Disclaimer: The characters of Xena and Ares belong to Renaissance pictures. This is just a piece of fan fiction. No copyright infringement intended.
Rating: PG
Genre: Ares/Xena Romance. Hurt/Comfort
Twilight's Kiss (Immortal Flame)
By: Something Royal
Once as black as a raven's wing, tresses hung loosely tousled against the paling pallor of regal face. Once as blue as the relentless Aegean, tired orbs peered from beyond. Gentle lines, telling of one's years, made their presence, folding gracefully at the eyes. Lips that had long since lost the delicious pink hues of youth, remained restfully down. Drawn air, drawn life, poured in and out just above, albeit, not with the casual ease of days long since past.
All was starkly quiet in this place. The crackling embers of a nearby fire, burning brightly in the hearth, made the only sound to fill the ears with their playful melody. Each spark born into the wood, grew anew. Yes, a spark; a birth. Each was born within the searing wood, growing slowly into deep spectrums of dancing flame. They began their journey upward along the stone hearth, brilliantly lapping at the sooty surface.
Yes, a spark. It would grow singularly, finding its niche, before seeking out the camaraderie of its kin. A prodigious fusion would take place, bearing below them yet another onset of flame upon the crackling wood. They would then rise to greater heights within their world. Within the hearth.
Just as life is born anew into a world of endless possibilities, these flames would traverse the length of their realm to the furthest extent allowed. Brilliantly, fiercely, and without the impeding sense of fear, they would dance as though eternity was never ceasing. Tonight was their night. While the moon sat heartily in the sky amongst the deepest sea of black, they would continue to play as the most innocent of youths, illuminating all that fell before them.
Even the light of the solacing moon, peering down and in through panes of glass, could not keep up with their never-ceasing promenade. Instead, these beams of soft blue mingled as cousins, joining them in their tumultuous journey. Unified by a predilection for casting out the dark, so as the eyes could see, they continued on their way.
Glinting, just under the guise of bleak shadow, a sword. Lines of sharply honed steel ran abreast of one another in silvery tracks. Pools of black, where knicks had caused flaw, were also outlined in graceful shining swoops. It hung against the wall, and its sharp tip would draw one's eye downward, if not for the hilt. Ornamented by a circumference of yet more metal, a disc hung upon it. Intricately crafted and perfectly symmetric, it was. It too, bared the marks of use, yet it did not detract from its dangerous beauty. The light danced playfully, running laps around the circular item, flowing across the curved arm that fell across the radius.
Swirling light continued on its conquest to vanquish shadow, falling across the length of a finely constructed wood floor. Receding shadow also gave light to a grand pelt, sprawled generously across the surface. The long tendrils of black fur glinted at the tips, which rose up and out from the base. The contours were so deep, giving way to shine atop, while the depths of the fur remained solidified in black.
It was an inviting site, indeed. Perhaps akin to it, another just as grand could be found elsewhere. The edges skimmed the ground at a hair's breadth, spilling over the edges of a bed. Whereas this fur barely made contact with the floor, streams of silken blue ran the length of a most grand canopy frame, falling the length of four individual posts. They ran as a river, glinting all the while under the watchful eye of the fire. In pools of blue, they kissed the wooden floor.
Yes, all had been starkly quiet. The sparking embers of the hearth had carried on their decadent solo, as a night so still progressed. Yet, another sound soon broke the peaceful instrumental as a rumble began to grow within the breast of one of the audience.
The cavity swelled with the impending influx of hollow pressure. Lips turned down. The frail fingers of one hand, gripped the fur, while the other flew to the ascending chest in an effort to suppress the pain.
Prompted by this action, another pair of hands reached out. One gently fell about the a thin wrist. The other curled back, calmly brushing fingertips along soft skin. They ran the length, before slowly following the contour of a neckline, down a shoulder, to then settle about a slender waist. These hands, this second set of hands, pulled a shaking form into a tight embrace. They set out to calm the wracking spasm, all the while whispers spilled from the lips of their owner.
"It's alright. Everything is going to be alright."
The words came quick, spilling into a feminine ear from a set of masculine lips pressed close. Blue eyes rolled up subsequently, feeling the warm comfort of soothing breath across her skin. Her lips clamped down, holding back another cough. Her body continued to shudder. Still closer into his chest he pulled her, arms wrapped solidly about her form; these arms that had once been so finely chiseled, as if they had been carved from stone.
With his back firmly supported by the bed's headboard, he cradled her infront of him, allowing her body to be warmed by his own. For the past few months, no matter how brightly the fire burned within the hearth, no matter how many furs lay heavily upon her form, she could not feel the heat penetrate and sooth her aching body. No, there was only one way to bring comfort to her now, and he held her so tightly to himself, that she would often muse that she could feel his heart beat against her back.
