Chapter Thirty-Four

Else Where…

Zanah, Dick and Barbara made their way to the ticket booth and after paying the admission fee set off for the park. Passing through the turnstiles the corridor narrowed to a main gate. The rot-iron archway was decorated accordingly. On the left edge sat a dragon wings spread out opposite it was a gryphon.

Zanah's blue eyes scanned the signs and noted the four different destinations of the park.  To the left were the realms of Adventure and Horror and to the right were the lands of Fantasy and Local Legend.

"So, where to first?" She questioned looking at the other two. It was the first time she'd ventured into the park and she had to admit she was looking forward to the prospect of having a good time. She just hoped Barbara didn't ruin the entire trip.

Dick looked at the sign and shrugged he didn't particularly care. He was more partial to the Adventure Realm but would wait to see what the others thought.

"I guess since we just ate we should start with something light," Barbara advised.

"Such as?" Zanah inquired trying to be civil, though truthfully she wasn't too worried about upsetting her stomach.

"Maybe one of the museums."

"Well, there is the Monster museum, the medieval museum and the Gotham Museum of the weird. Which do you prefer?" Dick said.

"The medieval," Zanah said thinking of the weapons and armor to be viewed.

"That okay with you Babs?" Dick asked hoping she wouldn't fuss.

Barbara nodded with a fake smile.

"Okay, then were headed for the adventure realm," Dick said pleased.

Zanah nodded and moved down the path to the left. She soon passed through an archway leading into the area. This gate had a knight on horse back on the left and the right was a pirate-ship. Zanah grinned she was going to enjoy this place she was sure.

On the other side of the gate was a castle and framing it was a complex maze of cargo netting. Following the cargo nets with her eyes Zanah spotted what looked like a pirate-ship in the left back corner and opposite it was a large corporate warehouse. Zanah headed for the castle in front of her figuring the museum must be inside.

Upon entering the large castle she saw various shops related to medieval trade. A coat of arms and family history booth, next to it was a weapons and armor shop. Other shops for jewelry and costumes were about also. Food venders and large crowds filed through the paths about. In the Back of the castle was set up a jousting arena. There was a walk through of king Arthur's Court and a replica of Sherwood Forest directly in front of her sat a long building labeled Museum of medieval life.

The trio made their way through the crowd and stepped into the building. The museum had several small displays listed. Weapon's, manuscripts of medieval legend, a walk through of a medieval village and another walk through of a castle dungeon.

Dick took the lead at this point. Knowing Barbara would want to start in the hall of manuscripts he said. "Babs if you don't mind can we split up?"

Barbara blinked. Knowing Dick had seen the manuscript display as much as he could stand their last visit and figuring he'd head either for the dungeon or the weapons. She didn't like the idea of leaving him and Zanah alone but she didn't want him to be bored either. "Sure, why don't we meet up at the village walk through?"

 "Sounds good," Dick said and he watched as she disappeared in the direction of the manuscripts. Dick turned his attention to Zanah and asked, "What do you want to see first?"

"The weapons," she replied.

Dick nodded and they headed into the display hall in front of them. The two walked the hall studying the swords, maces, flails and other various weapons in the display cases. Zanah read the labels to herself and for each fact Dick gave her she replied with two. Her knowledge of swords and medieval arms and armor was surprising. When he inquired she said simply it was a hobby.

After viewing the weapons collection the pair moved onto the dungeon walk through before heading to the village replica. They Found Barbara waiting for them near the blacksmith display. The trio moved through the village in silence.  

Back at Wayne Manor…

Bruce woke a little later and looked down at the sleeping form on his chest with amazement, relieved to find her still there. A part of him worried that her return had been just another dream. Finding her resting peacefully in his arms silenced any fear that she wasn't real.

Reaching out with his left hand he brushed her dark hair away from her ivory skin and let his fingers run over soft silky skin, learning her face by touch.

She purred softly in her sleep and his fingers skimmed over her neck and shoulders before his lips brushed light gentle kisses over her face.

Eye lashes fluttered and green eyes met with brown as she stretched against him pressing her body more firmly against his.  Her fingers raked through his hair and drew his lips to hers. Kissing him briefly before separating from his and purring a satisfied good morning.

Bruce's lips met with hers again hungrily and she returned the kiss eagerly. Seeing she was now fully awake he rolled them over and his lips parted hers as his hands continued the tender menstruations he had begun upon waking. Learning every curve of her, his lips trailing after them tasting her skin.

