Chapter IX

"Geoff, I don't like this. I don't like the person Randi seems to have become overnight. Who the hell does she think is acting like that? Do you know how close I came to slugging her... acting like she owned Gwen like that?? I've got half a mind...."

Geoff caught Jill around the middle and pulled her into his lap before she could make good on her implied threat and go share that half a mind with Randi. "Sweetheart, now calm down and...."

"Calm down?!? Calm down?!? Geoff, do realize the damage she could have done to Gwen... the damage she could still do if she lost control?? Our daughter is in mortal danger from that woman, and I promised her an ass kicking if she was stupid. That's as close to stupid as I am willing to let her get."

"Jill? Jill, calm down and breathe a second, please. Randi was afraid *for* Gwen - given what has happened to them recently and the fact that they are being deliberately targeted by the rebels, Randi has gone a little nuts. But she will never, ever lay a hand on Gwen to hurt her. It would destroy her. Besides, you know Gwen wouldn't allow it."

Jill sighed deeply. "I don't like it, Geoff. I don't like it at all."

"Neither do I sweetheart, but we really can't step in yet."

Jill turned angry eyes towards her husband. "We're going to wait until Randi hurts her?"

Geoff gently stroked Jill's back in an effort to calm her. "Sweetheart, I promise you... I honestly don't believe Randi can physically hurt Gwen. Gwen wouldn't stand for it and Randi wouldn't survive it. I don't think she would intentionally hurt Gwen emotionally either, but they are going to have to set those boundaries and determine what is too much."

Jill dropped her head onto Geoff's shoulder. "I hate this."

Geoff leaned down and brushed a kiss over the top of Jill's head, noting with some surprise a large number of grays he didn't remember being there before. "I know, love," he whispered and tightened his arms around her in a firm embrace. "But we can't interfere yet. They're still newlyweds - we have to give them the chance to work things out for themselves."

"But if things go bad...?"

"I'll kill Randi myself," he said with all seriousness, hoping the trial that they were just beginning to endure wouldn't lead to that conclusion.

"Um... wow!" Randi said softly, sadly. "I never realized...." She broke off and looked around the dark cavern, trying to adjust the mental picture she had of her in-laws with the one she had just been presented. She blinked as the awareness of just how much that hurt shuddered through her large frame and she held perfectly still until the first wave passed.

"No, because they made sure not to bring it to your attention so as not to put me into any greater danger." Gwen drew in a sharp breath when Randi tilted her head back and she could see the stark agony reflected in her eyes. She cupped the warrior's face gently with one hand and rocked Randi against her chest. Gwen leaned down and brushed a kiss over Randi's forehead. "They still love you, Randi... they never stopped. They just didn't like the person you became when you allowed the Sabre persona to become all-consuming."

Randi sighed so deeply, Gwen felt it in her toes. "*I* don't like the person I became when I allowed the Sabre persona to become all-consuming. But Gwen, you have to know something... have to believe it with all your heart - Geoff was absolutely right about one thing. Never, not even in the darkest throes of my stint as Commandant or Empress, would I ever deliberately hurt you. It would destroy me. My one clear thought has always been to protect and love you, even though I've clearly done a sucky job at that lately."

Gwen shrugged, hoping Randi wouldn't lean back and see the tears that had gathered in her eyes. "I never doubted your love for me, Randi... that's why some of the things you did and said hurt so badly. I never believed it was deliberate - that's why we're here together now. Not even on the darkest days from the darkest part of you did I think you were trying to hurt me, but a lot of your words and actions still hurt."

She felt the flinch and held onto Randi tighter. "I'm not gonna let him win, Randi. We're gonna fix this together... you and me."

Gwen felt the tremulous smile against her breast before Randi brushed a kiss across her skin and tilted her head back to look into Gwen's eyes. "I think that is one of my favorite words in the world."

"What, love?"

Randi smiled brightly. "Well, I really like that one too," eliciting a smile from Gwen, "but I was referring to the word together. That one makes us one - and combined, they make us invincible."

"Well, Wonder Woman, you ready to move on?"

"Yes. The faster we get through this the sooner we get back to us."

Gwen leaned down as Randi tilted her face up, and their lips met briefly before they turned their attention back to the book they still held between them.

The moon had moved quite far across the sky before Randi put the whiskey down untouched and crossed the room. Her steps were silent so as not to disturb the rest of the household and she followed the path Gwen had trod hours earlier.

Randi opened the door soundlessly and stood for a moment, just watching Gwen sleep. A frown crossed her face as Randi noted the restlessness in Gwen's body and the tenseness in her features. She stepped out of her boots and shed her clothes carelessly, leaving them to lie where they fell. Then she crawled in to lay naked next to Gwen, noting that the bard didn't relax against her for long moments. So Randi spooned against Gwen's back and fell into a light, agitated sleep.

Randi stirred the minute Gwen shifted away from her. That action in and of itself was enough to wake her. Since her rescue of Gwen from Ben, they had always used those first awakening moments to cuddle together while Gwen gently traced the planes of Randi's face.

Now Randi scowled even though Gwen took a moment to tuck her in and brushed a ghostly kiss over her forehead. Then the bard padded to the small guest bath across the hall and began preparing to leave.

Randi rose from the bed and contemplated joining Gwen in the shower, then decided to go with the signals that were being clearly sent for the present. She felt confident when Gwen had a chance to sit down and think things through clearly she would agree with Randi's reasoning. So instead, Randi put her time to good use, packing up their things and making a couple vid calls.

When Gwen came out of the shower, they didn't speak, merely changed places. Gwen looked around the room and noted their things were ready to go, so she went out to the kitchen to say goodbye to her folks.

"Is everything all right, baby girl?" Jill asked softly as she placed a cup of coffee in front of her daughter and pushed the bangs back from her forehead.

"Yes, mama," Gwen answered with a small smile in her mother's direction. "I have to get back to do those recording sessions for Tommy. You know that."

Jill gazed at Gwen knowingly. "That is not what I meant and you know it."

Gwen clasped Jill's hand in her own and squeezed it gently. "I know. But we'll be fine, Mama."

"Promise?"

"Cross my heart."

Randi stuck her head into the kitchen and Jill schooled her expression into something close to a neutral welcome. Randi was so intent on Gwen she missed the uneasiness Jill quickly masked.

"Would you like some coffee, Randi?" Jill asked cordially, removing Randi's focus from Gwen momentarily and trying not to remember the fury she had seen in Randi's face the previous evening.

"No, thank you, Mom." This time seeing the flinch and feeling her heart harden just the slightest bit towards this woman who really had no right to judge her and yet continued to do so. Randi cleared her throat. "I owe you an apology though... I owe everyone here one," she continued as Geoff slid into the room. "I may have overreacted last night. I certainly didn't mean to scare ya'll. I just need you to understand how important this is. Gwen's security is paramount to me." She shrugged sheepishly. "I guess it makes me a little overzealous."

Randi noted a slight thawing in the Goldman's eyes and she accepted it as a first step in repairing the damage she had done the night before. She turned back to Gwen.

"Are you all right, sweetheart?" Randi clasped Gwen's hands, pleased when she did not pull away. She gazed into green eyes and found a myriad of emotion, chief among them fear. It hurt to think Gwen was afraid of her and Randi started to pull away.

"I'm fine, Randi, honestly," she said, cupping the warrior's face as their hands slid apart. "I just need to get going soon. I've got a lot of work to do in the next few weeks."

"Without me?"

Gwen nodded. "Yes. You said last night you couldn't spare the time, and I can't spare the time to stay here at the moment. I don't want to stand in the way of you doing what needs to be done to end the rebellion once and for all. I'm ready for this to be over with once and for all."

Suddenly Randi realized that Gwen's fear was not *of* her, but of the circumstances that seemed to be shrouding their lives lately. And for that, she really couldn't blame the bard - though she personally wasn't afraid of them. She was simply over the whole thing and ready to be done with it.

"I want to go with you, but...."

"I want you to stay here. I want you to do whatever it takes to bring you home to stay. I'll be fine."

"I will arrange for security immediately."

"Randi, I...."

"This is non-negotiable, Gwen. If you want me to be able to do what I need to do here, then you have to let me do this. Otherwise I will have to come with you or lose my mind worrying about you."

Gwen didn't answer; she simply left the kitchen and went to their room to retrieve her small bag. Randi caught up with her as she exited.

"I need you to promise me, Gwen... to show me you understand why I have to do this."

"I already told you I understand why you feel the need to coddle me, Randi. I promise you... I do understand. You do what you feel you need to do, and I will do what I need to do. And right now that means I have a shuttle to catch - Tommy and I had to reschedule Friday's session for this afternoon, and I'm not gonna let him down again."

"I already called Reed - she will fly you directly home. I don't want you using public transportation for the duration."

Gwen nodded. She would allow Randi this bit of precaution if it would help her to settle down and get the job done. Suddenly she was tired to the depths of her very soul. She wanted nothing more for everything to be over with so she and Randi could go home and live a normal life together.

"Thank you, Gwen. C'mon. I'll take you to the shuttle before I head to work." Randi took the small tote and tucked Gwen's hand into the crook of her elbow. Gwen shuddered. The feel was all wrong, but she couldn't put her finger on just what had changed.

Randi settled her into the small transport that had been provided for their use and they proceeded in silence to the Sabre landing field just on the outskirts of the capital city

Maybe some time apart would be best for both of us, Gwen pondered, and that thought created an ache in her soul so intense it made her breath catch in her chest - given what they had been through just to be together.

Randi felt the reaction and she looked down into Gwen's face, stopping the transport when she realized Gwen was having difficulty breathing. She blew gently in her face, forcing an instinctive reaction and causing Gwen to inhale automatically.

"You all right?" her sudden tenderness nearly Gwen's undoing.

Gwen bit her lip and nodded. "Yes. Just thinking about how much I will miss you."

Randi leaned forward and caught Gwen's lips in a light kiss, which both of the deepened by mutual, passionate consent. Randi cupped Gwen's face and threaded her hands in the blonde hair, reveling in the intensity she could feel between them.

Gwen let her fingers tangle in Randi's hair, kissing her as though it was the last time, memorizing the tastes and textures and scents until they were a living part of her. Slowly, she pulled them apart and placed a final kiss on Randi's nose.

"I love you."

"I love you too. Be safe. I'll miss you."

Gwen nodded and slipped from the transport and moved quickly towards Reed and the waiting shuttle. She wondered how long this separation would last. And she speculated on whether or not this was the separation Aphrodite had warned her of. She didn't think so - she wasn't forcing Randi to choose. She was merely going home to fulfill previous obligations.

Reed gave her a nod as she approached but was otherwise silent. Gwen recognized that Reed was probably in some discomfort and wanted to keep it at a minimum. She boarded the shuttle with a single backward glance at Randi and a wave, then moved quickly to the rear of the vehicle.

The flight home was made in silence except when Reed needed to communicate with Tiny. Gwen half suspected he was keeping an eye on their progress for Randi, but she remained quiet. There wasn't much she could do about it until they landed anyway. Instead, she focused her attention on preparations for her upcoming performance. Tommy and those kids deserved her very best effort.

When the shuttle set down with a bare whisper, Gwen picked up her pack and moved back towards the front to thank Reed for the ride. She wasn't surprised to see Reed reach for the cutoff switch and grab her own bag out from under the seat.

"Don't bother," Gwen said in a low flat voice. Reed turned to her in surprise, hesitating at the tone and then stopping all together at the look on Gwen's face. She meant business.

"Gwen, I have my orders."

"I understand that, Reed, and any other time, it wouldn't matter because you would be here as my friend. God, I hate to have to say this...." She drew a deep breath. "But as a Sabre you are not welcome in my home - not for this. It is bad enough Randi has given in to whatever madness had befallen her, but I will not be subject to it in my own home."

"I thought you promised Randi...." having spoken to the Commandant once they were in the air and on their way back to the island. Randi had made it clear the Gwen understood how things had to be and that she would give Reed no problems. Reed smiled to herself - she should have known it wouldn't be that easy. Given how skewed their auras were she was surprised they were still talking... much less trying to stay together through it - though she understood better than most just how important they were to one another's very existence.

"I promised Randi that I understood, and I do understand. I just don't happen to agree with her. I told her to do whatever she felt was necessary, and I would do the same. I cannot work if I am being hawked over, and even if you stayed in the background, Reed, *I* would know you were there. And I will not tolerate that sort of treatment in my home."

"Gwen, it wouldn't be like that. No one is going to impose on you; you won't even know we're there."

Gwen shook her head sadly. "Yeah, I would. I knew you were there during my walkabout... I just didn't care."

Reed looked surprised. "You knew?"

"Yeah. I mean, I didn't know who ya'll were, but after a while I knew I was being followed. I just figured when no one attacked me that whoever it was had their own reasons for following. I figured maybe someone who liked the stories I was reading to people, though I couldn't figure out why. They were the same few stories over and over again." She shrugged. "Like I said, I really didn't care. But I am well aware of this, and I do care. I don't want ya'll here."

Reed raked a hand through her newly shorn hair. She'd liked Gwen's new look so well, she'd decided to try something a little radical herself. She just hadn't expected to be nearly bald by the time the barber finished. It would be a while before she needed another cut for sure.

"Then I'm afraid we are at an impasse, Gwen, because I have my orders and they take precedence over your wishes."

Gwen refrained from putting her hand on Reed as she was well aware of the kind of pain she could inadvertently inflict. "If you feel the need to remain on the island for the duration, you can either stay here or you can go to the boathouse. But you are not to step one foot inside the beach house and I do not want you or anyone else near Midas. Do I make myself clear?"

Reed nodded, seeing the seriousness of the command written clearly in the green eyes that held hers. She idly wondered if Randi was capable of keeping this particular powder house dry, because she had the distinct feeling Gwen wasn't going to give much quarter on this.

"You do realize I will have to report this to Randi."

"You do what you need to do, Reed. But understand I am not kidding about this. I will not become a prisoner for Randi's peace of mind. Because this isn't about me... this is about winning. And she is determined to win no matter what the personal cost."

"Gwen, what changed? As of last Thursday when Tiny brought her home to you, I know she had your complete support. Even though you weren't happy and didn't agree with what was happening, you were still determined to support her... whatever it took."

"You didn't see what happened to her last night. I still support her, Reed, but I refuse to become a pawn in whatever game is being played. She's becoming someone I don't recognize by giving into her fears and I will not be part of anything that aids and abets those fears. She's going to have to get past them, whatever it takes."

"Do you understand that by defeating the rebels, she is looking to win once and for all?"

"Yes, Reed. I do. Do you understand that I run a real chance of losing her regardless of how things turn out for the rest of the world? Already I don't like what she is becoming to do this... it is beyond what she was before she died."

Gwen hefted her pack and moved towards the shuttle doors. "Maybe it would have been better for everyone if she had simply stayed dead. Ares would never have gotten an opportunity to try to corrupt her in this lifetime, and I wouldn't have to stand by and watch it happen."

Reed gasped, feeling the waves of misery that wafted from the core of Gwen's being. "You can't mean that. Gwen, you're soul bound to one another. Your karmic cycle could have been permanently destroyed had not Randi come back and allowed you both to claim one another once more."

Gwen looked back from the doorway at Reed, and the seer easily recognized the ancientness that resided in those eyes. "Our karmic cycle would not have been destroyed, Reed. That is not the way things work for us. She would have gone to her rest and I would have followed. That is how it has always been with us. The only reason I did not know it was time to go when she died the last time is we had not actually admitted our love to one another... that's the real reason she was allowed to come back. But I would have gone to my rest and found her. We would've been together again in the afterlife, and all of us would've been spared the misery and heartache we have already had and still have to look forward to. So, yeah... absolutely I do mean it."

