ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

A Few Turns More . . .

by Ellianora

Disclaimer: The characters here are my own and as such the property of moi. Though the two main characters do resemble a pair we all know and love there are some differences.

Violence: Yes violence is here and it can get graphic, close to PG-13 I would say, so be warned.

Sex: A little more then hugging and kissing but not much, between two women who love and care for each other very much.

Feedback: Always. I love to hear from folks who read my stories. Either good or bad. I would like to take the time here to thank all those who wrote me and told me how much they enjoyed 'Turn of the Wheel' and were hoping for a sequel. Here it is:)

Chapter 1

The Countess Fyre of Tynor stood against the far eastern wall, watching the assembled nobles of Archeon. She scowled briefly, observing the lords and ladies decked out in their finest jewelry, attempting to impress each other with their standing and wealth. Catching the eye of several passing nobles, she forced a smile, taking a sip of the fine Sidanthrian wine.

The wanton politics and favoritism filled the stalwart woman with disgust. She wondered how many of these pampered fools truly knew, much less talked to those under their charge.

The woman was taller then most of her gender, between five foot nine and five foot ten inches with squared broad shoulders, developed from years of handling a sword. Indeed, she felt more comfortable in her form-fitting black armor, then the unadorned black silk gown she currently wore.

Her hair was still fiery red, despite the fact she had seen well over fifty plantings. There was only a single streak of white giving her a regal appearance and betraying her age.

All about her, She listened to the wagging tongues concerning the latest courtly rumors, who were sleeping with whom, or some other nonsense. On occasion this night, the topic turned to the subject she had come to investigate. Normally, she did not attend such functions. Being from the far northern reaches of the empire and her current position as a Paladin, though currently in retirement of sorts, gave her a ready excuse to avoid such affairs. This time however, she had made an exception. Fyre had even made special arrangements so she could attend this eve.

Her recent trip to Lamoore and the incidents near the trade city of Midtor had piqued her curiosity. She wondered what the highborn of Archeon thought of the sudden turn of events.

From her vantage point, she could see the court mage Primerian whom she knew as the elven arch-mage Zarlorn perched upon the dais looking down upon the throng unemotionally. She sighed, remembering a time before the death of his life mate he would be among the midst of revelers living life to its fullest. Once the Elven council had slain Xaivia, they had cut out the heart of the mighty mage once so full of purpose and conviction.

She had voiced her own concerns along with Gehron when he opted to go into hiding and placing his daughter in the heart of Archeon with its ever-growing anti-elven sentiment. Nonetheless, Fyre had relented to his request despite her better judgement, introducing him to Emperor Thereon, who wanted a mage in his service.

Since that time the animosity for elves had risen steadily throughout the empire. Fyre had been forced to intercede on behalf of the few gold elves that had migrated to Archeon vainly hoping for a better life, perhaps even reaching the enlightened country of Sidanthra. However, those prejudices were waning thanks to the efforts of his daughter Zaphrina.

She recollected the time when she and her own companions had faced the vile being Villeaous. They had freed the enslaved dragon Sherrit Kahn to aid them in their struggle. Villeaous had nearly succeeded conquering the fledgling empire of Archeon with his undead army.

Being a young idealistic paladin, she had taken pity on the wretched creature, allowing it to fly off to join its own kind. Fyre learned to her sorrow, the dragon went back to Villeaous lair taking control of the various criminal guilds formerly under the dark mage's charge and forming an unholy alliance, one of which if rumors were true was at the very party. The aged paladin just thanked Velia that Venom and her companions had vanquished Kahn.

Fyre left her station, drifting through the room nodding and smiling the false smile one uses at such occasions. This Venom situation was an odd matter. The woman was said to be taller then herself. Her reputation for butchery was well known. Yet, recently stories of different sort were being related concerning the mysterious woman. The people in Lamoore revered as a legend, even the wise Gehron and great seer Orisa had nothing but the highest of praise for this former pirate and her cohorts.

If the stories she had heard were true concerning these five, the praise was well deserved. They had accomplished feats that even her band would have found impossible.

Fyre shook her head sadly; remembering the Tribunal had ruled Venom still must face the charges against her. The young knight Gasqule had been branded a rogue. Even Quinell, though defending his youngest son still agreed the woman called Venom must answer for her crimes. A wistful smile crossed her face remembering Quinell Cormier and what might have been.

