Disclaimer: All characters, with the exception of Traylek, belong to RenPics MCA/Universal... and all that jazz. I make no profit from this story.
Violence: Some, but no worse than you'd see on the show.
Sex/Subtext: None. Zip. Zilch. But please don't let that keep you from enjoying the story.
Language: A few naughty words, but nothing they haven't already used on the show.
Spoilers: This story takes place between "EndGame" and "Ides of March", so you may want to see those episodes before reading this.
Before Eternity
by Xedra
The large, dark forest across the river was immensely inviting to the Amazon sitting at the water's edge. All that was needed to reach Eternity was for her to swim through the River of Peace straight to the other side. Then she would be reunited with her fallen amazon sisters...and her husband.
Ephiny smiled, thinking of her beloved Phantes. So strong, so noble, so loving. The year they spent together was the happiest she'd ever known. And the day she told him she was having his child...Ephiny closed her eyes, reliving that precious moment. He was so happy.
A tear slid down her cheek. To think, all that joy and anticipation and he didn't live to see the birth of his own son. Cut down in the middle of a senseless war while trying to protect her. She shook the sad thoughts from her mind. Phantes was waiting for her now, and there would be no more sad thoughts once she was in his arms again.
Standing, she took a step into the cool water. Another step took her calf-deep, but she could go no further. Images of her son flashed before her eyes. His slick, wriggling body as he was lifted from her womb. His first awkward steps. His golden curls gleaming in the sun as he galloped around with other young centaurs. His happy laugh when she gave him the wooden wolf he'd named Lucas. The excitement and pride in his eyes when he was finally allowed to hunt with the older centaurs.
"Oh, Xenon!" she whispered, her heart aching for her son. How could she leave him? He needed her, almost as much as she needed him. But how could she go to him? She'd been slain in a battle with Caesar's men. Felt the burn of Brutus's sword. She'd had a proper Amazon funeral. The flames had released her spirit to this place. Eternity waited for her on the other side. Phantes waited for her. She could feel his love calling to her even now.
But she could not move. Her mind and heart were filled with her son.
"Ephiny?"
She turned to see Queen Melosa standing behind her. The dark-haired woman smiled warmly at her.
"Melosa?" Ephiny was surprised. She'd figured the former Queen of the Amazons had crossed over to Eternity long ago. "Why are you here?"
Melosa raised an eyebrow, "You were born under my reign, Ephiny. It is a duty, and a pleasure as well, for Amazon Queens to greet those of her tribe when they come. Of course, it's usually on the other side of the River." She came closer and gently touched the young woman's shoulder, "Why do you hesitate to cross?"
Ephiny looked down into the water, not sure what to say. "It's... it's my son, Xenon. I'm concerned about him. He may think he's grown, but he's not. How can I enter Eternity when he still needs me?"
Melosa sighed and shook her head, "Ephiny... you are an Amazon. Not only that, you were the Regent Queen of your tribe. You had to lead your warriors into battle. You knew the risks; the possibilty of being killed. Many of your Amazon sisters have fallen as you did." She gripped Ephiny's shoulder tightly, "And your death spurred your warriors to fight in your name and defeat Caesar's army! Your death had purpose, Ephiny. You've left a fine legacy for your son." Seeing that Ephiny still wasn't convinced, she lifted her hand to her face, "And he isn't alone, you know. As yours and Phantes's son, he has the Amazon and Centaur Nations to care for him." She grinned, "You know they all adore him."
Ephiny nodded, "I know all that, Melosa, but still...," she frowned, unable to shake the troubling feeling. Her son needed her. The feeling was getting stronger, and the lonely ache for her child was slowly being replaced by something else.
Fear!
Suddenly the water around her legs began to ripple and churn. Glimmers of light sparkled and flashed on the surface.
"Wha- what's going on?" Ephiny whispered, confused and even a little frightened.
Melosa frowned, "I'm not sure. I've never seen this happen!"
Before Ephiny could respond, the water quickly stilled. The circle of ripples faded until only one remained, with the glimmering light flashing inside. It was as if a window to the living world suddenly opened!
Within the circle, a blurred image appeared. Neither of the women could make out what it was until it slowly settled and came into focus.
"Xenon!" Ephiny cried out as she recognized her son. She reached down, wanting to touch him, to hold him and never let go, but her hands only met cold water. She could see he was terribly afraid, clenching his toy wolf.
