Chapter XXI

Gwen didn't go very far the first night. She was unaccustomed to the walking, and she really had no destination in mind. She simply knew she needed to get away for a while. And having somewhat unlimited time and resources, she planned to do just that.

As soon as she crossed the bridge onto the mainland, she turned her steps northward. The bard decided that she would walk along the lesser-traveled thoroughfares, and see parts of the world she had not as yet been exposed to. Part of her wanted to be excited about this new adventure, and the opportunity to learn old folktales and create new stories. But the rest of her knew this experience for what it truly was... a desire to run from the pain of losing her soul.

She thought back to the day three months earlier, when she'd woken up in a blind panic, drenched in sweat. It was still early morning after the most incredible night of her life. She'd felt the wrenching even then, as though part of her died. But that was impossible, right? She had no reason to feel that way. But...

BUT... Randi had said goodbye to her. Why? In their more than three years of friendship, never once had they ever said goodbye. So why then? She understood now, of course, but then... She'd managed to put her questions and bad feelings to the side, and blame them on the unusual events and experiences of the past couple days. After all, she and her warrior were standing on a precipice they'd never been on before together, and that was enough to make anyone a little anxious. Right?

But as the days passed into weeks and the weeks became one month, and then two, and finally three with no word at all, Gwen knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what the news would be when it was given to her. And when two days later, Tommy knocked on the beach house door, the blow fell. And no amount of speculating and thinking and bracing, for what with each passing day became more and more inevitable, had prepared her for the cold hard fact of the truth being forced upon her.

As the sun began its decent into the horizon on the evening of that first day out, Gwen started looking for a place to spend the night. She found an old mom-and-pop owned hotel that had clean linens that reminded her of fresh cut grass and sunshine. And she settled in for the night. Along about seven o'clock, there came a knock to her door. She grabbed her staff, and moved toward it.

"Yes?"

"It's Mrs. Thimble, dear. Would you like to join us for dinner?" The Thimbles had big family style meals for their guests, at breakfast and dinner, and she wanted to make sure this young one was taken care of. The hostess could tell the bard bore heavy burdens, though very few words had passed between them at check-in.

"I don't...."

"Oh, please join us. There are only four of us tonight. Week nights are always slower than weekends, ya know." Suddenly, talking through the closed door struck Gwen as ridiculous to the point of being absurd. She opened the door marginally, to see her hostess standing in the hall smiling at her tentatively.

"I appreciated the invitation, really, it's just that...."

"Nonsense, my dear," reminding Gwen a little of her grandmother. "C'mon," linking an arm within the bard's own. "I'd like to hear about that staff you have," with a twinkle that would have intrigued the blonde woman had she seen it. And Gwen allowed herself to be led away toward the dining room.



Late that night, when she was sure that her guests were comfortably settled in for the evening, Mrs. Thimble went to her own room and shut the door. "She came, Randi, much as you said she would. You chose her symbols wisely, my friend. That is one staff I am happy to have made. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something so special. And Damn YOU... for leaving that beautiful woman alone!" With a huff, she turned off the lights and turned over to sleep.

The following morning saw Mrs. Thimble packing a lunch for the little bard, and inviting her back anytime she came around. Then she wished her well, and sent Gwen on her way, praying to Artemis to watch over the young blonde woman.



In the meanwhile, both Tommy and Ditto were in something of a dilemma. Ditto had spent the entire time since Gwen had left the morning before whining and moping back and forth between the two houses. She'd stayed the night with them, whimpering until even Ella was ready to do something drastic. Finally, after breakfast, Tommy knelt down to eye level, and made contact with the canine.

"Ditto, we are all fine here, but Gwen needs you with her right now, okay? Find Gwen. Find and protect."

The shepherd licked his face roughly, and proceeded to knock him flat on his butt in her haste to get out the door and find her charge. Her blonde mistress was most important to her brunette mistress, and until Randi came home, Gwen was her responsibility. And since Tommy had released her and given her a new obligation, she was free to do what needed to be done. Tommy barely got the bridge extended before she crossed it.

It didn't take her long at all to find the blonde woman's scent, and she followed it faithfully. By lunchtime, she had reached the graceful Victorian styled structure where Gwen had stayed the previous night. With an insight she didn't truly understand, Mrs. Thimble made sure the dog had a bit of food and some water, before pointing the shepherd in the direction the bard had taken just a few hours earlier. With any luck, the dog would catch Gwen before nightfall, ensuring the woman had some company and protection on what the older woman could see was going to be a long journey for her.





It was getting close to sunset when the bard and dog decided to stop for the night. Ditto had caught up with Gwen by mid afternoon, and the bard was actually very relieved to see the canine. She had never been alone like this before, and found some aspects of it thrilling, and others frightening. Not sticking to main roads allowed her to see many things she had not been exposed to. Just as she'd reached the burned out shell of what had been before the last Great War, a thriving metropolis, Ditto had caught up with her. And she had been very thankful for that fact. It was positively eerie, and she understood now very well the reason Randi had chosen to stick to known roads. Now, however, she was approaching a small town, and was hopeful for a clean inn and a hot bath.

It didn't take her long to decide something was downright different about this town, but it wasn't until she was comfortably ensconced in a hot bubble bath that it occurred to her what the difference was. There were no men here, she thought to herself. How unusual. Figuring there was a reason behind it that was really none of her business, she sat back and without her own volition, remembered some of the good times she and Randi had shared, unmindful of the tears that tracked down her face. Will it ever hurt less, love? Somehow, I doubt it.



When the water grew too cool for comfort, she stepped out and dried off, crawling into bed.

The next morning when the blonde came down the stairs, she was questioned by the restaurant hostess who seated her. "Aren't you the bard, Gwen Goldman?"

Talk about a quandary... she really didn't want to lie, but she had no desire for people to know who she was, either. The hostess saw the hesitation, and realized her mistake. "I'm sorry, hon. I didn't mean to pry or embarrass you. I just wanted to thank you. For making a difference not only in my own life, but in the lives of many of the women here."

Seeing a way to redirect the conversation, Gwen asked, "Will you tell me a bit about this place? I've never seen a community quite like this before."

The woman laughed. "Oh, we're around, all over, in fact. We just pretty much keep to ourselves. We are a community of women, that caters specifically to women."

"Kind of like the Amazons of ancient times then?"

"Exactly like that. In fact, we call ourselves Amazons."

"I see. And how did I impact on your lives? I never even knew you existed."

"Your stories." The hostess noticed the smaller woman's intake of breath and rush of tears. "Your stories have a way of touching a chord deep in all of us. You've helped some heal, others find themselves, give still others the confidence and belief in themselves to do what needed to be done." She stopped when the bard rose abruptly.

"I'm sorry. I really need to go."

"But you haven't eaten yet. At least let me get you something to take with you." The bard didn't stop walking, but instead went straight to her room to gather her things together and pick up Ditto.

"I'm sorry, girl. Guess we'll have to find you something to eat later." The two travelers made it down the stairs and out the front door before a voice calling her name halted them in their tracks. Her innate manners kicked in, and she turned around to face the woman she had been talking to only moments earlier. The shepherd took up a protective position in front of the bard as the other woman warily approached.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Goldman. I didn't mean to upset you." She held up her hand to silence the bard before she could interrupt. "No, you wouldn't be out here if you weren't looking for something, and whatever it is, I hope you find it." She held out a wrapped package to Gwen. "Here, just a bit of something to snack on while you're on the road. And I hope another time, you'll consider coming through here and sharing a few stories with us." And without giving the blonde woman a chance to reply, the hostess turned and walked back into the inn.

Gwen stood dumbfounded for just a minute, and turned her steps northward once again, and headed for the outskirts of town.



The next month continued in much the same pattern. For the most part, people let the sad young woman alone, her grief providing a cloak of protection. The few that did try to speak to her soon let her be as well, her demeanor making it clear their attentions were unwelcome. And so she became content to be an observer, rather than a participant, in life.



High above, a goddess cried, as inconsolable as her two equally unhappy sisters.



When Geoff walked in the door of his home, the day following his intense discussion with Jeremiah Daetwyler, Jill was there to greet him. She had known, even without him having said so specifically, that he was going to use his military contacts to see if he could find out the truth. From the droop of his shoulders, she knew he had, and that what he'd found out was not pleasant.

She took him by the hand and set his bag by the stairs, then lead him back to the kitchen, where she had fresh coffee waiting. He took a seat, as she poured two cups out, and brought them to the table. She sat down next to him, and took his hand in hers again.

"Um, I don't know if you are aware of this, but Gwen is being monitored, and her signal is being sent here so we can keep track of her whereabouts."

"I asked Jerry if he'd see about monitoring and he told me he'd try to make the arrangements. I didn't realize he'd have them send the signal to us as well. I'll have to remember to call and thank him." A brief silence while they each sipped at their coffees. "Oh, I invited him up for a weekend soon, by the way."

"That'll be nice. I haven't seen him in ages. How's he doing? Isn't he due to retire soon?"

Geoff smiled. Retire? Jerry? I don't think so, love. "He didn't mention anything about it, but he looked tired. But after thirty-five years in the Army, what d'you expect, sweetheart? We all know the Navy is the better service," snarkily.

"There are probably a few branches that would disagree with you, love."

"I s'pose." They sat quietly again, each of them focused on their coffee, when Geoff got up to refill their cups, Jill asked the question he'd been dreading.

"You found out the truth, didn't you?" He nodded once. "She's dead, isn't she? There's no doubt, is there?"

"No, there's no doubt. That's why it took so long to hear apparently." He sat pensively for a time, trying to phrase his words so he didn't lie, but didn't reveal the truth either. "From what I have learned, which was precious little, the military *was* called in and did more than a month of searching in a ten mile radius from where the incident apparently occurred. But the ocean is very deep there, and it is very possible that the currents washed away any and all evidence that could have helped give some resolution to all this."

"Geoff, why was she out there? I was so sure... and what it has done to Gwen?" There were tears in her eyes now. "Surely she had a reason, a justification, SOMETHING!!!" She broke down in tears, knowing in her heart that even if her husband knew the reason, it was not going to be something he could share. Jill had noticed something different about Geoff since Miranda Valiant had entered their lives. The two of them had formed a bond, and it tied in to the reason Randi disappeared at odd intervals, she was sure. But she trusted Geoff and had asked no questions. She knew he would never betray the Marine's trust in him, even though she was dead.

Now, for the first time since he'd been hurt all those years ago, he was going to have to lie to her. He took her in his arms, to comfort her, but also so she couldn't see into his face. His respect for Randi grew as he realized what she'd live with for more than 13 years, and how much she'd had to keep hidden. "Jill, there are some things I am just not privy to. That would be one of them. The only one who could tell us that is no longer alive to do so, and I doubt very seriously we'll hear her speak from the grave."

They remained locked in their embrace a while longer, before Geoff's last words settled in Jill's ears. "What about that, love?"

"What about what, hon?" He groaned as his back started to lock up on him. "Can we go upstairs? My back...."

"Oh, sweetheart, I'm sorry. Yes, of course. C'mon." He made to reach for his bag, but her hands slapped his away. "Don't you dare," glaring at him. She picked up the bag and gestured at the stairs. "After you."

He extended his arm, and she walked up beside him, wrapping an arm around his waist and lending him a bit of support. They made it to the second floor in silence, and the weapons smith was glad to stretch out flat on the bed. Jill opened his bag and started putting his clothes away.

