Disclaimer & Notices: See the prologue.
AN: This is a quick author's note, I'm afraid. I'm falling asleep as I type this after a long weekend. I wanted to say thank you to all my readers following this story still. I had hoped to go through reviews, but I became to engrossed in my move from the apartment to the house. But, I'll do my best to improve on feedback replies. Please enjoy the update and thank you again for the support!
Series: One Shot
My Immortal Love
by Red Hope
Chapter 10
Gabrielle earned another smack across her cheek. She blinked away the sting then turned her dark eyes back on the hoplite in front of her.
"Eat," the hoplite growled. He held out the food to her.
Gabrielle continued refusing food for the third day now. She would have refused water as well, but it was always forced down her throat. For the last three days, she was kept sedate and put into a wagon for travel. She suspected they had turned east yesterday, but to where, she had no idea. It was only at night that she was given regular water because they kept her chained to a post in the ground.
The hoplite threw the bread in pure frustration. He stood up and nearly spoke until a tall presence entered the tent. He faced his leader and bowed to her.
Xena studied the chained Amazon seated on the ground. The red mark across the Amazon's cheek was enough information. She noted the discarded bread so she looked at the hoplite standing and the other one on a stool at a small table.
The second hoplite that guarded the Amazon was eating his meal. He quickly stopped and stood up.
Xena summarized that the Amazon still had yet to eat. It would do her little good if the Amazon died on them. She lowered her eyes to the muscular Amazon and considered the dirty bread off to the right. She puckered her lips and looked at the food on the hoplite's plate.
"Give me your plate," Xena ordered him. She released her sword's hilt and accepted the half empty plate.
Gabrielle lifted her chin as the warlord came to her side and knelt down with the plate. If her hands were free from the post, she would have loved to strangle the warlord again. She kept her eyes trained on Xena. Yet, her body could hardly ignore the delicious smells from the hot food.
Xena picked up a piece of white chicken meat and held it out in offer. "Why fight it further?" she softly asked. "You will continue to lose strength."
Gabrielle grounded her teeth, and her jaw flexed a few times. She knew it was true. She loosened her jaw and gave a faint nod.
Xena accepted the response and held out the meat. She was pleased when the Amazon indeed took it. She continued taking food off the hoplite's plate, but she was particular about what items.
The hoplite who had the plate of food shifted on his boots.
Xena ruefully smiled at the hoplite's agitation, but she stayed focus on feeding the Amazon. "How do you think she became this way?" Her open-ended question fell upon the two hoplites. "Intense training over the anni," she explained and held another piece of meat. "And a very strict diet."
Gabrielle considered what else the warlord knew about her people. She disliked feeling exposed to the warlord and even the hoplites.
"Not a diet filled with bread or other grains," Xena coldly stated. Her tone berated the two hoplites.
The two hoplites looked at each other, one silently accusing the other.
"Leave," the warlord ordered them.
"My lieg-"
"Leave," Xena yelled at them. She let out a low breath after the two hoplites shuffled out of the tent. She refocused on her task to feed the Amazon. She mulled over her future plans for the Amazon, who was now a princess among her people. She considered how deeply rooted the Amazon was with her people and how big of a ransom, or otherwise, Xena could seek from the Amazon Nation.
Once the plate was empty of all valuable food, Xena put the plate onto the table. She came back to the Amazon's side, knelt down. She rested her left hand on her xipho's hilt. "You have a name yet, princess?" She only received silence and a cold stare.
"Your value to your nation will be tested soon." Xena tilted her head and asked, "How much does Queen Melosa value you?" She reached forward and touched the Amazon's muscular thigh. She was hardly surprised by the rise in tension. "But, I've been thinking about other options too." She smiled darkly at the Amazon. "We both know what dishonor you have brought to your people."
Gabrielle's lips pulled with a slight sneer.
