AN: Since this episode doesn't have the actual Xena and Gabrielle stories, I'm going to write from Janice's and Mel's viewpoints. After all, they are Xena and Gabrielle in another time, another place. and thank you for the support and well wishes. healing vibes 3
I have often wondered what other lifetimes are out there for Xena and I. We already know we share a future in which Xena is called the mother of peace and I am the warrior. We find one another then. How many others are there?
Another thought occurs to me. Is this the first lifetime we traveled together? I would like to think that we've traveled together since the beginning of time and will after time no longer exists.
A snicker can be heard. A glare is given and my soulmate glances at me sheepishly. All I would have to do is mention the poem that sits above our mantel and Xena would blush profusely.
While I might be the bard of the family, Xena is quite the romantic. When she allows for it. In front of most, she wouldn't even think to show it. I think the only one she ever did was her mother. Even Eve doesn't often see her mother's softer side.
Cyrene. A woman I barely was able to truly learn all there was to know. We became close. As close as a mother and daughter can become. But because of Ares, we were never able to truly share all we could.
The same could be said of our daughter Eve. The things our daughter has to deal with to this day are beyond me. Xena is there for her whenever she allows. But if we'd been there to raise her…
I'm off topic. Nothing new when it comes to these chronicles, I'm afraid. There are so many things I could say if only they had happened differently…In this case had Ares not intervened, we may or may not have survived the wrath of the Olympic Gods.
Back to what I was attempting to write before my cantankerous soulmate once again attempted to hide her romantic side, I wonder what lifetimes we lived together?
How different would things have been? Would I be the warrior or would Xena? Would we know we were soulmates immediately? Or would it be a rocky beginning, not unlike how Xena attempted to keep me at bay for so long?
Somehow I imagine a time where I am the warrior. The weapons have become even deadlier. It's a time when wisdom and words are even more important than they are now.
Xena places a hand on my shoulder. She knows I dream. Sometimes I dream of our pasts. Nightmares of course, but also the most pleasant of dreams.
My soulmate also knows that I dream of stories. Some of these stories don't involve her and she is grateful. Others feel familiar. Like I've lived them or one day will.
There is one dream that has been more vivid as of late. I am the warrior, I think. Xena is so soft spoken and has a knowledge beyond anything I can conceive of.
But there is another in my dreams. It's not the annoying figure of a man that makes me think of Joxer. It's the sensation that someone familiar is the reason we are reunited in this lifetime. Why do I have an inkling that Ares is somehow involved?
THE XENA SCROLLS
Janice had been in the tent taking inventory when she had heard the car pull up. She hadn't paid much attention as there was so much coming and going and there were guards posted in strategic places.
When the pleasant, soft spoken voice had asked if anyone was home, Janice couldn't help snickering. Was the encampment home? She hadn't really ever had a place to call home. Especially since her mother had left and her father had dragged her from dig site to dig site attempting to finance what she was currently undertaking.
Threatening a lady. Janice was not one to stand for that. Especially since she sensed the stranger was not capable of taking care of herself. Besides, she recognized the voice. The man was one of Smythe's men. None of them would hesitate in killing an innocent.
Janice made herself known by telling the man that was no way to treat a lady. Soon, she found herself facing off against two men. She cursed herself for not counting her bullets as she dove for cover. Anger grew as they had ventilated her hat.
Thankfully, the young woman had taken refuge. Still, Janice could not keep her mind fully focused on the two men who had machine guns.
As it lucked out, Janice came up behind her own little friend. She let fly with the bullets. Soon the men were no longer a threat. At least they weren't until they had regrouped. She knew Smythe wouldn't give up easily.
Now Janice's attention was drawn to the amazing looking woman. If she weren't so focused on completing what her father had begun, she might be so inclined to attempt to learn more about the stranger.
Yes, the stranger could have been killed. But why wasn't she? Could it be because she wasn't who she said she was? Mel Pappas had died over a year ago. He would have been a great deal older than the woman standing before her.
Even with being informed Mel was short for Melinda and she was his daughter, Janice was uncertain if she could trust the stranger. There were too many people who would gladly steal anything that could make a profit. Smythe being the number one suspect.
Melinda could translate ancient writings? Janice was skeptical. It wasn't because she was female. There were many intelligent women out there. Professors. Doctors. Lawyers. In fact, Janice had had some fun with a few of them.
