General Disclaimers: OK I am tired. You know the routine just tell yourself all the things that should go here. Go ahead. I'll be right over here----------------> :D <------------and I look so happy about it all, don't I? Alright..onward. Candace, Taylor, Skye and Terra belong to me and they LIKE it!

Major Disclaimers: There is sex between women. Or is that among women? Huh. Whatever. They have fun doing it. If you don't have fun reading it skip those parts.....ya freak. Totally kidding....*snicker*. OKOKOK If you are underage and you're sneaking in to use Mom and Dad's computer in the middle of the night...STOP and go to bed. Reading this stuff will stunt your growth. Just look at me! Proof enough? Thought so. If this type of thing is considered illegal where you live, consider not reading any further. This is all really a moot kind of point, this part seven for Olympus's sake! You should have stopped way back at the first Chapter of Stranger Paths.

Captain Disclaimers: There might be violence in this part. I don't know these things till I write 'em. Go figure. Anyway if violence isn't for you don't read this. HA! Like your gonna turn back now 'cause Xena might cut someone with her sword. OOOh that kind of thing never happens in any Xena stories ever. That's just rich! Is my sarcasm bothering you? Sorry.

Lieutenant Disclaimers: Our little Gabrielle goes off in this installment so watch for bad words. My, that little girl (I know!) has a temper. Anyway, she tries to use all the bad words all at once, and you know she does a fine job of it. WTG Gabby!

Corporal Disclaimers: Spoilers happen all over in this story. Every season, every EP. Season 5 especially starting now. If you don't want to know what happens in the future of Xena, don't read this.

Have so much fun and thank you for reading! I love kind feedback and questions!

UgoXena@aol.com

kg©2000

Two lone figures walked up the dais to the queens hut. Candace and Gabrielle wanted to see their old friend, but it was always difficult to watch those that you love in pain. They both knew Ephiny would be in such deep grief that they didn't know if they would be able to get through to her. They climbed up the steps and were detained by the guards standing watch over the entrance.

"Stand aside warrior." Gabrielle used her most commanding voice on the guard.

"You may enter Regent, but the stranger may not." She stated it matter-of-factly nodding in Candace's direction.

"She is hardly a stranger. She is co-Regent Candace. Now stand aside!" Gabrielle was not in the mood to deal with the arrogant attitude the Queen's Guard often displayed. It had been a very long trying day and to top it off she was hungry.

"Candace? That's not possible. She is gone and you know it." Her attitude was going to get her KP if she wasn't careful.

The Regent stepped to the guard with all of her authority and spoke with slow moving venom. "Ya know what? I'm gonna give you one chance because I hate giving out discipline on an empty stomach. Take a close look at her. What do you see?"

The soldier looked over Gabrielle's shoulder to the woman standing quietly behind her. The warrior's eyes grew wide in recognition. She bowed hastily and parted the curtains to the darkened room. "Forgive me your Highness. I didn't realize."

"You should learn to trust the word of your Regent, soldier or one day it will be your downfall."

Candace was not in the mood for attitude either. She remembered who and what she was and wasn't afraid to wield her authority.

"Yes, Highness. I again apologize." She bowed lower as she held the curtain.

"Very well. Accepted." She stepped into the dim room behind Gabrielle's lead.

There was no light in the hut save the small candle burning in remembrance of the Queen's slain Champion. The air was stale and heavy with the scent of grief. Gabrielle searched the interior for any sign of her friend. Her eyes adjusted it the light and she found the form of her friend huddled in the corner of the dwelling. Candace saw her at about the same moment. They both approached her reverently.

"Ephiny?" Candace's voice was eaten up by the deadness in the air. There was no response so she tried again. "Your Majesty?"

"Please, I asked for no intrusions and besides protocol calls for isolation." She had her back turned away and so didn't see the face of the woman that spoke to her.

"I came quite a distance Your Majesty. I would hate to have to go without paying my respects."

Ephiny frowned at the voice. It struck a chord in her memory that she couldn't place. *I know that voice.* She spun her body around quickly not believing what she was hoping. Her sad face lit up with a small smile. And then she began to cry. "Candace."

"Yes, Your Majesty." She bowed slightly in homage to her queen.

Ephiny stood slowly to her feet and grasped the woman tightly. She held on like she would never be able to stand without the support of the arms around her. Her tears continued and she reluctantly pulled away to address and embrace her other friend.

"Gabrielle. Thank you for coming." She held her friend to her.

"I am sorry. I am such a mess." Ephiny released her hold on Gabrielle and pulled a cloth into her hand as she blew her nose. "Candace, how is it that you are here?"

"To be honest, Your Majesty I don't know. We went to sleep in our own soft bed and woke up in Toris's inn naked." She wasn't being flippant just factual.

"Stop calling me that, Candace." She gave her a slightly irritated look. "And who is we?"

"My partner, Taylor, and I are we."

This peaked the monarch's interest. "I see. She wouldn't happen to be tall with dark hair and blue eyes would she?" The grieving woman tried to smile as best her heart would allow.

"Indeed she would. You will meet her later. We also have two other women with us that are Xena and Gabrielle 'matches'. It's strange, but I believe it is for a purpose. I know this is not the time to bring this up but there is something not right about this whole situation."

"Yes, I have heard. Janice and Melinda told me the day they arrived. Now, with you and Taylor here along with another set of..... whatever you are, I am inclined to agree. Gabrielle, you are quiet for a change, what is your take on this?"

"Ephiny all I know is what Candace and Taylor have told me. There was the little jump in time we experienced the other day. I am pretty sure that the six of us were the only ones that felt it, so I am inclined to believe that it has to do with us as a group or even as a whole. I can only believe that Jan and Mel felt it as well but I haven't asked them."

"And what of Senar, Gabrielle? What of my Champion?" She stood proud and held her ground. Tears that threatened to fall again didn't.

Candace spoke out of turn, "According to scrolls in the future, Senar is not supposed to die."

"I see. Who is?" Ephiny stared at her point blank.

"I beg your pardon?" The singer was taken by surprise by the question.

