leak
plugged. Case closed."
Tommy sat quietly, knowing he would get the story
in due time. Randi had never been quick to speak.
The Marine took a deep breath.
"Unfortunately, in all my planning, I neglected one serious detail. I did
not *insure* Tiny had the name of the leak, and he lost communication with me
before Ghost Rider confirmed my information."
The silence grew long again.
"Tiny has found out some very interesting
information now, and all of it together is making my skin itch."
"Why?" Finally he ventured a question,
and she turned from the window to look at him. She appreciated the fact he had asked
why the information bothered her, instead of asking for the specifics of her
information. It said a lot about his continued respect for her.
She heaved a sigh, and moved to sit on the edge of
his desk, facing him. "Because, it suggests that there is someone between
the leak and the Ghost Rider. And all indications point to that person being a
threat to Gwen."
"I'm not seeing your logic in coming to that
particular conclusion."
She blew out a frustrated breath, rubbing the back
of her neck with both hands. "I'm not sure I can explain it clearly enough
for it to make sense to you."
"Randi, I will help you in any way I possibly
can. But I would really like to understand this."
She stood, and started pacing. "Okay. Jerry
has a leak in his office, but with Tiny's new information, the facts point to
there being a third party involved, and it was the third party that was the
go-between for Grace and the leak. As far as he has been able to ascertain, the
leak is not even aware of being a leak. She is simply relaying information to
another Sabre." She paused, then continued.
"Now, other facts have been brought to light
that show this third individual might take offense to Grace River's death, and
her manner of dying. It is highly likely that this individual is looking for
revenge."
"Revenge on a dead woman *for* a dead
woman?!? That's absurd!!"
"Depends on your reasoning, doesn't it? And
most religions feel the dead can hear the thoughts of the living directed
toward them. You can, by the way."
"Can what?"
"Hear the thoughts of the living directed to
or about you. It's a very interesting thing. Anyway," shaking her thoughts
clear and returning them to the subject at hand. "The best way to get
revenge on the dead, or the living, for that matter, is to destroy what they
care the most about. In my case, that would be Gwen."
"So you think Gwen is in danger?"
"I think it a distinct possibility,
yes."
"Well, then, let's get to work and see what
we can do to make things safer around here, shall we? First though," he
rose, and took her arm, leading her out of his office, by Beth's desk, and to
the office across the hall. "I think it is time for you to take
repossession of your title as head of security."
"What about Preston? Won't he object to being
usurped?"
He opened the door without a word and ushered her
inside. She stopped, just past the threshold, stunned by what she saw. Her
office was crowded with a majority of the security staff not on duty, flowers,
and a banner welcoming her back. Preston stood front and center, a big smile on
his face, and a bouquet of balloons in one hand.
"Welcome home, my friend." He took her
in his arms and gave her a brief hug. "It's wonderful to have you
back."
"You sure you don't mind, Pres?
"Mind?? Oh, you're not laying this job on me
permanently, boss. I've had all of being in charge of this bunch that I can
stand."
"Oh, and like you were some great prize
there, Pres!"
"Watch it, Houston!"
The room broke out in chuckles. This had been
ongoing for as long as the two had worked together. It was a great tension
diffuser, and the people dispersed to help themselves to cookies and punch.
Preston, Tommy, and Randi remained near the door watching the activity.
"Nothing much has changed, has it?"
"Not really. We've been trying to keep the
status quo, but you made it look so easy. Now that you're back, things can get
back to normal."
Whatever the Sabre's reply to that would have been
was lost when Houston came over to welcome her back, slowly followed by the
rest of the room.
"Thanks, guys. It's good to be back. I would
like a meeting of all security personnel first thing tomorrow morning. I'd like
to see where we are." There was silence while the Marine gathered her
thoughts. "Ya'll have done a good job while I was gone, and I, um, I
especially... appreciate ya'll keeping an eye on Gwen. It means... she...
I...."
"We were glad to do it, boss. We all like her
too, ya know. Just not quite the same way or with the same intensity that you
do."
She couldn't help it. She had to laugh. Then the
room laughed with her, and the gathering broke up on a high note. "Tommy,
I'm gonna take a ride, look around a bit. Wanna come along?"
"I'd love to, but I've got tons to do today.
You gonna take Excalibur? He's been exercised as much as Gwen could manage, but
he was pretty picky about letting her ride. I'm guessing he'll be glad to see
ya back."
"Yeah, I've missed him too. We'll be back for
lunch."
She made her way to the company stable, glad
beyond words that the writer's guild sometimes needed live animals props as
part of their presentations. She knew Tommy would have gotten and kept a stable
full of horses if she'd asked him, but it gave her pleasure to know there were
more there than just "her" horse.
It was funny. She had never really contemplated
having a horse of her own until the first time she'd set foot in the Midas
stables. It was as much as though Excalibur had chosen her as she had chosen
him. She remembered the day so clearly.
************
Already her head was spinning. The uniform that
she wore was her only reminder that she was who she remembered herself to be.
Everything else about this new world she found herself in was odd and
different. The most surprising thing in this new reality was the woman at her
side. For years, she had admired the blonde bard's talent and stories. And now
to find herself casually escorted around the Midas property on a tour by the
same bard was just a little bizarre. She wondered if she would ever feel normal
again.
They entered the barn with Gwen telling her a bit
about the animals housed there, and stopped dead in the doorway. At the end of
the stable, rearing up on two hind legs was the most beautiful stallion the
Marine had ever seen. Solid black coat and mane except for the hand-sized sword
marking on his chest. He continued to stomp and kick while the trainer
struggled to control him. Without thinking, Randi strode over to the horse, and
grabbed the bridle, turning the stallion's head in her direction. For a long
moment, liquid brown locked eyes with electric blue. Then without warning, the
horse snorted in her direction, and butted his head in her chest.
