Island Life

As if completely oblivious to the heat, Rogue watched as Cyan entered the cave and glanced suspiciously over at the pile of firewood. "Looks like you're planning to stay here a while." The Queen said with an interesting look around the interior of the cave. "Have the huts gotten so bad that you actually had to seek out better accommodations?" The Queen chuckled as she leaned back against the cave wall.

Rogue shifted uncomfortably, tossing her things to the ground. "No, of course not. I just needed to be alone."

Cyan smiled. "And here I thought we had made so much progress together?"

Rogue stared at the Queen, unable to answer. Cyan finally continued. "Rogue, I know you prefer to be alone right now, but I'm here to tell you that's not going to happen; at least not like this."

Rogue's eyes widened as she rallied her thoughts together. "Are you forcing me to go back?"

"In a way, I guess I am." Cyan replied flatly. "But you and I…" the Queen said indicating the two of them with her hand motions. "We have certain rules and conditions we need to work out before we go anywhere. Why don't you have a seat."

Rogue's mind flashed back to the last talk she and the Queen had when still on the plane. She slowly lowered herself onto a log she had dragged into the cave earlier and looked around nervously.

"First things first." Cyan began. "You will never, under any circumstance, be allowed to spend your nights here. Your home for now, is a room in Falcon's hut, so I suggest you and she find a way to come to a mutual understanding with one another."

Rogue cast her eyes downward as the Queen continued. "Secondly, I can appreciate your need for alone time." Cyan rolled her eyes and thought briefly of Eri and Olympia. "Trust me - I can greatly appreciate your need, but that can't be all the time you have either; so we're going to have a few rules, okay?"

Cyan waited for the warrior to nod some kind of response. Eventually Rogue indicated her consent and the Queen continued. "I expect you to stay with Falc during the nights and help Ashana out a few hours a day at the Healer's hut; I'd like you to learn a little more about herbs and medicines. What you do in your spare time after that, is up to you, for now. Then, I want to meet with you for one hour each day to continue practicing your sparring techniques."

Rogue's head snapped upward. "Sparring?" she asked, obviously surprised by this condition in particular.

Cyan chuckled. Yes… sparring. I was impressed by your natural abilities while we were away and since I seem to be missing teaching more than usual these days - I've decided we're going to help each other out. Agreed?"

Rogue thought for a minute or so until she realized there wasn’t any way she could get herself out of this one. She also realized she couldn’t help the grin that was determined to force its way to the surface. "Ok, I’ll do it." Rogue whispered. Though I warn you now, I’m bad at organizing and I’m not very patient."

This seemed to satisfy the Queen who chuckled softly. "You seem to remind me of that a lot." Cyan helped Rogue to her feet and then began to help collect her things. "Come on, let's get you settled in over to Falcon's place."

The walk back to Falcon's hut was made mostly in silence, although both Amazons seemed mutually content to have it that way. Just before they reached the hut's door, Rogue stopped and looked at the Queen. "Why are you helping me?"

Cyan just stared at her and Rogue stammered for a minute. "Not that I’m ungrateful, so don’t get me wrong; I was just wondering. I mean, no one's ever cared where I slept or what I was doing before, so why would you?" Rogue looked Cyan in the eyes as she spoke, searching, waiting for the Queen to respond.

The Queen smiled. "Because you Rogue are my responsibility now, and where you sleep and how you spend your time are my interest. This Island is your home and the people on it, your family. The days of not belonging to someplace or someone are behind you."

Rogue smiled back at the Queen feeling a slight change in the beat of her heart. She did somehow feel different about the Island now. She just hoped she wouldn't disappoint the Queen. "How can you be so sure that this is where I belong?" Rogue suddenly asked, needing to know.

Cyan opened the hut door and held it for the warrior. "I have a new found faith in our destiny Rogue and you're most certainly a part of it."

Rogue took her things and struggled her way pass Cyan and through the narrow doorway. Rogue muttered as she dropped her things onto the floor and a nearby table. "I'm not sure just faith is quite enough my Queen."

The Queen smiled after her and spoke quietly yet confidently. "I have been on this earth longer than you could imagine Amazon, and I can assure you, it is entirely about faith." Cyan let the door swing shut and whistled contentedly on her way back to the palace.

*******

Rogue began to sort her things out while thinking about what the Queen had said. "I suppose the Queen could be right. I hope not; haven’t had faith for a long time."

Rogue sat down with her head in her hands as the wave of emotions suddenly hit her. "By the goddess, what have I done? I can’t do this; I love the Island and the people; but emotion is a weakness. I have to get this under control before someone gets hurt." Rogue started to sob quietly. "I could have been killed if I’d gone to the plane on my own and now all I've done is kill yet another member of my own blood. This has to stop."

Rogue continued to quietly cry well into the night, until eventually she drifted off into a restless sleep.