It was the manner in which Melinda held herself that caused Janice to doubt what she had been informed of. And it also came down to how hard Smythe had been attempting to steal her discovery. He knew of her…Delights. She wouldn't put it past him to use a woman to earn her trust.
Janice didn't wait when Mel asked her to. Instead, she had to berate what consisted of her security. Apparently none of them were worth what little she paid them. She watched as the man scampered away.
Persistent. It was one word Janice would use so far to describe Melinda. It wasn't the worst thing in the world, but it was becoming annoying when Janice had so many other things to worry about.
The offer of a ride back to town was rebuked by the question of why Smythe's men had wanted her briefcase so vehemently. It could have been they thought she had information. Could Janice take that chance?
The only thing Janice knew for certain was she and Smythe were desperate to discover the tablet that would unlock the tomb they had discovered.
All Tartarus broke out with the discovery of the man stabbed to death. It wasn't a curse. Couldn't these idiots see it was a human being that had killed another?
What would drive men to murder? Janice hesitated momentarily. Did she want to share with Mel? To trust her? She took a breath before relating how it was the most important archeological find of the century. The long lost Xena scrolls.
Janice decided to test Mel with a parchment she had discovered. It entailed the rescue of a damsel in distress. Janice had read it opposite of the dark-haired Xena battling the fair-haired Callisto. It was Xena who was attempting to save her friend who hung high above the ground.
Mel had proven she could read the text even more aptly than Janice let on. The archeologist had to admit to being impressed. She would play it cool as she remained uncertain if she could trust the stranger. Plus, the translator had no idea the significance of the history the parchment she had read.
It didn't take Mel long to make the connection when Janice began bragging about her father being the greatest archeologist that had ever lived. She cringed as once again someone referred to her father as graverobber.
The sad fact was it was true. Harry Covington would sell his soul and anything not related to the Xena scrolls to finance this particular discovery. She was not about to let someone who was living off her daddy's reputation to ruin her chance at making his lifelong dream come true.
Mel showed a feisty side. Janice enjoyed seeing the fire in those azure eyes. In fact, if she hadn't been so adamant about defending her father and herself, she might have enjoyed watching the translator and begin to think of her in another light.
A voice interrupted their 'discussion'. The new intrusion was annoying. Just his voice alone had Janice on edge. Something wasn't right with the man. How he bragged she'd be dead already. Please. She was better than that.
There was no way this man was regular army. Whether it was for France or any other country. He couldn't fight himself out blankets tangled around him in the morning, let alone attempt to kill a Nazi.
The way Jac was drooling all over Mel after two seconds didn't sit well with Janice. For some reason, even with their minor rift, she felt extremely protective of her.
Was Janice to believe he was attempting to keep the scrolls out of Nazi hands? Something didn't feel right. At the moment, she was focused more on Mel and the scrolls than anything else.
Janice didn't allow it to show how much it surprised her when Mel defended her and her father against profiting. It did, surprisingly, warm the archeologist's heart.
Students of archeology? Why did it sound so contrived to Janice? There was definitely something up with Jac. She would have to keep an eye on him.
The arrival of Smythe caused Jac to instantly be on the backburner. Janice knew how deadly Smythe could be and how he wanted to profit from her discovery.
Smythe actually wanted her to help decipher the key? He had to be kidding. But Janice had to go along with him. She had to buy time. Though she hated how Mel had looked at her when she had said that maybe they could do business.
Finally at the entrance to the tomb, Janice decided to stall. She made certain to deliberately try a false combination. Unfortunately, Mel hadn't caught on and informed Smythe of the actual combination.
Janice was disappointed in Mel. After chastising her, Janice felt bad. The expression on her tentative new friend's face was regret enough. It caused them all to be in greater danger from Smythe and the unknown traps of the tomb.
The trio entered first. It was dark. Something happened and there was a cave in of sorts. Janice reached out for Mel. She chastised herself for worrying about anyone but herself.
Smythe hopefully had gotten what he deserved, but Janice couldn't take that chance. She would have to be even more on edge knowing he could reappear at any moment.
As Mel began telling what she felt had occurred in the cavern they found themselves in, Janice related how Xena and Ares had this connection. It was most likely the battle Mel was somehow sensing.