The last few sputtering gasps broke through the wall of her lips, and now she eased her head flat against a warm neck. A residual burn still shot across her chest. Licking her lips, taking a labored breath, and swallowing back, she stared off into the fire. A shaky hand rose. The sweet melody of jingling metal immediately began to sing in whispers. It was soon enough hushed, as she brought her hand back down to lay upon one much larger than her own.
Threading fingers, he brought her hand back up and now the melody resurfaced, this time doubled. They emanated from a set of bracelets, intricately forged. The sweet chimes of colliding ornaments caused a set of smiles to pull at the corners of mouths. He gently kissed her fingers, and brought their hands to rest upon her chest, once again idling the the tune.
"I don't think they'll make it in time," she stated in a hoarse collision of words.
A pair of brown eyes lowered. For many years now, these eyes held nothing but joy. Yet, increasingly over the past few months and particularly tonight, they exuded an impending sense of loss.
"Don't talk like that...," quietly came the response.
Again, the room fell silent, with the exception of the fire which continued to spark and flourish.
"Tell them.. for me, that I will always love them..please."
Pleading words. He shook his head against her own, bringing his lips to fall upon her shoulder. Muffled words spilled against the exposed skin of her collar bone.
"You've always been self-sufficient. You can tell them yourself."
Her fingers weakly squeezed his own. "If I'm still here." She felt his chest expand as he began to protest these words. Again, she squeezed his fingers and with a slow tilt of the head, looked up into his eyes. "I'm not scared, Ares."
He stared down into her face. He could see the years, the family, the life they'd built for themselves recounted within her orbs. They remained fearless, just as he'd always known them to be, and he couldn't help but smile at this. Some things indeed, never changed. The lines about his face grew.
"No, you've never been frightened of anything..." He gently planted a kiss upon her forehead and breathed out, "just stay with me, Xena. Please."
She smiled, reminiscing days past. Lines played about her lips as she took in the sight of love staring back into her faded eyes. A compassionate face loomed over her own, so regal even now. A greyed head of hair, whitened beard and moustache. She brought a hand to the side of his face, feeling him lean eagerly into her touch.
"You know that if I could, I would stay with you forever." Her hand slowly slid back down into her lap as she stared wistfully off into the hearth. "Fire. So much like life. It grows from nothing but a sparked ember. It has the capacity to destroy, to warm, to illuminate." Her tone dropped, "and I know that eventually, just as all things, that fire will burn out."
"Xe-"
She cut him off with a bob of her head, "It's the way of life, Ares." Xena propped herself up further and continued, still staring away at the glorious dance of the flames. "The fire inside is slowly burning down..but, I leave behind our legacy, our children."
Ares lowered his head and recounted something she'd once told him, so long ago. "They're your source of immortality."
"Yes. And I fear that I won't be able to say good-bye to them, one last time. So, I ask you to do so for me." She felt another rumble grown in her chest, and took in a quick breath of air in attempt to push it back down.
Ares rose his eyes, looking about the room. Slowly, ever so slowly, he slid out from behind her, placing his feet upon the wooden floor. The boards creaked under foot as he stood. Propping a pillow up underneath her, Ares took the fur blanket in the other hand, pulling it up to her chest.
He turned around, still hearing the hushed rumbles catch in her throat. Brown eyes fell to the nightstand which sat by the bedside. A pitcher, a basin, and a glass sat upon the dark table. A hand, worn through time, reached for the former, picking it up and pouring its contents into the cup.
Ares extended his hand to her, sitting upon the edge of the bed. His eyes were turned up, a familiar glimmer lined them. Xena took the cup offered her and began to drink. A greyed brow arched forward in her trademark style. Even decades later, both Xena and Ares still retained the subtle nuances that set them apart from anyone else they'd ever encountered.
"I know that look.." she started, a corner of her mouth tugging up. "What are you thinking?"
Ares observed her. He took in the way that her once gorgeous black hair, now fell loosely about her shoulders in streams of dark grey. The way her eyes glimmered playfully, even after all this time. The lines that extended from each. He let his eyes run the length of her shoulders, taking in the sight of them peering out from a white linen dressing gown. Her hands, also wrinkled with age, gripping the cup between them and holding it close to her parted lips.
"You don't have to go," Ares tone had dropped considerably as he looked up into Xena's eyes.
Her brow arched even further as her hands brought the glass down to rest upon her lap. "What do you mean?"
Taking his top lip between his teeth, Ares stood. He adjusted the black night robe he wore and put a hand up, "I'll show you."
Ares slowly strode over toward a chest that sat at the foot of their bed. It was a beautiful item. Each corner was embossed in silver steel, while the rest was comprised of ebony wood. Most unusual it was, indeed. They had purchased it many years ago, and after affording the chest with a lock, it hadn't been opened since. Year after year, it had remained sitting at the foot of the bed, unmoved.