*****

Falcon entered the palace and was promptly stopped by Cyan's guards. No sooner had she opened her mouth to speak than Eri swung both doors wide opened. "Hiya Falc! You comin' to dinner too?"

The Healer looked over the Amazon's shoulder and caught the exasperated look of the Queen. "Ah, no. Wasn't planning on it."

"Well then, you better have a seat." Eri said with dripping sarcasm. "'Cuz I'm starving and we're on our way to get some food." The Queen's niece snapped her head around to face her aunt and narrowed her eyes. "Aren't we?" she said with positive expectations.

Falcon thought the Queen looked quite tired for an immortal. Then again, Falcon thanked the gods every night that Nikolas was far from being the handful that both Eri and Olympia were for Cyan. Couple those two with Saran and Falcon doubted any mortal would have survived.

The Queen walked forward and shut the doors behind her. "Come on Falcon. Please, join us for dinner." Falcon couldn't help but to chuckle at the emphasis Cyan had placed on the word please. "Of course my Queen."

"RISSA!" The Queen yelled down the hallway. The sound of stomping feet could be heard rounding the corner. The little Princess raced down the straightaway and leapt into Cyan's arms. "Ready?" the Queen asked; not really needing an answer. Rissa nodded and the four Amazons set out for the Hamburger Hut.

*****

Falcon glanced at Rissa jamming the first big bite of her burger firmly into place. Eri laughed as she started on a handful of fries, alternating her burger and shake. Cyan chuckled at the Healer's shocked expression. "They're both a lot more pleasant once they've been fed." Cyan remarked haphazardly.

"So, I see." Falcon said motioning towards Rissa's spreading grin and Eri's continued laughter at the young Princess. The Healer took a bite of her own sandwich and watched the other three interact at the table. As long as she had been here, she was still amazed by how many faces the Queen managed to wear.

After dinner, Eri took Rissa out to the small playground that had just been built behind the family dinner tables. Cyan leaned back in her chair and watched them both contentedly. "Vicky teaches classes over at the Academy on Tuesday and Thursdays, so Rissa spends those nights entertaining Eri and I." The Queen looked over at Falcon. "I have to admit it, I've grown quite used to our family nights together."

"So where's Olympia?" Falcon asked innocently enough. Cyan was caught off guard, but soon realized it was nothing more than the continued weight of keeping Olympia's parentage a secret that had caused her to flinch.

"Actually she usually does join us." Cyan replied flatly. "But she said she wanted to go for a run tonight. I thought about pushing the point, but it seems you're not the only one with a child that requires alone time."

The Queen and Falcon both smiled and Cyan spent a long time telling Falcon about her arrangement with Rogue and some of what had happened on the plane. The sun slowly slipped behind the water's edge and the four Amazons enjoyed their night as Rogue slept restlessly in her new home.

*****

Rogue looked around her surroundings not quite sure where she was. "It’s okay Rogue, you're kinda dreaming." Rogue spun around only to be faced with her old friend Lethe. "Lethe!?! I’m so glad to see you. Actually I’m shocked to see you, what the hell is going on?" Rogue’s expression changed from happy to sad to confused, all in the space of a second.

"Wow chill. Let’s walk I’ll explain everything to you." Rogue turned and fell into step with Lethe. "Now I’m here coz you were close enough to the dream state for me to pull you here."

Seeing Rogue give her the ‘there had best be a good reason for this’ look she continued. "I wanted to talk to you. I know what you’re going through and I know it’s not easy. You forget I was the only one who could ever see through that mask you wear. I know you are afraid to trust, but if you trusted Cyan on the plane, why not now? And for that matter, what’s the deal with Falcon? She cares, why the hell are you doing the I’m not going to let her close thing?" Lethe turned to Rogue and waited while she thought about it.

"I’m doing it because I care. One of the first things I learned in our village was that emotions were a weakness. If you showed emotion your enemies had something they could use against you; I think I proved that on the plane with my uncle." Rogue looked at the stars, suddenly finding them fascinating.

"Rogue, while you're on the Island you can’t die, your enemies can’t reach you and you have nothing to fear. But you already knew that didn’t you? The way I see it, you're afraid you'll have to leave some day, like you’ve had to all your life." Lethe shook her head. "Rogue, I can’t tell you how to live your life and I can’t get rid of your fear but I can make you see what you're doing to yourself and your friends. Can't you see they're concerned?" Lethe let the silence hang in the air for a moment and then spoke quietly before hugging Rogue goodbye. "Just think about it, but don’t take to long."

Rogue whispered quietly "Thank you."

Falcon sat quietly in a chair listening to the whispers of the restless sleeping warrior. "For what I wonder?" she thought to herself. "Come morning, she and I are going to have to have a little talk." Falcon leaned back in her chair and began to doze as she listened to Rogue's breathing slow into a deep sleep.

