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 2

Fang gingerly sipped upon the small goblet of mead, studying the target she had been dispatched to eliminate. The slender dark complexioned woman had acquired her quarry in a upscale tavern situated close to the infamous Undead Plains, a favorite stopping point for that strange breed of being, adventurers.

The small prosperous hamlet attracted all types as the staging area to launch an expedition into the infamous region, searching for treasure and fame. No doubt, that was the reason they had chosen Jarrison.

It was a stroke of genius to stay at such a wealthy Inn. Fang believed this had been the idea of the rogue, Ellianora Bladedancer. One had to give the half-elf credit, she new her craft well, to hide in plan sight was a stroke of genius. Fang also noted she rarely left the side of the contract.

She had heard tales of this Venom and her ruthless nature, though recently she seemed to have mended her ways. Not that it mattered to her a contract was a contract. Nonetheless, the woman with the penetrating ice blue eyes would be a formidable antagonist. Venom was well over six feet tall with a crimson cloak, which she recognized as that of an elf lord. However, she had never seen one so large before.

The evil looking blade strapped to her side was another matter. It was obviously a relic, but one that she was unfamiliar with, another unknown quantity in this prickly proposition. Venom had the identical racial features to Fang. In fact, she felt an odd familiarity with the target as if they had shared a connection at one time.

Fang recalled the day she had followed Ellie, as the tall dark woman and the others called her, and Venom as explored the town. During their stroll, they encountered an aged woman fretting over the broken wheel of her cart. Venom lifted the heavy wagon with little effort, while her companion replaced the wheel. Obviously, her legendary strength was not exaggerated in the slightest.

The fact the two women were a couple, was obvious to even the most casual observer. Fang was far from that. It was interesting while most of Iamoore had a rather cavalier attitude about such things, Archeon with its fear of anything not "normal", did not share this viewpoint. She noted with amusement, no one dared to mention his or her disapproval to the fearsome warrior or her companion. The two ladies even shared a room and a bed at the Inn.

Fang's nimble mind listed the various methods at her disposal to complete the assignment and their relative chances for success. Poison was out of the question with a cagey rogue such as Ellianora constantly on her guard. Fang prided herself on stealth, but she had little desire to ambush them. She might eliminate one, not both. No, if she were to succeed it would have to be at night when they were asleep. Fang determined she would also need to eliminate the rogue at the same time to avoid any chance of discovery or costly delay.

The realization she had to assassinate both women disgusted her; she was a professional after all. To kill another not contracted by the client was against her beliefs, but she could see no way around it.

"The client of this contract should have informed the clans procurer of this fact before acceptance of the commission," she thought, pulling the garish multi-colored robe favored by Camoran merchants about her.

It was the procurer's task to investigate the case and estimate the cost and risk involved. This one had done a very poor job. The procurer had neglected to unearth the fact Venom was a friend of the mage Gehron the Silver, one of the most powerful people in this region, perhaps in all of Iamoore.

In fact, they were even allowed to charge their entire hotel stay and anything else to the famed Hall of Hazarle in Midtor. Done improperly, with any incrementing clues left behind, would earn the clan a very dangerous enemy.

It was fortunate Fang left nothing to chance. She had come to Jarrison disguised as a Camoran merchant. One with hopes of garnering a huge profit, separating naïve adventurers from their hard earned wealth. The thin bookish priest in the large olive green robe, a Camoran native himself, had questioned her extensively, no doubt making certain of her identity.

Fang found the priest's fondness for large words amusing. He was hardly a typical Camoran with his lack of interest in the mercantile trade. Prior to this, Fang had immersed herself in the culture of that land in preparation for her role. She rebuked the priest of Oghan for turning his back on the pursuit of profit for knowledge, like any true Camoran would.

Fang had kept up her disguise quite well. She also managed to rent the room next to Venom and Ellie. Fang sat back as the patron grew louder relating their tales of bravery to any who would listen. She contemplated the relative risk potential of each member of the little group.

They did have a young silver elf mage traveling with them. She lacked the haughty attitude of her peers, but had very sharp tongue and quick temper. She discerned the mage spent a great deal of time with the young priest. The elf was shorter then those of her race, barely over four feet. The mage was unschooled however, thus not able to bring to bear the full power of a mage, but any magik could add an unknown quantity the equation. A simple bribe to a local merchant of magikal components and rare stones was enough to provide a distraction, removing the unstable element of magik.