"How likely you think they will so easily accept you again?" Xena squeezed the Amazon's thigh, and the thick muscle filled her hand. "But I admire your skill, determination, and…" She raked her eyes over the Amazon's well-built body. She freed her hand and pressed her palm flat against the Amazon's stomach muscles. "And strength." She smirked at the Amazon's dark glare. "Join my army," she offered as she withdrew her hand.
Gabrielle fisted her hands behind the post. She leaned forward and stretched out her neck. She came as close as possible to the warlord. She locked eyes with Xena and hotly whispered, "No."
Xena laughed and was amused by the Amazon's simple yet definite answer. She shook her head after the Amazon leaned against the post. "You think you are better than me?" She smirked and a glint entered her eyes. "I killed your consort in combat. She made her choices. And you made your choice to attempt murder." Her hand shot out, and she roughly gripped the Amazon's jaw.
Gabrielle dug her heels into the ground, but she made no other movements. She was forced to stare into blue eyes that reminded her of her dead consort, except Terreis held love for her. Xena only wanted her life, either at the end of a blade or sworn as an allegiance to her.
Xena gave a soft jerk to Gabrielle's head. She leaned in and softly whispered, "I understand your hatred towards the world and the Fates. I can help you." She revealed a wolfish smile. "You and I… we are not that far different." She released the Amazon and stood up. "My offer still stands, until first light." She headed to the tent flap. "Think about it because you may not like your nation's answer to my demands," she added before she was gone.
Gabrielle lowered her head against the post and watched the two hoplites reenter the tent. She shut her eyes and ignored them. She repeatedly went over the warlord's offer and especially what her fellow Amazons thought of her. It was true that Melosa would be very disappointed and angry with her. But, to join the warlord's army would further disgrace herself and the nation. There would be no return from such a costly mistake.
Outside in the camp, Xena spoke to a few of her officers. She was pleased with the recovery of her army. They had conscripted more hoplites from other towns. However, it was still too early to return to the Amazon Nation. Xena truly wanted more mounted hoplites, which took time, money, and training.
The warlord entered the large tent setup for meetings between herself and her officers. She went to the large table that held a map of Greece. She stood over the map and considered her next plans. There was time to decide just yet because the army was staying in their current camp for the next fortnight. However, after that point, Xena needed a new plan of attack.
The tent flap was shoved aside and a tall, dark haired woman beelined to the warlord. Alti had an amused look and grinned at the warlord. "As much as I enjoy a vacation," she teased, "When do we continue the campaign?"
"Alti," Xena greeted. She had her hands flat against the table, but her head turned in the shaman's direction. "The army has earned the break."
Alti leaned her hip against the table's side. "You should not let them get any duller… or stupider."
Xena straightened up and faced the shaman. "What do you want?"
Alti chuckled and placed a hand on the table. "Any luck with your little Amazon Princess yet?" She could tell by the drawn out silence that Xena had made very little headway. "My offer still stands." She had a wider grin now. "I can get her to talk."
Xena moved in closer to the shaman. "To tell me what?" She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. "I already know what I need to know."
Alti considered it for a beat then finally nodded with a serious look. "Very well." She pushed off the table and went to the exit.
"Alti," Xena called. She waited until the shaman turned to her. "Her guards have orders to keep her in and others out." She explained nothing else and returned to the map.
Alti slotted her eyes but left without a word.
"How long do you think you can keep her away?"
Xena had her eyes down on the map. She carefully studied her current location and what was around her. "As long as it takes," she softly responded. She lifted her head and met the God of War's serious features.
"That Amazon is the only leverage you have over them right now," Ares added. "And your shaman is quite keen on her."
"And I wonder why that is." Xena folded her arms against her bronze chest. "It's like flies to shit." She tilted her head. "Perhaps she is a chosen of Artemis."
Ares gave a grin. "Perhaps so." He tilted his head and matched the warlord's stance. His helmet was gone and so was his dory, but he wore his usual hoplite attire otherwise. "But I would keep a careful eye on her."