"You would so willingly give up every happiness you have known with her in this life to have spared...."

"Yes, Reed. I would... in a heartbeat."

"And if you knew that her staying dead would have screwed your karmic cycle forever? That you would be lost to one another for eternity?"

Gwen hesitated. That was an infinitely tougher question as it meant losing something that was an intricate part of her being forever. Her breath caught at the palpable loss just the thought brought to her soul and tears formed in her eyes.

"Yes," she finally whispered. "Because it would have finally given Randi peace and she has more than earned that, Reed. Ares couldn't have touched her then."

"He would have owned her."

"What??" managing to wrap the whisper around an agonized keening. "Reed, that's not possible." She sank down onto the shuttle steps, her legs no longer able to hold her up when her knees turned to jello. "She was beyond his reach."

Reed nodded and moved to sit next to Gwen on the steps, though she left her bag neatly tucked under her pilot's seat. "May I?" she asked, motioning to the space beside the bard. Reed waited for a nod before she dropped down rather heavily beside her.

"You're right... if Randi had stayed dead after her defeat of Ghost Rider, she would have had peace for a little while. Ares couldn't have touched her as long as she remained in eternity. But she knew that she loved you and her soul was already pining for you before she died. She wouldn't have stayed in eternity for very long before she would have resumed an earthly form. And you wouldn't have been around the next time to stop him from winning."

Gwen sat silently for a moment, taking in Reed's words and letting them soak into her consciousness. She never took her eyes off the house she could just make out on the other side of the foliage, but she did finally speak softly. "How do you know this?"

"Rosie and I have been doing research. It took some doing, but we found some ancient texts that gave Rosie the ability to look beyond... to see the possibilities the past held."

"Isn't that what you do?"

"No," Reed answered with a smile. "I see the possibilities of what is coming. Rosie was able to look into the past and see what would have been."

"Why?"

"Because we need as much information as we can gather if you are to defeat Ares once and for all. Because what could have been could be again if your bond is broken."

Gwen gasped and wrapped her arms around herself in an effort to ease the anguish that trembled through her body as she faced the reality that she might be separated from Randi for eternity. Reed sat quietly and let her process the pain that rippled from Gwen's body into Reed's awareness. The seer focused on maintaining her barrier until Gwen turned to her.

"You bear a tremendous responsibility, Gwen... a burden no one should bear, but one that fate has handed to you anyway. You are all that stands between Ares and Randi's soul. Alone she is formidable but vulnerable. Together the two of you are invincible. If you win this time, you win for keeps. He will no longer have any sway over her."

"You sound so sure."

"I am."

Gwen turned her attention back out to sea and closed her eyes as a breeze blew across her face. "I don't doubt our love for one another or Randi's commitment to me. I never have."

"Then why the doubts?"

"Because the stakes have never been so high, Reed, and the odds have never been so stacked against us." Gwen looked at her briefly again before turning her attention back to the outdoors. She watched the breeze move the leaves randomly and Reed remained quiet, sensing Gwen was not done speaking.

"Aphrodite came to me. She told me what Ares did... how he managed to infect her. He took away her choice, Reed. So my doubts aren't about the bond Randi and I share - my doubts are about the outcome of this fight with Ares. He has made winning impossible this time."

"Not... really, Gwen. True, he did infect her. And true, it should have taken away her choice. But the fact is, it didn't... not completely. She has been struggling for control since this started. I think Russ did something to push her over the edge, because it wasn't until then that she decided she needed to go on the offensive."

"So she gave in to Ares," flatly.

"I don't think so. Gwen, even with her drive and her focus on becoming Sabre Commandant, on wiping out the rebellion, her first priority has remained your safety. I believe she is still fighting. Don't give up on her yet, Gwen."

"I'm tired, Reed. My soul hurts."

The seer mentally braced herself, then wrapped an arm around Gwen's shoulders. Gwen accepted the comfort, leaning her head against Reed's shoulder but keeping her attention on the world just beyond the shuttle.

"You're not alone in your fight, Gwen. We're all going to be here in your corner, and we're going to win. You wanna know why I think that?"

"Did you see it?"

"Would you like to see what I have seen?"

Gwen nodded. "I think I need to... especially if you can show me something positive." She sat up unexpectedly and looked into Reed's gray eyes - eyes that she had nearly lost helping to recover Gwen from the former Sabre that had kidnapped her and subsequently erased her memories. She shook her head.

"I sound like a whiny brat, don't I? God, I'm sorry. I just... I dunno. I'm just at such a loss here. I feel like I'm caught in the whirlpool of Charybdis. I seem to be losing sight of everything."

Reed smiled. "Nah... you just sound like someone who is running on overload. That's why I am here - to remind you that you don't have to do this alone this time. C'mon," she encouraged, tendering her own hands. "I'll make it quick. I don't think either of us is up for anything extensive."

Gwen proffered her hands towards Reed and was assaulted by a flurry of mental images when their hands linked. Then the connection steadied and she was able to make out a single image, and she wondered how Reed had managed to hold her vision on this one impression.

The two of them were older - Randi had streaks of gray in her hair on either side of her face over her ears and both of them had less than smooth skin. They stood together wrapped in one another's arms facing the ocean as the sun set. The prophetic foresight couldn't have lasted more than a few seconds, but for Gwen, everything moved slowly enough for her to drink in the details and realize with startling clarity that she was looking at their distant future together.

Abruptly, the picture disappeared from her mind and the connection between her and Reed was broken. Gwen gasped, momentarily overwhelmed. There had been so much darkness, but that final image gave her the hope she needed. She couldn't have explained why she needed the reassurance, but she was glad Reed had been able to provide it. Even though it was only a possibility, it was a vision that would take her through the darkness yet to come.

"Thank you, Reed."

Reed smiled tiredly. "I'm glad I could help, Gwen." She rose shakily to her feet and snatched her bag out from under the seat before extending a hand down to the bard. "C'mon. You've gotta get ready for work and I need to make a few calls."

"Reed...."

"It's okay, Gwen. Trust your instincts. There's got to be a reason you feel as strongly about this as you do. Just don't forget we're on your side too."

"You're sure?"

Reed shook her head and they headed up the short walk towards the beach house. "No, but that is what I feel most comfortable trusting at this point. There are so many variables, and somehow I think you pushing Randi out of her comfort zone will ultimately be a good thing. Might suck in the short-term though."

Gwen laughed wryly. "It already does, Reed. It already does."

Gwen stopped reading when the book slid off her lap and she looked down at Randi. The warrior didn't look up, but Gwen could feel the sobs and the wetness that was soaking the front of her shirt. Randi made no sound, but Gwen could feel the misery and confusion roiling through Randi's being.

For a long moment they stayed that way, and Randi absorbed the comfort Gwen so freely offered. Then she eased her grip and leaned her head back on Gwen's shoulder so she could peer gently into verdant green eyes.

"You would have given us up." A flat statement, no question in her voice.

"Yes," Gwen answered in a whisper, her eyes never leaving Randi's. "If it would have granted you peace, I would have given us up in a heartbeat." She reached up two fingers and cover Randi's lips before she could speak. "You've been fighting for thousands of years, love, and this time Ares stacked the deck against you... to make you his warrior forever. I wanted you to know peace, and if that's what it took...."

Randi removed Gwen's fingers from her mouth and brushed a kiss across the back of them before tucking them in her own. "Sweetheart, do you understand that I would never know peace if we were separated? Gwen, you're my source, my strength, my reason. Don't you know that by now? Without you... without us... there is no peace for me, and there never would be. We have been a part of each other for so long...."

Gwen loosened her hand and smoothed back sweaty bangs from Randi's forehead and let her hand trace down across Randi's facial features. The blue eyes closed at the feather-light touch and Gwen let her own eyes drift shut, allowing herself to simply feel in the moment. Finally, she moved her touch down Randi's neck and let her hand come to rest over the warrior's strong heartbeat, taking care to use a gentle stroke around the still burned skin of Randi's chest.

"We have, love. And I'm not sure either of us would survive an eternal separation. I know I was slowly dying without you here before we confessed our love to one another in this lifetime. I just meant you finally deserved some peace and if that was the only way to give it to you, I would have given that up for you to find it."

"Always looking out for me huh?" cupping Gwen's face and smiling when the bard leaned into the contact.

"Always. It is my privilege and responsibility."

"Then remember something for me." She waited for Gwen's eyes to track to hers. "Nothing is worth the price giving us up would cost. Nothing."

"I understand that. I just want you to remember that you are worth everything to me."

"Works both ways, sweetheart. No yin without yang." Randi paused then pulled the book back up between them. "Now, back to the grind. Every memory we work through makes my chest hurt a little less and I am ready to be done."

"Me too," Gwen smiled shakily, and they turned their attention back to her written words.

Chapter X

"Gwen, you promised me! You said you understood!" Randi roared. Reed had contacted her as soon as she and Gwen had settled into their respective residences. Actually, she had waited until Gwen gave her the go-ahead, both of them knowing that Randi was going to erupt when she heard.

Randi had been quite calm during Reed's report, instructing her to remain at the boathouse when Gwen was at home. Randi insured Reed understood in no uncertain terms that the minute Gwen left the island, Reed was to be by her side regardless of Gwen's feelings on the matter.

As soon as her call to Randi was complete, Reed placed another call - this one to Sky, requesting some local support. Already her hair was standing on end from all the skewed energy flying between Randi and Gwen, and she had the distinct impression it was only going to get worse. Her final call was to Rosie. She wanted to bring the shamaness up to speed on recent developments, and she hoped the added time would give Randi and Gwen time to work out the latest wrinkle in their road.

In the meantime, a storm was brewing in the beach house.

"I promised you I understood your position, Randi, and I do. I understand that you think I need a sitter twenty-four hours a day. I also told you I would do what I needed to do to live normally. And I will not be kept like some sort of prisoner, especially in my own home."

"Gwen, you need protection. This threat is real. The rebels will do anything they can to get to me and that definitely includes jeopardizing your life. They have already tried and they will keep trying until they win or I do. And I am not going to let them win. I am not going to stand aside while something else happens to you."

"And I can't stop living my life to accommodate some unreasonable fear on your part. Randi, the island is impregnable... you've seen to that. Reed is welcome to stay at the boathouse, but I will not have her here in our home as some sort of Sabre watchdog. I will not allow it!!!"

Randi gaped at her for a long moment over the vid screen, before her eyes became hooded. "I see. Very well, then. I will take care of this myself. She will be accompanying you to Midas, period. I already have other operatives in place there who will watch out for you. No arguments, Gwen. I don't have time for it right now."

Randi cut the connection without another word and Gwen stared at the blank screen unseeing until a light rap on the French doors brought her out of her shock. She turned her head slowly to see Reed standing there uncertainly and motioned her in.

The seer crossed the threshold and glanced around cautiously. Nothing was disturbed or out of place, yet Reed could feel the discord pulsing through the air. "Um, is it okay for me to come in?" she asked hesitantly.

Gwen rubbed her forehead then ran her hand though her hair before dropping her hand to her side. "Yeah, sure," Gwen replied. "I wish I didn't have to be like this, but...."

Reed held up a hand. "It's fine, Gwen. Honestly, it's better for me to stay at the boathouse. The vibes here are so whacked they are beating on my defenses and until and unless I get some sort of support, it could get very painful for me. I appreciate the distance."

Gwen grimaced. "I hadn't thought about that aspect. Are you sure you'll be all right?"

Reed nodded. "I've already made some calls. It is just a matter of getting folks into place. Rosie has agreed to come out this evening and help. I'll be all right."

Gwen reached out a hand, then hesitated. She certainly didn't want to cause Reed any more undue pain. Reed clasped her hand very briefly before releasing it again. "I'm glad," she said softly. "Now, let's get to Midas. I have a fitting and then it should be time for lunch."

Reed smiled. "I'm there. I don't know who your cook is there, but you can invite me to lunch any time."

Gwen laughed and picked up her things as they headed out to the transport together. "I think it is an apprentice of Ella's. His name is Gideon."

"You'll have to introduce me. My taste buds would like to say thank you." And so the banter continued down the road until they reached the Midas complex.

Gwen wondered what sort of directives Randi had sent down that she and Reed were passed through the gates without comment, then realized the new gate guard was one of the operatives Randi had spoken of earlier. She shook her head. She had a bad feeling about this.

"Gwen, what's the problem?" Tommy finally asked after he had to stop filming for the third time. Something was obviously troubling Gwen and he had a feeling Randi's distinct absence was a contributing factor. "This is not turning out like I visualized it and I don't think my imagination is at fault."

Gwen blew out a breath and walked over to the chair that had her name inscribed on the back. The children who had been patiently waiting for her story were claimed by their somewhat agitated mothers and given a small snack to tide them over til the next call.

"It's not, T. I'm just a little out of sorts today."

Tommy put his arm around Gwen's shoulder and he felt her lean into him for comfort. It disturbed him more than he let on and he turned to Gwen in full big brother mode. "C'mon, Little Bit. Share with ol' Tommy what's wrong. Let me fix it, then we can get back to the serious business of telling stories."

Gwen wrapped her arms around Tommy's middle and squeezed, glad when he returned the embrace fully. "Nothing you can fix, T."

"Musta been one humdinger of a fight then," he said evenly, feeling Gwen tense lightly in his arms. He chuckled softly. "And before you ask, it's very easy to tell. Ya'll are so in tune with one another it's real obvious when things fall out of sync between you. I'm kinda glad she's not here if things are that screwy between you. My hair would be standing on end."

"Pretty much," Gwen agreed solemnly.

Tommy felt her look around as she eased away from him, and it occurred to him that had been part of the problem. Something or someone in the room was distracting her. He didn't think it was Reed; she had agreed to wait with him in the control booth, though there was a distinct tension between her and Gwen - something he hadn't noticed before. No, this was something beyond that, as if the whole room was making her uncomfortable... or someone in it was.

The clue that had been circling finally bit him in the ass and Tommy reacted almost physically to the epiphany. Instead, he patted Gwen lightly on the back. "I have an idea," he said to her sotto voce. "I should have gone with my original idea to start with," he continued, muttering. He turned to the room. "Everyone out. Except for the children, I want everyone out of the studio."

Reed rose from her chair in the booth, wondering what was going on and how she could keep her spot in the booth without causing an uproar. There weren't that many people in the studio to start with and she wondered what had prompted his command.

Everyone else looked back at Tommy doubtfully until he began to shoo them out of the room, and Gwen was quick to note which were more hesitant than others. Soon, there was no one left in the room but the kids, Tommy and Gwen. Reed and one technician remained in the control booth.

Tommy felt Gwen physically relax and drew a sigh of relief. He should have expected Gwen's reaction though. The original idea had been to simply recreate the casual atmosphere of band practice. But Randi's call had changed all that and made it into a production. He had felt Gwen's hackles rise the minute she'd stepped onto the set, but she had tried to accommodate the change. It simply wasn't working the way he wanted it to. So he chucked Randi's directives and went with his gut.

Gwen rose from her chair and moved over towards the kids, some of whom were getting fidgety and restless. She crouched down and spoke to them in a voice too low for Tommy to hear the words, but in short order Gwen had one in her arms and another by the hand. The older children took the hands of the others, and as a group they made their way to the set fireplace and were setting up their own little nook.

Tommy casually walked over to the camera and focused it on them, motioning offhandedly to the sound tech in the booth.

The children and Gwen settled themselves comfortably on the pile of pillows they had stacked up around the floor and then Gwen began to talk to them. That's all it was at first, just informal conversation between them. The children talked about their various days while Gwen listened and laughed at their stories and antics. Finally, the youngest, Randall, who was comfortably ensconced on Gwen's lap, turned to her and tugged on her shirt. Gwen looked down into his wide brown eyes with a smile.