"I know how the world works Candace. To keep balance in all things one must replace another. If Senar lives in the correct time and not in what is happening now, someone else must die in the correct time. Balance. Do you understand?"

"Of course, but I can't tell you what will or is supposed to happen, even if you may be correct or not. It would be wrong and it may change things that are supposed to happen."

"I see. Gabrielle do you know?" The Amazon Queen turned her inquiring look on the bard.

"Even if I did, Majesty I wouldn't tell you. I am sorry."

"It is well. I already know." Her face changed to a set of determination. "It is fine though, if it will bring Senar back."

Candace walked to the flame and stared at for a long moment. She hoped to God that she never had to attempt to understand the sorrow in Ephiny's heart. She thought a while longer as silence filled the room. "Ephiny, how do you know?"

"I have had dreams that show me. I thought they were not real until Janice and Melinda spoke with me at length about things that are not to be." Candace had a tear drawing a line down her cheek. The queen approached her then put an arm around her and whispered so that only she could hear. "Sweet friend, it will all be alright. I am not afraid."

Candace nodded. Ephiny wasn't afraid but it didn't make it any easier for her. If they found the answer to this riddle of time, her friend would die.

"Enough. I know that you have traveled far today and that you are tired and hungry. Go eat and get rest. The funeral will begin tomorrow at sundown and then the Celebration of Life. I love you both!"

"And we you as well, Your Majesty." Gabrielle wanted to cry but didn't. This had been a very long day and her emotions were fragile. She needed to be close to her warrior and soon.

"Oh Candace," The warrior stopped in mid-stride. "Will you offer a song after Xena's tribute?"

"I would be honored."

"Very well. Go my friends and rest." She dismissed them and walked to the window to stare at the night.

Two golden heads bowed and backed out of the room into the darkness.

=/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>

Terra and Skye found their way to the table after getting their food. To the observer it looked fairly normal. The blonde was all grins while Terra's face was flushed bright red. The seated group was more educated in certain areas than most people and watched them approach with great interest. They all looked around at each other to confirm what they were observing. Three dark and one graying blonde head nodded in unison. Something had definitely happened in the woods.

"Hello all. Forgive us on our tardiness. We were..." Skye was interrupted by a panicked voice.

"Detained!" Terra was in fear that Skye in her lack of tact would tell them exactly what they had been doing. She had a feeling that the older women knew, she just didn't feel the need to share at this moment. "We were detained." She was starting to sweat.

Three of the women at the table snickered. Melinda gave them all the eye and cut short their merry making. "I am suah that one day we will learn to gathah togethah a small amount of tact. Won't we ladies?" There was clearing of throats all around. "We are pleased that you were able to join us. Please sit."

They sat next to each other hearts racing and hands shaking slightly. Melinda smiled and made what she thought was light conversation to take the focus off of the two lovebirds.

"So Xena, is Eve staying with your brother?" It was supposed to be a simple question.

"Who?" Xena didn't even look up from her meal.

Melinda glanced over at Janice who stopped her food mid-way from her plate to her mouth.

"Eve. Your daughter." The good Doctor had returned her fork to the plate.

This time Xena looked up with interest. "My daughter? I don't have a daughter."

Bad. This was bad. A few moments earlier Candace and Gabrielle had entered the hall. There wasn't much of a line left so they were quickly finished and headed to the table. The air was thick with tension from four of the women. The other two were practically oblivious to anything. Candace sat first looking expectantly from face to face. *This can not be good.*

Gabrielle sat with exactly the same thoughts running through her head. She was the first to speak her concern. "What's up guys? I mean besides the obvious over here." She nodded in the direction of Terra and Skye.

Janice was going to try to explain, "Xena doesn't have a daughter."

Candace gasped and Gabrielle looked confused. "Of course she doesn't have a daughter. That's obvious with us being...wait....oh my Gods. She is supposed to have a daughter, right?"

Melinda nodded.

"Who's the father?" First things first here.

"That is really hard to explain." Jan wasn't going to like doing this one bit.

"Oh. Do try won't you? This should be interesting." Gabrielle was jealous and it wasn't even reality yet.

"Callisto."

Melinda rolled her eyes and put her head in her hands. If her lover ever learned to control her mouth it would be a true act of God.

"WHAT?" Now the bard was pissed. "That bitch is the "father" of my lovers child. Ohhh no, I don't think so. What line of horse shit are you trying to feed me here?"

"Calm down, Gabrielle. It's not what you think." Candace tried to ease the situation to a point where it could be handled.

"It had fucking better not be!" She was hot!

"Gabrielle!" Mel got her attention. "If you would please listen to all of the story, you will see the answer."

The regent took a deep breath, got her blonde anger under some control and listened to Jan and Mel as they explained about the crucifixion, resurrection, and consequential pregnancy of Xena. The 'why' of the birth was the most important point of all.

"My child is to usher in the Twilight of the Gods?" The thought was unnerving and amazing.

"Don't forget it's after our crucifixions. Nice thought that." Gabrielle was more calm but the correct time line didn't sound pleasant at all.

"Ladies, I think we have the crux of the situation at hand here. If the child is never born, no Twilight. The Gods and their reign remains intact. Prevent the birth and save the Gods. The question is who started this?" Janice explained what was becoming more and more obvious.

"One of the Gods for sure. Or maybe all of them." Taylor was trying to be rational.

"What Janice and I have found in our research shows that really only Chronos has the tools to effect time."

"I thought Cronus was dead. Zeus killed him by feeding him a rock or some such." Gab was back in the conversation now. The other four women sat and listened intently to the conversation. It was becoming interesting here.

"Different being all together. Chronos is an office and not a God. Chronos wields the power of the hourglass, time if you will. The hourglass is the power not the one that wields it. The power of the glass is transferable to another person."

"So, I could be Chronos if I wanted." Xena was finding this more and more fascinating.

"If the one wielding the glass offered it to you, then yes, you could. Our theory was that Chronos was to blame for what is happening, but the thing is he or she has no reason to stop the Twilight. It doesn't affect time. I think, and Mel you may agree or not, but I think one of the Gods got the glass and is playing hocus pocus with the time line." Jan ceased her talking and waited for feedback.