Xena was staring back at the map. "The shaman or the Amazon?"
"Both," Ares replied, distantly.
Xena lifted her head and slotted her eyes. The God of War was gone from her tent, but she knew he would be back again. His words were hardly lost on her. But right now, she focused on her task well into the night.
By the middle of the night, Alti left her personal tent and found the camp mostly quiet other than regular patrol hoplites. She passed several campfires, but only a few hoplites remained by them. She went directly to the single guarded tent and was hardly surprised that the two guards were inside, rather than at their outside posts. She smiled and slipped in without a sound.
Gabrielle stirred first after she sensed the shaman's presence. She hastily climbed to her feet, and it woke the hoplites.
Alti had already jumped after the two hoplites. She wrapped one hand around each of their throats and focused her powers on them. She was swift and released them.
The two hoplites groaned before they fell to the ground and remained unconscious.
Alti looked up from the hoplites to the chained prisoner in the center of the tent. She smiled, wickedly. "We have not been introduced properly." She headed towards the Amazon. "I am Alti."
Gabrielle narrowed her eyes and strained against the shackles that kept her hands behind her back. Every muscle in her body tensed as the shaman grew closer to her. She had hardly forgotten their last meeting in the temple. The chains around her ankles softly protested from her movements.
"And you have something very special about you, little Amazon." Alti raised her hand. "I intend to find out what."
Gabrielle growled low and bent her knees as Alti closed in on her. She mentally counted down then suddenly gave a low cry. She jumped straight up, lifted her legs up, and then kicked with both feet. She slammed her boot heels directly into Alti's chest.
Alti hollered and sailed backwards until she collided with the unconscious hoplites. She gave a low groan and rolled to one side.
Gabrielle dropped to a seated positioned again and stretched her legs out to the nearest hoplite's sheathed sword. Her boot tip scraped over the handle a few times. She softly cursed and continued to strain against the shackles.
Alti groaned and slowly recovered from the strike. She lifted her head and blinked a few times until the Amazon came into view. A furrow wrinkled across her brow when the Amazon's boot tips managed to wiggle out a hoplite's xiphos from a sheath. She hissed and quickly moved forward with her right arm out.
Gabrielle cut her eyes from the hilt between her boots to the shaman. She growled as the shaman rolled off the hoplite.
Alti stretched out her arm further. Her hand curled around the Amazon's thigh just after the xiphos was freed from the sheath. She invoked her powers with fury.
Gabrielle dropped her head back and let out a cry. Images from a battle unknown to her struck her again and again as if she were there. It cut off sharply, and she slumped against the post.
Alti recovered and hastily crawled over to the Amazon. "Tell me who you are," she snarled and wrapped her hand around the Amazon's throat.
Gabrielle jerked against her chains, but Alti's powers already coursed through her body. She opened her mouth to yell, but only silence came out from her. Her body started convulsing against the post.
Alti grew stronger. Her powers ate away at the Amazon's own strength. "By the gods," she gasped and jerked her hand free. She smirked at the weakened Amazon. "The chosen of Aphrodite." Alti was quite pleased by her find. "And marked by Artemis."
Gabrielle's head rolled twice, and she struggle with her pain. She barely made out Alti's words.
"How incredibly unusual," Alti murmured. She was very pleased and wrapped her longer fingers, one by one, around the Amazon's neck. "You have so much power. Your past lives have filled you." Her dark smile grew. "And I will have that power."
Gabrielle arched against the post when Alti's attack started again. She pulled hard against the chains. Every muscle coiled like rope against her damp skin, and her veins formed thickly. She could do nothing against the shaman's attack. She had suffered emotional pain so great, but this physical pain cut beyond just her body. Her very spirit was being ripped from her, and it screamed out in agony.
Alti's eyes were brightening each heartbeat. She had a smile of death. She felt the Amazon's powerful soul tear apart from her body. Alti would inhale it like the finest wine. She was so close until the tent flap broke her concentration. Alti jerked her hand away and gazed up at the hoplite.
