Warnings: This story does contain violence in the form of rape and mutilation (though all was necessary). This story also depicts loving relationships between women (hey, they're amazons). If this is illegal where you live (move and quickly) or if you are a minor (go outside and play). If this type of story is not something you'd enjoy, please check out the other wonderful stories out there (and there are plenty).

Comments: As this is my first attempt at writing fiction (for public eyes) all feedback is welcome (unless you just want to be rude about the context). Please let me know: her_warrior@yahoo.com. Thanks for taking the time to read this. Enjoy?

Copyright June 20, 1999

Chapter 1

The sun was just making its decent in the western skies. A cooling breeze caressed the young woman's face gently moving through her dark red hair. She smiled up at the sky; she loved this time of day, early evening. She knew by the sun's position that she would soon be in the arms of her love. The thought of that moment sent a slight tremor through her soul. Thalassa was an amazon warrior, though young in winters, she was considered to be one of the most skilled in the village. She wasn't born into the Nation, but they had all accepted her as a natural member. She was as beautiful as she was skilled. Her red hair softly framed her round face. Her piercing brown eyes sparkled with a radiance rarely seen. That radiance never revealed her true feelings. She always kept them hidden just below the surface. In her heart, she believed it to be dangerous to allow her emotions to be seen. To do so, especially in battle, could mean her death or the death of one of her sisters. There was one person who could always read those eyes. It was the only person she allowed herself to be totally free with. She silently thanked Artemis, every night, for bringing her to the amazons and to her soul mate only 3 summers ago. Such a short time, it felt as though she had always been there.

She tried to remember the day she came to the village. Usually she could always remember events in great detail, but this one memory always seemed just out of her grasp, and this day was no different. Each time she tried to remember, a dense mist settled in her mind keeping her from any clear image. As she continued her patrol of the northern part of amazon land, she tried again to piece together the events that brought her to her new life.

One thing she did clearly remember was walking in the morning sun. It was a warm day with a cooling breeze. She felt at peace. She heard a noise somewhere behind her?and then? she was beside a stream, she remembered feeling the water on her bare foot. How had she gotten there? She was alone, was she afraid? This too eluded her. It was early in the evening, much like now. How much time had passed? All of these questions went through her mind, but quickly stopped as she felt that someone or something else was near. Thalassa hadn't heard any footsteps; she could just 'feel' their presence.

She smiled at this; her natural ability to 'sense' others had come in handy on more than one occasion. Melosa, the queen of the amazons, had often called her a gift from Artemis.

She should have been afraid, she was in an unfamiliar place, but she remembered only feeling relief. Something deep within her told her that she was safe here.

She stopped walking to try and focus on that moment. She remembered seeing those eyes, the ones that looked at her with such concern and compassion. They were brown, like her own.

Then she screamed 'Nooooo'. Or did she? Thalassa stopped, she hadn't remembered screaming before.

'Nooooo!' There it was again. This time bringing her out of her deep thoughts.

The young warrior moved quickly towards the sound. Using the trees to look at the area around her. The scene she found caused her to freeze in horror. That puzzled her, she was a warrior, and was afraid of nothing.

There were four of them. Though she could only see three, she was certain there was another man near, somewhere. Large and well armed. They were laughing, an evil laugh, at a young woman struggling to free herself from the smallest man's grasp. She looked no more than fourteen summers old and very terrified. Her eyes reminded Thalassa of an animal trapped by a hunter. Her simple dress had been torn and the young amazon could see evidence that she had been hit, several times. She moved closer, trying to find the best route of attack, when she saw the fourth man come out of from behind a tree. He was larger than the other three and smiled mockingly at his captive.

'We'll get a good price for you, little one.' 'But first, we're going to have a little fun.' He taunted the young girl as he moved closer to her. This only made her struggle more, in vain.

Thalassa moved to tree closest to the group. Jumping down, the amazon landed at the edge of the camp. Her presence caught the men off guard, but only for a moment. She stood in a defensive stance, sword drawn. The man to her right laughed at her. The young warrior moved her sword toward the man, cutting his upper arm before he could defend himself. He smiled and moved his sword to his other hand.

'You'll have to do better than that, little girl'.

'Don't worry, I will'. She smiled sweetly at him and twirled her sword in her right hand.

Knowing that defeating the larger man, who was obviously in charge, would make her job easier. Thalassa concentrated on him, though she kept the others in sight. She watched as they began to move around her, forming a circle, knowing they could easily defeat one small amazon.

'You don't think you can win, little one?'

She thrust her sword towards him. He deflected it easily. She began to move her arm in a low sweep, but as he moved to counter, she changed direction. This enabled her to make a cut through his shirt and draw blood from his chest.

'I just might.' 'And don't call me 'little one'.'

The larger man staggered back, momentarily. He opened his shirt to examine the damage; 'You've learned some things, haven't you?'

'I've learned enough.' Thalassa's eyes widened at the sight of the mark on his chest just above his heart. It was a dagger with blood dripping from the blade. Something about it seemed familiar, but she couldn't think of why, she could only feel a rage begin to build within her. She screamed loudly and began thrashing her sword wildly about. The men were caught unprepared for this and were disarmed quickly. The warrior fought with strength born of a rage deep within her. In less than a candle mark, three of the men lay on the ground unconscious, but alive. She now turned toward the smaller man, still holding the frightened girl.