"What's up, cutie?"

Randall smiled back adorably. "Wen, story, pwease?"

"A story? I dunno. Do you think anyone else here might like to here a story?"

"Yes!" he replied emphatically.

Gwen grinned at his enthusiasm, and looked around at the sea of expectant, upturned faces. "Whaddya say, guys? Should we have a story?"

The cacophony that erupted was loud enough to make Gwen want to cover her ears, but instead she leaned back and laughed. When the noise died down, she asked her next question.

"So, what shall I tell a story about today?"

"Pirates!

"Princesses!"

"Space fights!"

"Cowboys!"

The number of suggestions Gwen got was only limited by the number of ideas the children surrounding her were capable of imagining. She laughed again and held up her hands for quiet. Eventually, they did settle down again, and she smiled at each of them. She had missed this and she welcomed the tingle of enthusiasm that coursed through her veins at their obvious eagerness. Her imagination pricked up its head, responding to the energy that now flowed from her audience, and Gwen's mind turned itself over to creating a story with all the elements the children had asked for.

Tommy observed the whole proceeding with a smile, watching the magic return to Gwen's face and voice as she rose to the challenge the kids had presented her. *This* was what she had needed, and though it was still a little off, *this* was what had been missing. He kept an eye on the camera, but for the most part, Tommy settled in to enjoy the new tale Gwen was spinning for the children who now sat around her, enthralled by her words.

For her part, Reed sat in the booth, struggling to maintain her hyper-alert status. Since Tommy had effectively dismissed the security Randi had set up, the responsibility for Gwen's safety fell solely and squarely up her shoulders. So she fought not to be drawn in to story that Gwen was weaving around her.

In the shadows, Randi stood hidden from sight. It had been her intention to burst into the room as soon as she knew that Tommy had discharged the security measures she'd practically forced him to employ. Then she caught a glimpse of Gwen surrounded by children with Randall sitting so trustingly in her lap, and Randi hesitated.

Gwen started to speak and Randi found herself spellbound by the sound of her voice. Then she began listening to the words and felt a calm wash through her as she allowed herself to be drawn into the telling of the tale.

At some point, Gwen became aware of the brooding presence standing in the shadows and she tailored her story to reach Randi like she couldn't any other way. It wasn't a Soulmates story, but it still held all the elements that Gwen wanted to share with Randi.

Eventually though she reached the end of her story - the pirates were defeated in a space fight with the cowboys and the knight rescued the princess so they could all live happily ever after in their underwater castle with the dolphins and seahorses. The children were thrilled and clapped and cheered when Gwen was done and Tommy nodded in satisfaction. This experiment was going to be everything he envisioned and more.

Randi stepped from the shadows and everything came to a standstill. The children had never seen her in uniform before, and though she tended towards dark and muted colors, there was something about the Sabre working uniform that simply absorbed the light from everything around it. She was a hole of darkness in a room already filled with shadows except where they sat under the lighting.

Tommy turned and caught the feral intensity in the look she wore and swallowed hard. After all, he had completely disregarded her orders concerning Gwen's safety and security and he'd known there would be hell to pay for it later.

He motioned to the tech who let the others know it was safe to come back on the set, though the mothers were the only ones who rushed in. The rest had no real reason to be in the room now that the filming had been done without them and most had in fact gone back to the jobs they had been hastily pulled from that morning. It was odd for Tommy to be so indecisive, but they had seen the trouble Gwen was having with all of them around, so most put it down to his accommodating her needs - which was the truth. The others, well, they would face Randi's wrath later.

Gwen rose from her seat as Randall was removed by Ella and moved to stand between Randi and Tommy. Randi reached out to gently move Gwen to one side, but the bard refused to budge and Randi was loath to use force against her. Gwen felt the anger roiling from Randi in waves and reached up a hand to her chest and laid it against Randi's heartbeat. She felt the pounding slow and finally Randi looked down into open green eyes.

"You don't get mad at him, Randi. He sent them out for me... he sent EVERYONE out for me, everyone except Reed. I couldn't work knowing half the people in here were here expressly to babysit me. So, if you want to get mad at someone, you get mad at me, but you leave Tommy out of this."

Randi scrubbed a hand through her hair. "Why, Gwen? You promised me." There was anger back of the words, but also a resigned tiredness. "Why are you so determined to make this difficult? Can't you see you are in danger? I'm just trying to protect you!"

Reed had escaped from the control booth and waited silently in the corner of the set. The technician had already moved to another area of the room to begin editing the shoot, and Tommy stood waiting patiently in the same spot he had been since he started the cameras rolling. Ella had wanted to remain as well, but a hand signal from Tommy had encouraged her to take Randall out of the room. Randall had been staring at his beloved playmate Wuv as though she was a spectre he had never seen the likes of before.

"Randi, you're trying to suffocate me! Reed was right here - against my express wishes, I would like to add - but she stayed because you gave her an order to protect me. Sweetheart, you can't wrap me up in cotton wool, no matter how much you might want to. I can't live like that, and neither can you."

Gwen paused, feeling Randi trying to get her breathing under control.

"I know what is driving this," she continued in a softer voice. "Randi, you can't let this fear win. What Ben did...."

"What Ben did was take you from me." The statement was stark and fierce. "What the Amazons tried to do was take you from me. Never again, my bard. I won't permit it."

"I understand that, Randi. But you've got to trust yourself and me. Trust Reed to handle things here until you can be here. She knows who to trust and who to look out for. I'll bet if I ask her, she can tell me the names of the half dozen Sabres you had staked out in here."

Randi looked startled. "You could tell?"

Gwen nodded. "Yes. Now that I know what to look for, it's easy."

Randi blew out a breath. "I won't pull them out, but I will pull them back for now. But Gwen, if something happens here...."

"Randi, if something happens here, I will stop everything I am doing and will go with you to the capital city until this is all over. But for now, I just need things to be as normal as we can manage. Please?"

Randi nodded her reluctant agreement. "You finish up here while I issue new orders. Then I'll run you home before I head back."

Gwen bit her tongue and nodded. She wanted to urge Randi to stay, but things felt awkward between them still and she hesitated to ask. Then Randi spoke.

"Thank you for the story," she said softly and trailed her fingers down Gwen's cheek. "I enjoyed that very much."

Gwen chuckled. "So did I, though God know the kids didn't make it easy."

"No kidding... space cowboys?" She dropped an arm around Gwen's shoulders and steered her towards the corner where Reed stood relaxed and waiting patiently. As they approached, it was all Reed could do to remain unaffected on the outside as their skewed aura battered against her defenses. For now her barriers held, but she spared a moment's gratitude for her upcoming meeting with Rosie. The shamaness would be able to bolster the barrier she had in place, and Reed appreciated the fact that not only could Rosie help her, but the fact that she was willing to do so. It had gone a long way towards cementing their friendship.

She was standing at attention by the time Randi and Gwen reached her. "At ease, Captain," Randi commanded, and Reed fell into position automatically. Gwen rolled her eyes.

"Reed, relax, will ya? I can feel the starch in your shorts all the way over here, you're so uptight."

"Let it go, Gwen," Randi instructed firmly. "This is military business and well she knows it. Her behavior is perfectly proper, given the circumstances."

Gwen glared at Randi a minute before slipping out from under her arm. "All right. If you will excuse me, I have business of my own to finish up before I can leave for the day. You two can take care of your military business without me."

Without another word, Gwen took Tommy by the elbow and walked out the door. Reed kept her focus on a tiny speck on the far wall to maintain the façade required by her military bearing. Randi watched Gwen leave and slapped her thigh in disgust.

"Goddamn it!! I can't do anything right for shit as far as she is concerned lately, can I?? And why is she making things so difficult, hmm? Does she think this is some sort of game??"

Reed didn't answer. It was not her place to speak, especially since she wasn't sure whether or not the questions were rhetorical or directed to her.

Randi whirled again and glared at Reed. "Well?!"

"I'm sorry, sir. Well, what?"

Randi looked at Reed as though she had lost her mind. Then she realized Reed was reacting as a discrete Sabre should - never answer a question the content of which you're not entirely sure. "Nevermind," Randi muttered. "Assemble the troops in my office in five minutes. I have a different assignment for them."

Reed took a chance. "And me, sir?"

"No, you will remain with Gwen until she returns to the capital city to rejoin me."

"By your leave then, sir ...."

"Yes, dismissed."

Reed snapped to attention and saluted before scurrying out of the room, quickly finding her colleagues and gathering them to her with a nod of her head. Then they went directly to Randi's office to await their new orders.

Beth blinked at them as they strode into the reception area, but Tommy had given her instructions to leave these new hires to their business, so she watched as they followed one another into the security office. There was a precision and a military bearing to them that marked them as far more than simple security personnel, and Beth wondered what was happening at Midas that the military had moved in.

Meanwhile, Randi went to Gwen's trailer, knowing Gwen would need to remove her stage make-up before she could leave. A grim smile crossed her face as she thought back to Gwen confiding in her how much the stuff made her itch. Suddenly that closeness seemed so far away from them, and yet it had only been a matter of weeks. Her heart clenched at the realization.

Randi grabbed her head in her hands as searing pain lanced through her skull, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. She stumbled blindly and fell into the trailer and Gwen opened the door at the noise.

"Randi?!?" She turned and looked back at Tommy who had been sitting in the trailer with her going over her performance schedule. At her cry, he rushed to the door and looked at Randi in alarm before hastening to her side and easing her up the steps and onto the small couch.

"I'll get the doc...."

"NO."

"But Randi...."

"No doctor."

Tommy looked at Gwen who simply nodded back at him. He started to move away and found his hand clasped in Randi's. He waited.

"Thanks, T," she said quietly. "It'll pass in a minute; it always does."

He looked at Randi for a long minute in serious concern. "Does this happen a lot? Randi, something could be terribly wrong - you need to get it checked out." His attention moved to Gwen. "You talk to her. Don't let her go all stoic on you either. And you," facing Randi again. "Don't be stupid." He squeezed her hand and released it, then left the trailer without another word.

Randi closed her eyes and let her head rest quietly on Gwen's lap for a few minutes until the blinding pain became a dull ache, then her eyes fluttered open.

"Did Tommy just call me stupid?"

"Not exactly," Gwen replied with a small smile. "He instructed you not to be."

Randi's forehead crinkled in confusion. "Have I done something lately to warrant that kind of warning from him?"

Gwen wasn't sure what sort of answer to give. She realized with startling clarity that Randi was still fighting - only she was fighting herself... with herself and for herself. It was as though she were two separate, distinct individuals fighting for dominance and control of Randi's mind and body. Gwen wondered if Randi would be able to survive if she couldn't merge both parts of her personalities back into a single whole individual.

Before she could form the words to speak, Randi blinked and when her eyes open, the blue had become a gunmetal gray. She sat up slowly as the pain diminished, confusion washing over her features again before they took on the hard planes of the Sabre warrior once more. Gwen blinked at the dramatic change she could physically see take place.

"I have some business to finish up in my office. Will you please wait here until I come back to get you so I can take you home?"

Gwen nodded her agreement and Randi brushed a light kiss across her cheek before rising and leaving the trailer without so much as a backwards glance. Gwen stared at the closed door for a long moment before she blew out the breath she had been holding and went back to her mirror. She was going to have to talk to Tommy about moving the schedule up, or canceling it completely until this thing played itself out. Despite the anger she felt and the turmoil that was her life currently, she wanted to be at Randi's side for as long as could be managed.

Truth be told, she wanted to kick Ares in the nuts for his inability to accept defeat gracefully, and for continuing to make a mockery of their commitment to one another. Gwen had never considered herself a violent person, but she was ready to go to war with him over this. She wondered if she could enlist some outside aide, and let her mind wander over those thoughts as she continued to remove the irritating make-up.

Randi took much less time than she expected and before she was actually ready to leave, the warrior was back at her side. Reed brought the transport around and got out, taking the motorcycle keys from Randi with nary a word between them. Gwen's eyes grew when she realized what had just taken place. No one but no one besides Randi was allowed on that bike except for Gwen, and Randi had just turned it over to Reed without batting an eyelash.

"We could have taken the bike, ya know," Gwen commented softly as Randi adjusted the transport seat to accommodate her much longer length. "I enjoy riding tucked in behind you."

"No," Randi answered starkly, the bleakness apparent in her tone. "It is too dangerous and I won't risk you again." She couldn't stop the shiver that trailed up her spine. "Something is wrong here. I feel...."

"You feel what, love? What is making you so skittish here?"

Randi shook her head mutely as she looked around the compound, searching for visible signs of whatever it was that was making her antsy. Finally, she moved the transport forward and headed out the gates. "My thumbs are prickling," was all she muttered. Gwen looked at her with a frown, but didn't say a word. She understood the reference well, but couldn't imagine what or who at Midas would set Randi's sense off like that. Neither of them saw the brown eyes burning with hate watch them head out the gates for home.

"Oh no, Randi," Ares growled as he watched the events play out on his scrying bowl. "No, no. You're not going to lose your focus now... not for blondie." He chewed on his lip as he paced, mind working furiously. He was too close to achieving his desires to let Gwen's hold on Randi to become her downfall. He couldn't afford her as a distraction for Randi's focus - not when she was this close to fulfilling her destiny, and his.

"Time to put your focus back where it needs to be... on the conquering."

"Waitaminute...." Randi said as they read that passage. "How do you know what was going on with Ares? It's not like we have a scrying bowl to spy on him," she added bitterly. It stung knowing how she had been played by this particular god.

"No, we don't," Gwen agreed. "But we have some friends who do. And we've been working on this a while. It took a long time to put all the pieces together, especially since some of them had to be gathered and recorded on the sly."

Randi chewed her lip in silent contemplation and Gwen simply remained still and let her think. Finally, Randi nodded her head and Gwen picked up her reading.

They arrived home and Randi was surprised to see that Reed wasn't already there. She had been rather leisurely in her driving, and she hadn't given Reed any specific orders that would make her late. So she was not very happy when Reed pulled up behind them with Rosie and dinner on the back of the bike. But Gwen welcomed their friend and Randi allowed her manners to usurp her anger. She would deal with Reed's insubordination later.

"It was good of you to come with Reed and bring us dinner, Rosie," Randi commented agreeably. "I feel like it has been months instead of just a week or so since I've had your barbeque." She stopped speaking when Rosie laid a hand on her arm.

"Please don't try so hard, my friend. I know my presence here is unexpected if not unwelcome. I came because Reed needs me, especially if she is to fulfill the order you have tasked her with. Don't judge her too harshly."

Randi didn't answer verbally, but patted Rosie's hand before gently removing it. Then she stepped towards the bedroom and closed the door behind her.

Gwen watched with confused eyes and Rosie shifted her attention to the bard. She waited patiently until green eyes tracked to hers, then she gripped Gwen's hands reassuringly. "Go to her, Gwen. Reed and I need to go down to the boathouse to do some work on her defenses. We'll be back shortly."

Gwen nodded her head numbly before moving to follow Randi into their room.

The warrior stood in front of her weapons closet casually studying the massive array of armaments she had cached there. She didn't even turn when the bedroom door opened and Gwen crossed into the room.

"Before I leave tomorrow, we need to start your training on a few new weapons. Reed will continue your lessons until I can be with you again."

Gwen's forehead creased in a frown. "Why?" succinct and to the point.

Now Randi turned around to face Gwen with her own frown marring her features. "Whaddya mean why?"

"I didn't stutter, Randi," Gwen replied with more than a hint of exasperation. "Why do I need more weapons training? I have the staff and I'm good with it. Why do I need something else?"