******

Cyan flinched as her eyes flickered open. Princess Vicky stood over her laughing quietly. The Queen glanced down and saw Rissa soundly sleeping, clutching the last pages of the book Cyan had been reading to her.

Vicky whispered. "Will you bring her down to her room? I'll be there in a second."

Cyan nodded, wondering whether her legs were actually even there to help her out on the walk. She moved slowly, wincing slightly at the tingling pain in both her legs as the blood began to flow again. She picked up the still sleeping child and headed down the hallway. "You just might be getting to big for this Riss." The Queen laid the little Princess down on her bed and stepped back and smiled. "Nah - not yet anyway." She pulled the covers up and headed for the door.

Vicky smiled as she entered her daughter's room. "Ya know, you spoil her more than I do."

Cyan laughed. "Well, if I do, I can assure you it's all selfishly motivated; plain and simple. She seems to be the only one on the Island that enjoys all the same activities as me." Both warriors smiled as they looked over at Rissa.

The Queen headed down the hallway and towards the front door of the palace. Vicky called out quietly. "Cy, don't forget our daily meeting with Eponie is first thing in the morning tomorrow."

Cyan waved her hand casually "Yah, yah, I remember. Can we please discuss something other than Saran this time?" Vicky rolled her eyes as the Queen walked out the door and into the night.

*****

The Queen looked around the java hut and eventually pulled up a seat next to Olympia.

"We missed you at dinner tonight." The Queen stated plainly. The Enforcer smiled back at Cyan.

"I just needed to get some extra exercise in; to clear my mind a bit." She took a long sip of her coffee while Cyan let the subject drop.

Olympia leaned back in her chair and put her feet up on another. "I hear you're going to begin daily sparring sessions with our latest addition."

Cyan arched a brow and shook her head slowly. "I can't do anything in this lifetime that you don't find out about can I?"

Olympia chuckled. "Well, not in my lifetime anyway."

The two warriors sat and chatted for most of the night. Each distinctively grateful for the time together, but both for their own reasons. Cyan could not help noticing the subtle similarities between Olympia and her sister Bajarat the more time that went by. The day was rapidly approaching when she would have to tell her friend who she truly was. For now, she was going to concentrate on getting one warrior settled at a time, and for now, that one warrior was Rogue.

*****

Rogue awoke early the next morning only to find Falcon sound asleep in a chair next to her bed. Laughing to herself, she tried to stand as quietly as possible; well as quietly as she could when every bone in her body decided to click at the same time. The clicks however, even as quiet as they were, were enough to wake the healer. "You know," Rogue joked as Falcon stretched. "if you were going to sleep in here you could have shoved me over a bit."

Falcon's blunt reply quickly took the element of joking instantly out of the room. "We need to talk and before you go to work."

Rogue flinched. "Ever to the point aren’t you?" After seeing the look Falcon gave her, she finally gave up avoiding the issue and sat back down on the bed. "Okay, what do you want to talk about?

******

Cyan sat on the balcony of the palace and looked down into the practice fields where Olympia was already leading a morning class. She was busy trying to teach a couple of the newer Amazons some basic battle moves, while the others looked on.

"Hey!" Eri chirped as she dropped into a seat alongside her aunt. "You wanted to see me about something?"

Cyan looked intently at the Enforcer and then over at her niece. "Do you think Olympia is acting kinda strange lately?"

Eri snorted a bit. "Stranger than normal?"

Cyan nudged her niece hard. "I'm serious."

Eri shook her head. "No, I don't think so, why?"

The Queen looked back at the field. "Just wondering I guess. It's not really like her to miss dinner."

"I bet it's nothing." Eri said casually. "Probably just all the usual stuff. People late for classes, inefficiency, Athena - stuff like that."

Cyan's head whipped around. "Athena? Why would she be bothering her?"

Eri looked at her aunt with mild confusion and then began to smile. "You're kiddin' me, right?"

"About what?"

Eri shook her head slowly. "Athena and Olympia have been duking it out for your attention as long as I've known either of them, but the fact of the matter is, Olympia always feels like she comes up the loser since she's not your blood."

Cyan was in shock. "She told you that?"

Eri smiled. "Sorry, as blunt as the Enforcer is, she didn't say it exactly like that; but we talk enough that I know I'm not wrong."

Cyan looked back out at the field and just stared silently. Eri touched the Queen's arm. "Sooner or later, you're going to have to tell her she really is our blood Aunt Cyan."

"I already told Athena." Cyan whispered quietly.

Eri turned in her seat and looked at the Queen. "Don't take this wrong Aunt Cyan, but let me ask you something. I know how you feel about me and I know how you feel about Athena, but what's keeping you from telling Olympia she's our blood? Don't you want her to be?"