Slowly moving toward him, her eyes showing her rage. He released the girl and started to back up. Looking at what had happened to his friends, he began to fear for his life. The girl silently thanked the warrior, then ran from the camp, never looking back.

Once she was sure the girl was safely in the woods, Thalassa again began to move toward the man who was looking around to see if his comrades were going to help. This wasn't going to happen. She raised her sword, telling him to defend himself?

I'Nara opened the door to the healer's hut and looked to the sky. Apollo had since finished his path across the sky, and there was still no sign of her beloved.

'Where are you, love' she whispered to no one, but herself. I'Nara returned to her work with an uneasy feeling she couldn't explain.

I'Nara was born into this village 18 summers ago. She had hair the color of night that fell in curls around her narrow face. Her eyes were of the deepest blue and reflected the beauty of her spirit. Her mother had been the village healer, but was lost during a raid more than 8 winters ago. Even as a child she helped her mother with caring for the sick and injured. Healing had always come very naturally to I'Nara. She had the ability to 'see' what was wrong with someone, when they were ill and make them feel better. After her mother crossed-over, Saras continued instructing her in the art of healing by taking her as an apprentice.

Saras looked at I'Nara as she worked at straightening the many herbs they used in healing. 'What is it, child', concern apparent on the older woman's face.

Without looking up, she only responded with, 'nothing'.

Saras put down the scroll she was reading and walked over to her young apprentice. She gently placed a hand on her shoulder and asked the question again.

As I'Nara turned to look at Saras, the healer could see unshed tears in her eyes. 'I don't know what's wrong with me.' 'I'm just worried about her.' 'She should have been back by now.'

The young amazon allowed a single tear to fall down her cheek. She really couldn't explain why she was so worried. She knew that Thalassa could handle anything, but she was unable to shake a feeling of dread.

Saras hugged the young woman she considered her daughter and said, 'I'm sure she is alright.' 'But, if it will make you feel better, we'll go and talk to Epinon'. 'She'll know where to find her.'

I'Nara looked into the face of the woman who had taken her into her home and heart after her mother's death, she loved Saras as a daughter to a mother. 'Okay'. Her smile was small, but genuine.

Saras wiped away the tear and took her hand as they left the hut in search of the head of the Amazon guard.

The young woman opened her eyes at the sound of water gently moving near her. She tried to lift her head, but a sharp pain only allowed her to turn it.

She slowly focused on her surroundings. She breathed a sigh of relief as she realized that she was on amazon land. Slowly, she crawled toward the water. The throbbing in her head was starting to lessen. As she neared the edge of the stream, she looked down at her hands.

Blood?so much blood. She checked herself for any injury and was relieved, though only slightly, to not find any. 'Where did it come from?' she asked her self in a shaky voice. Then she saw it.

Her sword was nearby and it too was covered in blood. She frantically began to retrace the last several candle marks. She thought about walking near the edge of their land, thinking about her time with the amazons. Then what happened began to come back. Though fogged, she remembered helping a girl. Fighting with someone. No, not one, but more. Her eyes widened as she remembered the fight and its conclusion.

A surge of panic traveled through her like fire. 'I'Nara' she whispered to herself. 'How can you ever forgive me?' Her eyes began to fill with tears, but she couldn't allow herself to give into them. She shook her head to clear her mind. Thalassa quickly moved to the stream and began to clean the blood off her and her sword.

Her beautiful and caring I'Nara always understood that, as a warrior, Thalassa would have to kill. But, could she accept murder. Yes, murder. There was no denying what happened. Once the young girl was safe, she should have withdrawn, but something kept her there. A rage so deep, that there was no stopping it.

'Why!' she screamed to no one. She had found complete happiness, now it would all be gone! 'No' she vowed to herself. She wasn't going to lose everything she had. 'Not this time.'

Epinon rode towards the northern edge of the land. She had reassured I'Nara that Thalassa was safe, but as she continued to ride, the warrior was beginning to have some doubts.

She scanned the forest for any sign of the young warrior. Seeing nothing, Epinon turned her horse towards the valley that was on the edge of their land.

From her horse, she could make out what appeared to be four large sacks on the ground. 'That's strange.' Epinon rode towards the area.

In a moment she realized that they weren't sacks, but bodies. The sight caused her to catch her breath. As a seasoned warrior she had seen the results of battle and had never been this affected. This looked more like a massacre. As she dismounted, she saw several deep cuts on each of the men, any of which would have caused a painful death.

'What warlord did you anger?' was asked to the butchered man she knelt near. Looking over his large form, she was stopped by the sight of a sword wound in his upper chest. It was made through the center of his tattoo. From the angle and small amount of blood at the wound, she was sure that it had been made after he was dead. 'Why would anyone do that?'

As she started to stand, she caught sight of something in the man's hand. She reached over to remove the object and took in her breath sharply at what she found.

'Thalassa' came only as a whisper. It was the necklace that I'Nara had given the young warrior at her initiation celebration. The crescent moon, the symbol of the amazon goddess Artemis. She was never without that precious possession.

Tucking the necklace safely in her gauntlet, she mounted her horse to resume the search for the missing warrior.

