To Find the Light

by Debir

Picking up where Enter the Dark ended, Xena and Gabrielle search for Deerdra who is doing some searching of her own. Their respected journeys will impact their lives forever.

10. Chapter 10

"To Find the Light"

by

Debir

Chapter Ten: "We Do"

Daybreak and Gabrielle wakes first. She feels the warmth of Deerdra's body next to hers and smiles. She sees Deerdra's left hand dangling over her waist and places her hand underneath imagining golden bands on their fingers. She whispers, "Should we?"

Deerdra closes her hand around Gabrielle's and whispers back, "When we reach green grass."

Gabrielle's startled and confused by her answer. Does she mean what she thinks she means? "We will?"

Deerdra mumbles, "Oh, yes. You should be healed up enough for some, ahem, physical activity."

Gabrielle's disappointed by her answer, which surprises her. Is this marriage thing more important to me than I thought? She plays it coy, "You mean I can ride the horse?"

Deerdra kisses the back of her neck, "Mmm, hmm. You can call it that."

Gabrielle blushes. "Good morning to you, too. Do you need to- you know?"

"Nope. I'm good. And you?"

"I'm fine." A feeling of melancholy washes over her. "Just hold me."

Deerdra's too groggy to hear the sadness in her voice. She smiles, "And never let you go?"

Gabrielle pulls Deerdra's hand tighter around her waist, "Yes. And never let me go."

The two eventually doze back off waking only when the noon sun warms the back of Deerdra's neck.

She doesn't want to wake Gabrielle, but she still has her hand in a death lock plus nature is calling. "Gabrielle, I need to get up."

Gabrielle stirs, "Hm? Oh, okay." She releases their hands and rolls over, "Come right back."

Deerdra gives her a quick kiss before standing, "I will, it just wont' be right away."

Gabrielle is still half asleep so it takes a second for her to comprehend. She springs her eyes open, "Wait. What?" Her heart races, "Where are you going?"

"It's okay, sweetheart. After I visit the little warrior's room I'm going to find the path down off of here. Assuming Ned didn't lead us to a dead end."

Gabrielle doesn't want to be left alone with her thoughts, "I'm feeling pretty good. I can go along and help look. Two eyes are better than one."

"No love, I need to do this alone. What you can do is get up and walk around. Maybe do some of those stretching exercises or work out with your sai. Anything to get your body used to moving around again."

Gabrielle's disappointed, but she understands. "Okay. I am kind of stiff."

Deerdra snickers, "Just don't overdo it."

"And you be careful. Ned could still be out there, waiting."

"Even if he is, he's clear down at the bottom and'll have to work his way back..." Her voice trails off. She has an unsettling thought, "He has had plenty of time to heal and does know all of the nooks and crannies of this mountain."

Gabrielle knows what she's thinking, "I'll be fine. Just find the way down and hurry back."

"Sorry. Guess I'm turning more into a worrier than a warrior. Well, time's a-wastin'!" She gives Gabrielle a quick kiss, "Back before nightfall." She pokes her head out, looking left then right then left again. A wave goodbye then she's gone.

A rush of emotions overwhelm Gabrielle. She plops down on the furry bed. Big sigh,"Why does life have to be so complicated?"

A female voice coming from behind her gives her a start, "Because you're in love with a warrior, sweetie."

Gabrielle zips around and is pleasantly surprised, "Aphrodite?" then concerned by the goddess' appearance, "Deerdra said you were fading, but I didn't imagine-"

"You'd be able to see right through me?" Aphrodite is still being- or rather pretending to be nonchalant about her disappearing act. "How many times would that come in handy for you and Xena?"

Just the person Gabrielle wants to talk about and a change of subject. "Xena. How is she? Is Ares behaving himself?"

"Xena's fine, pumpkin, but Ares isn't with her anymore. He lost his control over Leonius and came running back to Olympus to hide out. He's nervous. Those spirits coming for revenge and all." She perks up, "Oh, we're actually solid up there!"