Ares' tomb. Janice shuddered at the thought of being trapped where The God of War had once been. Or was he buried here still? She could feel his essence. Or was it something else?
Curses? What was it with everyone attempting to blame natural events on curses? The more Jac attempted to explain how he knew curses existed, the more Janice realized he was hiding something. Movies were what he described, not real life.
What did they do? They did what Janice had intended to do all along. She was to find the scrolls. The warning to be careful went unheeded and she and Jac were nearly skewered. She told Mel to sit.
Janice didn't have time to babysit Mel. Even when she began regaling them with a tale, it didn't register immediately that the translator was doing just that. She was translating the scrolls she had discovered.
Could Janice share the credit? At one time, she would have fought tooth and nail so she could clear her father's name and make a name for herself. But there was something about Mel. She couldn't quite place it. Yet.
Before Janice could ponder further, Mel made a discovery. There was something familiar about the piece of metal Mel had pointed out. It was not jewelry as Jac attempted to claim. It was Xena's most powerful weapon. It was her unique chakram.
When Janice couldn't remove it, she reluctantly gave Mel a chance. The archeologist had to have loosened it. There was no way Mel's strength outdid her own.
Before Janice could contemplate it too long, Smythe arrived. He had the other half of the chakram. It was as if it vibrated in Mel's hands. Something was definitely happening. Janice couldn't understand. Yet.
Janice managed to stall Smythe with the threat of a cave in. She managed the upper hand. Unlike her archenemy, she didn't hesitate in firing the weapon making certain Jac and Mel were safe.
Again with the curses. Just because the torches seemed to light themselves meant nothing. Even Janice didn't believe it was dormant embers. But there had to be a rational explanation.
Slapping Jac seemed the only way to stop the madman's ramblings. How could he be any kind of soldier? Not that Janice had believed for a second he was.
Before being able to see how Mel was faring, Smythe was demanding the scrolls and the chakram. Janice watched in horror as Mel was guided toward the other half of the weapon and flew across the tomb once the halves were made whole once again.
Janice couldn't believe her eyes. As she made certain Mel was all right, the sarcophagus' lid slowly slid open. A man in black leather was standing before them saying it felt good to be free.
The urge to comply with Jac's request to slap him once again was nearly overwhelming. Something about the imposter was grating on Janice's nerves. Since the appearance of the stranger, the compulsion had intensified.
Janice continued to aid Mel as she watched the man operate. Of course Smythe thought he had the upper hand. It was short lived as the man used whatever power he possessed to force Smythe's henchman to turn their weapons on each other.
Who the stranger was seemed just on the tip of Janice's tongue. It was as if all this was far too familiar. Ares. God of War. It was his tomb they had entered. It was he who now had the power over them.
It was nearly amusing as Jac attempted to proclaim he would protect the ladies. A brush salesman? From New Jersey? That part made perfect sense. In a way, it was admirable he had wanted to help the war effort after being denied entry into any kind of military service.
Family tradition? How would Jack know about the Xena scrolls. Joxer? The bumbling warrior who had a heart of gold? Janice could see the lineage perfectly.
Trapped for centuries waiting for a certain someone to free him? Could that mean that Janice was related to Xena? Could she be her descendent?
When Ares had said he needed Xena's descendent to free him, it made perfect sense to Janice. She had always been a warrior. Of course it was her.
Janice's ego took a real hit as Ares called her a silly girl. Still, she was connected to Xena in a fashion. Irritating blonde? Perhaps she was a warrior. Perhaps not one that was honorable. But still to be connected to the warrior princess in anyway was like a dream come true for the archeologist.
The sidekick. Janice's ego took a nearly fatal blow at the realization that in a past life she had been nothing important. She had been a tagalong.
Was it horror or jealousy Janice felt when she realized it was Mel who was Xena's descendent? Meek Mel who was so sweet and naïve. Someone who didn't know how the real world worked. Someone who could be easily hurt both emotionally and physically.
Something came together as Ares informed them he had big plans for the world. With the Nazi's causing war, it was a perfect time for The God of War to once again rule the known world.
The only problem with that? Janice's eyes widened as meek Mel tossed her glasses aside. It only took a moment for her to realize the translator was no longer in control. It was Xena now standing before them.