They had been close once very close, but she was a paladin dedicated to the Lady while he desired to raise a family, leaving a legacy behind. It would have been a good life with a man such a Quinell. The years seemed to have made the man set in his ways, seeing only the rules and not the spirit of the law.

In the far corner, she noticed the flaxen haired youth Janus. He was the younger son of Emperor Thereon. The youth with his quick smile and laughing eyes was the darling of the court, causing nearly every young ladies heart to skip a beat. There was kindness about the lad. She knew from their brief conversations, he was an intelligent fellow, very observant with a vision for the future. Though he was far from the warrior, his older brother was.

A frown involuntarily crossed her face as her thoughts turned to the heir apparent of Archeon Prince Censor. A foul wind blew into the land the day that blight was born. From the moment, she had the misfortune to meet the lad she had sensed something foul about him. Even though now she could not detect any evil, she was certain it was only due to some magikal trickery. Despite what her inner gifts informed her, she sensed the man was evil incarnate.

Gehron and even Orisa had implicated him in the conspiracy hatched by the shadowy group known as the Scarlet Coalition. He managed to explain it away as a simple misunderstanding. After all, he was one of Iamoore's greatest champions. He was only attempting to infiltrate a plot between two evil forces. That explanation along with a hefty donation to the war chest of the Tribunal of Defenders of the Lady had purchased him a sterling reputation once again.

The learned Paladin didn't care what the tribunal said. Far as she was concerned, this entire fiasco only confirmed her own feeling about the Prince Regent.

Then as if on cue, she noticed the Prince Regent was standing near one of the long tables filled with food eyeing the crowd with his hard gray eyes, like a wolf eyeing its prey. Fyre painted on her best fake smile, strolling casually over to join Censor.

"Good evening My Prince," Fyre greeted him, raising her goblet in a salute.

"Greeting Countess Fyre," Censor rejoined. "I must confess I am surprised to see you here. I was under the impressions you dislike these courtly gatherings."

"I am normally busy with affairs of state." Fyre confessed. "But considering the odd circumstances over the past few cycles I thought it wise to attend."

"True, I heard of your journey to Lamoore a pity it was for nothing."

"It was for the best." Fyre added, "From what I've heard if I had arrested Venom, no telling what sort of mischief would have been unleashed on the world." Fyre noticed with no little pleasure the Prince Regent flinched slightly at the mention of the pirate.

"I had things well in hand," Censor bristled.

"I am sure you did," Fyre replied with a note of insincerity. "Though Venom and the others managed to defeat Kahn and Demarian. I believe you even used them to help further your own campaign. That is what you claimed isn't it?"
"Claimed?"

"Forgive me," Fyre apologized, taking a sip from her goblet masking a grin. "I chose the wrong words I am afraid I am not as eloquent as you."

"One must be careful," Censor warned. "Such a careless remark could be construed as challenging the validity of the word of royalty, akin to treason."

"I would never do that sire," Fyre assured, placing a hand to her chest. "Unless of course it was justified, after all I am a Paladin in the service of the Lady."

"It must be difficult deciding where your loyalties lie, being both in the service of Velia and a noble in the Archeon Empire."

"Believe me sire, I have no doubt where my loyalties lie. But enough of this," she added taking a quick drink. "It was a good thing that Venom and her friends figured so well into your plans."

"Like I said," Censor said curtly. "I had things under control they were a useful tool for the greater good, no more. After all Venom is a bloodthirsty fiend, her companion a rogue and a spy. The Tribunal as even declared the Light Warrior with them an outlaw."

"And I am sure the Tribunal appreciated your generous contribution to aid in the seemingly endless war with the Great Kingdom."

"Have care," Censor advised in low voice. "You tread on dangerous ground."

"Forgive me," Fyre apologized. "I meant no offense. Only that it seems odd the tribunal should not consider the circumstances. I mean Venom is even considered a hero in Lamoore." She noticed Censor twitch his left eye at the mention of tall dark woman's name. The good prince hated this woman so much the mere mention of her was enough to cause him distress.

"Actually, she began nonchalantly. "I saw the stone placed to honor Venom, where Venom fought the orc in single combat," placing emphasis on the name. "In fact, Venom even organized the army that defended the city when our own commander turned tail. Venom also helped them destroy the toxins when Venom and the others defeated the mad mage Demarian." Censor started clutching his fists so tightly the knuckles were turning white.

