Disclaimers: Blah blah blah blah! Yabba Dabba doo. Scooobby dooby doo. Twenty three skidoo. Book 'em Dano. I can't believe I ate the whole thing. Where's the beef? What you talkin' bout Willis? So, you wanna be a millionaire. Use the force, Luke. Well, Excuuuuuse me! Make 7.... ....up yours! He...could..go..all..the...way! Sit on it!

Sex: Welcome to Fantasy Island: Skip it if it's bad for your complexion. Zap your zits. Don't read it if you're too young. Don't lie about your age. Defy it. Move if they don't let you have this where you are. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Violins: I'm not sure any of my characters can play one, but Candace plays the guitar, Xena and Taylor sing. I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony.

Language: Are you talkin' ta me? Yep. Jan does it again. Nanu Nanu.

Spoilers: Here's the story of a lovely lady. Forged in the heat of battle. And a hearty Hi Ho Silver! It's a bird! It's a plane! De plane! De Plane! Welcome to the Twilight zone!

Still working on those damn taxes, but the kitchen floor is done! Now I have to tile the bathroom. Wheee! It's not just a job......:0 Adventure this!

It's Never Easy to Say Goodbye ©Bernie Nelson, Allen Shamblin

Love Like This ©Kennedy/Rose

If you have never heard Kennedy/Rose you are missing out!

You can send me your stellar reviews to UgoXena@aol.com And as always....Enjoy :D

©kg2000

Part 9

"Ahhhhhhhh!"

"Something the matter, Your Highness?"

Gabrielle jumped at the voice. She had gotten so used to her escort, she had forgotten she had one. They had switched sometime during the day, and she recognized the woman that was with her now. "Giva, if I said 'women', would you understand?"

The guard smiled. "Of course, Your Highness."

"Well, there you have it." She thought as they walked. "Didn't I see you with the commander last evening?"

The beautiful blonde blushed. "Yes, Your Highness. We were having dinner."

"Ummm Humm? I am assuming that this was more than a friendly dinner date. Am I correct." Gabrielle gave her that 'I know love when I see it' look.

"Yes, Your Highness." Giva couldn't help but smile at the thought of her date. She had waited a very long time for the Commander to notice her.

"Giva. Stop with the highness thing, please. It's annoying." Gabrielle shook her head. *Maybe I am hormonal. * It was always OK if you said it yourself.

"Yes, your.....um..OK." She cleared her throat for lack of anything else better to do with her voice.

"Can we please just have a normal conversation. For some reason I don't think you need to be reminded of my rank." She looked the lovely girl in the eye.

"No, yy....Gabrielle."

"OK. Now, give it up. How long has this been going on?"

"Three days. If you don't count the time I've been planning this. She asked me to dinner…finally! How many hints does a girl have to throw to have one caught?" She tossed her blonde locks back indignantly.

"She's a warrior. They take a little longer to figure things out." *Boy! Do they ever! *

"Hey! I'm a warrior and I'm not that slow." She understood the difference she just didn't have the words to make her meaning understood.

"Point well taken. I'll use a twentieth century term on you. She's butch. Sometimes they just don't get it. Ya gotta nail it to their doorpost or stick it on their sword to get their attention. Once you have it though...well, let's just say we let them think they're in charge, but we know the truth."

"Yep. They get wrapped right here." She held up her little pinky.

"You got that right sister!" Gabrielle high-fived her escort!

The two women were laughing heartily when they walked in to the council hall. Three very butch women met them at the royal dais. Jules stared at Giva. She was so taken with her smile that she forgot where she was. Xena elbowed her in the back, and Jules cleared her throat.

"Welcome, Your Highness. Is Candace with you?" She looked behind the regent just as she spoke, to catch Candace following close behind.

"No, but I am sure she will be along shortly." Gabrielle was in full admiration of the appearance of the two tall dark warriors. She really wasn't paying attention to the fact that Candace was right behind her.

"Who you calling short?" Candace teased her co-hort and slowed her approach to the group.

"Speak of the devil." The small former queen whispered out loud.

"Devil? What's the devil?" Jules looked confused. Xena shrugged.

Candace and Gabrielle stared unashamed.

"Wow! They look...they look...wow." Candace couldn't find the words.

"Hot. They look hot." Gabrielle helped out.

"Ow." Green eyes ate up the form of her intended.

"Yeah." Emerald eyes did the same to one Warrior Princess.

Xena and Taylor were dressed in identical uniform. Black leather covered long sexy legs. The boots were just as black, and just as deadly, with pearl handled daggers shining brightly from the built in sheaths. Sleeveless, cord-laced shirts adorned broad, muscular shoulders. The leather tops were layered with Xena's, and now her descendant's, distinguishing swirled brass. Brutal arms were encircled with black greaves and bracers. Sword and scabbard hung at their backs. Both were finished in adornment with a highly polished Chakram hanging hip level. If you wanted to mess with them you were either blind or stupid.

"Ladies? May I present your escort? Giva, you are dismissed." Giva nodded at her commander and stepped back. "We will first proceed to the queen's hut, and then under Royal Guard we will proceed to the temple. Xena, Taylor...your places."

Taylor and Xena stepped down from the platform and walked to stand directly behind their soulmates, and Regent's, left shoulders. Candace and Gabrielle glanced at each other. They could feel the danger from where they stood, and they had to remind themselves that this was a funeral. The heat between the two couples was intense.