Not knowing how to face her beloved healer, the young warrior simply sat on bank of the stream. Trying to understand why it had happened. She stiffened when she felt a familiar presence.

'Epinon' she tried to mask her fear. Without turning to face the older amazon, 'What brings you out here?'

'Looking for you.' There was obvious concern in the warrior's voice. 'What are you doing?'

'Protecting the village.' 'You assigned me to this area this morning, remember, or are you losing your memory in your old age?' Attempting to laugh as she said this.

Epinon furrowed her eyebrows, trying to understand what was happening to her student. 'Did anything happen out here, today?'

'Happen?'

'Yes, was there any trouble?'

'No, it was quiet' her smile faded as she looked at Epinon. Afraid that she knew, 'What is it?' was all she could ask trying to calm the panic that was rising within her.

'Where's your necklace?' Hoping to let the younger woman know, without accusing her of lying, that she knew something happened.

Realizing for the first time that her precious gift was gone, her eyes began to search the area around her. Turning her back to Epinon, her thoughts raced quickly over when and where she could have lost it.

Seeing the obvious distress come over her, Epinon knew that, until now, she had been unaware of it being gone. 'Now how do I get you to open up?' went through her mind.

'Don't worry, we'll find it.' 'Where do you remember having it last?' again attempting to give her a chance to explain what was had happened in the valley.

'I'm not sure, I remember having it on this morning.' 'I think' 'What am I going to tell I'Nara?'

Trying to calm her, Epinon put her hand on the younger woman's shoulder 'I promise, we'll find it.' She finished the sentence to her self. 'I only hope you'll be able to tell me what happened.'

Smiling at her student, 'Now, let's get back before we're both in trouble.' 'Okay?'

'Okay'

Thalassa placed two fingers up to her mouth and let out a quick whistle. Her call was answered by the sound of hooves running near.

Rolling her eyes in comic exasperation, Epinon mounted her own horse. She turned toward the village and began a quick gallop. Thalassa followed.

During the short ride back to the village, both women remained quiet, lost in their own thoughts.

As they arrived in the village, there seemed a bit more activity than normal.

'I wonder what's happening' 'It looks as though they are preparing for an attack'

'Or, a celebration.' Epinon laughed.

'Yes, it's strange how those two things look so much alike.' Thalassa genuinely laughed for the first time in a candle mark.

The two women stopped their horses when they saw Solari approaching, rather quickly.

'Where have you two been?' 'I've been looking everywhere for you Ep.'

Thinking she was wrong about the celebration, Epinon dismounted. 'Why, what's happened?'

Seeing the concern in her friend's eyes, Solari grinned. 'Nothing bad.' 'Our queen has sent word that they will be here sometime tomorrow.'

'Gabrielle and Xena are coming home?' Epinon couldn't hide her obvious joy at the news.

Remembering that Thalassa was with them, Epinon turned to her. 'You have never met our queen, have you?'

'No, I was gone when Melosa was?' her words trailed off. She hated to think of the loss of Melosa. The amazon queen, that had taken her in and treated her as her own. She had regretted being away when Valesca tried to destroy the village.

Wanting to turn the conversation, Epinon smiled, 'Then you will have the chance at the celebration, tomorrow'.

Smiling broadly at the thought, 'Here, let me take care of your horse, Epinon.' 'I'm sure you have much to do to prepare.'

Handing the reins over, Epinon continued discussing the next day's events with Solari. As the young warrior moved passed them, Epinon slipped the necklace from her gauntlet and placed it, unseen, on the edge of her stirrup.

'Thalassa?'

She stopped, feeling herself begin to tense; she turned in the saddle and look questioningly at the two warriors.

'What's that?'

The younger woman looked down to find her precious necklace. Joy flooded her entire being. She picked it up and examined it. 'I can't believe it.' 'The clasp must have broken.' Smiling up at the women, she turned back and continued towards the stable.

As she rode away, Epinon looked at her with worry on her face. 'This isn't over, my young friend.' Her thoughts were interrupted as her companion touched her arm.

'Is something wrong?'

'No, just anticipating tomorrow.'

Both women laughed at this. Amazon's were well known for their celebrations.

Standing outside their hut, Thalassa took several deep breaths. 'Okay, you've got to go in there, sometime.'

Opening the door, slowly, she caught her breath at the sight of her beloved. Just the sight of her, brought about calmness that was indescribable. She stopped in the doorway, watching her.

I'Nara was sitting before the small fire she had built, repairing a tear in one of Thalassa's skirts. Even with her back to the door, she knew her love was near. She smiled as a sigh of relief was released, quietly.

Thalassa's eyes took in the sight before her. Her eyes followed a path along her hair, down her back, to her sculpted thighs. 'Gods, this woman is beautiful.' She could feel her desire begin its slow build through her entire being. Watching her work only made the healer more stunning, if that were possible.

Looking up, but not turning her head, 'You're late.'

Thalassa could hear the 'motherly' tone in her voice. She lowered her head and began to bite her bottom lip.

I'Nara turned, but kept her eyes from looking at her companion. She knew, all too well, that she would lose all resolve if she looked into those beautiful eyes. 'Well, what do you have to say for yourself?'