Cyan looked at her in disbelief. "That's not it at all. Even before I knew she was my blood I always thought of her as my family. I'm just not sure she's ready to hear who exactly brought her into this world."

Eri sighed. "I know she'll be upset, but I think she'd still want to know in the long run that you and I really are her true family. I think she might even find herself liking Athena if she felt like she finally knew where she belonged in your life."

"What do you mean?" Cyan asked, quite surprised by her niece's comment. "She already knows how important she is in my life."

"That isn't what I meant." Eri thought for a moment at how exactly she wanted to say this. "You see, my life with you is real simple and easy in certain ways because I've always known who I am to you. I'm secure of my niche in your life. Athena is the same way and it's why we can get along so well; we have different niches. I know she's your closest friend and it doesn't bother me because I have my own place that she can't compete with." Eri paused. "Is any of this making sense?"

The Queen reluctantly nodded. "You are like the child I lost, Athena is the best friend that I always wanted and this Island is my destiny. In Olympia's mind - what more could I want?"

Eri nodded and leaned back in her chair once again and looked out at the cousin that no one else even knew she had. "She just needs to be assured that there is a special place in your life that not even Athena could fill." Eri glanced at her aunt. "You need to tell her ya know."

Cyan nodded and watched silently as the class continued. "I know." She finally replied flatly. The Queen's mind slowly turned to her sister; she needed to talk with Athena soon. Hopefully the goddess of wisdom could give her some answers.

*****

Rogue looked away not quite knowing what to say. Thinking for a moment she responded. "Falcon please sit for a moment. I... I want to trust you. In a way I do, it’s just..." Rogue looked in the Healer's eyes and saw the pleading look. Standing up she turned away and faced the window before she continued.

"You're right, I am afraid. Since the day I was born I’ve been either fighting or running. Up until I was 15 it was for the right to be alive, to live with the Amazons. Just before my birthday I tried and failed to save the regent of our tribe. She passed her right of cast on to me as she died."

Rogue turned back and sat next to Falcon on the bed. "Then you know about the trouble with my father. He wanted me dead, and killed every Amazon that came between him and me. I wandered for ages with my mentor and finally ended up here. And then I don’t even get settled and I’m putting people in danger all over again."

Rogue couldn’t stop the tears that started to spill down her cheeks. "I have never belonged anywhere. Every time I try, people die or I eventually have to leave. I don’t even think I want to belong if I’m only going to have to leave again. I would rather spend my life alone." Rogue paused. "This is ridiculous! Look at me, a trained Amazon crying. If mother could see me now, she’d be ashamed." Rogue took a deep breath and looked Falcon straight in the eyes. "If you can trust me and take me into your home then I must try my best to do as you ask." Rogue gripped the Healer's arm to show her commitment to what she had said.

Falcon eyes smiled softly. She had read in the Amazon's eyes all the fears and

questions she had asked herself. "Rogue you have family here. Welcome home."

"FALCON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The child's voice rang down the hall and Falcon chuckled. "I think a certain Princess is looking for her sparring partner."

Princess Marissa burst into Rogue's bedroom, grinning widely. "Hiya Rogue. Hey

Falcon, you're late. You said you'd practice with me this morning."

Falcon stood and looked down. "Little Princess, you forgot to ask if it was alright to enter Rogue's room." Her words were soft but firm.

"Sorry Rogue." Marissa said seriously and then turned back to Falcon once again grinning. "Well, you're late, so let's go. You can come too Rogue."

Falcon dropped to her knees so she could address the Princess face to face. "Tell you what, you and Rogue go the practice ring and do some warm ups. I have to go over to the stables; Smoke is all ready to go back to the Academy for your riding lessons later. I'll bring him there and then I have something else to do first. Perhaps by that time Rogue can help defend me from you. Would that be okay?"

Princess Marissa giggled. "Okey Dokey Falc." She had used the term Tama had

taught her on more that one occasion to torment the Healer.

Falcon rolled her eyes and watched with amusement as the Little Princess grabbed a confused Rogue by the hand and began pulling her to the door.

Falcon laughed. "Um, where the Little Princess is concerned, like the Queen herself, I can assure you resistance is futile." Rogue rolled her eyes and Falcon laughed harder. "I'll meet you in a little while. Go to the weapons room and the Little Princess will show you where I keep my Staff."

Marissa dragged Rogue down the hall, quite exasperated by the warrior's lack of hustle. "Come of Rogue!!!!"

Falcon chuckled as she shook her head in wonder. If anyone would reach into Rogue's heart it would be the Little Princess. Falcon headed for the stable; she had an idea.

*******

Cyan leaned comfortably back in her chair and sipped her coffee. Eponie sat alongside her, grinning wickedly. The Queen was determined not to let the Princess get to her.

"Are too…" Eponie prodded.