"I can do that, you know."

She smiled impishly at him. "I know you can, but I like taking care of you. By the way, you never answered my question."

"I'm sorry. What question?"

"About Randi's grave. Will she have one? Should we have some kind of service for her?"

"Well, love, I think a lot of that depends on her last wishes, and those of both Tommy and Gwen. And we can't ask Gwen until she comes back."

"But that could be weeks, or even months!!"

"I know, but you know Tommy will say it's her decision. Maybe we should go down this weekend and talk to them. This is something to discuss in person, and not on the vid phone." She nodded her agreement, but remained quiet. "You want to call them for me, just to be sure they're not busy?"

"Sure, love. You rest a bit, okay?" She was more than a little worried by his pallor.



Actually, Tommy and Ella came north for a change. They hadn't realized how much they unconsciously took for granted the fact that they were not alone on their little island. And how very glad they were to have company. Even though they could go for days without seeing one another, just knowing they were there was comforting.

So they came to visit Geoff and Jill, bag and baggage, taking a room at the nearby hotel, to keep the boy from driving the older couple to distraction. The Goldmans had tried to insist, but the Steeles had prevailed, and Jill and Ella were now out at the Market place with Randall, shopping.

Geoff invited Tommy into his study and offered the younger man a drink. Tommy looked at his watch, noting the early hour, and then at his friend's face. After a glance into eyes that had aged significantly since the last time they'd talked, T nodded his head affirmatively. Obviously, the news was not good at all, and if Geoff felt the need for a drink, he was certainly not going to ignore the hint.

"You have a preference?"

"Whatever you're having is fine."

The weapons smith walked back to the sofa with two tequila shooters, and handed one to the younger man. Then he sat down and took a healthy swallow.

"The news is that bad then?"

"Hmm, what of it I could get. This stays right here between us, understand?" T nodded again, sipping on his own drink. "All right, then. They have confirmed that she is dead. They searched the area for more than a month, and didn't find enough remains of anyone or anything to fill a sample cup. Other than that, they will neither confirm nor deny, and you can draw your own conclusions from that."

Tommy wasn't sure whether to cry in pain or scream in anger. He settled for calm control, the anger and frustration seething just below the surface. "So, she dies, and disappears as though she never existed, and they don't even have the decency to acknowledge her?!?" He threw the shot back and swallowed it all in one big gulp.

"Tommy, I want you to listen to me very carefully, okay?" waiting until he was sure he had the younger man's full attention. "*If*, and only *IF* what you suspected about her true occupation in the military is true, then it would make sense that they would act this way now. She would belong to a unit that didn't exist. She would be a true unsung hero, and we have to assume her death was honorable and necessary for reasons that we will never comprehend. Do you understand what I am saying?"

The man who had been like a brother to Randi for more than a quarter century looked deep into the weapons smith's eyes, searching for the truth. He found his answers and sighed deeply. "I understand, Geoff." Both the spoken and the unspoken words, my friend. Thank you.

Geoff continued to look at Tommy for another long moment, until he was sure the younger man understood what was not being said. Then he nodded in satisfaction. "However, just because the military or the Corps is unable or unwilling to remember her, doesn't mean we can't. Would you like to have some sort of memorial service for her?"

"I think Gwen should be involved in any decision like that. If things had worked out like they should have, they would have been married and settled down...." thinking for a long moment, "or at least definitely headed for marriage and settling down. So I think we should wait."

Geoff smiled at how accurately he had pegged Tommy's response. "You realize it may be weeks or even months before she returns, right? She's been gone almost three weeks now, and we have yet to hear from her."

"I know. That's one of the reasons I sent Ditto to find her. Figured she could use a bit of company. And a little added protection wouldn't hurt either, no matter how long she needs to stay gone."

"You're a good man, Thomas Steele."



One month became two and then three without Gwen noticing how much time had passed. Her body had grown leaner and hardened, firm muscles in place of the softness that had been there before. Her face had become much more planed, cheekbones highlighted by the shadows that fell on the hollows beneath them. The grave maturity suited her somehow, though the grief that still shrouded her meant those who admired her did so with looks from afar.

The bard took her time wandering, meeting interesting and ordinary people, hearing their stories. As time passed, she became more willing to lend a helping hand along the way to those she met that needed it, but it came more from being the right thing to do as opposed to deriving any joy or pleasure from it.

She came to realize she had been quite sheltered in her world. In her world, Gwen was surrounded by loving and understanding individuals who cared for her and loved her for herself. Out here, even still, there was bigotry and hatred in small pockets. Not a lot, thankfully, but enough that she found it disturbing, and for the stupidest things too. She tried to wrap her mind around the fact that some people hated other human beings, simply because of the color of their skin, their beliefs, their sex, or who they loved. All she got for her trouble was a headache.

The bard sorely wished for her stories back, thinking that perhaps, just maybe, she might be able to make a difference in the way these people thought. But that thought only brought back the pain of losing Randi, and that just made her want to cry. Gwen bit her lip, but a single tear escaped its confines, and slid down her cheek. Time heals all wounds they say, love, but this one only hurts worse the longer we're apart, and I'm not finding the answers I need out here. Maybe it's time to head for home.

For the first time in the six months since Randi had left her that fateful night, Gwen pulled out the old journal of her great-grandmother's stories. She might not have stories of her own left, but she could still share the ones her grandmother's ancestors had written down. She smiled. I'll try it. After all, at this point, I have nothing left to lose.

The first opportunity she had, she placed a vid call. She hadn't contacted anyone since she'd left, and figured Randall's birthday would be as good an excuse as any. With any luck, her parents would be there as well, and that would save her from too much emotion from any of them, she hoped. She hoped in vain.

Ella took the call, and instead of diffusing her reaction, T and the elder Goldmans compounded it. They were all so excited she couldn't get a word in. So the bard simply stood there, arms crossed over her chest, waiting for the babbling to stop, and for them to settle down.

"I called to wish Randall a happy first birthday." Tommy was holding the birthday boy, who tried to reach Gwen through the vid screen. This got a small chuckle from those watching him, and a cry of frustration from the child himself, when he couldn't grasp the object of his desire. Fortunately, before he could protest too loudly, Ella placed him in his seat, and Jill proceeded to walk out with piece of chocolate cake with a single lit candle. They all proceeded to sing "Happy Birthday" while Randal looked on. Ella 'helped' him blow out the candle. The boy studied the cake solemnly, not sure at all what he was supposed to do with it. Finally, Jill swiped a bit of icing off the cake and put the taste between the boy's lips. Without further ado, he grabbed two handfuls of the stuff, and aimed for his mouth. Not all of it made it there, of course and shortly, Ella was taking a very chocolate covered baby to get a bath.

Jill and Tommy left Geoff to talk to Gwen alone. She stood there, wiping the tears that had come unbidden to her face at the sight of Randall's precociousness, and the thought that Randi would miss seeing the child grow up. "How are you, baby girl?" his heart breaking again at the forlorn look in her eyes.

Shrugging her shoulders, Gwen kept quiet. There really wasn't a good way to say to your father, I've been dying since she left me and will only be half alive for the rest of my life, which if I am very lucky will be short.

"Come home soon, Gwen. We love and miss you."

"I love you, too, Daddy." She severed the connection, and turned her footsteps toward home.



A week before Festival, not quite six months since Gwen had left, and almost nine months since Randi's death, Jerry went to visit Geoff and Jill. Like her father, the Sabre Commandant had been keeping an active eye on Gwen's travels. And being in his position, he had seen a very interesting phenomenon occur that he wanted to share with his old friend. Knowing intuitively that the two men wanted to talk privately, Jill excused herself shortly after breakfast.

"I have several errands to run, fellas, and I promised to visit Elizabeth, so you boys will be on your own for lunch." She kissed her husband lightly.

"All right, beautiful. We may be over at the workshop. I've got some new things to show Jerry."

"Now, Geoff, you stop that. Jerry's supposed to be here for a bit of R&R, not work."

"It's okay, Jill. I actually asked to see them. Oh, and thank you, by the way. I haven't had anyone refer to me as a boy in years."

"Well, you two try to behave while I'm gone, please," giving them her sternest look. They both had the decency to look at the floor sheepishly, remembering the one other time they had been in the workshop together. Some ideas just didn't work as well in practice as they did in theory was all.

"Yes ma'am," chuckling when she did.

"So what really brings you here, Jerry?" Geoff asked his friend as that sat back in the study. The weapons smith knew the Sabre had come for a purpose, that had little to do with his previous invitation, or his desire to see what Geoff himself had been conjuring up.

"Right to the point, my friend? Well, you're right... there is more to it than a friendly little visit. Have you been keeping track of Gwen, may I ask?"

"Yes, of course. Thank you for allowing me that access."

The Commandant waved away his thanks. "Have you noticed anything odd about her progress?"

"Not really. She seems to slowly be making her way back home. Very slowly, all things considered."

"How do you mean?" prodded Jerry.

"Well," Geoff pondered his phrasing thoughtfully. "When she left her pattern was somewhat erratic... sometimes north, sometimes west, once in a while she'd backtrack east or south. But she was never in one spot more than a day or two. Her route back has been much more straightforward and direct, but she seems to be stopping in places for two or three days at a time."

"Would you like to know what she's been doing when she stops traveling?"

"You're going to tell me anyway, right?"

"Yep." The man took a deep breath. "After you left the capital city, I got in touch with the remainder of Randi's team. I wanted to know Gwen would be safe no matter where she went. And she went into some pretty scary places, for an innocent. Each and every member of that Sabre team volunteered to keep watch over your daughter, Geoff, because of what she meant to Randi. So she went unobtrusively escorted by two Sabres everywhere she ventured. They worked in teams of two, and rotated out every week." Jerry noticed the tears silently falling from Geoff's eyes. To know that Randi had been so loved and respected that her team would insure her lover's safety on their own time was almost overwhelming to the weapons smith.

"After she called you, she did indeed head for home, but...." He paused for a long moment, organizing his thoughts. " When the Ghost Rider died, we weren't sure what was going to happen... whether the factions would stick to their truces and attack on Celebration anyway, or if the truce would hold indefinitely, awaiting word from a leader who was no longer alive to give the word to proceed, or if the truce would fail when the word wasn't given on time, and infighting and civil war would begin between old enemies once again."

Geoff nodded his comprehension, wondering what this had to do with his daughter.

"My Sabres have told me that Gwen has stopped at several of each of the faction's encampments, and because of the stories she's read out of her great-grandmother's journal, she has made them at least stop and think. She has come through each encounter unscathed, and has, from what my team tells me, managed to stop more than one skirmish with her words."

The weapons smith sat stunned. Maybe...." She has her stories back?"

"No, my friend. She doesn't *tell* them, she *reads* them. And from all accounts, from those who had heard her before... um... before, the joy is no longer there. She is doing this because it is the right thing to do, an obligation, not from a desire to tell the stories."

Damn! Geoff thought morosely. "Does she know she has made a difference?"

"Yes, but she doesn't care. As I said, it's as if she is fulfilling a debt or an oath to someone. Nothing more."

The two men sat in silence for a while, watching the flames of the fire in front of them. When the stillness grew too much, Geoff turned to the Sabre and asked, "You ready to see those new toys?" Jerry smiled rakishly and motioned for the weapons smith to lead the way. He had done his best to prepare them. The rest was gonna be up to them. From the reports of the team that had been watching her, though she was no longer depressed Gwen was no closer to recovering from Randi's death than she had been when she'd left. She had simply withdrawn into herself, and become a spectator of life.



