No Greater Love (Ch 1-12) by Lynn Price

No Greater Love
Chapters 1 - 12
by Lynn M. Price

Copyright 1998 by Lynn M. Price. Xena, Gabrielle, Ephiny, Eponin, Solari, and Argo are the property of "Xena: Warrior Princess" and Universal/MCA. The rest are mine. This story may not be sold and may be archived only with direct permission of the author. Any archive must carry this entire copyright statement.

The events in this story take place between "The Dirty Half Dozen" and "The Deliverer."

This is a sequel to the Xena FF story "Heart of Darkness," which is a sequel to the story "When in Greece..." I recommend you read those two stories first. Doing so will make this story more enjoyable and understandable.

This work contains mild to strong profanity, scenes of mild to moderate violence, and the aftermath of very traumatic events. It also is of a more romantic nature. If this disturbs you, you may wish to pass on this piece of fan fiction. If you're planning to read on, then buckle up!!

Another great big "thank you" to all of you who write and read fan fiction. You continue to be the wind beneath my wings...

Date of work: 02/03/98-03/28/98

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

From the Gospel of St. John, 15:13

Prologue
Rite of Passage...

It was the time just before the summer solstice.

The darkness of the night was held at bay by the tremendous bonfire in the center of the Amazon village. The newest members stood around the fire as Ephiny, regent of the tribe, took them through their initiation ceremony.

"In the name of Hippolyta, our greatest, in the name of Artemis, our guardian goddess, and in the name of Gabrielle, our queen, I welcome you to your new village, your new home, your new family," the warrior said as she finished the ritual.

A cheer rose from the watching women. The just-initiated warriors were encircled and warmly welcomed by their new sisters.

The celebration lasted long into the night.

Chapter One
A Tale Of A Tub...

The bathtub at Clytos's inn in the city of Tyldus was big enough for two.

Mariah and her husband Myklos sat in the large tub, soaking in the soothing warm waters. It was a ritual they had conducted at least twice a week since they married on the summer solstice the previous month.

The former high school English teacher often thought back on the strange yet wonderful twist of fate that removed her from the year 1998 and put her more than two thousand years in the past.

It was a fall on the ice. Mariah remembered slipping, letting go of her best friend Sandy so as to not pull her down, a blinding pain in her head. When she next awoke, she found herself in ancient Greece, and two women were with her, the two women she now considered her dearest friends: Xena, the warrior princess from Amphipolis and Gabrielle, the bard from Potadeia.

They befriended her and taught her what she needed to know to survive in her new world, and helped her dispel some of the demons of her old world. It was after she and Gabrielle were captured by the warlord Galvous and rescued by Xena that Mariah decided to settle down and begin a life of her own.

She returned to the city of Tyldus to repay a debt to an old merchant who gave her a flute. That flute brought her much of the peace and serenity she needed to cope with her new life in her new world. When she learned the old man was dead, she visited his grave and played for him. It was there she met his son, Myklos.

It was love at first sight for Myklos; it took a little longer for Mariah, however. Several months, in fact.

She had concerns. Namely, her secret life. How could she tell him she was from the future? It wasn't until her life was once again threatened by Galvous that she broke down and told Myklos the truth. Much to her surprise and delight, it didn't matter to him. And it was after she was kidnapped, and after she defeated her fears in the Dreamscape, that they married.

Mariah was happy, happier than she ever dreamed she'd be. And much of that was due to the love she found in her new life: Myklos, Xena, Gabrielle, and her friends in Tyldus.

She and Myklos were doing well. After they married, she moved into his home; she rented out her place to an older couple. Myklos's business was brisk, and Mariah continued to play her flute most evenings at Clytos's inn and give lessons during the day. She still awoke before sunrise every morning to work out with her fighting staff and to swim. It was wonderful exercise, and it kept her skills honed and sharp. When she returned home just after sunrise, she would crawl back into bed with Myklos, who would just be waking up. They would eat breakfast together, and then he would go tend to his business in the marketplace while she gave her music lessons. They tried to eat lunch together if their schedules meshed. Most evenings, after dinner, they would go to Clytos's inn for a few hours to relax and socialize with their friends. Mariah and her flute were as popular as ever, and she was gratified that she could bring so much joy to others through her music.

Myklos deeply loved Mariah. Everyday, he learned something new about the love of his life, something that made him cherish her that much more. Mariah felt the same way about him. It was Myklos's idea for the joint bathing; it was a wonderful chance for them to unwind, relax, and talk.

Mariah's birthday was coming up in a little more than a week. She would turn twenty-nine in early August, and Myklos wanted to give her something memorable, something special, but he wanted to keep it a secret from her until then, as he was keeping her surprise party a secret. He had been asking her questions for days now in an effort to find just the right present.

"Besides your friends and family, what's another thing you miss from your twentieth century life?" he asked her as he washed and massaged her shoulders and back. He enjoyed hearing about her old life, although she seldom discussed it without his bringing it up.

Mariah found it a bit difficult to concentrate. She loved feeling his strong hands on her. He was gentle around seven inch surgical scar on her upper back, one of three scars she had due to battling two bouts of cancer in her early twenties. "Hmm, let me see," she said languorously as she lost herself in his ministrations to her body. "One thing I miss...you know, Myklos, I miss my car!" she said with a small laugh. "I used to love getting behind the wheel, and going out on the road, opening her up as fast as I dared. I felt such a sense of freedom when I drove, and I used to *love* to speed!! My friends nicknamed me 'Batgirl' because I drove so fast, like a bat out of Hades," she finished with a chuckle, momentarily lost in her fond memories.

Myklos knew what a car was; Mariah told him it was a metal cart that could travel far distances at a very high rate of speed. One time, when they were out for a walk, she traced a picture of one in the dirt for him so he could visualize it. She had explained much of her twentieth century life to him. He found a lot of it fascinating but incomprehensible; Mariah was patient and detailed with her explanations.

He put down the soap and sponge and kissed her spinal scar, running his tongue and lips along the smooth incision line, driving her to distraction as he knew he would. He felt the shivers of desire run through her as she arched her back at the contact. He loved the response he got when he caressed those scars! "Here," she told him, coming back to the present, a little breathless, her face flushed. "Now let me do your back."