The hoplite looked from the slumped prisoner to the shaman. He was furious and rushed forward.
Alti was on her feet and threw a punch that connected with his jaw. She felt how hard the impact was and expected him to drop, but she lost her smirk.
The hoplite's head jerk to one side. He then turned his head towards the shaman again.
Alti instantly tensed when the hoplite's eyes shined red at her. In a heartbeat, she realized the hoplite was anything but mortal. She was powerless against her attacker.
The hoplite barred his teeth and grabbed the shaman. He lifted her up into the tent and held her by the throat. How he wanted to end her life, but he instead cut off her breathing until she blacked out. He then tossed her aside like a ragdoll.
Gabrielle groaned heavily but remained slouched against the pole. She slightly stirred when two hands lifted her head.
"Gabrielle?" the hoplite called. He gently patted her left cheek. "Wake up."
Gabrielle blinked once and slowly focused on the person in front of her. She shook her head and murmured, "Aphrodite?"
The hoplite smiled, but he was now the Goddess of Love in full armor. "That's right, sweet pea." She held up Gabrielle's head.
"What…" Gabrielle could barely form her thoughts let alone speak.
"It's time to go," Aphrodite explained. She first took the ankle shackles, wrapped her hands around the chain, and gave a quick tug. She broke three links and separated the shackles. She repeated the same with the manacles around Gabrielle's wrists.
Gabrielle was relieved to bring her arms forward and tried moving her legs. She went back down, far too weak.
"I have you," Aphrodite assured her. She lifted the broken Amazon and supported her weight. "You have to escape." She turned her head to the right. "But there's not much time."
Gabrielle took one step towards the tent flap and nearly fell until the goddess grabbed her. Just the tent flap alone felt so far. "I'm too weak." She felt drained to her very core thanks to Alti. She attempted another step, and it truly hurt to move her body.
"I don't care," Aphrodite snapped. "You have to leave." She adjusted Gabrielle's weight against her body. "Come on."
Gabrielle was dragged by the goddess a few paces. She forced her legs to obey her command, and she hissed from the intense pain. "Oh gods," she groaned.
Aphrodite pushed through the tent flap. Her powers masked her again as a male hoplite. She continued helping Gabrielle through the camp. "This way," she ordered softly.
Gabrielle gritted her teeth and moved her legs even if they felt broken. She contained her painful cry and forced her muscles to respond to her demands. Slowly she started moving on her two feet more.
Aphrodite saw a campfire with three hoplites. She quickly detoured around a tent and continued to the closest escape point. "There's a woods ahead."
Gabrielle nodded and understood Aphrodite's idea. "Get me there."
Aphrodite silently agreed. She weaved Gabrielle through the camp and ducked around tents when a hoplite came near them. At one point, she held Gabrielle close at the backside of one tent. After the two patrolling hoplites left, she guided Gabrielle further west.
"We're close," the goddess promised.
Gabrielle had regained some strength and carried more of her own weight. She kept her left arm around the goddess's bronze waist. Just ahead, past several tents, she saw the woods. A sense of freedom came over her.
"You there!" a hoplite called. He hurried towards the tall hoplite that had somebody with them. "Halt!"
Aphrodite cursed and realized she could do very little at this point. "You have to go." She released the Amazon.
"Dity-"
"Go. I will find you," Aphrodite insisted.
Gabrielle broke away and took a step under a tall torch. Her golden hair and distinct features rallied the approaching hoplite.
"The prisoner has escaped!" the hoplite yelled in alarm. He unsheathed his blade and raced after the prisoner and other hoplite.
Gabrielle took off at her best speed. Her head pounded like a crazed war, and she tasted blood in her mouth. Every step shot pain up her back. Yet Gabrielle ran to the woods with hoplites coming for her. She heard their shouts and luckily ducked past a few that stirred from their tents. She made it to the woods and pushed through several bushes then finally into the darkness.