Keeping her head down, but looking up with her large eyes, 'I'm sorry.' She saw a small smile play on her lover's lips, though I'Nara was trying desperately to keep it from showing.

Taking the opportunity, Thalassa moved toward her. In two strides, she held her in a loving embrace. Her fingers tracing the outline of her jaw, brushing lightly over her full lips.

'What are you doing?' 'You don't think you can just come in here kiss me, after making me worry?' Still refusing to look into those eyes, 'I'm very upset with you.' She could feel her resolve begin to melt as the words left her mouth.

The warrior leaned closer, placing her lips just beyond touching. She could feel her lover's breath quicken slightly. As I'Nara began to relax, Thalassa moved her lips to kiss her passionately.

Preparing herself for the sweet contact of her lover's lips, I'Nara's own desire began to rise.

'You know something?' Came the throaty voice.

'What?' Breathing her response. Opening her eyes to look into the deep brown ones that now held her.

The warrior's eyes sparkled, 'You're right.' With that, she released her embrace and turned to sit at the table.

Stunned, I'Nara caught herself before she fell backward. She looked over at the warrior 'What are you doing?'

'Agreeing with you.'

Shaking her head, I'Nara caught sight of the mischievous grin forming on her lover's mouth. Returning to her sewing, I'Nara thought to herself, 'Okay, if you want to play, I'm game.'

'What are you working on?'

'One of your skirts.' 'For the life of me, I can't figure out how you tore it like this.'

'Don't you, now?' 'As I remember, you're the one who tore it.' Laughing, she moved her stool closer to the smaller woman.

Closing her eyes, she thought back to the night the skirt was torn a wicked smile to her lips. She looked at her warrior, desire deepening the hue of her blue eyes. 'I want you to wear it at the celebration.' 'You will won't you?' 'For me?'

Unable to deny her love any request, 'Of course.' Her hand had dropped to rest lightly on I'Nara's thigh. Her fingers moved slowly in small circles. 'For you, anything.'

Keeping her own fingers busy with her sewing, I'Nara found herself being distracted by on the fingers now moving slowly down toward her inner thigh. She didn't have to look up to feel those eyes staring through her.

Thalassa worked her fingers slowly down that sculpted thigh to rest just within the bend of her knee. She smiled at how smooth and firm those legs were. Her blood began to grow hotter, as she retraced her path back to where she had begun.

I'Nara was now pulling out stitches that she had sew wrong. Sighing with exasperation, she put her task down. 'I'll never get that fixed, if you don't stop that.'

The roaming hand stopped its path, but remained resting within a breath of touching her center. Smiling sweetly, 'Well, if you want me to, I guess I can go find something to entertain myself.' 'I need to repair my necklace anyway.'

'What's wrong with it?'

'The fastening broke.' 'I can fix it easily.' With that Thalassa rose and moved toward the door. She barely took a step, when she felt loving arms wrap around her waist holding tightly.

'I don't think so, my red-headed warrior.' 'You're going to finish what you started.' A soft laugh playing in her words.

Thalassa turned within the embrace to wrap her own arms tightly around the healer. She lowered her mouth to press softy against her lover's.

A small moan escaped her lips, as they parted slightly, wanting more. The warrior willingly complied. Their tongues began a slowly dance as each woman's hands explored the familiar territory of the other.

Within moments agile warrior fingers released the fastener holding I'Nara's small top together. She moved her hands over her breasts, brushing her fingertips lightly over her nipples.

The kisses deepened as Thalassa pressed I'Nara onto the bed. Her kisses blazed a trail over her jaw, down to her long neck. Finding her pulse point, the amazon warrior began to gently suck. Hearing the moaning from her lover increase, she moved up to graze the edge of her ear with her tongue. She could feel I'Nara pressing her fingers into her strong back, pulling her closer.

'Your tongue is so sweet.'

Thalassa's kisses continued their path down to caress her shoulder. Taking small bites with each kiss, that elicited a deep groan from her lover. She began to feel a gentle pressure against her own shoulders guiding her lower. Thalassa moved her kisses down to her right breast. Gently placing small delicate kisses around the nipple, she watched it grow hard. Placing her mouth just above it, she flicked her tongue across it.

I'Nara arched her back, trying to get more of that mouth on her. She groaned as a quick breath of air passed over the hardened nipple. 'Ohhhh.'

Putting her hand over the other, she rolled the nipple between her finger and thumb. Her tongue continued its assault on the tender breast it now possessed.

Moving her free hand down her small sides, she undid the belt the cinched her skirt together. As she released it, the skirt easily fell away. Before moving her hand back up over her tight stomach, she lightly brushed her fingers through the honey hair that covered her center.

Placing her knee between the smaller woman's legs, she gently pressed into her heated center. A small moan escaped her own lips as she felt the wetness on her leg.

'You are so wet.' The melodic voice taking on an even deeper tone.

'Because of you, my love.' Came the breathy response

Arching her back, I'Nara pressed against the muscular thigh. Her hips began a rhythm of their own.

Thalassa's kisses traveled lower over her heart's stomach, towards its goal. Moving herself down, she laid between I'Nara's legs. They separated on their own, in sweet anticipation.

