ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Final Turn

by Ellianora

Disclaimer: The characters depicted in this story are from my own imagination and as such are my property. So please don't use them without asking first:)

Violence: Yes there is violence in this story, and some of it can get graphic, though not excessively so.

Sex: The story does center around two women who care and love each other very much, though there is little more then hugging and kissing going on.

Feedback: YES! YES! I love to hear from folks about these stories good and otherwise. I'd like to take this time to thank everyone who has written me and told me how much they enjoy theses tales. That makes it all worthwhile.

Once again, thanks to Lesley my ever patient on long suffering companion who reads through my tales and tells me when I am going over the edge.

Chapter 1

The sharp icy fangs of the early morning cold Frostime air nipped at Venom’s exposed flesh as she made her way through the wide cobblestone street lined on either side with curious citizens, who had braved the chill of the early morning to view the mysterious dark skinned woman as the two Light Warriors escorted her to the large white building known as the Temple of the Lady where she was finally to face judgment for her or rather, the other person’s horrendous crimes.

She heard the people in the crowd murmuring to each other in hushed fear filled voices as she and her guards paraded past. To some, she was considered a hero. The person who had halted the insane Prince Regent Censor and actually defeated one of the infamous Gem Kings. To others, she was still that black-hearted murderer who had been responsible for the slaughter of countless innocents.

Venom hung her head shamefully, allowing her dark raven locks to fall over her face, in an attempt to avoid the accusing glares of the populace. She realized from what the enigmatic seer Orisa had reveled to her that the vile person originally called Venom the Sea Bitch was now dead. The sadistic being that had once existed perished for all practical purposes when the elven arch-mage Zarlorn destroyed the personality of the monster that had once reigned for countless plantings as the terror of both sea and land. Still, thanks to the mad dragon Sherrit Kahn she now had those memories to plague her for the rest of her life. At least she and the others had been able to slay that demented creature before he could cause any serious harm.

A sudden gust of wind whipped through her loose billowing white blouse, causing the tall statuesque woman to tremble slightly from the unexpected cold of the harsh wind. She had worn the crimson cloak, which protected her from the elements along with serving as her armor for so many plantings, that she was unaccustomed to the harsh weather.

Venom had turned over her cloak and the deadly blade known as “Havoc’s Tears” to her partner, the former spy, Ellianora Bladedancer.

As she ascend the great steps of the Temple of Justice she heard the high lilting voice of her beloved partner as if on cue, “It’s about time you got here,” Ellie growled, wrapping her slender arms around herself. “I am freezing my behind off in this weather.”

A smile came unashamed to her full lips as she looked upon the lovely half-elf waiting impatiently for them to reach the great golden doors leading into the Hall of Justice. She wore her normal dark purple leather tunic that matched the color of her large soulful violet eyes. She wore her long honey blonde hair in a tightly braided ponytail. Unlike Venom, who often spent hours choosing the correct outfit, Ellie preferred to dress simply and varied her appearance very little.

“You should be careful,” Venom smiled. “You don’t have very much behind there to lose. Besides, you could have waited with the others inside.”

“You have never had any complaints before,” Ellie quipped coyly as she rushed up to meet her companion.

 At first the two guards stepped instinctively in front of Venom to block the woman’s approach. A scowl crossed Ellie’s thin lips at the apparent attempt. The Light Warrior’s stepped aside allowing her access. They had grown to respect the former pirate upon witnessing her apparent selfless and noble spirit. They also realized that if Venom chose to escape, they doubted they could do much against the woman already being call the greatest warrior in Iamoore, armed or not.

Venom reached out with her manacled hands tenderly stroking the cheek of her companion as they kissed. They had been separated since they had arrived in Sidanthra, departing Archeon after the current Emperor handfasted with his beloved, the merchant’s daughter Livonia whom Ellie along with Venom’s estranged sister Fang had rescued from the demented woman Mantis.

“And I have none now,” Venom smiled as the pair separated after one last light kiss.

“I’ve met you on these steps and we have walked in together these last three cycles since this insanity began,” Ellie reminded her. Venom nodded, recollecting the ritual during her current trial. “Most feel this will be a simple matter,” Ellie said with a note of confidence as they resumed their climb.

“Perhaps,” The statuesque dark woman observed. She glanced over at the forced smile of the former rogue, now defender. She knew Ellie was attempting to look on the positive aspect for her benefit, even though it was against her nature. It was one of the many reasons she loved the woman so much.

“Orisa is still here though,” Ellie commented. “I thought she was planning on leaving after she gave her testimony.”

