Kindred Spirit Lodge Presents
The Quest
Part 3 of 8
by Shasa Jin Umi & Nessa
April 6th, 2002
____****____
(Nessa) --
Neapolis was larger than Nessa remembered. She didn't recall as many shops, as many people or as much noise. But then, she wasn't looking for one small sailor at that time. How would she ever find a clue?
It seemed to Nessa that all larger towns had smells to them that blended into one offensive odor. She missed the Lodge and all that surrounded it. She missed her friends. She missed Tris. The warrior sighed and dismounted Tuttle. The mare was thirsty and so was the lord. They walked to a boarding stable just behind a somewhat tattered but decent looking inn.
Nessa gave gold to the stable keeper. She knew she would have to pay to get proper care for Tuttle. The lad was wide-eyed at the sight of the coin. He hustled to do the bidding of warrior and horse, while Nessa got the goods on the inn. It was the cleanest, the prices were fair and the service was good.
The Celt was making strides across the yard toward the inn thinking the day was hotter than she liked. "Brigid's hot britches it's hot!" Nessa spoke to no one, but someone heard. Suddenly from a place Nessa did not see, there came a mass of bounding, panting, slobbering joy. "Meika!" Nessa was overwhelmed, by the thought of the odds against this meeting and by the excited animal herself. It took a good amount of petting, holding and soft talking to get Shasa's companion Labrador to settle down.
"Where is she Meika? Where’s Shasa?" The claims of intelligence for this breed was well founded, and Nessa was not disappointed now. Meika ran ahead of Nessa and then stopped short, looking to see that the Warrior was following. She was.
Nessa followed Meika to the doors of a tavern not far from the inn. Meika planted herself in the shade of the building just by the door and waited. Nessa dropped a wink of thanks to the doe eyed lab and entered the tavern. She took in the entire room with a sweeping gaze. No Shasa. In fact, the entire place was empty except for one lone figure sitting at a corner table. Not even a keeper was in sight.
Nessa weaved through the room of empty tables. She approached the one tavern patron, a large, well-built man with long raven hair. She still had faith that the dog was true to her retrieving nature. There was a reason she led the warrior here. Nessa would stay for the answer.
"Ahem. Uh... excuse me, I'm looking for some... " She stopped mid sentence when the slightly graying head turned. She was looking into the eyes of a blind man. Her heart sank within her. "Oh... I thought you could help me."
A crooked smile surfaced on the friendly face. "Well perhaps I can help ye lass. I am blind but I can still talk and think. You said you were looking for some.... what?"
The warrior smirked. It had been a long while since anyone called her lass. "My name is Nessa, may I sit?" Nessa watched a gnarled and mangled hand wave her to a chair. Whatever happened to this poor man could not have been pretty at the time. It was not pretty now. But he emulated a soul that was whole, and a heart that was clean of hate. She sat.
"Well then, Nessa... Celtic are ye? Yes." He answered his own question, then asked another. "How is it that you came to this here tavern to look for... what?"
"I was led here by the companion dog of my friend... the one I seek. Her name is Shasa."
"Shasa! Yer lookin' for Shasa!" The dull eyes widened.
Nessa felt her heart leap back into place and pick up pace. "Yes!" she howled. "Do you know where she is? She is my friend, and I fear for her safety. Can you tell me where she is?"
The once handsome sailor frowned in thought. He loathed the thought of his little patron in danger. "I can't say that I do know where she is exactly." He said tentatively. "Can you tell me something about her that you know... something that will tell me that ye truly are close?"
Nessa appreciated the care the older man was taking. She searched her mind for something to tell him that would convince him that she was a friend. The hard thing was that there were no marks or scars or physical features about the lass that a blind man could relate to. It came to her on Brigid's own breath. "She sings! She has the sweet, rich voice of an angel."
Tears came to blind eyes as Marishta remembered how he and Shasa sang on the old ship long ago. Many a night, as they stood together on the bow of the Suire, did they join together, his deep tones mixing beautifully with her sensuous alto. Both of them ending the day in a tradition that was theirs alone.
It was enough. He spoke. "She asked me about the Warrior Princess and her bard. They are honored friends here in Neapolis. She wants to hear the bard, so she's looking for them in Amphipolis. I told her they’d be at Xena’s momma’s. I think you’ll find her there."
Nessa was stricken! 'Xena was the warlord Shasa had sought all these years!' The warrior stood, reached in her pelt and pulled out a handful of gold. She put it on the table before the wonderful man. "Thank you my friend... thank you." She ran for the tavern door, hearing the man call after her, "But how can she be in danger if she’s with Xena?"