Taylor smiled sideways at Xena. The two had both immediately agreed on the attire for the day when Jules had given them their choices. There wasn't even a debate. The Commander had laid out the uniforms and they had picked up the same thing without so much as a glance at each other. They knew the effect their display of power had on their soulmates. It was a good thing. Now they had to remind themselves as well what the day was for. Xena, Gabrielle and Candace had lost a close and dear friend. Taylor was there to honor the warrior she had never met. If Xena thought her worthy of that honor, then it was well placed in her eyes. Xena smiled and nodded at her. They both put sapphire eyes forward and set their emotions.

They all took a deep breath and exited the hall.

The group was observed by most of the camp, as they were still making final preparations. They waited at the bottom step of the hut at strict attention. Ephiny and her daughters exited into the bright sun. They looked into the eyes of dear friends, and Queen Ephiny nodded. She was as ready as she would ever be to say goodbye to her wife.

Commander Julisa took the lead and her Guard fell in behind her, two lines of five on one side, four on the other, leaving the space on the Queen's right empty. It was the place for her Champion.

"Krista. Please take your mother's place." Ephiny was bucking all tradition, but not one word was said. If anyone was worthy to be Ephiny's companion this day, it was her eldest daughter…the flesh and blood of Senar.

Krista set her jaw and held back her tears. She moved her tall, muscular frame to her mother's side with dignity, then nodded at the Commander. It was time. The assembly made the procession to the ancient Temple of Artemis.

Once inside, they were all instructed where to stand. Gabrielle held the box in her hand, and decided to wait to ask permission from the priestess to approach the altar. This was the oldest known temple erected in honor of the huntress, and Gabrielle was in slight awe. She had never been in this shrine. The marble floor was polished to a high shine, and the walls seemed to radiate with their own inner power. Candles and incense burned in the alcove behind the altar filling the air with a sweet odor. Ephiny walked to the altar and knelt in quiet humility. Her daughters followed her and knelt on either side of their mother. The priestess stood on the other side and spoke softly to the grieving woman. She nodded her response. The Queen turned and nodded once at Jules who pulled a small pouch from her side. She handed the leather purse to Ephiny who handed it to the priestess. The priestess removed the contents and held the joining bracelet in her hands. She stared at Ephiny in disbelief.

"Are you sure, Your Majesty?"

"I am quite positive. It is the most precious thing I own. I give it in honor of my wife. Please, before I change my mind."

"As you wish." The priestess turned and raised the offering to the sky. "Artemis, goddess and protector of the Amazon sisters, we implore you, please accept this offering from your Queen in honor of her fallen warrior and Champion. We ask that you watch over and protect her during this time, and always. Not as we wish but as you desire." She bowed, laid the bracelet on the altar, and stepped back. Ephiny and her daughters returned to their places. "Are there any other offerings at this time?"

Gabrielle and Candace stepped forward simultaneously. They looked at each other neither surprised. Candace leaned over to Gabrielle and whispered. "What did they give you?"

"Don't know. I didn't look. You?"

"A gold and silver ring."

Gabrielle opened the box in her hand and pulled out the chalice. It was very small as compared with a normal drinking cup. It was six inches high and very ornate. The engravings detailed a hunting scene of a woman and a mighty lioness. The lioness was shot with an arrow and transformed into a beautiful woman. It was odd.

Candace leaned in to Gabrielle and showed her the ring. The ring finished the story of love between hunted and hunter, ending in a wedding. The inside was engraved with words neither of them could read. Whatever the meaning, the importance of the offering wasn't totally lost on the women. It would mean something to the Goddess. It represented her in someway.

The Regents walked to the platform and presented the artifacts to the priestess. She took them in her hands and gasped when she looked at them.

"Where did you get these?" She was not angry or accusatory. She was in shock.

"They were given to us by a friend. We in turn offer them to Artemis." Gabrielle spoke for the both of them.

"She will be pleased with your offering. The importance of these items to her is beyond our understanding." The older woman smiled and placed them on the altar.

Candace spoke out of turn, but was not reprimanded for her question. "What do they mean?"

Gabrielle was shocked that Candace had asked, but was glad that she was so bold.

The priestess gazed at the small blonde with dark knowing eyes. "The ring belonged to her wife. The chalice was used in the first sharing of the wedding wine at their joining ceremony. They tell the story of how a brave and wild lioness was tamed by the arrow of love. The wild beast was how Artemis saw herself until the woman hunter tamed her. They fell in love and married. When Shana was killed, a part of the Goddess died as well. To have these returned to her will please her greatly."

The priestess bowed and lifted her arms this time in silent supplication. Whatever the ramifications, the small party felt the connection of the Goddess and her Queen. They had both lost their warriors, and a part of them had died with the loss. Perhaps Artemis would show mercy on Ephiny, and her heart.

Senar's wrapped body was carried out on the litter and placed on the shoulders of the guard. Krista took her place with the bearers in carrying her mother's body to the pyre. A tear slid down her cheek as her hand touched the smooth wood of the handle, and the weight of the burden rested on her broad shoulder. This would be the final time she would hold the woman that had given her life. *Mother? They say that you can hear me. I only have one wish. I only wish to make you proud of me. * There was no way Senar would ever be disappointed in the brave and honorable women her daughters had become. They had had a wonderful example to follow.