“Obviously, she changed her mind. You sound disappointed she decided to stay.”

“A little,” Ellie admitted. “I know she helped us defeat Censor and Azantre, but the woman still gives me the chills.” The half-elf placed her hands on her shoulders and shook slightly to emphasize the point.

“Understandable,” Venom agreed as they reached the great Golden doors, which swung open with deceptive ease to reveal a long white hall with statues of the greatest warriors of the Lady lining the hall on either side. “I would guess she still hasn’t told us the whole truth, or at least as much as she knows about it.”

“Do you think she ever will?” Ellie snickered. “She seems to enjoy having her secrets.”

“I doubt she ever will,” Venom remarked as they proceeded down the long hall to the door with the symbol of the Lady Velia carved on it. “Truthfully, I don’t think I want to know.”

“Odd coming from you,” Ellie grinned. “You are the one who always wants to know everything, or at least tries to figure them out.”

“Some things are probably better left as mysteries.”

“You’re getting philosophical on me love,” Ellie chided.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think,” Venom shrugged. She stopped her progression and turned to face her companion. The guards stepped back once again, sensing their prisoner wished a little privacy. “I’ve missed you,” Venom said softly.

“I’ve missed you too,” Ellie replied. “But after this we will be together again.”

“Whatever happens in there,” Venom said sincerely. “I want you to know that the time we have been together has been the best in all my plantings.”

“And mine too,” Ellie stood up on her toes and kissed Venom’s cheek. “I know they will free you,” Ellie said filling her voice with as much confidence as she could muster. “How could they not, after the testimony from the likes of Orisa and the Duchess Fyre, the only living Paladin in all Iamoore?”

Before Venom could respond the pair had reached the doors leading to the chamber where the Tribunal held court. Two Light Warriors garbed in blinding bright silver plated chain opened the door revealing the large oval chamber.

In front of them upon a high dais was placed the massive slightly curved marble desk where the current five sitting members of the famous organization held court. In side these walls some of the most notorious villains in the history of Iamoore had stood to pay for their crimes. Now it was Venom’s turn.

After giving Venom’s arm one last supportive squeeze, Ellie hurried down the narrow red carpet to where Terrell and Gasqule had reserved a seat for her.

As usual, Terrell looked out of place sitting among the Sidanthran nobles garbed in their simple yet elegant robes while he still wore his plain olive green. The young priest glanced around, his clear brown eyes observing every nuance with his keen intellect. His intelligence and incredible memory had saved them on more than one occasion. She imagined he was disappointed that the elven mage and his love, Zaphrenia had been unable to attend the trial, but Zarlorn had insisted she intensify her studies. After all, it was only recently the she had nearly succumbed to the dreaded manna madness. Zarlorn was going to make certain his daughter and student would not face such a danger again. Venom could appreciate that.

Next to Terrell sat the young Light Warrior Gasqule Cormier, a confident smile on his handsome square chinned face. The lad had grown from the time she had first encountered him. He was no longer the brash young knight, eager to prove himself that Venom had laid out on a filthy tavern floor in the insane city of Madwand. He had grown into a strong seasoned warrior and a competent leader. The statuesque woman liked to think she had played a part in his education.

Venom shifted to her ice-blues eyes toward the front to see the podium off to the side that was reserved for only the most revered of the order, where the proud Paladin Fyre stood in her glistening black dwarven forged armor. A lump formed in Venom’s throat as she recalled the impassioned testimony Fyre had given on her behalf. She had told Venom once that after Censor and Azantre were defeated she would not only speak for her, but petition for Venom to join the sacred order if she wished. True to her word, the aged warrior had done just that.

Seated in the front row next to the podium was Captain Quinell Cormier, now retired largely due to the injuries he had incurred during their desperate struggle against the Tree of Malice. It was hardly a secret the paladin and former Captain currently shared a bed together. A goofy romantic grin appeared on her face at the thought of the estranged lovers together at last. She only hoped she and Ellie’s love would prove as strong as theirs.

Standing against the far wall was the enigmatic pale skinned and white haired seer Orisa.  The woman looked more like one of the white marble statues lining the walls then a human. She had to admit the woman even gave her the shivers as well. A tingle ran up the brave woman’s spine as she imagined the secrets hidden behind those blue eyes. She had known the secrets of the Gem Kings and more. They had discovered she had also been responsible for the destruction of the ancient dwarven City of Silver Mists.