Fumbling about Ares reached within the folds of his night robe, grasping at a rope that hung about his neck. Upon feeling the tight cord, he smiled slightly and drew the length of it from his chest. As for what some would think, there in his hand was not the Olympian bestowed pendant that he had for eons worn. No, upon this cord, there sat only a key.
With caution, he placed a hand down upon the chest and lowered himself to his knees. A small grunt passed his lips as he felt the hard wood floor beneath his bones, but he quickly set to work on finding the keyhole. Accomplished, he turned the lock and puckered his lips, hearing the bolt click. The metal bond fell loudly to the wood floor.
Many years had passed since the contents of this trunk had been seen by their mortal eyes. Ares ran his fingers about the smooth lines of the chest, allowing the tips to bounce along the intricate steel edges. He could hear the bed creak, and knew that Xena's interests were most certainly piqued.
"Don't move. I'll be right there," Ares stated with concern.
He rose the lid of the trunk, and immediately a smell so familiar poured into his nostrils. He breathed it in gratefully, relishing the memories the scent carried with it. Ares peered into the truck, reaching his hands in. The first thing that he felt was the unmistakable curve of metal.
He closed his eyes and inwardly grinned. "An ample breastplate to be sure," came the whispered musing.
Still, fingers continued on, working their way across the items within the chest. The cool feel of leather came next. He pulled on this, revealing a pair of his old black pants. Again, he smiled, setting them upon the floor next to him. Reaching back in, he felt another leather piece. This time, as he brought the item out to be seen by firelight, his eyes warmed at the sight of Xena's battle dress. Carefully, he set this aside and continued his search.
Ares' arm moved back and forth, feeling a variety of their past attire, until finally he stopped. A portentous look now came across his face. Slowly, he pulled out his old gauntlets, placed a hand upon the edge of the chest and rose to stand.
He wobbled briefly, regaining his balance. "Xena...," he began, as he walked around the bed, resuming his place by her side upon the bed. "You know that I love you.."
Xena's eyes lowered, for the tone had been more of a question, rather than a statement. She pursed her lips, weakly blinked and nodded, "Yes, of course I do...you gave everything up for me. If that's not love, then-"
"There's something that I never told you.. I don't know why." Ares took in her expression. She was unreadable, but he continued on, running a finger down the edge of one of the gauntlets in his hand. "After what had happened on Olympus...after you'd freed me of the Furies.."
"Yes.."
"While they mighta messed with my head, making me think the Amazons were keeping ambrosia.." He stopped abruptly and shook his head under the anticipating look that Xena had scrawled upon her face. He let go of the gauntlets, took the glass of water from her hands, and set it aside. Her hands now empty, he filled them with his own and continued. "Xena, the fact of the matter is that there really was ambrosia.. The Amazons just didn't know about it."
Xena's eyes grew, "What?? What are you trying to say?"
"After we had our talk on the hill... I walked off. And you know me, I'm not one to let things go so easily." He brushed the side of her face with the back of his fingers, "Especially when it's something I care passionately about. So, I marched myself right back up there. I wanted to catch up to you...tell you everything about how I felt... but.. you were already out of sight."
"You don't know how hard it was for me to walk away from you, Ares" she stated, bringing her hand to meet his upon her face. "So, what happened?"
He squeezed it gently, "When you weren't there, I was at a loss. I didn't know what to do. So I sat. I sat for what seemed like hours upon that tree stump. I did a lot of thinking--about what you'd told me." Ares stared off into the fire, the flames reflecting light across his brooding eyes.
"If I was still bad for you, I had decided that I'd just work on it till you regained your complete trust in me. That day, I accepted the fact that I was now a mortal.... and y'know oddly enough, it was then that I found what I had been seeking."
Xena brought a hand to his face and with what strength she could muster, beckoned him to look at her. "You.. you found ambrosia?"
There was a spanse of silence. It felt as though it were an eternity that they sat there wordlessly coversing. The moment did pass as the sound of a crackling ember popped loudly.
Ares took a breath, "Yes. At the center ring of that very tree I had been ruminating upon..I found it by a chance look down as I rose to stand and leave. Nothing but a mere serving of it, the size of a dinar..odd, I know. But, there it was."
"But you didn't take it..You, you-"
Ares shook his head, "No, I took it. Something inside just wouldn't let me pass up the opportunity. It was like... I don't know.. insurance."
Xena's eyes began to gloss, unable to to believe that he'd keep being immortal a secret from her. "You mean, this whole time... this-" Her hand swept up and down before his weathered face, "this was just a fascade??"
"No, no, no, no!" Ares shook his head fiercely, trying to ease her troubled expression with a smile and a warm hand grasping her own. "No, Xena. I assure you, I'm mortal. I didn't eat the ambrosia. I put it away...kept it."
She immediately eased back down into her pillows, her expression drastically changing. Xena wrapped her mind around what he'd just told her. She was at a loss as she stared down at his hand rubbing her own between a thumb and index finger.
