ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

The Swan And The Scorpion

by Ellianora

Disclaimer: The characters are of my own creation, and as such are my property though the two primary female character do somewhat resemble a pair we all know and love.

Gen/alt/uber

Violence: Yes there is violence and it can be quite graphic. There are also complex moral issues here and there are a few rather adult themes.

Sex: Only a little kissing and genuine expressions of love between two people who care for each other deeply and happen to be of the same sex.

Parts 1 and 2 of this story take place before the current novel ("Turn Of The Wheel") . Parts 3 & 4 take place after. I am still working on the current chapter of the novel, but I just felt the need to write this. Once again, thanks to my ever loyal editors Trish and Lesley.

Part 1: Scorpion

The black smoke swirled high in the crisp sea air from the burning shell of the once mighty Camoran Merchant craft. A dark skinned woman with piercing ice blue eyes stood upon the overseers deck of her own ship the dreaded Tempest. The voluminous crimson cloak flowed about her muscled blood splattered form as she observed her crew relieving her conquest of its cargo. It had been an easy conquest, hardly a challenge to one of her expertise. Still, the crew needed blood and spoils to keep them satiated and she was more then willing to supply them with that.

“ Excuse me Captain, “ a scraggily bearded man said approaching her hesitantly. “What do you want done with the crew and passengers?” 

“ What do you think?” The woman known as Venom snapped in an irritated tone. “ Take those who look as if they are suitable for the slave block down below. Toss any who are injured or not worth the cost of a bottle over the side.”

The large man backed away nodding in acknowledgement, one never questioned the orders of the dreaded sea-bitch. In the short time she had managed to wrest the captaincy she had cut a bloody swath through the trade routes. The woman’s reputation for ruthlessness and cruelty were whispered in the darkest corners of the port cities. It was rumored she was a disciple of Lovitar the mistress of pain and even kept company with the dead fiends from Malice’s realm. It was a reputation the woman called Venom nurtured. Terror was her trade. The more fear she generated the more men flocked to her banner eager for loot.

Venom was about to retire to her quarters and relax while her men sorted through the booty when she caught sight of another vessel flanking her. As the ship drew closer, she could see they flew the colors of another brigand by the name of Blackheart. No doubt, the rival pirate was upset she had snatched this fat prize from him. It wasn’t her fault they had been too timid to sweep in and capture the ship, preferring to shadow it from a distance, waiting for the right moment to strike.

“It the ‘Sea Vixen’ Captain,” one of the crew informed her.

“ I can see that idiot,” Venom shot back. “ What does he want?”

“ He claims we violated the code of freebooters stealing his prize.”

“ If he didn’t have the guts to take ship he shouldn’t blame anyone else if they take advantage of his cowardice.”

“Venom,” he shouted as the ships drew closer,” you sea-bitch; you could see that we were about to strike, and yet you stole the prize from us. You dare to break the code?”

Venom studied the other captain standing on the port side. He was a tall man, almost as tall as she with long brown hair and a frizzled beard. Like most of his kind grooming was a very low priority. Venom was quite different. She took great pains to maintain he appearance, even applying a dark red berry stain to her lips and dark kohl about her eyes.

“ A code between pirates is a foolish idea,” Venom retorted, “ if you feel so abused do something about and stop your whining.“

“ By dragperg woman,’ Blackheart spat, “ you have no sense for tradition you are the most impudent person I have ever seen.”

“ Traditions change,” Venom replied, “ and rules and boundaries are for those too timid to take what they want.”

“ You dare,” the man sputtered enraged.

“ If you don’t move that stinking pile of boards away from my ship,” Venom stated, “ I’ll dare a great deal more.”

In response, Blackheart ordered is vessel to break away from ‘The Tempest’. “ This is far from through sea-bitch,” he shouted as the left.

Venom turned away deciding not to give him the satisfaction of a parting comment.

She was about to retire to her cabin once again when one of the prisoners caught her eye. A rather statuesque swarthy skinned dark haired beauty. The woman was extremely attractive to be sure. Yet, the thing that caught Venom’s attention was the deep brown eye appearing so calm. She could read the fear that filled the others eyes, as they were herded little cattle to the hold below. There was something different about this one.

“ You there,” Venom shouted at the woman as she approached her.

“ Yes,” the woman responded calmly turning around to stare serenely at the tall dark skinned pirate.