The only person not here was Gehron the Silver, whose great Hall of Hazrale had been razed by Censor in an attempt to destroy the seer. However, he was even now engaged in the daunting task of rebuilding his school of arcane lore. After all, like the others he felt certain that there would be no question as to what the outcome would be. He would join them at the Cormier estate for the celebration certain to follow the verdict.

 From the corner of her eye, Venom espied the representatives of the merchant country of Camora who had been the most vocal opposition to her case. Venom had cost them a great deal of profit during her cycles, or rather the other person’s when she plundered their ships as the most feared pirate to sail the Iamoorian Seas. She didn’t like the smug look in their faces.

Most Camorians felt justice like everything else was a commodity to be bought and sold. It was well known that the Tribunal was always in search of funds to bolster their ever-depleting war chest as they continued their crusade against The Great Kingdoms, now under the control of the minions of the dark goddess Malice.

She had only recently learned that she and her sister, the Tymorian assassin Fang, were in reality the royal heirs to the great throne of the ancient kingdom and that their parents had been slain during a coup, that had placed the followers of Malice into power. She had made a vow that if this affair ended favorably she would direct all her might, will, and strength to freeing her homeland from the evil yoke and end this foolish war once and for all.

Venom let out a resigned sigh as she thought of her estranged sister. She had hoped she would join them at the palace. Instead, she had returned to the mysterious land of the assassins. Not that she could blame her. The Clan had been the only family the woman had ever known. Still, when Ellie had confided how she had disobeyed orders to rescue her and Livonia from the demented killer Mantis, she had hoped Fang might join her and together, they would free the land of their birth.

“The woman called Venom shall approach and kneel before the Tribunal.” A commanding voice boomed, jarring her back to the present. Dutifully, Venom kneeled before the five persons, bowing her head in respect.

“We have heard testimony from several prominent members of our own order on your behalf,” the senior Light Warrior stated. “We have also heard the explanation given by the great Seer Orisa of the White Light who has stated that the person who committed those heinous crimes has been destroyed through magik, even though the physical shell is still here. A most difficult situation.”

Venom felt a knot forming in her stomach as the senior cleared his throat. Her sensitive ears detected a quiet snicker from the direction of the Camorians.

“However,” he said staring down at the woman kneeling in submission. “We can’t ignore the past, even if this claim of the Seer’s is true.” Venom shut her eyes. “Normally crimes such as yours would be punishable by the death of five cycles, but in lieu of the testimonies given here we shall suspend that punishment.”

“However,” another pause, this was not good at all. It seemed even the Lady’s justice could be purchased. “You must still pay for your crimes against society and therefore I sentence you to thirty plantings in the work dungeon of Cantaeu.”

“You can’t be serious!” The former rogue shouted jumping from her seat. “What kind of justice is this?”

“Please,” Venom begged as tears streamed down her cheeks. “Please don’t make this harder then it is.”

“The fair kind.” The senior Light Warrior responded slamming his scepter on the desk.  The remark earned a discourteous reply from Ellie to show what she thought of their idea of justice. “And we wont tolerate any show of disrespect to these hearings.”

“While I don’t share my companions apparent contempt,” Gasqule interjected as he stood up, placing a calming hand on the former rogues shoulder. “I urge the wise members of the Tribunal to reconsider their verdict.”

“Do you question us Light Warrior?” He challenged.

“Not at all sir,” Gasqule replied respectfully. “My father once held a seat at the desk, as my brother does now.” He nodded over to brother sitting on the far left side who turned his hawkish nose away in disgust. “However, I feel perhaps you may not have deliberated enough. Without this woman’s selfless sacrifice there may have been another Gem War. Perhaps, even worse then the one that nearly destroyed this world.”

“We already spent a great deal of time deliberating over the merits of this case and the unique circumstances,” the senior replied in an irritated manner. “That is why she is not being put to death.”

“Mighty big of you,” Ellie growled. “You are just going to lock her away for so long she will probably be dead before she gets out.”

“What about her victims?” The Senior shot back. “Don’t they deserve some sort of justice?”

“Like the Seer Orisa explained,” Gasqule replied taking a deep breath in an attempt to retain control of his rising temper. “That woman died when Zarlorn attacked her.”

“Our judgment stands,” The Senior concluded as he folded his arms.

“But…”

“Do you question our wisdom Light Warrior?”

“Is this you final decision?” Gasqule asked between clenched teeth.

“Yes,” the Senior nodded.

“Then I question your decision,” Gasqule leveled his steel gray eyes on the hazel ones of the gray haired Commander.

“You have no right do that,” Fyre cried out as she stepped from her position of honor before Gasqule could respond.