He turned around while she washed, soaped, and kneaded the muscles in his back and shoulders. She loved to massage him as much as loved to massage her. "Now why do you want to know what I miss?" she asked him, her voice light, as she worked on him. "This wouldn't have anything to do with my birthday, would it? You've been asking me questions all week!"

Myklos didn't answer. Like Mariah, he too found it difficult to concentrate. He sighed with pleasure as her strong, supple hands worked out the kinks and tension. As she worked, she leaned in and nibbled on the back of his neck, her tongue flicking his earlobe. He closed his eyes and groaned at the sweet torment. She chuckled at his reaction. We're two of a kind, she thought to herself happily as she finished.

After she was through, he turned around and stared into her vivid blue eyes, losing himself as he always did when he looked in them. He pulled her close and kissed her, his tongue exploring the inside of the mouth he knew so well. Her arms tightened around his neck as she moaned softly in his throat.

Mariah slowly pulled back, a sensual smile on her face. "I think we're done here. Let's go home," she whispered in his ear. She gracefully arose, turned, and reached for a towel, the warm water dripping off her body as she stepped out of the tub.

She didn't see the reaction this produced in Myklos's face. He was captivated, mesmerized by her body as he was whenever he saw it: the suppleness, the strength, those scars he so loved to explore when they were alone. A thoughtful smile appeared on his face.

So she liked speed? Mariah, drying herself off, her back to Myklos, couldn't see her husband's look of satisfaction.

He now knew what he would get her for her birthday.

Chapter Two
Homecoming...

At the same time Mariah and Myklos were concluding their clean-up, many miles away, Xena and Gabrielle and Argo were entering Amazon territory.

After attending Mariah and Myklos's wedding, the two returned to Amphipolis to spend a few days with Xena's mother, Cyrene. As their visit in Amphipolis was winding down, Xena asked Gabrielle where she wanted to go. The bard wanted to visit her family in Potadeia and her Amazon sisters.

It took many days to travel to Potadeia. Once they arrived, they spent a week visiting Gabrielle's sister Lila and the rest of the bard's family before moving on towards Amazon country. She and Xena hadn't been to the Amazon village since they battled Velasca there months before.

It was a cloudy, overcast day. Rain threatened, and Gabrielle hoped they would soon reach the village so they could sleep indoors for a change as the weather had been miserable as of late. She was tired and the bad weather was getting her down. Xena, sensing her friend's mood, tried to keep her talking to keep her mind occupied.

"So what did you think of Lila's boyfriend?" the raven-haired warrior asked Gabrielle.

Gabrielle stared at her in mock surprise. "Girl talk? From you? That's unusual," she teased. She knew what Xena was doing, and was grateful. "Seriously, though, I think Talman will be good for Lila. He's kind, caring, and strong." The bard was silent for a few moments. "In some ways, he reminds me of Perdicas."

Xena said nothing as she put her hand on her friend's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze as Gabrielle thought of her dead husband.

Gabrielle's emerald green eyes looked into Xena's intense blue ones. "Do you think we'll ever settle down and have a family?" she asked her friend.

"Some day," Xena replied, her voice laconic. "It won't be for some time, though. I don't think either one of us is ready for that yet." Her thoughts went to Marcus and the short time they shared together before he died.

Gabrielle saw the brief flash of pain on her friend's usually stoic face. She quickly changed the subject. "I wonder how Ephiny is doing," she mused.

Xena hesitated only briefly before answering her. "We'll soon know. She's over in that stand of trees on the left." She drew her sword from its scabbard on her back and, with a flourish, drove the tip into the earth. She then clasped her hands over her head in the Amazon sign of peace. Gabrielle followed suit, tossing her fighting staff on the ground.

Ephiny and several other Amazons materialized from the woods. "Welcome home, my queen," the tall, blonde Amazon said as she removed her bird mask and greeted Gabrielle with a big smile and a warm hug. "We've missed you." The regent had left standing orders with the sentries to be notified at once upon the queen's return so she could be on hand to greet her.

Gabrielle returned the hug. After they separated, Ephiny turned to Xena and gave her a hug of welcome as well. "It's wonderful to have you both back with us. Will you be staying for awhile?"

"We'll stay a few days," the warrior responded with a smile, "but then we're going to Tyldus." She and Gabrielle knew of Mariah's birthday, and the surprise party Myklos planned. He told them about it after their return from the Dreamscape, just before he married Mariah. Neither wanted to miss it!

"What's in Tyldus?" Ephiny asked, curious.

"Our friend Mariah," Gabrielle responded. "She journeyed with us for awhile earlier in the year."

"Ah, we heard rumors about another woman traveling with the two of you, and that you had some sort of run-in with Galvous the warlord," Ephiny said as the raindrops finally began to fall. "Come on. We can talk later. Let's get you both settled in and then we can catch up." The women quickly headed for the village.

By the time Xena and Gabrielle arrived at the guest hut, they were drenched, as were their Amazon escorts. Ephiny arranged for Argo to be taken to the stables and left them alone so they could unpack, dry off, and get ready for the dinner celebrating the return of Gabrielle. Even though the rain had stopped for the time being, it was decided to hold the festivities indoors as the skies still threatened and the outdoor

ceremonial grounds were sodden and muddy. The two women stripped and put their water-logged clothing by the fire to dry.

"Xena?" the bard asked as she toweled herself dry.

"Yeah?" she responded as she too dried off.

"How much *should* we tell them about Mariah?" The question had been pressing on her mind since Ephiny mentioned the rumors.

The warrior thought for awhile before responding. "What do you think?" She needed Gabrielle's input on this decision as she was the leader of these people.

Gabrielle spoke as she donned her leather and suede Amazon garments. "Well, I think we should tell all of them the cover story about her being a flute player from Athens and about our encounter with Galvous; that's no secret. And we could tell them how she's now married and living in Tyldus. But we should tell a few of them the truth about her. We'll tell Ephiny, Solari, and Eponin tonight after dinner. We won't always be in the area, Xena, and if Mariah ever needs help, she could come here. We'll tell her that when we see her next week."