The path to the center was lined with warriors dressed in full battle gear standing at attention. As the procession passed they drew their swords in salute to their fallen leader. Commander Julisa lead the procession followed by Queen Ephiny and Princess Lineah. Gabrielle and Candace followed directly behind them. Xena walked before the ten bearers, and Taylor posted the rear guard. It was a place of high honor, and some had wondered at her selection until they saw the fire in her eyes for the duty she performed. She was an Amazon in heart and spirit and they knew it.

Ephiny stepped up the dais to her throne and sat. The chair beside her was empty. She glanced over for a mere second, and then ripped her gaze away. She couldn't bear the sight. She watched as the bearers lifted the litter above their heads and walked the body over the pyre, and then gently rested it there. Taylor and Xena stepped back ten paces, and were each handed a long bow with a single arrow. Candace and Gabrielle took their places beside the queen. Ephiny motioned to Krista and Lineah who joined her on the dais. The Amazon Queen stood to her feet. She took one deep and cleansing breath.

"In my heart I will always see you, strong and brave and free.

In my heart I will hold you, my love, my heart, my soul.

In my heart I will keep you, safe and warm and deep.

It is not for me to know the why. I will never know.

The one thing, my love I do know, is that I never knew

all that I had to lose. Until I lost you.

Fare thee well, Senar. My love. My Champion."

Ephiny nodded and Xena and Taylor fired their flaming shafts true to the mark. The flames kissed the wood sending the tendrils out and around the base of the pyre. The fire danced higher, and hotter, until it began to consume the body of the brave and mighty woman. A deep and clear alto sang out clearly into the deepening darkness. Xena sang the sorrow of all the women gathered to pay homage to their fallen comrade. As the tears began to slide down the face of the warrior, her voice was joined in harmony by the tall firefighter standing next to her. The flow and blend of the voices released the power of the spirit around them, and Senar was freed to her resting-place. Sorrow and tears were seen on all the faces of the Amazons. None more than on the faces of the blonde Regents standing guard over their friend and their queen. The streams ran freely down their faces. They never wished to feel such loss, but they sympathized with Ephiny to the very core of their being.

Candace was handed her guitar. She really wasn't sure what to sing, so she chose a song that might not make much sense to the Amazons, but she would sing it anyway because it told how she felt about the passing of her friend.

Jimmy climbed on board that old yellow bus

Sure looked big in his little eyes

Momma waves as her tears kick up the dust

It's never easy to say good-bye

Julie Ray in her pearl white wedding gown

Found her wings and it's time to fly

It's all her dad can do to keep from breaking down

It's never easy to say good-bye

It ain't easy

to ever say good-bye

It ain't easy

Lettin go of the ones you love

But believe me we'll meet again by and by

If not here then somewhere up above

The small singer's voice cracked, and more tears began to flow. She didn't know if she could sing the next short verse, but she found her voice, and sang through the tears:

I've had some friends that I've lost along the way

They've been called on down the line

Though their time was short,

I think about them everyday

It's never easy to say good-bye

It ain't easy

to ever say good-bye

It ain't easy

Lettin go of the ones you love

But believe me we'll meet again by and by

If not here then somewhere up above.

She sang to Senar..the friend who had stood for her, when she couldn't stand for herself. Flashes of her smile and her love passed through her mind as she sang. They truly had lost a great leader and great friend.

Now the time has come to go our separate ways

It's alright if you want to cry

Though I know we'll meet again someday

It's never easy to say good-bye

Silence followed the song. The only sound was the crackling of the fire. Smoke and sparks flew to heaven as many sets of eyes watched the small bits of flame free themselves to fly. Taylor placed a hand on Xena's back. The warrior turned to look at her friend.

"Promise me something."

Xena nodded. She would promise anything to Taylor.

"If anything ever happens to me, please take care of Candace. I wouldn't trust anyone else to do it." Her blue eyes were deeply serious. She was not being flippant.

All Xena could do was nod at her request. The warrior hated funerals. They reminded her of how fragile life was, no matter how strong one appeared to be.

"Taylor, if anything ever happen to you, I don't think I would live through it. But for you, I'll live just for that purpose." Xena stared back to the fire as another tear rolled down her face. The thought of losing any of them was frightening to her.

The tall firefighter frowned. She knew the depth of friendship they shared, but was surprised by the words of emotion from the warrior. The connection was deep with them, as was the power that passed between them at that moment. The vow of their bond was set in their hearts as if it had been carved in stone.

Gabrielle felt a disturbance in her inner being, and looked to her left. Candace returned the gaze and nodded almost imperceptibly. She had felt it as well. She pushed her chin towards the two darkly clad warriors. To the blondes, they appeared to be surrounded by a light glow. Perhaps it was a play of the light from the fire, but neither of them thought so. Something large had transpired between them, and it was evident in the physical.

Skye took a deep breath and put her hand to her heart. Her head turned immediately to the two women standing just a few paces from her. She had not been expecting that. She put a hand out to Terra, who quickly put an arm around her waist and held her upright.

"Sweetheart, ah you all right." Melinda had felt a shaking inside of her as well, but the reaction of the young woman had distracted her.

"I need to sit. I need to sit." Skye's voice took on a far away quality.