Gabrielle doesn't know how to take this news. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? "So, Xena's with Leonius now?"

"No. Without Ares inside of him, it just wasn't the same for her and they went separate ways."

More surprising news. "Oh. Do you know where she is and if she's okay?"

"She said something about a land that's in need of a girl with a chakram. She's okay, sweet pea, but she could use a visit from her bestie bosom buddy."

Gabrielle barely cracks a grin, "I don't know. Deerdra agreed to find her, but now-"

"You know Deerdra will follow you anywhere you go, even if it is to Xena "

Which brings us back to the beginning. "I asked her about marriage, you know."

Aphrodite smiles, "I know. There's not much to do up there except watch and listen."

Gabrielle's with the perfect being to talk about matters of the romantic variety, "So, should we? Will our feelings for each other change that much?"

"That Michael had a point. The bond between married's is a lot stronger than with dating's. And it does inspire one to fight harder to stay alive."

"I don't think Deerdra needs an excuse to fight. I just want to do this for the right reason."

Aphrodite emphasizes with her dilemma, "Oh, sweetums. Only you know what's in your heart. Don't let me or those pesky angels tell you anything different." She points to Gabrielle, "What do you want? Can you envision a life with Deerdra...without Xena?"

Gabrielle is quick with her answer, "Xena will always be a part of my life, no matter what I decide."

"Which is...?"

Gabrielle plays it coy, "I'll know when the words come out of my mouth." Truth is, she isn't sure. On the one hand, she can't imagine a life without Xena, but on the other, she is excited about starting a new life with Deerdra. She thinks out loud, mumbling, "Don't suppose I could have my cake and eat it too? Nah, they don't get along well enough."

Aphrodite did hear her, "It wouldn't be DeeDee's first time."

Gabrielle looks at her, confused, "To do what?"

"You know, share." Aphrodite winks.

Gabrielle doesn't want to know, "We'll just let things play out by themselves naturally, no interference." She wags a finger at the goddess.

Aphrodite plays innocent, "Don't look at me. I'm not the one lurking in the bushes. I'm just here to offer some advice and to listen, that's all."

Gabrielle is skeptical, the gods aren't known for keeping their word, but Aphrodite has been a good friend. "Okay. I'm trusting you now."

Aphrodite raised two fingers, "Scouts honor."

Gabrielle hasn't seen that before, "What?"

Aphrodite giggles, "Oh. It means I promise. I need to go, sweetie."

"Oh, so soon?"

"Afraid so. My power's getting low. Give Dee my love and listen to your heart."

"I will," Gabrielle raises two fingers, "scouts honor."

Aphrodite giggles then wisps away.

"Well that was productive. At least Xena's okay...I hope." Her voice trails off. She shakes her head, "No. No What Ifs. We're going to get off this mountain, find Xena and see that she's fine. Now stop talking to yourself and meditate." She sits in the Lotus position and takes a deep breath and slowly exhales to clear her mind...then another. Third time's the charm. Inhale, exhale then the outside world melts away and she's centered.

Meanwhile, out in the cold Deerdra's gotten a helping hand finding the path down. Someone or something has laid sticks on the snow pointing the way. "Gee, either they're being helpful or they're saying Get Off My Mountain. Fine by me. I'm getting tired of the cold. But, man. Look at that view. Snow peaks as far as the eye can see. Blue sky. Puffy clouds. Okay, maybe it isn't as bad up here as I thought. Not that I'd want to live up here. You end up talking to yourself."

She peels her eyes off of the scenery and looks at the marked trail. "I'll just go down a-ways to make sure this isn't a trap." The path on the going down side is much wider than the path on the going up side and not near as scary. She walks until the sun dips behind the tallest peak, about half way then begins the climb back to the cave and warmth.

By now, Gabrielle has switched over to a different type of meditation, Tai Chi. Deerdra watches from the cave entrance as she performs the slow, fluid movements. She and her heart smile, "By the gods you're beautiful."

Gabrielle whips around sai in hand then lowers her guard, "Deerdra! That can be dangerous, you know."