The hoplites gave pursuit and yelled for the prisoner or to each other. Their voices echoed deep in the woods. They easily followed her trail and began catching up to her.
Gabrielle tried running faster because she knew she normally could sprint at top speeds. But the increased strain made it even worse for her. She never had her well trained body failed her like now. Gabrielle struggled with her heart rate. The pain coursed through every vein in her. She fought for air and eventually was forced onto her knees. She wanted to give up.
"Get up!" Aphrodite yelled. She appeared a few steps in front of the Amazon. She hurried forward and lifted the Amazon by her arms. "On your feet."
"Dity," Gabrielle rasped. "I can't… I'm too weak."
Aphrodite opened her mouth to argue, but as she studied the mortal, she saw the life nearly gone from Gabrielle. Whatever Alti had done to Gabrielle it was severe. She was amazed Gabrielle had made it this far. If she had been sooner then she could have stopped Alti from hurting her chosen.
Gabrielle turned her head when she heard the hoplites getting closer to her. She closed her eyes and resigned herself to defeat. It mattered little to her anyway.
Aphrodite was thinking quickly. Her gaze lifted to the tall tree beside them, and it seemed to call to her. "The tree."
Gabrielle was confused but peered up at the tree too.
"Get into the tree. Hurry." Aphrodite brought Gabrielle over to it. "Into the tree." She helped Gabrielle get a start to the first branch.
Gabrielle clutched the first branch and then pulled her body up. She whimpered at the shots of pain through her arm muscles then her legs.
"Higher," Aphrodite ordered. She watched Gabrielle go the next branch, but then she heard the hoplites' yells grow closer.
Gabrielle nearly lost her grip on the third branch, but she pulled up onto it. She gasped and laid flat against it.
Aphrodite tilted her head back and closed her eyes. Quickly her body shortened and built muscles. Her hair was still golden but short and straight. She opened her eyes now that she looked exactly like her chosen.
Gabrielle had curiously watched then her attention was drawn to the right. She lowered her head against the branch and bit her bottom lip. She watched Aphrodite run off to draw the hoplites away from her. From her hidden position, she was able to count ten hoplites that gave chase to Aphrodite. Once they were far enough away, Gabrielle fought to sit up and leaned her back against the trunk. She groaned once her head rested on the tree.
With slow, deep breaths, Gabrielle prayed her body would recover from Alti's attack. Yet, each draw of breath hurt just as worst as the last one. She bit her bottom lip hard and nearly drew blood. She noticed how her entire body burned like it was set on fire or scorched under the sun's heat. Whatever Alti had done it to her, it was beyond a healer's means. Perhaps she would still die from it.
Gabrielle felt broken by Terreis's death and now shattered by Alti's attack. She painfully gasped and slowly lost her last drop of control. Her soul bled and her heart was silent. Gabrielle could no longer bare it or even cared to heal from all that had happened to her in the last days. She simply let go, rolled to the side, and started to fall. Air rushed past her ears, leaves hit her, and the weightlessness was a blessing. But, she never struck the cold ground and instead was caught by a goddess's arms.
"I'm here, Gabs." Aphrodite drew the broken mortal closer to her body. "I'm always here," she sadly promised.
Gabrielle groaned and dropped her head against the goddess's shoulder. "Please, Dity," she pleaded, weakly.
Aphrodite understood what Gabrielle asked of her, but she refused the request. She instead started through the woods. "I don't think so." She was headed southwest to the closest town. She would find a safe refugee for her chosen until she could heal.
Gabrielle closed her eyes after the denial. Her pain eventually made her slip into unconsciousness. She was plagued by nightmares until finally Terreis found her. Gabrielle and Terreis spoke about many things, especially Gabrielle's future. All that had made Gabrielle strong was taken, and she was weak. Terreis told her a new path was before her, and Gabrielle had a choice. Gabrielle feared Terreis's ideas and began weeping all that she had lost. Terreis held her close and whispered love into her broken soul. Each time a tear came down, Terreis wiped it away.
