38 comments/  261784 views/  109 favorites

A Chance Affair

By: Alex the Cat



Disclaimers: I did borrow a little bit of the characters, like Xena, Gabrielle, Ares, and Artemis from the TV show "Xena: Warrior Princess" which belongs to MGM. So, please bear with me. Thank you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The short strawberry blonde haired woman reluctantly laces up her brown Doc Martens boots, and looks into the mirror one last time.

"Come on Rhi. You'll have fun. I guarantee it." The wild curly redhead says as she pulls the black velvet cape around her shoulders, then notices the somewhat reluctant look on her friend's face. "Please Rhiannon? Help me out?"

The young woman sighs. "Alright Ver. I'll help."

"Oh, thank you. I know you're going to have a great time." She heads for the door. "Okay, let's go."

The drive down to the fairgrounds is pleasant. Having left the confines of the hustle and bustle of the city is a relief for Veronica. As soon as they reach past the city limits, she rolls down the window to breathe in the fresh pine scented air.

The young blonde shakes her head at her childhood friend and laughs. Ever since they were kids, Veronica has always enjoyed the outdoors. The two of them used to spend all of their summer nights out in the yard sleeping under the stars, or in Veronica's tent. 

The redhead parks the red Jeep Cherokee in the grassy field following the entrance sign of the fairgrounds. They walk through the field of vehicles all parked in neat double rows. "Okay, now I have an extra cape at the booth you can wear. You'll need to keep it on since you're in jeans."

"And what's wrong with my jeans?" the small woman states.

"Humor me, will ya? You know everyone here aside from the customers are in costume."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Don't these people have regular lives by the way?"

"Rhi, what's wrong with you? I'm normal --- wait, don't answer that. Look everyone has a regular life and job. This event only happens once a year. We all look forward to it. It's our opportunity to travel back in time and have fun with it." Veronica shows her pass at the front gate to a large bellied gray bearded man wearing charcoal jodhpurs with black boots and a loose white drawstring shirt. 

"Ah good morning Veronica. And good morning to you young lady." He dips his head in a courtly manner. 

"Morning Walt." Veronica states.

Rhiannon chimes in with, "Morning."

They walk through the dirt covered roads, past chickens and goats, and little wooden shops just beginning to open.

"I can't believe I'm at a renaissance fair." Rhiannon comments and follows her best friend into the booth that has been designated as Veronica's Shoppe of Crystals, Tarot & Magic. She helps unlock the shutters and begins setting out the glass case of gemstone wands. "I do love these wands you've created over the year. Your handiwork is marvelous, and you've done so well in picking out just the right color of stones for each one. Ya know, I still need to get one of these for myself."

"Well how about this. Since you have been so gracious to accompany me today, you can choose one of those wands for yourself --- as a token of my thanks." Veronica comments as she sets a black crushed velvet cloth on a small round wooden table. In the middle she lays her deck of tarot cards. "Plus, your palm reading skills are going to be of great use in the shop today, and I appreciate it." She walks up to the blonde and placing a hand on her shoulder, she says, "Thanks again."

Rhi gives her a lopsided grin. "What are friends for? Come on, let's finish cause I'd like to take a walk around this place before the grounds open."

*****************************

The windows and door of the Leather & Weapons Shoppe open, letting in the bright morning sun. The tall figure sets out a few of the long broadswords on wooden holders. Leather satchels hang near the doorway, battle-axes adorn the walls and daggers are lined up in a glass case below the counter. The raven-haired beauty breathes in the cool early morning air as she runs long fingers through black locks cascading past her shoulders.

"Good morning Aunt Jordan." A young teenage Goth girl says as she stands in the doorway. Her black velvet dress and heeled boots compliment her black fingernails and lipstick. The small ring in her nose matches the one in her eyebrow. A silver spiked stud protrudes from below her bottom lip. Jet-black hair equals that of the older woman. The only physical difference between the two would be in the height and the eyes. The teenager's eyes are a coal black and she happens to be five inches shorter than her relative is.

Jordan turns to the young girl. Sharp blue eyes look at her discerningly from a chiseled face. "Morning Amber. Ready to work?"

"Sure am. And may I say you are looking debonair this morning. That outfit is the best one yet."

Jordan sports black leather breeches tucked into black suede calf boots. The boots have a purple Celtic design running up the outer side of it. She has a white highwayman's shirt and a black and deep purple striped suede hamlet doublet. A musketeer hat and black hooded cape, which complete the ensemble, hang on a peg behind the counter. "Thank you. And you're looking good in your usual."

"Do you mind if I go pick up something to eat, before the place gets crowded with screaming kids and ogling customers? I didn't have breakfast."

Jordan smiles. "Sure."

"Thanks. I'll be back in ten minutes." She skips off down the dirt pathway.

The tall woman picks up a short sword and attaches it to her hip belt, and a dagger is inserted into the sheath of her right boot. She takes a seat on the wooden bench just outside the doorway and watches as the other merchants finish opening up their shops. Across the way she takes notice of the new crystals, tarot and magic shop. 

*************************************

"Ver, I'd like to take a walk and see what's around in this circle, if you don't mind." Rhiannon says as she looks down the pathway at the other shops.

"Sure. Business doesn't really pick up until later on anyway. Hey, why don't you check out Anne's Fine Clothes about three booths down the road? You might find something you really like. You know, all employees get half off everything at the fair." Veronica says as she finishes hanging the various gemstone pendants with their appropriate information tags.

"Thanks. I'll see you later then." 

Jordan watches the strawberry blonde with the hunter green hooded velvet cape leave the booth. I wonder who she is? I've never seen her at the fair before, and I know practically everyone who's worked here.

"I'm back Jordie." The young girl calls out while holding onto to her egg sandwich. She sees the older woman gazing through the side window. "Aunt Jordan?" The young girl wonders what the older woman is looking at. She catches the backside of a cape and believes this is the person her aunt stares after.

"Huh? Oh, Amber, um... I need you to make sure all the items are tagged with the correct prices. There is a list behind the counter to help you out." She grabs her cape and hat off the peg. Donning the items, she steps outside. "I'm going for a short walk. I'm sure you can handle things until I return."

"No problem." Amber states with a raised eyebrow.

*******************************************

Rhiannon looks through the rack of clothes. She surprisingly finds that the various dresses actually appeal to her. I didn't think these outfits would look so cool. I guess I could try to get into this whole renaissance thing and just have fun today. Why not? She picks out a leather hunter green and brown oak queen bodice. Rhiannon runs her fingers across the imprint of autumn leaves on the epaulets and stomacher. Wow, this is beautifully made. She then chooses a dark green brocade circle skirt that matches, and a white Lady Jane chemise. This will definitely go well with the cape.

"Finding everything you need Milady?" The middle-aged woman known as Anne asks.

"Yes, thank you. Um...I'd like to take these. I'm working at Veronica's shop."

"Of course Milady." The older woman comments and smiles at Rhi's selections. "Ah, this outfit will look beautiful on you. I'll get you ringed up." She says as she takes the articles to the counter.

"Is there a shop where I can find shoes?" Rhiannon asks.

"Yes Milady. Just across the way. Jim makes fine footwear." She hands the wrapped package to the small woman.

"Thank you." She says and heads out to Jim's shop where she finds the perfect pair of brown leather boots there that reach mid-calf. With items in hand, she returns to Veronica's shop.

"Hey, I see you've bought some stuff," Veronica says excitedly.

"Yeah, I found a wonderful dress. Where can I get changed into it?"

"Go up the hill just past Whistler's Tavern and on the left are the porcelain bathrooms. They're the only kind on the grounds, so enjoy."

"Great." She responds sort of puzzled and wondering about her friend's side comment on the bathrooms, as she walks up the hill.

During this whole time, little does Rhiannon know that sapphire eyes are watching her. The tall dark figure can't help but wonder who this beauty is. What am I doing? This is ludicrous. I shouldn't be following her, and watching from afar like this. What has gotten into me? If she knew she would think me a complete freak. I better get back to the shop. Jordan returns and hangs the cape and hat back on the peg.

"So, who is she?" the young girl innocently asks.

"What?" Jordan spins around to face her. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, come off it Aunt Jordie." Amber gives her a sly smirk. "You just don't leave the shop to walk around. So tell me."

Jordan laughs at her niece's quick insight and at her own behavior just a couple of minutes ago. "Actually, I don't know who she is. I haven't seen her around before but she is working with Veronica."

"You mean across the way? The crystal and tarot shop?" The teenager takes a quick look in that direction, the bustle of patrons and customers fill the dirt road. She barely sees the wild redhead known as Veronica. 

"Come on Amber, we have stuff to do. I have swords to polish and there's some leather work for you." She puts a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of her later. It's not important."

"Oh, it has to be important for you to do what you did. Do you think you know her?" She faces the tall woman. "Someone from the past? Maybe the Fates are going to reveal it to you."

Jordan rolls her blue eyes at the girl's reasoning. "Your mother has been filling your mind with much of her Greek mythology, hasn't she?"

"I think reincarnation plays somewhere in this Jordie. I know you don't doubt mom's visions and knowledge. Look where it's brought you." Charcoal eyes look pleadingly at her Aunt.

"You have a point Shrimp, but enough of that for now. Let's get some work done." She sits at the bench outside the shop with a long sword and a cloth that had been dipped in polishing cream. Her thoughts wander a few years back to a conversation with her sister and the epiphanies that surfaced at the time.

"Jordan, I know what I'm talking about. Stop fighting it, please. Accept who you are. You were a knight in the Queen's army in another lifetime. Your protective qualities, your fighting spirit, your quest for justice, your gentlemanly mannerisms. I know what I see in my visions."

"Alright, alright. Can I ask you this? Was I a man or a woman back then."

"A woman. You were as butch as you are now for Christ's sake. And you were opposed by many because you were female. But there was a small band of knights who were your comrades and were proud to fight by your side. Jordan...something...happened back then. Your life was taken from you and it happened right after you found your soul mate. Because of this, the two of you will continue to seek each other in succeeding lifetimes."

"Oh, come on. A soul mate?" Her eyes suddenly widen. "Do you mean to say it's...?"

"Yes, it's her Jordan. I have seen here clearly."

"But she was lost to me eons ago." Jordan runs fingers through her silky black locks. "I know what I was in the beginning...the very beginning...before the time of Christ. I know that life so well," she sighs. A tear threatens to surface. "I miss the love I had, that we had. It was the only thing that saved me back then. But all these other lifetimes in between, and this thing of knights and kings, I just can't recall. And these dreams of a beautiful princess won't let me be."

Her sister lays her hands upon the tall woman's shoulders. "I know dear, but there's more. Regardless of your past, your soul mate seeks after you. Believe me. She will not stop until she finds you. Don't run from this. The past is the past, and sometimes we have to pay for it, but once payment is made, we can move on. Your life is different now. Don't continue suffering in every life. You deserve better. Your soul mate is your balance. She is going to bring light to the darkness."

Jordan hangs her head. "Is she the One, Delmar? Is she really my Love from long ago?"

"Yes, honey. She is the One. And she seeks after you."

Jordan is snapped out of her thoughts by a voice.

"That is a beautiful sword you have there. How much is it?" The young man with shaggy blond hair asks.

"It's two hundred. There are more inside if you'd like to look around." She motions him in.

"Thanks. Did you make these?" He asks as his eyes catch the glimmer of the other swords and rapiers and daggers on display.

*********************************************

"By the gods Rhi. You look fabulous. I love the outfit, and it's perfect with the cape." Veronica walks around her friend to catch the complete sight.

"Thanks. I do like it. I feel so medieval now."

"Wait," she quickly steps outside to stop a passing merchant carrying an array of flowers. "Here, this would look wonderful in your hair." She lays the garland of white flowers on Rhiannon's shoulder length shaggy strawberry blonde hair. "There. You look beautiful."

Rhi looks into the small mirror hanging on the wall near the pendants. She smiles at her own reflection and then an image flashes in her mind. She sees herself smiling into piercing azure eyes that look straight into her soul. 

"Rhi? Are you okay?" Veronica asks.

"Huh? Yeah, fine. That was weird I thought I saw something. So...um...what are you charging folks and how in depth of a reading do you want me to give?"

The hours pass as merchants work and sell their products, and flocks of visitors come to and fro enjoying all that the fairgrounds has to offer.

"Hey Rhi, let's close up and go get lunch. Oh and there's a jousting tournament down by the pond today. Let's check it out. I hear the knights put on quite a display." Veronica says as she wiggles her eyebrows.

Rhiannon laughs at her friend's statement. "Jousting, huh? Boy, this place really goes all out."

Veronica chuckles. "You should see the Queen's parade through the village! Come on, I know your stomach is growling."

****************************

The one called Black Knight is grateful for the young girl assisting with the clasps and buckles on the suit of armor. The girl pulls the jet-black hair into the style of a folded ponytail in order to keep it out of the way during the match, then she hands the knight the helmet. "Ready to win again Jordie?" Amber asks her aunt.

Jordan gives her a lopsided grin before her face is hidden behind the metal.

Veronica and Rhiannon fortunately find a front row seat near the Queen's box. Using her grounds badge to gain quick admittance, they make it just in time as the announcer begins his speech.

"Lords and Ladies. Welcome to the Renaissance Fair to see the knights of the Queen fight gallantly this day. We begin with a joust between the reigning champion and the Queen's chosen, the mysterious and ruthless, "Black Knight"; and the opponent Sir Langhley the Green Knight."

The audience looks out onto the dirt-covered ring to see a large black horse whose rider in black armor looks intimidating and menacing. A black jousting pole with purple and blue ribbons adorns the handle held in a metal grip.

The opponent is on top a palomino wearing a highly polished suit of armor that reflects a hint of green in the brilliant afternoon sun. His white pole sports green and gold ribbons and the top of his helmet has three green feathers shooting straight up.

The Queen stands to start the match, and leaning over the edge of her box lets go of her white lace handkerchief. As soon as it touches the ground, the two horses are prompted to charge at each other. The riders grip their poles tightly as they come closer. Suddenly... the hit is made and the Green Knight falls from his horse. In turn his pole breaks off in splinters upon impact on the Black Knight's chest. The crowd goes wild with cheers and clapping. 

Rhiannon has never seen anything like this in person, and is captivated by the show.

The announcer returns. "Lords and Ladies, the Black Knight wins this round. And now for the second, we have as our next opponent, Sir Dubois."

A silver armored knight upon a white horse readies himself with his jousting pole sporting gold and silver ribbons. Once again, the Queen drops the handkerchief and the horses charge toward each other at top speed. This time both riders fall from their horses upon impact. The crowd stands in wonder of what will happen. Four Pages enter the field. Two of them walk the horses off, and the other two present each knight with a sword. As they stand, the knights take the sword to face each other.

"Um...Ver, they're not really going to kill each other are they?"