"Venom even defeated the tree of Malice," she continued, heedless of Censor's agitated state. "And Venom helped destroy the high priestess Tenaria. Not to mention Sherrit Kahn, when Venom faced the dragon in single combat where Ven-"

"Enough!" Censor shouted, his eyes bulging with pent up rage. The Prince Regent's outburst had captured the attention of all those in the room. They ceased their idle chatter to discover what fool had incurred the wrath of the Prince Regent. Censor could sense all eyes in crowd aimed at him.

"Forgive me your highness," Fyre said, suppressing a giggle. "I seem to have distressed you I was only relating the gossip going about."

"I am tired and my head is throbbing," Censor said in controlled voice. "I apologize for the outburst."

"Not to worry sire," Fyre assured. "Perhaps you should rest, too much wine."

"I think you are correct Countess." Censor bowed gracefully departing the gathering.

"One must be careful," she called after him. "Some wines can have poisonous effect on the mind, almost like the venom of a serpent." At those words, he suddenly stopped, and then quickly exited the room. The Paladin Fyre lifted her goblet in a toast to the woman Venom, wherever she may be.

****

Censor inhaled deeply, attempting to maintain control of his temper, departing the royal fest hall, heading for his own private compartments. The self-righteous woman was right about one thing. Since the incidents of the past few cycles all people could talk about was that sea-bitch Venom.

Most spent their idle time speculating, what could cause such a dramatic change in an individual. Some believed it was an elaborate plot on the part of the butcher. Only Censor knew part of the truth. The now deceased Kahn had sent her on mission. A powerful spell had been cast upon Venom, destroying her old personality, allowing a new one to form.

Since then, she and her companions had been a constant thorn in his side. Not only did they foil the plot of the Scarlet Coalition, but very nearly eliminated all of its members, him being the last one alive. He had no doubt, what the objective of Venom and her cronies was.

It had cost him a small fortune in bribes to buy back the good graces of the Tribunal of the lady. Even with his reputation now repaired, there was still a stain upon his name, all thanks to venom. How he hated that name. Worse, the idiot paladin Fyre suspected him. She would be lying in wait for him to make one false move, one error and she would pounce.

Censor flung open the lacquered doors leading to his quarters, considering his current options. Time was no longer on his side. Fyre suspected him. People were lessening their hatred of elves. His doddering father was now actually listening to his weak willed brother Janus and his whining about peace and trade agreements. The only thing that mattered in this world was power. Power to unite the world under one rule. He would give the iron guidance these people needed.

"Is something amiss sire?" Censor heard a familiar smooth voice ask.

"Of course Yazoun," Censor snapped. "You simple minded marsh toad." After the debacle in Midtor when Tenaria chose to go against his plan, Censor had rescued Yazoun from the city before he could be captured making him his private servant. After all, the only account of his cowardice was an elf and his family was well placed in Archeon society with ties to the more shadowy citizens of Archeon.

"I am sorry sire," Yazoun groveled before the Prince. "I meant no offense but I realize with all the talk of that black bitch Veno-."

"Shut up," Censor ordered, backhanding the small man sending him sprawling upon the ground. "Mention that name to me again and I'll cut your tongue out."

"Yes sire," Yazoun relented, remaining upon the floor. Censor took a seat upon the small throne he had constructed.

Since he had resigned from the coalition leaving the foolish high priestess to deal with her own mess, Censor had been investigating the history of the woman called Venom. A casual remark by the dark goddess Malice concerning a plot taking decaplantings to conceive dominated his thoughts. Once within the safety of the walls of Archeon, the Prince Regent began investigating the matter till at last he had discovered the truth along with another piece of very useful information.

"Countess Fyre is suspicious," he muttered, more to himself. "I am confident she doesn't fully comprehend everything yet, but it will be only a matter of time. Therefore we must waste no more time."

"As you wish your highness," Yazoun bowed.

"Use your family contacts to hire an assassin from the Tymorian clan Sheanea. Make sure they use the woman known as Fang for the task."

"As you wish sire," Yazoun repeated. "I must tell you, to request a specific operative will cost a quite a few Triones."

"I don't care," Censor said, rising from his seat. "The gold is no problem I want Venom dead and I want this Fang to do it. Understand?"

"Very well," Yazoun leered. "And I must say it is a very fitting revenge on your part."

A cold cruel smile appeared on Censor's lips. "You have been reading, " Censor observed. "You are not quite as stupid as I thought."

"Thank you sire," Yazoun replied modestly. "I do try my best. May I also just say that planning to locate that artifact is stroke of genius? I might also add you may need an attaché to assist, once you succeed in your campaign."