Xena was relieved. Her thoughts were much the same as her friend's. "It's nice to know that great minds think alike," she said with a smile as she dressed in clean leathers for dinner. "Are you ready?"

"Almost, but can you help me with this? I can't reach it." She turned around and pulled her long reddish-blonde hair off to the side so Xena could lace up the back of the suede halter.

Xena grasped the ties, and secured her friend's bodice. "There you go. You're all set, my Amazon queen," she teased, arching her eyebrow.

"Why, thank you, my warrior princess," Gabrielle replied in the same light bantering tone. "I'm starved! Let's eat."

Xena could only chuckle at her friend as they left the hut and went to dinner.

Most of the women were present at Gabrielle's celebratory dinner; the only ones missing out on sentry duty. Ephiny was there at the dinner, as were Eponin and Solari. Xena and Gabrielle noticed some new faces. It was after dinner that the Amazons wanted to hear all about their queen's latest adventures.

Gabrielle told them of their run-in with the Horde, their travels to Ithaca with Ulysses, Xena's temporary madness courtesy of the Furies, and of their traveling companion Mariah. She stuck to the story they created when they were captured by Galvous earlier that year, and told the short version of that encounter. She said nothing of their journey in the Dreamscape or of her friend's secret former life.

"So where's Mariah now?" Eponin asked when Gabrielle finished her recitation.

"She decided to settle down in Tyldus," Gabrielle replied. "She married not too long ago, and we're headed back that way to celebrate her birthday next week." The bard smoothly changed the subject. "So what's been going on here?"

The warriors took turns filling her in on the village's activities and introduced her to some of the new women who joined their tribe from other Amazon clans. When they were done, Gabrielle looked at them in satisfaction. "Sounds like everything is going along just fine." She then stifled a small yawn. "It's getting late. Why don't we call it a night?" The warriors agreed. As they rose to leave and say good night to their

queen, Xena caught the eye of Eponin, Solari, and Ephiny, motioning them to stay behind. Soon, just the five women remained.

Gabrielle smiled at Eponin, Solari, and Ephiny. "I want to thank you for taking care of things while I've been gone. I appreciate it more than you know. Xena and I need to speak with the three of you. Would you please come with us? It's very important."

Mystified, the three Amazons followed the warrior and their queen back to the visitor's hut.

Chapter Three
Truth Be Told...

The five women entered the small guest lodge. The beds had been turned down, and the candles lit. A full jug of wine stood on the table along with some cups. Gabrielle poured the wine and everyone sat down, Ephiny, Solari and Eponin on one bed, Gabrielle and Xena on the other. The Amazons drank their wine as they waited for their queen to begin.

Gabrielle cleared her throat. "What we are going to tell you cannot leave this room," she began.

The Amazons warily looked at each other. What was the matter?

"It's about Mariah," Gabrielle continued. "We didn't tell everything about her, and there's a good reason." She looked at Xena who nodded for her to proceed.

Gabrielle, with a few interjections by Xena, told the three Amazons the truth about Mariah: her full name, how she was from the future, what she did there, how she wound up in a different time, and what happened to her in the Dreamscape when she was targeted by Morpheus and Galvous. Xena and Gabrielle showed them Mariah's twentieth century rings. The teacher had given those rings to her new friends when they parted company after their first encounter with Galvous several months before. The Amazons looked stunned. Could such a thing happen? It seemed inconceivable, impossible. And yet, as they listened to Xena and Gabrielle's story and looked at the rings, they knew it had to be true.

"There's a reason why we're telling you this," the bard concluded. "Mariah's much more than our friend; she's our sister. We won't always be in the area, and if she ever needs help, we want her to know she can come here."

"And so it shall be," said a smiling Ephiny addressing Gabrielle and Xena. "Any friend of yours is welcome, especially one as close to you as Mariah, and we'll keep quiet about who she really is and where she's really from. We'll be here for her; you can count on it." Eponin and Solari agreed.

"But how will we know her if we see her?" asked Solari, still surprised by what she heard. "There are a lot of brown-haired, blue-eyed women living in Greece."

"She has three very distinctive scars," Xena replied. "One on the left side of her neck that's about four inches long, one on her stomach that's about a foot long, and a third running down the center of her back that's seven inches in length. She keeps them covered as much as possible so no one gets curious." She briefly explained how Mariah got the scars during her two battles with cancer, and what she had gone through to beat the disease.

Eponin looked at her queen. "Are you sure she's not an Amazon herself?" she asked curiously. "She almost sounds like one." The other two warriors concurred.

Gabrielle laughed. "No, there are no Amazons where she comes from. But she *is* tough, Eponin, tougher than she looks. And she's been through a lot in her life; that's why we want her to know she'll have a safe haven here if she ever needs it."

Ephiny thought for a moment before she spoke. "You said she lives nearby in Tyldus. Why not bring her here sometime for a visit? That way, we'll get to know her, she gets to meet us, and she'll know where to find us if she ever needs us." This was a highly unusual request, and Xena and Gabrielle both knew it and were very moved by it. Most outsiders were not welcome in Amazon territory, as the female warriors were extremely wary of strangers, but Ephiny was curious about this close friend of the queen's, this woman from the future.

The bard looked at her best friend. This might work out better than they thought.

"All right," the queen responded. "As soon as we can, we'll bring her here to the village for a long visit." Gabrielle sat back and smiled. "I'm glad that's settled. Xena and I will stay on for a few more days and then we'll be on our way." The queen rose to her feet and so did the three Amazons. "Thank you again for your help and your friendship." Gabrielle hugged each of them, as did Xena. Ephiny, Eponin, and Solari said their good nights and soon left.

The bard looked at her best friend and smiled. "Well, I know I'll sleep easier tonight."

Xena agreed as she prepared for bed.

They both slept well, the rain drumming on the roof lulling them to sleep.

Chapter Four
Amazon Interlude...

The days passed quickly at the Amazon village. Xena and Gabrielle had the chance to relax and catch up with old friends. Gabrielle felt energized; she needed this time with her Amazon sisters. Xena, too, enjoyed her time with the Amazons, using the time to train and spar with them to give Gabrielle a much-needed break. Gabrielle used the time to get to know the new warriors of the tribe and to get caught up in some of the royal duties she had inadvertently neglected due to her prolonged absence.