Running her fingers lightly through the honey hair and down between the folds, she felt the wetness that was there. Smiling wickedly and wanting to delay the final moment as long as possible, she moved her mouth just above I'Nara's clit. Blowing lightly over that small bundle of nerves, she was greeted by a gasp. I'Nara's hips raised higher as her sweet lover's tongue flicked back and forth over her swollen clit.

'Please, love.' Came through gasps as her hips moved against that loving tongue.

'Soon, my heart, soon.'

Moving her tongue over the opening, she reveled in the taste of this young woman. This movement only served to increase the tempo of I'Nara's hips.

Wrapping her left arm around her, Thalassa placed two fingers just outside the opening. She kept them there, without entering, waiting.

'Oh, gods, please.'

'Please, what?' 'Tell me what you want.'

Her voice expressing frustration along with its heightened desire, 'You, inside me now'

Obeying her lover's demands, her fingers began pressing into the slick tunnel. Moving back and forth, within the opening. The young healer's hips matched the pace set by those exquisite fingers. Increasing her speed, Thalassa plunged her fingers deeper.

'Yes, oh yes.' Gasps had become cries of pleasure.

Feeling her near the edge, the amazon warrior, again flicked her tongue in movement with her fingers to send her over.

Plunging deep one final time, I'Nara stilled. Screaming out her lover's name, she grasped the blankets tightly between her fingers.

Holding her hips to keep her grounded as she road the waves of pleasure, Thalassa's tongue drank the offering before it.

As I'Nara relaxed, Thalassa moved up to embrace her. Holding her close, she whispered the love that filled her heart.

'How did I ever deserve you?' Feeling I'Nara's breathing begin to slow, drifting into sleep. Or, what she thought was sleep.

Opening her eyes, she locked her blue ones with the brown before her. She could see what looked like tears begin to form behind them. 'Why would you not deserve me?' Concern rising in her voice. 'It is I who is grateful for our being together.'

Blinking back the tear that threatened to escape, 'You are the most precious thing in the world to me.' She tenderly kissed her forehead.

'That you have shown me, now let me show you how much I love you.' Her eyes flashed with a renewed desire.

Rolling the warrior onto her back, she began covering her face with soft kisses. Thalassa closed her eyes letting out a small sigh. She opened them, wanting to gaze into her lover's sweet face, but instead of seeing her beloved's beauty, she saw only evil looking back at her. Feeling a wave of nausea begin to rise within her. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to remove image; she rolled the smaller woman onto her back. She took her hands in her own, stopping their exploration.

'What's wrong?' Not understanding.

Relaxing her tight grip on the smaller hands, 'This time is for you, love, only you.'

To stop any protest, she leaned down to press her lips firmly against the woman below her.

'My pleasure is found in giving you pleasure.' Putting all the love she had for this woman in her words.

'But, I want you to feel everything you make me feel.'

'There is time for me, later, now is for you.'

I'Nara began to speak again, but stopped when she felt Thalassa's fingers begin to move within her wet folds.

Finding herself unable to sleep, Thalassa rose from their small bed. She sat in front of the dying fire, trying to relax herself into sleep. Images of the events from earlier in the day played over and over in her mind. She couldn't understand why she saw his face, when she looked at I'Nara, earlier. There was something different in how she felt when I'Nara touched her. Sensing someone near her, the young warrior tensed.

Grabbing her sword she turned to face the intruder.

'Now, little girl, is that anyway to greet an old friend?'

'Who are you?'

Stepping into the moonlight, 'You didn't forget me already, did you?'

Catching her breath in her throat, she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Closing her eyes, she shook her head. 'No, not real.' She opened her eyes, silently praying that he would be gone, to find him standing just inches from her.

'Now, how can you say that?' He put his hand up to touch her cheek.

A shudder ran through her, 'No, I killed you.' She looked at the blood covering his shirt.

Letting out an evil laugh, 'Things are not always what they seem, little one.'

Snapping her head away from his hand, she pulled open the shirt. Her eyes widened in horror as she saw the open wound in his chest. She backed away, knocking over the chair. 'No, this isn't real.'

Moving closer to her, 'How can you say that?' 'You gave me this, remember?'

'I killed you once.' 'I'll kill you again, get out!'

Glancing over towards the bed, he smiled. 'She'd bring a good price, don't you think?'

The rage that had been building now released itself with full force. She thrust her sword, striking a fatal blow.

He staggered back, looked at the wound and smiled.

Swinging her sword again, she made a deep cut in his chest. The force of the move caused her to lose her balance, she caught herself with the edge of the table. Turning quickly to strike again, she knocked over the other chair.

Closing her eyes, she began swinging her sword back and forth, lunging blindly at the man. Screaming out in anger, more than pain, as she fell over the fallen chair.

'Lassa?' Came a soft familiar voice.

Opening her eyes, she found herself on the floor, a sharp pain in her shoulder. There was no one there, but the two of them. She shook her head, trying to focus on the voice.

'Lassa, it's alright.' Keeping her voice as calm as possible, the younger healer moved closer. 'Let me help you.'

Slowing her breathing, she began to calm down. She looked around the room to see the damage she caused. Closing her eyes, she silently cursed herself.

'Lassa, put the sword down.'

Dropping the sword, she allowed herself to be helped up. Realizing that she had injured herself, she let I'Nara help her to the bed.