Selina moaned in pleasure, and frustration as he continued his tender perusal of her body. Her fingers in his hair pulled his mouth away from her skin and back to hers in a wild kiss. She felt her lungs cry for air but paid them no mind needing the taste of his lips more than air itself.  When she broke the kiss she gasped but her green eyes flashed wildly, warning him not to tease her.

Bruce ready to move things along feeling the need to be one with her devoured her lips as he joined their bodies together, taking her as his own, his passion driven on by urgency. The sense of losing her, yet again, hanging on him like a dark cloud. Selina's desire matched his own feeling it too. Knowing that in the morning she would have to leave and return to Daggett's side. Rage filled her in a wave and she slammed the door in her mind closing him out he had no place here. Today she was free; she was Bruce's bride.

Selina's body shuttered beneath him lost in a sea of pleasure and he waited for her to recover before starting again. Bringing her to fulfillment twice more before joining her his body stated he rolled on to his back to avoid hurting her. Selina snuggled into his arms resting her head on his chest wrapping her arm around his waist.

Bruce brushed tussled hair away from her eyes and kissed her forehead gently. Brown eyes met with green and conveyed silently a million thoughts and emotions as their breathing returned to normal. And the two dosed off.

Mean While…

Zanah, Dick and Barbara sat in the bleachers in the joust arena waiting for the tournament to begin.

After leaving the museum they had visited Arthur's court and then Sherwood Forest. They'd seen a brief demonstration of falconry. Trumpets sounded announcing the beginning of the show and they watched as the royal court took tier seats in the king's box.

The actor portraying the king gave the command to begin the joust and a moment later two lines with four riders each entered the arena each flying their colors and crest as they took their position on the field before their crowd. Zanah was amused by the colors for their knight, blue, black and purple. Each Knight was introduced and then a few games were played to prepare the riders for the joust.

The trio cheered on their Knight, and they were pleased when he won the spear toss and tied in the ring capture. The games finished the joust was on. The red knight and the green and black knight rode first.

Taking up opposite end of the field the horses raced down the field towards each other and lances smashed against shields. The end result was the red knight falling form his horse. Eliminated he saluted king and his crowd before withdrawing from the field. The green and black knight returned to his corner where the crowd roared with approval.

The yellow knight rode forth to face orange knight and yellow won the victory for his audience. The next to meet in combat were the black knight and the white knight. The victor was white. Their knight won against his competitor the red and gold knight.

The king congratulated the victors and then explained the next joust. It was a three-point event. 1 point was given for a lance to the shield and three for an un-horsing. The first knight to three points was the victor. The knights saluted and prepared for the battle.

The first pair up was the green and black knight and the white knight. The victor of the game was the white knight who un-horsed his opponent on the second round. The green and black knight saluted the king and crowd and then exited the field while the white knight returned to his place.

The Blue and black knight took the field and took of down the field lance raised he missed the yellow knight who hit his shield. Yellow's fans cheered with approval as their champion returned to claim a new lance. The two took off again racing at each other and each struck for a point.

Barbara groaned knowing the game was over and they'd lost. Dick blinked disappointed.

"Don't count him out yet," Zanah yelled over the screaming of the yellow side.

Barbara rolled her eyes and got up. Dick looked at Zanah with question.

"He can still win if he un-horses yellow," she explained.

Dick nodded and turned his attention to the field as their knight took up a new lance. The horse pulled at his bit and stamped his hoofs waiting for the command to go. The knight kicked his flanks and the animal tore down the field kicking up sand in his wake as he raced towards the other horse. Yellows lance hit the shield of his opponent but the hit of their knight took him off his mount.

Zanah cheered thrilled and Dick whistled.

"How'd you know?" Dick asked amazed.

"I didn't I just know not to count anyone out too soon. Some times the underdog wins," she replied.

Their knight and the White knight faced off in a full combat joust for the crowd. White was un-horsed early and their knight was pulled form the horse before a sword fight was fought. Both knights were favored at various points in the battle but the end result was the blue and black knight as the victor the crowed cheered and applauded and Zanah smiled.

"So where to now?" Dick asked as they made their way out of the arena. They were met by the cold glare of Barbara who had left early.

"Why'd you guys stick around so long? We lost."

"Actually we won," Dick said.

Barbara's eyes widened with surprise. "How?"

"He un-horsed yellow and then beat the White knight in a sword fight," Dick said excited.

Barbara blinked. "Oh. Well, if you don't mind too much I thought maybe we could leave the Realm of Adventure for a little while and head over to the Land of Fantasy."

"Fine with me. What do you say Zanah?"

"Sure."

The three made their way out of the castle and through the gate and headed to the right, and the gate that would lead them into the world of fantasy. The gate way was marked with a dragon and a Unisaus.