Deerdra grins, "What? Watching the woman I love move as graceful as a gazelle?"

"No, you dope. Sneaking up on me." She wraps her in a bear hug, "I didn't think you'd be gone this long. Was the path hard to find?"

"Nope. It was as easy as getting frostbite." They walk arm in arm over to the fire, "Someone, I'm guessing the snow creatures, marked the way down. A much easier climb, for sure."

"Good, I'm ready to see green grass again." Gabrielle arranges the furs so they can sit by the fire and not chill their behinds. She's eager to tell Deerdra her news without sounding like she's eager. She's nonchalant when she says, "Oh, I almost forgot. Aphrodite stopped by while you were gone."

Deerdra flushes thinking, "Good Lord. Did she spill the beans?" She also acts uninterested, "Yeah? Did you have a nice chat?"

"Yes. Very nice...and informative."

Deerdra braces for the M word to come up. "Oh?"

But that's not what's on Gabrielle's mind, right now. "Seems as thought this fading thing disrupted Ares' plan. He lost his control over Leonius and high-tailed it back to Olympus."

Deerdra relaxes, "Is that all?" "So, Xena's with Leonius now? Lucky man. Do you still want to find her?"

"Yes and no. Yes, because she may not know the reason Ares left. No, because we still need to talk about...things."

Deerdra knows what things she means. She ignores that part. "Well, our original plan is still a go. After we get off this mountain, we'll go and find her. Did Aphrodite say where we should start looking?"

More emotional dancing, "She didn't know, but I do. It's where I was going after I placed Xena's urn in her family tomb. The Land of The Pharaohs."

Deerdra frowns,"Oh, nice. From cold to hot."

Gabrielle teases, "Unless you want to stay here a little longer."

"No, no, no. I've had my fill of cold and ice for a lifetime."

Gabrielle scoots closer to the fire, "I hear that."

Deerdra dead pans, "Heard what?"

Gabrielle looks at Deerdra thinking she's suffering from brain freeze and sees her grinning from ear to ear. She says, "Stinker," and throws a balled up blanket at her.

Deerdra springs over the fire, landing on Gabrielle, "Come here, you."

Gabrielle locks her fingers behind Deerdra's neck, "I thought you said not here?"

Deerdra lowers herself down, "I need my good night kiss."

Gabrielle whispers, "I can do that."

Morning. The fire is out and the lovers are snuggled close. They wake at the same time.

Deerdra kisses Gabrielle behind her ear, "Good morning."

Gabrielle clears her throat, "Good morning."

Deerdra nuzzles the back of Gabrielle's neck, "We should start our way down."

Gabrielle answers a groggy, "Uh, huh."

Deerdra grins. She's full of piss and vinegar this morning. She jumps up and whisks the covers off Gabrielle, "Then let's go!"

"Hey! I didn't mean this minute!"

Deerdra's still grinning, "There's no time like the present. Besides, I want to get off this rock before the next storm whips up."

"Fine." Gabrielle picks up another fur and wraps herself in it, "This sure is a cold way to start the day."

The still air has chilled Deerdra as well. She also wraps up. "We'll be plenty warm by late this afternoon."

"Oh? After that you think so?"

"Uh, huh."

Deerdra was right. The climb down was ten times as fast and easy as the way Ned took them up. They hit solid, green ground late in the day.

Deerdra flings her fur off, "Ahh! Dry, warm ground!"

Gabrielle drops her fur, "Nothing but green rolling hills and a crystal yet unfrozen lake before us!"

Deerdra scans the horizon, "And no armies."

Gabrielle concurs, "And no armies." She looks at Deerdra and arches her eyebrows, "Now what?"

Deerdra is ready to talk about the elephant in the room, "Now, we finish our conversation from a few days ago."

Gabrielle's not sure what she means. She's still taking in the view, "What conversation?"

Deerdra takes Gabrielle's hands into her own, presses them against her chest, and looks deep into Gabrielle's eyes, "Yes."

