ForevaXena's FanFic . . .
Knyte's
Song
by Mikala D'Amour
© 2002, July
DISCLAIMERS
Standard Disclaimer: The
characters of Xena, Gabrielle, etc. are owned by MCA/Universal and no copyright
infringement is intended
Uber:
This
story is Uber-esque and any likeness to certain characters of Xena follows
standard uber story lines.
Violence
Warning: This
story depicts scenes of mild violence and their aftermath
Subtext:
This story depicts sexual
relations between two women who are in love. If that offends you there are
plenty of other stories you might want to read. If you are under 18 or it is
illegal where you live, look elsewhere. If
the idea of two women in love and acting on said love offends you… please stop
and crawl back into the slime from whence you came…. If not, please enjoy my
musings….
Joana
Skylar Knyte = Xena
Emily
Danielle Arbor = Gabrielle
Erin
Michaels = Ephiny
Krystal
Anark = Kestra
Sarah
Hawk = Solari
Erika
Rozwel = Eponin
Colleen
Caliss = Callisto
The
sun’s soft amber rays began to seep through the barely parted curtains.
Slowly they crept up and over the still slumbering woman.
Bleary eyes opened and squinted in the early morning light.
A single pale hand snaked out from beneath the covers and rubbed at still
very tired eyes, willing them to focus. A
quick glance to the alarm clock brought the groggy woman to a completely
awakened state. “Damn, I’m late.”
she cursed as she scrambled out of bed.
Hurriedly she got up and ran into the bathroom.
Without time to wait for the water to heat, she jumped in the shower,
spewing multiple curses out as the freezing water flowed over her still warm
body. Jumping from the shower, she raced into her room and tore
through her closet. It took only a
moment to decide to wear: her new blue suit.
Still in a rush, she quickly dressed and headed out the door, grabbing
her briefcase and keys as she went. ‘So
much for breakfast...’ she thought with a sigh.
She got into her car and, glancing at the radio clock, pulled out of the
garage. It seemed to her that the
entire world was against her today. Traffic was barely crawling along.
‘Come on, not today...
I gotta be on time...’ Becoming more agitated by the moment,
she slammed her fist into the steering wheel.
Today was important. Today
she would meet her, hopefully, soon-to-be employer: her idol, the infamous
‘Mistress of the Night’, Joana Skylar Knyte.
Of all days to be running late today was not one she desired.
She arrived at the studio with only five minutes to spare.
Rushing through the door, she failed to see the woman on the other side.
‘Thud’ Turning on
her heel she faced the person whom she had knocked down in her haste.
Her breath caught as her gaze fell upon the fallen individual.
‘Oh God, no... not...’
There, at her feet, was a startled Joana Knyte.
‘Please, let me die right here and end this misery...’
Her eyes closed as a wave of nausea came over her and she momentarily
blacked out.
She was brought back into the realm of consciousness by a subtle shaking
of her shoulder. Opening her eyes, she instantly became lost in the blue pools
before her. “Hey, you okay? You
looked a little unsteady there for a moment.”
Came the melodic contralto voice. Jo
didn’t know why she had gone to the girl’s side; something had just pulled
at her. Jo just knelt by the
woman’s side in confusion. Blue
eyes stared intently at her and awaited a reply.
“Uh... uh..” she choked on
her words. Her voice failed her as
she continued to stare into the eyes of her idol.
Strong arms slipped around her and led her to a nearby bench; their eye
contact momentarily severed. “Thank you. I’m sorry
‘bout that.” she stammered.
‘Real great. Finally you come face to face with tall, dark and gorgeous
and you hit her in the face with a door.’ Emily Arbor mentally
chastised herself.
“No problem, see no harm done.”
The tall woman stood and turned about in order to emphasize her point.
“You sure you’re okay?”
The obvious concern in her voice and the proximity of the blue-eyed
beauty made Emily stutter her reply.
“Uh
yeah...”
Jo felt herself staring into the most incredible green eyes she had ever
seen. Clearing her throat, she
spoke: “Well,
I’m glad you’re okay. I have to
run.” With those words Jo
left the shaken young woman on the bench and strode toward the elevators.
‘Huh, what just happened?’
Emily tried to focus her thoughts and then reality sunk in.. Joana
Knyte had touched her... Joana Knyte... her
mind raced. Suddenly she stood, a
little too quickly, which brought her back to the bench.
After taking a moment to steady herself, she picked up her briefcase and
headed after the enigma.
Upon
reaching the elevator, she realized she needed to sit down again as her world
began to spin slightly. After a few
moments she entered the elevator and pushed the button for floor seven
‘I probably wont get the
job now.’ she kept repeating to herself in her mind.