"Wow." Candace said it for everyone.

"I don't get all of this, but if you say it's true, Miss Jan then we have to go along with it. I mean it, sounds like you know what you're talking about." Skye really wanted the meal to end so that they could retire for the evening. She was concerned with all of what was going on, but were it not for the changes in time she and Terra may never have had the opportunity to enjoy the connection they had. To her, at this point, it was a good thing.

Taylor ever the practical one stated the obvious, "So, what do we do about it?"

"To be quite honest, Taylah, we don't know. We could ask the Gods, but they may not have reason to help us."

"I'm asking." Xena was matter of fact.

"Who? Ares?" Gabrielle figured he was the obvious choice considering his uncontrollable desire to possess Xena. He may give her answers if he thought it might get him something.

"Nope. Artemis. She has a temple here."

"Xena, you don't just walk in a temple and say, 'Hey there, 'God whoever' I wanna talk to you.'" Candace knew the rules of worship and offerings.

"She does." Gabrielle shook her head at her irreverent wife.

"For some reason, I don't think it will work this time." Taylor looked at Xena. She had no idea what made her think or say what she had, but it was true.

"Here is my vote," The regent bard stood to her feet. "I am tired. I want a bath then sex and then sleep in that order." The assemblage laughed and applauded the idea. "IF there are no objections from the other regent, I say we turn in and worry about this in the morning. We are all here for a reason. I am sure we will find out what that reason is soon enough. We have three huts prepared for us. Candace you and I have the royal huts right next to Ephiny's. Terra and Skye, if you have no objections," She smiled. *As if.* "Lissa will show you to the guest quarters. Won't you Lissa."

Gabrielle turned to the woman at the table behind them. The Amazon warrior almost puked. "Yes your Highness. It would be an honor."

"Of course it would be." Gabrielle loved a great irony.

"Do we have any objections, sweetheart?" Terra looked sweetly at Skye. They were both surprised that they would be escorted anywhere by anyone ever. This truly was a dream come true, in many ways

No one missed the nickname. These two were catching on quickly. "Not at all. I could use a bath, however." She sniffed around herself. "You could, too." They smiled and noses touched.

They were making the others nauseous. Janice opened her mouth and pointed down her throat with her finger. Mel gave her the "must you always act twelve" look and she stopped, but not until Taylor and Xena were snickering again. Warriors. Go figure.

"Lissa will see to that as well. If I am not mistaken the visitors hut has a tub. Correct, Lissa?"

Lissa breathed heavily. The regent sure knew what she was doing with her authority and the warrior was sorry she had ever gotten mixed up in any of this. "Yes, Highness. I will see to it that a bath is prepared. Is there anything else?"

Candace spoke up this time. "Now that you ask, you will be assigned as personal escort to Terra and Skye as long as they remain with us. I will work out your rotation with Julisa in the morning. If they need anything else I leave it in your hands to accommodate them. Do you understand?" She loved this regent thing.

*I had to ask. I just had to open my big Amazon mouth and ask.* "Very well. If you will follow me ladies, I will 'take you home'."

The three women filed out after all the good nights were said. Candace and Gabrielle grinned at themselves.

"You enjoyed that didn't you?" Taylor was impressed with her lover. She grabbed her with both arms around the waist and kissed her soundly. Nothing like a little power show to turn a girl on.

"You have no idea." Candace smiled with a twinge of pride and a hint of libido. She ran a soft finger along Taylor's laugh lines and returned the kiss she had received.

The group of women gathered themselves up and headed toward the door.

"Ohhh no you don't!" An older dark haired woman bound into the hall.

"Hello, Mom."

"Hello darling." Cyrene wrapped her arms around her daughter's tall frame. She held her at arms length and gave her the mother's once over. "You are looking wonderful. Thank you, Gabrielle.

"My pleasure, Mother." The women embraced and Cyrene caught her breath. She was looking over Gabrielle's shoulder at the unbelievable sight behind her.

"No. It can't be." She slowly almost haltingly released her daughter in law. "It's really you?"

"Hi Cy. It's really me." The blonde bowed her head slightly

"Aaahh. Sweet girl!" The healers wife snagged Candace in her arms and squeezed her firmly. "Oh Candace. It is so wonderful to see you again.."

"And you as well, Cyrene. How is life with the Amazons treating you?" She wrapped a muscular arm around her friend.

"It is so wonderful. But I want to know about this gorgeous woman behind you. Ouch! She's very nice." Cyrene's eyebrows raised in appreciation.

Candace gave Cy and extra hard squeeze. "Uh uh, Cy. That there tall drink of water is all mine."

"Honey, she looks too much like my own daughter to have any thoughts like that, but goodness! You sure know how to pick 'em." She grinned at Taylor. Taylor turned a light color of red.

"Yeah, I got two of the hottest women that ever lived. Ya gotta call that some good luck." She smiled at the two women and they both blushed. Gabrielle nudged her and they shared a secret look. Who knew that warriors were so shy?

The older woman addressed the tall attractive firefighter, "Are you taking care of my girl, Taylor?"

"I try ma'am, but she tends to take care of me more often than not." She smiled at her lover and realized the very truth of the statement. She recalled that afternoon when her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Candace had saved her from herself. She still was a little unsettled, but with the company and the rest she was feeling a little better.

"Well, that is the way they are. Enjoy it." Cy looked into the deep blue eyes of the firefighter and noted the latent pain held within their depths. She didn't ask the source but she did know that her former daughter in law would help to cure the ill.