"No, silly, its just part of the show. When both fall from their horses they have to fight with swords. They'll just knock each other around until only one stands as winner." Veronica answers as she watches the silver knight intently. She has had her eye on him for a couple of weekends already.

With their visors up, the knights duel. 

Watching the fight take place, Rhiannon suddenly has another memory flash in her mind. Two knights fight on a battlefield. There is carnage and smoke from small fires surrounding them. The silver knight somehow manages to pierce his opponent in the side. The black knight stumbles. Rhiannon gasps and clasps her hands over her mouth to keep from screaming. Suddenly the black knight swings the sword in a quick swooping arc that comes down upon the other knight's neck slicing through the weak part of the armor and becoming imbedded between neck and shoulder. The silver knight falls. Rhiannon runs up to the black knight who embraces her, and she looks into piercing blue eyes.

Coming back to her senses, Rhiannon finds herself at the edge of the battleground, only a few feet away from the knights. She watches the black knight, whose visor is now up, swing the sword ruthlessly and advance upon the silver knight quickly. 

Catching something in her peripheral vision, the black knight looks up to see the strawberry blonde staring at her. Rhiannon gasps upon seeing those same piercing blue eyes that she has seen before. "Those are the eyes from my dreams." She says under her breath.

While the black knight is distracted, the silver knight sees his open opportunity. He strikes the black knight's head in the blink of an eye, and the knight falls. The crowd stands to cheer.

Rhiannon runs up to the fallen knight. Veronica is on her friend's heels wondering what has gotten into Rhi. The winner is announced and the crowd begins to disperse. The small woman kneels at the knight's side and helps to pull off the helmet. Sea green eyes lock onto ocean blue and they hold each other's gaze in complete silence.


A Chance Affair



"Rhi, what's going on?" Veronica asks with concern in her voice. "Why did you run out here? I told you it's just a show."

The two figures pay no attention.

A gruff voice interrupts. "Good show Depardue. Let me give you a hand." The silver knight with long blond hair says to his friend. He puts out a hand and Jordan takes it.

On her feet again, she grabs the side of her head as a wave of dizziness hits her. "Were you trying to kill me Dubois?" she says sarcastically.

He chuckles and waves her off. "Oh you'll be alright. I've seen you take worse." He turns to walk off and catches the eye of the wild red head. He winks at her and continues walking.

"Are you alright?" Rhiannon asks softly.

Jordan looks at her; not believing this woman is standing here talking to her. She nods slowly.

"Let me see your head." Rhi takes the gloved hand away from the tall woman's head and sees a knot forming behind her presently red ear. "Well you're not bleeding but you're going to have a nasty headache." She turns to her friend. "Ver, I'll catch up to you in a bit if you don't mind."

"Sure Rhi. I'll see you back at the shop." She answers with a confused tone and turns to leave.

Looking back at the tall warrior, she says, "Let me help you. I'm sure it's not easy taking this ton of armor off, and I want to make sure you don't pass out."

Jordan being at a loss for words just nods her head.

Inside the battlefield tent, the young blonde motions for Jordan to sit on the bench. She kneels once again and begins unclasping the arm bracers.

Amber runs inside, talking a mile a minute. "Hey, I missed your performance, but I heard Dubois got you in the head." She then notices the woman assisting her aunt with the removal of the armor. "You okay, Jordie?"

"Yeah, I...uh...just got...um...distracted." She looks into green eyes, which are smiling at her.

Amber goes about the routine of taking the pieces of armor and placing them on the cart to be hauled out later.

"Amber, I'll meet you back at the shop. I believe...this...young woman is taking care of me just fine." She looks from green to charcoal eyes.

The teenager chuckles slightly. "Sure thing Jordie. I'll see you later." 

"My name is Rhiannon. My friends call me Rhi for short." The young woman says as she removes all of the padding and chain mail.

"I'm Jordan." The tall woman now stands there only in her sportbra, boxer shorts and socks.

Rhiannon takes in the obviously muscular body, the broad shoulders, and the tanned skin, and her body reacts to what she sees. A fire begins to burn at her nether regions, and she can feel the redness crawl up her cheeks, so she quickly turns away. Clearing her throat, she asks, "Are your clothes in here somewhere?"

Jordan smiles knowing the young woman saw something she liked. "Yes, they're right behind the partition." She steps behind it to dress while Rhiannon sits on the bench.

Rhiannon thinks about what she should do now. Those damn eyes are haunting me. What do I say? Oh by the way, I've been dreaming about you for some time. Yeah, right. She is snapped out of her reverie when she feels sapphire crystals heating her flesh. Looking up she sees Jordan dressed handsomely in costume. "By the gods," she says throatily. 

Not thinking about her actions or the reasoning behind it, Jordan approaches and kneels directly in front of the young woman and looks into the angelic face.

Rhiannon reaches out a small hand to brush the tips of her fingers ever so lightly down the dark woman's cheek. "Do I...know you...from somewhere?" She absentmindedly asks aloud.

Jordan speaks softly. "I think...we've known...each other forever."

"Yes," she whispers in response. Her fingers trace across pink lips that entice her. Without further thought they lean forward and lips touch. The heat of scorching flames pass between them. Rhiannon moans as she feels a tongue glide across her bottom lip. Opening her mouth, the kiss deepens with tongues caressing each other. The thought that passes through her mind is...I'm home.

Jordan's mind screams to her soul, It's Her. She is forced to break the kiss suddenly as a searing pain makes itself known. She clutches her head.

"Let's get you back to the shop." Rhiannon says. "I have some Excedrin there." She helps the tall warrior to her feet. 

Upon returning, Rhiannon searches through her bag for the pills. "Here you go." She also hands the dark woman a bottle of water. "Have you eaten?"

Jordan shakes her head no.

"Well how about I bring some food to your shop? Where is it?"

"Just across the path. The sword and leather shop." Jordan points over the heads of the masses walking across the way.

"Okay, do you think you can make it there alright?"

Jordan frowns at her lightheartedly. "I've been hurt worse in the past. You don't need to do this."

Rhiannon looks at her. She cups a cheek in her palm, and the warrior leans into the touch. "Please. I want to. I...need to."

The dark woman takes hold of the hand and kisses the tender skin on the palm. "I'll see you later then." She says, and turns to walk into the crowd.

"Shit Rhi, what was that display at the tournament and just now all about? What's going on with you? Spill it." Veronica says with fists on her hips.

The strawberry blonde grins from ear to ear. "I will, but first I need to fetch some food for my warrior." She decides to forego the cape by hanging it on a peg behind the counter since the day has become warmer, and she walks out with a wink to her friend.

"Warrior? She said 'my warrior'? Oh, boy, this is going to be good." She turns to tend to a customer who just walked in.

******************************************

"You holding up the fort Amber?" Jordan asks from the doorway.

The teenager beams at her aunt. "Just fine. So you wanna tell me about the blonde?"

"Uh...maybe...later." Jordan says with a smirk. Grabbing a short sword, she inspects the design on the blade to make sure all of the polish is off. 

An older woman walks in checking out the leather satchels. 

Jordan returns to the bench outside and closes her eyes. Minutes later she feels a warm presence next to her. Lips reach up to kiss her on the cheek, and opening her eyes she looks down into a smiling face.

"Here's some food. I hope it's enough, and I brought a tankard of ale."

Jordan looks at the array of chicken and beef kabobs, cheese fritters, and garlic mushrooms. "Looks great, thank you."

"I hope you don't think I go around kissing any beautiful woman when I first meet her." Rhi says with a tinge of guilt.

Jordan eyes her with deep sincerity and compassion. "No, I don't think that at all. Plus, I approached you...felt compelled to...like something was pulling me towards you.."

"I know what you mean. It's like we just had to...like we just haven't seen each other for a while...like a hello kiss after being apart for some time."

"Yeah, exactly." She takes a bite of a beef kabob, while the two of them contemplate what happened earlier.

Rhi breaks the short silence. "I wish I could stick around longer but I need to get back to help Veronica. The shop has gotten rather busy now. Maybe I'll see you later?"

Jordan looks deeply into green pools, and gently brushes her index finger down the young woman's lips. "Have dinner with me tonight?"

Rhiannon's lips part as she slowly nods under half lidded eyes.

"Meet me by the cluster of trees down the field on the west side of the gate at closing time." She places a gentle kiss upon the lips before her.

The strawberry blonde agrees as she stands on week knees and returns to the tarot shop.

Jordan chuckles at her own playful teasing on the young woman.

****************************

"I'm happy for you Jordie. I can hardly wait to tell mom tonight. I know she'll be ecstatic." Amber declares as she closes the shutters and latches them.

Jordan eyes her niece suspiciously. "I tell you about this afternoon's events, and right away you seem very sure of this." She places a lock on the cases containing the swords before continuing. "What's this all about Shrimp? You don't even know the woman."

"Jordie, I just know. And I know what you feel about her. You believe she's the One. You keep forgetting or pretending to forget that mom is Wiccan. And I am a product of my mother. I may not have her visions but I feel things."

The tall woman looks at her niece with a frown. "You mean like an empath?"

"Yeah, I guess. I've been talking with mom about these changes I've been experiencing, and she is going to introduce me to someone who can guide me."

"How long have you been having these feelings?" Jordan asks curiously.

"Can't recall exactly. Maybe a couple of months already." Amber pulls out the money box from below the counter and hands it to her aunt. "When it first started it was all kind of jumbled. Kinda of like someone flipping through the TV channels quickly. And I thought I was going nuts, but then I did a relaxation technique that mom taught me, and the feelings started coming in clearer. Slowly I was able to distinguish a couple of them. But there is so much more I need to learn about it."

"Okay Shrimp, you tell your ma about today and we'll see what she says." She slaps a large hand on Amber's shoulder. "I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning."

"Okay, bye."

"Oh, Shrimp? Thanks for all your work today."

Amber gives her a lopsided grin and walks out.

****************************

"Ver, now that I've told you everything, I need you to do me a favor." Rhiannon requests as she sits at the small wooden table.

"Sure, what's up?" Veronica sits to join her.

"I would like a reading, and you're the only one I can trust to do it right and honestly." Hands lying flat on the small table, her stance is imploring.

"Are you sure Rhi?" The redhead surprisingly asks, knowing that Rhiannon was never really interested in tarot cards in the past.

"Yes, I need to know why there is this intensity between us. Is she really the one in my dreams?" In exasperation, she puts her face in her hands. "I don't want to have any regrets." 

"Okay, okay Rhi. I'll do it. Don't worry." She pulls Rhiannon's hands away and squeezes them light as she smiles to indicate everything will be fine. Taking the cards from the black velvet drawstring pouch, she shuffles them, and begins the lay out. She looks at each one carefully, and exclaims, "By the gods."

"What? What do you see?" Rhiannon notices her friend's brown eyes widen in surprise or horror. She wasn't sure which.

"Sweetie, calm down. It's not bad. Really, it's...I'm...just...surprised at what I'm seeing. Um...it seems the two of you have known each other for a very long time." She looks up into green eyes before continuing. "Before the medieval times. I mean a long time. Like before Christ."

"What?" The short woman asks with surprise and confusion in her voice.

"Rhi, the cards indicate that you have been lovers since the beginning. See the Lovers card here?" She points it out to her friend. "The placement of this card in the reading indicates she is your soul mate." She then points to the card of the High Priestess, and the Knight of Swords. "I remember you telling me about strange dreams that you've been having for years. This indicates that you were dreaming about her in a particular time period. Didn't you say you always saw knights fighting?" 

"Yeah, that's right." Rhiannon answers enthralled with what she is hearing.

Veronica lays a few more cards down, and the Death card pops up. "It shows that she was taken from you. Rhi she was murdered by an enemy and the two of you were not able to live out your lives. As a result she has been searching for you and apparently you have been searching for her. You just didn't know it until now." She looks into green eyes as if searching for more truth. "I guess it was blocked from your mind."

A few teardrops run down the small woman's cheeks, and she wipes them away with the back of her hand. "I guess it makes sense but it's difficult to believe."

"Sweetie, I know this is really a lot to take in. We can talk more about it later, okay?" Veronica reaches out and hugs her friend.

Rhiannon quickly looks at her watch and realizes then that she is late. "Oh, no. I have to go. I'm supposed meet Jordan. Do I look okay?" She runs small hands through short locks of shaggy blonde hair.

"You look beautiful. Have a great time." Veronica admonishes with a smile.

******************************

The tall woman now dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans, black boots, and a tan buttoned shirt that is untucked, waits on the hood of the vehicle. The Land Rover Freelander is high enough to allow her to see the young blonde coming from a distance. She takes a look at her watch. 7:30pm. Glancing up again, she sees the crown of a blonde head come near the cluster of trees, so she hops down.

Rhiannon stops by a tree for a moment, and leans against it. Trying to regain her composure after all that her friend told her, she wipes at her face. Okay, don't cry Rhiannon, get yourself together. 

"Are you alright?" Comes the deep sensual voice from behind her. She turns to be captured in strong arms embracing her body and soul. Jordan wonders what happened to make her new friend emotional.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Um...just don't want to talk about it now. But I will tell you later."

Jordan looks into emerald eyes as she wipes the cheeks dry with her thumb. "Okay." She says hesitantly, and then leads the small woman to the black SUV. 

They pull up into the lot of the Outback Steakhouse just down the road from the fairgrounds. They are escorted to a booth, and sitting down, they take a look at their menus.

Rhiannon is oddly feeling nervous. What the hell? Why do I feel nervous? I feel...almost scared --- but of what? Maybe it's because my soul mate is sitting across from me? Jeez, I can't believe I'm thinking that. Gods I'm suddenly remembering so much from my dreams. But Ver said we've known each other from the beginning, and yet 'us' living before that, I have no recollection.

"Rhi? Rhiannon? Are you alright?" Jordan asks.

"Huh? Uh...yeah. I just...got lost in my thoughts." With embarrassment surfacing, she puts the menu down, grateful the waitress is there to take their orders. 

A few minutes of silence pass. Each woman is wondering what to say now.

Rhiannon finally finds the courage to start. "So what is your occupation at the fair?"

"Blacksmith. I make the weapons I sell." Azure eyes look deeply into the young woman's soul. A small sly smirk plays at the corners of her mouth.

"I...see. That explains your...uh...," gulp, "muscular build." Rhiannon feels the heat penetrating right through her being. Gods, I want to touch her...feel her. Damn it, those eyes are going to be the death of me. "Um...you need to stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?" Jordan asks innocently. She realizes the torture she is putting the small blonde through, but she can't help herself. She clearly feels that this dance of seduction is not the first for them.

Rhiannon breaks the gaze by looking away, and quickly answers. "Like a panther about ready to pounce on her prey."

A big smile forms on Jordan's face, but she's quick to hide it again. "I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable."

"Okay ladies, here are your appetizers." The waitress interrupts and lays the plates on the table.