Among them was a ruggedly handsome light warrior by the name of Gasqule, who Fang had to admit she found more then passing attractive. He had such soft gray inviting eyes. The eyes, those white teeth and curly blonde hair gave Fang a lightheaded feeling. The assassin made a note to visit the local tavern laddies when this was done. No doubt, her passion was getting the best of her and it had been a long time.

Nonetheless, she was reluctant to cause the young light warrior injury. She had managed to slip a small poultice in his drink. The drug should put him to sleep while she saw to the deed.

This brought her back to the priest Terrell, whom she discounted as being ineffectual. The priest was not a warrior and lacked any discernable martial skills he was even rather clumsy. It was also well known Oghan priest had no spells, serving as librarians and occasionally scribing and reading letters for people unable to do so themselves.
No, the priest was one factor she need not concern herself with.

Fang surveyed the Inn one last time. Everything had been set in place. She spotted Ellie and Venom sitting quietly apart from the others, laughing and enjoying each other's company. The assassin slipped out of her booth, ascending the stairs. She wanted to hide in their room. Then as the two slept, she would complete her contract quietly and efficiently.

Entering her room, Fang discarded her robe changing into the soft ebony black soft leathers she wore when stalking a prey. She placed her long raven hair into a tight bun secured safely out of the way.

Fang removed the weapons she had stashed beneath the cot. She examined the twin daggers with a cold smile. The handles of each were form fitted to her personal grip. The blades were blackened so not to reflect any ambient light. She slid each in their respective sheaths on the belt.

She slung a long narrow sword over her back, tilting it slightly for a quick draw. Lastly, she strapped two tiny daggers to her wrists.

Once armed, Fang peeked cautiously down the corridor before making her way to the room. The assassin had previously examined the door, calculating the time it would take to gain access. The rogue had placed several little items to warn of an intruder, which Fang managed to counteract with little trouble.

The room was spacious, every corner well lighted. All their personal items were neatly stowed. The bed was also on high legs affording one a quick glance beneath upon entering the room. Fang only detected one flaw. The bed did have slightly overhanging sides.

Using cat-like grace, she slipped under the bed grabbing the slats, pulling her slender form off the floor, obscuring her from view. Most assassins would be unable to perform such a demanding chore, but Fang was from Tymoria, at least that was her adopted home. The clan families there were known throughout Iamoore for their skill at what they called the art of the kill. An assassin from one of these clans were taught to endure much, sometimes remaining completely still for days waiting patiently for a chance to strike.

Soon she heard the latch of the door open. She could imagine the rogue carefully scanning the room for any signs out of the ordinary.

"All I was saying," Fang heard a deep female voice state. "That we haven't gotten very far at trying to accomplish what we set out to do."

"I told you these things take time," Ellie argued. "We're talking about Censor here, are you accusing me of delaying things…. well I can't say it hasn't crossed my mind," Ellie admitted.

Fang listened intently to the conversation. So, Censor was involved in this. She had wondered why an Archeon noble would want Venom killed.

"And I appreciate that love, I really do but we've got to finish this."

"I-I know," Ellie stammered. "But I hate the idea of you facing that tribunal. Besides, if you don't care about yourself think of poor Gasqule. Right now, he has to avoid his own order."

"True," Venom agreed soberly. "So you have a an idea to restore our light warriors reputation?"

"Possibly, the only way is to expose Censor for the sewer rat he is. That would exonerate Gasqule I think, and perhaps embarrass the tribunal enough to grant you a clemency."

"You are grasping at straws," Venom laughed.

"Can you blame me?" Ellie queried tenderly.

"No not really," Venom agreed.

That was the final piece as far as Fang was concerned. It had to be Censor who commissioned this contract through some lackey. No wonder they could pay such a large amount for the task.

"Your shoulder still hurts," She heard Ellie remark with a note of concern.

"A little" Venom confessed, "I may heal quick but that was a pretty nasty fight at Lost Mountain with Kahn and his dead master.
"True," Ellie agreed, "here sit down on the bed and I'll massage that shoulder." Fang felt the weight of the tall woman as she sat upon the bed and Ellie climbed onto the mattress behind her. "Is that better?"
"Very," Venom replied, "You do have delicate skilled hands," she answered softly moaning at the practiced touch of the rogue.
"Part of the trade love," Ellie giggled.
"Old trade," Venom reminded her. Fang felt a slight shift as venom leaned back against her petite friend.
"Old trade," Ellie repeated in soft voice as Fang detected the slight sound of a kiss then followed by another.