********************
Meanwhile
In The Office…
“So,
tell me about her.” came
the simple question. Jo had rushed
to her office hoping to get there before her friend, but to no avail.
Sighing, she dropped her briefcase on the couch and went to her desk.
Joana Knyte sat in the large leather chair across from her agent. Her long legs comfortably rested upon the desk’s edge.
She hated meetings, especially these.
She had been through nearly twenty prior applicants; none of which even
had a chance in her mind. A new
writer, that’s all she wanted. She
stared out the large window behind the desk, imagining she was elsewhere.
In truth her mind had turned to the petite blond in the lobby.
‘Very cute… And those eyes… No stop this… Chris…’ Jo
was stunned to find herself thinking about the young woman.
She had never even had a thought about anyone, only her memories of her
and Chris. ‘Perhaps…
No I won’t let myself get hurt again… Never.’
“What’s to tell?
She’s a writer and a damn good one at that.
Emily is charming, imaginative and a hard worker.”
A simple answer for a simple question.
Jocelyn’s response snapped Jo out of her wandering thoughts.
Jocelyn Regent, her agent, her best friend, stood before her desk with a
smirk on her face. ‘Well, she
asked and I answered.’ Annoyed
blue eyes turned to her and returned the smirk.
“I guess I had that one coming.
I meant tell me more than the ‘official’ resume explanation. I want to know about the person.” Jo was bored and irritated, not a very good combination.
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation.
Jocelyn really had no idea what to say about the woman she had met only a
few days ago. ‘Saved by the
knock.’ Jocelyn
thanked whatever Gods had just saved her from her friend’s inquisition.
Brushing past Jo’s desk, she headed to the door.
Upon opening the door, she found a rather flustered Emily Arbor standing
before her. Jocelyn looked passed
her and nodded to Sylvia assuring her it was okay.
Sylvia winked and went back to her paperwork.
“Sorry ‘bout the time.
I had a minor mishap in the lobby.”
Emily explained as she entered the office.
Jo rose and turned in order to make an introduction.
Upon seeing the petite woman, she nearly stumbled over the chair as she
attempted to close the distance between them.
Catching the chair and, taking a moment to steady herself, she approached
Emily and Jocelyn.
Emily stood transfixed upon the tall beauty.
Jo cleared her by nearly a foot. It
was true actually, Emily stood only 5’3” and Joana Knyte rose to a height of
6’2”. Emily swallowed hard as she watched her idol rise and move
toward her.
Jocelyn couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her lips as she watched
her friend stumble. Blue eyes
turned to her and narrowed. Turning
away from the piercing blue gaze, she spoke:
“Jo, I’d like you to meet the wonderful Emily Arbor.”
“We’ve met.” Jo stated as
she extended her hand in greeting. Emily
took the proffered hand and shook it. For
a long moment she just stood there trying to get her voice to cooperate with her
mind and failing miserably.
“Hi” Emily finally managed
with some effort.
“Pleasure.” came the reply.
Jo gazed into the green eyes and felt herself slipping.
Reality crept in and Jo noticed their hands were still joined.
Releasing the smaller hand, she stepped back clearing her throat.
Jocelyn stood there watching the interaction between the two… ‘Hmmm…
Jo seems quite taken with her. Maybe…’
“Well since we all seem to know
each other, shall we get on with the unpleasantries?” Jocelyn spoke as she
directed Emily to the other chair and slipped into her own next to Emily’s.
Jo retook her seat and turned her attention to the agent.
“Now, Ms. Arbor, have you brought
your portfolio?” Jocelyn inquired, still intrigued with what had happened
a moment ago.
Jo simply sat bewildered. ‘She’s
so cute…’ her mind raced. ‘No…
Never.’ With a slight shrug she tried again to regain her wits.
She waited for Jocelyn to say or do something.
Emily reached into her briefcase and retrieved her binder.
It was a collection of her best works.
She placed the binder on the desk and awaited whatever would come next.
‘I knocked her over...
stupid... stupid...’ Her mind kept telling her that she had blown
every chance to work for the enigma before her.
Jocelyn retrieved the binder and started to thumb through the papers,
reading here and there. Emily looked around the room nervously.
Jo resumed her relaxed position with feet atop the desk’s edge.
After a moment Jocelyn turned to Emily again and handed her back the
binder.
“Why do you wish this position Ms. Arbor?” she inquired of the
petite blond. Emily froze and cast
her gaze downward refusing to look at Jo.
Taking a breath and lifting her head, she replied: “I
love writing. I love music. I applied for the job because I considered it a way to give
my words new life.” She cast her gaze back toward the floor, she waited
for the response, she was sure would come.
Jo sat in her chair, dumbfounded. All
the other applicants had been arrogant and only wanted the position because of
her fame.
