This story is an ongoing work in progress. The latest is posted at The Tavern Wall. Many talented bards have lent their skills to this piece, and their names are listed above their contribution.

Xena, Gabrielle, and other X: WP characters are the property of people who are not us, although we may wish they were! All other characters are the property of the bard who created them.

Contains some violence and sexual situations. Also contains some same sex partners.

Amazon Tribe - REBORN!
The adventures of the Tavern Wall Amazons

By Nightsong 

Nightsong picks her way among the fallen huts and broken walls of the former TW
Amazon camp. Her eyes far away with the memories of the people who dwelled
here and the events and stories they shared. No battle destroyed this village, no
army drove away its inhabitants. It's members simply faded away. Now she
stands at the foot of what was once the queen's hut and declares; 

AMAZONS AND AMAZONIES, NOW IS THE TIME TO REUNITE! 

Let the Tribe be reborn! 

By Shsway 

Young Shsway had always dreamed of being a warrior. Not just a scout, but a full
fledged member of the queen's personal guard. She was lucky enough to have
convinced Nightsong, an experienced fighter and hunter to be her mentor in this
task. 

Her outfit was an uncommon combination of almost beige colored leather with
gray wolf skin covering. The arrows at her back reflected her position as a scout,
while the newly crafted sword suggested a rank she had yet to obtain. Long,
straight brown hair hung down her shoulders, and moss colored eyes reflected
youthful enthusiasm, and the hunger to learn. 

On that particular day, she and Nightsong had been following some strange
tracks around the Amazon borders. Well, more like Shsway had tagged along. 

Shsway surveyed the woods suspiciously, glancing every now and then at the
glistening armor of her companion. 

By Ephfan 

Not far behind Nightsong and young Shsway was Ephfan. She was curious as to
what the two were up to so she followed silently behind. 

Ephfan was a warrior from the day she was born; she picked up her first staff at
a very young age and never looked back. There wasn't a weapon she couldn't
handle, but she truly worked magic when she fought with her staff. She preferred
basic, soft brown leathers - she didn't go for more elaborate outfits. Though she
did have to admit they looked good on Shsway. Bracers and boots completed her
look; her only jewelry was a lone earring. 

More than anything Ephfan wanted to bring the tribe back to its former glory. To
do that she needed to understand all in the village. That's why she was following
the warrior Nightsong and the youthful scout. Where were they going? What did
they have planned? 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong was aware of Ephfan's presence, but did not mention it to her young
companion. She knew that the tracks belonged to a group of about five
mercenaries, by the wear of their boots. She decided that this would be an
excellent opportunity to test Shsway and Ephfan. 

Her leathers were a mottled dark brown, allowing her to fade into her
surroundings with ease. Her Sword was strapped firmly to her back, it's woman's
symbol proudly displayed on its hilt. Her hair was a red brown, and her green
eyes changed color with her moods. A single feather hung from a beaded section
of her hair. She wore no jewelry, except for an armlet of gold that had been given
to her long ago by her mother, but that was in the past. 

Nightsong paused as she felt something amiss in the forest. There, the targets
were lying in ambush in the undergrowth up ahead. Nightsong motioned for
Shsway to go left while she went right. Ephfan was going to have to make her
own decision as to what to do, Nightsong thought. She began her approach, sword
still sheathed, and watched both women out of the corner of her eye. 

By Ephfan 

Ephfan watched Nightsong cock her head to the side and slide her eyes left and
right. She knew that Nightsong knew she was back there tracking the duo and
yet did not give her presence away to Shsway. Interesting. The warrior pulled up
when she obviously spotted something or someone. She then gestured to the
scout to go one way while she went the other. Ephfan waited for a signal, but
none was forthcoming so she decided to stay back in case help was needed.
Casting her emerald eyes through the woods, Ephfan gathered information and
she spotted the forms in the thick ground cover. She knew that Nightsong and
Shsway could take care of the opponents by themselves, but it was always a
good idea to have a lookout. If the ones in the bushes had some more buddies
lurking about, well Ephfan would get in there and help her sisters out. She jumped
up and grabbed a tree branch to swing herself up into lookout position. With this
view the brown-haired warrior watched her fellow amazons spring into action. It
was quickly apparent that she was going to be able sit this one out and just
watch; as she did she thought "you go girls. You're beautiful when you're angry".
She was ready to lay her staff down and settle in when she spotted a slight
movement behind Shsway. 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong quickly melted into the shadows to take the mercenaries by surprise.
As Shsway attacked in full view, Nightsong slipped behind two stragglers and
broke one's neck and used a knife edge chop to collapse the windpipe of the other
to drop them silently. She detected movement in the trees and found Ephfan
making herself comfortable. "Don't get to comfy," Nightsong thought, "There are
more here than you think." Nightsong spotted movement behind Shsway, and
silently drew her dagger, but did not throw it just yet. Nightsong watched Ephfan
to see what the Amazon would do. 

By Nike

Nike suddenly appeared and promptly stabbed the intruder behind Shsway in the
back. Well, that was easy...and bloody, she thought as she wiped off her dagger
on the edge of her boot with a disgusted face. 

"Long time, no see, NS." she said to her long time pal, who she had not seen
since the fall of the original Tavern Wall Amazon Tribe. She noticed two warriors
who she had not recognized from the old tribe, but was more than impressed with
their fighting skills...well, the one who was fighting, anyway. She introduced
herself with a quick, "Nike, hello!" (Sound familiar?) As she helped her sisters
defeat the attackers. 

Ephfan knew she had been discovered by yet another person when she saw her
gray eyes flicker up to the tree, but how Nike saw her up there she would never
know. She jumped down from her hiding place (startling Shsway greatly) and
finally took part in the battle. With her help, they were sure to win. 

By Shsway 

With a jump, and a slight scowl, Shsway noticed Ephfan's landing a few feet from
her position! 

"Damn, how do these guys do that?" she thought. It was obvious that this scout
was in need of more training. Looking at her bloody sword, she couldn't help but
notice the others had made far cleaner kills. She quickly wipe the blade on the
long grass with disgust, and even a little shame. Nodding gratefully at the amazon
who had greeted Nightsong, she looked over to Ephfan with a grin. "Like watching
me work do ya?" 

Well, at least she would be able to make an accurate report on what had
happened in the woods to the queen. She smiled at the thought, her majesty was
a beautiful woman indeed. In that way she was a little more fortunate, in that
she could get regular audiences with the young ruler. She did, however, wish she
could speak to her champion. Shsway's mentor and the other warriors greeted
the village hero as friends. With the hope that she could someday do the same,
Shsway walked over to the others. 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong smiled at Nike's greeting. It was indeed good to see the goddess of
victory again. Nightsong melted back into the shadows as Nike and Ephfan joined
the fray. She knew there was one more enemy unaccounted for. Nightsong took to
the trees, looking for her target. She thought how much faster and easier this
would be if she had on her hunting leathers, but ever since taking Shsway on as
an apprentice, she had to set an example and wear her bulkier battle leathers.
Ahh, there he is. The archer had been taken by surprise at the sudden Amazon
attack, and was now scrambling for a decent position from which to fire on
Nightsong's sisters. Nightsong crept silently toward the archer and grabbed his
bow just as he drew it back to fire at Shsway. He stumbled back at he reached
for his dagger, but Nightsong quickly drove his own arrow through his neck before
his hands could even touch his dagger. His body fell to the ground below, landing
at the feet of Nightsong's fellow Amazons. Nightsong jumped down after it and
landed soundlessly at their feet. Without a word, Nightsong tossed the new bow
to Shsway. It would be an improvement over her scout bow. Nightsong smiled as
she thought of how this battle would strike the queen. Shsway is improving, I'll
let her do all the talking this time. Smiling at her thought, Nightsong joined her
fellows as they made there way back to camp. 

By Eptalk 

Back at camp, EpTalk remained in waiting and hoping the tribe all were safe. It
seemed that is what EpTalk did best when danger was near as she always
became lost in camp or perhaps waiting near the river anxious to hear of the
victory. As much as EpTalk loved the strong will of the Amazon's and could hear
the stories of a good fight night and day, she accepted her own inability. Always
wishing the tribe well, EpTalk's mind drifted to the Warrior Princess and the bard
Queen, Gabrielle. For a brief moment she remembered the former camp and felt
sad. EpTalk then noticed some berries in the bush and wandered off in a direction
unknown to her (she has absolutely NO sense of direction, that one!). 

By Ephfan

With both Nightsong and Nike detecting her, and easily at that, Ephfan decided
there was no real point in trying to get comfy in the tree. If it's one thing
Amazons do almost as well as fight and party, it's giving you hades for being lazy
and wanting a break. And while she wasn't thrilled she had been spotted, at least
she knew only fellow amazons could have done it. 

"By the gods, she's jumpy," thought Ephfan as Shsway nearly came out of her own
skin when Ephfan hit the ground. "Gotta get that girl to the healer's for some
calming herbs when we get back." 

Ephfan jumped into the fight with typical amazon enthusiasm. A battle cry and
two swings from her staff later she found herself with an unconscious man at her
feet. When the others looked at her with surprise that she went from the tree to
the ground and into the fight so quickly she merely shrugged and smiled that
quirky grin. "Hey just 'cause I wanted to stay up there doesn't mean I couldn't do
some good down here". 

At least she had been able to see enough of the battle from the air to know that
the three women with her were good, damn good. She was quickly regaining faith
that the tribe was coming back stronger than ever. 

Before Ephfan could say, "where did Nightsong go off to?" a body came flying out
of the tree. "Ah, that's where she is!" Nike bent over to peer at the body and
cock her head at the arrow sticking out. "Guess the squirrels are starting to fight
back." 

With a well-earned laugh Ephfan stuck her arm out to Nike in a warrior's greeting.
"You must be Nike, good to meet ya." 

The mood was light as they headed back to the village. Being in a mischievous
mood Ephfan looked over at Nightsong and said, "how do you stand wearing those
battle leathers? Now me, I'll take a plain ole hunting outfit any day!". 

Ignoring the daggers coming out of Nightsong's eyes, she turned to Shsway and
told her how impressed she had been with her newfound battle skills. As Shsway
blushed, Ephfan said she didn't think she was going to be a scout much longer. 

Seeing the sun sinking lower the foursome picked up the pace. They all knew how
EpTalk worried when they were gone too long. While Ep didn't fight, she was an
inspiration to them all and she had the most amazing luck in finding strawberries. 

Eventually the conversation came around to the battle they'd just won. Nike and
Ephfan were both curious. "So how exactly did you two know those men were out
there and what were they doing there in the first place?" 

By Shsway 

Shsway shrugged, trying to feign nonchalance. "Actually, it was Nightsong who
discovered their tracks. I thought she might need some help, so I came along." 

Right, like a fish needed help swimming. Her mentor raised an eyebrow, Ephfan
grinned, and Nike knowingly rolled her eyes. Shsway suddenly found cleaning her
bracers an interesting task as she blushed again. She then formally introduced
herself to Nike, by extending her arm in a grip. 

"I owe you my life. Thank you for stepping in when you did." 

Hoping Ephfan was right about her upcoming change in status, Shsway joined the
others in walking to Eptalk's hut. Partly to assure their friend that they were
all right, and partly to see if she had made any of her delicious strawberry
desserts. The young scout quickly found that her stomach was grumbling, to the
amusement of her friends. 

By Eptalk 

EpTalk had gathered enough strawberries for all her friends of the new tribe but
couldn't quite find the direction to get back to camp. All the foliage looked the
same and north could be right, left, forward or back she thought. It was sad to
realize her friends might return to offer assurance of their safety and hope for a
lucious dessert to soothe the hunger after such fierce fighting. Oh well - the
strawberries were too tempting so she found a comfortable spot in the wooded
area to sit and enjoy her pickings of the day. Darkness would fall soon and there's
nothing more soothing than to sleep filling full from the shiny red strawberries. 