Both of Ephiny's hands were in the water, holding the image of Xenon. Melosa tried to comfort her, but Ephiny couldn't hear her. All she could see was her boy, all she could feel was her love, her worry for him. The image in the circle backed away from Xenon and panned the area around him. What they saw made them stare in total horror.
Dozens of Amazons lay dead all around. Most of the huts were burned to the ground, leaving only filthy clouds of black smoke. Xenon stood there in the middle of it all, trembling, confused, and terribly, terribly scared. Ephiny let out an anguished moan at the sight of her son.
In the background, she saw a masked horseman heading straight for him at full gallop. Eyes wide, she glanced back and forth from her boy to the horseman. "Xenon... watch out! No!"
The image suddenly faded and the water became black. "NOOOOOO! Xenon! Xenon!" Ephiny screamed, slamming her hands in the water. She then felt a low rumbling under her feet beneath the tar black waters.
"What the..." Melosa looked all around, the ground began trembling violently and she had a hard time staying on her feet. A hard tremor shook her off her feet and she landed hard on her side. The rumbling was so loud, she had to cover her ears.
The River of Peace was anything but peaceful. The once quietly flowing water now rose in dangerous waves around Ephiny's legs. Her arms flailed around wildly to keep her balance, but it was from instinct only. Ephiny stared into the waters, willing it to show her son again.
"Ephiny... look out!"
Ephiny looked up and saw a huge wave about to crash down on her. She tried to move out of the way, but the water around her legs became thick and heavy. Struggling with all her might, she still couldn't pull her legs out.
The wave slammed down and all was black.
*****
The darkness slowly pushed away and Ephiny came to feeling very groggy. The first thought in her mind was of her son.
"Xe...Xenon?" she called out and tried to open her eyes. Everything was spinning. Not able to focus, she squinted her eyes and looked again. She made an attempt to stand, but was too stunned to keep her balance and toppled forward. She closed her eyes again and took deep breaths, trying to center herself. Gently rubbing her eyes, she opened them again.
The burnt remains of a hut lay in front of her. Her heart skipped a beat as she immediately recognized it. A surge of fear rippled through her body.
"Xenon...XENON!" She tried getting to her feet again, but tumbled back down. Steadying herself on her knees, she looked around, searching frantically for her son. All she could see were fallen Amazons. Her heart raced, aching for her boy.
"XENON!" She bowed her head, her face driping with tears. Looking at the ground in front of her, she gasped. Trembling she reached out, her hand shaking wildly.
On the ground was Lucas.
Ephiny tried to pick up the toy, but her hands passed right through. Confused, she tried again, but they still went through. She felt her hands. They were solid. Her whole body was solid to her, but passed through other things.
"Great!" she cursed, "What am I gonna do now?" There had to be something she could do, even if she was a spirit.
She concentrated hard on the toy. Reaching for it, she tried to feel it beneath her fingers.
Nothing.
Closing her eyes tight, she pictured the toy in her mind. Pictured the toy in her hands, the cool texture of the wood against her fingers. Keeping the image in her mind, she reached again. The tips of her fingers bumped the toy.
She felt it! Hugging the toy to her bosom, she laughed and cried at the same time. Her smile faded quickly. She could hold her son's favorite toy, but she couldn't hold her son. He was gone!
Clutching Lucas, she searched the area again. Smoke. Ash. Death. She knew her tribe would fight to the death to protect her son. And they had. Although her heart cried out for her son, she felt a certain gratitude toward her fallen sisters. These were well-trained warriors. An army of incredible force must have attacked and taken Xenon.
What now? She headed toward the edge of the village to find some kind of trail to follow.
"By the gods!"
Ephiny turned to see Xena and Gabrielle running toward the burned huts. Trailing behind them were Amarice and Shelappa, the new Regent Queen. At the sight of all the dead amazons, Gabrielle's knees began to shake and she dropped to the ground. "No!" she whispered, shocked beyond belief. Her face screwed up in grief, and she covered her mouth to stop herself from screaming, but an anguished moan still escaped.
Gabrielle shook her head, "We're too late..." Turning tear-filled eyes to Xena, she whispered in a broken voice, "Xena, all of them...gone! How? Why!"
Xena closed her eyes and breathed a heavy sigh, "I don't know, Gabrielle, but we'll find out. I swear on my life we'll find out!" Gabrielle nodded, certain that her friend would get to the bottom of all this destruction.