Festival Day dawned cool and clear, and Gwen breathed the salt air of home with a wistful smile. She had seen and learned many things on her six-month journey. The most important thing she learned was that there was no place like home, and her home no longer existed. So she was returning to the known, to where people cared for her for herself. The bard extended the bridge, and Ditto ran across it with astute steps, relishing the return to familiar surroundings, and aware that her charge would soon follow.

Tommy's head snapped up at the sound of barking, and he caught Ella's gaze for a long moment. He rushed to the door, Randall toddling along behind him, and jerked it open. And was almost knocked to the ground by Ditto's joyful greeting. The baby plopped to the floor, and the dog pushed by the man to give the boy a thorough face cleaning. Randall chortled in glee.

"Does this mean what I think it does?" Ella whispered, as though speaking aloud would make things change.

"I hope so. She's been gone a long time."

Gwen arrived right around lunchtime, stopping to pick up the shepherd. "I figured she'd come here first." The continuing haunted look in her eyes broke both their hearts, but neither knew of anything they could do to relieve it.

"You'll stay for the Festival meal, of course."

"No, I couldn't. I wouldn't want to impose."

"Gwen, you're family. You will always be family. And you're not imposing."

The bard thought about this for a bit then said, "All right. I'd like to go to the beach house and clean up. I'll be back before dinner."

She left before they could think of a reason to reject her idea or offer to accompany her. The blonde slowed her steps as she neared the structure, coming to a halt outside the French doors, and drawing a deep breath. Then she resolutely keyed in the code, and opened the door. And almost cried out as the sight and scent of things loved and familiar greeted her senses.

It's not supposed to hurt like this any more. Time is supposed to make it better, right? Randi, it's not getting any better, love. I still miss you so much I can hardly breathe sometimes. How much longer, love? How much longer before I can join you, before it hurts less, before life is worth living?

She stopped questioning herself, and dropped onto the couch exhausted, falling almost instantly into a deep, dreamless sleep.

"Thanks, Morph," the goddess whispered as she stood watching over the bard.

"Anytime, cuz. Glad to help the little one."

The goddess smile, knowing there were quite a few who shared that sentiment.

She popped out, to see how her project was coming along.



Chapter XXII

Randi didn't hear the sound of the explosion. She simply felt the searing pain in her leg, back, and face before darkness fell, and then she felt nothing for a very long time.

When she awakened, she found herself alone in a mammoth rock edifice in which there were, to her eyes at least, no apparent entryways. The Marine gingerly touched her face, noting there was no longer pain in any part of her body, except for the lingering pain in her heart for Gwen. She sat for the longest time it seemed to her, though it was truly impossible to tell exactly how much time had passed, waiting for something or someone to acknowledge her. Does time even exist here? "If this is the afterlife," she muttered to herself, "it leaves a lot to be desired... on a lot of levels."

How long she sat there contemplating her fate, she never knew, though it didn't seem long. But suddenly, and without the first hint of warning, an irate goddess of love appeared out of nowhere, marched smartly up to her, and proceeded to smack the back of her head hard enough to make the Marine bite her tongue.

The Sabre grabbed the back of her head with one hand, and slapped the other over her mouth, glaring at the woman who was walking away muttering...." Stupid, inconsiderate, selfish...." Aphrodite disappeared into nothingness still grumbling.

"Best let it go for now," came a voice from nowhere.

"What the hell is going on here? And who are you?" Patience had never been a virtue she had possessed in abundance, and Randi was fast reaching the end of hers. She never expected death to be so complicated or so confusing. What had gone wrong? Right now, she'd do just about anything to be with her bard again. The owner of the voice smiled at her thought.

"I am called Hades, and as to what is going on here, well, a lot of that depends on you. You rest now, and when you awaken, we'll talk." She couldn't understand why she should be tired after having just recently gotten up. But she felt her lids grow heavy, and she obediently laid back on the comfortable pallet, and closed her eyes. She was asleep before sixty heartbeats had passed. The god who stood watching over her hoped his niece would calm down before the Marine woke up, or this would never work. Anger would accomplish very little for any of them.



Randi was jerked awake rather rudely by the terror of a nightmare whose details faded as she regained consciousness. All she remembered was the terrible grief and loss she felt. But when she was fully awake, she realized the loss and grief were real, for she was alone in the huge cave. It occurred to her that she was dead, and the thought of being here without Gwen caused tears to slip from her eyes. She wiped savagely at them, furious at herself on many levels.

You chose this, Valiant. You can't change it. So deal with it, Marine.

"What would you give to change it?" That disembodied voice again. Randi silently wondered if she was slowly being driven insane. This is my *reality*?!? I thought death was supposed to be restful. This is gonna drive me nuts. Voices without bodies... women who appear and disappear at will (she gently moved her sore tongue around in her mouth. That felt real enough, remembering the head smack that had caused it)... no way in or out of this prison... no other souls to talk to... no Gwen... Here her thoughts tapered off, understanding she was in a Hell of her own making by her own choice. She laid back down and closed her eyes, hoping for oblivion.

"You have no answer, child? No wonder my nieces are ready to torture you for eternity."

"Look, Hades, or whoever you are, what exactly do you want from me?!?"

He removed his helmet, and was revealed to be a tall, handsome, dark blonde man with piercing gray eyes. He chuckled. "What do *I* want? Nothing, child, except for you to look deep in your heart and be honest with yourself. My nieces asked that you be brought here to await judgment."

"So this is not the end?"

"No, this is merely a waiting room. But make your choices here wisely, child. Their outcome will affect far more than just yourself."

"But...." But before she could utter another word, the god had disappeared, and Randi knew instinctively that she was alone again. "Why do they always talk in riddles? Is it really so difficult to give a straight answer?"

Silence was the only answer she got.





"You didn't answer my question, Miranda Valiant."

"Mama??" She sat up and looked around, knowing that eternity wouldn't change the immediate recognition of mother's voice when it spoke to her. Especially when Mama spoke to her in *that* tone. "Mama," she called again, hoping her mind wasn't playing tricks on her. Eternity was gonna be bad enough stuck here without that.

"Randi?"

"Papa??" She closed her eyes to stop the tears from falling, sure now that the only reward she had to look forward to was eternal torment. That perception changed the instant she felt her father's strong arm encircle her shoulders, and her mother's hand comb through her long tresses. Now the tears fell in earnest, and they trio spent an indeterminate amount of time simply sitting together, relishing their reunion. Finally, Ren broke the quiet.

"We've missed you, Randi." Bobby Valiant squeezed his daughter tightly in confirmation, but said nothing. "We've been watching you, you know." The Marine's head dropped in shame. Renee put two fingers under the Sabre's chin, and lifted troubled blue eyes to meet her gaze. "We're proud of you, daughter." Blue eyes filled with tears again, and dropped to the floor. Fingers tapping on her chin forced her to reluctantly raise her eyes back to her mother's.

"How can you say that? Do you know who I really am?? What I've done??"

"Randi," spoke her father, "we probably know you better than you know yourself. We've watched you grow and mature, agonize over the brutality of humanity, cry, laugh and fall in love." He paused a moment, knowing she was unsure whether to smile or cry yet again. She compromised by giving them both a watery smile. "She's a beautiful person, Randi. One we would have been proud to welcome into our home and family. Tell us about Gwenievere Goldman."

And she did. For what could have been hours or days... it was impossible to be sure, she told them all she knew, all she felt about her bard.

"Why didn't you ever tell her this? Couldn't you see how much she loved you??"

"Mama, sit down, please. You're making me nervous pacing up and down like that." Renee Valiant gave her daughter a long look, before sighing, and coming to sit next to her husband and grown child. The mother had to admit how very odd it must be for Randi, since she and Bobby were actually younger in appearance than their daughter had ever seen them, except in holo-pics.

"Thank you." Now the Marine stood up to pace. "To answer your second question first, no. Not for a very long time, and even once I was sure, once Geoff told me she was in love with me, I didn't want to believe it. She deserves so much better...."

"NOW YOU HOLD ON A MINUTE RIGHT THERE, YOUNG LADY!!!" Bobby had rarely raised his voice to his daughter in her lifetime, and on the few occasions he did always had her attention. So he was more than a little startled when she got right up in his face.

"NO!! *YOU* hold on a minute." She gave him her fiercest whisper, which served to get his attention far better than a bellow ever would have. "Be honest now, Papa. If our positions were reversed, Gwen's and mine, would you really want us to be together? Like it or not, Papa, I am a killer, and I am very, very good at what I do."

He caught her gaze, and never looked away or flinched. "If your positions were reversed, I would be very glad to welcome Gwen into our family. Because while you're seeing only the ugliness that haunts, I see the whole picture. And what I see is a beautiful, caring individual with a loving heart and a giving spirit, who is carrying far more than the weight of the world on her shoulders. And she, more than anyone I know, deserves all the peace and happiness life affords her."

Randi held her breath when he started speaking, recognizing Gwen's words through Geoff that she had heard on the bard's birthday almost a year ago.

"I want you to think about something, Randi." When her mother spoke, the Marine pulled her attention back to the present. "I want you to think about the *real* reason you never admitted the truth to Gwen. Ah ah ah," she said, holding up a hand to silence her daughter's protests. "I know you think she deserved better than you, but that is not the whole truth, and you need to face that, or you will never get out of here." Renee and Bobby moved toward the door that had sprung up in the wall. "Think about it, honey. Why didn't you at least give Gwen a chance to choose?"

"Wait! Where are you going? When will I see you again?"

"We are going back to what is our home here. We will see you again when judgment is passed." They left after exchanging hugs and kisses with their daughter, assuring her they would see her once more. She did try to leave with them, but the doorway would not allow her to pass through it, and it disappeared when they closed it behind themselves.





"Are you so anxious to stay here then?" The brown-eyed huntress asked Randi when she slumped back on the pallet after her parents' departure.

"Artemis? Where am I? And why am I here?"

"I thought Uncle explained all that to you already. This is a waiting room, and you are here awaiting judgment."

"But why? Both you and Athena assured me I had earned a hero's place in eternity, that my actions had your blessings."

"That is true," proclaimed the goddess of wisdom. "But we are not the ones withholding judgment. And you have managed to single-handedly thoroughly piss off the most easygoing god among us." Blue eyes grew round with the realization of who that *had* to be. "I've never seen her quite as torqued as when she pulled you from that dome."

"You mean I didn't die?? I'm not dead?!?"

"Oh no. You most certainly did die, and you are dead. But...."

"But *I* claimed your body and spirit before they became part of Hades realm, and you have been brought here to plead your case."

"Aphrodite??"

"You got it, Stud. And you're gonna get one chance to like, make the right decision, because I owe you and the little one. But if you make the wrong choice, I'll make sure your punishment is waaaaay fitting." Randi had to admit she had no doubt the love goddess could certainly make her life (or her death) miserable here. And the fire in her eyes said she'd be right happy to do that if the Marine were stupid enough to choose foolishly. "I have no problem totally smacking the back of that bogus head of yours again."

"Waitaminute! That was you who hit me before?!?" A glare from Aphrodite made her chill the outrage in her tone. "Nice right."

"C'mon, warrior babe. We got work to do." Athena and Artemis exchanged rueful glances and followed the couple back to Dite's lair.

Randi froze upon entering the room, caught by an image of Gwen sitting at her computer console, tears streaming down her face. She turned to the goddess of love for an explanation.

