Disclaimers: See Chapter 1

Additional Note (Please Read): This tale is a companion with, The Conqueror & Ri: A Twist of Destiny. If you haven't read both stories' chapters preceding this one, you should do so now. A special thanks to my readers who are hanging in there with me, also my AWESOME Beta, Jinxie 2015. And a shout out to Mosh, hope you continue to love my tales. Enjoy. ;-)

Xena & Gabrielle

A Turn of Fate

By Ahkiken

Chapter 38: Attitude Adjustment

Realizing the morning was eclipsed by midday, it had alerted Kenji that he'd spent more than an adequate amount of time talking and consoling Gabrielle's doppelganger. He wanted to linger in the cabin and continue comforting Ri, but knew his daily routine for distributing new basins to the occupants on the warship during cockcrow wasn't accomplished. Also, he was feeling uneased considering the former Handmaiden's explication that the Shogun met his demise at Xena's hands. Gazing down at the silent woman resting on his lap, the monk wondered if she had fallen asleep.

Slowly, he shook her gently. "Ri-Kun, are you awake?"

"Yes..." The answer was emitted faintly.

"My dearest apologies to disturb you. Nonetheless, I have to depart."

"I... I understand." Ri sluggishly raised off of him. "I've wasted enough of your Cronus with my childish wails, and I know you have to check on the welfare of your Shogun."

Withal Kenji was concerned about Harukata, he chose not to cause her worriment. "The Shogun is all right, I assure you."

Ri maintained having her doubts. 'Xena killed him. He confronted her, and she took his life.'

Seeing sadness etched on Ri's countenance, Kenji pronounced, "Everything will be fine, Ri-Kun. I'm not afraid for the Shogun, because he is a proficient fighter. However, I need to complete my duties."

Memorizing when a Samurai repined for not receiving his renewed water vessel, Ri swiftly made amends, "I'm sorry I have kept you from finishing your tasks, Kenji-San."

"You aren't the blame." He tried to mitigate her. "I'd decided to neglect my obligations so I could keep you company. You're...you are very interesting, similar to Gabrielle-San."

"Oh." She became indubitably surprised by his affirmation. "I assumed that you only stayed because Xena-Sama told you to guard me."

"You aren't dangerous." Kenji smiled, prior to becoming serious. "But the Warrior Princess is, and I will arrange your protection from her bellicose deportment. I'm aware that her rage has arisen in relation to you and Gabrielle-San's current situation. Still, it gives her no just grounds to treat you cruelly."

The storyteller ruminated on Kenji's response. Surely she didn't deserve to be tormented and harassed by Xena's inveigh. In no way was it her fault for switching worlds with the bard. Yet Ri felt guilty anent to their shared debacle. She could've informed everyone about the sparkling jewelry once it became stuck around her neck after she'd failed to unclasp it. Neither could Virgil remove the gleaming assortment, and instead of telling Chancellor Meleager, her best friend Iona, Lieutenant Tessa, or even Prince Lyceus, she limited the possibility of absolving the problem by confiding in Joxer alone, therefore severely hampering potential opportunities to halt the Omphalos' madness from occurring.

'How could Joxer or I have known that the necklace would teleport me here?' Ri cogitated. 'Maybe I should've been more zealous in finding a solution, in lieu of being insouciant.'

"Do you want me to bring another bowl of okayu?" The monk probed, standing up.

"No, thank you." Ri rejected the offer. "I am no longer hungry."

Understanding Ri's loss of appetite due to her nettled sensibility, Kenji avowed, "Try to relax and I'll be back shortly to check on you. I'm assured my return will award wonderful news to brighten your spirit."

"May your gods and mine deem that you are right." The strawberry-blonde presented a lopsided grin. "Thanks again, Kenji-San. I'm truly grateful for all you have done and are doing for me."

Kenji requited, "You're welcome, Ri-Kun."

