#not hard enough to hurt but you’ll be bapped

[whimsyprinx]

i truly hate how out of habit when I want to speak I’ll raise my hand and then immediately be made fun of because of it, like ???? rude

#whimsy whispers #I’m sorry that I was taught to wait til ppl finish speaking and to raise my hand to indicate that I’d like to speak #especially since I have adhd and ten to talk over ppl I raise my hand more than usual #like look look look #look me in the eyes #i will raise my hand so you know I want to speak and you will not make a little comment about it or I’ll take my raise hand and wack you #gonna bop you on the head #not hard enough to hurt but you’ll be bapped

[monterraverde]

From the PWT Committee, you receive a sash bearing the colors and markings of your home region. On the shoulder, the familiar symbol of the Pokemon League, and a patch representing your competitive bracket.

But pinned into the sash is also a small polished stone that shimmers between teal, blue, and purple, all around a shape at the center that appears to be a twisted double helix. 

A Mega Stone. 

This is part of your uniform. A letter of assurance from the League states that you’ll be able to use this in the confines of the Stadium, that the Mega Stone is a tool that will allow you to Mega Evolve any of your Pokemon…

Only in Saffron Stadium. 

The choice belongs to you. Choose wisely.

Holding this brought everything into perspective... The emotional weight the stone carried resonated with her in a way that she couldn't describe. She bows her head a bit in thanks after accepting it. "I'll treasure this, thank you." She nods, and after returning to her hotel room, finally tried it on... Admittedly with the waistcoat she was wearing, now she looked like a proper jester- Maybe just wearing her normal clothes was in order? Agh, but she went and got this nice suit all tailored... Regardless, holding the stone portion of it in the palm of her hand had her shaking...

Mega evolution hurt the Pokemon if the bond wasn't strong enough, right? Did she even want to risk that?

Before she could get any farther into that train of thought, she heard a ball pop open, and then felt something pushing on her legs. Bappy heard her getting ready to spiral again and decided 'absolutely not'

"Bap-... Come on, I'm fine... I'm fine, i swear." She laughs, stringing the sash over one shoulder and letting it kind of lazily linger on her upper arm/elbow as she sat down with the insistent pokemon, who promptly threw himself into her lap, making a noise that sounded almost like he was scolding her.

"Doubting you? I could never doubt you..." "Doohhh!!" "Okay I was really doubting MYSELF but that's besides the point." "Doohh..." "....You're certain you wanna do this? If you get hurt, I'm never going to forgive myself"

The Clodisre gazes up at her with sheer resolve on its face, giving her its best nod- Hard to do when your whole body is also your head. "Ha- Alright, alright... Then lets really show them what that crown of yours can do."

#;;pwt2023 #long post cw #tohjofallsexile

[mountphoenixrp]

We have a returning citizen in Mount Phoenix:

                               Yoo Youngjae, who is known by no other name;                                                    a 26 year old son of Lei King.                                         He is a student and piercer at Taste of Ink.

FC NAME/GROUP: Yoo Youngjae - Former BAP CHARACTER NAME: (if different from FC name) AGE/DATE OF BIRTH: 25th January 1994/ 26 PLACE OF BIRTH: Delley, Fribourg, Switzerland OCCUPATION: Piercist at Taste of Ink and Musical Composition Major at Phoneix University. HEIGHT: 178cm/ 5"8 WEIGHT: 65kg DEFINING FEATURES: Both Lobes pierced twice, a tragus and daith piercing on his left ear, a conch piercing and an industrial bar in his right ear. A tattoo on his right hip of a Chinese traditional dragon that curves round his side with it’s head near his belly button.

PERSONALITY: Youngjae has been pretty self reliant since he was a child. He doesn’t like to admit when he needs help and he especially doesn’t like it when he looks weak. He does his best to present himself as a strong person, to hold up a façade when he had to. Because of this he had high walls built up to keep people out. He doesn’t know how to let them down and sometimes can come off as a cold person.

However, once you get inside the walls, even just a little bit, Youngjae is the most loyal friend you’ll find. He is the kind of person who will always have his friend’s backs when they need it and he will never desert them. Once someone breaks his trust Youngjae’s walls come up higher and stronger than before. He finds it hard to move on from a break in trust.

Youngjae is tough, thanks to his upbringing, but deep down he wants to find people who he can let in, who can see the sides of him that he doesn’t like people seeing and still want to be around him, still accept him. He just wants to find a place he belongs in.

HISTORY: Youngjae’s Mom ran away to Switzerland when she found out she was pregnant with Youngjae, being a single mom in South Korea carried so much stigma. She never told Youngjae’s grandparent’s that she was pregnant, she just left. Youngjae was born, slightly early, in Switzerland. Youngjae’s mom lvoed her son, she couldn’t always provide a lot for him but she tried. She wanted him to have a good chance in his life, so that he could go on to do the things that she would never get to do having a son when she was so young. Youngjae was a normal little boy, he seemed satisfied when his mother told him that his dad was Chinese and he had his dad’s eyes. Youngjae never questioned further, it was like he knew he wasn’t going to enjoy the answer. Youngjae never felt like he belonged, he liked school, but he didn’t like other students. He was pretty short and he was quiet because he knew he didn’t fit in. He suffered through racism when it came to the other children but he just tried to ignore it. He knew his mom was doing her best, they were struggling to live, she was working as hard as she could and Youngjae never wanted to put more pressure on her. His mother got married when he was fifteen, to a Swiss man, Youngjae liked him, he was alright and he treated Youngjae like he was a real son. Youngjae’s mom got pregnant for a second time and they were living in a decent house, they no longer had to worry about if they’d have enough money for bread or heating. Youngjae felt blessed to have this man in his and his mom’s life. But kids at school weren’t so nice, calling his mom a gold-digger, saying she only got married to stay in Switzerland. One day Youngjae found himself pushed against the lockers and he just tensed, focusing on the boy holding him against the lockers, when the boy suddenly let go and fell to the ground screaming in pain. Youngjae ran. Youngjae’s mom came in to see him, speaking to him softly in Korean - so her husband didn’t understand them -, she told him of who his father was Lei King, Chinese God of Thunder and Retribution. Youngjae didn’t know what to say, his dad was Chinese, that was all he’d ever been told, but this, this was too much. She’d run away, not because of who his father was, but she told him that as far as she knew his father didn’t know he existed, but that she had loved his father. That she had been afraid that Youngjae would have the powers. His mom just looked at him and kissed the top of his head, telling him he needed to go somewhere where he’d be with other special people, people who could help him learn to control the pain he could inflict, a place where he could fit in. A place where he would be safe. He arrived at Mount Phoneix shortly after finding the directions.

PANTHEON: Chinese CHILD OF: Lei King POWERS: Youngjae is able to inflict pain on people, just by using his mind. He can make them feel pain in almost any area of their body and although he is pretty efficient at doing it, he doesn’t have very good control over how strong or weak the pain is on the person he is trying to inflict it upon. He also has the power to summon thunder, but because he never really has much need to use it he hasn’t particularly honed this ability.

STRENGTHS: Youngjae’s ability to inflict pain causes him to have an exceptionally high pain threshold, so he can get away without feeling much pain in most circumstances that people do feel pain in. Youngjae can use his powers in self defense or in defense of others and tends to be calm in situations due to the knowledge that he can defend himself even if he is out numbered or smaller. Youngjae can use thunder to express emotion - although that was once by accident - and also this manipulation can be useful at times.

WEAKNESSES: Due to his inabilty to feel most pain, Youngjae misses when he breaks bones or damages ligamints until the pain is really intense - or there is swelling. He is always concerned that he is going to end up seriously hurt. Youngjae can’t control the intesity of the pain he inflicts properly, and this can be a problem. His control of pain also is a problem when he gets angry and he lashes out at people causing them pain by accident.

#kpop rp #krp #bap #yoo youngjae #bap youngjae #mp; welcome

[defensematrix]

Give us the good boy Bap tips 👀 I’ve been playing him a lot and it’d be nice to learn some new things!

yall want TIPS? yall want to see an autistic ramble at full power for an embarrassingly long post??

OKAY so baptiste is a really interesting support hero in that he rewards good mechanics, but he isnt completely useless if your aim isnt that good, especially if you just focus on healing your team and using your abilities

that being said! his primary fire can be very deadly and its absolutely worth it to practice using his gun so you can take out enemies on your own. his burst fire is a little weird to get used to, but after a while ive found that his gun plays really similar to soldier, so if youve played him bap might be a little easier

baptist’s spread is a vertical three round burst that looks like this:

(i tried to get an in-game pic but it didnt show up well lol)

the shape of it means that its better to aim his crosshair at the neck of heroes as opposed to their head, but the verticality is mainly due to his recoil. as such, it helps a lot if you pull down slightly when you shoot

heres a gif of me shooting at the head without fighting the recoil

and one where i am. note that at this range it only takes two shots

baptistes primary fire is best used when:

behind a shield/in a bunker. baptiste can help a lot with shield wars so dont just pump grenades into your team afraid that they might take tiny bits of damage if you focus on something else for a second

to finish off low health targets. it helps if your team calls them out but usually you’ll have to keep an eye out yourself. baptiste is very good for this as opposed to trying to get solo kills, especially if you just have average mechanics (like me)

in chaotic teamfights that could go either way, use your best judgement as to whether to do damage or healing. on attack, i would say to try being more offensive, and on defense always be defensive with his kit unless youre the only person left alive

against tanks and certain squishies (hes really good against pharah/mercy, zen, junkrat, etc, but has trouble fighting tracer/mini dva and snipers that are out of range)

when using his ultimate. the extra damage is actually really good

important note as of the current patch (6/18): baptistes ult is bugged so that it doesnt amplify healing, so dps away until its fixed lol

now onto his healing grenades!

they have a lot less range than you would think (like 3m i think) its good to go into the practice range and see for yourself just how close they have to be to hit teammates so you have a better feel for it in game.

he does 60 heals per second (120 when his matrix,, actually works.) and has 12 ammo per clip, making him a decent primary healer.

in general, his healing works best when youre on the high ground, due to them being grenades. so use his jump boots to take high ground as needed to heal your team! also, if youre in an area that has open sky, they can be shot directly up into the air for a delayed healing effect

technically, you can shoot his primary and secondary fire at the same time, but its rare that doing so would actually be helpful imo, where you aim for each is very different. i guess it wouldnt hurt to practice it just in case

also, his grenades have the same projectile trajectory as his immortality field, which is good to keep in mind if you want to aim the field more precisely. when i first picked up baptiste i made a lot of mistakes bc i flung it way too far lol

speaking of his immortality field, my Most General baptiste tip would be to use his ultimate on cooldown like an ability (since it charges so fast) and to use his immortality field like an ultimate

if you play zenyatta or lucio, i would compare using it to their ultimates. ive found that the longer i wait before using it the better (in my replays i see myself use it too early out of panic and the result is Sad), but you dont want to avoid using it completely and end up with a dead team. finding the balance is hard but it comes with practice

like lucios ult (and sometimes zen) it can be used for initiation! i had a really good team that fought a bastion bunker on paris with dive, and i helped by throwing my immortality frisbee on top of the bastion when they went in. if you have a winston, try throwing it in after him when he initiates

its also very important to pay attention to where exactly the frisbee ends up, because if you place it right, it cant be hit by the enemy team. try to place it slightly behind cover whenever possible. this is by far the most abusable part of his kit and i wouldnt be surprised if the duration of it gets nerfed to compensate. so if you want to cheese your way up the ranks, go into each map in custom games and practice where to put the field so that enemies cant hit it. this alone wont do much if you dont have the game sense to know when to do it, though

ultimates that immortality field is good at countering:

GRAV. zaryas get so mad about this bc people forget to shoot it and its so funny. also hanzos dragons cant kill the field so it can counter that combo entirely, just be sure to communicate to your zen so they dont waste ult

dva bomb/junkrat, but it will be instantly destroyed and your team will be very low health, so be careful. it also counters pulse bomb if you get stuck

earth shatter. if you suspect rein has it, stick to the high ground at all costs to avoid being caught! this is good advice in general for supports, but especially for ones with defensive abilities

in that same vein, you can counter emp if you can avoid being caught by sombra. note that sombra can hack baps frisbee so watch out

genji. genji can kill the field but it takes away from the amount of slashes he has and in this time your team should be able to kill him. if hes nanoboosted, you have less time to get to safety, so try charging your boots to get away from him in the meantime

mccree. high noon cant target the field. press f for everyones favorite trash cowboy. (it can however help friendly mccrees and pharahs from dying as soon as they hit q so try to combo!)

speaking of pharah, its possible to get her to kill herself with barrage if you put your frisbee right in front of her face

not good ultimates to try to counter:

doomfists ult can be avoided by charging your shoes and jumping up in the air (as long as youre not directly beneath him lol) so its not worth it unless you see someone else about to be smashed

related to doomfist, if he gets on you it can be hard to set the field down right bc of how his abilities displace you, so be sure to look straight down when you use it

reaper, soldier, and bob all auto target the field, so if its out in the open it just disintegrates

torbjorn and hammonds ults also kill the field pretty much immediately

also, as good as immortality is, there are some situations where baptiste just doesnt work as well as other heroes. if you have a good zen or lucio who use their ults well, or if you have a really mobile/spread out comp, you might want to pick one of the other main healers.

if in general you feel like youre not doing enough healing, try switching to mercy to reach your teammates better. if you need crowd control or anti heal then pick ana, and moira can be good at lower ranks if youre not getting any peel/dying too much (just please keep focusing on healing)

on that note, if your other healer insists on playing dps moira, baptiste is a good fit since he can main heal and also provide defense abilities to make up for that

as for his regenerative burst, all i really have to say is to try not to use it out of panic every time you take chip shots (i do this still lol) it works best when you and your teammates are all in a fight, actively taking damage

im sure that even with all i wrote im still forgetting something but i think im gonna call this done for now. i uhhhh love baptiste a lot and think hes a good hero to try to rank up with bc his primary fire has a high skill ceiling but his healing/abilities are more forgiving at lower ranks

#baptiste #long post #god i really wrote all this out and made gifs #this is Fun for me ok #used bold mostly to just break up.. all of this #Anonymous

[faveficarchive]

At a Distance - Part 3

by Melissa Good

Pairing: Xena/Gabrielle

Rating: PG-13

Synopsis: This is a novel-length fic, and a classic in the community. Xena and Gabrielle start to explore the changes in their relationship, Gabrielle is recalled to the Amazons where she has to deal with a bit of treachery, and Xena is, as always, there to protect.

Amazon Village - Council Chamber...

Ephiny kept a close eye on Gabrielle’s face as the scout made her report. The queen’s pale green eyes didn’t disclose her reaction to the news, neither did the set of her body, which already held lines of tenseness as she sat behind the council table.

"So, in sum, the border posts report that the rumors appear to be accurate." The scout finished, glancing at Ephiny. "There is some kind of army being built at or around Amphipolis, and there have already been skirmishes with two of the local warlords."

"Who won?" Gabrielle asked, in a quiet voice.

"Not the warlords." The scout answered, with a grim smile.

"No question of who’s responsible, then, I guess." Ephiny gave a forced laugh. Giving the queen an uneasy look. I don’t like that look. But then, I haven’t liked that look for a few days now. Something’s up with her.

Gabrielle nodded, and looked down at her hands. The weight of responsibility settled heavier on her shoulders, and she grimaced to herself. What on earth was Xena up to? "I find it really hard to believe Xena is building an army. More likely, she’s just giving them a few pointers on self defense." She said, leaning back with a smile. "She did mutter something about getting bored out there."

Arella narrowed her eyes, and stood up. "That’s not a risk we can take, Gabrielle, and you know it. Despite whatever she’s done in our behalf, a major army that close to us is dangerous." She looked around, sensing support for her views. Xena was an uneasily trusted ally at the best of times, and there was more than one Amazon who was spooked by the whole coming back from death thing. Not to mention her well known connection with Ares. "You can’t guarantee that she’s not just going back to old ways."

Can’t I? The bard mused. "Oh, I think I can guarantee it." she chuckled lightly. "I know her better than you do."

"Are you willing to risk your life on that?" Arella countered, feeling a sense of excitement building. At last, an issue she could override their surprisingly tough queen on. It had been a long four weeks, and she had lost every encounter so far - personal as well as leadership. And when she tried to hate Gabrielle for it, she found, frustratingly, that she couldn’t.

Gabrielle smiled, a real smile this time. "Arella, I have. More times that I can count." She hesitated. "But, I can see you have a concern." She looked up. "Ephiny?" The Amazon leaned forward. "I’m sending you as an..." her mouth quirked. "envoy to this new army. I want you to conclude a treaty with them, to provide a mutual defense of territory." She tried really hard, and managed to keep a grin off her face.

Ephiny nodded. "All right." She said, slowly, dragging the words out. "If that’s what you want." A deep breath. Wants me to check things out, I guess. She seems pretty sure, though...

Arella cleared her throat. Not this time, green eyes. "Excellent idea, but I think, for Ephiny’s protection, we need to send along someone to escort her. " Behind her, she felt Erika stir, and she grinned to herself. "My best crossbow, Erika, will make a good escort."

Ephiny and Gabrielle exchanged glances. No way to gracefully refuse that offer, the bard thought. And I suppose it won’t hurt for the opposition to get a chance to see the truth for themselves. "Ok." she nodded. "Dawn, then." She pulled over a sheet of parchment and picked up a quill. "I’ll write out a treaty." And a note, for private delivery. For me to get some of this stuff I have bottled up off my chest, for someone to read who I know I can trust. Who trusts me.

Her usual after dinner walk to the lake left her sitting on a stony projection, staring out over the running water with unseeing eyes, and letting her head rest back against the cool stone. It had been a productive four weeks, she mused, a treaty concluded with the centaurs, a trading agreement with three villages to the south, and a cooperative defense plan with the two farming centers to the east. The villages were willing to trade supplies and foodstuffs for crafts and the Amazon’s protective services. Not bad, actually. She had every right to be very pleased, and somewhat proud of herself.

But the constant pressure was getting to her. She sighed. She could feel it, in her lack of patience, in the strain that left her back and neck aching at night so badly she could hardly lie down. In the constant questioning of everyone’s motives. And the persistent need to be on her guard against the words and physical touches of Arella. And it’s not like I’m not a touchy kind of person. she scowled to herself. After all, I can hardly keep my hands off.... A pause, then a helplessly silly grin. Well, that was different. But Arella just made her feel... ugh. Creepy.

Ephiny knew there was something wrong. Had gently tried to question her on it, but Gabrielle had resisted confiding in her, knowing Ephiny felt guilty enough about calling her here. Knowing if Ephiny knew how bad she felt, the Amazon would feel it her duty to do something. And there was only one something that would help. One someone, and that would ruin a lot of what she was trying to do. She groaned, and let her head slip forward, trying to release some of the tension in her neck. Having the sudden desperate craving to feel a familiar pair of strong hands clasp her there, and with a few knowledgeable kneads, bring relief. After a moment of indulgence in misery, she took a deep breath, and leaned back, squaring her shoulders. I can do this. I may not like it, but I can do it.

I wonder if any of them know just how much I would pay to be the one going to check out the new Amphipolis army? She laughed helplessly. Except, I think... if I did... I’d never come back. I think? No...I know. That’s really why I haven’t sent word to her...why I won’t admit to Ephiny why I can’t sleep at night...because if she rode into this village, she’d take one look at my face, and just lift me up onto Argo, and ride out. And I’d go...and I wouldn’t look back. And.. she sighed. That wouldn’t be the right thing to do. Right now. But I can’t do this forever. It’s killing me.

A sound at her back raised the hair on her neck, as she recognized the footsteps. Oh great. "Hello, Arella." she said, not turning around. Another reason I can’t send for Xena. Drawing and quartering a fellow Amazon at sunrise in the middle square of the village will really upset some of the negotiations. She turned to see the tall redhead sauntering down the riverbank, stopping when she reached Gabrielle’s rock, and leaning on it with an air of complacent familiarity.

"Ah, my queen." she said, in a bantering tone. "I’m glad you accepted my offer to send Erika along to Amphipolis. I do hope there won’t be any trouble needing her services." She smiled at the bard, who wrapped one arm around her knee and remained silently listening. "Look, I know you think you know best about this, but I’ve asked around...and you know it wouldn’t be out of the question for your friend to be building up another army. She’s done it before."

Gabrielle sighed in annoyance. "Arella, the subject is not up for debate." She let some of her anger show in her glance. "I’m not going to justify, either to you or anyone else my faith in my best friend. You’ll just have to see for yourself."

"What if you’re wrong?" Arella countered softly, laying a hand on the smaller woman’s shoulder, and capturing her eyes with her own. "What then? Do we sit here and wait for an attack, based on your...faith?" Her voice left little doubt of what she thought that faith was based on.

Gabrielle went very still, and felt a seldom indulged deep anger trying to work its way to her calm surface. She bit her lip until the urge to lash out at the tall Amazon subsided, then drew in a breath. "Well, then... you won’t have anything to worry about." she was amazed at how calm she sounded. "Because I’ll no longer be the queen of the Amazons."

Arella started, and jerked back, not expecting that response. "You’d step down?" she asked, incredulously.

The bard smoothly stood, and stepped up to her. "Yes." She enjoyed the look of confusion on Arella’s handsome face. Because if that happened, I would no longer trust my own judgment. And they couldn’t either. "But I know I’m right."