Back at Wayne Manor…

It was some time after noon when the newly weds woke and emerged from the bedroom venturing downstairs in search of breakfast.

Upon entering the kitchen they found Alfred sitting at the counter eating lunch.

"Good after noon Master Bruce, Selina."

"Hello old friend," Bruce answered.

"If you'll give me a few moments I'll have your breakfast ready."

"Thank you Alfred," Selina whispered.

"It's my pleasure mamm."

The two sat down at the small table and watched as Alfred pulled out two plates of fruit he set them in front of them while he busied himself with cooking eggs and bacon. A few minutes later the trio sat together eating in silence. Once he was done Alfred withdrew leaving the young couple by themselves.

Bruce finished up his breakfast and watched as Selina ate hers. She still looked tired. He was contemplating letting her rest when she leaned over the table and kissed him softly.

"What are you thinking about Mr. Wayne?" She questioned.

"Letting you rest a bit longer."

"I'm okay Bruce," she assured him.

"You're sure? I could draw you a warm bath and you could relax," he offered.

" That sounds wonderful Bruce, but you don't have to neglect your own needs and concerns," she whispered.

"I'm fine, I want to do this for you."

"You can take care of me and I'll take care of you," she purred.

"Selina…"

"I've seen how this is affecting you Bruce. I don't need Zanah or Alfred to tell me how angry you've been I can see. You need to relax as much as I do."

"It your day off…"

"No, it's our day off, besides I want to relieve that stress since I'm the main cause of it."

"Don't this isn't because of you."

"Its…"

"I know. I left that burden at the door. Lets not bring it in okay."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. It's not necessary Batman."

"Lets see about that bath Catwoman."

The two got up from the table and withdrew back upstairs.

Back at the Park…

After riding the roller coasters half a dozen times and seeing one of the stunt shows the trio road the water coaster.

"What now?" Dick questioned.

"What is the Aviary and zoo?" Zanah asked. She'd seen the sign several times but had yet to figure it out.

"It's a walk through. The zoo is a display of various mythic creatures and the aviary is a ride in which you get to tour various fantasy places. It's really unusual and one of my favorite smaller attractions." Dick explained.

"Can we go there?" She asked.

"Sure Barbara what do you say?"

"That's fine."

The trio started down the path in the direction of the attraction and as they got closer the attractions for the dream created fantasy area came into view. The one most clearly displayed was Wonderland.

"Dick can we wander through Wonderland first?" Barbara asked.

"Go ahead if you want Babs, but I'm going to pass I'm not fond of it," Dick said.

Barbara blinked confused. "Are you feeling okay Dick? It used to be one of your favorite attractions. You loved the hedge maze."

"I'm fine. I just got tired of it."

"Okay, I'm going to have a run through I'll wait for you guys out side of the zoo then maybe we can grab dinner."

"Sounds good." Dick relied he watched as Barbara vanished into Wonderland and turned away repressing a shudder he hate that place.

Dick led Zanah into the Aviary and stepped into the line for the ride. The two sat down on the small cart used for the ride and after being secured in the seat were pulled forward by the track as the ride began. The first turn put them in the midst of a hilly green land inhabited by what Zanah figured was supposed to be hobbits. The replica of the Shire was beautifully done. And as the tour guide spoke explaining the land and its inhabitants Zanah grinned.

The cart moved on around the bend and the next stop of the tour was Rivendale. A river ran into the midst of the elven city and the cart took them over a bridge on the outskirts. A waterfall trickled down between two houses. Statues stood among trees and a circle of elves lay in their midst.

The Next stop was the Mines of Moria where Goblins and the Balrogg lurked in the shadows Gandalf's voice instructed them to fly and the cart lurched forward as the cry of 'You shall not pass' echoed from behind.

The last stop was Lothlorian the city in the trees. As the cart came to a stop Zanah and Dick got out. He led her through a curtain made of hanging moss and on the other side was the zoo.

Zanah's eyes widened amazed. To her left was a glass panel and in front of her was an animated Unicorn. The Horse bowed its head presenting it horn to the crowd and whinnied. Turning her head to the right. A sheet of glass separated them from a Gryphon. Which flapped it wings and flexed it talons.

"It's great isn't it?" Dick whispered.

"I wish I had a camera, or a sketch pad," Zanah murmured.

"We'll come back another time," Dick offered as he took her hand and pulled her forward.

She nodded as he led her into the next room.  The habitat to her left housed a Pegasus on a cliff top and her foal who she nuzzled. To the right was a watery pool and sitting propped on a rock was a mermaid her fin moved as she sang.