Terra led her to a nearby bench, and sat down with her. Janice and Mel followed close behind the younger women.

"What happened?" Janice caught Terra's eyes, and knew the answer before she could speak. "Who?"

"Taylor and Xena." Skye spoke weakly. "I wish people would warn me before they do things like that."

Mel laughed softly. "I doubt it was a planned occurrence. What exactly was it? What did you feel?"

"It was as if they became one person. It was an overwhelming love, a promise, a combination of need. It was all of those things, and yet none of them at all. I don't know. I have never felt anything like it."

"Blood brothers." Janice spoke out loud while thinking.

"Blood what?" Terra had never heard the term.

"Blood brothers. In certain circles, two people would bond themselves to one another by making a cut in their palm and clasping hands. The mingling of their blood was a sworn vow of allegiance to that person. Xena and Taylor have gone one better. They are literally soul-sisters."

"EXACTLY!" Skye understood. "Their souls mingled to seal a vow to each other. Far out!"

Terra stared at her lover. *Far out? What was that? *

"Do you think they understand?" Mel asked the empath.

Skye sat quietly for a moment. She didn't wish to intrude on the private nature of the warriors interaction, but she wanted to know if they knew what was happening to them. "No. Not completely. They just know that it is. Honestly, they don't need to know. They know how they feel and that is enough."

"How do they feel?" Mel was into feelings. She was such a girl.

Shining green eyes looked up into the kind blue of the older woman. "I don't have the words, Miss Melinda. They feel the same way that Candace and Gabrielle feel. They are in love. No. They are...one."

"One wha...." Janice's thought was interrupted by a shining figure appearing in the center of the gathering.

Skye stood to her feet in awe of the figure in their midst. Terra stood to her feet as well, curious about the familiarity of the woman before them.

"She is correct, Janice Covington. They are one." The woman's voice was warm and filled with peace.

"Do I know you?" The doctor stared at the being.

"In a way. I am Artemis." The tall Goddess bowed her head in greeting.

"We are honored." The older woman bowed her head in respect.

Melinda smiled. Sometimes her lover got it right.

Candace and Gabrielle stepped down from the dais and walked to their lovers. The tall warriors placed protective arms around them and waited. Xena never liked the Gods, not even Artemis.

"Xena, have no fear of me. I mean you no harm." The beautiful huntress turned to the warrior.

"Then stop reading my thoughts." The venom in her voice was more than evident.

"I am not. I just know you well enough to make educated guesses." The Goddess smiled at her.

The Warrior Princess wasn't biting. "Well, you can stop guessing because the last thing I am is afraid."

"Not for yourself." Artemis put on a knowing grin in challenge.

"That's enough. Artemis, to what do we owe this visit?" Gabrielle spoke up. She was Artemis's chosen she figured she could get away with a little irreverence.

"Ah. My Chosen speaks. There are many reasons I am here. The main reason this evening is to relay my condolences to Queen Ephiny. Your Majesty, I grieve with you. Senar was a great Champion, and a mighty warrior. Her love for you is great."

Ephiny stood to her feet and inclined her head. "I thank you, Goddess."

"Krista." The girl jumped at the sound of her name on the lips of the Goddess. "You will Champion your mother until such time that you become queen in her stead. She may find another consort, but you will be her Champion."

"But Artemis, I am not good enough. I'm not worthy. I'm not ready." The princess was trying to find reasons not to try to fill her mothers shoes.

"Are you arguing with me?" Artemis smiled slightly. She wasn't angry. If Krista had said otherwise she would have been concerned.

"No....well....yes." She bowed her head, and her mother smiled at her.

"Princess, tell me this. Is there one woman here, besides Xena, who can defeat you in battle?"

"No, Goddess." She wasn't conceited, just honest. Her queen mother had trained her in politics and protocol, and her warrior mother had trained her in battle. She was prepared.

"Very well. Are there any opposed." The camp was silent. "Champion. Take your place."

Krista hesitated, then stood before her Queen.

Ephiny spoke with pride and sorrow. Her mother would be proud. "Your sword." Krista unsheathed her blade and handed it to her queen. It was Senar's sword. Ephiny felt the weight of the weapon to her very core. "Warrior, kneel before me." The tall strong warrior knelt before her mother and looked to her with dark serious eyes. The Queen placed the flat of the blade on her daughters shoulder. "Krista, by the request of Artemis and my authority as Queen, I appoint you Champion to the Queen of the Amazon nation. If there is one here that opposes this, let them challenge now." There was some clearing of throats and silent weeping, but no words were spoken. "Very well, Champion, speak."

Krista stood to her feet and faced the Amazons. "My Queen. My sisters. I swear an oath before you this day that I will defend the honor of our queen and our nation. I give the life that was given me by my parents to you. And to my mother, I love and cherish you with my heart. I promise to you that I will always choose the choice that would make you proud. I accept the office of Queen's Champion with humility. May I never let you down."

"Well said, my daughter and my Champion. I could never have chosen a better replacement." Ephiny handed her blade back to her. Krista sheathed it over her shoulder and took her rightful place beside her mother.

The queen spoke to the protector Goddess. "For what other reason do you visit us, Artemis?"