"You know more then I gave you credit for," Censor said appreciatively, walking slowly towards the small man. "Still a sniveling worm, but definitely more clever then I originally believed."

Before Yazoun could reply, Censor wrapped his strong fingers around the former Archeon officer's throat, cutting off a portion of his air. "Understand this," Censor hissed. "If any of my scheme is let out you simpleton I'll personally take pleasure in overseeing your torture and eventual death. Yazoun gasped for breath, nodding frantically in agreement.

Censor loosened his grip, letting the man fall to the floor gasping for air. "Since you are so clever," Censor said, turning his back upon his lackey. "You will take charge of the assassination of Venom."

"You are too kind my prince," Yazoun said with genuine gratitude rubbing his throat.

"If you fail me." Censor said in a pleasant tone spinning about. "If you botch this assignment, the next murder I conscript will be your own."

"Understood sire, " Yazoun nodded. "I will hire the woman Fang to kill Venom. She is reputed to best there is after all."

"Now leave me fool," Censor commanded with a dismissive wave of his hand, returning to his seat. "I have other matters to consider."

Yazoun exited the Prince Regent's room to complete his assignment, leaving Censor alone in the dark reviewing his latest plot. This one had to succeed. He realized this may very well be his last chance to get what he wanted, what he truly deserved.

****

Janus moved through the shadows of the tall stone buildings of the proud city of Archeon. The streets in this portion were narrow and cramped. The crude buildings had been erected alongside the majestic ones of the old kingdom that had once dominated this land.

Instinctively, he wrapped the crude wool brown hooded cloak about his form, catching sight of several guardsman making their rounds. Odds were they would pay him little heed, but it was still risky for him to venture out at this hour. The party had barely ended, when he began his clandestine trek through the streets.

Perhaps it was risky to be about with so many petty nobles within the fabled green walls of the city. He didn't care. It had been nearly three full cycles since he had the pleasure of Livenia's company, he would not spend another night without her.

"You take a great risk my prince," Janus heard a lovely, yet stern voice remark to his left from the doorway of one of the many nondescript merchant houses in this district. Most of the merchants maintained their lodgings above their places of business. Those who were successful maintained a bungalow next to their shop.

"I would dare anything," Janus turned to face the woman standing in the doorway. Livenia was attired in an earth brown peasant dress. Like most of the native clothing of Archeon, hers was of an earthy tone. Unlike most, she had very few pieces of jewelry and those were of plain gold or silver bands rather then set with precious and semi-precious gems, even though her father was a very successful cloth merchant. Janus always found it amusing his countrymen wore such drab colors. Yet, chose to shower themselves with has many gaudy, sparkly baubles as they could afford. The garb was different then the simple, but colorful elegant clothing of the Sidanthrians.

He gazed at the tall sturdy frame of the woman. Her face did not have the delicate beauty of the ladies of the court, though she was not unattractive. She presented him with a mischievous smile, as if she had some scandalous secret. Janus had never felt so much in love or cared for another being so deeply in his young life.

"You speak with such pretty words," she replied coyly. "You almost sound like your older brother."

"Don't speak to me of that cur." Janus grimaced, despite his current euphoric state. "The greatest hero in Iamoore or so he claims."
"Jealous," she laughed. The prince took her in his arms, caressing her soft brown tresses.

"You know better," he reprimanded her. "His insane quest for power will be the death of Archeon. He may have bought his way back into good graces, but the court is still filled with rumors of his involvement with Kahn. Even father is suspicious of this supposed great hero." He looked deeply into her eyes. " But enough talk of my brother," he softly kissed the woman.

"I missed you," Livenia breathed, after the passionate kiss.

"And I you," he admitted. She returned the kiss with even more passion.

" Even with all those lovely court ladies hounding your every step," she teased.

"They are nothing compared to you," he vowed. "I still would like nothing better than to walk into one of those pompous gatherings with you on my arm."

"The tongues would be wagging then," she giggled.

"I don't care. I love you and I don't give dragperg who knows it. I want the world to know it."

"And I love you," Livenia rejoined, hugging Janus tightly suppressing a single tear. "But the hard fact is I am of the merchant class while you are a noble, not just a noble, a Prince of the Empire no less. You know how our people, including your own father feel about bloodlines and handfasting out of station." Janus nodded in agreement.

The people of Archeon put much emphasis, too much in his opinion, on the station one was born into. Janus always felt it was the nobility of ones heart and soul that mattered not their birthright.