"Am not." Cyan responded flatly and took another sip of coffee

Eponie chuckled and both the Queen and Princess turned their heads at the sound of the door shutting. Princess Vicky made her way over to the royal pair and flopped into a seat, silently nodding her hello's. It was only seconds before she began to idly tap her feet and twiddle her thumbs.

Eponie laughed loudly as Cyan drummed her fingers lightly on the chair and Vicky's head snapped upwards. "What's so funny?" The first Princess asked with confusion.

Eponie muffled her laughter and motioned towards the Queen. "You two are."

Cyan rolled her eyes as Vicky sat forward. "What's so funny about the two of us?" pressed the now agitated Princess.

"The fact that neither one of you can sit still for more than a couple of minutes before you need to spring into action! Cyan's been bored to tears ever since I made her sit down to just……." Eponie breathed in deeply. "……to just enjoy the day!" then the Princess chuckled again. "But…..she's bored; plain and simple."

"Am not." Cyan said again flatly.

"Are so." Eponie mumbled quietly while smiling.

Now it was Vicky's turn to roll her eyes. "Bored? Ha! It's just nice to have a moment of peace."

Eponie shook her head and laughed. "I'm not sure which one of you needs Rissa more!" Both the Queen and Vicky glared at their other Princess and then went back to their silence.

******

Rogue was dragged to the practice ring and soon was being subjected to the skilled attacks of the five-year-old Princess. One huge advantage was the small girl's size. It was surprisingly hard to defend one's self against someone whose center of gravity was so much lower than your own.. Of course, there was also the fact that the other happened to be a certain Amazon Princess Rogue dared not hurt.

Marissa grinned, catching Rogue a blow to the ribs. "Rogue, ya can stop bein' careful; I'm not gonna break" Suddenly a staff appeared from nowhere and Marissa found herself looking up at Falcon, staff in hand.

Falcon spoke sternly. "And you need to remember that she is not prepared to spar with you Princess."

Rogue's jaw dropped. She looked at the Amazon Princess who was laying on the ground and watched as Falcon stood over her like she were only a green recruit being reprimanded.

Falcon pulled the Princess to her feet. "Now, would care to show Rogue how we spar???"

Marissa grinned and launched her attack, while Falcon quickly countered. Rogue was impressed; for one so young, she showed amazing skill and speed. She watched as the Little Princess deflected the blows of Falcon's staff and was convinced that some of them would have gotten by even the best of older recruits.

Fifteen minutes later Rogue watched as Falcon raised up her guard allowing a blow to her legs; seemingly the Little Princess had gained victory. Marissa stood over the downed Healer, her small staff planted firmly on the Healer's chest.

Falcon raised her empty hands. "I Yield Little Princess." And the Healer began to laugh. Rissa dropped her staff and jumped on the Healer, beginning a new attack with nothing more than a finger to the ribs. The two were soon rolling around the field, screaming with laughter.

Princess Vicky's voice came across the air. "Rissa, stop picking on Falcon." She laughed as the pair came to a stop and slowly stood up.

Falcon bowed her head. "Princess. Her lessons are going very well. Soon it will be time to give her a larger staff."

Vicky laughed again. "I'm sure the Enforcer will take care of that one Falcon, but for now I gather Smoke is at the Academy stables and Riss and her class are going out on a trail ride later? If so, she needs to get cleaned up before then." Vicky smiled to herself. "I also happen to know that both myself and a certain Queen are a little anxious to have a better playmate than Eponie has been."

With good-byes all around, the two Princesses walked away leaving Rogue and Falcon standing alone. Falcon grinned at the contemplative look on Rogue's face.

"You might as well get used to it; the Little Princess tends to get to everyone around here. She is perhaps the most spoiled child on the Island and undoubtedly has more sparring partners than anyone I know. Even the Queen herself cannot resist that little one."

Falcon paused for a moment. "Now, I have something for you." Falcon walked to the edge of the ring where there was a tethered Arabian filly, fully decked in saddle and bridal."  Falcon smiled and ran a hand over the filly.

"I brought her to the Island not long ago." Falcon chuckled. "Let's just say I took her from a dead Arab. She was scared and didn't trust anyone, but given a little time and love she has made this her home." Falcon handed the reins to Rogue. "She's yours now. She has a stall in the private end of the Hospital stable where I keep my family's horses. She was called Oasis, which in essence means a place of water and food in a barren land."

Rogue looked in wonder at the horse. "She’s beautiful. I couldn’t possibly.….."

"Rogue, she's yours. Take care of her and I’m sure no one will mind when you go to work if you take her out for a bit. The Queen said yu should work a few hours, but she didn't say which."

Before Falcon could say anything else, Rogue pulled her into a hug. "Thank you. You have no idea what this means to me." She smiled at the Healer. "Would you like to come on a ride with me? Not a long one coz we both have work and all but it could be fun."