Leaving Shelappa to comfort Gabrielle, Xena and Amarice walked slowly around the village stepping carefully over the scattered bodies, scanning everything. Fighting down the bile that rose in her throat, she fiercely blocked out the emotions that raged through her. Shock, sadness, anger. She'd have plenty of time to mourn later. Now, she had to focus.
"Xena! Look at that!" she heard Gabrielle cry. Spinning, she noticed a wide-eyed Gabrielle pointing off to the left. She looked, but saw nothing, just more burned huts and bodies. She was about to ask what was wrong, but then she saw it.
A toy was floating by itself in the air. And it was coming toward them.
Gabrielle began to tremble, not seeing any strings or ropes. She turned to Xena, who walked quickly and cautiously toward her, her attention focused on the floating toy. Amarice and Shelappa stood alongside, forming a small human wall. The toy continued toward them with no sign of slowing down. Having no weapon to defend herself, Gabrielle stepped back and stood slightly behind Xena. Amarice saw this and eyed the toy drawing her sword.
"No Amarice," Xena said, raising her hand calmly. The toy was now directly in front of her, just hovering in mid-air.
"Xena! XENA!" Ephiny was screaming at the top of her lungs, but the warrior stared aimlessly through her. Ephiny glanced wildy at Shelappa, Amarice and Gabrielle, but they only stared at the toy. Realizing she had showed Lucas to Gabrielle once before, she approached her.
Xena stepped aside as the toy passed her and floated in front of Gabrielle. Gabrielle gasped when the toy came so close it bumped against her chest. "What?" she asked, confused. The toy bumped her again. Instictively, she grabbed the toy and turned it in her hands. Something nudged at her memory as she looked at it, and she suddenly began to shiver as she realized what it was.
"Gabrielle?" Xena put a hand on her friend's shoulder, wondering why she was so emotional.
"C'mon Gabrielle!" Ephiny stood there impatiently, "C'mon, it's Lucas! It's Lucas remember?" She wrung her hands together, wishing she could hear her.
Gabrielle was in tears when she looked up, "Xena, this is a toy Sentacles made. Ephiny bought it for Xenon. It was his favorite." She gave a small smile, "He named it Lucas."
Ephiny was in tears, as well. Finally her message was getting through. But she had more to explain. Reaching out, she concentrated hard and nudged Xena. Xena jumped slightly, startled by the sudden jab to her shoulder. She frowned, not understanding what it meant. How could she make her understand? "Think Ephiny..."she mumbled to herself. Quickly, she knelt down and tried hard to slip one of Xena's daggers out of her right boot.
"Wha-?" Xena watched, not sure if she was in danger. The dagger wandered on its own and dropped to the ground. It dragged deep into the hard earth. They all stood there, watching a image form in front of their eyes.
Shelappa suddenly gasped and stepped forward, her eyes wide. "EPHINY!" she cried out, dropping to her knees before the Amazon symbol of the royal falcon etched in the dirt. Each Amazon has their own special symbol, and she knew this one to be Ephiny's. Shelappa was bowed down, reaching out for her Queen.
"Oh, Shelappa!" Ephiny dropped the dagger and reached out to her beloved friend. Focusing her attention as hard as she could, she embraced her gently. Shelappa gasped in amazement at the feeling.
Gabrielle stepped up to the young Amazon and knelt next to her. Reaching out, she hoped to feel something, but her hand only passed through air. "Oh!" she was startled as she felt a warm energy embrace her. She couldn't quite explain how, but she knew...she just knew by the feeling that it was Ephiny. She tried to hug her back, but couldn't. The warmth pulled away, leaving her slightly chilled.
The dagger raised again and very slowly began etching into the dirt again. The message read: XENON...GONE...MAN...MASK
The dagger slipped through Ephiny's hands. She'd spent so much of her energy embracing her friends, it took the last bit of her strength of scratch those few words. She had to focus so hard, her head began to throb and her sight blurred. She tried to pick up the dagger again, but could barely move anymore. She was just too tired. Hopefully, the words would be enough for them to find out what happened here and find her son.
Cautiously, Gabrielle picked up the dagger, wanting to be sure Ephiny was finished with it. Reading the words again, she looked up at Xena, "Any ideas?"
Xena frowned, "Well, it looks like Xenon's been tken and some guy in a mask is responsible for that and probably this, too," She swept a hand in front of her, indicating all the death and destruction.