"You have been dead for three months. Tommy got word yesterday, and gave your letter to Gwen this morning. But she knew. She's known since you left her that night. She felt it when you died. Her soul was ripped apart." Tears fell from blue eyes at the misery she'd caused her beloved. She fell to her knees.

"I'm sorry. God, Gwen, I'm so sorry."

"You know," Aphrodite continued conversationally, "in the millennia I've been dealing with the whole love gig, I think this is the first time I've ever had such a near hit. I haven't seen two people so determined to *not* admit their love for one another in... well let's just say a very long time."

The whisper was so soft, even Dite almost didn't hear it. "I would give anything to make things right." The love goddess smiled at her two silent sisters. Things might just work out after all.

"Tell me something, Randi," drawing the Marine's attention away from the image of the bard. "Why exactly didn't you tell Gwen of your love for her?"

The Sabre sat quietly, not ready yet to admit the reason she had only so recently admitted to herself, aloud. Dite threw her hands up in frustration. Then she looked to her sisters. "Stay here with her, please. I'll be right back."

In what seemed like mere minutes to Randi, several days had passed in the mortal realm, and when she looked at the scrying bowl again, she saw Aphrodite sitting in the boathouse with Gwen.

Gwen, do you really think Randi betrayed you by not telling you of her

love for you?

YES! No. I don't know what to believe anymore. It just hurts so much.

And it's easier to blame her since she's no longer here.

She left me! She left me all alone to go die for something I don't

understand, and nobody will explain it to me. She left me without

once... But she did, didn't she? In her actions, in her looks, even

in her words she told me, and I just never heard her, did I?

Why do you suppose it is that you didn't hear her?

I was afraid. Afraid she wouldn't feel the same. Afraid it would

change everything if she did feel the same, and I didn't want to

lose the most precious friendship I've ever had.



Randi lost track of the conversation momentarily as Gwen's words hit her hard in the chest. She feared the same things I did. And now it's too late. She focused her attention back on the scrying bowl when the bard started to speak again.

I would tell her that I'm sorry, and that I miss her very much. And

that I love her very much, that I am totally, hopelessly *in* love with

her. And I would ask her to come back to me, because I need her.

Now the tears flowed from the Marine's eyes in earnest. She never noticed Aphrodite's arrival back in her lair, or the three goddesses subsequent departure from it. She sat on the lounge, hugging her knees to her chest, rocking lightly back on forth, eyes fastened to the slim figure still reflected in the water. She heard every word, every thought Gwen directed at her, and her soul cried out at the anguish of it. She finally collapsed from the overwhelming emotions battering her heart and soul, and immediately fell in a deep slumber.

Still, the Marine was unable to escape the thoughts of the living, and Gwen's words haunted her relentlessly. And it seemed she followed Gwen in her dreams. When she woke, she found this to be true, for the bard was on a walkabout, and the goddesses were back.



"C'mon, babe. Sit up to the table and eat. It's time for us to finish our little talk."

"I don't think so. If I eat, I'm stuck here."

"What makes you think you're not like, totally stuck anyway, sweet cheeks?" Dite paused while observing the emotions chasing themselves across Randi's now vividly expressive features. Yep, I think she's just about there. "We're not in Hades realm. Those rules don't apply here."

The Marine gazed long and hard into the love goddess' eyes to determine the validity of her statement. She looked toward both the huntress and Athena for confirmation before she sat down.

"Ya know, you're gonna need to trust me at some point."

"Have you ever given me a reason to?"

"When have I given you a reason not to?" Dite shot back. "Look, I am *really* bending the rules here. You wanna cut me a little slack?"

"I'm sorry," Randi breathed, suddenly contrite. "I just... it just hurts so much. I feel her pain, and it multiplies my own."

Artemis set a full plate down in front of the Sabre, and with a pat on the shoulder, encouraged her to eat. Randi whispered her thanks, and the four women ate in silence for a while. Finally as they approached the end of the meal, Aphrodite sat back, drink in hand.

"Tell me, Randi. Why didn't you tell Gwen of your love for her?"

Nothing like shooting straight from the hip. The Marine stood, and the others took it as their signal to disperse to various spots in the room. Athena and Artemis took over pillows on either side of the fireplace. Dite commandeered the chaise lounge. Randi walked to the window, looking out at appeared to be nothing at all. Just mist. She stood there for what could have been seconds or a fathomless amount of time before she turned to face her tribunal. It was time to lay it all on the line.

"Bottom line?" She drew a deep breath. "Fear. Pure, unadulterated, unreasoning fear." She turned around to face the window again. "Fear I wasn't worthy, that she deserved better. Fear it would change our friendship. Fear she didn't really return the love I had for her." The room was quiet as her thoughts turned inward. "Fear kept me from allowing Gwen the choice that was rightfully hers. I am a fool."

"And you kissed her because... ???"

"Because I wasn't strong enough to resist anymore."

"And you think that was fair to her??" Silence followed, as the words hit Randi squarely in the heart, and sank to the like lead weight in her guts.

The three goddesses held their collective breaths as the realization of what she'd done to Gwen hung heavily in Randi's mind and soul. Artemis was the first to break the silence. "So, what now?"

"Now I pay the price for my infernal arrogance. I spend eternity without the other half of my soul." The utter defeat in Randi's voice was heartbreaking, and each member of the divine trio raised a surreptitious hand to wipe away an unexpected tear.

"What would you do, what would you give for the chance to make things right?" from Athena.

The words hit Randi squarely in the chest, and she sank to the floor in reaction. It took several moments to regain her breath, and when she spoke, it was in a whisper. "Anything, I would do anything, give up everything, for a chance to make Gwen happy."

"Anything?" A nod. "You would suffer the intense pain of recovery, give up your looks, your strong body?" Another nod. "Even Gwen's love?" A visible flinch at the prospect, but another nod. "You will give her the choice, the chance to choose this time, and you will abide by her decision, regardless?"

"Yes," in a bare whisper. "Whatever it takes to make her happy," pointing to the grief-shrouded figure in the scrying bowl. The smile on her face while she watched Randall discover the joys of chocolate cake for the first time did nothing to hide the desolation in her eyes. "I owe her that much." A beat. "I owe her so much more."

"One more thing... would you be willing to live for her?" The warrior's forehead scrunched in confusion.

"Randi," Artemis cut in on Dite's question. "We already know you're willing to *die* for Gwen. Are you willing and able to stick around and *live* for her, regardless?"

"I already told you... whatever it takes." It had been a long time since the goddesses had seen the fire that had returned to the blue eyes, and they welcomed it. It was going to be a long uphill battle, and Randi would need every ounce of determination she could drum up.



They returned to the waiting room, as the Marine liked to refer to it, and she settled on the bed at their direction. Then she closed her eyes, and listened to the words of the love goddess.

"We are going to reunite your spiritual and physical bodies at the precise moment before they were destroyed. What this means for you is a return to the moment just after the explosion. You will experience intense physical pain." She hesitated as the Marine flinched. "We will keep you alive. But your recovery is strictly up to you.

Randi couldn't help the involuntary shiver that shimmied up her spine at Dite's mention of the pain she had been exposed to before being brought here. On the outer edges of her awareness, she remembered the searing pain, and it hadn't been a pleasant experience. However, just the possibility of seeing Gwen again was enough to give her the courage she needed at that point, so she simply nodded her head in agreement.

"Very well," Athena intoned. "Let us begin."

Each goddess took up a position around Randi's body, and began to bring her body back to the point just before her mind and spirit had departed it. Artemis felt the leg form crushed underneath her hands and cringed. It was a most unpleasant sensation for the huntress... she could only imagine the agony the soldier would be in upon completion of their task. Athena winced as the once strong back crumpled and broke as it reformed itself into solid shape. Finally, Aphrodite cried real tears as the once beautiful face was marred by the damage that had been inflicted on it. The entire left side was broken and burned.

"Are you sure we can't just heal her?" from Artemis. Athena kept silent. She would authorize it if Aphrodite asked, but...."

"No. She needs to learn from this. I don't want it to be easy for her. I want her to remember to never again waste an opportunity she's been given, cuz you never know when it's gonna be your last."



The goddesses eventually finished their work; actually exhausted from the effort it had taken them. Randi had long since slipped into an unconscious stupor, though she still moaned and groaned in pain from time to time. They were hoping for a bit of rest before she woke up and discovered what she had to work through. The sound that brought them all out of their short-lived meditative state was a scream of intense pain. Now it was time for the real work to begin.



Pain... all she knew was intense, acute pain. But her eyes were too heavy to open, and she watched her bard travel back to the place they had both called home. She faded in and out of conscious observance, and therefore, many of the things she saw had an unreal, almost dreamlike quality to them. Watching Gwen took her mind off her own pain, somewhat, and helped force her focus onto something other than herself and her misery.

It was an interesting phenomenon... she could almost feel the bones knitting themselves back together and it was excruciating. But her desire to heal grew as she watched her bard's journey, and actually helped speed the healing process. Of course, she had no way of knowing yet that her work had only just started.

Randi watched, in her mind's eye, and smiled through the tears the anguish her body was enduring as she watched the small blonde work her own particular brand of magic on some of the same forces Randi had spent her entire adult life fighting against. She smiled as old enemies turned thoughtful, brought to heel by the words of a small bard. She smiled as old friends took up silent, unnoticed positions around Gwen, to ensure her safety now that her protector, their comrade, was no longer able to do so. Here her smile turned to tears once again. She saw how lonely the little bard really was, how her words came solely from her book, and not from her heart. She cried for the loss of youth and innocence she could see, and the loss of joy she could feel emanating from Gwen's heart.

The last thing Randi remembered taking notice of before she finally became fully conscious again was the fact that coming home for Festival brought no more joy to the bard's heart than she had felt from Gwen since the Marine's death nine months previously.



She screamed again long and loud as she came to full consciousness. It was really a wonder she had any voice left, as it had been occurring more and more often in the weeks her body had spent reknitting itself into a somewhat whole entity. More than once each of the goddesses had questioned the validity of what seemed a cruel and unusually punishing form of healing. But when Aphrodite put aside the ditzy persona she wore most of the time, she was a formidable deity, and she had determined her course of action. And so the goddesses suffered along side the mortal they had offered a second chance to.

Aphrodite pushed back the sweat soaked hair, and offered the weary warrior a bit of liquid refreshment. Randi sipped at it greedily. She had been weeks without actually partaking of nourishment, though the goddesses had made sure her body was provided with all the liquids and sustenance she needed to recover. "Would you like a bath?" the love goddess offered. Again, she had been kept clean, but the thought of a refreshing, soothing soak was almost overwhelming. Randi simply nodded her head, too weak to do much else.

With a wave of her hand, the Marine found herself sinking into warm, bubbly bath water. Sinking, literally, she realized, as she didn't have the strength in her body any longer to hold herself upright. Dite was quick to grasp the situation, and within the blink of an eye, she and her sisters had joined Randi in the tub.

"This is carrying that whole family thing a little too far, don't you think?" Randi joked weakly. Her head was being cradled on Aphrodite's chest, and Athena and Artemis were supporting her on either side.

"Yeah, well, the family that bathes together stays together, apparently," Artemis joked back at her. And really, it wasn't even a matter of bathing. They simply made sure the mortal didn't drown while relaxing a bit in the warm water. When Randi started to fall back to sleep, Dite simply snapped them out of the tub, clean, dried and dressed. Tomorrow, Randi's work would begin.