How, indeed! Nessa knew that Xena would do all she could to keep from killing Shasa. But the lass was clever. She might push the Greek warrior into defending herself... to the death. The Celt raced through the busy Neapolis streets, to the stable where Tuttle rested. Meika was right with her. Together they would find the little slut so dear to them all. Nessa sent a silent prayer to Brigid, a petition to allow them to get there in time.
(Nessa)
____****____
(Shasa) --
Shasa awoke, cold and clammy. Her clothes were soaked with sweat, and her hair matted down. Momentarily disoriented, she sat up and looked around to determine her location.
Darkness surrounded her, and the moon was just beginning to rise over a lake. A soft bump to her shoulder startled her, but the wet nose of Kirsa soon settled her fears. She scratched the nose absently as she cleared her thoughts.
“I must’ve slept all day?” She shivered involuntarily and pulled at the damp, linen shirt she wore. “Fever…great.” Shasa stood on shaky legs. “I feel alright, now, though…just weak. Guess I pushed us both too hard, huh?”
Kirsa nuzzled her, and then huffed a blast of warm air onto Shasa’s face. Shasa grimaced. “Yeah, my stomach’s growling too. Sorry, girl. I’ll get your food first, then clean myself up and eat, all right? Kirsa nickered her approval.
“Hey?” Shasa patted the strong neck of her friend. “Thanks for watching over me.” Kirsa bobbed her head up and down before nudging the human towards the food. Shasa laughed, the melodious tones sounding good to even her own ears.
Shasa set about the task of retrieving the grain from her pack, but trembling fingers made the undertaking difficult. As soon as Kirsa was settled, she peeled off her clothing and waded into the water.
Wet warmth surrounded her, and she submerged herself, yielding willingly to its embrace. Her head broke the surface, and Shasa released a contented moan as she felt her body relax. The tight bunching of her muscles surrendered their hold, as the liquid caress filled her senses.
She could have remained there all night in the womb of the lady lake, absorbing the loving care that the lady offered her aching body, had it not been for her father’s voice infiltrating her thoughts. “It’s up to you, child.”
Shasa’s heart sank instantly, darkening her features and imprisoning her once again. She closed her eyes and felt the last spark of hope leave her. “Why can’t you leave me alone?” she whispered.
********
You cannot escape destiny. Resistance is futile, so to speak, and results only in desperation when around every corner, fate lurks. It watches and waits; it toys with you. It let’s you think you’ve gotten away, then smirks as it materializes and sees your dismay.
The Greek’s believed that the Fates were a triad of goddesses, who held and maintained the lifelines of mortals. Shasa had never given much credence to Greek gods, but she could see the appeal in giving names and faces to the unexplained forces of the world. The existence of a higher power primarily brought comfort. It helped explain the unexplainable, gave a sense of balance between good and evil, and fostered legends and myths.
Sailors were as guilty of these things as any group of people. The Suire itself was named for the tantalizing mermaid. And Shasa couldn’t even start to count the number of marine disasters attributed to displeased gods, beautiful enticements such as the Sirens, or incredulous sea monsters. They were the foundation of mariner legend, and myth is often more powerful than truth.
Shasa rubbed her face briskly. Solitary riding had always sent her mind into overdrive. Perhaps that’s why she had so readily adopted Meika as a companion. It gave her something to do besides think.
The moon was high in the sky, and smiled down on the travelers that wisely kept a steady, comfortable pace. The frenzied need for speed had been abandoned, and Shasa accepted that she would arrive at her destination by late morning. She shifted in the saddle and stretched, feeling a satisfying pop in her back.
Her body, by means of fever and sleep, had forced Shasa to rest and recover. But her mind and soul were completely exhausted. The name of her unseen enemy—be it fate, destiny, or a myriad of other possibilities—didn’t matter; she was tired of resisting. So though it brought her no joy, she accepted her burden once again and set her mind to the task to which she had been cursed.
Shasa sighed. It was time to loosely plan her first moves. Hmm. Ride to Amphipolis, stable Kirsa, find the Inn, and case the joint. Watch and listen, get a room if lucky, and get some sleep before the evening meal. Shasa snorted, then laughed. That was easy.
Shasa chuckled. Well, fuck it. If she was finally going to confront her fate, perhaps even die in the next couple of days, she’d at least try to have a damned good time and go out with a bang.