Gabrielle knows this is important and wants to understand, but she's lost, "To what?"

Deerdra doesn't say anything. She just keeps gazing into Gabrielle's beautiful green eyes.

Gabrielle fervently searches her memory then it dawns on her. She beams, "You do?"

Deerdra grins, "Um, hm. Do you?"

There it is, The Question. How will Gabrielle answer? Her heart swells to near bursting, but to needle Deerdra, she plays it cool, "Well, I suppose."

Deerdra wasn't expecting such a calm response, "You suppose?"

Gabrielle grins from Tartarus to Olympus.

"You little sh-. I'll get you for that!"

Gabrielle takes off running, laughing as Deerdra chases her through the trees to the pond. Deerdra 'catches' her, wrapping her in her arms. Lots of heavy panting as they kiss.

Gabrielle whispers, "We should wash first."

Deerdra nods and clothes fly. Two big splashes and a quick scrubbing later, they meet at the shallow end of the pond. (The water is up to their waists).

Deerdra asks, "All clean?"

Gabrielle responds, "Clean enough."

The ensuing kiss is so hot, steam rises around the lovers. The sounds of pleasure fill the air as the water ripples and swells to the rhythm of the much anticipated tryst. Near the middle of the pond, a small ball of sunshine slowly forms in the air. It drifts down into the water and bobs its way over to the lovers. There it waits fighting to stay close. The waves grow as climax nears. The ball splits in two then envelops both women as rapture over takes them.

Deerdra gasps, "Wow!"

Gabrielle's voice is raspy as she answers, "You can say that again."

Deerdra grins, "Wow!"

Gabrielle chuckles, "You're a nut."

"But you love me anyway."

Gabrielle runs her fingers through Deerdra's hair then claps them behind Dee's neck and in all seriousness says, "I do."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." She grins, "Denise."

Deerdra chuckles, "Okay, Brin."

They come together and produce another steam inducing kiss. Deerdra backs off a smidge and says, "We should probably get out of this pond."

Gabrielle answers with an unconvincing, "Probably."

Neither makes any type of move to get out of the water. They stand gazing at each other with goofy grins on their faces. The decision to leave is made for them. "Let's get this party started!" Aphrodite's voice is everywhere and nowhere. In a blink, the two very naked women are transported to the goddess' chamber on Olympus.

Deerdra knows immediately where they are. Aphrodite's rose perfume is unmistakable. "Aphrodite!"

The goddess sashays over, "Hey, girlfriends!"

Gabrielle's embarrassed and upset, "What are we doing here?"

"Well, duh. It's your wedding day." She wags a finger at Deerdra, "And it's about time someone made an honest woman out of you." Turning to Gabrielle, she can't resist embarrassing Deerdra, "I swear she's slept with every barmaid and farmer's daughter from here to Tartarus."

Deerdra clears her loudly throat. Aphrodite changes gears, "I mean...welcome to the family!"

Deerdra replies, "Don't go scaring her off now."

Aphrodite play slaps Deerdra's arm, "Oh, you." She nods and two attendants slip white silk robes on Gabrielle and Deerdra. She exclaims, "When you marry a demigod, you do it in style!"

Deerdra ties her robe, "And instantaneously, apparently."

Aphrodite jokes, "Gotta do it before the girl changes her mind."

Deerdra turns to Gabrielle, "Are you okay with this? We can wait."

"No, where here and I'm sure the gods have something elaborate planed."

Deerdra holds Gabrielle's hands, "Are you sure? We can wait if you want to find Xena first."

"No, I'm sure. For some reason I don't think she'd enjoy the ceremony as much as everyone else."

Aphrodite squeals, "Goody! Okay, Gabrielle's coming with me and Dee, you're going with Cupid. You're going to be the most beautiful brides this world has seen!"

Deerdra stops her, "Oh, no. Nothing frilly. Just pretty but simple. Understand?"

Aphrodite pouts, "Bummer." But she perks right back up. "Okay, now shoo. Us gals have to get ready."

