Disclaimers: See Chapter 1
Additional Note (Please Read): This tale is a companion with, Xena & Gabrielle: A Turn of Fate. If you haven't read both story's chapters preceding this one, you should do so now.
The Conqueror & Ri,
A Twist of Destiny,
By, Ahkiken
Chapter 22: Symbolization
"Extreme sadness couldn't describe Orpheus' grief from losing his beautiful Eurydice. His mournful music brought not only the mortals around him to tears, but even the gods had succumb to his morose melody."
The children, and adults in the Audience room were captivated by Ri's tale of the heartbroken musician. She had already told three fables, but after the appeased crowd yearned for at least one more, the petite strawberry blonde acquiesced to deliver a fourth story, and hopefully her last.
"Finally, the gods wouldn't take anymore, proposing that Orpheus descend to the underworld, and petition for his wife's return to the living. The sorrowful poet grabbed his lyre, and traversed to Pluto's kingdom of the dead. There he beseeched the god, and his wife, Persephone, to allow Eurydice to live once more. Pluto, along with Persephone, was deeply moved by Orpheus' poetic entreaty. So much in fact, he agreed to let Eurydice leave the underworld, but on one condition, Orpheus would have to hold Eurydice's hand while walking in front of her, and he could not look back at his wife, nor speak, until he led her to the surface of the living."
Some of the spectators let out a grasp of excitement from listening to the yarn, curious if it was a trick from Pluto.
The storyteller paused briefly, letting Orpheus and Eurydice's circumstance sink in before continuing. "Orpheus assented graciously to Pluto's rule. It would be a simple task, he thought as he began guiding his dead wife out of the underworld. Then ruminations of doubts troubled him. What if it wasn't Eurydice? What if it was her, but she's deformed and left in her undead appearance? Throughout their entire travel in the underworld, the only insurance Orpheus had, was the soft hand he held in his. Still, they walked in silence. A mere moment after Orpheus came into the daylight of the upper world, cognition of possibly bringing back a monster, instead of the woman he loved, got the best of him. Breaking the trust of a god, Orpheus glanced back at Eurydice and the sight of her glorious features made him cry with joy."
Again Ri halted her tale momentarily to let the visual seep in. "Orpheus' happiness deteriorated into unexplainable pain as Eurydice started to fade away, muttering one word, 'Farewell.' Orpheus had broken his promise to Pluto by looking back before bringing himself and his wife to the land of the living. Orpheus tried to reenter the realm of the dead, but the gods would not permit it. As a son of Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, Orpheus was given a chance to enter Pluto's realm, but being half mortal from his father's blood, he could never do so again while alive. Orpheus played his music all over Terra after the loss of his love. However, they no longer consisted of lovely tunes. On the contrary, they were somber and melancholy. While Orpheus mourns for his wife, so does everyone whom hears his gloomy lyre."
The denizens, including the nobles burst with applauds and cheers. Ri took her customary bow and quickly strolled off stage even though they was inciting for an encore. The future bard wanted to. She enjoyed telling stories to anyone that cared to lend an ear, but today Cronus was against her. Ri had to go to her chamber and get some extra studying in for Master Eramus' test in the afternoon.
"I will give an encore on my next performance." Ri declared. "It'll be before I leave for Athens."
The listeners of the Audience room were disappointed, but excited for a future storytelling from Ri. She started to exit the room when Lieutenant Dex walked towards her.
"Wow. That's really all I can say."
"Thank you, Lieutenant." Ri accepted the compliment. "I'm happy you liked it."
The dark-haired man appraised Ri's attire and contrasted the look to his Nubian wife. The former Handmaiden wore a sea-greenish dress that had long sheer sleeves. The gleaming jewelry shined brightly on her neck.
'Kira would be amazing in a get-up like this, and if I could find a necklace similar to what Ri's wearing, she'll love me forever.' Dex mused.
"I'm gladden you like the stories I've performed." Ri noticed his examination of her. "I have to get going. I must prepare for a session later."
"I understand. I won't delay you. Just a question if you don't mind."
"Sure, Lieutenant Dex." she acceded.
"That necklace, where did you get it?" he asked.
Ri kept to the Chancellor's command. "It was a gift from a loving person. I'm unsure where they got it from, though."
