Chapter 9
Though nightfall is slowly creeping over the land there is still enough light to allow me a clear view of the square from atop the dais. Drums begin a mournful beat as two Amazons in full ceremonial dress appear carrying a litter. Even in the dim light I can make out the brightly colored feathers of the bird shaped mask lying on the litter. With great reverent the carriers make their way to the dais where we wait. As they pass the rows of waiting Amazons the warriors snap to attention, drawing their swords. Just as the carriers stop before the dais Xena draws her weapon and takes a step forward. Looking back at me she nods slightly. Hoping I understand her meaning I step forward drawing my sword as well. Ephiny nods approvingly before stepping down from the dais to meet the carriers. As she reaches the last step the drums stop. Xena and I follow her down, stopping near the foot of the steps.
Carefully Ephiny picks up the mask, gently caressing it a softness eases the set of her jaw. Then stony resolve wipes away all emotion. Holding the mask high her voice booms in the quietness. "Goddess Artemis hear me! Our Queen has passed from this world into the next! Guide her so she might be with her sisters once more!"
As one the Amazon's raise their swords in salute to the prayer. At the sametime they call out a strange cry which reminds me of Xena's battle cry. To my surprise Xena's voice joins the others as she raises her sword in salute. Knowing I cannot imitate the cry I simply raise my weapon. The chant ends as quickly as it began. As Ephiny lowers the mask the sound of hundreds of swords being sheathed adds an eeriness to the ceremony.
Lowering the mask to the litter I hear Ephiny whisper a more private promise for a lost friend. "Till we meet again, my sister." A sad smile graces her face as her fingertips stroke the mask one last time. Stepping back she signals the carriers to continue.
They approach a large funeral pyre and gentle settle their burden atop it.
Ephiny turns to Xena. "You were her family, it is your right to do this."
Xena looks from the pyre to Ephiny and back. For just a moment I think she might refuse. Steeling herself she steps forward, turning to face the funeral pyre. Slowly her arm rises up to her chest, hovering there for a moment. Then she sweeps it out. At her command the archers fire, their aim is true.
Watching the flames consume the litter I know the Amazon's are paying Gabrielle their highest honor. How I'd love to hear the bard's thoughts on all this.
1.
With the funeral over a feast has been prepared. The Amazon's mourn their lose but they also believe in celebrating the life that was. As the other's start toward the feast I hang back. Several have cast questioning looks in my direction. I have the feeling I'm not suppose to be here. Sensing the discomfort of myself and several of her subjects Ephiny questions them. "Is something wrong?"
At first none answer, not wishing to upset their Queen. Finally, the girl from the circle steps forward. "My Queen, we have never allowed a man to join in the mourning feast."
"Well, there's a first time for everything." answers Ephiny coyly.
From the rear of the group an older woman steps forward. "He is not an Amazon."
"Neither am I." answers Xena. It's the first time she's spoken since the funeral began.
"You are a sister among us, Xena." replies the older woman, offering the warrior a sad smile. "Our Queen called you family."
"And she called Joxer, friend." answers Xena. "does that make his grief any less painful?"
Taken back by the warrior's words the older woman stands silently as mummers pass through the crowd. Looking to her follow Amazons the woman seems to reach a decision. "No." she says. Moving toward me she takes my hand in hers. "Come my friend, join us." Not waiting for a reply she leads me to a table covered in food. Piles of furs provide comfortable sitting along both sides of the huge table.
I hesitate uncertain if this is right, then strong fingers wrap lightly around my hand. Startled by the touch I look down to find Xena sitting next to me. "Sit." she softly orders, gently pulling me down to the empty spot next to her. Releasing my hand she turns away to speak quietly with Ephiny.
As the night wears on I watch dancers perform ritual dances unlike any I have ever seen before. Solari tells me the dances have been passed down from generation to generation and I'm certain no other man has ever been allowed to witness them. Though I've eaten more this night than I have in nearly a week, my plate and goblet are constantly being filled. The Amazon's are taking great pride in telling tales of their Queen and her adventures among the Amazons. I notice only Xena and Ephiny have reframed from sharing tales of the bard. At least Ephiny has gotten Xena to eat. Maybe Ephiny is the right one to help Xena through this. Watching the Amazons I'm surprised by the emotions welling up inside me. Though these women are strangers it's comforting to share memories with some many who cared for Gabrielle. For the first time since her death I actually feel something besides emptiness.