Gabrielle opened her heavy, swollen eyelids as if it were the first time in many days. Through her blurry vision, she saw Terreis's silhouette, yet it changed as Gabrielle's eyes sharpened on the figure. Even in a weakened state, Gabrielle reacted to the stranger's touch and latched onto a petite wrist.
The woman gasped and stared wide eye at the weakened warrior in the bedrolls. She had seen many parts of the warrior's body, but it was the first time she saw her eyes. They were bright green and held a wild intensity. She imagined an animal locked behind those eyes. Her own fears calmed the warrior, and she was released from the iron grip.
"I am s-s-sorry," the woman stammered. She clambered to her feet but a steady hand settled her nerves.
"It is alright, Iola." The Goddess of Love had formed behind the startled priestess. Her calm nature had eased the priestess. "I will care for her." She retrieved the damp cloth from Iola's hand.
"Goddess," Iola greeted. She bowed before she softly excused herself from the room.
Aphrodite knelt beside her favorite mortal. "Gabs… how you feel?" She brought the moist compress to the Amazon's cheek.
"Like I was run over by several chariots," Gabrielle admitted. She softly moaned after the cool fabric pressed against her hot features. "Where am I?" She knew she was in one of Aphrodite's many temples, a safe haven for her.
"Pella," Aphrodite replied. She did her best to wipe the sweat beads from Gabrielle's face. "You have been asleep for several days."
Gabrielle groaned and reached up. She pulled the cloth away from her face but kept her hand over Aphrodite's own. "How long is several days?"
Aphrodite frowned and softly answered, "Today is the fourth day."
Gabrielle released a low breath. There was nothing that could change the lost time. "How did I get here?" She barely recalled climbing into the tree before her memory ended there.
"I brought you here," Aphrodite replied.
Gabrielle stilled after just pushing the furs off. "You carried me all the way to Pella?" She narrowed her eyes at the goddess. "That's a solid day's walk."
"Twenty-seven and half candlemarks to be exact," Aphrodite stated, but she shrugged. "As if it matters."
"Dity…" Gabrielle was unsure what to say. She instead shook her head and started getting to her feet.
"Slow down, Gabs." Aphrodite still helped the mortal get to her bare feet.
"Where are my boots?"
Aphrodite realized she would lose the battle to keep Gabrielle bedridden any further. Although, she knew the Amazon was hardly fit for travel. She guided the Amazon over to the items on a marble table.
Gabrielle stilled upon seeing all her items, including what she had left outside of the village that the warlord attacked many days ago. She curiously peered up from her rucksack, armor, and weapons to the goddess.
"I can travel through space with inanimate objects."
Gabrielle nodded. "Thank you." She took her boots and painstakingly put them on with slow movements. She was nearly breathless after she was done.
"Please tell me that you do not plan to travel," Aphrodite insisted. She sadly watched her chosen stand up with gritted teeth.
"Soon," Gabrielle replied. She took her sheathed dagger and hooked it to her side. She could forgo the rest because it would be too much. She started out of the room, which was the adyton. She noted that Pella was good to Aphrodite by all the gifts and wears on the main table.
"I will have a priestess bring you a meal," the goddess promised. She followed the mortal out of the adyton.
"Thank you." Gabrielle hoped she could keep it down. She needed to regain her strength that had been drained from her by Alti. She seethed at the thought of the damn shaman. She had been so close to avenging Terreis until Alti stole her chance.
Aphrodite felt uneasy and mentioned, "I will return to check on you."
Gabrielle paused and faced the goddess, who was starting to fade away.
"It is best to stay in the temple, for now." Aphrodite's last words were gentle, and she was gone.
Gabrielle sighed and continued through the temple. She entered the vestibule and found a quiet spot on a stone bench between two columns. She tried gathering her thoughts while she watched various disciples come and go from the temple. Gabrielle could tell which sacrifices were for lust versus true love, both equally important to the Goddess of Love.