Deerdra plays indignant, "And what am I?"

Aphrodite pinches her cheeks, "You're you." She pats Deerdra on her other cheeks, "Now go."

"Fine." She gives Gabrielle a quick kiss, "See you in a bit."

Deerdra follows Cupid to his chamber and plops down in down feather chair, "So, who all is attending this wedding?"

"If you're wondering about Ares, I haven't seen him since he came back. He's been holed up in his chamber drowning his troubles."

"About Xena, fading away, or the spirits coming for him?"

"All of the above. All right, let's get you dressed. Come over here." He walks over to a rack of groom clothes. "No one thought you'd want to wear a gown so we came up with some different styles of trouser sets."

Deerdra stands still as he takes suits off the rack and holds them up to her. All of the styles look fine to her, but she's dying to know, "So, Ares and Xena. How'd that work out?"

"Oh, you know how lust is. After a while the fire dies out and all that's left are two people who really shouldn't be together." He holds up a white leather pants and suede vest ensemble. The vest has a golden filigree pattern on the back that continues down the pants' legs. A white cotton French cuffed shirt completes the look, "This one."

She slips it on and continues her questions, "So, that's all there was too it? They simply burned out?"

A deep voice from behind her gives her a start, "But, Oh what a burn it was!"

Deerdra spins around, "Ares! Geez, you look like Hell."

His hair is greasy and his neatly trimmed beard...isn't. He also reeks of booze and is having a hard time staying upright.

Cupid scoffs, "I thought you were mourning the loss of your manhood."

Ares points his tankard at Cupid, "I'm more of a man than you'll ever be."

Cupid smirks, "But not a better lover."

Ares takes a swig, "I've never had any complaints."

Deerdra's had enough macho chest beating, "Gentlemen, please! This is my wedding day. Enough with the size comparisons. Besides, if we're talking sexual prowess I have you two beat by a long shot."

There's a pause then all three burst out laughing. Deerdra finishes dressing and admires herself in the mirror. "Well, what do you think. And before you answer, only positive comments will be accepted. Beautiful and hot will do fine."

Cupid answers, "You look beautiful."

Ares, "You look hot, babe."

"Thank you both."

Ares says to Cupid, "You can leave now, wing boy. I want to spend a few minutes with Deerdra."

"It's okay, Cupid. Ares can do my hair."

Cupid snickers, "Ha. I'll come for you when it's time."

Ares sets his tankard down and crosses his arms, "So, you're getting hitched again. Think this one will take?"

"Well, seeing how this is the last time I intend to go through all this, I hope so."

"Third time's the charm, huh? You ought to be careful saying things like that. You'll probably outlive us all."

"And that brings me to you and Xena. Which story is it? Did you burn out or fade away?" She points a finger at him, "The truth."

He picks up the tankard and takes a swig. Not just to get a shot of courage, but also to wash down his ego, "Well. A-hem. You see. You know the saying about the star that burns the brightest?"

"Yeah. It burns the quickest. And?"

"We had already started to fizzle when golden boy took over. Don't get me wrong. It was good. It was damn good."

"But?"

"But, she was all about doing good and stopping people from fighting and going to war. That just goes against my grain, you know? I tried. I really tried, but I'm the God of War for gods sakes. I can't go around making peace and all that stuff."

Deerdra has a light bulb, "You loosened the grip you had on Leonius, didn't you?"

"It did allow me to have a graceful exit."

"And keep your reputation in tact. Smart. How did Xena react?"

"I didn't stick around to find out. Crushed, I'm sure."

Deerdra chuckles, "Yep, you're ego is just fine. Okay, you go get cleaned up, sobered up ,and changed. You're going to escort my bride and me down the aisle."

Ares puffs up, "I'd be honored. And by the way, you really do look beautiful."

He wraps her in a bear hug.

"Thanks, Pops."

"That's Pops of War to you, kiddo."

"You know, Pops O. This spirit thing could be good for you."

"How?" He is skeptical.

"Them taking you might keep you from disappearing into the stars."