"I don't understand, Ares. Why? I mean... why wouldn't you take it. You would have been young forever..immortal. You could have had your life back."
He abruptly ceased to move his hand or any other extremity of his body. He sat still, staring her directly in the eye.
"Ares?" Xena lowered her head weakly, never unlocking their stare.
He now moved both hands to her shoulders, caressing them softly between his hands. " I had resigned myself to carry on as a mortal, Xena. You inspired me to find my humanity..Discovering the ambrosia just as I came to this decision, made me all the more determined to prove myself to you."
"And you kept it."
"Yes, I did. If I couldn't be with you, there would be nothing left for me otherwise." Ares rolled the gauntlets about with an extended hand, sorting for the right one. Once found, he picked it up and bobbed it back and forth within his hand. His face was most determined, most reminiscent of days when he tried to coerce Xena into something in the past.
"Right here. It's right here under the inlay, Xena. Your life can be never-ending. Your body restored. You can see our children continue to grow.."
Even after all this time, he loved her as much as the day he had first professed it. They'd grown old together, just as mortal lovers do, each on a crease here, a grey streak there. Years ago, they'd retired their weapons, taking up a simple way of life, a family. Two children, a girl and a boy. Born of war himself and his chosen, they were imbued with a warrior's heart. They'd grown with integrity, taught the ways of justice and peace. Both had since sought their own path, the daughter married and the son still continuing in the footsteps of his parents.
"Xena? Please, I don't want to see you go." He leaned in, attempting to read her face.
Xena sat unmoving. Her eyes loomed downward as though deep in thought, her mouth open to words that would simply not come. "Ar-" She bit her lip and raised her eyes. The warrior of long ago began to peer through them, taking on a glint of renewed sensibilities.
"We can be together, forever..." She smiled now at the prospect. It was as though the news alone had erased years from her body, for she now excitedly pulled him close to her. "I don't ever want to lose you."
Ares welcomed her embrace and circumferenced her with his own. Burying his head into the nape of her neck, he let his lips run along her skin. A hand smoothed her hair as he stroked the tresses that fell upon her back. Yet, he did not speak.
Xena's chin rested upon his shoulder all the while, a large smile gracing her face. "We'll be young again. Strong again....Warriors again." Her eyes looked up toward her chakram and his sword, which hung upon a nearby wall, glinting in the firelight. "We'll need to do some weapons sharpening of course," she chortled.
Yet, Ares did not speak.
She pulled back, to look upon him. "What's wrong?"
Ares' face was sullen, but he quickly attempted to regain some sense of stoicism. He took her hands in his and gently spoke. "Xena.. you asked before, why I didn't take the ambrosia.. get my life back..." He stopped to cup her face in his warm grasp, "You are my life, and I can't stand to see you leave me."
"I..I.. don't understand what you're getting at.." Her eyes were laden with worry now. The spark of renewel was diffused, leaving only confusion behind.
"There's only enough for one, Xena. I want you to take it." Ares picked the gauntlet back up. Twisting at one of the rubies embedded in the metal in an attempt to pull the inlay from the leather, he continued to look up at her with his faded brown eyes. "It's going to be alright. I told you everything was going to be alright."
She quickly haulted his hand with a strength that surprised him. "No."
He cast an incredulous look at her. "What?"
"How could I bear a life without you? I go on to be immortal, while you eventually pass away? No, Ares... I couldn't bear that."
Her face denoted that what she spoke, was indeed how she felt. Regardless, Ares urged her to reconsider. "But Xena.... you can watch out children raise their families... our grandchildren, our great grandchildren.."
"To also watch them eventually pass on?" Xena lowered her head, her eyes glossing over with each syllable uttered. "I couldn't... Ares, I'm not scared to go. I'm scared of losing you. I'm scared of losing the ones I love and never seeing them again." She breathed in and coughed. "You... you though, you could do it. After I'm gone. You're used to the passing of time and people. You were an Olympian for eons, and a mortal for a few decades."
Xena couldn't believe she'd just suggested that, especially after she'd admitted her fear of never being with Ares again. Yet, she loved him to such a great extent that she only wanted to know that wherever he was, how ever far away he was, he was happy. Perhaps immortality, something he had been born into, would do just that. He'd regain his youth, strength...perhaps even forget about her in time.
She closed her eyes and grimaced inwardly at this thought. Her exterior however, remained calm. "Ares, after I pass on... you can reclaim the life you were born into.. your destiny"
Ares lips slightly trembled at her words, "You are my destiny, Xena." He pulled her close to him again, letting the scent of her body wash over him. "You are.." he whispered again, rocking her thin form.
"She let her head rest upon his frame. A set of lashes caught an impending tear. Her face now hardened. "There'll be time. You can consider it after I'm gone." She looked up blankly and added, "I think you should."