It soon was early August. Xena and Gabrielle needed to leave so they could reach Tyldus in time for Mariah's birthday.

The weather finally broke. It was a beautiful, sunshine-filled day when Xena and Gabrielle decided to get Argo and leave. The Amazons, the warrior, and the bard all exchanged emotional farewells.

The two women were soon on their way.

Chapter Five
Bargain Hunting...

On the same day Xena and Gabrielle left Amazon territory, Myklos closed a deal in Tyldus.

"So, what do you think?" the man, named Ramen, said to Myklos as he showed the merchant Mariah's birthday present.

Myklos whistled in appreciation. His wife would love it, he was sure. "How much, including the gear?"

Ramen quoted a rather steep price. Myklos's eyes narrowed shrewdly as the bargaining began in earnest. Soon they came to an acceptable price on both sides. They shook hands as the deal was struck.

"Now you need to keep it out of sight until her birthday," Myklos cautioned. "It's a surprise, and I don't want her knowing about it ahead of time. And she'll need some lessons. I don't want her going out and getting hurt. I'll make sure you're paid for your time."

Ramen reassured him that he would take care of everything.

Myklos walked home, a huge smile on his face.

He could hardly wait until the party.

Chapter Six
Today Is Your Birthday...

Mariah awoke before sunrise as she did almost every morning. She snuggled up closer to Myklos, relishing the closeness.

Well, she though to herself, I'm twenty-nine now. She thought back on the previous year. So much had changed: her very existence, her home, her time. She herself had changed. She never dreamed that she could be so happy, so fulfilled, in her new life with her new love.

Mariah smiled as she gently stretched her muscles. She would soon get up and go work out with her staff and then go for a swim. She looked at her sleeping husband. Sometimes, she was overwhelmed by how much she loved him; it almost made her dizzy. She rolled over to get out of bed when Myklos's hand reached out and grabbed her wrist. He easily pulled her on top of him. She stroked his thick black hair as she stared into his wonderful brown eyes. "You're up early," she said softly as she bent down to kiss him.

As they kissed, he rolled her over. "Happy birthday, love," he whispered as he nibbled on her earlobe. He then blazed a trail of kisses along her throat, paying particular attention to the scar on the left side of her neck. She sighed with pleasure at the intimate contact and the knowledge of what was soon to come.

Mariah would be late for her staff practice and her swim.

She didn't care.

It was some time later that Myklos and Mariah sat down and ate breakfast.

"What did you plan for today?" he asked her.

"Not much," she replied. "I didn't schedule any lessons. I'm going to relax and spoil myself."

"Good for you!" he said with a smile. "You've earned it. Don't forget, we're having dinner at the inn tonight." And a little surprise party, he said to himself.

"OK. Then I'll stop by around midday for lunch," Mariah told him.

He leaned over and kissed her. "I can hardly wait," he murmured in her ear.

She laughed. "Go on, you're already late. I'll see you in a few hours." Myklos smiled, got up, and left for the marketplace.

After she cleaned up the breakfast dishes, Mariah grabbed her staff and her flute and went to the clearing down by the river. First she took off her wedding band and placed it on the gold chain she wore around her neck as she did whenever she worked out with her staff. She then stretched and worked out for a long while with her weapon. After, she went for a vigorous swim. When she finished her physical workouts, she placed the wedding band back on the ring finger of her left hand and sat down in the sun to dry off and play her flute.

Mariah warmed up with a few scales and then worked out some new songs she wanted to try at Clytos's. The teacher wanted to play more of the instrumental medleys from a few of her favorite movies--*Star Wars*, *Rudy*, *The Godfather*, *Gone With The Wind*, and *Titanic*, which she had seen several weeks before her fall on the ice. As the summer wind blew around her, ruffling her still-damp brown curly hair, she closed her eyes and played the instrument, images appearing in her mind from some of the movies she so dearly loved. As she played, in her mind's eye she could see Luke Skywalker dreaming of a life of adventure, a young man struggling against all odds to make the Notre Dame football team, Michael Corleone deciding his fate and the fate of his family, Scarlett O'Hara battling to save Tara from the Yankees, and an ocean liner sinking in the bitter cold waters of the North Atlantic.

As the last notes died away, Mariah opened her eyes and stared out over the waters of the river. She reflected on her life as she often did on her birthday. She shook her head. What an incredible year, she thought to herself. Who would've thought I'd go back over two thousand in the past and come to love my new life more than I loved my twentieth century life? She looked at her wedding ring. Fate moves in mysterious ways...

The former high school English teacher pulled herself out of her reverie. She rose to her feet and walked back to the house. It was time to meet Myklos for lunch.

At midday, the Tyldus marketplace was as busy as ever. Gabrielle and Xena took in the sights and sounds as they looked for Myklos.

They soon found him; his stall was one of the busiest in the marketplace. Xena caught his eye. He gave them a big smile as he walked over, enveloping each of them in a warm hug. He was thrilled to see his wife's best friends.

"I'm glad you both could make it," he said. "Mariah will be so happy to see you!"

"We're looking forward to seeing her too," Xena said with a smile of her own. "How have the two of you been?"

"Wonderful," Myklos said with a sigh that spoke volumes. Xena arched an eyebrow and Gabrielle laughed.

"Sounds like it," the bard noted with a grin. "Hey, I want to give her some more scrolls for her birthday. What did you get her" Their eyes widened when the merchant described his gift and the rationale behind it.

Xena laid a hand on his arm, her blue eyes narrowing. "Mariah's going to have some training, isn't she?" Myklos assured her that she would. She nodded thoughtfully. "Well, now I know what to buy her." Xena walked around and soon saw what she wanted. Myklos gave her a more than fair price on the item, as he did for the scrolls Gabrielle purchased.

The bard looked at the warrior. "Why don't we take Argo to the stables and get settled at the inn? I'd love to get cleaned up before the party tonight." Xena agreed.