"I think you’re judgment is a little...clouded." Arella responded, but she sounded unsure. "But I guess we’ll see." She removed her hand from the bard’s shoulder, and backed off, giving her a little smile, then turning her back and walking up the path to the village.

Gods. Gabrielle groaned to herself. I can’t take much more of this. One of these times, I’m going to lose it, and do something I know I’m going to regret, because she can definitely beat the tar out of me. And I’m supposed to be the non violent one. Well, Xena...I just got an up close and personal understanding of that little look you get, you know, that narrowed eye, lip twitching one, when you really want to just bap someone, and you can’t. A whole new perspective, yes ma’am. And I am totally ashamed of myself for desperately wishing I could see you just lay her out with one of those right from the shoulder power hits you’re so very good at. Ashamed. Yep. Bad bard. Bad bard. Suddenly she giggled at the thought, bringing a little relief. And turned as she heard yet another person approaching. Ah. Ephiny. Of course.

The Amazon approached cautiously, with a raised eyebrow. "You’re standing in the middle of the riverbank... giggling. Should I be concerned?" she queried, with a hesitant grin.

Gabrielle shook her head. "No...just doing some therapeutic visualization."

"Huh?" Ephiny blurted.

"Picturing Xena dumping Arella into a pile of centaur droppings." the bard rephrased.

"Ah!" Ephiny exclaimed, then chuckled. "That’s not very queenly of you."

"No." The bard answered. "But I’m enjoying it." She turned to walk back to the village, waiting for Ephiny to fall into step next to her. "You just missed her."

Ephiny turned and put a hand out to stop Gabrielle from continuing to walk. "Hey... is she getting too much for you? Because if she is.."

"You’ll do... what?" the bard countered, serious now. "What, Ephiny? Hit her? She can take you, or almost anyone else. Here, anyway" She wouldn’t release the Amazon’s gaze until Ephiny sighed. "You don’t think I’ve thought of that? Do you know how hard it is to just put up with it when I know with one..." She stopped. "Anyway. I can cope with her. Just go find out what’s going on over in Amphipolis" Turning, she started walking up the path again.

Ephiny squared her shoulders, and caught up. "OK..OK...but it’s damn hard to watch. I gotta tell you that, my friend." Upset made her voice wobble. "I don’t like feeling helpless, Gabrielle, I just don’t. And...I do care, you know."

Gabrielle glanced at her sidelong. "I know. And I appreciate that, Ephiny. It’s all right - I’ve dealt with worse than her. She really hasn’t done anything, it’s just that....ugh..."

"Attitude?" Ephiny provided, knowingly. "Yeah."

"Yeah." Gabrielle agreed. "The I’m too sexy for my skirt attitude."

Ephiny lost it, doubling over in laughter. After a minute, the bard joined her. "Oh.. I’m sorry.." the Amazon gasped, leaning on a tree. "that just struck me so funny..." She took a breath, still chuckling. "I’m glad you’re immune to it. I was.." An embarrassed shrug. "kind of concerned about that. I know you’ve not had a lot of...er...experience."

Gabrielle blushed. "Ephiny" she muttered. "I hadn’t realized just how naive you thought I was until right now." she glanced around. "What am I supposed to tell her, that her ‘appeal’ pales in comparison to what I’m used to?"

Now it was Ephiny’s turn to blush. "You keep surprising me." she admitted, "and you know I don’t really like to pry into your personal business."

"Mmm." the bard agreed. "Well, I need to go write that treaty. Pick it up in a few hours, will you?"

And just what will I write? Gabrielle thought to herself as she settled at the desk, quill in hand. She thought for a long time, then nodded a little to herself, and started writing. For a very long time the only sound in the hut was the sound of her quill scratching against the parchment. First, the treaty. Then, a longer missive, with pauses for thought between the words. At last, she settled back, and reviewed her work. Satisfied, she sanded the ink, blew the parchment dry, and folded it carefully, adding a wax seal. It read:

Dear Xena,

Sorry about sending Ephiny with this dumb treaty, but your reputation is getting out of hand, and there are rumors that you are taking over the world. Again. Please treat her gently, and try not to beat up the person traveling with her, who is one of Arella’s stooges, and is there to make sure Ephiny tells the truth about what’s going on.

I hope you’re OK, and not busy building blackberry fortifications. I told the Amazons you were probably teaching your people there how to defend themselves, as I’ve seen you teach others. As you’ve taught me. But they’re hard to convince. I guess they don’t know you as I do. I feel sorry for them.

I promised myself I wasn’t going to put anything sappy in this note, as I know you hate that sort of thing, but the temptation to just say I miss you more than anything is just too great. The Amazons are treating me OK, and we are making progress, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wish you were here. Sometimes I just want to hear your voice, or have you raise your eyebrow at me. That’s pretty sappy, isn’t it? Sorry about that.

Anyway, assuming you’ve finished conquering the world by then, there’s a festival coming up here during the next full moon, and I thought if you weren’t doing anything else, maybe you could drop by. It’s the fall harvest celebration of Dionysus, and I have a funny feeling that I’m going to be in need of championing.

There...that was a nice polite way of saying I need you, wasn’t it? Because I do.

Be well.

G

The bard sighed, and leaned back in her chair, feeling a sense of weight being lifted off her shoulders. By the festival, she should have just about everything sorted out, and if not.. well, it didn’t matter. Idly, she realized that she never even questioned herself as to what the response was going to be to this note. When did I become so sure? Her brows creased. I mean, it’s possible that she’s happy where she is now, and won’t show. But her heart laughed at her, and try as she would to feel apprehension, the only thing she came up with was a bubbling surge of happy expectation.

Ephiny found her half asleep over the table when she stopped by an hour later, to pick up her charges. "Hey." She said softly, so as not to startle her.

"Oh." Gabrielle responded, a little foggily, rubbing her eyes and blinking at the Amazon. "Sorry." She grinned sheepishly. "I was sort of out of it there for a minute." She held up the sealed packet. "Here, I finished the treaty. It’s a little on the short side, but I don’t think you’ll need more."

Ephiny came forward and grasped the packet, tucking it away in her belt pouch. "Why don’t you get some sleep? You look wiped." she pronounced, with a sympathetic look at the bard. But more relaxed than I’ve seen her in two fortnights. I wonder what’s in this packet?

"Yeah. Good idea." Gabrielle answered, muffling a yawn. "Have a good trip. Try not to kill Erika, and..." her face creased into a grin. "Give my regards to the conqueror of the world, will you?"

Ephiny chuckled. "All right, I will. Any messages?"

"There’s one in there." Gabrielle nodded at her pouch. "But thanks for asking."

Ephiny grunted. "Very well. Good night, and see you in a week or so." So... that’s what I’m carrying, is it? She laughed to herself, as she walked out into the night G’wan, Ephiny... you are a romantic thing, aren’t you? She spotted Erika, who changed direction to move towards her, and wiped the grin off her face.

"Erika." she greeted the woman. "We leave at dawn."

"I know." the dark haired Amazon answered coolly. "And I hate being late. Don’t worry, I’ll be there, with bells on." She gave Ephiny an amused look. "Won’t this be fun? At least you won’t have to worry about eating on the way there." She plucked her bowstring in emphasis, then sauntered off.

"Aurgh." Ephiny growled, low in her throat. "Just what did I ever do to anyone to deserve this??"

"I dunno." Granella chuckled, slipping an arm around her. "Maybe if you’re lucky, Erika will annoy Xena when you get to Amphipolis, and your trip back will be more pleasant." They walked along for a few minutes, then Ephiny laughed. "That’s a nice thought." She wrapped an arm around Granella’s shoulders, and pulled her close. "Thanks...I’ll keep that thought in my mind when I have to spend three days on the road with her."

"You don’t really think there’s an army brewing there, do you?" Granella asked, curiously.

"Nah." Ephiny shrugged. "I think Gabrielle is right on there. I’ll be glad to see the old war horse, though...maybe I can get a handle on what’s been bugging our queen. "

Granella snorted. "If you call her an old war horse to her face, she’ll get a handle on you, Ephiny... and toss you into the manure pit, more than likely."

They both laughed, and walked towards the scout’s campfire.

Amphipolis, three days later...

"Here’s the crossroads." Ephiny said, gesturing ahead. "It’s not far up the road from here." She moved forward, not waiting for a response. It had been a long three days.

Erika strode easily next to her, in silence. She glanced ahead, seeing the first edge of fields that meant an upcoming village, and sighed to herself in relief. Traveling with Ephiny had been nerve-wracking, since neither of them trusted the other, and she hadn’t had a decent nights sleep in three days. Nor had her traveling companion. Conversation had been limited to discussion of the path, the weather, the general condition of the lands around them, and that was about it. Erika was looking forward to getting to Amphipolis, army or no army just to have someone else to talk to. And she was pretty sure Ephiny felt the same way.

The fields they passed were well tended, and they began to spot villagers working out in them. Occasionally, one of them would raise a head, and observe them as they passed, but there was no overt hostility there, just mild curiosity. "Looks pretty peaceful." Erika admitted.

"Hmm." Ephiny murmured, then jerked her head towards the fields again. "Maybe, but look again. Word’s being passed on us." Then she noticed the casual scattering of staves around the workers, and spotted a half asleep boy on the wall facing the road, whose lidded eyes followed them. Her spine began to prickle.

Erika moved closer to her in pure reflex. Now that Ephiny had pointed it out, she could see small subtle signs of an uncommon awareness around the hard working field hands and trudging villagers. Still, she saw no armor, no slyly hidden weapons. No fortifications. Puzzled, she glanced at Ephiny, whose face reflected a similar confusion. "Well, that makes me feel better." She commented wryly. "You don’t know what’s going on here either."

They walked on, approaching the village proper, where they got polite nods from the passer’s by, and a cheerful hello from a few who apparently recognized what they were. "Well, they don’t hate Amazons, anyway." Ephiny muttered. "There’s an inn. Let’s go find out where we can find Xena." She directed her steps to the door, and pushed it open, peering inside.

"Hello." Came a voice from within, drawing their attention. Ephiny moved inside, and blinked a little in the gloom coming from the sunny courtyard. It was a nicely appointed inn, with good solid tables, and an appearance of doing well. She turned her attention to the man standing behind the service bar, and jerked a little at the unreal sense of familiarity he stirred in her. Who? What...??? Then she realized it was the eyes. Fiery electric blue, like only one other person she had ever known.

"Hello." He said again, coming out from behind the service bar and moving towards them. "You’re Amazons." Stating the obvious. "Are you looking for Xena?"

Ephiny and Erika looked at each other. "Yes." Ephiny said, tilting her curly head at him. "And you are...?"

"Toris." He extended a forearm. "Her brother."

"Ah." Ephiny breathed. "That explains why you look so familiar." She chuckled. "She never mentioned.."

"She never does." Toris answered, cheerfully. "But here we are. And she’s out in the practice yard running some drills - you can go through the back door there if you like."

"Thanks." Ephiny said warmly, and motioned Erika to go before her towards the door. "Nice meeting you."

"I’m sure we’ll be speaking again." Toris answered, with an amused look on his face. "Watch yourself when you go out there, sometimes those staffs get swung a little wildly."

Ephiny nodded, and moved on. "Wow.." she said in an undertone to Erika, ignoring her dislike for the woman for a moment.

"Yeah.." Erika answered, with a sly grin. "I guess the looks run in the family."

For a moment, an understanding of a sort existed between them. Then they were at the door, and Ephiny was pushing it open cautiously. The sound of wood smacking against wood could now be clearly heard. They peered around the doorjamb, and froze in place, just watching.

The practice yard was a cleared area in back of the inn, with a packed earth floor, and strategically placed hay bales. Xena was in the center of it, armed with a long quarterstaff, and facing 10 villagers, mixed men and women, who were taking turns coming at her, and trading blows. The tall warrior was in a sleeveless white belted tunic, and boots, and was patiently explaining to each villager what they were doing wrong, or right, whichever it happened to be, as they came towards her and practiced smooth swings and parries.

Erika and Ephiny traded glances again. "Guess Gabrielle was right." Ephiny smirked. "Sure looks like a defense class to me."

Erika snorted. "Maybe." she grudgingly admitted, though she was privately convinced the queen had been right all along. That wasn’t the reason she was along, and what Xena was, or was not doing wasn’t really relevant. Of course, Ephiny didn’t know that. But she would find out. A smile curled Erika’s lips. She turned to watch the class, as Xena, stepping back, now motioned for all of the villagers to come at her at once. Raising an eyebrow at what she saw.

"She’s pretty damn good." The dark haired Amazon muttered.

Ephiny snorted and rolled her eyes. "Pretty good. Yeah, right. " She watched as Xena, moving with a powerful grace managed to disarm most of the villagers in one dazzling series of movements, then just jumped over the other three, and took their legs out from under them with a backhanded sweep. "Oh ho! I just saw where our queen got one of her moves from."

"That reverse sweep, yeah." Erika admitted. "not bad."

Ephiny rolled her eyes, and looked back at the practice ground, finding her eyes held by a pair of burning blue ones. Xena immediately stopped what she was doing, and loped in their direction, tossing an instruction over her shoulder at the villagers. Ephiny realized the sudden alarm she was causing, and made a quick hand signal to the fast approaching warrior, seeing relief flood Xena’s eyes, and her tense shoulders relax.

In a brief moment, she was slowing to a halt opposite them, extending an arm to Ephiny, who grasped it warmly. "Hello, Ephiny." She shot a glance at Erika, then looked inquiringly at the blond Amazon.

"Hello, Xena. This is Erika." Her grasp tightened on Xena’s muscular forearm for a second, and she saw an answering quirk of the warrior’s eyebrows.

"Erika." Xena drawled. "What brings you two here?" She released Ephiny’s arm, and nodded for them to go back inside the inn. "Go on in." She held the heavy door for them, and followed them inside, grabbing a pitcher and a few glasses on the way to an empty table, and setting them down before pulling a chair up and seating herself. "Help yourself. The ale’s cold, but I warn you, it’s potent."

They poured themselves glasses, and sipped tentatively, then more enthusiastically. "Nice." Erika purred, glancing at the dark haired woman over the top of her glass. Ephiny nodded agreement.

"Tell it to my mother." Xena commented, settling back in the chair with her own glass. "Now, what brings a pair of Amazons to Amphipolis?"

"Your mother?" Ephiny asked, distracted.

"Yeah, Gabrielle hasn’t been telling that story where they found me under a rock again, has she?" Xena’s voice was amused. "This is my mother’s inn." She glanced around. "You’ve already met Toris, I take it."

Ephiny just shrugged. "Honestly, Xena, nobody knows much about you, so I guess it never occurred to us that you had a family somewhere. You’ve kept pretty quiet about it."

The warrior shrugged. "Safer for them that way." She leaned forward. "You still haven’t told me what brings you here." Pinning them both with a baleful blue glare.

"Ah.. yes." Ephiny started. "Sorry. Here." She untied her pouch, and handed Xena the packet Gabrielle had given her. Watching the warrior take it gingerly, and glance at the wax seal, then let a brief grin quirk her lips. "Well, there are these rumors.."

Xena raised an eyebrow at her. "Rumors?" Then she laughed. "Oh... let me guess. I’m out to conquer half of Greece again." She sighed, and took a long sip of ale. "I’d figured that would start. Didn’t think it would start so fast, or go so far." She shook her head. "And... the Amazons were concerned?" Her voice held equal parts annoyance and chagrin.

"Well.." Ephiny glanced at the floor. "Some of them were. Gabrielle, on the other hand, had this pegged exactly for what it was." She glanced up at Xena. "She does know you pretty well." Saw the momentary answering gleam in those ice blue eyes.

"Yeah, she does." Xena answered, quietly. "So.. what’s this?" She indicated the packet.

"Oh.’ Ephiny grinned. "It’s a mutual defense treaty."

Xena burst out laughing. "You’re kidding." Ephiny shook her head, smiling. "Oh this is just like Gabrielle." She broke the seal on the packet and pulled out the contents, putting the treaty to one side, and glancing at the second, sealed piece of parchment. Her eyebrows quirked, and she put it down quietly on the table, then picked up the treaty and read it. "Oh.." a laugh. "Wait a minute." And she got up and reached behind the service bar for a quill and ink, bringing it back, and dipping the point in. She grinned, and made a few notes in the margin of the treaty, then a few more. Finally, she signed the bottom with a flourish, and pushed it back towards Ephiny. "Here. Take it back. You’re protected."

Ephiny scanned the document, and chuckled herself. "Very funny. But what’s this bit here? I can’t read it... what dialect is that?"

Xena grinned. "Don’t worry about it. The Queen can read it. " She took a breath, and her eyes dropped to the table, where the second parchment waited. Casually, she picked it up and broke the seal, unfolding the sheet and scanning it.

The first two paragraphs made her smile and roll her eyes. Then she got to the third, and the smile turned from amusement to something else. She reread it twice, trying to ignore the chills chasing up and down her spine. Then realized the two Amazons were watching her with interest. "Well," she said, folding the parchment up. "Gabrielle says things are going fairly well." She glanced at them. "And that I should treat you two to a night in a real bed and some decent food."

"Thanks." Ephiny nodded, letting the warrior off the hook, having watched her usually inexpressive face react to the note she was reading. Had seen that fondly amused look change, the eyes widen, and that smile...Ephiny would have paid dearly to know just what it was Gabrielle had written to have gotten that response...then she mentally smacked herself. Cut that out, Ephiny. It’s not your business. "We’d appreciate that. It’s been a tough march out here. The weather’s been really unpredictable."

Xena nodded, and stood up, draining her cup and putting it behind the service counter. "Let me tell Johan you’re here. Be right back." She padded through the door in the rear, heading further into the inn. And as soon as the door closed behind her, she slumped against the wall, suddenly weak in the knees, and leaned her head against the crosspost letting a totally unexpected avalanche of emotion just take her.

Was it just that easy? She unfolded the parchment again, and reread it. In a single, simple paragraph, the bard had laid her heart out open, and, honestly, as she did everything else, reaffirmed their bond. And that last line...Xena realized she must have a very silly grin on her face, and shook herself, pushing off from the wall, and glancing around. C’mon, Xena, you’re way too old to act like this. Get a grip on yourself. C’mon, c’mon... tough warlord act. You know that one. Let’s go... let’s go.. you can melt into a puddle later. Much later. With a deep breath, she settled her shoulders, and went in search of Johan, who was glad to set aside two rooms for the Amazons.

"Are you sure... two?" Johan asked, giving her a sly look.

Xena raised both eyebrows at him. "Johan...whatever could you mean?" She grinned. "But in this case, yes, I’m sure. These two have no love lost between them." She chuckled, and cuffed his arm. "Troublemaker."

"Not at all." Johan protested, but smiled at her.

"OK, all set." The warrior said, as she swung back through the doorway, seating herself again. "rooms and dinner, as requested by your queen." She propped one booted foot against the table support and leaned back. "Mother has a bathing room upstairs also, if you’re interested." She saw the appreciative gleams in two pairs of eyes. "Go on and enjoy yourselves. I have some drill to finish, then I’ll join you for dinner. It can get a little...crowded in here, but folks are polite, and they’ll know who you are."

Ephiny raised her eyebrow at that. "Is that good or bad?" she asked, only half joking.

Xena gave her a tolerant look. "It’s good. Mother and Toris and most of the folks here know Gabrielle, and they’re familiar with the Amazons, with you lot being so close."

"Fine." Ephiny said, then jerked her head at Erika. "I’m going upstairs. You?"

Erika put her cup on the table, and nodded, then gave Xena a tolerably respectful nod, and followed Ephiny towards the stairs.

Xena watched them go, then snorted and shook her dark head. "Amazons." She sighed, glancing at the ceiling. "It never ends."

"What doesn’t, dear?" Cyrene asked, walking over to her, and peering up the stairs. "Were those the Amazons I heard were here?"

Xena glanced at her. "Yeah."

Cyrene nodded. "Hmm. And how is Gabrielle?" She asked, watching her daughter’s face with a small smile. Seeing the gentle sparkle appear in her eyes at the mention of that name.

"Fine." Xena answered, quietly. And managed, somehow, to not break into that stupid grin again. "Well, I have things to do." she said, and hoisted herself out of the chair. "They’ll be staying the night." she added, as she stood up and moved around her mother towards the door. Aware of the fond smile following her out. Damn.. am I that transparent?

Dinner, as she suspected, was crowded, but the two Amazons seemed to enjoy it anyway, watching the villagers with amused interest, and being watched in return. They asked, and she related the truth behind the rumors of her army building.

"It was not a big thing." the warrior sighed. "Look, a bunch of the younger guys came to me, and asked me to just provide them with some basic defense skills. You know, some staff, some hand to hand...so, I did." She shrugged. "They took to it... better than I thought they were going to, in fact. So then, one of the local warlords decided to run a raid on the village." She stopped and took a sip of ale. "And we stopped them."

"Just like that." Ephiny grinned. "with a little help from you, personally, I would guess."

"No." Came the very surprising answer. "That wasn’t the point. We all know I can fight." She grinned in self deprecation. "They did it themselves." She glanced around. "And then they did it again. So... that’s how the rumor started." Another sip. And then she sat back and regarded the crowd. "They’re not bad people." A quirk of a grin. "Most of them even talk to me now."