“ Do you know what is going to happen to you?” Venom asked curiously.

“ By the looks of things I am going to be locked in that festering hold and sold in a slave market, probably to some fat Camoran.” She replied.

“ And that doesn’t frighten you?”

“ I am very concerned,” she replied, “ but it would be of no use to be afraid. What will happen will happen.”

“ And do you know who I am?” Venom asked.

“ You are Venom, “ she answered, “ the sea-bitch, the one some have called Lovitar’s hand-maiden.”

“ And are your frightened of me?”

“ Should I be?”

The answer took the seasoned pirate aback in its frankness leaving her at a loss as how to respond next. “Take her to my cabin,” she ordered at last.

“What of the other woman there?” The crewman inquired.

“ Give her to the men,” Venom responded distractedly eyeing the young woman up and down. “ I am through with her anyway.” The sea-bitch lifted the other woman’s chin up staring into her eyes. “ You may not be afraid now,” Venom said with an evil leer, “ but by Lovitar’s icy heart and black whip you will be.”

The enigmatic woman refrained from speaking, choosing to be led away quietly to the captain’s cabin. Instead of hurrying off to her room to rest Venom decided to stay on deck, taking charge of the stowing of their plunder. Thoughts of the woman and her all too calm demeanor invaded her thoughts. Something she sensed was different about this one. As the bright orange sun began to set behind the turquoise waters of the Sea of Iamoore, the tall dark skinned pirate made her way to the cabin.

In the far left corner of the cabin, she could see the woman sitting serenely upon the small pile of cushions placed upon the floor. The crude iron shackle was placed securely around slender neck.

“ So do you have a name?” Venom asked taking a swig from a jug of ale and removing her sword belt.”

“ Does it matter?” The woman replied in that same irritating complacent voice.

“ No really,” Venom replied with a shrug, “ I just like to get to know the people around me. Who knows you might even enjoy yourself.”

“ I am the slave and you are the master so the names don’t truly matter in this relationship,” the woman continued as if explaining an obvious fact to a small child. “However I have never been fond of pain or subjugation so I sincerely doubt I will enjoy any part of this. Though you are an attractive woman and apply your cosmetics well, though in a crude manner I have never been attracted to those of my own gender. However, as I stated in understanding the dynamics of our relationship I will bow to whatever you desire.”

The woman’s monologue infuriated Venom. Who was she to speak in such a manner to her? Grabbing her whip Venom slashed the woman’s ivory leg leaving a small red streak. She winced slightly from the pain but otherwise maintained her composure.

“ What, no scream?”

“ Would you like me to?”

“ Its been the normal response,” Venom replied somewhat bewildered.

“ Then next time I will scream,” she promised. “ I assumed this is the part where I am disciplined for my impudence or for displeasing you.”

“Well,” Venom paused, “yes.”

“ Then I will refrain from doing so, unless of course you prefer the punishing to the actual act. As I said you are the one in charge.”

Venom was about to give the woman another lash, then paused in mid-swing. “ What do you mean crude manner?” She demanded.

“ Don’t take offense,” she answered, “ unless of course you wish to. You do apply your make-up well but you could look much better with a few minor touches. I could show you if you like.”

“ Very well,” Venom agreed, “ she was always eager to discover ways to improve her appearance.

“ Then have one of your men fetch my bag please as I have a small satchel with the necessary items stowed in it.” Hesitating very little Venom stuck her head out the cabin door and ordered her first mate to fetch the woman’s bag. Presently one of the men appeared at the door with a small pastel colored bag.

“ No tricks now.” Venom warned,” handing over the woman’s satchel.

“ As I stated I am fully aware of the reality of our roles.” She said with a slight sigh. “Now if you like we can proceed with the lessons and after we are through I suspect you will be most pleased with results.”

“ I better be,” Venom growled.

The two women passed most of the night talking as the woman patiently showed the female pirate the proper application of cosmetics. “ My name is Janeela,” The woman said sometime in the night.

“ Nice name,” Venom commented to her as she diligently tried to mimic Janeela’s own use of the items in her bag.

“And what is yours if it is not so impudent fro me to ask?”

“ Venom.”

“ No I mean your given name not the one you chose.”