Cyrene also took note of the distant pain in her own daughter's eyes when she looked at the small blonde singer. Xena had always tried to mask her emotions from the time she could walk, but her mother knew there was something amiss in her. Her best guess was the correct one. She was in love with two women. Maybe very differently and Candace not as deeply, but the proof was there. Cyrene really couldn't blame her for her emotions. Her daughter had loved Candace with a vengeance. The woman had picked her heart up out of the prison it was in and freed it to love and love she did. Then Candace was gone. Just gone. Not dead, not with another, not out on a journey she would one day return from. She was simply gone. Both of her daughters had had a very difficult time with the loss. Both on different levels and in different ways, but the loss to both almost tore them apart. Not from each other, but from the inside out. The deeply enduring love and soul connection they share had saved them from impending disaster. Now the golden headed woman was in their midst and the emotions were running rampant. They would talk later. She maybe wrong about the whole thing, but she doubted it. *And you Gabrielle, how do you feel about all of this?* Cyrene trusted that Gabrielle knew the feelings of her warrior's heart and her own as well. It didn't seem to bother her much. She stopped all of her musings trying to avoid the nosy mother syndrome.

"Time for bed kids. I'll catch up on all the gossip later. Right now I need a bath and a bed." Candace was more than ready for a real bed and a good nights sleep.

"And a woman to warm it up I hope." Taylor whispered in her ear but was overheard by the never to be subtle Janice.

"More like warm you up." Jan cracked herself up.

Taylor was in total agreement. "Got that right! Come bed warmer, let us off and away!" She struck a Xena like pose and waited for her lover.

Candace slapped her arm lightly. "Bed warmer? I'll have you know that's "Your Royal Bed Warmer, Highness. I am royalty you know."

"Riiight Your Royal Highness of the Bed Warming Variety, would you care to join me in a Royal Bath?" Blue eyes shone in anticipation.

"Is my Royal Escort requesting my presence?"

Taylor bowed low and looked up into eyes of an undefinable green. "I do indeed."

"Very well. Your arm please." Taylor bent her arm and Candace accepted it. "Good night, surfs. We shall see you on the morrow."

"Good night Candace and please try not to let this regent thing go to your head. OK?"

"Right Gab. Tell my subjects not to wait breakfast on me. I believe my Escort and I will be occupied."

"Whatever. Good night." Gabrielle laughed and Candace smiled after her. They were off to heaven.

=/~~~~~~~~~~~~~>

Lissa supervised the filling of the tub while Terra and Skye removed their boots by the entrance. The room was large and fragrant with candles and incense. One section of the floor was littered with pillows and colorful blankets. The large bath was in the opposite corner. The humidity from the water permeated the room. It was a comfortable feeling. The large bed sat headboard under the north window which was covered with a wooden shutter and a multicolored curtain. The bed covering was a thing of true beauty. Its design was vaguely familiar in design. Golden colored swirls adorned the outer edges and the center was an insignia of some sort.

"Lissa?" Skye addressed the warrior.

"Yes, Skye. What can I do for you?" She spoke with total respect this time.

"What is the insignia on the bed covering? What does it represent?"

She continued her work of preparing the room while answering the query, "The cover itself was a gift to Candace and Xena at their wedding. The center insignia is representative of Candace's rank as Regent." She stated the information matter-of-factly and didn't notice the look on the young woman's face.

Terra turned to look at the soldier as if she had lied intentionally. "What do you mean Candace and Xena's wedding? Xena and Gabrielle are married. You are in error or you lie. Which is it?" The tall woman threatened from across the room.

Lissa felt the temperature in the room drop and she realized that they had no idea about Candace and Xena and Gabrielle. "It is the truth, Terra. I have no reason to lie to you. It is a very long story I believe you need to ask them about."

"You can't expect..."

"Terra."

The tall woman looked at the small person as Skye captured her attention. "It would explain alot of things. Let it go." Green eyes implored her to calm her temper.

Terra nodded in acquiescence. "Very well."

Lissa walked across the room and stood before the tall dark-haired girl. "Your bath is prepared, Terra. Do you require anything else at this time?"

"No I don't think so. You have been more than kind to us and we appreciate it. I thank you." Terra was willing to let bygones be just that.

Lissa was surprised by the gratitude and realized the woman was offering her a peace treaty of sorts. She had been out of line earlier this evening and she now felt guilty that this woman was being even remotely kind to her. "You are welcome." She paused for a few seconds not sure what to say or even how to say it. "Um. Terra, may I speak freely?"

Terra frowned and then looked at Skye for advice. Skye's blonde head nodded the affirmative. Since when did anyone ask them for permission to speak? This was still very odd for them. "Yes, of course."

"I wish to apologize for my behavior earlier. I was out of line. It seems that being a pig is in my nature. I believe you have shown me that perhaps I may need to address that behavior. Anyway, my apologies."

Skye walked up to the warrior and faced her in all seriousness. "Perhaps, you needed to see that true love is able to overcome and that it is time for you to find your own."

Lissa looked down at the shorter woman, realizing that she was stronger than she appeared. "Well said. I will take my leave then if you don't need anything else. If you have a need, tell the soldier outside and she can assist you. If not, she can find me. Good night." She bowed and turned to the door.

"Lissa?" The warrior stopped to face Terra. "You are forgiven. We will see you in the morning."

The warrior smiled broadly. "Very well. Good night."

"Good night." The tall woman saw her to the door. As soon as it was closed she faced the woman of her dreams. She was scared to death. She stood quietly facing Skye for long moments without any idea what to do. Finally she spoke the truth.

"Skye, I'm scared. What if I can't........well, you know." She was blushing furiously. Her feet were shifting of their own accord and her heart was running faster than a greyhound.

The small gentle woman walked the short distance across the room and took her friend by the hand. "Hold me, Terra. Just hold me."

Long arms wrapped around the small frame and pulled Skye into a close embrace, She carefully kissed the top of her head. Skye tilted her face up to look at the love and trepidation in the sky blue eyes. "Terra, I love you. I don't care if you can't do whatever it is you think you can't. All I care about is holding you and just touching your body, finding out what your skin feels like against my hand and against me. If other things happen, great. If not, that's great as well because it's you. OK?"

"Yeah." Terra kissed her softly. Skye leaned into the lips that touched her and learned how and where to kiss the small expanse of flesh. Terra's tongue slid a slow path along Skye bottom lip, tasting every inch of skin offered to her. The small ex-slaves mouth captured the exploring tongue and drew it slowly to her mouth. Torturous movement of tongues winding around and across one another caused Skye to let loose a growl of desire. She broke the kiss and stepped back a little ways from Terra. She put her hands to the ties on the tall woman's shirt and one by one released them. Small patches of skin were being presented to her agonizing little bits at a time. She leaned in to Terra and placed a kiss on her protectors collarbone. Terra gasped her delight and wasn't sure she could stand much more than that one small gesture.