The two women dive into the Buffalo wings and the blooming onion while they drink their beers. Rhiannon is grateful for their food coming just in time. She didn't think she could tolerate Jordan's intense gaze.

"And what is your part at the fair?" Asks Jordan.

"I'm just helping Veronica at her shop. Doing sales mostly, but I'll also read palms when she needs me to. She does Tarot readings."

"You truly read palms?" Jordan questions seeking to know the extent of knowledge the small woman has.

"Yes. I'm...um...Ver and I are...Wiccan. So, yeah I do read."

The waitress returns with their dinners. "Chicken and pasta Alfredo is for?"

Rhiannon raises her hand.

"And here's your medium steak, garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables." She sets the plate in front of Jordan. "Anything else I can get you at this time?"

They shake their heads no.

Once she leaves, Jordan adds in hoping to make the woman more comfortable, "My sister and niece are Wiccan."

"Really?" Rhiannon asks excitedly. "Well that puts me more at ease. I was kind of worried about your reaction."

"Did you think I would run out into the night yelling 'witch'?" Jordan questions lightheartedly.

Rhi chuckles. "Maybe."

"That would be too immature and closed-minded of me. Believe me, I know all about Wicca. My sister is very dedicated to her beliefs. I've gotten used to her and my niece, and their ways in going about their lives."

"And what does your brother think about? Being married to her?"

With eyes downcast, Jordan sadly says, "He's dead."

"Oh, Jordan, I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."

"It's okay. It happened many years ago. He and Delmar were only married for a year. Delmar got pregnant, and they were as happy as clams. The day that Amber was born, we were all at the hospital taking turns holding her and cooing. Heh, you know how silly adults can be around a baby."

Rhiannon solemnly nods.

"Well, David was holding her when he got a great idea. He pulled me to the side and told me his plan to surprise Delmar with a rocking chair that she's been wanting for a while. His idea was to go purchase it and bring it home, so that when he brought mother and daughter home, she would be surprised." She begins to pick at the mashed potatoes before continuing. "He handed Amber back to Delmar, and right at that moment, Delmar swore she had a vision. She grew very scared and pleaded with him not to leave the hospital, and that she needed to talk to him. But he insisted he had to run an important errand and that they could talk when he returned. He never returned. On his way back to the hospital after dropping off the rocker, a semi-truck, whose driver had fallen asleep at the wheel rear ended him on highway 47, and they both collided into the cement pillars under the interstate 90 bridge. He died instantly upon impact." 

"Oh how terrible. I'm so sorry." She reaches out a hand to grab hold of the larger one across the table. Her heart goes out to her friend as they sit in silence.

Not wanting to dwell on such depressing events, Jordan says, "Um, you asked if we know each other, and...I believe it's very possible. Delmar has told me that my other half is out there searching for me and I her. She said I would know her when I look into her eyes."

Emerald green eyes lock onto sapphire blue. Rhiannon gulps audibly. "And...have you...found...her?" She asks nervously already knowing the answer.

Jordan leans closer, looking deeply, searchingly in jade eyes. "Yes." 

That one word alone consumes Rhiannon's heart. She lets out the breath she didn't realize she was holding. "I...want to talk further of this, but not in public. Would you mind if we talk at my place?"

A black eyebrow inches up Jordan's forehead. "Not at all."

***************

"Would you like something to drink?" Rhiannon asks as she turns on the lamp near the couch.

"No, thanks. I'm fine." Jordan takes a seat.

"I have something I'd like to tell you."

"Alright." Jordan responds somewhat suspiciously.

"Veronica did a tarot reading for me. Um...about us."

"Oh, really?"

Rhiannon sits facing Jordan with one bare foot tucked under her butt. Pushing a lock of hair behind her ear, she continues, "Yeah. You're probably going to think it's weird but she told me we're soul mates and that we've been together from the beginning of time."




A Chance Affair



"Oh, okay." 

"And I have to confess that I've been dreaming about you...well dreaming about a tall woman with black hair and intense blue eyes." Rhiannon rolls her eyes to look away in order to continue. Fixing her gaze on some unimportant book on a shelf, she says, "In Veronica's reading I figured out it's you I've been seeing. But I only remember pieces of just one time period. That of the 15th Century."

"Ahh." Jordan casually comments.

A sandy brown eyebrow works it's way up Rhiannon's forehead, and she nervously asks. "Is this freaking you out?"

"Actually, no." Jordan gently grips Rhi's small hand in her own. Placing a soft kiss on the inside of the wrist, she says, "Delmar has told me strikingly similar things...and it was all before I even met you today."

"Oh." She looks down at their joined hands for a moment. "Wow."

"Yeah."

Rhiannon then asks, "May I read your palm?"

"Sure."

They exchange smiles, and she begins to look at the lines. "Well, your life line is long. That's good." She chuckles but then frowns as she notices another line. "Your past has been filled with a lot of pain. And in all of it..." Green eyes grow wide. "My gods it's truly here." She says in an exasperated whisper.

"What?" Jordan asks gently.

Green eyes look into glowing blue. "Your soul has been in turmoil because you've been incomplete. But this connection here," she touches the spot with an index finger, "indicates two souls becoming one." A tear falls down small cheeks from the build up of emotions within.

Jordan wipes at the tear with a free thumb. Leaning forward, she gently kisses the soft lips before her.

Rhiannon moans at the feel of a tongue brushing across her top teeth. Their tongues meet and dance against each other. They part only when the need for air becomes apparent. The blonde suddenly looks at the clock. 12:30am "Damn, it's late and we have to be up so early to start another day at the fair. Um...you're welcome to sleep here. I'll feel terrible if you drive home at this hour and wind up having less sleep because of it."

A small smile plays at the corner of Jordan's mouth. "Anything you wish."

Rhiannon takes her hand and leads her to the bedroom. "The bathroom is right through there. I'm going to get changed."

Jordan nods and watches her retreat to the other room. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she removes her boots and socks. She unbuckles her belt and pants and they fall to the floor. As she kicks them off, she undoes her shirt, then pulls off the sportbra. Folding back the blanket, she crawls in and lies on her back. Without intending to she instantly falls asleep.

Rhiannon finishes brushing her teeth and changes into a nightshirt. Returning to the bedroom she notices the deep even breathing of the tall warrior. She smiles at the half naked body sprawled out. Crawling in next to her, she perches her head on a strong shoulder and drapes an arm across a taut stomach. "If I wasn't so sleepy I would suck your nipples and make you moan." She says softly. 

Instinctively, in her sleep, Jordan pulls the small woman half on top of her and wraps her securely within safe arms.

***********************

The castle gardens are beautiful in the cool evening as the sun sets over the horizon. A young blonde with long flowing hair sits at a stone bench enjoying wonderful scents of the flowers and the natural beauty around her. The elegant gown she wears is an indication of her royalty.

Out of nowhere, a sensually, deep yet soft voice speaks from behind her. "A beautiful rose for a beautiful woman."

She turns to see the tall dark figure holding a large red rose, and she smiles.

"May I join you, your Highness?"

"Of course." The young woman says.

The dark figure sits down and hands her the rose. Recognizable green eyes look into piercing blue. Leaning forward, their lips lock in a kiss full of passion and fervor. 

Suddenly a shrill cry into the silent night air breaks them apart with a fright..

"GUARDS!!" yells the bearded man who stands only a few feet away from them. "How dare you take liberties with the Princess! And you being a woman!" He shakes his finger angrily at the dark figure and exclaims, "She was promised to me...and I WILL have her."

The guards enter the gardens along with the King who has been roused from his chamber.

"What is going on here?" the King asks.

The bearded man responds. "This...this...filth of a knight has taken liberties with the Princess when she is to be married to me. Now she is tainted and worse yet a sinner for engaging with a woman in such a manner."

The King, upset at the situation that his step-daughter has been publicly caught with his own esteemed knight, and is being accused in front of everyone. He lowers his head in defeat, not wanting to see the penetrating blue eyes of his niece and Champion. With a heavy heart, and a tear in his eye, he softly says, "Guards, take this knight away to the dungeon."

"No!" exclaims the bearded man. "I want vengeance. You," he points to the knight, "and I will fight tomorrow. Swords. I will meet you in the battlefield." And he storms off.

The King dismisses the guards so that only the three of them remain. He steps up to the knight, and speaking closely in her ear, he questions her. "How could you do this? You assured me you would keep to yourself."

She looks at her beloved and answers softly. "Love has overtaken my heart. It has consumed me day and night. There is not an hour that passes of which I do not think of love and loving the one who holds my heart."

"There is nothing I can do for you. My hands are now tied. Do you understand? This has now been made public. My new Queen will not be all too happy with the news of you courting her daughter. You will have to face the consequences of the duel tomorrow."

"I understand your Highness. I accept it all for love."

"May god be with you my champion knight and beloved niece."

The following day after a brief interlude with the princess where they declared their hearts to each other, the knight awaits her opponent in the field.

Meanwhile, the Princess stands hidden behind a patch of trees to watch her lover.

A page enters the field with a water bucket upon the bearded man's command, and offers some water to the knight, who gladly takes it to cool her parched throat.

The second knight then appears with sword in hand, ready to battle his enemy. The page leaves and they begin the duel. As the fight ensues, the black knight begins to feel lightheaded and dizzy. Wondering what's going on yet trying to shake it off, she continues to fight.

The Princess notices something is wrong as the black knight stumbles a couple of times, as if in a confused state. Suddenly the striking blow comes without warning and the black knight falls. The Princess screams and runs to her beloved. She removes the helmet, and with tears in her eyes, she begs, "Please don't leave me. I just found you"

Blue eyes look up at her. With what little breath she has left she says, "Love you...always." She coughs up some blood and her last word is, "Poison". Growing weaker, her life force seeps out of her body.

The Princess sobs uncontrollably upon her love's chest.

An evil laugh is heard in the background. The other knight pulls off his helmet, and declares, "I have defeated this devil who calls herself Black Knight."

By nightfall the princess and the slain body of the knight disappear from the castle grounds. For weeks search parties were sent out to find the princess, but it was all to no avail.

*****************

Two figures awaken with a start in the early morning light, and frighteningly look at each other.

"You...dreamt the same thing, didn't you?" Rhiannon states with concern. Her hands are slightly shaking from the nightmare.

"I guess this confirms what happened." Jordan runs her fingers through black locks. She looks at the clock. 5:30am. "Are you gonna be okay?" She asks as she puts an arm around Rhi's shoulder."

"Yeah...I'm okay. It was just so real."

"I know."

Uh...if you don't mind, I'd like to use your shower to help shake this off."

"Of course."

Jordan steps under the spray allowing the stream of hot water to relax her muscles. While rinsing off, her mind wanders to small hands belonging to a certain blonde. She imagines the hands on her heated skin, and her body shivers slightly at the sudden feeling of arousal. Long fingers slide through the wet folds of her sex as she continues to imagine Rhiannon touching her. Leaning against the shower wall with one hand, she begins to rub her clit, wanting to release all of her pent up sexual energy.

Silently the bathroom door opens, and in steps the young blonde, intending to...actually she doesn't know why she entered the bathroom. What she does know is that she felt compelled to. She hears the heavy breathing and the groans coming from the shower. Having to brace herself at the sink so as not to fall from weak knees upon hearing Jordan's groans, she looks into the half fogged up mirror and recalls the similar sounds she heard from a dream of the two of them. Wanting to make that dream a reality, she slides open the glass shower door to Jordan's surprise, and steps in.

The tall woman is not sure what to think. The object of her desire stands naked now before her. Blue and green eyes lock onto one another.

"Please," the young woman pleads. "I want you."

More than happy to grant her the request, Jordan pushes her up against the wall with a passion infused kiss. Large hands move up to gently cup Rhi's breasts. 

A moan escapes the young blonde's throat at the feel of her nipples hardening within Jordan's palms. Breaking the kiss, Rhiannon moves down to swallow a dark nipple.

Jordan throws her head back at the delicious contact of her love's mouth. She then feels strong fingers stroking the folds of her dripping sex. Two fingers slip inside, and she cries out. "Ahhh. Mmm." Jordan follows the blonde's actions by inserting two long fingers inside of Rhiannon.

The young woman breaks her suction from Jordan's breast to cry out. "Oh gods."

Jordan feels the slick walls contract around her fingers and she begins rubbing the engorged clit with her thumb. 

Rhiannon arches back pushing her hand and hips harder against her lover. "Gods, yes." 

The dark woman takes advantage of the firm supple breasts in front of her by closing her mouth around a rock hard nipple. Biting down on it gingerly brings Rhi over the edge first

"OOHHH...GODS...AAHHH!!"

Without skipping a beat she pumps into Jordan harder as she rides out her own orgasm. Once she strokes the dark woman's clit, Jordan's body tenses. "Gods...Rhi...F-U-C-K."

They continue to pump into each other until their screams of release echo with each other's name.

The tall woman embraces her tightly and lovingly, and turning them around so that Rhiannon is under the spray of water, she begins washing the strawberry blonde. Once finished they return to the room. Jordan lies on top of the small body, and they kiss with abandon while hands roam freely upon smooth skin. Jordan slides down to suckle a succulent creamy breast. 

"Oh Jordan," Rhiannon whispers as her hands find purchase in the tall woman's raven hair. 

Jordan then continues to move lower. Showering kisses and gentle love bites on a taut stomach, she reaches the apex of golden curls. The scent of the sweet ambrosia of Rhi's pussy is mesmerizing to her senses. She feels a sudden swoon as she inhales this love drug. Not being able to hold back any longer, she buries her face within the slick folds and moans at the taste of the sweet cream.

Rhiannon's hips rise at the onslaught of Jordan's mouth. She grips the pillow beneath her head with her right hand as her left hand takes residence at the back of Jordan's head encouraging her on.

Jordan's long arms slide up to play with the strawberry blonde's nipples, pinching and twisting them between thumbs and forefingers. Her tongue first circles the bundle of nerves then pulls it between teeth to flick it with the tip of her warm muscle.

"Oh...yes...Ah ah ahhh." Rhiannon's body tenses as the orgasm takes over. 

Jordan holds her lover tenderly as she rides out the spasms. 

They roll onto their sides, and Rhi buries her face into a soft neck as she cries. Feeling the tears on her skin, Jordan notices that she too has a few tears of her own coming down. A long finger hooks under a small chin so that ocean blue eyes can look into sea green.

"I can't believe it's you." Rhiannon sniffles and wipes her nose with the back of a hand.

"I've missed you." Jordan declares.

"Oh, gods Jordan." The small woman sobs harder. "I love you." She muffles into her neck.

"I love you too Little One."

They hold each other until the tears cease, and the morning sun announces its way through the window.

***************

Blue eyes flutter open, and looking over at the clock, she curses under her breath. She runs fingers through the shaggy blonde locks upon her chest. "Little One, we must get up."