The weight increased as the tall dark woman crawled more onto the bed. Fang endured the added pressure in stoic silence. She could hear the sound of the long passionate kisses growing in repetition and their heavy breathing as the two women disrobed, expressing their deep love for each other.

****

Meanwhile, in the tavern portion of the Inn Terrell was enjoying the company of the cook who was relating some of her recipes as she set things up in preparation for the morning meal for the next day. The young priest had been impressed with her simple yet tasty fare, feeling that such creations should be recorded for prosperity and the flattered cook readily agreed spending many hours in the late night telling Terrell how she prepared her meals.

In a small way, he regretted not going with Zafrina to look over the items offered by the merchant of herbs and stones visiting the town. Terrell did think it strange that such a man would hold shop at such a late hour. Then again, the small town was filled with amateur mages and the more mysterious things seemed the better. However, he had promised to meet with the cook and Terrell rarely broke his word if it could at all be avoided. In recent history, he had only broken his word once, and that was to the mad mage Demarian which stilled gave him a twinge of guilt.

After saying goodnight to the good-natured cook, Terrell politely left the kitchen entering the main tavern in Hopes of encountering the young elven mage. She would no doubt be eager to show Terrell her latest treasures. The thought of the young mage filled his heart with joy and at the same time with a great deal of concern. Zafrina had been steadily increasing in skill and strength in the use of the manna. Yet, she had not had any formal training in the art of magik. He well knew from his extensive readings of what became of solitary mages who did not apprentice under a more experienced practioner of the craft. A chill ran down as he recalled the pathetic twisted Demarian and the warped Sherrit Kahn. He couldn't bear to think of Zafrina ending up in such a state. He had already decided to discuss the matter with Zafrina at the completion of this sorted affair.

His face fell slightly in disappointment as he discovered the young elven mage was nowhere to be found. She most likely had not finished rummaging through the merchants wares. He was considering whether to wait when he espied another man in the tavern wearing the bright garish colors of his homeland Camora. The face of the man looked strangely familiar to him, perhaps a distant relative or old friend.

Terrell instinctively stepped back into the shadows in hopes of avoiding detection. After the incident with the woman merchant, he did not wish to suffer through another tongue lashing by one of his kinfolk, especially one he knew. Odd though, the woman was from the fabled Great Kingdoms like the woman Venom there was no doubt. True there had been a great many refugees from the country, since the long war with the Defenders of the Lady. However those transplanted members of that ancient race rarely adopted the almost fanatical pursuit of profit of the native Camorans that she had displayed in her blistering attack reminding him of the time he informed his family of his decision to join the priesthood of Oghan when he had approached her in hopes of getting some news of his homeland.

Nonetheless, the young priest of Oghan decided to peruse the registry book to make sure the latest arrival was not someone he knew. It was fortunate that the Inn they were at actually used such a book to record guests; it was there way no doubt to make sure their clientele remained upscale.

Terrell breathed a sigh of relief noticing the name of the new merchant was unknown to him. He was about to turn away when another name caught his eye. He espied the name of another Camoran, a female. What struck him odd was the way in which she had written it with such flourish. Most Camorans tended to close any circles keeping their writing close and tight as he remembered from a text he had studied in the Gold Dome Library in Sidanthra.

Terrell had the unique ability to remember anything he had ever read word for word. Spending most of his days prior to encountering Venom as filer for the great library, he had the chance to read nearly ever book and scroll ever written in the world Iamoore.

There were several detailed works which, discussed handwriting analysis that he found fascinating much like any new knowledge he came across. Terrell also remembered a rather insightful scroll discussing the unique psychology of the land of the assassin clans called Tymoria. It seemed that due to their unique nondescript lifestyle and total devotion to the clan left little for self-expression. One of the ways the people of that land expressed themselves is through a flourish style in their signatures. Most people would hardly notice such a miniscule detail but Terrell was not like most.