Gasqule was about to reply only to be silenced by the raised hand of the seasoned warrior. “You are a member of the Light Warrior,” she reminded him. “You have no right to question the edicts of the Tribunal.”

“Yes Lady Paladin,” Gasqule answered submissively as he bowed his head.

“My thanks Lady Fyre,” The Commander smiled. “One can always depend upon you to respect the edicts and traditions of the Temple of the Lady.”

“Yes,” Fyre nodded as she walked up behind Venom and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Gasqule has no right to speak against the council nor does Ellianora Bladedancer.” She turned to glare hard at the five people sitting above her. “I however, do.”

“I beg your pardon.”

“You should,” Fyre spat. “I have never seen such a mockery of justice such has been carried out here today. This woman,” she pointed to Venom, “and her companions have shown more courage and nobility then I’ve seen among our ranks in the past twenty plantings. And how do we reward such valor such selfless sacrifice?”

She spun about pointing an accusing finger at the Camorians huddled together in their garish robes. “By letting a pack of money grubbing scavengers purchase her life.”

“How dare you!” Guy Cormier exploded. “You dare to sit in judgment against us!? When was the last time you went to the crusade.”

“I haven’t” Fyre countered. “Why do you think that is? Maybe because I see this senseless battle to be a waste of life and resources.”  The verbal assault struck the five members speechless.

“Are you through,” The Senior glowered. He realized he couldn’t silence the noble paladin as easily as he did the Light Warrior. One of her rank, known to be the chosen right hand of Velia in Iamoore, was beyond even their control.

“Yes,” Fyre snarled. “I know what I have said wont change the ruling. However, I refuse to stand here and witness this charade proceed any further.” Fyre turned sharply around and marched towards the great doors to exit the Hall. With her hands resting on the handles, she turned her head about to glare back at the Tribunal one last time. “I will tell you this, there will be a reckoning and you all shall be held accountable for your actions here this day. I only pray to Velia I live long enough to see it.” Then pushing open the doors with a thunderous impact, she stormed out of the room.

Those in the chamber were left stunned and silent at the sudden oratory from the fiery holy warrior. Even the members of the prestigious Tribunal were uncertain how to react.

“A rather dramatic exit,” Orisa commented at last, breaking the silence. The Seer moved away from the wall she had been standing near and walked forward towards the council. “Still, she did get the gist of the matter across quite effectively.”

“I assure you Seer,” The senior replied, finding his voice at last. “We took all matters into account.”

“Please,” Orisa raised her hand. “Do not attempt to placate me. I wont launch into a verbal barrage like the noble lady who just has left our company. However, do not insult my intelligence either. Obviously, you had made your decision prior to entering the deliberating chamber.”

“Though you are respected by defenders of the Lady don’t presume to slander this court,” she warned.

“I am not the one who brought disgrace to your good name,” Orisa narrowed her eyes, ”nor will I remain here further lest my own normally boundless patience be tested any further.” With a wave of her hand a shimmering white light surrounded her as she began to fade away. “In parting, I will say I pray you can live with the consequences of your actions and what you gained was worth the sacrifice. Though, in truth I sincerely doubt either is possible.” The Seer then vanished, her deep blue eyes, the last of her features to fade from the view of the gawking galley of onlookers.

“May I say something?” Venom asked in a respectful tone as she cleared her throat.

“I see no reason why not,” The adjunct almost groaned in despair as the dismal deterioration of the proceedings.

“I will abide by your decision,” Venom informed him. “I can never rectify what the other person did. I would like to have the opportunity to say farewell to my…. friends first.”

“I see no reason why we can’t honor such a request,” he answered solemnly. Venom nodded her head in gratitude.

She turned slowly around to see her three companions trudge slowly up the long aisle.

Terrell was the first reach her, grasping her strong dark tanned hand with his thin pasty white ones. He looked up at her with his kind brown eyes. “I assure you,” he vowed, “upon my return to the great library I shall delve deeply into all of the text available on the subject of jurisprudence and legal procedures. This gross miscarriage of justice shall not go unchallenged. I shall not rest till I have found a solution to this predicament.”

“Of that I have no doubt,” Venom presented him with a confident smile. Hugging her neck he turned away and hurried down the aisle. He had much to do.

“I-I don’t know what to say,” Gasqule stammered averting his eyes.

Venom took his strong chin her hands and pointed his face at her. “There is nothing to say,” Venom replied softly. “You did what you thought was right. Nobody can blame you for that.”

“But…. this is so wrong.”