The trainers looked on in amazement while the
Sabre spoke quietly to the horse, gently scratching his head. Gwen walked over
to stand beside her.
"Looks like you made a new friend."
The Marine looked down at the bard and smiled.
"Looks like I made two." Gwen returned the smile.
"Yeah, looks like you made two."
The head trainer walked over at about this point.
"That's amazing. We have had no luck with this stallion at all in the two
weeks he's been here. He's been vicious to the point that none of us could get
near him without risking serious injury. How'd you do that?"
Randi never broke eye contact with the horse as
she answered the trainer. "I think he chose me. I had very little to do
with it." The horse nodded his head solemnly, and Gwen bit back a chuckle.
"Well, if you wouldn't mind exercising him a
bit.... " The trainer let her words trail off.
Randi looked down at her uniform, then over to
Gwen. "You up for a bit of a ride?"
The bard suddenly looked very uncomfortable.
"I don't think so. Horses and I don't seem to get along very well."
"C'mon, Gwen. We can finish our tour by
taking... " She turned to the trainer. "What's his name,
anyway?"
"Excalibur. Named for the marking on his
chest."
"By taking Excalibur for a little
exercise."
"I can't." The blonde was almost
whispering now, and her color had faded noticeably.
The Marine looked the horse in the eye. "You
behave. I'll be right back." She took Gwen by the elbow, and moved them
over to a quiet corner of the barn. The rest of the trainers moved about their
business, and Excalibur stood majestically still, waiting.
"Gwen, what's wrong?" Randi liked her
new friend, and couldn't imagine a reason for her hesitation to ride. She
herself was looking forward to the experience.
"I can't do it, Randi. I... I'm afraid of
horses, especially that one. I've heard nothing but horror stories the whole
time he's been here. He's mean."
The Sabre looked from the downcast eyes of her
bardic friend to the proud eyes of her equine one. "No, he's just terribly
proud, and not a little misunderstood. But if you're really that uncomfortable
with it, I'll ride him alone. We can get another horse for you, if you'd be
more comfortable that way. Or we can keep walking... whatever works best for
you. " She looked back and forth between them again. "If I promise to
keep you safe, will you ride with me?"
Green eyes looked up then, searching blue orbs.
"This means a lot to you, doesn't it?"
Randi thought a moment, and then answered
honestly. "Yeah, it does.
The bard studied the Marine for a long moment.
"Nope. Friends don't let friends ride the first time alone. If you really
wanna ride him," she swallowed, "I'm game."
It took them a few minutes to get him saddled. The
horse wasn't particularly thrilled with this new aspect of their newly formed
friendship. But Randi made it clear to him very quickly who was in charge, and
he settled down. She helped Gwen mount first, then slid into the saddle behind
her.
"Remind me not to do this in a Class A the
next time, will ya? It just doesn't fit right up here."
"Well, you're not gonna be wearing it anymore
anyway. That shouldn't be a problem."
Randi couldn't help the twinge that crept over her
spine at the bard's nonchalant words. To know so much of her world was changing
so fast. Instead, she turned her focus to the Midas property, and Gwen's
running commentary about the place. The Marine's eye could see several security
issues that would need addressing in the near future.
************
"Such a long time ago," the Marine
muttered to herself. Then she opened the door to the stable. Quiet welcomed
her, and she realized all the animals were out in the exercise yard. She
crossed the length of the barn, and exited out the other side, only to be
greeted by the sight that had just been playing in her memory. Excalibur stood
pawing the air with his front hooves, while dancing around on his back two. No
trainer stood nearby trying to tame him, and when he came down on all fours, he
proceeded to run around the yard at a gallop.
Randi edged to the fence, and watched him for long
moments. Then she whistled, and the stallion came to a dead stop. Only his
sides quivering with his breathing showed any sign of movement. She whistled
again, and his head turned in her direction, as though trying to determine if
what his ears told him to be true really was. The Sabre climbed up onto the
fence railing, and sat, and whistled the third time. This time, the horse made
a beeline directly to her. He butted her in the chest, hard enough that she had
to lock her legs and hold on to keep from being knocked off the fence. Then the
stallion reared again, perilously close to her head, but she never flinched. It
had been a game between them before, and she was determined to show Excalibur
that some things, though they had been delayed, hadn't really changed at all.
Finally, when the teasing and testing was over,
the horse began to race around the practice yard. This was what Randi had been
waiting for. As the stallion approached her at full speed, she leapt from the
fence onto his back, and held on for dear life. Excalibur, for his part, took
this as the true sign that his mistress had returned, and made for the fence.
They were long, long overdue for an all-out ride.
The outer perimeter was extensive, and it was
nearing lunchtime before horse and rider finished their initial round. One
quick stop, and then they head over to the writing building. Randi was quite
windblown when she and Excalibur came to a halt just outside Gwen's classroom.
************
Teacher and students had become absorbed in their
work. Gwen had been surprised by way her class fell to work with a will, but
she did not yet understand the inspiration she and Randi had provided that
morning that had proved the impetus for their dedicated work now. She would
later, and be torn between embarrassment and gratification. But for now, she
and they were totally immersed in the work before them.
It was the whinny that brought her back to the
present. She looked up, and caught Randi's eye, flushing with pleasure at the
unspoken question she saw twinkling in the blue depths. There was something
about the wild look, as though the Marine was a hero from one of her stories
come to life in front of her. She brought her attention back to her students,
who, to a person, were smirking knowingly at her. She blushed again, and as
nonchalantly as possible said, "Class, I know it's a little early for
lunch, but I think we've earned a break, so why don't ya'll pack it in and head
on over to the mess hall."
To which one student replied cheekily, "You
go, teach!" The rest of the class hooted and cheered, a sound that grew
proportionally to the color which highlighted the bard's features. It was
especially loud when the Marine lifted Gwen into the saddle in front of her,
which she had made sure to place on the horse before stopping to pick up Gwen.