The gears in Ares' brain start turning, "Hmm."

Over at the other bridal chamber, Gabrielle has a question for Aphrodite.

"So, Deerdra's marriage to Athena. Were they in love?"

Aphrodite is distracted fussing with Gabrielle's hair and doesn't think to soften her answer, "So much so it tore them apart."

"Ooh? Do tell."

"Well," Aphrodite eyeballs the sand level in the hourglass, "There's only time for the condensed version."

Gabrielle is all ears, eager to learn some more about Deerdra's past, "That's fine. Go ahead."

"Okay. Let's see. In the beginning, they were deliriously happy. Imagine Athena all giggley school girlie. Then Deerdra found out that she knew what Discord and the Furies were up to regarding Stephany and did nothing to stop them. Deerdra was livid. They had a knock down drag out in Athena's chamber. Deerdra even threw Athena across the room, breaking her throne."

"Wow!"

"You're telling me. Athena even threw fireballs at Deerdra. Of course, she just caught them and threw them right back at her. It got so bad, Zeus had to come in and zap them both just to get them to stop."

"Again. Wow! What was Athena's excuse in not helping Stephany?"

"What else? Jealousy. She just knew Deerdra was falling for Stephany and she wouldn't have it."

That has Gabrielle confused. "Wait. Deerdra told me there wasn't anything going on between her and Stephany."

"There wasn't. She only had eyes for Lor. It was just Athena's imagination going into overdrive. And you know how we gods are."

"It's all about you. I know. After all that, Deerdra stayed with her anyway?"

"Oh, gods no! Dee demanded Zeus annul the marriage. He did and she left. I don't think she's ever been back to Olympus. Well, not since before Athena died."

Things aren't adding up, "Wait, back up. They broke up decades ago? I thought it was more recent. When Deerdra found out Athena was after Xena's baby."

"Oh, they were over in Deerdra's mind, at least. Athena, not so much. She spent those decades trying to win her back. She had almost succeeded when 'the baby is going to bring about our end' disaster happened."

"I don't know what to say or think." Insecurity is creeping in, "Why would someone who was married to a goddess want to marry me, a lowly mortal?"

Aphrodite kneels in front of her and puts her hand under Gabrielle's chin, "You're more than that, sweetie. You're a beautiful person with an equally beautiful soul who has a heart as big as the world. And you among all mortals deserve to be happy."

Gabrielle's touched by her kindness. She gets a bit misty eyed. "Thank you, Aphrodite. You are a true friend."

"Aw." Aphrodite gives her a big hug and wipes a tear from her eye. "Okay, enough mush. Let's get you hitched."

Aphrodite escorts Gabrielle to a waiting Ares-in white slick leathers- and Deerdra. The four of them are in the foyer leading to the 'pulpit'.

Deerdra's jaw hits the floor, figuratively speaking. "Wow! You look amazing!"

Gabrielle blushes, "Thank you. You're not half bad yourself."

She is quite the vision. A white chiffon and lace gown, white long-sleeved blouse that has oval cut-outs running the length of each, and a white suede bodice that has the same gold filigree pattern as Deerdra's vest.

Aphrodite is all giggily, "Oh, this is so exciting! I can't wait for you to see your surprise. Gotta take my place now. Tootles."

Gabrielle looks at Deerdra. She shrugs, "I have no idea."

Ares doesn't spill the beans either. "Okay, you two lovebirds. Ready to walk down the aisle?"

Deerdra answers, "Ready as I'll ever be."

Gabrielle agrees, but. She looks up at Ares, "We're going to have a little talk later."

Ares isn't concerned. He jokes about the wedding night, "I think that's my line."

Gabrielle isn't amused, "I'm serious. Xena had better be okay."

He's getting tired of not being trusted. There's anger in his tone when he answers her, "She can take care of herself."

His tone gets Deerdra's attention. She gives him the evil eye and he changes gears and lightens up. "Okay, ladies. Shall we?" He stands between them then extends his elbows. Each woman loops a hand around a bicep and the three prepare to walk down the aisle.