"I noticed you aren’t in armor." Ephiny commented, leaning back in her chair with a sigh. "Whoa... that was good. Compliments to your mother."

Xena quirked a grin. "Yeah, I leave the armor off because it makes people a little nervous." She glanced at Ephiny. "I’ll pass along the compliments, by the way. She enjoys stuffing people." she snorted. "I’d be in real trouble if I didn’t spend half my day sparring and the other half hunting for the table." And half the night doing drills. I like her cooking way too much.

Ephiny smiled. "Worse things could happen to you. " She yawned, and noticed Erika was nodding a little sleepily as well. "I think we’ve about had enough for today, though." She stood, and Erika did the same, having said very little during the meal. "Thanks again, Xena. I needed this." She gave the warrior a quiet smile.

"Anytime." Xena nodded at them, and stood as well. "See you in the morning." She added, as she stepped around the back of the table, and left them to go upstairs.

The barn was cool and quiet, and Xena spent a moment just breathing in the familiar scents of hay and horse and dust before she stepped in and shut the door behind her. Argo whickered at her, and she crossed to the mare, glancing around before pulling out the parchment and letting the horse sniff it curiously. "Recognize that, Argo?" The mare whinnied. "Thought you might." She went towards the loft, almost bowling over Ares as he catapulted out from under the tack table and attacked her boot. "Hey, watch it." she muttered, lifting the puppy up and tucking him under her arm, then hoisting herself up one armed into the loft, and laying back on her bedroll.

"Roo." Ares protested, wriggling out of her grasp, and climbing up her arm onto her chest, sniffing at the parchment which she held in front of her. She lifted it out of his range, and just read it again, this time just letting the wash of giddy emotion happen, and quietly closed her eyes, basking in it. I don’t deserve it. I really don’t. But if it’s happening, well...I’m going to let it. I’m tired of fighting this. She rolled her head one side, and regarded the puppy. "I bet you’ll like her, too." she murmured to the animal, who cocked his head at her. "Well, I have to get up and do some sword work, Ares. So be a good boy, and go to sleep, OK?"

She rolled out of the loft, and stripped out of her tunic, putting on the quilted gambeson she used to practice sword work in. It had padding in the shoulders and arms, where she tended to smack herself when in the middle of working out flips and turns in mid air, and saved her from some annoying bruises. It also had clips and buckles to hold her sheath on, and was cut high on the sides to allow for some of her more complicated kicks. She adjusted the straps, and clipped the sword on, then ducked out the door and headed down the path towards the tree line, sucking the cool air down into her lungs and breaking into a run just because it felt good. She threw a few running flips in just for fun, and arrived at the clearing in record time, bouncing a few times on the balls of her feet to get the sword and gambeson settled into the right places.

Damn, I feel good. A long rolling wave of happiness cascaded over her. She drew the sword, and hurled herself into a wild series of mid air passes, letting the emotion work itself out slowly as she settled down to some complicated and frankly, overly fancy sword attacks, which featured twirling and releasing the blade while in the middle of doing reverse moves. It was really hard. And she loved every minute of it, feeling the moves slip into a familiar, comfortable groove. Gods, that’s sweet.

She grinned to herself, then switched gears, and started a more normal set of standard passes, which got faster and faster until the blade itself blurred. Then, then she added the aerial maneuvers, starting with easy forward flips, and progressing to the more complicated ones, which involved twisting in mid air, and the to the really hard ones, the backflips, which she had to do mostly blind, trusting her instincts to place blade, and body, and feet on landing. She’d been having some trouble with those, but tonight.. tonight it all flowed so easy...like everything just slid into place without effort. She laughed out loud, doing a wild backward toss, then bouncing forward into a forward tumble, then up and around into a mid air extended leap that was almost, almost like flying. At last, she relaxed on her back in the grass, arms extended fully, just looking up at the stars. Feeling the dew soak into the gambeson, cooling her off. Just breathing in the scent of the pine forest, the water soaked grass, and the damp earth.

A faint sound came to her, and her defenses came back full force. She bounced to her feet, and slid the sword into it’s sheath, moving into the trees and out of the moonlight. Her senses found a moving body - and she stepped towards it, stopping in the shadow of a large tree to concentrate on the forest in front of her. Her nostrils flared and caught the fitful wind, bringing a faint scent to her, along with the barest hint of a crackle of floor debris underfoot. She stayed where she was, until the intruder passed her still, silent gaze, then rolled her eyes. Ephiny. Would the woman never learn? Sighing, she slid out from behind her tree, and moved into position behind the Amazon, who was clearly following some trail. Hers, she realized, which she had taken absolutely no pains to conceal. Amused, she followed Ephiny until the woman came to the edge of the clearing and looked out, laying one hand on the rough bark of the last tree before the open space. Finally, Xena just cleared her throat, and crossed her arms as the startled Ephiny whirled.

"What is it with you?" The warrior exclaimed, leaning against a nearby tree. "Can’t you just say, "Hey, Xena... can we talk?" Do you have to go sneaking up on people..?" She straightened up, and walked over to where the Amazon was standing, hands on hips.

"Like you never do that either." Ephiny retorted, laughing a little. "Sorry." she said, sheepishly. "It’s a habit. You know us. Never walk when you can sneak." She gazed at Xena. "What are you doing out here, anyway?"

The warrior blew out a breath, and flexed her shoulders. "Sword practice." She nodded at the clearing. "Plenty of space, no villagers to scare."

"Practice?" Ephiny asked, quizzically. "I didn’t know you had to."

Xena scowled at her. "You know, that always amazes me." She said, with a touch of annoyance her voice.

"What does?" Ephiny asked, moving closer and cocking her head, regarding the taller woman in some confusion.

"Why does everybody just assume I just wake up in the morning being able to do things like jump over my own height and catch arrows?" Plaintively, she looked at Ephiny. "Do you really think Ares just steps out from behind a tree, sprinkles me with dust, and there I go?"

Ephiny stood, shocked, and tried to think of something to answer that with. "Uh...Well...Hmm. It’s your own fault." she replied, crossing her arms. "You make it all look so easy... I guess everyone just assumes...I mean... I don’t know what they assume. I guess I always...oh, Hades, Xena. I have no idea what I thought. You just do things." she finished, giving the warrior a little shrug with both hands. "You do things I’ve never seen anyone else do."

Xena sighed, and rubbed her upper arms, "Do you have any idea how long it took me to build up my body to the point where I can do those things?" She gave Ephiny a little grin. "And it takes constant working at it to keep it that way." She chuckled. "So, yeah, Ephiny. I practice. I even hit myself in the head sometimes. Just ask Gabrielle."

She looked at the Amazon, letting serious look take over her face. "What’s on you mind, Eph? I doubt you came out here to watch me do backflips."

Ephiny crossed her arms and leaned back against the tree. "It’s Gabrielle." She said, finally, glancing up and into Xena’s now guarded eyes. "I’m worried about her." She pursed her lips. " Something’s really bothering her, and she won’t talk to me. Or anyone for that matter. "

Xena’s brow creased in some consternation, caught between worry and the realization that she probably knew perfectly well what the bard’s problem was.

"It’s...she’s not sleeping. And she thinks I don’t know it. I think the tension of this whole thing is getting to her. And Arella isn’t helping." She didn’t meet Xena’s eyes. "She’s... putting a lot of pressure on Gabrielle. And she’s not being very subtle about it. " Now she finally looked up. "Don’t get me wrong, she’s handling it just fine. Frustrating the heck out of Arella. " A faint grin from Xena. "But... it’s wearing her out, Xena. And it hurts me to see it. " She paused. "She needs a friend."

"Aren’t you that, Ephiny?" Xena asked gently, her pale eyes searching the Amazon’s face intently.

"I’m one of the people looking to her for solutions." Ephiny sighed. Then bit the arrowhead, and continued. "I really think the friend she needs is standing here in front of me." She took a breath, and glanced at the ground. "Look.. it’s not my business, I know that. But... I like Gabrielle. And I don’t like seeing her the way she is now. She’s in need of something...something we can’t give to her." The Amazon looked up into a pair of still, quiet blue eyes. "But I think you can."

Xena let out a breath, regarding her with a thoughtful expression. About to speak, she suddenly stiffened, and held up a hand, cocking her dark head to listen.

"Crossbow." she mouthed at Ephiny, whose eyes widened. "Pointed at my back." she barely breathed, every sense tuned and alert.

"Who?" Ephiny breathed back, shivering. There was no panic in the eyes facing her, but she could see the sudden sharp edge of readiness tense Xena’s muscles, and her nape hair lifted.

"Question is, which one of us is the target?" The warrior responded softly, then looked intently at the Amazon. "Ephiny, do you trust me?"

Ephiny stared into those compelling eyes for a long moment. Then took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, I do."

"Then don’t move." Xena warned softly. "Not one inch, not one bit." She closed her eyes, and focused every fiber of her being behind her, feeling the tremor as the crossbow was released, sensing the movement of the air as the quarrel headed towards her. Time compressed, as she let trained instinct take over, and dropped to one knee, and whirled, and caught the quarrel as it blazed past her left shoulder then the second as it passed her head. Freezing her muscles into place, turning her head and checking the flight of the arrows, at the target several inches to her rear. At Ephiny’s heart.

For a heartbeat, she held Ephiny’s gaze, then she dropped the quarrels, and stood up, putting her body between the trees and the Amazon. "They’re gone." she said, turning to look at the blond woman. "What’s going on here, Ephiny? Those were aimed at you...aimed by someone who knew I’d not only hear them, but be able to get out of the way."

Ephiny sank down the tree trunk until she was seated on the forest floor, and rested her head in her hands. Xena crouched down next to her, concerned. "Sometimes, you know, Xena.." she finally muttered. "It’s just not worth the trouble." She let her arms rest on her knees, and leaned her head back against the tree. "It had to be Erika. Crossbow is her specialty, and she’s the only one in the area who I can even remotely think has a motive."

Xena’s dark brow creased. "Erika? Why kill you? If they’re out after the queen’s mask, it makes more sense to kill me." She seemed unemotional about this. "After all, if they want to take that away from Gabrielle, they have to go through me to do it."

"True." Ephiny gave her a wan smile. "But what if they can make it look like I went here for a parley, and you killed me?" She almost laughed at the dumbfounded look on Xena’s face. "Bam. We have a situation where Arella can push through almost anything in the way of a challenge, and you wouldn’t be acceptable as a champion, because...well, you’d have killed me. "

Xena let a slow, feral, lazy smile cross her face, sending a chill down Ephiny’s spine. "Ephiny. If anyone threatened her, do you think I’d let Amazon law stand between me and them?" Her eyes bored into the Amazon’s. "Besides, crossbow isn’t my style. I wouldn’t have killed you that way."

Ephiny took a deep breath, and tried humor. "Well, if Gabrielle was here, she’d have said you wouldn’t have killed me. In any way." She swallowed. "By the way, thank you."

Xena rose smoothly to her feet, and reached a hand down to help up the shaken Ephiny. "Anytime." she said, then added. "And.. Gabrielle would have been right. As usual." She grinned at Ephiny. "Thank you. For being concerned about her."

Ephiny glanced down at the ground, then peered off into the forest. "We have a festival coming up, Xena.."

"I know." the warrior chuckled lightly. "I got a written invitation."

"Oh." Ephiny blushed. Then laughed. "I should have known. Will you be there?"

"I’ll be there." Xena replied, giving her a push back towards the village. "It’s Dionysus’s festival. Someone has to protect her innocence from you Amazons."

Ephiny started, and glanced back at Xena in surprise, then snorted in laughter, shaking her head as they made their way back to the inn. Instead of heading for the tavern, though, Xena steered her towards the barn. "Safer, I think, though not nearly so comfortable." she muttered, sliding into the doorway with Ephiny right behind her. Who stopped short at the sight of a boisterous wolf puppy who stumbled furiously across the floor and flung itself on Xena’s booted foot. "Oh, hi Ares." Xena said, absently, moving the animal aside gently and crossing over to the tack table.

‘Ares?" Ephiny said, her voice rising in astonished question. "You must be kidding." She peered at the wolf. "Where in the world..."

"Long story." Xena said, pulling a piece of parchment to her, and sitting down with a quill and an absorbed expression. "If Erika was the person behind that crossbow, just how safe are you going to be on the way home?"

Ephiny seated herself on a convenient lump of hay, and considered. "I’m not sure."

Xena studied her hands. "Well, I may have a solution. A...witness, more or less, for you." She paused thoughtfully. "We have an orphan here...named Cait. Her parents were killed by a roving warlord band." She sat back and regarded Ephiny. "She makes her living hunting small game, and selling it to the locals. She’s good - and she’s only 12 years old."

"That’s young to be alone." Ephiny mused.

"Very." Xena agreed. "She begged me to teach her sword when I got here. I convinced her it probably wasn’t a good idea. But.." She nodded at Ephiny. "she’d make a good Amazon."

"Does she want that?" Ephiny asked, considering. "You know we don’t just adopt people just because they’re orphans, or whatever."

"She wants it." Xena stated, flatly. "She asked me to take her to your village, in fact. I told her I’d think about it... when I went." She leaned forward. "It’s a risk, I know...but she’s tough, and she’s not a complete innocent."

Ephiny nodded. "All right. I’ll take her."

"Good." Xena sighed. "Now, roll up in the hay and get some sleep. I need to write a note."

Ephiny smiled. "Sounds like a good idea. To both." she said, getting a startled response from Xena, and grinning. Then she grabbed a spare horse blanket, and curled up in the soft fodder, asleep in minutes.

Xena watched her a minute, then laughed gently herself. Then concentrated on the parchment in front of her. Oh... this wasn’t going to be easy. Words aren’t my thing. But....let’s see. She wrote,

Dear Gabrielle,

Well, yes, I’m out to conquer the world. Again. And I started here in Amphipolis. On to Potadeia next. I’ll give your regards to your family, since I’m sure they remember me fondly. It was nice to have Ephiny visit, and get word on what was going on there. I did keep from beating up Erika, but you might want to when they get back, because we think she tried to introduce Ephiny to a pair of crossbow quarrels.

Never a dull moment when you’re involved, huh? Mother and Toris send their regards, and Ephiny will be carrying something from mother to you that I think you’ll like very much. I do. The place has been OK with me so far - besides the world domination plan, that is.

Yeah, as a rule I don’t like sappy stuff. But didn’t I once tell you you’re the exception to the rule? I think I remember doing that...besides, I miss you too. I wouldn’t miss your festival for anything - count on me being there.

Hang in there, my bard - keep your head down, and be careful. And you can tell your friend Arella if she lays one finger on you, I’ll scatter parts of her up and down the road to Athens so small they’ll have to use tweezers to pick them up.

I mean it.

X

Well, she thought, artistic it isn’t. But I think it gets the point across. She folded the parchment, dripped wax on it, then paused a moment, thinking. Gabrielle had sealed hers with an Amazon seal, naturally...so I guess I’ll have to drag this thing out. She walked over to Argo’s saddlebags, and dug around, until she came up with a small pouch, from which she extracted a signet ring. Hers. From the bad old days, when sigils marked with this insignia struck terror across the countryside. She looked at it thoughtfully, then crossed back over to the table, and pressed the signet into the warm wax. About time that sealed something that...she left the thought unfinished, and blew out the candle, grabbing Ares, and climbing to the loft.

She stretched out, floating in a pleasant tiredness that made the loft seem like a feather stuffed mattress. Thinking. This time not wanting or needing sleep to take that away.

Erika was sullen the next morning, Ephiny noted with a grim smile. The dark haired Amazon ate in silence the excellent and large breakfast provided them by Toris and avoided meeting Ephiny’s eyes. Ah... she’s very young. Ephiny considered, though not by any means ready to use that as an excuse for murder. So’s Arella. Maybe that’s part of the problem...She darted a glance across the room to where Xena was seated, forearms braced on booted knees, talking softly to a very young girl seated across from her. Taller than average, pale, pale blond and very slim - the girl had a short bow slung over her shoulder, and a quiver depended from her wide belt. A traveling pack slumped bonelessly at her feet as she listened intently to the warrior.

"Cait, you know you don’t have to go if you don’t want to." Xena said, quietly. "You can stay here, mother said there would be a place for you in our.." here she smiled a little. "home, if you want that."

Cait regarded her solemnly with her almost colorless gray eyes. "I want to go. I...there’s things I want, that I can’t find here." She let a half grin cross her face. "I think you understand."

Xena nodded. She did. And what she hadn’t told Ephiny was that after her parents were killed in the raid, this little girl slipped into the enemy camp, and slit the throat of the raid leader. A dangerous girl, was Cait. One whom she had a rather unique understanding of.

"All right. Ephiny will take you to Amazon country, and get you fostered. She’s OK, you can trust her. " She lowered her voice. "But the other one isn’t. We think she tried to shoot Ephiny last night."

"She did." Cait answered carefully. "I saw her, and followed her out when it looked like she was headed to your usual spot."

Xena gave her a grin, knowing for a while that she had a silent watcher. "And have you been enjoying the show?" she asked, a wry note in her voice.

Cait grinned, unashamed. She’d been very annoyed with Xena when the warrior had refused to teach her sword work, but over the weeks, she’d developed at first a liking, then a true and enthusiastic appreciation for her. For the one person she felt she could talk openly to. The one person she had met in all her short life who understood exactly where she was coming from. "Last night’s was the best ever." she breathed, eyes lighting. "It was like...magic."

Xena looked at her, bemused. "Yeah, it was a pretty nice workout." she drawled. "I was in a really good mood."

"I could tell." Cait answered softly.

"You could, huh?" Xena replied, grinning. She straightened up. "There’s something I’d like you to do for me."

Cait nodded. "I’ll try."

Xena picked up two items and slid them across the table. The first, a sealed parchment packet, she handed to Cait. "This, I want you to give to the Amazon Queen. That’s Gabrielle. Do you remember her?"

Cait nodded vigorously. "Oh yes. Your friend, with the red gold hair. The storyteller."

"Yeah, that’s her." Xena let a grin flit across her otherwise serious face. "Just hand it to her - she’ll recognize the seal. " she held the other item, turning it over in her hands. "This, I need you to carry, and give to her also. Can you do that?" She handed over the item to Cait, who took it cautiously, and examined it. A cunningly wrought knife, cast in the same mold as her long sword, with a seal embedded in the hilt. A seal that matched the parchment wax. Cait drew it gently from the leather sheath, and examined the razor blade, and the twin engraved channels down either side. She looked up at Xena, with a knowledge past her 12 years, then looked back at the blade and slid it back home.

"I can do that." the girl said, with quiet finality.

Xena nodded, and touched her hand, lowering her voice. "I want you to keep an eye on Ephiny, Cait. It’s important that she gets home." her blue eyes bored into the gray ones.

Cait kept her gaze, but brought the blade up to her lips, and pressed it there. "I will." she breathed, as two feral souls exchanged an understanding. "I promise."

"OK, so when you see her," Xena added, sparing a glance to the waiting Amazons. "Give that knife to Gabrielle. Tell her it’s from me. For...emergencies. And give her one more thing for me."

Cait stood, knowing it was time to leave. "What’s that?"

"Come here." Xena said, and as the girl moved closer, she reached out and pulled her into a hug, which, after a stunned moment, Cait returned with vigor. "Just like that." Xena said, releasing her. "OK?"

Cait grinned. "I think she’s going to like that better than the knife." She said, wisely.

Xena chuckled. "Oh, I think you’re right. But give it to her anyway." The knife.. that was still revolving in her mind as to whether or not it was a good idea. Not that she expected Gabrielle to use it, no... how the bard felt about drawing blood was something Xena was passionately aware of. No.. but the arrow incident had left her anxious about her safety, and had almost driven her to throw caution and everything else to the winds and just.. go.. herself to the Amazon Village. In fact, standing in the wind in front of the barn at dawn, she had felt a sudden urgent pull in that direction and had actually taken several steps before she caught herself, and stopped. No, Gabrielle wouldn’t use the dagger.

But she was wise enough to know that wearing it on her belt just might, might give a potential threat pause. And...the seal made sure everyone who saw it knew exactly who stood behind the beleaguered Amazon Queen. I could just go...but she said she needed a little more time...and by Ephiny’s analysis, any challenge is still in the planning stages. I don’t want to mess things up for her, but I sure don’t want her getting hurt, either. Or worse. A little more time, my bard? All right, but not much more. I don’t think I’m going to wait until that festival to pay you a little visit. she grimly decided. Not... mind mocked her gently. like you need an excuse, right?

"Oh wait... almost forgot." Xena muttered, with a quickly suppressed grin. "I’ll be right back." She disappeared into the kitchen, and quickly found Cyrene, who was standing over a mildly bubbling pot. She looked up when she heard her daughter’s distinctive footsteps.

"Good morning, dear." she smiled up at her.

"Hi." Xena replied, leaning against a wooden support. "I don’t suppose you have any of those cakes around, do you?"

Cyrene laughed. "I think I have an new addict." she teased, "all part of my plan to keep you here."

Xena smiled fondly at her. "Not for me. For a friend."

"Oh, sure." Cyrene snorted, then paused and looked up. "Ah... wait!. For Gabrielle?" She watched her daughter’s face with a twinkle in her eyes. The grin on Xena’s face answered her. "Well, in that case, I’ll pack some up for you."