They set out at a walk, and the class stood in the doorway watching, until they
became a speck in the distance.
"Wasn't that just the most romantic
thing?" The youngest amongst them almost swooned.
"They are such a stunning couple."
"Yeah, they are. I'm glad they've found
happiness together."
The entire class murmured their assent. Gwen had
always been a favorite, but the difference they had seen in her, just today,
was overwhelming. It was an amazing thing to observe. The picture warrior and
bard had created had made a lasting impression, and would provide inspiration
for a long time to come. It gave them all a bit more faith in something bigger
than themselves. They sighed collectively, then moved as one body toward the mess
hall.
************
Gwen's hands automatically locked on the arms
wrapped around her middle. Though much had changed in the years they had been
riding this stallion together, the bard had never quite lost her initial fear
of horseback riding. Excalibur took special pains to not make the blonde woman
any more uncomfortable than she already was now, unlike when they were first
getting to know each other. Then it had been a battle of wills, and for a very
long time the horse seemed to begrudge the times he had to share Randi's
attention.
When Randi left, though, he learned to appreciate
the bard. Gwen had visited him several times a week, taking her own time to
groom him and give him a bit of exercise and a treat. He had missed her special
attentions while she was on her walkabout, and though they had long since
gotten along, it marked a real turning point in their relationship. The
stallion seemed to consciously gentle his demeanor for her, and it did not go
unnoticed by anyone, especially Gwen.
Even the Sabre noticed that Excalibur was acting
differently once the teacher was aboard, and she leaned into the bit just
slightly, trying to coax the horse to a faster gait. Gwen noticed the
stallion's hesitation to obey, and she looked back to Randi. "Can I have
the bridle a minute?"
The warrior shrugged, and passed the reins to the
woman seated in front of her. Excalibur recognized the change in hands, and
immediately slowed his steps to a walk. The bard leaned forward to whisper in
his ear, "It's okay, boy. Randi wants to run. So let's run."
The black head turned to look in her direction,
and an ear flicked as though questioning her words. "It's okay, boy,
really," she repeated, and she patted his neck in reassurance. He nodded
his agreement, and took off again at a gallop.
Randi was caught mostly unawares, and the change
of pace made her clutch Gwen's mid-section somewhat tightly. She consciously
loosened her hold, starting slightly when the bard shifted the reins back into
her grasp. They rode silently for a bit, until they came around to the stable
just as the lunch bell sounded. Each took a brush, and brushed the animal down,
insuring that he was clean, and had plenty of fodder and water. Gwen reached an
apple over the stall door just as they were leaving, and he lipped it up with
quiet contentment. Randi noticed the added interaction. On their way back to
her office to clean up, she asked Gwen about it.
"What happened with you and Excalibur?"
"Hmm?"
"I mean, I know things had gotten better between
you, but I don't remember ya'll being quite so chummy." A hand lifted and
scratched the back of her neck. "Did I miss something?"
Something about the question hit Gwen the wrong
way, and she was abrupt in her answer. "Yes, Randi. You missed a lot. You
were *dead* for fifteen months, remember?" The Marine didn't reply
immediately, torn between anger and hurt. But once they reached her office, she
calmly closed the door and turned to face her irate lover. Gwen didn't give her
a chance to respond, launching another offensive. "How dare you assume
that everything would stay status quo in your absence! Things change... people
change."
Randi sank to the couch as the stiffening left her
knees and the blood drained from her face. She ran an unsteady hand through her
dark locks. "What are you saying, Gwen?" spoken in a tremulous
whisper. "Do you not want 'us' anymore?"
The bard finally turned from the window where she
had been standing with her back to the room, and Randi. Now, hearing the terror
in the Marine's tone, she reviewed their conversation, before dropping to one
knee beside the older woman.
"Randi," grasping the large hands in her
own, and cringing at the lack of reaction. "Randi, look at me." Dark
hair hung down, covering the Sabre's facial features. "Please, Randi...
look at me." Gwen loosened the hold of one hand, and reached up to cup the
Marine's chin firmly. Her soul cried out at the pain radiating from blue
tear-filled eyes. "Oh, love... I am so sorry. I didn't realize... I didn't
stop to think how that sounded."
She moved onto the sofa, and pulled Randi into her
arms, cradling her close to her heart. "I don't know what set me off with
your question. Maybe I'm PMSing or something. It's just.... When you were gone,
so much changed. Cal and I bonded out of necessity, I think, as much as
anything."
"Cal?"
"Mmm, nickname, sorry. It was much easier
than Excalibur. But I was the only one he would let close enough to groom or
exercise him. And he was the one person I could talk to without being told what
I *needed* to be doing, or what I *should* do. Besides, Ditto, I mean. And he
could take me away for just a little bit, and help me remember better
times."
Randi relaxed into the bard's embrace, and Gwen
smiled when she felt her do so. "I am sorry, love. I never meant to hurt
you."
"I know, Little One. That just blindsided me
a bit. I’m really not sure where the reaction came from."
"I am," laying a hand on the warrior's
heart. "Just like mine did, believe it or not. Guess we've still got a few
issues to work through, huh?"
"I guess so. But I hope they don't all hurt
this bad."
"Me too. But we have a serious pending issue
to confront right now."
"Oh?" Concerned blue eyes locked with
twinkling green. "What's that?" The Marine really wasn't sure she was
up for dealing with any more issues like this last one at the moment. That
little episode had taken more out of her than she cared to admit. Right about
then, though, two stomachs growled in tandem, and the two humans they were
attached to chuckled in response. "Hmm, I see your point." She tried
to rise, but was held quite firmly in the bard's grasp. Randi turned to look up
at Gwen.
"I love you, Randi."
"Ditto, my bard."
"Are we okay?"
"Yep, we're okay. I think we always will be,
as long as we're willing to talk to each other."