"Because I need to know you can protect yourself if everything else fails... if I can't be there." Randi's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Gwen, it's not a matter of *if* something happens to you, but *when*. You are my greatest strength, but you are also my biggest weakness, and if the rebels can exploit that, they will. That's just how they operate."

Gwen could feel the frustration rolling off the warrior in waves, and she stepped into Randi's personal space, feeling the hidden flinch at the invasion. It made her soul cry out in agony, while at the same time, it fueled an angry possessive streak.

"Don't," she said fiercely. She placed one hand over Randi's heart while the other cupped the warrior's face. "Don't let them dictate to you and don't let your fear win." She pulled away from Randi and stepped back, moving over to the doors that overlooked the beach and turning her back to the warrior. "I've already lost you to the Black Sabres again. Don't let the rebels win as well. They will completely destroy you. They have less of your best interests at heart than the Sabres do."

"That's not how it is Gwen. The Sabres don't own me... they *owe* me."

"Yes, they do owe you, Randi. But they own you as well. They are as much a part of you as I am, and you are their natural leader."

"Is that what you think?" The whisper was stark and pain-ridden.

"It's what I know, Randi. You can deny it, but they are the truth of who you really are."

"What does that do to us?" after a long, awkward silence.

Gwen's shoulders slumped. "It doesn't change how I feel about you, Randi. Nothing can do that. I promised you forever and I meant it. But it feels like you're slipping away from me, and...."

Randi walked up behind Gwen, within touching distance but still separated from her. Her reach was hesitant and awkward and Gwen made no effort to help ease the discomfiture between them. Finally, Randi let her hands rest on Gwen's shoulders, rubbing them lightly to erase the tension she felt resting there.

"I'm not slipping away, Gwen. I am trying to ensure that we are finally able to have a measure of peace to live in together in this lifetime. I think we have earned that."

Gwen patted the hand on her shoulder before pulling away from the uncomfortable embrace. "I do understand, Randi." She walked over to the bathroom and closed the door behind her. A look in the mirror showed green eyes full of despair. "I understand that you aren't slipping away from me. You are deliberately walking away from us and into the darkness alone by choice."

The bedroom was empty when she walked back into its sanctuary.

Chapter XI

Rosie took Reed's hands into her own and urged the seer out the French doors before Gwen had completely disappeared into the bedroom. As uncomfortable as the situation made her she knew Reed had to be in some sort of agony if her barriers were not holding. And while she didn't look to be in pain, she didn't seem particularly healthy either.

Reed took the hint and led the older woman into the boathouse rapidly. Without ceremony, the two assumed a position to help Rosie strengthen Reed's defenses. Reed had hoped it would take a while longer for this to become necessary, but obviously, she hadn't built up enough strength to combat the sheer awkwardness of their aura. What they were doing to her senses was like experiencing a continual wreck, and it was exhausting as well as painful. At some point in the very near future, she would need another session with Sky and the elders of her village to bolster what Rosie was doing for her currently.

As it was, Reed could literally feel the strength flowing through her veins, and it was a relief to her battered psyche. After a bit, she was able to pull away, and Rosie looked at her questioningly.

"I think we both need to eat before we continue. Passing out at this point won't help either of us."

Rose chewed her lip. "Good point. But we left all the food with Randi and Gwen. Are you sure...?"

Reed nodded her head. "Yeah. I feel much stronger, and we both need food. Besides, I want some barbeque, dammit!" Rosie chuckled lightly at this pronouncement and Reed grinned rakishly and wiggled her brows before her expression became one of concern. "What about you... will you be okay going in there with them after sharing so much energy with me?"

Rosie smiled wanly. "Their aura does not affect me like it does you. However, restoring some of the power I just shared with you is probably a good idea, especially since we need to do it again. We've got to find a way to make it more permanent, though."

"Agreed. We can talk to Sky and see if he and the council can come up with something. I don't think we've ever actually had something like this happen before."

Rosie shook her head. "We haven't. I've done the research. Ares has never gone to such drastic measures to insure his success, and that's a lot of what you seem to be combating. Not only is their aura together screwed up, but also Randi's single energy is entirely warped from what it should be. He has done something... it is almost as though she is fighting herself."

Reed nodded. "Well, that at least would make things make more sense." She paused in thought. "It does seem like we are dealing with two distinct personalities, doesn't it?" She shook her head. "We'll have to study this some more. It is just so beyond our scope of reality."

The two headed out the door and back towards the beach house. "Rosie?" Reed asked, breaking the casual silence between them.

"Hmm?" the shamaness replied absently. Her mind was already working on the convoluted problem she had been handed. There had to be a way to beat it... she just needed to find the right thread first.

"We are going to win, right? We *can* defeat Ares?"

"We'll find a way," Rosie assured the seer. "We have to - we can't let him win, so he won't."

Reed smiled. "Just like that?"

"Just like that." Then the conversation ended as they stepped onto the deck and knocked on the French doors.

Gwen walked out of the bedroom and noted Randi was casually setting the table for four as though nothing had happened. It was more than a little disconcerting. When Randi saw Gwen come out of their bedroom, she crossed the room and took the bard in her arms. Gwen returned the hug reflexively, acknowledging just how right it felt to be there despite all the confusion. It was moments like this she felt sure in her belief of them forever. It was just unfortunate they were becoming way too few and much too far between.

Eventually, Randi's hold loosened though both women refused to completely release the tenuous hold they had on one another. Instead, Gwen pulled back just enough to look into Randi's blue eyes.

"I do understand your concern, Randi, and if you think more weapons training is what I need, then we'll start my lessons tomorrow."

Randi drew Gwen back into her body for another long hug before brushing her lips over the soft, blonde hair. "I wish it wasn't necessary, love, but I can't stand the thought of taking chances with you... especially not now. So much has happened...." Gwen could feel the trembling in the strong body she was wrapped around and she squeezed tighter to show Randi her love and support.

Randi loosened one arm from Gwen's body and ran the hand through her long, dark hair and scratched at her neck in utter frustration. "I know you think you are losing me to the Sabres, but you're not. This is temporary... just until we destroy the rebellion once and for all. I can't... *we* cannot continue to live in a state of siege."

She would have persisted in her efforts at explanation had it not been for the hand covering her mouth. Randi looked down at Gwen with a raised eyebrow.

"It's all right, love. I do get it. I realize it is important to both of us for me to be able to protect and defend myself... just in case. I just want you to understand that I hope just in case never arises."

"Me too, sweetheart. Me too."

Whatever else might have been said was lost when Rosie and Reed knocked on the door looking for entrance into the beach house. Randi released Gwen and moved to let them in, knowing she owed both women an apology.

"I'm sorry, guys. I didn't mean to be so rude earlier. I just... having... knowing... this whole situation is driving me nuts and ya'll caught the backlash."

Reed didn't answer. There was a different code in place for her now, and the fact remained that Randi was her commanding officer. And as of yet, she hadn't given any unreasonable orders.

Rosie moved to the table and took a seat rather matter-of-factly. "Just don't forget who your friends are, Randi. Things will be a lot easier for you that way."

The rest followed her example and sat down in the awkward silence that followed. Gwen tried to break it, but was at a complete loss for something to say that didn't sound trite or inane. Finally, Randi allowed her Sabre persona to come to the fore and both Reed and Rosie marveled silently at the obvious physical change that took place before their eyes as she spoke.

"Reed, can you and Rosie take care of your business tonight?"

The two women exchanged looks before Reed turned back to Randi. "Temporarily, at least. It will require more work later on, but we can do enough to get by on until we can get things in place to create a stronger shield."

"And when will that be?"

"I have a call into Sky. If I go to them, we can do it in the next couple days. If they have to come here, probably a week or so."

Randi sat thoughtfully with her fingers steepled under her chin. Finally, she tilted her head towards Gwen, and the bard saw a flash of the woman she loved before the Sabre returned to the forefront of Randi's expression.

"Your choice, Gwen. You can go with Reed to the village or Sky and the elders can come to you. Which would you prefer?"

Gwen looked at Randi for a long moment before she turned her attention to the seer who was also her friend... a friend who was suffering almost as badly as she was from the rift that was becoming a chasm between Gwen and Randi. Gwen took note of the dark circles under Reed's eyes and the exhaustion that lay so plainly in the gray eyes. She saw the physical contact that Reed maintained with Rosie and realized even now Rosie was straining her own reserves to strengthen the barrier Reed had erected to shield herself from the skewed energy that permeated the bond she and Randi shared. If Reed could feel what Gwen did, she needed whatever help could be managed for her as quickly as possible. And if it was worse....

"I'll go with Reed. I think it's best that she get what she needs as soon as possible, especially if she is going to continue to be my sitter."

Randi gave an exasperated sigh. "Gwen, it's not like that...."

"Yes, Randi, it is, but I'm over it. We can start on the weapons training whenever you want. I'm sure there are several Sabres you will want to send with us that will be perfectly capable of instructing me. Now, if you'll excuse me, ladies," nodding towards Reed and Rosie. "I imagine the sooner ya'll get started, the better for everyone, so I'm just gonna turn in early. For some reason, I am exhausted. Don't worry about cleaning up here - I'll take care of it in the morning. Goodnight, guys."

Reed grasped Rosie's outstretched hand as Randi watched in consternation while Gwen walked away from them without a backwards glance. Gwen crossed the threshold of the bedroom and shut the door without ever looking back. Randi glanced at Reed and Rosie, astounded by the amount of pain radiating from the very posture of both women.

She jumped up from her place as though she'd been bitten by something and backed away from the table. "Are ya'll done?" motioning to their empty plates. They looked at one another and nodded. "Then why don't ya'll head back to the boathouse? I can see being here is making you both pretty miserable, and I'm sorry about that. I'm not really sure what is going on with Gwen these days." She shook her head then muttered under her breath, "I'm not really comfortable either."

Randi looked up again at the sound of chairs scraping back from the table. Rosie met her eyes while still maintain a firm grip on Reed's hands. "Thank you, Randi. Do you have a time you need us back here in the morning?"

Randi shook her dark head. "No. In fact, if ya'll want to head up to the village early tomorrow, that will be fine. I need to work on a few things with Gwen, then I will bring her up before I head back to the capital. I'd like to reintroduce her to the local Amazon tribe there as well."

Reed nodded. "That could be an immense help."

"I think so," Randi replied. "They are already somewhat aware of her capabilities. They could continue to teach her and protect her without me having to pull from the Sabres. And that means we can get our business finished faster."

"I'm all for that, sir." Rosie blinked at the address, but didn't comment. She knew Reed would explain everything more thoroughly when they were alone.

Randi nodded decisively. "That is what we will do then. The sooner we are done with the rebellion, the better for all of us." She cast her eyes in the direction of the bedroom before moving to escort Reed and Rosie to the door. "Ya'll be careful out there. I'll leave the light on until I get done in here and ya'll get back safely, all right?"

"Thank you, sir," Reed answered as she pulled Rosie out the door with her and moved swiftly back towards the boathouse. Randi watched until they reached the dock then moved to clean up the dining area so she could go check on Gwen. Something just wasn't right there, and it hadn't been since before the Amazon attack.

It didn't take long; it was mostly a matter of recycling the take away containers and washing up the few dishes they had used. Then Randi walked back over to the French doors and looked towards the boathouse, pleased that she could see lights and two distinct silhouettes. She flipped off the light and set the alarm, then crossed into the bedroom without hesitation.

What she found there was not unexpected, but still tremendously disheartening to see. Gwen lay facing the wall, wrapped around her own pillow and dressed in some sort of pajama outfit Randi had no recollection of ever actually having seen before.

It was clear from her body language that Gwen was still not happy, and Randi was torn between anger at her stubborn refusal to see the truth and sadness that they were obviously fighting about something she felt was a non-issue.

Randi scrubbed a hand through her hair in frustration, then crossed to the bathroom. She figured a hot shower would help her to relax. Maybe by the time she was done, Gwen would either be over her snit or at least asleep. In any of their previous disagreements, they had never been able to maintain their anger or barriers during sleep. She hoped this would be the same.

Then she stepped into the steaming water and let her thoughts wander back to the Sabre business at hand.

Gwen let the tears roll silently down her face.

When the water shut off, Randi stepped from the shower a bit more relaxed but no closer to a solution to any of the problems she saw as immediate threats - especially those that threatened her very existence... Gwen. She rubbed a hand over her eyes, then grabbed a towel to dry off with. The worst part of her problem centered around the fact that Gwen refused to accept the seriousness of the situation.

Randi reached up a hand and cleared a space on the mirror. She gazed for a long moment at the haggard reflection gazing back at her and rubbed the side of her face. The burning had started up again recently and it was starting to work her nerves in the worst way. She kept meaning to tell Gwen about it, but since they seemed to be a cross purposes continually lately, the opportunity hadn't really presented itself. She wondered briefly, given Gwen's attitude, if she would even care.

That thought caused a wave of pain to shoot through her head and she managed to push away from the vanity just before her knees crumpled beneath her and darkness enveloped her.

Gwen rolled over at the sound of the thump and looked at the door. She waited, but when there was no other sound forthcoming, she threw the covers off her body and rapidly slid from the bed. She was nearly running by the time she hit the bathroom door and she fell to her knees with a startled cry at Randi's position on the floor. She grabbed the wet rag from the shower door and pulled Randi's head into her lap.

With one hand she gently wiped Randi's face while the other combed through dark, wet tresses. Gwen studied Randi's face, noting with unease the hollowed cheekbones and the dark circles under her eyes.

"Oh, love," she murmured under her breath. "What have they done to you? What are you doing to yourself??"

As though hearing the whispered words, the blue eyes fluttered open. Randi blinked rapidly trying to figure out exactly how she ended up on the floor while her mind processed the feel and scent of the warmth surrounding her. Only then did she allow her eyes to track upwards to meet Gwen's green ones gazing back at her with love and concern. The intensity that radiated from Gwen's very being brought sharp tears to her eyes and she nuzzled the soft, firm surface she was nestled against to keep the bard from seeing the relief in her own.

Still, Gwen felt the relaxation that flowed through Randi as the warrior's body sagged imperceptibly in her arms, and she held on tightly for all too brief a moment before she allowed Randi to find a more comfortable position.

Much to her surprise, Randi didn't move off the cold tile floor, but continued to lay with her head comfortably ensconced in Gwen's lap. After a slight hesitation, Gwen resumed her ministrations, feeling Randi continue to relax into her. She closed her eyes and smiled sadly that there was such awkwardness between them so soon.

After an eternity, she felt Randi sigh deeply and she opened her eyes to find Randi regarding her seriously. Gwen moved the wet rag to one side and ran her hands carefully to the partially dried locks, letting her hand rest slightly on Randi's face.

"What happened, love? Why did you fall?"

Dark brows scrunched up while Randi considered the question earnestly. She remembered stepping from the shower, and then a shooting pain before waking up in Gwen's arms. Why did it feel like she had missed something pretty important in the interim?

She grasped Gwen's hand and rubbed it along her face. "Pain," she said softly. "Pain."

Gwen frowned in response. Randi was running their hands along the side of her face that had been scarred not once, but twice by different members of the rebellion, and Gwen had to wonder what was causing it to flare up yet again. Though she could see no visible evidence of its return, the spot where it had been was cold to the touch.

Gwen squeezed their joined hands and held them still, waiting for Randi to open her eyes. Finally, Randi opened her eyes again and this time she let them remain locked on Gwen's. For the first time, Gwen noticed the redness of the eyes that faced her. She wondered of the warrior was sleeping at all given the exhaustion she could see lurking in the back of her gaze.