Janice was in shock. Xena was telling her to leave. Jack was telling her they needed to blow. But her dreams had been shattered. Her ego had been crushed. Finally, she and Jack made their escape, but she lost track of her bumbling companion.
Caring. No, loving. That's what Janice sensed when Xena asked her how she was and that it was good she was. The warrior princess really was standing before her showing true concern for her wellbeing. It was a great deal to take in.
Instead of enjoying the fact she was standing before the warrior princess, Janice had to wallow in her own self-pity. She was the tagalong. She was useless. She was Gabrielle.
Xena was vehement in her way of describing how her bard was far from useless. She was proud to call her bard family. She was extremely important to the warrior princess. Listening to how the warrior princess described Gabrielle caused Janice to swallow. This was a love beyond admiration.
Instead of feeling useless, Janice began to wonder if she could live up to Gabrielle's reputation? After all, her father and her own were not all that great.
Janice smiled as Xena accepted her offer of help. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to be the sidekick. Maybe, just maybe, she could learn a thing or two. She just wished they could have left Jack behind.
The archeologist wasn't even certain how it had happened. One minute Janice had been where Xena had left them. The next, she found herself tied to a pillar in danger.
Fascinating. It was one word to use to describe watching Xena in action. Inspiring. Unbelievable. There was no shortage of words to use as Janice watched. And moved nearly a second too late once she and Jack found their freedom.
But at what cost? The use of the chakram had freed Ares. Janice managed to distract The God of War enough so that Xena gained the upper hand.
The only problem? Once the chakram hit its target once again, Xena's spirit left Mel's body. It meant it was up to Janice to save her…Friend was a safe word. Jack yelling at them didn't help anything, but she managed to not only save the translator but save her precious ventilated hat.
Once they reached the surface, there was only one thing to do. Janice received a great deal of pleasure in once again sealing Ares' tomb. They might not be there the next time to make certain he remained entombed.
Jack decided he'd had enough or at least that's how it appeared to Janice. She was grateful. She wasn't even certain why she had offered for him join her on her next dig.
Watching as Jack flirted with Mel caused two immediate sensations. Janice wasn't certain whether she would be sick or harm the man. Jealousy once again was a new sensation to the archeologist.
Janice had to admit. Both were attempting to step out from their father's shadows. Perhaps together they could escape. Perhaps they could do more than that. Mel agreeing this was the start of a beautiful friendship. If not more…
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
The drive had been interesting to say the least. In fact, Mel had never traveled outside of The States before. While her father had taught her a great many things, he had never taken her on an actual excursion.
The excitement grew as they drew closer to the dig site. Mel couldn't wait to meet Janice Covington. There was something so intriguing about a female doing what was normally considered so dangerous and a man's field. Not unlike being a translator like her own father before her.
The fancy automobile she had rented came to a stop. The driver opened the door for Mel. There were so many at work but the translator needed Janice Covington. Where would the leader of such a huge undertaking be?
If not actually aiding in the excavation, Janice most likely would be in the tent. It didn't take long for Mel to tentatively enter the tent calling out for anyone.
Mel barely had time to react as someone was attempting to take her briefcase from her. The voice that halted the man was full of self-confidence the translator had never fully acquired. It was sultry. Not something Mel had thought of a woman before.
Taking cover but making certain Mel could watch what was transpiring, she couldn't help but feel a thrill run through her. It wasn't only the fear for Janice's life and her own. There was the thrill of seeing something she only thought she'd see on a movie screen.
Once the goons were chased away, Mel couldn't help exclaim how she might have been killed. The thrill had worn off and grown to all out fear.
The gruffness in Janice's voice caused Mel to hesitate before revealing her identity. Of course the fact that her father's name was Mel and she was his daughter Melinda caused even more gruffness.
Mel could understand how trust was something difficult to come by. The fact she was following in her father's footsteps had made her have to prove herself over and over again. Sadly, she would have to prove herself with Janice.
Being dismissed without even a chance to prove herself was causing Mel to become angry. It wasn't in her Southern nature to be too aggressive. But she had come this far. She had to see it all the way through.
Who was Smythe? Why was Janice berating the men making certain security was tight? What was so important? Each second was making Mel want to stay and discover the truth.