"No...stay...sleep." Rhiannon mumbles.

"I wish we could but it's 7:30am, and we have to get to the fairgrounds. We're already running late." She manages to untangle herself from under the blonde's grip. Taking care of business in the bathroom, she returns to get her clothes.

"I have shorts you can use." Rhiannon says as she hops up from the bed. Searching through a drawer, she pulls out a pair of purple paisley boxers. "Here," she hands them to the tall woman, "I've only ever used them to sleep in. I'm sure they'll fit."

"Thanks." Sliding them on, Jordan finishes getting dressed while Rhiannon makes use of the bathroom.

Ready to go, Jordan waits for her by the SUV. She watches Rhiannon lock the door, and saunter towards her in a sexually satisfied way. With a sly smile on her lips, she gladly receives the soul-searing kiss from her lover.

***********************

"So, how was it?" Veronica asks first without so much as a 'good morning'.

"Damn Ver, good morning to you too."

"Oh, alright, morning Rhiannon. Did you have a lovely evening? I know you two did the wild thing. So, tell me about it."

The small woman turns to face her with a shocked expression on her face. "And how do you know that?"

"Because there's a wonderful glow about you, and...I read it in the cards." Ver says with a huge grin.

"You are absolutely incorrigible." Rhiannon says with a laugh.

The wild redhead wiggles her eyebrows. "But you love me anyway. So, talk to me."

************************

"Morning Jordie." Amber calls out as she comes up the pathway.

Jordan is leaning against the doorframe with arms locked across her chest and legs crossed at the ankles. "Morning Amber." She returns to looking at a certain beautiful blonde at the tarot shop.

The teenager stands next to her, looks in the direction her aunt is staring in and smiles. "Ma said she's going to stop by around lunch time. She wants to meet Rhiannon."

Jordan is snapped out of her thoughts. "What?"

"I told her last night what I knew and she went into one of her trance like states for a minute. Upon coming out of it, tears started streaming down her face. She said she is so happy for you."

"What did she see in her trance?" Jordan curiously asks.

"I don't know. She said she will talk to the both of you today." Amber heads over to her bench to finish some leather work.

Jordan runs a hand through her black locks. Delmar, what are you planning to do? Damn, I wish you wouldn't be so mysterious sometimes. She sighs and decides to begin her work.

Sometime before lunch, Rhiannon walks across to the sword shop. Entering it, she notices Jordan is busy with a customer so she looks around. She admires the craftsmanship of the various swords she sees on display. Approaching the counter, she notices a pair of Sais sitting on a stand on the shelf against the wall. Her brow furrows, and she can't help but feel drawn to them.

"Hi. Can I help you?" Amber asks politely.

Rhiannon smiles at the teenager. "You must be Amber. I'm Rhiannon. I work with Veronica at the tarot shop."

"Oh yeah I remember seeing you yesterday in the tent, and Jordan's been talking about you." She looks over Rhi's shoulder checking if her aunt is finished with the older man. "Jordie should be done soon. You're welcomed to look around. If there is anything in particular you'd like to see more closely, just let me know."

"Yes, actually, may I see the Sais? They are absolutely beautiful." She points to the shelf.

"Of course." Amber brings the pair down and lays them on the counter. "It's the only pair that Jordan has ever made. She has received some offers for them, but she's been reluctant to sell them."

Rhiannon now feels a stronger connection towards the weapons. As she grasps one in each hand, they feel as if they have always belonged to her for a long time. Without thinking, she automatically crosses them into the shape of an 'X' and immediately her focus is drawn to the center of it. Repressed memories flood her mind like a tidal wave. The clashing of swords in the heat of battle. The god of war desiring to make purchase of the dark warrior. Blood lust. The battle at Troy. Traveling by ship to the land of Chin. Going to the land of the dead to rescue her beloved. Trying to prevent a war between the Amazons and the Centaurs. Being crowned queen of the Amazons. Traveling to India. Her body jerks from the onslaught.

Amber becomes concerned as she watches the young woman go into a trance of some kind. She motions for Jordan to come over as soon as the customer leaves. 

The tall woman approaches noticing the Sais in Rhiannon's hands. Her eyes widen in anticipation because her love seems frozen to the spot with the weapons in front of her face. From behind, Jordan places her hands upon small shoulders, and whispering in her ear, she asks, "Rhiannon what is it?"

Rhiannon snaps out of the trance, and with tears running down her face, she turns to look into azure eyes. The young blonde's voice cracks as she tries to speak. "I...I...remember. Everything."

Blue and green eyes pierce each other's souls.

"I know who we are...Xena."

Jordan drops to her knees finding it difficult to believe what she just heard. Tears begin to cascade down her cheeks.

"By the gods...sweet Artemis." Delmar, who has just arrived to catch the last bit of what happened, says from the doorway.

All three women look at her in surprise.

"Amber, close the shop doors. We need to have a meeting."

"Yes, mother." The teenager answers, and begins shutting everything and puts the 'closed for lunch' sign on the outside door.

The two lovers are holding each other tightly while on their knees as they cry into each other's shoulder.

"Jordan dear, let's gather around the benches." Delmar asks softly.

The dark woman nods and stands pulling her lover up with her. Delmar lights a few candles she finds behind the counter to allow them some light. The lovers sit on a bench next to each other while Amber clears off a small wooden table to move in front of them. She takes a seat along with her mother.

"Hello Dear," the older woman says to Rhiannon. "My name is Delmar. I take it you may know a little bit about me already as I do you?"

The blonde nods. "It's nice to meet you."

"You are exactly as I envisioned you." The older woman smiles. "Now, I'm sure you both want to know what's going on, and everything I assure you will be answered in time." Older charcoal eyes meet the blue and green ones looking back at her. "First things first." She pulls a tarot deck from her cloak that is wrapped in a purple velvet cloth, and begins shuffling them. She then lays ten of the cards out in the design of a Celtic cross. Without looking at the two women, she says, "You two belong to each other. The gods of old purposely created your spirits only for each other. It may mean that one or both of you were a chosen child of a god or goddess, and as a result you have been given this blessing. Yes, I know it may seem as a curse but it's not. There are so many out there that search for someone who completely understands them. Someone who is their soul mate, and they die without ever finding that one person. But the two of you will always find one another. It may not be early in life, or something may go wrong and one of you is taken from the other, but without fail you will meet and be happy at some point. Do you understand what I'm saying?"




A Chance Affair



Finding what she says to be fascinating, they both nod, not knowing how else to respond.

"Jordan and Rhiannon, you already know what happened during the Middle Ages. A jealous enemy took Jordan's life by trickery and you were not able to live your lives together as it was meant to be. This nagging memory is what brought you two together now." She looks at the cards in front of her. "This enemy, unfortunately will follow you throughout the ages. The hatred and anger emanating from this individual is what brings them back every time. Just like the love you have for one another brings you back time and again."

"Who is this enemy?" Rhiannon asks.

"Ares." Jordan states plainly.

The young woman looks between blue eyes and those the color of coal. "Ares, the god of war?"

Delmar nods. "This enemy comes as a female and sometimes as a male. The problem that he has sometimes in not finding the two of you is because his selfish nature blinds him. He falters, messes up and gets caught. Those are the times that the two of you have lived fully into old age." She picks up the cards to put them back in the deck. "Are there any questions?"

"I'm still in shock over all of this coming out in the open. I can't think of any questions right now. But I'm sure later I will." Jordan looks to her lover.

"Same here. I need time to digest it all."

"Well then, Amber and I will head out to Whistler's Tavern for lunch. We'll see the two of you later." She stands up. "Rhiannon," She holds out her arms and embraces the young woman, "Welcome home." 

The lovers stand together by the window in silence as they watch mother and daughter leave. Jordan faces the strawberry blonde, and running an index finger softly down the side of her face, she says, "I love you so much that my heart threatens to explode."

Rhiannon leans forward to kiss the hollow of the warrior's throat. "I love you too. And I intend to show you every day with my whole being."

A stomach suddenly grumbles loudly in the room.

"I guess we should feed the little monster in there." Jordan points to the blonde's belly.

Rhi playfully slaps her hand away. Suddenly her lips are captured in a passionate kiss that leaves her panting when it's finished.

"Let's go, Little One. Starting tonight, we'll have time to reacquaint ourselves with each other." She says as she takes the small hand in her own.

*******************

"Rhi, I was wondering what happened with you. You've been gone quite a while. I thought you were just going to the bathroom? Are you okay?" Ver asks.

"Yep. In fact I'm feeling pretty awesome. Let me tell you what happened." Rhiannon takes a seat at the table while there aren't any customers in the shop, and shares the story of meeting Delmar and the revelations that unfolded.

*****************

By early evening Jordan paces the floor. She can no longer wait for seven o'clock in order to shut down. The fact that she made two thousand dollars selling two long swords, two short swords and a dagger, doesn't matter to her.

"Jordie?" Amber calls out as she closes and locks the shutters. 

"Yeah."

Amber smiles because this is the first time she has seen her aunt come across as not having it together. "Here's the cash box. It's time to go. Are you going to bring the Land Rover around to load it?"

Jordan looks at her watch. 6:53pm "Oh yeah, of course. I'll be right back." She sprints down the road. Taking a short cut by the pond, she hops into the vehicle. As she pulls up in front of the shop she sees Rhiannon sitting on the bench by the doorway. "Hi," she says with a huge grin.

"Hi yourself." The blonde stands to kiss her. "I forgot to tell you that I have the next few days off. So if you're not busy, I thought we could...."

"I would love to. Whatever it is, as long as it's with you."

"You're off from work too?" Rhi asks.

"I work from home. It's nice being my own boss." She says with a smirk into green eyes.

"How nice." Rhi comments with a smile.

"Jordie, I'm leaving now. I put everything I could carry into the SUV. I'll see you two next weekend." She winks mischievously at them.

"Thanks Shrimp. You did a great job this weekend. I'll see you later." 

"Bye Amber. It was nice meeting you." Rhi adds as the young teenager walks off.

Amber gives her the thumbs up as she continues, on her way.

Jordan takes one last look in the shop, and picks up two broadswords in their cases to place in the vehicle. Locking the shop doors, she hops in the SUV.

Rhiannon is gazing intently at the pair of Sais that was left in the passenger seat. Her small fingers stroke the weapon from top to bottom. "You did a beautiful job on these."

Jordan looks at her, and confidently states, "They're yours."

"Oh no, you don't have to..."

The tall woman cuts her off. "When I made them, it was like I had to. It was the first time I dreamt of you. That dream haunted me for almost a year so I went ahead and made the Sais. There was no way I could part with them. Had I sold them, it would not have been right." She places a hand on top of Rhiannon's. "They are yours."

"Thank you." She puts the weapons back in their case. "I absolutely love them. I'll be able to make use of them at work."

Jordan frowns. "You need them at work?"

"I teach Aikido to children and teens during the school year."

"Ah, a Sensei. How long have you been studying the art?"

"Hmm, it's been ten years already. I very much enjoy it. And I like working with the kids. It gives me joy to teach them an art that isn't violent. I've seen many kids over the years who were once very timid and scared, walk away confident in themselves and more outgoing."

"Sounds wonderful. Well, I guess that explains the days off." She smiles at the strawberry blonde.

"Could we stop by my place so I can get a duffel bag together?"

A dark eyebrow arches up under Jordan's bangs. "What makes you so sure you're coming to my place and that you need an overnight bag?"

Rhiannon leans over and runs a hand up the inside of the tall woman's thigh. Reaching the crotch, she grazes the material of the jeans with blunt fingernails and says, "I just know."

Jordan's knuckles turn white while gripping the steering wheel. She faintly feels the touch through her pants and doesn't realize she is holding her breath until she notices the need for air necessary. "Okay." She squeaks.

********************

"So, do you want to go out for dinner?" Jordan asks as she pulls into the gravel driveway of her ranch style house.

"Could we just order out?" Rhiannon asks sheepishly.

"Of course."

Grabbing their gear from the back seat, she surveys the surroundings of the house and all of the land around it. Guess, you don't have to worry about neighbors bugging you, huh?"

"Nope. And that's the way I like it." Jordan leads her inside where they drop their stuff in the entryway. "So what are you in the mood for?"

The small woman turns to face her host. "Oh... I know what I'm in the mood for."

Jordan arches an eyebrow suspiciously.

"But I presume you're speaking in terms of food. Hmm, how about Thai?

Jordan embraces the blonde and kisses her lightly on the lips. "Anything you wish." She places the order while Rhiannon looks around. 

The short blonde lightly brushes her fingertips across a photo of Jordan and a young man with jet-black hair and blue eyes as vibrant as hers. They have their arms around each other's shoulder, and she presumes the man is Jordan's brother. She sees another photo of Jordan, Delmar and Amber laughing heartily while sitting on a large boulder somewhere. Wandering through the kitchen feeling as though this has always been her home, she opens the door to the laundry room. Another door lies beyond it, and her curiosity gets the better of her.

Upon hanging up the phone, Jordan wonders where the small woman went, and then a sly smile comes across her face. Taking the same route as Rhiannon, she slides opens the wooden oak door that was on the other side of the laundry room. Inside, she finds Rhiannon taking full advantage of the hot tub. She leans against the doorframe with a toothy grin. "How did you find it so quickly?"

Rhi shrugs from inside the tub. "Don't really know." She responds with a chuckle. "Did this use to be a garage?" 

"Yep." Jordan moves closer. "Didn't have a need for a garage, so I put this here instead. Those glass doors back there lead into the steam room. It's heated with eucalyptus oil. Does wonders for the skin." 

"I love the remodeling. Did you do it yourself?"

"Not the actual work ----just the idea and the blueprints for it."

"Well, it's wonderful." 

Jordan becomes captivated as she watches the hot bubbles caress and tickle Rhiannon's skin just above the water. She watches an index finger rise up and motions for Jordan to join her.

The tall woman smiles and discards her clothing. Quickly entering the tub, Jordan sits across from her.

Rhiannon moves over to straddle longs legs. Wrapping arms around a strong neck, she whispers seductively. "It's been confirmed that we have known each other time and again."

Jordan absently nods in agreement.

"Then, you know what...I like, and..." she runs a thumb across soft lips, "I know what you want." Rhiannon looks into azure eyes full of fervor. "I can see it. The intense desire in your eyes is unmistakable. And I can feel it --- in your accelerated heartbeat. The blood is pumping through your veins harder, like when you're about to fight in battle. This passionate drive moves me." Using her fingers, she lightly strokes the sides of Jordan's neck. "Your lust will always and forever make me shiver. I live for it." Her fingers travel softly across her love's upper chest. "There's no need to be hesitant with me now. I love you. All of you." She kisses her vigorously.