"Oh, you can count on that, Stud. Now let's
get cleaned up and go get some lunch. I'm starving."
It didn't take long for them to make an appearance
in the mess hall, but it was long enough that everyone else was sitting down
eating. Everyone cheered when they walked in the room hand in hand, causing
them both to blush. What they found touching however, was the fact that their
table, the same one they had shared every meal at Midas for the better part of
four years, was reserved for them, and sat empty.
"And then again," the bard commented as
she squeezed the hand in her own, "sometimes the more things change, the
more they stay the same."
"Yeah, I think it's a nice way to tell us we
were missed a little bit."
They each grabbed a tray, and got themselves some
lunch, then moved to their table. Once the applause died down, the level of
conversation never altered around them. Still, there was an air of expectancy
until they seated themselves and started eating. Then as life resumed its
normal routine, the room sighed collectively, and turned its attention back to
matters at hand.
Chapter X
Much of the rest of the week passed in similar
fashion. Each morning Randi walked Gwen to her classroom, though their partings
were much more subdued than they had been that first day back.
************
Early Monday afternoon, Gwen and the Marine
excused themselves from Midas, and left. The bard had noticed that Randi was
still a bit upset by their earlier altercation. She made sure the warrior was
comfortably seated in the transport, before assuming control. Without a word,
she headed them out of town, and toward their private hideaway.
Randi didn't comment, lost in her thoughts over
Tommy's words, and her misunderstanding with Gwen. She hadn't realized how
different things would be... what a difference her dying had made to them and
to her. She had always been a very private person, and it niggled at her a lot
that people, friends, though she knew their fascination was harmless enough,
made she and Gwen the objects of their scrutiny. Especially now that they were
officially a couple. She had never been big on PDA's from anyone, and to be the
focus of the attention those brought her was more than unnerving.
The Marine really had no idea how Gwen felt about
public expressions of their devotion to one another. It would be something else
to talk about when they got....
About that time, Randi noticed that they weren't
headed back to the island, but instead was headed to the glen. An eyebrow
raised, then she had to smile. The Sabre reached a hand over to her partner.
"Good choice," smiling in the bard's direction.
Gwen came back to the present with a start. Randi
had been so quiet and withdrawn, and her mind had wandered in the interim.
"Thanks," wondering where the Marine's thoughts had wandered. The
transport came to a stop, and they climbed out, joining hands, and moving to
the safe haven of their favorite oak tree.
Seating themselves at its base, they remained
quiet for a while, simply absorbing the peace that the glade offered. The
whisper of the wind, the rustling of the leaves, and the tinkling of the nearby
stream all contributed to the relaxing atmosphere. When she felt the body
behind her finally settle in comfortably, Gwen ventured to speak.
"You ready to talk about it?"
"Hmm? About what?"
"Whatever is still bothering you. I know that
what happened before lunch is probably still upsetting you, but I get the distinct
impression there is something else wrong. So you wanna talk about it?"
The Sabre had to smile at the top of the blonde
head that was nestled in the hollow of her throat. Since Randi was certain they
were alone, they had assumed what was quickly becoming one of their most
comfortable pairings. Gwen was couched between Randi's long legs, leaning back
into the Marine's firm body. Strong arms wrapped around the bard's waist, and
she held on tightly to the hands locked at her front.
The tall woman drew in a deep breath. "Gwen,
how do you feel about this?"
The blonde's brow crinkled in confusion.
"Huh? Feel about what?" She felt like she had missed something
important.
Randi squeezed her gently around the middle.
"This."
"Um, Randi? Do you think we could start at
the beginning of the conversation? I'm not getting what you're asking me."
The Sabre leaned her forehead on the blonde hair
in frustration "Sometimes, I wish I was a bard," she muttered. Gwen
just smiled to herself and waited.
Randi was silent so long trying to figure out a
way NOT to be blunt, that finally the bard turned to face her in concern.
"Randi?"
She decided just to plunge right in. "How do
you feel about public displays of affection?"
Green eyes searched blue before she answered, and
she understood immediately what was bothering her companion. "Do they
embarrass you, love?"
"Yes... no... not exactly... I mean, not...
ARGH!!"
"Take a deep breath, and start over. Take
your time. We're not going anywhere til we get this sorted out, okay?"
The Marine nodded. "I'm not embarrassed by
us, or what we feel for each other."
"But... ?"
"But what we share is ours, for us alone. I
don't want to be the talk of the lunch table." She drew a breath, and
continued. "It's different with Tommy and Ella, your folks, even Reed and
Tiny to a point. They better than most know what we have suffered to be
together and none of them would make us the gossip of the day." The bard
started to speak, and Randi put a finger on her lips. "Wait, I'm not
finished." Gwen nodded and the Marine proceeded. "I know the people
at Midas didn't mean any harm, but to be so conspicuous... It's really not in
my nature. As much as I love you, I'm not sure I can change enough to ever be
comfortable being publicly affectionate."
Gwen took a bit of time analyzing the Marine's
words, hearing both the spoken and unspoken. She wondered what had happened to
draw the Marine's attention to their behavior. Obviously someone mentioned it,
as neither of them had noticed it before. She locked eyes with her companion,
insuring she had Randi's full attention before she spoke. "Love, I would
never ask you to change who you are. You are probably the most private person I
know. Now that I think about it, I'm not really surprised this bothers you,
Randi. I'll admit it never even occurred to me, since so much of my life is
geared toward a public persona. But I have no problem keeping things between
us. I've never been too big on being the subject of gossip myself."
They sat quietly for a time after that, soaking in
the warmth of the bond between them. "Thank you, Little One," the
warrior finally muttered into the peace. "I will try to broaden my
horizons somewhat, though it may take a bit of time."
"Randi, you can have all the time you need.
And even if you never get comfortable with PDA's, we will always have our time.