The next room housed a Centaur and a hippocampus. The chamber beyond it held a sphinx and a hind. The last room housed a huge eagle whose eyes moved and wings extended. A dragon was in the other side. Smoke puffed out of its nostrils, its talons flexed and head moved.

Zanah stared at the dragon for several moments and then looked over at Dick as she realized he still had her hand.  "Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome. Like I said this is one of my favorite attractions," Dick replied.

"I can understand."

"Shall we go find Barbara and get dinner?" Dick asked.

"Are we allowed to go back and look or is it a one way walk through?" Zanah asked.

"You can go back," he replied.

"I'd like to walk though it again if that's okay," she said.

"Its fine. Each display has a placket like in a regular zoo so you can read about the animal," Dick added.

"I missed that," Zanah said as they headed back through the zoo. They spent several minutes in each exhibit reading the information and looking at the fantasy creature come to life. Once back to the dragon display Zanah asked, "Why'd Barbara pass this up?"

"She's not to big on fantasy creatures she more of a fact based person," Dick explained.

Zanah shook her head as she let go of his hand. She didn't understand how anyone couldn't appreciate the attraction it was every ones desire to escape form the harsh reality of existence from time to time and the zoo certainly created the ability to do so it allowed the viewer to believe in the magical and unknown.

As she stepped out into the park she spotted Barbara sitting in the shade of a tree.

"Ready to eat?" Barbara asked.

The pair nodded and the three of them set off in search of dinner.   

Later at Wayne Manor…

After a relaxing bath and a short nap Selina woke and got up and found Bruce still asleep. She crept out silently leaving Batman to rest. He stirred briefly and she kissed his cheek.

"Go back to sleep love, I just need to take care of the kids," she purred.

Bruce rolled back over and Selina tiptoed out moving downstairs to tend to the two cubs. She was in the kitchen heating a couple of bottles when Alfred reappeared.  

"Mrs. Wayne"

"Alfred."

"Where's master Bruce?"

"Still resting. Has he slept much this week?"

"No mamm. He's spent most of his time in front of the punching bag."

"I figured as much. Let him sleep. I'm going to take care of our kids and then I'll join him."

"Do you need anything else this evening?" Alfred asked.

"Yes, if you'd prepare a light dinner and then feed the cubs again later…" She began.

"Of course mamm."

"Thank you Alfred," Selina whispered. She brushed a kiss on his weathered cheek and then moved down the hall to the study to tend to the rambunctious cubs. After feeding them she held them both for a little while before returning upstairs. Stopping in her room she changed out of the clothes for Daggett's house to her gown, before heading back to the bedroom.

Upon closing the door she was met by a curious stare.

"I woke earlier and didn't want to wake you," she explained.

"Where have you been?" he asked.

"Taking care of our children."

"How are they?"

"Cranky, but well. How are you?"

"Better," he replied as he studied his wife and noted her change of clothes immediately.

"Good, when you're ready dinner will be waiting."

"You've been busy," he said climbing out of the bed.

"Not really. Just thinking ahead."

"And the dress?" He asked walking towards her.

"I remembered how much you liked it," she said with a smile.

"Are you trying to seduce me Catwoman?" He asked now standing face to face with her.

"What do you think Batman?"

"I think it's working," he replied drawing her against him.

"Really?" She asked.

"Do you have any idea what I wanted to do when I realized it was you that night?"

"No."

"When I saw this dress I wanted to…"

"Don't tell me Bruce. Show me," she purred resting a finger against his lips. 

Se turned away from him as she had the night of the charity ball and with out warning a hand grabbed her by the arm and pulled her turning her back around so that they were face to face. His other arm wrapped around her waist drew her closer and his lips met with hers in a ravenous kiss; devouring as his hand caressed her bare back. His fingers dug into her rear and she moaned with pleasure.

His lips parted hers and she gasped for air as his trailed down her face and neck. She purred softly in response as his other hand moved up her arm to her shoulder and untied one of the laces holding the dress up and then the other. The tight gown fell to the floor in a pool around her feet leaving her bare before him.

Selina watched his pupils dilated as they raked over her figure. His lips trailed down her neck and then separated from skin as he struggled to breathe. "What were you thinking about when you wore this thing that night?" He asked shocked that his speculation had been correct she had nothing on under the dress.

Selina grinned saying nothing she simply kissed him and pulled him flush against her. Bruce groaned in response before scooping her up in his arms and laying her out on the bed. He then climbed into the bed and pulled her close kissing her hungrily as he once again bedded his wife.