Falcon was about to decline, knowing she had work at the hospital, but she saw the look in Rogue's eyes and agreed. "It could be nice to do nothing for a bit. I’ll just get one of my horses."

Falcon returned from the stables and the two warriors rode out towards the beach.

******

The Queen could hear Rissa 's movements long before the Princess had even come close to reaching her target, but Cyan had to smile at the child. She was getting much better at these warrior skills that were expected of Amazon royalty.

Cyan braced herself for the impact she knew was coming. From the air above, she saw the little Princess flip overhead and land heavily in her lap. Cyan grimaced. It also seemed that the more she learned, the heavier she got.

"You heard me." Rissa said, making no attempt to conceal her disappointment.

The Queen shook her head vigorously. "Nope, not even a creak this time." Rissa stared at her, watching for the signs she knew would soon be coming. Yup, there it was. Cyan finally gave into the smile that had been dying to reach the surface and Rissa slumped heavily back into the Queen's chest.

"Did you at least miss me?" Rissa whispered quietly, looking out over the Island and watching Falcon and Rogue disappear towards the water.

Cyan hugged the child tightly. "Now that one I can answer truthfully!" The Little Princess giggled as she began to recount to the Queen what she had been doing with her day.

*****

"Rogue, do you mind if I ask you something personal?" Seeing rogue nod her approval, Falcon continued. "When you first arrived and went off with Saran and when I was busy talking to the Queen, there were mentions of your Mentor. How do you know her?"

Falcon looked at Rogue only to see the other warrior deep in thought. Falcon continued the ride in silence thinking that perhaps she shouldn't have asked the question.

"It was in an Amazon village, after mine had been all but destroyed. No one would talk to either of us although I'm not sure why, but we stuck together. She began to teach me what she knew and I helped her get used to Earth realm. It turned out later that she was actually my family, a cousin I think."

Rogue paused for a minute and then continued. "Back in the room you said I had family here, did you mean blood or the Amazons on the Island?" The question had been nagging at Rogue ever since she left the room. There was something that didn't quite add up and she was determined to find out what.

"Rogue," Falcon began. "There are at least two major kinds of family. The one you are born to and the one that is chosen; either by you choosing them or them choosing you. This Island became my home and the tribe became my family. I chose them and they chose me. In no way does this disrespect the family I was born to or the daughter I had. It just means that my family grew larger." Falcon paused and thought back to the Queen's words about Nikolas and smiled. "In some cases the family you choose is better than the one you were born to."

Falcon paused, fearing she had only managed to confuse her riding companion. Turing down an overgrown path, Rogue continued to follow Falcon until they reached a small clearing. On one side was a rock face with a cave in which a path led them to a small body of water. Rogue could feel the warm moist air and realized that the water was some part of a hot spring. Falcon dismounted, sending her horse away to a small patch of grass. Rogue did the same.

Pointing to the cave, Falcon talked as she remembered. "I had yet to be on the Island for very long when like you I sought a place to hide to think. That was my place."

She walked through the steps in her mind reflectively. "The Queen soon tired of my silence and she sent me off Island on a mission. I can't even remember what it was now, but one night as I sat by my fire, I sent a child’s prayer to Artemis. I asked for a sign that the fates intended this tribe to be my family. Later I heard a small whimper and when I searched the underbrush I found a dead she-wolf and around her, the lifeless cubs. It seemed all had been clubbed to death and I'm certain she was alive while her litter was killed. But again I heard the whimper and under some brush, still alive, was one very small cub. So, I took him back with me; I was all he had."

Falcon looked to the other warrior. "You see, I found out later that most all the wolves in that area were already dead, but when a cub is orphaned, another wolf will take that cub and raise it as a member of their own pack. They will care for it and love it as if it were born to them from the very start."

"Shadow." Rogue said softly.

Falcon nodded. "This Tribe became my pack or family in the same way that the orphaned cub did. When he was old enough, I brought him back to where I had found him. The Little Princess explained to him that he had the freedom to choose." Falcon smiled. "He chose us. The tribe and me, and now you."

Falcon waited for a few minutes and then spoke again. "Rogue, the tribe wants you to stay and I want you to stay. I already said it once and I'll say it again. Welcome home."

Rogue moved and sat down on a nearby rock. "I... errrr... Thank you. I'm not very good at asking or accepting help and you have already given me so much, even though you don't really know me. Would you... could you help me with learning to trust?"

Seeing Falcon's somewhat confused look, Rogue continued to explain. "I recently found out that one of the only people I have ever trusted was sent to kill me. She didn't do it in the end but that doesn't really change things much for me." Rogue stood and began to pace. "It's been so long, I'm not even sure I remember what trusting is. I feel like I've just always been alone and even when I wasn't it was only out of necessity; stay together or die."