She didn't belong there? Mel was angry and frustrated now. If she didn't belong here why were the men so interested in the briefcase she was carrying?
Tablet? What Tablet? A key to unlocking a tomb. Not even knowing who's tomb or what could be inside, Mel was now more than determined to prove herself to Janice and hopefully help her in her quest.
Even after the discovery of the dead man, Mel could not be turned away. Sure it was more dangerous than she had thought when she had first decided to answer the telegram to her father. But life was dangerous even in the safety of The States.
The Xena scrolls? Mel had heard her father speculate about their existence. He had once upon a time thought it could indeed change history. After all, history was changed as new discoveries were made.
Mel had the inkling that Janice was testing her when she read from the scroll. Either that or she truly did need a translator. Either way, the translator proved her worth, she hoped, when she corrected her.
History. It was what someone like Mel or Janice lived for discovering. The fact that Janice's father was known as Harry the graverobber momentarily caused Mel to rethink her first impression of Janice.
Especially when Janice attacked her about Mel attempting to live down her father's reputation. While that was partially true, to have it said so blatantly temporarily caused Mel to lose her cool. She hastily recovered and hopefully soothed things over with her sincere words.
A voice interrupted their conversation. A strange man with an accent stood before them. There was something about the man that was familiar. Yet Mel had never come close to meeting anyone from France.
It was obvious the man was no match for Janice. Mel was in awe of how in control the archeologist was. She envied the young woman. More than words could say.
Mel was interested when Jac claimed he was there to help keep the scrolls falling into the wrong hands. It made it clear Janice had been right when they'd first met. Who did one trust in this messed up world?
The conviction in Janice's voice when she said she'd never allow the Nazis, or anyone for that matter, from discovering the scrolls caused chills to run up and down Mel's spine. Her admiration for Janice was already growing by leaps and bounds.
In fact, the moment Jac mentioned profit, Mel was the one who jumped to Janice and her father's defense. She wasn't so certain why except she knew the archeologist wouldn't.
Jac's unbelievable explanation was interrupted by the infamous Smythe. The man Janice had wondered if Mel was working for. The man was not good news.
Listening to Smythe offer money, Mel was shocked when Janice appeared to be considering the offer. Unwillingly the translator was forced to follow along.
Mel berated herself once she realized Janice had been lying when she had intentionally read the tablet wrong. It had given Smythe exactly what he had wanted which was access to the tomb.
Once again, Mel, Janice and Jac were forced to take the lead. It was dark. And suddenly they were separated from Smythe.
This odd sensation washed over Mel. It was as if she could sense what had once taken place inside the tomb. A battle between good and evil. It made sense when she read that they were in the tomb of The God of War.
A connection between Xena and Ares? Mel wasn't familiar with the intimate details of the warrior princess. She did know The God of War had influenced her on some basic level.
Curses. Jac and his curses needed to hush. Mel was already dismayed at being trapped in a tomb. Though it did have a great deal of excitement.
The fact that all of Jac's examples were of movies had Janice on edge. Mel couldn't blame her. There was something so annoying about the man.
What to do now? Mel wasn't surprised the archeologist focused on discovering the scrolls. The translator couldn't help herself when she touched the wall. It had appeared harmless but nearly skewered Janice. Something the translator would have greatly regretted.
Being told to sit down was a blessing. Mel couldn't believe all the scrolls that appeared before her. She couldn't help taking one and beginning to read from it.
It was quite the tale of Xena's love Marcus. It was heartbreaking. A warrior in love who had to say goodbye. Mel had never been in love, yet she couldn't help hurting for the warrior princess.
Jac was annoying but Janice was excited. Her father's dream was being actualized. At least Mel had discovered them. Who gained the credit was something they could discuss down the road.
Something shiny caught Mel's attention. There was no way it was a necklace. Janice thought it was a weapon. In fact, it was Xena's special weapon.
After waiting for a few moments watching Janice struggle to retrieve it from the wall, Mel offered to try. She smirked when Janice claimed she loosened it as soon as it easily came from its resting place.
The entrance of Smythe was unwelcomed. Janice warned of firing the weapon. Yet, she didn't hesitate when she had the upper hand. Mel found herself being dragged around. It was not a sensation she liked.