Gently Gwen caressed Randi's face. "C'mon, Stud. Let's get off this cold floor before you catch a chill. I'll tuck you into bed and then we'll see what we can do for the pain, all right?"

Randi nodded, strangely compliant. She continued to rub her face into Gwen's belly as though the sensation was soothing. Gwen looked down at her in alarm at her unusual meekness, disturbed by the sudden shift in moods. Then she moved Randi into a sitting position, holding onto her while she felt the warrior gather herself, then helped both of them to stand.

Randi hesitated, hating to show any weakness, even in front of Gwen, but needing the support as she felt another wave of dizziness wash through her. Gwen held on, not making a big deal of anything, but completely unwilling to leave Randi to her own devices, even when the warrior tried to gently disengage herself from Gwen's grasp.

Instead, she wrapped an arm more firmly around Randi's waist and put Randi's arm around her shoulder before she slowly moved them back to the bedroom. It was fairly easy to get Randi settled once they reached the bedside.

Gwen started to step away, intent on retrieving some juice and painkillers to help Randi cope with whatever had thrown her for such a loop. She was a little surprised to find her hand caught and held in Randi's firm, light grasp, and she looked up to find her gaze snared by the blue-eyed intensity of the warrior's stare.

Gwen cocked an eyebrow in Randi's direction, and almost got a familiar teasing grin in response. What she got in its place though, was ultimately more heartfelt, and a true indication of how badly Randi felt... something that, given what was going on between them, would never have happened if Randi's defenses hadn't dropped so low. As it was, Gwen could do nothing but comply once the request was made.

"You," Randi said quietly. "I only need you."

In answer, Gwen climbed into the bed beside Randi and opened her arms. Randi snuggled into Gwen's breast, placing the burning cheek tight against Gwen's heartbeat.

Gwen waited for Randi to settle before she started a gentle tracing of Randi's face, relishing the touch between them. It seemed so long since they had shared this intimacy and Gwen found the memories brought tears to her eyes now.

"I've missed this," Randi whispered.

Gwen smiled sadly, unseen by Randi. "So have I," she replied with equal softness. "I don't like that we seem to be losing so much of what makes us... us."

Her words were only met with silence, and Gwen felt the tears well in her eyes though she refused to allow them to fall. Then she felt a warm wetness on her breast and she held Randi tighter to her, relishing the chance for the closeness. She felt Randi cuddle deeper into their embrace with a sigh. It was a very long time before either of them settled down to sleep.

They had no way of knowing how drastically their lives would change once again with the coming of morning.

Reed and Rosie were long gone by the time Gwen opened her eyes, and she felt around to discover that Randi was long since gone from their bed. She bit her lip at the feeling of desolation that swept through her, trying to remember when the last time was she and Randi hadn't woken together when they had shared a bed. Green eyes closed and Gwen concentrated on riding out the pain in her soul. She didn't even move when she felt a warm touch try to erase the wrinkles from her forehead. Only when the touch cupped her face did Gwen open her eyes to be met by the sympathetic blue ones of Aphrodite.

"You doing all right there, chica?" Dite asked with a small, sad smile. She brushed blonde bangs away from Gwen's eyes. "This is hard, huh?"

Gwen nodded and returned the sad smile. "Harder than I thought it would be, yeah. I expected... well, I hoped it would be over quickly." She slapped the bed in frustration. "Dammit, Dite! Haven't we been through enough? Haven't we suffered enough to be together in this lifetime?"

"Yeah, ya have, but this is so not my call. Otherwise...." she shrugged.

"I know, Aphrodite, and I'm sorry. I don't mean to take this out on you. I'm just tired and frustrated and.... We're gonna win, you know; we have to. I just want it to happen sooner rather than later. I'm sorry... the waiting is almost worse than just having it go ahead and happen. I think it is starting to drive me nuts."

Dite chuckled. "Well, babe, if it makes you feel any better, I passed nuts at such a radical speed so long ago, it had to be pointed out to me."

Gwen couldn't help it... she laughed. Whatever words she had expected to fall from the love goddess' lips, that hadn't even been in the realm of possibilities.

Aphrodite tilted her head, not imagining her honest response would get such a reaction from Gwen as the bard continued to laugh until she cried. And then she simply held Gwen in her arms until the storm passed. Though intense in duration, it was mercifully brief, and Gwen sat up almost as quickly as she had collapsed into Dite's waiting arms. She looked at the goddess with a watery smile.

"Sorry about that."

Dite pushed her hair back from her forehead once more. "I'm not. You need the release, and I'm glad I was here to help... hmm, that doesn't sound right, does it? And somehow, I don't think Randi is in the mood to appreciate that sort of humor these days. Tell ya what, though... anytime you need a shoulder, you let me know, 'kay? All you gotta do is like, call for me and I am so there."

"Thanks, Dite. I appreciate it."

Dite squeezed her hands then rose from the bed. "I gotta split before that gnarly warrior babe of yours comes bebopping through the door, but you remember what I said, all right? We're watching, even if it seems like we've deserted you."

"But...."

"I'll be back when I can. Later, Cutie!" And she was gone in a shower of rose petals and sparkles, then not even the rose petals were left. Gwen blinked her eyes furiously. She'd never known the rose petals to disappear without a trace.

Then a hot, sweaty warrior came running into the bedroom and gave Gwen a wave as she passed right into the bathroom. Gwen blinked and slid from the bed, feeling like she had just stepped into the Twilight zone. Then she walked to the kitchen and began preparing breakfast.

Randi came out behind her shortly thereafter, drying her hair absently with a frown on her face. Gwen felt a frown crease her own face at Randi's expression, especially when that look of confused dissatisfaction was turned her way.

"What?" Gwen finally asked when Randi continued to stare. She crossed the kitchen to cup Randi's face in her hand. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

Randi didn't flinch, but Gwen could feel the tenseness in the skin under her fingertips. She looked into Randi's eyes and saw pain and confusion before the warrior's expression cleared, though the frown remained. With her other hand, Gwen smoothed the wrinkles from her forehead. Randi caught the hand and gave Gwen a crooked smile before planting a kiss on her fingertips.

"I missed you in the shower this morning."

"I missed you in the bed this morning. I figured you just needed some space."

"Not from you. I just woke up antsy this morning. Something... something is nagging at me, and I don't know what."

"Where... here?"

Randi shrugged. "I don't know. I don't think so. It's a feeling that started at Midas yesterday, but I can't put my finger on just what it is that's making me nuts."

Gwen smiled. "And that just makes you nuttier."

Randi nodded and returned the smile wryly. "Yeah, it does just make me nuttier. And these days, I don't think I need any pushing in that direction."

Gwen snorted. "Like any of us do?" She turned back to the waffles which were now a golden brown. "C'mon. Breakfast is ready and I've still got to get a shower. Then we can go...."

"We'll run by Midas to give Tommy the lowdown on things. Then we'll get you up into the mountains and I'll reintroduce you to the Amazon tribe there. I imagine they will remember you, though I doubt you will remember them."

"Are they the ones...?"

"They are the tribe we visited when you got your introduction to the card-carrying festival."

"With the staff thing?"

"Yep. You will be staying with Reed and Sky, but they will come in to help train you."

"Can you do that? I mean, I didn't know you had that sort of position in the tribe."

Randi smiled depreciatively and shrugged as she decimated the waffle on her plate. "It's not a position, really. It's more like an owning of a favor. Besides, the queen likes me and she is going to love you."

"What makes you think so?"

Randi grinned. "Because I am just that smart," she said cheekily. "Now, go get your shower so we can get going. I'll clean up the kitchen." And in short order, they were headed to Midas, though Gwen's mind was working overtime as she tried to make sense of Randi's change of moods.

It didn't take long to reach Midas and Tommy was easily convinced of the need, once again, to postpone Gwen's recording sessions. Truth be told, it was something he had been anticipating. Given Randi's obvious change of focus and her need to keep Gwen safe, he was surprised it had taken as long as it had. But it was apparent to both women that he had been more than prepared for the eventuality.

"All I ask, Gwen, is that you keep in touch with me from time to time and let us know that you're all right. It's in my nature to worry about you."

"And what am I?" Randi cut in. "Chopped liver??" She put her hands on her hips and gave him a mock glare.

"No, but I figure you will be too busy ruling the world or something similar." His serious response caught her off guard, and she merely blinked in reaction. "Besides," he continued without a breath, "Gwen and I may have a chance to get some more work done if I keep in touch with her. Ya never know when that muse will strike again."

Gwen smiled, trying to alleviate the sudden tension she could feel running through Randi's frame. "I don't think that will be a problem, T. My muse has a lot of catch-up work to do and has been busy working on a few new things. I think it is safe to say we will be able to do some more recording soon... regardless of where I am. And I think if we could do one or two in the mountains, it would be all to the better. I think a change of scenery could definitely work in our favor."

"Good," Tommy agreed readily. "We'll plan on it then. You just let me know when you're ready and we'll get things set up for ya. And in the meantime, ya'll stay safe, all right?"

Gwen reached up and squeezed Tommy around the neck, relishing the return hug he gave her. "We will, Tommy," she whispered. "Ya'll too."

"We'll get through this, Gwen."

At that point, Randi stepped forward and encompassed both of them. "Once this is over, Tommy, things will get back to normal... I promise."

It only took seconds for them to all be reminded just how not normal things had become for them all.

They stepped out from Tommy's office, arms still wrapped around one another. It almost caused Randi to react too slowly.

Without warning and without sound, Brad came around the corner, blade raised. He swung at Gwen, managing to slice into her arm before Randi grabbed his wrist. The warrior didn't pause, didn't hesitate, but continued to squeeze, feeling the bones break beneath her grip.

"Augh! Gwen cried.

Randi pushed Gwen behind her and advanced on Brad, pushing him down hard and making him hit the floor with a bounce. Tommy rushed to pull Gwen out of range.

"Randi, NO!" Gwen cried as she put pressure on her bleeding arm.

"Infidel!" Brad screamed as he fell to his knees. "The whore must die!" He didn't get to say anything else as Randi backhanded him so hard across his face Tommy heard the bones crack over Gwen's yelling in his ear.

Just for good measure, Randi hit Brad again, relishing the spray of blood from his nose as it washed over her. Then she grabbed him around the neck with her free hand and squeezed until he started to gag. He struggled to no avail, wincing when she released his broken wrist, only to snap the other arm in two places.

"She has... to... die, Randi," Brad wheezed. "If... not by... the... Wizards... then... someone else... will... do... it." He chuckled as her hand tightened, then he choked. "She's... she's your weak... spot... Randi, and the... whole... rebellion... knows it. We get... her - we... get... you. And once... we... have you... we win."

Randi grinned evilly and reached down and hit a pressure point on either leg, rendering him immobile from his hips down. Then she snatched up the knife he had dropped, and he knew when he met her black eyes that he was going to die a painful death.

"Randi, NO!! Please don't do this!" Gwen pleaded to no avail.

"I don't think so," she replied calmly, ignoring Gwen's entreaty. She turned the blade and rammed it into his stomach cavity with some force. "You see," she continued conversationally as she slowly wrenched it upwards, "she is also my greatest strength, and I will do anything to protect her. Even if that means taking on the entire rebellion myself - one stupid son of a bitch at a time."

Brad looked in her eyes again, and in that moment he believed she would. For the first time he felt true, unmitigated fear. His sacrifice would be for naught. He started to cry.

Randi jerked the knife up into his chest cavity and pierced his heart, ready to have done with him. "No more living for you," she muttered as he toppled over into a puddle of blood and most of his internal organs. The entire exchange had taken less than two minutes.

Chapter XII

Randi moved away from Brad immediately, scooping Gwen into her arms and shouldering her way past the door back into Tommy's office. For his part, Tommy stood unmoving as she brushed by, stunned by what he had seen.

Gwen caught a glimpse of Randi's black eyes before they started to fade back into their natural blue. Without a word, she relaxed into Randi's embrace, allowing the warrior the comfort she needed to both give and receive. Time would come later for discussion, though Gwen understood why Randi had executed Brad. She just didn't understand the feral joy she so obviously took in it.

Out of nowhere, several of Randi's new security agents, the Sabre contingent, showed up and began cleaning up what was left of the rebel Wizard. Tommy vaguely wondered how they knew they were needed and how they were able to cope with the heinousness of the scene without emotion. But most of his mind was occupied by the images of Randi that had been seared into his brain.

Randi set Gwen tenderly on the couch in Tommy's office and started to place a gentle finger on the tip of the bard's nose. But she saw the blood that remained on her hands and pulled back abruptly, unwilling to allow the ugliness of what had happened to touch Gwen any longer than necessary. Instead, she held up a finger, silently cautioning Gwen to stay put and she rose to her feet, moving over to the door. Immediately, one of the remaining agents stood from his cleaning duty, nodding his head at her whispered instruction. Then he left at a run, returning almost instantly with a med kit in his hands.

Randi tried to pull Tommy back into the office with her, but he furiously resisted her attempt, jerking away from her and leaving without a backwards glance. Randi's shoulders slumped. Having Tommy walk away from her hurt almost as much as having Gwen push her away had. She only hoped she'd get the opportunity to explain.

Randi closed the door and crossed the room, kneeling beside the couch and reaching for Gwen's arm. The blood was only flowing sluggishly and Randi pulled an alcohol wipe from the kit without moving her eyes from the cut. Gwen reached her free hand and lifted Randi's chin until their eyes met.

"It's all right, Randi. I don't understand the joy you take in killing, and I don't like it. But I do understand why that is your reaction... especially after being attacked." Randi didn't answer but Gwen could see the relief in the back of her eyes. "We'll talk about this later?"

Randi nodded and turned her attention back to the cut on Gwen's arm. She sprayed it to numb the area and then poured cleanser on it before wrapping it up. "I want to get you out of here. We'll regen it when we get to Sky's."

"We're going to Sky's and not the cabin?"

Randi nodded. "I want you in the village. It will be easier to keep you safe there."

Gwen frowned. "Randi, um... why do you think I would be safer there? I mean... we were attacked there the last time we visited. People died. People are still dying because of me." She paused, drawing in a shuddering breath and sparing a glance towards the door. "Randi, I don't want to be the cause of something like that again. I can't," in a bare whisper.

Randi slipped onto the couch and took Gwen in her arms. "I know. That's why I need you to go to Sky's for now. No one will look for you there - they won't have time. And I can move enough Amazons in to protect both the village and you."

"No, Randi. I don't want anyone else to die."

"Gwen, people are going to die, because I am going to end this rebellion once and for all. The only way to do that is to destroy them, and that is what I am going to do. One rebel at a time, they are going to die."

Gwen closed her eyes. It wasn't something she'd ever wanted to hear come from her Marine and she felt Randi slip just a little bit further from her with the words. Then she opened her eyes and met Randi's gaze squarely.

"I don't like it, Randi. It's not your job and it's not your responsibility. Remember? You DIED for them. You don't OWE them *anything else*."

"You're right, Gwen. I don't. But I do owe US that, and I'm the only person I completely trust to get the job done. I know I can, and I know I *will*."

"Why, Randi? Why does it have to be you? Why can't you leave it to someone else?"

"Gwen, we've been over this. We *keep* going over this. Continuing to talk about it is not going to change anything - not the facts nor my position on what needs to be done." Randi sighed in sheer frustration as much as anything else. "The fact is if someone else was able to take care of the rebellion, it would have already been taken care of. The Sabres need a leader, and like it or not, I am the most qualified person for that position. Besides which, this has become very, very personal to me. I cannot stand idly by while someone is taking potshots at us."

"I still don't like it," Gwen stated adamantly. "It feels like you are being set up... like you are being pushed into it for some reason." She swayed and leaned further into Randi's body, somewhat reassured when the warrior reflexively clasped her tighter.