'Let me look at your shoulder.'

'I'm sure it's alright, I just tripped.'

'You must have cut it with your sword when you fell.' 'It will need a couple of stitches, but will be alright.'

Barely hearing the healer, she nodded.

'What were you doing?' Not knowing how to explain that she saw her beloved warrior fighting an unseen enemy. 'Did you have a nightmare?'

'I'm not sure, I don't remember much.' Hating to lie to her.

She finished stitching the wound; 'Do you want to talk about it?'

'No, it's fuzzy.' Looking around the room at the turned over chairs, 'I'm sorry.'

Gently embracing the woman, 'It's alright, my love.' 'Let's try to get some sleep, okay?'

'Okay.'

Allowing herself to be pulled back onto the bed, she rested herself against I'Nara's shoulder.

I'Nara continued to talk quietly to her, stroking her hair.

Her heart slowed it's beat under the soothing words of her beloved, she began to drift back into sleep.

The sun streamed in through the small window, casting itself over the sleeping woman. Stretching slightly, she rolled on her side, her hand searching for her lover. Feeling only the cool blanket, she opened her eyes and sat up quickly. Adjusting herself to the light, she looked around the hut. 'Lassa?'

Seeing no evidence of the previous night's event, she noticed the small tray of food on the table, I'Nara rose and dressed. Sitting at the table, eating the fruit and bread, she thought about the night before. She knew that something was terribly wrong with her warrior. Finishing the last of the bread, she picked up the skirt to finish the repair work. She tried to think of what could be wrong, but knew that Thalassa would have to be the one to tell her. 'I know when your ready, you'll tell me.'

The warrior adjusted herself in the saddle, causing the small woman to stir in front of her. Enjoying where she was too much to wake up, Gabrielle nuzzled herself closer to the older woman's breast.

'Hmmmm' 'Where are we?' Still keeping her eyes closed, trying to make the moment last.

Smiling down at her bard, 'A few candle marks from amazon territory.'

Yawning and stretching herself fully awake, she slowly opened her eyes, taking in the area around them. Looking up into the brilliant blue eyes of her warrior, she smiled.

Resting her head back again, she let out a soft breath of air that gently caressed over the top of the warrior's breasts. She rested her hand on the older woman's bronze thigh. Slowly she ran her fingernails over it, nuzzling closer.

Raising her eyebrow, 'Gabrielle?.' She didn't finish her sentence. She knew what her bard wanted and was more than willing to let her have it. Tightening her grip around her waist, Xena turned Argo off the main road, towards the trees.

'I suppose the amazons will still be there.'

Smiling up at her, 'Yes, I'm sure they will be.' Her desire was beginning to reveal itself in her tone.

Turning Argo off the road, Xena headed the horse towards a small clearing beyond the trees. Smiling to herself, 'Yes, they'll still be there.'

Chapter 2

The younger amazon tried to knock her opponent off her feet by sweeping her staff low. Thalassa jumped to avoid the blow, but brought her own weapon around to contact with her lower back. Falling forward, she rolled to land on her back. Looking up, she saw the end of Thalassa's staff pointed at her.

'Give up?'

Not sure if she saw anger behind the eyes now looking down on her, 'Yes.'

Relaxing her posture, she offered a hand to the fallen girl. 'Your getting better.' 'You have to remember what you've been taught.'

Taking the offered arm, 'I know, act don't react.'

'Right.'

'Hey, what are you two doing out here?'

'Hi, Epinon.' 'Just getting in a little sparring.'

'I thought as much.' 'Don't you have things to do to help prepare for the celebration?'

Nodding, the younger amazon thanked Thalassa for the match, and moved off to help the others.

Turning back to face her student, she noticed the bandage, 'What happened to your shoulder?'

'Nothing really, I fell last night.' 'I'Nara said it would be fine.'

'Good.' Her tone turning more serious, 'I was watching you, just now.'

'I see, the teacher watching her student.' 'How'd I do?'

'Don't you think you were a little hard with her?' 'You were fighting as if it were a real battle.'

'Why not, she needs to understand that one day it will be.' Stressing her words more than was necessary.

'True enough.' Knowing the truth in her statement, she was not convinced that that was the only reason behind the force being used.

Wanting to end the conversation, 'Well, I'm sure there is something I can be doing to help with getting ready for tomorrow night.'

'Right.' Sensing the tension, the warrior thought it best to drop the questions.

Watching her walk away, she whispered, 'You're going to have to talk, sometime.' 'Before it's too late.'

The day was spent with much commotion. Some worked on preparing the food and others worked on setting up the tables in the center of the village. There was a great fire built in the center, to be lit when the moon was full in the sky.

I'Nara cleaned the now repaired skirt and readied it for Thalassa to wear. She cleaned her most festive outfit, knowing it was her beloved's favorite. She couldn't get the image of seeing Thalassa act as she had the night before. The look of rage mixed with terror on her face was frightening. She was never one to have nightmares, though she did sometimes have difficulty sleeping when she first came to the village. Remembering that day brought a smile of joy mixed with a bit of sadness. No one knew exactly what had happened to the young girl that Epinon had found. She had been hurt terribly, but had no memory of how it had happened. It was I'Nara that stayed with her while she healed. That was when she fell in love with the mysterious, sad girl that became a strong beautiful warrior.