"I wish to thank the ones who returned to me the Chalice and the Ring. I thought them to be lost to me forever. Shauna was killed in battle only three seasons after our marriage. I should have known better than to marry a mortal. But, oh the love was sweet." The look in her eye was far away. "This is beside the point. When she died her ring was protected by the Amazons and hidden away. It was the same with the chalice. They were hidden so well that over time, the place of keeping was lost to mortals, and only they knew where to find them. It would seem that someone was able to discover their place. It is said that the one that returns the items to Me is granted Audience in my temple. But this is difficult as the ones who returned them are not those that found them. And the ones that found them, are connected to those that returned them. Therefore, tomorrow at the third hour Xena, Gabrielle, Taylor, Candace, Terra, Skye, Janice and Melinda will have audience with me at the ancient temple. You need not bring offerings as you have brought enough."

"What if we don't want your company?" Xena was more than skeptical, and a little angry that the Goddess would interrupt the funeral of her friend.

"If you desire answers to the questions, Miss Xena, you will be there."

The label was not lost on the group.

"As you request, Artemis. We will be there at nine." Candace took control of the conversation before Xena or Gabrielle could protest further. "Won't we?"

The rest of them nodded. Yes, they would be there.

"I am pleased. I will see that you are fed well. My sympathy again, Your Majesty. Champion, you are well chosen." The Goddess sparkled and was gone.

"Well, that was special." Taylor wasn't sure she liked the idea of Gods popping in and out of thin air.

"Let's let this go for now shall we? I'm thinkin' there's a party that needs to happen here!" Candace smiled at her intended and then at her friends.

As the main guard of the bodybearers, it was Xena's duty to raise a toast and begin the celebration. She raised her voice and announced loudly to all in attendance. "Senar is released to the lands. Let us rejoice in her crossing! Senar, my friend, we are close behind!" She thrust her fist in the air. "Aaaaaaaah! Yiyiyiyiyiyi!"

A cheer went up in remembrance of their friend. Music began to play, and the atmosphere lightened. Skye walked to Xena and touched her arm. The tall warrior looked at her with such love that it almost broke her heart. "As Candace would say, Xena: It's all good." With these words, she left the tall warrior scratching her head.

"It's all good. What's up with that?" Taylor spoke, and then laughed at Xena knowing the slang was lost on her.

"Ya know, Junior, you and I need to have a chat about this dialect you seem to have picked up. You must be hanging out with the wrong element."

"Wrong element, huh? Like, from the wrong side of the tracks?" Taylor smiled again.

"Yeah. That's it. Wrong side of the tracks. Whatever that means." Xena grabbed her twin by the neck and kissed her soundly on the forehead. She then turned and went after some port.

Candace and Gabrielle were left standing with the firefighter. Staring at her really. She looked back at the green inquiry.

"What?"

"So Tay, you want to tell us what's going on with you two?" The look in Gabrielle's eyes made Taylor nervous.

"What do you mean?" She knew this wasn't anything she wanted to talk about.

"Honey? Can we let this go? I'll tell you later." Xena had returned with a drink in hand for both of them.

"Xe! Gaa! I wish you wouldn't sneak up on me like that." Gabrielle stomped her foot and feathers danced angrily.

"I only do it when you are asking too many questions." The tall warrior whispered in her ear letting her know to let it go. "I'll explain everything later, OK?"

She turned to face her wife. *Gods she's sexy in that uniform. * She put a delicate hand up to Xena's breastplate and outlined the swirls with her fingertips. The seductive nature of the move wasn't lost on anyone. "I seriously doubt we'll get much talking done...later."

Candace grinned. "Down girls. We can feel that all the way over here."

"You mind you're own, Miss Candace. I'll take care of this." Gabrielle pulled her warrior down and kissed her passionately.

Taylor cleared her throat and glanced around, trying to find anything to watch but the kiss transpiring in front of her.

"'S'matter Tay? They scaring you?" Candace reached a hand back and slid it up the back of her lover's leg to her leather covered tush. She gave a little squeeze, causing Taylor to jump slightly.

Blue eyes turned quickly to catch the sparkle in mischievous emerald. "No. But you are." She smiled a bright white grin at the feather clad Regent.

"Oh, I scare you, do I? You think I'm scaring you now, just wait." She faced her challenge and pulled Taylor closer using the firefighter's back end as a handle.

"Sounds absolutely frightening." Taylor took Candace's chin between her fingers and bent to her. She stopped short of soft lips. "But, I am brave."

"Mmmm. You better be." Candace placed a forceful hand on the back of her warrior's head and captured the inviting lips with her own.

"Beggin' your pahdon ladies, but we need to talk." Melinda stood patiently waiting for the lust to settle.

The kisses ended with many baby kisses, and a few tongues entwined, but eventually the matriarch of the group had their attention. Skye and Terra had joined them as well.

"Alright girls, this is what we've been waiting for. Artemis will help us, if we ask." Janice was sure of her statement, and tried to continue when she was interrupted.

"How do you know that?" Candace got to the question first.

"Because, by returning the Ring and the Chalice, the Goddess is bound to grant a request for each of the persons who are responsible for returning it. You and Gabrielle. Melinda and I. The rest of you have to trust us to make the right appeal on your behalf.

"Fine. What do we want?" Xena knew the doctor and the professor had done all the research.