"So for the good of the empire I remain silent," he concluded acknowledging the cruel situation he was in. "For now we must meet in the dark away from prying eyes"

"You have your fathers ear now," Livenia said practically. "From what you've told me your brother is a very dangerous. If should you lose your father's respect."

"Then Censor will have free reign and complete influence," Janus reasoned.

"Exactly," Livenia confirmed. "That can't be allowed to happen, not now anyways. She looked into the heartrending eyes of her love. "But lets not waste anymore time talking." She kissed Janus softly, drawing him into her house.

Janus smiled lovingly at his ladylove. Placing his around her waist, he escorted her into the simple domicile. The crown prince closed the door behind them so they can enjoy each other's company, for a short time anyway.

****

From the window looking down upon the palace courtyard Censor observed his younger brother sneaking through the palace walls. So his little brother was up to something, he wasn't so pure after all.

The Prince Regent turned over the possibilities in his agile mind. His weakling brother had been a problem of late. Sipping the fine wine, he returned to his sleeping chamber and the lithe auburn haired woman curled up on his large bed.

"Anything of interest?" she purred, stretching her slender athletic frame.

"Perhaps," Censor mused, loosening the sash of his dark blue silken robe.

He stared into those piercing deep blue gray eyes of the woman looking him up at him. One could never be certain with her if it was approval, or she was sizing him up for a possible victim. Censor could appreciate that.

The woman had a name at one time when she was a member of the Sheehan clan of Tymoria. Now she was an outcast known only as Mantis. During his investigation of Venom, he had encountered the assassin whom he found to be most amusing, not to mention useful.

"I may have a task for you my dear," Censor remarked draining his goblet of wine.

"I was hoping you would get your second wind," Mantis tittered, her eyes flashing with a predatory light while she pulled Censor down to her.

"You are insatiable, but I meant a job more in line with your profession. I just noticed my brother sneaking out of the castle," Censor said, kissing her neck.

"And you want me to find out what he's up to?" Mantis concluded. "I can do that though I would prefer to have the job of slaying the famed sea-bitch rather then that trollop Fang."

"I am sorry my dear." Censor replied. Mantis rubbed herself against his chest. "At least you have the satisfaction of knowing that Fang will soon follow Venom to Maloch's dark domain."

"True," Mantis giggled insanely. "Thanks to that contact poison I gave you. I would still like to take care of Fang personally."

"You still blame her for having you cast out from the family," Censor commented.

The woman shoved Censor away from her. "Of course!" Mantis exclaimed. "If not for her the family would not have known about the particulars of that mission."

"Oh yes," Censor continued. "What was it? Something about you slaying children during the mission. What was the reason you broke such a cardinal rule of the family again?"

"Well they were there weren't they?" Mantis responded with a casual shrug. "Besides, who was to know except for that bitch Fang sticking her nose into things?"

Censor could only stare at the calm face without the least glimmer of remorse. She gleefully recounted the event, taking great pains to describe her horrendous actions in graphic detail. Sometimes the woman could cause a chill to run down even his spine.

"I tell you what," Censor decided. "Once you find out about my dear brother is up to you can slay the rogue Ellianora Bladedancer."

Mantis replied with a satisfied nod. "You have a deal, " Mantis smiled. "Though my dear prince," she continued, wrapping her muscled arms around his neck."

"What my dear?" Censor asked, kissing her lightly.

"If I get the slightest inkling that you intend to betray me," she said softly lightly brushing her fingertips on his chest. "I will kill you without a second thought, and enjoy doing it."

Censor glanced up at those dark stormy blue gray eyes, containing just a hint of madness. He knew she meant every word, especially enjoying the killing. Censor almost believed she enjoyed killing more then sex.

She grabbed Censor's head, devouring his mouth like a ravenous animal. When Mantis wanted something she took it and the gods protect those who got in her way.

****

Shortly after one long bout of lovemaking, Mantis put on her traditional dark green leathers and chainmail vest with fabric entwined between the links. She gave one satisfied smile, glancing back at the exhausted Prince asleep on the bed. She exited through the window onto the rooftops.

Making her way back to the quarter known as the hole, Mantis espied a small bird picking at seeds that had been scattered in eaves by the foliage on the banks. Mantis smiled sweetly, flipping out a small throwing dagger striking the bird. The creature let out a sharp satisfying cry. The birds looked up with its dying eyes as Mantis sat back on her haunches watching the bird slowly expire.

"The perfect end to a perfect evening," Mantis thought amusingly.

Chapter 2

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