Forever, remember?"
"Uh huh. Forever."
************
Their separation at the classroom door was
noticeably restrained on Tuesday morning. The two walked hand in hand to the
guild building, and stood talking outside the door.
"Tommy was right," the Marine mentioned
casually to her companion.
Well, now at least I know who
opened their big mouth and made Randi so self-conscious. I'll be having a word
with him later. These thoughts crossed her mind even as she
responded to Randi's spoken words. "About what?" They were still
holding hands, facing one another.
"You can feel it.... feel them watching us. I
understand why, but I still don't like it."
Gwen loosened one of her hands from the warrior's
grasp, and cupped the beloved face in her palm. "Don't think about it,
love. What we have is rare, so it's no wonder others want to catch a glimpse.
But what we have is ours, and we only have to share what we're comfortable in
sharing. Okay?"
"I love you, you know."
"I know. I love you, too. Now go to work.
I'll see you at lunch." She removed her hand from the Marine's face, and
patted their still linked hands. Randi, surprisingly, brought their joined
hands to her lips, and brushed her own against them lightly, before squeezing
the bard's hand and releasing it.
"I'll be back to escort you to the mess
hall." And without a backward glance, Randi headed toward her office.
Gwen stood at the door, watching the Sabre until
she disappeared from sight. There was almost an erotic quality to their
parting... a tease. Gwen felt like she was being courted... again. Because she
knew now, that that was exactly what Randi had been doing, unwittingly, for at
least the last year before her death.
This little development could lend
itself to some interesting possibilities. Then she walked
into the classroom, and set about teaching the day's lesson.
************
Randi's meeting with her security team went
smoothly. She pointed out things that they had been doing well, and made
mention of some of the changes she was initiating. She didn't explain her
reasoning, and they knew better than to ask. She had proven her skill many
times over in the years she had been their leader. And most of it, they had
expected, since it was in areas that had grown slack in her absence.
************
When the warrior met the bard for lunch, it was
very sedate. Randi was waiting outside the door when the bell rang, and both
students and artists poured from their respective buildings headed toward the
mess hall. Several of the student bards saw her and giggled, but she never lost
her stoic demeanor. Only when Gwen stepped from the room did she break into a
smile. Randi offered the blonde her arm, which the smaller woman gladly took. Then
they began a leisurely stroll toward the lunchroom.
************
The rest of the week flowed similarly for them,
and the people at Midas learned a subtle but pointed lesson. By the end of the
week, no extra attention was given to them, and they were both devoutly
grateful.
************
Friday afternoon found Gwen with a bit of free
time. Randi was instructing part of her staff in some new defense measures, and
the students were working in the holo-suites on their first public
presentations. Since her presence was not required, she decided to seek out
Tommy.
A knock on his door gained her entrance, and she
went in. He looked up form his work as she entered, and smiled a welcome.
"Come in, Gwen. Come in. Have a seat," waving her to a chair.
"I'm almost done, and I'll be right with you."
"That's fine, T."
There was silence for a few moments, then he
looked up at her and smiled again. "So, what brings you here this
afternoon?"
"I have a bone to pick with you, Tommy."
He studied her face, trying to gauge the
seriousness of her tone. He gave her his full attention, and put his folded
hands on the desk in front of him. "What seems to be the problem,
Gwen?"
She was obviously agitated by something. With his
question, she popped out of her seat and began pacing. Finally, she turned and
looked at him, tears brimming in eyes that burned with anger and confusion.
"Why, Tommy? Why did you have to say something to her? Did you have to
make her self-conscious?" She took a deep breath and whirled on him.
"I don't mind keeping things between her and I. That's not the point. What
we share is personal... it's ours, and if we want to keep it to ourselves or
share it with the whole world, that should be up to us. You shouldn't have made
her so... so... Damn! Damn you, Tommy." She slumped into her seat.
Tommy sat stock still for a long moment. A myriad
of reactions flowed through him, and he hesitated to speak. Still, his first
reaction was one of anger. "And did you stop to think about how she'd feel
when ya'll became the talk of the mess hall?" He stood, and walked around
the desk, stopping to stand in front of her. "Did you?"
Now the bard let her temper loose, and stood
facing the taller man with fire glowing in her emerald eyes. "No, I didn't
stop to think how she'd feel. Neither of us stopped to think, Tommy. We were
simply feeling. And it was so wonderful."
He gazed into her eyes then, seeing the pain he
had inadvertently caused in trying to spare them embarrassment. The man relaxed
his stance, leaning back onto his desk. He reached for her hands, relieved when
she didn't pull away from him. "You're right. I'm sorry." He sighed.
"I was thinking of her reaction to gossip, instead of the feelings that
were causing the behavior in the first place. I really am sorry."
Gwen pulled her hands from his grasp, and moved to
the window that afforded her a view of the practice grounds. She stood for long
moments watching Randi as the Marine took her personnel through a complicated
weapons' exercise regimen. She sighed, and dropped her shoulders in defeat.
"No, T. You were right to try to keep us out of the gossip circle. Neither
of us would have been happy there. I just wish it hadn't been necessary."
"Me too." The man came up behind her and
put his hands on her shoulders. "Feel better now?"
"Yeah. I'm sorry for yelling at you."
"Well, I'm sorry for yelling back, so we're
even, huh?"
"You're a good friend, T," the bard
said, laying a hand on one of those that still covered her shoulders.
"Hm, well, you've been there for me a time or
two as well, my friend. Ya'll still going up to your folks this weekend?"
"Yeah. We're going there for the week, then
over to Reed and Tiny's for the birth of the puppies. They should be so cute.
We'll be back here ready to go again Monday morning. The students have their
assignments, and Marilyn is gonna keep an eye on them...."
He turned the bard around to face him. "Gwen,
it's all right. I know ya'll are still adjusting to everything. It's gonna take
a little time. Go spend some time with your folks. We will still be here when
you get back, and you'll still have a place. You both will, for as long as you
want one."