She yawned ....ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz 

By Nightsong 

When the Amazons did not find Eppie at home, the others decided to look for her.
Nightsong told the others she'd catch up later and went into her hut to change.
Off went the battle leathers as she slipped into her more comfortable and (to her)
more practical hunting leathers. These leathers were made of soft deerskin and
were designed for stealth and freedom of movement. This of course meant there
wasn't much to them. She had gotten rid of the skirt bottom in favor of a
thong-like bottom with slender flaps of leather in front and back for modesty's
sake. The top's shoulder straps crossed in back to offer more support. Her middle
was bare. She would fight in these leathers too, since they suited her fighting
style better, fast and deadly. The also made kills easier, for if the enemy was
focusing on her anatomy, then they weren't focusing on her sword. Sighing in
relief to be comfortable again, Nightsong headed out to join her fellows. She was
a hunter after all, they shouldn't be hard to find. 

By Ephfan 

"Where is that woman?" Ephfan thought as she poked in the bushes looking for
Eppie. They had arrived in the village to find her gone and quickly to decided to
go looking. They weren't particularly worried, she had a tendency to wander, get
lost, and decide to nap. Ephfan shook her head with a smile and thought "that
Eppie, Zeus love her, it's a good thing she's not a warrior." She'd be likely to sit
down in the middle of a battle and say "whoo, I'm tired". 

A slight noise, as close to silent as you could get, alerted her to the fact that
Nightsong had finished her task in the village and was joining them in the hunt. She
turned around to say "it's about time" and the words died on her lips. Nightsong
had changed her clothes, oh boy did she ever change clothes. Nightsong smiled
and asked if anyone had spotted signs of the missing amazon. "ummmmm, uhhhh,
ummmm, well........" "What is wrong with her" thought the barely dressed warrior,
"Ephfan, you ok?" "Uhhhh, yeah, fine, great, wonderful. I just remembered I needed
to do something." With that Ephfan jumped into the nearby stream. "Did she take
a hit in the head earlier?" thought Nightsong "that stream's waaaaaaaaaaaay too
cold to take a dip in." 
She was completely confused when she heard Ephfan say, "oh, that's MUCH
better!" 

By Shsway 

Shsway grinned as she watched her friend sprint off for the river. "You can cool
off, my friend" she thought, "But I'll stick around and take in the view." 

And what a view! Nightsong had emerged from the brush wearing a delightful
looking hunting outfit. It sure gave a whole new meaning to the word 'mentor'.
Shsway mentally slapped herself. Geez, first the queen, now Nightsong!
Battle-lust indeed! 

She remembered that they were supposed to be looking for Eppie. This time, she
focused her senses entirely in her surroundings. And then, she smelled it,
strawberries. Nightsong had obviously had the same thought as they looked at
each other, then motioned for Nike to follow. For the moment, Shsway saw no
need to draw her sword and possibly frighten her sleeping friend. 

Within minutes, Ephfan had waded out of the river, squeezing the water out of
her hair. With a knowing grin, she joined the scout on her left, as they followed
the other warriors. 

By Nightsong

Nightsong, Shsway, Nike, and the now dripping Ephfan literally followed their
noses to the sleeping Eppie. Nightsong bent down beside the sleeping Amazon.
"What a dear." Nightsong thought, "I should just let her sleep, but not here."
Nightsong gently scooped up the sleeping EpTalk in her arms and with a smile at
her fellow Amazons, headed for home. 

By Ephfan 

Just as they were getting close to the village Eppie woke up and somehow
managed to stretch and yawn in Nightsong's arms. Nightsong set her down on her
feet and Eppie finally got a good look at the outfit her rescuer was wearing, or
not wearing really. Shsway leaned over and whispered to Ephfan, "oh this is
gonna be good" while Nike said, "ten dinars says she passes out." Before the other
two could take her up on the offer, sure enough Eppie hit the ground out like a
light. Ephfan got a thoughtful look on her face and said, "she sure does have that
affect on a lot of women." Meanwhile Shsway and Nike were digging through
Eppie's pack looking for the berries. Nightsong just stood there thinking "Ephfan's
jumping into cold rivers, Eppie's passing out for no reason, Shsway has had that
goofy grin on her face all day. So far Nike's the only one acting normal. Maybe
some henbane got in the water." So once again Nightsong picked Eppie up and
walked into her hut to put her to bed, while outside there were three happy
Amazons munching on Eppie's booty. 

By Eptalk 

Eppie awoke with a jerk! Looked about to wonder how the hut became re-built.
Her last memory was raising her own hut with some kerosene she had taken from
the firebug, limbo. Umm - the thoughts returned to Eppie's mind slowly. She finally
made her way to the pull back the flap on the hut and glance out to catch a
sight of Shsway, Ephfan and Nike munching away on the "booty" as Nightsong
stood looking in amazement at the Amazon's who all fought well with her that
day. Eppie was overcome with guilt that she had failed to return to camp with
such wonderful strawberries to share with them all. Fish! Yes - some fish to serve
them at morning's light would be atonement. Quietly, EpTalk tippy toed off toward
the river with line and hook in hand (or something she thought was a line and
hook). "Here fishie...fishie...fishie" she whispered as she made distance between
herself and the camp. 

By Martman 

While the amazons were away, a sleek, stalking, dark-haired figure approached
the camp. Seeing it totally abandoned, he decided to enter the former queens
hut. He sat in her throne and thought "it use to be great here.. So many wonderful
people". He felt a tear come to his eye as he knew the amaozon/amazonie tribe
would never totally reclaim its former glory. Worse still, the young amazonie felt
incomplete as he sat upon the throne. Something was missing, something
important. But what? What could there be that he lacked? 

He sat on the throne looking at his trusty knife. Since the amazon tribe
splintered, he's been on his own - hunting, gathering, surviving, and building many
shrines and temples to the eternal bond between 2 soulmates - a bond that drew
him and so many other amazons together. But who were they? His memory was
a blank. His heart felt empty. He was incomplete. He...was without a soul. But
where had his soul gone? How did it escape him, and what secrets and knowledge
were contained therein? 

All the slender amazonie could do was sit there and stare at his cutting utensil
and wait for someone to arrive. 

By Nike

Nike finished eating the delicious berries Eppie had painstakingly picked and
scanned the area. She hadn't been here in a while, and headed off to the
Queen's old hut, for old time's sake. 

She almost yelped when she saw Martman sitting on the throne. 

"Martman, you look....incomplete." she said, almost teasingly, showing a far
darker side of her that hardly ever surfaced. 

"You know full well why I look incomplete. By the way, it's nice to see you again,
Nike." 

"You too, Marty." Suddenly, the tension in the air vanished and the two laughed
and hugged. "Come on, Nightsong and Eppie are outside, and there's two new
Amazons I want you to meet." 

They made their way outside as introductions and reunions were made. "Where's
EpTalk?" asked Marty. 

"I left her in her hut, asleep. But I'm sure she'd want to be awake to greet an old
friend." said Nightsong with a smile. They went to Eppie's hut, only to find she
was not there. 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong scanned Eppie's hut, and on finding her hook and line missing, knew
where she had gone. Nightsong smiled to herself, Eppie was one of the few
Amazons who could slip past her. She didn't know if it was an intentional act to
let the Amazon slip by or if Eppie was just that good. Maybe it was a
combination. Nightsong turned to Nike, "You know, you should really give back his
soul, after all, you didn't get him anything for his birthday." Nightsong grinned at
the expression on Nike's face, "After all, I did give him back his life." 

Nightsong looked at the horizon and the waning light she found there. She took a
strawberry from Eppie's pack and ate it slowly as she thought about what to do.
Eppie could take care of herself, but having her sleeping out in the forest would
not be good for the Amazons health. Nightsong decided to go fishing herself, but
there was no need for the others to come along. She left the others in
conversation about Marty's soul and disappeared into the forest. 

By Eptalk 

Ahh the sound of Nightsong's footsteps approaching were good to hear. Fishing
was good after the sun had turned in for the night. Eppie was pleased to have
caught a couple of the fishie, fishie's to share with her friends. After all, she had
only left a few of those lucious strawberries for them and had taken up time cuz
they had to fetch her from being lost. 

"Hi Nightie!" Ep smiled to see her companion join her near the water. Nightsong
always seemed to know when Eppie needed solitude or a shoulder just to lean on.


Nightsong sat and fished with EpTalk for a time and told her of Marty's sadness
for the thoughts of the former tribe. Eppie felt sad on that as well but really
became of a worry to hear the Amazonie Marty had possession of a knife. 

"Nightsong, can your bro clean fish? That is something I just cannot bring myself
to do. Normally I would want our catch placed back in the freedom of this river
but all that fighting surely has brought on a desire for nourishment." 

Eppie lost her preparatory train of thought. That happens a lot and suddenly
shouted to Nightsong... 

"Shed the nice duds babe! Let's go swimming !" 

SPLASH!

By Eptalk 

ARRrrrgh Crepes! "BuRrrr!" Ep quickly thinks the water is warmer at Iceland
~~than tonight. She knew her motivation wasn't swimming but her ever lasting
urge to think of reasons to get folks to shed the duds (clothes for those that
aren't use to this phenomenon). Eppie has always known she thought a nudist
tribe would be exciting but hearing even fig leaves are no longer allowed had her
re-think the idea. 

Nightsong stood on the bank laughing her arse off and still presenting a lovely
shape of patience with the crazy tribe friend. 

As luck would have it, a fish just jumped to EpTalk who claimed to have done the
fist-a-cuff but that one fish completed the catch. Now if only Nightsong will show
the way back to camp, perhaps she could also get Marty off the throne and give
him a useful task early in the morning. 

Walking back to camp, EpTalk reminded Nightsong of the wonderful feasts that
was once shared by the tribe. There would need to be much work to restore the
camp, the huts and certainly time given in honor of Queen Gabrielle and her
Warrior Princess. Even when they were absent, Eppie missed the ceremonies in
their honor (especially the dancing and drums!) and some discussion of X & G
from time to time. 

Nightsong listened closely and as always was kind and sweet to Eppie and her
ranting words. Several times Ep was about to walk in the wrong direction but
Nightsong took lead as Eppie followed her friend back toward the
Amazon/Amazonie camp. 

(Not a bad view to bring up the rear, Eppie thought. Ooh fish ~~~smell she also thought as
they walked.) 

By Martman 

As Nightie and Eppie headed back to camp, Nike and Marty were talking about
Marty's soul. 

"I need my soul to be complete, Nike. There are so many things that I don't have
answers to: why I joined this tribe, why I love the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle
so much, and others. All of the answers are kept in my soul, and now I don't have
it." 

The young amaozonie tried not to make Nike cry, but was unsuccessful, as tears
started rolling down her face. 

"I'm sorry. I was just having fun. I didn't mean to deprive you of your memories." 

Now the amazonie felt guilty. "It's not your fault, Nike. I know you were just
having a good time. But I need my soul back." 

Nike promised to give the soul back as soon as possible, but right now, was more
worried that Marty would be mad at her. 

"No Nike. I'm not mad at all. You're still a dear dear friend to me." The amazonie
gave Nike a reassuring hug, and promised that he held no grudge. With that
reassurance, Nike stopped crying, and began to enjoy herself again. 

The 2 friends decided to sit patiently and wait for Nightie and Eppie to return. 


By Ephfan 

The four in the village watched Nightsong melt into the woods in search of Eppie.
They turned to each other and introductions were made to the newest tribe
members. As Nike and Marty talked about the lose of his soul Ephfan leaned over
and whispered into Shsway's ear. "I don't know what this soul business is about
but I'll watch your back if you watch mine so no one steal ours." Shsway nodded
in agreement and they shook hands to seal the deal. 

Ephfan excused herself and headed to her hut. As good as that cold water had
felt at the time, wet leathers were a bacchae to deal with when they started
drying and shrinking. She changed into a set of casual white leathers and walked
back to the doorway. She peeked out and was satisfied that Shsway, Nike, and
Marty were deep in conversation. She retrieved the pack she had hidden under
her bed. She took it to her desk, pulled out a fresh scroll, and began to chronicle
the day's events. 

Ephfan hadn't let anyone know that she was a wannabe bard. Even though their
lovely queen was a wonderful story teller, Ephfan still wasn't ready to let her
fellow villagers in on the secret. It was hard for a warrior to admit she liked
something that didn't involve weapons. She finished her story, put everything
away, and headed back to her buddies. 