Jordan's mind is spinning with Rhiannon's confession, and her state of arousal is beyond controlling. She deepens the kiss and tongues duel. Lifting the blonde from the water, she sits her down on the wooden deck at the edge of the tub. Jordan ravishes the woman's neck then bites her way down to savory firm breasts. With forefingers and thumbs she twists and pulls on hard nipples causing Rhiannon to arch her back

"Gods Jordan...take me. Show me...your...passion."

The warrior moves further down, spreads Rhi's legs and plunges two fingers deep into her slick center. She grasps a throbbing clit between her teeth as the blonde lies back on the deck. Alternating between sucking and stroking, she quickly works Rhi to a driving frenzy.

"Yes...fuck me. Ungh.... Ahh." Rhiannon claws at the wood beneath her, as her hips undulate to the rhythm Jordan has set.

Jordan pulls on the clit sucking it gingerly into her mouth as her fingers begin to pump faster. She feels her lover's climax approaching as the inner walls of Rhi's pussy tighten around the long digits.

"Ohhh...J-o-r-d-a-n...I'm...COMING!" Her hips rise off the deck. A large strong hand supports her buttocks as Rhiannon rides out the orgasm.

Jordan slides the young woman back into the water and holds her in a tight embrace. She whispers softly into her ear. "Thank you. Your words mean everything to me."

Rhiannon kisses her and moans at the taste of herself on Jordan's lips.

The chiming of the doorbell interrupts them. "Must be the food." Jordan says.

"Damn, they're fast." Rhi claims.

Jordan wiggles her eyebrows, and jumps from the tub. She throws on a pair of cotton shorts and a T-shirt as she passes through the laundry room.

The doorbell chimes again.

Not being able to tolerate impatient delivery people, she flings open the door in a fury. "I'M HERE. Keep your pants on!" She growls.

The young delivery person jumps back a bit, and hands her the food with nervous hands.

She grabs the bags then digs for some cash in a wooden box she keeps on a table by the door. Shoving the amount with a handsome tip into his sweaty palm, she gives him a feral grin and snaps her teeth.

He takes off at a jog to his car, jumps in and speeds away without bothering to count the money.

Jordan laughs as she closes the door.

"Are you scaring that young delivery guy?" Rhi asks curiously as she enters the living room tying the sash of the robe around her.

"Yep, it's fun." She places the bags on the coffee table, and looking at the blonde, she seductively asks, "Do you think you can wait a bit to have dinner?"

"Sure." Rhiannon cocks her head wondering what's going on. "Why?"

The dark woman steps up to her, and responds, "Because I want you again."

With a sly grin as she nibbles on her bottom lip, Rhiannon swiftly pulls down Jordan's shorts then runs her hands up her chest under the shirt.

They lay naked on the carpet with Rhiannon on top straddling one long thigh and placing a knee against Jordan's wet curls. Grinding against each other, Rhiannon sucks on a dark turgid nipple while twisting and pinching the other between forefinger and thumb.

Jordan arches her back. Large hands firmly grasp Rhiannon's ass cheeks to simultaneously push her throbbing sex down on Jordan's thigh. In turn Rhi's knee presses harder against Jordan's center.

Groans fill the room, and their orgasm ricochets off the walls as they scream each other's name.

*************

"Hmm, these coconut shrimp are excellent. Oohh, and the mango sauce is a perfect compliment to it." Rhiannon pops another into her mouth, as she extends her legs and props her feet up on the coffee table. "Yum."

Jordan dips a crab Rangoon into the chili peppered sweet and sour sauce and takes a bite as she smiles at her lover. She almost can't believe that watching Rhi eat and hearing her moans of satisfaction are making her horny. Shifting, so that her body faces the young blonde, she drapes an arm across the back of the couch and rests her rests her head on her hand.

"We definitely have to order from this place again. I love everything." She says and scoops a forkful of chicken pad thai. The savory morsel slides gently into her mouth and immediately green eyes sparkle at the incredible flavor. 

"I think the mango sauce would taste even better on you." Jordan comments while looking at her under half lidded eyes. Her breathing has altered within the last couple of minutes as a result of the rampant thoughts running through her mind of what she wants to do to the small blonde.

Rhiannon's eyebrow arches up under wispy bangs. "Oh, really?" With a sinister smirk on her face she removes the long black T-shirt from her body, then dips two fingers in the small plastic container of the sauce. Lying back on the couch she spreads the sauce over her nipples, and then sensually licks the remainder of it off her fingers. "Why don't you show me how good it's going to taste." She comments with a challenge as she spreads her legs submissively exposing her glistening sex to sapphire eyes.

Jordan gulps then quickly dives in to devour first one breast then the other. She moans at the sweetness of it upon creamy flesh.

Rhiannon runs small fingers through black locks of hair, urging the dark woman further.

After all the sauce is cleaned off, Jordan says, "Baby, get on your knees for me."

Rhi immediately complies. She sees her lover slide underneath between her thighs. Blue and green eyes connect for a moment and then the small woman feels the flick of a tongue on her bundle of nerves. "Mmm."

Jordan slips two fingers through nether lips and up into Rhiannon's pussy. With her free hand, she wraps her arm around a thigh to pull Rhi down right onto her mouth. Fingers curl upward inside the hot tunnel to touch that sensitive spot deep inside the young woman.

"Ohhh...yes." Rhiannon rolls her hips in a rhythm across Jordan's mouth and hard muscle. "Fuck... Ahhh... ungh... AHHH." She holds onto the arm of the couch so as not to fall, and suddenly her orgasm crashes over her quicker than she had expected.

Jordan tenderly holds her in place until the tremors slow down.

The young woman turns around and quickly buries her face in wet black curls. She shoves two fingers deep inside, as her tongue flicks Jordan's hard wet clit.

"Ohhh...gods...Rhi." Jordan lifts her hips to urge her lover deeper. She re-inserts her fingers in Rhiannon's sex while the third finger presses at the tight ring above. Her thumb softly massages a now sensitive clit, and as she feels the anal ring relax at her fingertip, she slides it in slowly while continuing the torturous ministrations with her other fingers.

The actions drive Rhiannon to press harder with her tongue on Jordan's nub, and her moaning vibrates against the dark woman's sex. 

With all three of Jordan's fingers smoothly pumping in and out and her thumb firmly stroking the aching clit, Rhiannon can't contain herself any longer. She cries out her orgasm against Jordan's sex, which in turn brings the tall woman over the edge with her.

Rolling onto the floor, they hold each other while their breathing calms.

"We should make sure to get the mango sauce every time if that's what it is going to do to you." Rhiannon states with a smile, and together they laugh.

*******************

Green eyes flutter open. The strawberry blonde looks at the simplicity of the room without lifting her head. Soft smooth skin warms her cheek, and she draws small circles along a tight stomach.

Long fingers brush through blonde hair. "Good morning." Jordan says in a raspy voice.

"Mmm, morning." Rhiannon stretches along the tall woman's body. "I didn't think you were up." She hugs the dark woman to her.

"I have two errands to run today. Would you like to come with me?"

"Sure. What do you need to do?"

"Make a deposit at the bank and make a sword delivery. But first we'll go to Denny's for breakfast." Jordan says as she kisses the crown of Rhi's head.

"Mmm, you sure know the way to my heart --- food." Rhi kisses her on the chin and gets up.

Once dressed Rhiannon follows Jordan to the blacksmith shop she has behind the house. The tall woman pulls down the sword from off the shelf, and taking it out of the sheath, she shows it to her.

"Wow, this one is really intense in its design." She looks at the three skulls at the end of the hilt. The base of the blade has a jagged design for the purpose of removing your opponent's insides once you stab him through and try to pull the blade out. Rhiannon slightly frowns, knowing the sword has an almost evil feel to it.

"Yeah, that was a special order. I was given a drawing of the design to follow." She retrieves the item from Rhi and places it inside a box.

"I'm not going to say it's pretty, but you did a terrific job on it." 

********************

Jordan knocks on the door while Rhiannon leans against the SUV waiting. She knocks a second time. Finally the door opens and there stands a tall bleach blonde with menacing dark brown eyes.

"Well...hello handsome." Comes the purr from this woman.

Jordan disregards the tone of the greeting. "I have a delivery here for Sinclair." She reads from the piece of paper in her hand.

"Yes, that's me. But you can call me Linda." Her eyes rake slowly over the tall lean body. "Ah, you are Depardue, the blacksmith. How wonderful to meet you in person." She extends her hand, which Jordan, not wanting to be rude to a customer, half-heartedly shakes. "My brother speaks highly of your work. Why don't you come in for a drink, and you can tell me all about the sword you made." She steps back to let Jordan in.

"Um, no thanks. I have someone waiting for me." She points towards Rhi, and then says, "Here is your sword."

Linda looks past Jordan's shoulder to notice the strawberry blonde. An evil smirk comes across her face. "Is that Rhiannon? Why yes it is." Her words ooze with sarcasm. She waves, catching the young woman's attention. "Hello Rhiannon." She loudly calls out. "It sure has been a while since we last saw one another."




A Chance Affair



Rhi puts a hand over her eyes to shield the sun from blinding her view so she can get a good look at who is calling out to her. "Oh shit." She says under her breath, and stands there for a moment with wide eyes in disbelief. Then with fists clenched, she takes determined strides, and steps up behind her lover.

The tall woman turns around. "Rhi, this is Ms. Sinclair. She says she knows you."

"Yes, I know her --- unfortunately." Rhi says unkindly.

"Why, Rhiannon, after all this time, that's all you can say? Don't you miss me?" Linda says sarcastically while batting her eyelashes.

"No. I thought you were moving out of state. In fact I was counting on it. It's a shame you're still here." Rhi states as she crosses her arms in front of her.

"Now, Rhiannon. How could you say such things after we've been so...intimate." Linda shoots back with venom. 

Jordan's eyes widen as eyebrows get hidden under black bangs.

"So this is what you replaced me with?" Linda asks spitefully. "Does she know you like your sex rough? Or have you not gotten around to that yet?"

"You fucking bitch." Rhi spits out and attempts to strike her. 

Jordan quickly blocks the move as Linda takes a step back. She hands Linda the sword, says goodbye and hurriedly walks off with the young woman in tow.

"I guess you're not staying for tea then." Linda lets out a sinister laugh before she closes the door.

As they drive back to the house, the silence in the Land Rover becomes deafening.

"Would you like to talk?" Jordan asks gently.

"No." She says adamantly. Then rubbing her face, she sighs. "I'm sorry."

"You know..." she starts softly, "each of us has our past, but now we have each other. Let's live for the present and the future."

Rhiannon sighs again. "Linda was such a mistake that I will always regret."

"I'm sorry, baby." 

"I met her at the coven. She joined a couple months after Veronica and I. The three of us became friends, and soon Linda became interested in me. She was very different in her beliefs about Wicca but I didn't pay attention. Ver told me to stay away from her because she had bad vibes about Linda. But I didn't listen. Later on I began noticing that Linda had a desire for power that was unquenchable. She became dangerous -----bent on getting revenge on enemies, so she was banned from the coven. A couple of weeks later I told her we couldn't see each other anymore because our values and goals weren't in sync. She was very angry and caused Ver and I a great deal of grief in the coven, so we wound up leaving too. And that was it."

Jordan reaches out and squeezes her hand in understanding.

"I wonder what she wanted with that sword." Rhi curiously comments. "That design you had etched into the blade and the carving of the skulls on the hilt does fit her perfectly."

"Well, it was her brother who met with me and asked me to make the sword. I figured it was for him until he told me to deliver it to his sister when I called to let him know it was finished. I remember him saying that the making of that sword was very important. He paid twelve hundred dollars for it." Jordan states.

Rhi's brows furrow in thought. "Hmm, I never met him. She did tell me that he's a warlock in a coven out west somewhere but that's all. How strange that he happened to see your work and requested that sword for her." She soon got lost in her thoughts of the past.

"Are you okay?" Jordan asks.

Rhiannon nods. "I'm sorry for overreacting."

Jordan smiles at her. "It's okay, I understand."

****************

The following Friday morning finds the two of them sitting at Delmar's kitchen table drinking coffee and eating fresh baked cinnamon rolls.

"Alright, what's up Delmar? Why did you want us to meet with you?" Jordan starts immediately.

Rhiannon squeezes her lover's hand under the table in a gesture for Jordan to be patient.

"Can't an old woman have her favorite sister over for coffee?" 

"I know you, and this isn't a friendly coffee visit." Jordan responds with an arched eyebrow.

"Oh, alright." Delmar declares as she pulls out her deck of tarot cards. "I had a very disturbing vision last night." She states, and takes a sip of her coffee. Shuffling the cards thoroughly, she begins to lay out the set of ten she'll read from. "There is an evil force out to get the two of you."

"You mean like you told us before? About Ares coming back every time to separate us?" Rhi asks.

"Um...yes. Well, this is difficult but...well...I saw Jordan get run through with a blade. You, Rhiannon, were leaning over her sobbing. In the vision you vowed to not live without her again. You killed yourself right there. The scene was horrific. That is all I know. I don't think this vision was from the past because it wouldn't make sense why I would be seeing it."

Rhiannon looks to her love, and then back to the older woman. "Is this vision like one that you had before where..." She couldn't bring herself to say the name of Delmar's deceased husband.

Jordan puts a protective arm around her lover. "Well, what can we do about it? Can this be stopped?" She asks.

"Yes, I do believe you can stop it." Delmar responds. She points to a section of the cards, and looks at Rhiannon. "Rhi, you are the key." Picking up the card of The Lovers, she continues, "The love you two have is beyond time and space. It can conquer anything. You'll need to rely on your Wiccan teachings for further assistance."

"I don't understand. What do I do?" Rhiannon asks with concern. "Wait, I can do a spell of protection for us."

"That's a good start. I am sorry I don't have a clear and concise answer for you though. All I've been told is that you are the key. The spell can be done tonight since it is the full moon. Oh, and I strongly suggest the spell be done with the two of you working as one mind and one body." Delmar adds as she takes another sip of coffee.

"What do you mean by working as one mind and body?" Jordan questions.

Delmar cocks her head to give her sister the 'don't you know' look.

"Sweetie, she means having a union tonight." Rhi answers, and then raises an eyebrow at her when she notices that Jordan still didn't quite get it. "Sex, Jordan." She finally states plainly.

"Ohhh, got it." The tall woman rubs her now red face.

Delmar shakes her head, and then starts to chuckle as she begins to put away her cards.

"Jordan, we need to stop by my apartment for some supplies and I may also need to stop at the occult shop for whatever else I'm lacking."

"Sure."

*****************

"I'm going to take a bath, and afterwards you can take one while I prepare the items for the spell." Rhiannon says on her way to the bathroom.

"How about we take a bath together?" Jordan asks as she wiggles her eyebrows.

The young blonde kisses her on the cheek and says, "Not tonight. I need to use my time in the bath for meditation and purification. Okay?"

"Gotcha. Anything I can do while you're in there?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. You could clear out a space in the living room to lay a queen sized sheet on the carpet."