Skye smiled. She knew how to give pleasure and for the first time in her life she would share what knowledge she had with someone she loved. Of course the education she had received a couple of nights ago would be of great help. The cotton shirt hung open to the waist now and Skye eyed the strip of skin revealed to her. A smile stretched across her face. She placed her hands under the shirt, around the extraordinarily soft skin of Terra's trim waist and up her back. The touch moved her closer to her destiny and her pulled the tall woman to her. Her lips trailed the path from her collarbone to between her breasts, across the flat muscular plane of a solid stomach.

Terra's eyes followed the movements of the blonde's head along her body. The feelings were unimaginable for her and she shivered deliciously. No one had ever touched her. Not in the way the green eyed woman was doing now. For her it truly was the first time. The woman stood to face her and Skye looked into her soul with those bright shining eyes and silently asked permission to remove her shirt. If there were a time to turn back it would be now. She nodded. She closed her eyes and felt. Skye's hands drew a tingling course up and across her broad shoulders. The material was separated away from her skin and floated to the floor. She couldn't open her eyes. The warm slightly humid air that filled the dwelling danced upon her skin. She heard Skye's intake of air and it caused her to look down at her.

"Terra, you are so beautiful. Look at you. I.....Ohhh." She drew her hands down from muscular shoulders along the firm expanse of chest and then gently caressed the pert breasts jutting proudly away from the tall lean body.

The tall woman shuddered, "Oh GOD!" Electric shocks pulsed erotically through her and long legs would no longer hold her upright. Her hands grasped Skye's shoulders and held on for support.

"Are you alright, Terra?" The question was a whisper. Skye's exploring fingers touched on the hardening buds at her fingertips. She took Gabrielle's advice and gently took them between her thumb and forefingers and gave a light tug. The loud moan and shudder was more than she had expected. She smiled at the response. "Maybe we should sit."

The goosebumps that had risen across her flesh stood in testament to the touch Skye had proffered. "No. I want you to undress me first. I promise to do my best to remain upright." Terra smiled and placed Skye's face in her large hands. She kissed her soulmate again. Soft and sweet.

The backs of Skye's hands slid slowly along the flesh of Terra's rippled stomach. Skye slipped her hands down to the ties that held her lover's pants in place. She wasn't sure if she could remain upright any better than her tall companion but the magic that lay beneath the cloth beckoned her to continue. She grasped the waistband and pulled the tall now tanned woman near to her. As her fingers sought out the ties her mouth sought a long neck. Terra groaned at the precious contact. She would later determine that the feeling was one of the best she had ever felt. Skye untied the strings and nibbled gently on the pulse point at her tongue. Her hands slid easily under the material and she pushed the leggings down the smooth expanse of muscle. And what an expanse it was.

Skye was in awe of the vision before her. The only woman she had ever seen naked had been herself. This was so different. The emotions that welled up inside her were such the she would never be able to put them to words. Her heart bled passion and love for the tall assassin. Her hands burned with the desire to touch and possess every tender spot of flesh seen and unseen. "Creighton, Terra. Will you let me touch you?"

The warm air felt cool against Terra's heated skin. She wanted to be embarrassed by the exposure, but she wanted more than that to offer her body to this small golden woman in passionate sacrifice. She whispered in answer to the question, "Please. I need your touch, Skye. Without it, I swear I won't survive." She stood patiently waiting for Skye to take possession of her. Her breathing increased with the passing seconds and the desire between her legs trickled from her center. She didn't understand the reason for the wetness but the thought tickled the most remote part of her mind. She would find out soon enough.

Skye's hands traveled across the strong shoulders down the tight arms to caress large sure hands. Skye loved Terra's strong hands. They should frighten her for the power and death held within them, but she knew they would only ever love her, hold her and comfort her. She brought them to her mouth and placed her lips gently across the knuckles.

Terra watched in awe as Skye kissed her hands and her fingers. The blonde drew one of her fingers deeply into her mouth and she was in shock at the sensation. Skye's green eyes smiled at her in subtle seduction. Skye kissed her palm and she was sure that if this did not kill her she would never die. Skye began to kiss further and she reluctantly stopped her. Concerned eyes caught her reaction.

"Do you want me to stop?" She would never dream of doing anything against Terra's wishes. That had been her life and it would never be her friend's.

Terra brought both of Skye's hands to her own lips and kissed them in return and then clutched them to her chest. "I want you to wait."

"OK." She shrugged a little disappointed.

"Sweetheart, I want to touch you as well. May I undress you?"

Skye was in a state of wonder. Someone was asking her if they could touch her. Asking. She almost forgot the question. "Oh yes, Terra. But before you do..." She paused. Could she tell Terra what she didn't know about her? If she did, would Terra reject her? Tears welled up in her green eyes and she gazed into the blue eyes that loved only her.

Terra gently wiped the lone tear that fell. "What is it my, love? What's wrong?"

"I have scars, Terra. In places where there probably shouldn't be scars. Do you understand?" She dropped her gaze and tried to collect her courage. What if she didn't want her now? What would she do?

Terra grasped the small woman to her naked body. "You must know by now that you are not just your body to me, you are your heart and that heart loves me just as mine loves yours. There can be nothing about your body that I do not cherish with all of my being. Please let me love you. Let me make love to you." She bent her head and looked deeply into the soul that completed her being.

Skye nodded. "Yes."

Terra put her hands on the hem of the pullover Skye was wearing and drew it up over her blonde covered head. As the linen was cast aside Skye raised her hands to her own small but firm breasts. She looked at them and caressed them as if for the first time. Terra's heart raced at watching her lover touch her own flesh. What there was about it she couldn't comprehend, but her body reacted anyway. She shook her head and cleared her thoughts as best she could. She went to remove Skye's pants but was interrupted.