"I don't want to talk about it." Ares stated, still holding her firmly in his arms. "Look outside. Dawn will come soon. The moon is starting to descend."
Dragging her fingers against his chest she sputtered out another cough, this one much more forceful than usual. Her whole body shuddered as she continued to succumb to wave after wave of spasm. Ares' mouth dropped open, and quickly he went about drawing her close to him, ceasing her body to wrack with such inward pain.
"It's going to be alright, Xena. Everything is going to be alright," he whispered into her ear.
"Dress me." She pushed out against his skin. "I want to go outside.. see the sun rise one last time.. I don't want to pass on in here."
"You're not going anywhere," Ares stated. "You're not going to leave me, Xena."
She looked up at him sympathetically, "It's time, Ares...I feel it coming. Everything is wavering between clarity and black." She coughed again as she uttered, "I'm tired. So, very tired."
"Xena..."
"Please," she nearly cried.
Ares' eyes came down, feeling them begin to sting. He promptly rubbed at them with a hand. "Wh-what do you want to wear," he asked, feeling his throat constrict with each and every syllable that he dared to speak.
"My old battle dress.."
Ares shook his head, "No" He stopped short and lowered his head, clenching his jaw all the while. "Xena, it's too cold out there."
"Ares, I know what I'm asking. Please, I can't do it myself." She stared up at him pleadingly. "I'm a warrior...you know the code."
Brown orbs now seared all the more with a most bitter sting. He gazed skyward, attempting most discretely to remain strong in the face of the one he loved so dearly. "You know I can't deny you."
Again, as gracefully as possible, he situated her and rose to stand. Eyes that had been once filled with such promise now held nothing but burning tears that he refused to let fall infront of her. He swallowed back and moved to the end of the bed, picking up her battle dress, her armor from with in the trunk, and boots.
Cradling the items within his arms, he leaned down and kissed her lips as his own trembled at the touch. He set them upon the bed and moved to pull the warm fur blanket from her weak form. His hands moved to her legs, running the length of them, recalling nights of explicit passion as they traversed her skin. The nightgown she wore slid upward with the caress, her own eyes closing at his gentle touch. Slowly and considerately, he continued to pull the garment upward, bringing it up and over her head. He set it aside.
There, amongst the flickering shadows and still night, she lay there naked before him. Her once supple bosom no longer firm, her belly now of a woman past the days of her child bearing years, pouting in the light. No longer was she the lithe warrior of days gone by, but not an inkling of shame was on her face.
Oh, how he loved her. Even now, her beauty remained, and he would gladly spend eternity with her if only to soothe and care for this woman as he had. He cradled her face in hand, planting another kiss upon her lips.
"My beautiful warrior princess."
He leaned over her, dragging along the leather dress in his hand. Carefully, he brought the item down over her head, pulling her weak arms through the straps. With one arm holding her steady, he leaned her upon his chest, working the ties behind, and tieing the dress up. His own fingers ached, arthritis making its case, but he did as she'd asked and pulled the strings together, securing her waist.
Next, he took the armor in hand. With caution, he brought it down upon her shoulders, grimacing at the thought of its weight hanging on her shoulders.. but he knew she wanted all of her gear. Fastening straps and hooks together, he settled the steel upon her, all the while staring on with such adoration that he felt as though his heart would cease to beat.
He continued to dress her. A hand wrapped around the crook of her knee, pulling a leg up and sliding it within a boot. The curves of her thighs glistened in the light. Even now, they remained as smooth as silk. Ares tied the laces, and moved to put the next on. He repeated the same motion on her left leg, letting his hand caress each inch of her skin as he set the boot into place.
"There," he stated sullenly, now standing upright.
Xena looked herself over and smiled. "Thank you." Her eyes peered down beside her frail form, looking upon his gauntlets. She pointed weakly and asked, "Could you put mine on?"
Ares bowed his head, "Yes." Again, he moved to the foot of the bed, picking up the leather pants he'd placed on the floor when first opening the chest. "As long as we're going out.. I'd like to go in style as well," he mused, attempting desperately to see her smile again. This comment prompted her to do just that.
"Yes, it'll be like old times."
Ares felt the corners of his mouth slightly raise. He disrobed, his own body telling of its years, but still handsome. Xena couldn't help but blush. So statuesque he had been in his youth and now, years upon years later, those lines of the past remained. Ares, had always been so regal, and remained so to this day.
He put on the pants, feeling recollection of younger times wash over him. Next, a pair of boots were lifted from the chest and slid upon his feet. It was amazing how everthing, even now, fit so perfectly. Ares scanned the inside of the chest and pulled out his old tunic, slipping it over his arms and fastening the ties.
He rose out his hands and grinned at her, "How do I look?"
Xena smiled naughtily, "Well, I would jump you, if my body were as young as my mind."