"Well, that's swell." he stated. "Whomever got it for you must really care about you a lot. If I can purchase something like that for my wife, before she comes back from Gaul, she'll be the happiest married woman ever."
Ri blushed. "Thanks. I'll inquire how you can get a jewel like this when I see my... Admirer once they return."
"That'll be great. You have a nice day, Lady Ri." Dex inclined his head in a respectful fashion.
"You as well, Lieutenant Dex." Ri curtsied.
Next, they both went their own way to different destinations of the Corinthian castle.
{C&R}
Tessa was laid up inside the barracks of the Fifth Army after her morning training with Iona. The fifteen year old was progressing well, although, she still had focusing problems while being around others. One on one, Iona showed promise and Tessa couldn't wait till the young blonde shook off her shyness. Then, she'll become a true force of skill and Tessa could go on to teaching her other techniques.
Nonetheless, today she had to cut their lesson short. Tessa's mind was on Ri, and their encounter last night. The petite woman was having such an effect on the Lieutenant, she didn't know how to elucidate it. Granted not all of her conquests were aware of Tessa's promiscuous activities, but it never bothered her if they did. Ri's knowledge of her sexual behavior made Tessa feel embarrassed.
Why? Tessa loved sex. If the partner of her choosing was sexy, why in Tartarus should she not bed them? Monogamy was for the birds, and any other creature that became hypnotized with dreams of love. It was funny, to the Lieutenant of the Fifth Army, how people fell victim to the curse the goddess of beauty, Venus placed on them. It caused most to act bashful, and weird when in the presence of the person their affections was directed to.
"Fuck!" Tessa shouted, jumping off her cot.
Wasn't she acting identical to those lovesick puppies, going as far as denying Ri's offer of spending Cronus in her chamber, and running away like a fearful little girl.
'I can't be!' Tessa screamed mentally.
She simply wanted to sleep with the Conqueror's Handmaiden. Before Lyceus technically exiled her from Ri, Tessa was having second thoughts about it all. Pondering if she could just have sex with her, and nothing more. Now, it seems to be much difficult than that. Very difficult.
'I'm in love with her?'
The absurd thinking caused Tessa to laugh. It wasn't possible. Only fools fell in love and Tessa was many of things, but a fool was not one of them. Ceasing her laughter, almost as quickly as it had come, she couldn't ignore her actions yesterday night, nor how giddy she began to feel with the cogitation of seeing Ri.
Standing up to put on her brown armor and equipping the twin Labry Axes on either side of her hips, Tessa left the barracks to go inside the castle.
{C&R}
General Draco roamed the castle's halls in profound consternation. He hadn't forgotten Ansem's vague plot of destroying the Amazons, and was discontented by the lack of information. He had not shared the full details of his meeting with the High Priest, nor would he inform the Lord of the Realm about it. Ansem only mentioned the united Amazons. It had nothing to do with the Grecian Empire.
Draco wasn't dumb by a long shot. He had a feeling Ansem wasn't keen on just lining Egypt's vaults with money made from Amazonian slaves. It was more to it, but what? Egypt was too weak to pose a threat. With Antonius and his army there, they could have been a problem, but that was resolved by the Conqueror's decree, and if it were broken for any reason, Cleopatra, along with whoever was stupid to stand beside her, would pay dearly. Returning to Corinth, Draco had learned of Rome's internal conflict, Gaul's triumph over the Teutons, and Cimbri. Even General Vercinix's worries anent to the several Roman ships that surrounded Gaul's borders were put to rest.
The vessels belonged to Marcus Antonius. Why they were in the territory of Gaul before being hidden in the outskirts of Egypt, was a mystery. The conspiracy theory ranged from an invasion of Gaul, to a tactical abscond by Antonius, only to be foiled by the appearance of the Fourth Army. Then, the vessels were discovered by the three scouts in Egypt. The Conqueror had been cautious of the ships since Vercinix sent his report from Gaul moons ago. Now, she was on progress to Crete, which caused a bit of tension seeing that the Conqueror departed Corinth more than a fortnight ago to confront Brutus. Anything could have happened to stall her return to the castle. To make matters worse, she only took General Glaphyra, and one hundred forty-nine soldiers to probably engage Roman's Legions that numbered thousands.
'The Conqueror surely likes to play it close to the chest.' Draco thought.