"Okey dokey." Jordan says with a salute and a smile before she takes off to carry out the task. 

Rhiannon steps into the steaming tub, and her body relaxes as the hot water warms her skin. The sandalwood bath oil envelopes her like a cloud as she lies back with eyes closed and breathes deeply the earthy, spicy scent. She begins her meditation with clearing her mind of the day's events. Focusing on a bright white light, a low hum erupts from her throat. She listens to her slow even breathing and the humming with it. Keeping the presence of the light in her mind's eye, she enters a state of spiritual cleansing as she allows the light to penetrate her body.

*****************

Jordan walks into the living room naked after having bathed. "Anything else I can do?"

Rhiannon looks up and smiles. "I'm just about to start the circle. You can help me light these candles."

The tall woman saunters over and kneels on the white bed sheet that has been laid out on the floor.

Rhi begins setting twelve white candles, each in a holder, in the shape of a large circle surrounding them. She has already carved their names and astrological signs into the wax on each of them and rubbed them down with protection oil. She lights the first candle with a match, and then hands Jordan what looks like a very long toothpick. "Use this flame transfer to light the rest of the candles."

"Sure." 

The small woman then takes out several white crystals from a small black velvet bag. She adds to them to the circle by laying them at various spots in between the candles. Lastly, she takes a dozen white roses and spreads them out to also be in between each of the candles. She removes her robe and tosses it on the couch, and grabbing the tarot deck, she pulls out the particular cards she needs. At the head of the circle, she then sits down and Jordan joins her. "Are you ready?" she asks her lover.

"Bring it on." Jordan responds.

They join hands and Rhiannon begins the invocation.

"I call now upon the Earth, far plains and lofty mountains, for power and strength to my spell. I call now upon the waters, broad lakes, ever-moving streams, and the boundless ocean, for power and strength to my spell...."

Afterwards she reaches for the cards she had set aside, and says, "Reaching far into the archaic past I draw forth these symbols to shape the spell I cast. Here shall be woven chance, fortune, and fate that our deepest wish may swiftly be attained."

Jordan is instructed to sit directly behind her, with Rhiannon between her legs. Bodies are pressed up against each other with Jordan's arms wrapped securely around a small waist.

Rhiannon begins laying the cards down one at a time. First the ten of cups is laid out to represent the both of them. Second is the queen of cups to represent Rhiannon casting the spell. Third is the four of wands below. Fourth is the chariot placed at the top. Fifth is the temperance card set to the left. Lastly is the star card.

The room becomes unusually bright and for a few minutes the only sound is that of their breathing.

"I call upon the power that is within me and the power that is around me! I call upon the sentinels of the heavens! I call upon all good spirits and all ministering angels! I call for protection, defense, and safety! With white light, a force field is built around us. We are shielded and protected at all times. All negative energies disperse and dissolve at the touch of the radiant light that emanates from the core of our being. All shadows flee. All harm and danger is neutralized by the touch of our glowing aura. By the power within me and the power around me, only peace, love and serenity may exist within our protective boundary! We are protected." Together they proclaim the last phrase. "So it is, and so shall it be!"

This last sentence they repeat over and over as a mantra. They begin rocking slowly back and forth as one being. Rhiannon takes her lover's large hand and slides it down to the apex of her sex.

Jordan spreads the wet lips and dips two fingers inside. As her fingers slide effortlessly and slowly in and out, she grinds herself on Rhiannon's firm ass cheeks.

Rhi brings an arm up and behind Jordan's head, to thread her fingers in black locks of hair. Grasping firmly, they kiss with abandon.

Jordan strokes the clit with her thumb causing Rhi's hips to buck.

"Ohhh...Jordan...don't...st..op." She grasps Jordan's wrist to push the hand harder and further inside her. "Yesss...fuck...me."

Jordan is floored by the actions and words. She feels her own impending orgasm as her clit receives the delicious friction of Rhiannon's backside. She grunts in the small blonde's ear and then bites down on the tender flesh just below the earlobe. The action sends Rhiannon over the edge, and Jordan soon follows. Their cries echo in the room.

The strawberry blonde turns around to half straddle one long firm thigh before her. The lovers kiss passionately, and as their tongues dance against each other, Rhiannon inserts two fingers into Jordan's pussy. Pumping in and out, a third then a fourth finger enter without resistance.

"Fuck...yes.... Baby...I want...your whole...hand." Jordan's eyes are shut tight and she wills her body to relax. Lying back onto her elbows, she spreads her legs further apart. 

Rhiannon grabs the bottle of lube Jordan brought with her earlier. She pours a generous amount onto her hand as her fingers slide out of the tall warrior. With her hand coated, she tucks her thumb firmly into her palm and watches as her whole hand disappears.

"OH...FUCK! Don't stop." Jordan cries out as she throws her head back in ecstasy. The hand inside fills her completely.

The small woman slowly and gently turns her now balled up fist from side to side. She feels the walls contracting around her hand, and she finds it elating.

Jordan starts rubbing her clit frantically. Sitting part way up, she feels her left nipple being suckled. The waves of her orgasm suddenly crash over her. "OHHH...GODS...... R-H-I-A-N-N-O-N." She screams and collapses back onto the sheet.

Rhi holds her hand still until Jordan's breathing returns to normal.

"Okay, baby, it's time to pull out." Jordan says.

Rhi wipes her hand on the end of the sheet then crawls on top of her lover. "That was beautiful. Thank you." She kisses her lips lightly.

Jordan rolls them over. "Ah, but now it's your turn."

"But...will your hand fit?" Rhi asks with furrowed brows.

"Yes it will. I won't hurt you. Do you trust me?"

"With my whole being." Rhi answers.

They kiss, and she works her way down a succulent neck. Nipping and licking along the tender flesh, she moves onto creamy breasts. She takes a nipple between her teeth and flicks it with the tip of her tongue. Giving the second breast the same treatment, she then slides down to blonde wet curls. Jordan strokes Rhi's nub with her hard muscle, and slides two fingers into her love hole.

Rhiannon pushes her hips up for more contact.

She slides a third finger in, and pumps in and out evenly. After a minute she pours a substantial amount of lube on her hand until it's completely coated, and then manages a fourth finger inside Rhiannon. Returning to the task of her clit, she sucks on it gingerly.

"Ohhh...it...feels wonderful. Ungh...more...please."

The dark woman tucks her thumb in and slowly and carefully slides in. She meets some resistance at the widest part of her hand, so she grasps Rhi's nub between her teeth. Pulling on it and flicking it with the tip of her tongue several times provides her with the response she wants.

"Ohhh...Jordan...ahhh." Rhiannon cries out passionately. Her pussy opens further allowing Jordan's hand to finally slide in all the way.

The tall woman holds still to allow Rhi to be comfortable with the fullness inside her, then she strokes her clit again with the flat of her tongue.

"AHHH.... FUCK...OHHH GODS...J-O-R-D-A-N." She cries as the intensity of the orgasm overwhelms her.

Jordan smiles in satisfaction, and waits for Rhi's breathing to calm down before she pulls out. But she notices that Rhi has a tight grip around her hand. "Baby I need you to help."

There is no response.

"Rhi? Baby?" Jordan sits up to look at her lover. "Oh shit." She tries to crawl up without moving her captured hand much. Patting Rhi's cheek, she calls out, "Come on baby. Rhi wake up."

Green eyes flutter open. "Huh, what is it?"

"Baby, you passed out on me, and...um...I can't get my hand out without your help."

"What?" Rhiannon gets up on her elbows and looks down to see Jordan's arm sticking out of her.

"See?" Jordan shows off a sinister smirk, and slightly wiggles her fingers inside.

"AHHH.... You devil. Don't do that!!" She smacks Jordan on the shoulder, and tries to calm down. "Alright, what do I need to do?"

"Don't worry, just push out." She says gently.

"Push out?" Rhi asks bewildered.

"Yeah, kind of like when you pee. Use your muscles to push my hand out." Jordan says very matter of factly. Suddenly she starts to feel her hand come out.

"So, this is what giving birth is like?" Rhi comments with a sarcastic grunt.

"Baby, I would think birth involves a lot more pain." Jordan answers as she wipes her hand on the end of the sheet and snuggles up to her lover.

"Did I really pass out? I can't believe this." The young woman comments, and then buries her face in the crook of Jordan's neck.

*******************

A figure clad in black watches through the window at the two women wrapped in each other's arms now lying on the couch. Tossing the empty can of gasoline off to the side, the figure flicks on the lighter. It lands on the porch and immediately the flames shoot up. Within minutes the house is engulfed from all sides. With an evil smile, the figure then runs off to the dark blue Plymouth and skids away.

Jordan awakens to a smell. "What the hell?" She looks around noticing the room is quickly filling with the black acrid smoke. "Rhi, wake up. There's a fire." She struggles to stand with the young woman still attached to her. "Rhi, come on."

Still in a sleepy state of mind, she tries to gather her thoughts as she sees the flames through the windows.

Jordan grabs her boxers and shirt off the coffee table and grabs the robe off the floor to throw around her lover.

"What can we do? It's everywhere." Rhiannon says in a panic.

Jordan grabs her hand, and pulls her into the kitchen. The window glass busts open from the intense heat, and glass flies everywhere. At the kitchen sink, the tall woman takes a large pot and fills it. "Rhi, I'm going to douse you with this water. It's going to help when we run out of here." She pours the water over the bewildered smaller woman. Doing it again a couple of more times, she makes sure the robe is drenched. Taking a dishtowel, she runs it under the tap then wraps it around Rhiannon's head making sure to cover her ears an every lock of hair. 

Rhiannon helps her do the same things to herself. Wrapping her long wet hair up quickly into a bun, she wraps another towel around her head. Taking one of the kitchen chairs with her, they go back into the living room. She flings the chair out the living room bay window, and glass shatters everywhere.

The two women quickly pull their boots on to protect their feet.

Jordan faces her lover with hands on her shoulders as she tells her what to do. "Okay, Rhi. Just run through as fast as you can. I'll be right behind you. Alright?"

The small woman nods, kisses her lover and then sprints through the window. 

Jordan soon follows but when she steps onto the ledge of the broken window, an ominous noise is heard. In that split second, she looks up to see the front porch roof cave in. Chunks of wood fall, flying towards her, and knocking her back into the room right onto her back where she lies without movement.

Rhiannon just made it onto the gravel drive when she turns around expecting Jordan to be there. She swears she sees her lover at the window about to come through when the porch falls apart at the window. "NOOO!" She screams.

Sirens come tearing through the driveway. Two fire trucks and an ambulance pull in and begin their work. A silver Chevy S-10 pickup truck also appears parking itself next to the ambulance, and out come Delmar and Amber. They run up to a screaming and sobbing Rhiannon.

"Dear gods, I knew something was wrong when I woke up this morning. I just knew I felt something awful." Delmar holds the small woman tightly against her chest. "Sweetie, where's Jordan?"

In choking sobs, she tries to say, "She didn't...come through...be-fo-re the roooff..." Not being able to finish, she screams again for the pain that is in her heart.




A Chance Affair



Amber refuses to believe her aunt may be dead so she runs up to get as close as she can to the house. She watches the firemen begin spraying the house. Closing her eyes and concentrating as hard as she can, she tries to feel any sign of Jordan.

Jordan slowly sits up. Putting a hand to her throbbing head, she pulls it back when she feels a sticky substance. "Fucking great." She comments out loud to no one, and then tries to adjust the wet towel to keep the blood out of her eyes. Getting up, she stumbles through the kitchen and into the laundry room. At the other side, she removes the sliding doors from the hall closet, and takes them with her into the hot tub. Closing the door behind her, she enters the cold water of the tub, and uses the two doors as a cover. Lying on her back in the water, she has about three inches of breathing space between the water's surface and the doors. Suddenly her head begins to throb, and she becomes very dizzy. Not being able to shake it off, her eyes close of their own accord and the blackness surrounds her.

Amber turns around to face one of the fire fighters. "She's in the back of the house. My aunt, she needs your help." 

Three fire fighters look at one another before running off towards that direction. 

"Amber, what's going on?" Delmar asks when she saw her daughter talking to them.

"I can feel her mother. She's alive, but is hurt real bad." 

"Are you sure?" 

"Yes, come on." Amber waves for them to follow her. The three women run to where the fire fighters are now trying to work their way into the kitchen. The teenager closes her eyes again to concentrate as Delmar and Rhiannon stand next to her. "I'm trying to find exactly where she is, but I'm having trouble." Her mind scans the rooms as she searches for Jordan's heartbeat.

The fire fighters have broken through the door and are ready to enter the kitchen area when Amber screams out.

"She's in the hot tub! Go through the kitchen, and past the laundry room."

The men look at each other once again wondering how this young kid happens to know these things.

"Don't just stand there! Go in and get her!" yells Delmar vehemently.

The fire fighter with the water hose continues to keep the flames at bay while the others work their way through hoping to find Jordan. Minutes later, they come out, one of them has Jordan draped over his shoulder. Laying the unconscious body on the grass, Rhiannon and the paramedics run up to them. She cradles her lover's head in her lap as one of the paramedics notices the gash on the upper part of Jordan's forehead. Rhiannon gasps at the sight of it. "Don't you leave me Jordan. Don't you dare." Rhi cries out.

Delmar approaches, and asks the attendant who is checking her pulse and putting an oxygen mask over her face, "Will she be okay?"

The attendant looks up, and with a smile, says, "She'll be fine. But we do need to get her to the hospital quickly. 

Rhiannon hugs her Jordan tightly before they put her on the stretcher.

The paramedics get both women in the back of the ambulance, and announce to Delmar which hospital they'll be going to. As they ride there, Rhiannon squeezes the hand of the woman she loves in hopes that Jordan can feel her.

*************

Rhiannon closes the door behind her and hangs her keys on the hook next to the doorframe. Shucking off her backpack, she pulls a small box out of one of the side pockets. Inside are revealed two moonstone crystals in the shape of large teardrops. She places the crystals on her small oak spell table, and takes a seat on the floor in front of it. Lighting a couple of white and red candles she had prepared earlier that day for this intended purpose, she pulls out her tarot deck from the small drawer under the table. She searches through the deck for the Princess of Cups to represent herself and The Prince of Swords to represent Jordan. Laying both cards down, she begins a chant. After a couple of minutes, she picks up the stones in her right hand and holding it up to her chest she infuses it with a white light of protection and the pure love that she has for Jordan. After spending some time of meditating on the cards and their relation to the crystals, she kisses the stones and then lays them on each card. Standing up, she bows and thanks the goddess of the moon for hearing her. Leaving the candles to burn down completely, she walks to the kitchen for a drink. As she pours a glass of lemonade, the phone rings.

"Hello?"

"Hi Baby."

Rhiannon smiles like a teenager in love upon hearing Jordan's voice. "Hi Sweetie."