“Then you will make it right,” Venom shot back. “I have faith in you.” Venom kissed the young Light Warrior tenderly on the cheek.

Last, came the former rogue now defender of Mitra, Ellianora Bladedancer. Her wide violet eyes overflowing with tears as she rushed up to embrace her partner. “It’s not fair, it’s just not fair,” she sobbed.

“We both know very few things are,” Venom said tenderly, stroking the soft silky blonde hair of her companion.

“I wont stop trying to get you out,” Ellie promised, snuggling up against the taller woman. “None of us will. Janus will hear of this.”

“I am sure Fyre will see to that,” Venom chuckled. “She does have a temper.”

“That she does,” Quinell agreed as he approached, prying the lovers apart. “She can stay with us at the Cormier Estate.”

Ellie gave Venom one final kiss. “Thank you,” she told the Light Warrior Commander. “It makes me feel better knowing she will be well cared for.”

“She will,” Quinell Cormier promised as he placed a fatherly arm around Ellie’s shoulder as he escorted her away from the former pirate.

Wiping her ice-blue eyes, Venom turned to face the Tribunal once more. “I am ready now,” Venom straightened her back as the guards approached to escort her away.

****

Fang was startled as she heard the door of her room slam against the gray stonewall, jarring her out of a self-induced trance. She shifted her emerald green eyes in the direction of the disturbance. The lithe muscles of the assassin tensed ready for action from years of training in preparation for a skirmish.

She relaxed her posture upon recognizing the swarthy face of Talon. The brunette woman with the hazel eyes was the closest thing Fang ever had to a true friend.

“You gave me a start,” Fang smiled slightly. “Isn’t it polite to knock before entering a person’s private chamber.

“Don’t give me that,” Talon growled in her gravely voice.  On one of her first missions the Tymorian assassin had damaged her throat and never fully recovered. “What is this I hear you passed on an assignment…. Again?”

“What if I did,” Fang snapped jumping from her bed to stare out through the window like she had done so many times since her return. “Either way, it is of no concern of yours.”

“Perhaps, it isn’t,” she admitted, “but it is the Parma of our clan and he isn’t too happy with you right now.”

“I have taken assignments since I returned,” Fang replied defensively.

“Yes,” Talon nodded. “Though they have been against killers and blackmailers, usually the worst sort of human trash around.

“What are you implying,” Fang looked around at her friend, fixing her predatory gaze upon the smaller woman.

“I am not implying anything at all. I am stating it,” Talon retorted. “Since you got back from that little trip with that woman Venom and her companions you’ve been choosy about who you terminate.”

“And what of it?”

“That is not out place! By the dark blade of Malik,” she cried throwing her hands up in the air. “We are neutral in the affairs of our clients or their motives.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean,” Talon replied, flabbergasted by the reply. “It’s the way it has always been, the way it will always be.”

“Don’t you ever wonder about the people we kill?”

“Terminate.” Talon corrected.

“Kill,” Fang countered. “Mantis was right about one thing, killing is killing.”

“Regardless,” Talon snarled. “You are an assassin just like me. This is what we do, what we were trained to do. The Tymorian clans, especially the Tanje have an ancient reputation to maintain for their skill in the art of the kill. People seek out our services throughout all of Iamoore.”

“And doesn’t matter who or why, as long as their gold is good,” Fang countered.

“Look, I don’t know where you got these ideals from, but you better lose them quick. The Parma has suffered your attitude longer then he would most. You were always his favorite. He could banish you…. Or worse.” Talon looked at her friend with a nervous smile.

Emotions, of any kind were frowned upon in the clans. Fang had been the only one to care for Talon upon her return from the mission, nursing the woman back to health. “Who would I have to play Fribald with on stormy days?”

“I promise I will take your counsel to heart,” Fang smiled as she placed a comforting arm around her friend and directed her to the door. “Now I need sometime to be alone and consider this matter.”

“Please Fang,” Talon pleaded, “take care of yourself.”

“I will,” Fang smiled kissing her friend on the cheek before she closed the door.

Alone again, Fang returned to the window and the grasped the lip of the opening. The final words of the demented Mantis just before she leaped to her death, echoed in her mind.

“You think you can go back, that everything will be the same,” Mantis had taunted her. “Nothing will ever be the same.” Mantis had prophesied.

Fang thought of all the missions she had turned away, because she couldn’t justify them in her mind. Talon was correct, she was an assassin and there were no place for such foolish feelings of morality in her line of work. What had become of her? The Tymorian rested her weary head on the ledge as she sobbed softly in the dark room. 

Chapter 2

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