Rounding another corner, he saw the Lieutenant of the Fifth Army. "Tessa."
The dark green-eyed woman trekked over to him, and saluted. "General Draco, how may I be of service?"
"A meeting is taking place in the War room. Lieutenant Hector was supposed to be privy of it, but he's preoccupied with the soldier recruitment for the Second Army. I know it's rare for lieutenants to be a part of the council meetings, but how would you like to sit in on it?" he queried.
"It would be a privilege. I'll have to decline, though." Tessa answered.
Draco was surprised. "Does General Darnelle have you partaking a task?"
"No, I'm free actually. I'm on my way to visit Ri." Tessa replied.
"The Conqueror's Handmaiden?" Draco's curiosity soared. "You're passing up an opportunity with the council so you can hang with that girl? Haven't you bed the little brat yet?"
Tessa wanted to defend Ri, but General Draco outranked her and she didn't want to incur his anger. "We are just friends, and enjoy each others company."
Draco scoffed. "Yea, I'm positive y'all do."
"Seriously." she became adamant. "We talk, laugh, and play fun games. Ri's a lovely young woman."
"And it has nothing to do with you wanting to bed her?"
Tessa hesitated. "I... No... No, anything, but that."
Draco chuckled, shaking his head. "I have been away from Corinth for a moon and what do I come back to. An ignorant Prince taking a role in government, a new Lieutenant switched out from one army to the next, and you pretending you're not interested in sleeping with that whore."
"I take offense to your words, General." Tessa asserted.
"Be about your business, Lieutenant Tessa." Draco waved her off. "I'm certain another will accept a spot in the War room."
The dark-skinned man walked away, and Tessa watched him go. She wasn't rueful for turning down a seat in the War room. She'd participated in a few meetings while most of the Generals were abroad. She knew of Draco's dislike for Ri, and in the past, Tessa would indulge his chats about the Handmaiden. Now, she didn't like it at all.
'I wonder does Darnelle, the Chancellor, or any of the royals knows of Draco's disdain for Ri?' Tessa ruminated, walking to the strawberry blonde's chamber. 'Does Ri know?'
{C&R}
Scrolls were laid out on Ri's bed, but she wasn't reading them. All of it was attuned to memory, thanks to Eramus' repetition of the teachings.
"I'm going to ace this. Then, I'll see what other nonsense he will try to teach me." Ri displayed a joyous smile. "I won't have to worry about it because I will be gone. Off to Athens and a better tutor."
Ri's smile faded. She felt terrible for her disrespect for Eramus. Although lately he hadn't taught her anything remotely new, he is still her teacher and, during her youth when she first became his pupil, Ri knew absolutely zero about being a bard. He even helped her master reading and writing. She gained knowledge of different languages from Egyptian, Latin, and Chin. Well, she was still mastering the latter.
'I shouldn't be so mean to him. I wouldn't like it if someone was rude to me.'
The ratiocination coaxed Ri to remember what Draco said to her after knocking her down. Not only did he call her a whore, but he alluded to Ri's age too. When the Conqueror rescued her eleven years ago, she was the person whom surmised that Ri was seven without proof besides her small frame, and young-looking features.
'Could Milady be wrong?'
Ri began musing of her past spent with Iona's family when Meleager, and Lyceus departed from Tegea.
"Tell me another one, please." Iona pleads.
"Alright. One more." I agree, while holding the six-year-old girl on my lap.
This is my first visit with these strangers. Uncle Meleager said they were trust worthy, before he left with Lyceus. Glaphyra seems pleasant, and her husband, Darnelle, also appears to be kind. He had left with my uncle too. I haven't gotten a chance to know him the way I'm learning about Iona and her mother. Both of them have the same long length of golden hair, and light brown eyes. Iona's a sweetheart, and has clung to me since my arrival. She shares a lot with me. Her toys, food, even her secret stash of strawberries. We had to throw them away, though. Iona kept them too long and they became rotten.
I started telling my new little friend some make-believe stories and she's been loving them. Now I'm on my fifth tale and fear I'm running out of steam. However, I'll put a fable together for her using inspiration from my savior, before I rest. Iona's been sitting on me for a candle-mark straight, causing me to think maybe this is a bad idea because, my stomach is beginning to cramp.
"I am going to tell you the true tale of a beautiful raven."