"In that case?" Xena queried, raising an eyebrow.

Cyrene reached up and caught her chin, and chuckled. "Well, she’s part of the family, now, isn’t she?"

Oh. Xena felt the blush creep all the way up her neck to her cheeks. No point in lying. Not to her, anyway. "Yeah, I guess she is." Came the quiet answer, with a light chuckle following.

Her mother smiled, and patted her on the belly. "Love becomes you, my dear. " She went behind a storage case, and pulled out some wrapping, giving Xena time to compose herself, then reemerged with a neatly wrapped bundle. "Here you go."

"Thanks" the warrior replied, with a little grin. "I know they’ll be appreciated."

Cyrene waved her off. "Away with you. I have stew to attend to." She waited until she heard the door close, then chuckled to herself. If someone had told me this was going to happen a month ago, I would have chased them out the front door with a broom. Now look - business is stronger than it’s ever been, and the village is...renewed, with a self confidence that came straight from her. I think she’s finally paid off that debt. At least to me she has. I think I love her, again. No, I know I do.

"All right." Xena said, walking back to the table and guiding Cait over to the Amazons. "Everyone ready?" Cait smiled shyly at the two women, having already tucked the blade away and out of sight. "This is Cait, and she wants to go with you. Cait, this is Ephiny and Erika, and they’re Amazons." She handed Ephiny a packet, with a grin. "Give that to her majesty, please. With my mother’s compliments."

"Hello, Cait." Ephiny smiled warmly. "You all packed?" Erika just nodded at the girl.

"All ready." Cait said, hefting her pack.

Ephiny patted the girl on the shoulder, and guided her towards the door. She turned as she opened it, and glanced back towards Xena, who was standing, arms crossed, watching. "Take care." She called, with a nod.

"Be seeing you." Xena replied, raising an eyebrow, and giving her a ghost of a wink. Seeing relief follow comprehension across the blond Amazon’s face.

Amazon Village - Evening, two days after...

Gabrielle put her head in her hands, taking deep breaths to try and calm herself. The scene in the council chamber today had scared her more than she was willing to admit, though she had held her ground, and won the point. Again. But how much longer could she keep on doing this? First, the rumors of centaur invasion in their territory. Proved wrong. Then word came that there were brigands from the neighboring village raiding the fields. Again, proved wrong. Each time, peace prevailed. Calm prevailed. The other morning, she thought sure Arella was going to call challenge on her, right there at the breakfast hall. The pang of pure unreasoning fear had been difficult to deal with. But she had. Now, word came that Ephiny was inbound, with Erika in tow, and an unknown young girl.

"Gabrielle?" Came Granella’s soft voice at the door. She looked up, to see the slim Amazon looking at her in some concern. "Ephiny’s at the gate. Thought you’d want to know."

"Thanks." the bard said, taking a deep breath, and pushing herself up from the desk. Crossing the room, she paused in the doorway, spotting the blond immediately, and watching as Erika stalked off towards Arella’s encampment with a very dour look. She cheered up, realizing that meant only one thing, not that she’d had any doubt. Ephiny caught her gaze, and moved in her direction, motioning for the third member of their party to join her. Who on earth...the bard mused. She seemed vaguely familiar, but Gabrielle couldn’t remember from where for a minute.. though her memory cleared as they drew close and she did recall. Huh…

"Gabrielle!" Ephiny called out, looking tired, but relieved. "You were right on." Her lips curved in a smile, matched by the one on the queen’s face. "and I have a signed treaty for you from the conqueror of the world."

Gabrielle moved towards them, feeling some of the tension drain out of her. "I bet she rolled her eyes when she saw it." the bard laughed, then gazed at the young girl. "Hello, Cait.. long time no see."

The girl’s eyes lit at being remembered, and she gave Gabrielle a shy grin. Gabrielle grinned back, and ushered both of them inside her quarters. She’s gotten taller, but still looks like a ghost.

"It seems Cait here wants to be a part of our extended family, Gabrielle." Ephiny drawled. "Xena recommended her."

"Well, that recommendation’s good enough for me." The queen replied, winking at Cait.

"I have some things for you." Cait replied, moving forward a little.

"Do you?" Gabrielle asked, a bit puzzled. "Like what?"

She held out the parchment first. "This."

Gabrielle took it, glancing at the seal, then smiled easily. "I can see who this came from." she laughed. A warm glow started in the pit of her stomach.

Cait smiled too. "Yeah, And this...she said to say it was in case of emergencies." the girl tugged a long item out of her pack, and handed it over solemnly.

The bard slowly reached out and took it, running her eyes over it, and gently touching the seal in the hilts. Her eyes darted to Ephiny, taking in the exhausted rings under the blond Amazon’s eyes, and the troubled gaze. "Thank you." For emergencies...what could have happened that had gotten Xena shook up enough to send this?

Cait waited. "One more thing." She intoned, softly.

Gabrielle dragged her attention back to the girl. "OK, what is it?" she asked, forcing a patient, cheerful note into her voice.

"This." And the girl stepped forward, and hugged the startled bard, trying to squeeze as hard as she could. As hard as she knew that warrior back there wanted to. Because this friend of hers really seemed to need it.

Gabrielle took a long shuddering breath, and hugged the girl back. "Thank you, Cait." she said, as she released the girl, ruffling her hair. "That was the best thing."

Cait let a half grin onto her face. "I told her you’d think so." she said.

"All right, Cait, let’s get you settled." Ephiny sighed, glancing back at the doorway, relieved to see Granella waiting there. "Gran, can you..."

"Sure." The scout laid a gentle hand on Cait’s shoulder. "Come on, Cait...I bet you’re hungry." She exchanged nods with Ephiny, and led the girl out.

Gabrielle watched them leave, then turned to Ephiny and pulled her arm. "Sit down before you fall down. What’s going on?" she asked, crisply, perching on the edge of the desk. "What happened that caused me to get this.." She lifted the knife. "From my generally level headed, though overprotective best friend?"

Ephiny told her. "So, we think, and now Cait confirms, that Erika was trying to set it up so that Xena couldn’t champion you. I was just a convenient...excuse." She gave the queen a sardonic look. "However, your champion was quick to point out to me that Amazon law wasn’t going to apply to her if anyone messed with her Gabrielle." The Amazon grinned privately at the quick blush that passed over Gabrielle’s fair features. "And, by the way, she sends this." She handed Gabrielle the wrapped package. "Said it was with her mother’s compliments."

Gabrielle took the bundle curiously, and unwrapped it, an unexpected grin appearing on her face. "She does know me." she said, laughing softly, as she exposed the pastry. The smell was wonderful, and she immediately taste tested, eyebrows rising in appreciation. "Oh wow.. these are great!" She offered one to Ephiny, who suppressed a smile and accepted, munching thoughtfully. "So.. how are things there?" the bard asked, casually.

Ephiny gave her a knowing grin. "Fine, I think - she’s won over Amphipolis, by the way. And... oh yeah, she’s somehow found this wolf puppy that follows her around all over the place."

Gabrielle giggled. "A puppy??? What I wouldn’t give to see that." Oh.. how true that is. Like right now.

"Yeah, she wouldn’t tell me the story behind it, but he’s a cute little thing. She calls him Ares." The Amazon drawled, watching the queen’s attitude lighten considerably. "And I got up during the night last night to rearrange my straw mattress, and caught her sleeping with him tucked into the crook of her arm, all snuggled up. It was unbelievably precious. If you tell her I saw it, though, she’ll probably kill us both." The delighted grin on Gabrielle’s face was worth the danger.

"Not a word, I promise." the queen giggled. "She hates it when people get under that coldhearted warrior act of hers."

"Except for you." The words were out before Ephiny could stop them, and she held her breath, waiting to be told off.

Gabrielle looked at her for a minute, then grinned, and shrugged a bit. "Except for me." She agreed cheerfully. "But that took a lot of time and effort." she paused. "Not that I minded."

Ephiny chuckled. "I bet." she continued with her report. "And although she’s got a couple of brand new scars on her arms that look a lot like panther marks which she also wouldn’t explain, otherwise she looks really good. I think this little time with her family has been a good thing for her." She watched the queen absorb this like a sponge.

Gabrielle nodded. "Thanks.. it’s good to hear that. Not that I was worried...you know Xena. She’ll find a way out of almost any situation."

Ephiny grinned agreement. "That’s true. She’s pretty unique."

The bard grinned in agreement. "Among other things." She picked up the parchment packet and broke the seal, scanning the contents curiously. Then she read it again, and this time a slow smile crossed her face. The treaty had been amended in a few pretty funny places, and added an addendum about protecting Potedeia for an extra few dinars. And the sign off... written in a dialect the warrior knew darn well only she’d be able to read. And she said she didn’t like sappy stuff. She traced the words with a fingertip. A giggle, inappropriate to the seriousness of the situation, forced itself to the surface. "Sorry. She’s pretty funny here." She glanced up at Ephiny, who was watching her face with an air of weary amusement. Then on to the second parchment, which made her burst out laughing. "Oh.. that’s good." She read the last paragraph to Ephiny, who found the strength to chuckle as well. "I wish.."

Ephiny looked up when the bard’s voice fell silent. The queen was turning the parchment over in her hands. "Gabrielle.." she said, hesitantly.

"Yeah." The green eyes looked up and blinked. "Anyway, I’m glad you made it back safely." She managed a reassuring smile. "Why don’t you go get some sleep - you look pretty wiped out."

The Amazon heaved herself to her feet. "I am." She sighed, "Hard sleeping with one eye open, although.." she mused "I noticed little Cait keeping a pretty tight eye on me. " She gave the bard a sly grin. "I think a certain overprotective friend of yours might have given her some private instructions."

Gabrielle considered this a moment, then laughed softly. "Xena doesn’t like leaving things to chance." And I wish I had her overprotective arms around me right now. "So I wouldn’t be surprised."

"G’night’ Ephiny sighed, and gave her a little wave. "And try to get some sleep yourself, OK?" She gave her a mock glare, and left, shaking her head.

"Yeah, sure." The bard muttered, sitting down on the bed and looking down at the parchment still clutched in one hand. She read it through a few times, lips twitching as she imagined the words, complete with intonation, coming from Xena. Especially that last bit, because she could hear in her mind the deliberate drop in pitch, and the faint growling tone that would go with it. Two weeks until the full moon. I don’t think I’m going to make it.

She lay down flat on the bed, and stared moodily at the ceiling. I’m tired. I’m really tired, and really exasperated, and I just want to...gods. She closed her eyes, and focused every bit of that wanting on it’s subject, putting all her energy into the sending. Xena... I know you can’t hear me. I know only the dead can hear our thoughts. But I don’t know what else to do, so I’m going to pretend that you can. Please. I need you.

Then fitfully, she dropped into sleep, waking only when the worst of her dreams, the old familiar nightmare of Xena dying, taking half her soul with her and leaving emptiness behind grabbed her, and tossed her up into a waking world, where the past and the present melded and left her not knowing if it was a dream. She sat bolt upright, heart pounding, taking in her surroundings with a sinking heart. Until a rustle of parchment made her look down at the sheet clenched in her fist. Until her eyes took in the words and made her remember that this was now, and Xena was very much alive, and she was here to help straighten out the Amazons, not because she had no better option.

"Oh gods." She said aloud, waiting for her heartbeat to settle down. Ok...ok.. deep breaths…C’mon, Gabrielle, it was just a dream, you’re not a kid anymore. Shuddering, she got up, and walked over to the pitcher on her desk, pouring a glassful of water and drinking it in long gulps. Then carefully, precisely, she set the glass down, sank into the chair, and put her head in her hands. Oh well.. almost dawn anyway. Her brain mused foggily. Guess a cold dunk in the water couldn’t do any harm.

Amphipolis - Same evening...

"Xena." Cyrene called, softly, then reached out and touched her daughter’s hand. The warrior had stopped in the middle of chewing, and was sitting silent, with an absorbed expression on her face.

"Hmm?" Xena started, shaking her head a little to clear it. "Uh, sorry." She put down her fork and sat back a minute, taking a deep breath. What was that??? Gods... I think there’s something really wrong with me. I’ve been doing this all night.

Cyrene leaned closer to her. "What’s up with you?" she whispered, concern now audible in her voice. "that’s the second time tonight you’ve just gone out on me."

"I...don’t know." Xena admitted, shaking her head slowly. "I just keep getting the feeling that something’s wrong somewhere."

"Is it Gabrielle?" Cyrene asked, rubbing her thumb against the back of Xena’s hand.

The warrior didn’t even bother to try and dissemble. "I don’t know." she answered, staring ahead, to where Toris was moving back towards the table with another glass of ale.

Toris saw the look on her face when he approached, and quickly settled back at her side. "What is it?" He flicked a quick glance at Cyrene, who gave him a little shrug. "What’s wrong?"

"Listen, I think I’m just tired." The warrior said, pushing back from the table, and standing. "I’m going to go relax for a while." She gripped her mother’s shoulder, and gave Toris’ head a pat. "Have fun." She left the tavern, and walked out into the cool night air, which was heavy with the thick smell of rain. Far off, she heard the rumble of thunder, the quick flash of lightning on the horizon.

A deep breath did nothing to dispel the sense of panic she’d been feeling for the last few hours, a feeling without obvious cause, but which was as real as any she’d ever felt. Was it Gabrielle? Admitting that meant admitting that Jessan was, in all probability, right, and they shared a connection that she wasn’t sure she understood. Or was this just her own imagination, working over the incident with Erika and Ephiny’s unease?

Funny... I’ve always trusted my instincts before. She mused silently, leaning on the hitch rail in front of the tavern. She heard the door open behind her, and turned as Cyrene came up beside her, and also leaned against the rail.

"Still worried?" Cyrene asked, glancing up at her. Not really needing to ask. Feeling the tension almost radiating from the tall form next to her.

"I can’t shake this." The warrior answered, staring pensively into the darkness. "It’s twisting my gut up into knots." She shook her head as if to clear it. "It’s nothing solid, just...this sinking feeling. "

Cyrene bit her lip a minute, then put a hand on the arm next to hers. "Xena... sometimes our minds, and our hearts try to tell us things that we’re not really ready to listen to. " She met the startled gaze evenly. "And I think you should listen."

Xena turned her gaze back out into the night. "I know that." She finally answered, in a low voice. "I’m just not sure if it’s telling me something I need to know, or something I just want to hear." She shook her head, and stood up. "But I don’t think I can risk not finding out."

Cyrene smiled. "You’re going."

"Yeah." Came the answer, as the warrior stood and turned towards the dimly seen barn.

"Be careful." Her mother warned, reaching out and giving her a quick hug.

Xena nodded. "I will." And moved purposefully down the path, and through the door, shutting it behind her. Now that the decision was made, her movements turned deliberate and decisive. Shucking her tunic, she traded linen for leather, and buckled the shoulder straps with smooth precision. Lifting her shoulder armor, she ducked her head into it, settling the plates with a soft chime of metal on metal, clipping the retaining buckles into place with a satisfying snick.

She walked over to Argo, flipping a saddle blanket over her shoulders as she raised her head, already restive, knowing that arming for what it was. Cinching the blanket, then lifting her saddle off the stall divider, and settling on the horse’s back, tightening the girth with one smooth practiced tug. Sliding the bridle over her head, tucking her ears under the headstall and pushing her forelock through the strapping. Buckling the chin strap and easing the bit into her mouth. "Easy girl" She murmured. "Come on." Kicking the door open. "Back, now." Moving out of the way as Argo obediently backed out of the stall, and followed her towards the door.

Xena grabbed her bracers, and sat down briefly to buckle on her leg armor, stamping both booted feet to settle the protective grieves. She looked up as the door opened, and her mother poked her head in. "Just about ready." she said, standing up and reaching behind her to clip her sword sheath into it’s buckles, and settling the chakram at her waist.

"So I see." Cyrene breathed. "You look a lot...bigger... when you wear all that." She said, moving inside the barn, and reaching out one hand to touch the gleaming armor plates.

Xena looked down at her, with an affectionately amused grin. "Like I’m not big enough already." she remarked. "Looks like I’m going to get wet tonight, on top of everything else." A supply bag went across the mare’s withers, buckled to one of the extra saddle rings.

"Here." Cyrene said, handing her a packet. "I doubt you’ll have a chance to stop and eat."

Xena laughed. "Mother." she said, but took the packet, and gave her a quick hug. "Thanks. Wish me luck."

"Good luck." Cyrene said, obediently. "And do me a favor?"

Xena glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "If I can, sure."

"Bring Gabrielle back here with you." Cyrene said, laying a hand on her arm. "I want to get to know her."

The warrior took a deep breath, then released it. "All right." Smart, Xena -you get the two of them together, and you’re dead. Oh well. "I will." she promised, and lead Argo out the door, mounting in one smooth movement, and turning her head to the road.

Amazon village, that same night...

Erika strode impatiently into Arella’s quarters, startling the tall redhead. "No go." the dark haired woman spat. "And let me tell you something, you’d better think twice about that challenge."

Arella, looked up from the map she was studying, and cocked her head. "First off, welcome home." She said, walking over and giving the smaller woman a hug. "Second, it was worth a try, don’t feel bad." She smiled. "I made some progress here, though damn, that woman is tough." Her brow creased. "Now, what’s this about the challenge?"

Erika sat down with a thump, resting her forearms on her knees. "What a week in Hades. The way out there was nerve-wracking. That Ephiny and her damned eyes. Then we get there, and sure enough, our little queen is right. As you suspected." she sighed wearily. Arella walked over to her small table, and poured a tall glass of crimson liquid into a glass, and handed it to Erika, crouching down next to her, and patting her knee.

"Thanks." she accepted the glass, and took a sip. "OH.. that’s good." She rested her head on the glass for a moment. "So, anyway - I spotted Xena taking off into the forest late that night. I followed...wanted to know what she was up to. And my gods...Arella, what I saw wasn’t human. She shouldn’t have been able to do the things I saw her do."

Arella tired of crouching, and sat down in front of Erika cross legged. "What do you mean?" She propped her chin on her hand. "I don’t understand."

Erika shook her dark head. "She did... I don’t know, sword drills, I guess. But she did them so fast I couldn’t make out the blade, Ari. And then she started doing them while doing flips, and in the air maneuvers...she would just...Look, just don’t, OK? I know you’re really good, Ari, really good - but this wasn’t just good. It was something beyond."

Arella chewed on her lip thoughtfully. "I could challenge now...she won’t be able to get here in time."

"Won’t work, you know that. She’s a named champion. They’ll make you wait." Erika replied, flicking a lock of hair out of Arella’s eyes.

Arella sighed. "Well, then we have to prevent her from getting here at all." She glanced up at Erika’s startled face. "Listen, I tried and tried to get through to our so called queen. She’s absolutely determined to follow her course of running us into the ground. Every turn I make she counters. Every rumor I stew up she squashes. I swear, the woman is..." She shook her head. "Anyway, she concluded a treaty with both of the northern villages, and that tears it. They’ve started putting homesteads in the northern woods." She gripped her temples. "I don’t understand why I can’t make her see what she’s doing to us. She doesn’t understand what we are, Rika. She thinks we’re farmers, or something . After her living with Xena for two years, you’d think she’d get a clue as to what makes a warrior. I guess not. Maybe she thinks she can change Xena like that too."

Erika gently massaged the burly shoulder next to her. "I know. But let me tell you, that fire runs very deep - she doesn’t know what she’s playing with there. " She grinned wryly. "Anyway, so I wait until Xena’s finished with this impossible display of technical talent, and then I realize Ephiny’s followed her out there too. A perfect opportunity I think...so I get behind them. They’re talking, see.." she wove the tale, aware of Arella’s appreciative eyes. "Because Xena heard her too, though gods know Ephiny’s not a bad tracker, and got behind her. Startled her, too, it was kind of funny to watch. So they’re talking, and I get my crossbow cocked, and then I realize Xena heard that. I swear, that woman has the ears of a wolf, Ari, my crossbow mech is quieter than two blades of grass rubbing, you know that. So I see her go real still... and I figure, well, you were right - if the stories are true, she can dodge my quarrels. So I shoot. And, damned if she doesn’t move out of the way."

Arella leaned forward. "You missed???? I don’t believe it.!"

"No!" Erika threw up her hands in disgust. "the damned woman catches the damned crossbow quarrels! Out of mid air! And believe me, I had to take a minute to drag my jaw back into place before I took off out of there." She took a long sip of the wine. "Ari, she scares me." She looked into Arella’s eyes. "She really does. I got to have dinner with her, and I couldn’t look her in the eyes for more than a second. She’s so intense."

Arella looked thoughtful. "As long as she’s alive, we’re trapped, Rika. She looked grim. "As long as she’s Gabrielle’s champion, then it’s Gabrielle’s rules we live by. I can’t live with that. I’m no farmer, and as a people, we’ll die without the need for fighting. You know that. We’ll become just another group of villagers. Do you want that? I don’t. I can’t live with it. I have the taste of battle on my tongue... and I can’t give that up. So I guess I have to put my body where my beliefs are. She glanced at the floor. "Is she coming here?"

"I think so." Erika said. "I think Gabrielle asked her to, in that note Ephiny was carrying." She grimaced. "And, Ari...whatever else...there’s something between them. Xena’s a hard read at the best of times, but even she couldn’t keep from reacting to whatever was in that note."

