Among Friends

The following is a bit of alternative fiction based on certain characters from the Xenaverse. It is not meant to infringe on anyone else's rights. If you don't agree or disapprove, please go read something else.

Xena crossed the bridge soundlessly with a confident easy stride. The bridge supported her comfortably, almost guiding her along it's surface. She loved things that were well constructed. She calculated an imaginary leap and knew just how much bounce the bridge would support. The sky twinkled brightly above her and, below her, the star's graced the water's surface. It was a truly lovely sight and she actually paused (not that anyone would have noticed) to look at it, mindful of her bard's admonitions to appreciate the beauty around her.

The night air breezed against her skin light a light kiss from a lover. It felt nice, just the right temperature and Xena attributed the moisture to her location. The sensation caused a small curve to form on Xena's lips. Her long, sometimes wild, hair shifted with the gentle strokes of the sprite, who balanced herself, with tiny feet as light as air, astride Xena's shoulder. There was a whisper so faint that Xena almost missed it, but not quite.

Her head swiveled a bit. The sprite leapt off of the shoulder and floated over in Arete's direction. The warrior blinked, unsure, though her body carried through it's normal motions, taking her closer to the homey looking cottage ahead. Xena thought she heard. .felt. . something. . . Gabrielle. . . a bright image of her lover called to her. She listened deeply, but it seemed her mind was playing a trick on her. So, despite the thought's appeal (and most any thought about her lover was appealing, save for a few) Xena set it aside, though the smile lingered on her lips.

Arete followed her lover and did pause a moment to hook her long lean body over the railing and stare. "Beautiful." The word was out of her mouth without a thought.

"Yes," was the soft reply. Arete unbent. Her hands clasped the wooden rail comfortably. She arched a questioning blonde eyebrow in Eudora's direction. The woman who couldn't be sure what she'd just been commenting about stammered, "i. .It. ." good start. Relax, "is," she turned her body and looked out. It was much safer, "beautiful."

Velona stopped, clapped a hand noisily on Eudora's shoulder, shaking the sprite off her precarious perch. The dark Amazon looked down briefly. She felt a sudden chill, "Yeah, very nice. Come on, let's not get stuck here. It's startin' to get cold and Xena's almost at the door."

Arete bristled, but backed down from her first impulse. It wasn't her right, but that didn't mean she couldn't say anything. She strove to make her words harmless, conversational, "It is a bit chilly," The sprite put her hands on her hips at the fib. Arete reached up to undo a clasp, "Would you like my cloak?"

Skula's chieftess gave Arete a sharp glance, "I'm fine." It was a slight to her, but kindly given. Her response clipped through the air as her hand drifted possessively along Eudora's arm, "Come on." The young woman hesitated just long enough that the pull on her arm was obvious, but she stepped forward and passed the queen's consort under Valona's guidance.

The sprite moved quickly, kissing the redhead's lightly freckled cheek and whispered the words of well wishing from the queen. Eudora thought, for a heartbeat that she recognized a voice. She lifted a hand to her face and turned her gaze back to Arete, who returned the look impassively. She felt Velona shift, then put an arm around her waist. The dark woman's body was warm against hers. There was another whisper in her ear, but for some reason, it wasn't as sweet.

Arete was feeling a little confused, but gave up trying to figure it out and trotted off the bridge, leaving a frustrated sprite behind. The sprite considered her methods and decided to try a different tact. Besides, she still had one more to give. . .

Iovene opened the door before Xena even began knocking, "By Artemis, am I glad to see you!" The curly woman grabbed the warrior familiarly by the hand, ignoring the sensual shock. "Jacosta has some news."

"Jacosta?" Xena queried, noting with some humor that the dowser's top was slightly loose and her cheeks a bit flushed. Her next action was a bit personal, she knew, but necessary. Xena moved her body to block the view. Long fingers reached out and grasped the lacings and drew them closed and tight. Iovene's cheeks turned a bit brighter, but so did her eyes. "Do you think Jacosta," 'Who's Jacosta?' Xena thought, but she remained relaxed, "would be ready for three more guests, aside from myself?" Xena managed to keep her voice even as Iovene straightened the bottom half of her ensemble quickly. Xena smirked.

Iovene blinked, "Ready?" The curly woman snorted, "Heck, she's ready for an army. You should see." She grinned and patted Xena's hand which had just finished brushing off her shoulder, "You will see. She's making dinner." She let go of the warrior's hand and stood back, looking much less rumpled. The timing was perfect, Velona and Eudora were just stepping onto the porch.

Iovene was as gracious to the dark chieftess, as she was to Eudora. She invited them into Jacosta's home (well, one of them) with a surprising equanimity, given their earlier experiences with them. Velona looked about the well appointed house. The decorations were simple but comforting, "So this is where you've been hiding out." She grinned winningly, "Can't say I blame you."

Iovene smiled tightly. She was offended. She had, after all left clear and understandable sign, "Well, I wasn't exactly. . . "

"IOVENE!!" Arete bounded to the porch, through the door and grabbed the woman into a fierce hug. She forgot herself and gave the dowser a surprisingly intense, yet quick kiss, "Gods woman! " She set Iovene down. The curly haired Amazon couldn't help the grin, though Arete's tone was severe, "What were you thinking?!!" Arete prepared to really let loose, but Xena caught her attention with a quick shake of her head. The blonde closed her mouth, but gave Iovene another squeeze. "We'll talk later. I'm just glad to see you're okay."

"Never better," grinned Iovene. "In fact, I've got someone I think you're definitely going to . . ."

The crash of platter and silverware scattering filled the room, capturing and riveting their attention. Jacosta stood, her mouth agape and her hands still formed as if she were holding the items. Eudora was surprised, but the lanky woman was more so. Xena moved quickly and caught the woman before her head hit the ground.

---

28 | 29 | 31

---

Xenite Temple | Fan Fiction Site | Home Page

These pages were last updated: January 30, 1997

ŠAugust 1997