Before they could depart, they caught sight of their friend wending her way towards them. "We better hide," Gabrielle said. "She's not supposed to know we're here." They quickly ducked inside a nearby stall as Mariah approached.

Myklos grabbed her and swung her around in a tight embrace. "Hey, what's that for?" she asked with a laugh.

"Well, you only turn twenty-nine once," he replied, kissing her.

Xena and Gabrielle watched Mariah from their hiding place. She looked happy, content, radiant. Her blue eyes were alight with the love she had for her husband. As he kissed her, Myklos gently motioned them to leave. Grinning, they crept away from the marketplace and headed for the stable while the merchant kept their friend so lovingly preoccupied.

Xena stabled Argo and they were soon at Clytos's inn eating his delicious stew and bread. The innkeeper was happy to see them again, and asked Gabrielle if she would entertain his customers while she was in town. The bard was more than happy to oblige. He arranged for their room, and arranged for baths to be drawn for them. As they ate, Clytos filled them in on the details of the evening's surprise party. When they were done eating, Xena and Gabrielle went to their room, unpacked, and cleaned up.

They had a few hours to rest before the party.

Chapter Seven
Party Time...

That evening, just before sunset, Mariah and Myklos walked arm in arm towards Clytos's inn. Mariah was quiet, still in her reflective mood of earlier in the day, a small smile on her face.

"What are you thinking?" Myklos asked her, his voice curious.

She paused a moment before answering. "I'm thinking about how happy I am," she replied, "and how much I love you, my world, and my life."

He tightened his hold on her as they entered the inn.

Mariah blinked her eyes as she adjusted to the dimness. It was a little crowded, she thought to herself as she took in the familiar faces.

Everyone turned as she walked in and yelled, "Surprise!! Happy Birthday!"

Mariah was stunned. She turned to Myklos who had a smug look on his face. "I suppose this is all *your* doing," she asked him, the smile growing on her own face. She took him in her arms and looked up at him. "Thank you," she said, her blue eyes glowing. He bent over and claimed her lips in a quick kiss.

Their friends gathered around to wish her a happy birthday. She hadn't been the focus of this much attention since the wedding! Suddenly, as the crowd thinned out, she spied two figures and her mouth fell open in surprise as Xena and Gabrielle walked towards her, huge grins on their faces.

Mariah's features lit up with the sheer joy of seeing her two best friends again. Xena reached her first and wrapped her in a huge hug, Mariah returning it, tears of happiness shining on her face. After they separated, it was the bard's turn to tightly embrace the birthday girl.

Mariah wiped away the tears as she gazed fondly at them. "How long have you been in town?" she demanded.

"We arrived this afternoon," Gabrielle told her, "just before *you* showed up in the marketplace. We had to hide so you wouldn't see us!" The three friends shared a laugh.

"You *are* staying for a while, aren't you?" Mariah asked them.

"Oh, we'll be here for a few days," Xena assured her.

It was at this time that Clytos and his staff came out with platters of food and pitchers of ale, wine, and mead. Everyone sat down at the tables and began to eat and drink, Xena and Gabrielle joining Mariah and Myklos at their table, the four of them talking as they ate.

After dinner, it was time for the entertainment. Gabrielle told a few of the more humorous stories of her travels with Xena. The crowd roared at the antics of Hower and Minya when Xena battled both the warlord Zagrias and Gareth the giant. Applause rang in the bard's ears when she finished. She looked at Mariah sitting at the table. "Would you play for us tonight?"

"I don't have my flute," she answered.

"Oh, yes you do," Myklos replied, pulling out the instrument. He had secretly brought it with them when they left their home. He loved to hear his wife play.

Mariah tried to beg off, but the crowd wouldn't take no for an answer. She relented, took her flute from Myklos, and stepped up to the stage. Gabrielle began to walk off, but Mariah stopped her and pulled her off to the side. "You want to try something new?" she asked her friend.

"Sure," Gabrielle said, her voice enthusiastic. "What do you have in mind?"

Mariah quickly explained what she wanted to do, and the emerald-eyed bard agreed. This would be a novel experience!!

Mariah addressed the crowd as they quieted down. "We have a special treat for you tonight, and we hope you enjoy it." The flutist took a seat on the stage and nodded at Gabrielle when she was ready.

The bard launched into the story of her and Xena's encounter with Cecrops, the lost mariner. As Gabrielle skillfully wove the threads of her tale, Mariah supplemented the saga with soft music, some of the instrumental movie music she had practiced earlier in the day. It was a spellbinding effect; the crowd was enthralled, totally wrapped up in the mesmerizing story and the accompanying haunting, hypnotic music. When they finished, the people erupted with applause and whistling.

Gabrielle and Mariah looked at each other and grinned hugely. The bard walked over to her. "We'll *definitely* have to do that again sometime!" she said, linking her arm through Mariah's as they returned to their table amid the cheers.

It was time for Mariah to receive her presents. She was overwhelmed by the generosity of her friends. She couldn't believe some of the gifts she received: new cast iron skillets and pots; a beautiful set of matched drinking cups; a small, well-made leather purse, new quills...the table was loaded with her birthday largess.

As she unwrapped Gabrielle's gift, she smiled at the bard's thoughtfulness. Mariah always needed scrolls; she used them not only to journal her life but to compose her poetry, stories, and song lyrics. She inhaled the smell of the new, unused scrolls. It was an aroma she had grown to love. She hugged Gabrielle close. "You always seem to do, say, or give the right thing," Mariah told her emerald-eyed friend as they parted.

Mariah then opened Xena's gift. She looked at it, a little puzzled. The warrior had given her a beautiful blanket, one of unusual size. It wasn't large enough for an adult to sleep in. She looked at her tall, dark-haired friend. "Is it a baby blanket?" she teased. "Did Myklos put you up to this?"

Xena laughed. "No, it's not for a baby. You'll soon find out what it's for." She looked at Myklos who stood behind his wife. He nodded his head, putting his hands on her shoulders. The warrior smiled then left the inn to fetch Mariah's gift.

"There's one present you've yet to see," he told her. "Mine." He turned her around so she was facing him. "I hope you like it, love."