Arella nodded. "Then we have to stop her. At the mountain pass. If we put enough of us there, we can catch her off guard, and I don’t care if she’s Ares himself, she won’t be able to fight off all of us." She looked up, and into Erika’s eyes. "This is my own destiny, Rika. And if I have to take on Xena, then that’s what I have to do. Our heritage is too important to lose."

Slowly, Erika nodded. "All right. I’m with you. We all are - none of us wants to be dirt grubbers for the rest of our lives. And I don’t want any daughters I have growing up like that either."

"I’ll gather us up." Arella said, stroking her cheek. "You get some sleep. You look like Hades." She walked to the door, thinking An ambush...that would work. And she’d stir up some trouble with the damned centaurs to keep everyone’s attention of what was going on in the pass. If she knew Gabrielle, and she was beginning to think she did, the woman would jump to the centaurs defense. And maybe, just maybe, she could use that betrayal of Amazon interests to drive a final wedge between the stubborn queen and her people. I feel...sorry for her. she mused, staring off into the darkness of the forest. Because she doesn’t understand just how strong this need of ours is...she has no experience with it. How does Xena put up with that, I wonder? It’s kind of sad...little Gabrielle with her morals - determined to reform the old warlord. Silly...doesn’t she see she has no chance? I guess not... because she’s sure trying it with us. Well, little Gabrielle, I’m afraid you’re not going to have your chance at reforming your friend, because I can’t let her live. She’s too dangerous to us. Pity... because she’d make one damned fine ally. Better than you, at any rate.

Somewhere between Amphipolis and Amazon country, later that night...

The only sound in the air was Argo’s steady hoofbeats, at a ground eating canter that almost lulled her rider into a half sleep. Xena’s mind was racing, though, and the steady sense of unease in her gut kept her triggered. Jessan’s words kept echoing in her head, keeping her company the weary miles before the mountains. Gods... what if he’s right...the thought gnawed at her. Admit it. He is. He can see what’s going on, but you can feel it, you know you can. You have for a long, long time now. You always know when she’s in trouble. She reached down and took a long pull from the waterskin, then set it back into place. What if I’m too late? The thought struck terror in her gut. Damn... it’s too far. I should have gone that night. I knew I should have. I waited because she said she needed more time...but my gut was telling me to go. I should have listened. Now...she closed her eyes and gripped Argo’s mane for support, hearing a snort from the running mare. if... something happens to her because I was stupid and didn’t listen to my own long, long tested instincts...I won’t survive it. I can feel that, lurking in my gut, too. I had one taste of it, back in that healing temple. She’s stronger than I am, that way. I wonder if she realizes that? She would have recovered after I died, would have gone on, continued her life. I won’t.

The miles slipped by, until she came to the road turning that curved around the mountains, and pulled Argo up, resting the sweating mare, and thinking hard. The road lead around the long way, but to go over the mountains was lunacy. She thought about the crags above her, and then about the price. "Come on, Argo. You’ll go with me as long as you can." she whispered to the mare, and turned her off the road.

They moved through the shadows of the trees, following her sense of direction, passing silent cots deep in the forest, past sleeping beasts startled by Argo’s hooves, and sensing the quiet hunters which, perhaps deferring to their scent, slunk out of their path.

Two streams, forded with ease, and a river, which Argo swam in snorting protest, and Xena waded, and then they were in scrublands, where she had to watch Argo’s footfalls. Dawn caught them as they crossed another river, and Xena paused to rest the lathered mare. "I know, girl. I know. This is rough." she murmured into a flicking ear. She rinsed off a square of linen, and wiped the lather off Argo’s flanks, letting her graze for a short while, and breaking into her mother’s packet.

Off again, this time trotting across rising grasslands, as the mountains which separated Amazon country came into view. The weather was worsening, dark clouds piling across the peaks of the mountains, and the wind, which had been blowing steadily since the dawn changing fitfully every short while, and causing the mare to fidget. "Easy, Argo. I see em" She kneed the mare forward, wanting to get to a place of safety, since Argo, at least, would not travel in the kind of storm that was fast developing. But I will.The anxious feeling in her gut had gotten worse, building with every mile she moved towards the mountains. That, more than anything else, sparked her to keep traveling with an urgency that would not be denied.

At last, she crossed the last of the grass, and the long rolling foothills, and the mountain loomed over her. The thunder was getting louder and closer, and Argo was getting nervous, her ears plastered back on her head, and her nostrils flared. "Come on, just a little further." Xena coaxed her, feeling the first drops of rain touching her back. They rode around a tall crag, and Xena pulled the mare up short, her heart sinking. So. Here was why everyone used the road. Ahead of her was a sheer escarpment, running off into the distance, as far as her eyes could follow it. No path up, no path around. "Damn." That single word echoed off the rocks, mocking her.

She rode Argo to the foot of the escarpment, and glared at it. To double back now meant a days lost traveling time. At the top of the escarpment, she remembered, the road itself looped lazily, bringing itself through the high pass, and down into Amazon territory.

Xena swung down off the mare, and walked to the edge of the cliff, staring up. Most of the surface was sheer and unbroken, without hand or footholds. I can’t climb this. Her eyes studied it, and balanced it against the aching pull in her guts. Or am I stubborn and stupid enough to try? In the rain? In the coming dark? She closed her eyes, and tentatively explored the nerve wracked fear assaulting her...fear, she realized, with a sudden startling clarity, that truly wasn’t her own. That had a familiar flavor, that woke images in her mind of the short time she had spent in control of Gabrielle’s body. When she fought Velasca. Oh gods... she glanced up. "Yeah, I am that stupid."

She looked around, spotting a protected rock outcropping, and led the mare over to it. "Sorry to do this to you, Argo... but I have no choice." She stripped the mare of her tack, and tucked it neatly away under the outcropping. Then she took what essentials she needed from the saddlebags, and using one as a backpack, settled them on her own shoulders. Lastly, she grasped the mare’s face in her hands, and looked her in the eye, letting her lips brush the downy soft skin of her nose. "Be good, Argo. And if I do something really dumb up there, and don’t come back, well... take care of yourself, all right?." The mare whickered, nuzzling her. "Yeah, I love you too." she said softly, hugging her neck.

She walked to the wall, took several deep breaths, rubbed her hands on her leathers, and started looking for a place to climb.

Amazon village, next morning.

Ephiny rolled over, blinking blearily into the sunlight pouring into her quarters. Cursing, she sat bolt upright, and started scrambling out of her bed, rattled at having slept so late.

"Ah..ah..ah.." Solari said, wagging a finger at her. "Queen’s orders. You sleep." She pushed Ephiny back into her bed with one strong hand. "And I’m not going to argue with her. She’s in some kind of mood this morning."

Ephiny sighed and let her head drop, stifling a yawn. "OK... OK...." She smiled. "Is everything all right??"

Solari waggled her hand. "All’s quiet so far today. Arella’s sent a big bunch of her lot out on an extended hunting expedition, so that’s a good thing. At least we won’t have them underfoot." She gave Ephiny a sly grin. "And it looks like rain, so I wish the best to them."

Ephiny grunted in amusement, letting her body relax back onto the bed. "That’s good." she said idly. "Maybe we’ll have a quiet day for a change. A rumble of distant thunder vibrated in her ears. "On second thought, maybe not."

"That’s coming in over the mountain." Solari commented, I feel sorry for anyone caught out in it. The wind’s picking up something fierce." She watched as Ephiny let her eyes close again. "That’s better." she chuckled, as she left the hut, and walked towards the dining hall, feeling the wind whip her hair in what seemed like two directions at once. "Oh yeah.." she muttered to no one in particular. "this is going to be evil."

"What is??" Granella asked, falling into step next to her. "Oh, the weather?" she shrugged. "Good day for sleeping in." With a sly poke at Solari. "Which is where Eph is, I assume?"

"At my orders." Came Gabrielle’s voice behind them. They turned to see the queen moving up the path, a somewhat grim look on her face. "Good morning, by the way." she added, with a friendlier look. They continued on to the dining hall, where most of the village was already seated. Gabrielle went up to take her usual place at the head table.

"Gods, she looks twitchy today." Solari muttered in an undertone to Granella. "I wonder what’s up?"

The bard sat down, surveying the room. Noticing the missing Amazons, and mentally counting. Twenty people for a hunting party? Her brow creased. If they were successful, they’d have enough game to last weeks. Maybe that was Arella’s idea...or maybe she thought her bunch were getting a little slap happy, and she though this was a good way to diffuse tension. Gabrielle liked that idea, and it even made her feel a little better about her chief nemesis. A little. But not much, because sure enough, here she came for her usual morning debate.

"Good morning, my queen." Arella greeted her, raising an eyebrow at the chair next to the bard, and receiving a little wave of her hand towards it. "Thanks." She seated herself, and murmured to the Amazon who came over with a pitcher of herbal tea. "Wind’s rising" She commented to Gabrielle.

"That’s true." The bard answered, trying to concentrate on her porridge. She had a sudden overwhelming wave of nostalgia for one of Xena’s odds and ends breakfasts, which, though unpredictable, were always tastier than this. "Is the hunting party going to be all right out in this weather?" More for something to say than because she was really curious.

"Sure" Arella reassured her. "There are boltholes throughout the hunting territory where they can take shelter." She took a bowl of the porridge from a server, and liberally poured honey into it. "Have you tried this in your breakfast?" she inquired, holding out the jar with a friendly grin. She knew by now that Gabrielle was not a morning person, and it was the best time to annoy her. In a nice sort of way.

The bard looked up, and grimaced. "Arella, I’ve tried every possible thing in this stuff, and it still tastes like ground up leather bits." She gave her a glance. "But thanks for asking." She took a long sip of tea to wash down the stuff, and gazed across the room. "Did we really need 20 people for a hunting party though?" She flashed a quick glance at Arella’s face, seeing the eyes go wary.

Well, well...so green eyes is more observant than I thought. "Well, we’re going after big game this time " And isn’t that the truth? I’m going to enjoy presenting the fruit of our hunt to you, my queen. "And the more people you send out when you do that, the safer they are." There, argue with that, storyteller.

Gabrielle cocked her head, and regarded her, those damnable eyes picking up her slightest reactions. "OK, if you say so." she answered, mildly. What is she up to now? A growing sense of unease made the thought of any more porridge unfeasible. "Well, that’s enough for me." she said in a normal voice, and pushed back her chair to stand up.

Arella stood up with her, and gave a nod of her head. "Careful of the weather, my queen - there’s a bad storm brewing... you don’t want to get caught out in it." Now, what made me say that? Do I still have a sneaking liking for this woman? I think I might. Pity.

Gabrielle leaned forward, and caught her gaze, surprising the redhead. The green eyes seemed especially intense, as she leaned even closer, and refused to release her for a very long moment. Then.. "Thanks for your concern, Arella. But storms and I are old acquaintances. It takes more than that to scare me off." And then she did a scary thing. For no reason that Arella could see, the queen smiled right into her eyes. Then she backed off, and left the table, and only then did Arella notice the new addition to the queen’s garb. A leather sheath, well worn, holding a finely crafted dagger, whose hilts were knicked by a dozen deflected sword strokes, and marked by a round distinctive seal

So. Arella thought, watching the queen stride out of the dining hall. So...she dons steel at last. And just where did she get that lovely, lovely piece of work? That’s no showpiece. That’s a killing blade, if I’ve ever seen one. Huh. Only one place that could have come from...I wonder... I better send word out to the Pass for them to be on their toes. And I’d better get my diversion started. She got out of her chair again and walked quickly to the door, almost colliding with Erika who was just coming in. "Watch it." she said, sliding past her.

"Hold on." Erika said, pulling her aside. "Did you see what she’s wearing?" She kept her voice low.

"Yeah, nice piece of work. Why?" Arella answered, keeping her voice down as well.

"You know whose that is?" the dark haired amazon hissed.

"Relax." the redhead soothed. "Yeah, I figured that out. I was about to send someone to the Pass. You up for it?"

"I’m gone." Erika said, ducking out of the door.

So. The tall Amazon mused. You like storms, do you, Gabrielle? All right. I’ll give you a storm. She strode across the middle ground, collecting a few of her favorites with a glance. They casually crossed over to meet her as she arrived in front of her quarters.

On the escarpment, in the rain...

At least twice an hour, Xena was convinced she had gone totally out of her mind. Just don’t look down. she kept reminding herself. Cautiously, she freed one hand grip, and reached above her for a new one, finding a bare crack to curl her fingertips into. Gaining a secure hold, she shifted her weight, and reached up with her other hand. For aching hours, one hold after another, she’d made her way up the sheer wall, mostly without incident, but there were several close calls, and one slip, which was very painful until she reached out and grabbed for a hold. And got lucky.

Two places where she could brace her back against the wall, and take a breather, for water, and to rest her arms and hands. Stubborn, huh? Oh yeah, am I ever. I gotta be nuts. She reminded herself once again, as she found her other hand hold, and lifted herself up, catching a foothold on a lower rock and moving further up the wall. If she had looked down, she would have seen that she was halfway, an unbelievable climb in wind and weather, and lack of sleep. But she didn’t look down. Down wasn’t important. Up was important. And up right now was an overhang, which was looking impossible to get over. But at the worst of times, it only took a moment of letting that cold nervous feeling that wasn’t hers surface, and somehow, she found a way.

I am going to do this. Her mind said, fiercely. I said if all the legions of Hades were between us, that wouldn’t stop me. What’s a little mountain? Move, Xena, before you get hit by one of those lightning bolts. She spotted a gnarled root extending from above the overhang, and stared at it. Let’s just see how stubborn I really am. She gathered herself, and sprang forward, releasing all her holds at once, and relying on just momentum, and her hand strength to save her.

It did, to her mild surprise, as she grabbed the root, and hung on, waiting for her body to stop swinging so she could pull herself up. And over, onto a tiny ledge, which gave her a moments respite. The wind cascaded around her, lashing her with rain from the lowering clouds. She sat quietly, letting the stinging water revive her. OK, let’s go.

The Amazon Village - midmorning...

"So, you’re up." Gabrielle said, as Ephiny walked into her quarters, looking rested, if still a bit sleepy.

"Mmm." Ephiny responded, then glanced at her. "So, I see you have a new adornment." She jerked her chin at the knife hanging from the queen’s belt.

"Yeah." the bard answered, absorbed in a treaty scroll. "I’ve been telling everyone that Xena found out I didn’t have a parchment opener, and this was her way of taking care of that little problem."

Ephiny snorted in laughter. "Really?"

"Yeah." Gabrielle answered, letting a weary grin cross her face. "It makes a good story."

She finished scribbling some notes on the treaty, and sat back, wincing at the stiffness in her back. Too much sitting around does that to you. Isn’t that what Xena always says? Gods, I hate when she’s always right. And how would she know? When does she ever sit still for more than an hour or so? She laughed to herself. Wonder what she’s up to right now? Probably whacking poor defenseless villagers with a staff, I bet.

They both looked up at a sudden commotion outside.

The escarpment...

Xena was in real trouble, this time. She had two decent handholds, but the rock she had been using as a foothold had cracked out from under her, and left her hanging, with no possibility of getting another grip. She closed her eyes, trying to ignore her strained breathing, the stinging rain, and the fiery ache in her shoulders. Well...now what? Her mind panted. She looked up, Nothing. A sheer wall, with no breaks in it. To her left, was a cleft, but there were no sure holds there, either. And above this section...she gritted her teeth. One last ledge, and she was at the top. So. Does it stop here? She took the chance and glanced down, barely able to make out the general shape of the forest below, let alone individual trees. Oh.. that’ll be deadly. Yep. I’ve come this far, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to just let go and die here. She looked up again, giving her head a quick shake to get the wet hair out of her eyes, and concentrating on the cleft.

One chance. One reliance on her ability to move her body through the air with precision. After a day and a half of non stop traveling. And in the rain. And...damn. I can do this. She closed her eyes, and centered herself, reaching down deep, and calling up reserves of strength. And of confidence. And, it was simple, really, just a winding up of the body, and a release, and...

And she was there, and had both feet in a secure hold, and could rest her screaming arms. Oh boy. I’m going to pay big time for this. But she didn’t care, because right above her was that last ledge, and before she had time to think about what she was doing, she leaped for it, and twisted in mid air, and there she was. Just like that. Like Ares had stepped out from behind a tree, and sprinkled her with dust. Whoa. She rested there for a few minutes, breathing hard, and pressing her body against the cold stone, to leach some of the trembling heat from her.

Then she stood, and hopped over the last rock, and there, before her, was the road. Gently winding up to the pass, which she could just make out through the trees. Sighing, she just stood on the side of the path, and let the now pouring rain run over her, rinsing off the rock dust, and rinsing away her fatigue. Then a wave of sudden fear almost took her knees out from under her, and when she could stand without shaking, she broke into a steady run, and headed for the pass.

The Amazon Village...

"Centaurs!" Came the yell from the middle ground, and both Ephiny and Gabrielle jumped to their feet, and headed for the door. Arella was striding across to meet them, holding a crossbow. "It’s happened." She spat, throwing the crossbow down at their feet. "Tell me that’s a mistake, then. Three arrows in one of our scouts, and from that bow."

Ephiny glanced at it. Centaur, no doubt there. "Maybe there was a mistake." she said quietly, tensely.

Arella laughed. "Yeah, our mistake, in trusting them. Look, if you want to have a chit chat with them, go ahead. I’m taking a force in. "

And she was gone, and they were looking at each other, as Arella’s forces moved out at a trot, leaving behind a bewildered group of Amazons.

"They can’t do that." Gabrielle fumed. "We have to stop them." She ducked back into her quarters for her staff, and took off after them, but Ephiny grabbed her.

"Just where do you think you’re going?" She yelled, pulling the bard to a halt. Not as easy as she had expected, though, and she found herself being dragged a few steps. "Gabrielle!"

The bard whirled on her. "I’m going to stop Arella. What does it look like? Does anyone else here want to go?" Her green eyes flashed, and there was a fire about her that Ephiny had never seen before. "Let me go." she growled at Ephiny.

"All right.. all right.." Ephiny yelled. "Let me get my weapons, for the sake of the gods, Gabrielle, you can’t do down there alone. Don’t be crazy!" She pelted for her quarters, being joined in a run by Granella and Solari, and a few others who now started moving.

Gabrielle didn’t wait. She had marked the direction Arella’s group was moving in, and took off after them, running lightly, and keeping her staff out in front of her. After a moment, she realized someone was shadowing her, and turned her head. "Cait! Go back!" she said, startled.

The blond girl kept pace, and shook her head. "It’s all right."

"NO.." the bard snapped, stopping, and grabbing her shoulders. "You’re just a girl, Cait - you don’t belong in this."

Cait reached out and touched her, meeting her eyes. "You’re wrong... it’s you who doesn’t belong." She drew her own knife, and met Gabrielle’s eyes, letting through in her gaze what she thought of as her true self. And saw, not a cringe, but a recognition dawn in the bards eyes. Who had seen that look before. And knew it’s source.

Gabrielle took a deep breath, then sighed. "Come on." she said, quietly, and started running again, Cait at her shoulder.

The Pass...

Xena loped up the path, keeping a steady fast pace up the trail. Before her was the pass, and after that, it was downhill to the village, and she knew she could make some real time there. She was just inside the inner pass wall when her senses came full alert, and before she had time to think, long honed reactions had her sword out in her hand.

Because a net dropped over her head, and only the slimmest chance kept the sword upmost, and it sliced through the hemp like butter as she whirled, and the netting settled around her broad shoulders.

A quick bouncing jump, and it cleared her legs, and then she was under a dozen bodies, and being borne down to the ground. But as her hand hit the earth, she coiled under the weight, and pushed back up, tossing bodies off. A sharp pain in her back was a knife, she knew, and she reached around with her left hand and got a grip on fabric, and pulled with all the power she had in that arm. The pain stopped, and a body hurtled over her head and thudded onto the ground.

Now she could see her assailants. Amazons. A burning fire woke inside her, and the next move was a sword slash, which caught one of them in the belly and nearly cut her in half. A quick elbow took out a second, and she heard bone crunch as she kicked at third into a tree. Another sword slash, and blood was flying, and she had an arm in her grasp, which she wrenched and heard a popping sound as the shoulder it was attached to dislocated.

A jump, and kick, and now there were only 10 facing her, and she whirled her sword, and laughed, and dared them to come at her. And the rain exploded in a deluge, as she bolted towards them, and they ran, and she caught two of them, and knocked their heads together with a sickening crack. And then she was alone on the path, chest heaving, blood now coloring the rain running off her back. And the fear rising in her made her heart pound even faster, and she took off running again.

The Centaur Village...

"This is chaos!" Gabrielle yelled, as she and Cait rounded the corner into the village, and found it a nightmare of blowing rain, and fighting centaurs and Amazons. She saw an Amazon about to fire a crossbow at a Centaur, and bolted forward, slamming her staff across the Amazon’s back and sending her to the ground. The Centaur looked at her, then nodded in recognition, and dashed off.

Oh gods... what am I doing here? She stopped thinking, and started reacting, as another Amazon came at her with blood in their eyes, and then she had dropped the staff, and was grappling with the woman, thanking the gods for every single second that Xena had patiently spent teaching her how to wrestle. She grabbed her opponents arm, and twisted it over her head, throwing the Amazon to the ground with a heavy thud. One down. She grabbed her staff and ran on, targeting another archer.