Though nightfall is slowly creeping over the land there is still enough light to allow me a clear view of the square from atop the dais. Drums begin a mournful beat as two Amazons in full ceremonial dress appear carrying a litter. Even in the dim light I can make out the brightly colored feathers of the bird shaped mask lying on the litter. With great reverent the carriers make their way to the dais where we wait. As they pass the rows of waiting Amazons the warriors snap to attention, drawing their swords. Just as the carriers stop before the dais Xena draws her weapon and takes a step forward. Looking back at me she nods slightly. Hoping I understand her meaning I step forward drawing my sword as well. Ephiny nods approvingly before stepping down from the dais to meet the carriers. As she reaches the last step the drums stop. Xena and I follow her down, stopping near the foot of the steps.
Carefully Ephiny picks up the mask, gently caressing it a softness eases the set of her jaw. Then stony resolve wipes away all emotion. Holding the mask high her voice booms in the quietness. "Goddess Artemis hear me! Our Queen has passed from this world into the next! Guide her so she might be with her sisters once more!"
As one the Amazon's raise their swords in salute to the prayer. At the sametime they call out a strange cry which reminds me of Xena's battle cry. To my surprise Xena's voice joins the others as she raises her sword in salute. Knowing I cannot imitate the cry I simply raise my weapon. The chant ends as quickly as it began. As Ephiny lowers the mask the sound of hundreds of swords being sheathed adds an eeriness to the ceremony.
Lowering the mask to the litter I hear Ephiny whisper a more private promise for a lost friend. "Till we meet again, my sister." A sad smile graces her face as her fingertips stroke the mask one last time. Stepping back she signals the carriers to continue.
They approach a large funeral pyre and gentle settle their burden atop it.
Ephiny turns to Xena. "You were her family, it is your right to do this."
Xena looks from the pyre to Ephiny and back. For just a moment I think she might refuse. Steeling herself she steps forward, turning to face the funeral pyre. Slowly her arm rises up to her chest, hovering there for a moment. Then she sweeps it out. At her command the archers fire, their aim is true.
Watching the flames consume the litter I know the Amazon's are paying Gabrielle their highest honor. How I'd love to hear the bard's thoughts on all this.
1.
With the funeral over a feast has been prepared. The Amazon's mourn their lose but they also believe in celebrating the life that was. As the other's start toward the feast I hang back. Several have cast questioning looks in my direction. I have the feeling I'm not suppose to be here. Sensing the discomfort of myself and several of her subjects Ephiny questions them. "Is something wrong?"
At first none answer, not wishing to upset their Queen. Finally, the girl from the circle steps forward. "My Queen, we have never allowed a man to join in the mourning feast."
"Well, there's a first time for everything." answers Ephiny coyly.
From the rear of the group an older woman steps forward. "He is not an Amazon."
"Neither am I." answers Xena. It's the first time she's spoken since the funeral began.
"You are a sister among us, Xena." replies the older woman, offering the warrior a sad smile. "Our Queen called you family."
"And she called Joxer, friend." answers Xena. "does that make his grief any less painful?"
Taken back by the warrior's words the older woman stands silently as mummers pass through the crowd. Looking to her follow Amazons the woman seems to reach a decision. "No." she says. Moving toward me she takes my hand in hers. "Come my friend, join us." Not waiting for a reply she leads me to a table covered in food. Piles of furs provide comfortable sitting along both sides of the huge table.
I hesitate uncertain if this is right, then strong fingers wrap lightly around my hand. Startled by the touch I look down to find Xena sitting next to me. "Sit." she softly orders, gently pulling me down to the empty spot next to her. Releasing my hand she turns away to speak quietly with Ephiny.
As the night wears on I watch dancers perform ritual dances unlike any I have ever seen before. Solari tells me the dances have been passed down from generation to generation and I'm certain no other man has ever been allowed to witness them. Though I've eaten more this night than I have in nearly a week, my plate and goblet are constantly being filled. The Amazon's are taking great pride in telling tales of their Queen and her adventures among the Amazons. I notice only Xena and Ephiny have reframed from sharing tales of the bard. At least Ephiny has gotten Xena to eat. Maybe Ephiny is the right one to help Xena through this. Watching the Amazons I'm surprised by the emotions welling up inside me. Though these women are strangers it's comforting to share memories with some many who cared for Gabrielle. For the first time since her death I actually feel something besides emptiness.