"You didn't have to get me anything," she told him as she wrapped her arms around him in a loving embrace. "Every day I have with you *is* a gift, Myklos," she murmured into his neck.

Myklos hugged her back, inhaling the scent of her he knew so well. He would have loved to have stayed like that all night but someone called out, "Xena's back." He gently disengaged himself and led Mariah outside the inn, the guests following close behind.

Chapter Eight
Surprise, Surprise...

The torches outside Clytos's inn were lit for the evening, providing some much-needed illumination. Mariah stepped into the fire-lit night, her eyes adjusting to the changing light. She looked around, and soon spied her warrior friend, her eyes widening. She turned to Myklos. "By the gods," she breathed. She stood in shock at what she saw.

Xena led a beautiful, chestnut-brown horse by its bridle. The mare was smaller than Argo, more fitting for Mariah's smaller stature. The party-goers stood back as the couple approached the animal. Mariah couldn't believe it. "You bought this for me?" she asked in amazement as she looked at her husband. Myklos stood there, a huge smile on his face, thrilled with his wife's reaction.

Mariah was overwhelmed, tears forming in her blue eyes as she grabbed Myklos in a tight embrace. "I can't believe it," she uttered over and over as they separated.

Xena looked at her, amusement reflected on her face. "You better believe it," she told her friend as she gave her the mare's bridle. "She's all yours." The warrior had checked the horse out thoroughly earlier in the day when she had taken Argo over to the stable. Myklos had made an excellent choice, she thought to herself.

The former teacher held the bridle as she looked into the horse's intelligent eyes. She reached out a tentative hand and stroked the long brown nose and white muzzle. The mare blew its breath on her and nickered. Mariah's eyes misted up as she began to bond with the animal. "But I don't know a thing about horses," she began, still stroking the mare.

"You start learning tomorrow," Myklos said softly, interrupting her. No one else could hear their conversation but Xena. "You learned how to drive a car, didn't you? And you were only fifteen when you learned how to do that! I've arranged for Ramen to teach you what you need to know, and the horse has had some training already. I hope this fulfills your need for speed, my love," he finished, his eyes twinkling.

"Just don't go off half-cocked until you know what you're doing," the warrior cautioned her friend. "You've got a lot to learn, Mariah, but it's worth it. You'll love it...it's exhilarating, breathtaking," Xena said, trailing off as she thought of her many thrilling rides on Argo. She wished Gabrielle enjoyed riding more. The bard was not fond of getting up on the big war horse. Xena reached for the bridle as she came out of her brief reverie. "Here. I'll take her back to the stables," she said.

A little reluctantly, Mariah turned the bridle back over to Xena. She watched as the warrior led the horse away. The party goers reentered the inn.

Mariah could hardly wait until tomorrow.

Chapter Nine
Reminiscing...

After Xena returned from the stable, the birthday party continued for a little while longer before it began to break up. It was getting late and the revelers came over to tell Mariah and Myklos good-bye before they went home. Soon, the only people remaining in the inn were Clytos and his staff (who were cleaning up), Xena, Gabrielle, Myklos and Mariah. Myklos soon arose from the table so the three friends could talk more freely. He leaned over and kissed his wife. "I'll see you when you're finished here," he said with a grin. "Good night," he told Xena and Gabrielle.

"Good night," they said as he left carrying the bulging cloth bag containing Mariah's birthday gifts.

Clytos came over with three drinks and a full wineskin. "Last call," he told them with a smile as Mariah paid for the round and the wineskin. "It's almost time to close for the night."

They got the hint. "Why don't you come to our room, Mariah?" Gabrielle asked. She agreed, and the three of them picked up their drinks and the wineskin and went to the room, Xena and Gabrielle lighting the candles and lamps. They soon settled in and sat down, relaxing after the busy, event-filled day.

Mariah looked at Xena and Gabrielle. "So what have you two been up to?"

Gabrielle briefly detailed their travels since Mariah's wedding. The bard eyed her friend from the future. "How have *you* been?" she asked.

"Great," Mariah said with a smile as she drank some more wine. "I didn't realize married life would agree with me so much. These past weeks have been divine. And I don't think I've ever had such a fantastic birthday."

"Yeah, I'll bet," responded Gabrielle with a laugh. "And that horse! She's beautiful."

Xena and Mariah agreed with her. Mariah addressed the warrior. "Xena...was it hard to learn how to ride?"

"It's like anything else, Mariah," Xena replied. "It takes practice. Remember when you first started working out with your staff?" The warrior princess chuckled at the memories of her friend's early awkward efforts.

Gabrielle and Mariah laughed as well. "Yeah, I was pretty clumsy," the former teacher admitted.

"But you got better because you stuck with it. Learning how to ride and take care of a horse is the same thing. You can do it; it just takes time," Xena assured her.

Mariah looked at her empty cup. "Well, I better get going so you two can get some sleep," she said as she rose to her feet and stretched. "It's been a long day. I'll see you tomorrow."

Gabrielle and Xena arose as well. "We'll walk you home," Gabrielle told her, and the three of them headed down the road towards Mariah's home. When they arrived, Mariah hugged her friends.

"I'm so glad you both were here," she said. "It wouldn't have been the same without you."

"Hey, we wouldn't have missed it," Gabrielle replied, her voice soft.

"Good night, my friend," Xena told her, smiling. "Pleasant dreams."

"Oh, I don't think that'll be a problem tonight," Mariah teased as she entered her home.

It wasn't.

Chapter Ten
Spar Wars...

Mariah was working out with her staff before sun-up as usual. As she twirled, feinted, and lunged, she suddenly sensed a presence nearby. She stopped the movements of her staff and looked around. She saw nothing, her blue eyes narrowing as she searched the surrounding countryside. Still, Mariah couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She resumed her workout, maintaining a higher level of alertness.

A hidden Xena watched her friend, a slow grin coming to her face. So, Mariah had sensed someone was in the area. Good for her, the warrior thought. Now let's see how quick her reflexes are.

The attack came from Mariah's left. Not hesitating, the flutist brought her staff around in a defensive posture to ward off the staff speeding towards her. Deflecting the weapon, she swung at her attacker's feet, forcing her foe into a graceful backflip; Mariah grinned when she heard the familiar "A-YI-YI-YI-YI-YI!!!"