“ Never really had one as far as I know,” Venom replied. “ I was sold to pirates at a young age. I guess the slaver passed me off as a useful tool to clean out hard to reach holds and such, plus I was a feisty one even then, so I would make a great rat catcher. He must have been a good talker as I would never have bought his lines.”

“ To survive in this environment shows great strength. The fact they kept you so long also states you were quite good at what you do.”

“ So I’ve been told,” Venom said coldly. “ Not to mention as I grew older I became useful in other ways. Men spend a long time at sea a need some kind of release.”

“ In that we have something in common,” Janeela replied sympathetically. “ The lessons are done now and I take it you are pleased with the results.”

“ Very,” Venom remarked.

“ Good,” Janeela said with a satisfied smile, “ now I suppose we should do whatever brings you pleasure.

“ Actually,” Venom stated rising from the deck removing her outer garments, “ It been a long night and I am tired probably best to get some sleep for now.”

“ As you wish,” Janeela replied subserviently, cuddling up on the cushions as the two women drifted off to sleep.

The next day Venom awoke early applying the make-up as Janeela had instructed her to. The sudden appearance of the female pirate on deck caused the crew to gape in wonderment. She had always been an attractive woman but with the expert application of her cosmetics, it truly made her a beauty to behold, rivaling even some of the lovely ladies in the royal court of Sidanthra. The men were also puzzled when she ordered fresh food and water to be brought to Janeela. “ She is my favorite plaything,” Venom explained observing their perplexed stares. “ The best one to date I want to extend this as long as possible, are their any further questions concerning my decisions.” Of course, there were none.

Time went on and the bond between Janeela and Venom grew closer. The first night was the last time Venom had taken the whip to the women preferring to talk with this fascinating young woman whom she learned was a houri of the Archeon court. “A houri is simply a more civilized word for a prostitute,” Janeela laughed lightly. “Though one must be practiced in conversation and have a good grasp of a variety of subjects to capture the attention of the high born.”

“ Do you ever resent them?” Venom asked.

“ Not really,” Janeela replied with a shrug. “ They have needs and more then sexual ones that must be full filled. I try to provide my clients with all their needs.”

“ You give them what they pay for,” Venom said with a tinge of sarcasm.”

“ If you want to look at it that way,” Janeela continued. “Still, is it any different then yourself? We all play roles. You give your crew what they expect. In effect, they pay for your services with their lives and skill. A contract of sorts as well.”

“ You have a very unique way of looking at things,” Venom observed.

“ A simple statement of fact,” Janeela commented. “ It reminds me of fable concerning a scorpion who wanted to cross a wide river and came upon a swan. He asked the swan if she would give him a ride on her back across the river. The swan said if I allow you on my back, you would sting me. No the scorpion promised I will not sting you. If I do so then we will both die. The swan thought about this and decided it was a logical argument agreeing to ferry the scorpion across. Then half-way across the river the scorpion stung the swan on the back.”

“ I know this,” Venom interrupted her. “ The swan asked the scorpion why he stung her knowing that they would both die? The scorpion answered its in my nature. The meaning being one can’t change who they are.”

“ That is the conventional wisdom,” Janeela conceded. Perhaps though it meant if the scorpion could have gone against his baser nature he would have survived. We all have the capacity for good and evil, to hurt and give pleasure. For some it’s easier to do one then the other but that does not mean we must always follow our baser instincts.”

“ You have a unique slant on things,” Venom said laughing.

“ As do you,” Janeela observed. “ You hate men to the point that to be touched by one is repugnant to you, understandable considering your past. Yet you also despise the weakness you perceive in women, that of emotion and compassion which you believe makes us victims such as you were.”

“ You are getting pretty free with that tongue,” Venom warned.

“ The whip is still there,” Janeela observed, “ and I have no delusions as to the reality of our situation.

Venom only nodded choosing to leave the cabin. As the days flew by Venom found herself spending more and more of her time in the cabin. It was getting to the point she hurried through the day to return to the woman. Unfortunately, her raids on ships became less frequent much to the chagrin of her crew who were growing increasingly dissatisfied with the captain and her sudden shift in attitude and priorities. This fact was not lost upon Blackheart who heard of the current dismal state of moral from deserters from the sea-bitches ship.

It was late in the evening when Venom heard a sudden knock at her cabin door. “ What the dragperg do you want? “Venom bellowed.