The moment they entered the abandoned chamber the lights came to life. Mel could only shake her head at Janice's feeble attempt at explanation. Still, it was better than Jac's curse claim.
After watching Jac be slapped a few times by Janice, Smythe entered. It was as if there was this pull Mel could never deny. She found herself with a whole chakram and being knocked across the chamber.
There was only the dimmest of awareness of what was happening around her. Mel was enveloped in a sudden warmth as if she was being taken care of.
Mel had no idea what was happening around her. Once again, she was being shoved. This time she was being shoved towards a falling door.
Even after gaining a quick explanation of what had transpired, Mel wasn't certain she believed it. She watched in fascination as Janice enjoyed sealing Ares' tomb so that hopefully no one else would be able to open it ever again.
The translator played along with Jack's flirting. She was more interested in Janice. From the moment she had first laid eyes on her, something drew her to her.
When Janice informed Mel she was right about one thing, the translator had no idea what she was talking about. Shadows of their fathers. It was definitely something they both had in common.
Mel offered to do something about that. She was relieved when Janice agreed they could do it together. For some reason, the translator just knew this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. And maybe something more.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Three months. Dr. Janice Covington remained pissed that most of the scrolls had wound up with that loser from New Jersey. How could she have let her guard down for even a second?
Knowing Smythe truly was dead had to have been one reason. The other was the fact she had finally proven her father right. That all of his grave robbing had paid off in the long run. The Xena scrolls existed. She would one day present them to whoever would listen.
Until then, Janice was licking her wounds. It wasn't all that unpleasant where she was tending her battered ego. Mel's father had inherited an amazing plantation. The history of the land was not something the archeologist chose to dwell on. History required studying so not to repeat it. In some cases, dwelling was bad for the soul.
When Mel had suggested they take a break from pursuing Jack and the remaining lost scrolls before deciding on whether to continue that pursuit or begin a new excavation, Janice had at first balked.
Partly it was because Janice hated losing. Jack had made her appear the fool. Worse, he had made her look the fool in the eyes of the beautiful translator.
In the three months since they had traveled nearly nonstop, Janice had discovered something she never thought she would. She was in love.
Oh the archeologist had had her fair share of flings over the years. But never had Janice ever thought for an instant she would find the one who set her heart, body and soul on fire. Mel was the one for her. It was as if it had been written in the cards.
In a way, it made perfect sense since they were the descendants of Xena and Gabrielle. In one of the scrolls they had recovered from the thieving idiot, they had discovered it was one of The Battling Bard of Potidaea's personal scrolls.
A little more intimate glimpse into the bard and warrior's relationship. This scroll would be passed along to their descendants but would never make a museum. They were too private.
The realization that Janice was in love with Mel was painful. The translator had never given her even an inkling that she could return the emotions so relaxing wasn't exactly what the good doctor was capable of.
Mel was watching her friend as she attempted to rest on the back porch. The view was amazing. Magnolia trees, evergreens and birches were everywhere. The fields in back were nearing harvesting. Unlike the history of the plantation, Mel's family paid those who worked the land with a share of the prophets. It was only fair.
The translator was at a loss as how to proceed. In three months, something had blossomed inside of her. It wasn't only the growing confidence and self-worth being instilled by the good doctor, it was something she never could have foreseen.
Never having come close to the emotions that flooded her, Mel had an inkling what it was she was feeling. There was the physical aspect. It was frightening and revealing.
Mel had never had a lover. She had only kissed a beau or two. What she wanted to do with Janice was more than kiss. Yet, she didn't know what it would entail. And she didn't know if Janice felt the same way or how to ask.
Perhaps a combination of the self-confidence the good doctor had somehow instilled in her should lead her. Her father had always told her to listen to her heart and lead with the brain.
While Mel's father had been a very wise man, in this case, she believed him to be faulty. Lead with the heart, but make certain the brain was listened to. If only in small doses.
Mel cleared her throat before making her way to the table Janice was sitting next to. It wasn't surprising to discover Janice had a glass of her father's scotch. Every evening just after their evening meal, the archeologist could be found here with a glass of scotch.
"May I join you?" Janice nodded her head. The emerald eyes were closed. It would make reading them more difficult than Mel had anticipated. "There's something I would like to discuss with you."