"First we want to know who has the Hourglass. It will be up to us, or more likely a split group of us, to retrieve it. Next we need to know where the one who holds the office is being imprisoned, and more than likely we will need to know how to get him or her out."

"How do you know Time has been imprisoned?" Taylor wasn't so sure that the Good Doctor had the right story.

"The person in the office of time, I should say officially in the office..."

"Official how?" Candace, ever the one for details, wanted exact reasons.

"The office is given to them by the previous holder. OK? Can I finish now?" Jan was getting a little testy-as usual. The group nodded. "Great. Thanks ever so much. Where was I?"

"In the office officially, deah." Mel patted her partner on the shoulder.

"Right. The person presented with the office is sworn to use the Hourglass only to correct ripples in the timeline, and do the work the fates decree. Death, marriage, love…it's really complicated, so don't ask now. If they do anything other than what the Fates decree, their line is severed and a new person is placed in the office. If however the glass is, shall we say abducted, the person is given the power to wield time without the consequence of death."

"Who can give the power?" Candace was really becoming annoyed.

"The only time the Glass is vulnerable is when the office changes hands. It is left in a certain location for the one who is designated to hold the office next. If a person knows where that location is to be, they can abduct the Glass and cause a butt load of trouble."

"A butt load, huh? That's an awful lot of trouble." Xena shook her head. She would never get used to the language of the future, no matter how much it amused her. "OK. How does one find out where the Glass is next?"

"Isn't it obvious? One of the Gods. They are not able to hold the office of time, but if someone under their control gets it...viola! Messed up time line. And that is what we have here."

"But how do we know that Time is imprisoned?" Taylor had never gotten an answer.

"Right. Because if they weren't, they could find the Glass and take it back. The one who is imprisoned is the one who was giving up the office, probably got tired of it, and the one who was to take the position never even knew it. I know this is confusing. OK. When the office of Time passes to another, Old Time puts the Glass down and waits to be sure the New Time picks it up. Usually they don't know they will be the New Time, they just know to pick up the Glass. Anyway, Old Time put the glass down, got pistol whipped and imprisoned, the glass was picked up by the planned thief and there you go, bad guy directs time."

"I have an idea as to who has our Glass." Terra finally spoke.

"Yep." Skye concurred.

The other four knew as soon as they said it. They all nodded in agreement.

"Who has it?" Melinda squinted.

"Creighton." Skye shuddered at the name.

"We need to ask just to be sure." Janice wanted to err on the side of caution.

"Good. Sounds good to me. Can we party now?" Taylor had had enough of the seriousness for one day. On top of that, she was still sore from the work out Xena had nailed her with earlier in the day. It was time to take the edge off.

"Yes, Taylah. We may. Just be aware that we meet with the Goddess early! No hangovahs!"

"Yes, Mother!" The four women answered in unison and died laughing. Terra and Skye watched them confused.

Five of the eight took off to find friends and share stories of Senar and her battles, loves and life. Many laughs and many tears would be shared as well.

"Miss Melinda, what is a hangover?" Terra looked at the older woman with brows drawn.

"Sweetheart, it's nothing you would ever want to experience. The worst thing about it is that you know you are going to live through it."

"How does it happen?" Skye was sure she wanted to avoid it if at all possible. If she could get it from someone, she would avoid them as well.

"It comes from drinkin' too much wine, ale, alcohol." The southern woman knew all too well the effects of alcohol. Janice had been known to drink too much on several occasions.

"Ohhhh. Yeah, I remember one night Xena and Taylor were together at the campfire. Xena told Taylor to, 'Slow down, Junior. Ya can't travel well with a hangover.'" Terra did a very good impression of the warrior causing the three of them to crack up. "Now I see what she was talking about. I like the ale, but don't want to get out of control."

"How do you know you would get out of control?" Mel looked at her in curiosity.

Terra thought for a moment before she answered. "The Owners were quite often drinking heavily when they...did things to us. I guess I thought it was the, what did they call it?"

"White lightning." Skye knew all too well.

"Yeah, as soon as they would drink it they would loosen up a little, but the more they had, the more strange or violent they acted. Sometimes they would pass out, other times they would beat me senseless. It was unpredictable."

"Well, that won't happen here." The tall graying woman pulled Terra to her. "Well look at that. I think Candace and Taylor are going to sing for us."

"Taylor? I heard her sing a while ago, but...." The small blonde shrugged. "I've heard Gabrielle sing. Wow. Candace told her to keep her day job."

Melinda laughed so hard she thought she was going to bust a gusset. Skye and Terra stared at her like she had three heads. They had no idea what the saying meant. They only knew that Gab couldn't sing to save her life. Well, she could, but she'd end up dead.

They turned their attention to the stage and listened.

"Alright guys. I threatened Taylor into singing with me. Dressed like this I have no idea what I could say that she could be afraid of....."

There were many shouts and wolf whistles. "Whoooo! Go get 'em. Junior!"

Taylor laughed, embarrassed. "Thanks, Xe."

"OW! Shake that money maker, sistah!" Gab whistled loudly and the tall raven-haired woman didn't know if she could handle it.

"Geez, hon. I never got this kind of reception. Must be the leather."

The women went crazy screaming and hollering and Taylor turned the deepest color of scarlet some had seen in a very long time. Her loudest supporters were the group now standing closest to the stage…her sisters in spirit and soul. "Alright, guys! Hey, what about your scantily clad Regent here? HUH?"