Her days started with strengthening muscles that were as weak as a newborn's. For the most part, the goddesses left her to her own devices, except when she specifically asked for help. Though they had taken turns watching over her during her healing process, and continued to keep an eye on her during her rehabilitation, they had many other responsibilities to oversee, and didn't want things to fall behind. Besides, they had found that her best motivation lay in watching the small blonde bard who had laid claim to her warrior heart.

Day after day she worked, bolstering newly knitted bones and atrophied muscles. And she watched as Gwen went from telling stories to correcting the technique of the beginning and apprentice bards who had come to Midas to learn their craft. And though she did well enough at it, it was obvious to the woman who watched her that she was simply marking time, watching life pass by. It broke Randi's heart every time she saw the look of despair in the green eyes she loved.

The Marine was unaware of how time was passing the mortal realm, until she noticed a gathering of her Sabre comrades interspersed with her band mates, and many of the people she had known at Midas. She watched with interest as Tiny and Tommy flanked Gwen on either side, escorting her to the front of the temple. Ella walked an eighteen-month old Randall to the front, and took her seat next to Tommy. The Marine became even more fascinated as the flag was lowered and folded, then presented to Gwen. She saw the bard sit stoically, only her eyes reflecting the depth of her despair.

"APHRODITE!!!" Randi bellowed.

"Chill, babe," the goddess said as she popped into view. "Like, what has got your panties in a total wad?"

"What day is it?!" Dite looked at her in confusion. "In the mortal realm," pointing to the bard who was now talking quietly to Tiny. "What day is today?"

"OH! It's the Spring Equinox."

"Oh. My. God." Legs which had slowly grown strong enough to support her for longer and longer stretches of time suddenly became gel beneath her, and it was only the goddess's quick action the kept the Marine from hitting the floor. "I've been here a YEAR?!? A FUCKING YEAR?!? You've gotta get me out of here. I've gotta get back to Gwen before she forgets... before someone else... Oh God!!" And this time she did crumple to the floor.

"Randi, hon, slow down!" The Marine looked around frantically, trying to find a door, a window... any way to get out and get back to Gwen. There was nothing, and she grew more agitated. "Randi," Dite grabbed her chin and waited for the eye contact. "Are you sure you're strong enough to leave?" The goddess didn't think so, given the amount of pain the mortal still bore, and the limp that still plagued her, but if she was determined to go and fight for what she saw as hers, Dite certainly wasn't going to be the one to hold her back. She had worked too damned hard to get Randi to this point.

"I don't think I have a choice at this point, Aphrodite. I will not lose her now. Not Now!" Fierce determination reflected out of eyes filled with tears of... pain? Frustration? Fear? It didn't really matter much at this point. The goddess of love called upon her sisters. It was time to get Miranda Valiant started on her journey home.



"You go home, baby girl, and you claim that bard of yours. She's still waiting for you, ya know." Renee's whispered words in her ear comforted Randi more than she could have ever imagined. She gave her much taller daughter a hug and kiss. "We'll always love you."

"I love you too, Mama."

"Take care of yourself, Randi. I am very proud of the woman you've become. I love you."

She gave her father a fierce hug, which he returned in kind. "I love you too, Papa. And thank you. You have no idea what that means to me."

He squeezed her hard once more before gently depositing her on the ground in front of him. "I think I do, daughter. I think I do. Take care of yourself and that bard of yours. What you have together is very precious."

"I will, Papa." They turned and waved at the doorway, then disappeared out of sight. "I'm ready, Aphrodite. Thank you."



"I want you to understand, your continued recovery is up to you. If you continue to work, your back and leg will heal to the point that you will never know they were injured. Another six months of hard therapy perhaps. But you cannot use contemporary medicine. That's the deal."

Randi nodded her comprehension. She realized that this was a test of her faith as much as it was a punishment, and she accepted it as such. "What about my face?" in just above a whisper. More than anything, she hated for Gwen to see her so deformed. She personally found the scars hideous, and had refused to look into a mirror after the first sight of them.

"What about it? No contemporary medicine. It's something you have to learn to live with." Even as the harsh words came out of her mouth, the deity flinched at the pain she was adding to this woman's already heavy burden. But she was comforted by the fact that if things worked out like they were supposed to, it was all going to be a moot point anyway.

The Marine cringed inwardly at the words, but outwardly wore a mask of stoicism that would have made many of her ancestors proud. She refused to shed any more tears for herself over this. She had already cried a lifetime's worth. It was time to return and face her fate. Se nodded her readiness to the triumvirate of goddesses who had done so much for her.

"Thank you, all of you, for giving me a second chance."

"You earned it, child," said Artemis, as they three prepared to return to a more formal relationship with a mortal who had not only helped retain the shape of the world peace, but had helped change their immortal lives as well. "See that you don't squander it."

"Oh no. This time I'm gonna do more than just kiss the girl," with a rakish grin.

"Miranda Valiant!" screeched a furiously blushing Aphrodite when hit by an unexpected blast of sexual energy that was suddenly rolling off the Marine in waves. "Ooo, you go, girlfriend," said with a teasing air and a big smile.

"I certainly hope so," stroking her disfigured face sadly.

"Randi, have a little faith in yourself, in her, and in the love you share."

Randi nodded, but couldn't speak around the knot that had settled in her throat. And then the three goddesses laid hands on her, and blessed her, and sent her reeling toward home.



Chapter XXIII

In some ways it had been the blink of an eye since Randi's death, and in others it had been forever. Gwen was able to function what, to those who didn't know her, would have passed for normal, though she rarely smiled now and never laughed. She never talked about Randi either, though she continued to think of her constantly. She had not opened the album box that still sat on the table where she had left it before taking her walkabout, and the holo-vid compilation that Tommy had given her at Festival remained untouched as well. There were just some things that the bard was not yet ready for, and she wondered if she ever would be.

Festival was... an ordeal, though it could have been much worse. Ella's parents had returned from a three-year lunar expedition, and Tommy's father had shown up as well. Gwen was glad, because that kept a lot of the attention off of her, and focused it on Randall and the strangers who were his grandparents. Or at least she was glad right up to the time she spoke to the elder Mr. Steele.

"Ya know," he said calmly sitting next to the bard while they watched Randall, "when my wife died five years ago, I left. I have spent the last five years of my life doing and see all the things she and I wanted to do together, and I've found that the ache does eventually fade, and life is better if you're a part of it than if you just watch it pass you by."

Gwen turned her head toward him, looking him in the face. "Why are you telling me this?"

"You're young. And you don't want to wake up one morning regretting all the opportunities you lost because you refused to be a part of life."

"Sir, with all due respect, you have no idea what I think, or what I feel, or why I do what I do. And I'll thank you to mind your own business." She stepped away from him without a backward glance, never seeing the tear that rolled down his weathered cheek.

"Tommy, thank you both for inviting me, but this is a family gathering. I really don't belong here." The blonde had only recently arrived back at the house for Festival dinner, and while the surprise appearance of the three grandparents startled her, she hadn't seemed too uncomfortable about it until... He wondered what his father could have said to upset the bard so. She was gone before he could make an answer.

Ella found her just as the sun was setting, sitting out at the end of the dock. "Here, I brought you a bit of dinner." The bard accepted the plate, but set it aside untouched. "You'll have to forgive Dad," referring to her father-in-law. "He has a tendency to say what's on his mind. And I think his regret in being out of our lives... out of Randi's life, too... well, it makes him a little harsh."

They sat there until the sky turned black, and the stars shone cold and clear. "You need to get in out of this cold night air, Gwen, and I need to get back home. C'mon, I'll walk you in."

The blonde woman rose, and took the plate. "Ditto, walk Ella home," she instructed. "Thanks, Ella," said quietly to the woman who was her friend.

The following day, Tommy came by the beach house. He noticed it was spotless, as though the bard had been up cleaning all night. He wasn't far from wrong. Gwen welcomed him in and seated him, then waited passively for him to speak. Tommy didn't care for her new demeanor at all, but wasn't really sure how to dissuade her from it. Her resignedness to enduring life was disheartening. He decided to call her on it.

"Damn it, Gwen! You're not the one who's dead... Randi is!!!"

He wasn't sure what he expected, but the blow across his face rocked him badly. "Now you listen to me, you little pissant." The harsh whisper and the dead eyes were scarier than almost anything he had ever seen, and the fact that they came from a previously enchanted, passionate woman was even more frightening. "Don't you *DARE* presume to speak to me like that *EVER*, do you hear me?!? The only difference between Randi and me right now is the fact that my body still breathes, and hers doesn't. Understand this, I woke up from a nightmare the morning she was killed... KNOWING she was dead. In that instant, she took my heart, my soul, my voice. So don't you sit there and tell me…" Here she broke down, and even in his shock and anger, he wanted to reach out and help, aware of the pain and despair that motivated her.

"Gwen...."

"Go, Tommy. Please, just go."

"Not this time, my friend." And he grabbed the stiff shoulders, and held on for dear life. She crumpled in his arms, and he caught her as she fell. Gently, he picked her up, and moved them both to the rocking chair, where he cradled her like a baby and rocked her to sleep. This was how Geoff and Jill found them a short while later.

"What happened?" Geoff threw his coat aside, and stood in front of Tommy. The younger man got up, and laid the bard on Randi's bed. Jill, having followed them, made sure Gwen was comfortable and covered, before closing the door softly as they exited the room. "Now, *what* *happened*? You need some ice on that face... it's gonna bruise real nice."

"Just a little confrontation. I made a bad comment. Gwen took exception to it and punched me."

"What on earth did you say?" He told them, and watched as they both shook their heads in dismay. "I know, it was a stupid thing to say, but you haven't seen her. She's as dead on the inside as Randi is physically."

"I thought you said she only arrived home yesterday."

"She did, but the difference is marked. You can't miss it."

And it was true. Gwen got up a scant hour later, and it was immediately apparent that while she had accepted her Marine's death, she had not moved passed it. And looking into her eyes, Geoff wondered if she could. He cursed Randi for doing this to his daughter, knowing full well his worst fears were being confirmed.

She played the gracious hostess, welcoming her parents back. She apologized to Tommy quietly, though she did not meet his eyes until he lifted her chin. "Gwen, I'm sorry too. I had no right to push you like I did. Can we talk later?" The bard nodded, and the younger man took his leave of them.

For the second time in Geoff's memory, awkwardness fell between them. There was nothing that could be said without sounding shallow, and Gwen had a wariness now that had never been present before. Jill broke the silence.

"You're looking good, Gwen, different." And she did quite different from when they had seen her last face to face. Six months walking all over had made her lean and sleekly muscular. She was still quite tanned, considering it was the winter season. But the bleakness of her eyes told a story all their own. "How are you doing?"

"Mother, I appreciate you both coming down here, but I want you to go home."

"But...."

"Randi is gone, and I have to live with that. Ya'll cannot continue to coddle me." A beat. "I understand you want to help, so please go home."

"She's right," from Geoff. "She has to handle this on her own. We'll go back tomorrow."

"Thank you for understanding, Daddy."



Gwen and Tommy sat down shortly after her folks left, and hammered out an understanding between them. He agreed not to ask for stories, and to ensure that no one else at Midas did either. In return, the bard agreed to return to the Guild in the capacity of a beginner's teacher. The next few days saw the bard settle into something of a routine that would become natural for the subsequent six months with sporadic exceptions.