"By whom, and for what purpose? I mean, ending the rebellion is for the greater good and all. What difference does it make if I do it or if someone else does... as long as it gets done? Forget the fact that I am the most qualified person to get the job done - who stands to gain from me specifically taking charge and leading that kind of offensive?"

Gwen closed her eyes again as a wave of dizziness washed over her. She wondered what was happening since she didn't think she had actually lost that much blood. "Wh' cou' man'pla' y...?" was what Randi heard come out of Gwen's mouth before the bard went limp in her arms.

Without hesitation, she scooped Gwen back up into her embrace and stood from the couch, moving swiftly to and out the door.

"Riker!" She didn't bellow - she didn't need to. The man was standing just outside the door as though waiting for instructions. "Get me a medic with a regen unit and a shuttle, stat."

"The shuttle is standing by, sir, as is Lacey. She was summoned as soon as we knew there was an injury."

Randi nodded. "Good work." She looked down at the scrupulously cleaned floor. "Make sure that body is put in a place where it makes a statement the rebels understand."

"Aye, sir. Do you need some help with her, sir?"

"Nope. It's not that long a walk. Please let the command center know that my schedule will be a bit behind as I will probably need to stay overnight with her before I head back to the capital."

"Aye, sir... understood."

Randi headed out the door, but paused momentarily when she caught Tommy's eyes. He held her gaze as though searching for something, before turning his back. She walked out the door without missing another beat. Time for Gwen was too precious to waste on something she couldn't even begin to fix at the moment. Tommy would just have to wait.

As soon as Randi stepped foot onto the shuttle, the door closed and they prepared for take off. Lacey met her and together they eased both Gwen and Randi into the reclining chair as neither woman showed a desire to release the other from the hold they had. Even unconscious, Gwen clung to Randi fiercely, and Randi was just naturally proprietorial where Gwen was concerned. But Lacey was well-experienced in this particular bonding and knew how to work around it.

She cut the binding from Gwen's arm, wincing at the bubbling she could see still taking place from the cleanser Randi had poured into it. Obviously the blade had been contaminated by something. Lacey glanced at Randi for her reaction, a little startled by the fact that Randi wasn't watching - and indeed her eyes were closed and her breathing even as though she was asleep.

Lacey decided to take small blessings where they came and got rapidly to work.

When she was satisfied she had removed all the poison and infection from Gwen, Lacey turned her attention to Randi's hands. Though she hadn't seen Brad's execution, she had heard about it just as the rest of the team had from Yemin, the Sabre who had been assigned to Randi's office while Tommy's assistant Beth was on vacation.

According to his report, Randi's execution of Brad had been swift, and given the fact that he had attacked Gwen, fairly merciful. However, it had also been in front of both Gwen and Tommy and everyone knew how Tommy had reacted to the violence. Lacey shook her head. She wondered just how much more these two could survive together before everything fell apart for them.

Lacey took Randi's hands in hers cleaning the blood from them dispassionately. She felt Randi's eyes on her and looked up to find them open to mere slits. "How is Gwen?" Randi muttered hoarsely.

"She'll be all right. I've got her under the regen unit now and I sent ahead to let Reed and Sky know we're headed in. They'll be ready and Gwen should be awake in another few minutes."

"What was wrong? Was it blood loss or...?"

"Probably or. There was something on the blade he used to slice her with. It was still bubbling when I unwrapped it."

Randi sat up abruptly, taking her hands from Lacey and shifting Gwen in her arms. "Do we know what it was?"

"Wha' what wuz?" Gwen mumbled, blinking her eyes sleepily and sitting up.

"You need to stay still, Gwen. Lacey's got the regen unit going on your arm. It should be done by the time we reach Sky's."

Gwen frowned. "I thought we were gonna wait til we got there."

"We were, until the cut seemed to knock you out. So Lacey came along to fix you up."

Gwen nodded. "Are you staying?"

Lacey shook her head and smiled. "Not this time. But I'll be back." Then she got up to move away from the two of them to allow them a bit of privacy to talk. Gwen's hand on her arm brought her to a sudden halt and she turned to look at the bard with questioning eyes.

"Thanks," was Gwen's only word.

Lacey patted the hand on her arm and smiled again. "Anytime, my friend." Then she crossed to the other side of the shuttle, leaving Randi and Gwen alone in the silence.

Gwen sat comfortably, her head tucked into Randi's neck. She let her hands wander absently up and down Randi's sides, enjoying the feel of being able to touch while being surrounded by Randi. For right now, in this moment, Randi was totally with her, and Gwen relished it completely. They sat there for a little while, simply absorbing the peace. Then Randi drew a deep breath and whispered into Gwen's ear.

"Gwen, what did you say to me earlier? When we were talking about who would stand to benefit if I led the Sabres through this campaign to wipe out the rebellion."

Gwen sat up to look directly at Randi. "What do you remember?"

"I remember Brad attacking, carrying you into Tommy's office and wrapping your arm. We talked."

Gwen gazed into Randi's eyes, seeing nothing but honesty in them. Once again, Randi really didn't recall the actual act of violence she had committed. Gwen wondered what it would take for Randi to see the truth. She drew a deep breath and decided to push a little.

"Do you remember what we talked about?"

"Yep. We talked about why I needed to be the one to destroy the rebellion. Then you muttered something at me just as you passed out, but I didn't actually understand what you said."

"I asked who could manipulate you."

Randi absorbed the question with a thoughtful pause, understanding it was being asked in all seriousness and not as a knock at her integrity. Coming from Gwen, there had to be a significant reason behind the asking. Finally, Randi withdrew from her self-absorption and turned her full attention back to Gwen.

"No one," she replied sincerely. "There is no one on earth who could manipulate me into doing anything... except me. And that is not manipulation - that is decision and responsibility."

Gwen bit her lip and nodded slowly. "All right. I can accept that as an answer. But what about things not on earth? Could you be being manipulated by something outside the mortal realm?"

"Like a god, you mean?" Randi paused again for a long moment then shook her head. "I don't think so. There isn't one who'd be interested... except maybe Ares, and I already turned him down flat."

Gwen looked at Randi for a long time before slowly nodding her head. "All right," she drawled. "It was just a thought." She put her head back down on Randi's shoulder and snuggled more deeply into her neck. "Do you mind if I stay here a while longer?" she asked drowsily. "I'm still kinda tired."

Randi smiled and brushed a kiss across the top of the blonde head before resting her cheek. She squeezed Gwen gently but firmly for a long minute, then relaxed her hold just slightly. "You're always welcome here, Gwen. You get some rest. Regen takes a lot out of you. I'll wake you when we arrive in the village."

"'Kay, thanks," Gwen mumbled as she dozed back off.

"You knew," Randi said as Gwen paused in her reading. "You knew and you tried to warn me - you kept trying to warn me. But you didn't just tell me. Why?"

"I told you... I couldn't. You had to figure it out for yourself and make the choice on your own."

"Huh... no way he could win if I get to choose. I'll pick you every time."

"Would you really?" Gwen blurted out. An expression of hurt flashed across Randi's face and settled into her eyes.

"You doubt me so much? You doubt us?"

Gwen leaned forward and brushed a kiss across Randi's cheek, then cupped the same cheek in her hand. "Not here," she reassured. "And not now." She blew out a breath. "I will admit to having some doubts before - for a while I really was afraid Ares would win."

Randi thought about pulling away but realized just from their reading that Gwen's concern had been legitimate. Instead she covered the hand on her face, leaning into it and brushing a kiss against the palm. "I guess I can see where you might have gotten that idea. It's been a rough few months, huh?"

"Well," Gwen replied slowly. "It's not something I'd want to have to repeat, no. But ya know what? You're here, I'm here, and we're together at the end of it. That's good enough for me."

"Is it? Enough, I mean. This isn't exactly what you signed on for."

"I promised to stand beside you through the triumphs and trials of our lives, not just when it suited me. So yes," Gwen answered with a fierce growl. "It *is* enough. YOU are enough. You have always been all I ever wanted. Just because we don't always have moonlight and roses don't mean I need anything more than you beside me."

Randi grinned and took Gwen's hand in hers, lifting it to her lips and brushing a kiss across the back of her knuckles. "I love you," was all she said, but her eyes spoke volumes more. Gwen just wrapped her up and held on, being careful to remember the still burned skin on Randi's chest.

"Randi, do you remember what happened with Brad... I mean, actually remember it? Not what I just read, but actual memories."

Randi closed her eyes and breathed in the scent surrounding her... a scent that had been distant from her for a scant few months that had seemed like forever. Finally she brought her mind back to the question Gwen had asked her. She thought about it seriously for a long moment, searching every cognitive memory she had. Randi opened her eyes.

"No. I put it away like I did the others. There's nothing there, except for what you just read."

Gwen nodded slowly as though she had anticipated that very answer. "So you don't remember how you felt when...?"

"No... only how I felt when you read about it." She paused, formulating her thoughts, knowing Gwen was waiting for her to share. "I was glad," Randi said simply. "He hurt you - tried to kill you. I'm glad he died, and I'm glad I was the one who killed him." She paused again, watching Gwen's reaction closely, but finding no recrimination or reproach in her gaze. "He deserved far worse than what he got."

"Because he came after me?"

"Yep."

Gwen nodded again, as she once more got the response she expected. "I think he deserved far worse than he got as well."

Randi started involuntarily in Gwen's arms as the bard's words penetrated her conscious thought. She blinked rapidly, wondering what could have brought on Gwen's change of heart. The bard had never been a proponent of torture or violence for violence's sake, and what Randi was proposing was just exactly that.

Gwen smiled sadly. "You're wondering where that came from, I guess." Randi blinked again and nodded. She didn't trust herself to speak yet, but she wanted to hear why. Gwen leaned forward and kissed Randi's forehead. Then she sat back a bit and let her eyes drop to their entwined fingers before her voice became a mere whisper.

"After you... executed... Brad, you became obsessed. Completely. I didn't see you again except through notes, vid calls or in passing until the rebellion was absolutely destroyed. And then it was to become your...." Her nose wrinkled up in distaste. "Consort. And you know how I feel about that particularly title," giving Randi an exceptionally telling glare.

Randi scratched her nose and looked somewhat abashed. "Yeah, I think I am real clear on those feelings, love. I will never, EVER use that word again, even if we remain...." She broke off. "Gwen, what are we going to do about this whole Empress thing?"

Gwen's eyes opened wide at the point blank question. Though she'd been thinking about it off and on since Randi had taken control of the Sabres, she still hadn't come to any concrete conclusions so she wasn't ready to give Randi an answer. There were too many variables and it needed to be their decision... their choice. She shook her head and blinked.

"I think we need to tackle one thing at a time, Stud. Let's worry about this first. Then we can worry about whatever comes next."

"After this, anything else will be a piece of cake."

Gwen smirked. "My point."

Randi mock glared at Gwen. "You're pickin' on me." She smiled wistfully. "I've missed it."

"Me too."

Silence ensued for a little while as they basked in the contentedness of just being part of one another again. Then Gwen turned to Randi. "Do you want to read your memories of what happened to Brad and why?"

Randi seemed to consider it for a long moment before she shook her head. "No. I know what I did from your reading, and I know why I did it just based on my reaction to that. I don't think dredging it up yet again is going to change anything or make either of us feel any differently about it."

Gwen nodded her acceptance. "All right. I can understand that. It's not like we can't come back to this if we need to." She blew out a breath, fluffing her bangs with it before picking the book up once more and opening it to the place they'd stopped. "Shall we continue?"

Randi nodded. "Yep," she affirmed with determination. "Sooner we get this done, the sooner I can go kick Ares' ass."

"You might have to stand in line for that, ya know," Gwen joked lightly. "I have a feeling there are a few goddesses that will want to get in a lick or two."

Randi cut her eyes towards Gwen. "Me first," she grumbled, then motioned towards the open book. "You gonna read?"

"Yep," trailing a finger down the page to find her place. "Here we go."

Their arrival at the village was subdued. Reed waited for them, as did Sky and a woman Gwen had not yet met. There was nothing blatantly obvious in her dress or bearing, but the bard was convinced that the stranger was an Amazon. And not just any Amazon, but someone of responsibility, though Gwen was not entirely sure the woman was a ruler.

Randi scooped Gwen into her arms and trotted down the shuttle ramp before Gwen could draw a breath to protest. She came to stand in front of them and immediately the change was apparent - no longer were they treated as friends. Instead they were deferred to; it was clear that Randi's change in status with the Sabres had caused them to be viewed differently.

Gwen frowned. She wasn't entirely sure she liked that.

Randi eased Gwen to her feet but kept a possessive arm around her shoulders. Reed snapped to attention while both Sky and the unknown woman bowed their heads respectfully. Randi acknowledged the accolades with a slight nod of her own, then turned her attention immediately to Reed.

"Has everything been prepared?"

"Aye, sir. Rosie is at the temple and the rooms have been prepared at Sky's." Randi nodded and turned her attention to Sky.

"Thank you, Sky. I appre...."

The chieftain held up his hand to stop her speech. "You honor us, Ravenhawk. We will treat Little Dove like she is one of ours."

"Sky, she is one of yours. Thank you for making us part of the tribe." Randi then turned to the unknown woman. "Gwen, this is Lorac, weapons master for the local Amazon tribe. Lorac, Gwen."

Gwen frowned instead of responding to the introduction. She understood they hadn't talked about it, but being newlyweds, she had expected more of an introduction... some sort of status as far as her relationship to Randi. Then she realized that except for their honeymoon, and no time since, Randi had never once referred to her as anything but Gwen when introducing her to people. Gwen wondered why it had suddenly come to her attention and why it was bothering her so badly, aside from the obvious. Then she became conscious that everyone's attention was on her and she flushed just slightly under all the observation.

"I beg pardon," she said softly. "My mind wandered."

Without giving her a chance to protest, Randi swooped Gwen up into her arms once more and began making tracks for Sky's. The other three didn't even miss a beat, but fell into line behind her. Gwen started to speak, but one look into Randi's face with its clenching jaw made it clear that there would be neither discussion nor debate about her current circumstances. So Gwen simply laid her head on Randi's chest and closed her eyes in contentment as she listened to the musical rhythm of the steady heartbeat under her ear.

They reached Sky's in short order, and he walked in front of Randi to open the door, then passed her through in front of him. Without hesitation, she walked in front of him and right up the stairs, directly into the room they had shared not so long ago. Gwen reflected on how lonely it looked, knowing she was going to have to stay there alone for a still undetermined amount of time.

Randi waited for Reed, knowing the seer would be right behind them to make sure everything was taken care of to Randi's satisfaction. She crossed the room and turned down the bed, then stepped back to allow Randi the opportunity to tenderly place Gwen in the bed. Randi reached down and removed Gwen's shoes, then moved up to her pants. Gwen's hand on hers halted her motion, and she gazed into green eyes with questioning blue.

"Randi, why are you tucking me in? It is just coming on to midday and...."

"Because," Randi's hands resumed their motion, and she gently but efficiently stripped both pants and shirt from Gwen's frame before tucking the covers around her body. "You are apparently still suffering from the effects of whatever it was that Wizard put on his blade. I want you to rest for the remainder of the day. And if it continues, I will call Lacey back to care for you until I can assign a medic to you and get the issue is resolved."

Gwen sat up and threw back the covers, and Reed flinched at the raw fury she felt radiating from Gwen. She couldn't hear the low words being whispered between them, but it was obvious even to a non-seer that something bad had happened. She slipped out the door, motioning to both Rosie and Sky who had kept the room in sight for that very reason. They hurried to her side to give her grounding and Reed held on for dear life.