“Excuse me captain,” A crewman said in a muffled voice, “ we need you topside.” There was the muffled sound of banging as Venom hurried to dress flinging the door open. “ This had better be good,” she warned.

“It is sea-bitch,” she heard a familiar voice answer as several swords pointed in her direction. “It is,” Blackheart repeated stepping out of the shadows as Venom was held at bay.

The crew led her up to the top deck while Venom eyed them like a trapped animal waiting for a chance to escape. She could feel the swords prodding her forward.

“ I swear I’ll have all your heads for this,” Venom declared. The words caused the crew to momentarily pause in their progress. This was still the dreaded sea-bitch.

“ Come now,” Blackheart remarked, “ spare us your empty threats. You lost what control you had of your crew sometime ago. Why do you think they were so open to my offer to take over the ship and allow them to join me?”

Before Venom could reply, the crew dragged Janeela up topside and threw her at the feet of the Blackheart. The sudden appearance of the woman flung to deck made Venom struggle even harder against those holding her captive.

“ So this is the lady who caused the downfall of the notorious sea-bitch,” Blackheart remarked with a twinge of appreciation. “ I can see the attraction.”

“ Touch one hair on her head,” Venom said between gritted teeth, “ and it’ll be the last thing you do.”

“ The cold hearted bitch does have a soft spot,” he laughed. “Who would have thought it possible. You’re one moment of compassion is to be your downfall how ironic.”

“ A mistake I wont repeat,” Venom growled.

“ I am sure you wont,” Blackheart remarked stroking the hair of Janeela who remained complacently at his feet. “ By the freebooter law I can’t kill you. No captain can kill another. The best I can do is put you adrift.”

“ Guess that puts you in a spot,” Venom remarked, “ unless you are prepared to break your precious code.”

“ Oh I would never do that,” Blackheart assured her, “ unlike you I have a strong feeling of reverence for the code. It says I can put you adrift but doesn’t say how.” As if on cue several men placed a large wooden plank behind her, binding her hands with thick leather straps.” Any last words sea-bitch?” Blackheart crowed as they prepared to drop her over the side.”

“ Just this,” Venom vowed, “ I swear by Malice’s dark soul I’ll drink a toast out of your bleached skull.” Blackheart smiled coldly pointing his fingers downward ordering the men to let loose the board allowing Venom to go splashing over the side.

The sheer force of the fall caused Venom’s teeth to tingle as she desperately tried to get her bearings bobbing up and down in the water. After several tries, she finally managed to right the large plank she was bound upon. The strong woman attempted in vain to break the leather straps, which took on an elastic property in the water. It was no use. She was trapped.

The harsh sun beat down mercilessly as she laid bound to the board staring helplessly into the blue sky. Her throat was beginning to feel dry and parched. It was insane she could very well die of thirst floating upon an ocean of water unable to drink even a drop. After a day, her shoulders and arms throbbed painfully from the torturous position. It was on the third day she spotted through her partially swollen eyes a large silvery creature circling her. 

She knew it to be a Sharjinn, a large predatory fish and the terror of any mariner stranded at sea. “ So this is how it ends,” she thought dismally, “ I get to be a meal for some overgrown minnow.”

Suddenly a desperate plan began to form in her fevered brain. Venom splashed her feet about attempting to attract the creature. It worked. The flesh eating fish spotted her and headed directly for the plank. In a sudden movement, the tall dark woman used her legs to push her-self out of the way. The beast circled around preparing another strike. Gritting her teeth in determination, Venom stretched the leather straps as far to their limits. The timing had to be perfect and the angle just right for her idea to work. Venom twisted the board slamming the plank into its large razor sharp jaws. She could feel the teeth scraping across her hands as they bit down shattering the board, severing the leather straps.

Immediately, Venom dove beneath yanking out one of her dagger’s she had hidden in her boot piercing the creature’s soft underbelly, gutting it.

The tall dark woman propelled herself up to the surface gasping for breath. Swimming as hard as she could she grab the carcass of the dying animal dragging it to the largest piece of the shattered plank. 

In bestial fury, she ripped open the creature exposing its organs and flesh. Using the dagger, she sliced off huge chunks of the bloody remains devouring them. She took care slicing open any blood-gorged organs savoring the blood as a safe liquid to quench her burning thirst. Venom afforded herself a small smile of satisfaction as she clung to the shattered plank she would live, at least for now.

Part 2:  And The Sting

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