Ares pulled his lips into a pucker and bobbed his head. "Tease."
The warrioress laughed at this.
He really found no humor in the situation, but for Xena's well-being, to make the end of her time here enjoyable, he'd dance stark naked to keep her heart merry. Quickly, his demeanor turned serious once more as he ventured back down into the chest, pulling out her gauntlets.
Slowly, he made his way to her side, picking a hand up in his own and brushing it with his lips. She smiled at his endearing gesture, and continued to do so as he applied the first gauntlet. Next, he took her other hand, kissed it as well, and put the second on.
"How do I look," she asked as her hand slid from his own and into her lap.
Ares was leaning over her, reaching for his own gauntlets. He gazed on at her, this beautiful warrioress who'd captured the heart he never even knew existed. He let his head sway as a tone so completely imbued with truth spilled from his lips, "You look beautiful. You will always be beautiful."
Her eyes closed down in bashful thanks.
Standing upright, Ares took his gauntlets and strode towards the fire. He gazed on at the burning embers, listening to the residual pops and fizzes. All the while, he strapped the items to his arms, his face now glowering with impending fear. Xena would soon make her departure. She would soon leave him. An empty bed would be where his head would rest. Her warmth would be absent, and no fire would be able to warm him.
Glossy eyes continued to peer down at the receding flames. As always, Xena had been right. As all things come to pass, this fire, one that had burned brightly all through the night, now began to burn out as twilight fell. The sting returned to his eyes, yet still he would not allow her to see him cry. If she was to pass on, he wanted her to do so knowing that he'd remain strong in the wake of her absence. He wanted her to believe that, even if he knew otherwise.
He gulped back, adjusting another item upon a gauntlet.
Xena stared all the while at his back. She'd known Ares the majority of her life. So many things they'd been to one another. The dynamics of their relationship had taken on many forms, but always the constant, was their deep and unbreakable bond. She had no doubt in her mind that they were indeed meant for one another. It was a great truth that she knew from the moment she'd first set eyes on him; from the moment he'd told her himself.
Swinging his arm, Ares spun around on his heel. A loud crackle popped in unison with the movement.
"Are you ready," Xena asked evenly.
Ares looked down, idly kicking at nothing. He ran a hand through his neatly trimmed white beard and solemnly rose his eyes. Inside he cried out "no, I'll never be ready to lose you", but Ares maintained composure and merely nodded his head.
With hesitant steps, he made his way to her side. Ares slid his hands beneath her form, situating and balancing her body upon his arms. He was not the youthful and strapping man he'd once been, but for her, he called all of his strength to the forefront. Ares slowly began to rise, cradling Xena within his arms. The shift in weight prompted a quick footing adjustment, but he eased her down into the juxt of his chest and arms.
Her legs dangled limply, while her arms made their way to wrap around his neck. The heat of his skin transferred to her own at the touch. Xena nuzzled her face into his chest, and whispered, "Thank you, for taking care of me."
Ares began the journey out of the room, making each step with the utmost caution. Within his arms he held the most precious treasure he'd ever known, and when hearing her speak those words, he echoed them back.
"No, thank you... for showing me what life really is."
**************************************************
Sitting beneath a glorious tree, laden with thick green leaves which twittered and spun in the wake of playful currents, Ares held Xena to him. The thick trunk of the tree provided stability for his back, while she came to rest her own upon his chest. Cradled between arms and legs, the warrioress peacefully leaned her head back into the crook of his neck. The gentle fall of breath upon her face soothed her mind, her body.
Whatever the temperature, for now she felt nothing but heat encompassing her every extremity. The rhythmic beat of his heart gently tapped at her back, causing a smile to play upon her lips. Her eyes were raised skyward, taking in the site of pale blue and pink hues beginning to grace the twilight sky.
The sun would rise soon.
Still, a chorus of crickets continued to orchestrate melodies. Birds, waking early for their daily hunt for breakfast, also chirped in unison to beckon the beauty of another day. Yes, Xena knew that days such as these were still in great number, although she would not be there to see them. She felt at peace at the thought, however. Her son, her daughter... they would be able to take in the majestic beauty that the world offered so freely.
Ares looked down upon her smiling face. She was so calm while inside, he was screaming. Her fingers were threaded through his own. Together they reamined in this entangled embrace, awaiting the sun to peak over the snow capped mountain tops which jutted out of the distant hillside.
Their wait was not a long one. From between two prodigious mountains, the burning orb began to ascend and greet the sky. So grand, so beautiful, its bountiful warmth cascaded down in lapping rays of heat. Xena closed her eyes, feeling a tear roll down from between her lashes. The last sunrise she'd be witness to was now before her. She never wanted it to end.