Jocelyn continued with the interview as Jo just sat there unmoving and
silent. “Jo...”
“Huh, what?” Jo stuttered.
The young woman before her had her fascinated.
She had listened intently to all the woman said and had already made her
decision. Something within was
drawing her to this woman.
“I was asking you what your
thoughts were. Do you have any
questions?” Jocelyn looked at her friend with a puzzled expression on her
face.
“Uh, no.. no questions.” Jo
stammered. ‘What’s
wrong with me? I can’t even think straight. Ha, straight indeed!’
she mentally chastised herself.
“Well then I guess that concludes
this meeting. Emily we’ll
ca...” Jo stopped whatever Jocelyn was going to say with an upraised hand.
Emily thought she was going to die of a heart attack.
They sat there in silence for a few moments, which to Emily seemed an
eternity.
Looking at the young woman, Jo felt something inside her come alive.
Sensing Emily’s uneasiness, she spoke: “That’s okay Joce, I’ve made my decision already.”
Jocelyn stared wide-eyed at her friend.
Emily continued to stare at the floor. ‘Well,
here it comes..’ Her
heart hammered in her chest as she awaited the inevitable.. ‘I’m
sorry, but.’ that she was sure was coming.
“Ms. Arbor.” Jo started and
waited for her to lift her eyes. Emily
just sat there silent, her gaze never faltering as she looked into the blue
depths of Jo’s eyes. “I have been through so
many interviews and have not once seen even a possible candidate.”
Emily’s mind kept screaming at her to run... ‘Get out before you
have your dreams destroyed by Joana Knyte.’
“That’s okay.
I understand... thanks anyway.” Emily said as she rose from her
chair and prepared to leave the office.
Jo was thrown for a moment. Quickly
rising from her seat, she reached out and caught the woman’s arm.
Emily turned and looked at Jo in confusion.
“Wait, you misunderstood.
What I was trying to say is... you have the job, if you still wish it.”
Emily’s heart skipped a beat.
Overcome with the reality of the situation, she began to black out. Jo caught the woman before she hit the floor.
Picking her up with ease, she carried her precious cargo over to the
couch. She gently stroked Emily’s
hair and patted her hand, hoping to revive her.
Emily’s eyes slowly began to focus and her breathing evened out.
Jo and Jocelyn both breathed a sigh of relief.
“Sorry.” came the hushed
voice of Emily Arbor.
“Hey, it’s alright.
I’m just glad you’re okay.”
Jo spoke in soft soothing tones. Turning
to Jocelyn, she spoke: “I gotta get
going. Get the contract together
and call me when it’s done.” With
those few words, Joana Knyte rushed out of the office; leaving two stunned women
in her wake.
“Did she just give me the
position?” Emily asked Jocelyn.
“Mhmm. You still want it?”
Jocelyn knew the answer before it was spoken and so just handed Emily a pen and
the contract. Emily immediately
signed her name and gave Jocelyn her contact info.
“Thanks. I’ll talk to
you later.” Emily gathered her things again and left the office.
‘Well, that was interesting. I’ve
never seen Jo so adamant about anyone before.
Something is happening here.’ Jocelyn grinned to herself.
Looked to her that this situation was going to be more interesting than
the average hiring.
*************
Two
Weeks Later...
“Hey... you’re late.”
called a definitely male voice.
“Yeah, yeah I know.
My meeting ran overtime.” Jo replied.
Casually she walked into the studio sound booth and proceeded to warm up. Today’s session was for the purpose of finishing her latest
album. The album itself was a
collection of her favorite and most inspirational songs: a tribute to those
performers who had influenced her own career in music.
Jo had spent the last two weeks working with her new writer trying to
select the best songs for this album. Jo
was hoping that this album would be just the thing to revitalize her career. She still couldn’t believe she was singing again.
Taking a moment to gather the lyrics sheets, Jo prepared herself for the
recording. Her thoughts turned to
her new writer as she looked over the songs they had selected. ‘I wonder if
she’ll be here today?’ Jo
had found her thoughts wandering more and more lately to the young blond.
Emily seemed to make her feel alive again.
However, each time her thoughts would wander, she would shake herself
back to reality. ‘Never… I can’t care… can’t lo…’
With a shrug she entered the recording booth.
After
a few vocal warm-ups, she took her place behind the mic and put on her
headphones. “Ready?
Let’s do ‘Silent Legacy’ first.” came the voice over the
speaker. Jo flashed a thumbs-up to
Steven, her brother and co-producer, behind the glass.
The music began and, taking a clear breath, Jo’s rich, smooth alto
filled the small booth.