Teaching was not satisfying, but it kept her busy most days, and people soon learned not to try and involve the previously vivacious bard in any discussion that did not focus on her students or their work. She refused any and all overtures of friendship, and no longer shared lunchtime with the rest of the facility. She came to work, did her time and went home.

"Tommy, isn't there anything we can do to help her? Her apathy is depressing. It's like she's stopped living." It was almost Spring Equinox, and as the day approached, Gwen withdrew more and more into herself.

"No. She has agreed to attend the memorial service, and I consider that to be a minor miracle. I was contacted by some of Randi military peers, who have asked to be allowed to attend." Ella's eyebrows rose at the phrasing her husband used. "That was my thought," he responded. "The man, Tiny, who I spoke to, said they didn't want to intrude. I told him they were welcome." Tommy paused. "I'm actually hoping their being there will help. Maybe I can get a few answers. Maybe Gwen can find a little peace."



Spring Equinox, as it was wont to do, came roaring in like a lion. It was actually quite chilly, with pouring rain, and whipping wind. Altogether fitting, the bard thought, as she stood at the French doors watching the waves whitecap the nearby water. She wondered at the impulse that had made her agree to this service, but she knew Randi's friends deserved the chance to say goodbye. There were times, and now was one of them, that her anger at having to do so overrode the heartbreak doing so caused. The anger never lasted long, though, and today was no exception. She would get through this, and speak to the man Tiny who had asked to talk to her privately. She remembered him vaguely as having been the man that designed the dock and boathouse, and that Randi had mentioned him as a military colleague. Her curiosity had been piqued as to what he had to say. Then Tommy had requested that they read Randi's will. It had been a year, though not officially, and Tommy was hoping beyond hope the Marine had left some final words of comfort for the bard. He was out of ideas to help her otherwise.

Her folks had come in the night before, and things were... strained, to put it mildly. Even though they spoke every week, Gwen was closed off, and there were just so many things that were off limits for discussion now. It made everything difficult, to say the least. But the bard was grateful for their support, and both Geoff and Jill reminded their daughter of their love and concern for her. She was glad, looking out at the weather now, that she had insisted they stay in the beach house instead of the boathouse. Getting to the temple was going to be hard enough in this weather, without being soaking wet before leaving the house.

She heard her father come down the steps from the loft. She had moved into Randi's room, unwilling to give up the tremulous connection she had with the Marine, and over the course of the past three months, had even found a bit of peace in being surrounded by the sense of Randi she found there.

Geoff was walking with a bit of a limp as he came down the steps. The weather was making his slowly worsening back give him absolute fits. He sighed... it was gonna soon be time to travel back to the capital city for another treatment session. It was getting to the point, though, where even the healing energy remedy and the physical therapy work was just not doing the job like it should.

Added to his physical pain, was an emotional distress. His anger at Jerry had grown steadily as he'd watched his only child become a shell of her former self. If the man had had half the honor Randi had, he would have assumed the responsibility that was rightfully his, and taken her place on the team. The Ghost Rider had been his fault after all. Geoff knew, though, that wishes and speculation about this were pointless, and a waste of energy he could be applying elsewhere. Instead, he greeted his daughter quietly, smiling when she responded in something a little like her old manner. They had coffee together, then by tacit agreement, left to get ready for the morning.

The black suit lent a quiet dignity to her somber demeanor, and added a depth of maturity Geoff wished he had never lived to see. She didn't even bat an eyelash when he appeared in his dress blue crackerjack which, amazingly enough, still fit. She simply nodded her blonde head approving the appropriateness of the gesture.

"Are you ready, dear?" Jill asked. Her understated navy blue dress was the only hint of color in the trio, save for Geoff's few ribbons and medals.

The bard looked long and hard at the portrait above the fireplace then moved toward the door without a word, thankful for the portico that kept them mostly dry. She entered the waiting transport, silently wishing for the day to be over.

Everyone was inside, seated and waiting, with the exception of Tommy, Ella, Randall, and the man she surmised to be Tiny. He father squeezed her shoulder as he and her mother walked silently into the temple, and sat in the place reserved for them.

"You ready?" Tommy questioned. He, too, wore his uniform as a symbol of respect for a fallen comrade, and Gwen noticed as they stepped into the sanctuary that many of Randi's friends had chosen to honor her memory this way. She was in a sea of uniforms, many of which she did not recognize the soldier or sailor in them. There's still so much of you I know nothing about, love. But then she was being seated between Tommy and Tiny, and the priestess was speaking.

After a mercifully short eulogy, Tiny stood and reminisced about his friend. He said nothing to indicate their true military intent, but he told some Sabre tales of Randi that caused happy tears in most of the eyes in the room. Only Gwen seemed withdrawn and subdued. That caused him to wrap up sooner than he had planned, and he and the rest of the team lowered the flag, and folded it. He presented it to the bard, saving his condolences for later. He hoped what he had to say would help.

Gwen rose and exited the sanctuary, waiting in the vestibule as protocol demanded. It was quite an interesting picture the small woman made standing there, flanked on either side by Tommy and Geoff, with Tiny standing sentinel behind her. The entire congregation rose solemnly, and walked out, each person stopping briefly to say something to Gwen.

Finally, only the Sabre team, the Steeles and the Goldmans remained. Each and every team member stated the same sentiment to the bowed blonde head. "It was an honor to serve with her, and a pleasure to call her friend." Then at a nod from Tiny, they all departed for the 'Golden Touch', leaving he and Gwen alone.

"Is there somewhere we can go to talk privately?" She nodded, and he had his transport brought around. He followed her soft-spoken directions, but other than that, there were no words between them. Tiny pulled up at the beach house, well aware of where they were. The bard opened the door, and he trailed her inside, stopping short when he saw the life size portrait on the wall.

"She loved you very much, you know."

"I know, just not enough to stay with me." He blinked in surprise at her words. He hadn't expected... "She told me after she... left, after she... died."

His head was reeling, if she knew this then why? He had rediscovered his letter from Randi just days ago, while preparing his uniform for the service. "Wait. What did she tell you exactly? Hold on. Never mind. That is between the two of you, and should remain so. You need to know what she said to me. It may... help."

"Will it bring her back to me?"

A look of confusion crossed his face. "Um, no, but...."

"Then I fail to see how it will help, but please," she gestured to him to sit down, "continue. Would you like a drink or something?" The big Sabre shook his head no, and the bard kicked off her shoes with a groan and sat down. She curled her feet up under her, and waited in pensive silence.

"That night, I picked her up from the hotel. I could see the tears, but I knew better than to ask. She immediately sat down and started writing. I didn't think anything of it really. Most Sabres find a lot of comfort in writing out their thoughts before and after a mission." He paused. "When I left to inform the Commandant of the…" he cleared his throat, "success of our assignment, I found the envelope in the pocket of my dress blues." The Sabre stopped again and wiped his eyes. "I didn't read it until I was informed of the memorial service. I just couldn't bring myself to do it." He took a deep breath.

"Perhaps it would be better if you read the letter for yourself." He reached the paper over toward her. Gwen hesitated visibly before accepting the missive. She recognized the strong handwriting and the sight of it brought fresh tears to her eyes. Tiny stood and moved away to the French doors, giving her a bit of privacy to read in. The bard sat for a few moments staring at the words without actually seeing them, before she finally took a deep breath, and began to read to herself.

Dear Tiny, (it read)

So much I really want to say, and really, no time left to do it in. We

are in the shuttle on our way home after the most wonderful, and most

agonizing night of my life. I have already written to Gwen, but there

are so many things that I can't explain to her that you need to hear.

Perhaps one day, you will explain them to her for me. I have never

asked much of you, my friend. But I do ask, that when the time

right, you will share with her who we were, what we did, and most

importantly, the secret I entrust to you now... why I had to stay.

I know you don't understand the decision, my friend, and even now,

especially now with the memory of her in my arms, and the taste of

her kiss still on my lips, I find myself fighting to find another way.

Truth, Tiny... I have tried. I have looked at every possible angle, and

the fact remains... whoever enters that dome is destined to die there.

You see, I wasn't completely honest with the team, and didn't give them

all the information Brenda was able to get. You will remember when

she stumbled into our camp that morning, she went to rest, and I left

for a bit. She had given me the lot of info she'd collected, including

the schematic of the dome. And for all our disdain and animosity toward

Ghost Rider, we have always known that she is a brilliant, if somewhat

insane tactician.

Truth, once I lock the doors, a chain of events will be started that

cannot be stopped until they reach their logical conclusion. If any

effort is made to stop the explosion, or if any effort is made to breach

the dome whether it is internally or externally, the nature of the blast

is changed. Instead of a self contained explosion that simply destroys

the dome, it becomes a ripple effect that will disrupt the balance of

the ocean floor, and throw the world itself into chaos with the resulting

natural disasters that will occur.

Now do you see why I cannot let this happen? Especially when one of

those who would suffer the most from this outcome would be my beloved?

There are no good choices here, my friend. And though the true responsibility

is not mine, the responsibility has fallen to me by default, as I am the one

who discovered the true identity of our culprit, and arranged for her demise.

When you see Gwen, remind her that I loved her passionately and with

the intensity of a Sabre. Remind her that I will always love her.

Think of me often, my friend. And know that I cherished you and our

friendship near to my heart. You have been a gift to me.

Randi

Miranda Valiant, Black Sabre

Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant

Silence was its own sound for a very long time after that. Tiny had decided to let the bard break the tableau when she felt ready to. He simply stood, staring out at the gray landscape before him. He felt a kernel of pride in the bare bones outline he could see of the dock and boathouse in all the gloom. Her soft voice startled him, when it finally spoke out of the darkness.

"Tell me about the Black Sabres, Tiny."

And he did. Everything he could to help Gwen understand the kind of woman she had fallen in love with. He told how and why they were formed, gave her quite a history lesson. He told of many of Randi's exploits and deeds. He talked on until he nearly lost his voice, hoping to make the bard understand. Tiny knew he had broken the code of silence, but he was, frankly, past caring. This woman deserved whatever effort he could give her to find a little peace.

"Did she make a difference?"

"All the difference in the world, Gwen. When Celebration rolled around, nothing happened. Without the leader, the factions had no direction, no clear-cut course. There have been little rumblings, like we've always had, but the big war never evolved into anything. Our information points to everything coming to a halt."

He had long since moved to take a seat on the couch near her, but not touching. Now he reached out, and very gently enfolded her small hands in his much larger ones. "I truly am sorry, Gwen. If I had... damn! I should have made her...." A small chuckle interrupted his train of thought.

"Tiny, were you ever able to *make* her do *anything*?"

He answered her with a small laugh of his own. "Um, no, actually. It's one of the things that made her the best. Once she was sure she was right, that was it, she went full steam ahead. And that instinct served her very well, right up until...."

"Right up until she died for it." She rose now, disentangling her hands from his, and moving for he first time since their dialogue had started. It was quite dark, and she moved to turn on the fireplace. She felt in need of its comfort and warmth, as much as she did its light. She briefly wondered where her parents were, but figured they were with Tommy. And indeed, Tiny had made arrangements with them to give he and Gwen the time to talk they needed.

"Thank you for sharing all this with me, Tiny. You've made a lot of things finally make sense for me."