The Amazon Village...

"Oh, I don’t think so, Ephiny." Erika sneered, as she cocked her crossbow, and pinned Ephiny and her group to the wall with a line of crossbows. "Not this time. Now is our time. Just stay still... you won’t have to do a thing." She jerked her head at two of her subordinates. "Tie them up."

"Erika.." Ephiny started, but Erika turned suddenly, and cracked her across the jaw with the butt of her crossbow, tossing the woman back into the wall.

"Shut up." She grinned. "I’ve been wanting to say that to you for a long time." She watched as they were tied, hanging from a pole outside the dining hall. "And, when our ‘hunting’ party gets back, we can have them tell you all about the hunt..." she smiled. "You’ll love it. Do you know what the quarry was this time, Ephiny? Do you?"

Solari grimaced. "You’re itching to tell us, so why don’t you?" She spat. "You’ll never get away with this."

Erika chuckled. "Oh yeah, we will...because our hunting party was out for ex warlord...and you know what that means...our little queen has no champion. " She walked over, and poked Ephiny. "And so... we’ll have a new queen."

A high pitched whistling sound interrupted her. Ephiny heard it, and felt a wild hope jump in her chest. I know that sound....an impact thudded above her head, and then she felt her ropes give way, and she dropped to her knees in reaction, along with the rest of her group, but looked up and over their shoulders, to see, through the curtain of rain, and briefly highlighted by a nightmarish lightning bolt a fast moving, dark clad form bounding towards them.

Erika whirled, and her group brought up their weapons, but her eyes widened in recognition when another lightning bolt lit up the sky, and reflected off an upraised sword, and glinted out of a pair of ice blue eyes.

"Come on." Ephiny growled, and jumped forward. "She doesn’t have time to play with these idiots. Get them." And herself took out Erika, with a kick that lifted the dark haired Amazon up and tossed her into the growing mud lake. Her group fell to with a vengeance, and she headed for Xena, and grabbed hold of her armor, pulling the warrior to a stop.

"Centaur Village." She yelled, seeing comprehension dawn in those wild eyes. "I’ve got this here... for the love of the gods, GO!" She shoved Xena in the right direction, and picked up a staff, wading into the fight with a will.

Centaur Village...

Gabrielle ducked under a wildly thrown punch, and countered with a quick staff blow, then a second, and went on to the next fighter. Suddenly she saw her nightmare - a group of centaur children, backed against a tree, frightened. Her heart stopped, when she saw what was facing them.

Arella, face red with bloodlust, holding a sword already dripping with Centaur blood. She laughed, and advanced towards them, enjoying the fear in their eyes.

"No." Gabrielle breathed, and started running. She caught up to Arella as the woman was about to take a first swing at the eldest, who crouched in front of his charges, pale eyes wide and unbelieving. The bard braced herself, and swung, a short, powerful stroke that took Arella’s legs out at the knees, and dumped her on the ground.

She howled in rage, and bounced back up, this time facing her attacker. And laughed. "Ah...so you do have guts, after all. I wondered about that." She picked up a staff and sheathed her sword for the moment. "First, let me get that thing away from you. I have no desire to be dumped on my ass again." She swung forward, slamming her staff against Gabrielle’s expecting it to fly out of the bard’s hands.

"Sorry, Arella." the smaller woman breathed. "My usual sparring partner can do better than that."

Arella grunted, but then smiled. "Sorry, little bard, your usual sparring partner will be dead by now... because that’s what my hunting party was after." She smiled, seeing the change in Gabrielle’s face. "Yeah, that’s right... you’re all alone now...so drop the staff, before I mount you on it."

Was it possible? Gabrielle felt a sick feeling in her gut. Anything was. But..."What with.. .twenty Amazons?" She peeled her lips back in a grin. "You think that could stop her?" she laughed softly. "You have no idea." And she parried forward, knocking Arella’s staff out of position, and getting in a hit on her shoulder.

"Oh, I have a good idea." Arella growled, and came back, slamming her staff into the bard, and driving her back a step.

"No.. you don’t." Gabrielle panted, knocking that blow aside, and thrusting forward to catch the redhead in the knee. "You’re a coward. You didn’t dare challenge her, so you found another way to get what you so desperately want." And I so desperately don’t want. It would be funny if it wasn’t so dire.

A low growl was her only answer, and then the redhead moved forward with a fast series of attacks, driving Gabrielle back towards the Centaur children. But the bard was stubborn, and kept turning her blows aside, and countering with ones of her own. I can’t keep this up forever, though. Her mind whirled. I’m getting really tired. Then what? Hades.

Arella sensed her tiring, and bounded forward, at last getting the staff out of her hands. She whipped her weapon around, catching the bard across the head, and taking her down. She stepped over her, and raised her staff for a savage stab. And a small flying form drove against her, knocking her back, and making her stumble. She roared, and slammed a fist against a small blond head, smashing her against the nearby tree.

Gabrielle felt a red wash come over her vision, as she struggled to get up, and felt Cait’s form slide down the tree next to her. She shook her head to clear her vision, and then wished she didn’t. Because Arella was bracing herself, and cocking a Centaur crossbow. Oh...her mind went into shock. She’s going to kill me.

"That’s right, green eyes. " Arella said, getting the quarrel cocked. properly. "I am, and with a Centaur weapon, so we won’t have any more of these treaties, and peace, and good will. We’ll have war, and that’s what we want, Gabrielle... why can’t you understand that?"

"Because violence isn’t the way." She answered, rising up on her knees, and motioning the centaur children to keep down. They cowered around her, gazing up at her with frightened eyes. "Because there’s a better way to live."

"No." Arella answered, raising the bow. "You’re wrong. There is no better way, no better feeling than this." She aimed, expecting the queen to beg. Expecting her to flinch, or duck, or turn her head from the cruel arrowhead. But the eyes never turned from hers, never blinked, and she held that gaze as Arella’s finger tightened on the release, and squeezed.

#xena #xena warrior princess #xena/gabrielle #xena/gabrielle fanfiction #xwp #pg-13 #femslash #fanfiction #author: melissa good

[followmetoyourdoom]

Survival of the Fittest

HAPPY LATE IRISTO WEEKEND Y’ALL

*screeches* I wanted to do so much more for Iristo Weekend but *gestures at uni work and actual work* Anyway I used the prompts Snowstorm, Watermelon, and kiiiiiiind of Role Reversal here since... well you’ll see at the end :3

A spell goes awry and ends up causing both Iris and Mephisto to be trapped in a cave, closed off by an avalanche.

Read it on ao3 or below:

The twins were back to back, the snow storm they'd called up on the mountainside billowing around them and making it hard for both them and the girls to see. Once again, another plan they hadn't really thought through properly.

Iris was facing off against Mephisto, her shield up as he pelted her with dark crystals.

Praxina and the other two girls were exchanging magic, shields going up left right and centre, neither side gaining ground.

But the older twin had had enough. It was cold, she wasn't meant for cold.

"Mephisto! Now!" she called, grabbing his hand. Mephisto nodded and raised it when she did. Their magic grew and mixed together, sparking above them.

Iris squinted through the snow. She had no idea what was going on.

Auriana on the other hand spotted the magic and put one of her shields up just as the twins cried out: "Amoveo magus!"

The spell shot in both directions, hitting Iris square in the chest on Mephisto's side and rebounding off Auriana's shield on Praxina's.

"ARGH! Stop doing that!" Praxina complained, moving out of the way before the spell hit her.

"I did it, Prax! I-" and that's when the spell hit his back.

It sent him flying, the dark magic not reacting well with his own and he crashed into Iris, both of them ending up tumbling into a nearby cave.

They both grumbled in a pile of limbs and snow, trying to come to their senses.

But before they could, the mountain above them rumbled loudly and within seconds snow and lose rock fell all around, covering up the only exit from the cave and plunging them into darkness.

Mephisto shrieked and held onto Iris despite himself.

"Get off me!" she complained, rubbing her head and trying to detangle herself from him, but he clung desperately to her arm until she shook him off.

"Nononononono this wasn't supposed to happen I can't- I can't use my magic and it's dark and we're trapped and oh Melzors. PRAXINA!! PRAXINA, GET ME OUT OF HERE! PRAXINA PLEASE!!"

"Calm down," Iris muttered, trying to use her own magic. "I'll have us out in a-" but nothing happened. "What did... what did you do to me?"

But Mephisto was in no state of mind to answer and had now wrapped his arms around his legs.

"Let me out, get me out, please, you have to let me out, idontlikethisidontli-" he stopped muttering abruptly as Iris put her hand on his arm, realising something was seriously wrong with him.

"Mephisto?"

Her necklace began to glow and Mephisto lifted his head up, drinking in the light while it lasted. Just before it faded, Iris could just about make out the tears on his face.

She blinked, rather taken aback.

"C-can you make it-" he sniffled up, "-make it do that again?" he asked quietly, voice trembling. "...Please?"

"I...I don't know..."

Mephisto whined and buried his face in his arms again. "We're gonna die."

"We're not going to die," Iris said sternly, fishing for her phone in her pocket. As soon as she turned the screen on, Mephisto shuffled closer.

"You can keep this on, right?"

Iris frowned when she saw there was no signal. "Only as long as the battery lasts. And we should conserve it."

"Oh who made you an expert on wilderness survival," he said bitterly, wanting to hoard the light to himself, moving to take it then grumbling when Iris held it out of reach.

"...The girl scouts, actually." Iris told him.

Mephisto snorted. "Sounds pathetic." His leg twitches nervously and he tried to focus on his foul mood to distract himself from breaking down again. "As if humans would know about surviving any kind of hardships."

Iris just stared at him. "Humans have to deal with a lot more than you know."

"Oh please, like what?"

"You for starters," she shot at him, "whenever you try to kidnap me and Talia and Auriana in broad daylight. But," she continued before he could butt in, "they also have to deal with war, and famine, and loss-" she listed them off on her fingers- "and heartbreak, and death, and torture..." Mephisto flinched at that last one. "You're not the only one to go through those things," she said, more gently now. "And there's people you can talk about it to if you want to."

Mephisto looked at her in the dim light of her phone. "Like you?"

"Like me."

He was close, ever so close to opening up... but then the phone screen shut off and Mephisto panicked, reaching above Iris' head for it and sending her toppling backwards.

Iris squeezed her eyes shut and waited for her head to crack against solid ground, but it never came.

Mephisto landed on top of her, oblivious, and continued to reach for the phone.

"MEPHISTO!" she screeched, scrambling for something to hold onto and whacking Mephisto in the face with the phone by accident.

"OW! What the Klatznik, Princess?!?!?!?!" The villain abandoned attempts to grab the phone and sat up, lifting his hands to his face, whining as he felt blood. He really hoped she hadn't broken his nose.

Without Mephisto's weight on top of her, Iris began tilting backwards and she snatched at Mephisto's shirt in front of her, calling out again and trying to save herself.

All of a sudden she stopped falling, a strong hand around her forearm tugging her back onto her knees.

Iris couldn't see, but then she didn't have to to know it was Mephisto who had saved her. He was the only one there after all.

"Thank you," she murmured, in slight disbelief. "I don't-"

"Turn the light back on," Mephisto said quickly, trying to convince himself that was the only reason he'd saved her. "Before we go falling down another hole."

She did so and cast its light into the chasm behind her.

It didn't even reach the bottom.

"Do you have a mirror?" Mephisto asked, hands on his face, trying to work out how much of his face Iris had broken.

Iris shook her head then handed her phone to him. "Here hold this up to your face and I'll check it for you." When Mephisto gave her a weird look she rolled her eyes. "I might as well to stop you moaning about it."

"Fine." He held the phone under his chin, illuminating his face.

Iris grimaced. Mephisto was indeed bleeding, but not from his nose as he'd feared. He had a bust lip. She sighed and moved to wipe the blood off his bottom lip but he flinched away. "I'm not going to hurt you," she promised. "I'm wiping the blood off."

Mephisto's free hand went up, "Where am I bleeding from?!?!?" He smeared the blood across his face.

"Just your lip," she caught his hand, "and you're making it worse."

"Just my lip?!?! That's not a just, Princess that's-" he stopped abruptly as Iris skimmed her thumb across his bottom lip, catching the blood.

Fumbling for something in her pocket, Iris didn't notice how Mephisto was looking at her. He couldn't remember a time when he'd been touched so tenderly before, not even when he was younger and his sister had always been the one to pick him back up off the ground when he fell.

"Here," Iris broke his trance, holding up a stick of something.

"What is that?" Mephisto asked warily.

She rolled it up to show him. "Lip balm, it's for chapped lips so it might help sooth yours? I'm not sure," she admitted.

Mephisto sighed. "Yeah sure you might as well."

Iris nodded and touched the lip balm to his lips, making Mephisto jump. She caught his chin, "Stay still then," she told him, swiftly running the stick along his lips.

Although he winced when it came into contact with his cut, Mephisto did try to stay as still as possible, tongue darting out quickly at one point. "It tastes weird," he frowned, licking it again until Iris bapped his nose with the lip balm.

"Stop licking it off, it's watermelon flavoured that's why it tastes nice. It's my favourite so be grateful I'm letting you use it."

Mephisto smirked as Iris went back to applying it.

"Hey! Stop moving," though she was smiling too now, her own lips catching in the light of the phone.

With a start Mephisto realised this was what Iris' lips tasted like.

Not that he'd ever thought about kissing her before, of course not. Why on Ephedia would he ever do that? But even he couldn't deny he was staring at her.

And soon Iris noticed too.

"Are you okay?" she asked, giving him a strange look, "your cheeks are going all red."

He pulled away sharply. "I think I've got enough on now," he had to really fight the urge to dart his tongue out again, "and it's probably the cold."

Iris nodded.

Mephisto watched her put it back in her pocket, then shone the phone light outwards towards where they'd flown in. All he could see was a pile of snow. "Hey so about saving this light… I think I get why now."

Turning her head, Iris winced. "Yup, that's a cave in alright."

"So what do we do, Miss Expert On Wilderness Survival?" Mephisto asked sarcastically, though he licked his lips afterwards while Iris wasn't looking.

She held her hand out for the phone, Mephisto handing it over to her rather reluctantly.

"You know, I could just keep you in here," Mephisto contemplated. "It's a good a trap as any and I'm sure Gramorr would be extra grateful if I delivered you to him without your magic. I'd get a promotion for sure!"

Iris rolled her eyes. "Is that all you care about?"

"Well no, I care about taking over Ephedia with Praxina and Gramorr too," Mephisto helpfully pointed out.

"Mhm, and how are you going to do that from in here when I'm the one with the torch?"

Mephisto glupped, fearing she'd turn it off. "Point taken." He grumbled and held his hand out. "Not enemies until we get out of here?"

"How about 'friends'?" Iris tried.

"Until we get out of here," he added, grinning when she shook his hand. A friend! He'd never had a friend before. Then he scolded himself. Because of course, she wasn't an actual friend, they were just working together that's all. Like they had done that one time before, after which Mephisto had started taking Iris seriously and, even though he wouldn't admit it to himself, had started to develop a crush on her.

Knowing how her lips would taste was not helping.

Iris' echoing steps on the stone floor caught his attention and he realised with a start that the light was pretty far away now.

He sprung to his feet and hurried to the snow wall where Iris was crouched down. He plucked the phone out of her hand with ease and lifted it aloft. He whistled. "It goes up quite a way, to the very top in fact. As in there's no way out. At all." He cleared his throat, trying to hide the fear in his voice, not very successfully.

"Don't worry," Iris reassured him. "They'll find us. Your sister and my friends both. Locatum spell, remember? Then they can just blast through the snow. It's too loose down here to dig through. It'd just collapse on us."

Mephisto stretched up with his free hand and scratched at the highest part of the wall he could reach. "Yeah it's loose here too."

Iris made the mistake of looking up. The snow Mephisto had scratched off fell into her eyes and she blinked rapidly, not focusing on what she was actually looking at. Which was another big mistake considering it was quite a nice sight.

"A-are you checking out my butt, Princess?"

Blinking out the last of the snow, Iris found she was indeed, if by accident.

She quickly dropped her gaze, ignoring the voice in her head that had very much appreciated what she'd seen. "You dropped snow in my eyes, I couldn't see," she muttered, cheeks red.

"Oh." Mephisto sounded almost disappointed. "So now what?" he asked, gesturing at the snow wall. "Can't you use this," he waved the phone around, "to call someone."

Iris stood up, very carefully not looking at him, and peered at the screen. "No signal, so no."

"So we just wait?" Mephisto said with disgust. "All I ever do normally is wait for one of you princesses to do something interesting and now I'm stuck in here with you! Urgh, maybe I'll die of boredom before I die from the cold."

"You're not exactly my first choice to be stuck in a cave with either," Iris muttered, stealing her phone back again and carefully making her way to the back of the cave. "We could try to find another entrance," she told him, "but that'd take energy out of us… How long does this anti-magic spell last?"

Mephisto shrugged, following her so he didn't lose the light. "A few hours maybe? I don't know how Earth time works."

Iris nodded thoughtfully. "I say we wait it out then."

She settled herself down on the floor away from the chasm and patted the floor next to her, Mephisto joining her moments later.

He immediately complained about the cold and took his cape off to sit on. At first he only rolled it up big enough for himself but, on catching Iris shivering, undid the last fold and placed it on the ground. "There, now we won't freeze our butts off," he muttered.

"So considerate," Iris giggled, moving onto it.

Mephisto rolled his eyes and sat on the edge of it. "Don't get used to it."

Eventually the pair started chatting casually, the awkward moment from earlier in the back of their minds. Iris didn't even notice they'd managed to shuffle closer and closer together until she bumped shoulders with him.

"Heh, sorry," Iris drew back a little, wincing as she checked the battery life on her phone - 12%. "Hey is your magic back yet?"

Mephisto tried to summon his magic circle with little success. "Nope. Yours?"

"No…" Iris sighed after attempting to do the same.

Gulping, Mephisto tried not to let the worry show on his face. If he had to face being in the dark again, especially without his magic… He didn't really want to consider what sort of mindset he'd fall into if-

Iris placed her hand on his comfortingly, tearing him away from his thoughts. "It'll be okay," she reassured him. "Can't be much longer after all."

And so when Iris's phone ran out of battery, Mephisto tried to remain calm, clutching onto the hand Iris had left in his. "You're so cold," he whispered, feeling a little guilty since he had gloves on and she didn't. "Give me your other hand." Iris did so and Mephisto enclosed both in his, covering them completely. "Better?" he asked, glad for a distraction.

"Much, thank you." She smiled in the darkness, grateful Mephisto couldn't see her blush.

She tried to convince herself this was just to keep warm, that he couldn't mean anything by this. Besides, he was the enemy, and she was with Nathaniel. Though she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be with someone she could be herself with.

Someone she didn't have to lie to to keep safe, someone that could keep up with her on so many levels.

As yet more time passed and the pair started getting closer together, both for warmth and comfort, Iris started to worry more and more about their chances of survival. She hadn't even considered them not making it out of this, that ever consistent ball of optimism inside of her failing fast the more she shivered, the more hunger pains stabbed her.

Mephisto was shaking almost constantly now, both out of fear and from the cold.

Iris' necklace would light up from time to time, as if she didn't already know there was a person in need near her. And while Mephisto would drink this light in, Iris would get more and more frustrated every time.

By the fifth time it shone, Iris snatched it off her neck angrily. "There's nothing I can do, okay?" she told it, ignoring Mephisto despite how close he was. "I can't help either of us right now, I'm useless, so stop reminding me!" She dissolved into tears, pendant slipping out of her hands as she buried her face in them.

It landed in Mephisto's lap and his fingers reached for it automatically. Right there was the key to his future, the key to Gramorr wining and taking over Ephedia.

When Iris felt careful fingers at her neck, her head jerked up.

"Relax, Princess," Mephisto muttered, "I'm just making sure you don't lose your charm. You'll need it when your magic returns." He fastened it rather clumsily, running his finger under it afterwards to check it wasn't going to fall off. "There."

Iris whispered a thank you, rubbing the tears off her face. Shakily, she placed her head on his shoulder. "Is this okay?" she asked, "I kind of need someone to lean on right now."

He took her hands in his again. "It's perfect," he replied, truly meaning it. They both needed some comfort at this time. "Besides," Mephisto cleared his throat, trying to ignore the pitter patter of his heart, "gotta share body warmth huh?" Yes. That's all this was.

"Sure." Iris smiled, wondering if it could be more than that.

"I guess I was wrong with the timing of the spell, sorry," Mephisto muttered, wishing either one of them had their magic back. "I don't suppose you have any food in your pockets?"

Iris bit her lip, her own hunger gnawing at her stomach. "No, sorry."

Mephisto whined. He hadn't eaten since the previous day, and even then that hadn't been much, just a sandwich he'd managed to steal from an unsuspecting middle aged businessman. And it had been mostly salad. He was already feeling light headed from the lack of glucose.

And so it was unsurprising, at least to him, when he felt himself slipping and he slumped against Iris, hands holding hers going limp.

"Mephisto ow, get off… Mephisto?" she shook him gently, harder when she got no response.

The panic set in and her necklace glowed even stronger this time if possible, allowing Iris to see how unnaturally pale he looked, almost sickly, even in the bright pink light.