Meanwhile, Gwen got up from the bed, pushing Randi's hands away from her when the Sabre attempted to force her back into bed. "Now you listen to me," Gwen ground out through clenched teeth as she poked her finger into Randi's chest. "My drifting off had nothing to do with Brad and everything to do with you."

"Me? Why?"

Gwen looked at Randi for a long moment. "You really don't know, do you? You really don't realize." She just shook her head at the look of honest bewilderment that crossed Randi's face. Then she placed one hand over Randi's heart and the other cupped the side of her face that had borne the scar. Randi closed her eyes all too briefly as she leaned into the touch, then returned a look of questioning. Gwen took a deep breath before she spoke.

"Randi, when did I cease to be your bride? Your wife? Your partner?"

Randi blinked in confusion and her jaw muscles jerked. "What do you mean Gwen? You are still all of those things. We're still newlyweds for God's sake!" Her indignation was very clear.

"Yes, we are. And yet since our honeymoon, you haven't introduced me that way. I am simply Gwen and I want to know why!"

Here Randi made a critical error. She rolled her eyes and moved away from Gwen, walking to the door before turning back. "You have got to be kidding me! Why do I need to, Gwen? Everyone knows... even those who are meeting you for the first time. They know who and what you are to me. Why do I need to spell it out for them?"

Gwen blinked in astonishment, unable to believe she had just heard the words that had come out of Randi's mouth. "You're serious, aren't you?" Before Randi could answer she crawled back into the bed and pulled the covers up, turning her back to Randi. Randi looked perplexed at the sudden change in demeanor and started to walk back over to the bed. Instead, she was stopped by the resigned, flat tone in Gwen's voice.

"Go back to the capital, Randi. I'll be fine here without you."

The words cut and Randi staggered a bit under the assault. Then she straightened and whirled back towards the door, glancing back to relay her parting shot. "I will be downstairs for the remainder of the afternoon squaring things away for your stay. Call if you need anything and someone will accommodate your needs." She saw the flinch in Gwen's body from the formality of her tone, but she couldn't bring herself to change it. Instead, she slid out the door and closed it firmly behind her. Randi never saw Gwen's tears but she felt them cut deep into her soul as she made her way down the stairs. There was still work to be done.

Fortunately for Reed, Rosie and Sky flanked her on either side when Randi came downstairs. With a brief inclination of her head, Randi directed all of them into Sky's living area where Lorac stood gazing out the window waiting patiently. She turned when the others entered the room and took a seat at Randi's commanding gesture.

Lorac was more than a little uncomfortable. She wasn't particularly thrilled to have been given this assignment, and to know there were already problems wasn't making her any more at ease with the situation. However, her queen had commanded and she knew they owed Randi a great debt. She only hoped this would go a long way towards repaying it.

Now they all waited for Randi to speak. It was obvious to all of them that something was troubling the new Commandant over and above what had happened at Midas.

"You have all been brought up to date on the situation with Gwen. She will need to remain here until I can get to the bottom of the rebellion. I cannot risk her out there any longer. She is too great a target and my chief liability. The rebellion knows this and I will not allow them to capitalize on that knowledge, not for her sake nor my own."

Reed heard the words, but she felt the rending growing between them with each syllable and groaned in silent agony. This was becoming more intolerable by the minute and Randi was not in a position to accept advice about it. Rosie's hand on her arm brought her back to Randi's speech.

"Lorac, you will be chiefly responsible for Gwen's training. She is already well-versed in the staff, but she needs instruction on sais, lasers, crossbow and hand-to-hand. Anything else, you will need to clear with me first. Bring in your best instructors - Gwen is a quick learner and she needs the best to insure she gets what she needs quickly."

"It will be done, Chosen," Lorac responded, though her enthusiasm was far less than Randi wanted to see from her. Randi made a mental note to talk to the Amazon queen to insure the cooperation she needed. She wasn't going to leave anything to chance due to indifference.

"Sky, Lenore is sending a small contingent of Amazons to become part of the tribe for the duration. They will blend in as much as possible. Insure that they have what they need. They will be chiefly responsible for the safety of the tribe and will work in conjunction with your warriors."

Sky nodded. "They have already begun, Ravenhawk."

"Reed, Gwen is your responsibility. I need you...." She took a deep shaky breath and Reed wondered what had really happened between them once she'd left the room. "I need you to look after her well-being... physical, mental and spiritual. I can't be here to do that so I am asking you to do your best to make sure she has everything she needs to be happy."

"Aye sir. I will do my best though I am fairly certain she will not be happy until you return to her," Reed said bravely, her words having more than one significance though she doubted Randi would see past the surface meaning.

"I wish I could be that certain," Randi said in a bare whisper, so low Reed only heard it because she strained to do so. Then the warrior cleared her throat and raised her voice to speak again. "Assignments will begin this evening as I must return to the capital to begin final operations for the elimination of the rebellion. Lenore has been notified of my arrival?" with a glance at Lorac.

The Amazon nodded her head.

"Good. Then I will need to meet with Lenore within the hour. Sky, I will leave the security scheduling in your hands. Lorac, you will begin your training with Gwen tomorrow morning, and Reed, just do the best you can. Rosie, will you be remaining here?"

"For the duration, yes."

"Good, then you can help Reed with Gwen. Other than that ladies and gentlemen, I just want to walk around the village and check things out. Make sure there is nothing I am missing. I promised Gwen no more death because of her, and I'll be goddamned before I break it from lack of diligence. Now if you will excuse me...."

And with that, Randi made her way out the door, leaving the rest alone to ponder the shape of things to come.

Chapter XIII

Gwen couldn't stop the flinch that shivered through her body at Randi's words any more than she could stop the tears that flowed at the door's firm closing. She closed her eyes, hearing the disdain clearly in Randi's voice as she answered Gwen's questions, making it clear she felt Gwen's concerns were pitiful at best.

The pain was incalculable and Gwen curled into herself hoping it would ease the pain. Eventually she was able to block the sound of Randi's mocking voice from her consciousness and simply dozed off. She didn't know how much time had passed before a light rhythmic stroking of her hair brought her to a wakeful state once more.

When she blinked open her eyes, Gwen looked up into tear-filled blue, but it wasn't Randi who sat there looking back at her with such compassion. That fact alone was enough to bring the tears back, but she bit her lip instead and gave Aphrodite a watery smile instead.

"Hey, Cutie," Dite said with her own sad smile. "How ya doing?"

"I feel like my guts got ripped out, Dite, but otherwise, I'm good."

If she hadn't been the goddess of love, the look would have been classified as an unhappy pout. As it was, Dite's lower lip was extended far past her upper and she still appeared extremely unhappy. "Well," she commented with a sigh, "this is the beginning of the end. It's all downhill from here."

"You sound so sure. Why?"

"Because your guts got ripped out... that was the final rending. Now it's all up to her - all up to the love you share between you."

"Question is - will it be enough?"

"I think so," Dite replied hesitantly, continuing her gentle stroking. "But I honestly can't say for sure anymore. There way too many variables in play right now. It really is completely up to her."

Gwen rolled away from Aphrodite's touch at those words, turning her back completely on the love goddess. Dite regarded her with bewilderment. "Gwen?"

"There is no hope, Aphrodite. There is no love left in her heart... not for me or anything else. There is only hatred and killing and revenge."

Gwen's form was so tense, Dite reached out a hand towards her. Then she let her hand fall into her lap before she actually made contact with Gwen, fearful that even her light touch would cause the bard pain. "You are so sure the love is gone?" asking a question it hurt to utter.

There was silence for a long while from Gwen... so long Dite assumed she has simply fallen asleep. Then Gwen drew a shuddering breath. "No," she finally admitted in a whisper. "But my faith in that love is gone."

Now it was Dite's turn to inhale sharply against the pain. She hadn't realized that such an admission would hurt so badly. She sat quietly breathing, glad for the meditation techniques she had learned so long ago. When the grief lessened to a tolerable ache, Dite patted the bed and stood, walking around until she could kneel at Gwen's side within eyesight. Then she waited patiently for the bard to open her eyes.

It took longer than she expected it to, but eventually green eyes blinked open and Gwen focused on Aphrodite's sad countenance. She took Dite's hand in her own and laced their fingers together. Dite kept her gaze for a long moment without a sound until Gwen felt compelled to speak.

"What?" she asked, clearing the huskiness from her throat.

"I know it's hard, babe, and I know it's asking a lot of you, but I'm asking, 'kay? You were so sure of winning just yesterday. I'm asking you to keep having faith in that love. As impossible as it seems to you right now, that love is there. But if you stop believing, it really will be gone, and once it's gone...." She stopped and let the thought lie, knowing Gwen could easily reach her own logical conclusion.

But she could read the agony in the green eyes before they closed again, wincing in sympathy when Gwen curled into herself again. There wasn't much Dite could do except provide whatever comfort Gwen would allow, so she morphed into the bed, putting Gwen's head in her lap. And she gently stroked her hair in a soothing motion until she felt Gwen relax under her touch and her breathing deepen in sleep. Only then did she allow her own tears to fall.

As soon as Randi walked out the door, Reed moved to the kitchen area followed by both Sky and Rosie. A conclave had been set up and it only took one vid call to bring the other members of the tribe so they could begin the final process for Reed's barrier. They had hoped what they had already done would have been enough, but the rending had made it worse than they had imagined. So it was time to reinforce her shielding to a staggering degree - something they had never had to do before.

It would have been optimal if they could have done it in a sterile environment away from both Randi and Gwen. Unfortunately, Randi has already charged Reed with Gwen's safety, so they would have to work around her presence and the disruption of her spirit. Not an easy task, but not an impossible one either.

So the tribe gathered quickly, ready to set things right for Reed so she could do her best for Gwen.

Lorac followed Randi out of Sky's but she headed directly to the inn where the Amazon contingent was stationed. Sky had given the inn over to them and Lenore had been very pleased with the results. They had their own space while still being able to participate as part of the town and the joint training exercises with the village warriors had been mutually beneficial.

Lorac went directly to the queen's chambers, knowing that she would be there waiting for a report. Many of the Amazons, though enjoying the opportunity to train with their male equivalents, were curious as to why they had been brought into the village. Mixing like this was unheard of anymore... usually only the need to procreate forced them into other societies unless it was an individual, personal choice. Never had they been called to attend an outsider like this and certainly never in conjunction with male warriors.

So now, Lorac walked up the flights of stairs until she reached the queen's room and lightly tapped on the door. It only took a moment for Lenore to open the door and usher Lorac into her sanctum.

She motioned the weapons' master to a seat before taking one of her own. Then the queen turned to Lorac and lifted a brow in question.

Lorac sat silently for a moment returning her regard before shrugging her shoulders slightly. "I don't know, my queen. Something is very, very wrong, but I have been charged with teaching this outsider our ways, and I will do so to the best of my ability as will the rest of my warriors." She rose from her seat abruptly and went to the window, looking but unable to find Randi in the town. Then she turned back towards Lenore to find the queen watching her intently. "My queen," she asked suddenly, "why are we doing this? Why are we training an outsider to our ways? Do we really owe Miranda Valiant so much that she can command such favor from you... from us?"

Lenore smiled. She would miss all of her Amazons, but this one in particular. Of all the Amazons she knew, Lorac was her favorite, though they were not bonded or mated to one another. Instead, they were lifelong friends who spoke openly and candidly to one another, title and status between them notwithstanding. Even as frustrating as the weapons' master could be... as frustrating as she was being about this right now... Lenore appreciated her honestly. She wasn't one to hold back if she believed in something - rightly or wrongly, she stuck to her guns. So even though they had been over this several times before, Lenore took a deep breath to go over it one more time.

"Lorac, you know what we owe Miranda Valiant. She made so much possible not only for our tribe, but for the entire Nation. She changed the world for us. The least we can do is take care of the one who holds her heart. So much depends on Gwen's safety. I have seen... as has the priestess."

Lorac's shoulders slumped, knowing Lenore spoke nothing but the truth. It rankled that she had to share the tribe's secrets with one who was not of them, but given that Randi had shared hers freely, she really had no choice. However, she had sworn a duty, both to her queen and to her Nation, and if this was how they were both best served, then so be it.

Lenore saw the change in attitude when it happened. Lorac straightened and faced Lenore squarely. "Very well, my queen. She will be taught and protected to the very best of our ability. We will give you no reason to be unhappy with our performance."

Lenore smiled at Lorac and the weapons' master couldn't help but return the gesture. She resumed her seat beside the queen and Lenore patted her leg. "I knew I could count on you, my friend. Now tell me, what is wrong?"

"I don't know, Lenore," easing into the comfortable familiarity they shared now that the formalities were out of the way. "I just know the seer was having real problems and Randi seem to be completely off kilter when she came down from her room."

"It's okay to call her by name, you know, Lorac. You're going to have to call her Gwen at some point."

Lorac rolled her eyes. "I'm sure, Len. But I'd like to have my introduction to the woman acknowledged by her first if you don't mind."

Both brows shot up and the queen looked at her friend in some amazement. "I thought that was part of the reason you met them... for an introduction."

"I thought the same thing, but apparently *Gwen* was having some sort of issue. She phased out on me completely during our introduction and when she zoned back in, Randi scooped her up and carried her off upstairs." She paused and chewed on a nail thoughtfully. "I think whatever happened upstairs between them... I dunno... it just made things weird."

Lenore thought about Lorac's words. The weapons' master was good at many things, but she had never been accused of being overly imaginative. If she said something was weird, then something was most definitely weird. Question was... what?

They sat quietly together for a little while as Lenore processed Lorac's words. Finally, though, the weapons' master rose from her seat and moved towards the door. Lenore looked at her in startlement at the abruptness of the gesture and waited for Lorac to speak.

"By your leave, my queen. I have preparations to finish and Randi will be here soon to speak to you privately. I believe it would be best if I were elsewhere when she arrives."

Only one eyebrow shot up this time and Lorac knew there would be further conversation on the matter later. But for now....

"Very well, Lor. You go take care of whatever it is you need to do, but don't wander far. I want to be able to fetch you quickly if I need you."

Lorac nodded. "The instructors and I will be in the training room for the remainder of the afternoon. I need to be sure they understand the importance of their task."

Lenore concurred. "Excellent idea. So much rests on this, but I know it is safe in your capable hands. Go ahead. I will call you when I am done here. Perhaps we can share dinner?"

"I'd like that," Lorac agreed before slipping out the door and closing it soundlessly behind her.

She was only halfway down the stairs when she met Randi coming up. She merely nodded to the Sabre and would have kept going had Randi not blocked her immediate way. Instead, she stood on the step above her and looked her eye to eye.

"I hope you realize the responsibility you bear. I expect Gwen to be given every consideration and training an Amazon warrior would."

"She will, Chosen," Lorac answered with all seriousness and this time Randi saw the commitment she was looking for. "In fact I am meeting with her instructors in the training room this afternoon to assure they understand the seriousness of this assignment. Perhaps you'd like to join us?"

Randi didn't answer but nodded and moved aside to let Lorac pass. Lorac bowed her head respectfully before she stepped to the other side of the stairs and continued on her way down and out of sight.

Randi watched until she disappeared into the training room before she continued on to the queen's quarters, knocking and waiting respectfully for a request to enter.

Lenore was quick to open the door and bid Randi inside. Randi accepted the invitation and crossed the threshold into the queen's quarters, nodding with approval at the clean, Spartan surroundings. Randi motioned for Lenore to be seated, then took the chair opposite her.

"No guards?" Randi queried. Lenore shook her head.

"No. Sky and I discussed it, but we decided it would send a message we didn't want it to. There are those who keep a subtle eye on my door just to satisfy their sense of propriety, but otherwise, we appear much as any other traveler in the village."