Deerdra notes all of the empty seats. She whispers to Ares, "Where is everyone?"

He whispers back, "This was short notice. Gods have things to do, you know."

Deerdra's still whispering, "I know, but this is embarrassing. Just Cupid, Hermes, and Bliss? Really?"

Ares bends down closer to Deerdra so Gabrielle doesn't hear, "Xena did away with all of the fun gods. What you see is what you get."

Gabrielle tugs his arm, "What's with the full length mirror next to the dais?"

He grins and answers loud enough so both can hear, "You'll see."

Along with the ornate gold framed mirror and the dais is an apple blossom covered arbor. All this set against an open backdrop. As in open to the outside. The sky is Azure with white cloud streaks above he Mount of Olympus.

Apollo did send harpists. Two. Aphrodite has positioned them one on each side of the aisle. The guests rise as the brides walk the rose` colored carpet. Aphrodite steps up to the dais wearing what can only be described as a choir girl robe. Most defiantly not sexy in any way. But she's not alone. A mortal clergyman joins her.

Deerdra has to ask, "Uh, Ares?"

Again in a whisper loud enough for both women to hear, he answers, "So you're not only married up here but also in the mortal world. He won't remember a thing. Keep walking."

They reach the dais. The women let go of Ares. He takes a step back then has a seat. Aphrodite is beaming. "You two look fabulous! Before we begin, the surprise!" She does a hand model wave in front of the mirror and...viola! The image of Hera appears.

Deerdra is surprised. "Hera! How? Is that really you?"

Hera smiles at her favorite granddaughter, "Yes, love. It is me. I wouldn't miss this for the world. How? Let's just say, you're big among the magically inclined crowd and leave it at that."

Deerdra's still gob smacked, "Are you stuck in there? How long can you stay?"

Hera is patient with her, but she doesn't want to go into details so her answer is a bit terse, "I'll be in this mirror until I get tire of being in this mirror."

Deerdra knows that tone. She doesn't push the issue, "Okay, I'm just glad you're here. Oh, let me introduce you to the woman of the hour." Deerdra takes Gabrielle's hand, "Grandmother, this is Gab-"

Hera interrupts, "I know who she is, Deerdra. I've heard a lot about you, Gabrielle. I'm happy to finally be able meet you in person, so to speak."

Gabrielle doesn't know what to think or react so she's respectful and polite, "It's an honor. I've heard a lot about you as well."

Hera chuckles, "Most of it true, I'm sure."

Aphrodite clears her throat, "A-hem. The ceremony, remember?"

Deerdra and Gabrielle take their place and Aphrodite continues: "We gather together today to join these two women in heavenly matrimony." She leans over the dais, "Normally there'd be some boring speech about marriage being sacred and all that, but you've both heard that before so let's move on to the good part." She stands back in place, "Okay, turn to each other and hold hands." She clears her throat, "Do you, Gabrielle, daughter of of Hecuba and Herodotus, take Deerdra, daughter of Lorriane and Reese, (Ares coughs), to be your celestial bound wife to love and respect no matter what lame ideas she may come up with?"

Gabrielle chuckles, "I do."

"And do you, Deerdra, daughter of Lorraine and Reese, (Ares coughs), take Gabrielle, daughter of Hecuba and Herodotus, to be your celestial bound wife to love, cherish, honor, and respect until the end of time?"

Deerdra smiles, "I do."

Cupid walks over holding a satin pillow. Two gold filigree rings are perched on top. They each take a ring. Aphrodite continues, "These rings represent an eternal bond. Place the rings on each others hands and repeat after me." They do and in unison say, "With this ring, I so now and forever thee wed."

Aphrodite can barely contain herself, "By my and my friend here's authority, I now pronounce you married!"

The newlyweds grin and move in for a kiss, but Aphrodite stops them, "Uh, uh. Not yet." She whips out the parchment/wedding license. Written in fancy calligraphy are their wedding vows. She points to and empty area toward the bottom and hands them a pen quill. "Sign here and place your thumb print here."