"Do you think it made a difference, Tiny?" Tommy had never met the man before he had shown up early this morning for the service, but in the short while they'd had to talk together, he'd begun to develop a real liking for the man. And he could certainly see why Randi thought highly enough of him to call him 'friend'. Geoff had accepted him by virtue of his Sabre status alone, but he too had found himself appreciating Randi's compatriot.

"I don't know, Tommy. I'd like to think so." There were six of them seated around the Steele's dining room table. Reed had spent no small amount of time while Tiny had been talking to Gwen cuddling Randall, and talking to both Jill and Ella, giving them a small picture of the woman she knew Randi to be. She didn't reveal anything, but she noticed Geoff and Tommy listening in a bit as well.

"It will give her a little more peace in her own heart and mind. But don't expect her to return to being the woman you remember. She's not, and never will be again, as long as she and Randi are separated."

"Why do you say that, Reed?"

"Because it's the truth." The Sabre saw no need to elaborate. Jill was ready to scream in frustration.

"But, *why* do you feel it's the truth?" Reed looked at the bard's mother for a long time, and saw not nosiness, but a desire to understand. She sighed.

"My people are gifted. And sometimes, rarely, we get to see soulmates come together, and the bonding is powerful, blinding."

"But you never met my daughter until today."

Another sigh. Then she stood and paced the floor, standing proudly in her Sabre pilot's uniform. "I have known Randi for more than eleven years. But when she came to the ranch, almost two years ago, she nearly blinded me with the intensity of her aura. She never said a word about Gwen. It wasn't her nature. But today, I saw the matching aura surrounding your daughter. They are soulmates."

"That's horrible."

"Yes, for Gwen it is, because she will spend the rest of her days only half alive. She will survive, because that is who she is. But she will not return to being the daughter you remember her as."

"Reed, at this point, I think we'd both be happy if she could find a bit of peace to live in."



"Thank you for staying over, Tiny. Geoff, you and Gwen have a seat. This won't take very long." Tommy welcomed the other three into his study the following morning. He slipped in the holo-chip and took a seat behind the desk. It only took a couple seconds before Randi's image stood life size before them. Gwen gasped and covered her mouth. Geoff reached over a tentatively covered her other hand. Tiny reached up and brushed a tear aside from his own eyes. Tommy, having seen the instructions she had left him in this same format, and been a bit more prepared for the image, merely swallowed hard... twice.

"My friends, if you are watching this, then it has been determined that my final mission was a success, and I have died with honor. Remember this, and do not grieve for me. I go into this with my eyes open, and only one regret, knowing that it is for the best.

I don't have much to leave, so this won't take long. To my good friend, Tiny, the man who never failed to watch my back, and who listened to my ramblings... I leave you one of my most precious possessions." Tommy reached down to the desk, and picked up the leather bound book of stories Gwen had written for her, handing it solemnly to the big Sabre. "Real stories, my friend, and written by my bard." Said bard in question sat stunned at the open admission, secretly wondering why it had been so hard for either of them to say those words aloud before. "Read and enjoy them for years to come. They will bring you great joy."

It was quiet in the room for a moment, as the hologram seemed to need a moment to collect itself. Tiny smiled through his tears as he thumbed through the journal. After a simulated deep breath, the image was ready to continue.

"For Tommy, who has been more like a brother to me for, ahem, many years, I leave my sword, daggers and staff. I did a bit of research on them, and I think you'll appreciate the history behind the sword, and the etchings found on the blades. I don't know if Geoff is aware of all of them, but it will make for some interesting conversations between the two of you, I'm sure. Give them to Randall one day.

Geoff, you have been like a father to me, and I hand back into your care the woman I love, and can no longer be with and protect. Watch over her for me, Geoff. And take the life-sized portrait. I know you liked it almost as much as I did, cause I overheard your comment to Jill once you found out I had it." She smiled rakishly at him. Then she sobered. "Now, I'm going to ask you gentlemen to leave Gwen and I alone for the remainder of this reading. What I have to say is private between the two of us."

The holo image actually paused, looking around the room. "Go on," she urged, and the fact that Randi knew they would hesitate, and continued to encourage them to leave, made them all smile slightly. Tommy gave a pause command then, and rose from his seat.

"Let's go, guys. Gwen, we'll be right out there in the living room if you need us, okay?" The bard nodded, but didn't say a word. Her attention was still focused on the almost real Marine in front of her. Once she heard the door close, she authorized the hologram to continue.

"Everything else I own, Gwen... the house, the bike, my half of Midas Enterprises, all the accounts, everything was put in your name a long time ago, and it is yours to do with as you wish. Tommy is aware of how I left things, and what all there is. If you have any questions, ask him. He's a good guy, and he promised me he'd keep an eye on you for me." She paused as though debating the wisdom of continuing. Knowing she had nothing left to lose at this point, the image took a breath and spoke again.

"Oh, my love... what can I say to you? You are my light, my life... Words really can't say what I feel, and to take action on my feelings would be grossly unfair to you. There is so much of me that I can't share, so much ugliness I don't want to taint you with. However, now that the knowledge can no longer hurt you, I want you to know... I love you, and I have been in love with you for, well... let's just say a very long time. If things had been different...." The apparition ran its hands through the raven hair it sported, stopping to scratch the back of its head uncertainly in a very familiar, Randi-like manner. Gwen smiled through her tears at the gesture.

"But they weren't and there is nothing to be done about it now. I am sitting here recording this the day of your party, hoping I can hold out and be strong. It has become very difficult for me to hide my feelings from you, but I do so, because you deserve the very best, someone who can offer you everything. I wish it could be me, but know this... more than anything, I want you to be happy. So, go, my love. Live life to its fullest and be happy. You will always remain in my heart."

It was quiet in the room for a very long time after the vision faded away, only the rhythmic sound of Gwen's breathing breaking the stillness. Eventually, she loosened the white-knuckled grip from the chair arms, and wiped her face dry of the tears that had streamed down it. When she felt more composed, she took the chip, and tucked it in her pocket. Then she motioned to the dog who had remained still as a statue since having heard her mistress's voice. "C'mon, Ditto. Let's go home."



No one ever asked what had transpired in that room once Gwen was left alone, nor did anyone ever find out what Randi's message to the bard was. All they knew was that Gwen slowly, gradually started opening up around people again, just a tiny bit. And though she wasn't the bard they loved and remembered, they were glad to see her turn toward the woman she had once been.

She still didn't tell stories, but teaching became a little more enjoyable. And though she still never went out, she did return to the lunchroom, and did not refuse invitations to sit with old friends. No one, not even her, sat at the table she and Randi had shared. She just couldn't bring herself to do it. Maybe someday, love. It was too public a venue, and though the memories were not at all unpleasant, remembering was not something she was comfortable with doing while in the company of other people.

Two days before Celebration began, Scott sat eating lunch with the blond.

"Hey, Gwen."

"Hi, Scott. How's Tori?" The couple had gotten married six weeks previous, and found they were expecting just a week ago. He chuckled ruefully.

"Cursing my name, actually. Morning sickness hit her pretty badly."

Gwen grimaced in sympathy. "Oh, yikes! Sorry."

"Why?" He smiled. "It's not your fault. But the doc gave her a bit of something that has solved that problem. It's just that very first minute or two before it kicks in every morning that she's unhappy. Otherwise, well, she's gonna be very busy if she does all the things she wants to preparing for this little one."

The bard smiled in response to Scott's. It was obvious he was very happy and excited about the prospect of being a father. "And, of course, you're not doing anything to get ready, right?" She actually chuckled briefly at the blush that climbed up his face.

"Well...." He shrugged his shoulders helplessly. "By the way," he said, changing the subject, "would you like to join us for Celebration? Nothing fancy, I promise."

"Thank you for the invitation, Scott, but I've already got plans."

He looked her long and hard in the eyes, trying to assure himself she wasn't just trying to avoid observing the holiday. He nodded, finally, satisfied with her sincerity. "Okay, then. If you're sure. But you're more than welcome to join us if you change your mind. And Gwen?" She raised her eyebrow and waited for him to finish. "Come visit us sometime anyway, will ya? We miss you."





Everyone thought that the bard had plans with someone. Tommy had asked her to join he, Ella, and their folks. Geoff had called to invite her home. Even Reed and Tiny had issued an invitation. Each got the same response she had given to Scott. And each assumed, however incorrectly, that Gwen had accepted one of the other's invitations. It wouldn't be until after the holiday that anyone got the real story of how she spent Celebration.

She got out the album that Sal had given her a year before, as well as the holo vids Tommy had made of their birthday celebration, surprise party and award's ceremony, as well as many of the band practices and story telling sessions he had recorded. On this Celebration Eve, it was time to start reliving some of their happier memories together.



Chapter XXIV

Randi shook her head to clear it when she opened her eyes. Where... ? The temple? How long... ? She closed her eyes again, trying to let her mind calm a bit. The whirling of her thoughts was enough to make her more than a little dizzy. She focused on her breathing, and her intense concentration gradually settled the questions going round in her brain. She would find the answers she needed. She was sure of that.

Slowly, she opened her eyes again. As the Marine had first concluded, she was indeed in a prayer room of the temple near her island home. She sat up rather abruptly. What day is it? She moved to open the door, when it opened in toward her. A priest, bearing food and drink, smiled at her. "The goddesses commanded this be brought to you," he stated simply. When he turned to go, she stopped him.

"Wait, please."

"You require something further?"

"Just a little information. My mind is a little muddled, and I think you might be able to clear up a bit of the confusion."

"Very well," taking a seat at the small table. "What would you like to know?" The goddesses had given him specific instructions for the tall brunette, and this room had been prepared with the basics for her arrival. Aside from the chair he sat in, and the small table on which he had placed the untouched food, there was the cot that the Marine still sat upon. She rubbed a hand across her scarred face, and sighed.

"Where am I?"

He told her, very distinctly and exactly.

"How long have I been here?"

"By our time, mortal time, you arrived one hour ago."

"A mortal hour ago, huh? One is almost afraid to ask how much god time passed." She drew a deep breath. "What day is it?"

"Tonight is Celebration Eve."

Complete silence, then... "WHAT?!? Celebration Eve??? Are you sure?!?"

"Yes, Ms. Valiant. I am completely sure."

The Marine jumped up from the cot and began pacing the small room, not even noticing at first that she did so without pain or a limp. As the knowledge slowly did begin to dawn on her, she came to a standstill, tears in her eyes. "Would you excuse me, please?"

The priest stood, glad he'd had the opportunity to witness her realization. "Certainly." And he left without another word.

"Aphrodite, Athena, and Artemis," she paused, trying to order her thoughts. "Thank you," was all she said out loud. It was all she could come up with. Everything else sounded trite in her ears, and she had no wish to offend at this point especially. She was too close to her goal, and had too much to gain to risk screwing it up now. For healing me, and allowing me to go to her almost whole. A hand touched her cheek again. For giving me a second chance to make things right, she thought, hoping the goddesses would understand what she was trying so desperately hard to say.

"You're welcome, child. Eat now. It is time for you to be on your way." Athena faded almost as quickly as she had appeared. And Randi sat down to do her bidding.



"That was a good thing you did, sister," the warrior commented to Aphrodite.

"Yes, I'm glad you healed her body," the huntress agreed. "But why not heal her scarred face as well?"

The love goddess smiled. "I never intended to leave the bodacious warrior babe a cripple. I wanted her to totally learn a few things." Athens nodded her head in agreement. "I think she did, and in a way she will soooo never forget. As for her face, well, it will take an act of faith to make that miracle happen."