Descrying Ri's sullen form sitting on the floorboards, Kenji wasn't fully comfortable with leaving her, but knew he had a lot of work to do. His chores excluded, the monk's main enterprise was safeguarding Ri and the verification of the Shogun's life. Turning around, he reluctantly exited the cabin and started traversing to Harukata's quarters, spotting Jirou.

"Forgive me, Jirou, I'm about to bring your..." Monitoring the Samurai's wary facial features, Kenji's utterance ceased and his heart raced from adject anticipation. "What is wrong?"

"Xena-Sama." He responded concisely.

Stopping ahead of Jirou, the bald Japian dreaded the news. "What happened?"

"I heard from spectators that after her duel with the Shogun, she commenced a melee against the entire second squad."

"Was anyone hurt or killed?"

"Huh?" Jirou gauged Kenji incredulously. "Why would she do that?"

"Then all is fine." He'd recouped his contented aplomb.

"No, it's not. Our group is next in the dueling competitions, and if Xena-Sama chooses to battle us, too..." Jirou looked glum. "She is incredible, Kenji. I don't wanna face her. Izumi told me that she traipsed to Gabrielle-San's lodging. I pray she'll be appeased by her companionship and resume our duels the previous way it began."

'But Gabrielle-San is no longer here.' Kenji mused, deciding not to impart such details. "Perhaps you should unwind to prepare for that outcome if it arises."

"Forget that." Jirou dismissed the concept. "I'm going to practice among the other members of the third squad. At least we'll be ready for tomorrow."

An idea struck Kenji. "Can you postpone your training by doing me a favor?"

It was rare for the monk to seek assistance, igniting Jirou's interest. "What is it?"

"Can you stand as a sentry in front of Xena-Sama's room?"

Thinking Kenji's request was a tad strange, Jirou discarded that notion and conceded, "Uh, okay."

"I am most appreciative of you for this." Kenji bestowed his gratitude. "I'll be returning to relieve you once I confer fresh water to everyone."

Espying Kenji walking away, and beginning his short stroll to the door he'd be guarding, Jirou inquired, "Um, who am I supposed to prevent from entering the cabin?"

"Xena-Sama." He replied without preamble, causing Jirou to gape at the monk's receding frame.

{X&G}

Zicalus' regimen hadn't begun whilst the events surrounding last night made him disconsolate. He sat cross-legged, remembering how excitedly he'd waited for Gabrielle to arrive so they could train together, but after hours of being a no-show, Zicalus halted Tanya-Kun's teachings with the naginata and trudged to her lodging, only to stumble upon a demoralizing discovery. Beforehand of knocking on her door, the sounds of a woman's passionate moans assaulted his ear. First becoming confused, his bafflement became waylaid by the acknowledgement that the beautiful, cropped-haired blonde he had fallen for was shouting Xena's name. Soon afterwards, he overheard the Warrior Princess' erotic groans as well.

Subsequently, Zicalus trekked to the upper deck, wondering why Gabrielle just didn't tell him the truth referring to her and Xena's love affair. Didn't he allow his amative intentions to show? Furthermore, did she not broadcast hers also; visiting him frequently throughout his recovery, and accepting the affectionate appellative of Chan? Deliberating that he merely had known of her for a month, perchance the petite female was a tease. Notwithstanding, his cognition tried to defend her, coaxing him into falsely and naïvely believing that the soul mates' sexual relationship must've bloomed during their reunification. Albeit, the Amazon obliterated that perception when voicing her admission about them being together romantically since before he was born.

'She lied to me.' Zicalus felt crestfallen, recollecting that Gabrielle misled him with a tale apropos of a dead husband, and how quickly she'd became defensive when he had accused her for essentially playing a role in the injuries he'd obtained.

[Don't blame me for your actions. I'd warned you not to contend with her and you did it anyway. It's your fault, not mine. The same goes for your feelings concerning me.]

Shaking his head, Zicalus remained disappointed. 'Gabrielle prevaricates to me, and I somehow become the bad guy.'