"Ravens aren't beauties. They're nasty looking." Iona protest.
"Not this raven." I respond, trying to get comfortable.
My stomach is really hurting.
"It happened on a windy night. A tiny sunflower was uprooted from its home in Terra and blown across the fields. All of its friends could do nothing, but watch helplessly as the small flower got carried with the winds. 'Help!' cried the sunflower. 'Someone help me!'"
"Flowers don't talk." Iona giggles.
"These sunflowers are unique." I say.
"Okay." Iona became silent.
"The poor sunflower wailed for a miracle helper, but none came. When its teeny petals felt like they were going to be stripped off, the sunflower began crying anew. Out of nowhere the little sunflower was lifted higher into the air by clawed feet and placed gently on a tree branch. The tree's leaves shielded them from the wind, and the sunflower gazed around to see its hero while repeatedly saying, 'Thank you.' Finally, the sunflower sighted blue eyes and black feathers. 'Are you okay?' the raven asked. The sunflower had lost its voice from seeing such beauty."
Iona nestles firmly on my chest, the movement causes me discomfort.
I continue on. "'Are you okay?' the raven questioned again. 'Yes, but the cruel wind has taken me from my home. I'll never be able to go back.' the sunflower answered. 'What is your name?' the raven inquired. 'Sunny.' it replied, holding back its sobs. 'All will be fine Sunny. Once the wind stops, I'll aid your return home.' The sunflower named Sunny cheered up. Next, the two chatted, and laughed till the wind relented, giving way to a light breezy atmosphere.
The raven made good on her promise to take Sunny back to its home among all its friends in Terra. Planted once more in the soil, Sunny smiled at the raven, declaring, 'Thank you.' 'You are home Sunny, and you're welcome.' the raven affirmed, preparing to flap her wings to fly. 'Wait, will I see you again?' Sunny asked. 'Perhaps.' was the simple answer. 'Can I at least learn the name of my hero?' Sunny requested. The bird's blue orbs sparkled like sapphire gems as she announced, 'Raven.' After that, the raven flew into the bright Helios sky before disappearing from sight, but never forgotten inside Sunny the sunflower's heart."
My tale over, I look down to see that Iona has fallen asleep during the story. I hope it didn't bore her, although the raven was symbolic for Milady. The yarn was mostly for me. I miss her more than anything. I wish she'd leave the castle in Corinth and be here with me.
Another wave of pain surges through me, nearly making me toss Iona on the floor. I gently set the young resting girl down on the compact divan and hastily trek to the bath-area of the house. Not only does my stomach have cramps, but my chest is aching also. I have felt these pains every moon since being in Milady's care. I'm bent on keeping it hidden from her and everybody else. It's unnatural to be bleeding from your privates.
Loosening my undergarment, I am dismayed to see blood soaking it. "It's happening again."
"Ri." I hear Glaphyra outside the door. "Dinner is ready. Wash your hands, and come eat when you're finished."
"I will." I reply.
I began to panic. There's no buckets of water, nor cotton, or any other useful cloth I can use to clean the red stains off myself. What am I to do? If I apprise Glaphyra, she may tease, or ridicule me. Worse she'll probably tell Milady. If Milady abandons me because of this, it'll hurt me far more than this painful cramping I'm enduring.
"Ri, are you coming?" Iona's groggy voice queried.
Glaphyra must have woken her to eat. I can't go out there like this. I am left with a sole option.
"Iona, can you get your mother for me?"
Without a word I listen to her footfalls fade, then another takes Iona's place.
"Ri. It's Glaphyra. Is something wrong?" she questions.
I open the door shyly and step back. Thank the gods its just Glaphyra standing in the archway.
"By Diana, what is afflicting you?" Glaphyra rush in, closing the door.
"I'm bleeding." I sound foolish as if she can't discern that for herself.
"It's your monthly cycle?" Glaphyra's expression is quizzical. "Impossible if what Meleager told me is truth."
A tear rolls down my cheek uncontrollably. "What's wrong with me?"
Glaphyra bends down to my level. "Absolutely nothing."
"But you said it's impossible for this to occur." I'm trying to make sense of it all.
"Ri, how old are you?"
"Nine." I assert.
Glaphyra looks astounded. "Has this happen before?"