Gabrielle rolled her eyes, "Even I could figure that out, Xena. I mean ideas about who would do all this. Any masked man from your past?"
"I don't know, Gabrielle. I need to think. This...this is just too much..." her voice trailed off as she looked at all the bodies and the burned village. She'd seen scenes like this before. She'd been the cause of many. But this was different, these were her friends.
Gabrielle saw her pain and shared it, wrapping an arm around her, but before she could offer any real comfort Xena stepped away, shaking her head. "They deserve a proper Amazon funeral, but the ones responsible are so far ahead of us, the trail will get cold before too long. How can we leave them like this?"
Gabrielle grabbed her arms and looked her steadily in the eyes, "Go, Xena! Go after them and take Amarice with you. Shelappa and I will stay here and take care of the tribe." She looked down for a moment, then back up again, her eyes misty, "As their Queen, it's my duty."
Xena looked deeply into Gabrielle's eyes for many moments before she finally nodded, "Okay...Okay! I'll be back in a few days, if I find out anything or not." Gabrielle smiled and hugged her tightly. A hard sigh escaped Xena as she accepted that small bit of comfort and squeezed her back.
While Xena went for Argo, Gabrielle told Amarice to watch Xena closely. She would search tirelessly, not considering herself or her needs. Amarice was to make sure Xena ate and slept. Amarice agreed, and steeled herself for the tall task. getting the Warrior Princess to do anything wasn't going to be easy.
Ephiny watched it all while trying to gather her strength back. She knew that if they all went the search would go much faster, but in her heart she was grateful her sister Amazons would get their funeral.
After asking Shelappa to collect timber for the funeral pyres, Gabrielle turned the wooden toy wolf in her hands. Ephiny. She missed her friend so much. She was here in spirit, she knew, but it wasn't the same as having her there in the flesh. To hug her, talk to her, laugh with her as she did before.
But she couldn't think of that now. An entire tribe of fallen Amazons needed her help to send them through funeral flames toward Eternity. Her tribe. No, Gabrielle shook her head, I cannot call them mine. I haven't been here to live with them, laugh with them. dance with them, fight with them. I don't even know all their names! This was Ephiny's tribe. She was truly their Queen.
With these solemn thoughts, she went to help Shelappa collect the wood.
Violence: Some, but no worse than you'd see on the show.
Sex/Subtext: None. Zip. Zilch. But please don't let that keep you from enjoying the story.
Language: A few naughty words, but nothing they haven't already used on the show.
Spoilers: This story takes place between "EndGame" and "Ides of March", so you may want to see those episodes before reading this.
Before Eternity
by Xedra
The large, dark forest across the river was immensely inviting to the Amazon sitting at the water's edge. All that was needed to reach Eternity was for her to swim through the River of Peace straight to the other side. Then she would be reunited with her fallen amazon sisters...and her husband.
Ephiny smiled, thinking of her beloved Phantes. So strong, so noble, so loving. The year they spent together was the happiest she'd ever known. And the day she told him she was having his child...Ephiny closed her eyes, reliving that precious moment. He was so happy.
A tear slid down her cheek. To think, all that joy and anticipation and he didn't live to see the birth of his own son. Cut down in the middle of a senseless war while trying to protect her. She shook the sad thoughts from her mind. Phantes was waiting for her now, and there would be no more sad thoughts once she was in his arms again.
Standing, she took a step into the cool water. Another step took her calf-deep, but she could go no further. Images of her son flashed before her eyes. His slick, wriggling body as he was lifted from her womb. His first awkward steps. His golden curls gleaming in the sun as he galloped around with other young centaurs. His happy laugh when she gave him the wooden wolf he'd named Lucas. The excitement and pride in his eyes when he was finally allowed to hunt with the older centaurs.
"Oh, Xenon!" she whispered, her heart aching for her son. How could she leave him? He needed her, almost as much as she needed him. But how could she go to him? She'd been slain in a battle with Caesar's men. Felt the burn of Brutus's sword. She'd had a proper Amazon funeral. The flames had released her spirit to this place. Eternity waited for her on the other side. Phantes waited for her. She could feel his love calling to her even now.
But she could not move. Her mind and heart were filled with her son.
"Ephiny?"
She turned to see Queen Melosa standing behind her. The dark-haired woman smiled warmly at her.
"Melosa?" Ephiny was surprised. She'd figured the former Queen of the Amazons had crossed over to Eternity long ago. "Why are you here?"