She noticed Shsway toying with a staff so she asked her if she would like to do
some sparring. She said that sounded great so the two new amazons headed to
the practice grounds. The left Nike to deal with the emotions and mechanics of
Marty's soul retrieval. 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong watched as Eppie and Marty reunited. It looked like all was well again.
Nightsong headed off and watched Ephfan and Shsway practicing with staffs for
a time before wandering off to her favorite meditation spot. She tried to clear her
mind, but memories would not leave her. She thought of the old tribe, as well as
her life before joining it. What most of the Amazons didn't realize was that
Nightsong wasn't born an Amazon. She had come from a place far north of here,
from a land of everlasting ice. She guessed by Greek standards, her people were
barbarians, but they had been the toughest warriors ever. Nightsong sighed and
arose, there would be no meditation tonight. She said a few prayers for her past,
and as she had promised her mother, made up a new song on the way back to
camp. 

By Shsway 

To be honest, Shsway was a little nervous about facing Ephfan with a staff.
Everybody knew that the weapon was her fellow warrior's specialty skill, and she
had never been very good at handling one. She even took a beating from Queen
Gabrielle herself once, not long after completing her training with Eponin. 

Still, she hoped her apprehension wouldn't show, especially as it seemed
Nightsong would stick around for awhile. With a short prayer to Artemis, she
headed to the practice field. 

As Ephfan stretched her muscles, Shsway twirled the staff a couple of times to
get the feel of the wood's weight. Finally, taking a protective stance, she put on
her best stoic expression and faced her opponent. Ephfan just grinned in silent
understanding. In minutes, the resounding crack of their blows echoed throughout
the camp. 

Shsway attempted a leg sweep, which her friend easily jumped. It left her open
for a few seconds as Ephfan struck out at her ribs, narrowly stopping the blow.
Her hands were beginning to sting, her back to sweat. With a stroke of luck, the
end of her staff connected with Ephfan's jaw, only to be returned
unceremoniously by the other warrior at her thigh. "Uhhhhf" she groaned. 

Still, they were both enjoying this release of energy. How long they could keep it
up was impossible to tell, but Shsway could feel herself getting numb in her
ankles. Thankfully, Nightsong headed for the woods just then, probably to
meditate. Her mentor wouldn't see her tiring defeat... 

By Ephfan 

While Shsway wasn't an expert in staff, Ephfan could see the potential there. The
fundamentals were in place and with practice, the soon to be ex-scout would
shortly be handling a staff as well as she did her bow. In fact Shsway got a really
good shot in at Eph's jaw. A blow Eph may have avoided if Nightsong hadn't
shown up wearing that outfit; it was just too distracting. The warrior smiled,
waved and headed to the woods for some quiet time. "Glad she's gone" thought
Eph, "Shsway's got some power and I don't want to take another hit." She could
see the young woman tiring and remembering the Amazon creed "Never disgrace,
always teach" Eph called the session to a halt. 
After catching their breaths they headed back to the village with Shsway asking
staff technique questions. Since great amazon minds think alike, both were
hoping Eppie, Nike, and Marty had done some cooking while they were gone.
Thinking of the other Amazon saying "Never give a youngster a break" Eph got a
few steps ahead of Shsway, looked over her shoulder with a grin and yelled "Race
ya, last one there cleans the fish!" and took off. Giggling at the curses she heard
behind her, Ephfan turned on the speed going full out to the village. 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong smiled as Ephfan came tearing through the camp. With a mischievous
grin, Nightsong stepped into Ephfan's path. The Amazon saw her and tried to
dodge, noticed her outfit once again, and stumbled. Nightsong caught her falling
Amazon sister gently and caught her eye and smiled at Ephfan, "You need to
watch were you are going, my sister." Shsway raced by, laughing as she went,
but Ephfan didn't seem to mind to much. Nightsong smiled warmly at her Amazon
sister, "Now what was that remark about my battle leathers?" 

By Shsway 

Shsway was laughing so hard at her friend's distraction that she almost tripped
on her race to the food hut. Her lungs were burning from the days exertion, but
she could picture Ephfan gutting fish, so she kept going. 

Once inside, she collapsed into an empty seat on one of the longbenches.
Everyone was already eating and Eppie was dishing out the portions. 
Shsway had barely caught her breath when she gasped: a beautiful, blonde
amazon was sitting next to her wearing a paralizingly sexy smile. No doubt
amused by her fellow amazon's ragged and sweaty appearance. 

Blushing, Shsway said a quick 'hello' before making her way to Eppie for her fish.
She would have to thank Nightsong later for playing a part in having gotten a
seat next to the gorgeous amazon.

By Ephfan 

The race was hers, Ephfan thought as she entered the village. Suddenly
Nightsong was right in front of her. "Easy enough to get around" she said to
herself and then she made the mistake of taking her eyes off Nightsong's face
and looking at her body. The next thing she knew she was in Nightsong's arms
and Shsway blew by them laughing the whole way. When Nightsong made it clear
this was payback for her earlier comment, Ephfan thought "if this is the
punishment, I'm gonna have to get into trouble more often." 

The two warriors headed to the food hut and when they entered saw Shsway
breathing heavy and seated next to a beautiful woman. Nightsong looked over
and said "so, do you think it was the race or the woman next to her that's got
her out of breath?" "Bet I know which stream she's gonna end up in" muttered
Ephfan as they headed over to join the crowd. 

Eppie headed over with two plates of food for the warriors. "Ep, what would we
do without you?" asked Ephfan with a warm smile. "Oh, by the way, I'm in charge
of cleaning the fish tomorrow, tell me when you need me." At this, Shsway nearly
spewed her drink over her table mates. "Let me tell you friend, you're never
gonna get that smell off your hands." In a move that showed she could still be
playful, Ephfan launched a carrot across the table at Shsway. 

Just as an all-out food fight was set to start, Nike came bursting through the
door wild-eyed and blood running from a cut on her upper arm. "They took him, I
tried to fight them but there were too many. I can't believe they kidnapped
Marty!" 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong was on her feet in a second, her eyes dark green with her anger. "Who
were they and which way did they go?" Nightsong asked in a cold tone. Nike
explained that she and Marty went down to the river, reminiscing about the old
days, when they had been ambushed by muraders. The two warriors had fought
with all their might, but the enemy managed to knock Nike unconscious. When she
awoke, the muraders and Marty were gone. Eppie quickly took charge to organize
the Amazons into search parties to find the muraders. The Amazons quickly ran to
the area where Nike and Marty had been attacked. As the Amazons looked for
clues, Nightsong silently fell back. She unsheathed her sword and whispered, "If
they have hurt you, my brother, may the Gods help them!" With that, she took to
the trees, vengeance shining in her eyes. 

By Nike

Nike watched her sister walk to the trees, in what she hoped was an attempt to
find their brother. She returned, with no luck finding tracks or clues. 

"What exactly did the muraders look like?" asked Ephfan. 

"Well, it's all a blur, it was so fast. I do remember all of them having a red symbol
on their upper arm, right about where my cut is..." 

"...as if they were trying to leave their mark on you." finished Nightsong.
Somehow, this all seemed familiar. 

"Yeah." said Nike. Her gray eyes met with Nightsong's green, in moment know only
as, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" 

"Why don't we split up and look for Marty? It's all we can do now, the sun's low.
We can set out tomorrow." suggested Shsway. 

"Good idea. I'll be right back." Nike ran to the camp to slip into her dark brown
hunting leathers, and a pair of gauntlets that had always brought her luck. They
were black with a silver metal symbol of a midday sun. The unique symbol was
also on her belt. Nobody knew what they meant, and nobody asked, so she
wasn't telling. 

"OK people, let's go." said Nike as she raced back to the river. Eptalk had found
some tracks leading North, and Shsway had found some leading South.
Barbarians....they would go separate ways just to piss me off! 

Noticing the strange look of complete rage on her new friend's face, Ephfan
inched a little further away from Nike. 

"OK, me, Ephfan and Eppie will take North. You and Nike take South." Everyone
was a bit surprised by the young scout's sudden authority, but all agreed
Shsway's plan WAS good, so they went their separate ways and agreed to meet
back at the same place by the river a little after nightfall. 

By Ephfan 
After warnings to be careful the amazons split up. Eppie was shaking from worry
and anger. Shsway and Ephfan both assured her that when they caught up to
the thugs, and they would, they would pay dearly. Even though the two had just
met Marty that day they had quickly been drawn in by his charm. They knew that
he had to special to have been awarded such a position in their tribe and they
weren't about to stand by and see him hurt. 

They spread out in a line being careful to keep one another in sight. Eppie was in
the middle since she carried no weapons, Shsway was on her left with the bow
her mentor had given her earlier, and Ephfan was on her right. Everyone had been
surprised when Eph had strapped her sword on when they left the village. The
sword was rarely seen as it had belonged to the lovely healer Ephfan had bonded
with, the same one that had died in her arms a few years earlier. When that
sword was on her back everyone knew that Eph meant business. 

They slowly proceeded so as to not miss any clue that might be vital. Shsway's
scouting skills were working overtime and she was pretty sure they had followed
the false trail. She was about to voice her thoughts when two rage-filled yells
came from the opposite side of the forest. Weapons out and ready, the amazon
trio rushed to Nightsong and Nike. 

By Martman 

The young amazonie woke with a start. He was sprayed with cold water, and
slapped in the face by the marauders. 

"Wake up!" They barked. 

"Uhhhgg.." was all Marty could say as he had been roughed up and knocked
unconscious by his attackers. 

"Wake up maggot!" The leader repeated. He was tall with a dark complexion, and
wore a black outfit with a red tunic over his head to cover his identity. After a
kick to the gut, the amazonie was wide awake. 

"What do you want with me sleaze?" he barked. 

"We want to destroy the amazon tribe once and for all, by kidnapping you, we're
gonna draw your amazon sisters into the open and slay them all." 

"Like hell you will, scuzbucket!! My sisters are tough ladies, and they wont let me
be held hostage without a fight. They're gonna make you pay dearly, so I suggest
you let me go and run away as fast as your damn legs can carry you!" 

After spitting in the leaders face, the amazonie received some brutal kicks and
punches. 

"The amazon tribe disbanded of its own accord. It should've stayed that way. But
now that they're back together, they pose a threat to our kingdom. We're gonna
eliminate you all! HAHAHAHAHAH!" 

"Try it. just try it," the amazonie said. "But you'll never win! Oh and one last
thing. If I manage to break free, I'm gonna be sure to kill you all!!!" 

"YOU!? KILL US??? ha! Don't make me laugh," barked the leader. you're a little runt
and barely worth capturing to begin with!" 

Marty looked at them with a sinister smile. "But I don't have a soul. I lost my
heart, and my compassion. You all! Even at your despicable worst still have some
shred of humanity in you. Without my soul, I have none! So I suggest that you
make damn sure that I don't escape!!" 

Although the amazonie was quite small in comparison to his captures, the look in
his eyes backed up his claim. A shaman of the marauders felt Marty's body and
confirmed what was said. 

"Impossible! He is without soul! he's not human!!" 

Panicking, the marauders reinforced the guards surrounding the amazonie, and
proceeded to knock him out again to ensure he remain still. 

"Lets hope you know what your doing Xanatos," said the leader's second in
command. 

"Don't worry," Xanatos barked. I have things under control. By this time tomorrow,
the Amazon tribe will be DEAD! 

By Shsway 

Shsway's senses ran cold with dread, as she, Ephfan and Eppie crossed
effortlessly through the trees in long but hurried strides. She hoped that they
would get there in time to help out Nightsong and Nike. Remembering Ephfan's
silent observation in her earlier battle, she motioned for her friend to once more
take to the trees. That done, she tossed a jeweled dagger she kept in her boot
to Eppie. 

"Ep, please take this in case you have to defend yourself. No, don't argue with
me! Marty may need you to free him while we fight, and I will not risk the both of
you getting killed!" 

With that, Eppie nodded and stuck close to Shsway until the opportunity came
for her to intervene. 

By Shsway 

As they neared a clearing, the trio came upon the reason for their friends' battle
screams. 

Nightsong was giving a big burly marauder with a cutlass type weapon the old
one-two, while Nike kept a couple of his equally smelly-looking companions at
bay! 