Bringing her thoughts back to the present, she left the hut to help with the preparations. She silently hoped that this celebration would bring Thalassa back to herself.

Having completed the preparations for the celebration, most of the village headed to the food hut for the evening meal. Ephiny, intent on joining them, stopped when she saw a familiar sight. She waved a greeting to the two women entering the village.

'Gabrielle?Xena.' A broad grin showing on her face.

Dismounting, Gabrielle hugged the regent fiercely. 'Ephiny, it's good to see you.'

'Yes, it's been too long.' Looking over at Xena, 'Can we plan for you both to stay a while?'

The ever stoic warrior, smiled at the two amazons, 'I might be persuaded.' 'It's up to the queen.' The last statement accentuated with a raised eyebrow.

Gabrielle blushed at this. She gave the warrior's stomach a playful slap with the back of her hand.

'Xena!'

The women looked up to see Epinon walking over to them.

Xena extended her arm to the amazon warrior. Epinon responded with her own.

Putting her arm around the queen's shoulder, Ephiny laughed. 'You know, I shouldn't be surprised that you two arrived at this moment.'

'Why's that?'

A playful smile on her lips, 'Well, my queen, it is time for us to eat.'

'Good, I'm starved.'

Xena rolled her eyes playfully at her bard, 'When aren't you hungry?' 'You go with Eph, and I'll take care of Argo.'

She watched as the two friends walked away, eagerly chatting to one another, before heading Argo toward the stable. Epinon followed.

'Xena, you are planning on attending the celebration tomorrow, aren't you?' Knowing that the warrior princess wasn't one for parties.

Removing the saddle from the horse, 'Well, would you want to have to face the queen?'

Laughing at the truth of the statement, 'No, that's your job.'

Removing the brush from her saddlebag, she started Argo's favorite ritual. 'Is something on your mind, Ep?'

Always amazed at the warrior's sixth sense, 'Well, actually I have something I'd like to talk to you about.'

As Argo was brushed, Epinon related the previous day's events. What she had found in the valley and Thalassa's lie about it. 'I'm worried about her.'

Putting the brush back in the bag, Xena thought about everything Epinon had said. 'Maybe she is afraid of how the others will react to what happened.'

'She has no reason to fear amazon law, at least not for killing those men.'

The warrior looked at her friend, 'But for lying about it?'

Epinon sighed heavily; she knew how highly the amazons placed honour. She shook her head, trying to think of how to save the young woman. 'I don't think the counsel would punish her for it.'

'You don't sound too sure of that.'

Throwing her hands up in frustration, 'No, I'm not.' 'They wouldn't have to know, if she would just explain what happened to me.'

'Have you asked her outright?'

Shaking her head, 'If I do, and she doesn't tell the truth, then I have no choice but to go to the counsel.' 'Besides, I don't think she's hiding this because of our not accepting it.' 'There's something else that is tearing her up inside.'

Placing her hand gently on the amazon's shoulder, 'Tell me.'

'It's her eyes.' 'When she first came here they were full of sadness, though no one knew why, not even her.'

Seeing the puzzled look come over her friend, Epinon related the story as to how Thalassa had come to be part of the amazons. 'Now I not only see the sadness, but something else?.'

'What?'

'Rage? hate... emotions I've never seen her show before.'

Xena only nodded. She understood those emotions all too well.

Chapter 3

Night fell over the village. The amazons, having completed the preparations for the celebration, all retired to their huts. Since amazon parties usually went on late into the night, or sometimes even the next morning, there would be little activity during the next day.

I'Nara laid out the two outfits that they were to wear to the party. She smiled at the thought of how her love would look. 'Everyone will want to dance with you.' 'But, you, my warrior, dance only with me.'

Turning to look at Thalassa, she beamed a smile, waiting for a response.

Hearing none, 'Thalassa?'

Hearing her name brought her back to the present. She stopped sharpening her sword and looked up into the deep blue eyes of her love. 'Yes?'

'Were you listening to me?'

Putting her sword and sharpening stone aside, she walked over to the healer. 'I'm sorry, I guess I was just lost in thought.'

'Anything you want to talk about?' Silently hoping her warrior would talk about the past night.

Smiling, 'I was thinking about you, and how I will be the envy of everyone in the village.'

Giving her love a silly smile, she leaned up to kiss her gently on the lips. 'Let's go to bed, it's going to be a long night tomorrow.'

Hugging her quickly, 'Okay, let's get some sleep.'

Giggling, 'Sleep wasn't what I had in mind.'

Kissing her on the nose, 'Your incorrigible.'

Wrapping her arms around her neck, 'You like me like that.' She began placing small, soft kisses over the round face of her lover.

Thalassa closed her eyes, wanting to let the passion she knew this woman could invoke in her to start, but she felt something different. 'Come on now, Solari worked me hard today, let's get some sleep.'

Pulling back, she looked into Thalassa's eyes, trying to read them. For the first time, since meeting her, I'Nara couldn't tell what the warrior was thinking. Knowing it was better not to push the issue, she quickly kissed her again on the lips. 'Okay, but you wait until tomorrow.' She said playfully.