"It's up to Gwen, then?"

"It's up to Gwen."

"Oh, well then. She's as good as healed." Artemis smiled, and got answering smiles from her sisters. This was gonna be sweet.



There was a half-day of work on Celebration Eve, and mostly it was a matter of wrapping up loose ends for the long Solstice holiday weekend. Just before lunch, people started leaving, and by noon, Midas Enterprises resembled nothing so much as it did a ghost town. Tommy smiled. He was looking forward to this holiday, as it was the first one since Randi's passing that Gwen showed any interest in participating. He hoped wherever she was spending the holiday, she would find happiness. He turned his transport toward home. As soon as he got there, his family, father and in-laws were gonna take out the new, large cruiser he'd gotten. He was looking forward to a relaxing weekend.

Gwen made it back to the island quite a bit before Tommy, as she had been one of the first to leave Midas. She took Ditto to Ella. "You sure you don't mind taking her, El?"

"Oh, not at all, Gwen. You know that. I was actually debating asking you for her when you asked me to take her, quite honestly. Besides the fact that she loves the boat, she keeps a great eye on Randall. Having her with us gives me extra peace of mind."

"I can understand your point." The blonde knelt to sit at eye level with the shepherd. "Ditto, you be a good girl for Tommy and Ella, and keep an extra sharp watch on Randall, okay?" The dog answered with a bark, and a serious face washing that actually got chuckles from Gwen. "Yes, yes, I'll miss you, too. I'll be here when you get back, all right?" The canine barked again, and left to find her charge. The curly headed woman handed Gwen a wet cloth, and a dry towel to wipe her face.

"Thanks, Ella. I think she's excited to be going out."

"I agree. I'm looking forward to it myself. You sure you don't want to come along? There's plenty of room for everyone in this new boat."

"No, thanks. I've got plans I really can't break. But thanks for asking." She looked at her watch. "I need to get a move on. Ya'll have a good trip, okay?"

"We will," the other woman said with a hug. "You, too."

Gwen said nothing, not wanting to lie. She merely waved as she took the slightly beaten path between the two houses. She hated to give the wrong impression, but she needed to do this, and she needed to do it alone. After a bite of lunch, she decided to have a bit of a swim off the dock. She was overjoyed when the two dolphins, Pilot and Peanut, came in close enough to play a bit. She accepted it as a good omen for the evening, and it made her feel better about doing this.

After a couple hours, she was quite tired out, and happy to pull herself out of the water. It was hot enough that she was sufficiently dry after just a few minutes sitting out in the sun. She rose from the bench she had been reclining on, and walked back into the house. She went upstairs to her bathroom, pausing on the landing to look at the portrait that still hung above the fireplace. Her father hadn't had the heart to take it down. It belongs there, had been his comment to her. She smile sadly as she recognized again, the rightness of his words. The weapons Randi had left to Tommy remained in their places as well. I can't do it, Gwen. Maybe Randall will want them one day, but I can't accept them. She'd understand. And the bard knew the man was right... Randi probably did understand, where ever she was now. So she didn't force the issue. She knew he would claim them when the time was right.

After a short, satisfying shower, the bard pulled on shorts and a crop top, and prepared for her evening. A bottle of Merlot and a glass made it to the table first. The album box remained on the table where she had placed it almost exactly to the day a year previously. Several vid chips were placed on the table as well. And with only a moment's hesitation, she went to Randi's closet, and removed the dress white uniform jacket the Marine had been wearing that last night. Her scent still lingered on it even now, and the memory brought tears to Gwen's eyes. She lay it down carefully on the couch beside her. Then she poured a glass of Merlot, and picked up the box.

Long moments passed while she simply breathed, willing herself to stillness. When her heart finally resumed it's normal beat, she opened the box and removed the album. She smiled through her tears at the picture on the cover, feeling as much joy as she did pain at seeing the two of them together the way others had. Portrait of two women in love, she thought to herself, then opened the book, and began perusing.



Just as Randi finished eating, an acolyte knocked on the door. Upon being invited in, the young woman began clearing the dishes, stating, "Your transport is waiting."

The Marine's brow furrowed. What transport? Then realizing the priest must have arranged her way home, she rose from the chair. "Thank you," was all she said aloud. Then she headed out the door toward her new life.



Gwen didn't know how many hours had passed while she had looked at, and studied, and memorized each and every picture. She recalled each and every instance the pictures had captured, and all of those Rico had missed, including and especially their last precious moments together. The wine sat untouched, even after she put the book back on the table, still opened to her favorite image. She didn't even take note of the approaching sunset, and the coming dark.

The first holo chip she activated was the band practice she attended that gave record to her second performance there. She was surprised, having never watched this record before at how often Tommy turned the vids to capture the expression on Randi's face. After only a few minutes, she changed to another practice. He had been kind enough to put them all on the same disk. She was amazed at what she saw, now that her eyes were opened. Each and every practice showed the same love reflecting out of bright blue eyes.

The next chip she opened was of their joint birthday party. She watched amazed as the Marine opened up and exposed her heart completely during that song. And watched herself as the knowledge seemed to wind its way into her heart. Could I have been any more blind or obstinate? Why?

She stopped questioning, knowing it was a fruitless endeavor. And today wasn't about doubts and second-guessing... it was about the good memories they had created together. There would be time to question herself again tomorrow.



Randi never realized what a long distance there was between the temple and her home, or how quickly a transport could move. She was sure she was going to be sick. Time was moving too fast, and not nearly fast enough. And the butterflies in her stomach almost made her miss the code to extend the bridge.

As soon as the transport got to the other side, she got out, and sent the driver on his way. The Marine stood anxiously, waiting until it was safely on the other side before recalling the bridge. Then she set off on foot on the last part of her journey home.



Gwen hesitated before starting the chip that contained the last party and awards ceremony. She needed to eat something, but the roiling in her gut made that a very bad idea. She took a sip of the wine, hoping that would calm her a bit. When it didn't come flying back up, she took a slightly larger one, and sat back to watch the memories play out in front of her.

The bard laughed and cried her way through the entire party. She had to especially laugh at herself through the tears as she realized that she, the viewer, was pulling for a kiss after Randi finished her last song. And now that she was more aware, she could almost feel the groan of the entire audience when the two women pulled away from their hug with no kiss. The disappointment was that palpable.

When their last day together began to play, Gwen slowly put the wine glass on the table in front of her. She reached over, and picked up the dress jacket, inhaling the scent, and letting it fill her. Then she slowly wrapped the tunic around her shoulders. She smiled at the comfort she could find in Randi's arms even now, and turned her attention to watch the holo vid in front of her.



Randi would have been more concerned at the seeming lack of security had she not been so nervous. C'mon, Valiant. You've been in far scarier situations than this. But I've never had so much to lose before. She stopped for a moment at the door, taking several deep breaths, trying to control her anxiety. She thought about knocking, but decided to just bite the bullet. She keyed in the code, not really surprised that the bard hadn't changed it. The Marine shut the door behind her with silent precision, and froze. Just out of her line of vision, but well within her hearing, she became aware of herself singing... a *very* familiar song.

"I'm everything I am... Because you loved me."

As the sound of applause was heard throughout the room, Randi took advantage, and moved close enough to see the bard set down the wine glass, and pick up the white jacket. Tears flooded the blue eyes when Gwen took a deep breath of the fabric before encasing herself in it. Her heart broke all over again, as she more fully understood the havoc her decisions had wreaked. And she watched in fascination as the blonde skipped portions, watching only the parts that focused on the two of them.

The Marine felt like an intruder, unsure she should be witnessing such a private moment, but unable to break it as well. So she watched, smiling and crying at the wonderful, painful memories Tommy had so magically captured for them.

When the two of them left the ballroom, the holo image faded. Randi gathered her courage, and took a step forward, only to be stopped by the sound of her own voice again.

Oh my love... what can I say to you? You are my light, my life...

The Marine closed her eyes in agony, and hung her head. God. Then she took a deep breath, and took up speaking with the hologram. "I love you, and I have been in love with you for, well... let's just say for a very long time."

At the very first note from the voice behind her, Gwen rose from the couch and swiveled toward the sound. And froze at the sight that stood before her. The bard's hands came up to cover her mouth, and her eyes widened perceptibly.

"Oh my God," she breathed, not moving.

The hologram finished its speech, and flickered off behind her unnoticed. Gwen forced herself to move toward the apparition, sure that it would disappear when she got near. Randi, for her part, couldn't move. She tried, but she stood frozen to the spot while she watched Gwen approach her with trepidation.

The bard halted less than an arms length from Randi, and just stood silently studying her for a very long moment, trying to determine in her mind if what her eyes saw was real or a mirage. She noticed the awful scar that disfigured one whole side of the Marine's face, and saw her try to turn away. Immediately, Gwen closed the distance between them, and raised and to stroke the marred cheek. Blue eyes closed, and tears slid down silently at the gentle, familiar touch.

"You're really here," the blonde whispered on a bare breath.

"Yes," came the equally soft response.

"And you're alive," green eyes gazed into the now open blue.

"Yes."

There was silence for a few seconds while they gazed at each other. Gwen cried inwardly at the pain she saw hidden in the depths of those blue orbs. They were going to have a lot to talk about. But it would wait. Her hand had already begun to trace its way across the scar. The Marine flinched, and tried to pull away. Gwen wrapped her other hand in the brunette tresses and held Randi in place.

"So beautiful," she breathed.

Randi looked deep into the green eyes she'd missed so much. "Still?" she questioned.

"Always," came the answer. And then Gwen was gently urging her head down, and their lips met, and she lost herself in the touch and taste and scent of the woman who had become her home. Her arms reached out, quite of their own volition, and drew the blonde into her. Long minutes passed while they stood melded together, until they were finally forced apart by a need for air. The bard lay her head on Randi's chest, and stood breathing in the essence of the woman she loved. The Marine lay her head atop Gwen's, simply absorbing the profound joy of the moment.

"Randi?"

"Hmm?"

Gwen pulled back to better look the brunette in the eye and gasped. "Randi!"

"What?!? What's wrong?"

"Your face!" The large hand flew to her cheek, and froze, shocked at what she found there. "Randi, there's no scar there!"

Now the tears resumed down the Marine's features. "Thank you, Dite," she whispered.

"Dite?? I guess we really do need to talk."

Randi took a deep breath, and wiped her eyes. "Yeah, we do." She put her hands on the bard's waist, and slowly raised her until they were at eye level with one another. She smiled when she felt Gwen's legs wrap around her middle. The blonde rested her arms on the Marine's broad shoulders, and tangled her hands in the long, dark hair. Unable to resist, Gwen leaned in, and nipped at the full lips so close to her own, then slowly traced them with her tongue. The arms wrapped around her tightened and moved. One hand curled itself into her hair; the other caressed her ass. With an incoherent moan, she covered Randi's mouth, and proceeded to deepen the kiss, as though she wanted to absorb her very essence into her own soul. At very long last, just when the Marine was sure her knees would buckle from the intense emotions flowing between them, Gwen pulled back, and whispered one word.

"Later."

Then she resumed her focus on Randi's lips, teasing with her tongue and teeth, and smiling when the Marine groaned and clenched her ass.



"Much later," Randi agreed. And she turned her steps to the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind them.

And they lived happily ever after.



The End

Storyteller's Cardinal Rule: No matter what happens in the story itself, it must have a happy ever after ending.

01/01 - 07/01




This story continues in A Valiant Interlude