At the other end of the camps bright blaze stood a rack, to which their amazonie
brother Marty was tied to. Two men stood by taunting him, though he didn't
seem in the least afraid. "I knew his heart was fierce when I met him" Shsway
thought with pride. One man was clearly a shaman, while the other was a tall,
ruddy specimen with an odd red tunic covering his face. 

"What are the bets that he's the leader?" Eppie whispered fiercely. Both looked up
at Ephfan, who motioned that she was going in to help her sisters. 

"I think you're right my friend," said Shsway. Then with a cold look in her eyes
and a snarl in her voice she declared "He's mine." 

She and her companion agreed that while Eppie cut Marty loose, Shsway would
take out the leader. The shaman looked like easy pickings. 

Without warning, they saw Ephfan leap from a tree on said shaman. Eppie an
Shsway looked at each other and chuckled. Yup, REAL easy. With that, they
leaped into action. 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong battled toward her Amazon brother, and all who got in her way died a
very bloody death. With a scream that chilled the blood, she threw herself at
Marty's guardsmen. Blood sprayed as she left them in very many pieces. While
Nightsong believed in quick kills, these scum had hurt her brother, and for that
they must pay! She saw Shsway heading for the leader, "Oh no you don't, my
apprentice, that pleasure is not just yours!" With that, she ran to Shsway's side. 

By Eptalk 

Nightsong ran toward the direction of Shsway. These Amazon's are very
impressive, Eppie thought. Eppie was glad to find Marty alive and even battered
he gave a smile and a look of bravery. Since she was closest to Nike and still
holding the jeweled dagger tight in her hand, Eppie passed the dagger quickly to
Nike saying, "here, I can't do this. All of you will care for Marty. I have faith in
you all. I'm going back to camp, I can find my way this time." 

With that Eppie turned and walked back in the same direction. She made it
quickly and safely back to camp. It worked to pay close attention this time to the
direction of travel in this much darkness, she thought. 

Inside her hut, Eppie lit a small candle and found her pen and a scroll. Like
Ephfan, Eppie had moments that she wished to have the talents of a bard but
she wasn't ready to commit herself to what surely had expectations. Eppie did
write a note for her Amazon and Amazonie friends. 

I can't do this. Today has made me think of many things. One is that I'm not an
Amazon by my very nature. The time for me to change has long passed. I know
you all will care for one another. I wish all the tribe well. Take care and prosper,
always! 

Eppie placed the note in the Queen's hut and headed in direction that Nightsong
had told her earlier was south. Eppie felt this choice was her true destiny. 

By Martman 

Marty, even in all his pain and still tied up, looked concerned for Eppie. 

"Why is she leaving," he thought. There'd be plenty of time to worry about that
later 

Right now, Marty was worried cuz Nightie and Shsway were running out of steam.
Some of the remaining marauders were beating them badly and hurting them.
Enraged, he demanded Nike let him go. Once she did, he took the knife and
charged at Nightie's attacker who was about to kill her. 

He pounced on top of him and sliced him open with his knife and pierced his black
heart. A look of rage, hate, and contempt pervaded the amazonie's eyes as he
ruthlessly slaughtered the marauder. 

A loud yelp came from Shsway as another marauder tackled her and prepared to
kill her. "Die amazon!," he screamed. 

the amazonie yelled, "NOBODY HURTS MY SISTER!!" as he threw the knife at the
attacker and impaled the weapon in the attacker's head. Shsway got up and ran
to hug her brother as did Nightie. 

"are you two all right?" Marty said. 

"Sure are bro," they said in unison, a look of worry etched on their faces from
the beating their brother took. 

Marty stood himself up and told his sisters he was fine, but that he had some
business to attend to. 

With a shriek that would make Xena soil herself, the amazonie threw himself into
action, slaying ever marauder that came his way. His bloodlust was insatiable, his
anger unchecked, his heart totally blackened. Without his soul, there was no
stopping the beast within until he slayed every damn marauder 

By Ephfan 

"Ya shoulda played nice shaman" Ephfan growled as she broke his nose with her
sword hilt. He slid silently to ground and she looked up to see Eppie heading for
Marty. She got him cut loose and fell into his arms in relief. Marty took the dagger
from Ep and put her behind him, away from harm. 

Shsway meanwhile was doing some real damage to the leader so Ephfan looked
towards Nightsong and Nike. Seeing quite a few of the enemy in their area,
Ephfan headed their way. With a smile that betrayed her excitement she yelled to
Marty "you've got our backs bro!" He touched the dagger to his forehead in salute
and went toward the thug edging closer to Shsway. 

Suddenly a large barbarian managed to grab Nightsong from behind. Ephfan was
close enough to hear him say that he was gonna have a lot of fun with his
captive before he killed her. As she went by Nike, Ephfan grabbed the knife Nike
had just deposited in a man's neck. She looked Nightsong in the eye and didn't
even have to say "duck". The next thing Nightsong knew the man was falling to
the ground with a knife sticking out of his chest. "No one, least of all a sleaze like
you, leers at an amazon that way and lives." Ephfan told him as he took his last
breath. 

Nike, Nightsong, and Ephfan then fell into a back-to-back-to-back circle
formation and proceeded to take care of the remaining men. 

When the last one was down they ran over to Shsway, Marty, and Eppie. Shsway
had worn the leader down and Marty snuck in behind him to restrain his arms and
subdue him. Before any of the warriors could say a word Eppie walked up to the
leader and looked him straight in the eye. "You suck!" she yelled and then she
cocked her arm back and let it fly. 

Shocked silence followed when he landed at Eppie's feet. After a bit Ep broke the
silence, "that hurt, that really, really hurt!" With that the others moved into
action. All of the men still alive were tied up securely. They would wait for them
to wake up and then take them back to the village for interrogation. In the
meantime Ephfan told Eppie she would take her to the stream so she could soak
her hand. Nightsong and Nike said that when they got back they would tell all of
them why this whole thing seemed familiar to them. They had grim looks on their
faces as they said this; Ep and Eph looked at each other. Both were thinking that
whatever it was, it wasn't good. 

By Ephfan 

Ephfan woke up and realized she was on the ground with her friends gathered
around her. "Wha, wha, what the Hades happened?!!!!!!!!" Nike leaned down and
told her she had gotten blind-sided and went down for awhile. Ephfan looked
around seeing bodies everywhere, but no Eppie. "Wow, I dreamed about the
battle while I was out. Someone needs to fill me in." 

By KiwiXenite

The KiwiXenite crept quietly into the camp of the marauders, scroll in hand. He
checked the scroll, and looked carefully at the face of their leader. This man had
killed the many people from his town, and his capture would lead to much joy. 

He stepped out of the shadows. "This man is responsible for many murders in my
town. Is there anyone here who would deny me his head?" 

The small group of warriors became silent. They turned, and only now saw the
giant of a man who strode into the clearing, a staff in one hand, a scroll in the
other. 

"I am the KiwiXenite, of a small town called Christchurch. I have followed these
men for many moons, and you have helped me greatly by defeating them. Again,
does anyone here deny me this man's head?" 

By Martman 

"Craig!" the amazonie shouted. 

I admire your determination to capture the leader, and your desire to avenge your
towns people. But *I* want his head! He captured me, beat me up, and
threatened my amazon sisters." 

Marty saw that Craig wouldn't budge, so he decided to compromise. He would let
Craig have the leaders head as long as he got the pleasure of severing it himself 

By Nike

Marty's turning into a bloody killer! Maybe I should give him his soul back....if I
could find it. Nike tried not to look suspicious and listened to conversation
between Craig and Marty. 

Marty took a sword and stood over the man. All looked on intently until somebody
shouted, "WAIT!" 

All eyes turned to Nike in annoyance. "Well, aren't we taking him back to the
village for interrogation? I mean, we want to know who they are....and where
they're from." she added, remembering the marks on their upper arms. 

"NO! I have to kill him! He must pay!" yelled Marty. 

"Look, you can...kill him when we get back to the village. After we know what's
going on. OK?" said Ephfan. 

Marty needed his soul. His bloodlust was scary, to say the least. At last, they got
back to camp and began the interrogation. 

By Nightsong 

After the battle had ended, Nightsong helped her wounded brother to camp and
then went to find Eppie in her hut. Upon finding her note, Nightsong quietly
slipped out to find her friend. She found her friend making her way along the river.
She landed near her longtime friend. 
"Don't try to stop me Nightie!" Eppie said. 
"I wouldn't dream of it, you would only hate me for making you go back. I assume
you have a reason and a plan?" Nightsong looked at her friend and teacher
expectantly. 
"I'm just to old to be of use, Nightie. I can't fight and I slow you all down. It is
just my time to leave." 
"Well," Nightsong replied, "if that is your wish, I will respect it. But I do have one
request." 
"And what is that, Nightie?" replied Eppie with suspicion in her voice. 
"Well, just two things really. One, that you go and live in the nearby village so
you can visit and I can visit you. And the second is that you take this."
Nightsong handed Eppie a round device that had a clear top. Around the top
where the letters N,E,S,W running sundial-wise around the outside. Within the
inside, a metal needle floated on some water incised with the bauble. 
"It's called a compass, my people use it to navigate. The needle always points
North, so you will never be lost again." Nightsong placed the compasses leather
thong around Eppie's neck and then kissed her forehead. "Can you do those things
for me, my friend?" 
"Yes, Nightie, I will." Eppie said with tears glistening in her eyes. 
"I love you Eppie, you have taught me so much!" Tears ran down Nightsong's face
as she hugged her friend and teacher. 
"I love you too, Nightie." 

By KiwiXenite

Once back at the camp, Craig lifted the leader of the marauders from the ground
with one hand, and presented him to the Amazons. 

His voice rang out, so that all the Amazons could hear him. "Amazons, and Marty!
My townspeople do not desire vengeance. We desire justice. This man is evil, but
he is still human. We do not need to kill him for justice. 

"I have been empowered by my leaders to deal with him as I see fit. I am a judge
for my town. Our Queen has allowed me to carry her seal, and act in her name." 

The Amazons were spellbound, stunned silent by the powerful voice of this giant,
a man who stood more than a head taller than any other person present. They
listened, their eyes on him. 

Craig now addressed the bound man he held in front of him. 

"Your men have been tried in absentia by our court, and have been found guilty
of murder, rape, robbery and arson. They are all sentenced to 1 week in the
stocks, and 20 years imprisonment. I shall return them to my home town, unless
the Amazons would rather deal with them. 

"Your sentence was similar, but as a judge, and representative of my Queen, I
have the power to change it. 

"Therefore, I order that you be given over to the Amazon tribe, to be dealt with
as they see fit." 

A murmur started among the Amazons. This was more than they had expected. 

"When can I kill him!?" Marty demanded. "Lemme at him!" 

"After we have interrogated him, Marty," Nike said. "He has answers for us." 

"Perhaps you'd like to stay awhile? You must be tired, and a good meal, and some
sleep would not go astray," an Amazon offered. 

"Thank you for your hospitality. I accept your offer, on one condition: that I cook
the meal," Craig said. 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong returned to camp to find it in an uproar. "What the devil is going on?"
Nightsong thought to herself as she headed for the main hut. She needed to find
some answers. 

By Littlearsonist

Littlearsonist while taking a quiet stroll, with her love, happens upon all this
carnage and looks around confused. Thinking she's better off staying out of this
one, she rolls a conveniently fallen log over to where she thinks is a better view, and pats beside her inviting her sweetheart to sit and watch the show with her. 

As she puts an arm around her sweety, she considers going after Eppie knowing her ability with directions. Then again the amazon could take care of herself. So instead, she sits and watches with amusement. 

By Ephfan 

The group secured the prisoners and decided to meet in the main hut to decide
who would question the leader. There wasn't one among them that argued when
Craig insisted on cooking. Ephfan was getting rather cranky from hunger and had
gotten to the point of wanting to break prisoners' legs just for the fun of it. 

Sitting around a table in the hut Ephfan looked at her sisters and brother. 

Shsway looked stunned, which was to be expected. There was no doubt left that
this young woman had graduated to warrior status this day. The tribe would
continue to take advantage of her scouting skills, but Shsway would never again
be held back from battle because of the fear she couldn't handle the fighting.
From what Ephfan heard of the battle, she knew she'd let Shsway guard her back
anytime. 