"Thanks, T. That's always nice to know."
She watched as the security class broke up, and her lover headed in toward the
offices. "Let me go catch up with Randi. We'll see ya'll when we get
back."
"Ya'll have a safe trip and enjoy yourselves,
Gwen. We'll see you both in a few days."
But there was much on the horizon that would
change all their well-laid plans.
************
"YOU DID WHAT???" The weapons smith
closed his eyes and took a deep breath, counting to ten. Twice. Finally, after
a full sixty heartbeats passed, he opened his eyes and resumed his packing. He
had thought the summons odd, but after hearing Jill's news....
"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm a little
stressed. Would you repeat that for me again?"
Jill surreptitiously wiped her eyes and looked at
her husband. "I'm sorry, Geoff. I didn't know it would be a problem. I was
just trying to do the right thing."
"It's okay, hon. You... this... it all just
caught me off guard. Let's start over again, all right?"
"I just thought, you know, since he was kind
enough to have used his connections to keep an eye on her while she was gone,
that Jerry might like to know that Gwen and Randi will actually have a happy
ending to their story."
Geoff didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this
point. Odds were, given the situation, the wrong people now knew that Miranda
Valiant was alive. If that were the case.... And as if that didn't complicate
things enough, there was also the extremely peculiar fact that he had been
recalled for a mission. Nothing dangerous, really. Nothing he hadn't had to do
before, though it hadn't happened very often. It was a simple matter of
investigating some weapons sites and installations with a small Sabre team. No,
more than anything, it was the timing that bothered him. He felt an ominous
foreboding in the pit of his stomach.
He had time to pack a bag, and that was it. Even
now, the team was waiting for him. He didn't even have time to leave Randi a
message. He would have to hope and pray it would wait til he got back.
Geoff locked his bag. "Baby, I've gotta
go."
"Now?? But, Geoff, the girls are due in
soon."
"I know, honey. I know. And believe me, I am
not at all happy about it. But this can't wait." Jill nodded her head.
There had been a few instances in the lives when Geoff had mysteriously left
them because of his craft. But it had been a very long time since it had been
so urgent for him to do so. "I'll be back as quick as I can. Tell the
girls I love them and will see them soon."
He walked out the door, setting in motion a chain
of events that would alter the course of the lives of those nearest and dearest
to him.
************
When the transport landed, it was almost dark, and
both Gwen and Randi were happy to be arriving. Though the bard had not yet told
her lover of the confrontation she had had with Tommy, the Marine could see the
emotional toll it had taken. She longed to ask Gwen about the source of her
exhaustion, but knew the smaller woman would confide when she felt comfortable.
Maybe she'll tell me tonight after we settle down for bed.
Randi knew the source of her own fatigue. She and
her security team had worked very hard physically, and for all her efforts,
exercise in the other realm had not been the same as it was here. The work she
had done did not translate well in terms of strength and stamina. Her body was
still not back to its optimum performance. She would have to make a serious
effort to improve. She didn't like the feeling of foreboding that continued to
overshadow her thoughts.
Then Jill was there, waiting for them with open
arms. And all her dark thoughts were chased away for the time being.
The ride home from the hub was quick and quiet.
The two younger women took their things upstairs and stopped when they got to
the two bedrooms. It was the first time they had been in the Goldman's home as
a couple. Gwen set her bag down in the hallway, and did the same with Randi's.
"C'mon. We'll ask Mother which room we're supposed to have." They
headed back downstairs, but the bard's attention was diverted by something that
seemed to be missing.
"Where's Daddy, Mother? I thought he'd have
met us too." Gwen wasn't upset, really. Just a little confused. Her father
had doted on her from the time she was a baby, and for him not to welcome her
home was.... Surely he wasn't having second thoughts about her marriage to
Randi.
Her thoughts were clearly reflected in her face
when she turned to gaze at Jill. The Sabre reached over and took her hand,
calming the bard's frantic heartbeat by touch alone. "It's all right,
love. I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation." Blue and green eyes
turned to Jill in tandem, and she found herself momentarily mesmerized by their
singular focused intensity.
"You know your father wouldn't miss your
being here if it could be helped, dear." The older woman paced in front of
the two seated in front of her. "The fact of the matter is that he was
called away on urgent business. Unusual, but not unheard of."
The tingling these words stirred in her gut was
not at all pleasant, and Randi found herself on edge. Gwen noticed the change in
her bearing immediately. "Randi?"
The Marine clasped the small hand to her more
tightly, but continued to look at Jill. "Did he say where he was going? Or
how long he'd be?"
"No, dear. He didn't. Anytime the military
has recalled him like this, I get no details... either before he leaves or
after he comes home." Her tone wasn't bitter, but it was clear she
resented her exclusion from this part of her husband's life.
"Randi?" Gwen was more insistent this
time, and the Marine looked at her.
"It's okay, love. Remember what I told you
about my reactions?" The blonde nodded, sure she wasn't getting the whole
story, but unwilling to push things in front of her mother.
Jill continued. "He did say he would wrap
things up as fast as he could, and hoped to be home to see you both very
soon." She paused. "He was very upset at the timing."
"Yeah, well, I'm not real happy with it
either."
"None of us are, honey, but we can still get
a lot done towards getting ready for your wedding." And for the rest of the
evening, the talk turned to other things.
************
Bedtime found them curled up together in the
center of Gwen's old canopy bed. Jill had given them their choice, and they
chose to be family instead of guests. The bard lightly traced Randi's face in
the dark.
"You okay, Stud?"
"Yeah. Why do you ask?"
"You just seemed a little distracted tonight,
especially once you learned Daddy had been recalled."