"The doctor finally came by to discharge me. I'll be ready in an hour hopefully."

"Great. I'll be right there."

"Okay, see you later."

**************

"Ugh, it's so nice to be out of the hospital. I was starting to go batty in there." Jordan comments as she puts her feet up on the coffee table and leans back against the soft brown couch. "Thanks for letting me stay with you. It kinda sucks not having my house anymore."

"This is your home too...for as long as you need it."

Azure eyes look into emerald green. "You're my home."

"And you're mine too." Rhiannon says with her hand over Jordan's heart. They exchange a chaste kiss before the young blonde asks, "What do you want for dinner?"

Jordan slides her arms around a small waist, and leaning over, she whispers in an ear. "How about you?"

Rhi's body quivers at the words and Jordan's warm breath caressing her ear. She gulps, and says, "Um...maybe we should eat some food first. Don't want to jump into any physical...activity right away since you just got out of the hospital."

Jordan slides her right hand down the front of her lover's jeans to gently cup her sex. "Okay then, how about pizza."

"Uh...sounds...good." She moans as Jordan presses up into her. Suddenly Rhiannon pulls away and shakes her head out of the reverie.

Jordan sports an evil smirk across her face.

"I'll get you back." Rhi playfully says as she fetches the phone. 

Jordan lies back against the cushions again, and notices the small oak table in the corner. 

"Okay, it'll be here in an hour." She comments as returns to her spot next to the dark woman. 

"What were you working on over there?" Jordan points to the table.

"I was working on a spell for us." Rhiannon retrieves the two crystals that she recently threaded with a black string, and ties one around Jordan's neck and the other on her own. "These are for us."

"Moonstone, right?" Jordan comments, as she holds the white crystal up in the light and gazes at the reflection of shades of white bouncing off of it.

"Yep. This is a symbol of our love and the protection over it."

"Thank you. I'll never take it off." The tall woman says as she embraces her lover.

Leaning against each other in complete comfort, they hold one another as they wait for their food.

******************

As the weeks pass, the two women enjoy the remainder of the summer working at the fair. 

For the past couple of weekends, Rhiannon has been in the front row to watch her Champion fight and after the show; Rhi would help remove the armor. With Jordan's battle lust at full throttle at the end of each tournament, they would make wild and passionate love in the tent before returning to work. At first Rhiannon was embarrassed because she knew people could hear their screams, but after that first time of realizing the primal tendencies Jordan is capable of, she didn't care and only wanted her lover more.

On this particular Saturday the afternoon sun in the clear blue sky shines down brightly on the fairgrounds. 

The benches are completely packed with spectators awaiting the final show of the season, and as a result, the energy in the air is electrifying. 

Jordan sits atop the black horse and watches for the signal of the Queen's handkerchief. She catches sight of her love on the first bench watching her, and she can't help but smile behind the tin visor.

The handkerchief touches the ground and the horses take off towards each other. Not expecting it, Jordan gets thrown from her horse with a force that her opponent has not used before. The crowd gasps as they watch the silver knight approach the fallen one on foot with his sword ready. 

As Jordan works her way into standing up again, she suddenly sees the blade of a sword coming towards her head, so she ducks and quickly kicks out to trip the silver knight. Flipping her visor up, she declares, "What the hell is wrong with you Dubois? You're not following protocol." 

A Page runs up handing her a sword and before the other two Pages are given a chance to take the horses off the field, the silver knight rushes at Jordan.

She gracefully turns blocking his move. The sounds of swords clashing fill the arena as the crowd watches in anticipated silence. Jordan still wonders what has gotten into her friend. She notices his blows are administered with brute force instead of playing the game and showing off like they usually do for the crowd. She manages to knock him down a second time and out of the corner of her eye she sees Veronica by the opposite tent holding onto Dubois who is clutching his bloodied head. 

Rhiannon notices something is amiss with the moves between the knights. She follows Jordan's line of vision to see Dubois with Veronica, and realizes something is very wrong. 

In shock at seeing her friend over there, Jordan looks back at her opponent but it's too late as his blade cuts through the left side of her armor and becomes embedded. Wincing from the pain, she is now pissed. She quickly uses the hilt of her sword to strike the knight in the forehead, with all of her strength and weight behind the blow.

Rhiannon screams at seeing the sword cut through the black knight's armor, and runs into the arena towards her lover.

The silver knight falls back and his sword dislodges from Jordan. 

She grabs her side, hissing in pain through clenched teeth.

The crowd goes wild, unaware that what just happened was not part of the show. They begin to disperse in order to attend the next event of the day.

Veronica, Dubois, Rhiannon and the Pages reach the two knights. 

Rhi helps remove Jordan's helmet, and embraces her.

Jordan whispers in her ear, "Baby, we need to take this stuff off so I can see how bad the cut is." She then looks over at Dubois and asks, "What happened?"

"Hey all I know is that this guy hit me over the head, then I come out here and he's fighting you in my suit." Dubois answers.

Veronica pulls off the silver knight's helmet to reveal the unconscious man who now sports a large bump in the middle of his forehead.

Jordan looks at the black hair and the equally black goatee on his face, and then notices something familiar about the sword lying next to him. "It's Sinclair's brother."

Rhiannon gasps. "What?? Are you sure?"

The tall woman points at the sword with the three skulls, and says, "There is no other sword like the one he requested I make for his sister."

"What was he trying to do?" Dubois asks with concern. "Kill you?"

"I can only guess at that one my friend." Jordan answers as she walks towards the tent with Rhiannon under her arm.

Inside the tent, Rhi says, "Don't sit down yet. Let me get as much of this armor off as I can first." 

After a couple of minutes Jordan stands there in her shorts while the bloody tank top is slowly peeled off of her. She looks down at the wound and is grateful it isn't deep.

"That's a few inches long. Should we go to the hospital?" Rhi asks with worry.

"No." Jordan responds. "It's not that bad. A few butterfly strips will take care of it. There should be some in the first aid kit on the shelf over there."

Rhiannon applies the strips after cleaning the wound as best as she can. "Do you think Linda and her brother are responsible for the fire?" She asks hesitantly while trying to fight back her emotions.

The dark woman uses an index finger to lift her love's face. Looking into green eyes specked with hazel, she says, "I don't know. I guess it's possible."

Large teardrops begin to fall down Rhi's cheeks.

"Don't cry Love. We'll be okay." Jordan responds as she embraces the young woman tenderly.

*******************

The hammer comes down on the red-hot blade.

CLINK.

CLINK.

CLINK.

Jordan dips the metal into a bucket of cold water. The white-gray steam spits forth, adding to the heat in the room. She inspects the level of the weapon before moving onto the next stage of the finish. Sitting down at the worktable, she turns on the etching tool, and taking the pen in her hand, she starts engraving the design.

The door of the shed opens, and in steps Rhiannon. She watches her lover at the table in complete concentration of what her hands are doing. She leans back against the door taking in the scene. 

The tall woman is hunched over. A single lamp shines brightly exactly where she works. Her torn jeans are spotted with dirt and smudge from the coals and the ashes of the fire. The black tank top she has is wet with perspiration. The muscles in her arms flex as she moves. Her golden skin glistens with a sheen of sweat. Raven hair is pulled back in a ponytail. She wipes her forehead with the back of her arm and absentmindedly smears some black soot onto her face. Feeling a pair of eyes on her, she pauses the etching tool and returns it to the holder. Looking up, cerulean eyes look directly into emerald green.

"Hi Baby," Jordan greets with a smile.

"Hi." Rhiannon saunters over to the worktable. "You ready to go?" She kisses her lover on the lips.

"Sure." Jordan turns off all of the equipment, and then heads over to the fire to put it out. Grabbing her jacket, she points to the sword and asks, "How do like it?"

Rhiannon picks up the blade, turning it over in her hands. "It's beautiful. I think Veronica and Lance will love it. It's a wonderful idea to give this to them as a wedding gift." Her mind wanders a moment, wondering if someday, Jordan and her will marry. It's never come up. I wonder if that sort of thing scares her. Maybe we can talk about it sometime soon.

"Thanks." Jordan checks around one more time to make sure everything is off, before she says, "Okay, let's go."

As they head outside, Rhiannon looks across the way at how far the construction crew has gotten with rebuilding the house, while Jordan locks the shed.

Jordan steps up behind her, and wraps an arm around her waist. "They mentioned that it might very well be done in the next month."

Rhi leans into her lover. "Wow, that's great. I'm surprised at how much they've got up already, especially since you've altered the blueprints to make the place bigger."

"Well, I just figured it would be better that way. More space for us." Jordan leans forward brushing the tip of her nose softly against the edge of Rhiannon's ear, causing the young woman to shiver. "You still want to move in with me?" She hesitantly whispers.

Rhiannon turns her head so that green eyes look up into blue. "Of course." She entwines her fingers within Jordan's before continuing. "We just found each other, and I plan to keep you. I want to grow old with you."

The dark woman moves down to capture soft lips. "Together always." She states softly.

******************

"So where did you say we're going tonight?" Jordan yells out from the shower.

"The Italian restaurant on Fullerton. It's called Via Carducci Trattoria." Rhi responds as she searches the closet for a blouse.

The tall woman steps out of the shower and begins to towel dry herself off as she walks into the bedroom. She stops suddenly watching the purple cotton panties her lover is wearing sway from side to side. The matching bra accentuates Rhi's creamy flesh. 

Rhiannon moves to the beat of the song 'Come to My Window' by Melissa Etheridge that's playing on the stereo.

Jordan licks her bottom lip, entranced at watching the backside of Rhiannon's sensually tempting body.

Without turning around from her task in front of the closet, Rhi says lightheartedly, "I can feel you staring at me."

"You're so beautiful. I can't help it." She steps up behind the young woman and softly kisses her shoulder. "What time do we need to leave?" Jordan softly asks.

Rhiannon smiles knowing what her lover has in mind. "In an hour. Why?" She inquires innocently.

Snaking long arms around, Jordan unclasps the hook on the front of the bra, freeing the full breasts that she now cups as she nips along Rhi's neck. "How about a quickie?" She questions as she lightly tugs on pink nipples that are quickly growing hard. "You look..." she inhales her love's fresh scent, "and smell so fucking good, I've got to have you." Her warm breath caresses the small ear before moving down where the tip of her tongue flicks Rhiannon's pulse point.

With eyes closed, the young woman shudders at the ministrations. She takes one of the large hands manipulating her breasts, and slides it down under the band of her panties.

Jordan gingerly sucks on her neck as two fingers play with dampening golden curls. Her other hand continues its sweet torture on pebbled nipples.

"Oh...Jordan," comes the passionate whisper from small pink lips. She turns her head breaking the contact on her neck to capture full lips in a searing kiss. A moan erupts from deep within her chest. 

The tall woman turns them around to face the bed, and pushes her lover down. She quickly removes the panties. "Get on your hands and knees," she declares.

The small blonde obeys.

"Spread your legs." She watches Rhiannon's glistening sex open to her along with the newly revealed small opening just above. "Wider."

Rhiannon feels very vulnerable and yet excited by the direct instructions given.

Jordan runs the flat of her fingers from a hard clit to the dark puckered hole. Upon hearing Rhi's moans, she spreads the firm cheeks and the wet lips and dips her tongue into the ambrosia.

"Uhhngh..." Rhi pushes back onto her love's tongue.

Jordan first teases the clit with a few strokes before diving her tongue as deeply as possible into Rhi's creamy hole. Swirling her thick muscle around a couple of times, she then licks her way up to the tight puckered opening. Using circular motions, she feels the constricted ring relax. She plunges two fingers into Rhi's pussy, causing the young woman to cry out, and feeling the opening relax further, she stops a moment to coat her thumb with saliva, then gently wiggles it into Rhi's ass.

A fresh flood of juices coats Jordan's fingers. "Oh...gods." Rhi exclaims. A large hand plants itself on Rhi's chest to pull her up and back.

"Use my thighs to brace yourself baby." Jordan softly instructs as she slides the hand down so that her middle finger strokes Rhi's clit.

The young blonde throws her head back onto the strong shoulder behind her. "Oh...fuck...ahhh." She grabs onto Jordan's lap to prevent from falling. The sensations of Jordan's fingers in both openings, and stroking her nub are quickly driving Rhiannon insane. Her hips begin to buck at each stroke. 

Jordan clamps down on the succulent flesh of a shoulder as her fingers incessantly drive into Rhiannon.

Her orgasm crashes over her when the walls of her sex grip Jordan in a stranglehold. "AAAHHH." She screams and collapses forward onto the mattress.

Jordan gently pulls out and wraps long arms around her. She presses into Rhi's back to hold her tightly.

"Goddamn...that was awesome." Rhi manages to say between breaths.

With a sinister look, Jordan smiles into her neck. "Ready for more?"

Green eyes widen, and before she has a chance to say anything, she finds herself looking into wet black curls hovering above her. She feels Jordan spread her lips and begins licking what is left of her juices. Rhi raises her hips to meet more of Jordan's mouth, and then grabs onto her lover's hips above her to pull her down to her hungry mouth. She sucks on Jordan's engorged nub noticing that the tall woman begins to mimic her actions. They work each other's bundle of nerves until they both fall over the precipice of euphoria.




A Chance Affair



*********************

The laughter inside of the restaurant fills the air. The five friends, sitting in a round booth, are chatting loudly and enjoying each other's company. A playful banter erupts between Veronica and Rhiannon, that the other three are interested in how it will pan out.

"You're such the skeptic, Rhiannon." Veronica then looks at the others and says, "Did you know she thought that those who work the fair are just crazy freaks with no real lives?"

"Ack! How could you say that?" Questions the young woman.

"Because it's true. That first time you came to the fair, you were so skeptical of everything. Remember, I practically begged you to help me."

"Well...okay, so I thought you all were a bunch of freaks." She leans over to her love, and hugs her tightly. "But I'm so glad you dragged me there." She comments as a shade of pink works its way up her face.

They all chuckle at her, and Jordan kisses the crown of her head. 

"So, how are the wedding plans going?" Asks Delmar.

"Actually, it's been smooth sailing so far." Ver responds, and pats her fiancé's thigh. "He hasn't objected to much, so that really helps."

They laugh again, and this time Lance's face turns a shade of pink.

"Well it's nice we're having a simple wedding." He adds, and then kisses Veronica's cheek. "And what about you, friend?" He points to Jordan.

"What about me?" She asks as she takes a sip of her Cabernet.

"When are the two of you going to get hitched?"

A deafening silence befalls the table. Veronica elbows him in the ribs.

"Ow. What? What did I do wrong?" He suddenly asks.

Rhiannon stares down at her glass of wine. The jovial moment has now become awkward because marriage is not something her and Jordan have ever talked about.