Nike sat with a thoughtful look on her face. Ephfan had asked her on the way
back to the village what the marks on the men's arms meant. Nike told her that
she couldn't remember. She knew she had encountered them in the past but just
couldn't remember where. Ephfan felt sorry for her new friend as she watched her
battle with her memory. 

Marty's eyes were still blazing with bloodlust. She was hoping the meal to come
would soothe him. "After we clear up this mess with the thugs I'm gonna have to
have a talk with Nike about getting his soul back to him" she thought. 

Her thoughts turned to Eppie. She had been stunned when they found the note in
her hut. "I want Eppie to be happy, but it will be so different here without her and
I've never been good at hunting strawberries," she said to herself. 

Nightsong walked into the hut looking as if she had traded places with Atlas and
had the weight of the world on her shoulders. She filled them in on what had
happened with Eppie and in turn the group told her the news of the village. 

Craig walked in loaded down with food and it smelled delicious. As she attacked
the dinner Ephfan thought that they were gonna have to ask Craig to stay in the
village, this man was good! 

After the meal it was decided that sleep was needed and the interrogation would
take place the next day. They would all sit in on it so that no question would go
unasked. In the Center Square the group said their good nights. "Oh, by the way"
said Nightsong "I noticed two observers when I came back but they seem
friendly." 

Each headed to their huts with the same thought in their head "It was a good
day fighting." 

By Shsway 
Shsway quietly said her good-byes to all of her friends and made her way home. In
a way, sleep would be a comfort after the wholly tiring day everyone had 
experienced. She thought quietly about Marty's capture and rage, the bravery of 
her sisters, and the commanding figure that was their new friend Craig. And an 
excellent cook at that. 
She was also saddened by Eppie's departure, but she had heard from Nightsong 
her reasons for going and respected them. Still, she would miss one of the 
village's wisest women. 

As she neared her door, hands fiddling with her new bow, she felt someone 
watching her. A quick glance to her right told her that the blonde amazon whom 
she had met earlier was standing nearby. Blue eyes bore into brown as she 
approached. 

"I heard you and the others got in a tussle." she remarked quietly. 

Shsway shifted her weight to her right foot. "Yes, a lot of things happened really 
fast. We have the men who attacked us in custody and the Queen will set up a 
hearing tomorrow on their case." 

The other woman moved closer and offered her hand. "We haven't been properly 
introduced. I'm Alaya." 

The young scout took her hand and kissed it. "I'm Shsway, acting scout of the 
village." 

"I gathered by your arrows, but why do you carry a sword?" she smiled
curiously. 

"I'm in training to become a warrior, hopefully a member of her majesty's guard 
someday. For now, I serve under a mentor." 

An impish grin lighted Alaya's face. "I hope that is purely in the professional 
sense." 

Shsway raised an eyebrow, then blushed as the meaning came to her. "Uhhh,
yes. Yes indeed." She looked at the moon above. "It's kind of late and I need to rest 
for the trial tomorrow. May I see you at breakfast?" The scout looked hopefully at her companion. 

Alaya nodded. "Count on it. See you then." 

"Goodnight," Shsway watched as Alaya began to walk to the other side of the 
village. Under normal circumstances the young woman would have accompanied her
to her home. But exhaustion had taken its toll, and she entered her own hut for 
some much needed rest. Shs wondered if her amazonie brother would get the 
satisfaction of taking the marauders' leader down. 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong gazed out into the starry night. From her vantagepoint, she could see
the tribe heading for bed one by one. She also noticed the meeting between her
apprentice and the lovely blonde she had met earlier. Nightsong smiled as Shsway
finished talking to the woman and heading into her hut for a well-earned rest.
"The lady is maturing." Nightsong said to herself. She touched the feather in her
hair and smiled. "Soon, when the time is right, you and I will take a trip to my
homeland. And when you return, my apprentice, you will truly be a warrior." With
that thought lighting a smile on her face, Nightsong turned her face to the night
breeze and sang softly to the distant stars. 

By Ephfan 

"Arrroooogh, Arrrooooogh..." "Son of a bacchae, not again" yelled Ephfan as she
stumbled out of bed to the window. "Dammit Nightsong, if you don't stop singing
to 'sister moon' I'm gonna come out there with my staff and leave splinters in
your butt so big you won't sit for a week!" 
From across the village Nike's voice rang out "give us a break and worship auntie
sun tomorrow would ya?" 
Convinced all would now be quiet Ephfan went back to her bed. It really wasn't
that she minded the howling, heck she'd been known to do it herself after an
Amazon party, but she had been having the best dream when she was awakened.
The dream, though it felt more like a premonition, was about a beautiful woman
warrior with curly blonde hair and incredible gray eyes. She was calm, cool, and in
complete control, just the type Ephfan loved. 
Hoping she would fall back into the dream, Ephfan closed her eyes. 

By Shsway 

The next morning, the interrogation began. Since Nike was the only one who
could keep a relative cool composure in their presence, she would be the one to
address the questions. The others stayed back in benches they had strategically
placed to view the proceedings. Marty's amazon sisters Shsway and Nightie held
on to him for fear that he would try to remove THE MARAUDERS's souls forcibly. 

From her royal throne, Queen Gabrielle would watch the proceedings with
interest, making the final decision once all the evidence had been gathered. She
wore what looked like s soft elk skin, though a great amount of it there wasn't.
As usual, her abdomen was bare. Her amazon skirt hung to the floor in long strips,
showing a generous amount of thigh muscle. Her top was sleeveless, laced in the
back, but with a somewhat modest cleavage cut. On her neck hung her necklace
of blue amazon beads. 

"To think that Ephfan and I have both recently added more to that necklace"
thought Shsway with pride. She tried not to stare too hard, as all could not help
but notice her majesty's champion, standing to her immediate left. She wore her
usual leathers, but also a cape of dark blue which hung to her neck by a royal
emblem, establishing her position in the tribe. Every now then, it warmed the
hearts of the amazon's to see their eyes meet, and the smiles that they gave
each other. 

Shsway and the others now turned to the front, as Nike stepped forward before
the queen. The 4 prisoners were brought before the hearing by a couple of the
royal guards. The scout watched them go by with envy. She didn't notice
Nightsong and Ephfan as they exchanged glances and grinned at the obvious
expression on her face. 

The trial was about to begin... 

By Eptalk 

Several moons had come and gone for Eppie after leaving the tribe. She was at
peace knowing she wouldn't have to make choices during battles or even worse,
slow her more agile sisters and feel to be a distraction. Eppie had not taken
Nightsong's suggestion to live in a nearby camp since solitude seemed a better
choice to her for the moment. With the compass her dearest sister had given her,
Eppie wandered about enjoying all of the scenery in the direction of the south.
She felt in no danger because her skills to hide completely out of sight at any
sound nearby had become quite good. Only fear of sounds in the night would
concern Eppie. She managed to overcome her fears with marshmallows and sit
close to the blazing fire she always kept. 

Time was of no concern and Eppie realized she really hadn't made much distance.
With the weather still fair and a week's worth of blissful rest, Eppie thought of
visiting the tribe. Her mind considered if being a visitor wasn't better than feeling
commitment. Ah ha! Perhaps a solution to the burdens that commitments make
had come to her at last. 

Freedom to roam - that was the key! Not to feel tied in one spot or need to
agree, disagree, participate or remain quiet and alone at will. Yes! Yes! I can do
that Eppie's thoughts shouted. 

Clearing up her latest camping area and insuring the fire cinders were completely
out, Eppie took compass in hand and began walking back in the direction of the
tribe. 

By Nike

"My Queen..." Nike began as she approached Gabrielle, "These men have been
tried and found guilty of rape, murder, robbery, and arson have attacked several
of our Amazons, including myself, and captured our Amazonie Martman. We ask
for your guidance and final decision of the guilty's fates." 

Xena made a face that obviously wanted to simply kill the bandits, but she
instead awaited what her companion had to say. 

"What do you and your sisters think we should do?" asked the Queen. Emerald
eyes stared into gray, as Nike was somewhat startled by this question. 

"Well..." 

"I'm gonna kill 'em!" yelled Marty before he was quieted by Nightsong. 

Nike said nothing more as the last comment was pretty self-explanatory. 

"I see," said Gabrielle. "And who are these men? Where are they from?" 

"We don't know. We've tried talking to them, but they won't say anything. They
know the worst thing we can do to them is kill them, and they don't really seem
to care about that. They're almost like zombies." 

Gabrielle sat with a thoughtful look on her face until she suddenly looked up
towards the back. Nike followed her gaze to see Eppie trying to take a seat in the
back without making too much noise. She suppressed a grin as this was court and
she was supposed to be a confidant lawyer, but she was glad to see Eppie again.


She turned back to the Queen. "They have markings on their upper arms, and left
a similar cut on mine. Nightsong and I know we have both seen it somewhere
before, but the last place I saw it was Rome, and that's miles from here." She
thought back to her childhood, back to the eternal city where she spent the first
few years of her life, before her life was shattered. She remembered noticing the
mark on their arms before they ran away, leaving her house on fire and two
bloody bodies, and she was lost in the outside world beyond her then sheltered
life before a kind traveling Amazon took her back to the tribe.... 

"Nike?" 

".... Um yes, my Queen?" 

"You may sit down now. I call forth Nightsong." 

Nike took NS's place of holding Martman down as Night made her way to the
front. 

"Nightsong," asked Gabrielle, "Where did you see the mark?" 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong squared her shoulders and raised her head to address the Queen. 

"As you know, my Queen, I was not born into the tribe. Before I came here, I was
from the frozen north. After my people's death at the hands of a cowardly
enemy, I was enslaved by them. As a result of this, I have traveled much during
my time on this earth. I saw this particular mark on the arms of a band of murders
that where allied with my captors for a time. This was in Rome as well. They have
no emotions except their love of carnage. They cannot be reasoned with, for
they live only to slaughter the weak and innocent. They have no mercy and no
honor. The only way I have seen to stop them is to kill them." 

"Thank you, Nightsong, you may sit down" 

Nightsong resumed her place holding down her Amazonie brother as Queen
Gabrielle called for her next speaker. 

"I call forth Craig, the KiwiXenite" 

By KiwiXenite

Craig walked forth to the platform, carrying a staff in one hand and a scroll in the
other. Queen Gabrielle looked at him, surprised. This man was taller than her own
champion by a head or more, and yet he carried a scroll? 

"Your majesty, I am, as you know, a judge of my people, under the good Queen
Helen, of New Zealand to the South. My town is called Christchurch, and we were
raided several times by an army commanded by this man, here," he said,
indicating with his staff, "With these other men in the army itself. After driving
them off, my people caught some of them and tried them. They have been found
guilty of murder, rape, robbery and arson, and placed in our jails. 

At the same time, we tried others in their army in absentia, so that if one of us
saw them, we could arrest them immediately. My Queen asked that I track them
down and return as many as I could. At the same time, she also allowed me the
discretion to change their sentence. I killed very few of them, however, and only
in self-defense. I caught some of them, who are in other towns' jails, awaiting my
return, but the leader of these men escaped me. I had just caught up to them
again when your warriors saved me the job of capturing them." 

"How did you expect to stop them by yourself?" the Queen's champion asked. 

"I was intending to take them out one at a time in ambushes, and traps. I had
managed to arrest 5 of them when your warriors attacked, which made my job
much easier, if somewhat morbid," Craig replied. 

"And the marks on their arms?" Queen Gabrielle asked. 

"They are initiation rites, your Majesty. A branding ritual, in which initiates must
not cry out in pain, or they are murdered. I saved a young man once, years ago,
by driving off the men who were going to kill him after he failed the initiation. I
took him back to Christchurch, where I found him a place to stay and a job. To
show his gratitude, he told me much about these thugs, which is another reason
my Queen sent me," Craig told her. "There are other thugs, but I gather that they
are much further to the North at this time." 

"What exactly would you do with these men?" Gabrielle's champion asked. 

"I would return them to my people," Craig said. "I have tracked down people
before, and will no doubt be asked to do so again by my Queen. These men are
destined for many years in our jails." 

"You wouldn't kill them?" Gabrielle asked. 

