The group of Amazons at the cliff walked back inside, and Diana searched out for her mother. She found the Queen conversing with someone she didn't know. The unknown Amazon saw Diana's approach and quickly left to give them privacy.

"Mother." Diana hugged Hippolyta.

"Diana, my child. I am glad that you came. Is Shayera with you?"

"She is."

"You have quite the wife in her. I was impressed with her forethought by sending the letter. I am happy that you have someone who will go with you."

"I am very lucky."

"Diana, I want to talk to you about Queen Audrey."

"I expected this to come up."

"She has been supplying technology to us for a while now. I did not see that it was necessary to tell you at first. I should have been forthcoming sooner. I was not sure how you would react to it. I also wondered whether or not you would support Amazon action in Kasnia."

"Mother, I will always answer to your needs. And to the needs of the Amazons. Audrey merely happens to rule a country that Themiscyra has a relationship to."

"Still, this cannot be easy for Shayera."

"It isn't, but we are dealing with it."

"And how do you feel about it?"

"I love Shayera. That is first. Audrey 's quiet assistance to you and the women here tell me that she is not looking to get to me. If she was, she would have made a public spectacle of it."

"She has matured considerably since you two were together."

"I agree. I look at Artemis and Clio, and I know we are doing the right thing."

Hippolyta nodded. "When I first approached the council with Audrey's request, the vote to join her cause was unanimous. They owe her a lot."

"Mother, we will be successful. Have no doubt."

"I don't doubt you or your abilities. I know that I am sending our sisters with strong leadership. I confess that while I have the utmost confidence in you, I am grateful Shayera volunteered to go as well. I know that she will watch your back."

Diana smiled, "That she will. Closely I imagine. Is the ceremony ready?"

"Not the traditional one. Aphrodite visited me earlier, and said that the gods will bless us without the normal animal offering."

Diana cocked her eyebrow, "Really? Did she say why?"

"No. She merely smiled and said she would be addressing the nation tonight."

Diana was surprised. "Instead of Athena?"

"I thought that strange too. And I have not seen Athena in a few days. I imagine Alindra will be disappointed, but I did not question the goddess' directive."

"Are you ready then?"

"I am."

Diana directed her mother to the stone steps leading to the throne. Hippolyta raised her hands and the room became quiet.

"Sisters, tonight we celebrate our nation. Tomorrow, many of you will be leaving us for a short while to lend assistance to Queen Audrey and the people of Kasnia. I am proud that you have chosen to do so. We are not only fighting for them, but for our future generations as well. As I look around the room, I see the fruit of the relationship we have cultivated with Kasnia. Our allies have worked tirelessly to make sure the Amazon nation thrives. We owe them so much, and I am hopeful that our success will ensure many more future benefits for both countries. Tonight, we will not be making the normal pre-war sacrifice at Aphrodite's insistence. The goddess herself wishes to address you all."

And with the utterance of the last sentence, a blinding light flashed in the hall, and all Amazons dropped to one knee.

Aphrodite, the blonde goddess of love appeared on the top step. She was bathed in gold and light, and her presence was radiant. "Amazons, tomorrow you go to war. But tonight, it is my wish that you honor me with the love you feel for each other. Know that you are most favored, and that the gods wish you all success. May you love and fight fiercely." And as the last syllable was pronounced, Aphrodite left in the same flash that she arrived with.

The Amazon women stood and cheered. Hippolyta smiled, and spoke once more, "Retire now to your beds. Honor the Goddess of Love with all fervor."

Immediately the Amazons began pairing off and leaving the hall. Shayera continued to stand next to Alindra.

"Where is Athena?"

The blonde frowned. "I don't know. She said she would be here, but maybe she changed her mind."

"Why would she?"

"Shayera, what do you actually know about Athena?"

"Nothing other than she is the Goddess of Wisdom."

"Yes, but she is more. She…this is personal."

"It's okay. We are friends. You don't have to say."

"We have not consummated our relationship. She is known to be the Virgin goddess. That is why I was surprised when she said she would be here tonight. She would have known what this ceremony would entail."

Shayera's face registered confusion, and then suddenly it dawned on her. "Oh." The redhead couldn't think of anything else to say.

"I am hardly worthy. I have thought so from the beginning."

"She chose you. I think that says something. And you sell yourself short. You are an amazing woman Alindra."

"Maybe for another Amazon, but Athena, she is far beyond that."

"Have you told her how you feel?"

"Many times. But she dismisses the sentiment. She says no one would know better than her."

"Hard to argue that logic."

Alindra dropped her head, "I cannot even tell her that I love her. I do, but, what does that sentiment mean coming from someone so common like me? I am sure she has heard it so many times before. How can it be special anymore, especially coming from me? Shayera, will you excuse me? I think I will retire to my room now. I feel very foolish right now."

"Alindra," Shayera grabbed the blonde Amazon, "I'm sorry. I know it is no consolation, but, you are loved."

A single tear slid down Alindra's face. "Thanks," she muttered and quietly left the hall.

Diana approached Shayera who for her part was staring at the back of her forlorn friend.

"Shayera?"

Shayera turned to Diana, and wrapped her arms around the dark-haired woman's neck. "Diana, I love you. I love you. I love you."

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

"I can't imagine not being able to tell you that."

"Don't then. I am right here. And I love you too."

"Diana, whatever happens, just make sure that you know how I feel."

"Shayera..."

"No. Don't say anything else. I just needed you to know that. I love you, and I am going to show you how much."

Diana blushed. "I am not sure what to say."

Shayera pulled back, "Diana, take me to your room. We have been commanded to pay tribute to Aphrodite, and I am going to show you how very seriously I take that order."

Diana's eyes went wide. "You, ah, I…"

"Close your mouth for now, but when we get to your room, I expect you not to." Shayera grinned lasciviously.

Diana's mouth instantly shut, and she nodded. She led Shayera away from the hall in great anticipation of the night that was being promised.

A/N: I am anxious to share the next chapter with you...for obvious reasons I think. But I exercise patience. (For now). Let me know what you thought of this. Poor Alindra, love is hard without the obvious issues she has. Thanks to all who review! For anonymous: I am glad that you liked the inclusion of Artemis. Ltlconf mentioned her and Clio to me, and we thought we would try and include them. As for Diana and Shayera having kids, it is being hinted at, but honestly has not been decided upon. So maybe you all will tell me if that is something you would like to see. Maybe not in this story, but in another? Can't wait to hear your thoughts.