If the Greek gods actually existed and were observing Shasa that night, even they would have had to acknowledge that the curvaceous woman, belting out gay tunes of bonnie lasses, jolly mates and adventurous sailor’s, gave it all she had.
(Shasa)
____****____
(Shasa) --
Shasa’s arrival in Amphipolis transpired without fanfare. Someone with a fish-type name—like Salmon or something—had gotten the word out to all the neighboring villages that the Great Bard of Poteidaia was performing during her stay in Amphipolis. Shasa was just another face in the overcrowded town.
The stable boy was quite happy to tell the stranger everything she wanted to know. After answering the mundane questions regarding food, clothing, and lodging, Shasa asked him if he knew anything interesting about the bard and warrior. The lad nearly injured himself during his animated telling of how Xena, the Warrior Princess, had put the fish-man in the town’s small jail overnight, telling him he’d not make a profit off of Gabrielle.
Shasa laughed at the excitement of the freckle-faced kid. “That must’ve been a sight to see!”
“It was!” The boy puffed with importance. “But I’ve known Xena all my life, so I’ve seen much more than that.”
“Really?” Shasa crouched down and gave him her rapt attention. “Your whole life?”
He nodded significantly. “She’s even let me feed Argo…and she never lets anyone near Argo.”
“My goodness, your friends must be pretty impressed with you.”
The boy grinned widely. “She told me someday she might let me stable Argo here! Then everybody’ll know how good I am with horses.”
“Well, I believe you’re a good stable boy right now.” She nodded at Kirsa. “I wouldn’t leave my mare with just anyone, either.”
“I’ll take good care of her.”
“I know you will.” Shasa pulled a large gold coin from her purse. “But I want you to take extra special care of her, alright?”
The boy’s eyes went wide. “Alright!”
Shasa stood and shouldered her small pack before pressing the gold into his small hand. “Then we have a deal. You’ll get another coin every day that I’m in Amphipolis, if you’re true to your word.”
“I promise! I’ll take extra good care of her!”
Shasa smiled and focused her attentions towards the small shops and peddlers. A quick pass told her that most of the people produced items of fine quality. Amphipolis was turning out to be more than she remembered.
It took no time at all to find a suitable change of clothes, and she then turned towards the Inn that was the focal point of the town’s excitement. Crowded was an understatement of phenomenal proportions. However, the closer she got, the more she realized that few people were actually gaining admittance to the Inn.
The reason became apparent all too soon. Shasa sighed, then made her way through the crowd until she arrived near the doors. “Excuse me?” She called.
Nothing.
Shasa held her temper and gently pushed her way to the front. “Excuse me? I need to gain entry; I am expected inside.”
Not even a flinch on the stern faces. Anger began to burn in her belly, but Shasa remained outwardly calm. She tapped the brawny shoulder of the closest Amazon guard, but still failed to get even an eye to wander in her direction. The featherheads simply stood with arms crossed over ample bosoms, and no-nonsense attitudes. It seemed that was enough to deter the passive members of this crowd.
Instead of clouting the Amazon student that obviously failed charm school, as she desired, Shasa decided to try a different approach. She pressed her entire, voluptuous body against the scantily clad woman. Still, the Amazon did not acknowledge her.
Shasa smiled seductively…a challenge had been placed before her, and with her nature, she felt compelled to accept it. Placing her lips by a feathered ear, she began to speak low enough to only be heard by the one she rubbed lightly against.
The Amazon fought admirably, but she was simply outmatched. The heart beneath Shasa’s breasts began to hammer, and when the slut saw the color rising on the warrior’s neck, she knew she had won. Shasa slowly licked the outer edge of the Amazon’s ear and whispered only one more thing before she simply moved the woman aside and entered the inn.
Shasa stood inside the door for a moment until her eyes adjusted to the darker room. The interior was typical for a small town inn. Unadorned tables and chairs made up the dining area, there was a small bar, and a stairwell led up to the rooms.
Shasa was captivated, but not by the inn. A stunning woman leaned casually against a window, watching her entrance. She was small, but muscular…a compact frame, so to speak. And she held her body with a graceful confidence that Shasa found enticing. She was blond, but the sun from the window showed her red highlights; her nose crinkled as she smiled, and there was warmth and kindness flowing from her.
Shasa absorbed the vision with appreciation.
The young woman approached. “Wild out there, isn’t it?”
Shasa nodded and sat her bags down on the floor. “Yeah. You’d think Sappho was here, instead of just a local bard.” Shasa glanced around again, but saw no-one approaching to inquire and attend to her needs. Her eyes returned to the attractive blond. “Are you the innkeeper?”