"Stop it, I can't do anything!" she cried, trying to wake Mephisto up, desperately wrapping him in his own cape. Even if he was her enemy, she didn't want him to die. She didn't want this to be the end. Not to mention what Praxina would do if he did. Iris didn't even want to think about it, didn't even want to imagine facing such grief fueled fury - and she hoped she never would.

The glow of her necklace grew and grew, engulfing the pair in a bright pink light. When it cleared, Iris was in her shanila mode, hair shining above her and rocks reflecting the light all around her.

One blast of magic at the snow wall shot the entire contents outwards, the mountain above them rumbling menacingly.

Quickly, Iris picked Mephisto up as if he weighed nothing, holding him in her arms, then teleported outside the cave. She watched as yet more snow fell down the mountain and sealed it up once again.

A moan from her arms caught her attention and she glanced down at Mephisto. "Oh I did die then," he muttered, "didn't know I'd lie with the stars though… that's nice."

Iris destransformed and fell under Mephisto's weight, both of them ending up in the snow.

Mephisto screeched, the cold stunning him awake, and sprang to his feet. "WHAT THE KLA- Iris?" he looked around for her, making a strange noise at the back of his throat when he saw her buried in the snow. It wasn't long before she was in his arms, shivering and holding on to him tightly despite his cape that was wrapped around her.

"We s-should… should l-leave," she mumbled, tugging the cape tightly around her.

But before they could, a gem appeared in front of them, a brilliant dazzling green one, the exact same colour of Mephisto's eyes.

#iristo #iristo weekend #lolirock #mephiris #hurt/comfort #my writing

[namjoonchronicles]

[Final: Yongguk Ver.] Tumbleweed, Her (M)#20 -  [BAP] Mafia!Au

[A/N] Come to me, papi. I wrote three version of these, so it might get over lap somewhere because no one in this world writes three endings to a fanfic before. Tell me the version you liked.

Sometimes, painful things can teach us a lesson we didn’t think we needed to know. And of all the wretched things that happened, two made its mark on you. Two of it, of which, you will never forget.

People are lessons in disguise and every each that came into your life, meant to teach you something. Either it is about you, or about them, but there’s always something. Rage is never the solution, but it was the only way you could think of.

And in this final chapter, it started with a broken windshield of a black tinted car by a baseball bat that you held in your hands. You stand dignified on top of the hood of a car you knew belong to Jongup’s clan.

“She’s at it again.” The old lady who sells roasted chestnut by this road would shake her head. “When will she learn that it’s a dangerous path she’s walking in.” She added, and the men in suits would just look at you. And you were aware of this eyes that knows only to judge, but never understand-- you continued your assaults to that car, breaking every shard of glasses on it, the side mirrors, anything you can get your hands to. The younger one in suits hisses, and lunges over to you only to be stopped in his track by his senior.

“That’s our car!” He roared.

Yongguk came from the roadside in his black singlet and army trousers, grabbed your waist from behind and forcefully take the bat from you as you groaned. “This needs to stop.” He raised his voice a little but you were clearly unaffected by it. “I’m fetching Junhong from college but you need to come home first.” He said. You climbed into his jeep wordlessly, stern look in your eyes and Yongguk just blinks to the side when he got in.

He inserted the car key into the jack but before he twisted them, you crossed your arm. “This would have been easier if you tell me where the fuck he is.” You hissed. “You think he’s going to pop up anywhere if you’re behaving like this? That’s the third car this month.” You heard him say. “I made a promise I can’t break.” If Yongguk were to describe you in one word, it would have easily been, ‘Stubborn’.

The calm after the storm that never came. The wound that never got to heal. The heartbreak that never regain its full form. The missing pieces that remained unfound.

To every beginning, there will be an end. But will the hollow, be fulfilled?

“That was some sleep.” You heard him say in his deep voice, a smile upon his face, the little crinkle in his eyes.

That’s right. You’re in Yongguk’s house. Months passed and the wounds are still fresh. The images are still vivid and their tattooed in your heart. And in your mind.

Tattoos.

As Yongguk brushed the strand away from your hair, and hook them behind your ear, he leans in to see better. “The cuts are closing up prettily. Doctor said you should not eat eggs, prawns, any processed meat for the time being. So no sausages, even though I know you’re crazy for them.” Yongguk straightens in his seat.

You brought yourself up, gently, feeling particularly light headed due to the blood not reaching it’s full speed. “Yongguk.” You breathed his name so gently, he looks up at you, with wondering eyes. “All I do is trouble you. I am forever in-debt to you, and I’m sorry for everything, for every minute of your life, ruined because of me. I only cause you havoc.” You started and the words tumbling out of your mouth uncontrollably.

“Don’t say a word...please, just stop.” Yongguk starts to shuffle in his seat, shaking his head while you set your feet next to the bed he put you in, ready to leave it. “Let me finish!” You roared. You held him by the intense gaze you gave him. “I’ve hurt you enough, haven’t I? Why are you still here, then?” You asked him.

It sting him. The words ,they stung him. Yongguk gave the floor a bitter smile, a little shake of his head. “You’re right. Why the fuck am I still here.” He gave a sad chuckle and he drops his head before giving you a glance that made your stomach flipped. “I’ve been to a lot of places. I’ve meet thousands of girls. And truth be told, and I’m not one to brag, but I can get any girls I want…”

“--then go! Go and get other girls if you want it so bad!” You challenged him. But he got up, towering you while you sat on the edge of the bed, a tinge of fear in your eyes, when Yongguk hissed in your face, “But I don’t want that! I don’t want other. Girls....It’s not as simple as that, okay. My feelings are not a switch. They’re not interchangeable. They’re not something you give away and forget. I’m not like you. I wish they were, but they’re not. Because, honestly.  Between you and me. My heart wants what it wants.” He straightens up, he bit his lips and backs away from you, walking backwards.

“And it wants you,” he spins and walked out, and he yells, “...and it fucking! Still wants you!”

Yongguk is a beautiful person. He is. He has always been kind, protective, mature in his decisions. He is the kind of person that get hurts time and time again, and still comes back for more. His genuine heart was yours to take. It still is, even after all the hell he’s been through because of you. But like he said, the heart wants what it wants. But your expectation was wrong. He didn’t come back for the hurt. He came back because you were home. You were his home. His entire fucking everything. It didn’t matter if you didn’t love him. Every words he had ever said.

Love. “You’re the only one I care about.” “I’d spent my days with you, and no one else.” “One of my tattoos are dedicated to you. Maybe one day I’ll show you where it is.”

Hate. “Why did you do that?” “So that’s it, now we’re done? Don’t I mean anything to you?” “If that’s what you think is best for us. Fine.”

You jumped out of bed, realizing that if you lose him now, you’ll lose him forever. There’s no saying on how long he’ll stay patient with you. You tested the waters, and he’s over the edge.

The fridge door is opened and closed and you were relieved to see his semi tattooed back, covered by the black singlet he had been wearing as he pour himself some cold beverages. He is angry, but not angry enough to leave the house. The apartment he lend you. He visibly breathed in and exhaled hard, a loud exasperated and tired sigh. His shoulders rise and fall and you can’t help but empathize him. He deserved more than this. He deserved a genuine heart and soul that loves him for him. “I cannot pretend, Yongguk.I simply cannot.” You thought as you stared to his back.

You were standing by the door sill when you came to see a couple of opened envelopes on the side table, next to the bed. “Choi Junhong tuition fees has been in full.” The letter starts. Behind it, was a handwritten letter from your mother. “...thank you for all the help you’ve given over the course of my daughter missing. You have a lot in your hands, don’t you?”

Had he been paying Junhong, his tuition fees? It looked like it. Had he been catering to your mother? Those letters can’t be lying.

Now let’s be entirely honest. Where else can you find a man foolish enough to do that much for you?

Yongguk sips the cold water and had been facing the tiled wall of the kitchen, his thoughts blank. “Yongguk…” You breathed his name and he turned around to you wrapping your arms around his neck, bringing him closer to you, by the lips and you kissed him. He responded in a surprised but muffled moan before he parted his lips to make way for your eager tongue to enter his cavern. He had his hands holding each side of your hip in place, but as the kiss deepens, he wrapped his strong pair of arms around your waist to feel more of you. And he asked you, “Really?”

You nodded, eagerly. “Let’s start again. Let’s give ourselves another try.”

He looks puzzled. “Why so suddenly?”

“Damn it, Yongguk. Take what’s already given.” You scolded him, pulling his face into yours so you could roughly kiss him again. But something changed in Yongguk’s dark brown eyes. “Is this one of your tricks?” He threw the mood away. And he had all the rights to.

You slid your hand down one side of his delectable face and his chest.  “I will never find another love like yours. Ever.”

-----

Junhong is in complete contrast to what he used to be. Rumor started spreading on how he used to be in mafia. And that has given him unneeded attentions and friends. Back in the days, being in a mafia is something frowned upon on. But nowadays, it’s something that even polices find considerably, not bothersome. Since they’ve come to an agreement that they will refrain from committing serious crimes, it’s all good. But of course, Junhong is no longer apart of that.

And of course, he felt uneasy eyes around him. Boys and girls alike. But your constant calls and texts didn’t make college life too lonely. Sometimes Bang Yongguk would stop by to pass him lunch and everyone in the college knows that Yongguk’s a lieutenant. So that fact may have contributed to a handful of friends who deemed Junhong as harmless.

“Anyone trying to poke around?” Yongguk asked, as his eyes crinkles into crescents. Smiling at Junhong’s who is lazily dragging his feet to Yongguk’s car. “No one dared.” Junhong grins and Yongguk threw his arm around the boy’s neck, jokingly. “What did she cook for dinner?” Junhong asked as he climbed in. “Her favourite. As usual. You think you mattered in her life? Dream on, lad. She only cares about me.” Yongguk boastfully said.

He meant it as a joke, of course.

-----

Rushing to and fro the dining table and the kitchen, you ensured everything is in place before the two arrives. The television left on, with the volumes low helps you shake any unwanted anxieties. Bringing the hot pot of beef soup pass the wall where all the family portraits are, you accidentally tilted one frame. Just slightly. You tutted your tongue and set the pot on the middle of the table where the bowl were turned upside down until Junhong and Yongguk arrive. You rubbed your hands on your apron and went back to tilted frame.

As you fix the edges, to a perfect form, your eyes glided to the torn wallpaper hidden behind it. You ran your fingers on top of the flaps, slowly trying to recover the dull color the original wall had. “Giving the wall a new face don’t exactly erase the events that it had witnessed, would it?” You thought. Yongguk spent days, scrubbing off the droplets of blood that spattered on them. Weeks, for the smell to disappear. Another two weeks, to put on this wallpaper. Junhong helped to. So many people would ask, why would you still live here, knowing fully well of what happened here?

Because you’re unafraid. There’s absolutely, no reason to be.

And slowly, the sound from the television seeps into your soul while your eyes dances on the pictures on the wall, memorizing faces. Bang Yongguk has an attractive smile line. Junhong tends to crinkle his eyes, and is unable to take serious pictures. He is basically a giant-sized baby, demanding attentions every now and then. But can you blame him? He had his youth taken away from him. The news anchor voice of what started as an ambience, started to become clearer and clearer.

“...President Kim who won his election, fair and square brought his only son, Kim Himchan to the parliament dinner, looking sharp in suits. The duo is accompanied by the honorary secretary of the National Security, Mr. Park Hwang Soon and his wife, to discuss the future well-being of the country.” You turned your attention to the screen.

And then your eyes caught something, no– someone. Ding-dong

Just as the doorbells rang, and it pulled your attentions away from the screen, reluctantly. “Coming!” You sped to the front door and yanked them open where Youngjae stood with a bouquet of flowers and some fruits. “I got here too early didn’t I?” Youngjae’s face crumples into a hesitant smile. You beamed back, “Yongguk wouldn’t mind me having someone around. He dreaded the fact that he had to live me alone to set the dinner up… he’d be thrilled to have you here.”

Youngjae’s eyes wander around the apartment and he notices that it had a few changes since the last time he was here.

The wind struck your hair, as you look ahead to the view of your verandah. Youngjae brought himself next to you, resting his elbows on the handrails, smiling. “What could you be thinking about on this lovely, cloudless evening.” He said, leaning to one side of his body, so he could face your side. After a minute long of silence, you blinked and something changed in your eyes. “I need your help. And I know that Yongguk told you where he is,” and at this, Youngjae was already moving away. “Please, Yoo Youngjae, I need to see him.” You begged, tugging his sleeves.

Youngjae gaze deep into your eyes as he peel your hand away from his shirt. “...When will you learn to stop loving the person you cannot love?” Youngjae muttered. “If you mattered at all to him, would he be leaving you this long? Think. Learn to let go. He is a dangerous man to be with, haven’t the death toll scared you enough?” Youngjae walks back in, and you followed him, right after. The curtain flaps as the wind strikes, but Youngjae’s mind remained unhinged. “Maybe I’m crazy but Youngjae, I don’t want Jongup. I need him.” Your eyes were wet. And from the looks of his face, he is caving.

-----

Nothing about this club is comforting. Nothing about it has a way of making you feel calm. Maybe the reason why you’re here played a part in it. A whiff of expensive cigars, and the cold wind from the air vents above, the neon, flickering lights were dizzying you. The bass is heavily boosted and quickly, you pushed your way through a crowd of drunken people, to go across. The hallways were dimly lit. These are the VIPs room. One of these rooms would have a number of girls in it. A private show for wealthy, sickening young lads. You’d be surprised who you’d catch.

But a tall girl rammed to your shoulders and with her smokey eyes, she threw you a look, not an apology escaped her mouth and red lips. She drew her eyes on you and decided that you’re probably misplaced by someone. You really looked like you’re trying to catch your spouse cheating. But that’s not the case, now is it.

In the direction she went, your instincts tell you to follow her. She was dressed up provocatively and her mini skirt rode up her thigh as she climbed up the spiral stairs. She hadn’t noticed that you were following her. You didn’t know that clubs could be multi-storeyed. You’ve never really been in one long enough to notice it. The old club you worked  in before had only one floor. You were stunned by the scenery that reveals themselves before you. In the past, these would have frightened you greatly, but this time it didn’t. You feel  yourself growing far too curious to turn back. You’ve seen a pretty expensive looking bottles of champagne, but none quite like this. You wondered, if you wandered around long enough, will you get caught?

You were certainly not dressed for the occasion.. Whatever the ocsassion was.

But what came, was what you came unprepared for.

The moment you scanned through the room of wealthy, gorgeous and drunk people, you saw one couple on top of each other. And it was in that moment, you learnt the meaning of the word: Unforgiving.

Your light of steps sprinting through the crowd to the door you came from, knocking everyone that came in your way, out. They hissed and cursed at the your actions, but the emotional turbulence that you experienced had rendered your hearing, to an ambience. What’s more important for you right now is that you head out of that club, before these tears fall pathetically.

You ran as fast as you could, and the entrance never looked so far. Visions are blurry, your thoughts are getting hazy as you let your heart take control of the situation. The world is crumbling down around you, and the next one to go is you.

The loud honking of the car rammed consciousness into your head and you realized it was raining heavily outside that loud club. You’ve stepped into a large puddle, in the middle of an almost empty street, several cars are passing through and another lorry passed you with another loud honk. You spun around, in daze. “Go home, drunkard!” The driver yelled and because the sound of the falling rain is louder, you almost couldn’t hear him say. Stumbling in your own step, you ran your finger through your dampened hair, before falling to your knees, crouching and crying. You dug the heel of your hand into the socket of your eyes, trying to erase memories of what you witnessed.

A heartbreak.

The montages, images of you and him, during the happy times, flashes across your memory. The way he smiled, the way he kiss, the way he holds. His touches, his scent, his laugh, his cries, his frustrations, his eyes. The memories continues to drill themselves into you, without a care. And with every each of that, your heart took blow after blow. “How could you. How could you.” You chanted and from behind, you heard the sound of the rain hitting against the polyester coverings of an umbrella, and rain was shield away from you. This person right next to you, knelt and tucked your hair behind your ear and you whimpered, “Why would he do that. Yongguk. Why?”

Yongguk blinks sadly to your current state, wrapped his strong arm around your petite body and helped you up. He had you seated on the front passenger seat before leaving you alone. You watched him go back to the club’s entrance that’s now overflowed with men in suits. One single blue haired guy that you didn’t need introductions to, came forward. They appeared to be having a conversation. That ended with Yongguk punching Jongup across the face. Your hand flew to your lips, gasping. Yongguk then marches boldly through the pouring rain, and into the car.

“Did you know what he did?” You asked Yongguk as he drove. “Didn’t have to.” Yongguk saw you crying, and there was no explanation that would justify that. He didn’t bother to ask. “He was kissing a girl. Passionately. The way he would kiss me. What a hoe.” You rolled your eyes to the view outside the foggy window.

Jongup had his hands all over that girl. Was kissing her obscenely. Was enjoying what he did. Not even noticing that your whole world had crumble beyond fixing.

Yongguk swallowed his saliva as he turned left on the first junction. After he have you seated in his car, Yongguk went back to the club, in the pouring rain without the umbrella. He saw one face and that was all he needs to lose absolute control, but what Jongup said upon meeting him, was what set off his outrage. “Break my face because if you don’t. She’ll come running back to me. I did what we planned, so punch me and take her away from me, now.” Jongup walks out of the comfort of his men and displayed his face. “Make me the bad guy of the story Yongguk. Finish me.” Jongup clenched his jaw and the punch he asked for, came from Yongguk’s robust fist.

It was the only to make you forget him.

Jongup, with his busted lips sat on his Bugatti, parked by the bridge. Broad daylight, his hands holding a velvety box. He sat on the hood of his car, in his grey suit, paired with black dress shirt. The compass tattoo on his neck, the miscellaneous writing along his long fingers, his leg dangling, while the other is tucked underneath his thigh. His eyes shrinks from the glares of the bright sunlight, accompanied by the sound of the stream and the engines from the cars passing through the bridge above.

He flips the velvet blue box open and it revealed a ring. Sparkly, titanium finish with black diamond as the centre. Jongup sighes. “If she’s not wearing it…” he shuts the box with the ring remaining inside, lifted himself from the hood, walked as near as he could to the bridge and the water underneath, he steps back and threw the ring box as far as it could go, with a low grunt, “...then no one else could.” Jongup returns to the hood and pick up his gun before entering the car and throttled through the street, followed by at least a dozen of black Sedans.

[Several month later]

Yongguk received a letter of promotion. He was recommended by Himchan’s father. Jongup helped Yongguk with the dirty works while Yongguk remained faithful to his job and you.

Jongup lived as a man in the shadows. And Yongguk worked to return your mesmerizing smile to you. And he’s succeeding, every day.

[A/N] He’s such a baby. A million times yas! Thank you so much for the love given to this fanfic ever since the start. Please continue to support the boys and their awesomeness (especially my Uppie his new song Try My Luck /he needs my body on him lol/ is my jam nowadays, and Yongguk’s Yamazaki,  hence the birth of this fanfic). I know I told you guys there will be three versions of endings. I ain’t lying. Like and reblog, and feel free to come inbox me anytime.

[Mutual Ver.] [Jongup Ver.]

#bap #bang yongguk #bap mafia au #yongguk smut #yongguk angst #kpop #kpop scenarios #scenarios #yongguk scenarios #yongguk imagines #yongguk #bap scenarios #bap imagines #bap series #mafia au #noir #youngjae #yongguk au #angst #jongup #jongup smut #jongup angst #fluff

[icecreamtrvck-blog]

Camping Advice For Both Newbie And Pro Campers

Are you planning a camping trip? Are you prepared for some camping basics? Though common sense can cover most of these situations, it never hurts to do some homework to ensure that you cover your bases. Read this article for some helpful suggestions. When you go camping, find your shelter before it gets dark. Once it grows black in the woods, you can have a hard time setting up your tent, preparing food, and getting adequate firewood. This is really important for people who live in the city. Do whatever you can to make sure that you find a safe location for your tent and pitch it before you find yourself in this sticky situation.

Pick a sleeping bag which is appropriate for the season. Don't take a heavy sleeping bag out in the summer, it could make you sweat and be uncomfortable all night long. On the other hand, bringing a lightweight sleeping bap for a winter trip can make you really uncomfortable the entire trip. You might develop hypothermia. While it may be that there's enough wood around to keep a fire going for a long time, some of the wood may be wet and cannot burn no matter what you try. It's smart to bring your own wood and make sure it stays in a dry area. It is always a smart idea to look into what the weather is going to be like, before going camping. There are many great websites that can also give you a good idea of what weather is typical for the area during the time you plan to visit. If you have the correct weather information, you will be better prepared with proper equipment and clothing. If you are not prepared for your camping trip, your fun excursion can turn dangerous fast. Only go camping when you have prepared yourself for it. If camping at a new location, make sure you investigate the geography, climate, and local wildlife so you are prepared for any dangers. Pack a bandana. This single fabric piece can be used as a carrying bag, hand towel, paper towel, potholder, and blotter. This is an essential item that does not cost a lot of money and can provide a lot of benefits. Dryer lint can be used as kindling for starting your campfire. Start collecting the lint about a month prior to your trip from the filter in your dryer. Keep a used grocery bag on your laundry room door to collect the lint. Using this method, you can acquire kindling and camp in the same day.