The tear omniously rolled down the length of her face, looming at her chin. Her lashes flickered back up to take in the glorious morning before her. She smiled with such a passion, causing sparks to dot her eyes in a renewed sense of innocence. Her legs and arms were slowly becoming numb, but she took no notice. Ares' beating heart behind her, continued to keep her at ease. Her fingers, now losing their sense of touch, fumbled limply down the sides of his hands, as she gasped at the beautiful sight before her.
"Ares... It's.."
"Xena??" He leaned to look down upon her face with a frantic expression on his own. "Xena????"
She wobbled her head weakly upon his chest, attempting to take in the sight of him. She knew the time had now come. It was mere moments away. As breathtaking as the sight before her had been, she was beginning to fade in and out again. If it was now, she wanted to look upon her confidant, best-friend, husband and lover. Xena wanted to remember for eternity, the handsome lines of his face, the warmth in his eyes.
She truly did not know if she'd see him again. There was the ambrosia, and if immortal...
Xena blinked the thought away, and gazed upward at him. "Ares.. No matter what happens...no matter what you do, know that I will love you, forever."
He was at a loss. Ares could see her slipping away from him. "I love you, Xena....always" He brought her closer to him, pulling her limp arms up into his grasp and rocking her within his embrace. "Always," he whispered again.
As they'd done countless times before, Ares and Xena locked eyes.
He leaned his head down to kiss Xena's parted lips, taking in her taste, her scent, taking comfort in the feel of her breath across his face. Finally, he let his eyes close, pushing out a solitary tear. It burned at his skin as it continued a downward journey, between his face and her own.
The burning sensation this one tear had wrought, had briefly made Ares unaware of the absence of something else. His face, pressed tightly to Xena's, no longer felt the sweet fall of her breath. Ares' eyebrows came forcefully down as he closed his eyes even tighter. For one sparse moment in time, he allowed himself to think all was fine, but the truth was evident. Within his arms, her whole body had gone limp. He refused to disengage their embrace. Instead, he buried his head into her neck and wept uncontrollably, all the while rocking her body in his arms.
***********************************************
Within a tavern located upon lands claimed by Attica, a boisterous atmosphere saturated the area. This particular tavern, was a regular stop for soldiers, mercenaries, and the like. Subsequently, it was generally a place which one would often hear gossiping revolving around only one topic: war.
Such was the case this night. Drunken men lined the place, with working girls sitting upon random laps. Hoots and hollers echoed about the place, as men messily indulged in their alcohol. All tables were completely seated, while only a few random stools sat empty at the bar.
The floor of the establishment was littered with puddles of spilt drinks. These quickly turned to nothing more than gooey spots as boot tread after boot tread walked through them. One man nearly slipped, but was caught by the elbow as another stepped into the establishment.
"Careful there."
The drunken man's head bobbled, "Yu be watchin' where yu be goin'" He reaked of alcohol. Three day's stubble grew in patches upon his scarred face. He also happened to be missing a few teeth.
The newcomer simply rolled his eyes and proceeded into the bar. Finding a stool that was acceptable, he seated himself. A small satchel he placed upon the counter top, while he brought his elbows to the surface as well. Clutching his hands in a fist he leaned forward, catching the eye of the barkeep.
"When you get a chance-"
"JUST a minute," the robust man spat, wiping down the counter at the other end of the bar.
The gentleman resigned himself with a sigh and turned in his seat, staring out at the sea of drunkeness before him. Normally, he wouldn't bring himself to pay patronage at such a place, but it was the only tavern that included an inn. A mind wracked with pain, all he wanted to do was get a good night's rest and think upon what his next step in life would be.
He relented again, and ran a hand through his black curly hair. Arms came to rest upon his chest. From behind, he felt another set of hands come to rest upon his shoulders. He sat up startled a bit, and spun around in his seat.
"Hey there, handsome."
It was one of the working ladies. He smiled sympathetically and shook his head, "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested."
She smirked sardonically and then pursed her red-colored lips, "What? I ain't good enough fer you?"
She waved a hand along his body. He was most certainly dressed in impressive attire. The brown tunic he wore had been finely stitched and laced with strappings fit for a king. The pants were the same, for they were a matching set. Yes, fit for a king, but made for a warrior.
He observed the girl before him. Her beautiful dark hair was messily tossled about her face. Her shift of a dress was tattered this way and that. He lowered his blue eyes and reached back into his tunic, pulling out a few dinars.
"Here, just take this.... a gorgeous girl such as yourself, doesn't need to work at a place such as this." He placed the dinars into her hand, while her eyes grew large at hearing each 'cling' as they fell upon one another.
"Y'sure bout this mister," she asked, still holding her hand out so as to silently convey that she would hand them back if necessary.
He nodded, "Yeah, I'm sure, besides, I don't think my fiancee- who strangely enough, you look a lot like, would appreciate you getting them from me any other way.." With that he turned around to face the bar once more.