"No, let me." Skye tugged at the tie and loosened the waistband as far as it would go. She simply let the pants fall to the ground and she stepped out of them. She stood naked before Terra, free to touch and be touched. Free. It was a concept foreign to her.

Terra reached to her side and around. With a large hand on the small of her back, Terra drew Skye in. Their naked, freely exposed bodies touched in unison. You could not have asked in this life for a more perfect feeling. The sensation was electric, so soft, so delicate as Heaven and Earth embraced to become one. They stood enwrapped in the peace that had been shared over millennia, for long moments.

Skye drew her head back slightly and looked over her shoulder and then back to Terra. "Shall we bathe?"

"I'm not sure I'm ready to let you go yet, but OK." The strong woman lifted the smaller into her arms and carried her to the tub. Little did she know that this was a trademark of her ancestors. Terra placed her softly in the water and the small woman sat. The water that had been prepared for them was still warm and fragrant with lavendar and frecsia. She moved her arms back and forth across the top of the liquid and watched the candle light dance in the ripples.

"Scoot forward a touch, Skye." She did as was requested of her and Terra slid in behind her. Skye's heart was sure to jump out and swim around for a bit in the water if she weren't careful. The feeling was more intense than anything she had ever felt. She thought she had been touched in every way possible but she had been wrong. Terra's every touch was new and special. It was on a plane separate from where they normally existed. She leaned her head back on the strong shoulder behind her and closed her eyes.

Terra looked down at the woman and the body prone against her. The trust Skye was placing in her was humbling. She had never done this before though she had dreamed of it many times. She prayed that the help Taylor and Xena had given her would guide her. She guessed that whatever they hadn't told her she would find for herself. They had said that they hadn't told her all of it so that the surprises would be special. She gathered all of her courage and her love and touched the woman that was in her arms. Her hands slid down and across Skye's neck and shoulders. She bent and kissed the nape of her neck. Skye groaned and bent her head forward. Seeing this as a good thing, Terra continued to place sweet kisses all along the tender flesh.

Skye didn't know where to move her head next for the burning kisses that were assaulting her neck. Who knew that her neck was as sensitive as it was? Bumps raised over all of her flesh and her nipples strained forward seeking connection. Her own hands answered the call and she touched her smooth breast and with her thumb manipulated her nipples. It sent interesting tingles through her.

Once again Terra was in amazement at the action. Her own large hands moved as of they were not connected to her body. She watched as her hands touched another person in a very private way for the first time in her life. She cupped Skye's hands in her own and her thumbs took over the manipulation of the tight hard nubs. "Skye. Oh Skye." Her own groin pressed instinctively forward for contact with Skye. The touch sent the fire of need down her legs. She had never had an orgasm before but she was sure that whatever it was, it was close.

Skye placed her small hands over Terra's and guided them to cup her fully. Her hands wanted to wander to other parts of her body, driven by the need in her gut. Instead she gently persuaded and guided one of Terra's hands lower on her body. She paused at her stomach and helped the large hand to explore her muscular abdomen. She persuaded further and soon a large hand was on her thigh sliding across the top down to the knee. Skye turned the hand in to her inner thigh and slowly drew the large hand up. Terra hesitated. Skye stopped. "If you don't want to, Terra, I'll understand."

"I want to. Creighton! DO I want to! I just need to breathe because I'm not." Skye giggled softly and some of the tension eased.

"I certainly don't want you passing out." She squeezed the hand on her breast and Terra moaned in delight. Terra watched her own hand squeeze gently at the tight nub and she tugged as Skye had done to her earlier. The reaction was perfect. "Is that OK?"

"Mmmm. That's wonderful." Skye's voice was nothing but a whisper. The small blonde decided that now was the time. She guided the hand beneath hers to destiny. Terra touched her and she melted.

The tall woman felt Skye's hand move hers and there was no stopping her this time. Her fingers touched the tender flesh. It was so incredibly soft and smooth. She paused just feeling the weight of the connection. She recalled that it was a flower, so gently she spread the delicate petals and experienced for the first time the nectar within. Skye was so wet. It was a different wetness than she had ever felt before. Obviously this was one of the surprises. She was shaking and was sure that Skye could tell she was scared to death. She didn't let her fear stop her. She explored the folds and the area around her lover's center. The small woman pushed back against her and moaned. Terra found the source of the wetness and pressed in softly with the very tip of her finger. Skye pushed for more pressure and begged her young lover.

"Do it Terra. Take me. Make me belong only to you." She moved her hand away and grabbed Terra around the back of her strong neck. She felt the pressure build and Terra's long finger pushed into her entrance slow agonizing inches at a time.

Terra probed into the silky heat with her strong finger. The softness of her love astounded her. She was overwhelmed with the joy of it a tear slid down her face as her finger slid into Skye as far as it would go. Skye tilted her hips out and Terra went deeper. Skye began to slide up and down along the length of the digit. Terra knew this part. She slid her finger in rhythm to Skye's' movements. She didn't think she herself could hold back the growing need in her own center, but she would because she was desiring nothing more than to give her first to Skye.

The intrusion of the long finger was the sweetest invasion she had ever endured. She wanted to be filled and stretched deep within her recesses.

"More Terra. More."

Terra thought for a moment. *More what?* She hated that she was so new at this. How could she please a partner that knew so much more than she?

"I don't understand. More what?"

"More of you.......mmmm...inside me. You feel so good. I want more." Her voice seemed to be coming from another plane of existence.

Now the message was clear to her. She gently pulled her digit out and began to add another when she was stopped by a word from the blonde.

"No. No. Wait. Mmmmmm. Just wait." She took a very deep breath and stood up.

Terra was horribly confused by Skye's actions. Skye sat back down straddling Terra's long legs, face to face. Blue eyes couldn't help but wander over the wet flesh of Skye's perfect breasts.

Green eyes caught the glances and she smiled. If anyone could admire her it should be Terra. She waited for Terra's gaze to return to her face. The strong hands roamed absently along the slick skin and Skye absorbed all the touches. Sky blue eyes eventually found her again.