If camping is something that you are new to, have your first trip close to where you live. This is so you can easily get home if you don't enjoy your camping experience. Maybe you'll run low on food or not have enough clothing with you. Many things can arise for the first-time camper, so camp close to home the first time. Duct tape is a handy tool that will prove useful on any camping trip. It is as convenient for repairs while you are camping as it is at home. You can slap a piece of it on a leaking air mattress. You can close up rips and tears, and bundle things together. When walking for a long time, it can also help avoid blisters. You can use duct tape for almost anything. Camping is about being one with nature and living off the basics, but it is important to go prepared. In addition to your sleeping bag, bring a couple of blankets. They can be very handy when the evening temperatures drop. If not needed for warmth, they can be extra padding from the solid ground beneath. Are you the proud owner of your first tent and a beginner at the art of camping? Before you head into the wilderness, take some time to learn about your tent and pitch it. This will help you to be prepared with the right equipment and skills to pitch your tent with ease. This also means that you can do it rather easily and speedily when you get to your campsite, meaning your tent might be up before the sun is totally gone. It's very important that you bring the proper items on your camping trip. Forgetting a few simple items could be disastrous for your trip. Make an all-inclusive list, and check each item off as you pack. Some must have items include a tent, sleeping bags, a couple of tarps, food and water, a knife and fire starting supplies. When selecting an area for your tent, look for the area of the campsite with the flattest and softest ground. There is nothing more uncomfortable than sleeping on a slope or a spot with a rocky surface. In addition to looking for soft ground, lay down a tarp to prevent moisture from soaking into the bottom of your tent. Don't let your children out of your sight. Cars and campers will be pulling in and out, and there is always the possibility of little ones getting quickly lost in an unfamiliar forest. In no time, your children could be harmed, so always keep a watchful eye on them. Utility knives are great to have when camping. It is even better if you have more than one. Utility knives are a fantastic to bring along when camping because they have so many uses. Be sure you have one with you and another for backup in your gear in case one gets lost. Never forget to pack ample toilet paper on your next camping trip. If there are no toilets at your campsite, you will need to use the bathroom outside. It is not advisable to use leaves, as some plants are poisonous; stay on the safe side and take some toilet paper. Now that you've gone over this article, it should be understood that camping takes some planning before it can be done. Camping doesn't have to be an extravagant event; still, time should be taken to prepare for some common problems. Use the tips from this article and http://www.buscatucamping.com/ you can have a fantastic trip.

[mountphoenixrp]

We have a returning citizen in Mount Phoenix:

                              Yoo Youngjae, who is known by no other name;                                                   a 25 year old son of Lei King.                                        He is a student and piercer at Taste of Ink.

FC NAME/GROUP: Yoo Youngjae - Former BAP CHARACTER NAME: (if different from FC name) AGE/DATE OF BIRTH: 25th January 1994/ 25 PLACE OF BIRTH: Delley, Fribourg, Switzerland OCCUPATION: Piercist at Taste of Ink and Musical Composition Major at Phoneix University. HEIGHT: 178cm/ 5"8 WEIGHT: 65kg DEFINING FEATURES: Both Lobes pierced twice, a tragus and daith piercing on his left ear, a conch piercing and an industrial bar in his right ear. A tattoo on his right hip of a Chinese traditional dragon that curves round his side with it’s head near his belly button.

PERSONALITY: Youngjae has been pretty self reliant since he was a child. He doesn’t like to admit when he needs help and he especially doesn’t like it when he looks weak. He does his best to present himself as a strong person, to hold up a façade when he had to. Because of this he had high walls built up to keep people out. He doesn’t know how to let them down and sometimes can come off as a cold person.

However, once you get inside the walls, even just a little bit, Youngjae is the most loyal friend you’ll find. He is the kind of person who will always have his friend’s backs when they need it and he will never desert them. Once someone breaks his trust Youngjae’s walls come up higher and stronger than before. He finds it hard to move on from a break in trust.

Youngjae is tough, thanks to his upbringing, but deep down he wants to find people who he can let in, who can see the sides of him that he doesn’t like people seeing and still want to be around him, still accept him. He just wants to find a place he belongs in.

HISTORY: Youngjae’s Mom ran away to Switzerland when she found out she was pregnant with Youngjae, being a single mom in South Korea carried so much stigma. She never told Youngjae’s grandparent’s that she was pregnant, she just left. Youngjae was born, slightly early, in Switzerland. Youngjae’s mom lvoed her son, she couldn’t always provide a lot for him but she tried. She wanted him to have a good chance in his life, so that he could go on to do the things that she would never get to do having a son when she was so young. Youngjae was a normal little boy, he seemed satisfied when his mother told him that his dad was Chinese and he had his dad’s eyes. Youngjae never questioned further, it was like he knew he wasn’t going to enjoy the answer. Youngjae never felt like he belonged, he liked school, but he didn’t like other students. He was pretty short and he was quiet because he knew he didn’t fit in. He suffered through racism when it came to the other children but he just tried to ignore it. He knew his mom was doing her best, they were struggling to live, she was working as hard as she could and Youngjae never wanted to put more pressure on her. His mother got married when he was fifteen, to a Swiss man, Youngjae liked him, he was alright and he treated Youngjae like he was a real son. Youngjae’s mom got pregnant for a second time and they were living in a decent house, they no longer had to worry about if they’d have enough money for bread or heating. Youngjae felt blessed to have this man in his and his mom’s life. But kids at school weren’t so nice, calling his mom a gold-digger, saying she only got married to stay in Switzerland. One day Youngjae found himself pushed against the lockers and he just tensed, focusing on the boy holding him against the lockers, when the boy suddenly let go and fell to the ground screaming in pain. Youngjae ran. Youngjae’s mom came in to see him, speaking to him softly in Korean - so her husband didn’t understand them -, she told him of who his father was Lei King, Chinese God of Thunder and Retribution. Youngjae didn’t know what to say, his dad was Chinese, that was all he’d ever been told, but this, this was too much. She’d run away, not because of who his father was, but she told him that as far as she knew his father didn’t know he existed, but that she had loved his father. That she had been afraid that Youngjae would have the powers. His mom just looked at him and kissed the top of his head, telling him he needed to go somewhere where he’d be with other special people, people who could help him learn to control the pain he could inflict, a place where he could fit in. A place where he would be safe. He arrived at Mount Phoneix shortly after finding the directions.

PANTHEON: Chinese CHILD OF: Lei King POWERS: Youngjae is able to inflict pain on people, just by using his mind. He can make them feel pain in almost any area of their body and although he is pretty efficient at doing it, he doesn’t have very good control over how strong or weak the pain is on the person he is trying to inflict it upon. He also has the power to summon thunder, but because he never really has much need to use it he hasn’t particularly honed this ability.

STRENGTHS: Youngjae’s ability to inflict pain causes him to have an exceptionally high pain threshold, so he can get away without feeling much pain in most circumstances that people do feel pain in. Youngjae can use his powers in self defense or in defense of others and tends to be calm in situations due to the knowledge that he can defend himself even if he is out numbered or smaller. Youngjae can use thunder to express emotion - although that was once by accident - and also this manipulation can be useful at times.

WEAKNESSES: Due to his inabilty to feel most pain, Youngjae misses when he breaks bones or damages ligamints until the pain is really intense - or there is swelling. He is always concerned that he is going to end up seriously hurt. Youngjae can’t control the intesity of the pain he inflicts properly, and this can be a problem. His control of pain also is a problem when he gets angry and he lashes out at people causing them pain by accident.

#kpop rp #krp #bap #yoo youngjae #bap youngjae #mp; welcome

[namjoonchronicles]

[Final: Jongup Ver.] Tumbleweed, Her (M)#20 -  [BAP] Mafia!Au

[A/N] He looks soft here HALP.

The calm after the storm that never came. The wound that never got to heal. The heartbreak that never regain its full form. The missing pieces that remained unfound.

To every beginning, there will be an end.

“That was some sleep.” You heard him say in his deep voice, a smile upon his face, the little crinkle in his eyes.

That’s right. You’re in Yongguk’s house. Three weeks passed and the wounds are still fresh. The images are still vivid and their tattooed in your heart. And in your mind.

Tattoos.

As Yongguk brushed the strand away from your hair, and hook them behind your ear, he leans in to see better. “The cuts are closing up prettily. Doctor said you should not eat eggs, prawns, any processed meat for the time being. So no sausages, even though I know you’re crazy for them.” Yongguk straightens in his seat.

You had a traumatizing night. It was odd to be having such a calm, morning after. You almost died last night, and here you are. ‘Safe’. In the arms of someone you should have loved. You brought yourself up, gently, feeling particularly light headed due to the blood not reaching it’s full speed. “Yongguk.” You breathed his name so gently, he looks up at you, with wondering eyes. “All I do is trouble you. I am forever in-debt to you, and I’m sorry for everything, for every minute of your life, ruined because of me. I only cause you havoc.” You started and the words tumbling out of your mouth uncontrollably.

“Don’t say a word...please, just stop.” Yongguk starts to shuffle in his seat, shaking his head while you set your feet next to the bed he put you in, ready to leave it. “Let me finish!” You roared. You held him by the intense gaze you gave him. “I’ve hurt you enough, haven’t I? Why are you still here, then?” You asked him.

It sting him. The words ,they stung him. Yongguk gave the floor a bitter smile, a little shake of his head. “You’re right. Why the fuck am I still here.” He gave a sad chuckle and he drops his head before giving you a glance that made your stomach flipped. “I’ve been to a lot of places. I’ve meet thousands of girls. And truth be told, and I’m not one to brag, but I can get any girls I want…”

“--then go! Go and get other girls if you want it so bad!” You challenged him. But he got up, towering you while you sat on the edge of the bed, a tinge of fear in your eyes, when Yongguk hissed in your face, “But I don’t want that! I don’t want other. Girls....It’s not as simple as that, okay. My feelings are not a switch. They’re not interchangeable. They’re not something you give away and forget. I’m not like you. I wish they were, but they’re not. Because, honestly.  Between you and me. My heart wants what it wants.” He straightens up, he bit his lips and backs away from you, walking backwards.

“And it wants you,” he spins and walked out, and he yells, “...and it fucking! Still wants you!”

Yongguk is a beautiful person. He is. He has always been kind, protective, mature in his decisions. He is the kind of person that get hurts time and time again, and still comes back for more. His genuine heart was yours to take. It still is, even after all the hell he’s been through because of you. But like he said, the heart wants what it wants. But your expectation was wrong. He didn’t come back for the hurt. He came back because you were home. You were his home. His entire fucking everything. It didn’t matter if you didn’t love him. Every words he had ever said.

Love.

“You’re the only one I care about.”

“I’d spent my days with you, and no one else.”

“One of my tattoos are dedicated to you. Maybe one day I’ll show you where it is.”

Hate.

“Why did you do that?”

“So that’s it, now we’re done? Don’t I mean anything to you?”

“If that’s what you think is best for us. Fine.”

You jumped out of bed, realizing that if you lose him now, you’ll lose him forever. There’s no saying on how long he’ll stay patient with you. You tested the waters, and he’s over the edge.

The fridge door is opened and closed and you were relieved to see his semi tattooed back, covered by the black singlet he had been wearing as he pour himself some cold beverages. He is angry, but not angry enough to leave the house. The apartment he lend you. He visibly breathed in and exhaled hard, a loud exasperated and tired sigh. His shoulders rise and fall and you can’t help but empathize him. He deserved more than this. He deserved a genuine heart and soul that loves him for him. “I cannot pretend, Yongguk.I simply cannot.” You thought as you stared to his back.

You were standing by the door sill when you came to see a couple of opened envelopes on the side table, next to the bed. “Choi Junhong tuition fees has been in full.” The letter starts. Behind it, was a handwritten letter from your mother. “...thank you for all the help you’ve given over the course of my daughter missing. You have a lot in your hands, don’t you?”

Had he been paying Junhong, his tuition fees?

It looked like it.

Had he been catering to your mother?

Those letters can’t be lying.

Now let’s be entirely honest.

Where else can you find a man foolish enough to do that much for you?

Yongguk sips the cold water and had been facing the tiled wall of the kitchen, his thoughts blank. “Yongguk…” You breathed his name and he turned around to you wrapping your arms around his neck, bringing him closer to you, by the lips and you kissed him. He responded in a surprised but muffled moan before he parted his lips to make way for your eager tongue to enter his cavern. He had his hands holding each side of your hip in place, but as the kiss deepens, he wrapped his strong pair of arms around your waist to feel more of you. And he asked you, “Really?”

You nodded, eagerly.

“Let’s start again. Let’s give ourselves another try.”

He looks puzzled.

“Why so suddenly?”

“Damn it, Yongguk. Take what’s already given.” You scolded him, pulling his face into yours so you could roughly kiss him again. But something changed in Yongguk’s dark brown eyes. “Is this one of your tricks?” He threw the mood away. And he had all the rights to.

You slid your hand down one side of his delectable face and his chest.  “I will never find another love like yours. Ever.”

-----

Junhong is in complete contrast to what he used to be. Rumor started spreading on how he used to be in mafia. And that has given him unneeded attentions and friends. Back in the days, being in a mafia is something frowned upon on. But nowadays, it’s something that even polices find considerably, not bothersome. Since they’ve come to an agreement that they will refrain from committing serious crimes, it’s all good. But of course, Junhong is no longer apart of that.

And of course, he felt uneasy eyes around him. Boys and girls alike. But your constant calls and texts didn’t make college life too lonely. Sometimes Bang Yongguk would stop by to pass him lunch and everyone in the college knows that Yongguk’s a lieutenant. So that fact may have contributed to a handful of friends who deemed Junhong as harmless.

“Anyone trying to poke around?” Yongguk asked, as his eyes crinkles into crescents. Smiling at Junhong’s who is lazily dragging his feet to Yongguk’s car. “No one dared.” Junhong grins and Yongguk threw his arm around the boy’s neck, jokingly. “What did she cook for dinner?” Junhong asked as he climbed in. “Her favourite. As usual. You think you mattered in her life? Dream on, lad. She only cares about me.” Yongguk boastfully said.

He meant it as a joke, of course.

-----

Rushing to and fro the dining table and the kitchen, you ensured everything is in place before the two arrives. The television left on, with the volumes low helps you shake any unwanted anxieties. Bringing the hot pot of beef soup pass the wall where all the family portraits are, you accidentally tilted one frame. Just slightly. You tutted your tongue and set the pot on the middle of the table where the bowl were turned upside down until Junhong and Yongguk arrive. You rubbed your hands on your apron and went back to tilted frame.

As you fix the edges, to a perfect form, your eyes glided to the torn wallpaper hidden behind it. You ran your fingers on top of the flaps, slowly trying to recover the dull color the original wall had. “Giving the wall a new face don’t exactly erase the events that it had witnessed, would it?” You thought. Yongguk spent days, scrubbing off the droplets of blood that spattered on them. Weeks, for the smell to disappear. Another two weeks, to put on this wallpaper. Junhong helped to. So many people would ask, why would you still live here, knowing fully well of what happened here?

Because you’re unafraid. There’s absolutely, no reason to be.

And slowly, the sound from the television seeps into your soul while your eyes dances on the pictures on the wall, memorizing faces. Bang Yongguk has an attractive smile line. Junhong tends to crinkle his eyes, and is unable to take serious pictures. He is basically a giant-sized baby, demanding attentions every now and then. But can you blame him? He had his youth taken away from him. The news anchor voice of what started as an ambience, started to become clearer and clearer.

“...President Kim who won his election, fair and square brought his only son, Kim Himchan to the parliament dinner, looking sharp in suits. The duo is accompanied by the honorary secretary of the National Security, Mr. Park Hwang Soon and his wife, to discuss the future well-being of the country.” You turned your attention to the screen.

And then your eyes caught something, no– someone. Just as the doorbells rang, and it pulled your attentions away from the screen, reluctantly. “Coming!” You sped to the front door and yanked them open where Youngjae stood with a bouquet of flowers and some fruits. “I got here too early didn’t I?” Youngjae’s face crumples into a hesitant smile. You beamed back, “Yongguk wouldn’t mind me having someone around. He dreaded the fact that he had to live me alone to set the dinner up… he’d be thrilled to have you here.”

Youngjae’s eyes wander around the apartment and he notices that it had a few changes since the last time he was here. He caught the television showing Himchan making speeches. And he visibly repulsed at the sight. “They can’t make a better choice in that, can they? A hypocrisy as large as that goes on TV, what is happening to the world.” He commented. The smile he came with, quickly disappeared. “That’s real world, Youngjae, you know that right? Us, the small people will always get left behind, hindered and unattended, unless we are of use.” Your shoulders dropped.

Youngjae couldn’t lie to himself. You looked hollow. So he held your hand, squeezing them as you set the chopsticks next to each bowl. “Why, what.” You said, calmly flustered. Youngjae gaze up to you, and his eyes are saying words his mouth can’t. You averted your eyes, “I’m picking myself up. I really am.” You said, sliding your hand out of his grasp before giving him your back as you turned to the kitchen sink and collect a few more bowls. You blinked rapidly, as the thoughts in your head gets assembled. Your hands worked faster and when the dinner begins, you silently watched them eat and drink.

Yongguk sat right next to you, Youngjae on the left, and Junhong at the end of the table. Yongguk can’t let go of your hands, even when he’s eating. They thoroughly enjoyed the food. And then it was movie time. You sat on the edge of the bed, thinking. Your eyes dropped to your lap where your hands are, fidgeting to the floor next to your feet. Your breathing is shallow and your heart is pounding, then you looked at the time. An hour and a half had passed, and there’s no more laughter from outside the living room. You took a peek. Slowly, creeping through the door of the bedroom.

Junhong’s head is in Yongguk’s lap. Junhong had fallen asleep, and Yongguk had his rested on the edge of the couch where Youngjae laid on. You released your bottom lip from your own teeth and slide next by the bed. You took out a luggage, that’s full of folded cloth, toiletries, shoes. You took the bag and stood behind the front door, putting on a black mask. “Take good care of yourself.” Someone suddenly spoke and it took you by surprise so spun around to see who it was, and which one.

Yongguk still had his eyes closed. “You know where to go if anything happens,” he added. Yongguk spoke without even looking at you. “Youngjae told me what’s inside the soup, told me not to drink it. At first, I didn’t believe him. But then, you see. He’s a pharmacist. And so are you.” Yongguk lifts his head up from the couch. “Crushing chlorpheniramine maleate into a soup is a very pharmacist thing to do. A flu medication, isn’t it? Purchasable. Quick to method. Harmless. Proven to promote drowsiness.” He added.

You ran your tongue along your bottom lip. “...Yongguk.”

But he didn’t let you finish. “...And when you know that it might not work on me since I’m heavy drinker, you added diphenhydramine, a cough syrup. I didn’t know how you manage to make is tasteless, but then again, you’re the drug professional? Is this how you tried to kill Himchan’s father, that resulted into your pharmaceutical practicing license being recalled?” Yongguk asked. He was smiling bitterly. “I’m not trying kill any of you.” You hissed. “It isn’t a fatal dose.” You added. “I just need my life decisions to be made, and not worry about it being judged.”

“You’re in love with a criminal!” Yongguk raised his voice a little.

But Youngjae and Junhong, being drugged, didn’t move at all.

Your hand on the knob froze. “...Are you going to spend your whole life running?” Yongguk asked. “What is it to you, what I do with my life.” You grumbled and Yongguk immediately replied, “Because you’re my life.”

You yanked the front door open, and grumbled, “And Jongup is mine. Goodbye, Yongguk.”

Jongup escaped the gunshots merely because of his men who wasn’t ready to lose him. The SWAT team was outnumbered by them and one of them threw tear gases bombs into your apartment, resulting in terrible fogging, and during the fog, Jongup escaped with help from Junhong. Junhong who had the files then, returned it to the SWAT team. The SWAT team gave the files to Himchan’s father, and promised Yongguk who knew about the existence of the file that when he wins the election, he gave Jongup a complete control of his son, Himchan, with the exchange that Jung Daehyun will be put into jail.

Yongguk who had been searching Jongup ever since, tries to befriend Junhong in order to find Jongup’s current location. But Jongup wasn’t hiding at all. He was in fact, alive and well. Jongup took over the family business when his father’s car blew up in the middle of the same road where Himchan accidentally ran over your father. His death was classified as: Accidental death. Jongup continued to run the black market and as long as he stays in his righteous path, no blood in his hands, and no bullets in his guns, Yongguk will stay put. Jongup had his queen around him, and even though life as the bad man’s wife is difficult, you have been told that you were a lioness for being able to make that man bow to you.

And it’s funny, because all your life. You’ve only been known to drift along.

You know, when tumbleweeds had mature and dry, it becomes detached from its roots or its stem, and tumbles away in the wind. That’s how it got its name. A heart, that was once desolate, dry and with no occupant, now has a permanent tenant. And his name is, Moon Jongup.

[A/N] I would totally elope with Jongup tqvm. Thank you so much for the love given to this fanfic ever since the start. Please continue to support the boys and their awesomeness (especially my Uppie his new song Try My Luck /he needs my body on him lol/ is my jam nowadays, and Yongguk’s Yamazaki,  hence the birth of this fanfic). I know I told you guys there will be three versions of endings. I ain’t lying. Like and reblog, and feel free to come inbox me anytime.

[Yongguk Ver.] [Mutual Ver.]

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