Green eyes sparkled with amusement. “No, I’m staying here. You want to see Cyrene.”
“Alright, thanks.”
The beauty gestured towards the inn’s front door. “That was impressive.”
Shasa looked back at the doorway she had entered a moment ago. “What? Walking upright?” She grinned. “I’ve been doing that for years.”
She laughed lightly. “No. What you did to that Amazon out there to get in. What did you say to her?”
Shasa chuckled. “I don’t think she’d appreciate me telling.”
The blond woman smiled warmly. “Probably not…but I’d still like to know what would make one of my Amazons disobey an order.”
Shasa’s grin disappeared, as the shocking words sank in. “Your Amazons?”
“Um-hmm. My Amazons, who had direct orders to not let anyone in here that doesn’t have a room. And you obviously don’t.”
Shasa had no idea how long she’d been holding her breath. Nor, had she any idea how she’d been charmed so quickly. She shook her head slightly to clear it. “Good god. You’re Gabrielle?”
Blonde brows rose. “I don’t know if that’s a compliment, or an accusation.”
Shasa quickly waved her hands around. “No, no! I’m sorry. I just…” Shasa struggled to find the right words and became even more flustered. Why hadn’t she even thought of this possibility? She had always thought Gabrielle would be a bit…unappealing…probably wishful thinking that the bitch Xena would have a hideous two-headed lover, or something.
Shasa rubbed her hair with obvious irritation, then moved her hand to her eyes. Her fingers suddenly stilled as a new realization struck her. Moving her hand away, she quickly looked the Amazon queen up and down, smirked, and raked her eyes slowly over every curve. Shasa snorted and began to laugh. “Gods! No wonder!”
The mildly stunned bard had crossed her arms protectively over her chest and was now waiting with irritation for an explanation of her behavior.
Shasa began to laugh harder, as she envisioned the torture that the guard must have been feeling. “I didn’t think you’d be so damn cute!” Shasa held her sides. “Lass didn’t have a chance in Hades!”
They were beginning to draw a great deal of attention in the room, and Gabrielle was not pleased. “What are you talking about?”
“Your guard!” Shasa was near hysterics.
“What about her?”
“I told the Amazon guard at the door that I was sent here to pleasure her Queen…”
Gabrielle was nearly growling. “And?”
“I gave her…explicit…details of what I would be doing to her!”
Shasa began to calm down, and wiped her eyes of the tears that had fallen. “If that poor lass was envisioning you while I described…uh, things…its no wonder she let me in!” Shasa shook her head and chuckled. “It’s more of a wonder how she avoided a bloody heart attack!”
Gabrielle stared at the traveler. After a few moments, the silence became uncomfortable, and Shasa’s joviality was erased. She now struggled to keep from squirming under the gaze of the Amazon queen. Until…
A slight grin tugged at the corners of the bard’s mouth, and although she made a Herculean effort to be angry, a smile bloomed and spread to her lovely eyes. “I don’t know who you are, but I’ve a feel for kindred spirits…and troublemakers. Sit down and tell me what brought you here.”
(Shasa)
____****____
(Shasa) --
“Gabrielle, I’m sorry for that crack about just being a local bard.” Shasa said between bites. “It’s obvious that you’ve got enough talent to have a huge following of fans.”
The bard leaned casually on the table, watching the peculiar newcomer. “Don’t be, you’re right that I’m no Sappho…but I do love a good story—so what’s yours?”
Shasa grinned. “You’re very focused.” She sat back in her seat and observed her hostess. The woman across the table was composed. She appeared nonchalant; however, the intelligence firing the green orbs showed just how alert she was. And that was a necessary attribute to any fighter hoping to stay among the living. “I appreciate that in a person, as I tend to digress.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Gabrielle cocked an eyebrow, and gestured for Shasa to continue.
Shasa couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m here because of you, just like everyone else.”
Gabrielle scoffed and crossed her arms with a hint of impatience. “Lying to me isn’t exactly the way to start.”
“I’m not lying.”
“Listen, Shasa, I’ve got to tell a couple of stories in a few minutes to all the kids staying here.” Gabrielle began to get up. “I don’t have time for you to be mysterious.”
“Hold on!” Shasa lightly grasped her forearm. “I’m sorry for playing with you, just give me one more minute?”
Gabrielle looked at her captive arm, and Shasa released it. The bard stood for a moment before she made her decision and returned to her seat. “You’ve got one minute.”
