Venom hurried her pace as she ascended the stairs leading to the palace of the Emperor. She and the others had been requested to present themselves to the new ruler of the Empire, who was more then anxious to meet those who had defeated the vile Prince Regent and the dreaded Fire Ruby.

     A smile of satisfaction appeared on her lips as she recalled the fate of the evil gem. Once it had been torn from Censor’s grasp Havoc’s Tears had taken the opportunity to graft it to its brethren, trapping it in the same shield as the Sapphire. The inherent hatred the gems seemed to have of each other forced the pair to battle each other constantly for supremacy. A fitting fate for ones such as they Venom decided.

     Reaching the huge golden doors, Venom quickened her pace as the former pirate was already late. The others had gone on ahead while Venom had decided to make a quick detour to visit the royal healer only to discover much to her dismay Ellie had already departed. She imagined the rogue was well on her way to Sidanthra, or wherever by now.

     Venom heaved a heavy sigh of regret as she entered the long hall seeing the face of her former companion in her mind. There had been so many things she had wanted to say to her. So many things she wanted to explain. Venom felt as if there was huge hole in her heart, a space that was now as empty and cold as a looted vault.

     “Where are you off too in a such hurry,” she heard a lilting voice chirp behind her. Venom spun about. She could scarcely believe her eyes as she saw Ellie sauntering over to her with a quirky smile upon her lovely face. Her left arm was in a sling, but with the exception of a cut on her left cheek she appeared well. Before Venom fully realized what she was doing, she rushed up to her and wrapped her arms around the former rogue. “Easy, easy remember the arm. I don’t heal nearly as fast as you.” Ellie laughed as she returned the embrace. “And I missed you too.”

     “I went to see the healer,” Venom told her, “but they told me you had already left. I was afraid you might have left.”

     I was invited too,” Ellie reminded her. “I left the healer to try and catch you at Inn, but you had already left.”

     “You wanted to see me?” Venom asked somewhat shocked.

     “Yes…. I know you can’t forgive me for what I did, but….”

     “There is nothing to forgive,” Venom grinned, softly brushing her cheek. “After what I said how could I blame you?”

     “What you said is true,” Ellie admitted. “I can be selfish.”

     “And I can be brooding at times,” Venom replied. “So neither one of us is perfect, but….”

     “But what?”

     Venom turned and looked into the deep soulful eyes of her companion. “I don’t want to go through this life without you. When we were separated it was like part of my own soul was gone.”

     “Me too,” Ellie confessed kissing her partner lightly on the lips. “We will be together as long as we can. I will help you face that Tribunal. I understand why this is so important to you. I wont pretend to like it, but I’ll support you in anyway I can.”

     Venom was overcome with emotion as she held her partner closer. Venom lowered her head as the two shared a passionate kiss. A feeling of completeness filled her soul. ”This is how it should be,” A voice whispered in her head. Reluctantly the two separated.

     “Actually,” Venom flashed her a mischievous grin. “I don’t think it will turn out as bad as we originally thought.” Venom briefly explained what Orisa had told her concerning the spell and how she intended to explain it to the Tribunal.

     “So essentially the old Venom is dead,” Ellie deduced.

     “From what Orisa told me,” Venom confirmed. “And good riddance too. Though I still have to deal with her memories, a present from Kahn.”

     “Makes sense,” Ellie nodded. “Now if the Tribunal will act in an honorable way there should be no problem.”

     “You are far too cynical,” Venom criticized her.

     “It’s my nature love,” Ellie smiled, giving her a quick peck. “Either way, we will go and hope for the best. Right now we should both get to the audience chamber. Though I must admit, it does feel good to have all these nobles waiting for me to arrive.”

     “You do have a mean streak in you,” Venom laughed.

     “So I’ve been told,” Ellie responded as the huge double green doors swung open as they entered the Grand Hall filled with the nobles of the great Archeon Empire where the Emperor held court setting upon his Emerald throne.

     Another throne had been placed next to the young emperor seated upon which was the attractive form of Livonia garbed in the golden regal robes of the Emperor of Archeon. The youth of the new Emperor caught her by surprise. From the tales she had heard of his wisdom she had imagined a much older man. He barely looked old enough to shave.

     Standing to the left of the couple was the Countess Fyre in her shiny ebony black armor. Venom realized her shoulder no must still pain her after the wound Censor had inflicted, but the woman showed no visible discomfort. She smiled and nodded as the pair entered, their arms entwined around each other’s waist. To the right stood the great arch-mage Zarlorn, no longer hiding behind his human mask.

     It’s about time you two showed up,” Zaphrina quipped as the pair took their appointed positions along side her and Gasqule.

     “Figures,” Zaphrina remarked with an arched eyebrow. “So is everything fine with you two now?”

     “Yes,” Venom assured her.

     Presently, Janus arose from his seat raising the scepter high into the air. The assembled nobles immediately bowed their heads in respect. “My friends,” he pronounced. “We are here to honor these heroes who have saved our kingdom and perhaps the world itself from a tyranny that has not been seen since the Gem Wars.” He turned towards Venom. “I understand you wish to return to Sidanthra and face the Tribunal?”