One lazy green eye opened. Janice had her trusty hat pulled nearly over her eyes. She glanced out from beneath the rim. "Is this something to do with our travels?"
Mel swallowed. This was not going to be easy. "Not at the moment. This…" What words were the right ones? She was a translator. She was someone who knew words in more languages than most knew even existed or ever had.
Yet attempting to put into words her attraction for Janice was not happening. "This is a more personal discussion." Janice was now sitting fully upright. "I was wondering if there was ever someone special in your life."
It was the last thing Janice had thought. Now she was wondering if the question had to do with relationships or the gender she had relationships with?
The way azure eyes darkened staring into emerald eyes caused Janice to swallow. Was Mel attempting to tell her something? There was only one way to find out.
"I've never been one for long term. In fact, you're the longest relationship I've ever had." Janice waited to see what kind of affect her statement, which could be taken innocently, had on the innocent Southern Belle.
Azure eyes blinked several times. It was clear Mel was dissecting what had been shared. As if deciding something, Mel stood. It wasn't easy in her trademark skirt but she knelt between Janice's legs. "Are you saying you want a relationship with me? More than friendship?'
It was time for emerald eyes to blink several times. Where had the shy, meek young woman Janice had met just three months gone?
Not that Janice was complaining, but it was like night and day looking into those azure eyes that darkened the more they stared into emerald ones.
"Honey, I've only had relationships with women. But they've never been more than anything physical." There was a hint of disappointment in azure eyes. "But then, I've never met anyone like you."
Mel was speechless. This was going better than she could have expected. But what did she want? And how soon did she want it?
"I'm not going to be my normal abrasive self and push you into anything." Janice took both of Mel's hands in her own. "Just know, whether it's here at your amazing home or at some unbearably hot dig, I'll be here for you."
It was a commitment of sorts. It was enough for Mel to take a chance. She would allow her heart to lead. And it was leading her to close the distance.
Mel knew it was up to her to make the first move. Janice thought of her, in some ways, as a child. Not a child. Innocent would be the better word. And Janice would protect Mel, even from herself.
The first contact was something Mel had never experienced. The two or three other kisses she'd shared with men had been bruising. There had been no give. It was as if Janice was worshiping her already.
For Janice, it was as if she was kissing a woman for the first time. She wasn't naïve. After reading the more personal scrolls of Xena and Gabrielle, she knew it was because there was a strong emotion behind it. There was love.
Lips separated. A slow exploration of one another's mouths ensued. Moans could be heard, but from who they emanated from could not be deciphered.
Mel, needing to breath and to confess something, reluctantly pulled back from the assault of pleasure. "I've never been with anyone."
Emerald eyes didn't show the surprise Mel had assumed they would. Instead, they held a warmth and understanding she should have known they would hold.
"Whereas I've had a few liaisons I wish I could take back." Janice made sure her expression conveyed how this was not one of them. "If all you can offer me for the foreseeable future are kisses like that, I'll be a happy archeologist."
Mel blushed as her thoughts were not on kisses. She buried the thought of how experienced her future lover was. Right now, she wanted to be taught the ways of physical love. "Teach me, kind doctor, about how to love."
Janice wasn't ready for this. While she'd had three months to fall in love with Mel, she had never even thought she would be gifted with a kiss. To be gifted with something so precious and Mel's first time was terrifying.
Yet, as a fearless archeologist, wasn't she up to the unknown? Wasn't she after making new discoveries? Janice would treat Mel as precious as she would any priceless discovery.
"If you are sure, I'll be more than happy to." Janice watched as Mel slowly rose. She found herself being pulled into a standing position by their hands that had remained linked. "It doesn't have to be now. It can be as long away as when you are certain you are ready. I've grown to…Check that. I'm in love with you, Mel. So I'll wait forever if I have to."
Mel hadn't even thought of waiting. But hearing the declaration of love caused her to bring Janice into a searing kiss. When they parted, she had to make her own confession. "I love you, Janice Covington."
There was no more speaking, at least not until they made it to the second floor. Mel had not felt comfortable taking over her father's room. Instead, she had taken the smaller room next to the master bedroom.
It was still larger than most small apartments in New Jersey. The thought of New Jersey was hastily thrown out of Janice's mind. She would always want to track Jack down.