Several candle marks later, the young warrior was still unable to sleep. She lied on their bed watching her lover's chest rise and fall with her deep breathing. Feeling the tears begin to build within her again, she quietly moved from the bed. Not bothering to put on her boots, she left the hut. She needed to get away from the village, to think. She moved swiftly through the huts that made up the village. She had to get as far as she could, before her tears took control.

Running, blindly, through the woods, she found herself on the northern edge of amazon land. Stopping just beyond the trees, she dropped to the ground, trying to regain her breath.

'Knew you'd come?.'

Snapping up her head, she grabbed her sword, trying to find the source of the voice. She didn't realize that she had brought her sword until that moment. 'Come out!'

'I'm right here?.' The voice was cold, but seemed to carry itself on the wind.

Turning in a small circle, she tried to focus on the voice. Turning her sword in her hand, 'Face me!' 'Or are you afraid?'

As the words left her mouth, he appeared before her. It was the man she had killed, twice now. 'Why won't you leave me alone?'

Laughing wickedly, 'I can't do that, I'm part of you.'

'You are no part of me.' The anger she was feeling displaying itself.

'Oh, my little one, we are closer than you think.'

She spat at the man that now stood before her, 'Stop calling me that!' 'I am not your 'little one'.'

Smiling, 'You have no idea, little one.'

Moving her sword low, 'Defend yourself.'

Spreading his arms wide, he merely shrugged his large shoulders.

Before she knew what was happening, she'd thrust her sword forward, deep into his stomach. The force of the stroke brought her within inches of him.

Placing his large hands roughly on each side of her face, he whispered, 'That's my little one.' 'Let it go, become who you were meant to be.'

Her eyes widened as her mind took in his words. He was gone as quickly as he had come. She found herself on the ground. Wrapping her arms around her knees, she allowed the tears she had held for so long to flow freely. 'What's happening to me?'

She didn't notice the lone figure behind a nearby tree.

It was close to daybreak before Thalassa began to make her way back to the village. Her once certain steps were now slow, as if she was walking through a dark, bottomless, swamp that threatened to swallow her.

Quietly opening the door, she slipped back into the blankets. She looked at I'Nara, seeing her still asleep, she was glad that her absence went unnoticed.

I'Nara turned on her side, away from her lover. Not wanting her to see that she was awake, she let a lone tear fall down her cheek.

Exhausted, the young warrior fell into a light sleep plagued by visions of the man. She calmed slightly when she felt I'Nara's arm wrap protectively around her.

Speaking a silent vow, 'I will always love you, nothing can change that.' She rested her head close to the warrior's shoulder. 'We will get through this, together.'

Late into the next day, I'Nara stretched herself awake. Knowing that her lover was already up, she opened her eyes to look at the empty blanket beside her.

Rising, she quickly changed into a simple white tunic. She grabbed a towel and headed for the baths. Passing just beyond the training field, she could see Thalassa practicing with a younger warrior. She loved to watch her lover spar with the other amazons. Her face beamed with pride each time she was victorious. Watching her now, she noticed something different in her fighting.

Seeing Epinon enter the baths, she quickly walked over to join her. She knew that Epinon was the only other person close enough to Thalassa to notice the change.

She entered the hut, as the older amazon was entering the bath. Walking past her, she removed her tunic and entered the bath next to her. She was unsure of how to bring up her question, but knew that she had to do it, if she was going to help her lover.

'Epinon?'

Keeping her eyes closed, enjoying the hot bath, 'Yes?'

'Umm?may I ask you something?'

Sensing her hesitation, the warrior turned her attention to the younger woman, 'Of course, I'Nara.'

'It's Thalassa.'

'What about her?'

'Have noticed anything different about her, in the last few days?'

Not sure exactly what I'Nara knew, she responded, 'Like what?'

Regretting bringing up her lover, she shook her head, 'Never mind?It's nothing.'

Moving to the side, closest to I'Nara, 'No.' 'Go on.'

'There's something wrong.' Her eyes began to fill with tears.

Reaching across the edge, Epinon touched her hand, trying to calm her. 'It's okay.' 'Tell me what you've noticed.'

'Well?It started the night you went to find her.' 'Remember?'

'Yes, I remember.' 'What started?'

'She's changed.' Her words coming through her tears. 'She's been distant from me.' 'She doesn't let me touch her?you know?'

'What else?'

'Well?she's?umm?been having nightmares.' 'Terrible nightmares.'

'About what?'

'I don't know, she always says that she can't remember.' 'But, that's not all.'

Steeling herself, 'Tell me.'

'I woke up the other night to find her battling someone.'

'Someone was in your hut?'

'No, that's just it.' 'There was no one there, but she acted as though she was fighting for her life.' She continued to tell of how she disappeared the night before, not returning until morning. Her voice dropping to a whisper. 'I am so worried about her.' 'She hasn't slept for 2 days.'

Realizing that Thalassa was in more trouble than she originally thought, she gently squeezed I'Nara's hand. 'I promise to help her.' 'It will be alright.' She sounded more convincing than she really felt.

Epinon smiled reassuringly as she moved to finish bathing. She quickly finished and left the bath. As she crossed the center of the village, she again caught sight of Thalassa and the younger amazon. 'I will keep my promise?as an amazon.'

(To be continued)