Just as Jo began the song, the studio’s outer door opened and in
stepped Emily. Steven waved her over. Emily’s
ears picked up the haunting melody of Jo’s voice immediately and her heart
began to race. Shaking her head
slightly, she took the seat next to Steven. The song came to an end and Jo stepped away from the mic.
“Play it back to me Steve.” Jo called over the mic.
Jo closed her eyes as she listened to the track being replayed in her
ears. “Steve, can we do
that last verse again? I didn’t like how it sounded.” Catching a glimpse at Emily, she waved at her and returned to
the task at hand.
Over the next three hours, Jo recorded while Emily sat and observed.
Steven and Jo would argue from time to time about the songs or how they
sounded. Emily remained silent,
gazing in awe at her employer. She
failed to notice the time and slowly fell into a peaceful sleep.
She didn’t realize she had nodded off until she felt the gently shaking
of her shoulder. Gradually she
opened her eyes and blinked a few times. There
before her stood Jo, a slight smirk on her face.
“Come on. Let’s go get
some lunch. I’m done here.”
Emily rose and followed Jo out of the studio.
“Where are we going?” she asked as they continued to walk to the
parking lot.
“A little restaurant down the
road.” Jo replied. Emily had to walk fast to keep up with her due to her longer
stride.
“Oh.
Um, should I just follow you there?” she asked.
Jo stopped dead in her tracks. Emily,
not paying attention to where she was going didn’t realize Jo had stopped
until she nearly collided with her. Stopping
just behind Jo, she wondered what had caused Jo to freeze.
Jo was struck. All that had
been on her mind was getting to know Emily better.
Standing for a moment lost in thought, her mind raced: ‘Get to know
her better? Where’d that come
from? Well she is cute and…’ With
a shake of her head she turned to Emily.
Emily stood motionless as she watched emotions pass across the face of
her beautiful boss. She nervously
ran her hand through her hair waiting for a response from Jo.
“Well, yeah.
I guess I hadn’t thought about that.” Jo said.
For a moment Emily was lost in the endless sea of Jo’s eyes.
Swallowing the lump in her throat she nodded slightly and rushed to her
car. Resuming her walk to her car,
Jo got in and waited for Emily to pull up behind her. Both women’s thoughts were identical… ‘What am I
doing?’
The
place wasn’t that far away and took only a few minutes to get to.
Jo arrived first and waited for Emily to join her.
They walked into the restaurant together.
The host greeted the pair at the door.
“Ms. Knyte, so long an absence.
Please this way, I have your favorite table.”
Jo nodded and gently took Emily’s elbow and followed the man.
Jo
held Emily’s chair as she seated, then went to her own chair across the table.
“Wow, this place is spectacular.”
Emily stated. Jo just smiled and
continued to look over the menu. Emily
shifted nervously in her chair. ‘Now
what? Why am I here?’ she wondered.
Jo
was so absorbed in her thoughts she failed to realize where she was sitting.
She glanced over the menu, every so often sneaking a peek at Emily.
Reality hit as she look toward the window next to the table.
She had sat at this very table five years ago with Chris.
Taking a breath, she spoke: “You
know what you want?” Emily
just looked at the menu and then back at Jo with a puzzled look.
Jo was lost for a moment, and then reality set in.
“You don’t know Greek, do you?”
“Uh... no.” Emily shyly
replied.
‘Stupid Jo. Real
stupid.’ “You want me to
read the menu to you?” she asked. Emily
just nodded; somehow it didn’t surprise her that Jo knew Greek.
Jo proceeded to read the items to her.
After a few minutes of thought Emily decided. Jo ordered their food and the silence returned to the table.
Jo just sat there, sipping her tea.
Emily casually glanced about the room.
Finally Jo broke the silence. “So,
tell me about yourself.” she began.
Emily was taken aback by the question.
“Uh, what’s to tell? I
write and love music.” she stated after a moment. Jo urged her to continue.
Emily told Jo about her writings and the numerous awards she had won.
The two quickly fell into a relaxed conversation.
Emily talked most of the time, with Jo throwing in a sentence or two here
and there. The arrival of their
food only slowed the conversation.
“You seem to have a close
family.” Jo stated. She had
been listening to Emily talk about her sister and why she had begun writing.
Emily smiled. “Yeah, I guess. So, tell me about your family.” Emily asked.
All of a sudden Jo’s mood changed.
She became withdrawn and her eyes turned into narrow slits of silver.
Emily swallowed hard and tried to ease the sudden tension. “Uh, never mind...”
she looked at her watch and then back to Jo.
‘There you go Emily, take
the easy way out.’
Clearing her throat she spoke: “I
hate to end on this note, but I have to get going.
Thank you for lunch.” Emily
said in a jumble. Jo opened her
mouth but no words came. She sat in
thought for a moment as she watched the young blond rush from the restaurant.
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