This evening, Janice only had eyes for Mel. She held her breath as the translator deliberately began removing her clothes. It took a moment for the archeologist to follow her lover's lead.
As soon as Mel had pressed her naked body against her petite frame, the random thought of who this woman had grown into entered her mind once again. Was it spending time with Janice? Or was this residual from when Xena had inhabited her body?
No matter the reason, Janice was grateful as she found herself pressed onto the bed. Her legs parted and moaned once Mel was settled between her legs and their breasts were pressed together.
"I thought I was supposed to be teaching you?" The expression of fear upon Mel's face had to be hastily removed. "I'm far from complaining. In fact, I usually take charge. It's nice to have someone else in charge."
"I'm not in charge." Mel leaned in for a kiss before rubbing her body up and down against the smaller body beneath her. "I'm just following what my heart and body are telling me."
"You keep doing that, Sweetie." Janice was nearing the point where rational thought would leave her and making love would be the only thing she would be capable of. "You are doing amazing."
Kisses. Over every single part of her body. Janice had never felt so loved in her life. It was as if Mel wanted to taste every inch of her.
Mel had especially taken to her breasts. While a need was growing, Janice didn't want to rush anything. She would respond with hands in hair or on nails against back or hands squeezing amazing buttocks. Otherwise, Mel was leading this dance.
Finally, Mel found where her nose had led her. The scent had been intoxicating. The first taste had Janice's hips off the bed. Concentrating her tongue on the hardened bundle of nerves, Mel decided a finger would fill her lover.
The moans and incoherent ramblings of her lover had Mel smiling. It seemed like she feasted forever on what Janice had to offer her before the walls surrounding her finger began to tighten.
"Dear Gods on Mount Olympus." Janice wasn't certain where those words came from. Was she channeling her inner Gabrielle? If she was, as soon as she was able, she would show Mel how much she loved her.
"I take it you enjoyed my loving you?" Though Mel had been certain from the physical and vocal responses, she had to make certain.
"I very much enjoyed what you did to me. Give me a few moments and I'll return the favor, Darlin." Janice was grateful when she felt the long body slide up her and lean a head against her breast.
"I want you to tell me if anything I do makes you uncomfortable in any way." Janice made certain she was staring into Mel's eyes. "This is your first time and I want you to only feel good. Like you made me feel."
Thankfully it didn't take long for Janice's ability to move to return. Her kisses were everywhere. She threw in some sucking and nibbling. But she was gentle with her touches.
When it came time to settle herself between long legs, Janice became nervous. This was what she wanted. It was what they both wanted. But it was Mel's first time. Gentle. Slow. Those were the mantras that repeated in her head.
Beginning with her tongue, Janice parted the folds. Gods she had never tasted anything so sweet. There was definitely something about Mel. It was as if this was what she was born to do. Not that making discoveries wasn't in her blood, but making her lover happy was number one always on her priority.
Focusing on the bundle of nerves, Janice hovered with a single digit over Mel's swollen lips. They were moist. All she had to do was ease the digit slowly, making certain the bundle of nerves was well taken care of by flicks of her tongue or suckling upon it.
Slowly Janice eased her finger inside. Mel jumped at the contact. Janice wanted to stop her assault on Mel's clit to make certain her lover was all right, but hands in her hair informed her everything was going as planned.
Gently Janice probed Mel's sex with both her tongue and finger. Her right hand grasped Mel's left. The grasp strengthened as the walls tightened around Janice's finger.
Soon, Mel was crying out. Janice didn't hesitate. She had Mel wrapped in her arms. She placed Mel's head on her shoulder so she could wrap arms around the long body and kiss the sweat drenched dark locks.
They remained like that for what felt like forever. "Now I understand those scrolls." Mel squeezed the petite body she was holding onto with all the love she had.
Janice couldn't help laughing. "I think that's my line. Seriously I've never felt so much when making love. I want this…" It was too soon.
"I want this each and every day." It was as if Mel had read Janice's mind. "I don't care if we keep going for the next big discovery or settle down teaching or whatever it is we do. I want to be by your side, Janice Covington."
"Ditto. I love you." The returned affection was mumbled as Mel fell asleep. Janice couldn't believe how jaded she had been only three months ago. Discovering a part of her past had healed her present. And had brought her the greatest gift she had ever or would ever know.