"Did that cause problems for you?"

"Not as much as I expected," Lenore answered honestly. "I think my Amazons are enjoying their exchanges with the warriors here, no matter how much they try to hide the fact. It has been good for everyone, despite the reason for it."

A hard look crossed Randi's face fleetingly and Lenore wondered whence it came, but before she had a chance to ask, it was gone and Randi had opened her mouth to speak.

"Well, then... perhaps it will be something you will want to add to the teaching regimen. It sounds like it could be mutually beneficial. But for now... how are things going on your current project?"

Lenore cocked her head at Randi's impersonal wording and detached tone. From everything she had been able to ascertain, Randi and Gwen were completely devoted to one another and very much in love. Then she remembered Lorac's words and wondered just what had happened between them to cause such hardness in Randi's voice. Then she blinked when she found Randi's eyes boring into hers impatiently and she cleared her throat to speak.

"Very well, Chosen. Lorac has all the instructors in the training room now, assuring they understand the seriousness of the situation and their responsibilities concerning it. Sky has already given the warriors their assignments and schedules and they are already working together in teams to get things done without being noticed by Gwen or anyone else."

Randi nodded. "I noticed their casual placement around. He's done a good job and they seem to be adjusting well to working together. Does Lorac understand the responsibility she bears? I got the impression from her at Sky's that she was blowing it off."

Lenore shook her head. "She understands, Randi... your reasons as well as mine. She will not do less than her best for you or the Nation. Gwen will know everything she needs to become an Amazon warrior, and knowing Lorac's attention to detail, probably everything she needs to know to become a true card carrying Amazon Princess."

"Just insure she knows how to protect herself, Lenore. The rest is...." She waved her hand, dismissing it.

"We will, Chosen. Gwen will be fine with us." The queen felt the flinch rather than saw it, but she knew it was there. She wondered at the cause, but continued speaking. "You can go do whatever it is that you need to take care of, knowing we will take care of things here."

Randi took a deep breath as though she was going to say something, then simply rose from her spot. "I will check in with you as often as I can, but I expect to be fairly busy in the next few months. You will let me know immediately if there are issues - you have my private contact numbers, correct?"

"Yes, Chosen. You will be notified immediately if anything untoward happens, but I expect things to remain fairly status quo."

"Very good," Randi replied, walking towards the door. "I am going to go look in on the training downstairs and then I have a few more minor details to attend to before I leave." She opened the door and paused on the threshold. "Thank you, Lenore. This takes a load off my mind."

"We are happy to do it, Randi. You have done so much for us...." She broke off when Randi held up a hand to forestall her words. "We will make sure Gwen is well prepared."

Randi nodded then slid out the door without another word. Lenore sat quietly, a troubled look on her face as she processed the words and formal tone Randi had used. Something had definitely gone very, very wrong. She'd talk to Lorac about it over dinner. Despite what she and the priestess had seen, Lenore wanted to be prepared for all possibilities.

Randi slipped into the training room unnoticed and stood in the shadows in the back watching the various workouts. Without warning, she moved into an offensive position against the staff master and immediately launched an attack. The only indication the Amazon gave of her surprise was the widening of her eyes before she settled down to business, defending herself from the one who had enhanced the Nation's staff techniques.

It was apparent to all watching that Randi was only testing Cheyenne's worthiness as Gwen's instructor. She pulled killing blows easily and intercepted everything that came her direction. With a flourish, Randi drew the exercise to a close, then smiled briefly.

"Very good, Cheyenne. You're going to need to keep that right end higher though, or Gwen will hit you there every single time. She is exceptional with the staff - she can keep up with me." Then Randi almost had to laugh at the look of chagrin the crossed the staff master's countenance. There weren't many in the world who could lay claim to that particular distinction. But she managed to keep her composure and maintain her warrior facade.

"For the rest of you," she continued, addressing the entire room. "Gwen has little or no experience in your fields of expertise. I expect you to do whatever it takes to make her proficient, but kindly remember she is my consort and I will not tolerate any mistreatment of her. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Chosen," they answered as a single unit. Lorac had been very explicit in her instructions to them and they understood far more than Randi gave them credit for. For her part, Randi made eye contact with each of them, measuring their worth and finding satisfaction with what she found. Somewhere, they had found responsibility in their purpose and she for one was glad. She had the distinct feeling each of them was going to need it before all was said and done.

"Excellent. If you have any sort of difficulties that you need me to resolve, please let Lenore know. She has direct access to contact me, and I can be here within an hour if necessary. Otherwise, I will see you all in a few months. I thank you for your assistance." Then she was gone before any of them could answer.

They looked at one another in confusion, then turned to Lorac... their questions obvious in the eyes. Lorac just shook her head and motioned them back to work. "I don't understand it either," she replied to their unasked queries. "But we have our instructions and we have work to do. I suggest we be about it and try not to think too hard about the other."

But she made a note to herself to ask Lenore about things at dinner.

Randi continued her tour through the town, noting the careful placement of male warriors and Amazons. It was nothing noticeable, nothing a normal individual would have even seen, but to Randi's practiced eyes, easily discernable. She nodded her approval even as she made her way around the perimeter one last time. Several of those on duty acknowledged her presence with a slight nod of the head.

When she got to the restaurant, she paused, briefly remembering the last time she had been in this place. Her heart ached for the differences and yet she firmly turned her mind back to the present and forced her attention away from the road that led to the cottage. There was nothing to be gained from her memories except pain, and she didn't have the time or the inclination for it.

She continued her sweep, stopping by the barn to see Lancelot. He had been bred to several mares that spring and was prancing around in the corral in supreme contentment when Randi arrived. She watched him for a long moment before he noticed her presence and she smiled sadly at his enthusiastic greeting when he spotted her.

He rose up on his hind legs and pawed the air, whickering and whinnying before he raced over to where she was casually propped against the fence. He butted her in the chest and she reached up a hand and scratched him behind the ears, chuckling just a bit at his outraged snorting when she stopped.

She took Lance's face between her hands and looked him squarely in the eyes. "You be good, boy, and you let Gw...." She had to stop and clear her throat before she could continue. "You let Gwen ride you whenever she wants to; she's gonna need a friend. You be that for her, okay?"

Lancelot gazed at Randi in all seriousness then he nodded his head solemnly. Randi kissed his nose before she released him, then slapped his hindquarters as he turned to head back into the pasture. Lancelot whinnied once more and took off at a gallop.

Randi stood and watched him run for a while. Then she turned and made her way back towards Sky's.

The house was empty for all intents and purposes. There was no visible sign of habitation, though Randi could easily see the warriors ostensibly working around the area keeping a discrete eye on the house. It made her feel some better, though she wondered where everyone had gotten off to. There was no sign of Reed or Rosie or Sky, and she was fairly certain they would have been working on barrier enhancement when she left to do her perimeter check.

Randi glanced through each room in the house and realized it was empty except for her and Gwen. With a heavy heart and heavier steps, Randi slowly made her way up the stairs to say goodbye to Gwen. She wondered if the bard even cared at this point - she had been so angry earlier, and Randi was only trying to do what needed to be done so they could get back to living normally. Why didn't Gwen seem to be able to understand that?

Shaking her head, Randi reached the door and stood there silently for a very long time. She hated that things had developed like they had, but she honestly didn't see any other way to handle the situation. Finally, she drew a deep breath and blew it out before lightly tapping on the door.

There was no answer, so she knocked again and called out, "Gwen?"

There was still no answer and it occurred to Randi that either Gwen was sleeping or she was ignoring her. She opened the door, determined to find out.

Aphrodite heard Randi come up the stairs slowly and noted that Gwen was sound asleep. So she simply faded from sight but remained in the room where she could observe Randi's interaction with Gwen. Dite listened to the knocking and the calling out, then watched as the door slowly opened and Randi peeked around the room as though unsure where Gwen was. Dite saw Randi's shoulders slump in relief when she saw Gwen asleep in the bed.

For a long moment, Randi simply stood at the door looking at Gwen, a sad smile crossing her face at the look of peaceful repose on Gwen's face. Then she walked the short distance to the bed and knelt beside it, stroking the soft cheek gently before tangling her fingers in the blonde hair.

Dite wondered at the look of pain that crossed Randi's face before she closed her eyes. She watched a lone tear run from beneath the closed lid. It slid down to Randi's chin before the warrior took a deep breath and blinked open her eyes, willing the tears back.

Randi gazed down at Gwen, then she leaned down and brushed a kiss just at Gwen's lips, letting her touch linger for a long moment before she pulled back. "I love you," Randi whispered, and rose from her knees.

Randi let her glance remain on Gwen's face for just a little while, then she turned and crossed the room, exiting the door without a backwards glance. She never saw the tear slide from Gwen's closed eyes, nor did she hear the words, "I love you, too," whispered in return.

It was a very long, lonely flight to the capital.

Tiny was glad beyond belief that Reed had given him warning about the state of things before Randi arrived. It enabled him to put on his game face and prepare for the worst. And he knew when he got a look at the expression on Randi's face that the worst was going to be pretty bad.

Her face was actually schooled into its typical stoic fashion. It was her eyes that were different - cold and hard and stony. It made him want to cry for the things that had been pushed to the wayside for her to accomplish the goals she had established for herself and them. It looked to be a very long, ugly road ahead of them, though he honestly couldn't doubt the outcome with her leading them. Aside from her personal motives, it was simply time for things to be done and over with.

Randi gave him a brief nod of acknowledgment and Tiny took up cadence beside her as they made their way back to headquarters together. He didn't speak or ask questions, knowing she would be wanting answers from him instead and would be asking for them momentarily. She didn't disappoint.

"Report," short and succinctly.

"We have all the teams out searching for rebel bases. We expect reports to start coming back in within the next few days. We have already started amassing information and should be ready to put together a preliminary elimination plan within a week or so. Estimates show it taking until summer at the very least given the knowledge we already possess. However, if things work in our favor, this will be the last offensive we will need to launch. We will be able to destroy the rebellion and completely wipe out any sort of threat they pose to society."

Tiny stopped speaking and waited, hating the formality of his language, but knowing it was necessary in this situation. Randi was functioning in another mode from her Sabre warrior persona, and she didn't accept familiarity from anyone. It was one reason she was struggling so with her relationship with Gwen. The bard didn't know any other way to be with her and Randi was unable to function as the Sabre Commandant with that sort of intimacy in her life.

They continued walking into the building, making their way down the obscure hallway to the minuscule area that housed the Black Sabres in the huge cog of the world military machine. It wouldn't be long before they were openly successful enough to become the leader of that military machine but for now, they remained the anonymous, secret organization they had always been since their inception.

No one gave them a second glance and they made it into Randi's office without being stopped. She motioned Tiny to the desk and he nodded his understanding, sitting long enough to send an alert signal to the five other section leaders. Then he followed Randi into the inner sanctum and stood at ease, waiting for further instruction.

In less than two minutes, all six Sabres stood in front of Randi's desk, wondering at the urgency of the summoning. They didn't have to wait long.

"Tiny has brought me up to date on what is going on. I want you to know I am very pleased with your preliminary efforts. But we are going to step things up. I have other things to take care of besides rebels, and I want them gone as soon as we can manage. So," she said, slapping the desk and leaning her weight on her hands. "We're going to start putting plans into place. I want each of you to start working on details - all contingencies. I want to be able to put a strike force together on a moment's notice with a plan the will work the first time. Full access, people. No more obstacles. The point here is total destruction of the rebellion."

Six pairs of eyes widened slightly. They had never had such freedom in their careers and the thought was a little dizzying. Randi had basically put the game on their turf with their rules. Suddenly, the possibilities were endless. Only Tiny felt a tendril of fear skitter up his spine at Randi's casual declaration, and then he felt it run through that of his comrades when Randi spoke again.

"I will be leading each task force. This has become personal for me, and I intend to see it through to the end. Any questions?"

The implications of what she said hit all of them, but no one could deny her right. They only hoped this just meant good for them, and not just more bad for Randi.

Reed blew a breath into her hairline, her bangs tickling her forehead as they settled back into place. It was the most effort she could make after the intensive work she and the others had just endured. But finally, finally, they had reached a point where she could bear to be in the same room with Gwen and by extension, Randi and even both of them together. That wouldn't be tested for a bit though, and the seer was more than glad for that. They could all use a break. The whole process had taken far more exertion and strength than any of them had anticipated.

She looked down at the bard, still curled up into a ball as though trying to shield herself from pain. Aphrodite, still unseen by all but Gwen watched Reed's actions carefully. The goddess understood Reed was not there to hurt Gwen, but there were many different kinds of hurt and Gwen had already suffered more than her share for a while.

Reed sat down on the edge of the bed and let her hands gently run over Gwen's face and through her hair. She smiled when Gwen relaxed under her touch, especially as her shield seemed to be holding. That in itself was a huge relief. Reed was more than a little tired of having her senses bombarded by the skewered auras of both Gwen and Randi, and she was enjoying the reprieve. She was fairly certain the rest were as well.

Slowly, Gwen came to wakefulness and Reed watched with a slight smile. A smile that turned to concern when Gwen's eyes opened and she launched herself into Reed's arms.

For a long moment, they stayed that way, Reed providing the comfort Gwen needed to regain her equilibrium. After a bit, Gwen eased away from the seer though Reed kept her hands wrapped around Gwen's biceps even as the bard looked into gray eyes with a sheepish smile.

"Um... sorry, Reed. You all right?" trying to move out of Reed's personal space. Gwen had observed the pain Reed had been in with her estrangement to Randi, and couldn't imagine how the seer was suffering with so much personal contact between them now.

Reed gave Gwen a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, my friend... really. We've done some serious work and built up my barriers. I can still see things are wonky, I just can't feel it."

"I wish I couldn't," Gwen murmured. Before Reed could reply, she continued, "How long?"

Reed blinked, her mind having gone off the track with Gwen's whisper. "Huh? How long what?"

Gwen chuckled. "How long will the barriers last?"

"Oh... I dunno. I guess we'll find out though. The good thing is here I have a support system to bolster it anytime I feel the need. But for now, things are good. I think we have finally found a good balance." She sighed. "I know I feel better, and I think the rest of the tribe does too."

"The rest of the tribe? They could feel...?"

"Only that things were off, and I think they were picking it up from me - not from you. Now that I've found my equilibrium, everyone has settled down."

"And Rosie?"

"Even Rosie. She's been a lifesaver, and she's gonna stay around for a while. She's already made some good friends here."

"But...."

"Her choice, Gwen. She's glad to be here." And I'm glad she decided to stay. I think she and her power are the reason the barrier finally worked. Gwen nodded her head and Reed patted her hand in return. "Don't worry, Gwen. We're gonna get through this... all of us, together."

"You listen to her, Cutie," Dite said as she shimmered into view. "Everyone is on your side you know." She cleared her throat when Gwen cut her eyes at the deity. "Okay, all the totally cool people. Ares is just a radical ass," Dite said, responding to Gwen's look. Reed stood up from the bed and goggled for an unguarded moment, then swallowed her surprise. Obviously Gwen was accustomed to godly visitors and took it all in stride.

Gwen had to smile at Dite's words. "Yeah, well, when I get done with him, he's gonna be one sorry sonofabitch."

"Whoo hoo!" Dite cheered. "You go girl!"

For the first time in forever, real laughter rolled from Gwen's belly and she felt like she could conquer the world. Both Reed and Dite felt the change, and they joined in her laughter. It was an unusual enough occurrence that when Sky heard it, he and Rosie looked at the ceiling then exchanged smiles of their own. Finally, things were falling their way for a change.

Continued...