Xena landed, turned, and smiling, looked at her friend. "Gabrielle was right; you *have* improved."

It was Mariah's turn to smile. "Well, I had the two best teachers in all of Greece! You want to spar for awhile?"

The warrior agreed, and soon the air was filled with the crackling sound of staff meeting staff. As good as Mariah was, she was no match for the warrior princess, who slowly, relentlessly, wore down her defenses. It took much longer than Xena thought it would. She was impressed with Mariah's stamina and improved fighting abilities. A leg sweep finally brought the flutist down. Mariah lay on her back, winded, sweaty, eyes closed, breathing hard from the encounter. Xena stood over her, her bangs matted to her forehead, beads of perspiration shining on her face as well.

"Are you all right?" the warrior asked looking down at her, her voice a little concerned.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine," Mariah panted, opening her eyes, her breathing returning to normal. She grinned up at her friend. "I see *you* haven't lost your touch!"

Xena laughed as she helped Mariah to her feet. "Come on. Let's go for a swim."

The two women walked down to the river, stripped, and went for a long, cooling swim. Invigorated, they returned to shore, dried off, and dressed.

"Do you and Gabrielle want to come over for breakfast?" Mariah asked her as they walked back towards town.

"No thanks," Xena replied. "I want to take Argo out for a run, and it'll be good for Gabrielle to catch up on her sleep. Besides, *you've* got to start learning all about horses yourself now that you've got one of your own." The warrior whistled, and her mare materialized from the nearby forest.

Mariah took a hold of her friend's arm. "I didn't get the chance to thank you last night for that beautiful saddle blanket," she said.

Xena's blue eyes were warm when she looked at Mariah. "You're welcome," she stated as she grasped the flutist's hand.

"I can't believe I thought it was for a baby!" Mariah said, a little ruefully.

Xena chuckled at the memory, as did Mariah.

When they reached Mariah's house, Xena turned to her, her voice becoming serious. "Be careful. Make sure you know what you're doing, Mariah. Horseback riding is fun, but it can be dangerous." Changing the subject, she continued. "Oh, before I forget...Gabrielle and I need to talk with you. Nothing's wrong," she said quickly when she saw the worried look appear on Mariah's face. "We'll see you tonight. Take care, and good luck with your lesson!" she said as she leapt onto Argo's back, spurring the animal into action.

The warrior and the horse soon galloped out of sight, Mariah's eyes following them.

What did her friends need to tell her?

Chapter Eleven
Horsing Around...

As Mariah entered her house, Myklos awoke from a deep slumber.

She stared at him, a mischievous look appearing on her face. Still energized from her workout with Xena, she crept over to the bed and pounced on her still-sleepy husband.

Before Myklos could react, Mariah sat on top of him, pinning him down. He struggled briefly as he looked up into her smiling blue eyes. "OK, OK, I surrender," he said with a laugh.

"Oh, no, no, no. You don't get out of it *that* easily," she told him, her low voice husky with emotion. Still holding him down, she bent over and slowly, sensuously, kissed the hollow at the base of his throat.

Myklos closed his eyes and lost himself in the delicious torture of the moment.

He was late to the marketplace. Again. But he didn't mind.

Later that morning, Mariah walked over to the stable carrying her new saddle blanket. Opening the door, her eyes adjusting to the dimmer indoor light, she saw a slightly grizzled man trimming down a horse's hoof. She waited silently until he was finished before she went over to him.

"Are you Ramen?" she asked. At his affirmative nod, she said, "Hello. I'm Mariah. My husband said you'd be teaching me what I need to know about horses." She held out her hand in greeting.

Ramen looked at his new pupil, sizing her up. He liked her direct, no-nonsense approach. He slowly reached out his callused hand and shook her outstretched one. "Hello yourself," he said. "So what do you know about horses?"

"Only that they're a lot bigger than I am!" she said with a small laugh.

Ramen laughed with her. "Let's get started, shall we?" He led her over to her chestnut mare. "Do you have a name for her yet?"

Mariah thought for a moment. A name popped in her head, a character from one of her favorite twentieth century novels, a book she had taught several times in her old life. "Yes. Yes I do," she said as she looked at her horse. "I'll call her Scout."

"Scout...that's a good name," Ramen replied, not understanding the reference, thinking the name was in regard to something else.

The trainer began teaching her the parts of the horse, starting at the ears, ending with the fetlocks and hooves, and detailing all the parts in between: shoulders, withers, the chest, elbows, flanks, hocks...it seemed endless.

Mariah was fascinated as she listened to Ramen's explanation. He had her repeat back what she had heard as she needed to know these parts herself if she was going to be successful in mastering the animal. Mariah had always been a quick study, and Ramen was impressed with her retention.

Next they moved to the tack. There was new terminology here as well: bridle, reins, bit, girth, stirrups, cinches, seat...once more, the terms seemed endless. There was so much to learn and she hadn't even ridden the horse yet! Again, Ramen had her name the parts of the tack, correcting her when she made a mistake.

It was time to saddle up Scout. He first taught her how to fit the bridle over Scout's head and how to properly place the bit in the mare's mouth. Ramen then made Mariah lug the saddle over to the animal and noticed she had a bit of trouble hefting it onto Scout's back. She wasn't yet used to its bulk and weight. When she finally settled the saddle on Scout's back, Ramen looked at her and felt the muscles in her upper arms and shoulders. "Hmm," he mused. "You've got good muscle tone, Mariah, but you'll need to build it up even more." He recommended some exercises to improve her upper body strength. He showed her the proper way to put the saddle on Scout's back so it wouldn't damage the horse's innards. He cinched it up snug and helped her mount.

As Mariah sat on Scout's back, she had a sudden vision of galloping across an open plain, the wind in her face, the sun shining down from the heavens, hooves pounding, driving. It was a heady feeling. She knew she wasn't ready for that yet, but soon, she hoped...

Ramen brought her out of her reverie. "Already dreaming of that big ride?" he asked lightly, his voice knowing.

She blushed a bit at being caught in her daydream. "Yeah," she admitted shyly.