"No, my people do not believe in vengeance in that style, simply justice," Craig
replied. "I promise you that death would be an easy option for them. However,
before killing them, we should remember that your champion was for many years
considered completely evil. All people must be given at least a chance at
rehabilitation. If it cannot be done, so be it, they can remain in prison until they
die, but at least give them the chance." 

"I have another question," Gabrielle said, a smile on her face. "Would you be
willing to make our dinner tonight? Your last feast was excellent!" 

The Amazons in court laughed at that. The Queen's appetite was well-known, it
seemed. 

"How could I refuse?" Craig smiled. "Consider it a gesture of friendship between
our two nations." 

"Thank you, Craig. As you are a judge in your own right, and an ambassador of
your country, I offer you your choice of seats," Gabrielle said. 

"Thank you, your majesty," Craig said. "I will stand to your left, just as your
champion stands to your right." 

A short time later, when Craig had taken up his position standing near the Queen,
she called for her next speaker. 

"I now call upon the Amazonie, Martman!" 

By Martman 

The young amazonie took his place near the queen and prepared to talk. He was
easily the shortest amazon of them all, standing only 5' 4". Queen Gabrielle and
her companion Warrior were quite taken back at the small stature of this young
amazonie. But they knew he had a good heart, and deserved to be a member of
the group. 

"Young amazonie," the queen spoke confidently, "what have you to say about
these marauders." 

Knowing he couldn't use the excessive language that he wanted to, and knowing
he couldn't kill them without being stopped by everyone in the camp, Martman
surpressed his rage to speak. 

"These marauders kidnapped me, beat me, and tied me up like some helpless
pup. They beat on my dear friend Nike and many of my other amazon sisters." 

The queen and her warrior companion shot an mean, angry look at the
marauders, who noticeably flinched. 

The young amazonie was getting tired of being diplomatic, and desired a quick
solution to the problem. He took out a knife and spoke, "personally, my Queen, I'd
very much like to punish them through disembowlment. See how they like the
pain, and the torture." 

The young amazonie was admiring his knife, seemingly in another world when he
spoke. It gave chills to Queen Gabrielle, and brought out a nervous look in her
warrior companion. "How could he become so ruthless," Xena thought? 

The marauders and other amazons and amazonies looked kinda nervous too.
there was no telling what Martman would do in his unstable condition. 

The Queen felt that he needed to be restrained by his sisters again, so she ended
his questioning and asked him to be seated. 

To no one in particular the queen stated "what happened to Martman? How did
he become so full of rage and bloodlust?" 

By Eptalk 

Queen Gabrielle finally suggested a break in the trial of the marauders. Thank
goodness Eppie thought as she sat in the back only as one to observe the
proceedings. Only once had a strong urge to walk away fallen on her mind and
that was hearing the rage and bitterness in the kind and good hearted Amazonie
Martman's words. Perhaps the thought of a feast by Craig held Eppie tight in her
seat. 

It was good to be among her tribe friends once again as Eppie quickly gave a hug
to each one present for the trial. Wonder where the missing members have all
scattered since I was here last? I hope they are well and enjoying their hiatus.
Eppie expressed her joy of the impending feast to Craig, smiled wide at her sister
Nightsong and raised her compass in the air as proof it had lead her back and
then walked over to face Martman. 

"Marty, could it be you have grown a new soul in the absence of your original?"
Eppie asked. 

"How can such an open and gracious loving heart hold so much vengeance? You
have been hurt and that is not to be ignored. Hurt can take on many faces and
choice of bitter and sweet is yours to make now, my friend." 

Eppie gave a warm, caring kiss to the forehead of Martman who even short in his
stature was taller than she. Stretching her height only slightly, Eppie then made
choice to take one of her brief and alone walks into the woods nearby. 

~~Thoughts flowed as usual with the primary being question of when would they
have the feast? This surely would postpone Eppie leaving just now along with
anxious interest in what Queen Gabrielle would do with the baddies. ~~ 

By Littlearsonist

Having set up camp just outside the amazon territory, Littlearsonist left her love
to take a walk. She hadn't been to this part of the nation for a while and
wondered how she, a celtic warrior, would be welcomed in such a changed land.
Had bile Rome influenced the opinions of the Greek, much less the Amazon
Nation? 

She didn't know the new Queen Gabrielle, though she did know of her, and had
wanted to meet her for some time now. 

Stories of Gabrielle and Xena had reached as far north as her isle. She didn't
know how true they were (some of the things she had heard surely two mortals
could NOT have done), but it was fascinating all the same. 

Deep in her thoughts she did not notice that she had wondered deeply into the
amazon's territory. 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong had taken a break from her job of guarding Marty to make a routine
survey of the Amazon lands. As she made her way through the trees in her much
favored hunting leathers, Nightsong thought about her young apprentice's training
and about Eppie's visit. She was glad to see her young charge finding love, for
love was often hard to find in times like these. While still deep in thought,
suddenly the Amazon's instincts screamed at her to stop and go silent. As she
crouched among the branches, her keen eyes scanned the undergrowth. She
caught sight of a woman dressed in the garb of a Celt. Being from the North
herself, Nightsong knew that the Celtic warriors were honorable. This one
appeared to be walking without direction and discretion, and thus not an
immediate threat. Still, She was on Amazon land, and as such, needed to be
challenged. 
Nightsong leapt down to the forest floor ahead of the warrior, surprising her
greatly. The Celt reached for her sword, but seeing that the Amazon had not
drawn her own weapon, dropped her own hand. 
"Who are you Celt, and what is your business here?" Nightsong demanded of the
warrior. 

By Ephfan 

During the trial Ephfan sat in the back and watched with wonder. She was thrilled
with the skilled way her amazon sisters and brother presented the case to their
Queen - the beautiful Gabrielle. She was enthralled with the giant of man from
the strange land, a place she hoped someday soon to visit. She gazed in awe at
the Queen's champion Xena. She could not believe that standing not far away
was the living example of the warrior Ephfan one day hoped to be. During the
break she saw her sister scatter and she too decided to take a walk alone. She
soon came to the small lake that was one of the best spots in the amazon
territory. She sat down and lost herself in her thoughts. Her heart went out to
Nike and Nightsong for all they had suffered at the hands of the Romans. She
smiled in joy at the return of Eppie, after all what was an amazon village without
one of the favorite amazons. She wondered how the young Shsway was doing on
her journey. Finally she thought of her own upcoming journey. She was going to
have to leave the village soon and travel west. It was fortunate that other tribe
members were rumored to live in that area. After a bit she decided she'd best get
back to the trial. She took a different path back and soon heard voices. One she
recognized as Nightsong's but the other was unfamiliar. She wondered if Nightsong
needed help but quickly dismissed that, Nightsong could handle just about
anything. She was going to just head back to the village but thought to herself
"where there's Nightsong, there's adventure". And with that she turned and
walked towards the voices in the woods. Whatever it was, with Nightsong
involved, it was bound to end in a fight or with them laughing until they cried.
Ephfan decided she was up for either. 

By Nike

Nike hung around the courthouse after everyone was dismissed and
absent-mindedly started to think aloud. 

"I wonder if they are from Rome..." she said to no one as she picked up the scroll
Craig had been carrying and scanned it. "I'd almost like to go back there
someday. My grandparents are probably still alive...maybe. Nah, no one would
even know me anymore. The tribe's cooler anyway." 

"Who are you talking to?" asked Xena as she walked into the hall, destroying
Nike's thoughts. 

"Just, um....thinking." Nike said with a smile. 

"So, you're a Roman. I thought you looked like one." 

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Nike in playful annoyance. Xena just
smirked and asked to see the scroll. 

"Murder, arson, rape, robbery....they deserve to die." said Xena with a sneer
after she had read the scroll. "Maybe your brother's right. If they're Romans all
that can mean is trouble..." 

"Hey!" 

"...They're even trying to expand in the South. Just like them." 

Nike got ready to say something she'd probably regret later on in life when
Gabrielle strode in. "What are you two doing here? Didn't I say go on break?" She
noticed the tense looks on both of their faces. "I heard everything. Xena, stop
giving her a hard time. And Nike, don't take it so personal!" 

"Ugh! Who died and made you Queen?" asked Nike. 

"Terreis." 

"Aw, that was uncalled for, Xena!" Xena smirked as Gabrielle mock glowered at
her. "I think this break has been long enough. Nike, could you go gather up the
sisters for me, please?" 

Nike saluted her Queen and ran outside to find her sisters.

By Kiwixenite

"Kill them, Xena?" Craig asked gently. "Surely you know better than that. After all,
were you not guilty of murder, robbery and arson in your own right? I'm not
saying that I should take you into custody, as you have clearly changed your
ways, and are now trying to atone for your wrongs, but these men must be given
the same chance as you had. If I take them back to our prisons, we will try to
change them. If it cannot be done, so be it, they will die of old age in prison, but
at least give them a chance, the same chance that you had not so long ago." 

At the end of his impassioned plea, Gabrielle held his scroll out. "But in here it
says that they are guilty of many atrocities against your people. How can a man
be so forgiving?" 

"I believe that everyone should be given a chance, your majesty. If we cannot
help them, then we will ensure that they do not cause more suffering, but we will
try first," Craig stated. 
"Had someone, Hercules for example, caught Xena, she may well have been put
to death, and your life would have been quite different. Now, she stands as your
champion, and you are Queen of this tribe. Would you still be queen had Xena
been executed?" 

Xena thought about this for a while, while Gabrielle smiled at Craig. "You are
obviously a worthy judge of your people, Craig. It also says in your scroll that you
are given full privilege to sign treaties on your country's behalf. Would you be
interested in a treaty of friendship between our tribe and yours?" 

"I believe that my Queen would find that acceptable," Craig said, smiling. "Now,
however, I believe that it is dinner time, as the meal I have prepared should
ready." 

Upon hearing that, Queen Gabrielle grinned from ear to ear, obviously delighted by
this announcement. "Let's eat!" she exclaimed, as the trio left for dinner. "We can
finish the trial later." 

By Pixie

Yawn, left to watch the camp again. Boring. 
Pixie finished the last few stitches on the black silk shirt 
she was making for her adored. Shaking it out she inspected it for flaws. Not a
bad trade for a bunch of rodent skins. She still didn't understand the oriental
traders fascination with the white weasels that were so abundant back home. But
oh well, she liked the shirt even if Littlearsonist would probably think it to fancy. 

Now she was really bored. Mending done, firewood gathered, everything ready for
the night. 

Strawberries. She had seen some just yesterday, down by that lovely little lake.
A bath sounded good to. Quickly rummaging through her pack she found a piece of
parchment and wrote her lover a note. She didn't worry about leaving it there,
who else in this area could read gaelic. She gathered a few things together, and
headed off toward the lake. 

Sure enough the strawberries were where she remembered them. She used some
vines to make a small basket, quickly filled it with enough for their dinner. 

The water was cold but not unpleasantly so. She drifted lazily toward the center
of the lake letting her dark red hair fan out into the crystal water. She was far
enough from shore that any intruder would be noticed well before they reached
her. Her family had always said that she was half otter both for her ease in water
and her mischief out. 

Pixie wondered if her love had caught up to the friend she had come seeking.
Worry crossed he thoughts as she remembered the raiders and the carnage they
had caused. Still if there were any raiders left uncaptured they would be long
gone by now. 

Back on shore she watched a young amazon come down to the lake. The young
woman seemed lost in thought. So Pixie just stayed still as a rabbit in the thicket
and waited. She would leave soon enough and Pixie didn't want to surprise her.
Spooked amazons just weren't any fun. 

By Littlearsonist

Silently Littlearsonist berated herself for not noticing the amazon before she was
able to surprise her. She could just hear the teasing comments of her old
teacher...not to mention all of those that had the misfortune of first hand
knowledge of her wandering thoughts. 

LA made sure to keep her hands to her side to show that she had peaceful
intentions. 

"Are you trying to scare me to death or is that the new way of greeting visitors?"
She asked the amazon. 

Looking at her fully for the first time, smirking she commented. "Take my word for
it with that outfit you don't have to jump out of a tree to stop anyone." 

She wondered to herself briefly, "Just how does she keep from busting out of t..."


She blushed at her own thought. 

"Distract and conquer, is that what they are teaching warriors now, or is that
just a Viking thing?" LA taunted. 