"Seems we have an Tymorian disguised within our midst," Terrell muttered to himself pondering the implications. "Such a matter does warrant further investigation."
Scanning the room, he espied the young light warrior apparently asleep in one of the booths, another bizarre occurrence. He knew Gasqule had been depressed concerning his current situation and questionable position in the order yet the young knight rarely imbibed and if he did so it was in moderation.

Terrell made his way directly to where the handsome blonde knight apparently slept shaking him lightly. "I hate to disturb your solitude," he said pleasantly, "but I believe I have unearthed a matter which should be addressed with all possible haste."
When Gasqule did not respond his concern grew even more as the knights head dropped down upon the table with a thud. Terrell lifted the light warrior's head opening his eyes. He could see they were slightly dilated.
"Hardly the symptoms displayed by one who has imbibed to much spirits," Terrell thought.

Cautiously Terrell circled his finger around the rim of the small cup he been drinking from. He detected the distinct taste of Rient tea, popular with Sidanthrians along with an oddly sweet taste normally not associated with the strong brew.

"It would appear my most noble friend," Terrell said quickly opening the satchel containing his healing herbs and bandages, "someone has placed an impurity in your beverage.

Removing a small bottle, he opened it waving it beneath Gasqule's nose who awoke with a jerky start. "Easy friend," Terrell said soothingly, " you have been given a mild sedative it should wear off here in a short period."

"Meglan," Terrell shouted back to the kitchen hoping the cook had not yet retired.

"Yes, what do you need?" He heard a harsh raspy female voice reply.

"I'd like for you to send a runner to contact Zafrina and inform her to return with all possible haste."

"Is something wrong? " The woman asked back concerned.

"I am uncertain as of yet," Terrell replied truthfully, "but is best we have her person here as swiftly as is possible."

"I'll send my fastest boy then," she answered leaving to get one of the errand boys the Inn kept on hand for messages.

"Stay here," Terrell said in an assuring tone, " Wait till Zafrina arrives."

"What will you do?" Gasqule asked shaking his head trying to clear is mind form the influence of the drug.

I shall roust our other two companions from their rest," the young priest replied. "I am loathe to disturb their privacy but I feel this deserves our immediate attention." Finishing his last statement, Terrell made his way quickly up the stairs to Venom and Ellie's room. He wasn't sure what was happening but he knew it couldn't be good.

****

Fang had waited patiently for the two women to finish their expression of love and affection for her chance to strike. Afterwards, she could still hear the one called Venom thrashing about violently in her sleep. The assassin imagined if the tales were true about the woman's bloody past and her recent change it was small wonder she was besieged with nightmares.

Eventually all sound ceased from above her as Fang paused a few more minutes to be certain. Then she lowered herself slowly down to the floor like a spider descending from its web preparing to strike. Silently the woman slid from beneath the bed, using her slender but powerful legs to pull her upright.

A confident smile appeared on her face noticing the two women still slept soundly. Ellie kept some distance from the tall dark woman. No doubt from experience in dealing with the tall dark woman's slumber. Still, she did keep one protective hand upon the toned muscled form of the woman.

Fang slipped the twin daggers out of their sheaths preparing to strike. Standing over the bed, Fang paused before plunging the blades in their hearts. Something about the one called Venom sparked a feeling of recognition in her. Perhaps it was they both seemed to hail from the same land, though there seemed to be more then that.

Fang shook her head violently clearing her head she had an assignment to complete after all, whatever this feeling was she was certain it would pass. Taking a deep breath Fang raised the daggers for the kill.

Just then, there was a sudden knock at the door. Fang's head swiveled towards the door. "Excuse me," Fang heard the familiar muffled voice of the priest, "I hate to disturb your slumber but a matter has presented itself which I feel requires our immediate attention. There is evidence to indicate that a Tymorian assassin is about posing as a Camoran."

The slender woman froze where she stood fearful to twitch a muscle. How had that priest ferreted out her identity? She had been as careful as always there should have been no clue to her deception for anyone to cease upon.

"What is he babbling about?" Ellie mumbled as she shifted positions.

"Not sure," Venom answered her companion.

Ellie rolled over opening her eyes glancing upward. The excellent night vision of the rogue espied the dark figure looming over their bed.

"Assassin!" Ellie shouted bolting upright suddenly wide-awake.