The dark woman takes another sip of the wine and says, "Well..." she pauses for effect, "Rhiannon has to say 'yes' before we can get married." From the pocket of her pants, she pulls out a small black velvet box, and places it at the edge of the table directly in front of Rhiannon. Leaning over, she softly poses the question. "Rhiannon Moore, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

Rhiannon looks at her love in surprise and fear. "Are you...serious?"

With a nod, Jordan gestures at the box and says, "You tell me." She smiles into emerald eyes, and continues, "I love you with my whole being."

In shock, the young woman, is not sure what to do aside from throwing her arms around Jordan's neck and declaring, "I love you too."

"Is that a yes then?"

Rhiannon pulls back from the hug with tears of joy cascading down her cheeks, she proclaims, "Yes, yes, yes."

Smiling, Jordan captures her lips in a searing kiss until they remember where it is that they are. Embarrassed they look at their friends who are evidently happy for them.

"Open the box Rhi. Let's see it." Veronica excitedly says.

She flips open the lid to reveal a silver ring with sapphires and emeralds entwined across the top. "It's so very beautiful." Rhiannon states in awe as she slips it on.

"Oh, Rhi it sure is." Ver says.

Delmar smiles and gives her sister a knowing wink. She had helped Jordan pick out the ring; at the same store where her beloved and departed husband picked out the one he gave to her. While she joined in the excitement with Veronica and Rhiannon over the much talked of item, Jordan looked across at her long time jousting friend, with a raised eyebrow.

"It's so nice to be whipped, eh, Depardieu?" Lance asks his tall friend.

"It sure is, Dubois. It sure is." She answers with a huge grin.

They all laugh again as they finish their night with more wine and some dessert.

*******************

The early morning finds two lovers snuggled against one another. Suddenly the alarm sounds.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

Jordan turns to shut it off, and then lovingly tightens her arms around the small body. "Baby, I have to get up."

"N-o." Rhi muffles in her love's chest.

The tall woman smiles reveling in the feel of their naked bodies fitting perfectly in each other's arms. She kisses a blonde head. "I have a plane to catch." She says softly.

Rhi finally loosens her hold and rolls over to grab the extra pillow to snuggle into.

Jordan rises and enters the bathroom. After her shower she begins to search for a set of clothes.

Rhiannon now awake watches her. "Have I ever told you how gorgeous you are?"

The tall woman turns to face her with a lopsided grin. She buckles her belt and slides into a pine green flannel shirt. Sitting on the edge of the bed she pulls on her combat boots.

Rhiannon hops off the bed to take her own shower. About twenty minutes later she is ready to take Jordan to the airport.

"I'll be back this evening. The plane arrives at 6pm."

"I'll be there to pick you up." Rhi comments, as she exits onto the ramp that leads to the terminal. "You have the rental car all set when you arrive?"

"Yep."

"Do you know who it is that you're making the delivery to?" Rhi asks with concern.

"No. I just got an email from the person saying they saw my work the first week of the fair. Why are you concerned? I get a lot of emails from people about my swords. And this is not the first time I've traveled to make a delivery. You know I don't mail the weapons because of the problems these days with the postal system. That's why I advertise that I make the deliveries personally."

"I understand, but that doesn't mean I like it. I just feel kind of weird about this particular delivery." She comments while pulling into the airport departure terminal.

"Everything will be fine little one." Jordan says to assure her love, and then leans over to kiss her passionately. "I'll see you tonight." She hops out of the Land Rover and removes the tightly bound box containing the two swords from the back seat. Waving one last time she turns to walk into the airport. 

Rhiannon reluctantly drives off with a heavy feeling in her gut.

******************

The dark woman looks at the email printout to check the address for the fourth time. Driving down some country road and passing farm after farm, she was beginning to think she was going in circles. Finally she comes to Barton road and makes a right turn. She has to put the Jeep into second gear in order to make the steep climb up the curvy road that seems to go on for a couple of miles before it plateaus. She then turns left on Rasputin. The dense foliage of the forest casts dark shadows on this seemingly one lane road. Jordan removes her sunglasses and looks at the printout once again. "Hmm, this should be it. At the end of this road is the house." She soon sees the log cabin in the distance. Parking in front on the gravel drive, she hops out with the box in her hands. Up the porch stairs, she knocks on the wooden door. There is no answer. She looks around her a bit, hoping that someone is home cause she doesn't want to return. Wondering if maybe she has gotten here at the wrong time, she looks at her watch. 12:15pm Hmm, I said I'd be here around noon. She knocks again louder.

Suddenly the end of a split log encounters the back of Jordan's head. Dropping the box, she falls to her knees not wanting to give into the blackness that is quickly surrounding her. But alas, her body slumps against the door.

The burly figure picks her up and tosses her over his shoulder. He lies the body down in the back seat of the Jeep. The box containing the swords he sets in the front passenger side. Hopping into the vehicle he kicks up gravel as he hits the accelerator to speed off.

***************

Rhiannon stands in the kitchen heating up some leftover chili cornbread potpie. Out of nowhere a searing pain seems to pierce her heart. Clutching her chest, she sits down as she tries to get her bearings. "What the hell was that?" The pain hits her again. "Oh gods, something's wrong. It's Jordan." She grabs the telephone and dials her lover's cell phone.

**************

The burly figure drags the unconscious body out of the Jeep. He hears a strong buzzing sound coming from her front pocket. Digging a large hairy hand into the pocket, he pulls out the mini cell phone that continues to buzz. With an evil smile he flings the phone with such force that it smashes against a tree.

*************

The phone just rings and rings for Rhiannon. "Why isn't she picking up?" she frantically yells out to no one. 

Suddenly the rings stop and a recorded message spits out into her ear. "We're sorry, the cellular number you are trying to call is no longer available."

"What the hell?" Rhi tries the number again. "I know this is Jordan's number." She receives the same message. Hanging up she calls Delmar. "Hi Del. This is Rhiannon."

"Hello child. How are you?"

"Something is wrong with Jordan. I can't reach her on her cell phone. I was heating up some lunch when I got a painful ache in my chest. I know something happened to her. I was worried about her going on this trip. Now she's out there alone. I don't even know exactly where. What if she's badly hurt? Or worse?" Rhiannon rambles in a panicked voice.

"Calm down Rhiannon. Are you sure you dialed the right number? Maybe she isn't getting any reception in the area she's in."

"No that's not it! I called and the phone kept ringing and ringing. Just about the moment when her voicemail would kick in the rings stopped and I got a recording saying the cell number is no longer in service. I know something's wrong. Why would I feel like I'm in such a state of panic."

"Okay, just let me try calling her and I'll call you right back."

"Please hurry."

"Okay, dear."

******************

Jordan starts to come out of the dark haze, and she feels her body is being carried. Then she suddenly feels the rush of air as her body falls. Just like when you're dreaming and you have the frantic fear of feeling your body glide through the air at a downward speed and you can't wake up. But this isn't a dream because the impact came. She hits the hard ground and a searing bolt of pain drives through her left shoulder. She lies there for a couple of minutes until the fog finally lifts from her mind. She attempts to roll over to grab the back of her head where she is sure there must be blood because she remembers getting hit back there. "A-a-r-g-h-h-h," she howls in pain. Her left shoulder is stiff and swollen. Opening her eyes, she finds herself in some kind of cavern. The dim lighting doesn't allow her to see much further past her immediate area. Using her right hand, she touches the injured shoulder. "Fuck hell, it's dislocated!" She knows she has to fix it before it becomes permanently damaged. The use of both her hands and feet are going to be necessary to get out of wherever she is. She slowly gets up and slowly feels her way around the area. Coming across a rocky wall, she decides to try to fix her shoulder along the edge that juts out. Bracing herself and taking a deep breath, she lunges at full speed against the wall. Her shoulder hits first and hard. She feels the pop back into the socket, and then passes out from the excruciating pain.

*******************

The phone rings.

Rhiannon hurriedly picks it up. "Hello?"

"Hello dear. It's Delmar."

"Well? Did you reach her?"

"No, I didn't. I called the cell phone company though. They claim there shouldn't be a reception problem in that area and that the message is usually one if the phone is broken or the client disconnected the service." She pauses not really knowing what else she can say. "I'm coming over. I'd like you to call Veronica and see if she'll stop by."

"You know something's wrong. Why aren't you telling me the truth?"

"Dear, I need for you to calm down. I don't know for sure what is happening, but the three of us can find out together. Okay?"

"Alright. I'll call her."

*************

Blue eyes slowly open. A wave of nausea threatens its way up Jordan's throat. She rolls over and spews the contents of her breakfast. "Ugh. I just love feeling like shit." Lying there a moment she feels for the left shoulder wondering the condition it's in. She gracefully attempts to move her left arm and see what range of motion she has. It seems okay for now, except for the stiffness. Using her hands, she feels along the rest of her body for any other injuries since everything hurts and the lack of light where she is doesn't help. She finds her shirt is torn on the left side and she comes across a warm sticky substance that has soaked through the material. Ripping the shirt a bit more she feels further and guesses the gash is about five inches long. "Fucking great." Looking up she notices where the little bit of light is originating. "That looks like the hole I could have fallen through...or was pushed through." She attempts to stand, holding onto the wall for support. "If I only had wings, I could fly back up there." She sarcastically comments to no one. She checks her pockets for the cell phone. Coming up empty she curses again. Blindly she begins to walk forward using the wall as a guide.

*************

The doorbell chimes. Rhiannon answers the door. "Hey, Ver thanks for coming. Delmar is in the kitchen."

Veronica gives her friend a fierce hug. "We'll find out what's going on, okay?"

The small blonde only nods.

They sit around the table that is now covered with a purple velvet cloth. A worn deck of tarot cards is stacked in the middle. From above, one could see that the three women sitting around the table make the shape of a triangle. Holding hands they meditate for some time until their breathing becomes one.

Delmar is the first to break the link. "Beloved Artemis, our guide and protector, please hear us as we seek a sister who is currently lost to us." She shuffles the cards several times until they are warm in her hands. Holding out the spread, she motions for Rhiannon to pick ten cards.

Rhi begins the task and lays the cards face down in the form of the Celtic cross.

Veronica turns the cards over one at a time starting with the first one picked until the last one is turned up. Both her and Delmar begin to silently read what the cards reveal.

Without meaning to, Veronica gasps.

"What is it Ver? Tell me." Rhiannon shouts.

Delmar pats the young woman's hand. "What she sees Rhi is that someone has hurt Jordan."

"Oh no. Is she...?" The small blond couldn't bring herself to say the word."

"The cards do not give that answer at this time. There is no indication of death, but it does show that an enemy is trying to separate the two of you again. Jordan is hurt but I don't know to what extent." Delmar interjects.

"What's going to happen?" she asks.

"I can see that Jordan is not planning on giving up so easily." She looks at Veronica, and then asks her, "Do you see anything else?"

The redhead shakes her no, and Rhiannon breaks down into sobs. 

***************

Slowly gaining some strength, Jordan blindly continues taking tentative steps in the dark cave. Stopping a moment, she feels a faint breeze brush her face. There's got to be an opening around here, of some kind, in order to have this air coming through. She moves in the direction of the oncoming gentle airflow. By now her eyes have adjusted enough to the darkness, and the blood seeping out of her side is beginning to clot. She isn't sure of how much blood has been lost but she can't stop now. Her thoughts turn to her one love and how she longs to be in the young woman's arms. Suddenly she trips, and begins to slide down into another hole. Clawing at the loose dirt in the attempt to halt a further decline, she manages to grab onto a tree root. "Goddamn it!" she yells. Carefully digging the toes of her boots in the dirt, she slowly climbs back up the slope, and after some time she manages to find her way to where she started.

**************

Rhiannon spends the night crying in her bed. She recalls the day's earlier events when Delmar called the airlines for her. They wanted confirmation of Jordan boarding the plane or possibly changed plans to take a later flight. "I'm sorry, but no one by the name of Jordan Depardieu has boarded flight number 817 leaving Newark and arriving in Chicago. Also, I don't find that name listed for any other flights to the same destination." Delmar had even contacted the rental car company hoping they could give any clues. "I'm sorry Miss." The young man says apologetically. "According to our records, Miss Depardieu has not returned the vehicle. The car was due at 3pm today. We have not heard from her."

Exhausted from the onslaught of emotions, the young woman rises from her tear stained pillow. Looking through her bookshelf, she finds her book on Dream Magic. She checks the supply drawer to make sure she has everything she needs for the spell she intends to cast. Preparing her spell table, she lays a white cloth upon it. Four white candles, two red, two pink, two orange, and two purple adorn the top. She sets out the rose quartz, the green aventurine, a turquoise stone, and an amethyst. Arranging them in the shape of a triangle surrounding the two pink candles in the center, she removes her moonstone talisman and wraps the silver chain around the base of these two candles. The moonstone hangs suspended between them.

Rhiannon heads into the bathroom for a shower. Afterwards she dons a white button down nightshirt and returns to the spell table. With a lighter, she lights up a sage wand, and as the smoke lifts into the room, she waves it in a clockwise circle as she recites a purification incantation. Next she lights the candles and begins the spell that will hopefully provide her with insightful knowledge as to Jordan's whereabouts and condition and also bring her lover safely home.

As the candles continue to burn, she cries once again, begging that the gods will hear her and grant her request.

****************

Jordan presses the light button on her watch. Nothing happens. She holds the piece up to her ear. There is no sound. "Fucking great. My watch is broken." She angrily declares, and then sighs. "I don't even know what fucking time it is. I don't know if it's night or day. I don't know where I am or how long I'll be here." She yells at no one. Falling to her knees in exhaustion, she begins to cry, feeling she is trapped in a hopeless situation. Lying down on her right side, she cries herself to sleep.

****************

More than a couple of months pass without any news about Jordan. 

The only useless information that arose is that the rental Jeep had been found in a small town called Washington Heights. It was parked illegally and had been towed. 

On the night of the full moon, Rhiannon works once again on the spell for her love. She falls asleep on the couch this time with the moonstone in her hand.

The clock strikes 1am, and weary green eyes suddenly open. Rhi opens her right hand because it feels hot. She notices the stone has almost an ethereal glow about it, and it is giving off a burning sensation. She holds it up by the chain in her left hand and inspects the red mark that the stone left behind in her palm. "She's alive." Rhiannon whispers into the night air. Rising from the couch she calls Delmar.

"Hello?" comes the sleepy voice.

"It's Rhiannon. I'm sorry for calling so late."

"It's okay. What's wrong dear?"

"She's alive."

Delmar sits up in her bed. "How do you know?"

"The moonstone --- the ones I made into talismans for Jordan and I --- is glowing and radiating heat. It has to be a sign that she is somewhere, and trying to get back to me. It must be."

"Thank the gods." Delmar sighs. "What are you going to do?"

"I plan on taking the next flight out to New Jersey."

"But we don't even know where she went. How do you plan on finding her?"

"I'll start in Newark and then go to the town where the Jeep was found."