Deerdra looks at Gabrielle, "This is it. Are you sure?"

Gabrielle takes the quill, signs, then prints, "Yes."

Deerdra smiles and does the same.

She hands it back to Aphrodite. She and the clergy look it over then sign. She rolls it up and hands it to Cupid, "You'll get a copy later. Well go on. Kiss."

It's a nice romantic kiss. Not too much, they are in front of family.

Aphrodite gives them their moment then exclaims, "Now, let's party!" She whips off her robe to reveal her go to outfit. A pink lace, barely there top and matching short shorts. (The clergy has been sent away). She grabs Hera's mirror and dances her way out of the 'chapel' and into the adjacent big hall where muscular men in gold lame Speedos and buxom bikini wearing women are waiting along with a gods worthy table of food and wine.

Cupid gives the newlyweds a hug and a quick, "Congratulations," before running off to join the party.

Ares is feeling playful. "Come here, you!" He wraps Gabrielle in a bear hug and lifts her off her feet, "Welcome to the family!" He sets her down, "Not the one I would have chosen, but hey, to each their own. See you at the party!"

Gabrielle yells after him, "Ares! I want to talk to you!"

He yells back, "Later!"

Gabrielle puts her hands on her hips, "That man-"

"Is your Father-In-Law, now." Deerdra reminds her, teasing.

Gabrielle rolls her eyes, "Ares as a Father-In-Law. Oh, brother!"

"Kinda makes you feel all tingly inside, doesn't it?" Deerdra grins.

"Yea, that's one way of putting it."

"Come on, we need to make an appearance at the party."

"Hold on a sec. Are you sure you're okay with cutting our honeymoon short to find Xena?"

"Sure, but Ares said she's fine."

"I'm sure she is, Xena being Xena and all. But I want to be the one to tell her about us, in person."

"True on both accounts, but who's cutting the honeymoon short? It's not like we're gong to find her tomorrow... are we?"

Gabrielle slips her arms around Deerdra's waist, "No, we'll have a couple of days to ourselves." She smiles.

Deerdra smiles back, "Yeah? Just a couple?"

Gabrielle has mischief in her eyes as she moves in closer, "Um, hm."

They come together and kiss like no one is watching, until there is. Ares pokes his head around the corner, "Hey you two! The party's in here!"

"One more appearance, and we're out of here." Deerdra glances at him, "We're coming."

Hera waves Aphrodite over to her. She stops flirting with the boy toys and drapes an arm over the top of the mirror, "Yes, Mother?"

Hera is a little peeved, "Thank you for peeling yourself off those men to spend a few seconds with your mother."

Aphrodite has a buzz going on and isn't concerned, "No prob. What's wrong? You get smudged or something?"

Hera tries to hold her temper. This is a party after all, "You didn't tell Deerdra the real reason for the quick nuptials, did you?"

Aphrodite sighs, "Of course not, Mother. Is that all?" She winks at one of the boy toys.

"Yes. You can go back to your fun."

The new brides enter the party room. The guests erupt in applause and cheers. Aphrodite taps her glass to get everyone to calm down and look at her. "Attention! As aunt to the brides and also the planner of this wedding, I have a toast and a surprise."

Gabrielle and Deerdra look at each other with "Uh, oh" in their eyes.

Aphrodite raises her glass, "Don't worry. I'm not going to embarrass you. Just a simple wish for long lasting happiness, joy, and good lovin'!"

Cheers and laughter from the partiers. "And now, the surprise!"

Gabrielle and Deerdra brace themselves.

"My-our wedding gift to you!" She snaps her fingers and...Gabrielle and Deerdra are standing at the front door of a Swiss chalet style cabin with nothing but rolling green hills and fields of wildflowers before them.

Deerdra stunned, "Thank you, Aphrodite!"

Gabrielle's equally impressed, "It's beautiful!"

Deerdra swoops Gabrielle off her feet then turns toward the door, "Shall we?"

CONTINUED