She knew she was pushing her luck, but she had to do something to cover the
fact that some one had gotten the drop on her. If she just hadn't been so
distracted by the thoughts of her lover and the chance of getting her to that
beautiful lake they had passed and... She shook her head noticing that the
amazon was speaking to her again. 

Remembering the first question. "I am Littlearsonist. I once was friend to, and
fought beside, the amazons. Now I am bond mate, and unfortunately guardian, to
a Druid healer. My love wanted to see the lands I had traveled as a youth. I
thought that the Amazon Nation would be a good place to start, and for her to
learn from your healers. But now..." She let her sentence end before she returned
to taking shots at the amazon. 

"By the way, is the one creeping up on us one of yours?" la asked readying her
throwing knives. 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong was a bit surprised that the Celt had recognized her race. "The Celt
catches on fast." Thought Nightsong. Nightsong smiled inwardly as the Celt used
sarcasm and humor to cover her surprise. She could feel Ephfan creeping up on
them from behind and was amazed that Littlearsonist had noticed her sister. 
"Lower your guard, friend, it is only my amazon sister Ephfan." 
Ephfan blushed at being discovered by the Celt and took up her place beside her
Amazon sister. 
"Ephfan, meet Littlearsonist. She claims to have been part of the Nation at one
time. She means no ill will." 
Ephfan greeted the visitor and returned to Nightsong's side. 
"I cannot speak for my Queen, and we are quite busy with tribe matters, but if
you wish, you and your mate can come with us to the village. That is, if the
person who has followed my dear sister here is your mate?" 

By Eptalk 

Eppie rejoined at the tribe just in time to join them all in the wonderful feast Craig
prepared and festivities. She noticed Nightsong was absent but knew the Amazon
was probably tracking, hunting or involved in some activity requiring her skills. 

Martman didn't seem to have much to say in lieu of Eppie's question concerning
the possibility he had developed/grown a new soul and needed to nurture it with
his open and kind heart. 

Last known, Nike had located several souls which she collected and in somewhat
of a confused order, it might not be safe to accept any soul from her. Possibly a
soul search of trial and error till Martman can say, "Ooooh, this one feels just
right." 

With the tribe all awaiting more word from Queen Gabrielle and Eppie having seen
the great Warrior Princess doing well and looking beautifully kick-ass gorgeous as
ever, she decided to take leave before dark. Difficult decisions and emotions
would probably follow the Queen's final order on the marauders and the tribe
were more than capable of working this all out. 

Eppie wished everyone good health and left again to walk by guide of her
compass to the south. She had planned some fishing along the way and perhaps
to finish some scrolls she had been writing the week before. 

By Pixie

Pixie watched the amazon sitting beside the water, "When is she going to leave ?"
she thought to her self. 

Then from were she was crouched she saw a second larger patch of berries.
"What luck they will make a perfect greeting gift for the amazons." 

Movement caught her eye, the amazon was leaving. Good there was plenty of
time to pick the berries and get back to her camp before LA returned to take her
to the amazon village. 

Seeing a stain on the loose pants she had on she fussed for a moment, then
thought about it for a few minutes. The loose under tunic she wore came down to
mid thigh decent enough to wear until she got back to camp. After washing them
quickly, she hung them on a branch and began picking strawberries. 

A scent surprised her.. animal.. wet animal.. stinky wet animal. Nope, that wasn't
right. Silently she crept to a better vantage point. 

Oh NO! They looked more animal than human, but she knew they were far more
dangerous. Raiders, whipped once and out for revenge. 


Suddenly she noticed that her pants weren't hanging on the branch any
more. Two raiders were looking at the tracks left by the amazon, and her senses
told her that at least one more was far to close to her. 

She needed to find Littlearsonist and warn the amazon whose trail they had
started to follow. Time to make a hasty exit. 

By Littlearsonist

Again Littlearsonist found herself lacking in awareness. 'Isn't there a saying about
assuming', she thought to herself. Silently cursing, she slowly shook her head to
answer Nightsong. 

"I can't tell you who followed your sister, I had just assumed that it was another
of your amazons. The one in the tree is my mate." LA said quietly as she gestured
to the branch over head. 

The redheads hands began moving rapidly speaking silently to LA. Nightsong
noticed the flush of anger cross LA's face. 

She turned to Nightsong, drawing her sword to ready. "Get ready we've got
company coming. Three raiders, at least." 

She looked back up to Pixie and muttered to herself, "and just where are the rest
of her clothes?" 

Leaving that to the mysteries that had become part of her life, she took a
fighting stance as the noises grew closer. 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong faded into the trees quickly and silently. She appeared beside the
redhead that Littlearsonist had called her mate. "Hello healer." Nightsong spoke
quietly in her ear, making her jump a bit, for she hadn't noticed Nightsong's
arrival. 
"You should be more careful when you address your love, some of us here know
Gaelic and your brand of handspeech. Now healer, if you do not wish to be in this
fight, stay here, but what fun is that?" With that, Nightsong disappeared into the
trees once again, hunting for her prey. 

By Pixie

Pixie startled at the strangers appearance. How did she keep from busting out of
that.... 

What was the amazon saying? Pixie smiled as she realized the warrior spoke to
her in gaelic. Not the best accent but still understandable. Then as quick as she
had come she was gone. 

Pixie looked down sizing up the situation, LA stood ready to fight, the younger
amazon looked torn between following her friend and staying to watch what the
celt was planing to do. Pixie knew what LA was going to do, and she didn't like the
thick underbrush that surrounded the small clearing. But what to do? 

The ideal hit her like a flash of lightning, LA wasn't going to like it one bit. Oh well
that was normal. Besides making up was always fun. Agile as a squirrel she
scurried from tree to tree, moving away from the clearing. She hoped that the
warrior knew more than few words of gaelic. If not... 

Taking a deep breath she deliberately jumped to a branch that was to rotten to
hold her weight. CRACK!! The branch sounded like thunder in the still forest.
Letting herself fall with it she screamed in gaelic, "Lake!". 

The effect was exactly what she had hoped for, the raiders came running. She
half lay on the ground as if stunned, until the first raider caught sight of her.
Looking up with wide gray eyes she screamed again, jumped up and began
running toward the lake. She stayed just out of reach. Between her and the oafs
chasing after her, they were leaving a trail a blind man could follow. Not to
mention the noise was enough to warn anyone within earshot. Reaching the lake
at last she dove in..... 

By Ephfan 

Ephfan sized up the situation with Nightsong and her new friend on the ground,
the appearance of the swimmer in the trees, and the fact that they now had to
deal with a bunch of men smelling like Zeus knows what. 

Nightsong took to the trees and Ephfan turned to the woman who a second
before had been a stranger and was now an ally. "Amazon rule my friend, two are
always better than one." With a smile and a nod she went back-to-back with
Ephfan and prepared to face the new threat. Ephfan thought about grabbing a
nearby tree branch since she had left her staff in the village. But then, since she
had STILL not had anything to eat, decided she was cranky enough for
hand-to-hand combat. 

Suddenly there was a crash, a scream, and a splash. Male voices were heard
heading to the lake. 

Littlearsonist gave a yell in a foreign language and Ephfan didn't have to speak it
to know it was a curse that would turn Ares' ears red. As they took off in
the direction of the lake she thought "only one thing puts a look like that on the
face of a warrior - her woman." 

"By the gods" Ephfan thought "I think I must attract trouble the way honey draws
bears!" They came upon the men at the lake and as she prepared to pound some
thugs thought "oh well, I suppose it keeps things interesting around here." 

By Littlearsonist

Confused, Littlearsonist turned in time to see her love fall to the ground. 

'Lake??? In all the times I've fallen, "lake" would've been the last word I'd use' she
thought. 

Something was up, Pixie was a lot of things but the damsel in distress was NOT
one of them. So why was she just laying there and what was all that screaming
about? All too late Pixie's plan occurred to LA. 

"If they don't kill her I will", she growled as she started after them. Leaving the
young amazon to wonder about what was going on. 

Hearing the splash she stopped at the edge of the woods to survey the situation.
Standing at the waters edge two warriors were, it appeared, trying to think of a
way to get at Pixie. LA grinned thinking to herself, "Danu help them if they go into
the water after her."

LA's thoughts were interrupted by movement at the edge of the woods. A third
warrior appeared holding a bow. 

As he notched an arrow he told his partners, "I'll take care of the amazon bitch." 

LA, knowing she was too far away to stop him in time, stepped out of the woods
and yelled a challenge to the raiders hoping to call attention to herself.... 

By Pixie

Pixie watched the two oafs pussyfoot at the waters edge. "Didn't think they
would get into the water." Pixie thought, "They probably don't even understand
the concept of bathing much less swimming." 

She saw the third man appear and raise a bow. "Oh no this isn't good" she
thought to herself." I have to time this right or LA won't have a chance to kill
me." Pixie dove beneath the surface . 

The arrow sliced into the water were Pixie had been a second before. Her red hair
floated up first followed by her still form face down in the water. 

On shore, Littlearsonist gave a yell of pure rage and rushed the startled men... 

By Martman 

the young amazonie was, meanwhile taking a break from the trial. He thought
about Eppie's words - about growing a new soul - and realized its impossible.
Everyone has a soul all their own, which cant be duplicated. How could he
duplicate his? He knew that his soul was out there, but that he just didn't know
where. Nike probably had it. But as much as he wanted his soul back, he refused
to do anything to hurt her to that effect. "She is my sister, after all." he said as he
lay in his hut. 

Feeling lonely, he decided to catch up with EpTalk to go fishing 

By Nightsong 

Nightsong smiled in the shadows behind the archer. Now that these fools thought
the healer was dead, she would be safe. With the swiftest of movements, the
archer fell, his neck broken. Again Nightsong melted into the trees, something
was amiss. While she knew that the Druids could make themselves feel to a
trained hunter like a simple woodland creature, their true intentions remained, and
while the only human presence she could feel were those at the lakes edge, there
was a feeling of malice and rage in the air. Nightsong closed her eyes and took in
all of her surrounding, as she had been taught. Only by giving herself completely
to the feelings could she detect the person who was hiding in the woods. Leaving
her amazon sister and their new ally to handle the two remaining men. Nightsong
went in search for the hidden enemy, thinking that he or she had come for their
new friends. 

By Eptalk 

La La lala La La! Doodley do! Dosey doe! sang Eppie to herself as she sat on the
bank next to a wonderful stream she had happened upon to fish. "Hello, little
wormie friend" Eppie said as she plucked the squirmy little red creature from
under the dirt. 

"Hi Eppie!" a voice said just behind her causing her to drop her worm and turn. 

"Zeus! Marty...you scared the worm outta me, *whew*" Eppie said to greet her
Amazonie friend who joined her for fishing. "Why did you leave the tribe's camp?" 

"Uh, well Eppie -- I was feeling lonely during the break in the trial. Most of the
Amazons went off into the woods on an adventure. I thought on your question
and realized there is only one soul per person. I'll await my sister Nike for mine.
How's bout I fish with you some?" 

"Okay - but you dig your own worms. Oh...and you owe me one!" Eppie exclaimed
as she handed Marty some fishing line and a hook since he didn't seem to have
any fishing supplies with him. 

Marty and Eppie sat quiet for a long time just digging up worms, tossing line into
the stream and catching some rather lovely and colorful little fishie's. Eppie had
thrown all her fish back into the waters because she wasn't about to whack their
heads off and gut them as she had seen others perform that task. Besides, Eppie
didn't like to eat things she talked to as she did the fish she caught. Eppie would
think up unique names for each one (Gills, Gurgle, Flutter and Slime -some of the names
:). She always wished them good luck as she released them back into the water
to swim another day. She thought Martman may have caught one of the fish she
had put back because of the similarity of size and color but it wasn't a surety so
she said nothing. 

She and Marty at long last began to talk about Queen Gabrielle and her champion,
Xena. They both agreed on what a lovely relationship the two women had and no
question on both having individual beauty inside and out. Marty had more
questions than all the fish in the north on how Eppie could not be concerned
about the situation of the gods. 