Shasa put on her best look of contrition. “Alright, I’m a sailor that’s been in port for about…oh, ten years or so.” Shasa acknowledged the bard’s surprise. “Yeah, I know. Fish out of water. Been trekking around with land lovers, and I’m finally heading back to sea. In fact, I’ll be back on board my ship very soon, but I’m running out of money.”
“This isn’t a place to scam dinars.” Gabrielle stood once again. “Xena’s at the village jail, reminding someone of that right now. You should move on.”
“No, you don’t understand!” Shasa looked desperate. “I heard that you were in Amphipolis, and that a lot of people were coming here. I thought that maybe I could work for food and a place to catch some sleep. I don’t want money, I just want to be able to eat and rest a bit before the last leg of my journey.”
Gabrielle looked into the tired, pleading eyes, now void of any banter. She spoke regretfully, “Cyrene already has help, I’m sorry.”
The disappointment was obvious for only a second, before a mask of acceptance and a broad smile replaced it. “That’s all right. It’s not a big deal, it was just a thought.”
Shasa stood and slung her pack over her shoulder, then dug into a woefully thin coin purse for a dinar. She placed it on the table to pay for her food as she turned and extended an arm to the bard. “Best of luck, Gabrielle. It was good to meet you, and your fine guards outside.” She chuckled. “And don’t be too hard on the one lass, eh?”
Gabrielle grasped the offered arm, but did not release it. She gazed at the traveler with compassion and sighed. “What do you do? Can you cook, wait tables, what?”
Shasa’s eyes softened as she absorbed the genuine kindness flowing from the beautiful bard. How can such a wonderful creature follow Xena? She gave herself a shake and took a calming breath before returning to her necessary deception. “It’s all right, lass. Truly, it is. I’ll be fine.”
Gabrielle nodded and released the sailor’s arm. “Travel safely.”
Shasa adjusted the pack as she moved a step towards the door. “Thanks, I will.”
“Papa look!”
Shasa nearly toppled into Gabrielle when her knees buckled from a sudden attack. She managed to right herself, and then she looked down at the culprit who had forced the return of her sea legs. Dimpled cheeks framed the brightest smile this side of Elysia.
“Lara!” Shasa exclaimed with delight. She dropped to one knee and tweaked the
button nose before her. “You made it, didn’t you sweetheart?”
“You were right! She tells the best stories, and papa can’t come!” Lira
giggled and threw her arms around Shasa’s neck.
Shasa laughed, nodded to her approaching father, and hugged the girl tight. “Where did that shy little girl go?”
Lira giggled and pulled on Shasa’s nose.
Shasa chuckled. “Have you been telling your daddy the stories he’s missing?”
“Uh-huh! And I watched for you, too!” She poked Shasa’s chest. “Where’s your horsie?”
“Kirsa? The stable boy’s was taking really good care of her for me while I ate, but I’m going to go get her now.”
Gabrielle squatted down and Lira’s eyes widened. Her head quickly disappeared into Shasa’s shoulder. “Are you going to introduce me to this beautiful girl?”
Shasa grinned and winked at the bard. “Certainly! She’s one of your biggest fans, and quite an important person herself, you know.” She cleared her voice and struck an imperious air. “Gabrielle, Bard of Poteidaia, I want you to meet Lira, Princess of Puttentate!”
The little body giggled against her, and brown eyes peeked out from their hiding spot.
Gabrielle smiled. “Princess Lira, I’m very pleased to meet you. Are you ready for a story?”
Lira nodded emphatically.
“Do you think you could get the other kids together and sit everyone down?”
Lira popped up and yanked on Shasa’s hand. “You come too!”
Shasa’s smile faded. “Lira, I…”
“She can’t right now, Lira.” Gabrielle interrupted.
Little brows furrowed, and a small scowl soon followed.
Gabrielle continued before a protest could be attempted by the little princess, “Shasa’s going to help me today, okay?”
This explanation seemed to please the girl, and she released the strong hand she had been pulling. “Okay!”
Shasa stood and waited until Lira was out of earshot before addressing the bard. “Thanks for saying that. It’ll probably be easier for her if I just slip out while she’s listening to your story.”
Gabrielle crossed her arms. “Are you insinuating that I lied to a child?”
A puzzled expression was Shasa’s only response.
“You just became an entertainer.” Gabrielle clapped Shasa on the shoulder. “You’ve got about ten minutes to think of what you’re going to do to keep the natives from getting restless between my stories.”
Shasa stood and gaped at the lovely bard’s backside, as she walked to her waiting audience.
“Oh, crap.”
(Shasa)
____****____