"I'm a little upset, I guess. Geoff was gonna
show me some of the new things he's been working on. I really don't appreciate
the military's timing here." She didn't elaborate. There was little she
could explain as more than a gut feeling. The Sabre would do some checking, and
see if she could find some answers.
"There have been a lot of times with you I
have felt the exact same sentiment about you. Especially once.... " The
bard trailed off. The silence only intrigued Randi more.
"Especially once what, Little One?" The
Marine posed her question when it became clear Gwen was not going to continue
without prompting. She felt the bard squirm in her arms, and even though she
couldn't see the blonde's face in the waning moonlight, it was easy to
ascertain her embarrassment. Randi shifted to lie on her side, drawing Gwen
into a tight cuddle next to her. "Love?"
Gwen pushed the warrior so she was once again
reclining on her back, and the bard took up her favorite position laying half
sprawled on top of the taller woman with her head tucked under Randi's chin.
This confession would be much easier if those piercing blue eyes were not
focused so directly on her.
"There were times, especially once I began to
realize and understand my feelings for you, that I really resented the
military's interference in your life." Her fingers started moving in a
light pattern over the Sabre's torso. Gwen smiled when she felt as well as
heard the hitch in Randi's breathing. "I... I mean, I didn't *know* it was
the military, but I was very put out with whatever kept taking you away from
me."
The revelation was a little unexpected, and the
Marine grabbed Gwen's hand to still it momentarily. The bard had touched on a
subject that Randi was curious about, and this was the first opportunity that
it had presented itself for discussion. She wanted to explore it a bit more,
and the bard's stroking was driving her to distraction. The blonde waited
briefly, then lifted her head to look at the Marine. The intensity of the gaze
regarding her caused her to drop her head back to onto Randi's chest.
"What?" the bard whispered, wondering
what thoughts had put that look there.
Randi swallowed hard. This was going to be awkward
for her to admit, but it was only fair in light of what she was going to be
indirectly asking Gwen. "During one of the first of our many long talks,
Aphrodite railed at me for leading you on. She accused me of courting you with
no intention of following through." The Marine swallowed hard again.
"I wasn't, Gwen. Not intentionally, anyway. But when we looked back, she
showed me each and every instance where I was. Courting you, I mean." Her
arms tightened against the smaller body, and she smiled in the darkness when
Gwen returned her embrace. "The funny thing is, you responded... every
single time, though I didn't realize it at the time, and I'm sure you didn't
either."
She waited now, hoping the bard would understand
what she wasn't asking out loud, and open up to her. Randi let go of Gwen's
hand when the silence dragged on, and almost unconsciously, the younger woman
resumed her stroking. She took a deep breath, and began to speak.
"When we first met...." She took another
breath and started over. This was something she had had more than fifteen
months to think about, and she still wasn't really sure how to voice things. It
wasn't something she herself was entirely clear on, but maybe saying the words
aloud to Randi would help them both to know the truth.
"You have to understand that when we met, I
was alone. You were my first real friend. Don't misunderstand, I had many, many
acquaintances, but no one really that I confided in or shared things with. No
one who knew me better than I knew myself."
Randi was quiet. She knew all this, but waited
patiently, knowing the bard was leading up to something.
"Looking back," she shook her head a
little to clear it, and Randi chuckled as the blonde hair tickled her neck.
Gwen pulled back a little to catch her eyes. "Sorry." The bard lost
herself in the deep blue regard for the longest moment. Anyway," she remarked,
clearing her throat and laying her head back down on the broad shoulder.
"Looking back, it was as though I was existing in a fog."
************
Artemis paused in her routine moderating of the
scrying bowl. She sighed. This was one part of godhood that she really didn't
care too much for, but it had to be done. Her favorite couple came across her
monitor, and she smiled, watching them for a moment. Their interaction was so
passionate, even in repose that she found herself hesitant to move on. Then the
goddess caught a few of the words, and she concentrated on what was being said.
Her expression changed to a frown as she listened, then blossomed into alarm.
Then she headed off in search of her sisters. This was something they needed to
know about immediately.
************
"How so, love?" Randi was a little
confused, though she felt Gwen was pretty much in the same boat. Maybe they
could figure it out together. "What do you mean?"
The bard sighed. "I... it's not... it's like
something was keeping me from seeing the obvious." She leaned up on an
elbow, and looked directly into the Marine's face. "Randi, everyone,
EVERYONE around us could see what was between us. Everyone but me. It wasn't
until just before you left that last time that I even considered something more
than friendship even possible between us. And once we got official
word...." Her eyes teared up, and they spilled over onto her cheeks
without warning. Randi reached up a trembling hand and gently wiped them away.
The bard leaned into the caress, and swallowed. "The moment public
acknowledgement was made of what I already knew in my heart to be true... as
soon as we were informed of your... your death." Here she gave another big
sigh and swallowed. "It was as though someone drew a curtain away from my
heart and mind. Suddenly, everything became crystal clear."
Now Gwen put her head back down on Randi's
shoulder and sobbed. The Sabre engulfed the blonde woman in a tight hug, and
held onto her. Tears rolled down her face in sympathy as she silently rocked
Gwen. After a long while, the convulsions lessened, and the bard lay still
trying to catch her breath. When she finally spoke, it was in a bare whisper.
"As much as losing you again physically
scares me, I am just as terrified that.... " She broke off, and the Marine
felt the warm tears hit her chest. "I don't want to lose this, Randi. I
don't want to forget, or be blinded again."
Randi shifted them then, rolling them over so that
her own larger body covered Gwen's completely. "Little One, open your
eyes." Slowly, reluctantly, watery green eyes opened and focused on the
countenance hovering above her. Quite without her conscious permission, Gwen
lifted a hand to traces the planes of Randi's face once more. A sad smile
crossed the Sabre's visage as she allowed the exploration. Then she began to
speak.