While his introspection gnawed at him, he paid no heed to the numerous Samurai who'd flocked into the armory, including Tanya. The teenager's ponderment, apposite to the plentiful Japian warriors commencing their multifarious training, was dispelled once she'd detected Zicalus. Swallowing nervously because of seeing the handsome man, she prayed for Aphrodite to calm her rapidly beating heart, and paced to his proximity.

Reaching him, Tanya greeted, "Good afternoon, Zicalus."

"Oh..." His lather abstractions didn't totally flicker out whilst eyeing the de trop intruder. "Hello, Tanya-Kun."

Continuing his musings of Gabrielle, the elite Samurai turned away from Tanya, not bothering to note her crouching beside him.

"There're a lot of people in here today, huh?" She initiated a topic, but Zicalus' brusque shrug caused her to say, "I guess we all are aiming for some extra battling experience. Gabrielle and I are planning on practicing together ourselves. By the way, she was searching for you yesterday so y'all could spar. Did you see her?"

Glowering sparsely, Zicalus didn't give a response and Tanya sensed she was either irritating him or being rudely ignored. Glimpsing her regular attire that comprised of the red, sleeveless tunic, and dark-brownish trousers, the erstwhile pretender of Xena briefly wished she'd worn something more appealing to his eyesight, like those silken robes that originated from Japa, rather than comfortable clothing for Gabrielle's instructions, thus she would've plausibly grasped his attention soundly.

Conscious of Zicalus' armored-apparel and his array of weapons, Tanya uttered, "Until she arrives, maybe you could recapitulate my teachings on how to use the naginata."

"I don't think so." He arose onto his feet, choosing not to loiter in a location that would soon pervade the object whom perturbed him. "Good luck with your discipline...if Gabrielle-San isn't preoccupied and manage to appear."

Without delay, he speedily left the armory, surprising Tanya and coaxing her to reflect on specific individuals' aberrant, erratic behaviors. 'By the gods, what be happening? First Xena didn't want me in her sessions, before suddenly and unexpectedly changing her mind, allowing me to. Secondly, upon our initial meeting, Gabrielle was kind to me, then astonishingly mean, and thrashed my butt prior to becoming generous once more. Thirdly, she yells at me to stay out of her and Xena's business, only to apologize, proffering to boost my skills again.'

The auburn-haired female thought of Zicalus, curious why his eleemosynary temperament had vanished following the foregoing night.

Now scowling herself, Tanya internally concluded, 'Instead of moods altering faster than quicksilver, everybody just need a permanent attitude adjustment!'

{X&G}

Ri wiped the cascading teardrop from under an aqua irise and ascended onto her bare extremities. Discommoded and morose cerebrations proved futile, ergo she knew it was irrelevant to dwell in such entrancement, 'cause nothing could be done about her predicament. Nevertheless, she did hold out a glimmer of faith that in any candle-drip she'd be brought back to the Conqueror's Realm, and Gabrielle would return to this Terra. The storyteller was hopeful that Kenji had welcoming information to evince pertaining to the Shogun's fate, too.

It would be shameful and regrettable if he'd died for wanting to save her from Xena. Dismissing the idea of death, Ri scanned her surroundings, noting a red kimono hanging on the edge of the table that was similar to the garments Akemi wore on occasions.

'Akemi!' She blared within, not forgetting that the Chambermaid had spread falsification to Lyceus, precipitating to her getting choked by him.

Well, the Japian woman's fabrication wasn't based 'round an entire lie. Ri and the Conqueror did share a breviloquent osculation inside the goddess of wisdom's temple. She had no clue Akemi would divulge that to the Prince, inducing her to endure his wrath. Discontinuing that remembrance, the whilom Handmaiden riveted on positive memories, reminiscing the final night she spent in the presence of her Lord.

Milady's arms is clasped tightly around my waist as we journey away from Minerva's sanctuary to the Corinthian castle. Shutting my eyes and feeling the light breeze softly encompass us, I lean into her firm embrace, whilst ruminating how lucky I am to be chosen by the Grecian ruler. Howbeit, I'd initially felt she would discard my love for her, or at worse, deport me from her presence, I never expected that she'd bestow a gift and a kiss. Not a peck on my forehead or cheeks like the previous ones she had given me, but on the lips. If only it'd lasted a little longer...