"Yes." I'm scared, but honest. "I've concealed it from every one."
"Ri. This only happens to big girls. Not ones your age, or younger. We have to tell Meleager."
"No. Please don't say anything. I will be good. I swear." I implore.
"It's not about being good or bad, Ri. You are having your cycles. It happens every moon when your body begins to be cleansed. It's normal. What isn't under normalcy is the fact you're having them at the age you claim." Glaphyra explains.
"Don't tell anyone, especially Milady. Please. I like the way things are. I do not want to ruin that. Please." I beg once more.
"Mother!" Iona shouts. "What's going on?"
"Go sit at the table, Iona. We'll be down soon." Glaphyra profess.
After Iona walks away, I look into Glaphyra's honey irises. "Please."
"Okay, Ri. Some girls do get their moon cycles early. I guess you're one of those exceptions. I won't mention it to anyone." she declares. "I'm going to bring up water, including some items so you can clean yourself, and get fresh."
Glaphyra arise to exit and I state. "Thank you."
Glaphyra grins, rubbing my hair, before she leaves the bathing room. I remain standing, afraid to move, but happy that what I'm going through is a normal occurrence. I'm even more jubilant knowing Milady will never have knowledge of it.
I sigh with relief. "Thank the gods."
Ri came back to the present. Perhaps she wasn't eighteen now, but if that's the age the Lord of the Realm deemed her, that's the age she will be. The storyteller had a mind to inform the Conqueror of Draco's abuse. She hasn't spoken on the matter before, but the General of the Second Army hadn't ever disrespected her in such a manner either.
Unsure of how much Cronus was spent during her wonders, Ri had gathered up her scrolls to set out for Eramus' classroom. When she pulled the door open Tessa stood on the opposite side of it in the hallway.
"Tessa."
"Good afternoon, Ri." she greeted. "Glad I caught you. I wanted to apologize for my behavior last night. I didn't mean to brush your invitation off."
"Your attitude was odd to me, but it's-" Ri realized something was amiss. "It's noon?"
"Yes."
Ri closed her door. "We'll talk later. I'm late for my class."
"How about dinner tonight?" Tessa offered.
"I'll be aiding Minya in the kitchen. Meet me there." Ri raced down the corridors, without waiting for Tessa's response. 'Great! Another reprimand.'
{C&R}
"You are late, young lady. Maybe in your head you think you're able to do what you want, but in reality every action has a reaction. Every reaction comes with a consequence. In your case, you will be getting twenty points deducted from your test score. Is that understood?" Eramus reprimanded.
"Yes, Master Eramus." Ri mumbled.
"So, I pray you manage to get all the questions on this test correct. If you don't, you will fail, and I'll be telling the Chancellor you shouldn't be released from my studies to go to Athens. Aristotle should not have his Cronus wasted on someone who's been learning for years, but can't pass an expert test." Eramus set the three scrolls on Ri's desk.
'I take back my earlier ruefulness. Master Eramus is a fool.' Ri covered her chuckle, but couldn't hide her grin. 'No, that would be an insult to Joxer. Eramus is a... Jerk. Yea, that's what he is.'
"Grin all you want, young lady." the rotund man noted. "The first two scrolls are questions and answering. The last parchment is for you to do what you've asked me about a half fortnight ago. You will write a short story. A bulk of your grade will be determined from this alone. I have an errand to take care of, so I'll be leaving you for a while. When I come back you should be done."
His elucidation finished, Eramus left the room, and Ri blew raspberries at him. Next, she looked over the couple of scrolls, which detailed the numerous questions. Ri knew the answer to all of them like she knew every food the Conqueror loved. Or the wine she desired to have. And the feel of her lips.
Ri ceased her rumination and decided to complete the story writing part first. She couldn't wait to see her teacher's face as he read it. The petite woman had so much material at her disposal, yet she couldn't stop thinking of the Conqueror. Ri remembered the tale she created for Iona when they were younger. How the raven was the symbolization of their Lord.
Ri's hand played with the gem on her platinum necklace while she fantasized. Glimpsing at the jade, Ri noticed it was starting to glow similar to the way it did early in the moon of May during the morning she first wore it.
'It's glowing again. I wonder-'
Ri didn't get to finish her thoughts as her eyes rolled back and she slumped in her chair unconscious.
To Be Continued...