Melosa raised an eyebrow, "You were born under my reign, Ephiny. It is a duty, and a pleasure as well, for Amazon Queens to greet those of her tribe when they come. Of course, it's usually on the other side of the River." She came closer and gently touched the young woman's shoulder, "Why do you hesitate to cross?"
Ephiny looked down into the water, not sure what to say. "It's... it's my son, Xenon. I'm concerned about him. He may think he's grown, but he's not. How can I enter Eternity when he still needs me?"
Melosa sighed and shook her head, "Ephiny... you are an Amazon. Not only that, you were the Regent Queen of your tribe. You had to lead your warriors into battle. You knew the risks; the possibilty of being killed. Many of your Amazon sisters have fallen as you did." She gripped Ephiny's shoulder tightly, "And your death spurred your warriors to fight in your name and defeat Caesar's army! Your death had purpose, Ephiny. You've left a fine legacy for your son." Seeing that Ephiny still wasn't convinced, she lifted her hand to her face, "And he isn't alone, you know. As yours and Phantes's son, he has the Amazon and Centaur Nations to care for him." She grinned, "You know they all adore him."
Ephiny nodded, "I know all that, Melosa, but still...," she frowned, unable to shake the troubling feeling. Her son needed her. The feeling was getting stronger, and the lonely ache for her child was slowly being replaced by something else.
Fear!
Suddenly the water around her legs began to ripple and churn. Glimmers of light sparkled and flashed on the surface.
"Wha- what's going on?" Ephiny whispered, confused and even a little frightened.
Melosa frowned, "I'm not sure. I've never seen this happen!"
Before Ephiny could respond, the water quickly stilled. The circle of ripples faded until only one remained, with the glimmering light flashing inside. It was as if a window to the living world suddenly opened!
Within the circle, a blurred image appeared. Neither of the women could make out what it was until it slowly settled and came into focus.
"Xenon!" Ephiny cried out as she recognized her son. She reached down, wanting to touch him, to hold him and never let go, but her hands only met cold water. She could see he was terribly afraid, clenching his toy wolf.
Both of Ephiny's hands were in the water, holding the image of Xenon. Melosa tried to comfort her, but Ephiny couldn't hear her. All she could see was her boy, all she could feel was her love, her worry for him. The image in the circle backed away from Xenon and panned the area around him. What they saw made them stare in total horror.
Dozens of Amazons lay dead all around. Most of the huts were burned to the ground, leaving only filthy clouds of black smoke. Xenon stood there in the middle of it all, trembling, confused, and terribly, terribly scared. Ephiny let out an anguished moan at the sight of her son.
In the background, she saw a masked horseman heading straight for him at full gallop. Eyes wide, she glanced back and forth from her boy to the horseman. "Xenon... watch out! No!"
The image suddenly faded and the water became black. "NOOOOOO! Xenon! Xenon!" Ephiny screamed, slamming her hands in the water. She then felt a low rumbling under her feet beneath the tar black waters.
"What the..." Melosa looked all around, the ground began trembling violently and she had a hard time staying on her feet. A hard tremor shook her off her feet and she landed hard on her side. The rumbling was so loud, she had to cover her ears.
The River of Peace was anything but peaceful. The once quietly flowing water now rose in dangerous waves around Ephiny's legs. Her arms flailed around wildly to keep her balance, but it was from instinct only. Ephiny stared into the waters, willing it to show her son again.
"Ephiny... look out!"
Ephiny looked up and saw a huge wave about to crash down on her. She tried to move out of the way, but the water around her legs became thick and heavy. Struggling with all her might, she still couldn't pull her legs out.
The wave slammed down and all was black.
*****
The darkness slowly pushed away and Ephiny came to feeling very groggy. The first thought in her mind was of her son.
"Xe...Xenon?" she called out and tried to open her eyes. Everything was spinning. Not able to focus, she squinted her eyes and looked again. She made an attempt to stand, but was too stunned to keep her balance and toppled forward. She closed her eyes again and took deep breaths, trying to center herself. Gently rubbing her eyes, she opened them again.
The burnt remains of a hut lay in front of her. Her heart skipped a beat as she immediately recognized it. A surge of fear rippled through her body.
"Xenon...XENON!" She tried getting to her feet again, but tumbled back down. Steadying herself on her knees, she looked around, searching frantically for her son. All she could see were fallen Amazons. Her heart raced, aching for her boy.