"Gwen, I want you to listen to me very
carefully, and I want you to remember this." She waited for the smaller
woman to acknowledge her words with trusting eyes and a nod before she
continued. Randi took hold of the bard's left hand and raised it to her lips.
She held it so that the Soulmates' ring was in Gwen's line of sight. "No
matter what, love... no matter where, or when or why... whenever you need
reassurance of what we have together, what we are to each other... if I'm not
right there to remind you of the truth of our reality together, I want you to
look at this ring. And I want you to let it be your reminder of what we share,
and our life together now. And I promise you," then fiercely "I.
Promise. You." She cradled the bard's face gently in both hands and
teasingly nipped at the full lips beneath her own. "If that ever happens,
I will get to you as quick as I can, and will reassure and remind you
personally."
Her voice dropped to a seductive purr, and Gwen's eyes
darkened in response. "Really?"
"Um hmm," leaning down again to nibble
on the blonde's proffered neck. "I think a little reminder and reassurance
might be a good idea right now." Hands and lips moved lower again.
"I... um, oh God... I.... " Gwen's voice
trailed off as Randi proceeded to put all coherent thought right out of her
mind.
************
It was very early in the morning, but still full
dark outside when Randi slipped from their bed. She needed answers and she
needed them fast. The bard whimpered slightly in her sleep when the Marine left
the bed. She relaxed when Randi stroked her face softly and whispered loving
reassurances in her ear. Randi smiled in the darkness when Gwen curled around
the Sabre's own pillow with a deep sigh. "I'll be back shortly,
love," and after pulling on a robe, stepped out into the darkened hallway.
Thirty minutes later, a fuming and frustrated
warrior crawled back into bed beside the still sleeping bard. Gwen was quick to
abandon the pillow in favor of the warm body, then opened one eye when she felt
the upset present in the Marine's body.
"You okay?" mumbling against the smooth
skin now conveniently underneath her cheek. "You seem awfully tense."
"Yeah, love. I'm fine. Everything's
fine," lightly scratching the bard's back, and feeling her settle back
into sleep. Then, under her breath to herself, "I hope everything is fine.
Damn, Tiny! Where the hell are you??"
************
Jill was up and had breakfast almost ready when
the two of them ventured downstairs the following morning. "Good morning,
you two. I wondered if I was gonna have to start without you."
"Sorry, Mother. Late night." The words
slipped out unheeded. When the bard realized their implications, she blushed to
the roots of her fair hair. Her mother didn't noticed, as she had her gaze
fixed on the impassive expression on the Marine's face.
"Is everything all right, dear? I heard you
prowling around the house early this morning."
Though caught off-guard, the Marine didn't bat an
eyelash. "Yes, Jill. Thanks." She didn't add anymore, and both the
Goldman women respected her privacy enough to let the matter drop.
"By the way, Gwen," redirecting her
attention to her daughter, "Sal will be here this afternoon. I told him
you were going to be in town. He, um, he doesn't know about Randi. I thought
you might like to be the one to tell him."
As it happened, no one had to tell him. He had
promised to stop by, but hadn't been more specific as to a time. He honestly
hadn't been able to be that specific, and thinking it was purely a social, as
opposed to a business call, knew Gwen would understand. So, Jill was gone to
market to find something for dinner, and Gwen was indisposed when he knocked on
the door.
Randi looked in the direction the blonde had
disappeared in, then raised her eyes heavenward and shook her head. There
are just times.... Then she bit the bullet, and moved to answer the door.
The Sabre caught the man as his knees sagged, and half-led,
half-carried him toward the sofa. It was in this position Gwen caught them, and
she simply crossed over to help the Marine lower the stunned man to the couch.
Then she knelt beside him, while Randi moved off to fix him a stiff drink.
"Looks like I've got some explaining to
do."
The older woman simply nodded, and passed Sal a
tumbler of brandy. This had the makings of an interesting afternoon.
************
"So, you'll let us do all the pictures, holos
and vids? The ceremony and the reception?" Sal had finally recovered his
wits, and was exceptionally enthusiastic about the upcoming nuptials. It was an
event he found himself looking very forward to. Just the rekindled light
shining out of the bard's eyes made the idea an appealing one, but it was the
obvious love shared between the two women before him that made Sal want to do
this. "Please... we promise to be so discreet, you'll never even know
we're there."
Gwen looked at Randi, unsure. She really wanted
Rico to do the work. He had never let her down yet, and the work he had down of
them at her award's ceremony had been magnificent. Except for the posed
pictures, they hadn't even noticed his presence. The Marine caught the longing
in the green eyes, and smiled slightly. The bard smiled back and started to
answer when Randi cut in.
"Sal, you honored my last request of you, and
we would be very happy to have ya'll record this most important event for us as
well." Gwen stared open-mouthed for a moment. She had never expected the
Sabre to be so agreeable to the idea, given that she had never seen the work
that had resulted from that final request. Then again, the bard mused, Randi
had been gradually adjusting to Sal's personality before she'd left. It was
nice to see them a little more comfortable together.
"Yes, Sal," she finally responded.
"We want ya'll there. We know you will capture the day for us beautifully,
and we will be glad to have you there as a friend as well."
He clapped his hands together enthusiastically.
"Excellent! Excellent! I will get with Jill then, as soon as possible, and
get things underway." He beamed at Randi and Gwen. "Congratulations
to the both of you. I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am to have had this
happen to you. You two are one of the most romantic couples I've ever had the
pleasure of knowing. This is just going to be so... so...." Still gushing,
he took his leave of them, and headed for his studio.
Epilogue
"Everything is in place, Grace," the
dark man whispered aloud. "I expect to join you very soon, because Miranda
Valiant will never let me live. Sam won't be happy, but he'll understand. And
it will be worth it to know that she will suffer interminably for the rest of
her natural life."
He chuckled, and turned his attention away from
the window, and back to his packing.
TO BE CONTINUED....
08/01-04/02