"Why did you stop? Is there something wrong?"

Skye leaned in and kissed Terra's inviting lips. Their breasts met and both women gasped. "Oh my. No. There is nothing wrong at all. I just want to, well........I want to wait until we're in bed...together. Can we? Please? I want to touch you so bad, it hurts."

"We need to bathe, yet." Innocent blue eyes supported the facts.

"Uuh yeah right, bathe. OK you over there. I'll stay here. Take the soap. Got it? Now wash and make it quick before I change my mind." Skye turned her back on Terra and soaped up. Little did she know that Terra was watching her every move. After a moment she did know. With out turning she stated, "Bathe, Terra. Bathe."

"How did you do that?" She was shocked.

"I have skills you don't even know about." She laughed and rinsed.

Terra rinsed as well and slid up behind Skye. She would never tire of the magic the contact brought. They stepped out of the tub in unison. A slight chill crept across the small body and Skye shivered. Terra embraced her with one arm while the other long arm reached for the towels. She shook one out and wrapped the blonde up tightly. She wrapped the other around her waist and then lifted the wrapped bundle into her strong arms. She kissed a pert button nose and hugged Skye to her. They smiled together and emblazoned the moment in their memories. Terra carried Skye to the bed and set her down. Skye kept the large warm towel around her as Terra added another log to the fire. Green eyes followed every movement watching the glow of the fire enhance the move of muscle under Terra's skin. Her admiration shone brightly in her eyes as Terra returned to her. The tall young woman turned down the bed covers and looked at the bed. Was she ready for this? She looked at the eager acceptance in her friends eyes and knew that she was.

"Join me?" It was all she needed to say.

Skye stood and allowed the towel to drop from her shoulders, once again revealing herself to Terra's searing gaze. The moment was as heated as the first time. Terra dropped the towel from her waist and waited for Skye to come to her. Skye wasted no time in returning to Terra's embrace. Terra sat on the edge of the bed and scooted in with Skye close behind. Terra stretched her long frame out and Skye's smaller frame stretched out beside it. Long fingers were soon exploring soft skin and feelings were beginning to rumble through them both. Terra didn't ask permission this time. She leaned on one elbow and bent her head to engulf a hardened nipple with her warm soft mouth. It must have been the right thing to do. Skye's hands laced themselves in her hair and the girl moaned. The engorged nipple began to pucker tightly in her mouth and she sucked it in deeper. Her free hand ran in small circles across Skye's firm abs. Soon her hand wandered to the soft downy curls that hid her lovers desire. She played her fingers through the hair and soon found the wetness that had gripped her before. Skye's hips pushed toward her and she obliged. Two long fingers soon found the entrance once again. She sucked on the nipple and gave it a quick flick as she pressed her fingers home. Skye groaned with a loud sound of passion. She soon found herself drawn to that wetness by a desire she didn't understand. She moved her head down to watch her fingers slide in and out of Skye. It was mesmerizing to her. She did note the scars but they were in no way offensive to her so she kissed them. On each one she could find she placed and small and gentle kiss in silent possession. These belonged to her now as a reminder. Skye would never again suffer at the hands of another, not as long as she had breath in her.

Skye caught her breath when Terra's lips touched her. She was placing kisses all around on her. When she noted what the precious woman was doing her heart rejoiced. She was truly loved by this amazing person. Then she felt a flicker against her most sensitive spot. She never thought Terra would actually do to her what it seemed she was. A hot mouth enveloped and caressed her and long confident fingers slid in and out of her. Making true ownership known. Terra owned her. The pressure in her loins spread down her legs and curled her toes. She quivered in anticipation of her release.

"Oh God, Terra. Huuuoh. Don't ssttop. Muuuuhummm. That's it suck on me. Liiike th.....oh yes."

Terra pushed her fingers in and curved them up, finding the soft mound she had been told about. She must have found it because Skye's reactions became almost frantic. Small firm legs shivered under her touch. She pulled one last time and placed a long lick across the top of the bundle. Skye cried out and pulsing muscles squeezed her fingers. She watched in fascination as the woman she loved let go of all pretense and gave to her a gift she would cherish.

Skye didn't know how this magical woman knew where to caress her, but when she did her desire doubled and when a long drawing, sucking motion and a flick of feeling hit her nerves she tumbled hard and fast. The heat at her center spread across her thighs and rushed to her toes and back. She cried out her lover's name and waves of passion and release crashed down on her.

"Oh Yesyesyes. Terra, God where did you......nnnnnaaaaah." The intensity struck her again and she felt her pulsing flesh massage the fingers that impaled her. The feelings of pleasure tickled her legs and stomach. She gave all she had to the woman who loved her. She pushed once more as Terra drew the ripples out of her. She felt another soft flick across her hooded member and she shuddered in response. "Mummmm." She pushed up and down in a short rocking motion. "Wow. That was..... wow!"

Terra laid a gentle kiss on Skye's now sensitive nub and slowly removed her fingers and slid up beside Skye. She was embarrassed by the act she had performed and hid her face shyly in the crook of Skye's neck. Her arms embraced the smaller woman closely to her heart.

"I love you, Terra. That was the most wonderful thing I have ever felt." She kissed the top of the dark head, and snuggled closer. "Are you alright?"

"I'm not sure." Her reply was muffled.

"What's wrong?" Skye was unpleasantly concerned.

"It's just.......well....I.. ah man!" She had the disease.

"Was it bad?" Her voice held the fear she felt.

Terra leaned up quickly to take in the face of her lover. Her hand caressed Skye's concerned face. "Oh No! Creighton, No! That was so wonderful. I just, well you know." She blushed bright red and threw herself to the pillow.

Skye raised up and leaned over her. "Sweetheart. Look here. What you did was the most special thing. I could never have.....expected you would touch me like that. Especially with......anyway, thank you." She bent to the sweet face and kissed her. The taste of her own essence on Terra's lips flamed her passion the kiss deepened and she ran a bold hand all along Terra's skin. She wanted to show her warrior how she felt, the want, the need, the love.

"Terra. I love you. I want you. Now!"