Many more whistles and shouts followed, and Candace saw that Taylor was trying to take the attention off of herself and put it on the blonde. "Alright, let's sing and get this over with!

The two sang wonderful harmonies while women began to sway and pair up to dance slowly to the words that told the story of the eight women among them. They sang to each other the passion that was in their hearts.

A king would trade his finest crown

for a love love like this.

And warriors have laid weapons down

for love love like this.

And hearts would break a thousand times

for love love like this.

And arms would wait a thousand nights

for love love like this.

Love may come and love may go.

But here inside your arms I know,

That only you will ever show me love like this.

You and I have finally found

love love like this.

A place to lay our burdens down

in a love love like this.

Hearts that speak without a sound

in love like this.

what keeps the world turning 'round

is a love love like this.

The moon has never shown before

on love love like this

And I have never wanted more

Than a love love like this.

The two finished singing, and their eyes locked. For one perfect moment in time, they were the only people in all of existence. Taylor slowly bent to her lover. And whispered to her all the love in her heart. "I belong to you, my love. Without you I would be forever lost."

"And I you Taylor. Thank you for loving me enough to marry me. I mean that. I didn't think it was your style."

"My style went out the window when I met you. Thank you for saying yes." Taylor softly laid her lips on Candace's and let the moment carry them. Candace ran the very tip of her tongue along her lover's bottom lip, soliciting access. Taylor opened her mouth and accepted the invasion with abandon. Taylor's hand supported the back of Candace's neck and deepened the strength of the connection. They had forgotten their exposure on the public platform until there were several claps and many comments heard.

"Nice move there, Junior!" Xena was almost envious of the dark haired woman's position.

"Get a room!"

"Yeah, one with a view!"

"Honey, I think we need to get down." Candace started to walk away, but was caught by the hand and Taylor took her guitar from her handing it to a nearby woman.

"Wait." Candace looked at Taylor confused. "Amazons! If I may. This morning I did something that I wish to make public." There were some confused comments here and there, but most of the women were quiet, waiting to see what it was that Taylor had done. The tall darkly clad warrior bent before her Regent on one knee.

Candace started to blush. She whispered to her intended, "You don't need to do this."

"Yeah, Candace I do. Just ask Ephiny. Normally, I would have to do this in front of the council. But, she gave permission for me to ask tonight. So, go with it." Candace nodded. Taylor raised her voice and spoke again. "Regent Candace, with the blessing of Queen Ephiny, I hereby request the honor and privilege of being your partner and wife. Will you join with me?"

"Taylor, precious woman and champion of my heart, it would be my honor to share my life with you. Yes, I will join with you." She smiled at the kneeling woman and put a small hand on her cheek.

Taylor rose and towered above her intended and bent to kiss her.

"HOLD!"

Taylor stood stock-still, mouth poised to kiss, and turned to find the voice of the woman that had spoken to her.

She found that Krista was very serious in her demeanor. "Taylor, stand before me."

The firefighter knew better than to argue with the Queen's Champion. She walked to face the muscular young woman. She inclined her head. "As you wish, Highness."

"Kneel." She wasn't joking. Taylor did as she was told. "Taylor, do you understand what you ask when you ask for the hand of an Amazon?"

"Yes, Highness, I do." Well, she hoped she did.

"Tell us what you know." Krista had a hard time believing that anyone could understand all that joining with, and becoming an Amazon meant. Especially in the short amount of time that Taylor had been with them. Her mother had faith in her though. It was enough for now.

Taylor cleared her throat and spoke with confidence. "When I ask for the hand of an Amazon I ask for the hand of the entire nation. As I marry her, I become one with the whole. You are then my family, and by those vows I am sworn to uphold the Laws and traditions of all the mothers and daughters that have gone before. I give my life to her, and to you also, to sacrifice what I must for the greater good; for my sister Amazons."

Krista smiled. "Will you do as you have said?"

"The blood within my veins is free to be spilled on the Plains of Arborea to defend the nation. The breath within my lungs is vowed to the last to defend the honor of the Nation, my Queen and my wife. I will do as I have said." Taylor meant every single word she spoke.

"Very well said. You are deemed worthy. You may collect your intended." Krista nodded and smiled at the warrior. She liked Taylor, and more than that, now she respected her.

Taylor grinned and returned to her fiancée. She picked her up and kissed her again. Cheers rang out, and a real reason to celebrate presented itself.

Ephiny approached the couple, and they bowed to her.

"Your Majesty, thank you." Taylor was grateful to the Monarch for giving of herself in such a time of grief.

"Taylor, it is I who should be thanking you. You are more than worthy to take this wonderful woman to wed. Plus, you bring a fire to the nation we truly need. I know that things must, at some time, return to the way they should be, but for now I am thrilled to have you here." The Queen looked around at the revelers and then to the fire still burning from the pyre. Candace put an arm on her shoulder. At that time they were joined on the stage by Xena and the Regent.

"Ephiny, how are you holding up?" Gabrielle was very concerned for her pale looking friend.

"I have been better, my friend. I am going to retire to my hut I believe. Good night. Oh, before I go. Thank you Xena, for being point today. Senar would have been honored by your presence here today. And you Taylor, very impressive. You did well. Thank you both."