Now I'm left wondering what the texture of her tongue will feel like once it collide against mine. Will I please her with my kisses? Whenever she decides to take me to bed, will I satisfy her needs? Will she achieve gratification from my lack of intimacy? How will I react to her attentions? I can only imagine what awaits us.

"Ri?" Her whispering tonality is melodious in my ear.

"Yes, Milady?"

"We are here." She affirms.

Opening my orbs, I'd become so steeped in my ideation, I did not notice that the steed had ceased its gallop, and we are below the steps leading to the castle's doors.

Milady turns to the five guards whom had accompanied our trip. "You all are relieved of your services."

"Lord Conqueror." The men states in sync, saluting her and reining their horses to trot towards the stables, leaving us alone.

Twice today I'm enthused by the veneration granted to my gorgeous courter. Oh, Venus, I am getting ahead of myself. We have not truly establish what sort of relationship we'll be undertaking, because Milady said that if she illuminated her love relative to me, her concentration would become clouded and she'll require clarity in case a possible skirmish betide the Realm. Pushing aside the odds of anybody actually being foolish enough to challenge her might, I'll have to abide Milady's silence 'til our reunion in Athens. Besides the fact my Lord hadn't spoken of her loving affections wholly, mentioning that she does embody a love for me adumbrates an ardency, right?

Dismounting off of the tall, dark stallion, Milady helps me alight the animal also, and I perceive the bandage that's covering her hand. She's beholden to her sacred rituals, so I'm convinced the wound was self-inflicted in a blood-sacrifice for Minerva. After my feet touches the ground, she clings onto me and we stare into each other's irises. While caressing my face, I ponder will she proceed kissing me again, before contemplating on preempting her and planting my mouth on hers. Allowing my timidity to best me, the moment passes when Milady's warhorse neighs for her awareness and she detaches our bodies.

"Okay, Shadow." Milady croons, patting him as I backtrack a few steps. "You must learn to share me with Ri."

Shadow nickers in protest, evoking a laugh from Milady. Spying my retreating movements, she uses a forefinger to motion me over to her and him. Tentatively, I traverse to them, persisting with my cautionary demeanor for the huge horse.

"There's no cause for irresolution, Ri." Milady declares, gripping my hand in hers. "Remember what I told you about Nightmare?"

Having recollections of the deceased, taller horse, I nod in concurrence, letting her settle my extremity on Shadow's thick hair.

"Shadow isn't unlike his predecessor. He's capable of being intuitive of my predilections." Milady expresses.

Gaining encouragement from her explanation, I massage Shadow's coarse mane energetically and he emits a whinny, tilting his head in preferable spots for me to knead.

"I think he has grown quite fond of you already." She says quietly, abreast of me.

Stroking his dark neck, I glimpse Milady's jovial mien. "Thank you."

Her smile doesn't disappear whilst she replies, "You don't have to thank me, Ri."

"Yes, I do." I counterclaim. "You've allowed me to travel with you to the temple, gave me a sparkling jewelry that shines brighter than Apollo's Helios...whereby I promise to wear it indefinitely. And..."

My emotions becomes overpowering, causing me to stumble the averment I'm trying so hard to reveal.

"Ri." My savior comes to the rescue, cognate to years past. "I am thankful to you."

She disarms me with the simplest, compact words, and my fingers trails downwards, abandoning Shadow to delicately grab Milady's light-blue, V-neck tunic-clad waist. Once more our eyesight is locked on one another, and I entreat all the gods to impel her to osculate me strongly with every ounce of strength I know circulates through that muscular physique. Twilight starts to sway its position for nightfall, but I can ascertain those cerulean eyes plainly, beckoning and cajoling me into wanting to surrender everything, including my future as a bard just to wallow in their glow.