     “Yes, your highness,” Venom Answered kneeling respectfully.

     “Very well,” Janus nodded. “I understand and applaud your actions. After this matter is taken care of, I wish to offer you a position as Commander of our forces.” He gave a secret smile. “You have shown a flair for strategy and the current position is now vacant.” He turned to Fyre. “Duchess Fyre,” he declared. “Your first official act as the ambassador of Archeon to Sidanthra will be to inform the Tribunal of the Lady of our full support and respect of this woman. Let them know she has done us a great service and any actions that result in a negative action towards Venom will not sit well with the royal throne.”

     “With pleasure sire,” Fyre smiled, bowing respectfully.

     “I will add my voice as well,” Gasqule piped in, “and will add my support.”

     “Which I am sure will carry much weight,” Janus smiled. “You are a credit to your order and are always more then welcome here at the Palace.”

     “Thank you sire,” Gasqule bowed respectfully.

     “At this time,” Janus turned to Zarlorn. I would to take this opportunity to announce a momentous occurrence in the annals of our history. To end the senseless and unprofitable rivalry between Archeon and Elvenrule, after several lengthy meetings we have entered into a treaty. In fact, Zarlorn of the house Tarlon and sitting member of the wise Council of Five will be acting as ambassador for the great elven nation to Archeon.”

     “I thank you wise Emperor,” Zarlorn bowed, raising his hands in the elven traditional display of great respect. “I shall endeavor to increase understanding and tolerance between our two great nations. “Though,” he winked over at Zaphrina. “I shall also be devoting a portion of my time tutoring a new apprentice who shows great promise even if she is a bit head strong.” The remark earned an undignified huff from Zaphrina.

     “Does that mean you won’t be joining us in our trek to Sidanthra,” Terrell blurted out, sounding somewhat crestfallen.

     “I need to study,” Zaphrina explained. “I can’t think of a better teacher then one of the greatest mages in Iamoore.” Terrell nodded sadly in agreement. “That doesn’t mean you can’t stay here too,” Zaphrina suggested. “I am certain the Emperor won’t mind.”

     “She is correct,” Janus interjected. “One of your talents will be a most welcome addition to the palace household.”

     “Thank you for the most kind proposal,” Terrell replied. “However, I fear my superiors in Sidanthra have requested my presence. It appears the files stored within the Great Golden Library once again require my attention.” He turned to Zaphrina. “Though I must admit your companionship will be sorely missed.” Terrell confessed. “I have never met a person as unique as yourself.”

     “I’ll…. miss you too,” Zaphrina stammered turning her head slightly.

     “Would you two please just kiss and get it over with,” Ellie sighed.

     “I beg your pardon?” Zaphrina shot back sounding somewhat indignant.

     “You two have been wanting to, practically since the two of you laid eyes on each other,” Ellie remarked. “So do it already.”

     “I have to agree with Ellie,” Venom nodded, with an impish grin. “I’ve never seen two

people take this long.”

     “I have to agree with the ladies,” Gasqule grinned. 

     “Fine!” Zaphrina snapped. “If it will shut all of you up. Zaphrina gave the startled young priest a quick kiss on the lips. To his and her surprise, Terrell kissed Zaphrina back, and soon the two were locked in a passionate embrace.

     “Call me sentimental,” Ellie smirked, ”But I like a happy ending.”

     “Me too,” Venom confessed embracing her partner and following their example.

     Livonia arose to stand beside the current Emperor who was enjoying the shocked look on the faces of the nobles at the displays of affection. “An elf kissing a human,” Livonia whispered, and two women kissing, all in front of the Emperor who has a commoner standing beside him on the Emerald Throne. They will be wagging their tongues about this for many cycles.” Livonia giggled

     “And I am about give them something to gossip about till next frost time,” Janus whispered back. “Friends!” He pronounced. “I understand you are all eager to be on your way, but I pray you stay long enough to attend the ceremony where I shall make the fair Livonia my Empress.” There was a gasp from the assembled witnesses. All of this was unheard of in the old social order.

     “You announce our handfasting without my consent,” Livonia scolded him. “Were you that certain I would agree?”

     “I apologize,” Janus replied apologetically. “I did not mean upset you. I will recant the statement if you wish.”

     “No,” Livonia gave him a playful kiss on the cheek. “I believe we can overlook your error…. this time.” Janus looked into the loving eyes of his future Empress as they embraced to seal the engagement.

****

     Far away in the land of Tymoria, Fang stared listlessly out the window of her small quarters. She watched as the sea crashed against the shore. Once she had completed the grisly task of disposing of Mantis’s body. The assassin had hung around just long enough to be certain that the Censor and the gem had been defeated before heading back to face her Parma.

     There were a few raised eyebrows and questions at the sudden disappearance of Mantis. Still, with no body there was little that could be proven. Mantis had even unwittingly given her an out. When asked if she had slain Mantis, Fang could answer truthfully that she had not. Fang smiled grimly. Even in her death Mantis had failed. The poor insane wretch had actually saved her honor.

     She had slain Mantis and nobody was the wiser. Nobody knew the truth with the exception of Fang herself. Watching the waves, the words of the psychotic woman echoed in the canyons of her mind.

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