"It can happen soon if you know what you're doing," he said as he adjusted her stirrups. "Are you comfortable? How does it feel?"

"Pretty good," she replied. She noticed her legs chafed a bit against the saddle. She told Ramen, and he recommended she get a pair of leather leggings.

He had her dismount and remove the saddle. After, he brought out the hoof pick, brushes, and combs; Ramen showed her how to groom Scout and check her hooves for stones and obstructions. When he was satisfied with her efforts, he told her their session was over.

"I want you to come here earlier from now on," he told her, his voice gruff. "You've done all right for your first day, but you still have a lot to learn." Actually, he was impressed she did as well as she did, but it would do her no good to hear that...yet.

She turned to him. "Thank you," she said. "I appreciate you taking the time to teach me. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow."

Now it was his turn to blush. Ramen seldom heard gratitude in his line of work. He waved her off and watched her with timeworn eyes as she exited the stables.

Maybe the gods were smiling on him after all.

Chapter Twelve
Night Musings...

When Mariah left the stable, she headed for the marketplace to see about a pair of leggings. Myklos didn't have what she needed, but he was able to direct her to Jerrold, the best leathermaker in town.

As she entered the shop, the aroma of tanned hides tickled her nostrils. Eyes adjusting to the dimming light, she looked around for Jerrold.

He soon came out of the back. "Can I help you," he asked.

"Yes," she said. "I've just started horseback riding and I need leather leggings." Jerrold nodded his head and went to the back room.

Mariah strolled around while she waited, looking at his wares. Another person entered the shop. It was Xena. The warrior walked over to her friend.

"Myklos told me I would find you here," Xena began. "I'm afraid Gabrielle and I have to cut our visit short. A runner arrived from Corinth. He's been trying to find us for some time. They're having problems with several warlords who have banded their armies together to try and take the city, and we've been asked to help defeat them. We're leaving in the morning."

"Damn," Mariah said, her voice and face showing her disappointment. "I was hoping you two would get to stay a *little* longer. How long do you think you'll be gone?"

"At least a month, maybe more," Xena said, regret in her voice. She too had been looking forward to spending time with her friend from the future, but duty called, and both she and Mariah knew it.

Mariah was silent for a few moments before she addressed her raven-haired friend. "I want you and Gabrielle to come over to the house tonight for supper; you two should have a home-cooked meal before you go on your way. And you said this morning that you had to talk to me about something. We'll take care of that, too. I'm going to see Clytos and tell him I won't be able to play tonight. I'll see you and Gabrielle around sunset."

Jerrold came out with several pairs of leather leggings for Mariah to examine. Xena arched an eyebrow at her friend. "Going for a new look?" she teased.

Mariah had to giggle. "Yeah, right. 'Mariah: Warrior Princess,'" she intoned. Xena chuckled, too. The flutist explained about the saddle chafing and her need to protect her inner thighs and legs.

The warrior clapped her hand gently on her friend's back. "Good luck with the leggings. Gabrielle and I will see you and Myklos in a little bit." Xena exited the shop.

Mariah soon made a choice and bought what she needed. After paying Jerrold and thanking him for his help, she made her way back to the inn. She explained her situation to Clytos and also made arrangements for the innkeeper to pack some extra food and a wineskin for her friends when they left the following morning. She then returned to the marketplace to tell Myklos what happened and to shop for supper. Returning home, she began to prepare the evening meal.

"By the gods, I don't think I'll be able to eat for a week," Gabrielle groaned after supper. "Mariah, you outdid yourself; what a great meal!"

Xena and Mariah laughed at her. Both the warrior and the flutist wondered where the small blonde put all the food she ate. Myklos chuckled too at her healthy appetite. All four helped with the clean-up, and then sat down to talk after the wine was poured.

"So what do you two have to tell me?" Mariah asked by way of an opening.

Xena looked at Gabrielle and nodded for her to begin. "It all started about ten days ago when we visited the Amazon village," the emerald eyed bard began. Both Mariah and Myklos knew of Gabrielle's rank of queen among the women warriors. "Word had gotten around that you traveled with us, Mariah, and about our encounter with Galvous."

The flutist's blue eyes hardened a bit at the mention of the dead warlord's name, the man who caused both her and her friends so much pain.

Gabrielle resumed her narrative. "We told the Amazons the same thing we told Galvous about you being from Athens. We also told them how you're now married and living here in Tyldus. But we told some of them everything about you, Mariah. Your past, where and when you're really from, who you really are, what happened to you in the Dreamscape. *Everything*." the bard finished simply.

Mariah stared at her friends, her eyes a little disbelieving. "I'm sure you had a good reason for doing so," she said, her face a bit puzzled.

"We did," said Xena as she reached for and grasped her friend's hand. "We did it for your protection, Mariah. You see, if you ever need assistance, and Gabrielle and I aren't in the area, or if Myklos isn't in a position to help, you can go to them. They *will* be there for you if you ever need them."

Mariah sat back, saying nothing, her brain sifting through what her ears had just heard. Finally, she spoke. "Who among them knows who I really am?" she asked.

"Three of them know, Mariah," Gabrielle said. "Ephiny, Eponin, and Solari. Ephiny, as you know, is regent and rules in my absence; Eponin and Solari are two of the best warriors in the village. Xena and I trust these three women with our lives, and have," the bard said remembering how the Amazons had helped them in the past. "What's more, they want to meet you, and that's quite an honor among the Amazons. They don't take lightly to strangers. When Xena and I return from Corinth, we're taking you there for a long visit. That way, if you ever need them, you'll know how to get there on your own, and they'll get to know you."

Xena looked at the merchant. "Unfortunately, you can't come with us, Myklos," she said, her voice gentle. "The Amazons would never allow a man to set foot in their territory. But Mariah *will* be safe. We promise."

Mariah turned to her husband. "What do you think?"

"I agree with Xena and Gabrielle," Myklos replied after thinking over what he heard. After almost losing Mariah in the Dreamscape, the merchant appreciated any protection his wife could get. *Any* protection!

He just hoped she would never be in a position to need it.

Continue on to Chapter 13 of No Greater Love

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