A large gentleman who had been sitting adjacent, had observed the scene. He chuckled inwardly and he brought his cup of mead to rest at his lips.
"Something funny?"
The man looked over with an arched brow. "As a matter of fact, yea."
"Care to explain?"
Turning in his stool, the large man leaned foward menacingly. "Listen, all I was thinkin' was about an old tale my brothers used to tell me." He smuggly smiled, "You're probably too young to remember.. but did your mommy ever tell ya about the Olympic pantheon?"
Squinting his eyes, he laughed, "Well, it's not so much a secret. At least not in educated areas." He crossed his arms and grinned, "Of course I know about the Olympians."
"Did you just insult me? Cos I'm drunk... and if you did, I don't know if I'd be pickin up on it right now." The burly man grinned. For looking rather tough, he seemed to be rather friendly, if not just a bit rude. "By the way... m'name's Gregor-ee. What's yours?"
"Well, Gregory, you can call me Xar. So, what was it about the Olympians that you wanted to tell me?"
He looked lost for a minute, but then bobbed his head, "Oh yeaaaaaa..... Well, seeing you be all kind and whatnot reminded me of that Warrior Princess. She was always doin' nice stuff like that. Anyway, thinkin' o' her reminded me of Ares- y'know- Mister War himself. The rumors go that he gave up his immortality for her ta save her from Athena."
Gregory stopped momentarily to take another swig of mead. Satisfied, he wiped his mouth on his sleeve and continued, "But, see after that..... no one knew what became of Ares. Some say he's out there somewhere, just waitin' fer the day he can reclaim his station on Olympus."
Xar shook his head. "Well, my friend... you told some of the tale correctly. See, Ares did save Xena, by becoming mortal." Xar's face was now serious, as he began to relate the truth of the infamous rumors surrounding the disappearance of War himself. "He loved her more than anything else in the world. He knew, that no matter how long he was in existence, without her, he'd never be whole. So, he saved her from Athena, and that was pretty much the end of Olympus."
"Righto, so what he'd do then?"
Xar's leaned on the bar and rose a hand, "Well, Ares was mortal, and determined to prove to Xena just how much he loved her. Which, he eventually did too. Together, they travelled the countryside, fighting for the greater good. But as with all mortals, they eventually grew old...."
Gregory looked down, "Yeah. Tell me bout it'. I'm startin' ta go grey myself. I blame the wife."
Xar continued as though he hadn't been interrupted in the first place. "Xena could no longer fight, and Ares took care of her. He did everything to make sure that she was never in any distress. Now, I don't know exactly what happened after that... But they were found in a lover's embrace beneath a most beautiful tree. It was apparent that the warrior princess had passed on due to her years. He too, was elderly, but for them both to pass at the same time... well, it was just quite remarkable."
"Yeha, I would say so!"
Xar rolled his shoulders, " I know the gentleman who found them, quite well... He told me that it was clear that Xena had passed on first, for Ares was cradling her in his arms, streaks of dried tears lining his face. They say that war succumbed to a broken heart- that their bond was so strong, he couldn't be without her..."
Gregory rose a brow, "There wasn't any markin's on his body? Perhaps he done himself in." He stopped a moment, then spoke up again, just as Xar was about to respond, "Er--- what about poison? That wouldn't leave a mark."
"There were no marks, and nothing suspicious. It was made clear that losing Xena just caused his heart to stop. But here's the odd thing..."
"Ye-ah?"
"Within their home, a fire was burning brightly. That same fire still burns brightly to this day. Infact, I'm on my way to go see it. People across the land are calling it the 'immortal flame'."
Gregory nodded. The fact that his interests were piqued was apparent. "So, how'd you know so much about this stuff?"
Xar shrugged, "My father told me...it happened a few years before I was born."
"Didjer Dad know em," the older man asked, holding back a burp.
He stopped momentarily, and looked out the doors of the tavern. "Lets just say he was close to them. Infact, he was on his way to see them when it happened."
Gregory brought his eyebrows down and swayed his head, "Musta been rough not bein' able ta say goodbye."
"At first he was upset that he missed them, but he knows that they're together on the other side... And that one day, he'll see them again." Xar grinned, "He often says that goodbyes aren't necessary, because we never truly leave one another."
Gregory simply nodded, taking another swig of mead. Xar tapped his fingers upon the counter, looking around as he did so. The barkeep was no where to be seen now. At this point, the young man was considering setting up camp instead.
"So.... what about that fire? It's still burnin in their home? What didja call it?"
Xar turned to face him, "Oh, the 'immortal flame'. And yes, it still burns to this day."
What could make something do that?"
Xar began to stand, gathering his things. It was apparent that the barkeep wasn't going to be attending to him anytime soon. With one hand on the counter, the other at the stool, he merely smiled, "I really don't know." As he moved to leave, he slapped Gregory on the shoulder and joked, "Perhaps ambrosia."