"Elita," the priestess greeted. She was a different one than the one that had tended to Gabrielle's wounds.
Gabrielle sighed at the honorific that priestesses of the goddess used with her. She loathed it because she was anything but elite. However, the priestesses insisted on using the title once they learned that Aphrodite favored her. She had no idea why the priestesses insisted on the foolish title. "Gabrielle," she corrected. She peered up and added, "My name is Gabrielle."
"Yes, elita." The priestess held out plate of food in offer.
Gabrielle grumbled but took the food. She need the nutrition more than an argument. "Thank you."
"If you need anything," the priestess started, "We are here to assist." She started to go until the chosen's voice halted her.
"What is your name?"
The priestess turned and revealed a faint smile. "Melina."
Gabrielle nodded. She focused on the food.
The priestess, Melina, quietly took her leave. She tried imaging why the Goddess of Love had selected an Amazon as her chosen. There were some things beyond her understanding, as it was not her place.
Gabrielle appreciated the priestess's choice in foods. There was only food that would help her regain her strength. She wondered if Aphrodite had advised the priestess of such. After she was done, the priestess returned shortly and took the plate. She also gave Gabrielle a full waterskin, which she truly needed after days with little water.
After such a good meal, Gabrielle needed to walk so she did a few loops around the parameter for the temple. Once she returned to her start point, she passed through the columns and went outside into the late afternoon. She inhaled the cool air then took a seat on a step. She suspected she was safe enough since she was still on the temple's grounds, even if she was past the columns.
Gabrielle watched the people travel by the temple. She had always wanted to see Pella, which was known for its amazing mosaics. It was also the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and Gabrielle imagined there were mosaics or statues dedicated to him peppered throughout the city. If she was lucky, she would steal a tour of the city.
"Xena's men are hunting for you."
Gabrielle turned her head to the right and took in the goddess seated next to her. "I know I am protected here."
"I can only do so much, Gabs."
The Amazon tilted her head and argued, "It already seems as if you did more than you should have done ."
Aphrodite laced her hands together in her lap. She turned her attention to the street and watched the mortals going about their daily life.
Gabrielle sensed the goddess's rise of tension, and it worried her. "Will something happen to you?"
"I will be fine," Aphrodite promised. "But you are the one that's at a crossroad."
Gabrielle was silent for awhile then muttered, "So it would seem." She considered what had happened to her in the last fortnight. She remembered her mother and sister then the battle against the warlord, Terreis's death, and then seeking revenge. Her last memories were of Alti in the tent and the desperate attempt to flee the camp, with Aphrodite's help.
The goddess forced her attention to remain on the people that walked by them, without a care. She enjoyed how she could mingle with the mortals and only be known as a goddess if she so wished it.
"Aphrodite…"
The goddess tensed after her favorite mortal used her full name. She slowly looked at Gabrielle, who was staring intently at her. Gabrielle was the only being, mortal or otherwise, that could read into her. In that instant, Aphrodite sensed her relationship with Gabrielle step out onto a precipice.
"Alti said I was your chosen."
Aphrodite treaded carefully and gave a low nod. "I do favor you."
"And that I am also marked by Artemis."
Aphrodite tore her eyes off the Amazon. She curled in fingers together in her lap.
Gabrielle reached over and touched the goddess's bare arm. "These things she spoke of she saw from my soul, Aphrodite." She squeezed and insisted, "Tell me what she saw."
"Gabs…" Aphrodite met the Amazon's hardened features. "These are not a mortal's concern."
Gabrielle leaned in and softly but firmly argued, "Then why would a shaman want my soul?" She sighed at Aphrodite's continued resolve so she tried with more emotion. "Please tell me what it means, Dity."
Aphrodite swallowed and worried her bottom lip before she met the mortal's desperate features. "There are laws, Gabs that I must follow."
"My guess is you have broken them lately."