"XENON!" She bowed her head, her face driping with tears. Looking at the ground in front of her, she gasped. Trembling she reached out, her hand shaking wildly.
On the ground was Lucas.
Ephiny tried to pick up the toy, but her hands passed right through. Confused, she tried again, but they still went through. She felt her hands. They were solid. Her whole body was solid to her, but passed through other things.
"Great!" she cursed, "What am I gonna do now?" There had to be something she could do, even if she was a spirit.
She concentrated hard on the toy. Reaching for it, she tried to feel it beneath her fingers.
Nothing.
Closing her eyes tight, she pictured the toy in her mind. Pictured the toy in her hands, the cool texture of the wood against her fingers. Keeping the image in her mind, she reached again. The tips of her fingers bumped the toy.
She felt it! Hugging the toy to her bosom, she laughed and cried at the same time. Her smile faded quickly. She could hold her son's favorite toy, but she couldn't hold her son. He was gone!
Clutching Lucas, she searched the area again. Smoke. Ash. Death. She knew her tribe would fight to the death to protect her son. And they had. Although her heart cried out for her son, she felt a certain gratitude toward her fallen sisters. These were well-trained warriors. An army of incredible force must have attacked and taken Xenon.
What now? She headed toward the edge of the village to find some kind of trail to follow.
"By the gods!"
Ephiny turned to see Xena and Gabrielle running toward the burned huts. Trailing behind them were Amarice and Shelappa, the new Regent Queen. At the sight of all the dead amazons, Gabrielle's knees began to shake and she dropped to the ground. "No!" she whispered, shocked beyond belief. Her face screwed up in grief, and she covered her mouth to stop herself from screaming, but an anguished moan still escaped.
Gabrielle shook her head, "We're too late..." Turning tear-filled eyes to Xena, she whispered in a broken voice, "Xena, all of them...gone! How? Why!"
Xena closed her eyes and breathed a heavy sigh, "I don't know, Gabrielle, but we'll find out. I swear on my life we'll find out!" Gabrielle nodded, certain that her friend would get to the bottom of all this destruction.
Leaving Shelappa to comfort Gabrielle, Xena and Amarice walked slowly around the village stepping carefully over the scattered bodies, scanning everything. Fighting down the bile that rose in her throat, she fiercely blocked out the emotions that raged through her. Shock, sadness, anger. She'd have plenty of time to mourn later. Now, she had to focus.
"Xena! Look at that!" she heard Gabrielle cry. Spinning, she noticed a wide-eyed Gabrielle pointing off to the left. She looked, but saw nothing, just more burned huts and bodies. She was about to ask what was wrong, but then she saw it.
A toy was floating by itself in the air. And it was coming toward them.
Gabrielle began to tremble, not seeing any strings or ropes. She turned to Xena, who walked quickly and cautiously toward her, her attention focused on the floating toy. Amarice and Shelappa stood alongside, forming a small human wall. The toy continued toward them with no sign of slowing down. Having no weapon to defend herself, Gabrielle stepped back and stood slightly behind Xena. Amarice saw this and eyed the toy drawing her sword.
"No Amarice," Xena said, raising her hand calmly. The toy was now directly in front of her, just hovering in mid-air.
"Xena! XENA!" Ephiny was screaming at the top of her lungs, but the warrior stared aimlessly through her. Ephiny glanced wildy at Shelappa, Amarice and Gabrielle, but they only stared at the toy. Realizing she had showed Lucas to Gabrielle once before, she approached her.
Xena stepped aside as the toy passed her and floated in front of Gabrielle. Gabrielle gasped when the toy came so close it bumped against her chest. "What?" she asked, confused. The toy bumped her again. Instictively, she grabbed the toy and turned it in her hands. Something nudged at her memory as she looked at it, and she suddenly began to shiver as she realized what it was.
"Gabrielle?" Xena put a hand on her friend's shoulder, wondering why she was so emotional.
"C'mon Gabrielle!" Ephiny stood there impatiently, "C'mon, it's Lucas! It's Lucas remember?" She wrung her hands together, wishing she could hear her.
Gabrielle was in tears when she looked up, "Xena, this is a toy Sentacles made. Ephiny bought it for Xenon. It was his favorite." She gave a small smile, "He named it Lucas."