"Gods! Gods! Gods! - what do they know?" Eppie stated. "This isn't about their
god, your god or my god Marty. It's about the freedom of the people to worship
of their own choosing. I got that from Herpsicords Lyre. Heck --I even answered
the question, of war! what is it good for? Absolutely nothing! ~~~say it...say it
again," Eppie broke out into song and then began to loudly repeat a Draco rap
song -There's AlWaYs SoMeThinG TheRe to ReMinD me! She quickly gathered her
meager belongings while rapping and with the help of her compass began skipping
in a southward direction. 

Amazonie Marty last heard and saw Eppie crossing out of site over a hilltop and
could barely hear her singing ~~People everywhere just wanna be free! Marty
continued to fish and Eppie's last view of him had him shaking his head and smiling
from ear to ear! 

By Littlearsonist

"COWARDS!!! Fight me!!!" 


The very thought of someone trying to harm her love sent Littlearsonist into a
rage. The fear of Pixie NOT playing dead threatened to push her over the edge. 

One of the warriors just stood there watching as a sort of...amazon?... ran at
them. At least he thought it to be an amazon. She was one of the smallest
amazons he'd ever seen, most of her hair cut short with a small braid on the right
side. The braid contained beads and silver trinkets that the warrior took to be
trophies of her kills. 

He charged at her as his partner charged at the second amazon coming out of
the woods. 

LA glanced up to see the body of the archer laying on the ground now. 'Damn I
wanted that one, oh well I'll take what I can', she thought as she readied herself.


His first blow was off balance enabling her to send him crashing to the ground
immediately. Not wanting to prolong the fight she made a swipe at his neck. The
warrior rolled onto his back and at the last second trapped her sword between his
hands. The relief in his eyes didn't last long as he noticed the grin on the little
warriors face. Movement of her free hand caught his attention just as the dagger
left it. 

His last thoughts were, 'Where did that come from?', as it entered his
unprotected throat. 

"Now where did that other one go?", Littlearsonist said as she wiped the blood off
her dagger using the dead mans shirt.... 

By Pixie

Meanwhile in the water, Pixie thought about joining in on the fight but dismissed
the ideal. She was in enough trouble as it was. 

So she let herself sink beneath the surface As soon as she was deep enough not
to leave waves on the surface she headed toward the place beside the lake she
had been at earlier. "Hopefully I can find the rest of my clothes." she thought. 

Feeling herself far enough away for safety she surfaced and swam swiftly to the
brambled area she had been so rudely interrupted at. 

Walking ashore she looked back to see how the fight progressed, the archer lay
still at the wood edge and LA was kneeling beside a second body, The other was
circling the younger amazon looking for all the world like a wolf cub trying to
attack a porcupine. From the gleam in her eye she was ready for the fight. 

The pale green undertunic she wore clung uncomfortably to her like a second
skin. "Gods I may as well be naked." she muttered, "At least it wouldn't be as cold
as this wet shirt." 

"Now where are the rest of my clothes?" Pixie mumbled as she began searching
the underbrush... 

By Nike

"Where the hell is Nightsong when you need her?" though Nike as she looked for
her sisters to call them back to trial. Suddenly she heard men's voices in agony
and a loud, "COWARDS! Fight me!" and she knew she had found her sisters. She
unsheathed her sword from her back and ran in the direction of the voices. 

She quickly found the other one LA was looking for and offed him in one clean
swipe. 

Ephfan was beginning to think that coming in at the last minute and killing the
last enemy standing was a bad habit with Nike. 

"Yo Ephfan, what's cookin?" asked Nike was a lopsided grin. She noticed the new
face beside Ephfan and started to say hello before the new one ran to the lake to
look for her love. Nike studied her as she ran away. "Hmm....Gaelic, huh?" 

"How in Zeus' name did you guess that?!" asked Ephfan, who paused from
cleaning her sword to look up at Nike. 

"The clothes, I guess....I dunno, she just looks like one." 

They followed LA to the lake, but Pixie was nowhere to be found. LA looked either
very serious, or very pissed, or both as she mumbled to herself in Gaelic and
called out a few things every now and then, which the other two suspected were
curses. Nike and Ephfan stayed a little bit behind her. 

"Do you speak Gaelic?" asked Ephfan. 

"No, Latin is the only other language that I speak. Sic biscuitus disintegratum. Tu
sunt salvus?" 

"Ha, ha, ha. Cut it out." Ephfan said with a smile. 

They continued to look for Pixie as the day wore on. Meanwhile, Gab was busy
eating up Craig's dinner... 

By Shsway 

Following the trial, Shsway literally raced the Queen to the foodhut. 

"With all due respect your majesty," the scout grinned as she ran, "I'm one
EXTREMELY hungry amazon!" 

Shsway didn't see the smirk on the blonde ruler's face, but certainly felt the wind
rushing by as Gabrielle picked up the speed and easily passed by. 

Moments later, the warrior-in-training arrived at the hut, gasping for breath.
'Nuts,' she thought 'It's probably those special running boots again.' 

Joining her Amazon sisters at a table, Shsway was surprised not to see
Nightsong, Ephfan, Nike, Eppie or Marty. 'Oh well, more food for me!' And let's
face it, not one member of that crew needed assistance, if they were indeed
kicking ass. 

* 

After a thoroughly satisfying meal, the young scout stumbled out to find
something to do. As the warm weather was steadily approaching, Shsway made a
trade of some of her woodcarvings for a new suit of leather from the tanner. It
was time for a change. Again, she preferred a light gray color to her clothing,
with a sleeveless top, tight pants and a belt with Queen Gabrielle's royal emblem.
Her sword - with the woman's symbol predictably engraved on it - hung at her
back in a tough leather scabbard. Her hair featured two braids hanging by each
ear, likening to a style her ruler used to wear with longer hair. Two silver loop
earrings and a silver medallion with the letter D stylized matched the
silver-colored armor breastplates and armor. Tall black boots and bracers of her
own hand made design completed the outfit. 

She was more than satisfied with the new attire and hoped it would impress
Alaya, who was in truth very close to her thoughts these days. Smiling at the
thought, headed for the stables to take her favorite mare, Mirage out for a ride.
'Duty calls!' 

By Kiwixenite

"You know, this stuff is really good! Are you sure you can't stay here as an
ambassador or something? We could use another man around the place," Gabrielle
stated, only looking up for a few seconds before continuing her meal. 

Xena and Craig exchanged amused glances, as they watched the Bard Queen
eating as fast as the food was placed in front of her. "Is she always this hungry?"
Craig asked, a smile on his face. 

"Not usually, although occasionally. She eats a lot for such a small frame," Xena
replied, her eyes twinkling. "She should be careful, or she won't be able to judge
the case because of stomachache." 

Others at the table grinned, and then returned to their meals. Finally, everyone
had finished, and returned to the court for the final judgment, an hour or so
after the usual after meal activities. 

After everyone had sat down, the marauders were brought in, not gagged for the
first time since the beginning of the trial. Gabrielle stood, and spoke clearly to
everyone present. "Having thought about this case carefully, it is clear that you
are all guilty of all the crimes that you have been accused of. This trial has more
been about deciding your fate than your guilt. 

Normally, Amazon law would see you being dealt with very seriously. You have
kidnapped an Amazonie, and we have it on good authority that you have
committed other, more serious crimes, including murder. 

Before I pass sentence, I will now allow the prisoners to speak, one at a time." 

The first marauder, clearly scared, was roughly dragged to the front of the court.
"I've been thinking about my actions of the past couple of years, and I'd like to
say sorry to all the families I've hurt during that time. I was wrong, and clearly I
deserve to be punished. I just ask that you have more mercy on me than I ever
did on any of them." 

He was dragged back to his seat, and the second marauder was dragged to the
front. "Yeah well, unlike that pansy, I'm proud of what I did, and if I could, I'd do
it all again!" 

He was quickly dragged back to his seat, and the third marauder was brought
forward. "I think my friend who spoke first said it best, so I'll just add my weight
to that. I'm really sorry for anything I have done." 

He was led to his seat, and the last marauder, the leader, was brought forward.
"F*** all of you! If I ever get the chance, I'll kill every last one of you!" 

He was quickly silenced, and dragged back to his seat. Gabrielle stood up, and
announced her judgment to the court. 

"While I am mindful of the fact that two of you have shown remorse, your crimes
are so serious that all of your victims must be shown great consideration.
However, I must also balance justice, as well as vengeance. All of you have
already been sentenced in another court, and while normal Amazon law would see
your deaths, I will show some mercy in this case. Each of you are sentenced to
be returned to Craig's custody, and from there to his country's prisons to serve
out the sentence already given. For the leader, and his not so remorseful friend, I
sentence them to life imprisonment, to be released at the discretion of our
friend's authorities." 

The court started murmuring. This was unexpected, and much discussion could be
heard. 

"Thank you, Queen Gabrielle," Craig said. He spoke up, so that all the court could
hear him. "While I am sure that many of you would like to see their deaths, I
assure all of you that they will not be released until they are fully rehabilitated. It
is quite possible that they will never be released, and will die in prison of old age."


Xena also spoke up, so that all could hear her. "While most you would think that I
would be in favor of killing them, remember that I was once like them, killing
people, raiding villages and other such horrors. Now I am your Queen's champion.
If I can put it behind me, maybe these men can too." 

The crowd eventually settled down, although some were obviously upset at the
verdict. 

Craig spoke up again. "I will take them back to my country tomorrow, after
breakfast, which I will prepare as a parting gesture. Maybe I will be able to return
as an ambassador, but that is up to my Queen." 

"We're finished now, so everyone can go and do whatever you want to," Gabrielle
announced. 

By Littlearsonist

Littlearsonist had been surprised to see the stranger running out of the woods.
Even more so when she lunged at the baddie and killed him. 

Now for the real task...finding that trouble that was her love. She knew that
Nightsong knew gaelic, but she hoped that the other two didn't or they'd be
getting one heck of a lesson in improper use of words and phrases. 

LA was sure that it was impossible for a satyr to do that to a cyclops but damned
if she cared. 

She turned to her new friends and calmed down enough to remember Greek. "My
love can hide better than a mouse. Please, look under every small nook you can
find." 

"Perhaps, your Nightsong has already found her." 

LA began to call out threats to her love to start poking the bushes with her
sword if she didn't come out soon.... 

By Martman 

Amazonie Marty laughed as Eppie skipped off, and continued fishing, blissfully
unaware of what was happening back at camp. Some time after the verdict had
been passed, and Craig left the village with the marauders, Marty came back to
the village and was told by the Queen and her companion about the decision. 

"WHAT THE DAG GONE BLOODY F*** IS GOING ON HERE??!! THEY DESERVE TO
DIE! ALL OF THEM!! AND IM GONNA SEE THAT IT HAPPENS!" 

He spoke in a loud booming voice, and his eyes were glazed over, filled with
bloodlust and hate. It was enough to send a chill down Xena's spine and
considerably frighten the queen. 

Queen Gabrielle approached the amazonie and tried to calm him down. 

"Marty," she said softly, let it go. They're all gonna get the punishment they
deserve." 

The amazonie quickly turned to face his queen with a sick, sadistic smile, which
forced the queen to back up a few paces for fear of her own safety. Xena ran
straight to her soulmate's side to ensure no harm came to her. 

"Back down Marty," Xena said slowly. "Killing them will solve nothing. It will only
send you down a path of violence and hatred that I know all too well. Believe me,
I've been there, and if not for Gabrielle and Hercules, I'd still be there today." 

Marty softened his gaze, and spoke more softly. "Xena, Gabrielle, I respect your
verdicts, and I understand that you want to do what is fair and just. But fair and
just doesn't work for ME! I suffered from these marauders and so did my beloved
sisters. I will personally make each and everyone of those stinking marauders pay
for what they did." 

With that, Marty took his knife and began following Craig, hoping that he wouldn't
have to fight Craig over these lowlife scum. 

Xena and Gab were left in awe, and had a few tears. They really couldn't do
anything until the others came back, and had a say in what should be done. 

Xena was particularly interested in talking to Nike about returning Marty's soul 

By Cath 

In a small corner of the known world, a quiet muse sensed Shsway's awestruck
thoughts on Queen Gabrielle's specially made running boots -- the boots
fashioned by Xena herself, with inspiration from Nike. 

"Perhaps this young scout could use a pair of her own," mused the muse. "In fact,<