Aphrodite flushed after the mortal pegged her. Her eyes fluttered a few times as she looked down at the street again.
Gabrielle withdrew her hand and waited out Aphrodite's own turmoil.
The goddess brushed a curly lock behind her right ear. She sighed and whispered, "Many anni ago, I made a deal with Artemis." She felt Gabrielle's intense gaze on her again, but she ignored it as she spoke. "Artemis wished to have you in her nation so I agreed under the condition that she protected you." She finally looked at Gabrielle. "As long as you were in her domain."
Gabrielle let out a low breath as she absorbed the fact her fate was not her own.
Aphrodite indicated Gabrielle's Amazon attire and softly added, "You are marked by Artemis. Her favor has turned you into the finest warrior." A slight grin pulled at her lips as she admired Gabrielle's transformed body from over the anni. "You totally are the finest I have seen." She smirked. "Not many could best the Destroyer of Nations."
Gabrielle grumbled at the heat in her cheeks. She toyed with her short hair and recalled she needed a bath soon. She probably smelled worse than horse and campfires, by Aphrodite's opinion. She blew out a breath then asked, "Why does Artemis want me in her nation?" She considered what she knew already. "Because I am your chosen?"
"Yes," Aphrodite whispered. She stared out distantly, her great mind flying in thousands of directions. She weighed what the truth would do to her chosen. Her eyelids slid down, and she placed her hands flat against the stone step under her.
Gabrielle reached out and touched the goddess's opposite cheek. She turned Aphrodite's face towards her. She found radiant blue eyes upon her again. Gabrielle leaned in closer and softly pleaded, "Tell me."
Aphrodite inhaled sharply as Gabrielle's voice reached into her. She had sworn to stay true to the laws this time. Zeus would make her adhere to it. And yet, Aphrodite unraveled for Gabrielle, again and again. She finally reached up and took Gabrielle's hand into hers.
Gabrielle sensed the charge between their skins. She studied their hands, but she saw nothing there with her eyes. She peered up with hooded eyes. Her question was written across her features. Gabrielle had to understand it.
"You are my chosen. A god only has one chosen, ever." Aphrodite squeezed their hands tighter. "It means you carry half of my soul, Gabrielle." She watched the astonishment fill the bright greens eyes. "A god may choose to keep their soul or split it in half. I chose to split mine."
Gabrielle shook her head. Her gaze flickered between their hands. "Why?"
"So that we can increase our influence on the mortal world and…" Aphrodite lifted her freehand and cupped the mortal's cheek. "And feel what you feel otherwise a god knows no emotions."
Gabrielle released a low breath and turned her head. She broke the contact between them and started standing up.
Aphrodite quickly stood and tried, "Gabs…" She faltered after the mortal's headshake.
"I need time to understand this." Gabrielle went up one step. "I just thought my fate was my own." She reentered the temple and felt frazzled by the truth.
Aphrodite sadly stood there and watched her chosen leave. "It is," she murmured. She vanished and allowed Gabrielle time to digest the news. She hoped they could talk more about it later.
Gabrielle wearily continued through the temple. Her mind was spinning, and she felt physically weak again. She prayed she could make it back to the adyton. Her pace grew slower, and the world started slipping from her grasp. The next few steps were far more difficult than her first ones as a child. Gabrielle moaned and felt her eyes roll upwards. Her weakened knees gave out, and she slid towards the stone floor until sure arms hooked her.
Aphrodite lifted the Amazon's bulky weight. "I am here, Gabs," she softly promised.
Gabrielle's head dropped back, and she passed out from physical and mental exhaustion. She had never been this broken, but she could afford it in Aphrodite's care.
The goddess moved her other arm under Gabrielle's knees. She then straightened up and carried the fallen Amazon back to the adyton. She sighed because her chosen still needed several more days of rest. With a warlord and shaman on a hunt, Gabrielle had to be at her best before travel. Aphrodite would make sure of it.
To be continued.