Ephiny was in tears, as well. Finally her message was getting through. But she had more to explain. Reaching out, she concentrated hard and nudged Xena. Xena jumped slightly, startled by the sudden jab to her shoulder. She frowned, not understanding what it meant. How could she make her understand? "Think Ephiny..."she mumbled to herself. Quickly, she knelt down and tried hard to slip one of Xena's daggers out of her right boot.
"Wha-?" Xena watched, not sure if she was in danger. The dagger wandered on its own and dropped to the ground. It dragged deep into the hard earth. They all stood there, watching a image form in front of their eyes.
Shelappa suddenly gasped and stepped forward, her eyes wide. "EPHINY!" she cried out, dropping to her knees before the Amazon symbol of the royal falcon etched in the dirt. Each Amazon has their own special symbol, and she knew this one to be Ephiny's. Shelappa was bowed down, reaching out for her Queen.
"Oh, Shelappa!" Ephiny dropped the dagger and reached out to her beloved friend. Focusing her attention as hard as she could, she embraced her gently. Shelappa gasped in amazement at the feeling.
Gabrielle stepped up to the young Amazon and knelt next to her. Reaching out, she hoped to feel something, but her hand only passed through air. "Oh!" she was startled as she felt a warm energy embrace her. She couldn't quite explain how, but she knew...she just knew by the feeling that it was Ephiny. She tried to hug her back, but couldn't. The warmth pulled away, leaving her slightly chilled.
The dagger raised again and very slowly began etching into the dirt again. The message read: XENON...GONE...MAN...MASK
The dagger slipped through Ephiny's hands. She'd spent so much of her energy embracing her friends, it took the last bit of her strength of scratch those few words. She had to focus so hard, her head began to throb and her sight blurred. She tried to pick up the dagger again, but could barely move anymore. She was just too tired. Hopefully, the words would be enough for them to find out what happened here and find her son.
Cautiously, Gabrielle picked up the dagger, wanting to be sure Ephiny was finished with it. Reading the words again, she looked up at Xena, "Any ideas?"
Xena frowned, "Well, it looks like Xenon's been tken and some guy in a mask is responsible for that and probably this, too," She swept a hand in front of her, indicating all the death and destruction.
Gabrielle rolled her eyes, "Even I could figure that out, Xena. I mean ideas about who would do all this. Any masked man from your past?"
"I don't know, Gabrielle. I need to think. This...this is just too much..." her voice trailed off as she looked at all the bodies and the burned village. She'd seen scenes like this before. She'd been the cause of many. But this was different, these were her friends.
Gabrielle saw her pain and shared it, wrapping an arm around her, but before she could offer any real comfort Xena stepped away, shaking her head. "They deserve a proper Amazon funeral, but the ones responsible are so far ahead of us, the trail will get cold before too long. How can we leave them like this?"
Gabrielle grabbed her arms and looked her steadily in the eyes, "Go, Xena! Go after them and take Amarice with you. Shelappa and I will stay here and take care of the tribe." She looked down for a moment, then back up again, her eyes misty, "As their Queen, it's my duty."
Xena looked deeply into Gabrielle's eyes for many moments before she finally nodded, "Okay...Okay! I'll be back in a few days, if I find out anything or not." Gabrielle smiled and hugged her tightly. A hard sigh escaped Xena as she accepted that small bit of comfort and squeezed her back.
While Xena went for Argo, Gabrielle told Amarice to watch Xena closely. She would search tirelessly, not considering herself or her needs. Amarice was to make sure Xena ate and slept. Amarice agreed, and steeled herself for the tall task. getting the Warrior Princess to do anything wasn't going to be easy.
Ephiny watched it all while trying to gather her strength back. She knew that if they all went the search would go much faster, but in her heart she was grateful her sister Amazons would get their funeral.
After asking Shelappa to collect timber for the funeral pyres, Gabrielle turned the wooden toy wolf in her hands. Ephiny. She missed her friend so much. She was here in spirit, she knew, but it wasn't the same as having her there in the flesh. To hug her, talk to her, laugh with her as she did before.
But she couldn't think of that now. An entire tribe of fallen Amazons needed her help to send them through funeral flames toward Eternity. Her tribe. No, Gabrielle shook her head, I cannot call them mine. I haven't been here to live with them, laugh with them. dance with them, fight with them. I don't even know all their names! This was Ephiny's tribe. She was truly their Queen.
With these solemn thoughts, she went to help Shelappa collect the wood.