Before Fang could react, Ellie flung back her head blinding the woman with her long honey blond locks. She recovered just enough to try and dodge a devastating blow from the tall dark woman. The force was enough to send her stumbling black even though it was a glancing blow. Fang could imagine what the woman's attack could do if it was able to fully connect.

"Gasqule," She heard the priest shout, "I have need of assistance immediately." Fang could hear the armor clad knight dashing up the stairs, even as she avoided two quick kicks by the rogue. Ellianora Bladedancer did deserve her reputation; she imagined she was nearly as fast as Fang herself. The situation was disintegrating fast.

The half-elf faltered briefly to wrap a sheet about her unclothed body giving Fang a chance to catch her breath.

The tall dark woman however, wasted no time with such modesty continuing her assault forcing Fang back further into the room. The dark slender woman could see those ice blue eyes glowing with an eerie light in the darkness of the room.

Venom halted long enough to rip open the door of their room, tearing the fragile lock out of the wall. Fang grasped her chance striking with her twin daggers at her opponent. Suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her right arm just when she was attacking the distracted woman.

Fang shrieked in pain despite herself. The assassin whirled about to see Ellie's slender form with a bloodstained dagger in hand.

Things were only getting worse and the light warrior was almost here. Fang glanced about like a desperate trapped animal for a possible escape. Terrell stumbled into the room he had slamming his thin form against. Fang bounded forward taking the opportunity to slash the priest across his midsection.

"Terrell," Venom screeched as the stunned priest dropped to the hard wood floor.

Now that both of the women were distracted, Fang wasted no time leaping for the window crashing through the crude glass even while the women rushed to the side of their wounded companion.

Despite the pain of the wound and cuts received by the exit, Fang struck the side of the building using the momentum to propel herself backwards vaulting upon the roof with feline grace. Only one thought raced through her mind as she dashed back to the appointed meeting place. For the first time in her career, she had failed in completing a contract.

****

Venom had gently lifted the wounded priest off the floor placing him on the bed even as Gasqule stumbled in the room, still groggy but ready for a fight.

"Dragperg," Gasqule cursed uncharacteristically, "I should have not let him come up here by himself."

"Don't blame yourself, Venom answered stepping back to allow Ellie to examine their injured friend even as the sound of delicate feet could be heard rushing up the stairs.

"So what did you people do this time," they heard a familiar lyrical voice remark as Zafrina reached the door. "I swear to Mythnr I can't leave for," she paused in mid sentence upon seeing the young priest on the bed covered in blood. "TERRELL!!" She cried rushing towards the bed pushing aside the light warrior blocking the door."

"It looks worse then it is," Ellie offered feebly even as she too was brushed aside by the frantic young mage.

"Don't tell me that," Zafrina shot back rummaging through the satchel for bandages and salves. "Who did this?" she demanded as she began to attend to the vicous wound.

Ellie stepped back allowing the mage to work. Though she had a working knowledge of field medicine Zafrina had been learning from Terrell, acquiring a much better knowledge and ability in the healing arts.

"It was an assassin," Ellie replied, who we are not sure. She almost killed Venom and myself if not for Terrell."

"Will he be alright?" Venom asked Zafrina.

"I am not sure," she replied forcing back tears, "he has lost a great deal of blood. I can care for the wound but then it is a matter of time to see if he can recover."

"Then we don't take a chance, Venom stated as she assessed the situation. "Gasqule find us a mage or one of those warrior priests to give a magikal heal, that should greatly increase his chances."

"I shall do that as quickly as possible," Gasqule responded.

She next turned to Ellie, "Do you think you can track our attacker?"

"Normally a Tymorian assassin would be impossible," Ellie replied, "but this one is wounded and I think we shook her up quite a bit. She should be easy enough."

"Good enough," Venom nodded, "you and I will chase down this hired killer while Zafrina stays here to care for Terrell. Any questions?"

"Just one." Ellie remarked.

"What's that?"

"Don't you think it might be a good idea for you to get dressed before we rush off into the night", Ellie remarked smiling slightly despite herself. At those words, the tall dark woman glanced down noting she was still completely undressed even as Gasqule nervously averted his eyes from the naked body of the former pirate.

"If you insist," Venom replied to her companion blushing slightly.

"I don't care how you go after her," Zafrina said between clenched teeth her slender hands covered in blood. "Just get her. I want that bitch's head.

Chapter 3

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