Rogue started to walk toward the horses, not really wanting to talk anymore. "Well I'm going to try my hardest none the less. You're a good... friend, thank you. Anyway, we'd best be going, we've both got work and all."

"Rogue." Falcon said softly, who waited for the Amazon to turn and look at her. "I've been there and you remind me of me. How could I not help you?" Falcon smiled warmly. "Dinner at the Java Hut tonight. I'm sending Nik over because I have surgery later on so at least for tonight you're safe from my cooking." The Healer chuckled. "I'll join you after the surgery okay? I'm going to stay a bit - there are some water plants that I need to gather while I'm here."

Rogue nodded and mounted her horse. Falcon watched as the newest member of their tribe disappeared up the path. "My goddess, how can I help her believe? Perhaps I can get permission to leave the Island and seek answers from you at the small temple?" Falcon busied herself with collecting the plants, never realizing her words had eventually made their way to Artemis's ears.

*****

After Rogue had settled Oasis in the stables, she headed for the hospital. As hard as she tried, she couldn't concentrate on what she was being told. The poisonous herbs she knew, some of them were used on a regular basis in her home village. But the healing herbs were another matter all together. Try as she might, Rogue couldn't concentrate enough to remember which was which.

The day moved quickly past, but Rogue found she didn't want to go before she had learned at least the names of some of the herbs. Ashana tried relentlessly to convince her of the need to at least get something to eat, but only with minimal success.

"Rogue, you've been at that all afternoon. I really don't think you're going to learn them all in one day; probably not even a month for that matter." Ashana grabbed the book Rogue was actively studying from and shut it. "Now, Falcon is at surgery so that means there is a little boy somewhere on his own who is probably starving to death! So go get both of you something to eat."

Rogue sighed in defeat and thanking the Healer she went to the Java hut to find Nikolas.

*******

The Java hut was buzzing with laughter when Rogue entered and looked around. On one side, near the back, sat Falcon's son Nikolas. Corde had just placed a plate of food in front of the boy and his face lit up in a smile as Rogue approached.

"Hello." Corde said. "What would you like this evening, our house special?"

"What's the special?" Rogue asked.

Corde pointed to Nikolas's plate and the boy grinned. "Pizza !!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Rogue laughed and gave Corde the rest of her order while she sat down next to the young boy.

"So, you’re living with us now?" Nikolas asked around a mouthful of pizza.

"I guess so." Rogue replied casually.

Nikolas looked at the warrior. "Mom is worried about you." he finally said. "She doesn't sit watchin' someone sleep unless she's worried." The boy began to eat again as he talked. "You know Rogue, I hear stuff. They don't think kids listen but we do, we just don't talk about it. You and the Queen went on an..... a... away mission."

Rogue nodded, not sure where this was going.

The boy shook his head. "Mom and Olympia were so mad, and Eri, Wow! And when you got back and Mom dragged you into the exam room, I figured she was gonna really blow!"

Nikolas grinned, hoping he had found a sympathetic ear who might listen when the Healer was angry with him. There was a soft noise from under the table and Rogue watched as the boy's hand disappeared from sight with a morsel of food.

"Nik, if you feed that animal any more Pizza you know who's gonna have at your tail." The Enforcer stared down at the boy as she turned a chair around and straddled it. She reached out and ruffled the boy's hair playfully.

Rogue couldn't help but to stare. This was the first time she had seen the normally stoic

Amazon display any kind of softer emotion.

The Enforcer chuckled at Nik's eating habits, as she addressed the newer Amazon. "Rogue, you need to show up tomorrow for weapons evaluation, so we can see what you know and what you need to work on."

Rogue replied immediately, still a little unsure of where exactly she stood with the Enforcer; although she doubted anyone really knew the answer to that one. "Um, the Queen has offered to help me with my staff work."

The Enforcer nodded casually and seemed a bit pre-occupied with other thoughts. "Okay, I'll talk to her about your level, but I still expect to see you at the posted time. I'll send word to your quarters and…….." Olympia rocked on her chair and leaned in closer to the table "will you please stop feeding that animal Nik!"

Nikolas snatched his hand up from under the table and grinned at the Queen's bodyguard. "Busted " he said sheepishly.

"Definitely busted." Came the low rumble of Falcon's voice from behind Rogue. The Healer looked to the table. "Shadow, outside."

The black wolf crept slowly from under the table and made his way out the Java

Hut door. He laid down quietly, licking his lips; completely content to wait for his Alpha outside. Her young cub had managed to slip him enough food to last him quite a while. With a soft sigh, Shadow allowed himself to doze.

The Enforcer chuckled as she got up and slapped Falcon on the shoulder. "He's all yours Mom." Olympia began to laugh harder.