Green determined eyes shot fire through Terra's being. Who was she to argue with a determined blonde hyped up on love? "Uumm.... Now is good with me."

Skye moved her small frame and knelt over Terra straddling her hips. She knew this was her lover's first time and she hoped she could control her boundless passion. Terra's hands reached tentatively for the swaying gifts before her eyes. Skye leaned up and placed them in her palms. Her own need was on the rise again but her first need was to bring Terra to a mind numbing climax. The tall girl was learning quickly as she grasped the hard nipples in her fingers. She tugged on them pulling them to her mouth. Skye followed along with the unspoken request and let Terra take the lead for a moment as the dark woman's mouth devoured the sweet breasts hungrily. Skye was loving the view while Terra was loving her breasts. She undulated seductively above her earth.

Terra was lost in the feeling of tender turgid flesh across her face and lips. The throbbing between her legs was beginning to demand attention. She let go the hold she had on Skye breathing heavily. "Oh Creighton! You have no idea! Mummmm." She pulled a swollen nub into her mouth again.

Skye smiled. Oh, she had an idea alright. She bent to steal Terra's pacifier and caught the lips that had suckled on her with her own. She pinned Terra's wrists above her head. The connection was intense, searing and unwavering in its need. Skye moved her hands to Terra's broad shoulder and squeezed tightly. There would be bruises in the morning but no one was worried at the moment. Her lips broke the kiss and she played havoc with the long soft neck presented to her. The long woman groaned at the assault. She hissed when Skye hungrily bit the taut cord by her collarbone. *That'll leave a mark.*

The pleasure that was ripping through Terra's body was leading her quickly down a path with which she was unfamiliar. Her shyness had faded with the boldness of her partner. Skye put a soft warm mouth around one straining nipple and light shot behind her eyes. White-hot lightning sped to her groin and she almost screamed. The sound strained through gritted teeth.

"Uuuuuuuugh. GOD!" There were no words in her vocabulary to explain the experience. A bold hand found her other breast and grasped it fully moving it in a gyrating circle. "Sk...ye God Skye....I need you so much."

Skye stopped sucking long enough to ask the seductive question. "Tell me what you need." She flicked her tongue across the slick nipple and Terra jumped and her center contracted in reaction as well.

"I......aahah...I don't know..I need you.... in me. Please, Skye. Oh please. Pleasssse." The last requests came out as mere whispers.

Skye moved her body down between Terra's long legs. She knelt and pulled one leg up over her shoulder. She laid her body down between them into the spot she never thought she would go. Now, there wasn't enough fire in Greece that could stop her. She breathed softly across the fine curls. Terra's legs jumped in response and she moaned again. Skye looked up into the blue trusting eyes of her lover. "Don't be afraid Terra."

"The last think I am at this moment is afraid." She smiled her and her want shone through like a beacon.

Skye smiled back and set her shoulders just right. She placed her mouth gently against Terra's center and pushed just the very tip into the pooling wetness. "Ummmm. Now I get it." She whispered to herself. With her fingers she parted the folds to expose the very heart of her woman's need. With one finger she entered slowly and met with resistance. Thank God, Candace had explained this to her. If she had done this wrong Terra would have felt a great deal of pain and very little pleasure. She manipulated just the tip of her finger in and out of the tight opening. Terra's legs began to quiver with excitement. Skye wanted this to be perfect.

"Terra. I know this is bad timing, but you need to understand that when I penetrate you there will be some pain." She felt Terra tense and the shaking slowed. "No. Sweetheart, it's normal for the first time. I'll explain it later, but know that I love you and would never hurt you on purpose."

"Will it always hurt?" She wasn't so sure about this.

"No. Just this time and there may be some bleeding. Please don't be afraid. Do you want to stop?" She leaned over and pulled up one of the towels off of the floor.

"If you say it will be alright, I believe you." She nodded her trust

Skye nodded and placed her head back in position. Her finger was still in Terra's sex and she joined it with her tongue. Together they chased the passion back into her lover. Skye desired to explore the dark covered folds of Terra's most intimate spot so she slid her tongue in and around the delicate flesh. Terra's shaking increased and she knew it was time to take her lover over the edge. With her mouth she drew Terra's small bundle of nerves in. Across the very top of the hood she led her tongue. A cry came from the throat of her captor and she knew that one more caress would send her, so send her she did.

All Terra could feel was the sensation on her hidden ridge. It sent a sparkle of fire that lit the fuse to her soul. Skye drew her in again and she felt a tingling sensation begin in her toes and crawl up the inside of her legs. There was a sensation centered on her and she exploded in white-hot pleasure. She leaned into the pleasure coursing through her and then another white-hot sensation pierced her very being. Skye had claimed her and she knew it. The pain was small consequence to the unity that was gained

Skye felt the pulsating begin as Terra cried out and curled her body up. Skye secured her mouth on the ridge of nerves and pushed firmly with her fingers, breaking the barrier between her and the depths of her partners passion. Terra cried again and she knew she had felt the pain. She licked the swollen bud again and long legs shuddered across her back. She waited until the pulsing and shuddering receded before she drew her fingers out of Terra's receptive folds and witnessed the blood on her fingers. She was totally overwhelmed by it. She pulled the towel to her and wiped it and her lover dry. Strange as it sounded she would keep this small piece of cloth as a reminder of what Terra had gifted her with. She slid up the length of the tall body.

She expected tears and that is what she saw. She expected them because she had tears in her own. "I love you, Ter. I can't tell you how precious your gift is to me."

"And I can't tell you how wonderful it is that it's you, Skye. It's you."

"Yeah, baby it's you and me. Forever."

=/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>

Continued in Part 8.

FYI....I will be taking a few days off to get my real life back. Things tend to pile up when all you do is write. The tile for my kitchen floor is still sitting in the dining room collecting dust. My taxes need to get done and they don't seem to be doing themselves.... Although I seem to be doing that a lot lately. I mean.... Have you read this stuff? It'll make ya go blind and grow hair on your palms. Anyway, I'll see ya in a couple of weeks! Thanks for reading and I hope I left you on an 'up" enough note! kg