Progeny

Disclaimers — Xena Warrior Princess and all Characters of the Xenaverse are the property of Ren Pic and Universal. My deepest gratitude goes to them for the loan of these folks and I returned them none the worse for wear. Thanks for the Fertile fields.

All other Characters and events are the ideas and property of the author. They are not to be duplicated or used in other works without the authors permission.

There is no sex (only hints) but dark themes and violence. Good versus Evil sometimes gets nasty. If you are offended by this please read no further.

This story could not have been written without the contributions of I. Boldway and my thanks to her.

Thanks also to my editor Stonewulf for his contribution.

Bows and cheers to the members of my Xenavrse cyber-tribe Daughters of the Four Winds. They are inspirational and each one a treasure.

Last but not least my deepest thanks to the Big Guy Upstairs for the second chance.

This the first posting of my work. Please be gentile and I welcome feedback and thoughts at xenasis@yahoo.com or OTEREWQB@hotmail.com

Ladies and Gentleman! May I present.....

Dawn broke over the Faire’ grounds. The sun quickly burned away the shroud of mist that hung over the fields. Activity began shortly thereafter. The New Greece Renaissance Faire’ had come into existence six years earlier, the dream of Aven Gabriel and Melanie Prince. With hard work and dedication it had quickly become one of the most popular and successful Faire’s on the West Coast.

The women were equal partners and believed in a hands on attitude in running the Faire’. They had a few trusted employees that could step in when needed but they were greedy about sharing the duties they loved so much.

The owners insisted on realism for the Faire’. The workers assumed they had spent a lot of time researching Ancient History. Only the two of them knew about the two weeks they had spent traveling in Ancient Greece almost ten years earlier. It had been a true learning experience and because of their need for authenticity it had made the Faire’ even more popular on the circuit.

Tents and campers dotted the landscape several hundred yards from the Faire’ grounds. The temporary homes of the workers. Two large tents were set away from the others. Outside the farthest, two children played and a solitary figure watched over them.

The children, little girls, were about seven years old and looked very much like their mothers. Brianne was the tallest, most outgoing. She was lean, with flowing black hair and piercing blue eyes. She had her mothers fiery personality and despite typical childrens’ arguments, was fiercely protective of her companion. Renee’, the other child was shorter and smaller but just as robust as her friend. Her blond hair shone in the early morning light and her grey green eyes twinkled with health and mischief.

Bleary eyed, Melanie emerged from her tent the ever present cup of coffee in her hand. Normally she was an early riser. However Ram had stopped by the night before and it had been a late night. They had tried again at a relationship but neither was ready to settle down. They continued as an on again off again couple. The result of one such foray was their daughter Brianne. They stayed close for her sake, though it wasn’t a conventional relationship, Brianne never wanted for attention from either parent. Ram was a wonderful father and now their bond was even deeper.

Quietly, Melanie watched Aven as she watched the children. Her face was calm and looked very childlike as she observed them play. The young woman had endured so much, even after Hawks. Luckily she had no memory of the temple after Hawks initially attacked her. The only thing she remembered was waking up cradled in Melanie’s arms afterward. Physically, she had fully recovered. Mentally she occasionally had lapses of memory loss and when particularly stressed lapsed into spells of catatonia. These spells only lasted a few minutes and were rare, but it was a scar that Hawks had left on her that even the Icon couldn’t repair.

About the time that Melanie and Ram had gotten together again, Aven had met someone. Reluctant and untrusting, she had been in no hurry to get into another relationship. But Peter had been a patient and gentle soul. He had attended the Faire’ regularly and was a proficient archer. He had taken an interest in Aven instantly and sensing her hesitation had sought out help from others. Melanie was extemely protective of her friend but she had sensed Peter’s good heart and agreed to help him get acquainted with Aven. They had suddenly been paired up in competitions and he had been invited to dinner at Melanie’s on many occasions. Despite Aven’s complaints of Melanie fostering the relationship, she had begun to fall for the handsome young teacher. No one was more thrilled than Melanie when Aven accepted his marriage proposal.

Both women found out they were pregnant within a month of one another and eight months later, delivered their daughters within hours of one another. They both had men they loved and children and life seemed idyllic.

The happiness was shattered four months after the girls birth. Peter, Aven’s beloved husband had been caught in a gang cross fire outside of his school and had been killed. Aven handled it better than expected, focusing all her attention on Renee’ and Brianne. Melanie, as always was nearby if needed.

Shaking off the sad memories, Melanie realized the girls had stopped playing and were huddling around Aven, who was spinning one of her tales.

Easing quietly behind them, Melanie was in time to catch the very end of the story. "...and evil was defeated. The two warriors were wounded but still alive, ready to take on the next evil force that reared its ugly head."

Brianne moved closer to Aven pointing to the scar on her chest. "That’s the place?"

"Yes." Aven smiled, "That’s where your mother saved my life. She was very brave that day."

Aven couldn’t contain the laughter at hearing the familiar expression coming from the smaller version.

"Just one more story, Aunt Mel. Please?" Renee’ begged with her best ‘can’t resist me’ smile.

Sulking for the adults benefit, both girls obeyed and vanished into the tent. A few seconds later a soft giggling emerged from the tent.

"Morning." Melanie answered taking a seat beside her. Offering her coffee cup, Aven accepted, took a quick drink and handed it back.

Melanie dropped her shoulders. "Yeah. I really did mean to come and get the girls but-- well you know."

Melanie noticed the reflective posture Aven had assumed and recognized it, "You had a dream, didn’t you?"

The sound of the children’s laughter flowed out of the tent, causing a sense of melancholy to settle over Melanie. Sensing the change, Aven turned in her chair and watched Melanie for a minute.

"I worry, Aven." Melanie began, "About Brianne and Renee’. The two of them going through something like we did. I know about our destiny and all that but they’re our kids. I don’t like to think of them facing something like Hawks. Does it bother you?"

Aven considered the question for several minutes before answering. "I wonder if our mothers thought and felt the same way." Aven began, and met Melanie’s eyes, "I know that I will do everything in my power to ensure that she is a good person. That she’s prepared for anything that may come up. When she’s old enough I will tell her the family history and our part in it, just as you will tell Brianne. We will both do all we can. It’s not the best or easiest answer but it’s all I’ve got. I’m certain they’ll be fine for two simple reasons."

Melanie leaned forward, anxious to hear the rest of Aven’s thoughts, "Which are?"

Melanie took Aven’s hand and lightly squeezed it. "Yeah. Just like us and those before us."

"The little warriors call." Melanie sighed and stood up. Aven arose and together they went to care for the next generation.

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