"Don't laugh too hard my friend, I could still send him to you for the week's break." Now Falcon herself began to laugh as she saw Olympia's expression change ever so slightly. The Healer still consulted the woman about the boy, even after the adoption, but she was now more of a godmother than co-mother. Everyone seemed more than happy with the arrangement, even Nikolas who now treated the Enforcer more like a favorite aunt than a mother.

Falcon sat and sighed. Corde placed a steaming pizza on the table and handed plates around."Thanks Corde, but just tea for me." Falcon said.

Corde frowned. "You have to eat. What's wrong?"

Falcon sighed. "I don't think I can save that cub Shadow brought back. I did what I could, but I don't know if it was enough. He needs more time than I can give."

Nikolas piped up. "I'll take him mom."

Falcon smiled but shook her head. "You can't Nik. He needs to be watched over a little more than you would be able to. It's not so much the medicine he needs, it's a…. well, he needs a mother. Someone to talk to him and touch him. This is the time when touch is the most important medicine we have."

Nikolas tilted his head quizzically at the Healer. "Like, when you pet my head when I'm sick, or let me sleep with you if I'm having bad dreams?"

Falcon nodded. "Exactly. The problem is, all my volunteer animal parents are busy and it

will be at least a couple more days until someone is free. That lion cub, if he lives, would make a nice addition to the zoo." Falcon smiled at the boy. "That's provided I can keep a certain group of children, headed by a little Princess and son of mine, from taking them out on walks." Falcon frowned, but her eyes continued to smile. Then she continued, more seriously than before. "I still need someone for him. I only hope he lives long enough until I can find somebody."

Falcon sat quietly, deep in thought, sipping her tea.

Rogue spoke up. "Falcon, I know I have Oasis to look after but I might be able to help you." The Healer glanced up over her tea and waited for Rogue to continue. "I mean, I only have to work a few hours a day and he could sleep in my room until he’s old enough to stay outside. Strange as it sounds, I’m better at dealing with animals than with people. I could at least look after him until one of the other's is free; that's if you don’t mind of course." Rogue reached over and took a piece of the pizza while trying to get a read on Falcon's expression.

Falcon smiled to herself, hidden behind her mug. Setting it down on the table she feigned thought for a minute and then finally replied to Rogue's offer. "Okay then, but you need to feed him and everything. I’ll help you as much as I can, but it would be too confusing if he had two people doing everything for him."

Rogue smiled and tucked into her slice of pizza. She felt a sudden happiness at finally being able to do something for the Healer who had already given her so much.

******

Cyan was just getting ready to go eat with Rissa and Vicky when she heard the knock at the door. 'Well that certainly can't be them….' Cyan thought to herself. 'Rissa never knocks when it comes to food.'

"Come in." The Queen said casually as she slid her sword into its sheath.

Olympia strolled through the door looking more relaxed than Cyan had seen her in a long time. "You got a minute?" her bodyguard asked, already helping herself to a seat.

The Queen sighed and hung her head in defeat. "Yah, I guess I do." She said sarcastically and dropped into a seat alongside her unknown niece.

"I just talked to Rogue and she said you were going to be sparring with her?"

Cyan rolled her eyes. "Wait." She said, holding up a hand. "Let me guess, you think it's too dangerous for me?"

Instead of the annoyed look Cyan had thought would be coming, Olympia let out a loud laugh. "Nah! I guess you could probably hold your own. If not, at least you're immortal so I don't foresee having to serve under Eponie anytime soon." Both warriors laughed at the thought of Olympia having to protect Eponie throughout all the Realms. If ever there were two people who were less alike it was the Queen's Princess and her bodyguard.

Cyan casually dropped her next question, while propping her head up with one hand. "Have you been drinking over to the Sand Strip Olympia?"

The Enforcer shot a look at the Queen. "No! Why in the Realms would you ask that?"

Cyan laughed. "Because I have only seen you this relaxed and sociable when you've been drugged on henbane or tossing back a few over at the Strip."

Olympia jumped up. "Are you saying I'm a druggie?! Or just an unsociable alcoholic?!"

Cyan grabbed the woman's arm. "For the sake of Paul, Olympia! Relax!"

The bodyguard sat down once again and mumbled under her breath. "It's Pete."

"Excuse me?" Cyan said softly.

"It's for the sake of Pete, Cyan; not Paul. Scheesh!" She rolled her eyes and shook her head; and all was right between them.

The Queen could hear the footsteps of Vicky and Marissa making their way down the hall. "Want to come to dinner with us?" Cyan asked without making eye contact.

Olympia shrugged. "Sure, why not."

The two warriors waited for the royal pair to arrive and just before the door opened, Cyan whispered quietly. "You know I love ya E."

The Enforcer rolled her eyes, stood up and smirked just as the Princess's walked through the door. "Yah….. I know."

******