The powerfulest person in the known Terra takes a small footstep closer to me and my breathing hitches slightly in ardent readiness. I'll be anything this woman asks of me. Knowing how nervous I'd become, I...I would still be hers tonight if she request it. The singular admission for such devotion rests on a jejune cogitation and even lesser action...

A kiss.

Which occurs on my scalp, and not the orifice I was wishing for.

"I have to get going." Milady announces. "Chancellor Meleager is waiting for me in my chambers."

Dissatisfaction does not sum up my feelings. She'll be departing Corinth soon and our last physical embrace is a peck atop my crown? Whereas, I can't be too upset. Milady has given me more this night than ever before. The memory of a probable confrontation abroad reenters my brain, and I hug her fiercely, temporarily negating the letdown for unfulfilled wishes.

"You will be safe, Milady?" I query, snuggling on her shoulder.

"I have no doubts." She chuckles, twirling my tresses.

"But...but if a battle-"

"There is a Cyclops-sized chance that's not happening, Ri." Milady interrupts my concerns. "I'm mostly securing Greece's borders, nothing greater."

Assuaged by her divulgence, I breathe easier as she holds me for awhile. Next, Milady kisses my forehead again, disengaging from me.

"I'm running late." Milady murmurs, remounting Shadow. "I...am glad that you've joined me to Minerva's sanctum."

"I am delighted that you have invited me to come. The temple looks remarkably different than it did seven years ago."

"It took countless seasonal cycles to glamorize the exterior and interior of-"

"Lord Conqueror!" Sprinting to the three of us, a guardsmen unintentionally cuts her off during his haste to disclose, "The Chancellor has been awaiting your arrival, my Liege."

Nodding to the guard, she gives me an apologetic visage, prior to gripping Shadow's reins. "Spending Cronus alongside you is always a highlight. Alas, I must discourse with Meleager. Goodnight, Lady Ri."

"Goodnight, Milady." I reciprocate, while she sets her steed in a gait.

"Hey, aren't you the storyteller?" The man questions me and I grin, dipping my head in acquisition. "You are amazing!"

Momentarily ignoring the Corinthian guard who had divested me of Milady's conversation, I deplorably watch her and Shadow canter to his stall. I'm disposed to chase after them like I did earlier, but decline the impulse. I have some studying to do in preparation for Master Eramus' class tomorrow. Comprehensive that the guard hasn't halted his praises of my talents, I indulge him.

"Every tale you declaim is breathtaking. Your recitations makes me feel as if I'm right there amidst the characters and scenarios you describe."

"Thanks. Your welcoming appraisal is touching." I purport, bowing to him.

Ambling up the steps to the castle's entrance, I note that he's following me.

"You deserve it. Um...are...you being courted by anyone?" His inquiry stuns me speechless, and my expression causes him to become dejected. "Sure you are. A pretty and gifted female like you must have kilos of suitors stumbling over each other for your hand."

Looking in the direction where the Lord of the Realm has disappeared, I find my voice, professing, "Probably so, but my heart already belongs to one."

'You'll be the keeper of my heart for eternity, Milady.' Ri's smile faltered, and she recalled her disloyalty. 'How could I let the Chancellor fill my ratiocination with dubiety in respect to our love? Then I'd betrayed you with Tessa?'

The Conqueror had withdrew from Corinth with General Glaphyra and over a hundred of soldiers from the Sixth Army to embark on a mission to guarantee the Realm's safety. The short-termed expedition spanned into a whole moon, and no-one knew of their whereabouts.

'By the gods... What if she died in a skirmish?!' The strawberry-blonde stirred. 'That's why she's been gone for so long. And while Milady lied in a ditch on an unknown battlefield, I was reveling in Tessa's sensuous touches!'

Abruptly, Ri started feeling fatigued. Reckoning that her amplified despondency and the combination of having a miserable day was wrecking her senses, she stumbled to the cot, unceremoniously falling on it. Refreshed tears tracked down her eyes as she closed them.

"I never got to say goodbye." Ri muttered, slipping into unconsciousness whilst the Omphalos shard flared its greenish aura on her platinum necklace.

To Be Continued...