"It was my pleasure, Your Majesty." Xena nodded her respects.

"And mine." Taylor nodded as well. Bookends.

Ephiny walked slowly away followed by her Champion. "Mother, can we wait one moment?" Ephiny nodded. Krista turned to the four. "Thank you all for honoring my mother today. It will not be forgotten. Good night."

"Krista?" The warrior turned at the sound of Xena's voice. "Artemis chose well today. You are truly a Champion. Senar is very proud, I'm sure."

The girl smiled. To hear the praise from Xena was what she really needed to give her the confidence she needed. If Xena trusted her, maybe the others would as well. She nodded and turned to escort the Queen home.

Janice walked to the edge of the stage and looked up at her friends. "So, are you ready to meet with Artemis?"

"I am, but it looks to me we have an extra wish." Candace smiled at the thought of having three wishes. She couldn't imagine that she wanted anything else.

"She's not a Genie, Candace." Melinda laughed with her friends.

"Seems like it to me. Does anyone know what happened to Terra and Skye?" Candace looked around for the young girls. The four women stepped down from the stage to join their friends.

"They went to their hut for a bit. Ha! Most likely all night." Jan grinned.

"It's still early, though. Can't they hold it?"

Five sets of eyes looked at Taylor as if she had spoken a foreign language.

"What?"

"Honey, why would they want to?" Candace smiled at her clueless lover. Taylor grinned at her. "Exactly. My goodness they just got this huge gift. I can't imagine trying to keep my hands off of you. I mean we've been doing this for a while now, and then you show up in black leather and all butch and....well. It makes me...well, you know."

"Oh we know! Trust me we know!" Gabrielle laughed. "I see Xe in leather all the time, but this. Oh, my!" Gabrielle started to circle the tall warrior. Her hands moved over the leather and armor, touching it and her lover with an adventurous hand. "I swear, I have never seen you look so incredible. Dangerous. Sexy. Oh yeah. It hurts!" She kissed her wife's arm. Xena pulled her in and kissed her with all the danger she could muster.

"OK! I get the idea." Taylor was never good at voyeurism.

"What's the matter there, firefighter? Can't stand the heat?" Janice laughed at her own comment, and the women that weren't kissing groaned.

"I love you, sweetheart. But a comedian you are not." Melinda kissed her wife and Candace felt left out.

"Hey, Amazon. Kiss me."

"Yes, Your Highness." The tall warrior kidnapped willing lips.

A silent figure stood and watched the kissfest and rolled her eyes. Mik didn't ever think she would understand adults, but she was beginning to understand the attraction to others. Candace and Taylor broke their kiss and the signer saw her friend standing patiently with a long package in her hand. The Regent hugged her partner and released her.

Mik leaned the package on her leg to free her hands.

She laughed.

Mik turned to Jan and handed the package to the doctor. Janice looked surprised and spoke to Candace. "What's this?"

Candace signed and spoke at the same time. "Mik has a gift for you."

"Really? For me?" Jan looked at Mik who turned to Candace. She hadn't seen her lips move so wasn't sure what the older woman had said. Candace signed for her what Jan had said. And then told Jan what Mik was saying in return.

"Yes, for you. I got the idea from someone that loves you. Here. Open it."

"Thank you, Mik."

Candace continued to interpret for her. "Open it first before you thank me." The girl smiled.

The doctor found that the package was very heavy. Mik had been carrying it with such ease. Of course the girl did work with the blacksmith. It shouldn't surprise her that she could carry fifty pounds around with out so much as a 'how do you do'. Jan laid the bundle down on the ground and opened the ties around the heavy cloth.

Melinda shared knowing looks with the rest of the group and then looked back to her lover. The Regents and their warriors had no idea what was going on.

"HOLY SHIT! Golf clubs! Fuckin' 'A'!" Jan's eyes lit up to a vivid green. She grabbed Mik and hugged her tightly. She picked one of the clubs up and gave it a respectable swing. She gave a satisfied grimace and then frowned. "But, I don't have any balls."

"That's debatable, my love, but here." Melinda handed Jan another small package. "It was all we could find to make a suitable ball."

Jan opened the package and pulled out one of dimpled white balls. "What are they made of?"

"Bone. I realize that I have no idea how a real golf ball is made, but I did the best I could with the description."

"It's perfect, Belle. Thank you. And thank you, Mik. This means alot to me! How did you do them so fast?"

Candace voiced for her. "She says, there weren't many horses needing shod so she had plenty of time to work on them. The woods, woods right? The woods were made by Giva's mother. She works wood. The little metal plate here, " Mik pulled out the one wood and pointed to the head, "was difficult to make it fit. But we got it!"

"This is all great, but where in the hell am I going to play."

Melinda grinned. "Come along love. It's dahk out but you'll see well enough. Mik, thank you so much, sweetie." She kissed the young woman on the cheek. She turned to the Regents and their escorts. "Girls, we will see you soon." The two women took off together.

"Did she call us girls?" Xena looked at Taylor.

"I think she did. You gonna say something to her?" The firefighter wondered

"No. You?" The tall warrior thought she knew better that to piss Melinda off.

"Are you nuts?" Taylor was positive.

"Sometimes. But not tonight." Xena smiled at her friend.

The group walked to the center of the party and enjoyed the celebration of life, love and friendship.

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

Continued in Part 10.